IN KAHN'S FORTRESS
Shao Kahn sits upon his throne, analyzing Li Mei, Sub-Zero and Kung Lao, whose hands are bind in the front by rough rope. He rubs his chin as his harsh gaze exchanges between the three. Reiko stands at the side of his throne with his arms crossed, awaiting orders from the emperor.
"Such a peculiar trio you are. A Cryomancer, a Shaolin and a native to Outworld believed they could infiltrate my fortress," the emperor says as he turns his attention to Sub-Zero. "Now, I believe you to be one of the fragile Lin Kuei that has breached my realm," he accuses.
"Lin Kuei I am no longer," Sub-Zero replies harshly.
"You shall be considered as one, nonetheless!" Shao Kahn shouts as he looks to Li Mei. "And you, the alleged defender of the people of Outworld," he mocks her, "have caused me enough trouble also!"
"I defend the people because you have failed to do such throughout the duration of your reign!" Li Mei retaliates.
The emperor chuckles at her boldness as his eyes explore her figure. His eyes come to a stop at her hands, seeing a small round object on her ring finger. A ring with half of the ying yang symbol as the charm catches his gaze. The emperor then spots the opposite ring amongst Kung Lao's finger as well, which causes him to chuckle once more.
"The infamous ying yang warriors, who would have known one of which was the alleged defender of the people of Outworld," his voice rings of amusement. "Take these futile warriors to the lockup, and place her in the torture room first," he smirks.
"No!" Kung Lao attempts to run for the emperor, only to be pulled back by his troops.
The emperor bursts into devious laughter at the sight of his resistance.
"It shall cause you much more pain than it shall cause her! Lock them near the torture chambers and allow the door to remain ajar! Make certain her consort hears her pleads for mercy!" the emperor shouts, earning the cheers of his warriors.
The troops grab Sub-Zero and Li Mei who shout in protest and attempt to escape their ropes. The handle of an axe strikes Sub-Zero's head, knocking him unconscious and they repeat this action with Kung Lao. Li Mei fights them off, refusing to be contained. She shouts as they are all dragged out of the emperor's throne room by a large number of soldiers. Several of the emperor's warriors then disperse as Shao Kahn takes to his feet. Reiko watches the emperor as he approaches the large glass window that stands behind his throne chair. The emperor's eyes peer across the Outworld horizon as he sees the planetary realm of Earth approaching his realm. A fraction of the celestial body collides with Outworld, beginning the merger of two worlds.
"The merger is now entering its final stage," Shao Kahn announces.
Reiko approaches his emperor.
"Mileena shall lead my forces to the inevitable battle. You along with my best fighters shall await her return before you enter the realm," he commands.
"What about you, my lord?" Reiko asks.
"By the time I enter Earthrealm, it shall already be mine."
IN THE NETHERREALM
Quan Chi stands before the shimmering throne of Shinnok.
"The merger is nearly complete. At any moment the emperor may be entering Earthrealm," he reports.
"We must worry about that later! As of now must recapture Mileena and the Enenra! I no longer feel the hold I had over them! Thanks to you not arriving when I captured them both you have ruined our plans! The last place in which I felt their presence was in Earthrealm!" Shinnok shouts.
Shinnok flicks his wrist, and flames ignite to the right of Quan Chi who frowns and crosses his arms. From these flames ascends Ashrah, with a rather cautious expression on her face.
"You! You shall travel to Earthrealm and retrieve Mileena, for she trusts your treacherous flesh more than any other specter!" he harshly commands her.
Ashrah peers at the fallen Elder God with anger.
"She may be located near the Wu Shi Academy, for that is where the emperor plans to send his next invasion unit," Quan Chi suggests.
"I shall not. She aided you and you turned your back on her like you have many others. Who's to say you would not do such to I?" Ashrah retaliates.
At these words Shinnok levitates off of his throne and comes face to face with her. He draws his hand back and strikes her across the cheek, forcefully bringing her to the ground. Ashrah catches herself with her hands and knees. She grunts and peers upward at Shinnok with spiteful eyes as she brings a caressing hand to her face.
"You shall go through with every order I give you! I would hate to see your soul burn to dust," he threatens her.
"Do what you must," she spits in reply.
"Or perhaps your sister's soul…" he grins deviously. "It's always the ones we keep closest to us that we cherish more than ourselves."
Ashrah's eyes widen. Her sister, who also is apart of the Brotherhood of Shadow, is not a specter. She is a mere soulless, docile oni, ever since she slayed her. Her sister's soul shall be forever lost should she not comply. Ashrah is placed into a tough predicament.
"Alright...I shall retrieve Mileena…" she regrets her words.
