Chapter 12: Awakening
Tessa stayed and watched as Fire God Liu Kang and Nightwolf arrived and informed Sindel and Jerrod of the Kamidogu from around the corner She then made her way through the palace all alone. Tessa seems to be heading towards the hallway with the room where Meia's other guardians are, But then all of a sudden, she turns towards the opposite direction. Tessa quickly turns to make sure no one was anywhere near her as she continues walking. The silent one looks one more time and goes into her room.
Once alone, she pulls out a communicator and speaks with someone. It appears to be none other than Seamus Lee. "The fire god and his friend have arrived. They have just warned the rulers of the realm about the Kamidogu. Jerrod and Sindel are going to gather me and the other three guardians." Tessa reports. Her voice sounds somewhat dark and raspy.
"Excellent work, Tessa. Just as our master Daegon has predicted. It was predictable that Liu Kang would waste his time gathering his allies rather than guarding the sacred relics." Seamus Lee replied.
"Yet his friends from Outworld and Earthrealm will do so in his place. You told me so yourself. The Special Forces, the ice clan and the fire clan will all do so." Tessa bitterly said.
"Patience, my young friend. For now, it is time to ignite the next phase of our plan. Remember what we talked about with Lord Daegon. You must move on quickly before you are caught." Seamus Lee orders her.
"Yes. I live to serve my great master." Tessa smirks before she signs off. She pulls out what appears to be a golden medallion-like necklace with one side with the symbol of the Red Dragon. The other side has what appears to be two daggers combined together.
"This is for you." Tessa said. She puts up the necklace and quickly opens a red portal and walks through. Not one person has noticed.
Somewhere in the high mountains of Edenia, the red portal opens with Tessa walking out of it as it closes behind her. There are no homes around in the mountains. There is nothing but trees almost everywhere as well as the huge waterfall of the realm. Within the height of the mountains as Tessa walked, she walks through. She finds a big empty spot within a circle surrounded by trees. It is a big circle, but what is special about this specific spot? To Tessa, it feels more than a coincidence. Tessa smiles and her hands glow red. She quietly starts chanting words as she waves her hands together. Then she raises her hands and makes semi-fists as she lifts them up as high in the air as possible.
A tomb starts rising from the ground. Thankfully for her, the smoke coming from the ground cannot be seen by anyone as the trees are high enough for anyone to notice. As it rises, it is surrounded by ancient language. Tessa then speaks with foreign language as the runes light up and then suddenly, a door starts rising up to the ceiling. The magic guardian then walks in and she sees a human-sized coffin. She holds out her hand and fires a magic blast at the top, cracking it, breaking the seal. With her work complete, she turns around and opens another red portal and she runs through. As the portal closes on her, the broken seal lifts up in the air and moves itself out of the way.
Tessa arrives back in her room and lays in bed, pretending to be asleep. She opens her eyes upon hearing knocking. It was Huntress. "Tessa. Come on. Queen Sindel has called for an emergency meeting." Tessa nods and gets up from bed and follows closely behind her. Tessa smiles to herself. No one has suspected a single thing.
The rulers of Edenia have gathered Meia and her guardians as well as Queen Sheeva. Liu Kang has warned them about the Kamidogu and the return of certain enemies, being the Black Dragon and Red Dragon, and presumably the return of Shao Kahn. "So you're saying that they have returned once more? And are they after the Kamidogu?" Sindel asked.
"Unfortunately. That is what Alex and Cassandra have said. And the Red Dragon has returned, given the marking on this page that Kabal found." Liu Kang said, handing the paper to the king and queen.
"These are the six symbols of the Kamidogu. They represent the six realms themselves. I remember reading about the Dragon King being greedy for their power after the Elder Gods created them. They bring devastation to all." Jerrod said.
"Yes. Kitana learned them from Shao Kahn himself after he came here. Shao Kahn himself killed Onaga, knowing his greed will be his downfall. Kitana told us everything. Alex recognized the ones from Edenia and Earthrealm." Liu Kang said.
"I sense that our enemies are moving as we speak. Slowly, but surely, they will start hunting down all the relics. But their plan for the daggers still remains a mystery to us." Nightwolf said.
"But what kind of power do these kind of artifacts bring if I may ask?" Meia asked.
