Chapter 10: The Netherrealm
The new Black Dragon have escaped. While they have failed to kill the Special Forces, it does not faze Mateo. He played along with the plan to its completion. Mateo and his followers and his mother Tasia choose to not rush the plan. But they are not the only ones who are part of said plan. They contact their associates about their mission.
"I hope you finally got what you wanted. We had to rush a little because of the Special Forces being on our asses now. I get the idea, but it would have been a lot smoother if they didn't know." Mateo argues.
"True. But we still have the element of surprise on our side. So far, the Special Forces and the Shirai Ryu are well aware of our respective return. Soon, the rest of their allies will know. I have instructions from my own master. He says that he wants to see all of his enemies know who their true enemies are before we kill them all." Mavado replied to Mateo.
"You know, you still haven't told us. Who is your master? Why did you want those books? And more importantly, which other allies do you have other than the Black Dragon." Mateo demands.
"It's a surprise. Besides, it is not wise to spill secrets in the wrong place at the wrong time. I promise you, Mateo, that you will not regret it. For now, you must wait for further instructions. Soon, I must play my role in our plan." Mavado said as they end the meeting.
Mateo turns to his mother as well as Tremor. The two seem just as skeptical as he is. "I'm not liking this completely. That Mavado creep is always keeping us in the fucking dark all the damn time. Always going on about what other allies we have and refusing to spill it. This is what itches my back."
"Remember what I taught you, my son. Do not trust anyone. Because I speak from personal experience. That bastard Shao Kahn got what he deserved for what he did." Tasia said with a hint of anger in her voice. She and Tremor have since been aware of Shao Kahn abandoning Kano and the Black Dragon at the Special Forces' hands.
"Whatever this plan is, it had better be worth the trip. If they do not live up to our expectations, they better not expect mercy from us at all." Tremor said. He seems to be more distrustful of people compared to Tasia.
"And if that becomes true, Tremor. Then we will kill them. Whatever they are after, we will know, and if something happens, we will be the ones to betray them and take whatever it is they are after for ourselves." Tasia said. "Isn't that right, son?" Mateo smirks, knowing what she exactly means by that.
"Yeah. I don't trust those fuckers one bit. One day it was just us making plans to bring down the Special Forces, then the next thing you know, these weird guys come out of nowhere and make a deal with us." Kobra said.
"Well, let them. As long as they help us get our payback on them, then I'm down with it. Besides, the more blood spilled, the better. I love seeing the violence and the screams that come with it, but it will be worth our time." Kira said and chuckles as she smirks. Although she lost, she couldn't help but enjoy the pain and cuts she barely managed to bring on Cassie.
"More bones broken. Actual tears. I hope we meet these supposed new allies soon enough. Better be good than those jokers that came to us for help." Kobra stated.
Meanwhile, Darrius and Dairou, who are left alone, secretly contact their other associate. "As Mavado and our master predicted. The Black Dragon plans treachery behind your backs. It is no surprise coming from them." Darrius reports.
"Good. They are nearly predictable most of the time. But they have managed to be competent from time to time. They try to learn from Kano's past mistake of trusting Shao Kahn. His own incompetence was what got the best of him. Mateo and the others should pray that the same thing does not happen to them." Seamus Lee replied.
"Shall we return to the hideout in the mountains at once?" Dairou asked.
"No. Mavado and the lord instructed me to tell you to remain with the Black Dragon. You will know when the time comes to show your true allegiance. We promise you we will all have our fair share of revenge." Seamus Lee tells them. They hang up, leaving Darrius and Dairou alone with each other.
"I hope he is right about what he said. I have been waiting for many years. For revenge on those who wronged us and my family. Expose their hypocrisy and lies." Dairou said, tightening his fists.
"In time, my brother. We will be the ones to take over once we get what they want. You are not the only one who has dreamed of our rise in power. We were once betrayed, but soon they will know what it'll be like to be betrayed." Darrius smirks. The two look onward to the other members of the Black Dragon, smirking at what they plan on doing next. But the question remains is who or what are Darrius and Dairou referring to?
