Despite the nature of their hunt, Mileena and Tanya's trek to the Living Forest was a rather pleasant walk. Tanya knew how to cut through Edenian-populated areas of Outworld, where support for Kotal was slim. There were still the odd patrolling troops to keep away from, but there was something the two lovers enjoyed about duping Kotal's soldiers. It was amusing to see them walk right past while they hit behind a wall and tried to hold back snickers.
Mainly of course, Mileena and Tanya simply enjoyed each other's company, as any happy couple did.
But as they reached the forest itself, they were reminded of the true nature of their trip. Their mood shifted as they walked past the haunting, staring faces of the trees. Outworld's sky seemed to always shine purple in this area, creating a strange sense of darkness even in daylight.
The two held hands as they walked, each reaching to the other for security. Their fears were eased by their faith in each other.
"You know, I've heard rumors that this place was once part of Edenia," Tanya recalled. "Kind of hard to believe being here firsthand."
"This forest always unsettled me," Mileena admitted. "Fa-Shao Kahn used it to test sister and I. Teach us to focus in spite of… these kinds of surroundings. I'll never understand why Jade was so good at lurking around these trees. Always knew right when to jump out and scare Kitana and I half to death. Then we'd just laugh."
Tanya gave Mileena a confused look. "I thought you said you never had the chance to train with your sister. That you first met in the Flesh Pits sometime during Shao Kahn's last campaign against Earthrealm."
"I..." Mileena paused, putting a hand to her forehead. "You're right… I'm not sure where that memory came from."
"Maybe the forest is… messing with your mind somehow?" Tanya offered as an explanation.
"There have never been any stories about the Living Forest doing such a thing," Mileena dismissed. "And if that were the case, wouldn't it affect you too?"
"A fair point, my love," Tanya conceded. "Perhaps King Jerrod could help you decipher it when we return?"
"Maybe…" Mileena replied. "Do you think seeing into Jade's memory could've caused it?"
Tanya shrugged. "It's possible. Really Mileena, I wish I could be of more help with this."
"You've been plenty helpful over the years, Dearest Tanya," Mileena complimented. "I would never have made it this far without your help in my struggle against Kotal, the hope for both Outworld and Edenia you sparked in me, and of course, your love to keep me going."
Tanya couldn't help but blush at her lover's praise.
"You always know how to make me feel appreciated," Tanya complimented in return. "And I don't think it can be understated how much you've kept me going."
Tanya emphasized her point by placing a brief kiss on Mileena's cheek/teeth.
Now it was Mileena's face that became bright red, as the two exchanged smiles with one another. Mileena quickly kissed Tanya back.
"For good luck." She explained.
"As if you need a reason to kiss me." Tanya responded playfully.
"Good point." Mileena admitted with a small laugh.
Opposite to the couple's close bond of love was the isolated D'Vorah. The Kytinn cautiously made her way through the forest, its nature bringing out an alertness and wariness in her. She had dispatched some of her small insects to scout around the forest for any possible threat.
Shang Tsung had certainly chosen a foreboding meeting spot.
And D'Vorah was entirely unaware that she was never who he intended to meet with.
Mileena's Tarkatan side granted her enhanced smell and hearing relative to normal humans. Thus, the buzzing of D'Vorah's little scouts didn't escape her notice.
Mileena inhaled. "The bug is close. I can smell her."
"Want to ambush her before she can ambush us?" Tanya asked.
"Exactly what I had in mind, lovely," Mileena agreed. "And I think I know just how to do it."
D'Vorah could hear voices through her insects. Someone was here, and it wasn't Shang Tsung. D'Vorah unleashed what two remaining stingers she had from her back, the other two still regenerating after she'd lost them to Li Mei and Khameleon.
She looked around, trying to be vigilant for whoever or whatever was in the forest with her. She hadn't observed Kotal's troops to patrol the Living Forest, although it was possible they had increased their searches for her following her near-capture.
