The sun rose a while ago, however I decided to stay in the company of a sleeping Smoke as I peer at the dim sky. Kombat will start soon and I may be one of the fighters today. The beginning of my fighting means the beginning of my plan. Things will finally be set in motion.
"I am still alive? Huh? Shocker!" Smoke exaggerates over a yawn.
"Who works up a nerve to fall asleep on a roof anyway?" I ask, mocking his actions.
"People like me of course. Who would not?" he shoots back jokingly and turns to me.
I grin and giggle as I also face him. Suddenly my grin ceases as I remember the futile events to come. He notices this and raises an eyebrow.
"I may be one of the fighters for Outworld today…" I say in a low voice.
"Why, you sound as if you do not want to fight," Smoke hypothesizes a little dazed.
It is as if he read my mind. I do not wish to fight unless it is with that bitch Kitana…the rest of the fighters are a waste of my time. Even being this Earth Realmer's friend is a waste of time, but at least it is a decent waste. This tournament is utterly pointless.
"It's not that, it's just-" the kombat gong interrupts me.
"Speaking of fighting," Smoke's eyes search my own.
I break our eye contact by standing and I begin to walk down the roof slowly.
"Where are you going?" Smoke inquires.
"To father's side, he will expect me early today," I reply.
"That isn't what I meant," he says and walks down to me, placing his hand on my shoulder.
"What do you mean?" I ask, confused.
"This is the easy way down," he says before a medium cloud of smoke engulfs us both and teleports us down to the first floor in what feels like a split second.
The smoke dissolves into the air as if it were never there as we stand in a currently empty hall. I peer around the corridor for assurance that he did not teleport me to some strange alternate world. The rapidness of the teleport almost causes me to feel dizzy.
"Oh, that was…" I pause not knowing what to call it as my eyes meet his once more.
"Amazing, I know," he smirks under his mask.
"I had better get back to my forces, I shall see you in there Mileena," Smoke concludes.
"Alright," I nod as he vanishes into a puff of smoke yet again before my eyes.
I walk and turn the corner, making my way through the light crowd of fighters. I enter the kombat room quickly, walking past the arena and to father's throne chair. I join father at his side like usual and Kitana is also there. The sound of the drums hits the atmosphere strongly accompanied with other instruments played by the servants.
As usual I watch the same fighters enter the room. Our forces all have this smug and or confident look on their faces, while the Earth Realmers are more serious and blank. They are really determined. They should be, for this is their last chance to be free of father before we possess all they hold dear.
"Daughters," father says.
We both turn to him quickly.
"Yes father," we say in unison.
"Over the course of this day and the next, you will get rid of the rest of the weak peasants that follow under the Thunder God and you will advance to the semi-finals. When we go to Earthrealm for the second part of the tournament, it will all be up to you. My powers will be taken temporarily by the Elder Gods to ensure I will not invade upon arrival. That means all of my plans rely upon this tournament. You will fight and bring me victory or the consequences will be massive. Understood?" his voice is harsh and stern and I know failure is not an option.
"Yes father," we both reply.
Kitana looks over at me with eyes that said if we don't win we are finished. I shoot a devious look back. Either way, she shall not survive this, so she has nothing to worry about so far as father. Wanting to shift my attention from her murder to something else, I turn and face the fighters entering the room. I spot the Thunder God walking in with Jax and the blonde woman I had seen a while back when I was training. Smoke also follows behind them.
They proceed to go to the opposite side of where Shang Tsung stands, waiting for him to announce the battle ahead, as always. They come to a stop in the middle of the thick crowd of fighters. I notice the Thunder God is speaking something to them. I wonder what exactly. He appears more encouraging than father judging by their faces when they respond. I notice Smoke peer upward and spot me. I stare at him and he stares back at me.
He winks an eye at me, and then nods. He is encouraging me, even in front of the Thunder God. That is something I cannot exactly pull off with father. I turn my head slightly trying my best not to smile, but it fails and I know he sees it in my eyes. I see him return to his conversation with the Thunder God and I look over cautiously to make sure neither father nor Kitana saw what just took place. Thankfully, there are many people near Smoke, so spotting him in the heavy crowd will prove to be difficult if you do not already know him. I also spot Rain in the crowd, engaging in conversation with Motaro.
"Welcome back kombatants," Shang Tsung's words stop all conversation and noise.
"As some of you may know, the first part of the tournament is ending. Only two kombatants from Earthrealm remain, and only three from Outworld. Only five kombatants from each side can proceed to the semi-finals. With that being said, there will be three grand battles, two today and the final battle tomorrow. Those who have yet to secure their spot in the semi-finals, expect to participate in this battle. You know who you are," Shang Tsung's voice echoes and holds a serious and informative tone. "So for the time being, our first battle will be Sonya Blade versus Kano," as soon as he announces it, I look over to where Smoke is.
