No Longer Red

*Afghanistan 1992*

"We've got you surrounded Kira. Pay us what you owe, and we might let you live."

Kira stands cornered in an alley by a group of Red Dragon Mercenaries. She served as a local arms dealer for weeks, selling weapons she'd stolen from the aftermath of many Red & Black Dragon conflicts. It seems her curiosity and Black-Market skills have led her down a path of no return. She's been involved in a few fights throughout her teenage years, but nothing to the extent of what she experienced watching the physical altercations between the two Mercenary clans.

"What are you guys doing?" Chan called out. The mercs turned around to the two men standing directly behind them. Both Chan and Kobra ready themselves to face off against them. The mercs waste no time attacking the two. Kira turns her head as she hears the sounds of kombat occurring before her. She peaks over out of curiosity and notices a mercenary reaching out to her. She grabs his arm and forces her Dragon's Teeth into the merc's ribcage. He places his hand around the wound as Kira pulls her blade away. She kicks him across the face and runs pass him.

"Thanks." She said as she rushed from the alley. Kobra and Chan finished dealing with the other mercs before following suit. As the three of them reach the open marketplace area outside of the shady side of the area, they decide to take a break.

"You speak English or Japanese?" Kobra asked.

"I said thanks, didn't I?" she responded sarcastically.

"That's a pretty hostile response to someone who saved your life." He commented.

"I didn't ask for help. You volunteered." She responded. "So, what are two foreigners doing in Afghanistan? You don't look like soldiers and you aren't here to kill me…I hope."

"We were instructed to look for a man named Kira. We never expected he would be she." Chan responded.

"I knew it." She attempts to run, but instead she is immediately grabbed by Kobra. She swings her Dragon's Teeth towards him, but he grabs her wrist and kicks her shin. He twists her wrist causing her to drop the Dragon's Teeth from her grip.

"We aren't here to hurt you. You'd already be dead if that were the case." He confirmed.

"Let me go!" she struggled. "What do you want?" Kobra decides to release her. She rubs her wrist and proceeds to pick up her blade.

"We come from the American Shaolin Temple of Light. We've been ordered to bring you there to join us in the upcoming Mortal Kombat Tournament." Chan explained.

"There aren't any Shaolin Temples in America." She responded.

"None documented." Kobra responded. "I apologize for my friend laying out all of this information on you saw rapidly. We're the only two members so far. We've originally trained at the Temple in China."

"I'm an arms dealer, why would a church want someone like me?" she asked.

"I'm a convicted felon who was lucky enough to escape prison time. Yet here I am."

"It might be best if we explain later." Chan responded as he pointed to the dozen Red Dragon Mercenaries who came up to them. They readied themselves as the mercs remained cautious and watched for an opening. Kira positioned herself between the two men ensuring that they'd be able to protect her.

"I don't fully understand what you two are looking for but if it'll get me away from this, I'll take it." She whispered. Suddenly, a loud crash of thunder shook the surrounding area. Many civilians ran away as they were spooked by the powerful lightning bolt that appeared before the Shaolin Warriors. "What is that?" Kira asked.

"I would suggest you all return to where you come from." the man said.

"Sorry, orders are orders." One of the mercs responded. She takes a step towards the man but is immediately stopped by one of his allies.

"Stop, that's no mere mortal. We need to retreat." He stated.

"What for?"

"Don't you know who that is? He's the Lord of Thunder. You wouldn't stand a chance." He answered. The mercenaries decide to escape in different directions as they fled the scene. Raiden turned towards the warriors nodding to each of them.

"You must be the one named Kira." He stated. She was in awe. "I am the Thunder Lord Raiden. I see you've met Chan and Kobra. We'd like to extend an offer for you to join us." She continued to remain in awe of the Thunder Lord's presence.

"It might be better to discuss this at the temple, Lord Raiden." Chan suggested. Raiden agreed as he raised his staff in the air and teleported them away.

