The realm of Outworld had fastly returned back to it's gloomy, and terrorised state after Shang Tsung's celebration had ended. The sky had returned to a dark shade of purple, and the bright, orange moon was slowly setting under the ashy looking clouds. Nightfall would be setting in soon, but this was no excuse for Shao Kahn's army, that numbered in the hundreds of thousands, to end their rigorous training around the castle grounds. The Tarkatans were sparring with each other without their razor sharp blades extended. A select few however were dressed in heavy bone crafted armor. These special Tarkatans had been selected by the leader of their division, Kotal, as majors within the Tarkatan army. Numbering at around twenty, the Tarkatans each mounted themselves upon heavily armored, helmeted Centaurs, and began jousting each other with their blades fully extended in hopes of knocking their enemy off. The smell of burning flesh lingered throughout the air as Kintaro, along with the other Shokans of his race were seen gathered around a small row of stakes that were setup for the execution of conspirators, traitors, and prisoners of war. Tied to the stakes were a group of traitors who had attempted to slay Princess Mileena as her, and Prince Rain were strolling through the royal families lush courtyard.
The traitor's screams could be heard loudly throughout the castle grounds as each one had been lit aflame by Kintaro's fire breath. Their skin melted away slowly, and dripped from their bones, as their burning continued ,their skeletal figures began to appear. Grand General Reiko, and his former apprentice, and newfound leader of the Tarkatan division Kotal were watching from afar, as they both stood side by side against a large, sturdy rail that was attached to a balcony that overlooked the entire militia. Reiko looked on without a trace of disturbance, as Kotal appeared slightly fazed by the acts being committed before him.
"These traitors are not deserving of your pity Ko'atal." Reiko spoke innocently, without even a glance at Kotal. With this Kotal turned his head slightly towards Reiko. Only two people alive knew of Kotal's birth name. Reiko, and Kotal himself. The name was given to Kotal by his father whom he was directly named after. Much like Kitana, and Mileena, Kotal himself was born under an Emperor. Kotal's father was not Shao Kahn, however. Kotal was of the realm of Osh-Tekk, a rich realm, where warriors were honored, and gold was the highest of currency. Unlike Outworld, where the people were abused, and the ultimate goal was conquest. His realm, much like the once famed realm of Edenia, was invaded by Shao Kahn many years ago. In fact it was so long ago that at the time Kotal was only a small boy. He remembered Shao Kahn's invasion of his home world only faintly. He remembered riding behind his father as they shared a horse throughout the bloodshed. Together Kotal's father had slain many of Shao Kahn's Generals in battle. Outworld's forces were being repelled with such ease that eventually Shao Kahn stepped into the battle himself. The two lords would soon confront each other, and battled many close bouts in a duel. Shao Kahn would finally get the upper hand, and slay Kotal's father. As a result of his father's defeat, soon the entire Osh-Tekk realm had given in to surrender. Only their surrender came too late. Shao Kahn had been embarrassed by the fact that the Osh-Tekk ruler had defeated many of his Generals without great effort, and decided to exterminate the entire realm of it's people. Among the exterminated were men, women, and children from all classes of people. Kotal's uncles, aunts, cousins, and elder siblings had been mercilessly slaughtered. Kotal would have joined them as well, but one very respected, and very young General had come forth in an attempt to spare him.
Reiko was not always the Grand General of Shao Kahn's army. As a young man born to the realm of Chaos, Reiko quickly learned that he didn't belong within the chaotic confides of that constantly turmoiled world. The rulers of the Chaosrealm often found themselves in the structure of a civil war, and no peace would ever come to be. Kings would often change constantly due to repeated assassinations, and unending amounts of turmoil within the royal families. Reiko grew up strangely there. He found himself extremely loyal, and battle ready after fighting off so many random attempts on his life. He was a battlefield genius in a place where that was seen as taboo. In his free time Reiko would often read any documented accounts of war, and politics he could get his grasp on. He read about many warlords, kings, strategists, and Emperors, but he found himself admiring only one. Emperor Shao Kahn had become his inspiration, and became a beacon for everything Reiko would come to stand for. He modeled, trained, and groomed himself to be like his hero. This annoyed the Chaosrealmers to no end. At an early teenage age Reiko's soul was unwillingly traded to the Neatherrealm by his family, and he quickly made a new place in the burning depths of hell. He was tormented, and often followed by Lucifer's demons on a regular basis. He would soon learn how to evade, and outsmart them, and this caught the attention of a being unlike anything Reiko had encountered before. The fallen Elder God named Shinnok had been banished to the Neatherrealm after his failed attempt to overthrow the Elder Gods thousands of years ago. He saw Reiko's smarts, and was determined to recruit the man into his service. Shinnok's goal was to put an end to the reign of Lucifer, and to claim the Neatherrealm for himself. Shinnok promised Reiko that he would grant him one request if he aided him in his quest of overtaking the throne. Sensing an opportunity, Reiko agreed, and found himself as the newest, and lastly recruited member of the original Brotherhood of Shadow league that was led by the Neatherrealm Oni, Quan Chi.
