Hi there! I finally managed to publish the 2nd chapter, and I hope you've enjoyed the first chapter and are looking forward to where the story's going. I hope you enjoy this one as well. Another s/o to MartengaPop for her suggestions and big help. Make sure to check out her awesome stories^^
Just a heads up, I made Kitana the queen of Edenia in this chapter because since Sindel is a revenant, I suppose Edenia needs a new ruler. And who could do a better job than Kitana?
Anyway don't forget to R&R and let me know you're loving this story by favoriting and following. So yeah, I hope you guys will like this one! Constructive criticisms are welcome^^
Hanzo finally reached Grand Palace of Edenia after his little detour to Outworld. He does not look decent, but he is quickly expected by Kitana, so he enters the palace anyway. Although if he could, he would prefer to wash up a little bit as he is the "honorable" type of man.
The palace is called the Grand Palace of Edenia for a reason; it is enormous. The inside is very spacious and bright. White-printed wallpaper covered the wall and big windows are attached to it. The two large fountains can be seen very clearly through the window. The water resources in this palace are infinity as it is surrounded by a river. To Hanzo, the best part about this palace is the large waterfall behind the palace as it reminds him of Japan, his homeland in Earthrealm.
"Greetings, Queen Kitana." Hanzo greets Kitana as he bows.
"Master Hasashi. I am grateful that you've come." Kitana greets him back, sitting on her gold-framed throne. "I noticed you've encountered some trouble along the way." Kitana said as she noticed his ripped outfit, bruised cheek, and scratches all over his body.
Embarrassed, he answers, "My apologies. I was attacked by a commoner at Outworld Marketplace"
"It is understandable. Outworld isn't exactly the most pleasant spot. But I sincerely hope Edenia treats you nicer."
"Yes, my Queen. Edenia is one charming jewel."
"I'm pleased you think of my homeland that way." Kitana smiles, but suddenly changes her tone into a serious one. "So let's cut to the chase, Master Hasashi. Are you fully aware of the mission you're about to go through?"
"Certainly. I—"
"What mission?" Hanzo's talking is suddenly interfered by a familiar voice. Hanzo turns his head only to find the turquoise-eyed woman he fought in Outworld approaching Kitana. He did not expect to see this woman ever again, or at least that soon. Instantly, he rushes towards her and point his mighty sword to her.
"Be gone, Outworlder! Commoners are not welcome in this sacred palace!"
Confused, Kitana reacts to his words and instanly gets up from her throne, "Commoner? What are you talking about, Master Hasashi?"
"This woman fought me at Outworld Marketplace, my Queen. It's better for you to stay away from her."
The turquoise-eyed woman just stands there. Glancing at the tip of his sword, then turns her eyes at Hanzo. Hanzo cannot quite read her expression; it's not as sharp as when they were battling, but it's not warm and welcoming either. It's like she knows something he does not.
Kitana tries to stay calm. She sits back on her throne and said, "Alright. First of all, Master Hasashi, there is no need to point your sword at her. She is no commoner. That is my step-sister, Athenia."
Shocked but still heated as he recalls the intense battle between him and Athenia, Hanzo puts down his sword, throwing her his cynical look. She replied by turning her face away from Hanzo and looking at the ceiling. He can tell she's quite entertained by his misjudgment.
"Second of all, why were you in Outworld, Athenia? I told you to stop masquerading yourself into a commoner. And in Outworld Marketplace?! Good grief, Athenia. That place is not made for us royals. Just take a good look at yourself, sister. Your current appearance is an eyesore." Kitana's attempt to stay calm is ruined when seeing her sister looks like she just got beaten badly.
Athenia's short white Grecian dress is torn, full of dirt and blood. Her jet-black hair is so messed up even Hanzo notices a twig stuck on it. Her fair skin is full of bruises which makes Hanzo feels bad a little. He had never beaten up a woman that bad before, but he had to do it since this woman was trying to kill him. He has been avoiding death since he refused to have his soul corrupted by Quan Chi yet again.
"Kitana, I am no longer 10, okay? I am sure I can take care of myself. You have seen me fight right?" Athenia answers, defending herself.