*Present Day…*

Mileena rests her head onto her palm as she awaits the arrival of Sub-Zero. He enters the throne room with three other Lin Kuei warriors positioned around him. The four of them kneeled before Mileena, who gestured for them to rise to their feet.

"No need to bow at this current moment in time. Your success in bringing one of Shang Tsung's detractors is most appreciated." She congratulated.

"Mileena Khanum, we have come to claim our compensation." Subzero stated bluntly. Mileena looked to his feet.

"I apologize in advance, Grandmaster. There are some…complications involved with your pay."

"How can there be complications?" Subzero questioned as he took a step forward. Mileena's guards cautiously moved closer to her position. Mileena waves for them to let him pass.

"We had an incident that occurred earlier this week. Nothing an Earthrealmer should worry about." She responded.

"Something that's preventing me from getting what I'm owed is something to worry about."

"I assure you that your payment will arrive. It's only a minor delay." She reassured. Subzero and his men left the throne room without as much as a goodbye. Mileena sighed. Chan walks from behind her throne and sighs as well. Mileena rises from the throne and taps on the arm rest.

"I am not an Outworld Resident nor am I of Outworld royalty." Chan said politely. Mileena ordered the Tarkatans to force Chan into the chair. He suddenly feels goosebumps all over his body. Mileena grabs the palm of his hand and inspects it. She gazes deeply into his eyes.

"What do you see?" she asked.

"There…was no vision. Just…a bad feeling. Like a ghost entering and leaving my body."

"There's something strange about this throne. It's no coincidence that everyone who's been on it has had a desire for power."

"Besides the 'bad feeling' I still feel the same as before."

"So did I. It wasn't until now that I realized what was going on. Kitana would never lie to me in such a way."

"My apologies if this may sound disrespectful, Empress Mileena. You are not her biological sister. Why do you believe that she wouldn't?"

"It would make no sense, Earthrealmer. She could've easily inherited the throne the moment Shao Kahn died. Yet she allowed me to rule the throne beside her. Shang Tsung only ruled because she wasn't here. So why?"

"We all thought we could prevent Armageddon if we left."

"We don't know that to be true seeing how two of you came back almost immediately." She responded. She closed her eyes gently. "I know you still desire to find Kira and Kobra. How is it that you could forgive them after their betrayal at Quan Chi's Thought Room?" Chan smiled.

"Our loyalties are to the Shaolin and to Earthrealm. They both had a duty to stop Outworld from taking over Earthrealm. At the time, they felt it was the right thing to do. Just as Kitana may have thought being away for all of those years was the best thing to do to protect you." Chan responded.

"If I may speak, empress Mileena." One Tarkatan spoke out.

"Freely." She allowed.

"You stated 'I would rather die than treat with my father's conspirators.' You cursed us for not assisting you in retaking the throne. Yet here we are."

"Here we are indeed. I desired to exterminate you all for your betrayal once I reclaimed the throne, but I've come to a point of forgiveness after seeing…" Mileena lowered her head.

"Raise your head Empress!" Another shouted. She looked to the Tarkatan stationed by the door. "You have nothing to hide. Your words were 'The Shokan and Tarkatans are the only ones I trust.' Speak your mind as you allowed us to speak ours!"

"There are things better left unsaid until Kitana arrives!" Mileena responded.

"We believe in you, but that does not mean we must believe in her. You represent the Tarkatans!"

"I'm am but a half-breed! I am not a true representative of the race."

"Do not let Zero's words get to you Empress. So long as you have one drop of our blood, you will always be one of us." The Tarkatan stated as he slammed his fist into his chest. The others proceed to do the same. Mileena smiles as she looks around. Chan smiles as well.

A portal appears near the door of the throne room. Eva appears from the portal and steps to the side. She kneels. The Tarkatans follow suit as Queen Kitana stepped into the room. She walks to her throne in frustration. She notices Chan sitting on the throne. Her hand swiftly slams against the face of Mileena. She then proceeds to do the same to Chan.

