"Intervention"
Jade sat alone on the broken wall of the dilapidated temple that was half buried under the sand of the Outworld desert. The broken down temple was not far from Jade's own home, which was built in the desert as reward for her loyal service. Unlike Kitana and Mileena, Jade did not permanently live within the actual fortress. Once the Emperor was certain she could be trusted, Jade was allowed to live outside the fortress walls as were other of Shao Kahn's officers. Reptile had a lair built deep in the Living Forest. Shang Tsung had a small dwelling in the mountains. Kitana and Mileena were really the only ones who called the fortress "home."
Jade sat staring out at the great dunes that stretched for seemingly endless miles like an ocean. Jade always loved the desert. The solitude and tranquillity. The dead silence came like a kind of peace she knew no where else. Most people didn't care for the desert...thinking it a wretched wasteland...but Jade loved it. The only place she felt perfectly at ease, where she could truly gather her thoughts.
The events of the last few days had left Jade very troubled and she craved the chance to be alone. Only a week or so ago, the 10th Mortal Kombat tournament had began on Earthrealm. If Prince Goro won again, the Emperor would have the right to enter and conquer the realm without fear of interference from the Elder Gods. But Goro was defeated by a Shaolin monk named Liu Kang who then defeated Shang Tsung and sent him back to Outworld in disgrace.
The day Shang Tsung returned to report his failure, the Emperor's fury could be heard and felt throughout the entire fortress. The walls and very foundation shook. But in an unexpected turn of events, the Emperor spared Tsung's life and instead announced there would a tournament in Outworld.
Kitana and Mileena were selected to participate in the tournament, which came as no surprise to Jade. She was then informed that she would not be entering and that the Emperor had a different job for her, which came as no surprise either. As strange as events and the tournament were, nothing troubled Jade until she was told her mission.
That morning she was summoned to meet with the Emperor in private. She met him on a small balcony that overlooked the Blood Red Sea. She approached the Emperor, bowed and said "You wished to see me, my lord?"
"Yes, Jade." he answered. "As I'm sure you've heard by now we will be holding a tournament to decide Outworld's new champion to replace Goro."
"I have, my lord. I was also told you didn't want me to enter."
"Indeed. Rather, I have a different purpose for you."
"I am at my lord's service."
Kahn was quiet for a moment then began "Jade, I'm certain you've noticed Kitana's recent...suspicious behavior."
"I...I have."
In the years that passed since the incident with Ikarus, Kitana had changed very much. She often hid herself away from others, rarely speaking with anyone. Her mission results were becoming increasingly erratic. She'd return from assassinations with unclear results or flat-out failure, almost as if she wasn't trying anymore. She'd be seen wandering old archives, studying old books and texts about Outworld's history. Whenever asked why, she'd only give vague, unclear reasons.
"I insisted Kitana enter this tournament in the hope I may discover what has become of her. I entered Mileena as well to watch her and keep an eye on her."
"My lord, do you suspect Kitana will betray you?" Jade asked.
Kahn was silent, then said "I cannot say. But I fear Kitana has been drawn into something she doesn't fully understand and I do not want to risk this interfering with my plans for Earth. We've come too close to risk any mistakes."
"So what would you have me do?"
"I want you to keep a close eye on both Kitana and Mileena during the tournament. In the hope we may discover what Kitana is up to."
"My lord...I..."
"What is it Jade?"
"My lord, I know it is not my place to say, but...I feel very uneasy about this mission and this tournament. I...I must admit I don't feel entirely comfortable spying on your daughter like this..."
Jade kept her eyes locked on the floor, half expecting Kahn to yell at her for speaking her mind, but he instead calmly replied "Your concerns do not surprise me Jade. This situation with Kitana is indeed very troubling." He paused then added, "But it must be done. I have always counted on you to keep watch over Kitana. If something has happened to her, you must find what it is and inform me. Not just for the sake of my plans...but for Kitana's own good."
"I suppose..."
"This mission is as much for Kitana's sake as it is for the sake of my goals. Can I count on you Jade?"
Jade was silent for a few moments, then quietly answered "Yes, master."
Jade bowed and left the throne room, returning to her desert home. She did not like any of it. She did not like this proposed tournament the Emperor was holding. And she especially did not like her, Kitana, and Mileena's involvement. Jade knew full well that Mileena had long desired to gain her father's favor over Kitana's. And what if Kitana was actually up to something? So much could go so wrong so fast.
