Sleep was not something that came easy for the Edenian known as Rain. Leading a life where one always has to watch their back could certainly explain why. He had been the son of an Edenian general, a member of the Edenian Resistance, a servant of Shao Kahn, and now, a rebel, fighting against Kotal Kahn for the freedom of his realm.
To some, the traitor of the Edenian Resistance desiring the realm's restoration would seem quite ironic. Rain had his own reasons for wanting Edenia freed from its merger with Outworld. He believed that Edenia was not only his home, but also that it contained the secrets of his past.
Rain's past had always been a mystery, most especially to himself. He knew that the man who raised him, that proud Edenian general who died battling Shao Kahn's forces, was not his birth father. His mother refused to speak of his real father. What added to the confusion was the things Rain had heard from his fellow Edenians. A few seemed to believe him to be a part of some prophecy. They called him a demigod, a Son of Argus. Argus. Edenia's protector god, as Raiden was to Earthrealm. Someone who had disappeared long ago. Rain knew nothing of this Argus, and doubted he was truly the son of a god. After all, if he was, why would that god not have raised him himself? Still, the title had proven useful in intimidating followers of Kotal Kahn. A shame this alleged divine heritage failed to have the same effect on the emperor himself. Even still, he couldn't help but wonder ...what did it all mean?
These were the kind of questions, the kind of mysteries, that kept Rain up at night. The fear that one day this rebellion he was a part of would crumble and he would be executed for defying Kotal Kahn's regime certainly contributed to the sleepless nights as well. Rain sometimes wondered how he ever managed to maintain a calm demeanor, leading such a dangerous life. Maybe he was desensitized. Used to it. The danger, having to run and hide. Especially now, without-
In the dead of night, Rain heard a sound. How odd, it was usually quiet these nights, aside from the weather and the wind blowing outside the small compound the rebellion found itself based out of. Not much movement. Rain began to worry it was some assassin dispatched by Kotal Kahn, or other manner of intruder. But it didn't sound like footsteps. It was something else.
Rain sat up in his bed, before standing and leaving the room. He looked around, trying to place the source of the sound. As he moved about, the sound became more audible, and Rain was able to identify what it was.
Crying.
Tanya.
That was Rain's immediate thought. He knew better than to enter her room without proper invitation normally. But… this was unusual for Tanya. As Rain thought on the matter, he quickly realized it wasn't quite so unusual. This was hardly the first time he'd witnessed Tanya in a moment of weakness, in spite of her taking the position of the rebellion's leader a little over a year ago.
Alas, much as he'd be hard pressed to admit it, Tanya was his friend. Rain felt it was his duty to help her through times like these.
Walking over to her room, Rain eased the door open, not wanting to come off as too intrusive. There he saw Tanya, curled up on her bed with the blanket thrown to the side, sobbing, like nothing Rain had ever seen from her. At least, not since she first learned of….
It was then that Rain discovered the problem.
"Thinking about Mileena again?" he asked.
Tanya slowed her crying, reducing it to mere sniffling as her eyes slowly opened. Upon inspection, Rain noticed that her eyes weren't glowing a golden-white hue as they usually did. Her pupils were laid bare, the sadness in those eyes quite evident.
That sadness quickly turned into a flash of anger, before the glow returned to Tanya's eyes. Rain wondered to himself whether the glow was an indication of her pyrokinetic abilities being called upon, or a byproduct of them that Tanya used to shroud her emotions.
She sat fully upward, sniffling again before glaring at Rain.
"How dare you imply that a moment goes by that I don't think of my….our empress." she said scornfully.
Rain didn't react much, it was the response he expected, more or less. He stood idly, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed.
"I know this must be hard for you…" he began to say.
"Rain, have you ever been in love?" Tanya asked.
Rain thought for a moment. "No," he responded. "Not really."
"Then you don't know anything about what I'm going through!" Tanya snapped at him.
"Look, I know you loved Mileena," Rain told her. "And that love was a beautiful thing, but-"
"Don't." Tanya stopped him. "Don't you dare say it."
"Tanya-"
"Don't you dare say she's gone!" Tanya shouted angrily. "You think I don't already know that?!"
Rain wasn't sure how to respond. He broke eye contact with her for a moment, looking at the ground. His expression was hidden by his mask, but his eyes told it all. He wanted to make her feel better...but he didn't know how. He didn't know how at all.
One thought occurred.
"Have you…." he started to say. "Have you heard the rumors?"
"Yes, Rain. I've heard." Tanya replied.
She sighed. "I… I want to believe…" the bite in her voice had dissipated. "I want to believe so badly…."
Tanya just buried her face in her hands and started crying again.
Now it was Rain's turn to let out a sigh. He stepped into the room, and sat down on Tanya's bed just next to her. He cautiously placed his hand on her back. She was warm to the touch, her pyrokinetic magics burning inside her cauldron of emotions.
"I know, Tanya," was all Rain could muster in words. "I know."
Tanya abated her tears once more, wiping them off her face with her arm.
