Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Emperor Kotal Kahn, last of the Osh-Tekk people and current ruler of Outworld, was troubled. An attack in the centre of Z'Unkahrah had caused much casualties, both civilian and soldier alike. If there was anything Kotal could praise Mileena for, it was her stubbornness to take what she thought was hers.

Assembled at the foot of his throne were his personal guards. Syzoth, a Zaterran formerly known by the degrading name of 'Reptile.' Ermac, a collective of thousands of extinguished souls, bound to Outworld's ruler. Ferra and Torr, a symbiotic pair who Kotal freed from a camp of Tarkatans. Erron Black, a mysterious bounty hunter turned enforcer. And finally, there was D'Vorah, a Kytinn who rose through the ranks to become Kotal's first minister. 

He valued them, despite his role as an emperor demanding strength, not heart. He listened to D’Vorah’s report with fierce focus.

"While Mileena’s attack is far from surprising, her forces attacked with weaponry of unknown origin. It was fortunate-

"Big teeth army run away!" Ferra interrupted, voice thick with childish glee. Torr seemed to agree, although his lack of proper speech made it difficult to tell.

Reptile glared at the child, who stuck out her tongue in an example of emotional maturity. Erron spoke up, a rarity in these meetings.

"I've seen weapons like that before. Earthrealm makes them."

That got Kotal’s attention, he turned to look at his enforcers. Questions rose from the group.

"Is it possible that Mileena may have allied with earthrealm?"

Kotal Kahn placed a finger to his chin. One of the reasons Mileena was unfit to rule was due to her unwillingness to put aside her grievances for the looming threat of Shinnok. And with Earthrealm’s history with her “father” it was doubtful they would assist his “daughter.”

“Doubtful. Neither side has reason to trust each other, and we have not done anything worthy of such an alliance."

Kotal stood from his throne, folding his hands behind his back.

“Regardless, I have sent a messenger to Earthrealm, hopefully they will-

"Emperor?"

A member of the court entered the room, kneeling in his emperor's presence. 

'What is it, E'Laemer?"

"Your message has been sent to Earthrealm. We expect an answer before the next sunset.”

Kotal nodded. If Earthrealm was innocent, they would need to discuss their shared problem.

"Excellent. Return to your post.”

”At once, emperor.”

The emperor turned back to his enforcers with his hands folded behind his back.

"This meeting is adjourned. Farewell to you all."

One by one, his allies left to their quarters. Syzoth stayed behind, looking to Kotal with unclear feelings.

"What is it, Syzoth?"

"Emperor, are you sure you are alright? These attacks grow more frequent by the day.”

Kotal spared a smile to his friend.

"I am fine, old friend. Rest and heal."

Syzoth left the room, and Kotal looked to the setting sun. Tomorrow would be a new day, with new battles and problems to solve. 

He could only hope that Earthrealm would send their best to understand the coming threat.

Chapter Text

Cassie’s alarm blared at her. She groggily rolled over and slammed it. How was it already the start of the next semester? What she wouldn't give to just sleep in and-

The alarm blared at her again. Cassie groaned, realising that fighting was a losing battle. She turned it off, sat up from her bed, and unplugged her phone from charge.

A bunch of notifications about the party. Cool. A text from Jacqui, something from Dad, a spam email, all usual junk.

There was a knock at her door. Her father called to her.

”Cassie? Are you awake?”

“Yeah, I’m up. I’m just getting changed.”

”Got it.”

Cassie heard her father walk back downstairs as she finally found the energy to stand up and crack her neck.

She opened her wardrobe, finding the school uniform hung up. Ah, her disguise of an average high schooler. She reached out to grab it, before realisng something important.

She sniffed her sleepwear, scrunching her nose up at the stench. 

Okay, shower first, then clothes.

She took out her uniform, and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower.

After having a shower and putting on the clean uniform, Cassie finally made her way downstairs. Her father was looking through his phone.

”Morning, pumpkin.”

”Morning,” Cassie answered as she rummaged through the pantry. She quickly took the box of ‘Cage Shadow cereal’ and began pouring it into a bowl. 

"Looking forward to your first day of the new semester?"

"Was Ninja Mime four a roaring success?" Cassie answered without looking up from her bowl.

Johnny looked away with a grimace.

"It could've been worse."

"Is that what the critics said when they saw the CGI fight scene?"

They traded barbs for a moment, giving Cassie entertainment as she finished her breakfast. After placing the biowl in the dishwasher, she looked at the clock.

"Would you be taking me?"

"If you want?"

“Cool. I’ll be in the car.”

Cassie headed out the door, leaving her father to turn off the news and prepare to leave.

