Chapter 6: Resist or Serve
Someone was pushing him roughly. Growling with discontent, he looked up from his slumbering position to see Garret, a young boy of about fourteen, urging him up. A new recruit to the cause, Garret had found a way of weaving in and out of the caves without being caught by the sentries to spread any information he could scrounge up. At the moment, it seemed he had something very important to share.
"Come on, wake up! Something big is happening!" he whispered rapidly.
Clearing his head with a shake, the older man sat up and leaned against the wall, bits of loose dirt falling over him. "What have you found out?"
"The people are being moved, out into a large open plane, I think."
"What for?"
"Don't know. But I saw something being built, a tall building with an altar it looked like. But it was too far." The boy blinked. "What do you think it means?"
"Is everyone being moved?"
"Yes, I think so. The creatures will be here soon, too."
He nodded. Something was happening. "Good work, Garret. Go tell the others about this. Let them know to start preparing."
The boy nodded. "Sure. But what are you thinking? Are we going to fight back now?"
"Too early to tell. Just tell them to be ready."
"All right, sir."
The larger man laughed to himself as he watched the boy disappear behind a bundle of children listening to a storyteller. Garret would have made a fine soldier, if only the world hadn't been shot to hell. He still wasn't sure what had happened, except for maybe an alien invasion. No matter the cause, he wasn't about to give in just yet. Luckily, fellow members of his team were put into the same hell hole as himself. And luckily for all of them, they were able to keep a few of their concealed weapons on their person. So it was only a matter of time before they did retaliate; the opportune moment just had to present itself.
When it did, they would be ready.
"And how about you, my dear, are you ready?"
Sonya closed her eyes. Visions filled her mind, watercolors of people she passed on the streets, of children laughing and couples holding hands and happiness dominating over all. Then the pictures blurred, and she remembered DC, or what was left of it after Tsung's destructive orders. The people were screaming, running for their lives from the hideous creatures that stalked them. How would they be now? How long had they been suffering?
Her blue eyes flew open.
Two weeks.
She'd forgotten... she'd truly forgotten their plight over her time with Tsung and her lessons, those ridiculous things, and the Emperor. Her eyes darkened with her heart. She had forgotten them all in her own selfish anger and personal contempt. What kind of a leader was she?
She thought of Kitana and how she lead her people the only way she believed they could go: by rebellion and the belief that there was something better in their victory. But fate was against her. Kitana failed, taking both her beliefs and her people straight to the grave...
...how many died because of my failure...
The gates slammed down. No, she whispered to conscious. I must accept what happened and move on, and ensure the safety of those who are alive now. Kitana would have done the same thing. Leave pity and the past at the door. Now is the first day of the rest of your life.
That was her answer, and she voiced it strongly. "Yes, I'm ready."
Tsung nodded. "Very well. Let's introduce ourselves." A cloud of mist stole their vision, and Outworld faded to nothing.
"What's going on?"
"I don't know, but I bet it has something to do with that tower."
"Smart ass."
"You think I'm more know it all then you? Bloody idiot."
"Whose the leader here?"
"I am, punk."
"Then lead-ack!"
"Mock me again and I'll slit your throat."
"...right. So... what now?"
"We wait-- until the introductions are over."
"Introduc-who is that?"
"The bastard I'm gonna kill for taking my business. If anyone is gonna ruin the lives of millions of people, it's gonna be me."
When the nausea passed, the land was dark to her clear eyes. Mountains stood in the distance, dark shadows against darker clouds. It was a place barren of trees or life. There was nothing. Confused, Sonya turned to her husband for an explanation, when lightning split the sky. In the moment of illumination, Sonya understood when the ground revealed thousands upon thousands of people. After her eyes adjusted, she could begin to make distinctions of faces who were closer, and what she saw sank a cold stone in her stomach. Fear. Anger. Trepidation. Pure unadulterated hate.
Tsung seemed immune to it. He stepped forward, raised his arm, and smiled as the minions who watched the crowds bowed with respect. Next, he addressed the people, his voice carrying across the skies. "Mortals of Earth. Greetings. Within days, your world has been turned into a wasteland of destruction, your cities demolished along with your governments. Why? Because of destiny. Your world was unfit for your own rule. Those who were chosen to protect and defend this realm, those who represented you and your way of life, were weak and worthless. They failed in their quest, and have given full conquest of Earth to us."
A cry rose up in the crowd from those angered by such spiteful words. Surely no one could take over an entire planet in a matter of days, the protested in various languages. No such thing was possible.
