IN OUTWORLD
Nitara and Hiroto stand in the center of the large tent as Tanya stands at the tent's opening. She peers at the sky, sure of herself that her worries have become reality. Mileena has perished. Tanya sighs in frustration as she turns to Nitara and Hiroto.
"It is time," she states.
Nitara silently nods as Hiroto hands them both their designated orbs and kamidogu. Tanya and Nitara place their designated orb and kamidogu upon a chain, and wrap the chain round their waist. They then all proceed outside of the tent under the dim rising sun. The citizens of Outworld carry on with their day to day lives, allowing the three of them to slip through the crowd going unnoticed. There is an odd amount of commotion, which strikes Tanya's curiosity. As they proceed down the road, many civilians crowd around and peer in the opposite direction. This slows Nitara, Tanya and Hiroto down. Tanya peers at the sky once more, and notices something odd. Earthrealm, which was merging with Outworld, is now naturally visible in the sky once again. She raises an eyebrow as distant marching is now heard. This causes the trio to pause and turn much like the civilians which surround them.
Tanya feels as though maybe there was hope for Mileena's quest after all. She begins to make her way through the crowd, closer to the sound of marching. The marching increases its volume as she glides through the crowd. Nitara and Hiroto follow close behind, being sure that they keep up with Tanya. The trio come to the front of the crowd and Tanya's eyes widen. A mere ten feet in front of her approaches Mileena, who wears the emperor's helmet and carries his hammer with fierce eyes. Smoke ventures hand in hand with her to her right, along with Li Mei and Ashrah who keep up to her left. Behind Mileena the emperor's army, the emperor's vital warriors and the Tarkatan army follows.
Mileena lands eyes on Tanya, and smiles to herself. She pauses her advance and holds her hand that grips the emperor's hammer outward, signaling for her forces to do the same. The people of Outworld break into even more commotion when they see the blood that stains Mileena, along with her false father's helmet and war hammer. Mileena's forces halt as she allows her hand to fall from Smoke's. She then sheathes her false father's war hammer on her lower back.
"By the Gods, she succeeded…" Tanya thinks to herself.
Mileena then solely approaches Tanya, coming face to face with her.
"Dearest Tanya," Mileena greets.
"...My empress," Tanya rejoices.
She wastes no time in wrapping her arms around Mileena and pulling her into a deep embrace. This brings cheers from the crowd, along with many questions. Has the emperor's tyranny finally ended? Will Outworld now be a more liberated realm under Mileena's reign? The civilians are struck with awe. Nitara and Hiroto watch on with a smile from behind Tanya. Behind Mileena, Li Mei also smiles to herself as Smoke watches on with a slight envious expression. Li Mei notices this and turns to him with a questioning expression.
"Smoke, surely you are not jealous?" she teases him.
Smoke snaps out of his trance and turns to Li Mei. He grins and then chuckles lightly.
"No, of course not…" he rubs the back of his head uncertainly.
"Are you certain? It is quite understandable that the history they share could serve to bring you uncertainty," Li Mei adds.
"You know, at first I did not understand it. However, I see it now. Mileena and Tanya have known each other for thousands of years, which is a tough bond to simply let go of. No matter what, there will always be a feeling there, I am sure. But, I also know that what Mileena and I share goes beyond that in a distinct way," Smoke explains.
Ashrah nods at this with a smile.
"I have not known her as long as I wish I did, but I can agree with that statement. Do not let the jealousy of monogamy destroy your bond with her," she states, earning an understanding nod from both Li Mei and Smoke.
Li Mei, Ashrah, and Smoke watch on as Mileena and Tanya end their embrace. Nitara and Hiroto then approach the two.
"To think, Outworld's combined might put a stop to the emperor...it is impressive," Li Mei takes note.
"Indeed...the entire realm is now hers to control," Ashrah adds.
Smoke nods at this, realizing the immense power Mileena captured within a night.
Hiroto and Nitara both face Mileena.
"Such an irreplaceable experience battling alongside you two has been," Nitara says as she bows her head.
"Yes, though our plan has not reached a conclusion just yet," Mileena states.
The empress then turns her attention to the crowd of civilians before her.
"Warriors, civilians, villagers! Your empress calls upon you to hear me! Shao Kahn's tyranny has been put to an end by the Elder Gods themselves! I have come to reassure all residents of the realm, one city at a time, that this realm's people shall never again be seen as lesser or futile! To ensure such, I shall begin the unmerger and immediate alliance of two realms; Edenia and Vaeternus!"