"Whoever this 'Bandit Queen' is that's making a mockery of Kotal and his regime, they're certainly keeping her spirit alive." Tanya said. "But, if it really is Mileena…"
"If she's alive somehow, she'll come back," Rain assured. "I'm sure of it."
"Somehow indeed," Tanya replied. "Rain, our… inside source… he saw her… he saw her cor-"
Tanya couldn't even bring herself to say it before she started breaking down again.
"He also said he could still feel her soul, somewhere." Rain reminded her.
"I suppose he'd be the expert." Tanya decided.
She stood up and left the room, Rain following behind. Tanya looked out a nearby window, seeing droplets of well ...rain, falling down as she pressed her hands against the glass.
"Wherever you are, my love, my empress." she spoke aloud. "I hope you're safe, and I hope you'll come back to me."
Elsewhere in Outworld, one would assume things would be better for the reigning emperor. But that was hardly the case.
The very next morning, Kotal Kahn sat atop his throne, flanked on either side by Osh-Tekk guards, awaiting reports from his lieutenants.
To the right of the throne room stood the symbiotic pair of Ferra and Torr, who served as additional guards to the emperor.
After moments of waiting, the throne room doors swung open, and three individuals entered the room. The guards posted on either side of the door stood straight and motionless as they stepped forward.
Up front, were the Naknada known only as "Kollector" and an assassin of a realm long ago conquered by Shao Kahn named Ruby. Behind them, standing tall and proud, was the champion warrior of the Centaurians: Motaro.
"Ruby, Kollector, Motaro." Kotal said as they approached him.
Ruby and Kollector kneeled before the emperor. Due to his unique physiology, Motaro could not do the same, and merely bowed his head.
Kotal Kahn's blue, glowing eyes turned to Kollector. "Have you found out more about this… 'Bandit Queen'?"
"Unfortunately, not much emperor." the Naknada replied as both he and Ruby stood up. "Discontent from the public with the taxation campaign was to be expected, but-"
"Do they not know that their emperor must require the means to fund his army?" Kotal wondered aloud. "So that Outworld may defend against its enemies."
Kollector courteously bowed, hiding the fact that he was rolling his eyes. "Of course emperor, your logic is perfectly sound." he said appeasingly.
"So my collectors are still being robbed and murdered?" Kotal asked.
"Unfortunately, sire. As are the guards we assigned to them." Kollector responded. "The reports still claim-"
"Impossible." Kotal said firmly. "I saw Mileena die with my own eyes."
"The timing is also dubious," pointed out Ruby, finally electing to speak up. "Some of the attacks have occurred within minutes of each other. As if Mileena were in multiple places at once."
"I am aware that she had command over some degree of teleportation magic, but I have fought Mileena enough times to have a grasp on the limits of its range." Kotal responded. "It is more likely that this is some new tactic employed by that blasted rebellion to make a mockery of my empire."
"Tanya trying to keep her lover's memory alive?" Ruby surmised.
"That is certainly one possibility," Kotal said. "On that subject. Motaro, have your squadrons managed to locate the rebels?"
"Unfortunately not, emperor." Motaro responded. "They have evaded us thus far."
"Disappointing," Kotal said, a hint of irritation in his voice. "I heard much of the Centaurs' propensity for tracking. That is why Shao Kahn placed you and your people at the head of his Extermination Squads during the invasion of Earthrealm, correct?"
"That… and the failures of the Shokan." Motaro corrected.
Kotal chose to ignore the comment. He cared little for the rivalry between the Shokan and Centaurs, although he had to admit, it had benefited him. After all, were it not for Kotal's disgracing of the Shokan, he might not have the allegiance of the Centaurs, nor their eagerness to please him and maintain a high standing within his regime.
"Double your efforts," the emperor commanded. "If these murders are being orchestrated by the rebellion, it is only all the more reason to snuff them out."
"Of course, emperor." Motaro responded, before bowing briefly and turning to leave.
Kotal watched the Centaur exit, before turning his attention back to the followers who still stood before him.
He set his eyes on Ruby in particular. She had been a rather faithful follower since joining his regime, and it certainly helped that she had no desire to see her realm separated from Outworld like many of the Edenians and vampires did.
"Have you managed to find Reptile?" he asked, being reminded of another loyal follower who had as of late disappeared.
"Unfortunately, no." Ruby responded. "He seems to have vanished entirely."
"Strange…." Kotal mused aloud. "He was so dedicated. To see him leave now ..."
"May I speak freely, emperor?" Ruby asked.
Kotal nodded. "You may."
"I have known Reptile a shorter time than you, but I have observed him to be rather dependable," Ruby explained. "I am certain he has his reasons for disappearing, and doubtful he has betrayed you."
"I pray you are right, Ruby." Kotal said solemnly.
"It is possible that Reptile could have departed to look into the reports of a soul stealer." Kollector pointed out. "Rumors say that Shang Tsung may have returned..."
"I had thought that vile sorcerer killed during the invasion." Ruby contested.
"First rumors of Mileena, now Shang Tsung…" Kotal spoke, hand on his chin in contemplation.
