The armies of Outworld readied themselves for the war that was to come. Centaurs, Shokan, Tarkatans, Naknadans, Vinparians, Outworlders, and of course, Osh-Tekk.
No one was certain of victory. Not even the current emperor, Kotal Kahn.
His advisor Damashi had assured him that the "true ruler of Outworld" would be victorious. If he was chosen ruler of the Elder Gods, surely his victory must be assured then.
But it did not feel that way to Kotal Kahn. A man known by his enemies and even some of his allies for his arrogance, but he did not feel so confident in the face of this war.
He was certain that if the Elder Gods favored him as Damashi had said, he would ultimately be victorious over Raiden, and eventually Mileena as well. But at what cost would that victory come?
Casualties were inevitable. It was why Kotal intended to place races with a history of disloyalty on the front lines. His worry was Outworld being devastated by this conflict, his empire being weakened after overcoming Earthrealm and Orderrealm. It occurred to Kotal that Mileena and her forces would likely be willing to help with rebuilding. Kotal did not relish the idea of accepting their help.
For possibly the first time in his rule, the current emperor admitted to needing counsel. He admitted to himself, anyway. He walked throughout his palace, wrapped up in thought, watching his soldiers prepare for the war that was coming and his closest allies ready themselves to lead them.
Some were taking on this role for the first time, such as Kommander, who was efficiently organizing his Naknadan troops for battle. He reminded Kotal of himself, back when the current emperor was a mere general in Shao Kahn's armies. Kotal felt that things had been much easier when he was a general. Only his own troops to be concerned with, not the whole of Outworld. He'd often felt in his element on the battlefield, but wasn't sure he felt that way in the face of a battle like this.
At the time, he had thought it the safest choice for his troops that he and his forces opt to remain behind during Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm, in case any attack was made against Outworld itself. In hindsight, he wondered if fighting in the invasion might have better prepared him for the challenge ahead. He would certainly have a better understanding of what kind of enemy Earthrealm was. Instead all he had to go off of were their few previous clashes.
Kotal Kahn tried to banish the uncertainty from his mind. He had to be resolute and uncompromising. He was the emperor.
For now, anyway….
Kotal decided to approach Kommander, who quickly noticed his presence.
"The emperor has arrived!" He shouted. "All troops to attention!"
The Naknadan warriors complied, standing straight up with all six arms to their sides.
Kommander turned to face Kotal.
"Emperor, I am pleased that you have decided to grace us with your presence," said Kommander. "I present to you, the finest warriors of Naknada. They will be ready for war at your command, emperor."
"Very good," Kotal acknowledged. "Continue to prepare then."
Kommander nodded. "Of course. Anything to redeem the Naknadan people in the eyes of the emperor."
"Kollector has already been dealt with," Kotal reminded him. "But do what you feel you must."
"Emperor, with all due respect…" Kommander paused. "I do not feel the death of Kollector is enough to convince you of my people's loyalty."
"Your reasoning?" Kotal asked.
"Mileena and Baraka marred the Tarkatans as your enemies, held firmly under your heel," Kommander recounted. "Goro and his father brought the great fires of Earthrealm science upon the Shokan army. Mileena's allies bring the Edenians and Vampires under martial law. I do not wish for Kollector's actions to incur your wrath against my people, as such, I will prove our loyalty by giving you the finest army of Naknadan warriors I can muster."
"I see…" Kotal responded.
He had thought of his clashes with the Tarkatans and Shokan as merely chapters in his war against Mileena. He thought those matters resolved and both races now loyal to him. He had thought his measures against the Edenians and Vampires necessary responses to Mileena's growing rebellion.
In his hubris, it had only just dawned on him that he had created a pattern. A pattern Kommander had noticed. All it took was one or two members of a race gaining his ire, and the whole of that race suffered his wrath.
Kotal tried to justify it to himself. Shao Kahn was no better. He had to bring the Tarkatans and Shokan to heel, otherwise invite further rebellion. The Edenians and Vampires simply couldn't be trusted while Mileena, Tanya, and Nitara lived. He hadn't driven any races to near-extinction, as his predecessor had with the Saurians, the Kytinn, the Avians, and so on. The slaves which worked aboard his boats were Outworlders, not Tarkatans or Edenians or Shokan. And far less of Outworld's populas was in slavery compared to Shao Kahn's reign. Besides, some of them had to pay for Li Mei's treachery in bringing his subjects to Earthrealm.
But no matter what excuse his mind created, Kotal couldn't quite sit with himself. It was starting to eat away at him, after all these years of the justifications he created for himself working.
Perhaps it wasn't just Kommander. Perhaps it was what Kollector had said before his execution… perhaps even the words of his father when he first became emperor…
"You are blind to the consequences of your actions."
The words rang in Kotal's head as he nodded silently and then left Kommander to continue his drills.
This war was a consequence of his actions. It was his decision to break the Reiko Accords and make an enemy of Earthrealm. To attempt to side with Raiden's oldest enemy.
And when it all began, he had chosen to overthrow Mileena and take rule of Outworld for himself, making many enemies in the process. But then again, the Elder Gods had chosen him, hadn't they? Damashi told him he was destined to rule this realm. To bring long-absent order to it. More than any Seidan that apparently aligned with Raiden ever could as far as Kotal thought.
Yes, this hurdle would be overcome… Raiden and Mileena would both fall. It was less convincing every time Kotal repeated it in his mind.
He decided to walk to another part of his palace, and find the last of his original followers still among him.
When he found Erron Black, the mercenary was attending to the most recent and evidently final mission Kotal had given to him: training his troops in the use of firearms.
Erron was trying to help a soldier steady their aim, but his hands were shaking as age kept trying to catch up to him every passing moment.
Kotal decided not to interrupt. Eventually the soldier got the idea of it and Erron let go. The soldier took a few shots at a training dummy.
"Not the worst, not the best," Erron reviewed. "It'll do. You'll have otha' people to watch your back, that oughta help."
The soldier nodded. When they saw their emperor, they saluted him. Erron noticed Kotal as well, and half heartedly did the same.
"How goes training?" Kotal asked.
"Bout as well as it can with people who've neva' even seen a gun before," Erron answered. "They'll be alright enough shots to do ya' some good, can't guarantee any experts though."
"Given our circumstances and our limited time frame, that will be sufficient," Kotal decided. "The Seidan Guard will certainly not expect our troops to carry such arms, as for the armies of Earthrealm however…"
Erron sighed. "Boss, if it makes ya feel better, I used ta' think better equipment meant an easy win. It took one tournament and losin' every friend I ever had to prove me wrong."
Erron shook his head, turning away from Kotal and looking down.