"But Master Hasashi did beat you up, didn't he?"
"He let a thief escape, Kitana! For God's sake, those people who got their stuff stolen are poor!"
"By the Gods, princess! It was unintentional. Had I known it was a thief, I would have quickly captured him!" Hanzo said as he raises his tone to Athenia.
"Oh, don't play innocent with me. Besides, what do you know about their struggles?"
Kitana can only massages her nose bridge hearing Hanzo and Athenia argue, then she gets up from her throne "Alright, alright! I'm stopping your personal debate now before somebody get hurt!"
Hanzo and Athenia immediately stop their argument and face Kitana.
"My apologies, my Queen. That was impolite of me." Hanzo aplogizes as he bows slightly to Kitana. He knows he should not have let personal issues get in his way, especially in front of Kitana as she is the queen of Edenia whom he fully respects.
"Ugh, what an ass-licker." Remarks Athenia.
"Athenia, please do not start the attitude. Master Hasashi is our guest, and he is here to help us paralyzing Shinnok's army, so please be on your best behavior" Kitana speaks calmly.
"And how exactly could he do that?"
Kitana sits back down as she explains, "It has been found out by the special forces of Earthrealm that Shang Tsung has a secret flesh pit at the Kuatan Jungle in Outworld. I have given the mission to desert the place completely to Master Hasashi. He will depart to Kuatan Jungle tonight."
"Wait. Are you telling me that you hand such an important task to an outsider?"
Hanzo raises an eyebrow regarding Athenia's response. How could one be so bitter? Even he, who is known to be quite temperamental, could not treat people with such disrespect, especially someone in his circle of family. At this point he just wish Athenia would shut her mouth and obey her sister, the queen. Nevertheless, Hanzo is no longer considered an outsider since Edenia and Earthrealm have agreed to work together to take Shinnok and his army down.
"Do you have a problem with that?" Kitana crosses her arm, lifting her head as a sign that she is the one making decisions.
"You think?" Athenia scoffs, placing her fists on her hips.
"Speak your matters then, princess."
"Well, your majesty. Since you're kind enough to ask me about my thoughts, I think it's safe to say that your idea sucks. Big time. I think you've made a very bad call." Athenia shares a piece of her mind sarcastically as she throws Hanzo a glare.
Hanzo balls a fist and silently growls, trying to hold his wrath. He could easily blow up at this point if he does not have a self-control. Instead, he interupts, "Excuse me, are you underestimating my power?"
"Why do you sound like you own all the power in the world? You ain't all that." Snorts Athenia.
"Look, Athenia." Kitana attempts to take control of the situation, "Master Hasashi is one of the finest fighter in all realms, and it is a perfect oppurtunity since he also came here to solve his personal matters. Besides, he is no outsider to Edenia."
Hanzo almost chokes when Kitana explains his matters to Athenia. He thought that Kitana will explain in detail, but he is relieved when it turns out that Kitana does not. Maybe it will be better if only a few people know about his matters. If he had a choice, he would prefer that no one knows about it. But to Hanzo, it was necessary to tell Kitana as he wanted to convince her that he should be doing this mission.
"Why didn't you ask me? I have a broad knowledge about Kuatan Jungle, and I have the skill to do the mission. You don't have to bother asking this prick with personal matters." Athenia says irritately.
Hanzo feels like Athenia is starting to get on his nerves. He tried his best to hold back his anger, but he fails. He approaches Athenia until their distance is only inches apart. He resists the urge to choke her to death. Instead, he growls and gives her his furious glare. Athenia returns his glare with a synical look in her eyes. She doesn't show fear in her eyes. Secretly, Hanzo is astounded that a person—let alone a woman, is not backing down or show fear towards his furiousness. Every time he throws that look, people would normally be frightened and back down straight away. But Hanzo does not show his surpriseness in his eyes.
"Stay out of this before you get hurt, princess." Hanzo's voice deepen.
"Oh, I'm more than you think I am, ninja. I am not afraid of you. Not even a little."
"We'll see how far can you go."
Kitana can only put her palm on her face watching those two argue yet again. She cannot stop them at this point, so she let them argue while she is trying to think of a solution.