"Perhaps Reptile saw a pattern," Ruby suggested. "The creator and the creation. He could merely be investigating."
"Reptile did once directly serve Shang Tsung," Kotal recalled. "He would know that sorcerer better than most. But why leave without telling me..."
Kotal was caught up in contemplation momentarily. He then turned his thoughts to his other allies. "Where is Erron Black? And Ermac?"
"They are still in the palace, sir." one of the guards responded.
"Very good, summon them for me." Kotal instructed.
The guards nodded, and left.
"Is there anything else you require of us, emperor?" Ruby asked.
Kotal nodded. "Kollector, you are dismissed. Continue your efforts."
"Of course, emperor." Kollector responded, bowing again before turning to leave.
As the Naknada walked out, Ruby eyed him with suspicion. She did not trust that vile creature. Few in Outworld did. She often wondered if Kotal Kahn had made the right decision in choosing to drag him out of the dungeons and employ him, but would not say as much outright. She valued her standing with the emperor, an opportunity to help move Outworld past the legacy of Shao Kahn. As such, Ruby elected not to question Kotal Kahn's choices in allies.
"Ruby," Kotal said, drawing her attention and eye contact immediately. "Today I will be travelling to Tarkata. I must make certain those feral beasts are still loyal to me."
"With all due respect, emperor…" Ruby spoke carefully. "I doubt revolt from the Tarkatans should be our concern at this time. Karbrac seemed to fall in line with the regime change after-"
"I do not trust them, Ruby." Kotal told her. "Not after having to contend with Mileena and Baraka…"
"I understand, emperor." Ruby replied.
"I suppose dealing with those two is one thing I can thank that traitor D'Vorah for…" Kotal thought aloud. "Speaking of which, have you managed to find the bug yet?"
"No, sire," Ruby answered. "D'Vorah's whereabouts are about as big of a mystery as Reptile's."
Kotal contemplated the matter. Two of his former top lieutenants. Vanished. One, a traitor outright. The other, someone he firmly trusted. The possibility of collusion between Reptile and D'Vorah for some unknown purpose occurred to him, but was quickly dismissed. Reptile had never been particularly fond of the Kytinn, even before it became known that she was a servant of Shinnok.
Between these factors and the purported resurrections of Shang Tsung and Mileena, it felt as if some greater mystery were unfolding in Outworld, and here sat Kotal Kahn, the reigning emperor of Outworld, without a single clue.
The matters of others were hardly of concern however to the mercenary Erron Black. He was the kind of person primarily focused with their own aims, their own survival.
It was for that reason he stood there now, in one of Shang Tsung's old laboratories, flipping through a book, notes left behind by the sorcerer who had given him his extended life.
Erron Black had always believed himself to have come out on top of that particular deal. He thought he was immortal. Then why in the hell did he feel himself getting slower. Why was his trigger finger twitching and clicking with stiffness. Why were grey hairs starting to appear, which he kept hidden with his hat. It didn't make sense. As he spun His trusty Peacemaker on his left index finger, his right hand flipped erratically through the worn and yellowed pages of the ancient tome before him.
"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!" he said aloud as he flipped through the book rigorously, looking for something, anything, that could provide an answer to his plight. In order to bleed off the frustration, he looped the pistol one last time to send the gun twirling through the air.
"Hey, Black! You in here?!" Shouted an Osh-Tekk from the other side of the hall.
Erron growled in frustration and swiped his hand across the table, throwing the collection of priceless books to the ground, before catching his gun out of the air as he walked towards the Osh-Tekk soldier, levelling the barrel at the eyes in the mask. "What! I said I was busy with research! Why in the hell are you disturbing me and wastin' my valuable time!"
"Kotal Kahn wants to see you," The soldier explained, hiding behind the expressionless visage of the skull mask. "It's important."
"Yeah, yeah, I know." Erron said rudely, shoving past him as he began heading towards the emperor's throne room.
While Erron Black was restless with frustration and an impotent rage, his colleague Ermac seemed to be in a far more peaceful state. He sat quietly, meditating. It was a means of finding balance between the thousands of souls which inhabited his collective.
And in dealing with power struggles…
Speaking of power, Ermac had been rather drained following Shao Kahn's defeat. With the emperor gone, the magic that held him together was not as strong, with every soul in his body warring for dominance. Outworld and Edenian alike in their desire for control. He had adopted a frail, ghoulish appearance since then, an external reflection of the inner turmoil within him. However, in his current state, that frailty had disappeared entirely. But at a cost. There were now even more souls swirling within his being, more to keep under control.
Oh indeed, that soul well on Shang Tsung's island had been a blessing and a curse.
Ermac's wrestling with his inner turmoil was interrupted when an Osh-Tekk soldier stepped into the room.
"Kotal Kahn wishes to see you." The soldier explained plainly.
Ermac's eyes opened, their green glow always a somewhat ethereal sight. He had been hovering idly until now, and saw fit to lower himself, uncrossing his legs so that his feet would touch the ground.
Ermac turned to face the Osh-Tekk, who seemed startled to have those bright green eyes looking into his own.
