Disclaimer: I own only my ideas!

PROLOGUE

The throne room was quiet, say for the soft crackling of the fires on either end of it. Styled in marble, it truly was an architectural sight to behold. It held an air to it that was designed to strike fear into the hearts of those who entered. The mind behind its design, while quite sadistic, would shock those who did not know its origins. But then how could they? No one would think that a ruthless conqueror of realms also had a brilliant mind.

Lounging on the throne sat the sole occupant of the room, a man of considerable height and size. Attired in leather garments adorned with bones of sacred animals, Shao Kahn's muscles bulged like carved stone beneath shoulder pads and dragon scale pants. A cape the color of crimson was draped across the side of the throne. Most frightening of all, however, was the crown that he'd had fashioned from the skull of a former opponent. It served as a reminder of his brutal ways, least anyone were to forget with whom they were speaking.

It had only been a week since his conquest of Edenia, yet Shao was already beginning to grow bored of the festivities thrown in his honor. He'd never been one for such pleasantries, preferring to put his focus towards the dominance of Outworld. Still, it did pay to relax every now and then. If he continued without rest, his body would collapse under the bulk of stress that he placed on it. So at the behest of his closest advisors, he'd decided to spend some time attending to the affairs of Edenia.

There were some in Edenia who had rallied to his side when Outworld had first invaded the realm, they eventually came to him asking for favors in exchange for the loyalty pledged to him. Simple minded folk, he'd easily given them what they asked for. Titles and lands meant little to Shao, especially considering that at any given moment he could easily tear away what he'd given. For two days this had gone on and a thirst was starting to build in him that only the thrill of combat could quench. Perhaps it was time for him to bring one of the imprisoned warriors out of the dungeon and have them brought before him. While none were his equal, it would be satisfying to crush their bones with his bare hands.

Perhaps it would be best to do publically so that the rest of Edenia could see it for themselves. It would be a way to show that he could be brutal but at the same time a merciful ruler. It would make the transition of rule easier for the people. If that didn't work, he would choose a selection of men and women from the crowd. The idea of killing his subjects was absurd, he needed them, but he would show them their place if the need called for it.

The door to the throne room opened, a soldier dressed in dragon scale armor walking past the guards stationed outside and entering the room. Behind him was a woman, chains were wrapped firmly around her wrists and the soldier was guiding her into the room. Her head was slightly bent down, the guard occasionally having to snatch on the chain he held roughly in order for her to keep up with his pace. From beneath his skull mask, Shao's eyes watched the woman with amusement.

"My liege," The soldier knelt down in front of Shao Khan. Light gleamed off his polished armor, reflecting off the marble wall. "We found this woman hidden among the concubines. When questioned about why she was there, she killed two soldiers and tried to help the slaves escape. We were able to subdue her, I was told to bring her before you for judgment."

Ah, that's right. He thought, his lips turning into a grin and exposing a row of perfect teeth. I'd almost forgotten about her.

The woman in chains had been arrested while attempting to free the women from their cells in the palace tower. He'd taken a daughter from the most powerful families in Edenia, whether freely or forced, with the intent for them to become concubines. Shao did not know who this woman was, but he did admire her for the attempted rescue.

It aroused him.

Shao had heard tales of the warrior women of Edenia, how their grace and beauty were equal only by how deadly they were. It would seem that the tales did not lie. The woman standing before him was far more beautiful than any he'd ever seen. Shao didn't need to ask how good she was, just knowing that she'd killed two of his most skillful soldiers was enough of an answer for him. He wished to know more about the woman, but he would be a fool if he allowed her to walk freely. Women were treacherous little things, one minute they're trying to bed you and in a flash, your lifeblood is spilling onto your chest.

"Thank you, soldier," He said firmly. "You may leave us, I wish to question the prisoner alone. But do let the guards know to be on alert for any suspicious noises."

"Sir!" The soldier snapped a salute before turning around and walking towards the door.

When the soldier was gone, he turned his attention to the woman.

A torn cloak covered most of her body, no doubt to hide the weapons that she had been caught with. Her hair fell down both shoulders almost to her feet and was as black as onyx. Arched cheekbones defined a beautiful face that was easily the envy of all women. The look in her dark eyes was of stark defiance, it told Shao that she was a woman who would kill him given the chance and wouldn't think twice of it.

Perhaps there was more to her than what he gave her credit for.

"Where are my manners," He smiled, hoping it would ease the tension between them. "I am Shao Kahn, the Emperor of Outworld and your new King."

At the mention of the word king, Shao noticed a flicker of rage cross her features.

"You are no King of mine!" She spat, her voice shaking with both anger and sorrow.

It was true.

