Inside of the Shokan palace in Outworld, Kitana stands before Queen Sheeva, who is seated on a giant throne that seems a bit small for her.

"You are passionate, Princess Kitana. But... I am not persuaded." Sheeva says.

"Queen Sheeva, haven't your people fared better under Mileena Kahn than Shao Kahn?" Kitana asks.

"In some ways. But we can only guess which Kahn will prevail in this struggle. We gain no advantage, choosing sides now." Sheeva explains.

As she talks, two Shokan guards escort Liu Kang and Kung Lao into the throne room.

"Princess!" Younger Liu Kang calls out.

Kitana turns to face him.

"Liu Kang? Why are you here?" Kitana asks.

"Kotal and Mileena have been captured by the Tarkatans. We must act quickly, before they are executed." Younger Liu Kang explains.

Upon hearing this news, Sheeva rises from her seat.

"My people will not rally to a Kahn held in chains." Sheeva says.

Kitana then motions to the Shaolin Monks.

"We have Earthrealm's support, your Highness. With yours, we can guarantee victory." Kitana says.

"There is no path to victory without the Tarkatans. If they can be swayed to Mileena, it would be to our advantage to join him." Sheeva explains.

"I will return, Queen Sheeva, with the Tarkatans at my side. Together we will march on Shao Kahn." Kitana promises.

Later at the Tarkatan campsite, Kollector, flanked by two Tarkatans, walks past a prisoner cart. The Tarkatans are dragging the unconscious bodies of Kotal and Mileena behind them by their feet. The cart is opened up and the Tarkatans unceremoniously dump Kotal and Mileena in the back. The door slams shut as they wakes up and pulls themselves up to their feet.

Next to another cart full of prisoners, Shao Kahn stands with Skarlet. They both watch two more Tarkatans dragging a struggling Jade into a nearby tent and start walking to the tent themselves.

"What is it about Jade's blood that intrigues you, Skarlet?" Shao Kahn asks.

"Edenian blood is most sweet, your Excellency. It is also a rare commodity." Scarlet explains.

Behind them, the carts of prisoners begin to ride off. Shao Kahn stops and turns back to the carts as Skarlet walks into the tent.

On a cliff overseeing the Tarkatan camp. Kitana, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao step to the edge, alongside some Outworld horses and a couple of Kotal's scouts. They look out across the camp, easily spotting the large procession of Shao Kahn's forces and the prisoner carts they escort.

"Where are they taking them?" Liu Kang asks.

"To the Koliseum, no doubt." Kitana replies.

"Then we attack now." Kung Lao says.

"We'll never sway Baraka to Mileena's side by taking the offensive. We must turn Baraka first, then attack Shao Kahn together." Kitana says.

Below them, the cart with Kotal loaded in it leaves the campsite.

"The Tarkatans won't grant an audience. Their instinct will be to attack." Kung Lao points out.

"Not to mention Jade. At the first sign of trouble, they could kill her." Liu kang reminds.

Behind Kitana and the monks, the Outworld scouts saddle up on their mounts.

"I have an idea." Kitana says.

Later in the Tarkatan camp, a male warrior sharpens his arm blade on a grindstone. Another flexes his blades as a human would with his arms. Another mounts an Outworld steed. Many more stand guard wielding pikes, ready for trouble. One suddenly turns his head and snarls. Two Outworld soldiers - both male with well toned physiques and wearing face concealing masks - escort a captured Kitana through the campsite. These soldiers are actually Liu Kang and Kung Lao in disguise.

"Who is in charge here?" Liu Kang asks.

They proceed to walk through the camp unmolested, though the Tarkatans tail them suspiciously.

Inside the tent, Skarlet holds both her hands against Jade's face.

"Almost done. Then time to feast." Scarlet says.

The tent pulsates with the blood magic she is performing. Jade begins to scream in agony. Her eyes turn bloodshot and the veins in her face ripple against her skin. As Jade moans in agony while Skarlet violates her with blood magic, the Monks disguised as Outworld soldiers bring Kitana into the tent. Upon seeing the princess, Skarlet stops her ritual and Jade falls unconscious to the floor.

