A/N: Sorry for the wait on this chapter. I admit, the new Mortal Kombat X game took over my life for a bit there (despite some flaws, I love it!). For the month of May, updates will still be a bit on the slow side, but I should be back in full swing in June. Thank you for your patience.
Chapter Seven
Hong Kong, China
A young man was walking through an alleyway in the evening. Though he knew trekking through there was dangerous, it was the best shortcut for him to take after a long day at the mechanic shop he worked at. With his hands in the pockets of his navy blue coveralls, he stayed alert in his surroundings as a safety precaution.
In the distance, he could hear the cars honking in a nearby street. In the distance, an ambulance siren was blaring, but it seemed to be going further and further away with each passing second. Other than those noises, the area he was in was quiet... as a matter of fact, it was a little too quiet for his own taste.
Suddenly, the man thought he saw a few shadows on the brick walls in the alley. He stopped for a moment and immediately gazed at his surroundings just to be sure. When nothing happened, however, he deemed it as only his imagine before he continued walking forward.
However, he was only able to go seven more feet before he suddenly surrounding by five men. None of them wore anything that indicated that they were part of a gang. More than likely, they were just a couple of street thugs looking for steal money from anyone who walked by them.
"Great..." the young man mumbled.
"Give us your money," one thug demanded. "And maybe we'll think about not killing you and ditching your corpse into a dumpster."
"All right then," the man said as he got into his Jeet Kune Do fighting pose. "But first, allow me to make you work for it."
The men immediately got what he was asking for. One of them, who stood just above six feet tall, stepped forward first. Quickly getting close, the gang member threw in some various punches and kicks at the young man, who dodged and moved away from them with ease. He waited until the precise moment when his enemies maneuvers ended up leaving himself wide open. Once he saw it, the young man yelled out in a high-pitch battle cry as he landed multiple kicks into the man's chest and face. It was the last kick to the face that only rendered him unconscious, but also knocked the man back into a group of garbage bags.
The second of the five approached right after. He aimed for a punch, but the young man moved himself quickly so that he grabbed his enemy into an arm lock from behind him, pulling on the limb enough to make it hurt, but not break it. Still, the gang member screamed as though his arm actually was broken. At the same time, another of the enemies tried to come up from behind, but the young man already knew he was approaching by his loud footsteps. With his free arm, the young man punched him multiple times with the back of his fist before the enemy was finally knocked away with a broken, bleeding nose. He then took the opponent he was holding and spun his arm to make him somersault in mid-air before he landed on his back. Then with another loud battle cry, the young man kneeled down and landed a fist into the man's head, knocking him out cold.
At that point, the man with the broken nose had taken out a nunchaku and attempted to attack the young man with it. However, he was more prepared than the gang member realize the second he swung the weapon at his head. With quick speed, the lone fighter managed to grab for the weapon and actually pull it out of his hands. Before the enemy could comprehend what just happened, a kick to the face send him flying against the brick, the impact blacking him out.
That left two others thugs for him to attend to. Holding the nunchaku, he quickly swung them around his body in quick succession with flawless effort, letting out a battle cry here and there after few seconds. This seemed to last for some time before he left the weapon hand over his shoulder with his free arm stretched out. He waved his fingers back and forth, beckoning the thugs to make their move.
The maneuvers clearly intimidated the two men by the fearful look on their faces. Still, it didn't stop them from running forward to attack. The young man used his hand holding the nunchaku to back-punch the one who approached from behind, causing him to stumble back. He then swung the weapon into the head of the second, bringing him down for the count. The last remaining thug wounded up being kicked in the face multiple times before the last one sent him flying into a nearby wall before collapsing into a heap. He was still away even after that, but considering how dazed he was, it was going to be a while before he got back up.
The man gazed around as he saw all five of his enemies down on the ground either unconscious or hurting too much to get back up. He couldn't help but smile a little. "Guess you couldn't earn your keep after all," he said to them.
The scene suddenly stopped as though someone pressed the pause button on the remote control...
"Aaand that's a wrap," called out a voice. Sitting down on a couch in his high-rise condo, the owner of the voice gazed at the television in front of him with a scene currently on pause. On the scene was a scene of a dark alleyway with the face of a young, Chinese man on the screen... the man on the couch happened to be looking at himself on that shot.
"Unfortunately, that's the most we're going to get on film until this new war is over," the man said aloud.
"Shame," said another person who was sitting next to him. "We've been trying to film War On the Universe for almost a year, and it's not getting off the ground like it should have by now. Imagine this someday -" He raised both hands up above his face as though looking at at picture. "I, Johnny Cage, and you, Fei Long... the two best martial arts actors in the world... together for the first time in an epic adventure of crime fighting and saving the universe at the same time. It's bound to be a hit."
"I'm not sure about that," said Fei Long. "Unlike you, I didn't win a Blueberry Award in the past..."
Johnny paused at that for a moment before placing his arms down and leaned back on the couch. "As I said in my acceptance speech... haters gonna hate."
"At least you have a good attitude about it," Fei Long pointed out.
"Ninja Mime did make me popular in France for a while," Johnny mentioned. "So it wasn't actually the worst film in the world as people claim it to be."
"If anything, about our movie production, it'll give us time to figure out a better plot."
"Perhaps we will." Johnny shook his lead a little. "You know, I was just thinking... you and I did good work protecting people during that war when we originally tried to film, Dragon and the Man here, I have no regrets about that, but... I feel like I could've done more in the actual war itself... maybe even be part of those group of heroes."
"How so?" Fei Long asked curiously.
Johnny adjusted the dark sunglasses that he wore over his blue eyes. "Funny thing... until my old buddy Liu Kang miraculously rose from the dead to ask us to attend this new Tournament to help fight against a new threat, it would've been really hard to explain this without sounding crazy, but anyway... remember that Blood Tournament from two years ago?"
"I remember it," Fei Long replied. "I was invited and wanted to attend, but unfortunately my contract while filming The Weeping Widow restricted me from going. At least that movie ended up being a smash hit after the Universal War. What about it?"
"I was invited too and would have gone," Johnny said. "But... the Earthrealm Protector before Liu Kang – Raiden – he asked me to watch over Earthrealm in case there were additional threats during his absence. The work I did was important... but at times, I wish I had been there in Outworld with everyone."
"Why so?"
Johnny frowned a little. "Someone I know who was actually there... I thought they had died at the time... but by the end of the Universal War, I learned that they were alive after all. I don't know the story behind it, and I haven't spoken to them since before it all happened. I always think to myself, if I had been there, maybe none of it would've happened... you know?"
Fei Long nodded. "I think so... but you can't let that linger over your head forever. It's not healthy. They're alive and that's what matters."
"Oh I know," Johnny said. "But it does pop up in the brain once in a while... can't be helped at times. But anyway, at least now from what Liu Kang told us, we'll both be helping out against this new threat. It also sounds like we'll be joining with the heroes of the Universal War. Maybe we'll get some inspiration for the plot of our movie based on that war if we enough stories out of them."
"Maybe," Fei Long said. "Either way, it should be fun despite why Liu Kang asked us to join in this fight against whatever this threat is... I mean... with the lack of information he gave us, it makes me wonder-"
"Trust me when I say this," Johnny began. "If someone like Liu Kang says there's a threat to the realms... then... there's definitely a threat to the realms, and it's not good."
Fei Long took a deep breath as he leaned his back against his couch. "Comforting..."
Los Angeles, California, USA
In a small community hospital, Juli was looking over a patient, a soldier in his thirties who had lost his left leg in the current war. It was around lunch time, and Juli had propped him up in his bed before presenting him with a bowl of chicken noodle soup with a side of bread on a tin tray.
