Chaining the Dragon
Disclaimer: The characters of Mortal Kombat are belongs to Midway. I personally not own them. For the information, I use the Deadly Alliance storyline, not Armageddon storyline.
Outside the Palace of the Deadly Alliance,
The slim, copper-skinned woman sneaked without anyone aware. The green veil obscured her face. She watched the site of carnage, where the remaining Tarkatans piled the dead Earth warriors. Then she saw something that made her aghast and her heart throbbed faster. Those creatures carried the limp body of her friend and threw her unceremoniously. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't. The vile Tarkatans might learn her presence here. Holding her swelling tears back, the woman whispered,
"Princess Kitana, please forgive the unfaithful Jade…Had I come sooner…" In the midst of her mourning, her keen sense caught something menacing on the air,
Baraka and his minions turned above and saw a huge winged creature flying above them. When the creature landed with a thump, all but him were scurried away. The mutant forced himself to stand, facing whoever the creature is. He twitched his arm blade nervously, while silently hoping he don't have to use them.
The Dragon King, Onaga surveyed the carnage before him, while ignoring Baraka. He took the particular interest with the dead Earthrealm warriors. Johnny Cage and Jax bore severe wounds, which almost made them unrecognizable. Yet, they made sure that they took their enemies as many as they could. They also protected Sonya's body beneath them. On the top, Kitana had her neck turned into an odd angle, while Kung Lao lay beside them. The scene made him amused. He would need them for his conquest. Lifting his huge palm above, the huge creature whispered the words of power.
With a crack of thunder and blow of wind, the dead warriors' souls returned into their bodies and their injuries healed instantly. One by one, they rose from the death and knelt to their benefactor. Baraka was transfixed with awe. With this power, the Deadly Alliance was insignificant. He decided that he would serve this new ruler. In other hand, Jade shocked to see her recently deceased friend rise like nothing happened. At first, she thought that might be an undead, but after noticing carefully the Edenia warrior was convinced that was the real Princess. She decided to watch what transpired next.
Satisfied, Onaga spoke with reverent tone,
"My warriors, I have resurrected you from the untimely death. Now I ask your favor to help my conquest," Suddenly, someone plodded through the Earthrealm warriors and bowed his head down. Before those warriors wanted to attack the intruder, the Dragon King gestured them to halt.
"Who are you?" he asked to the mutant disdainfully. Ignoring that, Baraka answered,
"I am Baraka, Great One! I've come to offer my Tarkatan fellows to your service, spare us and we'll be your servants…" Instantly, the Tarkatans knelt to the huge creatures, giving their respect. Onaga furrowed his scaled brow with displeasure. He didn't like those brutes; nevertheless it was pity to waste such good materials. Perhaps they might be useful later. He said,
"Arise, Baraka!" The mutant rose, "I accept your service. You shall serve along these warriors. Where are your masters now?"
Baraka answered, "They're inside the palace, fighting the God of Thunder, milord."
"Excellent!" he nodded, "Wait me at the Living Forest. I have some business to taken care of…go now!" Without delay, the Tarkatans left the place with their former enemies, while their lord entered into the palace. Jade watched Onaga until he disappeared into the palace. Whatever the reptilian creature had inside, it might be not good. She decided to follow Baraka and the rest…
The female warrior followed that band from the safe distance; it seems her training during Kahn's reign was paid off. Then they had a small incident when Sub-Zero encountered them. Unaware of the recent events, the Lin Kuei called his fellows. However, he got the Tarkatans as the response. Actually, she obliged to help him. But Baraka and those Earthrealm warriors had disappeared quickly; so she was forced to keep following them.
During their journey, the band arrived at the city of Lei Chen and caught up with Onaga. After few skirmishes, Hotaru, the guardian of the city was impressed with his might and then offered his service as well. Jade couldn't help to wonder how the creature quickly made those warring foes into friends. She suspected that Onaga might have an ulterior motive by gathering them. Following them again, she found out that they were heading to Edenia…she doubted that they came to help. In no time, the Dragon King subdued the realm and forced Tanya to swear loyalty to him.