"Princess Kitana?" Scarlet asks in surprise.

"Our gift for Shao Kahn. We wish to join his fight against Kotal." Liu Kang says.

Skarlet seductively walks over to her.

"All those years, the Kahn's high and mighty daughter. Now brought low by common soldiers. Have you learned, finally, that you're no better than the rest of us?" Scarlet asks.

She leans in to place her hands on Kitana's face, but Liu Kang pushes her back.

"She is for Shao Kahn. We demand to see Baraka." Liu Kang demands.

"You won't be seeing anyone... Liu Kang." Scarlet says.

She backs up and points in his direction, addressing the Tarkatans around her. She speaks in the Tarkatan language,

"Nor arka! [Grab them!]" Scarlet orders.

The Tarkatans growl in rage. Realising the plan is blown, Kung Lao plants his fist into the gut of the nearest Tarkatan and drops him with a punch to his neck. He dodges a stabbing lunge from another Tarkatan and throws him to the ground.

Liu Kang knocks out a charging Tarkatan with a three punch combo, while Kitana draws her fan blades and stabs at Skarlet, who dodges and blocks the strikes. Skarlet brings out her knife but gets tagged with a roundhouse kick to the face. She staggers and flees from the tent, with Kitana in hot pursuit. After running a short distance, Skarlet turns around and swipes at Kitana with her knife, but the princess jumps over her and rolls to her feet, bringing her fans into a fighting stance. A warhorn sounds around the camp behind them.

"You betrayed your father, Kitana!" Scarlet says.

"I was Shao Kahn's 'daughter' by conquest. He stole Edenia from its rightful ruler, the father I never knew!" Kitana says.

"Because your people, and your bloodline, were weak." Scarlet says.

They then fight. Skarlet's blood magic proves to be a difficult challenge for Kitana to overcome, as she lacks the same prowess. But she more than makes up for it with her agility and fighting skill, and she takes the battle to Skarlet, eventually leaving the assassin down and out.

"There is more to power than conquest, Skarlet." Kitana says.

Just at that moment, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Jade walk up to Kitana, with Jade being helped along by Kung Lao.

"As requested, zero casualties." Kung Lao says.

"Jade, are you alright? We must find Baraka quickly to save Kotal and Mileena." Kitana asks.

"Baraka won't join us. Kotal's hate for the Tarkatans runs too deep. If I hadn't stopped him, Kotal would've executed them all." Jade explains.

Suddenly, another voice cuts into the discussion.

"Yes... Kotal has made his intentions plain." Baraka says.

Baraka walks into the campsite area, and he is not alone - over thirty more Tarkatans are with him. Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Jade all get into fighting stances as they approach, but Kitana holds up a hand in peace.

"Baraka, please listen. No more Tarkatans need to die." Kitana says.

"Kotal threatens all Tarkatans. In the New Era, Shao Kahn will rule." Baraka says.

They then fight. As the leader of the Tarkatans, Baraka is the strongest, fastest and most savage of his race - all advantages he presses against Kitana. But for all of his strength, the princess of Edenia outclasses him in speed and skill. Playing to her own advantages, Kitana manages to take control of the battle and Baraka is eventually left on his knees, defeated.

"Here me, Baraka. I speak truth." Kitana says.

Behind them, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Jade continue to fight against the Tarkatan horde, though most merely stand to one side and watch the fighting. Baraka remains on his knees.

"Jade, Liu Kang, Kung Lao. Stand down!" Kitana orders.

Kitana's words give all three pause for a moment, but when more Tarkatans charge them, they are forced to strike back.

"Khut! Nar kombat trakka! [Hold! Cease your kombat!]" Baraka commands.

At the command of their warchief, the Tarkatans finally stand down. Baraka rises back to his feet and addresses Kitana.

"Speak. You've earned the chance." Baraka says.

"Shao Kahn has pitted Outworld's peoples against one another for millennia. And for what? The honour of dying in his wars? We must fight for each other, Baraka, not with each other." Kitana explains.

