21.5: Negotiations and Plots

- Li Mei -

She'd had her worries about submitting to the Overlord, worried they were exchanging one tyrant for another... but their options were slim, almost non-existent after they fled into the Overlord's lands.

But they couldn't remain behind, Mileena was working them to death, and even those that survived were either taxed to starvation by the Naknadans or eaten by the Tartakans who ran wild under Mileena's rule.

As she entered the throne room, her heart had almost frozen seeing both Shao Kahn's apprentice and wife by the Overlord's side as he stared down at her with glowing red eyes from under his intimidating helmet.

She'd pushed through as she... negotiated with Queen Sindel for sanctuary, mostly just accepting the far more cunning woman's demands. She wasn't suited for negotiating with rulers, she was a peasant woman who happened to be a good fighter, and she was out of her depths... but she was the best choice out of the entire village.

To her surprise, the Overlord seemed to reign in Sindel on occasion, rarely speaking out loud, but stopping her from demanding more from them.

In the end, it was 'agreed' that the villagers of Sun Do would work as farmers in the Overlord's empire, growing rice and... 'oriental' foods. Whatever oriental meant... the Overlord corrected himself mid-sentence and never elaborated. It was what they were doing before they were enslaved, and it seemed too good to be true. Sindel had insisted that she would personally serve the Overlord as an attendant, which she had... hesitantly accepted. It was a small price to pay for the safety of the thousands of villagers she had led here. There had been more agreements, the village swearing loyalty to the Overlord and other small demands from Sindel.

Then she had her next shock, the Overlord lead the people of Sun Do through his lands, and she was relieved to see that once you passed the mountain range, the blackened rocks and lava rivers faded for grassy hills and forests, a bustling town in the distance.

She was even more relieved when the people of the town of 'Spree' seemed to respect and even adore their leader, bowing to him with very little fear as he passed.

Then they passed through the hills, and a camp of green-skinned men and woman, larger than normal humans, they'd been defensive but not aggressive.

The tiny green people had been aggressive, but a half-hearted fireball from the Overlord sent them fleeing back into the hills.

The Overlord had called them Goblins and explained that they were a cowardly people, easily chased away.

Then, he'd lead them to a mountain pass... with nothing but a void on the other side.

The Overlord had simply... raised a hand, and made the very land expand. As she and the villagers watched in shock, the Overlord made a great lake with an island in the middle, roads surrounding the lake splitting off to three other directions. Towers, already manned with Archers grew from the ground, giant trees grew in a matter of seconds as mountains surrounded the new land.

Leading them to one of the paths, he did the same again, making the land itself obey his whims. Shao Kahn had been an immensely powerful Kahn... but he could only destroy, he could not command the very realm to bend to his will.

On the new land, hundreds of building surrounded by thick walls built themself, and she felt tears form in her eyes at the sight... each building was built in the style of their abandoned home, colourful slanted rooftops decorating the hundreds of homes he built in seconds... cherry blossom trees dotting the village, blood-red maple trees surrounding the walls, even farms were created, already growing rice and other plants, just waiting to be harvested. A small castle grew just outside the walls, manned with men in 'oriental' armour as they oversaw the road, ready to defend the new village... no.

It couldn't be called a village any more, it was a town... just waiting for them to move in.

"Hmm, Sun Do is probably a burnt-out ruin by now... so I guess that makes this the Town of Neo Sun Do?" The Overlord murmured, his deep rumbling voice filling the air. "Fuck it, that works. I hate naming things anyway." he said, shrugging.

It looked odd to see a man covered in heavy armour shrug like that.

After that, he basically just said, this is your home now, go move in and leave me alone. The villagers would work the farms for him, keeping what they needed and sending the rest through the portal he built in the middle of the village.

He mumbled something about someone called Rose dealing with the logistics. He also ordered them to pick someone to lead the village, claiming that micromanaging all the towns would be a pain in the ass. Despite her position as his attendant, they'd picked her.

Then, he went through the portal himself, and she followed him, as his attendant, she didn't want to anger him by leaving his side without permission.

Queen Sindel had made it clear that she was to do whatever the Overlord wanted, and she'd prepared herself for the degrading act of giving her body to him for the safety of her people... but after seeing him build an entire town for them, making sure they had everything they needed, not to survive but to thrive in their new home, she had to admit... she'd do it willingly.

He deserved more than her loyalty and servitude, but her gratitude and perhaps even her worship... for what other being could create land with but a gesture than a God?

Returning to his home, he'd switched from the heavy intimidating armour to a simple black tunic and trousers, making her re-consider again.

She would have served him willingly before, now she'd do so happily.

His face could only be called noble, with handsome features from a land she did not know, a pair of mesmerising red eyes glancing at her. She'd assumed he was an old warlord, and yet his features belayed a youth younger than even her. His jet black hair was slightly messy, likely from the helmet he was wearing, but it only added to his appeal as he yawned, tossing himself onto his bed with a groan.

It was a very... teenager thing to do. She had no idea of his true age, but he both looked and acted like a teen, perhaps he was a fledgeling god? It would explain how he just... radiated power.

She hesitated, wondering if she should offer her services to him as he laid on his bed, should she remove her garments and offer herself to him?

Her question was sidestepped entirely as Skarlet and Sindel came to him, reporting on the consequences of the Sun Do villagers fleeing into his land.

"I know, alright? Shang Tsung keeps chasing away my spirits, but I've caught sight of Mileena, she's furious and frankly bat-shit insane. She'll attack us with all she has, sooner rather than later. I know. Honestly, Sindel... your daughters a psycho bitch." he groaned out, making her feel guilt grow in her guts, they'd just wanted to escape her... and they'd inflamed the war.

"Indeed she is, Kuro. Do you have a plan for this?" Sindel asked, making him chuckle.

"Obviously, with the Tarkatan slaughter, her rep is at an all-time low, and to make things better... some of the 'survivors' saw you, and that has the Edenians whispering. Now it's time to start chipping away at her support. The Tarkatans, The Naknadas, The Shokans, The Black Dragon, The Osh-Tekk, The Saurians, The Kytinn and the Edenians. These are the forces Mileena has under her command... but not under her control, each is ruled by a leader with their own goals. I have plans to deal with more than half of them, and I'll be starting to act on them soon." The Overlord, now named 'Kuro' said. "Hell, I've already set one of my plans into motion."

