Chapter 3
Shadow Joestar: Thanks.
#Remnant#
Vale, Mistral, Vacuo and Atlas. These are the four major Kingdoms that exist in the World of Remnant. One would think that a world this large would have more than four kingdoms. The story told in the four Kingdoms was that the God of Light and the God of Darkness had destroyed the other Kingdoms in a fight many years ago with only four still standing.
Oh how wrong they had been. Though the God of Light and Darkness had fought, the erasure of the other kingdoms was not their doing.
The one responsible for there disappearance is none other than Shao Kahn, the Emperor and Protector God of the fifth Kingdom, Outworld.
Like Outworld, the four Kingdoms all have there own Protector God.
Raiden, being the Protector God of Vale.
Argus, the Protector God of Mistral.
Delia, the Protector of Vacuo.
And Fujin, the Protector of Atlas.
Despite being a Deity, Shao Kahn was never Outworld's Emperor until the early periods of the Fable War. The original ruler of Outworld was Onaga, also known as the Dragon King.
Before the war, Onaga had been looking for a way to attain total Immortality. Despite the fact that he could regenerate missing limbs almost instantly, while ignoring the fact he was almost impossible to harm.
His quest for immortality led him into the path of conquering Kingdoms and merging them with Outworld. With each kingdom that is added to Outworld, their Protector Gods were also killed, having there Souls consumed my Onaga increasing his ever growing strength and knowledge.
Shao Kahn (Originally Shao), was Onaga's Adviser and thus knew first hand the power the Dragon King possessed and thus knew he could not defeat Onaga in single Kombat.
As the war between the Elder God's Shinnok and Cetrion, who the Mortals refer to as the God of Darkness and Light, Onaga was ready to begin a full blown invasion against the other Kingdoms. His plan was almost flawless, as the rest Gods would be busy aiding Cetrion against Shinnok thus leaving their Kingdoms defenseless. What Onaga had not accounted for was Shao Kahn poisoning him and ceasing Rulership of Outworld.
And so the Reign of Shao Kahn began. Moving from Kingdom to Kingdom while merging them with Outworld, his power continued to increase. With the fall of Edenia, Saido, Osh-Tekks and many more kingdoms, the remaining surviving gods decided to form an alliance to defeat Shao Kahn. Four would remain in the Mortal realm to face Shao Kahn and the rest would aid Cetrion in defeating Shinnok. After eons of battling, both Shao Kahn and Shinnok were defeated leaving only Five Kingdom standing. With only Eight gods still alive, Four were without Kingdoms to oversee as all gods drew power from their respective Kingdoms.
And so Cetrion divided her power with those gods forming the first set of Elder Gods. The Elder Gods then trapped Shinnok in the Netherrealms never to escape and cut of Outworld from the rest of the realms. Existing now between the physical and spiritual realm, Outworld is a continent size Kingdom between the four remaining Kingdoms which cannot be interacted with. (Think of it like Themyscira in the DC Universe).
#Outworld, Shao Kahn's Coliseum#
Sitting on a Skull like Throne, Shao Kahn is observing the Final match of a Tournament being held in the Ring between his Daughters Kitana and Mileena. Unsurprisingly, they had swept through every female opponent they had faced and are now facing each other in a heated battle. The tournament was held as a means to determine who would leave Outworld on a secret mission. A few days ago, the Netherrealms Sorcerer Quan Chi had approached Shao Kahn with the Outworld Kamidogu. According to Quan Chi he had enlisted the aid of a clan known as the Lin Kuei to retrieve it. The Sorcerer also gave him the location of Shinnok's amulet, noting he could destroy the barrier placed by the Elder gods for good with the amulet, if he creates a Maiden with the Kamidogu's power. Now Maidens are powerful magic users who are capable of breaching barriers between realms, with the proper training of course and are given there Maiden heritage from the Kamidogu's of their respective Kingdoms.
Due to the war Shao Kahn had never really bothered trying to make a Maiden for Outworld and with his defeat was stripped of his only means of creating them.
Now Shao Kahn was no fool, as he could sense Quan Chi's betrayal without even looking at the Sorcerer, as he was certain Quan Chi would not just hand him the amulet to do as he pleases. For now though, he would humor the Sorcerer.
As Shao Kahn is observing the fight, the Shokan Prince Goro begins to approach him. Shokan's are one of the many Faunus race exclusive only to Outworld, being Hybrids of humans and Dragons that possess four hands. They exist along side Centurions who are half human half horses and Tartatans, an experiment created by Shang Tsung many years ago between a Human, Faunus and Grimm. They possesse razor sharp teeths and can extend their bones to form Blades.
