Dinner Hall:

Chaos; complete disorder and confusion.

That word accurately described the scene unfolding in Edenia's Royal Palace. Mileena and her team consisting of Tanya, Kano, Reiko, and Rain abruptly ended the joyous occasion of Jade and Chris' engagement, invading the Palace with only the heroes to stop them, the palace guards utterly oblivious to the ensuing mayhem. Now, the Forces of Light had to ensure their unwelcomed guests would pay for attacking Edenia.

They were in for a rude awakening, however.

After Tanya and Kano took Chris out of the picture, the pyromancer set her sights on the bane of her entire existence - Jade. Tanya smiled menacingly and quickly sprinted. Jade was caught off guard as the traitor attacked with a picture perfect 'Cannon Drill,' knocking the General to the floor in complete contrast to the previous battle between the two rivals.

In their last encounter at Onaga's Throne room, neither Jade or Tanya could land a blow at the start, each of their attacks well defended. It became apparent that whoever made the first mistake would lose. That didn't happen until Tanya caught Jade's fist with her bare hand and lodged a fist into Jade's stomach, turning the match into her favor. Tanya realized her advantage and relentlessly assaulted Jade to the point where she could barely put up a guard. The only aspect of saving the assassin from certain death was when the Tanya repeatedly insulted her and bragged about Chris and their 'friends with benefits' ordeal. If Jade didn't draw motivation from that, she would've easily arrived at Death's Door.

Keeping the pressure on, Tanya performed a backflip and prepared to stomp on the General's skull. Jade rolled to a safe distance just in time to avoid having her head crushed by her enemy's heels. Once again, Jade was caught off guard as Tanya anticipated this and shot a Fireball at blazing speed after landing. Barely any time was left for the assassin to register a block; a direct hit to the chest that sent Jade flying into a nearby wall, cracking the pavement with the design of a spider web. She slowly slid to the floor after absorbing the force from the projectile. Blurry vision obstructed Jade's vision but cleared up enough to let her recognize Tanya charging again, shakily rising to her feet.

'Tanya is a lot stronger than last time,' thought Jade as she sprinted to meet Tanya halfway. 'I can't become complacent.'

This sequence marked the beginning of another heated battle between fierce rivals.


Main Hall:

The entire main hall resembled a battle zone in every sense of the phrase. Destroyed furniture, defaced walls, and floors streaked with blood. Destruction like this would make a psychopath salivate. Mileena and Kitana fought in a duel of weaponry, steel fans and magic sais clashing as sparks flew with each bladed connection. Both looked beat up as the bloodshed wore on. Large scratches marred the Princess' face and torso along with a huge gash on her left thigh where Mileena stabbed her. The Empress wasn't without injuries, her forehead profusely bleeding after Kitana sliced it with her fans. Mileena's head would be rolling on the floor if she didn't duck in time; multiple gashes attained on her left shoulder and just above both kneecaps. The two assassins stood about a table's length from one another, their weapons at the ready.

"This is the most fun I've had in ages, dear sister!" Mileena dangerously smirked under her mask, both sais twirling in her hands.

Kitana glared at her clone unamused as she readied her fans. "You always think this is a game! I should've killed you when I had the chance!"

"We both know you don't have the guts to do it. Your caring heart wouldn't allow it," the Empress taunted.

Wrong choice of words there as the Princess looked like she was going to lose it completely.

"SILENCE! I WILL END YOU AND THAT FILTHY KAHN BLOODLINE!" Kitana charged Mileena, who was taken aback by her rage.

Not too far from the bickering siblings, Reiko and Liu Kang faced off in a grueling battle, fatigue hampering both warriors. The former champion of Mortal Kombat had his hands full with Reiko putting him on the defensive for most of the fight. He had to rethink his strategy or suffer another grim fate of death.

Meanwhile, Sindel was having a field day with the purple-clad ninja, Rain. Seeing him on the side of evil caused something to snap within the Queen. She treated him like he was her son, and this is how he repaid her kindness? If the Queen's screaming wasn't enough, she was also a very proficient warrior in her own right, dissecting Rain like he was nothing while keeping the purple-clad ninja on his heels as Sindel beat him within an inch of his life.

"Your betrayal is punishable by death!" Sindel emphatically declared as she performed her screaming fatality.

