"Lost Causes"
I first met my "sister" Mileena when I was a little younger than 100 years old. Being a century old sounds elderly, but for an Edenian it's very young. If I was an Earthrealmer, it'd be the same as early teens. I was told she was lost when we were born, but that was lie. I remembered how on our first mission together she fought with great expertise even though she was supposed to have only been training for a few months. Looking back, I realize how much deeper it was than that.
Mileena was created after my training was complete. After I had already killed. It saved Shao Kahn the trouble of more or less training me again. She was created for the specific purpose of being a more evil, more vicious, and more loyal version of me. To achieve this purpose Tarkatan essence was used in her creation, which accounts for her ill-temper, rage, and her deformity.
She would have taken my place had it not been for that. Had her face come out perfectly, had she looked exactly like me, I would have been killed and she'd go on as Shao Kahn's only daughter. More than likely, she would have even taken my name.
But it was not to be. Because of her malformed face, she was given the guise of my "twin sister" and used as my watchdog. Doomed to spend her life in my shadow. But because she was created for loyalty, her anger over the cruelty of her fate was redirected towards me. Her jealousy and bitterness turned to seething hatred and to her I became the single, final obstacle between her and all her goals.
There was a time when I felt pity for her fate. Where I understood her pain and her hatred. There was a time where I hoped I could convince her that while her anger may be justified, I was not the one who deserved it. I thought she could change...turn herself around and become a better person.
But it later became clear to me that no change in Mileena was possible. That she neither could change, nor wanted to. To her, hating me and blaming me was the easy and simple answer to all her problems. Despite my sincere effort to help her she lashed out at me...tried to kill me. Tried to turn my friends against me. And it was here that my pity was replaced by a matching hatred for her.
Mileena and I have spent our lives in constant competition. We've sparred hundreds of times, but never anything decisive. We have only fought...really fought to the death...twice. The first time ended with my victory, despite the fact I was injured during that battle. But looking back on that fight...I wonder, just as Mileena has, how much of my victory do I owe to my fighting skills, as opposed to taking advantage of Mileena's blind anger? And how would the outcome have been affected had I not been trying to reason with Mileena?
Our second battle was during Shao Kahn's invasion of Earth. But that fight proved nothing. We both blindly attacked each other in raw fury. It was not a test of skill but a violent venting of our shared loathing. And ultimately our fight, if that's what one could call it, was cut short by an ambush of my step-father's soldiers who were sent to capture me.
When Mileena was resurrected she was granted with the ability to read my mind. I've come to realize that our connection works both ways. While I cannot read her exact thoughts, I can feel her presence in her mind. I can feel her emotions and feelings almost as if they're my own. Mileena had been recruited by Shinnok to serve in his armies and since their arrival in Edenia I felt Mileena's mind. Eagerly anticipating our rematch. The chance to finally find out who the better of us truly is.
I realize now how much proving herself as my better means to Mileena. She has risked much to ensure this rematch between us. She allowed, no more than that...she made it easy for me to escape the dungeons. She did not assist in Tanya's ambush as she was ordered. She has disobeyed Shinnok and is risking far more than her life for a chance to face me in Mortal Kombat.
With the final battle with Shinnok's forces under way on both Edenia and Earth, Mileena and I would face each other once again. It was just the two of us, locked in the Tribunal Chamber of the Edenian Palace. We were both in peak condition and more than ready to fight. However...as what was intended to be our final battle began...I couldn't help but feel there was something missing.
Mileena charged at me, fiercely swinging her sais at me. Her moves were fast and fluid, as they've always been. But better than I'd seen from her in years. She must've been practicing. I played defense, as I prefer to do. When I found an opening I tried to take her down with a few low kicks but Mileena backflipped out of the way.
I waited for her to charge again, but instead she attempted to hit me with her Teleporting Kick. I tried to catch her in my Fan Lift would have trapped her suspended in the air, but apparently that's what she planned. She deliberately missed her Teleport Kick just out of range of my Fan Lift and did her sai energy throw.
The shot hit me in the arm and rib and sent me to the floor. The energy doesn't really stab its victim like a real sai would...but it sure as hell feels like it. As I tried to regain my bearings Mileena paused, apparently surprised the shot connected. I was a little surprised, too. I should've seen it coming or at least been able to avoid it. There was something wrong.
