"Strength"
For the first time in a very long while, I peacefully woke up from a good, long sleep. For the past few weeks I had almost no sleep and when I did, I usually woke up because of a nightmare. For once, I woke up calm and at ease and for just a moment didn't remember everything that was happening around me. And for that one moment, I knew peace.
Just one brief moment that quickly passed as I turned and saw Jade asleep in a chair beside my bed. Then I remembered what happened the night before and it hit me. Liu was dead. Ambushed and killed by those cowards Quan Chi and Shang Tsung. I held back tears and tried to stay calm. I didn't wish to break down again like I did the night before.
I sat up and noticed Jade adjust herself in her chair while she was still asleep. Then I realized she must of stayed by my side the whole night. I took comfort in that, but thoughts of Liu still hurt. I've had a share of relationships in my life. But I never loved someone like I loved Liu. It was different. He was different. I spent my life surrounded by degenerates and lunatics. Cutthroats and corrupt scoundrels. Men of honor were few and far in between. But Liu was better than all of him. He fought for what was right. For others and he never sought anything in return. Until I met him, I never believed people like that existed.
"Kitana...Kitana you're up..?" I heard Jade yawn, trying to wake up herself.
"Yes. I just woke up a moment ago." I answered.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better...than last night at least."
"You want to talk about it?"
I thought about it and said, trying to hold back my tears "No...because if I do I'm going to fall apart again..."
"It's okay." she said, soothingly. "Take your time."
We were both quiet while I tried to calm down. After a few moments I took a deep breath and said "Jade...thank you for staying with me. I really...I really appreciate it."
She smiled and said "What are friends for..."
"Is Kung Lao still here?"
"Yes, he's outside. He didn't want to leave until he was sure you were okay."
"That's kind of him."
We were both quiet for a few moments until Jade said "Listen Kitana, I have some things I should take care of...unless you want me to stay..?"
"I'll be fine, Jade. Last night...it was just the shock of it, you know? And with everything else that's been happening..."
"You sure you're okay?"
"Again...yes I'm fine."
Jade reluctantly started to leave the tent. Before she stepped outside she said "I'll come back to see you in a bit."
"I'm not dying Jade. You don't have to worry so much about me."
I was honestly a little surprised by how motherly Jade was acting. Seeing me fall apart like I did last night must've really scared her. Or maybe she thought it would help. I was actually comforted. With everything that had been happening, it was nice to be reminded I have people who care about me. Sometimes one has to be reminded. Because it's easy to take things like that for granted. And when you lose things you took for granted...it only hurts more.
I realize now I took Liu for granted. After he defeated Goro and Shang Tsung...then Shao Kahn and then Shinnok...I guess I took for granted that he would always find some way to triumph against the odds. And I guess, in some way I took for granted he'd always be there. That somehow...someday we would be together. Even though he was Champion of Earth and we could never be...deep down I always held onto the hope that we could someday be together.
I remember how we first met. It's hard to describe...but I look back now and everything about our meeting seemed so right. Like it fit into place. That he had come to destroy Shao Kahn...and I, Shao Kahn's step-daughter, would be the one to help him. It seemed so fitting. That I who was without hope and needed so much for someone to believe in me...and Liu gave me all those things and more. It was like we were meant for each other. Destiny.
But now it can never be. He was gone. Killed by those bastards Quan Chi and Shang Tsung...
"Kitana..." Kung Lao said as he entered the tent.
"Kung Lao..?" I answered. "What is it?"
"If you would like...I can come back another time..."
"No...I'm okay. Don't worry about it."
Kung Lao entered the tent and sat in the seat Jade was sleeping in beside the bed and started "Kitana...firstly I want you to know I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you...about Liu. But I felt...better you heard it from me than someone else."
"No...I understand. And I appreciate that it was you who told me."
"But that wasn't the only reason I came to see you." Kung Lao then cleared his throat and continued "I'm sure you've guessed that I intend to kill Shang Tsung for what he did to Liu. But I know I haven't the skill to best Shang Tsung in combat. I've come to Outworld to seek the training of Master Bo' Rai Cho and I was hoping you may know where I could find him."
"Bo' Rai Cho..?"
"Yes. He is the master that trained Liu and..."
"No..no. I know who he is. I just didn't know he returned to Outworld."
