Shao Kahn had grown tired of Tournaments. He wanted all of existance to himself, but he knew it would take more than just 1 skilled warrior from each Realm. In an act of war, Shao Kahn sent an elite force of Shokans and other various races into the simplest Realm of all to conquer- the Chaosrealm.
The vast warriors of the Chaosrealm seemed not to care of the turmoil, in fact- they embraced it. A highly respected chaotic cleric called Havik had approached Kahn in Outworl,and while there, he insisted he joined the battle alongside Outworld- "Let turmoil reign!" he had declared. Shao Kahn's forces had gained a major boost of morale from the easy victory over the Chaosrealm, with near no casualties.
The quick spread of the word had reached Seido, where order ruled all. Their most celebrated hero Hotaru had decided to challenge this inconsistincy, and had began the planning of an inter-realm assault.
Meanwhile, in Earthrealm, various students and monks of the Lotus had grown strong and heard of the threat. The Thunder God Raiden had decided to attempt to only protect Earthrealm from the onslaught, defying the Elder Gods. The Elder Gods had suggested that Raiden invade Outworld and attempt to stop the threat at it's source.
Shao Kahn had planted spies in every realm, from Edenia to the Netherrealm, in hope of taking them for his own gain. His spies were all natives to the realms- Shang Tsung had returned to his island. Tanya had returned to Edenia. Noob went to the depths of Hell, and Shao Kahn hired a mercenary to take residence in Seido, under the name Dairou.
Hotaru had finally decided on his plan of acton, he would travel to Earthrealm and attempt to ally himself with their "commander". While in Earthrealm, Hotaru had found a summit where a mysterious being of lightning sat conversing with an unknown force. Sensing his presence and meaning, Raiden had told Hotaru that Raiden was Earthrealm's advisor, and not Seido's, also saying he should speak with Abacus, god of Order. Hotaru had pleaded that Raiden only help Hotaru protect Order in his realm. Slightly irritatedd, he had gave Hotaru a warning- leave Earthrealm forever or face death. Wisely, Hotaru retreated to his homeworld, where he had to begin another plan. In Edenia, word had not gotten around about the upcoming battles or Tanya's return. Queen Sindel and Princess Kitana were completely oblivious to outer threats, as Tanya had slew anybody carrying information about Kahn's plans.
(More to come, if you want)