Chapter XI

"Moment of Truth"

Rain poured down outside the Edenian Palace like a torrent soaking Reiko who was standing outside. In addition to being soaked, he looked like hell. His uniform was torn and he was beat up and filthy. His body ached in pain and he was exhausted, but he didn't care. He was too occupied with what Raiden told him. It had been a week since Reiko's encounter with Raiden and he still hadn't come to grips with what the Thunder God told him. Was it really Shinnok who killed Sareena? Did he and Quan Chi lie to Reiko this whole time? It wasn't that farfetched, but was Raiden merely trying to deceive Reiko into betraying Shinnok? He had spent the week considering these questions but he still wasn't sure what to believe.

Reiko entered the Edenian Palace and decided he would continue working for Shinnok for the time being. He'd continue to serve Shinnok until he got some real answers. But he knew he couldn't let on that anything was out of the ordinary because Shinnok would kill him without second thought if Reiko started to act suspicious.

Reiko walked to the Edenian throne room where he expected to find Shinnok and Quan Chi. Sure enough they were there, but Mileena was with them as well.

"Master Shinnok, I request permission to challenge my sister Kitana in combat." she said quietly and humbly.

"Why? She is locked away in the dungeon. There is no need." Shinnok sneered.

"My lord, I have long wished for a chance to prove I am the better fighter. I wish to fight her now."

"Don't be foolish Mileena. I've no use for Kitana dead yet and I will not risk her escape because of your meaningless grudge."

"Master Shinnok please, I..."

"Do NOT question me Mileena! You will do as your told! Now get out of my sight!" Shinnok bellowed, cutting her off.

As Mileena started to walked away, visibly upset, Shinnok and Quan Chi saw Reiko standing in the throne room. "Reiko?! We were told you died in the battle with the gods?" Shinnok said shocked at Reiko's sudden return. Reiko approached Shinnok and simply shook his head and bowed. "Well, it seems the rumors of your demise were exaggerated. I must say I'm quite impressed with your resourcefulness general!" Shinnok laughed. "I am pleased you have returned. You're skills will be needed for the coming battle. Raiden has gathered his pathetic mortals from Earth to fight. I trust you will have no trouble with the likes of them." Reiko again humbly bowed, resisting the urge to tear out Shinnok's throat. "Excellent. You look exhausted general, I suggest you get some rest."

Reiko bowed and left the throne room leaving Shinnok and Quan Chi watching. Quan Chi then said "I sense something is amiss."

"I agree." Shinnok answered. "Strange that he would somehow slip through Raiden's fingers."

"I think he should be watched."

"Indeed. Noob Saibot!" Shinnok called. Noob Saibot then emerged from the shadows and humbly bowed before Shinnok. "Keep an eye on Reiko. Watch his movements, but remain hidden. Report to me anything suspicious."

Noob then bowed and quickly disappeared into the shadows.

Some days past. Shinnok and Raiden's fighters traded victories and defeats through several battles. Thus far, Shinnok's so-called war on the Earth warriors seemed no different than a Mortal Kombat tournament. Whether or not that was on purpose or a coincidence, Reiko didn't know. He didn't care either.

Reiko paid no mind to Shinnok or Quan Chi's schemes and plans against the Earth warriors. He was more concerned with what he should do. He could try contacting the younger brother of Sub-Zero and attempt to get answers from him. But how would he know that this Sub-Zero wasn't also lying? Attempting to ask Shinnok or Quan Chi would be meaningless because he'd never get a straight answer from them whether they were telling the truth or not. Besides, they'd kill him either way.

Raiden was probably just lying, trying to cause dissension within Shinnok's ranks. But of all the ways to create mistrust, why Reiko and why through Sareena? There was something deeper bothering Reiko about Raiden's words too. Reiko was usually good at reading people and telling whether or not they were lying, but his Demon instincts clouded his judgment at times. When Quan Chi told him that Sareena was killed by Sub-Zero, he was so enraged that he didn't even bother to question it.

Very soon it became clear that there was no way Reiko could no for sure. There was no way of knowing for certain who was telling the truth. He'd just have to trust himself.

Reiko's thoughts were interrupted by Quan Chi entering his chamber saying "Reiko, Master Shinnok wants to see you."

Reiko went to the throne room where he found Shinnok waiting for him. "Reiko come! I have an important mission for you." Reiko stood before Shinnok and bowed awaiting his orders. "As you are aware Tanya has infiltrated Raiden's forces and is leading them to an ambush. However, some of our agents have reported that the Earthrealm warrior Kung Lao has returned and is planning on joining with the other warriors of Earth. He is a most dangerous adversary. I want you to eliminate him before he joins with Raiden." Reiko nodded and bowed accepting his orders and Shinnok finished. "Excellent. He was last seen outside the Shaolin Temple, go quickly."

