Chapter Eight
The realm of Keisei…it is a world in the distant galaxy, a place with many similarities to Earth. However, both worlds have historical differences and landmarks…
Imperial Guards Headquarters, Ming Dynasty
With the sun high above the afternoon blue sky, Xianghua performed some katas on a platform surrounded by lush green trees. Her sword in hand, she focused on her fluid movements, making sure not to make a mistake.
However, she eventually found herself daydreaming. Brown eyes slightly narrowing, her mind drifted off to events that started seven months ago…
The young woman, along with her two friends, Kilik and Maxi, were chosen to attend The Blood Tournament, a competition that ended up taking place in another realm. Xianghua knew of the existence of other worlds, but it was the first time that she was traveling outside of Keisei. She had been excited by the idea, highly looking forward to meeting people from different realms. Plus, she would spend it with her two closest friends.
However, the tournament turned out to be more than any of them bargained for. For one thing, the tournament's prize, the Chishio No Me medallion, apparently granted the wielder all the power in the world.
Then, Xianghua, Kilik, and Maxi met a group led by Earth's God of Thunder, Raiden, and the psychic, Rose. The three of them ended up joining as well. Their mission was to make sure that the medallion didn't fall into the wrong hands.
Aside from that, things seemed normal for a little while, at least it did for Xianghua. She met plenty of new friends during the tournament, and had a few sparring sessions with them that pitted her against fighting styles she never fought against before.
However, thing started to turn grim the moment one of the chosen ones, Ibuki, died under mysterious circumstances. Xianghua only knew her for a very short time, but she had found herself saddened as though she knew her forever.
Then, there was her own encounter with an Earthrealm native named Vega. He had fought and lost against Maxi in the tournament. Apparently, the madman had, at one point, seen the two of them together and, ultimately, decided to use her as revenge. At least that's what it seemed like to her.
Xianghua felt foolish for falling for his charms. She never looked at red roses the same again since he had given them to her twice. One night, they met for dinner and things seemed to be okay at first.
Then, he brought her up to her room to look at the view from his balcony. She knew in her mind that she shouldn't have gone up with him, but the young woman ended up doing so anyway. She realized that mistake and tried to leave. That was when Vega attacked her.
Thankfully, Maxi and their other friend, Seong Mi-na, realized that she was missing and managed to save her before anything worse happened. Needless to say, Xianghua was shaken just by the idea alone of what might've happened to her. Although she was able to move on from the ordeal since, she sometimes still shuddered at the thought of the attack.
Then, when the tournament ended, not only were the chosen ones unable to retrieve the medallion, but they also realized the truth about the tournament. It was to lure the strong fighters to one place so that they would become enslaved, whether dead or not, under Shao Kahn's power.
Thankfully, Raiden and Rose managed to get some portals opened for the fighters to escape through. Kilik, Xianghua, and Maxi fought in the battle for a while. Maxi, however, had received injuries the night before the onslaught. He claimed it was from fall, but Xianghua had a feeling that her companion was in a fight with someone strong the night before. Who it was, she never found out.
Kilik had encouraged Maxi to make his escape, knowing that his injuries would not help him in the battle. Maxi heeded his words and took his leave.
After that, neither one of them heard from Maxi since. Xianghua could only hope that Maxi survived, even if he ended up in another realm.
Once they returned to Keisei, Kilik and Xianghua traveled together for a few days until they returned to the Imperial Guards headquarters, where Xianghua had lived since she was born. During that time, Kilik mentioned the possibility of an invasion from Outworld.
"What gives you that idea?" Xianghua remembered asking him.
"… It's just this feeling I have," was all he said.
Despite that, Xianghua believed it. However, the both of them only hoped that it was nothing more than a speculation.
Soon, the two parted ways with Kilik planning to meet with his old master. Xianghua had remained with the Imperial Guard since her return, helping to protect nearby villages from evil.
Lately, however, rumors were spreading about a possible invasion. Could Kilik's own speculation actually be true?
She hoped not…
"Xianghua," a voice suddenly said, cutting through her thoughts. Xianghua straightened herself before turning her attention to the guard who began to approach her. In his hand was an envelope.