The effects of transitioning into a Brotherhood member has different effects on everyone who happened to be recruited. Some may have lost their hair, others may have lost their teeth. Reiko only encountered one change. His eyes that were once a hazy brown, transformed into a pure, lifeless white. Being the loyal warrior that he was, Reiko would then proceed to tattoo one of the many Brotherhood markings across his face, and around his eyes. Within the coarse of three years the reign of Lucifer had come to an end, and now lord Shinnok found himself the undisputed Emperor over the hellish lands. Upon Shinnok's gaining of the throne, Reiko made his one request. He requested to be allowed to serve under Shao Kahn of Outworld. Shinnok was hesitant at first as he knew he would be loosing a very important ally in granting his request, but he ultimately gave him the right. It was at a cost, however. The deal worked two ways. Reiko was allowed to serve under Shao Kahn, but for only as long as he lived. Upon his death he would be returned to the Neatherrealm, back into Shinnok's possession. The deal his family gave into all those years ago forever holds. Reiko's soul will always belong to the Neatherrealm.
Reiko swiftly joined Shao Kahn's military, and became vastly admired by the Emperor from their first conversation. Reiko was firstly assigned as a body guard to the lord, but eventually proved himself to be of much use in the field of battle. He was placed in charge of the remnants of the Edenian race, and his first major campaign came in the form of the invasion of the Osh-Tekk. While there Reiko mostly instructed his troops from their camps, but soon due to a horrendous strategy imposed by a superior, Reiko's camp became routed by the Osh-Tekk Emperor. The two battled, but one thing in particular caught Reiko's attention. He noticed the little boy that was watching the battle from his father's horse. As great of a warrior Reiko may be, he was overmatched by his enemy, and was forced to retreat. He thought of the little boy. He was admiring his father, almost to the extent that Reiko admired his lord. As word broke of the Osh-Tekk king's death, Reiko found himself present for the execution of the Osh-Tekk royal bloodline. He watched on silently, until Shao Kahn brought Kotal to the guillotine. Right before Kotal met a grizzly fate Reiko intervened on his behalf. He noted the usefulness that the young Osh-Tekk could bring to the Outworld army in the future. He spoke of the admiration that he saw in the young boy's eyes as he watched the warfare unfold. He then preceded to tell Shao Kahn that the admiration was similar to that of his for his Emperor. These words moved Shao Kahn greatly, and without a second of doubt Shao Kahn named Reiko the adoptive father to the young Kotal, and spared him. Reiko moved Kotal into his chambers, and helped translate his Osh-Tekk name Ko'atal, into the Outworld system as Kotal. He trained the boy, and raised him as his own son, but Reiko always reminded the boy to remember who he was, and where he came from. The two shared many similar interests, and formed a close relationship rather quickly.
"It's not pity I feel. These men earned their deaths." Kotal said disputing Reiko's claim of him being pitiful for the attempted murderers. He turned his back to the burning bodies with a forced look, that Reiko instantly spotted as an attempt to cover up his discomfort.
"I suppose it is only natural to have these feelings. I even sometimes forget that you are not used to seeing the horrors of war as much as most of us Generals have. Some may call sympathy a weakness, but it is a necessity in order to be a true warrior. I'm not saying you should discard these feelings, only that you show mercy to those whom truly deserve it." Reiko explained carefully so that his words meanings were not lost on Kotal. Kotal listened to these words carefully.
"With Earthrealm's defeat in the tournament situations will arrive where giving mercy will be an option. Choose who you will spare wisely. Being too cruel may also seal your fate. If one cannot show mercy, then why should they receive any in return." Reiko finished before also turning back to the burning corpses. Kotal nodded to show his understanding.
"This isn't the only issue that is bothering you. Tell me what's worrying you." Reiko noticed that Kotal was still not fully at ease. Kotal hesitated, and thought a moment before speaking.
