For all his proclamations of being a greater leader than Shao Kahn, for all his claims of being above the violent, barbaric tendencies of the now-dead tyrant, Kotal Kahn was no less arrogant and no less prideful.
During an accidental visit to Earthrealm, he had been worshipped as Sun God. Practices and traditions had been built around him. And the current emperor of Outworld saw no better way than to prop up his public image but to carry over such practices into Outworld itself.
So it was that he had created the yearly "Festival of the Sun", a combination of Osh-Tekk traditions and what the Earthrealmers had done to worship him all those centuries ago. A full-scale parade with traditional Osh-Tekk music and bright decorations and costumes. All built supposedly to honor Kotal's heritage, but in reality as a monument to his ego.
Kotal rode along a parade float with an ornate throne, carried by four mostly domesticated Tormentors, large monstrous creatures. On the float alongside him were Erron Black, Ruby, Ferra, Torr, Kollector, Motaro, and most reluctantly, Queen Sheeva and Karbrac. Their presence was intended to show Outworld being united and strong. Of course, it was all a mere facade. Both Sheeva and Karbrac hated every second of it. Motaro found it to be a waste of time, as did Erron Black, and Kollector couldn't help but feel like the "token Naknadan". Only Ruby, Ferra, and Torr were really on board with the entire idea, the latter two due to their commitment to Kotal, and the former due to her shared ideal of a united Outworld.
Kotal waved at his citizens, many Osh-Tekk and a number of Centaurians cheering him on, while others stewed in silent discontent, including many Tarkatans, Shokan, Edenians, and Vampires.
As he observed the festival around him, Erron Black took notice of the fact that he was standing next to Karbrac. The very same Tarkatan whose broken off blade he himself now used a sword.
Most would find this to be, needless to say, an awkward situation. Erron Black on the other hand found himself oddly used to standing alongside former enemies, people he had tried to kill or had tried to kill him. The mercenary wasn't one for grudges. As such, he decided to attempt to make conversation.
"So…." Erron spoke. "You were a big help a few days ago."
"Yes," Karbrac agreed. "Because you failed to adequately protect your emperor."
"Now partner', they caught me off guard," Erron said defensively. "Besides, he's your emperor too."
Karbrac growled. "So I am reminded each and every day…"
"Right….." Erron said awkwardly. "So, I heard Tarkatans make the best fried TaiGore.."
"I will tell you this once and only once, mercenary," Karbac responded annoyedly. "We are not friends. Although my station prevents me from gutting you, that does not mean I have to tolerate conversation with you."
"Alright, alright...yeesh…" Erron replied, putting his hands up in surrender. "We only tried to kill each other… nothing major..."
"No bickering, you two," instructed Ruby. "We are supposed to be showing a united front here, and honoring what Kotal Kahn has done for Outworld."
Karbrac growled again, but remained silent. Erron rolled his eyes. Irritation at Ruby's comment seemed to be their only common ground.
Still quite frankly bored, Erron turned his attention over to Motaro.
He inspected the Centaurian for a few moments, which Motaro noticed.
"Something the matter, Earthrealmer?" Motaro asked.
Erron shook his head. "Naw, it's just…..didn't ya kick the bucket back durin' the invasion? Pretty sure Raiden threw ya through a bridge or somethin'."
Now it was Motaro's turn to roll his eyes. "Rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated. I was grievously wounded and comatose, but not even a Thunder God can kill a champion warrior of the Centaurians."
Sheeva scoffed at his boasting.
"Do my words not ring true to you, Shokan?" Motaro asked, smirking as his head raised with pride. "Remind me again, which one of our peoples did Kotal Kahn have to put in their place?"
"Enough," Kotal himself ordered. "Your petty rivalry is a relic of Shao Kahn's rule that Outworld does not need."
Both Motaro and Sheeva huffed, crossing their arms and looking away from each other.
"Say...didn't I fight ya back in that Mortal Kombat tournament?" Erron then inquired. "Ya know, back when I was shootin' for Earthrealm."
"You did," Motaro confirmed. "I would have bested you if not for one of your Earthrealm explosives. In spite of your victory, you ensured that I received medical care after our battle. It has always eluded me why, especially considering your mercilessness with regards to the emperor's enemies."
"Well…" Erron said as the memories came back to him. "An old friend a' mine did the same once. Guess I was just...followin' his example."
"The Matokan warrior," Motaro recalled. "He showed mercy much like that which you exhibited to me that day."
Erron nodded. "That's the one."
"You Earthrealmers have an interesting sense of honor," Motaro admitted. "But not an unrespectable one."
"You half-horses ain't so bad yaselves." Erron complimented.
"Centaurians." Motaro corrected.
"I know," Erron told him, smirking behind his mask. "Was just messin' with ya."
"Earthrealmers also have an odd sense of humor," Motaro commented. "The one I was battling before Raiden attacked me seemed wholly incapable of being silent."
"Yeah, I think I remember that guy," Erron recalled. "His little girl and her friends kicked my ass durin' that Shinnok business."
"Aiding the fallen Elder God was a foolish endeavor." Motaro said disdainfully.
"Speaking ill of the emperor?" Ruby chimed in.
"I have great respect for Kotal Kahn," Motaro assured. "Not for Shinnok."
"I admit, that was not one of my finer moments." Kotal conceded. Humility was a rarity for the emperor, so it certainly came as a bit of a surprise to his entourage.