In the dungeon beneath the Edenia palace,
Inside the dark dungeon, Queen Sindel was in a meditating position. She was aware of the recent turmoil at her realm. The ancient creature named The Dragon King had taken over Edenia, yet did little to restore all but her position. There was the Tarkatan at the loose. Instead releasing her, he had freed the villainous Mileena and put…Kitana to guard her. She couldn't understand the reason behind it. She pleaded her daughter to set her free, but to no avail. Though she was able to escape, she won't hurt her. Though despair grew inside her, she had to calm herself. The help would come sooner…
Kitana stood across the cage where her mother was inside. Then, a cloud of green smoke filled the place and the unseen foe struck her very fast before she had a chance to defend herself. The Princess fell unconsciously to the ground. Sindel rose and went closer to the bar. She saw the slim figure of Jade as the smoke faded. The warrior had discarded her veil and wore the skimpy costume. Her braided hair now let loose. Snatching the key from the unconscious guardian, she quickly opened the cage. She said,
"My queen…" Sindel stared to her unconscious daughter, "Princess is all right, my queen. She will wake up in few minutes…" Breathing in relief, the queen asked,
"What happened of her, Jade?" The female warrior replied,
"A long story, I'll explain later. The important thing is you have to get out from here…"
Sindel insisted, "Not without Kitana…"
Jade sighed, "I'm afraid that's not an option, my queen! Now she answers to the Dragon King only…you must get out from here first. By then, we have the chance to save her," Hesitating at first, Sindel eventually saw the reason in her loyal warrior. She stared her,
"You're right! But first, we must find out what Onaga wanted to find in the Edenia…" They quickly left the place before Kitana woke up…and alarmed the escape.
Few miles outside Edenia, Jade and Sindel stopped to take the rest. Upon their escapade, they managed to find Onaga's objective: finding the Kamidogu. Jade was irritated to find that her sworn enemy, Tanya had aided the creature in his search. They barely escaped from the Tarkatans and the Earthrealm warriors. Luckily, the darkness of night had hidden them from the pursuers. They took the chance to plan their next moves.
"What shall we do now, Your Highness?" Jade asked.
The queen said, "We must meet with Master Bo'Rai Cho immediately; Kitana has spoke highly about him. We must tell him about Onaga, by then we'll know the next step…" The loyal warrior merely nodded. Then Sindel turned to her and said,
"Get rest, Jade. Our journey tomorrow will be long and perilous, we should use this for rest ourselves…"
Alighted by the bonfire, Jade couldn't close her eyes. She still worried about her princess, but not for long she was distracted. Her eyes kept staring Sindel, especially her chest. Secretly, she wondered how she could have such beautiful figure. Unconsciously, the female warrior licked her lips, thinking how it feels when it meets with hers. Suddenly, the feeling of shame appeared and she quickly banished the imaginations. No, she had sworn to protect her Queen no matter what…even from her feelings. Her heart is belongs to her Princess only…Kitana,
In other side, Sindel watched her loyal warrior and servant. She had seen Jade when she was still little and now she had grown into a strong and beautiful woman. Looking upon the brown-skinned and well-toned body had been tempting. Yet, she quickly remembers that her realm was in danger. She had no time to ponder such trivial matters. Jade was devoted to her daughter and she won't contested that.
Early morning, the women woke up and continued their journey across the plain of Outworld. They decided to shy from the main routes, lest Onaga's force might pass them. Sindel and Jade disguised themselves by taking a bamboo hat and coverings. As much as possible, they made themselves less recognizable as the Edenian nobility.
After four day, they came to the small checkpoint where the Centaurs and a small band of Edenian soldiers checked the people who passed the route. Sindel noticed that they were led by a black-haired young woman. She wore a cap and pink scantily-clad armor, which barely covering her body. Not for long they caught her attention.
"Stop, you're not an ordinary folks," she stopped them, "Explain your purpose to come here," Sindel gestured Jade subtly to leave this matter to her. Facing the young woman, she asked,
"How do you know we aren't ordinary?" The young warrior smiled,
"Because I've been spending my time on the villages, so I know how the folks behave. In contrary, both of you are looks different. Your gait isn't like a peasant's gait, too gentle and swift. Beside, your garbs are giving you too much. It seems you're hiding something…"
The older woman chuckled, "You're a good observer. Who is your superior?"
