The Umgadi Problem

by Kyze Larion

All firstborn daughters by tradition are forfeit to the Umgadi. Why should she be any different? A series of events explaining Mileena's honorary status as an Umgadi warrior.

4. Fourth Incident-Maybe You're the Problem

They were cheering again. That's all they ever seemed to do. Like it was all they were capable of. Good news, bad news, no news, they cheered. And she waved and smiled, like that's all she was capable of. This exchange was the brunt of her princess duties for now.

"You're quite good at that Mileena. Do you ever worry you're going to slip up and let them see your true face?"

Inside her carriage, she didn't have to hide her agitation from her twin. She was always there, leaving Mileena no secrets to herself. Even though Kitana had to dress as she did, and smile and wave all the same, she was still allowed small freedoms that Mileena envied. Like the elegant royal blades at her hips. Hidden but easily accessible.

"If you're so worried about it, switch clothes with me. You can smile and wave til your heart's content."

"Maybe when we were children and our outfits were less, complicated. By time we finish dressing we'll be home."

"That suits me fine. Mother and father will no doubt want to talk about this prince thing again. You can stay for that lecture too." She knew if she started undressing, rather Kitana wanted to or not, she would oblige. "You know if you cut your hair,"

"I like my hair how it is. Just pull the hat down more. I don't think we should bother with the skirts. I'm just waving. They look so similar anyway. Besides I need my weapons."

"Just give me the weapons, when you speak with mother and father they will notice."

"You were serious about that? Mileena I can't."

"Sure you can. Just tell me what they say. I'm sure I already know. Do you want me to be bored to death? What kind of guard are you if you can't even protect me from the mental abuse of a daily lecture?"

Since Kitana was doing her such a big favor, she didn't comment on how tight her top was. It was hugging Mileena in an obscene way. Her clothes weren't noticeably loose on Kitana, if anything they looked like they fit perfect.

Taking her place, Kitana beamed a bright and shining smile on her, before showing it to the crowd. Again, the crowd cheered, maybe even louder than before.

"Look at you. You're a natural."

She scowled over her shoulder. "I do this for you. Not because I enjoy it. I've been smiling and waving on my side too. My face hurts. This is idiotic."

"Well, try and work that into your conversation with mother and father."

"You're still going on about that? Mileena, they will know."

"How could they? We look just alike."

"Mother and father have always been able to tell."

Mileena scoffed. "I think that's just something they say to scare us. Trust me. Besides, it is an order. As my royal guard, you must follow my orders."

"Ha, well as the princess,"

"Younger, princess."

"I am not beholden to your rules so long as mother and father live. Or as long as you reside in their castle."

"If I leave, you will come with me?"

"Of course."

As Kitana left her to fully embrace her task, Mileena curled up in her seat and attempted to grab a quick nap. It wouldn't be long before they finished this obligatory tour of the city, then they were home.

Outside her window, she saw a woman in the crowd. Her face obscured by her hood. She wasn't remarkable by any means, yet somehow she drew Mileena in. The aura around her, was darkened. However she felt no fear or distress from looking at her. She almost felt familiar. As if she should know her.

She wanted to turn around and signal her sister, to gaze upon this strange woman too, but she was too preoccupied with waving and smiling, still leaning out the window. She was also hesitant to take her eyes off her, even though it felt like there was no way to lose her. She was too, noticeable.

Finally, she brought her face up and Mileena was stricken with fear. A tortured, involuntary smile spread across her face. Blood on her opened wounds, outlined her grimace like lipstick.

This was bad, she needed to alert the constable. All sufferers of Tarkat were to be reported for immediate deportation." Reaching behind her she tried to grab her sister's robes. "Ki-Kitana, a tarkatan! Kitana,"

"Unfortunate, isn't it, Mileena?" A raspy voice cooed from Kitana's direction.

When she turned around, she was met with a gruesome sight. Her sister's pale, lifeless body, soaked in blood, in the arms of a female Tarkatan. Another Tarkatan woman leaned in through the window. "It isn't what I wanted, but she wouldn't have it any other way."

Overwhelmed with intense grief, all Mileena could manage to do was reach for her sister. "She never would have accepted the real you." One of them took a blade, that was embedded in her sister's abdomen, licked it clean, then brought it before her. "This isn't the real you."

Together, the two women flung her and Kitana out onto the street. The crowd's cheers turned into horrible screams and shouts. They were chanting "Monster, abomination."

She clung to her sister, trying to stuff her insides back into place. She screamed for her mother and father. They were nowhere to be found.

The cries became cheering once again. More people lie dead around them. The city was overrun with Tarkatans, and they were all cheering for her.

Til now, they had all made sure to keep their distance. They pounced on each other and terrified citizens, like animals. Mileena gathered Kitana on her lap, trying to keep her shielded from the carnage. She was too scared to run, and couldn't carry her like this. If she could just protect her...

One of those feral beast descended upon them. He roared in her face. His jagged spike pierced one of Kitana's legs, then he began to pull.

It came off with ease, she let go too late. A pack of them rained down on her, while a group of women bound Mileena in place. Even when there was nothing distinguishable left of her sister, she still clawed and scrambled for any little piece of her. Her cheek, her skin, her tongue, a finger. Her mind refused to believe she would have nothing left. That some part of her didn't have value.

"There they are." One of the women holding her hollered in her face. "Here, let us help you."

Two of them came from the rear, tearing at her mouth, ripping up her cheeks. She saw her own flesh being torn away, but felt no pain.

"Isn't that better, Mileena?"

Beneath her, in a puddle of blood, her reflection had become like theirs. Her mouth lined with rows of narrow, sharp teeth. Her eyes a bright golden hue.

Freed from their grasp, she was brought to her feet, in her hands they placed the most intact part of her sister she had left. Her mangled head. Slashes, bite marks, missing her right eye, covered in mucus and blood. Her little sister was unrecognizable.

"Take a bite Mileena. We've won." The three Tarkatan women surrounded her. All uttering encouraging phrases. "You've earned this, it's what you deserve, she never loved you. She never could. He is a liar. The love of a betrayer."

