I'm sorry it's been a while. I've had interviews, school, and been taking care of things due to this COVID-19 stuff. I may have an internship soon and I have summer classes until August, so I may not post as much as I would like. I am planning on having far more chapters than I thought. The next chapter is from scratch, but the next one (or maybe the one after that one), I have been writing on my phone so those will come out faster. Please enjoy!

Teoitotia's POV:

"What the fuck" indeed. The others were openly showed their shock and Raiden stood silent. There were bodies all over the city. No wonder I didn't feel anything. Buildings were destroyed and most were on fire. Blood everywhere.

"Keep an eye out. We don't know if the killers are still here," Sonya ordered.

I stepped forward and looked around. I held a hand up. "Easy. There is no one living here or nearby. We are not targets."

"What could have done this?" asked a soldier.

Raiden moved around, analyzing the city. I could see the sorrow in his eyes. "They were caught off guard and slaughtered," he deduced.

I looked around again. "Notice how there are only elderly, children, and animals."

"Let's go deeper in the city," ordered Sonya. We continued walking forward and I made sure to notice the age of the the people and there were indeed only elderly and children. There were no adults. Why? Sonya said, "There must be cameras in this place, perhaps if we find them, we can determine what attacked. Follow me." She took her soldiers with her and went to find the camera control room.

Raiden and I stayed where we were. He asked me, "Do you have any idea what could have caused this?"

"I have no clue." Ancestors?

We are here. We do not know what could have attacked them. We noticed that they were physically strong, but there must have been something stronger after them.

I told Raiden, "Whatever or whoever attacked must have wanted adults only and they did it fast. There must have been hundreds of thousands in this city and now suddenly most of the population disappears? They were taken."

"They have an equal chance of being deceased or alive," noted Raiden. "If your ancestors are correct, then the symbols must be written somewhere. A record keeping building perhaps? A library?"

I nodded in agreement. "But this city is larger than the largest cities in Earthrealm."

"We have no choice but to look."

I lifted a hand with my palm up. "Then let me ask around. There must be at least some nature spirits around."

"You may go. Be alert."

I nodded and headed towards the gate. I decided to start calling out now, Spirits of Mekaranoba. I seek information, are any of you willing to answer a few questions? I mean no harm. I only seek information.

No response. Then I heard a deep voice, You can communicate with us human?

I am no human, but yes.

I am willing to answer your questions Earthrealmer. Proceed.

Have you seen what occurred to this city?

I did not. We scattered when the first newcomer came.

What was it? Can you describe it?

I felt violence unlike any other thing I have sensed, and I immediately left, as did the others. We did not see anything. I can give you no other information as to what happened here besides that there was a horrible creature of whom we only felt violence from. That is all.

Thank you for your time.

You are a fellow spirit. In human form?

You can say that. Thank you again. May you be at peace. I walked back to meet with Raiden and General Blade. Once I stopped near them, Sonya told me, "There was nothing on the cameras. They were shut down before all of this."

"We must look for any place where they might have information as to what the symbols mean," I said.

She pointed to two of her soldiers. "You two come with me. The others go on." To Raiden and I, she said, "I assume you both will search on your own?"

Raiden responded, "Yes."

Once they left, I turned to Raiden. "An observer said that that only thing they felt was violence and nothing more since they left immediately. It was terrifying enough to make all the spirits nearby, flee."

"I hope you will inform us of anything else."

"Of course. We should start searching."

...

After searching about a quarter of the city, which took a little over three hours, Sonya found a book full of symbols. It was hidden in a hidden spot of a government office. She searched through it and found the four of them, but the descriptions were unreadable by us, for we did not know the language.

"Let me see if someone can translate. Can I see the book?" I put my hand out and Sonya handed it over. "I will go outside the gates."

"Then we might as well leave this place," Sonya noted. "Let's go."

I walked ahead and called out again, Spirits of Mekaranoba, is anyone willing to translate something these inhabitants of this city have written? I mean no harm.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a small dark blue spirit. I turned towards it. It replied, I am willing to.