The young woman replied proudly, "Master Bo' Rai Cho. Princess Kitana had entrust him with the remaining force of free Outworlders Now he leads the resistance force against the Tarkatan horde who had terrorized the land recently…" Hearing that, Sindel and Jade frowned. They saw Kitana at Edenia, and now she had been here? Slowly they lifted their straw hat, revealing their faces for the first time. Staring the young warrior deeply, the queen spoke with authority,
"Then tell your master, Queen Sindel is here. I have something important to tell him…" One of Edenian soldier turned pale, when he saw her face,
"Your Highness!" Instantly, he and his fellows knelt on the ground. Struck by the realization, the female warrior and the Centaurs quickly followed the suit and she said,
"Please punish me for my insolence, my Queen! I don't recognize you!" Instead angry, Sindel bend downward and lifted her, asking,
"What is your name, girl?"
"Li Mei …Your Highness! I am ready to accept the punishment…"
"There won't be a punishment today. Li Mei, I order you to give the message to your master. It is imperative that you must bring him here…" Slightly relieved, Li Mei replied,
"It shall be done, my Queen! For a meantime, I shall send my men to escort you to our encampment. It is good news. Shall I tell the princess as well…" Jade quickly cut her,
"No, you must not! All but Master Bo' Rai Cho must not know our coming! Do you understand?" Though puzzled, the young warrior decided to follow her better judgment, as she said,
"Yes…I understand!" Then she left them with the soldiers.
Few hours later, Sindel and Jade waited at the nearby encampment, far from the command tent. Then a huge, fat and bearded man entered the tent with Li Mei. Brushing his sleeves, he kowtowed to the queen and said,
"Please accept my apologies, Your Highness! I was busy pursuing the scattered Tarkatans until Li Mei comes and tell me that you're here…" Sindel asked,
"Are you sure that nobody knows us here?" The master looks puzzled, but he continued,
"Yes, my queen! May I ask what it is all about?" The elder woman turned to her loyal servant,
"Jade, tell what happened…"
Meanwhile, there was a huge gathering inside the command tent. Kitana sat at her respective seat, while the others sat side by side. Her face was covered by the purple veil. At the right corner, Ashrah and Shujinko sat close to her. They came to tell about Onaga's intention. Scorpion and Rayden are nearby; Ermac and Nightwolf were side by side. Kenshi and Sub-Zero were at the opposite side. Despite the debacle, especially Rayden intended to oust Shujinko due to his 'participation' of helping Damashi or Onaga to gather the Kamidogous. However, Kitana were able to reconcile them…albeit temporarily. Nightwolf was silent, distancing himself from others due to his containment of sins. Then Bo' Rai Cho and Li Mei entered the tent and quickly knelt to the princess. Kitana asked,
"Master Bo, why took so long? We're here to discuss our next strategy…" Bo' Rai Cho replied,
"I'm sorry, Princess. But I have brought you the visitors tonight; I hope that you'll entertain them…" The princess brushed her hand impatiently,
"Just send them here! We have no time for this!" With that, Sindel and Jade entered the tent and the riotous tent suddenly went silent. Everyone turned to the incoming visitors, while 'Kitana' sat transfixed. Seeing no response from her supposed daughter, Sindel walked toward her,
"My child, have you not greeted your own mother? Beside we've spend time together at Edenia five days ago…" The false Kitana replied nervously,
"I don't know what you talking about…" At the same time, Rayden grew dark with the situation. The situation was turn to worse when Scorpion quipped,
"There's an impostor here…" Everyone turned to Kitana and Sindel, wondering which among them had said the truth. The princess quickly bellowed,
"Master Bo!" She pointed the queen and her escort, "Arrest them!" Bo'Rai Cho shook his head,
"I can't do that, Your Highness! She's your mother…" Unable to hold her patience, Jade burst out,
"How dare you! Show yourself, impostor!" Like a lightning, she threw a boomerang toward 'Kitana'. The target tried to avoid, but no avail. The weapon ripped her veil and revealed her true face; a row of jagged and sharpened teeth that jutted from her mouth. Everyone inside were aghast with such revelation. Sindel said with the darkened face,
"I should realize that it is you, Mileena! None could imitate my daughter so perfectly like you do. So, is it Onaga who send you to impersonate Kitana?" The Tarkatan clone of Kitana growled feral as the response,
"Yes, I was sent to distract the resistance! Baraka's horde actually served as a bait to prevent you from knowing the Dragon King's intention! Your victory upon them is unexpected, and I intend to use this force to claim myself!" She seethed with anger, "But you blow my disguise! Yet, you won't succeed to stop our Lord from carrying his plan!!" Rayden lifted his hand toward her, while Bo' Rai Cho shouted instinctively,
