Chapter One
Temple of Azazel, Somewhere in the Middle East
Eight Months Earlier...
The Realm of Earth was littered with all kinds of places, each one unique from the other. Some spots were filled with millions of people packed into one city. Others lived in either suburban lands or small towns... sometimes even in the middle of nowhere. Few places were completely devoid of life, like the area surrounding the Temple of Azazel. The closest village from here was just over five miles away.
It was the perfect place for Quan Chi and his minions to operate.
Just merely two months ago, Quan Chi had used a portal to escape a battle in Outworld and ended up finding this place after wandering aimlessly through the surrounding desert. Even now, he still remembered it as though it happened only yesterday...
Quan Chi stopped where he was as he gazed at his surroundings. The place looked abandoned, but clearly not all that long from what he can tell. Four statues that were very similar to the one of Anubis stood tall, two on the right and two on the left. They were either in perfect condition or mostly damage from being exposed to the elements for, what he guessed, thousands of years. Past the statues, rows of pillars, stacked neatly in two rows, led to another set of steps in front of the wide walkway that laid in between. At the top of those stairs was a door that led into a tall building that was most likely a temple.
Naturally, Quan Chi went straight towards the door, not stopping in his walk until he was standing right in front of the entrance.
On the door, Quan Chi noticed Egyptian writing carved into it. Using his magic, he brushed his hand over the words, which lit up in a bright green light after his fingers passed over them, translating the words into his mind.
Once he was done, a sadistic smirk came over his face. Through these words, Quan Chi discovered exactly what this place was...
It was the only time Quan Chi had managed to get close to the temple doors. Afterward, he would discover that the citizens of the only village within many miles from here acted as guardians of the temple, protecting it from outside threats... and with good reason.
The temple's doors told the story of what's inside, the words engraved in an old Egyptian language;
Here within lies Majin Seiryu Ki,
The Demon Rectifier, Azazel.
The vault must never be unsealed
as he will seek to destroy
all things in the universe.
Since then, Quan Chi has been using his sorcery to try to figure out more about the legend of Azazel... including how to open the door, despite the warning. He couldn't deny the fact that the power within had to be great if Azazel had the strength to destroy the realms if let out... power that could potentially be his if things go right. With the help of his minions, some who formerly served the now-deceased Outworld Emperor Shao Kahn, they built an encampment in a remote area, hidden from the villagers.
Being the new ruler of Outworld indeed had its benefits...
Quan Chi currently split his time between Outworld and Earthrealm. In Outworld, he had been spending most of his days establishing order since taking over the throne before the others who once served Shao Kahn had the chance. The group that managed to survive what Earthrealm dubbed as the Universal War ended up splitting in half as a result. Some, like Mavado and the Red Dragon clan, were willing to work with the new ruler. Others, like Baraka and his Tarkatan Militia, refused to serve under him. No matter... they would be taken care of in due time.
Two months after his discovery, Quan Chi decided to take some loyalists of the Brotherhood of Shadow with him to the temple. At first, their surroundings seemed clear as they walked by the tall pillars standing over either side of the walkway leading to the steps up to the entrance.
However, Quan Chi knew better... because it was at night when the guardians were most present. So, it was no surprise when ten of them came out of hiding, each of them holding a weapon or two in their hands. They immediately surrounded the necromancer and the shadow warriors in a full circle, stopping them in their tracks before they reached the stairs.
This amused him greatly. Clearly, they were unaware of who he was and what he could do to them in just a quick instant...
"I knew we'd run into each other sooner or later," a female voice behind him spoke up with authority. "You've caused nothing but trouble since your arrival two months ago."
A low, dark laugh rumbled in Quan Chi's throat before he turned to face the owner of the voice. The young woman stared at him with her dark eyes in defiance, her hands each clutching on to a long dagger. Her black hair was neatly tied into a bun on the left side of her head. A gold halter top and matching fingerless gloves were adorned with golden jewelry including a pair of bracelets on each wrist and a red cloth covering her neck. A red skirt matched that cloth, and she wore a pair of white capris underneath. On her feet were a pair of black slippers, each with a amethyst jewel placed upon the head of straps shaped out to look like a spider.