"Hmm, it won't be easy to deal with all those enemies." Skarlet pointed out.

"Which is why we won't be fighting them... 'To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting'." he said, quoting something. "Why fight what I could make mine? Every enemy I turn is another asset to fight Mileena with."

- Kano -

What the fuck?

Staring at the small pile of unmarked gold bars sitting in his bedroom, he placed his hand on his knife as he moved closer, on guard for any trickery.

That gold would be worth... hundreds of thousands of dollars, possibly close to a million... and it was just sat there, how could have got this past the palace guards? Who the hell leaves a million in solid gold sitting around?

Picking up the small piece of parchment on the top of the pile, he read the flowing handwriting with a growing smirk.

'I pay better than Mileena, this is a taste of what I have to offer. Overlord Kuro.'

Well, well, well... wasn't that interesting? Clearly, this Overlord was a man who spoke his language.

- Li Mei -

Not just powerful, but wise as well? Clearly well studied, and she couldn't picture Shao Kahn actually reading, Mileena certainly didn't... assuming she could even read.

"I see, you seem to have things under control... my love." Sindel said, making him smirk. "You continue to impress, my dear. I do believe I won't come to regret our alliance."

"You won't. We will win this, Mileena with be deposed and we will some peace and order... even if I have to crush every other realm to get it." Kuro said, laying back down.

"Very well, the portal is still open, so I'm going to hang around on the walls, if any scouts come through I'll make sure they see me." Sindel said calmly, smirking.

"I will go with her... I doubt any will get past the undead you left, but if they do, they'll find nothing but a swift death." Skarlet agreed after a shared glance at Sindel, a silent conversation passing between them.

"Uhuh, you do that. I'm taking a break, building two entire regions was kinda tiring." Kuro admitted, smiling as they left.

Waiting a moment as they were left alone in the Overlord's bedroom, she took a step towards the bed with the resting Overlord in it, idly playing with a majestic black bird before it flew out of the open window.

...What was the correct way to address an Overlord? My Lord sounded too... simple?

"Your majesty, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your mercy and kindness. I realise taking us in... made things more complicated for you." Li started, getting his attention. "You did not have to build an entire region for us... nor did you have to build us a town, but you have my eternal gratitude for your mercy." she said, making him grin, a boyish smile making her feel her cheeks heat up slightly.

"It was for me as much as it was for you, it saves me having to deal with complaining peasants... besides, happy subjects are hard-working subjects." Kuro said with a smirk.

He wasn't wrong, she had no doubts the people of Neo Sun Do would work themselves far harder than normal to thank their new ruler.

"Even still, if you ever require anything... you need only say the word." she promised, leaning forwards slightly, watching his eyes lower to her cleavage. The pink top she was wearing had a large v-cut going right down to her belly-button, leaving an incredibly generous amount of cleavage on display as it barely held her breasts in, a hint of pink areola peaking out. Despite everything it wasn't the most revealing outfit she'd ever worn... she used to just wear an armoured pair of underwear to battle for... some reason.

Straightening up, she smiled at him with a sultry look on her face, it wasn't her place to initiate relations with her new lord, but she could make her willingness known.

"Is that so? Come here." he ordered, crooking his finger as she smiled, moving onto the large bed, slowly approaching him. "Remove your top, then lay next to me." he ordered again, making her smile gently as she shrugged her top off, her naked breasts exposed to the cold night air. He kept the large doors to the balcony open, so it was fairly chilly in his room, but perhaps he liked it like that?

Laying next to him, she leaned against him as his hand moved down to caress her posterior, his other hand playing with her ample bosom. She could see his baggy trousers start to tent as she waited for permission to do her 'duties'.

"I'm mentally tired, I can't be bothered to put any effort in right now." he admitted, smirking slightly. "So I'm just going to relax, why don't you show me some of that gratitude you mentioned earlier?" he suggested, his tunic vanishing as her hand came to his trousers.

"Of course, your Majesty... just relax and enjoy yourself." Li suggested, undoing the button on his trousers and pulling out his... huge shaft, wrapping her slender fingers around it as she started to stroke.

Kissing his neck and chest, she gently stroked him as he closed his eyes, still playing with her ass and tits as he leaned back and relaxed.

Taking the initiative to show her appreciation, she kissed her way down his chest, parting her lips and engulfing his fat dick in her warm embrace as she started to suck his cock.

It amused her in truth, the idea of being called to the Kahn's bedroom was a nightmare under Shao Kahn's rule, and here she was... enjoying herself as she pleasured her lord.

Happy subjects were hard-working subjects... and she was pretty happy as she bobbed her head, servicing the god-king that had taken them in.

She could get used to this.

- Kuro -

There are many ways to wake up, sometimes Ophis is standing over my with an empty stare, does she want sex? Does she want cookies? Does she want to be fucked while she eats cookies and gets head-pats, all while making Lilith watch but denying her any involvement? No-one knows but her.

Sometimes, I wake up to my world being invaded by the Infernal Abyss or Outworld. The Infernal Abyss has been quiet lately, but I haven't forgotten about them.

Opening my eyes, I smile at the cosy spot my head is stashed in, resting with my head in Sindel's cleavage as Skarlet and Li both orally pleasure me, Skarlet sucking while Li licks the rest. Sometimes, it's good to be me.

Sure, there are plenty of wars and troubles, but really? Can I complain when I get things like this? Always look on the bright side, and the bright side is the horde of naked women around me.

[The Ancient Art of Punching Shit] – Li Mei [50]

Martial Artists will feel drawn to you, maybe they'll want to fight you, maybe they'll want to be your mentor/apprentice... or maybe they'll want you to pump them full of baby-batter so they get a super-child.

She likes me a lot... surprisingly. Turns out, not being an utter cunt to your subjects makes them like you? Who knew?

[Kakyoin approves] – Sindel [50]

Milf hunting is a time honoured tradition. Girlfriend is being annoying? Fuck her mother. Hated enemy is giving you trouble? Fuck their mother. Works every time. This will make it easier than ever.

