Chapter Seven
The realm of Keisei…it is a world in the distant galaxy, a place with many similarities of Earth. However, both worlds have historical differences and landmarks…
Komakai Village, Ming Dynasty
The morning sun rose into the sky bringing light to the day ahead. In a small village, more and more people went about their daily business while enjoying the cloudless weather.
By the docks, a ship had just landed and was now letting off their passengers. Amongst the passengers were a trio, two men and a woman, all quite young. The woman stood only five feet and wore a blue sleeveless garment with various designs on them along with purplish-blue carpi pants and slippers. Behind her was a thin sword inside it's scabbard. Her short, dark brown hair was held by a gold and pink headband and her matching colored eyes shined in the sunlight.
The younger of the two men, about eight inches taller than the woman, looked around the village with an emotionless look, his wildly-cut brown hair swaying in the wind and nearly covering the check-shaped scar on his left cheek. He wore a black and blue strap around his bare medium-built torso with a single brown shoulder pad holding it up. On his arms and wrist were gold bands with the wrists also containing black on them. He also had a gold belt and a blue scarf with red pants, and white and blue boots. Around his neck was a roped necklace containing a small, green gem that glittered in the sunlight. In his hand was a six foot staff he was currently using as a walking stick.
The last man, the tallest and the oldest of the three, showed off a nearly unnoticable cocky smirk. He had short black hair which had a few strands hanging over the front of his face. His attire contained of a sleeveless white jacket with various colored designs. The jacket was unzipped, showing off his well-built torso. He also wore matching pants with a purple and orange scarf around his waist, and black and white boots. Also on his waist were a pair of nunchakus.
The trio continued walking into the village. The young woman stretched her arms out. "We're finally home," she said. "How long were we traveling?"
"Quite a while Xianghua," the older man replied. He turned his head over to the younger man. "You've been pretty quiet since we got here, Kilik."
"Huh," Kilik muttered hearing his friend's voice. He mentally shook his head and turned to him. "Um, yeah Maxi, I have been, haven't I?"
"Is something wrong?" Xianghua asked with a bit of curiosity.
"Everything's fine," Kilik assured her with a smirk. Then, just as quickly, the smirk disappeared returning to the previous look on his face. "However, I have the feeling that we won't be home very long."
Maxi let out a loud laugh and lightly slapped his friend on the back. "Don't be ridiculous, we're going to be here for quite some time. What makes you think our plans will change?"
At the moment, the three heard a scream coming from an elder female not too far from them. They looked up just in time to see a robed man with a cloth around his face running off with a small brown bag. Just a few feet away, a frightened elder lady fell on her knees. "Help me! He just stole my money!"
Both Maxi and Kilik quickly looked at each other as though they were saying, 'Let's go.' They took out their weapons and began sprinting forward.
Xianghua was about to follow them as well, but she didn't take a single step when Maxi cried out, "Xianghua, stay with the lady!" She quickly looked up at them as they ran off.
At first, Xianghua didn't register what they asked as she looked on, her two allies running after the criminal. She felt her heart pound a bit, which caused her to snap out of it. Xianghua mentally shook her head, now realizing what they just asked her to do.
I have to focus! she yelled at herself. She went over to the old lady to see if she was all right. "Don't worry," she said. "My friends will take care of everything. I'll stay with you until they get back."
"Th, thank you young lady," the elderly woman said.
Once again, Xianghua thought about her two male friends, feeling her heart pounding again. It's so hard to choose between those two…
Meanwhile, Maxi and Kilik continued pursuit the crook. "Get back here!" Kilik cried out. At that moment, the crook took a turn into the alley area. The boys followed them there, but stopped when they saw the ally split into two, the crook no longer in sight.
"Damn!" Maxi cried out. "I'll go right, you go left."
"Right," Kilik nodded and the two began sprinting again into their assigned alley-ways.
