A/N: Arc IV is among us, and it will be one ride, that's for sure. The entirety of Arc IV will cover MK III. Don't have much to say now, so let's get going.
Let the gates open.
Unnamed Graveyard, Japan 2:00 P.M.: Fourteen days before Shao Kahn invades Earthrealm
Xan's POV
Over the past two weeks, those Tarkatans kept coming, leading me to believe that they're not stupid but very one-track-minded. I assumed they realized that someone or something was killing the entire troupe, prompting them to send another for vengeance. And it kept happening every day since I met Ms. Mai.
Except for today.
This allowed me to venture into society and rid the public of a Kuchisake-onna terrorizing Tokyo's people for months. I also used the time to buy a pack of cigarettes and visit a pair of graves on the exact day Senpai died. I took out a cig, using my black fire to light it before taking a puff. Being blessed by two Shinto gods has benefits, like being unable to contract diseases or any kind of detriment to my health because I'm always physically primed for combat. Then, I used the lit cig to light some incense I placed at her grave the year before. Satisfied, I knelt on both knees.
"Taki-senpai, I thank you for always watching over me since you passed. Please continue to do so as I feel a storm brewing, threatening to reach Abyss levels. Maybe even more so. I will visit Kin's grave next week as usual. Sleep well, Senpai." I prayed before standing up, beginning the trek back home.
Between the daily slaughter, I did have time to converse with Lady Amaterasu and Lady Tsukiyomi about this Shao Khan character that Ms. Mai and Ilah warned me about. Turns out, he's supposedly a Protector God of Outworld. Yet, due to personal greed and inward nature as a Konquerer (Yes, that's how it's spelled. It confused me, too), he took the throne for himself.
Why's it always a deity who screws with the general stability and balance of reality? First Zasalamel, who craved death so much that he nearly brought forth Cataclysm's ancient prophecy by becoming Abyss. And now Shao Kahn plans on invading Earth.
They told me I should spend all my time preventing the invasion from succeeding once it begins. However, there's no concrete time and place when it will occur. In the meantime, I'll continue slaying yokai as I'm slowly driving them toward extinction after four centuries, at first with Taki-senpai, then by myself.
As I neared my residence in the Bamboo Forest, I noticed a couple of figures scouting the area. One looked like a Tarkatan, their leader. The other wore shades of what I think is purple. They must be looking for me but don't know the forest as I do. I can't confront them yet as I'm unarmed and have to head back to my cottage to retrieve my O-Katanas.
I snuck past them and start venturing back as fast as I could, neither noticing me. Otherwise, this is a game of cat and mouse that I can't afford to lose.
I hid behind one of the thicker bamboo trees to listen for any subsequent noises. General quietness, poof that they aren't on to me. With that in mind, I picked up the pace and got out a smoke bomb that Taki-senpai gave me, lit the fuse, and threw it in the opposite direction.
That will buy me some time.
Stopping once in a while to see if I was followed, I finally made it back to my cottage to grab my two O-Katanas. Now that I can defend myself, I quickly exited and searched for those two invaders. Then I realize something that can help. I dug into my coat pocket and pulled out a dog whistle, blowing softly. A few seconds later, I heard fast movements through the leaves spread out across the forest.
Eventually, my companion appeared, a Shiba-Inu Hokkaido hybrid dog that I rescued and occasionally hunt with.
"Hello, Shana. Have you been a good girl since I've been gone?" I asked my pet dog.
She barked happily, her tail wagging in happiness.
"Have you been fed?" She barked again. "Good. I'm about to hunt two invaders. Want to come with, girl?"
Shana barked as we both used an alternate path than the one I took to get here. I don't know what her deal is. I can only make out that she's a Shiba-Inu Hokkaido hybrid because there are no known crossbreeds between either of them, at least not in Japan. She can't speak, but I'm convinced she understands me completely and is ferocious during combat.
The strangest part is that she knows healing magic. When I'm injured from one of the hardier yokai, Shana can patch me with healing spells. I questioned it but don't refuse nor get angry when she does. She's saved my ass on the rare occasion I underestimate the yokai I hunt. Even though I say Shana's my occasional co-hunter, she might as well be my partner as she follows me without fail.
One day, I intend to figure out where she came from but welcome her company when I hunt. Oh, and she didn't have a collar when we first started, so I named her Shana. She likes it, as I recall her tail wagged when I gave her the name.
Eventually, we found the pair looking for me who were lost as they didn't know the forest's layout. And from the sounds of their tones, they weren't fond of each other.
"Baraka, you idiot! I thought you said you sent a horde of your men down here!?"
"I told you that someone slaughtered every group! That's why we're here, Edenian! To avenge them!"