"It's not perfect, but I can assure you that it's freshly made," Juli informed him. "Is there anything else you need while I'm here?"
"No, thank you," the soldier said genuinely. "You've been good to me ever since I came here. It's such a shame that you'll be leaving for Japan soon."
Juli managed to smile. "I know, and I enjoyed helping everyone here. But trust me when I say that it's for a good cause."
"I know. I wish you the best of luck."
Juli patted the patient's soldier. "Thank you... and in case I don't see you again after I return, I hope life treats you well from this point forward."
He simply smiled in response.
She chose that time to leave and headed out of the room. Once in the hallway, Juli saw one of the volunteers of the hospital just a few feet away as he left one of the other patient rooms. At the same time, a civilian was seen carrying a pekingese dog in a purse-like carrier. Seeing this, the man asked if he could pet the dog, and the civilian, who looked to be in a good mood to begin with, obliged.
The man petting the dog was Abel, a native of France with a seemingly mysterious past that even he didn't know about Guile and Wagner had met Abel around the time of the S.I.N. mission a few months ago through Chun Li, who was helping Abel with figuring out who he was due to her past Shadaloo investigations. Abel's first memory was being lost in an abandoned base that belonged to the now-defunct organization. He was rescued by a mysterious figure who he knew had since died... and that person was believed to be Charlie Nash as Abel once mentioned that Guile used the same fighting maneuvers as his savior once did.
After he helped to see the end of Shadaloo's last remaining branch, S.I.N., the only thing Abel could discover was that he was made as a Shadaloo 'doll,' but escaped the program somehow. Whether he was kidnapped and brainwashed or genetically engineered was another mystery in itself. Either way, he planned to get more answers someday.
In the meantime, as a form of thanks to Guile, Abel volunteered his services to the Air Force anyway he could. However, since this new war began, Abel had chosen to volunteer alongside Juli and Guile's wife, Jane, at the local hospital to assist those affected by this conflict.
He also planned to attend the upcoming Shikoken Tournament as another way to assist against this war.
Juli approached Abel just after the civilian with the dog continued moving through the hallway. "How was Ms. Garcia?" she asked him.
"Doing better," Abel replied. "She did ask if it was possible to get another pillow, something softer."
"Hopefully we received more in storage," Juli replied. "Ever since this war started, supplies have been scarce and used sparingly. Three months since it started and it feels like this war has been going for years."
"Well, hopefully you're right in that this upcoming tournament could lead to the war's end," Abel said. "As you said, Guile and Wagner's superiors are sending them to attend, too... so I imagine other military units will be there."
"I can definitely say that's true," Juli confirmed. "We have some allies from Special Forces as well as MI-6 who will be attending the tournament as well. I'm sure you'll get to meet them all once we're there next week."
Before Abel responded, Juli noticed someone approaching from the corner of her eye. Turning her head, she soon noticed Jane Guile approaching the two of them. Juli didn't missed the perplexed gazed in the older woman's eyes, and that made her frown with worry.
"Is something wrong?" the young brunette asked.
"...I hope not," Jane answered. "But let me ask you... what other assignments do you have right now?"
Juli gazed at the chart. "I just have to serve more soup for other patients. In a half hour, I'm due to give Mrs. Ryan in room 108 her pills. That's all I have for right now unless Dr. Whitney gives me another chart. Why?"
Jane frowned a little. "There's a man in waiting room 8 who asked to see you. I tried to tell him you were busy and to wait until your shift was over, but he insisted that he'd see you as soon as possible, saying that 'it's important.' He also mentioned that he came all the way from Mexico to see you."
That sparked something in Juli's mind from memories she did still have after she herself was brainwashed into serving Shadaloo. One of the few things she did remember was going with her father, a doctor, to Mexico to help provide the natives there with medical care, specifically a tribe.
Juli took a deep breath. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to see what this is all about. But I really should attend to the patients first-"
Jane grabbed Juli's chart from her hand before she finished her sentence. "I'll go ahead and take care of your assignments in the meantime since I've finished most of mine. And Abel, go with her just in case..."
Juli frowned. "He doesn't need to do that. You know I can take care of myself."
"I know," Jane replied. "But it would make me feel better. I should mention that whoever this man is... he's bigger than Sagat, and you and I both know that he's a very tall man to begin with."
That widened Juli's eyes like saucer plates. From what she remembered, Sagat was over seven feet tall and well-built. She couldn't even begin to imagine how much bigger this stranger was. "That big, huh?"
Jane nodded. "He doesn't seem like he's out to harm you, but I don't want to take any chances. Just let Abel go with you... please."
"I don't mind," Abel assured the young woman. "Jane is only looking out for your safety."
Finally, Juli sighed. "All right, if you insist."
"Thank you," Jane said with relief.
"Waiting Room 8, you said?"
The older woman nodded.
With that, Juli and Abel began heading down the hallway to take the elevator to the second floor, where that particular waiting room was located. Once inside, Abel spoke up. "Perhaps this is someone from your past?" he guessed.
"... It's possible," Juli replied. "Even with how shoddy my memory is due to the effects of the brainwashing, I actually do remember being in Mexico to help my father at one point. I've had dreams of a Native American quite a number of times before, so it does make me wonder..."
"There's a good chance that whoever is visiting you will give you the answers you've been looking for," Abel said.
Juli smiled at him sadly. "That day will come someday for you, Abel. As Wagner always told me... just give it some time."
"I know it will. Speaking of whom, did you talk to Wagner this morning?"
"I did," Juli replied. "He's doing fine, but he's really looking forward to meeting up with us at the tournament."
"I don't blame him," Abel agreed. "I'm sure it's tough out there with all this war that's going on out there."
By then, the elevator door open and the two stepped out and headed to the waiting room. It was only a few doors down, so it wasn't long before they reached it.
"I'll stand by the door," Abel offered.
"Thanks," Juli replied. She then stepped into the room, ready to face whoever was waiting for her.
Juli only took three steps before stopping in her tracks. Jane wasn't kidding about one thing... he was a very large man. Not only were his muscles thick, but even sitting down, he looked to tower just over seven in-a-half feet tall. Upon looking at his face, however, Juli quickly found that there was nothing to be afraid of. There was a frown on the stranger's face, and his brown eyes seemed to give away both sadness and longing with a hint of awe... it was as though he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
In the back of her mind, the man looked somewhat familiar to Juli... but she couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.
"Can I... help you?" she finally got herself to asked.
Somehow, that question made the man wince a little, but he answered with a soft voice nevertheless. "You don't... remember me, do you?"
Juli frowned at that. "I assume that you're someone I once knew from my past. I know bits and pieces of my time in Mexico with my father but... not very much. You'll have to forgive me... not all of my old memories have returned to me since I've been freed. They are coming back to me, but it's been a very, very slow process. I'm sorry. Perhaps if we talk, you might jog something in my memory."
She saw that small glimmer of hope in the man's eyes as she went to sit down in a chair across from him. "If I may ask," the man began. "How... long ago were you... freed?"
"Over two years now," Juli replied. "I was found after the organization, Shadaloo, was defunct. I was found here in the United States and was brought to a hospital in this city. I've been living here ever since."
"I see..." the stranger said quietly. "Do you remember much from your... last day before..."
Juli knew what she meant. "Somewhat. I know that I was helping my father with caring for a patient the day Shadaloo captured me... and I remember his murder clearly. I assume the trauma of it all... and knowing that it was the last thing that happened before everything went dark... it stuck with me because I remember it so clearly..."