As I stood up I wondered if maybe I was unconsciously underestimating Mileena. I tried to shake that off. A warrior underestimates Mileena at their own risk. And from what I'd seen so far, Mileena was fighting far more carefully than I'd ever seen before. During our first fight I won by taking advantage of her anger. I couldn't expect her to make the same mistake twice.
Mileena charged again and we continued fighting. I decided to try to disarm her. Hopefully then I'd beat her through technique. I managed to knock one of the said from her hand, but at the cost of one of my fans. Mileena caught on what I was trying to do and shoved me away and ran to retrieve her sai. I threw my other fan which knocked her weapon from her reach. As Mileena turned around I caught her with a new attack I'd been practicing. She had never seen the move and it caught her off guard. It was a jumping kick I'd just been calling the Pretty Kick.
The kick connected and knocked her other sai from her hand and also hit her head. Mileena went down and as I moved in to press my advantage she caught me with a sweep kick. She attempted to kick me again in the face as I was down but I managed to avoid it in time. As I was about to stand Mileena suddenly caught me with her Ground Roll. There was something very wrong. I shouldn't have fallen for that sweep kick and I should've seen her Ground Roll coming. What was wrong with me?
I hit the ground hard and quickly tried to pull myself up, but Mileena was already on me. She tore into me with quick and brutal precision. I tried to fight back, throwing a roundhouse kick that was embarrassingly slow...especially for me. Mileena easily blocked it and answered with a sharp chop to my throat.
I normally know how to counter chops to the throat but like some kind of amateur I tried to hit her with a back elbow which left my back, particularly my kidneys, wide open for Mileena to start pounding. She held me in place by my arm and viciously struck my back five times and ending with a hard knee to the center of my back.
I stumbled forward and just stood there for a moment as Mileena ran forward and smashed me with a hard diving kick that sent me hard to the floor. What was wrong with me? I've never fought this bad.
As I lied on the floor in pain Mileena just stared at me before saying "What is this? What's the matter with you?"
I managed to pull myself up as Mileena slowly approached me. She threw a few punches, deliberately slow, slow enough that anyone with a decent amount of experience should've been able to block and counter. But each one hit me. It was at this point I started to think that I wasn't going to win this fight. I didn't know what it was but there was something wrong with me. I wasn't distracted. I wasn't holding back. I didn't understand...but there was something very wrong. Mileena could see it too.
"What is this!" she yelled as she violently kicked me to the floor. "What are you doing! You've never fought this terribly!"
I tried to stand again but fell back down to the floor. I slowly started to drag myself away from Mileena. I needed to think of something. I couldn't beat her in this state. Mileena just stared at me crawling on the floor. I admit I must have looked pretty pathetic.
After a few moments Mileena quietly said "No...no...this isn't right. Something's wrong..." After a few moments Mileena suddenly hissed and started violently pounding my face. As she hit me she started yelling "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you, you bitch! You're holding back on purpose! You're trying to taint my victory!" She then started strangling me. Even if I could say something I couldn't think of anything. "I hate you! I've waited so long for this and you try to defile it! I wanted to fight you at your best! I wanted to truly prove I was your better! But no! You hold back!" She then threw me to the floor and continued screaming "Get up! Defend yourself!" I slowly started dragging myself on the floor again and she kicked me while I was down. "Get up! God damn it! I've waited too long for you to do this! I let you escape the dungeons...I waited until this moment...all so I could fight you now at your best and beat you with no question!" I continued dragging myself on the floor and she kicked me again. "GET UP!"
I stopped trying to pull myself up. I couldn't beat her. I didn't know what was wrong with me but I couldn't fight her in that state. I figured I was going to die. As I prepared for death I prayed that Liu would beat Shinnok and my forces would take back Edenia. And hopefully my mother will continue to rule Edenia in peace.