"The Princesses' betrayal is bothersome to me. I had spoken to her just before she committed treason. I should have been more aware of her intentions, before letting her go. I could have stopped her, and spoken to her about the dangers of what she was plotting." Kotal finished while looking at Reiko with sorrow filled eyes. Reiko didn't give away what he was thinking with his expressions.
"Nobody expects betrayal from the ones who are in need of protection from it." Said Reiko soothingly.
"This was not your fault Kotal, and our lord knows this to be true." Reiko's voice came out as if he was trying to wash away all the guilt on Kotal's mind.
"And what of Kitana now? She will no doubt be executed by the lord for her misdeeds." Kotal informed worriedly. Reiko was now seeming disappointed by Kotal's worrisome.
"You speak as if you are wedded to the Princess. These affections you have for her will sadly never lead anywhere Kotal. I tried once to propose a marriage between you two to our Emperor, but it was humbly declined. Let this go. As for what will happen to the Princess I can only say this. I am one of our lord's closest allies. I daresay that we are dear friends. If I know anything about our lord it is this. The one, and only, and I may say only weakness that our lord has is for his children. The very worse I can expect for Kitana is that her claim as heir of the Outworld throne will now become void of all worth. She will not be physically harmed." Said Reiko very sternly. These words did much to ease most of Kotal's troubles. After the two noticed the ending of the burning men's screams, and that the gigantic Kintaro was making his way alone to Shao Kahn's tower did Reiko speak again.
"Court shall begin shortly. Let us make our way to the war room." He said quietly. As he, and Kotal stepped away from the rail they had been standing against. Together the two descended down a flight of wooden stairs, and reached the dead grass that littered patches of dirt among the castle grounds. They both walked intensely towards the black tower's doors. Before reaching them Reiko spoke again.
"I understand that this is your first time in court. I must advise you to remain calm, and civil at all times. Speak only when spoken to, and let our lord do most of the talking. Since you are fresh your advice may be shot down no matter how logical it may be, but remember you must only speak logically. Speak of no nonsense or of ideas that may even slightly hint at a double meaning. This will be your first major test." Reiko warned.
"Have you ever known me to be a fool?" Kotal spoke civilly. Reiko spotted how seriously Kotal was taking his advice.
"No, and now would be the worst of times to start." He replied opening the castle doors for Kotal. The Osh-Tekk stepped through, and Reiko followed closely behind him. As the two strolled through the sacred castle the two would soon reach a room designed with weapons, and treasures hanging all around the room. The room's walls were red, and gold curtains covered the windows, and were draping down from sections of the walls. A massive, polished wooden table stood in the center of the room, and laying on the table was an equally large, and long map laid out to all four edges. Kotal noticed a familiar object hanging from one of the room's wall straight away. It was a sharply bladed sword with the center of the blade's edges also carved, and dipped inwards. The sword had at one point belonged to his father. Reiko saw that Kotal was staring at it, and Kotal saw a look from him that encouraged him to stay focused on the task at hand, no matter how difficult, or distracting it may be for him. Upon entering the room the two warriors were met by a stunning women, who was dressed in a very alluring black, and yellow dress. Her hair was long, beautiful, and carefully groomed. It was the darkest shade of black. She was wearing golden earrings that matched her fancy dress fabulously. Her skin was a light shade of caramel, and her eyes were a breathtaking green. She was standing by one of the rooms windows, and was quietly watching the moon setting as it reached it's darkest shade of orange. Upon noticing she moved closer towards them.
"A pleasure to see you again Lady Tanya." Reiko spoke sensually. In response the woman smiled to show her perfect white teeth. Once Kotal spotted her eyes he couldn't pull himself to look away.
"The pleasure is all mine Grand General." She said flattered by his words.
"Please my Lady, address me only as Reiko." Reiko insisted even more charmingly than before. The woman smiled perfectly again as he finished. After greeting Reiko she took notice that Kotal was staring into her eyes.
"Reiko, surely you have informed your ward that it isn't polite to stare?" The woman named Tanya asked Reiko curiously. With this Kotal looked down instantly.
"Though the boy finds himself a General now, one must remember that he is still only a boy. With a woman of your beauty nearby it is only natural to be fascinated by such a sight." Reiko spoke with a smile at the scene before him. Tanya gave a cute laugh at Reiko's words.
"Flattery has always been your strong suit Reiko! I don't care what they say about your skills of war, and politics, and though this ward of yours is still only a young man, I believe you made the right choice in suggesting him as the General of the Tarkatans." Tanya said eyeing Kotal.
