"Jaded"
After discovering my mother was resurrected by Shao Kahn, I was even more determined to find Liu and his allies. I remembered Sonya Blade mentioned Liu was Chinese so I found a map of the Earth and figured he was in China. Unfortunately, I was apparently in America and China was on the other side of the planet, so getting there would prove to be a challenge.
As if that wasn't hard enough, the realm started to merge with Outworld which only made things confusing. I would reach what was supposed to be the Eastern shore of America where an ocean was supposed to be only to find the Living Forest instead. Getting around quickly became incredibly frustrating.
As I tried to make my way to China I learned my step-father had begun sending out Extermination Squads out to find Earth's chosen warriors. Kahn couldn't absorb their souls upon invasion so he sent the squads out to hunt them down and kill them one by one. From what I was hearing, only a few would survive the attacks...most didn't.
As I traveled I was plagued by thoughts of my mother. I hoped that it was just Kahn stripped away her memory. That way when I found her, I could just help her regain her memory and she could turn against him. But deep down I feared it would not be that simple. Or worse, maybe he truly corrupted her to the point where she couldn't be brought back. What if I was going to be forced to put her down?
When I was a child my step-father put the idea in my head that I was somehow responsible for my mother's suicide. That something I did made my mother kill herself. Although I resented my mother for committing suicide, deep down I was always haunted by that. After I learned that truth about my past, I realized it was just another lie. But even then, I could not let go of that fear.
I needed to find my mother. I needed to help her. Maybe then I could make some sort of peace with her. And maybe then find some small measure of peace for myself. But I kept dreading what would happen if I was forced to fight her. And what if I couldn't get through to her? Would I have to let her die like I let Mileena die?
Despite my worries about my mother, I continued my journey. One bit of good news, with Outworld merging with Earth, the Dragonflies were around so I caught one that took me across the Living Forest and into someplace called Europe. As I made my way through...London I think...I soon realized that even if I made it to China, there was the chance Liu wouldn't be there. He was most likely the primary target of the Extermination Squads so he probably left China as soon as the portal opened. Unfortunately that meant he could be anywhere.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of fighting in the distance. I followed the noise around a corner and saw down the street a small squad of my step-father's soldiers attacking someone I did not recognize. Another Extermination Squad attack. There were six soldiers attacking one human. Watching the fight, I was reminded of my days as Shao Kahn's assassin. I'd participated in more than one of these kinds of attacks. I decided that I wouldn't just stand around and watch.
I drew my fans and charged into the fight. As I started attacking one of the soldiers I heard one of them blurt out "It's Kitana the Bloody!"
Several of the soldiers started attacking my and I started to cut them down one by one. The human they were attacking caught on pretty quick that I was trying to help and pressed his attacks on the leader.
It was strange how naturally I was able to fight my step-father's soldiers. Only a short time ago, I was fighting alongside of them. But I quickly shook off any unease I felt. My step-father's army consisted of humans and Tarkatans. The Tarkatans were mindless brutes who lived only to fight and kill. The humans of my step-father's army were no better. Most were scoundrels who were seduced by the evil and power my step-father promised them. Others were cowards and traitors who deserted their realms.
I took down the last soldier, but before I killed him I heard a low scream followed loud crunch. I turned only to see the human I tried to save was killed by the leader of the Squad. The leader was a tall ninja dressed in purple and black. He dropped the lifeless body of the human on the ground and stared at me with piercing gray eyes and smugly said "Noble effort, but ultimately pointless."
I braced myself for an attack and said "Big man who attacks one human with five other soldiers. How brave."
"It's just a job." he answered with a shrug. "So, the infamous Kitana the Bloody. I've heard a lot about you."
I stared at him and asked "Who are you?"
"I am Rain."
"Where'd you come from? I never heard of you?"
"Joined Kahn just before the invasion. Saw no point in dying for a lost cause."
"So you're a traitor." I said grimly.
"I prefer 'survivor.'" he replied calmly. "Besides, who are you to curse me as a traitor? When last I heard you weren't exactly on good terms with your father, Kitana the Bloody." he said with a small laugh.
"He's not my father." I said grimly.
"I know." he then said.
I stared at him a little shocked at what he said and asked "How do you know that?"
He looked at me and quietly said "I know more than you think...princess." He then turned and started walking away.
"Wait? You're not going to attack me?" I asked.
He turned and said "You're not my job. You're Reptile and Jade's problem."
