A/N: Hello, fellow readers. I'm back with a new chapter. Now that MK1: Khaos Reigns has ended (story-wise), how was it? For me, it was alright, although the ending was rushed, and we don't know what happened to Titan Havik after his defeat. I hope they put deleted scenes in the future. But enough about that. Everyone, sit back, relax, and happy reading!
Disclaimer: All video games belong to their respective owners.
Dr. Rainey was on her phone in her office, skimming through Twitter. She raised a brow when she learned about Mortal Kombat One's latest animalities for the cast.
In his role as Sub-Zero, Bi-Han has the mammoth as his animality. That should be interesting. What? The creators gave Liu Kang the Phoenix instead of his signature dragon?! Well, that's a vast change! Then again, it makes sense, as he's reborn as a god. I hope he embraces it. Oh dear, Kitana's and Reptile's animalities... I'm sure they're pissed, as are some cast members. Something tells me I'll see these guys in the future.
The intercom on her desk buzzed as Janet said, "Dr. Rainey, your next appointment is ready."
"Alright, send the patient in."
The door opened to reveal a tall, imposing figure clad in sleek, crimson armor that gleamed under the office lights. The woman's helmet, reminiscent of a cybernetic warrior, concealed her features, with only glowing green eyes visible through the visor. As she stepped forward, her movements were precise and mechanical, embodying fierce determination and lethal efficiency.
"Ah, Sektor, how was your time with the Khaos Reigns story?" Dr. Rainey asked.
The visage retreated, revealing Sektor's human face. "It was alright, doctor, but I need to vent."
"Yes, I've seen your arcade story ending. Take a seat."
Sektor did so as she lay on the couch.
"So, tell me what's on your mind."
"For starters, Cyrax defected from us when we crashed Kuai Liang's wedding. Afterward, my grandmaster, Bi-Han, became Noob Saibot, thanks to Titan Havik. To top it off, Liu Kang placed him in the Temple of Elements after telling me he'd do his utmost to restore him. I swear, doc, I've never been so angry, especially since Kuai Liang and Tomas are still at large."
"Okay, I'll break it down to you. One: Cyrax switched sides when the truth came out about why Scorpion and Smoke left regarding the events with Titan Shang Tsung. Number two: if Bi-Han hadn't jumped in that portal when Titan Havik and his minions left after kidnapping Geras, he wouldn't be what he is now. Also, you seem to have a nasty grudge against Liu Kang -aside from the Shirai Ryu. I just don't understand what he did to you."
"Apart from locking Bi-Han away in the Temple of Elements? It's not what Liu Kang did to me but what he represents. He symbolizes change, a shift in balance that threatens everything I have fought for. His interference means the downfall of traditions and power structures I once believed in, leaving me feeling betrayed and lost."
"Is that why you freed Bi-Han when you came to the Temple of Elements under Quan Chi's advice?"
"Well, technically, I was there to get Shinnok's Amulet to wipe out the Shirai Ryu, but seeing Bi-Han in that coffin changed my direction. It feels like Liu Kang betrayed me."
"Sektor, Liu Kang didn't betray you. He placed Bi-Han there because he felt it was safer that way, and it would take years to remove the dark magic Titan Havik placed on him. Let me ask: has Liu Kang made any promises regarding his plan to restore Bi-Han?"
"Um..." Sektor recalled one of her intros to Liu Kang about Bi-Han's recovery. "Okay, I'll admit: he said he couldn't make promises, but I can't trust him. He interferes with Lin Kuei's business."
Dr. Rainey sighed while removing her glasses to clean them. "Liu Kang is the God of Fire. Of course, he'll keep interfering because it's his duty. He even warned you of further offenses your clan commits under your wing. You're lucky he hadn't banished you and Bi-Han to the Shadow Realm."
Sektor furrowed her brows. "The Shadow Realm?"
"I'm talking about his Black Hole fatality."
"Since when can he...? Never mind. I don't want to find out. Still, it's frustrating, you know? With every move we make, he's there, watching and judging. How can the Lin Kuei grow if we are subject to his scrutiny?"
"Perhaps evolution isn't about evading scrutiny but learning to adapt under it. Liu Kang's presence might seem like an obstacle, but it could also be a positive change within the Lin Kuei. Instead of seeing him as a foe, consider how his influence might help your clan grow stronger and more resilient."