But the biggest surprise was still yet to come…
Stationed on a balcony was Mileena and her group of rebels. To either side of her was Tanya and Rain. Ermac was just behind them, along with Meat. Skarlet and Emerald were on the ground, blending into the crowd with plenty of Mileena's clones. Nitara surveyed the skies, making regular sweeps to determine positioning for their impending attack. She had to make sure to fly fast and high enough to either evade notice entirely, or be mistaken for a bird. Tricky, but she would manage.
Nitara landed on the balcony where Mileena and the rest were, and offered her report:
"Osh-Tekk soldiers mixed into the crowd, as well as military presence at the beginning and end of each block. Kotal himself is surrounded by his inner circle, although we might be able to sway Sheeva and Karbrac to our side."
"Karbrac would certainly be eager to avenge Baraka's death," Mileena thought aloud. "Just as I intend too…"
She felt a hand on her shoulder, and found it to be Tanya's.
"My love, I know losing Baraka wounded you deeply," Tanya sympathized. "But don't let it impair your judgement."
"I will be fine, dearest Tanya," Mileen assured. "You needn't worry."
"Well I am worrying," Tanya said more forcefully. "I can't...I can't bear to lose you again…not after everything you've done for me."
"Everything I've done for you?" Mileena asked. "Tanya, you were the one who broke me out of prison, you were the one who suggested using Ermac as our spy and procured the aid of the Black Dragon, even if Kano failed to live up to our expectations. You were the one who consoled me after that bastard Reiko betrayed me, and led this rebellion in spite of my death. My love, if I may be so bold, I haven't done enough to repay you."
Tanya shook her head. "Mileena, I...it means a lot to hear you say that."
"I love you, Tanya," Mileena reminded."Never feel like you haven't done enough."
To accentuate her point, Mileena nuzzled her head against Tanya's shoulder, emitting a soft purring sound that Tarkatans did when they were in a position of comfort.
Tanya sighed, patting her lover's head. "Thank you, Mileena."
"Of course," Mileena responded, before turning her head to the festival down below. "Now let's get down there and get you Edenia."
"And your throne." Tanya reminded her.
"That isn't as important," Mileena argued. "The promise I made to you is."
"You...you would prioritize freeing Edenia over reclaiming your throne?" Tanya asked.
"Of course, my love." Mileena confirmed.
"And three….two…." Rain joked.
"Let them be." advised Meat.
Right on cue, Tanya leaned forward and kissed Mileena on the cheek.
"Look, I'll be careful." Mileena promised.
Tanya nodded. "That's all I ask."
Nitara tapped Mileena on the shoulder. "I hate to interrupt, but is it alright if I go check up on Skarlet down there? She looks...nervous."
Mileena smirked. "Why Nitara, how considerate of you."
Nitara knew what that look meant. "Don't tell her anything."
"Don't worry," Mileena assured. "I intend to let things play out...of course with a little nudge in the right direction."
"Right," Nitara responded. "I'll be off then."
With that, the vampire took flight. She landed in alleyway so as to avoid being noticed, emerging and making her way over to Skarlet.
"If you're trying to sneak up on me, it won't work," Skarlet told Nitara as she was about to tap her on the shoulder. "Fellow blood magic users have a specific scent to them."
"I hope mine is a pleasant scent," Nitara remarked. "I just wanted to ask. Are you alright?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" Skarlet snapped. "And why do you care?"
"Firstly, because you seem uneasy," Nitara pointed out. "Secondly, because we're in this fight together."
"We are allies," Skarlet conceded. "Nothing more."
"Look, I understand that Reiko broke your heart-" Nitara started, before Skarlet spun around and glared at her.
"Don't bring that up," she demanded. "I know that monster toyed with my emotions. I don't need the history lesson."
"Is...is that what's got you on edge?" Nitara asked.
"I already told you why." Skarlet responded, crossing her arms.
"Is this about what Shao Kahn...what your father did to you?" Nitara questioned.
Skarlet sighed. "I don't…I don't do well in crowds. I'm not used to being around so many people."
"I see…" Nitara responded, not entirely sure what to say. "Well...you'll get used to it, eventually."
"Maybe…" Skarlet half-agreed.
"I was talking to your sister," Nitara informed. "Sounds like we'll be making our move soon."
"Good," Skarlet said simply. "I don't like waiting."
"Guessing because you used to do a little too much waiting." Nitara presumed.
"Stop trying to figure me out." Skarlet snapped. "I've gotten as personal with you as I currently desire."
Nitara raised an eyebrow. "Currently?"
"I know what I said," was Skarlet's only response. "Now just wait for my sister's signal."
"Right…" Nitara said, deciding not to bother Skarlet any further.
"Kotal and his lackeys are going to be passing near us soon," warned Emerald, getting their attention back to the matter at hand. "Be ready."
Back on the balcony, Mileena was just about to begin.
"Wait," requested Tanya. "Mileena, there's something I want to tell you first."
"I already told you, I'll be careful," Mileena assured. "I know losing me hurt you, but I promise, I'll never put you through that pain again."
"It's not that," Tanya clarified. "I just…I feel like I've never gotten to tell you…..how much you changed my life."
"What do you mean?" Mileena asked, flattered, but unsure of where this was going.
"Have you ever wondered why I want Edenia to be freed from Outworld?" Tanya questioned.
"Because it's your home." Mileena answered.
Tanya shook her head. "That's...part of it."
"Umm...we really should move forward with the attack." interceded Rain.
"Just hold on," Mileena cautioned. "It can wait. Go ahead, Dearest Tanya."
