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Cao stands in a field, behind Johnny Cage, Jax and Sonya. Alongside him are Cassie and Jacqui, maintaining their professional appearance and standing with their arms behind their backs. He stands silently, pretending that he had a perfectly normal evening, though finding it difficult to do so. He isn’t sure how his two companions are. As he looks at Cassie, the younger Cage breaks her stone-face for a brief moment to give him a smirk and a wink. He looks back over at Jacqui, who raises her brow and indicates for him to look forward. He does so and sees a speck on the horizon growing larger. He narrows his eyes and sees that it is some kind of aerial vehicle, one painted black with blue streaks across its wings. Unlike the helicopters he has seen, this one has no rotating blades.

The Lin Kuei jet races forward, slowing down as it approaches the airfield. It makes its landing by stopping in place, thrusters rotating to allow it a smooth descent. The vehicle lowers to the ground as dust and dirt are kicked up around it. “Showtime,” Johnny smiles to his wife and Jax, giving them a thumbs-up. They approach the vehicle and the three younger recruits follow behind. The sounds of the thrusters die down as the vehicle parks. They stop several meters from it as the door on its side opens up to allow two warriors, clad in blue with swords on their backs, to hop out and stand alongside the door. Cao then sees a man step out and approach the three in front of him.

“Grandmaster,” Sonya says, bowing her head and extending a hand. The man, whom Cao has been told is known as Sub-Zero, returns the courtesy. His skin is a light, pale color, almost bluish in some places. His eyes, however, are unquestionably bright blue. His black hair, cut short on top, meets his beard and down the right side of his face is a distinctive red scar. The blue outfit he wears matches that of his clansmen.

>>46546034
The mental image of the shorty Cao standing next to the girls is really funny to me.

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“Good to see you, General Cage,” Sub-Zero says to her. “I am honored to be personally met by you here.”

“It’s been too long,” Sonya replies.

“Yeah, the freezer’s on the fritz and we could use some more ice cubes,” Johnny says with a smile, much to their mutual displeasure. He slaps Sub-Zero on the shoulder. “Kuai! Good to see you again.”

“Mr. Cage,” he says in a low voice. Two more people then emerge from the VTOL to stand behind him, both younger in appearance. “Allow me to introduce Tundra, my son.”

The six of them look at the younger Lin Kuei warrior, who seems almost a spitting image of his father when he was younger—save for his right eye, which features a similar scar but is completely white. He is tall, broad-shouldered and has a strong jaw. When he is introduced, he bows.

Alongside him is a young woman with icy-blue hair and a face hidden by a blue mask covering her mouth and nose. He introduces her as well. “Frost, my pupil.” The girl stands somewhat defensively, but bows nonetheless.

Sonya steps aside to introduce her daughter and the others. “Sergeant Cassandra Cage, Specialist Jacqueline Briggs, and Cao.”

Sub-Zero’s eyes drift to the Outworld thief. “I have heard much of Sergeant Cage and Specialist Briggs, but none of this one.”

“He’s from Outworld,” Johnny says, pointing his thumb at the thief. “He’s here to fill our diversity quota.”

“Enough,” Sonya says to her husband. “Grandmaster, I know you intended on coming here to use our portal to travel to Outworld, but the situation in that realm has changed; Cao here is the one who brought the news to us on behalf of Kotal Kahn. We’re prepared to fully brief you and my husband has a proposal for you.”

“Not the kind with rings involved, I promise,” Johnny is quick to add.

>A) Remain Silent
>B) Briefly explain to Sub-Zero about the threat
>C) Introduce yourself
>D) Ask if you are going to be needed for the briefing
>E) Other

>>46546076

Weird, post wasn't showing up for some reason. Odd.

>>46546076
>>C) Introduce yourself
>>D) Ask if you are going to be needed for the briefing

>>46546076
>C
>D

>>46546075
He's not THAT short.

>>46546076
>C) Introduce yourself
My name is Cao, and officially, I'm here on behalf of Kotal Kahn as Outworld's, what's the word, representative?

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>>46546331
>>46546384
>>46546411

Cao approaches Sub-Zero, feeling cold just from being in the presence of the man. He shakes his hand and finds it to be very cool to the touch. "I'm from Z'unkahrah," he says. "I'm here as a... What's the word, representative?" he looks back as Cassie, who nods. "Representative of Kotal Kahn. Only officially."

"An interesting state of the Emperor's court that he would send one such as you," Sub-Zero notes, and Cao isn't sure if that's an insult or not.

"Right this way," Jax tells Sub-Zero as the thief steps back.

"Am I going too?" Cao asks.

"No, we have the informaiton you brought," Sonya says. Cao hasn't gotten a chance to speak with her since her arrival; it's been all business since then and up until now. "Sergeant Cage and Specialist Briggs will take you to your gear. We'll be leaving soon."

“Very well,” the Lin Kuei Grandmaster replies, ignoring him and speaking to the general. “I shall accompany you. Does this concern Tundra and Frost as well?”

“It does, but they may accompany Sergeant Cage. Cao here is the one with the key information and can brief them as we brief you and go over this proposal.”

Sub-Zero nods before looking over his shoulder at the two of them. His son nods and Frost does the same a moment later. Sub-Zero moves off with Sonya, Jax and Johnny.

Tundra takes the initiative to step forward and hold out his hand to Cassie. “Hello. My name is Zian. Tundra if you prefer being professional.”

“S’all good,” Cassie says, shaking his hand. “You’ve got a cool grip,” she notes as she does so.

“Comes from the blood,” he says with a bright smile. He shakes Jacqui's hand and then turns to Cao. “Outworld, huh? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone from Outworld.” He holds out his hand to shake.

>A) Shake his hand and introduce yourself
>B) Feel slightly intimidated by his height and good looks
>C) Don’t shake his hand
>D) Ask him where he comes from
>E) Other

>>46546497
>>A) Shake his hand and introduce yourself
>>D) Ask him where he comes from
>>E) Other
Feel confident because you just bagged two earthrealm women!

>>46546497
>>A) Shake his hand and introduce yourself

>>46546497
>A) Shake his hand and introduce yourself

>>46546497
>A
>D

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>>46546527
>>46546559
>>46546575
>>46546586

"Nice to meet you," Cao says as he shakes the young man's hand. It's not as cold as his father's, but still rather cool. "I'm Cao."

"If you don't mind me saying, you look like a fighter," Tundra remarks.

"More often than not," Cao replies with a grin.

As they shake, Cassie holds a hand out to Frost, who does not shake it, instead folding her arms. After a moment, Cassie withdraws her hand, cocking her brow. "Cold shoulder, much?"

"Oh wow, never heard that one before," Frost says, her steely blue eyes narrow as she looks at Cassie.

Tundra is quick to turn around and dissolve the situation. "So, we haven't been told much. We were on our way to Outworld before we arrived and got the news, but what's happening?"

>A) Talk about the Dragon King
>B) Ask him why he was going to Outworld
>C) Talk to Frost
>D) Head ot get your gear
>E) Other

>>46546684
>>A) Talk about the Dragon King
Since they aren't going to be present at the briefing.
>>C) Talk to Frost
"Ice to meet you..."
>Head ot get
pls

>>46546684
>A
>B

>>46546684
>>A) Talk about the Dragon King
>>B) Ask him why he was going to Outworld

>>46546684
>A) Talk about the Dragon King
Here's the short version: Onaga the Dragon King was the former Emperor of Outworld and Shao Kahn's boss. He commands an undead army and was only killed ages ago when Shao Kahn poisoned him. Now he's back, and he's got his eyes on Outworld, Earthrealm, and everything in between.

>>46546749
Blame Reptile.

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>>46546718
>>46546726
>>46546746
>>46546749
>>46546777

"Take it away, Cao," Cassie invites, going to stand next to Jacqui. She takes out a piece of bubblegum and pops it into her mouth before tossing the wrapper.

Coa faces the Lin Kuei. "Well, the short of it is that the old Emperor of Outworld, Onaga, the one before Shao Kahn, is back from the dead. He took over a very stupid saurian's body and was reborn. He commands an undead army and was only killed by being poisoned. He's got his eyes on Outworld and probably everything else."

Tundra reacts with surprise at the news but Frost seems disinterested. "So it's going to be like it was before? During the Mortal Kombat tournaments?"

"Hopefully not," Jacqui says, walking around Cao's left. "They want to send us to Outworld to help put an early end to the situation before it gets out of hand."

"Kind of a big task for people like us," Tundra says.

"Don't be scared," Frost speaks up.

He looks back at her with a serious face. "I never said I was scared. I'm certainly not afraid to admit that I'm not very experienced in fighting undead armies or Emperors."

"Well, I wouldn't worry too much," Cassie says, placing her hands on her hips. "We'll be working together and Jacqui and I are practically experts on Outworld already."

Cao coughs into his hand. "What were you going to Outworld for originally?" Cao asks Tundra.

"Dragons. So, not much has changed," he laughs. "My father is half cryomancer on his father's side. The cryomancer people come from Outworld. Frost and I were going to search for what remains of their ancient civilization."

Jacqui looks over at Frost. "And what, you're like his cousin or something?"

"No," Frost says somewhat rudely.

>A) Walk to get your gear
>B) Ask Tundra what kind of experience he has
>C) Talk to Frost a bit
>D) Ask about Cryomancers
>E) Other

>>46546890
>>A) Walk to get your gear

>>46546890
>B
>C
>D

>>46546890
>B) Ask Tundra what kind of experience he has
>C) Talk to Frost a bit
>D) Ask about Cryomancers

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>>46546959
>>46546999

"So, what kind of experience do you have?" Cao asks him.

"I've fought and trained all my life, but only in the Lin Kuei temple," he admits. "My father says I need more experiences that the temple cannot give me, which is another reason why I'm here."

Cao notices Frost roll her eyes a bit. As Tundra talks to Cassie and Jacqui, he approaches her. "Hi," he says to her.

"Hello," she replies, coldly as before.

"So you are a cryomancer, right?" She nods. "What does that mean?"