D'Vorah's answer as to who was after her would come when Mileena teleported behind her and kicked her in the head. The Kytinn stumbled forward and lashed out behind her with her stingers, only for Mileena to disappear in another flash of purple light.
D'Vorah noticed the glow out of the corner of her eye as she spun around. Her eyes widened as she realized who her assailant was.
"Mileena…" She said aloud. "How did you find This One?"
"I had a little help." Mileena admitted.
D'Vorah lunged one of her stingers in the direction of Mileena's voice, but struck nothing.
"Over heeerrrreeee…"
Pink energy constructs of sai shot out from the darkness and cut right through D'Vorah's shoulder and abdomen. The small bugs she carried within her body quickly began to repair the damage, but the pain persisted nonetheless.
"So, the rumors are true," D'Vorah acknowledged. "You live again."
"Disappointed?" Mileena asked mockingly.
D'Vorah tried to maintain an air of confidence. "This One killed you before. This One can do so again."
"I was tied down," Mileena reminded her adversary. "Let's see how you do when my hands are free."
To emphasize her point, Mileena teleported right in front of D'Vorah and punched her in the face twice, before vanishing again.
"This One defeated you in combat before then," D'Vorah argued. "That is why Kotal Kahn allowed This One the honor of executing you."
"Kotal isn't around to protect you anymore…" Mileena mocked. "I on the other hand…"
A fireball burst out from the brush and blasted right through one of D'Vorah's last remaining stingers. The fireball hit a bush and started a fire behind the Kytinn. Tanya walked out into the open, glaring at D'Vorah through her glowing eyes.
"Don't abandon the people who show me kindness." Mileena finished as she appeared next to her love.
"Afraid to face This One alone, Mileena?" D'Vorah asked with a smirk.
"Dear Tanya insisted on coming along," Mileena explained. "Killing me was one thing, but the pain you caused her. I'm going to make you pay for it."
"This One should have killed you both, no matter what that Earthrealmer thought." D'Vorah said disdainfully.
"We'll make sure to thank her for this opportunity." Tanya taunted.
"By the way. You lied." Mileena pointed out.
"This One has told many lies," D'Vorah recalled. "You are going to have to be more specific."
"You said you killed me," Mileena clarified. "Except… you didn't. Your little bugs did."
"Semantics." D'Vorah argued.
"Maybe," Mileena admitted. "But it gave me an idea."
A group of about a dozen Mileena clones appeared and surrounded D'Vorah.
"Let's see how you like being torn apart." Mileena said.
The clones burst into attack like a pack of Tarkatans. Mileena let that side of her fully loose, the clones mauling and slashing at D'Vorah, others biting into her.
D'Vorah did what she could to fight back. Her last stinger skewered one clone, resulting in an uncomfortable wince from Tanya as she watched, only for the stinger to be cut off by an energy-charged sai. She shot acid at the clone responsible, but it teleported out of her way and another sliced off her hand entirely. D'Vorah kicked that clone, but another drove both sai into her leg. She let loose her wings and flew upward, shaking the clone off. Another clone teleported onto her back and bit into her equivalent of a collarbone with a full maw of Tarkatan fangs.
The pain forced D'Vorah down, where her wings were torn from her back by the bear hands of more clones. She looked around, quickly realizing that she was surrounded and nearly weaponless. She unleashed an organic blade from the palm of her remaining hand, but as she prepared to stab with it, one clone impaled her through the chest. But not with a sai. This particular clone had inherited a Tarkatan blade from its genetics.
"That. Was for Baraka." Mileena said through the clone.
The clones then all suddenly vanished in a flash of purple light. D'Vorah stood silent as her bugs began to repair her broken body.
She had survived being torn in half by Reiko. This was noth-
D'Vorah was enveloped in an inferno of flame. Tanya blasted her with fire unceasingly, killing the bugs that would usually aid her regeneration in droves. D'Vorah staggered back and collapsed to the ground, too injured and in far too much pain to fight any longer, or even stand.
