Chapter XXI

Pieces

"… and that's it. That's what happened."

Raiden listened in silence as Kitana and Scorpion explained their story. His face was blank and unreadable, but his glowing eyes were deep in thought. Electricity pulsed all over his body as he stood outside Bo' Rai Cho's cottage with his arms crossed and cape fluttering in the wind.

The early afternoon sun was dim and hazy. It appeared later than it actually was, and the land was aglow in shades of yellow and brown against a dull pink sky. It was a welcome sight after being trapped in Onaga's pyramid of horrors amidst a vast void of mist that was the Nexus.

They had little time to recover upon their return before the Thunder God appeared. He didn't go into detail how, but he had deduced they were the most likely to know the meaning of the chaos that suddenly engulfed the realms. Having found them in Outworld, he wasted no time in demanding an explanation.

Scorpion sat against the railing of Bo' Rai Cho's porch, looking drained and exhausted. His body was covered with cuts like he'd been in a fight with a wild animal. Though Kitana did much of the talking, he filled in the parts she wasn't aware of. Despite her own exhaustion, Kitana remained standing the whole time, unable to shake the dread they'd made a terrible mistake.

"And you say Shang Tsung stayed behind?" Raiden asked, apparently sharing her concern. "You trust he meant to actually fight the Dragon King alone?"

"Trust is a strong word," Scorpion replied. "But yes, he gave us Shinnok's Amulet and told us to escape."

"Show it to me."

She handed him the Amulet, and he began inspecting it. His face gave away nothing that would suggest it was genuine or a fake. "Can you tell if that's the real one?"

"It appears to be," he said. "But I've been fooled before. I will take this back to Earthrealm. There are ways of making absolute certain. Where is this portal to the Nexus Shang Tsung opened?"

"Gone," she said. "After we returned, it … disappeared. I don't mean it closed, it …" She paused to find the words. "It sort of fizzled out and disintegrated. That's the only way I can think to describe it."

Raiden's eyes narrowed, and he looked into the distance. "Here," he said, handing the Amulet back to her. "Hold onto this. I will go to the Nexus and see for myself. I should be back shortly." He took a few steps away and held his hand up. With a bright flash, he disappeared in a bolt of lightning.

Kitana looked at the Amulet, though she had no way of knowing if it was genuine. She'd heard Quan Chi created a duplicate once. Could Tsung have made his own on such short notice? If so, what game was he playing? Had he made a deal with the Dragon King? Was Onaga already dead, and he hoped to be left alone with the Kamidogu?

Any of those explanations would've been more believable than the idea Shang Tsung … Shang Tsung … would possibly sacrifice himself for the greater good.

Sighing, she went onto the porch where Scorpion had placed Sareena's body. She knelt beside the fallen demon and felt sad despite not really knowing her. There wasn't time back at the pyramid, so it was only when Scorpion offered his side of their story that she learned of how Onaga used the Kamidogu to punish them and the realms.

And Sareena gave up her life to save them all.

"Did you know her?"

"No," Scorpion said. "She came to me because she didn't know where else to go. I never knew her before this all happened."

"She seemed like she had a good heart," she said. "It's a strange fate we should be saved by a demon."

She reflected on the battles in the pyramid and remembered the strange red light that pulsed through the halls just before the corrupted Sindel appeared. If that was Onaga activating the Kamidogu, then the blue light that followed would've been Sareena.

She gave me my real mother back.

"Do you think …?" she asked. "Do demons have souls? You don't think she was sent to the Netherealm, do you?"

"I don't know. I would like to think she's someplace better now." He fell silent, thinking it over, and concern came to his eyes.

Raiden reappeared in another flash of lightning. He approached the porch with an object in his hand Kitana couldn't make out. His face was as unreadable as ever, but she supposed that he returned at all was a good sign.

"There's nothing left," he said. "I don't know what Shang Tsung did, but the pyramid has been reduced to rubble and the Dragon King destroyed."

Her jaw dropped. Even then, her first instinct was it had to be a trick. The sorcerer must've done something or created an illusion to fool even the Thunder God. "You," she stammered. "You're certain?"