Tsung was pleased. "Yes, Earth is now ruled by a monarchy, governed by a sole ruler who will decided your fates."
Butterflies flew up in her stomach. Oh God, this is it.
"People of Earth, behold your new leader-"
"SHAO KHAN!"
Sonya spun, Tsung turning at the same moment, to watch with as Khan stepped past them. He was dressed out in full battle gear of black leather, crisscrossed bones upon his chest, and a skull mask with vicious horns. Rising from the palms of both hands were bright balls of red flames, each with a human skull contained inside.
"Mortals! Bow to me!" He roared with laughter and thrust the fire balls out into the crowds. The masses screamed as hundreds of fireballs appeared and flew through the skies, forcing people to their knees to avoid being burned. Within moments, everyone was on the ground, and Khan laughed with glee. "Ah, now this is how a mortal world should be, with everyone groveling for mercy at my feet!"
This time, the creatures herding the humans joined in with boasting, their howls of enjoyment echoing off the mountains in the distance. The shock began to melt from Sonya's frozen mind as their terrible laughter brought her from her dazed state. No, no! This-this can't be happening! Yet she found herself without a voice.
"Is this what you envisioned Armageddon would be like, pitiful creatures? Death by fire, didn't you think? I can arrange that!" And the earth trembled, shook those rising to their feet back to their knees as the lands split, steam rose in wisps, and fountains of flame burst forth. Screams and laughter continued to mingle in the night sky, the bright glow of the fire allowing Sonya the clear image of her race scrambling from the heat, fighting to stay safe. The scene was too much like the execution, it was overwhelming her, and she had the sudden urge to vomit.
"Or, I can be merciful!" Instantly the fires extinguished, the devil skulls vanished, and the crowds found themselves in a haven. "I can execute you all, torture you until you beg for death." Khan's voice suddenly changed, from malevolent to serious and calm. "Or I can grant you wealth and power beyond comprehension. It's as simple as making a pledge. Swear eternal loyalty to me, serve me in whatever I ask, and I will give you control of your own life and the means to do it. Wealth, power, beauty, the right to rule others, it can be yours."
He laughed softly. "If you don't believe my word, or my honor, ask the mortal from your planet who has already joined me." With a wave of his hand, Sonya was brought forth to be viewed by the crowds. "A lieutenant from your military services has given her life to me, and in return she is a member of a high society court, where she rules over others, and lives in abundant wealth. She has made the right choice with her life, and should inspire you all to do the same."
What?! Sonya looked at him in shock. No! He was playing her to be a turncoat!
"Or you can resist me, and serve as a slave on Earth. You will suffer for years to come, until you die of exhaustion or I choose to be rid of you. Not a fun way to go out." Again, he laughed. "For you at least."
Deep within her, the fire of her hatred began to rekindle. He betrayed her and would now betray her people. Khan hated mortals, and would never give anything back to them. He would soak them dry of whatever they had and throw them to the wind. The people of earth were doomed to slavery or death.
Her hands curled into fists. "Ba-" in the instant the word formed on her tongue, her voice was taken, along with her mobility. She was frozen in place!
Khan glanced at her sideways, smiling, while raising his arm in an inviting wave. "Come join me now, and forever reap the fruits of your desires."
Silence filled the air, weighing as heavy as the seconds that passed, and Sonya could do nothing but watch; watch with horror filled eyes, with heart breaking for the people who once stood proud, as they stepped forward, slowly, one by one. And like herself, Khan knew the people were broken.
There would be no chance of survival now, for any of them... and Sonya knew she had failed again, destined to serve Khan as he predicted... a pathetic, worthless slave forever and ever and ever...
"NO!!!"
The rage burst from her in a shattering war cry. In her pain and hatred, the fire bubbled over, pouring liquid hot tears into the palms of her hands, to burst forth in a reckless blast of power. The explosive compound hit Khan squarely in the chest, levitating him horizontally into the tower wall, combusting the stones into dust piles.
Khan was down, by the hand of a mortal, and time stood still for his followers who could not comprehend the possibility of such an act.
It proved to be the opportune moment.
"NOW!!!"
A flurry of movement, the cries of the enraged and vengeful, and scattered gunshots alerted Khan's minions too late of the retaliation. They were bombarded by the screaming earthlings, with minimal chance to defend, and within the first minute, over one hundred creatures lay dead in the sand. Then the real battle began.
Sonya, dazed and resting on her knees, looked up in time to see Khan stalk towards her, rage dancing in his eyes and a sword brandished at her head. Death was knocking at her door, yet she couldn't muster the strength to go down standing up. The sword arced toward her, the weight fell upon her shoulders, and the world went black.
