Chapter XI

Rejection

Sareena was no stranger to the cold.

She sometimes thought it fitting she should end up so closely associated with the Sub-Zero brothers. Despite the prevalence of fire, lava and brimstone throughout the Netherealm, the cold was something she always carried with her. It was her earliest memory. Some among her kind believed the constant cold and emptiness they felt was their lack of a real soul.

It came as no surprise to her Shang Tsung's sorcery was like icy fingers rippling up and down her flesh. She felt darkness reach into her and smother the damage Ashrah's sword did. She could hear the thousands of souls he kept imprisoned within himself howl in torment, and with that, came the sensation of feeding. It was not unlike how she maintained her human form by absorbing the essence of the realm.

Coldness flowed through her veins, and as it did, Sareena's strength returned. The part of her that was a demon flexed and snarled. Rage and bloodlust overwhelmed her thoughts. She was not a being of Light, and she never would be. She was a demon, and her domain was darkness.

Eyes glowing red like rubies, she stumbled away from Shang Tsung trying to regain control of herself. She punched and clawed the floor, hissing and snarling. Feeling like she would burst, she threw her head back and let rip a shrieking roar.

She collapsed to her hands and knees, and just like that, it was over. Shaking, she stared at her hands and pushed away the darkness and anger. The cold was there, as always, but the pain was gone. Her wounds were healed, human form as it should be, and her mind clear.

She turned to Tsung, who appeared older and grayer than he was before. "You're welcome," he said, out of breath. "Now then … I believe you owe me something in return."

The sound of wood snapping and glass breaking echoed all around them. The remaining Zaterrans had come and were breaking into the temple. Sareena got to her feet and looked around before focusing on Tsung. After the briefest of hesitation, she unchained him and took a step back.

Even he seemed surprised as he stood up. "I won't lie, demon," he said, rubbing his arm. "I expected you to double-cross me."

"They're here for you, too," she said. "Even if you just try to escape, you're going to have to fight your way out."

"I suppose so," he said. "Be a dear—duck."

As she did, Tsung whispered some magic words and clapped his hands together before outstretching them. A circle of fire spread from him throughout the chamber, revealing five invisible Zaterrans around them.

Their camouflage given away, the reptilian fighters hissed and prepared for battle. One leapt onto the table and let out a hideous snarl. Sareena, in turn, jumped onto the table herself and roared back. She surprised him with her strength as she tackled him into the wall. She slammed his head against the stone and clawed at his face.

Another Zaterran forced her off his comrade and engaged her in battle. The remaining three focused their attack on Shang Tsung and fought their way into the neighboring chambers—perhaps thinking he was the more dangerous foe. Not inaccurate, she allowed, but if they thought a mere two Zaterrans were enough to stop her, they were mistaken.

She easily outfought her opponents, matching their animalism with her own savagery. Her eyes became as blood, and black claws grew from her fingers. She smelled the Zaterrans' fear as they came to realize there weren't dealing with a mere human. Although she maintained her human form, the demon was in control, and she allowed the bloodlust to drive her.

With a desperate roar, one of them charged at her. She met him with a Gut Buster that sent him crashing into the far wall. His partner spat acid, but she dodged the attack and plunged her claws into his chest. Holding him in place, she unloaded blow after blow onto his face.

In near frenzy, she lifted him over her head and slammed him into the floor with a sickening thud. She almost continued her assault but stopped herself. Once, for reasons she still didn't understand even to that day, Bi-Han spared her life. Kuai Liang, as cold and pragmatic as he could be, taught her the value of compassion. Although every instinct she had urged her to tear them apart, limb from limb, she didn't wish to be without mercy.

She considered assisting Shang Tsung in his fight, but felt a familiar chill in the air. The hairs on her neck stood, and she realized she wasn't left with the fewer Zaterrans because they underestimated her.

Turning around, she wasn't surprised to find the blinding white garb of Ashrah waiting with her holy sword drawn.

"I told you we weren't finished."


