Hearts
Chan continued to ponder on who the woman was, occasionally peeking over to her face as they traveled along the road. How does she know so much about him? What other information does she have? How was she able to harm Shao Kahn when no one else could? How did she get word of what happened and what was going on in the living forest? Anomaly frowned as she started to notice that he was looking at her. She stops in her tracks and looks at him.
"If you have any more questions, please ask them now so that your focus remains on taking down Shao Kahn. I cannot have you in the way of our victory because you're fantasizing about my waist size."
"Wha—What? No," he stumbled. His face turned red as she laughed.
"So, what do you want to know?" she asked.
"You mentioned needing—"
"—you for Armageddon, yeah," she finished.
"From the beginning, what do you have to do with it?" Anomaly sighed before beginning her story.
"During my first life, I learned the secrets of Delia's time magic which allowed her to see the future. With such knowledge I was able to see Edenia's future. I saw Shao Kahn destroy it, Lui Kang saved it, and it ended with Armageddon. No solution was found at that time as the realms faded to darkness over centuries. I allied myself with Quan Chi during those dark ages and learned to create portals through sorcery. I've practiced creating a new spell that would reverse the effects of Armageddon by combining both forms of magic to bring the dead realms back to life. When Taven and I were the last two beings, my desperation brought on the first successful result. I created an entirely new universe. One in which the world had not yet saw its maturity. One where I was young again."
"The universe also led to new outcomes. One such outcome being Shao Kahn winning Armageddon. He defeated everyone who stood in his way and went mad once he and I were the last beings left. I brought him back to the Pyramid hoping to finish him and then myself. However, Delia's spells started to have side-effects."
"The visions?"
"That's right, Shaolin. I saw something in my future that gave me a permanent solution to preventing Armageddon once and for all. I just need to collect an assortment of items before I can carry out the task. The only problem is that I can't do it alone, nor can I do it with the threat of Shao Kahn. That's why I decided to rewind time once more. The time we are currently in. I was killed months after Edenia's fall because another obstacle came. One I caused yet did not see. Do the names Sindel," Anomaly paused and chuckled. "Of course, how silly of me. Do you know of Eris & Eunomia?"
"No idea," Chan responded bluntly.
"We were natives of Edenia that formed an organization known as the Inter-Realm Alliance. Sindel was the leader and we were tasked with uniting the Realms—not literally of course."
"That should've made it easier to thwart Shao Kahn's plans."
"It wasn't. They all held a monopoly on three of the necessary Kamidogu I would need to fulfill my plan. I expected that the Kamidogu might be hidden on smaller realms until I stumbled upon Outworld. I was the champion for a long time. Even killed the previous Emperor who served as a precursor to Shao Kahn's current personality. Sadly, I was unable to go through with selling out Edenia for the Kamidogu and placed that blame on Sindel."
"And made Kitana's life worse," he chastised.
"It was the worst thing I've ever done. I wanted to go into hiding, but…" Anomaly remembered her death at the hands of Reptile years ago at Sindel's grave.
"How did you come back?" Chan asked.
"The same way you did. Apparently when I tried to rewind time once more, I was interrupted. I created another reality I gave the name the Dark Realms. One where Shao Kahn does not exist, but neither does time. Anyone who dies in our reality immediately awakens in the Dark Realms with no memories of their past life. The Visions are the only way one could remember. Otherwise, it would be like a newborn seeing the world for the first time."
"I didn't die on the other side. We teleported using a time spell with Shinnok's amulet. After a certain amount of time, we gradually returned."
"In order to have visions, you had to have died once."
"I have before the tournament, but the Jinsei Chamber in Earthrealm brought me back before my soul could leave."
"So, you've never been to the Dark Realms before. You may have gone somewhere else that only Shinnok knew about."
"So, to complete the tasks, you just need the remaining Kamidogu?"
"All of them at this point. There are 7. One of them being Shinnok's amulet."
"That's an impossible task since Shinnok's amulet is trapped in a place we can't enter without Quan Chi."
"Our visions Chan," she responded.
"There's no way they'd come back again. Who would cause it?"
"The dark realms are their allies. They are destined to return sometime. That's why we must find a way to get the other six. The first three should be easy seeing how they are here. The last three are what you're needed for."
"Where are they?" Chan asked. Anomaly waved her hair and walked towards the castle.
"We shouldn't remain here if we hope to stop Kitana. They may be halfway near the castle now."