"A letter just came to you," he continued once he was a couple of feet away. He then extended his arm out, the paper in hand.
"Thank you," Xianghua replied as she took the envelope in hand. As the guard took his leave, the young woman looked at the writing on the paper. A wide smile came upon her face as she instantly recognized the handwriting.
"It's about time I heard from you, Kilik," Xianghua said with a small chuckle.
She opened the envelope before unfolding the single piece of paper inside. She wondered what her long-time companion had written. However, once she started reading, she knew that the words within were not going to be good;
Xianghua -
I hope this letter reaches you. Before our last departure six months ago, we shared our concerns about a possible invasion from Outworld due to what we were forced to witness after the tournament there. At the time, I had hoped that it was nothing more than a speculation.
Now, however, I've come to realize that our worries over this are, to our dismay, coming true. I'm not sure if it's something you are aware of already, knowing your position as an Imperial Guard, but my master and I had witnessed newcomers from other realms warning us of impending doom in Keisei. I believe their words for they are visibly shaken, clearly traumatized from their experience when they spoke.
When Outworld will arrive to destroy Keisei, no one knows. However, there's a rumor going around… not only is Shao Kahn alive, but he has an Empress who comes from Keisei.
I'll be taking my leave within the next day or two from here. I hope to meet with you at your headquarters. I was thinking one of the best things we can do is gather everyone from Keisei together who were in the tournament. This way, we can easily prepare ourselves when Outworld invades.
Unfortunately, since we last saw each other, I was not able to find out what happened to Maxi. I'm still hoping that he was able to make his escape back to here, or at least in another realm if he had no other choice.
I look forward to seeing you again.
- Kilik
Xianghua frowned a little, especially over reading about Maxi. She, too, has not heard from him since they separated in Outworld six months ago.
I hope he's okay, too, the young woman found herself thinking.
Xianghua folding the paper before placing it in her pocket. She gazed down at her sword, still in her hand. She knew in her heart that she was looking forward to seeing her companion again.
If only it was under better circumstances…
Coast Guard Headquarters, Chili-san, Lee Dynasty
The night was mostly quietly with the stars glimmering, and the half-moon bright. The wind blew softly, causing the green grass to sway like gentle waves in a lake.
Inside a small building, candles were lit, brightening the room just enough for one to be able to see where they were going and what they were doing. Sitting on a pillow in front of a low table, Hwang Seong-gyeong cupped his hands over a glass cup filled with hot tea. His dark brown eyes were narrowed, his mind deep in thought. Staring at the empty space in front of them, his memory drifted to a conversation that took place here six months ago…
"Welcome back, Hwang," his master, Han-myeong, said as Hwang entered the room. A cup of hot tea sat on the low table, waiting for him.
The young man had quietly sighed to himself, feeling uneasy. He had some news to bring to his master, one that he knew would not sit well with him. Hwang had been sent on a mission, one that he initially succeeded in, but ultimately had to come home empty handed due to circumstances beyond his control.
Upon looking at his master, Hwang was already regretting a certain decision he made before coming here…
As the young man approached the table, Han-myeong spoke. "You've been gone for almost two months." He chuckled a little. "I must admit, that's quite a record. Last time, it took you six months to return Mi-na back home."
Hwang suddenly felt a heavy weight on his shoulders upon hearing her name. It was supposed to have been a simple mission. Mi-na had run away from home, and he and the Coast Guard were supposed to retrieve her. At one point, Hwang lead a group to the docks. Hwang ended up being the only one to notice her go on one of the boats, and he followed. The boat ended up leaving with the two of them still on board.
Hwang had believed that the boat would simply bring them somewhere else in Keisei. However, the both of them ended up being taken to a realm called Outworld. There, they found themselves one of Raiden and Rose's chosen ones to help in keeping a medallion from falling into the wrong hands. That medallion was the main prize in a tournament that was taking place there.
Meanwhile, Hwang took his time with his mission. He knew there had to be a reason why Mi-na ran away. Part of him wondered if it had anything to do with her search for the infamous weapon, Soul Edge. That was the reason why she ran away last time. Unaware of it's true nature, she wanted the weapon not only to protect her home, but to also prove herself worthy as a fighter.