"You've got more in your corner than you think you do," he said as memories long-buried in the back of his mind started to come back to him. "Ya just gotta know how to use it…."
"I appreciate your counsel," Kotal acknowledged. "You have been a valuable ally all these years.
"Yeah well…" Erron paused. "We all gotta say goodbye someday."
"I suppose so," Kotal conceded. "Carry on."
Erron nodded, turning back to the troops under his guidance.
Kotal left their training grounds and continued throughout the palace, looking at his surroundings as if he might be seeing them for the final time. And it was quite possible that he would…
As the current emperor approached his throne room, he noticed two others heading in the same direction:
Queen Sheeva and Duroc.
Kotal became uneasy upon seeing a member of Gorback's lineage in his palace. The Shokans' allegiance to him had always been fragile, relying on a combination of hammering them into submission and using Reiko as a convenient common enemy.
Again he was reminded of Kommander's words. A whole people suffered because a few had opposed him.
Then again, Goro had killed his father. Kotal felt it was his right to claim vengeance. Besides, if Goro remained able-bodied and Gorback lived, the Shokan would have never accepted his rule. Doubly so if after dealing with both, he had allowed the cure for Queen Mai's ailment to reach them…
But the Shokan could never know what he had withheld. They had reason enough to betray him at any moment. Kotal was surprised that they remained by his side during the Festival of the Sun, or Raiden's attack. But he feared that the Shokan were only biding their time.
"Queen Sheeva," Kotal acknowledged aloud, finally pulling himself from his own thoughts. "What brings you… brings you both here?"
"Emperor Kotal Kahn," Sheeva said respectfully in spite of her hatred for him. "General Duroc and I are simply here to ensure that you have the Shokan army's aid in the coming war, and that we have already begun preparing our forces."
"What remains of our army…" Duroc muttered annoyedly.
Kotal was able to make out what he said, but decided against addressing it. They were on his side, better to keep them that way.
"Excellent," Kotal acknowledged. "We shall place the legendary might of the Shokan army on our front lines, to show Earthrealm's forces true warriors the moment they enter this realm."
Sheeva and Duroc looked at each other. Both knew Kotal's real reasoning without it having to be said.
"If… you think that is wise, emperor…" Sheeva responded.
Duroc clenched his fists.
Kotal decided to finally address him.
"You are… Goro's brother, no?" He asked as if noticing it for the first time.
"And a son of the mighty King Gorback and equally mighty Queen Mai," Duroc reminded him. "Both of which are no longer with us… one of which was killed by you."
"I took no pleasure in killing your father nor in battling your people," Kotal attempted to defend himself. "And I am thankful that you united with me when Reiko threatened to-"
"Is that how you convince yourself that you united Outworld?" Duroc asked. "Her Highness Sheeva lost a good friend helping you put down that blood sorcery-obsessed maniac. At least, you want everyone to believe you put him down. I wonder how the people of Outworld would react if they knew you actually fell under Reiko's wretched spell and the fool had to destroy himself for you to achieve some marginal victory."
"Duroc!" Sheeva said cautiously.
Kotal gritted his teeth. How typical of these Sholan. Of course they'd wait until now to show their true colors.
"You would dare speak to me that way in MY palace!" Kotal shouted.
"You murder my father, cripple my brother, and demand respect?!" Duroc asked. "You certainly have Shao Kahn's arrogance."
"I could have you executed for-"
"What?! So you can end my bloodline and not have to feel threatened anymore?!" Duroc interrupted.
"Duroc, that's enough!" Sheeva shouted. "Behave yourself!"
"I am behaving myself," Duroc argued. "I haven't torn his head off!"
"The rest of your family failed to best me," Kotal reminded him. "What makes you think you would fare any better?!"
"You never faced my mother in battle," Duroc pointed out. "Nor have you ever truly fought a Shokan at all. Your blood magic does all of the work."
"Duroc, this is getting us nowhere!" Sheeva protested. "We discussed this matter in Kuatan. We cannot afford to fight two wars!"
"You misunderstand me," Duroc clarified. "We will help this pretender fight Earthrealm. Once that's over with, I will kill him."
"You dare to threaten me?!" Kotal asked.
"Shokan do not make threats," Duroc answered. "Only promises."
"That's enough," Sheeva ordered. "Have you said what you wanted to say, Duroc?"
Duroc nodded.
"Then let me talk to the emperor in private before you make things even more difficult." She decided.
Duroc bowed respectfully. "As you command, Your Highness."
"If that is your wish, follow me, Queen Sheeva." Kotal requested.
Sheeva nodded and Kotal took her into a trophy room. Sheeva tried to hide her disgust at the monument to his ego.
The pair of sai wielded by Mileena in her original body hung on the wall, next to a spiked club and a small warhammer, both formerly wielded by Reiko. There was the skull of a Tarkatan, mounted to the wall like the head of a mere animal. The mace Kollector had wielded had been recently added. But what made Sheeva more furious than any of it was the massive sword King Gorback had wielded in his final battle being displayed horizontally on the wall, with his crown hanging above it.
"I see you chose the surroundings that would make you the most comfortable after Duroc managed to break through your ego." Sheeva surmised.
Kotal clenched his fist. He swung his arm and tried to slap her, but Sheeva caught his arm with her two left hands.
"You seem to think you can strike any ruler of the Shokan," Sheeva observed. She squeezed his arm with both hands, making it clear she could break it if he made the wrong move. "I would not recommend making this a habit."
"Unhand me." Kotal ordered.
Sheeva let go. "I wanted to remind you that we are not defenselessly at the mercy of your abuse."
"You see yourselves as the victims," Kotal scoffed. "After what Goro did to my father!?"
"But you did not stop at punishing Goro," Sheeva countered. "You made us all suffer."
"Each of you is capable of treachery!" Kotal yelled. "Treachery I will not allow!"
"I have heard enough of your tyrannical, racist, presumptuous rhetoric for a lifetime, Kotal," Sheeva admitted. "Let me make one thing clear: the Shokan people fight with you. But we do not fight for you. The threat that Raiden and Earthrealm pose is too great for us to fight you now. I should know, my people suffered the worst of all of Earthrealm's weapons firsthand. And the enemy we face now is far greater than your old friends the Black Dragon. So for the good of my people, and the good of Outworld, my army will unite with yours. But we are not a part of your army, and once this threat has passed, I am doubtful we can stomach being your 'loyal subjects' much longer."
"To betray me is to make a mistake you cannot reverse." Kotal threatened.
"When Duroc decides to kill you I'll help him if you keep making threats against my people." Sheeva warned, her eyes narrowing.
"Osh-Tekk do not make threats either." Kotal responded.
"If that were true you would have killed Mileena the first time." Sheeva countered.
