"Trust"
I introduced Jade to the others and convinced everyone she could be trusted...except for Sonya who apparently never trusts anyone. But I didn't care. My friend was with me. Shortly afterward, we met up with a few more Earthrealm fighters named Nightwolf and Stryker. We were also rejoined by Johnny Cage, whom I had heard was dead. Raiden even transformed himself into a mortal form to help us against Kahn. I was actually surprised that he was willing to risk his godhood for Earth. Raiden said there were still more Earth fighters who'd join us soon.
We soon began to journey back east where my step-father's fortress was. Although we were unified and strong, time was not on our side. It takes little more than a month for realms to merge and we only had a few days left to stop Shao Kahn. If the realms merged together permanently than Kahn's power will be absolute and no one will be able to stop him.
But I wasn't worried. Jade's decision to join me rejuvenated my hope. I believed we could win. We could pull this off in time and free all our realms from Shao Kahn's evil forever. I believed I could help my mother. I would save her from Kahn's influence. Shao Kahn would finally pay for all the evil he's done. I knew that there was still much work to be done, even after Kahn was destroyed. Restoring Edenia to it's former beauty would be difficult, but I didn't care. I had time.
But there was just one thing that still plagued me. I still hadn't told Liu or anyone else the truth about my past. I was ready to handle anything. Anything but that. One night we camped out to rest after much travel. We weren't very far from the city where my step-father's fortress was. We'd reach the city in a few days.
While everyone slept I walked off by myself and tried to think about how I would tell Liu. I wondered what I should tell him...and how much to tell. Should I avoid telling specific details? Or should I tell him everything and just get it all out? I kept imagining how he'd react when I told him and my fears would only get worse. I did need to tell him. He would find out sooner or later.
I then heard someone moving around me. "Who's there?" I called, but no answer. I tensed up. It could be Reptile, trying to kill me again. Or maybe my step-father sent more assassins. Or it could even be an ambush. "Show yourself!"
From the shadows I saw Rain emerge and he quietly said "It's me, Kitana."
"Rain..? Have you been following us?" I asked.
"For the past few days." he answered. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. About what you said. About changing myself."
"And..?"
"And...I've made my decision." He looked at me and then took off his mask, revealing his face. He was actually, very handsome. "I want to join you."
"Really..? You mean it?"
He smiled and replied "Yes. I want to come with you."
I couldn't believe it. Now, not only Jade...but Rain as well. It was all almost too good to be true. "Thank you Rain. You've made the right choice."
He nodded and said "Yeah...yeah it is."
I walked closer to Rain and said "You can help us bring down Kahn and free our realm. And we can avenge our families and free our people."
He smiled again and quietly said "To be honest, Kitana...I didn't join because of that."
"What for then?"
Rain gently took my hand and said "I joined for you. I thought about what you said. About not going on alone. And you're right...we can help each other through this. I was thinking, if you can turn against Kahn...can keep going despite everything you've lost...then I can too. I can be a hero. I can be your hero."
The way he said it. The way he looked into my eyes. The way he took my hand. I was not expecting any of that. He was risking his life...his soul...all for me. I couldn't help but smile...but then I suddenly thought of Liu and I felt very awkward.
I pulled my hand back and said "Rain...I...I don't know what to say...thank you." Rain just nodded and kept staring at me. After several moments I said "You can stay with us tonight...I'll tell everyone you're joining us in the morning." With that we both started back to the camp.
"I'm sure I can be helpful. I can tell your friends how to get around Kahn's fortress."
"Yes...thank you." I answered.
"I might even be able to help you get to your mother."
"Really?"
"Yes. But I should warn you: she'd being guarded by a Shokan woman named Sheeva. She'll be your first concern before you even get to your mother."
"Thanks for the warning." A Shokan woman guarding my mother. That may prove to be difficult.