In the cold mountains, where little to nothing has changed as they are covered in heavy snow. Snowstorms have been pretty light lately. Inside one of the mountains is the same huge cave. The one with an enemy that has long since been dead. Mavado and the Red Dragon. But he is not alone. They just got done talking to Darrius and Dairou on the mission's success.
Seamus Lee and Mavado walk alone in a semi-dark hallway. Seamus Lee is holding up the books that Mateo had sent them as instructed. But something seems to be off. "A page seems to be missing from this book." Seamus Lee points out.
"I am not too worried about it. I know which one, which is part of the plan. How else can Earthrealm be aware of what will be involved? Soon they will know about our return as well. We suffered a major setback that impacted us for decades." Mavado said.
"What about the spy?" Seamus Lee asked.
"I will contact the spy only on his orders. We cannot improvise unless absolutely necessary." Mavado said.
"You happen to be correct, Mavado." A voice speaks. A figure within the dark shadows speaks to them. "After all, they are not the only ones with allies of their own. Earthrealm has always been arrogant. Always assuming victory is an absolute. Which is why I would have preferred to see through it personally."
"Per your command, we will not fail you. What is our next move?" Mavado asked.
"Soon, we must make our own steps, my apprentice. In time to contact one of our other allies. Remember what I have taught you for the past two decades. We must remain completely prepared for the dangers and for contingencies to come. We must make the other heroes aware of our return. No regrets." The voice said.
"As you instructed me… "Lord Daegon." Mavado said, bowing to his master. Daegon steps out of the shadows, smirking at his followers. He holds up one of his hands which are covered in flames, ready for the next to come.
"Is she aware of the plan's progress?" Daegon asked.
"Yes. She is waiting for you to contact her whenever possible." Mavado said.
"Leave me. I wish to speak with her alone." Daegon ordered. Mavado and Seamus Lee bow their heads to him as they exit the dark room. Once the doors close, Daegon turns to call none other than Mileena. "Mileena Kahn."
"Lord Daegon. I was told that your friends have succeeded in part of your plan, did they not?" Mileena asked.
"Yes. They have the information we need. All of it. Including the Kamidogu and the magic that we require. And the best news is the heroes know. The Shirai Ryu and the ones called the Special Forces are aware of our return. But not yours." Daegon said.
"Ooh. I cannot simply wait to show my pretty face to them once more. They will be horrified to see me again and have blood on their hands. Once I start sinking my teeth into their flesh, they will know my wrath." Mileena laughs while licking her long teeth with her long tongue.
"I look forward to us meeting one another. We also have the necessary magic to bring him back as well." Daegon promises her.
"Do not even think about betraying us. We are prepared in case it were to happen this time. We will not be so easily fooled like last time." Mileena threatens him.
"I assure you, Mileena. If I were to betray you, I would've done it by now. For now, I will inform you of any updates from the Red Dragon and our allies." Daegon said and she nods.
Daegon and Mileena cut off their call to return to their respective business. As they drop the call, Mileena is left alone, staring at the body of the comatose Shao Kahn. "Father. I miss you." Mileena said as she places her hand on the tube he floats in, eyes closed, but breathing.
The heroes have returned to their proper homes. They figured out that the Black Dragon and Red Dragon are after the Kamidogu. Six ancient daggers that have been created by the Elder Gods themselves before Mortal Kombat. Jacqui managed to figure out that Mavado is helping the Red Dragon survive, but they are unaware of who his true master is. They have also guessed that they could also be allying with Mileena, much to their fear. They are now fully aware of their history before any of them were born. It was decided that the Special Forces and Shirai Ryu will return to their respective homes while the Monks will send word to the Lin Kuei. Liu Kang and Nightwolf will head to Edenia to warn Jerrod and Sindel.
However, the heroes are not the only ones making big plans. Their enemies plan to start the next step of their plan very soon. They are not the only ones with many allies on their side. As the heroes plan to make their next move, the villains make a move. Daegon once again contacts Mileena, hoping she is ready to commence.
