Manado, Zaveer, Ashrah, Sareena, Li Mei, Tanya and the Tarkatan group exit the portal and find themselves in Vaeternus, or more specifically, a place called the drum canyons. The environment is very hot and dry and the terrain is colored in blacks and reds, but the canyon walls are shaped like drums, hence the name. The most telltailing detail however is that the sky is glowing in a bright red color.

"So Tanya, do you have any idea where Rain would have had Mileena locked up?" Manado asks.

"Knowing him, he would most likely have her trapped inside a cave somewhere." Tanya explains.

Manado then notices a large group of Vaeternians and Tarkatans walking through a large opening within the canyon walls.

"That must be where Mileena is being kept." Manado points out.

"Then we don't have much time. We must move immediately." Zaveer suggests.

"Even with our combined power, we can't face the army head on. We need to drive them away from the cave." Ashrah says.

"I have an idea." Manado says.

In the cave, a couple Vaeternians guard the entrance of the cave as Nitara approach them.

"Any disturbances?" Nitara asks.

"Negative, your highness." Unnamed Vaeternian says.

A loud roar then gains their attention as they then see an army of Camazotz flying high in the sky, seemingly flying towards the cave.

"Send out the army." Nitara orders.

Moments pass before Nitara and a large group of Vaeternians engage in kombat with the Camazotz. A few of the Camazotz send out fireballs, knocking down a couple Vaeternians before they forces engage in physical kombat.

Back at the cave, Manado and the group have reached the cave entrance, their backs against the cave wall to stay hidden. manado then looks inside the cave and finds no one guarding the entrance. Signaling that it's clear, Manado and the group rush to enter the cave when they are suddenly confronted by Khameleon, followed by a group of Tarkatans.

"Manado, so glad you could join us. Come, we must be ready for the ceremony." Khameleon says.

"Sorry Khameleon. But no one will become vampires today." Manado informs.

"Then you are horribly misinformed Restrain them!" Kameleon orders before the Tarkatan group charges into battle.

Manado's group along with their own group of rebellious Tarkatans then charge in to defend themselves.

While the group fights the tarkatans, Sareena has managed to slip through the battleground to face Khameleon herself.

"The Vaeterians will not prevail." Sareena assures.

"My dear, It's already too late for that. Mileena is already on the process of being turned. And soon... all of you will join her." Khameleon says before she assumes her fighting stance.

They then fight. Despite Khameleon's ferocity and agility as a member of the Zaterran race, Sareena's Netherrealm magic and fighting skill is more than enough to counter her attacks. After a fierce battle, Khameleon is left on the floor, defeated.

"Khameleon, hear us out." Sareena asks.

Khameleon then charges again but Sareena manages to hold the Zaterren into a headlock. Sareena then notices some kind of device on the back of Khameleon's neck. Sareena then grabs hold of device, despite Khameleon's resistance and manages to remove it from her neck. Once it's removed, Khameleon falls limp in Sareena's hold. Sareena then puts her down onto the floor as she looks at the device in confusion.

"Manado. There seems to be more going on than we thought," Sareena says.

"What do you mean, Sareena?" Manado asks.

"I pulled this out of Khameleon's neck during our fight. I feel you should have a look." Sareena says.

"Let me see." Manado says.

Sareena then gives Manado the small device. As he looks it over, he begins to realize what it is.

"Zaveer, take a look at this." Manado suggests.

Zaveer then looks at the device himself before seeing what Manado has seen.

"A mind control chip?" Zaveer asks.

"That seems to be the case, Zaveer." Manado says.

"But how did the Vaeternians make such a device?" Ashrah asks.

"They didn't. This chip has black dragon written all over it. This is Kano's doing." Zaveer explains.

"But why would Kano give them such a thing?" Li Mei asks.

"Money. Greed is what drives him. He must've been paid a large sum of money if the Vaeternians were given such a contraption." Manado explains.

Suddenly a voice can be heard from outside the cave.

"Your resistance end today!" The voice calls out.

Manado and the group looks towards the entrance and find Nitara standing there, bloodied from the battle with a small group of Vaeternians standing behind her.