I notice the blonde woman steps onto the arena, brushing past the Thunder God. Kano then makes his way to the arena with a wide grin, jumping onto the terrain threateningly. He chuckles as his eyes trace her form head to toe.
"Looks like 'ya found me huh baby? Did you miss me?" Kano snickers with as they circle the ring.
Sonya gazes at him with fierce eyes.
"If you think I'm letting you walk away from here alive Kano, then you're fucking crazy! You killed my partner, now you're gonna pay," she clenches her fists.
Kano smiles at this and lets out a slight shout as he runs towards her. His fist aims for her head as she dodges it. She gives him a knee to the stomach and then a straight jab to his face. Kano kneels a moment and she steps back. He spits a little blood out to the side of the arena, then faces Sonya with intense eyes.
"Ya think you're defeating me, huh baby?" he stands and Sonya front flips using her hands, kicking the top of his cranium harshly.
He spins for a moment and then dizzily faces Sonya just to get another jab to the lower jaw. He falls back and Sonya waits for him to get back on his feet as her hard gaze locks onto his figure. The determination in her eyes is undeniable. She is going to defeat him. Her headstrong attitude towards Kano reminds me of my lifetime rivalry with Kitana. I suppose I am not the only one here for someone's life in particular.
He takes to his feet again then curls into a ball, advancing in a circular motion towards Sonya, striking her stomach and knocking her down. She grunts in pain, but Kano does not stop. He proceeds to stomp on her upper chest and kick her aside, causing her body roll across the arena. She takes to her hands and knees trying to stand, but he just kicks her in the side again. He goes to stomp her once more, however she counters and sweep attacks him, bringing him down. She stands and goes into her stance again, waiting for Kano to get on his feet.
"It's time to end this here," Kano says in anger.
The look in his eyes alone says if he wins, he will definitely murder her. He pulls a knife from his boot straps and spins it between his fingers, staring strongly at Sonya with a murderous expression. She does not lose concentration; she prepares for his attack.
He dashes forward swinging his knife right and left. Sonya's arm gets cut at an attempt to dodge both strikes. The blood drips down her arm as she fends off other attacks from Kano. He swings at her face and it grazes her cheek. He sends another swing her way only for her to duck it and uppercut him, sending him falling backwards with blood filling his mouth.
He struggles to get back to his feet. It is over for him, he knows as well as anyone in this colossal room it is over as well. Kano finally stands and faces Sonya, but he is unable to continue attacking.
"Finish him!" Shang Tsung booms.
Sonya advances to Kano and kicks him down mightily. She then peers downward at him as he squirms on the floor. She eyes him for a moment with eyes of murder. However, something calms her and she faces Kano with angry pity.
"Lucky for you, we're different people. I won't stoop to your level," she decides with disgust on her face before exiting the arena, joining the Thunder God's side again.
"Sonya wins! However, you are not done fighting just yet dear, you must secure your spot if you are to continue on to the finals," Shang Tsung announces.
I see what is happening here now; the process of elimination has begun. Either she wins every match she is placed in, or she may die.
"Master Mileena," I hear.
I turn to my right to see my true sister, Li Mei, bowing down in front me.
"Yes," I say calmly.
"You are needed at your headquarters, with the emperor's permission of course," she turns to father, as do I.
He raises his hand giving me permission to leave and she leads me through the crowd of fighters rapidly. She holds the door open for me and I walk through as she closes it behind me. Li Mei turns to me suddenly and grabs my hand, leading me around the corridor with speed then stops.
"What is the meaning of this sister?" I question.
She faces me with shocked eyes.
"Sister! This was the only way I could get you out of there. I have been meaning to inform you this morning, but you did not return to our quarters," she states in a low enough so no one else could hear if anyone was near.
"What happened?"
"I know how much you've been looking for a good reason to keep a close eye on Kitana, so I have info for you," Li Mei leans in closer to my ear. "I saw her talking to Raiden, the Thunder God, last night," she whispers.
"What did she say?" I whisper back.
"That I do not know, but any info is better than none," she reassures me.
"Yes, thank you sister," I say.
"Yes, if she does it once then she shall surely do it again. Be on your guard, you never know what she could be plotting," Li Mei cautions me.
"I will. Besides, if she plots against our forces in any way she is as good as dead regardless. She knows that," I reply in a sure tone.
"You are right, she would not dare. But in case she does, just be wary," she adds.