"That's why you are, Baraka. I'm here to assure my spot as General of Shao Kahn's army. The Emperor finds whoever did this to be a great threat. If they unite with the Maddox Family and their allies, the battle to gain Earthrealm will be much more difficult. But to think that we would be lost in this blasted forest and that I would be stuck with an imbecile like you."
So they're Shao Kahn's men?
It seems that Ms. Ilah and Ms. Mai's claims were correct in tandem with Lady Amaterasu and Lady Tsukiyomi. I'm glad I thinned the Tarkatan horde after they came to the forest. I guess Baraka did not want to sacrifice more of his men and decided to kill me himself. If Shana or myself can dispose of him, that'll be devastating for Shao Kahn's morale. He's not that smarter than the hordes if he came this far for vengeance. It's this Rain that looms as the wild card. If I had to guess, he can control water. To what extent, I don't know.
His words during the exchange meant that Rain may not assist unless things turn dire. If we decide to kill Baraka, it'll have to be quick.
I looked at Shana. "You ready, Shana?" She nodded and barked quietly, her tail wagging from side to side. "Ok, let's go."
We revealed ourselves to the pair, Shana growling at the invaders.
Baraka approached me. "Are you the one who massacred my horde?"
"They were trespassing on private property. I thought they were yokai at first, but some outside informers told me that they weren't. Slaying demons is my trade as this bamboo forest is infested with them. Since you're the leader, I hope you realize instincts can only go so far in a combat situation. Eventually, when you battle someone whose skill matches experiences, the exchange will be quick and painful."
"Was your beast involved in your killing of the horde?"
"Shana is no beast, Baraka. You are, and a stupid one at that. But no, Shana didn't kill a single Tarkatan. Today was the first I've seen her in two and a half weeks."
"Watch who you call stupid, Earthrealmer!" Baraka shot his blades out from his arms. "You've slain nearly half of my horde! You will suffer for their deaths!"
"You're the one who kept sending them to die. If you had half a brain cell, you would've stopped sending your forces and have more for your boss' invasion of Earth."
That got both of their attention. "How do you know of that!?" Rain demanded.
"I got friends in high places, Rain. Edenian friends who are paranoid, the twin of preparedness. So imagine how prepared we'll be when I tell them that two of Shao Kahn's personal guards were snooping around in Japan. The both of you will die tonight, and Baraka will join his dead legion in the next life," I stated. "You have one last chance to leave Japan and Earth. Otherwise, you won't leave here without some trace, which won't bode well for Shao Kahn."
Shana barked, in conjunction with my threat, Rain scared shitless more than Baraka was.
"This is worse than we thought, Baraka. He's already met and notified the Maddox family. It seems that you've decided your fate, swordsman. Now you do battle with a god," Rain spat.
I looked him up and down, not impressed with his appearance.
"A god of what? Excessive dressing? You are too humane looking to be a deity. I would know as I know two of them personally. Humble in their wardrobe and mannerisms. You must be a half-god. If that's the truth, then you don't stand a chance. I've killed a prophecy god far more powerful and intimidating than either of you."
"You're smarter than your appearance suggests. All the more reason for you to die!"
Rain charged me with a Katar in his right hand. I telegraphed his swing by parrying it with my scabbard, shifting his momentum to my right. I then grabbed his arm and quickly broke the limb by dislocating his shoulder. I took his Katar and created distance by violently jabbing the scabbard into his eye before kicking him in the stomach, forcing him to the ground near Baraka. I let the Katar walk around my fingers before grabbing the handle when it landed on my index finger.
"A Katar, eh? I haven't seen one of these in centuries. Not a fan myself, the blade's design too unique for my tastes." I critiqued his choice of weaponry.
"Centuries!? But you are of Earthrealm! You should be dead!" Rain claimed.
"My journies and stories granted eternal youth. Like I said earlier, I killed a god before and am well acquainted with twin deities. I'm over 400 years old though I may look like a young adult. Plus, I was trained by a master of every style and weapon, save for the ones his students invent. They call him Edgemaster, and he trained me in his ways, therefore making me one. I probably know how to use the Katar better than you do, Rain." I slammed him verbally, dropping the Katar next to Shana. "Here, girl. Use that to sharpen your teeth and claws. I'll buy you time."
She barked in compliance with my request as she immediately began using her makeshift rasp tool.
Rain got up and winced upon feeling his stomach. "You'll pay for that, mortal!"
"You are freer than the air we breathe, demigod," I retorted as I formed a dragon's claw with my hand. "Again, General."
He then dissolved into water as Baraka charged me with reckless abandon, an idiot. I parried his blades with my sword before sweeping his feet and landing a nasty slash on his abdomen, placing a solid kick there to worsen the blow. I need a trace of either warrior to prove they're here on Earth. I think something from Rain's person will do, but the Katar won't be enough.
No time to think now. Let me finish the battle first.