"It means we can manipulate cold," she says, holding out a hand. A small cloud of white appears as she forms a dagger. "See?"

"I've never seen anything like that before," Cao remarks, looking at the intricate weapon. "What other kinds of things can you create?"

She clenches her fist and breaks the weapon into small shards of ice that fall to the ground. "Nothing I care to show."

She goes back to minding her own business.

>A) Try to find common ground with her
>B) Talk to the others
>C) Move out to get your gear
>D) Enthuse about showing them Outworld
>E) Other

>>46547090
>A) Try to find common ground with her
The last thing the New Defenders need is a designated "team bitch."

>>46547090
>>A) Try to find common ground with her
I'm cool. You're cool. We should be friends.
It is so bad she might just let out a snrk

>>46547090
>A

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>>46547107
>>46547123
>>46547138

Cao looks at her with, slightly concerned. She seems distant, her disinterest covering up her thinly-veiled spite for her current lot in life. It's something he recognizes, because up until recently, he carried himself in much the same way.

"Did you grow up in the temple as well?"

"No," she admits. "On the streets."

"We have that in common," he says, and that earns him a glance from her. "Were you alone?"

"Yes," she replies. "I'm an orphan."

"Two for two," he says with a smile. "Did you steal and fight to survive?"

"...I did, yes."

"Ever since I was a kid, I lived on the streets of Z'unkahrah, stealing to stay alive, running from the guards, keeping out of prison and away from the executioner's axe."

"I spent most of that time frozen," she deadpans. She's clearly none too happy about that fact.

"Well... I can't say I've done that," he says, scratching the back of his head. "But I think we have more in common than you might realize."

"Maybe we do," she admits, her angled brow softening. "Cao, wasn't it?"

"Nice to be met," he says, holding out his hand. After a moment, she shakes it. A cold grip, but a tight one, one of respect.

>A) Head to retrieve your gear
>B) Talk to her some more
>C) Talk to the others
>D) Ask her why she was frozen
>E) Other

>>46547294
>A

>>46547294
>>A) Head to retrieve your gear
>>D) Ask her why she was frozen
Isn't she always frozen? Can't wait for Cassie to start calling her Elsa

>>46547294
>A) Head to retrieve your gear
>D) Ask her why she was frozen
In the actual games, she steals Sub-Zero's medallion, but she can't handle its power and ends up freezing herself in what amounts to cryostasis.

>>46547371
What a loser! Who dabbles in overwhelming power they cant control? Wait....

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>>46547347
>>46547324
>>46547371

As the five of them move out, Cao walks and talks with Frost. Or rather, tries to.

"So, why were you frozen? If you don't mind my asking."

"I do," she says. "Don't want to talk about it."

He nods and drops the subject almost immediately. Cassie, walking with Tundra, asks, "Hey, you don't have one of those cool blue ninja suits, do you? Like a spare."

"Uh, no," he says. "Why?"

"I just really like the look," she admits. "I think I could pull it off. Blue's a good color on me."

They approach the main bunker and pile into the elevator heading down. The internal temperature of the elevator itself seems to drop due to the two cryomancers. When they reach the desired floor, Cassie uses a badge to buzz them into a room.

Inside are several tables with gear. Cassie and Jacqui both have their own table with their items on it and Cao has his own; he sees his sword and other weaponry upon it.

>A) Gather your things in silence
>B) Show off your new weapons
>C) Check out Cassie's gear
>D) Check out Jacqui's gear
>E) Ask the Lin Kuei what they'll be bringing to Outworld
>F) Other

>>46547570
>C) Check out Cassie's gear
>E) Ask the Lin Kuei what they'll be bringing to Outworld
>F) Other
Do we know anyone else who is coming along on this initial trip?

>>46547570
>>D) Check out Jacqui's gear
THE FISTS! GIMME! Comment on how Jacqui would look good in yellow.

>>46547570
>C
>D
>E

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>>46547618
>>46547637
>>46547639

As he picks up his belongings, he looks over at Cassie's table. She has two pistols, along with a few clips, and some other useful gear: tracking devices, homing beacons, radios, and a strange, small and round-edged device she refers to as an "iPod" though he cannot imagine what it may be.

He walks over to Jacqui's table and sees that she has a variety of heavier items on it; namely, different kinds of gauntlets meant to be worn over her forearms. She explains that they are derived from her father's research grants and that each one is suited for different tasks. They come with their own gear and ammunition, and she also has a number of other surival tools.

Both Cassie and Jacqui have duffle bags with gear in them that they had prepared last night before Cao interrupted them. He shakes his head and looks at Tundra and Frost.

"Do you have any gear?" he asks them.

"Only what we have on us," Tundra replies.

"We can get by on less," Frost adds.

>A) Prepare to head to Outworld
>B) Talk to the others
>C) Check your gear out
>D) Ask for other items before leaving the base
>E) Other

>>46547858
>A) Prepare to head to Outworld
>C) Check your gear out

>>46547858
>>A) Prepare to head to Outworld
>>C) Check your gear out
What do we have? An extra pair of shorts?

>>46547858
>A) Prepare to head to Outworld
>C) Check your gear out
>>46547925
They are comfy and easy to wear.

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>>46547903
>>46547925
>>46547944

As Cao inspects his gear and makes sure everything is in order, the nearby door opens and Sonya, Johnny, Jax and Sub-Zero walk into the room. Johnny claps his hands together and rubs his palms.

"Alright, my special little snowflakes, and that's more literal when it comes to you two," he looks at the Lin Kuei as he says that, "it's time to go to Outworld."

"We aren't getting more backup?" Cassie asks.

"Negative," Sonya replies. "This is Johnny's team, so we're letting him take the initiative and go to Outworld. Sergeant, make sure to stop your father from acting like an idiot to the Kahn."

"Yes ma'am," Cassie replies with a smile.

Sonya continues, "Colonel Briggs and myself will stay here until we can get authorization to mobilize the remainder of the Special Forces to Outworld. After that last incident the red tape we have to cut through is a mile thick."

Sub-Zero approaches his son and pupil. "I know this is not the original reason I meant to send you to Outworld for, but I have agreed to lend Mr. Cage your skills. Report to him and assist him in battling this new threat."

"And the other task?" Tundra asks.

"Only if time permits," Sub-Zero replies. "I have the utmost confidence in you both. Good luck."

Sonya nods at a window and another door opens, leading to a large chamber with a mechanical portal-generator. It features a massive metal ring that sustains the portal and a metal walkway leading up to it.

"I hope the weather is nicer this time around," Johnny says.

Cassie and Jacqui take a moment to exchange goodbyes with their mother and father respectively before stepping back to Johnny and preparing for the portal to Outworld.

>A) Ask where the portal is going to end up
>B) Talk to Sonya
>C) Talk to someone else
>D) Head straight to Outworld
>E) Other

>>46548131
>>B) Talk to Sonya
We didn't really get the chance to talk to her. We should thank her for sending help to outworld.

>>46548131
>>A) Ask where the portal is going to end up
>>B) Talk to Sonya

>>46548131
>A) Ask where the portal is going to end up
>>E) Other
Advise that it's probably best for Cao to talk to Kotal first, especially since we're joining the New Defenders.

>>46548131
>A)

>>46548199
FUCK YOU DAD! I'm going on some sweet adventures with good looking earthrealmers!

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>>46548161
>>46548183
>>46548199
>>46548265

As Johnny talks to Cassie and Jacqui, Cao steps back to stand next to Sonya. He looks at the general and asks, "Where will the portal be ending up?"

"Just outside Z'unkahrah. You'll be able to walk into the city from there."

He nods. "I also wanted to say, thank you for sending help to Outworld."

She nods, but wears a tight expression. "It's for the best, but I don't like that my daughter is being sent in with a new team she hasn't had much experience with yet. Secretary Blake and my husband are bending a lot of the rules to make this happen."

"Are you worried about her?"

"I know she can handle herself, and Specialist Briggs will be there. At least they're properly equipped this time around and will be operating from a central base with intelligence at their disposal." She lets out a sigh. "Cao, I appreciate you bringing us this news. I always knew it would only be a matter of time before another threat in Outworld reared its ugly head. I just hoped it would be later, but these are the kinds of things we need to be ready for."

"Is there anything I can do?" Cao asks.

Sonya gives a moment of thought before looking at him and saying, "Please, just watch my daughter's back."

Images of last night, specifically Cassie's back, flash in his mind and he quickly nods. "Yes, I definitely will," he says, swallowing a nervous lump.

Nearby, the portal generator kicks into high gear. A loud humming fills the room as the lights dim. The metal ring glows as a bright blue portal is created, a swirling vortex of light that dazzles the eyes until it stabilizes and flattens to a layer, wide and tall enough for someone to walk through.

"There's your ride," Sonya tells him.

>A) Walk through the portal
>B) Last minute conversations
>C) Go in last
>D) Other

>>46548353
>>A) Walk through the portal
Us, as the glorious leader of the Kombat Kids should be the first one through

>>46548353
>>A) Walk through the portal
>>46548381
Until Kaito pops up with his girlfriend. I feel like Cao isnt going to get along with Mileena.

>>46548399
Crap, I forgot Katio is on the team too. Oh well

>>46548353
>A) Walk through the portal

>>46548399
Kaito will probably be in an advisor position alongside Johnny or dealing with bigger fights. Despite his age, he hangs with the big boys.

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>Takeda/Jacqui will probably not happen in this timeline

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>>46548381
>>46548399
>>46548425

Cao walks up to the portal and strides within. It's stable and thus the transit is not too hard on the body---no losing one's footing or being flung through the air---and so he walks out the other side and back home.

He opens his eyes and looks upon the entrance to Z'unkahrah and the city beyond it. As the others walk through, Johnny whistles.

"Man, you guys cleaned up around here! Last time it was all skulls and spikes."

"You lived here your whole life?" Cassie asks.

"Hell of a place to grow up," Jacqui adds.

Tundra and Frost observe in silence as Cao leads them up to the city. He warns them to keep their hands on their belongings---someone like himself might come along and take their belongings.