Tanya nodded.
"I was just a child when Edenia was conquered by Shao Kahn. Ever since then, I've always….always felt like my freedom was taken from me. Everything was taken from me. My family, my home. Friends who are now just distant memories...my mother was the only one I had left.
She told me 'Tanya, no one's going to look out for you anymore, if you want to live that long life we Edenians are known for, you have to look out for yourself'. So that's what I did. I only ever cared about myself, never anyone else. I'd lie, cheat, steal, mostly run. So many times I ran. 'I have survived for thousands of years because I make the right decisions'. That's what I told myself. That's how I got myself to sleep at night.
But...sure, I was surviving. But for all that time, ten thousand years. I guess I never really felt like I was living. I was just... going through the motions, no greater purpose than my own preservation. And then…..when Shao Kahn was finally killed in Earthrealm...I was ecstatic. You know how much of a monster he was now, Mileena. So for me….I thought the nightmare was finally over. I thought I might be able to get my home back!
And then Kotal ruined it all. He locked you up and refused to see Edenia unmerged from Outworld. That bastard... that's why I went to break you out of prison. It all started with just...me being incredibly homesick, I guess. In a way, I thought if I got Edenia back, I'd truly have my freedom back to. That's all it was, at first.
But you...you, Mileena. You changed me so much. For the first time in my life, I didn't just have something to fight for. I had someone to fight for. Mileena, meeting you was….was the first time I ever really cared about someone. At first, I wasn't sure what to think. It was so...new for me. But eventually, the more I stared into those fierce amber eyes of yours….the more I realized. It didn't matter. Because I was in love with you, and I was going to let that love carry me wherever it might go."
Tanya wrapped her arms around Mileena.
"And that love for you hasn't strayed me wrong so far."
The two lovers shared a passionate kiss. For a few brief, wonderful moments, the civil war, Mileena's prior death, their quest to free Edenia, and all of their problems simply melted away. It was bliss, but alas, there was work to be done, and a throne to be reclaimed….
"Ok," Mileena said once she and Tanya had finished their kiss. "Let's do this."
Mileena grabbed Tanya and held her close to her, before the two disappeared in a flash of purple energy.
Rain stood himself next to Meat and Ermac, teleporting them in bursts of mystical water.
On cue, Mileena's clones burst out of the crowd, throwing off their disguises to reveal their identical purple and black armor, and cutting through Kotal's soldiers with impressive ferocity and precision.
"Guessing that's the signal." said Skarlet, taking out her swords and rushing into the fray, Nitara and Emerald following shortly behind.
A larger Osh-Tekk swung a Greatsword at Emerald, but she managed to stop it with her own sword. Activating her strength-enhancing magic, the Edenian was able to force the Osh-Tekk back, before running them through with her sword.
"I'm sorry," she said to her dying enemy. "But I'm not waiting another ten thousand years."
Nitara rained down spheres of blood at the soldiers to keep them distracted, as Skarlet sliced right through them, every drop of blood on her exposed face and arms empowering her further. But Skarlet had no interest in continuing to slay mere Osh-Tekk. She had larger prizes in mind, running straight for the Tormentors that carried Kotal's parade float.
Kotal himself stood from his throne and beheld the carnage in front of him.
"Those blasted rebels…" he growled. "Attack, now!"
Erron Black took out his guns and opened fire on the rebels below. Motaro and Sheeva meanwhile jumped down to the ground below, their combined landing creating a shockwave that threw back the nearest Mileena clones and Osh-Tekk soldiers.
Emboldened by the rebel attack, several more vampires and Edenians joined the fray, a few Tarkatans watching in anticipation and hoping Karbrac would give the signal to end their charade of loyalty to Kotal Kahn. Karbrac seemed to be considering his options as well, until Rain, Meat, and Ermac teleported onto the float.
Ruby, Kollector, Ferra, and Torr attempted to attack, but Ermac telekinetically shoved them off. Rain meanwhile created a water sword and began dueling with Karbrac, who had reluctantly decided to defend the emperor. Erron Black turned around to fire at the new enemies, quickly drawing the attention of Meat. Erron shot at the flesh construct, but the bullets merely embedded themselves in Meat's flesh without any signs of real harm being caused. Once he got close enough, Meat tackled Erron, throwing them both off of the parade float.
Kotal sneered at the soul construct. "Looking to face me yourself, traitor?"
Ermac's eyes turned red for a moment. "You would call m-us the traitor here, usurper?!" He shouted, before shaking his head. "No. We will give that honor to another."
He lifted Kotal with his telekinesis and threw him to the ground.
As Kotal climbed to his feet, Mileena and Tanya materialized before him.
"Hello again, Kotal," Mileena mocked. "Did you miss me?"
"I preferred it when you were dead." Kotal responded.
"You mean when you felt unopposed?" Mileena questioned.
"Which you never were," Tanya pointed out. "Thanks to me."
"Yes, you did a wonderful job, dearest Tanya," Mileena complimented. "Which is why I want you by my side when we kill him."
"I am unopposed by destiny. The Elder Gods have blessed my path, proclaiming me as the one ruler of Outworld." Tanya's face twisted into a sneer, disgusted by his arrogance.
"And you think we're the mad ones for fighting you?" Mileena merely chuckled at that.
"The only madness I have is how crazy in love with you I am." Despite the poorly phrased and poorly timed nature of it, Tanya couldn't stop herself from blushing like a schoolgirl. Kotal however, was far from impressed.