"Dr. Taube was a good man," the man pointed out. "He was selfless to my people and gave more of himself than we can ask for."
Juli felt saddened for a moment upon hearing these good things about her father... but then her eyes widened at a sudden realization. "Taube? Is that my actual last name?"
The man nodded. "Your full name is Julia Taube. You once told me that Taube means 'dove' in the German language. My tribe gave you the name, 'Quiet Dove' all that time ago because you were a bit shy when you and your father first met. You were ten years old when you and your father first arrived at our home after your mother died. He dedicated the last six years of his life to helping my people, and you were there all through that time."
"I see... and... who are you?"
The man paused for a moment before answering. "My name is Thunder Hawk... or T. Hawk. I'm a member of the Thunderfoot Tribe, the tribe your father helped to provide medical care. There's..." He shuddered for a moment as though suddenly nervous, but he managed to calm himself before continuing. "There's a lot to discuss... but I realize that perhaps maybe I'm taking too much of your time right now... I should've waited until you were off like your co-worker suggested-"
"I appreciate that you came all the way out here to see me," Juli assured him, cutting him off. "I'm sure you have so many answers to the questions I've had for the last two years. My shift ends in three hours. If you can be patient until then, we can meet right back here in this room to talk more. Is that okay?"
T. Hawk seemed to agree with that with a nod. "That sounds like a plan. Three hours, you said?"
Juli nodded.
T. Hawk stood up from his chair... his height did make Juli just a little intimidated, but not fearful. "In that case, I'll see you later." And with that, he left.
Once he passed through the door, Abel peeked through it to look at the young woman. "That went fast."
"I told him to come back after my shift ends," Juli informed him. "It is someone from my past... only thing I found out so far was my full name and that I arrived in Mexico when I was ten years old... and his tribe called me, 'Quiet Dove.' Guess I can finally get rid of that 'Doe' I've had for the last two years." She then frowned a little. "I must've been a good friend to him in those days... he seemed really sad when he saw me, and disappointed when I couldn't remember him."
"You may be right," Abel said. "But I'm sure you have a lot of questions to ask him once he comes back later."
Juli nodded. "I'm sure of that, too..."
Washington, DC, USA
Walking down the steps away from the building belonging to the CIA on a cloudy day, a woman wearing a black business suit, consisting of a jacket over a white shirt, a thin black tie, long pants, and thick heeled boots, along with yellow sunglasses over her eyes heard her cell phone ring in her left pocket. It threw her off for just a moment as she was not used to hearing that phone ring... then again, it was the only one she carried these days, initially, she was carrying two of them for the last few years.
However, she waited until she got into her car, a blue Volkswagen Beetle, in the parking garage across the street to answer it. Sitting down in the driver's seat, she reached for her phone, pressed the 'on' button, and brought it to her ear.
"Yes?" she answered.
The person on the other side immediately spoke. "Agent Crimson Viper, it's Agent Dawes. I'm calling because a situation has come up, and we want you on the case."
That made Crimson Viper pause, but nevertheless, she listened to what her superior had to say... "I'm sure you're aware of the Mishima Zaibatsu's upcoming tournament on their resort island in Japan."
"Let me guess," Crimson Viper began. "You want me to infiltrate to join their ranks."
"Not this time," Dawes replied. "Your investigation into S.I.N during the last few years was excellent, but we don't need you to do that again. What we want you to do this time is to attend the tournament. From there, we want you to do what you can to figure out their operations during the event. See what you can find on them... and if possible, find a way for any of us to stop their way anyway we can. As you know, after the Universal War, we can't afford to let this new war continue further."
There was another pause before the woman answered. "You know that I would take the assignment in a heartbeat under normal circumstances. However-"
"You were hoping to take a small break so you can spend time with your daughter," Dawes finished for her. "I know. As a matter of fact, it's exactly why I'm giving you this assignment. You'll be going to a resort island to attend this tournament. Aside from participating as well as working on your investigation, this will also give you the chance to have some vacation time with your daughter. There are things that not only she can do, but for both of you to do together as well. You'll be working, yes, but you won't lose that chance to spend time with her either."
After hearing all of this, Crimson Viper quickly came to a decision. "When do you need me at the tournament?"
"I have plane tickets ready for both of you," Dawes informed. "Your flight will be arrive in Japan three days prior to when tournament participants are due to arrive. That'll give you time to settle in and adjust to the timezone. I'll send over the rest of the information through your other communication."
"All right then... considering me on the case from this point forward."
"That'll be all."
With that, Crimson Viper hung up her phone and placed it back in her pocket. Putting her keys into the ignition of her car, she found herself glad at this point that she and her daughter didn't make any plans ahead of time on where they could go during her time off. She didn't want to see her daughter's disappointed look again...
Perhaps I'll officially take the time off once we end this war, the woman thought to herself. And we can go where she wants to go this time... we'll see. Briefly smoothing back dark pink strands that managed to escape from her hip-length braided hair, she left the parking garage and headed to another part of the city.
It only took her a few minutes to reach the international school her daughter was currently attending. It was late enough in the day where school had since let out, but still early enough to where there were plenty of kids on the playground waiting for their parents to pick them up from school.
Crimson Viper was about to get out of the car after she parked, but before even she even had the chance to reach for the door, she heard someone knocking on the window on the passenger side. Turning her head to see who it was, she felt happiness and content sweeping over her as she spotted her eight-year-old daughter, who had a big smile on her face, on the other side of the door.
"Mommy!" she called out. "You're here early!"
Crimson Viper smiled as she opened the car door for her, and the young girl lept into the front seat. She then reached over to hug her mother, who immediately returned it with her own.
"I got done at work early than I expected," the woman answered. "How was your day at school, Lauren?"
"It was okay," Lauren replied as she pulled away from the hug to sit in her seat. "Same old stuff as always."
"That's the way it usually is some times," her mother said. She then took a deep breath as she decided to get to the point of the new plan. "Listen, sweetie... you remember that time off I was going to take?"
She didn't have to look to know that Lauren was frowning at that question. "I remember... I guess your boss wants you to work instead..."
"He does," Crimson Viper said. "You know all the trouble that's been going on lately?" She waited until Lauren nodded before proceeding. "It's because of this that it's a little hard for some of us to take the break that we hope to get. You remember how it was during the really big war last year..."
"I know..." Lauren sighed. "A lot of my new friends at school said that their mommies and daddies are fighting the bad people right now. My teacher Mrs. Lawson said that a lot of people are trying to beat them so that we can live in peace again."
"That's exactly what my boss wants me to do," Crimson Viper said. She then sighed a little. "I know it's hard, and I was looking forward to spending more time with you... but I do have very good news."
Lauren looked up at her mother with some hope in her eyes. "What's that?"
"My boss is sending me out to a place across the big ocean where people can bring their families with them. He knows that I wanted to spend time with you, so he gave me this new work so that you can come with me. He said that there were things there that we can do together while we're there."
"Like what?"
"I'm not sure, but when we home, all the information will be waiting for us. We'll go through it together during dinner so we can decide what we'll do there while we're there."
To Crimson Viper's relief, that seemed to satisfy Lauren as a smile came upon her face. "As long as we can to go together, I'm fine with that."
That warmed the agent's heart. "I'm glad to hear it. I know it's not the time we both wanted, but I promise that when this war is over, I'm going to take a longer break than I was originally planning so we can spend more time together. How does that sound?"
That earned another hug from Lauren, which her mom returned again. At times since she became a mother, Crimson Viper always questioned herself on whether or not everything she was doing was the right thing. She loved both her daughter and her job, but balancing them both was never easy, especially while she was undercover during her S.I.N. stint, which ended just a few months ago. It was the main reason why she had been looking forward to a break to begin with.