"Power. Good and evil. While it can be used to cleanse the thoughts of the horrible memories and evilness within that person's heart, it can also be used for evil purposes. The six daggers can rewrite reality in that person's image. Even I don't even know what happens if they are combined into one." Jerrod said.
"A mistake that Shao Kahn himself would not dare repeat despite his bruised ego. Shao Kahn was always arrogant, but was more brilliant minded than his former king." Sheeva pointed out.
As they all debate what to do, Liu Kang starts hearing voices again. Raiden's voice. "Liu Kang." Liu Kang looks around for his former teacher, but could find no one. This gains the attention of Nightwolf.
"Lord Liu Kang. Are you feeling alright?" Nightwolf asked out of concern.
"I… I am fine. All of a sudden, I'm hearing a voice. A familiar one indeed. One that I have not heard for decades. My former teacher Raiden." Liu Kang said.
"Raiden? But how? How is it that you can hear him? He's been dead for over twenty years. Are you sure you're alright?" Sindel asked. Meia looks on in worry and confusion. She appears to not be aware of who Raiden is.
"I assure you I am fine. I do not know why this is happening. I must consult with the Elder Gods. Hope that I will find out more information on the voices and the Kamidogu. Nightwolf, please assist the king and queen while I am away." Liu Kang instructs and Nightwolf nods. But before Liu Kang could summon lightning to transport himself away, they start hearing footsteps. They look through the entrance and Sheeva orders her Shokan to guard the entrance while Jerrod, speaking edenian language, summons his best fighters to back them up.
The man approaching them has short black hair and a goatee and is wearing an all black outfit with grey armguards and golden accents. He is wearing a three piece necklace and has the Mortal Kombat dragon on the right side of his face. This man seems to be roughly older than the likes of Cade and Jon in terms of edenian years. For all they know, he could be older than the likes of the rulers, as well as Kitana and Jade.
"State your business, stranger! Whoever you are, you will not get such pleasure from us!" Jerrod threatens him, pointing his sword at the man. Huntress and Jon get out their respective weapons alongside Meia. The latter looks a little unsure. Looking at this mystery man's face, he appears to have been tired and a little weak from sleeping. Nightwolf brings out his tomahawk, ready to fight with Jon. He alongside Sindel and Liu Kang seem unsettled by his appearance. They weren't prepared for when he started to speak.
"What….. Year is this? Where are they? Where are them all?" The man asked, voice sounding like it's regaining its strength.
"Who? Who are you referring to?" Liu Kang asked.
"My family. My father. Argus. Where are they? Are you two the rulers?" Taven asked, referring to Jerrod and Sindel.
"Indeed we are. But the question is who are you supposed to be? Where did you come from?" Jerrod asked with a big distrustful tone in his voice.
"My father sealed me In our home realm of Edenia. My name is Taven." The man introduces himself.
This gathers everyone's attention. They all look at each other. It appears none of them are familiar with the name. Nor can they figure out who Argus and Delia are. Even Jerrod and Sindel don't seem to know them. "Argus? I do not seem to know them from a personal standard. but I have heard of him as man who was part of the royal family. But who is your brother? Maybe we should know him or be at least aware of his existence." Sindel said.
"The one that my father assigned me to stop at all costs. To prevent the end of all realms. My brother was put into slumber and was cast out of Edenia to make sure it would not fall into disaster. He goes by the name Daegon." Taven answers her.
That name is one that everyone present in the room is familiar with. An unfortunate name. Now everyone is rather confused on why he would bring a name up.
"Daegon. The founder of the Red Dragon. He was killed almost three decades ago. Surely you must be mistaken." Liu Kang tells him. Of course, they were made aware of his presumed death at the hands of Kenshi and Takeda. But why does Taven sound concerned about Daegon?
"You're a... a god." Taven recognizes Liu Kang as a god. "Please forgive my disrespect, lord." Taven bent the knee before the god of fire and thunder.
"No need for the formalities, Taven." Liu Kang said. "I am in no way divine. Please stand and tell us what you know."
"Me and my brother are twins and our powers allow us to feel one's heartbeat like a torch that cannot be put out." Taven explains. "My father foretold a prophecy. He could see the future of an apocalypse. One that he will not witness. If I am here now, then that means that he and my mother have passed on." Taven claims. He feels saddened that he has not seen them in forever.
