About a week has passed since Shinnok's defeat and Manado and Zaveer can be seen walking through a clearing in the same forest that the S.F. team fought against Kotal Kahn's forces.

"I still can't believe you can turn into that nightmare thing." Zaveer says.

"Believe me, I have a hard time believing it myself." Manado says.

He then looks towards his son.

"So... how are things going with the Cassandra and Jacqueline?" Manado asks.

"Things have actually been going great. Obviously Johnny welcomed the relationship with open arms. Sonya and Jax.. it took a bit of convincing before they could accept it." Zaveer explains.

"Can't say I'm surprised. They've been through a lot. They don't want their kids going through the same things they went through. That's why I didn't want you involved in the civil war in Outworld." Manado explains.

"Can't say I don't understand why. I just wish I could've been there to help settle things with mom." Zaveer says.

"I know. But things will get better. I can promise you that." Manado says as he puts his hand on Zaveer's shoulder.

Zaveer looks at his father, a soft smile forms on his face.

"Thanks dad." Zaveer says.

Manado pats his shoulder a couple times before the two continue on their walk through the woods. After awhile, the Chujins notice what appeared to be some kind of campsite that had a large tent and a campfire in front. The flames on the fire have indicated that it has been lit very recently. Manado then looks at the symbols on the tent and recognizes them as coming from Outworld, specifically from Sun Do.

"Looks like we're here." Manado says.

"I gonna be honest with you. I never thought that anybody would ask you to train them in kombat." Zaveer says.

"I will admit, it came right out of the blue, but Li Mei wishes to defend her village in case anything attacks it again, which is why I agreed to train her." Manado explains.

Suddenly, footsteps catch their attention and they quickly look around in search of the source. After a moment of not seeing anything, a voice breaks the eerie silence of the forest.

"I'm glad you managed to find this place." The voice says.

The Chujins turn around to see Li Mei on the south side of camp, carrying wood for the fire.

"Took awhile, but we found it nonetheless" Manado says.

"Well I'm just glad you're here either way." Li Mei says.

"Since we're here, I believe proper introductions are in order. Li Mei, this is my son, Zaveer." Manado introduces.

"It's an honor to meet you Zaveer." Li Mei says.

"Likewise, Li Mei." Zaveer says.

"Anyway, since we're here, are you ready for your training?" Manado asks.

"Im as ready as I'll ever be." Li Mei says.

Manado then smiles.

"Then let your training commence." Manado says.

As the days pass, Manado, with the assistance of Zaveer, has been teaching Li Mei in the ways of kombat, using the knowledge he learned from both his time as Raiden's champion and his time in Outworld. Starting off with simple punches, kicks and occasionally fighting stances but as time progresses, Manado starts to teach her how to do more complex moves. Days have turned into weeks and Manado has grown quite fond of his new student. He knew that they were friends but something about her made him feel like there was more than meets the eye, but what those feelings were, Manado decided to push them aside for now. Eventually, Manado believes that Li Mei is ready. On the last day of training, Li Mei stands before Manado.

"You have grown strong Li Mei." Manado says.

"Thank you, Master Chujin." Li Mei says as she lowers her head to him.

"Which is why I now believe that you are ready for your first fight." Manado says.

"First fight?" Li Mei asks in confusion.

Manado simply turns, pulls out his blue gem and opens a portal. A moment passes before two humanoid figures appear from the portal. As they exit the portal, it is revealed to be Ashrah and Sareena. The portal then closes behind them. Manado then steps forward.

"Greetings Ashrah. Sareena." Manado says.

"It's good to see you again, Manado." Sareena says.

"So who's the one you've been training?" Ashrah asks.

Manado then turns towards Li Mei and introduces her to them.

"Li Mei, this is Ashrah and Sareena. Two demonesses of the Netherrealm before I aided in their escape." Manado introduces.

"Greetings. My name is Li Mei." Li Mei introduces herself.