A smirk came over Quan Chi's face. "Indeed it was only matter of time before we came face to face... Zafina."
To no surprise, Zafina's eyes widened momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure. "How did you know my name?!" she demanded to know.
"It doesn't take long to figure out who the primary guardian of the temple is when there are not many of you in your village to begin with," the necromancer mentioned.
Still, Zafina knew why Quan Chi was here. "If you plan to try to open that door, you're making a big mistake."
Quan Chi narrowed his red eyes at her. "Are you so certain of that?"
"I'm sure you saw the warning on the door," Zafina said. "I saw you approach this place two months ago in broad daylight, using your sorcery to try to pry the door open. That's how my village knows of your presence."
"A simple warning on a door might deter a mere mortal... but I'm sure you figured out by now that I'm far from one."
"Indeed," Zafina nodded, gazing at the necromancer's paper-white skin. "No one is naturally that pale unless they were dead... or a demon for that matter."
The young woman straightened herself up from her defense stance, but still held her daggers firmly as a precaution. "Still... even the best sorcery in the universe will not pry that door open. Even I don't know how to open it."
Quan Chi smirked sadistically. "I'm sure there is a way... one of us will find out sooner or later."
"Perhaps... but until then, it's best that you leave this place. I do suggest, for your own benefit, that you never return."
A dark laugh escaped Quan Chi's lips. "You truly do not know who I am, do you?"
"You're a demon who plans to open the temple doors... that's enough for me."
Quan Chi folded his arms in front of his chest. "I am Quan Chi, Ruler of Outworld, an immortal of the Netherrealm. Fighting someone like me would only lead you to your slaughter."
It was Zafina's turn to smirk. "I'm sure of that... but the guardians and I fighting you is not what you should be concerned about. What you should be concerned about is what's inside the doors behind us. Azazel is known to be the rectifier of all things... he will destroy everything and everyone in his way. He does not discriminate... not even an immortal such as you."
"I expect no less from one with a distinguished title," Quan Chi mentioned. "Especially from one as old and ancient as your realm. But there is one thing you may want to keep in mind, Zafina; things have a way of... presenting the precise opportunity for one to conquer."
The young woman narrowed her eyes at the necromancer. "You act as though you are so sure that you will defy the odds if Azazel ever becomes unleashed. I've already warned you, not even an immortal like you can stop him. You are a fool if you think otherwise."
"If there is one thing I have learned over the years," Quan Chi began. "Is that even the strongest and most powerful can be defeated. I'll even be generous enough to give you a very recent example... have you ever heard of Shao Kahn?"
Zafina frowned a little. "Only that he caused the Universal War."
The necromancer proceeded. "For thousands of years, before my recent... ascension, he ruled Outworld with an iron fist. He conquered realms and merged them with his own through a tournament called Mortal Kombat. Some years ago, that almost happened to Earth, but the one known as Liu Kang stopped him before that could happen. Still, Kahn did not die even then... it took an old Earth legend, and four mortals connected to it, to defeat him once and for all.
"So... here was a mighty Emperor, all powerful and practically undefeated even after facing the Shaolin monk, a respected champion who earned the graces of the Elder Gods in his victory. And yet, it turns out that the one sure way to defeat him was not Earth's champion, but a legend that even Shao Kahn didn't know about until nearly up to his demise... as well as the four mortals connected to it.
"The point that I am trying to make, Zafina, is that even the most powerful have a way to be defeated. As for Azazel, I plan to find out how, one way or another."
Zafina narrowed her eyes at him. "Then it is clear enough that you will not heed my words despite warning you of the implications of opening this temple door. All I can say at this point is... be careful what you wish for. You may regret it."
Quan Chi laughed darkly in response. He then began to turn around and motioned his shadowed warriors to follow him. "Don't think that I have completely disregarded your warning... either way, I will let you and your guardians live tonight. However, if you get in my way again, the results will be... different. That is my warning to you."