"Your love would be touching if it were not tinted with your desire to overthrow me," Kotal said in what was almost a compliment. "Surrender now and I will allow you to share a cell."
"We intend to spend the rest of our days together, yes," Mileena conceded. "But we intend to remain free while doing it."
Kotal sneered at the two, taking out two small ornate Osh-Tekk sickles, his real weapons left on the float and only these ceremonial tools left, just as Mileena unsheathed her sai and Tanya her Kobu Jutsu. The emperor rushed the two and began dueling them, each making the best use they could of their three different pairs of weapons. Kotal was certainly the physical superior, but Mileena and Tanya were faster, craftier, and deadly in-sync, focused on both slashing Kotal any chance they got, and keeping each other safe. The way they fought was almost like a manifestation of their love.
At the same time, Nitara flew through the air, weaving and dodging a beam of mystical energy that Motaro was now firing from his tail.
While the Centaurian was distracted, Emerald attempted to charge at him, her sword at the ready. Before she could land a strike however, Motaro knocked her back with a strong kick from his front legs.
Emerald was about to try and make her move again, when four fireballs were launched her way. Dodging two and blocking the other two with her sword, she found the culprit to be none other than Sheeva.
"Queen Sheeva, Kotal Kahn has done nothing but harm your people," Emerald argued. "Nothing is gained by aligning yourselves with him!"
"I cannot risk the Shokan people suffering even more," Sheeva countered. "We cannot, will not, fight Edenia and Vaeternus's war."
"This war is about Outworld as well," Emerald pointed out. "I hope you realize that."
With her two upper arms, Sheeva unfastened a large spiked shield from her back.
"I realize that each and every day."
The two warriors clashed, Emerald's sword clanging against Sheeva's shield. Sheeva then punched Emerald in the ribs with her lower arms, making the Edenian warrior stumble backward, but certainly not enough to garner her surrender.
"I have heard many tales of the strength of the Shokan warriors," Emerald recalled as she again activated her strength-enhancing magic. "Do not disappoint me, Your Highness."
Emerald dug her sword into the ground and left it standing. Sheeva, in return, dropped her shield to the ground below. The two warriors raised their fists, and moments later charged, trading several blows and appearing to be almost evenly matched, saved for the advantage Sheeva held by having four arms.
Ermac then made his way down onto the scene. Meat was clashing with Erron Black, meat cleaners being deflected by Tarkaten blade as he backed off, and Nitara was still trying to avoid being shot out of the sky by Motaro, while Skarlet slashed through enemy combatants.
Ermac elected to focus his attention on Motaro, lifting him telekinetically, much to the Centaur's surprise, and throwing him into a nearby food stand.
Motaro got up and quickly glared at the soul construct.
"Tell me," Motaro requested. "Are there any Centaurians within your collective?"
"Though we are composed primarily of Edenians, there are indeed some of your people within us." Ermac answered.
"Good," Motaro responded. "Then you should be able to put up a fight."
Motaro cracked his knuckles and dug his hooves into the ground a few times like a charging bull. And charge he did, his horns aimed right at Ermac.
The soul construct simply flew out of the way of the attack, much to Motaro's irritation. Ermac had expected the Centaur to turn around and try the same tactic again, but instead Motaro whipped Ermac with his long tail, causing him to fall to the ground below. Motaro then rushed over to trample Ermac, who was again able to stop him with his telekinesis, throwing the centaur back and climbing to his feet.
Ermac and Motaro were about to continue their battle, when the soul collective noticed Ruby, Ferra, and Torr coming from behind to attack him.
"Stay back!" Shouted Motaro. "I do not need help against this foe, and your providing it would not be honorable combat."
"Then allow me to intercede."
Skarlet ran forward and into the fray. Torr attempted to charge at her, only receive a swift kick to the face, just before Skarlet jumped onto his head and launched herself off of it, landing behind the emperor's dimwitted enforcers and continuing her path towards Ruby, who unsheathed two swords of her own.
The two red assassins' blades clashed, sending sparks flying.
"Have we met before?" Skarlet asked.
"Perhaps once," Ruby attempted to recall. "When Shao Kahn let you out of your cage."
Skarlet growled with anger, sprouting blood tendrils from her back and using them to grab Ruby and toss her aside.
With that done, Skarlet elected to focus on her real prize.
The Tormentors Kotal had brought for this ego-stroking parade still held onto the float, which Rain and Karbrac were battling atop.
Skarlet considered her options. She eventually rolled her eyes and decided that looking out for one of her sister's friends was probably the best bet.
"Rain!" She shouted. "Get down!"
Rain wasn't sure what she intended, but he knew the blood sorceress well enough to heed her.
"Mileena does not wish to bring any harm to your people," Rain told Karbrac. "Kotal has done that enough."
"I am aware," Karbrac responded. "And hold no ill will against her. But I must protect my people."
Rain nodded, before grabbing Karbrac and teleporting them both to the ground.
"Why did you aid me, Edenian?" Karbrac immediately asked.
"Because no one wants to be close by when she gets to work." Rain answered, motioning to Skarlet.
Skarlet meanwhile slashed at the legs of the one of the Tormentors, causing it to roar out in pain. The others, sensing that their fellow was in danger, all dropped the float. The first Tormentor fell to its knees, giving Skarlet the opportunity she needed. Creating a platform for herself from blood, she slashed open the Tormentor's stomach, allowing torrents of blood to come out like a river.
