"Fate"
Jade sat quietly in the dining hall of Shao Kahn's fortress, vaguely listening to Kitana talk. Some years had gone by since they met. Kitana had indeed grown quite attached to Jade and often assisted in her training. In between training sessions, she would often spend much time with Jade talking, acting very warm and sisterly towards her.
For Jade however, their friendship was still just an act. As Shao Kahn ordered, Jade more often kept quiet and simply indulged Kitana. Keeping her company. Reassuring her when she needed it. Jade did her job and was the perfect best friend and sister Kitana could ever ask for. Whatever prior unease she felt about deceiving her, Jade quickly got over. Truthfully, she did not care much for Kitana at all. To her, Kitana was just spoiled royalty. Jade would see Kitana treat other servants like dirt, often bragging about how she is Shao Kahn's daughter. Whatever kindness she would show, Jade thought was just an act.
Regardless of her personal feelings about Kitana, Jade put up with her and kept up her charade because, in the end, it got her what she wanted. She put much focus into her training, constantly pushing herself to improve. She quickly became a very formidable fighter and excelled in her stealth training. She had yet to be given a real mission on her own yet, but was eager to prove herself, hoping to prove herself as more of an asset than simply Kitana's personal pet project.
"What do you think Jade?"
"What?" Jade answered, snapping out of it. "Sorry, my mind was wandering."
"It's been days and no word from my father." Kitana said. "You don't think anything's happened to him, do you?"
Kitana was referring to a Tarkatan rebellion which had started in the Wastelands. The Emperor personally led the army to quell the revolt a few days ago and there hadn't been word from him since.
"I wouldn't worry, Kitana." Jade answered, calmly. "Your father's Shao Kahn. I'm sure he's survived worse than Tarkatans."
"Yeah. You're right."
Jade let out a fake smile, but was groaning inside. She did very much doubt Kahn would be defeated. As if the world should be so lucky, she thought. For a moment, Jade fantasized what it would be like if Shao Kahn were really killed. Imagining the look on Kitana's face when she learned her beloved father's been destroyed. The thought made Jade feel warm inside.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when a servant walking by behind kicked the leg of her chair, knocking her off balance. Before she could react, Kitana suddenly shot up from her chair and yelled "Slave! Get back here and apologize for that!"
The servant turned and looked at Jade, who recognized him immediately from when she was a servant, too. She felt very uncomfortable and said "Kitana, you don't have to..."
"Remember your place slave, and apologize now!" Kitana barked.
The servant walked up to Jade and quietly said "Forgive my clumsiness...Lady Jade."
"It's okay. You can go now." Jade said, very awkwardly.
As the servant walked away Kitana yelled out "Consider yourself lucky! I'm not nearly as forgiving as she is!"
As Kitana sat back down Jade said "Was that really necessary?"
"That was no accident and you shouldn't be so forgiving."
"But Kitana..."
"I'm not blind Jade. I know all the other servants don't like you. They're jealous of you. Just because you wanted to better yourself and succeeded. Don't let them get to you and don't pity them. You're better than them." she paused then smiled and said "You're one of us now."
Kitana would often say that to Jade. And every time she did, Jade's skin would crawl.
Tanya awoke early in the morning and quickly got ready for the day. After getting dressed she went downstairs where her father was in the kitchen talking with Jeice and his usual crew of comrades. They were discussing the big Tarkatan rebellion which had started a few days earlier, which Tanya already knew about from Armand.
As she headed for the door she yelled to her father "I'm going out for a while, papa. I'll be back tonight." She paused waiting for a response, but there was none. After a moment she chuckled to herself and said "Love you too, papa." as she stepped out the door.
In the years that had gone by, Tanya had made herself a permanent figure in Armand's group, putting herself right at his side. She had received some combat training and learned all there was to learn from Armand...which sadly wasn't a lot. Much to Tanya's dismay, Armand was not the cunning mastermind she dreamed him to be. All of his schemes to overthrow Shao Kahn were either ill-conceived or simply didn't go anywhere.
