Author's Note: Still alive, still kicking and screaming. To all the Scorpion fans out there, this one's for you.
-Chapter 21: A Question of Vengeance-
Within the Flesh Pits of Shang Tsung's laboratory, the sorcerer examined the vats of klones kept safe from his other malignant studies. Fully healed after his violent encounter with the Earthrealmer champions in Zaterra, Shang was deep in contemplation as he studied one of the naked female bodies. This was the pinnacle of his efforts, where a fusion of alchemy and sorcery produced astounding results that won him the favour of gods and emperors alike.
Suffice to say, seldom apart from himself knew about this place.
A flash of green light filled the doorway, earning Shang's attention. Before his eyes, a humanoid form materialized within the spectral energy, gradually taking the shape of the Netherrealm warlock, Quan Chi. The pale-skinned demon cast a glance around the room, observing the klones one by one. "I can sense the arcane power within this room. How very potent." His dark eyes looked to Shang. "I am honored you have asked me here, to this most sacred of your chambers."
"My thanks for responding to my inquiries, Quan Chi." Shang responded, his gaze shifting back to the klones for a moment.
"I suspected, in the aftermath of the tournament, that you would be preoccupied." Quan Chi replied, striding over to him. "I admit, your words have piqued my curiosity." Shang smiled in acceptance. "But my time is not infinite, sorcerer. Please, explain what's on your mind."
"I invited you here because I would like to negotiate a deal." Shang stated, his words plain and simple. Quan Chi nodded in understanding.
"A bold proposal." He mused, his words veiling a double-meaning. "What did you have in mind?"
"My work for the emperor has encountered a small snag," Shang began, "with the wretched Syzoth betraying me to aid the Earthrealmers, I fear information about my plan has fallen into the wrong hands. How else would they know I sought the Gem of Tetsurri?" He mused, gesturing to an iron cage on a nearby table where the heart-shaped stone lay. "As such, I am in need of some assistance. From the Netherrealm."
"To do what, precisely?" Quan Chi questioned.
"There remain artifacts I must collect in order to bring my plan to fruition. But with the Earthrealmer's aware of my doings, they will hound my every step and try to prevent my success. I would like to suggest a… partnership between us." Shang explained, a flicker in his fiery eyes. Quan Chi smiled almost knowingly.
"Of course. But to what end?"
"I will divide the list of items I need in two; those of critical priority that I greatly need, and those that I don't necessarily need but would prefer to have in my possession." The sorcerer described. "With Raiden's attention on me, you could collect the critical items I need while I lead him and his champions on a fruitless endeavour."
"How very cunning of you." The warlock remarked, smiling deviously. "I must ask, what is there to gain from this? For myself and the Netherrealm?"
"In the end, we will have access to an abundance of souls. I am willing to offer a share of them to the Netherrealm as payment for your aid." Shang replied.
"Most generous, coming from a master of soul magick such as yourself." Quan Chi noted sounding quite pleased with the offer. After a moment's silence, he answered with, "I will send my spectre, Scorpion, to collect the items you need. That should further throw Raiden off should he catch wind of such happenings."
"A wise decision." Shang turned to a nearby scrying pool, waving his hand as he conjured up a series of visuals for the warlock to witness. "Some of the items can be found in other realms and will require no small amount of brute force to acquire." He said.
"With the flames of hell at his disposal, Scorpion is more than suited for the task." Quan Chi promised.
Returning to the Netherrealm, Quan Chi strode between stone balustrades as magmatic falls cast a grim orange light across his path. The Netherrealm was a sunless domain. It's atmosphere perpetually cursed by a strong sulfuric stench and the screams of its denizens as they were tortured hour after hour by demons, it was a hellish place in every sense of the word. Dark beings skulked within every shadow and eyes peered out from among the rocks and lava flows. The only semblance of life and society other than the hordes of Oni and Orochi that dwelt in this place were towering spires and temples built from dark stone.
The pale-skinned warlock strode towards a circular elevation where rough-hewn thrones stood in tripartite arrangement. The symbols tattooed into his flesh, each pronouncing blasphemous things in long-dead tongues, began to subtly glow as Quan Chi took his seat upon one of the thrones. At once, the other thrones began to shimmer, lights forming upon each seat that slowly shaped themselves into humanoid configurations. One of which was a two-toed red skinned demon, clad in spiked armor that matched his horned scalp. His eyes were dark and his teeth were sharp, hellfire shimmering around his clenched fists. His name was Belokk; Archdemon of Nekros and Guardian of the Bridge of Immortality.
The other resulted in the visage that was far more human. Clad in ragged robes, his peeling skin seemed necrotic as it clung to his sinewy limbs. His true features remained unknowable, concealed behind a green Oni mask; an artifact from life so precious it followed him into death. His right forearm was completely encased by a thick metal club lined with jagged studs. He was Drahmin; Lord of Flies and Master of the Fifth Plane.
"You have summoned the Circle of Shadow, Quan Chi," Belook began in a low growl, "what have you for us?"
"An agreement with the Outworld sorcerer; Shang Tsung." The warlock replied. "In exchange for our assistance, he offers a bounty of souls to fill our prisons."
"What assistance does he require?" Drahmin asked.
"For us to help him acquire various relics." Quan Chi answered. "His plans for the emperor are elaborate and he cannot do so alone with Raiden and his ilk interfering."