He technically wasn't her king, not yet at least.

The rules of his succession were complicated, but not overly so that he couldn't secure his rule over the realms that he conquered through kombat. As dictated by the Elder Gods, Shao would have to take on a bride in order to fully assimilate the realm. It suited him well to take this woman as his bride and maybe even as his queen, they would produce an offspring that he could use to further his ambitions. All that remained was for him to convince her that it would be in not only her best interest but that of her realms as well, to accept the proposal.

"That is true, yes," He admitted as he took a step towards her. "But that will change, sooner than you think, and I have a proposal that you might find beneficial for both of us."

"And that is?"

Removing a blade from his belt, Shao slid it between the chains and shattered them with little effort.

When she saw him do this, the woman immediately reacted as Shao had expected her to.

In a flash she had removed the blade from his hand, kicking him in the stomach and leaping over Shao to land behind him. Spinning on the balls of her feet, the woman had placed the blade against Shao's throat. For a moment, it looked as if she had him, but then that was when she noticed the prick of steel against her abdomen. Looking down, she saw that Shao had produced another blade and was pressing it firmly against her smooth stomach with the intent to use it if needed.

"You're good, I like that in a woman," He grinned, looking from her to the dagger at his throat. "Become my bride, help me lead the Edenian people into a prosperous future."

"Marry you!?" She said through gritted teeth, pressing the blade of the dagger to his neck harder. "I would rather die than marry you!"

"That would be most unfortunate, as I've taken a liking to you."

Using his free hand, Shao smacked aside her hand, dropping his own knife in the process and bringing his other hand up to grab her forearm. Keeping with the momentum, he lifted her up and over his shoulder to slam her down hard on her back. The impact elicited a cry of pain, but it went unheeded as Shao roughly yanked the arm behind her back and pinned it there so that she could not use it.

"I do not wish to harm you," said Shao, but it fell on deaf ears. "At least hear what I have to say!"

"Never!"

Stubborn woman.

"I do not wish harm on your world, but I have made it part of mine and I will rule it with an iron fist. Insubordination will not be tolerated."

"You killed my husband! The true King! I could never love a monster like you!"

So that was the reason behind her defiance.

"You're King Jerrod's bride!" The revelation of it made him realize exactly who she was now. "You must be Queen Sindel then, the legendary Aerial Witch."

King Jerrod had been his final combatant during the siege that ended the invasion. It had been in the throne room. An admirable attempt, but nevertheless a vain one. Shao had made easy work of the Edenian King, laying waste to his personal guards as well before smashing his chest in with his Warhammer. Once the fight had ended, it had signaled the end of the invasion and many of their opponents fell to their knees to beg for mercy.

"Your husband was a strong warrior, do not make the same mistake as him and resist me."

Sindel said nothing, just lowered her eyes to the floor.

Releasing his hold on her, Shao slowly stood up. "You have lost the war, my queen, there is nothing else that can be done but to adjust to this new life you are going to find yourself in."

If she would not, there were ways that he knew of that would make her more willing to obey him. There were fates far worse than death. Of things that could be done to the mind and body that would drive even the most hardened of warriors insane. A pity to waste such a beautiful woman, but Shao would do what needed to be done if need be. Then, maybe she would be more willing to join him.

"I will not join you," Sindel whispered.

A sigh escaped him.

He was beginning to grow tired of her defiance now.

What had begun as an interesting meeting was starting to annoy him. If she would not submit, he would find someone who would and would name them as his queen. Damn her beauty and damn her defiance. It was probably for the best either way. Shao did not need a bride who might murder him. It would do better for him to have a submissive bride who would do everything that was required of them, regardless of—

—behind him, a cry of fury rose and he whirled around in shock as a child leaped from a pillar towards him. In the girl's hands, she clasped a dagger, the blade glistening in the light of the fire, aimed right for the middle of his chest. Shooting out a hand, Shao grabbed the young girl around the kneck mid-air and held a firm grip of her as he tore the dagger from her grip. It clattered to the floor, sliding out of sight.

"And who might you be?" He asked with curiosity.

"No!" Sindel cried out as she jumped to her feet. "Leave her alone! She's just a child!"

"Your child, no doubt?" Shao asked. Sindel's silence was enough confirmation. Releasing his hold on her, Shao let her fall to the ground, the little girl gasping for air as he tiny hands moved to her throat. "So, what do you call yourself, my dear, princess?"

"K-Kitana. My name is Kitana."

Shao Kahn began to laugh, a hearty laugh that he hadn't enjoyed in what felt like a millennia.

Kneeling down, he stared the young Edenian Princess in her eyes and smiled before extending his hand. "Come, my child. I have much to show you."