"Get out of my palace…" Kotal growled.
"Gladly." Sheeva complied.
With that over with, Sheeva and Duroc departed, leaving Kotal to stew in his anger.
He stood frozen in place for a few moments, fists closed tightly and eyes flickering red with blood magic power, a display of the anger that hung over him.
People just kept turning against him. And they weren't even subtle about it anymore. Once Earthrealm was dealt with, all insurrectors would have to be crushed. In Kotal's mind, it was the only way to be sure that Outworld would be kept in order. And that he would retain his throne.
And that being first removing the only leader his enemies would have to rally to. Mileena would have to be dealt with, sooner rather than later.
Kotal had been confident that it was only a matter of time before the rebels were found, with tracking squads all across the realm and his soldiers interrogating and searching the homes of possible collaborators. And yet, nothing. Even when they were drawn out, such as when protesters were abused, or as Kotal called it "punished for disturbing the peace", they managed to disappear again nearly as quickly.
All of the issues of finding and dealing with the rebels were exacerbated by Mileena's newfound network of clones. How this was even possible, Kotal did not know. He did not relish the thought of entering the Flesh Pits to find out. He knew Erron Black had been down there, trying to find the answers to his own problem. Kotal would have to ask the mercenary what he had found before Erron left his service.
For now, Kotal had another method of gleaming answers. One that did not involve going into Shang Tsung's pit of nightmares.
Kotal could still remember the sounds those creatures had made… beholding things like Meat and Torr, only in some cases even more grotesque.
Shao Kahn had intended to punish him by imprisoning him there. He should have expected it to be unpleasant. Even still, it had all been beyond his imagining.
And now he planned to exterminate the last of Shang Tsung's aberrations. This little so-called family Mileena and the rest had put together. Kotal planned to see them all dead.
And he knew there was somewhere else he could go to gain information that would help him do that.
But first, he headed to his throne room. Once there, he found his guards as well as Ruby. And standing with her…
Was a Tarkatan.
Kotal's paranoia started up immediately. In his mind, this individual's presence meant the Tarkatans were up to something.
He expected nothing less from the people he considered to be little more than mere beasts.
"Emperor," Ruby said, drawing his attention from his own thoughts. "This is Akarab, the Tarkatans have sent him to us as a messenger."
"And why does Karbrac not come himself?" Kotal asked accusingly.
"Chief Karbrac is preoccupied," Karbrac explained. "A younger member of our tribe, one left in Karbrac's care, has disappeared. He is very worried-"
"Worried that I will see through his deceit?!" Kotal interrupted. "I saw the power he displayed while battling the Earthrealmers. Karbrac has clearly been attempting to gain the power to defeat me. I would relish the opportunity to remind him of our last encounter. But in light of the war Outworld now faces, I have little time to waste on putting your kind back in your place."
"Emperor, I think that's enough," Ruby protested, much to Kotal's surprise. "The Tarkatans do not wish to be your enemy! Akarab, tell the emperor what you told me."
"I was sent to confirm our aid in this war, Akarab revealed. "The Tarkatans stand with you against the Earthrealm aggressors, Emperor Kotal Kahn."
Kotal tempered himself. He still didn't trust the Tarkatans, but Ruby's counsel had never led him astray before.
"Very well then," Kotal decided. "Tell Karbrac I am thankful for his aid. And that I intend to grant your people the battle you are so well known for."
Akarab bowed. "I will return to Tarkata to relay your words at once, emperor."
He then left, trying not to make his eagerness to be away from Kotal too evident.
Kotal walked up to Ruby.
"I understand your intentions in doing so," Kotal acknowledged at first. "But you are not to question me again."
"Or what?!" Ruby snapped. "You'll execute me to?"
Her reaction shocked Kotal. "Ruby you are perhaps the most loyal person to have ever served in my inner circle, I would never-"
"I wish I could be sure of that, emperor." Ruby interrupted.
Kotal placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are dedicated and selflessly committed to Outworld," he complimented. "You are nothing like…"
And then it hit him as he let go.
"Kollector," Kotal realized. "He attempted his mind games, likely in a futile effort to turn you against me. Well, he won't be a problem any longer regardless."
"I… suppose not…" Ruby agreed, though uneasily.
"I understand… and even share your uncertainty about this war against Earthrealm and Orderrealm," Kotal admitted. "We will achieve victory… but there is another enemy that needs to be dealt with first."
Ruby decided not to share her other concerns besides the war. At least, not for now.
Instead, she was immediately able to concern who Kotal meant.
"Mileena and the rebels," Ruby correctly assumed. "Permission to speak freely, emperor?"
"Of course, Ruby." Kotal allowed.
Ruby was annoyed that he made it seem like her ability to speak her mind was an obvious privilege when he had just cut off a man's head for doing much the same less than two days ago. But, she decided to keep quiet about it.
The fact that free speech was treated as a privilege at all was another aspect of Outworld that Ruby had been determined to correct when she joined Kotal Kahn. But the emperor's reforms had been slow and minor. The regime of his predecessor remained in large parts. Only now was Ruby starting to admit that to herself…
But anyway, it was time to exercise her "privilege".
"It is my belief that the rebels are of very minimal threat in comparison to what we currently face," Ruby argued. "Furthermore, I believe the threat of Earthrealm is something they would acknowledge. Especially with Mileena's fondness of civilians ever since her resurrection."
"Perhaps," Kotal conceded. "But Mileena gives my enemies a leader other than myself to rally behind. That alone makes her more dangerous than Raiden or Hotaru. This war is my chance to unite Outworld against a common threat, a far greater threat than Reiko was, and she jeopardizes that."
"Does she?" Ruby questioned. "Didn't Mileena herself aid you against Reiko?"
"A battle which ended in her spy Ermac claiming to defect from her ranks," Kotal pointed out. "She cannot be trusted. She seeks to divide Outworld into numerous weaker realms that would be as easily conquered now as they were under Shao Kahn. A direct threat to the unity I wish to achieve."
Ruby was taken aback by the way Kotal spoke about the conquered realms. She understood Kotal wishing to prevent Mileena from using Edenia as a powerbase, she herself thought freeing any realm to be a lost cause, the idea mere legend. But to hear her emperor, a man of a realm conquered by Shao Kahn no less, belittle every realm that made up the Empire he called his own…
Ruby was starting to doubt if she could remain by Kotal's side much longer. She had believed they were making change. Now she found herself so disillusioned that she wasn't sure what to do.
She realized that she had no choice. Kotal would kill her if she acted against him. She had to stay the course. Try to create change through him.
"Very well, emperor," she relented, her words coming out like a sigh. "How do you plan to deal with them?"
