Still Friends
"Solar Flare!" Chan fires a Solar Flare at Scorpion, which misses and hits Knightwolf. She absorbs the attack and uses it to power her spirit bow.
"Take This!" Knightwolf fires a powerful spirit arrow at Frost, but the attack misses her and nearly strikes Chan. Frost teleports behind Knightwolf and tosses ice shuriken in her direction. Knightwolf narrowly dodges each of the shuriken, but Chan isn't as fortunate as one of the ice shuriken collides with Chan and freezes his right arm.
"I got you now Shaolin!" Scorpion said. Scorpion teleported before Chan. He pulled out his swords and slashed towards Chan. However, Chan dodged him and uses his flare power to melt the ice from his arm.
"Solar Flare!" Chan fires a larger, more powerful solar flare at Scorpion. However, he dodges the attack. The projectile proceeds to strike Knightwolf again, who absorbed the power.
"I'm enjoying the extra power from your ancestors, but please do me a favor Shaolin," Knightwolf requested.
"I'm trying," he stated as he continuously evaded Scorpion's sword slashes. Meanwhile, Frost slashed away at Knightwolf with her ice dagger. Knightwolf's spirit armor was keeping her from getting harmed by Frosts attacks. Frost then toss an Ice Shuriken which passed Knightwolf's head and goes directly towards Chan. Knightwolf acts quickly and strikes Chan with a Lightning Strike.
"I can't keep striking you like this, Shaolin. FIGHT OR DIE!" Knightwolf shouted. Chan regained his ability to use fire. He begins to focus his Yang energy in his hands. Scorpion attempts to stop him, but Knightwolf uses one last save by firing a spirit arrow at Frost, who dodges the attack and it crosses Scorpion's path. Chan completes his focus and prepares to continue his fight with Scorpion.
"It's time to show what happens when fire meets true darkness, hell spawn," Chan stated. His fist and feet turn dark red. He performs a powerful flying kick towards Scorpion. Scorpion points his sword towards Chan as he comes. Chan proceeds to kick Scorpion in the chest. In return, Chan is stabbed in his abdomen, but he ignores the injury. He pulls the sword from his body, powers it with dark aura, and tosses it at Scorpion.
"That cheap trick?" Scorpion summons a hell demon from the ground. The sword pierces the demon, causing it to disintegrate into ashes. Scorpion then teleports behind Chan and strikes him. Chan parried Scorpion's attack with a backflip kick combined with a powerful flying kick to Scorpion's chest causing him to get knocked down.
"He's improving," Knightwolf stated.
Frost sneaks up behind Knightwolf and slashes her left rib cage with an ice dagger. Knightwolf holds onto it and begins to heal it. Frost begins to repeatedly stab Knightwolf as she tries to move away. After maintaining some distance, Knightwolf dropped a bear-trap on the ground. She sat in place and used the souls inside of her to increase her power. Frost hops over Knightwolf's bear-trap and comes down onto her. She punches Knightwolf in the jaw, knocking her back a bit. As she lands, she feels a sharp pain in her right ankle.
"Dang it!"
"How did you fall so easily into the trap? You missed it the first time," Knightwolf mocked.
"When did you…?"
"Never. I just didn't move. If I did, you would've landed right where I was," she responded. "Now do me a favor and die." She pulled out her spirit axe and raises it in the air.
"Knightwolf, don't!" Knightwolf looked at Chan. She realized that it wasn't his voice. It was Scorpion. "You dare attack your own?" he stated. Knightwolf was slightly confused. Frost slashes Knightwolf's neck with her ice dagger, causing Knightwolf to fall to the ground holding her neck.
"Don't get distracted," Frost stated. Knightwolf began to heal her neck while dodging Frost once again.
"What's…going on?" Scorpion asked.
"Quan Chi's spell must be waring off," Chan responded.
"Quan Chi's…what?"
"No one else has told you, so I'll say it. Quan Chi is the one who killed your family."
"Don't defend the Lin Kuei!"
"I'm not defending the Lin Kuei. We're not friends."
"From what I can tell, you're still friends."
"Open your eyes, hell spawn!" Chan fires a point-blank solar flare in Scorpion's eyes. However, it proves to be non-lethal.
*Years Ago, In Russia *
"We were sent here by Raiden. We're looking for someone named Bo Rai Cho. He's supposed to be training us," Chan stated.
"I'm not familiar with any of these people. I bid you three—no." Scorpion is distracted by the sight of Tasia and Kabal. They were seen having lunch while trying to keep an eye on where Scorpion was. Scorpion had improvised an idea.
"If you three could help me with something, then maybe I can help you search for this…Bo Rai Cho," Scorpion stated.
"Oh no you're not. You're the third person to tell us this. We're not falling for that trick again," Kobra yelled. He slightly drew the attention of Kabal. Thankfully, Kabal's eyesight was not as sharp as Tasia's.
"I believe he's telling the truth," Chan stated.
"That's what you said about the last guy," Kira responded. "Look, we respect the fact that you don't have the information but lying to us will get you nowhere."