Sareena wasn't wrong in her assessment that Shang Tsung only sought to escape. Although he wouldn't deny the threat Onaga posed, he had no interest in sticking his neck out for that fight. Perhaps, some day and with proper planning, he would try his hand at overthrowing the Dragon King. But until then, survival was paramount.

And he would indeed need to fight his way out, but the truth was he actually welcomed the opportunity to pay the Zaterrans back for the humiliation he suffered in Sun Do. More importantly, he needed some fresh souls to rejuvenate his youth and power.

He led his attackers into a nearby training chamber and waited for his opening. He fought defensively at first, for he was not at full strength and his arm was still hurt. But he knew once he took the first soul, the tide would be in his favor. He just needed to wait.

Although Onaga restored the Zaterran people, his remade reality didn't grant them any special experience or tactical edge. As fast and agile as the three warriors were, none could connect a single blow and frustration came quickly. One of the younger reptiles hissed in anger and made a foolhardy attempt to grab hold of him by his neck. Tsung smiled.

He slapped his hands away and struck fast and precise with chops and blows to the ribs, collarbone and throat. The Zaterran gasped and offered no defense as Tsung kneed him in the gut while simultaneously elbowing him in the back of the neck.

Contrary to common belief, stealing another's soul was not always something Shang Tsung could do with a snap of his finger. It depended on the opponent and their willpower. Some, if caught off guard, could be taken at a moment's notice, but it was always easiest when the victim was exhausted or beaten to submission.

Slumped over his knee, the Zaterran's soul came with little resistance. His remaining comrades looked on in horror as Tsung felt power surge through his body again. Strength returned to his arm, as did his youth. He pushed aside the soulless husk and beckoned the others to try their hand.

Their souls fell as easily as the first. By the time he was done, Shang Tsung was almost fully restored to his prime. It felt good to be young and strong again, and he took great relish that he had done so in Raiden's own Sky Temple.

Like a snake, he thrust his hand out and snatched the next invisible Zaterran by the neck. Khameleon gagged and became visible as she struggled in his grip. "Ah, ah," he said, waving his finger. "Fool me once …"

He threw her across the room and cracked his neck. He wanted to savor this for what she did to his arm. Khameleon got to her feet and took a fighting stance, showing no fear or hesitation.

"You'll pay for the Zaterransss you killed," she hissed. "Not just here … but all my brothers and sisssters you killed in passst timelines."

"You would not be the first opponent to claim I will pay for some wrongdoing," he said. "You won't be the last either."

Khameleon was more formidable than her fallen brethren, but still child's play to Shang Tsung. He dodged her attacks with ease and outpaced her every move. To her credit, she didn't get flustered or desperate, but he saw the doubt in her eyes. She knew she couldn't win this fight.

"I recall you were always more willful than Reptile," he said. "A shame really. You probably would've been a greater asset."

"I am no slave, monssster."

"So many say that. But all it amounts to is—"

Tsung's hubris didn't come without a price. In a sudden flurry of sweeping kicks and jumping punches, Khameleon managed to claw at his face—leaving three red gashes on his cheek. He felt the wounds and looked at the blood on his fingertips with a twisted smile of barely contained rage.

"Fair enough," he said. "Now … allow me to reply."

He began with a Skull Fireball he knew she would dodge. She ducked right into his waiting grip and was overwhelmed with a series of punches and kicks that left her staggering. A combo of strikes to her face buckled her to a knee, and she failed to block the roundhouse kick that sent her spinning through the air.

"What was it you said?" he asked. "Back in Sun Do? That I was a bad memory to be put to rest?"

In desperation, she lunged with a back elbow that he easily caught. She shrieked as he broke her arm at the joint.

"I am no memory. I am a nightmare, and I don't end."


As the dust settled, silence came over the Sky Temple's entrance. Kitana stared at the pile of rubble that had buried Scorpion. She knew little about the man or his abilities. She didn't even know his real name. But she guessed, while possible he could've survived if was still a spectre, the mortal man was certainly crushed.

Behind her, Mileena and Ermac urged her to retreat to the lift so they could reach the upper levels, but she didn't hear them. Her eyes locked onto Sheeva, who let out a triumphant roar along with Goro and her fellow Shokan outside.

