Chapter 9-Old Business
(A/N: As you may or may not have heard, SOPA is back, making the lives of writers like you, and I very unhappy. And by unhappy, I mean threatening our ability to do what we love, and love what we do. So I need everyone to sign that damn petition to stop it if you haven't already. As for some of you who are waiting until SOPA blows over, I say get off your ass, and continue writing no matter what. If you truly love to write stories like I do, it won't stop you from writing, and posting them to show you are prepared to keep going until the end. I'm still going to write and still going to post until the last second I'm able to do it and will only stop should (all things in the Universe forbid) SOPA actually be made into a law. So for all of you scared pansies out there, cast away your fears, sit down in front of your computer (if you aren't already since some of you may be reading this on your phones), AND GET TO WRITING! Enjoy!)
(Earthrealm-At the Moment)
"Your allies have failed you Raiden. You have lost," remarked Shinnok, as he saw the God of Earthrealm struggling to stand.
"I can still fight Shinnok. So long as I live, Earthrealm has a future," remarked Raiden before shooting lightning from his hands at Shinnok, who was pushed back, and shot back an attack of his own.
"Then I will see to it that Earthrealm has no future...by killing you!" proclaimed Shinnok, as he attacked Raiden once more, seeing the Thunder God getting weaker, and weaker as he pressed the attack.
To the side, Quan Chi, and Tanya watched with amusement with Scorpion standing by unreadable due to his mask while Sonya and Johnny Cage had their hands tied behind their back. Beside them was Bo' Rai Cho, Kenshi, Kai, a physically scarred Liu Kang, Ermac, and the Wind God Fujin. Behind the two prisoners stood the enslaved resurrected souls of Jax Briggs, Smoke, Jade, Kitana, Sub-Zero in his cyberized form, Stryker, Kabal, Kung Lao, Sindel, and Nightwolf stood by watching with glazed over eyes.
"I am not so easily vanquished!" exclaimed Raiden, as he pushed Shinnok back once again, and saw Shinnok scowl.
"He cannot win. Shinnok is too powerful," remarked Liu Kang while watching the fight and wished he had listened to the Thunder God before rushing into things.
After being saved, if just barely by the Thunder God, the Shaolin Monk's faith in the deity had been shaken. Even with the fact Shao Kahn had been defeated by the Elder Gods intervening and possessing Raiden did little to renew his faith in the Thunder God after all that was lost. So for a time, Liu Kang returned to the Shaolin Temple, and had eventually sought out Bo' Rai Cho for guidance. The older and much wiser man heard the Shaolin Monk's plight regarding Raiden's visions and the Thunder God making things worse. Kung Lao's death, Earthrealm warriors dying, Princess Kitana dying, which Liu Kang admitted he was having feelings for, and believed she did the same.
Bo' Rai Cho had told Liu Kang more in depth about the rules of Mortal Kombat, the Elder Gods, and how there were whispered rumors about the foretelling of Armageddon. The Outworld native admitted to Liu Kang that while he didn't know when Armageddon would happen, it would happen, and that Raiden's visions from his future self were clear signs it had happened in their lifetime. How the changes to their current timeline was meant to stop the horrible outcome in the aftermath of Armageddon from happening in the future. The man went on further to explain to Liu Kang about the price one makes regardless of their status in the overall aspect of things when changing outcomes before they happen. Friends could become enemies, what happens to one person could happen to another in the former's place, as it was apparent with Sub-Zero being captured instead of Smoke by the Lin Kuei for their cyber initiative. The loss of Kitana was harsh too, as Bo' Rai Cho saw his former student had possibly found love, and with an actual Princess too no less!
Whatever that outcome may have been at the end of Armageddon, from the way Raiden focused on Shao Kahn in an obsessive manner, it was clear in Bo' Rai Cho's mind who was the victor was. If the price of Shao Kahn failing to achieve his end game was those souls lost before the event could happen, Liu Kang had to accept this ever painful truth, and continue to protect the realm from future threats that would rise to take Shao Kahn's place.
"Don't count him out yet Liu. Raiden's got a few tricks up his sleeve. I'm sure of it," said Johnny with the man watching the Thunder God hold his own despite the odds.
"Even if he defeats Shinnok here, Raiden will not have the strength to fight Quan Chi, Scorpion, or Tanya in battle," remarked Kenshi, as he sensed Quan Chi, Scorpion, and Tanya knew this too.
They were merely waiting to see who the victor of this fight before acting accordingly.
(Chamber of the Elder Gods)
Shao Kahn opened his eyes, finding himself standing before the Elder Gods once more in their domain just as he had been months earlier when facing judgment. The only real difference between that moment and this one was his body did not have chains wrapped around it.
"Why have you summoned me here?" asked Shao Kahn though with irritation in his voice.
One moment, he was in his castle, planning out the next stage of things with Anko, and Hinata along with a few Shinobi from each group in the alliance. The next, a portal opens behind him, and a ethereal figure that was one of the Elder Gods had appeared, and told Shao Kahn he was needed in a meeting with them.
"We need your help Shao Kahn. Or rather...Raiden needs you help," replied the female Elder God calmly.
"Raiden? The Thunder God was my enemy for ages. Why would he seek out my help now?" questioned Shao Kahn curiously since he was sure the Thunder God didn't know of his continued existence.