"How… consumptive would this endeavour be?" Drahmin demanded.
"I do not think it would be too costly. Most of the materials could be acquired by my spectre, Scorpion. His power is enough to overwhelm most guardians of these relics." Quan Chi explained.
"Very well. If it will benefit the Netherrealm, then I approve of the endeavour." Belokk snarled.
"As do I." Drahmin rasped. "Send your warrior, Quan Chi. Perhaps he will fare as well as he did at the tournament." With the consensus reached, the two demonic figures took their leave, teleporting away with a flash of light. Quan Chi remained alone, standing up to stride into the middle of the meeting chamber.
"Scorpion. To me." He commanded, his voice reached through realms and domains to infect the mind of his champion. Moments later, a pillar of flame erupted beside him and Scorpion's form hardened into place out of the hellfire.
"You summoned me, Quan Chi." He snarled.
"I have work for you to do in the realms." The warlock answered. Concentrating his magicks between his hands, he generated small portals of light that took the shape of the various artifacts Shang Tsung sought. "I have made an agreement with Shang Tsung. We must retrieve these artifacts to aid his plans."
"What for? This is beneath my talents!" Scorpion growled, hellfire flickering within his eyes. Quan Chi eyed him sternly.
"The Netherrealm will benefit from this agreement. You will do so because I command it." Scorpion fell silent but the look of indignation did not leave his eyes.
"Fine." He relented with a huff. Quan Chi nodded, though his scrutinizing gaze did not leave the spectre.
"You will start in Earthrealm. In the Temple of the Elements…"
Elsewhere, in Earthrealm…
Raiden stood calmly with his hands behind his back, listening intently to the report from the defenders sent to Zaterra. The looks on the faces of his champions were glum as they regaled how Shang Tsung pulled a last minute switch to claim the Gem of Tetsurri for his own. "…Please, forgive us our failure, Lord Raiden," Syzoth pleaded, "we thought we had succeeded, only for Shang Tsung to deceive us."
"Such is his nature, Syzoth. You needn't fear my wrath. I will never show ill will towards those who align themselves with truth and light." The thunder god responded. "You have all performed admirably, despite the unfortunate outcome. Get some rest, have something to eat. You will need your strength for the battles to come." His champions nodded in acceptance and took their gradual leave while Raiden turned to look over the battlements at the open area in the middle of the fortress. Down below, Kai, Art, and Kenshi were sparring with several monks, homing their skills against the prowess of the Shaolin. Raiden observed them, noting their already-impressive abilities. In time they would reach the same level as the rest.
Gusts of wind heralded the arrival of Fujin, the wind god ascending alongside the wall empowered by a tempest under his feet. "The Shaolin you rescued are recuperating well, brother." He stated as he touched down upon stone. "Their spirits remain unbroken."
"That is good. We will need their skills for the war to come." Raiden replied, his voice somber.
"Outworld would not dare risk a war. Not without winning a tournament first." Fujin insisted.
"We can only hope, Fujin. Shang Tsung is planning something and he is acquiring powerful relics to further it. I do not know what he needs them for but I can only assume it's to our detriment."
"If only there was a way to know his plans in advance. A glimpse into the inner-workings of his sick, twisted psyche." Fujin murmured.
"I fear that to be impossible, brother." Said Raiden quietly. "Unless we find some means of direct access to Shang Tsung, there is no-" The thunder god abruptly stopped, trailing off as his divine senses detected an incursion. Fujin felt it too and they both straightened to a state of alertness.
"Brother? You sense that too." Fujin stated.
"The protection wards around the Temple of the Elements have been violated. There is an intruder." Raiden affirmed. He looked to Fujin. "Remain here, in case it is a ploy to distract us. I will investigate." Fujin affirmed his command with a nod and Raiden teleported out of sight with a crackle of sparks.
In the absence of the gods of Earthrealm, the Temple of the Elements was guarded by ichor-fueled golems; beings of stone charged by the strength of the four divine elements.
They were nothing to Scorpion.
Filled with wrathful fury and fiery power, the spectre ravaged his way through the Temple's inner sanctum. His kunai flew from his hand, spearing through the heads of two golems, splashing vibrant ichor across the floor and walls. He tore their heads off, their bodies slumping to the ground in a heap as the spectre stormed onwards. Drawing one of his spiked katanas from behind and jabbing it into the seam of a concealed door, Scorpion wedged it open and forced his way inside. Within was a small circular chamber where there stood a single pedestal. Upon which was a pulsating signal flickering between various geometric shapes. It glowed like fire, shimmered like gemstones, flashed like rushing water, and moved like the rushing wind.
The Icon of the Elements. Revered second only to the realm's Kamidogu.
This was but one of the artifacts on the list Quan Chi had given him. A trivial thing to the spectral ninja, but a requirement from his master. Sheathing his katana, Scorpion reached for the icon… only to have his arm frozen as a thousand electric currents flooded his limb!
A shout of pain and surprise filled the room and Scorpion tumbled back. Flashes of light surrounded him and the spectre found himself trapped within a lightning cage.
