Chapter 5

"We're almost there," Bat-wings assured. "Just a little bit farther."

Reptile said nothing in response. He hadn't spoken in the entire time he and the vampire had waded through knee deep water and waste.

"A show of gratitude would be nice. I did save you life."

Reptile said nothing. He'd only gone with her because she was one and, to his knowledge, had no allies in this realm. She'd be the easiest to kill.

"Are you still mad I betrayed you?" she cooed.

Reptile growled, his low voice echoing in the sewers.

"Really, I'd think you'd be used to it by now. Tsung sent you on suicide missions. Kahn slaughtered the last remnants of your race. Shinnok tried to kill you when he thought victory was at hand. And Raiden," she laughed, her seductive voice echoing. "You should hate him most of all."

"Straw-hat?" Reptile questioned.

"Of-course," she said looking back. "You're species never would've been put into Kahn's crosshairs if not for Raiden's noble efforts."

"What do you speak of?" he hissed.

Bat-wings stopped and turned to her companion, a puzzled looked across her face. "You're too young," she realized. "You were probably just an infant when Kahn took you in. You don't know?"

"What do you mean," Reptile begged.

Bat-wings smiled at the leverage she now held. "I'll tell you your history, I'll tell you anything you like, after you help me. Trust me, its something you'll want to know."

The tunnel eventually opened into Edenia's forests. Reptile was happy that the strong stench of sewage was replaced by a cleaner smell of woodlands.

"Down here," Bat-wings said, sliding down a hill and through the trees. Reptile followed, briefly feeling the leather handle of his broadsword beneath the pads on his hand. He landed on soft, warm ground. A clearing, free of the foliage that hindered his vision. Eyes adjusted to the light from a fire and he saw two warriors: Blind-sword and Ice-fists. Angry, Reptile moved to draw his sword. This was a trap!

Before the scaly warrior could reach his weapon, before he could move, the air around him seemed to solidify. Some invisible fist broke into his stomach and reduced him to his knees. He'd done battle with the strongest warriors of Outworld, and yet had never felt a pain so intense and concentrated.

But there was no time to recover. Ice-fists had obtained a sword, somehow, and was now racing over the ground. Reptile lifted his broadsword to parry, and was pushed onto his back. Ice-fists bore his weapon down with all his might, Reptile struggled stop the sharp ice from cutting his throat. Calling on all the strength he had, the Raptor pushed Ice-fists a way. He leapt onto the air, his sword over his head. His intent was to impale his opponent. But before he could make contact, the air solidified again and the Raptor was thrust to his side. He slid along the ground; his skin tore on the dirt, and finally came to rest too far from his opponent. Dazed by the attacks, he wobbly rose to his feet, supporting himself with his blade.

This time when the air grew hard it crushed the Raptor's throat. His feet thrashed beneath him as his vision swirled. His struggles quickly ceased as the wind attacked once more and crushed his arms to his sides.

For a moment he wondered if his scream was as loud as he thought. But then there was silence.