The crowd remains silenced for a few moments as they process her speech. Suddenly, the crowd breaks into cheers of happiness. This brings a smile to her face as she turns her attention to both Nitara and Tanya. The two then raise their orbs and kamidogu in the sky as Mileena and Hiroto watch on. The orbs begin to illuminate and then levitate into the sky, leaving the grasp of Tanya and Nitara. They all step back while keeping their eyes on the orbs and kamidogu. Edenia's kamidogu inches closer to its orb. Vaeternus's kamidogu does the same in unison. The orbs suddenly shatter, however, the glassy pieces of the shattered orbs remain floating around both kamidogu. The shattered orbs and kamidogu then begin to fuse and a bright light flashes through the dim Outworld sky.
The bright light stays put for a moment, causing everyone to shield their eyes. When the bright light ceases, two solar bodies are spotted high in the sky. There is one on either side of celestial body of Earthrealm. They are round and adjacent from the sun and moon. The Outworld civilians peer on in awe as they watch the unmerger unfold. The wind then picks up around Mileena, Nitara and Tanya, causing two portals to appear. One spawns to the right of Tanya and the other spawns to the left of Nitara. The people of Outworld once again rejoice as Mileena turns her attention to Tanya and Nitara. Nitara places her hand upon Mileena's shoulder.
"My thanks, empress. I am forever in your debt. As promised, I shall share my reign with you," she offers.
"I wish not for a portion of your throne, I only wish for your cooperation and alliance," Mileena proposes.
Nitara bows, respecting Mileena's decisioning.
"I am also indebted to you Tanya, for taking a leap of faith in trusting me along with assisting me in locating the orbs," Nitara turns to Tanya.
"It was necessary to succeed. Go now and rebuild your realm," Tanya smiles at her.
"Certainly," Nitara heads toward her portal. "This is not our goodbye, until our paths cross again. Hiroto?" she faces her longtime ally.
"Yes?" he answers.
"Accompany me, Hiroto?" she holds her hand out.
His face lights up in joy as he approaches her swiftly.
"Yes, yes of course!" he rejoices as he comes to her side.
In unison, they step through the portal. The portal vanishes behind them, leaving Mileena and Tanya in the company of the Outworld people. Tanya glances at her portal and then turns back to her beloved. She takes Mileena's hands.
"I thank you for all you have accomplished to create a liberated Edenia. The time to construct it under my vision is now. I must make haste before Sindel and Kitana realize the unmerger went underway."
"Of course, dearest Tanya."
Tanya parts hands with the empress before stepping closer to her portal. She sends a smile her way and then ventures through to Edenia. The portal vanishes, and Mileena then turns her attention back to her warriors.
"Sister, my love, purest Ashrah, please come forth," she calls to her allies.
The three step forward, and Mileena's forces listen intently. The people of Outworld also remain idle, wishing to know more of their new empress's vision.
"As of now, we return to the fortress. There are changes to be made!" Mileena commands.
She turns and the civilians make way as she continues to lead her marching forces through Outworld.
LATER THAT DAY
Mileena stands in her throne room, accompanied by Ermac, Reiko, Baraka, Goro, Ashrah, Li Mei and Smoke. Kung Lao, who landed mere hours ago in the fortress via portal, joins Li Mei at her side. Mileena cares not to sit upon the throne just yet, instead she stands near it with Smoke at her side. The other warriors stand in front of their empress respectfully. Goro currently engages in conversation with her.
"Yes, prince Goro. Alert your father, King Gorbak, that I shall grant him full use of his lands in exchange for the Shokan alliance," Mileena commands him.
"Yes, empress. He will be pleased indeed," Goro's deep voice replies.
He then exits the throne room to follow through with Mileena's orders.
"Now, that you are all here, there are promotions to be made. I should have aimed to do this sooner, however things are now falling into place," each of the warriors listen on intently. "I promote Ashrah to be my new commanding general, along with Reiko, and she shall be treated as such. I also pronounce my sworn sister, Li Mei, queen of the Sun Do province!"
Li Mei gasps and places her hand over her mouth swiftly. She turns to Mileena rapidly and bows graciously as Kung Lao does the same. Reiko nods, accepting his role and Ashrah as his partner.
"Such an honor...to be queen of my homeland...I thank you," she shows her appreciation.
Mileena smiles at her sister, feeling happy that she is able to bestow such a title to her. Mileena then turns her attention to Ashrah, who also bows graciously. Smoke silently smiles to himself as he lands his eyes amongst the rejoicing warriors.
"Of course sister, I would assume that Kung Lao will join your side as king?" Mileena questions.
"Yes, of course, it would be an honor to reign alongside my consort...it is just...my belongings are still held within the Wu Shi Academy...explaining it to lord Raiden—"
"Allow me to converse with the Thunder God about this matter. After all, Earthrealm is Outworld's ally," Mileena suggests.