For about five minutes, Kilik ran through the alley, keeping his dark eyes sharp and focused. Afterwards, he began to slow his pace and soon nearly ran into a tall wooden wall. At this point, he realized that either the crook escaped or went the way Maxi went.
Hopefully, Maxi managed to catch him, the younger man thought. He decided to go back to the main street where he and Maxi began their pursuit. He turned around and suddenly became frozen, his eyes widened a bit. In front of him, a figure in a dark purple robe stood before him with only it's hands showing.
"Who are you?" Kilik demanded. He lifted his staff and got himself ready for a fight. Then, he noticed in one of the figure's hands, it held a clean, white envelope.
Kilik blinked a couple of times before loosening his stance a bit. "You have a message for me, do you?" he asked.
The figure replied by gliding itself towards the young man. Kilik was a bit weary by the approach, but he kept his composure and was prepared for anything that could happen. Once the figure was close enough, it extended it's hand, holding the envelope, forward. Kilik slowly took the paper into his own hand, then back away a couple of feet, making sure to keep his eyes on the person in front of him.
It stood there for another moment before gliding quickly backwards, then disappearing around the corner…
"That was strange," Kilik muttered. He looked at the envelope, which had his name on it. He cocked one eyebrow as he opened the letter, then quickly read the contents.
"A tournament," he muttered again. He has been to many tournaments before, but never any that were, well, outside his world. It was going to be interesting indeed.
Then, Kilik remembered what he was originally doing and quickly shook his head. I have to get back to town before they wonder where I am. Kilik began sprinting then.
When he returned, Maxi and Xianghua were waiting for him. "There you are my friend," Maxi said with a smirk.
"Did you find him?" Kilik asked.
"I didn't get him, but he did leave a little present behind. Basically, we got the money back for the lady."
"That's good to know."
"Hey," Xianghua exclaimed. "What's that in your hand?"
"Huh… oh yeah." Kilik handed the envelope to Xianghua. "You would't believe me if I told you the whole story, but just looking at that may sum it up."
Xianghua read the contents with Maxi looking over her shoulder. They both finished at the same time and looked up at Kilik. "How come I wasn't invited?" Maxi asked.
Kilik shrugged. "Well… maybe they will let us invite others. It does sound like a very big tournament. The ship from here will be leaving in a few days in the city of Chili-san. Are you two willing to come with me?"
"You bet I will!" cried Xianghua.
Maxi smirked. "I'll enjoying kicking your ass there, that's for sure." The two men lightly laughed. "I guess you were right about us not staying here for too long."
"Well, let's enjoy it while we can," Xianghua suggested. The men nodded and the trio began heading deeper into town.
Valentine Mansion, Outskirts of Britannian Empire
The sounds of slashing, clicking, and a few yells were the only sounds disturbing the quiet around the fairly large mansion. Near the front of the mansion was a large balcony looking over the main entrance room. All the walls and floors were of the colors rose and gold with the wood-colored floor being made out of marble covered with a large, circled red carpet. The balcony consist of a large chandelier hanging on the ceiling, two stoned busts of different men, a few lit candles on the wall, and three very large oil-painted pictures with another small, rounder one.
The oil paintings consisted of the main family of the mansion, the Valentine family. One painting consisted of the late Earl Valentine and his lady. In the same painting was a young girl in a red dress, her short white hair down. Across the room were three more paintings, one of two more of Count Valentine, the small circular one being of him at a younger age and the large one being an older him. To the left of it was the young girl, now older and wearing a large, silver dress.
In the middle of the room, a lone female figure held a large sword in her hand. Though it was barely seen in the dark, a determined look appeared on her face. Her short, off-white hair swayed with her movements as she practiced the discipline she learned throughout her years.
She stopped and looked up at the young girl in the family portrait for a moment. It was herself… Ivy Valentine. She continued her practices with her sword then, ignoring the rest of her surroundings.