"We will be there right away." Ermac finally spoke after what felt like hours of uncomfortable silence.
It wasn't long until both soul collective and mercenary were before their emperor, ready to carry out whatever task awaited them.
"With D'Vorah a traitor and Reptile gone, you two are my most trusted guards against any attempt on my life." Kotal explained. "Along with Ruby, you will accompany me to Tarkata."
Erron and Ermac both briefly glanced at Ruby, who performed a courteous bow in return.
"Need to put the Tarks' in their place again?" Erron asked, expecting this to get violent.
Ermac held some silent irritation at the cowboy's eagerness to indulge in such violence, but held his tongue.
"No, only assure that I maintain their loyalty." Kotal clarified. "However, I cannot afford to let my guard down around a people who so fervently supported Mileena."
"Read ya loud and clear, boss." Erron acknowledged nonchalantly. "So when are we headin' out?"
Kotal stood up from his throne and went over to a nearby wall. On it, his large sword stood idly displayed. Kotal took the weapon by its hilt and fastened it to his back. He turned to face his followers.
"Immediately," he finally answered, before glancing at Ferra and Torr. "The both of you may accompany me as well."
Torr let out an unreadable grunt.
"We go with boss man!" Ferra said with her usual childish excitement.
Within hours, Kotal Kahn and his followers were approaching Tarkata. All except Ermac and Torr were clearly wary, trying to expect the unexpected.
As they walked into the Tarkatans' domain, they themselves received cautious looks. As well as ones of resentment and tempered fury. Although they had sworn fealty to Kotal Kahn, the Tarkatans were no avid fans of the emperor. Like the Shokan, their loyalty was born out of submission, disgrace, and the death of their previous leader.
This became evident as Kotal and his followers stepped towards the heart of Tarkata. To meet them, the leader of the Tarkatans stepped out of his tent, followed cautiously by two guards. His name was Karbrac, and in spite of the circumstances in which he became Baraka's successor, he attempted to present himself as a proud warrior. He wore pieces of silver armor over his clothing, and had two Tarkatan flags strapped to his back.
Karbrac walked confidently towards the emperor, his orange eyes locked with Kotal's blue ones. The Tarkatan leader and Emperor of Outworld stopped before each other. For a moment, they simply stared at one another, tension in the air. Erron Black seemed to be expecting things to get violent, a hand placed on one of his holsters. Ruby seemed less cautious, but still making an effort to be ready for anything.
Finally, the tension broke as Karbrac let out a low growl before kneeling before the emperor.
"Emperor," he spoke in the deep, gravelly voice typical of his people.
"You may rise, Karbrac." Kotal said with a calmness he did not truly possess.
Karbrac did as instructed, facing the emperor once more.
"To what… do we owe the honor?" Karbrac asked.
"I assume you have heard the whispers around Outworld." Kotal began.
"Of the 'Bandit Queen', yes," Karbrac recalled. "They say that Empre-they say Mileena has returned from the grave."
Erron raised an eyebrow, although the rest of Kotal's followers, including the emperor himself, stood firm.
"You understand that in times like these, I must be certain I still retain your allegiance." Kotal explained.
Karbrac growled again briefly. "Emperor Kotal-"
"Kotal Kahn." The emperor corrected.
"Emperor Kotal Kahn," Karbrac began again. "We Tarkatans may be feared and renowned for our savagery, likened to mere animals, but I assure you, we are no fools. You have made your station quite clear."
Karbrac looked down at his right arm. Where most Tarkatans had two large arm blades which could come out and retract on command, Karbac had one blade….
And the broken remnants of one.
It was a wound resulting from his efforts to lead the Tarkatans in an uprising against Kotal Kahn, in light of the death of Baraka. The Tarkatans were known as brutal warriors, but they still possessed a sense of honor. Murdering one of their number, particularly their leader, meant death.
Unfortunately, his group had been defeated by the emperor. Humiliated, particularly when Karbrac's blade had been broken. He remembered the event well. He was on his knees, refusing to surrender. He attempted to stab Kotal through the chest, but the emperor caught the blade, the tattoos on his body glowing red, an indication of his invoking of blood magic. With impressive force, Kotal snapped Karbrac's blade, causing incredible pain. As Karbrac struggled to keep his eyes open in spite of the pain, he saw Kotal Kahn hand the blade over to the mercenary that stood beside him to this day. Erron Black, who went on to fashion the blade, his blade, into a sword.
That was the day the Tarkatans became slaves. Though he hid it well, Karbrac hated Kotal and the mercenary. The gall of this Osh-Tekk upstart to steal the throne from its rightful heir and then slaughter his people whenever they attempted to resist him. And that sword made from his blade, a sword that a moment's glance would reveal was on the mercenary's back at this very moment. There was not much Karbac wouldn't give to take it back and open the American's throat with it...
Still, Karbrac knew one thing...
"To betray you, Emperor, would be to face extermination." He told Kotal, seeing truth in every word despite how much he despised the circumstance.