Reiko left the Edenian Palace through a portal that took him to Earth. Once on Earth he quickly made his way to the Shaolin Temple where intended to intercept Kung Lao. Reiko had heard of Kung Lao who fought prominently during Shao Kahn's invasion. He was widely regarded as a feared and formidable warrior however he was rumored to have been killed during the war on Earth. Apparently, those rumors were inaccurate.

Reiko found the Shaolin Temples which looked all but deserted. Outside down the road he spotted Kung Lao, recognizing his trademark razor sharp hat. Reiko slowly approached, knowing to defeat Kung Lao would require his full skill and concentration. However, Reiko's mind was still too occupied with what Raiden said.

Reiko hid within the shadows waiting for the right time to strike until Kung Lao suddenly threw his hat at him. Reiko quickly dodged as the hat returned to Kung Lao.

"And what's your business stranger?" Kung Lao asked. Reiko didn't answer. He only cracked his neck and took a fighting stance. Kung Lao simply nodded and said "I see. Let us begin."

Reiko and Kung Lao stared at each other for several minutes waiting for one to make the first attack. Reiko made the first attack and he and Kung Lao began trading blocks and dodges. They sparred for several minutes, neither connecting with the other. Reiko could see that Kung Lao was holding back, wanting to see what Reiko was capable of. Reiko however, was too distracted to use his full skill.

After a brief pause, Kung Lao took the offensive. Kung Lao's attacks were methodical, and Reiko was having trouble keeping up. This wasn't any good. Reiko couldn't concentrate on his fight. Raiden's words kept repeating in his head, but there was more. Reiko's effort just wasn't there. Suppose Raiden was telling the truth, why should he try to help Shinnok by killing Kung Lao? Reiko then left himself open and Kung Lao took advantage immediately. He struck hard and fast, dislocating Reiko's shoulder. Reiko attempted to counter but was struck again and sent to the ground.

The fight was not going well. Reiko had too much on his mind and Kung Lao was too formidable. Reiko attempted his Flip Kick in a last ditch effort but Kung Lao backflipped out of the way and struck Reiko with his Bullet Kick. Reiko crumbled to the ground and didn't bother to get up. He didn't care enough to continue fighting.

Kung Lao cautiously approached the downed Reiko, expecting this to be a ruse. He removed his hat intending to finish Reiko off just in case, but Reiko suddenly sprang to his feet and threw a dozen ninja stars at Kung Lao. Lao easily dodged them but Reiko used to opportunity to escape. Kung Lao took a deep breathe and cautiously left.

Hidden away, Reiko painfully cracked his shoulder back into place. He felt slightly ashamed running from Kung Lao, but he knew he couldn't win and he couldn't afford to die yet. Not until he figured out what he was going to do about Shinnok.

Reiko returned to the Edenian Palace and made his way to the throne room to report his failure, expecting to be promptly punished for it. Entering the throne room he found Shinnok furiously yelling at Reptile.

"This ambush was perfectly planned! Yet SOMEHOW you pathetic fools still managed to screw it up!" Shinnok bellowed furiously.

"It'sssss not our fault masssster Shinnok." Reptile said sheepishly. "Mileena wassss ssssuposssssed to be there to help usssss but she wassssssn't. And then the princessssss Kitana appeared and we were outnumbered..."

"Wait." Shinnok interrupted. "Mileena mysteriously disappears and Kitana miraculously returns to help the Earth fighters." Shinnok then groaned and said "I think I see it now. Reptile, get out of my sight." Reptile quickly ran off and Reiko slowly approached. Shinnok looked at Reiko who looked beat up and again groaned. "Don't tell me. You failed too." Reiko solemnly nodded making Shinnok scream in frustration. "I am surrounded by incompetence! Can no one do anything right?!" Shinnok continued to yell and scream in frustration and demanded "So what's your excuse?"

Reiko telepathically told Shinnok that Kung Lao was simply too formidable and he underestimated him. He neglected to tell Shinnok, however, that he lost mainly because he wasn't trying. Fortunately, Shinnok could only read the thoughts Reiko wanted him to read.

Shinnok sighed and said "So this Kung Lao is worthy of his reputation. By now he's joined with his allies." Shinnok paused to rub his forehead in frustration and mumbled to himself "Kitana is escaped, Tanya's ruse has been revealed and now Kung Lao has returned. No end to bad news." Shinnok paused again and then approached Reiko. "No matter. A minor setback, nothing more. We'll simply have to find another means of defeating Raiden's warriors. In the meantime, I have a small job for you. I want you to find that traitorous whore Mileena and bring her to me. Alive." Reiko stared at Shinnok confused why and Shinnok said "She allowed Kitana to escape the dungeons for her meaningless grudge and as a result jeopardized our plan. If that stupid bitch thinks I'm simply going to allow her to get away with that, she is quite mistaken. So find her and bring her to me. Alive. Understood?"