Sindel was impressed at how well I'm handling Outworld and how calm I am compared to the raging warlord that was Shao Kahn, Skarlet was impressed that I was planning on taking Mileena's people from her.

Honestly, being a ruler isn't that hard... if you surround yourself with talented trustworthy people. Serena handles the household, keeping the maids and servants in line, Velvet punishes disobedience and interrogates my enemies, Rose handles the logistics of the entire realm with ease all while building her spy network through every settlement, Erebus is the military general, leading my undead against the invaders.

You can't balance an entire empire on your back, no matter how strong or smart you are, you need trusted advisors.

Turning, I kiss Sindel with a smile.

Hell of a morning.

- Later -

Looking over the model of Outworld I built from my spirits recon, I smile hearing a quiet humming in the corner of the room. Li Mei is serving Sindel today, I've made it clear that she isn't to be abused since Sindel is kinda sociopathic.

Looking back, the tiny girl sitting in the corner of my office/war room waves at me happily.

"What's wrong, Daddy? Do you need someone killing?" Jack asks, hopping around in her seat in excitement.

"Not just yet, honey." I say, ruffling the loli assassins hair.

Summoning her back was easy enough, she hadn't even noticed that any time had passed.

"Okay..." Jack says, pouting slightly as she twiddles her blades.

Moving back to the map, I look over it with a calculating look. I've located the leaders of each and every major faction under Mileena... and I want to do as much damage to her support before the next attack comes.

The Shokans are falling out of favour, both because Mileena favours the Tartakans and because there was a minor civil war and Goro went full final solution on the Centaurs, wiping them out completely. Goro and Sheeva have retreated, taking the Shokan tribes into the wastelands of Outworld, but they are still technically under Mileena's command.

The Tarkatans and Baraka are surrounding her palace... which benefits me since they can't detect spirits that are trying to hide. Reptile and the few Saurians that still exist are in the marshes of Outworld. The Naknadas are barely worth my attention, I just need to kill off the one called the Kollector.

Kano has utterly failed to mention my... gift to his employer or his Black Dragons for that matter.

The Kytinn are in the caves, and the Hive rarely leaves. D'Vorah is their only real contact with the rest of Outworld. The Osh-Tekk... are a problem, too prideful and honourable to switch sides. Might have to kill them all.

The Edenians are split, Rain is saying they should stay loyal to Mileena (because he wants her throne and having Outworld split doesn't suit his desires, gotta remember to kill the half-god and drain him, it won't be easy, but I do have the Godslayer, I figure if I stab it through his heart it'll do the job) and Tanya wants to investigate the rumours of Sindel. Rain's a more natural leader than Tanya, but more people agree with Tanya, so it's deadlocked for now... I'll need to take Sindel to the Edenians to break the deadlock.

So where do I start? Which group should I work on first? I know the perfect way to decide...

"Jack, honey... can you come here a moment?" I ask, bringing up images of each of the targets.

As she hops off her chair, I have to take a moment to remind myself that she's an ancient serial killer, not the adorable child she both looks and acts like... the daggers help.

"What is it, daddy?" she asks, cocking her head slightly. "Is it time to kill now?"

"...Not yet, pick one of these people." I say calmly, gesturing at the figures of the champions of each race.

"To kill?" she asks immediately, making me stop myself from facepalming. "I've never killed something with that many arms before..." she continues, looking at the 'Kollector'.

Huh, that works.

"Do you want to?" I ask, getting a rapid head nod as she imitates a bobble-head. "Well... you've been a good girl, so sure, you can kill it." I say, patting her head as she beams at me.

+20 Affection with Jack the Ripper for feeding her bloodlust. [65/100]

[Assassins are just Serial Killers that take commissions] – Jack the Ripper [50]

Serials Killer feel drawn to you... I'm sure that won't end badly or anything.

...right.

"Thank you, daddy." Jack beams up at me, her blades already in her hands.

"I'm going to take you close to him, if you get in and out without being seen, I'll give you a reward... whatever you want." I say before pausing. "As long as it isn't to kill one of my harem." I correct, watching her eyes widen in joy.

Taking her hand (after getting her to sheath one of her blades), I swap locations with one of my spirits, sending us both to Outworld, I have spirits tracking almost everyone worth tracking... except those in the Palace because Shang Tsung keeps capturing them and it's annoying to summon them back.

"Can I go kill now, Daddy?" she asks, staring up at me with hopeful eyes.

"Sure thing, sweetie... just be careful, okay?" I say, patting her head as she smiles shyly.

Watching her set off towards the village Kollector is lurking in, I pause. I almost pity him. Almost. I have the spell to recall Jack if things go south, and I'll keep a spirit following her just in case.

As for me... I was going to head out to deal with either the Tarkatans or the Shokans but it seems I'm about to be needed back home...

But what are Earthrealm doing in my swamp? Realm. My Realm.

More importantly... why is Raiden with them? A bunch of soldiers with guns wouldn't even be a threat, Johnny and Cassie's mystical warrior bloodline bullshit aside, but a god? I might need Ophis for this.

His eyes are blue, so this is nice Raiden but that doesn't really explain much, I can't use the timeline as any indicator because Shiro clearly didn't care much about canon when he was making their Verse.

Raiden is the protector of Earthrealm, and I had no plans on invading or attacking Earthrealm so we should have no issues... but I'm not that optimistic.

Raiden, Kitana, Sonya Blade, Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs, plus a small squad of soldiers... you can tell they are irrelevant since they are all wearing identical uniforms, unlike the 'playable' characters.

They're background characters at best.

Time to find out what the hell they want.

- Sonya Blade -

Seeing the giant wall between them and the tower, she paused, seeing the archers staring down at her. Gesturing at her men to stand down, she approached the wall. She couldn't risk this going south immediately because someone got trigger happy.

They had been travelling through the lava fields of this realm for a while now, and the floating skulls really weren't a good sign for them, not that they attacked, simply flying around them menacingly.

Before she could call out, the gate opened, a heavily armoured being stepped out, pitch-black armour with red inlays covering his hulking body, a large furred cape going down his back.

It didn't take her years of combat experience to realise that he was a threat. He had a casual ease about him, utterly unconcerned as he approached them.

