"Insurrection"
I awoke the next morning in the old Edenian Temple and for just a brief moment forgot where I had slept for the night and why. As I sat up, I remembered what was happening and let out a slight sigh. I walked over to nearby window and noticed how dreary it was outside. It appeared to be early morning, but it looked darker. I figured it was from Shinnok's invasion. There was an ominous stillness in the air, the kind before a violent storm, and I feared it would only get worse the longer Shinnok was on the loose.
I walked to front of the temple and saw Liu talking with Kung Lao. That Kung Lao was here surprised me, because I had heard he was killed during the final battle with Shao Kahn's forces. Apparently those rumors were false. I walked over and Liu seemed especially happy to see Kung Lao had arrived.
"Kitana, look who's here." Liu said.
"It's good to see you again Kung Lao." I answered, trying to hide my surprise that he was alive.
"Princess." he answered calmly.
"He's come back to help us fight Shinnok." Liu said.
"There's another reason I've returned that you should know about Liu."
"What is it?"
"I've learned that Goro is alive. He's returned and he seeks to fight you again."
I was shocked, but probably not as much as Liu. Goro had been missing and presumed dead since Liu defeated him in the Mortal Kombat tournament years ago.
"Goro..? I can't believe it..." Liu said. "Where's he been all this time?'
"I think he's been in hiding. Disgraced that he lost to you." Kung Lao answered. "I don't know if he's working for Shinnok, but I've come to settle some unfinished business with him."
Liu nodded and said "It's good to have you back Lao."
We went back into the temple, but I kept thinking about Goro's return. I'd only met him once or twice, hundreds of years ago. He seemed like a very honor-bound warrior, always concerned with what was best for his people. I began to wonder if perhaps Goro was only loyal to Shao Kahn because it kept his people safe.
My thoughts were interrupted by Liu who sat beside me and asked "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay." I answered. "About as well as I can be considering."
"You're worried about you mother and Jade?"
"Yes. I hated leaving them there. And I hate sitting here not knowing if they're safe."
"Don't blame yourself. There's only so much you can do."
"I'm just scared Shinnok or Quan Chi will do something to them because I escaped."
"Try not to think that way. I'm sure they're okay."
I looked at Liu a moment, then smiled and said "You know I honestly kind of missed this. You always trying to cheer me up."
"Apparently it's what I do best." he said.
I laughed a little and said "I'm glad to be with you again Liu. I really am."
Liu was smiled and was about to say something when Raiden arrived and announced "We can no longer stay here. Shinnok's forces are preparing to move into Earth."
"Shit." I heard Sonya grumbled.
"We can no longer delay." Raiden continued. "The Heavens and the Forces of Light have been decimated by Shinnok's attacks. As of now we are Earth's only defense. We have to return and form a plan."
With that everyone started getting ready to leave. Liu then came over to me and said "Are you coming with us?"
I thought about it a moment and answered "No, I'm staying here."
"What?"
"If Shinnok's forces are moving to Earth, then this may be my best chance to regroup my forces and retake Edenia."
"Kitana...I'm not sure about this. I think it'd be safer if you came with us..."
"Liu, my mother and Jade are still trapped in the Palace. I don't want to delay." I quickly answered. "And besides, Shinnok's using this realm as a base. If I can regroup my forces and retake Edenia, we can prevent reinforcements and the rest of Shinnok's forces will be cut off."
Liu stared at me for a few moments. "Kitana...after what happened in the Palace...I don't want to risk losing you again..."
"I know. But I cannot leave here without knowing my mother and my people are safe."
Liu was about to say something when we heard Kung Lao say "She won't be alone. I'm staying too." Liu and I stared and Kung Lao in shock for a few moments and he continued "If Goro is here in Edenia, then I must stay to face him. I will help Kitana gather her forces."
"Thank you Kung Lao." I said.
Liu still seemed hesitant, but finally said "Very well. But be careful, both of you."
As I prepared to leave, I saw Liu pull Kung Lao to the side and start talking to him. Liu still looked very concerned. After a few moments, they shook hands and Kung Lao came to me. "Where shall we start?"
"There's a camp hidden not far from here. We set it as a rendezvous point in case of any sudden invasions."
"Like this one?"
"I suppose. Although we had Outworld in mind when we had the camp set up." I answered. "If any of Edenia's forces escaped and are still alive, that's where they'll be."
"Did Tanya know of this base? What if she told Shinnok?" he asked.
"No, thank God. Only myself, Jade, my mother, and a few of our Elite Guards and Generals knew of the base. And we kept no documents of it's existence in the Palace."