"Yes. After Liu defeated Shang Tsung, Bo' Rai Cho came back here." He paused then added "I take it since you didn't even know he returned to Outworld, you wouldn't know where to find him."
"I'm sorry...no." I answered. "I can ask Jade. I'm sure she can find out where he is."
"She's already looking. I told her last night and she offered. I figured I'd ask you anyway."
"If she's looking, I'm sure she'll find him soon enough." Kung Lao then nodded and started to leave until I said "Kung Lao. Is that...the only reason you came to see me..?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you want me to go with you?"
He was quiet for a moment then said "I wasn't going to ask...but I figured you would want a part in taking down Shang Tsung and Quan Chi." He paused a moment then "But Jade told me that you've been going through a lot lately. And with what happened to Liu on top of everything else...I would suggest you stay here, Kitana."
"But if you need me..."
"I'm not here alone. Raiden has already summoned Sonya, Johnny Cage, Jax, and Sub-Zero. Sub-Zero has also brought a pupil of his." He let out a slight smile and said "You've fought with use through a lot Kitana. There's no sham ein sitting this one out. We'll manage. You needn't concern yourself."
With that Kung Lao stepped outside and his words began to sink in. I hadn't even thought about fighting the Deadly Alliance, but when he mentioned it I found myself wondering if perhaps I should sit this battle out. I have been through a lot of stress lately. That stress had already led me to make rash decisions and mistakes. And I was still hurting from Liu's death. It was probably best to let Kung Lao and the others handle this one.
I thought of Quan Chi and Shang Tsung and I told myself the others could fight them on their own. With Raiden leading them, they'd be able to overcome them. Although, I must admit I found myself wishing I'd be able to see it. I wished I would be able to see the two sorcerers pay for what they had done.
The more I thought about Quan Chi and Shang Tsung the angrier I became. I loved Liu Kang. And they stole that from me. But even more...Liu was a good man. He deserved a better death. He didn't deserve to be ambushed by two cowards and killed like a common dog. Since it was Shang Tsung who killed him...he most likely stole Liu's soul afterward. Liu deserves better than that. He deserves to rest in peace.
I then stopped myself and tried to calm down. That was exactly what Kung Lao meant. All the stress and Liu's death would make me too emotional. If I let my emotions cloud my judgment, I could make terrible mistakes. Besides, at that point whenever I thought of Liu I could feel tears start to well up. That's hardly the condition one should be in when fighting to the death. And surely Quan Chi and Shang Tsung would take advantage of that weakness and use it against me. Perhaps Kung Lao was right. Maybe I should just leave this battle to the others.
Suddenly the thought hit me: what was wrong with me?
I'm better than this. I'm stronger than this. I never let my emotions get to me in the past. Why am I letting them get to me now? How can I think of sitting this fight out? How could I even think of not joining this battle? If Quan Chi and Shang Tsung succeed, it'll only be a matter of time before Edenia becomes a target. They had to be stopped. And I loved Liu Kang. I am a part of this fight. I deserved to be a part of this fight.
I stepped outside the tent to find Jade and Kung Lao standing outside not far away. They didn't notice me approach and I heard Jade saying "You can find him in the south east. It's pretty isolated, but shouldn't be hard to find."
Kung Lao then answered "Thank you, Jade. I appreciate your help."
"I'm going too." I said.
Kung Lao and Jade turned suddenly and seemed surprised to see me. "You what?" Jade asked, confused.
"You found Bo' Rai Cho, yes?"
"Yes...he's in the south east..."
"When are you leaving?" I asked Kung Lao.
"I was planning on leaving as soon as possible." he answered, a little unsure of where I was going with this.
"You said you'll be facing Shang Tsung. But who will face Quan Chi?"
"Sub-Zero...Sonya...Raiden himself...makes no difference to me."
"I'm going with you." I said, with no uncertainty in me. "I'm going to ask Bo' Rai Cho to train me as well and I'm going to help you fight Quan Chi and Shang Tsung."
Jade and Kung Lao just stared at me, dumbfounded. After a few moments Kung Lao asked "Kitana...are you sure you want to do this..?"
"Yes." I quickly answered. "Give me a moment to gather some things I'll need."
