VI . The Circle Complete

This time the Bridge of Immortality led straight to the apex of Shinnok's pyramid. As I made my way over, I glanced down at either side at the kneeling Netherrealm guards. They were so still and at attention. They were not human. Their skin was dark grey and coarsed with veins. Their breathing was rapid. They wore head vestments that engulfed the top halves of their heads. Teeth resembling that of Tarkata made up the lower halves of their faces. I still had the eerie sense that if I stopped long enough, one of them would lunge at me.

Peering into the entryway of the pyramid, I noticed that the inside was completely black. I swallowed the last of my humanity and stepped inside. The scene was the same as before. Quan Chi and Shinnok slowly lit into focus at the end of the platform and the green flamed torches light up again. This time the sorcerer was holding a smoking chalice in both hands. He smiled from ear to ear as I approached. I stopped directly in front of them. I interrupted Quan Chi before he could utter a word.

``You already know my decision.'' I said.

``And we are delighted.'' responded Shinnok. ``The prodigal son has returned to us. Begin anew where you truly belong.''

Quan Chi put the chalice in my hands. The stench from cup my eyes tear and scraped the back of my throat.

``A drink to choosing your own destiny.'' said the sorcerer.

Indeed.

As I looked into the chalice, the vapor that emitted from the black liquid dulled my senses. I was given one last vision:

I am in the amulet's chamber back in the Fire Temple, where light and warped space converged once again. In what must be an outer-body experience, I can see my own figure come bursting through a white portal with Shinnok's amulet in hand. I landed with a thud onto the rocky floor at Raiden's feet. Smoke billowed from my body as I struggled to get up. Out of breath, I do my best to speak.

``Here... the amulet.'' I manage to squeak out.

``Impressive, Sub-Zero.'' Smirked Raiden. ``Perhaps you will reconcile your reckless past after all.''

``That's it?! Not even a thank you?'' I protested.

``Thank yourself for undoing a problem you created.'' Replied the Thunder God sharply.

Just as he starts away, I grab him by the arm.

``One question.'' I plead. ``Quan Chi told me that you sent me because my soul was tainted with evil... is that true?''

Raiden smiled at this. After a brief pause, his look showed admiration for me.

``You are a superb warrior, Sub-Zero. But only you are in control of your destiny. Not even the gods can alter your chosen path of life.''

``Was that a yes or a no?''

``That was a yes... but only you can change it.''

The vapors cleared from eyes and I'm back to where I was before. I saw the eager smile of Quan Chi and felt Shinnok's narrow eyes upon me. It was time.

I quickly yanked off my mask, and drank down the contents of the chalice quickly. I immediately felt my stomach set on fire, which made me kneel over. It was true pain that surged through my veins, my blood and my skin. I felt the liquid expel from my mouth and engulf the rest of my body. The burning sensation changed quickly to a deep cold. The black liquid ran up my legs first, then my torso, then my arms. It ran up the back of my neck and gave me a deep chill.

The cold finally went up the back of my head and swallowed the uncovered part of my face. Everything went to black.

Author : SHU

Creation date: 2011-2-5-21-6

Modification date: 2011-2-5-21-6