"Kotal wants us dead. He said as much to my face. And Mileena had done nothing to stop him." Baraka points out.

"Aid us, and I'll make sure you sit at Mileena's table." Kitana offers.

She then turns away from him.

"Which do you prefer, Baraka? To be Shao Kahn's slave? Or Mileena's trusted ally?" Kitana asks.

Baraka ponders her words for a moment as she turns back to him.

"No one has ever made Tarkatans such an offer. But these are your words, not his." Baraka says.

"Help me save Kotal and Mileena. We'll ask them together." Kitana says.

"They offer less, I'll slit their throats." Baraka says.

"If they offer less, Baraka, I'll help you." Kitana says.

As all of them leave the camp, Skarlet can be seen struggling to her feet. After hearing footsteps approach her, she looks up to see Manado, Ashrah, and Sareena standing before her. Manado then kneels down and offers a hand to Skarlet. Skarlet is hesitant for a moment before accepting Manado's hand and is help back to her feet.

"While I appreciate it Manado, why would you help me?" Skarlet asks.

"Because it's time you understand the truth about your master. He does not care for you. Sure, he did help you from the streets by taking you in, but he only did that for his own personal gain. Once you serve your purpose, he will not hesitate to kill you." Manado explains.

Skarlet looks surprised hearing Manado's words but then shakes her head in denial.

"Shao Kahn has done nothing but be helpful to me. Why should I believe you?" Skarlet asks.

"From what I was told, your future self realized the truth when Shao Kahn decided to invade Earthrealm, ignoring the rules of Mortal Kombat." Manado explains.

As she thought about what Manado has spoken, she realizes that Shao Kahn has seemed to only care about his own personal gains, and nothing more. Realizing this, she goes wide-eyes.

"How... How could this... How could I have not seen this before?" Skarlet asks in shock.

"Don't blame yourself over this Skarlet. He used the fact you were living in the streets as an advantage. He created an illusion that he was helping you when in fact he was merely using you. And with that, loyalty blinded you from the truth." Manado explains.

Skarlet stands in shock for a moment before approaching Manado and embracing him in a hug, much to his surprise, but he returns it regardless.

"Thank you." Skarlet says.

A moment passes before they release the hug.

"Not to interrupt, but we must make haste to the koliseum." Ashrah points out.

"Indeed. Skarlet, would you like to join us?" Manado asks.

"It would be an honor." Skarlet says.

Later in the Koliseum. Kotal and Mileena are imprisoned in the center of the stadium in a stock. They struggles within it, but cannot even move a muscle. Shao Kahn stands next to them (with Kollector slightly behind), addressing the crowd.

"You've suffered too long at these pretender's hands. But I've returned, and I will save you from their madness!" Shao Kahn announces.

The crowd - only caring about seeing a good show - cheers his words. Shao Kahn magically summons his warhammer into his hands.

"Only I can rebuild the empire. All realms will tremble before me! Outworld will again be conquerors, never the conquered!" Shao Kahn announces.

The crowd begins to chant Shao Kahn's name, increasing in intensity. He roars in triumph as they cheer in excitement. Shao Kahn walks over to Kotal and Mileena, preparing his warhammer to crush their heads into paste. But before he can properly begin his swing, a loud banging resounds throughout the Koliseum.

Shao Kahn's soldiers walk over to the main doors of the stadium. Though they are barred, the doors vibrate as the banging continues. The soldiers draw their weapons as the bars on the doors begin to splint and break. Finally, we see the other side of the doors; six Outworld soldiers hold a battering ram and slam it into the door, breaking it open.

Behind them, numerous other soldiers, Tarkatans and Shokan - as well as Kitana, Jade, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Sheeva, Baraka and even the older Erron Black - raise their hands and cheer. Zaveer, Tanya, Khameleon, Nitara also march alondside them. Taken aback, Shao Kahn's soldiers back up as the new arrivals stride into the Koliseum. The crowd also falls into a shocked silence as Kitana faces down her adopted father.

"Where's this boldness been hiding, Kitana? Had you shown it before, I'd have had no need for Mileena." Shao Kahn says.