His phone vibrated with a new message. He quickly took it out.

Cage, are you busy?

A little. Is something wrong?

Not sure. One of our portals opened.

And?

It’s from Outworld.

Johnny stood silently for a moment. It couldn’t be an invasion, they’d worked out a treaty with Outworld and Kotal didn’t seem like a guy to go back on his word. But still… it didn’t bode well.

I’m dropping Cassie to school, we’ll talk later?

Fine.

Johnny pocketed his phone, finished his coffee, and walked out to the garage where his daughter was waiting.

”Took you long enough.”

Johnny unlocked the car.

”If you’re tired of me dropping you, why don’t you take your moped?”

Cassie pretended to be shocked at his question.

”And miss out on quality bonding time? For shame.”

Johnny chuckled at the witticism as he entered the car.

”Good point.”

Johnny drove the car out of the garage and onto the road as Cassie pulled out her phone and started scrolling through. A bunch of people were posting about their holidays. There were a couple breakups, the usual.

New term, same old bullshit.

Mondays were truly the worst.

Chapter Text

Jacqui left her bedroom later than usual, which did not go unnoticed by her mother. 

“Someone had a fun night.”

Jacqui spared a glance to her mother, who had set down a plate of bacon and eggs for herself and Jacqui.

”You could say that, is dad eating?”

”You know how he is. Waking up early to start working.”

Jacqui looked away for a moment. Vera noticed.

”Don’t worry, he’s not disappointed. He’s just busy. He’ll be dropping you off.”

Jacqui sat at the table and began to cut up her breakfast. Mother and daughter ate in comfortable silence until Vera noticed something strange about her daughter’s left hand. 

"Did something happen at the party?"

In a moment of panic, Jacqui hid the hand under the table. She'd completely forgotten about Chris. Then again, he wasn't too memorable to begin with.

"It was just someone from school. Nothing bad happened, Takeda scared him off."

Vera’s expression gained a slight playfulness, though still tinged with concern.

”How sweet of him.”

Jacqui rolled her eyes.

"Ha-ha. He's just a friend. A very good friend.”

Vera gave Jacqui the parental look of "I don't believe you but I'm not going to say anything." 

”Whatever you say. You might want to where gloves to school, unless you want people to talk about it?”

Jacqui looked at her left hand. It wasn’t terribly bruised or anything, but it was certainly a noticeable difference.

”Yeah, I’ll get on that.”

After she spent some time getting ready and practicing her punches with the bag in her room, Jacqui shoved her books into her bag, including her sketchbook of drone ideas. Her latest idea was a kind of mobile turret, along with general cyborg art. She liked robots, what could she say?

She headed to the garage where her father was waiting.

The tractor was still in need of a tune up, maybe another pair of hands could lighten the load?

”Hey, dad?”

”Yeah?”

”I wanted to apologise for last night. I promised to help with the tractor but I was just so exhausted after the party that it slipped my mind..”

Jax chuckled, a pleasant sound that wasn’t heard nearly enough.

”Don’t worry. I’m almost done fixing it up. You can feed the pigs tomorrow to make up for it.”

Jacqui saluted her father with a smile. That wasn't much of a punishment, she liked feeding the pigs. Especially Oinkbert, her personal favourite.

”Yes, sir.”

With that conversation over, Jacqui entered her father’s dark purple car as they began the drive to school.

The radio was on, loud enough for background sound, but not too much to drown out conversation.

Speaking of conversation.

"So, are the gloves a fashion statement, or is there something you want to tell me?"

Jacqui ignored the urge to roll her eyes. 

”It was nothing. Just some guy from school with a grudge.”

”Hm. Be careful,” Jax advised his daughter. As much as Jacqui appreciated and understood his concern, it could be a bit frustrating sometimes. She could take care of herself. 

Still, it's sweet that he cares.

“I will.”

Silence as they drove.

“How was the party?”

”Pretty good, I won a couple of arm wrestling matches.”

Jax broke into a nostalgic chuckle, lightening Jacqui’s mood in the process.

”That’s my girl.”

Jacqui focused on the window, watching the world pass by. Another semester, another time to juggle a secret identity. And keeping herself safe so that her parents don’t get worried about her “Night job.”

No pressure.

Chapter Text

Kung Jin sat in his room, practicing his katas as per usual for his morning routines. They were as easy as breathing for him at this point, as expected due to Raiden’s training.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t stay there forever. He had other obligations to meet.

”Jin, breakfast is ready!”

Jin closed his eyes and sighed. Could a guy not practice in peace?

”Yeah, okay, I’ll be out in a minute!”

”You better, or I’ll give Chai your food.”