Lovingly stroking her hair, she curled into herself, with Kitana at her center. This world was lost to her. It didn't make sense, and she didn't want to be a part of it. This woman had lured her in. Whoever she was, or had been, was no one Mileena wanted to get to know.

Opening her eyes to complete darkness made her weary she hadn't escaped her nightmare. She was in her room, it was night. She was still dressed in her and Kitana's outing attire.

Rolling out of bed, her feet hit the ground and started walking before she knew where she was going. She only had one thing on her mind. One person. She could take Tarkatans swarming the city, she could deal with being ousted from the throne and forced to flee. Just not without her sister. She loved her parents with all her heart, but she couldn't face a world so harsh, without her sister.

The first place she thought to look yielded no results. Her room lacked her presence, the sight of her things brought Mileena immense comfort. Kitana lived and she was in this castle.

"Mileena? I'm glad you're finally awake. Mother and father saw clear through this disguise. I've just finished my lecture. Whenever you see them, I expect you'll be getting yours." She paused, putting her hat on her vanity. "Mileena? Are you alright? Why are you crying?"

"Nothing, it's nothing." Wiping the tears only provoked more to fall. "It was really that bad? They weren't fooled at all?"

"Hardly. They knew once they laid eyes on me. Since it wasn't anything serious, the lecture was only an hour long. You're cold. Have you been sweating? Are you ill?"

"No, Kitana, I am, fine." Cupping her face, locking in every detail and feature, she drew up a mental portrait to block out that horrid macabre scene from her dream. Those gashes and tears in her head were gone. Her color was back and she was breathing.

"Since you're awake now, unless you'd like to receive your dose of parenting first, would you care to join me for a bath?"

"Yes. I'm already stiff from the ride here. I may as well be relaxed before mother and father get to me."

Unaware of just how cold she was until she sank into those heated pools, Mileena sighed with relief, feeling her first real pleasant sensation. It tethered her to her reality. This was her royal bath, with her living sister, in their tarkatan free city. This was real.

"So, can I know why you were so clammy when you awoke? It's not too hot outside. You say you aren't sick...was it a dream perhaps?" Mileena sank lower into the water. "A nightmare?"

Splashing water over her face, she reached out again for the second time and caressed her twin's head. The water droplets did well to hide her tears. "Is there a word stronger than that?"

"Want to talk about it? Is it something you're worried about?"

"No...maybe. It's something I hope I never have to worry about. It was, all bad. Even when it didn't feel bad, it was."

"What happened?"

"I don't really want to speak it into existence."

"It's not like you're known for prophetic dreams, sister. If you really don't want to talk though,"

Facing her, staring into her big brown eyes, she blew into the water. "Kitana, are you happy with the way things are?"

"How so?"

"Being my guard? My younger sister? My sister at all?"

"This dream...must have been something fierce. I am very happy with my life. I love you, and I love being your sister." Swirling through the water, Kitana snuggled up beside her, kissing her cheek. "Even when you make that difficult."

"In my dream, Tarkatans overran the city. They, they killed you. They said you wouldn't love me, the real me. Then they tore at my face, until I looked like them." She left out the more disgusting parts she couldn't voice. "In the beginning, there was a woman in the crowd. She was Tarkatan but I couldn't see her face. There were three main women. They all looked alike, sort of."

"Has that been bothering you lately?"

"I don't like it, but it's never upset me like this. I couldn't tell it was a dream, because I was still in the carriage."

"Surely you figured it out when they said I wouldn't love you? I'll always love you. No matter what. It is why I've vowed to protect you with my life."

Remembering her sister's place as her royal guard, an ache radiated through Mileena's chest. "Not your life Kitana."

"Alright Mileena, not my life."

Her words were nothing more than a means to coddle her. Kitana had taken vows of her own, of her on volition, when she agreed to be Mileena's royal guard. There was nothing Mileena could respectfully do about it. If she had to rule cautiously, and humbly as her father did, to keep her enemies low, she would do so, if it brought her sister even an ounce of protection.

Outside the bath, not ready to face her parents just yet, Mileena implored her sister's company while she raided the kitchen for something to eat.

A cook or two this late was expected, other than that, the kitchen was usually empty if all the cleaning was done. The crackle of fire, coupled with the smell of savory bread, could mean only one thing. She was up having a late night snack as well.

The both of them crept around the corner, peering only the tops of their heads into the warm stony room. There she was. One of their best, but strangest, long time chefs. For someone who ate as much as her, it was a wonder how she kept her figure so tight.

"When you are done, you will be delicious and you will be all mine. Why are you making me wait so long? Is the fire as hungry as I am? Then let me feed you my friend." The three of them locked eyes when she turned around to grab a log. They stood there in silence, for at minimum a full minute. "Oh, princesses. You, startled me."

The way Skarlet spoke never matched the emotion she was trying to portray. She was, unsettling, but as far as they knew, harmless. "Sorry about that, Skarlet. So...what are you cooking?"

"A snack. Something, savory and a little sweet. Would you care to sample it? It will be done in a moment."

"If you don't mind. That is exactly what we came down here for."

"Good then." Skarlet chucked a log in the fire without taking her eyes off them. "Did you have a decent meal while you were away? You all missed dinner."

"Yes, our host served an excellent platter. Although, nothing nearly as good as what you're able to whip up, Skarlet." Kitana added.

"Your flattery is, welcomed, but I know you speak out of gratitude."

The twins let out an exaggerated gasp. "No, really Skarlet, we should have brought you back a sample. We would not lie to you, in your kitchen."

Skarlet turned away from them. The fire from the oven pulsed around her form. Her already dark red hair appeared blackened. "My kitchen." She swooned.

Having heard her little conversation between herself and the food, Mileena and Kitana only sampled a little of what Skarlet had made. It was as good as they expected. They requested she make them their own another time.

"Mileena." Out of habit, both she and her sister stood at attention. "You shouldn't sneak off without letting someone know where you are, at all times."