"Wait, Lord Rayden!" A crackle of lightning zoomed toward Mileena, but she quickly teleported herself out from the harm. As a result, the attack destroyed the chair into smithereens. Bo'Rai Cho and Li Mei quickly inspected the place and found no whereabouts of the impostor. The old master looks displeased with Rayden's action, but he couldn't dare to protest the Thunder God. Especially, he wasn't in a good mood. Instead he turned to Sindel with crestfallen look and said,
"Since Your Highness is with us, I think it is best for me to return the leadership to you…" The Edenia queen lifted her hand and replied,
"No, Master Bo! Despite Mileena's masquerade, you are doing your best! I won't relieve you from your post…" she turned to the others, "I have something to tell for all of you here!" Then she tells everyone about Onaga's plan…
After hearing that, Shujinko confirmed that it was he who had aided Onaga to gather Kamidogou under deception. Scorpion also explained that the Elder Gods had aware of this development, and thus sent him as their Champion. Everyone realized that time is essential here. They had to stop the Dragon King from uniting those Kamidogou or else, the Outworld will be gone for good. It wasn't an easy task, considering Onaga had his allies and surely they would stop any attempt to harm him. Sindel lifted her voice,
"Before my escape, I had learned the location where Onaga was buried…his sarcophagus is located at the Netherrealm," Sub-Zero asked,
"If his body is still inside, then who is the one whom we faced here?" Ashrah answered,
"Perhaps, Onaga's spirit possessed another body. Nevertheless, we know his legendary resurrecting power. If we kill this body now, there's possibility that his spirit might return to the original body! That's the last thing we wanted…" Suddenly, the Indian shaman said,
"I can bind both his body and soul with my binding spell. I had become 'sin-eater' for this moment. Had Onaga's spirit indeed returned to its original body, I will put the spell upon it so he won't be able to escape again! By then, you can end him by putting the sword at his heart!"
Kenshi commented, "It is quite a huge risk, Elder! If Onaga know this, he might send his minions to attack you! Someone must accompany you to the Netherrealm…"
"No," Nightwolf declared, "I must do this alone, or else, I might become a danger for my companions due to the sin. My sanity was slowly corrupted, and I don't know how long I can keep this…" Before anyone could volunteer, Sindel said,
"Then allow me accompany you to the Netherrealm!" Jade quickly protested,
"Your Highness, it is too dangerous! None can guarantee your safety during the journey!" The Queen answered calmly,
"My daughter is still on the thrall, while my realm is threatened. I can't stay idle here, as everyone risks their life to liberate the Outworld! No, I won't let myself to be swayed into comfortable. Jerrod and Kitana had risked their lives for free this land, therefore I must do the same!" Realizing her resolute, everyone was unable to said anything. Nightwolf chuckled,
"I feel honored then, Your Highness! We shall go together into the hell…"
"No, Elder!" Sindel smiled gently, "The honor is mine!" To everyone's shock, the former specter of Hell said,
"I will guide you to the safest passage to the Netherrealm…by then, all of you can go undetected," Hearing that, Sindel was unsure whether she had to trust Scorpion. The ninja was known as a wildcard; his intention was uncertain. However, she decided to take the risk. Then she turned to Bo' Rai Cho,
"Master Bo, I give you an order to storm Onaga's stronghold! We must keep him distracted from his true peril, by then we can achieve our objective!" The master gruffly agreed,
"Yes, Your Highness! I won't let you down!"
Meanwhile, at the dark stronghold,
Onaga sat uneasily on his throne; Mileena had reported her failure to him. It seems he had made mistake by underestimating his foes. Something he did millennia ago…Yet, he decided to let the Tarkatan alive. She might have another use later. The reptilian creature glanced to the Kamidogou; it almost completed. Of course, he could fulfill his ambition by merging the realms and become the One Being. Yet, he had to be sure there's nothing to stop him. A feminine and seductive voice called,
"My Lord, are you all right?" The Dragon King turned and saw Tanya upon his lap. He was too preoccupied in his thought that almost forgot her presence. He said casually,
"There is something disturbs me…" The Edenian purred, while hugging the huge, broad chest,
"Tell me then, my Lord…" The creature snorted,
"That's not your concern…" Then she continued,
"Is it not about the sarcophagus at the Netherrealm, is it?" The word jolted Onaga's mind; his previous memories was vague but he remembered faintly about his last resting place…his slit-like eye glanced to the dark-skinned woman suspiciously and he asked,
"How do you know that?" Tanya smiled mischievously,
"I've read it at the archives. No doubt, the Queen must know about this…" Now there's a reason to worry; he had to secure the sarcophagus. Afterward, he could carry his plan without any disturbances. Brushing Tanya away, Onaga ordered her,
"Bring the Princess to me, Tanya! I have a plan for her!"