"Splendid, now off you go," he flicks his wrists in a circular motion, opening a portal to Earthrealm behind Ashrah. "Once you return her, the Enenra will be lured back to this realm on his own. While we capture the two and prepare the spell, you shall aid the emperor's invasion, for his mere henchmen could not possibly hope to defeat the champions of Earthrealm. It is time we place a foothold in Outworld before we take it for ourselves."
Ashrah takes to her feet slowly as Quan Chi uses his sorcery to summon Kia, Jataaka and Sareena. They come to his side and bow to he and Shinnok graciously.
"My lovelies, you shall enter Outworld and aid the emperor in his quest as well. Once Earthrealm falls, Outworld will be left vulnerable. We shall recapture the lost specters and the time to strike shall arise," Quan Chi commands his trio.
Shinnok opens another portal to Outworld for them just before he turns to Quan Chi.
"Begin the incantation Quan Chi, for once Ashrah returns, we shall be free of this realm forever," Shinnok commands.
The warriors walk through their designated portals, following the directions given to them as Quan Chi begins to chant. His hands begin to glow as he begins the lengthy incantation to set Shinnok's plans in motion.
IN THE SKY TEMPLE
Mileena and Smoke exited the Jinsei chamber and now walk through the sky temple. Many rooms they pass by as they continue down a dim torch lit corridor contain objects of worship made of gold and silver. Monks are seen praying and some civilians are even resting. Other rooms are empty or the doors are shut. Mileena leads Smoke as she begins to somewhat pick up the pace.
"I just do not understand. How do you plan to quell the emperor?" he questions as he follows her lead.
"I shall find a way. I must first be sure that I can unmerge Edenia and Vaeternus," she replies.
"You unmerge Edenia and Vaeternus? That is what lord Raiden sent us to do, it is much easier said than done. Do you know of a way to unmerge these realms?" he questions.
"I have allies, determined allies," she states.
"Then allow me to assist you," Smoke offers.
Mileena stops her advance, also bringing him to a halt. She sighs as she witnesses the determination in his eyes.
"I am not doing this for the Thunder God...though I shall fulfill my promise to assist Earthrealm I cannot allow him to take Edenia. This is my vengeance against the emperor," she explains.
He places a hand on her cheek softly.
"For years my vengeance was against Kitana and Jade, and it took me nowhere. I will not let you go on this quest without me, even if it goes against lord Raiden. I cannot let you slip through my grasp again."
Smoke's eyes hold sincerity as she returns his gaze.
"Well what do we have here? A boy toy?" Mileena hears a much too familiar voice say from behind her.
She turns to find the one and only Tanya, standing with a medium orb hanging from a chain wrapped around her waist. Mileena gasps at the sight of her after what feels like so much time.
"Dearest Tanya!" Mileena rejoices as she swiftly approaches her.
They waste no time in embracing, and Mileena feels relief fall over her once again. Tanya sends a smirk to Smoke as she brings Mileena closer into her arms. Smoke raises an eyebrow as he begins to sense the deep history between the two. He remembers this Tanya from the battle on the falling cliffs in Outworld. He also recalls Mileena feeling concern for Tanya's survival more than her own that day.
Smoke impales the top of Nitara's wing with his dagger, keeping his balance the best he can. Nitara hisses at the pain and jerks her head back, striking Smoke's nose. He grunts as he shakes off the pain as Nitara tries her best to keep Mileena steady in her grasp.
Mileena peers upward at Smoke.
"This mortal is insane...and intriguing…" Mileena thinks before shifting her gaze to her Edenian beloved.
Her eyes land on Tanya who fends off both Kitana and Jade. This brings her slight memories of her own death, filling her with worry. Mileena grabs Nitara and kicks Smoke mightily, loosening his grip on them.
"Nitara, we must assist Tanya!" Mileena shouts.
Nitara attempts to ignore the pain of Smoke's previous attack as her eyes meet Tanya who seems to be getting pushed back. Nitara's eyes widen as her eyes also spot a sphere of violet-blue energy approaching. It is too speedy to dodge, and gains speed. Nitara shifts her body and allows the energy sphere to hit her in the side with a grunt along with Smoke whom loses his grip on her. He begins to fall from the sky in a spin, headed toward the spit of spikes as Nitara tightens her grip on Mileena and begins to fly toward Tanya.
Smoke clearly remembers the intensity of the situation.
"What is it with Edenians obsessing over Mileena?" he thinks to himself, referring to the late Rain.
Mileena overhears his thought, and turns to him quite hastily. The intensity of both Smoke and Tanya being in the same place with her cannot seem to escape her mind. Her strong remembrance of Smoke almost caused her to forget her new memories with Tanya. Feeling as though it's only right, Mileena takes Tanya's hand and turns to Smoke with uneasy eyes.
"Allow me to introduce her to you...this is Tany–"
"I am Mileena's lifelong paramour. And you would be?" Tanya remarks, interrupting her beloved.