"That would be greatly appreciated, empress," Kung Lao bows.
"No need for formalities, Kung Lao," Mileena smiles.
"Yes, we are all allies here," Smoke adds.
To Smoke's surprise, Mileena takes his hand and moves in closer toward him.
"I would also care to announce that Tomas will be at my side as I reign…" she turns to meet Smoke's gaze. "Which means you shall respect him as an emperor," her voice hardens.
The warriors do not object.
"Yes, empress," Ermac states.
"Baraka, organize my Tarkatan forces. Ermac, Reiko, open a portal for Li Mei and Kung Lao. Be ready to welcome them back to the realm and escort them to Sun Do," Mileena commands.
"Yes, empress," they each say in unison.
Mileena smiles as everyone exits the throne room except she and Smoke. The door closes as Mileena turns to him. He inches closer and places his hands upon the skull helmet which belonged to her false father. He removes it from her face, slowly and gently just before planting his lips against hers. This relaxes her, and he can sense this by receiving a glimpse of her thoughts. He pulls her in closer with his left hand while gripping the helmet in his right hand. She places her hands onto his shoulders as their lips continue to make contact. Smoke then pauses, and their lips begin to part slowly.
"I love you," his thoughts storm into hers.
"And I love you," she returns his thoughts.
Mileena remains in Smoke's grasp as they peer into each other's eyes. They give each other light smiles and they both begin to chuckle.
"So, my empress," Smoke whispers, "what are your plans now?" he inquires.
"There is much to be done to rebuild this realm. As of now, we reform our forces and build strong alliances," Mileena replies in a low voice.
"Well until then, would you like to bet on a favor?" he grins, earning Mileena's giggles.
"No! Not again!" she says over laughter.
"Well, I have something else we could do," Smoke's lips brush over her neck.
She smiles and chuckles as her hands caress Smoke's shoulders. Their lips lock once more as they vanish into a puff of vapor and reappear in Mileena's personal quarters.
THE NEXT DAY
Shinnok stands idly by his throne in anger. Never has he suffered a defeat such as this. Quan Chi watches on in silence as the fallen Elder God begins pacing back and forth.
"Argh! Only one day has passed and I no longer have control over Mileena, Tomas, Sareena or Ashrah!" Shinnok shouts. "That blasted Mileena! She managed to outsmart my plans, claim Outworld, save Earthrealm and find a way to keep me imprisoned in this damned realm for an eternity!" he frowns.
Quan Chi crosses his arms.
"There may be an alternative, my lord," the sorcerer inputs.
"And that would be?" Shinnok snaps as he turns to Quan Chi.
"Lord Shinnok, how did you learn of the Enenra, Smoke?"
Shinnok's eyes narrow as he recalls.
"By peering into Mileena's mind and soul, the only link we had to the Enenra!" Shinnok yells in frustration.
"Indeed, and now we are down to a mere four specters. Correct?"
"To the point, sorcerer!" Shinnok's eyes begin to illuminate.
"I have also peered into her mind when she was first resurrected. I assume you would admire to claim your revenge against her, including the Elder Gods. I would also assume you would aim to recapture Tomas since an Enenra is needed to activate the spell for your freedom."
"Of course I do, what is it that you have in mind?" Shinnok questions.
Quan Chi grins to himself.
"Mileena, like many other beings living, has skeletons. You see, there are many she cares for, and even more she despises. While you were distracted with attempting to locate Ashrah, I took matters into my own hands. I resurrected two of her nemeses from her past life and recruited one of her soon to be servants, being that she is now empress. I created three specters from these souls, and I restored any lost memories they may have had. These lost memories of Mileena they have, well...it fuels their rage," Quan Chi smirks as he explains. "I figured that forcing our specters to abide by us without their memories made them grow skeptical and rebellious. So, with three new specters accounted for, all we need to do is capture Tomas and the plan can easily be continued without the need of Mileena."
Shinnok's luminous eyes widen at his most trusted ally's actions. What a brilliant idea to put an end to Mileena!
"Quite the thorough planning you have done, Quan Chi. Display to me these new specters,"
With a grin and a simple flick of his wrist, Quan Chi summons the three specters. The trio appears in front of Shinnok in single file without a word.
"May I present, the new specter of lust, the new specter of opportunity and the new specter of light," Quan Chi announces.
The trio steps forward in that specific order. The specters, Rain, D'Vorah and Jade come to their knees and bow before Shinnok. The fallen Elder God deviously smiles to himself, pleased with his new subjects.
"Well done, sorcerer. In due time, the Elder Gods will learn to fear me once more and Mileena shall be finished!" he shouts out in cheer.
Shinnok begins to chuckle to himself at this new opportunity for vengeance. The time to plan anew has begun.