"When I came unto power all those years ago, I promised you, my people, that I would not be another conquerer.

I promised you all that I would bring unity and strength throughout the realms. I promised to crush any enemy that threatened our peace. But I also promised that I would never step foot in another's territory without invitation or provocation.

I intend to keep these promises throughout my reign, be it short or long-lived. However, several weeks ago, we were met with said provocation. Now, it seems that future battles are inevitable. I apologize for this, my citizens."

Kotal Kahn stood at the front of the palace, speaking to the largest crowd he had ever addressed. He knew that if he had stepped through that portal into Earthrealm, there would be consequences, but he had hoped that he would at least return with glad tidings of victory. Instead, he had to inform his people of a humiliating defeat and the looming threat of war.

"But, I also promised that my people will be safe from fear. And I fully intend to keep that promise as well. The Lin Kuei's involvement took a toll on our strength, but here we stand, united and as strong as ever! And now I shall make another promise;

If the devil Raiden wishes to fight, he will lose."

His speech concluded with an uproar of cheers and shouts from the crowd. Kotal always enjoyed when the crowd was loud. That way, he could not discern the malice from the joy.

"Kotal Kahn! Kotal Kahn!" he heard as he walked away from the crowd and into the palace. There, he was met with Erron Black lounging in a large, cushioned chair.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Erron?" Kotal said to the relaxed mercenary, "I pray that you realize the position of personal bodyguard requires you to be on guard."

Erron tipped his hat up to look at the Kahn, "If I were Kahn, I'd ditch the throne and get me one of these slices of heaven." He made no attempt to rise from the chair.

"If you wish to live through your reign in relaxation, you want ample security," Kotal pointed out. "Pray tell, who would you have to protect you whilst you nap?"

"Someone like me," Erron finally rose from his soft seat, "Someone who can tell you that the only people who have acted strangely were a few shadowy sorts, but they never did anything threatening. There was also that shady fellow that told me that the feast is ready. I think it's some sort of code, but I just can't seem to crack it." The Kahn was not amused by Erron's japes.

Putting jokes aside, the gunslinger switched to his serious voice, "But involving the shadow men, I think it'd be wise for all of us to stay within sight, just to be safe."

"Very well," Kotal replied, respecting Erron's seriousness. "Lead the way."

The two began their walk to the dining hall, both with something on their minds, but neither talking. The Kahn was tired of talk and issues and conflict, and Erron knew that Kotal was probably on the brink of just collapsing with pressure, so he decided to give him a breather. Although, it wasn't like the other generals weren't going to bombard him when he reached the hall.

The table was still devoid of food when the duo arrived. It held only Ferra/Torr seated lazily in three chairs. Ermac and Reptile were absent on their missions, and D'Vorah's chair stood empty. The sight put a frown on the Kahn's face.

So few that I have trusted, and one of them betrays me still.

"The others have not yet returned?" Kotal asked Ferra.

"Two no come back yet. They hurry," Fera pouted, "We hungry."

A servant approached Kotal and, bowing, asked if they were ready for dinner.

"Not yet," he said, "We shall wait for the others." Ferra groaned.

"Patience, young Ferra," he assured the child, "They shouldn't be much longer."

Just then, a servant announced that Ermac and Misaki have returned. The two entered the dining hall moments later.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear," Kotal rose from his chair and clasped hands with Ermac. "What tidings do you bring?"

Ermac looked to the ground sadly before looking the Kahn in the eyes. He hesitated another second before replying, "Ill tidings."

Kotal sighed and turned away. He walked back to his chair and sat down, wearied. "Do not speak them now. Wait for Reptile's return." Ermac nodded at the emperor's command and took a seat. Ana followed suit.

The group sat in silence for another half hour, all ignoring the elephant in the room. Left to their own thoughts, they all began to ponder what they will say when the time to talk came.

All persons present at the dining hall stirred when Reptile and Derek's return was announced. Kotal rose to welcome them while the others just sat and stared in silence.

Just as he did with Ermac, he clasped hands with Syzoth and asked, "What news do you bring, my friend?"

Reptile didn't hesitate, "Do you wish for the entire story, or the shortened version?"

Kotal thought for a brief moment. "Have a seat. I will hear the whole story. Ermac, I will hear you next." The dining table nodded and settled in for story time. Ferra removed herself from Torr's perch and took her own seat. Erron lounged back in his chair and rested his feet on the table. He knew this would probably take a while.

______________________________________

When Reptile finished, the room was silent. The Kahn simply sighed wearily before saying, "I expected as much. They celebrate their victory whilst we taste only defeat." He called for drinks. "What was it that addressed me as?"

Derek spoke up, "Uh, an asshole, your highness."

Kotal scowled, "They tempt me so," he growled angrily. He pressed his palms forcefully flat on the table.

Seeing the Kahn's anger, Derek continued, "Uh, Sub-Zero defended you actually." Kotal turned his gaze to the teenager. "Yeah, he called you a good leader and talked about how hard you fought." All eyes fell on Derek, urging him to continue his thoughts. "It seems to me that we're about to go to war. I just think that if we fight, we should try our best to stay out of the Lin Kuei's way." Three pairs of eyes narrowed at this. "Not out of weakness or fear or anything. Just, seeing as how things went last time, plus it seems that they honestly don't want to fight..."

Everyone at the table pondered this (Save Ferra/Torr, who simply wanted to eat). Out of line as he was, Derek made an excellent point.

"Mr. Franciosi," Kotal began. Derek was touched that he pronounced it correctly. "Rest assured that we will not go to war. My invasion of Earthrealm clearly put me into the wrong, but unfortunately, that is all that it accomplished. Raiden still has the amulet, my armies were reduced greatly by the Lin Kuei and the children, and D'Vorah..." The drinks thankfully arrived then. Kotal's bronze goblet dwarfed the others', and he was very grateful for that. He sipped his wine as he continued, "Going to war would be fruitless at this point. We have been weakened, as much as I despise it, I must confess it, and the enemy has been strengthened. Invasion could never succeed, nor could any forward motion."

"So," Erron spoke up, sitting upright and placing his drink on the table, "All we're gonna do is sit here and wait for Earthrealm to make its move?"

"I see no reason to act unprovoked," replied Kotal, "As long as Earthrealm remains peaceful, we shall follow suit."

"Which brings us unto our tidings," Ermac said, speaking up for the first time since he sat down.

"Ah, indeed," the emporer recognized the construct, "Tell us your news, Ermac." The Kahn began taking a swig of wine.

"It is but a simple statement, our lord." Kotal raised his eyebrows at that. "Raiden has recruited the Shirai Ryu assassin clan to invade Outworld. They will attack within a week's time."

The bronze goblet was crushed in the Kahn's hand.