I looked behind me and saw Rain about to impale me with his Katar. How did he get another one? Regardless, I jabbed his bruise with my sword's hilt, Rain wincing on reaction before ripping his mask off while breaking his jaw simultaneously. Thankfully, we're the only ones in the forest, yet his screams were still loud. I then punched his throat, causing him to wretch as I knocked him out with a hard kick to the jaw.
This mask of his should be sufficient proof as it's intricately designed. The only way this won't work is if the others don't know what Rain's mask looks like. Unlikely since he dresses like a noble, glaring weakness on his part. I put the cover in my pocket just as Baraka recovered, his abdomen bleeding profusely.
"Don't do anything you'll regret, Baraka. You'll die if you keep fighting me." I gave him a fair warning.
Baraka growled. "I will avenge the tribe! Your head will decorate Shao Kahn's throne room!"
He charged again. Screw idiot, this guy is braindead, and I'm fed up with his lack of intelligence. Each attack was parried before I ruthlessly cut a diamond around his heart area. Quickly sheathing my sword, I grabbed and pulled his skin and flesh off, revealing the vital organ. With a loud whistle, Shana pounced on Baraka and bit his neck, leaving a deep gash that forced him to the ground. She then mercilessly chewed out the heart, killing the Tarkatan tribe's leader. I should be weirded out, but Shana always does this when we hunt together, her reassurance plan since she can't summon fire. Unsettling, though it works without fail.
I walked over to Baraka's corpse, rubbing Shana's head in approval.
"Good girl. We have all the proof we need," I praised Shana. "Now, what we're going to do about-"
We turned to Rain's body, or that's what I would say as he was gone. Shana whimpered sadly at Rain's escape.
"Don't worry about him. Killing Baraka was what we wanted anyway, and I have Rain's mask. This should help Ms. Mai and her friends to prepare. All that's left to do is show Rain's mask and Baraka's corpse. The rest will fall into place. If he's respected amongst Shao Kahn's men, they'll take some time to give him a proper ceremony and funeral. The invasion might commence in a week or two." I predicted.
The faster I inform them, the better.
"Come, Shana. Let's take the corpse back to the cottage." I said to my companion while picking up Baraka's corpse.
Shana barked as she panted happily while her tail wags, the two of us beginning the trek back home once again.
Guess I'll be leaving my home so soon after all, sooner than I initially thought.
I packed some extra food since who knows how long it'll be until I return. As for how I'll travel, Lady Amaterasu and Lady Tsukiyomi told me that their brother, Raiden, lives in China at a place called the Wu-Shi Academy. Don't know why a Japanese deity would live there, but they didn't know either.
I start for the door with Baraka's corpse over my shoulder.
"Shana, hold the fort while I'm gone, ok?" I asked the hybrid. She whimpered in response. "Both of us can't leave. The Tengu's aren't eradicated yet. What if they attack a passerby?" She barked angrily. "So what if Koppa Tengu are passive? Tengu are Tengu, Shana."
Shana started growling, showing her indifference.
"Don't growl at the alpha, Shana. We can't argue when Earth is about to be invaded!" Shana barked twice in succession. "If I do something reckless, then I deserve to get hurt," I said, causing her to whimper sadly. "I didn't mean it like that, girl, but you can just go back to your owner. If you don't stay with me when we hunt together, you must go back somewhere."
Shana barks at me over and over and over and over. Eventually, she stopped and approached me before she licked my palm, whimpers following. "Oh, I'm all you have left, huh?"
She barked softly. Her previous master must've been killed by the yokai that used to live in this forest.
Now I see why she followed me back here and why she didn't leave by now. I rubbed Shana's ears, her tail wagging in joy. I need someone to keep me sane now that I'm venturing into society for an extended period.
"Alright, Shana. Let's stick together." I relented. She barked again before licking my face."Ok, we're wasting time. Let's go."
We left for China. Usually, I would buy a plane ticket and arrive that way. But now that Shana's accompanying me, I have to resort to another method. Strewn across the world are portals that lead to places where I trained, the Proving Grounds. They reside in the Himalayas and is the home of Edgemaster. After granting the title to me, he passed away from old age. Only those trained by him know of these portals.
Somehow, the place remained timeless after all these centuries and is the quickest way to get from country to country. Since I'm traveling across the world again with Shana, I have reason to use these portals. Another reason why I live in this bamboo forest, the doorway to the Proving Grounds is in this forest.
After traveling through this forest for centuries, I know the location of every important landmark.
"Ah, here we are."
We finally reached the portal, a stone formation that resembled an open door. "Alright, Shana. Say goodbye to the forest for now. We'll be back."
Taking a deep breath, I walked through the door with my companion. Nostalgia shattered my spine when we crossed over to the other side. I knew the Proving Grounds looked precisely the same, but not being here in more than four centuries altered. Everything stayed similar to when I last was here. Shana barked in amazement.
