Mortal Kombat Special: The Emperor and Princesses of Outworld
The realm of Outworld stood since the realms were first created. Longer than anyone can remember, the realm was ruled by a powerful being, Onaga, the Dragon King, his immense strength, his skill in magic, and his mastery of necromancy allowed Onaga to create a vast empire and an army of immortal warriors that all of Outworld knew and revered. However, the Dragon King's reign would come to an end when Shao Kahn, his trusted advisor, slowly poisoned him over the course of 1,000 years. After Onaga's death, Shao Kahn took full control of his empire, even taking Onaga's skull and turning it into a mask that he would wear. However, despite his ruling over Outworld, Shao Kahn was not satisfied with one realm, he wished to expand his empire to other realms. With the aid of his shadow priests, he found the realm he would conquer, Edenia, a realm that was mostly peaceful and, according to news from the shadow priests, had recently lost its protector god, meaning they could invade it with little trouble. It was then that Shao Kahn began planning his invasion.
"Has there been any success in controlling Onaga's army?" Shao Kahn asked one of his shadow priests
"I am afraid not, my lord. The Dragon King seems to have kept his knowledge of necromancy to himself. Without it, the warriors are nothing more than motionless husks." The shadow priest said
"Hmm. Then we will need to work without them." Shao Kahn said as the two walked into a room where several of Shao Kahn's generals were standing, looking over a map of Edenia's capital kingdom. "Report." The emperor said.
"Edenia is a realm of little threat to us, my lord. A direct frontal assault with all our forces should be more than enough to cripple them." One general said moving red pieces towards the image of the castle.
"But what of the Edienian elite warriors?" Asked a young-sounding voice, Shao Kahn and the generals looked to see a young man in the doorway, "Surely we cannot risk the emperor's soldiers on such an attack." He said concerned
"Who are you to speak to-" the general said sternly before Shao Kahn raised his hand, silencing him.
"Who are you, child? How did you get in here?" Shao Kahn asked
"M-my name is Reiko, my lord. I am a recruit under training for your army." He said, quickly bowing, "I overheard your planning."
"I see. So, Reiko, you see the problem with the general's plan?" Shao Kahn asked him calmly
''...Edenia's elite warriors are of very high skill. We might be able to defeat them, but not without sustaining massive losses.'' Reiko said. "I-I have studied Edenia in great detail ever since I was recruited in your army."
"And what do you suggest?" the emperor asked this recruit
"Well...I have been studying Edenia and its structure. If there was a different frontal force providing an assault, it would leave the side entrances to the royal palace open for more elite soldiers." Reiko said
"And what should provide said frontal assault?" Shao Kahn asked the boy
"I have concluded that the Tarkatans would be the best choice. They are not only very dangerous in combat, but they are also very high in numbers." Reiko suggested
"My lord, surely we should not be listening to this boy, we-" the general said before Kahn interrupted
"I have already silenced you once, General. Must I make sure you stay that way?"
The general bowed his head in silence.
"You show quite the strategic knowledge for someone of such a young age." Shao Kahn said to Reiko
"T-thank you, my lord." the young man said
"Come, let us devise the plans further." Shao Kahn said bringing Reiko into the room. Over several more weeks, Outworld began preparing for its invasion of Edenia.
Edenia, it was a beautiful realm of peace and prosperity. Its cities glistened like gems, its people elegant and noble, and its ruler, King Jerrod, a generous and kind monarch. King Jerrod walked to the balcony of the castle's throne room, his long black hair flowing in the wind alongside his purple cape. A golden necklace with his family crest around his neck and another gold piece with the crest on his belt. Who he saw standing on the balcony was his wife, Queen Sindel, with her flowing white hair and her purple gown with gold trimmings, her stomach enlarged with her and Jerrod's child. Jerrod walked to his wife and wrapped his arms around her.
"It should not be long now before our daughter sees the world for the first time." Jerrod said, placing his hands on his wife's stomach.
"Indeed, and I cannot wait for her to arrive, my love." Sindel smiled before the two kissed. The two lovingly holding each other in their arms. However, it was during this moment between lovers that the clouds began to blot out the sun, thunder roaring from the sky, and the sky itself turned purple.