Jin rolled his eyes with a faint fondness as Ling walked away, the fresh morning banter was something he cherished. He’d never be able to get away with it back home, not without a stern lecture.

Speaking of lectures…

He looked to the stack of unopened letters in his bin. He should really get to those. It'd be a way to spend the day.

"Just not today," he thought as he left his room.

Jin trudged from his room and sat at the table, wasting no time in getting into his breakfast.

”Somebody’s hungry,” Ling observed as she washed her plate.

”I’m a teenager. What do you expect?”

”From you, not much.”

Jin cut up his breakfast, eating in silence. Ling didn’t do much for conversation until she was sure Jin was finished.

“Your friend made a post about last night. Did you have a good time?”

"It wasn’t completely terrible. Wait, you have friendships?"

"Why wouldn't I? Side note, I won’t be able to drop you off, you’ll have to find your own way. Is that cool?”

Jin answered with an agreeable grunt.

Ling stuffed things into her bag, before heading to the door.

”I’ll see you later, okay?”

”Sure, whatever.”

Jin looked to Kung Chai, Ling’s pet snake who hated people. They had that in common, but that was all they had. Jin remembered being bitten during his first day at the house.

”I don’t suppose you’d be able to take me?”

Chai hissed in response, exposing his fangs.

”Charming.”

With little other option, Jin made his way to the bus stop near Ling’s house. He didn’t ride the bus much, not his style. Plus, it was usually filled with loud kids from school.

Still, it was his quickest option.

It stopped at the bus stop, and Jin gave his payment. The driver looked at him with an expression of tired resignation. Like he’d been doing this for too long to care.

Jin sat on the bus, trying to tune out the sounds of chatter as he read his book. It was a book about Chinese history, not the most entertaining read, but it was better than nothing.

Well, he was trying to read, which was easier said than done when someone sat down with headphones at high enough volume to be heard outside, ruining any chance of Jin zoning out the noise. 

Jin rolled his eyes and nudged his elbow against his partner’s shoulder. The boy pulled off his headphones and looked to Jin.

"Do you mind?”

"Can you turn it down? Not all of us want to hear your music."

The boy looked at Jin blankly, went to his volume, and turned it all the way up as he put his headphones back on. Jin forced his attention to the outside view, quietly cursing his luck.

"Prick."

He hated the bus. He really did.

After a bus ride that felt like an eternity of annoying chatter, wannabe comedians, and more screaming than should be allowed, Jin finally arrived at school.

He looked over the sea of students gathered outside. Some familiar faces, some unfamiliar, but none he actually cared for.

Another ten weeks of boredom, learning stuff he already knew.

He sighed and headed to the library, at least he could kill some time in there.

Maybe they’d updated the selection. Though, he doubted it.

Chapter Text

With school back in session, Takeda decided to work out something new for his morning training. While fighting hologram was fun, he needed a change of scenery.

Luckily, he already knew what to request. Arrows and rubber bullets fired at him from unknown places, all to distract him from his task.

Takeda dived over the wooden pallet, rolled to his feet, and tossed his kunai into the target, concluding his task. The announcement system crackled to life.

"Course finished. New record: two minutes, seven seconds."

Takeda smiled to himself. Not too shabby. Obstacle courses were a bit more fun than just waves of enemies.

”Would you like to try again?”

”No, that’s all. Power down.”

The surrounding obstacle course of pillars and traps shifted back into holograms before dissipating away. Takeda wiped sweat from his brow, that was a real workout, nearly lost his hair from the flame jets.

Still, it was pretty fun.

After his shower and getting himself dressed for his future educational endeavours, Takeda elected to spend his time relaxing and thinking about the party.

It was a fun time, certainly unlike anything he’d ever experienced. The company was pleasant and watching Jacqui win arm wrestling match after match was eye opening for him. He knew she was strong but, just… wow.

Then Chris showed up, and Takeda got him to back off without a single punch being thrown.

Takeda wasn’t entirely sure where that anger came from. Chris hadn’t done anything drastic.

Must be fight or flight response from training. Or it’s my hormones. One or the other.

As he flipped the page of his comic, Takeda heard his ringtone. He jumped to a sitting position, grabbing his phone from the bedside table. His Lock Screen was admittedly basic. 

Grandmaster, is something wrong?

No, nothing is wrong. 

Oh, so, why’re you messaging?

I may be coming over to check your training.

I cannot have my Chujin falling behind the new recruits.

Takeda snickered for a moment, Hanzo obviously missed him. He paused for a moment to evaluate his possible responses. He didn’t want to come off too desperate or too callous.

Cool, do you know when you’d be coming?