Mileena's expression is disquieting as Smoke's face ignites with envy. Mileena pulls her hand away as Smoke's eyes narrow at Tanya. He can sense Mileena's discomforting conflict as well as her feelings for the woman.
"I am Mileena's consort," he declares.
Mileena's eyes go back and forth between the two. Tanya begins to chuckle as she places a hand on her hip and rolls her eyes at his bold statement.
"Consort? How foolish of a statement," Tanya thinks to herself.
"How did you find me?" Mileena questions, changing the subject to interrupt their small dispute.
"Nitara, she transported me here. But, what happened to you?" Tanya refers to both her lengthy absence and new features.
Mileena sighs.
"Long story made short, Shinnok betrayed me. What of the plan?"
Word of Shinnok's betrayal does not surprise Tanya. Nonetheless, she takes the orb from her hip and holds it up for Mileena to see. The white orb illuminates in a shade deep blue, reflecting in Mileena's eyes. Mileena reaches out and touches the glass orb in awe.
"This is Edenia's orb?" Mileena inquires.
"Yes it is, and thanks to Sindel and Kitana I now know that we must possess the realm's kamidogu before shattering the glass of the orb, which will ultimately unmerge the realm," Tanya explains. "Thus why I am here, for Sindel said herself the Thunder God has hidden the Edenian kamidogu here. I must find it before they arrive in this realm. To my surprise I also found you."
"Wait, Kitana? You ran into her in Outworld? What happened to the others?" Smoke asks.
Tanya glances at Smoke with narrowed eyes, allowing her irritation of his presence to be widely known.
"All of your little Earthrealm friends were breaching the fortress. Or at least, almost all of them," she replies with a smirk.
"What do you mean by that?" he gazes at her with harsh eyes.
With her smirk remaining, she reaches behind her back, unsheathing her naginata. Wedged on the top of her blade lies the head of Jade, which brings shock to both Mileena and Smoke. Their eyes widen and Mileena cracks a sly smile at the revelation of one of her nemesis's death. Though she would have preferred to have quelled her existence herself, she at least still has the opportunity to rid Kitana.
"You better not have harmed the othe–"
"I could care less about the others you speak of! My rival was Jade. I only care to rule over a liberated Edenia," Tanya interrupts Smoke as she sheathes her naginata across her back once more.
"And a liberated Edenia you shall have. However, I must know of the others' fate," Mileena presses.
"As far as I know all of the others survived," Tanya answers.
This gives Mileena peace of mind about Li Mei.
"I was not aware that you had so many…" Tanya's eyes harden to Smoke as she turns back to Mileena, "Earthrealm acquaintances. What happened to just the two of us fulfilling our plans?"
"My allies and my sworn sister were among those warriors. I was not fully myself when...we reunited. However I have regained my memory, and things have only become less and less simple," Mileena explains.
"I see, so this 'consort' of yours is evidently a thing of the past," she gives Smoke a cold glare.
"Evidently I am a permanent part of her future. I do not recall seeing you delivering your support to her at the tournament in which cost Mileena her life, nor has she mentioned you since," Smoke retaliates as he steps closer to her.
Tanya gives off a threatening frown.
"Perhaps she wished to spare your fragile, Earthrealm heart. Manipulating the likes of you does not prove to be challenging," Tanya grins.
Mileena would typically find their feuding to be quite enjoyable. However, it seems to bring a feeling to her that she has never experienced in this particular fashion. That feeling is conflict, this conflict being one she would rather avoid.
"What of Nitara?" Mileena changes the subject once more, catching Tanya's attention.
"Nitara has Vaeternus's kamidogu. Our current objective is to locate Edenia's kamidogu and rendezvous with Nitara in Outworld," Tanya informs her.
"Well if Sindel and Kitana are to return and claim the kamidogu for themselves, we must act with haste," Mileena declares.
"That is also easier said than done, for Raiden would not hide a kamidogu in plain sight," Smoke adds.
Mileena realizes he is right and begins to brainstorm her options. They have already descended about three floors from the Jinsei chamber and into the sky temple. The sky temple consists of a vast number of floors, for it is over a thousand feet tall.
"Smoke is right. I suggest we start from the Jinsei chamber and make our way down. The orb is bound to be on one of these floors," Mileena gives her idea.
"Surely this puny mortal is not joining our plans? It was difficult enough for me to accept Nitara," Tanya raises her voice.
"This 'mortal' is an Enenra, a being of the Netherrealm. I suggest you adapt to my reoccurring presence alongside Mileena," Smoke snaps.
"Tanya, strength in numbers is the key to ursurping my false father," Mileena makes a point.
Tanya crosses her arms as Mileena turns to Smoke, closing the distance between them.
