"Never Ending Battle"
I walked through the hallways of the Kuatan Palace escorted by three Edenian Guards to the throne room. I had been inside the Kuatan Palace many times in my life and honestly I never liked it there. It was very dark and ominous place. Very gothic looking with numerous gargoyles and statues of famous Shokan warriors and kings all around the halls. Although the Palace made me uneasy, I always remained courteous and kept it to myself.
It had been about a year since Shinnok's invasion. After the attack we continued rebuilding Edenia. We put most focus on our armies. No one wanted something like Shinnok to happen again. My mother was fully recovered and Edenia was almost completely restored. With everything in order home I started concentrating on Outworld.
I managed to track down Goro in Outworld and started negotiating with him about a treaty. I had already managed to create a settlement with the Centaur. They were willing to agree to peace. Goro however, was less than enthusiastic about signing a treaty. Regardless I continuously tried to get him to reach a compromise.
In my numerous talks with Goro I came to realize just how much he hated the Centaur people. According to Goro, when Shao Kahn conquered the Centaur realm much of their lands, particularly their capital, merged right next to the Kuatan lands. The Shokan didn't care for what they considered an invasion of their space and the Centaur sought to expand their territories. The Shokan people base their lives around pride and honor. They saw the Centaur "invasion" as a slap in the face of everything they believe in. The two races have been in heated war ever since.
For years Shao Kahn favored the Shokan, especially after Goro became Outworld's Champion. Of course the Centaur were always willing and eager to usurp the Shokan as my step-father's favored race, which did not ease relations between the nations. After Goro's defeat on Earth the Centaur were quick to capitalize on the opportunity. Although Kahn outwardly maintained friendly relations with the Shokan, employing warriors such as Kintaro and Sheeva, he secretly named a Centaur by the name of Motaro as his head general. It was Motaro who led Outworld's invasion of Earth.
I used this incident to convince Goro that his people and the Centaur share a common enemy in Shao Kahn. That their war was his doing and he was only using them both. It wasn't easy, but I slowly started to reach through to Goro. I could tell I was getting through when I managed to get he and Kung Lao to form a truce. I was fortunate to be present when Kung Lao made his move on Goro and got them to make peace with one another.
I approached a huge doorway that led into the throne room which was guarded by a large Shokan warrior. "Your name and business?" he growled.
"I am Princess Kitana of Edenia. I seek audience with Prince Goro." I answered.
The guard nodded and said "Very well. Prince Goro has been expecting you." as he opened the door. My guards and I entered the enormous throne room which was just as ominous as the rest of the Palace. Across the room I saw Goro himself standing on the balcony that looked outside. As we approached the guard who let us in called out "Prince Goro! Princess Kitana of Edenia is here!"
Goro nodded and motioned me to come closer. I told my guards to stay in the throne room as I stepped onto the balcony. The balcony looked out of the Kuatan lands which was largely desert area. Large canyons and mountains that stretched for miles. In the distance the sun was setting and the sky above was fading into a dark violet. There was a tranquillity in the air that was actually very soothing.
"Good to see you again Princess." Goro said.
"Likewise Prince." I answered with a slight bow. "How is your father?"
"Still very ill. I suspect he will die soon." he answered.
"I'm sorry."
"Why? He has lived a long and honorable life."
"That is true" I said. I had forgotten that the Shokan don't believe in mourning. "I was wondering if you've given any thought to what we discussed last time I was here."
Goro sighed and said "It will be strange...coexisting with the Centaur."
"I know. But it would be better than more destruction." I paused a moment then added "The Centaurs have already signed the treaty and agreed to all terms. All we need now is your acceptance." I then handed him the document of the treaty which was already signed by the Centaur King.
After a few moments Goro said "Very well. War has been waged in this realm for too long. We must bring it to an end." He paused, then looked at me and finished "I will set aside my differences with the Centaurs as long as they abide by the treaty. I shall sign your agreement."
As Goro signed the treaty I smiled and said "Goro, this is a great victory for all of us." I was so relieved to one step closer to creating peace. And thankful that he was willing to accept it. Shokan are a people of war. Had he not agreed to peace it could have very easily led to battle. And war against the Shokan is something I hope I will never encounter.
Goro nodded then said "I suppose it is, but I wouldn't celebrate just yet, Princess."
"What do you mean?"
"I recall you mentioned rumors that Shao Kahn still lives..."
As soon as he said that I knew where he was going. "Oh no..."
"It seems your fears were true Kitana. Shao Kahn is indeed still alive."