Thank you dear one. I knelt down and held the book open. By this time, the others have joined me. I sensed their confusion as to who I was interacting with. I told the small spirit, Can you translate this one for me? Once it translated all of them, I told it, Thank you small one. Live in peace now. Once it left, I turned to the others and turned the page to the first one. I pointed at it and said, "This one is simply a threat of war." I turned the page to the next one. "This one is a sign that says to back off and mind your own business." I turned to the next one. "This one signifies the possibility of peace." I turned to the last one. "This one is the most important of all. It signifies a threat of invasion." I closed the book.

"How could they have captured my men and send them to me like that? My men weren't even in this realm, they were in the Neartherrealm gathering intelligence. How can the people of this city send us these messages when they're not even here?" Sonya asked.

"Intelligence for what?" I asked.

"To make sure they weren't up to anything."

I understood. "Then the other question remains. How did these people become intertwined with Earthrealm business?"

"The Neatherrealm has to have something to say about this. But Quan Chi is dead." Sonya noted.

"He must not be. We would have seen Kabal back with the Black Dragon by now," Raiden said.

Sonya and her men nodded. "That makes sense," one of them said.

Raiden told Sonya, "I will help you ask around the Neatherrealm."

"Then we should go back to Earthrealm and visit the Neatherrealm by tomorrow at the latest."

Raiden nodded and I told him, I will deal with the city. Can you come and get me after you have dropped them off?

Raiden nodded and teleported them back to Earthrealm. I turned towards the city and raised my arms with my palms up. I closed my eyes and felt the whole foundation of the city. Then, stomped my left foot forward and drove my hands down, palms down, willing the earth under the city to become unstable. The ground shook a bit and the city lowered into the earth as the earth below it went to the top. I took concentration to lower a city as large as this one. Then, the only thing anyone could see was fresh soil where the city once was. Satisfied, I stood upright. Lightning cracked behind me and I turned around to see Raiden. He put his hand on my shoulder and teleported us back to Earthrealm.

...

Once back at the Sky Temple, he thanked me, "Thank you for taking your time to deal with this issue. We will take it from here."

"Of course."

We walked into the Jinsei chamber to find Fujin resting in the Jinsei. He opened his eyes and glided down. "How did the mission go?" He felt my uneasiness. "What happened?"

Raiden responded, "Death. The people were wiped out. There was no one we could talk to. Sonya Blade checked their technology and they found nothing as to what occurred." He went to face the Jinsei and Fujin walked over to embrace me, comforting us both. Fujin may be one of Earthrealm's protectors, but he cares for all life. Raiden continued, "I will go to the Neatherrealm soon. We must confront them to see if they have any information. I need you to watch over the Jinsei again. Until then, I must recharge for any possible fight."

"Of course. We will leave you be," Fujin said. He pulled me along to our room. Once he closed the door he asked me, "What happened?" I proceeded to tell him what I saw and was informed of. Finally, Fujin asked, "You found nothing you could trace? A scent? A spiritual clue? Nothing?"

I nodded. "Nothing to use to track whoever or whatever attacked. Usually there is at least a scent, but there was nothing. I would have felt more at ease if there was at least that, but there wasn't and that makes me uneasy."

"What do you think it could have been?"

"I don't know. It couldn't have attacked from the ground, since there is no scent. Technology wasn't possible. There were no bullets or bombs thrown. It was like this thing did it by itself with its own hands...or it could have flown around."

"Truly odd."

There was silence. I sighed. "I don't know what to do. This deals with other realms, which we haven't dealt with for thousands of years. I mean, we fought against invaders and always had the home advantage."

Fujin pulled me into his chest. "It is not your battle."

"But I can't help but think that this is something serious."

"Did you sense the cosmos's energy?"

I pulled from his embrace. "Why didn't I think of that?!" I kissed him quickly and set a mat on the floor. Then I burned some incense and sat down. I closed my eyes and focused on all that was around me...

After I searched around, I opened my eyes and turned to Fujin. "Nothing." I relaxed a little. "Maybe you all are right; this could just be a sorcerer or something minor."

... ... ... ... ...