"I remember now. The Red Dragon was founded by Daegon, and they were banished from Edenia for treason and starting a war. Those were thousands of years ago, long before me and Jerrod became rulers." Sindel said. She seems to start to believe him.
"What do you think exactly happened years ago before here and now?" Jerrod asked, not letting up on him.
"My king." Meia steppped in front. "I do not believe that this man is dangerous to us. Perhaps we should hear him out. Whatever knowledge he may contain may help us."
Taven was surprised by this girl. Someone young, yet seemingly timid and lonely, is so kind to a stranger that everyone literally just met. In her heart, he may look like a man with good intentions.
Taven looks at everyone. Jerrod looks at him with some hatred in his eyes, given his harsh experience with enemies like Shao Kahn. Jon and Cade seem to agree with the king. Huntress remain unsure, but Sindel, Liu Kang and Nightwolf want to hear him out. "I see no harm in informing you of my past. Allow me to explain in as many details as I can remember." Taven said.
Thousands of years ago
Edenia. Years before the mighty conqueror Shao Kahn attacked, there was another war. But not one related to him. Before Jerrod and Sindel were even old enough to be king and queen, there was another king and queen. It was once a peaceful realm. And then came the birth of twins. Taven and Daegon. Birthed by two royal followers of the king and queen named Argus and Delia. Argus was born with precognitive visions of the future. Possible outcomes, which while not completely guaranteed, can lead to good or bad outcomes.
Argus was chosen to be the advisor of the rulers to prevent any outcomes that spell the end of the realms as they know it. His wife, Delia supports her husband in everyway.
Taven was slightly older, and they grew up together. They played together, trained together and always had each other's backs. But when they became of age, only one of them would rise up to succeed Argus and Delia. Then there was a rift between them that could not be repaired.
Daegon formed the Red Dragon, consisting of both edenians, and outworlders. He raged war on Edenia, wanting to prove to his parents that he can be superior towards his brother Taven. Fire is in dozens of places of the realm, explosions happening in forests, not enough to burn everything down within hundreds of miles. Blood has been spilled on both sides, many lives lost. People, innocent civilians and fighters scream in fear or pain and suffering as the war went on. But the war was near its end. The current rulers of Edenia are doing everything in their power to stop this war as quickly as possible. They are helped by their advisors and followers, Argus and Delia, assigned to them by the Elder Gods themselves.
"Are you certain of this, Argus? That your son Daegon will be rampaging his way through this palace?" The King stated.
"I am sure, my king. My visions have always proven true thus far. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do to change it. Given that this is my son we are talking about, I fear that if I attempt to do so, I fear I may end up making the future far worse than what we have now." Argus replied as more explosions went on and many edenians and members of the Red Dragon continued fighting each other.
"If that is true, then he will no doubt bring his strongest men with him. He carries strong power that nearly no one can match. How can we counterattack his forces?" The queen asked.
"I can only hope that my other son Taven can reason with him. Convince to stop his journey of destruction." Argus said.
"So far, they have proven to be more powerful than we originally anticipated. So much of our people have been lost at Daegon's hands. We need to assemble our strongest fighters just as we planned. Or else we all die. If that happens, then he will bring ruin and war to other realms as well." The Queen said.
"That will not be necessary. The strategy will fail. None of them will be a match for Daegon. He is far more experienced than anyone combined. After all, I was the one that trained him and his brother. A mistake on my part." Argus said. As he mentioned, the doors open and he turns his head to his left as the king and queen turn to their right as well as Delia.
"Father. I have come to meet with you as you requested. Is it almost time?" Taven bows his head to his father as he walks in.
"Yes. It is that time. Time for you to face your brother. Remember everything I taught you, my son. When facing your enemy, never hold back on your powers. You must win. If you fail, then it may be the end of all things." Argus instructs his son. Taven nods in response.
"He is my brother. I don't want to kill him. He is family. We share blood. I hope that he will see the error of his ways." Taven said.
Delia, despite being fully aware of her husband's abilities to see into the future, can't help but feel afraid of what may happen if Taven were to lose. If it's one thing she's afraid of more than losing her home, it's losing her beloved family, and including Daegon. "Argus. Are you certain that it is wise to send Taven to fight Daegon? His own brother. You defeated him before, Surely you could do it again." Delia protests.
