Six long days of tournament fights have passed. We are now fighting from sun up, to sun down each day. Some die, others are spared. There is little time for training lately as well. I have not slept these past days; I merely go to the roof and watch the sun rise, hiding behind the clouds as it lights the realm dimly. Or I await for the sun to rise in my room some days, accompanied with Li Mei. No one knows where I go at night except for she, my new trusted ally and servant, which makes the newfound location even more valuable than my quarters. No futile Earth Realmers to pester me and no Kitana to irk my murderous nature.

I have not spoken to anyone besides Li Mei and Rain. I run into the Earth Realmer Smoke everyday, but he has not made an effort to create a new snide comment aimed toward me. He merely gives me an odd glance as if he has millions of inquiries for me, but he never gets a single one out. My urges to quell him have settled, for he is of no concern to me anymore. This leaves Kitana as my only nemesis, and I am more determined every day.

"Finish him!" Shang Tsung shouts.

Another Earth Realmer has fallen to Outworld. Ermac finishes off a random fighter by using his bright, green telekinesis to tear his opponent's torso vertically in half, spilling his blood onto the arena. Our forces cheer savagely as the Earth Realmers' faces light up in shock. As usual I watch at father's side with Kitana. This is the twentieth match today, and we are ahead by three kombat victories.

"Our next battle will be Kung Lao versus Jade!" the sorcerer announces.

Servants clear the arena of the two body parts as Jade steps onto the arena calmly. A man with a razor-rim hat steps onto the arena as well with his head tilted, making it quite difficult to land eyes on his face. He then reveals his face as his gaze meets his opponent. His fierce eyes lock onto Jade with determination.

"The day I let Outworld take Earthrealm is the day I die," he slides his hand across the blade of the hat speedily.

Jade readies herself to attack.

"Fight!" father exclaims.

Jade draws her staff and charges at him. She swings it horizontally toward his head as he dodges it, delivering two swift blows to her chest. She spins in retaliation, bringing her staff with her which happens to strike Kung Lao in the rib area, then the chest right after. She goes for another attack with the staff when Kung Lao sweeps her feet from under her with his leg, bringing her to the ground.

She uses the staff to stand quickly, sliding upward and going into the air. As she descends, she aims her staff downward at her foe. But, he tips his hat and the razor on it snaps her staff in half. He delivers a devastating kick to her stomach which sends her a few feet away. She then concentrates her energy and throws a purple-like bright boomerang at him which strikes his upper cranium, knocking his hat to the arena floor. Jade glides to him with a green light surrounding her body, giving him two mighty kicks and a fierce grunt.

Kung Lao falls to the ground, peering upward in disarray. Jade throws another boomerang downward, aiming to quell him. However the blade misses him as he disappears; leaving traces of blue aura behind. He spawns again from the ground flying upward, then grabs Jade's shoulders from behind. He uses his momentum to flip her frontwards. She firmly lands on her back on the arena floor. She looks up at him with angered eyes, but he kicks her fiercely to assure she shall stay down. There is a look of disappointment on Shang Tsung's face when Jade is unable to fight back, but he still goes along as planned.

"Finish her!" he yells.

Kung Lao just picks her up by her torso and tosses her across the arena instead of ending her life, leaving her laying there a moment. Servants drag her unconscious form off of the platform as Kitana peers at her body guard with a hint of concern. Surprisingly the Earth Realmers aren't too fond of murder, yet that is the very theme of this tournament. Defeat, murder and defend. As in Outworld's case, defeat, slaughter and invade. A very contradicting people they are, these Earth Realmers.

These coming events judge who advances to the semi-finals of this tournament. Most of Earthrealm's weak warriors have already been eliminated, so the well trained warriors are finally making a stand. Soon I will have to fight to secure my spot for the next part of the tournament, which takes place in Earthrealm itself.

"Our next and final battle for the day shall prove interesting indeed...Smoke versus Reptile," my eyes narrow as Shang Tsung summons them both to the arena.

Reptile front flips onto the ring, looking fierce as he lands on all fours. Smoke simply steps onto the arena calmly, facing Reptile. I watch him as he glances at me with curious eyes. I return a blank expression as my eyes analyze his figure. He then turns his attention back to his opponent as I watch on.

"Die mortal," Reptile is determined.

"Well like I told an Outworld warrior before, do you worst," Smoke starts circling the arena, as does Reptile.

That pest is referencing an argument we had. Quite a spar we engaged in that day. My sais would have found his abdomen if it were not for the blasted Elder Gods and their futile rules of mortal kombat.

"Fight!" father shouts and with that, they set it off.

Reptile practically crawls to Smoke and attempts to trip him, but it fails. Smoke hops over his attack, lands and quickly throws a punch, striking his lower jaw. He then reaches out and grips his throat fiercely. Reptile struggles to escape his harsh grasp. He sends a knee to Smoke's lower abdomen and Smoke loses his grip. Reptile suddenly vanishes and Smoke goes into his stance. He looks around cautiously, never losing focus. He then punches what appears to be merely air to his right. It reveals to be Reptile and he cradles his face in his hands a moment, stumbling backwards in pain.

