Chapter 4: Merciless Meetings
"You world is but one of many realms. One of them is a forsaken land called Outworld, ruled by an immortal who has crowned himself emperor. He now seeks a new world to conquer and enslave…"
Rayden's words echoed in her head as Sonya was escorted by Tsung and countless servants who followed them up to the large double oak doors at the end of the corridor illuminated by orange flickering light from the torches on the walls. Something ran up and down Sonya's veins, whether it was nervousness or fear or something else, she couldn't tell. But deep in her heart, deep beneath all of her other shallow emotions, boiled a hate filled soul for this powerful being she was about to meet. Images of her beautiful world, of her friends and family, of all the people now suffering because of his decision to take over her realm made her stomach churn. Never had she felt so hot with anger, or cold with disgust.
"This is a privilege," Tsung suddenly spoke. "Women never attend these gatherings, for women hold no power in these connecting realms. They are merely vessels to carry on the legacy of power through childbirth."
Sonya scoffed silently at the ego of men. "So why am I here?"
"You forget so quickly you will be ruling a realm?"
"Aren't you really the one who's ruling it?"
Tsung smiled thinly. "I will intervene as necessary. But you will be the leader of everything on Earth."
"If women aren't allowed such a place of power, then why-?"
"Because I was granted the right to rule Earth, but I am passing it to you. As my wife, and as it is my choice, you are now given the right to rule."
Sonya regarded him carefully. "This won't cause problems among your fellow dictators?"
"Not when you prove just how faithful you are. They will not trust you at first, but with time and my persuasion, you will one day be accepted into the fold. You will become the first Lady among the Dark Lords." Tsung couldn't hide the pride in his voice even if he had tried. "But," he continued, his voice becoming soft and more serious, "you must earn their trust. To do that, you will not talk unless spoken to, you will only give brief and honest answers, and you will never make eyes with the Emperor until you have been granted permission. If you fail to do any of these, you will have to work harder to come into their favor. These are men of success, and failure is seen as disobedience or weakness. Don't give them reason for doubt."
Sonya's mouth turned down in disdain, and she was tempted to turn around and walk away instead of bending like a puppet for the entertainment of these cold-hearted power frenzied creatures of the night. But reason told her to shut up and bear it.
He smiled again, though his eyes didn't meet the attempted warmth. "I hope you enjoy challenges my dear, because for you, this will be one of the greatest."
It was a grand round room, having cathedral ceilings decorated with gargoyles and demons reaching out for the souls of those who glanced up at them. Stone pillars held the ceiling high, and around the bases were people dressed in torn and dirty rags, bound together, gagged, and forced to stand crowded in close quarters. A stone slab stretched out over the middle of the pit, with two small pillars that held dangling chains. Higher up in balconies draped with richly colored tapestries, royals of both human and animal origin, dressed in elegant designs and colors, sat and waited patiently, regally, while glancing with disgust at the wretched creatures of the streets. At the center of the room, a small wooden platform was staged before a dais made of gold. On top of that, one large throne made of pearl white bones and skulls was placed between six chairs of solid gold.
Sonya peered down upon all of this from the balcony seat where Tsung had placed her, and then quickly departed below. She had no place to sit upon the throne, and as she really had no importance yet, she was left above for a private viewing. She was glad for the respite from the sorcerer's presence. It gave her a chance to contemplate his words.
A challenge. It would be a great challenge to be accepted. No big deal, she'd done that in the military. But she was sure this wouldn't be quite the same. A passing thought of Motaro's confrontation with her, his lack of respect and utter disgust of her mortal background left her no doubt that these 'Lords' would treat her no different.
It would be difficult, indeed.
But if she could overcome her adversaries, work her way into the circle, perhaps gain a voice and a chance to influence, maybe she could work things to her advantage… maybe she could fight back and win…
The room shook with the echo of the gong. Immediately the crowds fell to silence, their eyes set to the throne below. A second crash from the great metal disc, and a row of men walked out onto the platform, each taking their respective places around the great chair. All were dressed in black; all wore gloves and gold medallions upon their chests. Sonya could make out no more details from her great height, but still she could feel the waves of unnerving power that emanated from each man. All held the air of dominance, of danger, and well refined evil.