"What do mean Reptile and Jade?"
"After your escape your father ordered Reptile and Jade to find you and bring you back. I'm guessing dead or alive."
I took my eyes off him for just a moment then he was suddenly gone, leaving me alone in the street, utterly dumbfounded. After a moment his words sank in. I figured my step-father would send assassins after me. But I never would've guessed he'd send Jade. I know why he did it, too. Jade was my only real friend. She was more my sister than Mileena could ever have been. He knows I won't want to fight her and he's hoping that will make my capture easier.
As if sending Jade wasn't bad enough, he sent Reptile. I've known Reptile for centuries. He's like my step-father's pet. He won't stop for anything and there's nothing he won't do accomplish his mission. He's practically an animal so he's probably got my scent. Not to mention Jade is an expert tracker. I needed to find Liu and his allies fast. I could never beat both Jade and Reptile at once.
I then heard a low groan and discovered that one of the downed soldiers was regaining consciousness. I wondered if he could be of any use to me. I pinned him down and held one of my fans to his throat.
"You. Tell me how the Squads are traveling around Earth." I demanded. The main portal between Outworld and Earth was open above my step-father's fortress. But I knew there had to be smaller ones opened all over the realm to make the Extermination Squads move around easier. I needed to find which ones would take me to China.
"And if I don't?" he sneered.
"Then you will not be seeing tomorrow."
"I'm not afraid of you traitor!" he snarled. "Everyone's saying you went soft!"
"I went 'soft?'" I repeated. "Did you not hear that I dropped my own sister from the fortress tower? You really think Kitana the Bloody will hesitate in ending your miserable life?" Course I had to exaggerate Mileena's death a bit, I could tell he believed me. Just to make sure, I then added "It'll be slow. I'll probably start by cutting off your..."
"All right! What do you want to know!" he interrupted.
"Which portals will lead me to the Shaolin Temple in China?"
"We used a portal two miles south of here. That portal will take you to the Kuatan Canyons. If you travel another five miles east you'll find a portal that should take you close to the Shaolin Temple." he quickly answered.
"You're not lying to me are you? I'd hate to think you're deceiving me..." I said pushing my fan closer to his throat, breaking the skin.
"I'm telling you the truth! I swear it!" he screamed out.
I could tell he was telling the truth. I was lucky I wouldn't have to do too much portal hopping to get there. I stood up and said "Thank you. I suggest you reconsider returning to Shao Kahn though. Especially if he were to find out you helped me."
The soldier got up and quickly ran away and I started to head south. As I continued my journey I began to think of Rain. How did he know Shao Kahn wasn't my father? The only people I could think of who'd know that are the Edenians in the Outworld Resistance. Then I remembered he called me "princess." The only people who ever really referred to me as princess were other Edenians.
Could Rain be Edenian? If that were true, and he knew what Shao Kahn did to our realm...then he really is a coward and a traitor. I was appalled by the thought that he'd give his loyalty to Shao Kahn out of fear for his own life. That he'd spit on the memory of his people and family by joining the man who conquered and enslaved our realm.
But then I thought of my past. All the things I did for Shao Kahn and for a moment I wondered if I had any right to judge Rain. Was he really any worse than I was? But I quickly dismissed that. At the least, I didn't know I was Edenian while I was loyal to Kahn. And, at least I'm trying to make amends for that.
As I thought of Rain, my thoughts drifted to Jade. I was so worried if I could fight her, but then I wondered if she'd even be willing to fight me. I wondered if Jade was out there asking the very same question. I always wondered what she'd do when she found out the truth about me. I didn't want to force her to choose between Kahn and me. Now it seemed I would get that answer.
Deep down I hoped Jade would choose to come with me. As I've said, she's my only real friend. She's the only real thing in my life. I became friends with her before I became "Kitana the Bloody." Before I became cold blooded murderer. But as I wondered if Jade would join me, I again thought of Rain. And I recalled what happened with Mileena.
I know Jade well. She is no coward. But I also know Shao Kahn. I knew what would happen if I failed and he caught me. I've asked myself dozens of times if turning against him was the best decision. I couldn't expect Jade to come with me. Besides being my friend, she had no reason to betray Shao Kahn. No reason to risk her life and soul. But then again, if I can't blame Jade for staying with Shao Kahn...should I really blame Rain either? It was all so confusing.