"Mileena Kahn. I hope you are ready to commence the next phase of our plan. And that you have recruited more minions to your side in your father's absence." Daegon said to her.
"Plenty of people to have fun with. Thanks to your coordination I was able to track them and recruit them easily. Even a couple of familiar faces. So many faces to make the good guys play with. Oh, father will love to hear about this, I'm sure." Mileena giggles like crazy and licks her long teeth with her long tongue.
"Oh, I am sure he will. Prepare for my arrival. Does anyone know of our alliance as of yet?" Daegon asked.
"Those poor souls cannot be trusted to keep a secret. Especially if your name is Rain." Mileena said.
"Good. I will arrive with Mavado soon." Daegon said.
"Do not keep me waiting, Daegon. You know we lack patience nowadays because of our last ally." Mileena said. Daegon nods and smirks before he signs off.
"My followers. Mavado and Seamus Lee. It is time. Prepare to embark for the Netherrealm. We move out immediately. I must not keep my asset waiting. Because you know how she despises waste of time." Daegon said, staring down at his two followers.
"Of course, my lord Daegon. I shall gather my commanders and contact my spy right now." Seamus Lee said. He and Mavado look at each other before the former leaves. As he does so, he turns back to Daegon.
"Remember what I have taught you, my apprentice. All that is necessary to bring an end to our enemies. And to make sure we do not make the same mistakes as others have done before. You will know who to trust or not to trust." Daegon smirks and Mavado nods in silence. He understands his instructions completely and will do whatever is necessary for the Red Dragon.
Mileena smiles evilly. She feels excitement within her body. The new Kahn is looking forward to meeting her new assets. What they have planned all the way is somewhat beyond her, but she understands part of the plan. But the smile on her face means that she will love the next part of the plan. Something that no one else following her will not see coming. Her followers are interacting with each other while working, while other soldiers under her command are training. Soldiers include cloned Edenians, undead creatures guarding Shao Kahn's castle. Not to mention gladiators and other followers that have continued to follow Shao Kahn despite the setbacks he has faced.
Among the followers of Shao Kahn that have survived the battle of the Sky Temple are Reptile, Tanya, and Rain. But they were not the only ones who have been living in the Neatherrealm under Mileena's rule. Among them are some new recruits. Ferra/Torr. Former follower of Kotal when he became Kahn. The two are known for pairing up together and fight together. Ferra may be the smart one, but not intelligent and can be deadly with her blades. Torr on the other hand is a big brute, does not speak at all and his attacks and strength get stronger whenever he is enraged. They both wear spiked armor and Torr wears a mask over his entire face and only one of his red eyes is exposed.
Next are Khameleon and Chameleon. Humanoid ninjas from an endangered species known as the Saurein, the same race as Reptile. Chameleon is male and Khameleon is female and they both originated from a long-lost realm called Zaterra. Since then, Zaterra has long since been conquered by Outworld during Shao Kahn's rule and merged. Once a realm has been merged, it is impossible to separate them without destroying them and all life there in the process. Chameleon has clear white skin and turquoise eyes without pupils. They're appearances changes color based on the ninja they can adapt to, even with the likes of Sub-Zero, Hanzo, Reptile, Smoke, Ermac, Rain and even Bi-Han after he became Noob Saibot. His powers allow him to adapt to any situation at any time based on strategy.
Last but not least is Reiko. He is known for being the general of Shao Kahn's army after Kotal was locked up in the Flesh Pits. He is known for having a very tactical mind, being able to help Shao Kahn plan his attacks successfully, such as Edenia. Reiko can even guess an opponents' strengths and weaknesses and exploit them to his advantage. He wields a battle hammer just like his master does, seemingly idolizing the emperor. In terms of appearance, he has similar armor like Shao Kahn, except with pants and has spiked shoulder pads and has black markings on his face and has no hair and no pupils. Despite this, he has long disappeared, but for what reason after Outworld lost the tournament?
