Note: I do not own Mortal Kombat and it is currently owned by Midway. I make no money from this, only writing practice and the removal of a nagging story in my head.
For those of you who remember me, I do apologize for MK: Echoes of the Past. Hopefully someday I will go back and rewrite it, but no promises.
As for this story, it takes place during…what else the Dark Ages. This is before the 'great' Kung Lao by more than a few centuries so none of the mortal characters of MK: Conquest or the modern age MK stories will appear. There will be familiar names which may seem out a place with this in mind but consider that many 'names' are titles (ie Sub-Zero) and not actual names, so can be inherited or earned. Others are the same characters as the modern MK stories, just that they live for a very, very long time (ie Shang Tsung, Raiden) for mostly obvious reasons if you are familiar with Mortal Kombat.
Once again please read, enjoy and if you feel up to it review. The more people review, the more likely I will write. It was a lovely PM from a reader of my older stories that got my muse going for this one.
Thank you, LilDevyl. As for my other story ideas that you mentioned, there is notes on them in my PC but no real story as of yet, except for perhaps a chapter or two. My original story you mentioned, 'Godslayer,' was almost complete but lost the entire story due to moving and now I had to start over. One I get enough of it done, I'll see about posting it somewhere perhaps this website's sister site since it is not fanfiction. It all depends on my muse. Ok that's enough notes for today, on to the story.
Book
I: Prepare for Kombat
Chapter 1: The Monk
As the sun rose in the east, a small bird perched on a slightly swaying branched groomed its feathers. The sound of clacking wood suddenly filled the air, startling the bird into flight. Nearby an open field was filled with men and boys wearing nothing but loose fitting beige pants. The older boys and men all had shaved heads; some so smooth they glinted in the morning sun. Each one was busy with some sort of combat training. Wooden and bamboo weapons of different varieties were used in practice by many, but most were concentrating on the unarmed methods of combat.
Across the field was the outer walls of a temple and on top of this wall stood three men in the orange robes of the Shaolin order. The first and youngest of the three asked, "Have you made your selections, Master Yao?"
"If you haven't, "said the one furthest from the first, "I have a few in mind, that would more than meet the needs…"
"It is well known that it is not I who chooses, "said Master Yao who then glanced at the first monk, "You should know better than anyone, Brother Jiang, it is not wise to second guess the gods."
Brother Jiang humphed and said, "He hasn't been seen in years, Master. If he doesn't show up, we need to have someone prepared. This is too important…"
"Brother Jiang" exclaimed the other monk, "You dare question Lord…"
Master Yao said with a chuckle, "Calm down Brother Chen. He never takes such words as insult. However, Brother Jiang, he does have a tendency of making mortals eat their words for a laugh."
A rumble of thunder brought the distant darkening sky to their attention. Brother Chen said, "That does not look good. I'll see about calling the youngsters in, there is no point risking…"
A bright bolt of lightning flashed across the sky from the distant storm clouds and struck the tree with a loud crash. The tree split in half, with one side of it falling directly to one of the youngest students. A flesh color blur picked up the child and carried him to safety just before the smothering wood hit the ground.
"Are you hurt?" asked the older student as he placed the child down.
The shaken child shook his head negatively and then remembering his manners, bowed and said, "Thank you for saving me, Zhu Hao."
The Zhu Hao rubbed the child's head with a smile and said, "Don't worry about it. If nothing else it'll be a lesson in being aware of your surroundings."
Back at the wall, the Master smiled and said, "It seems HE has chosen."
Later that day, Zhu Hao stood next to a well with a full bucket on its edge. Splashing water on his arms, chest and head in the attempt of removing some of the sweat and dust from the morning practice. Another child student race over to him and bowed multiple times as he said in a rush, "Hao, the Master wishes to speak with you in the main hall."
"Thank.."Hao started to thank the boy, but it seems that he had other duties because he was already down the trail. He laughed quietly as he rubbed his recently shaved head and slowly walked towards the heart of the temple. As he walked he wondered what he could have done to warrant the attention of the Master. Normally it was Brother Jiang who saw to correct his failings. Not humble enough, too out spoken, too distracted by women, and the list goes on. You would think that the Shaolin order was like those strange new Christian priests by what Brother Jiang wanted the students to act.
