Staring into the dimly lit chamber, Scorpion new fully well what awaited him. He had already passed the physical trials, and now had to retain the composure to endure a psychological onslaught. It was fitting for his greatest challenge to occur here, near the fountain of one thousand lost souls, as his own immortal essence had never found its own place of repose. If he were ever to escape this non-corporeal prison known as the Nether Realm, he would have to summon all of his indignation. ``How many years have I endured this hell,'' he pondered silently while taking a deep breath. ``No matter, my revenge lies forward, not behind.''

Fearless, and employing the techniques of the empty mind, he briskly walked through the chamber door. His only passing thoughts were those of vengeance and homicidal vigilantism.

The chamber torches crackled with a wicked omniscience, mocking his ever step. Sulfuric air squeezed his lungs as he scanned the room for any signs of movement. There was none. The sensual void left him with an unquenchable sense of frustration and dread.

``I must find this fountain, my fate lies forward.''

The average man, or demon for that matter, could not have made it so far in such a place. The footholds on the edge of the cavernous trail leading to the chamber were no more than six inches across and lead to an endless abyss. The air was intolerably hot, causing more than superficial sweating. The breeze that rose up from the pit below was rank with the unmistakable scent of death and decay. Were it not for his innate abilities, intense training and trusty spear, and demonic powers the fallen would likely not have been able to cross such a hellish rift himself.

The eerie glow of some abysmal machination came into Scorpions peripheral vision as he passed the farthest torch in the chamber. He was drawn to it, it was inescapable. His destiny lie within that glow. He could feel himself weakening, being overtaken, giving in. There was to much power.

``All these atrocities,'' he couldn't help but cry aloud.

``Avenger.....Avenger,'' the chamber voices whispered.

Who are you?

We are the souls of those murdered and betrayed, we are the collective despair and rage of a thousand broken dreams, we are the heart of indignation.

He was overtaken by pangs of guilt, hatred, and fear. Even a tortured soul like Scorpion had never felt such emotion.

Make it stop! I can't.....can't take it anymore.

We cannot, only you can end this suffering, only you can release us.

Why...why me?

Because Scorpion.....you are the one who has survived through it all. You have known betrayal, you have know injustice, you have walked in the Nether. Only you can emancipate us from our eternal slavery.

How, what do I have to do?

You must protect the one whom you have done injustice to.

I have done no injustice I.....

The brother, you must protect the brother. The sorcerer will find him, and his suffering will undue the balance of our fates. The balance of all our fates.

Never! I must destroy any trace of the Lin Kuei, then must pay for what they have done!

Then we are doomed, and your soul will remain entombed here for eternity. Your hate will be the downfall of us all.