"Changes"
Jade sat nonchalantly by the broken window of the dilapidated monastery tower, unaffected by the chaos around her. She sat and calmly watched as Kitana easily tossed around her attackers, not at all concerned for her friend's safety. Kitana had things well in hand and even seemed to be enjoying herself, so Jade saw no point in getting involved...even though this was supposed to be her mission.
Several thousand years had passed since the Zansatsu Massacre. Life went on in Outworld as it always had. Shao Kahn ruled the land...every so often a minor uprising or coup d'état emerge only to be quickly torn down by his assassins and warriors. Mortal Kombat tournaments would be easily conquered, the latest being held on Earth and being dominated by Outworld's Champion Goro.
Not long after Zansatsu Massacre, Kitana was given the nickname "Kitana the Bloody," a title she wore with great pride. Jealous of Kitana's notoriety, Mileena quickly went about earning her own nickname which would eventually be "Mileena the Cruel." Both Kitana and Mileena maintained their reputations of Shao Kahn's brutal right and left hand. In the passing centuries, they had made martyrs out of countless men and women.
But Jade, on the other hand, earned no such reputation. While Kitana and Mileena's exploits were often publicized, Jade was kept as the Emperor's secret assassin. With her great skill in stealth and tracking, she was more often utilized for spying, getting information, and secretly eliminating threats. In time, tales of Shao Kahn's secret green-clad ninja became something of an urban legend in Outworld.
Jade paid little mind to her reputation and notoriety. While Kitana and Mileena basked in the fear they inspired, Jade was content being unknown. In the thousands of years that had passed, she had become a valued asset for the Emperor, growing into a hardened warrior. A proficient and capable assassin, worthy of Shao Kahn's ranks.
But unlike many of his other warriors, Jade did not revel in bloodshed and brutality. She took little, rather no pleasure in killing. Since she was more of less forced into the Emperor's service, she took no personal pride in accomplishing missions in his name. When she was younger, serving a man she didn't care for...doing things most people would consider inhuman or wrong...greatly troubled her. But in time, she grew to accept her duty as one of Shao Kahn's assassins. It was her job and she was a soldier.
Due to her lack of pleasure in carnage and violence, Jade preferred getting her missions done and done fast. This ultimately proved to be an advantage to her in a different way, as her efficiency came to be greatly appreciated by the Emperor.
As Jade watched Kitana tear into her opponents, she still couldn't help but marvel at how Kitana could be so savage and cruel to her enemies...yet so kind and generous to those close to her. For a long time, Jade was put off by this...thinking perhaps her friend was just psychotic. But in seeing how her father would often commend her and praise her for her brutality, Jade eventually realized Kitana's savagery was just her trying to win her father's approval.
Or at least...that's what she wanted to believe.
"Having fun just sitting there?" Kitana asked, finishing off her last attacker.
"Well, you insisted on coming along Kitana. Figured I might as well let you have your fun." Jade answered standing up.
Beneath her mask, Kitana smiled slightly and said "Sorry. I was just so bored at the fortress. Besides, we almost never get to do missions together. I'm usually stuck with Mileena."
"Well, that's the thing Kitana. I prefer doing things fast and quiet...you seem to enjoy playing around. If I did this solo, I'd be done and home by now."
Kitana laughed and said "You need to lighten up, Jade. Learn to take pride in your work."
"I take pride in getting things done fast."
Kitana chuckled as she and Jade walked up the decayed stairs that led up the tower. This particular mission dealt with a Centaur criminal supposedly named Rigor...although Jade didn't believe that was his real name...who was supplying weapons to Outworld rebels. Jade was assigned to find him and quickly put a stop to his operations. Kitana insisted she join...claiming boredom.
They tracked Rigor and several of his henchmen to an old monastery. Under normal circumstances, Jade would use stealth and assassinate Rigor and his associates as quickly as possible. Kitana though, thought it'd be more fun to charge right in. As they fought his men, Rigor fled up the tower.
