Soul of Dragon Queen

Chpater 28: The Nightfall

Two lone figures clad in blue stood in front of their destination. Careful to remain unseen, the two searched for any possible way to breach the walls of Onaga's palace. Considering both of them were well versed on how to execute such missions- or at least one of them- knew the patience involved in such work. Seeking an inconspicuous and yet not too remote vantage point,which as it turned out was a tree. The ninja and his assassin associate were prepared to make their observations of the guards' patrolling patterns.

-W571-

"Kitana, look. The guard who stands by the east wall." The ninja whispered.

"Sub-Zero I don't get it…" The assassin whispered back.

"His back is facing us. One of us can easily sneak up for the kill."

"Which would require a swift and clean kill…"

"Quite, obviously. Now next time he comes and stands there, I want you to kill him and steal his uniform."

"Wha-? Oh, so we can just walk in, without raising suspicion."

"Exactly, now stay quiet, I'm going to lure a guard to this tree. To kill him. So hush."

Kitana nodded at Sub-Zero who turned his attention to his target, who stood facing the tree. Sub-Zero dropped a small ball of ice which froze the ground within a 6-inch radius. The guard noted the suspicious nature of the occurrence and ventured towards the tree. Sub-Zero backed away and gestured for Kitana to move even further back. By this time, the target had reached the tree and knelt right below the frozen spot and under the tree. Suspecting the source to have come from or been the tree the guard climbed into it, only to have his helmet ripped off and be stabbed by an icicle from Sub-Zero. Whom had caught the body as it lost all life within it.

-W571-

Kitana quickly snuck up behind the unsuspecting guard investigating the east wall. She quickly and cleanly wasted him and changed into his armour as fast as she possibly could. Sub-Zero having already entered the castle to avert suspicion. By the time Kitana entered the castle, she was instructed to go guard the Conference Chambers as Onaga was having a meeting with his generals. Kitana nodded rather than saying anything as then her ruse would be discovered. However as she and three other guards made their way to the Conference Chambers, she felt immensely uneasy over the term 'Generals' being used. As far as her knowledge took her Onaga didn't have any Generals left.

Keeping her head low, she continued walking not letting her thoughts distract her from anything. After all her skill as an assassin didn't develop because she would let her thoughts-or anything for that matter- distract her. Though her concern for where Sub-Zero ran off too couldn't be shrugged off as easily…

-W571-

Sub-Zero at present was exploring various hallways under the pretence of 'patrolling'. He did feel slightly bad for leaving Kitana to handle things on her own but he knew she was more than capable of handling herself. Taking note of every detail, Sub-Zero came across a large wooden door with a dragon-like symbol engraved on the door. Pushing it open revealed a most disorienting picture. Onaga was standing with his back to Sub-Zero and on either side one could see his associates. To his astonishment, Kano was seated to Onaga's left looking as uncouth as ever. To his right, however was a new kind of shock all together. Noob Saibot. His brother. Were his self-control not as good as it was he would have killed him again himself, however he realized his current mission was much more serious than his spat with his brother.

When the three of them turned to look at Sub-Zero, he adjusted his voice to sound more rugged and informed them he was informed just now that he was to be on security for the area. Kano didn't seem to care and his brother seemed bored. Onaga waved his hand to let Sub-Zero stand. Uneasily, he stood beside another guard.

-W571-

Kitana, couldn't believe her luck at getting the opportunity to eavesdrop at this conference. Though seeing Kano and Noob Saibot perturbed her, it did end up making sense when she realized Onaga divided his forces to deal with ChaosRealm and it's everlasting state of rebellion against him. However she also heard the Onaga now knows Hotaru and Tanya are dead. And he's found a traitor in OrderRealm responsible for either one or both of their demises. Dread filled in her heart when she realized it could be Darrius.

"'Right then Onaga, who's the traitor?" Kano began in his heavily accented voice.