"What in Argus's name is going on?" Jerrod said as he and Sindel looked up into the sky. It was then that a large portal opened up in the sky, and several large flying beasts descended. Several portals then began to open all over their city, monsters and tarkatans pouring out of the portals, attacking and killing many citizens and guardsmen who got in their way. Jarrod and Sindel watched in horror; Jerrod glared before he ran to his throne in the room and grabbed a sword.
"Sindel, quickly, get to safety." Jerrod said before the two heard fighting just outside the throne room. Warriors with red and gold armor with skull-shaped helmets barged in, killing the Edenien royal guards. Two of them charged at Jerrod and attempted to strike him, Jerrod blocked the hits with his sword and struck down the two enemies. Jerrod then heard his wife scream, looking to see more enemy soldiers had grabbed her. He tried to run to her but a green energy lance was thrown right through his left arm. He screamed in pain and held his now motionless arm. He turned around to see Shao Kahn standing there.
"King Jerrod. I am Shao Kahn, emperor of Outworld. I have come to take your realm." he calmly said holding a large metal hammer.
Jerrod looked back at his wife, still being held by soldiers, and then back at Shao Kahn, glaring at him.
"I do not know who you are, Shao Kahn, nor do I know why you attack us. But know this, Edenia will not be yours!" Jerrod said before charging at Shao Kahn with his sword, Kahn blocked the sword strike with his hammer before he shoulder charged upwards, sending Jerrod up. He then slammed his hammer down on Jerrod's torso as they landed, the king screaming in pain. Jerrod struggled to turn himself around, coughing a bit of blood. He tried to raise himself up, but Shao Kahn formed a lance of green energy in his hand and threw it, it went right through Jerrod's right leg. He screamed in pain again before Kahn formed another energy lance and threw it through Jerrod's right arm.
"Jerrod!" Sindel screamed in worry as the soldiers restrained her. Shao Kahn walked to Jerrod and slammed his hammer into the side of Jerrod's left leg. The hit was so hard that the leg was shattered, the calf bones now jutting out of the leg. He screamed in pain as he fell to the ground. Shao Kahn walked closer to Jerrod and raised his hammer up. Sindel watched in horror as Kahn brought down the hammer hard, the strike smashing her husband's head and skull into pieces. Blood, brain matter, and skull fragments went across the floor, blood even splattering on Sindel herself.
"Shall we dispose of this one, my lord?" one of the soldiers asked, Shao Kahn looked at Sindel, who was simply staring at the dead body of Jerrod, speechless and tears streaming down her face.
"No." He simply said before walking to Sindel. He placed his hand below her chin and raised her head up to look him in the eyes. "You have nothing to fear of me. I would never harm someone with...beauty, quite like yours." he said as he began slowly stroking Sindel's face and hair.
After the death of Jerrod and the conquering of Edenia, it and Outworld merged, Edenia becoming nothing more than another part of Outworld. Shao Kahn had decided to take Sindel as his queen, the widow had no choice but to agree. Sindel sat in the quarters Shao Kahn had given her, the decor was pleasant and Kahn was giving her the highest of privileges. Sindel herself was now in a different outfit, a revealing red and black outfit with high black boots and shining red gems along the straps on her torso, a gold crown on her head.
"Are you pleased with your room, Sindel?" Shao Kahn asked her.
"Yes...it is good." Sindel replied
"You are my wife now, Sindel, and whatever you need, whatever you desire, I will provide it."
Sindel paused before resting her hand on her stomach, "When my daughter is born...I wish for there to be no harm brought to her. That is what I desire."
"Very well, no harm will come to you or your child, the two of us will raise her together." Shao Kahn said sitting down next to Sindel. "You and I shall rule Outworld into a new era of greatness. As Emperor and Empress..." Kahn said before he gently raised Sindel's hand to him and kissed it, "...as husband and wife."
Sindel kept a stone-faced expression, it took every ounce of strength within her to not spit in Shao Kahn's face upon that kiss. Perhaps this man was truly in love with her, but she felt nothing except hatred and disgust toward this monster. This monster who conquered her realm, murdered her husband, enslaved her people, and who had made her become his wife.