Two nights before they ended up in Outworld, Mi-na and her father had an argument. Han-myeong did not reveal right away what the argument was about, but whatever it was, it had caused Mi-na to run away. He asked the Coast Guard, since he was good friends with their leader, to help find her before she disappeared out of the country.
Hwang knew he had a duty to fulfill, but at the same time, he didn't want to betray Mi-na's trust. So, taking the time they had in Outworld, Hwang decided to ask Mi-na about the situation first before deciding whether her reason was justifiable.
It wasn't until near the end of the tournament when Mi-na finally revealed everything to her long-time friend. Han-myeong had set up an arranged marriage with a rich farmer named Reeh Tak. Hwang wasn't aware of this because Han-myeong wanted the wedding to be a surprise.
Reeh Tak was indeed very rich, but there was a heavy rumor going around about the way he treated his last wife. Mi-na, fearing for what could happen to her, tried to reason with her father, but the man didn't believe the rumor, thinking that Reeh Tak was as nice as they came.
Usually, when father and daughter argued, Hwang usually took Han-myeong's side, finding his reason justifiable. However, the young man found good reason on Mi-na's part. Hwang was one of the people who arrived at the farm the day Tak's wife died. The death was ruled a suicide, but Hwang always wondered otherwise. He had been to the farm more than once, and it was always because the two had a spat with each other.
Also, Hwang knew Mi-na's father had good intentions. It wasn't greed, he was too good of a man for that. Hwang knew, however, of Han-myeong's desire to see Mi-na settle down, and he wanted it to happen as soon as possible.
He, too, was once considered a suitor after rejected his master's offer to adopt him as his own son, but Mi-na refused. Even after that, the two remained good friends.
Hwang was going to help Mi-na convince her father not to go through with the arrangement. Then, after the tournament's end, chaos ensued as Outworld's Emperor sent his army out to kill and enslave the fighters there.
As the two approached the portal, Hwang noted Mi-na becoming hesitant. Hwang knew in the back of his mind that he was thinking irrationally when he had the idea of suggesting Mi-na to go to Earth temporarily, feeling that it would be easier to convince her father that the marriage was a bad idea.
Now that he was back, he felt very foolish about the decision. He realized that Mi-na's departure to Earth would only make things worse.
Hwang knew that he had to face Han-myeong sooner or later. After a couple of weeks of traveling, he now found himself back home…
"Where is Mi-na?" Han-myeong asked with concern as his student sat down on the pillow in front of the table. He especially noted the disturbed looked in Hwang's eyes. The older man's heart pound against his chest, realizing that something might be wrong.
Hwang shook his head a little. "So much has happen since you sent us to search for Mi-na…" The young man first told him of how he did managed to find her and how they were brought to Outworld and The Blood Tournament.
"I heard there was a tournament going on in another world," Han-myeong replied. "This explains why you two were gone for so long. Were you able to find out why my daughter ran away?"
"I have," Hwang began. He told of how she didn't want to go through with the marriage with Tak.
"I figured as much," Han-myeong said. "And I'm afraid… she was right. About a week after you two disappeared, they found evidence that he murdered his wife, and he was hanged the next day…" The older man shook his head in shame. "I'm foolish, very foolish. All I wanted was my daughter to be happy. I was too blind to see that my involvement would only make her unhappy."
Hwang frowned, feeling sorry for his master. "You only did what you thought was best for her. Suggesting is not such a bad thing, but in the end, only she could make her own decisions.
"… I'm afraid the story doesn't end there…"
Hwang then proceeded to tell them that, during the chaos, Mi-na ended up escaping through a portal to Earth, while he returned here. Han-myeong's head hung down low as his eyes gave away his despair.
"There is one good thing," Hwang said, forcing optimism in his voice. "The Protector of Earth there, Raiden, said that he would make arrangements as soon as possible to return Mi-na home.
Hope came upon the older man's eyes. "That is good to hear. I hope she comes home soon. I have so much to say to her."
