Prologue: Deal with the Devil

Deep within the depths of the Netherrealm, a dark castle stood menacingly under the dull sky. Small rays of orange light shined through the clouds upon the structure to reveal the many spires that were surrounded by thick, iron walls. Stepping through the front gate was the Netherrealm sorcerer Quan Chi, who was visiting the castle's owner for business reasons. He casually walked through the dimly lit halls towards his master's chamber, and he bowed before a throne made of iron and bones. "My lord."

Quan Chi addressed the occupant of the throne, his voice echoing throughout the room. But as the sorcerer looked up, it was clear to him that his master was not exactly pleased to see him. Standing from his seat, the castle's owner walked down the aisle that led to his throne and stopped mere inches away from his subordinate. Quan Chi quickly put his head back down and did not dare raise it until he was allowed to do so.

"You return to me empty-handed, Quan Chi."

"...My apologies, my lord. Things became quite...difficult."

"So, it would seem. Stand up."

Quan Chi did as he was told and immediately stood at attention. The sorcerer finally looked up from the floor and was face to face with his master. Lord Shinnok, the Fallen Elder God. He only stood a mere inch taller than Quan Chi. But in the sorcerer's eyes, Shinnok was a giant among his underlings. The god's power and status were beyond that of any other creature that dwelled within the Netherrealm. With a snap of his finger, Shinnok could wipe Quan Chi out of existence if he wanted to. "You know I do not take failure lightly, Quan Chi. I must admit, you are brave to return to me despite knowing the consequences that befall those who disappoint me."

"...I live to serve you, my lord. If my death shall make this right, then I accept it my fate."

"How noble. At least you have some dignity within you. Unlike most of the monstrosities that roam this hellish realm."

A purple aura suddenly surrounded Shinnok's form, and Quan Chi thought that the Elder God was preparing to deal a finishing blow. After all, the sorcerer was aware of what happened to those who failed Lord Shinnok, no matter how small the task may had been. There was no way that the god of death was about to let Quan Chi go after his massive defeat against the Forces of Light.

"But—"

As fast as it came, Shinnok's aura faded, much to Quan Chi's surprise. "You still have your usefulness. So...be grateful that I cannot afford to kill you just yet."

Shinnok turned around and returned to his throne. Quan Chi sighed in relief and bowed his head to his master. "Thank you, Lord Shinnok."

Shinnok scoffed as he sat down in his chair. "You can show me your gratitude by not failing me again. Otherwise, I may not be so generous next time."

"I shall keep that in mind, my lord."

"Good. Now, enough of that. There is another task I need you to complete."

Quan Chi nodded. "Of course, Lord Shinnok. What would you have me do?"

"Well, you can start by greeting our guest."

As soon as Shinnok said those words, the doors magically opened by themselves, and a shadowed figure could be seen standing on the other side of them. The stranger's features were shrouded in darkness, but Quan Chi had an inkling of who this newcomer could be. And a sinister laugh from the shadows only confirmed the sorcerer's suspicion.

"Greetings, Lord Shinnok. I do hope I did not keep you waiting." The stranger greeted Shinnok with a hint of glee in his voice. The Fallen Elder God returned the salutation with a nod.

"Not at all. I am glad that you decided to make an appearance."

The two spoke to one another as if they were old friends, and this irritated Quan Chi to no end. He had served Lord Shinnok for many years, yet if he spoke to the god in such a manner, he would be beheaded. However, this brat of a demigod, the one called Daegon, was able to talk to Shinnok without any fear whatsoever. It was unfair, Quan Chi thought, but he would not voice his opinions out loud. Especially in earshot of Shinnok. Instead, the sorcerer watched as Shinnok conversed with the youngest son of Argus.

"Have you had any success in locating your brother?"

Daegon shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. My mother and father hid him well, but I am sure he is in Earthrealm."

"Indeed. And what of your mother?"

Daegon suddenly went quiet, his eyes hardening at the mention of his mother. "She...is quite a stubborn woman. She still refuses to tell me the fate of the sacrifice."

"Sacrifice? Does this have anything to do with the Enenra?"

Hearing the demon's name, Daegon's eyes widened slightly. "You know of the Enenra?"

"It was only recently that we were able to locate the demon's presence. The sacrifice you speak up is alive and well, a host for the Enenra."

"Is that so? The ritual was completed over twenty years ago. And the sacrifice still lives even with the Enenra possessing his body?"

"We were astonished by this revelation as well. Demonic possession takes an enormous toll on humans. Yet, this human has taken the Enenra's presence with ease. We were unable to capture him, however, due to—"

Shinnok glared at Quan Chi. "Difficulties." Quan Chi could feel the venom in his master's words, and it made the sorcerer want to disappear. Unfortunately, he could not. Seeing that he had gotten his point across, Lord Shinnok turned his attention back to Daegon. "But despite that, all went according to plan."

Daegon arched a brow. "Oh. Is that so?"

"Of course." Shinnok answered calmly, but he became slightly irritated when he heard the doubt in the demigod's voice. "Shao Kahn was blinded by rage. How easily he was convinced that the Elder Gods would ignore his merging the realms."

"But the thunder god still lives. And what about the Enenra and its host? I am sure their presence will provide many challenges for us in the future as well."