Searing rage told hold—razor sharp and clear. Not just for Scorpion, but remembering how the Shokan betrayed her on the Sea of Blood. Sindel's treachery would've been deadly enough, but it was the Shokan turning on her that cinched the battle. They paved the way for Shao Kahn's restoration. And it was thanks to their Queen.

Fans drawn, she charged with a roar of her own and caught her with a Square Wave attack that staggered the Shokan. She pressed her advantage with kicks and slashes that kept Sheeva reeling. Unlike their previous battle—when they were still allies, and neither sought to seriously hurt the other—Kitana fought to kill.

Sheeva regained her bearings but not before suffering multiple gashes and cuts to her arms and torso. She jumped high into the air, intent on crushing her beneath her feet. Kitana evaded the attack, and the concrete cracked when the Shokan came slamming down. Nearby, Goro watched but didn't interfere—perhaps allowing her the honor of a one-on-one duel.

"Impressive, Princess," Sheeva said with a smirk. "Worthy of your reputation."

"I'm not holding back this time."

"This time?"

She charged again, attacking with her fans like a whirlwind. A slash at Sheeva's throat just missed by mere inches, but another at her midsection took a chunk of meat with it that caused even the Shokan woman to grunt in pain.

Clutching her bleeding side with one hand, Sheeva swung at her with the remaining three fists, but none connected. Kitana scored another cut at her thigh and an upward slice at her shoulder. Sheeva stumbled, allowing her to land a thrusting kick to her gut.

Sheeva backed away, her face in tight grimace of pain and anger. Watching her, Kitana's fury only grew. "I trusted you," she said. "I trusted your people, and you betrayed me!"

More slashes and jabs. Sheeva evaded her and backed away, perhaps realizing she wouldn't win head on. Somewhere, Ermac and Mileena pleaded with her to forget it and join them, but she ignored them. She didn't even acknowledge Goro, who still only watched in silence. Her heart pounded, and all she could think of was taking her anger out on Sheeva.

"How could you? After everything we did … everything we could've done … how could you let her bring him back?" Blinded with rage, she dove at her with her fans. "How could you?!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

Kitana's anger was her undoing. Faster and more agile than her male counterparts, Sheeva dodged her lunge and caught her by the wrist. Before she could react, a jab to the kidney made her head snap back in pain.

Sheeva continued her assault by taking her other wrist and holding her up. With Kitana's feet dangling off the ground, she was unable to defend herself as the Shokan used her free arms to pound her ribs and stomach.

She then grasped her midsection with her lower arms and laid into her with punches to the face with her upper arms. A head-butt made Kitana's vision go dark, like someone threw ink in her eyes, and she almost didn't feel when Sheeva threw her across the room and into the far wall.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Sheeva repeated, catching her breath. "I don't know what you think I did to you. I don't know why you think I betrayed you."

Wracked with pain, Kitana gritted her teeth and forced herself up. "I … won't lose to you again …"

"You try my patience," Sheeva said, shaking her head. "Whatever the fantasies growing in your mind, I fight for the Shokan. The Dragon King has given my people what we deserve, and I will do all that I can to protect that. Who are you to me?"

"We were queens once," she said, wiping blood from her lip. "You stood by my side and hailed me as Kahn."

Sheeva stopped, and a perplexed look came to her face. "Queen?"

It was the opening Kitana needed. She caught her with a running knee to the face, causing her nose to burst. She pressed the attack with a barrage of punches and kicks to Sheeva's midsection and thighs, hoping to topple the taller woman. A shot to the knee forced the Shokan to crumble, and just like that, she was no bigger than Kitana.

"We had a chance," she said, retrieving her fans. "We had a chance to make a new Outworld."

Sheeva lunged, hoping to overwhelm her, but Kitana caught her with a slice to back of her knee and an upward swing that cut Sheeva's lower left arm off at the elbow. The Shokan stared at her bleeding stump in shock and was unable to defend against the roundhouse kick that left her flat on her back.

