Soul of the Dragon Queen

Chapter 13: Trip to Seido

(Li Mei's POV)

After discussing our plans on how to get rid of Onaga, we all decided to perform certain tasks. Two of us would go to perform the kill as silently as possible, while 3 others would gather Intel. And the rest would come up with a plan to make sure the deed is done. Kitana and Ermac would be the assassins. Johnny, me and Kung Lao would gather the Intel. And Jax, Sonya, Liu Kang and Kenshi would come up with a plan.

Kung Lao and I were prepared to begin our objective but Johnny said he needed his beauty sleep and refused to come out until he would wake up. Kung Lao had no patience for Johnny's diva tantrum, and suggested we both begin and leave Johnny to his beauty sleep. I agreed and we split up into two different directions.

I went in the North-West and him in the South-East. Considering there was a lack of guards, the mission was fairly easy. I had some trouble finding people who were willing to talk. But the ones who did open up were the ones who knew what they were talking about. I came across another settlement, and decided to see if anyone was helpful.

"Hello, I'm Li Mei. I seek knowledge of Hotaru. General of Onaga." I started.

"Miss, may we ask for what?" One spoke up.

"I'll keep you all ignorant for your own safety." I replied.

"I'm willing to help." One of them stood up.

"Thank you, so much. I really appreciate it." I smiled gratefully.

"Well, from what I've found out through a…friend, Hotaru is still presently in Seido. Making sure Onaga's will remains enforced. And that's all I know." The same person said.

From what I've gathered over the past hour, apparently: Hotaru has made It impossible to sneak into Seido. Has an army of guards. And is remaining in Seido to maintain Onaga's iron fist. I began feeling tired, so I began to venture towards the campsite. But it had gotten a little dark so I wasn't too sure as to where I'm supposed to go. I suddenly saw a figure approaching me, and I prepared for the worst, and took up my battle stance. When I got a good look at who it was I I grew nervous and irritated. It was Kenshi.

"Ah, Li Mei. I found you. The others grew worried, so they sent me to find you." He said normally.

"Why? Don't think I can handle myself?" I angrily responded.

"Wha? Forget it. Look, let's just go back to the camp." I responded a little taken aback.

"Don't have a choice do I?" I rudely responded.

-W571-

"How's your nose?" He asked after some time passed.

"Meh, better. Still hurts."

"So how did you injure it in the first place?"

"Tanya kicked me in the face."

"Well, at least you killed her." He said jokingly.

"I killed her for another reason…"

"Which was?" He sounded curious.

"I really don't want to talk about it…" And the memory of Kaito's death struck a nerve in my heart.

"Whatever suits you best. But can you give me a hint?"

"Look, Kenshi. It's too painful to remember. I'm going to start crying,if I tell you, okay?"

"Fair enough. Plus I never could bear to hear you cry."

"That was…sweet."

"Sweeter than Ermac?" He looked towards me and for some reason that look gave me chills.

"Haha. So that's why you're being so nice all of a sudden." I giggled.

"Me? No! I'm appalled at your accusation." He pretended to be insulted.

"Always the funny one aren't you?" I playfully jabbed his arm.

"I don't know why, But I have the strongest urge to tell you that for you I can be whatever you want." He joked.

"Boundaries, Kenshi." I playfully wagged my finger at him.

"Are you implying that I'm pushing my boundaries? Why the nerve." And he put his arm around my waist, causing me to slightly blush.

"Yeah, Kenshi, I was just talking about that." I said referencing his arm around my waist.

"Suit yourself…" He said in a sing-song way.

Something about Kenshi's behavior made me think back to when we were dating. He was usually funny and playful like this, making me laugh and love him even more. I was really enjoying his company right now and felt really glad I ventured out as far off as I did.

(Kenshi's POV)

Me and Li Mei were walking back to the camp, and I was trying to reconcile at some level with her. But right now I was just enjoying teasing and messing with her. Oddly similar to when we were in a relationship. Her laughter was a sound so angelic to my ears, I could've sworn she is one. And I tried my hardest not to act like a total moron right now.

"What did you find out about Hotaru then?" I asked suddenly.

"Well, he's in Seido. And he made sure no one can sneak into Seido. And he's making sure Onaga retains his control there while he's focusing on ChaosRealm."

"That's interesting. Kung Lao also found out, that Hotaru has increased guard patrols. And they seem to be generally harsher."

"So how do we get to him?"

"Leave that to me, Jax, Sonya and Liu." I smiled at her. Though I'm not sure why.

"Why so smiley?" she inquired.

"Can't I just be happy?" I suggested.

"Actually, for as long as I've known you, there's always been a reason for why you're happy."

"Okay, so right now what do you think is making me happy?"

"Hard to tell. But be sure I'll figure it out." She said in deep thought.

-W571-

When we finally reached the camp site, everyone was having dinner. Ermac told me to sit down with him, I'm sure for the purpose of finding out how things went with Li Mei. After Li Mei shared her information as Kung Lao did earlier, Sonya, Liu, Jax and myself decided to begin formulating a plan. We remained outside, while the rest went back into their tents.

"So, Phase One. How will we get into Seido?" Sonya began.

"That is more of a problem for you all. I can simply reconstruct myself there." Liu added.

"We could make a portal…But Hotaru must have any possible portal locations under guard." I said.