"My Lord, Shang Tsung has asked me to inform you that he has successfully retrieved Sindel's soul." Goro said while kneeling.
Now due to Outworld being an Amalgamation of multiple Kingdoms, it has had it's fair share of internal wars. The most recent one had claimed the life of his wife Sindel which happened about 18 years ago causing her soul to be lost in the Living Forest. Shao Kahn had enjoyed killing the Osh-Tekk named Kotal who was responsible for her death.
The Osh-Tekk and Edenians had allied against Shao Kahn during the war, but Sindel had killed her husband Jerrod, ceasing the Edenian throne and later Married Shao Kahn thus ending their alliance with the Osh-Tekk. As an act of good will Shao Kahn spared Jerrod's child Kitana, but not without making preparations of his own.
With the approval of Sindel and aid of Shang Tsung he created a clone of Kitana, using his blood and the blood of a Tarkatan created Mileena as a means to replace Kitana if she were to ever betray him.
During the final moments of the war, Sindel had singlehandedly decimated the entirety of Kotal's Osh-Tekk forces, showing the true strength of an Edenian Royal.
Till this Day Shao Kahn does not know how a weakling like Kotal killed his wife, regardless with her death Shao Kahn took it upon himself to raise Kitana and Mileena to be the perfect warriors. To the people of Outworld, Shao Kahn had always favoured Mileena over Kitana, even declaring her his heir if he were to ever perish.
Back in the Ring, Mileena and Kitana are going back and forth, Fan and Sai in hand, they both seem like blurs to an untrained eye. (Kitana and Mileena are based off the recent MK 1 game with Shao Kahn based off his MK legends design).
Making some distance between her opponent, Mileena teleports above Kitana aiming a kick at her head, thinking fast Kitana raises her fan to block the kick. Tensing from the force behind the kick Kitana is forced to roll out of the way from Mileena's Sai projectiles.
"Dearest sister, don't tell me you're getting tired already? I was hoping to play with you a little longer." Mileena said in a mocking tune as she starts walking slowly towards Kitana like a cat playing with a mouse and despite the lower part of her face is being covered, Kitana can tell she's wearing a sadistic grin.
Ignoring her sister's words, having gotten used to her almost playful nature during fights, Kitana can tell Mileena is also getting tired as the both of them have been going at it for close to 30 minutes.
Spinning her fan in a blur motion, Kitana creates three miniature tornadoes that go after her opponent. Thinking fast Mileena teleports away from the attack towards Kitana. Already anticipating this, Kitana rushes to meet her sister and they both start trading attacks. Both getting various forms of cuts from each other's weapon Kitana extends her leg kicking Mileena under her chin, launching her 7 feets above the ground. Not letting out, Kitana uses her fan to launch herself towards Mileena kicking her with enough force to cause a crater on the ground. Not letting her opponent recover she stomps on her opponent placing her fan on her neck. Mileena doesn't move, but keeps glaring daggers at her.
"Kitana wins!" Shao Kahn's booming voice echos throughout the coliseum as Outworld citizens start roaring.
"Kitana, Mileena, follow me!" Shao Kahn said as he starts walking into the Palace. Without saying anything both sisters follow after their father with Goro in tow.
As they start entering the Palace main Hall, they're greeted with the site of Shao Kahn's generals. Standing at one side of the Hall is Motaro, Sheeva and Baraka. (MK 9 Design except for Baraka who has his MK 11 Design)
On another side of the Hall are warriors, all looking to be around the same age as the sisters. Standing there are Jade, Reptile, Tanya, Rain the Demigod and Shao Kahn's adoptive daughter Skarlet. Shao Kahn had found Skarlet in the streets of Outworld and after sensing a strong affinity to Blood Magik from her, took her in and made her his daughter, binding her to the Blood Code. (Jade and Skarlet have their MK 11 Design, Tanya her Deception Design with Rain and Reptile having their MK 1 Design, Reptile being able to shift from Beast to Human mode)
Standing besides Shao Kahn's throne on the right, with his hand behind is back is Shang Tsung (MK 11) looking old from not having enough souls to drain. He is Shao Kahn's Adviser. Towards the left is none other than Reiko (MK X Comic), one of Shao Kahn's most loyal commander and his personal student. The boy was taken in by Shao when he sneaked into the Palace and killed some of Shao Kahn's soldiers. His motivation?
The Boy was hungry. Shao Kahn had found it funny that a hungry child, starving even by the way he looked at the time could kill some of his warriors with a stick. Just like that Shao Kahn took him in, training him in the art of Kombat. Over the years it would seem that Shao Kahn had formed something Akin to a Father-Son Bond with Reiko.
