"Hope Rekindled"
The dungeons of my step-father's fortress were built to be like a maze. I believe the purpose of it's structure was so in the event of someone's escape they'd never find their way out. The dungeon was built deep under the fortress, beneath the ground and there was only one way in or out. And that one way only led to the lower levels of the fortress itself. I suppose it goes without saying the dungeons stunk with the stench of death.
I always hated going down there. I remember once when I was still a child, Kahn brought me into the dungeons. He told me it was for my benefit to see how he deals with prisoners. I know now the purpose of bringing me down there was to show me what happens to people who try to resist his power. A reminder why his side was the side to stay on.
I was so occupied with trying to find a way to assassinate Kahn that I completely forgot the 10th Mortal Kombat tournament was starting on Earth. If Goro had won, Earth would belong to my step-father. He'd have the right to invade and conquer Earth without fear of interference from its gods. But it seems Goro's not only been defeated, but apparently killed. I'm not one who believes in miracles, but I have to admit the Earth warriors certainly caught a lucky break.
Goro was defeated by a Shaolin Monk named Liu Kang and in desperation Tsung himself challenged the monk in Mortal Kombat, but was defeated as well. Tsung returned to Outworld in disgrace, but strangely, he had not been executed for his failure as I thought he'd be. As a matter of fact, my step-father spared his life and even rejuvenated Tsung's youth.
I'd learned that only six or seven warriors survived the tournament, and that two of them were captured by Tsung after he was defeated by this Liu Kang. One was a man named Kano, whom I knew nothing about and the other was a woman named Sonya Blade. I learned that this Sonya Blade had allied with Liu Kang during the tournament which brings me to why I had to go into the dungeons.
Since Kahn had spared Tsung's life and later sent a small army of warriors, led by one called Baraka, to Earth I suspected they were planning something. I would have to somehow get in touch with Liu Kang, and Sonya Blade was my only option at the time.
After being brought to Outworld she and the other one, Kano, were taken to the dungeons. I sneaked down into the lower levels and followed where they were taking Blade. I watched as they threw her into one of the cells and locked her inside. As the guards left Blade ran to the bars and started yelling and screaming after them. Listening to her scream and curse, I could already tell getting information from her was not going to be easy or pleasant.
"GOD DAMN ASSHOLES!!! GET BACK HERE AND I'LL BREAK YOUR ASSES!!" she continued to scream as I approached her cell.
"Calm down." I interrupted. "And be quiet."
"Who the hell are you?!"
"Right now, I'm the only friend you have."
"Bullshit." she sneered. "Look lady, if you jack-offs are going to kill me, just get it over with."
"I don't know why they're keeping you alive...but for the time being you need to calm down and please be quiet for a moment." I said.
"Why are you whispering?"
"Because I'm not supposed to be talking to you."
She stared at me for a moment then asked "Who the hell are you?"
"I'm.....a friend. I'm here to help. That it all you need to know, for now."
"Bullshit. I know this bit. You come down and act like you're on my side so I can give you information." she moaned, then continued "Well, I'll save you the trouble: I don't know what you want to know and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you a damn thing."
"Please, just trust me. I need you to tell me what you know about Liu Kang."
She chuckled and said "Jesus, you people just don't quit. Go screw yourself, how 'bout that?"
I moaned in frustration and grumbled "Are all Earthrealm people as stubborn as you?"
"No. Just Americans."
"Is Liu Kang American?"
"No. He's Chinese."
"Thank god for small favors." I grumbled to myself. "Please....Blade, right? Please just trust me. I think your realm is in grave danger and I believe Liu Kang may be the only chance. I need to know how to get in touch with him."
Sonya looked at me and I think I was beginning to reach her when she said "Listen...whoever you are...I don't know Liu Kang. I just met him when I was forced to fight in Shang Tsung's tournament thing. He's just some kid. He said he was chosen to defeat Shang Tsung and save the Earth or something like that...I didn't really buy it. That's all I know. If you really want to help him, then...I'm sorry I don't know anything else."
I nodded and said "I understand. Thank you, anyway."
"So if you're here to help, then why don't you help me out of this place?"
"I'll see what I can do, but I can't guarantee anything. I honestly don't know what's going to happen from here." I answered as I started to walk away.
"Yeah, whatever." she muttered to herself.
I stopped for a moment then said "My name is Kitana."
She looked at me and quietly said "Call me Sonya."
I smiled and said "If I can get you out of here I will."