Six months later, Mi-na still had not returned back to Keisei…
Hwang believed that Raiden would do his job to return her back. Even if something happened to Mi-na, he believed that the Thunder God would have at least informed him. Even that hadn't happened.
What could be taking so long? he thought.
Meanwhile, his master tried to remain optimistic about his only child's return. Still, Hwang could see the hurt in his eyes, and he swore that he noticed a few new gray strands in his dark brown hair… a sign of stress and age.
For a while, in his heart, Hwang believed that she was safe somewhere on Earth, perhaps being well taken care of by one of their allies they met in Outworld. However, lately, he grew more worried as word of a possible invasion spread like fire.
The Coast Guard had been preparing themselves for the incoming attacks. They had even teamed up with their sworn enemy, the army from the Ryukyu Kingdom. That particular army had attempted to take over Lee Dynasty for the past few years. For now at least, they were working together to fight a common enemy in order to protect Keisei.
Lingering in the back of his mind, Hwang wondered if Earth was invaded yet. And if so, was Mi-na okay?
Then, Hwang's mind was disrupted as a fellow guardsman approached. "Hwang," he began. "I wanted to remind you that your shift will begin shortly."
"Thank you for the reminder," Hwang replied before taking a long sip of his tea, the hot liquid soothing his throat and warming his body.
After finishing his tea and placing his cup down on the table, Hwang stood up on his feet. Picking up his Chinese sword, named Blue Thunder, in his hand, he took his leave, beginning his guard duties for the night.
Eurydice Shrine, Ottoman Empire, Keisei
The harsh winds that blew all around was unforgiving. It made the temperature colder, but all that didn't bother Sophitia as she approached the shrine of Hephaestus. Besides, the dark brown cloak that covered her body gave her warmth. The hood covered most of her head, revealing only her pale face, green eyes, and wisps of light blonde hair.
For a moment, Sophitia looked up at the statue of Hephaestus, which stood over twenty feet tall. Soon, she got down on her knees and bowed her head before clasping her hands in front of her.
"Hello Hephaestus, it's me again," Sophitia began. The wind seemed to die down a bit as soon as she started speaking. "I haven't been over here in quite a few weeks. I happen to be passing through and thought I'd stop here for a moment."
She raised her head up, looking up at the statue's face. "Thank you for your continued protection of my family and I. It's very much appreciated. I only ask that you continue to do so. I hope you also do the same for everyone in Keisei. I fear that we will soon be at war with the rumor of an invasion. If you could at least find a way to ease their fears, it would be appreciated."
Sophitia then sighed deeply as a particular person came to mind. Tears began to well up in her eyes, but she managed to hold them back. "I know my sister, Cassandra, did not have faith in you, but for me, please continue to give her the peace she deserves now that she is no longer with us… just until we reunite again in the Heavens…"
Finished with her prayers, Sophitia stood up on her feet. She gazed at the statue one last time before turning around to head home.
The walk back to her village only took a half hour. During that time, an event from seven months ago filled her mind, not long after a travel that left her weary…
Sophitia smiled as Cassandra approached the bed. "Sister, I'm glad you are here."
"So am I," Cassandra replied. "You indeed look tired."
Sophitia nodded. "I'll be okay. It'll take some time before I go out into the world again. For now, I need rest."
The younger sister sat on the bed. "Is there anything I can do?"
Sophitia smirked then. "Well, there is a reason I asked you here." She reached over at the wooden box next to the bed and took a envelope into her hand.
Cassandra looked at it with curiosity, seeing Sophitia's name neatly scripted on it. "What is this?"
"Originally, I was invited to a tournament in another realm. It doesn't say which realm it is though. As much as I want to go, I can't. Besides, I'm sure I wouldn't hear the end of it from Rothion." Sophitia let out a light laugh before looking at her sister with a bit of seriousness. "Watching you grow up and learning the ways of the Athenian style, I know that you have become a great warrior as I have. I believe that one way of learning more of everything is to travel. That is why I am giving this to you, my dear sister." With that, Sophitia handed the invitation over to Cassandra.