"How?" Reptile asks confused.

"You are not the only one with that trick," Smoke explains before vanishing in a puff of vapor, becoming invisible.

Reptile visually scans the area, but after a moment Smoke reappears behind his opponent and kicks him, striking his upper back. Reptile lets out a brief groan as he falls to the floor face first. Smoke approaches him, but is stopped by acid which spits from Reptiles mouth to speedily to counter. He protects his face by covering it with his arm. The acid still burns Smoke, causing him to groan and be on guard. Reptile then trips him and wraps his tongue around his neck before he hits the ground, choking him.

Smoke attempts to get his tongue from around his neck, while gasping for air. He then vanishes with smoke following his body, escaping Reptile's grasp. He comes face to face with his nemesis and grabs his tongue before he manages to retract it. Smoke begins pulling him closer by his tongue fiercely, bringing Reptile into a slightly demented state. Smoke then swiftly uppercuts him, causing Reptile to fly across the arena and land on his back. Reptile groans and squirms as Smoke approaches. He looks down at Reptile with murder in his eyes and then stomps his jaw. The echoes of the cracking noise rings throughout the crowd. Green blood stains the arena as everyone watches, but he is not dead yet.

I have seen the Earth Realmer in action before myself, but he seems to move faster and smoother than when we encountered. He must have been training. That, or he was toying with me. Why, I will never know. Reptile manages to stand as the blood drips down his chin, waving back and forth in place. He swings at Smoke for one last attempt to gain the kombat advantage, but it is too late. Smoke dodges his attempt and gives Reptile a strong jab to his temple which sends him flying. He lies on the ground looking cross eyed for a moment, and then his eyes shut.

"Stay down!" Smoke shouts to his foe.

Father appears to be displeased to deliver another victory to the Earthrealm forces.

"Finish him!" father exclaims.

Smoke walks to him casually and stomps his jaw once more, making more green blood spill onto the ground. Reptile's teeth and bones appear to be misshapen. Strange...the strength of this Earth Realmer. Smoke then turns to Shang Tsung with a blank expression, then to me momentarily. He proceeds to walk off the arena, joining his forces who congratulate him. Father stares angrily at the Earthrealm forces. We were ahead of their pathetic resistance, but now they are doing damage. It is now sun down, though there is not much sun this realm receives to begin with.

"The kombatants who survived and were not defeated will battle tomorrow. These next two days will prove to be quite vital. We are nearing the end of the first half of mortal kombat. Once we have our fighters, a portal will take the competitors to Earthrealm the next day to follow up on our tournament," Shang Tsung booms to everyone. "Train wisely," he adds devilishly, then raises his hand in the air. "You are all dismissed!"

Kitana then descends her spot on the throne and aims to leave with the crowd.

I go to exit as well when father says, "Follow her," low so only I heard.

I turn and nod. I then quickly merge with the crowd, tailing Kitana through the door and the warrior filled halls. She is ten feet ahead of me. I advance, dodging the others as I make my way through the thick halls filled with servants and fighters. I see her turn a corner and I speed up to catch her. I peer around the corner before continuing in case she suspects me, for though my sister is foolish, she is not ignorant. I witness her enter her quarters without a word to anyone. Maybe father's suspicions are in vain, but it matters little.

I venture back the way I came and proceed to climb the stairs. The crowded corridor dies down as everyone enters their rooms. The torches within the hall illuminate the dark, azure corridor. I walk down the hall to my quarters and enter. I sigh loudly as I remove my mask, feeling at ease as I shut the door behind me.

"Mileena, you have returned," Li Mei welcomes.

She is in the process of giving me new blankets and sheets.

"Yes, the damned tournament is finally getting somewhere," I reply.

"Well it's about time right?" she says just as annoyed as I.

"Yes, two more days is all we need and then I can rip apart the opposing forces in their own realm," I say in a cold tone.

Over the course of these several days, Li Mei has become a friend. Yesterday we sat down and told each other our inner secrets. It turns out her village is enslaved by father and she became a servant as a chance to escape and become someone. I told her about my hatred for my sister as well and how my quelling her existence will allow me to become someone. Now she assists me in keeping tabs on her. I see a lot of me in Li Mei, for she also has a skill for deception and is well trained in the art of kombat. I have also been sharing my room with her; I do not use it much anyway.

"You know, there's more to you that meets the eye Mileena. I wish I was more like you," she says in a serious tone as she sits on the bed.

"What do you mean? We are very alike," I say.

"Yes, but you are so clever, so misleading to even your own forces, I really admire it," she looks up at me smiling.

I join her on the bed, sitting next to her.

"Li Mei, I just met you and we are already close, you are more of a sister to me than Kitana has ever been," I reassure her, for this is the truth.

She looks at me and gives a warm smile, then removes a sai from my holster.