As the villains continue to work, they stop to notice Mileena Kahn walking out from behind her throne, which is placed in front of where the revenants once placed Shinnok's head. Her followers all step forward and bow their heads before her….. Except Rain, who just glares at her.
"My loyal subjects. The time has come. Time for us to rise. To take our revenge on our sworn enemies. Earthrealm, Outworld and Edenia all have their alliances and love. But we have our own fair play to make things even." Mileena tells everyone. Tanya smiles, having a lot of faith in Mileena's abilities as Kahn despite her insanity.
"Mileena Kahn. We have lived by your willpower for decades. I have not lost faith in you not once, milady. I do wish to ask what is it that you have planned for us to do?" Tanya asked.
"Yes. A futile plan that will result in our demise because of our lack of progress and lack of magic users. So tell me, Mileena. What has your lack of skills as a leader brought us? Amuse me." Rain challenges her.
Mileena snarls at his comment and slowly steps forward to the two of them. "It is simple, my dear Tanya." Mileena caresses her face. "And Rain. What was that last part you just said?"
"I said amuse me." Rain repeats.
Mileena replies by slashing his ankle with her sai, roundhouse kicks him in the head, holds her knee to his chest and holds her other sai to his throat. "Do I make you laugh, Rain?" She mocks him.
"The only thing that makes me smile is your incompetence since Shao Kahn's demise." Rain insults her, which only earns him a stab near his collarbone, but not too bad.
"Unlike you, everyone else has learned to shut up when they question my authority. Maybe if you have been more patient, you would not be on the floor now, would you?" Mileena said as she removes her sai from his shoulder, making him yelp in pain. "Besides, knowing your treachery from the Old Era, you I can trust the least, Rain. That's why I have been secretive for these years."
Reptile and Tanya look on with smirks on their faces, smiling at Rain's suffering. "This should be a surprise for all of us. Maybe even you for once, Rain. I would listen." Reptile insults him.
"Ferra/Torr want to kill. Kill for true Kahn. Ferra/Torr want vengeance on earthrealmers and Kotal." Ferra said. It appears that she too has had her memories restored, presumably by Mileena. She remembers putting up with the likes of Jacqui and Takeda back in the Old Era and with Kung Jin back when Kotal took the throne.
"Be patient, my dear new playmate. For he shall be here soon." Mileena assures her.
"And who is he, may I ask? Hopefully someone who can be more reliable than more trustful than the likes of that Geras man you have spoken to me about. How clever on Shao Kahn's part to not trust someone like him." Reiko compliments. He loves good tactics, especially ones done by either him or Shao Kahn.
"Shh. I do not want to spoil the surprise, newly returned General Reiko." Mileena puts her finger on his lips to shush him. Mileena then starts walking forward towards the exit of the cathedral. Her fellow subjects follow her towards the main entrance. Tanya continues to smirk while Rain grunts as he uses his powers to heal his early wounds from Mileena. Reptile snarls evilly, hoping it is something good. Chameleon's eyes glow as he wonders what it could be. Several feet in front of the entrance, Mileena stops in her tracks with everyone else doing the same thing.
"So. What is this surprise that you have for us?" Rain questions her, still healing his wounds.
"They shall be here….. Right now." Mileena chuckles under her breath. Tanya and Reptile look at each other with curious looks on their faces. As they wait, suddenly, a red portal starts to open. Most of the subjects stand back, ready to fight. Mileena does not seem fazed by this, as she knows exactly who it is.
"Who are you, foe? State your business!" Rain said, getting his katar out.
"Relax yourself, edenian. He is no enemy. I know exactly who this is." Reiko said, much to Rain's surprise.
"My subjects. Say hello to our new friend. Daegon. Founder and leader of the Red Dragon. Risen up from the ashes after suffering at the hands of the Shirai Ryu. Returned from the dead." Mileena said, smiling.
