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roththeprimordial · 5 years ago

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It's Good To Be Alive Ch.5

Story Summary: After her death, Mileena was granted a second chance, as her journey to look for allies for her new rebellion lead her to Earthrealm where she was saved by the Shirai Ryu. Having no other choice, Mileena joined the clan and became somewhat of a student to Hanzo Hasashi. Meanwhile Havik has returned and is assembling an army to get revenge on Hanzo and plunge the realms into chaos.

Check it out on Fanfiction: www.fanfiction.net/s/13285792/…

Earthrealm: Japan, Shirai Ryu Temple, 8:00 PM

"Why must you be so stubborn? Hold still." Commanded Hasashi as he was sitting in the infirmary, wrapping a bandage around his injured students hand.

"I am not a big fan of being tou- Ouch! Careful when your wrapping that!" Snapped Mileena as Hanzo continued to wrap the bandage around Mileena's hand. If this was around a week ago when Mileena first joined the clan, Hanzo would've probably snapped back. But spending enough time with Mileena allowed him to develop an tolorance to getting angry at Mileena's occasional spurts of her priss attitude.

"Can't you see that your injured? You must be more careful when training, or your trips to the infirmary will just keep happening." Said Hanzo as he successfully wrapped the bandage around Mileena's arm. Reaching down, he pulled out a bottle of alcohol as he bathed a ball of cotton in it.

"This is ridiculous, I possess Edenian blood running through my veins. I can heal faster then any regular Earthrea- Agh! Don't press too hard!" Snapped Mileena as Hanzo pressed the alcohol soaked cotton ball onto Mileena's wound.

"Yet you are not immune to infection, Mileena. Along with the deep wounds, possible broken bones, and a possible concussion, is not something Edenian blood alone can heal." Said Hanzo as he cleaned the wound with the cotton ball before wrapping another bandage around the wound. Mileena remained silent for a moment as she watched Hanzo work on dressing her wound. She remained quiet for a while longer before speaking.

"Why do you feel the need to aid me yourself? I know you have members of the Shirai Ryu who have far more expertise in the field of doctoring then you." Spoke Mileena as Hanzo stopped dressing the wound for a second, before continuing.

"Why did you feel the need to aid me after we were attacked by the Black Dragon? When I asked you not to?" Asked Hanzo.

"Why would I leave an ally of mine to bleed out and die? I may be many things, but a traitor is not one of them... even when everyone betrays me..." Uttered Mileena quietly as she looked down with an expression of shame on her face. Hanzo looked up from his work to look at Mileena's sad expression, before he continued his work.

"Well... I assure you Mileena, the Shirai Ryu view anyone who betrays their allies as the worst type of scum in all the realms. The Shirai Ryu view traitors as lower then dirt, and will rather face death then betray an ally. If... that makes you feel better..." Said Hanzo a bit awkwardly as Mileena looked down with a mixed expression of shock and sadness. She then looked back up, looking at Hanzo who looked away from her as he dressed her wound.

She felt his warm touch on her skin with one hand holding her arm and the other applying new bandages. Mileena took a closer look at his face to see his chiseled and handsome features. His words sincerely touched Mileena's heart, with almost everyone in her life stabbing her in the back, she closed her heart off to everyone and built a wall of hate and mistrust to make sure that never happens again. But Hanzo's words and recent actions have started to tear down that wall, Mileena finally seeing someone who she could truly allow into her circle of trust again.

She even started to blush as she stared into Hanzo's face longer and longer. But did everything in her power to hide it. "... Thank you."

Hanzo slowed down for a moment, surprised that Mileena, the feral, insane, and prissy princess of Outworld actually thanked him. But Hanzo tried to ignore the statement as he continued his work. But as he held Mileena's arm, all he could really think about at that moment was how smooth Mileena's skin was. Being a vicious warrior and possessing Tarkatan blood, Hanzo thought that Mileena's skin would be rough and battle hardened. But no, her skin was as pale and as smooth as silk. It made him think about... her.

'... Kana...' Thought Hanzo as he tried his best to push the thought out of his mind. But it was undeniable how much Mileena resembled Kana... Her hair, her face, and her skin all resembled Kana. And despite Mileena having dagger-sized razor sharp teeth, Hanzo was not really one to judge. He could imagine almost everyone who came into contact Mileena mocked her face and disregarded her because of that. Hanzo didn't really see an issue, despite the cannibalism, he didn't mind. Possibly because he had nothing but a flaming skull for a face when he was Scorpion.

Hanzo started applying his final bandage to Mileena, looking back up at her as he finally managed to push those thoughts about Kana out of his mind for the moment with Mileena also managing to hide her blush. As the heat left Mileena's face, she focused herself back at the heat source that was Hanzo's hand that held her arm in place. Then she remembered, back at the forest where Hanzo fought the Black Dragon thugs... those flames.

"Back when we were fighting the Black Dragon, how did you summon that fire? When you returned back to life, shouldn't your hellish powers disappear as well? Or is it some kind of Shirai Ryu technique?" Asked Mileena as Hanzo grunted for a moment before speaking.

"Don't be fooled, Mileena. Hellfire is not my style, it's a curse." Hanzo remained silent for a moment before continuing his story. "It is something I carried since the day I died... I was unprepared, the attack came out of nowhere... I died that day, the first Shirai Ryu massacre... The last thing I saw before I died was my wife and son, frozen in ice. I carried the burden on my shoulders all the way to hell, all I wanted was for the ice and the cold to disappear... I prayed to the fire as if it was some kind of god, it answered my prayers. Quan Chi approached me with an offer, taking note of how the fires of hell can't hurt me. I was resurrected as Scorpion, becoming a specter and a master of hellfire. All I could think of, was revenge..."

Hanzo finished up Mileena's last wound as the woman listened intently. "Yet when I finally took my vengeance, it only felt... hollow. From then on, I was nothing but a puppet to Quan Chi, assisting in the invasion of Earthrealm. In service of Shinnok, the very same devil who seeked my clans destruction. That was until... the intervention of Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Raiden... they revived myself, Sub-Zero, and Jackson Briggs. Living was a curse of it's own, living with the memories of willingly taking innocent lives... Of course, I was thinking of suicide to try and redeem myself of my sins... But, a man came along who taught me that there was a better way to redeem myself. Rebuilding the Shirai Ryu, and pledging myself to protecting Earthrealm."

Hanzo went silent for a moment before continuing. "The only way I am able to access hellfire is to relive that moment from my past. Allow the rage to flow through me and empower me with hellish retribution... Although, I must be careful so the very hellfire I control won't consume me..."

Mileena listened to Hanzo's story and nodded in acknowledgement of Hanzo's story. "... I... I did not know it was that personal-"

Mileena was cutoff "Do not worry, it is fine."

"Yet I still have one question, who was this man you spoke of?" Asked Mileena as Hanzo answered her.

"It is Kenshi."

"The Blind Swordsman?" Asked Mileena as Hanzo nodded in confirmation as he finally finished up treating all of Mileena's wounds. Hanzo stood up, but before he could walk away, Mileena grabbed his arm and held him back. Hanzo looked down at the Half-Tarkatan as the fallen Empress spoke.

"I must ask... does it hurt every time you use your hellfire?"

"Every time..." The two remained silent for another second before Hanzo started to walk off again, pulling his arm away from Mileena's hand in the process.

"It's getting late... go to your quarters and get some sleep. You need to heal and build up your strength... Good night." Said Hanzo as he left the infirmary, walking through the door and shutting it as he left Mileena sitting on one of the fold up beds.

Mileena sat there as she stared at the door that Hanzo exited. Mileena stared at the door for another moment before looking at her bandaged arm, the same one that Hanzo held with his hand. Mileena continued to look at her hand as old feelings that she's tried to suppress bubbled to the surface. Ever since Reiko and his betrayal, Mileena has done everything she could to board up those feelings and make sure they never come up again...

'... Hanzo...' Thought Mileena as she looked at the door once more, before shaking her head and ridding herself of these new thoughts and feelings. Getting up and walking to her room. 'Hmm... I must have hit my head harder then I thought. Perhaps I will think more clearly in the morning...'

Hanzo walked down the hallway as the same thoughts that he had when he was wrapping up Mileena invaded his mind yet again. Hanzo held his head low as he tried to fend off those feelings. He couldn't help but think of Mileena... they were surprisingly similar... turned into weapons, cursed with features that would make them outcasts, the loss of loved ones, possessing hallow hearts and the burning desire to fill them with anything in order to stop the constant suffering and anger... Hanzo probably understood Mileena better then anyone else ever could.