"There we go," she said to herself. "Now we've got something to work with…."
Erron Black shoved away Meat's cleavers, knocking him off balance as he attempted to shoot at Skarlet, only for his gun to be kicked out of his hand by Nitara, who had flown down at incredible speeds to join the fight.
Erron groaned in irritation as he turned to fight her instead.
Ruby attempted to attack Nitara as well, but the vampire spun around and hit both her and the mercenary in the face with her wings as if she were some manner of miniature whirlwind.
This left Meat to contend with Ferra and Torr, not a prospect that exactly thrilled him, but he'd give it his all.
All the while, Mileena and Tanya battled Kotal Kahn, their speed, precision, and coordination allowing for many slashes at the emperor, who now had multiple cuts all over his body.
"Enough of this!" Kotal shouted, dropping his sickles and taking out his serrated sword. "You will die, here and now!"
He charged at Mileena, only for her to teleport behind and kick him in the back of the head. Kotal swung around to hit her, but Mileena blocked the attack with her sai, which now glowed the same purple as her teleportation energy.
"You would engage in a physical contest against me?" Kotal asked. "I have slain Shokan warriors!"
"I'm really just distracting you." Mileena revealed.
Tanya charged from behind with her nignata, intent on impaling Kotal. Realizing what was happening, he grabbed one of Mileena's arms and turned around as he pulled her in front of him, holding his sword to her neck.
Tanya stopped in her tracks. "Mileena!"
"Not one step further, Edenian," Kotal threatened. "Attempt to bring any harm to me and she will die again."
Tanya dropped the naginata. "I…."
"Dearest, listen to me," Mileena instructed. "I still have other bodies. This won't be the end."
"I don't care!" Tanya shouted. "I can't watch you die again!"
"Then perhaps a reversal of your roles is in order." Kotal suggested.
"What are you talking about?!" Mileena asked.
Suddenly, the light of the sun seemed to focus itself specifically on Tanya, forming a cylinder of light around her.
"I assume your friend Rain is familiar with Osh-Tekk solar magic after I nearly killed him with it," Kotal boasted. "Allow me to give you two a firsthand demonstration."
"NO!" Shouted Mileena.
The burning rays came down on Tanya, and soon she was enveloped in flames. Strangely, she wasn't crying out in pain. Had she accepted her fate? That's what Kotal thought.
Mileena had another theory, a smirk crossing her face.
"Two things you need to learn, Kotal," Mileena pointed out. "Firstly, only a coward takes hostages."
She stabbed Kotal with one of her sai, causing him to release her. Mileena then moved over to where she was standing next to Tanya, just as the solar magic faded but she herself remained ablaze.
"Secondly, I'm sure your sun magic is some powerful stuff," Mileena conceded. "But did you never think about what might happen if you used it on a pyromancer."
Kotal's eyes widened as he came to the same realization Mileena had.
The flames that coated Tanya's body started to condense, all being brought towards her hands, revealing that Tanya herself was completely unharmed. In fact, her eyes were glowing with a brighter intensity than ever before.
Kotal was about to swing his sword at her, when Tanya blasted a stream of flames directly at him, the force of it slamming him into the nearest wall. Now instead of their typical orange, they were an almost golden color. The flames were so intense that they created hot winds which caused both Tanya and Mileena's hair to billow in the wind.
The beam of fire was so bright that it caught the attention of all others present at the battlefield.
"Listen here, you bastard!" Tanya shouted as she continued her assault on Kotal. "Don't you ever threaten the woman I love! EVER!"
Tanya poured everything she had into the beam. This wasn't about the war, or about Edenia. This was just about her. Mileena. The love of her life.
The fiery beam continued to blast Kotal until the extra energy that Tanya had received from Kotal's attempt to kill her evidently ran out.
The emperor was left bloodied and burned, but alive.
"T-This...will not be the end…" he choked out, still unwilling to see his reign come to an end.
Tanya and Mileena walked over to their defeated foe, a devilish smirk crossing the former's face.
"How many of his bones do you want me to break for you, beloved?" she asked.
Mileena blushed at her lover's consideration. "As many as you'd like, Dearest Tanya."
Alas, before the final blow could be dealt and the war finally ended, Motaro charged at the two lovers, Tanya grabbing onto Mileena and ducking out of the way.
"Kotal Kahn is beaten, Motaro!" Mileena said as she got up with Tanya. "You don't have to feign loyalty to him anymore."
"I am not pretending," Motaro corrected. "The emperor has gained my respect and that of my people."
Ruby, having left Erron to fend off Nitara, rushed to the emperor's side.
"Emperor, are you alright?" she asked.
"K-Kill...them…" Kotal ordered as he climbed to his feet and gripped his sword, gritting his teeth and activating his blood magic powers, intent on carrying on the fight in spite of his wounds. As the red glow entered his eyes, he roared as he took a stance, dragging his blades against each other to generate sparks. "KILL THEM ALL!"
"I have to admit, I'm almost impressed that you're still standing," Mileena mocked. "After almost being burnt to a crisp by my beloved."
"You pride yourself on your allies," Kotal observed. "While forgetting that I am not alone."
He pointed behind Mileena and Tanya, who looked to see what he was talking about.
The Osh-Tekk soldiers, Centaurs, Shokan, and Tarkatans that had been present for the parade and subsequent battle had all begun to surround Mileena's forces, along with the rest of Kotal's allies. There were dozens upon dozens of them closing around the relatively smaller group of rebels and backing them into a corner. Motaro and another centaur also moved in front of Kotal, as did Ruby and Erron, intent on defending their emperor.