D'Vorah continued to burn as she looked up at those who had enacted their retribution upon her. In the back of her mind, she had wondered if it would be they or Kotal that got to her first.
At least she had an answer.
D'Vorah attempted to crawl away, but Mileena stabbed a sai into each leg and subsequently slashed them off.
"Reiko's manipulations led me to do that to my own sister," Mileena recounted. "From now on, I only inflict such brutality on those who are deserving."
"Just… end it…" D'Vorah demanded, still unwilling to concede her pride.
Tanya crouched down next to the mortally wounded Kytinn. "Just one more thing, D'Vorah."
D'Vorah spit a dead bug onto Tanya's face. She casually wiped it off without a second thought.
"Mileena told me exactly what happened," Tanya revealed. "I just wanted to make one thing clear."
Tanya stood up and pointed her open palm at D'Vorah, her hand bursting into flame. With her other hand, she pointed to Mileena.
"I'm the only one who gets to touch those lips."
Tanya blasted flame directly into D'Vorah's face, burning through the exoskeleton and reducing the Kytinn's brain to ash.
There'd be no regenerating this time.
The couple were then caught off guard by a slow, labored clapping sound.
Mileena raised her sai in preparation for another attacker. Tanya unholstered her Kobu Jutsu. The two lovers immediately went back-to-back.
And out from the darkness of the Living Forest stepped Shang Tsung, still clapping.
"Quite the impressive display," he complimented. "And D'Vorah, if you can still hear me, you served me well. You were an excellent pawn."
"You!" Mileena exclaimed. "I knew you were still alive somehow! I suppose Raiden wasn't completely insane."
"Ah my greatest creation," Shang Tsung said fondly. "It is good to see you again, Mileena."
"How did you know we would be here?!" Tanya demanded to know.
"I offered you bait that I knew you couldn't refuse," Shang Tsung replied as if it were obvious. "Those two Shadow Priests? Agents of mine. You really should be careful who you trust, Mileena. Or you can do as I do, and trust no one at all."
"I used to believe in trusting no one," Tanya admitted as she turned to face the sorcerer. "It was a lonely existence. I pity you."
"You went from a mate with bite to one with bark," Shang Tsung observed. "They do say variety is good for the soul."
"Stop it." Mileena demanded.
"You're going to need to be more specific, my creation." Shang Tsung pointed out.
"Stop acting like this is just afternoon tea," Mileena clarified. "You wouldn't be here for small-talk. You have a reason. Say it."
"My my, it would appear you know me better than I anticipated," Shang Tsung observed. "I could have sworn that Shao Kahn wished for your intellect to be reduced with your second iteration. And yet, you have evolved beyond the eternal mind of a child he envisioned."
"What are you talking about?!" Mileena shouted. These questions she didn't have answers to made her uneasy.
Tanya holstered her weapons and hugged Mileena's arm, her face showing concern as she tried to say without words "It's going to be alright."
"It doesn't really matter," Shang Tsung admitted. "Shao Kahn is dead. All of that is in the past. Let us discuss the future."
"Let me guess," Mileena responded. "A future in which you rule Outworld?"
Shang Tsung chuckled. "Not me. I'm afraid that possibility is no longer within my grasp. But a new ruler will emerge. One who neither you nor that fool Kotal Kahn could dare to challenge. Which is why I wish to offer you an opportunity."
"I want nothing from you." Mileena said adamantly.
"But I've given you so much already," Shang Tsung argued. "Your very life is owed to me, as well as this new collective of bodies you now command. It was I who physically tethered you to them all, and I who left everything ready for you when the moment came for you to discover my gift."
"Thank you." Tanya said.
"What are you thanking him for?" Mileena asked.
"You." Tanya answered.
Mileena blushed and the two exchanged smiles, before again remembering the situation they were in, and returning their gaze to the sorcerer.
"So, whoever it is you now call master, they want something with me, yes?" Mileena presumed.