"I...I wish to be alone now." Sindel said
"...very well." Kahn said as he got up and left the room. Sindel stood up and grabbed a blank book from the shelf. She took a quill and ink and began writing in the book.
"My Daughter, if you are reading this, it will mean that it is time you learn the truth. I promise you that whatever Shao Kahn may have told you is nothing except lies and deceit.
I will use this journal to tell you everything about your past, the home you were supposed to have, and your true father, King Jerrod." Sindel wrote down, over several weeks, she wrote in the journal everything she knew about Edenia, how she and Jerrod grew to know and love each other, and the truth about Outworld and Shao Kahn. Sindel would eventually give birth to her daughter, whom Shao Kahn had named Kitana. While Sindel tried to raise her daughter well, the dread and despair she felt from the life she now had was immeasurable.
On a seemingly normal day in Outworld, Reiko was in Shao Kahn's throne room, waiting before a portal opened up, Shao Kahn himself walked out.
"My lord, how was your meeting with the Elder Gods?" he asked
"The Elder Gods have decided they now fear my power." Shao Kahn said irritated. "They have created a contest that must be won ten continuous times to merge realms They have forced me to abide by their rules."
Shao Kahn was pacing around his throne room, wondering about his next move when a servant ran in.
"My lord! There is something wrong with Empress Sindel!"
"What!? Take me to her!" Shao Kahn said. He, Reiko, and a shadow priest followed the servant to Sindel's room. Sindel was lying on the ground motionless, in her hands was an empty glass vial. Shao Kahn slowly walked to her before falling to his knees, he lifted her body and looked at her lifeless face. Reiko picked up the vial and examined it closely.
"It is poison, my lord." he said. Kahn simply looked at Sindel's face and body of Sindel before holding it close to him.
"Shadow priest, has her soul left her body yet?" the emperor asked
"Her soul is not far, my lord, I can retrieve it." the shadow priest replied
"Do it. Take her soul and store it in the Soul Chamber...but do not put it with the rest of the filth. Keep her soul separate." Kahn said, the shadow priest bowed his head in response. Shao Kahn then walked over to the crib that the baby Kitana was in, looking at the sleeping infant.
Over the next 3,000 years, Shao Kahn would raise Kitana as his own. On a normal day, Kitana was training with General Reiko, the general having been responsible for most of Kitana's combat training. Kitana readied herself in a blue garb, Reiko readied himself in a red and black outfit with metal shoulder pads and spikes at various points, the outfit meant to resemble Shao Kahn's. The two begin their training, trading blows with one another and blocking various attacks from each other.
"Your enemy will underestimate you from your size and build, Kitana. Use that to your advantage." Reiko told Kitana as he blocked several hits from her. Kitana then dodged and went through the gap between Reiko's leg to get behind before she swept Reiko's leg, sending him falling to the ground.
"You're right, Reiko, I should take advantage of my size." Kitana giggled. Reiko smirked as he got up. Kitana was fond of Reiko, he was the closest thing she had to a brother. "Reiko, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, Kitana, what is it?" Reiko replied
Kitana paused for a bit "...do you know anything about my mother?"
Reiko was unsure how to answer Kitana's question, and that was when Shao Kahn walked in.
"General, I believe I should speak to Kitana about this. Return to your duties." he said walking in, Reiko bowed and left. "Now then, Kitana. It is time I told you about your mother." Kahn said sitting down near Kitana. "Long ago, after I became the ruler of Outworld, I had started a mission to bring peace to the realms. The war and pain that plagued the realms, I know it was my destiny to end it and unite them all under the empire of Outworld. The first realm I chose to aid was Edenia. A realm ravaged by a tyrannical king known as Jerrod. But in that realm, I met your mother, the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. She helped me overthrow Jerrod and liberate Edenia. Soon, she and I fell in love, were married, and had you." Shao Kahn said, smiling and petting Kitana's head.