Cassandra was shocked by this. She never really considered herself what her sister just described and felt honored by it. She opened the letter and read the information given. "Are you sure about this?" she asked looking up.
Sophitia nodded. "Within my heart, I know you can do this. I know the whole thing may sound frightening, but do not lose your confidence. Trust yourself within your heart and soul and remember that the Gods will always be with you."
Cassandra smiled then. "Thank you sister."
"One other thing," the older sister continued. "I offer you my sword and shield for good luck."
The younger sister gasped and looked over at the short sword and small shield which laid against the wall recently fixed up by Rothion. "Sophitia," was all she could say.
"You will do great and I wish you the best of luck in your journey," Sophitia concluded.
Cassandra looked down at the invitation. Sure, the tournament sounded a little strange, but what wasn't strange now a days? Even before Sophitia spoke, Cassandra desired to go for the competition, but she was reminded of her biggest value; family. Now, her other reason of going was in honor of her sister, who journeyed all of Keisei and fought many odds throughout the way.
"Thank you," the young girl said. "I won't fail."
Once again, Sophitia found herself fighting back the tears that swelled in her eyes, but she refused to shed them. If only I had known what would happen afterwards… she found herself thinking.
Over a month after Cassandra left, word spread that the tournament had actually served as a trick to lure strong warriors into one place. There, an evil emperor sent his troops to kill off the fighters. Whatever the reason was, at the time, no one was sure. However, there were those who attended the tournament who managed to survive to tell their tale.
For many weeks, Sophitia and her family prayed and hoped for Cassandra's safe return. However, the longer time passed, the more they were forced to come to terms that Cassandra was most likely never coming home…
Though her family didn't hold it against her, believing that the same could've happened to her as well, Sophitia still blamed herself for deciding to hand the invitation over to Cassandra. Had she simply just tossed away the invitation, her little sister would still be here.
Now, rumors spread of a possible invasion from the very realm where the tournament took place. Sophitia believed that it would eventually happened. Thinking about those who died, including Cassandra, she realized that the tournament existed in order to due away with those who had the potential to thwart their plans to dominate the universe.
If the invasion of Keisei did occur, Sophitia knew that she would join other warriors to fight back. Deep down inside, she knew that she had the desire to avenge Cassandra's death. It wasn't in her nature to even think that normally, but her own guilt convinced her otherwise.
Soon, she arrived at her village, reaching the cottage she lived in. Going inside, she first noticed her two children, Patroklos and Pyrrha, playing with their toys on the floor. Once they heard the door open, the two children looked up to see who came in. Bright smiles appeared on their faces as they noticed their mother coming in.
"Hi, Mama!" the two children called out in unison. They got up and ran over to her, each of them grabbing a leg to hug. Sophitia smiled as she reached down to pat their heads, happy to see them.
"Have you been good today?" she asked them.
"Yes!" they both said.
"I want a Danish, Mama," Pyrrha said almost out of nowhere.
Sophitia chuckled a little. "We'll see after supper, dear. Now go on and play."
With that, the kids skipped back to where their toys were and continued to play. As they did, Sophitia noted her husband, Rothion, sitting on a settee reading a piece of paper. She found herself frowning a little as she noted how tired he looked.
Ever since the rumors of an invasion began to spread, Rothion and the rest of the blacksmiths in the area began working harder than ever. They would spend many hours crafting various weapons so that there would be enough to go around for everyone. Sometimes, they would work through the night, almost nonstop.
Sophitia approached her husband before leaving a kiss on his forehead. Rothion looked up to see his wife. "Hello, Sophie."
"Hello, Roth," she said a little quietly. "Long day?"
He nodded. "I've lost count over how many shields we crafted today."
Sophitia left another kiss on his forehead. "Well, you rest for a little while. I'm going to start making supper."
"Sounds good," he said before resuming to his reading. With that, Sophitia headed into the kitchen to prepare their meal.
Unknown Area, Keisei
The forest area was covered in darkness, but that didn't bother Tira who stood hidden amongst the trees. A sour look was written on her face, having stood there for a long period with nothing going on.