"A better Outworld where we all could've prospered without Shao Kahn," she continued, her breathing speeding up. "And you …"

She stood over the fallen Shokan and imagined herself back on the Sea of Blood, watching as Sheeva's people turned on her troops—sabotaging the battle before they could even reach Kronika's Keep.

Enabling Shao Kahn and her mother to destroy everything she worked for. Cheering as they renounced her and pledged themselves to her step-father.

"You threw it all away! For him!"

"My Kahn …"

Her fans were raised and ready to plunge into her face. She looked Sheeva in the eyes, cold fury in her veins, and found her face grave and horrified, as though she'd just woken up from a trance.

"I-I remember," Sheeva said. "Your mother … she …"

Her eyes widened, and to Kitana's shock, she saw a flicker of horror.

And shame.

"I didn't know. I tried to stop her, but …" She closed her eyes, and a solemn, sorrowful look came to her. "I failed you, my Kahn. I failed us all."

Pain came to Kitana's heart. The anger now felt like poison flowing through her. Was Sheeva as much a victim as her? The unfairness of it weighed on her. They could've brought a new age of peace to Outworld, but it was undone by her treacherous mother. And now here they were, women who only sought the best for their people, left to kill one another in the aftermath.

"Sheeva … I …"

A crushing grip snatched her arm, and before she even realized it, Goro threw her out of the Sky Temple's entrance. She tumbled down the stone stairway and hit the ground hard. She clutched her arm and groaned in pain, as the force of Goro's throw nearly tore it off.

"Enough of this," he said. "She will be taken to the Dragon King, and he will decide what will be done with her."

"Goro, wait," Sheeva said, getting to her feet. "We can't …"

"Be silent! You've disgraced yourself enough with that display. Now, let us …"

He trailed off when the rumbling came. For a moment, Kitana thought it another earthquake. But it wasn't the ground that shook. All eyes turned to the Sky Temple's entrance, where the pile of rubble and debris growled like a sleeping beast lived within.

The pile burst in an explosion of fire, and from the flames a ninja clad in yellow and black leaped out. His uniform was leather and adorned with spikes and skulls. His eyes were sunken and milky white, and his monstrous bellow was deep and inhuman.

Kitana watched in awe as he swung a chained kunai at the Shokan warriors surrounding her and left a wall of fire in its wake, blocking them from swarming. He then turned his attention to Goro and tore off his mask, revealing a flaming skull.

Goro saw what was coming too late. With another roar, ninja spewed hellfire upon the Shokan Prince, consuming him in flames. Goro screamed in pain and collapsed with half his body burning. The remaining Shokan looked on in fear as their mighty Prince desperately rolled on the ground, trying to put out the fire.

The hellspawn ninja let rip one more roar of fury and despair. Hanzo Hasashi was gone, but Scorpion had returned.


"It's a shame your Dragon King couldn't be bothered to negotiate."

Though she was on her knees, Shang Tsung held Khameleon up by her broken arm and took great satisfaction in hearing her moans of pain. She feebly tried to free herself from his grip, but what little strength she had was taken from her by a knee to the face.

"I'm not unreasonable," he continued. "My service might have been useful to him." Another knee. "And you would've been spared this."

Though dazed and her face bloody, she looked at him with defiance. "Don't flatter yourssself, snake," she said. "Onaga wantsss nothing to do with filth like you."

"Filth, you say? Strong words from an overgrown reptile." Green flames burned from his hand. "One about to lose her soul, no less."

Just as he began draining her soul, something wet and leathery snapped around his neck. He gagged and wasn't surprised to find Reptile himself behind him. The Zaterran ninja's odious tongue tensed as it tried to take his head off, but Tsung resisted the pull and threw Khameleon aside.

Reptile released him, and his tongue snapped back into his mouth. He then took a fighting stance, and Tsung laughed. "Sacrificing yourself for the lady, Reptile? What a brave new world this is indeed."

"I do not fear you anymore, sssorcerer."

"And here I thought Onaga made you smarter."

Reptile opened with a Force Ball, but he countered with a Skull Fireball that burst it before it was near. Before the mist and smoke cleared, Reptile charged with punches, kicks, and slashes with his claws. Tsung easily dodged the attacks and left the Zaterran reeling with an elbow to his heart.