"Correction. I have never been more alive than ever, but would've been more happy if it weren't for the clans intervening." Daegon said. "The Netherrealm has not changed a bit. It has been the same since Shinnok once ruled it in the Old Era. I must confess myself disappointed with the little changes except for the corrupted god no longer existing." He said. Behind him are Mavado, Seamus Lee and four of his commanders.
"You have brought the right ones for the job. Good. Just as you promised." Mileena said.
As Mileena and her followers lead Daegon and the others back inside, they all wonder how Daegon survived his encounter. "From what Skarlet has told us, you were killed at the hands of the Takahashi family. How is it that you live?" Tanya asked.
"It is a story that I would rather save for all audiences present. I promise it will be worth your while." Daegon smirks. Even Mileena knows how and why he survived. Again, Mileena could not bring herself to tell anyone, not wanting to chance anymore treachery, especially with Rain.
Mileena continues to lead everyone downstairs past the throne. No one has been beyond downstairs for years. Mileena has since forbidden everyone from attempting to reach what is downstairs. And to make sure no one would dare try to go down there, Mileena ordered many of Shao Kahn's fighters to guard the entries and that they would report treachery at the earliest opportunity. As they make their way downstairs, this starts to give some of these people a familiar feeling.
Reptile was able to sniff it out. "This place feels familiar. This must be the flesh pits. The same one created by Shang Tsung back in Outworld and Edenia. But why are we down here? No one else but a sorcerer with powerful magic can possibly know its secrets."
"Precisely. None of us here are powerful or stable enough to wield powerful magic like Shang Tsung or Quan Chi and even Skarlet." Mileena said.
"Which is where me and my apprentice Mavado come in. We have been studying magic for years, including the ones that Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are able to do. Including reviving the dead." Daegon said.
"With the magic we have studied, we can accomplish many things." Mavado said.
Mileena turns to the guards and nods to them to open the doors. She leads them to the flesh pits. She has had memories of awakening for the first time and attempting to greet Kitana, much to her disgust and when she was brought into existence by Shang Tsung. As they walk, she leads them to the very ends of the flesh pits, where the followers look upon someone who has long been dead. That being Shao Kahn himself, floating in the tube, remaining comatose.
"Shao Kahn lives?!" Rain's eyes widened, surprised by the revelation.
"You are not smart enough to understand magic. From what Mileena has told us, his consciousness has been transferred to this last body upon his death at Shang Tsung's hands. But without a sorcerer, it remained comatosed for decades." Daegon said.
"Thanks to my master, I have studied souls for years. Though I do not need to rely on souls to survive, I can manipulate and steal, but not use their powers. I am not a complete sorcerer like Shang Tsung." Mavado said.
"But how have you managed to gather so many souls while in hiding?" Tanya asked.
"The heroes believed that the Red Dragon has been destroyed for decades. While we faced a major setback following the death of my son, we had a backup plan. We used our 'demise' to our advantage and studied forms of magic for eons to come. Skarlet studied magic necessary to bring back Geras, but was not clever enough to learn all kinds of magic." Daegon explained. "Overtime, we have killed many civilians and took their souls while in hiding and made sure we erased all evidence to keep the heroes from finding out. Given that his soul has drastically weakened over these last two and a half decades, these souls and some of the Jinsei we have managed to steal from unguarded territory will make good use."
"Now it is time." Mileena said with a hand on her father's tube.
"Mavado." Daegon looks at him and he nods. Daegon and Mavado both step forward and both of their hands turn green. They both simultaneously chant the same words as they wave their hands around and within a couple of moments, they both fire green, streaming beams through the tube and flow into Shao Kahn's body. Mileena stares, wishing to see her father again. Shao Kahn's heart starts beating again faster than ever, and his soul begins to light up, feeling refreshed as his skin has went from rotting to becoming clean again, like he never died to begin with. After a few minutes, the spell chanting stops and Daegon and Mavado stop what they were doing and they both stand back alongside Mileena.
