DISCLAIMER:I don't own Mortal Kombat or it's characters in any way.

Chapter ?:Further into Deception

EDENIA; THRONE ROOM

"Bring her before me." Onaga's commanding tone rung through the throne room.

The very deep tone was enough to draw Mileena's yellow eyes from the ground. She refused to look up, all while Baraka dragged her along.

"Lift your head, woman!" Baraka barked. Though Mileena refused to do so, being unresponsive to his tightening grip. "Then you shall greet the ground first!" With all his strength, Baraka tossed Mileena to the ground, nearly flat on her face.

She grasped the floor, her hair like curtains on either side of her face. She coughed, pushing herself up onto one knee.

"You are worthless...!" Baraka shouted, a single blade erupting from his forearm. He held it high above his head, prepared to strike Mileena down once and for all for her blatant disrespect to his master!

"Stop." Onaga commanded, stepping down from his throne. His lips tightened against the other, glaring deeply into the eyes of his faithful soldier. "Step away from her!"

The command was obeyed without delay. The razor mouthed creature however still had his eyes on the floored kunoichi.

As she looked up from the ground, Mileena got herself to her other knee. She couldn't attack Onaga. She would die in vain ,and not be able to assist Kitana nor Sindel. Had she attacked Baraka, she surely would have been killed by Onaga in the process. She may not have been very book-smart, but Mileena had gained a reputation from being the ultimate opportunist.

"Woman." Onaga addressed her, "You are commanded to pose as Princess Kitana. You will lead the Edenian Forces. Keep them busy..., I've much energy to regain and I will need time."

Mileena remained at her knees, gazing up at Onaga so that he could see her face. She looked him in his eyes. As imposing and as threatening as they looked to others. Mileena saw nothing but cowardice. Though she needed this coward to escape with her life.

"You will accept, or I am afraid a painful death is in your immediate future..." His throat rumbled toward the end of his words, having heat building up behind those talon-like teeth.

"Mileena accepts." She spoke after a moment of silence. Coming to her feet, she shut her eyes tightly, focusing herself. "I am Princess Kitana. Edenia will not stand for this threat. We will prosper and rise to the occasion." Her voice was spot-on with Kitana's. Though Mileena had a hard time speaking this way naturally, emulation was her best friend. Understanding was a bit tougher.

"Haha...very good." The Dragon King was pleased, stepping back to sit at the throne he had conjured up for himself upon his arrival. "We will stage the 'defeat' of my army in your favor Kitana. From there I trust Edenia to you and your abilities. Keep them away from my growing palace...lead them to their deaths." His sight shifted to Tarkatan leader. "Baraka."

"My lord?"

"You will work with her. Formulate plans to lead the Edenian forces to crushing defeats."

"Yes, my lord."

It was just then, the black and gold clad woman stepped inside the throne room. The devious Tanya was all smiles to see the scene unfolding before her. "Well, well. If it isn't the actual likeable Kitana!" She gave a small clap of her hands. "Maybe this time you won't get fooled into a cage..."

Mileena growled, trying to hold her tongue. Though the foulest of thoughts were already filling her mind about Tanya. Even when Mileena hated everything Kitana stood for, she never enjoyed Tanya's company. Even among the darkest of souls, there was always someone who was just an asshole.

"Baraka, always good to see that handsome smile.." Tanya shot a wink to the warrior, who seemed to share the same displeased expression as Mileena. The woman just rolled her eyes, "Tarkatans." She muttered beneath her breath, "My lord, the portal to Outworld is ready. The prisoners are all locked away, and we have Sindel very well guarded."

"Very good." Onaga gripped the ends of the throne, getting to his feet. "Baraka. Escort Kitana to her new quarters."

"Yes, my lord." The faithful Tarkatan scooped Mileena up from the floor, gripping her arm as tightly as his grip would allow. "Come!" He barked at her, dragging her along with him into the halls. Regardless of her importance to Onaga's plans, she was still just Mileena to him. "What has come over you, woman? Do you not wish to become a true Tarkatan warrior?"

Mileena was silence, she kept her head down. She just wanted to get back to 'her room', so she could think.

"This is why the females are not allowed to fight alongside the men! Your emotions will always be your downfall!" Baraka marched hard, going directly to Kitana's former room. Once allowed in, Baraka shoved Mileena inside with all of his might, casting her onto the floor. He proceeded inside, drawing a blade out from his right forearm. His rage was once again taking control of him. Weren't the women the ones with emotional issues? "Do you not wish to be a true Tarkatan?"