"I wouldn't." A voice louder than Scorpion's shout commanded. The spectre turned, watching as a cool fire materialized out of the gloom, two pinpricks taking the shape of eyes beneath a wide-brimmed douli hat. Raiden strode into view, eyeing Scorpion sternly. Hands folded calmly behind his back, the god of thunder strode around the imprisoned revenant and studied him. While part of his makeup was now borne of the Netherrealm he still possessed a measure of mortality that his senses could discern. "Let me guess; Quan Chi promised you life if you would do his bidding?" Raiden wondered aloud. Scorpion stayed silent. "Hm, not you… Someone else. Someone you lost. Someone you care about." Raiden continued, seemingly talking to himself. Scorpion remained unmoving. "Do you think Quan Chi is a man to be trusted?"
"What choice do I have?" Scorpion growled.
"We all have choices. Live in the past or live for the future." Raiden replied, turning to face him. "This relic won't solve your problems. It will, however, create new ones." The thunder god gazed upon the intruding spectre stoically. "I knew your ancestors once." Said Raiden, causing Scorpion to fall deathly quiet as his cloudy eyes regarded Raiden with surprise. "This is not what they intended for their bloodline. Pain or no, revenge is too heavy a burden to carry. You are a free man. It's time you start acting like it." The thunder god concluded, his words insightful and piercing in a way that Scorpion had never felt before. The prison around him began to flicker and flash erratically. "You will leave this place without any ill-gotten gains." Raiden stated in a tone of finality.
With that, and another flash of bright lightning, Scorpion was teleported out of the temple empty-handed.
He reappeared in the Netherrealm, slightly dazed and confused. Scorpion lingered for a moment, his thoughts lingering on Raiden's words. The thunder god's piercing statements had left their mark on the spectre.
"You are a free man. It's time you start acting like it."
His words seemed paradoxical to his situation, for Scorpion's soul was bound to the will of Quan Chi. The warlock was his sole means of being more than just another soul to be tortured for a millennia. But that came with its own imprisonment, his soul chained to the will of Quan Chi. Scorpion might be able to act freely but the dark magicks fused with his essence would forever tie him to the Netherrealm warlock.
He could not dwell on such possibilities for now. He had more work to do.
Teleporting from the Netherealm in a flash of orange flame, Scorpion moved after another relic…
Outworld…
In the long conflict-ridden history of the realm, seldom had Outworld ever known a direct threat. Long ago, however, the Kafallah Warlocks were the most powerful sorcerers of Outworld's antiquity. They secretly influenced the previous Kahns, shaping their reigns to suit their agenda; the Netherrealm's conquest of the realm. When the truth was discovered, the traitorous warlocks were wiped out.
The only surviving element from their time was an amulet, imbued with ambient soul magicks. Recovered centuries ago, it was given to King Gorbak of the Shokan as part of a gesture of goodwill between provinces. Since then it had found a place in the throne room of the royal palace in Kuatan, on display for all to see. The central green jewel was shaped like a diamond, with additional metallic adornments helping it take the form of an eye. It gazed across the throne room from above King Gorbak's throne, all who entered drawn to its arcane splendor.
The king sat without his queen in a private congress with his grand commander Sheeva as well as one of her trusted lieutenants; the Tigrar Shokan warrior Kintaro. "The Emperor makes plans for war but I have heard nothing about a victory in Mortal Kombat." Gorbak mused, stroking his bristling silver beard.
"It is true, my liege. He is scheming with the sorcerer Shang Tsung against Earthrealm." Sheeva affirmed. "He will be requesting legions of Shokan to aid him."
"This is an overstep!" Kintaro snarled. "The Elder Gods put the tournament in place to stop his ceaseless conquests! If they learn of his circumvention it will invite their wrath upon all involved, not just Shao Kahn!"
"Be that as it may, the Shokan are in his service. Better to risk harm as a servant than to invite it as a rebel." Sheeva replied.
"You see no other way around this situation, Grand Commander?" Gorbak inquired.
"Not as it presents itself." Sheeva responded. "In serving Shao Kahn, we are merely guilty by association. That will beg more leniency. Our biggest threat, highness, is the mind of Shang Tsung. He is crafty, not to be trusted, yet he has the emperor's ear."
"And so he has for some time. My son, Goro, has taken a liking to him." Gorbak noted.
"I cannot see why." Kintaro muttered. "Sorcery, deception, it is not our way."
"We are brutal. Shang Tsung is cunning. Yes, mighty Kintaro, we are different." Gorbak agreed. "But our respect for the greater court of Outworld has earned us great favour with Shao Kahn. Sheeva is right; we will play our part but we will also play this situation by ear. I do not wish to senselessly waste Shokan lives." As he finished, both Sheeva and Kintaro bowed in respect of the king's words, a physical sign of fealty and affirmation of his royal proclamation.
All of a sudden, a crackling fire erupted within the centre of the throneroom. A column of orange flame shot from floor to ceiling before it dissipated to reveal a yellow-clad spectre. Shokan guards rushed into the room, emerging from the shadows of the cavernous space with spears and swords to converge on the intruder. As the fire died down, Sheeva needed only a look to match the intruding warrior with one of Goro's descriptions. "It's Scorpion from the tournament. Quan Chi's servant." She realized.
"Quan Chi?" Gorbak rumbled, rising from his throne. "State your business Netherrealmer!"
"I am here for the amulet of the Kafallah Warlocks." Scorpion snarled.