"Well, this doesn't look good…" commented Nitara.
"I've seen worse odds…" Emerald boasted, brandishing her sword and sporting several bruises from her fistfight with Sheeva, who stood alongside her people ready for further battle, even in spite of her own personal feelings on the civil war.
"When?!" Rain asked his fellow Edenian.
"Ten thousand years ago," Emerald elaborated. "You were there."
"I was a child." Rain reminded.
"And now you're not, so this should be easier." Emerald reasoned.
"Mileena, we believe now would be the time to retreat." suggested Ermac.
"I'll burn them all before I let but one hurt you, beloved." Tanya promised.
Mileena considered her options. Stay and fight a potentially losing battle against a small army of her would-be subjects, or leave and allow the war to continue.
But perhaps those were not the only options….
Suddenly, Torr burst through the crowd, with not only Ferra on his back, but Meat as well.
"Ferra...Torr...what are you doing?!" demanded Kotal.
"We could ask you the same thing, Meat." pointed out Mileena. "What's going on?"
"You wouldn't believe it," Meat explained. "I was fighting these two, but something about them seemed...familiar. That's when I realized, the big guy here...he's like us!"
"You mean….a creation of Shang Tsung?" Mileena asked.
"Yeah!" Meat confirmed. "Somehow, him and the girl here have this psychic thing going on, like you and your extra bodies."
"And what, you've convinced them to join us?" Mileena questioned.
"H-How...could you betray me?" Kotal additionally asked.
"Big sorry boss man," said Ferra. "But no-skin is family! He made by beard wizard, jus' like Torr! Sharp mouth like Torr too!"
Kotal growled in frustration.
But that wasn't the only surprise.
Suddenly, massive octopus-like tentacles made of blood began smashing through Kotal's forces, followed up by spikes made of solidified blood raining down and impaling several of them. All eyes looked up to see Skarlet riding on a blood wave, all four of the Tormentors gutted and drained just behind her.
"Mileena, now would be a good time to make your exit!" Skarlet shouted. "I'll be holding them off!"
"What about you?" Mileena asked.
"I think I've got things considering all the raw material I have to work with." Skarlet responded.
"I'll stay to help her." Offered Nitara.
"If you insist." Replied Mileena.
Quickly, Mileena's clones began grabbing her allies and teleporting them out of harm's way, doing the same for any civilians who had joined them in the battle so that they wouldn't have to suffer the emperor's wrath.
Nitara took to the skies in order to aid Skarlet, who was doing quite well for herself thanks to all the blood at her disposal. It seemed that Kotal's forces could do little to stop her rampage, until Motaro aimed his tail in just the right position to fire his energy beam, which knocked Skarlet off of the wave of blood and broke her concentration, causing her constructs to dissipate.
Skarlet fell to the ground, and it seemed like this would be her end, much to her regret. It still felt like there was so much more to do with her life. Alas, this was the end, and as such, Skarlet closed her eyes.
But then….
Nitara swooped down and scooped up Skarlet into her arms before she could hit the ground.
Skarlet opened her eyes to find to her surprise that she was not dead, and was instead experiencing a feeling of exhilaration like nothing she'd ever seen before.
She was flying. It was incredible, seeing Outworld from this high up, and in the arms of…
Skarlet looked up at Nitara, who merely winked at her.
Skarlet blushed, not sure how to feel about this whole situation. She hadn't felt so free since the day Reiko had released her from Shao Kahn's dungeon.
But Nitara….Nitara wasn't like Reiko. Skarlet could just feel it. Reiko had never really cared for her, never asked her about her past or noticed when she felt uncomfortable. He had used her and she had been too excited by the promise of freedom to realize it. Mileena had tried to warn her, and Skarlet had repaid her sister by attacking her.
Both Skarlet and Mileena had spent the past year trying to make amends for their battle, but Skarlet couldn't help but damn herself for a fool whenever she thought of how she had been manipulated by Reiko.
By stark contrast, she didn't feel foolish at all when she thought over the past few days that she had known Nitara, or being in her arms right this moment. It felt…..right.
She knew Nitara felt similarly. Her numerous flirtations had made that quite clear. But what Skarlet wasn't sure about was if she should act on it.
For now, she decided to enjoy the blissful feeling of flying with her, and saved her thoughts for when they eventually landed.
"Y-You...you can put me down." Skarlet stuttered, all too aware that she was in the same position as a newlywed bride.
"Are you sure that's what you want?" Nitara teased.
Skarlet did find herself quite comfortable being held by Nitara…
"No no, focus." She thought to herself.
"Y-Yes…" Skarlet responded. Nitara nodded and put Skarlet down.
"N-Nitara...can I...ask you something?" Skarlet wondered aloud.
"Certainly," Nitara answered. "What is it?"
"Well, the reason you joined with Mileena is to free your realm, right?" Skarlet asked. "Vaeternus, is it?"
"Yes." Nitara confirmed.
"It's just that...all my life, I've only ever lived in Outworld," Skarlet elaborated. "I was born here. So I guess my question is..."
"What's all the fuss about." Nitara finished for her.
"Well...yes…" Skarlet conceded. "Why fight this hard for Vaeternus, or for Edenia?"
"Well, why do you fight in this war?" Nitara asked.