Also to Tanya's frustration, Armand and his band of men listened to very few of her ideas and suggestions, often flat out ignoring her. To them, she was still some stupid kid who had no idea what she was talking about. It was soon becoming apparent Armand was keeping her around merely for sex, not much else. But despite Tanya's frustration, she remained in place, hoping sticking with Armand would eventually go somewhere.
After some walking, Tanya entered Armand's secret lodge to find him and his comrades all talking. From the sound of it, they were discussing the Tarkatan rebellion too. As she sat down she asked "What's going on?"
Armand looked up and answered "This is it, Tanya. We've been called to help fight the Tarkatans."
"And..?"
"We made a deal with some of the Tarkatans." Armand continued smugly. "We're going to set up an ambush and take out the Emperor."
Tanya thought a few moments then asked "Is that it?"
"No. We don't have an exact plan yet...it'll depend on the battles and location...but once we get down to the Wastelands we're going to set something up."
"I don't know Armand...I'm not so sure about this plan..."
"Tanya, come on. I've been doing this sort of thing for years. Trust me, it doesn't sound like much now...but it'll work."
"I'm not saying this is a bad idea, but are you sure about the Tarkatans? They're not exactly known for reliability..."
Armand smirked and calmly said "Don't worry about the Tarkatans. I can keep them in line. And if this works, then this is it kid...we're going to the top." Tanya stared at Armand, not exactly convinced and he finished "Trust me, kid. This time, Shao Kahn is going down for good."
After a few more days, Shao Kahn returned to the fortress in victory. The Tarkatan hordes were routed and driven back into the Wastelands, which came as no surprise to Jade. The night Kahn and his forces returned, Jade remained in her chamber, expecting Kitana to appear any moment to boast about the victory.
As Jade awaited Kitana's imminent arrival, her thoughts went to all the other servants. As she progressed with her training and became more and more favored by Kitana, it quickly became apparent to Jade the other servants resented her. She more and more would notice the other servants giving her dirty looks and at times acting very rudely towards her. It never occurred to her when she started out, but she soon realized that in a way she left behind all the other servants for herself.
Part of her felt bad about this and part of her was hurt they looked at her as some sort of sell-out, but she was more angry about it than anything else. Like they wouldn't do the same if they had the chance? Who are they to judge her? Although Jade tried not to let it get to her, she still felt incredibly lonely. Her friendship with Kitana was fake and everyone else didn't like her. Deep down she did wish she could have at least one real friend.
Jade eventually fell asleep and woke up the next morning realizing Kitana had not come, which was a welcome surprise. For once, she would be spared Kitana's bragging. After waking up, she decided to head to the training chamber for some exercise and practice.
As Jade entered, she saw Kitana was already in the chamber too. She approached Kitana, saying "Morning Kitana. Looking for some exercise, too?"
Kitana turned and just stared at her. Jade then noticed Kitana looked very strange. She was very pale and for some reason she was wearing her mask. After a few moments she began to say very quietly "Jade..."
"Jade." she suddenly heard from behind. She turned around and saw Kitana walking towards her. She was baffled until Kitana continued "This is Mileena, my twin sister."
Jade looked at who she at first thought was Kitana and said "Oh...sorry. I...I didn't..."
"Jade, let's go." Kitana cut in. "Mileena needs to train alone." Kitana then quickly led Jade out of the training chamber, leaving Mileena behind. Once outside the chamber she started to say quietly, "I just met her last night. My father said she was kidnapped by rebels after we were born. Somehow the Tarkatans got a hold of her and my father found her after they defeated them."
"Why the mask?"
"My father said her face is scarred and she never takes the mask off." Kitana paused a moment then stared by inside the training chamber at Mileena who was practicing fighting techniques. "There's something about her I'm not sure about."
Although Jade was very puzzled by this Mileena, she did her job and tried to put Kitana's mind at ease "Well, I'm sure it's nothing. I mean, why would your father lie to you about that?"
Kitana didn't answer and after a few moments said "Jade, I'd like to be alone a little while."
Jade nodded and walked away. The appearance of this Mileena was very bizarre. Jade caught a glimpse into her eyes and there something...inhuman about her. As she thought about Mileena, Jade suddenly had a very grim thought. What if because Mileena was there, the Emperor wouldn't need Jade anymore?