"You know you probably won't have to worry about boredom for long." Jade said. "Since the next Mortal Kombat is soon."
"True." Kitana answered. In just a few weeks time, the 9th Mortal Kombat tournament would begin on Earth. Usually when a Mortal Kombat started, the Outworld rebels would begin scheming ways to help Earth defeat Goro. And it usually came down to Kitana and Mileena to stop them. "Have you heard anything? You usually know things before anyone else."
"Nothing concrete yet." Jade answered. "All I know is the rebels are planning something pretty major. So I guess you and Mileena will be busy."
"Good to know."
Jade and Kitana finally reached the top of the tower. It was a large open and empty room with broken down walls and columns everywhere. As they looked around, Kitana yelled out "Come on out, horsey. Unless you can fly, we know you're up here."
From somewhere hidden, Rigor yelled back "I'm shocked. I never would've expected such recklessness from the legendary Kitana the Bloody."
"We don't need finesse in dealing with a buffoon like you." she groaned.
"Keep thinking that." Rigor sneered as he lunged out from behind a broken wall. Rigor was a very large creature, even for a Centaur. He was huge and muscular with numerous tattoos all over his body...even the horse part. His face was scarred and rough and he sported a spiked mohawk that went into a braid down his back. He landed before Jade and Kitana with a loud crash which shook the floor and let out a fearsome roar. After his mighty bellow, he grinned at Kitana and Jade and said "I'll not be defeated by two little bitches like you! I shall show you how a real Centaur fights!"
"I've heard that before." Kitana moaned.
"I have too, actually." Jade added.
Rigor howled and lunged at Kitana and Jade who quickly leapt out of the way in opposite directions to surround him. Jade and Kitana then each started making quick passes around Rigor, cutting him with their fans and bo. Moving too fast for him to catch. With each wound they inflicted, Rigor would growl louder and grow angrier.
Finally, Rigor managed to catch Jade in the side with his tail, knocking her down. Angered, Kitana charged in and leapt onto his back, stabbing him repeatedly with his fans. Furious with pain, Rigor managed to grab her off his back and slammed her into a nearby wall.
"Kitana!" Jade shouted. Wasting no time, she flipped over Rigor, twisting in mid-air and using her weight to plunge her bo in Rigor's back, making certain she hit his spine. As Rigor shrieked in pain, Kitana jumped up at him and sliced his face in half with her fan. Rigor let out a sickening gurgle before crumbling to ground, dead at their feet.
"Hmph. 'How a real Centaur fights.' Please." Kitana groaned.
"Kitana are you okay? I though you were..."
"Relax Jade. I've taken worse hits."
"Even so..." Jade said, pulling her bo out of Rigor's back. "You know what, I think this ugly bastard actually had a point. That was way too reckless."
Kitana laughed and said "What? Because he got one shot on me?"
"No. Jumping on top of a Centaur like that. He could have killed you Kitana."
"Jade, how long have we been doing this? I know what I'm doing."
"Kitana, just because we've been doing this our whole lives and just because you're Shao Kahn's daughter doesn't make you invincible. You should be more careful."
"Awww...I love when you get all sisterly with me." Kitana laughed. "Come on. Let's head home."
Tanya followed her father up the rocky pathway that would lead them to their destination. The sun was setting, creating a darkening purple haze that hung over the land. From where Tanya was, she could just see the edge of the Living Forest in the distance across the Outworld plains. They had been walking for a while and she was quickly getting tired of it.
"How much further, papa?" she whined. "I'm getting tired."
"Just a bit more." he answered "You could use the exercise anyway."
Thousands of years had passed since the massacre at Zansatsu. Outraged by the slaughter, Lysander devoted himself to the Resistance even more than he had before. He took Tanya with him, and they began traveling with Jagger and other rebels, devoting their time and effort to bringing down Shao Kahn once and for all.
