-Chapter 8: As the Empress Commands

That night, celebrations took place across Outworld, all of them mandated. Having taken power by force, Mileena had successfully routed Kotal's allies and his death caused any support for him to wither away. While the populace had yet to make up its mind about its new ruler, they had little say in what else happened and could only partake in the winds of change as they came.

The Outworld palace, now full of Tarkatan warriors from across the many wastes who had come to celebrate the return of the Empress they revered, was filled with feasting and drinking. In the thick of it were Tanya and Mileena, both holding goblets and standing near the throne as the Tarkatans feasted on roasted meat. The Empress had her veil down, exposing her half-Tarkatan features for all to see.

"This has been a long time coming." Tanya noted, glancing out over the torch-lit hall.

"It has been many years in the making." Mileena agreed. "But now it is mine and mine to share, dearest Tanya."

"I'll drink to that." Tanya said with a grin, clinking her glass against Mileena's. The Empress smiled and turned to look over the crowd. As she did, she realized that a certain white-clad someone was missing from the throng. This feast had been going on for many hours already and only just now did she realize that Magnus was missing.

"Have you seen Magnus around?" She asked her Edenian ally.

"I believe I saw him head to the roof." Tanya answered, having briefly glimpsed Magnus leaving earlier. She turned to see the far-off look in her Empress' eyes as her thoughts turned to the Earthrealm warrior. During their attack Tanya had taken careful note of the interactions between Mileena and Magnus, and noted an obvious connection between them. She saw a small spark and not just from the buzzing lightning in his arms. "You like him, don't you?" She suddenly wondered. Mileena turned to Tanya, her expression denoting uncertainty.

"He has given me so much, putting his own life on the line to do so." She stated. "You have not known him as long as I have Tanya. I have seen his heart and his thoughts. He is such a pure man. I feel unworthy of him." She admitted. "And yet if I don't feel something for him... then I am no better than a construct of the flesh pits."

"But what of your heart, Empress?" Tanya pressed. Mileena stayed silent, either because she didn't know how to answer or because she didn't want to. "It matters not. If you wanted him, you could have him. You have that power now." Tanya finally said.

"Yes. I suppose I do." Mileena thoughtfully mused as she set down her half-empty wine goblet. "I will go see what he is doing." She determined, stepping down and into the hall.

The cool breeze of the night brushed Magnus' face and parted the hair on his brow as he looked out across the city. Everywhere he looked, torches were lit as the inhabitants celebrated as per Mileena's decree. His electric blue eyes scanned the cityscape carefully, looking for any sign of potential trouble. His vigil had been long but far from lonely. As he stood watch, many thoughts passed through his mind. Now that Mileena had been restored, Earthrealm would hopefully find peace. Of course this also meant he would have to explain his actions to Raiden.

Hopefully, the thunder god he held in such high regard would understand his actions and finally find peace again. If not, well...

"I'll cross that bridge if I come to it." He said aloud, sighing as he did. He suddenly heard footsteps behind him and Mileena soon stood next to him.

"No much of a partier, are you?" She wondered. Magnus shook his head, slightly grinning at her observation.

"Not really. Plus, I figured I'd keep watch. You never know what someone might try." He replied.

"Heavy thoughts on your mind?" Mileena inquired.

"Many, not necessarily heavy." He answered. "I'm going to have to go back to Earthrealm at some point, meaning I'll have a lot of explaining to do."

"You could stay here." Mileena offered. Magnus dwelt on her offer for a moment before convincing himself he needed to decline.

"Thank you... but I am an Earthrealmer."

"So was Erron Black." Mileena countered. Magnus chuckled.

"Speaking of which, he come around yet?"

"Not yet. He's down in the prison, along with Ferra/Torr. Perhaps one day he will. As you said, money speaks loudly to him." Mileena replied. Magnus nodded, looking out over the

"So, I take it you have what you want?"

"Yes. What is rightfully mine now belongs to me again... thanks to you." Magnus gave a shrug.

"Tanya chipped in some." He responded. Mileena smiled and lightly chuckled.