But as Hanzo was about to force those thoughts back again, he received a call from his communications device as he breathed a sigh of relief. He pulled out his communicator and held it up as a blue hologram of Kuai Liang stood there with his arms crossed as he looked at Hanzo.

"Kuai Liang, is there anything you found out about the technology we discovered?" Asked Hanzo as Kuai Liang shook his head.

"No. I disposed of every single piece of Cyber Lin Kuai tech I could find. I only keep a few parts just in case they might hold some kind of undiscovered information. All of those pieces of technology are locked up tight with the best security in the world to guard it. The only way a thief would leave this place alive, is in a bodybag." Stated Kuai as Hanzo grimaced.

"Well, that technology wouldn't just fall into Black Dragon hands like that. Either you missed destroying or confiscating several pieces of Cyber Lin Kuei tech, the greatest thief in the world could've stolen it, or..." Hanzo trailed off as Kuai Liang looked at him with a confused expression.

"Or what?"

"Or, you might have a traitor among your ranks." Said Hanzo carefully in order to not offend Kuai Liang as the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei placed his hand to his chin and thought to himself for a while.

"Hmm... I trust the Lin Kuei with my life. I let each one of them join for a reason, I don't expect treachery out of any of my students. But, I will not be in denial about that possible fact. I will keep an open mind and keep my eyes and ears sharp. Besides that, I don't have anything else." Said Sub-Zero as Hanzo nodded.

"Good, come to me if you have any more additional information." Said Hanzo as both nodded, placed their fist to their chest, and bowed to each other respectfully before ending the call.

But before Hanzo pocketed the mystical communicator again, he received another call as he lifted it back up. A hologram of the Thunder God, Raiden popped up with his arms crossed and his usual stern look.

"Raiden. Might I ask why you decided to contact me?" Asked Hanzo.

"Hanzo Hasashi. As you might've heard, there is a new cabal of Earthrealm's greatest threats roaming around. The mysterious leader has already broken into a U.S. Special Forces prison and freed some of the deadliest enemies Earthrealm has ever faced." Stated Raiden as Hanzo's eyes widened a bit at the news.

"Let me guess, is this new cabal also working with the Red and Black Dragons?" Asked Hanzo.

"Yes, how did you know?"

"While ago me and my students were ambushed in the forest right outside of the Shirai Ryu temple by Black Dragons. They seemed like they were a beta team, not sent to massacre the Shirai Ryu, but for... what seemed to be testing the waters for their true attack. They even possessed Cyber Lin Kuei technology." Hanzo told Raiden as Raiden nodded in acknowledgement.

"It seems that whoever this opponent is, they already have a feud with the protectors of Earthrealm. And if they got a hold of technology like that, they must be planning something big. Either vengeance, conquest, or both... we must seek this new cabal and defeat them once and for all." Said Raiden as Hanzo nodded.

"If you need any assistance in protecting Earthrealm, just know the Shirai Ryu will stand by your side when you need help. And of course, sanctuary if so needed at the temple."

"Good. We must protect Earthrealm at all costs. We must never let another Shao Kahn or Shinnok rise to power and nearly conquer Earthrealm. This new group will die if they attempt the same. Alert me of anymore Black or Red Dragon activity occurs again near the Shirai Ryu temple, and if you do find them leave one alive for interrogation. The more we know about our enemy, the better chance we might have of combating them." Stated Raiden as Hanzo nodded once more.

"Of course, Raiden. I will not let my clan be threatened yet again by these animals. When I get the chance, I will contact Sonya Blade and see if there's any chance of creating a strategic attack with my clan." Remarked Hanzo as Raiden nodded once more.

"Contact me if there is any more activity." Said Raiden as both hung up their mystical communicators.

Earthrealm: China, Raiden's Sky Temple

In the entrance of the Sky Temple, a strike of red lightning hit the ground as it quickly dissipated, revealing Raiden standing there. Raiden walked down the halls of the temple as he pocketed his mystical communicator.

Red lightning sparkled and jumped from Raiden's eyes as he walked down the halls and towards the Jinsei pool. With how many times the Sky Temple has been raided and infiltrated, Raiden knew at this point the Kamidogu's had to be removed and moved to a more secure and unsuspecting location. With this many warriors under the command of this new deadly alliance, Raiden couldn't be too cautious.

Raiden finally made his way to the end of the hall as he approached the two massive double doors leading to the Jensei room. Pushing open the doors he walked in to see the pool filled with the Earthrealm's lifeforce. Raiden continued to walk as he spoke with a thunderous voice.

"Fujin! Do you have the Kamidogu blades yet? We must hide them before these villains show up to steal them." Said Raiden as he received no answer. As he continued to look around in confusion.

"Fujin? Fujin! Where are you? Fujin! Are you here?" Asked Raiden as he walked to the other side of the Jensei pool as he called out once more.

"Fu-!..." Raiden stopped mid-sentence as he looked over to see the god of wind himself and Raiden's brother in arms hanging up side down and nearly completely wrapped in spiny black iron chains with blood leaking from every part of his body. But that wasn't the worst of it, Fujin had several metal rods impaled through specific parts of his body. Such as his neck, legs, and torso as drops of blood kept falling from his form and creating a small puddle of blood on the ground.

But what really made the thunder god's blood boil was when he looked over, he saw Havik sitting there on a stone as he was casually eating what appeared to be a candy bar. After taking one more bite, he stopped in looked up to see Raiden. Even though the bottom half of Havik's face was nothing but skull, Raiden could tell that Havik was smiling right at him.

"FUJIN!" Yelled Raiden as Havik chuckled.

"Don't worry, Raiden. Fujin's still alive. But he is in a lot of pain and is really close to deaths door. Just be happy he's not dead." Said Havik cheerfully as Raiden looked at him, as crimson lightning bolts started to bounce off of Raiden and fly all over the place.

"HAVIK! HOW DARE YOU SULLY THESE HOLY GROUNDS WITH YOUR UNNATURAL PRESENCE!" Roared the thunder god as Havik continued to casually eat his candy bar.

"You know Raiden, when Earthrealm falls into pure chaos for eternity, I won't miss it. But I do have to applaud Earthrealm for having the best food and snakes in all the realms. Before true chaos casts it's unholy shadow across all the realms, I'll stock pile as many of these snakes as I can. It's just insane how good they taste!" Remarked Havik, ignoring Raiden's threat as he was about to take another bite of the candy bar. But a random bolt of lightning that bounced off of Raiden hit Havik's candy bar and blew it into pieces. Havik looked over at Raiden with an annoyed expression.

"Now you just hurt my feelings."

"WHAT IS THIS SORCERY!? HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE!?" Roared Raiden in such rage you'd think his screams would shatter the Sky Temple itself.

"Oh, long story. But, after absorbing the powers of the Kamidogu and blood magik, I am as immortal as Shinnok. I can't die." Said Havik as Raiden held out his hands, crackling with scarlet electricity.

"There are fates WORSE then death, Havik!" Yelled Raiden as he started to march forward. But as Havik was just sitting there doing nothing, Raiden stopped in his tracks as a moment of silence past.

"Call them out, so I may punish your accomplices as well." Commanded Raiden as Havik held his hand up and snapped his fingers, causing several figures to leap down from the ceiling of the Jinsei room. Landing on the ground as they all surrounded Raiden. Havik's cavalry consisted of Tremor, D'vorah, No Face, Tasia, Kira, Kobra, and Kano.

Raiden glanced at them as he saw Tremor, Kano, and Tasia holding the three Kamidogu Raiden possessed.

"I see you have already found the Kamidogu." Stated Raiden as he looked back at Havik who nodded and stood back up.

"Wow, talk about the world's greatest detective. Am I right, Fujin?" Asked Havik and slapped Havik in the back and laughed as if they were old pals. But Fujin didn't laugh, instead he screamed out in pain as his bleeding became worse.

"Release Fujin at once!" Roared Raiden as the electrical field around Raiden intensified with the thunder god getting into a fighting position. In response, Havik raised his finger and shook it as he started to speak.

"Raiden, I'm not sure you understand the type of dire situation Fujin is in right now. Each one of those rods are sticking through vital blood vessels in his body, if I remove even one of them Fujin will bleed out and die before you could even drag him to the Jinsei to heal." Raiden glared at Havik as he looked at the bleeding and suffering Fujin tied up. Raiden lowered his hands and stared daggers at Havik.