I cringed and felt my heart sink. I should've known it was too good to be true. I should've known it was too easy. Shao Kahn's evil lingers on like a terrible plague. It never ends. "You're certain? How do you know?"
Goro started to walk into the throne room and I followed. He began "We received word that he survived his battle on Earth from one of our warriors, Sheeva. She said he was badly injured and drastically weakened from his defeat. He's holed up in his fortress clinging to what little power he has left as we speak."
I rubbed my forehead in frustration and grumbled "And it will only be a matter of time before he regains his strength and strikes Edenia again."
"I suspect so." he answered. "I fear further war and destruction is inevitable."
After a few moments I quietly said "I will take my leave now. Thank you, Prince Goro. I wish you and your people the best."
I bowed and Goro said "Farewell Princess Kitana."
With that my guards and I returned home. While I was pleased Goro agreed to sign the treaty, news of Shao Kahn tainted my satisfaction. I should've known he was still alive. I knew once he regained his former power he'd try to retake Edenia. And more than likely, he'd try to take Earth again, too.
As I returned home I started to consider what could be done and I could see no easy solutions. Our forces were strong and capable of battle. If Kahn's as weakened as Goro said then perhaps we could capitalize on his weakness...
"I'm glad to see you've returned Kitana." mother said as I entered the throne room. "What news from Outworld?"
"Prince Goro agreed to sign the treaty." I answered quietly. "There will be peace between the Shokan and Centaur now."
"You do not sound pleased. Is something troubling you?"
I looked at my mother and began telling her what I hoped I would never have to say. "Shao Kahn lives mother. Goro told me. Shao Kahn is still alive and regaining his power."
My mother's face froze. I could almost feel her blood run cold myself. After several moments she painfully asked a question she already knew the answer to: "So what do we do?"
She already knew what I was going to say before I said it. She knew what I was planning...what I wanted to do. I could tell it frightened her. "If he's as weakened as Goro said and we strike now we may be able to finish him once and for all."
"Kitana..."
"Mother you know as well as I do that as long as Shao Kahn lives, none of us are safe. We can finally end this."
My mother turned and started staring out the window behind the throne. After a few moments she quietly said "I...I can't just send our armies to war, Kitana." She paused and looked at me and said "We must discuss this with the Council."
"Then summon the Senate and I'll tell them." I quickly answered.
She turned and looked out the window again. She knew I was right...but I could tell that wasn't what worried her. She didn't want me to fight anymore. Still staring out the window she quietly said "Very well. I will gather the Senate first thing tomorrow morning. You can ask their authorization to lead our armies to war then."
"Thank you, mother." I said walking towards her. "Trust me...this is our only choice..."
"Leave me please." she interrupted.
I left the throne room and went to my chamber. I hated hurting my mother, but this was our only option. Shao Kahn would never let a realm he conquered slip away without a fight. As much as I hated forcing our armies into battle this was our only chance to finally end Shao Kahn's evil forever. Not just for the sake of Edenia, but for every other realm. As long as Shao Kahn lives there will never be peace.
I must admit though, I was not entirely comfortable suggesting war. We had just fought through Shinnok's invasion and I was about to ask our soldiers to fight yet another war. I knew that Shao Kahn's forces were crippled and weak but I was certain they'd still mount a decent defense. Especially the Tarkatans. And in war losses are inevitable. The idea of sending men to their deaths was not something I could sleep well with.
The next morning I went to the Edenian Council to meet with mother and the other Senators. I waited outside at first while the Senators were briefed and brought up to date on the situation. I'd have to make a case that war with Shao Kahn was our only option and the sooner we act, the better. I wasn't expecting it to go easy.
After several minutes a guard told me "Princess Kitana...the Council will see you now."
I entered the Senate Chamber and stood at the podium that was across from the Senators. They all sat at a large semi-circle table with my mother in the center. As I stood at the podium, I gave a slight bow.
"Princess Kitana," my mother said, "the council has been informed of the circumstances in Outworld. We await your thoughts."
"Thank you, my Queen." I began. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, as you are now aware, Shao Kahn still lives in Outworld. According to Prince Goro's Shokan spies he barely survived his defeat on Earthrealm and is currently hiding himself within his fortress, trying to regain his strength. I believe when he does he will only try to conquer Edenia again. So it is my suggestion that we gather our forces and launch a preemptive strike on Shao Kahn's armies."
The Senators were all silent until one said "Princess Kitana...is there no other way?"
"I wish there was Senator, I truly do." I answered. "But we've all experienced Shao Kahn's tyranny. I, better than anyone, knows how he thinks. What kind of man he is. Although it pains me to say it...war is our only choice."