Shang Tsung nodded. "My master has observed you and believes you to be something of a kindred spirit. Both unique beings whose thrones were stolen by the undeserving. As such, he has allowed me to extend you an offer to join us. You would be granted an army to command, an army you can use to finally crush Kotal Kahn. And of course, you can keep your mate."
"And what would your master do for the people, sorcerer?" Mileena asked. "What of the realms stolen by Shao Kahn, like my dear Tanya's Edenia?"
Shang Tsung scoffed. "They are mere subjects, fit only to serve. Their realms one with the tapestry of Outworld, a tapestry many other realms will join when my master rises to power."
"Exactly as heartless as I expected." Tanya said disdainfully.
"I'm not going to help another tyrant come to power," Mileena decided. "I've put my days of serving men like that behind me."
"You do realize that to reject this offer is to invite death, yes?" Shang Tsung asked.
"Your master doesn't scare us." Tanya countered.
"And neither do you." Mileena added.
"He should," Shang Tsung warned. "I understand that Ermac is among you. Have you discovered the presence of King Jerrod's soul within him?"
"Stay away from my father." Mileena ordered.
"But am I not your father?" Shang Tsung questioned.
"You created me," Mileena acknowledged. "But you did not once show me the kindness and love a father should. You're a mockery of fathers."
Shang Tsung shook his head. "All these years fighting your civil war, I couldn't have imagined you'd go so soft."
"Mileena has a heart," Tanya interjected. "Unlike you or your master."
"A 'heart' doesn't win wars," Shang Tsung retorted. "And it seems that ultimately, you have already lost this one. Ask King Jerrod what he knows of the Dragon King, and then understand what you should fear. Then you'll wish you had accepted my offer."
"To do that would be to wish death on millions of innocent people." Tanya pointed out.
"And we will fight to our last breath to protect those people," Mileena added. "It took dying for me to realize it, but that's what a ruler does."
"Such idealism was exactly why Edenia was conquered." Shang Tsung insulted.
Tanya's eyes burned with rage at that remark. Seconds later, she knocked Shang Tsung down with a leg sweep and then proceeded to stomp on his stomach. She then began pummeling the sorcerer's face with her fists until Shang Tsung transformed…
Into the form of her father.
"That's not very befitting of an ambassador." Shang Tsung mocked.
Tanya ceased her assault and stared at the face of her father in disbelief. Mileena was quick to pull her lover away from the sorcerer.
"He's just trying to get into your head, Tanya," Mileena explained. "It's what he does."
Shang Tsung chuckled as he stood up and returned to his normal form.
"You certainly found a mate who can match your anger, Mileena," Shang Tsung observed. "You should cherish your last few days together. The Dragon King is coming. And to challenge him is to court death."
"We'll take our chances," Mileena decided. "And I hope you like the gift I've given you."
"What are you talking about?" Shang Tsung asked.
"I let you live," Mileena clarified. "I didn't gut you where you stand or let Dearest Tanya beat you to death. I've given you the same thing you gave me. Life."
Shang Tsung chuckled. "You've certainly grown bold Mileena. A shame that it won't save you."
Tanya summoned a fireball into her hand.
"I will not tolerate you continuing to threaten the woman I love," Tanya declared. "Get out of here."
Shang Tsung summoned a skull-fireball into his own hand.
"You're not the only one who likes to play with fire, girl."
"Then I guess it comes down to who's better at it." Tanya replied.
"Perhaps we'll see. Another time, that is," Shang Tsung decided. "I must depart. Farewell. It's a shame really, that even my finest creation could be so foolish. Ah well, no true creator makes only one masterpiece."
Shang Tsung then transformed into the form of Reptile and turned invisible.
"My love, that sorcerer and whoever he's working for are a threat to all of Outworld," Tanya pointed out. "Everything we've been working towards."
"So is this war between Raiden and Kotal…" Mileena lamented. "I know we have to fight, have to protect people. But I'm just not sure how we can win."