He held up the object in his hand, revealing a horned skull twice the size of a normal human. "This is all that remains of Onaga," he said. "There is still potent energy in the air. Unlike anything I've ever sensed. As unbelievable as it may seem, it appears Shang Tsung did indeed stay true to his word."

He gazed upon Onaga's skull and seemed to reflect on what he just said. She couldn't tell if Raiden was surprised or impressed or felt anything about what Tsung did, but she swore she saw the slightest hint of a smile on the Thunder God's lips.

"You think he's gone for good, too?" Scorpion asked.

"I cannot say what Shang Tsung did, but I would be surprised if he survived," he said. "But then I've learned not to underestimate the sorcerer."

Kitana shook her head, still unable to believe it. But as it sank in, a single thought came to her: it was over. Onaga and the Kamidogu were gone. Shang Tsung was gone. Shao Kahn, dead. Quan Chi, dead. Whatever state the realms were left in, the current threat was finished, and some of the worst evils to blight them were wiped out.

They won.

She almost didn't want to feel joy. She feared some other danger would reveal itself or undo their victory. But the relief was too tempting. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. There likely was some other danger out there. There probably was a catch or price yet to be seen. But she allowed herself to enjoy the moment. Shao Kahn was dead, and she helped kill him. The realms were safe for now.

"Raiden," Scorpion said, standing up. "What of Sareena? She died saving us. If there is a place for the good and worthy, she deserves to go there even if she was a demon."

The Thunder God fell silent. A tired look came to him. "There are some things even I do not know," he said. "Sareena … proved worthy. But she was still a demon. I cannot say what would become of a creature such as her."

Though masked, Kitana saw Scorpion scowl. His fist clenched, and he seemed ready to throw a punch. She couldn't say Raiden's answer pleased her any more.

"At any rate," Raiden said. "I must return to Earthrealm. I can confirm this is the real Amulet, and I must assess the damage caused by Onaga." He took the Amulet from her and stepped back. Before he disappeared again, he said, "Do you wish to join me, Princess? I'm sure Liu Kang would be glad to see you."

She hesitated. Ordinarily, she would've been eager to see Liu and ensure he was all right. She could at least assure him she was. But her thoughts returned to what Shang Tsung had revealed about Liu, and her desire curdled as a mix of confusing emotions clashed within her.

Was it a lie? Should she confront him? Which Liu was even waiting for her in Earthrealm? The Fire God that allowed Tsung to wreck everything wasn't the same Liu Kang that suffered on the Sea of Blood by her side, was he? Was it fair to hold him responsible for something his future self did?

"I …" she said. "N-no. If Onaga attacked the realms during our battle, Edenia may have suffered. I should tend to my affairs."

"I understand," he said. "We are all in a state of flux. To ease your mind, Liu is as well as could be expected. I'll inform him you are as well."

"Thank you, Lord Raiden."

The Thunder God offered a humble bow and vanished with one last bolt of lightning. Although Kitana was relieved to hear Liu was alive, her feelings were conflicted. Even if it was for some greater good, he … or some version of him at least … apparently allowed her and their friends to suffer. Maybe Tsung was lying or stretching the truth, but if he wasn't …

Sooner or later, she would need to talk to him about it, though she couldn't imagine how she'd begin to explain it.

"I suppose this is where we part ways, highness."

She looked at Scorpion, and in a strange way, was almost sorry to see him go. "What will you do now?"

"First," he said. "I'm going to return Sareena to the Lin Kuei. Sub-Zero should know what happened. I think … she would probably wish to be buried there." He sighed. "Beyond that, I cannot say. My vengeance is complete. But my wife and son …"

He trailed off. He hadn't been specific about what he encountered in Onaga's pyramid, but she suspected it involved his family. "If they're out there," she said. "I hope you find them. I hope you find peace, Hanzo Hasashi of Earthrealm."

His eyes met hers, and he nodded. "May you find the peace you seek as well, Kitana of Edenia."