At the encampment
Sindel was alone inside the tent; she was anticipating the journey tomorrow. She felt anxious but she convinced herself that this is not only for Kitana but for the Outworld as well. Still, she felt alone. Deep inside, she had yearns presence of her late husband and her daughter. Then someone called her,
"Your Highness, may I come in? I have something to speak with you,"
Sindel replied, "You may come," Then Jade entered the tent and immediately kneeled to her. She asked,
"Do you have something to speak, Jade?" The copper-skinned woman answered,
"Your Majesty…" she gulped nervously, "Forgive me for my insolence. I ask you to not go to the Netherrealm with Nightwolf! Instead let me to represent you!" Sindel surprised to hear that from her loyal servant; she had the right to angry but knowing Jade too well, she asked back,
"Jade, why do you want me to go? I hope you have the good reason…" Suddenly, the green-clad woman held her legs and said,
"My Queen, I've failed Kitana once by not beside her. It is my fault that she had becomes now! Since then, I swear to not fail again! The journey is dangerous and full of uncertainties. Had something befallen to you, I can't forgive myself…" The Edenian queen was silent momentarily, and then commanded,
"Stand up, Jade!" As the female warrior stood, she slapped across her face very hard. Jade was startled with her act, yet Sindel stared her sharply and spoke with tone of authority,
"Who give you the right to doubt your own queen? Who do you think you are, so you could decide upon me?" The warrior was silent; no answer came from her lips. Then the queen held her face.
"Jade," she said gently, "You'd known Kitana more than me…I appreciate your devotion to her. It isn't your fault. Sometimes fate is hard to discern, and the same happened to me when Shao Kahn killed my husband and resurrected me to be his bride. I'm sad for what happened to Kitana, but our situation is not entirely hopeless. Once we find Onaga's weakness, we can free her from his thrall. When I was controlled by Kahn or confined inside the dungeon, she worked hard to free me and Edenia. As a mother I was proud to have a daughter like her, yet I never do anything since free from Kahn. That's why I have to do this; I must repay my gratitude to her. Do you understand that, Jade?" Hearing that, Jade felt ashamed with what she said awhile ago. She never thought that her queen could be so concerned to her. Then the older woman continued,
"Since you're so close to Kitana like sisters, I also treated you like my own daughter. About your petition…no, I can't grant it for you, but you can accompany me if you want…" The warrior allowed a small smile and she kneeled again,
"Forgive me, my Queen! I'm too rash for saying that to you. I will go with you until to my death!" Sindel also smiled,
"Thank you…Kitana was lucky to have such faithful friend like you!" she glanced away,
"I think it is time to take a rest…Jade, would you care to share the bed together with your queen?" A look of worry etched briefly at the copper-skinned woman, but she asked,
"Is it an order, my Queen?" Sindel nodded,
"Yes, it is an order." Eventually, Jade sported the seductive smile while answering,
"Then it is my pleasure, Your Highness…" Then both of them slept together at the same bed.
Early morning,
Four people left the encampment and begun the arduous trek to the Netherrealm. Ignoring the scorching sun and the treacherous terrain, they continued their journey. Eventually Scorpion guided the band to the secret passage at the mountainous region. They arrived at the huge stone gate, which lead to the underworld. The ninja turned to Sindel and the others,
"This passage leads to the Netherrealm…" he spoke slowly, "I'm sorry for not guiding you further, since I have a mission to finish,"
"We appreciate your help, Scorpion," she bowed gently, "From now, it's our own…"
"Farewell then!" Instantly, the former specter had teleported out from their sight. Sindel and Jade turned to the huge gate, gritting their teeth in anticipation,
The Edenian queen finally said, "Let's go!" Then they entered the gate and begun to trail the stairways into the dark recesses of the Netherrealm. They had to keep vigilant, since nothing certain in this hellish place. Time seemed endless there.