It was moments like this with Lauren that reassured her that she was doing the right thing.
Seoul, South Korea – 9 Months Ago
The darkness seemed to only last a short time before Hwoarang slowly opened his eyes. Bright lights met his vision, and he had to squint his lids a bit to keep them out. Strange... last he checked, the area he was in was dark...
Wait... where the hell am I? the young man thought in confusion.
He then saw something move from the corner of his eye. Turning his head a little, he soon got a good look at someone gazing down at him... it only took a second to recognize his master, Baek Doo San. He seemed distracted as his head was turned in another direction, and he had a very worried look on his face, the kind in which the young man never saw before since he's known him.
In that moment, Hwoarang realized where he was - in a hospital. It suddenly came back to him then, as he remembered the last thing he was doing before he lost consciousness.
I was fighting Kazama at the King of Iron Fist Tournament, Hwoarang thought. And he... changed into some... devil-
"Hwoarang?" a soft voice suddenly cut in.
Starting to get used to the light, Hwoarang opened his eyes more to get a better look at his surroundings. Lying on a bed with medical equipment nearby, there was no doubt that he was indeed in a hospital.
"You had me worried," the older man spoke in quiet tone. "You were out for three days..."
Hworang frowned upon hearing that. "Three days?"
Baek nodded. "The doctors weren't sure you would pull through for the first couple of days there..."
"...You never left, did you?"
The silence Baek gave him was all the answer he needed. Hwoarang lifted a hand to rub the front of his head with his fingers. "Master-"
"I'm so sorry, Hwoarang," Baek said quietly as he brought his hand over his face to cover his eyes. "If I had been a better instructor, none of this would have happened..."
That made Hwoarang frown even more. For all the years he's known his teacher, never had he seen him this... distressed before. The young man reached a hand our to place on the older man's shoulder.
"It's not your fault," Hwoarang said. "You've always said that not every battle can be won. This just happens to be one of them. If it helps, I gave my all into the fight. Please don't blame yourself for what happened."
Baek took a deep breath before he removed his hand from his face. The frown on his still remained, however. "But if I had been better in my teachings-"
Hwoarang quickly shook his head. "There was something else you taught me in that same lesson. Even if we do not win a fight, we learn from them and apply it to our everyday training so that we can better ourselves in the next fight we face."
That made Baek pause before he responded. He realized in that moment how much... different his student was since he first took him in some years ago. Hwoarang was still young and brash, but there were things that he could sense in his student's words in this moment; maturity, modesty, and with the talk about past lessons, a desire to learn.
In the back of his mind, he wondered if this change had anything to do with his experience in the Universal War. Baek himself had been brainwashed during that time, so he didn't experience the war like Hwoarang did. Although he could tell that the war had changed him, Baek didn't realize the extent of it until now.
Neither one of them have talked about the war since their return from Outworld. Perhaps that time will finally come once they return to the dojang. One thing was for sure however... their relationship as master and student brought some kind of silent understanding between them.
Either way, Baek made a decision, one that wouldn't be taken lightly in these circumstances... but after hearing Hwoarang's words, and sensing his sincerity, he knew in his heart that he was justified with making up his mind.
"Take the time to rest," Baek asked him. "Once you are fully recovered, we're going to train hard... because I believe that you are ready to learn everything that I know. You've earned it."
Hearing that rendered Hwoarang speechless. Unsure of what to say that, he simply nodded in response.
Present Day
On most days, Baek Doo San simply lived his life. For years since he opened his dojang, he dedicated himself to teaching his students the ways of Tae Kwan Do. It was a path that his father had taken before him...
Every morning after getting ready, Baek would arrive at the dojang early. It was an easy thing when your own apartment is right above the dojang. There, in the middle of the floor after setting up the mats, he would kneel down on his knees to meditate.
On most days when he meditated, Baek's mind was cleared from any thoughts. Sometimes, the back of his mind would linger with thoughts on what he planned to teach his students today... thought once in a while, he would shake his head while thinking about the trouble Hwoarang would be up to. Thankfully, that's one thought he needn't think about these days... for now at least.
The worst, however, were memories of his father on the day of his death... and that memory chose to seep into his mind today...
As a child, Baek grew up living in poverty along with his siblings after an injury ended his father's career and his drinking led to his incarceration. One day, their mother had disappeared, never to been seen nor heard from again, leaving the children to fend for themselves.
Not long after, his father returned, having escaped prison to help his children (as Baek learned later in life). A few days later, his father wanted to see what his son remembered, but due to malnutrition from poverty, Baek wasn't at his best... and it was ultimately what led to his father's accidental death by his own hands.
Father! Father don't die! he remembered his own voice as little boy calling out in desperation. Behind closed eyes with his clenched fists shaking, he could see his father curled into a heap on the floor, crimson blood slowly seeping onto the mat. Father!
With a yell, Baek slammed both his fists into the mat, his entire body shaking from the memory that has long haunted him. It's all my fault! the little boy's voice repeated in his head. I killed my own father! I killed him!
Baek wasn't sure how long he remained in his position on the mat; still kneeling, but with the upper half of his body bent forward and his clenched fists resting on the mat, his forehead leaning against it... still shaking. His father's death was a secret he kept to himself since that day... a burden he had carried with him for far too long.
His thoughts were suddenly cut off when he heard a voice just outside the dojang entrance. "Yikes! Guess I overslept!" the familiar voice of Hwoarang called out. It was as though he was talking to himself. "I hope master's not upset. I bet he's probably pissed. Guess I can't blame him. What else should I expect?"
Baek knew what Hwoarang was trying to do by the exaggeration in his voice... his student had seen him the way he was now – vulnerable, but chose to pretend not to notice. Baek smiled to himself then... appreciating what Hwoarang was trying to do. It also reminded him what he was living for now; to teach everything he knew... and honor his father's legacy.
Baek slowly stood back up on his feet. Briefly, he gazed up at a set of words written in Korean, a poster that once belonged to his father's dojang; Indomitable Spirit.
"Hwoarang!" Baek called out without turning out. He didn't even have to look to know that his student was suddenly standing at attention. "Sleeping in again?! Give me one thousand push-ups!"
He didn't know it, but Hwoarang, in a rare moment, gladly obliged without so much as a grunt in annoyance. Indeed things have been different between them ever since the end of the Universal War... one that ended up being for the better. They don't speak much about those days, but there was indeed a silent understanding between them... and it was something that gave them the respect for each other that hadn't existed before.
The only thing Baek hoped for now was that Hwoarang – and he as well - were prepared for the upcoming tournament at Mishima Island...
San Francisco, California, USA
"Come on guys, it's about to start!" Paul Phoenix called out as he sat down on a brown, worn-out couch in a small studio apartment. With an excited grin on his face, he reached for the remote control that was on the coffee table and pressed the power button to turn on the television.
Coming into the living room, Paul's best friend, Marshall Law, and his son, Forest Law, walked over to the couch. From the slow pace they were going as well as the bored look on their faces, they were clearly not as excited as Paul was.
"Listen, Paul," Marshall began to say. "I know you're excited but... you do realize that the program is a repeat of what we already have on DVD, right?"
"Yes, but it's the second time around to see that interview we did on The Jeanine Show actually on TV. Doesn't hurt to watch it again."
"That was six months ago," mentioned Forest as he and his father sat down with Paul on the couch.
"Yes, but... we give it ratings if we watch it again."