Tanya decided to play along and offered her service to the Resistance too. In her time with her father and other rebels, Tanya devoted herself to learning everything she could possible could. Strategy, combat, tactics...hoping something could be used to her advantage. Her father taught her some martial arts and skills with weapons, which she practiced every so often. In time, she became a proficient fighter and quite skilled in using the boomerang as a weapon.
But Tanya concentrated more on learning everything she could. She paid close attention to Resistance meetings, devoted herself to studying Outworld's history and the histories of realms merged with it. Pretending she was hoping to find something that could help the rebels, but really looking for something that could help her gain the power she desired.
Unfortunately, Tanya's efforts would prove to be in vain. Anything she would discover would turn out to be nothing or she'd miss out a chance to use it to her advantage. Regardless, she remained patient, confident a good opportunity would present itself sooner or later.
In the time that had passed, Tanya almost never saw Jade anymore. Jade was almost always occupied with her duties with Shao Kahn and Tanya was constantly moving around with her father and other rebels. While Tanya did miss Jade, she figured it was just as well they rarely saw each other. Since she was concentrating on working with the rebels, Jade being in Shao Kahn's service could lead to trouble. But Tanya worried little about that, confident her friendship with Jade would come in handy.
Tanya and her father finally reached their destination: an old abandoned cottage where Lysander was to secretly meet with a another rebel named Regina. Jagger sent them to meet with her to get an update on some sort of plan started by the sorcerer Ikarus. While Lysander waited, Tanya decided to stay outside and pass the time by practicing with her boomerang.
As patient as Tanya was, and though she had learned much with the Resistance, she was getting frustrated. The Emperor was close to conquering the realm of Earth in Mortal Kombat. If he accomplished this goal, his power could increase dramatically and make it almost impossible to overthrow him. As before with Armand...it was becoming clear Tanya had come as far as she could go with the Resistance. A change was needed...and soon.
After a an hour or so, Regina finally arrived. She was young, pretty woman with dark, tanned skin and short brown hair and wearing red. Seeing her approach, Tanya entered the cottage to listen to her and Lysander's conversation.
"Hello Lysander." Regina said, giving him a hug. "It's been too long."
"Yes, it has Regina." he answered. "You remember my daughter, Tanya."
Regina smiled and said "Of course."
They all sat down at the table and Lysander asked "How's Ikarus?"
"He's doing well."
"So what's this plan of his?"
"Not long ago," she began, "we managed to discover an Urn of Strength. Supposedly, it can increase the user's strength tenfold. Since the next Mortal Kombat tournament is going to begin in a few days, Ikarus is going to open a portal to Earth and we plan on delivering the Urn to one of the Earth fighters so they can use it against Goro."
"Can he really open a portal?"
Regina nodded and said "Yes. Just a small one though. He's been preparing the necessary spells and saving his strength. We've been keeping in touch with Master Bo' Rai Cho on Earth and he'll contact us and help us deliver the Urn." Lysander nodded and Regina asked "Has Jagger found anything we should know?"
"Seifer found out word's been spreading Ikarus is planning something big. I don't think they know anymore than that...but supposedly the Emperor is getting very concerned."
"He'll probably send his daughters." Regina said grimly. "I'll tell Ikarus we'll have to move fast."
Lysander and Regina stood up and hugged again. He said "Good luck Regina. Hopefully this'll be the one."
"I hope so too Lysander. Farewell. Good-bye Tanya."
As Regina left, Tanya thought over their plan and was very unimpressed. After a few moments she asked "Papa, do you really think this plan will work. We've been trying for so long...why should this be any different?"
Lysander smiled and said "You don't know Ikarus. He's different." He then paused and added "I don't know Tanya...but I can just feel it. This'll be the one to make a difference. I don't know why...but I can feel in my blood something important will happen this time." He then smiled at her and finished "You just have to believe."
Lysander stepped outside the cottage, leaving Tanya alone...marveling at how much of a buffoon her father was.
Jade stretched and prepared herself in the sparring chamber of Shao Kahn's fortress. Surrounding her were five of the Emperor's Elite Guards. She ordered them to participate in a sparring session with her so she could exercise...but also get her mind off things.