"They'd steal from an Earthrealmer?" Tundra asks.

"I did," Cao replies.

>A) Head to the palace
>B) Head to Ruby's estate
>C) Take them through the markets
>D) Get an escort of guards
>E) Other

>>46548602
>>A) Head to the palace
>>C) Take them through the markets
Give them the full Outworld flavor. We could probably introduce them to the guy that supplies all the weapons around here as well.

>>46548602
>A
>C
>>46548630
This

>>46548602
>A) Head to the palace
>C) Take them through the markets

>>46548494
Seeing how We deliberately interfered to stop it, no. Jacqui is going have to deal.

>>46548425
>Johnny- "This is the last thing I expected, but I can't tell you how glad I am that you're finally up and I can give you the offer: I want you on my team."
I think he wants Kaito to be an active member...

>>46548759
It could still happen, but Takeda has to out-dreamboat Cao in Jacqui's eyes.

On a completely random aside:
>Jacqui is a trained Junior grade Olympic boxer, able to go toe-to-toe with Cassie and knock a grown man unconscious with her bare hands. Her fighting skills were further developed through Special Forces training.
Jacqui literally could've gone to the Olympics in boxing, and that's before her SpecFor training. That's impressive.

>>46548778
Kaito counts as a New Defender, but he's not a Kombat Kid. He hangs out with Johnny and Kung Lao and their ilk directly. Hell, Mileena is his lover or one of them if Turana agrees to share, not to mention hooking up with the kids would feel weird. He may ostensibly look like a Kombat Kid, but he stays with the OG crew (aside from Vapor).

>>46548849
Turana is down with sharing. Its Mileena's whole "Tried to kill me" thing that puts a hamper on the poly life.

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>>46548630
>>46548645
>>46548702

Cao decides to take them the long way to the palace, bringing them through the markets, all along the way showing them various stalls, vendors and interesting things. Johnny picks up some local artwork, a statue carving of an osh-tekk war god. "Neat," he says, snapping a picture of it.

Cassie and Jacqui idle the shops, but the blonde sergeant is quick to remind Cao they have a job. He gets all five of them through the market and to the palace, where he walks past the guards. Upon being told that they are with him, the guards begrudgingly let them pass.

He takes them to the throne room. There, Kotal Kahn sits in waiting, speaking with Ruby and, to his surprise, a shokan: Sheeva.

Johnny Cage swaggers into the room. "Kotal Kahn! Sheeva! Aw, this is just one big family reunion, isn't it?"

They both stare at Johnny as he walks in. He gives a bit showy bow to the Emperor. "Mr. Carlton," Kotal notes. He looks up and sees the others enter as Cassie walks over and pick up her father, trying to keep herself from punching him in the gut.

"I see you were successful in your mission," Kotal notes. He rises from his throne while Sheeva lingers beyond, staring at Cao with fiery eyes. The osh-tekk approaches Cassie and takes her hand in his, kissing it. "Daughter of Cage and Blade, I welcome you to my kingdom."

Cassie blinks, unsure of how to respond to such a greeting. "Oh... Thank you, uh, Emperor. But I don't think we've been introduced."

"I can see both in your blood," Kotal tells her. He looks over at the others. "Daughter of Briggs, son of Sub-Zero... And one I do not know."

"Frost," she introduces herself. At Tundra's insistence, she bows her head.

Kotal places a warm hand on Cao's shoulder. "Excellent work," he compliments the thief.

Cao is a bit surprised. "You didn't want more?"

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>>46548931

"I would gladly take everyone in this room over an army," Kotal says, returning to his chair. "Events such as these are not always determined by armies. The right mortals in the right place can turn the tide of any battle and secure the freedom of a realm. That is the way of the Elder Gods: they respect strength, and I sense much strength in these warriors, even though it has not been tempered by wisdom and experience."

"That's why I'm here, jolly green," Johnny beams.

"...At least you have experience," Kotal mutters.

Sheeva walks forward, past Johnny and Cassie, to stand imposingly over Cao. He sweats a bit as the tall and powerful woman looks down upon him. "This is the one who defeated Prince Rokuro? Who stole from Princess Jagara?"

Everyone in the room looks at Cao as he holds up a hand.

"Now, I can explain---"

"I am not here for kombat," Sheeva interrupts him. "That matter was resolved when you battled Rokuro in the arena in the sight of mortals and the Elder Gods. But am I to expect you truly defeated Rokuro without some manner of trickery?"

"Well, I---"

"Out with it," Sheeva demands.

>A) I beat him fair and square
>B) I've learned magic
>C) Maybe he's not as strong as you think
>D) I AM SHAO KAHN, FEAR ME!
>E) Other

>>46548877
Kaito is forcing them to apologize to each other and play nice. During the twenty-year skip, Mileena was the one who wanted to build the bridge, but Turana gave her the cold shoulder the whole time. Then when she found out Kaito hooked up with Mileena, Turana succumbed to jealousy and poisoned the princess. After Kaito directly confronted her, Turana healed Mileena and agreed to submit herself to Kaito's guidance as he forcibly takes her around and fixes everything she did. They're not doing that, currently, since Kaito is having his training montage and Turana is bound to the service of Anubis.

>>46548951
>B) I've learned magic
its allowed.

>>46548951
>>B) I've learned magic

>>46548951
>B

>>46548951
>A) I beat him fair and square
>B) I've learned magic
You can ask Rokuro himself what his exact words were when he submitted.

As an aside, we should probably mention to Kotal that these are the first few members of Johnny's so-called New Defenders of the Realm, that Johnny is their advisor, that more assistance will be on the way soon, and that we will officially be joining the New Defenders "as Outworld's official...what is it, what is it, liaison?"

>>46548951
>>A) I beat him fair and square

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>Jacqui is the only Kombat Kid with no latent abilities, supernatural powers or items
>Jacqui is all-natural
In the Mortal Kombat universe, that's an extremely impressive feat. I respect her a little bit more.

>>46549111
Pre-cyber Cyrax and Sektor were all natural. As was pre-MK9 Jax.

>>46549138
Jax is still pure in this universe. He has gauntlets like Jacqui

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>>46548965
>>46548993
>>46549005
>>46549042
>>46549063

He holds his ground. "I've learned magic," Cao admits, conjuring up a dagger. "I used it in my fight against him and I won fairly with it. It was Mortal Kombat---and, unless I'm mistaken, magic is allowed in Mortal Kombat."

Sheeva folds both arms. "Yes. It is."

Kotal Kahn approaches. "I witnessed his new powers for myself. Cao has become far more than any mere thief or street rat could hope to become---the Elder Gods themselves have smiled upon him."

Cao feels like arguing that point, but hesitates when he looks at the others, specifically Cassie and Jacqui. He silences himself---perhaps the Elder Gods have been favorable to him... but they certainly took their sweet time.

"I know Rokuro to be no liar," Sheeva says. "He says you defeated him fairly and justly. But he is still young, despite his strength. Perhaps if I had been here, a much different outcome would have been acheived."

She turns to the Emperor and says, "I am weary from my journey. I shall retire to my quarters and speak with you later."

She strides past the others as Kotal nods. Cassie leans over to Jacqui and whispers. "Damn, so that's a shokan, huh?"

"Looks like it," Jacqui replies. "That's a hell of a lot of girl-power."

"Yeah, just don't get on the wrong side of it," Johnny snickers.

Cao straightens a bit and composes himself again.

>A) Introduce Kotal to the team
>B) Let Johnny talk to the Emperor
>C) Follow after Sheeva
>D) Ask Kotal where your sister is
>E) Other

>>46549179
Yeah, Jax didn't lose his arms in this timeline.

>>46549202
>>B) Let Johnny talk to the Emperor
He always was a good talker. Let's excuse ourselves and go to Ruby's estate.

>>46549202
>A
>B

>>46549202
>A) Introduce Kotal to the team
The Special Forces and other factions will lend their assistance to Outworld, but they need time to be rallied. In the meantime, these are Earthrealm's initial responders: a special team called the New Defenders of the Realm, led and advised by Johnny Cage. These four are all from Earthrealm but are devoted to preserving the peace between the realms. They'll be staying here with us for the time being. At Johnny's request, I've agreed to join this team as Outworld's official, uh, envoy. Yeah, envoy.

>>46549239
>Trusting Johnny to talk

>>46549286
I second this

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>>46549239
>>46549251
>>46549286
>>46549328

He turns to the team he's brought before the Emperor. "Cassie Cage, Jaqui Briggs, Tundra, Frost," he introduces them all. "The Special Forces and other Earthrealm groups need more time to respond, but this is who we have right now."

Johnny intrudes. "Kotal Kahn, meet the beginning of my team: the New Defenders."

"And you lead them?" Kotal asks, skeptical.

"More advise and oversee," Johnny says. "I've got a guy in mind for the leader and from what I hear, he's in Outworld. Speaking of which, give me one minute."

He reaches into his pocket and takes out a phone. He prepares to dial a number as he walks off towards a balcony for better reception.

Cao continues in his absence, "Yeah... These four are from Earthrealm, but are devoted to preserving the peace between the realms. They'll be staying here with us for the time being. At Johnny's request, I've agreed to join this team as Outworld's official, uh, envoy. Yeah, envoy."

Kotal looks back at Cao. "You are to be on this team?"

"He's very handy," Cassie is quick to point out with a smile.

Kotal scratches his chin. "Very well. I am pleased by this; cooperation between our realms, unlike what Shao Kahn believed, will only strengthen us."

Ruby walks up to the Emperor. "With your permission, my Kahn, I shall see that they are given proper quarters." The osh-tekk nods. Nearby, Johnny seems to have reached who he was calling and is laughing as he talks into the phone.

>A) Take the team on a tour
>B) Go see who Johnny is talking to
>C) Head to Ruby's estate
>D) Help the Earthrealmers to their lodging
>E) Other

>>46549286
This is good. No Johnny is the best choice.