She had to lie, or risk actually killing Baraka. "Mileena does!" She hissed, pulling herself onto all fours, starting to gain her footing to get onto her feet.

"Show your face! You do not wear the once beautiful face you possessed!" He reached in, grabbing her about the throat. Despite how she thrashed and tried to keep him away, he cast aside every effort to hide her features away. Though one of Mileena's kicks into the side of his ribs forced him to break his grip on her neck!

As she dropped back to her feet, she tried to get distance between the two of them. Though that was easily thwarted once Baraka's left hand got a full grasp of her hair. Screaming, Mileena was held off of the ground, her feet dangling. She began to struggle, but stopped once the sharp tip of Baraka's arm blade touched her lips. The razor slid past her lips, resting against the corner of her mouth. She froze, even in knowing she could regenerate.

"Now…to make you beautiful. You hideous waste of space…." He growled, his eyes reddening, nostrils flaring with excitement. Was this an aphrodisiac for him? The terror he saw in her face had his blood pumping, his teeth were grinding as his grin grew wider. Though while he started to cut at the corner of her mouth, her pained scream was dulled by the entry of one of Baraka's soldiers.

"Sir! We've been infiltrated!"

"What?" Baraka drew his blade back, dropping Mileena down to the floor. "Do not come to me! Handle it!" He started toward the door, now with both blades of his arms drawn forward. "Out of my way!"

Mileena sat upon her knees, holding the side of her slightly torn mouth. Though it bled, the flesh began to connect together again, though it was painfully slow. "…Baraka…" She hissed to herself. She would get rid of him once and for all…one day.

Side Event: #06: Rescue

Tarkatans fell like zapped flies along the guarded 'secret' halls. Blood pooled along the sides of the floor, as the quick Kunoichi made extremely short work of her foes with bladed boomerangs. She wasted no time breaking through the door using the torso of a Tarkatan at the tip of her staff. As the door came down, Jade spun her weapon about, expecting more of the Tarkatan Horde inside. Though she was shocked to see just who was protecting Queen Sindel.

Kitana.

Granted her body was still damaged from her death, though her eyes and bodily aura were radiating green. She was possessed – this was not her friend. Jade had a split second to decide what her actions would be. Her loyalty was with Edenia at all times, so this made the possessed princess an enemy of the realm.

"Release Queen Sindel!" She spoke out with authority in her tone, though she knew this would only rouse Kitana to attack. Once the enslaved Princess put her guard up, Jade held her ground. She knew her bladed weapons were out of the question – as well as the fact more Tarkatans were well on their way.

"Jade! Please leave us! Do not harm Kitana..!" Sindel reached between the bars, hoping to reason with Jade!

The kunoichi quickly responded. "My queen, I cannot do such!"

Kitana only hissed and snarled, incapable of human speech. She was devoid of her former life, and only obeyed Onaga's will! She charged her friend wildly, spinning her fans with a force that would lift Jade from the ground! However, when Kitana went to follow up, she would be shocked to find that Jade came prepared with a bag of tricks!

The green clad Kunoichi launched a small orb from her palm that exploded on contact with Kitana's face, creating a burning haze that made the possessed princess collapse to the ground screaming in agony!

Wasting no time, Jade landed and rushed Queen Sindel's cage. She broke the lock with several jabs of her empowered staff. Forcing the door to swing open. "Come!" She grabbed Sindel, had she been willing or not!

"But Kitana..!" Sindel wanted to save her daughter as well!

Jade, as loyal as she was, was far too motivated to leave here with at least Sindel alive. She was the Queen, afterall. She swatted Sidnel across the face with the back of her right hand to slap some sense into her. "Kitana is dead! Edenia cannot afford to lose you with her!" She yanked Sindel along, racing through the bloody halls. As she erupted from the secret passage, she heard the roaring of Tarkatan forces on rapid approach.

Jade looked left and right, seeing the nearest window was close to the throne room. "Hold them off!" Jade rushed the window and stopped right in front of it. Repeated jabs broke the window down eventually, letting her see just how long the drop would possibly be.

Sindel on the other hand, still in awe that she had been struck by one of her subjects, turned her anger elsewhere to be more constructive with it. As the Tarkata approached, she took in a deep breath. Releasing a scream that rattled the entire castle's foundation, and painted the walls with the horde of warriors blood. This of course roused the Dragon King's full attention!

By now, Jade had broken the window down fully, prepared for their quick escape. "My queen!" She called out to Sindel, motioning her over quickly!