"You are intruding in the lands of my Master, the Overlord Kuro. In any other scenario, you would have been put down already, invaders, but my Master ordered us to stand down. State your purpose here, Earthrealmers, and do so quickly. Only yesterday the forces of Mileena Kahn assaulted us, so we have little patience for invaders." the deep booming voice came out from under his helmet.

Stepping forwards, she got his attention from Raiden who he had been addressing. Raiden had come with them to open the portal, but this was her operation.

"I am General Sonya Blade, of the Earthrealm Special Forces. May I ask your name?" Sonya said diplomatically.

"Erebus, the Underworld Monarch. I command my masters undead in defence of his realm. Are you aware that you have brought Outworld's most wanted to our realm, risking inflaming the war even more." the beast of a man said coldly, his eyes lingering on Kitana as she winced.

Kitana had insisted on joining them to try and get information on Outworld and what had happened since Mileena had chased her out, something the Special Forces knew very little about.

"Normally, I would demand you take her away... but there is someone inside who wishes to see her, so I will forgive this idiotic endangerment." Erebus rumbled, as Kitana went to speak, he continued ignoring her completely. "Now, your purpose here."

"I have come to negotiate with the Overlord, and possibly form an alliance against our common enemy of Outworld." she said quickly as his red eyes seemed to glow slightly, making him pause. She could have sworn they turned from the deep almost blackish red to a lighter colour for a moment before they went back to normal.

"Hm. Yes, I understand my Master." Erebus said, his tone completely changed. "My Master has heard your request, and he will permit your presence here in his Realm, despite your unannounced arrival. Be warned, neither myself nor the other inhabitants of this Realm will permit any disrespect towards our lord. You are guests here, but not welcome ones." Erebus warned coldly. "You will follow the path to the tower, you are expected." Erebus ordered, before he headed back through the gate, walking up the stairs to the top of the wall.

No doubt on guard for more Outworld invasions, which explained why Outworld had given them so little trouble lately. They had been worried about it when they realised Mileena of all people was in charge, but the attacks never came.

"Well... he was nice." Cassie quipped, making Sonya give her a stern look, Cassie straightening up with a nod. This was why she hadn't brought Johnny... he was too carefree, and she couldn't risk him pissing the Overlord off by accident.

Cassie could be just as bad, but she knew when to be serious.

"General Blade, I will not be able to open a portal back to Earthrealm from anywhere but the location where we arrived. If things turn hostile..." Raiden warned as the gates closed behind them, massive thick metal sheet blocking them in.

"We won't be able to get away. I know." Sonya agreed. It had taken over an hour to reach the wall, and it would take two or three more to reach the tower. Even running they wouldn't be able to make it back under attack.

"Lady Cetrion speaks highly of this Overlord, I do not believe that he is a tyrant. The Elder Goddess of Virtue would not approve another Shao Kahn." Raiden said calmly.

Wasn't that a surprise... the Overlord had the Elder Gods approval in his rule, which meant Raiden wouldn't help them if things went wrong. He could barely decide on his dinner without consulting them first.

"Wait... the Elder Goddess of Light and Life approves of a Necromancer?" Jacqui asked, making them pause.

"Indeed. He has 'permission' to return the dead to life, or unlife, from a being above even the Elder Gods. He is connected to Death itself, the Aspect that powers all Death Gods and every Afterlife. I know not their relation, and I have never met the being simply called Death, but its power far exceeds anything else, even the Titans are no challenge in the face of True Death." Raiden said as she sighed.

Great, another potential threat. Shinnok almost wiped them out, and he was weaker than the Titan, Kronika that stopped his defeat, banishing him to the Netherrealm. They couldn't beat Kronika, and now there was another being above even the Titan? Wonderful.

Things were easier when her biggest concern was punching Shang Tsung in the face and capturing Kano.

Travelling towards the tower, she went over everything she knew as they approached the sky-scraper sized black tower. How the hell was she going to convince the master of an entire realm to share his power?

Clearly, they were winning against Outworld, it was hard to miss the small mountain of Tarkatan corpses they passed, and there were no signs of battle on this side of the wall, meaning Outworld had failed to ever penetrate this far. It was hard with the blackened rock but you could see signs of battle on the other side, but they were all absent on this side.

Not to mention, the walls were pristine, undamaged.

As they reached the tower, she froze seeing a familiar face staring at her.

"M-mother?! What... how?" Kitana stuttered, making the surprisingly young-looking Sindel smile in amusement.

"Daughter, it is good to see you unharmed. As for how... the Overlord retrieved my body and returned me to life, not as a Revenant but as a true Edenian. He made me younger, as well... I do believe you are physically older than me now." Sindel said with a teasing smile.

"But... why? Why would he..." Kitana stuttered, showing signs of an imminent mental breakdown.

"To help his war efforts, of course. We intend to remove your sister's Edenian support to make dethroning her easier. He even freed the soul of your true father, Jerrod from the abomination, Ermac's grasp, sending it on to the afterlife." Sindel explained easily. "I am free of Quan Chi's magic, and Shao Kahn's control... and the next Kahn of Outworld, Skarlet, has agreed to free Edenia from Outworld. Soon, daughter... our home will be free again, but we can talk more later... the Overlord is expecting you." Sindel said, turning to Sonya. "I apologise if I am putting you off, my Revenant was a cruel, twisted being." she admitted calmly.

"Understandable... we know more than we ever wanted to about what becoming a Revenant does to the mind." Sonya said, accepting it...

Jax... Jax had been killed again in a Netherrealm invasion, once again becoming a Revenant. They'd captured him, but without capturing Quan Chi who never left Shinnok's side, all attempts to free him had failed.

"Lady Sindel... could the Overlord bring a Revenant back to life?" Raiden asked almost immediately, making Jacqui and Cassie perk up hopefully... in truth, she did the same. It hurt to leave her old partner locked up like that.

"Ah yes, your monks are still Revenants, aren't they?" Sindel asked, making Raiden flinch slightly, a look of shame and regret on his face. "You would have to ask him, I know not the limits of his powers. I was already dead again by the time he brought me back. Whether he can do the same with an undead Revenant is something only he would know." Sindel said easily.