Zafina and her fellow guardians could only watch on as their enemies departed the temple... for now.
In a tall building, two men faced each other, one clearly younger than the other. Glaring at each other with malice, they charged at each other, fists drawn back. When within arm's reach, both went in for a punch... only for the both of them to move their heads away before their opponent's fist connected.
Somewhere, somehow, glass shattered into countless pieces and began to rain down on them, but neither cared. The expression of the younger fighter was that of hate, anger, and determination to destroy his opponent. That opponent however, hinted at his own thoughts, and there was only one word to describe it... amusement.
Pulling back briefly, the two went in for another punch, both move in the same, quick fluid motion.
Suddenly, the scenery changed with everything going black for just a brief moment. Then, a soft blue light began to glow, revealing large icicles surrounding a shadow with barely seen red eyes. One of the icicles was impaled through it's chest, but that did not seem to matter as it began to struggle against its shackles. Then, it opened it's large mouth before unleashing a ear-piercing, demonic howl...
Present Day
Zafina gasped as she woke up from her slumber, the visions she just foresaw too real to her. For a moment, she took some deep breaths to calm her nerves, feeling a cold sheen of sweet cover her tanned skin. Soon, she calmed herself before sitting up in her bed, pushing the sheets she slept in away before swinging her legs over the side of her bed. Bowing her head a little, she rubbed her temples with the tip of her fingers as she though about the nightmare she had moments ago.
The dreams and visions are getting worse the more times passes, Zafina thought to herself with a frown. Especially in the last three months. Something is going to happen soon...
She immediately decided what she was going to do this morning – visit her village's Guru for advice on what to do about what she's been seeing lately.
For the next hour, Zafina got herself ready with a quick bath, dressing and grooming herself, and eating a small breakfast before leaving her small home and heading into the streets of her village. She immediately felt the dry heat, somewhere in the mid-eighties Fahrenheit, she guessed, but considering that it was the spring season, it was bearable compared to the summer's hot temperatures.
The village itself was fairly small. The streets were narrow enough for only one car to fit through, though they usually tend to be taken over by market vendors and pedestrians instead. All the homes and buildings here were made of sun-baked mud brick and limestone and have clearly withstood the test of time. Mostly surrounded by the sands of the desert and settled next to a small river, the only greenery here were a few palm trees that were scattered here and there throughout the streets.
The Guru only lived a couple of blocks from her home, so it wouldn't take long for Zafina to arrive there. He was usually home for most of the day since many of the villagers here visited him everyday seeking advice on various subjects, so she was confident that he would be there.
At one point, Zafina noted a man in his mid-forties sitting in his chair next to a vendor cart filled with handmade jewelry and trinkets. He sat in his chair with two objects in his hand; a piece of wood, and a whittling knife to carve the wood with. It was hard to tell what he was trying to make since it looked as though he just began a new project.
However, that wasn't exactly what caught Zafina's attention. In front of the man was an small, colored television that was clearly about thirty years old, and which had just enough reception to only cause a small static on the screen playing the news. The volume was high enough for Zafina to hear what the male news anchor was saying;
"As the war with Mishima Zaibatsu wages on, people begin to wonder if there is any hope to see an end. However, hope continues to shine due to the efforts of rival company, G-Corporation. Tonight, G-Corporation's CEO, who's identity still remains a mystery, will be addressing a new strategy on what can be done about the Mishima Zaibatsu and it's CEO, Jin Kazama, at the company's worldwide meeting with colleagues at a dinner conference in an undisclosed location. No matter what is announced tonight, let us hope that it will be the beginning of the end of this three-month long war."
Realizing the time line of when the current war started, Zafina couldn't help but wonder... did this war have anything to do with the increasing intensity of her visions in the last three months? And considering the last part of her dream from this morning – the icicles, the red eyes, the demonic howl... she knew that was Azazel... does this war have any connections to the demon rectifier?
No... it can't be, Zafina thought, feeling doubtful.