After some traveling and portal hopping I finally emerged in China where I found the Shaolin Temple. I wasn't expecting to find Liu there, but I was hoping to at least find out where I could find Liu. Unfortunately, I found nothing. The Temple was deserted. As I predicted, as soon as the Outworld portal opened the Shaolin Temple was the first target they hit. There were no bodies or blood around so I guess Liu got out before the soldiers arrived.
I was relieved that this meant Liu was most likely still alive, but unfortunately, that put me right back where I started. I sat alone in the Shaolin Temple frustrated and exhausted. I had been traveling day and night for the past week. I didn't know where to go or what to do. I needed to find my mother. I needed to find Liu and his allies, who could be anywhere. And I needed to do this before Jade and Reptile found me.
"Kitana..? Is that you?" I heard a familiar voice whisper behind me.
I turned and saw it was Liu, standing at the entrance to the Temple. I couldn't believe it...for once a little bit of luck. I went to him and asked "How'd you know to find me here?"
"Raiden sort of hinted I should head back here." he answered with a slight laugh.
I laughed a little as well and asked "He did?"
"Yeah. He said I'd 'find a familiar face here waiting for me.'"
I sighed and said "Well, at least someone's looking out for us."
"Yeah." he said. He paused a moment then continued "What happened? Why didn't you meet us at the portal in Outworld?"
"I'm sorry. I was...delayed." I paused a moment then continued "My step-father knows I've betrayed him. I came here as soon as I could and I've been trying to find you. I found out he's even started sending assassins after me."
"Well, I'm glad you're all right." He cautiously looked around and said "Come. We should meet with the others."
Liu and I left the Shaolin Temple and he led me a few miles to a small portal hidden under a mountain. "You know of the portals?" I asked, a little surprised.
"Yes." he answered. "Raiden's been helping and directing us. He's trying to organize what's left of Earth's fighters together."
We entered the portal which took us to the Outworld desert. By nightfall, Liu had led me to valley where Kung Lao, Jax, and Sonya Blade were already waiting, by a camp.
"You've already met Kung Lao and Jax.." Liu said to me. "This is Sonya Blade."
"We've already met." she said.
I nodded and asked "Is this all that's left of Earth's fighters?"
"No. Raiden said there are more." Liu answered. "Small groups like us are scattered all over the planet."
"Does anyone know how Kahn was able to invade?" I asked.
"According to Raiden, it was prophesized long ago that when Kahn's dead bride rose again he would be able to reclaim her ." Kung Lao began. "Kahn made it so Sindel would be resurrected here on Earth and that's how he was able to cross the realms."
"And why we're screwed." Jax grumbled.
I was appalled that my mother was being used as a pawn. "Do we have any plans?"
"Yeah. We find Sindel and kill the bitch." Sonya said calmly. "She's the reason Kahn's here. We kill her he goes back, right?"
"No! You can't kill her!" I yelled out.
Everyone stared at me, taken aback by my outburst. Sonya then sneered and said "Why not?"
"I need to find her. I think I can turn her against Kahn."
"Why? Who is she to you?" Kung Lao asked.
"She's my mother." Everyone again looked taken aback and I continued "Please. She wasn't always evil. I think if I can find her, I can help her regain her memories. And she'll turn against Kahn and maybe then the portal will close."
"I don't like it." Sonya said. "Too risky."
"I have to at least try!"
"Why are welistening toyou anyway? Don't think our little chat in the dungeon made me trust you!"
"Sonya, I told you we can trusther." Liu cut in.
"I can't just let you kill my mother!"
"What makes you so sure she's still your mother!" Sonya yelled. "If she's working for Kahn, maybe she's not your mother anymore! You ever think of that!"
"And what makes you so sure she can't be helped? You really expect me to stand aside while you kill my own mother!"
"And how many people are going to die while your trying to 'help' her!"
"Kitana..." Kung Lao cut in,"I understand you want to help your mother...but what if you're wrong? I'm not saying it will, but if it comes to that,will you be prepared to stop her?"
I was silent then quietly said "If it comes to that, then so be it." I paused a moment then said "Excuse me." and I sat down away from the camp.Kung Laowas right. I had to be ready for what may happen if my mother really couldn't be turned back.
"Are you okay?" I heard Liu say as he sat next to me.
"I'll be fine."
"Sorry about Sonya. She can be a little...harsh."
"I know. I got that impression when I met her in Outworld."
We were both quiet for a few moments and Liu said "I'm sorry about your mother."
"Thank you." I answered. "I just hope I can help her."