They shook hands and gave one another a parting bow. Scorpion then picked up Sareena and disappeared in a burst of flames. The fire cleared as quickly as it appeared, leaving Kitana alone outside Bo' Rai Cho's home.

She closed her eyes and took a breath, savoring the calm while she could. It had only been an excuse, but thinking about it, she really did need to return home. Who knew what Onaga's last attack could've meant for Edenia? Even if the damage wasn't severe, her father was dead and her mother was likely gone, too. The threat of the Dragon King may have passed, but there was still work to be done.

"So that's it then? It's finished?"

She turned to find Mileena emerge from around the side of Bo' Rai Cho's cottage. "You're still here?" she asked. "I thought you ran off as soon as Raiden appeared."

"I was tempted," she replied. "But I figured I should at least wait to make sure Onaga was gone for good."

She approached, and the two stared at one another in silence. Kitana sensed the anxiousness in her sister and knew she was wondering the same thing. Mileena did promise they would settle things between them when this was over.

"What happens now?"

Mileena looked at her with a cocked eyebrow but then shook her head. "Relax," she said. "I want to fight you at your best. Right now, neither of us are in peak condition."

"True," she said. "Where will you go?"

"Well, first," Mileena said, adjusting her mask. "I intend to hunt down D'Vorah and get my payback. I do owe her a little something."

"I wonder if that still technically even happened. What with reality and time being written so much."

"I remember it. So as far as I'm concerned: it happened." She sighed and ran her fingers though her hair. "Once that's done, and I'm good and ready, I intend to find you, and we are going to have our rematch."

"I see."

"Don't think this mess changed anything, Kitana. When I come, you better be ready to fight. Because I won't hold back."

"I would expect nothing less."

Mileena hesitated, unsettled by how calm she appeared. As odd as it seemed, Kitana actually didn't feel that concerned. Perhaps due to what they'd been through, despite Mileena's threats, she saw no danger in her sister's challenge. For some reason, it didn't seem as demanding as it should. It almost felt like a game now.

"Yes, well," Mileena said, shifting her weight. "I'll be going. Be prepared, sister. I … I will return."

Kitana nodded. As she watched her sister leave, she almost felt sorry to part ways with her, too. She looked back on the past few days they spent together—culminating in their battle with Shao Kahn—and wondered if things hadn't changed between them after all.

"Mileena," she called out. "It … it was nice having you as a sister. Even if it was just a dream."

Her sister stared at her, and Mileena's normally hateful and suspicious eyes softened. For a moment, she looked like she wanted to say something. She then huffed—though it might have been a chuckle—and shook her head.

"You are so annoying, Kitana."


Scorpion told Sub-Zero of everything that happened. Kuai Liang was saddened to learn of Sareena's death, but also proud of her. He offered to let him stay and rest, but Scorpion declined. By the look of it, the Lin Kuei had enough troubles thanks to Onaga, and he had his own affairs to see to.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a home left for Scorpion. The Fire Gardens were in disarray, and his house in shambles. Trees were overturned and stone shrines shattered. The pond looked tainted and had taken a sickly greenish hue. His windows were broken, and the door kicked in, turning his home into a derelict shadow of itself.

At first, he thought it the result of the tampering and unraveling of reality. Maybe Onaga turned it into an abandoned ruin, as if no one lived there for years. But upon looking inside, he found the furniture shattered and the walls smeared with an ink-like puss that emitted a foul odor. Someone or something vandalized his home.

It was a sorry sight but difficult to rouse much anger over. The Dragon King was already dead, and he couldn't remain there anyway. His life as Hanzo Hasashi was gone once again, and this time, he doubted he would ever regain it.

He removed his bandages and cleaned himself before finding fresh clothes. It seemed a strange thing for a dead man to consider such things, but he supposed he was in unfamiliar territory now. In the past, when whatever task he had was completed, he would return to the Netherealm where he seemed to exist in an almost frozen appearance.

For a long time, he imagined he would someday rest in peace. Whether it was avenging himself or his family and clan, or regaining his lost honor, or fulfilling some duty assigned from above … he once believed when he was truly finished, his soul would be allowed to rest in the afterlife.