"Well then my Lady I believe it safe to say that flattery is both of our strong suits." Reiko acknowledged Tanya's kind words. Kotal regained himself, and rejoined them in discussion.
"I do hope that the creatures of the Waste didn't give you too much trouble in your search for Reptile." Reiko informed with absolute sincerity. Tanya sighed upon hearing this.
"The Wasteland does harbor many wild beings that is true, but the weather conditions are what bother me the most. You're more likely to die of heatstroke, than anything else." Tanya exclaimed with a briskness to her voice.
"Truer words have never been spoken. Me, and Kotal here have experienced the feeling before. Best not to wander for too long." Pointed out Reiko.
"Indeed" Replied Tanya. After saying this the war room's doors were pushed open with a slight force. The three people standing in the room all looked to see Kintaro, Mileena, and Rain enter the room. They were shortly followed by Shao Kahn who was followed by two guards in tow. Before they could enter he shooed them away. Shao Kahn appeared without his mask, and armor, and was wearing a wonderful red robe that fit almost too tight against his body. His eyes had a tint of red to them, and his buzzed cut hair had slight tarkatan horns poking though. Upon seeing him, everyone bowed over in a flash. He watched them all closely. His eyes were baggy as if he hadn't slept in days. As everyone remained bowed Shao Kahn marched slowly to a nearby drawer across the room. He opened it, and from within he grabbed a golden, skull goblet. He also grabbed a large bottle of red colored wine. He placed the goblet, and the wine down onto the map covered table. He would then head back to the drawer, and proceed to grab six more much smaller glasses. Upon seeing this Rain began to speak.
"My lord allow me to grab-" He started but was interrupted by the Emperor.
"Silence Rain. A true Emperor takes care of his own." He said not wanting to be interrupted in his actions. Rain continued to be bowed. Upon placing a glass at each member's position around the table, he would go on to fill each of their glasses with the wine before filling his own goblet. After doing this Shao Kahn spoke again.
"Now rise my loyal subjects! Let us prepare for our upcoming war with Earthrealm!" He cheered happily, while he raised his drink. All at once the group of advisers rose from their bows, and each grabbed their glasses.
"Now before you take your drinks I have one demand." He said eyeing all around. Everyone was appearing eager to serve.
"You." He bellowed out. His eyes were in a deadlock with Kotal's. Kotal's eyes once again dropped to the floor with intimidation. Reiko peered over at Kotal carefully.
"You take the first swallow." Shao Kahn insisted boldly. With this Kotal's eyes found Reiko's, who in return quickly looked away.
"You look at your lord when you're addressed by him!" Shao Kahn shouted after seeing Kotal's quick glance at Reiko. Kotal's eyes once again met Shao Kahn's. He could see the determination in his eyes. Without further hesitation Kotal gripped his glass tightly, and proceeded to drink all of his wine in one gulp. While the rest of the group looked on in silence, Shao Kahn stared on with a smile. Kotal once again regained his staring battle with his lord. After a minute of nothing but intense eye contact Shao Kahn finally gave out a great laugh. The others joined in shortly after. All but for Kotal.
"Good boy! You were not wrong Reiko I never should have doubted you! Brave, and loyal just like you claimed!" The Emperor bellowed in joy. Reiko looked over at Kotal once again, and their eyes met. Reiko smiled widely, and nodded.
"Tanya, fetch this boy another drink, and let us get underway." Shao Kahn ordered as he also finished his drink in one gulp. As Tanya poured Kotal his second glass of wine Shao Kahn began.
"First, and foremost we shall keep this discussion about our upcoming war with Earthrealm. Both Reptile's escape, and the Princesses predicament will remain off of discussion due to the appropriateness of our current objective. Am I clear?" Shao Kahn spoke with a stiff intensity to his tone. All around the room was a unanimous nod of approval, even from Mileena, who looked incredibly displeased with his father's demand.
"Now, Thanks to our spy master, my ever loving, and faithful niece Lady Tanya, we have a lay out of Earthrealm's defenses. We have marked military bases scattered all around the realm, and must figure out a way to withstand the fire power that the Earthrealmer's posses. Any ideas?" Shao Kahn asked as he took a large drink from his freshly poured wine.
"We may have to armor our forces with heavier armor. From what I have studied, nothing can stop these objects called bullets, but our armor may be able to keep us on the ground a little more longer." Rain spoke out loud. Shao Kahn nodded his approval.
"I agree with the Prince my lord. I shall send word to Sheeva to have armor made for the Shokan, and the Centaurs if that is your order." Kintaro's deep voice growled. Shao Kahn nodded in agreement.