Recalling her position, she put herself at ease. "I didn't sneak off anywhere, Elaine. I'm in the kitchen. I had to tell someone I was going to the kitchen?"

"When no one's seen you since this afternoon, and your last known location was passed out in your room, yes."

"I was with Kitana. She's a guard."

"What does that have to do with Umgadi protocol?" She held her staff up between them. "Enough. Your parents wish to speak with you."

"Why didn't you just say I was being called for?"

"Am I being summoned too?"

"No, just her."

Kitana sat back down beside Skarlet. "I've already had an earful. I've been called a jester enough times to last me a lifetime."

Missing the warmth of the kitchen, and the food she was forced to leave, Mileena walked silently, with Elaine beside her.

"You don't have to escort me there you know. Why don't you go tell everyone else you found me? So they don't keep looking."

"No one else is looking for you. I am the squad leader. I take care of matters of the utmost importance. I said I would find you, and I did."

"Sure, fine, but you don't have to guide me there. I know where they are."

"I told them I would bring you to them. Besides, you might run."

The thought hadn't even crossed her mind. Since Elaine had brought it up, and refused to leave her be, she would have some fun with her. "I mean, if I decided to, what could you do about it Elaine?"

She only meant it as a joke, she had no intentions on doing anything more than maybe making the girl jump. Elaine being who she was, Mileena should have known from the start, this wasn't a smart idea. Her left leg was dangling high above her, by the hook of Elaine's staff. She just managed to get the toes of her right foot on the ground. She was forced to walk backwards on her hands.

"Have you lost your mind? Release me!"

"We are almost there. You skipped training today anyway. You're the one who so desperately wants to be both a princess and Umgadi. I'll treat you as I would any of the other girls."

"Let me down Elaine. I was only jesting. Do you intend the king and queen to see me this way?"

"They are your parents. I'm sure they're used to seeing you indecently." After a few more feet, she dropped her leg. "If you do it again, I will drag you, I don't care who sees what."

"What's got you so hot under the collar?"

"I was resting."

"Oh. You could have stayed resting. You don't have to take on so much Elaine. No one's making,"

"Yes, no one is making me do this. That's why I have to do it. Li Mei isn't here to tell me what I should be doing anymore. I'm responsible for myself, and the rest of our squad. I have to make sure they uphold Umgadi principles and dignity. Not only must we dutifully represent our teachings, we must see to the security of the royal family. Don't make that harder for us."

"I know, I know." Slightly under her breath she said, "I thought you would have lightened up by now, just a little."

"Perhaps I would have, if I didn't have you carrying on like a child every chance you get."

"Are you sure you're not thinking of my sister? Out of the two of us, I think she really is more the childish one."

The hair at the end of her high ponytail whipped in Mileena's face. "My life would probably have been so much easier if she had been the firstborn. Even if there was some way to get you two confused, she'd be easily distinguishable by simply following directions."

"Really? Am I that much of a handful?"

"A six armed Shokan couldn't handle you."

Elaine jabbed her pole into the small of Mileena's back, pushing her toward her parents throne room. She peeked her head in, seeing no one. "Alright, thank you Elaine, I can take it from here. Yes father, here I am." She shut the door on her tired leader. If her parents had gotten bored waiting for her and just gone to bed, she would wait for a while, until Elaine left, then return to her own bed.

"Mileena, finally." Her father rose from the deck below their thrones. The expression he bore was more of drowsiness than anger. "Come. Sit with me." He sat in his throne, then she sat in hers beside him. For a long time, he sat with his head in his hand, groaning every so often. "I, I used to wish you were born a boy. Then I thought, no, daughters surely won't get into as much mischief as sons. And yet,"

"Father, nothing happened, it was,"

"Your mother was too tired and angry to stay, so she left me with a list of things to say on her behalf. The first was, think twice, speak once, and listen the entire time. You know, some people believe twins, were two inseparable souls from another life. Surely you were a swindler and Kitana was your right hand man, because I know she wouldn't do something like this on her own, but she just can't say no to you."

The joke was on him. Kitana said no to her plenty of times. Mileena just constantly put her in the position where no was more trouble than it was worth.

"She also wanted you to know, you don't think things through. You are going to replace me one day. You can't switch off with your sister when you get bored or tired. You don't know what could happen. Suppose we had someone we wanted you to meet with? What would they think if we present them with our other daughter, instead of the next in line? They would think we don't think them proper enough to be in your presence. Suppose someone were to attack and they went for the guards first? You're needlessly putting yourself and her in danger. Not to mention, it's just plain childish."

"Are you finished father? Can I speak now? I've thought twi,"

"No. Those were your mother's words. I haven't even begun yet." He turned his bloodshot eyes on her. More grays were sprinkled through his dark strands. "We've been doing this, since before you were born. Do you not think our arms don't get tired? Or our ears don't get sore from all the cheering and shouting? I know it's tiresome Mileena, believe me. It's the least you could do, but sometimes it feels like the most. When you two were younger, and full of energy, your mother and I loved having you ride through the city with us. You could wave tirelessly, for an entire hour, blowing kisses and shouting with the people." He was grinning right in her face, but he didn't seem there. Like he was grinning at something she was sitting in the middle of. "If your henchmen was to be believed, you have only ever done this to get out of menial tasks?"

"Yes father."

"And yesterday was the last day it will ever happen?"

She was on her third cycle of thinking. Her father was a fair man, a patient man. She didn't want to betray his trust, or risk disappointing him. She just couldn't commit to such a thing, when she wasn't sure.

"It's not a good sign, it's taking you so long to say, yes father." He reached over, tussling her hair, and pinching her cheek. "Can you at least promise me, you'll never do it for anything important, and not to fool your mother?"

"Yes father."

"You scoundrel. Should you get caught again, I won't be able to save you from your mother's fury."

"I won't father." His subtle smile calmed her. "How are you and mother able to tell us apart?"

"We're your parents."

"Yes, but really?"

"All the time I've had to get to know you both, it's just obvious. Take your mannerisms for instance. When Kitana lies, she plays with her hands. When you lie, you blink a lot."