"Don't you dare! Don't you dare give in now!" Mileena then grabbed a handful of my hair and tried to pull me to my feet. "You hear me you bitch! You're going to stand your ground and fight the way I remember you can! You are not going to taint this battle! You will not steal my revenge from me!" She let go of me and I only stumbled back to the floor. Mileena stared at me with a mix of disgust and confusion. After a few moments she quietly said "Wait...you're not doing this on purpose." She just stared at me like she was baffled before finally saying "No...it's not that...it's..." she paused as if she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "You've gone soft. That is it...you've really gone soft." Mileena slowly took a step back and continued "You really...I can't believe it..."
I just stared at her. I honestly didn't know how to respond to that. "I...what...what do you...what do you mean...?"
"What do you think I mean!" she yelled. "You've softened up! You let yourself get weak!" Mileena let out a frustrated scream and continued yelling "I knew it! I knew you'd do this to yourself! I knew this would happen the moment you started that 'I've changed' shit! People don't change! So you just softened yourself up and you think that makes you a 'good person.'" I just stared at her in shock. I couldn't respond to that. She...no...that's not what happened. Mileena walked to her said and picked them up. "You bitch. I should've known you'd do this. It was 'Kitana the Bloody' who was my sister. 'Kitana the Bloody' I sought a victory over. A victory over you as you are now...a victory over 'Kitana the Princess' is meaningless. Mileena walked towards me with her said and said with complete disdain "You're nothing to me now. Die now and get out of my life."
Mileena thrust her sais down and I suddenly caught her arms before they hit. I don't know if it was Mileena's words or something else but all of a sudden I was determined to fight and win in a way I wasn't before. I did not want to die like this. I did not want to die helpless and pathetic at Mileena's feet.
I kicked Mileena away from me and shot up to my feet. I don't know if my sudden urge to win came from anger over Mileena saying I've gone 'soft' or something else but whatever it was, it was enough. I refused to die like that. I was determined to win. I would see my mother again. I would see Liu again. I would live to see Edenia restored.
Mileena looked at me as I charged at her and I noticed a slight spark of eagerness in her eyes. I think she realized...or at least hoped that I'd give her the fight she was truly desiring. She claimed she wanted to fight "Kitana the Bloody." I can't say that was fight I was going to give her, but at the very least I intended to prove fighting "Kitana the Princess" would be just as challenging.
Our fight seemed to go one forever. As if time stopped just for us. The storm that raged outside seemed to mirror our battle. For a moment I forgot about the Demon armies and Shinnok. My mind was focused on the single thought of surviving this battle. Mileena truly was fighting better than I had ever seen her fight. She was controlling herself. Attacking with purpose and not blind rage.
It's funny, but deep down I could feel there was a part of me that enjoyed the challenge. And I dare say...I think I could feel a part of Mileena enjoyed it, too. As we fought, for some reason everything seemed to make sense. Like our battle was planned out for us. Destiny. I started to wonder if maybe Mileena's life and mine are truly intertwined. That maybe in some strange, twisted way we could not live without the other. Deep thoughts I didn't bother to dwell on for too long. There were more pressing concerns...and I just didn't want to. Mileena is my enemy. All she cares about is ruining my life. She is evil given physical form. A living embodiment of the darkness in my soul.
Our fight dragged on for so long...I lost track of time. After some time we stopped and just stared at one another, trying to regain our breath. As long as our fight was...neither of us could gain a solid advantage over the other. We were too evenly matched.
After several moments I asked "Why Mileena? Why can't you just let go of this hatred for me? Shao Kahn is dead. What will killing me prove?"
"It's more than just that, Kitana." she answered. "I want your status." I stared at her surprised and she continued "I want to be Princess of Edenia. It is my right!"
I was shocked and appalled. "You're right?" I repeated, dumbfounded. "You're...right! Who the hell do you think you are?"
"I am the true daughter of Shao Kahn. I am the one who deserves to inherit his power. Not you."
I can't really describe how disgusted that made me feel. I have worked so hard for so long to free and restore Edenia, my birthplace. And she has the gall to walk into my home and proclaim she deserves it more than me? I usually try not to lose my temper but she set me off. Mileena has a way of doing that.
"You have no right!" I yelled coldly. "You are not my sister! You aren't even a true Edenian! You were born from Shang Tsung's sorcery for Shao Kahn! What right do you have to the throne of Edenia!"
Mileena just stared at me and quietly said "No...no..."
