Dragon's Bloodline
By StraightedgeWingzero
Summary: Two years after the events of MKX, Liu Kang and Kitana and the other Revenants leave the Netherrealm, and are offered a chance to start anew, by becoming family to Shinji Ikari.
I own nothing
Chapter ten
(Beijing China five years later )
A boy of nine years old was sitting in a meditative position surrounded by lit candles in the dark. He wore a white monk training gi. His brown hair was a bit shaggy, and grown out, he was slightly muscular for his age. His breathing was steady, and controlled, just as he was taught. Suddenly, a quick breeze blew out the candles, causing the boy to open his eyes. Instantly he was on alert, his eyes darting from side to side.
WHOOSH
The boy got his feet and stood still his eyes darting around the room.
WHOOSH!
The second sound caused him to shift into a fighting position. He ducked a swift kick, countering it into a throw, and his opponent landed effortlessly on the floor. Then proceeded to quickly follow it with hand strikes of his own, which Shinji blocked almost flawlessly only for Shinji to get hit, in the shoulder, then get tripped up causing him to hit the floor back-first.
Only for Shinji to spring up landing a swift front punch on his attacker, Shinji then attempted to follow it up with flying only to miss as his attacker chuckled.
"Excellent Shinji, your reaction was much quicker this time, and you were much more centered." a voice said
The flames on the candle lit up again, revealing a Chinese woman in her late twenties, wearing a red monks tunic. Shinji relaxed his stance and bowed to his instructor, Lin daughter of Kung Lao and Zi Yuan.
"Thank you, Lin, I thought I almost had you that time, even with additional training from great grandfather" Shinji chuckled
"You are still young and growing, and I've had a lifetime of training, from both my parents when I was your age. Even with your great grandparents and Sindel, training you, you still have a ways to go before ever catching me." Lin replied with a smirk.
"I will one day, shall we continue?" Shinji asked getting into his great-grandfather's fighting stance
"As you wish," Lin said
The doors revealed Liu Kang clad in his red monk's tunic, interrupting further action. Both bowed in respect to the Shaolin warrior, and Patriarch of the Kang family.
"Do not stop on my account, I wish to see how Shinji's training is progressing and if he's ready." Liu Kang stated
"I am ready great grandfather, wait ready for what?" asked Shinji
"To take the next step in your training Shinji and to see if you are ready to put your skills to the test, outside the temple." Liu Kang said taking a seat on a platform, where a marking of Dragon was etched into the wall.
Lin and Shinji got into opposing positions, faced Liu Kang, and bowed to each other before getting their fighting stance.
"Begin!"
Shinji struck first with a surprise leg sweep knocking Lin off balance. Still, she quickly got up and kicked, then a quick punch which Shinji blocked, countering with a back punch, a side kick which Lin caught, twisting her opponent in mid-air only for him to land skillfully land, Lin hit an axe palm strike, pushing Shinji back a bit, then hit a front kick. Shinji bounced back with a flurry of combo punches, hitting Lin, in the stomach and the midsection in the shoulder.
"Good, Shinji, good, strike fast and strike fiercely." his great-grandfather advised
The daughter of Kung Lao shook it off and hit back with a double knuckle fist, then a double kick only for Shinji to roll to the side, and go for a jumping straight kick, only for Lin, to get into a horse stance and counter with a throw.
"Shadowless kick, countered by horse drinking water. Very impressive Lin." Liu Kang remarked
Shinji staggered a bit, but regained himself and went back on the offense, using a sun fist and a tiger claw, Lin countered with an Ox fist, and a spin kick, only for Shinji to duck it back flip, and hit a flying kick. Liu Kang smiled, seeing that his great-grandson had mastered the flying kick in a short time. Although there was more Liu Kang had to teach him. the way he was trained filled Liu Kang's heart with joy passing along his knowledge and teachings to the next generation, of the Kang family.
Shinji may yet do better, than those that came before him. Liu Kang, Kitana, and Sindel will ensure that the boy will not be corrupted, by material wealth or power, the same way Shinnok corrupted them.
"Enough!" Liu Kang called
Both combatants stopped in their respective spaces and bowed to each other and their grandmaster.
"Well done both of you, Shinji your skills are advancing much faster than I had anticipated." his great-grandfather commented
"Lin, as expected your form and technique are still without flaw," he said to the girl
Liu took a steady breath as he continued.