You can hear the Queen's scream from another realm as the former Prince tried to close his ears from the attack but realized he did so in vain. In less than ten seconds, the fight was over; Rain's skin wholly torn from his body while his skeleton remained, blood dripping from each bone. The Queen hadn't used that move in a long time, but circumstances warranted her usage of it. Sindel scoffed at the remains of the disgraced Prince before joining her daughter in confronting Mileena. Kitana was grateful for her mother's assistance, her body beginning to tire against her clone who possessed an unlimited amount of stamina unseen by any warrior. Mother and daughter stood side by side in their stances.

"You wish to die together!?" Mileena exclaimed. "So be it! It will only make this more enjoyable to me!"

"It's you who will perish, abomination!" Kitana retaliated.

The Empress screamed wildly and dashed towards her so-called family, ready to take her place on the Throne. Kitana and Sindel nodded, knowing full well that Mileena had no chance.


Training Room:

Out of all the battles commencing in the Palace, the remaining duel was by far the most brutal. Chris and Kano were locked in a slugfest using every single technique they knew, the only plausible way to achieve victory. Earthrealm's Hero refused to back down from his most hated enemy; Kano made him suffer for far too long to do so. If Chris let it continue, it would plague him for the rest of his life especially since the Black Dragon leader vowed to go after his new love. Chris would willingly go to hell if he let that bastard ruin his life again.

As the fight continued, Chris wondered how and why Mileena brought that bitch Tanya back to life. After recovering from defeating the Dragon King, he and Jade discussed what happened when she and the former ambassador dueled in Onaga's Throne room. Chris was shocked but somewhat relieved when Jade told him she killed Tanya. However, he was also guilt-ridden after seeing the numerous injuries his beloved suffered from the encounter. The Edenian General assured him she would be ok after proper treatment.

"Mate, it's always fun to fight ya'," Kano complimented, the convict grotesquely cracking his neck. "Nothin' like a good ol' tussle."

Chris spat out a wad of blood. "Sweet talk will get you nowhere. You will pay for all the hell you've put me through all these years!"

That revolting smile never left the villain's mouth. "When will you ever get over that? You're like a broken record. Although, I wouldn't mind getting a piece of ass from that General. She'll probably be a better lay than that old bitch of yours."

A vein slowly formed on Chris' forehead; Kano struck a raw nerve. It's painful enough to know this vile man took away his family and now Kano had his sights set on Jade. Lord knows what Chris would do if Kano even attempted to rape her. In an instant, Chris yelled his battle cry and charged Kano with all his might. The Black Dragon leader would rue the day he ever met him.


Dinner Hall:

If Jade thought their previous battle was painful, she was in for an unpleasant surprise. The rematch against Tanya wasn't going well, and it appears the traitor has become more powerful, the strength and speed in her attacks increasing exponentially. Jade could barely keep up with Tanya, her body attaining more injuries than in their last collision, sustaining cracked ribs and bruises littering her complexion while also suffering multiple gashes to both thighs as Tanya's Kobu-Jutsu neutralized her mobility, struggling mightily to climb back to her feet. By the time Jade raised her head, a boot heel connected to her face which sent the emerald-eyed woman to the floor again. The pyromancer put her extended leg down.

"Still think I'm a ghost, Jade?" Tanya asked rhetorically.

Jade breathed heavily on all fours trying to recover somehow. She wouldn't get much time as Tanya delivered a kick to the ribcage, Jade grimacing before rolling on the ground and landed on her back. Suddenly, a sharp heel smashed down on her throat.

Tanya grinned darkly at her vantage point. "I bet you're wondering how I'm alive."

Struggling to breathe, Jade managed to croak out, "You wouldn't... be alive if it... wasn't... for... outside help!"

"True. Without Mileena, I wouldn't be here to take my rightful position, but what difference does it make?" the traitor grounded her heel into Jade's throat, causing her to wince.

"How is it you're... here!?" Jade demanded.

The evil smile never left Tanya's face. "Since you asked, I'll explain."


Six Months ago: Kuatan Jungle

The Empress and Rain took the dead body of Tanya to their campsite where they would begin her resurrection. Even though he agreed to help, the disgraced Prince still had doubts to whether this would work, remembering countless times Tanya betrayed fellow allies for individual objectives and was confident she'd do it again in the event their coup against Edenia went astray. Regardless, Rain laid the corpse on a makeshift gravel bed as Mileena prepared the ritual with an item thought long forgotten in her ownership.

Shinnok's amulet.