"You would come to steal my property? Do you have a death wish?" Gorbak retorted. "You are surrounded by the deadliest warriors in the realm of Kuatan!" Scorpion eyed the battle-ready Shokan around him, his posture tense and ready to strike.
"What I am surrounded by," he said slowly, "is fear… and dead Shokan."
Their honor challenged, Shokan guards rushed to attack. Scorpion was quick to respond by hurling a fireball at the pair, the heated explosion blowing both off their feet. The ninja then drew his katana, a sweeping slash with burning embers trailing behind it slicing clean through the chest of a Shokan as he drew his arms back to strike. Scorpion was a whirlwind of bladed motion, teleporting in and out of the fight to cut down Shokan as his katana struck weapon after weapon in sequential fury. Blood splashed across the ground as pained cries filled the throne room.
Flame surrounding his fists, Scorpion delivered a two-handed blow that bowled over a Shokan before leaping up and executing a heel kick that sent another spinning. Kintaro snarled furiously and moved into the fray, shoving past the Shokan guard as he confronted the spectre. He lashed out with his fists, but Scorpion was gone again. Reappearing behind him, Scorpion snapped out his arm and sent his kunai hurtling towards Kintaro, spearing him in the chest and dragging him back. The spectre summoned hellfire to erupt from the ground, staggering Kintaro long enough for Scorpion to retract his kunai and launch it again, this time snagging himin the shoulder. The chain hit the ground and Scorpion stepped on it, using it for leverage as he yanked back and pulled Kintaro flat on his face.
Two more Shokan moved to strike him, both armed with spears. With a katana in each hand, Scorpion deftly parried their cutting strikes and thrusts before tearing through the pair of them, his blades slitting their torsos to spill their guts across the floor. The two Shokan fell in bloody heaps as Scorpion drove his katanas into their backs and gave them both a sharp twist, killing the pair.
Sheeva had seen enough and moved to join the kombat, standing with Kintaro as they confronted the spectre. "You are both bold and foolish, Scorpion," Sheeva growled, "no one steals from the Shokan!" Kintaro surged ahead as he struck back with twin heavy blows followed by a vicious backhand, his extended blades cutting Scorpion across the face before he unleashed a bolt of flame from his mouth, the rush of dragon's breath bowling Scorpion over. Kintaro capitalized on his fallen state by leaping high and then stomping down, only to find himself crushing floor tiling as Scorpion teleported away. He reappeared behind Sheeva as she drew her battle shield, charging the ninja as his swords sparked against her defences. The spectre slid back, staying just out of reach of her push kick where, in a flash, Scorpion transformed into a sheet of flame and barreled into Sheeva, passing through her in a wraith-like form before grasping her neck was a bony, fiery hand and igniting Sheeva with hellfire for a moment before throwing her to the ground.
Kintaro moved to attack with a bellow and Scorpion came at him again with his unsheathed kunai, spinning it around on its chain and slicing through Kintaro's defences, leaving bloody wounds on his chest and arms. Kintaro stumbled backwards only for Scorpion to snag him with his chain and reel him in where his elbow was waiting, the joint smashing into Kintaro's face. The Shokan, now with a bloodied nose, staggered for a moment as Scorpion attacked with twin palm strikes and drove a knee into his side before executing a leaping roundhouse kick that sent Kintaro spinning. Launching his kunai again, Scorpion speared Kintaro in the shoulder before he let out extra chain and trapped it beneath his foot, yanking back and forcibly dragging Kintaro to the floor. Executing a front flip axe-kick, Scorpion's heel slammed into the back of Kintaro's head, cracking his skull on impact.
Behind him, Conjuring a pair of fireballs in her hands, Sheeva lobbed twin bolts that struck Scorpion as he powered towards her, the Netherrealm wraith unleashing a fiery blast from his hands that the Shokan Commander deflected with her shield. Sheeva quickly ended his fiery onslaught with a sharp bash with her shield, before swinging the edge around and catching him on the jaw with it, an audible crack echoing from the hard hit.
Scorpion spun around, dazed but not undone. Sheeva came charging after him from in front, Kintaro on his feet with his bloodied tiger-stripe fur flashing as he charged Scorpion from behind. Acting quickly, the spectre lunged up and out of the way, the two Shokan colliding head-on. Dropping back down, Scorpion unleashed a shockwave of hellfire that ignited both of warriors. Turning on Sheeva, he lashed out with two kunai flying from his open hands. They impaled the Grand Commander and he swung her around, slamming her bulk into Kintaro and dropping them both cold.
With their chief warriors down on the floor, the Shokan was startled and suitably petrified of their Netherrealm spectre. To cement his dominance, Scorpion lashed out with his kunai and speared two through the head simultaneously. Reefing back on the chain, he tore off their heads and a significant chunk of their spines as well. As the last Shokan went down, mighty footsteps heralded the arrival of Prince Goro. Entering the throne room, he saw Scorpion standing astride the bodies of guards, Sheeva, and Kintaro, prompting him to crack his knuckles and sneer.
"Father! What is this yellow welp doing in our midst?" Goro demanded.
"He seeks the Amulet of the Kafallah Warlocks, my son. He has been sent by the Netherrealm to steal it!" Gorbak exclaimed. Dark eyes turned to Scorpion.
"Steal? You are a bold one. A bold fool." Goro snarled. "The amulet goes nowhere!"