"When I first seized the throne of Outworld, I had my soldiers go through the palace and detain any allies of Mileena or remnants of Shao Kahn's regime that were present," Kotal explained. "They have been held in the palace's dungeon to this day. It is my belief that one of those prisoners will be able to provide information that we can use against Mileena."
"I see," Ruby responded. "Hopefully the prisoners will be cooperative."
"They will suffer the consequences if they are not." Kotal said harshly.
Ruby decided against suggesting lesser measures, knowing that Kotal was hard to dissuade once his mind was made up.
She followed her emperor down into the lower levels of his palace, and then into the dungeon a long hallway of cells. Behind the bars were a handful of prisoners. Mileena herself had once been imprisoned down here, until Tanya broke her free. The start of the rebellion, and of their growing love. A moment they remembered fondly, and one Kotal remembered with anger…
Osh-Tekk guards patrolled up and down the halls to keep watch on each of the prisoners. Kotal and Ruby passed by a cell that contained only a skeleton, slumped up against a wall. When it was out of their line of sight, the skeleton's head turned to watch them.
The current emperor and his most trusted servant walked by a lanky yet still somewhat muscular man in a somewhat strange orange and black armor, wearing a helmet that resembled the protective gear worn by Earthrealm fencers. He was sitting in his cell and looked up to gaze at the two as they passed.
"Oh look, visitors…" he said dryly.
"Should we start with him, emperor?" Ruby asked.
Kotal nodded, going back to the man's cell.
"Hachiman, is it?" Kotal asked.
The man stood up. "What do you want?"
Normally, Ruby would've called him out on his disrespect towards the current emperor. This time however, she did not.
Kotal sneered at Hachiman, but maintained his composure better than Ruby had expected.
"What I want is information," Kotal explained. "During Shao Kahn's reign, you were in command of Shang Tsung's masked guards, correct?"
"Is this a job offer?" Hachiman asked. "I was hearing from the guards about the last guy you pulled out of here. I intend to keep my head."
"There may be a place for you among my ranks if you are cooperative," Kotal acknowledged. "As for Kollector, he was a traitor. Do not betray me, and you would not share his fate."
Hachiman crossed his arms. "Fine then. Whaddya got."
"How closely did you work with Shang Tsung?" Kotal asked.
"Are you implying…" Hachiman paused. "Nevermind. I reported to Tsung directly in all matters relating to the Masked Guards. What you're really asking is if I worked closely enough with him for him to have told me about what you want to know. So what is it you want to know?"
"His Flesh Pit creations," Kotal clarified. "One in particular…"
"The emperor's daughter is giving you trouble?" Hachiman asked.
"I am the emperor of Outworld." Kotal corrected.
"Sure you are," Hachiman said plainly. "And no, Shang didn't talk about his little projects with me. Actually, there was one thing…"
"What?" Kotal asked.
"I figured you'd already know since they work for you," Hachiman reasoned. "The big lug and the little girl. Tsung was trying out something with 'psychic connection'. He mentioned that he got the idea after noticing some psychic thing with the princesses that Emperor Shao Kahn asked him to do something about."
"A bond similar to that between Ferra and Torr existing between Mileena and Kitana?" Ruby questioned.
"And likely now extending to Mileena's small army of clones," Kotal theorized, turning his attention back to Hachiman. "Did Shang Tsung mention how he removed this connection between Mileena and Kitana."
"He didn't," Hachiman answered. "He said he just repressed it. Told me he'd do the same if Tiny and Titan got out of hand, and to let 'im know if they ever did."
"I see…" Kotal responded, considering the information. "You have been helpful, Hachiman. I thank you."
"Whatever," Hachiman said dismissively. "Just get me out of here and I'll pretend you're a real emperor all you want."
"Disrespect me again and I will take your head alongside Kollector's," Kotal threatened. "My patience for insolence is wearing thin."
"Alright alright," Hachiman put his hands up in surrender. "Sorry…"
Kotal looked at Ruby, by now expecting her usual coming to his defense. But she stayed mostly quiet. Kotal banished the thought that her loyalty might be faltering as well.
He moved on to the next cell. It was larger, and so was its occupant. A goliath of a man in obsidian black armor, resembling a knight with the physique of a Shokan. The only visibly part of his body was part of his face beneath his helmet. Deathly pale light grey skin and eyes which burned red with fury.
He was chained against the wall, using some of the strongest metals in Outworld. Yet still he stood tall, staring down at Kotal as the current emperor stood in front of him.
"The pretender of the throne deems me worthy of his attention." The knight observed.
"Hidyeoshi," Kotal recalled. "I see even now you refuse to acknowledge my claim to the throne.
"I refuse to acknowledge any ruler that is not Shao Kahn," Hidyeoshi clarified. "However, I would have served whichever of his chosen successors proved worthy had you not interfered."
"I was granted the right to rule by a power higher than Shao Kahn," Kotal argued. "By the Elder Gods themselves."
"So you say…." Hidyeoshi replied doubtfully. "I assume, like with Commander Hachiman, you wish to question me for Princess Mileena's weaknesses. It is folly to believe you can defeat her. Per the true emperor's decree, only General Reiko may claim that right, should he prove successful in doing so. That was the nature of the test Emperor Shao Kahn created. A test you disturbed."
"Reiko is dead," Kotal revealed. "And I intend to destroy the last of Shao Kahn's would-be successors as well. The throne of Outworld will be mine and mine alone."
"If your victory is so certain," Hidyeoshi pointed out. "Why therefore must you question me or my fellow prisoners?"
"Only to hasten my victory." Kotal explained.
"If you came here expecting those you have imprisoned to give you answers, let alone answers that would grant you victory, you are desperate," Hidyeoshi concluded. "And if you are desperate, it is not your victory that is imminent."
"Do you wish for Outworld to be conquered by Earthrealm and Orderrealm?!" Kotal asked.
"I would sooner die than see a lesser realm control Outworld." Hidyeoshi responded without a moment's hesitation.
"That is exactly what will happen if I do not kill Mileena as soon as possible and unite Outworld against this threat." Kotal revealed.
Hidyeoshi paused. "Even if I was not already certain that the conflict you spoke of is one you no doubt started, even if I had any desire to aid you… I know nothing that can help you. Emperor Shao Kahn did not share with me the information you would want, and as his loyal general, I did not ask him for it. You were once a loyal general to Kotal, before your delusions."
"It is not a delusion to heed destiny's commands!" Kotal argued.
Hidyeoshi scoffed. "The only destiny in this realm is the one Emperor Shao Kahn decides for you. The Elder Gods are powerless here."
"Shao Kahn is dead." Kotal pointed out.
"And yet even in death, the emperor commands more respect than you ever will," Hidyeoshi countered. "Emperor Shao Kahn would never have to grovel before his own prisoners to defeat an enemy. They would already be dead."
