Blood Instincts

By Adam Cheung

A wind-swept battlefield of the distant past, littered with the debris of war. Above the moans and cries of the defeated can still be heard the clashing sounds of a single titanic confrontation. Two great warlords, leaders of their now smashed armies, are locked in battle, with the world itself as the prize. But this epic battle is not to have a conclusion. Suddenly, the warlords were engulfed in a nimbus of light, and vanished from the face of the earth, banished to the realm of Limbo. The battle-weary heroes whose spell had trapped the warlords heaved a sigh of relief. Armageddon had been averted, for now. The world has seen much progress in the centuries since the warlords were banished, not all for good. Pollution has weakened the environment. Governments have fallen. Chaos rules, with a huge mega-corporations battling and destroying each other for shares of the world's wealth.

In this bleak world, a single corporation, Sakai Corp., rises above the others. Rather than joining in direct battles with their competitors, Sakai Corp. has profited from their suffering by selling them the very weapons they use against each other. Sales of weaponry are not the only source of profit for Sakai Corp., however. Their entertainment division produces the top rated television broadcast of the future, the Killer Instinct tournament, which also serves as a testing ground for Sakai Corp.'s weapons. The winners of the tournament are promised whatever they desire. The losers suffer a significantly poorer fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheng Liu
• Release date: Mar 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386754343

Book preview

Contents

Chapter 1: The Contestants

Chapter 2: A Battle of Teeth and Claws

Chapter 3: Soulless Killers

Chapter 4: Investigating

Chapter 5: Two Forms of Combat

Chapter 6: Hidden Evil

Chapter 7: The Escape

Chapter 8: Consequences

Chapter 9: Eve' Punishment

Chapter 10: Fire and Ice

Chapter 11: Friends Forever

Chapter 12: Great Sorrow

Chapter 13: Fighting Fire With Fire

Chapter 14: Through the Eyes of Others

Chapter 15: The Wrath of a Raptor

Chapter 16: True Intentions

Chapter 17: Programmed to Kill

Chapter 18 The Inevitable Approaches

Chapter 19: Showdown Between Friends

Chapter 20: Compassion and Control

Chapter 21: Ragdol

Chapter 22: Escape Again

Chapter 23: Truth and Betrayal

Chapter 24: Rematch

Chapter 25: The Power of the Tiger Spirit

Chapter 26: Final Assault

Chapter 1: The Contestants

The Tiger Spirit had led Jack here. Where was here? Why it was none other than the Sakai Corp.'s base where the Killer Instinct tournament was held. Here he would fight in the tournament to face the ultimate evil. The only downside was that he would be forced to kill other innocents in the tournament until he reached this evil.

Then again, perhaps they weren't all that innocent. They were wiling to kill for their own greed. But wasn't that what Jack was doing? No, Jack had to do this. The fate of the world was at stake. As much as he hated killing, he would have to in order to defeat the evil.

Jack had no selfish reasons for entering the tournament. The winner was promised whatever they wanted, as long as it was in Sakai Corp.'s power to give. But Jack's only reason for entering was to defeat the evil. He could care less about what Sakai Corp. could give him.

The two men leading Jack down the hall brought him to the main office. It was here that the president of Sakai Corp. stayed. His own private room.

One of the men knocked on the door before opening it. Dr. Murdoch? The last contestant is here to see you.

Dr. Murdoch, a short bald man, looked up at the newcomers and smiled. Ah yes, thank you. Please, sit down. Jack remained where he was. Dr. Murdoch shrugged. Or remain standing if you wish. He looked at the 2 men standing behind Jack. You may go.

The 2 men nodded and left the room. Dr. Murdoch looked Jack up and down. So, what is your reason for entering our tournament?

Jack wasn't about to let perhaps most powerful man in the world in on his ways of life. My reasons are my own. he said. His voice was a little muffled from his mask.