Just as Tanya predicted, Armand's plan did not succeed. The Tarkatans, as predicted, were a poor choice of alliance. Armand's assassination attempt ended in failure, and worse yet, he was no longer held in Shao Kahn's favor. Fleeing back to his hideout near Zansatsu, Armand and his men immediately began to gather their things to search for a new base.
Tanya sat at the table, watching Armand and his men frantically gathering their belongings. As she watched, she began to feel this strange sinking feeling in her gut. As if her life was slipping away right in front of her. She stared at Armand, her lover, and felt as though she was staring her own death right in the face. As she looked at him, she felt more and more repulsed.
"I have to get out of here." she grumbled to herself, standing up.
"Where are you going Tanya?" Armand demanded.
"I need some air..." she said as she approached the door.
"Glad to see you helping, Tanya." he grumbled.
"I tried to help you, you imbecile!" she suddenly snapped. "I've been trying to help you...but you never listen and now look where you are!" Armand and his men stared at Tanya, shocked by this outburst and she continued "I told you your plan wouldn't work! I told you Tarkatans weren't reliable! You said not to worry! That you knew what you were doing! You've been saying that for years and where are you!"
Armand, fuming with rage, screamed in Tanya's face "Who the hell do you think you're talking you, bitch! Where would you be without me! You'd still be rotting in that piss hole village of yours!"
"I have news for you lover: I'm still rotting in that piss hole! You always wonder why Shao Kahn passes you up for promotions and why he treats you like a dog...it's because you're an incompetent jack ass!"
Armand suddenly punched Tanya in her face, sending her down to the floor and bellowed "DON'T EVER TALK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN YOU LITTLE WHORE! I'LL CUT YOUR GOD DAMN THROAT, YOU HEAR ME!"
Tanya, tasting blood in her mouth, stared up at Armand and realized she had crossed a line. Part of her wanted to stand up and keep yelling, but another part of her knew she'd be risking her life doing that. Armand could and would kill her with ease.
Tanya chose to swallow her pride and quietly said "Forgive me, Armand. I should not have said that."
"Damn right you're sorry. Now get the hell out of my sight."
Tanya stood up and left the lodge. As she walked into the nearby woods, she felt sick to her stomach. She hated caving in to him like that...but she could have died right there. She sat down by a small stream in the woods and tried to calm down. Up until then, she'd never been confronted with death. The thought of it turned her stomach. As much as her pride hurt, she accepted the price as worth it. Better to sacrifice a little pride than end up dead for nothing.
Tanya stared at her reflection in the stream, noticing her now bruised lip and found herself wondering if this is where she wanted to go with her life. When she met Armand, he seemed so dashing. So cutthroat and powerful...someone Tanya identified with immediately. She imagine he could take her where she wanted.
But it was very quickly becoming clear to her that Armand wasn't taking her anywhere. More and more she could see Armand was wasting her potential and she was wasting her life with him. She once thought of him as an equal, but he wasn't. She could see he was no better than the other worthless peons she's known her whole life. All talk.
Tanya had accepted long ago that she would only rely on herself to get what she wanted. She found power in this. But deep down, she secretly wished for at least one other person who could understand her. Her father ignored her. She never knew her mother. Most everyone hated her. She thought she found an equal in Armand, but he's worthless.
Tanya's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of several growls surrounding her. From the shadows of the forest, several Tarkatans appeared, all hissing and growling at her with sick grins on their deformed faces.
"Figures." she grumbled.
After Shao Kahn's battle, a dozen Tarkatans were reportedly sighting heading south, even though all Tarkatans were to be suppressed in the Wastelands. Jade requested permission to leave the fortress, claiming she wanted to see if there was any truth to these reports. Her request was granted, but what she really wanted was a chance to think by herself.
As she traveled further south, thoughts of Mileena kept haunting her. What if the Emperor wouldn't need Jade anymore because of Mileena? Or what if, Kitana didn't want Jade around anymore because of Mileena? Would the Emperor still keep her as an assassin? Would he just have her killed?
