In the decade since I first wrote and then later rewrote Sister, Sister, Oh So Fair, I have grown substantially as a writer. Because of that, I considered returning to this story a few years ago, but I never went through with it. With the imminent release of the second Mortal Kombat video game reboot, I decided to return to this story and finally finish it for the people who have continued to read it through the years.
As always, constructive criticism is appreciated.
I do not own nor do I claim to own NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat, or the characters created by the former.
As they walked leisurely through the Royal Garden, Kitana admitted to Jade, "I don't understand. Why won't she talk to me? I want to help her."
"I know," Jade replied. "But you can't help her unless she wants to be helped."
"We're sisters, Jade," Kitana said. "We know each other very well. I can tell how much she's hurting. If she doesn't think I can help her, who can?"
"You will, but you have to be patient. It's going to take time for Mileena to realize she needs help coping with everything that has happened recently," Jade advised. "When she does, you'll be there, as always. And you'll help her heal."
With a sad smile, Kitana thanked Jade for her advice. Near the Royal Greenhouse, a member of the Outworld Guard stopped Kitana and Jade.
"Your Highness," he said. "Her Imperial Majesty Mileena Kahn has requested your presence among her advisers. Shall I escort you to the Palace?"
Before Kitana could answer him, Jade said, "I'll escort her to the Palace, Cai. Thank you." The guardsman bowed before he left Kitana and Jade, both of whom walked back to the Royal Palace. As they approached the Throne Room, they heard a heated argument from behind the doors. Opening the doors, Kitana saw Mileena for the first time in three days—her hair was disheveled, her dress torn, and her eyes were shining bright orange in the sunlight as she vociferously argued with her advisers.
"This is madness," Lord Huan said, but Mileena fired back, "Do you dare speak against your Empress?"
As members of the nobility began to notice Kitana and Jade, they pleaded with Kitana, "Please, help us."
"She has lost her mind," Lady Liana said.
"The Empress wants to invade Earthrealm," Lord Huan informed Kitana.
With a quick flicker of her orange eyes, Mileena looked directly at her sister.
"Sister," she hissed. "How kind of you to join us."
As Kitana processed the pleas for help from the nobility, she found herself shocked and horrified Mileena would even consider invading Earthrealm. What happened to her? What made her change her mind about Earthrealm? How did she plan to bypass the barrier? Shaking her head, Kitana focused on the matter at hand, and she said, "That would mean war, Mileena."
"Really?" Mileena mocked.
"What happened to you?"
"I've been freed," Mileena replied. "The truth has set me free."
"What do you mean?"
She stood up from her Throne, and she started walking toward Kitana and Jade. With a condescending laugh, Mileena said in a singsong voice, "Sister, sister, oh so fair. . . . Oh so beautiful, oh so kind, oh so loving." Her voice returned to its normal tone as she spat, "You know nothing."
Although Kitana attempted to meet Mileena halfway, Jade held her back, standing in front of her.
"What are you doing?" Kitana asked.
Before Jade could answer her, Mileena interjected, "Yes, Jade. . . . What are you doing?"
Her green eyes flickered from Kitana to Mileena and back again.
"You look and sound unhinged," Jade answered. "What happened, Mileena? Tell us your truth."
"I would love nothing more," Mileena said.
As she spoke, she was able to quickly unsheath her sai, and she lunged at Jade. The two lifelong friends began to fight each other, ostensibly to the death. Although Mileena initially had the upper hand, Jade was able to make headway through defensive maneuvers. She did not want to harm her friend, much less her Empress. In the chaos, the nobility fled the Palace, with Kitana's help. Blood spattered and bruises formed as Mileena and Jade continued to fight. Kitana wanted to help, but she knew she would only cause more trouble if she were to get involved.
After an exhaustive battle, Mileena pinned Jade against the wall, her sai pressed against her throat. Kitana implored Mileena not to kill their friend.
"Please, Mileena," Kitana begged. "Remember who you are."
Her hands began to tremble, and Mileena found she could not do it. She could not kill Jade. Collapsing to her knees and dropping her sai, her body is racked with sobs. Tearing her violet mask off, she finally revealed to Kitana the extent of her Tarkata illness. While her eyes widened in shock at the sight, Kitana was more concerned for her sister than by her illness and disfigurement.
"Mileena. . . ." Kitana said as she approached her sister, but Mileena snapped at her as she went from sorrow back to rage. Cutting her leg with one of her sai, she took Kitana on as a new opponent.
"Who am I?"
Backing away, Kitana watched as Mileena stood up, her sai in her hands.
"I'm a monster," Mileena said. "That's who I am."