"You are evil incarnate and you have no place in this world! You deserve nothing except an eternity on the bowels of the Netherealm!"
Mileena sank to her knees and continued saying "...no...no..."
I was about to continue, but I relented. I could feel Mileena's pain in my mind. Every word stabbed her in the heart. I looked down at her and slowly started to feel a little bit of pity for her. I suddenly realized that Mileena was specifically created for loyalty. She had no choice in the matter. And I started to wonder...maybe it's not that she won't change...maybe she can't even if she wanted to.
I was about to say something when Mileena said "You are right Kitana. But if I'm to have no right to this realm..." she then paused and looked up at me. Her eyes suddenly turned to glaring hate and I felt her mind. I was about to move but it was too late. "...then neither will YOU!"
With that she gave me a vicious uppercut using all her might and power that launched me into the air and across the room. I landed hard on the Tribunal Headchair which almost even knocked the chair over.
As I struggled to regain my bearings Mileena started to approach saying "You will die sister. And I will take this realm for myself!"
I was too out of it to defend myself. If I was to do something I'd need to act quickly. I then noticed a large switch hidden under the arm of the Headchair. The switch activated the trap door that was built into the floor of the Tribunal Chamber. The purpose of which would be a prisoner found guilty in the Chamber would be dropped to the lower dungeon levels.
I couldn't waste any time. I didn't even think about it fearing Mileena's read my thoughts. As she was about to throw her sais at me I quickly slammed on the switch and the trap door opened beneath Mileena's feet. She let out a horrible shriek as she fell down the well. I heard a slight thud as she hit the ground at the bottom.
I slowly approached the well and looked into it at Mileena's body at the bottom far below. After all we'd been throw it seemed like an anticlimactic way for our battle to end. In the end my last battle with Mileena ended as my previous one had, with me victorious. And like my previous battles, nothing was resolved. Nothing was proven. All that was left was Mileena's broken body and me questioning myself, haunted by her words.
I sat and stared into the dark well for several minutes. I didn't even notice that the storm outside had passed or Jade, Seifer, and several soldiers burst into the chamber.
"Kitana! We won! The Demons are retreating!" Jade yelled running to me.
I snapped out of it and said "Jade..!"
"They must've defeated Shinnok on Earth!" she continued, sounding very happy. "The Demons are in full retreat!"
I let out a sigh of relief and whispered to myself "Thank God."
As I stood up Jade asked "Are you okay? What happened in here?"
"It was Mileena. It was Shinnok who resurrected her." I paused a moment then said "It's over now."
Jade, Seifer, and I left the Tribunal Chamber and met with our other forces. We suffered several losses and the surviving troops were battered and exhausted. But there was a collective relief that we were victorious. But I could tell there was a general unease with everyone. This ordeal with Shinnok and how easily he took our realm left everyone shaken more than anything. Once we recovered I'd have to make sure this never happens again.
Jade then said "Kitana, your mother is with the surgeons right now."
"How is she?" I quickly said.
"I think she'll be okay..." Jade answered a little unsure.
I ran to the surgeons who were helping my mother and asked one of them "How's my mother? Is she all right?"
"She's okay." he answered. "Her injuries aren't that bad. We're taking care of her."
I breathed easy knowing my mother was safe and said "Thank you."
Jade walked to me and asked "Is she okay?"
"Yes. Surgeon said she'll be fine."
"What about you? How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Just shaken up, that's all." We were both quiet for a moment then I remembered Tanya. "Jade, why did Tanya tell you about her ambush?"
Jade looked a little upset and said "She...she wanted me to join her."
"What?"
"She...she said that we..." Jade was quiet and looked very saddened. After a moment she said "It doesn't matter. This is where I belong. Tanya doesn't matter."
I stared at Jade and wondered what it was Tanya said to her. I was also curious what exactly their history together is. But I decided not to press the matter if it upset Jade. I just nodded and said "Okay." If Jade ever wants to tell me what it was Tanya said to her, she'll do it when she's ready.
I tried to find out if Kung Lao was still around but I couldn't find him anywhere. I was later told he left, still trying to find Goro. Goro had been in the Palace, but he wasn't fighting our troops. Apparently he showed no loyalty to Shinnok and was only interested in fighting Liu. I guess with Liu on Earth Goro followed. And with Goro gone, Kung Lao followed too.