*Sun Do*
Meanwhile, Li Mei returns to Sun Do and finds everyone standing around outside of their homes. It seemed that some of the more familiar faces had left to warn her father, wherever he is. Most of those here seemed frightened, as if they had already heard news of Shao Kahn's return. But that couldn't be it. This was a different type of fear. Like someone who isn't supposed to be here is roaming around.
"Did you and the Earthrealmer find what you were looking for?" one of them asked.
"Yes. The revolution has begun. Kitana will be marked as an enemy of the realm. However, she has a weapon. Shao Kahn." The mention of his name sent shivers down the bodies of the citizens. Li Mei could tell none of them were prepared to stand against him.
"We were told that Shao Kahn perished years ago. Was that untrue?"
"We all thought so, and we were all right. However, Kitana was able to bring him back. Stronger. Faster. Smarter. Not even our strongest attacks were able to bring him down. Except one by an inexperienced warrior from Earthrealm."
"Wait," a woman began, "someone was able to kill him years ago. Why not get that person to do it again?"
"That person was killed that same year by Kitana, Mileena, Chan Kang of Earthrealm, Knightwolf of Earthrealm, and Shelia of Earthrealm," she responded.
"So, how can we stop him?" they asked.
"By trying. By not giving up. If one Earthrealm child can harm him by unknown means, who knows what any of you might be able to accomplish?" Li Mei responded.
"That is enough from you, young one," a man yelled from the crowd. The people stood out of his way as he walked towards her along with two other guards. They were dress in a full set of gold and bluish-black armor. Their commander's helmet was removed. He had many red markings on his forehead. He was mostly bald towards the front, but the remaining hair in the back of his head was styled in a very long ponytail. "No one will revolt against the government of Outworld."
"Who are you and how did you all invade our realm?" Li Mei asked as she got in a defensive stance.
"My name is Dairou, commander of the Seidan Guard. We are here upon the invitation of Outworld's representative."
"Mother?" she questioned. "Wait, Seidan Guard? As in Seido?"
"That is correct. We have come to help restore Order in Outworld and in return, Lei Chen and Sun Do will be under the control of Seido."
"My mother has no such power. How would that even work?"
"That is not our concern. Such a thing will be sorted out once this realm's crisis has been taken care of. No matter the outcome, both towns will be protected."
"You can't protect them by standing by. We need to face Shao Kahn together. Right—"
"I allowed you one pass for inciting violence, and this is your second pass for attempting to spark fear. If your former emperor truly has returned and arrives in this town, he will be dealt with by the Seido Guard and tried for his crimes," he confirmed. She curses the man under her breath and begins to walk pass them. Before she could, however, he put his hand in her way.
"Are you arresting me?" she asked.
"You would have no reason to go in the opposite direction of the Castle at this time unless you were looking for the assistance of the one named Bo Rai Cho," he answered.
"What happened to Master Bo Rai Cho?"
"He stumbled into one of the guards and tried to fight them. He's been arrested and sent to Seido for his sentencing." Li Mei took a step back.
"What?"
"I would recommend you stay here for your own safety. We cannot protect you if you are beyond the walls of this town," he responded. Li Mei frowned at their actions. She couldn't believe that her mother would make a deal behind the empress's back without informing her or the others of such a decision. It surely doesn't make her death seem like an unjustifiable one in the eyes of Outworld's citizens.
"Wait, if this town becomes property of the Seidan Government, does that make those residing here citizens of Seido?" she asked.
"I wouldn't be certain seeing how this is the only time such a question has been raised. We allow citizens to come and go as they please, provided they follow our rules. Seidan Citizens aren't allowed to leave the Realm. Otherwise, they would be deemed deserters. Why do you ask?" Li Mei kneels before the man.
"If I were to join the Seidan Guard, could Sun Do be under my rule instead?" she asked.
"That is not for me to decide. First, one would have to prepare to become a Seidan Guardsman which normally takes years. I've been a part of the Guard for over 30 years. Only a few years ago did I become a commander; the only position allowed to rule this town. While you could potentially have ownership of this town a long time from now, you will still be required to have the permission of Eunomia, the Senate, the Republic, the 12 commanders, and I."
"That would be too long. I need control as soon as possible incase Kitana's reign continues," she stated.
"You should not rush the process. For the training would do you much good, even if you fail to become a commander. I'll send my recommendation if you'd like miss…"
"Li Mei," she finished.