One Week Later...

It was mid-day in Tliltetepetl. I was overseeing my warriors' training. Raiden said that they found nothing. It was very odd. They wondered that maybe what attacked the people could have been native to that realm alone, but I never asked for more of their thoughts. Perhaps they were sent there by Neatherrealmers? Perhaps they carved the symbols on the soldiers and sent them back to the Neatherrealm, who could have sent them back to the SF? We really don't know what to think. SF is still investigating.

The no-good spirits have been acting normally now, which is kind of relieving. To be honest, I was still stressing over their previous lack of activity. Obviously, I never showed it in front of anyone. I voiced my concern to my uncle in private and he took my words into consideration. I feel like it's still not enough.

... ...

A Few Days Later...

Fujin and I were in the Jinsei chamber, waiting for Raiden to come back from his business. The doors opened and in came Raiden and the monks. Fujin and I turned to face them. "Is there an urgent matter?" asked Fujin.

Raiden looked at me. "One of Outworld's peoples have disappeared like in Mekaranoba. Only the bodies of the elderly and children remained. Kotal Kahn contacted us yesterday to ask if the same has occurred in Earthrealm. Very recently, he contacted us for help. There is something in Outworld that cannot be seen and it has gone attacking people. They have tried using sorcerers and the likes, but to no avail. I think this may be your expertise."

I nodded. "Let me gather two warriors. I will be back in a few minutes. Excuse me." I started to walk out of the Jinsei chamber and Fujin was right behind me. I sent out a message to my uncle, Uncle, it is I. There is trouble in Outworld like in Mekaranoba. This could be a no-good spirit. I need two warriors. I waited for his response...

Finally, he said, You may take two only. Keep a low profile.

Understood.

Then, I sent out a message to my chosen two, Akoatl and Sipaktli, I need you both for a mission in Outworld. We may be facing a spirit. No need for battle gear. You have 10 minutes. Meet me by the House of Laws.

Fujin raised his arms and teleported us to Tliltetepetl. We waited for five minutes and Sipaktli arrived first. He bowed at us saying, "Ehecatzin. Teoitotiatzin. I am ready."

I nodded my head. "Good afternoon. We just have to wait for Akoatl." My chosen two excelled at spirit combat.

Eventually, Akoatl arrived a few minutes later. He bowed at us saying, "Ehecatzin. Teoitotiatzin. Sipaktli. Please forgive me for being late."

I held a hand up. "Not at all. Thank you for coming." After explaining to them the background of this mission, I looked at Fujin and nodded. He teleported us to the Sky Temple. Once there, my warriors bowed in respect to Raiden. He said, "Thank you for coming Akoatl and Sipaktli." They bowed their heads in response.

I said, "We can get going."

Fujin backed off and said, Be cautious.

Raiden rose his arms. Always. And we teleported to Outworld.

...

We settled in a palace, which I assumed belonged to Kotal Kahn. He walked out with Jade, Katana, and a few soldiers. Kotal spoke, "Thank you for doing this out of the goodness of your heart."

Raiden responded, "Of course. Kotal Kahn this is General Teoitotiatzin, a warrior who specializes in these kinds of unknown operations."

I stepped forward and bowed my head. "Kotal Kahn, it is refreshing to meet you." I pointed to my companions. "These are two of my warriors."

He nodded. "Thank you for taking your time to deal with this threat that can only harm you."

I put a hand up with my palm facing the sky. "Nonsense, Kahn. It is our duty to deal with these threats, no matter the realm. Please show us where we might find this threat."

"Of course." He turned his head to a warrior of his. "Summon the horses and bring a few extras." The soldier bowed and ran off. Kotal Kahn turned back to us. "Can I offer you any refreshments? Are you in need of weapons?"

I talked with my warriors. Is anyone in need of drink or food?

They looked at each other. We are fine, said Akoatl.

I turned to Kotal Kahn. "We appreciate the offer, but do not require anything as of now." He nodded and then their version of horses came. Raiden got his own. Kung Lao went on with Liu Kang. My warriors went on one, and I, in another. Kotal said, "Follow me," and he forced his horse to run forward. We followed.