"I know you may not support my arcane planning, and I understand this well. If you do not wish to go through with this, go and assist in repelling the invasion in my place," she speaks in a low voice to him.
Smoke takes Mileena's hands.
"I wish I could tell you I am the same warrior you met at the tournament. However, I am not. I also seek vengeance against the emperor. I shall stand by any decision you make," he promises.
This earns a smile from Mileena and an envious frown from Tanya. Mileena then turns to her lifelong paramour.
"Then we must begin now," Mileena suggests.
IN KAHN'S FORTRESS
Sindel and Kitana stand before the glassy, illuminating case of levitating orbs. Their eyes scan past each one carefully, yet they fail to spot Edenia's. Sindel comes to the conclusion that it is missing, for there is a gap in the formation of the collection of orbs. So many realms taken, yet the realm they wish to rescue is now out of their grasp. Kitana sees the expression on her mother's face and begins to feel defeat.
"Perhaps Shao Kahn relocated the orb," Kitana suggests.
"Yes but we cannot be certain. As of now, we should retreat to Earthrealm. We have done the best we could," Sindel states.
Kitana nods as they begin to make their way out of the stone tomb. They venture up the hidden staircase and close the door behind them as they exit. They begin to proceed through the corridor with caution as Kitana gets an uneasy feeling.
"We have yet to come across the others…" she takes note.
Sindel is also laced with worry, for the others were supposed to meet them long ago at the emperor's sacred library with the guidance of Jade and Nitara. Nevertheless the continue through the halls uneasily as they descend a staircase, coming to a lower floor. Before they make it off of the stairs, a loud shout is heard below them.
"Release me you vermin!" the voice inches closer.
Suddenly Sub-Zero, Kung Lao and Li Mei come into their line of sight. Sindel and Kitana's eyes widen as they witness the trio being forced ahead by the emperor's troops. Li Mei seems to be the only one of the three that is conscious, for she resists greatly against her rope bonded hands as the others are being dragged. The troops fail to spot Kitana and Sindel, as Li Mei's force proves to be quite the distraction. Three men attempt in handling her, making her continue advancing against her will. This places Kitana in a fit of fury and she attempts to launch forward. Sindel pulls her back, not wanting to draw the militia's attention.
"Kitana no, there is nothing we can do. Not only are their numbers great, but Sub-Zero and Kung Lao are not able to fight. Reinforcements will surely come and we shall all be captured," Sindel whispers to her.
Kitana faces Sindel with eyes that plead to try to do at least something. However, she knows that her mother is correct.
"We shall regain our strength and return for them once Raiden delivers to us the Edenian kamidogu. As of now, we are not only their last hope, but we are also Edenia's," she adds as her eyes display sincerity.
The militia then passes as Kitana nods, painfully agreeing with her mother's decision.
"We must make haste," Kitana urges and they continue.
Kitana wastes no time in following her as they land in the corridor. The two proceed in the opposite direction of the militia. The corridor is filled with bodies of the emperor's soldiers, causing them to slow their advance. They step over the corpses, wishing to make as little noise as possible. It would not be wise to alert more of the emperor's warriors. Farther down the corridor, Kitana's eyes spot what she believes to be an unconscious Jade. She speeds up, wishing to assist her best friend. Sindel keeps up with her, though uncertain why Kitana is running. Kitana then comes to a halt at Jade's side as her eyes land upon a horrid sight.
"No…" Kitana breathes.
She collapses to her knees in shock as a tear drops down her face.
"By the Gods no!" her voice breaks as he grabs hold of the late Jade's left hand.
Sindel's eyes widen in horror as she also spots the headless corpse of Jade. How unfortunate of a loss, for she was a great ally and a protector of Earthrealm as well as the lost Edenia. Sindel looks upon her daughter in sorrow as she whimpers next to her fallen ally. Guilt takes over her as she places a hand amongst her daughter's shoulder.
"Renaim eem kerahli," Sindel wishes her soul safe passage to the heavens in ancient Edenian.
Kitana continues to whimper as she also silently repeats her mother's statement.
"I truly am deeply sorry Kitana. Had I took the risk in teleporting each of the warriors in, she may still be alive…" Sindel voices her regrets.
"No...this was the emperor's fault..." Kitana assumes.
Sindel's sorrowful expression does not abandon her.
"I hate to break you away from your mourning...but the longer we remain here, the lesser our chances are for escape. We shall return and claim our vengeance for Jade, for Jerrod, and for Edenia…" the queen swears.
Kitana's tears glisten down her cheeks as she nods her head. Without words, she takes the glaive and staff of her ally and sheathes them on her form, allowing the staff to grace her back and the glaive to rest upon her hip strap. Sindel watches her daughter as she carries out this bold action in understanding. Suddenly Kitana turns to her mother with dark eyes, eyes of pain deeply laced with vengeance.
"We proceed."