"What happened to her?" Kitana asked Kahn
"Unfortunately, there are still some that follow Jerrod's ways and rebel against me. One night, followers of Jerrod snuck into the palace and took your mother's life." Shao Kahn said sympathetically to Kitana, comforting his daughter, naturally distraught after hearing that. "Your mother was a legendary woman, Kitana, and I know that she would be most proud of you." He said, Kitana smiled in response and hugged her father, him hugging her back.
over 6,000 more years passed and Kitana grew up to become a capable fighter thanks to both Reiko's training and the training of Jade, an Edenian woman Kitana's age who served as her bodyguard and friend. It was at this time that a new ally joined Outworld, the sorcerer, Shang Tsung, a former fighter for Earthrealm who had joined Shao Kahn. Over the next few hundred years, Shang Tsung had proved himself most useful to Kahn due to his mastery of both magic and science. However, the full scope of his skills would not be clear until one fateful day. Kitana was walking through the palace garden when she saw Shang Tsung approach a wall. The sorcerer pressed a panel on the wall and a secret passage opened up. Kitana had her concerns about what the sorcerer was planning and followed Shang Tsung. The princess walked down a long spiral stone staircase before a foul odor hit her. She followed further until she reached the entrance to a room, and what she saw horrified her. Large vats containing mutated monstrosities, hooks and chains holding up mutilated creatures that were still alive, various contraptions and tools that looked like they were designed for torture, and flesh and blood stains littering the walls and the floor. It was like nothing she had ever seen or had ever wished to see. Then she saw something, it was Shang Tsung experimenting with a woman...a woman that looked like her. Kitana left the room and went to Reiko.
"What?" Reiko asked Kitana confused
"Shang Tsung. He has made some horrible copy of myself. In a laboratory hidden in the gardens." Kitana explained
"Are you sure about this?"
"I am certain, Reiko, we must bring Shang Tsung to my father and tell him about this."
Reiko was unsure, he had no knowledge of Shang Tsung doing something like this, and he did not know if this was something Shao Kahn ordered Shang Tsung to do or not. But as he saw the horrified look on Kitana's face, he knew he had to help her. Kitana led him to the laboratory, he was horrified by what he saw in the lab and the copy of Kitana, especially the mouth filled with sharp, tarkatan teeth.
"Princess Kitana, General Reiko, is there a problem?" Shang Tsung asked the two casually
"What is the problem? What is all this!?" Kitana said outraged
"This is my laboratory, it is where I perform my work." Shang Tsung said
"Your work? What of this creature!?" Reiko said pointing at the copy of Kitana on the table.
"If you calm yourself, I'm sure I will be able to explain to both of you." Shang Tsung said
"You will explain, sorcerer, to my father." Kitana said glaring at Shang Tsung.
The two took Shang Tsung to Shao Kahn's throne room and brought the sorcerer before him.
"And in this laboratory, I found this hideous creation. A copy of me, spliced with tarkatan blood to create some abomination." Kitana explained to her father.
"Shang Tsung, is this true?" Shao Kahn asked
"My lord...yes...it is." Shang Tsung answered
"I see..." Shao Kahn said pausing for a moment, "...General Reiko, bring Jade and one of my shadow priests in here, now." he commanded, Reiko bowed his head and walked out of the room. Shao Kahn got up from his throne and walked to his clearly distraught daughter, he held her close to him. "Kitana, I promise you that I had no knowledge of such deeds. I will make sure this is rectified." he told her in a comforting and reassuring tone. Reiko walked in with Jade and one of Shao Kahn's shadow priests. Jade held Kitana close to her and comforted her as the shadow priest floated to Kahn.
"How may I be of service, my lord?" the shadow priest asked
"My daughter is clearly distraught from this experience. See if your magic can...ease her pain." Shao Kahn said. The shadow priest nodded and used his magic on Kitana and Jade, their eyes glowed green and they became motionless.
"They are under a trance, my lord."
"Good. Now then, as for you..." Shao Kahn said walking to Shang Tsung, "...well done, sorcerer." he said placing his hand on Shang Tsung's shoulder.
"The experiments have proven successful, my lord. She is ready." Shang Tsung smiled at the emperor.
"Excellent. Now then, show me my new daughter." Shao Kahn said, Reiko watched the two leave, he was taken aback by what happened. He knew he shouldn't question his emperor's actions but a part of him was still concerned about the magic trance Kitana and Jade were just placed under.
Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung walked to the sorcerer's laboratory, seeing the naked woman lying on the table before she opened her eyes.