"I see, thank you." Raiden said, straightening up slightly.

"Follow me, the Overlord is waiting." Sindel said, giving Raiden a regal nod.

Pausing, she ordered her men to stand down and stay outside the tower, she had a feeling a few men with guns wouldn't make a difference inside anyway.

Heading into the tower, she was surprised to see the elaborate throne in the main chamber empty, Sindel instead leading them to the stairs.

Following behind, they were led to a large conference room with a large black wooden table in the middle, chairs that probably would cost her monthly wage to buy lining it.

At the head of the table, a teenager sat staring at them, deep red eyes locked onto hers. He was clothed in a regal black and red outfit as he whispered something to the red-haired woman sat next to him.

...okay, the Overlord was a teenager. Didn't see that coming.

"Wait, he's the Overlo-" Cassie started, grunting as Jacqui elbowed her in the side.

"I'm well aware that I'm not exactly what you were expecting..." the Overlord said, his lips twitching, showing just a hint of fangs. "But then, I figured the woman who beat Shinnok so hard mommy had to come and save him would be... well, more." he deadpanned, making Cassie's lips twitch in amusement, a smile growing on her face.

As she went to reply, a stern glare from Sonya shut her up.

"Please, take a seat." the Overlord said, gesturing to the seats around the table as Sindel sat next to him.

Waiting for them to sit down, he smiled calmly at them. "As you have realised, I am the Overlord, Kuro Tepes, ruler of this realm. This is Skarlet Kahn, the next ruler of Outworld... once I kick Mileena out of the seat, and this is Queen Sindel, Queen of Edenia... once it is freed from Outworld." the Overlord introduced.

"My apologies if I am wrong, Overlord Kuro... but you are a Vampire, are you not?" Raiden asked, staring at him.

"Partially. I used to be human, but I am the son of a Vampire, and he turned me recently. Yes, I am as young as I look. I'm also partially a demon due to some... irregularities in my turning process, a Demon Queen fed me her blood while my body was still changing." Kuro explained easily.

"Then you are a son of Outworld?" Raiden asked again, making him laugh slightly.

"No, I've only been to Outworld once. I was born on Earth, not Earthrealm, but another Earth. I grew up in New York, but I would be Romanian with my lineage." he explained casually.

Another Earth? Ignoring how confusing that was, at least she had something to work with now, dealing with someone from Earth, any Earth, was better than dealing with an alien she couldn't relate to.

"I see, my thanks for indulging my curiosity." Raiden said calmly getting a casual nod from the Overlord.

"Wait... if you're Romanian, why do you have a Japanese first name? And how did a someone in their teens end up ruling a world?" Cassie asked, making Sonya make a note to scold her later.

"My name... well, I honestly don't know. My mother is from central Europe, and my father is Romanian. It has something to do with a prophecy about the Black King, since my name means Black, but I find it best just not to worry about it. I like my name after all. As for how I ended up ruling... it's a long, long story, but I basically created this Realm." Kuro replied smoothly, not bothered by her lack of respect. "Anyway, you didn't come all this way to talk about my name... what brings you to my Realm?" he asked calmly.

Honestly, so far this was going well... she came here expecting Shao Kahn lite, instead she got a frankly gracious and level-headed teen ruler.

Before she could reply, the door opened, making Kuro frown slightly as he turned to it. Raiden gasped in what she almost thought was fear as a child walked in, barely ten with long black hair as she looked around the room with cold eyes, utterly out of place on the child-like face.

"Ophis? Is something wrong?" Kuro asked calmly, turning to the being.

"You... what, what are you?" Raiden asked, standing up.

"...Hungry." 'Ophis' replied, turning to Kuro as she ignored the rest of the room. "We ran out." she said with a dull voice, her lip twitching slightly sadly, slight tears forming in her eyes.

"Already? Well, I expected this... I had the maids make more just in case. Give me a moment." he said calmly, making her tears dry up. Closing his eyes, he waited for a moment as a maid arrived. "Harriet, please take Lady Ophis back to the kitchens, to the stash of treats I had prepared for her." Kuro said kindly, getting a curtsey.

"Of course, My Lord. This way, Lady Ophis... your sweets are waiting for you." the maid said calmly, luring the being away.

"Sorry about that, Ophis isn't the most socially adept." Kuro said calmly as Raiden regained some colour.

"What... is she? Her power is beyond mine, perhaps even beyond the Elder Gods." Raiden asked quickly making his lips twitch.

"Ophis, and her daughter Lilith, are the Infinite Dragon Gods. They both live here. No, I don't know why her preferred form is that of a child when she's literally ageless, and Yes, she was really going to cry if I didn't have cookies prepared for her. Woe be to however comes between the Dragon Gods and their chocolatey treats. She's killed people for less... much, much less." Kuro deadpanned. "But let us move on, you were about to tell me why you came here?"

"Of course, to start with... I wanted to see if you were open to a defensive alliance between Earthrealm and your Realm against Outworld, at least while it's under Mileena's control, Netherrealm and any other realm that wishes to wage war." Sonya explained making Kuro's eyebrow arch. Kuro looked... noble, like a king of old. Even with his youth, he looked like he was born to rule, it was in the way he held himself. "To be clear... Skarlet Kahn, do you plan to wage war as the next Kahn of Outworld?" she asked the red-haired woman, catching the way the three held a silent conversation before Skarlet turned to her.

"I do not, or at least I don't intend to start wars. Defending my realm is another thing entirely." Skarlet confirmed. "I have no interest in attacking Earthrealm, if that is what you are asking."

"What is in this for you?" Kitana interrupted, staring at Kuro making Skarlet's eyes narrow, before she calmed, glancing at Kuro.

Huh, they were holding hands under the table.

"What do you get out of freeing Edenia, out of dethroning Mileena?"

"Two new thrones." Kuro admitted with a causal smile. "I am marrying both Skarlet and Sindel, and while I will leave the ruling of their realms to them, all three will be part of a single Empire. I will be King of Edenia, Emperor of Outworld and the Overlord at the same time. In truth, I have some similarities with Shao Kahn, ambition being the main one, but merging the realms was short-sighted of him, I intend to build an empire of realms, each with its own ruler... if anyone attacks one of our realms, they'll be declaring war on an empire of battle-ready realms." Kuro explained easily.