Then again, she can't help but wonder, especially with Quan Chi and his minions' attempt to meddle with it for the last year. There were members of the Manji Clan and a few random scavengers, hanging around the temple grounds as well. The latter, of course, were much more troublesome, but the former had been very helpful to Zafina and her people.
The Manji Clan arrived here not long after her confrontation with Quan Chi months ago, seeking to assist. Despite claiming that their leader, Yoshimitsu, had enough basic knowledge on Azazel and his temple to know the dangers of opening its doors (meaning someone, either him or another clan member, got close enough to read the door's message at some point), Zafina and the guardians didn't trust them right away. At the time, she only knew their reputation as thieves.
That lack of trust didn't last too long, however. Yoshimitsu himself had arrived to check on things, and he spoke with both Zafina and The Guru. That meeting reassured them both that the clan were truly here to help them, especially when their leader revealed that, aside from The Four (the nickname for the four mortals who were part of the Ano Sentaku Bou legend that saw the ultimate end to the Universal War... the one Quan Chi told her about), the clan had been a huge help in fighting against their enemies the Universal War.
From the few stories Yoshimitsu told, Zafina realized that the clan were much more honorable than she gave them credit for. In the long-run, she was glad for the extra protection the clan was provided against Quan Chi and his followers. Zafina figured that the new Outworld Emperor and his minions were not going to be easy to fight, especially considering the demonic energy the sorcerer gave off the day she came face to face.
Zafina remembered telling Yoshimitsu of that meeting. The first thing he said to her when she finished her tale was, "You're very lucky to still be alive after that. Most of Quan Chi's enemies do not survive any encounters with him. There must be a reason he spared you."
Even now, she wondered why Quan Chi let her live that night. Even her abilities couldn't figure out the demon's decision.
Between Zafina and her guardians as well as the Manji Clan who stayed to help guard the temple, their were able to hold off against their foes for months. Despite their strong fighters and numbers, they were not without casualties. Though they would chase off their enemies from going near the temple nearly every night, it seemed like someone would die at some point whenever they fought against the shadowed warriors. A good chunk were Manji clan, but some were also guardians, some who Zafina knew since she was a child.
Zafina and her allies knew that, someday, their luck would completely run out. The possibility of all of them being slaughtered one night hung over their heads each time they guarded the temple.
Just this week, a dome-like building suddenly appeared in the desert about ten miles west from the village, and northwest from the temple's location. Everyone knew it wasn't a good sign, and they guessed that it belonged to Quan Chi. It was confirmed to be his when one Manji Clan member survived an ambush initiated by the shadowed warriors within the building. That was when everyone knew that time was running out. Eventually, Quan Chi and his foes would overtake them all, and that was whether or not he found a way to unseal the temple and unleash Azazel upon the universe.
With the amount of bad omens she's been seeing in her visions lately, Zafina wouldn't be surprised if that happened in the future.
Shaking the thoughts from her head, Zafina turned away from the television before proceeding forward towards The Guru's home.
Ten minutes later, she reached the door to a small home. Going up the two steps, she was just about to knock when it suddenly opened. Zafina was surprised at first, at least until she saw the grim look on The Guru's deep-tanned face. That look seemed to produce more lines than he already had from old age. Even with the warm weather, he still wore a long, heavy gray tunic robe which fell to his ankles. A gray and red stripped turban adorned his head, and his face contain white bushy eyebrows and a beard that hung just a few inches past his chin. His brown eyes gave away his concern, Zafina realized. She usually came to him when she sought advice during dire circumstances, and even that was rare, so she was used to see this.
"I saw you come up from the the window," The Guru said, confirming Zafina why he opened the door before she could knock. "How are you this morning?"
Zafina frowned a little. "To be honest, not so well. I have much to talk about and I was hoping that you may provide me with some advice."
"I thought you looked trouble. Come inside, child. We'll talk in the back."
Zafina went inside the small home before closing the door behind her. She then followed The Guru, who walked with a wooden cane to support himself, through a hallway before entering a room with various trinkets and artifacts. A low table was placed in the middle of the room in between two very large pillows covered in crimson colored sheets made of velvet. Zafina settled on one pillow that laid on the floor while The Guru sat in the other, which was in a large chair. Zafina remembered a time when that pillow used to be on the floor, but considering the elder's age and limited mobility these days, settling in a chair took less effort than on the floor, especially when it came time to stand up.