>>46549416
>>A) Take the team on a tour

>>46549416
>D) Help the Earthrealmers to their lodging

>>46549416
>A
>D

>>46549138
Human Sektor had teleportation powers. It's probably supposed to be where his codename comes from. Y'know, "sector", location.

>>46549416
>A) Take the team on a tour
>>46549536
I think that was tech, seeing how digital looking it was.

>>46549553
It's only digital looking in his cyborg costume. In his MK9 human alt it's just glowing green light.

I should also point out that MK2 Jax probably had chi powers, what with all the purple shockwave moves. His origin was supposed to be that he's "the strongest man in the world".

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>>46549477
>>46549494
>>46549520
>>46549553

Ruby takes the lead as the others walk behind her. Johnny remains in the throne room to talk with Kotal. The red-clad hinparian takes the opportunity to show them some of the palace; from the trophy hall to the dining room and most places in between. At the end, she takes them to the guest quarters and gives each of them a seperate room. When Cao is the only one left, Ruby turns and asks if he could speak with her in private for a moment. He follows her around the corner.

"Have you given thought to what the Emperor asked of you while you were away?" she asks.

"What was that?" Cao says, unsure of which task she may be referring to.

Ruby's eyes check left and right before moving in close. "Becoming his heir! Do you know what this could mean for you and your sisters?"

"Oh," he says. "That. Right. No, not much thought at all, really."

Ruby is taken aback, to say the least. "But you would be a prince, an heir to an empire! Outworld is a realm of billions of lives and out of all of them, he chose you. I did not know he could not sire an heir, but through you the Empire could have a royal family once more."

"I just don't know," he says, shaking his head. "All my life I despised the Empire and what it represented, and now, what, I'm just supposed to join it and be happy about it?"

"You wouldn't be merely joining it," she says. "You'd be in a position of power and influence that few in all of the realm could hope to wield."

>A) Express disinterest
>B) I need more time to think
>C) Why do you care so much?
>D) I don't care about power
>E) I'm afraid of getting too much power
>F) Other

>>46549654
>C) Why do you care so much?
>D) I don't care about power

>>46549654
>>C) Why do you care so much?
>>D) I don't care about power
"How about you suck my dick."

>>46549654
>C) Why do you care so much?
>E) I'm afraid of getting too much power
Everyone saw what happened to Shao Kahn.

>>46549668
>>46549703
To a degree, Cao does care about power, but only to the point where he is able to fully protect his family.

>>46549654
>>C) Why do you care so much?
>B) I need more time to think

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>>46549668
>>46549703
>>46549705
>>46549835

He regards her a bit suspiciously. "Why do you care so much, so suddenly?"

"Well it is sudden news to me," Ruby says. "Is it wrong for a First Minister to take interest in the potential future of the Empire? Tell me, Cao, what happens if Onaga comes here and we face him, perhaps we even defeat him---but what if Kotal Kahn dies with no heir?"

"I don't know," he shrugs.

"The Empire and all its people are thrown into chaos, just as it was for the brief periods of time during Shao Kahn's reign when it was thought he was dead, and then when he was truly dead. Everyone with a claim to the throne will step forth, lines will be drawn, blood shed once more, the realm plunged into civil war."

He crosses his arms and looks away, deep in thought. Ruby tilts her head a bit. "What did war bring last time, Cao? Famine, fields of slaughter... orphans."

He looks at her and knows she is referring to the fact that the war is how he and his siblings ended up with no parents. "So, what would you have me do?"

"Become his heir," she encourages. "Think of it."

"I never cared about power," he says, "only except what I need to protect my sisters."

"And that is truly admirable," she says, "but think of what you could do to keep them safe if you were a prince, and some day perhaps Kahn?"

Cao looks away. He closes his eyes and feels the power of Shao Kahn slumbering within him. He shakes his head, wary of allowing that power to come to light---something that could very well happen if he were to become an Emperor.

>A) Thank her for the advice and leave
>B) Ask what her game is
>C) Go spend time with your teammates
>D) Head to Ruby's estate to see your sisters
>E) Other

>>46549910
>B) Ask what her game is

>>46549910
>>B) Ask what her game is
>>D) Head to Ruby's estate to see your sisters
What do the Hinpari have to gain from this? I doubt anyone would want a recently homeless person to lead an entire realm.

>>46549910
>D) Head to Ruby's estate to see your sisters

>>46549654
>>B) I need more time to think
>C) Why do you care so much?

>>46549654
>>C) Why do you care so much?

>>46549977
Hinpar sucks as a plane, and Ruby and her kind are very comfortable here in Z'unkarah. I think, more than anything, Ruby cares for stability in her new life, to say nothing of climbing the ranks inside the kahn's cabinet. If Outworld falls into civil war again, everything goes out the window.

>>46549910
>A) Thank her for the advice and leave
>D) Head to Ruby's estate to see your sisters
Maybe bring some of our team with us

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>>46549938
>>46549977
>>46550028
>>46550005

"What's your game in all of this, exactly?" he asks. "What do the hinparians stand to gain?"

She shakes her head. "I do not ask you to become his heir for the hinparian people. An Emperor who will not live forever needs an heir and Kotal Kahn refuses to consider any empress no matter who suitable they are. Osh-tekk, outworlder, shokan... he has never sired any children, nor ever expressed any interest in such."

"He said he could not," Cao points out.

"This could be true," she admits. "I do not doubt that he is a great leader, and he has led our realm to great heights. But with no line that flows from his blood, what happens when the time of succession inevitably comes?"

"But that wasn't my question," he says to her. "I said, what is your interest in this matter?"

"I want to say that my interest lies in the stability of the realm, but that would not be entirely true. I desire that, yes, both for the good of the people and the new influence I have gained as First Minister. But there is always more influence that can be gained, and there is only one higher position that I could ever hope to have... but not with Kotal Kahn."

Cao's eyes widen as he realizes what she means. "Empress," he says. "You're saying that if I was prince, you would want to marry me?"

"If you were prince, a great many women would want to marry you, I would wager," she points out.

Cao looks her up and down. "You don't even know me well."

"Better than you think, I assure you."

At that moment, Jacqui comes around the corner. "Cao? You over here?" She spies them and begins to approach.

"I would like to speak more on this later," Ruby says in a hushed voice as she turns to address Jacqui. "Welcome, Daughter of Briggs. I am very pleased to meet you; I knew your father once long ago."

>A) Find your sisters at the estate
>B) Talk to Jacqui and Ruby
>C) Go talk to Cassie
>D) See how Frost and Tundra are settling in
>E) Go to the throne room
>F) Other

>>46550265
>>A) Find your sisters at the estate
See if any of the team wants to come with us

>>46550265
>A) Find your sisters at the estate
Well that's a way to propose to a guy.

>>46550265
>>A) Find your sisters at the estate
Gotta talk to them you know.

>>46550265
>A) Find your sisters at the estate

>>46550301
>Become kahn, and I'll show you just how knowledgable I am...

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>>46550298
>>46550301
>>46550309
>>46550348

With the other members of the team, Cao leaves to head towards Ruby's estate. The First Minister herself remains behind at the palace to attend a council meeting that is happening. As he walks through the streets, he loses himself in thought as he thinks about what she told him.

Jacqui notices and gently touches his arm. "Hey, you alright?" she whispers.

"Yeah, just... thinking."

She lets go and nods in understanding. "Alright, well, if you want to talk, we can always---"

Cassie suddenly puts up an arm in front of Cao. "Cowboy, twelve o'clock," she says.

The thief looks ahead and sees none other than Erron Black.

"Well, lookie here," he says as he approaches. "A group of lost earthrealmers in big bad Outworld."

"They're with me," Cao says.

"Is that so," he says, looking them up and down.

"What's up with Eastwood here?" Cassie asks.

"I didn't know cowboys were in style in Outworld," Jacqui adds.

"I'm from Earthrealm too," Erron says, surprising them all---not even Cao knew that. He approaches, hands on his hips as he looks them up and down. "You seem like you could use a drink, ladies. I know a nice saloon nearby."

>A) Tell Erron to leave
>B) Go to the saloon
>C) Punch him
>D) Tell him that Kotal Kahn is looking for him at the palace
>E) Other

>>46550590
>Erron is the smoothest of the smooth
>>B) Go to the saloon
I'm game I guess, let's see if sis wants to go first

>>46550590
>B) Go to the saloon
sounds great.

>>46550590
>A
I guess if some of our squad wants to, then sure. But we need to visit our sisters

>>46550590
>D) Tell him that Kotal Kahn is looking for him at the palace
Ruby did say there was a council meeting to attend.

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>>46550623
>>46550690

Cao looks up at the mercenary. "By all means, lead the way. Maybe you'll take your mask off for once."

"Right this way," he says, turning to walk down the road.

Jacqui leans in to whisper, "Are you sure about this?"

Cassie cocks a brow. "I thought we were going to see your sisters. You want to get a drink?"

Cao looks back and...

>A) Go to the tavern
>B) Break away while Erron isn't looking
>C) Distract him
>D) Split up
>E) Other

>>46550590
>>B) Go to the saloon
Drink

>>46551108
>>E) Other

We'll get one drink on him and head over there.

>>46551108
>>E) Other
Well get one drink, and then Cao will visit his sisters. We'll come back afterwards and continue hanging out with cowboy n' crew

>>46551158
It's never just one drink... Plot hooooook

>>46551108
>E) Other
Actually, I just remembered. Ruby said there's a council meeting on right now and that your presence was asked for at the palace.

A quick break to handle something on my end, shouldn't be more than an hour.

That new pastebin is fifteen pages so far. Not far from being done.

>>46551281
Well it IS a threesome.

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>>46551281
>fifteen pages

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>>46551110
>>46551158
>>46551191

He nods. "Just one," he says to them.

They follow Erron down a narrow alleyway and into a dark, seedy tavern. Lit only by candles and torches, this is the kind of place where the merchants mingle with cutthroats and beggars spend what little koins they can on drinking their lives away. The place goes quiet when Erron enters, with eyes peering from all dark corners. He approaches the bar and sits down without a word.