It is difficult to say. You will know.
One more thing.

What is it?

Have a good day at school.

Takeda smiled. It was nice that the grandmaster still tried to keep in touch despite their distances. He checked the time. His escort would probably be here soon, should probably get going. He slung his bag over his shoulder and left his quarters. His father leaning against the wall, Takeda hoped he hadn't been there the entire time.

”You seem in a good mood.”

”Master Hanzo told me he’d be coming over for evaluate my training sometime. I’m a little excited.”

Takeda saw Kenshi’s posture change a little at mention of Hanzo. The two of them were friends, but Takeda couldn’t shake the feeling that Kenshi felt a tad jealous about how close Takeda was with Hanzo.

It made things a little awkward, to say the least.

”I see. It would be nice to see him again.”

”Yeah, yeah, it would.”

Silence. Takeda’s phone vibrated, his escort was here.

”So, I’ve gotta get to school. I’ll see you around?”

“Have a good day, Takeda.”

Takeda disappeared down the metallic corridors, giving a silent wave to the staff as he left the building. 

“Alright, kid, we’re here.”

Takeda snapped out of his head, turning to his driver. It was a different one than usual. Apparently the normal guy was sick. Poor man.

”Right, thanks for the ride,” he replied as he tipped the driver five dollars.

”That’s not necessary.”

”Let's agree to disagree.”

Takeda exited the car, running into Kimberly behind the wall. She beckoned him towards her, and Takeda felt no urge to challenge it. If she had something to say, it was probably important.

”Hey, Kim. What’s up?”

"Word about your stunt at the party spread like wildfire."

Takeda crossed his arms, eyes wide with surprise.

"How did you...?"

Kimberly gave Takeda a look that told the answer.

"Right."

“Chris isn’t a forgiving person. All I’m saying is for you to watch your back.”

”I will, thanks,” Takeda answered with a smile.

Kimberly looked like she was going to say something else, before a familiar voice entered the scene.

”Hey, Tak!”

Takeda looked to the approaching Cassie and Jacqui, before turning back to Kimberly.

"Hey, what do you-

She was gone without a trace. Maybe Takeda wasn’t the only one with ninja skills. His friends caught up to him.

”What were you doing with Kim?”

”Just chatting. She gave me a cryptic warning about Chris.”

Cassie scoffed, clearly not taking anything about Chris seriously.

“Don’t worry, if that guy tries anything, he’ll be in the ground before you can blink.”

Takeda chuckled at that. She wasn’t wrong. Anyone in their team could wipe the floor with Chris in a one on one fight. Takeda noticed the absence of their fourth member.

“Where’s Jin?”

“Dunno. Maybe the library?”

The school bell rung out across the school. Cassie stuck a thumb to the entrance.

”We’ll see him in history class, he loves that class.”

Takeda followed his friends into the school building. Break was over, time to get back to work.

And hope that Chris was all bark, no bite.

Chapter Text

The semester started with a whole school assembly. Understandable. It was a new semester after the break, who knew what kind of insanity a bunch of teenagers with the taste of freedom could accomplish?

The principal stood before the school, hands folded behind his back as he spoke into the microphone. 

“I’m going to preface this assembly by extending a welcome back to our students. As well as introducing our new science teacher to you all.”

Cassie looked up to the stage, seeing a middle aged woman with short brown hair take the stage. She introduced herself, says she was happy to be a part of such a prestigious opportunity, before sitting back down.

“Now, the parent-teacher meetings are in a couple of weeks, and I will send out a reminder when we get closer. So I expect everyone here to be on their best behaviour.”

There was a slight murmuring amidst the crowd, Cassie rolled her eyes. What was the big deal? 

”As I’m sure you’re all aware, the school drama production is happening within weeks, and we would be more than happy to any late volunteers.”

Nobody raised their hand. Cassie suppressed a snort. The drama nerds could handle that, just because her dad was an actor didn’t mean she had to care about the school production.

The speech continued for a moment, finally reaching the end.

”Remember, this school demands excellence. You will be representing not only this school, but yourselves.”

He looked to the seniors.

”So, please, try to put some effort into it.”

After the assembly that took up most of the first period, the next class was history. 

“Now, I hope you all had a good break. Today, we’re starting a new chapter in our journey.”

Jin rolled his eyes.

”We’re starting Mayan history.”

That got his attention. Finally, it wasn’t just about the same old wars or the same old assholes. Speaking of new things, someone new was a part of the class.

A girl with short brown hair and bangs.

She looked… rough. Jin knew that look of subtle caution. Scanning for threats, always on edge. But she didn’t seem afraid, just bored.

Whatever.

