Manado, Talion, Johnny, Kenshi, Kung Lao, Baraka, Syzoth, and Ashrah can be seen continuing their venture through the living forest, Ashrah leading the others through the forest. Ashrah looks down at her Kriss, seeing it glow brightly.

"Quan Chi is close. The emanations of his evil grow stronger." Ashrah says.

"That is a powerful weapon." Baraka points out.

"And my perfect ally. As I smite the evil it finds, I am further purified." Ashrah replies.

"Now I've done steps, so I'm all for self-help. But since when does a demoness want to be less evil?" Johnny asks.

"I have spent eternity damned to the Netherrealm. I had assumed that's all there was to existence. But then I saw Earthrealm, saw Outworld. Saw there was was a better way to live. And that to have it, I needed to cleanse my soul. My sister demons were furious at my change of heart. Kia and Jataaka were the first to hunt me." Ashrah explains.

"And you were forced to slay them?" Manado asks.

"Yes." Ashrah replies, a hint of grief in her eyes.

Manado nods his head, knowing the the feeling of loss of family.

"Is Quan Chi also a demon?" Syzoth asks.

"Actually, he's an Outworlder." Ashrah replies.

"She's right. Quan Chi was a worker in the mines, a punishment given to him by King Jerrod himself." Manado explains.

"What happened?" Talion asks.

"He tried to rob the royal family of their fortune. He would've succeeded, had I not stepped in to stop him. Jerrod believed that a couple thousands years of working in the mines was a suitable punishment. Three months ago, Quan Chi vanished from the mines. No doubt having ran away and learned sorcery along the way." Manado explains.

"And eventually, he mastered the dark magic needed for unfettered travel to my realm." Ashrah says.

"So it seems." Manado replies.

Syzoth then sees a bug flying in front of him. Using his elongated forked tongue, he grabs hold of the bug and brings it to his mouth, chewing on it. Talion can't help but chuckle at the sight, earning weird looks from Johnny Cage. He then looks back towards Ashrah.

"Any Idea how he buddies up with Shang Tsung?" Johnny asks.

"They share a common benefactor. She plucked them both from obscurity, taught them everything they know. I've never met her, but there's no question that she is a sorceress beyond compare." Ashrah explains.

Ashrah looks back down at her Kriss, seeing it glow even brighter.

"Quan Chi is near." Ashrah realizes.

Deeper within the living forest, Quan Chi is seen projecting his sorcery magic onto a structure of some kind. Standing nearby and surveying him were Darius and Havik of Orderrealm, Nitara of Vaeternus, and Sareena of Netherrealm. Quan Chi then finishes his spells and looks toward the four of them.

"I am ready for your contributions." Quan Chi says.

Nitara steps forward, a large piece of some form of a red jewel in her hand. She walks up to him and hands the jewel to him.

"Excellent, Nitara." Quan Chi says.

Nitara nods as Quan Chi looks towards Havik.

"I need yours as well." Quan Chi says.

Havik looks down at the jewel in his hands before approaching Quan Chi.

"Darrius and I have been thinking, Sorcerer..." Havik says before being cut off.

"Do not try to renegotiate, Havik." Quan Chi warns.

"We need proof that you'll deliver." Havik says.

"That he's delivered for Nitara's Vaeternians is all the proof you need." Sareena points out.

"Sareena's right. Because of Quan Chi's magic, my realm's people are no longer poisoned by sunlight. We have finally escaped the shadows." Nitara explains.

"Rest assured. The spells you will receive will bring down Orderrealm's government." Quan Chi assures.

"When will we have them, Quan Chi?" Havik asks.

"After the attack on Earthrealm. Which could be called off if the soul stealer's efficacy isn't demonstrated promptly." Quan Chi explains.

Havik nods before handing the jewel to Quan Chi. Close by, Ashrah, Manado, Talion, Baraka, Syzoth, Johnny, Kenshi, and Kung Lao can be seen watching as Quan Chi begins to chant a spell.

"Well this plot just got thicker." Johnny says.

"Earthrealm is in grave danger. Just one soul stealer can kill hundreds of thousands. If he unleashes a battery of them..." Ashrah says before being cut off.

"Millions will die." Baraka finishes.

"He must be stopped." Kung Lao points out.

"I will deal with Quan Chi. The six of you subdue the others."

The group steps to face them but Johnny stops Kenshi in his tracks.

"Whoa there, big fella. This stop's where you get off." Johnny says.

"You heard her! Millions could die." Kenshi points out.

"Which is why we don't want you tripping us up out there. Now. Give me your sword." Johnny says.

"Why?" Kenshi asks.

"Just give it." Johnny urges.

