"Loss"
"Goro's dying."
In just a split second I forgot whatever anger and frustration I felt and it was replaced by a horrible chill that ran through my blood. Wasting no time, I quickly ran to the Shokan's side of the encampment. I went into Goro's tent to find Tallyn and several Shokan generals standing around a bed. I went closer and saw the body of a Shokan lying motionless in the bed. He was breathing very slowly, his body was badly scarred and his face terribly mutilated, almost unrecognizable.
"Princess Kitana, a pleasure to see you made it." Tallyn said, with a restrained anger brewing in his voice.
"What happened?" I asked.
"We're not sure. We found him not far from the battlefield."
I looked closely and wondered "Are you sure it's him? His face..."
"He was wearing the Shokan Royal Seal. Only Goro wears the Seal."
"Will he be okay?"
The Shokan surgeon looked at me and answered "I'm doing what I can."
I sat beside Goro's bed and tried to maintain my composure. I watched as the surgeons did what they could to mend Goro's wounds. After several hours all but myself, Tallyn, and the surgeon had left. As I watched the surgeon's expression, I could tell Goro was only getting worse.
After some time, the surgeon stood up and said "I'm sorry. There's nothing more I can do. All we can do now is make him comfortable."
"No..." I whispered.
"How much time does he have left?" Tallyn asked.
"Another day. At most."
As Tallyn led the surgeon outside I could hear him reassuring the surgeon he had done all he could. I just stayed by Goro's side. I felt so horrible. So many have already died for this war. I guess it was only a matter of time someone I was close to died, too. Worse than that...the Shokan Prince. Without him the Shokan have no leader. I feared what they would do without Goro. When Goro first disappeared after the last Mortal Kombat tournament, the Shokan almost spiraled into leaderless chaos. Now with Goro really dying, what will happen? Would they keep fighting? Would they simply return to the Kuatan Lands?
And I began to fear what I would do without Goro. Through this war Goro became like a brother-in-arms for me. He kept me going and helped me lead my people. He fought alongside me and even saved my life more than once during battle.
And that one horrible thought kept repeating. So many have died for this war. So many have died for these battles I pushed for. They tried to tell me the battle was too dangerous but I didn't listen. I was too anxious to end the war and now Goro's dying. I once swore to myself I wouldn't let anyone else die because of me. But why is that no matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, people still die because of me?
"Does this please you princess?" I heard Tallyn snarl behind me. "Is this what you wanted? I told you an attack would fail. I told you it would cost too many lives. Now look! Our Prince is dying! Dying because of the battle you wanted! His death is on your hands Princess!"
"Thank you general. As if I couldn't possibly feel worse." I hissed.
"I suppose it's easy for you Princess. It's easy for you send men off to die for your cause..."
"Don't you dare!" I snarled. "Don't you dare finish that sentence!" I paused then continued "You're right, I have to live with his death now. But just remember, I didn't force Goro to do anything. He made his choice and fought with honor. Do not taint that by making it seem like I twisted his arm into fighting a battle he didn't want."
Tallyn stared at me a moment then grimly said "Just remember Princess, with Goro gone I'm in charge now. And rest assured, I will not approve another one of your suicide missions again!"
With that Tallyn stormed out of the tent, leaving Goro and I alone. As I sat there, the situation started to sink in. Goro was going to die. My frustration got Goro and who knows how many others killed. I wanted the war to end. I wanted to go home. So I pushed for a risky battle which had a slim chance of victory. Now the war's still not over and Goro's dying.
I could feel the stress getting to me. The frustration of not being able to end the war. Now I have people's deaths on my shoulders. I kept telling myself to stay strong. I can't break now. I can't let them get to me. This war will end. Sooner or later. Peace will return to Edenia and Outworld.
But still...Goro won't be able to see it now. That's something I have to live with now. Yet another death I have to live with, added on to the countless others I'm already living with. I'm so tired of living with death.
As night fell I noticed Goro's breathing becoming more and more strained. I could tell he was close to dying. I gently took his hand and waited. After a few moments his breathing stopped and his grip fell limp. He was gone.
I leaned close and gave him a light kiss on his forehead before whispering "Be at peace...Shokan Prince."