Shao Kahn remained still. There was silence. But then, there was some small grunting as the liquid flowing in the tube empties out and it opens and he falls out. Soldiers come in the pits with new armor for Shao Kahn. He raises his hands slowly as he slowly uses the strength he is starting to regain to push himself up. His vision was blurry, but then, it started becoming more clear to him. He looks around and immediately sees where he is. "The…. The flesh pits. How long have I been down here?" Shao Kahn asked.
"Too long. For about 24 years to be exact." Daegon said, stepping forward.
"Who are you? Why are you here, Red Dragon?" Shao Kahn asked, recognizing the symbol.
"I am Lord Daegon. Founder and leader of the Red Dragon. Me and my apprentice Mavado have brought you back to the living once more. We have studied magic for many years. Ever since our defeat at the hands of the Shirai Ryu and ever since you died." Daegon said. "We did not come far. Not without some allies we have made. One of them being your daughter."
Mileena steps forward and quickly hugs her father. "Father. You have returned to me once more."
"My daughter. How I missed you. If Shang Tsung is still alive, I'd rip his throat out and feed it to you, for his unforgivable treachery." Shao Kahn said. "What happened here while I was dead?"
"You lost your soul, dearest father. We lost the battle of the Sky Temple, lost Sektor and Skarlet and have been trapped in the Netherrealm for years. I allied us to the Red Dragon in your absence. Shang Tsung left your body intact."
"My….. my soul. Where is he? Where is Shang Tsung?!" Shao Kahn quickly starts getting angry as he starts putting blood red armor on, apparently remembering that he was betrayed by his once most loyal sorcerer.
"He is dead, Shao Kahn. He killed Geras permanently and took his soul and attempted to make his own era in his own image. But he failed." Tanya said.
"My spies have confirmed the loss. And Mileena has told me everything about what has happened." Daegon said.
"I would have loved to kill that sorcerous snake myself for what he has done to me. But it brings news to my ears to hear he got what was coming to him. Tell me what has happened after my demise." Shao Kahn demands as he puts his sacred battle helmet back on.
"After Geras' final death and attempting to craft a Next Era for himself, a traitorous Cetrion, Fire God Liu Kang, and Alex Cage came to challenge him. Cetrion retreated with Cassandra Cage, while Liu Kang had his soul absorbed. Alex Cage became more powerful and killed Shang Tsung and restored everyone's souls….. Except yours, of course, father. Left your corpse to rot like fruit falling out of a tree." Mileena said.
"Liu Kang and Alex Cage. I remember them." Shao Kahn said. "I remember all of my enemies. Cage, Briggs, Fujin, Kung Lao, the clans, all of Outworld and Edenia. I have wanted to face the two for a long time ever since Geras told me about them. What else has happened while I was absent?"
"I am happy you asked, father." Mileena giggled. "Meet the recruits I have gathered. Ferra and Torr. Chameleon and last but not least….. General Reiko."
"My lord. I have returned to your side at Mileena's request." Reiko bows his head before him.
Shao Kahn growls at this. He remembers something and walks over to the general and swiftly grabs him by the throat and lifts him up. Reiko struggles to get out of his grip to no avail. Shao Kahn stares into his eyes. "I banished you for failing me during the tournament in Outworld. But if there is one thing I tolerate less than failure, it is treachery. And I know you better, Reiko." Shao Kahn said before he finally releases him from his monstrous grip. Reiko gasps for air.
"Ah, the good old days." Mileena looks in awe, briefly smiling at Reiko's expense.
The unthinkable has happened. Shao Kahn has once more returned. This time at the hands of Mavado and his master Daegon. Shao Kahn is stronger than before and he is somewhat pleased by the new recruits that Mileena has gathered in his absence. And he is more impressed that Mileena has allied themselves with the Red Dragon. Even he was aware of their apparent defeat at the hands of the Shirai Ryu. Regardless, Shao Kahn still has questions.
"So, Daegon. I was told by Skarlet about your apparent demise and months later, the Red Dragon's defeat at the hands of Takahashi and the Shirai Ryu. She told me everything including her betrayal. How is it that you still live?" Shao Kahn asked.
