Reiko looking for war.

The massive doors of the throne room exploded open with a violent crack that echoed through the enormous chamber.

The sound rolled across the jade pillars and vaulted ceilings like thunder.

Every guard in the hall stiffened instantly, hands dropped to sword hilts. Steel freed from its sheaths.

Then a body was thrown across the marble floor.

The figure tumbled hard, sliding several feet before crashing against the base of a pillar, and blood streaked the polished stone.

Behind him, framed in the doorway like an omen, stood a familiar and menacing figure.

Reiko.

The warlord stepped inside slowly, his heavy boots echoing through the hall. His armour resembled that of Shao Kahn’s elite commanders, dark iron plating, brutal in design, adorned with the same warlike aesthetic the fallen emperor had favoured. But where Shao Kahn’s armour bore the full crest of dominion, Reiko’s was simpler.

Two soldiers followed him inside, their expressions grim as they pushed the doors fully open.

Reiko dragged Zafeero forward by the collar like a discarded sack before letting him fall completely.

He had clearly refused to allow the general entry without permission, and Reiko had answered with ****. With casual indifference, he shoved the battered noble aside. His cold eyes lifted toward me; Hatred burned in them.

“What is the meaning of this!?” Baraka barked, stepping forward with a furious snarl, the Tarkatan’s blades twitched instinctively.

Behind him, Jade moved immediately. At my silent command, she rushed to Zafeero’s side, kneeling beside him to check his injuries.

Reiko barely acknowledged her movement.

“At ease, Tarkatan,” Reiko said calmly, his voice carrying across the chamber like a sharp-cutting blade.

He spread his arms slightly, asserting his presence within the room.

“My fight is not with you.”

Baraka’s muscles tensed, ready to strike anyway; I stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. Not **** but firm and respectful, slowly guiding him aside.
My eyes never left Reiko’s.

“Greetings… Emperor.” The word dripped with mockery.

I smirked. “Greetings, Reiko.” The calm in my voice made his brow twitch slightly. “What brings you here?” I continued casually. “I’m certain it isn’t the charming history of the Dragon King.”

Reiko’s lip curled. He suddenly shoved my shoulder with **** and pointed a finger directly at my chest. His voice sharpened. “Do not play games with me, Earthrealmer.”

I didn’t move, didn’t blink. “Watch your next move, General,” I said quietly.

My gaze hardened.

“Touching me like that these days would earn you a missing hand… and a very short career.”

The room grew colder.

Reiko leaned closer. “Look at you now,” he muttered with disdain. “Already pretending to be king.” His face hovered inches from mine. “You’re nothing but a pathetic ant wearing a crown that isn’t yours.”

His voice dropped to a whisper.

“I’m giving you one chance, Earthrealmer. Leave Outworld. Now, and I might let you live.”

A flash of violet light suddenly cut between us, making a vibrating, powerful strike.

Reiko was violently knocked backward as a glowing metal staff struck his chest; he slid across the marble floor several steps before catching his balance.
Jade stepped forward into view, her staff hummed with purple energy as she planted herself directly in front of me, protective and unyielding.

“If you dare put your hands on him again…” Jade said coldly. Her emerald eyes burned with deadly focus. “Then that warning strike will feel like mercy.”
Reiko straightened slowly. He rubbed his chest where the strike had landed.

Then he laughed. A cruel, mocking laugh. “Well, well…” He tilted his head. “Still the same Jade.”

His voice carried a twisted admiration. “Shao Kahn’s and Kitana’s most loyal bodyguard.”

His eyes darkened.

“And now… a traitor.”

His grin widened. “Tell me something.” He glanced between us. “Did the Earthrealmer fuck you that well already?” His voice turned venomous. “Is that why you’re kneeling at his feet like this?”

Jade’s expression twisted with fury; Her staff lifted again.

But my hand caught her arm gently. “Easy.”

My voice was calm; I was not commanding her but requesting with care. This wasn’t her fight.

I stepped forward again, closing the distance with Reiko.

“You will leave this place,” I said quietly.

My voice carried authority. “I won’t repeat myself. I suggest you take that mercy while you still have it.”

Before Reiko could respond, Baraka stepped forward.

“Reiko… do not be a fool.” His voice was heavy with warning. “There is no honour in throwing your life away for a dead tyrant.”

Reiko’s gaze shifted toward him; disgust flashed across his face.

“My honour remains intact.”

His voice hardened. “I still follow the only man who ever made Outworld powerful.” His eyes flicked back to me. “Yours is the one that’s tainted… listening to the lies of this Earthrealmer.”