Cao and his team enter and look around. Cassie whistles. "Talk about your wretched hive of scum and villainy," she says. "No offense, Cao---these are your people, after all."

"Not my people," he says.

"We should be careful," Tundra advises as he looks at a particularly buxom tavern wench with green skin and one working eye saunter past. "This place is... strange."

Cao approaches the bar and sits alongside Erron. The gunslinger orders a drink and the bartender pours two shot glasses. He's about to hand one to Cao when he turns and offers it to Jacqui instead.

"Uh, no thanks," Jacqui says. Cassie, however, quickly scoops it out of her hand and brings it to her nose to drink.

"Now there's an adventurous young lady," Erron says. "Well? You fixin' to impress, or...?"

Despite Jacqui shaking her head, Cassie downs the clear liquid in one gulp. She coughs a bit and pounds on her chest, insisting she is alright.

Erron chuckles. "I like your guts, girl. And your guns."

Cao notices that he's still holding his own shot glass.

>A) Drink
>B) Wait for him to drink
>C) Drink something even stronger
>D) Leave
>E) Other

>>46552538
>>C) Drink something even stronger
MUH MACHISMO.

>>46552538
>C) Drink something even stronger
We must dick measure now.

>>46552538
>>B) Wait for him to drink

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>>46552571
>>46552617

Cao slams a fist down onto the table. "Bartender, give me something stronger."

"There's not much else stronger, boy," the bartender says.

"I got one," Erron says, growing more amused by Cao's bravado. "Dragon's Wine."

The cantina goes quiet. The bartender shakes his head. "We don't got---"

Erron places a platinum koin on the table. "On me."

The bartender takes out a black bottle and pours a deep red wine into a small glass. Eyes from around the room peer on. "Only shokan can stomach that," one person from the corner says to his companion.

"Cao," Jacqui says, putting a hand on his shoulder, "we should go."

Erron then places another koin on the table. "One for me, too."

Cao stares into the mercenary's killer eyes and meets his gaze, ready to face this challenge.

The bar and the earthrealmers look on as Erron takes off his mask. His face is square and rough and he holds up the shot glass of Dragon's Wine.

"Ready?" he asks with a challenging grin.

>A) 1d100 to drink!
>B) Back out
>C) Throw your drink in his face
>D) Try and start a barfight
>E) Other

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>46552781
>>A) 1d100 to drink!

here goes nothing

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>46552781
Let's do this!

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>46552781
>A) 1d100 to drink!

>>46553063
Dang we good

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>>46552855
>>46552869
>>46553063

Both slam back their drinks at the same time. Cao immediately regrets everything he's ever done ever as he feels the liquid fire going down his throat but he stays steady and strong. Erron seems to be having no trouble at all with the drink and waits for Cao to break.

The thief's face turns slightly red and he sweats. He feels the fire burning in his gut but doesn't give way. But after a moment, it's too much. He begins to falter and his head shakes.

Then he feels a hand on his shoulder. Though nobody else can see, it is spreading a cooling power subtly throughout his body. He turns his head and sees Tundra appearing to give him a supporting hand---which is true, in more ways than one. The Lin Kuei cools his internal body temperature to fight the Dragon's Wine---and in a mere few minutes he is back to complete normal as the effect of the wine dies off.

"Well, what is it?" Cao says in a raspy voice. "Is that all?"

Erron smirks. "Hm. Not bad, kid." He downs the first shot glass and stands up. "You keep out of trouble now. Ladies." He strides out as Cassie and Jacqui pat him on the back. He coughs out a bit of smoke and they head for the exit.

>A) WATER I NEED WATER
>B) Thank Tundra
>C) Act like it was nothing
>D) Throw a knowing nod to Tundra
>E) Other

>>46553198
>C) Act like it was nothing
>D) Throw a knowing nod to Tundra

>>46553198
>>C) Act like it was nothing
>>D) Throw a knowing nod to Tundra

>>46553198
>D) Throw a knowing nod to Tundra

>>46553198
>C) Act like it was nothing
>D) Throw a knowing nod to Tundra
We owe him one.

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>>46553222
>>46553300
>>46553316
>>46553360

"It was nothing much," Cao says as the girls help him to the door. Once outside in the alleyway, he throws a knowing nod to Tundra, who smiles and nods back. He wasn't sure what to make of the Lin Kuei when they first met but now he's sure he's a friend---and he owes him one. Frost tags along in silence, observing everything with a cynicism that isn't lost on the others, but she sees the nod. It's possible she knows the truth but doesn't say anything.

Cao leads them to Ruby's estate. They walk past the hinparian guards out front and he takes them into the parlour, calling out Sanra's name. His sister appears at the top of the stairs and comes down in her leather armor. "Cao!" she greets him with a smile. "You brought... company?"

He introduces them all to her and her to them all. Cassie steps forward to shake his older sister's hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Cassie."

"Cassie... You're the one my brother told me about, with the chase in the desert, right?"

"Yeah. I'm the one who ran him over." She winks at Cao.

"Trust me, you were doing the realms a favor," Sanra teases.

Jacqui decides to get in on it as well. "Yeah, he's got a real mouth on him." She and Cassie both giggle a bit at the in-joke.

He's about to object when he realizes her double meaning and remains silent.

>A) Check on Hua
>B) Get them settled in
>C) See where Speelock is
>D) Have Ruby's chef prepare a meal
>E) Hang out in the hookah room
>F) Other

>>46553527
>>A) Check on Hua
>>B) Get them settled in
>>C) See where Speelock is

Por que no los tres?

>>46553527
E while clumsily hitting on Cassie and Jacqui we can get the threesome guys I just know it

>>46553527
>A) Check on Hua

>>46553527
>A) Check on Hua
>C) See where Speelock is
At least we're a generous lover. We reciprocate.

>>46553574
That already happened. Literally Last week.

>>46553617
I missed the last couple of threads, but at least it did happen

>>46553527
>>B) Get them settled in
Let's get the team settled. Then
>A) Check on Hua

>>46553527
>A) Check on Hua
>B) Get them settled in

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>>46553565
>>46553574
>>46553578
>>46553581
>>46553748

"Is Hua awake?" he asks her.

"She is," Sanra replies, taking them upstairs. "But she's very weak. She knew my name but not much else."

They approach the main bedroom in silence. Inside they find Hua resting, propped up on pillows with a silver tray with a half-filled bowl of soup. Speelock is sitting alongside the bed, nervously holding onto his thin tail. Cao walks around the bed and kneels alongside her.

She opens her eyes when he puts his hand on her wrist. "Brother..." she whispers. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," he says. "I was worried about you."

"I had a dream... There were flowers... a big, whole field of them, bigger than any field in the whole world..."

"And then?"

She blinks a few times. "I don't know..."

He spends some time with her as Cassie, trained to be a combat medic, checks her pulse with her wrist. She opens a small pack and takes out some pills.

"This might help with any internal infection," she says, handing them to Cao. "With any luck, she'll be back on her feet in a few weeks."

Cao takes the bottle of pills and opens it. He puts one in Hua's mouth and helps her swallow it. After a few more minutes of talking and introducing her to the others she goes back to sleep. They leave the room with Speelock to let her rest.

Cao sees something moving along the ground. He looks and sees, for the briefest of moments, a stain of red on the floor before it vanishes. 'Skarlet,' he thinks to himself. He knows that Hua is safe with the blood construct on guard.

"She seems sweet," Jacqui says as they descend the stairs. "I'm very sorry that she went through what she did."

Cassie agrees. "Yeah. No little girl should have to endure that."

Cao looks back up the stairs and sighs. "I hope she gets better soon."

They sit on Ruby's furniture in the parlour and discuss what is to come next when Cassie's phone rings. She answers it. "Yeah dad? O---Okay, calm down. Got it. We're on our way."

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>>46553947

She hangs up. Jacqui cocks a brow. "Something happen?"

"Apparently," Cassie says. "He wants us all to report to the palace. I guess he's done talking to the Emperor because he said he needs us there right now."

"Maybe something came up," Tundra suggests.

"About time the ball got rolling," Frost sighs.

>A) Head to the palace immediately
>B) Bring Skarlet with you
>C) Bring Sanra along with you
>D) Bring Speelock with you
>E) Other

>>46553971
>A) Head to the palace immediately

>>46553971
>A) Head to the palace immediately

>>46553971
>A) Head to the palace immediately

>>46553971
>>A) Head to the palace immediately
I wana take someone with us, but i think it's more important for skarlet to keep Hua safe and I am worried about Sanra or Speelock surviveing. We have enough people in the team so we should be fine

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>>46553999
>>46554004
>>46554012
>>46554315

Cao heads out the door with the other earthrealmers, taking them along the fastest route to the palace. Along the way they talk about what could have happened---all Cassie can say is that her father was very excited about whatever it was.

"Think he has a plan to take out the Dragon King?" Jacqui asks.

"Maybe Kotal Kahn is going to use his Portal Stone to send us somewhere," Cao shrugs.

"Can't say for certain," Cassie tells them. "Let's just see what's got dad in such a mood."

They reach the palace and walk past the main archway and into the temple proper. There, they walk up the large central staircase to Kotal Kahn's throne room. Upon opening the doors, they walk inside and see who the Kahn is speaking with.

Cao stops in his tracks. The man and the woman alongside him both turn and see the group as it enters. He is an earthrealmer and wears a black gi with a yellow sash around his shoulder. The woman wears a pink outfit of leather and has two sai blades within reach hanging on her back; her hair is raven black and wild, with two bright orange eyes that peer at him from under her bangs.

The man narrows his eyes when he looks at Cao. "Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?"

>A) No, we've never met.
>B) This is all your fault!
>C) What are you doing here?
>D) Kaito, isn't it? I'm Cao.
>E) Other

>>46554436
>E) Other
>"Are you the one they refer to as Jackie Chan, famous entertainer and warrior without peer?"

>>46554436
>A)
Not lying since we didn't speak to him or anything.