Kitana then slowly walks toward him.

"At least my 'sister' is not an unholy monster, like you, 'father'." Kitana says.

As soon as she is within striking range, Kitana pulls out her bladed fans and lunges at Shao Kahn, who backpedals just in time to avoid being vertically sliced down his chest. He dodges several more swipes and parries one with his warhammer, swinging it back at her. Kitana dodges two of his strikes, then attacks him again with the fans, forcing him to parry them.

The rest of the soldiers have now started fighting. In the midst of this, Jade and Zaveer quietly pick the lock of the stock holding Kotal and Mileena.

Kitana finally lands a stab into Shao Kahn's kidney, sending the Outworld Emperor down to one knee. She readies her fans for a killing blow, but Kollector charges in on her flank. She dodges his clumsy swipe and slashes him across the chest with her fan, drawing blood. He backs off for a moment, clutching his chest, then he snarls at her.

"Ungrateful shrew. Born to privilege which you throw away." Kollector says.

"Who are you to judge me?" Kitana asks.

"You have not known cold or hunger. If you had, you would value the gifts Shao Kahn gave you." Kollector says.

They then fight. Kollector fights with utter viciousness and with all the magic and every weapon he can pull out of his backpack. Kitana though has thousands of years of kombat experience and manages to find a counter to his every move. The fight is fierce, but she eventually manages to leave the Naknada down and defeated. Around them, the crowd cheer on the mass fighting.

"Be grateful you still breathe." Kitana says.

Across the Koliseum, Shao Kahn power walks through the fighting soldiers, shoving several out of his way, but Kotal - though barely able to stand upright - pursues him. As Shao Kahn turns around, Kotal throws some sand into his face and tackles him, hoisting him up onto his shoulder. Kotal charges Shao Kahn into one of the Koliseum's walls, with the impact being so strong that several onlookers in the stands above fall down to the arena floor.

The rest of the crowd cheers on the carnage as Kotal grapples Shao Kahn in a bearhug. Shao Kahn headbutts Kotal to stun him, and then forces his arms down between Kotal's, pushing out with enough strength to break the bearhug. Shao Kahn then hoists Kotal up in a bearhug of his own. Kotal tries to grab onto his helmet, but Shao Kahn clinches the hold, causing the weakened Kotal to lose his grip.

Shao Kahn then lets go of the bearhug and lifts Kotal onto his shoulders, hooking Kotal's right arm and leg under his arms. Kotal struggles but is unable to break free of the backbreaker rack that Shao Kahn has him caught in. As Kotal growls in vain, Shao Kahn laughs in response, lifts Kotal as high as he can and slams his spine against his back. A sickening crack can be heard as Kotal falls limp. Jade watches this with clear horror on her face.

"KOTAL!" Jade calls out.

Shao Kahn throws General Kotal to the ground and slowly approaches him, ready to finish him. Before he could, Mileena suddenly tackles him from the back, knocking him off balance, causing him to fall on one knee. Mileena then attempts to strangle him, but Shao Kahn manages to grab Mileena from the head and removes her from his back. He then slams her to the ground face first before sending two punches to her back.

Zaveer, who knocks back another soldier, notices what is happening.

"Mom!" Zaveer calls out before rushing towards them.

Shao Kahn looks down at Mileena before grabbing her by the throat and lifts her into the air.

"You should have never defected, Daughter." Shao Kahn says.

Zaveer then sends a air kick to Shao Kahn's side, causing him to stagger back, losing his grip on Mileena who then falls back to the ground. Zaveer doesn't stop and sends a knee to Shao Kahn's abdomen, followed by two punches to his head and then an ax kick to the chest, causing Shao Kahn to fall to his knees. Zaveer approaches him, ready to continue the onslaught of attacks, but Shao Kahn manages to catch an incoming strike and throws Zaveer into the wall of the koliseum. Left stunned, Shao Kahn rushes towards him and slams him further into the wall, leaving a large indentation. Shao Kahn then grabs him by the back and throws two punches to his head before throwing him towards the center of the koliseum, causing him to roll in the sand.