Baraka’s fists clenched. “You’re blind,” the Tarkatan growled. “Shao Kahn would have destroyed every realm eventually. His ambition had no end!”

Reiko’s voice suddenly thundered. “SHAO KAHN WOULD HAVE MADE US IMMORTAL!”

His words echoed violently through the throne room.

“I should tear your tongue out for speaking about THE EMPEROR like that!”

Baraka hissed, ready to lunge, but I stepped between them.

“This ends now.” My voice cut through the room. “Leave, Reiko.”

Silence followed, then Reiko smirked. “Oh… someone will be leaving.”

His finger pointed at my chest again.

“But not walking.”

I tilted my head slightly. “Are you challenging me, Reiko?” My tone remained calm. “Think very carefully before you answer.”

His grin widened; he stepped back. Raised his arm dramatically and pointed straight at me.

“I CHALLENGE YOU…” His voice boomed across the hall. “IN MORTAL KOMBAT!”

Gasps erupted across the chamber.

Zafeero froze, Baraka’s eyes widened even Jade stiffened beside me.

But my expression didn’t change.

Fenrir understood immediately that this wasn’t a duel. This was a test of legitimacy.

Reiko was forcing his hand.

Baraka shook his head with a savage grin. “You’re a fool, Reiko. There is no reason why the emperor should accept that challenge.”

His fangs glinted.

“You hold no leverage here.”

Reiko chuckled darkly.

“Oh… I believe he will.”

His eyes turned toward the throne room entrance, and several palace servants had gathered there, drawn by the commotion, from guards to workers. Reiko’s soldiers had even stepped aside to give them a better view.

“You see…” Reiko continued slowly. “He’s the one with no leverage.”

The realisation spread through the room like poison.

Baraka’s expression darkened, Zafeero struggled to his feet, clutching his ribs, and Jade stepped beside me, her voice soft.

“Fenrir…” Her eyes searched mine. “What does he mean?”

Reiko answered before I could.

“Isn’t it obvious?”

He began pacing around us like a predator. “The moment he refuses…” He gestured toward the witnesses. “Word spreads. Across Sun Do…Across Outworld.”

His grin widened.

“The emperor was afraid. You’ll be seen as weak, as cowards. Forget about earning the loyalty of the clans.”
Baraka lowered his head; Reiko had struck the heart of the matter.

Jade turned to me. “They won’t believe him,” she said quickly, then her voice softened. “…Will they?”

I sighed quietly.

“Yes.”

My fingers gently squeezed her hand. “I’m not from Outworld.” My voice carried quiet acceptance. “I will never truly belong here… unless I prove it.”
I stepped forward, facing Reiko directly.

“I accept your challenge.”

The room went silent.

I raised one finger. “But if I win…” My voice sharpened. “You and your soldiers leave Sun Do to never return, and if you remain in the city after midnight…”
My eyes hardened. “You will be hunted down and imprisoned for treason.”

Reiko’s grin widened into something darker.

“And if you lose…” He stepped close again. “You will renounce the crown the Elder Gods gave you.”

His voice dropped.

“And face whatever punishment awaits you for daring to steal it.”

He leaned closer, whispering. “That is…If you survive long enough to see it.” His breath brushed my ear. “Because I have no intention of letting you leave this place alive.”

I studied the room; Reiko’s trap had been executed perfectly.

Baraka looked conflicted, Zafeero struggled upright, uncertain. The gathered servants whispered nervously.

And Jade…Jade’s eyes were full of worry.

She shook her head immediately, a silent plea. Don’t do this, it was.

I stepped past her, giving her a reassuring smirk.

“Lead the way, Reiko.”

---

The centre of Sun Do had been transformed into a battlefield.

Reiko had chosen the heart of the city deliberately. The wide stone plaza beneath the towering steps of the palace had become a makeshift arena, its circular layout formed by the natural rise of the marble steps and the surrounding architecture. Citizens gathered across balconies, rooftops, and the carved terraces that overlooked the square.

He wanted witnesses, he wanted every eye in Outworld to see what would happen next.

At the centre of the arena, the polished stone floor bore a familiar symbol carved deep into the marble. The dragon emblem of the Elder Gods, it stretched beneath our feet like an ancient seal, its lines glowing faintly in the afternoon light. As if the gods themselves were watching.

Reiko stood across from me on the opposite side of the circle.

His soldiers adjusted the straps of his armour while he remained perfectly still. They tightened his gauntlets, checked the buckles of his war bracers, and secured the leather harness that held his massive war hammer across his back.