"If I were to fight, chances are he would kill me. If I were to die, no one else would have my visions. They must be carried out. Taven is the only one who can defeat him. I wouldn't want this as much as you don't, Delia. But we have no choice." Argus said with a hint of reluctance in his tone. He wouldn't want to have to have his sons to fight each other, but now he is given no choice.
As Argus has predicted, the big doors in front of the palace started to bang loudly, gaining everyone's attention. As the loud banging goes on a few times, dust and some rocks fall from the ceiling. The doors slowly started to burst open. And then within a second, a louder bang was powerful enough that the doors came flying open. More than several members of the Red Dragon have been carrying a huge battering ram twice the size of a tree. More than several members of the clan run into the main throne room within a few minutes. They include four commandos, five bombers, four stalkers, three chemists and magic users, and ten mercenaries. Last but not least was the founder of the Red Dragon himself, Daegon. He slowly walks in, glaring at his own family in anger.
"Daegon." Argus said to him.
"Father." Daegon replied back in disgust. "Look who has finally decided to come out of hiding and face his last fight." He said, glaring at his older brother.
"I should be glad I am giving you something to look forward to. I never thought I would have to face you under these circumstances." Taven said, glaring at his own brother. Taven felt like he was betrayed that the one person he cared about most would rage war to destroy all of Edenia, including his own family.
"We may not need to fight, brother. There is always a place for you in the Red Dragon. If you are more than willing to bend the knee, of course." Daegon said to him.
"Never. This is not the way. Our parents, nor the king and queen are not the enemies we share. I do not wish to fight you, but you allowed your own jealousy to get the better of you." Taven exclaimed.
"You misunderstood my intentions. I wanted all realms to bow before the might of Edenia. Expand an empire. Succeed where the current king and queen cannot. I wanted to be the one to make the family proud. But your father's so-called "visions" caused him to doubt me. I would've brought peace, freedom, justice and security to all of Edenia." Daegon explains his goals. Delia looks on in denial, shocked at what he has become. She couldn't help but shed a tear at this revelation.
"Daegon. Please. You don't need to do this. Please. I didn't want you to be banished. We can still be one as a family again. Starting an empire is not the edenian way. We are meant to be a peaceful realm. There isn't a need for violence. You're still a son to me." Delia said. She tries to walk towards him, but she is held back by her husband, trying to break free of his grasp.
Daegon looks at his own mother, but not with the same kind of glare of hatred towards his father and brother. His reaction towards her, is more out of sadness and betrayal, given her dislike for violence. "Mother. I never wanted this either. His visions saw me as evil. I don't consider myself evil. I see him and Taven as that. But where were you? Where were you when he announced his vision seeing me as a malevolent, insane lord. You said nothing. Nothing to me! Because you can't find the courage to stand up and see that violence is an answer to some things! That's why he chose Taven! Because he's afraid. You are all afraid of me!"
"Because he was right to fear you because of what you've brought among us. Blood spilled, lives lost. It won't end here if you rule. Which won't happen today!" Taven said, getting ready to fight.
"That is regretful. Soon, all will be over. Once you are dead, except for you, mother, I will bring the empire to all realms." Daegon said before turning to his finest members of the clan. "Finish him."
The four commandos were up first. Two of them jump into the air, ready to strike. Taven uses his fire abilities and shoots them down, burning their chests and setting them on fire, killing them. The other two commandos run in to attack. Taven dodges their attacks and elbows one in the face followed by a punch, trips him and backflips onto his neck and stomps on it so hard, he spits out blood and dies. The last one tries to attack him from behind, only for his arm to be grabbed, slammed into his neck and bones break and Taven's hand lights up and rips his arm off, making him bleed before being knocked away as the last commando bleeds to death. Taven then turns to the five bomber, ready to throw their explosives, but Taven points a finger at them and fire gets shot out of his finger and it lights up and explodes, killing all five bombers at once.
Four stalkers go through stealth in hopes of getting the jump on him, but Taven knew better. He slams his fists into the ground, knocking the four stalkers off the ground and he teleports and within a matter of seconds, throws an uppercut through the first one's body, splitting her in half, killing her as innards and blood come out, gets out his drake sword and slices the second one's head off, stabs the third one through the top of his head and kills the last one by thrusting his sword through the back, pulls it up and slicing him in half. The three magic users all fire magic beams at him at the same time, but Taven shoots powerful flame from his hands and overpowers the magic and the magic users all burn to death alongside the three chemists.