"Kind of paranoid."
"Centuries of Shao Kahn will do that."
Kung Lao nodded and said "Very well."
After everyone was ready, we wished each other luck and set out. Liu and the others went with Raiden while Kung Lao and I headed south where the secret camp was. As we journeyed, I kept feeling this ominous chill running up and down my back. It was hard to describe, but I kept feeling this dark presence in the back of my mind. I felt it while I was escaping the dungeons. What was even stranger was...it felt oddly familiar.
I tried to shake off my dread as my thoughts returned to Goro. If Goro only worked for Shao Kahn out of the best interests of his people, perhaps with Kahn dead I could persuade him to form a truce with my people and the Centaur. Certainly if their prince would agree to peace then the rest of the Shokan would too.
I'd have to find him and hopefully he'd be willing to listen. As Kung Lao and I approached the canyons where the base was hidden I decided I'd worry about Goro after Shinnok was destroyed. Kung Lao and I were careful not to be followed, but I told him it would be best if we didn't sneak up on the base. There would be lookouts posted so I wanted to ensure they'd see us coming. As Kung Lao and I walked through the narrow canyon we suddenly heard a loud whistle, like a bird. I knew what it really was though; the signal that someone was coming.
Sure enough within a few minutes we saw a small group of soldiers approaching us, led by Seifer. I figured several more soldiers were hidden around the canyon in case this was a trap.
"Lady Kitana." Seifer said.
We were both quiet for a moment and I knew he was waiting for me to confirm it was really me. As absurd as that may sound, one must bear in mind among our enemies is a shapeshifting sorcerer and my evil clone. I said in Edenia's native tongue "I was the one who gave you your scar."
Seifer nodded. My proof was sufficient because one, very few knew Edenia's native language. I didn't even learn it until after Kahn was destroyed. And two, even less know I was the one who scarred Seifer's face. He then said "Good to see you've escaped, Princess. May I ask how?"
"My guards were sloppy."
"That's it?"
"It is suspicious, I know."
"And this?"
"This is Kung Lao of Earth." I paused and said "It IS really him, I know."
Seifer nodded and signaled all soldier to return to camp. As we started walking Seifer asked "Were you the only one able to escape?"
"Yes." I answered quietly. "I only found Jade and my mother and I...I didn't have time to get them out."
"I'm sorry." he replied in his usual monotone voice. I noticed that Seifer always talks with a very deadpan tone, like he feels nothing. I was always kind of curious why.
"Have any of you heard about Tanya?" I asked.
"Tanya..? No."
"She was the one who allowed Shinnok and Quan Chi to invade. She betrayed us."
"How'd you find out?"
"Jade told me as I was escaping. She was also leading the Earth fighters to an ambush." As I talked about Tanya I heard one of the soldiers behind me mumble "that bitch" under his breath which honestly made me laugh a little. "When this is over we'll have to deal with her." Seifer nodded as we reached the camp where thousands of soldiers were based. I was pleased to see so many managed to elude capture. We entered the main tent where there were several plans and layouts of the Palace all over the tables.
"I assume you'll be looking to make a plan as soon as possible, Princess." Seifer said. "In that case I'll alert the other generals and tell them to meet here."
"Where's Jagger?" I asked, realizing I didn't see him anywhere.
Seifer was quiet for a few moments then answered "Jagger was killed while Shinnok was taking the Capital. He left me in charged of his units and told me to regroup everyone here." He left the tent, leaving Kung Lao and me. I sat down as news of Jagger's death started to sink in.
"Are you okay?" Kung Lao asked.
"I'll be fine." I answered even though I felt horrible. I thought about Jagger and anyone else who died in this. Everyone who have fought for so long to free Edenia only to die when we were so close. It wasn't fair. I felt so frustrated. My people have suffered enough, they deserve their freedom. As Seifer returned with some of our generals, I swore to myself that I would never allow something like this to happen again.
The other generals courteously bowed and I began "I'm pleased to see so many have made it here. Tell me, have any plans been made so far?"
Seifer stepped forward and said "When we were constructing the Palace we had a hidden passageway built that led in side from the waterfall behind the Palace. When the time was right we planned to use it to retake the Palace."
"The risk is we figure by now Shinnok's forces have already found it. It's probably fortified with Demons." a general named Doremo said.
"I suppose." I said. "However, I've learned that Shinnok's moving his forces to invade Earthrealm. I think if we're ever going to take the Palace back, that would be the best time."