Reiko bowed and left the throne room. Shinnok waited until Reiko was gone that called out "Noob Saibot! Report!"

Noob appeared out of the shadows and told Shinnok of Reiko's fight against Kung Lao. He mentioned that it appeared that Reiko wasn't even trying to win. "Strange." Shinnok wondered aloud. "Why would Reiko betray me? Mileena I could see, but Reiko? What could he have to gain by turning on me?" Shinnok paused and said to Noob "Continue following him. If he does anything out of the ordinary, kill him."

Reiko cleaned himself and left the Edenian Palace to begin his search for Mileena. This was good Reiko thought. He had no way knowing where Mileena'd be, but he did have an idea of where Kitana was. Wherever Kitana was, Mileena couldn't be far behind. Hunting Mileena would buy him time to think. He could tell Shinnok was suspicious and was probably only waiting to see what he was up to, so Reiko would have to make a decision fast.

As Reiko walked he continued to think about Raiden's words. He then thought even if Raiden was telling the truth, why should he care? He never cared about Sareena. She was just a burden. He lost his place in Shao Kahn's army because of her. She meant nothing to him. Why should he risk his place in Shinnok's army for her? Why risk his existence by angering Shinnok for her? Was Sareena worth it?

Reiko found Kitana not far from the Earth warriors' camp which was on the Edenian plains, a heavily wooded area. She was training and practicing fighting techniques, which was surprising because it was very late in the night. But then again, Reiko had heard that Kitana was something of a workaholic. She was out in the open by herself so Mileena had to be close. Sure enough, Reiko caught a brief glimpse of purple moving through the shadows.

Reiko moved in and found Mileena sneaking around Kitana. Mileena's ninja instincts however were too sharp and she sensed Reiko following her. She threw one of her sais which Reiko quickly dodged, jumping out in the open.

"I already know why you're here general and I'm not going back." Mileena said defiantly. Reiko didn't move and simply stared at Mileena who then said "If you want to take me then come try, but I am NOT going back to him!"

As Mileena talked, Reiko saw how desperate she was to fight Kitana. He realized that she was even willing to anger Shinnok to get her chance to fight. She was his slave just as Reiko was and if she was caught Shinnok'd put her in some dark miserable place where nightmares are born. But she didn't care. Defeating Kitana was that important to her.

"Well?" Mileena asked, expecting Reiko to attack. But he didn't. He simply nodded at Mileena and motioned her to get going. She stared at him shocked and asked "You're letting me go? Why?" but Reiko didn't answer. Mileena slowly started to walk away but turned and said "Shinnok will punish you for this. You should know he suspects you. I overheard him speaking after you returned. Noob Saibot is spying on you. He's to report anything suspicious you do. I suspect he'll report this."

Mileena disappeared and Reiko began looking around him for Noob Saibot. It was dark so seeing Saibot would be almost impossible, but Reiko knew he was there. In the corner of his eye, Reiko saw a shadow move and quickly jumped out of the way. There he saw Noob Saibot, armed with a large scythe. Rain began to fall as Reiko and Noob Saibot charged at each other. Neither had to say anything. Both knew what they were trying to do.

Noob swung his scythe at Reiko who barely dodged each attack. When the chance came he kicked it out of Saibot's hands and they began fighting hand to hand. The falling rain worked to Reiko's advantage because Noob could no longer blend into the shadows.

Reiko and Noob Saibot's battle was fierce taking both warriors to their limits. They both unloaded every trick, attack, and technique at their disposal. Faked attacks, misleads and dozens of other red herrings were thrown at each other. They were too evenly matched.

Their battle seemed to go one for hours. The two of them paused and stared at each other panting and trying to think of what to do next. It had stopped raining and the sun was beginning to rise.

In between the two warriors, Noob Saibot's scythe lay on the ground. They both tensed, expecting the other to make a run for it. Reiko made like he was about to move and Noob charged. He reached the scythe first which is what Reiko had in mind. He drop kicked the scythe splitting it in two. Reiko allowed Noob to grab the end that had the blade attached and he grabbed the other end which was broken into a stake.

Noob swung the blade and plunged into Reiko's side, however as the blade hit, Noob felt a sharp pain enter his stomach. Reiko allowed himself to be hit with the blade as he rammed the other end of the scythe into Noob's stomach.

Noob slowly backed away and pulled the stake from his gut just as Reiko unloaded every ninja star he had onto him. Noob was able to deflect some with the stake but many others punctured his body. Reiko removed the scythe blade and slowly approached the downed Saibot. Noob then suddenly threw his Ghost Fireball at Reiko and used the opportunity to escape. As the effects of the fireball wore off, Reiko collapsed onto the ground and passed out.