...

After traveling for an hour, we stopped. Kotal Kahn turned to me. "We should stop here. Whoever or whatever it was, it could still be here and be on high alert."

I nodded. "Of course." I turned to my warriors. "Tihuian." (Let's go) We got off our horses and as my warriors walked forward, I turned back to Raiden and Kotal Kahn. "We will be back." I walked to meet up with Sipaktli and Akoatl. I didn't say to constantly scan the area because they knew what we needed to do.

Sipaktli said, It's underground.

I ordered them, Go off to the sides so we are evenly spaced. Be careful not to alert it of our presence. Stay low. If it tries to escape before we catch it, do everything in your power to prevent it from leaving, but do not risk your life.

Understood, they both said and they went off to the sides at a wide angle. I stayed where I was, crouching behind a large boulder. I sensed it's activity. It was very low and located quite deep underground. We would either have to pull it up and trap it, or just trap it where it was. The second was easier. We'll see how it goes. I focused on the no-good spirit alone, my warriors were trained and expected to do as I said. This no-good spirit may be highly off guard because it wasn't expecting us. It was also just a regular soldier, but a higher ranked one if it could interact with the physical world.

Unexpectedly, it started to move up rapidly. I ran out of my hiding spot. The others became alert. I yelled, "Xiquanacan!" (Grab it!) and they sprang forward while manipulating their spirits to create a dome to prevent it from going higher and returning to the ground. It shrieked as it tried to find a weak spot.

It said, Tliltetepah? Let me go! I was forced to do this! I had no control!

I responded, Stop pretending. You were either ordered to do this or did this on your own. They never use trickery to remove each other from the picture. They fight and the winner goes up the ranks. It's as simple as that.

Ah. So you're not as stupid as we thought. Why are you here? Did Kotal Kahn call you guys? I knew that he was going to be a problem.

Where are the creatures of this village? What occurred?

All the adults are reduced to nothing. I was bored and frustrated. I needed relief.

Why did you stay behind?

Seeing my work makes me happy. What can I say?

It didn't sound abnormal. I continued, Did you waste have anything to do with what occurred in Mekaranoba?

The fuck is "Merkaranoba?"

I sighed on the inside. Sipaktli asked, Could they have done the same thing to the adults in Mekaranoba?

It's a possibility, Akoatl noted.

I asked the spirit, Are done lying?

...What?

I know you lied about most of what you said. You gave it away. Who ordered you to do this?

It sighed. You're good. What rank are you?

Who ordered you? I asked again.

Someone of the same rank. It was a dare. We were bored and heard about another spirit doing something like this against weak creatures. These beings, on the other hand, had some spirit control, although far less than you Tliltetepah. They were many and it seems that they were not strong enough for me, which is kind of a disappointment to be honest.

That was the truth. What did you do to the adults?

I eliminated them.

Lies.

It sighed. You are good. I gave them to others. They wanted some hosts, so I gave them over. It laughed. They are so pathetic, those lower ranked ones.

Why did they want hosts?

Why do they usually want them? To cause havoc of course! Although, not in Outworld. It has nothing more to offer.

There was nothing more it could tell me. It didn't know about Mekaranoba. I told my companions, "Mahkahto na." (Let it go.)

They pulled back their spirits and I sent mine to trap it again. It yelled out, You said that you would let me go!

I will release you from your misery. I held up a clenched fist up so my knuckles faced the ground.

NO! It shrieked and lashed out, but it was weak compared to me. I opened my hand and it yelled, N-! I cut it short as I forced it to break down into nothing. It was done.

My warriors approached me and Akoatl asked, "Teoitotiatzin, was that all you had to ask?"

"It could offer no more. We will leave the village like this. Kotal Kahn may want to do something with it."

They nodded and we walked back to meet with the others, reflecting on what we know. When we reached the others I nodded my head and told them, "It was taken care of."

"What was it?" asked Kotal Kahn.

"A spirit. It was hidden deep underground and we lured it out. It was a weak one. It will no longer disturb you."