Last but not least were the ten mercenaries. One of them charged forward with a battle axe, but Taven grabs the man's swinging arm, chops it and takes the axe and swings at his head, decapitating him and he falls down dead. The second one attacks barehanded, but he misses and Taven swings the axe at his legs, cutting them off and swinging it down on his back, killing him. The third one comes in full speed, but is uppercutted and is met with an axe swing to the heart, killing her. The fourth one swings a punch but misses and Taven kicks his right ankle, breaking it and his hand lights up and punches through his face, killing him as he falls down. The fifth one tries to attack, but Taven swings his drake sword at his chest upwards, cutting out his guts and is knocked away dead. The last five try to charge at once, but Taven swings his drake sword at their throats, killing them all at once as blood goes everywhere. All that is left is Daegon.
"I must say I am rather impressed. Our father has taught us well. I am still offering you a place at my side, brother. I do not wish to kill you unless I have to." Daegon offered. Obviously, Taven refuses.
"Never! All you do is lie! You would kill all of us no matter what choice I pick! It is time to face the consequences of your actions!" Taven said, getting into position. Daegon looks on with disappointment on his face and growls in frustration. Daegon cracked his fists and was ready to fight his own brother, a feeling shared with Taven.
Taven and Daegon clash with their respective drake swords. They switch between offense and defense. Being demi-gods, being heavily trained by their father, neither of them seem to be letting up. That was until Taven sees an opening and punches his chest, elbows his face and then at the same punches his throat and chop strikes his head, cracking part of his skull. Taven then dashes forward and does two fiery punches to the chest, sending his younger brother sliding backwards. Taven teleports and punches his stomach, trips one of his feet, swing kicks his stomach, and backflip kicks him in the air, sending him flying. Daegon manages to recover and wipes his mouth of some blood.
Daegon charges foward, jumps over a sword swing to the ankle and kicks Taven in the air, jumps up and spins like a ball and slams him down to the ground. Taven gets back up, but is met with three punches to his right rib cage, left knee, right shoulder before he is uppercutted into the air again. Taven recovers via teleporting and punches Daegon in the chest with a fiery punch and kick, cracking his chest. Daegon grabs his chest in pain and in anger, rolls towards him and uppercuts his chest, making Taven spit up blood and Daegon claps his hands together and slams them into Taven's head, cracking the side of his jaw and spriling him backwards, near their parents. Daegon approaches him with his sword.
"You disappoint me, brother. The sun will never shine upon you ever again, nor will anyone who questions my authority." Daegon said. He draws one of his drake swords and raises it into the air, ready to land the killing blow. Taven grits his teeth and closes his eyes as Daegon's sword plunges down as Delia finally breaks free of his grasp. As the sword thrusts down, blood is spilled. It gets onto part of Daegon's face. Then suddenly, his eyes widened. They seem to be going from anger to shock. He lets go of his sword and takes a few steps back and gasps.
Taven feels blood dropping onto his face and on part of his forehead. Confused by this, he opens his eyes. They widen in horror at what just happened. He looks up and sees none other than his mother. Delia looks down at her son, fighting to stay awake. She looks down and sees her other son's blade through her stomach. Delia gives Taven a weak smile before she collapses. Taven quickly gets up and Argus runs over and Argus cradles her head in her lap and looks down in sadness. Taven hold's on to his mother's weakening hand. "Mother?!"
"T-Taven. P-please. F-forgive m-m-me. I still love you both. I always will." Delia weakly mutters. Her grip on Taven's hand loosens before letting go and it hits the ground, covered in her own blood. Delia looks at her husband with one small smile before she starts looking at the light. Delia lays there motionless. She was dead.
Taven's hands start shaking as he closes his eyes. He grits his teeth and is fighting the urge to drop tears. His fists tightened in anger and stares at his own brother. This time, out of pure hatred. "You. You bastard! You did this!"
"I did this?! You caused her death! She would've been here right now if you hadn't decided to show off your ego in front of them! You are a disgrace to the family name!" Daegon declares as he rages and starts charging him. Taven quickly grabs his brother's own sword and thrusts it into his shoulder. Daegon's mouth opens in a lot of pain as he yells.
"You have brought your own ego down with you, Daegon. We share blood. We are not brothers." Taven said. He stares at him in utter disgust as he officially denounced him as a brother. Taven jumps in the air and does a roundhouse kick to the head, followed by an elbow strike and punch to the face as Daegon lays on his back, defeated.