Rain and I returned to camp where everyone was still sleeping. Rain offered to stand guard and let me get some rest...but I still couldn't sleep. I was suddenly very confused. Since I had been getting to know Liu, my feelings for him had been growing. I liked that he was so selfless. That he was so quick to fight for what was right. That he was willing to stand by me even though he didn't really know me. He was true hero...something that is almost nonexistent in Outworld. Liu gave me hope. With him, I believed we could win.
Now there's Rain. I was flattered that he apparently turned against Shao Kahn just for me...but I still didn't know him. I'd like him as an friend and ally...but my feelings were for Liu. But...there was something about Rain. He was like me. A person who has made mistakes...but was trying to make up for them. He was trying to change like I was. With Rain...I wouldn't be alone in this. Since I learned the truth about my past, I've been trying to change myself and be a better person. He'd understand that...understand me in a way Liu couldn't. It was all so confusing.
As dawn came, I noticed Raiden arrive. He had been gone for the night...saying he was trying to organize the Earth fighters not yet with us. In Outworld he said he looked into my soul and that was how he knew my intentions were genuine. He did the same with Jade to reassure everyone she wasn't deceiving us.
While everyone was still asleep I quietly asked Raiden "Lord Raiden...that man, Rain, told me he wishes to join us against Shao Kahn."
Raiden looked at Rain who was still standing guard outside and said "One of Shao Kahn's warriors. He joined Kahn out of fear for his life."
"I know...but he says he wants to join us. Can you...make sure..?"
Raiden stared at Rain for a few minutes and said "Yes. I think he can be trusted."
"That's good." I said. I paused a moment then whispered "He told me he joined us for me. Can you tell me...if that's true?"
Raiden looked at Rain again and said "Yes. It appears he joined for your approval. However, I should warn you: since I have given up my godhood, my insight is no longer as keen."
"I understand. It's not important." I answered. "But you're certain he can be trusted though, right?"
"Yes. Of that I'm fairly certain." he said. I nodded and he said "We have much to do. Be prepared."
I again nodded and started to gather my things. Later on everyone woke up and I introduced them to Rain. Everyone, for the most part, seemed to accept him. I guess most figured we could use all the help we could get. Sonya, however was the most suspicious. She found it a little convenient that first Jade, now Rain would both turn on Kahn.
While I was relieved Raiden confirmed Rain's intentions, I was a little troubled that he also confirmed Rain's apparent feelings. I was starting to have feelings for Liu...and I was pretty sure he cared about me as well. But Rain getting into it would complicate things. Regardless, I tried to ignore my concerns about Rain and Liu. There were more important things to worry about. There'd be time to for Rain and Liu after Kahn was destroyed.
Shortly after dawn we all started moving again. We needed to move fast. The city was at least two days walking distance and we only five days tops before the realms merged completely. As we traveled, Rain stayed close to me the whole time.
"I should warn you, once we reach the city...getting in will be difficult." he said one day.
"Why is that?" I asked.
"The merger of the realms is almost complete and the biggest threats to Kahn are still alive. He's going to put the city under lockdown. There'll be soldiers stationed all over the place."
"So even if we get in...moving around will be worse." I grumbled.
"Most likely."
I sighed and said "Well, Stryker said he knows the city well. He can lead us around and maybe you can give us an idea of how to approach the fortress."
Rain nodded and continued moving. As we traveled I noticed that while Rain was near me, Liu was very distant. Usually Liu was close by while we traveled. It seemed as if he was put off by Rain's presence. What concerned me about that, is I didn't want Liu to be distracted by Rain or myself. We needed Liu to be focused and at his best when it came time to fight Kahn, by himself or not.
We reached the city in a few days. Just as Rain warned, soldiers were stationed all over the place. We holed up in an apartment building just outside the city until we could find a way to get in. I told Rain to talk with Stryker and the others about figuring out a way to get in. I decided to use the opportunity to talk with Liu, who was sitting by himself in another room.
"Liu...I think we need to talk." I said.
"Okay. What about?"
"Are you okay? You've been acting a little different..."
"Oh...it's nothing. Just thinking. Running out of time to stop Kahn and all..."
"Are you sure it's nothing?" I continued. "It's just...once Rain got here...you seem distant."
