"So Close"
The war against Shao Kahn's forces stretched for years. The combined might of my armies and Goro's Shokan systematically eliminated any Kahn influence in each plane and province one by one. Bases, temples, fortresses...anything that bore the symbol of Shao Kahn was overrun and destroyed. Some fell quickly with few losses. Some were hard-fought. But with each victory we came another step closer to ending Shao Kahn's reign once and for all.
In the years that past, Goro became an invaluable ally...I'd even say...a trusted friend. He would often say he would only do what was best for his people. I respected his devotion to his race, and it was nice to know someone else who understood the pressures and responsibilities that come with a royal title.
Goro once asked me why I turned against Kahn and why I was so suddenly determined to destroy him. I explained how Kahn used me and my guilt over the things I did for him. Goro said he found my determination admirable, but he said he didn't understand my guilt. He didn't understand why I would feel sorry for the people I killed, saying they weren't my problem. Apparently Shokan don't believe in regret either. Although I would consider Goro a friend, he has a very...inhuman...outlook on life that can be troubling at times.
The people of Outworld were thrilled and grateful to our armies and eagerly provided any needed food or shelter. Not only were we ridding the land of Shao Kahn, but also of the Tarkatan threat. They all retreated to the wasteland where my step-father's fortress was. After some time, what was left of Kahn's armies all gathered outside the fortress as a last line of defense our armies and Kahn himself. In time, the fortress with my step-father inside, and what was left of his armies guarding it was the last remnant of Shao Kahn's rule in Outworld. However, with victory finally within reach, things started to fall apart.
After Shinnok's defeat, Baraka returned to his Tarkatan people and took charge as their general. Although Baraka is a formidable and deadly fighter, his mind for strategy is very poor. Since Kahn's best generals either abandoned him or were killed, he was forced to put the Earthrealm fugitive Kano in top command of his troops.
At first I was surprised to learn of this, since I heard Kano was killed by Sonya during the final battle during Kahn's invasion of Earth. However, as I later learned, he was healed from his wounds by Motaro and imprisoned as punishment for his failure. But Kano tricked Sheeva into trusting him and letting him escape. He then regained Kahn's favor by warning him that Sheeva was going to attempt an assassination.
I don't think Kahn placed Kano in command so much for his loyalty, but rather I believe my step-father was more impressed by Kano's resourcefulness. From what I knew about Kano, on Earthrealm he was little more than a common criminal. However, to my surprise, he proved to be an effective leader. Although his forces were drastically outnumbered, he managed to repel every attack our forces attempted. Numerous attempts to break through Kano's ranks began taking their toll. With each defeat I grew more and more frustrated.
After a few days of deadlock I decided we'd make another push to break through Kano's ranks. I summoned the other generals to meet with me and we'd discuss a strategy. All Shokan and Edenian generals gathered and I began "Okay people, what's are status?"
Jade answered "All our attempts to break through Kano's forces have failed. They're too well defended."
A Shokan general named Tallyn then continued "Because of their strong defenses our only choice is to somehow lure them out. However all attempts to lure Kano and his men out have failed. With each failed attack we grow weaker."
"They're well supplied as well." Seifer added. "He knows they just wait until we use up our resources."
After a few moments I asked "So what can be done to lure him out?"
There was silence until Goro answered "Kano's smarter than he appears. We have to defeat him more than he needs to defeat us and he knows this. He won't come out."
"So where does that leave us?" I asked.
"That means our only remaining option is to wait." Tallyn answered. "Wait until a better opportunity presents itself. Or we fortify our supplies and simply outlast them."
"And how long would that take?"
"I'd estimate at most, it'll take no more than two years for their supplies to completely run out." Seifer answered.
"Two years?" I repeated, outraged. "Wait for two years and simply hope Kano and his men run out of supplies or make a mistake?"
"We could do it easily." Seifer replied. "This last base is the last bit of territory Shao Kahn has left under his control, while we have all of Outworld to move around in. We can get plenty of supplies to outlast Kano."
"That's not what I'm worried about." I said. "I just don't want to force our men to sit here for another two years and wait for Kano's men to starve."
"Patience is crucial in war, Princess." Tallyn barked. "Brash actions only lead to defeat."
"I'm not saying we do anything brash. I'm just looking for a better solution to end this war quickly."
"What would you suggest, Lady Kitana?" Goro said.
I was quiet for a few moments, preparing myself to give an answer. I knew what I was about to suggest was risky and would probably require convincing. I then said "If we can't lure Kano out then I suggest we carry out a full-scale assault."
Everyone was shocked by my suggestion and Tallyn said "You can't be serious! Do you have any idea how many men we'll lose in that kind of attack?"