"An empire, with you at the top of it?" Kitana pointed out.

"Don't be so belligerent, daughter. Lord Kuro is a great man, and I support his ambition. Edenia will be free, ruled by me... but Shao Kahn's conquest proved that it needed more protection, and Argus, our guardian god, has long since been slain. As King, Kuro will have the power of three realms to defend our home with." Sindel said scoldingly.

"But mother..." Kitana started again, making Sindel smile.

"But what? He is a fine man, I have no objections to marrying the man granted me a second chance at true life. He is a merciful ruler, his people prosper. This is my choice, and I have made my decision." Sindel assured her, making Kitana relax slightly.

Honestly, she wasn't interested in this family squabble... but the idea that Outworld would just not be a problem any more, that she was interested in. Even with the barrier, there was a chance that Outworld could send small forces to Earthrealm as it would only prevent full invasions, so the idea of Outworld under Kuro's rule was far preferable to it being ruled by Mileena.

As long as they were being honest about not being interested in Earthrealm.

"We are." Kuro added to her, making her eyes widen. "No, I wasn't reading your mind... I didn't need to, you had it written on your face. I don't blame you, you are the General in charge of protecting Earthrealm, Erebus is just as paranoid. I've lived on earth... which is why I know it would be nearly impossible to conquer, with that many countries and different cultures earth would be almost impossible to hold on to, and you'd be dealing with rebellions and wars non-stop." Kuro explained, making her lips twitch.

He wasn't wrong. It would explain some things... he had a unique understanding of Earth that none of the other Realm's rulers would have. Sindel and Skarlet were clearly following his lead.

Getting an alliance with one realm would be great... getting into an alliance with an empire of united realms would be amazing. Earthrealm had been fighting alone since this all began.

"As for the alliance, I do believe you are at war with Netherrealm at the moment, correct?" Kuro asked, making her nod.

"Shinnok took his defeat poorly, he's been attacking Earthrealm regularly." she confirmed.

"Hmm, I'm not sure I'm ready to start a war with a God, certainly not one with a Titan's protection... If Netherrealm joins Outworld in attacking my realm things could become... difficult." Kuro admitted wisely. "Still, I have plans in motion to de-fang Mileena. It's certainly possible for an Alliance between us... still, there's something else, isn't there? Something you haven't mentioned yet." Kuro pointed out, making her wince ever so slightly.

"I had hoped to arrange the Alliance first... but yes, there is. We would like permission to use the Artifact that is putting off so much power to create a barrier around Earthrealm, protecting us from any more full invasion." Sonya admitted, again spotting the silent conversation between the three.

"It's called the Eye of Magnus or the Tower Heart, and it cannot leave this Realm." Kuro said sternly. "My Realm relies on it for its prosperity and growth."

"That would not be necessary, Lord Kuro." Raiden assured him quickly. "I could create the barrier by linking Earthrealm and this Realm with the Elder Gods assistance, allowing the Tower Heart to power the barrier from this world. Lady Cetrion has already agreed to assist in this effort."

"Hmm, how much power would this take?" Kuro asked, his face softening slightly. She made a note of the slightly darkened cheeks on her god-daughter Jacqui as he smiled again. Wouldn't that be fun to explain to Jax when he was brought back?

"An immense amount... which would barely amount to one percent of your artifacts output." Raiden admitted making Kuro pause, seemingly deep in thought.

"I... require some time to consider this, and to speak with my advisors. We will take a break for now." he said after a moment, moments later some maids entered the room. "You have travelled far, and I will not be called a poor host. Go with the maids, there is a banquet in the dining hall, I will have them tell you when I am ready to continue." Kuro said calmly, at least it wasn't a straight no.

If anything she was impressed at his reticence.

Following the maids, she noticed Raiden follow after Kuro, Jacqui hesitating to do the same before she followed Sonya instead.

"So... that went well? I think? Nice guy for a dude who lives in a giant spiky tower." Cassie joked.

"Hm, he is. Surprisingly reasonable, this went about as well as we could have hoped." Sonya admitted as they were lead to a large hall, a banquet lined up as promised.

"Well, hello... I could get used to this." Cassie laughed, helping herself to a slice of cake as Sonya rolled her eyes. Taking a bite, her eyes widened slightly. "Damn this is good... it's good to be Overlord, I guess."

She could see Kitana talking to Sindel in the corner, a small smile on Kitana's face.

Spotting her soldiers being led in, she gave them a stern glare.

"Yes, I can see the alcohol... and if any of you touch it, I'll make your lives a misery." she promised as her men set upon the banquet like a horde of locusts, seeing some sheepish looks as they moved away from the drinks section.

Idiots, the lot of them.

- Kuro -

"A moment of your time, Lord Kuro?" Raiden asked, making me pause, nodding to Skarlet to go on ahead.

I've already had Isis run the numbers, and Raiden was wrong... it would take about 0.3% of the Tower Hearts power, not 1%. That's nothing, inconsequential. But if I make it seem like it's a big decision I can get more out of them for it... and positive relations with Earthrealm is nothing to turn my nose up at. Besides, Raiden and the Elder Gods having a positive image of me can only be useful in the long run. That alone is worth it. I never played MK11, died before I got a chance, but I've managed to gather quite a lot of information regardless through my spirits (and some subtle mind delving)

"Of course, Lord Raiden. Is there something I can do for you?" I ask calmly, sensing the hope within him. Liu Kang and Kung Lao, huh?

"My thanks, I wish to know if the method you used to return Queen Sindel to life can be used on Revenants as well." he asked quickly, hmm, this Raiden is the more relaxed one, not the hard-ass from the end of MK10.

I have no trouble showing him the respect he deserves, he is a god, after all.

Pausing, I go over my spells mentally.

"Not at the moment, but it would be fairly trivial to alter my spell to do so." I say, my White Magic Resurrection could do it.