Liu was quiet for a few moments then said "Well...actually there was something I wanted to talk to you about...but I figured with everything that was going on..."
"Maybe you should tell me. If it's distracting you then just get it out."
Liu nodded and began "You know Kitana...you and I have gotten pretty close in the past month. And I...I like you."
"Really..?"
"Yeah. With you...it's like...I know what you've gone through in you're life. And I can help you...and it's like...you make me feel like I'm more than I really am. You've gone through so much...I want to make you happy."
I was shocked. I just stared at him, speechless. After a few moments I managed to say "I...I had no idea...you really feel that way about me..?"
"Yeah."
I was smiling until I remembered my past. How I used to be. I'd been lying about myself...letting him believe I was someone I wasn't. I couldn't keep lying. "Liu...no. No...you can't feel that way. Not for me."
"Why not?"
"Liu...I haven't been completely honest with you. See...before you met me...I...have done things I'm not proud off..."
"Kitana, wait." he interrupted. "I understand."
"You do..?"
"You told me you've been feigning loyalty to you're step-father. So you've probably had to do things to keep that up. I understand...and I can accept that."
I should've told him everything. This was my chance to get everything out. It was much more than he thought. Worse. He just told me how he felt about me...and I felt horrible that it was all based on a lie. But I kept imagining how he'd react if I told him. I didn't want to risk losing him. I whispered "Thank you." and prayed I would never have to tell him any more than that.
We were both quiet for a moment then he continued "But see with Rain here...I've noticed how he looks at you. How he's always near you. I...don't want to sound jealous or anything but...I was hoping that maybe when this is over...maybe you and I could...maybe get to know each other more."
I smiled and took his hand and said "I'd like that."
"Yeah?"
"Of course. You've already given me so much Liu. Before I met you...I as ready to give up. To give in to despair. But you've shown me there is always hope. Even now...even with everything that's happening...I still believe we can win. Because of you."
He smiled and he came closer to me. We looked into each other's eyes and...we were about to kiss when...
"Hey. Raiden said he needs to talk with you." Rain suddenly said at the doorway.
Liu and I snapped out of it and he said "Oh...um...okay...sure." He then got up and walked away. For just a moment, Rain gave me a strange look and followed Liu and I wondered how long he was standing there. I then had a very grim thought: if Rain only joined us because of me...but my feelings were for Liu...would he go back to Kahn?
I tried to shrug off that thought and followed where Liu and Rain were. Everyone was gathered around Raiden. They were all saying something I couldn't hear and then scattered.
I went to Liu and asked "What's happening?"
"It's nothing. Raiden wants some of us to go find the ninja Sub-Zero and get him to join."
"Where is he?" I asked.
"Not far from here. But he's isolated and needs some help getting here."
"You want me to come with you?"
"No. It's nothing, I'll be back in no time." he then paused a moment and added "Besides, Rain offered to come, too."
With that Rain emerged next to Liu, which I'll admit surprised me. "Really? You're going too?" I asked Rain.
"Of course. Figured it'd be best to earn everyone's trust." he said with a slight smile.
"We should get going." Liu said as he turned and left.
There was something about this mission that made me uneasy. I said "Rain...listen I think you and I should talk when you get back..."
"Don't worry about it Kitana." he cut in, calmly. "Everything will be all right. Trust me."
I nodded and Rain joined Liu. They left along with Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, and Nightwolf. Sonya, Jax, and Stryker continued to try to figure out a way to get into the city. I went to the roof of the building to gather my thoughts.
I sat on the roof trying to clear my head. There were more important things to worry about than my love life which all of a sudden became very complicated. I needed to concentrate on getting to my mother. I needed to think about how I could get her to listen to me, which I wasn't counting on being too easy. There was so little time left.
"Kitana? What are you doing up here?" I heard Jade ask behind me.
"Nothing. Just thinking." I answered as she sat next to me.
"Want to talk about it?"
"I'm not thinking about what I should be thinking about."
"What do you mean?"
"I should be thinking about my mother. What I'm going to do when I find her."