With the next Mortal Kombat tournament beginning on Earth in just a few days time, Jade was ordered to keep watch for any rebel activities. Sure enough, she discovered a plot of a group of rebels being led by a sorcerer named Ikarus. Apparently, Ikarus was planning on opening a small portal and deliver an Urn of Strength to one of Earth's warriors.
From what Jade learned, they'd be opening the portal in just a few days time, but that wasn't what concerned her. Almost certainly Kitana and/or Mileena would be sent to deal with Ikarus. Jade had been hearing Ikarus was a very powerful sorcerer who could get into his victim's minds and twist their thoughts. Lately Kitana had been acting so recklessly. If she allowed Ikarus to get into her head...
Jade needn't worry about that. She then finally said "Begin." and the five guards charged. Jade easily evaded her attackers and tossed them around. The sparring helped Jade get her mind off Ikarus. Fighting the five guards, she started to understand why Kitana enjoyed herself so much in combat.
After some time, Jade kicked the last guard to floor. As they all writhed in pain at her feet, she heard Kitana say behind her "'Elite' guards? I'll have to tell my father to be more careful with who he gives that title to."
Jade also laughed and said "Well, in their defense they never give up."
"Tenacity will only get you so far." She then paused and told the guards to leave. After they picked themselves up and left she continued "I want to talk to you about the sorcerer Ikarus."
"Oh, so you got that job."
"Yeah. What did you find out about him?"
"Not much to be honest." Jade answered. "Supposedly Ikarus is very old and he's been with the rebellion since it started. Beyond that there wasn't really anything else I could find on him."
"Do you know where he is?"
"Last I heard he's hiding out in the southern regions. That's where he's going to open the portal."
"How long?"
"Couple of days. A week tops."
Kitana sighed and said "Damn. Doesn't give me much time."
"You should be careful on this one Kitana." Jade said. "I heard this Ikarus is very powerful. They say he can get into your head and make you see things and really screw you up."
"Nothing I haven't dealt with already."
"No, it's worse. I heard that many of Ikarus' followers are old soldiers and assassins he converted to his cause." Jade paused and added "Be careful on this one, okay?"
Kitana chuckled slightly and said "Relax Jade. I'll be fine. No one's converting me to anything."
After Kitana left the chamber, Jade got a terrible feeling in her gut and said "I hope you're right."
Elsewhere, Shao Kahn sat on his throne awaiting Mileena. He was greatly concerned with news of Ikarus and his plan. More concerned though, was that he had to send Kitana to kill him. Kahn knew exactly who Ikarus was: a former advisor to Edenia's king Jerrod. A powerful sorcerer with personal knowledge of Edenia and Kitana's real father.
Kahn knew sending her after him was dangerous, but unfortunately she was the only one he could count on. He couldn't risk sending Ermac. Supposedly, Ikarus' power in sorcery rivaled that of even Shang Tsung. He could use his sorcery to tear Ermac's souls apart. He couldn't send Mileena alone, since she too was created through sorcery. Reptile was on Earth, acting as Shang Tsung's bodyguard. Baraka was unreliable. Jade was needed elsewhere. Kitana was the only one he could trust with this mission. Kahn was confident she could accomplish it, but he didn't want to leave anything to chance.
Mileena entered the throne room and bowed saying "You wished to see me, father?"
"Yes Mileena. I have assigned Kitana a mission to assassinate the sorcerer Ikarus. I want you to follow her and assist her if necessary."
Mileena cringed slightly and said "Merely watch her, father? Surely I can be of greater service elsewhere...I...I can could even kill Ikarus myself..."
"Do not question me, Mileena!" Kahn barked. "I can only count in Kitana for this mission! You will watch her and assist only if necessary! Is that clear?"
Mileena struggled to keep her anger and frustration inside her and grumbled "As you wish, father."
"Watch her closely Mileena. Do not allow any harm to come to her. Understood?"
"Yes, father."