But now, for the first time, he felt adrift and uncertain. With Quan Chi and Shinnok gone, it seemed he was free to roam where he pleased. A spectre among the living—unbound by their rules and his quest for vengeance. It was liberating … but also disconcerting to have no clear path before him.

He heard floorboards creek nearby and drew his kunai. Standing at the doorway was a familiar face, but in an unfamiliar form. It was his apprentice, Takeda, but the boy appeared older. His Shirai Ryu garb replaced with an armored bodysuit of gray and black with yellow lining.

He wasn't alone. With him was an older man wearing similar clothing, but with red lining rather than yellow. He was bearded, wearing a red blindfold over his eyes, and held in his hand a katana that emitted a slight blue glow.

"Hanzo-san," the blind man said. "I know you're here."

Scorpion emerged from the shadows and greeted them with a bow. "Kenshi-san," he said. "Takeda-san. I'm pleased to see you two well … though not as I remember."

"I could say the same, my friend," said Kenshi, sheathing his sword. "I may be blind again, but I can tell recent events have changed you, too."

"Grandmaster," Takeda said. "You … you've become a spectre again …"

"Long story. And I'm sure you have one of your own."

Takeda seemed troubled—unwilling to even look him in the eye. He suspected it was due to his reversion into a spectre, but he saw shame in the young man's eyes. More had occurred in his absence than he knew.

"What of our clan?" he asked. "How goes the Shirai Ryu?"

"It was as you feared," Takeda said, keeping his eyes on the floor. "We were attacked."

"By whom?"

"I don't know. They appeared to be Lin Kuei, but there was … there was something wrong with them. They were clad all in black, and they didn't seem human. They attacked from the shadows and were almost like …"

"Wraiths," he finished, at last understanding who vandalized his home.

Onaga's work, no doubt. Kuai Liang would never send his clan against them, but the old Lin Kuei—the clan of the old timeline that had been the Shirai Ryu's ancient enemy—they had been remade just like their finest assassin had been. If Noob Saibot escaped the pyramid, he now has a clan of his own. Shades from the past sent to torment him and likely Sub-Zero as well.

"Thankfully," said Kenshi. "Your fighters were prepared as you ordered. Once Takeda and I got there, we were able to turn the tide and force the wraiths into retreat."

"How did you get caught up in this?"

"That's a story in itself," he said with a smirk. "To keep it brief, I found myself ambushed by the Red Dragon. When my blindness suddenly returned, I thought I was finished. Lucky for me, my son came to my aid. I thought it only fair I should return the favor and aid the Shirai Ryu."

Scorpion nodded in thanks. Although it was his future self who was more familiar with the blind swordsman, he took comfort in finding even now he had allies.

"We should return to them," he said. "Would you join us, Kenshi-san?"

"You know I've never been one for joining clans," Kenshi replied. "But I'll stick around for now. I would at least like to know what the hell happened."

He returned to his room to gather his things. Catching a glimpse of himself in a broken mirror, he wondered if the Shirai Ryu would accept a dead man as their leader. Maybe not, but that didn't mean there was no place for him. He could still serve his clan even in this form. A spectre he may be once again, but there was still purpose. Meaning beyond his own personal quests for revenge and honor.

Behind him Takeda entered the room, still looking troubled. "Grandmaster, I …" He frowned and shook his head before kneeling. "I failed you. You entrusted me with your wife and son, and I … I don't understand what happened. They … they just disappeared, and I—"

"You have nothing to apologize for, Takeda," he said. "What happened was beyond anyone's control." He stood him up and patted him on the shoulder. "I'll explain everything when we get back to the Shirai Ryu. My wife and son … they …"

He trailed off when it saw it on the bed: a single red rose. He hesitated and wondered if it had been there all along and he didn't notice? Was it left behind when he separated from Harumi the other day? Or could she have …?

"Grandmaster?"

"It's nothing. Come. Let's get going."