"And what do you want, Magnus Shadrix?" She wondered. "You've have returned me to life and restored me to my rightful place on Outworld's throne. I am indebted to you, you are worthy of the highest honours." She stated. "Anything you ask shall be given to you. I can give you your own realm to rule, a place of prominence by my side, a harem of Outworld's most beautiful women to wait on your every need." She listed off. "What shall it be?"

"I already have what I want," he calmly answered, turning to her, "and that's peace for my realm. I've never sought out personal gain, I have no need for it." He told her. "Then again, whether or not you honor my request remains to be seen." He quietly added, under his breath. But Mileena had heard him.

"You doubt me, Magnus?" She wondered softly, an eyebrow raised.

"No..." He hesitantly replied, trailing off. Mileena had caught him in the midst of his doubts and he had no response for her. It was then that Mileena's touch rested on his arm.

"Tomorrow I will deal with politics. Tonight is for celebrations." She told him. "Put your mind at ease for one night." She encouraged, trying to get him to join in the festivities. "Tonight is as much yours as it is mine." Magnus nodded, but didn't move just yet. Mileena took a moment to regard him, examining him up and down. The wounds he had sustained in battle with the Outworld warriors had been bandaged, some already healed. But the toll the battle took was evident in his outfit; scuffs, rips and scorch marks dotting his white garb. Other than that, his complexion remained otherwise unchanged. Mileena took note of his lack of sleeves, his muscular arms exposed to the night air. It appeared he'd removed his undershirt at some point, not that Mileena was complaining. She'd come to appreciate his human physique, having also seen portions of his body while he was practicing on the beach of the Tarkatan camp. As she looked at him, analyzing his eyes and his looks, the stirring in her heart returned. It was the same, familiar throb she was starting to feel every time she thought about Magnus and what he'd done for her.

She hadn't promised him anything. He had helped her without promise of reward, unlike her previous male companions.

Tanya's probing questions returned to her thoughts, pressing her to reveal how she felt about him. Mileena felt torn between two alternatives. Either she exposed her feelings for Magnus and tried to be genuine with him or she kept her true feelings for herself and hid them under orders and commands. After all, Magnus was loyal. He respected her and would likely do what she wanted. Perhaps this could also be another way to reward him. A little encouragement, some proper nudging in the right direction and Magnus would likely come around. He was a man after all. Not nearly as callous or demanding as others, but a man nonetheless.

And Mileena wanted this man.

The desire swelling within her was undeniable, so much so that Mileena felt she needed to do something about it immediately. Fortunately, Magnus unwillingly provided her with a way to do so.

"Apart from join in the celebrations, is there anything else I can do for you, Empress?" He wondered. Mileena smiled a little, the grin showing even with her Tarkatan teeth closed. She knew exactly what else he could do for her. Many a man had been with her as a means of advancing their goals.

But today, she was going to get what she wanted.

"Kiss me." She stated. Magnus was taken aback by her brazen request.

"I... I-I... What?" He stammered in response. That and the look of total shock on his face she found outright adorable.

"Kiss me." She repeated, smile evident as she stepped right close to him. "Your Empress commands it." She added in a softer tone, her hand coming to rest on his robed chest. Magnus was thoroughly shocked. Sure, he thought Mileena to be beautiful and quite alluring, teeth included, but never did he think he would get to do this. She was an empress after all, and he was just a man.

But she had commanded it. He had no choice but to oblige.

His brain slowly thawing, Magnus swallowed nervously.

"As you wish, milady." He answered as confidently as he could, placing a hand on Mileena's shoulder. So close together, he stooped down and softly pressed his lips to hers, Mileena immediately reciprocating. She held on to him, holding him close. Time seemed to slow right down, losing meaning as the two savoured the taste and feeling of each other's mouths pressed so close together. Mileena felt light on her feet, she was finally do something to sate her feelings and it felt wonderous. Magnus felt a buzz of excitement roll through him, the kiss itself something electrifying as he was able to also do something about his feelings for Mileena. As they parted, Mileena held his gaze with her own, Magnus slowly reaching up to cup her face. Predatory amber met electric blue and neither of them sought to look away. Catching her breath and gathering her thoughts, Mileena felt excited.