"The Fallen Elder God Shinnok has used your alliance against Earthrealm to gather the souls of some of its greatest warriors and even those from Edenia. As its stands, the war Raiden is waging against Shinnok is not going in his favor, and will soon lose if the tied is not turned. We are asking for your help to defeat Shinnok and Quan Chi before they can conqueror Earthrealm," said another Elder God with a deep voice.
"It would also help in redeeming yourself for your past actions against Raiden and the other realms you conquered," offered yet another Elder God with a light male voice.
"What about my realm? If I leave now...it will leave everything I have done open to be attacked by my enemies. You cannot expect me to leave my realm to fight for you and Raiden at such a crucial point!" challenged Shao Kahn with the Elder Gods being silent for a moment.
"Time flows differently in your realm when compared the others Shao Kahn. Months in the chakra realm is years in Earthrealm and the other realms too. We have foreseen that little will transpire that you cannot handle upon returning to the Chakra Realm once Shinnok and Quan Chi have been eliminated," replied the female Elder God.
"I will hold you to that claim," replied Shao Kahn with narrowed eyes before a portal opened up.
"This will take you directly to Earthrealm where a battle between Raiden and Shinnok is currently taking place," explained one of the Elder Gods that had yet to speak.
"Very well. However, I have additional questions that need answering. If I do this...I will want them all answered," said Shao Kahn before entering the portal.
(Earthrealm-Moments Earlier)
Raiden was on the ground, beaten, bloodied, and ultimately...defeated. The Fallen Elder God Shinnok had played his game well. Using Shao Kahn all those years ago to weaken Earthrealm, bring the souls of its mightiest warriors to the Netherrealm, and become his mindless drones. Raiden had fought back with the survivors of Shao Kahn's invasion and those he had visions of fighting in a war beyond this one with Shinnok.
Sadly, it was not enough.
"You've lost Raiden. The Elder Gods have abandoned you. Your forces have lost. Look at them. They are my prisoners. Soon they will be my slaves. I have done what Shao Kahn could not do. I have taken Earthrealm and there is not a soul in all the realms that can stand in my way!" declared Shinnok before laughing before a portal opened up and he along with Quan Chi turned to see who it was.
And they along with everyone else alive was shocked at what they saw.
"No! It can't be! It's impossible!" exclaimed Quan Chi in shock and fear.
"He's alive?! But...the Elder Gods...," whispered Raiden with the figure from the portal looking at all of them.
"I thought he was destroyed by the Elder Gods? What the Hell?!" said Johnny Cage while Sonya was shocked as well at seeing the figure again.
"How are you still alive Shao Kahn?" demanded Shinnok with Shao Kahn looking at him, then the defeated warriors of Earthrealm, and finally Raiden.
"You've gotten yourself in quite the predicament my old enemy," remarked Shao Kahn before letting out a small chuckle and walking toward the two deities.
"How...How did you...escape the Elder Gods?" asked Raiden while looking up at Shao Kahn, who was walking toward him.
"It doesn't matter. I am here to help you," said Shao Kahn much to the shock of everyone around him.
"Say what?" asked Johnny Cage dumbly.
Before anyone could even comprehend what Shao Kahn just said, the former Emperor of Outworld was moving, and Shoulder Slammed the Fallen Elder God away from Raiden. Quan Chi called upon his sorcery to strike Shao Kahn, but the giant man merely grunted in annoyance, and swatted the attack away. The necromancy sorcerer took a step back and went defensive when he saw his enemy summon that infamous Wrath Hammer.
"Why are you doing this Shao Kahn? Surely the Elder Gods have not made you into their pet?" questioned Quan Chi before he was struck by Shao Kahn with the weapon in hand in an uppercut swing to the jaw.
"No. I'm not their pet. We've worked out an...arrangement of sorts," replied Shao Kahn with a grin on his face before turning to Shinnok.
"You will pay for this action against me Shao Kahn! I will do what Raiden here failed to do from the start. What the Elder Gods do not have the courage to do," remarked Shinnok angrily.
"And what is that Shinnok?" questioned Shao Kahn with a hint of amusement in his voice while Shinnok called upon his powers.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" yelled Shinnok before shooting a blast of his power at Shao Kahn who merely laughed at him.
"Your servant could not hurt me. Nor could Raiden with his power. What makes you so confident your own power could be a match for me?" questioned Shao Kahn before the Fallen Elder God stopped the attack and stared at him.
"You've gotten stronger. But...how? What is this feeling I sense from you?" demanded Shinnok with Shao Kahn smiled with fanged teeth shinning.
"That feeling you sense from me Shinnok...is that of your own doom in the physical form that stands before you now," replied Shao Kahn before moving in close and smashing his fist into the fallen deities face with the power behind hit sending him flying.
"Quan Chi! Scorpion! Tanya! Help me! NOW!" demanded Shinnok after spitting out some blood.
Quan Chi attacked yet again, using his power to summon skeletal warriors with swords, and shields to fight the former Emperor of Outworld. Easily cast aside by Shao Kahn's mastery over his own sorcery and gave Quan Chi a piercing look that made the sorcerer stop from aiding his Master. Scorpion and Tanya only watched, as they did not wish to face such a powerful foe capable of defeating their Master.