"Grandmaster Hasashi and his friends were foolish enough to believe that I was killed by their telepathy powers. But they failed to realized that they killed a clone of me. I learned from expertise. You are not the only one with sorcerers who are capable of such power. My plan was to have my son Dogron kill the clan and share the power of the Shirai Tablet with me. However, young Takahashi and his wife killed him. Mavado told me everything. And I was right to assume that Skarlet planned to betray us." Daegon explained.
"I must say I am impressed. And you said you knew about Kronika and even Geras. I assume you have been watching us. But yet you refused to participate or even join with us or try to fight us." Shao Kahn said.
"You are correct, Shao Kahn. Despite a year passing since my son's death, the Red Dragon was severely weakened as a result of the Shirai Tablet turning against Dogron. I knew I could not kill said heroes other than the Shirai Ryu at that rate. More powerful villains than me have tried. My best spies have watched your battle of the Sky Temple and told me about Geras. Skarlet restored my memories when she vanished from your side. I am aware that this is the New Era." Daegon said.
"Dogron ordered me to retreat back to our hideout just in case he were to fail to kill the clan. His plan was to conquer Earthrealm and kill all enemies who stood in his way. For the past year and beyond, we have been ordered to remain in hiding from all of our enemies. Earthrealm, Outworld and Edenia." Mavado said.
"And you keep mentioning that you have a master plan. I hope you plan to have my father involved in all of this. And swear that you will not turn against your own word. You promised me, but not my father." Mileena said, pointing her sai at Daegon.
"Master plan? What do you mean, daughter?" Shao Kahn asked.
"I am glad that you asked. I come with a proposal. And to form an alliance with you." Daegon said.
"Proposal? An alliance? Ha! How brave of you to ask that. The last time I formed an alliance with Kronika, she did nothing to help me when Kitana stole my throne from me. And when the New Era was born, Geras returned and promised everything. Shang Tsung made him choke on her empty promises on her behalf. What could you offer me this time?" Shao Kahn demands. Rain, despite being treacherous, does not seem to trust Daegon and the Red Dragon. The same goes for Tanya and Reptile. Reiko on the other hand sees that Daegon tells the truth.
"I have heard about your accomplishments as conqueror. And beforehand, your story as second in command to none other than the Dragon King. Onaga." Daegon said.
"Onaga. He was drunk on power. I killed him because he left himself vulnerable and was becoming weaker as he became more obsessed. Yet he failed to understand true power. I passed that tale down to Mileena and before her, Kitana." Shao Kahn said.
"Oh. Father always tells the best stories on his victories. They're so delicious they're music to my ears." Mileena said, licking her teeth.
"Yes. And you wanted to conquer realms your way. Through Mortal Kombat and merging the realms. It has been two and a half decades since the last tournament." Daegon said.
"Yes. It was because of Onaga that caused the Elder Gods to create these tournaments. If you are proposing having a tournament, then you have the wrong idea. A tournament will not benefit me. We have tried that approach many times with these new heroes. I have seen how powerful these current heroes are, including Liu Kang, the Great Kung Lao, Cage, the Monks, Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei. The warriors in Edenia were weak when I took that realm." Shao Kahn said.
"I knew you would say that. That's why I have a proposal. Do you remember what kind of power that Onaga was drunk with getting his hands on?" Daegon asked.
"Yes. The Kamidogu. I have read about them, And he told me about them. Powerful daggers created by the Elder Gods. Onaga wanted to use them to rewrite reality. But his obsession led to his death by my hands. They are dangerous artifacts that could be used for good and evil." Shao Kahn said.
"Yes. We had help from the reformed Black Dragon, led by Tasia, Tremor and Kano's son Mateo to retrieve the information from a destroyed Shirai Ryu village. Everything about the Kamidogu. The symbols and power they carry." Daegon said.
"Black Dragon? Those jokers could hardly lead an army across a country in Earthrealm." Shao Kahn shows his distaste.