"It's nice to finally meet you Li Mei." Sareena says.

"Anyway, the reason I have brought you here is to help Li Mei with her final steps of the training." Manado explains.

"By kombat I assume?" Ashrah asks.

"Yes. By Kombat." Manado replies.

Ashrah, Sareena, and Li Mei are stunned to hear this.

"Manado, are you sure she is ready for this? She has only been training for a couple months." Ashrah asks.

"If I sure of anything, I know she's ready." Manado says.

Li Mei smiles at him.

"Very well." Sareena says.

Later, Sareena and Li Mei can be seen in a clearing assuming their fighting stances.

"You two ready?" Manado asks.

The two women nod in acknowledgment.

Zaveer looks towards his father.

"Are you certain about this?" Zaveer says.

Manado looks towards Zaveer.

"Trust me son, Li Mei has what it takes." Manado assures.

Zaveer nods his head before Manado looks back towards Li Mei.

"Remember, in real fights, your opponents will not hold back." Manado reminds.

Li Mei takes a deep breath before preparing herself for the fight.

"I am ready." Li Mei says.

"Let us see what Manado has taught you." Sareena says.

They then fight. Sareena abilities and fighting skills proves to be a very tough fight for Li Mei. But using what she has learned from Manado, she finds herself on even ground with Sareena and when the battle ended, Sareena is the one that is knocked down to the ground.

"You honor me with this fight, Sareena." Li Mei says.

Manado is proud of what he has seen from his student. Sareena picks herself up and walks off to stand next to Manado.

"You have prevailed, Li Mei. Now for your next test. Ashrah." Manado says.

Ashrah nods before walking into the clearing to face Li Mei.

"In terms of fighting hand to hand, you have proven yourself to be quite the fighter. Now let us see if you can defend yourself against one of these." Ashrah says before pulling out her kriss.

Li Mei responds to this by pulling out her own weapon. The Kunlun Dao.

"A Kunlun Dao. In the right hands, a formidable weapon to wield." Ashrah says.

"And I wield it with honor, Ashrah." Li Mei assures.

"Let us see." Ashrah says.

They then fight. Ashrah proves herself to be quite the capable fighter. Her magic, combined with her skills in sword fighting with her kriss proves as tough of a match Li Mei expected it to be. So with her newfound skill, she takes Ashrah head on and after a fierce battle, Ashrah has been defeated.

"It is done." Li Mei says.

Li Mei walks up to Ashrah and offers her hand. Ashrah kindly accepts and is helped up.

"Congratulations Li Mei. You have proven to be a strong warrior. Manado has taught you well." Ashrah says.

"Thank you, Ashrah." Li Mei says.

Manado and then walks up to her and bows.

"Well done Li Mei. You have proved yourself to be the warrior you wished to be and it makes me proud to be your teacher." Manado says.

Li Mei then hugs Manado who accepts the hug and hugs back. They then let go as Zaveer, Ashrah and Sareena walk towards them and the five warriors then smile at one another, proud of what has been accomplished.

Later that night, Manado, Zaveer, Li Mei, Ashrah, and Sareena can be seen sitting around a campfire cooking up some deer meat. As the meat is cooking the four warriors exchange stories to each other.

"I imagine being part of Quan Chi's sisterhood of shadow was similar to what it would be like as a revenant." Zaveer says.

"But unlike the revenants, Sareena and I had more control of our actions since we were not so much brainwashed by his magic but rather manipulated by his lies. But it we showed hesitation, that is when he would brainwash us. Sareena went through that before." Ashrah explains.

"I can't fathom the things you been through." Manado says.

"Yeah, its not something I like thinking about." Sareena says.

"I do have to ask though, how did you break free of Quan Chi's control?" Li Mei asks.

Ashrah and Sareena look at each other before nodding and turning back towards Manado and Li Mei.

"For me, I was helped by a warrior named Bi Han." Sareena explains.