Jin attentively listened to Mr Vogel’s lesson, copying as much as he could. Jacqui did the same, before feeling a paper ball hit her in the back of the head.

What the…

She heard someone snickering in the back, before Vogel picked up on it.

”Is there something you want to share with the class, Mister Hart?”

Silence as almost all eyes turned to the eponymous Arthur Hart. Why anyone would name their kid Arthur was beyond Jin’s comprehension. Didn’t help that he was a bit of a meathead.

”I’m just wondering, why bother learning this stuff? It’s not like we’ll use it.”

Jin felt the need to answer, plus, it’d be fun to clown on this guy.

”While not all of history is necessary applicable to our daily lives, it can be important to learn of past mistakes so that we can avoid repeating them.”

Jin returned to his textbook as Vogel cleared his throat.

”Very good, Kung Jin. Now, as I was saying, the Mayan people were a traditional culture. Can anyone give me a name of one of their deities?”

Recess was a noisy affair. Friends catching up, talking about their holidays or parties or injuries. Anyone’s guess and everyone had a story to tell.

Takeda swallowed a scoop from his cup of ice cream before addressing his friends.

“So, is anyone volunteering for the play?”

”Nope.”

“Absolutely not.”

”No.”

”Okay.”

“Why, do you wanna give a shot?” Teased Cassie, a familiar smirk crossing her features.

Takeda shook his head with a chuckle. No way in the netherrealm was he going to try out. He had no acting skills except for acting like a basic teenager.

”Nah, I’d probably tank the production.”

“Moving on, what about the new girl?”

Jacqui answered first.

”Seems alright. Quiet type, thankfully. This place has enough loudmouths as is.”

Cassie sipped her strawberry milk, and stood to her feet.

”I’m gonna go say hi.”

Cassie sat down beside the new girl, who was picking at her empty tray.

”Hey, how’re you enjoying the school?”

New girl looked up to Cassie.

”Fine. The principal sure can give a speech.”

”Got that right. Do you want this? Too sweet for me.”

New girl nodded and Cassie passed her the drink. She took a sip, as if to test whether it was poisoned, before placing it on her left.

“Thanks. My name’s Harlow, by the way.”

”I’m Cassie, the three idiots back there are my friends,” Harlow spared a glance, seeing the other three give their wordless greetings.

“Harlow, huh? That’s-

“A weird name for a girl?”

”I was gonna say a cool name. Unique.”

”Oh. Yours too?”

”Thanks.”

Silence, the school bell rung across the cafeteria. Cassie excused herself back to her table as she got ready to leave.

”How’d it go?” Questioned Jacqui.

”I think I like the new girl. Her name’s Harlow.”

The next class was physical education. One would think that having a sport class after eating would be a tad counterproductive, but who knew for sure?

Mrs Burch blew her whistle once everyone was charged into their P.E uniforms.

”Alright, I’m sure you’ve all enjoyed school break. I’m assuming a good fifty per cent of you just sat around home?”

She scanned the class, some of whom looked called out. Jacqui coughed into her hand. That couldn’t be further from the truth in her case.

“I won’t cut you any slack just because it’s early. The sports carnival is this semester and I won’t accept excuses. Ten sit ups, then run to the end. Once all of your team has finished, you’re done.”

Everyone sorted themselves into teams of four.

”On your marks, get set, go!”

The whistle blew, and the game began.

Science class wasn’t one of Takeda’s best classes. He wasn’t bad at it, he was pretty sure he was passing, but it just didn’t grab his attention the way art or literature did.

Still, he listened attentively as the new science teacher, Mrs Brown, explained how they’d be handling biology.

”Turn your textbooks to page 35.”

Takeda did as he was told, writing down notes for whatever seemed important. He was so engrossed in the textbook that he didn’t notice a fellow student sit beside him.

”Mind sharing that?”

Takeda was surprised that someone got the jump on him. Maybe he was slacking a bit. Nevertheless, he was raised to be polite.

”Sure.”

”Thanks.”

She silently took her notes, seeming far more adept at this than he was.

”So. How do you feel about science?”

”It can be fun, it can also be boring.”

Takeda returned to his notes, before flipping over into his notebook to check his sketches. Harlow noticed.

“Huh, you’re into anime?”

Takeda quickly shut his book. There was important Shirai Ryu art in there. 

“Uh, no?”

Harlow chuckled a little at his denial. 

”Relax, I’m not making fun of you. You’ve got a nice eye.”

”Funny, I thought I had two.”

Exchanging quiet banter, Takeda found himself smiling a little.

Cassie was right, the new girl had some charm.

Once school finally ended, Cassie met with the rest of her friends outside. She checked her phone for any messages regarding missions. Luckily, she had one.