"Naturally," grumbled Marshall. "That's all you-"
Paul quickly raised a half to his lips. "Sh! Shut up, it's starting!"
The three of them began to pay attention to the show in front of them.
Sitting at her desk was Jeanine, the host of the show She wore a hot pink business jacket and matching skirt, and her long curly blond hair was tied back into a bun. She flashed a big smile for the camera, showing off her perfect white teeth for the world to see.
"I'm here with two heroes of the Universal War, who are here to share their tail of heartbreak, triumph, and heroism! I like everyone to please welcome... Marshall Law and Paul Phoenix!"
Everyone in the audience clapped as the cameras panned to the two heroes sitting on a brand-new looking beige couch. Both of them gave off goofy grins as they waved to everyone.
Once the clapping stopped, Jeanine got down to business. "Now then... how does it feel to be one of many heroes who saw the end to the war?"
"It definitely feels great!" Paul called out. "I mean, don't get me wrong, it was very tough, and we've had our ups and downs... but it was all worth it the moment we realized that we won the war and brought peace in the universe."
"Did you have family that you were worried about during that time?"
"None here," Paul replied. "My buddy, Marshall did, however."
"I was separated from my wife and son during the time," Marshall said. "I spent the majority of the war worried for them, but I'm very happy to say that my family survived and we're all doing well now."
That earned another round of applause from the audience. Once that was done, Jeanine gave off a sweet smile. "Now, I know you've done many interviews since the war ended, so I'm sure many of the common questions have been answered... all except one... it concerns the rumored 'four heroes' who-"
Immediately, Marshall reached for the remote and shut off the television. "And that was when the interview got awkward."
"But that was the best part!" Paul pointed out. "Especially where we put her in her place when she was trying to make us look bad about not giving her an answer. You know it felt good when you told her she cared more about tabloids than to hear what little guys like us had to say about our experience."
"Then backstage, she threatened to make sure we never had another interview with anyone again," Marshall said. "Aaaand as you know, she made good on her promise. No one's interviewed us ever since."
Paul waved a hand. "Bah, who cares! We made enough money off all these interviews to pay off a good chunk of our bills. Sure, it's not perfect, but we're almost debt free now."
Forest chose to speak up then. "But you know... we could've also been living much more comfortable lives if you, you know... didn't give away the twenty-thousand dollars we made off that gold necklace you guys found on the Rocky Mountains."
"My heart still hurts thinking about it," Marshall grumbled as he clutched his chest with his hand. "We went all the way back to our old hideout after the war, only for Paul to writing a check and give it away to who knows what..."
Paul eyed them both. "You're still on about that?"
"It was a lot of money!" Forest cried out. "I could've bought rolls upon rolls of lottery tickets and win back even more cash!"
Paul pointed to them both. "It was for a good cause, and you both know it since I've mentioned it a million times! I'm not discussing it any further than that."
"If you told us what that 'good cause' was, I might feel better about it," said Marshall.
Paul groaned, deciding to give them a partial answer. "Guilty conscience crawled into my head and weighed heavily on me. When I cashed it into the bank, I decided that instead of using it for selfish reasons, I decided to write and send out a check to a couple of people I know. The reason? I simply call it 'compensation.' That is all I'm going to say about it!"
"Fine... but you're telling me the rest of the story someday."
"Not anytime soon... maybe when we're both on our death beds. Anyway, let's change the subject... how about that upcoming tournament!"
"You mean the one we were invited to by the new Protector of Earthrealm the other day?" Marshall said. He shook his head. "Phew... that freaked me out."
"That's because Liu Kang suddenly showed up in an alleyway as we were leaving our favorite bar," Paul reminded him. "I thought he was out to steal our money."
"Yeah, you were about to give him a can of whoop-ass," Forest chuckled.
Paul raised a finger at the young. "Hey, I didn't know why he was there in that moment!"
Forest decided to somewhat change the subject as he thought of something. "You think one of us might be able to get far enough into the tournament to win that prize money?"
Briefly, Paul and Marshall looked at each in silence, neither of them sure of what to say to the young man. Eventually, it was Marshall who spoke up to his son. "Well, the only thing I can say is that whatever happens, happens."
"This is how I feel about it," Paul said. "On one hand, the money is great, and it would be awesome if we got it. As far as I know, Jin deserves to get his ass whooped for plunging the world into a war we can't afford after the last one. On the other hand, I'm really curious about G-Corp's bounty. As awesome as that offer is, you have to admit that one-hundred million dollars is too good to be true. I can't help but think that there has to be a catch. And what if it was a trick? What if it's a way to motivate guys like you and I, but... and I'm just giving an example here... they kill us off instead of giving us the money once the job is done as a way to avoid giving the money away."
"Here's another question for you," Marshall cut in. "With those suspicions, is it still something worth trying to seek out?"
Paul took a moment to think about this before he answered. "You know... that depends on who's offering it. As we all know, the identity of G-Corp's CEO is unknown... I want to know who the guy is before I attempt to ask him or her to fork over the cash. So I'd say in general... I'll approach the bounty with caution."
"That's a smart plan," Forest agreed.
"Better than not trying I suppose," Marshall said. "But I'd say for now, even with whatever this new threat is, let's do our best to enjoy the tournament itself. The three of us love a good competition. And who knows, it may be fun."
"Especially when it's on a resort island," Paul pointed out. "I'm really glad I still have some money saved up from all those interviews. We can go bar hopping, buy souvenirs... maaaaybe even, if it's legal-"
"Just do yourself a favor," Marshall quickly cut in. "Try not to blow it all at once."
"Not gonna happen, buddy," Paul swore. "Not gonna happen."
Outworld Resistance Camp, Outworld Wastelands
Just in front of the entrance of the resistance camp, Sheeva noticed a group of black shadows approaching. Knowing what group this was, she choose to meet them just outside the gate before they completely reached the entrance to the camp.
The leader of the shadows glared at the female shokan with his glowing white eyes as he noticed her walking towards him and his group. "What are you, our escort?" he asked with annoyance.
"You should know by now that this is all done with precaution, Noob Saibot," Sheeva mentioned. "You never know who could be on the wrong side of our battle with Quan Chi and the Outworld Forces."
There was a brief pause before Noob replied with, "Indeed."
"Any results on the scouting mission?" the shokan asked, getting down to business.
"As of now, nothing," Noob answered. "As a matter of fact, things have been too quiet on their end as of late."
"Perhaps it's due to Havik's personal findings when he infiltrated the base of the Outworld Forces during your absence."
Noob raised an eyebrow at that. "I had no idea he decided to go off on his own."
"You know how... chaotic his decisions can be. Anyway, this will come as a surprise to you, but he managed to secure passage to Earthrealm so that we may get closer to Quan Chi and his schemes there. This is thanks to our alliance with the Mishima Zaibatsu. We'll be working under them in exchange for the opportunity to eradicate our enemies once for all since they joined with their rivals, G-Corp. We'll be leaving in less than three days."
"I see," Noob replied. "And while we wait until then?"
"Just be prepared," Sheeva said. "I'm personally preparing the shokan troops for the trip. You ought to do the same with your Brotherhood of Shadow."
Noob gave her a single nod in response. "I shall."
A few minutes later after that conversation and now inside the camp, Noob entered one tent in particular. Before he did, however, he turned to four shadow warriors who flanked him on either side. "Stand guard," he ordered. "Make sure no one comes near."
Silently, they followed their orders, each one taking a corner of the squared tent so that all angles were covered. Once that was done Noob pulled the flap back before entering.