Then the royals rose to their feet as he entered the room. With flourished respect, each Lord fell to their knees and bowed their heads in humility, as did his loyal subjects. The wretched souls in the pit coiled back. Sonya did nothing. She simply took in her enemy, as much detail as she could make, and began listing in her head. He was remarkably tall, carrying a bulky build that he modeled off with arrogance. His sleeveless black shirt was opened in a V from his waist up, and tight black leggings inside knee high boots made up the rest of him. Upon his head he wore a crown made of animal horns, with a partial skull of some hideous beast covering his face. He was the image of fear, the reality of a nightmare, and even the air in the room grew heavy and damp with dread at his entrance.
He was Shao Kahn. The Emperor.
After seating himself, a final toll brought the Lords to their feet and the subjects to attention. A gesture of his hands, and everyone was seated. Then at last, he spoke.
"Bring the accused forward."
In moments, two monks in brown robes escorted a third, this one in black, to the center of the pit, to the columns, and to the chains that bound him to the spot. Quiet murmurs rose from the royals, who sat eagerly at the edge of their seats, as they waited for the unveiling. The figure made no move, no sound, no fight.
"Guests and subjects of the courts," Khan's voice rumbled through the hall. "You have been gathered here to witness disobedience, betrayal, and treachery in its purest form. Allegations of secret alliances, attempted plots of murder, and devotion to those other than among the courts are only the basics of this traitor's work. It shall now be brought to a halt, tonight, with humiliation and fate." At his nod, the black hood was pulled back.
"Kitana!" Sonya gasped. "No…"
The crowds erupted with fury. Men rose to their feet, booed and screamed horrible insults across the hall. Many shook their fists and demanded immediate death. Kahn allowed this to carry on for several moments, grinning maliciously at his adversary who remained stoic to the chaos around her.
Finally, he brought the room to silence. With a small gesture, he silently handed the floor over to Tsung, who rose from his seat on the right and advanced toward Kitana.
"It is true," he began. "Princess Kitana, rightful heir to the throne of Outworld, has turned traitor to our ways. She has been planning behind our backs the downfall of us all, and even purposefully lost a battle to a human so that Earth may have a chance at success."
Sonya was suddenly pinned beneath the emperor's gaze.
"Not that it ever did," he cut in neatly. Mocking her.
It was a slap to the face, and Sonya found herself recoiling from the blow. Laughter echoed in her ears, and she was sure it was from everyone in the room and all directed at her. Then it was gone, the laughter and his eyes that froze her soul. His gaze had again focused on the one to be charged and Tsung continued with the accusations.
"She was found the night of the Final Kombat in the company of two combatants from Earth, aiding them in their quest to rescue a companion and defeat myself, so that Earth would be lost to us for another 10 generations. But what a rather poor job of help it was, my dear, allowing yourself to be so easily caught on your own ground."
A sweep of his arm brought the people in the pit to the attention of the crowds. "Below us stands the rather pathetic group of devoted followers to our Princess' cause. They, too, are to face the charges of treachery and unfaithfulness to this realm. The fate of the princess shall also lie with them.
"So now a verdict is to be made. The laws of our realms must be upheld, and punishment distributed as necessary. A vote of life or death by our council." Tsung turned to the council and awaited the word.
Only a moment passed before the word was spoken. Down the line, each Lord gave his vote, the hollow word echoing through the silent hall. In the end, the verdict was unanimous.
Guilty.
Tsung took his seat among the others, and waited.
"You have heard the verdict of the Lords. You are to be put to death for insurrection and attempted destruction of our ways. Unless I say otherwise." Shao Khan gazed on with emotionless eyes, his face set, his tone solid. "The accusations are on the table. We have heard Tsung's side. Now I wish to hear yours. Do you deny any of this?"
"No."