>>46554436
>B) This is all your fault

>>46554436
>>A) No, we've never met.
Uhhhhhh desperately attempt to play it cool

>>46554436
>E) Other
I stole from you remember

>>46554436
>>D) Kaito, isn't it? I'm Cao.

>>46554436
>>B) This is all your fault!
Don't actually be mad. Meeting him has been the single best/worst thing to happen to us.
>>46554475
I wish we saw a jackie chan movie while in Earthrealm. That would be the funniest shit.

Wait a minute...Is the end of Thief's quest? Are we starting earth defenders now that Kaito and Cao are in the same room?

>>46554436
>B) This is all your fault!

>>46554552
>Meeting him has been the single best/worst thing to happen to us.
The PC bug rubbed off on Cao the day he stole from Kaito.

>>46554552
>>46554693
Remember that guy who stole from you a couple weeks ago?
>Uh, yeah, I think.
*outstretch arms* Do something about it.

>>46554715
>TOP KEK

I just imagine that throne room is really quiet while Cao is thinking what to say.

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>>46554500
>>46554524
>>46554532
>>46554552
>>46554673

"Yeah," Cao says softly as he approaches. "Yeah, we've met." He points his finger. "This is all your fault!"

Kaito puts a hand to his chest. "Me? What did I do?"

"Ever since I stole from you, my life has been nothing but crazy," Cao tells him. "First it was vampires and then the Black Dragon, before long it was shokan and bug people, fighting giant monsters in arenas and getting chased across the desert by three armies! Now it's fire elementals and ancient prophecies and working with the Empire and Earthrealm to fight a giant man-dragon, and it's all because you made those koins on your belt look so damn tempting to steal! And ever since, nothing's been the same!"

Everyone in the room is silent as they watch. Kaito blinks and holds out his arms. "You want to hug it out?"

Johnny walks up. "You two have history, I take it?"

Kaito approaches the thief, looking at Cassie and nodding. "Cassie, nice to see you again."

"Sup, Kaito," she says with a wave.

He stops in front of Cao and looks at him. "Sounds like you've had quite the time since we last met. But, you know, you could have just asked and I would've given you some of the koins."

Cao lets out a sigh. "Well, it doesn't really matter now, does it? Here I am. No going back now."

Kaito smirks and holds up a hand. "Hey, if it's any consolation, my life was never the same after I got an invitation to a tournament twenty years ago." He chuckles. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that there's always a bright side. At least you don't have an ancient evil sleeping inside of you trying to get out, right?"

"...Right," Cao says, laughing. He only just now realizes that the reason he blew up at Kaito in the first place is because he feels the soul of Shao Kahn stirring by Kaito's mere presence.

>A) Ask him how he got here
>B) Approach Kotal Kahn and speak to him
>C) Ask him if he wants the koins back
>D) Let others speak
>E) Other

>>46555502
>D) Let others speak

>>46555502
>B) Approach Kotal Kahn and speak to him
>E) Other: Slap his hand away
We don't need him anymore. We're the PC now.

>>46555540
I love it. But I don't want the girls to see us be an asshole. Kaito has PC seniority. we should show some respect.

>>46555502
>>D) Let others speak

>>46555502
>A) Ask him how he got here


>>46555540
Don't be petty.

>>46555390
Everyone knows what happened, half of them are waiting for the Future Khan to make a good first impression with the hero the others are waiting for the little street rat for trip up.

>>46555502
>D)

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>>46555538
>>46555611
>>46555714

Cao shakes Kaito's hand as Johnny walks up and smiles. "Man, I love bringing people together. Kaito, get the rest of the kids in here--where are they?"

Kaito lets go of Cao's hand and turns to Mileena, who nods. "I'll go get them," she volunteers and leaves the room.

"The more the merrier," Johnny smiles.

"There are more?" Cassie asks, but even as she does, Mileena suddenly returns; evidently, they were already on their way into the palace.

Cao looks over as a young man wearing yellow with a mechanical apparatus strapped to his arms enters alongside another young man with darker skin, a closely shaved head and a grey outfit with the symbol of a scorpion. A young woman with a grey outfit and matching hair with bright green eyes appears alongside them both in a puff of smoke. "Takahashi Takeda, Forest Fox and Vapor," Kaito introduces them, "but you already knew her," he says to Tundra and Frost. Tundra himself walks forward to greet Kaito, though Frost lingers in he back and crosses her arms.

Then, to Cao's immense surprise, Kung Ling and Lex walk in behind them. "Cao?" Lex asks.

"Oh, you know each other?" Kaito says as the white-haired monk walks over to greet the thief.

"What are you doing here?" she asks him.

"Just being part of the team," he says with a smile, shaking her hand. "Good to see you again, Lex." He makes brief eye contact with Kung Ling, who nods in his direction.

As Takeda and Vapor move forward to introduce themselves, Johnny throws an arm around Kaito's shoulder. "Ah, it's all coming together. It brings a tear to my eye," he says, bringing a finger up to his sunglasses.

>A) Talk to Lex and Kung Ling
>B) Introduce yourself to Takeda and Fox
>C) Say hello to Vapor
>D) Talk to Kaito
>E) Approach Kotal Kahn
>F) Other

>>46556023
>E) Approach Kotal Kahn

>>46556023
>B) Introduce yourself to Takeda and Fox

>>46556023
>>B) Introduce yourself to Takeda and Fox
Who the flying fuck is forest fox? Aliteration.

>>46556023
>>B) Introduce yourself to Takeda and Fox

>>46556023
>A)
>B)
>C)
Later we talk to Kaito and explain what happened.

>>46556023
>C) Say hello to Vapor

>>46556195
Vapor likes it in the butt.
Just like her mother.

>>46556248
>Jade likes butt stuff
From the stories I've read, I honestly wouldn't be surprised.
>Vapor likes butt stuff
Now that would be something, though.

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>>46556070
>>46556102
>>46556117
>>46556195
>>46556187

As the people in the room meet and mingle, Cao approaches the two Kaito identified as Takeda and Forest Fox.

"Hey," he says, holding out his hand to Takeda. "I'm Cao. Thief."

"Takeda; nice to meet you too. Shirai Ryu Chujin. This is Fox, same deal." Takeda pauses for a moment. "Hey, do I---"

"Yes," Cao interrupts him. "If you chased a thief who stole from Kaito that day, it was me."

"Well you were good enough to get away," Takeda compliments him. "And now you're here in Kotal Kahn's throne room. How'd that happen?"

"Too much to talk about," Cao smirks. There's something about Takeda that he likes---he can talk to the young warrior easily. Fox, however, is mostly silent. "So you two are from Earthrealm as well?"

"Japan, home of the Shirai Ryu clan," Takeda explains. "We're pretty far from home, but we're in good company. New places, new faces," his eyes scan across the room, taking in the others.

"Never thought we'd be sharing a room with the Lin Kuei," Fox remarks, looking at Tundra and Frost.

"Ah, come on, we're all on the same side," Takeda nudges his friend's ribs with his elbow.

Cao excuses himself from them and walks over to Vapor, who stands alone and with her arm in one hand. "Hello," he says with a smile.

"...Hi," she replies. "Sorry, I'm just not used to... big crowds."

"Are you in the Shirai Ryu as well?"

"No... Lin Kuei."

"But you're not a cryomancer?"

"Not everyone in the Lin Kuei is a cryomancer," she tells him.

"Oh. It's just that all three I've met so far are, so, sorry."

"That's okay," she says. "This is actually the first time I've seen them for a while. I've been travelling Outworld with Kaito and Mileena on their boat."

>A) Talk to her some more
>B) Hang with Cassie and Jacqui
>C) Invite Tundra and Frost over
>D) Talk to Kaito and Johnny
>E) Approach Kotal Kahn
>F) Other

>>46556293
>E) Approach Kotal Kahn
Dad probably wants to talk in private

>>46556293
>>B) Hang with Cassie and Jacqui
Invite them over. I think Vapor could use more female friends. I'm shocked to see that she isn't hiding away from Cao.

>>46556293
>A) Talk to her some more
>B) Hang with Cassie and Jacqui
What's Kaito like, anyway? We kinda, y'know, robbed him.
Also, what >>46556351 said. Vapor could use some additional female bonding, considering she probably doesn't get much from Mileena.

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>>46556351
>>46556378

Cao waves over Cassie and Jacqui and introduces them to Vapor.

"I've heard about you, but this is the first time we're getting a chance to meet," Cassie says with a smile, holding out her hand. At first, Vapor is wary of returning her handshake, but does so after a moment.

"It's nice to meet you, too," she says, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

"So, what's Kaito like, anyway?" Cao asks both girls, who seem to know him. "I mean, I stole from the guy and now we're in the same room together."

"He's nice," is all Vapor offers. She averts her eyes a bit.

"Kaito's cool," Cassie confirms. "I'm glad we've got him on the team." She looks over. "But this is the first time I've ever seen Mileena and that chick frightens me."

"She's not so bad," Vapor speaks up again. "She's just... Well, um, she's..."

Jacqui makes a biting motion with her teeth, using her fingers to mimic fangs, making sure Mileena cannot see.

Cao looks over as Kaito, Johnny and Mileena talk. Lex walks over to them then, putting her hand on Cao's shoulder. "Last time we met was in the Kove. How did you end up here?" she asks him.

"It's a long story," Cao says. He turns to Cassie and Jacqui and introduces them both to her.

"So, you know each other?" Cassie asks, raising a brow.

"We've only met twice before," Lex replies. Turning to him, she says, "When we parted, Ling and I found Kaito at the Lung Hai Temple. We were planning our journey into the Netherrealm with his boat, staying on his ship for about week, but he just got word to come here and brought us along."

"Can you fight?" Jacqui asks.

"She's good," Cao answers for her, having seen her face off against the plant zombies in the Living Forest. As Lex talks to Vapor and Cassie, Cao turns his head to see two others walk into the room: Sheeva and Ruby.

>A) Keep talking with the girls
>B) Go and talk with Frost
>C) Speak with Kung Ling
>D) Approach Sheeva and Ruby
>E) Other

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>>46556960
>B) Go and talk with Frost
Leave it to the standoffish punk to be left alone.