Taven gives him one last look before he turns to his father, still holding his deceased wife in his arms as the rules of Edenia come down to them out of sadness. Taven couldn't help but feel responsible for his mother's death. He looks away in shame. "Father. It's my fault. I caused her death. I defeated Daegon, but not without consequences. I must face punishment. How can I make amends?"
Argus looks at his son and shakes his head. "No, Taven. The fault is mine. I saw visions of this happening. I was holding her back, not wanting her to sacrifice herself. She was the only woman I loved. She laid down her life for you. And you only. It is because of her love for us that has kept you alive." Argus reassures him. Taven looks back at his father, lost on what to say to him. Before he could though, he notices his eyes turning light blue. He is having yet another vision. The king and queen see this as well.
"Argus? Argus! What is it?!" The king tries to call out for him, but does not get a response. Moments later, his eyes return to normal.
"Daegon." Argus points to his unconscious son. Daegon is lifted into the air by Argus' magic. Argus gently lays Delia's head down and waves his hands in a gesture, chanting words. Within a bright light, Daegon's body disappears within a flash of light. He was gone. Taven turns to him out of confusion.
"Father. What just happened? What did you see?" Taven asked.
"My visions. They have shown me that Daegon is still alive. I foresaw a terrible future to come. Involving you and your brother, Taven." Argus said.
"I must fight him and kill him for what he has done." Taven said.
"Not yet. In time, Daegon will die. But he may not die at your hands. At the hands of someone will be more powerful and dangerous." Argus said.
"Where is he?" Taven asked.
"The Red Dragon has more powerful sorcerers than I could possibly imagine. They transported him to a tomb in the Netherrealm. Where he will be sleeping. He will unleash a great catastrophe that can spell doom on all realms if they do not unite one day." Argus warns him.
"When do you suppose he will wake up?" The queen asked him.
"Within thousands of years. Unfortunately, none of us will be alive by the time that happens. Not even you, my king and queen." Argus said with reluctance in his voice.
"There must be something that we can do. Magic is weaker in the Netherrealm and journeying there has been ruled to be off limits to everyone. Not even I am allowed to set foot in there by the Elder Gods, because I am king." The king said.
"There is one solution that can be done. As an agent of the Elder Gods sent me a message as I was having the visions I just saw. They said that I must find the most powerful warrior I can find." Argus said, looking at his son.
"What?" Taven is confused more now.
"Taven. I know this is personal for you, because of all that has happened today. We suffered major losses, including a loved one." Argus said, looking at his wife with a sad look on his face. "Taven. You are the only one who can help the realms defeat Daegon, his Red Dragon and anyone who plan to ally with him. I have seen it. The decision is yours now." Argus tells him.
Taven thinks for a moment. He thinks about the memories he and his brother had when they were children growing up and the loving times he had with his parents before remembering the recent tragic death of his mother Delia. Taven could no longer help but shed a tear for her. He closes his fists and turns to his father and nods. "Very well."
"Thank you, Taven. However, you too must sleep for thousands of years. You will be weak once you wake up from stasis. By the time you do so, Edenia will be in the hands of new rulers. I will not be around to guide you. Remember my instructions clearly. Do you accept it?" Argus asked.
"I accept the burden, with all who I am." Taven said.
"Come. I will advise you on what you must do. Argus tells him Taven nods to him as they both walk together. They both look at Delia's body once more as it is taken away by the guardians as they both carry her away. The king and queen nod to them to keep walking. The father and son exit through the back of the palace to go up to the mountains, where Taven would rest.
Present Day
Everyone present in the room listened carefully to Taven's story. They could tell by the tone of his voice of anger, sadness and hatred that he is telling the truth. Meia, Sindel and even Liu Kang understand him. Jerrod remembered who his predecessors were before he and his wife. Despite that, he still doesn't feel his opinion on Taven changing. The guardians, save for Tessa, seem to believe him as well.
"So Daegon truly is your brother and essentially he was banished after he lost, though indirectly." Liu Kang said.
"Yes. Daegon had a plan in case he were to fail. He knew that it is forbidden to go to the Netherrealm unless all circumstances are lost. He used the law to his advantage to hide. This happened after the Dragon King died and the Elder Gods created Mortal Kombat. My father told me everything about the future, being here and now." Taven stated.