"Then I would plead with you to assist me in saving those who I got killed. I will pay whatever price you desire, but Kung Lao and Liu Kang are like sons to me, I cannot leave them in Quan Chi and Shinnok's foul grasp." Raiden swore making me pause

"I can do so... if you first capture them, I don't plan on attacking Netherrealm myself any time soon, after all... as for my payment." I trail off. "I would like a vial of the Jinsei essence." I say after a moment, making his eyes widen.

"The Jinsei is sacred, the very life force of Earthrealm... but a single vial would not damage or corrupt the source." Raiden reasons, pausing. "May I ask what you desire it for?"

"I want to see if I can recreate it here, to make a version for this realm, but I need information to work with." I admit.

"I see... I must consult with the Elder Gods, but if they do not object, I accept, Lord Kuro." Raiden says calming slightly at my reasoning.

Heh, a pleasure doing business with you.

"Now if you'll excuse me..." I trail off, getting a deep nod as he goes to join the others.

Heading up to my bedroom, I pause as I see the person standing on my balcony, looking out over my kingdom. My Tower informed me I had a visitor.

The bald... human turns to me with piercing blue eyes, wearing a white, black and gold dress as parts of her body glow ethereally.

Kronika, The Titan of Time

LVL – ?

Faction – None

Role – Titan

Race – Titan

Thoughts about you – ?

Unique Skill – Control over Time

Reputation – ?

"Lady Kronika? What brings you to my realm?" I ask cautiously, knowing this is a fight I can't win. A bald woman who could swat me like a fly showing up in my bedroom? Is this going to become a thing?

- Kronika -

Staring at the... lynchpin holding the Multiverse together for a moment, she thought about what she was going to say.

She could see the past, present and every possible future, and as she made eye contact with him, she saw his cold red eyes watching as she and her daughter knelt before him in chains. Herself, the very titan of time itself, on her knees, chained to his throne as she orally pleasured him to save her own life, staring up at him with hatred as he smirked down at her.

Cetrion drained of all her powers for trying to stop his control over the dead and halt his conquest of the Netherrealm, kept as a trophy to warn other gods, her holes defiled.

Shinnok's head on a spike in the throne room below, her and Cetrion in chains at his feet as gods and kings came to the Overlord to swear fealty or plead for his assistance, her Hourglass in his grasp. Death watching with cold entertainment as she toyed with Shinnok's soul.

She had tried changing the past, to stop him from being born, to prevent him from gaining power...it always failed, his life was time-locked, and she couldn't do anything to change it. In the end, she would find herself broken before him, with a choice. Beg for her life and enslave herself to him, or simply die, Death ripping out her soul.

She could only change the future by affecting the present, it was a new form of weakness she was unused to.

She'd advised Cetrion to not be antagonistic towards him, she'd even gone back through Cetrion's timeline to meld her personality slightly to stop any conflicts between them.

As her power flashed, she saw the changed future, Cetrion and Kuro intertwined on the bed mere feet away from her, her daughter moaning in passion and lust as she rode her lover.

Cetrion would survive, Kuro's rise could not be halted, and Cetrion would find her place in his future pantheon, aside many other goddesses as they helped him manage his ever-growing empire.

She would not let her children die, her own death was preferable to that.

Shinnok would be the real problem, he was too prideful, and he would fight Death's control over him in time, his confidence returning slowly.

"I have come with a truce and an offer." Kronika explained making his eyebrows rise, the mind that would see a thousand worlds submit racing.

"A truce? I wasn't aware that we were fighting?" Kuro asked as she stepped towards him.

'On your knees, 'Titan'' Kuro said with a growing smirk as she obeyed, dropping to her knees before him with a defeated look in her eyes. 'Say it.' he ordered, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look up at him.

"I... submit, Lord Kuro. You win." Kronika said weakly, Death's cold laughter filling the room.

'Was that so hard?" he mocked, his hand going to his bottoms as he extracted his shaft, slapping it onto her face as she forced herself not to react as the thick dick was rubbed across her face, the tip prodding at her lips. 'Words are cheap... time to prove your loyalty.' Kuro said as she parted her lips, allowing the meaty shaft to slide into her mouth.

"We are not, but I have come to stop a conflict which could occur." she admitted, summoning her 'peace offering', keeping her expression blank as the taste of his cum flooded her mouth. Her powers barely obeyed her when it came to Kuro.

Placing the large body on the ground, she saw the way his eyes widened, plans forming in his mind. She'd just sped up Outworld's conquest considerably.

"Shao Kahn... in the flesh." Kuro said, a hint of greed in his tone.

"His body was destroyed by the Elder Gods, but retrieving it was easy enough for one with control over time. I simply require you to stop your pet dragon god from slaying my child, Shinnok." she explained, Shinnok would attack here if things were left as they were... or Kuro would invade the Netherrealm, either way, Shinnok would be torn to pieces by the one called Ophis for inconveniencing them.

"I see... if he attacks me, I will show no mercy." Kuro warned, making her nod calmly.

"I will prevent Shinnok from doing so." Kronika promised. "I would do anything to protect my children." she said calmly, her face a statue as the feeling of something penetrating her untouched vagina ran through her body. Neither Cetrion or Shinnok were born the same way mortals were, she had no experience in the sexual arts... other than what she was forced to see in the future.

"Then I will happily accept, I might have to fight the Netherrealm in the future, but I will stop Ophis from killing Shinnok if he does not invade my realm." Kuro agreed.

"I have to admit, I didn't see this coming." Kuro said, watching her remove her dress as she approached him.

"The future is locked, even I cannot change it... the Hourglass was always meant to be yours, as was I." Kronika admitted, falling to her knees in front of him. "All that is left is for you to claim them."

Damn the Creator for forcing this fate on her.

"Then I will leave you, for now." Kronika said calmly, ignoring the way her tongue tried to move against a phantom shaft.

Using her powers, she jumped back eons, she had something else to change as well.

Going back to the moment of Shinnok's creation, she paused. Shinnok's defeat was a locked point in time, she couldn't stop him from coming into conflict with Kuro... but she could change the outcome slightly.

Reforming Shinnok's body, she smiled. Shinnok would fall, but that didn't have to be the end.

Eyeing the sword held lazily in the Overlord's grasp, she trembled, realising finally the danger she was in, her white eyes widening in horror as she fell to her firm ass, only covered by a black thong.