Jade could just feel it in her blood. Something was going to happen. And soon.
Tanya sat impatiently ina small tavern waiting for her Resistance contacts to meet with her. The place stunk with the wretched dirtbags that crowded the place. Although she hated it, it was the only place she could safely meet her contacts.
In the years that had passed since Tanya began her "infiltration" of Shao Kahn's army, she had done little aside from train and learn. Still being a fairly new, low-level soldier did not offer her much crucial information about Kahn's inner workings, but Tanya paid little mind. She would still listen closely to anything that was said by anyone of importance. While still low-level, Tanya soon learned much about him, his key fighters and assassins, and their backgrounds and such.
As Tanya trained and learned, she did her best to keep a low profile. She would occasionally see Jade walking about Kahn's fortress, but she avoided her. She didn't want Jade to know she was part of Kahn's armies. At least not yet. While deep down, she wished to meet with Jade again, she knew there would be some risk involved since Jade knew Tanya's background.
"Good to see you again, Tanya." Jagger said as he and Seifer sat down beside her. "Your father sends his regards."
"Uh-huh." she answered with a slight nod.
"So what news?"
"Well, I'm sure you've heard by now that Goro and Shang Tsung were defeated on Earth."
"Yes, indeed." Jagger said. "The Earthrealmers caught a lucky break there."
"Word is the Emperor is going to hold a tournament in Outworld. Supposedly to find Outworld's new champion to replace Goro." She paused a moment then said "The big thing is they're apparently going to invite the surviving Earth warriors to participate."
"They are? Why?"
"Can't say. No one's saying anything, but rumor has it the Emperor and Shang Tsung are planning something big. A battalion of Tarkata were sent to Earth to goad the Earth fighters into coming just recently."
"That doesn't make sense though. That would break the rules of Mortal Kombat..."
Tanya shrugged and said "Like I said...everyone thinks the Emperor has something bigger planned but no one knows or is saying."
Jagger thought for a few moments, then said "We'll head back and report what you've told us. Thank you, and be careful Tanya."
"Yeah, yeah."
As Jagger and Seifer left the tavern, Tanya remained to think about the coming events. Jagger was right...this whole tournament thing was very unusual and didn't make much sense. Knowing Kahn, there had to be more to it. She wasn't sure, but she could feel something big was coming. And soon.
On the eve of the tournament, the Earth warriors would be transported to Outworld and the Emperor was going to give some sort of opening speech. Although Jade was not entered, she watched the opening. She had been told earlier that the Earth warriors would be granted quarters in the fortress, so in addition to spying on Kitana and Mileena, Jade was told to keep an eye on the Earthrealm "guests."
Jade unease hadn't gotten any better. Rather, she felt worse. Although she dare not question it, she suspected there was more to this tournament that the Emperor claimed. Outwardly, he claimed the tournament would find Outworld's new champion to take Goro's place. Secretly he said, the Earth warrior were simply being lured to their deaths. Neither explanation made much sense to Jade either way.
Despite her concerns, Jade decided to do as she was told and not ask any questions. She watched as the Emperor introduced each of the selected Earth warriors as though they were honored guests. The first was a young man wearing sunglasses and smug smile on his face named Johnny Cage. According to Jade's briefing, he was a survivor of the previous tournament and some sort of famous celebrity on Earth. From watching him, he seemed like he'd be of no concern.
The second was a serious looking man wearing a large hat named Kung Lao. He was apparently the ancestor of the Kung Lao who Goro defeated nearly 500 years ago...strangely, according to Shang Tsung, he was not present at the previous tournament. It was difficult to judge, but Jade figured the descendent of the Great Kung Lao who once defeated Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat would be a fighter to be reckoned with.
Kung Lao was followed by a large, muscular man named Jax. There was little information on him, but he was apparently affiliated with the two prisoners Shang Tsung took from the last tournament, Sonya Blade and Kano. His appearance in Outworld most likely had to do with them. Judging from his size, Jade suspected he was a fighter who relied more on his power than skill. Nothing she couldn't handle.