But Reiko barely acknowledged them, his eyes never left me.

I returned the stare…or I tried to.

Jade suddenly stepped directly in front of me, blocking the view. Her hands moved quickly as she straightened my coat and adjusted the collar around my neck.
Concern barely described her expression.

On one hand she was clearly worried for my safety. Her touch was careful, almost tender as she inspected me for any loose armour or **** spots.
On the other hand, she looked like she wanted to strangle me.

“I cannot believe you agreed to this,” she muttered under her breath.

Her glare could have pierced steel.

I smiled gently at her. “Really? I thought you'd support me on this.”

Her eyes snapped up to mine. “Oh, I support you,” she said flatly.

She finished fixing the collar of my coat with an irritated tug.

“Do not confuse support with approval.”

I chuckled quietly. “Then why are you angry?”

“You know exactly why.” Her voice lowered, intense. “You put everything on the line by accepting this.”

“I didn’t have much choice.”

“Yes, you did,” she shot back. “You could have refused.”

“And lose the confidence of every clan in Outworld?” I asked softly.

She hesitated; she knew I was right.

Still, she frowned. “You are still being reckless,” she muttered.

“I’m not being cocky.”

“Yes, you are.” Her voice sharpened. “You may have defeated Shao Kahn during the tournament, but Reiko is not just some tournament challenger. He was one of Shao Kahn’s generals, he has fought in wars across realms.”

Her eyes softened slightly. “And if you lose… he will not show mercy.”

The frustration faded from her expression.

Now there was only fear. “Please,” she whispered. “Be careful.”

The vulnerability in her voice surprised even her, she didn’t understand why this worried her so much. Why the thought of losing him made something twist painfully inside her chest.

Jade had spent centuries surviving under Shao Kahn’s brutal rule. She had watched countless warriors die in the arena; She had learned long ago not to let herself care.

But now…Looking at Fenrir's calm blue eyes, she felt something she hadn’t felt in centuries.

Warmth, Safety…Attachment.

She didn’t know what frightened her more. The fight itself or what she was starting to feel.

Fenrir noticed the storm of emotions in her gaze.

Gently, he cupped her cheek, his thumb brushed across her skin in a soft, reassuring motion.

“You are beautiful when you worry like this,” he said quietly.

Jade blinked; a faint blush coloured her cheeks.

She looked away for a moment before chuckling. “Shut up, idiot.” But her smile lingered.

“Just… come back in one piece.”

Fenrir leaned down and kissed her forehead softly.

“I always do.”

He stepped past her and walked toward the centre of the arena.

Behind him, Jade crossed her arms and shook her head. “Idiot.” she murmured again, but she was smiling.

She trusted him.

Reiko stood waiting. The two of us stopped only a few feet apart.

His hammer rested against the stone beside him. “That’s a nice hammer,” I said casually. I nodded toward it. “Reminds me of someone I beat recently.”

Reiko’s lips twisted into a cruel grin.

He slid into his Ying Yeung combat stance, his body lowering into a ready position. “I will enjoy every second of killing you.” he said calmly.

I mirrored him, shifting into a modified Sun Bin stance, my weight balanced lightly on the strength of my feet. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Then we moved; Both of us charged forward with a roar.

Our fists collided violently, the impact cracked through the plaza like thunder as we struck each other simultaneously and staggered backward.

The crowd erupted; cheers thundered through Sun Do.

Reiko lunged again, hammer swinging downward in a brutal arc. I dodged easily, but I let my movements appear slower than they actually were.

Reiko pressed the attack, hammer swinging again and again. I evaded each strike, but just barely. To the crowd it looked like I was struggling.

That was intentional; Fenrir wasn’t fighting to win quickly.

He was studying, Reiko had not participated in the tournament. Fenrir had never fought him before.

That made him an unknown variable.

So Fenrir watched; Measuring and analysing.

And something else…If the people saw him dominate Reiko immediately, they might see it as arrogance.

But if Reiko gained the upper hand first, Then Fenrir turned the fight around…The victory would mean more.

Respect would follow.

Reiko didn’t realize it, but he was walking straight into a trap.

Across the arena, Ermac watched closely.

His glowing green eyes narrowed slightly, the souls within him whispered in unison.

“The emperor is holding back.”

Ermac tilted his head faintly.

“Interesting.”

---

“Is that all you’ve got?” I taunted as I dodged another hammer strike. I spun and delivered a kick to Reiko’s back, sending him stumbling forward. “Stop embarrassing yourself, Reiko.”

I grinned. “That hammer looks a little too big for you.”