It was only a few years ago that Ivy became the only person in this mansion with the except of a few servants. Her father, who had adopted her at a young age, thirsted for power and was in search of a artifact known he believed to be the key to eternal youth. His pursuit not only drove him mad, but it nearly put the family in financial ruins. His pursuit would eventually drive him to his demise. His death broke her mother's heart and she died not long after.
Ivy would discover his pursuit of the 'key to eternal youth,' which turned out to be an artifact called Soul Edge. In her father's honor, not only did she attempt to find the artifact, but she also taught herself alchemy. With the assistance of an azure knight called Nightmare, he breathed life into the sword she now held in her hands.
During the investigation, Ivy would uncover more than she bargained for; not only was the sword evil that feasted upon souls, but her true father had possessed Soul Edge just before her own birth, thus the evil essence was a part of her. She better understood why the earl was driven mad all those years ago. Nightmare also manipulated her into thinking that she was fighting for a good cause... instead, he used her so that he continue to provide souls for the sword.
That was four years ago. Since then, Ivy sought for Soul Edge to destroy it in order to avenge her father's death. Her main goal was one that was difficult… to find the main source. Recently, she heard of another artifact known as Chishio No Me, or the Bloody Eye. It was known to be one of the most powerful artifact in the universe, one that granted limitless powers. Ivy knew that if she herself could get her hands on it, she would be able to find Soul Edge much quicker and finally fulfill her purpose.
Ivy continued her training, slashing her sword in the air, her heels clicking against the marbled floor with each step, and letting out a few yells once in a while. Then, she whipped her sword in the air, the blade breaking into eight pieces with a thick string running through them. She slashed them more in the air quickly, then finished it with herself twirling around, the blade surrounding her in a spinning motion. When she stopped she made a jolt with her hand, and the sword was put back together into one solid piece.
She stood there for a moment when she heard footsteps coming towards her. Ivy turned herself around to face the person. It was one of her servants dressed in a black and white formal attire.
"Sorry to disturb you madam, but I have come here with some news."
Ivy placed her sword in it's scabbard connected to a belt on her waist, keeping her blue eyes on the servant. "Go on."
The servant walked over to her, an envelope in his right hand. "A letter came for you today. I believe it may be of interest for you."
Ivy stared at the envelope for a moment before taking it from the servant. "Thank you. You are dismissed."
The servant bowed to her before departing, leaving her alone at the balcony. Ivy immediately opened the envelope then and read the contents that were in it;
Ms. Valentine-
We know of your pursuit for the artifact Soul Edge and wish to offer assistance. There will be a tournament that will be held in the realm of Outworld with ships leaving from the port close to the academic city close to your home. It is rumored that not only will the tournament be run by the realm's Emperor Shao Kahn, but that he now has possession of the Chishio No Me relic, which is known to be powerful enough to grant its wielder anything they want.
This artifact may help in your journey to destroy the evil sword.
It wasn't signed by anyone and it left her suspicious... however, thinking it over, the anonymous letter gave her the first real chance to finally destroy Soul Edge for the first time in a while... and it was chance that she was willing to take.
She didn't say anything and thought of nothing as she reached into one of the pouches on her. She took out a small chip of a red rock out and stared at it as it slightly glowed in the palm of her hand.
"Soul Edge," she whispered. It was one piece of it indeed, and many more like them were spread out all throughout the realms. She made a decision then... she would journey to Outworld and join the side of Emperor Shao Kahn. It would be her way of getting closer to the Chishio No Me artifact.
Her quest in destroying the essence of Soul Edge may finally see to its end soon.
"Could this be… my destiny?"
Mikros Village, Ottoman Empire
In the second warmest season of the year, most of Mikros Village was still covered in light snow, the ground barely seen. Despite the cold climate, villagers continued with their routines.
Wearing a dark navy cloak, a young girl made her way to a small cottage. A gust of wind came by and pushed back the hood, revealing shoulder length golden blonde hair held back a bit by a white headband. She lightly gasped in surprised, her green eyes widened briefly as she brought her fair-skinned hands towards the hood and brought it back over her head to keep it warm.
