"Homecoming"
I slowly awoke, wracked with pain. So bad, I could barely move. Still feeling the effects of Kahn's attacks. I must've been out for a while, because it was daylight out. But it didn't look like Outworld daylight. From a nearby window, it looked like the sun was shining brightly in early dawn. I was also lying in a large bed covered with quilts and blankets. I then remembered the last thing I saw was Liu about to fight Kahn. Did he win? Or was I dead?
I looked over and saw my mother, sitting beside my bed. Her eyes were still a blank white and the black marks over them remained...but she no longer looked evil. Actually, she looked very sad.
"I wasn't born into royalty, you know." she began quietly. "I was born in a small village outside the Edenian Capital. I was the oldest of three children. My father was an Edenian soldier who died in a Mortal Kombat tournament while I was still young. My mother was forced to raise us herself. Because I was the oldest, I was expected to help." she paused a moment then continued "It was...it was hard on my mother. Having to care for us by herself. She was often very harsh with me...but I don't blame her.
"One night there was to be a great banquet at the Palace. I offered to work as one of the servants...figured we could use the money. I was one of the food servants, and that was how I met your father." she paused again then continued "At the time, your father was still just the Prince of Edenia." she then smiled a little, but she still looked so sad. "It's funny...there were so many other women there. Upper class women...noble blood. Your father could have had any of them..." I then saw a single tear come down her face, and she continued "But he chose me." she let a slight laugh. "I was...I was terrified at first. The Prince of Edenia was talking to me...but he wasn't like that. He wasn't the typical, stuck-up Prince. He made me laugh. He was a fighter.
"Of course, his parents didn't approve of me at first. Being a lowly commoner. But your father stood by me. No matter what they said he wouldn't let them push me away. After a while, they finally warmed to me and you father and I were married." She laughed again and said "And just like that...I went from a common villager to the Princess of Edenia. It was almost like a fairy tale.
"Not long after, your father's parents passed the throne on to him and we became the King and Queen of Edenia. We both wanted a child so much." she looked at me and smiled again, even though another tear was coming down her face. "I'll never forget the day I had you. You didn't even cry. You were so serene. I remember the first time I held you in my arms...I swore to myself...I wasn't going to be like my mother. I was going to treat you right. I was going to make sure you only had the best life..." she then stopped and stared at me as tears started to pour from her eyes. "I'm sorry, Kitana. I'm so sorry."
I couldn't take it. I ignored the pain and I sat up and hugged my mother tightly. I heard my mother say "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I left you. I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry I said all those things. Can you ever forgive me?"
It's strange...for so long I'd been seeking my mother's forgiveness. I never thought she'd want mine. "It wasn't your fault. I know you didn't mean it."
"Never again. I'll never hurt you again. I'll never leave you again."
I didn't want to let go. I had my mother back. I can't describe how it felt. There are no words that can describe what it was like to have my mother back. To know that all the pain and hardship I went through brought something good. My mother held me in her arms and for just a moment I was a little girl again. I had my mother back.
"Thank you." I whispered quietly under my breathe. I can't say who I was thanking. God, the Elder Gods, Fate...it doesn't really matter. One way or another my mother was returned to me and we were safe. And for that I was grateful. "Thank you."
Every muscle in my body was still killing me. But I didn't care. I didn't want to let go. I got the feeling my mother didn't want to either. Finally after several minutes I laid back down, still hurting from Shao Kahn's attacks on me.
My mother noticed me cringe slightly as I lay down and she said "You should get some more rest."
"It's okay." I answered. "Mother...what happened? How long have I been out?"
"Only for the night. Your friend from Earth...Liu Kang..." she paused and smiled...she seemed to be trying to contain her joy, "He did it. He defeated Shao Kahn."
I smiled and said "He did?"
"Yes. It's over."
"Really?"
"What's left of Outworld's forces are retreating back."
I let out a sigh of relief. He did it. Against all odds...he did it. I looked at my mother and noticed her trying to hold back a laugh. "What is it?" I asked.
"After Kahn was defeated, all the souls he stole burst from his body. I mean literally burst." she paused and laughed a little, "From what I've heard...now Kahn's nowhere to be found."
I sat up and quietly asked "You don't mean..?" I dared not believe it. Not even dream it. It couldn't be. It was too good to be true.
"He's gone." my mother answered, barely containing her joy. "Shao Kahn is dead."
I was speechless. I truly can not find any words to describe how much joy those words brought me. Shao Kahn is dead. I just can't...Shao Kahn is dead. Finally...after so long...so many years of fear...Shao Kahn is dead. I couldn't say anything. All I could do was start laughing. I don't think I ever laughed like that in my whole life.