Scorpion faced him fearlessly. "The amulet leaves with me, Goro. The only question is whether your blood will be shed first." The ninja was not interested in a prolonged encounter. Goro was an obstacle to be avoided, not demolished. He needed to retrieve the amulet and leave.
Goro charged him, Scorpion throwing out his spear to impale his chest and reef him the rest of the way in. Sidestepping the tumbling behemoth, Scorpion drew his katana and sliced Goro across the back. As he bled, Goro stumbled as Scorpion plunged his kunai first into his shoulder and then into his guts, spilling more dark red blood across the throne room floor.
Teleporting back in front of the prince, Scorpion landed a fiery punch and then an upwards-cutting slice from his katana, a matching wound arcing across Goro's bare chest.
Turning on Gorbak, who had risen from his throne, Scorpion shot forward with a plume of fire trailing behind his fist. He slammed two quick blows into the king's chest and then landed a third leaping punch that fractured his ribs with an audible crack. Gorbak slumped back against his throne as Scorpion vaulted over him and reached for the amulet suspended above. He was met with success, plucking the amulet from its cradle and laid hands on the object of his quest. As he grabbed the amulet, however, he was overwhelmed by its arcane power. Scorpion fell to his knees as his mind was battered by visions of a past he was unfamiliar with… as if a fog were finally lifted from his mind: battles with shadowy assailants, the death of his family and clan, and his rebirth as a Netherrealm wraith. The emotional onslaught took such a toll that Scorpion could not find the strength to endure and he doubled over.
But before any Shokan could take advantage of his ruined state, Scorpion summoned the last of his willpower to teleport away from the palace and away from the realm altogether…
Returning to the Netherrealm, Scorpion manifested in a sheet of flame at the foot of the Circle Enclave. Alone, the spectre forced himself to stand, struggling to understand what he had endured. He opened his hand, studying the amulet with an intense curiosity. The lingering remnants of these flashes of memory begged him to indulge them some more. It felt illicit in some way. Like something he was not supposed to do but wanted to for what it did to him.
"How is it this relic can show me these things? Is this my past? How does it know me?" He asked himself, pondering what strength this relic possessed that he did not know about.
All of a sudden, a bolt of soul energy left the amulet, turning red and pulsing with malice in the air as it formed a surprising visage. To his surprise, the ninja found himself looking at a mirror image of himself. "Because part of you is trapped within, Scorpion." His double snarled. It lunged for him, hands encircling his neck with such spectral strength he could feel his airway restricted. Scorpion hammered on the arms, finally knocking them away and executing a back kick to put some distance between him and this mirage.
"What are you?!" He demanded.
"A fragment of your soul…" his dark double replied, "gifted to the Kafallah Warlocks by Quan Chi."
Scorpion started. "My soul? What purpose would he have to do that?"
"You are a mere plaything to him. He divided your soul to ensure your servanthood. Your life no longer serves his schemes. There's no reason not to end it." The double retorted angrily, reaching for him again. Scorpion stepped out of the way, keeping a healthy distance between himself and his fractured soul.
"You are a part of me. I can feel it now…" He realized. "Why seek to destroy me?"
"Because you are a fool!" His fragment roared. "The death of your wife and son. The destruction of your clan. Quan Chi told you that the Lin Kuei was responsible. He set you on the path of vengeance against Sub-Zero. What he did not tell you was that he also had a hand in your personal armageddon."
The words struck like a thunderbolt. But Scorpion reigned in his emotions, pausing to weigh the situation like a reasonable man, for his clouded mind could not comprehend it just yet. "More accusations, but still you reveal no motive. Why would Quan Chi do this?"
"To harvest your soul and bind it to the Netherrealm for eternity. Netherrealm needed a champion and Quan Chi and the Circle of Shadow chose you. They turned you into their puppet." His double explained. The words burned hotly. Scorpion could scarcely believe it. His mind was consumed with tumult.
"Then instead of trying to destroy me, you should aid me in seeking vengeance!" He replied.
"I would if you were up to the task." His soul visage scoffed.
"Banish all doubt from your mind. Quan Chi will pay for his crimes against us." The ninja vehemently vowed. As Scorpion finished his promise, his vision of himself vanished. He was left questioning his reality again… but he also felt whole. Moreso than he had in a very long time. He paced his surroundings, questioning everything.
He hadn't long to question. A flash of green light teleported Quan Chi to his location. "You've returned, Scorpion. Where is our prize?" He questioned. Scorpion looked to him with a frown, ambient hellfire causing his body to ripple as the air around him was heated
"You should have sent me on a different errand, warlock." He growled, clenching the amulet tightly. "A part of my soul still haunts this amulet."
Quan Chi arched a brow, his expression indicating surprise but not abject shock. "That is… unexpected." He stated, calm and collected.
"It told me what you did. You lied to me! You… You destroyed me! My family and my clan!" Scorpion raged.
"Did it now?" Quan Chi mused with a chuckle. "I did not mastermind your undoing, Scorpion. But I did play a role in it. Why take risks that others can take for me? That is why I stole your soul in the first place; I could assign you tasks that were too treacherous for the Circle of Shadow to undertake." He brazenly retorted.
"So it is true… you destroyed my life just to make me your minion!" Scorpion roared, his anger a raging inferno.