"It'll be okay Kitana. I'm sure things will work out."
"How do you know?"
He thought about it for a moment then shrugged and said "I don't. You just have to believe."
"I've never been big on faith..."
"Kitana...you're with friends now." he said, placing his hand on my shoulder. "You're safe with us. Somehow we'll find a way to win this. Remember what I told you in Outworld: whatever happens, I won't let you go one alone."
There's something about the way he says that. The look in his eyes. My whole life I've constantly seen Shao Kahn and his evil triumph again and again. For so long, I've watched hope in Outworld be trampled under foot. But listening to Liu...for some reason...I truly believed we could win. That things would work out after all.
I smiled and said "Thank you."
He smiled and said "Tomorrow we're going to keep moving. You should get some rest."
I nodded and we returned to the camp. As it got late everyone started to fall asleep, I couldn't. Liu's words were comforting, but I still had too much on my mind. I walked to the top of valley. I hoped the cold night air would help me clear my head. I stood at the top of the valley and stared into the distance. The Outworld desert was vast, stretching for thousands of miles. During the day it was unbearably hot,. but at night is actually cold. Cold and still. Nothing could be heard but the breeze. It was actually very peaceful.
So much was happening too fast. My mother...Rain...Jade...but also Liu. He was always so kind to me. Even though he still didn't really know me that well, he was willing to stand by me. He's always trying to keep my spirit up.
Although I've had a few, I never put much effort in relationships in my life. Back then, I was always convinced nobody was good enough for me, the great Kitana. Also, I never believed anyone would genuinely love me. I always figured any man who'd want me either was doing it to gain my step-father's favor or just to brag. But that was a different time...and Liu is different. I did like him.
But I was still plagued by the thought of telling him about my past. But maybe...he'd understand and still accept me. I hoped when all this was over we'd get a chance to get closer. Without worrying about battles or fighting.
"Kitana..." I heard someone whisper behind me.
I turned and saw it was "Jade!" I jumped up surprised that she found me. I braced myself, although I wasn't sure if she'd attack or not.
"I take it you know why I'm here." she said.
"Yes." I answered. "So what now?"
"Reptile's not with me right now. I didn't tell him I found you and I didn't come to fight. I just want to talk."
I eased up a bit and said "Fair enough."
Jade stared at me and quietly asked "Why? Why'd you do it?"
Ever since I learned the truth about my past, I'd been waiting for a chance to tell Jade. Wondering how she'd react. Ready or not, the time had finally come. "You were right. It was Ikarus. Before he died, he showed me who I really was." I began. "Shao Kahn is not my father. He killed my real father after I was born and adopted me as his daughter. That's why my mother killed herself. She couldn't stand to watch him turn me into a killer."
Jade looked very disappointed and said "Kitana, I told that's what he would do. He gets in you head and screws around with you..."
"Jade, don't you think I've told myself that. You don't think I didn't want to believe what he showed me? That I spent every night after trying to ignore it? You don't think that even after learning all that I wanted to just forget it and go back like nothing happened?"
"Then how do you know it's true?"
"When they found Mileena's body...did you see her face?"
Jade looked puzzled and said "No..."
"She wasn't my sister. She was...God it sounds insane...she was my clone. My step-father wanted to..." I paused a moment, knowing the absurdity of what I was about to say, "...replace me with her because he feared if I learned the truth about my parents I'd turn against him." Jade just stared at me dumbfounded and I continued "And the only reason she didn't take my place was because they couldn't get her face to look right."
"Ikarus told you all this?"
"No. I read it in one of Shang Tsung's journals afterward." Jade eyes widened, shocked with what I told her and I said "That's how I knew it was all true. That's why I can't go back to him. Why I have to do this."
Jade looked shocked and confused and said "Kitana...I...I...what...how am I supposed to respond to this?"
"Listen Jade...I'm not going to ask you to come with me. I don't want to put you in that position. This isn't your fight. You do whatever you have to."
Jade just stared at the ground, looking upset and confused. She kept trying to say something but nothing came out. I guess she couldn't find the words.
After several moments I finally said "Jade, I won't blame you for not coming with me. I know you've always done what you thought was best. For what it's worth...you've always been a good friend. Like a sister. I'm truly sorry I put you through this."
With that I turned and walked back to the camp. Behind me I could hear Jade still trying to think of something to say. I sat down at the camp with my newfound allies from Earthrealm and waited.
Jade did not come with me.
End of Chapter XVI