"At first, it was because I felt indebted to Reiko," Skarlet explained. "He was the one who released me from Shao Kahn's dungeon...the first person to ever show me kindness, until it turned out to be a facade. I fight with Mileena now because she and Meat...and I suppose now that creature Torr, they're my family. And so I can make it up to Mileena for how I treated her when I was still with Reiko. Payback at Kotal Kahn would be nice to..."
"So you fight because you feel you owe it to your family, and to make up for your mistakes." Nitara surmised.
"Yes…" Skarlet confirmed, not sure where she was going with this.
"I fight for the same reasons, but it's a bit different." Nitara explained.
"What do you mean?" Skarlet asked.
"Thousands of years ago, Vaeternus, my home, was stolen away from me," Nitara elaborated. "By Shao Kahn….your father. So many people...more than I can even count, lost their lives. And then we were all but enslaved. The feeling of being trapped that you felt every day you spent trapped in that monster's dungeon? That's what every vampire, every Edenian, what so many of us felt under Shao Kahn's rule. My home, everyone I knew, my family. All of that was taken from me. From all of my people. Do you know that skull Shao Kahn wore as a mask? That was the skull of our king, a king he murdered along with countless others.
I was just a child when it all happened. But every day since then, I swore that one day, I would bring Vaeternus back. Our people would be free."
"H-He….he really took all that from you?" Skarlet asked.
Nitara nodded. "Yes."
"Then….why do you care about me?!" Skarlet then questioned. "I'm his daughter! You should hate me!"
"I don't hate you, Skarlet," said Nitara. "Because you're not like Shao Kahn. You're not a monster. You're just as much of a victim of that monster as I am. But….if Shao Kahn is the one who created you, then I don't think I could ever completely hate even him."
"Nitara...there's something I want to tell you," Skarlet responded. "I-"
Suddenly, one of Mileena's clones teleported onto the roof.
"Ah, there you two are," she said. "C'mon, let's get out of here."
The two nodded, and Mileena pulled them close to her as if she were hugging them, before teleporting them away.
Skarlet and Nitara reappeared back at the rebels' base, where the purple glow from the Mileenas faded, the others evidently helping power the long-range teleport.
"Well," said Emerald. "All things considered, I think that went well."
"We didn't kill Kotal," Rain pointed out. "And we were so close. Not to mention that he clearly still has the majority support."
"The Shokan and Tarkatans only serve him out of fear," argued Tanya. "And today, we just made him look rather weak."
"Well, you did, my beloved." Mileena corrected.
Tanya blushed. "You know I can't take all the credit, my dear."
"We think you both did well today," complimented Ermac. "Every time we show the people that Kotal is not unstoppable, we are one day closer to victory."
"Hey Skarlet," said Nitara. "What was it you wanted to tell me?"
"Uhh….so, Ferra, Torr!" Skarlet said in an obvious effort to change the subject. "What's your story?"
"Me used to clean flesh pit," explained Ferra. "Then beard wizard link me and Torr's minds. He say we his experry-ment in sigh-kick con-eck-shun."
"You mean, like what me and my others can do?" Mileena asked.
"Yeah, yeah!" confirmed Ferra. "Me and Torr sense simmy-lur brain stuffs from you, shark-mouth."
"My name is Mileena, actually." Mileena clarified.
Ferra nodded. "Leena."
Mileena shrugged. "Close enough."
"So, what made you want to join us?" asked Skarlet.
"No-skin!" Ferra exclaimed.
"Yeah, I was able to convince 'em." Meat admitted modestly.
"Not bad, Meat," Mileena complimented. "Not bad at all."
"There were also a number of people who joined us in the fight," Rain pointed out. "Our numbers are growing."
"Little by little my love, we take this realm back." Tanya said as she put her arms around Mileena.
"And all the realms that were stolen to make it." Mileena replied, before the two again indulged themselves with a kiss.
But not all in Outworld were in such high spirits. Certainly not the Tarkatans.
Karbrac walked through Tarkata, silent and speaking to no one.
That is, until Nania approached him.
"What happened?" She asked. "We received word of an attack."
"The rebels, again," Karbrac explained. "And again we were forced to aid Kotal Kahn. Though perhaps I should not have…"
"It is as you said, Karbrac," Nania reminded. "Our people need to survive. I understand now."
"Yes, but…" Karbrac paused. "Mileena and her lover nearly killed Kotal Kahn today. One of her Edenian allies, the one that controls water, even helped me during the battle. I… I know we're not on the right side of this war… But I don't know how I can change that."
"I know that if Baraka were still here, he would fight with Mileena," Nania recalled. "But you are not Baraka. I understand that now...it is your choice."
"Thank you, Nania," Karbrac said graciously. "Perhaps we should stay out of Kotal and Mileena's war for a time, until we can make a better decision."
"Sounds good to me." agreed Nania.
Karbrac nodded. "Now if you excuse me… I'm going to go get some rest."
Rest was exactly what Kotal Kahn felt he needed after his ordeal. His followers had carried him back to his palace, and laid him in his bed so he might recover from his wounds.
"Osh-Tekk healers are on their way," informed Ruby. "You should be able to recover, emperor."
"W-We...we need to hunt them down…" insisted Kotal.
"Now boss, you don't worry about that right now," advised Erron. "Motaro said he's puttin' his 'Extermination Squads' togetha', and I'll be tryin' ta help out best I can."
"O-Only because I pay you," Kotal said disdainfully. "First D'Vorah...then Ermac...now Ferra and Torr...is anyone truly loyal to me?"