We received word that Shinnok and Quan Chi had been defeated. From what I heard, Quan Chi was actually in possession of Shinnok's Amulet. But Quan Chi was dragged into the Netherealm by Scorpion of all people. With the Amulet gone, Shinnok was powerless and had to face Liu in Mortal Kombat. Shinnok was defeated and apparently destroyed. Once again Liu came through in the end, like I knew he would.
With Shinnok gone, we started to recover. Everyone did their part. Everyone was just glad the ordeal was over. With mother injured it was up to me to keep everyone's spirits up. I reassured everyone that the Shinnok incident was a one-time thing and nothing like it would happen again.
Because of Tanya's sudden betrayal we increased our security and decided to be much more careful with whom we allow into our realm and who we recruit for the army and council. Sadly, Tanya's father, who was a good man died shortly after Shinnok's defeat. I think it was grief over Tanya's actions.
I spread word of Tanya's betrayal. In just a few days time Tanya became the most hated person in all Edenia. I learned that she was last seen fleeing to Outworld where I imagine she's going to hide out. If she ever sets foot in Edenia again we'll see to it she dies like she deserves to. That was all the business I had regarding Tanya. Let her rot in Outworld and become a thing of the past.
With Edenia recovering I decided to visit my mother. The doctors said she'd recover soon enough, she just needed plenty of rest. I wish I could've seen her sooner but there was so much to be done. Regardless I was just thankful she survived. Her fate is was frightened me more than anything during this whole Shinnok ordeal. I finally have my mother back after so long...I don't know if I could bear losing her again.
I entered my mother's chamber to find her lying in her bed. She looked pale and weak, but I was relieved she was alive and okay. As I sat beside her bed she slowly opened her eyes and weakly said "Kitana..."
"I'm here mother." I said quietly as I gently held her hand. "You're going to be okay. You just need some rest."
Mother smiled and said "It's funny...after Shao Kahn fell I was by your side...now after Shinnok, it's the other way around."
I let out a slight laugh and said "I'm just glad you're alive. I was so scared..."
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere." We were both quiet for a moment then mother said "It seems once again we are in Liu Kang's debt."
"Yes. I plan on going to Earth soon to thank him personally."
My mother looked at me and said "He makes you happy doesn't he?"
I smiled and answered "I guess. He...he's always been nice to me. Believed in me. And he's always trying to keep my spirits up..."
"Do you love him?"
I let out a slightly embarrassed laugh and said "I...I don't know..."
"You're blushing." She paused and continued "Does he know?"
I was quiet for a moment then answered "I...no. I haven't told him yet."
"Why not?"
"I don't know, mother. There are more important things happening and...and I'm honestly nervous."
"He's a good man. If you truly love him and he really does make you happy I think you should let him know. Especially now...when we're at peace again..."
"I know, but still...there's still so much work I have to do..."
"You have time for that later Kitana." She paused a moment then continued "You have a chance to be happy with him. Take it now while you can. Don't wait." She then placed her hand on my cheek and said "Be happy Kitana. You've earned it."
I smiled and after a few moments I said "I...I have to go. I wish I could stay...but there's still a lot to be done..."
Mother smiled and said "I understand." As I was about to leave my mother's chamber she said "Kitana...when you see Liu...tell him."
I quietly said "Rest mother. I'll return soon."
I shut the door behind me and started towards the lower levels of the Palace. Mother's words repeated in my mind. I do love Liu. And I'm almost certain he loves me. I should tell him. Maybe I have earned some happiness. I'd have to think about what mother said later. There was one piece of unpleasant business I needed to address.
I went down to the lower dungeons of the palace. The lowest possible point, deep underneath to a single cell that was hidden away. Few besides myself even knew of its existence, which was how I wanted it. I found Jade standing in front of the entrance waiting for me with a concerned look on her face.
"Is she in there?" I asked.
Jade stared at me then quietly answered "Yes. Her injuries from the fall were minor."
"Does anyone else know she's alive?"
"Just a couple of guards who will be in charge of watching her and keeping her fed."
"Okay." I said. "I'm going to talk with her."