"Look out for anything, they say," the young girl grumbled. "People are after us, they say. Yeah, right…"
A large ring blade in hand, Tira twirled the object in her hands for a moment to ease her boredom, the strands of her dark brown hair, done in uneven pigtails, swaying with her movements. Once she stopped, she happened to look up and saw a raven circling around her. Her expression suddenly changed as she felt a feeling of content. She raised an arm, and the bird immediately landed on her shoulder. Gently, she pet the animal's belly with her fingers.
"Hopefully, you had a better night that I had," she said before giving a peck on the raven's cheek.
Briefly, she thought about the past, which didn't seem so long ago. Tira was born into a secret clan known as the Birds of Passage. The clan took no sides, only working for the rich and powerful in helping to eliminate their foes. They left no one alive, never giving their victims the chance to reveal their existence. Because Tira was born into the clan, she was hardly given a choice of her destiny. She had killed so much since she was a child that she had become void of any emotions when it came to death. Plus, she couldn't go a day without kill since it gave her stimulation.
Then, about seven years ago, an event in Keisei known as the Evil Seed happened. Word had it that the Evil Seed was caused by the infamous Soul Edge when it accepted a new host, spreading a light that effected those who were within the light's proximity. Tira's master was one of the affected, and he lost his mind. With that, the Birds of Passage disbanded, and Tira was freed.
Not long after, Tira was adopted by a seemingly loving family. She struggled to adapt to her new life, but when she thought about the benefits of her freedom, the young girl realized that this new life of hers could be acceptable.
One day, Tira noted the family's pet bird. She felt sorry for the bird, feeling that it shouldn't be trapped in a cage, so she set it free. The family ended up scolding her for her actions. In a blind rage, Tira slaughtered the entire family before fleeing.
Since then, Tira found herself mostly wandering, killing anyone along the way. At one point, Tira heard about the azure knight named Nightmare. Because she had been so used to following someone, she wanted to offer her services to him.
Then, about four months ago, Tira heard from members of the Manji Clan that Soul Edge was destroyed. Needless to say, she was very disappointed.
Two months ago, she found herself in this very area, meeting with the leader of another clan she never heard of before. They offered her to join with them. Their promise; to be able to kill anyone she pleased, even if it was the leader himself! That alone intrigued her.
And indeed, the promise was kept, at least so far.
Soon, Tira's mind went back to the present. She continued to pet the raven until it flew away into one of the trees. She then heard someone coming up from behind.
Finally! she screamed out in her mind. She quickly whirled around, her ring blade ready, but then a frown quickly appeared on her face as soon as she recognized the figure who was also in her new clan.
"Tira," he began. "You are wanted back at the cave."
Tira bit her lip before replying. "Fine then." With that, she began following him back to their hiding place. Briefly, she thought about killing the messenger, but quickly decided against it since their particular person had been okay with her… at least so far…
The walk back was about a half hour, and Tira hoped to run into some other poor soul who dared to run into her path. However, she didn't have that kind of luck tonight. When she returned to the cave, the sour look she had on her face moments ago returned.
She didn't go far into the candle-lit cave before she noted two people inside. One spoke in a calm, well-mannered voice. "I see you have returned, Tira," he said. "Did you see anything of interest?"
Tira shook her head. "I'm very displeased, master," she growled.
"Tsk, tsk," her leader began. "Tira, haven't I told you not to call me master? It's too… orderly. Call me Havik."
"And why are you, displeased?" the other person next to Havik asked.
"I suspect she didn't have the chance to eradicate anyone today, Kabal," Havik replied for her.
"Exactly!" Tira yelled out. Even though she was loyal with the Black Dragon clan and happy to have been accepted in with her own destiny to still choose, she still felt like she was going to explode at any moment.
The clan originated from a realm called Earth when a small group disbanded from another clan, the Red Dragon, to form their own. They were mostly killed off with time, and the clan briefly disbanded until Havik met Kabal more than a year ago after he was injured by Mavado, a Red Dragon member. The two reformed the clan, having invited a few other recruits (some have died, and one in particular chose to betray them, at least to Kabal).