While he was unconcisous, Reiko dreamed of Sareena. It was strange because since he became a Demon, he almost never dreamed. He saw Sareena, surrounded by fire screaming in pain. She looked at him and began screaming his name.

"You promised! You promised!" she repeated over and over. Her voice faded and away and she disappeared. Suddenly Reiko saw Ash standing alone in a black void. He turned and stared at him.

"You promised." he began repeating too. "You promised."

"You promised."

Reiko slowly awoke still wracked with pain from his fight with Noob Saibot. It looked like a day or two had passed. It was raining again, only this time more violently. Thunder and lightning cracked in the distance. Somehow, Reiko could sense it. The final battle had begun.

He quickly patched himself up and made his way to where he sensed the fight taking place. Shinnok and Raiden were fighting atop a mountain on Earth. As the two gods fought, lightning cracked and thunder roared. The ground shook with each blow and the Heavens wept.

Reiko stood alone on the stairway leading to the mountaintop. As he stood there he again began to think about what he could do. Even after everything that had happened, Reiko was no closer to a decision.

Was Raiden lying? He kept wondering but deep down what the answer was. He could just feel it. It's why Sub-Zero's death brought no peace. Deep down he knew there was more to Sareena's death. It was Shinnok. It had to have been.

But, even if Raiden was telling the truth, what could Reiko do? Shinnok was a god and Reiko was just a soulless Demon. He already suspected Reiko and there was the possibility that Noob Saibot warned Shinnok of his dissension. So even if he attempted to attack Shinnok, he'd be broken to pieces before the first blow even landed. Reiko was not afraid of dying, but he didn't want to die for nothing. At the very least he wanted to make sure Shinnok paid for Sareena before he died.

But was Sareena even worth it? Was she worth dying for? Was she worth risking his place in Shinnok's army for? He never cared about her. He barely even knew her. In all the time that had passed, they almost never saw each other, much less spoke. She meant nothing to him, he kept thinking. But deep down he knew it wasn't true. For whatever reason, he had grown attached to Sareena. He did care.

As Reiko thought, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw it was the Mortal Kombat champion Liu Kang. Kang stared at Reiko for a moment and took a fighting stance, expecting Reiko to attack. But instead he just stared at Kang.

This was it, Reiko thought to himself. He could forget about Sareena, remain loyal to Shinnok and try to fight Liu Kang right now. He might not win, but he'd buy Shinnok enough time to defeat Raiden and then he could easily defeat Kang.

But as he stared at Liu Kang, the answer became clear. Only one thing mattered. Only one thing ever mattered. He made a promise.

Reiko slowly stepped aside to let Liu Kang pass. Kang stared at him baffled about what this meant and said "I don't understand..."

Reiko stared Liu Kang dead in the eye, opened his mouth and said "Kill him."

Liu Kang looked surprised at what Reiko just said. He didn't understand what Reiko meant or why he said that, but he understood what Reiko was doing. Kang solemnly nodded and ran up the stairs to join Raiden in the fight against Shinnok.

Reiko watched Kang leave and simply turned around and walked down the stairs.

__________________________________________

Reiko stood alone in an Edenian Tomb. Liu Kang and Raiden were successful in defeating Shinnok. His defeat had something to do with Quan Chi having his Amulet, but Quan Chi was dragged into the Netherealm by Scorpion. The details weren't clear to Reiko, but he didn't care. All that mattered is that Shinnok and Quan Chi were gone. After Shinnok's defeat, the Demons retreated back into the Netherealm, and his generals scattered amongst themselves.

A small portal opened in front of Reiko and he walked through it. It took him to Outworld where he walked into Shao Kahn's fortress and into the throne room. Upon entering, Reiko couldn't help but notice how little it had changed in all the years that had passed. He walked to the throne and sat down to gather his thoughts. Next to the throne was Shao Kahn's skull helmet. Reiko picked it up and began staring at it.

He started to think about everything that had happened to him and what he should do next. For the first time, Reiko had nothing to fight for. Throughout his life, he fought simply for fighting's sake. For honor and skill. But now, he finally understood why Ash always needed a purpose. What good was a warrior with nothing to fight for? Shinnok was gone, so he'd no longer be serving him. Shao Kahn was missing and presumed dead. Even if he was alive, he probably didn't remember Reiko at all. And Sareena was dead too. There was nothing for him.

He stared at Kahn's helmet and remembered what Kahn said to him so many years ago. About Reiko taking his place as Emperor of Outworld if something should happen to Kahn. Since Shao Kahn was supposedly dead, is this what his new purpose should be? Should he continue Shao Kahn's legacy? Should he expand the Outworld empire in Kahn's name, just as he wanted? Emperor Reiko?

Reiko stared at Kahn's helmet and almost thought about putting it on.

Almost.

He then threw it aside and left the throne room. Whatever his purpose was, it wasn't here.

End of Chapter XI