"Ah, just in time." Shang Tsung said, "This, my creation, is Shao Kahn. He is your emperor and your father." he told the woman
"My...father?" the woman as she slowly got up.
"She looks almost exactly like Kitana, except for her mouth." Shao Kahn said examining her.
"Unfortunately, my lord, the tarkatan genes I had to give her have some...visual consequences. I'm afraid there is no way to create a perfect replica of Kitana as per your requested additions." Shang Tsung explained. Shao Kahn looked closely at the woman before he placed his hand over her mouth, when her mouth was hidden from sight, she was a perfect clone of Kitana's appearance.
"Hmm, as long as she keeps her mouth covered, she will do." Kahn said, "In the meantime, does she have a name?"
"Father, if I may speak, I think I would
like the name...Mileena." the clone said
"Then Mileena it shall be, my child." Shao Kahn said placing his hand on Mileena's shoulder. "Now then, we must erase Kitana's memories of ever finding her." he said to Shang Tsung. "And replace her and Jade's memories of the ordeal in the throne room with something else."
Kitana slowly woke up, she was now in her own bed. She groaned a bit and held her head in pain.
"Ah, excellent, Princess, you are awake." Shang Tsung said entering Kitana's bedroom with Jade and the now clothed Mileena.
"What...what happened?" Kitana asked
"You were in the palace gardens when rebels attacked you. They knocked you unconscious, and may have done worse if Mileena had not arrived and saved you." Shang Tsung said.
"Mileena?" Kitana asked as Mileena sat down next to her. Kitana smiled and hugged Mileena, "Thank you, sister."
Mileena paused for a second before she happily hugged Kitana back, "Of course, Kitana."
"My Lord, I am not one to insult a decision you have made, but I question why Kitana's memories have been altered." Reiko asked Shao Kahn in the throne room.
"It is for her own good. Your spies have said the Edenian rebellion has grown, correct?" Shao Kahn asked
"Yes, but I do not see-" Reiko said before he was interrupted
"That means that there is a greater chance of Kitana knowing the truth. Should she know the truth, she will certainly turn against me. The Edenian rebels that fool leading them called Rain will most certainly try to turn Kitana against me. That is why I had Mileena created, as a contingency should Kitana betray me. Mileena will be able to talk to Kitana and convince her to stay loyal, or if the worst comes, she will kill Kitana and take her place."
"Kill? Take her place? My lord, I do not understand." Reiko said worried
"General, I saw potential in you ever since you were a boy. I have trusted you with very important information and tasks, have I not?" Shao Kahn asked
"Yes, you have."
"Then it is here where I trust you to understand my reasoning. You have been just as involved in raising Kitana as I have. You know her a great deal, and you know that if she learned the truth, it would bring her great pain. The life she has now is what is best for both her and Outworld." Shao Kahn said
Reiko looked down and closed his eyes "...yes, my lord. I understand."
A few more centuries passed as Kitana and her sister, Mileena, lived their lives as Outworld's princesses. One day, their father had called them to the throne room.
"Kitana, Mileena. There is something I would like to announce." Shao Kahn said, "Another Mortal Kombat tournament is arriving. Outworld has won the last nine tournaments against Earthrealm, and I want to make sure that Outworld's victory is assured. As such, Kitana, I have decided that you shall participate in this tournament. I trust that your abilities will secure our final victory over Earthrealm."
"Thank you, Father." Kitana said bowing.
"Why is Kitana the only one chosen?" Mileena asked
"I have been watching your training and combat, and I have decided that Kitana is the better fighter of the two of you." Shao Kahn said
Kitana and Mileena left the throne room, Kitana saw Mileena was upset. "What's wrong, sister?"
"I suppose I am simply saddened. I have tried my hardest to match you, Kitana, and yet Father has chosen you in this victory for Outworld." Millena said.
"Oh, Mileena." Kitana said before pulling Mileena closer, "No matter what father says, you will always be, in my eyes, my equal, my friend, and my sister." she said before hugging Mileena, Mileena hugging her back.
"Thank you, Kitana." Mileena said. Mileena knew why she was created, and she knew what she was expected to eventually do...but she also loved the affection and sisterly love Kitana had given her over the centuries. For as far as Mileena was concerned, Kitana was her loving sister.