Chapter 11: Memories of the Fallen
Three Years Ago, Netherrealm
The Revenants waited with varying degrees of patience at the fortress in thr Netherrealm. Their numbers were not whole, but they stood strong and ready for whatever they faced next. The crackling of mystical energies alerted them to a portal being opened near them.
Deferring to their vice-commander Liu Kang, they waited until he gave a nod of approval for them to approach. Once he did, they stood ready and watched as Quan Chi emerged from the portal along with the former SF Major, Jackson Briggs and former Lin Kuei Smoke, who had gone by the name Enenra.
"You have returned, master," Liu Kang acknowledged with a nod of deference. Quan Chi merely shrugged as he looked at the Revenants present. "I trust that your little experiment of our ally worked out?
"His cybernetics hindered my hold over his soul, that is where I gave him a new body.",the Sorcerer exclaimed.
"Where is Sub-Zero now?", Kung Lao asked just as they heard footsteps along the way, before it revealed the former Lin Kuei Cyborg, who was adjusting his new Revenant attire with ice breathing out his mask once more.
"He's no longer a Cyborg", Quan Chi remarked as the former Lin Kuei joined the group as Liu Kang and the rest watched him in caution. "His so-called upgrades from his brethren only hindered his ability and my control, so to speak, so I took care of it. I trust you will work with him from now on", he spoke as the Revenant Cryomancer gave a nod to Enenra and to the former SF Major.
"Any word on Jade, yet?", Quan Chi inquired as Kung Lao spoke on Liu Kang's behalf.
"Nothing at the sorts yet, Master", Kung Lao exclaimed."The scouts we sent all over the Netherrealm have returned empty-handed, and I highly doubt that she has found the artifact belonging to Lucifer"
"A temporary setback", Quan Chi shrugged while earning a small glare from Kitana, who was angry at his disregard of the loss of her best friend and bodyguard. "Her own disappearance will not hinder our plan in restoring Lord Shinnok"
"If so, when will the Netherrealm's invasion commence?", Sindel inquired just as their forces are steadily increasing since Shao Kahn's failed invasion of Earthrealm.
"In due time, Sindel. For now, we are to strenghten our ranks, and while the invasion lasts should it happen, that is where we will restore Lord Shinnok", Quan Chi replied as the other Revenants nodded in agreement.
"But we will have to deal with Cage, Blade, Takahashi, and...him", Liu Kang said with a hint of anger towards the Thunder God, his vengeance being his top priority while keeping his loyalty to Quan Chi.
"I hear you, brother", Kung Lao seconded as he walked beside the fallen Champion. "He knew that Shao Kahn would kill me but did nothing, just to take the glory for himself", the former Shaolin growled out.
Quam Chi smirked, knowing too well that promises of vengeance will keep them at his leash, for now at least. Kitana later stepped forward to the sorcerer.
"Shall I lead the search for Jade?", she asked, hoping to find her best friend and bring her back but when she looked at the Sorcerer, he does not seem to be fazed of the disappearance of his follower.
Quan Chi originally assigned Jade to find and retrieve an artifact that belonged to the Netherrealm's first ruler before Shinnok took over but overtime, they were cut off. Of course, Kitana was distraught of her sudden disappearance and was becoming more and more impatient overtime. Not even bonding times with Sindel helped, and Liu Kang paid no mind to her as his sole focus waa getting revenge on Raiden.
But before she could say further about the topic, the Matokan Shaman Nightwolf cut her off.
"Master", Nightwolf inquired as he approached Quan Chi by the side. "I think it would be advantageous to divide our forces as seperate teams of two in order to prevent losses such as we had on Jade", the Matokan Shaman exclaimed. "I am confident that two Revenants in one group will suffice in any task given and that it will be easier for us to help restore Lord Shinnok in some way"
Quan Chi cupped his chin in deep thought of Nightwolf's suggestion. Further losses would lead to more difficulties of their plans, Quan Chi couldn't find anymore suitable warriors that could be used as slaves other than the three remaining Earthrealm fighters who were allied with Raiden.
"A suitable option, Nightwolf", Quan Chi remarked. "Regardless of who we lost now, we will continue on of our plans on restoring Lord Shinnok and the invasion on Earthrealm. The search for our missing comrade would wait until the deed is done", he said as the others nodded, but one person was not so approving.
"You can't be serious!", Kitana protested, earning her a few glares from her Revenant comrades for her behaviour. "If we don't find her now, maybe will never be able to!"
Quan Chi shrugged and sighed in annoyance. "And your point? Your attachments hinder your servitude to me, be thankful that I allowed any emotion on every one of you"
"But-!", she said before she was cut off when a blue glowing orb neared her face.
"Princess", Sub-Zero said in a grave voice with an ice orb in hand. "Stand down or pain will be cold as your death"
Kitana wanted to protest further and even wanted to gut the Lin Kuei for his inteference, but she backed down accordingly, knowing all will be against her if she continued to speak out against Quan Chi. The others gave her a scowl for her behaviour while she glared at the Lin Kuei.