"Stay out of this sorcerer...or you will be next!" commanded Shao Kahn before he turned his attention back Shinnok, who got off the ground, and brought his own weapon up.
"DIE!" yelled Shinnok, as he readied himself with his naginata, and charged forward to pierce the giant with the blade.
"Fool," remarked Shao Kahn, as he dodged Shinnok's thrust, and backhanded the former deity away.
Shinnok stumbled. He tried to swing his weapon at Shao Kahn, but the man caught the blade with one of his massive hands, and didn't even flinch the blade clearly cut into his palm. The Fallen Elder God watched in horror, as the former Emperor of Outworld broke the blade with ease, and was now towering over Shinnok with a displeased look on his face.
"Wait! We can still work together Shao Kahn. Surely our alliance means something to you?" questioned Shinnok with Shao Kahn not looking the least bit interested.
All the while, Raiden, and his allies held their breath while waiting for the man's response to the offer.
"You betrayed me Shinnok. The alliance we had was a farce. Such treachery will not go unpunished," remarked Shao Kahn with angry crimson eyes before grabbing Shinnok by the front of his shirt and smashed his Wrath Hammer against the side of the fallen deities' head.
Shinnok's head left his body and went flying into a nearby wall before it slumped down to the ground. The Fallen Elder God was now officially...dead.
To his right, Shao Kahn saw a woman wearing yellow and black with dark hair, and saw she was not one of Raiden's followers. Quan Chi saw his Master had been slain and he knew it was only a matter of time before Shinnok's fate was his own. The sorcerer moved to flee, but Shao Kahn had hit him in the back with a Light Spear, and was now on the ground paralyzed.
"Such incredible power. I am honored to be in your presence oh great and powerful Shao Kahn," replied the dark haired woman wearing yellow, who currently swayed her hips while moving toward Shao Kahn.
"That double crossing slut! Its bad enough Shao Kahn isn't dead like we thought he was, but now he's got himself a new enforcer to help him rebuild his empire!" remarked Sonya while tied down beside Johnny and both were struggling to get free.
Shao Kahn glanced over a Sonya for a moment and looked down at the woman in front of him smiling a seductive smile.
"What is your name woman?" asked Shao Kahn while ignoring Raiden's attempts to try standing up.
"Tanya! You traitor!" exclaimed Quan Chi while turning his head to look the two while Scorpion watched and did nothing.
"My name is Tanya my Emperor. A humble servant to those more powerful than myself," replied Tanya before bowing in front of him.
"She is a traitor to Edenia. She betrayed her people. She will betray anyone so long as it keeps her alive," remarked Raiden while trying to stand.
"I can't betray someone who is dead Lord Raiden. Edenia is no longer part of Outworld, my Queen and Princess are both dead, and Shinnok has been slain. How is it betrayal?" challenged Tanya to Raiden before she looked up at Shao Kahn and batted her eyelashes at him.
Narrowing his eyes, Shao Kahn looked where the bodies of his once adopted daughter, and Earthrealm warriors had been standing. They were still trapped as they were by Quan Chi's influence after the alliance he made with Shinnok gave the Fallen Elder God their souls once killed. Seeing Kitana and Sindel like that made Shao Kahn's blood boil, the woman in front of him not caring at all that the Edenian Princess nor its Queen was in that state, and didn't care for anything except her own survival.
"Disgusting," remarked Shao Kahn before grabbing a surprised Tanya by the throat and crushed it along with snapping the woman's neck.
"Ouch!" remarked Johnny Cage while Shao Kahn did a quick throw that sent the now dead woman away from his sight.
Turning his attention to Quan Chi, the former Emperor walked over to downed sorcerer, and a massive sandaled foot on the pale man's spine.
"Wait! Wait! Show mercy Emperor Shao Kahn! I beg of you!" pleaded Quan Chi while feeling his lower body being pressed down and his upper body being lifted up.
"The deal your dead Master made with me is nullified sorcerer. Meaning all these souls no longer belong to you, Shinnok, or the Netherrealm. They belong to me! And my first and final act is to set these souls free from their mindless enslavement!" declared Shao Kahn before ripping the man in half and slamming him down on the ground before he looked at Scorpion with narrowed eyes.
"Ouch!" remarked Johnny seeing what just happened.
"You already said that," said Sonya with Johnny shrugging at her.
"What else can I say about what he just did?" questioned Johnny before he turned to look from her to Shao Kahn currently staring at the Netherrealm specter.
"It would interest you to know specter that Quan Chi was the one responsible for your clan's annihilation," replied Shao Kahn with Scorpion looking shocked by this and looked right at the scared sorcerer.
"What? But...the Lin Kuei attacked my home!" demanded Scorpion angrily with Shao Kahn shaking his head no.
"According...to who?" asked Shao Kahn before glancing at the fearful and dying Quan Chi.
"You lied to me! YOU LIED TO ME!" yelled Scorpion at Quan Chi with the Hellfire now erupting from his body at the sudden rage and betrayal at serving the man who had done this to him.
"I'm so glad I didn't face him like that in the Mortal Kombat Tournament," remarked Johnny Cage before seeing Scorpion take off his mask and reveal the fiery skull behind it.