I went back inside Jade's tent to gather what few of my things I still had on me. Most of my spare clothes and weapons were left back at the old camp. As I got ready to leave with Kung Lao, I took a moment to wonder if I really was ready for this. The thought of Liu again hurt inside, but I quickly resisted it. I had to be strong.
"Kitana..." I heard Jade say behind me. "...do you know what you're doing..?"
"Of course I do Jade. I'm going to get trained by Bo' Rai Cho and help defeat the Deadly Alliance."
"You know what I mean." she said sternly. I turned and looked at her and she continued "Did I miss something?"
"There'll be time for mourning later. Right now I have to do this."
"Kitana you had a God damn breakdown last night! Now you're running off to fight Quan Chi and Shang Tsung?"
"Last night was a moment of weakness. This is more important."
"Kitana, I'm your friend...please listen to me: if you're still hurting because of what happened to Liu, you can't..."
"I'm not glass, Jade." I said, cutting her off. "I'm not going to break. The Deadly Alliance is a threat that must be stopped. That's more important than my feelings. I'll have plenty of time to mourn Liu when this is over. For now, I have to fight."
"No you don't. I'll go." she said. "I'll go with Kung Lao and I'll help fight the Deadly Alliance. You can take the army back to Edenia and you can be with your mother."
"Jade...I can take care of myself. And this is something I have to do."
"Kitana, I know how much Liu meant to you. And I understand you want to help avenge him, but I also know his death is hurting you more than your letting on. You should let me go with Kung Lao and you should take the army and go home. You're only human. Even you have limits."
I turned around and kept getting ready to leave and said "Jade, I understand and I appreciate you don't want me to get hurt, but I'm not going to force you or anyone else to fight my battles for me again. I am a part of this fight and I'm not turning back."
"For God's sake, Kitana don't turn this into another guilt thing! Goro's death was not your fault."
"That's not what this is about Jade."
"Then what?" she asked.
I was quiet for a moment then said "I never told Liu I loved him." Jade didn't respond and I continued "I...I always felt it, but...I never said it. I never got the chance to tell him..."
"Kitana..." she started, "I'm sure he knew..."
"But even so...I would've like to have actually said it to him. I probably should've told him much sooner but...I don't why I didn't." I took a breath trying to maintain my composure the added "Now I'll never get that chance." I looked at Jade, who looked like she wasn't sure what to say. "I have to be a part of this. I have to be there. And Jade...when its over I'll go home and I'll mourn, I'll cry and vent and do whatever I have to...but for now I'm staying focused and I'm not turning back."
Jade looked like she wanted to keep trying to convince me to let her go in my place, but I think she could tell she wasn't going to succeed. After a few moments she quietly said "What do you want me to do?"
"I want you and Seifer to lead our troops to where we opened the portal to Edenia. I want you to camp there and guard it. The Deadly Alliance and their troops could be anywhere and I don't want any of them trying to get into Edenia. Understand?"
She nodded solemnly and said "Understood."
"Wait there until my return. Hopefully by then this will all be over."
Jade only nodded again, then left the tent. I finished gathering my things then met with Kung Lao. As we left the camp I saw Jade watching us leave. Her face was a mixture of sadness and disappointment. As I left I was reminded of how I left my mother when I returned Outworld to fight Shao Kahn's armies. I hated putting my mother through that and I hated putting Jade through this. And frankly...I was getting tired of putting myself through this.
Kung Lao and I traveled to a Dragonfly which would take us south east where Jade said we'd find Bo' Rai Cho. I never met Bo' Rai Cho but I had heard much about him since I was a child. Supposedly he was great martial arts master who was greatly opposed to Shao Kahn's rule. So much so he went to Earth and started training warriors to compete in the Mortal Kombat tournament. However, in thousands of years of training, his only real success was Liu Kang. That fact led me to wonder how much worth really was in Bo' Rai Cho's "legendary" training.
As Kung Lao and I sat on the Dragonfly I asked him "Are you certain Bo' Rai Cho's training will be of much help?"
"It was because of Bo' Rai Cho's training that Liu was able to overcome Goro and Shang Tsung. That's enough to convince me."
I'll admit one success out of thousands didn't convince me...but what were our other options? Besides, Kung Lao was already a formidable fighter. Perhaps Bo' Rai Cho's training would give him the edge he needed to best Shang Tsung.