The crowds murmured to themselves, shifting restless at the rich sounding answer that held no quiver of fear or shade of doubt.
"And neither do my people."
Khan smiled. "I see. You speak the minds of the people for they have no minds of their own to speak."
"I speak for them for I have a voice that will be heard."
"You had a voice that was once heard, daughter," he drawled, "for now it is a voice that will be eternally silenced." He paused. "But, perhaps, we could strike a bargain. The council may have a unanimous vote, but I have final say. I could spare your life, and the lives of those sniveling under you, for a price."
Kitana remained silent.
"You are the last to lay claim to the throne here. To lose you would be a great inconvenience. Therefore, I will agree to spare your loyal subjects, simply exile them to a different realm rather than execute them before your rebellious eyes, if you swear eternally loyalty to me." He allowed the words to sink in. "It is a generous offer, and I suggest you take it, for the benefit of your people if nothing else. What say you?"
The tension in the air was so oppressive Sonya felt crushed beneath its weight, and she could only imagine the pressure upon the princess. Sonya sat with clenched hands, her body leaning forward against the balcony railing as she stared down upon her friend of only a short while. She didn't trust his offer, hoped Kitana wouldn't take it, but to turn him down would mean death. Either way, she was damned.
"You will have my word," Khan persuaded.
"'You will have my word' is a subtle difference from 'you have my word.' So far you have made me no promises that anything you say is true," Kitana replied defiantly. "Not that it matters. You've never told the truth, to me or to my people, or anyone else you rule over. You give your word to spare the life of my people? I spit on that. The word of a tyrant is nothing to me. I will serve eternally in the bowels of hell before I serve you."
Again the crowds jumped to their feet in fury, while Sonya's heart dropped to her feet in despair. She felt for Kitana's defiance, for her pride in herself and her cause. Sonya could relate. But to go against the Emperor with death on the line… she held no chance.
"So be it," Khan replied calmly, his voice cutting through the cries of the spectators. "Kill them all."
"No!" Sonya screamed from above, only to lose her voice in the cheers.
A large iron cage was brought out behind Kitana. It was large enough for a person to crouch, and below the bottom rungs was a smaller cage filled with hay. The two monks to her sides freed her of the chains, threw her inside and locked the door behind her. Then a third monk stepped forward, a torch burning wildly in his hand
"Burn her! Burn her!"
The cheers died out around her, leaving her in only the sound of her racing heart as she watched the hay begin to glow, then crackle and set. It was slow moving, stretching on forever as she watched the flames rise and engulf the princess.
Screaming… screaming….
Somewhere in her mind she could hear the screams…
The iron bars were beginning to glow red.
The smell of burning flesh assaulted her nostrils, wrenching her stomach…
Four monks on the side pulled along two heavy chains on each end. Inside the pit, doors opened, and waves of steam rolled out into the room, followed by a bright orange glow. Screaming, the Edenians crowded in the center, trying to keep back from the ring of fire. But it came closer; rolling in waves of molten rock, advancing until it lapped at their feet, the lava spread over the entire floor, and the people continued screaming, now in high pitches of agony as they slowly sank into the sea of fire. With no where to go but down, the last of the Princess' followers gave a dying wail as the last few melted away, arms reaching for the sky in the throes of death, until finally nothing remained but a glowing pool of heat.
"Justice is served."
Suddenly, the emperor was gone, the cheering crowds silenced, the putrid smells clear, and Sonya saw nothing but Princess Kitana's hand, outstretched over the burning bars, blackened and twitching, and Tsung's own fire filled eyes as he claimed her from the balcony and lead her away.
Whoo hoo! Another chapter done! Well, no cliff hanger here, but more is to come, so stay tuned! Hopefully it won't take me another 6-12 months to update, right? Oh, and reviews are a wonderful motivation, as well as a great opportunity to critique me on my work. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, feel free to leave a post and I'll get back to you. (And I'll leave my new e-mail address shortly.)
Thanks for all the previous reviews and I hope I will continue to meet your expectations. Take care and keep on writing.