Kenshi ultimately complies and give him hand out his sword to him. Johnny takes the sword out of his hand and in turn, places Sento in his hands. Kenshi hold onto it in shock.

"What?! I can't. Not when you're..." Kenshi says before johnny grabs his arm.

"You saved my life. It's yours." Johnny says.

He then briefly places his hand on Kenshi's shoulder before moving to join the others. Kenshi stands still, taking in what has just occurred. Quan Chi continues projecting his sorcery spell through the soul stealer as Ashrah, Manado, Talion, Baraka, Syzoth, Johnny, and Kung Lao run through the forest, approaching the stealer. Nitara notices them.

"Quan Chi!" Nitara calls out.

Quan Chi ceases his magic and sees them approaching.

"Yet again you evade capture, Ashrah. And now it appears you've found allies." Quan Chi says.

"We are joined against you, sorcerer. You won't be stealing any souls!" Ashrah vows.

Ashrah charges before being intercepted by Nitara, forcing her to backpedal. Quan Chi resume his chanting as they fight. Baraka charges towards Havik and tackles him against the Soul Stealer. Havik then kicks in the abdomen before punching him in the head. Baraka sends a punch but Havik ducks under the punch and sends one himself at Baraka's head, causing him to stagger. Kung Lao fights Sareena who blocks several of his strikes. Kung Lao sends an overhead strike at her but Sareena manages to dodge the attack and sends a strike to his chest, pushing him back. She continues and kicks him in the head followed by a punch to the chest. Johnny fights Darrius who sends a punch to Johnny's abdomen. Johnny then blocks a kick from Darrius which pushes his arms back and gives Darrius an opening to punch him the face. Johnny responds with a kick to Darrius' head. He then sends a Superman punch to his head which Darrius blocks. Ashrah continues fighting Nitara, swinging her Kriss at her, forcing her to block and dodge. One slash gets through and hits her in the arm, forcing her to recoil and hisses in pain. She hold onto her arm as blood drips from the cut.

"That Blade's enchanted!" Nitara realizes.

"It was forged to destroy evil. It's slain many of your vampire kind." Ashrah points out.

"We can't help what we are. That we feed on blood doesn't make us evil." Nitara explains.

They then fight. Nitara proves to be a formidable opponent to Ashrah. Her bring a Vaeternian gives her both blood magic and the ability the fly thanks to her bat-like wings, forcing Ashrah to adapt. The fight lasts awhile before Ashrah knocks Nitara down to the ground.

"I am one step closer to redemption." Ashrah says.

Just then Quan Chi finishes his spell and the soul stealer activates. A large green, tornado like vortex shoots out form the stealer. The magic winds from the winds then start consuming souls from the living forest, the souls wailing as they are sucked in. Everyone ceases their kombat to see what is happening.

"My god. It's a... soulnado." Johnny says.

Quan Chi then summons more magic as he sends a beam into the soulnado. The souls inside begins to forge together into one singular being.

"What dark magic is this?" Ashrah asks.

"We are Ermac. A collection of souls, bound by Quan Chi's magic. We love to obey his commands." Ermac says.

Quan Chi points towards the others.

"Kill them." Quan Chi orders.

Ermac immediately sends a blast of green magic at Johnny Cage, sending them flying backwards and into a tree. Kung Lao and Ashrah rush in but are quickly blasted away as well. Baraka, Manado, and Talion rush in but Ermac with his magic, lifts them off the ground and sends them into the air before crashing to the ground. Syzoth forms into his reptile form and tackles Ermac from behind, causing them to roll across the ground. Ermac quickly recovers and sends a blast of magic at Syzoth, sending him flying backwards. Ashrah stands once more and Ermac envelopes her with his green magic. He then pulls her towards him and backhands her with his fist before tossing her away from him. She hits the ground hard but is still conscious. With a groan in pain, Ashrah rises back to her feet as Havik approaches her, accompanied by Darrius.

"Quan Chi must Succeed if I'm to liberate Orderrealm. I'll not let him fail." Havik says.

"Killing on realm to free another is a heinous proposition. One I won't let you fulfill." Ashrah replies.

They then fight. Havik proves himself as quite the challenge with his skills in kombat. During the fight, he reveals his magic abilities which allows him to regrow any lost limb with ease which makes the challenge of defeating much harder. Ashrah's determination keeps her in the fight and after a brutal battle, Havik is knocked unconscious onto the ground.

"Take your chaos elsewhere." Ashrah says.

Ashrah then sees a green glowing skull rapidly flying towards her and she quickly slices it in half with her Kriss. She then sees Quan Chi approaching her.

"I always feared you would be trouble, Ashrah. You're not compliant like your sisters." Quan Chi says.