"It's still dangerous. As long as Shinnok lives, his Demons are strong." Doremo said.
"Then we can only hope the Earth fighters find a way to destroy Shinnok." I said. There was a tense silence after I said that and I continued "I know our chances of victory are slim. But this may be our only opportunity to retake the Palace. And if we can divert Shinnok's forces that may give the Earthrealm fighters the time they need to defeat Shinnok." I paused a moment then continued "We have all worked and fought too long and too hard to lose our realm now. And I for one would rather die than allow that bastard and his abominations ruin our realm any longer. I would rather die than see our realm and people be enslaved for another 10,000 years. If this is to be the end of Edenia, then I say we die fighting in glory."
The other generals, even Seifer, all smiled and agreed that we would move out that night. We'd camp out near the hidden entrance by the waterfall and assault the Palace the following day. Kung Lao commended me on a nice motivational speech. I told him it was mostly just me venting my frustration, which he found rather funny.
That night the Edenian Army marched towards the Palace. Advance scouts reported they saw the bulk of Shinnok's forces mobilizing towards a portal I assumed led to Earthrealm. They also said that a little less than half of his forces remained in the Capital City. Even less than half of the Demon army outnumbered us and the scouts said the portal to the Netherealm was still open, which meant reinforcements could still come. I don't think it was lost on anyone that we were more than likely marching to certain death.
After we camped the soldiers started to rest for the coming battle, but I once again could not sleep. I found someplace private for me to think, just outside the encampment. I sat on the ground, staring at the large waterfall that was behind the Edenian Palace. It looked so beautiful and serene...I wished so much there could be peace in Edenia. Lasting peace. I wouldn't let myself believe we were going to die. I had to believe that my mother and Jade were still alive. That Liu would come through, as he always does. I couldn't let them shake me. Tanya was wrong. There is hope for Edenia. I just can't give up now.
As I sat there my thoughts drifted to Jagger. His death had started to sink in and I was saddened by it. Jagger had spent his whole life fighting for Edenia..it pained me to know he wouldn't be able to see it full restored. But more than that, I was saddened we couldn't truly settle our differences. He and I managed to form a kind of truce, but I could tell he still resented me for killing his father. I hoped someday when we had the chance we could really put that to rest. But now I'll never get that chance.
"Use some company?" I heard Kung Lao say behind me.
"Sure." I said as he sat beside me. "You can't sleep either?"
"I could. But I saw you sitting here by yourself and thought you might want some company."
"Thanks." I said with a slight laugh. We were quiet for a few moments then I asked "What happened to you after Kahn's invasion? I heard you were dead?"
"I was hurt pretty bad. Barely survived. That's how the rumor started." he began. "And after I healed I just retired from fighting. That added to it."
"You really retired?"
"I wanted to. I was never one for battle. I prefer to meditate...try to find my place in life. Liu has his destiny in life...I'm trying to find mine."
"Is that why Liu entered the Mortal Kombat tournament and not you?" I asked.
"Part of the reason." He paused a moment then quietly said "I also wasn't willing to make the sacrifice."
"What sacrifice?"
He looked at me a moment then cleared his throat and said "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
I stared at him for a moment wondering what he meant. I then shrugge dit off and asked "If you retired, then why return now?"
"I figured Liu and Raiden could use help against Shinnok. But then I heard Goro was still alive. I want to settle my business."
"He killed your ancestor, right?"
"Yes. I decided that if I'm to retire, I want to settle things with him first."
I nodded and said "I understand." I paused then said "Are you going to kill him?"
"I don't know. I'll find out when it happens."
"You don't think he could be an ally?"
Kung Lao stared at me as if he couldn't believe what he heard. After a few moments he said "Excuse me?"
"Before all this happened I was trying to negotiate a truce between the Shokan and the Centaur. I was thinking if I could convince Goro to agree to peace then the rest of his people would too."
Kung Lao shook his head and said "I don't think it can be done."
"Why not?"
"Because I believe Goro will only act in the what he feels will benefit him and his people. I don't think that will include coexistence."
"I also think he'll act for his people. That's why I believe he'll agree to peace."
"Maybe he will...but I think he'll only honor a truce until he sees a better oppurtunity." he said.
"I have to try."
"I think an alliance with an enemy is a lost cause."
I looked at Kung Lao and said "Not too long ago I was an 'enemy.'"
He shook his head and quietly said "All I'll say is don't put too much hope in Goro."
We were both quiet for a few moments then I said "We should get some rest for tomorrow."
