"Promises"
I slowly regained consciousness to what sounded like birds singing and water flowing. I was lying on grass, and I could also hear trees gently blowing in the wind. I also very felt hot, as if it were very warm out. I opened my eyes and saw a light blue sky above my head. I pulled off several layers of the clothes I was wearing and tried to regain my bearings, still feeling very jarred from...whatever happened.
I looked around and I was in field, surrounded by trees. Behind me was a river and I could see a large waterfall not far down. Lying beside me was Jade, who was still unconscious. I slowly crawled to her and tried to wake her up and she started moaning.
I slowly stood up, still feeling pretty out of it. I heard Jade moan and say "What...what happened..? Where are we..?"
As I regained my bearings I remembered what happened. We found the orb that held Edenia to Outworld and we shattered it. And that was supposed to...
"Jade...I think...I think we're..." I paused and took a moment to hope it wasn't a dream. "We're home."
Jade slowly sat up, pulling off some layers of her clothes and said "What do you mean..?"
"We're home...Edenia..." I stopped again to take in what was happening. "We're home!"
Jade slowly got up and it started to sink into her as well. "Oh my god...we...it can't be..." She started looking around, shocked. She then looked at me with a disbelieving smile and repeated "We...we're home..."
We kept repeating "We're home!" to each other for the next several minutes. We then started laughing and cheering like little kids. Once it started to sink in and we calmed down a little bit, we decided to find the others.
As I walked I tried to take in the beauty of Edenia. It was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. Trees, open fields, waterfalls, a bright sky above...it was more beautiful than I dreamed. It was all so tranquil and serene too. It was like paradise. I just couldn't believe this was my home. It was too good to be true.
As Jade and I walked we passed several villages and people who were also transported from Outworld. Although the people seemed a little confused by what happened, most of them appeared to understand that we were free from Outworld. There was celebration in the streets of the villages and people laughing and cheering everywhere. It warmed my heart...to see how much good and joy had come from this.
Finally Jade and I found the others who were also cheering and celebrating. I found my mother and ran to her and said "Mother! We did it! We freed Edenia!"
"I can't believe it." my mother said, overjoyed. "I just can't...who found the orb?"
"We did...Jade and I."
My mother and I hugged and then she went to Jade, I guess to thank her too. I turned around and I saw Jagger standing in front of me. It looked like he was happy, but he wasn't sure how to show it to me. I just smiled and shook his hand and that seemed to do.
We all spent the night celebrating our freedom. Finally after so long we were free from Outworld and Shao Kahn. Our realm was our own again and we no longer had to fear threats from Tarkatans, Shokan, Vampires or any other Outworld creatures. There was celebration everywhere. All over the realm people were laughing and dancing in joy.
When the celebrations were done we began planning reconstruction. We started by organizing the government and the armies, naming officers and officials. I felt it was important we get are forces ready as soon as possible. Although I didn't think we'd be attacked by anyone, we were still weak and vulnerable. We decided to keep the government the way it was before Kahn took over. My mother would remain Queen and once we were done rebuilding we'd allow the people to elect senators for a council.
Once we were organized, we began rebuilding. Besides some small villages scattered around, most of the cities and structures of Edenia were still in ruin. We organized our forces and sent out a call to any volunteers who'd be willing to help reconstruction. The response was overwhelming. I think everyone was thankful to be free and eager to help in any way. We started by rebuilding the Edenian Capital and we'd branch out from there. It was a lot of work, but I didn't mind. I don't think anyone did.
After a few weeks we were almost done with the Palace and began working on the city around it. We sent out a call to all the people to gather in the Capital once it was finished. My mother intended to give a speech to let the people know what was happening.
The day of the speech, I remember I and several others were still working on the city walls. I then heard Jade call to me "Hey, Kitana! There's someone I'd like you to meet." I turned and saw Jade approach with a dark-skinned woman with black hair wearing yellow and black. She was very young looking and had a very calm look on her face. "This is Tanya."
We shook hands and I said "Hello...Tanya."
"Honor to meet you Princess Kitana." Tanya said with a slight bow. "You've probably met my father. I believe the Queen has appointed him as Ambassador to other realms."
"Oh...yes. I have. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Tanya and I have known each other for centuries." Jade said.
"Oh yes." Tanya added. "It's funny...we just have a way of bumping into each other."
Just then we heard someone call to Jade for something. She excused herself and left, leaving Tanya and I alone. I asked "So you're good friends with Jade?"
