Love & War 4
Chapter 10: Betrayal In Outworld Pt. 2
Back at the Golden Desert...
"Today is going to be a red day," Goro announces to the crowd. "The Red Dragon reports from the capital that Kotal Kahn is riding here to meet us and he is alone. When he arrives, he will die as his father did., at my hands!"
Unknown to Goro, Mileena and Reiko were planning a conspiracy against him.
"With Kotal's passing, the Kahnum of Outworld will be mine," said Mileena
"There's only one problem, Mileena: Goro," Reiko replied.
"Our champion?"
"He plots to use your claim to the throne as grounds to overthrow Kotal. Then he would kill you to seize the Kahnum for himself."
"Treason... but..."
"I have never trusted Goro. He betrayed Kotal just as Kotal betrayed you, my lady."
"You are the only one I trust, Reiko. What of Tanya?"
"Her evil twin will deal with her in due time. I humbly serve you, the true heir. Come. Let Goro handle Kotal alone, and if either traitor survives, I'll kill them myself."
"Kotal would be mad to face us alone," said Rain as Goro watches for Kotal's arrival.
"Driving him to madness was part of the plan and it worked, a temperamental tool."
Kotal approaches.
"Kill the sun!"
"As you wish, Goro."
Rain uses his power to block the sun, which would render Kotal powerless.
"Up the stair path, to the fire's edge, I pray the sky to scorch the land!
Goro sends the first wave of Red Dragon soldiers to attack Kotal, but the Osh-Tekk warrior easily eviserated them.
"GORO, FACE ME IN KOMBAT!"
"Shao Kahn would never allow an Osh-Tekk to rule Outworld. He knew better than to treat a Shokan prince like a servant."
"Yet you serve the deranged temptress like Mileena."
"After allthese years, you still don't understand. Shokan tradition forbids subservience. WE LIVE TO CONQUER!"
Goro blasts Kotal with a Shokan Bolt.
"You killed my people... my father..."
"I would have killed your people ages ago! But Shao Kahn stayed my hand! He believed you might prove useful in kombat. How wrong he was! Go, struggle! Die with dignity, JUST LIKE YOUR FATHER!"
Suddenly, Kotal cuts Goro's top arms off with his knife. He screamed in pain. He takes his war club and disarms Goro completely.
"N..no..."
"Reptile, now!'
Reptile, on cue, surprises the Red Dragon, but not alone. He is joined by Ferra/Torr and D'Vorah.
"Finish me..."
"You beg for mercy? Perhaps I should... no, that would be an act of kindness. Shokan tradition forbids such sentimental things." Kotal walks away.
Later...
"Goro will be returned to Kuatan," said Reptile. "Unfortunately, Mileean and Reiko have escaped."
"They cannot hide forever," Kotal agreed. "Come, Reptile. Let us return to Zuhkahrah."
"This One does not enjoy watching the emperor take unnecessary risks," D'Vorah said, concerned of Kotal's well-being.
"I know, D'Vorah. It was an extreme measure. The dagger's magik extracted a heavy toll on me. I must rest and regain my..."
Before he can finish his sentence, Kotal was shot on his right side...
"HUNTERS!"
"Not quite. Just a concerned parent wondering...WHERE THE HELL IS MY DAUGHTER?