Netherrealm-Shinnok's Throne Room

Raiden stood in front of Liu Kang and Kitana, each sitting on their own throne, with no familiarity as he did when they were human. Yes, there was a time when he saw Liu Kang as a son and had much respect for Kitana as well, but he would no longer let the past blind him. The warriors he once knew were gone and in their place, threats to Earthrealm. A small smirk twitch up on Liu Kang's face as he stared down the thunder god.

"What brings you here, Raiden?" He asks. "Come to give your blessings to the Netherrealm's new king and queen?" Raiden gave no response. Through the Netherrealm spy, Sareena, Raiden learned that Liu Kang and Kitana had taken over the Hell realm. It had only been a few months since Shinnok's defeat at the hands of Cassie Cage and Raiden feared another attack on Earthrealm before it's forces could fully heal would devastate. It angered the god that again his realm seemed to be in danger and he no longer wished to stand idly by as he lets another force of evil try to destroy it. He closed his eyes as he felt his powers inside him struggle under his control, an issue he's had since cleansing the Jinsei. He could sense the couple waiting for his response, which stirred his god-like energy even more.

"Too long have I allowed Earthrealm to endure the horrors of war. Time and again we've defeated our enemies. But we've extracted no retribution. Demanded no remuneration," He speaks. As the words leave his lips he fills his power flow through his entire being, darkening as his thoughts fill with the past events that lead up to this moment. Raiden found himself getting angrier, his vision blurred by rage. "What have we gained for our mercy? More intrigue. More senseless violence. As the new rulers of the Netherrealm, heed me. No longer will I simply defend Earthrealm. I will seek out and destroy all who threatens it. No mercy will be shown. No quarter given."

He watched as Kitana's face flashed surprise at his tone for a brief second, but it was enough to fuel him more. Knowing he hand their attention, and his energy now fully darkening his being, Raiden reached into his sack and tossed out the head of Shinnok, still gagging for air as it rolled across the room. Liu Kang broke his gaze to look at his former ruler the back to the god of thunder.

"You're threats do nothing for you here, Raiden."

"SHALL I MAKE DO ON THEM THEN?" Raiden roars, feeling the shock waves ripple through his body. To his surprise Liu Kang throws his hands up in the air, a surrender.

"I only mean to say that I have no interest in invading Earthrealm," Liu Kang explains.

"Is that so?" Raiden asks, not believing one word. Liu Kang's smirk grows as he rises from his throne, Kitana following suit.

"It seems to me that you're threatening the wrong ruler," Liu Kang tells him. "If I'm not mistaken, it was Kotal Khan who invaded your realm for reasons unknown when Shinnok used the Jinsei's power to release him to his true form. As a matter of fact, every past ruler of Outworld has tried to invade your precious realm and yet here you are, making threats to one who wants nothing to do with the realm he died protecting." Raiden glared at the new king, but still listened to his words. Whether the god liked it or not, Liu Kang had a point. He and the other revenants only invaded Earthrealm under Shinnok's control, but Kotal Khan took his armies willingly to Earthrealm and almost stopped Cassie Cage and her team from defeating Shinnok. It's clear who his true threat is. For centuries Outworld has tried take over his realm and will continue to do so if Raiden does not act. But how? If only he could show that wretched realm and it's ruler how it feels to fear their entire existence. That's it! Raiden looked up at Liu Kang, taking a step forward as he points at the former champion.

"I now know who my true enemy is. But know this," Raiden says, pointing to the head on the floor. "Shinnok was an Elder God. Impossible to kill. There are fates worse than death." Then, he extended his arm and teleported out of Netherrealm, with plans to permanently get rid of Outworld. Liu Kang and Kitana left the throne room soon after, neither of them noticing the woman hiding in the shadows. When the room was empty, Sareena leaped out of the window and ran through the scorching lands of the Netherrealm to find Fujin.

Netherrealm-Prison of Souls

Liu Kang could not help but grin as he and Kitana made their way to the Prison of Souls. They walked through the corridors of his new home to reach their other guest, one more welcomed than the thunder god. His queen, however, didn't share his excitement. In fact, Liu Kang sensed she was worried.

"What troubles you, my love?" He asks.

"I've never seen Raiden so...angry," She responds. Liu Kang's grin grows as they start descending down a flight of stairs.

"Did you recognize his energy?" He asks. They've stepped into another hall, this one darker than the others. Kitana's expression shows confusion as she shakes her head. "Shinnok's essence is inside him. Cleansing the Jinsei has corrupted his soul, it won't be long before he's completely vulnerable. Until then we stick to the plan and wait for our moment to strike Earthrealm." Ever since he took over as the Netherrealm's new king, Liu Kang has been trying to figure out a way to invade Earthrealm successfully and now that Raiden's power is slowly corrupting, he had to set his plan in motion.