"In the Old Era, after your death at Raiden's hands, and then after Johnny Cage defeated Shinnok and was sealed by Raiden inside his own amulet. The amulet was sealed by the six Kamidogu daggers, acting as keys." Mavado said.
"They tasted the blood of the One Being. They carry blood magic. More powerful than Skarlet's own. In fact, in the Old Era, when I had my alliance with that bastard Havik, he and I used them to corrupt several heroes of the realms. Sub-Zero, the Cage family, other heroes. Even your own daughter." Reiko tells him.
"So. The power can corrupt anyone who is stabbed by them. But unless you are very experienced with the magic, it is nearly impossible to control them without training. Onaga himself taught me very well about blood magic. Tell me, Daegon. Are you truly proposing the Kamidogu as use to conquer all realms?" Shao Kahn asked.
"Indeed. With all six of them, we can combine all into the One Kamidogu. But that is not all I have planned just for us." Daegon evilly smirks. He walks towards Shao Kahn and whispers something into his ear.
Shao Kahn looks at him and looks into his eyes. After a moment of silence, Shao Kahn smirks and laughs as he shakes Daegon's hand. Shao Kahn's hand briefly glowed green for a moment before it stops. "Very well, Daegon. I accept your proposal. I like the way you think with your promises. If what you say is true, then I hope you know where the Kamidogu is here. In the Netherrealm."
"Indeed I do. Because of your daughter Mileena on my behalf, we can lead you straight there to its location." Daegon said.
Shao Kahn then looks at his daughter and smiles and puts his hand on her shoulder. "Well done, my daughter. You have led the forces well in my absence." Shao Kahn complimented her before turning to Daegon. "Take me to it."
A red portal opens in a different location in the Netherrealm. It looks like a bunch of volcanoes surrounding what appears to be an old, abandoned fortress. It looked familiar. Too familiar to Shao Kahn and Mileena. "Quan Chi's hideout. This was where Quan Chi swore allegiance to Shinnok, who in return, swore allegiance to me. In return, Shinnok gave this fortress to him after he was rescued by his tormentor Lucifer."
"Yes. But Quan Chi was always full of secrets. He knew some spells that Shang Tsung did not. This was where me and Mileena met each other." Daegon said.
"Yes. I was researching spells in hopes of bringing you back, father. But then they came out of nowhere and proposed the alliance. I accepted and wanted to wait for you to come back. You deserve this power more than anyone else." Mileena explained.
"Good. Now where is the Kamidogu?" Shao Kahn demands.
"It is in front of you, Shao Kahn." Mavado said, pointing to a glowing red puddle that's steaming hot. "This was where his revenants originated from after they died. One of these people who almost became a victim one time in the Old Era was Johnny Cage."
Shao Kahn steps forward and his hands glow a bright red. He knows that Quan Chi used part of blood magic to further corrupt the revenants ever since he was told about them. Within a few moments, the puddle disappears and reveals something. A tile. With four circles touching each corner and in the middle, is a symbol. The symbol looks like an actual red triangle with an almost complete circle at the bottom of it and two shapes on both sides if the symbol. Daegon was the next to step forward and his hands once more glow green. The tile lights up and it begins to glow brighter. Within a moment, a red-orange light appears in mid-air and the light forms into a dagger. The dagger has a curved hilt, and the blade itself is short and it holds the symbol in the middle. It is the Kamidogu of the Netherrealm.
The Netherrealm Kamidogu is lifted towards Shao Kahn by Daegon. Shao Kahn smirks as he slowly grabs the dagger in his hands and his finger traces the blade as he takes a good look at it and at the tip of it is the symbol from the tile. "The Kamidogu of the Netherrealm. One down. Five to go." Shao Kahn laughs as he is impressed.
Note: I was meant to post this yesterday, but DNS likes to get in the way. More faces have joined the forces of evil. The Chameleon duo, Ferra/Torr and the return of Reiko, who was banished after Dawn of the New Era. And the real Daegon has made his entrance. The hunt for the Kamidogu has officially begun.