"Most men would reject such a command." She quietly whispered. Magnus started putting two and two together, realizing she was testing his feelings for her.

Had he been that obvious?

While not entirely true, his response did indeed confirm for Mileena that he was willing to do this. Maybe he also felt something for her, but she couldn't be certain. For Magnus he realized that Mileena was in deep need of care and affection, something hardly anyone had shown her. What she had known was a front, a means to worm their way into her trust in order to try and achieve something greater.

Magnus was suddenly determined to show Mileena genuine affection.

His hand sliding down to her chin, he ensured she remained fixated on him.

"I'm not most men." He whispered in response. Mileena smiled, absolutely agreeing with him.

"Come with me." She said, taking him by the hand and leading him back inside the palace. Magnus dutifully followed.

They soon found themselves in Mileena's room. Shutting the door and locking it behind them, Mileena guided Magnus to the foot of her regal bed. "Stay with me tonight." She softly said. Magnus' eyes widened a little at the proposition.

"Empress, I-" He started to say.

"Shh..." she quieted him, gently laying a finger across his lips, "When we are in public, you may call me 'empress'." She quietly said, drawing closer to him. "But when we are alone," she continued in a low, sultry voice, "you will call me," her finger moved away from his mouth as her own lips drew tantalizingly close to his, "Mileena..." She breathily whispered, her lips brushing against his in a gentle liplock...

That same night, in Earthrealm...

Deep in the dead woods, near the foot of the mountain that housed the Sky Temple, the still of night was broken by the sound of rumbling thunder and the crackling of electricity.

Suddenly, the shadowy form of a Netherrealm revenant burst through the trees and slammed into a nearby boulder, collapsing to the ground. His broad hat, rim sharpened like a blade, fell from his bald head as the warrior made to rise, only to stop as another dark form materialized before him. The thunderous figure picked up the revenant by his shirt, hauling him up from the ground.

"Explain yourself, Kung Lao!" Raiden demanded. "Why does a Netherrealm warrior venture into Earthrealm?" The beaten individual chuckled in Raiden's grip. The former student of the Shaolin looked to the thunder god with a look of disdain in his yellow eyes.

"You permit one of your own to move and have their way in our realm and do not expect us to do anything about it?" The revenant replied. "You really are two-faced-" He was cut off as Raiden delivered a mighty shock to his body, red arcs of lightning sparking across him. Raiden then through Kung Lao back into the boulder and surged forward with a war cry, his Thunder Fly assault shattering the boulder and sending Kung Lao sprawling.

"This is about Magnus Shadrix, is it? He was there at my command, yes." Raiden stated as he landed on his feet. The revenant coughed as he rose to his hands and knees.

"Did you also tell him to resurrect Mileena?" He wondered. Raiden was taken aback, not expecting to hear such words. Suddenly angered by the befouling of his dear friend, Raiden attacked Kung Lao again with a growl. The revenant found himself hurtled through the air, shattering through trees before tumbling across the ground and sliding to a halt. Raiden teleported before him and hoisted him up by the robes.

"What lies do you speak?" The thunder god growled, crimson eyes glowing with fury.

"He ventured to the realm of lost souls and took Mileena back to Outworld. He fought off Liu and Kitana to do so. As far as we're concerned, an Earthrealmer made off with Netherrealm property." Lao stated, black blood dripping from his mouth. Raiden promptly punched him across the face with an electrified fist, then backhanded him hard.

"You lie!" Raiden shouted, delivering a burst of electricity that electrocuted the revenant harshly. His body steaming in Raiden's grip, Kung Lao defied odds by chuckling, despite his pain.

"Why would I risk my life over a lie?" Lao sneered. Raiden paused, realizing the truth behind Lao's words. The revenants feared him, they wouldn't dare cross him now. Surely there was a reason for this...

