Sonya briskly walked ahead of Jax, Kenshi and Stryker to tune out what she considered to be mindless chatter. She recognized it was merely a coping mechanism to deal with the aftermath of the bloody battle that they just barely survived. Sonya was utterly frustrated as their team had suffered extreme causalities earlier that day at the hands of the Shokan, the strongest of Titan Havik's warriors. She felt disgusted with anger and was sick with remorse. Broken in her spirit, Sonya walked in silence longing to return to their campsite for the evening to put this dreadful day behind her.
It had been a week and half since they had entered Outworld with the sole purpose of eradicating Titan Havik and his forces once and for all. Sonya and Kano, along with their allies at the FBI, OIA and Shirai Ryu, had assembled the greatest group of warriors to defend Earthrealm against the tyrannical villain. Their combined forces boasted military combat training, expert knowledge in various martial arts styles and thanks to Kano's vast knowledge of weaponry; their team was outfitted with the most advanced arms that were superior to Outworld's technology.
Sonya and Kano's team put on an excellent show of strength, despite being outnumbered by the Titan's army. Yet, even with the valiant efforts of their powerful defensive team, they continued to suffer loss after loss, lowering their numbers significantly. Such was the harsh reality of warfare; one that Sonya deep down was not ready for.
Sonya had led various operations over the years and had suffered minimal losses when her missions had not gone as planned. Nothing, however, could prepare her for the carnage and devastation of the countless lives lost in this war. Yet the consequences of not defeating the Titan would be catastrophic as all of the realms would be subject to his tyrannical rule and chaos would rule supreme. Failure was not an option.
As Sonya walked through the campsite, her heart sank at the sight of dozens of wounded fighters; many of whom saluted her as she passed by them. She admired their courage and strength and was proud to stand among them. Her prideful moment however was short-lived; she felt sick to her stomach hearing the piercing, gut wrenching screams of the most seriously injured soldiers being attended to in nearby tents.
Sonya and her comrades continued to walk on until they saw a large square black tent, baring the Black Dragon banners with lighted torches in front. Jarek and a few of the Black Dragon members had just exited the tent. They greeted Sonya and the others as they approached. "Kano just sent us to look for you. He is planning a strategy for our next attack," Jarek informed them. "For when?" Sonya asked. "Tomorrow, just before dawn."
Sonya looked at Jarek with shock. "Why so soon?" Jarek shrugged. "I don't know, but that's what he said, boss." Sonya was fuming; she considered it careless on Kano's part to order an attack so soon when their army was reduced dramatically. "We'll see about that," she said as she stepped through the tent.
Kano, Scorpion, Syzoth and Tremor were in the midst of discussing their strategy when Sonya entered the tent, followed by Jax, Kenshi and Stryker. "Did I just hear correctly from Jarek that you plan on attacking the Titan's army before dawn?" Sonya asked. Kano nodded. "Gather around, love, there is much to discuss." Sonya stood with her arms crossed. "Kano, I need to talk to you, in private, please."
Kano glanced at Sonya; while she appeared calm, he got the feeling that she was about to raise a shit storm that was intended just for him. He knew her well enough to know when he had done something to piss her off. Given the events of the day, he was in no mood to deal with her fiery temper.
"Go on and take a break while I fill Sonya in on our plans," he said to the others while keeping his gaze on her. "We'll meet here again in an hour to discuss final preparations." Their present company curiously observed the two of them; they had a sense something was off but were quick to oblige with Kano's request.
After the last of their comrades left, Kano glared at Sonya. "Alright, what the fuck is your problem?" he snapped. A scowl formed on Sonya's face. "Why would you recklessly endanger us by planning an attack so damn soon? Are you TRYING to get us killed?!" she furiously asked. Kano blankly stared at her. "Sonya, you're emotional and need to calm down. If you would listen to me for a minute, you'll see that I have a solid plan," he reasoned with her.
"Don't you DARE tell me that I am emotional!" Sonya shouted. "It's the fact that you are planning this attack so soon, Kano! We are nowhere near ready! Most of our team was slaughtered today! We are dangerously outnumbered and don't have a shot in hell to face them right now! We need more time to plan a proper attack."
"Sonya, there's no more time. These fucks are getting bolder by the day and it will only be a matter of time before they make slaves of all of us. We have to strike now," he said. Sonya shook her head. "No, I don't agree. Postpone this attack, Kano. We need more time to prepare."