She reached the stone steps of the cottage and knocked on the wooden door a couple of times. She only had to wait briefly before the door was opened. A tall young man stood at the door wearing a white shirt and black pants held up by suspenders.
The man smiled at the girl. "You made it Cassandra. Sophitia has been looking forward to seeing you." He stepped aside to give her room to come in.
"Good afternoon Rothion," Cassandra greeted as she entered the living. There, two young children, a boy and a girl, played with their toys. They looked up to see who had just entered the room. Immediately, bright smiles appeared on their faces as they stood up and ran towards Cassandra to hug her.
"Hi Aunt Cassie!" they cried out.
Cassandra smiled as she hugged her niece Pyrrha and nephew Patroklos. "It's good to see you two again." After the children laughed and resumed back to they playtime.
"She's resting in the bedroom," Rothion said. "She is still quite weary from her travels."
"I can only imagine," Cassandra said as she headed towards the room. "After all, my older sister did come back from a big fight from what she wrote in her letter."
Rothion nodded. "If it wasn't for that mysterious woman, however, she would be…" he could get himself to finish the sentence.
Cassandra nodded not wanting to finish as well. "But at least she's all right now. I must ask though… she had only requested to see me, why is this?"
Rothion only replied with a small shake of the head. Cassandra said no more and headed into the bedroom. The door to the room was closed and Cassandra knocked on it. A soft 'come in' was heard and Cassandra entered.
Laying in a bed was a young woman just only a few years older than Cassandra. They had the same fair skin and blond hair, though Sophitia's eyes were blue and she had a smaller frame than her little sister, which was covered by a heavy gray blanket.
Sophitia smiled as Cassandra approached the bed. "Sister, I'm glad you are here."
"So am I," Cassandra replied. "You indeed look tired."
Sophitia nodded. "I'll be okay. It'll take some time before I go out into the world again. For now, I need rest."
The younger sister sat on the bed. "Is there anything I can do?"
Sophitia smirked then. "Well, there is a reason I asked you here." She reached over at the wooden box next to the bed and took a envelope into her hand.
Cassandra looked at it with curiosity, seeing Sophitia's name neatly scripted on it. "What is this?"
"Originally, I was invited to a tournament in another realm. It doesn't say which realm it is though. As much as I want to go, I can't. Besides, I'm sure I wouldn't hear the end of it from Roth." Sophitia let out a light laugh before looking at her sister with a bit of seriousness. "Watching you grow up and learning the ways of the Athenian style, I know that you have become a great warrior as I have. I believe that one way of learning more of everything is to travel. That is why I am giving this to you my dear sister." With that, Sophitia handed the invitation over to Cassandra.
Cassandra was shocked by this. She never really considered herself what her sister just described and felt honored by it. She opened the letter and read the information given. "Are you sure about this?" she asked looking up.
Sophitia nodded. "Within my heart, I know you can do this. I know the whole thing may sound frightening, but do not lose your confidence. Trust yourself within your heart and soul and remember that the Gods will always be with you."
Cassandra smiled then. "Thank you sister."
"One other thing," the older sister continued. "I offer you my sword and shield for good luck."
The younger sister gasped and looked over at the short sword and small shield which laid against the wall recently fixed up by Rothion. "Sophitia," was all she could say.
"You will do great and I wish you the best of luck in your journey," Sophitia concluded.
Cassandra looked down at the invitation. Sure, the tournament sounded a little strange, but what wasn't strange now a days? Even before Sophitia spoke, Cassandra desired to go for the competition, but she was reminded of her biggest value; family. Now, her other reason of going was in honor of her sister, who journeyed all of Keisei and fought many odds throughout the way.
"Thank you," the young girl said. "I won't fail."