"You do require more training Shinji, but time is of the essence, and in my experience, life is a better teacher. So I am sending you and Lin out on a task of great importance."
The doors opened interrupting any further conversation, turning to the source the pair saw a woman in her mid-forties with streaks of graying hair, and her face showed signs of aging, she looked a lot like Lin, but older walking inside the hall.
"Hello, my Lily." the woman said to her daughter
"Mother? Why are you here?!" Lin asked in surprise
"Hello Zi Yuan, it's good to see you again," Liu replied
"Hello Liu Kang, it's good to see you," she replied
"Shinji! My goodness, you're growing." Zi Yuan remarked
"Master Zi Yuan, " Shinji addressed bowing
"My apologies for the interruption, but I needed to speak with you on an urgent matter, regarding the Talimans." Zi Yuan spoke as Liu Kang nodded
"It must be fate at play here because I was just about to discuss this with my great-grandson and your daughter."
Zi Yuan seemed to figure out what Liu Kang was implying. Her apprehension was evident, but Zi Yuan masked it well. Both children stood at the attention of their elders, as Zi Yuan walked next to Liu Kang taking out a scroll and unveiling an image of seven multi-colored medallion stones.
"What are those?" asked Shinji
"The seven talismans of Nataku," answered Lin "Father told me the story of them."
"Yes, powerful stones said to have been forged by the dragon deity who once watched over and ruled the lands to the east. Seven warriors wielded these talismans to defend the land from all threats. After a devastating battle, the stones were divided amongst seven warriors and placed into separate locations to ensure they would never fall into the wrong hands." Zi Yuan explained
"Each stone bestows great and dangerous power, to whoever wears them." Liu Kang added having seen and felt their power centuries ago
"Wow," Shinji whispered
"Where is this going mother?"
"Five years ago, one of the talismans was stolen from its hiding place in Japan. Your great grandfather, Kung Lao, and I believe that the other Talismans are at risk," said Zi yuan
"Which is why, I'm tasking you two to relocate the talisman hidden outside the Fujian province and bring it back here so the Order of the Light, will decide where to hide it." Liu Kang stated
"When do we leave?" Lin asked
"Immediately, Shinji I want you to follow Lin's instructions to the letter and observe her closely."
"Yes, great grandfather," replied Shinji departing the room
"Lin, watch over him, " Liu Kang said to her and she nodded
"I will, Master Kang." as she bowed and departed the room
"Are you certain about this Liu Kang? Did you speak to Sindel or Kitana about this?"
"I've already spoken with Sindel, she'll send one of her operatives to keep on eye them." the Shaolin replied
"He's just a boy, he is not yet ready for this task."
"I know Zi Yuan, but as it stands, we are running low on time. The longer we wait to acquire the Talismans, the greater the chance that the bigger threat the one we fought hard to keep contained, will re-emerge. It's imperative, that we keep the Talismans separate, you know this. "
"I do, we're playing a dangerous game, my friend. We must take great care."
(With Mileena Sindel and Kitana White Lotus private medical facility)
"Mileena are you certain you wish to do this? The DNA transfer procedure is still risky, and there's still a chance it will fail, are you sure this is what you want?" Kitana asked sitting next to her sister's hospital bed while she was dressed in a hospital gown with a mask over her mouth.
"Yes, sister I'm tired of looking and feeling the way I do. You know I didn't ask for the wretched Tarkatan blood, Shang Tsung put into me when I was made. At times I still feel like the monstrous beast he created me to be." Mileena hissed in self-loathing
"But you are not, you've become more than what Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung made you to be."
"And that's thanks partly to you, Mother and Jade, but every time I look at myself, I blanch in disgust. I... I'm reminded every single day that I'm not you. I never was, never will be." Mileena finished in a somber tone.
"Mileena, I told you once, you do not have to be like me. You are your own woman, sister." Kitana stated causing her sister to smile grasping her hand.
"I know and want to look and feel like my own person, sister. Not a poorly made copy of you."
Kitana said nothing but embraced Mileena tightly. Over the centuries of life, Kitana her mother, and Liu Kang, all showed Mileena the light and treated her like a human being (by Liu Kang's standards). Taught the former Khanum to appreciate life, enjoy the finer things, and help others. Showed her what it meant to have a family, and what it meant to be a living person. It all caused the former Khanum to break down in tears, as she felt nothing but disgust and remorse for her previous actions, in the realms of the elder gods. Her farce of a "rule" in Outworld, the coup led by Kotal, overthrowing her. She deserved it all, even her death. Now Mileena was here, where she had made a new life, making the most of the second chance she was given along with the others.
