Chapter IX

"The Coming Storm"

Reiko stood alongside Quan Chi inside the Prison of Souls as a portal tore open in front of them. They were also with Noob Saibot who was recruited to the Brotherhood of the Shadow a short time ago. The silhouette of a single figure formed within the portal and collapsed onto the floor as it closed. The figure was a ninja dressed in green and black. Upon landing on the floor he began to writhe and scream in pain. When he first appeared, he looked human, but before Reiko's own eyes the ninja transformed into a reptilian creature. The creature rose and stared at Quan Chi, Noob and Reiko for several moments, confused about what was happening.

"I know you. Noob Sssssaibot." he hissed.

"The infamous Reptile. At last we meet." Quan Chi said.

"Who are you?" Reptile asked expecting them to attack.

"I am Quan Chi. I take it the people of Edenia no longer have any use for you?"

"Yessss. My former masssster Shao Kahn wasss defeated on Earth." Reptile began. "I wassss captured and they ssssaid I would be damned to the Netherealm for my crimessss."

"I know. My employer and I have been watching the events on Earth and Outworld and have been expecting you." Quan Chi said. "However, we have no interest in damning you Reptile. My employer and I wish to recruit you for our army."

"What for?" Reptile asked.

"We plan on invading Edenia very soon. From there we intend to take the Earth." Quan Chi answered.

"What'sssss in if for me?"

"Anything you desire."

Reptile thought about the offer for a moment and said "Very well. I actually would like to get back at the Earth fighterssss." Reptile hissed eagerly.

"Excellent. Come, plans are being made." Quan Chi, Reiko, Noob Saibot, and Reptile left the Prison of Souls and made their way back to Shinnok's Fortress.

It had been just under a decade since Sareena's death. Reiko helped in training Scorpion for his fight against Sub-Zero which proved essential. Scorpion was sent to avenge his death and succeeded in killing the Lin Kuei ninja. Although Reiko would have liked to have seen it himself, he was content to know he had helped in avenging Sareena. Reiko had no way of knowing for sure, but he assumed that after his death, Sub-Zero's soul was brought to the Netherealm where Shinnok would make certain he'd pay for his crimes.

Although Shinnok's Amulet was returned to Earth, Quan Chi strangely paid no mind to it and moved ahead with plans for Shinnok's invasion. He said at this point Netherealm invasion was inevitable. It was simply a matter of waiting for the perfect time to strike. Noob Saibot was often sent to spy on the events on Earth and Outworld. Outworld was on the brink of conquering Earth until it's champion was defeated by Liu Kang. From there, Shao Kahn invaded with a scheme that involved resurrecting his bride Sindel, which Shinnok and Quan Chi assisted in no less. Quan Chi said the chaos caused by Kahn's invasion would be the perfect time to regain Shinnok's Amulet and make the final preparations.

After Kahn's defeat on Earth, Quan Chi decided it would be the perfect time to strike. With Kahn missing, Outworld was in chaos and Earth was still recovering from the invasion. It was decided that the recently freed Edenia would be the perfect place to make the first strike. Princess Kitana had freed Edenia from Outworld, so they were weak and if struck hard and suddenly, would be taken easily.

Although Noob Saibot proved to be essential in Quan Chi and Shinnok's plans, there was something about him that seemed unsettling to Reiko. He was recruited to join the Brotherhood shortly after Scorpion was sent to Earth and his recruitment was very sudden. Saibot rarely spoke to anyone besides Quan Chi and Shinnok but he constantly gave off a strange sense of unease, not even just to Reiko. Strangley, there was an inexplicable animosity between Noob and Scorpion that neither Reiko nor Scorpion could understand.