As he neared the temple steps, he noticed a beggar in faded gray robes and a large peasant straw hat hiding his face, but a long gray hair could be seen around his shoulders. The beggar seemed to be resting on the steps with his walking staff within easy reach. Hao thought that this was strange, since all of the local homeless knew that food and other necessities were given out at one of the side entrance assigned for just that…that and Brother Jiang's infamous wrath in regards to the 'unwanted and unwashed' on the sacred temple's steps. Hao paused, considered if he should ignore the beggar and hurry to answer the Master's summons or see to helping the poor man. Sighing, knowing he could never live with himself if the old man got in to trouble. "Hey Grandfather," Hao said respectfully as he stepped closer to the beggar, "Do you need some help? There is food and.."
The old man chuckled as he looked up to reveal a much younger looking face than the gray hair would have indicated. "It's not a question of how you can help me, but how much I'm allowed to help you."
"What?" Hao asked, but then saw Brother Jiang coming down the stairs in a huff, "Oh no…look I have got to.."
"Zhu Hao!" snarled the monk, "What is this…beggar doing on the front steps and shouldn't you be with Master Yao by now?!"
The beggar laughed as he stood up. Dusting himself off, he said, "How someone like you , Jiang, became a high ranking monk I will never know."
"You dare!"
The beggar turned to glare at the monk. Lighting flashed across the beggar's eyes unseen by Zhu Hao. Jiang's face paled as he nearly tripped stepping backwards away from the sight. As the monk started to kneel the best he could on the stairs, the 'beggar' said, "Oh don't bother. Just tell Master Yao, I'm borrowing his student for a bit and if he wishes to join us we'll be in the apple grove."
"Of course…at once.." Jiang bowed multiple times, as he tried to walk up the stairs backwards, only to give up and turn to hurry up those same steps.
"Excuse me, "said Hao with a shocked look on his face, "What just happened? Who are you?"
"Nothing and no-one of great importance, "the stranger said, "What's important is what is going to happen and who you are."
o.O--^.^--O.o
About a year later, the Zhu Hao walked into the port town of Shanghai and tried his best not wrinkled his noise at the smell of fish and salt water. As he walked down the small town's main road to the port, a few people bowed respectively to the monk and he returned action as a force of habit. Throughout his trip, it was the same. He was respected for the ropes he wore, but they did not know him. He really didn't mind, but it was those same robes that made the journey a lonely one. It seemed that most assumed that the robes indicated that the wearer took vows of chastity and abstinence. This trip did not turn out has he hoped.
Loud voices drew his attention towards a something he has only seen in sketches at the temple and unfortunately that sight looked like it was going to get ugly if he didn't do something.
Chapter 2: The Samurai
Two swordmen stood on the dirt road facing each other, swords drawn. The afternoon breeze caused the sleeves of their kimonos to flutter. An unheard call to battle was rung and the two men swung their swords at the same time. The sounds of steel slicing the air, the shuffle of feet in the dirt and the rare clank of metal on metal were the only sounds to be heard as the two men seem to almost dance their deadly dance.
A loud clang rang through as the swords struck wrong. One sword flew out of its wielder's hands as the other shattered. Razor sharp shrapnel exploded from the shattered sword and a one sliced across the check of the sword's former owner.
The other swordsman raced for his sword, only to be kicked to the side by a flying kick. With blood dripping as if tears, the fighter waited for his opponent to recover from the kick and to stand before sending a rain of punches and kicks upon him. His opponent blocked and dodged, but it was obvious who the better fighter was.
A strong hit to the lower chest knocked the wind out of the losing fighter, forcing him to the ground. Through bleeding lips he snarled, "Hayashi you traitor! I am you lord and master, you dare…"
Hayashi replied calmly, "I refuse to serve one such as you any longer, defiler."
"Defiler?" The lord replied, "I own those…those peasants. I do as I please…"
"You chose to rape and torture the innocent. You chose to kill those who seek to protect their loved ones from your cruelty. You! Who was charged with protecting those same ones you terrorize. You are worse than the most corrupt Oni, "As he spoke, Hayashi walked towards the remaining sword keeping his eyes directly on the lord the whole time. He picked up the sword and held it to his side with both hands, "No more will these people suffer from your actions!" Then in a blur the sword was no longer went from Hayashi's side to pointing almost straight up with a thin trail of blood running down it edge. A second later, a body fell to the ground and the lord's head rolled across the ground.