Quan Chi was pleading for his life, but was ignored by the enraged specter, and was soon screaming out in agonizing pain from being burned alive by the stream of Hellfire that had unleashed by Scorpion. When it was over, Scorpion said nothing, his mask back on, and yet he seemed lost on what to do next. Before anyone could say or do anything, the ninja specter turned to face Shao Kahn, and bowed respectfully to the former Emperor of Outworld before departing in a portal to a location of his choosing.
With that done, Shao Kahn slowly walked toward Earthrealm's warriors currently tied up and Johnny gulped nervously at the tall giant of a man standing in front of him.
"Scared?" asked Shao Kahn with a grin while the enslaved souls around them became alive and aware of their surroundings.
"Would you believe me if I said no?" asked Johnny with Shao Kahn shaking his head.
"No," replied Shao Kahn before picking the two up off the ground along with the others and broke the bonds that held them in place before both warriors of Earthrealm jumped back with defensive battle stances with the others doing the same.
"Hold!" commanded Raiden, as he walked toward them, and so did the various warriors now freed from their deathly enslavement.
"What? Why?" asked Sonya while seeing the other warriors killed during Shao Kahn's invasion or those captured during Shinnok's now surrounding them.
"Because Shao Kahn is no longer our enemy," answered Raiden with everyone looking at him like he had just grown a second head.
"You mean not at the moment. But that could change," remarked Sonya while not letting down her guard.
"No. It won't," replied Shao Kahn before he went onto a explanation of what went on between himself and the Elder Gods along with connection to the Chakra Realm.
To an extent anyway.
"I had heard rumors about that realm. So the Elder Gods decreed you to be the Child of Prophecy foretold all those years ago for that realm," deduced Raiden with Shao Kahn nodding.
"It still doesn't change the fact that this guy caused so much damage in the first place," remarked Sonya before she sent a heated glare at Shao Kahn.
"What you think of me is irrelevant. What does matter is your realm is once again safe, if only for a short time. Even now, there are worse things than Shinnok and myself waiting in the shadows to strike," remarked Shao Kahn before walking away from the small army of warriors.
"Shao Kahn wait!" said Raiden while the former Emperor obeyed.
"What is it Raiden? I cannot stay long," replied Shao Kahn before glancing back at the Thunder God.
"I wish to accompany you to see the Elder Gods. I have questions that need answering in regards to your change. Its faint, but I sense something in you is different from your time invading Earthrealm," replied Raiden with Shao Kahn nodding since he had been feeling the change too.
Before he moved to take another step toward the portal, Shao Kahn stopped in thought, and turned slightly to see Kitana and Sindel staring at him. A mixture of emotions in their eyes, as they were unsure how to perceive him, and rightfully so after everything he had done to them. On one hand, Shao Kahn had killed Kitana's Father, married Sindel, and adopted the Queen's daughter when she was a child when she was unable to remember the events that befell Edenia. On the other, Shao Kahn had raised Kitana like his own, same with Sindel being his Queen, and treated them well regardless of how the latter chose to end things between them. Only for years to go by and the fear of being betrayed by Kitana forcing Shao Kahn to take measures to ensure he had a child worthy of him.
And the events that followed it caused so many problems.
"Shao Kahn?" asked Raiden when he saw the warrior turn around and walk toward the Edenian Princess.
"Just a moment Raiden. I have some unfinished business here," replied Shao Kahn, as he walked up to Sindel and Kitana, both staring up at him, her fellow warriors now watching intently, and some were prepared to strike should he make the first move.
"I don't know to say to you right now," said Kitana while she looked up at the man who she had called Father for a good portion of her life.
"Funny. I was thinking the same thing. To both of you actually," replied Shao Kahn in a hushed tone while sorrow showing in his eyes.
"You hurt me. In that moment, when I learned of being replaced by my...twin, and when you told me about my Father dying at your hands. I was surprised to see my Mother was alive, but had become my enemy," replied Kitana with Shao Kahn nodding.
"Yes. I did hurt you. At one point, I had hoped your twin sister would watch you in the event you betrayed me, but my hand was forced. I saw you bring Shang Tsung before me, demanding answers for what it was you saw in the Flesh Pits, and knew any answer I gave would make you question your loyalty. As for your Mother, even when I treated her like a Queen, she took her own life in an act of betrayal, and created a powerful magical ward that was keeping me from Earthrealm. Quan Chi suggested he use his necromancy to bring her back, to remove the ward, and allow me access to Earthrealm. While that was the main reason why I had her brought back, deep down...I secretly yearned to have her by my side once again," replied Shao Kahn with Kitana seeing the various emotions regarding her Mother playing through his eyes.
"She killed most of us that day. Nightwolf sacrificed himself to save those who were left and resulted in both of them being enslaved by Quan Chi," replied Sonya before seeing Shao Kahn close his eyes and clench his fists in anger.
"You truly did care for me," said Sindel while Shao Kahn focused on the Edenian Queen and nodded.
"I may have killed your husband, conquered the realm of Edenia, but regardless of those things, I did love you. You are strong, beautiful, smart, and so many other things that made my blood boil with passion. When you killed yourself to spite me, it felt like the ultimate betrayal to my heart, as I treated you with respect, and tried to make you happy despite everything. As I ruled over Outworld following my victory over Edenia, you feared for your safety, and begged me to spare your daughter's life. That if I truly loved you, I would allow Kitana to live, and raise her as if she were my own child. After you ended your life, I thought about you, and what to do now that my Queen had betrayed me. I soon believed Kitana might one day try to betray me and become my enemy. Hence why I had Shang Tsung create Kitana's twin to ensure that would it never happen again. Regardless of this, I did care about you Kitana, and I had hoped beyond hope that my belief in you one day betraying me was misplaced," explained Shao Kahn with Kitana nodding.