"We are postponing nothin," Kano said. Sonya glared at him. "Postpone this attack," she demanded. "I will not, "Kano firmly said. Sonya became irritated. "Kano, stop being such a stubborn ass! It makes no logical sense for us to strike now!" She threw her arms in the air. "You know what; I am getting nowhere with you. I need some air."
As Sonya started to walk past Kano, he moved his arm to block her. "Love, you don't get to walk out on me. Not until we get this thing sorted out." "Kano, I have nothing more to say to you, let me pass." Sonya shoved his arm away from her, but then he blocked her again. Sonya angrily glared at him. She was tired, aggravated and no longer wanted any part of this argument. "What the fuck do you want from me, Kano?"
Kano narrowed his eyes at her. "You forget yourself, Sonya. The fact that we're now sleeping together doesn't change that you still answer to me. It would be best that you learn your place." Sonya became irate by his latter statement. "Learn my place?" She shoved him hard in his chest. "Let me remind you that you chose me to be your second. And as your second, it is my place to put your ass in line whenever I think you are wrong! And right now, you are dead wrong to order an attack when we are not ready!"
Then she pushed him harder, knocking him back a few steps. "And for you to belittle me and say that I am simply supposed to answer to you, like I don't have a right to an opinion of my own? That's way below the belt." Kano's serious look unexpectedly shifted to a mischievous expression. "Baby, I thought you loved it when I went below the belt," he said as he wagged his tongue at her. Sonya's eyes widened at his suggestive taunt. "Asshole!" she said as Kano barked from laughter. "I can't help it, love. Nothing is sexier than watching you get all riled up. Especially when it's for me," he said in a cocky tone.
Sonya found herself in unfamiliar territory as she was still trying to navigate her place as Kano's co-leader and now, as his lover. It was unsettling to her on how fast he could push her buttons when he wanted to get under her skin. Still, to answer for his off color remark, she felt the intense urge to bash his face in.
In the same breath, she wanted to mount him for a quick romp as she was strangely turned on by his arrogant demeanor. Kano could "handle" her in a way that no other man could, and what annoyed her most was that he knew it. However, due to a lack of time and privacy, she settled for punching his shoulder really hard.
"I fucking hate you", she scowled as he pulled her closer to him. She allowed herself to relax in his hold as he hugged her from behind. A smile crossed her lips as he buried his face into the side of her neck for a kiss; then he slowly moved the thin strap of her tank top to kiss her bare shoulder. She wanted so badly to lose herself in the strength of his arms, even if for just a moment. His embrace was her safe space; allowing her to escape the devastation that surrounded them.
He spoke to her calmly. "Your anger is misplaced, love. I share your frustration and I want these fuckers to pay for what they did as much as you do. We have a shot at evening the score, but I need you at your best, Sonya. Now is the time to get back at em," he said. She turned to face him. "I am sorry, I was out of line, but allow me to speak plainly, Kano. I think it is a mistake to try to plan an attack so soon. I do not think that we are ready."
"Hear me out first," he reasoned with her. "I know that you are concerned with the condition of our team. I have already assessed the injuries sustained among them. Believe it or not, most of their injuries were minor; they look worse than what they are. More importantly, these blokes are ready to get back out there and fight as their resolve is stronger than the shit they have been through."
Sonya seemed a little relieved. "Alright, so what is your plan?" "We are going to attack them at their fortress just before daybreak. They will be asleep and therefore, off guard. There's no better time to strike," Kano said. Sonya raised her eyebrows. "Attacking their forces at their own fortress... That's a ballsy move...and risky if not done right."
"There's something else you should know," Kano started to say. "Syzoth learned that the Zaterrans are being held captive inside the fortress. We are going to use the attack as a diversion to help them escape. Syzoth is confident that the Zaterrans will join our side to seek vengeance for their poor treatment, which gives us the advantage."
"You are certain that this plan of yours will work?" Sonya asked as Kano pulled her into his arms. He lifted her face and softly planted a kiss on her lips. "Aye, love. Trust me on this; it's our best shot of leveling the playing ground toward our favor. Those fuckers will never expect us to hit em back so soon after what they did to us today. That's why it has to be now," Kano said. After a brief hesitation, Sonya finally agreed."Bring me up to speed with all of the details..."