But to think that Magnus would betray him in such a manner...

Raiden dared not dwell on the thought. But if it were true, he would be forced to take extreme measures. His crimson eyes settled on Kung Lao again.

"Take me to your rulers...!" He demanded with a growl.

The next morning, in Outworld...

Magnus entered the palace court, yawning as he did. He hadn't gotten much sleep last night, what with the celebrations and all. But Mileena had encouraged him to be present in her first court session. He wasn't sure why, he had been planning on returning to Earthrealm. But he decided to stick around, Mileena having convinced him.

He spied Tanya already sitting at the long meeting table, glancing over some documents.

"Morning Tanya." He greeted, stretching. The Edenian looked up and smirked.

"Magnus." She greeted. "I trust the Empress did not keep you up all night?"

"I, uh... don't know what you're talking about." Magnus replied, rubbing the back of his head and avoiding eye contact. Tanya chuckled.

"Too bad. I heard all sorts of things..." She replied, trailing off and giving him a very knowing look. Magnus folded his arms behind him and stayed silent, saying nothing and not even looking at her.

"I can neither confirm or deny what you've heard." He calmly said.

"Including the moaning?" She wondered with an absolutely devilish smirk. Magnus felt his eyes widen and his face turn pale but was thankfully saved by the arrival of Mileena.

"Dearest Tanya." She greeted, pink veil covering the lower half of her face.

"Empress." Tanya greeted, rising from her seat. "Sleep well?" She wondered with the same, devilish smirk.

"Indeed." Mileena replied, glancing at Magnus. The elctromancer refused to make eye contact of any kind. The Empress chuckled. "Come Magnus, join us as I do what Ko'atal clearly could not." She invited. Magnus nodded and took a seat across from them both.

"What shall be the first order of business, Empress?" Tanya inquired.

"I shall begin by upholding my agreements to you both." Mileena stated. "Tanya, Edenia shall be made an independent, free realm once more. And you shall be its representative here in my court." Tanya smiled and tilted her head.

"It would be my honor, Empress." With a nod, Mileena turned to Magnus.

"Magnus, I shall call off all forms of hostility that Ko'atal has established against Earthrealm, and any plans for interrealm war shall cease immediately." She informed him. "I trust you will help me make arrangements with their delegates in order to inform them of my plans?" Straightening up, Mileena's words lifted a great burden from Magnus' shoulders. Realizing she had intended to fulfill such a promise all along, he smiled contentedly.

"I will see to it immediately, Mileena Kahnum." He answered.

Meanwhile, in Earthrealm...

At the Special Forces base in Earthrealm, General Sonya Blade was troubled. She had recently received a call from one of their few allies in Outworld, and the news relayed was cause for great concern. The general had promptly organized a meeting with the one special ops team she trusted most: the one supervised by her former CO Jackson Briggs. Normally her ex-husband, Johnny Cage, oversaw the four kids. But he was still recovering from the wounds D'Vorah had given him during the Shinnok crisis and had asked Jax to take his spot.

Takeda Takahashi, Jacqui Briggs, Kung Jin and Sonya's own daughter Cassie, along with Jax, stood present in Sonya's command tent as she briefed them.

"We've got a problem." She started, sounding all business. "Li Mei has got in contact with us again. She says that Mileena has killed Kotal Kahn and retaken the throne of Outworld." She stated. Her listeners were quite clearly shocked.

"Mileena?" Takeda gaped.

"That's impossible! We watched D'Vorah kill her... not that we want to remember that." Cassie added, shuddering at the memory of the gruesome execution.

"I know." Sonya replied. "This raises a lot of red flags, we need to figure this out." She informed them. Jax crossed his metal arms.

"Why do I smell a trip to Outworld...?" He wondered aloud.

"I'm guessing that's because we're going to Outworld." His daughter remarked.

"Better prep for some resistance. If Mileena's anything like her old self, we're not exactly going to be receiving red-carpet treatment." Cassie agreed.

"Good thinking Sergeant. Let's get a portal up and running."