"That's better." Commented Havik.

"I also assume you were the one who sent a death squad to the Shirai Ryu temple to 'test out' your weapons." Accused Raiden as Havik simply nodded.

"Guilty as charged. I will cause another Shirai Ryu massacre, I will get Scorpion back. And I have a few new ideas on how to get him back..."

"What do you want, Havik?" Asked Raiden as Havik started to pace.

"Simple, I just want two things from you. The Kamidogu's which I already have, and for you to be my puppet just like you were back in the good old days." Said Havik as he tilted his head to one side.

"That is not going to happen, Havik. Now surrender the Kamidogu's and release Fujin, and I promise to make your deaths quick and painless!" Threatened Raiden as Havik just laughed to himself.

"Haha! I seriously doubt that."

"Doubt it or not, you will pay for your crimes, Havik!" Growled Raiden as he marched towards Havik.

"Come and try, thunder god... Your enslavement will be no different from last time!" Yelled Havik as he marched forward pulling out his Morningstar, before speaking once again. "ATTACK!"

Before anyone knew it, Tremor, Tasia, Kano, and D'vorah leaped in to assist Havik in battle. Havik charges in and swings his Morningstar, only for Raiden to dodge the attack and blast him with a bolt of lightning making him fly back.

Raiden then saw Tasia and Kano coming at him from his sides with the Komidogu daggers in hand ready to stab him. But Raiden quickly dashes back making the two run into one another. As the two quickly regained their barrings, they both fought Raiden with a combination of dagger swipes, punches, and kicks as Raiden managed to fight both at once. Taking their attacks and striking back, hitting them both with his swipe kick.

"Both of you fought against Havik, now you work for him? Are there no lows you won't sink?" But right as Raiden asked this, D'vorah charged out of nowhere and knocked him back with her shoulder. D'vorah then unleashed a series of hooks, kicks, and using her insectoid legs to stab Raiden several times in the chest before punching him, sending him flying back.

But as Raiden was flying through the air, he looked up only to see he was heading straight into Tremor who swung his fist down and planted Raiden's face straight into the ground. Tremor then quickly stomped the ground causing a pillar of Earth to quickly lift out of the ground and throw Raiden back into the air, only for Tremor to form a gauntlet made of rock around his fist as he used it to punch Raiden and send him flying back and smashing into the rock wall before falling down along with some debris.

Raiden picked himself up as he wiped some blood away from his mouth and nose, he heard the sounds of flames speeding right towards him. He looked behind himself to see No Face using his flame thrower to try and burn Raiden. But Raiden quickly got up and hauled himself out of there, trying to get away from the flames. But as the flames stopped, Raiden turned back around to see that No Face started throwing grenades at Raiden.

"BURN THUNDER GOD! BURN!" Yelled No Face as Raiden quickly blasted the grenades with bolts of lightning that blew up both grenades.

(Kaboom!)

The shockwave sending everyone back. But as the dust settled and everyone stood up again, Raiden stood up furious as red lightning charged through his body once more.

"ENOUGH!" Yelled Raiden in a commanding tone as he unleashed a shockwave of lightning that shocked everyone in the cave and knocked them back.

Raiden looked around to see that almost everyone was incapacitated, smoking, or covered in fallen rubble. Raiden hears a groan as he looks over to see Havik picking himself up and pushing piles of rubble off of himself. He gets up as he looks at the furious thunder god.

"You stupid thunder god... don't you see? It's the realms destiny to remain in eternal conflict. It is my life's mission to keep that immortal kombat... and NOTHING, not even YOU will stop me..." Said Havik as Raiden raised his hands and started charging them up yet again with red electricity.

"You will fail, Havik... And I will make sure you join Shinnok and become an example of what happens to those who threaten Earthrealm!" Yelled Raiden as he shot his hands forward and blasted two bolts of lightning that blasted Havik's arms from his body. Causing Havik to scream in pain as Raiden teleported in front of him.

Raiden pressed his hand against Havik's stomach only to release yet another bolt of lightning that cut right through Havik's body and made his entrails, blood, and other organs spill onto the ground.

Havik puked up a bit of blood before falling onto his back. Raiden stood over Havik and created an electrical blade from his fist, but before he could bring it down... The very earth itself lifted and entombed Raiden's feet to prevent him from moving, and before Raiden even knew it Taisa, Kano, and Tremor dashed out from behind him and his sides as they all dug their Kamidogu into his body. Spilling the thunder gods blood and making him scream in the process.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Screamed Raiden before he suddenly stopped and lowered his head. His assailants pulled their Kamidogu away from him and stood there waiting, and not even half a second later Raiden rose his head back up in a zombie-like trance. Starring a head and totally still, confirming his possession.

"See Raiden? It was over before ya knew it." Said Havik as he picked himself back up with the gaping hole in his torso starting to heal back up. As his new hands started to regenerate, he spoke to the possessed Raiden.

"Now, Raiden... Whose your master?"

"Ugh... Grr... You are, Havik. As ordered by the Blood Code." Said Raiden was he noticeably tried his best to resist the possession of the Kamidogu. But even Raiden couldn't stand up to the blades power as he fell to one knee and bowed to Havik.

"Hahahaha... Excellent work everyone. Now that Raiden is under our control, we can retrieve the rest of the Kamidogu." Commented Havik as watched his hand fully heal itself.

"Even with the power of Raiden, it won't be easy to get into the Special Forces Base and retrieve the Kamidogu." Commented D'vorah.

"Oh, don't worry, love. My Intel guide gave me all the info needed to scavenge the facility and find the Kamidogu." Said Kano as Havik looked over at him.

"Plus, Raiden will not be going alone. Taisa, D'vorah, you shall accompany him in your mission to retrieve the rest of the Kamidogu. We're already half-way to getting everything we need." Remarked Havik as Kano crossed his arms and looked over at him.

"Yeah, fantastic. But, I do believe you promised me a little reward, Havik..." Stated Kano as Havik reached into his pocket and pulled out the Portal Stone.

"Of course, Kano. You and the rest of the Black Dragon can raid the Sky Temple to your hearts content. Also, if you don't mind, can you also kill any monk you might come across during your search?" Asked Havik as he tossed Kano the Portal Stone, catching it out of the air.

"No prob, boss." Commented Kano as he held the Portal Stone out which created a yellow portal with dozens of Black Dragon goons pouring out of it and running throughout the temple. As Havik and his followers looked on at the thievery and carnage, they all heard a groan as hey looked back to see Fujin still hanging there and watching everything happen. Despite the bloodloss and pain he was in, he still tried to break free of his restraints.

"Seems like Fujin still has some fight in him." Commented Havik with Tasia adding her own thoughts.

"No wonder him and Raiden were ordered with the protection of the Jinsei and Sky Temple."

"Why are we allowing him to live? Why not just kill him already?" Asked No Face as he readied his flame thrower to torch the wind god as he started walking towards the trapped and defenseless Fujin.

"No, No Face. He's barely a threat to us, besides I'd give him an hour at the very most to live before he bleeds to death. Even by some miracle he does heal up in time to stop us, we will be to powerful..." Said Havik as he looked over to Kano and smirked.

"Along with his spirit being broken by discovering all the White Lotus monks in the Sky Temple being murdered..." Kano nodded with a smirk of his own as he then turned back to Tasia, D'vorah, and the possessed Raiden standing there.

"Now... let's move onto the next step of our plans..."

Earthrealm: America, Special Forces Base

"You BASTARD!" Yelled Sonya as she punched Kotal Kahn so hard she fractured his jaw and knocked him down to the ground.

Despite all of the Outworlders possessing extensive injuries of their own, they all got in battle positions and were ready to fight Sonya Blade. While on the Earthrealmers side, Johnny and Cassie grabbed a hold of Sonya and tried to hold her back.

"Sonya! Calm down! We don't even know why their here yet!" Yelled Johnny trying to calm his wife.

"Mom! Stop! Calm down!" Yelled Cassie, trying to hold her mother back just like Johnny.

"Your no different from Shao Kahn you piece of trash! You tried to murder my daughter and her team and even tried to team up with Shinnok when he infected Earthrealm's life force!" Yelled Sonya as she continued to struggle against her daughter and husband trying to hold her back. "Now you have the fucking balls to come crawling to us for help!? Are you out of your mind!?"

The Outworlders at first seemed like they were going to attack first, but Kotal held out his hand to signal them to halt. "Stop! DO. NOT. ATTACK!"