"Have you three heard of the Black Dragon Klan, the Shirai Ryu Klan, or even the Brotherhood of Shadows?" Scorpion asked.
"You know about them? I've wanted to join the Black Dragon for years now," she exaggerated.
"You're still talking about that? Raiden told you already; The Black Dragon Klan is not for you. Just give it up," Kobra said rudely.
"Those two over there are from the Black Dragon Klan." Scorpion directed his eyes towards Kabal and Tasia who were still unaware of his presence. "If you can convince them that they can find me in Outworld, they may recommend you to the leader."
"They might not even be legit," Kobra said.
"You idiot, that's Tasia and Kabal. Of Course, they're legit. They also have the Black Dragon logo. You have a deal sir. It's time to present my resume," she stated as she dashed off to Kabal and Tasia.
"Why do you need her to lie about you?" Chan asked. Scorpion looked at him and then returned his attention to Kira. "We're here to help. What is it that you've done?"
"My clan is the target for extermination. We were once wiped out by the Brotherhood of Shadows. However, it was due to an inside job by a white robed witch. She was our true leader, but she used us. We have a new leader named Shelia, though I'm the acting leader who represents our clan. She and the other woman are the only ones I trust. Everyone else is expendable."
"And what about my friend?" Chan asked.
"Do you trust her?" Scorpion asked in return.
"I want to."
"You want to?" Kobra asked.
"The three of us haven't been around each other for very long. You and I both know the shady stuff she's done. However, she's not harming us."
"Well I trust her, and you should too," Scorpion responded. Both Kobra and Chan looked at Scorpion. "Never forget the faces of those around you. One day, you'll thank them."
*After the Second Shirai Ryu Attack*
"Is this the result of the attack?" Shinnok asked. Quan Chi stood by the Elder Lord's side along with Tesla, Siann, Mika, Sora, Sareena, Jataaka, and Kia.
"It seems that they've trained their members well. These seven were the only remaining members from our clan," Quan Chi Responded.
"I still feel the power of Stragglers."
"Scorpion, Shelia, and Knightwolf," Tesla stated.
"We need to find them. If others gain notice of our presence…"
"We have them cornered, lord Shinnok. The three of them will serve us in the NetherRealm," Quan Chi responded.
"Scorpion has avoided us for thousands of years. I thought you handled him," Shinnok stated.
"It seems he didn't have the drive to keep his inner demon."
"That's been taken care of already hasn't it, Quan Chi," Tesla asked rhetorically.
"Using the technology of Earthrealm, and my transformation into Bi-Han, I've recorded a video of…"
*Back in the Present*
"Quan…Chi…" Scorpion transformed back into his human form. He looked to the ground with anger.
"I'm going to be facing them right after this match," Chan stated. Scorpion looked at Knightwolf. He then focused on Frost. The two of them were unaware as they were fighting against each other. He then looked at Chan and nodded.
"Thank you, Shaolin," Scorpion said. Suddenly, Scorpion is struck by multiple ice shuriken which causes Scorpion to freeze. He uses his fire to thaw out the ice, but the ice gives him frostbite and causes him to move slower.
"Hornbuckle, NOW!" Knightwolf shouts. Chan looks towards Scorpion and prepares to use his new technique. It was created by Lui Kang and perfected by Chan.
"Make sure you tell Bi Han that Frost and I said Goodbye." Chan performs a cartwheel which cracks Scorpion's skull. He then performs a powerful uppercut to Scorpion. Unlike with Lui, the impact of Chan's attack sends Scorpion's head into the air killing him. Scorpion's headless body begins to combust in flames, as does his falling head. Everyone was in shock by the outcome of the battle. Even Shang Tsung was lost for words.
"The…the winner is…THAT'S NOT FAIR!" Shang Tsung shouted. "FROST, WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
"You made the rules, I just played by them. By the way, our match is over," she stated. Her hair began to thaw out. It was soak and wet. She sported light brown hair. She removed her mask and froze her entire body. After a dramatic pause, she shatters the ice and appears in a custom made Shirai Ryu uniform. Everyone was slightly surprised to see her true identity.
"Shelia," Kitana announced dryly.
"You knew?" Shang Tsung asked.
"It's not my job to ensure everyone is who they say they are. It's your fault for allowing kombatants to sign up using their codenames you foolish sorcerer," Kitana retorted. Shang Tsung was angered.
"I was getting tired of that persona," Shelia stated. "Now sorcerer, you're guaranteed to lose this Tournament. The rules state that if there is a 2-1 ratio between any Realm, the opponent is allowed to have a 2-on-1 battle. You know Reptile won't win against those odds."
"Wanna bet?" Kitana states as she prepared to summon Reptile forward.
"Or…" Shelia began. Kitana stopped herself.
"Or…?" she responded.
"You can help us rescue our missing friends in Russia," Shelia negotiated.
"Outworld isn't allowed to fight in Earthrealm outside of the tournaments. What are you trying to do?" Kitana asked.
"What does Outworld gain from this?" Shang Tsung asked. Chan decided to step in.