The Senate fell quiet, but they all knew I was right about that much. After few moments another Senator asked "Do you believe we would win such a war, Princess Kitana?"
"Yes I do, Senator. According to reports from Outworld, after Kahn's defeat much of his armies were either killed from infighting or simply deserted. From what I've heard, even Shang Tsung has abandoned Shao Kahn."
"While that may be good news, that doesn't mean we should expect an easy victory, no?"
"No. While the bulk of Kahn's armies are crippled, he still retains the services of the Tarkatan hordes as well as a few still loyal legions." I paused a moment and I could tell that did not help my case. I then added "However, I have sent emissaries to the Shokan and Centaurs of Outworld who, as you know, have signed a treaty with us. Both races, especially the Shokan, are no longer loyal to Shao Kahn. I am confident I can convince them to fight alongside us. I believe that will give us the edge we need."
"And if you can't?"
"I still believe victory is possible." I quickly replied. "Although the Tarkatans are many, they have no mind for strategy. And since Shao Kahn's best generals and advisors are either dead or missing they can be beaten through proper tactics." The Senate fell silent and I decided to add to my case "Please understand, if we are to strike Shao Kahn, it must be now while he is still weak. The longer we delay the stronger he'll become. The stronger he becomes the more his armies will grow. And if that happens, even if we could defeat his armies it would already be too late. Even weakened, I don't foresee Shao Kahn easily overcome and killed. If we wait he will grow strong again and he will invade us again, that much I am certain of. And if it comes to that I do not know if we could resist him." I paused then finished "Consider this, not just for our sake...but for the sake of every other realm that could one day fall under Shao Kahn's rule."
I waited and the Senators said nothing to that. After several minutes a different Senator said "While that may be true Princess Kitana, we must bear in mind our armies have just gone through a hard-fought war with the armies of Shinnok. Are you certain our soldiers are ready for another battle of this magnitude?"
"After Shinnok's defeat I saw to it a strong focus was put on our military. I believe we are ready and capable of fighting and winning a war with Shao Kahn's forces."
"That's not exactly what I meant, Princess." the Senator answered. "I meant their morale. Are they mentally ready to fight another war so soon?"
That was the only question I was unsure of. I often asked the generals if the soldiers would be ready for battle and I was always assured they were. But I can't say that's guarantee. I thought about it a moment then answered "I believe they are. And I'm fairly certain each of our soldiers would like have a part in Shao Kahn's final destruction."
"Are you certain of that, Princess? It's rather easy of you to assume the soldiers are willing to fight your war."
"Firstly, this is not 'my' war, Senator." I answered unsuccessfully trying to hide my indignation over that comment. "But more importantly, they will not be fighting alone. I intend to lead our armies into Outworld myself."
I could tell that caught everyone on the Council off guard. Everyone except my mother though. I noticed her cringe slightly.
The same Senator then said "You're really planning on leading our armies to battle yourself?"
"Yes I am, Senator. I've had plenty of experience in combat and more importantly I know how Shao Kahn and his armies think. I know their tactics, I know their bases, and I know how they fight." I paused then added "And despite what you may have thought Senator, I could never send men to fight and die while I stay here in safety."
The Senator fell silent after quietly saying "Understood, Princess."
The Council was quiet until mother said "Princess Kitana...you have presented your argument. Now if you'll excuse us we shall confer and make a decision on what will be done."
I bowed and said "Thank you, my Queen. Senators."
I left the Senate Chamber and waited outside. I was confident that I made a strong enough argument that war was our best and only option. However, I couldn't help but shake that one Senator's words. "My war," he called it. It's not my war...it's not. I hate sounding like a warmonger...but this is our only choice. Shao Kahn is evil. There is no doubt in my mind, nor should there be in anyone's mind, about that. He must be destroyed once and for all...for the sake of all realms. But still...sending men to war...men with families...even though I'd fighting alongside them...it made me very uneasy.
"So how did it go?" Jade asked sitting beside me. I didn't even realize she was there.
"I think it went well." I answered. I then thought about it and said "I have to admit, I don't feel right sounding pleased that my argument may win. I mean...I am suggesting war, after all." After a few moments I looked at Jade and quietly asked "I'm doing the right thing...aren't I?"
"Yes you are, Kitana. I understand you feel awkward about this...and you probably should. But you're also right: this is our only choice. It's just not the most pleasant choice, that's all."
I paused a moment then asked "Will you stick with me, Jade?"
Jade smiled and answered "I told you once I'd follow you into Hell itself if I had to. I meant that." Her smile then changed to a smirk and she added "And from the sounds of things I'm going to."
