Chapter Text
Alex stood in the palace of her uncle, Shang Tsung, she was dressed in the same clothes as him, but always wore dark ones and her makeup was in the same dark tones. The sorceress crossed her arms over her chest, watching as another experiment was taken away, some kind of monster, there was zero emotion on her face and she never smiled.
Rain stood behind them with the same impenetrable gaze.
*Rain's golden armor made a soft jingling sound as he approached Alex.*
"You seem lost in your thoughts."
*He said in a low, calm voice, studying her face with his dark eyes.*
Alex sighed, still emotionless and simply shrugged, her tone low and calm.
"Yeah, I've got a lot on my mind. Lots of plans and ideas going around in my head, but I can't seem to pinpoint the right ones."
She looked at Shang Tsung who had now walked up to them.
"Uncle." Sorceress nodded slightly, her dark blue eyes looking the same as before.
*Shang Tsung studied his niece with a slight smile on his lips.* "Ah, Alex. Still lost in that twisted mind of yours?"
His tone was soft yet tinged with a hint of mockery. He knew too well her love for planning and scheming.
Alex sighed, shaking her head.
"I can't help it, Uncle. But what do we do now? We can't let the Kingdom of Edenia take all the power that belongs to us."
*Shang Tsung chuckled softly, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder.*
"You're always so eager for power, I wonder where you got that from."
*His tone was almost playful, he found her ambition amusing. He patted her shoulder lightly.*
"Patience, my dear niece. The power will come, all in due time."
Alex nodded slowly, then looked away into the distance, thinking about something.
"What about Liu Kang and his Earthrealm? His warriors will want to interfere, we need to show them who's boss here. They have no right to hang around and get into trouble."
*Shang Tsung's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered her words. He knew the Earthrealmers were a nuisance, especially Liu Kang and his warriors.*
"You're right, my dear. They always meddle in what doesn't concern them. We can't allow them to interfere."
His fingers tapped against the golden staff he always carried with him.
*Rain, who had been silent up to that point, finally spoke up.*
"Perhaps we should show them a bit of a warning. Make them realize the consequences of their interference."
*His tone was calm, but there was a cold determination in his eyes.*
Alex frowned slightly, her tone just as cold and determined.
"Rain is right, Uncle. This could work to our advantage."
*Shang Tsung's smirk widened a little more, his gaze switching between Alex and Rain.*
"You two always come up with the most interesting plans. I like the idea of a warning."
*He chuckled softly, his hand still on Alex's shoulder.*
"And who better to deliver this warning than our skilled sorceress and hydrokinetic?"
Alex placed her hand on Shang Tsung's arm, her gaze unreadable.
"We won't let you down, Uncle. And we don't need guards, they'll stay here to guard the palace."
*Shang Tsung patted her hand affectionately, admiring her confidence.*
"I have no doubt about that. And you're right, we won't need any guards. You two are more than capable of handling any situation."
*He pulled away, crossing his arms over his chest, his gaze turning serious.*
"But be careful. Those Earthrealmers are stubborn and persistent."
Alex clenched her jaw, shaking her head.
"There's no doubt about it. They may look stupid, but they're cunning and agile. Though I doubt they'll be able to handle me and Rain. The Earthrealmers won't know what's coming."
*Rain nodded silently in agreement, his expression stoic yet focused.*
"They won't stand a chance against us. They don't understand the true power that Outworld possesses."
*He placed a hand on his hip, the other hand grasping his staff firmly.*
*Shang Tsung chuckled softly, his expression almost sinister.*
"I love the confidence between you two. It's going to be quite a show, and I'll be eagerly waiting for your return."
He patted them both on the shoulder before gesturing for them to leave.
"Off you go now. Show those Earthrealmers what true power looks like."
Alex nodded and motioned towards the exit for Rain to leave with her, leaving Shang Tsung alone.
*The sorcerer watched as the two of them left the room, disappearing behind the door.*
"Those two... always so determined and ruthless."
*He mumbled to himself, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew they wouldn't disappoint.*
Meanwhile, in the Edenian palace, Sindel discussed her affairs with her daughters, Kitana and Mileena.