Standing at bed's head over Tanya, Mileena began chanting an old spell. A sinister red glow emanated from the amulet and transferred itself into the pyromancer's corpse. Her body shook violently as the hole in her chest closed completely, leaving a fresh scar while healing her other afflictions as well. After a few moments, Tanya woke up with a gasp and sat up, her breath coming out in pants.

"Wha- Where... Where am I? How is this possible? I'm supposed to be dead," she said in disbelief, staring at her hands.

"Now you're resurrected. Welcome, dearest Tanya," said a voice behind her. The Edenian traitor sharply turned and found herself face to face with the Empress herself.

"Mileena!" Tanya hoped off the bed and entered her stance. "What is the meaning of this!? Why have I been brought back to life!?" she demanded.

Shang Tsung's creation didn't flinch. "Relax, my dear. We didn't bring you back to fight, merely to talk." After those words, Rain along with Kano and Reiko appeared by her side. Feeling uneasy about the situation, the pyromancer backed up but still maintained her stance.

"Don't be shy. We wish to extend a generous proposal for your services." Mileena said, trying to form a truce.

Tanya straightened herself and crossed her arms. "And what would you have to offer? For all I know, you'll dispose of me after regaining your status."

A wicked smile then formed on Mileena's face underneath her veil. "Your battle against Jade at Onaga's Throne; the way you fought with such conviction thoroughly impressed me. A shame you lost in the final moments."

The Edenian traitor vividly remembered the fateful encounter with her bitter enemy. After dominating most of the fight, Tanya became complacent and allowed Jade to take advantage. Just thinking about that memory caused the former ambassador to ball her fists tightly, revenge evident all over her face and body language. The entire group prepared to defend themselves in case the pyromancer decided to retaliate. After a moment, Tanya relaxed her hands but sustained the angry look.

"That bitch!" Tanya shouted in hatred. "I swear I'll kill her if it's the last thing I do!"

"Exactly why we need you, Tanya," interjected Mileena. "My proposition is simple. Help me seize the Outworld Throne, and in exchange, you will have the Edenian Throne to rule at your disposal after we kill those vermin, no strings attached." Mileena reduced the distance between them. "I know what's it like to harbor disdain for another. You and Jade aren't too different from Kitana and I. Why not accept our assistance to kill her and take that Earthrealmer back?"

Mileena made obvious but excellent points, putting Tanya in deep thought. The former ambassador still held a place in her soul for Chris, the only man to break through a heart she thought was stone cold. No one ever showed Tanya attention as much as Chris did, but he would never stay with her after backstabbing him in Sun Do, and it only hurt more when she heard Jade expressed her love for Chris shortly after that, infuriating Tanya to no end. Once again, her nemesis took what the pyromancer thought only belonged to her.

'This would be the perfect opportunity to slay that bitch finally.' Tanya mulled the proposition. 'Jade along with Kitana and Sindel will grovel at my feet before I slaughter them while taking back what belongs to me. Chris will be mine again whether he likes it or not.'

Showing a wide grin, the pyromancer extended her hand towards the Empress. "I accept your offer, Mileena. Nothing will make me more satisfied than to finally put that green wench in her grave."

Mileena mirrored Tanya's smile and shook her hand. "Excellent! Once we restore your health, we will raid Edenia and claim what's rightfully ours!" The men in the group smiled evilly as well, their shared desires as part of the bargain within reach.

Edenia was in big trouble.


Present:

Jade's eyes widened in fear when Tanya finished speaking. Mileena owns Shinnok's amulet, a weapon capable of devastating destruction if used by the wrong hands. Realizing her lack of oxygen, the General managed to kick Tanya's leg off her neck, allowing her to move away. Jade quickly got back to her feet to assume her fighting stance although doing so with difficulty.

"You teamed... with Mileena?" the assassin inquired, rubbing her throat while coughing. "To take the... throne?"

"I plan to do more than that!" Tanya angrily retorted. "Afterwards, I'll take back my man after disposing of you!"

Venom laced Jade's response. "Haven't you learned yet!? Lost your chance when you betrayed and broke his heart! Besides, he loves me now!"

"I don't care you're his fiancé! Your engagement is a sham! After I kill you, I'll show Chris how a real woman pleasures her man! First, you'll hand over that engagement ring to me!" Tanya demanded.

Jade stared at Tanya like she was crazy, which wasn't exactly false. "What makes you think I'll give you my ring!? You're delusional!"