"Very good," Kotal responded. "If our business is concluded-"
Suddenly, the skies above began to darken. All present looked up at it the sudden change in weather as the clouds rolled over. They heard the rumbling of thunder.
"Straw-hat?" Ferra questioned.
"Aww hell, Raiden musta' come to finish us off!" Erron presumed, unholstering his pistols and looking around for any sign of attack.
"An attack by Raiden would violate the non-aggression pact with Earthrealm!" Ruby pointed out. She looked over to Kotal, hoping he might have some anwer.
"Emperor?"
"Rain…" was all Kotal said, his voice grim.
Suddenly a bolt of lightning came down from the sky and struck Kotal Kahn head-on, much to the surprise of both his followers and the Tarkatans. This was clearly no ordinary lightning bolt, it seemed to persist for a prolonged period rather than flashing down its destruction and being gone. Furthermore, the bolt was purple…
When the lightning faded, Kotal collapsed onto his knees. His green skin was blackened in spots, smoke coming off of him. His breaths were slow, and labored.
And then, a burst of water appeared from seemingly nowhere, and none other than Rain materialized from it.
"How does it feel, 'Emperor'?" Rain asked, before punching Kotal straight across the face, knocking him to the ground.
"You burned me…" Rain reminded him. "I hope I've done an adequate job of returning the favor."
Water began to form in Rain's hand, pressurizing and shaping into a sword. He lifted it above his head, ready to finish the usurper once and for all.
His moment was cut short when Erron Black fired a shot at the Edenian hydromancer, hitting him in the shoulder. The water sword fell apart as Rain clutched his wound and glared at his attacker.
"Now I'm afraid I can't let you be killin' my boss, partner." Erron said as he walked closer and prepared to take another shot.
"For once, we agree, mercenary. I think I'll be killing him instead."
Erron looked to his left only to be blasted back by a ball of flame, which sent him crashing to the ground. He quickly began patting down the flames still on his body, before looking up at his attacker.
Tanya held her naginata to his neck, quickly discouraging any form of attack.
"Fire-eyes!" yelled Ferra, saying something incomprehensible to command Torr to charge.
Suddenly, a woman in a semi-armored bright green attire charged into Torr, her arms enveloped in some kind of glowing energy that very clearly seemed to augment her strength. She managed to lift Torr upward and threw him into a nearby tent, Ferra falling off in the process.
"Excellent work, Emerald." Tanya complimented. She removed her weapon from Erron's neck, only to kick him in the head the moment he tried getting up.
Emerald merely nodded in response, unsheathing her sword in preparation for further combat as the mystical glow faded.
"Another Edenian looking to free their precious realm," Ruby presumed "How predictable."
"Do you not care for your own realm?" Emerald asked.
Ruby scoffed. "I am not delusional. Vinpar is gone forever, as is Edenia."
"Do you truly believe that Kotal leads a unified Outworld?" Emerald questioned further.
"I believe he leads an Outworld which will move beyond the legacy of Shao Kahn," Ruby clarified. "Though I suppose you would rather it be in the hands of your people, now that you longer have his heir to fall behind."
"You forget that she was also Princess Kitana's sister," Emerald pointed out. "Mileena was a daughter of Queen Sindel, not Shao Kahn."
"Quite the faith you have in a family of the dead." Ruby said, before taking out three throwing daggers and launching them at her opponent. Emerald leaped out of the way, before locking blades with an attacking Tarkatan.
Karbrac had given the soldier signal to attack in an effort to avoid suspicion from the emperor or any of his allies. In truth, he hoped the revolutionaries would come out on top over his people's oppressor.
Nonetheless, as Tanya stepped toward Kotal Kahn, he extended his blades. Much as it reminded him of his humiliation, the broken one had become a useful close-quarters weapon.
Kotal meanwhile climbed to his feet, sneering at Rain and struggling to maintain his footing.
"I grow weary of Edenians and their meddling." he said spitefully.
"And I, Osh-Tekk and their arrogance." Rain responded, trying to stand tall in spite of his injury.
Kotal charged the Edenian without warning, tackling him to the ground.
Karbrac growled in unspoken annoyance that the emperor had gained his second wind.
"Step aside, Karbrac." Tanya commanded.
"Mileena is no more," the Tarkatan leader responded. "My people must submit, or we will die."
"I thought Tarkatans were never ones to submit." Tanya pointed out.
"I will not have my people slaughtered in some fool's crusade!" Kabrac said irritatedly, before lunging at Tanya.
In response, Tanya flipped out of the way, hitting the Tarkatan in the chin with the back end of her naginata before fastening the weapon to her back and unholstering her preferred weapons, her pair of Kobu Jutsu.
Using the weapons, she was able to block an attempted stab from Karbrac's good blade. In response, he jabbed her in the abdomen with the broken one, puncturing her skin, but the blow not going far enough to cause any serious harm.
Tanya grunted and used what strength she could muster to push back against Karbrac, but the Tarkatan held the advantage in physical might.
Then a shadow flew overhead, momentarily drawing the attention of all present. It resembled both human and bat in shape.
Tanya smirked.