She tried to remain calm, but imagining what could happen now that this Mileena has appeared worried her greatly. She had loyally followed the Emperor's orders. She indulged his daughter and watched her for him. She'd been training so hard to prove herself as an assassin. He wouldn't just throw her aside, would he?
Jade was so consumed with her thoughts, she lost track of where she was going and ended up wandering around some forest in the southern regions of Outworld. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of yelling not far from where she was. She followed the noise and found a small band of Tarkatans chasing a young woman through the forest.
Jade grasped her Bojutsu and charged towards the Tarkatans. Without saying a word, she leapt in front of the attackers and began fighting them. The Tarkatans lunged at her, but she easily swatted them away. She was actually happy to see the reports of Tarkatans were true after all. She welcomed the chance to really test her skills. And also to vent her frustration over what was happening and what she had to put up with.
After impaling the last Tarkatan, Jade kicked it off her Bojutsu and turned to the woman they were chasing. She was sweating and appeared out of breath, but seemed uninjured. "You okay?"
She stopped forward and answered "Could be better." She paused to catch her breath and said "The was pretty impressive. Who are you?"
"My name's Jade."
"I'm Tanya."
Jade felt a bit awkward, unsure how to act as one of Shao Kahn assassins in front of a peasant. After a moment she said "Well...carry along..."
Tanya started to leave, until she noticed Jade simply sit down on a nearby rock. She normally wouldn't bother, but this woman had just saved her life after all. She sat down by Jade and asked "So...who are you..?"
"Excuse me?"
"You one of Shao Kahn's? Resistance? I've never seen a fighter like you...especially around here."
Jade felt a bit uneasy, talking to this stranger, but deep down she still wanted someone to really talk to and said "One of Shao Kahn's assassins."
"One of Shao Kahn's assassins? That's exciting."
"Well...sort of an assassin."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm still in training." Jade paused and asked "What about you? You a fighter?"
"I know some moves. But I'm not really part of anything. And for now I think I'm stuck that way."
"How so?"
"I'm from the village near here...Zansatsu...and I hate it there. It's a hole. Right now I'm with this guy...I thought he could get me out...take me where I want to go."
"And he's not?"
"From the looks of it...not any time soon." Tanya answered. "And I hate to admit it but I'm stuck with him...because I know I have no other real options."
Jade smiled slightly and said "I know exactly how you feel."
"Really?"
"See, I'm training to be an assassin for the Emperor...but that actually wasn't what I was hired for." Jade paused a moment, to laugh at her own situation and continued "You've heard of the Emperor's daughter Kitana, right?"
"Who hasn't?"
"Well see..." Jade started, trying to find the words. "The Emperor chose me to...be his daughter's...companion. As in...watch her...keep her company...make sure she's feeling well..."
Tanya chuckled and said "Essentially...your job is being Kitana's best friend."
"There you go. That's my great contribution to the Emperor. I'm his daughter's side-kick."
Tanya started laughing and said "Well, I'm sure there are plenty worse jobs. Especially in Shao Kahn's service."
"Oh there are, trust me." Jade paused a moment then continued "But still...if I want to get anywhere...I'm stuck with the Emperor's daughter."
Tanya chuckled, actually feeling a bit comforted that someone understood what she was going through. She then asked "So what is the Emperor's daughter like anyway?"
"Exactly how you'd expect an Emperor's daughter to be like...a brat." Tanya laughed and Jade continued "Basically she treats everyone she considers lower than her like dirt...which is pretty much everyone. And she's so in love with the idea of being 'Shao Kahn's daughter' and so obsessed with proving how she's worthy of being his daughter...God, sometimes she drives me insane."
"Is she at least nice to you?"
"She is...but that's the thing. I don't buy it."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't think she considers me a friend. Not really. I think she looks at me as her own personal play-doll. She was bored and wanted something or someone to play with...so the Emperor gave her me." Jade stopped herself a moment and realized all she had just said. It felt so good to finally tell someone all that. And someone who actually cared to listen.
"If that's how she sees you, aren't worried some day she might get bored with you and not want you around anymore?" Tanya asked.