After a tournament in Outworld, Havik and Kabal escaped to Havik's home, Chaosrealm, where they planned to recruit more members as a universal clan. Then, Shao Kahn's invasion began, and Chaosrealm was one of the first realms to suffer. The natives of that realm praised the entropy… at first. Then, Havik realized that the actual plan was to enslave him and his people, dead or alive. For them to be controlled under someone's will was considered a great insult.
Havik and Kabal managed to escape to Keisei, where they have been ever since. There, they began recruiting new members to help in spreading the chaos, starting with this realm. Tira herself joined in two months ago.
Their biggest enemy, for the moment, was the Manji Clan, who believed them to be a threat. To Havik, all he wanted was to spread chaos. However, with a help of a few magic pendants to help them understand the ways of chaos, he managed to make a few Manji Clan members join the Black Dragon.
Havik's true desire was to take care of their leader, Yoshimitsu. However, he heard not too long ago that he was currently in Earthrealm. It disappointed Havik, but no matter… perhaps the more he dealt with his clan, the sooner that would bring Yoshimitsu back to Keisei.
After Tira's outburst, Kabal spoke again. "Besides, you've been out long enough. Go and rest for the-"
"You know that I can't go a single day without killing someone!" Tira yelled out in almost a panic. "I haven't murdered a single person all day!"
"Then why don't you go out and do that," Havik said in his usual calm voice. "And if you can't find anyone, go ahead and kill one of us."
"Preferably someone with a pendant on their chest," Kabal added.
"Whatever."
The scowl on Tira's face suddenly changed. This time, it was replaced with a happy grin, her violet eyes glowing. "Thank you so much!" she said cheerfully. "I won't be too long!" With that, she turned around and skipped away, humming a tune that was unfamiliar.
When Tira was out of earshot, Kabal sighed. "Remind me again why we invited her into the clan."
Despite having no flesh around his mouth, Havik seemed to grin. "Because she has a cunning and chaotic nature… plus, she possesses one of the most interesting split personalities I have ever encountered!"
"As long as she knows what she's doing," Kabal said. He kept the next sentence to himself. Though I highly doubt it…
Proving Grounds, Ming Dynasty
The similarities between the sky and the river was amazing. With the blue sky possessing scattered white clouds and the river possessing chipped ice spread all around, they nearly matched each other. Snow capped mountains complimented the scenery.
Standing on a raised platform, Kilik gazed at his surroundings, the soft wind blowing his shoulder-length brown hair forward. For five months, it was almost the only thing he saw. Today, he would be leaving this place, and he wanted to take in the view before he departed. Who knew when he would see this again.
During his time here, he reflected on past events, including his time outside of Keisei. Seven months ago, he, along with his friends Xianghua and Maxi, came to Outworld to attend a tournament there. None of the three were able to make it to the final round, but in the meanwhile, the three became Raiden and Rose's chosen out. Their assignment was to make sure that the tournament's prize, the Chishio No Me medallion, didn't fall into the wrong hands.
The chosen ones had failed in their mission, and soon a massacre against the fighters began. Kilik and Xianghua managed to make it back to Keisei together. Whether their friend Maxi made it out or not, Kilik wasn't sure. He had not heard from his friend since that day…
Upon his return to Keisei, Kilik and Xianghua traveled together for a few days before stopping at the Imperial Guards headquarters, where Xianghua lived. Kilik had a feeling that an invasion of the realms would eventually take place after seeing what happened in Outworld. He only hoped that it was nothing more than a speculation.
Afterwards, Kilik decided to travel to the Proving Grounds to meet with his master, a man simply known as Edgemaster. He had trained under him many times before, and it felt like he had come home. There, he continued to train intensively, and to also reflect on his recent travels.
Recently, during trips to a nearby village, Kilik met with new people from other realms… realms that had, unfortunately, faced the wrath of Outworld. As they told their stories, Kilik saw how traumatized they were. Their eyes were filled with tears, and their voices were shaking with fear as they spoke.
Kilik believed their stories, and the more he heard them, the more he came to realize that, eventually, Outworld would come for Keisei.