Suddenly, a large creature descended and kicked Karbrac to the ground. When its movement finally slowed, it became evident what it was. What she was.
A vampire.
"Thank you, Nitara." Tanya said graciously.
Nitara nodded. "Anything for the freedom of both our realms."
"Be a dear and keep Kotal's lackeys busy, would you?" Tanya asked.
Nitara didn't respond, merely diverting her attention to Erron Black, Ferra, and Torr. Emerald was still locked in battle, now with three Tarkatans who she utilized rather impressive bladework to keep up with. Ermac seemed to be observing the situation, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Erron walked up to the vampire in a surprisingly nonchalant manner.
"Now, what's a pretty lady like you doin' caught up in somethin' like this?" he asked.
Nitara quickly noticed the mercenary reaching for his holsters. Erron tried to get off a shot, but she slashed his hand with her rather sharp nails. The gun fired, but the bullet lodged itself in the sand.
"It was one dinner," Nitara said, clearly annoyed by Erron's shoddy attempts to woo her. He fired his other gun, which managed to shoot a hole right through one of Nitara's wings. She hissed and unsheathed her melee weapons, a pair of sickle-like Kama, which she used to slash the mercenary's chest.
"And you lost your charm quickly." To emphasize her point, Nitara kicked him to the ground, about to stomp her heel into his crotch when she caught sight of Torr lumbering over. Nitara flew out of the way of the large creature's attempt to grab her, and quickly found herself dodging several of his and Ferra's attempts at attacking.
As the symbiotic pair tried to catch their aerial opponent, Tanya stepped towards Kotal Kahn, just as Rain managed to push him off.
"Perhaps I should do more damage to repay you for what you did to me." Rain said toward the emperor as he walked over.
"And perhaps I should have ensured that I had finished you." Kotal responded
Rain growled and reformed his water sword, intending to deal with Kotal Kahn once and for all.
"No, Rain." ordered Tanya.
"Why should I spare his life?" Rain questioned, clearly baffled. "You of all people-"
"You should," Tanya clarified. "But I won't."
Rain quickly realized what Tanya had in store. "I see.."
He stepped aside. "Then, by all means..."
Tanya nodded. Holstering her Kobu Jutsu, she then pulled out her naginata.
"I assume you organized this ambush." Kotal said as he got to his feet.
"I did, usurper." Tanya said spitefully as she aimed her weapon at the emperor's chest.
"I did not take your throne, Edenian." Kotal pointed out.
"This isn't about a throne…." Tanya explained. "This is about you taking everything from me!"
"You speak of Mileena…." Kotal realized.
"Who else, you bastard!" Tanya shouted, before spinning her weapon around and hitting Kotal with the back end of it, knocking him down.
She then held the naginata's blade over her head, ready to execute the Osh-Tekk at any moment and bring his reign over Outworld to a bloody end.
"D'Vorah, is the one who-"
Before Kotal could finish, Tanya slammed her foot onto his stomach, a clear effort to shut him up.
"You ordered her execution! The execution of the true empress of Outworld!" Tanya yelled, the fire in her glowing eyes seeming to intensify with her building rage. "My empress!"
"Do you truly believe she would have given you Edenia?" Kotal asked.
"I know she would have!" Tanya answered firmly. "I loved her!"
Tanya thrust her naginata downward, but Kotal narrowly managed to catch the blade in his hands, cutting them in the process.
As his own blood dripped onto his body, Kotal's blood magic abilities activated, his tattoos glowing red and enhancing his might. He pulled Tanya's weapon toward the ground, causing her to lose her balance, before head-butting her, causing her to stumble onto the ground.
Kotal got up and tossed the naginata aside before walking towards the dazed Tanya. Rain charged toward him in an effort to rescue her, but Kotal grabbed him by the throat and tossed him aside.
"Your rebellion is over." the emperor told the shocked and frightened Tanya.
Nitara attempted to intervene, but Torr managed to grab her by the leg, slamming her into the ground.
Emerald ran towards Kotal, sword at the ready, but multiple Tarkatans managed to tackle her to the ground.
Karbrac and Ruby walked towards the emperor.
"You have proven your people's loyalty, Karbrac." Kotal said approvingly.
Karbrac merely nodded, having no wish to disclose his true feelings on the matter.
"What shall we do with them?" Ruby asked.
"Line them up for execution," Kotal ordered. "The last remnants of Mileena's mockery of a reign end today."
Minutes later, Kotal's followers had done as ordered. Tanya, Rain, Emerald, and Nitara had their hands bound behind their backs, in Nitara's case her wings were tied down as well, awaiting execution.
"On this day, Outworld will finally be rid of this insurgent foolishness." Kotal proclaimed as he took his large serrated blade and held it at the ready.
He looked at the four before him, contemplating which would be the first to die.
Finally, he settled on Tanya.
"If you miss Mileena so," Kotal said as he raised the sword above his head, ready to bring it down on her. "I shall reunite you with her."
Then, an object zipped by Kotal and Tanya's faces, embedding itself in the ground. All that could be immediately registered was that it was silver and purple in color. Both looked down to see what it was.