I left the dungeons and returned to the upper levels of the fortress where I was summoned to meet my step-father in the throne room. There I found my step-father waiting with Shang Tsung by his side. I was so used to Tsung being a withered old man, it was strange seeing him look young again.
I bowed before my step-father and said "You requested to see me, father?"
"Yes, Kitana. Come forward." he answered.
"Lady Kitana," Tsung began, "your great father has decided to hold a tournament here in Outworld and has invited the survivors of the Mortal Kombat tournament to participate."
"A tournament? Why a tournament...and why here? It can't be a Mortal Kombat tournament...can it?" I asked.
"No. Unfortunately this tournament will not count as a Mortal Kombat." Tsung answered.
"Then why bother?"
"Revenge, my daughter." Kahn said. "We will lure the Earth warriors here and with their defeat, each will be promptly executed."
I couldn't believe what I had just heard. Their plan was so twisted...so depraved, I couldn't even respond. Not only that, but it made no sense. "But father...don't the rules of Mortal Kombat state that we are not allowed to attack the Tournament Champion until the next one? Won't this anger the Elder Gods?"
My step-father and Shang Tsung chuckled, then Kahn replied "I wouldn't worry about that, Kitana."
"I believe we need not worry about attacking the Tournament Champion. I think he'll be coming to us." Tsung hissed with a sickening grin.
"I want you to participate in the tournament Kitana." Kahn then said approaching me. "The Tarkatan general Baraka has already entered. So has our servant Reptile. I suspect Mileena will be entering and I've received word that King Gorbak is also entering a Shokan warrior to avenge the late Goro. I want you to represent Outworld as well. I trust you will have no trouble bringing the fool mortals of Earth to their knees."
"Father...I..."
"I know you will make me proud, my daughter. Will you accept this honor?"
Saying I'd make him proud used to clinch many decisions for me. But that was a different time. I didn't like this tournament idea. It was too dangerous. But, I figured if Earth's Champion was indeed going to participate, this may be my best chance to get in touch with him. Perhaps, I could even help him turn this tournament against Kahn.
"I accept, father."
"Excellent. Tsung will grant the mortals passage to Outworld in few days. In the meantime, I suggest you prepare for the tournament."
I bowed and left the throne room. I returned to my chamber and tried to go over what Kahn and Tsung had told me. Their plan for this tournament...it didn't make any sense. The Elder Gods would never allow Kahn to simply kill Earth's warriors and their Champion like this. Perhaps Tsung's defeat had pushed my step-father over the edge and he no longer cared about angering the Elder Gods?
There was something else about this tournament that troubled me. There had to be more to it than Kahn and Tsung's simple revenge. There was something deeper....uglier behind it all. Whatever it was, the only thing that was certain was finding Earth's Champion, Liu Kang. I'd have to try to contact him during the tournament and hope he could somehow help me.
A few days past. The final preparations for the tournament were almost done. My step-father kept saying the purpose of the tournament was to find Outworld's new champion who'd take Goro's place. He claimed the Earth warriors were invited as a specialty. He called them guest participants. The day came when they were summoned to Outworld. I awaited in the courtyard to see the warriors of Earth firsthand.
Seven Earth warriors were presented by my step-father. He introduced them as if they were honored guests. Shortly before they arrived, Mileena and I were briefed on each of the fighters. Five of the warriors were survivors from the previous tournament, and there was also two others. There was Johnny Cage, who was some sort of celebrity on his realm. Kung Lao, who was the descendant of the Kung Lao who was killed by Goro nearly 500 years ago. Jax, who's purpose I was not aware of. Two ninjas, Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Sub-Zero's appearance was strange because I heard Tsung mention he was killed by Scorpion. I suspected Scorpion's return had something to do with Sub-Zero's reemergence. And there was Earth's Thunder God, Raiden who transformed himself into a mortal form to compete as he had done in the previous tournament.
And then I saw him, Liu Kang. To look at him, I would have never thought he defeated not only Goro, but Shang Tsung as well. He looked so young, even for an Earthrealmer. As I watched him, I wondered how he could possibly help me. I hoped there was more to him than appeared. My step-father began making a speech welcoming our "guests" from Earth and how he looked forward to a great tournament. From where I was standing, I could see Liu Kang looked furious. He looked as though he wanted to fight Shao Kahn right then and there.
"Tomorrow the tournament shall begin! Prepare yourselves!" Kahn blurted at the end of his speech. With that everyone scattered amongst themselves. I decided to follow Liu Kang and wait until he was alone before I tried to speak with him.