"Welcome to the Proving Grounds, Shana. The place where I was trained. We won't be staying long as the portal to China is just past this ravine. Come on."
We maneuvered through the Proving Grounds and set foot it to China. "Alright, let's go to this Wu-Shi Academy."
Starting the trek, I took in the surroundings. China hasn't changed much these past 400 years in terms of the environment. Japan was always a nice place to sightsee but pales in comparison to China in that regard.
The Wu-Shi Academy entrance was just ahead. Finally. Carrying Baraka's corpse was starting to feel like hell on my shoulders. But as we approached the bridge leading to the entrance...
"Hold! Stay where you are!" A divine voice stopped us in our tracks.
We glanced around to see who said that, and on looking above, we notice a god descending. "Reveal your identity, stranger." The deity I assume was Raiden requested.
I bowed. "Raiden, my name is Xan. I'm surprised your sisters didn't tell you about me. Regardless, I have come with news about Outworld's possible invasion."
"Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi barely keep in touch with me, though it's good to hear they're alive and well. Are you their champion?"
"Yes, have been for a few centuries now."
"I see." Raiden simply responded as a few of his students, I assumed, came out.
"Lord Raiden, who is this?" the one wearing the red headband asked.
"Perhaps they will explain," Raiden said as he pointed behind me.
There they were: Lady Amaterasu and Lady Tsukiyomi.
I bowed at my patron goddesses. "Lady Sun, Lady Moon. A pleasure as always." I greeted them.
"I thought we told you to cease the formalities, Xan? We are not our older brother, though the feeling is mutual," Lady Amaterasu spoke.
"Onee-chan, allow us to explain our champion's origins." Lady Tsukiyomi said to Raiden. "And it's good to see you despite not being in contact."
"Hmm. I thought you both had perished centuries ago. But I'm glad to see that isn't the case. Fujin will be elated."
"Oh? We thought Fujin perished with the rest of the Elemental Gods?" Lady Sun inquired. "Glad to know he survived. Well, let us explain everything." She followed as she spoke on me to Raiden and his champions.
"So, you are an Edgemaster? To think I would meet one. I thought being an Edgemaster was a lost trade."
"Edgemasters normally are recluses. The previous one was born in the Himalayas, where he stayed until passing the mantle to me. I'm from Japan, and that's where I spent most of my life. But a couple of weeks ago, I was attacked by a Tarkatan Horde."
"A Tarkatan Horde?" Princess Kitana inquired, fear in her tone.
"Yes, quite terrible fighters. I dealt with them with ease. Yet, they kept coming with each day. It was Ms. Ilah and Ms. Mai, who told me what they were. Today, I ran into him."
With that, I dropped Baraka's corpse on the ground, shocking everyone save for Lady Sun, Lady Moon, and Shana. "He was in tandem with a man calling himself Rain." I then showed them Rain's ripped mask.
"That's his mask! You killed him?" Princess Kitana.
I shook my head. "He escaped, but I did break his jaw in getting this. Shana here killed Baraka by eating his heart." My dog barked in agreement. "I'm afraid that despite two consecutive losses in the Mortal Combat tournament, Shao Kahn may move forward and invade Earth. If what I've shown isn't proof enough, I don't know what is."
"You have my thanks, Edgemaster," Raiden expressed his gratitude. "There are some people I would like you to meet, as they have similar thoughts. Seeing Baraka's corpse and Rain's mask proves our fears. It is time to parley and come up with a plan of action. I'm relieved my sisters chose a champion such as yourself."
"No problem, Raiden. When Shao Kahn does invade, you can count on Shana and me to offer a line of defense," I spoke as Shana barked in agreement once again.
"And we are proud of you, our champion. When we think you can't impress us anymore, you do so anyway. Becoming an Edgemaster, a Demon Slayer, preventing the Cataclysm, killing Abyss."
"Please, don't bring up Abyss. I'm still healing from physical and mental wounds. He's dead, and I hope Zasalamel burns in hell," I requested.
"Say no more, Xan," she relented. "I will bring him up no more."
"Thank you. I wonder who Raiden wants us to meet?" I asked the goddesses and Shana as I rubbed her head and face, much to her delight.
"Whoever it is, I'm excited. Ever since faking our deaths to investigate the disappearing Mayans, I've been starved for some excitement," Tsukiyomi stated.
"This can very well be the last time we battle on behalf of Earth, and you express excitement, sister?"
"Of course, Ammy. To finally put the so-called 'Protector God of Outworld' in his place after millennia of not doing his job and catapulting his admittedly stupid conquest. The day where Shao Kahn may finally be punished is winding down. By us, not by the Elder Gods ever since they never looked into the Mayan's disappearance, proving they care not for the mortal plane."
That's crazy. How can deities like that only be out for themselves? Makes me glad I'm only a champion of the gods as opposed to being one outright.