"ENOUGH! DIE, BITCH!" Tanya screamed, lunging at Jade with fiery fists.

Before she could get her hands on the assassin, someone crashed into Tanya to halt her momentum. Kano had been beaten unconscious and thrown from the training room into his ally, sending both members inside the main hall. Jade looked at the door Kano flew from, happy to witness Chris emerge but concerned for his wellbeing as he was physically beaten up. His forehead bled from both sides while his left arm dangled, possibly a sprain or even worse; broken. Jade ran and carefully hugged Chris to minimize his discomfort.

"My love, are you ok?" Jade asked worriedly.

Chris nodded despite the pain. "Yes, Jade. It's nothing I can't handle. We need to kick them out of here."

The Edenian General returned her fiancé's nod and joined him as the couple ran to where their bitter enemies landed.


Dinner Hall:

All the villains faced defeat after being repelled by the Earthrealm Warriors. Reiko was the only one who didn't sustain any significant injuries but none the less couldn't gain any advantage against Liu Kang who fought Shao Kahn's former General to a standstill. The Forces of Light reunited together, ready to push out the unwelcomed visitors while Mileena's allies were shocked to see what remained of Rain's body, a mere skeleton. They now knew they needed to regroup, but it looks as though that won't even be an option.

Sindel addressed the aggressors. "For your transgressions against my Kingdom, I order execution for all of you!" the Queen said triumphantly. Her allies stood ready to force a surrender.

Mileena was livid but not like Tanya was. They failed to take over Edenia and were looking at a no-win possibility. Then to her surprise, she forgot her secret weapon residing in her back pocket; secured only as a last resort. The Empress smiled evilly and stood on her feet.

"The only execution taking place is yours, senile fool!" Mileena exclaimed before taking the amulet out, aiming it directly at the group of heroes who paled in apprehension.

"It's Shinnok's amulet!" Kitana shrieked in despair.

"PREPARE TO BOW DOWN BEFORE ME!" the Empress shouted as she fired.

A sinister red blast shot out from the center jewel of the amulet. Since Mileena hasn't had a lot of time training with the object, it scorched her entire arm, causing her to cry out in affliction. The red beam never slowed down, traveling at a blistering speed. None of the heroes could protect themselves as it hit Chris' chest, rendering him unconscious before his body hit the floor. His lover's eyes widened in fear.

"CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!" Jade screamed at the top of her lungs.

The heroes gathered around to check on his condition. Chris was barely breathing as the blast burned through his shirt, profoundly scarring his chest. Even the villains paled to what they just witnessed. Though Tanya was glad Mileena used the artifact, she was displeased the object of her desire became its target.

"Mileena, what have you done!?" Tanya howled in dissatisfaction. "I want Chris alive!"

The Empress nearly retaliated against her right-hand woman for insubordination when they heard an outcry of rage. Both ladies turned to see Jade charging them with tears falling from her eyes, only to be kicked away by Tanya's strong Split Kick and a fireball sending the General to the floor while holding her head in pain. Kitana rushed to Jade's side and dragged her away from any further ailments, yet Tanya's assault couldn't stop the assassin's sobbing.

"This isn't over! On my life, I swear you'll all pay! Edenia will be mine after we kill you fools!" Tanya defiantly stated as a portal to their campsite tore open.

Tanya and Jade glared viciously at one another as the Edenian General's forehead began bleeding. Although it seemed impossible, their hatred reached new heights. The man they grew to love and adore laid dying, neither pleased as his life hung in the balance. At that moment, the two Edenian rivals knew there was only one way to settle their feud once and for all - Mortal Kombat.

"We'll have another match to the death, Jade! You won't have a prayer!" Tanya yelled, their eyes never leaving each other. "Chris will be mine along with that ring on your finger! Consider this an Edenian Ultimatum!" the traitor exclaimed before departing into the portal with her allies.

Kitana helped Jade back to her feet and kept asking if she was ok. The General didn't pay any attention to her friend as she rushed over to her beloved, tears flowing from her eyes. Tanya's new friends have drawn a line in the sand and will pay for this despicable act. For now, she had to stay by Chris' side after coming so close to losing him. Kneeling at his side, Jade touched Chris' face with both hands; vengeance etched in her mind and expression.

'Tanya has gone too far! She will not come anywhere near my beloved! This time, I'll make sure she doesn't come back from her grave!' the assassin swore in her mind.