Kotal's lieutenants did what their Kahn demanded as Kotal picked himself back up. Johnny and Cassie sensing Sonya finally starting to calm down, they let go of her. All as Kotal slowly picked himself back up in a way that appeared to be painful.

"... Look Kotal, say what you need to and quick before Sonya losses her temper." Stated Johnny as Kotal respectfully nodded to Johnny before turning back to Sonya.

"Commander Blade. I sincerely apologize for all of my actions. But all I did was for the protection of Outworld. Please, listen to what I have to say. It is important." Stated Kotal in an urgent tone as he and Sonya had a stand off that lasted almost a full minute. Sonya kept her spiteful gaze trained on Kotal for another few seconds, before letting out an angry sigh.

"... Fine, you have five minutes. If I'm not convinced, you better haul your ass back to Outworld before my men open fire on you." Said Sonya as she snapped her finger, and just like that the Outworlders looked around to see nearly a hundred guards aimed their weapons at them and clicked their guns. Ready to fire at a moments notice.

"Fair enough." Stated Kotal as he began. "My kingdom was raided and assaulted by a group of enemies we share. Including those who we originally thought to be dead. They also stole an artifact of great power that my people use to travel realm to realm. The Portal Stone."

"Wait... then how did you get to Earthrealm?" Asked Jaqcui.

"We used several magical spells to get here. Not nearly as officiant as the Portal Stone, we had to try several times before finally opening a portal in the exact location we desired. They not only stole the Portal Stone, but they also killed many of my imperial guards, assisted in the escape of a prisoner, and crippled me and my friends. Smashing my legs until my bones were sand, for one." Stated Kotal.

"Wait, if you and your pals were hurt so badly, how are you still walking?" Asked Johnny as Erron stepped forward.

"Outworld magic really does wonders. Example A, Emperor Kotal's legs over there were completely shattered by the bastard who led the charge, but was mostly fixed up with the help of magical leg braces. Example B, I was beaten down and shot in the back multiple times by that Karate Kid villain reject, Kobra. But thanks to some magic potion I'm nearly all better." Remarked Erron.

"Wait, Kobra? I thought you killed him." Said Johnny as Erron turned to him.

"Cheeky little bastard turned out to be a little tougher then I thought."

"Wait... who attacked you again?" Asked Cassie, recognizing the name Kobra as a member of the Black Dragons.

"As I said before, we share these enemies. Skarlet, Tremor, Kira, Kobra, D'vorah, Red Dragon goons... and Havik." As Kotal spoke that name everyone eyes widened in surprise.

"That must be our mystery man who broke all those convicts out of prison." Stated Kenshi.

"What? No, Grandmaster Hasashi tore of that assholes head and literally dragged him to hell. How could he come back from that?" Asked Cassie.

"I am unsure Casandra Cage, but what I am sure of is that Havik is a threat to both Outworld, Earthrealm, and all other realms. We must not fight amongst ourselves if we seek victory." Almost everyone on the Earthrealmers side glared at Kotal over that statement.

"You can't be serious, right? We trusted you once before, only to get a knife in our back. You broke the Reiko accords and you broke your precious Osh-Tekk oath, how do we know you won't betray us to Havik the second you get the chance?" Asked Kung Jin as Kotal appeared like he was going to speak, only to say nothing instead. And out of nowhere, Reptile stepped forward as he was going to address the Earthrealmers.

"We understand our Kahn didn't always keep his word when making deals. But Kotal here saved all of us when we were either being crushed under Shao Kahn's boot or dealing with troubles of other matters. We believe in our Emperor, I shall stand by his word." Said Reptile as he stood by Kotal Kahn who looked at the Zatarrian in shock.

"Reptile..."

"We stand by the Emperor keeping his word as well." Said Ermac as he walked forward and stood next to Reptile.

"Ugh... I don't really like this team player thing but... what the hell? Me too." Said Erron a he walked forward a few steps.

"We fourth and fifth!" Said Ferra as Torr growled and stumbled forward a bit. All of them standing by Kotal, and asking Earthrealm to trust their emperor. A moment of silence passed before Casandra spoke up.

"So all of you stand by your Khan and lizard lips? Okay, I'm willing to trust you." Said Cassie as she crossed her arms and Reptile glared at her.

"Don't push it, Earthrealmer." The Special Forces stood there in silence for another moment, before finally speaking up.

"*Sigh*... I guess we have no choice. Fine Kotal, we trust you." Said Sonya as Kotal bowed his head in respect at Sonya and the rest of the Earthrealmers.

"I don't believe Havik is going to repeat history with his same failed plans with the Kamidogu. Between going through all the effort to gather up all these new allies of his and stealing my Portal Stone... He is planning something far bigger." Remarked Kotal.

"Maybe he's hiding out on Shang Tsung's island again?" Suggested Jaqcui.

"That is literally the first place we would look. Besides after that fight with the blood code business a year ago, SF has boats and lookouts paroling it 24/7. If he was there, we'd know." Stated Sonya.

"Wait, he was still doing Quan Chi's bidding when he was using that blood magik. Shot in the dark, maybe his hideout is Quan Chi's lair in the Netherrealm?" Suggested Johnny.

"Well, we don't know for sure but it does sound like a good idea to check it out." Replied Jin.

"My armies are ready to act, we must mount an attack against Havik before he succeeds in whatever he is planning for our worlds." Stated Kotal as Sonya looked back at him.

"We still don't know what Havik's planning Kotal. He's not just some barbarian out for power, he was able to trick a strategic general like Reiko to do what he wanted. We have to make sure we don't walk into a trap." Said Sonya as Kenshi stepped in.

"Before we run into this guns blazing... if Havik is planning something big, we should probably get the Kamidogu and put them in a more secure location. I wouldn't be surprised if they were after the knives too."

"Give the Kamidogu to Emperor Kotal, Outworld will watch over them." Stated Ermac as Cassie took a step forward.

"Your totally right, Legion. Just like how Kotal managed to keep the Portal Stone safe. We're willing to work with you, but we still don't trust you completely yet. What makes you think we're gonna hand over-" But before Cassie could finish...

(Krak-Boom!)

Without warning, a scarlet bolt of lightning came crashing down in between the Earthrealmers and the Outworlders as it knocked everyone back. As everyone got back up, they could barely see a thing with a cloud of dust being kicked up by the lightning strike. But they could hear the screams of Special Forces guards and the sounds of meat and flesh being stabbed and cut into pieces.

As the dust finally settled, everyone saw Raiden standing there with crackling electricity emitting from his body along with Taisa and D'vorah by his sides. With Taisa cutting up guards into pieces and D'vorah stabbing several in the chest with her insectoid legs.

"What!? Raiden!? What are you doing!?" Yelled Sonya as Raiden looked over at her, and instantly fired a crimson bolt of electricity at her which she luckily dodged.

"Havik demands your Kamidogu. Either pledge your allegiance to Havik or die." Commanded Raiden in a demonic voice as Kotal picked himself up and pulled out his War blade.

"Havik must've gotten ahold of the Kamidogu in Raiden's possession! He's possessed by the blades power!" Declared Kotal as he charged into attack Raiden, only for Raiden to fire a lightning bolt at Kotal who dodged and swung his war blade at Raiden who dodged.

"God damnit! Not this shit again!" Yelled Sonya as she charged into battle and kicked D'vorah in the face after she finished killing another guard.

"Well, guess we'll have to just beat the demon out of Raiden then." Said Johnny as he placed his glasses on and charged in at Raiden with his shadow kick that knocked the possessed thunder god to the ground.

"It's three against a dozen! They don't have a chance!" Yelled Cassie as she and Kung Jin charged into fight Taisa who managed to block both of the young warriors attacks before knocking them both back with her blades. But as she walked into administer the finishing blows, she looked up and saw an arrow heading right towards her. Just in the knick of time she swung her blade and cut the arrow in two.

Kung Jin loaded up his bow again and took aim. "Are your reflexes faster then mine, lady?"

Jin smirked as he fired another arrow only for Taisa to dodge it and smirk. "Let's find out..."

Taisa charged towards Kung Jin as she dodged many of Jin's arrows, only to cut the few last ones in half before getting to Jin and swinging her swords at him. Jin put up a good fight at blocking most of Taisa's attacks, but was eventually overwhelmed once Taisa cut Jin on the leg before kicking him down. But as she brought her blades down to chop Jin's head off, her blades were blocked by Kenshi who leaped into the picture with his own sword.