"You did raise me. You could have killed me at any time, yet you stayed your hand until put in a position where you felt there was no other alternative. You must truly have loved my Mother to hold back until that moment," replied Kitana with Shao Kahn nodding before his gaze turned to Sindel.
"I did. I only wish she had loved me back," replied Shao Kahn before slowly raising his hands and put one on each of the woman's shoulders with a moment of silence passing between them.
"I can't call you Father anymore. After everything you've done to me...I just can't call you that. I believe Mother feels the same way as I do," replied Kitana with Sindel nodding in agreement and Shao Kahn just looked at them for a moment before he pulled to two close and held the women tight to his form.
"No matter what you may think of me, I will always consider you my wife, and Queen my beloved Sindel. Kitana, you are my daughter, and I will always be proud of you. I will always love you, even if it cannot be returned," replied Shao Kahn before letting go of Kitana and Sindel while leaving the stunned women to watch him enter the portal with Raiden to see the Elder Gods.
"Wow! Now if I only I had a camera on me to record that heart felt moment. It was truly Oscar worthy," commented Johnny before getting punched in the head by Sonya.
"You know what else is Oscar worthy? Me giving you a concussion!" exclaimed Sonya angrily at his dumbass remark.
Everyone around them chuckled.
(Chamber of the Elder Gods)
"You have questions. Speak them," replied one of the Elder Gods, as he along with the others stared at Shao Kahn currently standing in the center of the room, and Raiden off to the side listening.
"Why am I changing? Why do I feel like a piece of Uzumaki Naruto is still alive in me? Why do I feel guilt over my actions conquering Edenia, killing its very King, claiming its Queen, and hurting Kitana after years of raising her like she was my own? Why do I feel a change in me that was never there before?" demanded Shao Kahn, as he felt his old self would have never apologized the way he did to Kitana, or to Sindel like he did just now.
"You are right to question this. Shao Kahn, what you do not realize is that the boy you once were, the boy that represented Uzumaki Naruto, and your old life...never died. It was suppressed. Not only by the dark magic used by Onaga: The Dragon King, but by the One Being itself. When you first came into Onaga's service, he used his power to keep the moral part of you that was left of Uzumaki Naruto at bay," said the female Elder God calmly.
"This suppression was further enforced by the Will of the One Being, who was not only influencing Onaga at the time, but you as well, and when Onaga began to redirect matters toward the secrets of Immortality for himself. The One Being sensed this and focused its attention to you and your desire to find your home realm. By focusing on your determination and drive to get your revenge, it was able to influence your actions, and keep the side of you that is Uzumaki Naruto at bay," said a male Elder God with Shao clenching his fists.
"So with the One Being no longer influencing me like it did when I was Emperor, the remaining piece of Uzumaki Naruto left behind has awakened," concluded Shao Kahn while the Elder Gods nodded as one.
"You made some cruel decisions Shao Kahn. Some of which you would have never done had the moral side representing Uzumaki Naruto been kept locked away. Would you have considered them as options to choose from? Yes. Would you have followed through with them? No," replied the female Elder God and saw Shao Kahn sighing.
"Thank you for sharing this with me. Now I must return to my realm and protect my true home," replied Shao Kahn before a portal opened up for him.
"Before you go back, there is something you need to know about your realm. The very organization hunting Jinchuriki has begun to make its move. Two of its members are on their way to the Shinobi village called Suna and will be arriving shortly within the hour to attack your friend Sabaku no Gaara," replied one of the Elder Gods.
"WHAT?!" yelled Shao Kahn furiously at being told this now since it would be too late to save his friend by the time he got back home and had a means to find a way to get himself to Suna.
"Fear not for your friend Shao Kahn. This portal will take you to Suna by the time the attackers arrive to make their attempt to kidnap him," replied the female Elder God.
"I have don't have much time. Gaara maybe strong, but the Akatsuki is known for having Kage level members. I need to hurry!" exclaimed Shao Kahn, as he rushed through the portal, and was gone seconds later.
"I never would have believed I would see the day when Shao Kahn cared for someone other than himself," remarked Raiden while seeing the change showing more and more during in Shao Kahn during his conversation with the Elder Gods.
"Shao Kahn has endured much in his lifetime long before becoming the enemy you knew at one point Raiden. You would do well to remember that," replied one of the Elder Gods and Raiden nodded.
"I will. Had it not been for Shao Kahn's sudden arrival, the outcome of Earthrealm, and many others would have been different," said Raiden with the Elder Gods nodding in full agreement.
"Indeed. Hence why we sent him to turn the tide of the battle in your favor Raiden," said one of the Elder Gods around him.
"Thank you Elder Gods for your indirect assistance. Now I must prepare my forces before the other threats the visions I have foreseen following this one appear," replied Raiden before he left the chamber.