After trailing the stairways, they finally arrived at the huge hall where a stone sarcophagus placed. Half-excited, Jade pointed,
"Your Highness, look!" The sarcophagus was pinned between two stone pillars and Sindel saw the pillars were inscribed with something. She turned to her loyal warrior,
"Be careful, Jade. Maybe there are traps around…" she warned her. The female warrior said,
"Let me check the surrounding, Your Highness!" The Queen nodded,
"You have my permission, Jade…" With nimble steps, Jade went immediately to the sarcophagus and checked its surrounding carefully. At the same time, Nightwolf writhed in pain and knelt to the ground. Sindel quickly caught him.
She asked, "Elder, are you feeling alright?" She could see the Native American perspired heavily and the cracked skin with greenish hue started to appears on his body. Before she managed to touch him, he said hoarsely,
"Don't, Your Majesty…" his breaths grew faster, "I've reach my limit here…the sins inside my body starts to consume me,"
"Please try to hang on, Elder. We almost there…" Sindel beseeched, "…we will bind Onaga, and help you at the same time!" At the same time, Jade returned to them.
"Your Highness, the place is clear!" she reported, "There's nobody around…any traps. Yet, I manage to read the inscription at the pillars…"
Sindel asked, "What do you read on the inscription?"
"They are written in Edenian language…" This piqued Sindel's curiosity; she turned to Nightwolf again, before turned to Jade.
"Jade, would you help Elder Nightwolf to walk?" she commanded,
"Yes, my Queen!" The warrior immediately helped the shaman to walk.
Once arrived at the sarcophagus, Sindel checked the pillars immediately, while Jade put Nightwolf behind one of the pillars. Afterward, she went closer to the sarcophagus and peered inside. The mummified remains of the Dragon King laid in rest inside; it looks withered and decrepit. Jade couldn't hide her disgust after seeing it. Then she went to her queen who looks preoccupied with the inscription.
She asked, "My Queen, do you find something?" Sindel merely smiled to her,
"You're right, Jade. The inscriptions were written in Edenian language." The older woman explained, "It seems Onaga's holy men came from Edenia and they chronicled his death, Kahn's treachery and the promise of his return…there's something more! They also wrote the transmigration spell to return Onaga's soul into his body. It seems Onaga possessed someone to bring his soul here, so he can reborn completely," Jade looks excited,
"That's good news, Your Highness!" Sindel continued,
"However, the spells were written in each pillar; they have to be spoken simultaneously, or else, the spell won't work…If we use this spell, Nightwolf can release the sins inside his body to bind the Dragon King…" Suddenly, a heavy voice cut their conversation,
"Unfortunately, I don't feel gracious to give you the chance to do that…" They startled to see Onaga standing quite a distance from them. To add their shock, Tanya and Kitana appeared behind him.
"Tanya…" Jade spat with disgust, "I should know you'll skulking back to where you're belong," The dark-skinned woman smirked,
"Then kill me if you can…" she turned to Sindel mockingly, "I'm glad to see our Queen healthy,"
"Thank you," Sindel replied sarcastically, "…but the feeling isn't mutual," She turned her attention to the reptilian creature and said,
"I thought you'll lead your loyal followers in the battle; who guess that the great Onaga would abandon his follower alone?" Senses the stinging remark, Onaga replied,
"And you're an extraordinary woman, Queen Sindel. Trying so hard to free your daughter…I'm touched," Gritting her teeth, the Edenian continued,
"Your doom is near, Onaga! Let my daughter go and I shall spare your life…" Instead the Dragon King laughed aloud. He snorted,
"You're not in the position to make bargain here! Since you had defied me openly, I had to set the strictest example! Kitana will be your executioner!" Like a lightning, Kitana went to kill her mother. However, Jade quickly put herself between them. When the pony-tailed woman flicked her steel fan, and slashed vertically, Jade blocked the incoming attack with her bo staff. She turned to Sindel and shouted,
"Your Highness, I will hold Princess Kitana here! Please use the spell!!" Sindel nodded in agreement, and ran to the pillars. Then Tanya appeared in front of her from nowhere, holding her boomerang. She hissed dangerously,
"It is my long-live dream to kill a queen like you!" Undaunted, Sindel pulled her kwan dao as well.