~Indy Croft
"You world is but one of many realms. One of them is a forsaken land called Outworld, ruled by an immortal who has crowned himself emperor. He now seeks a new world to conquer and enslave…"
Rayden's words echoed in her head as Sonya was escorted by Tsung and countless servants who followed them up to the large double oak doors at the end of the corridor illuminated by orange flickering light from the torches on the walls. Something ran up and down Sonya's veins, whether it was nervousness or fear or something else, she couldn't tell. But deep in her heart, deep beneath all of her other shallow emotions, boiled a hate filled soul for this powerful being she was about to meet. Images of her beautiful world, of her friends and family, of all the people now suffering because of his decision to take over her realm made her stomach churn. Never had she felt so hot with anger, or cold with disgust.
"This is a privilege," Tsung suddenly spoke. "Women never attend these gatherings, for women hold no power in these connecting realms. They are merely vessels to carry on the legacy of power through childbirth."
Sonya scoffed silently at the ego of men. "So why am I here?"
"You forget so quickly you will be ruling a realm?"
"Aren't you really the one who's ruling it?"
Tsung smiled thinly. "I will intervene as necessary. But you will be the leader of everything on Earth."
"If women aren't allowed such a place of power, then why-?"
"Because I was granted the right to rule Earth, but I am passing it to you. As my wife, and as it is my choice, you are now given the right to rule."
Sonya regarded him carefully. "This won't cause problems among your fellow dictators?"
"Not when you prove just how faithful you are. They will not trust you at first, but with time and my persuasion, you will one day be accepted into the fold. You will become the first Lady among the Dark Lords." Tsung couldn't hide the pride in his voice even if he had tried. "But," he continued, his voice becoming soft and more serious, "you must earn their trust. To do that, you will not talk unless spoken to, you will only give brief and honest answers, and you will never make eyes with the Emperor until you have been granted permission. If you fail to do any of these, you will have to work harder to come into their favor. These are men of success, and failure is seen as disobedience or weakness. Don't give them reason for doubt."
Sonya's mouth turned down in disdain, and she was tempted to turn around and walk away instead of bending like a puppet for the entertainment of these cold-hearted power frenzied creatures of the night. But reason told her to shut up and bear it.
He smiled again, though his eyes didn't meet the attempted warmth. "I hope you enjoy challenges my dear, because for you, this will be one of the greatest."
It was a grand round room, having cathedral ceilings decorated with gargoyles and demons reaching out for the souls of those who glanced up at them. Stone pillars held the ceiling high, and around the bases were people dressed in torn and dirty rags, bound together, gagged, and forced to stand crowded in close quarters. A stone slab stretched out over the middle of the pit, with two small pillars that held dangling chains. Higher up in balconies draped with richly colored tapestries, royals of both human and animal origin, dressed in elegant designs and colors, sat and waited patiently, regally, while glancing with disgust at the wretched creatures of the streets. At the center of the room, a small wooden platform was staged before a dais made of gold. On top of that, one large throne made of pearl white bones and skulls was placed between six chairs of solid gold.
Sonya peered down upon all of this from the balcony seat where Tsung had placed her, and then quickly departed below. She had no place to sit upon the throne, and as she really had no importance yet, she was left above for a private viewing. She was glad for the respite from the sorcerer's presence. It gave her a chance to contemplate his words.
A challenge. It would be a great challenge to be accepted. No big deal, she'd done that in the military. But she was sure this wouldn't be quite the same. A passing thought of Motaro's confrontation with her, his lack of respect and utter disgust of her mortal background left her no doubt that these 'Lords' would treat her no different.
It would be difficult, indeed.
But if she could overcome her adversaries, work her way into the circle, perhaps gain a voice and a chance to influence, maybe she could work things to her advantage… maybe she could fight back and win…
The room shook with the echo of the gong. Immediately the crowds fell to silence, their eyes set to the throne below. A second crash from the great metal disc, and a row of men walked out onto the platform, each taking their respective places around the great chair. All were dressed in black; all wore gloves and gold medallions upon their chests. Sonya could make out no more details from her great height, but still she could feel the waves of unnerving power that emanated from each man. All held the air of dominance, of danger, and well refined evil.