"It's not an easy answer...but it seems to be our only answer."
"No it isn't!" he barked. "We could wait until a better chance presents itself!"
"Kano and his men would never expect a complete assault." I said. "We bombard them with every catapult and arrow we have and then we raid their base."
"You're insane." Tallyn answered.
"It can be done."
"I'm not saying it can't be done. I'm saying it'll cost countless lives."
"Not if we're careful and plan it properly."
"Princess Kitana, maybe you should rethink this..." Seifer said.
"Listen to him Princess!" Tallyn snapped. "Your own people know this is a bad idea!"
"Am I the only one who thinks we can finally finish this? If so then I'll stop talking..."
I paused and waited. Finally one of my generals stepped forward and said "I agree with the Princess. We can find a way."
Another general, this time a Shokan, said "I agree as well. If we succeed it will be worth the risk."
A few more generals, Shokan and Edenian agreed while others argued back, agreeing with Tallyn. After several minutes of arguing I said "People, please understand, I am not suggesting we blindly charge into their base. What I'm hoping for is a methodical, organized, systematic assault. Perfectly planned to ensure a victory with minimum loss of life. Am I to believe that is not within our power?"
"Madness." Tallyn grumbled. "Prince Goro...surely you must agree such an assault is a bad move?"
Goro thought for a few moments and said "People, I would like a moment to discuss this with Lady Kitana in private if you don't mind." All the other generals nodded and left the tent, leaving Goro and I alone. I knew if I could convince Goro to agree with me, then the other Shokan would follow suit. I was about to speak when Goro suddenly said "Why do this?"
"Excuse me?"
"Why take such a risk?"
I sat down next to Goro and began "Goro, we're so close. So close to ending this and bringing peace to Outworld at last. All that's standing in our way is...Kano of all people...and what's left of Shao Kahn's crippled armies. I hate that not even our combined armies can break through that."
"I understand your frustration Kitana...but you can't send men to die because you can't end this war fast enough."
"You know I would never stay behind..."
"You know what I mean." he interrupted. "Our men have been fighting without rest. You can't force them into another battle that they may not win."
"Goro I know. That's why I want to make sure we have a strong strategy before we make any moves."
"But why bother risking it? Why not just wait?"
I thought about it and finally admitted "Because I want to go home. I want my men to go home. Like you said, they've fought long enough. We've all fought long enough. I want this to end now." I paused a moment then continued "I know it's a small chance, but I want to take it. So maybe that way we can finally finish this."
Goro just stared at me and I wasn't sure if I was convincing him. After a few moments of silence he said "Are you sure you want this for your people and not for yourself? Are you sure it's not just revenge against Kahn you seek?"
"I'll admit, part of the reason I want this is so I can finally see Shao Kahn dead. But I'm not stupid Goro. I won't needlessly put other people's lives in danger to satisfy my pride or need for vengeance. I truly believe we can find a way to end this war now." I paused to see what Goro thought of that. He didn't answer and I finished "Look Goro...if you really feel an assault will fail...or you think it will cost too many lives...then I'll stop and we'll just wait it out."
I noticed Goro smirk and say "I admire your determination Princess." He stood up and called the other generals in. As they entered he said "I have decided. Prepare the men for assault while we formulate a strategy. In two days we storm Kano's forces."
Tallyn stepped forward and said "Prince Goro! We can't..."
"I agree with Lady Kitana." he interrupted. "I believe we have the strength to break through Kano's line and I believe we can find a way to do it with minimal losses."
"But Goro..."
"And we are Shokan, Tallyn. We do not shy away from battle."
"Very well, my lord."
We spent the next two days planning and preparing for the coming assault. We planned the attack to ensure there would be as few casualties as possible, but I could just feel this growing apprehension growing throughout the ranks. I knew this battle would be a must-win. If the battle went ill, it would be a long time before our men would be willing to risk another assault, which would mean we'd have no choice but to sit and wait.
It wasn't just my desire for this war to end that made me push for the assault. I kept it to myself, but I could this growing dread in the back of mind. I feared if we waited or delayed too long, Shao Kahn would regain his power completely. Or maybe something worse would come. Frequent reports of a Vampire spy and rumors of some sort of demonic creatures roaming through the Living Forests attacking and eating people kept spreading. And there was something else. I could just feel it in my blood. I felt the same way when I first met Quan Chi. I felt it again right before Shinnok invaded.
I spent the night before the battle wandering through the camp. After so long, I'd started getting used to no sleep. As I walked through the camp I kept looking at all the soldiers...wondering if they had families waiting for them. I thought of those we'd already lost and if they had families.