Inside the tent, two women dressed in all black and red attire were sharpening and cleaning their weapons. One with dark skin and long, pin-straight white hair was cleaning the blade of a katana. The other with pale skin and raven black hair held back by a red headband was sharpening one of the two bladed boomerangs she owned.
Both women stopped what they were doing as Noob entered the tent. The white haired woman stopped what she was doing and spoke first. "Well?"
Noob answered, "All is going according to plan, Jataaka... better than I had expected. As I'm sure you know, this resistance group will be heading to Earth in less than three days to assist the Mishima Zaibatsu in their little war. Your master, Quan Chi, had expected this move."
"Does he want us to rejoin him there?" Jataaka asked.
Noob shook his head. "He wants us to remain with the resistance until further notice. Our few shadow warriors will remain with the Outworld Forces in the meantime. He does have one request, however... he personally wishes for you, and Kia, to accompany me to Earthrealm."
The raven-haired woman, Kia, smiled at that. "Any chance we'll reunite with our 'sister' while we're there?"
"Hmph... it may be possible. There is a tournament that will be taking place, and with the threat the Mishima Zaibatsu poses, I'm sure that Sub-Zero will be there. If he is, then Sareena will not be too far."
Kia growled at the name, Sub-Zero. "He will pay for what he did to us at the Pyramid of Shinnok all those years ago."
"He will in time," Noob replied, keeping his voice neutral. "Until then, prep all weapons for our departure."
"As you wish," said Jataaka.
Noob chose that moment to make his exit. Leaving the tent, he felt amusement crept over him. If he could smile, he would have in that instant while no one was looking.
Fools, he thought to himself. Thinking that Kuai Liang was the one who defeated them in the Netherrealm all those years ago when it was I who was at the Pyramid... back when I had the Sub-Zero mantle.
Speaking of whom, Noob realized that it's been a year since he last saw Kuai Liang here in Outworld. He had inflicted an injury to his shoulder with his scythe during the final battle of the Universal War. Though he hadn't heard of Sub-Zero's fate since, Noob was very certain that he was still alive.
When the time came once he was back in his former home world, Noob Saibot would finally finish what he started – ending Sub-Zero's life.
Los Angeles, California, USA
Three hours went by faster than Juli had expected. Perhaps because she found herself more busy in her work since she spoke with T. Hawk. Five minutes before she was due back to the waiting room, Juli decided to call it a day before she found herself working overtime. In the locker room, she put on her jacket over her scrubs before grabbing for her backpack. After closing and locking the door, she began her departure.
Not long after, she reached the waiting room where she knew T. Hawk would be. The door was closed, and standing right next to the door while leaning against the wall was Abel. The young woman knew that he had been off-duty for the last hour and felt bad that he had been waiting here the whole time.
Juli approached him. "Is he in there?" she asked.
Abel nodded. "For the last half hour."
Juli frowned. "I see." She then patted her friend's shoulder. "Why don't you go home? You don't need to stick around to play guard duty. I don't think he's out to harm me. I'll be fine."
"If you say so," Abel replied as he pushed himself off the wall. "But I recall that I'm here just to make Jane feel better."
"I know. But let's put it this way... in the five years that I've been under Shadaloo's control, the one good thing they did for me is to genetically engineer a petite woman like me is to take down larger foes. I think Jane forgets that sometimes... hell, even I forget sometimes."
Abel nodded. "I know what you mean. All right, I'll head home then. Have a good evening."
"You too."
Once Abel began to leave, Juli took a deep breath before she entered the room. T. Hawk sat in the same chair he was sitting in three hours ago, so it was almost as though he never left. He had been looking down at the floor before she entered, the clicking sound of the door knob turning caused him to turn his head in that direction.
As soon as Juli closed the door behind her, T. Hawk began, "I was almost sure your work would keep you a little longer."
"I managed to take advantage of the last five minutes while all was quiet," Juli admitted as she sat down in a chair across from him. "Which even surprised me as I usually do work past my shift half the time even on slow days."
"I see," T. Hawk replied.
Juli took a deep breath before speaking again. "I guess I can start by asking some questions. Like... do I have any other family you might know of?"
"Neither you nor your father even mentioned extended family," T. Hawk answered. "Your mother has passed away from sickness not long before you and your father came to our tribe." A small smile graced his lips. "He said he'd only stay for a couple of years, but he ended up staying longer than he had intended."
"Did I like being there with your tribe?" Juli asked curiously.
"I think not at first," T. Hawk said. "As I mentioned before, we called you 'Quiet Dove' because you very shy when you first arrived. But the more time that passed, the more you, well... one of the elders described it as 'spreading your wings.' I think it was about a year before you began to mingle with all of us. You were eager to learn of our customs, and you taught us yours as well." He then chuckled at a thought. "When you were about 12 years old, you and I once had a heated argument over over which chocolate was better; German or Mexican."
Juli laughed at that. "I do love chocolate, so I'm not surprised by that."
The smile on T. Hawk's face faded then before he took a deep breath. "If... you don't mind me asking, do you like living here in Los Angeles?"
"It's an interesting city," Juli replied. "Lots of culture and history to discover, I've noticed. A lot of the historic buildings were damaged or destroyed during the last war, but we hadn't lost as much as we initially thought. I was here when the war started. The two things I remember most was the heavy smoke – and the smell of it – and the beasts I've seen along the way."
"I hope you weren't alone during that time..." T. Hawk mentioned.
Juli shook her head. "Let's put it this way; there were seven of us to a tiny car that just had the roof ripped off. One was an eight-year-old girl who sat on her mother's lap the entire ride and one friend had to sit on the gear shift the whole ride out of the city... but we managed. We stuck together through those two months along with other friends, just... trying to survive." She decided to leave it at that, unsure of whether or not he would believe the rest of the story.
"It seems like that war primarily focused on the larger population. The war never reached our tribe, but we've heard many stories during and after the war. But that's from what I've heard. See, during that war, I had been out of the country... Europe to be exact."
Juli raised an eyebrow at that. "What were you doing in Europe?"
"...Looking for you."
That briefly made her silent, unsure of what to think of that revelation. She quickly cleared her throat when a question came to her. "How long have you been looking for me?"
As she asked, T. Hawk reached into the chest pocket of his jean vest before pulling something out. Briefly, Juli noticed a silver chain in between his fingers before he turned his hand so that it was out of her view. "Over seven years," he replied somberly.
At that point, Juli wasn't sure what to think. Seven years... it was exactly how long it's been since she was brainwashed into serving Shadaloo. Because of them, five years of her life was taken away from her, and she spent the last two trying to rebuild, especially with how selective her memory was.
Until now, Juli had no idea that someone was looking for her. Maybe this was why she had dreams of a Native American man during the past couple of years...
"Seven years... you spent seven years looking for me?" Juli asked in almost an awe.
T. Hawk slowly nodded in reply. He then quickly cleared his throat before proceeding. "You weren't the only one who was kidnapped by Shadaloo that day. Many of our tribe members also went missing, and some were murdered like your father. They've been a bane of our existence ever since they drove us off our ancestral land when I was an infant for their own use, killing my father in the process. I made it my personal mission to bring everyone home. When Shadaloo fell over two years ago, we were able to reclaim our land. We've been rebuilding since, but it's far from being in it's former glory for now. Those who had disappeared were ultimately found... except you.
"I had gone to Europe since, of course, you came from Germany, hoping that perhaps you found your way back. Wasn't able to find a trace on you... at least until the S.I.N. tournament a few months ago. While investigating one of their facilities, I found a record on you. It said that you had been on a mission in the United States, but that you had never reported back. They tried to track you, but the trail went cold somewhere in the state of California. I arrived here last month to begin my search and the first thing I did was check state-wide police records. They helped me go through all the Jane Doe files. It took a couple of days, but we soon found your 'Juli Doe' file. The records indicated that you were being cared for at a Los Angeles hospital. I arrived here this morning..."
