Love & War 4
Chapter 26: Remembrance Of The Past 2
Kotal Kahn's Coronation Day...
"There are those among you who think I'm a single-minded warrior. It's true that I fight but with purpose. The throne of Outworld is not a seat or title, it is this city, Zunkahrah. Mileena's first mistake was to neglect this place and the citizens who call it home. I vow to defend these walls with my life!"
Inside...
"I stood before the empire and made that promise."
A' promise you cannot keep if you are dead," said Reptile.
"If I cannot protect the capital, then I am unfit to rule. If dying is my duty, I will die."
"I remember when your duty was to kill me."
Reptile tells the tale of his role as one of Shao Kahn's minions in MK9.
"Shang Tsung has his own agenda," said Shao Kahn. "I need you at the tournament."
"To spy on him?"
"Spy, compete, do whatever you must. Ensure your victory in Outworld. Do not fail me."
From Reptile's perspective...
I never meant to compete, but everyone dreams of winning. I would even find a way to bring my people back. But I failed, and I continued failing.
Now...
"I've always wondered why you spared me. You saw value where he did not."
"I still do. Shao Kahn would rather conquer another realm than rule the empire he had. So I did it for him. Good spies are fine tools; you don't send them to a deathmatch."
"You have value too, Kotal. Even without your family, we..."
"I have enjoyed reminiscing with you, Reptile. Good night."
"This One does not want to remember seeing him so dour," said D'Vorah.
"'Member our story? Wanna hear it?" asked Ferra.
"What story?"
"Torr's fav'rite."
From Ferra's point of view...
"First, them stabby men (Tarkatans) tore us apart. Torr no good alone. Ferra no good alone."Then Kotal come. Him frees Torr. Them frees me! Then Kotal make a hot din-din.
Now...
"What about the stabby men?" asked D'Vorah. "Bet the Tarkatans put on a price on your head for that."
"I appreciate the testaments of loyalty. But if you are truly loyal, you will leave me to my fate."
"But we..."
"We did not Shao Kahn! Even as he marched towards certain death, I demand the same respect!"
This One never respected Shao Kahn. We Kytinn respect no leaders under an circumstances."
From D'Vorah's point of view...
On the eve of invasion, the Kytinn elders were too busy arguing to form a defense. This One refused to participate, knowing they had already argued too long. And all they would do is scatter.
"You! Why do you not flee?" asked Shao Kahn. "Your kin run and hide, but you stood your ground. Are you their queen?"
"No. This One... is your humble servant."
A necessary lie. This One hated the conqueror. Shao Kahn spared the Kytinn, only to make them their slaves. This One saught shelter, in the tyrant's shadows, waiting...watching the sorcerers manipulate his blind lust for conquest. Until that lust destroyed him. In that moment, This One could've gone free, but where? The tyrants's shadow was home now.
"This One is your humble servant."
"Prove it," said Mileena. "Kiss my boot." Rather than a kiss, she kicked D'Vorah in the face.
"You don't fight back. Perfect. You are truly a humble servant."
Even when Kotal defied Mileena, This One hesitated to stand with him.
"How dare you! I succeed Shao Kahn by decree!"
"Succeed him you have, but Outworld demands new leadership."
But then Reptile defended Kotal with conviction beyond that of any servant or slave, and I knew...
Now...
"...tyrants rule with fear. But Kotal Kahn leads with respect. You are the only leader This One truly respects."
"My sacrifice tomorrow will save thousands of lives. That is leading with respect. You have all fought like Osh-Tekk. My father would be proud."
Their moment of solidarity is interrupted by rumbles.
"It stopped."
"Earthquake?"
"Perhaps."
"They're tearing down the city!"
"Quite the opposite, mate."
KANO!
"Your cavalry is here to save you!"
And he's not alone. Jarek, Tasia and Tremor by his side... this isn't good...