"I am." Jade answered. "That's why I train so hard...I'm hoping I can prove to the Emperor I can still be useful to him even if Kitana doesn't want me around. It's long shot...but it's all I got."
They were both silent for a moment until Tanya said "Well, if that's your only chance...take it. What are you going to do?"
"That's another thing. Yesterday, Shao Kahn returned from the Tarkatan rebellion in the Wasteland. He found his other daughter there."
"Other daughter?"
"Kitana's twin sister Mileena." Jade paused then continued "Now I'm really worried that now that Kitana has a real sister she won't need me around anymore."
"So what are you going to do?"
"I have no idea. That's what's worrying me."
Tanya thought a moment. Surprisingly, she genuinely cared about Jade's situation. After a few moments she said "I wish there was something I could say."
"Yeah I know. I hate that my fate is going to be decided by the whim of the Emperor's spoiled daughter."
"You know what though Jade, whatever happens, do whatever you have to do. If push comes to shove, don't hold back."
"I know. That's something I've been telling myself for a while now. Still though...sometimes I honestly still feel uncomfortable. About the things I'm doing. The thing's I'm going to have to do. That I have to put on this act just to survive. And I know it's only going to get worse once I start getting real assassin missions."
"Don't beat yourself up. It's a harsh world Jade. We don't get many options. You do what you have to do. Sometimes the right choice isn't the nicest one." She paused a moment then continued "And don't feel bad about this act you're pulling with Kitana. I say, if something can get you ahead, run with it until it stops working. If pretending to be Kitana's friend can get you what you want...do it and don't feel worry about it."
Jade looked at Tanya and smiled saying "Thanks Tanya. It's nice to know I'm not completely alone in this world."
"Same here."
After a few moments Jade said "It's late. I should head back to the fortress. It was nice to meet you Tanya."
"Likewise. Good luck with your whole Kitana and Mileena thing."
"Thanks." Jade and Tanya started to go their separate ways when Jade stopped and said "Hey, maybe I'll see you again sometime."
"I'd like that."
Tanya walked back to her home as night fell, thinking about Jade. It seemed for once she finally met someone who really understood her. Really understood her. Tanya was actually a little surprised she genuinely hoped things would work out for Jade. It felt good talking to someone who would understand her. It was also nice meeting someone who simply accepted her for who she was.
As Tanya approached Zansatsu she was stopped by someone saying "Tanya."
She turned and saw it was "Armand?"
He stepped out from the woods by himself and said "Hey kid. How you feeling?"
"Fine."
"Look, if you want to stick around with us, you're welcome to. But just watch your mouth next time, okay?"
Tanya stared at Armand and instantly knew he didn't care if she came back or not. If anything, he was merely trying to cover his tracks so she wouldn't tell anyone what she knew about him. As she stared at him, she thought about her talk with Jade. She thought about how Jade's putting up with Kitana and decided maybe she should put up with Armand just a but longer too.
"Okay, Armand. No hard feelings." she said, with a smile.
Elsewhere, Jade returned to the fortress, feeling very comforted. She did like talking with Tanya. She liked finally meeting someone she could be herself with. Really be herself. And it felt so good to finally let out all her frustration over Kitana and the act she had to keep up all the time. She liked finally meeting someone who could really be a real friend.
As Jade walked to her chamber, she noticed Kitana sitting in the hallway. Kitana saw her and said "Hey Jade. I'm glad you're back."
"Kitana."
Kitana looked around and after a few moments said "Listen, I'd like to talk to you about Mileena."
Jade braced herself and said "Yes..?"
After a moment Kitana answered "I don't like her...at all." Jade was slightly taken aback and Kitana continued "I just...I don't like her. There's something about her...something wrong. I'd like it if...you don't spend much time with her okay? She just...try to avoid her. Okay?"
Inside, Jade felt relieved knowing her job was secure and said "Okay, Kitana. No problem."
Kitana smiled and walked away. Jade smirked to herself, taking in yet another example of Kitana's spoiled brattiness. But Jade shrugged it off. She didn't care about Kitana. She had finally found a real friend.
End of Chapter IV