"Someone who knows how to stay quiet. His endurance is impressive. I have decided I might even offer him a position in my ranks if he decides to co-operate." Onaga answered.

"You can't possibly reward Hotaru and Tanya's murderer." Noob replied.

"Well, looks like the mate is asking to be tortured then." Kano thought out loud.

"Good of you to volunteer Kano." Noob said.

"Quiet, dead boy!" Kano retorted.

"SILENCE! I will have you both executed if you can't obey me!" Onaga hollered. "Now bring the prisoner!"

Kitana saw the two guards across the room from her go behind the door some other guard entered through and returned a great deal of time later. Kitana's suspicions were confirmed and she began panicking when she saw Darrius, pale, starved and weak.

-W571-

This day was filled with one shocking moment after the other for Sub-Zero, and he couldn't believe Darrius was looking as sluggish as he was. Sub-Zero placed high priority on saving Darrius whether Kitana liked it or not. Within the same room Kitana thought as much for Sub-Zero.

"You two, do whatever you want with him, I've wasted enough time on him." Onaga said

Kano and Noob Saibot exchanged looks of apprehension and annoyance. Indicating their lack of fondness for each other, something Sub-Zero duly noted. Onaga began talking again.

"You two over there, with me. The other two stay here."

With that Sub-Zero and only one other guard were left with Kano and his brother. It would be rather cruel that he would have to stay and watch a friend being tortured, he hoped the other guard in this room was Kitana, at least then he thought they could take down both Generals together.

-W571-

Darrius awoke out of his chamber to be greeted by the beautiful sight of Kano and Noob Saibot standing right before him. Had he not been starved for such a long duration he knew he could take them on. Leaning on the cage wall, facing the two generals, Darrius tried to wipe his forehead only to be restrained by his chains.

"So, Seidan, tell us what your name is." Noob Saibot began.

"Or better yet you can tell us who sent ya." Kano added.

Darrius only looked from one of them to the other and smirked, letting his head go down. Noob Saibot expected as much and Kano had already taken one of his blades from the holders. Darrius knew what was in store for him and he knew he could handle it. He was the leader of the Seidan Resistance, the training he's endured was harsher than what they'll put him through.

-W571-

Noob Saibot was truly bored by the slow pace everything adopted outside of the battlefield. He was used to the tension and unpredictability of war. Better yet, he had his own army of 'weak minded fools' as he called them and he could return home a hero for mercilessly and indiscriminately killing anyone who crosses his path. It was his idea of a perfect world, as twisted and sadistic it was. This current situation with this Seidan only further emphasized his fondness for battle. Kano had already drawn his knives and was eagerly anticipating the right moment to begin.

Though Kano was one to toy with and torture his opponents as best as he could before finishing him off, Noob Saibot was far more barbaric; he preferred outright slaughtering his victims in one go. Of course only in a fight, which would be some disturbing form of reassurance of his abilities as a warrior. Hence, the situation truly bored him to no end and he considered Kano's presence there an added pain.

-W571-

Kano malevolently laughed as Darrius hollered in agony from the knife being stabbed in his shoulder. Though he enjoyed fighting in the war against the ChaosRealmers nothing feels like second nature unless it's torturing a poor runt, even if he has to stay in the company of Noob Saibot. As Kano stepped away from Darrius's bound form on the floor, he skid across the floor as though it was suddenly covered in some liquid or such. Noob Saibot however, saw not only this occurrence but the cause. While Kano regained his balance and hoped with his heart Darrius didn't see or even Noob for that matter.

-W571-

Kitana was grateful beyond her own capabilities upon realizing the other guard was Sub-Zero. Having just witnessed him cause the floor on which Kano stood to be icy. Of course that relief was soon replaced by dread after she saw how his brother's eyebrows raised in suspicion. Even though Sub-Zero had revealed himself, at least Darrius could be spared for the next few moments.