"I believe in what you're trying to do for Outworld, emperor," assured Ruby. "You have my loyalty, at the very least."
"Yeah and I mean, I ain't just here for the money," Erron clarified, though not by saying what he was there for. "Just uhh...helps and all."
"You can be certain of my loyalty, emperor," Kollector said like the little groveler he was. "I...would not think to betray you."
Kotal sneered. "If that were true, where were you during the battle, Kollector?!"
"With all due respect, emperor, I was not brought into your employ for combat purposes," Kollector reasoned. "You hired me to manage a tax campaign. I cannot do that if I am killed by rebels."
"Fine," Kotal spat. "We have other matters to attend to, regardless. I want a curfew put in place for all Edenians and Vampires. And checkpoints. Anyone found with a weapon or anything suggesting support for Mileena is to be arrested. All active practices of blood magic are to be stopped. In fact, outlaw the practice outside of Osh-Tekk provinces! And when he is next available, tell Motaro I want only his best in those Extermination Squads! Mileena and her rebels need to be routed out! I will not suffer humiliation like this again!"
"You got it, boss." replied Erron, tipping his hat.
"Of course, emperor." responded Ruby.
"And, what may I do for you, emperor?" asked Kollector.
"Raise taxes for the Edenians and the Vampires," Kotal instructed. "If they want to support this insurrection, they can pay for my army. And someone needs to inform Karbrac and Queen Sheeva that I'll need to meet with them to discuss strategies for quelling this nonsense."
As Kotal Kahn made his demands, miles away, Queen Sheva returned to Kuatan, and to her people.
Immediately, her aide, Zenkaro, went over to her.
"My queen, you have returned!" He exclaimed. "We received news of an attack by the rebels."
"Yes," Sheeva confirmed, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "And I was forced to defend Kotal Kahn from attackers."
"Fear not my liege, I have faith that he will fall eventually." Zenkaro assured.
"I wish I shared your optimism, Zenkaro," Sheeva responded. "Get together a contingent of warriors, I have a feeling that Kotal Kahn will want the Shokan people to help deal with his rebels. Refusal could mean death."
"I understand, my queen." said Zenkaro, bowing and leaving.
Sheeva continued to walk, noticing Duroc conversing with…
"Prince Goro?" she asked as she went over to him.
Goro sighed and turned to face her, Duroc just behind him. He raised his only remaining hand.
"Please, Queen Sheeva, I am a prince no longer," he said humbly. "Simply call me 'Goro'."
"If that is your wish," Sheeva conceded. "I assume you both have heard of the attack."
Both brothers nodded.
"Next time you have to stand alongside that Osh-Tekk and pretend to be his vassal, I can accompany you," offered Duroc. "Crush any who would attack the crown. Or, if the revolt is going well enough...crush the Osh-Tekk."
"Mileena and her Edenian lover did come rather close to killing Kotal Kahn," Sheeva recounted. "Alas, we are still far away from seeing his end."
"Things can change, Sheeva," argued Duroc, before beginning to walk away. "Faster than you think…."
A small group of about five Shokan started walking behind Duroc, causing Sheeva to raise an eyebrow, before she turned her attention to Goro.
"So, how have you been, old friend?" she asked.
"The same as I have been since Kotal crippled me," Goro explained. "Existing, but disgraced. Making no effect on Outworld or for the benefit of our people. While my father's killer still remains on the throne..."
"I know this is hard for you," sympathized Sheeva. "I promise, we won't have to serve him forever."
"No," agreed Goro, a dark grin twisting his face."We won't."
The certainty in his voice was an oddity to Sheeva, but before she could inquire further, Goro turned and began to leave.
"I wish you the best of luck, Queen Sheeva," he said as he departed. "You have earned your throne."
"Thank you, Prin-Goro." she responded.
Goro didn't say anything more, he merely continued walking until he reached the outskirts of Kuatan.
Soon afterward, he was approached by what looked to be another Shokan. Oddly though he was shorter than the average Shokan, his chest and face were covered in black war paint, and his eyes glowed an ethereal green.
"There is no one else around, sorcerer," Goro pointed out. "You have no need to disguise yourself."
The "Shokan" smirked. He was then enveloped in a green haze, the visual marker of Outworld soul magic. Seconds later, the "Shokan" shifted into his true form….
Shang Tsung.
"So, Prince Goro," said Shang Tsung. "I have heard things are getting rather interesting in Outworld."
"Yes," Goro confirmed. "The civil war between Kotal Kahn and Mileena make it nearly impossible for other matters to be focused on, and for our work to be noticed."
"Very good," Shang Tsung said with a sinister grin. "And have you any luck recruiting your people to our cause?"
"My brother is trying to start a revolt against Sheeva," Goro explained. "She herself suspects nothing. Her focus is on preserving our people. I respect her commitment, and hope she will stand with us when the time comes."
"Not the greatest degree of progress, but it's a start," commented Shang Tsung. "But really, you needn't worry yourself, Prince Goro. Simply keep an eye on Kuatan and on Outworld, report what transpires, and all shall fall into place. As for Sheeva, she holds no love for Kotal 'Kahn'. I am sure she will see reason."
"And when your 'Dragon King' Onaga rises to power, he shall give me back my arms as was promised to me?" Goro asked.
"Shang Tsung nodded. "Of course, Prince Goro. "And you can enact your vengeance upon Kotal 'Kahn' for killing your father, and for crippling you in the first place."
"Good," Goro responded.
"His reckoning is long overdue."