"Watch child, as another parent of yours dies." Shao Kahn says.

Unable to regain his footing, Zaveer can only watch as Shao Kahn approaches Mileena, who has managed to rise only to her knees. Shao Kahn then grabs Mileena by her bloodied head and raises his fist, ready to finish her, when suddenly a blast of red energy hits him the chest and sends him into the wall. Mileena and Zaveer looks to see Manado standing before them, accompanied by Ashrah, Sareena, and Skarlet.

Shao Kahn quickly rises back to his feet and notices them.

"So you survived. It is no great matter. For you will suffer the same fate as your family, Manado." Shao Kahn says.

Manado then looks towards Ashrah, Sareena, and Skarlet.

"Keep his soldiers off our backs." Manado says.

Nodding their heads, the three rush to aid with the others. Manado then aids Mileena back to her feet as Zaveer approaches them.

"No one will die today, Shao Kahn. No one except you." Manado says as he, Mileena and Zaveer assume their fighting stances.

Shao Kahn then charges towards the three of them and sends strikes to the three who manage to block his attacks. They then sends strikes of their own, pushing him back. Realizing he's being pushed into a corner, Shao Kahn summons his war hammer and slams it into Mileena's leg, before sending an uppercut to her head, sending her flying. Shao Kahn then manages to grab Zaveer by the throat and throws him into Manado, sending them both to the ground. Shao Kahn then towers over them and with his hammer, he brings it over his head for a killing blow... and takes a slash across the chest from Kitana's bladed fan, sending him staggering backwards. Kitana faces him in a fighting stance.

"Surrender or face the consequences!" Kitana warns.

"Surrender, on the brink of victory? You're as feeble minded as Jerrod." Shao Kahn says.

"KING Jerrod. The father you murdered and stole me from!" Kitana corrects.

"I wanted Jerrod's wife, not his heir. I kept you only to appease your mother. Do not expect mercy this time." Shao Kahn says.

They then fight. The battle proves to be the most difficult of Kitana's life. Shao Kahn's strength, magic power and fighting experience all greatly surpass hers, with only her speed and agility outshining his. But Kitana refuses to let the man who killed her father dictate her life any longer. With all the heart and determination she can muster, Kitana dodges his attacks while landing surgical strikes of her own, and after an epic melee, she stands victorious over Shao Kahn.

"I'll not inherit your cruelty." Kitana says.

As Shao Kahn tries to rise, she blasts him in the face with a roundhouse kick, knocking him onto his back. She strides over to him and rips his mask off his face, throwing it aside. For the first time in her life, Kitana looks down on the face of the warlord who has both ruled and ruined her, and she readies her fans.

Shao Kahn stares back at her, snarling and defiant. As it turns out, his face doesn't look dissimilar from a regular human, though his curved nose, orange glowing eyes and sharpened teeth stand out, as does the lack of hair.

But whatever Shao Kahn is, it ultimately does not matter to Kitana. She brings her bladed fan down and across his face, slashing his eyes and drawing a large spurt of blood. The crowd recoils in horror as Shao Kahn cries out in agony, and around them all the soldiers stop fighting to take in the spectacle.

"She did it!" Kung Lao says in surprise.

"Of course she did." Liu Kang says.

"I always knew she could." Manado says.

Kitana looms over Shao Kahn for a few moments, but he remains unmoving. Satisfied that he is beaten, Kitana walks over to Kotal and Jade. Kotal is leaned against one of the pillars, breathing heavily, and Jade is feeling his legs, which are unresponsive.

"Do you feel anything?" Jade asks.

"Shao Kahn... has crippled me. Left me defenseless." General Kotal says.

Jade leans in close to Kotal.

"Not while I am by your side." Jade assures.

"You still... consider me a friend? Even with my hardened heart?" General Kotal asks.

"I know your heart." Jade says before placing her hand on his chest.

"It can change." Jade says.

Kotal places his own hand on hers, a smile crossing his face. Mileena, who is seen struggling to walk but is helped by Manado and Zaveer, approaches them.