Meet me in the parking lot. Mama Blade wants you four.

"Good news, gang, we've got a job."

Cassie and her friends made it to the parking lot, catching her father’s car as he rolled down the window.

”I’m looking to pick up a couple of meddling kids. You know any around?”

Cassie rolled her eyes with a good natured scoff. Scooby Doo references? Really?

”Right here. Shotgun.”

Jin cursed quietly, Takeda softly patted his shoulder as a sign of solidarity. He knew the pain of losing shotgun chances.

The group funnelled into the car, and waited as Johnny began to drive away to their destination.

"So, did you kids have a good day back?"

Everyone shared a glance and a shrug.

"Same old, same old. We got a new student.”

Johnny turned down the radio, voice becoming a tad more serious.

“Good, good. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ve got a mission today.”

Cassie looked to her team in the back.

”Why would that be bad news? You know that we love our jobs.”

Johnny snorted a laugh.

”If this were a job, you’d be getting paid.”

”Would you pay us?”

Johnny paused, as though he was considering it.

”Not a chance.”

Arriving at the base, Cassie and the gang were directed to General Blade addressing a group of soldiers.

”You wanted to see us, General?”

Sony alooked to the arriving squad, slotting nicely into her role as general as the team lined up.

”Correct, operative Cage. Recently, we were sent a request from Outworld. Kotal Kahn requests a meeting with Earthrealm diplomats. Since our allies are unavailable, we’re left with a single option."

Sonya looked to the team of teenagers. A part of her didn’t want to send them out to the same place that caused her and her allies so much trouble, but knew she had to.

“You and your team are heading to Outworld. Get geared up, but no heavy armament. You're there to understand the situation, not start a war.”

"Yes, ma'am."

The four of them left to get ready, allowing Johnny to get closer to his ex-wife.

"They'll be alright."

"I hope so."

Chapter Text

Cassie would be lying if she said she wasn't a little excited to finally see Outworld. She knew this wasn't a vacation or sightseeing trip. It was a mission, a job. But it was exhilarating in a strange way. 

Johnny volunteered to join them as a “chaperone.” Since he and Sonya had met Kotal in the past, but Cassie decided against it. They could handle this without needing someone to hold their hands.

The Outworld portal took them to a village called “Sun Do.” There, they met with a woman called Li Mei, who directed them to the quickest road to meet the emperor.

They made their way to the main city of Z’unkarah. The marketplace was filled creatures and citizens of all kinds. People with fangs, tails, inhuman features, and several cloaked merchants selling fruits and goods.

It was somehow familiar, yet unfamiliar. Cassie moved past a creature with tentacles, grimacing a little. Jin snatched a fruit from the bucket without getting caught. He took a bite, savouring the unique taste. Jacqui looked around, taking in the atmosphere.

”This is Outworld?”

”You seem disappointed.”

“Outworld is a bunch of realms melded together, this is just a fraction of what the realm had to offer.”

The trio of Cassie, Jacqui and Takeda turned to stare at Jin. The archer blinked twice.

”I studied Outworld in my family’s library.”

Cassie cleared her throat, gaining back attention.

”Anyway, we’ve got a job to do. Find Kotal, and figure out what he wants.”

”With a name like Kotal Kahn, are we really sure he’ll be much of a talker?”

A new voice interrupted. It was a woman’s voice with a strange buzzing sound behind it.

”This one suggests you keep such opinions to yourself.”

The group looked to the voice, revealing a woman dressed in a black top and hooded cloak. Her skin was similar to a yellow chitinous hide. A small crowd of guards flanked her side.

"State your business, lest you are treated as enemies."

Cassie looked ready to justify herself, reaching for the official seal of Raiden, but Jin was faster on the draw.

”Look. We don’t belong here, you’re right. But we need to make an audience with Kotal Kahn. If you don’t let us in, and it turns out we had valuable information?”

Jin inhaled through his teeth, flashing a glance to the enforcer.

”I can’t imagine that’d end well for you.”

The crowd stared at the sight, wondering if a fight would break out. Instead, D'Vorah turned her back to the four, beckoning with her hand for them to follow.

“This one will escort you to the emperor. Do not fall behind.”

As the group followed D’Vorah, Cassie spared a look to Jin, who gave a knowing glance in response.

Still got it.

Kotal sat on his throne, waiting for a report. D’Vorah entered the room with a bow.

“Emperor, The Earthrealm delegation has arrived and await an audience.”

”Excellent, bring them in.”

Instead of trained warriors, Kotal Kahn saw four adolescents. These were Raiden’s diplomats? Earthrealm must be in dire strafes.