"As a Shirai Ryu, you were nothing but wasted potential. But as my servant, you have realized it. It's a shame you can't see how you've grown." Quan Chi retorted, his tone mocking and dismissive of the sprectre's fury. "Knowing the truth won't set you free, Scorpion. Your soul is eternally bound to my service. You can no more disobey me than a flame can keep from burning."
"No, warlock! I am now free of your bondage! To prove it, I will take your life!" Scorpion shouted, throwing out his kunai. "COME HERE!" His spear was aimed right for the warlock's heart, but struck nothing but air as Quan Chi teleported away.
He reappeared behind the ninja, forging two skull constructs that he smashed into the sides of his head, dazing Scorpion with an audible crack. Kicking the ninja through a portal, Quan Chi pursued. As Scorpion was thrown to the floor from a portal above, Quan Chi dropped down on him and drove his foot into his face with another bone-breaking crunch. Standing domineering over the ninja, Quan Chi stooped down and retrieved the amulet.
"Do you think I would give you power enough to destroy me? You insult my intelligence, Scorpion." He sneered. Leaving him where he lay, Quan Chi stepped off and snapped his fingers, summoning a horde of demonic Oni to their location. "Perhaps your soul needs to be seared a little longer for you to remember your place."
The Oni converged. Despite the raging fires of vengeance within him, Scorpion tempered his fury and decided that his revenge could wait a little longer. Quan Chi would pay in due time. Impossibly outmatched right now, Scorpion wisely withdrew. In a flash of flame, he teleported out of the Netherrealm, returning to the lands of the living…
Of all the places to be, of all the locations in the realm, this was one domain he never thought he'd enter. Yet as cold wind bit at his exposed flesh and snow whipped around him, Scorpion found himself trudging through Articka province… at the foot of the Lin Kuei's temple.
Honor demanded he make amends to Sub-Zero. He needed to atone for his actions against them during the tournament, when he thought him responsible for his clan's massacre. His anger towards Quan Chi still burning hot, Scorpion knew he had much to do and much to answer for. Right now, the best he could manage was seeking out the man he'd blamed for the death of his past life… blamed unfairly it appeared.
He ascended the stone steps leading to the temple chiseled into the snowy mountain peak. Passing by torches and statues dedicated to protection and deliverance, the culture of the Lin Kuei was foreign to him. Formerly from Japan, their Chinese ways remained mysterious to him. What he could be certain of were their skills as warriors and assassins.
Scorpion knew the Lin Kuei would not welcome him with open arms, therefore he was not surprised to find himself surrounded by hostile warriors moments after setting foot on the landing. He stopped, calm and collected, surrounding by black and blue clad ninjas armed with swords, daggers, even shields. The door to the temple lay just beyond him so Scorpion elected to play the pacifist. "I seek an audience with Sub-Zero." He told the ninjas. Not a soul moved or spoke.
Then the doors opened and a pair of armored warriors emerged from within. One was a man, his dark hair exposed while a metallic blue mask concealed the lower half of his face, dressed in arraignment that Scorpion swore was identical to Sub-Zero's. The other was a woman, her hair icy blue to match her robes that clung to her shapely form. Her eyes were a piercing shade of sapphire, matching the brilliance of the Lin Kuei medallion dangling from her neck. Acolytes, Scorpion assumed correctly.
"State your business Netherrealmer." The man demanded.
"I am here to see Sub-Zero." Scorpion answered.
"You desecrate our temple with your presence!" The woman snapped. "Did you think we would not recognize you, Scorpion?" The spectre blinked and said nothing.
"Frost is right. We know who you are." The man continued. "You tried to kill my brother at the tournament. Leave now, or face our wraith."
"I cannot. Not until I have spoken with him." Scorpion replied.
"Why would we let you get near him? So that you can try to kill him again?" Frost retorted.
"It is because of my previous actions that I seek him out. I am here to make amends."
"Amends?! Impossible! You'll need better lies if you expect them to be believed!" The man accused.
"Come, Tundra, let's banish this filth." Frost beckoned. She attacked Scorpion outright with ice-coated fists, the yellow ninja backpedaling as he batted her blows aside one after another. Rearing back, Frost unleashed a shard of ice from her hands, Scorpion tanking the blow as he felt the exposed skin along his arm go numb.
Tundra struck next, heel kicks and hop-smashes deftly warded off by Scorpion that but both Lin Kuei warriors to shame. The guarding ninja around them moved fluidly as they widened and tightened their ring around the unfolding kombat, never once taking their wary eyes off Scorpion. While not interested in kombat, Scorpion would not allow these two to get the better of him. Scorpion spun around, letting his kunai fly like a whip. Cracking down from above, it raked down across Tundra, slashing off his mask and leaving a bright red cut down through his right eye. The ninja tumbled and fell. "Tundra!" Frost cried, moving to his side. The man was unharmed for the most part. But there would be a scar.
"Consider that a warning. I am not here to fight but I will defend myself if need be." Scorpion cautioned them. "On the souls of my wife and son, I swear it."
"Since when is a Shirai Ryu's oath worth anything? All your clan has is lies." Frost spat back as she helped Tundra to his feet. The young cryomancer felt out the wound with ginger fingers.
"What is the meaning of this?" A new voice demanded. All heads turned to see two senior members of the Lin Kuei arrive, both dressed in black yoroi robes while one had red trim and the other yellow trim.