>>46556960
>>B) Go and talk with Frost
Being trapped in an ice pillar make her forget how to talk? Don't you dare fucking use that Damashi.

Be back in the morning.

>>46557106
The pastebin kompleted?

>>46556960
>B) Go and talk with Frost

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I wonder if Frost keeps her alt costume around somewhere.

>>46556960
>B)
Meh why not?
>>46557106
G'night

>>46557169
...is that real? Where are her panties? Wait...no we got two waifus.

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>>46557197
They're there; they're just rather high-cut. That aside, here's how the actual costume appears in Deadly Alliance.

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>>46557197
>>46557227
And a fuzzy picture from Armageddon.

>>46557197
>two waifus
Like that's stopped us before. This questline alone we got like 7 potentials.

>>46557197
But our sister needs a waifu. Despite the fact we don't understand her.

>>46557268
I got the impression Sanra's more into redheads...

>>46557281
Maybe she just like submissives?

>>46557268
Well she was digging Skarlet. Part of me hope she goes for Jaggara because for once I'd like things to go her way.

>>46557281
>>46557298
Skarlet looks like a prototypical Edenian royal, who are on record as exceptionally hot by human standards. Of course Sanra would be attracted to that.

>>46554552
>Wait a minute...Is the end of Thief's quest? Are we starting earth defenders now that Kaito and Cao are in the same room?

No. Not yet.

Not until we steal one last thing.

A demon we left in the Netherrealm.

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>>46557502
Yes, YES, YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES

So were all agreed on locking Cao into Cassie and Jaqui

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>>46557502
She'll still be evil yet have suppressed pleasant memories of Cao and she'll totally be turned on by the whole kidnapping experience

>>46557664
Man we can't agree on a damn thing with Cao besides flirting and not getting killed

>>46557664
No.

>>46558128
Yes

>>46558201
Cao doesn't settle down. He's the anti-Kaito.

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>>46557151
>>46557174

Making his way across the room, Cao finds Frost lingering near one of the balconies, looking out over the city. He joins her and stands alongside her as he asks, "Enjoying the view?"

"It's not a very impressive city," Frost says. "I've heard a lot about Outworld. I expected towers of skulls and rivers of blood."

"Depends on where you look," he says. "You don't want to join the others?"

"This high school party wasn't my idea," she says. "Strangers, half-wits and weaklings."

>A) Why so cold?
>B) You should try getting to know them.
>C) You sound insecure
>D) I've never been intro groups, either.
>E) Other

>>46562120
>>A) Why so cold?
>>B) You should try getting to know them.
You are going to be fighting alongside these people

>>46562120
>D) I've never been intro groups, either.
But sometimes, you just have to make the best of things. Take it from a thief: the best, most lucrative heists are the team efforts.

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>>46562264
>>46562283

"Maybe you should try getting to know them. I know some of them and they're good people."

"I don't see the point," she sighs, leaning over the railing.

"You're going to be fighting alongside them. They need to know that they can trust you. I know that's difficult... Trust me, I do. I'm used to running alone. But sometimes, you just have to make the best of things. Take it from a thief: the best, most lucrative heists are the team efforts."

She looks over at him. "What's the biggest thing you've ever stolen?"

"Size or value?"

"Either."

"A sacred shokan necklace... Kotal Kahn's portal stone... The staff of the High Priest of the Dragon King... hard to say, really."

"Sound like good hauls, though."

"It's funny... I actually never got to keep any of those," he laughs.

She reaches up and takes off her mask. He looks over and sees her face; it's narrow, but not jaggedly so. Her lips are a bright blue color.

"I'm not so into teams," she admits, "but I'd be willing to give another thief the benefit of a doubt." She looks at him and manages the faintest hint of a smile before they hear someone approaching. She slides her mask back on.

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>>46562777

"Cao," Kaito's voice reaches his ears. He turns to see the warrior walking up. Frost immediately turns spiteful once more and walks off. He shakes his head. "I beat her in a fight once. She doesn't like me much."

He walks up to the balcony railing. "So, here you are at last," Cao says. "Back in the city where we first met."

"Well, I was a little busy," he says. "No hard feelings, right? About the whole chasing you down thing."

"I've been chased my whole life. Seems like someone has a right to chase a thief."

"True," Kaito says. "But you know, I don't think it was so much about the money back then. I wanted to catch you so we could talk. I was being honest when I said I might've given you those koins; I had plenty more on the boat."

Cao laughs. "I've heard you were generous but I didn't even know who you were when I stole from you. And ever since then, I was 'the thief who stole from Kaito' and it attracted more attention than anything else in my life. Like I had stolen from Liu Kang or Kotal Kahn's personal pockets."

"You seem to have done alright for yourself since then," Kaito notes. "Despite the bad."

"There's been some good," Cao admits, looking back into the party. He sees Cassie and Jacqui still talking to Vapor and Lex. He also thinks about Nitara and, to a lesser extent given what happened, Khameleon.

>A) Ask him what happens now
>B) Ask him where he's been
>C) Tell him about your adventures
>D) Talk to someone else
>E) Other

>>46562903
>A)
I'm guessing were gathered for more then just chit chat.

>>46562903
>A) Ask him what happens now
>B) Ask him where he's been
And why he's got an Edenian princess wrapped around his finger.

>>46562943
>>46563034

"So what happens now? I'm guessing we weren't all called here for a social event."

"Well, for now, we're going to get to know each other and come up with a plan to take out this Dragon King." He looks over. "I'm told you were there when the Dragon King was reborn in Reptile's body. How powerful is he?"

"I didn't get much of a chance to fight him for very long," Cao admits. "Once he was reborn, I got out of there quick. Me, Nitara and Khameleon."

"Khameleon?" Kaito asks, surprised. "You know her? How is she? She isn't here, is she?'

"...No, I don't think so," Cao says, keeping his composure. "She left. I don't know where."

"Yeah, that's her alright," Kaito sighs. "I tried to help her, once, but I don't know what good I did."

They turn back to rejoin the main group as Johnny talks to Kotal. "We should move against the Dragon King as soon as possible," the human says. "Take the fight to him."

"But we don't know what we're up against," Cassie points out. "It might be good to stake him out a bit, learn what we're going to be fighting."

Kaito holds up a hand. "We should go to Xun-Koto. It's closer to the Dragon King's lands."

Kotal Kahn, sitting on his throne with Ruby alongside him, looks contemplative. He turns his head to regard Sheeva, the shokan champion. "What say you, Sheeva?"

"We've more than enough warriors to split into teams," the shokan suggests. "One could scout, one could remain here, one could reinforce Xun-Koto."

"That's not bad," Kaito says. "But let's not forget strength in numbers. But we do have an advantage in mobility: my ship and Kotal Kahn's Portal Stone. Both of these would allow for rapid reinforcement or escape from a difficult situation. Maybe we should have a scouting team and another team on standby in case things go bad."

>A) All stay as one team
>B) Split into two teams
>C) Split into three teams
>D) Other

>>46563453
>>B) Split into two teams
One to xun koto, one to scout. No point having soldiers so far from the front here.

>>46563453
>>C) Split into three teams
Stealth team led by master thief. Cao, Takeda, frost, and vapor. I don't care what anybody else does.

>>46563453
>B) Split into two teams
Xun-Koto and scout teams are enough. Especially with Onaga so far off, Kotal doesn't need New Defender bodyguards: he already has his own cabinet.

>>46563453
>B)
Heavy hitters, Kotal, Sheeva, Kaito etc, go to Xun-Koto to reinforce and possible liberate it depending on the situation. The rest go too scout out the Dragon King and see what's up, maybe even bloody his nose a bit. The heavy hitters travel by Kaitos boat. Scouts get the portal Stone.

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>>46563477
>>46563488
>>46563528

Johnny takes charge. "Alright. We're going to shift our center of operations to Xun-whatever and split into two teams from there."

Kaito nods. "Sounds good. The scout team will need to have our fastest. Vapor, Takeda, Fox, you'll be on that team."

"So will I," Cao says, stepping forth. "I've been to those lands. I can find our way around."

"I will transport the scouts with the Portal Stone," Kotal offers.

Kaito nods. "The rest can use my boat. I'll go to Xun-Koto." He turns to Cassie and tells her, "Cassie, you're a sergeant. You lead the scout team."

"Yes, sir," she says with a smile and a mock-salute. "I'll bring 'em home safely, sir."

Cao thinks. Cassie, Takeda, Fox, Vapor and himself. That's five on the team so far; if they split evenly in half, they have room for one more.

>A) Frost
>B) Sanra
>C) Skarlet
>D) Lex
>E) Other

>>46563848
>C) Skarlet
But no one but Cao will know it.

>>46563848
>>A) Frost
Don't want Frost to get bored and start truble.

>>46563848
>D)
We saw how she handles undead
Or if possible we could bring Skarlet in disguise and tell the others she's a friend?

>>46563848
>A) Frost
help warm her up to other people.

>>46564042
funny jokes

>>46564010
Lex is better suited to open defense, not subtle action.

>>46564090
True but if we're heading towards Onaga we'll likely run into some wandering undead.

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>>46563959
>>46564042

"I think we should take Frost as well," Cao says. He looks over at her, as does Kaito.

"You think you'd make a good scout?" he asks the blue-haired girl.

"Yes," she answers plainly. She looks at Cao, though he can't quite read her expression.

"That's settled then," Johnny says. "Let's move out and kick some Dragon King butt."

Cassie hands a radio to Johnny and Kaito as Takeda, Vapor and Fox get ready for the mission. "Orders?" she asks her father.

"Scout. Don't engage unless necessary. Let's just get an idea of what the Dragon King's got going on."

"Rodger," Cassie says.

>A) Head out immediately
>B) Talk to someone before you leave
>C) Grab something before you go
>D) Plan with the team before you leave
>E) Other

>>46564382
>D) Plan with the team before you leave
We're going back to the Ashlands, right? Stay low, watch for dragons, and don't mind the sulphur.