Then came two similarly dressed ninjas, Sub-Zero and Scorpion. According to Shang Tsung, Sub-Zero was sent to assassinate him in the last tournament. However his appearance was strange because he was supposed to have been murdered by Scorpion. What little information about Scorpion said he entered the tournament simply to kill Sub-Zero. It was suspected that was his only concern in Outworld as well. Since both Scorpion and Sub-Zero had their own agendas, Jade paid little mind to them.
Following the ninjas was Earth's Guardian Raiden. Jade found Raiden's appearance strange because she thought gods were forbidden from entering Mortal Kombat tournaments. But he apparently took on a mortal form so he would be allowed to compete. Raiden's presence worried Jade...even in mortal form, Earth's Thunder God was no doubt very powerful.
Then finally, Earth's Champion was introduced: Liu Kang. Upon seeing him, Jade was shocked. This was the fighter who defeated, not just Goro, but also Shang Tsung. From appearance alone, Jade would never have believed him to be any real threat. There obviously was more to him than appeared. All Shang Tsung said regarding Liu Kang was a simple, yet ominous "Leave him to me."
Jade decided to leave it at that.
Jade watched as Shao Kahn delivered a long speech about the tournament, welcoming the Earthrealm "guests," and to be prepared for the coming battle. Jade watched Mileena who was glaring at Kitana who kept her eyes on Liu Kang who was staring at Shao Kahn. Judging from their eyes, Kang looked like wanted to kill Shao Kahn right there and Mileena looked like she wanted to do the same to Kitana.
But Jade couldn't read Kitana's eyes. She didn't know why she was staring at Liu Kang and couldn't tell what she might have been thinking. She didn't look angry or worried or anything. She looked blank. This worried Jade more than anything else.
After the Emperor's speech, the Earth warriors were shown to their quarters within the fortress. The tournament would commence the next day, however Liu Kang did not remain in his chamber. Suspicious, Jade secretly began tracking him. The young Earthrealmer wandered around for some time, before finally ending up just outside the Living Forest where he appeared to begin meditating.
Jade watched in secret from the trees, until she began to pick up the smell of smoke. She looked around began to notice a dark trail of smoke drifting through the forest. Curious where this trail of smoke was coming from, Jade began to follow, making sure Liu Kang did not notice her presence.
As Jade was following the trail, she was suddenly pulled down into a bush by someone who quickly pressed their hand over her mouth. She instinctively was about to fight back when she saw it was Mileena.
"Mileena?" she said. "What the hell are you doing? You almost scared me to death..."
"Shut-up." Mileena hissed. "Don't let her hear you."
"Who?" Jade asked. Mileena then pointed past several trees and just through the mist and fog, Jade was barely able to make out Kitana. "What is she..."
"I've been following her since the opening speech." Mileena cut in. "Wasn't easy...she almost caught me a few times." She paused a moment then asked "What are you doing here?"
"The Earth fighter...Liu Kang...he didn't stay in his quarters. I started following him."
Mileena nodded and said "I noticed Kitana staring at him earlier, too." As Kitana slowly approached Liu Kang, Mileena added "Guess we'll see what their up to."
Jade and Mileena quietly watched as Kitana and Liu Kang began talking. They couldn't hear what was being said, but they weren't fighting...not even yelling at each other. As Jade watched, she kept feeling a terrible chill run up and down her spine. What was Kitana doing? Why was she doing it? It didn't make sense.
After a few minutes, Kitana and Liu Kang went their separate ways. Once they were sure they were gone, Jade and Mileena stepped out into the open. Jade sat on a broken log trying to take in what she just witnessed. Mileena on the other hand was pacing around angrily.
"I knew it." she snarled. "I God damn knew it!" Jade didn't respond and Mileena continued "I knew that bitch was up to something. I've known for years! She's not going to get away with this! She's going to die for this..."
"Mileena, wait a second." Jade cut in. "You can't jump to conclusions..."
"Jump to conclusions!" she repeated, outraged. "Did you not just see what happened? She's a damn traitor!"
"We don't know that yet."
"What!"
"We don't know what they were talking about." Jade said, trying to keep Mileena calm. "It could have been anything."
"Weren't you watching? That hardly looked like a meeting between enemies! They looked like they making an alliance!" Mileena quickly answered.
"Maybe she's going to lure him into a trap or something."
"Then why wouldn't she tell us or father? Why keep this great scheme a secret?"
"Maybe it has something to do with Raiden." Jade suggested. "Maybe she has to keep it to herself or he'd know. He is a god after all."