"Try if you can, traitor!" she taunted her. Tanya slashed her weapon, but her opponent quickly countered her and slashed horizontally. In desperation, Tanya shot a projectile toward her. Sindel immediately unleashed Banshee Scream, that knocking the attacker. The traitor heard a loud shouting,
"Blazing Nitro Kick!" She rolled out to safety before Jade's attack destroyed her head. The female warrior shouted,
"Tanya, let the Queen alone and finish our feud once and for all!!" The dark Edenian replied,
"Gladly!" She shot a downward fireball to her, but Jade countered with Dodging Shadow. Unfortunately, Kitana attacked with Square Wave Punch, which knocking her out. Then the Princess followed with Fan Lift; she felt her body floating on the air. At that time, Tanya kicked her chest with Corkscrew Kick. Jade fell to the ground and coughed profuse blood.
No matter what, I have to protect Queen Sindel! She bit her teeth in determination. The fight continued with one-sided fashion. While Kitana attacked her, Tanya preferred to strike sneakily. She threw her razored boomerang, however Tanya had disappeared inside an orange cloud of smoke. At that time, Kitana strikes her with the steel fan; the fan's sharp edges ripped her skin at the back. Before another attack landed, Jade elbowed her opponent at the stomach. The distraction was cost her, when Tanya attacked with Slip Flip Kick. Before she had a chance to breathe, Kitana sent multiple kick to her body. Jade wanted to cry inside; she knew Kitana did that out of her knowledge. She must endure this for ensure their mission success…
In other hand, Sindel had to contend with Onaga. She shot a fireball from her mouth to her opponent, but it was brushed away with a slap. At the same time, she chanted the spell softly, while keeping distance from the brute beast. Meanwhile, Onaga was frustrated with his inability to bring her into submission. Sindel realized that she had to fast. Then the Dragon King sent a powerful force in form of dust cloud toward her. Not wanting to lose, Sindel focused her ki and put them forth in her scream. When those force impacted, the powerful shockwave shook the surrounding and destroyed the pillars. It also knocked Sindel down, while Onaga stood stoically amidst the chaos. He smiled victoriously, as he walked toward his fallen quarry.
Though weakened, Sindel's lips managed to chant the last sentence of the spell, thus completing the spell before she fell unconscious…
To his shock, Onaga felt sucked out from his own body, and roared. The glow of green light escaped from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth…the escaped light instantly entered the mummified remains and the once-dead heart started to throb.
In the midst of the fighting, Kitana suddenly fainted and fell down as Onaga's control over her was diminished. Tanya was shocked to see the turn of the tide, but Jade grabbed the opportunity by sending Blazing Nitro Kick to knock her cold…
Slowly but sure, Onaga's huge body shrank, while his original remains grew larger. Nightwolf finally came out from his hiding place. He walked to the sarcophagus and saw…the remains began to regenerates. The Kamidogou materialized slowly. The closed eyes opened and the first thing it saw was the grim face of the shaman.
"You won't get out from here, Dragon King," Nightwolf croaked, "I will bind you for eternity!" After saying that, the dark green light streamed out from his body and filled the sarcophagus. The newly resurrected Onaga howled as the sins of Nightwolf's people begun to weigh him. At the end, the transmigration and the binding were over. Reptile returned to his original form, and silence reigned inside for a moment.
Sindel opened her eyes slowly when someone called her,
"Mother, are you alright?" She saw Kitana in front of her; her eyes were teary. Still disbelieved, she lifted her hand and wiping tears on her,
"Kitana, is it really you?" The daughter nodded,
"Yes, mother! I've returned!" Unable to hold herself, they hugged each other tearfully. Quite a distance, Jade held Tanya tightly. Sindel said,
"Kitana, I thought I will lose you for good…" Kitana nodded,
"No, mother! You don't know what happened when Onaga controls me…it looks like nightmare after death! Thankfully, now it is over…"
From the secluded place, the now healthy Nightwolf smiled; he had fulfilled his task and had no business anymore here. He turned around and went into the portal, leaving them…
Then Sindel and Kitana came to Jade, who immediately greeted,
"It is my pleasure to have you here, Kitana!" The Princess smiled to her friend,
"The same with me, Jade!" she said. They turned to Tanya who looks gloomy.