He caught his breath, shaking off the blow, and charged again. This time aiming low, first with a Slide and sweeping kicks to take Tsung off his feet. But the sorcerer again evaded his attacks and countered with low kicks to the knees and ankles of his own. Reptile staggered and was left open to haymakers and chops to the throat.

Pressing his advantage, Tsung took Reptile by his shoulder and slammed his head into the nearest wall twice before hitting an uppercut that sent him crashing to the floor.

"No cyborg to help you this time," Tsung said, looking at his nails. "But as I was just saying to your lady-friend: I am not unreasonable. You served me well once. I could be convinced to accept you into my service again."

Struggling to get to his feet, Reptile hissed and spat on the floor. "I will not be a ssslave again."

"Come now, Reptile. This defiance doesn't suit you. I remember when you chose to throw dear Khameleon aside rather than cross Shao Kahn. Do it again, and I may yet spare you."

"A different time. One I am not proud of. But never again."

"You've got Kitana's disease," Tsung said, sneering. "Nobody changes, Reptile. Least of all people like us."

"No. Jussst you," Reptile said as he got to his feet. He swayed and stumbled, unable to even stand straight, but despite his bruised and bloodied face, he grinned. "I have sssunk low in my time, but I have more than you ever will. The Dragon King told me the truth about you. What you really are and why you will never have a place in hisss new world."

He frowned. "Indulge me, Reptile. What am I?"

"An accursssed demon with no sssoul of his own. An outcassst rejected by Earthrealm's gods. Barely tolerated by Shao Kahn and only ssstill alive by mere fluke. I may die today, but I am proud to know my sssacrifice was for the good of my people. Who will remember you, Shang Tsssung, after Liu Kang finally puts you down for good?"

Tsung listened, a scowl fixed on his face. A part of him thought to laugh at Reptile's attempted insights. For so long, the creature had been little more than a barely articulate dog who heeled at a mere look from Shao Kahn. And now here he was, a grand warrior willing to die for his noble cause.

"Your Dragon King taught you much, Reptile. And kudos to you for finally growing a spine. But I wonder … of all the things Onaga told you about me, did he mention how much I despise being judged?"

Like the snap of a biting snake, he charged and plowed into Reptile with a jumping kick to his sternum. Reptile crashed into the next room, which was an elegant shrine dedicated to Raiden. As Tsung followed, he found it almost fitting their battle should end up here. Here, where he was first cursed by the gods so long ago.

Struggling to breath, Reptile stood again but had no fight left in him. Tsung could've easily taken his soul then, but the combination of Reptile's taunts and the memories Raiden's shrine stirred left him feeling cold and vicious. Pent up anger from his defeat at Liu Kang's hands and the indignity of being dragged about by Ermac and Havik itched to be unleashed.

"If you wish to die a hero, Reptile, I shall gladly oblige you."

He remembered that day, so long ago, when he stood in this very shrine and listened to Raiden and his fellow gods. They called him corrupt. They called him foul. An unworthy representative of Earthrealm in Mortal Kombat. An inhuman creature that had no place standing as defender of the realm.

What difference did it make if his motives weren't "pure of heart?" Who were they to judge him for being what he was? Mortal Kombat was a tournament of life or death. If they wanted someone to defend against Earthrealm's enemies, who better than a demon sorcerer unafraid to fight evil on its own terms?

It would be a thousand years before he met Liu Kang, but upon seeing Raiden's Chosen One … seeing for himself what kind of Champion Earthrealm's gods sought …

He stopped to catch his breath and saw his fists were covered in Reptile's green blood. The Zaterran's face was a mangled ruin—jaw broken, eyes swollen shut, teeth missing, and leathery flesh reduced to bleeding pulp. He swayed on his knees, barely conscious and near death.

"Do your people have gods, Reptile?" Tsung asked, staring at the shrine. "I've never bothered to find out. Do you think they're watching now? Watching as you valiantly give your life for the future of your restored race? I'm going to let you in on a little secret about gods."