Sektor shook her head. "I'm afraid it's too late for that, doc. That ship had long since sailed. It's all about survival."
"Survival doesn't mean standing still. It means developing and adapting to whatever challenges you face. Even if it feels too late, it's never too late to reconsider your path and make choices that ensure your clan's future. Now, I want to clarify things. I understand you and Bi-Han share a vision of 'ruling' Earthrealm. Of course, it's spawning rumors."
"What rumors?"
"That you and Bi-Han are in love."
"What?! That's ridiculous! Our bond rests only on shared goals, nothing more."
"I don't know. Your intros toward each character and that moment when Liu Kang restored Bi-Han's mind might suggest otherwise. I've heard that you even disowned your mother for him."
"Doctor, just because I share a kindred spirit with Bi-Han doesn't mean we're in love. Now, with my mother, I understand she and I are not on...good terms, but I still love her, even from a distance."
"So, you're not pulling a Bi-Han-style move on her, right?" Dr. Rainey asked.
"You mean letting my mother die? Oh, hell no! I could never go that far despite my disagreements with her."
"That's great to hear. Holding on to familial ties is imperative, even when things get complicated. Maybe this tension with Liu Kang is another opportunity to re-evaluate those connections and decide which battles are worth fighting."
"I suppose, but I don't want Liu Kang near Bi-Han. Don't get me wrong: I'll give him due for restoring his mind, but other than that, I want nothing to do with him."
"Well, if you feel that way, I can recommend Dr. Fate or Dr. Strange to help Bi-Han."
"Those two sorcerers from the Marvel/DC universe? How can they help?" Sektor asked. "Also, do they know anything about Havik's magic?"
"While their expertise lies in their respective universes, Dr. Fate and Dr. Strange have extensive knowledge of magic and mystical arts," Dr. Rainey explained. "They might offer insights into Havik's magic or even guide how to counteract its effects. It's worth exploring all avenues to ensure Bi-Han's well-being."
Sektor mused over the suggestion, considering the potential benefits of involving such powerful sorcerers. "It's intriguing, but I wonder if their methods align with our goals. Still, I'm willing to explore any option that secures Bi-Han's safety and our path forward."
"Alright. Now, I want to discuss one more thing before we end our session. It's about you and Bi-Han's vision of 'ruling' Earthrealm. Let's say you defeated Liu Kang and his allies, locked them away, or killed them. How would this vision come to pass?"
Sektor paused, considering the question. "Our vision isn't about tyranny or oppressive rule. It's about bringing order and stability to a realm plagued by chaos and conflict. We would implement a system where strength and discipline ensure peace, but the people must see us not as conquerors but as protectors."
"And what about OutWorld? Looking at the Khaos Reigns story, you and your clan messed with Shao's rebellion. As mentioned in previous timelines, you don't want Mileena to be the Empress and let Shao become the emperor."
"Okay, about that, doc, let me explain. Our intentions in OutWorld weren't to create chaos but to seize an opportunity for a more structured governance. While powerful, Mileena lacks the strategic vision to maintain long-term stability, so we supported Shao's rise; we believed he would bring order to the realm."
"Even if it means wiping out most Earthrealmers, whom he hated more than anything else?"
"That's the delicate balance we need to strike. Our goal is not to destroy Earthrealm but to ensure its stability alongside OutWorld. If Shao's methods are too extreme, we'll temper his approach and protect Earthrealm's interests while pursuing our vision of order."
"And what about Quan Chi and Shang Tsung - the non-titan version? How would your clan deal with them should they show their faces again? After all, you conspired with Quan Chi to wipe out the Shirai Ryu."
"We're well aware of their threats. My brief encounter with Quan Chi was a means to an end. However, we have no intention of letting such treacherous sorcerers disrupt our plans again. We have contingencies to neutralize their influence and ensure they cannot undermine our efforts for peace and order."
"Hmm, I see. Only time will tell if the creators start another chapter to build upon the Mortal Kombat One story lore. Until then, can you ease up on Liu Kang? He can only do so much."
"I can't make promises, doc, but I'll try. Also, as I told Liu Kang from one of my intros, since he's a god, I dare him to stop me."
Dr. Rainey sighed while shaking her head. I swear, Sektor, you are one crime away from being sent to the Shadow Realm by Liu Kang.