Meeting Baraka and a dark plot growing in the shadows

Zafeero guided them through the massive gates of the palace once the distribution of humanitarian supplies had ended. The square behind them was still alive with voices and movement, but as they stepped inside the palace grounds, the noise of the city softened into a distant murmur.

The palace of Sun Do stood like a monument to forgotten centuries.

Massive jade pillars lined the entrance hall, each carved with spiralling dragons and ancient runes worn smooth by time. The stone beneath their feet was dark and polished from generations of footsteps, yet the architecture carried a strange weight, as if the walls themselves remembered everything that had happened within them.

Fenrir noticed how the structure seemed both regal and intimidating.

The palace was a fortress of history, a relic of a bygone era.

Zafeero walked slightly ahead of them, hands clasped behind his back in a relaxed but respectful posture. “These halls,” he began, his voice echoing softly through the corridor, “were first raised during the reign of the Dragon King.”

As they walked, he brushed his hand along one of the massive jade pillars, his fingers tracing the ancient carvings.

“According to our oldest records, the founder of this city was none other than Onaga himself.”

Fenrir raised an eyebrow slightly, “Really?”

Zafeero nodded.

“At the time, the city bore a different name. In the old dialect, it was called Lóng zhī xīn… which roughly translates to ‘Dragon’s Heart.’”

He gestured around them. “This palace was meant to be the Dragon King’s seat of power. A place where he could rule not only through strength… but through worship.”

They passed beneath a massive archway where faded murals stretched across the ceiling. The artwork depicted colossal battles, armies clashing beneath banners bearing the dragon crest of Onaga.

Jade slowed slightly, studying one of the paintings. “Incredible,” she murmured.

Zafeero continued walking, speaking like a patient guide, revealing the past piece by piece.

“Under Onaga, the city flourished… at least in the beginning. Farms expanded, trade routes opened, and culture blossomed. Sun Do became the beating heart of Outworld.” His tone darkened slightly.

“But the Dragon King was never satisfied with a single realm.”

Fenrir folded his arms loosely as they walked. “Let me guess,” he said. “He wanted more.”

Zafeero glanced back at him with a small smile. “Precisely.”

They turned into a wider hall where tall windows allowed warm sunlight to spill across the marble floors.

“Onaga began expanding his empire. To accomplish that, he created something Outworld had never seen before, a unified military structure.”

He paused briefly near a statue depicting a towering dragon-headed warrior clad in ceremonial armour. “It was during the creation of this army… that Onaga encountered a rising general.”

Fenrir already knew where this was going.

“Shao Kahn.”

Zafeero nodded. “At the time, he was simply General Shao. He was Brilliant, ruthless and above all, ambitious.”

Jade crossed her arms thoughtfully. “And Onaga trusted him.”

“More than trusted,” Zafeero replied. “He admired him. The Dragon King took Shao under his wing and elevated him to second-in-command.”
They continued deeper into the palace.

“With their combined might,” Zafeero continued, “their armies began conquering other realms. The first races to bend the knee were the Tarkatans and the Shokan.”

Fenrir glanced at Jade. “That explains Baraka and Goro.”

Zafeero nodded. “The Shokan in particular proved formidable allies. Their king at the time, Gorbak, pledged loyalty to the Dragon King’s empire.”

They turned down another corridor lined with ancient banners bearing faded dragon sigils.

“But power,” Zafeero continued quietly, “has a way of breeding ambition.”

Fenrir exhaled slowly. “And Shao Kahn wanted the throne.”

“Eventually,” Zafeero said. “But the seeds were planted long before that.”

He gestured toward a large map engraved into the stone wall. “As the army grew, Sun Do could no longer sustain it. So, Onaga founded a second city in the
mountains.”

He pointed to a marked location on the map.

“Lei Chen.”

Fenrir leaned slightly closer to examine it.

“A Military base?”

“Among other things,” Zafeero replied. “Training grounds for the empire’s soldiers… and a prison for enemies too dangerous to roam free.”

His expression hardened slightly.

“The irony, of course, is that it was there… that Shao Kahn’s rebellion truly began.”

Jade looked intrigued. “So how did he do it?”

Zafeero sighed softly.

“Slowly.”

They walked beneath another massive archway. “Shao Kahn understood something important. He could not defeat Onaga in open combat. The Dragon King was simply too powerful.”

Fenrir nodded thoughtfully. “He cheated.”

“Precisely,” Zafeero said. “Shao Kahn poisoned him. Gradually weakening him over time.”

They entered a quieter chamber lined with enormous stone statues of ancient warriors.

“When Onaga was finally weakened,” Zafeero continued, “Shao struck. With the assistance of King Gorbak, they murdered the Dragon King.”

