Love & War 4
Chapter 42: Chaos
"Raiden and the Elder Gods believed they could hide this magnificent weapon with a cloak and dagger... literally. But the amulet refuses to remain hidden, much like the uninvited guest here."
The Shokan were just outside when an explosion knocked the away from the door.
"How's that for a demonstration? You must be scouts. Why else would Queen Sheeva sent her runts at the door? Ah well, if the Queen expects you to report in, we won't keep her waiting."
On the ship...
"YOU UNDERMINER!"
"My Queen, if you wish to make informed decisions before fighting, you require information..."
"And if I wish to keep my crown, I require loyalty among my generals. Had we not lost so many Shokan in the battle of Z'unkahrah, I would end your dissent here and..."
"My Queen! The scout boat is returning but... the scouts are lost."
"My their deaths be on your conscience, Kintaro. Tell me what's happening on the beach."
"There's one ugly bastard holding some jewel. It's getting brighter and brighter..."
This ship exploded...
"I think Sheeva got the message. How exciting would it be if the ship was carrying..."
Another explosion...
"Never mind.
After the explosion...
"I can't swim!" yelled Kintaro
"Obviously. Mark my deeds, general."
"Yes, my Queen. I am yours to command."
"Good, when we reach the beach, I command you to fight!"
Back inside...
"Dearly departed Reiko had a blinding capacity for egotism. Think about it. "Reiko's Blood Reigns?" Three words whispered in the dark reduced a mighty Outworld general into a slave. No magik involved. Just words... and ambition. All champions are afflicted with the same delusion. A belief that history can be shaped by powerful individuals like ourselves. HA! No mortal, champion or otherwise can alter the course of history. History is shaped by larger forces, trends inherent in nature. And the greatest of these is chaos! Chris, my boy. When you defeated Shinnok recently, all you champions, including yourself, thought you can enforce order, a fool's errand. Today you will learn that order cannot resist chaos... and neither can you!"
"But I can. You forgot one person...ME!"