Coming as no surprise to Tanya, Ikarus failed miserably. The Emperor's daughters Kitana and Mileena tracked him down, killed him and his followers, and recovered the Urn of Strength before he sent it to Earth. The murder of Ikarus came as a hard blow to the Resistance, especially the Edenian members...but Tanya found pleasure in being proven right once again. She always took tremendous pride in her instincts.
But Tanya had to hide her pleasant mood and act somber over Ikarus' death. She joined her father to meet with several other rebels based in the back of a small bar in the village of Makeba. This particular group was led by Jagger, a close associate of Lysander. They met to mourn the loss of Ikarus and try to formulate their next plan. Unfortunately one wasn't coming.
As Tanya sat in the crowded room, listening to the others discuss and argue, she again started to think about moving on. Her association with the Resistance had gone as far as it could go. She needed to broaden her horizons. She also had grown tired of associating with the losing team.
She then remembered how Jade once suggested she join Shao Kahn's forces. At first she dismissed it, but she now started to reconsider that. Having gotten some degree of training and knowing a bit about strategy and tactics, Tanya could hold her own as a Shao Kahn assassin. Already being friends with Jade could give her an open door, too. She could even use her knowledge of the Resistance to get her in Kahn's good graces. Perhaps being on Kahn's side could present an opportunity?
However, Tanya was hesitant about abandoning the Resistance so abruptly. Not just her father, but something told Tanya she shouldn't burn her bridges completely. Tanya trusted her instincts and tried to think of what she could do. Suddenly the answer presented itself when Jagger spoke:
"What we need is someone on the inside. Someone who can infiltrate Kahn's forces and feed us inside information. Kahn has spies everywhere...we need spies in his fortress."
"Easier said than done, Jagger." Lysander said. "Who do think could pull that off?"
Tanya smiled to herself and stood up to speak...
Weeks later, Jade finally returned to the fortress from the Kuatan lands. She had been assigned an extremely delicate mission which ended up taking longer than she anticipated. A young Shokan fighter named Vaul had been preaching that the Shokan people should rise up and take over Outworld for themselves. He had been gaining much popularity and support and the Emperor wanted him taken care off, but not have the Shokan angered at him. So Jade was assigned to assassinate Vaul, and then make it look like he was killed by the Shokan people's rivals, the Centaurs.
Killing Vaul with no one knowing, then making it appear the Centaurs did it, took careful timing and planning...a mission the Emperor could only entrust to Jade. It took a few weeks but she accomplished her mission and whatever outrage and anger over Vaul's death was directed towards the Centaurs. Exactly as planned.
While Jade was away, she received word that Goro had won the 9th Mortal Kombat tournament on Earth. He now only needed to win one more and Earth would belong to the Emperor. Although Jade didn't care about that, that Goro won meant Kitana must have succeeded in her mission with Ikarus, which was good news to her.
Jade returned in time to participate in the usual feast the Emperor would hold to celebrate a Mortal Kombat victory. The day of the feast, the Emperor requested Jade check on Kitana, saying she'd been acting strangely. She went to Kitana's chamber and knocked on the door a few times, but there was no answer.
After waiting a bit, Jade slowly stepped inside saying "Kitana..? You in here..?" As Jade stepped inside, she was surprised to see it was a mess. At the end of the room, sitting at her mirror, was Kitana who looked terrible. Like she hadn't slept in days. Jade came closer and said "Kitana..? You okay..?"
Kitana slowly looked up at Jade and faintly said "Oh...Jade. You're back."
"What's wrong? You look terrible..."
"I...I haven't been feeling well, Jade."
"Your father said you've been acting strange. Are you going to join the feast tonight?"
Kitana was quiet a few moments, then quietly answered "Yes. I guess I'll show up for a bit. But can you please tell my fa...father...that I'm...still not feeling well, and I won't stay long."
Jade nodded and said "Okay. I'll see you tonight then."