"I'm sure he'll destroy Outworld long before his power weakens," Kitana muses.

"Leaving both realms for the taking once I destroy him," Liu Kang tells her, growing irritated. "Everything is going according to plan, Kitana. I will not have your pathetic worries plague my plans." Kitana looked at him pleadingly.

"That was not my intention-"

"Then silence!" He hisses. They've reached the entrance to the Prison of Souls. Kitana lowers her head and nods to her king. Pleased with himself, Liu Kang enters the prison and opens his arms in welcome to his guests. The man in front of him grins at his arrival, bowing before him.

"Liu Kang," he greets. "It still amazes me that we were once enemies and now here we are, powerful allies."

"Thank you, Shang Tsung," Liu Kang says, nodding to the sorcerer. He glances at the pair of warriors next to him, Ermac and Prince Goro, but says nothing to them. "I knew having Quan Chi resurrect you was a smart decision." Shang Tsung mumbles something about the regrettable death of the Netherrealm sorcerer, but Liu Kang dismisses it. He never cared for Quan Chi and wasn't upset either when he discovered his death at the hands of Hanzo Hasashi. "The time has come to set our plans in motion." Shang Tsung bowed once again.

"As you command," he says. He turns a pit of fire and begins chanting words Liu Kang cannot understand. He watches with anticipation as the pit starts to bubble uncontrollably, a giant lump of orange substance levitating out of it. The lump floats to Liu Kang's arms and he begins to cradle it as it begins to take form of a crying infant. Liu Kang looks down greedily at the baby, the key to his rule over Nethrrealm.

"You're resurrection skills are still impressive, Shang Tsung," He comments but grimaces when the baby's cries turn to high-pitched shrills. Getting irritated, he drops the baby in Kitana's hands. "Shut it up!" Kitana looks down at the thing with wide eyes.

"I can't," She says, not knowing what to do. Liu Kang glares at her before bringing the back of his hand across her face.

"Useless-"

"My king?" Shang Tsung interrupts. "Might I make a suggestion?" Liu Kang gives him a glance and nods his head in approval. "There's no way for the child to survive in this harsh climates-"

"Let me guess," Liu Kang interrupts. "You wish to take him with you when you return to your island? Is Goro going to breast feed him?" Liu Kang laughs when the Shokan growls at him.

"No sir," He says, extending his hand to Ermac. "Now that some of the souls bound to Ermac have been absorbed into my veins, my power increases. I suggest speeding up the growth process and turning this child into a hellspawn under your control, like his father before him." Liu Kang glances at the infant screaming in Kitana's hands. There are benefits to the sorcerer's suggestion. Not only will he be able to train the hellspawn, but the creature would be able to travel to Earthrealm, something him and his revenants couldn't do since Shinnok's fall.

"Very well," he mumbles. Shang Tsung takes the baby from Kitana and begins chanting strange words again. Immediately the baby is engulfed by flames, screaming as it burns away his flesh. Liu Kang thinks he's been tricked and is about to reach for Shang Tsung when a young man starts appearing from the flames. The fires disappear and it's place is a young man, fully naked, appearing as the same age as Johnny Cage's daughter. The young man's eyes burn with fury, his head is shaved, and his physique is extremely built. Liu Kang smiles at Shang Tsung. "You may take your leave now, sorcerer."

"Farewell, my king," Shang Tsung says, taking one more bow before he leaves with Ermac and Goro. Liu Kang circles the male, fascinated by his resemblance to his father. He stops in front of the young man.

"Who do you serve?" He asks.

"The king of the Netherrealm, Liu Kang," The young male answers, his voice deep.

"What is your purpose?"

"To destroy his enemies!"

"And what...is your name?" He asks. The young man looks at him before looking forward again.

"Jubei Hasashi."

Earthrealm-The Sky Temple

Fujin walked the outer perimeters of the Sky Temple, observing everything around him as he did. After Shinnok's fall, the Wu Shi Academy sent over several of it's monks to help repair the damages done to Raiden's temple. The thunder god sought after Fujin to look after the place while he paid a visit to the Netherrealm. Apparently Liu Kang and Kitana were now the new rulers of the realm, much to his displeasure. The regret of not being able to help Earthrealm during Shinnok's second invasion still weighed heavily on his heart, which is why he was here now guarding the temple. Still, it was odd for Raiden to travel to the Netherrealm, where his power was weaker. He didn't understand why it was so important Raiden went and the thunder god gave him no explanation. He walked the trail leading him to the Jinsei, the magical source of Earthrealm. As he neared the entrance he recognized an old friend sitting by the stairs.

