Love & War 4

Chapter 7: Sekret Origin

Ages ago, the golden realm of Osh-Tekk was ruled by proud warriors, helmed by my father, Kotal K'etz. We conquered all enemies. Until the day we met Shao Kahn, emperor of Outworld, and his champion, Goro, prince of Shokan. I thought my father was a coward that way.

"In recognition to your obedience and service to me, you may keep your treasure," said Shao Kahn.

"You sacrificed our people's dignity... for a gem?" Kotal asked.

"It is not a gem," K'etz replied. "It is a portal stone. It is time for you to fulfill your rite of Realmwalk. Survive the harsh Earthrealm atmosphere, and you inherit my helm."

"What good is your helm? You relinquished it to a conqueror!"

"If you'll hear no advice, hear this: The people of Earthrealm are locked in eternal war. You are not ready to join their fight."

Surviving in Earthrealm was daunting. When my legs would go no further, I reflected on my father's words: "You are not ready." I journeyed until I reached a land that reminded me of home... the Amazon. This tribe stood no chance against the Osh-Tekk. I knew at a glance, as did they. By fate, I was not the only warrior they encountered that day. I was just the only warrior on their side. I reflected on my mission, what if I wasn't here to conquer but to save this tribe as my father could not save ours? My father had spoken true: War was constant for the tribe against their own neighbors and against the men from the sea. Forged by battle, I became more than a warrior. I was a god. I taught the tribe how to conquer their enemies in the ways of Osh-Tekk. In exchange, they gave me a new name: Buluc, the War God. But as their enemies dwindled, I grew restless. I elected to return to Outworld... expecting my father's pride.

"You have grown stronger," said K'etz. "Yet you disappoint."

"Disappoint who, father? I protected the weak."

"And you have doomed them! You are blind to the consequences of your actions. Return the portal stone to me..."

Kotal Kahn attacked his K'etz, putting him against the wall.

"Forgive my anger. Keep your helm, father. Now that I have my own, I will never surrender it."

I returned to my Amazon tribe, but they had fallen in my absence. We defeated the men from the sea, but I'd never considered... the enemies in their blood.

Present day in Outworld

"That was long before Shao Kahn died and the Mad Empress, Mileena, drove Outworld to a brink of disaster. Before I deposed that illegitimate clone to restore the realm. Over the past decade, we have driven Mileena's forced deep underground. Her threat to our empire was so reduced, we barely sense it. We may even forget she's there. This was my father's lesson: Even the mightiest warriors are defeated by the smallest threats. We will hunt down Mileena and her co-conspirators. We will crush every rock they hide under, until we eradicate all opposition to this empire, no matter how great or small!"

The crowd cheered after his speech. Unknown to Kotal, however, a young woman watched from the distance. She has dark skin, long black hair, and wearing her MK Deception attire. This was Tanya's "evil twin" that escaped from beyond death.

"Foolish Osh-Tekk," she said in a demonic tone. "You nor Mileena deserve the throne. It's only a matter of time before you both die at my hands. Once I claim the throne, Outworld will be mine for the taking, and eventually, Earthrealm. Chaos will reign forever. (Quiet, evil laugh)