"I would say I'm glad to see you here Manado, but it seems you have become quite the nuisance." Nitara says.

"Well that's what happens when you threaten those I care about, along with brainwashing my allies." Manado says.

"Regardless, you are too late to save Mileena. She's already undergoing the transformation." Nitara informs.

"That won't stop me from trying." Manado says.

With a speech, Nitara sends the group of Vaeternians to attack. As the group attacks the contingent of vampires, Sareena confronts Nitara.

"You will not succeed, Demon." Nitara says.

"The only one who will fall is you." Sareena says.

They then start to fight. Nitara proves to be a formidable opponent for the demoness. Nitara's strength, agility, and vampiric magic proves to be difficult to overcome, but Sareena's determination and unwavering will power keeps her in the fight. After a long battle, Nitara is knocked down.

"You lead your race to their extinction, Nitara." Sareena says.

As Sareena observes the down Vaeterian, she finds that Nitara also has a mind control device on her neck as well. Sareena then kneels down and removes it. But this point, Manado and the group have successfully subdued the vampires.

"She's been brainwashed as well. There seems to be a form of treason happening here." Sareena points out.

"I believe that we will find the answers in whatever lies at the end of this cave." Manado says.

"Then let us make haste." Ashrah says before the group begin the descent into the cave.

Later, Manado and the rest of the group find themselves in what appears to be some sort of lab. Potions, test tubes, even prison cells could be seen.

"This feels like the flesh pits all over again." Manado says.

"With any luck, we won't have to be here for very long." Ashrah says.

Just then, the gateways that lead to the lab close behind the group, locking them in. Some of the Tarkatans tried to cut their way out but their blades were only scratching the door. Then from one of the balconies, a voice can be heard.

"Welcome everyone." The voice says.

The group then turns to look up at the balcony above the lab and they see a Vaeternian with similar traits as Nitara. Wings coming out of the back, sharp claws on the hands and feet and sharp teeth. The difference being that the wings and claws are black in color, and the teeth are bigger.

"Who are you?" Manado asks.

"Who am I? I am Kasomira, Queen of the Vaeternian race and soon... your master!" Kasomira says.

"Yeah, that's not gonna happen, fang toothed freak." Zaveer says.

"How dare you?! Now you will suffer!" Kahil says angrily before jumping off the balcony and landing in front of the group.

"You think you scare us? You know we defeated Shinnok right?" Manado asks.

"Shinnok was a false god who's overconfidence led to his downfall, and now it will be yours." Kasomira says.

Kasomira then yells something in a vampiric language and then suddenly a large group of Vampires come out of the walls and land behind her. After a command from Kasomira, the Vampires charge towards the Tarkatans, Manado, Zaveer, Ashrah, Li Mei, and Tanya while Sareena charges towards Kasomira. Sareena attempts to strike her with kick to the head, but Kasomira backs away from the kick. Kasomira then lunges towards Sareena and manages to land a strike to the abdomen then to the face, staggering her back. Sareena then assumes her fighting stance.

"We Vaeternians will soon rule all of Outworld and after that, all of the realms." Kasomira says.

They then fight. Kasomira's fighting skill and Vampiric abilities makes her a very dangerous threat but Sareena manages to hold her own using her Netherrealm abilities. After an exhausting battle, Sareena manages to knock Kasomira to the floor.

"Don't count on your plans succeeding Kasomira." Sareena says.

At this Manado then walks to the barely conscious Kasomira and grabs her by the collar.

"Where is Mileena?" Manado asks.

"Let me show you." Kahil says.

She then presses a red button that was on the Wall. Suddenly a gate starts to slowly open and the group takes notice and turns toward it. When the gate fully opens, the group is shocked by what is on the other side. It was Mileena, but has been turned into a full on Vampire.

"No." Manado says.

"Mom? What have they done to you?" Zaveer asks.

"They helped me son. I've never felt better." Mileena says.

"All they did is enslave you, Mileena." Manado says.

"I am no slave. I am perfection." Mileena says.

"No. This is the vampire's spell that is speaking and now I must break it." Manado says, assuming his fighting stance.

"Silly Osh-Tekk, you are no match for my power." Mileena says.

Sareena then steps in front of Manado.