Dr. Murdoch nodded. Fair enough. But I hope you realize the danger you put yourself in. Sakai Corp. will not be responsible for any injuries you may, and most likely, will receive.

Jack nodded in understanding. I did not expect you to be. A person is responsible for his own injuries. If you let your guard down, you're bound to get hurt.

Dr. Murdoch smiled. This Jack was a true fighter. He would be great in the tournament. Very good way of thinking. Now tell me, what do you desire if you are victories?

Jack crossed his arms. I expect nothing for my victories. I fight for my own reasons, and there is nothing you can give me that I want.

Dr. Murdoch cocked his head to the side, curious as to why Jack would risk his life for no reason. Crazy ninja. But it didn't matter, he would never win, not with Sakai Corp.'s secret weapon.

Very well. said Dr. Murdoch. Just so you know, there is a fight once a month. The tournament lasts for 10 months. This facility will be your home during this time. You may not leave here until the tournament is over. Do you understand these conditions? Jack nodded. Good, you may now go in the contestant's chamber with your fellow fighters. The first fight will be on the 18th.

He returned to whatever he was doing before Jack entered the room. His 2 escorts brought him down the hall to where the other contestants stayed.

Each of you has your own private room. One of the men explained. Each room is complete with a bed and bathroom. All rooms are connected to the common room. You may stay in there if you do not wish to stay in your room. There is also a gym you may train in that is open to you 24/7.

Jack merely nodded at everything the man said. He was in no mood for talking. The man opened the door for Jack. He walked in and stopped in his tracks as he saw the other fighters. He knew there would be other contestants, but he never expected what he saw.

The first person that caught Jack's attention was more along the lines of what he was expecting. A big black man in a boxer's uniform. He was extremely muscular. Jack knew that this man was much stronger then him. He also knew who he was. T.J. Rex, former heavyweight champion of the world. Jack wasn't exactly surprised that this man was here.

What he saw next was startling. At first he thought that the man was on fire, but then he realized that the man was fire. How this was possible, Jack did not know, but he knew that he would need to be careful if he was to face this man.

The next person he saw was a skeleton. But not a dead one. This skeleton was alive. It was moving around anxiously, as if it didn't know what to do with itself.

The fourth person was the only woman in the room. She was rather attractive too. Her skin tight green suit made her look like a female superhero. Her face was a cold emotionless mask. Jack could tell by her eyes that she was a fighter, and one that had seen death.

Standing close by, sniffing the woman out was a dinosaur. Somehow, after being extinct for 65 million years, there was a dinosaur standing in the room. Jack wondered why it wasn't attacking anyone since it was obviously a carnivore.

Contestant number six was a rather muscular man, though not quite as muscular as Combo. He was dressed as an Indian, but what would an Indian be doing here?

After being surprised by seeing a man of fire, Jack was also surprised to see and man of ice. He seemed to be a perfect ice sculpture, but he was alive all the same.

Heavy footsteps brought Jack's attention to the next contestant. This one wasn't even a person or an animal. It was a robot of some sort. And it looked built for fighting.

The last person was the only person who didn't seem fit for fighting. He looked just like your ordinary everyday man. He still seemed confidant all the same. And he surprised Jack by approaching him.

Hello, I'm James Simmons. he said. But my code name for this tournament is Nightwolf. Nice to meet you.

Jack cautiously shook the man's hand. Hello James, I'm Jack.

James smiled. Nice to meet you Jack. And I would prefer it if you called me Nightwolf.

Jack raised an eyebrow. Why did you choose Nightwolf?

Nightwolf's smile faded. I... well... you'll find out. But now that were all here, let's get to know everyone a bit.

There were some snorts of disgust and some groans of annoyance from the other contestants.

Oh come on guys! said Saberwulf cheerfully. If we're going to be living together for the next 10 months, we should at least get to know each other. Here, I'll go first. My name is James Simmons, but I would prefer it if you called me by my code name, Nightwolf.