"And the previous king and queen. They chose us according to your father's visions, knowing what we can do compared to them." Sindel stated.
"You are correct. And he mentioned that I would be meeting with the latest protector of the realms. And that would be you, Lord Liu Kang." Taven said, bowing his head.
"I am honored to meet you on friendly terms, Taven. But I must ask who else did Argus mention? That Daegon would ally himself with?" Liu Kang asked.
"My father never mentioned his name. But all he knows is that he was once the apprentice of the Dragon King and that he would return from the dead as he has beforehand. If his visions are right, they should be meeting each other now in the Netherrealm." Taven said. This does not sit well with anyone in the room, almost anyone.
"Shao Kahn." Sindel snarled in hatred. "Of course he cheats death once more. This time with help from the Red Dragon, now that Shang Tsung is gone." Sindel said.
"Then our worst fears have been realized. For all we know, he may already have the Kamidogu of the Netherrealm. For who knows where it is." Liu Kang stated.
"Yes. That is Daegon's plan. He wants to unite all six Kamidogu with Shao Kahn. To unleash something terrifying. Something that is feared by every realm, including the Netherrealm." Taven tells them.
"And what could that be? Something that can destroy every world, and quite possibly even beyond the universe?" Jerrod asked.
"I am afraid I do not know. My father was the agent of the Elder Gods and remained to do so until he died of age, which is what I am assuming. The Elder Gods made him promise not to tell anyone of what lies beyond the six daggers. He was allowed to speak of his visions, but not what happens if the six Kamidogu are brought together. They act as keys to something the Eder Gods sealed in Edenia. According to father, they must be going after the ones in Orderrealm and Chaosrealm next." Taven tells everyone. Given the look in his eyes, Liu Kang can tell he is not lying.
"I see. The good news is we know where the other three are in Earthrealm, Outworld and Edenia. There must be a way for us to find out. I must consult with the Elder Gods. Taven, it is best that you remain here. You will require your full strength for whatever will lie ahead. Nightwolf, remain with the King and Queen while I am away." Liu Kang instructs everyone. Nightwolf nods, but Taven feels rather reluctant.
"My lord. With all due respect-" Taven protests but he is cut off.
"Patience, Taven. Your time will come. If what you say is true, then you will play a key role in our survival. We cannot afford to lose you." Liu Kang said with a hand on his shoulder. Taven sighs in defeat as Liu Kang summons lightning from the clouds and teleports away. After he has left, Meia turns to the rulers.
"Your majesties, if I may interject, for all we know, we could be walking into a trap. These Kamidogu could be targeted anytime now. Even with him and his visions, there's no telling." Meia advised.
"You would happen to be right, my young friend. We must take precaution." Taven said before turning to her guardians.
"Huntress, Cade. You two must gather whatever troops you can. We will be on high alert for any signs of Shao Kahn or the Red Dragon." The king ordered and the two nod.
"If I may. Given that I am more experienced with the Kamidogu, I must inform Kitana, General Cassandra and Colonel Alex, as will as the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu. Liu Kang mentioned that the monks are with the Lin Kuei right now." Sindel said.
"Fair enough. We have important duties to do. Let us move out. Jon. Show our friend where he will be staying for now." Jerrod ordered and Jon nods. Jon motions for Taven to follow. Everyone in Edenia went their separate ways. Tessa on the other hand went back to her room. Once again alone, she contacts her superiors.
"Taven is awake. They are aware of his visions and our plan. And they said that they know where the daggers are in Earthrealm and Outworld. I have found the one here in Edenia. Shall I kill him?" Tessa asked.
"No. I want Taven to be at his full strength by the time our plan is near its completion. Keep laying low for now. Now that they are aware, you must be the one to get the Edenian Kamidogu. But wait for my call." Daegon ordered.
"What about the other allies? From Earthrealm and Outworld?" Tessa asked.
"My father's visions are starting to come true after all. Let them do the work for us. Shao Kahn will handle them. Soon, the power will be ours. And it will be the end of all things." Daegon smirked evilly. Tessa does the same as well before they cut off their connection call. It is a mystery what they plan on doing next for now. Taven plays a key role, but how important is it?
Note: Yup! Taven has joined the heroes! But what role will he play? That is a question for another time! But I hope you guys liked this chapter so far and the flashback!