"And now they're dead by my hand, because you sent them against me. I'll never forgive you for that Quan Chi." Ashrah says, assuming a fighting stance.

They then fight. As they do so, Nitara can be seen riding back to her feet. She then looks up to see Manado approaching her, a look of anger on his scarred face.

"I'm disappointed in you, Nitara. You came to me in a time of trouble and I more than willing to help you. I gave you food when your kind was going hungry. I gave you land where your species can live in peace. And here you are, taking the side of a madman who wishes nothing but the destruction of the realms. You took everything I gave you and spat it back at me like it meant nothing." Manado explains.

"It was never enough, Manado. No amount you could give could satisfy my mind's hunger. We needed more. And the land you gave us was not big enough for our needs. Now Quan Chi will give us exactly what we need to survive." Nitara points out.

"Quan Chi will not help you. He only sees you as a means to an end. Yes, he rid the sunlight weakness but it was nothing more than a way to manipulate you to help him. And he will kill you and the rest of your species once you expend your usefulness to him." Manado explains.

"Your wrong. He will rise us from the shadows that you and all of Outworld have kept us under." Nitara replies.

"No. We raise you up from the shadows. Why do you think I defended your race when Sindel wanted to eradicate your species? I defended you and your race because no race, no matter how vicious, deserves to be given a life that they can be content with. But now... your making me see why she wanted your kind dead." Manado retorts.

Manado then walks away from her. She sees him moving away from her and a hint of guilt forms on her face.

Meanwhile with Ashrah and Quan Chi, their kombat continues. Quan Chi's mastery in sorcery gives him quite the advantage in the fight. Plus his skill in kombat is not something to laugh about. Ashrah however proves to be just as skilled and as someone who knows Quan Chi more than most others, she knows what tricks he may have. The fight is brutal and long but in the end, Ashrah defeats him and knocks him down to the ground.

"When I'm finished here, I will finish you." Ashrah says.

Ashrah then throws her Kriss at Ermac who catches it with his magic. Ashrah quickly grabs her Kriss and starts swinging at the construct. Ermac blocks a swing with his magic before dodging another. Ermac then pushes Ashrah back with his magic just as Johnny Cage kicks him in the head. Ermac quickly recovers and knocking Johnny back with two strike to his head. Ashrah slashes at him again but is then pushed back once more. Syzoth then charges in but Ermac knocks him down with a sweep kick. Ashrah swings at him once more but Ermac then lifts her into the air and tossing him aside, sending her crashing to the ground. Baraka and Syzoth charge in as Ermac lift up a large Branch of a tree and sends it straight at them. The beach hits the two of them and sends them flying backwards. Manado and Talion rush in, Talion sends a blast of blue energy at him but Ermac redirects it away from him. The momentary distraction sallows Manado to send a strike at Ermac's head. He then punches him in the chest and sends a punch to his back but is then caught by Ermac's magic. He is then tossed towards Talion and the two go flying backwards. Johnny then jumps in but Ermac catches him with his magic and slams him into the ground. He then picks him up again and throws a short distance away, Johnny hitting the ground with a large thud. Kenshi hears the fighting and grips Sento tightly.

"I can't let them die." Kenshi says.

Kenshi then blindly rushes towards Ermac but is quickly blasted back and is sent skitting across the ground, Sento being embedded into the ground form the impact. Kenshi rises to his knees and realizes Sento is not in his hands. He quickly scours the ground around looking for Sento who sits nearby, the blade glowing a light blue. A voice then calls out to Kenshi, seemingly coming from Sento.

"...Kenshi Takahashi..." Sento calls out.

Kenshi hears the voice and is surprised.

"What?! Who is that?" Kenshi asks.

"Your ancestors. Come to us." Sento replies.

Sento's glow dissipates as Kenshi crawls towards the blade. Kenshi then rises back to his feet and lifts up Sento from the ground.

"In this, your time of need, the Taira will not fail you." Sento says.

Underneath the blindfold on Kenshi's face, a feint blue glow emenates and Kenshi can see Ermac flying towards him. Kenshi charges towards him and swings at him, who dodges the attack. Ermac then strikes at him and Kenshi manages to dodge. This happens a few times before Kenshi lands a hit, sends Sento straight through his chest. Ermac yells out in pain and blue magic envelops him, seemingly drawing souls out of his body. Ermac realizes this and blasts Kenshi away from him, sending Kenshi skating across the ground. Ermac then sends several blast of energy at Kenshi but Sento, as if it has a mind of its own, levitates in the air and blocks that attacks, defending Kenshi. It then sits still afterwards, kenshi grabbing the handle.

"It siphoned his souls. It now has his power!" Kenshi realizes.