As I stepped inside I heard Jade say behind me "I really wish you'd reconsider this."
I stepped through the door in the small hallway which led to the single cell. The cell "door" was a sheet of glass that was virtually unbreakable. From my side I could see into the cell, but inside the cell the inmate could only see a reflection. Considering the inmate, I suppose that's kind of ironic.
I stared at her lying in her cell bed, staring grimly at the window. Her leg was heavily bandaged, probably broken from the fall. Her face and parts of her arm were badly bruised. Mileena. She survived the fall in the Tribunal Chamber and I decided she'd be kept alive. Even after all we've been through...all she's done to me...I couldn't just let her die. I had her secretly imprisoned in this hidden cell. No one but myself, Jade, and a few guards knew she was still alive.
As I walked to the window I heard her say "I know you're there sister. I can hear your thoughts echoing in my mind loud and clear."
"I know, Mileena."
She continued to stare at the window. To me, she appeared to be staring right at me. But to her it was just a reflection. "So is this my punishment, sister? A fate worse than death? Locked in this forgotten hole until the end of days?"
"No, Mileena." I answered. "Whether you want to believe it or not, I want to help you."
She chuckled and said "So I was right. You have gone soft. The Kitana I remember would never keep a threat such as myself alive. No, she'd have killed me long ago."
"That Kitana is dead."
Beneath her mask, I could see Mileena smile. "You can't lie to me sister. I know you don't believe that." She laughed and said "I love that you think I can change when you aren't even sure if you've changed yourself."
"You're wrong Mileena. I have changed."
Mileena only laughed again and said "I know you better than you think sister. No matter how many times you tell yourself...no matter how many times your friends tell you...even if the Elder Gods themselves came down from the Heavens and told you personally...you'll never completely believe that. I don't need to read you mind to know that. You've been that way for years. That was why you were always daddy's little girl. Nothing was ever good enough."
"Mileena..."
"I know the truth about you, sister." she hissed. "Why you're so desperate to 'save' me. It has nothing to do with me. What really scares you that you try to hide from everyone else. That nagging thought that maybe there isn't a little bit of you in me...but maybe there's a little bit of me in you."
"It doesn't have to be this way..."
"Save your pity." she snapped. "Even if I could be...helped...what makes you think I would even accept it from you? I will die before I accept any sympathy from you."
"Mileena..."
"Go on sister! Hope against hope that I can be saved! God...it sickens me how soft you've become." I wish there was something I could say to all that. But I could think of nothing and she continued "You're a fool, sister. Making yourself weak won't prove you're a 'good' person. You're only embarrassing yourself." I could see I wasn't going to get far with her and decided we'd continue our discussion some other time. As I walked to the door I heard Mileena say "Fair warning sister: you should kill me now. Because when I get out, and I assure you I will, I'll see to it you suffer until you're last dying breath!"
I shut the door behind me and noticed Jade staring at me, looking even more concerned. She was about to speak when I said "I know what you're going to say, so save your breath."
"I just don't understand why you're doing this."
"I want to help her." I answered "I have to believe that somewhere inside her is something good."
"But there isn't Kitana. What will it take before you realize that? Why can't you just accept that Mileena can't change." Jade paused a moment then added "And even if she could...she wouldn't because it'd be you helping her."
"It's not that easy Jade..."
"Why not?" I didn't answer and after a few moments Jade asked "Kitana...it's not what Mileena said is it? You're not trying to help Mileena to prove anything are you..?"
"Of course not Jade." I answered. "Mileena was just...trying to shake me. That's all."
"That's another thing Kitana..." Jade began, sounding uneasy. "I hate to admit, but Mileena may be right...you've changed the way you fight now..."
"What are you saying Jade?" I snapped. "I've gone 'soft?'"
"No. No. It's just...you don't seem to fight...aggressively anymore."
"So what are you getting at Jade? You'd rather I went back to being that I was when we served Shao Kahn?"
"No! God no." Jade quickly answered. "It's just that...if you're going to keep fighting these wars...you can't hold back because you're afraid it might mean you're a bad person."
"That's not how it is Jade. I'm not...holding back...because I'm afraid it'll prove anything. I just have other responsibilities now. I can't concentrate on my fighting like I used to."