"No sleep yet again, Princess?" I heard Goro grumble behind me.
I turned and saw him standing by his tent, smoking from some sort of Shokan pipe. "I've been getting used to it."
"You still seem troubled. I thought you wanted this battle."
"That doesn't mean I'm looking forward to it." I answered. "I just want this war to end."
"Yes, I've gathered that."
"It just drives be crazy." I grumbled. "We're so close...so close...to finally ending this. And the only thing in our way is...Kano. A two-bit Earthrealm thug. God it's so frustrating..."
"I know it is. But you mustn't let it get to you. Kano can't hold us off forever."
"I know. But hate risking people's lives waiting like this."
Goro chuckled slightly and said "I still don't understand why you take all this so personally."
"You mean to tell me you have no trouble sending your people to their deaths?"
"Of course not." he answered. "But to listen to you, one would think you killed your men yourself."
"It's just that...I swore to myself a long time ago I wouldn't let my people be hurt because of me. And lately it feels like I'm forcing the men to fight..."
"Your men made a choice to be in this war. You've never once said they have to do what you say. They believe in you...let that be enough." I smiled slightly and Goro finished "You should rest. We all must be at full strength for tomorrow." He then turned to go into his tent and said "Good night, Princess."
"Good night, Goro." I answered as I returned to my tent.
Goro has been essential for me in this war. I was trained to be an assassin. An assassin traditionally works alone or at most with one or two other people. They're not required to worry about others. So going into this war, I had to adjust to being a leader. Even with my advisors and strategists I've been very unsure of my ability to lead an army. In every battle I've had to remind myself to be wary of my allies.
Goro on the other hand, was born to lead. He was Shao Kahn's first choice to lead the armies of Outworld. He's led his people for centuries in numerous wars, mainly against the Centaur. So his experience was crucial to helping me through this war. I barely knew Goro before I turned against Kahn. But in this war...I'd even say he became the closest thing to a brother I've ever had.
As morning came, our armies gathered not far outside Kano's base, which was only a few miles away from Kahn's fortress. We went over the plans a dozen times in the past few days, not just to guarantee there'd be no mistakes, but also so we could start the assault immediately. A large part of our plan was the element of surprise.
Just as we finished gathering and preparing for the assault we could hear commotion coming from Kano's base. Kahn's men would be just waking up for use to attack. We would need to work fast to take advantage of any principal panic in Kahn's men.
Without wasting a minute I gave the order to start bombarding Kano's base with catapults and arrows. We would unload everything we had first then move in to finish what was left. Once the bombardment was over I gave the order to charge. Speed was the key to this. As we rushed the base walls, hordes of Kahn's men and Tarkatans began pouring out. Our two forces collided just outside the base and the battle was on. In the distance I saw Goro swiping aside any Tarkatan that attacked him. I screamed for Jade and several of my men to follow as I pushed ahead.
"Keep pushing!" I yelled out, tearing down any enemy soldier in front of me. "We can win this!" I tore down every Tarkatan and Outworld soldier who stood in my way, constantly moving forward. I was consumed by my desire to win this battle. We had come too far to fail now. I pushed so far ahead, without realizing it I was suddenly by myself, practically inside Kano's base.
"'ello baby." I suddenly heard a gruff, smug voice taunt behind me. I turned sharply and saw Kano himself, standing smugly in the middle of a few dozen dead Edenian soldiers. He stared at me with an arrogant grin and said "I been lookin' forward to this."
I didn't bother to say anything and charged. If I could kill Kano, the Outworld forces would be leaderless and fall. I swiped at him with my fans which he blocked with his daggers which were just as stained with blood. He forced me back and began attacking. Kano is a skilled fighter, but his style is very unrefined. Very little technique and he relies mainly on his strength and power.
I was able to use my speed and skill to evade his attacks and disarm him. I then took the offensive and easily took him down without much effort. Kano made a few attempts to outfight me, but each time I easily took him down. I knocked him to the ground with my Pretty Kick and quickly moved in to finish him. But he managed to dodge my attack and suddenly a searing red beam shot from his metal eye which hit my left arm. The burning was unlike anything I'd ever felt before.
The shot caught me off guard and I got distracted. Kano immediately took advantage and slapped my fans from my hands before he gave me a stiff head-butt. He made certain the metal part of his head struck mine which almost knocked me unconscious. I stumbled backwards and felt a stream of blood drip down the side of my face.
Without wasting a moment, Kano quickly wrapped his arms around me and locked me in a crushing bearhug. He started violently shaking me back and forth and I could feel my ribs getting crushed. I was too disoriented from the blow to my head to do anything besides scream in pain.