As they approach the throne, Mileena throws the middle finger at Reiko who merely smirks at her questionable attempt of mocking him.
As Shao Kahn gets close, Shang Tsung hands over Outworld's Kamidogu to him along with veil that appears to hold Sindel's soul. Taking the Kamidogu, he shatters the veil taking hold of Sindel's soul he uses it to enhance the Kamidogu and then punches a portal there in the throne room.
Turning to face his Daughters he says "Kitana, as victor of the tournament, I am sending you on an important mission to retrieve Shinnok's amulet. With the amulet in my possession I shall finally be rid of the barrier the Elder gods placed on Outworld. Looking Kitana in the eyes he adds "Do not fail me."
"I will not fail you Father." Kitana said bowing.
"Would it not be better for me to accompany her to increase our chance of success?" Mileena asked.
"This portal is fragile and can only allow passage for one individual. Also continues use of this method would shatter the soul." Shao Kahn said, unknown to them he is referring to Sindel's soul.
"Kitana, this portal will take you to Vale where you will meet Quan Chi. He will help you enroll at Beacon and also brief you on what the amulet looks like." After a brief pause he continues "Now go and bring Glory to Outworld." After finishing, Kitana steps into the portal and not a moment later it closes and the soul used to open it flies off most likely to the Living Forest. Turning to the others in the room he says "Leave us!"
As the Hall becomes empty, only the presence of Reiko, Mileena and Shao Kahn who is sitting on his throne is seen.
"So you lost." Reiko said, more of a statement than a question.
"I would like to see you do better." Mileena said, glaring at Reiko.
"If I remember correctly, you and Kitana have yet to defeat me." Reiko says with a hint of amusement as he continues "Plus last I checked it was a female only tournament. Had I been involved, you wouldn't have made it to the finals."
Mileena draws her Sai ready to fight "That's it I'm killing you."
"Enough with your teasing Reiko." Shao Kahn said, as Mileena withdrew her weapon as her father continues "Reiko's teasing aside, your defeat was expected."
"Father I…"
Before Mileena can continue, Shao Kahn interrupts her "My intention was to make you Outworld's Maiden." This seems to only shock Mileena as she notices Reiko has a smirk on his face.
"You knew." She says looking at Reiko
"What? I hope you weren't expecting us to send the power of Maiden to the enemy territory, more especially Quan Chi?" Reiko said folding his hand.
"You losing was for the good of Outworld, regardless of if you had won or lost I would still make you a Maiden. Had I sent you to meet with Quan Chi, I wouldn't be surprised if he had a way of striping you of the Maiden's power as only the God of said kingdom can successfully create a Maiden with their Kamidogu." Shao Kahn finished.
"I…thank you Father." Mileena said after a while.
"Oh how I wish I could be there to see Quan Chi's face on discovering Kitana isn't a Maiden." Reiko said laughing.
"So what now?" Mileena asked after Reiko was done.
"We will meet up with Havik and with his help make you a Maiden." Mileena groans as Shao Kahn finishes
"Why Havik?" Mileena says, clearly not fond of said individual.
"Because, I do not only intend to bind the Maiden's power to your soul but also your Blood and Havik's knowledge of Blood Magik is required" Shao Kahn says rising from his throne. "Now then, let us go".
(Reiko's 18 by the way)
#Special Forces Headquarter, Vacuo#
Sitting in a room full of computers, we see a 17 year old Sonya Blade (MK Legend) going through various paperworks. All these papers seem to have one thing in common. Criminal records of the Black Dragon leader Kano.
Walking into the room and noticing Sonya's fixation on said work is her guardian, Jackson Briggs or Jax for shorts.(MK Legends, before getting disarmed."
Signing, Jax walks in on her before speaking. "I was wondering what happened to most of my office files. Imagine my shock when they somehow appear here in your underground basement." Jax said with a hint of Sarcasm and concern.
Three years ago, Sonya's father Mr Blade and Kano were made partners while working for Special Force. At first both seemed to be getting along well, almost becoming friends. But that ended that very year. As during a mission to destroy some Black Dragon weapon stock, Kano betrayed them and killed Sonya's dad but before he died was able to injure Kano's right eye. Ever since then Sonya had cut herself from most social interaction obsessed with finding Kano and putting an end to him.
Feeling guilty for Blade's death as he was the one who assigned them to be on the same team, Jax adopted Sonya.
"Sorry." Sonya said trying to wave him off.
"Listen kid, I'm getting really worried about you. You're barely getting enough sleep. If it isn't work on Kano you're either beating up some poor Jock at a fight club." After some time he continued "Your Dad wouldn't want this for you. Hell, how many friends do you have?"