"Alright," I say and embrace her.
"There is something else, you are not fighting today," she informs me.
"I am the final battle tomorrow?" I question.
"Yes, it seems as though the emperor has a lot of faith in your skills," Li Mei says softly.
We end our embrace and her brown, green tinted eyes meet mine.
"You should get back in there, I shall continue to keep my eyes open for Kitana's actions, for I know how much this means to you," she states with a sincere voice.
"Yes, I will meet you right here after the fighting is done," I promise.
She nods and proceeds to walk away. I turn the corner of the blue corridor once again and re-enter the kombat room. The crowd is heavy like always, so I make my way through, shoving some of the warriors out my way. As I make my way back to father's side, I pause. Kitana is in the ring with Sonya. I see Sonya lying on the ground as Kitana stands over her with one of her fans drawn.
"Finish her!" father shouts.
Instead of returning to his side, I stand near the ring a moment looking over the fighters' heads. Kitana sheathes her fan and walks away, leaving Sonya alive. She walks back to father's side, and I do as well. Johnny Cage goes to help Sonya up, and they both stumble off the arena.
"Kombatans. There are two of you who have yet to claim your spot. Expect to be here tomorrow at sunset for the final battle," Shang Tsung announces with pride, his jet black hair almost moving from the loud echo.
I know I am the Outworld finalist, what I do not know is who I will be facing.
"Well done Kitana," I hear father congratulate.
She merely bows her head and walks away with the rest of the crowd, making her way out of the door. I turn my head and bow to father once Kitana exits.
"Any word on Kitana?" he questions sternly.
"No father, but I shall keep an eye on her just as you wish," I say innocently, betraying my thoughts.
"Very well, you are dismissed," he says and I walk, joining the crowd leaving the room.
I could have told father the truth about Kitana associating with the Thunder God, but he does not need to know about the little details at the moment. He just needs it all to come down on him at one time, and then he will wish to kill her just as much as I. I dodge through the crowd and walk down the corridor. It is time to meet my true sister. I turn the corner and walk to where we decided to meet, but there is no sign of her yet.
"Sister," I hear and turn around to meet the voice.
There stands Li Mei in a violet two piece outfit that displays part of her chest and compliments her legs with a sash that hangs from her hip. Her hair somewhat passes her shoulders and is wrapped in a purple like scarf-hat. Her thigh high boots give her a rather regal appearance as well.
"Shall we train?" she asks enthusiastically.
"Yes we shall," I say with a smile under my veil.
Li Mei is not shy of the world of kombat, however she has yet to master it.
"Mileena, there you are!" I hear Smoke shout from a distance.
Li Mei and I turn to see him speed walking towards us.
"Sister, you know him?" she questions suspiciously.
"More or less, he's a friend within the enemy," I reply with a grin facing Smoke.
"Sister huh? That is pretty neat," he grins under his black mask.
"He is an Earth Realmer? By the Elder Gods, you truly are rebellious," Li Mei giggles.
I suppose the thought of me befriending anyone besides her is absurd to her, especially from the opposing realm. Which I cannot blame her for thinking so.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I giggle, trying to hold back a laugh.
"Hey, not just an Earth Realmer," he gets closer, placing his left hand on Li Mei's shoulder and his right hand on mine.
Within a second, we are at the training ground, on one of the hard-sand arenas surrounded by a puff of smoke.
"I'm Smoke," he finishes with the cloud vanishing from around us.
I look around and notice we are the only fighters out here, most likely due to the first part of the tournament coming to an end. No need to train if you can no longer assist your realm.
"Well if I did not know any better, I would say you are originally from Outworld. Your ability is incredible," Li Mei compliments.
"No, our forces have much better abilities," I tease.
"Like pink vanishing mid-air kicks?" he jokes turning to me.
"You make it sound so 'Earthrealm womanly;' it's just an illusion," I say with a grin concealed by my veil.
"Little illusion? It hurt to walk after that," he says with laughter on his voice.
"Did it? You should teach me that first then sister," Li Mei suggests.
"Then I shall, let us begin."
"I would like to watch," Smoke says and steps off to the side of the arena with his eyes locked onto us.
"There is no real secret to this technique, just concentration and manipulation, something we are both equally gifted in," I explain. "Simply stand firm and concentrate on your target. Take in your surroundings and utilize your power deep within. Then when they least expect it or once you see them readying their attack…" I vanish underground momentarily with magenta energy surrounding me and reappear in mid-air, landing in front of Li Mei.
"I see," she says with a smile.
"Now, you attempt at it," I say and walk behind her.