"Maybe it's time to raise an army of your own," Tanya suggested. "There are thousands of Edenians who would fight beside you if they were called upon. Who are as loyal to their realm as Jade or Emerald… or as Rain and I have tried to be. With your father's help, I know you can bring them to your side."
"But… I'd be putting so many people in danger…" Mileena said worriedly.
"People who have chosen to fight for their freedom," Tanya clarified. "Just as Rain and Emerald and Jade and I have. We all believe in you, Mileena. I'm sure others will too."
Mileena remained silent for a few more moments, then nodded. "Thank you, Tanya. I'll think about it. But for now, let's just go home."
Tanya smiled and put her arm around Mileena.
"Oh love, I'm already home."
"You're so sweet," Mileena complimented. "I love you."
"I love you too, Mileena."
While the couple departed the Living Forest, Shang Tsung still had business there. He became visible again and shifted from Reptile's form back to his own. He then continued walking until finally, he saw four Shokan approaching. They were all carrying a large casket.
"Ah, greetings, my friends!" Said the sorcerer.
"Where is Prince Goro?" Asked one of the Shokan as they set down the casket.
"He asked us to bring this." Another pointed out.
"Prince Goro has other matters to attend to," Shang Tsung lied. "He asked me to rendezvous with you in his stead."
"We will only deliver this to Prince Goro." One of the Shokan said adamantly.
Shang Tsung shook his head.
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
He reached out his hands and began tearing the Shokans' souls out of their bodies. The Shokan all tried to resist, one even marching towards Shang Tsung to try and land a punch. But it was futile. The sorcerer consumed all of their souls, their desiccated bodies falling limp from the draining of all life.
With the new souls absorbed, a bit of youth returned to Shang Tsung's face. His muscles strengthened, and upon noticing this, he focused his attention on the casket.
Shang Tsung lifted the large casket with the strength of four Shokan and opened a portal through which to carry it.
"You should be excited," Shang Tsung said to seemingly no one. "Grand Onaga will be giving you renewed life… my Tigrar friend."
D'Vorah's death was not an occurrence known only to Mileena, Tanya, and Shang Tsung. All three had failed to consider the matter of the Kytinn hive.
On the desolated island of Arnyek, far off the coast of Outworld's Bay of Maul, and deep underground, was the last Kytinn hive. The very same hive that D'Vorah had sought to be free of. A desire which led to her betrayal of Kotal Kahn, allegiance with Shinnok and then Onaga, and eventual death.
Upon said death, D'Vorah had failed to achieve her desire. As a result, the hive became simultaneously aware of her death all at once. Her memories became theirs, in a sense preserving her in spite of her grisly fate.
This also meant that her attempted treachery was now known to the hive.
This information was most pertinent of all to the hive's queen, Al'Sheva.
"Our envoy has failed," she recognized immediately, speaking now to one of her most loyal followers. "Moreover, she plotted to abandon the hive."
"What shall we do?" Her follower asked. "The Dragon King may destroy us all, and D'Vorah made enemies with both alternatives."
"If we can work against the Dragon King for the greater good of Outworld, we will earn their favor." Al'Sheva reasoned. "Neither Mileena nor Kotal will allow this realm to fall."
"How may This One assist in this mission, my queen?" The follower questioned.
"Gather your group, A'Vital," Queen Al'Sheva ordered. "Find the Dragon King's followers and eliminate them. Then present their heads to Outworld's warring rulers."
"If that is what you feel is the best course of action, Queen Al'Sheva," A'Vital complied. "This One will depart as soon as we are ready."
"Good," Al'Sheva acknowledged. "Our kind have waited in the shadows for too long, allowing that traitor to represent us. If Mileena wins this war, This One will have to thank her for ridding us of that deceitful wretch."
Mileena herself had far more on her mind than receiving any thanks.
Using her clones as anchor points for her teleports, Mileena was able to speed up the return trip from the Living Forest. Soon enough, she and Tanya returned to the rebels' base.
"You're back!" Exclaimed Meat.
"Leena! Tanny!" Ferra said excitedly.