I took a few moments to let his passing sink in before I left his tent. I went to Tallyn's tent so I could tell him Goro was gone. I figured with Goro dead he'd use the opportunity to leave, so I decided I would let him do as he wished. As I approached Tallyn's tent I heard talking coming from inside. As I got closer I was able to make out Jade and Seifer's voices.
I entered the tent to find Jade and Seifer talking with Tallyn and other Shokan generals. As I went in, everyone fell silent and stared at me. After a few moments I said "Goro's gone. He just passed."
The Shokan looked agitated and started discussing amongst themselves while Jade asked me "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine." I answered. "What's happening here?"
"We just got word from the line," Seifer answered "Kano and his men have broken camp and are retreating."
"What?" I said, completely shocked.
"They're pulling back and abandoning their base. Word is the remaining guards and soldiers are deserting the fortress too."
"I don't believe it...what happened?"
"Shao Kahn is dead." Tallyn said suddenly. "Word's been spreading he was attacked and killed by some assassins."
"Who?"
"We don't know." he said, then added "And frankly we don't care. Kahn is dead and our part in this is over."
I was too shocked to respond. After all this time...after everything that's happened...Shao Kahn is dead. But not only that...I never thought it'd be like this. Just so sudden...out of nowhere. No final battle. No great climax. Shao Kahn is dead...just like that.
"Now wait." Jade cut in. "We don't know if Kahn is really gone for good. For all we know this could all be some kind of trap."
"When what's left of Kahn's forces are gone, go to the fortress and see if you can find his body. In the meantime, we'll be taking Prince Goro's body back to the Kuatan Lands."
"You can't just..."
"Jade, let him go." I interrupted. "If Kahn is really dead then this war is over. Let them go." I stepped towards Tallyn and said "I wish you farewell. And I hope you'll inform me of when Prince Goro's funeral is. I'd like to attend."
"Very well. Farewell Princess." He then said, in a rather condescending way "I wish you a safe journey."
With that Jade, Seifer and I left the Shokan encampment and returned to ours. As we walked, all around us the Shokan were packing up and getting ready to leave. Some seemed very eager to leave...but I noticed some seemed somewhat disappointed. I wondered if it was because of Goro's death...or maybe they were disappointed with the anticlimactic victory. I figured it was probably both.
I returned to my tent trying to take in what had happened. It all seemed to be happening so fast...it was a lot to absorb. I have to admit, I was honestly disappointed myself. When Kahn was defeated and thought to have been killed by Liu when he invaded Earth, although I was overjoyed Kahn was gone, deep down I was upset I didn't get to see it myself. I wished I could've been a part of his final defeat. I thought it would be fitting.
Since this war started, I hate to admit, deep down I was kind of looking forward to having a chance to destroy Kahn personally. Even if I wouldn't be the one to deliver the killing blow, I could at least play a part in his death. I hoped I'd be there to see him finally pay for his crimes. Pay for what he's done to me and the people I love. But even more than that, I actually hoped I'd get one last time to simply confront Shao Kahn before destroying him.
There was one thing I had hoped to learn before I killed him. Something that had often plagued me since I turned against him, even more so after our discussion before Liu defeated him. Why? Why did he keep me alive? Why did he raise me as his daughter? Why was he so determined to have me loyal to him? Was is merely an insult to my father? Was it because I'm the Princess of Edenia and he needed me alive for political reasons? Or...was it possible that he actually...cared about me in some way..?
I've often wondered what his answer to that question would be. Sometimes I even wonder if I truly want to know the answer to that question. Whatever the case, it seems I'll never get that answer now. And I won't get a chance to see Kahn destroyed myself. While I was glad that perhaps this time Kahn was truly gone for good, I must admit I was upset I was once again denied a chance to see it myself.
But there was something about it that kept bothering me. Who could've killed Shao Kahn? Who could've gotten in and so close without anyone noticing? Was it some of his own men? And also, why would Kahn's killer keep their identity secret? One would think he, she, or they would make their presence known right away. I couldn't be sure, but there was something about this "victory" that didn't sit well with me.
Thoughts about Shao Kahn and his sudden demise kept me up all night. As dawn came Jade and Seifer came to my tent. "The last of the Shokan have left." Seifer said upon entering.