Later that night, the feast began with the Emperor and many of his closest warriors and advisors present. Kitana sat by Kahn's side, but she didn't say a word to anyone the whole night. Jade couldn't help but notice how different Kitana was. It was almost as if she was a completely different person. When Jade looked into her eyes, it was almost like something in her had died. She then started to wonder if something may have happened during the Ikarus mission.
During the feast, Jade sat down next to Mileena, who wasn't eating anything because she was still wearing her mask. Jade never liked talking to Mileena, who looked particularly angry...moreso than usual...but figured she'd be the only person she'd get answers from.
"Mileena, I heard you were sent on the Ikarus mission with Kitana..." Jade asked.
"Yeah. I was there." she grumbled quietly.
"What happened? Why is Kitana acting so weird now?"
"Stupid idiot." she hissed. "I told her it was bad idea. I told she shouldn't have tried. And then I get blamed for it. He takes it out on me."
"What? What happened?"
"Stupid idiot let Ikarus catch her off guard. He got into her head and freaked her out about something."
Jade groaned and said "Aw, damn it. I warned her to be careful..."
"And I get blamed for it. It's my fault she can't look out for herself. He takes it out on me. Just because of her..."
Having found out what she wanted to know, Jade quietly left the table, not interested in hearing one of Mileena's rants about how much she hates Kitana. She returned to her seat and the Emperor began a speech about how Earth's domination was inevitable and everyone who served him well would be rewarded. Jade didn't pay much attention, only staring at Kitana who looked greatly troubled.
After the feast ended, Jade went to speak with her, but she quickly fled back to her chamber without saying a word. Whatever Ikarus had done to Kitana, it was bad. That night Jade remained in her chamber, trying to imagine what was wrong with Kitana. What could Ikarus had done to her that would haunt her so much?
Kitana spent the next day locked in her chamber. She never once came out or spoke with anyone. That evening, Jade was summoned to meet the Emperor. As she made her way to the Emperor's chamber, she already guessed it must have something to do with Kitana. Jade was meant to be her watcher anyway. She was the one the Emperor counted on keeping him informed on how Kitana was doing.
As Jade entered the Emperor's chamber, she was surprised to find him with Mileena. He was holding her up by her collar and yelling in her face "What happened with Ikarus! Tell me dammit! You were there! You saw!"
Mileena looked horrified and sheepishly answered "I don't know! I told you...she went on ahead without me! I don't know what he did to her! She didn't tell me anything! I swear!"
"Stupid little bitch! I told you how important it was for you to watch her! I warned you!"
"I'm sorry, father! I sorry...I'm sorry! I swear!"
Kahn then noticed Jade standing at the door and dropped Mileena to the floor growling "Get out of my sight." Mileena quickly left the room leaving the Emperor and Jade alone. He then quietly said "Jade, come. I must speak with you."
"I am at my lord's service." Jade replied, stepping forward.
"As I'm sure you know by now, Kitana was attacked by the sorcerer Ikarus. She's been acting very strangely since it happened." he paused a moment then asked "Has she mentioned anything to you?"
"No, my lord. I've barely spoken to her. All she told me was she wasn't feeling well."
"I want you to speak with her. Find out what's wrong...what he did to her. It is of extreme importance we find out what Ikarus may have done to her."
"I will, my lord." Jade answered. She then asked "If you don't mind my asking...but what could Ikarus have shown her that would upset her so much?"
Kahn stared at Jade for several moments before finally answering "I am not sure. Just remember, he was a deceiver and a liar. When you speak with Kitana, reassure her. Comfort her. Try to get her back to normal. We cannot afford something like this now. Not when we're so close to taking Earth."
"I'll help her, my lord. I'll speak with her tomorrow."
"Very well. You are dismissed."
Jade then bowed and returned to her chamber. She kept thinking about what may have happened with Kitana and Ikarus. What did he do to her? Whatever had happened, Jade resolved she'd try to help Kitana through it, no matter what. After what happened with Armand, Kitana stayed by Jade's side and helped her through it. Jade was determined to do the same.