Hayashi flicked the blood away just before sliding it into his sash. The locals started slowing coming out of their hovels. Seeing the dead lord, they all knelt, face down in the direction of the samurai with the exception of a single elder.
"Thank you, Lord Hayashi Kenta, "the old man said, with a deep bow, "We thank you for all that you have done. However can we repay you?"
Hayashi bowed slightly in return to the old man and replied, "I have need of someone to perform as my kaishakunin come morning. Perhaps you could fine a steady hand among your people for me?"
"Kaishakunin?! But my lord why?" the old man asked with dismay.
"I have betrayed my lord and master, killed him even. Honor demands seppuku!" Hayashi replied in a firm voice, "Tonight I shall prepare, come sunrise I expect the one you have selected be prepared as well."
The elder bowed deeply with a loud, "Hai!"
Later that evening, Hayashi Kento sat in his chambers, at a low table. Dipping the tip of his quill into the ink, he then attempted to write his death poem but the words just would not come. Placing the quill in its holder, he sighed and then turned. When he had traveled to his former lord's shiro, to return the body, he discovered that the lord's depravity was worse than he originally thought. The moment they saw the body, the servants took the body but one asked Hayashi what he wanted done to the lord's 'guests.' It still made him sick to the stomach seeing the condition those guests were in. Beaten and starved was the lesser of the evils. A few wished only for death to end their suffering since it was obvious that not even time would be able to end their suffering. The looks of gratitude just before the sword landing at their necks shook the samurai as nothing did. How could such a creature even exist?
A rumble of thunder pulled him from those dark thoughts. With 'humph,' the samurai stood up to and walked over to the window. Looking out he could now see lighting dancing across the night sky, revealing the previously unseen dark clouds. He reached over to close the shutters only to be nearly knocked b by a bright flash and a loud clap of thunder. Blinking rapidly in the hopes of regaining his eyesight, he blindly closed the shutters.
Suddenly, he pulled out his sword as he turned to face…tall, white haired man wearing a loose white shirt and hakamas. Without hesitation, the samurai attacked but his sword was blocked by a staff and next he knew Hayashi was flat on his back with the butt of the staff firmly on his chest.
"Now that I have your attention, "said the stranger, "I may have a way for you to regain your honor in a more constructive manner than killing yourself."
o.O--^.^--O.o
A few months, Hayashi Kenta found himself leaving one ship to wait for another in a foreign land. He still wasn't sure that he trusted the belly-button eater's tales, but if they were true it would be a worthwhile quest. Not only would the world be saved, he would have regained his honor and even the right to claim his old lord's rank. He would be able to protect his people as they should be.
As he walked it was obvious he was drawing a crowd, his topknot, kimono and sword marking him not the normal Japanese traveler. "Murderer!" came one voice. Another voice, "Foul spy, what do you want here?"
A piece of fruit flew towards him, but was caught by a hand not his own. A priest or monk of the Shaolin order held the rotten fruit in his hand and said to the crowd, "Is this the way to treat a guest in our country? "
The people fumed but bowed in respect to the monk's words and return to their work. "Ugh, "said Hao as he tossed the fruit to the side. He then bowed to the samurai and said, "I am Zhu Hao of the Shaolin Order and I welcome you to China."
Hayashi returned the bow and replied, "I am Hayashi Zenta, Samurai of the Western Provinces. I thank you for your welcome. It is much more pleasant than the other welcome I was receiving."
"Come, "said Hao with a smile, "I see a inn calling our names, and hopefully one willing to let a monk buy himself and a samurai some drinks."
"Hai!" said Hayashi, "as he settled his travel bag more securely on his back, "Perhaps you can give me some directions since I am a stranger in your land."
As they walked, Hao replied, "Let me guess, you're here on your way to a tournament? No offence, that's the only reason why I can see a lone samurai showing up in this town. If you want, we can travel together. I too was invited."
A few minutes later they were seated at the local inn, discussing the tournament when a woman walked by. "Girl, "said the samurai grabbing her arm, "Me and my friend needs drinks and some food."
The woman turned to show her European features and said, "Drinks and some food, eh?"
"That's right, "said the monk, giving the woman a slap on the rump, "And be quick about it otherwise no tip."