"You mean the first Sub Zero?" Manado asks.

"Yes. He helped me break free from Quan Chi's control but lacked the power needed to help me escape from the Netherrealm." Sareena explains.

"I see." Li Mei says.

"How do you know him?" Sareena asks.

"I don't know much about him. What I do know is that during the tournament, Scorpion ripped out his spine out of blind rage. Afterwards, Quan Chi corrupted his soul and turn him a wraith, forcing him into his service." Manado explains.

"That is... terrible to hear." Li Mei says.

"But from what I know, Bi Han as a wraith should no longer exist since he was swallowed by a storm of souls during Shao Kahn's invasion." Manado says.

"At least he isn't around to still be controlled." Sareena says.

Manado then sighs.

"Anyways, what about you Ashrah?" Zaveer asks.

"Well I..." Ashrah says before something unseen catches her attention.

Manado notices her change of expression.

"What is it?" Manado asks.

"Someone approaches." Ashrah informs.

Manado, Zaveer, Li Mei, and Sareena then turn to look where Ashrah was looking and sure enough, someone is approaching. Who the group saw was Rain and Tanya followed by a group of Tarkatans. As they edge closer, Manado steps forwards to confront them.

"Rain? Tanya? What are you two doing here in Earthrealm?" Manado asks.

"Mileena requires your presence." Rain informs.

Hearing his mother's name give Zaveer a shock. Before he could say anything, Li Mei beat him to it.

"Mileena? I thought she was dead." Li Mei thought.

Rain and Tanya then turn towards the rest of the group.

"All of Outworld believes that, but it's false. Mileena is very much alive and Manado, we need you to come with us." Tanya says.

"Did she say why she wants me?" Manado asks.

"She merely wishes to speak with you. You and Zaveer." Rain says.

Manado then looks in Rain eyes and all he sees is deception and becomes weary.

"Something tells me that I shouldn't believe it. If that was the case, she would've come here to tell me herself." Manado points out.

Rain begins to lose his patience.

"You will come with us or we will have to use force." Rain warns.

"Don't do something you'll regret." Manado warns.

"Too late." Rain says before throwing a palm strike to Manado's chest, sending him backwards.

As Zavver helps him up, the Tarkatans charge in. Ashrah and Sareena fight the Tarkatans, Manado and Zaveer fight Rain, and Li Mei fights Tanya.

Li Mei dodges several incoming strikes and tries to counter her with an overhead strike but Tanya blocks the attack and sends her backwards with a right hook to the face.

"The Chujins will be brought before Mileena." Tanya says.

"You want them, you gotta go through me." Li Mei says.

They then fight. Tanya's abilities and edenian magic proves to be a tough challenge for Li Mei since she was only trained in kombat for a couple months, but she manages to hold her own. Using her own skills and agility, Tanya eventually gets overwhelmed and falls to the floor unconscious.

"You will leave empty headed." Li Mei says.

Meanwhile, Ashrah and Sareena have taken out the Tarkatans but have been pushed back by Rain's water magic. Zaveer then charges towards Rain and sends a wave of purple energy towards the edenian, but Rain blocks the attack with a wall of water that engulfs the energy and sends it back towards Zaveer. The wall of water makes contact and Zavver fall to the floor in pain.

Manado rushes to Zaveer's aid.

"Do not evoke my wrath, Manado." Rain warns.

Manado looks up and glares at Rain when suddenly, Rain senses an attack and blocks it with one of his daggers. He sees that Li Mei had attempted to strike him down with her Kunlun Dao. Rain then kicks her back, making her stumble.

"It is useless to fight me further. The Chujins will submit." Rain says.

"I'm not afraid of you Rain. No matter the odds, I will do whatever it takes to beat you. I cannot fail." Li Mei says.