"My thanks, Sub-Zero", Quan Chi said in a mock of gratitude. "He had more heart than you.", he said before shifting his attention to the rest of the Revenants. "Dismissed"
The Revenants dispersed as Sub-Zero went to Enenra while Liu Kang opt to go with Kung Lao, leaving Kitana behind as she silently mourned the disappearance of her best friend."
Present Day, Sky Temple
"Man, knowing Quan Chi is a dick, he sure does has his way on being a control freak", Johnny remarked as Kitana nodded.
"The bastard is the reason why Jax was in PTSD right now, along with several good men that are still under his control", Sonya remarked in anger towards the Sorcerer while Kitana could not help but agree to her point.
"But other than that, you do miss your friend, do you?", Johnny asked solemnly as Kitana nodded in sadness, she began to lightly sob, knowing her friend is lost forever. "Oh no wait! I-I didn't mean to-!"
Sonya sighed as she handed Kitana a handkerchief, knowing that Jade had been with her for thousands of years, being slaves to Shao Kahn and later to Quan Chi. Her initial remarks towards her earlier, was replaced by pity and sympathy, as she can relate on how she lost several of her friends, including Jax before he was restored.
"It's alright, Johnny", she said as she wiped her tears. "If anything, I just wish she had found peace at last in the afterlife."
Johnny shook his head as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well, you don't really have to continue, princess if that was too personal" he said.
Kitana shook her head, "No, I can still continue somehow, I just needed to re-adjusy", she said as she straightened herself.
"Whatever is your problem Princess, we'll do what we can to help you out", Johnny said solmenly as Sonya took a glance at him. Kitana gave a small smile at his declaration before she continued.
Three Years Ago, Netherrealm
Kitana walked among the lobby of the fortress as contemplated the possible loss of her best friend. Though never vocal about it, she resented Quan Chi for his little regard of Jade's disappearance though she knew that she couldn't do anything about it as opposing him would gavr her more problems than she already had.
She later heard groans and punches landed on another person in the courtyard, where the Revenants trained for the Netherrealm's invasion of Earthrealm. Moving closer, she saw the beaten forms of Stryker and Enenra, who were laid on the ground as Sub-Zero stood victoriously, giving them a mock glare as he dissolved the ice augmented into his fist with Nightwolf serving as the referee.
"What is to be going on here?", she asked the Matokan Shaman.
"Master has task us in testing Sub-Zero's new body by having him fight our fellow brethren, and I will not deny his fighting ability. His new body created by Quan Chi allowed him to harness his full potential at best", Nightwolf exclaimed as Kitana seemed to be unfazed by his explanation.
"An accurate analysis, Nightwolf", Quan Chi remarked as he walked towards them after observing the battle. They all bowed at his presence though Stryker and Enenra struggled in doing so due to the wounds Sub-Zero has inflicted them. "His new body, his cryomancy amplified by my magic made him a formidable warrior though I'm still unconvinced at his performance."
Raising an eyebrow, "You wish to test him further?", Nightwolf asked.
Nodding, with a flicker of his hand, two figures appeared on the courtyard. One appeared in a burst of flames and another in a blue flash. Kitana seemed unimpressed as she knew that whatever test Sub-Zero will be having next won't be an easy one. Liu Kang stood after he knelt with a question in hand.
"Your call, Master?", the fallen Champion asked as Quan Chi smirked. He turned to Sub-Zero, who was not intimidated at seeing two of Quan Chi's strongest Revenants.
"You will face Liu Kang…" The sorcerer announced, and the fallen champion balled his fist as it ignited and chuckled, silently alerting the Cryomancer that he already lost their battle.
"…and Kung Lao."
Kuai Liang noticed Liu Kang's less-than-enthused expression when he found out he would have to fight alongside his best friend. Behind him, Nightwolf's facial features writhed as he worried about the safety of his ally during this handicap match while Kitana smirked behind her mask, wanting to see the Lin Kuei being humiliated by his defeat for his interference the other day. Regardless, Quan Chi's countenance remained confident knowing that Sub-Zero could take on both former Shaolin in kombat.
"No Lin Kuei can best the Shaolin's finest," Kung Lao declared as he readied his body in a fighting stance, hoping his insult would kindle Sub-Zero's ire and mentally distract him so they could get the upper hand during the battle.
Smirking while also going on a fighting stance, Liu Kang readied himself, "Onthat, I'll have to agree."
Sub-Zero remained unfazed at their declaration, as he balled his fist, crushing somr ice beneath it. "Your arrogance is what snapped your neck", he shot back as Kung Lao glared at him not before the Cryomancer glanced at the fallen Champion. "And it's the lack of trust of your own ally's abilities that burned you by your own flames", he shot back as Liu Kang's rage began to take over him.
With a hand signal from Nightwolf, he shouted, "Begin!", as the Revenant Cryomancer stood defensively at the Revenant Shaolin.
AN:
Took a lot but still kicking. This ends part 1, and we will continue until the assault on Quan Chi's fortress at part 2. I also gave an explanation on Jade's lack of appearance at MKX and an insight on how the Revenants were.