"Sorry for the delay, Edgemaster,"
"Please, Raiden. Just Xan will do."
"Fair enough. The people I want you to meet are here. It's time for you to meet them."
"Lead the way, Onee-chan," Amaterasu said as the four of us followed him out.
As we arrived at the academy's outskirts, we saw what I assumed was a family of four.
"Xan, Amaterasu, Tsukiyomi. This is Benjamin Maddox, his wives Jade and Sareena, and their daughter Dakini," Raiden introduced us. "Doctor, Jade, Sareena, Nightwolf. This is Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi, my little sisters and Goddesses of the Sun and Moon. They are patron deities of Xan, an Edgemaster and renowned Demon Slayer from Japan."
I bowed in respect before extending a hand to Benjamin. "A pleasure to meet you. Although I wish they were under a happier circumstance."
He shook it. "Likewise. As Raiden mentioned, these are my wives, Jade and Sareena. And this one's Dakini, our daughter."
"You are young to be a Nightwolf. I can't begin to imagine this scenario," I said to the child, impressed that she has taken on the legendary mantle.
"You know of the Nightwolves?" Dakini asked.
"Yes, they're older than me. Oh, this is Shana." I answered before introducing her. "She's my Demon Hunting partner. Shana, say hi,"
She barked to introduce herself. Dakini smiled at her. "It's nice to meet you, Shana. Hamlet!"
"You said that the Nightwolf is older than you. But you are a human, yes?" Jade inquired.
"Correct. Born in Japan, I have been granted eternal youth due to being Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi's champion. In reality, I'm nearly 440 years old." I then stared Sareena down. "You're a demon. What are you doing on the living plane?"
My alertness put the family on high alert, Benjamin and Jade's hands close to their weapons. "Renowned demon. She's our wife."
"Oh?" I sniffed the air to get a better sense of what yokai she is. "You married an Oni? As well as Mrs. Jade? I thought polygamy died in the 18th century?"
"We're Edenian," Benjamin responded matter of factly.
"Oh. So you happen to know Ms. Mai and Ms. Ilah?" I asked them.
He nodded. "Mai's my mother and Dakini's grandmother. Ilah is a family friend."
"What a nice segue to why we needed to meet," I said before pulling out Rain's mask and handed it to Benjamin. "About an hour or two ago, I ran into a man calling himself Rain alongside Baraka. I assume you know about them?"
"Sadly. Jade's a turncoat, as well as Kitana, so they're both acquainted. But Rain was taken by his father, Argus, Elder God of our homerealm Edenia. He promised my sister Callie Ann that he wouldn't be a bother anymore. But this is definitely his mask. What they were doing in Japan?"
"Searching for me. You see, Shao Kahn sent the Tarkatan Horde to the forest where Shana and I live. It was an attempt to kill me and prevent this meeting. I killed them all for two weeks straight until he sent those two. I broke Rain's jaw while Shana ate Baraka's heart." I stated.
They all were shocked by my admission, probably not expecting me to hold my own against vile beasts.
"You killed all of those Tarkatans alone?"
"Is that so hard to believe? Baraka stated that I killed roughly half of the horde before he and Rain came looking for me. It was your mother who introduced me to the Tarkatans and what they were." I answered. "Oh, my apologies for being standoffish, Mrs. Sareena. I didn't mean to interfere in your marriage and was genuinely curious." I bowed.
"Apology accepted. You must be really good at your job if you recognized that I was an Oni so quickly," Sareena remarked.
"When you've been hunting yokai for as long as me, recognizing a demon becomes second nature. But this I feel is more than enough proof that Shao Kahn is going to invade Earth despite losing two straight Mortal Combat tournaments."
"I see..." Benjamin mused, turning to his Edenian wife. "It seems you were right all along, though I was hoping it was merely a rumor."
Jade grimly nodded. "I was hoping for it not to be true, beloved. But now we know for sure. You have our thanks, Xan. I assume you four will aid us in the upcoming invasion?"
"You have nothing to worry about, Princess Jade. All of us will fight alongside you," Amaterasu said as she bowed. "We'll be leaving you now, Xan. Don't hesitate to call us if you need anything."
I bowed. "Of course, Lady Sun. Lady Moon."
"Until next time, which won't be too far away," Tsukiyomi said as they both disappeared.
"Xan," Benjamin called me.
"Yes?"
"Your sword on my right. That's not a regular Katana, is it?"
"Whoa, good eye." I unsheathed it, revealing a teal-ish blade that shone dimly. "It's an O-Katana made with Damascus Steel."
"Damascus? I thought smithing with Damascus Steel was impossible because no one knows where it is?"
"Not lost. I know where that steel continuously forms as well as the technique needed to make weapons. A close friend of mine made this one. He's no longer with us, so I hold this sword very close to me. It's the last weapon he made before retiring from smithing."