The woman's eyes narrowed as she walked over to the bar, opened up and picked up two bottles. Hao was about to say something about mugs, when she pick-up both bottles and turned them upside down over both of their heads. The room roared in laughter as the samurai automatically stood at the insult. Taking his move as a possible attack, the woman pulled out a pair of large daggers pointed one to his gut and the other at his throat.
Chapter 3: The Rogue
A howl sounded through the night as the otherwise quiet hamlet slept. In the meager light of the crescent moon, a dark shadow is barely seen as it made its way across the roof, stopping briefly above each window as if listening for something.
A barely hear whimper caught its attention. It slid down the side of the building to glace into the room. A small form huddled in a corner. Glancing across the room carefully, the shadow confirmed that the child was alone. Sliding into the room, it walked over to the child. A beam of moonlight barely lit the shadow's face to reveal a young woman, with very serious eyes.
Sensing something the child looked up and then ran towards the invader to hug her around the waste. "Sar.."
"Shsssh!" the woman said and then whispered as she returned the hug, "Are you well?"
The child gave out a painful 'ow' when the woman hugged him. Noticing this, the woman released the boy and knelt down. Turning him around, she lifted up the back of his nightshirt. Dark bruise lined his pale back, obvious even in the limited light. "Johnny, "sighed the woman, "Just what did you get you self…"
The door crashed open and two large men barged in. The woman stood up and pushed the boy behind her as she hissed, "Get out of the way."
The boy quickly dived under the bed for cover as the men laughed. One said with a leer, "What do we have here? If I be knowing that taking the boy would have brought a late night visit from a pretty gal, I would have done it sooner."
"I can guess, "said the woman, "After all that's the only way any gal would look at you twice."
The man snarled and moved to backhand the woman. She duck, and did a sweep with her leg knocking her attacker down. "Why you.."said the other man as he went on the attack, only to be met by a fist in his crotch. The woman rolled into a stance as the first man stood up, rubbing the back of his head and ignoring his groaning partner. "I always like a little bit of fight in my women, "he growled, "But you need to be taught a lesson!"
He then ran to tackle the woman, who sidestep and gave a roundhouse kick in answer. The man once again fell to the ground. The woman pulled out a pair thin dagger like but handle-less blades and threw them. With a pair of loud thuds, the throwing knives landed on both sides of the man, pinning his shirt and thus him to the ground. Words unfit for innocent hears filled the room as the man struggled to break free. The boy called out, "Sarah behind ya!" just before a pair of muscular arms grabbed her from behind, pinning her upper arms to the side. "Got ya!" growled the second man as Sarah struggled a little but he did not see the smirk on her face. Sarah raised her leg and stomped with all her might right on top of the man's foot at the same time she threw her head back right into his chin. The combined attacks loosened his grip just enough to allow her slide down and free. Then with a donkey like kick, she knocked him back. Without wasting a moment, she turned and drew out another pair of throwing knives. Both the man and the knives met the wall, with one pinning a piece of his shirt at the shoulder and the other at the opposite hip. Sarah then walked over to the one pinned to the ground and placed a sharp kick to the head, quieting him. She then did the same to the other, but with a bedpan that Johnny handed her to the other.
"Are those the only two here?" asked Sarah, certain that they were since no one else can to investigate the noise.
"Huh hu," answered Johnny positively, "There were another, but they left him behind when the guard got 'em."
Sarah sighed loudly, "Johnny…if you ever do anything this stupid ever again..."
"But, "said Johnny, "I thought that.."
"Johnny!" answered Sarah, "It's too dangerous for you to take such a stupid risk. I know I've done the same, but I had no choice. You do. Hell, let's see what they got. I can only hope it's enough to make this all worthwhile."
Not long later a heavy cart, pulled by a pair of oxen, rolled out of the hamlet not even given a second look by the sleepy guards. After all, it was now just before dawn and a common enough time for those who have a ways to travel to start out. Farther down the road, the boy whooped and said, "Can't wait for the Sister's to see what we got!"
"I can, "muttered Sarah who then smiled, "Since you started this whole mess, I'll let you deal with the lecture about the sins of stealing."
"What do ya mean? You take stuff from people like those guys all the time, "commended Johnny, "If ya didn't we be all still going hungry."