"It seems they couldn't leave fast enough." Jade grumbled. I didn't say anything and after a moment she asked "You okay Kitana? You seem distracted..."
I snapped out of it and said "Oh...it's nothing. It's just...I never thought it would end this way." I paused then added "I don't know...it just seems...wrong..."
"Hardly the glorious victory we were hoping for...but a victory nonetheless." Seifer said calmly.
I nodded and said "I suppose you're right."
"So what happens now? Do we go home?" Jade asked.
I thought about it a moment then said "I...I don't know Jade. Something about this really doesn't feel right." I looked at Jade and Seifer and said "We'll stay for a few more days. Let the soldiers rest a bit and we'll see what happens."
"And if nothing happens?" Seifer asked.
I smiled and answered "Then I guess we're going home." Seifer and Jade nodded and turned to leave. Jade was about to leave the tent when I realized something and quickly said "Jade, wait. I want to talk to you a moment." Seifer left my tent while Jade stopped and waited. After a moment I gathered my thoughts and said "Jade...I want you to know...I'm sorry I yelled at you the other day. I know I haven't been myself lately but I just...I've been under a lot of pressure of late and..."
"Kitana it's okay. I understand...we've all been through a lot..."
"But that doesn't make it right. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. And I said things I shouldn't have. So I'm sorry."
Jade smiled and said "It's okay. Don't beat yourself up." She gently rubbed my arm and said "Hey, cheer up. Shao Kahn's dead. It's finally over. We're going home soon."
I smiled and said "I hope so."
"It's been a long few days. Why don't you get some rest?"
"Yeah." I answered, yawning. "I really could use some sleep."
After Jade left, I settled down and tried to clear my head so I could sleep. There was still so much on my mind but I decided I'd worry about it later. Besides, depriving myself of sleep wasn't helping anything.
As I fell asleep, I started to dream. I dreamt I was back in Edenia. I was standing in a large open field, it looked early dawn. Like the sun hadn't come up yet. It felt almost serene, but there was something ominous about it. Like the calm before a violent storm. I could hear nothing but dead silence until I started to hear someone calling my name in the distance. I listened closely as the yelling became clearer and I recognized it was my mother.
"Mother..?" I called out. I still couldn't see her anywhere, but I could just hear her yelling my name. Then in the far distance I began to see the Edenian Palace...my home. As I saw it clearly, I could hear my mother's yelling was coming from the Palace. I started to run towards the Palace as my mother continued yelling my name.
It felt like I was running for hours. But no matter how close I thought I'd get to the Palace it seemed to be farther away. I tried running faster, but I could get no closer to the Palace. I didn't understand what was happening. Why couldn't I get home? Finally the Palace started to disappear in a dark fog and my mother's voice started to fade away.
"Mother! No! Wait!" I yelled out, but the Palace and my mother were gone. The field started to darken as if night was coming and I only stood there by myself. Then I felt this strange feeling of...being alone. And cold. I missed my mother. I wanted to go home. But I couldn't get home. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get home.
Suddenly I heard a familiar voice say behind me "Kitana..."
I turned around and I saw Liu. "Liu!" I said shocked. "What are you doing here?"
Liu stepped forward, looking very pale and solemn. He stared at me a moment, then said "Dark times are coming Kitana. And I'm afraid I won't be able to help you this time."
"What..? I don't understand..."
"You have to be strong Kitana. Stronger than you think you can be. If you can't...all will be lost..."
"Liu, why are you telling me this? What's happening?"
"I want you to know I'm sorry Kitana. I'm sorry I won't be there for you this time. And I'm sorry you're going to have to go through this."
I was about to say something when suddenly green flames started to form at Liu's feet. The flames continued to grow and began spiraling around him. "Liu!" I yelled. "Liu, what's happening!"
As the green flames engulfed him, he said one last time "Be strong Kitana. I'll miss you..."
Suddenly the green flames swallowed him and he disappeared in a blinding light. "LIU!" I screamed out, horrified. As the flames disappeared, I heard a horrible cackling start to echo around me and I woke up in a cold sweat. I had only been asleep for little more than an hour
I sat in bed, trying to regain my breath and shake off the horrible feeling that dream left me with. It was just a strange dream. Too much had been happening and too much was on my mind, that's all. It didn't mean anything.