'Wait! I surrender! You win... the Netherrealm is yours." Shi said, seeing her bloody wounds not healing from the cuts the blade had placed along her pale, almost porcelain skin, her long white hair dirtied as she backed away from him, her back hitting a pillar as Kuro approached her. "There is no reason to kill me, I am beaten." she reasoned, staring into his cold red eyes.

"And leave you around to threaten me in the future?" Kuro scoffed.

"I... I submit, please bind me! My power is yours to command, my body is yours to use. Please... don't kill me." the Elder God of Death, Darkness and Corruption pleaded.

Shi would grow happy under him... in time, and she would live.

And when both her children were under a single being, she too would join them.

- Kuro -

Huh.

Well, that was... weird? Strange? Nothing like what I expected?

Hearing someone knock on my door, I stash Shao Kahn's body away for later and call for them to come in as I look over my kingdom with a smile. From here I can see Spree, and if I use some of the features of the Tower I can even see just about anywhere. I can change the balcony view from it's normal to just about anywhere through a form of viewing magic, right now I have it watching over the new town.

Neo Sun Do is doing well already, they've moved in and gotten settled in quickly.

"Overlord, I apologise for intruding." Sonya says as she enters. "I wanted to speak with you in private." she says as she comes to the balcony. I've been up here for a while, in truth... keeping them waiting on purpose to put them on edge. Can't say I'm surprised that Sonya is the impatient type.

"Very well, I was simply... in thought." I admit calmly. "What brings you here?"

"I... wanted to make it clear how much getting you to agree to let us power the barrier with your Tower Heart means, not just to me but to all of Earthrealm. I don't know what your earth is like, but ours is being battered by invasions. Millions died in the last attempt by the Netherrealm, the total deaths from all the countless battles are over a billion... and we finally have a way to stop that, we can deal with infiltrators sneaking in, it's what the Special Forces was made for, but the endless invasions are wearing us down... and we will lose, sooner or later." Sonya admits, I can sense her dislike of showing weakness like this, acknowledging that Earthrealm isn't the strongest.

"I can understand your point, but the moment I put that barrier up everyone who wants to invade you would instead be invading me. I've checked with my expert..." Isis. "The barrier can be put around one world, if it's being used to send power to another world it can't be used to make a barrier around my world since there would be a gap in the defences from where the power is being sent to Earthrealm." I say making her wince. I'd need Divine Proficiency Wardcrafting to be able to make a barrier around my Realm while sending power to Earthrealm at the same time. I could put a barrier around Outworld and Edenia as well, but not this realm as long as any other barriers are active. "You'd be using my realm as a shield to protect yours." I say calmly. "That's not an equal alliance." I point out, making her sigh.

Honestly, I'm going to do it anyway... at least I'm going to put the barrier around Edenia and outworld, so any invaders are forced here... and I'm going to change this first area some more so the invaders have far further to travel to reach the tower. I want absolute control over any and all invaders, adding one more Realm is nothing, but I'm not mentioning that.

"No... no, it's not." Sonya admits, visibly preparing herself. Oh?

- Sonya -

They had little to offer Kuro for the barrier, and they were asking a lot... she needed to make sure he agreed, billions of lives were at stake in the long run.

Which meant she had to use any and all weapons in her arsenal.

"But you aren't completely against it, are you?" she asked, moving closer to him. "If you were, you would have banished us by now." she pointed out, making him smile slightly.

"No, I'm not completely against it, but I'm not particularly for it either." Kuro admitted.

"Then... perhaps we could have a more private negotiation session, to give me a chance to convince you of the benefits of a... close alliance with Earthrealm." Sonya said, her hand resting on Kuro's arm as he gave her an amused look, his eyes growing heavy with lust.

"Oh? Well... I must admit this is... unexpected." Kuro said as she moved closer to him, her breasts pressing against his chest.

"For the protection of Earthrealm, I'd do... anything." she said, as seductive as she could. This was wrong, he was younger than her daughter... but she'd seen the way his eyes lingered on her during the talks, he did the same to Cassie, Jacqui and Kitana as well... but he seemed mostly focused on her, she could feel him watching her ass as she went to the banquet. He wanted her, and she needed his help.

If fucking him would help her cause, that's what she'd do.

Special Forces motto was practically, do whatever it took to get the job done... even if it probably didn't mean this.

- Bonus Scene – What's DLC? -

In the depths of the mountains surrounding the Lava Fields, a portal opens, a dark blue tear in the very fabric of time opening, scorching the ground and melting the rock as a figure appears.

Rising to her feet, she scanned the surroundings with a blank face, her naked body unaffected by the icy winds.

Spotting the tower in the distance, she scanned it.

"Orders confirmed. Target confirmed. All threats to the Empire and the Creator will be terminated." her empty voice said, another smaller portal opening, tossing out a warded capsule.

Retrieving her weapons and gear, the Terminator headed down the mountain with perfect precision, never losing her footing as she walked down the rocky slopes.

- In Orbit above Kuro's Realm -

Scanning the planet below, the helmeted alien read the readings with a growing sense of joy. Humans made for some of the best hunts, their ingenuity made them worthy prey.

This one was a superior breed of human called... a vampire. Faster, Stronger, Smarter, its fanged skull would make an excellent addition to her collection.

Turning, she spoke in her alien language to her small clan, the hunt was on.

- Outworld Caves -

Awakening from its long sleep, the jet-black skinned alien creature looked over its vacant nest. It didn't know how it found its way to this land, but it needed to repopulate its nest.

Fortunately, this one was a unique breed of Xenomorph, unlike any other Queen, it could repopulate the nest easily without abducting other species... it merely needed to find a worthy male specimen to supply the seed.

Leaving its empty nest behind, it crawled along the walls as it started the search, it's instincts pulling it towards an abandoned village, and a glowing portal.

- Outworld Plains -

Looking over the 'Outworld' a woman with a painted face grinned wildly, this would be fun. As she pictured all the fun she'd have here, she cackled to herself, there wasn't a bat here to ruin her fun either.

"Miss J? What's so funny? Puddin?" her sidekick asked as she laughed louder, the two hyenas joining her in her laughter.