I analyze her movements, seeing how well she does this move. She concentrates. A moment later, she makes her move. She suddenly flips into the air, and glides downward with a kick. A white-blue tinted aura surrounds her feet as she does so. The energy surge she gives off resembles the very stars above. She lands on the other side of the arena and turns to face me.
"Well done! You have the concentration down and you even added your own twist to it. I am impressed," I compliment.
"It is not as hard as it looks after all sister! Thank you!" she shouts loud enough for me to hear across the arena.
I watch on as she continues to work with what I have displayed to her. Her ambition will surely carve her into the mighty warrior she wishes to become. Her movements are quite skilled for a fighter more on the inexperienced side. I then turn my attention to Smoke and spot him walking my way.
"Care to spar Mileena?" he asks kindly.
"After last time, really?" I reply with a grin.
"This time is different," he says softly.
His eyes meet mine for a moment. His light brown, almost white, irises reflect greatly in the moonlight. The sincerity is quite hard to escape.
"Fine, let us dance," I say competitively. "We shall resume our training another time sister," I add calmly.
Li Mei smiles at us, then steps off to the right of the arena, watching us with her hands on her hips. The grin spread across her lips reminds me of myself. Smoke falls into his stance, but I do not. I kneel, just as he did the day we first fought.
"Seriously?" he complains humorously.
"Your move Earth Realmer," I mock him.
He comes at me swiftly and attempts to kick me. I move quickly, avoiding it and kneel again with a rather large grin beneath my veil.
"Now this is just cruelly too familiar," he says with a smile on his face beneath his mask.
"Is that so?" I sarcastically ask before sending a kick to his abdomen.
He takes it as if it is nothing and sends a kick back. All of a sudden we start to throw a series of punches and kicks to each other. I dodge most of his as he dodges most of mine. I am not going to stop, and I know he is not planning to either. I throw an open palm forward, striking his chest. I dodge his high aimed fist and go for another open palm strike, but he catches my hand. He grabs hold of my arm as his leg sweeps me, bringing me to the ground. I attempt to stand and he plants himself on top of me, pinning me down.
"Submit to me," he mocks my voice.
I cannot help myself as I giggle at his 'I am Mileena' attempt. I peer upward at Smoke and we lock eyes for a moment.
Before I can reply I hear someone say, "Hitting on the Outworld hottie Smoke?" and we both turn to see Johnny Cage walking to the right with a grin the size of his ego across his face.
Smoke stands and offers his hand to me.
I take it and Smoke says, "Oh Cage, we were just sparring," as he helps me get to my feet.
"Right and I'm not a ladies man," Cage replies sarcastically as he enters the ring along with Li Mei.
"You certainly know a few Earth Realmers well," Li Mei adds.
"This one I don't know exactly," I say facing her.
"Me? I'm Johnny Cage babe, eighty time Oscar nominee," he says to Li Mei with a smile, making her chuckle a bit.
"A pleasure to meet you Mr. Cage," Li Mei replies.
"You know, I noticed you two training earlier," Cage glances at me then back to Li Mei, "and I think I can teach you a few things that'll be useful," he says to Li Mei with sincerity.
"Oh, alright," she smiles. "But why? I work under your enemy, the emperor."
Smoke places his arm around my shoulders then whispers, "He has a crush on her I see," while Li Mei and Cage continue to conversate.
"I suppose so, I have never been one to notice such feelings," I whisper back then face him.
He peers at me with slightly worried eyes and asks, "Why not?" in a low enough voice so they cannot hear.
I want to tell him about my hatred for Kitana. I want to tell him about my appearance. However, I have to remember he is my enemy no matter how well we get along. Dark beings such as me cannot allow emotion to cloud our judgement and perception of instances.
"It is just not an often occurrence in Outworld," I lie.
"Hm, I see. Well for what it is worth, it is a huge occurrence in Earthrealm. You know, feelings," he replies.
I wonder what it is like in Earthrealm and why father desires it so deeply. From what I hear, it is amazing. The realm is told to rival the beauty of the now dead realm Edenia.
"Tomorrow when I fight to secure my spot in the second part of the tournament, and we go to Earthrealm…" I say facing him.
"Yes?" he says curiously with his arm still around my shoulders.
"I want you to display to me your realm's full beauty. If we end up merging it with Outworld, it will no longer be a place desirable to land eyes on like the stories say," I say in a serious tone.
"Oh, do not worry Miss Outworld, we do not plan on losing this tournament," he replies with joy in his voice. "But, I will do that for you, I promise," he reassures me.
He was correct the entire time. If I am going to be in this damned tournament, I shall make the most of it. Not just with carrying out my plans to quell Kitana, but with all of my being.