It was several hours later, with forty minutes left to day break. The nights in Outworld were eerie; the skies were strange with not one star or constellation in sight. The light that shined from a large blood orange moon and several small yellowish crescent shaped moons accented the darkened skies with reddish orange hues. There was no sound of singing birds to signal the approach of dawn, but rather the terrifying shrill of unknown beasts in the distance.
A tiny drone flew in the skies, completely undetectable to the eye. Developed by Kano, the drone cloaking technology was superior to most military types, making its presence literally invisible. Sonya directed the drone to its ultimate destination; to the inside of their enemy's fortress. As she slowly guided the drone, Sonya located where the Zaterrans were being kept.
While required to serve in The Titan's army, the Zaterrans had no true allegiance to the would-be emperor. Due to a recent attempted revolt, they were forced into several overcrowded cages where they practically toppled over one another. They shivered in their natural form as the cages were out in the open with no hint of shelter exposing them to freezing temperatures. Despite their harsh treatment, the Zaterrans were a proud race and refused to break their spirit in the face of their enemy.
"There," Sonya confirmed from the drone's video feed. "This is where they are being held captive." Syzoth became enraged at the poor condition of his people. "We need to release them from the bonds of this tyrant." "First things, first mate, we need that diversion to get us close enough to free them," Kano said. "Agreed." Sonya turned toward Scorpion. "Kuai, you're up." Scorpion nodded. "I am ready."
In what seemed like an instant, Scorpion teleported inside of the fortress. The fortress was reinforced by tall brick walls; however, the inside exposed multiple wooden barracks that housed their enemy's soldiers. He quickly moved behind a barrack to avoid being discovered by the Tarkatan guard that approached. Once the guard passed his hiding place, Scorpion grabbed his kusarigama and plunged it deep into the chest of the guard.
Once the guard died, Scorpion dragged him inside an alley way to avoid revealing his presence. He moved throughout the fortress until he came to a grand hall that held the largest numbers of the Shokan and Tarkatans. Once he knew that he was in the clear, Scorpion extended his arm in front of him scorching the walls in flames. He then continued to aim massive fireballs at the surrounding barracks that housed the unsuspecting Shokan and Tarkatans deep in their slumber.
The early morning silence was disturbed by the horrific screams of burning soldiers. Scorpion calmly stood while the surrounding buildings around him became engulfed in flames. He stood fearless and ready to fight as screaming Shokan and Tarkatan warriors, whose bodies were scorched in flames, ran toward him in a state of panic and confusion. One by one, Scorpion plunged his kunai spear into the necks of his enemies, watching them violently gurgle through choked breaths. After dragging his enemies to him, Scorpion used his kusarigama to savagely slice open their chests or throats to finish them off.
Tremor stood at the edge of a cliff that overlooked the fortress below. He could see from the distance the barracks that went ablaze from fire and watched dozens of the titan's men flee out of shock. He lifted his arms and summoned large lava boulders that appeared in the sky. He began to hurl them at the fortress below causing them to explode on impact. As Tremor's lava boulders rained from the sky, dozens of Shokan and Tarkatans were thrown in the air from the force of the blasts. Tremor maneuvered some of the lava boulders toward the entrance of the fortress. The lava boulders penetrated the fortress door, causing a massive explosion. Once the door was destroyed, Sonya rallied her forces to gain entrance inside.
Sonya, Kano, and the rest of their team hurried inside the fortress to aid Scorpion who was using his fire power to force back the Shokan and Tarkatans that charged him. Sonya found herself facing off against a flaming Tarkatan that raced towards her; she quickly ducked from a protruding blade that swiped at her head. She rapidly rose and impaled the Tarkatan in the stomach with her dagger, yanked it out, and brutally slashed his throat. She quickly twisted herself to back kick a Tarkatan that attempted to stab her from behind, and then threw her dagger in between his eyes, killing him instantly.
Kano was in the midst of a battle with a Shokan. He dodged the Shokan's aggressive swings and would swipe his butterfly knives cutting into his flesh. The Shokan angrily grabbed a hold of Kano and lifted him off the ground by his neck. The Shokan smiled with delight as he began to strangle Kano, watching his face turn into a shade of blue. On the verge of passing out, Kano managed to emit a laser beam directly into both of the Shokan's eyes, blinding him in the process. The Shokan howled in pain and dropped Kano to the ground, gasping for air. Kano got up and slashed off each of the Shokan's arms, and then finally stabbed him into the heart.
