Everyone is on the mountains discussing the plan for the final war.

Kitana: To move an army that large among realms he'll need a portal, yes?

Lord Liu Kang: More than one.

Mileena: He will need a nexus ol portal gateways. It must be nearby. We follow them, they will lead us to it.

Lord Liu Kang: Agreed. But we cannot strike until Raiden and Kung Lao arrive.

Smoke: That the Lin Kuei won't aid us is unforgivable. Bi-Han has corrupted them totally.

Scorpion: When this crisis ends, we will deal with that one.

Lord Liu Kang: This is but the opening battle in a longer war. "Titan" Shang Tsung has prepared his entire timeline for it... we cannot match its strength.

Shang Tsung: My counterpart said that your battle with him ripped time's fabric, creating two timelines. But how do we know that it wasn't for further? If there are two timeline, can't there be more?

Lord Liu Kang: Why the thought experiment, sorcerer?

Shang Tsung: You said we lacked strength. We might find it in other timelines.

Scorpion: How would we do that?

Kitana: We gather allies from across timelines... ...other Titans... ...to build an overwhelming force.

Lord Liu Kang: If they exist. We have no proof that they do.

Y/N: I want him dead.......

Everyone turns to look at Y/N, his voice filled with anger and determination. His face is set in a grim expression, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity.

Y/N: He's the reason my mother is dead...... he deserves... to suffer....!

A heavy silence descends upon the group as they take in the raw emotion in Y/N's voice, the pain and anger he's expressing. Nobody speaks for a moment, understanding the hurt and anger that fuel his words. Finally, Lord Liu Kang speaks up, his voice soft yet firm.

Lord Liu Kang: Your anger is justified, Y/N. But we cannot let it cloud our judgement. We must remain focused on our mission.

Y/N clenches his jaw, his hands balled into fists at his sides. His body is taut with tension, his emotions still clearly roiling beneath the surface. But he nods, acknowledging Lord Liu Kang's words. Lord Liu Kang continues, his gaze steady and serious.

Lord Liu Kang: We will have our chance to deal with Shang Tsung, Y/N. But for now, we must focus our attention on gathering allies from other timelines. We cannot face this threat alone.

Jerrod: We must fight the battle in front of us. We can't stake our survival on pure conjecture.

Mileena: If Liu Kang is right, the battle in front of us is already lost. This may be our only hope.

Lord Liu Kang: Geras. Your thoughts?

Geras: It is possible. But as I am only the Hourglass's steward, such a search is beyond me. It can only be undertaken by the Keeper of Time.

Lord Liu Kang: And I no longer wield that power.

Geras: You may be able to regain it.

Lord Liu Kang: How do you mean?

Geras: When you gave up control of the Hourglass... ...I worried that, one day, you would find you needed it. So rather than let your power dissipate. I collected it... ...To this day it remains safely stored.

The others are shocked at Geras' words, a murmur of surprise rippling through the group as they take in the implications. Lord Liu Kang'sexpression is thoughtful, weighing the possibilities in his mind.

Lord Liu Kang: Why did you never tell me this?

Geras: Because the process of restoring your power is likely irreversible. Returning to the life you have now as Earthrealm's Protector, a life you cherish, may be impossible.

Lord Liu Kang: And you didn't want me tempted to make that sacrifice... unless it was absolutely necessary.

Geras: Correct.

Lord Liu Kang: Thank you, Geras. You have saved us with your wisdom. Now. Where have you stored my power? We must retrieve it.

Geras: It is at the Fire Temple. Stored in the jade jaguar gifted to you by the Great Kung Lao.

Elsewhere. Dark Geras is currently walking towards Titan Shang Tsung and Titan Shao.

Titan Shang Tsung: Yes, Geras?

Geras: Liu Kang has proven more resilient than anticipated. He and his comrades have escaped the fortress.

Titan Shang Tsung: Forget the others, find Liu Kang. He alone threatens my plans.

Dark Geras' expression is stoic as he receives orders from Titan Shang Tsung, his gaze unwavering.

Dark Geras: Understood. I will find and eliminate Liu Kang.

Back at the fire temple, Liu kang and Geras are seen alone walking.

Lord Liu Kang: You could have picked no better vessel to store my power, Geras. Have always treasured the Great Kung Lao's gift. It reminds me of his meticulous nature and his generous heart.

Geras: Once we retrieve the jade jaguar, we will proceed to the Hourglass. There we will transfer the temporal power stored within it to you.

Lord Liu Kang: It now occurs to me that, all along you have had unfettered access to the power stored within. You could have taken it, become Keeper of Time, but chose not to. Why?

Geras: Because I have faith in your vision for this new era. I am content to be its guardian.

Lord Liu Kang: Thank you, Geras. Now this process you propose. You are sure it will restore my power?

Geras: As sure as I can be of one that has been neither tried nor tested. But even if successful, it is not guaranteed that you will find any other timelines or allies. They may not exist.

Lord Liu Kang: (sighs) I pray this is not a fool's errand. I hate leaving the others behind.

Geras: Your champions will holster their strength against the Dragon Army. It is sure to be the mother of all battles.

Lord Liu Kang: May the Elder Gods protect them...

To be continued.....