"Bo' Rai Cho!" He greets, walking up to the Outworld master and hugging him. "What brings you to Earthrealm?"

"I ran out of rice wine," He says with a chuckle. "How are you, Lord Fujin? Where is Lord Raiden?" Fujin's smile disappears as he begins to walk the trail again, Bo' Rai Cho following suit.

"He went to the Netherrealm," He tells him. Bo' Rai Cho makes a face before letting out a burp.

"What sense does that make?" He demands. "I hope he isn't planning on trying to talk some sense into Liu Kang because even though he was my student and I cared for him very much, it's very clear he enjoys being a revenant!"

"No, I don't believe that's it," He assures the other man. His thoughts go back to when he finally showed up to the Sky Temple, just after Shinnok's defeat. Raiden had cleansed the Jinsei from Shinnok's evil, but Fujin could sense that something had changed in the other god. No longer did he preach peace, but often times would speak about the opposite.

"What troubles you, Lord Fujin?" Bo' Rai Cho asks, picking up on his demeanor. Fujin lets out a long sigh before turning to his companion.

"I worry about Raiden," He admits. "The night of Shinnok's fall changed him and I think he's planning something dangerous."

"Dangerous to who?" Bo' Rai Cho asks. "The Netherrealm?"

"Maybe even Outworld," He says, silencing the other male. "I fear it's no longer Raiden's goal to protect Earthrealm."

"Ah, you must not worry!" Bo' Rai Cho yells, swatting him on the back. "I guarantee Lord Raiden is just being a little cautious. But I'll promise you this, should you ever need my help, I'll send over my new student, Shujinko."

"I don't think that will be necessary," Fujin tells him, although he's glad to see the wise man is taking in students again. They need more warriors like Liu Kang, before his soul was corrupted. Bo' Rai Cho takes a swig of his flask.

"I should be going then, expecting someone," He reveals. Fujin looks at him curiously and Bo' Rai Cho grins. "A demon from the Netherrealm. Her name is Ashrah and she wishes to escape the place and begin a new life now that Shinnok is gone. I've offered my services to her."

"Very noble of you," Fujin tells him, shaking his hand goodbye. "Farewell, my friend."

"Goodbye," Bo' Rai Cho tells him. He starts walking away before looking over his shoulder. "Everything will be fine, Lore Raiden! You just need to put your trust in the Elder Gods!"

Earthrrealm-Brigg's Family Farm

Jacqui could feel the single tear fall down her face as she watched the men in uniform carry her father's casket to the burial site. Behind them was General Blade, her face showing a few tears of her own as she clutched the folded american flag to her chest. Her mother was standing on her right, no emotion on her face. The night Jacqui came back with the dreadful news, her mother collapsed onto the floor screaming about how she couldn't deal with losing him again. This was the first time Jacqui lost him, but it still hurt like hell. On her left was Cassie and Kung Jin who were with her that day Erron Black showed up. He surprised them all, but Jacqui's dad appeared out of nowhere just in time to save them and send that cowboy running. Too bad he was able to get a clear shot to the lung before he left, taking away her father for good. As they lowered the casket into the burial hole, General Blade came up to Jacqui's mother.

"I hate that this is happening to you again, Vera," she says, handing her the flag. "But I hope you know your husband is the bravest man I've ever known." Her mother gave a weak smile taking the general's hands in hers.

"Thank you, Sonya," She tells her. "I know that he wouldn't have had it any other way. At least this time, he was able to come home." Then they hugged. Jacqui could feel more tears filling up her eyes, so much that finally broke her position to wipe them away. General Blade saw this.

"Jacqui," she whispers, pulling her into a hug. "I promise you we will get that son of a bitch. We're going to make him pay." Jacqui stared back at her general with rage and determination. She was glad she didn't try to console her with sugar coated words, but instead promised her on what she truly wanted. She wanted Erron Black. At the end of the services, Jacqui made her way to the barn with Cassie and Kung Jin by her side.

"How you doing?" Cassie asked, worried about her best friend.

"I'm fine," she mumbles. "The sooner we get Black the sooner we can be finished with this." She didn't have to look to know that Cassie and Kung Jin exchanged a glance, she knew they were worried about her and have been talking behind her back.

"Will it?" Kung Jin asks. Jacqui turns around to glare at him.

"Spare me the Shaolin warrior advice, Jin!" She yelled. He had no room to talk. He spent most of his life bitter about what happened to Kung Lao. He lets out a sigh and throws his hands up in defeat.

"Look, I'm sorry, alright? If you want to go after Erron Black then we'll help you," He says.