"Earthrealm…will be yours," he stated. Shang Tsung was surprised.
"You really think I'm that naive?"
"You would be if you pass up that offer."
"Hornbuckle has the power to make this decision as the champion of Earthrealm. However, Shao Kahn must be the one to allow this deal to go through." Knightwolf stated.
"And what of Raiden?" Shang Tsung asked.
"He's on his way to becoming an official Elder Lord. Fujin will be taking his place as the protector. He will have nothing to worry about," Chan responded.
"Besides, if we don't work together on this, all of reality would simply be void," Knightwolf stated. Shang Tsung brushed off everything they said, but Kitana grabbed his hand.
"A word if you don't mind," she requested. Both she and Shang Tsung traveled to another area of the island via a portal. After about 30 seconds, they returned to the courtyard. Shang Tsung had a devious smile on his face.
"Kitana will be showing you all the way to Outworld. Please, enjoy the atmosphere. You'll be more comfortable once we merge with your Realm," Shang Tsung stated. Kitana teleported to the courtroom floor and opened a portal to Outworld.
"Make it quick," Kitana said. Knightwolf and Shelia wasted no time.
"Stop!" Chan turned around after hearing a voice in the distance. It was Sonya, who returned to the Island alone. Johnny and Chan walked to her.
"I thought you died," Johnny stated as he hugged Sonya. She looked disgusted but allowed it for this one time.
"Frost…Shelia, allowed me to escape. However, while we were boarding the Helicopter, I decided to jump off at the last minute. Shelia gave me a doppelganger charm, which may have disappeared by now. I didn't want to leave you guys behind." Sonya explained.
"Chan's just going to meet this Emperor in Outworld," Johnny stated.
"You're not really going to give him Earthrealm are you?" she asked.
"Of course not, Chan's just saying that so they'll help us," Johnny answered as he laughed. He noticed a serious Chan. "Right?" Chan walked away from the two.
"You're not giving Earthrealm away," Sonya stated. Chan stopped to reminisce on Sonya's words.
"Let's Go, Earthrealmer!" Kitana stated with an angry look on her face. Chan nodded and walked through the portal. Sonya was skeptical of his decision.
*At the Entrance of Shao Kahn's Throne Room*
"He's right through this door. Convince him if you can, but please note that it's hard for him to see reason," Kitana stated. Everyone nodded.
"I'm confident that I'll think of something," Chan stated.
"I'm not. Knightwolf is the one who's going to talk to the Emperor. She's talked to him before and she's the only one out of the three of us who can kill him if need be. The three of us will wait here," Kitana responded.
"Right," Knightwolf commented. She walked through the double doors. Before they completely closed, Chan was able to get a quick glimpse at the emperor, Shao Kahn. He was startled by his presence.
"That's the exact reason I didn't want you going in there," Kitana noted. Chan was able to breathe again. He looked at Shelia who walked silently through the hallways. "Do you trust her?" Kitana asked. She caught him off guard.
"Should I trust her?" Chan asked. "I want to, but I don't know what she's really trying to accomplish." Kitana grabbed Chan's hand and walked towards a nearby painting of the deceased Queen Sindel. Chan was charmed by the beauty of the woman in the portrait. Kitana released his hand.
"Have I ever told you about my mother, Queen Sindel?" Kitana asked. Chan didn't know much more than what little Raiden told him when explaining the downfall of Edenia.
"No. I heard she was a great woman," Chan responded. Kitana frowned.
"Liar," Kitana responded back. "My mother was just as bad as us. She sold out our realm, our freedom, even my father…" Kitana paused for a minute. Chan was surprised by her response. "Shao Kahn may not be my real father, but he treated me ten times better than my mother."
"Is that why you conformed to his methods?"
"It surely wasn't mind control. I must thank Tesla though. If she never used that time-altering spell, life for everyone would be the way it is right now," Kitana stated.
"How do you know that? It could've been much better."
"Would things really be much better if I was controlled by Shao Kahn, if I was killed by my own mother, if I was residing in the NetherRealm with Lui Kang?"
"Lui's not dead," he responded.
"Right, about that…" Kitana looked to the ground, but they get interrupted by Shelia.
"Princess, you are needed," Shelia stated. Kitana nodded as she walked to the Throne room. Shelia walked to Chan. She seemed cautious.
"Why didn't you tell me the truth about your name and my visions?" Chan asked.
"Without your "nightmares" we would've never found your friends. I knew that if I told you about the time spell, you'd attempt to end it. In turn, you'd be killing your friends. Also, we need to defeat Quan Chi and steal that amulet."
"What's the purpose of stealing the amulet?"
"To end this spell another way." Shelia stated. "If we steal Quan Chi's amulet, we can reduce the time skips to 15 years. That way, we'd still have more than enough time to find a way to prevent Armageddon," Shelia stated.
"There must be a cost to this," Chan commented. Shelia looked down.
"NO!" Kitana yelled from the throne room. Chan and Shelia rushed to the room and saw…
End of Chapter 14
(Upcoming—Void)