“Silence!” he roared.

He attacked again. Two powerful yet swift swing, then a third one to complete the combo.

I dodged them all. The crowd roared louder.

Then suddenly, Reiko teleported behind me.

I barely blocked his punch in time; My counterstrike slammed into his chest.

He coughed, spitting blood. “Seriously?” I smirked. “That’s the mighty General Reiko?”

His eyes burned with fury; Reiko had fought in countless battles under Shao Kahn. He had crushed armies; he had defeated champions.

And now, an Earthrealmer mocked him in front of the entire city.

His pride couldn’t accept that.

His rage began to grow and rage made him dangerous. But it also made him careless.

Reiko suddenly noticed my stance.

One foot slightly forward…An opening.

“Cat got your ton- “before I could answer his lips curled; he launched forward.

I raised my guard, he jabbed and I blocked it… but it was a feint.

Reiko spun mid-air and slammed a devastating flip kick into my chest.

The impact sent me flying, I crashed hard against the stone.

“Damn it…” I muttered, coughing blood.

Reiko didn’t stop, shuriken flashed through the air. I dodged most of them but two buried themselves into my arms. Pain shot through me, then Reiko closed the distance with a deadly combination of strikes; Punch, elbow, knee and a final hammer strike to my chest. His combination was brutal and relentless.

Finally, he grabbed my leg and slammed me violently into the ground.

Before I could recover, He teleported again.

His arm locked around my throat in a chokehold. “AND YOU CALL YOURSELF EMPEROR?!” he roared.

The crowd gasped; some began shouting for him to finish me.

Jade’s heart nearly stopped.

Reiko tightened his grip. “You better hold me tight asshole.” I said with a smirk while ****

“Even now you mock me?” he snarled. “You make Johnny Cage sound intelligent.” He squeezed harder.

Jade suddenly tried to rush forward, but Ermac’s hand held her firmly in place. “Let me go!” she shouted.

“No.”

“HE’S GOING TO KILL HIM!”

“Look.”

She followed his gaze, Fenrir looked exhausted…weak and defeated; But…He smirked? Jade blinked, confused.

Reiko didn’t notice. “You will die forgotten,” he whispered.

“Don’t… count me out yet.” He said keeping up the act.

“You’re finished.”

“Famous last words.” He added with a smirk, in that moment Fenrir's eyes glowed bright blue.

Heat erupted from his skin; Reiko screamed as his arm burned violently. He released the chokehold and stumbled backward.

The crowd gasped; Fenrir stood slowly.

His wounds began healing before their eyes.

“What…?” Reiko stared in disbelief. “That’s impossible! You’re human! You can’t use magic!”

Fenrir smirked; his sword materialized behind him in a burst of fiery blue energy. “You should read more often.”

He drew his revolver and spun the cylinder. “I hunt demons for a living.”

Reiko’s eyes widened awestruck “What are you?”

Fenrir raised his blade. “I’m your emperor.” he stated with a small opened arms gesture.

Then he pointed at him “And you, will bow to me.”

With that he unleashed a furious and precise combo string, beginning with a flurry of quick flowing bullets from my hellfire revolver. Making Reiko tremble by it’s push sending him backwards. Then Fenrir closed the distance with a swift forward strike, making precise cuts and switching with ease to hand-to-hand punches landing on his body, little by little Reiko was taken for a spin through a house pain brought by pure skill and retribution from Fenrir.

Reiko was completely overwhelmed, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.

Within seconds, the fight was decided.

Fenrir launched one final blue-flame uppercut sending his opponent flying and crashing to the ground, broken and bloody.

Fenrir's sword hovered inches from his face.

“Say it.”

Reiko glared at him; his pride screamed inside in protest.

“SAY IT.”

“…I yield.” He said begrudgingly as the crowd erupted in a deafening unison cheer for the emperor.

Fenrir let out a sigh of relief, lowering my weapon. His eyes returned to its normal selves as he allowed for his powers to rest, pushing the demonic urge backward.

He turned around fully making a few steps forward as the crowd cheer for my victory.

Jade ran toward him immediately; she threw her arms around his neck.

“Idiot.” she scolded while hugging him tightly.

“JaDe…YoU aRe **** ME!” he managed to said as air fade away from his lungs from her tight hug.

“Good.” She squeezed harder, caressing his chest with her head not wanting to let me go. “That’s for scaring me you fool.”

Behind them, Reiko slowly stood.

Humiliation burned inside him, he had been defeated and outplayed... By an Earthrealmer.