As night fell each of the Earth warriors adjourned to their quarters to rest for the tournament except for Liu Kang. He found a place to meditate by himself outside the Living Forest and I decided this would be the time I'd introduce myself. I was careful to make sure no one was following me and decided to simply walk up to him as he meditated. I didn't want to sneak up on him and have him assume I was trying to assassinate him.
As I approached I heard him say "Who's there? Show yourself!"
I emerged from the shadows where he could see me and said "Liu Kang? I've been looking for you..."
Kang quickly jumped to his feet, expecting me to attack and demanded "Who are you? What do you want?"
For a moment I wasn't sure if I should tell him my name but remembered he wouldn't know who I was. "My name is Kitana."
"I know you. I saw you in the courtyard this morning." He paused a moment then harshly said "You're one of Shao Kahn's warriors..."
"Please." I interrupted. "I am not your enemy. I want to help you."
"Prove it."
I didn't know what to say to that. What could I do to prove I wasn't trying to deceive him. "I'm sorry...I....can't. I don't.....is there anything I can say that would make you believe me?"
He thought about it for a moment and said "Who led the attack on my temple?"
"What attack?"
"When I returned to my home, I found it in ruin. My brothers, my friends...everyone was dead. I know it was Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn who ordered the attack but I want to know who led it. My friend Kung Lao said the attack was led by some sort of creature with blades coming from it's arms. Who was it?"
I remembered that shortly after Tsung got his youth back he ordered a small battalion to do something on Earth, but I did not know what its purpose was. They were led by "Baraka. It was a Tarkatan warrior named Baraka."
"That creature I saw earlier in the courtyard, that was this Baraka?"
"Yes. He has also entered the tournament."
He was quiet for a few moments then said "Okay. That'll do...for now."
I slowly walked to him and said "Thank you. Listen, I must be brief because I shouldn't be talking to you..."
"Who are you?" he interrupted.
"Excuse me?"
"Who are you?" he repeated. "Why aren't you supposed to be talking to me? And if you're against Shao Kahn, why are you fighting for him?" I wasn't sure what to tell him and what not to. I didn't want to tell him about my...work for Shao Kahn. I needed him to trust me. "Look, I'm willing to believe you want to help...but I need to know more about you." he then added.
"Okay...my name is Kitana. Long ago, my parents ruled the realm of Edenia. But my realm was defeated in Mortal Kombat, just as your realm almost was. Shao Kahn conquered and killed my...parents. Afterward, he adopted me as his step-daughter. I was trained to be one of his as.....warriors." I paused a moment then continued "I've been feigning loyalty to him for...my whole life....but I fear my time may be running out." I hated lying about my past. But I didn't want a repeat of what happened with the Outworld Resistance. If Liu Kang was truly capable of helping me I needed him to believe me.
"Wow." he said quietly. "I'm...sorry."
"What for?"
"Well just....you've been alone you're whole life. I mean...that couldn't have been easy."
I was actually a little surprised. He actually seemed to care about me. I continued "When I heard you defeated Goro and Shang Tsung...I believe if I have any chance of overthrowing Shao Kahn and freeing my realm, this may be my only one. I want to help you...and maybe you can help me."
Kang looked a bit taken aback by what I said and replied "Look....I...I want to help...but I've heard stories about Shao Kahn since I was a kid and...defeating Goro and Shang Tsung was hard enough but....Shao Kahn...I don't know if I could pull that off."
I honestly wasn't surprised by his response. "I understand. I won't ask you to do anymore than you wish. I'll just..."
"Hold on." he cut in, "That doesn't mean I won't try." he finished with a smile.
"You really mean that?"
"Sure. I won't let you keep this up alone."
They way he said it. The look in his eyes. No fear. No hesitation. Just selfless determination. I had only just met him, but he was willing to trust me and stand by me. "I never knew people like you existed."
He laughed a little and we stared at each other for a few moments then I said "um...I should go. We'll meet again. If I find out anything that can help, you I'll inform you."
"Thanks."
"I think there's more to this tournament than Kahn says...so you be careful. Be on your guard" I said as I started to walk away.
He then called to me "Hey, you be careful, too. I think you have more to lose than I do." With that he turned and walked away.
As I watched him leave I couldn't help but be amazed by how selfless he was. When I first saw him, I wondered if he could be any help to me at all. But after meeting him...I don't know what it was...I actually started to believe, too. After meeting and spaeking with Liu Kang for the first time....I actually felt something I hadn't felt in a very, very long time. I felt...hope.
End of Chapter XI