"You could say that."
"Well...a friend of Jade is friend of mine." I don't know why, but there was something about Tanya that made me feel...uneasy.
"Likewise." Tanya said with a smile. "I must say, with everything happening so fast...it's quite overwhelming."
"I suppose. But...I wouldn't have it any other way."
Tanya nodded and said "I suppose it is best. I mean...as of now, we're still rather vulnerable to an attack..."
"Well...I think we'll manage. Shao Kahn is dead...so who'd attack us now?"
Tanya smiled warmly and said "Indeed. Thank heaven for that." She paused a moment then said "It must be hard...earning everyone's trust. You know...considering..."
I was admittedly put off by her bringing that up, but I shrugged it off and said "Well...I'm trying. We...we do what we have to."
Tanya then quietly said "I know exactly what you mean." She was quiet for a moment, then bowed and said "I take my leave now. It was an honor to finally meet you in person."
"A pleasure...Tanya..."
Just before she left I heard Tanya quietly say "We'll be seeing you...princess."
I don't know why, but there was something about Tanya that made me very uneasy. They way she'd smile and the way she kept looking at me...it was as if she knew something I didn't. I never heard Jade mention knowing anyone named Tanya and was curious how exactly they were friends.
I shook off my unease about Tanya and returned to the Palace. I went to my mother's chamber to see if she was ready for the speech. I entered the chamber where she was sitting at her mirror, staring at herself. As I came closer I noticed she seemed a little depressed. "Mother..? Are you okay?"
"Just getting used to my face in the mirror." she answered. "It's bizarre...that in a way I owe my life to Shao Kahn now."
"I don't think of it that way." I said. "I think of Kahn resurrecting you as some payment for what he took away from us."
Mother nodded and said "I suppose you're right." She paused a moment then said "Still...it appears the mark of Shao Kahn will never go away."
I assumed she was referring to the black marks on her eyes and the black streak in her hair and said "It's not so bad. A small price to pay."
"That wasn't exactly what I was referring to."
I then realized what she meant. She was talking about all those things she said to me while she was under Shao Kahn's control. I knelt beside her seat and said "Mother...don't blame yourself for those things you said. I know you didn't mean any of it. Shao Kahn did that to you. He..." I then trailed off and noticed the irony of me saying that.
From what I've seen, when a person is put under some kind mind-control spell, when they are released or break free they have no clear memory of what they did. It's all blurred and feels like a dream. But apparently, my mother remembered what she did and said clearly. I was always so worried whether the things I did for Shao Kahn were because he made me that way or if it was just me. My mother was now thinking the same thing. That maybe all those terrible things she said, about blaming me for her suicide and hating me...that maybe some of it was true.
"It scares me Kitana." she said. "That maybe there is some part of me inside that...that..." she trailed off, not wanting to finish that sentence.
"No, mother. Don't let him get to you like that. Shao Kahn did those things." I said harshly. I did not want my mother to be tormented by what she did for Shao Kahn the way I am. "He planted those lies into you and twisted them...turning you into something you're not. Making you say things you didn't mean. This is Shao Kahn's fault. Not yours."
"Kitana..."
"Mother, please. I don't want this to get to you like it does me."
"What do you mean?"
I stood up and took a few steps away and asked "Do you remember Ikarus, mother?"
My mother was quiet for a few moments, then answered "Yes."
"And do you know what happened to him?"
My mother rose from her seat and said "Yes. Jade told me." She slowly came towards me and said "You're right Kitana. It IS Shao Kahn's fault." She then gently placed her hands on my shoulders and quietly said "All of it."
"You mean you're not..."
"No. I don't blame you for the things you've done. And I'm grateful to Ikarus...and you should be, too."
"But..."
"Shhhh." she interrupted. She then smiled lightly and said "I think it's time we both let go of the past. No more despair. No more grief."
We hugged one another and I would like to say that was the end of my guilt. That after that I finally let go of the things I did for Shao Kahn. But it seems it will be a while before I can truly move on...if I ever do. And to be honest...my mother hasn't let go either. I can tell when she looks at me...the way she's so protective of me...she hasn't moved on either. Neither of us have been able to let go of our guilt yet...but we tell each other we have.
The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree, I guess.
After a few moments I cleared my throat and said "We have to address the people soon. We should...get ready."