(Chakra Realm-Suna)
Suna was under attack. The Akatsuki member Deidara: The Mad Bomber was on a giant bird made of clay, bombing the village from the sky, and his partner Sasori of the Red Sands was using his puppets to attack from within. They worked well together despite their issues regarding art either being long lasting (Sasori) or explosive (Deidara), and were chosen specifically to work together in combating Sabaku no Gaara for what he held inside of his body.
"My art is a bang!" exclaimed Deidara before dropping a few more clay bombs descend upon the village.
"Spare me your flash in a pan way of expressing yourself Deidara. We are here to find the One-Tailed Jinchuriki," replied Sasori through his headset to his partner.
"Just do your part of the plan Sasori. Why did I have to be partnered with someone who thinks art lasts forever. Honesty!" exclaimed Deidara while flying around and trying to make Suna's Jinchuriki come out of hiding.
Only to barely dodge a spear made of green chakra or some other form of energy from hitting him.
"Deidara, we have a problem," replied Sasori below.
"No shit Sasori. Someone actually threw some weird green spear at my head!" exclaimed Deidara before looking down for the thrower.
"You don't understand. I'm fighting Sabaku no Gaara right now. He was suppose to fight you to counteract his sand while I dealt with his siblings," replied Sasori with Deidara frowning.
"So who threw that green shit at me?" questioned Deidara before he dodge several arrows aimed at him.
"Giving the description of the attack used, I would guess it is the Kyuubi Jinchuriki," said Sasori while his puppets were being destroyed by the Suna siblings teamwork.
It would be impressive if not for the fact such teamwork was being used against him.
"Seriously?! Since when do Jinchuriki help each other? None of the Shinobi villages chosen Jinchuriki have eve-OH SHIT!" questioned Deidara before his conversation with Sasori was cut short when he saw a large body mass jumping towards him while holding a large hammer based weapon.
He had to abandon his clay bird.
The massive explosion made when the Wrath Hammer impacted with the clay bird shook Suna violently, sending Shao Kahn flying back, and Deidara forward toward the ground. Shao Kahn flipped back using an impressive agility for someone of his size and landed on a building rooftop, skidding as he hit the ground, and finally stopped at the edge with his back to it.
Deidara landed with the grace of a drunk, hitting the edge of the roof before falling off of it, and landed head first into the sand in a very undignified position. Flailing both of his arms around before prying his head out of the sand, the Mad Bomber of Iwa spit out the grainy substance, and looked up to see Shao Kahn was on a building several buildings away with those crimson red eyes glowing at him.
It was actually freaking Deidara out.
"Deidara! We need to retreat! We need to draw the Kazekage out of Suna!" Sasori called out to his partner and realized they had underestimated the strength if not the unity of the Suna siblings working together.
That and the Kyuubi Jinchuriki had somehow arrived to shift things against them.
"Good! I can't stand this sand filled shithole any longer. How you lived with it all these years is beyond me," remarked Deidara before he ran while making another bird using the amount of clay in his possession.
Unfortunately, for Deidara anyway, he never got a chance to complete the bird, as the Wrath Hammer Shao Kahn wielded was thrown at him, hitting the clay in his hands, and causing it to explode. While not enough to kill the Mad Bomber, it did make picking up things, or making bombs impossible to do at the moment.
Simply because Deidara now had NO hands to work with due to being blown off.
"You won't be going anywhere," remarked Shao Kahn while recalling his Wrath Hammer to his hand and stared down at the former Iwa Shinobi.
"It ironic when you think about it. My own creation cripples me and I go out not with a bang, but in a state of painful whimper bordering on silence," whisper Deidara before letting out a small laugh.
"You brought this on yourself fool. Not to mention you dared to attack a dear friend of mine," replied Shao Kahn before he moved to raise his Wrath Hammer and bring it down on the Mad Bombers head...but stopped for a second in thought.
"What are you waiting for? Kill me!" exclaimed Deidara, as he did not want to live his life crippled, and unable to use his art.
"You said it was ironic to go out in a whimper instead of a bang. Since you are someone who appreciates his art at such a fanatical level, I think you should be given a send off befitting someone so dedicated to it," replied Shao Kahn before forming a ball of chakra in his hands currently swirling around and it made the Mad Bomber's eyes widen in shock.
"That move...its...its the Rasengan! The Yondaime Hokage's infamous one handed Jutsu said to be A-rank!" exclaimed Deidara in shock with Shao Kahn smirking.
"Yes. It was his move. Now it has become mine. I killed him and took the man's soul. All his memories and Jutsus belong to me now," replied Shao Kahn with Deidara laughing now at this knowing how destructive this orb was when it made contact with something.
"So I do go out with a bang after all. The Yondaime Hokage would have never allowed it. No doubt saying it would be the ultimate punishment for someone like me," said Deidara while seeing Shao Kahn narrowing his eyes at him.
"I am many things Deidara, but I can assure you I'm not my Father. When I kill you, I kill you in a way befitting someone who is my enemy, and only if I get upset do I deny them a death they want," replied Shao Kahn before thrusting the Rasengan into Deidara and making the Mad Bomber explode violently.
Even when his death happened, the man had a huge smile on his face knowing his end was both explosive and artistic...in a weird sort of way.