"I do?"

"Have since you were a child. Your mother used to say, you were blinded by your own lies. We saw right through them."

"Well that's embarrassing." Slouching down in her chair, her tiredness returned full force. "Is there any more you or mother would like to scold me on? I feel as though I deserve more, Kitana says she was put out to pasture for an hour. It's only fair I endure the same, since it was my idea."

"Had you arrived earlier you would have. I can't guarantee your mother won't have more for you, but I'm done. Either you will listen, or she will be back here with you. You know she's more of a rod spoiler than child sparer. Goodnight my love. May the sense you lost be found in you by morning."

"Goodnight father." Halfway out the room she called to him. "Do I have anything to do tomorrow? I was hoping to attend my Umgadi duties at least a little this month."

"Nothing that I'm aware of. You know that's always subject to change. I admire your commitment, but keep that in mind."

"I will."

Worries of a reoccurring nightmare were vanquished at the thought of putting herself through a full regimen with her Umgadi sisters, and no sleep. She was up bright and early, dressed and waiting for the rest of them to rise. Shadowing her father and mother was of great importance, however, she found such joy and freedom in fulfilling her role as Umgadi. They were so much more involved in the running of Outworld than she previously thought. Their usefulness went far beyond protecting the royal family.

Her enthusiasm couldn't be curbed by how early it was. She was excited. If only she could say the same for her sister. "You went to sleep before me, why are you so tired still?"

Slumped against her and the wall, Kitana moaned into her shoulder. "Do you not know how unnatural it is to be up before the sun? That is why it is there, to tell us when the day begins. Getting up before it is an affront to its existence. In some cultures, you could be killed for that."

"So you're a sun worshiping Osh-Tekk now?"

"I'll worship whoever allows me to sleep in just a few hours more."

"I told you you could have stayed here. I will have plenty of protection."

Uncoordinated, and heavy handed, Kitana's finger slapped Mileena's mouth. "Shhh, sister. I must." She fell against Mileena, wrapping her arms around her neck. Dead on her feet.

"Kitana, you're embarrassing me." Frustrated as she was, she still tried her best to keep her sister and self upright while they waited for her squad.

Elaine was the first to greet her outside of the girl's bedchambers. "You're here early. We're leaving the castle today. I don't think your father will want you to join us."

"I don't have any other obligations today. I'm free to resume my duties with the Umgadi."

"And her?" She motioned to Kitana.

"She, has to come with me."

"If she must. She can sleep with the others in the wagon." Three girls came behind her carrying blankets and one even had a pillow. "Hiziza, take her please." The woman lifted Kitana off her feet with no issue.

Outside, in the deep blue darkness, critters and insects of the night were still singing their songs, and living their nocturnal lives. It was so dark, a lantern had to be lit on the wagon. Many girls, like Kitana, were still very much sleeping. They all couldn't comfortably lie down, but a few did, around her sister. They curled up under the blanket and continued where they'd left off inside.

Elaine jumped into the coachman's seat and grabbed the reigns. When no one hopped on beside her, Mileena volunteered herself, as the only other awake person available.

"Here let me." She took control of the horses. "You're squad leader. This is, beneath you isn't it?"

"Yes. But, you can't drive, and it's not really, proper for a princess to,"

"I'm Umgadi right now Elaine." She smiled. "You know how it goes."

"If you're Umgadi, I'm allowed to say no to you. I could command you to sit quietly in the back with everyone else." Elaine leaned back, stretching her legs. "But, I'm not fully awake myself. I'll direct you." As Mileena was about to whip the reigns above her head, Elaine halted her wrist. "Mileena, don't wreck the cart."

"I won't." She dragged the leash back, urging the beast to reverse. "But if I do, I will replace it. With a better one." On the way out of the stables, they ran into Li Mei, already up and on her morning patrol of the castle grounds. "Morning Li Mei."

"Morning princess." She waved. "Are you seeing the girls off today?"

"No, I'm going with them. Kitana too."

"Oh." She side eyed Elaine. "You're going a little far today. Do you think the king and queen will approve?"

"She insisted." Elaine shrugged.

"It will be fine. I'm free today. Let them know where we'll be though. Alright?" Even in this light, Li Mei's doubtful face was clear as day. "Goodbye Li Mei."

Pulling off as fast as possible, all the even partially awake girls started to complain. "Mileena do it right or hand it to me!"

"I have it. Just tell me where we're going. Then you can rest too."

"You wouldn't know if I told you."

"Why would I not know my way around my kingdom? Just tell me."

"Alright. Zikandur. That's where we'll be lending our aid today."

Wondering just how lost she was willing to get them, before she swallowed her pride and asked for help, Mileena asked for more assistance.

"Would you put your mask on? It's out in the countryside. I don't care about it when we get there. But I don't want to get stuck smiling and waving at everyone because you're with us."

"No one's out this early. Except Li Mei."

"And you had to stop, smile and wave at her, didn't you?"

"I didn't have to. I was just being polite."

Before she had a chance to attempt it herself, Elaine was already tucking the bands around her ears. She even moved her hair back into place. When she was done, she reclined as much as she could, draping an arm behind Mileena's back, over the small divider, separating them from the girls in the back.

"We're leaving out of the third gate. Once you're out, there will be a road. The only road there. You'll go down it until you see a sign. On this sign, there will be a marker. Find the one that says Zikandur. Follow that one."

Cruising through the city with a mask on felt devious. Passing people and not having to smile and wave at them felt, wrong for some reason. Every person she saw, she had to fight the urge to wave at them. She was practically invisible with this mask on. No one acknowledged the Umgadi. Unless they needed help. The only other time she saw people approach them, was when local women would bring them snacks and things. She noticed the women seemed to gravitate toward girls who shared some similarities with them.

"Mothers looking for their daughters." That was her mother's speculation. No matter how close she was, or how safe, her mother would squeeze the life out of her when she was with them. If her mother was around while she was performing her tasks, she hovered over her like a hawk. The other girls didn't seem so envious of her having a mother then.