"You're going to try to turn her against Kahn, right?"
"Yes. Hope so." I paused a moment then asked "Did you see her at all?"
"Just once." She shook her head and added "You have your work cut out for you, Kitana. She's pretty vicious."
"I was afraid of that."
We were both quiet for a moment then Jade asked "Well what are you thinking about then?"
"Liu...and Rain." I answered to which Jade let out a slight laugh. I laughed too and said "I know. With everything that's happening...that's what I'm worried about."
"No...I know what you mean. I've seen them around you. Think they like you."
"God...it's so childish."
"Well, which one do you like?" she asked.
"I like Liu...but then I get worried how this will affect Rain."
Jade was silent for a moment then said "Well, when this is over you'll be able to work this out. You should be glad...to have people who care about you like that."
"Yeah." I paused and then said "But...there's something else that's been troubling me."
"What is it?"
"I still haven't told Liu...about my past." Jade looked at me like she wasn't sure what I meant and I added "About...'Kitana the Bloody.'"
"Oh...I see..."
"It's not even I just haven't told him. I've been lying about it. I told him I was always against Kahn." I paused and grumbled "I'm dreading that scene."
"I'm sure he'll understand."
"I hope so."
"He has to. I mean he's seen you give up everything to turn against Kahn. He'll know that you're different now."
I nodded and said "I hope so. I hope he'll understand that I'm...I'm not like that anymore. I'm not 'Kitana the Bloody' anymore."
"Frankly, I'm glad about that." Jade said quietly.
"What?"
Jade looked at me and said "To be honest...I was never fond of 'Kitana the Bloody.' I mean...when we were alone...you would be nice and generous to me...the kind of friend anyone would want. But when you'd be on a mission you became this entirely different person."
"I know. I was different then. Whenever I'd be out there...I'd just go into this sort of mode..."
"I never told you...but I cried when I heard what you did in Zansastu."
"You did?" I asked, shocked.
"It hurt. To see my friend...who was always to generous to me...do such a horrible thing to so many people."
"Jade...I...I had no idea..."
"But like I said...you were different with me. I was actually glad most of your missions were with Mileena. I didn't become friends with 'Kitana the Bloody.' I didn't want to be friends with 'Kitana the Bloody.' I am glad you're not like that anymore. It's another reason why I decided to come with you."
I smiled and said "Thank you Jade. I'm glad I'm not like that anymore, too. Why I'm trying to make up for that now..." I thought about that for a few moments. About how I was trying to make amends for the terrible things I've done and asked "How are you dealing with it Jade? Do you...regret the things you did for Shao Kahn?"
Jade thought about it for a moment and answered "I'm not sure yet. I guess it hasn't sunk in yet." She paused a moment and said "It doesn't matter. We have time to make up for those things. Besides...I don't believe people are defined by their past. It's what we do in the present that defines who we are."
I have to admit I was shocked by her words. I'd been so tormented by the things I've done in my life. Haunted by all those ghosts I killed in Shao Kahn's name. Granted Jade was never as bad as I was...but she too has killed in Shao Kahn's name. Yet she doesn't allow herself to haunted by her regret...unlike me.
"I wish I could be like that, Jade."
Jade stared at me for a few moments then said "Don't chase ghosts Kitana."
"What do you mean?"
"You're trying to make up for all you've done for Shao Kahn. That is honorable and the right thing to do. But don't let that consume you. Nothing you do is going to bring back all the people you've killed." she paused a moment then repeated "Don't chase ghosts Kitana. That path goes nowhere."
I nodded, but didn't say anything. Jade and I went downstairs and waited for Liu and the others to return. As we waited, I kept thinking about Jade's words. I knew she was right. Nothing I can do will bring back all those people. I can only pray that someday I can make peace with their memory. But even though I knew Jade was right...somehow I knew it would never be that easy. I've been trying for years to let go of my guilt. But...maybe when Kahn is destroyed and Edenia's restored...maybe then...I can let go and move on.