"My dear daughters, we have matters to discuss."
*Her tone was regal but warm, a slight smile on her face as she looked at her daughters. Kitana, the eldest, stood to her right, while Mileena, the younger, stood on her left.*
"Of course, Mother. What is it that you wish to discuss?"
*Kitana asked politely, her gaze respectfully focused on her mother.*
"We've been getting reports of unusual activity near the borders of Outworld."
*Sindel paused for a moment, her expression turning serious.*
"There have been whispers of Shang Tsung and his schemes. We can't ignore the potential threat he poses."
*Mileena, known for her impulsive nature, couldn't contain her thoughts any longer.* "Then we must act, Mother. We can't allow Shang Tsung to threaten Edenia!"
*Kitana quickly chimed in, always the more composed of the two.*
"Sister, calm down. Acting rashly isn't the answer. We need to be strategic and think this through."
*Sindel nodded, appreciating Kitana's level-headedness.*
"Kitana is right, Mileena. It's crucial that we approach this situation with caution and intelligence."
*Mileena huffed, clearly still eager for action, but she knew her mother and sister were right.*
"Fine, but what are we going to do then? Just sit back and do nothing?"
*Kitana placed a gentle hand on Mileena's shoulder, trying to calm her sister's impetuousness.*
"We won't just do nothing, Mileena. Mother is surely planning something."
*She looked at Sindel expectantly, awaiting their mother's response.*
*Sindel smiled at her daughters, appreciating their determination but also their restraint.*
"Indeed, my daughters. I have a plan in mind, but it requires careful execution."
*She paused, her gaze sweeping over them both, her expression turning more serious.*
"We'll need to gather more information first. Kitana, I have a task for you."
*Kitana straightened her poise, giving her mother her full attention.*
"Anything, Mother. What do you need me to do?"
*Sindel's gaze softened, proud of Kitana's unwavering loyalty.*
"I want you to keep a close eye on the border. Monitor any suspicious activity and report back to me immediately if anything out of the ordinary occurs."
*She then shifted her gaze to Mileena.*
"And you, Mileena, I have something else in mind for you."
*Mileena, still bristling with a hint of impatience, looked at her mother defiantly. Yet, she couldn't help but be curious.*
"And what is it that *I* have to do?"
"I've heard whispers about Shang Tsung's niece, Alex. She's a young but powerful sorceress, and her reputation as a ruthless fighter precedes her."
*Sindel's gaze darkened slightly as she spoke, a hint of concern in her voice.*
*Mileena's interest was piqued, her defiance momentarily replaced by curiosity.*
"What makes her so special? Just being Shang Tsung's niece doesn't make her invincible."
*Kitana, being the more thoughtful of the two, spoke up.*
"True, but we cannot underestimate her. Shang Tsung wouldn't just let anyone into his inner circle, let alone his niece. She must have some extraordinary abilities to have earned her place by his side."
*Sindel nodded in agreement, her expression serious.*
"You're both right. But there's something else we have to consider."
*She paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly.*
"She won't be alone. Shang Tsung's other champion, Rain, will be by her side."
*Mileena's expression soured once again. She had heard rumors about Rain before.*
"Rain, that cocky hydromancer who thinks he's untouchable? This just gets better and better."
*Despite her own annoyance, Kitana had to agree.*
"He's overconfident, but there's no denying his abilities. Combining his water control with Alex's sorcery will make them a powerful duo."
*Kitana crossed her arms, a calculating look on her face.*
"Which is precisely why we need to prepare ourselves. If they're sent to stir trouble in our realm, we have to be ready for them."
*Mileena's hands clenched into fists, her eagerness for action returning full force.*
"Ready? Pff, we'll crush them. They won't even know what hit them."
*But Kitana quickly intervened, trying to keep her sister's impulsiveness in check.*
"Calm yourself, Mileena. We can't underestimate them. We need a plan."
*Sindel nodded, appreciating Kitana's pragmatism.*
"Kitana is right, Mileena. Brute force isn't everything. We must be strategic and use every ounce of intelligence we possess to outthink them."