"You two!" Saibot gestured to the two in disguise. "Why did Kano slip?"

They both remained quiet.

"No need to keep up the charade brother." Saibot smirked.

"Whatcha, mean by that?" Kano inquired.

While they focused on Sub-Zero and Noob hushed Kano, Kitana drew her fans slowly and waited till she had an opening lest she harms Sub-Zero or Darrius by accident. With Kano preparing to hurt Darrius more and Noob Saibot's back facing her, Kitana threw both of her fans one struck Noob Saibot in the back, while the other landed a blow to Kano's side. With those two distracted Sub-Zero froze both of them and gestured to Kitana to free Darrius.

Removing her helmet, Kitana retrieved her fans lying beside either general. Quickly freeing Darrius of his binds she attempted to make sure he was alright only for him to shoo away her hand.

"Darrius! Let me see if you're alright." Kitana began.

"Ngh, I've been worse. I'll survive, now why are you two here?" Darrius replied.

"To infiltrate and figure out how we should attack Onaga." Sub-Zero replied in Kitana's place.

"And how's that going?" Darrius spat out some blood before wiping his mouth.

"Beautifully, till we had to save someone." Kitana ran a hand through her long dark hair.

"You two didn't have to save me." Darrius pointed out.

"Then how are we any better than Onaga?" Sub-Zero replied.

"Does better looking, count?" Kitana joked.

-W571-

Darrius rolled his eyes at the air-headed princess' comment. Finally garnering the strength to stand Sub-Zero offered his arm for support. Too exhausted to care about his pride Darrius gratefully accepted his help. Sub-Zero gestured for Kitana to put her mask back on and she nodded in agreement. Darrius assumed they were going to roam the castle as two guards who were escorting a prisoner, which he thought should have been pretty obvious anyway. Hearing the sound of footsteps, all three froze and were further horrified at the sight of who it was. Darrius only wished that it would have been an ally.

Onaga growled at the sight before him.

Liu Kang immediately sensed it. Kitana was in danger. His spirit shared a strong bond with Kitana and he could tell she was in danger and the mission had gone awry. Up until that point, he had been training Ermac who had surprisingly attuned his senses to improve his skill at teleportation. Though Liu Kang would become immensely frustrated on moments when this new skill was used to teleport Kenshi towards Li Mei simply for the fun of it and he would simply explain himself by saying he needs practice teleporting life forms.

"Liu Kang? We noticed your sudden change in attitude. Is everything alright?" Ermac asked.

"No. Kitana is in trouble. We have to find her." Liu Kang's tone laced with concern

"What?! But how?" Ermac grew worried.

"I can't tell exactly what, but something has happened and she's filled with dread."

"Should all of us go? Or just you and us?"

"I think we all should go. I feel like this is a sign. That we must face Onaga now."

"Shall we gather the rest right away?"

"That would be preferable."

-W571-

Once everyone was gathered, Li Mei was immensely anxious as to what was so important. Knowing it wasn't something good because Ermac's upset demeanour and Liu Kang's worried expression and refusal to speak gave it away. None of knew what was going on and Kung Lao was the first to speak up.

"What has happened?" Kung Lao began.

"Kitana's in danger, and Sub-Zero probably is too then." Ermac monotonously replied.

"We have to do something!" Sonya piped up.

"Obviously…but…" Liu Kang paused "But can we make it in time?"

"What if we leave now?" Li Mei suggested in a hurried tone.

"I wouldn't know where to start…" Liu Kang mumbled.

"We could sift through our memories of the Palace when we had gone there." Ermac added.

"That was over 2 years ago. And besides that, we didn't see enough of it to-" Liu Kang abruptly stopped as though he had a sudden realization.

"Li Mei…" He softly began. "Li Mei! She's been in the castle long enough and I'm sure she's seen most if not all of it!" Liu Kang finished more loudly and hopeful.

"But, we had informed you her mind wasn't completely conscious. We're surprised she mapped out anything of that structure." Ermac replied.