Then the royals rose to their feet as he entered the room. With flourished respect, each Lord fell to their knees and bowed their heads in humility, as did his loyal subjects. The wretched souls in the pit coiled back. Sonya did nothing. She simply took in her enemy, as much detail as she could make, and began listing in her head. He was remarkably tall, carrying a bulky build that he modeled off with arrogance. His sleeveless black shirt was opened in a V from his waist up, and tight black leggings inside knee high boots made up the rest of him. Upon his head he wore a crown made of animal horns, with a partial skull of some hideous beast covering his face. He was the image of fear, the reality of a nightmare, and even the air in the room grew heavy and damp with dread at his entrance.
He was Shao Kahn. The Emperor.
After seating himself, a final toll brought the Lords to their feet and the subjects to attention. A gesture of his hands, and everyone was seated. Then at last, he spoke.
"Bring the accused forward."
In moments, two monks in brown robes escorted a third, this one in black, to the center of the pit, to the columns, and to the chains that bound him to the spot. Quiet murmurs rose from the royals, who sat eagerly at the edge of their seats, as they waited for the unveiling. The figure made no move, no sound, no fight.
"Guests and subjects of the courts," Khan's voice rumbled through the hall. "You have been gathered here to witness disobedience, betrayal, and treachery in its purest form. Allegations of secret alliances, attempted plots of murder, and devotion to those other than among the courts are only the basics of this traitor's work. It shall now be brought to a halt, tonight, with humiliation and fate." At his nod, the black hood was pulled back.
"Kitana!" Sonya gasped. "No…"
The crowds erupted with fury. Men rose to their feet, booed and screamed horrible insults across the hall. Many shook their fists and demanded immediate death. Kahn allowed this to carry on for several moments, grinning maliciously at his adversary who remained stoic to the chaos around her.
Finally, he brought the room to silence. With a small gesture, he silently handed the floor over to Tsung, who rose from his seat on the right and advanced toward Kitana.
"It is true," he began. "Princess Kitana, rightful heir to the throne of Outworld, has turned traitor to our ways. She has been planning behind our backs the downfall of us all, and even purposefully lost a battle to a human so that Earth may have a chance at success."
Sonya was suddenly pinned beneath the emperor's gaze.
"Not that it ever did," he cut in neatly. Mocking her.
It was a slap to the face, and Sonya found herself recoiling from the blow. Laughter echoed in her ears, and she was sure it was from everyone in the room and all directed at her. Then it was gone, the laughter and his eyes that froze her soul. His gaze had again focused on the one to be charged and Tsung continued with the accusations.
"She was found the night of the Final Kombat in the company of two combatants from Earth, aiding them in their quest to rescue a companion and defeat myself, so that Earth would be lost to us for another 10 generations. But what a rather poor job of help it was, my dear, allowing yourself to be so easily caught on your own ground."
A sweep of his arm brought the people in the pit to the attention of the crowds. "Below us stands the rather pathetic group of devoted followers to our Princess' cause. They, too, are to face the charges of treachery and unfaithfulness to this realm. The fate of the princess shall also lie with them.
"So now a verdict is to be made. The laws of our realms must be upheld, and punishment distributed as necessary. A vote of life or death by our council." Tsung turned to the council and awaited the word.
Only a moment passed before the word was spoken. Down the line, each Lord gave his vote, the hollow word echoing through the silent hall. In the end, the verdict was unanimous.
Guilty.
Tsung took his seat among the others, and waited.
"You have heard the verdict of the Lords. You are to be put to death for insurrection and attempted destruction of our ways. Unless I say otherwise." Shao Khan gazed on with emotionless eyes, his face set, his tone solid. "The accusations are on the table. We have heard Tsung's side. Now I wish to hear yours. Do you deny any of this?"
"No."