"Mind if I take this dance?" Asked Kenshi as Taisa smirked.

"A man who can't see let alone fight? Don't make me laugh!" But before Taisa could perform her next move, a green aura of energy surrounded Taisa and lifted her up off the ground. Kenshi was left confused, but then sensed the millions of souls trapped in Ermac, who was the one lifted Taisa off the ground with his telekinesis. As Taisa began to struggle, Ermac tossed her over to Ferra/Torr who punched Taisa in mid-air to the other side of the room.

Meanwhile, D'vorah was fighting Sonya who was assaulting D'vorah with a unrelenting series of kicks and punches.

"Still mad that this one nearly killed your ex-husband?" Asked D'vorah as punched Sonya across the face and was about to follow up with a stab by one of her insectoid legs.

"Nope, just annoyed that you won't stay down, queen bee." Quipped Sonya before bending the insectoid leg the wrong way followed by a snap and a gasp of pain by D'vorah.

"Augh! You shall pay for that!" Hissed D'vorah as she was about to stab Sonya with another insectoid leg. But before she could stab Sonya with it, Jaqcui dashes in and hits D'vorah with a vicious right hook that sent her flying back. Jaqcui looked over at Sonya as she smiled.

"Okay Commander?" Asked Jaqcui as Sonya nodded.

"I'm fine soldier. Now... lets finish this." Said Sonya as Jaqcui nodded and both dashed back into battle D'vorah.

All the while, the possessed Raiden was fighting Johnny Cage and Kotal Kahn as the same time. Despite his power, he was forced back by the duo assault.

"We are forcing him back Johnny Cage! Do not relent!" Remarked Kotal as they continued their assault.

"Now all we need is a cop, a sailor, and a cowboy!" Commented Cage as he kicked Raiden back a few feet.

"This is no time for jokes, Cage." Said Kotal as the possessed Raiden seemed to get angry. And without any thought blasting Kotal and Johnny with bolts of lightning. But as he was about to finish the job, Erron dashed in with guns blazing shooting at Raiden that made him stumble back as Reptile dashed in and punched Raiden in the face.

"Don't worry, here's your cowboy." Commented Erron as Johnny and Kotal started to pick themselves back up.

"We don't have time for this foolishness." Said the possessed Raiden as he extended his arms and floated up into the air. Kotal, Johnny, Reptile, and Erron knowing what Raiden was going to do, all charged at him to take him down for good. But when they were only an inch away from the thunder god, Raiden released a shockwave of lightning that shocked everyone in the room except for D'vorah and Taisa.

(Kazap!)

With that surge of lightning, everyone lying on the ground unconscious or in so much pain they couldn't move.

"Perhaps you should've started off with that..." Suggested D'vorah as she and Taisa stood back up.

"Let's just kill them already before they get back up." Said Taisa as she pulled out her blades and D'vorah popped out her insectoid legs to finish them. But were stopped by Raiden who held his hand out to stop them.

"Didn't you hear Master Havik? No killing the Outworlders, or the Earthrealmers. The Special Forces pursuit of us will only grow greater if you kill them." Said Raiden as the two women complied.

"Very well. Let's get this over with before more guards show up." Said Tasia as the possessed Raiden bent down and pulled out a security card from Sonya's pocket. In a flash of lightning he teleported away for a few moments. Only several seconds later returning with a black box in his hands. Lifting up the top, he showed Taisa and D'vorah the last three Kamidogu daggers Havik is after.

"Soon, Havik will achieve his goal. And better the realms for all of us..." Spoke the possessed Raiden in a demonic ominous voice. But before the three left, D'vorah looked back down at the unconscious Johnny Cage, growing a smirk as she turned back to her allies.

"Before we leave. This one has an idea, as this one recalls, Havik was interested in Johnny Cage's green energy. Perhaps he could be useful to us..."

Earthrealm: Japan, Shirai Ryu Temple

Mileena stood in a dark and seemingly endless void. As she looked around, she saw nothing but blackness. Confused, she started yelling out to see if anybody else was there.

"What is this place? Where am I? If this is some pathetic tactic to intimidate me, I will find you and feast on your flesh! Hello!? Is anyone there!? Show yourself!" Yelled Mileena, only to receive no answer. Mileena started to walk several feet to see if she could find a wall or an end to the room. She walked for several moments holding her hands out to find a wall, only to find nothing.

"Okay, I have had it! Where am I!? Kotal! Raiden! Is that you!? I will not be made a fool out off! Whoever it is, show yourself so I may rip that smile off of your face!" Roared Mileena, still looking around for a wall, an exit, or just another person. But just like before. Nobody was there.

But as Mileena was about to call out again, she heard some buzzing as she started to look around. She heard the buzzing of multiple insects in the blackness as she looked around. As she looked around, she saw what appeared to be a wasp or bee of some kind fly out of the darkness and right at Mileena's face. Mileena swatted at the insect several times to no effect, until she managed to swat the bug out of the air as it fell to the ground. Mileena looked down at the injured insect in disgust.

"Disgusting bug..." Mileena walked forward as she lifted her foot and crushed the bug. But that only made the insane buzzing louder as Mileena took several steps back to look around for the source of all that noise.

"Who's there!? What is this!?" Just as Mileena asked that, several more bugs flew out of the darkness. Insects of all varieties as they started to fly all around Mileena and attempted to bite or sting her. But Mileena swung her hands, crushing most of them. As she continued her swatting, the bugs and buzzing started to subside. As Mileena heard that the buzzing was replaced by high heels tapping against a hard floor.

And then suddenly out of nowhere, a spotlight lit up and shined over Mileena's head. Mileena looked up and covered her eyes from the blinding light, she attempted to see where the light was coming from. Only to find nothing. But she then heard the sound of clicking high heels getting closer and closer. Looking over at the direction of the noise she saw a figure walk into the light. A familiar figure. Mileena glared at the woman in front of her.

"D'vorah..." Mileena hissed at in spite as she reached behind her and pulled out her sai's. But D'vorah wasn't paying any attention to her, instead she held one of her disgusting maggot looking insectoid spawns in her arms and petting it like a puppy dog.

D'vorah looked up from the spawn as she glared at Mileena. "Mileena... This one believe she killed you. Allow this one to correct her mistake."

"You worthless insect! It will not be like last time, this time I will KILL YOU!" Yelled Mileena as she got into battle position with her sai, all the while D'vorah kept stroking the maggot like spawn in her arms. After another moment she allowed the creature to crawl into her abdomen and safely be tucked away as D'vorah looked back up at Mileena.

"History shall repeat itself to the last note, Mileena. But this time, I will make sure you suffer..." Said D'vorah as she started to casually walk forward. Mileena stood her ground and held her sai in place. After half a second past she charged forward, ready to kill D'vorah, but as she swung her blades, she realized she wasn't holding them anymore.

Mileena immediately stopped and looked at her hands to see that they were missing. It's like they just disappeared. But as Mileena looked back up to face D'vorah, she saw that the Kytinn was right in her face and only stood a few inches away from her. D'vorah smiled at her as Mileena yelped and took a few steps back.

"What's the matter? Are you scared? Good, you taste so much better when your frightened." Hissed D'vorah as Mileena growled and stood back up.

"I don't need my sai to kill you, bug! I will use my bare hands!" Yelled Mileena as she charged forward to claw as D'vorah with her claw-like nails. But before she could even touch D'vorah, D'vorah popped out her insectoid legs and at insane speeds she shot them forward as her insectoid legs pierced Mileena's hands.

Mileena screamed in pain as D'vorah lifted her off the ground by the holes in her hands. D'vorah brought Mileena closer, face to face D'vorah spoke. "You are nothing but a failed lab experiment Mileena... and you will die as you lived. Alone."

Mileena's glare of hate and spite soon turned to one of fear as D'vorah grabbed Mileena by the face and started to vomit thousands of maggots and other insects into Mileena's mouth as she coughed and gagged. D'vorah soon finished up and stopped as Mileena's body began to shake violently.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" Mileena screamed as she could feel all those bugs eating her from the inside out. The skin on her belly started to move around as if insects were crawling under her skin. She started to scream as loud as possibly as she felt the bugs starting to borrow their way out of her stomach as he belly started to bleed.

But before Mileena could truly experience the horror of being eaten alive...

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She woke up. Screaming and nearly jumping out of her bed from the horrific nightmare she just had. She looked around a bit to see that she was just in her room in the Shirai Ryu temple. Mileena continued to pant and sweat as she finally started to calm down. Mileena placed a hand to her head as she started to slow down her rapid breathing.