"Sareena, what are you doing?" Manado asks.

"I'll deal with Mileena. Find a way to free her from their control." Sareena says.

Manado nods and gathers the rest of the group as Sareena and Mileena engage in kombat.

"We need a way to reverse the spell." Manado says.

"You managed to free me and Sareena from the Netherrealm with Sorcery. Maybe that can help Mileena as well." Ashrah suggests.

Manado then pulls out the book of sorcery he took from the Netherrealm.

"That could work. I just need to find the right spell." Manado says.

Before he could open the book, Kasomira confronts the group.

"You will not undo my work!" Kasomira yells.

"Keep her away. I need time to find the right spell." Manado says.

The group then engages in kombat with Kasomira as Manado goes through the book of Sorcery.

As for Sareena, she can be seen being pushed back by the now vampiric Mileena.

"No one can hold back the Vaeternian's power!" Mileena yells.

They then fight. This fight proves to be one of Sareena's toughest in her life. Mileena's new found vampiric powers along with her skills she knew before make her one of the most dangerous enemies she has ever encountered. Sareena is forced to use everything she knows to try and take Mileena out of action. After a long and ferocious battle, Sareena has finally managed to knock Mileena down to the ground.

"Now it is time to free your soul." Sareena says.

Manado continues to look through the book as Kasomira knocks Tanya down to the ground. She then looks towards Manado in anger and flies towards him.

"Manado!" Sareena calls out.

Manado looks a moment too late and is tackled to the ground, the book being knocked out of his hands.

"You've caused me enough trouble, Manado. Now, I will end your life." Kasomira says.

Kasomira then summons her magic and prepares to finish Manado. Before she could finish him off, she is kicked away from Manado and falls to the floor. Looking up, she finds Nitara and Khameleon helping Manado back to his feet.

"I should've known they freed you, Nitara. I'm disappointed." Kasomira says.

"What you have done will be seen as an act of treason... mother." Nitara says.

"Not if you are silenced." Kasomira says before charging towards Nitara.

Nitara charges as well and the two then fly higher in the air as they collide. Khameleon then looks towards Manado.

"I'll help her with Kasomira. Help Mileena." Khameleon says.

"Thank you." Manado says.

Khameleon nods her head and runs off to aid Nitara. Manado then picks up the book and goes through the pages.

"Come on. I know it's in here." Manado says in frustration.

He then finds a page with a picture of what looks to be a brain of kind. Manado realizes he has found the right spell. At this point, Mileena gets up again but Sareena grabs her from behind, preventing her from escaping. Mileena struggles as tries to release herself from Sareena's grip but to no avail. Manado then approaches the two of them.

"Keep her still Sareena. We only have one shot at this." Manado says..

"Do it fast. I can't hold her for long." Sareena says.

Mileena manages to free one of her hands and tries to strike Sareena, but Ashrah then grabs hold of her free hand band restraints her. As Mileena struggles to free her arms, Zaveer then holds her in a chokehold to keep her head restrained.

"Hurry Dad. Do it now!" Zaveer urges.

Looking at the page, Manado then starts chanting a spell while holding out his right hand towards Mileena, causing his hand to glow with green magic. After a moment, Mileena's eyes flash between red and green, showing the two spells fighting for control. As Manado finishes his chant, Mileena's eyes glow bright green before the glow dissipates and Mileena ceases her resistance. Zaveer, Ashrah and Sareena release their hold on Mileena as she then falls to her knees. Zaveer then kneels down to aid her. Sareena looks towards Manado.

"Did it work?" Sareena asks.

"Yeah. Yeah, I think so." Manado says.

Mileena regains her focus while still on her knees and looks around the room.

"Where am I?" Mileena asks.

"Easy there, mom. You've had a rough one." Zaveer says.

"Mileena then looks towards Zaveer.

"Son?" Mileena asks.

"Yes mom. It's me." Zaveer assures.

Mileena then embraces Zaveer in a hug which Zaveer happily returns. Manado then approaches the two of them and kneels down

"Manado? What happened?" Mileena asks in confusion.

"Rain betrayed you, brought you here to Vaeternus. I hate to say this but... they have changed you." Manado explains.