"And it turns out I happen to volunteer at the very hospital who took care of me when I first became free," Juli finished for him.
T. Hawk smiled. "Yes... it was very lucky, I suppose that it came to that."
"The hospital would've contacted the police who would've contacted me if I wasn't here," Juli added. She gave him a soft smile. "Me being here just saved you those last steps." The smile then disappeared from her face. "I'm so sorry..."
That confused T. Hawk. "You have nothing to be sorry about, Julia..."
"I know, but... I had been trying to figure out exactly what tribe I was looking for for the last couple of years... I would've visited if it wasn't for my memory..."
"That doesn't matter anymore," T. Hawk said in a soft-spoken voice. He then extended his hand out, the one Juli knew was holding a chained object. "None of it matters anymore. After seven long years, I've finally found you. We can finally put the past behind us and look towards the future..."
Juli realized then that her hand was shaking as she extended it out to receive the object, which T. Hawk gently placed in her palm. Gazing down at it, Juli noted that it was a necklace contain a charm of a flying dove.
"I had given this to you as a birthday gift a few months before Shadaloo took you," T. Hawk explained quietly. "It was on the floor of your father's examination room after the attack. I've held on to it with the promise that I would give it back to you when we finally reunited."
Juli felt overwhelmed as she suddenly realized something. "We... you and I were..."
T. Hawk confirmed her suspicions with a nod. "I know it's a lot to take in... and perhaps maybe it would have been better to tell you the truth when you were ready... but I was never one to keep secrets from you, Julia. Not then, not ever."
Juli managed to blink back the tears that quickly welled up in her eyes before she replied. "I... I understand. I... I can't imagine how the last seven years has been for you. I appreciate all you've done and the sacrifice you had to make to find me... which is going to make it harder for me to tell you that... that I've been... I..."
It turned out that she didn't need to finish as he realized what she was trying to tell him... and it came to no surprise when T. Hawk's face fell in disappointment, and something about it made Juli's heart ache in sympathy. If only I could remember... if only I could remember, she repeated in her head. I'm so sorry... I've never meant to break your heart after the sacrifice you've made for me...
"It been a long time since that day," T. Hawk finally said after some silence. "I suppose with all the time that's passed... and your amnesia... for you to find someone else to love was bound to happen. I... I was hoping it wouldn't be..." He then pointed at the door. "The man that was waiting outside, I assume..."
Juli was confused for a moment, but then realized who he was talking about. "Abel? Oh no, not him. He's just a friend who was also affected by Shadaloo. He was just looking out for me."
Juli then went to reach into her purse for her phone, taking a brief moment to go through her photo album before she found one particular picture – a young, blond-haired man in a military uniform. She then turned the phone around for T. Hawk to see.
"His name is Scott," Juli said quietly. "My actual job is as a receptionist for the US Air Force at a base not too far from here. His adopted father knew of my case – he spent years investigating Shadaloo - and had given me the job as a way to get back on my feet after I got out of the hospital. To be frank... Scott was the first person to treat me like a human being and not try to walk on eggshells around me. Aside from that, he has a great sense of humor, though once in a while he has bad timing."
"I assume this war has him away right now," T. Hawk guessed.
Juli nodded. "Yeah, he and his unit were deployed to Asia the day after war was declared." She then put her phone away before proceeding. "How long will you be here in the United States?"
"Not long," T. Hawk replied. "I'll be leaving the country soon. I'll probably be gone for a month or two before I return back here."
"Huh, so am I," Juli added. "I'm going to be leaving the country soon to help against this war, at least hopefully. I'm not going into real combat or anything, but... let's just say I'll be reuniting with the friends I was with during the last war."
T. Hawk gave her a half smile. "You were always one who never hesitated to help people. I know your memory isn't very good, but I'm glad to see that some things haven't changed."
"I forget what my psychologist called it," Juli began. "But it has something to do with with the procedural part of your memory... one involving skills and tasks. Though the main part of mind may not remember much, because those skills are so embedded in our mind to begin with, we don't even think of doing them much... you just do it. I never think twice when it comes to helping people ever since I started living my life again... it's the same with my nursing skills."
T. Hawk nodded at that before he changed the subject. "I'd like to see you again when we both return here," he mentioned. He then reached out for her free hand and delicately took it in his... which would've been hard to believe moments ago considering how big his hand was.
Juli took a deep breath before she nodded. "Of course. And perhaps you could tell me more about my time with your tribe."
He nodded at that. "I'd like that..." He then lifted her hand to his face before leaving a brief kiss on the back of it. He then gazed his brown eyes back up at her. "Until then, Quiet Dove, may life treat you kindly after everything you've been through..."
That when Juli realized that she was still holding the dove necklace in her hand. "Wait!" she called out, which made him stop in his track just as he began to open the door to leave. "Did you want the necklace back?"
T. Hawk was confused by that as he turned to her. "Why?"
"I don't think I deserve to keep this-"
"I insist," T. Hawk said. "Perhaps maybe it might help with you memory. Besides, it was my gift you... it has always been yours..."
Before Juli had the chance to say anything else, T. Hawk departed the room, soon closing the door behind him. Alone, the only thing Juli felt in her mind could only be described in one word; uncertainty.
Coastal Forces Headquarters, Chili-san, Lee Dynasty, Keisei
In the months after the Universal War, the realm of Keisei worked tirelessly in rebuilding their world. The damages and loss of life were not as devastating as many other realms in the universe who suffered during Outworld's onslaught, but this was mainly thanks to preparations made months in advance. Between all the armies in Keisei, as well as the Manji Clan, things could have been much worse in the end, and the natives were grateful for it.
Still, it didn't hurt for at least one army, based in the city of Chili-san, to form an alliance with the Special Forces of Earthrealm. The Coastal Forces, formerly known simply as the Coast Guards, welcomed the presence of their allies as they brought some of their tech to their base. While the realms knew peace, the two military groups, led by Coastal Forces' Hwang Seong-gyeong and Special Forces' Sonya Blade, took the opportunity to build a portal that would run between the Coastal Forces' base and the Special Forces' base, a task that took six months to build. Due to Keisei's lack of high-advanced technology, motorized generators were used to operate the portal in a sound proof room in order to keep the noise level outside the room at minimum.
All was well until three months ago when Special Forces were called back to Earthrealm – war had begun back home, and it was to Hwang's shock when Sonya informed him that the war was started by none other than Jin Kazama, one of the four heroes of the Universal War. Hwang's superior, Admiral Lee, had offered assistance, but Sonya had informed him that though they appreciated the offer, this was not a fight they need to get involved in.
Since Special Forces' departure, the city of Chili-san seemed much more quiet.
Those thoughts were in the back of one Coastal Force soldier's mind – Hong Yun-seong. In the Seong Dojang, he only half paid attention to the sparring match between Hwang and their friend, Seong Mi-na, whose father Seong Han-myeong owned the teaching grounds. Sure, the young man heard the clashing sound of steel, but that was about it as his mind wandered somewhere else.
Another thing that was on the back of Yun-seong's mind was his 'involvement' in the Universal War. Rather than stay behind to help the Coastal Forces prepare and fight against their enemies, Yun-seong let his heart win over his mind and he ran off to the Visayan Islands far south of Lee Dynasty to reunite with a close friend he had traveled with in the past.