A sai.
Tanya's eyes very quickly widened as she recognized the weapon.
Suddenly, purple energy began to emanate from the sai between them. In an instant the energy took form and a booted foot kicked Kotal Kahn in the chin, causing him to stumble backwards.
Kotal wiped the blood off of his face before getting a good look at his attacker.
"Impossible…." he spoke aloud.
"No Kotal, not impossible at all." The woman replied.
Kotal and Tanya then said the same thing in unison:
"Mileena…"
Indeed, there stood the once empress of Outworld, thought to have been killed that year ago. A year that had been agonizingly long for Tanya…
And all too brief for Kotal Kahn.
Mileena's fiery orange-golden eyes stared directly at the emperor with determination and anger, her expression unreadable due to her trademark veil. She was decked out in a far more regal attire than she'd previously worn when last seen among the land of the living, having apparently recovered her crown as well, which sat atop her head as a symbol of defiance against Kotal's rule.
"So…" Kotal spoke carefully. "The rumors are true."
"Oh yes Kotal, I am very much alive." Mileena confirmed.
"But how?" Kotal asked. "I saw you—"
Mileena giggled as if Kotal had made a joke.
"Oh dear Kotal," Mileena said in a mockingly sympathetic tone.
"Shang Tsung made spares."
With that, Mileena snapped her fingers, and dozens of replicas of herself came leaping forward, all wearing armor similar if not identical to Mileena's attire prior to her "death". All brandished a pair of sai, Mileena's weapon of choice.
Kotal, his followers, the rebels, and the surrounding Tarkatans were all taken aback by such a sight. The Mileenas quickly occupied Kotal's forces, becoming locked in battle with each of his present followers.
Kotal Kahn took a moment to behold this unusual spectacle, before turning to Mileena and charging at her, sword at the ready.
It seemed Kotal's strike would cut clean through the "prime" Mileena, until suddenly his motion was stopped entirely.
"No!"
A green energy seemed to surround and bind Kotal Kahn. His sword then flew from his hand and onto the ground below.
Mileena herself was surprised by this action, but quickly realized the cause of it.
So did Kotal.
"E-Ermac?" The emperor asked, baffled.
He was then thrown into the air, crashing to the ground in what was surely a painful moment.
Mileena looked over to her unexpected savior as he hovered over to her.
"We knew you still lived," Ermac explained. "We could sense that your soul persisted."
"Thank you, Ermac," Mileena said appreciatively. "I knew I could always count on you."
"Of course, empress." Ermac responded.
A bullet flew between the two, pulling them back into the situation at hand.
"Well well well," said Erron Black as he walked forward, one of the Mileena clones falling dead in front of him. "Looks like we got yet anotha' traitor in our midsts."
"At least our fealty is not bought, mercenary." Ermac said disdainfully.
"I just don't get it, 'Mac…" Erron continued, shaking his head. "Why turn ya back on us now?"
Ermac looked at Mileena, and then back at Erron.
"Because a father will never abandon his daughter." He said in a noticeably different voice than normal. One more regal, and singular, lacking the usual haunting echo of Ermac's voice.
Erron didn't really get what he was talking about, so merely shrugged and fired both his pistols at Ermac and Mileena.
The bullets were suddenly stopped in mid-air, surrounded by that green energy invocitave of Ermac's telekinetic powers.
"And besides, Kotal Kahn has never commanded our loyalty," Ermac elaborated as he allowed the bullets to harmlessly drop to the ground.
Kotal climbed to his feet just as he heard those words.
"What!?" He asked, entirely baffled and clearly infuriated.
Ermac and Mileena turned to face him, two more of Mileena's doubles pouncing Erron Black and keeping him occupied.
"Oh Kotal, all this time and you hadn't figured it out?" Mileena asked in return.
"We would never betray Mileena!" Ermac proclaimed with pride.
"Ermac was my man on the inside all along." Mileena explained, dragging out the last two words as if she were a child recanting some manner of discovery to their parents.
"So, all these years within our midsts….." Kotal said angrily. "One of my closest allies…."
"First D'Vorah, and then Reptile," Ermac pointed out. "We really think you should be used to this by now."
Kotal growled in frustration before again calling upon his blood magic, the tool which had brought him victory over King Gorback and Goro.
As Mileena's lover and her allies watched, they noticed someone approaching from behind.
"Blood magic?" Asked a feminine voice. "Really Kotal, leave such things ...to the master."
Before Kotal could even fully turn around, tentacles made from blood grabbed him and tossed him around every which way, one always catching him when the other released.
"That should keep him busy." said Skarlet as she stepped toward Mileena and Ermac.
Mileena lowered her veil, revealing her not-quite-human, not-quite-Tarkatan, mouth. It resembled the typical arrangement of jagged fangs possessed by a Tarkatan, save for human lips at the center, and smaller fangs just behind them.
It was an uncanny appearance to most, even more so when she smiled as she did toward Skarlet.
"Good work, sister." Mileena complimented, her word choice confusing Tanya and Rain. Ermac however seemed to understand.