"Mileena Kahn. I've made mistakes that I can never correct, but still you spare me. I can only ask for your forgiveness." General Kotal says.

"If this was before, I would slit your throat here and now, but it is clear to me that you show clear remorse for the actions you've taken. And for that, you have earned my forgiveness." Mileena says.

Kotal smiles at her words, alongside Zaveer, looking towards his mother. Kitana then walks over and bows to Mileena.

"It is over, Mileena Kahn. The throne is secure." Kitana assures.

"Thank you." Mileena says.

Behind Kitana, Baraka and Sheeva walk up to the General.

"Baraka, Sheeva. I have not served your peoples well. Yet, still you aided me. I will not forget." General Kotal says.

"We don't need charity. We will share in Outworld's rule." Baraka says.

"That is up to her now." General Kotal says as he points toward Mileena.

"She has united Outworld... Mileena Kahn." General Kahn says.

Across from them, Kung Lao, who is standing besides Liu Kang, lightly slaps Manado on the chest.

"She's now officially out of your league." Kung Lao says.

"Don't be too sure of that." Zaveer says.

Mileena then looks up and addresses the entire Koliseum.

"From this day on, may all our peoples fight together as one." Mileena announces.

Across the stadium, the united members of Outworld - human, Tarkatan and Shokan - all cheer in response.

Later at the Fire Gardens. Raiden stands on the porch of one of the houses, addressing Scorpion, Sub Zero, Cassie, Jacqui and Jax, as well as Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Zaveer, who have returned from Outworld.

"The news from Outworld is indeed hopeful. But the location of Kronika's Keep remains a mystery. It is beyond the realms and has proven to be beyond my sight." Raiden explains.

"Do you know of Kharon, Raiden?" Hanzo asks.

"Kharon, of course." Sub Zero says.

"Who is Kharon?" Raiden asks.

"Master of the ancient ship of the dead. Sub Zero and I met him during our time as revenants." Hanzo says.

"He travels in the space beyond realms, transporting damned souls to the Netherrealm." Sub Zero explains.

"If the Keep lies there, Kharon may know its location." Hanzo says.

"Would he help us?" Raiden asks.

"It is possible, but I cannot be sure." Hanzo replies.

"I urge you both to investigate." Raiden says.

Hanzo then raises his fists to his chest and Sub Zero clasps his hands together, both of them saluting Raiden.

"We will leave immediately." Hanzo says.

As they walk off, Cassie addresses Raiden.

"Locking down Outworld's army is huge. But still, I'd feel better if we had more manpower." Cassie says.

"The Shaolin will join us. Liu Kang and Kung Lao travel now to aid the monks' preparations." Raiden informs.

Liu Kang raises a straightened palm to his chest, while Kung Lao clasps his hands together in salutes of their own.

"Good. I'll be leaving soon to go after Johnny and Sonya." Cassie says.

"I'll go too." Younger Jax says.

"We're both going." Jacqui says.

"We're all going." Zaveer says.

"No. Raiden needs you three for an intel op." Cassie informs.

"We need to get Sonya back." Younger Jax says.

"Undoubtedly. But Kronika's behaviour makes it clear that while mighty, she is not all powerful. Otherwise why would she attempt to steal Jinsei?" Raiden questions.

"Think maybe she's still building strength?" Jacqui asks.

"A distinct probability." Raiden says.

"Then what's her next move?" Zaveer asks.

"With the Dragon Grotto's Jinsei fountain sealed, there is no greater energy source in Earthrealm than the Well of Souls beneath Shang Tsung's island." Raiden informs.

"Then we'd better go check it out." Jacqui says before she and Jax (who is now smoking a cigar) and Zaveer walk off.

Raiden then looks towards Cassie.

"I regret that I cannot join you. I must keep vigil for signs of Kronika's further tampering with time." Raiden explains.

"We all have our duty." Cassie replies.

"I am told you defeated Shinnok, Cassandra Cage. You will defeat the likes of Kano. But proceed with caution. If either Johnny or Sonya die, you will cease to exist. It will be beyond my power to save you." Raiden informs.

Cassie says nothing, contemplating his words.