I took a glass of water and stepped outside to get some air. It was still early, but it had gotten cloudy. Looked like it rain. Some of the soldiers and guards were awake and sitting around, but besides that, I was pretty much to myself. I guess everyone else was sleeping.
I walked to a nearby hilltop that overlooked the encampment so I could have some privacy. I kept thinking about the dream. I've had plenty of bad nightmares in my life, especially recently. But there was something about that one that made my blood run cold. I kept telling myself it was nothing. So many have already died. Fighting a war, one only sees more death. Goro just died. It was just getting in my head that's all. Start dreaming other people are going to die. I took a sip of my water and tried to shake it off.
From where I was sitting I could just make out Shao Kahn's fortress in the distance. I thought about maybe going down there later. Make sure Kahn is really dead. Strangely, I also kind of wanted one last look. In a way, the fortress was home too. I figured once things in Outworld were settled, the fortress would be torn down. Good riddance. Hopefully once we're sure Kahn is dead and gone and things in Outworld get settled I'll be able to go home and never come back.
Then it started to sink in that just maybe Kahn is really gone. That maybe I can finally go home. I tried not to get my hopes up too high, but the thought of finally going home...not having to fight anymore...seeing my mother again...
I leaned back on the ground and whispered to myself "Please God...please...let this be it. Please...let me go home..."
I then started to hear some thunder in the distance. Guess it was going to rain. I sat up and decided to head back to camp. As I stood up I saw something very sting near the horizon. It was a bright green beacon, coming from the ground going into the sky. I never saw it there before and I noticed the sky around it growing darker and the thunder getting louder. Coming storm and a mysterious green light...somehow I didn't take it as a good sign.
"Thanks." I grumbled to myself before I started back to the camp. I walked back to camp as the thunder grew louder and drops of rain began to fall from the sky.
I returned to my tent and spent the rest of the day sitting around. There were still too many guards and Tarkatans scattered around Shao Kahn's fortress, probably pillaging it, so we couldn't get in to look around. I kept dreading something bad was going to happen, but to my surprise almost nothing happened.
At one point late in the day a few soldiers were attacked by some crazed reptilian creature, shouting incoherent gibberish about it being our fault Kahn was dead. We quickly managed to drive the creature away with no injuries. But aside from that, nothing happened. I almost started to think that maybe everything really was okay and we could go home. And that's when everything fell apart.
As night came, I gave orders we would break camp and return to Edenia the next morning. Despite the rain, which had started to pour, the soldiers started to celebrate. Not being much for parties, I stayed near my tent. Even though everyone was thrilled we'd be going home, I was still apprehensive. I tried to tell myself I was just being paranoid.
Later that night I then started to hear a loud commotion coming from the far end of the camp. At first I thought the soldiers were still celebrating, but the screams then started to sound panicked. I ran to where the screams were coming from only to find we were being attacked by some...things.
I didn't recognize the armor, but they...soldiers...if that's what they were looked like rotted corpses. They were attacking my men with weapons that looked like they were glowing. I didn't bother to think and quickly charged in to help my men. Our attackers were few, but for some reason my men couldn't hold them back.
I started fighting one of them myself and was shocked to find how strong this thing was. I laid into it with everything I had, but it took all my shots and was still standing. It lunged at me with it's spear, but I managed to dodge it and using it's momentum against it I snapped it's neck. The creature sank to the ground and I turned ready to keep fighting. To my horror, my men couldn't beat this creatures. I didn't understand how that was possible...there weren't that many.
I was about to go in to keep fighting when I felt something grab my foot. I turned only to find the creature I thought I killed was still alive. I kicked it away and it only stood up and snapped it's neck back into place. As I watched it I started to realize these things couldn't be killed. Whatever they were, they weren't going to die and this was a fight we couldn't win.
"Everyone pull back!" I shouted. "Retreat!"
Shouts of "retreat" began to echo throughout the camp and we started to pull back. We had little time to back anything or take many supplies and quickly retreated to the east. Something I noticed as we pulled back...something that made me very uneasy...I was able to see the souls of the soldiers who were killed leave their bodies. And they were drawn to the green beacon I saw earlier.