Jade stared at me a moment and I could tell she didn't believe that. She then quietly asked "Do you remember what I told you during Kahn's invasion?"
I looked at Jade and said "'Don't chase ghosts.'"
Jade put her hands on my shoulders and said "You changed. You're making it right. That's good enough. Killing yourself killed won't bring back those people."
I know Jade was only looking out for me. Trying to keep me from setting myself up to get hurt. I took a step back and said "It's not like that Jade. I'm not holding back. And I truly do want to help Mileena. It's just that...whatever she is, she is still a part of me. I can't just turn my back on her like that." Jade stared at me, not understanding what I meant. I couldn't really explain why I was so determined to help Mileena and said "You wouldn't understand."
"Kitana...you don't have to save everyone."
"I let her die once, Jade. I don't want to let her die again."
Jade stared at me for a moment, then sternly said "And are you ready to accept responsibility for what might happen if she ever gets out?" I looked at Jade but I didn't answer. I started to walk away and I heard her say behind me "I thought not."
I returned to the upper levels and sat in the palace garden. I hoped the serenity of the garden could offer me some comfort, but it didn't. I couldn't shake Jade's warning. Maybe she's right and there is no hope for Mileena. Maybe I should just kill her.
I didn't want to admit it to Jade, but I'm afraid Mileena may be right in a way. Maybe I am going soft. Since I've accepted my place as Princess of Edenia, something has changed in the way I fight. I can't help but wonder...if I fought like I did fifty or thirty or even ten years ago, would Tanya have lasted as long as she did against me? Would she have even managed to escape me? Would Mileena have come as close to killing me as she did?
I guess since I've been focusing more on being Edenia's Princess I've put less attention in my fighting. While I was loyal to Kahn I fought with anger...hate. A sort of hatred for the world. That's how I was taught to fight. It was that anger that made me "Kitana the Bloody." But I don't fight like that anymore.
I'd like to think that it's because I'm Edenia's Princess now. That I can't fight like a killer anymore. Rather...I shouldn't. But there is a part of me that's still haunted by Shao Kahn's words. That I am a natural killer. That this change in my fighting style is just me bottling up whatever darkness is in my soul. Afraid that just maybe "Kitana the Bloody" isn't dead...just buried.
I mustn't think that way. I have to believe that when Mileena finally accepts that Shao Kahn didn't love her...that it was his fault she's that way and not mine...maybe then she could begin to turn around. But I'll admit, there was a part of me that wished I could just let go of that hope. That I could just accept that Mileena is the way she is and will never turn back. Maybe Tanya was right about one thing. Maybe I cling to lost causes.
"Lady Kitana." I heard someone say behind me.
I turned and saw it was "Seifer." I stood up and asked "What is it?"
"There's something you should know." he began in his usual monotone voice. "Something Jagger wanted me to tell you before he died."
"What is it?"
"Before Jagger died, he wanted me to tell you that he forgave you for killing his father."
"He what?"
"He told me to tell you that he had forgiven you. He said he was proud that you changed yourself and that you're making things right. He said he was proud to call you his princess and he would've been honored to have fought alongside you."
I was speechless. After a moment I said "He...he really said that?"
"Yes." he answered. "He only regretted that he was unable to tell you in person."
I'll admit I was ready to cry. I couldn't think of anything to say. It felt so good...that feeling of being rectified. I truly wish there was some way I could've shown Jagger my gratitude. Just to know that one person had truly forgiven me...somehow it made everything worth while. I ended up saying "Thank you." I paused a moment then hugged Seifer, which I think caught him off guard. "Thank you so much." I repeated.
He gave me an awkward pat on the back and said, a little confused, "Glad to be of service, my lady."
In the days that followed I saw to it that Jagger and everyone who died fighting in Shinnok's invasion got a heroes' funeral. I attended each one. I also had a memorial constructed to remember those who died defending Edenia while it was bound to Outworld. I made sure to include Jeice and the people of Zansatsu in this memorial as well.
As Edenia continued recovering from Shinnok's invasion, my thoughts returned to Liu and what mother said. After much thought, I decided mother was right. The realms are at peace once again. And I do love Liu. He does make me happy and I do want to be with him. I decided I was going to take a chance at happiness.