"I see, certainly a one of a kind weapon."
"Yes, and invaluable, so it can't be sold. The price would be too high once the buyer realizes it's an actual Damascus Steel weapon." I then sheathed it again, looking down to see Shana playing with a breed of dog I've never seen before. "I take it that's Hamlet?" I asked Dakini.
She nodded. "Yeah, he's my Husky."
"Husky? Never seen one before."
"Really? A man as old as yourself has never seen one before?"
"To be fair, I've never been to the New World, only as far as England. Even then, I've never been to Russia or Siberia."
"That's fair, Mr. Xan. Huskies originate from Siberia. Yet, I've never seen a dog like Shana before and thought she was a Shiba-Inu."
"You're half right. Shana is a Shiba-Inu Hokkaido hybrid, the only one of her kind. She's a Demon Hunter too and explains how we met. She was battling a Tengu and was wounded. I nursed her back to health, and she would occasionally join me on hunts. Turns out the yokai that infested the place we lived in killed her old masters, who I assumed taught her how to kill demons. She didn't have a name tag, so I named her. She's a lot happier now surrounded by people," I explained to the Shōjo. (Little One)
"Sounds like hell," Mrs. Jade said as she glanced at my pet.
"We're both tortured in a sense, but she's happy with me, so I let her stick around. But getting back on topic." I got us back on topic. "I suggest checking any nearby forests around your home. Members of Shao Kahn's army may be stalking you all like Baraka's Tarkatan Horde did with us. They might be higher-ups due to not knowing how powerful I was. But since you all had a hand in stopping Shao Kahn, he might be more careful around you." I warned them.
"Thanks for the warning. Are you going to warn my sister and mom in America?" Benjamin asked me.
"I would if I have a way to get to the New World. My means of travel don't extend there, unfortunately."
"I can send you there, but you would have to find a way to get back," Benjamin offered.
"If that's the case, you might as well come with me to guarantee my return," I mentioned.
Benjamin slowly nodded, understanding the graveness of this situation. "Agreed. We should check the nearest forest from the Estate. Will you join us?"
"Of course, I'm here to help. Lead the way." I whistled to Shana. "Let's go, girl." She barked at me happily.
"She says thanks for taking her with you," Dakini translated.
I raised a curious eyebrow. "You can understand her?"
"I can understand all animals, comes with being Nightwolf."
"Quite impressive. Well, you're welcome, Shana. Let's not waste any more time."
The trip to the Maddox family's home was one of relative silence, to me anyway. They spoke amongst themselves. Makes sense as I did call out Sareena in front of them, and they've remained on guard, particularly Benjamin. Being confrontational is second nature after being alone for four centuries.
In these coming days, I should work on that if I'm going to work alongside everyone I've met since leaving Japan.
"Mr. Xan?"
"Hmm? Yes, Dakini?"
"What's an Edgemaster?"
"A master of every conceivable weapon. If it can be made by a smith, I'm a master of it. It's a nearly lost tradition as I'm the only one left, and it takes a very long time to become one. Edgemasters normally keep to themselves. The last one resided in the Himalayas for most of his life before passing the mantle to me. He passed away from old age."
"So you are a master of every weapon? Swords, daggers?" Jade asked in conjunction.
"The works, Ms. Jade. Staffs, Halberds, Nunchucks. I'm a master of it all, but everyone has their preferences. My predecessor liked the Longsword while I prefer O-Katanas. Add in the skills I learned from my senpai on Demon Slaying with Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi's blessings; you have a one-man army. I haven't met a living person who I can't best in a physical confrontation," I said confidently.
"I have no reason to not believe you if you made short work of the Tarkatan Horde and Rain," Benjamin agreed. "A shame you couldn't kill him."
"Running away seems to be his greatest skill."
"It's definitely up there. Alright, we've arrived in the forest. How should we go about searching for it?"
I glanced at Shana. "Look around for any signs of other human-like figures, girl."
"You do the same, Hamlet," Dakini commanded her Husky.
They both barked in compliance and headed in the same direction.
"I'm surprised you didn't join them in the search, Xan. What with your nose." Sareena chided playfully.
"Unfortunately for us, my nose only works on Demons. Like you." I shot back with a sarcastic look.
That shut her up. From Jade and Benjamin's facial expressions, they didn't take too kindly to my retort. I'll need to cut back on those as I feel they don't take insults thrown at Sareena very lightly. Understandable now that I think about it.
Before anyone could respond, Shana came out of the bushes with Hamlet following shortly after.
"They said to follow them," Dakini said as she ran after the two with us close behind.
Moving out of the forest, the dog pair both growled. We readied ourselves for battle as I took my regular steel O-Katana and placed the entire sword and scabbard in my right hand.
The stalkers then revealed themselves.