"Now," The Guru began once he was settled. "What advice do you seek today?"
The young woman did not hesitate to tell him everything; her dreams and visions, the feeling of a bad omen, and the possible connection to the current way due to the time line of its increasing intensity. She noticed that, especially during the mention of her dreams involving Azazel, The Guru gave off a strange look, one that the young woman could only describe as dread. Still, she pushed on with her explanation.
There was a long silence in between them once Zafina finished talking. The Guru seemed a bit puzzled as he tried to figure out what kind of advice to give her. The longer time went, the more worried Zafina was, wondering if for the first time, he had no answer to give.
Finally, with the help of his cane, the old man stood up from his chair. "Forgive my silence, but I was pondering over something I've been thinking about for quite some time. I... wanted to hold off on something I've been wanting to share with you until we reached a time when I felt that you were ready to hear it. However, with these visions you've been having, as well as this war growing worse with each day, I've come to realize that I can't withhold this information from you any longer. The time has come."
Zafina was confused, but she patiently waited as The Guru slowly trekked over to a wall located to her right. Specifically, he went to an old dresser made of oak with all the draws containing locks. The old man took out a single key from the pocket of his robes before proceeding.
"For centuries, our people have served to guard the temple from intruders. All of us know what will happen if that door is ever unsealed; it will bring about death and destruction amongst the universe... even more so than the Universal War had. We were lucky the last war didn't reach this general area... if all fails, however, we won't be that lucky again... no one will."
The Guru unlocked the middle draw of the dress, removing the lock before pulling the draw back. Leaning his cane against a wall, he took out the only object within; a long, black box which Zafina realized, despite being plain-looking, was perhaps centuries old judging by the scruffs and ancient Egyptian inscriptions etched in on top of it.
The old man began to speak again as he walked back to where the young woman sat. "You've always been told all your life how special you are, child. But I don't think you've truly comprehended exactly how much. You were born with a spiritual gift blessed only by few in our village. Your were taught the skills needed to protect your people as well as the temple, and even as an adolescent, you've always used your knowledge to your full advantage. You are wise beyond your young age. But more importantly, you are the most trusted member of our clan.
"That is why I've decided to give you a piece of information vital to the temple that has only been passed down to few over the centuries. Until a few minutes from now, I've been the only one with this knowledge. It is only wise that I pass this along to the most trusted guardian of the temple before my time ends."
The Guru placed the box on the table before moving to settle himself in his chair again. Once he was relaxed, Zafina listened with patience as he gave her the rare information about the temple.
"I will not lie... it will not be long before Azazel awakens within the temple. You mentioned how your visions became worse within the last three months and that it may be connected to this current war. I'm afraid, my child, that it's all true. The demon and the war have a connection."
Zafina frowned at that revelation. "So this isn't just a coincidence..."
"Indeed," The Guru nodded. "And there's a reason this war in particular is stirring Azazel awake... it has to do with the prophecy of the two evil stars. It is said that when two evil stars fight each other for so long, their demonic energies, caused by something in their genes... even history hasn't confirmed the full notion of that... they will eventually awaken Azazel fully."
Zafina knew right away who these 'evil stars' were; Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima, the two main focuses on this war... the instigator and the savior, as some nicknamed them respectfully. It made sense to her, especially since it was they who appeared in her dream this morning. In the back of her mind, she could still clearly see the determined look on Jin's face and the amusement on Kazuya's.
Speaking of Kazuya, though the world believed that G-Corporation's CEO was a mystery, she knew that the title belonged to Kazuya Mishima. It made the most sense to her considering all of her visions in the last three months.