"That's irrelevant, they are simply locked away in her mind." Liu Kang rebutted.

"Are we sure this will work?" Kung Lao inquired.

"It has to…" Liu Kang's response came soft and desperate as though his hope hung by a thread.

-W571-

Ermac and Li Mei were seated across from each other on the grassy ground of their campsite. Aware of Liu Kang's inner turmoil, Ermac offered to sift through Li Mei's memories to better understand the architecture of Onaga's Palace. The others were trying their best to keep hopeful and in Kung Lao's case keep Liu Kang hopeful as well, whether this worked or not.

Ermac could feel their Chi emanate from his body and enter Li Mei's mind. They began their search for the required memories and became more and more desperate as none could be found. Focusing with more intensity and releasing more Chi as a result Ermac entered a deeper section of Li Mei's mind. Their focus was almost interrupted by sudden worry that entered them.

The deeper they entered the more Chi they released which only proved to slightly exhaust them. With no progress being made. Kitana and Sub-Zero's fates in the balance and them getting weaker, Ermac entered the deepest layer of Li Mei's mind. A place where not only memories but feelings existed. They travelled through this some-what familiar land and found numerous points of interest. Such as Li Mei's love for Kenshi, her determination to bring down Onaga, her guilt for causing an innocent child pain and later his death.

And that's where he found it. Shrouded within all of her guilt and sadness, her memories as the Dragon Queen. Navigating through the space, Ermac felt as though they were being slowed down. As though they were walking up a current. When suddenly they were being restrained struggling to escape the grip and exerting themselves further, Ermac immediately realized why all these problems were occurring. Li Mei locked away the memories and consciously blocked them from herself as a coping mechanism. Their loss of focus for that split second expelled them from her mind. Ermac was pushed back by the sheer force of the experience and Li Mei abruptly woke up and backed away.

"By the Elder Gods, Ermac are you alright!?" Li Mei asked regaining her awareness of the situation.

"We are just tired…" Ermac tried not to make her feel bad. "Your memories were locked so deep within it required more strength than we would have thought."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know…Oh no, what will we tell Liu Kang?"

"It didn't work then, did it?" Kenshi spoke walking towards them.

"Li Mei, could you give us some privacy with Kenshi."

"Sure, of course." She replied quickly, obviously frazzled further supported by how she sped away from them.

After making sure Li Mei wasn't within earshot, Ermac began recounting the events of just now and expressed his concerns.

"What can we possibly do?! Her mind has built walls around those memories!" Ermac panicked.

"We can't afford to waste more time! Sub-Zero and Kitana could be in serious danger!" Kenshi expressed his concerns.

"We can't go in there! We'll be ambushed!"

"We can't just sit here either!"

"Do you think that we don't want to save them?!" Ermac exclaimed.

"No, I'm sorry. We're all just on edge." Kenshi replied more sadly.

"How do you think we feel? Majority of our success is dependent on us."

"I know that, and I wish it wasn't that way."

"We don't have a problem with having to do the heavy-lifting. We just want recognition for it."

"I'd laugh but being in the situation we are, I'm going to ignore your attention seeking."

"We were being serious!" Ermac glared at Kenshi.

"Whatever! But what are we going to tell Liu Kang and the others?"

"We were going to be honest."

"What's your solution to the problem?"

"We have no choice but to arrive at the conclusion that we're entering the Palace without any plan."

-W571-

"ERMAC THAT'S SUICIDAL!" Sonya hollered.

"Are you sure there's nothing else we can do?" Kung Lao enquired.

"Wait, Ermac maybe…m-maybe we can try again!" Li Mei anxiously stuttered.

"We could. But it would waste more time. Who knows what could happ-" Ermac stopped themselves from finishing that statement.

"Well since we don't have any other option, we should leave now." Jax suggested.