"What do you hope to gain with Bo' Rai Cho's training?" he asked.
"In the past few years, I've been unable to put as much focus in my fighting. I've been more occupied with leading my people. Extra training could do me some good."
"From what I've know about Quan Chi, your main concern will be his power and sorcerer tricks. While a skilled opponent, I'm told his real strength is his power and cunning."
I nodded and thought for few moments. I then asked "How did...how did Liu die?"
Kung Lao looked at me and asked "Are you sure you want to hear this?"
"Yes. I want to know how it happened."
"Liu was exercising at the Wu Shi Academy. Shang Tsung got close to him by mimicking me. He got Liu's attention and they began fighting. At first it seemed as though Liu was going to win but..." he paused then continued, "But then Quan Chi attacked him from behind. While Liu was down...Shang Tsung...he..." he paused again, trying to contain his anger then finished "He snapped Liu's neck. Then he took Liu's soul and they fled."
I was appalled. Of all the dishonorable...loathsome...after a moment I asked "You...you saw this..?"
"No. I found his body after. Raiden told us what happened after he summoned myself and the others together."
"He just...he just watched...and did nothing..?"
"Raiden wanted to do something. But the Elder Gods forbade him from interfering." he answered. "They forbade him from gathering us together and leading us to Outworld. Raiden was so outraged he gave up his status as Elder God." I was too sickened to respond. After a moment Kung Lao asked "Are you okay?"
"Yes. I just need a moment." I said walking to the other side of the Dragonfly. I was horrified. It wasn't fair. Liu deserved a better death than that. He didn't deserve to die at all. He has spent his life defending the Earth from evil. He saved Earth from Shao Kahn and the Elder Gods wouldn't allow Raiden to save him. Liu defeated Shinnok who would have gladly laid waste to the Heavens and all Elder Gods. These same Elder Gods do nothing while their savior is killed by two cowards.
I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I quickly stopped myself. I couldn't let it get to me. Not yet. I had to be strong. I had to be strong for my people...for Liu. I would make Quan Chi pay for what he did. Quan Chi would finally face justice.
As the Dragonfly landed Kung Lao came to me and asked "We're here. Are you ready?"
I composed myself and said "Yes...yes let's go."
Kung Lao began our search in the south eastern lands, which were mostly mountains. A few small villages were scattered about, but very few populated the area. We would ask around, but few knew who knew where Bo' Rai Cho lived, much less what he looked like. The more we heard, the more he sounded like some kind of hermit.
We traveled further south, deeper into the mountains but still found nothing. As night fell, Kung Lao said "We should rest until morning. Continue our search then."
"I think we should keep looking." I said.
"It will be even harder to search in the dark. We should wait." he answered, starting to build a fire.
"Even so...I think we should keep going."
"Impatient?"
I sat down and said "If what you said was true...about Quan Chi and Shang Tsung reviving the Dragon King's army...then every moment we waste builds their army."
"I understand that Kitana...but the urgency of the situation won't increase our ability to see in the dark. We're in the middle of nowhere and Bo' Rai Cho's home could be anywhere...assuming he even has a home."
"Where else would he live?" a gruff voice suddenly said from the shadows.
Kung Lao and I quickly jumped up and braced ourselves for an attack. "Who's there?" I demanded. "Show yourself!"
"Be calm child!" the voice answered. "I mean no harm." A man then stepped forward into the light. He was an older, overweight bearded man with dark brown hair wearing yellow and maroon clothes. He walked forward with a walking stick and plopped down in front of the fire Kung Lao built.
"Who are you?" Kung Lao asked.
The old man chuckled and answered "Oh, just a humble traveler of no importance." He then took a swig of a large bottle that he had strapped to his back and chuckled again before saying "And who may you young folks be?"
Kung Lao looked at me, uncertain what to make of the old man and said "I am Kung Lao of Earthrealm. This is Princess Kitana of Edenia."
The old man chuckled again and said "Oh...I know you two. Yes, your names are quite famous...even this deep in Outworld." Kung Lao sat down, still uncertain. I was still standing. The old man looked at me and said "Something troubling you, child? I told you I mean no harm."
"Excuse me, but I'm not quick to trust."
The old man laughed and said "Oh, I understand. I know full well appearances can be deceiving in Outworld." He followed that with a disgusting burp.