The next morning, Jade went to Kitana's chamber and found her sitting on the balcony outside. As Jade approached, she saw Kitana staring out into space with a distant...almost dead...look in her eyes. Jade sat down beside Kitana, but not once did Kitana look up.
After several moments of silence, Jade finally began "Kitana..? Kitana...are you okay..?" She didn't answer. "Kitana...please answer me. What's going on? You've been sitting in here for the past month. Your father wants to know what's wrong with you." Kitana still wouldn't answer. She didn't even look at Jade. After a few moments Jade continued "It was Ikarus, wasn't it? He did something to you. Kitana, listen to me...whatever he did to you...you have to fight it. I told you...he gets in your head and screws around with you. Don't let whatever he did get to you."
Kitana finally looked at Jade and quietly asked "Do you find it hard to do what you do, Jade?"
The question caught Jade off guard a moment, then she answered "Sometimes."
"What do you do when that happens?"
Jade thought about the question and finally replied "I guess...I try to remember what I'm fighting for. My duty."
Kitana was silent for a few moments then asked "What would you do if it was all a lie?"
"What do you mean?"
"What if one day you found out what you were fighting for...your duty...was all a lie? What if one day you realized that you've been trying to be something you're not?"
Jade stopped and really thought about that question. She tried to put herself in that position and honestly wondered what she would do in that situation. "I...don't know. I guess...I'd try to find something else to fight for. Something where I was true to myself."
"But what if you didn't know what was true to yourself?"
"Well...I would build a new life for myself. Something...better, I suppose." Jade stopped a moment and wondered why Kitana was asking all these philosophical questions and what it had to do with Ikarus. "Why are you asking me all this, Kitana? What's wrong?"
Kitana looked upset and confused and after a few moments said "I'm not sure why I fight anymore. I'm...not sure who I am anymore..."
Jade realized Ikarus must've done something to her that made her unsure of herself. She laughed a bit and tried to reassure her "You're Kitana. The daughter of Shao Kahn. One of his best assassins and warriors."
Kitana stared at Jade for several moments, with an almost sad expression on her face. After several moments of silence, Kitana suddenly looked very calm and said "Thank you, Jade."
Thinking she had helped, Jade smiled and stood up saying "It'll be okay, Kitana. I know you'll make it through this."
"You've always been a good friend, Jade." she said as Jade started to leave. "My best friend."
Jade left Kitana's chamber, confident she'd managed to comfort her in some way. When she left, Kitana sounded calm. Like she was more sure of herself. Jade went to the Emperor's chamber to inform him of what was said. The Emperor was not convinced Kitana was starting to feel better, but Jade was confident it was a start. She assured the Emperor Kitana just needed time and reassurance...then everything would be back to normal.
Tanya was actually a little nervous as she waited for the signal to move. She remained hidden in an alleyway in the city of Lei Chen, watching a high ranking Shao Kahn guardsman patrol the street. In just a few moments, Seifer was to attack the guard and cause a scene, denouncing Shao Kahn's rule. The plan was, Tanya would jump in and "rescue" the guard and from there she'd try to get into Shao Kahn's ranks.
Tanya's plan on getting into Shao Kahn's forces required some serious convincing. Especially for her father who was terrified by the thought of sending his daughter into Kahn's army. It took convincing, by Lysander eventually let her go, confident her plan wouldn't work. What Tanya neglected to mention though, was "rescuing" the guard was only part of her plan. She had a back-up that would guarantee she'd get in.
After a few moments, she saw Seifer walk up and start arguing with the guard. Tanya braced herself and calmed herself. Although she was nervous, her years with Armand taught her how stay cool in these situations. Sure enough, Seifer and the guard came to blows. Seifer managed to knock him down and pulled his sword. That was Tanya's cue.
Seifer made like he was going to impale the guard, but Tanya suddenly jumped in and knock the sword from his hand. After a few moments of pretending to fight, Seifer was "defeated" and quickly fled.