"Alright, Ms. Edenia, we're ready to begin," a nurse said stepping into the room.
"Could you give us one second?" Mileena requested as the nurse nodded.
Mileena pulled down her mask revealing her Tartakan deformity for the last time.
"Take a look sister, for this is the last time you and everyone else will see this mouth, I've waited so long."
"And for that we are grateful."
Kitana hugged her sister again as the orderlies came in and rolled Mileena away in her bed to the operating room.
There stood an older Japanese man waiting, with the vita tank equipment from Dr Angeni's lab from Arizona and a group of skilled plastic surgeons from America. The ones who would change her face and her life
"Dr. Hoshi!"
"It's good to see you again Ms. Mileena," he spoke with a smile.
"I thought one of your students was a plastic surgeon. What are you doing here?"
"My student couldn't make it, and he wouldn't know how to operate the vita tank though not, without Dr. Cloud's supervision. But I know how to operate it since I helped her develop it. Remember I taught her everything she knows about medical technology."
"But not everything you know. Then my fate is in your hands doctor." Mileena sighed.
"Alright people, let's get started, magic time!" Hoshi chimed and clapped.
They quickly put Mileena under anesthesia, got the tools, and started making incisions along the jawline. One of the doctors sat next to a computer console, pulled a graphical map line of Mileena's facial structure, and typed in about a dozen searches for compatible facial choices. One match was selected, an image of a red-haired blue-eyed woman with plush cheeks (Think MJ from Spider-man's 90) The doctor nodded to the others to bring in the necessary donor face parts. A couple of hours had passed, and as the doctors finished their work, Hoshi nodded to proceed with the second phase of the operation.
Submerging her naked body in the Vita tank with her face wrapped in bandages with an oxygen mask and connecting the tubes to her side. Hoshi began extracting the foreign Tartakan DNA and mixed her DNA with that of another person. Mileena struggled albeit for a little bit until she settled.
After another two hours of making sure her vitals were stable, they removed the woman from the tank and wheeled her back into recovery, all the doctors filed out sans one, who took three vials of Mileena's extracted DNA and left the operating room in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, Hoshi went to the waiting room, where Sindel, Fumitan, and Kitana were waiting, and he informed them the operation was successful and that Mileena was resting comfortably, which delighted them all to hear. They hurriedly traveled to her room where Mileena woke up groggily, her face wrapped in bandages.
"Mileena, can you hear me?" Sindel asked
"Yes, Mother," she replied her voice muffled
"How are you feeling Ms. Mileena?" Fumitan asked
"Fumitan? Is that you?"
"Yes, it is me." the woman replied
"The doctor said your operation was a success!"
Mileena shakily raised her hand and carefully unraveled the bandages around her face.
"Mileena no wait!" said Kitana
"No... I have to see..."
The doctor strolled in the room and saw what Mileena was doing.
"Wait, Ms. Edenia." the doctor started to say but Sindel to her surprise held her back.
The bandages fell on Mileena's lap one by one; her hair was freed up first from its confines, showing that it was more of a dark reddish color. Next was one part of her newly reconstructed face, it partially looked like Kitana's. Her jawline was narrower and showed no signs of deformity. After another minute, the bandages revealed the new Mileena and all three women gasped.
"What? What is it?! Is it bad?" asked Mileena
"On the contrary," Fumitan said giving her a mirror
Mileena gasped in disbelief at what she was seeing. (Think 90's Mary Jane mixed with Kitana. MJ's eyes, her cheeks, combined with Kitana's jawline) Her eyes were no longer yellow but were now ocean blue. Her hair was still dark but became light red, putting a finger to her mouth, she felt human teeth, not a trace of Tartkatan fangs anywhere. Just regular teeth.
"I... don't ...believe it," Mileena whispered "I... I'm beautiful."
Mileena hesitantly touched her cheek to feel the sensation, steading her breathing realizing she was indeed feeling it. It was no dream, she was no longer half Tarkatan, she had finally been freed from that curse. Tears rolled down her face in joy as Mileena began to cry. Wasting no time both Mother and sister comforted the new Mileena except Fumitan.
"Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life Ms. Mileena," Fumitan remarked seeing the scene between mother and daughters.