>>46564382
>>D) Plan with the team before you leave
We are going now? I thought we would get to at least spend one more night in the city before going out. Good thing we got the banging out of the way.

>>46564457

We can postpone the scouting mission for a day, if it would give the team a better chance to prepare themselves. The other team will head off to Xun-Koto.

>>46564595
Probably not enough for a full day, but just enough that we can last in the Ashlands for a while. If Khameleon can do it, SpecFor and the New Defenders can do it.

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>>46564434
>>46564457

As the other team gathers and prepares for the trip to the boat, Cao walks over to get with his team. Cassie stands and looks at the five of them. "Alright, we're going to do this as quickly and professionally as possible. Cao, what's the terrain like?"

"Fire and ash," he says. "Black skies, lots of volcanoes."

"So don't skip the sunblock, got it," Cassie nods. "We're going to stick together while we're out there and move as a team. Vapor, you can turn invisible, right?"

"Yes," she replies.

"You'll be our point scout, then. You'll be ahead of us, but not far, and you'll alert us of any danger."

Vapor puts her hands together and nods. "Alright."

"Takeda, Fox, I want you two on the sides. I've heard the Shirai Ryu ninjas are good, so I hope you can deter anything trying to flank us."

"Got it," Takeda says, and Fox nods as well.

"Frost, Cao, you'll be in the middle with me. You've been inside his fortress, right?" she asks the thief.

"I know my way around it, yeah," he nods.

"One question," Frost says, folding her arms. "Why are we taking your orders?"

Cassie turns to her. "I was put in charge and I'm the one who's been trained to be a leader, that's why. Is there a problem with that?"

Frost is about to reply when Takeda holds up a hand. "Woah, guys, we've got more things to worry about than who's in charge. Let's just get through this thing."

Cassie averts her eyes from Frost and says, "I know we haven't had a chance to work together before, but I'm confident in our abilities. All of us," she looks back at her. "Now, is there anything else before we move out?"

>A) Head out
>B) Tell them about the creatures you encountered
>C) Tell them about the Dragon King's servants
>D) Describe the fortress and the Lava Shrine
>E) Other

>>46565033
>B) Tell them about the creatures you encountered
>C) Tell them about the Dragon King's servants
>D) Describe the fortress and the Lava Shrine
Knowing is half the battle.

>>46565033
With Cassie as the leader I supremely regret bringing along Frost. FUUUUUUCK
>>46565054
Sounds good.

>>46565054
Ditto
If we can we should let Skarlet know what up

>>46565033
>B) Tell them about the creatures you encountered
>C) Tell them about the Dragon King's servants
>D) Describe the fortress and the Lava Shrine

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>>46565054
>>46565114
>>46565127
>>46565337

Cao gives them a rundown on what he fought while he was in the Ashlands, from the dragon to the priests and warriors of the Dragon King, along with the finer details of his fortress. As he tells them, the other team finishes readying and leaves the palace, heading towards Kaito's boat.

Kotal Kahn approaches the scouting team. "I shall sent you straightaway to the Ashlands," he tells them. Ruby leaves to fetch the Portal Stone and some guards. "Be on your guard. It will be very dangerous."

"Do we have an escape plan?" Takeda asks.

Cassie nods. "We'll be in contact with Kaito and his team. If the situation turns badly, we'll head south until we reach water and link back up with his ship."

Ruby appears with the Portal Stone. She hands it to Kotal Kahn, who takes it and holds it aloft. "I have another plan. Grant me one of your communication devices. Contact me on it, and I shall create a portal in the same place I am now sending you to."

"Alright," Cassie says, handing him her last spare radio. "In that case, when we get there we'll need to mark the terrain so we know where the evac zone is."

"Are you prepared?" Kotal asks them all. When no objection is raised, he points the artifact and creates a yellow portal with it. They all quickly move through and end up on the other side, instantly awash in heat and a light layer of falling ash. They are in a large, barren field, with fiery mountains in the distance.

"Ashlands, huh?" Takeda says, looking around. "Wonder how it got the name."

"Let's mark the spot," Cassie says as the portal vanishes.

>A) Help set up a marker
>B) Explore the surrounding area
>C) Get your bearings and search for the Lava Shrine's direction
>D) Talk to the others and plan your movement
>E) Other

>>46565495
>>C) Get your bearings and search for the Lava Shrine's direction
Let's take Frost so Cassie and her don't get in an argument.

>>46565495
>C) Get your bearings and search for the Lava Shrine's direction

>>46565033
>>B) Tell them about the creatures you encountered
>>C) Tell them about the Dragon King's servants
>>D) Describe the fortress and the Lava Shrine
INTEL TIME

>>46565495
>>B) Explore the surrounding area
>>C) Get your bearings and search for the Lava Shrine's direction
Let's scout around our general vicinity. Don't go too far, just make sure we are secure and figure out were exactly we are.

>>46565495
>C) Get your bearings and search for the Lava Shrine's direction

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>>46565642
>>46565780
>>46565857
>>46565978

Cao sighs a bit. 'Back here again,' he thinks to himself. He heads out a ways until he reaches the foot of a nearby mountain. He scales up it a bit to look around and get his bearings. Takeda, Fox and Frost are doing the same while Cassie uses some of her field kit to mark the ground in white chalk.

They'll need to explore for a ways, it seems, as he isn't sure where the Abyss of Fire nor the Lava Shrine at its heart are from their current position. He climbs down the mountain and returns to the base site where Cassie puts away the chalk.

As he does so, Frost walks alongside him. "I don't like her," she says to him, softly enough for others not to hear. "She's nothing but some Hill Valley daddy's girl."

"She's reliable and knows how to fight," Cao says. "I was stuck in a bad situation with her once. She pulled through just fine."

"Maybe so, but I still don't like taking her orders."

They walk up to Cassie as Takeda and Fox do the same. Cassie says, "Any idea where to go, Cao?"

"We'll need to search until I find something I recognize," he says to her. "But we should avoid open terrain. Dragons might spot us."

"Noted," she says, turning to look at the horizon.

>A) Climb the closest mountain
>B) Follow the river of lava
>C) Explore the nearby canyon
>D) Cross the fields, but keep low and far apart
>E) Other

>>46566091
>B) Follow the river of lava

>>46566091
>A) Climb the closest mountain
Good to have the high ground.

>>46566091
>>B) Follow the river of lava
The temple was at the volcano right? So if we follow the river, it should lead us back

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>>46566265
>>46566562

"Let's follow the river," Cao suggests. "The temple has a constantly flowing source of lava inside. If we go upstream, we might find it."

Cassie nods and they move out. Vapor vanishes in a cloud of mist as Takeda and Fox spread out, while Cassie, Cao and Frost take up the middle. They reach the river, a glowing orange stream of fire, and determine the direction of flow. They move at a fast pace across the blackened terrain, making good time.

Vapor suddenly appears in front of them and warns them of a beast up ahead. They all drop low and Cassie takes out a pair of binoculars.

"That's a dragon, alright," she says, handing the tool to Cao so that he may look. It is perched upon a large rock, overseeing the land. Its wings are kept closely curled against its body.

"What now, leader?" Frost asks.

>A) Try to sneak by
>B) Create a distraction
>C) Wait for it to move on
>D) Attack it
>E) Other

>>46566782
>A) Try to sneak by
we're all ninja's or generally stealthy people. It should be fine.

>>46566782
I would say fight it and absorb its souls to make us stronger, but other people are around so lets just create a distraction

>>46566782
>A) Try to sneak by
Give it a wide berth if we can help it.

>>46566822
>>46567046

Let's have a 1d100+20 for the teamwork and stealth-prowess of the team itself.

Rolled 88 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>46567338
What could possibly go wrong

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>46567338

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>>46567348
>>46567359

Moving slowly and keeping low, they use hand signals to indicate when to stop and keep moving. They make their way under the rock the beast is perched on. When it roars, at first they all think they are found---but then it takes off and flies away, leaving them all behind. They all breathe a collective sigh of relief as they make their way upriver.

Cao begins to recognize the terrain when he spies the cave Khameleon brought him and Nitara to. He takes the lead and they cross the river using a stone bridge, making it to a large lake of fire. At the heart of the lake is the black island, on which rests the active volcano and the fortress built into it.

"Damn," Cassie says. "Does Bowser live in there or something?"

He looks around, but does not see the boat anywhere. He realizes it must be on the other side of the lake. He thinks of a new way to get across.

>A) Jump from stone to stone
>B) Search completely around it
>C) Sit and observe the fortress for a while
>D) Have Vapor carry you across with her smoke powers
>E) See if Frost can make a bridge by hardening the path with her ice/water powers
>F) Other

>>46568006
>B) Search completely around it
Let's not fuck around with lava if we can help it.

>>46568006
>D

>>46568006
>B) Search completely around it

>>46568006
>>B) Search completely around it

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>>46568031
>>46568065

As they walk completely around the Abyss of Fire, Cao discovers an alternate route. A single stone path across the lava stretches to the backside of the volcano. All of them cross as one, stepping onto the black soil beyond.

"Good work," Cassie compliments him. "Now, we just need a way inside."

"I snuck in through a window," Cao says as they walk around the mountain and towards the fortress. "We could do that again or---"

Suddenly, Takeda runs up and grabs Cao's arm, telling him to stop. The thief pauses just before a black, charred hand, missing skin and flesh in some places, shoots out of the ground and attempts to grab him.

All around them, other disturbances in the ash can be seen. The corpses of burnt bodies begin to rise; those who perished against the fires of Blaze, the dragons or the terrain, animated by the newly-reborn Dragon King to guard the temple.

Vapor materializes as the corpses begin to rise. Fox takes out a pair of kunai knives as Takeda throws his arms out wide, extending metalic whips lined with razor blades. Cassie takes out her guns and Frost's hands glow blue.

The ashen corpses open their mouths and let loose gasps of grey smoke as they charge!

>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>46568353
Throw some zombies into other zombies