Jade’s eyes narrowed. “What happened with the loyal soldiers of Onaga? How did they not intervene after it?”

Zafeero’s gaze darkened slightly. “Shao Kahn ordered the slaughter of Onaga’s remaining followers…Most died.”

His voice lowered slightly.

“But not all.”

Fenrir noticed the subtle shift in tone.

Zafeero glanced briefly around the empty hall before speaking again. “Some of the Dragon King’s most devoted soldiers vanished into a hidden catacombs made by them in secret after Shao Kahn's treason.”

His voice became quieter.

“Legends claim they sealed themselves within Onaga’s tomb… preserving their bodies through forbidden rituals.”

Jade raised an eyebrow. “Preserving?”

“Some say they were mummified alive through ancient sorcery,” Zafeero said carefully.

Fenrir blinked. “…that’s horrifying.”

Zafeero gave a thin smile.

“Their purpose was simple.” He stopped walking and turned toward them. “To wait.”

The silence that followed lingered for a moment.

“To wait for the day their king returns, and the legends said that one day he will return.”

Fenrir rubbed the back of his neck. “…yeah, that’s definitely ominous.”

Jade smirked slightly at his comment as they resumed walking.

“I wouldn’t dismiss it so quickly, Fenrir.”

“Oh?”

She leaned slightly closer to him, her voice playful. “Knowing our luck, one day you’ll have to fight a giant dragon-man resurrected through necromancy.”

Fenrir groaned. “Fantastic, just what I needed.”

Jade giggled. “Good thing you’re emperor then.”

Fenrir glanced back over his shoulder toward their silent guardian.

“Well,” he said casually, “good thing I’ve got you watching my back, right… Erm?”

For the first time since entering the palace, Ermac reacted.

He stopped walking, slowly with one eyebrow lifted. For a brief moment, the green aura around him flickered strangely, like dozens of unseen presences shifting in collective confusion.

“…Erm?” Jade repeated, then she burst into laughter.

Fenrir grinned. “Short for Ermac.”

Ermac stared at him; the souls within him seemed to ripple through the air like a silent wave of irritation.

“Emperor,” Ermac said calmly, “we respectfully request that you do not address us in such a manner.”

Jade laughed harder, covering her mouth.

“Please,” Ermac added with quiet dignity, “we beg of you.”

Zafeero looked back at them, clearly confused by the exchange.

“…Is everything alright?”

Fenrir waved a hand casually. “Perfectly fine.” He glanced at Ermac again with a smirk. “Relax, Erm. Just trying to lighten the mood.”

Ermac exhaled slowly, the green energy around him settling again. “We preferred the previous mood.”

Jade leaned slightly toward Fenrir as they resumed walking deeper into the palace.

“You are going to get yourself killed one day, teasing the wrong person like that.”

Fenrir chuckled softly. “Worth it if it makes you laugh. Besides, I know he likes me.”

Jade’s smile lingered a little longer as they followed Zafeero deeper into the ancient halls of the Dragon King’s palace.

The massive doors of the throne room groaned open, their ancient hinges echoing through the vast chamber that had once belonged to the Dragon King himself.
The hall was enormous, built on a scale meant for legends rather than mortals. Jade pillars carved with coiling dragons rose toward a distant vaulted ceiling, their emerald surfaces reflecting the light of braziers burning along the walls. The throne at the far end, once Onaga’s seat of absolute power, now stood as a symbol of something very different.

Standing before it was Baraka.

The Tarkatan warlord had his arms crossed over his broad chest, his posture rigid like a predator waiting to judge the intentions of those approaching. When he heard the doors open behind him, his head turned slightly, jagged teeth visible even through the neutral expression he wore.

His sharp eyes settled on me. Immediately, Baraka lowered his head in respectful acknowledgement. “Greetings, Emperor.”

His voice was rough…gravelly, more like a seasoned tribal chief than a polished officer.

He then turned his gaze toward Jade and inclined his head once more.

“Queen Jade.”

Jade and I returned the gesture with equal respect.

“Greetings, Baraka,” I said calmly as we approached him across the polished stone floor.

Jade nodded beside me, her posture regal yet warm.

Baraka’s eyes flickered between us before he spoke again. “Hm… I expected Queen Kitana and Queen Mileena to be present as well.”

There was no accusation in his tone, only curiosity.

Jade answered smoothly. “Kitana and Mileena remain in the palace while we travel; they are addressing administrative matters of the palace. Someone must keep the realm from collapsing under parchment and signatures.”

Baraka gave a low grunt of understanding. “In that case,” he said, “send my regards to them both.”

Jade inclined her head politely, with a political smile.

“I will.”