Though the Queen's ears were popped from her own voice, it was difficult to catch Jade's words. Though she turned to see the green kunoichi move her hands toward the newly crafted exit.

Stomping into the hall, the great Onaga snarled in anger to come to realize Sindel's escape. "Stop them!" He barked out to the Tarkatans who kept their skulls – Baraka being one of the few. Tanya froze in place at Onaga's side, meeting eyes with Jade.

Though Jade's soul burned with anger, she turned to grasp Sindel as they sprung from the window. Using her energy, Sindel propelled them through the sky at increasing speeds, soaring away from the castle where even Edenia's best ranged weapons could not touch them!

"We must escape to another realm!" Sindel announced. She hoped Jade had an escape plan fully in mind!

"To Outworld! The portal I snuck in should still be open!" Jade's stealth allowed her to track Kitana's possessed body down to the Edenian Castle. She was thankful she arrived when she did… "It was not very long ago!"

"My daughter…what…" Sindel's confusion was apparent, "What has happened to her?"

Jade's voice began to trail off as her sadness played on her exposed, lowering eyes. "What once happened to you, my queen…what once happened to you…"

Side Event: #07: Weeks later

It had been two weeks since the scape of Sindel. 'Kitana' had her orders directly from Onaga to help train and prep the combined Edenian, Outworld, and Earthrealm forces to their crushing defeats at the blades of the Tarkatan horde. She was to only lead them in the right direction when the army was full enough to do significant damage to the resistance once they were all killed.

Mileena had everyone fooled. She wasn't even sure herself how she pulled it off in the emotional state she was in. She wasn't even aware of the possessed warriors that Onaga controlled…especially Kitana.

Though tonight, in the wilderness, Mileena didn't retreat to a quick sleep. Knowing her guards were protecting her tent, she still didn't feel safe sleeping without her veil. She wasn't sure when the magic holding her face together would run out. She wasn't even sure if te mages realized it was her…or if she was to betray them.

Though a lot had been on her mind. She sat up in her tent and grabbed a piece of paper that was lofting around her war strategy notes. She began to write…as best she could…

"For the last few weeks one of the soldiers has come to visit me. He is very polite and treats me a little different than I thought I would be treated. Everyone else is quick to hail me and quick to say nice things. They only obey because of my status.

Though one of Earthrealms warriors that joined the army that I am in charge of is very special to me. He sat down and talked to me about the weather and said some funny things that made me laugh. He helped me feel better after feeling very stressed doing this job my feet were hurt because we walked so far to meet up with the rest of the forces and he gave me a foot rub it was nice.

He told me that I didn't have to call him Sub Zero because that is just a code name I thought it was his real name ha ha. His name is Kuai Liang but when he became grandmaster they called him Shikai which is the name of the brave ice king that led his people from corruption. He said he doesn't like always having other peoples names which is funny because I feel the same way now when I used to like it a long time ago.

I feel a little strange, but I have to write this down because I want to remember it if anything bad happens and I don't want it to im tired of running in circles. I am happy I get to call him Kuai Liang or just Kuai because it makes me feel special. I wish I could tell him the truth then maybe we could still be friends. I really like him though he is always at my side when I need him and he is very involved in the cause. I don't want to see him die. Baraka wants to finally meet for the army extermination. I can't let him hurt Kuai Liang. I have to get him out of danger.

As long as I am Kitana, he will talk to me, and that's all I really want. He doesn't hurt me or hit me or give me reason to want to betray him I feel like im a frog and he is a princess or prince because I cant imagine him wearing a dress ha ha.

Well I need some rest. The big battle is very soon. When I read this again it will be because I hid it somewhere safe and hopefully I can show Kuai what I wrote to tell him the truth how I feel because it makes my tummy feel strange when I see him sometimes like butterflies are in it and I don't eat bugs.

Ok goodnight

Mileena"

As she began the process of folding up her paper, when she heard a voice outside of her tent that made her sit up straight.

"Is the princess awake? I must have a word with her." Shikai – Kuai Liang's voice was heard.

Before her guards could answer, Mileena quickly hid her note beneath herself as she sat. "Y-Yes! Allow Sub-Zero entry!"

"Yes, your highness!" Quick to agree, the guards parted ways to allow the Lin Kuei Grandmaster his entry into 'Kitana's' tent.

Mileena remained seated, tossing her blanket over her legs so that it seemed natural for her to remain seated. "Kuai, to what do I owe this visit?" She cleared her throat – it was sounding a bit more like her normal tone at first!