"Opal? Opal?" Off to the side of the road, a woman came from her house clutching a bag to her chest. Mileena was set to ignore her, until she picked up the pace, straight for their wagon. "Opal, Opal!"

Halting the beasts, Elaine smacked the cart twice. "Opal."

There was rocking in the back, a lot of bellowing and irritating grunting. The one called Opal put her head over the side of the cart to look at the woman. "Yes ma'am?"

The woman said nothing. "We have a little time. Get out and speak with her properly Opal." Mileena felt Elaine's arm brush up against her back as she spoke.

No one else seemed to be paying attention, or to care. Mileena watched Opal grin from ear to ear at whatever the woman had in her bag. They hugged, Opal gave her an honorable send off. The woman fixed her uniform, like Sindel did Mileena and Kitana's. Then Opal climbed back in and went to sleep.

With no more sounds coming from the back, she assumed they were alone again. "You're much more lenient than the other squad leaders. Or matrons for that matter."

"How would you know?"

"Li Mei is kind, but she wouldn't have let us sleep in like this. She would have made us run until we were fully awake. I just can't see any of them being this relaxed. Makes me wonder why you're so hard on me."

"You, are extra work. We have our whole lives figured out already. We're proficient in what's expected of us. So there's really no need to stress. Where we're going, they need us there at the start of the day. We didn't have to leave this early. I wanted to."

"You wanted to be up this early? We didn't have to be? What do you mean I'm extra work?"

"What good are we if we aren't prompt? I have one job, I have to do it efficiently. Your life isn't as cut and dry as ours. But, you're under my guidance and leadership. I have to think for a princess. When you're with us, I have to utilize you, and protect you. Despite your loyalty to the Umgadi, and us as your squad members, I have to remember my place with you."

"That seems like a lot on you."

"I don't think about it, because it's the only thing on my mind. I just deal with it."

"Elaine...do you think it's self,"

The carriage jerked forward, the horses reared up on their hind legs. Unsure of what to do, or what she'd done wrong, Mileena struggled to regain control. The second time they yanked away, she was pulled out of her seat.

That arm behind her, wrapped around her waist. Elaine drew her and the reigns back into their seat. In a matter of seconds, things were calmed, as they should be.

"That's it, just give it to me." Appreciative cries and cheers came from behind them.

"That wasn't my fault. I think something ran out in the road. I can barely see. You're the one who wanted to leave this early in the morning."

"You're obviously still tired. Let me do it."

"No." Mileena held the leather just out of her reach. "One more incident and I'll hand them over. Please Elaine."

"One more. One. If you wreck the cart, you being able to get us a new one won't matter if we're put back on foot patrol." They were practically standing in each other's faces. "No more talking. Watch the road."

"My lips are sealed."

Sitting back in their original places, Mileena immediately noticed Elaine's arm, not just resting behind her, but actively holding her around the waist. "Um...E, You don't have to,"

"Once you're aware of the possibility of a problem, they must be accounted for. If your parents find out I let you steer, and you fell out and broke your head, further, we'd all be stuffed in a stockade somewhere below the castle. Don't be difficult. It's this, or get in the back."

Her attitude was more bothersome than the arm around her persons. In all honesty, Mileena didn't mind it one bit. She mentioned it out of surprise. It was, comforting, in a way. Hands on the reigns, leaning forward, with am arm around her, Mileena took pleasure in the isolating solitude of being the only one really awake.

She did her best to follow Elaine's instructions to the letter. The woman had snuggled up closer to her and fallen asleep, despite trying so hard not to. If Mileena could complete this without her, she could rest all the way there.

It had been a long time since she had gone outside the city like this. The last time was with Li Mei, when she was still rather young. They had never gone this far, this early. She felt like she'd been riding for at least a couple hours and it was only now lightening up a little. Could it be they left the castle at exactly one tick after the last day had ended?

A small town on the horizon dampened Mileena's spirits a touch. Her task was almost over. Soon everyone would be waking up and her big contribution would be over. It wasn't a critical job, or important in the grand scheme, anyone could have gotten them there. It just made her feel good to be of use to them.

"Oh good, you got us here. Nothing interesting happened while I was out?"

She did it again, for just a few seconds while stretching and yawning, she squeezed Mileena's waist. They were already impossibly close. "No, nothing. I told you I could do it. When it's time for us to go back, I can steer us again."

"Sure, why not." Rubbing the sleep from her face, she took her arm away from Mileena. "Look alive girls. We're here. Pull next to that hitching post."

"Do what?"

"Just guide them over there. Then you'll tie them up."

Not wanting to spoil her luck thus far, she whipped the reigns. The only warning she had of her mistake, was Elaine's wide eyed look of confusion. She took the restraints from her, tried to jerk it back, the horses shot forward, hopped, made a huge ruckus. The cart went up, half the girls went out, and there was a crack. When everything settled, the only thing keeping her in place was Elaine. The world was tilted, dust was kicked up in their faces.

"On the way back...don't even look at the front seat."

"I'm sorry Elaine."

A couple people scattered here and there had become a full on crowd. Their entrance woke up the whole town. People were laughing, the girls were rushing to get away from the mess. Elaine was left holding the horses, like it was her fault.

"Go make yourself useful, while I get this taken care of."

"I'll help you."

"Help me what? Talk to someone who can repair this?"

"You'll need coins, won't you?" Grabbing her sister, she rambled around her robes for her coin purse.

"I have it. Go." Having said her peace, she left, walking deeper into town.

"You could have asked first Mileena." Kitana tucked her purse back into her sash. "Why did you even offer to steer? You know you can't."

"How will I learn if I don't try? I just wanted to help. Everyone was so tired. I've made a blunder of everything."

"Hardly. We're here. It's better it happened in town and not out there on the road. You can all still spend the entire day doing whatever you do, while the cart is being fixed. What will you be doing anyway?"

"I forgot you haven't been out with us before. We're not officials like Li Mei yet, so we don't handle anything outside of petty business. We just help out where we're needed, with whatever we can manage."