I stepped closer, shifting the conversation toward its purpose. “Well then, Baraka,” I said evenly. “Is there a reason for your visit?”

The Tarkatan straightened slightly.

“There is.”

He uncrossed his arms and clasped his hands behind his back as he spoke, his tone growing more deliberate.

“I have gathered the tarkatan clans. The warbands, the elder hunters and the matriarchs who watch over our young. We spoke of your proposal.”
I nodded, letting him continue.

Baraka’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Some clans remain cautious. Tarkatans survive because we trust on our own first.”

He stepped closer, his voice lowering.

“But the majority have agreed… if you keep your word, Emperor.” They weren’t submitting, they were accepting a deal… one for a better future.
“I believe there will soon be little reason for doubt,” Zafeero added from the side of the room.

The elderly Outworld noble stood near one of the pillars, hands folded in his sleeves.

“The emperor’s actions in the borough today will spread quickly. Word travels fast through markets and soldiers’ barracks alike.”

Baraka grunted thoughtfully. “Perhaps.” He turned back toward me. “But my concerns remain.” His voice became heavier now. “The Tarkatans do not fear war,” he said slowly. “We were born into it; our children learn to fight before they learn to write their names.”

His sharp teeth flashed slightly.

“But we will not follow a ruler who cannot protect our young.”

The statement hung in the air like a blade.

Jade responded before I could speak, her tone firm but composed. “You have my word, Baraka. If Outworld is threatened, we will defend it.”
Her emerald eyes locked with his.

“No clan will be abandoned.”

I continued calmly. “Our priority now is stability. Outworld has been ruled by conquest for too long; We intend to rebuild it.”
Baraka listened carefully.

“Kitana has already begun organising resource distribution,” I added. “Food supply chains, infrastructure repairs, agricultural and military reform and counting.”
The Tarkatan gave a slow nod. He liked what he was hearing.

Zafeero looked visibly relieved. “Then perhaps this realm finally moves toward something greater,” the noble murmured.
Baraka’s expression shifted slightly.

“Perhaps.”

Then his posture changed, more serious. “Queen Jade… has Kitana told you about the concerns among the other generals?”
Jade tilted her head. “No. What concerns?”

Baraka hesitated; this was clearly a sensitive matter.

Zafeero immediately understood. “I believe this conversation requires privacy,” the noble said.

He bowed politely and moved toward the exit.

The heavy doors closed behind him, leaving only the three of us inside the immense throne room.

Baraka spoke again once the silence had settled. “Civil unrest is spreading across Outworld.”

Jade and I exchanged a brief look. It wasn’t unexpected, but it was sooner than I had hoped.

“Civil unrest…” I repeated slowly. “Or civil war?”

Baraka nodded grimly. “Yes.”

From a leather pouch at his side, he removed a sealed scroll. The wax stamp bore a symbol I recognised instantly, Shao Kahn’s helmet.

Baraka handed it to me. “Kotal, Sheeva and I received identical letters yesterday.”

Jade stepped closer as I broke the seal and unrolled the parchment.

“It’s a call to arms,” Baraka continued. “From the loyalists of Shao Kahn.”

Jade read over my shoulder, her expression tightening. “It’s signed by Shang Tsung.”

Baraka gave a low growl. “Yes.” He folded his arms again. “If Shang Tsung leads them… then this will not be a simple rebellion.”

His eyes darkened.

“That sorcerer never fights fair.”

I chuckled.

“It was inevitable.”

Both of them looked at me. “I knew Shang Tsung wouldn’t sit idle while I gained the trust of the people.” I paced slowly across the chamber, the scroll still in my hand.

“What else do you know?” I asked. “Speak freely, Baraka. You will not be punished for honesty.”

Baraka nodded. “There will be a gathering, like the one held after Shao Kahn’s ****.”

Jade folded her arms. “And you?”

“I will not attend,” Baraka said firmly. “Neither will Kotal nor Sheeva.”

His voice carried conviction.

“We believe this rebellion is reckless; You have barely begun your rule. Judging you now would be dishonourable and foolish.” Respect, but not loyalty yet.

“What about the others?” Jade asked.

Baraka answered immediately.

“Motaro has accepted the invitation… So has Goro.”

I stopped pacing. “Of course they have.”

“Reiko as well,” Baraka continued. “He still commands many of Shao Kahn’s surviving loyalists.” He paused. “I believe Rain and Quan Chi were invited as guests.”
I smirked slightly. “The whole band reunited.”

Jade frowned. “Then we must prepare for their next move.”

Baraka’s expression darkened. “They already made their first move.”

I spoke with certainty. “They declared war.” Jade turned to me, concerned, and I continued calmly. “It’s only a matter of time before they unify their forces.”
Baraka nodded.