Quan Chi, Reiko, Noob Saibot, and Reptile entered Shinnok's Fortress where Reptile was given new clothes. Afterward, they were joined by Scorpion, who was promised he'd be given his old life back if he served Shinnok, and Mileena who was apparently Shao Kahn's daughter. She arrived in the Netherealm some time ago, murdered by her sister Kitana and promptly recruited by Quan Chi. The six warriors went to Shinnok's throne room where final plans for the Edenian invasion would be discussed.

"I see Reptile has accepted our offer. Excellent." Shinnok said.

"Yessss, asss long assss I get what I want." Reptile hissed.

Shinnok was slightly taken aback by Reptile's insolent tone, but shrugged it off. "Quan Chi, perhaps you'd like to fill everyone in on our plan for the invasion."

"Master Shinnok and I, along with Reiko and Scorpion will gain entrance to Edenia by posing as refugees. When we meet with Queen Sindel we will spring our attack. The Edenian army is weak as is, when we take the queen and princess hostage, they'll be scattered and divided. From there, Master Shinnok shall use his amulet to open a portal to the Netherealm where the rest of the army, led by Noob Saibot, Reptile, and Mileena will lead the charge. Once we take the capital, the rest of Edenia will fall easily."

"Edenia will not be eassssily breached. The princesssss isss not a trusssting woman." Reptile said. "How will you gain accesssss to the realm?"

"We have an insider working for us Reptile." Quan Chi answered.

"Who?" Mileena asked.

"Me." a woman answered emerging from the shadows. She was a dark skinned woman wearing yellow and black.

"This is Tanya." Quan Chi said. "She is the daughter of the Edenian ambassador and will see to it we have audience with Queen Sindel and Princess Kitana."

"Why should we trust you?" Mileena demanded, glaring at Tanya.

"I have my reasons." Tanya quickly answered, not appreciating Mileena's tone.

"When will you be able to get us in?" Shinnok demanded.

"I'll inform Queen Sindel that I have received a message from fleeing refugees tomorrow. I suppose if I say the refugees are desperate she'll allow me to open to portal right after."

"Tomorrow." Shinnok ordered.

"Tomorrow then." Tanya said quietly.

"Tomorrow we invade. I'll return you to Edenia Tanya. The rest of you prepare yourselves." Shinnok said. With that, everyone bowed and left.

The Netherealm warriors scattered amongst themselves. Scorpion disappeared, Noob Saibot and Quan Chi wandered off, Reptile followed Mileena around, while Reiko sat on a nearby balcony. Since Sareena's death he had little to do beside continuing to serve Shinnok. Strangely, after the years that passed since her death, there was still a part of him that kind of missed her. Even the knowledge that her murderer was dead brought little peace.

Reiko's thoughts were interrupted by Reptile harassing Mileena. He seemed to be enjoying himself. "I wasssss actually curiousssss how you miraculoussssssly returned after Kitana killed you. Now I ssssee."

"Leave me alone vermin." Mileena grumbled.

"I wasss pretty sssssurprissssed when I heard Kitana went ssssoft. But I guessss not too sssssoft though, sssince she killed you. I remember how you would alwaysssss talk about how much better you were than Kitana. Proved you wrong didn't she?" Reptile laughed.

"Get away from me scumbag!" Mileena screamed at him, smacking him away from her. Reptile hissed and laughed as he slithered away.

As Reiko watched he couldn't help but sneer. These were the people who took his and Ash's place in Shao Kahn's army. No wonder Kahn lost. He was glad he didn't have to count on them when they invaded Edenia. Reptile was a lowlife with no sense of honor or dignity. And Mileena looked like an emotional wreck. Reiko wasn't sure what to make of Mileena. He didn't remember there being two daughters running around Kahn's fortress and he definitely didn't remember one of them having a mouth like Mileena's. It didn't matter. Neither Mileena nor Reptile could be counted on and neither were worth Reiko's time or concern.