(Days later Fujian providence)
Both Lin and Shinji walked into the bustling town of the Fujian providence in China. It was one of the few places that remained unaffected by the ravages of the second impact. Their destination was in the far north of the high mountains. Wasting no time the pair began their journey, with Lin holding a map, taking the lead with Shinji following close focusing his senses, on the sounds of nature all around him.
"Keep your concentration here on the moment Shinji," said Lin not taking her eyes off the map
"Yes, Lin I've just never been this far out in China before," he replied
"Your great-grandfather never brought you out this far? That's surprising, he and my father brought me, and the older kids out here for yearly training sessions. To keep ourselves in tune with nature as they said."
"Did he bring my mother out this way too?"
"I'm certain they did. It's a family tradition, although, with you, they might be subverting it. Make you train out here among nature while being with me, to ensure you have some control over your abilities."
Looking at his hands Shinji could feel the energy coursing through them. Lin looked up from the map and noticed her young companion was looking at his hands. Word was, that his powers manifested only months after moving in with Sindel, but it was only a brief moment and Liu Kang was the only witness. It wasn't until a year later, that it was discovered that young Shinji could tap into the kinetic energy stored inside inanimate and living objects.
After that, his training under Liu Kang had begun much the chagrin' and jealousy of other family members. Deciding that they had rested long enough, Lin got up and continued along the path, with Shinji following, it was then that his instincts were suddenly going haywire.
"Lin," said Shinji
"I know I sense danger too, we must move quickly," she replied
"How far are we?"
"We're near the first halfway mark, but there's a shortcut around a riverbend."
"Great grandfather says, shortcuts are often a quick way to a fall."
"My mother said the same thing, I think he got it from her."
The two continued to venture around the slope of mountains and hillsides, only to be delayed by a boulder on the path.
"We'll have to find another way unless you can clear the path."
"You mean, use my power?"
"Yes, it's time to put your control of your powers to the test."
"Alright, I'll try. Focus, clear your mind," he whispered, channeling energy from within him, picking up a rock.
The object in his hand started to glow bright, and he chucked the rock at the boulder.
BOOM!
The large explosion rocked the side of the mountain scaring the wildlife and almost causing a landslide, Lin was amazed, that explosion and the power the boy generated were incredible.
"By the gods." the girl gasped "He nearly took out the entire mountain, with just one little rock."
The path was cleared, along with a good chunk of the mountain. With some difficulty, the pair crossed over, through the large hole, and made it to the other side.
"I thought you said shortcuts were a way to a quick fall." Lin chuckled
"Kung Lao also said, "Not if you make them," Shinji replied
"Of course, my father would say he taught me the same lesson when I was ten."
"Your great-grandfather was right; you have grown stronger quickly."
"I'm not that strong, I still have much to learn, I can only hope to be as strong and good as he is."
"That's why you're out here with me, so we can both grow stronger."
The pair continued as the sun began to set, and soon they stumbled upon a field littered with skeletal remains, but in the distance, they could see a temple covered in moss, with large pillars lining up on the pathway to the entrance.
"This must be it," said Shinji "But the energy here is strong."
"You can feel the energy in the air?" the older girl asked
"Yes, it's almost like fire, like great grandfather's."
"Hmm, we are getting close, stay sharp my mother and others went to great lengths to protect this place and what it holds."
No sooner as she said those last words walking past the pillar, something started to come out of it. An armored hardened clayed Chinese warrior wielding a sword came out of it. But it wasn't the only one to come out. Several other armored hardened clayed warriors emerged from the other pillars.
"Grrghh." they moaned
"These are Terracotta warriors!" Lin exclaimed in surprise
"Terracotta warriors?!" the boy repeated
"Ancient Chinese warriors cursed into statues. I should have known this wouldn't be easy."
"Nothing in life is easy, Yah!" Shinji yelled going on the attack,
Shinji struck first landing a kick and pushing one statute back, it swung its sword in response which Shinji avoided with ease, Shinji channeled his strength to his hand and punched the warrior in the armored torso, causing the armor to crack a bit. Lin was using her graceful agility to her advantage, striking at the lower points of the living statues cracking their shell and revealing their soft spots, seeing this Shinji got an idea and took a large stone tapped into its energy, and chucked it at the statue that moved toward him.
BOOM!