"Thank you."

"Of course." My warriors and I got on our horses and we rode back to the palace. During that time, I informed Raiden on what really went on. Finally, I said to him, It seems like they were just...playing a game. I gagged a bit on the inside. But that doesn't explain why the Special Forces were sent their men back the way that they were. I would say that the no-good spirits are allying themselves with the Neatherrealm, but they would never do that. They don't rely on other realms.

Raiden responded, Whenever you deal with another one of these things, ask them questions.

Of course.

We arrived at the palace. Kotal Kahn asked, "May I offer you some refreshments or goods?"

I help up a hand. "Thank you, Kotal Kahn, but we are fine. It is our duty to do these things."

Raiden said to him, "We will be going now."

Kotal Kahn nodded. "Thank you again."

Raiden lifted his arms and we teleported back to Earthrealm.

...

We arrived at the Sky Temple. The monks left then Raiden thanked us and left to the Jinsei chamber. Fujin came out of it and teleported us home. We went to inform my uncle about everything that happened. Akoatl and Sipaktli were dismissed, so it was just my uncle, his attendant, Fujin, and I. We talked about what it could be, but there were holes. Eventually, Fujin and I left. It eventually became nighttime and we bathed. We prepared for nighttime and lied there in bed.

"Something is on your mind," Fujin noted.

I turned to face him. "There are so many holes in this mystery. It concerns me, but it's more of the fact that this is occurring in other realms. Not only do they possibly have a hidden agenda, but we have to travel to other realms; We haven't done that in a long time. This could just be a distraction of something bigger." I chuckled. "Or I may be overthinking as usual."

"An issue for tomorrow, my love."

I sighed. "Quema." (Yes.) I leaned in to kiss him and he eagerly returned it in comfort. After a while, we fell asleep, and even though I was anxious, my spirit rested that night.

... ...

Two Weeks Later...

Nothing unusual had happened. I regularly felt the balance of the cosmos and nothing seemed off. Although the rest of the world is relaxed, I was still worried and on alert. These emotions have essentially halted my usual hobbies and...activities. Fujin has tried to have me relax, but I was restless. Something was either not occurring or was going on. The later scared me because it didn't throw the cosmos off balance. It caused me more anxiety because then that meant that we were to perhaps not act against it, even if that threat threatened the existence of Earthrealm. There was, however, an increase in the lowest ranked no-good spirits, which is not much of a threat because they cannot interact with the physical world. They could attack other spirits, but when it comes to regular humans, they were almost no threat. Nonetheless, we dealt with them. If we had not, the higher ranked ones would think that we are not as vigilant as before. After overseeing some of the rising warriors train, I went home and lied on our petlatl, thinking. It was still daytime. I thought, If something big is coming, it could just be a war. The weaker no-good spirits have hosts now and if they were behind the massacre in Mekaranoba, then they have countless more hosts. We could save them, if they appeared before us. What if that's what they're doing?; gathering hosts for the weaker ones for a war-? Why? But also, why and how is the balance of the cosmos not tipped?! I suppose the mass killing and capture of a few groups of mortals is not tipping the balance... I put my hands on my face and groaned out loud. What in the name of Tliltetlapiani is going on?

One Week Later...

Fujin had told me that Raiden was working with Earthrealm's champions (and forces) to deal with various, unconnected threats. At this point, I had begun to calm down. There was no point in worrying. My people haven't done much lately. The weakest no-good spirits aren't even doing much damage, but we still kill the ones nearby and near the tribes we watch over. It was sunset in Tliltetepetl and Fujin still hasn't come home. I would have been worried, but I could sense his spirit and he was fine. Then, I heard him, My love, Raiden is on his way to you. He has found something and cannot decipher it. I jumped up and prepared myself to go out. I heard thunder and knew Raiden had arrived.

I spoke to my uncle, Uncle, I have to leave. Raiden needs my aid. I will be back.

He responded, Of course. Missing the night of song and dance? So unlike you.

I caught on his playful mood. Do not think that this will be one of many.

Thank you for handing the spotlight to me today.