"How do you go about doing that though?"

"Just, make ourselves look available."

It took a lot to tear her eyes off Elaine. All the other girls appeared to already be busy running errands, helping with chores. All the fatigue of the early morning obliterated. With so much energy in the air, she was ready for action too.

Walking through the small town, she stopped to help her sisters whenever she could. No one explicitly called for her assistance, so she was free to bounce around lending a hand. Kitana's sweat laden brow was more indicative of the heat, than her exertion. Since she was just a guard, she decided this work was not for her. She had to be in peak condition in case something happened.

Planted on the roof, Mileena held the shingles down, while Leisa pounded them into place. "It's hard work at times, but I think I prefer to do this over dealing with criminals and roughhousers."

"I think this is nice, but I'd like more action. All our training will go to waste. Li Mei hardly ever needs to draw her staff. All I ever see her do is point this way, or that way. Or call General Shao. She's capable. I don't know why she calls him."

"Because it's in the royal city. Umgadi don't have as much authority on holding citizens. That's left to the king's guards. We have holds, but we don't really keep prisoners, long term. A lot of our punishments are on an, indentured servitude kind of basis. Trespasses against us, are rare. So we don't have a big need for holding cells or prisons. We have the odd scuffle here and there. No one has a reason to target us, for the most part. That's why I like this more. It's pretty easy, we get to travel. If not, we'd just be at the castle, marching around spying on people." Leisa pounded another shingle. "Not that I mind living at the castle. Beats camp. One of the many perks of being on the princess's squad."

Mileena blushed. She wasn't able to participate as much as she had when she was younger, but she was happy the other girls were pleased with their accommodations. Ones only granted to them because of their connection with her. She didn't have much in the way of friends, the few she did, she liked to shower with whatever luxuries her title as successor would allow. For her Umgadi sisters, it meant comfortable beds, regular baths, good food and the safety of the city. They were being groomed to be her personal security anyway.

Five hours after their arrival, her sister began to inquire about food. "We didn't eat breakfast, and we barely ate dinner."

"Kitana if you were going to behave like a child, you could have stayed home."

"Are children the only people who should be spared starvation? How are you not hungry?"

"I am, I'm just not complaining about it. You'll eat soon. Or when we return home. Quiet yourself."

As they were speaking, Opal happened by them. "Are you hungry prin-Kitana?" She reached into the satchel around her waist and pulled out something resembling a dumpling. "That nice woman from town made it. She didn't want to give it to me in front of the other girls. There wasn't enough to share. But you can have one if you like."

The light in her sister's eyes made her laugh. "Thank you Opal, that is very kind of you." Kitana split it in two instantly. "Here Mileena, you can,"

"No." Elaine came from behind them and took both pieces out of her hand. She then threw them in her mouth. "Can't risk it. That woman may have been trying to poison you, through Opal."

"You can't be serious."

"Maybe you should have packed something."

"No one else did." Mileena replied.

"And we wouldn't have needed to if someone hadn't broken the wheel on the cart. We're going to be out here overnight."

"So most of us are just not going to eat?" Elaine kept walking. Opal gave her apologies before walking away herself. "That woman has it out for me, and I can't figure out why."

"She always has, hasn't she? Since you were children." Kitana sighed.

"Really? I can barely remember that far back."

Feeling it a worthy punishment, Mileena put her hunger out of mind and continued working. Doing nothing all morning apparently motivated her sister to become more active, as come afternoon she was running errands with the other girls. She wished she had opted to wear one of their uniforms, so she didn't look so out of place. She used to love wearing the uniform with her. Sisters in the Umgadi. Blood sisters. Twins no less. Unheard of since the end of the dark times.

And it didn't make her any less than them. Going home to her family didn't make her any less. Having a sister, a name, lineage. None of those things stopped her from being here and doing what was asked of her. What did it matter if these girls went home to mothers and fathers? If they had siblings, aunts and uncles? When she was empress, this was going to be the first to go.

For such a small town, there was so much work to do. Mainly maintenance and fetching. The town folks were kind and grateful. No one here seemed to know her. Her mask had been removed early in the morning, so she was completely exposed. A gentle thank you from people who didn't know her, was worth more than roaring cheers from people who saw her daily.

With the sun going down, and the town settling the same, Mileena saw less and less of her sisters in the streets. Actually, no one from her squad was to be found. Even Kitana was gone.

"Ahhh a Tarkatan!" The cries of a child running by froze her in place. He was shrieking, running as fast as his small legs could carry him. He turned around, looked at her and yelled "Run!"

This couldn't be a nightmare. She was in actual pain from working all day. Her sore muscles wouldn't respond, her heart beat rapidly in her chest. "Kitana." Was the only thing she could think to say. She had to find her now. Tarkatans were in this town, this close to their home.

Just as her legs had found the motivation to move, she was stopped by another child rushing passed. He slammed into her, almost knocking them both over. An apology stammered out of her mouth while helping the kid up. He growled and snarled in response.

Emboldened by fear, she pushed him away from her. "Ow, hey, why did you do that?" On the ground all his accessories fell off. His spikes, made of twigs up his sleeves. His teeth made of apple slices.

"I'm sorry." She held out her hand, helping him up once again. "You startled me. You and your friend put on a very convincing performance."

"I was scary?" He beamed pridefully.

"Frightful. But do you think it is really right to play such a game? Would it be right for you to pretend to be a leper?"

"What's a leper?"

She gave his head a little pat. "Find a new game little one."

Resuming her search for her sisters, she was in the mind to believe they were playing some trick on her and they were going to jump out at any minute and yell "Surprise".

Out of the corner of her eye, on the side of a slanted building, she caught a glimpse of a familiar uniform. Two of them. Noble and Hiziza. Noble had her back to Mileena, and Hiziza was facing the forest surrounding the town. They did look like they were hiding, giving more credence to her speculation they were trying to surprise her. Now she could surprise them.

Going at a sluggish pace, she crept up on them, getting closer and closer.

"I can't believe you didn't help them get the food ready."