The Terracotta warrior exploded into bits
"Well good job, but I won't let you upstage me!" Lin responded unveiling her powers
The wind started to gather around her, Lin channeled it in her palm and struck the mid-section of the statue going in one end and out the other causing it to fall apart into pieces it was then that more statue warriors started emerging increasing their numbers. The pair pushed back hard destroying more of them.
"Get to the temple Shinji," Lin ordered
"No, Lin! We can fight them together!" he argued
"We must retrieve the Talisman, leave these things to me, getting the Talisman is what matters, now go!"
"Alright," he said reluctantly nodded
Shinji dodged the Terracotta warriors, making it up the long flight of stairs straight to the top. Steeling himself Shinji went inside without looking back at his companion fighting against the undead warriors
(Inside the temple)
Walking inside Shinji felt like he was entering another realm. The energy was different, similar to his great-grandfather's but much stronger. In the short distance, the boy could see a red colored medallion stone underneath the statue of a dragon. Approaching cautiously, Shinji walked the narrow stone pathway, he glanced down and saw pure darkness below. If he fell, he'd be lost forever, focusing solely on the Talisman Shinji pushed forward narrowly and skillfully avoiding the booby traps
"Focus determines reality," Shinji said "Anticipate everything."
Shinji kept running and ducking spikes and axes, making it to the Talisman. Getting a better look at it, he noticed it had the image of a dragon wrapped around the stone. Touching it carefully, the object glowed, causing Shinji to gasp as he felt the fiery energy within the stone. Then various images assaulted his mind.
Seven warriors each wielding different Talismans, his great grandfather and great grandmother among them.
A gigantic, winged creature cloaked in obscure shadow causing destruction and ruin
The warriors battling the creature, using the Talismans
The images faded as quickly as they came. Shinji was breathing heavily at what he saw
"W-what was that?" Shinji asked
"You are the one!" a voice boomed from nowhere
The talisman glowed as an apparition of a dragon came out of it and flew into Shinji, empowering him. Shinji felt he was on fire from within, but it didn't hurt. Outstretching his hand a small flame came out. Panicking the boy flicked his hand dispelling the fire. Looking at his other hand he still had the Talisman, but it felt empty.
Returning to the outside to where night had fallen, he found Lin bruised and bloodied, sitting at the bottom of the stairs among lots of destroyed Terracotta warriors
"Lin! Are you alright? " Shinji asked getting to the bottom of the stairs
"I'm fine Shinji, I'm just winded. It's been a while since I've fought odds like this, but it was no problem. Did you get the Talisman?" she asked while breathing heavily
"I got it," he answered
"Good, well done." She praised
"What do we do now?" he asked
"We rest here, for the night, then call for a ride home."
"Sounds good to me."
(Elsewhere)
A young Lin Kuei initiate was running for his life through a dense forest, and a shadowy figure was giving chase at a fast pace above the trees. The young man stopped to look all around to see if he was still being followed and to catch his breath. The Lin Kuei looked all around seeing nothing but remained on alert.
A twig snapped distracting the initiate briefly, which caused him to get kicked into a tree.
"Oomph!"
CRASH!
Before he could get to his feet, he was suddenly hoisted up to face his masked assailant.
"You move like the Shirai Ryu, but they are dead!" he exclaimed
"Lin Kuei scum! Where is Tomas Vrbada?!" The attacker demanded from the sound of their voice, it was a woman
"I'll die before, I talk."
"I believe you." She replied narrowing her eyes and unsheathing her blade from her gauntlet
The attacker stabbed the initiate square in the chest and tossed the body away like it was trash.
"Wherever you are Tomas, I will find you, and I will have my revenge!" the woman growled before vanishing into the night
End chapter
End notes Happy Lunar New Year, everyone. To clear everything up, Shinji has the power to tap into kinetic energy, like Gambit from the X-men. To my surprise that got a lot of votes, but I also added Dragonfire powers similar to Liu Kang's powers to Shinji. Also, Mileena is now a cross between Mary Jane from 1994 Spider-Man and Kitana, she's no longer part Tarkatan but that doesn't mean the Tarkatan won't be in the story, oh no they'll come. This means she'll have a new set of abilities, maybe spiderlike abilities. And the Terracotta soldiers were taken from The Mummy tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Shinji and Lin teamed together just like Liu Kang and Kung Lao in Shaolin Monks, and he'll be in more team-ups with the family. Next chapter another bit of a time skip in another location. That's it please Review and provide suggestions. Stay prime