And what exactly are you doing here? asked the fire man. You don't exactly look like a fighter.

Nightwolf grinned sheepishly. Maybe not now, but I can be quite dangerous at times. And the reason I entered this tournament is because I have a rare disease that Sakai Corp. will give me the cure for if I win.

The others waited for him to continue, but he said nothing more.

So what disease do you have? the fire man asked.

Nightwolf shifted uncomfortably. Uh, Lycanthropy...

Jack unconsciously took a step back as did the others. This man had Lycanthropy. He was a wereNightwolf!

Nightwolf smiled nervously. Don't worry, I won't bite. Not now anyway. He looked back at the fire man. So what's your story Flames?

The fire man was taken aback at the name. The name's Cymber. I was sentenced to life in prison. But thanks to Sakai Corp., I was let out. The only catch was that I had to be a science experiment for them, which resulted in me ending up like this. But they said they would cure me if I can beat Eve.

He eyed the ice man who glared back at Cymber. Nightwolf looked at the one that he believed to be this Glacus.

I take it you're this Eve? he said.

I am. the ice man replied. His voice was harsh, barely above a whisper. But I had no intention of fighting in this tournament. I am from another world. I crash landed here and was captured by Sakai Corp.'s men. They say they'll release me if I win the tournament.

Jack felt sorry for the alien. No one should be forced to fight for their life like this against their will. He put the thought aside though. If he would be forced to face these people, he had to think of them as his enemies.

I go next. said the Indian, talking with an accent. I Taurus. My brother come here last year and not come back. I come to see what happen to him. So I enter tournament to find out.

Jack knew what had happened, and he was surprised that Thunder couldn't figure out. If his brother hadn't won the tournament, it could only mean that he was dead.

Thunder turned to the skeleton. Why you fight, bone man?

The skeleton spoke, but his voice sounded more like breathing than him actually speaking. I am Spidem. I was a noble warrior many years ago. I was reanimated by Sakai Corp.. I do not remember anything about my past, but Dr. Murdoch said that if I win the tournament they will give me back my memories. He looked around the room. 'Much has changed since I died. The progress humanity has made is incredible. Never would I have thought that we would be capable of creating something such as him.

He pointed to the robot, who proceeded to introduce himself. I am Ripper, Sakai Corp.'s greatest creation. it said. This tournament is but a test for my skills. Once I prove my capabilities, mass production shall begin.

The woman spoke for the first time. Sakai Corp. is bent on ruling the world. she said. This is where I come in. The name's Karen. I'm a secret agent sent to investigate what goes on here. Once I complete the tournament and return to my society, we'll be able to shut Sakai Corp. down for good.

Jack respected that. Then you and I have a similar mission. he said. There is a great evil that lurks within these walls. I have come here to destroy it once and for all.

He and Karen locked eyes. Jack could feel the mysterious woman examining him. He wouldn't mind getting to know her some more. After all, 10 months was a long time, if they both survived of course. His thought were interrupted by Combo.

Very noble of you boy. He had a very deep voice. But I'm going to win this tournament to get my title back. And I'll crush all of you to do so.

Jack looked around the room. So, that was everyone. Everyone except...

Who's dino-boy? he asked.

The others turned to the dinosaur.

No one knows what's up with him. said Nightwolf. All we know is that his name's Raptor. He sure ain't an ordinary dinosaur though.

Raptor hissed at them and stalked off. It seemed to have understood what they were saying. Perhaps there was more to this creature than meets the eyes.

Jack looked around at the contestants. He did a quick sum in his head. Something was missing. If there was going to be a fight every month for 10 months, then there should be one more contestant. So where were they?

Chapter 2: A Battle of Teeth and Claws

The next week was spent preparing for the first match. No one knew who would be fighting who, or when they would fight, so everyone was on their toes. For the most part, everyone kept to themselves. Jack and Thunder would spend much time meditating, Karen and Eve snooped around a lot, Karen was searching for any useful information while