"Changed me? What are you..." Mileena asks before looking down at her hands and sees that her skin is now pale in a shade of white.

"What did they do to me?" Mileena asks.

Manado then sighs.

"Kasomira, the queen of the Vaeternians, brainwashed two of your servants and had them bring you here. She then turned into a vampiric being." Manado explains.

Mileena feels disheartened by this sudden information. Manado then hugs her as a way to try and comfort her. She then accepts the hug and hugs back.

"Don't worry, we'll find a way around it." Manado assures.

"I hope you're right." Mileena says.

Just then, the group hears an pained yell coming from above. Manado, Mileena, and Zaveer look up to see Kasomira falling from the air and landing hard to the ground. The three then see Nitara and Khameleon standing close by. Mileena then stands and walks towards the two.

"Mileena, we didn't..." Nitara says before being cut off.

"You weren't of your right mind. You don't owe me an apology. I'm just glad your alright." Mileena assures.

Nitara and Khameleon then smile.

"Thank you, your highness." Khameleon says.

At this point, Kasomira can be seen struggling to her feet as she looks to see Manado, Zaveer, Mileena, Tanya, Ashrah, Sareena, Li Mei, Khameleon, and Nitara standing before her with angered expressions.

"You ruined everything. You doomed vaeternus to extinction." Kasomira says.

"No Kasomira, you did that yourself. Your daughter would've secured their protection by continuing to aid Mileena in defeating Kotal Kahn. Instead, you decide to brainwash her and Khameleon and turn Mileena into a vampire.

Mileena then looks at Kasomira with hate in her eyes as she clenches her hands into fists. Manado takes notice of this and looks towards Nitara.

"Nitara, it's your choice. What fate will bestow upon your mother?" Manado asks.

Nitara looks at her mother for a moment before looking back towards Manado.

"Deal with her as you wish. She's dead to me anyway." Nitara says.

With that, Mileena approaches the downed Vaeternian and grabs her by the throat.

"You will bleed for what you have done to me." Mileena says angrily.

Mileena then stabs Kasomira in the shoulder with her Sai, causing her to yell in pain. Mileena then take hold of her Sai still embedded in Kasomira's shoulder and drags her into an area of the lab encased in darkness. Sounds of screams from Kasomira are then heard. Although Manado and the others can't see what is happening, the sounds of flesh being ripped apart is enough for them to understand what is going on. A moment passes before a sound of ripped flesh and bone silences the screams as Kasomira's head suddenly rolls out of the shadows. Looking down at the head for a second, Manado looks up to see Mileena covered in blood, courtesy of ripping Kasomira apart. She then takes one of her Sai and kicks the blood off it.

"Tasty." Mileena says.

Mileena then shakes his head and chuckles in amusement.

"Some things never change." Manado says.

"Now that we've saved Mileena from the Vaeternians, what happens now?" Ashrah asks.

"Mileena. Remember our agreement from before?" Manado asks.

"Yessss. I do." Mileena says.

"Nitara, as the newly crowned queen of the vampires, I want you to prepare the Vaeternians. We will strike Kotal Kahn in the dead of night." Manado says..

"It will be done." Nitara assures.

"Hold on Manado. Why would you attack Kotal Kahn?" Li Mei asks.

"I think it's time for an explanation Li Mei. The thing is, Kotal Kahn is not the person you think he is. On the surface, he gives off the appearance of a just and compassionate emperor. But in reality, he is just as bad as Shao Kahn was. He sees the Osh-Tekk as the superior race and is attempting to to wipe off all opposing races because he sees them as inferior." Manado explains.

"That... that can't be." Li Mei says in shock.

"Believe me. I was shocked too when I found out. But it's true." Manado says.

"If what you're saying is true Manado, then me and Sareena have your back." Ashrah says as Sareena nods her head.

"As do I." Tanya says.

"As do all of us." Khameleon says, everyone nodding in response.

"Zaveer?" Manado asks.

"You know that wherever you and mom go, I will follow." Zaveer says.

Mileena smiles at her son as Manado does as well.

"Then prepare yourselves because in two days time, Kotal Kahn will fall." Manado says.