"You two dare make a mockery of the throne?!" she shouts. The Tarkatans peek from their stations as they await Mileena's bloody response to Kitana's actions. Mileena clenches her fist, but calmly restricts herself.

"You all may leave us." Mileena announces.

The Tarkatans stood up and walked out of the room. Few continued to look at the women seemingly disappointed in Mileena's moderate behavior. With the last of the Tarkatans out of the room, Eva follows behind them and plants a seal onto the door. Chan felt Kitana's ominous glare. He slides his way towards the edge of the throne. Mileena holds his leg in place.

"I've made a new friend while you were out. He shall stay." Mileena commanded. Chan peeks to Kitana then looks at Mileena before sliding back onto the Throne. Kitana shakes her head and takes a deep breath.

"I did not come to bicker with you Mileena." Kitana sits on the throne beside Chan. She rests her head on her hand. "I shall forgive you for not showing up to our meeting, however the deal fell through."

"I find it hard to believe that the Osh'Tekk would reject yours truly. I have done no wrong to him."

"That's not how he saw it, though he did say he would rather speak with you in the matter." Kitana raised her head and sighed. "Regardless, he now knows our secret."

"You fool!" Mileena shouted as she proceeded to punch Kitana in the face.

"Mileena…" Chan began. She took a few steps back and took many deep breaths. "Remember our talk from early." He clarified. Mileena nodded.

"I apologize sister."

"No, I should apologize for not telling you of my plans beforehand. It was selfish of me." She responded. Mileena turns her back to Kitana and looks outside the throne room.

"Sister—"

"It's time for Reklaim." Kitana mentioned. Mileena turned her head to Kitana and seemed disappointed. She then returned her attention to the outside.

"Very well." Mileena agreed. Kitana nodded and looked at Chan. "Hornbuckle will join the Tarkatans. We still have a lot to discuss."

"Then I shall talk to him alone before you both depart." Kitana stated.

Mileena nods and leaves the throne room. Kitana grabs Chan's hand and gently pulls him away from the throne. The two of them walk over to a painting of Queen Sindel.

"It's all coming around full circle isn't it?" Kitana asked.

"We're both moving up to where we want to be. You're the Queen of Outworld. I'm…the protector of Earthrealm."

"You don't have to hide the identity of the White Lotus with me, Chan. I was an ally of your brother on the other side." Kitana stated.

"That makes sense. I wouldn't know seeing how you were a revenant in my version of the other side."

"Did you experience Armageddon as I have?" Chan seemed disturbed.

"No. I though it ended with us." Chan confirmed. Kitana closes her eyes and walks back to the throne.

"I wasn't as lucky." She whispered. She proceeds to sit on her throne and rests her head onto her hands. "Be careful out there, Chan. I hope to see you again in one piece." Chan nods and walks towards the doors. He suddenly stops as he grabs the knob.

"Why haven't you talked about this with Mileena?" Chan asked.

"There will come a time, Chan. I hope to confide my experience with you both, but only after this war has officially ended." Kitana responded. Chan turned his attention to her and nodded.

*Red Dragon HQ*

Daegon and eight other Red Dragon members were kneeling before the sacred dragon egg currently incubating in their headquarters. Daegon softly chanted a prayer while the others remained in silence. He rises and turns to his underlings.

"We have wasted too much time with this conquest agreement between the Osh'Tekk and Moroi. Armageddon is near and we still have yet to find Taven, Orin, or the Fire Spawn." He stated.

"What are our new orders?" one asked.

"Mavado's imprisonment has made this difficult. Hsu Hao hasn't completed his task either. The only thing we can do at this moment is hope Mileena grants us forgiveness. The Spawn can only be in Outworld at this point."

"The vampires have eyes in the skies. Would it not be best for them to search for us?" another asked. Daegon removes his left armband. He showcases a bite mark on his arm. The other start to look at the bites on their arms and hands in response.