The creatures gave chase for only a few miles before we finally lost them. We settled in a valley near the Outworld plains. It was late and still raining. Wouldn't be daylight for another few hours. As the wounded were attended to, I found Jade and Seifer hoping maybe they had some idea of what just happened.
"You two okay?" I asked.
"We're fine." Jade answered. "What the hell just happened? What were those things?"
"I don't know. Did anyone see where they came from?"
"They just appeared out of nowhere and started attacking." Seifer answered. "We were caught completely off guard."
"Those damn things weren't human." Jade said. "They weren't dying..."
"I know." I said. "What I want to know is where the hell they came from."
"I noticed some of them were carrying banners." Seifer said. "Difficult to make out, but some of them looked like they had 'Deadly Alliance' written on them."
"Deadly Alliance?" Jade repeated. "What the hell is that supposed to be?"
"At a guess," Seifer said, "I'm going to assume they're looking to take power now that Shao Kahn's gone."
I figured Seifer was right and a wave of frustration cam over me. I knew it was too good to be true. I knew we wouldn't be able to go home that easy. I started rubbing my forehead and mumbling to myself "...it never ends...it never ends..." I kept saying that to myself, I didn't even hear Jade trying to get my attention.
"Kitana! Snap out of it!"
"Oh...sorry." I said. "Listen, Seifer I want everyone to settle up here and rest for the time being. Keep some guards on post to watch in case those things attack us again. We'll...we'll think of what to do tomorrow."
"Yes, ma'am." Seifer said, leaving.
Seifer left, leaving Jade and I alone. After a few moments Jade said "Kitana...are you all right?"
"What do you mean?"
"You look pale...have you slept at all?"
"Only an hour yesterday morning."
Jade looked very concerned and said "Kitana...I really think you should try to get some real sleep. You look terrible..."
"No...no, I can't now...still have a lot to do..."
"Let me and Seifer deal with that. I really think you should get some rest."
I admit she was right. I was exhausted and felt a growing headache. "Yeah...yeah I think you're right..."
"I have a tent set up. You can sleep there. Okay?"
I nodded and I went to Jade's tent. I sat inside and stared into Jade's mirror and noticed she was right about how I looked. I really was exhausted. Not even just physically exhausted either...but emotionally. So much had happened in just a few days. The battle, Goro's death, Kahn's death, now this "Deadly Alliance," whatever that is. Way too much going on and way too much stress. I needed to time to rest. Just clear my head.
I sat by my mirror undoing the braid in my hair when I noticed a guard at the entrance. "Lady Kitana..? I don't mean to disturb you..."
"It's okay." I answered. "What is it?"
"There's a Kung Lao here who wishes to see you. He says it is important."
"Kung Lao..?" I said, pretty surprised. "Send him in."
The guard nodded and left a moment later Kung Lao entered. He removed his hat and said "Princess Kitana."
"My god, Kung Lao..." I began, "I can't believe you're here. It's good to see you again." Somehow seeing an old friend raised my spirits. "What brings you here?"
Kung Lao quietly answered "I take it you haven't heard?"
I noticed he seemed very uneasy and assumed he was referring to Goro. "Oh...no. I have. I was with him as he died."
Kung Lao looked very confused and asked "Who?"
"Goro. That's why you're here right? He passed away just the other day."
He looked very troubled and quietly said "You haven't heard..."
Apparently I didn't know what he was talking about and asked "Heard what?"
Kung Lao cleared his throat and began "Have you ever heard of the Dragon King?"
"No."
"He was the previous ruler of Outworld before Shao Kahn. According to legend his army was invincible. Could not be beaten. After the Dragon King died, his unbeatable army was mummified and it was prophesized that when the Dragon King lived again his army would rise as well."
He paused and I got a bad feeling about where he was going with this. "Go on..."
"It seems Quan Chi has found a way to escape the Netherealm. And after his escape he discovered the remains of the Dragon King's army. He's formed an alliance with Shang Tsung and together they're going to revive the Dragon King's army."
"Oh god..." I grumbled. "So that's the so-called Deadly Alliance."
"You know?"