I slowly rose from bed and my mother said "Kitana you really should stay in bed..."
"I can't stay in bed now. After hearing that." I said eagerly. "I have to see Liu...I have to...do something..." I really couldn't contain myself. Suddenly the pain in my body didn't matter anymore. Shao Kahn was gone. My only regret is that I wasn't able to see it. I turned and noticed my mother appeared very tired herself. "Have you gotten any sleep mother? You look tired."
"No...no I'm fine." my mother answered with a smile. "But I think if you're still hurt, you should..."
"I couldn't possibly sleep now." I said looking out the window. We appeared to still be in the city where Kahn's fortress was. Only now it looked...actually very pretty. I also noticed dozens of people outside. "Did Liu beat Kahn before the realms finished merging?"
"Yes. After he defeated Kahn all the souls he stole from the Earthrealmers returned to their bodies. From what I can tell...Earth is practically back to normal." she answered, followed by a yawn.
I paused a moment to take in how beautiful the Earth is. Up until that point I had only seen Earth while it was merging with Outworld. It was beautiful. A bright blue sky...green grass...the trees...it was all so breathtaking. The city itself was very impressive. The buildings were massive, stretching into the sky. I was about to continue talking when I saw my mother had dozed off. Guess she really was tired.
I took a blanket from the bed and gently placed it on her. I took one last moment, appreciating that I had my mother back. I then walked out the door, hoping I'd find Liu and the others.
"How you feeling?" I heard someone say behind me. I turned and saw Jade sitting outside the doorway. I didn't bother to say anything and quickly hugged her. I was in such a good mood. Jade laughed and said "Feeling good, I see."
"You have no idea Jade. I can't even begin to describe how I feel. I just...I'm afraid I'm dreaming and I'll wake up any moment."
Jade nodded and said "I know what you mean. Bet you never thought things would work out so well."
"Never would have dreamed." I looked at my friend and said "I'm glad you're with me Jade."
Jade smiled, then said "I just saw you with your mother. I didn't want to interrupt..."
"I still can't believe it. I mean...I never..." I paused a moment, but I still couldn't find the words. I just repeated quietly, "I have my mother back."
"How is she?"
"She's asleep. Guess she's tired..."
"She should be. She stayed by your side all night."
I nodded and asked "Do you know where Liu is? I'd like to talk with him."
"He's on the roof." she paused and added, "I think he's waiting for you."
I nodded and went to the rooftop. I stepped outside and felt the soothing breeze gently flow by me. Being outside I truly got to marvel at Earth's beauty. It was so bright. Unlike anything I'd seen in Outworld. As I looked around I realized what a shame it would have been if Kahn ruined this realm as well.
I saw Liu standing by the corner of the roof staring out at the view. I slowly approached him. Although I was grateful for what he had done...I remembered how the last time we spoke...it was about...my past.
"Hi." I said quietly.
Liu turned and looked at me. He had some small cuts and bruises on his face...I guess from the fight with Kahn. He smiled and said "Hey." I stood beside him and he asked "How are you feeling?"
"Hurts to move." I answered. "But I don't really care. How about you?"
"Sore. But I'll live."
I laughed quietly. I remembered that's what I said to him after our fight. We were both quiet for several moments until I said "Liu...I'm sorry I didn't tell you about..."
"You know they say you can tell everything you need to know about someone by looking into their eyes." he interrupted. "Windows to the soul...I think that's what they say eyes are. If you're good at it...you can find out everything about a person just by looking into their eyes." he paused and looked at me then continued "I was angry when you told me about your past. And I was angry that you lied to me."
"Liu I..."
"Let me finish." he cut in. "I was angry...at first. I do understand why you didn't tell me. I understand why you didn't want to tell me." He then paused a moment, then continued "But more importantly...I realized...whatever you did in your past...it's in your past. Because all this time...I've looked into your eyes...I look into your eyes now...and I don't see the eyes of a killer."
"You don't..?"
"No." He then gently placed his hand on my cheek and said "Because when I look into your eyes...I see...a brave...determined...hopeful woman...trying to make things right...even though life never makes it easy."
"Really..?"
He smiled and said "Yeah. Whatever type of person you were...it doesn't matter...because you're not like that anymore. You are a good person."
I could feel the tears come down my face. I'd been telling myself for so long...hoping and praying that it was true...that I wasn't "Kitana the Bloody" anymore...to finally hear someone else say it...all I could say was "Thank you, Liu Kang." I hugged him tightly and repeated "Thank you."