”Forgive me, but are you four not too young for inter-realm delegation?”

The one in a bodysuit with a blonde bun stepped forward. The leader, perhaps?

”Maybe, but one of your personal guards is a kid who doesn’t look older than seven.”

Kotal felt a ghost of a smile flicker on his features before steeling himself as an emperor must. While Ferra was young, her bond with Torr and fondness for savage violence made her a valuable, if at times exuberant, member of his court.

”Touché, I suppose.”

These we’re not the warriors he expected to see. But he made this request, far be it from him to refuse it.

”Recently, there was an attack in our city square. Mileena’s rebels used what we now know to be earthrealm weaponry. I do not presume betrayal, but I am curious where they came from?”

The four earthrealmer’s looked to each other. They knew something.

”We have an answer, but it might take a while to explain.”

”I have all the time it could take.”

As Cassie took it upon herself to explain the whole “Kano selling guns to Mileena” situation, Jacqui looked to her surroundings.

Kotal’s imperial guard were certainly an interesting bunch. A bug lady, a cowboy, a lizard-man, a bunch of souls in a person shaped container, and a little girl riding a hulking behemoth.

It reminded her of old cartoons. A wacky squad of minions. But Kotal didn’t seem evil. They weren’t friends, no way in hell, but they weren’t enemies either.

And I thought teenage relationships were complicated.

“This news is troubling. I have heard of the effectiveness of Earthrealm’s residents. We will keep an eye out for any more activity that may draw your attention.” 

Cassie cleared her throat.

”Before we get going, we’re a little dried out from all the walking we’ve been doing. Is there like a fridge or something we can get a drink from?”

Kotal turned to the open door, and yelled out to who was presumably one of his staff.

”Ruby!”

A woman dressed in red and black, obviously Ruby, entered the room and bowed respectfully.

“What is it, your excellency?” Ruby asked, a strange accent touching her words.

”Our guests are in need of refreshments, could you escort them to the cellar?”

”At once.”

Kotal nodded, a faint smile crossing his face.

The woman turned to the four guests, beckoning them with her fingers.

Ruby escorted the teens to the kitchen, pointing to two cabinets opposite one another.

“The cabinet on the left is non alcoholic beverages. The right contains only alcoholic. Although, given your appearances, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too responsible to allow you alcohol.”

Jin scoffed.

”Doesn’t being tourists give us an exemption?”

”While we do offer exceptions for certain Outworld races due to unique biology, we tend to focus on ages for more humanoid beings. But, it is your lives.”

Jacqui stepped forward.

”Well, thanks. We’ll handle it from here.”

”As you wish.”

Ruby left the team alone to pick a drink, Cassie finding a large bottle of what smelled like orange juice.

She poured four glasses, swirling hers as she leaned against the wall.

”So, what do we think about Mr. Kahn?”

Takeda answered first, inspecting his drink as if curious it was poison.

”He seems alright. Better than the old one.”

”I dunno. It seems a little too… clear cut. I think there’s more going on here.” Jin retorted, eyebrows narrowed as though he was deep in thought.

Jacqui looked to Jin, then to the rest of her group.

”I can agree. We should be careful.”

Cassie nodded. Just because Kotal seemed alright didn’t mean they were gonna be buddy buddy with him.

”This is some damn fine juice, I’m telling you now.”

”You wanna swipe some liquor?”

”That stuff would probably kill us.”

”Wuss.”

After getting themselves refreshed with non-alcoholic Outworld beverages, Cassie's group returned to Kotal, who had finished discussing with his court. He turned to the team of diplomats. 

“I am pleased we could clear the air, as it were. We will inform you if we require your assistance again."

The group bowed, Cassie recovering first to speak.

"Well, we'll go and report to General Blade, thanks for-

Takeda interrupted, receiving a stern glare from the three remaining.

”Wait, before we go, can we ask a question?”

”Go ahead.”

”How much can you tell us about Mayan history?”

Kotal paused for a moment, as though his mind was drawing a complete blank on how to respond. Jin decided to explain further.

"We saw something that looked very similar to you in our history books and we're curious."

Kotal placed a hand to his chin, contemplating his options. He supposed it couldn't hurt, and nothing said he had to tell them everything.

The Kahn began explaining his story, much to Jin's pleasure.

This was turning out to be a pretty good day.

Chapter Text

Returning to the base, the group of soldiers assembled in a line as the general addressed them.

”Operative Cage, report.”

”Kotal Kahn seemed oblivious about Kano selling weapons until we told him. He says that he’ll keep informed if he needs us again.”

Somya nodded, moving onto the next question.

”You four are later than expected. Did something happen?”

