Chapter 3: Ultimatum

"Have you destroyed the enemy as I have commanded?"

"Yes master I have, save for a small group of refugees and the eldest son." Scorpion replied within the darkness of his tent.

"Good, all is going to plan then." The dark voice replied contently.

"And what of the eldest son, he may be a threat after he returns from his training." Scorpion replied, frustrated that his "master" did not see this apparent setback.

"Then don't let him be." The voice answered with haste. Scorpion was about to argue with this vague answer but he felt with his being that the spirit from OutWorld had already left his presence. If only he could attain that power that he felt emanating from that creature, than he would be the master. Not the other way around. That was his goal, pure and simple. It always was. Scorpion would always be the strongest and be in control of the weaker. It was the way of things.

Scorpion left his tent just as the other warriors were just getting ready to go to sleep. He walked to the center of camp as the other ninjas were slowing down and watching him with a hungry look in their eyes……they were anticipating battle. When scorpion reached the center of the camp he announced,

"We ride in one hour's time; we will find the refugees and slaughter them. Then we will hunt and kill every member of the Ho'Chi we come across. You orders are clear, leave no one alive, spare no one mercy and destroy everything!"

Upon hearing this, the ninjas erupted in cheers and they quickly donned their battle armor and began to break down camp. Scorpion went to his horse and knew that he was soon going to attain that power from far away, and no longer need these weak, simple-minded fools.

"Run, run!" The frantic yells in the darkness and carnage were carried far by the western winds. Han, had no choice but to flee his people. The attack had come from the night, and the Ho'Chi were caught off-guard. Most of the people were slaughtered in their sleep or as they ran for a warriors help. "Damnit! These were just regular people, not fighters nor warriors! Why were they slaughtered?!" These thoughts poured through Hans head as he ran fervently for his life. When the sound of death and carnage were long behind him, he sat down on a rock overlooking the eastern mountains. His people were trying to get there to seek shelter and to start over…..but not now, nor ever. He might be the last, save for his brother.

"Sub-zero why have you left us?" Han suddenly yelled out into the early dawn light.

"Because he is a coward." A voice replied from behind. Han turned a round and gasped in horror. Before him stood Scorpion, the ruthless leader and evil killer of his enemy. He knew for sure that death would come for him now, but he was mistaken. Scorpion took a deep breath and said slowly but angrily,

"If you will deliver your brother to me, I will let you live and what is left of your clan."

"I do not even know where he is, and if I did you would kill me and my brethren anyway." Han replied with quiet resignation.

"True, but the offer is there. Take it or leave I do not care, it is your fate you play with…and the fate of your people." Scorpion added with a small smile creeping onto his face from underneath his mask. Han was silent.

"At dawn tomorrow have him for me, or you die as do whats left of your people. They will be safe at my camp till then. Do not disappoint me young Ninja." Scorpion finished as he jumped on his horse behind him and circled around Han once. Han grimaced as he knew too well that he and his people were doomed. Scorpion took off on his horse in front of Han, kicking up dust in the morning sunlight. In doing so, he let loose a volley of Ninja stars and one struck Han in the leg. Blood began to run from the open wound. Scorpion then took off laughing cruelly.

Han lay on the ground bleeding and cursing. Bleeding for his Clan and cursing his brothers' name for betraying them.