“Yes.” He gestured toward the scroll. “For now, they gather allies. They argue over spoils and command.”

“Tactical positioning,” I said.

“Exactly, one must rule after all.” The tarkatan said solemnly.

Jade exhaled slowly. “Then we must return to the palace immediately.”

I gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “No.” She looked at me, surprised.

“Not yet.”

Baraka watched silently.

“Why?” Jade asked.

“Because they aren’t unified yet.” I resumed pacing slowly. “Motaro commands the centaur legions, but those armies are scattered across several provinces.” I raised a finger. “Goro isn’t king yet.”

Baraka’s eyes narrowed.

“He cannot command all Shokan clans,” I continued. “Not without their approval, as Sheeva stated at the meeting.”

Understanding began to appear in Jade’s and Baraka’s expressions.

“Reiko controls Shao Kahn outworlder loyalists,” I added. “But there aren’t many left…At least not as many for an all-out war.”

Jade listened carefully. “Shang Tsung knows this,” I said. “Which is why he’s gathering them before making a move.”

Ermac suddenly spoke from behind us.

“They are divided.” We turned, and the red and black-robed warrior stood silently near the entrance, guarding us, arms folded within his sleeves.

“We could exploit this,” he continued calmly.

I grinned. “Exactly.”

Ermac inclined his head slightly.

Jade then raised another concern. “What about Quan Chi?”

I shrugged. “Quan Chi doesn’t care about me yet.”

Baraka frowned slightly, confused at my response.

“The Netherrealm operates on long games,” I explained. “Attacking now would weaken their forces unnecessarily.”

Ermac nodded. “He will observe first.”

Baraka studied me for several seconds, his sharp Tarkatan eyes narrowed slightly.

The Earthrealmer wasn’t just a fighter; he was thinking three battles ahead… Fenrir was as cunning as the sorcerer, yet with the deceit and callousness he carried with.

“Then we face two primary threats,” Baraka concluded. “The Centaurs… and the Shokans,” I smirked at him.

“And I believe you already have a plan.”

I looked at him. “You read me like a book.” Then I turned to Jade. “Do the Shokan follow a democratic system?”

Jade blinked, surprised by the question. “Well… yes. In a way.” She began explaining. “They are a monarchy, but if a ruler proves unfit, the clans can challenge the bloodline. Strength and merit decide the next ruler.”

Baraka and Jade both looked confused.

“Why?”

Before I could answer, Ermac spoke calmly. “The emperor intends for the clans to choose their leader.” He tilted his head slightly. “And remove Goro from the throne before he sits upon it.”

I turned toward him with a grin.

“I love you, Erm.”

Ermac’s eyes narrowed; the countless souls within him shifted slightly in collective irritation.

“Emperor,” he said dryly, “I have requested you refrain from that nickname.” Yet he seemed to smirk underneath his bandages; he seemed to enjoy the friendliness of Fenrir, despite his ways, he respected him and vice versa.

Jade hid her small giggle, still finding it amusing that I call him like that.

Baraka even allowed a brief, amused growl.

Once the moment settled, Jade finally asked, “…How are you planning to accomplish this?” Her expression was half disbelief.

“It sounds insane.”

I smiled. “With Sheeva.”

Baraka suddenly laughed loudly, a full Tarkatan laugh, sharp and booming.

“You are bold, Emperor,” he said with clear admiration. “Very bold.”

Jade stared at me for a moment before realisation struck. “By the Elder Gods…” Her eyes widened.

“That might actually work.”

I nodded. “I will propose Sheeva as Queen of the Shokan.” I paced again. “She is respected among the clans, even Kitana admits that.”
Baraka nodded slowly. “Sheeva has honour; many Shokan warriors trust her.”

“And she believes in the future I’m trying to build,” I added.

Jade smiled. “If Sheeva becomes queen… Goro loses his claim.”

“Exactly.”

I turned back to them. “Once the Shokan fracture and unified under a different front, the Centaurs will hesitate…Motaro won’t risk war alone.”
Baraka looked impressed. “You plan to dismantle their alliance before the war even begins.”

“That’s the idea.” I continued. “Then I will meet with Kotal to secure his support. After that… we deal with Reiko and Shang Tsung.”

Baraka looked down thoughtfully.

“And the Tarkatans?”

His tone was serious again. “What do my people gain from this?”

I met his gaze directly.

“Freedom.”

Baraka’s eyes flickered. “You will no longer be **** into endless conquest,” I said. “Your clans will govern themselves.” I stepped closer. “But you will also have a voice in Outworld’s future.”

The Tarkatan warlord remained silent for several seconds…A rare silence.

Finally, he spoke. “Perhaps… I can—” The massive doors of the throne room suddenly burst open, cutting him off.