The following day Reiko and Scorpion were summoned to Shinnok's throne room where Quan Chi and Shinnok himself were waiting for word from Tanya. Striking the Edenian throne room would not be easy so Reiko and Scorpion armed themselves with more than ninja stars and spears. Scorpion took with him a Long Sword and Reiko chose a Spiked Klub. They went to the throne room where Shinnok and Quan Chi were waiting. They each put on long flowing robes and hoods so they wouldn't be recognized.

"We must strike fast. Sindel and her daughter are formidable fighters and they will certainly have guards with them." Shinnok said. "Quan Chi and I will deal with Sindel. Scorpion concentrate on Kitana. Reiko take whoever else is there. Once Sindel falls the rest will be distracted and fall into place. Don't attack until I make the first move."

Scorpion and Reiko nodded as a bright portal opened in front of them. They all walked through the portal and emerged within the Edenian throne room where Sindel was sitting on the throne with Kitana standing by her side. There were ten guards scattered around, led by the green-clad ninja woman Jade. Tanya was standing by the portal awaiting Shinnok and the others.

"My lady, these are the refugees who are seeking sanctuary here." Tanya said to Sindel as they entered.

"State your names and business here." Kitana said, as Shinnok and his warriors slowly approached the throne.

"I am Shinnok." he answered removing his hood. "And my business here is of no concern to you."

As he said this Kitana caught a glimpse of Quan Chi's face under his hood. "Guards! Seize them!" she suddenly screamed recognizing him.

"Now! Attack!" Shinnok bellowed as red energy formed around his body.

Reiko and Scorpion threw off their cloaks and began fighting the Edenian guards. Scorpion tore down three guards before he was attacked by Kitana herself.

"Scorpion?!" Kitana gasped seeing him. "You've helped us in the past, why do you betray us now?!"

Scorpion stared at Kitana for a moment then quietly answered "I have no choice."

Meanwhile, Reiko struck all guards who came at him until he found himself facing Jade. She braced her Bo and charged at him. Reiko and Jade traded several blows and blocks as did Scorpion and Kitana. Reiko watched Jade's movements and realized she would not go down as easily as the other guards. He could probably defeat her, and Scorpion could probably beat Kitana, but it would take a while and time was not on their side. They needed to finish this before reinforcements reached the throne room. Fortunately, Sindel fell from the combined might of Shinnok and Quan Chi.

"Mother! No!" Kitana screamed seeing her mother downed. Scorpion took advantage of the distraction and knocked Kitana to the ground and quickly pinned her down. "No! No!" she continued to scream.

"My apologies, princess." Scorpion whispered as he struck her head, knocking her unconscious. Jade was also distracted by what was happening and then struck down by Tanya who managed to blindside her. With the last of the guards down, Quan Chi used his power to magically seal the doors to the throne room, preventing reinforcements from entering.

"The throne room is taken!" Shinnok proclaimed, levitating into the air. "I shall open the portal and the rest of our forces will attack!"

With that, a large portal burst open outside and legions of Demons spilled out led by Reptile, Mileena, and Noob Saibot. The Edenian army was unprepared and drastically outnumbered. It would only be a matter of time before the realm was taken.

Reiko let his adrenaline and Demon instincts calm down as he walked to the window to watch the invasion. For the second time, he had participated in the conquering of Edenia. Shinnok and Quan Chi seemed to be very pleased that their plan went perfectly. Scorpion wandered off into a corner, apparently not proud of his actions. Tanya was taunting the unconscious Kitana and Sindel, although Reiko couldn't hear what she was saying.

As Reiko watched the Netherealm army spread out across the Edenian capital like a swarm of locusts, he couldn't help but reflect on the first time Edenia was taken and what it was like serving Shao Kahn. When he worked for Kahn, it was just a job. He was content to be a soldier and fought for honor. Now something had changed. Maybe it was because he gave up his soul. Maybe his time in the Netherealm had taken it's toll on him. Or maybe it was Sareena's death. For whatever reason, Reiko found no satisfaction with this victory.

He felt empty.

End of Chapter IX