Kung Lao and I returned to camp and I tried to get some sleep, but to no success. Still too much on my mind. Tomorrow's battle...in which victory was highly unlikely. My mother and Jade who could be dead. Liu is back on Earth, about to fight a fallen Elder God. On top of all this I was still plagued by that horrible chill. It lingered in my mind...like a splinter. It felt like, a presence in my psyche. A strange feeling of hate...and sadness. And longing.
We decided we would begin the assault at dawn...only dawn never came. The clouds above darkened to an ashen black. Do dark it looked like night. I could hear in the distance thunder rumbling and lightning beginning to flash. As the storm began, I could just feel it...the final battle had begun on Earth. There was no time to waste, I sent word to the other generals we would begin the strike immediately.
We organized our units and used the secret entrance into the Palace underneath the waterfall. We moved in slow, trying to keep it quiet. We any luck, we could move into the Palace and shut the portal to the Netherealm. And then we could take the Palace without suffering heavy losses.
As suspected, Shinnok's forces had found the passageway and placed sentinel guards inside. Fortunately, they weren't paying much attention and we were able to dispose of them quickly and quietly.
As we reached the Palace we spilt up into several units and spread out. I led several units, including Seifer's to the upper levels. As we moved further up into the higher levels of the Palace I kept feeling that horrible chill. I still didn't understand what it was or why I kept having it. I kept trying to shake it off. I didn't want it distracting me.
The I suddenly started to hear a low drum echo throughout the Palace halls. The drumming kept getting louder and faster. The drumming was then followed by the sound of hissing and horrible shrieks. I had a terrible feeling what this meant.
"They know we're here!" I yelled out as a large horde of Demons burst out of a nearby doorway. As my units began to clash with the Demons I continued yelling orders "Spread out! Find the portal and close it! Quickly!" Several of our troops, along with Kung Lao split off and headed in the direction of the Portal Chamber of the Palace.
Seifer, his troops and I fought our into the Demon hordes, pushing them back into the Tribunal Chamber of the Palace. We were outnumbered, but the grunt Demons are very poor fighters. They rely too much on outnumbering and swarming their enemies. The damn things are like cockroaches. Every time we would think the last Demon was dead twelve more would pile into the chamber to fight.
Outside the storm continued to rage. From the looks of it the Demons in the city were trying to pile into the Palace. Finally, after what was maybe an hour of fighting Demons stopped coming into the Chamber.
As we all tried to regain our breath, Seifer said "We can't afford to wait here. We should rejoin the others and back them up."
I nodded then suddenly felt that deep chill run up and down my spine again. The same one I'd been feeling for some time. It was getting stronger...no...coming closer. I realized where it was coming from and what it meant. I realized that I had even before Shinnok's invasion. The first time I felt it was during Kahn's invasion...
"Seifer," I said. "I want you and your men to go into the lower dungeons and free our people. Then regroup and keep pushing the Demons until they're out of the Palace."
"There are too many, Princess." he answered. "I don't know how long we can hold them off."
"I know. Hold them off as long as you can." I said. "Leave me please." Seifer and his men began to leave the Tribunal Chamber and I said "And lock the door after you leave." Seifer stared at me a moment, a little puzzled and I added "Just do it...please."
Seifer and his men left the chamber, locking the door behind them and I drew my fans. That horrible chill in the back of my mind was getting stronger. I could feel her coming. I could feel her anger, getting stronger the closer she came to me. I could feel her mind...she was nervous but eager. I took a deep breath and finally said "I know you're there Mileena."
"I know." she answered, emerging from the shadows.
"It was Shinnok who resurrected you during Kahn's invasion. He sent you back to spy, didn't he?"
"You catch on quick, sister." she said as we began circling each other in the Tribunal Chamber. I hadn't forgotten our last fight. How angry I was at her. But it was cut short by Ermac. Just then Mileena said "There'll be no interruptions this time sister. I've made certain of that."
"It was you who made my escape from the dungeons possible wasn't it? I knew it was too easy."
"Very good." she hissed. "And you already know why I didn't help in Tanya's ambush don't you?"
"Yes."
Mileena drew her sais and coldly said "You are mine to kill Kitana. Mine and mine alone. It is my right. I'll not share my right with an unworthy bitch like Tanya nor will I allow my glory tainted by simply killing you while you're trapped in a cage. Tonight I shall have my revenge...my glory...my honor...when I peel the flesh from your bones!"
"If it's glory you seek Mileena, then come claim it."
And with that Mileena let out a crazed snarl and charged.
End of Chapter XXV