"How did it go?" Asked Rain.
"D'Vorah is dead." Tanya reported.
"Good," Rain responded. "That bug killed one of my best friends."
Mileena smiled. "Thanks, Rain."
"You seem troubled." Ermac observed.
"D'Vorah wasn't the only one we ran into." Tanya explained.
"Shang Tsung is alive." Mileena revealed.
Everyone was silent for a moment.
"That snake…" said Jade. "I should've known he'd find a way to return."
"Beard man?" Ferra asked.
"He's not putting me back in a cage!" Meat shouted angrily.
"We know brother, we know," Skarlet assured him. "We'll fight that sorcerer if we have to."
Shao Kahn's rage built within Ermac upon hearing that his treacherous former servant was alive. Once more, the collective of souls kept him at bay. The souls subjected him to the memory of one of their number being tortured in the bowels of the Nethership.
"You do not look to be harmed," Ermac observed, still saying nothing of Shao Kahn's presence. "We take it Shang Tsung did not attack you."
"No, he wanted to recruit me," Mileena explained. "He's found some new master."
"Great, even more to worry about." Nitara said dryly.
"We'll we've persevered so far, haven't we love?" Skarlet pointed out.
"You're right," Nitara conceded. "Sorry for being pessimistic. Still hard to believe I came so close to freeing Vaeternus…"
"You will save your realm." Skarlet assured her.
"Unfortunately, we'll need to fight for this one first," said Tanya. "It's not going to be easy, but countless people will die if we don't."
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Mileena complimented. "If there's anyone any of you know who would be willing to help our fight, please reach out to them. And father, I need to talk to you."
"What troubles you, daughter?" Jerrod/Ermac asked.
"Some… memories I never had before," Mileena answered. "And the identity of Shang Tsung's new master. He said you would know who the 'Dragon King' was."
Emrac's eyes widened. He remained silent for a moment.
"I do…" Jerrod admitted. "He was the ruler of Outworld prior to Shao Kahn. If he has returned, he is a far greater threat to all realms than Raiden or Kotal could ever be."
"We have to do more than fight Raiden and Kotal's forces," realized Jade. "We have to warn them. Both of them."
"They would never listen to me." Mileena argued.
"Raiden would at least," Jade countered. "In spite of what he's become, he still wishes to protect Earthrealm. I have faith that he would recognize the Dragon King as the greater enemy. And if he does not, there are still many of Earthrealm who would fight this enemy with us."
"I hope that you're right," Mileena responded. "I have a lot to think over. Thank you all for staying with me this far."
"Of course," said Rain. "What are friends for?"
Mileena smiled and gave Rain a hug, Tanya following suit.
"Speaking of allies," remembered Jade. "Emerald went out to try and talk some old members of the Edenian Resistance out of retirement."
"Tell her I appreciate it when she returns." Mileena requested.
Jade nodded in acknowledgement.
"If you require any counsel on the Dragon King or on these memories you speak of, I am here." Ermac/Jerrod offered.
"I certainly will," Mileena confirmed. "But for now, I think I need some rest."
Tanya let out an intentionally exasperated yawn. "I second that notion."
"Good, because I have trouble falling asleep without you." Mileena said.
"Likewise." Tanya replied.
The two lovers took hands and went to their room. Once they made themselves comfortable for the night, Mileena elected to ask Tanya a question.
"Tanya, do you really think we can overcome all of this?"
"Oh Mileena, I'm sure of it," Tanya assured her. "If anyone can fight this fight, it's you. My death-defying empress."
Tanya emphasized her faith by squeezing Mileena with a hug. Mileena in return nuzzled her, and as Tanya had hoped, soon came that Tarkatan purring she'd grown to love.
"I'd feel better about this if Baraka and Kitana and mother were here," Mileena admitted. "But just having you is enough for me to know it isn't hopeless."
"Oh Mileena…" Tanya said with a smile, before kissing her forehead.
"Nothing is hopeless."