"The Ways of the World"
Jade stood by the dock of the River of Souls waiting for the messenger to arrive. The previous month she had been assigned to track down and spy on the renegade general Armand and his small coalition of former assassins and soldiers. Being her first real mission, by herself no less, Jade was nervous, but eagerly accepted it. After so much training and preparation, she had been looking forward to proving herself.
Having a mission by herself also provided an opportunity to get away from Kitana for a while. The Emperor decided Armand wasn't worth the trouble of his daughters and gave the mission to Jade by herself. She was most anxious to finally have a chance to prove she could be a real asset to the Emperor as opposed to Kitana's living play-doll.
Jade tracked Armand and his men who mainly operated in the southern regions of Outworld, which was became another reason she liked this mission. It gave her more chances to meet with Tanya. In the years that had gone by since they met, Jade and Tanya would meet up sporadically, though not very often. However, with Armand and his men based in the region, Jade had a chance to see Tanya much more often.
In the passing years, she and Tanya had become very good friends. Jade was most appreciative of someone she could really be herself around. Someone she could let off some steam with. Jade liked having a real friend whom she had a real bond with, as opposed to her phony and forced relationship with Kitana.
Likewise, Tanya enjoyed Jade's company, for she was one of the few people who didn't judge her. In fact, Jade even kind of enjoyed Tanya's somewhat abrasive attitude. While most hated her for it, Jade actually find it humorous. Tanya was never known to be open or accepting towards people, but she actually genuinely liked Jade as a friend.
Finally the messenger arrived at the dock by boat. Upon meeting with Jade they began walking along the river. The messenger asked "What is the latest?"
"Very little to honest." Jade answered. "I'm beginning to see why the Emperor has so little concern for Armand."
"Nevertheless, has you found anything worth while? Anything about Jeice?"
Jeice was a rebel who had begun leading a small uprising in the far eastern lands. His uprising had been slowly gaining strength, which concerned the Emperor. Jade was assigned to spy on Armand and his men because they supposedly had some sort of contact with Jeice.
"From what I've been hearing, Armand knows someone who's connected to certain rebels who know about Jeice's operations." she answered.
"Have you found out who this contact is?"
"Not yet. All I know is it's a woman, but I've yet to see her or even hear her name mentioned."
"That's odd." he said.
"Honestly, I think Armand and his men are beginning to catch on they're being watched."
"You've given yourself away?"
"No." she quickly answered. "It's just I can only spy on them for so long before they catch on to something. When's the Emperor going to give an order to kill?"
"Not until he's certain Armand can't lead him to Jeice. Until that time, keep spying and be on your guard, Lady Jade."
Jade nodded and said "Very well."
The messenger nodded and said "We'll meet again." and returned to his boat.
Jade sighed to herself. While Armand and his men weren't cunning masterminds, they were smart enough to catch on they were being watched sooner or later. Jade hoped she'd find something useful or the Emperor would give the order to kill soon. She knew she couldn't keep it up much longer. Jade was a little nervous about being ordered to kill though. She had yet to kill anyone herself, but thought little of it. She'd surely feel no remorse for killing Armand and his band of degenerates.
It was still early afternoon and Armand and his men always met at night, so Jade used to the time to return to Zansatsu to meet with Tanya. Jade entered the village and started looking around for Tanya, whom she found at the market arguing with a vender over the price of a necklace. Jade laughed to herself, hearing Tanya's voice becoming more shrill as she screamed at the vender. Finally the vender gave up and gave Tanya the necklace at the price she wanted.
"So that's how you do things?" Jade chuckled. "Scream louder and louder until you get what you want?"
"Until it stops working." Tanya laughed. "Good to see you again, Jade." she added with a small hug. Jade and Tanya then walked to a nearby Tea House and ordered some tea. As they drank, Tanya asked "So how's your big mission going?"
Jade had mentioned that she was in the area on a mission, but never told Tanya any details about it and said "Slow going...as usual."
Tanya laughed and said "I remember when you said you had this mission you were so excited to finally have an assignment by yourself and you were so eager to prove yourself..."
"And it turns out I'm just sitting around." Jade chuckled. "That's my luck for you."
"Ahhh, at least it's something. Better than Kitana's sidekick, right?"
"True." she answered. "So how are things here?"
"Same as last time I saw you. I told you Jade, nothing happens here. It's a dump."
"Maybe you should join the Emperor. Be one of his assassins, too."
Tanya laughed and said "Why? So I can become his other daughter's sidekick? No thanks."
"Hey, it's something. You have to climb the ladder, you know?"
"Not for me. Quick and easy. That's the way I do things."
"Well, we don't all have that luxury." Jade said, finishing her tea. She stood up and said "I should be going. Got 'work' to do. I'll talk to you later."
"Best of luck, Jade."