"I helped raise two barns today. I practically helped build half this town. My name should be on a plaque somewhere. I'm tired." Hiziza groaned.

"They are grateful."

"I know."

"Allow me to replenish some of that energy."

Her sluggish steps turned to a crawl, then ultimately a full on stop. Noble stepped in front of Hiziza, her hands were on her hips, then her shoulders. She got up on her toes to make up for their height difference. Hiziza met her half way, then their lips touched.

Her mouth hung open, with both their names just sitting on her tongue. "Shush. Come with me." A hand over her mouth, another on the back of her head, she was led away by none other than Elaine. "Whatever you think you saw, you didn't. Understood?"

Elaine forced her head to move in an agreeable way. The second Mileena could tear herself free, she rejected. "Elaine, they were,"

Their childhood may have been murky to her, but this stance Elaine took felt rooted in memory. The respect she demanded was unquestionable. She was only an inch or two taller than Mileena. This close, with all her authority looming over her, Mileena may as well had been the size of a toddler.

"It has nothing to do with you."

"But, their, their vows?"

Elaine huffed, agitated. "Protocol says you report all infractions to your squad leader, right? Then you go back to being an ignorant little soldier. Right? You're hungry aren't you? Come eat. I've had your sister help prepare the food, so she makes sure we don't poison you. Hiziza, Noble, food!" The two women came happily from their secret spot. Mileena couldn't take her eyes off them, and at the same time, didn't want to look at them. She just stuck by Elaine and moved when she did.

It appeared that while she was finishing up the last bit of work, all the other girls who'd ended their tasks a bit earlier, had gotten a camp together. Just outside the city, a fire, food. A couple blankets from the cart. It wouldn't be done til tomorrow. According to Elaine, they would now be a day off with their patrolling. All the anger thrown Mileena's way was playful mocking more than genuine upset.

After eating they lied around the fire. Hiziza and Noble were sure to get a spot beside each other. Mileena was offered a more comfortable situation on one of the blankets. She gave it up to her sister. From where she lie, she could see them, getting closer. Noble sneaking little kisses. Hiziza was already asleep.

A hand, she knew as Elaine's, combed through her hair, wrapped itself up in her ponytail, and forced her to turn around. "Go to sleep, my ignorant little soldier."

Elaine's hand didn't leave her, even after she willingly remained as she had positioned her. It lingered in her hair, then moved down to her face. The way she held her cheek didn't feel restrictive, Mileena still treated it as such.

She didn't move, barely breathed. She accepted Elaine's command, and went to sleep.

"Mileena, Mileena wake up."

Drained from the day before, knowing she had closed her eyes just seconds ago, Mileena refused to open them. There was no way she had been sleeping more than a minute.

"Mileena, get up it's time to go."

"Kitana, stop. I just went to sleep."

"It's time to go. Rain and Reiko are here."

"What?"

It was pitch black outside save for the lanterns on their carriage. Rain and Reiko were in a standoff with Elaine.

"You may be Umgadi, but you're just maidens in training. Your authority ends where the king and queen say it does. They are coming with us."

"Reiko, there's no need to be so aggressive. Elaine, we are not trying to sidestep you." Coming to her side with Kitana, Mileena refrained from speaking, not fully understanding why Rain and Reiko were here yet. "Oh, there you are. The king and queen expected you back hours ago. They were worried and sent us to retrieve you."

"Yes, you're done playing Umgadi, it's time to return to the castle. You girls can finish your camping trip." Reiko sneered. "Let's go."

"I," She sneaked a side glance at Elaine. "If they were only concerned, I should be back tomorrow. You can tell them I'm safe. There was an accident with the cart. We're getting it fixed."

"They sent us to get you, not a message. If you wanted them not to worry, you should have sent the message yesterday. Your chariot awaits. Don't be difficult. I have much more important things to do than be an errand boy and babysitter."

"If you did, you'd be doing those things." Elaine replied. "Girls, we're going too. Noble, Hiziza, you'll stay behind and see that the cart makes it back."

"There isn't enough room for all of you."

"We'll follow on foot."

"By time we get there they'll have sent a recovery team for the recovery team. No. I'm not slowing the horses to a crawl for you."

"Go as fast as you like." Mileena could physically feel all the girls glaring at Elaine.

"Why do you need to come? No one is calling for you."

"She's part of my squad. I have a duty to make sure all my girls are accounted for and in competent hands. I'm trained to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. You, apparently have better things to do. You might not be focused enough on the task at hand. It's not something you specialize in."

"I assure you, she is in good hands." Rain stepped between them.

"Get in the cart Mileena. We will follow." Only at her command did Mileena move. Reiko's scowl at that made Elaine grin.

Inside her royal carriage, Kitana was already sleeping again. Looking around, Mileena noticed how spacious it was. "Um, there's room for a few people in here. You all worked really hard today. It's my fault we didn't return on time. I'll forfeit my spot to anyone who wants it."

"What? Are you daft? I'm not playing these games. We're here for you and the princess. They want to run, they can run."

"Well, Reiko, it's not such a bad idea. And if it's what the princess wants, we have to oblige."

"To the king, not his whelps, not yet. I'm going to enjoy not being under her hotheaded little thumb for as long as I can."

Elaine walked over, took one look and decreed, "We can all fit, easily." She walked in and sat opposite Kitana. "Girls."

They swarmed the carriage like wild predators. The smaller girls crammed into the back, the taller ones climbed on top of the flat roof. Three of them bundled onto the coachman's bench. Reiko and Rain turned all their frustration intently on her.

"No. Get out. All of you." No one moved. "We're not walking." Rain didn't say anything, he did however stand straighter after Reiko's declaration.

"You don't have to. Just get on the horses. You can steer. We'll watch the princesses. So you can focus on those other things you have to do. Like steer. Mileena, get in."

Every inch of their ride was full. No spot on top, upfront, or inside. "I'll ride on one of the horses with them."

"No." Elaine gave her lap two pats. "Sit." Not giving her time to argue again, Elaine slapped her thighs two more times.