"Aw really? But it's so late!" Johnny whined. "Eh, fine!"

"I'm going to ignore that." Kenshi began. "Now, I hope I'm not the only one who feels that Li Mei shouldn't go with us."

"What!? That's ridiculous! Of course I'm going!" Li Mei responded.

"Guys, we don't have time for this! You two work it out! The rest of us should get moving." Sonya piped up.

"But-" Kenshi and Li Mei began.

"No buts! Now work it out! Let's go everyone!" As Sonya completed her sentence the others followed Liu Kang's lead and began their journey.

-W571-

"I can't believe you! Sub-Zero and Kitana are in danger and here you are creating problems for us!?" Li Mei lashed out.

"I'm doing this because I care about you! Don't you remember what happened last time?" Kenshi spoke the last bit softly and with a hurt tone.

"I do, but that's why I have to go too! I need to fix this! I need to bring Onaga down!"

"What if he manipulates you again?! I don't think I'll be able to handle it a second time!"

"We don't know for sure that, that'll happen!"

"What if it does?! Am I supposed to roam around broken hearted till you snap out of it again?!"

"I can't believe this! Kenshi, I HAVE to go!"

"I'm sorry Li Mei, but the ri- Is it worth it to risk so much?"

"Look, Kenshi…I know. Okay, I know how you feel and I understand that. But please, try to understand where I'M coming from." Li Mei replied with a calmer tone.

"I can understand that. And I'd encourage you but I'm not losing you again." Kenshi moved closer to cup her cheeks.

"You won't. I promise." Li Mei moved closer and hugged him.

-W571-

Liu Kang guided the entire party through Outworld and managed to lead his group to the Palace in a smaller period of time than expected. However the fact that they were traveling at night and through the forests, did render them much more dependent on Liu Kang. Due to the sound of rustling in the distance, all six people present halted and entered battle positions. Upon paying close attention Kung Lao and Liu Kang heard a conversation though faintly.

"Yeah, apparently they snuck in as guards." A man with a raspy voice said.

"And they subdued generals Saibot and Kano?" The other man with a huskier voice responded.

"Apparently. The master is furious and plans on torturing them rather than execution." Raspy added.

Kung Lao and Liu Kang both looked to each other wide-eyed with urgency upon hearing that. The others merely stared at them with confusion.

"Heh. Well thank God we're on this side of things eh?" Husky said before walking off with Raspy.

Kung Lao had to ensure Liu Kang didn't lose his composure and reveal their location. Sonya kept frowning and mouthing 'What?' to the two monks, Johnny Cage and Jax kept looking around in case they were snuck up on and Ermac had entered some type of meditated state to recharge themselves.

"Liu Kang you will not achieve anything by killing those soldiers." Kung Lao whispered to his long time friend.

"You're right. I'm just immensely disoriented…" Liu Kang replied.

"Are you focused enough to keep leading us?" Jax asked.

"Not really, but we just have to walk past that shrubbery to be at the same starting point as Sub-Zero and Kitana."

"And what about him?" Johnny pointed to Ermac.

"We won't be entering the castle immediately, so they have time. Plus, if this is it, we need Ermac at their maximum power level." Liu answered.

"Well let's scope out the area."

-W571-

Onaga was content. Or rather, he was entertained. Entertained by the fact that these warriors underestimate his power. His knowledge. His cunning. Sensing the spiritual energy of a powerful spirit such as Liu Kang and a collection of souls such as Ermac, the Dragon King had ordered two guards to patrol the area and have a scripted conversation regarding the Princess and the Ninja. It's now wonder Li Mei joined him when she did however her departure baffled Onaga till he accepted that all do-gooders are unintelligent cattle in the end.

The aforementioned Ninja and Princess were tied by shackles and gagged in the mouth. The sight of them being so vulnerable and pathetic allowed a rush of pompous pride to enter his heart. And the sense of the do-gooders to outright walk into the slaughterhouse that is his Palace brought him more joy.