"I heard rumors that a Tarkatan tried to ambush the camp. I came to be sure you were alright." He took a look around, inspecting the place from where he stood to be certain she was in no immediate danger, or hidden dangers. "You wear your veil to bed, Kitana?"

Nervously she chuckled in response. "It's a measure to keep bugs from it." Resting her hands neatly in her lap, she proceeded. "I am fine. I was unaware of such an attack." Though this was telling her Baraka's men were getting impatient. How could he just attack like that? "We should move by morning. More could come."

"Indeed more could come. I think we should move now." He came to kneel before her, resting his forearm across his propped knee on the same side. "After that ambushing Tarkatan was defeated, I took a few of my warriors, Master Bo Rai' Cho, Li Mei, and several of the Edenian and Outworld soldiers from the camp to the far southern end where the enemy came. We found a good number of soldiers waiting. We destroyed them all without casualty. We followed the methods you covered in their training, along with some of my own command..." He trailed off, feeling as if he'd underminded her authority. "Forgiveness for my actions, Kitana. I simply had to act to protect you and the others."

Mileena's eyes were even wider now. The attack Baraka planned was over? They killed the extermination squad? Unless they killed Baraka with them…she would be in major trouble. "…We will leave, then. I will need some time alone to consult with the gods. Move forward and I will meet you near the Beatle Lair. We will progress with our plans…to Kahn's fortress." She felt a rush of adrenaline. They defeated the Tarkatans under her methods of attack? In combination with Kuai's? She truly had a successful outcome…and it was hard to believe! "And it is alright. You did the right thing, Kuai. I am thankful for it."

"No," He said reaching out for her hand. "No thanks is needed." He placed his other cool hand atop her knuckles. "You are always welcome, Kitana. My loyalty to you is…slowly exceeding its boundaries."

"Kuai Liang…" She was stuck by sudden bashfulness. She looked away from him, feeling those butterflies return to her stomach. Though she had to be in control. She had to be strong. Kitana wouldn't be swept away so easily, would she? "We must keep this within boundaries. We can't let emotion interfere…with…our goals forward." Maybe this is what it felt like...what Kitana felt whenever Liu Kang was near.

The longing.

The trust.

"We both are tired to pretend someone we are not, Kitana. We've spoken of this."

The fear.

"You know you are not one to be able to shoulder burdens alone, though you must appear to be. While I have grown tired of being a tribute to those before me, rather than be myself." He lowered his eyes to their clasped hands, then back up to her eyes. "Kitana…, I am not saying this because of your loss of Liu Kang…, to be honest I never saw a bond between us in our past meetings. There's just something about you that is very different when you allow yourself to be yourself…and I…enjoy it."

Mileena wanted to enjoy his words, but the more he said, the more he hurt her heart. Had he fallen in love with Kitana? When she would reveal herself…she knew he would denounce all emotion toward her. "Enough, Kuai Liang." She spoke out, restraining the pain in her chest best she could. "…I must…collect my thoughts. We…can speak on this when it is over."

"…Yes, we can." Bowing his head apologetically, Kuai Liang released her hands softly. "…I am sorry…if it is too soon, Kitana. It was foolish of me to say such things."

"Only fools would lie," Words tasted bitter on her tongue, "Your words…are very appreciated. It is…just a tough time for me. Though I am glad you could be honest with your emotions with me…" She paused a moment, retracting her hand. "Rally everyone to move forward. I will catch up in due time. If I am gone longer than an hour…, I know you'll come for me."

Placing his fist over his armored chest, Sub-Zero nodded. "I will come for you. I will try to ease my worries until then." His fist came back down while he came to stand. Once up, he took a glance over his shoulder to the folds of the tent. "I will get ready. You should hurry to complete your prayers where it is safe. If something goes wrong, just yell for me."

"I can handle myself, Kuai Liang."

"I know this." He stated with a chuckle. "Be safe, Kitana." His fist once again came to his chest as he bowed forward slightly. "Be stealthful as the night."

He taught Mileena this early on. She returned the gesture, bowing her head forward. "…And deadly as the dawn."

A/N

This was written fairly quickly. Sorry if it seems rushed at all. I was drawing blanks!

Sorry for the long break from my fan fictions. Good news though, I've been writing a Novel! Well, a novel of my own original work, not fan fiction stuff! I hope if you enjoy my writing you'll enjoy it, Ill keep you posted on it!