"No. No, I don't buy it. Not at all. She's a traitor and I'm going to see to it she..."
"Mileena for just one second can you forget that already hate Kitana and think rationally!" Jade yelled. "This is Kitana we're talking about. She's fought alongside us for centuries and loyally served your father her whole life. Why betray him? And why only now?"
"You're only defending her because she's your God damn bread and butter! Why don't you for a second forget she's your 'best friend' and look at what just happened!"
"I'm not defending her." Jade said grimly. "I'm just saying we can't be so quick to judge. We should wait until we know more. If she's a traitor we'll find out soon enough."
Mileena stared at Jade for a moment, then sighed and said "Then what am I supposed to tell my father? You do know he wants me watching her, right?"
"Tell him what we saw. Kitana was speaking to an Earthrealm fighter, but we don't know why or what was said."
Mileena grumbled and answered "Fine." She then started to walk away, but stopped and grimly added "But I'm warning you Jade...if I find out she's betrayed us...DON'T get in my way."
"Fair enough."
Mileena then left, leaving Jade alone. That chill in her spine hadn't gone away yet.
The tournament went on as planned, providing some entertainment to the people of Outworld. With each day, excitement grew and grew. For some reason, there was something about this tournament that drew everyone's attention. Even more-so when news of the Earth warriors' participation spread. Tournament battles were held all over Outworld. The ones that allowed for spectators were always packed.
Tanya hated the crowd. She hated the crowded streets, the long lines, the dirty smelly peasants crowding everywhere...she felt suffocated. Everywhere she went she would hear constant talk about the Earth warriors...Liu Kang especially. Talk of how he defeated Goro. Talk of how he defeated Shang Tsung. Talk of how he was doing in the tournament.
Tanya couldn't believe people actually believed this Liu Kang would make a difference. How stupid were these people? Why would the Emperor invite the Earth warriors and Champion to fight in an Outworld tournament? He's planning on killing them. It was so painfully obvious, Tanya almost wanted to just scream it in the face of the next person who mentioned Liu Kang's name.
Tanya navigated her way through the crowds of Shao Kahn's Coliseum to get to her seat. The tournament was approaching its finals. Most of the Outworld's prominent fighters had already been eliminated with only a small few remaining. The final match of the day was a highly anticipated one: Liu Kang vs. Kitana. There was much talk...and betting...about who would win...Earth's Champion or the Emperor's legendary daughter?
But what really intrigued Tanya about this match was the rumors she'd been hearing around Kahn's fortress. That the Emperor was suspicious of Kitana and that she might even be up to something. Everyone was expecting this match to provide the answer to those rumors and Tanya was very intrigued.
From where Tanya was sitting she could just make out Kitana pacing around the outer courtyard. It was hard to tell, but she looked nervous. Over on the other end of the arena, Tanya caught a glimpse of Liu Kang also pacing around. She only saw him a second, but he actually looked nervous, too. From what she knew about Kitana and what she'd been hearing about Liu Kang...neither sounded like fighters who'd get nervous before a battle easily. It was probably nothing, but Tanya couldn't help but wonder...
Tanya's thoughts were interrupted by a couple of young children talking very loudly in front of her. "Look, I saw him! I saw Liu Kang!" a young girl said.
"Do you really think he'll win?" another child asked.
"Of course he'll win!" the girl answered. "He beat Goro and Shang Tsung! I know he'll win!"
"Li Mei, get real." a boy sneered. "No one can beat Kitana the Bloody. She's not human."
"Liu Kang will! I know it!"
Tanya groaned loudly and grumbled to herself "I need to change my seat." She moved a few seats down so she wouldn't have to hear those kids. But then she imagined the looks on their faces if Liu Kang lost and decided not to move too far down so she could see.
As Tanya found a new seat, she could hear the Emperor bellow "FIGHT!" as Kitana and Liu Kang began circling each other. They then began exchanging punches and kicks, nothing connecting. After a few passes, Kitana then took the offensive. She took control of the fight tossing Liu Kang around and taunting him quite a bit. However, as Tanya watched, she couldn't help but notice something very off about the fight.
After several moments, Liu Kang finally began to really fight back and slowly gained an advantage. After a few minutes he finally took a solid advantage before finishing Kitana off with his signature attack...a sort of flying kick.