For every warrior he knocked down, three more appeared from the sands. He was growing tired, and hope was fading quickly. It would only be a matter of time before there would be too many creatures and no more weapons. In the instant a break presented itself, he looked around him to see those helping in the rebellion were slowing as well. There was no other option, they had to retreat.
He reached in his belt and felt the capsule. Inside was hardly enough power to dent a car, but it could produce more than enough smoke to cover their escape.
Of course, finding a place to hide would be quite a miracle, but he would cross that bridge when they made the leap for it. His thoughts broke as a heavy body smashed him into the remains of his previous kill. There wasn't even a moment to scream as claws slashed into his chest. He raised his arms to fight back when there was a brilliant flash of light, and suddenly the creature was knocked off him by a green beam of light.
People were yelling to run, retreat, and he pulled himself to his feet in time to see the green light strike out again, taking out three more creatures, and then someone was pushing him.
"GO!! RUN, NOW!!"
"Wha-"
"GO!!!"
His feet obeyed before his mind registered the order, and he looked ahead to see others running with him. Some were from his group of retaliators, others looked like the scum of the earth, and the rest looked like Navy SEALs. He didn't know where they were headed, but when he looked back and spotted the creatures pouring out of those damn portals, he honestly didn't care. All he did was run, urging the people he passed to join them.
The mountains drew closer, but so did the creatures giving chase. They were incredibly fast and would close the distance in minutes. Where were they supposed to go? There was no where to hide in open desert.
"GARRETT!"
He looked up ahead and saw a boy stumble under a creature that seemed to fall from the sky. Behind them, a large man of intimidating stature was turning around, charging back to his downed companion.
"Well, shit." And he tore forward, his nightstick swinging down with a resounding crack, splitting the creatures skull in a jagged crack. Without breaking too much stride, he pushed away the dead creature and lifted the boy into his arms. It was then he realized the creatures were upon them; in a last moment of desperation, he threw out the cloud capsule, clutched the teen to his chest, and ran into the blooming fog. In the corner of his eye, he spotted a swish of black hair and a masked face. Then the smoke swallowed his vision whole.
Well, I don't know how that was for an ending, but I'm hoping this chapter outdid the last one, at least. Thanks for your patience guys! You all kick ass!
Someone was pushing him roughly. Growling with discontent, he looked up from his slumbering position to see Garret, a young boy of about fourteen, urging him up. A new recruit to the cause, Garret had found a way of weaving in and out of the caves without being caught by the sentries to spread any information he could scrounge up. At the moment, it seemed he had something very important to share.
"Come on, wake up! Something big is happening!" he whispered rapidly.
Clearing his head with a shake, the older man sat up and leaned against the wall, bits of loose dirt falling over him. "What have you found out?"
"The people are being moved, out into a large open plane, I think."
"What for?"
"Don't know. But I saw something being built, a tall building with an altar it looked like. But it was too far." The boy blinked. "What do you think it means?"
"Is everyone being moved?"
"Yes, I think so. The creatures will be here soon, too."
He nodded. Something was happening. "Good work, Garret. Go tell the others about this. Let them know to start preparing."
The boy nodded. "Sure. But what are you thinking? Are we going to fight back now?"
"Too early to tell. Just tell them to be ready."
"All right, sir."
The larger man laughed to himself as he watched the boy disappear behind a bundle of children listening to a storyteller. Garret would have made a fine soldier, if only the world hadn't been shot to hell. He still wasn't sure what had happened, except for maybe an alien invasion. No matter the cause, he wasn't about to give in just yet. Luckily, fellow members of his team were put into the same hell hole as himself. And luckily for all of them, they were able to keep a few of their concealed weapons on their person. So it was only a matter of time before they did retaliate; the opportune moment just had to present itself.
When it did, they would be ready.
"And how about you, my dear, are you ready?"
Sonya closed her eyes. Visions filled her mind, watercolors of people she passed on the streets, of children laughing and couples holding hands and happiness dominating over all. Then the pictures blurred, and she remembered DC, or what was left of it after Tsung's destructive orders. The people were screaming, running for their lives from the hideous creatures that stalked them. How would they be now? How long had they been suffering?
Her blue eyes flew open.
Two weeks.
She'd forgotten... she'd truly forgotten their plight over her time with Tsung and her lessons, those ridiculous things, and the Emperor. Her eyes darkened with her heart. She had forgotten them all in her own selfish anger and personal contempt. What kind of a leader was she?