"You think me here to grovel?!" Kotal asked angrily.
Summoning his blood magic strength, Kotal ripped open the cell door and marched towards his prisoner.
"A coward like you would attack while I am bound." Hidyeoshi chastised.
"I defeated you once before." Kotal recounted.
"True," Hidyeoshi conceded. "But that battle was not exactly easy for you, was it?"
Hidyeoshi's body was surrounded by a crackling red energy, like a more volatile version of the energy used by the Cages and Jade. His eyes glowed even brighter as he and Kotal glared at one another through fiery red orbs.
Alas, the chains that held Hidyeoshi were mystically enchanted, a spell performed by an Osh-Tekk shaman and that had been used on the ropes that bound Mileena prior to her "death".
Hidyeoshi's power weakened as quickly as it came. Kotal smirked, before punching his captive across the face.
"Are we reminded of our roles?" Kotal asked.
"I know that I am a prisoner," Hidyeoshi acknowledged. "It is you who believes yourself to be in a higher position than you really are."
"Perhaps when this war is over I will show you my kingdom," Kotal suggested. "Before I execute you for your treason."
"Good," Hidyeoshi replied. "Because I would rather die than serve you."
"Be careful what you wish for." Kotal warned.
He left the cell. Ruby followed him with her eyes and a look of concern that was visible even with her mask.
"Emperor, are you alright?" Ruby asked.
"He is chained," Kotal pointed out. "He cannot strike me."
"I didn't mean physically," Ruby clarified. "Perhaps it is unwise to let these prisoners provoke you this much. It may… cloud your ability to think clearly."
"That derserter has more sense than you, Kotal." Hidyeoshi taunted.
"And her words are worth more than yours." Kotal shot back.
He moved on to two former members of Shao Kahn's guard that had been snickering throughout Kotal's confrontation with Hidyeoshi. They were both large men, about on par in height and built with Kotal himself. Both still wore their armor, though their helmets had been removed and melted down by Kotal to signify the end of Shao Kahn's regime. One was named Raza, and the other simply went by "Skull". Even without his helmet, which greatly evoked Shao Kahn's, he bore a skull tattoo over his face. Both men had also shaved their heads. Contrary to their reputation as heartless soldiers of Shao Kahn's army, the two were in fact a couple, and as such shared a cell, the same accommodation Kotal had promised to Mileena and Tanya when he gave them the last offer to surrender he intended to give.
Kotal was all too familiar with these two. It was they who had enforced Shao Kahn's will when he was ordered beaten and imprisoned in the Flesh Pits. Like his previous two prisoners, they were eternally loyal to Shao Kahn. Kotal doubted he could get anything useful out of them.
"You were Shao Kahn's personal guards, correct?" Kotal asked.
"We were palace guards," Raza corrected. "Guarding the emperor himself was a duty we alternated through with the other guards."
"We also got to be on the battlefield," Skull added. "Crush some heads. Remember when we ransacked that Edenian Resistance base?"
"Of course I do love," Raza confirmed. "The fools never saw it coming."
"I love it when we fight together." Skull admitted.
"I know Skull, I know." Raza said fondly.
"Enough babbling," Kotal demanded. "Were you privy to any of his plans concerning Mileena?"
The couple burst out laughing like Kotal had made a joke.
"The emperor asked you a question!" Ruby reminded them, getting tired of this whole thing herself.
"We heard 'im, derserter," Skull clarified. "We just can't believe he asked us that."
"We were guards, not members of the emperor's inner circle," Raza explained. "My love and I followed Shao Kahn's will, and we intend to continue following that will. We would offer no help to you even if we did have your answers."
"I love the way you explain stuff," Skull said affectionately, before turning his attention to Kotal. "But yeah, stop bothering us."
An idea struck Kotal.
"You may all follow Shao Kahn's will, but Mileena does not," Kotal revealed. "As we speak, she conspires with Edenians and vampires to separate their realms from Outworld. Realms that Shao Kahn fought hard to bring into the greatness of Outworld. Mileena would have Outworld be weakened, even as a war looms over us all."
That seemed to get everyone's attention. Exactly what Kotal had wanted.
"I already told you everything I know that might help you," Hachiman reminded him. "Figure it out."
"The emperor won't be happy when he comes back…" Skull predicted.
"Shao Kahn will return?!" Ruby asked.
"He will be reborn, derserter," Hidyeoshi answered. "Eventually… it may take centuries, but Emperor Shao Kahn will reclaim this realm."
"I will be here to ensure that he does not," Kotal said confidentially. "As the chosen ruler of the Elder Gods."
"Repeating it doesn't make it sound any more believable." Raza jokes.
"Fine," Kotal decided. "Then rot here. The lot of you."
"Mileena wishes to free Edenia?!"
Kotal and Ruby turned in the direction of the voice. Clinging to the bars was a creature with a body similar to that of a man, wearing silver Edenian armor, but with the head of a bird. His hands were similarly covered in white feathers, and large wings protruded from his back.
Long ago, he had been a warrior of Edenia. A member of the proud Avien race that Shao Kahn had driven to near-extinction.
His name was Aasgarth.
Kotal approached him. "You are not my prisoner."
"No, my imprisonment was due to Shao Kahn," Aasgarth acknowledged. "He intended to interrogate me… and then forgot about me. His guards and yours continued to feed me each day. I thank them and thank you for that."
"My guards are well disciplined," Kotal explained. "You are an Avien?"
Aasgarth nodded. He lowered his head and his wings drooped as he let out a sigh. "One of the last of my kind."
"I had an ally who was one of the last of his kind," Kotal recalled. "I understand that it is an isolating experience."
Aasgarth nodded again, then looked up at Kotal. "Please sir, I beg of you. If Mileena, this sister of Princess Kitana I've heard about… if she plans to free Edenia… let Edenia be free. I can see that you are an Osh-Tekk. Surely then you know what it is to have your realm conquered and pillaged, to be forced to assimilate with a realm that is not your own. Have you considered that your home could be freed too?"
"I have..." Kotal admitted, to even Ruby's surprise.
"And I have seen that it is folly…"
Both Ruby and Aasgarth dropped their heads.
"Every realm that Shao Kahn has conquered was conquered because they were weak," Kotal explained. "Even Osh-Tekk was not strong enough to face his superior might. The only option available is to maintain the strength of the Outworld Empire. To free other realms would be to weaken ourselves, to become open to conquest by powers like Earthrealm and Orderrealm. And any realm separated from Outworld would be even weaker than it was before. It is a folly that invites death."
"I had hoped there would be reasoning with you…" Aasgarth said solemly. "I see that there is not, and yet… a part of my soul clings to some vain hope."