He took hold of Reptile's head and leaned in close to whisper.

"They're not listening."

With that, he snapped Reptile's neck and threw the limp body at the foot of Raiden's shrine. And with a wave of his hand, he drained the soul from his body and absorbed it into himself.

"Syzoth!" Khameleon shrieked in horror from down the hall. Though clearly enraged and horrified by what she witnessed, she knew she couldn't win in her state. She turned invisible, and Tsung could only hear her footsteps as she fled.

He didn't care to pursue. He was satisfied. He returned his attention to Raiden's shrine and spat on it. He would not be judged—not by gods, not by Shao Kahn, not by Onaga, and certainly not Reptile.

"Unworthy?" he said. "Call me unworthy? I am Shang Tsung."


Sareena shivered at the sight of Ashrah's kriss. She remembered the agonizing pain of its blade running her through and the slow, constant sensation of rotting away she carried in the days after. Whatever the sword's true origin, it was forged to slay her kind with power that was anathema to creatures of darkness.

As the wind howled outside the Sky Temple, she and Ashrah stared each other down—both waiting for their opening. Sareena knew getting the kriss away from her should be top priority. She couldn't guess how skilled the huntress was unarmed, but with the holy sword out of her hands, she would at least even the playing field.

"You should've let me finish you at Hasashi's," Ashrah said. "I don't take pleasure in this. I would've given you a clean death. Quick."

"You're going to find I tend to linger."

"Like a stain."

Ashrah charged, swinging and slashing the kriss. Sareena blocked what she could, but the kama blades weren't as effective as her Demon Fang. She instead focused on evasion and keeping her distance until she found an opening.

She flipped over the table and backed into one of the other rooms, making Ashrah come after her. The huntress followed but was cautious. Her eyes were focused and cold, and Sareena knew she wouldn't be easily lured into making a mistake.

"I know who you are," she said. "Ermac told me about you."

"Ermac," Ashrah repeated. "Another abomination that has eluded my blade too long."

"I know you once served Quan Chi. You're a demon like me."

"Was," she said. "That creature is long gone. My sword purified me—rid me of my demonic taint and made me so much more."

Sareena evaded another lunge, and a stone statue she had been standing in front of was cleaved in two by Ashrah's blade.

"I turned on Quan Chi. I renounced the Brotherhood. Don't I deserve a chance to be more?"

"You think saving your own skin makes you worthy?" Ashrah replied. "You think abandoning your masters makes you any better than the rest of your wretched kind? You're nothing more than an opportunist. From Quan Chi and the Brotherhood to Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei to Scorpion and the Shirai Ryu … who else will you whore yourself to when chance comes?"

Anger sparked in Sareena, and this time she made the first move. She managed to catch the kriss with her kamas and pull it from Ashrah's hands. A kick to the gut knocked the huntress away, and she threw the holy blade to the other side of the room.

Now fighting hand-to-hand, she pressed her advantage, hoping to overpower her. But Ashrah proved just as formidable even without her weapon. She kept pace and held her ground—perhaps not surprising if she was once an assassin for Quan Chi, too.

She caught Sareena with an elbow and followed with a burst of mystical light from her hands. The attack stung and threw her back against the wall, leaving her vulnerable to a pair of punches. She tried to fight back, but Ashrah caught her hand and flipped her onto the floor.

"All demons are alike," Ashrah said. "When I disobeyed Quan Chi, he sent my own sisters after me. And did a single one of them hesitate or question him?" She walked to the other side of the room and retrieved the kriss. "Perhaps I would've done the same if our places were reversed. I was as foul a creature as them and you. Until I found the kriss. It showed me the Light."

Sareena got to her feet and wiped blood from her lip. "So because you stumbled across a magic sword, you get to be purified while the rest of us get slaughtered?"

"It was not mere chance I found the sword. It was destiny. The sword calls to me. It is why I serve the Dragon King now. He has given me a divine purpose. I shall cleanse his perfect world of your kind.

"There's no place for things like you anymore," Ashrah continued. "Do not presume to think we're anything alike. I was chosen. You are nothing. A lowly demon crawled out of the darkness—unwanted and easily forgotten."