"We've been placed under a contract with them. If they were to destroy him sooner than later, we will all face Armageddon." He wears his armband once more as he returned his attention to the Sacred Dragon Egg. "Kitana." he whispered. "Why are you continuing Shao Kahn's conquest?"

"Daegon!" someone shouted from the door. "We're under attack!" Daegon remained calm as he listened to the screams of his men outside of the door.

Mileena and Chan stationed themselves hundreds of yards away from the Red Dragon Building. They sat amongst dozens of other Japanese citizens in the plaza. Of course, they stood out amongst the crowd due to their different nationality from the others. One would have to look them directly in the face to notice. Mileena wore clothing that anyone on Earthrealm would notice.

"Enough about me, let's talk about you." Mileena said seductively. Chan seemed mildly uneased by the tone of her voice.

"Do you have to say it like that?" Chan said as his voice quivered. Mileena chuckled. He relaxed himself before continuing. "I'm a Shaolin Monk from the Order of Light. I am…was supposed to be the Champion of Earthrealm. My goal in life is…to keep protecting Earthrealm from…"

"Oh please, don't mind me. Say it. I'll say it with you." Mileena mocked. Chan continued to hold his tongue.

"Well, yeah that's about it." He responded. Mileena shook her head.

"Tell me about your life in the past 15 years." She asked.

"The other side?" he questioned. She nodded. "It's…not a good look. I spent the past 15 years training the children of Earthrealm's warriors. I've trained Jacqui and Cassie in the ways of combat to prepare them against Unearthly enemies. I've met Kenshi's son, Takeda, and trained him in the ways of the Shaolin. I had to do the same with Kung Jin. I haven't seen him in ages in this world. However, the experience helped me learn more about how I could deal with him in our reality."

"Have you ever traveled to Outworld in that reality?" she asked.

"I…I've heard things."

"Was my father still alive?" she added.

"Well…Outworld was under better leadership at that time."

"Do you mean…"

"You were once the Empress. You engaged in a 20-year long war in Outworld…against the current Emperor Kotal Kahn." He answered.

"What?!" Mileena shouted. Some eyes glanced towards her direction. However, they returned to minding their own business. "And what of I?"

"You were killed…by D'Vorah." He responded. Her Tarkatan features started to slowly creep out. Chan gives her a firm look in response. She begins to relax as the features start to disappear. "Mileena, you were not a good person at all. Your loyalty to Shao Kahn and your disdain for Earthrealm blinded your judgement and led to your demise. Your lack of interaction with your father is probably the only thing keeping you alive right now." He stated. Mileena stared at the ground beside her.

"The throne must truly be the cause of our problems." Mileena pondered.

"Mileena, why didn't you confront Kitana about her lie?" he asked bluntly. Mileena drew her attention to the disguised Tarkatan soldier approaching them.

"Empress." He greeted.

"My my, how powerful you lot have become in such a short period of time. Is Daegon's head prepared for my blades?" she asked.

"Daegon is gone."

"Such insolence." She responded.

"The building was already cleared out before we arrived. None of them survived except two Black Dragon Mercenaries."

"Bring them to me." Mileena demanded quietly.

"They are already on their way, Empress." The Tarkatan bowed and stepped to the side. Chan looked across him. A different kind of glow appeared in his eyes.

"It seems you have your answer, Shaolin." Mileena commented.

End of Chapter 15

I know these chapters have been coming very slowly (this was created back in 2017). However, I can at least confirm that the next 5 chapters will be coming out a lot faster the previous chapters have. Chapter 16 is already near completion with Chapters 17-20 being in the beginning phases. Whether Chapter 16 comes out this Saturday or next Tuesday depends mainly on how long I decide to make it as this is, imo, one of the biggest chapters I've written for this story. A lot is going on in that chapter and the multiple story threads start to mesh in that specific chapter. I hope you all continue to enjoy as we are literally halfway finished.

(Edit 4/16/20: Chapter 16 is being release Tomorrow.)

(Upcoming—No One's Fault but Yours)