The crowds murmured to themselves, shifting restless at the rich sounding answer that held no quiver of fear or shade of doubt.
"And neither do my people."
Khan smiled. "I see. You speak the minds of the people for they have no minds of their own to speak."
"I speak for them for I have a voice that will be heard."
"You had a voice that was once heard, daughter," he drawled, "for now it is a voice that will be eternally silenced." He paused. "But, perhaps, we could strike a bargain. The council may have a unanimous vote, but I have final say. I could spare your life, and the lives of those sniveling under you, for a price."
Kitana remained silent.
"You are the last to lay claim to the throne here. To lose you would be a great inconvenience. Therefore, I will agree to spare your loyal subjects, simply exile them to a different realm rather than execute them before your rebellious eyes, if you swear eternally loyalty to me." He allowed the words to sink in. "It is a generous offer, and I suggest you take it, for the benefit of your people if nothing else. What say you?"
The tension in the air was so oppressive Sonya felt crushed beneath its weight, and she could only imagine the pressure upon the princess. Sonya sat with clenched hands, her body leaning forward against the balcony railing as she stared down upon her friend of only a short while. She didn't trust his offer, hoped Kitana wouldn't take it, but to turn him down would mean death. Either way, she was damned.
"You will have my word," Khan persuaded.
"'You will have my word' is a subtle difference from 'you have my word.' So far you have made me no promises that anything you say is true," Kitana replied defiantly. "Not that it matters. You've never told the truth, to me or to my people, or anyone else you rule over. You give your word to spare the life of my people? I spit on that. The word of a tyrant is nothing to me. I will serve eternally in the bowels of hell before I serve you."
Again the crowds jumped to their feet in fury, while Sonya's heart dropped to her feet in despair. She felt for Kitana's defiance, for her pride in herself and her cause. Sonya could relate. But to go against the Emperor with death on the line… she held no chance.
"So be it," Khan replied calmly, his voice cutting through the cries of the spectators. "Kill them all."
"No!" Sonya screamed from above, only to lose her voice in the cheers.
A large iron cage was brought out behind Kitana. It was large enough for a person to crouch, and below the bottom rungs was a smaller cage filled with hay. The two monks to her sides freed her of the chains, threw her inside and locked the door behind her. Then a third monk stepped forward, a torch burning wildly in his hand
"Burn her! Burn her!"
The cheers died out around her, leaving her in only the sound of her racing heart as she watched the hay begin to glow, then crackle and set. It was slow moving, stretching on forever as she watched the flames rise and engulf the princess.
Screaming… screaming….
Somewhere in her mind she could hear the screams…
The iron bars were beginning to glow red.
The smell of burning flesh assaulted her nostrils, wrenching her stomach…
Four monks on the side pulled along two heavy chains on each end. Inside the pit, doors opened, and waves of steam rolled out into the room, followed by a bright orange glow. Screaming, the Edenians crowded in the center, trying to keep back from the ring of fire. But it came closer; rolling in waves of molten rock, advancing until it lapped at their feet, the lava spread over the entire floor, and the people continued screaming, now in high pitches of agony as they slowly sank into the sea of fire. With no where to go but down, the last of the Princess' followers gave a dying wail as the last few melted away, arms reaching for the sky in the throes of death, until finally nothing remained but a glowing pool of heat.
"Justice is served."
Suddenly, the emperor was gone, the cheering crowds silenced, the putrid smells clear, and Sonya saw nothing but Princess Kitana's hand, outstretched over the burning bars, blackened and twitching, and Tsung's own fire filled eyes as he claimed her from the balcony and lead her away.
Whoo hoo! Another chapter done! Well, no cliff hanger here, but more is to come, so stay tuned! Hopefully it won't take me another 6-12 months to update, right? Oh, and reviews are a wonderful motivation, as well as a great opportunity to critique me on my work. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, feel free to leave a post and I'll get back to you. (And I'll leave my new e-mail address shortly.)
Thanks for all the previous reviews and I hope I will continue to meet your expectations. Take care and keep on writing.
~Indy Croft