"Calm down... it is only a dream... it is only a dream... it is only a-!" Mileena stopped short a she looked down on her bedroom floor in fear as she saw what appeared to be a roach skittering across the floor. Mileena without even a seconds thought leaped out of bed and brought her foot down, crushing the creature. But she didn't do it just once, she did it over and over and over, until it was nothing but a smashed pile of bug guts.

Mileena's rapid panting remained as she took several steps back until her back hit the corner of the room. The Half-Tarkatan then slid down the wall and sat in the corner of the room as she tucked up her legs to her chest and hugged them. She started to slowly slow down her rapid and panic fueled breathing, all she could do was stare at the smashed cockroach with wide eyes.

'... Stop this Mileena, calm yourself... it was just a nightmare, just a nightmare... it was not real... it was not real... it was not... real..." Mileena muttered to herself the same sentence over and over as he rapid breathing started to return to normal. A few moments passed as Mileena's panic attack finally past. She looked back over at the stain on the wooden floor that used to be a cockroach five minutes ago.

After sitting in the corner for five more minutes, Mileena decided she just needed some fresh air. She got up as she walked over to the door and made her way to the hallway as she started to walk down it. Mileena slowly walked down the hallway as she glanced at all the paper doors she passed by. She listened intently for anyone who might've been woken up by Mileena's screaming, but surprisingly as far as she knew everyone was still asleep. Either that, or they were woken up but decided to go back to sleep.

'Who would've thought a clan of skilled assassins would be heavy sleepers...' Thought Mileena to herself as she continued to walk down the hallways slowly. But as she was starting to get close to the Fire Garden behind the temple, she stopped as she noticed that one room that was larger then all the others had a light shining through the paper door and walls of the room.

Mileena already knowing that room belonged to Grandmaster Hanzo. 'What would he be doing up this late? It doesn't matter, just be as quiet as possible when you sneak past his room. The last thing I need right now is to be scolded for being out of my room like some child.'

The Half-Tarkatan started to slowly tip-toe past the room, to the best of her ability trying to remain silent. To any normal person, Mileena would be pratically unnoticable. But to a skilled assassin like Hanzo... she couldn't be too careful. As she continued her track, she tip-toed to the point where she was in front of Hanzo's door. But before she could even take one more step...

The door instantly slid open as Mileena had the look on her face like a deer in headlights. She looked up to see Hanzo looking down at her, Hanzo yanned, showing that the Grandmaster himself was up for a while.

Mileena didn't know what to say, but as she tried to think of an excuse to explain why she was walking around the Shirai Ryu temple in the middle of the night, Hanzo spoke first.

"Mileena? What are you doing up so late? It's 2:00 AM in the morning."

"I was... Just heading outside for a little air. My room felt very stuffy and warm, so I decided to get some air." Explained Mileena as Hanzo stared down at her silently for a moment.

"Really? Is there any other reason why you left your room in the middle of the night?" Asked Hanzo with a suspicious tone.

"No, I was just unconformable in my room. I just wanted some air." Reiterated Mileena as Hanzo still looked down at her like he knew she was hiding something from him.

"You do understand that there is a curfew, don't you? Nobody's allowed out of their room, especially after 10." Stated Hanzo as Mileena looked down and to the side as she growled in a low tone of voice.

"I... Nevermind. I will just head back to my quarters..." Said Mileena as she turned and started to walk back in the direction of her room as Hanzo stood their with crossed arms. Watching the woman walk away.

"Are you sure you didn't scream at all?" Asked Hanzo as Mileena stopped in her tracks and bushed a bit. Hanzo smirked as saw Mileena stop.

"I... I-It was nothing. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to return to my quarters now." Said Mileena in an annoyed tone of voice.

"Mileena, come here." Said Hanzo as Mileena stood there frozen for a few more moments.

"Mileena." Repeated Hanzo as Mileena sighed in annoyance before turning around and walking back over to Hanzo's quarters. Hanzo already walked back into his room as Mileena stood in the doorway. Seeing that Hanzo's room was far bigger then anyone else's room. Mileena looked around to see that despite Hanzo's room being twice as big as any other Shirai Ryu members room, it was still pretty modest.

Mileena looked over to see Hanzo was on one knee as he was digging through the bottom drawer of his dresser drawer. Mileena was about to ask Hanzo what he was doing, but before she could utter a word Hanzo raised his hand and gestured over to a small table in the corner of his room.

"Please, Mileena. Sit." Mileena looked back at Hanzo to still see he was still digging around. Mileena turned to the table as she did was Hanzo said and sat cross legged on one of the two pillows on both sides of the table. Mileena waited a few more seconds as she finally heard her Grandmaster speak again.

"Here it is." Mileena looked over to see Hanzo standing back up and walked over to Mileena with what appeared to be a wooden box in his hands. He then placed the box on a table as he saw on the other pillow, cross legged and across from Mileena. Hanzo then clicked open the two latches on top of the box and opened it up to reveal what appeared to be a wooden chess set.

Mileena looked down to see that there were several chips with Japanese lettering on them that were on Hanzo's side and Mileena's side. Mileena gave a confused look as Hanzo picked up the chips on his side and started to place them down.

"What is this?" Asked Mileena in a confused tone.

"Shogi. So do you wish to be black or white?" Asked Hanzo as he started placing down the chips.

"I... don't understand. You want to play a game?" Asked Mileena confused as Hanzo nodded.

"Of course, games like these can be a good stress reliever and help settle ones nerves. Plus, it is very relaxing." Remarked Hanzo as he continued to place more chips on the board.

"... That's ridiculous. A children's board game is how you relieve stress? How childish..." Commented Mileena.

"At the very least give it a try. When I was a child, after training with my father he would reward me with a game of Shogi. He always beat me every time we played, but after the 40th to 60th time we played, I finally won. And I never lost a game against him after that." Said Hanzo as he continued to set up the game. Mileena looked down as she reminisced her own father. Barely even knowing him despite her sheer amount of loyalty and love for him. She always imagined what it would be like if she actually spent time with Shao Kahn once. Before he...

"Mileena? Mileena? Can you hear me?" Mileena was miles away in thought, before being snapped back to reality by Hanzo's voice as she looked back up at him. Seeing that he already set up the game.

"Oh, yes. I can hear you." Replied Mileena.

"Do you still wish to play?" Asked Hanzo as Mileena remained silent for a bit. Before responding.

"Wait... I thought you were commanding me to play this game." Said Mileena in a confused tone.

"No. It's up to you. If you wish to return to your room and deal with your problems by yourself, then fine. But if you wish to take your mind off it... play some Shogi with me." Stated Hanzo as Mileena remained silent for a bit.

"... Very well, I will play this children's game... But... I'm still not entirely sure how to play." Remarked Mileena, accepting Hanzo's offer.

"Don't worry, you will learn while playing. Also, it's a game for all ages." Remarked Hanzo.

"Whatever."

"Do you want black or white?" Asked Hanzo.

"I choose white." Replied Mileena, looking down she already saw that Hanzo placed the white chips in her corner.

"That means I go first." Said Hanzo with a tiny smirk on his face as Mileena groaned in annoyance. Hanzo went first like he said as Mileena was just watching him make his first moves.

The two continued to play for a few more moments with Mileena slowly starting to learn how to play. But that didn't mean Hanzo was going easy on her. After a few more moments of playing, Hanzo spoke up.

"Did you dream about how you died?" Right as Hanzo asked this, Mileena looked back up at him with wide eyes filled with surprise and shock as she dropped the white chip that was in her hand.

Replying in a stuttering and shocked voice "W-What? How could you have possibly known that?"

"Your talking to a man who has died twice. I know better then anyone how traumatizing death can be." Said Hanzo as he played his turn and Mileena looked at him with wide eyes.

"What? You died twice? How did you die a second time?" Asked Mileena in surprise.

"A Chaosrealmer named Havik. He beat me to death. But I returned and ripped his head off." Replied Hanzo casually as Mileena smirked and chuckled a bit.

"Hahaha... That sounds fantastic. They call me insane, but I was nowhere near as insane as him. You did the realms a favor." Complimented Mileena as she played her turn.

"As much as I hated, Havik. Killing people is not something I really boast about..." Hanzo said as he trailed off.

"My Chujin, Takeda told me how you died. It sounded horrible. I should have killed D'vorah when I had the chance..." Said Hanzo as Mileena's eyes widened a she looked back up at him.