All four immediately began drafting up excuses, before they were silenced by their commanding officer.

”You got sidetracked with the emperor’s palace, didn’t you?”

The silence spoke all the words she needed to hear. She kept a sigh to herself. Of course they’d do a little sightseeing, they’d probably heard stories about Outworld since they were kids.

”Understood. Good work today, dismissed.”

Sonya left to her office, allowing the team to breath a sigh of relief.

”Can you believe that Kotal went to Earthrealm?”

Silence.

”We should go get changed.”

”Oh, yeah, definitely.”

After getting changed out of their “work” uniforms and into casual wear, Takeda told his friends he’d see them tomorrow.

“You know, you don’t have to stick around here all the time. If you want to crash with one of us we’d be more than happy.” Jacqui countered.

Takeda waved them off.

”Guys, don’t worry. I’m fine here, but maybe I’ll consider it.”

The trio left Takeda in the base as they left to their “escort.”

Johnny was waiting for them.

”So, now you want me to chaperone you?”

“Is that a problem?”

Johnny chuckled, unlocked his car, and stepped in.

”Not at all. Hop in.”

Jacqui unbuckled herself as soon as Johnny arrived at the Briggs farmhouse.

”Thanks for the drop off, Mister Cage.”

”Anytime, JB, tell your pops I said hi.”

Jacqui smirked a little.

”Will do.”

As Jacqui walked up to her family’s home, hearing the car driving away, she heard a familiar squeal. The sound of a certain pig.

Sir Oinkbert himself. Prince of the farm.

”Hey there, buddy. Miss me?”

Another squeal.

”I’ll take that as a yes. I’ll feed you tomorrow, okay?”

After working out their arrangements, Jacqui stepped inside to find a single light turned on. Dad had a habit of staying up late. Jacqui had a feeling she knew why, but didn’t want to press it.

”Hey, dad.”

”Hey. You’re back late.”

”Yeah, we had a history project to study for.”

Jax grunted, pulling down his newspaper.

”Is that so? There’s dinner on the bench if you want it.”

”Maybe I’ll take it for school tomorrow. I’ll see you in the morning?”

”Yeah. Night, honey.”

Jacqui smiled to her father as she headed to her room.

”Love you too.”

As Jacqui left to her bedroom, Jax exhaled a sigh.

”Jacqui, what’re you up to?”

Johnny’s next stop was Ling’s place. Jin quickly hopped out and said a half hearted thanks before shutting the door.

Now he could finally get home and-

”Kung Jin.”

Jin whirled around, seeing the familiar body of Raiden. Jin immediately relaxed his stance.

”Oh, hey, Raiden. What’re you doing here?”

”Since you hadn’t requested my presence to continue our training, I was concerned something had gone wrong.”

“Wow, you care that much, huh?” Jin replied, forcing a sarcastic attitude despite his exhaustion.

“Of course, why else would I take it upon myself to train you?”

Jin didn’t have a good comeback for that, so he didn’t try to make one on the spot.

”Well, I’m a little worn out from today’s mission. We went to Outworld, met the new Kahn, you get the idea?”

Raiden nodded.

”I see. Would you be interested in training tomorrow?”

”We’ll see, maybe the general has another surprise for us.”

Raiden nodded, placing a hand on Jin’s shoulder.

”Rest well, Kung Jin.”

”Same to you, I guess.”

Raiden disappeared in a flash of blue light, leaving Jin alone outside Ling’s house.

Who knew Gods could be so sentimental?

As soon as she got home and turned on her connection, Cassie’s phone was immediately flooded with notifications.

Right, of course Outworld wouldn’t have WI-FI.

Stuff from Friendships, messages from classmates, that one spam guy, the usual.

A part of her felt like combing through those notifications, but honestly? She was too mentally and physically exhausted to care anymore.

I’ll handle it tomorrow.

Kicking off her shoes and getting dressed for bed, Cassie barely lasted ten minutes before drifting off.

Mileena sat in her tent, listening to a report from one of her rebels. The last attack wasn’t as prosperous as she was hoping, but it certainly brought attention.

”Ko’atal has enlisted the aid of earthrealm, although to what extent, I cannot say.”

Mileena looked up from her hand mirror. The usurper has his own outside aid?

”Is that so? Interesting. That will be all, return to your duties.”

Her subordinate left the tent, allowing Mileena to return to her personal time. 

Was she worried about this earthrealm incursion? Not at all. It didn't matter how many allies Ko'atal made, the throne would be returned to it's rightful owner. And if it meant she got to savour human flesh in the process?

Mileena smiled sadistically.

"Even better..."

This civil war was starting to get interesting.