They then fight. Rain has proven to be Li Mei's toughest fight yet. His water abilities and fighting skills have shown to be tough to counter but Li Mei's newfound determination and courage gives her the edge she needed. After a long battle, Li Mei finally manages to knock the edenian down to the ground.

"Now Rain, return to Outworld!" Li Mei demands.

As Rain struggles to stand, Manado helps Zaveer back to his feet, but realizes something about the encounter.

"Hold on! Something's not right." Manado says.

"What do you mean?" Li Mei asks.

"If Mileena did want to speak with me, she would've come and speak to me herself. Rain's hiding something." Manado explains.

He then walks over to the weakened Rain, picks him up by the vest and hoists him in the air.

"Alright Rain, what is your game?" Manado asks.

"Only what I've said." Rain assures.

"Don't you dare tell me lies! I know you want the throne of Outworld and I know you are not really Mileena's ally, that she is just a pawn to your game, so cut the nonsense and tell me, WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?" Manado says angrily.

Tanya looks confused at what is going on as she picks herself off the ground. Rain just chuckles.

"So desperate for information, aren't you? Well, you'll get nothing out of me." Rain says.

Angered, Manado throws Rain into a tree, bending the tree from the impact. Manado approaches the downed Rain and pulls him back up and brings a beatdown to the edenians. Punching him over and over again, blood spilling from each blow. Manado then kicks Rain over his head and before Rain hits the ground, Manado cataches Rain with the same leg and then lifts the leg up and then down, slamming him down to the ground. Manado then picks him up again and slams him into another tree before hoisting him in the head against the tree.

"I'm not playing your game, Edenian! What are you planning? Tell Me!" Manado demands.

Despite the blood in his mouth, Rain manages to let out a chuckle before looking at Manado dead in the eye.

"Mileena was nothing but a means to get to my main goal. And now everything is in place." Rain says.

"What are you talking about?" Manado asks.

"She has been taken to Vaeternus. She will be transformed into an undead, mindless monster for my ascension to the throne." Rain explains.

Manado's anger turns to shock for a moment before his anger returns again. He then slams him into the tree once more before dropping him to the ground. He then looks to the group of Tarkatans who heard everything.

"Deal with him as you wish." Manado says.

The Tarkatans then look towards the downed Rain and growl before rushing towards him. When they reach him, they begin the process of tearing him apart as Rain screams in agony. As this was happening, Manado walks over to Zaveer, Ashrah, Sareena, and Li Mei.

"Vaeternus? If they succeed. Mom will be lost forever." Zaveer says.

"Which is why we leave for Vaeternus immediately." Manado says.

"Manado. This is a very serious situation. The Vaeternians outnumber us a hundred to one. We would never get close to her." Ashrah points out.

"Then stealth will be our best chance for success." Manado says.

"But the risk Manado..." Li Mei says before being cut off.

"Li Mei. We are left with no other option. Besides, I lost my mother once. I won't lose her again." Zaveer says.

Li Mei stands there in thought for a moment nodding her head in response.

"Glad we are all in agreement. Now, let's go save Mileena." Manado says.

The four warriors then nod as Manado then uses his gem to open a portal. Manado, Zaveer, Li Mei, Ashrah and Sareena then start walking towards the portal to enter Outworld.

Before they can enter, Tanya and the tarkatans approach them.

"Manado. I wish to accompany you and your allies for this mission." Tanya requests.

"How do I know I can trust you? Especially when you attacked us mere moments ago?" Manado asks.

"I understand your mistrust Manado, but believe me when I say that I was unaware of Rain's true intentions. If I had known, I would've not agreed to coming here. Please... let me help you save Mileena." Tanya explains.

Manado then turns towards Zaveer, Ashrah, Sareena, and Li Mei as they then nod to him. He then turns towards Tanya again.

"Alright Tanya, Let us go save her." Manado.

With a nod from Tanya, Manado, Zaveer, Li Mei, Ashrah, Sareena and the Tarkatans enter the portal, with the hopes they can save Mileena in time.