One wore an oriental getup with snakes adorned in various spots. With it came a slippery and sly look on his face. I definitely wouldn't trust him even if we were on the same side, that's for sure. The other looked like an ancient tribal native, almost like an Aztec warrior. He had blueish-green eyes and a bird-like helmet, his skin and eye color matching.
Jade was none too pleased to see either but stared hateful daggers at the latter.
"Ah, my lovely Jade. I was hoping we'd meet again," the native said.
Surprised, Benjamin, Sareena, and their daughter turned to her. "You know him, Jade?" Benjamin asked.
Jade folded her arms. "Unfortunately. This is Ko'atal, the last of the Osh-Tekk warrior race. He made an attempt to seduce me in the two years we were separated. He failed, obviously."
"Ok, so who's the other guy?" I asked them all.
"I am Shang Tsung, swordsman. I take it you're the man who killed Baraka?"
"Technically, Shana killed him though I did have a hand in Baraka's death," I answered, Shana barking happily at her latest kill. "Shao Kahn shouldn't have sent Tarkatans to my home. Perhaps they and their leader wouldn't have had to die."
"In all my millennia of life, how come I've never heard of you until a couple of years ago?"
"I was busy. While your boss grew greedy, I was preventing a great Cataclysm. A God by the name of Abyss doesn't ring any bells to you? You are from Earth, aren't you?"
Shang Tsung nodded. "I cut ties with Earthrealm centuries ago but have heard stories of Abyss, the prophetic God of Cataclysm and Destruction. This realm owes you a great debt if what you speak is true." He got into a fighting position. "But Shao Kahn find your existence troublesome, hence why he sent the Tarkatans to kill you. But no one in the court was expecting you to slay them all, Baraka included. Underestimating you was a grave error."
It was then that Ko'atal's hulking figure approached Benjamin as he tensed, prepared for a fight. His entire family, including Dakini, surrounded him, ready to assist. Quite a dedicated clan of warriors.
"So you're the one who stole Jade as my consort," Ko'atal accused.
Benjamin raised an amused eyebrow, his counter ready. "Steal isn't the word I'd use, Osh-Tekk. Sounds to me that Jade wasn't interested from the beginning. Have a problem with me? You should've found and confronted me during my tirade in Outworld."
"I thought Jade was more intelligent than to marry an outsider..." Ko'atal scoffed before studying Sareena. "...and a Demoness."
"We're both Edenian, and belittling my wives is a good way to piss me off," Benjamin growled.
"As if you pose any threat to me, Edenian. Relying on dark sorcery will only get you so far. Perhaps I need to put you in your place."
"You must be Shao Kahn's clone judging by your sense of entitlement," Dakini snipped.
Ko'atal sneered at her. "And you gave you permission to speak, brat?"
"Ko'atal..." Jade warned.
"Don't need it, asshat."
"I expect nothing less from a bastard child with no resp-"
That sentence was never finished.
Ko'atal's world exploded in a white flash as an incredible force struck his face with tremendous force, his body flung across the forest before crashing against a tree. I could tell his vision was altered as he slowly stood to regain any sort of bearings, blood trickling from his temple.
All of us stood in disbelief as Jade had her arms extended, a bo staff in her tightened grip. I didn't even see her move! Shang Tsung himself couldn't comprehend what just happened.
"Do not ever speak that way to my child!" Jade seethed, her fury unleashed. "And I haven't forgotten your blatant attempt to rape me after Shao Kahn had me beaten and tortured, you son of a bitch!"
Woah. Note to self: Never piss Mrs. Jade off.
"Marrying the same race is considered taboo in Outworld?" I defended the Maddox Family. "It seems every male originating from Outworld or lives there is either stupid, sociopathic, or delusional. You two and your boss seem to be all three, especially if you plan on battling us all. You mock Mrs. Jade and Mrs. Sareena because your infatuation simply denied you? No means no. But it seems you loved being worshipped, huh, Ko'atal? Or should I say, Buluc?"
He looked like he saw a ghost. "How do you know of that?"
"Because Amaterasu told me while she and her sister investigated the Mayan's disappearance those centuries ago as they faked their deaths. And they told me because I'm their champion."
"You know too much, swordsman. It's time for you to die," Shang Tsung stated as he rushed towards me.
Blows were exchanged before I parried his strike and grabbed the handle of my O-Katana, slamming the scabbard's end against his abdomen. He landed on his back but got back up, albeit slowly.
"I suggest using your head, Shang Tsung. Running on me without a plan is what inevitably killed Baraka," I told him. "You'll be dead, and Shao Kahn will lose another pillar of his court. It's highly doubtful you want that as I bet you have a cornucopia of plans to put into fruition. Don't you, Sorcerer?"
Shang Tsung spat some blood-colored saliva. "You mock me? I am not as stupid as Baraka was."