Jade left Zansatsu and returned to nearby village where she was staying. She went to the local inn and changed into her assassin attire and sneaked out. As night fell, she quietly made her way to Armand's hideout which was a small lodge hidden in a very small valley. His previous hideout was a similar lodge located a few miles outside of Zansatsu, but he'd relocated to the new one which was even more hidden.
The lodge itself was very small and difficult to sneak around in. Fortunately, Jade had found a way in through the basement and found a heating funnel that led to a small attic just above where Armand and his men would meet and discuss their plans. The attic was very cramped and uncomfortable, but Jade paid little mind and it was where she would hide herself when spying on Armand.
As Jade nestled herself in the attic, Armand and his men began to arrive and gathered around the center table. All the men were talking loudly, but Armand remained strangely quiet. After several moments, each other men sat down and were ready to start the meeting.
"What's word on Jeice?" Armand asked.
"Same as usual." one of his men answered. "He just repelled another attack from the Emperor's troops and has gained even more support."
"I keep saying Armand, we should join in on this somehow." another said.
"I agree. I think this guy may be the one. We should start using...our contact."
"Yeah, Armand. We've been keeping her around so long...maybe we should actually use her this time."
Armand didn't answer and only stood up and started walking around the table. After a few moments one of his men asked "Armand, what's going on? You've been acting weird for a while. And how come we're not allowed to say...her name anymore?"
After a few more moments, Armand finally said "See guys, I've been thinking lately. We really need to start being more careful with how we do things. I agree, we should use Jeice to help us take down the Emperor. And I agree, we should make use of our contact. We all know she's been looking to help out for a while."
"So...what are you saying, boss?"
Armand stepped in a corner of the lodge Jade couldn't see from where she was and heard him say "I'm saying we need to stop screwing around. From now on...we need to start planning things out better. We need to start being really smart." He then paused and said "But before we do...there's one thing we need to take care of first..."
Suddenly, a sharp blade shot up through the ceiling hitting Jade in the side. She screamed in pain and desperately tried to make an escape, but the blade kept being punched through the ceiling. Finally, the weight of Jade's body shattered the damaged ceiling and she came crashing down on the floor at Armand's feet.
The fall hurt Jade's right arm and leg, but she tried to ignore her pain and make a quick run for it. Unfortunately, Armand's men were already on top of her. She frantically kicked and punched, hoping to escape, but there were too many men on top of her. They held her in place as Armand took the but of his sword and struck Jade in the head with it, knocking her out almost instantly.
Tanya was sitting by herself in her home, reading a book she had already read numerous times. In fact, she had read every book in her home at least twice. But it was all she had to do with herself. Her father was away on another of his ambassador missions. Tanya wished he would at least bring home something knew on his trips someday.
Her thoughts were interrupted by knocking on her door. She opened and was surprised to see one of Armand's men waiting for her. He said "Armand wants to see you."
Although Tanya was surprised by the sudden visit, she paid little mind and followed. For some reason, Armand had forbidden Tanya from meeting with him and his men for some time. Why, he wouldn't say, but he assured her it was for her own good. Tanya didn't think about it much, since she wasn't doing much of anything with Armand anyway.
She followed Armand's man to the lodge hidden far away from Zansatsu, much to her dismay. She did not care for the longer walk. As they stepped inside, she noticed what a mess the place was with a large hole in the ceiling. She saw Armand and all his men gather around the far corner all looking at something.
As she approached she heard someone ask Armand "Think we should get out of here, boss? What if she told them where we are?"
"First off, they don't know we found her. Second, if they know where we are, they'll expect us to move. We'll stay here for now and we'll find out how much she told them." he answered.
"Boss, Tanya's here."
Armand turned and said "Hey kid. Good to see you again."
"Why the sudden call Armand?" she asked.
"Sorry I've been asking weird with you kid. But I had to be careful..." he said taking Tanya closer and showing her his prize. "See, we had a spy."
Tanya's heart jumped into her throat seeing who he was talking about. It was Jade, tied up and bound to a chair. Her head hung down, motionless. Suddenly it all came together for her. She didn't even bother to think Jade's mission would involve Armand.
"Is...is she...dead..?"
"No." Armand answered calmly. "She's been out for while."
"What...what are you going to do with her?"
"Ask a few questions. Find out what she knows...what she told the Emperor..."
"Are you going to kill her?"
Armand chuckled and said "Once we're done with her."
Tanya was horrified. She didn't know what to do. She didn't want Jade to be hurt...but she didn't want to risk getting in trouble with Armand. She had to think of something. She had to think of a way to get Jade out of there without Armand knowing.
After a few moments she said quietly "Maybe...maybe you should...let her go."
Armand and his men stared at her for several moments then all started laughing. Armand said "Let her go. Good one, Tanya."
"N-no...I'm serious. I think you should let her go."
Armand stared at her as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Since when did you start to feel mercy?"