A few days ago, the young man wrote a letter to Xianghua, letting him know what was going on. As he wrote, an idea came to him. If only he could help in gathering some of the Keisei natives who were at the tournament together in one place. Perhaps then, it would be a little easier in helping to prepare for the invasion. He would meet with Xianghua during his travels.
As Kilik continued to gaze at the scene, a voice spoke from behind. "Why are you hesitating?" he asked.
Kilik turned around to see Edgemaster standing a few feet away. "I'm not hesitating," he replied. He smiled a little. "I just wanted to take in the view before I leave. I'm not sure when I will be back."
"What's important is that you stop this new evil from taking over this realm," Edgemaster suggested. A small smirk appeared on his face. "And when your journey is complete, you are more than welcome to return anytime you wish."
Kilik nodded to him. "I'm sure I'll return someday."
"As long as this evil is eradicated," Edgemaster reminded him. "What will happen to the universe, we're not sure of. Mankind can only do what they can."
His duffle bag over one shoulder and his red Kali-Yuga staff in his hand, Kilik began walking towards the pathway that would lead him to his journey. As he walked passed Edgemaster, he spoke one more time. "Farewell, master."
"Farewell, Kilik."
For a long time afterwards, Kilik traveled through the rough terrain, mostly going down the mountains, nearly tripping on the rocks. He sometimes had to use his staff in order to support himself from falling.
About three hours into his journey, Kilik found that the area around him was quiet. Leave-less trees surrounded him, and aside from the wind, the only sound he heard was the crunching of snow underneath his boots.
He then stopped for a moment to kneel down for a moment. He wasn't tired, but he wanted to relieve the slight sores in his knees before continuing on downward.
Just as he began straightening himself up, Kilik suddenly heard another pair of footsteps nearby. He shifted his browns eyes towards the noise, wondering exactly where it was coming from. Slowly placing his duffle bag down on the ground, Kilik slowly raveled his hands around the staff, just incase the person nearby was ready to attack him.
Then, a voice out of nowhere spoke. "Looks like I arrived just in time before you ran off!"
Kilik's eyes widened, instantly recognizing that voice. He quickly whirled around to face them. Just a few feet away stood his friend, Maxi!
Maxi grinned once Kilik noticed him. "Long time, no see," he said.
"Maxi!" Kilik called out. He walked over to him. "I haven't seen you since…"
"Since we were in that wonderful realm of Outworld," Maxi finished for him. There was a bit of sarcasm in his voice when he said that, but there was also a bit of humor in there. "Tell me about it."
"Xianghua and I weren't sure what happened to you," Kilik mentioned. "We hoped you were okay."
"For the most part, I was," Maxi said. "If it's any comfort, I've been in Keisei the whole time. I ended up in a village in the Holy Roman Empire, and the people there took care of me. My injuries weren't that bad, but they took care of me anyway. I stayed there for a while, feeling that I owed them for their kindness. Then, a month ago, I heard rumors about a possible invasion in Outworld, and I immediately set off to find you. Thank goodness for these new stagecoaches, or else I would've still been traveling. I went to one of the villages here, asking around for you, and they told me you were living in these mountains.
"One thing is for sure… you sure know how to pick a place to live… I almost fell three times on the way up!"
Kilik couldn't help but chuckle a little. "Sorry about that."
"Don't worry about it," Maxi said. "I've traveled in worse places."
"But it's a good thing you came now," Kilik mentioned. "I'm actually on my way to another journey."
Maxi scratched his head. "At a time like this? With the possible invasion-"
"That's exactly why I'm traveling." Kilik looked at his friend seriously. "Maxi, people from other realms have been arriving here. You should have seen them when they told their tales. I don't doubt that it's going to happen."
"What do you plan to do?"
"Well, first, I'm going to meet with Xianghua at the Imperial Guard headquarters. Then, I'm hoping to gather the rest of our friends who were at The Blood Tournament together. This way, we can better prepare ourselves for the onslaught."
Maxi couldn't help but smirk a little. "I'm invited, right?"
Kilik chuckled. "Of course. Let's start by trekking the rest of the mountain before sunset."
"Sure," Maxi said.
As the two began making their way down, Maxi sighed a little. "Just when I thought my traveling was finally over…"
