"The emperor will not be happy about this..." Shang Tsung claimed as he looked at the bleeding clone in front of him. For the past Millenia, He was assigned by Shao Kahn to make a clone of Kitana for him. A strange, but not unwelcome request for the warlord to make.
On one hand, he understood why. Before the tyrant was even Kahn, he grew infatuated with with the Siren. He knew that Sindel was the reason he wanted Edenia above all else. However, since Sindel's sacrifice, he was even colder than he was before.
He began working Outworld to the bone. Forcing any able-bodied being to join his Army. Anyone who failed to meet his standards was subjugated and forced into poverty. Either left with poorly paid careers in the markets, or worked as slaves in his mines, plantations, and palace.
The only being in all of Outworld who was spared of his wrath was Kitana, Sindel's daughter. Who he raised with such care that no one knew him for. Kitana was all that he had left of Sindel, but she wasn't enough.
Despite telling Shang Tsung that he wanted Mileena as a more worthy Successor, he knew that in reality, Shao Kahn wanted something more to remind him of Sindel.
On the bright side, however, this little project of his serves to be an entertaining past time. After all, hosting the Mortal Kombat tournaments for over 450 years can turn to be quite exhausting. He needed something to take his mind off of work.
Which brings us to his current issue. Out of all his projects, she was the only living clone of Kitana. However, he can't find a way to deal with her Ravenous teeth. He knew merging Tarkatan DNA was a bad Idea, but alas, those were Shao Kahn's requests.
"But there's nothing to be done" he claimed, excusing his incapability to deal with her jaws. He grabbed her by the hair and threw her back into her cell. Just because he was assigned to make her doesn't mean he had to be kind to her.
He walked away, unaware of the now conscious Osh-Tekk. He had to prepare more fighters for the final tournament to conquer Earthrealm. Victory is but a tournament away.
Mileena rested in silence and pain as she was left in solitude. She had no memories before or after these events, and every day was identical to this one. She pondered if this was just all there was to her existence. Is she even alive? Or is she just something for the sorcerer to have his fun with.
Her existential crisis was cut off as she heard another call to her.
"I'm sorry that I couldn't help you," she heard. Causing her to turn to the only other living person present.
This being was the first thing she ever saw when she first opened her eyes. She felt her growing desire to consume his flesh, as he wasn't able to move or stop her. So when she was released from her cage, she quickly went to attack, biting down on his Side. His flesh was delicious, but she couldn't enjoy much before the man shook and yell with great force behind him.
He already tried talking to her already, before Shang Tsung tried to remake her face, but now that the sorcerer was gone, it seemed the man decided to try again.
She was so confused. If something can't move, that means it is dead. But this thing can't move but can talk and look at her?
How is that happening? Is he about to die? Is he coming back to life? The clone couldn't understand it. But she listened to what he had to say.
"That man is cruel and what he has done to you is despicable," he said with anger and pity, "What else has he done to you?"
She looked at him, uncertain what to say. She could speak, but her vocabulary was limited. She couldn't answer her question, but she could answer what he asked previously.
"Mileena..." she said, with a raspy voice. The man looked to her and responded.
"Mileena... is that your name?" He asked calmly, to which she nodded. He hummed in response, "that is a strong name young one." He complimented
She went to the edge of her cell as she looked at the wound she gave him, only to be surprised as it was gone. He saw her eyes turn to where he was bitten and explained,
"No worried over that" he said, "I am quite familiar with Blood magic. Once I regain my strength, I swear to you, Shang Tsung will pay for his crimes"
She didn't know what to think of that. On one hand, he caused her great suffering, but she knew the man was to thank for her being alive at all. Could she be willing to kill him when she owes him her life?
"How?" She asked. Uncertain if anything could be done of their current state. This is all she knew, after all. To which the man explained his plans.
"The Sorcerer's attire was a formal robe he solely uses when Hosting" he began, hoping she would understand, "this means that he will be hosting a Tournament in another realm for some time. This will give me the time I need to Regain my strength and free us."
She looked at him with a shocked face. She didn't understand everything he said, but one word clicked,
"Freedom"
She heard of this word, it was what Shang Tsung offered her upon completion. Once she was ready, he would free her. But this man offers the same thing, but without completion? She didn't understand!
"Why?" She asked in a more desperate voice. She had to know why he would offer something for nothing when Shang Tsung made her suffer for it.
"Mileena..." he said softly, "I know what it's like to have freedom stripped from you. This is the Second time for me." He explained with sorrow.
"Millenia ago, Shao Kahn conquered my realm. My people lost their freedom, and I could do nothing to stop him. But I can help you. I can spare you the fate of me and my people. It is the least I could do."
She couldn't believe it. It was almost too good to be true! He has no reason to help her! He must be lying!
Yes! Lying, that's the only explanation. He was lying to trick her. Well she won't be easily deceived. She turned around and closed her eyes, paying no mind to the man anymore.
The man sighed as it was clear she didn't believe her. Oh well. At this time, he had to focus on regaining strength. He could rotate his wrists and lift his head now. It won't be long before he could finally move again.