Ashrah then approaches him, looking at his sword in surprise.

"That was unexpected." Ashrah says.

"Your telling me. Shall we finish this?" Kenshi asks.

"Let's." Ashrah replies.

Ashrah then moves to confront Ermac with Kenshi accompanying her.

"This fight's not over. I'll defeat all of Quan Chi's minions." Ashrah vows.

"We are many. You are one. We will destroy you." Ermac replies.

They then fight. Ermac proves to be the toughest fight of Ashrah's life. His magic is unlike anything she has ever seen before with the power of the souls of the living forest powering it. Ashrah realizes that Ermac has been slightly weakened from Kenshi's attack and for her, it was the opportunity she has been looking for. With Kenshi's help and with sheer determination enveloping her entire being, Ermac finally falls.

"Resistance is never pointless." Ashrah says.

Ermac is seems struggling to rise back to his feet and his voice constantly changes and retorts.

"We are many. You are one. We will destroy you." Ermac replies.

"What's wrong with him?" Kenshi asks.

"Kombat must have weakened the magic that binds his souls together." Ashrah replies.

Ermac's eyes then widen as they blow a bright blue, his voice changing again.

"Sindel! I'll find you!" Ermac calls out before falling unconscious.

"What was that?" Kenshi asks.

"Watch him. I'll shut down the soul stealer." Ashrah replies.

Ashrah quickly rushes to the soul stealer and stabs his Kriss into the red jewel empowering it. Quan Chi awakens and extends a hand out to her.

"Ashrah, don't!" Quan Chi calls out.

Ashrah ignores him tears the jewel in two. She is suddenly pushed back from a blast of soul energy. With the soul stealer shut down, the souls from within escape and one approaches Quan Chi. Quan Chi tries pushing it away from him, but the soul manages to grab ahold of him by the head and screams in his face as blue magic beans between the two of them. Quan Chi screams in terror as his skin suddenly turns from brown to pale white before the soul dissipates. Quan Chi then falls to the ground, falling unconscious from being drained of his energy.

Just then two other souls fly towards Manado. Manado tries to flee but the two souls envelops him and crawl inside of his body. Manado falls down to his knees and groans. Talion rushes to his side.

"Dad, what's wrong?" Talion asks.

"Get back, Talion!" Manado yells out.

Talion steps back as Manado yells out in pain. Suddenly, green magic begins to expel out of his back as he screams in pain. It last awhile before the two souls then leave his body before dissipating. Manado falls to the floor, weakened by what has occurred. Talion helps him back to his feet.

"Are you alright?" Talion asks.

"I... I think so. What was that?" Manado wonders.

"I don't know." Talion replies.

The two then see Ashrah approaching the unconscious Quan Chi.

"Since that didn't kill you, I will." Ashrah says.

Ashrah then raises her Kriss, ready to stab him but then Kenshi stops her.

"No, Ashrah!" Kenshi calls out.

"He's too dangerous to let live." Ashrah points out.

"Liu Kang needs to question him. He knows Shang Tsung's plans." Kenshi explains.

Ashrah hesitates but ultimately stands down.

"Very well." Ashrah replies.

Manado, Talion, Baraka, Syzoth, Kung Lao, and Johnny approach the two. Johnny looks towards Kenshi.

"Well... clearly I underpaid for that. Did you know what it could do?" Johnny asks.

"The legends never mentioned mystical powers. The souls of my ancestors live within it... They intend to guide me." Kenshi explains.

"Just don't forget who gave it to you, Takahashi." Johnny says.

"I won't, Cage. Now, let's get him to Earthrealm." Kenshi suggests.

Johnny then looks towards Baraka, Syzoth, and Ashrah.

"I know home's here for you, Baraka... but Syzoth, Ashrah... You can come with if you want. I'm sure Liu Kang will welcome you." Johnny offers.

Ashrah smiles at the offer.

"I've never had a home. That would be wonderful." Ashrah replies.

Meanwhile in a unknown part of Earthrealm, Shang Tsung can be seen opening a portal and the mysterious woman walks through it.

"Report, Shang Tsung." The mysterious woman says.

"The soul stealers are under construction. Quan Chi tests the final components as we speak." Shang Tsung informs.

The woman smiles at the news, circling the sorcerer.

"And the army?" The mysterious woman asks.

"Will obey your every command... once it's been fed sufficient souls. I've also conceived a plan to break the Lin Kuei from Liu Kang. Instead of defending Earthrealm, they will betray it." Shang Tsung informs.

"Excellent. You have learned quickly, Shang Tsung, and well. You will soon reap the bounty of what you've sown." The mysterious woman replies.

Shang Tsung looks at her, a large smirk plastered on his face.