Not that far away, Sasori cursed his luck, as he found himself surrounded on all sides by the Kazekage, his siblings, and every Suna Shinobi in the village. Even his entire army of puppets are no match for the whole village right now and to make matters worse...Shao Kahn walking toward the Puppet Master from behind.
"I will no doubt die here today in the village that birthed me, but I will see to it that I take you down in the process!" exclaimed Sasori, as he attacked Shao Kahn along with all of his puppets in one big wave in the hopes the overall numbers would dominate him, and at least poison Shao Kahn with enough toxins in laced in the blades of his puppets to finish the job.
"Fire Style: Hell's Inferno Jutsu!" said Shao Kahn before launching a massive wave of fire at wall of puppets, watching them burn to ash due to the intensity of the fire, and leaving a burning puppet body of Sasori remaining on the ground.
And still surprisingly enough...very much alive!
"Finish me. Finish me now," whispered Sasori in defeat while Shao Kahn stood over him in that moment.
"I will. I intend to take your soul and the memories they hold. At the same time, I will ensure your legacy in puppetry is handed down to someone worthy of such knowledge," replied Shao Kahn before glancing at Kankuro, which Sasori saw before nodding.
"I see. In a sense, I will live on through my work. So long as there is someone willing to learn the art of puppetry and the skill to match...such an art can last a long time," said Sasori with Shao Kahn nodding before the Puppet Master opened up a secret chamber in his damaged puppet body and took out two scrolls before putting it to the side.
"What is this?" asked Shao Kahn with Sasori looking up at him.
"One scroll holds everything that my successor will need to continue my work in the art of puppetry. Past, present, and future projects in the art I love. The second scroll is a list of my spies throughout the Elemental Countries and information I've gathered within the Akatsuki itself in the event I would need a way out. Though seeing my memories after taking my soul, such information will no doubt be authenticated when reading the list," explained Sasori before Shao Kahn nodded and put his hand on the Puppet Master's head.
"While I despise you for joining the Akatsuki, I do have a certain respect for artists, and their desire to express themselves," replied Shao Kahn before taking Sasori's soul into his own and feeling the memories of the man turned puppet play through his mind.
And soon frowned at what he saw.
"What did you see Shao Kahn-sama?" asked Gaara since he knew that frown anywhere, even one hidden behind the helmet.
"One of Sasori's spies is Kabuto. Orochimaru's right hand Medic Nin," replied Shao Kahn before picking up the one scroll with information Sasori left him about his spy network.
"I find it hard to believe that someone like Orochimaru would let such a dangerous spy get close enough to him without knowing it," remarked Temari while Kankuro held onto Sasori's other scroll like it was worth more than gold.
"He didn't. I have Jiraiya's memories from when I killed him. Kabuto is not Sasori's spy, but has been making him believe otherwise. Kabuto is loyal to Orochimaru. A meeting between Kabuto and Sasori was to take place in a few days to trade information, which Orochimaru was going to use to attack Sasori, and kill him with Kabuto's help," replied Shao Kahn with Gaara frowning at this now.
"So what do you plan to do?" asked Temari with Shao Kahn smirking at him.
"I'm going to attend the meeting and Kankuro here is going to help," replied Shao Kahn with Kankuro looking shocked.
"Me? Why me?" asked Kankuro with Shao Kahn's smirk growing.
"I need a Puppet Master to fool Kabuto into thinking that the Sasori he is meeting is the real deal. You won't be in any real danger since you will control the fake Sasori from a safe distance to draw out Orochimaru so when the serpent does strike...it backfires on him in a most horrible fashion," replied Shao Kahn knowing the snake and his pet would not be expecting him in the slightest.
"It won't be easy, but if I work overtime, I should be able to recreate Sasori's form when he first attacked Suna, and make any inconsistencies Kabuto sees be considered injuries from the failed attack. Kabuto won't be able to determine if its the truth if he questions it and have no choice but to play along until Orochimaru makes his appearance," offered Kankuro since he had studied extensively in the art of puppetry with Sasori being an idol of sorts to live up to when using such a skill.
"Make it happen brother. The sooner we end Kabuto and Orochimaru, the sooner we can refocus on the rest of the Akatsuki, and its remaining members," ordered Gaara with his brother nodding and taking the puppet body of Sasori with him to make the necessary repairs to it.
"You won't be able to hide yourself considering your chakra levels are monstrous Shao Kahn," said Temari while blushing a bit when she began to look him up and down to see his body was just as impressive as ever.
"I won't be hiding. I'll be in plain sight," replied Shao Kahn with Gaara frowning.
"What do you mean?" asked Gaara before Shao Kahn explained his idea and it made the Kazekage and his sister widen in shock.
"That's...an interesting idea. But can you fool someone like Kabuto or Orochimaru for that matter long enough to strike?" questioned Gaara with Shao Kahn smirking at him.
"I just need to get within striking distance. Kabuto will be the first to die. Even if the Sannin escapes dying by my hands, it won't hurt us in the long run. In fact, him escaping my actually help us," replied Shao Kahn with Gaara looking confused.
"In what way?" asked Gaara with Shao Kahn letting out a small chuckle.