"wait, Liu haven't you said that it's possible to make a portal anywhere, if you have that kind of magic?" Jax began.

"Yes, I did. But we don't have that kind of power." Liu Kang added.

"What if we use your spiritual powers and Ermac's mystical powers and amplify them through mine and Sonya's Portal creators?" Jax said.

"Then, I suppose it's possible to make the portal anywhere within Seido." Liu Kang finished.

"Now Phase Two. When and Where Hotaru is." I stated.

"I think, we should begin work on Phase One before anything else, because we'll need more info before we can move on." Sonya mentioned.

"It's a good point. Considering how we're too far away to be able to make the best decisions." Jax added.

(Li Mei's POV)

I was in my tent, but sleep was the last thing on my mind. I was just so happy about Kenshi being nice to me now. I felt so…what's the right word? Oh I'll just stick with happy. I was feeling genuinely happy for the first time in a really long time. His kindness really helped me distract myself from…Kaito…

There I go again. Um, right. Kenshi's sudden attitude change is really good. At least now he doesn't hate me. Or maybe, maybe he does and he's just keeping it hidden. It's possible he's not upset anymore. But it's possible that he still is. I shrugged off these unpleasant thoughts and tried to sleep.

-W571-

I woke up around morning and was going to go into the woods and train a little, because I felt a little rusty. When I exited the tent, I saw everyone packing up. I asked Kitana why and she responded because we're going to OrderRealm. I began packing as well. When we finished all finished packing Sonya and Jax made some sort of teleporter and Liu Kang and Ermac stood in front of it, clearly manifesting their chi energy.

Their bodies were exuding a red aura in Liu's case and a green one in Ermac's case. We all stood a great deal of distance away from their location, but close enough to see the energy shoot itself out from their hands and towards the teleporter. When the energy and their auras subsided, there before us stood a portal lit up.

"YOU GUYS DID IT! AWESOME!" Johnny chanted.

The rest of us were much less, loud. But we all praised Liu Kang and Ermac for being able to accomplish such a feat. We sent Liu through it first as he could conceal himself, he disappeared through it for a little while. He emerged and said it was clear as it had become night in Seido. Liu went back through the portal and gestured for us to follow.

One by one we stepped through the portal, and when we exited the Portal Jax and Sonya closed it. So this was Seido, or OrderRealm. From the looks of it, it earned it's name. There were mainly symmetrical structures, all shaped like a perfect square or rectangle. The pathways were coloured mostly except for the side which were coloured like normal stone. The realm seemed to be apparently floating in the air, as I looked down from one of the edges and it seemed like a long way down. It had a monotonous pattern and reeked from a lack of innovation.

"Why what have we here?" A new voice called out.

"Hotaru." I muttered.

"Oh, it is my Queen!" He said sarcastically. "Your husband, is very sad about your departure. He wants his queen to return." Hotaru mocked.

I can't be exactly sure, but I could've sworn one of us had growled at Hotaru when he said that.

"Don't you dare call me you queen!" I yelled.

"Ah yes, a more suitable title would be: PRISONER! Imprison them!" He ordered the guards.

-W571-

We all tried resisting but the guardsmen were more in number and well trained. They overpowered us and now we were all being thrown in the dungeons. We were all separated so I'm not sure about whose cell was where. I prayed for their survival. And began thinking if Liu Kang managed to get away in time so he could save us now.

The burly guard who was taking me to my cell had chained my hands and feet together, so he was dragging me across the horribly jagged floor. My scraped knees caused me immense pain. The guard would growl at me to shut up when I squealed in pain. He suddenly stopped in front of a cell unlocked it and quite literally threw me in.

I landed and made a lard THUD! Sound on the pavement as I did. I silently sobbed as I thought about how it's my fault that we got stuck here in the first place. And all of a sudden that one thought triggered a number of negative emotions I had been suppressing. Every tear I didn't allow myself to shed after Kaito's death. Every ounce of guilt I felt for getting us trapped here and yes. I am still drenched in guilt after my betrayal.

My thoughts were interrupted by the stirring voices of someone in the cell with me. I quickly backed away and inadvertently tripped onto the stranger.

"Um, not that I'm complaining. But could you get off me?" He said. I noticed his blue eyes.

"Oh, sorry. I hadn't seen you." I said getting off of him and slightly blushing at his remark.

"So how did a pretty thing like you end up here?"

"Are you hitting on me?"

"No comment. Answer the question."

"Fine, I was trying to kill Hotaru. And you?"

"Ooh feisty! Me? Hotaru just doesn't like me."

"Really?" I shrugged off his feisty comment.

"I believe so. But who are you?"

"Li Mei."

"Sub-Zero."

OMG! I updated quickly again! :O

Well there's Chapter 13, I hope you all enjoyed it :)))

So once again en-lumine and Nerdette92 you two are amazing! I love reading your reviews. They really brighten up my day and they are very sweet. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you two are my motivators for this story :))))))

SO! I'll be honest. I'm not a big Subby fan, but decided to add him in anyway. I know, I know. Sub-Zero is not as…uh let's say Johnny Cage-like. But I'll justify that by saying, he's a man and Li Mei is a good-looking woman. I think it's only natural for him to react as…Cage-like as he did with her in their first meeting.

I hope I didn't mess up any of this chapter (God, I annoyingly lack self-esteem :P )

-Warbird571 signing out-