Aasgarth shook his head. "I stand here a prisoner and a fool."
"Do not be so hard on yourself, Aasgarth." came a voice from the cell next over.
Kotal and Ruby peered over to see a thin man in blue Edenian clothes with silver armor over top and a headdress that looked strange even to an Osh-Tekk.
"Thank you, Ramath." Aasgarth answered.
"Ramath…" Kotal repeated as the name came to his memory.
He stepped in front of the man's cell, Ruby in toe.
"Fine weather we're having." Ramath said politely.
"I have no time for games," Kotal responded bluntly. "I understand that you were a personal guard to Mileena and Kitana.
"I was a caretaker," Ramath corrected. "I raised them. At first, raising Kitana with Queen Sindel's help… then raising them both without her."
"Shao Kahn raised his own daughters." Kotal recalled.
Ramath scoffed. "So he would have you believe. He had them trained in combat and tried to teach them his brutal ways. I did all the real caretaking. And I tried to instill their mother's nobility in them despite Shao Kahn's teachings of conquest and murder…"
Something then came back into Kotal's memory.
"Months before the tournament, we were summoned by Shao Kahn," he recalled. "His orders were strange. Mileena had recently disappeared. We were told not to speak of her past when she returned and to act as if we were meeting her for the first time. We were additionally ordered that Kitana was not to be spoken to in a manner suggesting she even had a sister, and to treat Jade similarly. The penalty was death. You were their caretaker. What happened."
"Sorcery and trickery," was all Ramath said. "Once Shao Kahn was gone… and to my endless sorrow, Kitana gone as well… I tried to help Mileena remember. You seized the throne before she could, Kotal Kahn. I couldn't even give her…"
"Give her what?!" Kotal asked.
"Queen Sindel, before her passing, gave me strict orders-" Ramath began.
"Sindel is dead!" Shouted Kotal. "I am your emperor! Obey my command!"
"Emperor, I doubt whatever he has is of much importance." Ruby said in attempt to reason with him.
"He may seek to give Mileena an advantage," Kotal argued. "All of these Edenians conspire against me! Perhaps I must cull their numbers as well"
"Emperor!" Ruby shouted in utter shock at his ravings.
Kotal was done listening. He ripped open the cell door, stormed, and a shaking and fearful Ramath handed him what he had been keeping:
A piece of paper.
Kotal unfolded the paper.
It was a note. The ink was splotchy in some areas, the paper wet in spots from rainwater… or tears.
Kitana,
It will be many years since you have seen me. You may not remember me at all. I asked Ramath to only give this to you when you were ready. I hope that by now, you have discovered the truth.
If not, here it is: You are not Shao Kahn's daughter. But you are mine. And know that my love for you is unyielding even in spite of my duty to the millions you will know as strangers, perhaps even enemies.
Your true home is Edenia. A realm Shao Kahn butchered and conquered when you were but a child. You were there, but Shang Tsung repressed those memories so you would be less resistant to his emperor. Shao Kahn murdered your real father. His name was Jerrod and I loved him deeply.
Alas, he is now gone. I am gone. You will have asked yourself why time and again. You deserve an answer.
I gave my life to create a spell that would protect Earthrealm from Shao Kahn, rendering him unable to enter the realm. I had to ensure that every last person in that realm would not suffer as we Edenians did. I pray that you will forgive me. Leaving you was a greater pain than driving a dagger through my own heart. I am truly, eternally sorry to have abandoned you, Kitana. Know that I'll always be looking over you from the Heavens.
There are a few last things I must ask from you. Ask Ramath of Edenia. Ask him to tell you every last detail. Ask Jade as well, she has always been your loyal friend.
By now, I suspect that Shang Tsung will have created this "second daughter" Shao Kahn told me about. He likely intends her as another tool, but that monster did allow me one small mercy…
He allowed me to name my child.
I named her Mileena. Kitana, this request may be the hardest of all for you. Your sister will not have been born naturally. She will share your blood, but she will not know me. She will be different.
Accept her.
Understand that despite all that makes you different, she is your sister. Help her see the truth, Kitana. Once you are both free of Shao Kahn's lies, I know that your power combined will be enough to defeat him once and for all.
I wish you the best of luck. And know that although I left you… the hardest decision I have ever had to make, I will always love you, and I will always be proud of you.
Both of you.
Love,
Sindel,
Your Mother.
Kotal finished reading the note, a heartfelt farewell from a mother to her daughters.
It was useless to him. There was no information on how to defeat his enemy he could gleam.
And Kotal wouldn't dare admit it to even himself, but reading the note spurred… jealousy in him. Perhaps it was the faith Mileena's parent had in her while Kotal's own father had never shown such support.
Perhaps it was the loyalty, commitment, and genuine care expressed by Mileena's supporters while Kotal himself had a band of self-interested followers with only an ever slimming few he considered truly loyal. And the one foremost among them was looking up over his shoulder to read the note for herself.
Kotal's anger at the sharp contrast between his inner circle and Mileena's started to grow. He was surrounded by aspiring traitors and mercenaries. Ruby and Motaro were outliers, but that loyalty was an outlier was exactly the problem.
Mileena had friends, something of a family, a woman she loved. Kotal had no such things. He had cast them all aside, sacrificed them for his empire. An empire divided and on the verge of war with its two most powerful adversaries in the universe.
Reptile had deserted him. All in his family but his grandmother had been wiped out. He had never felt love for anyone. Everything Mileena had, he was deprived of.
Kotal clenched his fist with the paper in his hand, crinkling it.
He put the paper out in front of Ruby.
"Get this out of my sight. Destroy it."
"Emperor, I understand your anger towards Mileena," Ruby sympathized. "She is our enemy and she will need to be dealt with. But in this instance, may I suggest a mercy?"
"What are you babbling about?!" Kotal shouted.
Ruby took a step back. Kotal had never snapped at her like that before.
Still, she maintained her composure.
"Emperor," Ruby said in the most non-confrontational tone possible. "Imagine for a moment that your roles were reversed. That Mileena held in her hands the last words you could ever hear from your father. Of him being proud of you. And she destroyed them. The pain of never knowing whether or not they died with hope for you in their hearts. Could you wish that on anyone who has lost a parent?"
"I.." Kotal paused to contemplate. At the memory of his father he held back tears. When he became emperor he told himself he would not dare to show what he perceived as weakness. He came close to breaking that self-imposed vow.
"Do you remember when I told you of the invasion of Vinpar, Emperor?" Ruby asked. "Shao Kahn's forces burned everything, destroyed all that we knew. I was merely a child, terrified and alone. My parents told me to run when the soldiers marched in our direction. I remember looking back, and seeing our house burning… I will never see them again, nor will I ever know if they would be proud to see me today. Mileena is our enemy. But in some respects, we have more in common than we realize."