"Then let's make it official," she slits her palm and the blood flows from it slowly.

I know what she is getting at, so I hold my hand out and she repeats the action. She delivers to me a small cut in the middle of my palm. She places the sai back where it once was, then places her hand in mine as our blood interwinds.

"From this day forth, you Mileena, are my sister and I will entrust my life with you," she gazes into my eyes.

"And I entrust you with mine," I reply with our hands clasped together.

We release our grip and she wraps her arms around me, embracing with sincerity. She is the closest thing I have to a sister, and a true ally. How sudden it seems to be.

"When you get the chance sister, will you train with me?" she inquires as she ends our embrace.

"Of course," I answer.

I am thankful for her, I feel less of an outcast among my forces now because of her. She yawns and begins to stretch, her arms reaching for the ceiling.

"Get some rest, you need it," I insist.

"Alright," she agrees and lies down.

I head to the door and she sits up.

"You aren't sleeping again?" she asks me as I turn the door handle.

"I am a creature of the night sister, I shall see you in the morning," I say and head into the blue lit hallway.

I head up the stairs to the very top floor and walk until I see the signature large window. The hall has a few servants passing by. I casually wait until they pass and then quickly hop onto the large window sill. I notice it is already ajar as though someone opened it already. Strange, but I proceed to the roof anyway. I lean down and push the window slowly until it shuts once on top of the roof to lessen the noise. I then peer at the moon calmly as I stand upon the multi-inclined roof. A strange noise of a man clearing his throat hits my ears and I turn around quickly to see Smoke, casually watching me to my surprise.

"And here I thought no one else knew about this area," he spoke calmly and for once without sarcasm.

"I could say the same," I say slightly irritated at his sudden presence.

"I am not going to argue with you Mileena," he states.

Ordinarily I would attack him, but I am in no mood to argue either, so I advance up the roof and sit next to him. I refuse to allow his pathetic company to irk my night. This is my realm, he is merely a fragile Earth Realmer visiting. For a moment there is silence as we both look at the orange quarter moon begin to illuminate in the sky.

"You know, you really are something," he says after a moment.

"What is that supposed to mean Earth Realmer?" I say still remaining calm.

"When I fought you a few days back, you said something that caught my attention," he turns to me.

"And that was?"

"You fight for yourself."

"Yeah what of it? Everyone fights for themselves as well as their realm in this tournament," I say.

"Maybe you're right..." he trails off into thought, looking back at the sky.

I maintain my gaze on him.

"Why does it matter to you?" I inquire without raising my voice.

"It is just a mere thought. It seems as though there is a lot of mystery to you is all," he replies dimly.

"I could say the same about you. I have seen your other forces, you are the only one who associates with the enemy," he turns to me again.

"Just because you have a problem with a realm's ruler does not equate to having a problem with its people," he says casually.

"But they all want to murder you. Even I want to murder you," I state bluntly.

"They only want to kill me because of their ruler. But you, you don't want to kill me."

"Yes I do, that ruler is my father," I say in a stern voice.

"Just be honest for once Mileena. You could have entered my room, right across from yours might I remind you, and slaughtered me in my sleep if you truly wanted to kill me."

I hesitate, unable to find words. He is correct on such a matter, even if it meant my disqualification I could have eagerly quelled his existence.

"We may have our differences but I see through you. Though your exterior is firm and you threaten Earth realm, even you deserve better than working for a man who has nothing better to do with his time other than making any realm he can get his hands on miserable," he leaves me speechless.

As much as I hate even thinking it, he is correct yet again.

"In fact, I would say we are allies," he adds right after his little speech.

I let this sink in for a moment. I deserve better? He is right, I deserve to murder Kitana and from there things will only get better. Allies? I am not certain on that part.

"Why would you want to be my ally?" I ask after moments in silence.

"Well, you remind me of myself; too honest and stubborn," he says with a smile.

"Stubborn? Whatever, do not get in over your head with this," I reply as I roll my eyes.

"See?" he giggles and glances back at the moon.

"Even if you were my ally, you are an Earth Realmer. I am going to most likely be put against you in the tournament," I warn.

"Who gives a damn? If any of us are going to die, we might as well do what we want while we are still here," his tone is serious.

I have never seen this part of him, and to be quite frank everything he has said is correct. Not only correct, but spot on. Intriguing in a way as well.

"I guess I could bend a few rules...ally?" I reply slowly.

"Yes...my ally," he lies on his back and continues looking upward at the sky.

We sit in silence for a while.

"How does it feel working for Shao Kahn?" he inquires tiredly.

His eyes close slightly as he stares at the sky. He is obviously tired.

"Oh, just fall asleep so I can end you," I state sarcastically.

He laughs and turns his gaze to me.

"For what it is worth you are quite amusing, even when you try not to be," he informs me and I giggle slightly.

He then closes his eyes, falling into slumber beside me as I watch the sun arise from the horizon like I do every night. But for once, I am not alone...