"What shall we do with this traitor, Your Highness?" Jade asked, "I can execute her here…"
"No," Sindel spoke sternly, "She'll be tried once we've returned to Edenia; If the law is merciful enough to you, Tanya, you might shared cell with Mileena, once we found her!" Tanya was kept silent. Sindel turned her attention to the other direction,
"For a mean time, we have something to be taken care first!" she glanced to Kitana, "Kitana, please give my kwan dao!"
Inside the sarcophagus, the Dragon King was restored to his body, except he was bounded by spectral chains; he was unfamiliar with Nightwolf's sorcery. No matter how hard he struggled, the chains wouldn't budge. He saw Sindel coming closer with her kwan dao. She smiled cruelly before saying,
"It is the time to sleep again, Onaga!" She lifted her weapon, ready to thrust it to the huge chest…until a skull fireball came from nowhere and knocked her down.
Shocked, Kitana quickly tend her mother, while Jade dragged her captive.
"Mother, are you fine?" the Princess asked worriedly, as the Queen replied,
"I'm fine…"
From the darkest corner, the pale-faced man with red garbs and mitre came, while speaking,
"It is an honor to have you here. Had you told me sooner, I might entertain you well," Recognizing the man, Kitana shouted angrily,
"Shinnok! Why are you here?" Using the confusion, Tanya shrugged herself out from her captor and went to the fallen god. She immediately kowtowed and said excitedly,
"Lord Shinnok, glad you're here!" Shinnok merely ignored her, instead continued to speak,
"My…my, what a rude display! I just want to stop you making noise at my home," Then he turned to the sarcophagus,
"Hmmm, what we have here? The great Dragon King?" he mused, "Perhaps I should talk to him…" With a blink of eye, the dark god teleported himself close to the sarcophagus. The reptilian creature growled, but he ignored it and stared to the Kamidogou. Shinnok continued,
"Hmm, the Kamidogou…" Onaga warned,
"If you touch it, you'll die…" The fallen god smiled,
"Perhaps we can talk privately…if you want" Sindel shouted,
"What do you want, Shinnok? Onaga can't be trusted!" As a response, Shinnok glanced to them with a malicious stare and said,
"Now would you excuse me, I have a negotiation to pursue. If you aren't satisified, perhaps you should talk to my partners here…" With that, Moloch and Drahmin appeared from the darkness. Kitana and Jade took their stance. Tanya was flushed with fear; she thought those onis were buried after the palace was exploded. Then the masked oni stared her eerily, and spoke,
"Lord Shinnok says you have no further use to him anymore…" Shocked, Tanya glanced to Shinnok who gave a mocked surprise to her. Like a flash, Drahmin bashed her with his iron club, followed by Moloch. Tanya's face frozen with shock, as her broken body fell to the ground. Silently, Jade relished her nemesis' fate. She turned to the others and shouted,
"Your Highness, please get out from here! I will delay those monsters!" Kitana protested,
"No, Jade! We'll fight together! I won't let you alone!" The warrior shook her head sadly and said,
"Not this time, Princess Kitana! I've told you that I will bled again and again just for you. Now my time has come! Both of you must survive for the survival of Edenia…Go, I will hold them as I can!"
"Jade!" Kitana turned to her mother, "Mother, please stop her!" In contrary, Sindel replied,
"You're right, Jade! Thank you for your service…" Tears rolled from her eyes,
"You won't be forgotten, for you are the hero of Edenia! Kitana, we must go!" Kitana was unable to say anything, save for the last glance to her childhood friend.
"Go, Kitana…I always be with you" Jade smiled. Finally, the Princess awoke from her trance and she quickly nodded resignedly. Slowly, a puff of pink smoke covered her and her mother. As the smoke disappeared, a voice came,
"I won't forget you, Jade…and you'll be avenged!" After that, Jade laughed bitterly and turned to face those onis. She glanced to Tanya for the last time; who never thought that their rivalry had to end like this. But it was irrelevant now; as long as Kitana and her Queen are safe. With fierce battle cry, Jade charged recklessly to her death…
Author's Note: Ok, I base this fiction according to Sindel and Nightwolf's ending in Deception. I hope you'll enjoy this; any reviews, critics and flames are welcome. Next story is "Throw the Chain". See you later!