Liu Kang was declared the winner, much to surprise of the audience. Earth's Champion received a good response for his victory, but Tanya noticed something very strange about Liu Kang's expression. He looked...almost remorseful. As if he didn't want to fight Kitana. What if the rumors were true and Kitana was up to something after all? She remembered not too long ago Jagger mentioning that Kitana had attempted to infiltrate the Resistance. What if Kitana was actually telling the truth?
As Tanya started to leave the coliseum, she saw in the corner of her eye a tall, sinister looking man who stood out from the crowd like a sore thumb. He wore black, spiked armor and had pale white skin with black tattoos on his face. He had apparently been watching the fight and appeared pleased with the result.
Tanya only caught a glimpse of him before he seemed to disappear before her very eyes. It was probably nothing, but she couldn't help but wonder who that was.
Jade sat by herself in the darkened dining chamber of Kahn's fortress drinking an old bottle of Tarkatan liquor...which was the harshest and strongest liquor available. She kept suspecting something bad was forthcoming and her instincts did not fail her.
First, she began getting information about the true purpose of the Outworld tournament. Apparently, this tournament was just a distraction. The Emperor was preparing for a full scale invasion of Earth. Jade had seen the Extermination Squads being prepared and she herself was told she'd be used in tracking straggling Earthrealmers for execution. What greatly troubled her, aside from being part of a glorified slaughter, was since Goro and Shang Tsung were defeated in Mortal Kombat, an invasion was strictly forbidden by the Elder Gods...yet neither Kahn nor Tsung seemed to care. Jade knew little about gods and deities except to never cross them.
Meanwhile, it was becoming more and more clear that Mileena's suspicions of Kitana might in fact be true. Throughout the tournament, Kitana would spare the lives of her opponents. The Kitana everyone knew would never do that. When she wasn't competing, she'd disappear for hours on end. According to Mileena, she's spend hours wandering around Outworld...as if she was trying to lose anyone following her. It all culminated with Kitana's match against Liu Kang. Anyone who knew how Kitana fought could see...she wasn't even trying to beat him.
A growing urge to attack was constantly building up in Mileena. Jade could tell the situation with Kitana was going to explode any moment. Between that, and the Emperor's planned invasion...it would be times like this that Jade wished she stayed a cook.
Jade took one last shot then went to Kitana's chamber, wishing to see if she was okay after her defeat. However, when she went into the chamber Kitana was nowhere to be found. Jade then went to Mileena's chamber. After Kitana's match she and the Emperor were supposed to meet with Kitana and Jade wanted to know how that went. Jade entered Mileena's chamber to find her sitting by a mirror which looked like it had been punched in.
"Mileena?" Jade asked. "Mileena...are you crying..?"
"No!" she quickly barked, wiping her eyes. "What do you want?"
"Did you and the Emperor meet with Kitana about the match? Did you find anything out?"
Mileena turned away and grimly answered "He gave her a warning...but I know she's lying. I know she's up to something. But he won't listen. He never listens to me..."
"Where's Kitana now?"
"I don't know."
"Well, she's not in her chamber..."
Mileena shot up from her seat and angrily said "Damn it!" She then quickly went to the door saying "We need to find her!"
Jade followed Mileena as she charged down the hallways of the fortress. Not so much because she was concerned where Kitana was...but more concerned that Mileena would do something reckless when she found her. After some searching they finally found Kitana lurking around outside Shang Tsung's chamber. Jade and Mileena quickly ducked to the side.
Mileena began snarling about Kitana being up to something but Jade wasn't paying attention. She suddenly started to pick up on a familiar smell. Something like the smoke she smelled in the Living Forest the day before the tournament. There was something about it that smelled strange. Jade followed the smell down a dark corridor where she found the ninja Sub-Zero talking with another ninja hidden in the shadows and a cloud of smoke.
"I'm telling you these freaks are up to something major. You should hit Tsung now and get the hell out of here." the hidden ninja said.
"I know." Sub-Zero answered. "I'm going to make my move against Tsung tonight."
"You want my help?" the other ninja asked.
"No. I want you to head to that portal I saw and make sure I have a clear path. I have feeling I'll be leaving in a hurry."
"Okay. Good luck."
The two ninjas gave each other a small bow and went in separate directions. Jade was about to do something when she was stopped by Mileena who said "What the hell are you doing? Kitana's heading towards the Earth warrior's quarters. What does that tell you?"