She thought of Kitana and how she lead her people the only way she believed they could go: by rebellion and the belief that there was something better in their victory. But fate was against her. Kitana failed, taking both her beliefs and her people straight to the grave...
...how many died because of my failure...
The gates slammed down. No, she whispered to conscious. I must accept what happened and move on, and ensure the safety of those who are alive now. Kitana would have done the same thing. Leave pity and the past at the door. Now is the first day of the rest of your life.
That was her answer, and she voiced it strongly. "Yes, I'm ready."
Tsung nodded. "Very well. Let's introduce ourselves." A cloud of mist stole their vision, and Outworld faded to nothing.
"What's going on?"
"I don't know, but I bet it has something to do with that tower."
"Smart ass."
"You think I'm more know it all then you? Bloody idiot."
"Whose the leader here?"
"I am, punk."
"Then lead-ack!"
"Mock me again and I'll slit your throat."
"...right. So... what now?"
"We wait-- until the introductions are over."
"Introduc-who is that?"
"The bastard I'm gonna kill for taking my business. If anyone is gonna ruin the lives of millions of people, it's gonna be me."
When the nausea passed, the land was dark to her clear eyes. Mountains stood in the distance, dark shadows against darker clouds. It was a place barren of trees or life. There was nothing. Confused, Sonya turned to her husband for an explanation, when lightning split the sky. In the moment of illumination, Sonya understood when the ground revealed thousands upon thousands of people. After her eyes adjusted, she could begin to make distinctions of faces who were closer, and what she saw sank a cold stone in her stomach. Fear. Anger. Trepidation. Pure unadulterated hate.
Tsung seemed immune to it. He stepped forward, raised his arm, and smiled as the minions who watched the crowds bowed with respect. Next, he addressed the people, his voice carrying across the skies. "Mortals of Earth. Greetings. Within days, your world has been turned into a wasteland of destruction, your cities demolished along with your governments. Why? Because of destiny. Your world was unfit for your own rule. Those who were chosen to protect and defend this realm, those who represented you and your way of life, were weak and worthless. They failed in their quest, and have given full conquest of Earth to us."
A cry rose up in the crowd from those angered by such spiteful words. Surely no one could take over an entire planet in a matter of days, the protested in various languages. No such thing was possible.
Tsung was pleased. "Yes, Earth is now ruled by a monarchy, governed by a sole ruler who will decided your fates."
Butterflies flew up in her stomach. Oh God, this is it.
"People of Earth, behold your new leader-"
"SHAO KHAN!"
Sonya spun, Tsung turning at the same moment, to watch with as Khan stepped past them. He was dressed out in full battle gear of black leather, crisscrossed bones upon his chest, and a skull mask with vicious horns. Rising from the palms of both hands were bright balls of red flames, each with a human skull contained inside.
"Mortals! Bow to me!" He roared with laughter and thrust the fire balls out into the crowds. The masses screamed as hundreds of fireballs appeared and flew through the skies, forcing people to their knees to avoid being burned. Within moments, everyone was on the ground, and Khan laughed with glee. "Ah, now this is how a mortal world should be, with everyone groveling for mercy at my feet!"
This time, the creatures herding the humans joined in with boasting, their howls of enjoyment echoing off the mountains in the distance. The shock began to melt from Sonya's frozen mind as their terrible laughter brought her from her dazed state. No, no! This-this can't be happening! Yet she found herself without a voice.
"Is this what you envisioned Armageddon would be like, pitiful creatures? Death by fire, didn't you think? I can arrange that!" And the earth trembled, shook those rising to their feet back to their knees as the lands split, steam rose in wisps, and fountains of flame burst forth. Screams and laughter continued to mingle in the night sky, the bright glow of the fire allowing Sonya the clear image of her race scrambling from the heat, fighting to stay safe. The scene was too much like the execution, it was overwhelming her, and she had the sudden urge to vomit.
"Or, I can be merciful!" Instantly the fires extinguished, the devil skulls vanished, and the crowds found themselves in a haven. "I can execute you all, torture you until you beg for death." Khan's voice suddenly changed, from malevolent to serious and calm. "Or I can grant you wealth and power beyond comprehension. It's as simple as making a pledge. Swear eternal loyalty to me, serve me in whatever I ask, and I will give you control of your own life and the means to do it. Wealth, power, beauty, the right to rule others, it can be yours."
He laughed softly. "If you don't believe my word, or my honor, ask the mortal from your planet who has already joined me." With a wave of his hand, Sonya was brought forth to be viewed by the crowds. "A lieutenant from your military services has given her life to me, and in return she is a member of a high society court, where she rules over others, and lives in abundant wealth. She has made the right choice with her life, and should inspire you all to do the same."
