Chapter Two
If paradise were such a thing, my home of Edenia was the apotheosis of them all. The realm was filled with luscious gardens, rich architecture, roaring waterfalls, and exotic creatures.
My father, King Jerrod, ruled over Edenia along with my mother, Sindel. They were a kind family, as well as leaders. Having reigned for so many years, they came to know many of Edenia's inhabitants by name.
And the Edenian people loved them so.
Under the reign of my parents, Edenia experienced peace and prosperity. King Jerrod kept us safe by enlisting some of the greatest warriors our realm had ever seen. Training for an upcoming tournament called Mortal Kombat.
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Whenever a ruler sought to conquer a new realm, they would declare Mortal Kombat. The realm would then select its greatest fighters to compete in the tournament, circumventing an all-out invasion. In order to invade, the challenger and their warriors would need to win ten consecutive victories in Mortal Kombat.
Edenia had lost nine.
I had always wanted to be a warrior. And when I reached the ripe age of 10,000 years old — an age which I've come to learn is much different compared to Earthrealm years — I began training for the tournament. When my parents learned of my intentions to compete, they forbade it – they were very overprotective of their only daughter.
But that didn't stop me.
Under the tutelage of my closest friend, Jade, I learned the art of combat.
Jade had several years on me. When she came of age, she joined the Edenian Resistance – a group of freedom fighters that formed to slay the mad king, Daegon, and restore our realm.
Jade's experience in combat made her the perfect mentor. She was strong, wise, and fierce. Her piercing green eyes were known to strike intimidation into her opponents. Her weapons of choice, a staff and boomerangs, rounded out her combative abilities. Making her an even more formidable, dynamic warrior.
Together, we would sneak off into the forest, miles away from Edenia's royal palace and prying eyes. We'd set up camp and practice our combat skills for hours, in secret. Believing that one day we would need them to defend our realm and its people.