"Wait a second...I just saw the ninja Sub-Zero talking to someone." Jade answered.
"Who?"
"I don't know. Another ninja. I think he brought a spy with him. He's headed for the portal, we need to stop him."
Beneath her mask, Mileena sneered and said "It's not our problem. We should follow Kitana."
"Mileena wait. I can't let some spy just go..."
"I'm going after Kitana." she said forcefully.
"Okay fine. You follow Kitana and see what she's doing. I'll take care of the spy." They started to go on their way when Jade stopped and added "Mileena...whatever happens...wait for me first. Don't do anything without me, okay?"
Mileena was quiet for a moment then calmly said "Fine."
Jade quickly followed the smoke ninja to the portal chamber but was too late to stop him from going inside. She quickly leaped into the portal after him, which would transport them to Shang Tsung's island. It was not the first time she'd been there. She was often used as a messenger between Tsung and Kahn.
She followed the ninja who suddenly went into Goro's Lair, which was out of his way. Jade realized he must know he's being followed and prepared for a fight. She slowly went into the lair, a dark and foreboding place that stunk with death. As she looked, she drew her bo and a small razor-sharp boomerang she kept on her and quietly looked around.
She turned around and suddenly saw a large, razor-sharp grappling hook attached to rope coming at her. She quickly ducked out of the way as the hook slashed the nearby wall. The hook was snapped back and caught by a tall ninja wearing gray and black. Smoke seemed to be pouring from his body.
"One of Kahn's lackeys, I see." he said.
"And one of Earth's lackeys." she answered.
Without wasting another moment, Jade and her enemy charged and began fighting. Fighting the ninja, Jade discovered she was at a serious disadvantage. She could stay too close to her opponent for too long. The smoke that emitted from his body made it difficult to breathe around him and harder to fight.
Jade managed to connect with a stiff kick to his gut that sent him tumbling to the floor. Wasting no time, she lunged at him with her bo, hoping to impale him. However, a surge of smoke swirled all around him and engulfed Jade. The ninja disappeared into the shadows, leaving Jade in the smoke cloud choking.
As Jade struggled to breathe, the ninja took a brutal offensive of punches and kicks that almost knocked Jade unconscious. Barely able to see because of all the smoke, Jade couldn't see him throw his roped hook at her which plunged into her shoulder. He then pulled her close and wrapped the rope around her neck. Between the rope and all the smoke, Jade could neither breath nor see.
Out of desperation she shoved with all her weight back into the nearest all. She did so again and a third time and the ninja's grip on her loosened. Wasting no time, she grabbed his arm and threw him across the lair, smashing him into the floor. The ninja shot up and charged to attack again, but Jade recovered and countered with her Glow Kick that smashed him into the opposite wall, crushing a hanging skeleton to dust. He then threw his roped hook at her again, but she blocked with her bo and slashed the rope with her boomerang and leveled him with a jumping kick.
Jade paused to catch her breath as the ninja recovered on the floor. They both then stood up and started to charge when suddenly a large wall of ice formed in between them. Jade looked and saw Sub-Zero standing at the lair entrance saying "Smoke! We don't have time for this! We have to go now!"
The ninja, Smoke, then said to Jade "Some other time then." and quickly followed Sub-Zero. The ice wall pinned Jade into the lair, making her unable to follow. By the time she broke through the ice with her bo, they were gone.
Slightly bruised and barely able to breathe, Jade returned to the portal. Upon her return to Outworld, she found the Emperor to report what had happened. She found him outside the portal chamber with Shang Tsung.
"My lord," she said. "I discovered an Earthrealm spy who was allied with the one called Sub-Zero."
"Is that so?" Kahn answered.
"I tracked him back to Earthrealm, but I'm afraid he escaped. If you wish, I can..."
"That won't be necessary Jade." Kahn answered calmly. "The Earth warriors are inconsequential. Now we shall be concentrating on the coming invasion..."
"Master Kahn!" a servant suddenly yelled, coming towards them.
"What is it?" Kahn asked.
"My lord...we found Mileena."
"What do you mean found?"
"We found her body. She's dead, my lord."
Jade's blood suddenly ran cold as Shao Kahn grimly said "Where's Kitana?"
End of Chapter IX