Lord Shinnok's grip on the arms of his chair tightened. He did understand Daegon's concern over the matters of Raiden and the demon, but the Elder God was not about to let them stand in his way. Besides, after Outworld's invasion of Earthrealm, the Netherrealm now had strength in numbers. Shinnok smirked at the thought. "No matter. Neither Earthrealm nor Outworld can now withstand the Netherrealm's onslaught. It is time."

Shinnok again rose from his throne and Quan Chi backed away as his master walked past him. The god stopped before Daegon and placed his hand on the demigod's shoulder. "And I am in need of your aid, Son of Argus."

The Fallen Elder God could feel Daegon suddenly stiffen under his grip. "Please, my lord. I would prefer never to be associated with that man again. Argus was my father once. But not anymore."

"Whether you accept him as your father or not, the blood of a god still runs through your veins. Never forget that Daegon."

The demigod nodded and Shinnok released him. "Use the power you have been given. Become a being more powerful than Argus. Together, we could even topple the Elder Gods."

"But how, Lord Shinnok? You are powerful on your own, but me...I just do not have the strength. Not like my brother."

"Maybe not." Shinnok pointed to his head as he smirked at Daegon. "But you have the cunning. You have the mind of a true strategist, and that is what has helped you overcome so many trials. Daegon, you need to stop comparing yourself to Taven."

"I...I cannot."

Clenching his fists, Daegon turned away from Lord Shinnok. "No matter what I do, he will always be better than me. He always has been, and everyone knows it. Our parents even betrayed me to aid my brother in the quest!"

Daegon gritted his teeth together and jerked his head up to look back at Shinnok. "Lord Shinnok, I killed my father. My mother has become nothing more than a prisoner. In a way, I won. I took revenge on the two people who orchestrated this twisted game! And yet..."

"And yet?" Shinnok arched a brow and urged for Daegon to continue. After a moment, the demigod did just that.

"...I will never be satisfied until they all pay. I will never truly have my revenge until my brother is dead and buried beneath my feet! I cannot allow him to finish the quest!"

Raising his fist, Daegon smiled. It was a wicked smile that almost matched Lord Shinnok's own. Seeing how much the two were alike sent a chill down Quan Chi's spine. The last thing the sorcerer wanted was to deal with another Shinnok.

"To make sure that does not happen—" Daegon continued. "I will stop his quest before it even begins. That is why it is vital that I find my brother before he awakens from his slumber."

"How are you so sure that Taven has not awakened already?" Shinnok asked the demigod in curiosity.

"Caro would have informed me if something was amiss."

"Do you believe so?"

Daegon suddenly went silent. He thought about the last time he laid eyes on Caro. The red dragon howled as he was forced to open a portal to the Netherrealm, the hook ends of his chains digging into his skin to keep him from escaping. To think that Daegon would do something so cruel to his guardian, the one being the demigod thought he could trust after his parents' betrayal. But after learning of Argus' death by his own sons' hands, Caro could not even look his young charge in the eye. Now the dragon is nothing more than a method of transportation for Daegon and his clan. A pet that the demigod would occasionally torture for his entertainment.

Daegon shook his head in response to Shinnok's question. "He may despise me, but Caro is not one to keep secrets. I am still his charge, and he will forever be my guardian. He cannot lie to me."

"You are quite sure of that." Shinnok chuckled as he folded his arms across his chest. "Very well then. I shall take you at your word."

Daegon bowed his head to the Elder God. "Thank you, Lord Shinnok. Whatever it is you need of me, I shall do everything in my power to provide it for you."

"And I return, I offer you my aid in your quest."

Hearing Shinnok's proposal, Daegon's eyes widened. "You would help me?"

Shinnok nodded his head. "Of course. I would not ask for your help without giving something in return. Furthermore, I see the potential within you, Daegon. Only you should have the privilege of becoming a full god."

Extending his hand to Daegon, Lord Shinnok looked at the demigod with a somewhat sincere expression on his face. He genuinely wanted to help Daegon, and to see how far the man would go to achieve his goals. The demigod had already murdered his father and imprisoned his mother, but would he have the will to kill his own brother who still slept within his stone prison? Unaware of the events that have transpired during his deep slumber? Shinnok smiled, excited to see how things between the sons of Argus would end.

"Very well, Lord Shinnok." Grabbing the Elder God's hand, Daegon shook it firmly. "I accept your offer. And in return, I offer my clan's loyalty and service."

"I am glad to hear that. Now—"

Turning his attention back to Quan Chi, Shinnok narrowed his eyes as he spoke to the sorcerer. "Before we begin preparations, I will need my amulet, Quan Chi."

Quan Chi bowed his head as he quickly retrieved the amulet that hung around his belt. The sorcerer then handed the talisman to Lord Shinnok, the green gemstone in the center of the golden amulet glowing brighter the closer it came to its master. The moment he grasped onto his prized possession, Shinnok felt his dark power being drawn to the amulet. He laughed and held his talisman high into the air as the green gem slowly began to turn violet. "Now...we can begin!"

Ladies and gentlemen, as a late Christmas gift from me to you, I present to you "A Champion's Will", the sequel to "A Demon's Fate"! I would have had this out earlier, but I got sick today (on Christmas of all days!) and I decided to finish the first two chapters tonight. I hope you guys enjoy this story and thank you for taking the time to read it as well as the previous fanfic. And if you guys have the time, check out my other story "Sins of the Father" if you're a fan of X-Men: Evolution (or if you just love Nightcrawler as much as I do lol). Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!