Iztatetl will steal it. Bye now.

Until tomorrow.

I walked outside and saw Raiden right in front of me. "Good evening," I greeted.

"I apologize for delaying your rest, but I desperately need your aid."

I held a hand up. "It is quite alright. Now, what is the problem?"

"We must go to the Sky Temple." I nodded and he put a hand on my shoulder to teleport us there.

When we arrived, Raiden led us to a temple. When we walked in, Liu Kang and Kung Lao were there. We nodded at each other in greeting. Raiden stopped and turned to me. "I was talking with Bo Rai Cho, who was in Orderrealm, and he told me that a few days ago, a message was received by them from Chaosrealm. The Chaosrealmer was just a messenger and told the leaders of Orderrealm to deliver the message to Earthrealm. I saw it and didn't understand; there were symbols I have never seen before. I asked all the others and they said that they have never seen them before. I perhaps should have gone to see you first, but since Chaosrealm was involved, I thought that that was going to be our own problem."

He looked at Liu Kang and Liu Kang opened the paper scroll. I looked at the symbols. I called out, Ancestors of mine, I have a question to ask.

Proceed.

Have you ever seen these symbols?

Silence. We have never seen what everyone sees. Look at it from your spirit.

I was confused but did as they advised. My heart sank. My ancestors continued, The army might not be enough. They might all die and we cannot go into the physical world. You need reinforcements.

Please! I need to communicate this with the others.

I looked at Raiden with a look of concern. "The real message is behind those symbols. We have never seen them, but what is behind them, is known. They call for war."

"Who does?" Kung Lao asked.

I glanced at him and looked back at Raiden. "The no-good spirits, or more specifically, the Supreme No-Good Spirit." I knew something was wrong! I continued with urgency, "The message itself is a memory of a long time ago. The raid of our ancestors and the revenge by Tliltetlapiani. That itself is war. Revenge. We have a full day to prepare as seen by the dot. I always assumed that the attack on Outworld resulted in something worse than I thought. It was similar to what happened in Mekaranoba. Too similar. That's why they needed the bodies. If they're preparing for war, then their weaker ranks need vessels, which means that they could have been taking others from other realms that we are not connected to. They made the mistake of attacking Outworld. My ancestors say that we are not enough. We need aid. I know the more powerful ones won't need bodies, so we can deal with those. The weaker ones can be fought against. Considering all this time they've had the bodies, the original being inside them cannot be saved. I must warn my uncle. Now."

Raiden said, "I will alert the others and will have them gather to talk strategy in five hours. Will your uncle be joining us?"

I shook my head. "I am the general. Strategy is my specialty. I will bring my officers, but Raiden, we might not be enough."

"I will try to persuade Outworld and Orderrealm to join. If so, their leaders will be meeting with us. Will their armies be enough?"

I blinked. "Perhaps not enough. I did not want to advise it, but we may need all the Spirits to be there too. I will have some warriors stay to defend my home and the Jinsei if that helps. Please excuse me. I must go."

"Then you may leave."

I turned around and walked out, not bothering to say anything else. When I was out of the temple, Fujin was right there. "What is it?" he asked.

"I'll explain in a bit. Let me speak to my uncle." He nodded and I called out, Uncle, we have a war approaching. This may be what we have been preparing for this whole time.

There was a slight pause and then he slowly responded, What do you mean?

You need to gather the councils. I need to meet with the other leaders in five hours to talk strategy. We have a full day to prepare.

Then I will gather them.

I looked at Fujin. "You need to stay to guard the Jinsei as Raiden moves around, no?"

"I do." He grabbed my hands and looked down before whispering, "You expect it to be there don't you?"

"I do," I whispered back. "And you may all need to be there. There might be enough physical force to deal with the ones with vessels, but there are still many of the more powerful ones. My warriors are few in number as it is." Ever since I married Fujin, I have been teaching his brothers the very basics of spiritual manipulation, so they would be a big help. "Please take me there?"

He looked around and saw no one, so he kissed me as he teleported us to Tliltetepetl.

Thanks for reading! I appreciate any feedback!