In the blink of an eye, Kabal zipped past a group of Tarkatans with his hook sword extended at waist level. One by one, each Tarkatan's torso fell to the floor with their upper bodies still standing in place. He raced towards a Shokan that had picked up Stryker and hurled him into Jax and Kenshi, knocking them all to the floor. As the Shokan prepared to jump onto the three men, Kabal increased his speed, went airborne and stabbed the Shokan from behind his back. The Shokan angrily grabbed Kabal from behind and tossed him into the group of men. Kabal zipped toward the Shokan again, jumped upward and slashed the Shokan's throat with his hook sword.
While his comrades were engaged in battle, Syzoth made his way toward the cages that held the Zaterrans captive. He forced the locks open and was able to release his people from the cages. They looked on in relief as they were finally freed from their captivity. "Thank you brother," said one of the freed Zaterrans. "No need to thank me, my friend. Come now and fight alongside us so that we may destroy this corrupt titan and his army!" Syzoth said.
Syzoth and the Zaterrans joined their comrades in the fight against the Shokan and Tarkatans. The Zaterrans wasted no time in releasing their rage as they maliciously tore their captors to shreds. Syzoth shape shifted into his natural form to give him a stronger advantage. He jumped onto a Shokan and bit into his throat, ripping away large chunks of tissue and muscle. As the Shokan cried in agony, Syzoth released his acid spit onto his enemy, melting his face away.
As the sun finally rose, slain bodies were everywhere throughout the fortress. Kano's plan for a surprise attack was executed perfectly as they were able to wipe out a little more than half of Titan Havik's army. The remainder of his forces had retreated through a portal to avoid the same fate as their fallen comrades. Kano had a wide grin as he looked at the pile of burnt and bloodied bodies on the floor. "Now that is a beautiful fucking sight." Sonya smirked. "I gotta hand it to you, this plan was a gamble but it paid off." "That it did, love."
As they were inspecting the damage left behind, Sonya heard an unknown voice calling to her... from in her mind. "Come to me, Sonya," it softly called her. The voice lured her to the furthest building at the end of the fortress. Venturing inside the building, Sonya heard the voice grow louder in her mind, however this time it sounded like a man's voice intertwined with her own. "Come to me," it commanded her. The pull of this voice was stronger than her logic telling her to get the hell out of this building but she couldn't help but obey its calling.
As Kano was with his team celebrating their victory, he became aware that Sonya was missing. He then noticed that she was walking toward the furthest end of the fortress. "Sonya, wait up!" He called to her; however, she continued to go in as if she never heard him. He followed her into the building, curious as to what she might have been looking for. "Slow down, love," he said as he put his hand onto her shoulder.
Suddenly, Sonya reached for Kano's hand, and flipped him over onto the ground. "Sonya, what the fuck was that for?" Kano asked lifting himself from the ground. Then he stared at her face in horror. The look in her eyes was demon like as her brown eyes had a reddish tint to them. It sent a chill down his spine. Kano immediately knew who was at work.
"Sonya, snap out of it! Havik is doing this to ya! Baby, you and I..." Sonya gritted her teeth. "You and I are nothing!" Kano braced himself as she began to charge at him with full force. Sonya pulled out her daggers from behind her back and began to furiously swipe them at Kano, cutting pieces of his shirt. She continued to swipe, each time making cuts on his arms and chest. Kano kicked Sonya backwards forcing her to lose her footing.
Sonya recovered quickly; she aimed her energy blasts at Kano's head and kept increasing them in both size and frequency. She managed to hit him with one on the side of his head, knocking him to the ground. Sonya proceeded to jump on top of him and tried to thrust her dagger into his heart. Kano quickly grabbed her arm to stop her, but found it difficult to keep the blade from piercing his chest as Sonya's strength seemed to have doubled under Havik's influence.
Kano managed to knock his head into Sonya, jerking her head backwards. Sonya closed her eyes as she clutched her face in pain. Kano stood up and bent over her, regarding her curiously. "Are you still bloody mad?" She angrily looked up at him. "Fuck!" he yelled as she punched him in the face. As she attempted another punch, Kano grabbed Sonya's fist, and threw her to the floor, knocking her out as her head made contact with the ground.
The sight of Sonya unconscious enraged Kano to the point of almost insanity. Kano screamed at the top of his lungs. "HAVIK! NO MORE MIND GAMES! SHOW YOURSELF, YOU FUCKER!" Havik appeared from the shadows. He devilishly smiled at Kano as he enjoyed the display of his rage. "We meet again, Black Dragon."