What?! Sonya looked at him in shock. No! He was playing her to be a turncoat!
"Or you can resist me, and serve as a slave on Earth. You will suffer for years to come, until you die of exhaustion or I choose to be rid of you. Not a fun way to go out." Again, he laughed. "For you at least."
Deep within her, the fire of her hatred began to rekindle. He betrayed her and would now betray her people. Khan hated mortals, and would never give anything back to them. He would soak them dry of whatever they had and throw them to the wind. The people of earth were doomed to slavery or death.
Her hands curled into fists. "Ba-" in the instant the word formed on her tongue, her voice was taken, along with her mobility. She was frozen in place!
Khan glanced at her sideways, smiling, while raising his arm in an inviting wave. "Come join me now, and forever reap the fruits of your desires."
Silence filled the air, weighing as heavy as the seconds that passed, and Sonya could do nothing but watch; watch with horror filled eyes, with heart breaking for the people who once stood proud, as they stepped forward, slowly, one by one. And like herself, Khan knew the people were broken.
There would be no chance of survival now, for any of them... and Sonya knew she had failed again, destined to serve Khan as he predicted... a pathetic, worthless slave forever and ever and ever...
"NO!!!"
The rage burst from her in a shattering war cry. In her pain and hatred, the fire bubbled over, pouring liquid hot tears into the palms of her hands, to burst forth in a reckless blast of power. The explosive compound hit Khan squarely in the chest, levitating him horizontally into the tower wall, combusting the stones into dust piles.
Khan was down, by the hand of a mortal, and time stood still for his followers who could not comprehend the possibility of such an act.
It proved to be the opportune moment.
"NOW!!!"
A flurry of movement, the cries of the enraged and vengeful, and scattered gunshots alerted Khan's minions too late of the retaliation. They were bombarded by the screaming earthlings, with minimal chance to defend, and within the first minute, over one hundred creatures lay dead in the sand. Then the real battle began.
Sonya, dazed and resting on her knees, looked up in time to see Khan stalk towards her, rage dancing in his eyes and a sword brandished at her head. Death was knocking at her door, yet she couldn't muster the strength to go down standing up. The sword arced toward her, the weight fell upon her shoulders, and the world went black.
For every warrior he knocked down, three more appeared from the sands. He was growing tired, and hope was fading quickly. It would only be a matter of time before there would be too many creatures and no more weapons. In the instant a break presented itself, he looked around him to see those helping in the rebellion were slowing as well. There was no other option, they had to retreat.
He reached in his belt and felt the capsule. Inside was hardly enough power to dent a car, but it could produce more than enough smoke to cover their escape.
Of course, finding a place to hide would be quite a miracle, but he would cross that bridge when they made the leap for it. His thoughts broke as a heavy body smashed him into the remains of his previous kill. There wasn't even a moment to scream as claws slashed into his chest. He raised his arms to fight back when there was a brilliant flash of light, and suddenly the creature was knocked off him by a green beam of light.
People were yelling to run, retreat, and he pulled himself to his feet in time to see the green light strike out again, taking out three more creatures, and then someone was pushing him.
"GO!! RUN, NOW!!"
"Wha-"
"GO!!!"
His feet obeyed before his mind registered the order, and he looked ahead to see others running with him. Some were from his group of retaliators, others looked like the scum of the earth, and the rest looked like Navy SEALs. He didn't know where they were headed, but when he looked back and spotted the creatures pouring out of those damn portals, he honestly didn't care. All he did was run, urging the people he passed to join them.
The mountains drew closer, but so did the creatures giving chase. They were incredibly fast and would close the distance in minutes. Where were they supposed to go? There was no where to hide in open desert.
"GARRETT!"
He looked up ahead and saw a boy stumble under a creature that seemed to fall from the sky. Behind them, a large man of intimidating stature was turning around, charging back to his downed companion.
"Well, shit." And he tore forward, his nightstick swinging down with a resounding crack, splitting the creatures skull in a jagged crack. Without breaking too much stride, he pushed away the dead creature and lifted the boy into his arms. It was then he realized the creatures were upon them; in a last moment of desperation, he threw out the cloud capsule, clutched the teen to his chest, and ran into the blooming fog. In the corner of his eye, he spotted a swish of black hair and a masked face. Then the smoke swallowed his vision whole.
Well, I don't know how that was for an ending, but I'm hoping this chapter outdid the last one, at least. Thanks for your patience guys! You all kick ass!