I owe Liu Kang much. He had done so much more than save my life. More than free me from Shao Kahn. He gave me hope. He made me believe that good could win. That there was hope for Edenia...hope for me. But now...he believed in me. He believed that I could change. That I have changed. I...love him. I finally realized that morning...on that rooftop...I love him.
Looking back...I wish I actually told him.
I spent the next few days recovering on Earth. From what I saw, the Earth was recovering, too. It was all so nice, to have my mother, Jade, and Liu with me. To finally be at peace...free from Kahn's evil. It all seemed too good to be true. It's funny...I almost didn't want to leave. But I knew I would soon have to return to Outworld. I wanted to restore Edenia. There was still much work to be done.
Jade returned to Outworld first. She said she'd contact the Outworld Resistance and try to organize them. I wished Jade the best and hoped she'd have a better luck getting the Resistance to follow her than I did. Hopefully word of our exploits on Earth reached the rebels and they finally realized I could be trusted.
After a few days my mother and I received word from Jade that the rebels were ready and willing to follow my lead. With Shao Kahn gone Outworld was surely in chaos. If I were to restore Edenia I'd have to form some kind of order first. Mother returned to Outworld to meet with Jade and the rebels. Since she is the Edenian Queen, I guess it was best that she went to personally gain their trust and loyalty.
Finally the day came when I decided to go back. Liu and I traveled to Shang Tsung's island where the portal to Outworld was about to close. The rest of Outworld's forces were all gone. Liu and I stood in front of the portal as it slowly shrunk away.
"I guess this is it." I said quietly.
"It's not a good-bye. We'll meet again." he answered.
I smiled and said "I know. I won't say good-bye...just...thank you." I took his hand and continued "Thank you...for everything Liu."
I slowly backed away into the portal when Liu said "Thank you Kitana."
"For what?"
He smiled and said "For making me a hero."
I took one last look at him and stepped through the portal. I emerged back in Outworld as the portal closed in front of me. As it closed I wondered what Liu meant by that. I wondered...did I give Liu something to fight for? Obviously he had to fight for his realm and his people...but I remembered what he told me...about how I made him feel like he's more than he is. How he wanted to make me happy. Did I in some way give him...something more to fight for? I was not saddened by leaving Earth. I knew we'd meet again. Someday. I then left to find mother and the others.
My mother sent a message that everyone was meeting near the old ruins near the southern regions. I suppose it was fitting for us to meet there to discuss how we'd restore Edenia. It was where I first met Ikarus.
As I remembered Ikarus I recalled how he knew my mother and father. But I killed him. I then wondered how my mother felt about the things I did while I was loyal to Kahn. We'd been avoiding the subject for the past few days. I'd guessed that my mother paid little mind to it. I assumed she understood that I didn't know at the time...and she herself knows how Shao Kahn uses people. Nevertheless, it was something I wanted to talk with her about. I guess...I just needed closure.
I reached the ruins by nightfall. There were several rebels gathered and camped all around. Upon my arrival everyone fell silent, which made me feel rather uncomfortable. There was a part of me that feared I was in for a repeat of the first time I met with the rebels. I quickly walked to a large tent at the end of the encampment.
I went inside where I found my mother and Jade standing alongside the two rebels I had met before, Jagger and Seifer. They were gathered around a table with all sorts of scrolls and maps spread out all over it.
"Good to see you made it Kitana." mother said.
"Forgive my lateness." I said approaching them.
"Lady Kitana." Jagger said quietly with a slight bow.
"So, what have I missed?"
"We were just discussing the orb that holds Edenia to Outworld." Jade answered.
"Yes. Edenia was once it's own realm. But it merged with Outworld after Kahn conquered." mother said.
"According to legend, Edenia is bound to Outworld by some kind of mystical orb. Supposedly if we can find the orb and shatter it, Edenia will be freed from Outworld." Jagger added.
"What about the people?" I asked.
"From what we've been reading all Edenians will be instantly be transported to Edenia too." mother answered. "We just have to find the orb."
"Do we have any idea where it is?"
"Yeah. " Jade answered. "Seifer and I did some digging and we think the orb is hidden in the Ice Regions up north."
I looked at the map and cringed slightly. The Ice Regions were massive and practically uninhabitable. "You couldn't find out anything more specific?"
Jade shook her head and said "No, unfortunately. From what I can tell, the hard part will be finding the orb."
"We're going to organize into small groups and search for the orb." mother said.
"It won't be easy. The Ice Regions are freezing...you can't stay outside for too long. And the orb could be anywhere. This may take some time." I said.
"Fortunately, Edenians are known for their patience." Jagger said quietly.
I nodded and asked "How soon will we begin the search?"
"We're going to organize the groups tomorrow and then head north." mother answered. "In the meantime I suggest we call it a night and rest up."