Kotal considered her words. He looked at the note, then back at Ruby, and then at Ramath.
After a few seconds in silence, he relented. Kotal gave the note back to Ramath.
"Go," Kotal instructed. "Bring that to Mileena. Though she is my enemy… she deserves to see it."
Ramath nodded, carefully folding the note and tucking it away.
"I thank you for this mercy, Kotal Kahn," Ramath said humbly, as he stepped out of the cell. "And may I make one suggestion?"
"Very well." Kotal decided.
"Don't give up on yourself," Ramath told him. "Know that you can be better."
With that, Ramath left. Kotal summoned two guards to escort him out of the palace and ordered them to leave him be once he was beyond the palace grounds. Whatever taunts Shao Kahn's followers sent his way, Kotal didn't listen. Aasgarth gave Ramath his goodbyes, and for a brief moment Kotal considered setting him free as well. But he knew that the Avien would only become an asset to Mileena.
Kotal and Ruby left the dungeon and the current emperor returned to his throne room.
Kotal sat upon his throne and sighed.
"Are… you alright, Emperor?" Ruby asked.
Kotal looked at her, studying her for a moment. Her concern was genuine.
"I will be when all these threats to my rule are vanquished," Kotal answered. "And when this greater threat to Outworld as a whole has passed."
Ruby nodded in agreement. "Yes, I'd hoped after all this time we could get started making Outworld a better place, instead of doing all this fighting."
"Come now Ruby, even now things are better than they were under Shao Kahn," Kotal argued. "Look at your own people. Many of you serve in my army."
"And many more suffer homelessness and poverty." Ruby pointed out.
"Shao Kahn inflicted those conditions upon them, not I. '' Kotal said defensively.
"But you can do something about it," Ruby countered. "More than you are."
"I have abolished the taxes," Kotal pointed out. "That should render making a living easier."
Ruby sighed.
"You know, after you brought Kommander in, I… talked to him some," Ruby admitted. "About Kollector."
"Kommander has no kinship with that snake." Kotal recalled.
"No," Ruby agreed. "He does not. But he told me what Kollector would do with the money he took from the tax campaign."
"Horde it for himself," Kotal said disdainfully. "I know."
"No," Ruby corrected. "He would go to Naknadan villages and distribute the money among his people. A people who suffered being rendered a mere labor class under Shao Kahn, many of them slaves."
"Likely to gain loyalty and stage an uprising." Kotal theorized.
"Emperor, with all due respect…." Ruby paused. "Has it ever occurred to you that not everything is a war?"
"Ruby, I have lived war most of my life," Kotal reminded her. "War is the way of Outworld. I must conduct myself accordingly."
"War is the way of Shao Kahn." Ruby argued.
"I cannot undo all his evils in a day." Kotal countered.
"That's true," Ruby agreed. "But how many days have you held this throne?"
Kotal looked away from her. For once, he wasn't sure what to say. For once, he had no defense. No way to justify himself, not even to himself.
Kotal would be inadvertently saved from having to muster an answer when his two Edenian acolytes, Malachite and Peridot, entered the throne room.
They quickly bowed to the current emperor. Kotal signalled them to rise with a nod.
"What have you to report?" Kotal asked.
"There is a contingent of Edenians who are ready to fight with you in this war." Malachite explained.
"We hope they will show the best our race has to offer." Peridot added.
"Hope? You will ensure it," Kotal corrected. "When you lead them into battle."
The two so-called nobles looked at one another frightenedly.
"W-We thought we would only be serving you in the capacity of… spokespeople." Malachite said nervously.
"Well, I had thought the parents of an accomplished warrior such as Jade, even a warrior who fights alongside Mileena's insurrectionists, would come from parents who were themselves capable warriors." Kotal reasoned, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"We have… never been warriors," Malachite responded. "Well actually we have, but that was many centuries ago."
"We discouraged Jade from becoming a warrior," Peridot added. "We thought it an endeavor that would get her killed."
"Your daughter was killed," Kotal pointed out. "And you seemed more fearful than relieved at her resurrection. I intend to kill her again, as with all my enemies. But with my enemies…"
He spared a glance at Ruby, who had convinced him this very day to show Mileena kindness.
"I find that parents are usually a common ground," Kotal continued. "And I take offense to parents like the two of you."
"Emperor, you speak as if you never made any sacrifices to placate Shao Kahn." Malachite countered.
"Oh I have made sacrifices," Kotal conceded. "We all have. But if I were to bear a child, I would draw a line at sacrificing them."
"We-" Peridot started to say.
"Enough," Kotal sad adamantly. "I can only imagine your daughter would be even more weary of your excuses."
"Surely Emperor, you have plenty of other military commanders at your disposal." Peridot argued.
"My father was a warrior," Kotal told them. "So were my mother and grandfather. Queen Sindel and King Jerrod of Edenia were warriors."
Her paused for a moment, debating whether to acknowledge his Shokan foes. He decided it respectful to do so even in spite of their plotting against him.
"King Gorback and Queen Mai were warriors," Kotal continued. "Why should I 6
expect any less from the two of you?!"
Malachite and Peridot again looked at one another. They were unsure of a response.
"V-Very well, emperor," Malachite conceded, Peridot agreeing with a nod. "We will… fight."
"Excellent," Kotal responded. "You are dismissed."
The two cowards bowed and then left the throne room, fear in their every step.
"It was kind of you to speak highly of the parents of your enemies," Ruby complimented. "And even of King Gorback, who was himself your enemy."
"Merely making a point." Kotal said dismissively.
"It was a good point." Ruby replied.
Kotal sat in silence for a few seconds before he relented and accepted the compliment. "Thank you."
Shortly after, an Osh-Tekk soldier came into the room.
"Emperor, the leaders of the Centaurians wre here to see you." She said.
"Come now, Motaro is welcome in my throne room at any time," Kotal said fondly. "And I am pleased that Commander Taurus accompanies him as well."
"Not them emperor," the soldier explained. "The king and queen themselves."
Kotal's eyes widened in surprise. Unlike the proud and vocal late King Gorback, the rulers of the Centaurs were more reclusive. They often preferred for the champion warrior of the Centaurians, Motaro, to represent them. Even Shao Kahn had rarely met with them.
This was certainly an occasion.
"Send them in." Kotal said quickly.
The soldier nodded and the two guards on either side of the doors opened them and allowed the two rulers to walk in.
Even for Centaurs, they were towering. They reminded Kotal of how dwarfed he had felt in the presence of King Gorback. Their bulk matched their height as well. One hoof was about the size of a human's head.