However their sluggish pace and Li Mei's absence slightly upset him. He was hoping to make the poor girl suffer through psychological torture, if not kill her for treachery. Although as every second passed, as every clock kept ticking, Onaga knew it was time to surprise his guests. Beginning his journey down his chambers, the Dragon King sadistically chuckled at his own plans.

-W571-

Ermac automatically awoke from their meditation to see the others slightly up ahead taking cover behind some shrubbery and trees. Crouching down they joined the others to ask what happened while they were recharging.

"We've been watching the guard patrols, trying to find a blind spot." Sonya whispered.

"We haven't been successful in finding any." Kung Lao responded before Ermac could ask.

"And Liu Kang?" Ermac enquired.

"Exploring as discreetly as a powerful spirit can attempt to." Kung Lao once again answered.

"Shh, shh, shh." Johnny raised his index finger to hush everyone. "I think I hear talking."

Everyone remained silent till a conversation reached their ears between a group of four guards.

"Yes, Emperor Onaga senses unwanted presences." Guard 1 began.

"Funny, how they forgot about the Kamidogu right?" Guard 2 added.

"Funny? I'd call it dumb and dumber still to hide behind a few bushes expecting to stay hidden." Guard 3 said and gestured to the others whom turned to face the shrub the party were hiding behind.

The entire party panicked as to how they were discovered. Ermac was particularly horrified by how he was at full power and couldn't keep themselves hidden. It just wasn't possible for them to have been found out. Sonya thought it impossible considering the precautions and care everyone took to remain quiet. Though even despite that they pressed one side of their heads to either a tree or shrub depending on who it was they continued listening. Which resulted in a horrific realization.

"That's not dumb. Dumb is allowing our Great Dragon King to sneak up behind you."

Onaga. The colossal Dragon King materialized in front of the party to everyone's horror and shock. The group of guards took a battle stance and Onaga gestured them to stand down. The others however stood up and stayed battle ready immensely fearful of their most probable fate. Onaga stood quite a distance away from them and slowly approached them laughing.

"If you weaklings desire battle. Then FIGHT!"

I'm a horrible piece of doody. I know. I am SOOOO SOOOORRRRYYYYY for how long this took. I took wayyy too long and ugh. I had serious writer's block and this draft of the chapter is actually very different from what I originally intended. The first draft was more like the other chapters in terms of it's non-seriousness. But I assumed that got lost and started working on this one and instantly liked it better. In terms of how well it's written I don't know but I like this chapter (:O shocking!) because it's different compared to the others.

Also I should point out this story should be done by Ch.30. With the main events taken care of next chapter and 30 providing a type of epilogue though I'm not sure what to do with it. So PM me with any ideas. This chapter bled me dry with those beautiful things.

Nerdette92, en-lumine and Raphael'sSis1 I want to thank you guys so much for reviewing the last chapter hopefully you're still interested in this nonsensical piece of fiction within fiction. And also a big thank you to I'm glad I managed to spark your interest not only with this story but also the oneshot I wrote for Raphael'sSis1. I appreciate all of you so much.

Also is it a bit late to add I was on holiday in Thailand and one of my exams well technically two papers had to be retaken? Cause that's also part of the reason for the delay. Bleh, I should stop making excuses. For those of you who have reached this point of the A/N I must applaud you now I must stop myself and sleep. It's 3:33 am here.

-Warbird571 signing out-

PS: I would die if I didn't add this hopefully little bit about the title which not only refers to the time of the dramatic events of the ending of this chap, but also poetically refer to the dark events such as Kitana and Sub-Zero being captured and everyone's worrying regarding them.

PPS: Okay I know I should stop but…I'm starting feel relieved this story will end soon. I don't like how I've characterized Li Mei and Kenshi and all of their interactions kind of make me roll my eyes. But that's just me. Okay for real this time.

-Warbird571 signing out-