Finally after little more than an hour everyone returned with Sub-Zero. From the looks of it, they're journey wasn't easy. I noticed Liu also seemed uspet about something. Something else I found odd...Rain wasn't with them.
"Where's Rain..?" I asked.
"Good question." Johnny Cage answered.
"What do you mean?"
"We were attacked by a Squad. Liu and Rain went off to get to Sub-Zero and Liu said Rain disappeared." he answered.
"What do you mean 'disappeared?'" Sonya suddenly demanded.
"I mean Rain and I were attacked by several soldiers and I next thing I knew I was alone." Liu answered.
"I don't understand...where'd he go?" I asked.
"Don't know. He just vanished during the fight."
"I don't believe this...he just left you..?"
"Is it really a stretch?" Sonya said. "Didn't you say he joined Kahn out of fear for his life? Now, first sign of battle and he's gone? I don't think it's coincidence."
I didn't want to believe Rain would do that...but Sonya had a point. I couldn't believe it. All Rain's talk about changing...wanting to be a hero. I was furious. "That back-stabbing coward." I grumbled under my breath. I looked at Liu and said "I'm sorry."
"It's nothing." he answered, somewhat coldy.
"Liu, Are you okay?" I asked.
"I'm fine. Fortunately, Sub-Zero found me and was able to help." he paused a moment then said "Excuse me." and he quickly went upstairs. I wondered what was troubling him.
I then looked at around at everyone and quietly said "I'm sorry everyone. I'm sorry I brought Rain into this. I should've known better."
"Kitana...don't worry about it. You had no way of knowing." Kung Lao said quietly.
"Thank you." I said. "What's wrong with Liu? Is something wrong?"
"I don't know." he replied quietly. "He was unsually distant on our way back."
"Hey, speak of the Devil. Looks who's on his way." Cage said looking out a window.
We looked outside and saw Rain approaching. "He's got some balls to come back here after that stunt." Jax joked.
Rain was walking rather calmly which only made me even angrier. "Let me talk to him." I snarled grimly and stormed outside to meet him.
"Kitana..." Rain said seeing me approach.
"You...left him behind!" I cut in, trying to contain my anger.
Rain's eyes widened and said "No...no..! Of course not!"
"Then where were you? Why weren't you there to help him?"
"I...I was fighting...other soldiers...and I lost track..."
"You left him! You abandoned him in the middle of a battle!" Rain didn't answer and I continued to yell "Why! Did you run and hide just like you did before!" I screamed.
"No...no. I'm not a coward...not anymore..."
"Then why?" I demanded. Rain still wouldn't answer and I suddenly had a grim thought. "Tell me it wasn't because of me." Rain still didn't answer. "Please tell me you didn't leave him because you thought you could have me if he was gone." Rain not only wouldn't answer...he wouldn't even look me in the face and I knew it was true. He tried to get Liu killed out of jealousy. I was appalled. I slapped him in the face and screamed "What is wrong with you! Are you out of your damn mind! You thought...you...I can't even comprehend what was going in your head!"
"Kitana...I..."
"No!" I cut him off and started to walk away. "I want nothing to do with you! I can't even look at you, you traitor! And I actually thought you could change!"
"Kitana...wait! You can't just leave me! What am I supposed to do!"
"I don't care Rain." I snapped, harshly. "You told me you were a survivor. So survive." I turned my back on Rain and returned inside. Everyone tried to pretend they weren't listening and let me pass.
I felt terrible. I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. Jade joining me was fortunate enough...couldn't expect the same luck twice. I'm trying to change...but I guess some people just can't. I went upstairs to find Liu. I wanted to apologize to him about Rain. But I alsowanted to know what seemed to be troubling him. I found Liu sitting alone in one of the rooms near the top floor, staring out a window.
I went inside and said "Liu...I'm sorry about Rain. I...I thought he could change." Liu didn't answer and just nodded. "I'm glad you're all right though."
Liu turned and quietly began "Kitana..."
"Yes..?"
"Why do people in Outworld call you 'Kitana the Bloody?'"
End of Chapter XVIII