Tanya turned and helped the guard stand, saying in her best "innocent" voice "Are you okay, sir? That lowly scum didn't harm you did he?"
"I think I shall live." the guard answered, standing up. "You showed some skill there, girl."
"Thank you, sir. I've been training for a long time."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I hope I can someday become one of Shao Kahn's warriors."
"I see." the guard, staring at Tanya, starting to look suspicious.
Tanya saw her chance and started the second part of her plan. She then said in a more serious voice "Listen...this was just an act. That guy who jumped you is a rebel named Seifer. They're trying to get me to infiltrate the Emperor's forces." The guard looked taken aback by Tanya's bluntness and she continued "I would like to serve Lord Kahn...and they think I'm loyal to them." She paused a moment, then smirked and added "I think perhaps I may be of some use?"
The guard stared at her a few moments then asked "Sounds interesting...but why should I believe you now? How do I know this isn't just an act either?"
Tanya smiled and leaned close whispering "There's a small rebel base that stockpiles weapons a miles west of the Centaur plains. Look into it and we'll see what happens."
Tanya winked then turned around and walked away. She told her father and Jagger the guard would consider letting her join. Two days later, the weapons base would be suddenly attacked and destroyed. Tanya was entered into Shao Kahn's army and no one suspected a thing.
It wasn't much she thought to herself. But it was a start.
The next morning, Jade was suddenly woken up by the sound of someone barging into her chamber. Before she could even fully wake up, she felt a large gruff hand wrap around her throat and lift her from her bed and pin her against the wall. As she regained her bearings, she realized it was the Emperor.
He then screamed in her face "Where is she!" Jade didn't know how to respond and he repeated "WHERE IS SHE!"
"I...I don't know...who...?" Jade tried to choke out.
"DON'T LIE TO ME! WHAT DID YOU SAY TO HER YESTERDAY?"
"Who..? I don't know...what you're talking about..."
"KITANA, YOU FOOL! WHERE IS SHE!" he screamed, dropping Jade down to the floor.
"I don't...I don't..." she tried to answer. She didn't know what was happening. She didn't know how to respond.
"She wasn't in her chamber this morning! She left no notes and didn't speak to anyone except you! Now you tell me where she is or I swear I WILL RIP YOU LIMB FROM LIMB RIGHT NOW!" Kahn bellowed raising his fist.
Jade flinched, expecting him to strike her when she suddenly heard from the door "I'm here, father."
Kahn and Jade both looked and saw Kitana standing at the door, strangely looking dead calm. Kahn then snarled "Where were you this morning?"
"Forgive me father. I needed some time to myself. I'm sorry I didn't mention it to anyone, but I just needed time to clear my head."
As Kitana stepped forward, Kahn stared at her, uncertain. He then said "And..?"
Kitana stared at Kahn a moment, then suddenly hugged him and said "I'm better now, father. I'm sorry I worried you so. But I'm better now. Now I know this is where I belong."
Kahn seemed a little caught off guard and asked "You're...certain..? You're feeling better now?"
"Yes father. I know exactly who I am."
After several moments, Kahn finally said "Very well. But I wish to speak with you more on this later, Kitana." He then left the chamber, leaving Jade and Kitana alone.
Kitana then turned and started to help Jade up, who was just staring at her in shock. Kitana then gently said "I'm sorry he took his anger out on you. I should've known he'd do that."
"Kitana...what happened? What's going on?"
She looked at Jade and smiled gently saying "I'm better now Jade. And I have you to thank for that."
"What?"
"You were right. I now know exactly who I am and what I must do. You helped me, Jade. And I'll always be grateful for that."
Kitana smiled again and left the chamber, leaving Jade sitting on her bed, dumbfounded. For some reason she couldn't put her finger on, Kitana seemed very different. Jade didn't know how or why, but something had changed in Kitana. As Jade sat in her chamber, trying to put it together, she could feel in her gut things wouldn't be the same.
Something had definitely changed...but was it for the better...or worse?
End of Chapter VIII