"It's called the lesser of two evils, "said Sarah who then smiled at the boy's confused look, "Don't worry about it. Once they see your back, they'll be more concerned with patching you up than where the supplies came from."
Sarah reached over the ruffle his hair, which caused the boy to laughing duck and say, "Stop that!"
*Thrump! Thrump! Thrrrrrrrrump!*
"What the…"said Sarah, looking around trying to find the source of the strange noise.
"Thrump ta Thrump! Thrump ta Thrump! Thrrrrrrrrarump!*
"There!" the boy called out and pointed towards a man in a bright blue and white outfit sitting on a stump next to the road. White hair tied back in a low tail, striking a drum with a pair of sticks. 'Thrrrrrrrump ta rump!"
The wagon stopped next to him and as he noticed he now had an audience, he stood up to place the drum on the stump and gave a bow. "Dear lady and child, can a lowly drummer beg a ride to the next town. It seems that my fellows have…forgotten me."
"Forgotten you?"asked Johnny as Sarah gave him a skeptical look, "How they do that."
The stranger sighed and then said, "Honestly? They didn't. I just annoyed them to the point they left me behind."
"Can we?" begged Johnny.
"No, "said Sarah firmly, "We don't know him and …"
"Come now, Sarah of the Blades, "said the drummer with a smile and eyes that appeared to flash briefly, "It's not like I'm going try to rob you and from what I've seen, you are more than capable of defending yourself."
o.O--^.^--O.o
Years later, Sarah found herself dusting off travel dust and trying to sell the mule she used for the last portion of her long trip. The pilgrimage was definitely more than she expected. From the British Isles, to Europe, across the Mediterranean, pass Arabia through Persia and the steppes. Then just when she hoped her journey was almost finished, she had to traverse the ENTIRE COUNTRY OF CHINA! Much as she complained she knew right off she would do it again. It was the adventure she always wanted and even if she didn't win the tournament, there were enough gold and luxury goods she sent back with hopefully honest traders to keep the orphanage running for decades. Then there were the 'teachers.' She wondered what those great fighters would think that the pretty face watching them was not there to look at their 'great looks' but to learn how they fought. If there were three things that she thanked her dead father for they were: How to scale a wall, how to throw a knife and last but most important how to learn by watching.
Once the sale of the mule was complete, she grabbed her bag and headed over to the wash lady that the farrier mentioned was next to the inn. On the way to the inn, she dropped off her bag of dirty clothes and arranged for them to be ready by morning.
She walked into the inn and as she made her way to the bar, someone grabbed her arm and said, ""Girl. Me and my friend needs drinks and some food."
Sarah turned to look at the man and asked, "Drinks and some food, eh?"
"That's right, "said the man's friend who then had the nerve to slap her on the butt, "And be quick about it otherwise no tip."
Sarah narrowed her eyes as she turned, she then smirked with an idea…Oh she'll get them their drinks alright. The barkeep seemed to have an idea of what she was planning, since he was smiling when he pulled out the two bottles for her. Pulling the corks from both, the then picked them both up to return to the annoying pair. Before the bald one could ask about mugs, she lifted and turned over both bottles over their heads. The room roared in laughter as the one with a topknot stood up and reached for his sword. In one moment, Sarah threw the bottles away and pulled out her daggers, placing one point first to his gut and the other edged against his throat.
"I suggest next time you don't assume that all women are here to serve you, "snarled Sarah into the samurai's face.
The barkeep called out, "Enough of that! They learned their lesson. No fighting!"
Sarah stepped back and returned the daggers to barely seen sheaths sewn into the hips of her pants. She turned to return to the bar, but then said over her shoulder, "There woman next door that cleans clothes for a living. She might be able to get that wine out of that silk."
As Sarah spoke to the barkeep about a room for the night, Hao tried his best to calm down his new friend.
"Hayashi, please it was a minor misunderstanding, "Hao said.
"Minor!"hissed Hayashi, "That…that…woman! "
"Was insulted by our actions, "interrupted Hao," As would we have been in a similar situation."
Hayashi snarled, "That gives her no right…"
"Let's go get cleaned up and I'll see about getting us some food, "as Hao gentle coaxed his friend out of the inn as Sarah walked upstairs.
At a back corner table a large straw peasant hat lifted up to reveal a familiar face. "Well that went over rather well, "said the white haired man.
To be Kontinued…