His mind run wild with condescending and irate thoughts about the earthrealmer. How could he become so powerful in a blink of an eye? He knew they were not to be underestimated but he played him like a fiddle. This was his plan all along… to giving the notion of victory just to take it away. Reiko clutched his war hammer on the ground tight, he stood up and stared at him for a second his honour and reputation was tainted… he wouldn’t let it be humiliated any further especially from... HIM.

With a roar he charged forward; Hammer raised, ready to kill.

“WATCH OUT!” Jade said to Fenrir the moment he noticed him… the emperor was able to see him and draw his sword but… it was too late. Ermac tried to rush in and stop him, but he also couldn’t reach him in time, the hammer was ready to fall and put an end to this celebration.

It should have been that way… if it wasn’t but for two combined blades standing in front of him, parrying the attack.

Baraka stood between them; His Tarkatan blades locked against the hammer in X.

Reiko struggled, but he was too weakened. Baraka **** him back, and slashed him across his chest.

Reiko collapsed again. “You shame yourself,” Baraka hissed, his eyes burned with disgust. “I should have you executed for such cowardice.”

“Damn you! DAMN YOU ALL FOR CHOOSING THIS EARTHREALMER.” Reiko Cursed, saliva came out from his guttural screams.

His guards dragged him to his feet. “I will return with an army! I will kill every one of you!” he cursed, but he stepped backwards… for a moment he feared the figure in front of him.

Fenrir stepped forward, he stared at him with a look that could pierce the hardest metal. “Leave. I won’t be merciful for a second time.”

“I will have your hea- “Reiko began.

“No, you will not.” Fenrir took a step forward. “Leave. I won’t say it again.” His voice was cold. Reiko froze; Fenrir's eyes glowed again. For a moment his voice deepened… something darker lurking beneath it.

Jade noticed the change immediately. That voice…It wasn’t entirely his.

Even Ermac tilted his head. The souls inside him whispered, “There is… something ancient within him…Something powerful.”

Reiko shivered then turn away fast pushing his way from the crowd. “GET OUT OF MY WAY!” was the last thing it was heard from him that day, at the moment it sounded furious but some knew that there was fear in his eyes… he stared at the eyes of a demon that day.

The crowd gossiped and discuss of what just happened, Zafeero and his guards tried to control it as best as they could.

Fenrir stood motionless afterward.

His sword still gripped tightly; his eyes glowing faintly. Dark veins crept briefly along his neck.

Jade approached him slowly; she called him out softly but he didn’t hear her… he looked in trance staring at the pool of blood where Reiko was just a few seconds ago.

“Fenrir…” Jade whispered. He didn’t respond, she touched his arm. His skin was burning hot almost as if it had fire inside.

“Fenrir.” She called again, but this time he seemed to notice her presence. His eyes stopped glowing and his body began to cool down.

He heard a familiar soft and melodic voice call for him, bringing him back to earth. “Fenrir?” Jade said concerned a third time looking at him, he exhaled deeply.
She looked at him, placing her soft hand on his cheek wanting to look at him in his eyes. “Are you okay?” she asked softly.

He looked at her immediately. “Yes…” He paused taking a small breath in. “I am… are you? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

She took a second to answered, her eyes were carefully studying his… he looked on edge as if he didn’t know what happened.

That scared her. What just happened to him… is he okay?

He pushed those fears aside for the moment, reassuring him. “No, he didn’t… I’m okay.”

He nodded softly placing his hand on top of hers in his cheek tenderly. He grabbed her hand giving it a tender kiss, calming himself… whatever that was… it came from his fear of losing her.

Baraka approached Fenrir, his steps slow and deliberate.

Fenrir and Jade turn to look at him, for a moment only silence stood between them. He studied Fenrir carefully, for several long seconds.

Then, the Tarkatan knelt. “I have chosen my emperor.”

His voice echoed across the silent plaza.

“I will follow you.”

Zafeero knelt next, then Ermac.

Then the people of Sun Do.

One by one, the entire plaza bowed.

“Emperor Fenrir Kahn.” Baraka stated, his decision made.

“Emperor Fenrir Kahn.” Ermac and Zafeero stated, their decision made.

“Emperor Fenrir Kahn.” The people proclaimed, Outworld’s choice made.

The title spread across the square like thunder.

Fenrir stood frozen; He had expected to rule.

But hearing it spoken aloud…Felt different.

Beside him, Jade covered her mouth in stunned silence.

The people didn’t only bow to him.

They bowed to their Queen.

And in that moment the decision was final…Outworld had chosen its new ruler.