As Scorpion’s fiery form finally arrived back in the Netherrealm, the specter took a moment to look at the soul that he held in his hand. It floated softly in his hand, but as he looked at it, he could hear the muffled cries of Celestia. However, Scorpion only chuckled as he listened, thinking of how those cries of agony would soon be turned to cries of death. With Celestia’s soul in possession of the Netherrealm, she could be used to perform whatever evil deeds Quan Chi saw fit to perform.

Scorpion walked through the fiery realm, heading towards his master’s throne. When he arrived, Quan Chi looked to his servant with a wicked smile on his face. The sorcerer let out a long cackle of deep laughter.

“Scorpion. You have finally returned. I take it you have her soul.”

“I do.” Scorpion lifted his hand and pushed the soul over to his master. Quan Chi’s smile only seemed to widen to the edges of his face as he looked upon the helpless soul.

“You have done well Scorpion. As promised, I shall speak with my master Shinnok about having your family and clan returned to the realm of mortals. Until that time, I think you have earned a leave of absence. You are free to do as you please for now.” Scorpion bowed his head to his master as Quan Chi continued to observe the soul of Princess Celestia. But, as Scorpion walked away, he couldn’t help but feel like he had lost yet another part of himself, rather than gaining something new.

When Scorpion was far enough, Quan Chi chuckled to himself. His loyal servant had given him a powerful soul to command, and all he needed to do was lie to the specter. Quan Chi had no intentions of even talking to Shinnok about the promised deal. The last thing the sorcerer wanted to do was bring back the Shirai Ryu. After all, he was the one who had them killed.

As Scorpion walked through the Netherrealm, he was greeted by the familiar scene of damned souls, scorching flames, and Cerberus, who guarded the entrance to the realm. Everything seemed to greet Scorpion in a way that he couldn’t help but love. This was his home, and he loved it. Yet, at the same time, he couldn’t help but despise it. The colors and sounds of Equis were so different from the Netherrealm. They were lively, happy, and fun. The sounds and colors of the Netherrealm were haunting and devilish. Things that Scorpion had grown to love were starting to become hated by the demon.

Scorpion’s train of thought was interrupted by the dark revenant that walked up to him. Noob Saibot stood next to the specter and chuckled.

“What is wrong Scorpion? You have succeeded in your quest, and soon enough, your family and clan may walk the grasses of Earthrealm yet again,” Noob said. Scorpion was still blind to the true identity of Noob Saibot. Noob, the original Sub Zero, held a sedated hatred in his heart for Scorpion. The two had come to blows once before, in battle that Scorpion won, of course. That was when Noob Saibot, or, as he was known then, Bi-Han was killed. Now, along with his limited hatred, Noob had a sort of respect for Scorpion.

However, in his heart, Noob also held a specific hatred towards Scorpion’s clan, the Shirai Ryu. The Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu were fierce enemies in the past, and Noob still felt anger towards Scorpion’s fallen clan. But, even still, Noob held a small respect for the clan as well. Scorpion was his ally now, and he could show some sympathies for the demon.

“While that is true Noob, I still cannot shake this feeling that I have not done them any justice. I killed, no, murdered an innocent being, from a world so pure and graceful,” Scorpion replied.

“Yes, but it was for the ones you love. Besides, what is the life of one pathetic pony worth when compared to the lives of your family and clan?” Noob asked. Scorpion sighed and nodded his head.

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Of course I am right. Perhaps what you need is some rest.” Scorpion nodded again and walked away, while Noob walked away in the opposite direction. The revenant smirked under his mask, knowing fully well that Quan Chi’s promise was a complete lie.

As Scorpion rose from his slumber, he felt eager to meet with his master. He hoped that Quan Chi had already spoken to Shinnok about having the Shirai Ryu resurrected. Scorpion exited his chambers and made his way through the Netherrealm, heading for Quan Chi’s throne. Scorpion was pleased to see his master sitting there. He bowed his head to the white sorcerer as he spoke.

“Master,” Scorpion greeted, raising his head back up.

“Scorpion.”

“Have you spoken with your master?” Scorpion asked. Quan Chi’s look turned to one of sadness, but Scorpion had no idea it was all a disguise.

“I have, but Shinnok has refused to resurrect the Shirai Ryu. I am sorry Scorpion.” Scorpion’s face became filled with grief and anger.

“W-What? But, that was our deal! You told me that he would do it!”

“I told you that I would request of him to return your family and clan to the realm of the living. I made no promise that he would do it. And you would be more careful not to raise your voice to me.” Quan Chi’s words tore away at Scorpion. Everything he had done, from the first his first moments on Equis, to the moment that he took Celestia’s life, was all for nothing. And what was worse was that he had betrayed the friendships that he had made with the ponies.

Scorpion practically broke down, falling to his knees in front of his master. He couldn’t believe what he was being told. He didn’t know what to say to Quan Chi.

“Do not despair, Scorpion. Because of your actions, the Netherrealm has become much stronger. The soul of Princess Celestia shall be put to good use in the future. At this time, I have no other form of a reward for you. I shall call you back here once I have found something suitable for you actions. You are dismissed.” Scorpion felt like he was having his heart ripped right out of his chest. But, there was nothing he could do. He got back to his feet, bowed his head, and walked away.

“Scorpion!” Quan Chi called. The specter turned around. “Perhaps you would like to see what the fruits of your labor have gifted us.” Quan Chi used his magic to create a mangled and ruined embodiment of the soul of Princess Celestia. This version of the Princess was not regal, and it was not beautiful. It was something unholy and evil, with her former white coat now dark shade of grey. Her beautiful rainbow mane and tail had become things made of pure fire, burning on endlessly. Her eyes were a pure, fiery white, and they pierced right through Scorpion. Her crown was still colored gold, but the gem in the center was no longer purple, but now colored red. Her image, as a whole, was an image of pure evil.

“What do you think?” Quan Chi asked Scorpion. Scorpion turned around before speaking.

“Better than the original,” he lied. After that, the demon simply walked away, not daring to look back at the mangled pony standing next to Quan Chi.

Author's Notes:

And just like that, Quan Chi bitch slaps Scorpion wit dat bullshit. What was a promise of hope has turned into a lie of hatred. Wow, that was corny.

Now, I know it may seem like I'm rushing to a point where Scorpion is going to have a change of heart, but that's only because this is happening right after Scorpion killed Celestia. The next chapter happens after a bit of time. So, have no fear. While I may not write about it, Scorpion will have more time to beat himself up for what he did.