"I'm sending you on a journey to stop these evil stars," The Guru suddenly said. "Though this information I shared with you today was only supposed to be known by a few, I feel that, if shared with more trusted allies, you will not fight this battle alone. I know working alone is what you do best, but in dire times such as these, I believe gathering allies to fight alongside you to stop the evil stars is the best way to begin. Perhaps, if we're lucky, you may find out who The Four were and have them join you."
Zafina smiled a little. "I'm sure I could've figured out their identities at some point if it wasn't for all the bad visions I've been receiving lately. However, I do wonder if the Manji clan's leader has any knowledge of them since he mentioned being in Outworld the day the last war ended."
"He may," The Guru said. "But considering how much he travels, Yoshimitsu may be hard to contact. All I can advise right now is that you travel to the far east... there, at least one evil star will be located.
"In the meantime, I have something for you. The box on the table... open it."
Zafina stared down at the box for a moment before opening it. Inside were a pair of tanto blades, each one with a handle wrapped in black leather straps. At the end of them were the head of a golden jackal, each wearing the gold and blue stripped headdress that fell to their jawline.
"These tantos were forged centuries ago by our ancestors. They function as combat weapons, of course, but they hold the most hidden secret of The Temple of Azazel... they serve as the keys to unsealing the doors."
The young woman was shocked to learn this. All this time, like many in her clan, there had been no way to unseal the temple. The Guru had kept this secret all this time until now. But at the same time, she understood why these weapons were kept from the rest of the villagers... even though the clan were trusted in protecting the temple, there was still the potential that someone, no matter how honorable they were, would give that information away under the threat of death if anyone was looking for a way to open the doors, like Quan Chi.
Though she was honored to be given these special weapons, Zafina still had a couple of questions. "I appreciate your trust in me... but why give these to me, especially now when the temple is more vulnerable to our enemies than ever? Surely they'll find these if they don't remain hidden from sight."
"Because what better way to keep these keys safe is to take them with you through your travels?" the old man said. "Inevitably, Quan Chi and his men will raid our village in an attempt to find a way to unlock the temple. The Manji clan have protected us all this time, but I am afraid that this is nothing more than borrowed time. Someday, they will break through our defenses. The tantos are deceiving, and without being told, I'm sure they wouldn't figure out the truth behind them. But despite that, it is not a risk I'm willing to take. That is why, while you are traveling, I am placing them in your care. Sometimes, placing something in the open is the best way to hide them, especially objects as important as these are."
Zafina nodded, agreeing with The Guru's plan. Still, she was a bit weary. "Aside from trying to find The Four, I'm still not quite sure where to begin in my journey."
The Guru gave her a knowing smile. "Now that is a question you must seek for yourself. I believe that you will know what to do by tonight.
"There is one last thing... if this war grows worse, so will the power of Azazel. The more powerful he grows, the worse the outcome will be when he escapes. If he reaches his full power before the seal of the temple is broken, the damage will be catastrophic when he is unleashed. With that in mind, in the future, if things become truly desperate, and you are fully prepared for the battle inside, then you may use the keys to unlock the temple in order to stop Azazel. Even at his weak state, unsealing the door is pointless and unnecessary, but if he becomes too powerful, even the mightiest warriors may not be able to stop him. There needs to be a right balance involved before those doors open. I'm sure you'll know when that moment comes, which I hope doesn't. Either way, I trust that you'll use the right kind of judgment when it comes to such a decision."
Zafina gave The Guru a respectful nod in response.
When the sun set that evening, it turned out that The Guru was correct. Upon looking at her crystal ball back in her home, Zafina got an answer. The magical orb showed her the face of a Shaolin monk named Liu Kang, the Champion of Mortal Kombat. She remembered when Quan Chi had mentioned him during their confrontation months again, but Zafina hadn't truly realized the hero's significance until now.
There was only one problem, however... last she heard, upon reading up about the man the day after her conversation with the sorcerer, Liu Kang was dead. Still, the crystal ball gave her a clue on where to start, and perhaps it'll explain why Liu Kang was mentioned. It suggested a particular spot in western China. The place? The Wu Shi Academy located on the grounds of one of the Shaolin Temples in that area.
The next day, Zafina began her journey to stop the new threat against the universe.