Both king and queen wore heavy golden armor with red gemstones set into the metal. Even their tails were covered in a golden armor, save the silver tips from which Centaurs could conduct their own innate energy.
They were intricate crowns which wrapped around their incredibly large horns. Both rulers also had glowing eyes like Motaro's. Piercing white with some ethereal quality to them.
Anyone else who entered Kotal's throne room would bow, lest they be a sworn enemy like Raiden or Mileena. The rulers of the Centaurs. They merely looked down at the Osh-Tekk, sat in his throne which suddenly felt very small.
Kotal cleared his throat.
"King Myleus, Queen Irare," he said respectfully. "It is an honor to meet you in person. Your champion has been a loyal and valuable warrior."
"But of course," Irare responded as if it were obvious. "Motaro fought his way up from nothing to be named our champion warrior. He needed no heritage to aid him, only raw skill of his own. He honors our people."
Myleus nodded in agreement, before chuckling. "And as for meeting, Emperor Kotal, the honor is really all ours. After all, you are the man who slew our age-old enemy King Gorback… a victory I had long hoped to claim, but an accomplishment nonetheless."
"I would have given you the chance had Gorback not presented such a direct threat to my empire." Kotal replied.
"We understand such disputes," Myleus assured. "Gorback always was a pompous type."
"Even Shao Kahn tread carefully around him," Irare recalled. "For a Shokan, Mai always was more respectful. A shame mere illness claimed her life. She deserved a warrior's end."
"Indeed," Myleus agreed. "A husband dead, a son crippled. We have been enemies with the Shokan for centuries, but even we can sympathize with such tragedy."
"Still Emperor Kotal, you put them in their place," Irare pointed out. "Be proud of that."
"Aye," Myleus agreed. "Still. Would have been more merciful to kill them all. Let them be a united family in the afterlife rather than suffer without each other here."
Kotal recalled his prior confrontation with Sheeva and Duroc, and decided that the antimosity between the two species could work to his advantage.
"I may be able to grant you the battle with the Shokan you seek after this war is ended," Kotal offered. "Earlier this very day, Gorback's sucessor Sheeva and his remaining aon Duroc all but declared naked rebellion against me. They intend to strike out as soon as the mutual threat of Earthealm is defeated."
"We would gladly offer our aid," Myleus assured him. "Interesting as well, that the rumors that Gorback's eldest son yet lives are true."
"He would be a formidable opponent, worthy of glorious battle." Irare added.
Myleus nodded in agreement. "And we will at last be victorious over the Shokan."
Ruby stood in shocked silence, taking in the sounds of her emperor plotting with the Centaur leaders to engage in further bloody war against enemies which had already surrendered and suffered great amounts of loss.
"All of that relies on our victory against Earthrealm," Kotal reminded the two. "And against the Realm of Order's forces as well."
"Worry not, the Centaur army is the greatest in all the realms." Myleus boasted.
"No offense intended towards your Osh-Tekk legions of course." Irare added.
"Of course…" Kotal responded.
"Well, we look forward to seeing how the new emperor leads his people to war." Myleus said.
"Indeed," Irare agreed. "It will be interesting to see if you can prove yourself truly worthy to lead."
"What does that mean?" Kotal asked.
"It means do not fail Outworld," Myleus said simply. "Or we will be forced to be rid of you and sort things out our own way."
"First the Shokan threaten me and now you?" Kotal asked.
"Take it as words of encouragement Kotal," Irare suggested. "Keeping your throne should be fair incentive to win this war, should it not?"
Kotal nodded. "A fair point, I suppose…"
"Glad we could understand one another," said Myleus. "Now if you excuse us, we must take our leave."
"My husband and I have not seen true battle in some time," Irare explained. "To prepare to lead our people on the front lines of a true war is quite exciting in its own way."
"Indeed," Myleus agreed. "Farewell, Kotal Kahn. And good luck."
The two Centaur rulers turned and left as simply as that.
Kotal sat silently in his throne, considering the pressure that was now on him. The enemies mounting against him, weight on his shoulders.
There was only one being in the realms he felt he could seek out for counsel.
Kotal abruptly stood up from his throne.
"Ruby, I will be in my quarters," he explained. "Inform me of any important developments when they occur."
"As you wish… my liege…" Ruby complied, her voice more shaky than usual.
Kotal paid no mind to her unease. He went into his quarters and closed the door behind him.
Kotal's first action was to open a drawer. Within it were two items: The Osh-Tekk Portal Stone, which he was relieved to have reclaimed, and the mystical talisman which Kollector had used to shield himself when he still lived. Kotal's Blood Code dagger was still missing. His assumption was that Kollector had sold it off. He expected that his soldiers would find it eventually, provided he retained the throne after this war was over and was thus able to command a search.
Even that was uncertain to Kotal now. He had hoped to avoid a war like this. It was the reason he had made now two agreements with Earthrealm that had been rendered void. The first by himself, the second by Raiden.
While the war still lingered in his mind, Kotal's immediate thoughts turned from the missing dagger to the talisman. He picked it up via the necklace it was attached to, which Kollector had worn beneath his jacket.
Kotal placed it around his own neck, a trophy of his victory over the Naknadan theif… even to himself it sounded like a lie...
No, the real reason was to grant himself additional protection against attackers. Given the situation, Kotal felt he needed it.
There was something else he intended to use to that end, but it was still being delivered from the Osh-Tekk Hall of Warriors to Outworld's capitol.
Feeling some small amount more confident with the mystical item to aid him, Kotal called out to his secret advisor.
"Damashi!" Kotal declared.
At once, the spiritual avatar appeared to Kotal, always there when he needed it.
"Kotal!" Damashi replied with what seemed like excitement. "I see you are preparing yourself for the war that is to come."
"Indeed," Kotal confirmed. "Although I must admit… it is a war that I fear I cannot win. And even if I do, I may not be able to maintain the throne. I endeavored to unite Outworld… and instead of Earthealm and Orderrealm being a common enemy I could use to achieve that goal… I feel I will have united Outworld against me."
"Oh Kotal, I understand the pressure you face," Damashi sympathized. "Believe me, being an agent of the Elder Gods is never easy work. Let alone of course, being their chosen ruler of an entire realm."
Kotal hesitated, before looking at Damashi.
"Do you believe the Elder Gods could have erred in choosing me?" He asked.
"Oh no no no," Damashi denied adamantly. "You were chosen well. You fufill your role perfectly."
"Perfectly?" Kotal repeated. "Outworld is on the verge of possible destruction!"
"Calm yourself, Kotal." Damashi urged.
Kotal sighed. "Forgive me, Damashi."
"Rest assured," Damashi said.
"Everything will fall into place…"