My mother nodded and I left her chamber. It seems no matter what people say...no matter how many times we reassure each other...we just can't let go. I already know it will be harder for me. It would be pretty naive of me to think I can make up 10,000 years of evil in just a few years. I do hope someday my mother and I will be able to let go of our guilt. Maybe when Edenia is fully restored and we are finally able to live in peace without fear...maybe then I will feel I've done enough.
A short while later, my mother, followed by myself and Jade went to a low balcony of the Edenian Palace. Outside, hundreds...maybe thousands of Edenians gathered. My mother stepped forward, while Jade and I remained behind her. I hoped my mother's speech would set everyone's minds at ease. I'm sure with everything that was happening and how fast it was all happening many people were confused.
The crowd fell silent and my mother began "My people! I am Queen Sindel! Some of you may remember me...most of you probably do not! I am also sure many of you have heard how recently I was loyal to Shao Kahn and I'm sure you are concerned of what this means! I assure all of you, I am free from Shao Kahn's evil influence and I have no intention of subjecting any of you to the same! We are free! We are our own kingdom again! Never again will we be subjected to the cruelty of Outworld!" The crowd began to cheer and clap for a few moments until my mother continued "I won't lie to you! We have much work ahead of us! And we must work together if we are to restore our world to it's former glory! All of us...even me! The times ahead will be hard...but if we remain firm our kingdom will shine once again! And we will be able to live in peace once again!" Again the crowd started to cheer and clap. I was glad to see the people were willing to follow my mother. It seemed the people were just as eager, maybe even more eager, to rebuild our realm. The cheering died down and my mother then said "And now I think it's time you all hear from someone whom I think should be heard!"
My mother then stepped aside and motioned me to come forward. I was a bit taken aback...I wasn't expecting to speak to the people. I honestly didn't want to. After a moment, I composed myself and decided they should hear from me as well.
I cleared my throat and began "Many of you know me...or at least my reputation. I make no secret of my past...I know...many of you have plenty reason to hate me. I will make no excuses nor do I ask for your sympathy. I know I've wronged many of you...and I know nothing I do will make up for that. I will not ask for you forgiveness nor will I ask for your loyalty or your trust. I know I must earn it. All I ask is that you give me a chance. If you are willing to give me that chance I swear to each and every one of you I will do everything in my power to live up to that. I know times ahead will be hard...I make you no promises or guarantees save these two: I promise you, as long as there is a breathe in my body I will never let our realm be enslaved again. I also make you this promise: Kitana the Bloody is dead!"
The crowd was silent for a few moments then burst into cheers and applause. It was then I truly understood what it meant to be the Princess of Edenia. These were my people. Their safety was up to me. They were willing to give me a second chance and for that I was grateful. I could not them down. I stepped back inside the palace and secretly prayed that I'd be able to keep those promises.
My mother made another speech regarding how we'd rebuild and restore Edenia. I didn't really pay attention. I wandered off back into the palace and tried to take everything in. It was strange, trying to adjust to my new responsibilities. Even though I used to believe I was Shao Kahn's daughter, and even though he was the Emperor, I never really considered myself a princess. I was always just "the Emperor's daughter." I was his assassin. But now I really was a princess. "Princess Kitana." A title I'd have to get used to.
As night fell, I decided to go for walk. For just a moment I decided to forget my responsibilities and just take in the beauty of my realm. It really is like a paradise. As I walked I found myself returning to the cemetery where my father's grave was. I stood before his tombstone and remembered the last time I was saw it. The morning I made my vow to overthrow Kahn.
I knelt before the tombstone and quietly said "I'm doing it, father. I've already come so far. Shao Kahn is finally dead...we are free...I hope now you can rest in peace."
"I hope so, too." I heard my mother say behind me.
I stood up and we stared at his grave for a few moments. I asked "Do you miss him?"
"Every day."
"I wish I could've met him."
"He was a great man. Generous...noble...giving...I wish you could've known him, too."
We were quiet for a few moments and I asked "You think he'd be proud of me?"
My mother smiled and said "Think? No." She looked at me and finished "I know he would. Because I am."
"Really..?"
She nodded and said "Not because of who you were. Because of who you are. He'd be proud that you changed your life and made it better."
I smiled and said "Thank you."
We stood before my father's grave for a few more minutes before my mother said "Come Kitana. Let's go home."
With that we left and returned to the palace. I can't describe my gratitude. Shao Kahn was dead. My mother, my friends, my people, my realm...everything worked out better than I ever could have dreamed.
This would be the closest I'd ever come to a happy ending.
I should've known it wouldn't last.
End of Chapter XXII