I had yet to thank Liu personally for saving Edenia. I had a portal to Earth realm opened in the Portal Chamber of the Palace so I could meet him and thank him. I decided I was also going to tell him my feelings. As the portal opened, I honestly started to feel a bit nervous. I took a deep breath and stepped through. After the bright light faded away I was in the Shaolin Temple on Earth. Liu was standing in front of me and he looked a bit surprised that I was there.
"Kitana..?" he asked
"Yes, Liu. It is I." I answered stepping inside.
"What is it?"
"I've been thinking about you and me. How you said you wanted me to be happy. And..." I paused trying to gather my thoughts and continued "And I really am happiest with you. You're generous and noble...you always fight for what's right and you don't do it for glory or personal gain. You really are a true hero." Liu gave a humbled smile and I continued "You've always been there for me...even when you didn't know me. You've always assumed the best in me. You believed in me. I can't tell you how much that means to me."
Liu stared at me surprised and said "Kitana...I...I don't know what to say..."
"With Shinnok's destruction we are at peace once again. Once again...you have not only saved Earth, but my own realm as well. For that I am forever in your debt."
Liu laughed slightly and said "Kitana you know that isn't necessary..."
"I once said I hoped when there was peace, maybe you and I could be together. Really be together."
"Yes..?"
"As heir to the throne of my realm...I've come to ask if you'd join me in Edenia. To rule at my side as King. To be with me...forever."
His eyes widened and he didn't say anything for a few moments. "Kitana...I..." he started, sounding shocked. "I really don't know what to say. You...really feel that way about me?"
"Of course I do." I said taking his hand. "And I want to be with you. I think we've both earned this."
He looked happy. He looked like he was going to say yes. I thought for a moment we would be together and we could finally live in peace and be happy. Then suddenly looked very upset about something. "Kitana I...I wish I could. God, I really do wish I could...but...I'm sorry. I cannot accept you're offer."
"Why not?"
He took a step back and said "Remember I said Raiden told me something about being the Mortal Kombat Champion?"
"Yes..?"
"Raiden told me that as Champion, I will not age. I will never grow old...until I am defeated...or killed." he paused a moment, then continued "My place is here as Champion. I must stay here on Earth and defend my title for as long as I can. That is the sacrifice of the Champion of Mortal Kombat. That is why we can't be together."
I couldn't think of anything to say. I'd been hoping for so long that we could be together. Without fear of war or battle. And now with peace finally at hand...we can't be. That is what Liu wanted to tell me in Edenia. That was what Kung Lao meant when he said he wasn't willing to make the sacrifice. The Champion of Earth must remain on Earth to defend his title...until his death. There is no peace for the Champion of Mortal Kombat. Only battle. Only war. I understood why...and it broke my heart.
Liu gently took my hand and said "I'm sorry. I wish it didn't have to be this way...I really do..."
"No...no I understand." I said. "You have your responsibilities...just as I do. Your place is here and mine is in Edenia." I paused a moment and finished "That is the way it has to be."
He then placed his hand on my cheek and quietly said "I never meant to hurt you. All I've ever wanted was for you to be happy."
I looked up at him and said "For what it's worth Liu...I want to thank you anyway. For everything. For saving my realm. For saving me. And for believing in me. You've done more for me than...anyone has ever done for me. If I was to live another 10,000 years I still could never repay you."
"Knowing that you're alive and at peace is all that I need."
I painfully smiled and said "I wish you luck, Liu Kang. On all your journeys."
Just as I was about to step back into the portal, Liu pulled me close and we kissed. Our first kiss. There was no need for words. No words could describe it. It was everything I imagined it would be. Everything...all our feelings, our hope, our sadness, loss, and love...all of it was in that one kiss. It's strange...how so much could be said...so many feelings expressed all with one simple kiss. Our first kiss, but also our last. But that didn't matter. It was enough to last a lifetime.
I stepped back into the portal and returned to Edenia. Just before the portal close I heard Liu quietly say "Good-bye Princess Kitana."
The portal closed and I was alone in the Portal Chamber of the Edenian Palace. After a few moments, I felt a single tear come down my face. I wiped it away and left the chamber. I still had much work to do.
End of Chapter XXVI