"Just earlier tonight, my troops were attacked by a small band of...creatures that couldn't be killed. Some were carrying banners that read 'Deadly Alliance.' I assume those creatures were some of the Dragon King's soldiers?"
"Yes. And unless Quan Chi and Shang Tsung are stopped there's going to be hundreds more. Maybe thousands."
"So that's why you're here." I moaned and then quietly whispered to myself "It never ends." I thought a moment then realized "Does that mean Liu is here? I haven't seen him in so long..." As soon as I mentioned Liu's named Kung Lao looked very saddened and I asked "What is it? What's wrong?"
After a moment he continued "After they formed their alliance, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi decided they'd eliminate the only two warriors who could pose a threat to them. They attacked Shao Kahn in his fortress and killed him."
I nodded and quietly said "So...they're the ones who killed Shao Kahn..."
"After they killed Kahn they traveled to Earth with a secret portal and attacked Liu near the Shaolin Temple."
He paused and I suddenly felt my stomach sink. The way he said it...the way he was looking at me...it couldn't be...it couldn't...
"He's okay...isn't he..?"
Kung Lao stared at me and after a very tense silence he quietly answered "He fell."
I felt a terrible jolt run up my spine and I couldn't move. It felt like time froze. Like I couldn't breathe. I felt my heart sink down into my stomach. A wave of blood rush to my head and I felt almost like I was going to pass out. Without realizing it, I had backed away to the other end of the tent. I felt like I was going to throw up.
"Leave."
Kung Lao didn't answer. He seemed a little unsure of what to do or what to say and started "Kitana...I'm sorry..."
"Please." I interrupted, hearing my own voice crack. "I'd like to be alone right now."
He nodded and said "I understand." as he stepped outside the tent.
I sank to my knees, struggling to hold back my tears. This couldn't be happening. It was just a bad dream. Another one of my nightmares. Any second I'd wake up and everything would be okay. I sat there staring at the floor waiting for myself to wake but it didn't happen. Instead I only felt a terrible aching in my head from trying to hold back my tears.
I finally couldn't hold it in any longer and I sank lower to the floor and started bawling. It was all too much. Too much. Too much all at once. My failed battle. The death of Goro. The Deadly Alliance. Now...on top of everything else...he was gone. Liu was dead.
"Not him." I sobbed. "Please God...not him...not him..." I loved him. I loved Liu Kang. But he was so much more than just that. He gave me hope. No matter how bad things would get...no matter how dark the times...Liu always encouraged me to keep fighting. To never give up hope. Even when I wasn't with him he inspired me to hold on. He was a hero. He was my hero. As long as he was there...I believed good would win.
But now he's gone. Taken away so suddenly in a single act of cruelty. And suddenly...everything seemed harder. The world seemed darker. Suddenly I could no longer feel that little bit of hope. Suddenly I felt alone again.
"Kitana..." I heard someone say entering the tent. "Oh God...Kitana..." I looked up and saw Jade quickly come to be and kneel beside me. She was about to say something, but I hugged her tightly and continued to cry uncontrollably. She gently rocked me back and forth and soothingly said "It's okay. It's going to be okay..."
"...no...no it won't be okay..."
"Shhh...don't think like that. You'll get through this..."
"...it's not fair...it's not fair...why him..? Why did he have to die..?"
"I know. It isn't fair." she continued to say, very gently. "Let it out. Just let it out."
Thank God for Jade. She was there for me exactly when I needed her. I can't tell Jade enough how much her friendship means to me. Besides my mother, she's the only real family I have. And she puts up with so much of my garbage. I don't know how she does it.
I continued sobbing for several minutes until Jade slowly tried to help me up, saying "Come on Kitana. You need some rest. You've been through a lot and you need some sleep." She helped me into my bed and helped pull my boots off. I lied down and pulled the covers over me, still sobbing. Jade gently said "Sleep. It'll help."
I thought she was going to leave and I quickly grabbed her hand and said "Please don't leave me Jade..."
"I'm not going anywhere." she answered soothingly. "Sleep."
I pulled the bed covers close and let my exhaustion take me. I fell asleep still crying...hoping the pain would somehow hurt less when I woke up.
End of Chapter XXIX