Unknown Region of Keisei
Then one day while in battle, the leader and his clan were in battle with a rival group. As the leader had his grip on the medallion, it suddenly glowed and a bright, white light surrounded itself and its wielder. Within a split second, both disappeared. His clan lost the battle and their opponents received victory…
While riding on horseback, Yoshimitsu looked down at his right hand. He remembered it like it was only yesterday… back when he had his own hand. He imagined it gripping on the Bloody Eye medallion as he fought many armies in order to obtain peace. After all, it was his clan, the Manji clan's, purpose for as long as it existed.
His hand has since been replaced with a prosthetic after being forced to chop it off in order to free himself from the medallion's hold on him. It was currently covered by his black glove. He remembered while fighting in Outworld that he suddenly found himself back in his home, Earth. He had originally had the missing arm replaced with a wooden prosthetic, but in recent years, he would have a mechanical one placed in thanks to an elderly doctor on Earth he had known for years.
After discovering the medallion's true nature and what it had done to past wielders, Yoshimitsu realized back then that he nearly paid a large price for being so greedy. The power the medallion gave him had almost let him forget his and his clan's true purpose. Since then, he had been out to destroy it so that it never clutched onto another again. He has searched all of Outworld through the years, but has never found it.
He continued riding on his horse, the fast winds picking up the sand below and letting it fly around aimlessly. Yoshimitsu's armor and gear protected him from the harsh weather. He had many outfits that he has worn over the years. Currently, he was wearing a large gray helmet with a demon's face, matching colored breastplate, shoulder pads, gauntlets, and shin guards, black baggy pants with gold designs along the knee area, a red and black belt, and gray sandals with black tabi socks. Strapped to his belt was a scabbard containing his beloved sword, an important relic amongst the Manji Clan which signifyed his leadership. Even with his gear, his six foot five frame alone made him quite intimidating.
Although the Manji Clan originally formed on Earth, they have since spread themselves amongst the realms thanks to his sword, which had the ability to form a temporary portal to take them anywhere they wished. Their main base of operation were in both Earth and the realm of Keisei, where he was currently located. The clan had mainly existed to help the meek and rob from the well-privileged. It has earned the clan the reputation of being heroes of the poor and the bane of existence of the rich and powerful.
He guessed the only good thing about his time holding the medallion was that he was granted immortality, a wish he had placed upon himself when he first wielded it. He was never really close to anyone, not even the members of his clan, and it didn't matter much to him because he liked solitude when given. Thing was, he could die if he received a fatal wound in any place of his body, having been stabbed at one time and nearly felt death approach him before someone saved him. Other than that, he had lived for hundreds of years and never came down with any sickness.
After much thinking, Yoshmitsu soon arrived at a base secluded from anywhere else. Members of his clans waited for him outside.
"Welcome back Yoshimitsu," said one member.
Yoshimitsu nodded and patted the five foot pouch on the side of the horse. "The food has arrived and we will not starve." His voice was deep and nearly echoed with each word he said thanks to a trick he learned years ago to conceal his true voice pitch. This did not scare the members for that they have grown used to it.
At that moment, a few men approached him wearing an all-black attire. Yoshimitsu recognized them as his spies in Outworld in his pursuit to destroy the medallion. His eyes scanned them curiously. "What news do you bring me?"
The leader of the spies bowed before speaking. "Master, we have found the medallion."
Shock came over the Manji leader, never expecting them to announce that. "Do you have it with you?"
The spy shook his head. "Another has it in possession, the Emperor of Outworld. We also learned that a tournament will be held there as well, hosted by the sorcerer Shang Tsung. The prize wasn't announced, but whatever they are up to, they are using the medallion as their key."
Yoshimitsu got off his horse then. Another member of the clan took the horse into the stables nearby. The leader took out his katana, which glowed in a green color.
"I will take care this." Without another word, Yoshmitsu opened a portal to Outworld and went in, much to the clan's shock and dismay.
The clan was silent for a moment before one spoke. "Why did he do that?"
The spy looked at him. "Perhaps he wants to deal with this on his own…"
And indeed Yoshimistu wanted that. He knew exactly who Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung were and realized that with the medallion in their possession, all the realms were now in peril…