| abstract | - After usurping the throne from Mileena, Kotal Kahn stood before the people of Outworld's empire and vowed to defend the walls of the capitol with his life to their cheers. In the present, Kotal stands over the ruined capitol, recalling his promise. Reptile tells him he cannot fulfill it if he is dead and Kotal declares dying to be his duty if he is unfit to rule, but Reptile recalls when Kotal's duty had been to kill him. In the past, Reptile was ordered by Shao Kahn to join Shang Tsung's Mortal Kombat tournament, believing the sorcerer to have his own agenda, and ordered Reptile to ensure Outworld's victory by any means and not fail. Reptile admits he never meant to compete but dreamed of winning, hope this would allow him to somehow bring his people back, though he met defeat after defeat, thus losing favor with Shao Kahn. Understanding this meant he would soon be assassinated, Reptile was awake one night and completely aware when Kotal arrived to kill him, but instead left. The next morning, Shao Kahn summoned Reptile before him to introduce him to his new commander, Kotal. Kotal is surprised that Reptile knew he was there that night, and Reptile asks him why he was spared. Kotal tells Reptile that good spies are fine tools not to be sent to death matches. Reptile tries to tell Kotal of his own value but Kotal brushes his words off and attempts to leave. Ferra and Torr stop him, asking Kotal if he wants to hear their story. Kotal tries to tell them no but Ferra goes ahead and tells them anyway. In the past, Ferra and Torr were in the Wastelands and captured by the Tarkata. Torr was chained while Ferra was caged, until Kotal freed them both and helped them kill the Tarkata. When D'Vorah asks what happened to the Tarkata, Kotal answers they were dinner. The emperor tells his subjects he appreciates their testaments of loyalty but demands they leave him to his fate, demanding the same respect they once showed Shao Kahn, but D'Vorah reveals she never respected the former emperor. D'Vorah tells Kotal that the Kytinn respect no leader under any circumstances before beginning her own story. In the distant past, D'Vorah watched as the Kytinn leaders argued instead of prepared defenses for the coming invasion. When Shao Kahn arrived with his champion and general, all other Kytinn fled, save D'Vorah. When Shao Kahn questioned who she was, D'Vorah declared herself his humble servant and bowed before him, sparing herself from her people's fates as slaves. D'Vorah witnessed Shao Kahn's dealings with Quan Chi and ultimate death, but when she declared herself servant to his heir, Mileena, D'Vorah was rewarded with a kick to the jaw as the new empress delighted over her newfound slave's inability to fight back. When D'Vorah witnessed Kotal stage his coup against Mileena, she hesitated to side with him until she saw Reptile take a blow from Mileena meant for Kotal, and realized Kotal leads with respect instead of ruled by fear as Shao Kahn did, and claims that Kotal is the only leader she has ever truly respected. Reptile says that D'Vorah speaks for all of them, but Kotal Kahn still plans to face the Shokan horde alone tomorrow. Saying his sacrifice will save thousands, Kotal calls that truly leading with respect, and tells his warriors they have all fought like Osh-Tekk, and that his father would be proud. Suddenly, the capitol is struck by a quake. While Kotal Kahn believes it to be the Oni Warlords, Kano announces his arrival along with the Black Dragon clan members Jarek, Tasia, and Tremor, declaring the cavalry is here to save them.
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