A white lightning suddenly emerges in the room. Three of them are shocked and instantly turn their heads to the lightning. The lightning turns out to be the thunder God, Raiden.
"Ah, I knew I sense some intensity going on here." Raiden stops for a second to observe the surrounding. "Speak up the matters, Queen Kitana."
"Lord Raiden!" Kitana gets up from her throne and bows, followed by Hanzo and Athenia, "You came just in time."
Kitana then explains the fuss that has been going on and how Hanzo and Athenia keep arguing on who is going to do the mission to desert Shang Tsung's flesh pit.
"With all due respect my queen, let me do the honorable mission." Intrudes Hanzo.
"No, Lord Raiden. I'll do this mission." Athenia still doesn't back down.
"Stop being childish, princess!"
"Oh, speak for yourself, ninja!"
"I have a solution." Shouts Raiden. Everyone in the room turn their attention to him. Waiting for the verdict Raiden about to give.
"Both of you shall do this mission. Together. As a team."
Hanzo's heart skips a beat. He cannot hear anything else. Those words echo in his brain which numbs his entire body.
"I'm sorry, what?" Hanzo inquired in disbelief. Did he heard it right? He cannot imagine himself doing such a mission with someone so stubborn in order to save the realms – and by the name of his family and clan! It could lead themselves to destruction, he thought. He looks over to Athenia and he sees her standing there, speechless. And suddenly she bursts out of laughter.
"Oh, by the Gods, Raiden! I knew you had a sense of humor right there."
"Do I sounded amusing to you, Princess Athenia?"
"Oh, comical." Athenia replies sarcastically.
Raiden only replies her remark by tilting his head to the side as if he is repeating the statement that he is very serious. Eventually, Hanzo can see Athenia's facial expression changing from humorous until she comes to the realization that Raiden is in bussiness.
"Wait, you're serious?!" Athenia exclaims, "You cannot do this, Raiden! Kitana, are you seriously agreeing to this?"
Kitana shrugs, "Well that's not a terrible idea actually. Both of you insisted to do this, so this seems to be a fair decision Lord Raiden have made."
"I'm sorry to interupt, but for the first time, I can see her point. There is no way we could work as a team." Interjects Hanzo.
Kitana's face suddenly lights up, "See? Both of you are teaming up already."
"Oh, stop it, Kitana. Not you too." Athenia replies bitterly as she crosses her arms.
"The decision has been made, Athenia, Master Hasashi. The queen agrees, so you shall obey and do this mission a justice." Raiden says firmly.
"But Kitana—"
"It has been settled, Athenia. You and Master Hasashi will depart to Kuatan Jungle tonight." Kitana paused for one moment, and then she exclaims through the silence, "Oh! And by working as a team, I mean both of you should return here to the palace safely as a team. If only one of you came back, that individual will be imprisoned or deserted. And that person shall not see the sunlight. Forever."
Both Hanzo and Athenia stands there in silence. Their jaw drop in disbelief. Hanzo wonders how he could survive this with such a complicated creature named Athenia, the stubborn princess of Edenia. For a second his heart tells him to let his guard down in order for this mission to be completed successfully. However, he doesn't know if he could even stand her along the way with her attitude and harshness. He could crash her head if she ever start the attitude. Would he rather be imprisoned than doing the mission with the worst person he has ever met? He thought. As he's having a debate with himself, Kitana breaks the silence once again.
"I see that both of you have understand completely. So for now, you're dismissed. I will see both of you tonight before your departure."
Hanzo and Athenia sigh and turn their backs on Kitana and Raiden. Athenia then glares at Hanzo as if she tells him to watch his back before they part. Hanzo ignores her and walk through his own separate direction.
"Lord Raiden," Kitana addresses him just a second before Raiden teleports. "I actually still have doubts about my sister and Master Hasashi teaming up. They cannot even stand each other. This could lead to failure. Are you certain this is going to work?" Kitana expresses her skepticism.
"I assure you, Queen Kitana." Convinces Raiden, "With their powers combined, great things will come our way."
Kitana nods in agreement. Raiden then turns his head to Kitana and beams slightly, "And so will theirs."