"Perhaps you can help us." Kung Lao began, "Would you happen to know where we can find Master Bo' Rai Cho?"
The old man took another swig of his bottle and replied "Oh, you seek Bo' Rai Cho, eh? Yes, I know where you can find him." He chuckled and said "I help you find him in the morning. Good?"
"Why can't you take us to him now?" I demanded.
"The mountain paths are treacherous, especially in the dark." He then stretched his back and said "And I've been walking all day. You wouldn't make an old man strain himself?"
"Fine." I said as I sat down.
"So, why do you two seek Bo' Rai Cho, may I ask?"
"The realms are in danger." Kung Lao answered.
The old man sighed and said "It's rare when the realms aren't." He took another gulp of his bottle, which was some kind of liquor judging from the his foul breath. "So what is the latest danger?"
Kung Lao then began explaining the legend of the Dragon King's army and how Quan Chi and Shang Tsung are reviving them. I didn't bother to listen. My patience for the old man was quickly disappearing. Frankly, I didn't believe the drunk fool would be much help to us and he was just wasting our time.
When Kung Lao told the old man of Liu's death, the old man looked very saddened. "That...that is a real shame." he said, quietly.
"You knew of Liu Kang?" I asked.
"There are few in Outworld who don't." he answered. "Liu Kang is hailed in Outworld as the Hero from Earthrealm who bested Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat. I imagine, when word spreads of his death...he will be mourned."
"So that is why we seek Master Bo' Rai Cho's training." Kung Lao said. "So we can defeat the Deadly Alliance before it's too late."
The old man chuckled and said "A noble cause to say the least. But do you believe you are capable of Bo' Rai Cho's teachings?"
"We shall see." Kung Lao answered.
"What would know of Bo' Rai Cho's teachings old man?" I demanded.
"You underestimate me, child." the old man laughed. "I know more than you think." He laughed again and...I swear I was so repulsed...he actually farted. He then laughed and said "Ohhh, that was a stinky one!"
"Oh for God's sake!" I yelled, standing up.
"Kitana wait..." Kung Lao said, trying to keep me calm.
"No! People are dying out there and this disgusting old drunk is laughing and making jokes!" I started to storm away an added "I want nothing to do with this buffoon. I'm going to find Bo' Rai Cho on my own."
I started to wake away and Kung Lao tried to stop when the old man suddenly said "If I can get to you so easily, what chance do you have against Quan Chi?"
We both stopped and stared at the old man, dumbfounded. "What does that mean?" I asked.
The old man stood up and solemnly said "Such impatience. Such anger. You're not ready for my training."
"Master Bo' Rai Cho?" Kung Lao asked, completely shocked.
"I've heard much about you Kung Lao. I knew your ancestor well. I shall gladly accept you as my student." He stopped and looked at me then said "My training requires discipline. Patience and control. Something you seem to lacking, Princess."
I was dumbfounded. Not just the shock that he was Bo' Rai Cho...but that he was right. I lost my temper so easily. "I...I..." I started, uncertain of what to say.
"Come Kung Lao. I shall take you to my home, and we will begin your training in the morning. You Princess, I suggest you return to your army."
Bo' Rai Cho started to leave, but Kung Lao seemed uncertain of what to do or say. After a moment I stopped Bo' Rai Cho and said "Wait, master! Wait please!" He finally stopped and I began "I...forgive me for my impudence. I should not have lost my temper and I should not have said those things. Please understand I..."
"I know all about what's been happening to you, Princess." he interrupted. I looked up at him surprised and he said "I told you: I know more than you think. I do understand and I don't blame you for being impatient. But that is why you are not ready to for my training, nor ready to face Quan Chi."
"Master please...I'm trying not to get too emotional. I'm trying to stay disciplined. Please, give me a second chance. I know I am ready for your training. I won't fail you again."
Bo' Rai Cho considered my request then Kung Lao added "Give her a chance, master. We need all the help we can get and she has a stake in this battle."
Bo' Rai Cho stared at me for several moments then finally said "Very well. I'll accept you as my student as well, Princess. But remember, you must maintain your discipline. Not just for the sake of your training...but Quan Chi will gladly exploit your weaknesses and use them against you."
"I will, master. I know I must be strong."
"Very well. Your training begins tomorrow."
End of Chapter XXX