I smiled and strangely everything seemed to feel just a little easier and I said "Thanks Jade. That's all I needed."
We sat outside the Senate Chamber for a few more hours waiting for the Senate to reach its decision. After a while Jade started to doze off but I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to. I was too anxious.
Finally after almost four hours a guard stepped outside and said "Princess Kitana, the Council requests your presence."
I took a deep breath and entered the Senate Chamber. I stood at the podium as I had done earlier and waited for the Council to address me. I couldn't help but notice mother looked very displeased.
After a moment she began "Princess Kitana...we have considered your arguments and looked over the facts. After much deliberation it is the Council's decision..." she paused a moment and I noticed her cringe very slightly just before she finished "...to allow you to lead the Edenian armies to war against Shao Kahn's forces."
I can't say I was relieved or happy. I can't really say what I felt hearing the Council's decision. Validated, I guess. Nothing more. I bowed and said "With the Council's approval I shall see to it Shao Kahn's evil is ended once and for all."
My mother then said "The Senate is adjourned." and I left the chamber.
Wasting no time I summoned all the generals to inform them that we were going to war with Shao Kahn. I gave more or less the same speech I gave to the Council about why we needed to go to war to the generals and the soldiers and everyone seemed to be on the same page with me. I told everyone to be ready to fight as soon as possible. Every second we waited, Shao Kahn was getting stronger.
With are armies gathering their strength, I made a brief visit to Outworld to find out where the Shokan and Centaur stood in our coming battle. After speaking with the Centaurs I returned to the Kuatan Palace to meet with Goro. I was told by the emissaries I sent earlier that Goro actually wanted to see me as well.
I went to the throne room where Goro was waiting for me. "Princess Kitana."
"Prince Goro." I said with a bow.
"Time is short so I'll get to the point: I hear you're going to war with Shao Kahn."
"Yes. I'm leading my forces against him in a preemptive strike. I sent the emissaries to you and the Centaurs in hope that you'd consider an alliance."
Goro nodded and asked "And what answer did the Centaurs give you?"
"The declined." I answered quietly. "They said they were not ready for a war against Shao Kahn and could not afford such bloodshed."
"They're merely waiting to see who wins." Goro growled. "Wretched cowards! They have no honor..."
"Goro." I cut in. "It doesn't matter. At the least we know the Centaur won't be fighting on Kahn's side either." I paused then continued "I know it is asking much from you...but would you and your people be willing to fight alongside my armies. Together we would have little trouble breaking through the Tarkatan hordes..."
"That's not necessary, Princess." he interrupted. "You do not need to convince me that Shao Kahn is my enemy."
"What do you mean?"
Goro motioned me to follow him to a small table which was covering something large with a white sheet. "After we learned Shao Kahn was still alive, we sent orders for our warrior Sheeva to attempt to assassinate him. Unfortunately, from what I've learned, she put her trust in the wrong person." With that Goro removed the sheet revealing Sheeva's head...the symbol Shao Kahn cut into her forehead.
"Oh my god..."
"We are now enemies of Shao Kahn as well." Goro said solemnly, putting the sheet back over Sheeva's head. "If you are going to war...then the Shokan shall fight alongside you."
I smiled as Goro and I shook hands. "Thank you, Goro." I said. "Together we will finally finish this and bring peace to the realms."
"To victory." he said.
"I must return to Edenia then. My armies should be ready within days. I'll send word to you and we'll meet your forces."
Goro nodded and said "Very well. In the meantime I'll prepare my forces."
I returned to Edenia to deliver the news of Goro's alliance. Word that the Shokan would be fighting alongside us gave a strong boost to the morale. In just a little more than a week our armies were gathered and prepared to move. When they were ready I sent word to Goro who responded saying to meet his armies near the canyons outside the Outworld Plains.
Finally after all the preparations were completed the Edenian Army gathered outside the Capital City, where a portal to Outworld would be opened for us. Along the city walls families of the soldiers watched and waited as we were about to leave. There was a strong tension that could be felt throughout the troops. Not really nervousness...more like a kind of eagerness. One I guess you'd expect when you're about to go to war.
As we waited for the portal to open, I saw a palace guard come to me from the city and say "Princess Kitana, you're mother has requested your presence. She says it is urgent."
I nodded and returned to the Palace. I wondered what it was that was so urgent my mother needed to see me about. For the past couple of weeks I'd been so busy preparing the armies I had very little time to speak with her. I went to the throne room where mother was waiting for me. As I approached she seemed a little tense. "You wished to see me mothe..."