*She paused again, her gaze sweeping over her daughters.*
"But I believe we do have an unexpected advantage."
*Mileena's curiosity piqued once again, her eyes narrowing.*
"What kind of advantage?"
*Kitana raised an eyebrow, also intrigued by their mother's words.*
*Sindel allowed a small, sly smile to play along her lips.*
"An insider."
*She lowered her voice, her words almost conspiratorial.*
"One of Shang Tsung's own people has grown...disillusioned with him."
*Kitana's eyes widened, while Mileena's mouth formed an 'o' of surprise.*
*Kitana quickly composed herself, her expression turning serious.*
"Are you saying we have a spy within Shang Tsung's inner circle? That's...quite significant."
*Mileena couldn't hide her excitement anymore.*
"Wait, does that mean we have someone feeding us information about their plans? About Alex and Rain?"
*Sindel simply nodded, her eyes twinkling with cunning.*
"Indeed, my daughters. We have someone on the inside who's been giving us valuable information. Information we can use against Shang Tsung and his champions."
*Kitana leaned in, her mind already racing with strategic possibilities.*
"And what about this spy? Can we trust them?"
*Sindel smiled wryly at Kitana's question.*
"Trust is a strong word, my dear. This person is motivated purely out of self-interest. But they're smart enough to realize that the best way to survive is to play all sides."
*Mileena, ever impatient, couldn't help but blurt out.*
"But who is it? Do we know who this spy is?"
*Kitana shot Mileena a cautionary glance, silently telling her to rein in her excitement, before turning back to Sindel.*
"Mother, is this spy reliable? Can we really count on the information they give us?"
*Sindel considered Kitana's question for a moment.*
"As reliable as a double agent can be. But they have provided us with valuable intel in the past, and their motives align with ours at the moment. So yes, I believe their information is reliable."
*Mileena was practically vibrating with impatience now.*
"But who is it?! You have to tell us, Mother!"
While they were discussing who their spy really was, Alex and Rain came out of the palace and saw that spy. Kenshi hid well, but Alex immediately felt his energy, her gaze was unreadable as usual, but her tone was firm and cold.
"Rain, it seems that this is not from Outworld, he must have been watching us for a long time and reporting everything to the empress."
*Rain noticed Alex's subtle reaction and immediately tensed, on high alert.*
"You sense something, don't you? Who is it?"
*His eyes darted around, scanning the area for any signs of movement.*
Alex pointed to the spot and headed deeper into the dense forest.
The sorceress clenched her jaw, abruptly waving her hand to make Kenshi appear with her magic.
She stopped, standing in front of the fallen Earthrealmer, her tone cold.
"Are you spying on us? What is your purpose?"
*Kenshi, surprised and a bit shaken to be teleported, quickly regained his composure and stood before Alex, his blindfold still over his eyes.*
"I was merely observing, not spying. I mean you no harm."
Alex's face didn't move, she could see right through him, even through that blindfold.
She narrowed her eyes, her tone still cold.
"You're lying. I know you've been watching us for a long time."
The sorceress took a slow step forward.
"What do you want?" she asked, pausing with every word.
*Kenshi could sense the intensity of Alex's gaze, and he tried to maintain a calm demeanor despite feeling unnerved. He knew there was no use lying to her.*
"Fine, I'll be truthful. I have been watching you both, but it's not out of malice or ill intent."
*His tone was measured, his expression hidden behind the blindfold.*
*Rain, standing a few paces behind Alex, listened to the exchange closely, ready to act if necessary. He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing.*
"Then what is it out of? Curiosity?"
*Kenshi shifted his weight slightly, feeling the pressure from both Alex and Rain. He chose his words carefully before answering.*
"Perhaps curiosity initially, yes. But it's also... concern."
Alex quickly assessed him, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Worried? You know this is Shang Tsung's palace, and he's my uncle. And we want to *warn* those damn Earthrealmers who always get in our way... including you."