"Wait... you fought D'vorah?" Asked Mileena as Hanzo looked back at up at her from the game.

"When I was about to execute Quan Chi, D'vorah came through a portal. I fought her and managed to take one of her insectoid legs before stabbing me in the chest with another..." Replied Hanzo as Mileena smiled yet again.

"Good, that worthless insect got what she deserved." Spitefully growled Mileena as the two continued to play silently. Until Hanzo spoke up.

"Is that who you were dreaming about? Is that why you screamed?" Asked Hanzo as Mileena growled and avoided eye contact with him.

"... No, I am still the daughter of Shao Kahn and Kahntum... I fear nothing." Stated Mileena in a harsh tone of voice as Hanzo chuckled under his voice a bit.

"Even though here in the Shirai Ryu we teach our members to be brave and fearless, there are certain fears that can't be overcome quite as easily. Overcoming the fear of death is one of the most difficult fears a person could possibly overcome. No matter the race or background. I have died myself and... the experience never gets better." Stated Hanzo as Mileena glared at him a bit.

"... No, an Emperess should never feel fear. If I did, I should just return to Outworld and be executed again..." Said Mileena as she looked down shamefully, causing a bit of an awkward silence to appear between Mileena and Hanzo. Hanzo already held one of his chips up and was about to play it, but he just stood still. Holding the chip in the air silently.

"Do you want to know what frightens me?" Asked Hanzo as Mileena looked back up at Hanzo.

"What?" Asked Mileena.

"I'm afraid to loose the ones I care for. The Shirai Ryu value family over all else, if even one of them died it would be absolute hell for me... Even if a new member joined a day ago and their life was in danger... I would without hesitation sacrifice my own life to save theirs... I would rather die then go through the pain of loosing another friend or family member ever again..." Hanzo said in the most sincere voice he could conjure up. Mileena just stared at him for a bit as Hanzo played his piece and claimed one of Mileena's pieces.

The two continued to play until Mileena was only down to three pieces with Hanzo only missing one piece that Mileena by some miracle was able to claim. As Mileena finished her turn, Hanzo began to play his turn. But as he was deciding, Mileena spoke up.

"Has... Karbrac ever spoke about Baraka?"

"Yes, with how much he talks about him and the Tarkatans I am surprised he didn't write a book yet." Commented Hanzo as he claimed one of Mileena's pieces.

"... And you know about the Tarkatans right?"

"Yes, I have heard of how fierce and dangerous Tarkata are... And in that respect, I respect them." Replied Hanzo as Mileena looked down, clearly very unsure if she should go any further or open herself up to this honest and kind man who opened his doors up for her.

"... Baraka. He was my general and was an inspiration among the Tarkatans. Like how, Liu Kang was to the White Lotus and the Shaolin. He, was one of my allies who were truly loyal to the end. He was even my mate for some time... but, nothing truly romantic. Just... lust. He was one of the only people who I could truly call a... a... a friend." Said Mileena as Hanzo listened to her story.

"Karbrac already told me what happened..."

"He blames me for his death..." Said Mileena.

"No, he knows that D'vorah was the one who killed Baraka."

"Blaming me for leading him to his death..." Said Mileena shamefully.

"... I may not have known Baraka, Mileena. But I know loyalty when I see it, he saw you as a true leader and a true Empress. If he died, he did so defending your honor and life. Don't let his death happen in vein, honor him and do your best to live the best life you can. Do you believe that is what he would've wanted?" Asked Hanzo as Mileena looked back at him, with sad eyes.

"I... I suppose so..." Said Mileena as Hanzo finished his turn.

"Then honor his memory in the best way you can." Said Hanzo as Mileena looked down, still sadened. But then looked back up and nodded.

"Yes, of course." Mileena looked down to see she had one piece left, it was her turn.

"Mileena, it is okay to feel fear. Especially to an experience as haunting as that. I had to go through hell to even stand up to my fears. I can lend you a hand and help you out of the dark cave. But in the end, it is your choice if you want to take it or not. Sometimes, you must take a leap of faith..." Said Hanzo as he claimed Mileena's last piece and won the game.

"I... I will keep that in mind. And, the children's board game was not as torturous as I originally believed." Said Mileena as she stood back up along with Hanzo following suit.

"I will take that as a compliment. If you feel troubled again, don't hesitate to ask. Or... If you want to speak your mind. Instead of wondering around the temple in the middle of the night." Said Hanzo looking down at Mileena with a pair of kind eyes.

"Yes, well... I will be heading back to my quarters. Also, I... appropriate bending your ear for me..." Said Mileena as she trailed off, turning to Hanzo's door as she opened it up and was about to leave, but stopped in the doorway as she stood there.

"Is something the matter?" Asked Hanzo as Mileena just stood there.

"No... No, not at all. I was just thinking about how I was going to beat you in our next round of Shogi." Said Mileena in a bit of a playful tone as Hanzo smiled back, with Mileena leaving the room.

Hanzo turned back around as he started to pack up. Closing the latches and putting the Shogi board back where he found it. As he did, he saw that a tiny piece of paper slipped out of the wooden box. Hanzo looked down as he picked the piece of paper up and looked at it.

He saw that the names Hanzo and Harumi were written on the top of the paper, Hanzo scrolled down the paper as he saw a few tally marks under his name with dozens upon dozens of tally marks written under Harumi's name.

'She really was better at this game then me...' Thought Hanzo to himself before slipping the note away in his pocket and putting the Shogi board away.

Earthrealm: China, Lin Kuei Palace

Grandmaster Sub-Zero walked down the main hallway of the Lin Kuei Palace with two ninja walking by his sides. Speedwalking, it was clear that Sub-Zero was in a rush as he spoke to his two ninja.

"Did you receive any word from the scouts sent to find the source of the Lin Kuei technology?" Asked Kuai Liang as the ninja on his left responded.

"No, Grandmaster. The scouts even interrogated Red and Black Dragon only to find nothing."

"Damn. Have you checked the defunct Cyber Lin Kuei Factory like I asked?" Asked Hanzo as the trio were heading closer and closer to the main vault of the palace.

"Yes, Grandmaster. It remained completely untouched, still lying under tons of rock and Earth with no sign of disturbance." Replied the ninja on the right.

"Dammit, Cyber Lin Kuei tech does not just appear out of thin air. If the vault of weapons and tools has been breached, there is only one place left we can hide them, a place where this new assailant wouldn't even think to look." Growled Sub-Zero under his tone of voice.

"Where is that, Grandmaster?" Asked one of the ninja as the trio got closer to the vault room of the palace.

"A secret Lin Kuei storage vault in the heart of a major Chinese city. Whoever these thieves are, they will never find that vault. Let alone penetrate it." Said Sub-Zero as the group finally entered the vault room of the Lin Kuei Palace.

"When we are finished her, make sure to contact Special Forces and ask what they've found out."

"Of course, Grandmaster."

Opening the door, Sub-Zero and the other two ninja's eyes widened in disbelief as they saw a grey cyborg standing there at the end of the vault of treasures and weapons. The metal bars that were previously there to protect the most valued objects were torn off the wall and thrown to the floor. With the grey cyborg reaching for the severed robotic head of Sektor.

The cyborg stood there frozen as he stared at Sub-Zero and the two other ninja's standing there. Finally after a moment of silence, the room itself seemed to get far colder as Sub-Zero took three steps in, creating a trail of forming ice and icicles.

"How DARE you soil these Lin Kuei grounds with your unholy metallic presence?" Asked Sub-Zero spitefully as ice started to form around his hand. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The cyborg turned away from Sektor's head and stood there, staring down Sub-Zero and the two other ninjas who got into battle positions.

"It does not matter. The Cyber Lin Kuei shall return, and when it does every false Lin Kuei shall be forcibly cyberized to join the cause." Stated the robot in a cold tone.

"Not if I break you first." Threatened Sub-Zero as he ice slid into battle. As he was heading for the robot the robot leaped over Sub-Zero and turned around as the robot started wailing on Sub-Zero with a series of vicious punches and kicks.

That was until Sub-Zero started blocking the robots attacks and started attacking with a series of his own punches and kicks. Finishing it off with kicking the robot several feet back as he walked up to him and formed a sword made out of pure ice. As he lifted it above his head and was about to bring it down, the robots color instantly changed into a yellow version with slightly different armor.

Sub-Zero hesitated as he looked at the robot in shock. "Wha- Cyrax!? Is tha-UGH!"