"Then, for the benefit of your health, I suggest you act like it. If this is the best Outworld has to offer, I'll head back to Japan and deal with the rest of the Yokai there. Benjamin and his allies have this under control," I said, Shana barking in tandem.
"At least we know you and Shana are on our side, Xan. We appreciate the vote of confidence," Benjamin spoke.
I shrugged. "I expect no less from a two-time survivor of the Mortal Combat Tournament. You married two strong women, your daughter is Nightwolf, and I can only imagine how powerful your mother is. I'm merely just putting two and two together."
"Hmph. You are more powerful than you appear, swordsman. But I promised Shao Kahn that you will die before I return."
"Which probably means he's used to your disappointment," I quipped instinctively, earning a chuckle from Dakini.
"Take care of Ko'atal?" I suggested to Benjamin.
"Don't even need to ask," he stated.
I nodded and marched to meet Shang Tsung halfway. When we got close enough, he struck again with better thoughts in mind.
He was slippery and fought like the reptile decorating his clothing. But the blow Shang Tsung suffered earlier was worse than I initially thought as I hit near a lung. I had to strike a kidney at least, so his attacks' force and speed grew sluggish. I maneuver behind him with ease and find and take his Straight Sword hidden in the back of his outfit.
"Oh, you thought you were clever by hiding this." I mocked while holding his sword in my left hand. "Going to try and sneak a swipe with this, weren't you?"
"How did you find that? I concealed it with magic."
"I'm an Edgemaster, Shang Tsung. Magic does nothing. I know if someone has a weapon on their person. Like Jade has her staff near her back left pocket and razorang at her right side. Dakini hides her Tomahawks with her powers, so does Benjamin with his Baton inside his coat pocket." I pointed out. "But I'm not a fan of straight swords, too heavy and broad. It's the weapon of a footsoldier, not for someone like myself. So you can have it back."
With great speed, I stabbed Shang Tsung in the same spot with his own sword, driving the blade deep as the sorcerer coughed up blood.
"Underestimating me will cost you. Time to die, mutie," I muttered darkly as I pushed the blade further into his stomach before grabbing the handle to decapitate the villain.
But I looked to my left and saw a Jaguar about to maul me, so I quickly move back to avoid the lunge. The Jaguar then morphed into Ko'atal, who grabbed Shang Tsung, attaining injuries from having to face four people at once.
"It seems we have to retreat for now." Ko'atal's eyes narrowed at his adversary. "This is not over, Benjamin. Mark my words. Jade will become my Queen."
To prove a point, Jade pulled Benjamin for a deep kiss, no doubt to piss Ko'atal off. "Crawl back to your hole like the rest of your clan, Ko'atal. I have a real man for a husband."
"I will not forget this, swordsman. Your eventual death will be slow and painful."
"Looking forward to your attempt, sorcerer," I said bluntly.
He would've responded but just coughed up more blood. However, Shang Tsung did make hand motions to summon his portal back to Outworld. Ko'atal assisted him as they both walked through.
I sighed. "They're gonna be a problem."
"I find your straight forward-thinking extremely refreshing, Xan. You dealt with Shang Tsung with ease, despite him being millennia older than you," Jade responded.
"When it comes to battle, age isn't a factor. Skill and experience are. And I have spent my entire life battling others, whether another human, a Yokai, or a deity. So long as you have the tenacity to emerge victoriously, no one is unbeatable, Mrs. Jade," I advised. "That was the last thing my master taught me before handing me the title of Edgemaster. It's something I'll always remember and live by when fighting or hunting since it got me this far in life."
"Wise words. I see you live up to the title of Edgemaster well. Your predecessor should be proud of granting you the mantle," Mrs. Sareena spoke.
"I hope so. I work to honor him as well as those who fell to Abyss," I said sadly. Shana barked at me.
"Shana says don't be sad. Your master is proud," Dakini translated.
I petted my companion's head. "Thank you, Shana. You're a good girl. So, what's next?"
"It's getting late. We should rest before informing Cal. Do you have a place to stay, Xan?"
"Raiden offered me a room at the Wu-Shi Academy. We'll meet up tomorrow, or you can tell your sister yourself as long as she knows what happened to me in Japan and what happened here. I could care less about how she gets the information." I bowed to them all. "It was nice to meet all of you. We'll convene tomorrow. Come, Shana. And once again, my apologies, Mrs. Sareena."
"Until then, Xan," the family head bid farewell as we headed back to the Wu-Shi Academy.
A/N: And that's the first chapter of Arc IV in the books! Man, Xan, and Shana are not playing any games at all. Only one chapter in and they killed Baraka and nearly killed Shang Tsung.
It's no spoiler, but Xan and Shana will have the highest body count of our heroes. As Jade said, he's refreshingly straightforward. If someone has to die, he kills them, and Shana is the same. Slaying Demons together does that to a person.
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Currently Listening to The Who by Hieroglyphics.