Tanya started to feel very nervous. She wanted to help Jade, but she didn't want Armand to know. If he knew Tanya knew Jade, he would suspect Tanya was a spy too and it could get her killed. She needed to be careful.
"I just think that...it would be a good idea...to...let her go..."
"What the hell are you talking about? You know this bitch or something?"
Tanya's eyes widened and the words came out "No! Of course not. It's just...I know who she is. She's the Emperor's daughter's...companion or something. If you do something to her, you could have the Emperor's daughter on you and...and I hear she's very dangerous..."
"I know who she is. And I know the Emperor's daughter." Armand said calmly. "Trust me, no one's coming for this bitch. The Emperor's daughter doesn't care about her. We'll be all right."
"Armand...I just think..."
"What's the matter with you! What the hell do you care about some Shao Kahn bitch!"
"I...I don't care! I just think keeping her here is a bad idea, that's all. I think you should let her go! But whatever, if you want to keep her here, fine! I just think it's a mistake!" Tanya yelled as she stormed out of the lodge.
"What the hell was that?" Armand grumbled to himself.
Outside, Tanya walked away from the lodge and to her surprise, felt tears begin to pour down her face. Jade was a friend. The only person Tanya allowed herself to care about...and she just turned her back on her.
"What have I done..?"
Jade slowly awoke with a pounding headache. As she tried to regain her bearings, she heard the blurred noise of people talking around her. As she started to focus, she realized her arms and legs were bound to a chair and remembered what happened. All around her were Armand and his men, all sneering at her and laughing.
"Hey, she's finally up." one of them laughed.
"Which one is she again?"
Armand stared at her a moment and said "I know. Yeah...she was still just training while we were still with Kahn. She's the Emperor's daughter's bitch. Jak...Jed...Jade, that's right."
"Oh yeah. I don't remember her being this hot though."
Armand snickered and said "I will say this about Kahn...he knows how to pick his women."
Jade was frantically trying to find a way to escape, but her arms and legs were bound too tightly. She tried to stay calm and keep a cool head, but as she struggled, fear started to grip her more and more.
After a few moments Armand asked "How much did you tell Kahn about us?" She didn't answer and he punched her in the face. "How much did you find out?" She still didn't answer and he hit her again, only harder.
Jade spit blood from her mouth and snarled "I won't tell you anything, you bastard!"
Armand smirked and said "We'll see."
What followed was a slow and brutal interrogation. First was just simple beating. Armand and each of his men took turns brutally tearing into Jade. Breaking fingers, ribs and her nose. Her shoulder was dislocated, then violently and painfully shoved back in place. Handfuls of hair were torn from her scalp.
But through it all, she never talked.
Next came the cutting. Parts of Jade's body were cut with blades. Some were short but deep. Others were long and slow. Each finger nail was torn out with a knife. Even some or her teeth were cut from her mouth.
She still wouldn't talk.
Finally came the burning. Red hot pokers were used to burn Jade's flesh around her back, legs and even her face. The entire torture lasted for over an hour. She passed out from pain three times and had to be woken up. Until that point in her life, Jade had never experienced such horrible pain. Even her most brutal training sessions were never as bad.
But through it all, she never told them anything.
Finally Armand stopped and said to the half-unconscious Jade "You got spirit kid, I'll give you that. But you really should be asking yourself right now is Shao Kahn is worth all this. I mean, I can't imagine he treats you any better than the rest of us." Jade just stared at Armand and he continued "I heard why Kahn brought you in. Do you really want to spend your life as his daughter's handmaid? You'd be better off with us..."
"I...have no love...for Shao Kahn..." Jade said grimly. "...but I...would never join...scumbags...like you..."
She was suddenly cut off by one of Armand's men punching her in the face which knocked her chair over. He then violently kicked her in the stomach, but Armand stopped him. He then said "Armand, we should just gut this bitch and send her body to the Emperor!"
Everyone else started to shout in agreement, but Armand said "No, no...we'll hold off on that."
"What! Armand come on! We should send them a message with this little bitch's dead body!"
Armand smiled and patted his man on the shoulder and calmly said "Hey, I'm all for that." He then walked over to Jade and said "I think we should have some fun with her first." As he said that, Jade stared at him and fear gripped her heart. He then said "Untie her and bring her to the table."
Armand's men then untied Jade and started to drag her to a nearby table. Jade knew what they were going to do and started kicking and screaming, desperately trying to escape. All the pain she felt from her previous torture was gone in an instant and replaced by sickening panic. As hard as Jade tried, she couldn't stop Armand's men from lifting her up and pinning her down on the table.
"Hold her down." Armand said, unbuckling his pants.
"NO! NO! I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU! I SWEAR TO GOD, I'LL KILL YOU!" Jade started to scream on top of her lungs as Armand climbed on top of her, with a disgusting grin on his face.
"You may as well enjoy this, baby." Armand hissed. "'Cause no one's coming for you."
Jade's screams echoed for miles around the lodge.
End of Chapter V