"Of course," Skarlet replied modestly. "So, what about your friends?"
"I believe our little brother is attending to that." Mileena explained.
A shadow came over the rebels. They turned to see a skinless man standing over them, shortly before crouching down and beginning to untie the ropes that bound them.
"Who…..What are you?" Asked Rain, dumbfounded.
Emerald jammed her shoulder into him. "Rude!" She chastised. "That's the first thing you ask someone who's helping us?"
The creature didn't respond at first, before uttering a single word.
"Meat."
"... Is he hungry?" Emerald asked.
"No," Meat responded as he moved from untying Tanya to untying Rain. "It's the only name Shang Tsung ever gave me."
"Oh..." was all Emerald managed to say.
As they were freed, each of the rebels stood up. Tanya immediately set her eyes on the "prime" Mileena. To most, she was an intimidating sight.
To Tanya, she was the most beautiful person in all the realms.
"M-Mileena…?" She said, almost unable to believe what she was seeing.
Mileena quickly made eye contact with her lover. Her fierce gaze seemed to soften when beholding Tanya.
"Oh, dearest Tanya…" Mileena said affectionately.
"I thought you were—" Tanya began.
"I know." Mileena replied.
Tanya then burst into a full-on sprint, running headfirst towards her empress, nearly knocking Mileena to the ground as she embraced her. Tanya held on tightly, wanting to never let go. Tears streamed down her face and onto Mileena's shoulder.
"Please….." Tanya said softly. "Never leave me again."
Mileena returned the embrace.
"I won't, my love," she assured. "I won't."
The two lovers moved back from one another slightly, staring into each other's eyes. Moments later, it was evident their passions could not be contained, and thus, they kissed.
Mileena and Tanya held the kiss, both hoping it would last an eternity. But alas, all good things must come to an end.
A war horn was sounded, and soon a battalion of Osh-Tekk soldiers descended upon Tarkata.
"Uh oh…." said Meat.
"Kotal Kahn's contingency force, in case he lost the loyalty of the Tarkatans." Ermac explained.
Overhearing this, Karbrac growled at the fact that Outworld's reigning emperor trusted his people so little.
"It's time to go." Mileena decided.
Hearing that, Skarlet wordlessly commanded her blood tentacles to drop Kotal Kahn to the ground. Evidently, killing him would come later.
Mileena's allies all huddled together, surrounded by her small legion of clones.
"Alright everyone, get ready!" Mileena advised, before grabbing Tanya's hand and holding it tightly.
Soon after, Mileena and all her clones began glowing a purple hue, an indication of her mystically-imbued teleportation abilities. Singularly, Mileena could only teleport moderate distances.
Together…..
There was a large flash of purple light, and in a moment, Mileena, her followers, and her clones, were gone.
The Osh-Tekk warriors halted their advance upon witnessing this, clearly confused. Meanwhile, Ruby helped Kotal Kahn to his feet, as Erron Black, Ferra, and Torr approached him.
"Well, that sure was somethin'." Was the only comment Erron had on the matter.
"Boss-man okay?" Ferra asked.
"Yes, will you be alright, emperor?" Ruby asked.
Kotal didn't respond at first. His head hung low, his breaths slow and deliberate. When he looked up, his expression contained raw anger.
"MILEENA!" He shouted so loudly that it produced an echo.
Meanwhile, the rebel group rematerialized outside a small, remote compound.
"This is our new base of operations?" Rain asked.
"Seems like it." Affirmed Emerald.
"Is anyone injured?" Asked Skarlet.
"Why, so you can drain us for sustenance?" Rain said, clearly distrustful of the blood sorceress due to her prior allegiance to Reiko.
Skarlet scoffed and walked over to him. She brushed aside the hand Rain held over his shoulder wound and began focusing on it. She used the blood within his body to push the bullet out, holding it up with small tendrils made from that same blood, before allowing it to drop to the ground. Against her instinct to do exactly what Rain said she would, Skarlet made the blood recede back into his body and hastened the process by which the wound scabbed over using her magic.
"Amazing…." Rain said, looking at the wound. "How did you learn that?"
"I didn't," Skarlet told him. "Experimentation. I'm...'turning over a new leaf', I believe the saying is."
"So she's your sister now?" Tanya asked, still holding onto her lover's hand.
Mileena nodded. "And Meat is our brother."
Meat waved.
"All three of us, children of the Flesh Pits." Skarlet further elaborated.
"Quite the talent you have for blood magic." Nitara complimented, quickly drawing Skarlet's attention.
"T-Thank you…" she replied somewhat awkwardly.
For reasons she could not quite grasp, Skarlet seemed fixated on Nitara. It was only for a moment, but long enough for Nitara to notice, a fact that embarrassed Skarlet a little.
Mileena noticed it too, and a plan forming in her mind before Tanya's voice drew her attention.
"So, I guess the only question left is… How?"
Mileena smiled, tilting her head and running her fingers through Tanya's hair.
"That, my dear Tanya, is an interesting story…."
Author's Note: Emerald OC belongs to SamuraiCowboy231.