"Simple. The Sannin will come to realize the Leaf is doomed. The village will soon fall. When a snake sees its nest become compromised, it flees to safer places. Orochimaru is no different. I've dealt with my fair share of serpents my friend. I even employed one during my time as Emperor of Outworld and I know if my former sorcerer Shang Tsung had a chance to escape my rule for greener pastures he would have taken it. Orochimaru will soon realize that Konoha is no longer a place where he can stay safe to do what he wishes. Jiraiya, Minato, and Kakashi are all dead with the news of it soon reaching the Leaf to inspire fear into their hearts. Orochimaru and Kabuto will have most likely left before hearing this piece of information so when the former returns to Konoha to learn of that painful fact...the Sannin's loyalty will be shaken," replied Shao Kahn while his eyes glowed red with bloodlust.
"And when he decides to flee Konoha...you will be ready for him," remarked Gaara with Shao Kahn nodding.
"Yes," answered Shao Kahn.
"Its a dangerous plan my friend. Even for you," remarked Gaara while Shao Kahn didn't look worried.
"Whether he dies sooner or later doesn't matter to me Gaara. So long as the Sannin does die in the end," replied Shao Kahn with Gaara nodding since that was true.
(Konoha-Days Later)
"Orochimaru and Kabuto left to meet Sasori?" asked Tsunade with the former Sandaime Hokage nodding.
"Yes. They are going to ambush Sasori after Kabuto sees him under false pretenses of providing the Puppet Master with information. The Akatsuki will be severely weakened with the loss of their member and keep them from getting an edge over us," said Hiruzen with Tsunade nodding.
"Jiraiya's latest report from his spies before his departure to fight the brat shows that the Akatsuki were targeting the Jinchuriki. By all indications, Suna will be hit first by this, and will be severely weakened without their Kazekage," added Tsunade since she knew without Gaara leading them, the village would be at a great disadvantage, and put the Leaf in a position to counter.
"Not only that, but the attack should have happened by now, meaning the Kazekage is dead, and they extracted the Biju," replied Hiruzen with Tsunade smirking.
"Let's see our enemies function without their Kazekage or the Akatsuki without their trusty Puppet Master," remarked Tsunade while Hiruzen scowled at her.
"Do not get overconfident here Tsunade. I fear our recent losses have put us at an equal if not greater disadvantage. Especially with the recent loss of Jiraiya, Minato, and Kakashi," said Hiruzen with Tsunade glaring at him.
"You don't know that!" Tsunade shot back at him.
"They haven't returned yet Tsunade. They should have by now and with Shao Kahn's head on your desk," challenged Hiruzen with Tsunade's glare increasing.
"They still have time," countered Tsunade, but Hiruzen knew she knew the truth, and was in denial.
"No they don't Tsunade. All three of them are dead. The mission was a failure. You know it, I know it, Shizune knows it, and Minato's family knows it deep down," replied Hiruzen with Tsunade looking away from him.
"That brat is going to pay for this. I swear it!" exclaimed Tsunade angrily while Hiruzen kept his mouth shut on the matter.
"Naruko has been increasing her training regime. She wants to have her fight with him sooner then later," remarked Hiruzen knowing the girl was itching for a fight with her brother.
"She'll get it soon enough. Once this matter with weakening the Akatsuki is resolved, we will focus our efforts against the Alliance, and Naruko can focus on her brother," said Tsunade with her sensei nodding.
"Sasuke will want in on this too. He's determined to kill Shao Kahn in the belief it will give him the next stage of the Sharingan Eyes," replied Hiruzen with Tsunade giving him a look.
"First off, Sasuke doesn't believe Shao Kahn is his best friend, he's doing it to flaunt his superiority over everyone else in the village...as usual. Second, he should be trying to make 'friends' within the village to gain it, not hold onto something that was never there to begin with. Third, Naruko will be the one to kill Shao Kahn. Not Sasuke. We need to kill Shao Kahn so we can properly seal his power into her body once the energy within his body is released. With Jiraiya and Minato now...gone, only Kushina, and Naruko have the ability to make that happen," countered Tsunade with Hiruzen nodding.
"I had Danzo go to the Fire Temple to begin manipulating the Sora boy. With any luck, he can get our pseudo Jinchuriki to act properly now that he's nearly fully grown with fully developed chakra coils able to handle the strain," said Hiruzen since they had been having problems with the boy, even after Kushina used her chakra chains, and Jiraiya had altered the seal on the boy to make such power more controllable.
Danzo would be able to push the boy in the right direction when the time came.
Mostly toward their enemies when the boy went into in a frenzy.
(A/N: And an update for those of you waiting for me to update. Hope you enjoyed it. The battle with Shinnok and saving the realms from him was more of a filler in a sense and a way to get Shao Kahn to arrive in Suna afterwards. Since it is quite the distance between Wave and Wind, I felt a middle point was needed to get Shao Kahn there faster, and an excuse to have him go snake hunting. On a more brighter note, a fellow writer known to us as The Engulfing Silence has successful made a novel, go to his profile, and check out his blog (there is a link to it there). Look for American Kitsune among the options among the table there, its the name of his novel, and read the sample already on Amazon. He has already sent me a copy to read and get my honest opinion on it, and I will be reading it when I have the chance. I already read the sample and I really liked it so far, and it is making me anxious to read the whole thing. Maybe its not for everyone, not everything is so at least look into it, and judge for yourself. Personally, I would get the novel, and will endorse it as a fellow writer myself because that is just the kind of person I am. Until next time...PEACE!)