The words stung. She thought of the centuries she spent under Quan Chi's heel, constantly reminded of her place. She remembered Sonya Blade's distrustful eyes whenever she was asked to do something for the Special Forces. She imagined Raiden looking down on her and deeming her unworthy as Shang Tsung warned.

"You're wrong," she said. "Scorpion swore to help me, even when he had no reason to. Sub-Zero believed in me. You don't get to tell me who I am. Not you, not the Dragon King. And not some damn sword."

They resumed their battle—attacking and counterattacking, trading blocks and parries, and meeting blade with blade. For much of the fight, neither had an advantage. They were too evenly matched. Equals so similar, yet opposite one another.

But it was Sareena's resolve that prevailed. Fighting for her right to exist, she slowly wore Ashrah down and found more openings to strike. The White Huntress, so confident in her righteousness, grew frustrated her demonic opponent wouldn't relent, and soon found herself reeling.

Flustered, she made a diving attack with the kriss, intent on splitting Sareena down the middle. But Sareena struck first with a Skull Bash that slammed her into the floor. A final Five-Star Kick sent her hurtling through a nearby window where she landed on one of the temple's lower roofs outside.

The wind howled, and light rain drizzled from above as she followed. Ashrah managed to reach her feet, her pristine white attire soiled and torn, and her face twisted in rage. "This cannot be!" she hissed. "I am a Warrior of Light! You cannot prevail!"

She screamed and charged again, but Sareena blocked her attacks. She quickly dismantled the huntress, and a final roundhouse left her spiraling through the air before hitting the floor. The kriss flew from her hand, and Sareena took hold of the holy weapon.

A sting of power rippled through her body as she gripped the handle. Gazing upon it, she imagined slaying Ashrah and then going on to cut down all forces of evil—perhaps purifying herself as well. Only then could she enjoy the beauty of the Light. Only then would she be welcome among the good. It almost sounded like a voice in her head.

"You were right. I am not a being a Light." She then threw the kriss over the side. "But I'm not like you either."

"No!" Ashrah dove to the edge of the roof and watched it fall. She looked crestfallen and crippled—as if taking the sword from her did more damage than any of Sareena's blows. "Damn you!" she said, on the verge of tears. "That sword was my salvation! It saved me!"

Listening to Ashrah weep, she almost pitied her. She remembered what Havik said about the Datusha and how it influenced its wielder. How much of Ashrah's actions were her own zeal and how much was the sword? Had it been warping her mind?

She then thought of what she'd said about her sisters and how she found the kriss, and the question came to her. "Did you serve him before or after me?"

"What?"

"I never heard about you," she said. "Did you know about me? Did Quan Chi keep us separate?"

Ashrah stared at her, her expression a mix of confusion and contempt. "What difference does it make?"

"Maybe I wouldn't have been banished to the 5th Plane. Maybe you wouldn't have been out there alone all this time." She looked at Ashrah, and for the first time since meeting her, didn't hate or fear her. "We could've helped each other."

The fight over, she turned to go back inside. Though healed, she knew her part in the greater battle to come wasn't finished. She was no hero or chosen one, but Onaga needed to be stopped. And even if she was some lowly demon, she could help.

"Sareena."

She looked at Ashrah, who was on her knees with her circular hat removed. Her face was solemn and mournful, but when her eyes met Sareena's, it didn't seem to be because of the lost kriss or her defeat. She looked like she had something to say.

But Sareena would never know what it was. Without warning, Ashrah was lifted into the air by a spiral of flames that resembled a cobra. She kicked and flailed but was helpless as Shang Tsung used his sorcery to entrap her.

"Can you fly, huntress?"

With a wave of his hand, the flaming snake threw Ashrah from the Sky Temple's roof. Sareena watched in horror as she plummeted the thousands of feet to her death—her screams echoing in the night and slowly dwindling to nothing.

"What did you do?!" she said, turning to him. "Why?!"

"Consider it a courtesy," he said, going back inside. "From one demon to another."

End of Chapter XI