"It is Scorpion." Frost stated plainly.
"We can see that, Frost." Sektor said sharply. "What is he doing here?"
"He is about to be silenced forever."
"I am here to speak with Sub-Zero." Scorpion said.
"You won't set foot near him." Cyrax responded.
"I am not here to fight." The spectre insisted. "If you would just listen-"
"Silence, Shirai Ryu dog!" Sektor snapped. "If you want Sub-Zero, you will have to go through us." Scorpion's brow furrowed, his gaze narrowing as hellfire causing the cold mountain air to shimmer like a mirage.
"I'd rather not." Scorpion replied tersely. Tensions were reaching a fever pitch. The four Lin Kuei were eager for kombat and Scorpion remained surrounded on all sides by other equally-deadly warriors. He gripped his kunai tightly, expecting another strike.
"Enough!" A voice from beyond called out in a commanding tone. The Lin Kuei turned to the open temple doors, relaxing their posture as three more warriors descended down stone steps. Sub-Zero led, Hydro flanking him, as well as another Lin Kuei dressed in an ashen grey karate gi to match his short hair. A karambit sat tucked into his belt, as well as a small arsenal of smoke bombs. "Stand down. All of you." Sub-Zero commanded. Cyrax, Sektor, and Tundra did so immediately. Frost did so reluctantly, grumbling bitterly as Sub-Zero drew closer.
Sub-Zero was soon eye-to-eye with Scorpion, ninjas in yellow and blue standing just across from one another. The elder cryomancer folded his hands in front of him. "I respect your self-control, Scorpion. Please, speak your mind. But displease me and I will join my brethren in expelling you from this temple." He proffered.
"Which is your right. I know my prior actions against the Lin Kuei have done nothing to earn me favor," Scorpion said slowly, "as you know, I blamed your clan for the Shirai Ryu's extinction. But I did so on the whim of the man who made me his slave. Quan Chi lied to me. I know now that he was at least a partial architect of my suffering. I cannot accuse the Lin Kuei baselessly, not any more. For making war on the Lin Kuei… I apologize." Bowing to Sub-Zero in a sign of respect and acknowledgement, the others were greatly taken aback by his words and actions.
"Contrition? That is unexpected." Sub-Zero mused. "But if sincere, it is welcomed as a brave and noble sentiment." Adjacent, Sektor frowned as his gaze shifted from Sub-Zero to Scorpion.
"Thank you, Sub-Zero." Scorpion replied quietly. The cryomancer removed his mask and lowered his hood.
"I am Bi-Han." He offered politely. Scorpion looked him over.
"In a past life, I was Hanzo Hasashi. Alas, I question if I could ever be that man again."
"Perhaps in time you will find yourself." Bi-Han replied. He glanced to his warriors. "This man is not our enemy. You may return to your posts."
"Just like that? You can't be serious!" Frost cried. "I don't trust him. I don't believe him!" Several others murmured their assent of her words.
"You are entitled to your opinions, Frost. All of you are. But as second only to Grandmaster Arctika, you will do as I say." Bi-Han stated in a firm, unflinching voice. His steady gaze was finally enough to unnerve Frost and she backed down, Scorpion watching her warily as she and other Lin Kuei departed. Bi-Han turned to the ashen warrior.
"Smoke. He is your friend, help mend Tundra's injury." He commanded. Smoke obeyed and the pair strode off with Hydro in tow. Now they stood alone, Sub-Zero and Scorpion, free to communicate as they saw fit. "The old ways are passing, albeit slowly. Many of our warriors are slaves to old tradition. They still think of the Shirai Ryu as rivals or enemies. I am trying to lead them on a new path of enlightenment."
"It is in that spirit I must now ask for your help." Scorpion continued, knowing the greater task at hand could wait no longer. Bi-Han eyed him perceptively.
"Know that I have not yet chosen to forgive you as your actions must prove yourself to me." He stated in a cautionary tone. "But if you have come here to ask for aid, then your situation must be desperate."
"Quan Chi has made a bargain with Shang Tsung. The sorcerer is planning something that requires powerful relics to fulfill. I do not know what it is but I know it does not bode well for Earthrealm." Scorpion explained.
"Raiden must be informed immediately. He is operating out of Ying Fortress. I can take you there." Bi-Han responded.
"Yes. But as the sole messenger, I will not be trusted. Should you vouch for me…"
"Your voice is sure to be heard." Bi-Han concluded and Scorpion nodded as his words echoed his thoughts. "We should leave at once if we are to secure an audience with the thunder god." The Lin Kuei decided, slipping his hood over his hair and fixing his metallic mask back into place. Scorpion nodded in agreement and allowed Sub-Zero to lead the way.
Later…
Seated together in the fortress common area, Johnny, Jax, and Sonya partook of a veritable feast made by the monks in their absence. Hungry after partaking in strenuous kombat, they ate near greedily partly to sate their hunger and partly because the food tasted delicious. "Man! I like Chinese food as much as the next guy, but this stuff is next level." Jax remarked with a satisfied sigh.
"Gonna put every food court option and main street restaurant in Cali to shame." Johnny agreed, polishing off his fried rice.
"Hate to say it, but MRE's don't come close to this." Sonya agreed. They continued chowing down until Jax broached a new topic of conversation.