"Li Mei. I shall remember that. You'd best be going directly to Seido. They would not like to be kept waiting," he responded.
"Twenty minutes," she responded. "Give me twenty minutes to at least attempt to save this realm from Shao Kahn. After my time is up, you may send your recommendation and I will go directly there."
"How will you get there?" he asked.
"I have a friend who can help me. Please, give me time to take care of a few loose ends," she requested. Dairou nodded.
*The Osh'Tekk Camp*
Kotal Kahn looks over Mileena's grave amongst the graves of the many fallen Osh'Tekk warriors, including his father. He reminisced on his last conversation with his father, thinking about how he failed to truly understand him. Had he simply listened to Mileena when she recommended that he take control over the Osh'Tekk, no one would be suffering as they are today. Mileena was not a bad ruler. She did nothing to harm the people of Outworld. They should've simply trusted her and get her to trust them. Nitara's deal was always a mistake. He should've ignored her to begin with.
"Big boss feel bad bout killing big sis?" Ferra asks.
"You don't?"
"She be fine. Tastes fine too. Right Torr?" she asked. Torr huffed in response.
"Why do you two choose to continue living like beasts rather than live like the rest of civilization?" Ferra hops off Torr's back and stands beside Kotal.
"No civil, just prey," Ferra states. "You ready to leave yet? Torr gotta eat." Kotal looks down on the small woman and starts laughing.
"You're right," he responds. He starts walking towards the castle and signals her to follow. She hops on Torr's back and they follow behind him.
*At the castle courtyard*
"You see us as fools? You believe we'd listen to you all who've stood against us?" one of the Tarkatans questioned.
"We have a saying in Earthrealm. If we wanted to kill you, it would be on sight. That isn't what we're here for." Cassie stated.
"A little girl like you could never take on our kind," another responded.
"Didn't one of you get killed at the tournament?" Jacqui questioned.
"A fluke. Baraka was weak."
"Baraka was killed by my father and I just attacked your King," Cassie boasted.
"I attacked their king, you just stood there," Takeda responded. The Tarkatans started to close in on the group.
"We're supposed to be getting them on our side not against us," Li Mei fussed.
"We do not accept your offer!" Amongst the crowd came Zero. The tortoise shell around his body was an unsettling sight for the young Special Forces trainees. Raja hovered closer to him and locked eyes with him.
"Your kind owes mine. Twice in fact. We could've wiped you all out many times over, including the recent assault on the castle." Raja pointed to the patch on the courtyard wall. "We gave you all refuge and showed Kindness when Onaga took your realm."
"Kindness is weakness these days, Raja. It took Nitara. It betrayed Mileena."
"Kitana betrayed Mileena. She turned Mileena against us. She caused the citizens to hate her after overthrowing K'etz. The war was over, and peace was here. She killed Mileena and brought Shao Kahn's dead body back to life. And this time, he can't be killed by normal means. Even the strongest attacks don't phase him. She is using it as a weapon and she's heading this way now. If we don't work together and hit him with everything we have, he's going to destroy us all." Raja ranted. She breathed heavily while keeping her eyes trained on Zero. He smiles and places his hand on Raja's shoulder.
"If we kill you now, Shao Kahn may grant us mercy. Kitana, however, will not. We will help you, as long as Kotal Kahn gives us a voice at the table," Zero responded. Raja nods before turning her attention to D'Vorah. She taps on her hand as she passes by her. D'Vorah hid her smiles behind her hood as she walked towards the entrance. Lui Kang and Kung Lao walk behind Raja. As they moved further away, Lui Kang cleared his throat.
"This realm's affairs may mean nothing to us, but we cannot ignore Kotal's actions towards them once this battle ends," he whispered.
"I'll give you both a call as long as you come. I enjoy the company of you Earthrealmers."
"You said you were here as far back as Onaga's rule. Exactly how old are you?" Kung Lao asked.
"You would be a fool to think I'd know the answer. But I do know your ancestry beyond that of the Great Kung Lao," she teased.
"He will be ok not knowing," Lui Kang joked as he jabbed Kung Lao's shoulder.
"Do not speak for me," he responded. Raja laughed at the two before wrapping her arms around them both.
"If I die today, I die a happy woman. I'm glad to have been able to see you both in the flesh, and I hope we continue to see each other after. Should Vaeternus be separated from Outworld, you two will always be welcomed there."
End of Chapter 28
(Upcoming—Requiem of the Golden Witch)