Through my screams, I heard Kano laugh and say "C'mon baby, why don't you struggle a bit? Make me earn this?"
Before my ribs would break, I stopped trying to shake off the head-but and just started blindly driving my elbows into Kano. After several hits he finally let go of me and without thinking kicked him in the head to give myself to regain my senses. I shook off my haziness and struggled to catch my breath. I was about to continue an offensive but Kano suddenly hit me with his Cannonball roll which knocked me back to the ground.
As I lay on the ground trying to recover, Kano placed his foot on my chest and held me down. He laughed and said "Kahn said yeh wouldn't go down easy. I'll give yeh credit, yeh're better than I thought." He drew another knife and added with a sick grin, "Now let's have some fun..."
Kano made a big mistake in deciding to chat with me for a moment. While he talked, I managed to get a small dagger I kept hidden in my boot. People think my fans are the only weapons I ever keep on me and I let them. But only a fool goes into a battle with only two weapons.
As Kano moved in to do whatever he planning on doing with his knife I drove my dagger into his foot. He screamed in pain and took a step back allowing me to get to my feet. Before he had a chance to do anything I drove the knife into his eye-plate so he wouldn't be able to use that beam on me again.
He screamed out "My eye! My eye! You bitch!"
Kano charged and tried to fight me, but even though I was still hurting from his attacks I could still fight better than him. And he'd also lost his temper which made the fight only easier for me. After a few minutes I knocked Kano to ground. He struggled to get up but would only fall back down. His fight was done.
This was my chance to end this. I found my fan and moved in to finish him off. Kano tried reasoning with me, claiming he had no loyalty to Shao Kahn and he was forced into serving him, but I didn't listen. I know exactly what Kano is: a opportunist. No better than Tanya. He whores himself to whomever he thinks could win and whichever side could profit him more. I'd be doing the world a favor by ending his life.
In the distance I saw a dozen Tarkatans charging so I'd have to move quickly. As I was about to kill Kano I heard someone call out "Kitana!"
I blame myself for getting distracted. I turned to see who said that and Kano used the opportunity to run. He ran to the horde of Tarkatans and I was about to chase him when Jade suddenly stopped me. "Kitana! We have to go!"
"No!" I yelled back. "We can finish this!"
"The Shokan are retreating! We've suffered too many losses! We have to turn back!"
I stared at her, shocked. "What! No! We can't turn back now!"
The Tarkatans were coming closer as Jade continued to pull me back yelling "Damn it, Kitana! It's over! We have to turn back! You can't win this now!"
Behind the horde of Tarkatans, I saw more of Shao Kahn's soldiers and even more Tarkatans behind them. It pained me to admit it but Jade was right. We had to turn back. I went with her and rejoined our forces and retreated back to camp. Behind me I could hear the crazed roars of the Tarkatans in triumph.
We returned to the camps and all around me injured and dying soldiers attended their wounds. The only thing worse than the pain in my body was my bitterness and frustration. I returned to my tent and tried to clear my head. Again we had failed. Again we've needlessly lost more lives. I had my chance to finally end this and cripple Shao Kahn's forces and I missed it. And what made it all worse was I pushed for the battle. It was my idea to lead an assault. They tried to tell me...saying it'd cost too many lives...my fault. More people have died because of me. Why must so many people die because of me?
I sat in my tent, stewing over our failure until I finally blurted out "GOD DAMN IT!" and punched in my mirror. In my frustration I started throwing everything off my table and then punched it in too. I was so frustrated and angry...
Behind me, Jade entered my tent and started to say "Kitana..."
"Why did you stop me!" I suddenly snapped. "I could've killed Kano! I had a chance to end this and you interrupted me! Damn it Jade, this could've been over!"
Jade seemed taken aback by my outburst and quietly answered "Kitana...I...we were retreating and I..."
"You distracted me and gave Kano a chance to escape! And now they'll regroup and we'll have to fight again! You saw me didn't you? You saw me about to kill him! What were you thinking!"
Jade just stared at me, very confused about where all this was coming from and answered "I...I don't know...I was trying to..."
"Of course you don't know! You weren't thinking! You never think! God forbid you make your own decisions!" I stopped a moment and continued "What happened anyway! I was the only one pushing ahead! Where was everybody else! And then suddenly we retreat! Am I the only one who wants this war to end!"
Her face was a mixture of confusion and anger. She probably wanted to yell back, but she resisted. After a moment she answered "Kitana...we had to retreat because the Shokan pulled back..." she paused a moment then added "They pulled back after they found Goro..."
"What do you mean 'found' Goro..?"
"He's dying."
End of Chapter XXVIII