As Takeda left, Scorpion picked up the rose and stared at it. It appeared fresh and smelled sweet—like his beloved Kana. His son was alive in Onaga's pyramid, and he said they would meet again.

But not yet.

He attached the rose to his belt and joined Kenshi and Takeda. He left his former home and set out into a new world he wasn't certain he was prepared for. Hanzo Hasashi was gone. But Scorpion could begin anew. He could make a new life. A good life.

Good enough.


As Kitana feared, there wasn't an Edenia to return to.

It didn't take long before she caught word spreading throughout Outworld that Edenia was once again merged with the realm. When she did eventually reunite with her people—somewhere in the eastern badlands—what she found was less a nation and more a disorganized camp of refugees with no idea as to how or why they'd gotten there.

Oddly, she found it hard to feel too distressed. She supposed she was still emotionally drained from her ordeal in Onaga's pyramid, but there had been a part of her from the start that knew she probably wouldn't get through the battle with Edenia intact. No victory comes without a price.

What upset her more than anything was the state of her people. She saw few hurt or dying, thankfully, but fear and confusion was evident. The merger had left people without homes and families separated, and everyone was understandably shocked and outraged. It pained her to see so many innocent lives upheaved. These people had nothing to do with the Dragon King, yet they suffered his wrath all the same.

She managed to get by unnoticed for the most part. As concerned as she was for her people's plight—as compelled as she felt to offer comfort and leadership—she knew if she revealed herself, she'd only get swarmed. She needed answers, and as she made her way through the crowds, she could only discern there was an attack from an unknown foe and chaos followed.

She reached what was left of the Royal Palace and the sight of it dispirited her. It wasn't in shambles or even that damaged, but it had lost its luster—as if the transfer to Outworld drained it of life. Its shining ivory towers seemed dimmer, and the palace appeared older and more like a relic that had been left abandoned for decades.

The guards scattered about the gate and front courtyard looked equally drained of life. Many were wounded, and they sat about looking exhausted and lost. She was halfway through the courtyard unnoticed before she heard a voice call out: "Princess Kitana? The Princess lives!"

Guards and soldiers gathered around, and their excitement surprised her. As if her mere presence brought some life and hope to them. It wasn't something she was used to—even during her brief reign as Kahn.

"Yes," she said. "I'm sorry I was away. I was … it's a long story."

"Thank the gods you've returned, my lady," said the Captain of the guards. "You wouldn't believe the horrors we've witnessed."

"You'd be surprised," she said. "Where is Jade? Is she okay? I must speak with her."

She was led to a balcony on the back of the palace. Jade sat slumped over the stone railing. It was an image Kitana was all too familiar with—the pose and posture of someone overwhelmed and weary who just wanted to be left alone. It was a pose she had taken plenty of times in her life.

The view, that had been a vast, shining ocean in Edenia, was now a dismal sea with jagged mountains visible on the other side. The familiar Outworld sky, with its shades of purple and orange, was dim and dreary as the sun sank to the horizon. Compared to the glory that had been their home realm, she understood the cruelty of Onaga's punishment.

Once the guards left them, she worked up the nerve to speak—which proved difficult. "Hello, Jade."

She turned to her, and evidence of battle was on her face. Bruises and cuts, but more than anything, she looked like she hadn't slept in days. She stood up, looking Kitana up and down, and it was hard to tell if she was relieved or angered to see her friend. "You're back."

Kitana shifted her weight and felt uncomfortable. She remembered the last time they spoke—the desperation in Jade's eyes as she pleaded with her to just let it go and accept the world that had been made for them. She may have helped save the realms from the Dragon King, but had she cost her people … her best friend … their joy?

"What happened here?"

"We were attacked by the Dragon King's Undefeatable Army," she said. "I'm not sure how I know that's what they were, but I do. I rallied our troops to hold them off, but we were caught off guard and they just kept coming.

"I didn't even realize we were remerging with Outworld until it already started," she continued. "At first, I thought the sky was a storm or something else. But then the horizon changed. A mountain range I recognized formed in the distance—like it materialized out of thin air. That's when I knew our attackers weren't coming from nowhere. Our home had become part of Outworld again."