Jade, Jagger, and Seifer bowed and turned to leave the tent. Jagger, however, stopped and quietly said to me "Lady Kitana, I'd like to speak with you for a moment in private." I followed Jagger and Seifer outside. They stared at me for several moments and I felt very nervous. The last time I saw Jagger he was holding a knife to my throat. He said I killed his father...I doubted very much that he had forgotten. After several moments he finally said "Lady Kitana...I feel I owe you...an apology." My eyes widened. I honestly was not expecting that at all. "The last time we met...was not the most pleasant...and I feel I should apologize for not listening to you..."
"Jagger..." I cut in, "That isn't necessary. I understand why you didn't trust me. And I can understand if you still feel any...resentment...towards me."
"I won't lie to you princess...I don't think I can ever forgive you for what you did to my father." he paused a moment then added "But I can accept that you've changed and that you're trying to make things right."
I nodded and said "Thank you, Jagger. That's all I ask." I then extended my hand for a handshake. He stared at me for a moment, then shook my hand and nodded. "Rest for tomorrow. We have much to do." I said before returning inside the tent for some sleep.
The next morning we all awoke and organized our groups. We kept the groups to teams of two to three. We figured the smaller the teams, the more ground we could cover. Searching the Ice Regions for something we had no idea where it was hidden was dangerous. The possibility of freezing to death was high, so we warned each team to be cautious as they traveled. And not to try to rush the search. Jagger made a good point about Edenians. We have plenty of time.
I wanted to search the furthest up north, which was potentially most dangerous area. I felt I should be the first to take the most risks. Jade paired herself with me, despite my attempts to dissuade her. Mother wanted to be with me too, but I insisted she stay with Jagger and the other leaders.
The search for the orb was brutal. The Ice Regions are a wasteland of ice and snow. Almost unbearably cold. Even though Jade and I wore numerous layers of clothes and furs we were both freezing. Every few days we'd meet with some other teams for an update on everyone's progress. Still no luck.
For some reason though, I insisted we press further north. I can't really describe it...but I felt as though I was being drawn further up. It was like...as if deep down in my soul...I could just feel the orb was somewhere up there. I decided to follow my instincts and keep moving up. Jade stayed with me every step of the way, even though I think the cold was harder on her than me. Jade always said she preferred the desert.
After a few days, Jade and I discovered a large frozen cave buried deep within a large mountain. Again...I felt drawn inside. There was something that seemed to be guiding me. Jade and I entered the cave and started looking around.
"You really think it could be in here?" Jade asked.
"I don't know Jade. I don't know how...but I can just feel we're close."
"Maybe it's destiny." she mumbled.
I laughed slightly, but didn't put much thought into it. I never believed in destiny. Actually...I just don't want to believe in destiny. I admit, I'm not the most optimistic person. I tend to always expect the worst. Being that way, there's something about it all being predestined that scares me.
But then again...maybe all that's happened to me is part of my destiny. All those dreams I had while I was still loyal to Shao Kahn. I had those dreams before I even knew what Edenia was. Maybe they were part of something bigger. Maybe I really wasn't meant to be that way. Maybe I do have a destiny after all. But...who says destinies are always good? Suppose I have a destiny...should I be happy...or scared?
As I thought I kicked aside some snow and ice hoping I'd find the orb. I then noticed something buried in the ice. It was smooth and looked like glass...but it didn't look like ice. I brushed aside some of the snow around it and it looked like a glowing piece of glass that was embedded into the ice.
"Jade! Come here!" I called to her.
She ran over and asked "What is it? You find something?"
"I think so." I answered, digging into the ice.
She started to dig too and eventually we broke out of the ice a large...well, orb. It looked like it was made of glass and there seemed to be a bright pulsing light contained inside. I held it up and stared at it.
"You think this is it?" Jade asked.
"I guess." I answered. "I mean...what else could it be?"
Jade nodded, then asked "So what now?"
"Jagger said all we have to do is shatter it and Edenia'd be free right?"
"Yes." She then paused a moment and asked "Want to do it now? Or should we tell the others first?"
I thought about it, then said "Well...I guess we should wait until we..." I trailed off and looked at Jade. She looked at me and we both shared the same thought.
"Count of three?" she said with an eager smile.
I nodded and began "One..."
"...two..." Jade continued.
We both took a deep breathe as I raised the orb over me head. After a few moments we both said "Three!"
I threw the orb down and it shattered instantly on the ground. A strong wind filled the cave and was followed by a loud howl. The light that was inside the orb violently burst out and suddenly everything went to black.
I didn't know at the time...but the next I would wake up I'd be on Edenian soil...
End of Chapter XXI