*Kenshi remained composed, sensing the defensiveness in Alex's tone.*
"I am aware of your plans, and I understand your reasons. I'm not judging you for it."
*He paused for a moment before continuing.*
"But I can't deny that the actions you're taking... they concern me. They're not exactly... peace-loving."
Alex raised an eyebrow slightly, but her face was impassive.
"Really? I'm amazed at your quick thinking, but we won't stop and I'll be on Uncle's side no matter what. And you... don't even dare tell me what to do, *Kenshi Takahashi*."
*Kenshi held back a scoff, slightly irritated at Alex's arrogant tone. He tightened his grip on his staff, his voice steady.*
"I'm not telling you what to do. I'm expressing my worries. There's a difference."
*He tilted his head slightly in her direction, his expression still hidden behind the blindfold.*
Alex raised her head slightly, then stepped back and prepared to fight.
"Then I'll have to explain to you differently that I don't care about your worries."
*Kenshi could tell that Alex was preparing for a fight, and he instinctively adjusted his stance, his grip on his staff firm.*
"Is that a warning, or a challenge?"
*He asked, his voice betraying no hint of fear despite the tension growing.*
Alex looked at Rain, nodding.
"You'll help me if anything happens. We need to explain some things to him."
*Rain nodded in affirmation, his eyes fixed on Kenshi. He was ready to defend Alex if necessary.*
"Understood. I've got your back."
Alex got into a fighting stance, her gaze fixed on Kenshi. The sorceress had struck the first blow and even her magic was not needed, as she fought fairly, cleverly and cunningly.
When their brutal fight was over Alex and Rain stood over Kenshi who had been defeated in the fight, her gaze was still unreadable.
"Now you understand that we cannot be stopped and we will do what we should have done long ago: the end of the kingdom of Edenia is near and we will make sure that Sindel and her two insolent daughters know their place."
*Kenshi groaned as he lay on the ground, beaten and bruised from the fight. He tried to gather his thoughts and speak through the pain.*
"You've made... your point. But..."
*He coughed slightly, spitting out a bit of blood.*
"At what cost?"
Alex raised an eyebrow, her tone cold.
"We'll gain power we never dreamed of. And Rain, and I, and my uncle... we've been in the shadows for years, and for what? So they can take everything we had, and you can continue to spy on us?"
Her tone grew even darker.
"No way, Earthrealmer. You're just lucky my uncle didn't see you, it would have been worse."
*Kenshi gritted his teeth, struggling to sit up against a nearby rock. His breathing was labored, and he could feel pain everywhere on his body.*
"You're right. You've been in the shadows for too long. But there are more ways to achieve power than destroying others."
*He tried to sound confident, but his words were weakened by his current state.*
"And don't assume you know everything, sorceress."
Alex and Rain's expressions remained impassive, unconcerned about anyone's pain or suffering.
Alex clenched her jaw, then grabbed Kenshi's hair roughly, forcing his head back.
"Think about what you're saying, Earthrealmer. You have the nerve to talk to me like that, huh? Great, now you'll have to report everything to us if you want to stay alive."
The sorceress tugged his hair lightly, clearly not joking with the threats.
"And don't underestimate us. You don't really know anything yourself."
*Kenshi winced in pain as Alex grasped his hair, forcing his head back. He tried to maintain his composure despite the uncomfortable position, his expression still hidden behind the blindfold. He bit back the urge to resist her grip, realizing that fighting back would only make the situation worse at the moment.*
"Understood, sorceress. I'll cooperate."
*His voice had a tinge of irritation, but he knew it was pointless to argue further while he was at their mercy.*
Alex gripped his hair before letting go roughly and turning to face Rain. The sorceress sighed, clasping her hands behind her back.
"Rain, we need to take him to my uncle, Shang Tsung will know what to do with him and how to *convince* him to work with us instead of against us."
*Rain nodded, still standing guard over their captured enemy. He looked at Kenshi's beaten form on the ground, his expression unreadable*
"Agreed. Shang Tsung will know how to make him cooperate."
*Rain stepped closer to Kenshi and reached down to grab his arm, hauling him up to a standing position with little effort.*