Her tone was blunt. Almost harsh. Was she simply tired? Or angry? "Jade, I'm so sorry."

"Sorry?" she repeated. "For what? Apparently, you were right all along."

"That doesn't make it okay. I … Jade, I understand why you thought I should've just let it go. You wanted our home and your family and … and you were right to. But I had to find out what was behind it. I needed to …" She bit her lip and shook her head. "I didn't want this. I swear to you, if I could've prevented this from happening, I would have."

She felt Jade's piercing green eyes on her. Her friend was silent and unreadable, and she feared her words fell on deaf ears.

She closed her eyes and took a breath. "I understand if you hate me now," she said. "You have every right to—"

"Oh, shut up! I don't hate you, you pain in my ass!"

Jade groaned and hugged her. Relief came to her as if a great weight melted off her shoulders. She hugged her back and was grateful that as much had gone wrong, at the least, she still had her friend with her.

"I know you, Kitana. I know you would never have let this happen if you could've stopped it." She stepped away and smiled. "Besides … any being that would respond to your resistance by punishing an entire realm is no better than Shao Kahn." The smile faded, and longing came to her eyes. "I just … I wanted it so much. I don't think I realized how much until it was right in front of me."

"Surely, there's still something here? We may be merged with Outworld again, but you can't have lost everything? What of Kotal?"

"Funny you should mention him," she said. "The battle with the Dragon King's army was not in our favor. I thought we were done for. But in our hour of need … like a miracle … it was Kotal and his Osh-Tekk who aided us."

Kitana smiled. Not just to learn they still had allies even now, but realizing if Onaga's wrath brought his army upon them, it was Sareena's sacrifice that summoned Kotal Kahn's aid. "Where is he now?"

"He had to leave after the battle," she said. "Even aside from Edenia merging with Outworld again, there's chaos all over the realm."

Jade fell silent, and a pain expression formed on her face. She turned away, her breath shaky, and stood at the railing with her head hung low.

"Jade? What's wrong?"

"I …" she said. "When things settled down and everyone's memories started returning, I talked to my parents. I … I asked them …" She paused, struggling to say the words. "I asked them why they offered me to Shao Kahn. I asked them why they gave me up to him."

She shuddered and tried to finish, but whatever she had to say was drowned in her weeping. Kitana didn't need to hear the rest. She held her friend close and let her cry. She caressed Jade's hair and gently rocked her, understanding her pain all too well.

"You're my family, Jade," she said. "I don't deserve you, but I need you in my life. And I swear, I will always be there for you when you need me. I love you."

Jade gripped her in a tight hug and continued sobbing. She took comfort in knowing, for all that had been changed and rewritten due to Raiden and Kronika and Onaga, after the losses and betrayals she suffered … Jade remained her true friend.

Jade finally calmed and nodded. "What now?" she asked, wiping her tears away. "What even happened? What was the cause of all this?"

"I'll tell you everything," Kitana replied. "As for what comes next …"

She looked to the horizon and wondered. Shao Kahn and the greatest threats were dead, but there was much work to be done. She supposed, with her parents gone, it was up to her to take the leadership of Edenia. There was a time, and not long ago, she would've felt obligated to take charge and devote all her energy to setting things as they should be.

But she reflected on all she'd been through recently. Her successes and failures. She had suffered betrayals … but also found unexpected allies in the likes of Scorpion and Sareena. And even Mileena. Perhaps it was time she reconsidered the things she took for granted? She remembered Scorpion suggested she seek other ways of undoing the horrors of Shao Kahn.

Maybe better ways?

"… I don't know," she said. "We'll tend to our people. We'll see to it they're made safe. But beyond that …"

She looked at Jade and smiled. It was a strange new world out there, and she couldn't even guess what lay ahead. There would be hardship and pain, but there was still hope. She might never find the perfect world she dreamed of, but that didn't need to be a bad thing. She could still build something good and true.

"I guess we'll just see."

End of Chapter XXI