In a way, it had been the right decision in the long-run as he was there to protect his friend's village during Outworld's invasion. Had it not been for his heroism, Yun-seong would've surely received harsher punishment by his country's military. Instead, he was demoted from his rank from Corporal to Private and was given more mundane duties.
The friend he had helped, a young lady named Talim, was currently sitting right next to him, having arrived in Chili-san last week to visit for an undetermined amount of time. Unlike Yun-seong however, Talim was keeping all of her attention on the sparring session between Hwang and Mi-na.
Yun-seong wasn't sure how long the sparring session lasted, but his attention was quickly brought to the scene in front of him as his master, Han-myeong, clapped his hand a couple of times. That also alerted the others in the room as they stopped what they were doing.
"Enough for the day," the older man announced. "You've both done well with what you've learned earlier this month."
Both Hwang and Mi-na bowed to Han-myeong in respect before Hwang spoke up. "Thank you, master."
Han-myeong nodded to his best student before turning his head to his daughter. "Mi-na, if you can stay here for a moment to help with cleaning the blades-"
"Before you do that," Hwang spoke up suddenly as he took a step forward. He then lowered his voice so that only the three of them could hear. "I'd like to take this opportunity for Mi-na and I to speak to Yun-seong and Talim about... what's coming up."
Han-myeong frowned a bit. "Is it about... that meeting you two had from last night?"
Hwang simply nodded in reply, which caused the older man to talk in a long, deep breath as though he was trying to calm his nerves. Noting this, Mi-na walked towards Han-myeong before placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"It'll be all right, father. I'll be all right," she said in a comforting tone. "This won't be like last time. Fujin will make sure of it."
Han-myeong slowly nodded after a moment's pause before he patted his own hand on his daughter's. "I know... but you know me by now, my dear... because you're my only child, I worry too much."
Mi-na smiled at that. "I know. But at least I won't be alone the whole time like I was before."
"This is true." He then turned to Hwang. "Go ahead."
"We won't be long," Hwang said. From there, he and Mi-na began to walk over to where Yun-seong and Talim were sitting.
Talim smiled at them as they approached. "That was a great sparring session you two had," she complimented.
"Thanks," Hwang replied. "I hope you learned a lot from what you saw today."
Before Talim could answer, Yun-seong stared up at them. "Did you have a nice chat over there?"
Mi-na eyed the young man. "You didn't even hear a word we said!"
"I know," Yun-seong replied. "I'm just assuming since you were whispering like gossiping old maids."
Mi-na rolled her eyes as she turned to Hwang. "I don't mind asking Talim, but... are we sure we want to ask Yun-seong?"
Yun-seong was confused by that. "About what?"
Hwang chuckled as he looked at his long-time friend. "I'm not sure... but you know, I bet he and your Earthrealm friend Hwoarang would get along juuuuuust fine."
Mi-na laughed at that. "Wow, they would now that you said that!"
"About what?!" Yun-seong called out again. "And who's Hwoarang?"
"Maybe it is a good idea to mention it," Hwang said. "It might do him good."
Mi-na shrugged at that while giving Hwang a wink. "I suppose. The boy needs to learn some valuable lessons after all."
Now Yun-seong was frustrated. "Could you two tell me what the hell you're talking about already?!"
"Language, Yun-seong," Talim said to him.
The young man groaned a little at that. "Sorry..."
"Pfft, I'm sure father would love to be able to tame you that easily," Mi-na mentioned.
"Anyway," Hwang cut in. "Let's get to the point." He turned his head to the two younger allies. "You remember our role in the Universal War and how we helped to end it?"
"As supporters the way you've described it," Yun-seong mentioned. "It was The Four who actually ended the war."
"You know what he meant," Mi-na said. "Anyway, the God of Wind himself, Fujin, visited us early last evening."
Talim smiled upon hearing that. "My village has heard of him. He's one many Wind Gods of our universe. I'd love to converse with him someday, if possible."
"Of course you, the wind priestess, would know that," Yun-seong threw in.
"Unfortunately, Fujin won't be involved with what we're about to do," Hwang mentioned.
"And that is...?"
"Travel to Earthrealm to help hold the line in their war."
Yun-seong scratched his head over that. "Isn't this the same exact war Major Blade did not want us involved in three months ago?"
"It is," confirmed Hwang. "However, Fujin informed us that things are getting worse over there. As a matter of fact, if this war isn't stopped, an even bigger threat will be unleashed on the rest of the universe if it's not stopped... and we won't even have time to prepare like we did before."
"How exactly?"
Mi-na sighed at that. "Unfortunately, he didn't go into details. Someone named Liu Kang, the current Earthrealm Protector, will be telling us everything once we're there."
Yun-seong gazed at them as though they were crazy. "So... you two are going to just jump into another realm blindly without any details of exactly why their war threatens the rest of the universe? Why?"
"Because we trust him," Hwang replied. "And I hope you have faith in us because we want you and Talim to come along." He spoke more firmly before the younger man was able to get a word in. "I've chosen you specifically to come with me so you have the chance to be Corporal again."
Yun-seong's face somewhat relaxed at that. While he let the fact sink in, Talim spoke up. "I'm honored that you've asked me to come along."
"From what you've shown us, you've proven to be a capable fighter," Mi-na mentioned to the young lady. "And you definitely have a good heart and soul required to join us chosen ones."
That fact caught Yun-seong by surprise. "You guys... think I have that too? Even after all this time?"
Hwang took a deep breath. "You're brash, and you tend to not think through your decisions, but overall you have good intentions. Let's put it this way... if they can accept a man who was once wanted for committing war crimes into our circle of chosen ones, they can accept you."
"Which... is really depressing now that I think about it," began Mi-na. "Because one of The Four is currently committing war crimes... he's the one who caused the war according to what Sonya said before she and her unit left."
That surprised the two younger fighters. "Seriously?" asked Yun-seong.
Talim frowned. "Sometimes, the winds pull even heroes down a dark path. Do your Earthrealm friends know why he started the war?"
"No one knows, at least three months ago," Hwang replied. "But in any case, we're actually going to be waiting for about a week before we go through the portal. Our allies here in Keisei will be meeting with us in the next few days."
"So according to Fujin," began Mi-na. "That's Kilik, Maxi, Xianghua, Cassandra, and Siegfried. Fujin mentioned that Siegfried's bringing a friend, Cassandra's sister Sophitia won't be joining us..."
"And Ivy will be sent to Earth by other means," Hwang added. "Which... is probably for the best."
"Still unsure of what you think of her?"
Hwang shrugged. "Yeah... mainly because I've never had the time to decide if I believe her story or not."
"So I assume it'll be eleven of us representing Keisei in this fight?" asked Talim.
"Yes," Hwang replied. "And until all of our allies are here, the only thing we can do is simply prepare ourselves for the trip. I also forgot to mention that there's going to be a tournament taking place on Earthrealm while we're there, and we'll be attending."
"Why is there going to a tournament in the middle of a war?" asked Talim.
"Because the instigator of the war is hosting it," replied Mi-na.
"And we're attending the tournament as a way to get close, I assume," Yun-seong guessed.
"Exactly."
"Sounds like fun... well... as fun as it can be all things considering..."
"And if you behave yourself and contribute nicely to our cause," Hwang said. "I may even recommend pushing your rank to Sergeant."
"I'll do better than even you did during the Universal War!" the younger man declared with confidence.
Mi-na sighed as she turned to Hwang. "Sure you still want to take him along?"
Hwang smirked at him. "As I said before... he and Hwoarang are going to get along juuuust fine."
Yun-seong eyed them both. "Who's Hwoarang?"