"My lord if I may, It would perhaps be a good idea to get this type of technology into our forces arms as well." Reiko insinuated calmly.
"How would we go about doing such a thing? Once we step foot into Earthrealm there will be no time to train our men to use such advanced weaponry." Shao Kahn pointed out the flaw in Reiko's plan, or so he thought.
"Perhaps we should form an alliance with an Earthrealm crime syndicate known by the name of the Red Dragon." Reiko bypassed Shao Kahn's doubts, and had made the lord very interested in his plan.
"The Red Dragon?" Shao Kahn asked as he gave Reiko a sideways look.
"You are familiar with the God named Argus am I correct?" Reiko asked with full respect.
"Yes, I remember Argus very well." Shao Kahn spoke recalling the name.
"Daegon is his bastard son born as a half God. He controls a major capital within the realm of Earth. I had worked with him in the past. He is very advanced in these types of trades, and if rumors are true his organization is heavily stocked with this type of weaponry. I could visit him. Convince him to join us in our cause. Have him, and his men train us before we head into battle." Reiko explained carefully. Shao Kahn still wasn't fully convinced.
"Why would he join us in the destruction of his home realm?" Shao Kahn asked the one question Reiko had yet to answer.
"His mother was an Earthrealmer. Because of this the Elder God's denied him any claim to his Godhood status. I reckon he'd cherish in Earthrealm's burning as long as he is rewarded with any form of power." Reiko finished sealing any loose ends of his argument.
"Very well. Tomorrow Tanya is to send a letter to the half God to arrange a meeting." Shao Kahn said finally.
"Next we are to focus on where to deploy our forces on the day of the attack." The Emperor pointed out.
"What of the Thunder God?" Mileena spoke slightly muffled through her veil. Her father gave a laugh at her words.
"I'll deal with Raiden." He said simply.
"I suggest New York for our main force's deployment." Tanya spoke as she lightly traced her finger around her glass.
"Raiden's allies from the tournament seem to all be gathered there. We should eliminate the main worries from our plan first, Reiko, Kotal, and Kintaro will lead the charge against them from there. Prince Rain, and Princess Mileena should likely be stationed nearby. They will report, and give orders from their camp to the west." She finished before taking only a small sip from her wine.
"Fair advice" Shao Kahn downed the rest of his wine.
"Anything you would like to add?" He spoke boldly to Kotal who raised his eyebrows in response.
"Nothing my lord." He replied quietly. With this Shao Kahn stood up stiffly from his leaning position over the table.
"Then this meeting is finished for the time being. We will continue to discuss our moves in the coming days." He spoke aloud as he stepped towards the door of the war room. After his, and many more of the other subject's exits from the room, all that remained were Reiko, and Kotal. They were standing near each other, and examining the map in depth.
"You did well tonight Kotal." Reiko complimented his close ally.
"Our lord truly is a scary man." Kotal recalled the times they locked eyes.
"Soon enough he'll grow on you. He cares about his advisers, and Generals more than he likes to admit." Reiko said as he continued to examine the map.
"We should go. It's getting late." Reiko noticed as his eyes glanced out the room window to see total darkness. The two left the room, and headed for the castle's exit. They reached a very long hallway, and at the end of the hallway the path branched into two directions. They reached it, and the two both caught Tanya craning her neck out from a massive semi closed door. Her eyes focused on Reiko.
"Go ahead, and go back to the quarters without me." Reiko whispered to his ward.
"Why?" Kotal asked looking from Tanya to Reiko.
"I have business to attend to." Reiko lied obviously, as he made his way down the hall closer to Tanya. He began slowly taking off his armor as he did so. Kotal figured instantly what that likely meant, and out of both respect, and a tiny pinch of jealousy, he marched down the other hallway, and left Shao Kahn's tower.
Re-resubmitted for errors.
As I haven't updated in a while so I decided to write a much longer chapter than what I usually write. Though I haven't updated much this story has always been on my mind, along with my End of the Family story. It's not a matter of if they will be finished it's a matter of when. Thanks to my followers, favorites, and reviewers. It makes my day a lot better when I get one of those so thank you once again. I really enjoy writing for you guys.
In this chapter I wanted to show the father-son relationship between Kotal, and Reiko. Since the start of this series I wanted them to be close, and I think it works for the story I'm still planning to tell. You also get a chance to see a glimmer of Shao Kahn when he's his real self, and not in front of his armies.