"Yes," Cassie agrees. "As a team." Jacqui shook her head.

"If you haven't noticed, we're down one member," she points out.

"Are we?" Asks a familiar voice. All the bitterness inside Jacqui quickly vanishes as she whips around to see Takeda standing at the entrance of the barn. With him is his father, Kenshi, and a man with a tattoo on his face she doesn't recognize. She smiled, an action that hasn't happened since her father's death, and is in Takeda's arms before she knows it. "Mr. Cage told my dad what happened," he says in her ear. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there."

"Don't be," she says. "It would've only put you in danger." They break apart and Kenshi bows his head to her.

"Your father was a honorable man and a great friend," Kenshi tells her. "He will be missed." Cassie and Jin have caught up to them know, staring at the unrecognizable guest. Takeda, either by reading their thoughts or by seeing their faces, grins and motions towards the stranger.

"Guys, this is Taven," He introduces. "He helped us avenge my mother's death so we agreed to introduce him to General Blade, see if he could join Special Forces."

"Can he fight?" Cassie asks, looking up and down the man.

"My skills in combat are worthy of greatness," Taven says. Kung Jin smirks and shakes his head.

"We'll see about that," He says under his breath. They all head back to the house, Jacqui and Takeda trailing behind.

"So does this mean you're back for good?" Jacqui asks. Takeda throws his arm around her. There was a time when Jacqui would have grabbed said arm and twisted it, but since Shinnok's defeat she's never protested.

"Yes and no," He answers. "I just need to visit the Shirai Ryu and check up with Master Hasashi before I can come back to the team."

"Sounds good," she says, walking into the house. They're going to need him for what's to come.

Earthrealm-The Sky Temple

Fujin was in the courtyard, meditating when a few monks guarding the temple approached him. "What is it?" He asked. The monks bowed before him before speaking.

"Lord Raiden has returned," One tells him. "He's in the Jinsei chamber." Fujin nods his head, thanking the mortals before making his way to the chamber. The chamber was hidden in a cave and at the center was the source of Earth's power. This is what Shinnok wanted to steal. Although Fujin has sworn to protect it, he'd be lying if he said that he knew all of it's secrets. Raiden was kneeling in front of the energy source standing up and Fujin approached.

"Fujin," Raiden greets. The god of wind sensed something...different from the thunder god. If his worries before were futile, now the needed to be serious consideration. Raiden looked ill, almost mad.

"What happened in the Netherrealm?" Fujin asks. Raiden's eyes seem bright as he walks over to two dark shadows in the corner.

"The path I need to take to permanently protect Earthrealm was made clear to me in Netherrealm," He says. Then, out of the shadows, Skarlet and Reiko revealed themselves. Fujin gasped and took a fighting stance but Raiden chuckled. "They are harmless, Fujin. Under my control." Upon further inspection, Fujin could see that Raiden was telling the truth. Both warrior's eyes were hazed over, possessed by magic.

"Are they a result of your visit to the Netherrealm?" Fujin demands. "Do you forget that these two almost caused chaos amongst the realms?" Reiko, with the help of Skarlet and Havik, almost destroyed the realms with his Blood Magic and now Raiden was trying to use them both as his personally servants?

"Which is why they will serve me well," Raiden tells him. Fujin watches as Raiden gazes at the two warriors. "Resurrecting Reiko and restoring Skarlet to her strength will only help protect Earthrealm, in any way necessary."

"Raiden," Fujin begs. "Please rethink your decision-"

"I am not discussing this!" Raiden roars, thunder cracking outside the cave. "I am the protector of this realm and I alone make the decisions for it's safety!" Fujin glanced at the pair of warriors, noticing the blank states was now replaced with the same anger Raiden showed. Fujin finally bowed his head towards the thunder god.

"My apologies, Lord Raiden," he says. "I meant no disrespect."

"You are forgiven," Raiden tells him. "Now leave me, I must return to my meditation."

"As you wish," Fujin says, leaving the chamber. Never once had he feared his comrade. Admired, yes, but never feared...until now.

Nettherrealm-Sea of Blood

She was lost in another world, but she wasn't her. No...she was someone else. Someone like her, someone she would have to become. Someone she met in this strange new world. A world where boulders floated through the air, a world of blue aura. She met this woman, assured her things would be alright. She had the answers, even if she couldn't think of them now. She promised to fix everything, she just needed a way in.

A gasp escapes her lips as she shoots up into a sitting position, waking up from her dream. She looks around, taking in the scorching hot lands she's in now. This is place is filled with darkness, and she has no idea how she got here. She has no memory of anything besides what she just dreamed. That and her name. She knows her name is Lorelei, but nothing else. Something tells her, however, that all of that is about to change.