But Sub-Zero wasn't able to finish with the robot taking advantage of the distraction. Quickly assaulting Sub-Zero with a series of punches before extracting a blade from the top of his wrist and slashing deeply into Sub-Zero's abdomen. Making the ice ninja stumble back and fall on the ground.

"No! Grandmaster! We'll help you!" Yelled the two young Lin Kuei as they charged in with their swords out. Meanwhile Sub-Zero laid on the ground and held his hand out, trying to get his young members to stop.

"Stop, you fools! This is my fight! He will kill you!" But Sub-Zero's warnings went on def ears. One of the ninjas swung his sword only for the cyborg to quickly dodge and grab the young ninja by the shoulder. Assaulting his chest with a series of rapid machine-like punches before administering one final punch that made his torso explode with his head, arms, and pieces of his torso flying everywhere.

"No!" Yelled Sub-Zero as the other young ninja stood there frozen in fear as the cyborg covered in his friends blood turned to him.

"You can be spared, if you join the new Cyber Lin Kuei initiative. I shall let you live and you shall become cyberized." Said the cyborg as the ninja backed up a bit, before charging forward. The cyborg dodged most of his attacks, before grabbing the blade of his katana with his robotic hand before snapping it.

The young ninja didn't even have time to react before the cyborg kicked one of his legs out and started viciously pummeling him before quickly tossing him into the air, where a gray cyborg teleported out of the floor below him and punched the ninja with so much force he cut him in half.

The two stood there soaked in the young ninja's blood as the injured Sub-Zero could do nothing but watch as the two assimilated back into one cyborg before walking over to the end of the vault again, grabbing Sektor's head and absorbing it into it's system.

Sub-Zero looked around for a weapon before finding a batarang hanging on the wall along with many other weapons.

"Lin Kuei. Sektor, assimilated. Triborg fully complete. Now time to- Ugh!" Sub-Zero tossed the batarang into the back of Triborg's head making him fall down. But the robotic ninja quickly picked himself back up to see the still bleeding Sub-Zero getting back up.

"Kuai Liang, I grow tired of this pathetic quarrel. Prepare for termination." Triborg switched over to his Sektor mode he held his hands out in front of him and was about to torch Sub-Zero alive. But before he could.

(Frooo!)

A blast of ice hit Triborg's arm as the robotic ninja stumbled back in surprise. "What in the-!?"

But when Triborg looked back up to see where the blast came from, he saw Frost dash right towards him and kick him in the face. Right before swinging her fist and shattering Triborg's frozen arm.

(Krack!)

"Error. Error. System malfunction. Repairs required."

The robot stumbled back, holding his frozen nub as Frost turned back to the injured Sub-Zero. "Master! We need to get you help!"

Frost was about to run over to Sub-Zero, but was stopped by her mentor holding his hand out. "No, Frost! Finish the cyborg before he escapes!"

Frost turned back to the injured Triborg to charge another blast of ice. But right as Frost fired her blast of ice, Triborg teleported away as the ice blast froze the wall instead.

"DAMMIT!" Growled Sub-Zero as Frost ran to his side and helped him up.

"What the hell was that?" Asked Frost as Sub-Zero coughed up a bit of blood.

"It is a ghost of the Lin Kuei's past... A mistake that must be corrected..."

Earthrealm: China, Buried Cyber Lin Kuei Factory

Triborg jumped through the floor and landed on the ground of the Cyber Lin Kuei assembly line. Triborg then walked over to a nearby computer as he started to type at it, causing multiple windows on the screen to flash and dash around the screen. As Triborg was typing away, two figures walked up behind him.

"So, how did things go?" Asked Kira.

"The mission was a success. Got ahold of Sektors data banks and now with his information, I can bring the Cyber Lin Kuei back." Said Triborg as he continued to type at the computer.

"And what happened to your arm?" Asked Kobra.

"A Lin Kuei brat got lucky and took it. But it does not matter, with this data, I shall return the Cyber Lin Kuei back to life." Said Triborg as he turned around to face the duo.

"So does that mean you'll remain loyal to Havik and keep your alliance with the Black Dragon?" Asked Kira.

"Of course, as long as your not planning to betray me. Along with tunneling your way into the Cyber Lin Kuei Factory and activating me, I shall remain loyal to Havik and you. By the way, do you have the... 'bodies' I asked for?" Asked Triborg as Korbra and Kira smirked and glanced at each other.

"Of course, for the right price." Said Kobra as he rubbed his fingers together.

"Money is no issue. Soon... Earthrealm shall tremble at the might of the Cyber Lin Kuei."

Netherrealm: Quan Chi's Lair

"Hahaha... I can't believe the library Quan Chi possesses. There is so much information here about the dark arts it can put the Necronomicon to shame." Said Havik as he flipped through one of Quan Chi's old spell books.

"Please tell me why I'm here again?" Asked Kano as he stood on the side impatiently with Daegon standing by his side.

"And why do I have to be here with this Black Dragon scum? Absolutely ridiculous." Said Daegon as Kano glared at the leader of the Red Dragons with Daegon glaring back.

"What was that, mate? Are you looking to get gutted? Because you've come to the right place." Said Kano as he pulled out one of his knives, all while Daegon gave Kano a furious look.

"That's how you talk to a son of Argus? That's how you talk to a demi-god? Bow down to me, and I MIGHT spare your pathetic life!" Commanded Daegon as he pointed to the ground, signaling Kano to bow to him.

"You've gotta be bloody kiddin' me! Take your bloody godhood, and shove it up your a-"

"Gentlemen, please!" Daegon and Kano stopped fighting as they looked over to see Havik walking up to them both, while holding one of the dark books he was just reading in one hand. "We all want the same thing here... absolute power and control. And trust me, with all the reading I've been doing here. I found a way to do just that. A source of power so strong, it would make Shinnok himself look like an amoeba."

"Fine, whatever. If it means that we'll finish this up and all get what we want, I'll be far away from this bastard." Said Kano gesturing to Daegon as Daegon growled at him.

"Same here..."

"So, how would you say your men did at the Shirai Ryu temple with testing those new weapons?" Asked Havik.

"All of em' are as dead as mud. But as far as I know, the weapons and test subjects were effective. Thanks to our robotic pal giving us access to the Cyber Lin Kuei tech." Said Kano with a smirk.

"Havik! Their back, and they got the rest of the Kamidogu." Said Skarlet as Havik, Daegon, and Kano looked over to see Skarlet walking toward them with a possessed Raiden, Taisa, and D'vorah holding a body over her shoulder trailing a few feet behind the red female ninja.

"Excellent work! I knew I could always count on you." Said Havik as Raiden handed Havik the box filled with the three other Kamidogu.

"Plus, this one brought Havik a gift. As a show of our loyalty and commitment." Stated D'vorah as Havik looked over in interest as D'vorah pulled down the unconscious man from her shoulder and laid him on the ground. Revealing it to be Johnny Cage. Havik bent down to inspect the unconscious form of Johnny Cage as he laughed to himself.

"Hehehe... Why would I waste my time on an Acorn like Casandra Cage when I have the mighty oak which is Johnny Cage himself? His green energy shall indeed be useful." Havik stood back up as he pointed to D'vorah and Raiden.

"Wonderful work D'vorah, I assure you, your reward will be grand for your generous contributions. Now take him to the dungeon. We'll deal with him later." Raiden and D'vorah nodded as they both picked up Johnny from each end and carried him away.

"Now that's done with..." Havik turned back to Kano and Daegon. "You two can begin your assault on the Shirai Ryu temple. But, make sure when you find Hanzo Hasashi. Bring him to me alive. I do believe I have a new tactic to regain the help of Scorpion."

"That's no problem. Although, we will need a little more assistance in order to take down a clan as powerful as the Shirai Ryu." Said Daegon as Havik nodded happily.

"I was hoping you were going to ask that. Because I have a few new friends who are just dying to help out. Now, I'm no master sorcerer like Quan Chi, but I am not a slacker in the magik department. And some of these faces, you might recognize..." Said Havik as he gestured to his left where three figures walked out of the shadows. Showing them to be revenants of Hsu Hao, Forest Fox, and Reiko.

"Scorpion, will be mine..." Stated Havik with a devilish smirk.

Note: Real quick note, if any of my readers out there is familiar with the game of Shogi and I somehow misrepresented the way the game is played, I apologize. I tried to represent the game as best as I could. Anyway, follow, favorite, and subscribe if you like this fic. Also, leave a review and tell me what you think. Bye.

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