"Don't go." she quickly said, cutting me off.
The way she said it caught me off guard. Almost desperate. "Excuse me?"
"Don't go. Put Jade or Seifer or someone else in charge of leading the armies. Stay here where it's safe."
"Mother...I can't do that..."
"Why? Why can't you? Why does it have to be you?" she kept asking, almost frantically. "Why can't you just send them strategies from here? Why must you fight?"
"Mother...I..." I started, really confused about where all this was coming from. I knew mother didn't want me to fight anymore...but I had no idea she was so...desperate about it. "I have to do this. I am a part of this..."
"But why fight? You said yourself it's not your war. Why must you go yourself?"
"I...it's not..." I paused and tried to gather my thoughts. "It isn't my war...but I am still a part of this fight. Besides I can't just send our people to war while I stay behind." I paused, then added "And I want to be there. I want to be a part of Shao Kahn's destruction."
My mother looked like she was going to break down in tears. She suddenly hugged me tightly and said "Don't go. Please...don't go. I'm begging you...don't go..."
"Mother..."
"Something terrible is going to happen. I can feel it in my blood. If you go something horrible will happen." She paused and I could hear her start to weep. "I can't bear...even the thought of losing you. You're all I have left. Please...don't go..."
It's strange, but until that moment I never realized that I really am all my mother has left. My father was gone. And her family and any friends she had...the ones who weren't killed when Kahn conquered Edenia were all probably dead from old age by now. I really am all my mother has left. It's strange how a Queen of a realm could have so little.
As my mother continued to weep I soothingly said "Nothing's going to happen to me, mother. I can take care of myself and besides, Jade will be there with me, too. I'll be fine." It stabbed me in the heart, hurting my mother like this. But I had to go. It was my responsibility. "I have to go now mother. I'm so sorry. But I have to go..."
Mother slowly backed away and sat down in the throne. She seemed to calm down and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Very well. You do what you have to Kitana."
"I'm sorry. I truly am."
As I was about to leave, mother grabbed my hand to stop me and said "Be careful." She paused and gripped my hand tighter and repeated "Please...be careful."
I nodded and turned to leave, but I stopped and looked at my mother. I then hugged her and gave her a light kiss in the cheek and said "I will return. I will."
With that I left the throne room and returned to the armies. Once our forces were ready I gave the order to the Portal Guards to open a large portal to Outworld. As we left the families of the soldiers all shouted good-byes and wishes of good luck. Just as I was about to step through the portal I took one last look at the Palace and I extended my arm towards the Palace as sort of a wave good-bye, hoping my mother was watching from her window. I then stepped through the portal.
When the light of the portal faded away I emerged in Outworld. We had been transported on a canyon that looked over the Outworld plains. As the portal to Edenia closed behind me I saw three Shokan fighters approach on horseback. They stopped in front of me and one said "Lady Kitana, our lord Prince Goro sent us to meet you and lead you to our base."
"Goro's here?" I answered a little surprised to learn Goro himself was with his armies. "Where are you camped?"
"Only a few miles east. Come, Prince Goro is expecting you."
"Very well." I answered as I signaled our troops to follow.
We traveled a few miles along the canyon to the Shokan camp. They're numbers were almost equal to our own, which was good to see. I gave orders for our troops to set up camp while I met with Goro. I went to the head of the camp which was near the edge of the canyon. As I reached there I saw Goro standing by the edge looking over the view.
"Pleased to see again, Princess." he said, seeing me approach.
"Likewise." I answered. "I'm a little surprised to see you though. I wasn't expecting you to lead your armies personally."
Goro laughed and said "Shokan are a warrior race. If the Princess of Edenia is leading her armies to war, how can the Prince of Shokan not lead his?"
I smiled and asked "Has there been any news?"
"The first of Shao Kahn's bases is hidden not far from here in a valley. It is poorly fortified and will fall easily." He paused then added "Figure that's a good place to start."
I nodded and said "When do you suggest we attack?"
Goro smirked and said "Whenever your men are ready."
I smiled back and said "I'll summon our generals and ask when my men will be ready to fight. Afterward we can form a strategy."
"Very well. Whenever you're ready." he replied stepping into his tent.
After Goro went into his tent I stared out at the view of the Outworld Plains. In the distance I could see the sun start to set, making the sky a dark burnt orange. I looked over the massive camp of my soldiers and the Shokan soldiers and my thoughts went to Shao Kahn. I thought about him locked in his fortress, clinging to what little power he had left and I quietly whispered to myself...
"I'm coming for you, you son of a bitch. And I'm going to finish it this time."
End of Chapter XXVII