"So… I don't mean to pry… but what's their deal?" He asked, jerking a metal thumb in the direction of Magnus and Mileena, who ate together at a distant table.
"M&M? Ah, guess they're lovebirds now or something like that. Did the dirty while we were training for the tournament." Johnny rashly described. "Yeah, those two are pretty inseparable. Kinda like to keep to themselves." Jax arched a brow.
"Why do you sound like every celebrity gossip magazine I've ever seen at the gas station?"
"Because he's a walking-talking encyclopedia of all things Hollywood," Sonya remarked, "to our detriment."
"Hey! At least I'm happy about their story. You, warrior princess, were ready to start busting heads." Johnny retorted. "Cage movies always have a happy ending, Jax. ALWAYS. So I'm all for it."
"And then some." The major snickered.
Oblivious to their conversation, Magnus and Mileena ate in relative silence, simply enjoying each other's presence. Neither really felt like talking, the weight of defeat still heavy on their minds. Their moment was momentarily interrupted when a fresh plate set down beside them. Syzoth appeared, his hood lowered and mask removed. "Do you… mind if I join you?" He asked hesitantly.
"Not at all, Syzoth." Magnus said and Mileena nodded in confirmation. The Zaterran sat down in a slow, hesitant manner, his eyes never leaving his full plate.
"I have yet to try Earthrealm food." He remarked in passing.
"As someone who has been here for five-hundred years, it ranks better than some Outworld delicacies." Mileena offered. Magnus chuckled.
"I am a little over thirty, but I have lived here all my life. It is good food." He added. Reptile helped himself to an egg roll and promptly followed with a forkful of egg foo young. His eyes brightened after a few chews and hurriedly finished his mouthful.
"It is fit for the Elder Gods!" He exclaimed, much to the amusement of Magnus and Mileena. They went on with their meal, Syzoth chowing down almost ravenously. Perhaps it was a holdover from his reptilian nature. Magnus was not quite certain. He did, however, have other questions for him.
"What's the difference between you and Komodai? Apart from your shapeshifting mutation." Magnus inquired. The mutate paused and swallowed, wiping his mouth on the back of his leather wrist binding.
"There are two common species of Zaterran; Raptor and Saurian. He is of the Saurian subspecies while I am a Raptor. You can tell the difference by the length of our snouts." Syzoth replied, Magnus taking a moment to nod in understanding.
"I was unaware of that." Mileena murmured. "And here I thought all Zaterrans were the same."
A clamour from beyond filtered into the dining area, prompting the kombatants to pause and incline their heads towards the noise. "What's going on?" Johnny wondered.
"Sounds like the monks on the parapets have a report." Mileena surmised.
"Or we're being attacked." Sonya proffered grimly. The six sprang from their seats to investigate, thoughts of food and hunger long forgotten in the face of potential kombat. Exiting into the open air, they strode down into the courtyard and approached the main gate of the fortress, soon joined by Liu Kang and Kung Lao.
"What is happening?" Magnus inquired of the pair.
"The monks report approaching individuals moving very fats. They teleported in out of nowhere." Liu Kang answered.
"If it is kombat they seek, they shall find it." Kung Lao added.
The door ahead rumbled as a force from the other side sought to open it. The kombatants tensed as they were joined by Kai, Kenshi, and Art Lean. Once the two might oak panels gave way, sliding inwards in a grand gesture of invitation, an unlikely pair strode into the fortress. Yellow and blue radiated in the midday sun, sparking many inquiries into their presence and identities.
"Sub-Zero?" Liu Kang whispered. "And… Scorpion?" The arrival was entirely unannounced. While the Lin Kuei would have been welcomed, his Netherrealm companion was enough to give the Earthrealmers pause as they eyed him warily.
"I apologize for the suddenness of our arrival, Liu Kang." Sub-Zero greeted, bowing politely with one fist inside his hand. "We have urgent news for Raiden."
"We?" The monk repeated, looking concerned. "You two work together?"
"Are you under some kind of spell?" Kung Lao questioned.
"There is no trickery between us." Sub-Zero promised. "Scorpion and I stand together against a common foe. We need your help… especially Lord Raiden's." A thunderclap from above brought a thunderbolt crashing down between the two, the thunder god's form materializing out of the crackling lightning.
"You are wise to seek my aid, Sub-Zero." He acknowledged. His gaze turned to the other. "What brings you here, Scorpion?" Raiden inquired. He was slow to answer, formulating the words in his head. His earlier encounter with Raiden brought him clarity.
"I… I am a free man. And I am acting like it." The spectre answered. The thunder god nodded in acceptance.
"What brings you to Ying Fortress?"
"Ill news, I'm afraid." Sub-Zero answered.
"Quan Chi has made a bargain with Shang Tsung. They conspire against Earthrealm." Scorpion continued. Raiden's expression hardened.
"Come. Tell me everything you have learned." He stated urgently. His electric gaze looked back across his champions. "The rest of you continue as you were. Wait for my word and we will discuss our next course of action." He commanded. The shift in his demeanour was palpable to them all. And if Scorpion was here, evidently in betrayal of the Netherrealm, then things were even worse than they seemed…
Author's Note: If any of this seems familiar that's because I'm taking inspiration from the mobile game Mortal Kombat: Onslaught. It's real different in terms of MK but the storyline is nothing to sneeze at.
Next chapter, things are gonna get… chaotic…