"Probably one." Sonya said.
"One times Zero you mean" Jax said snatching the papers in her hand. " That won't do, I'm sending you to Hunters Academy."
"But…"
"No buts, if you really want to help catch Kano then u'll need the experience and a License." Jax said not letting her finish.
"Besides, you're already old enough to attend one."
"Fine" She replied grudgingly "I'll just head off to Shade Academy and regis…"
"You're going to Beacons". Jax said not letting her finish "And when you've graduated, I'll let you fully join me in catching Kano, that's if we haven't caught him before you graduate."
"Seriously, Beacon? That's like on the other side of the World." Sonya tried arguing.
"Exactly, it'll keep you from breaking into my office. Also, your Father wanted you to attend Beacon since he graduated from there."
"Fine." She said after a long pauce. "But I'm getting access to all the weaponry and tech when I graduate."
"If you say so." Jax said reaching for something in his pocket. The item just happened to be a pair of wrist gauntlets.
"Take this, your Dad wanted to give you before he died and I didn't want you seriously injuring someone".
After observing the gauntlets, Sonya seemed to calm down and in an instant was hugging Jax.
"Thanks Jax" she said still hugging him, but before breaking off added "Don't you think about dying while I'm away or I'll kick you in the nut".
"Man, I almost feel bad for the dude that'll date you" Jax said laughing.
#Lin Kuei Temple: Training Ground#
Sounds of fighting can be heard as two figures are locked in Intense Kombat.
Trading blows in an attempt to overpower the other, the assassin clad in Black in a mist of smoke teleports above his opponent clad in Blue in the attempt of delivering an overhead punch.
Thinking fast the warrior in Blue rolls out of the way of his opponent's attack creating some distance between himself and his opponent. The warrior in Black is known as
Tomas Vrbada, also known by his Code name Smoke. His opponent is the younger brother of Bi Han, Kuai Liang known by his code name Tundra. (Smoke's design is his MK 9 form, unmasked with his hair flowing in all it's glory and Tundra's design is from MK Legends 2, scar intact, also they're both 17).
Seeing his opponent rushing towards him, Tundra freezes the ground cause Smoke to slide forward, unable to stop himself he receives a spinning kick that knocks him over but is able to flip back up almost instantly.
Rushing towards Smoke, Tundra starts delivery a variety of kicks and punches but his opponent is able to defend against them while teleporting behind him. Grabbing Tundra he tosses him towards the floor but before his opponent can hit the ground, launches a smoke attack that pushes Tundra up. Not letting up smoke teleports above the rising Tundra grabbing him by the head, he proceeds to pin him on the ground. Tundra is able to knock Smoke off him creating some distance between them. Both fighters begin to charge energy into their hand, ice and smoke respectively their first collide causing a massive shockwave of Ice and Smoke.
Considering the match over, Smoke gives his opponent a low bow, with Tundra returning it.
As they begin approaching each other, Smoke began to speak "You're improving. After today's match I believe you're ready to take on the mantle of Sub Zero".
Two days had past since Sektor and Cyrax brought the news of Bi Han's death. Though it is unknown who killed him, Cyrax said he was last seen chasing after two White Fang members. Still Sektor had claimed with certainty that he did not believe those White Fang members were the ones who killed him as they were too weak to accomplish said feat.
With Bi Han's death, the Grandmaster was beginning to talk about his plan of cybernizing the Lin Kuei. Said issue has been causing a massive uproar within the Lin Kuei ranks. Even Cyrax had voiced his displeasure on the issue.
Ending his train of thoughts, Kuai Liang turns to see the Grandmaster walking towards him and Smoke.
Bowing as he approaches them, he starts speaking "Kuai Liang, Tomas. I hope your training has been fruitful?"
"Indeed Grandmaster." Smoke answered.
"Good, because I have a mission for the both you" This causes the two to raise their heads. "I will be sending you to Beacon under the Guise of students, your objective is to steal an item hidden within the school. This item is the amulet of Shinnok, I'm sure you're familiar with it from your training."
"Yes." They both said.
"Good, I have already made preparations for your journey, I wish you good luck." Placing his fist on his chest the Grandmaster says "
Be stealthful as the night."
Copying the Grandmaster they both replied "And deadly as the dawn."
As the Grandmaster starts leaving, Tundra, thinking about the mission starts talking to Smoke "This is a mission worthy of my Brother's name" after a pause he continues "and so I will take up his mantle and bring Glory to the Lin Kuei in his name." With that the mantle of Sub Zero continues.