It had to be punishment for how she'd embarrassed her when they arrived. Sitting on her lap, like a child, because she crashed their only way home. Tired as she was, she would have rather run back.

"Lean back against me. I know there's nothing in your head, but if we hit a bump, you're going right through the roof."

"It-it's fine. I can actually sit on the floor." She couldn't, but she would squeeze down there to avoid this.

She was bound by her waist, and guided back by her neck. Beneath her, Elaine slid forward, so they could recline a tad more. They were finally moving and all she could think about was how the rattling of the cart was forcing them to rub against each other.

"I can sit with my sister. I'm all sweaty and,"

"So am I. Mileena, get some rest."

Impossible. The discomfort she felt didn't even feel real. It shouldn't have been physically possible. Then again, it wasn't physically uncomfortable, as it was mentally. Was she heavy? Was she making Elaine uncomfortable too? Did she smell? Was her hair in her face?

Less than an hour from town, she was beyond exhausted. The anxiety of her position was long gone. That exertion of trying to mentally keep as much of her weight off Elaine was nothing but a heavy memory. Her breath on her neck no longer unnerved her. Hands rubbing on her legs and hips went ignored. Even the sudden jerk or shift left her unbothered. Weariness was the best distraction.

"Alright princess. Out, the both of you." Reiko whipped the door open, waking no one but Mileena.

A tight squeeze surely, Mileena opened the window next to her, and lifted herself out of it. She reached in and jostled Kitana until she was alert enough to get herself out the window too. Rain assured her he'd see the rest of the girls got to their chambers alright.

"Should we go see mother and father now? They're probably sleeping."

"That's up to you. I didn't do anything wrong." So unsteady on her feet, Mileena helped her to her room, then left to face her parents alone.

Just as before, she went to their throne room. It seemed only by chance her father happened to be in there. He confirmed just as much by telling her to meet him in his study. His face said nothing of what was to come, except she didn't want it, and wouldn't like it.

Inside, the normally calming atmosphere was nothing but sinister. It was hot.

"Don't worry, I'm well rested this time, my dear." Sitting there with her glass in hand, her mother leaned forward, motioning to the chair on the other side of her father's desk. "Sit down. This...will be long. Do you remember what your father told you yesterday? The message I had for you?"

"Think twice, speak once...listen the entire time?"

"Good. So you know that until I give you permission to speak, that was the last time I want to hear you. Unless I give you a specific prompt, to open your mouth, don't. What part of what you did made you think it was acceptable for you to leave yesterday? I'm sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. First I need to know which one of you has it." Too afraid to speak, Mileena tried to ask if it was her turn with her eyes. "Yes, please. I assume since you were able to recall his words, you must have it."

"Ha-have what mother?"

"The brain you both share." Her father was behind her mother, silently laughing. If her life wasn't on the line before, it would be if she dared smile. "How the midwife and doctor missed such a medical anomaly is beyond me. Twins, with two separate bodies, blessed enough to be two separate beings, still somehow end up sharing a brain. I should sell you both to a traveling circus. I allowed Kitana to be your guard to protect you, not be a little stand in for your disappearing acts."

This circus analogy was killing her father. Maybe it was sleep deprivation, or perhaps he'd been drinking before she arrived, but he was behind her, cackling, without making a sound.

"Who do you want to be in the show Mileena? The clown? The magician? Oh no, the ringleader? Go on, tell me who."

Biting her lips, she pushed a heavy breath out of her nose. "Mother, can we please just get to,"

"No, I'm going to sit here and waste your time like you waste mine and everyone elses. We're going to do this until I'm satisfied you won't want to do it again. Now tell me, who will you be in this circus I'm selling you and your little henchmen to."

"Th-the clown."

"The clown. Of course. You're already wearing the uniform. Because of course after not doing what I expect of you, you run off with the Umgadi to play in town and not come home all day. And with only Kitana as protection."

"Mother I was with,"

"Are you talking?" She stopped. "You were with those children. They haven't been elevated to proper guard status. They barely have proper weapons. You're always on thin ice with them. There have already been cracks. Cracks we've had to pull you out of."

"Sindel." Her father's joyful demeanor faded.

"I blame you Jerrod. You should have made it clear to her, she was not to leave the castle. She should not be rewarded for misbehaving. Were she an adult I'd consider it a lesson learned. But clearly she's still an infant who needs to be shown cause and effect."

"You never said she was to be punished. You said make sure she knows we're upset and disapprove of what she did. You know my feelings on it. I'll let you handle this. You're the one with an ax to grind my love."

Her mother dropped her head in her hands. "The next circus that comes to town will have three new performers. Mileena, if waving and smiling at your subjects is too much for you, how will you handle the truly difficult parts? That require more of you physically and mentally? Speak."

"I will do them, easily. Or, I won't falter mother. It's just annoying. Why should it matter? I understand you and father have a relationship with the people, but if I don't have the exact same one, is that so bad?"

"So you plan to rule like the old kings? Keep to yourself and only let the people see you when it's time for your public execution? The people of Outworld are, simple, fickle creatures. They need to be, softened with familiarity and camaraderie. That connection can by you time when things don't play out in your favor."

"Sounds like manipulation to me." Defiance would be the death of her, well her mother would be, but defiance would be the catalyst. "Mother, hold on, what I meant was,"

Her father quickly came forward with a bottle of wine and refilled her glass. "Dearest, let's allow her the chance to explain herself. You were understanding of her position before. Please, give her a chance."

She took another sip, sat it down, and glared at the floor. "Why were you late returning? I spoke with Li Mei, you were supposed to be back mid afternoon."

"The wheel on our cart broke."

"What did you do while you were out there?"

"Whatever tasks the people had of me. I helped with repairs, ran errands."

"And you find that more fulfilling than, smiling and waving?"

"Do you want me to speak honestly?"

"That's nice. I like when you ask if I want you to lie to me. For now, yes speak honestly."

"Yes. I do. I'm not studying under you and father full time right now. I'd like to be more involved with my Umgadi duties. I should have sent word, I wasn't thinking. But, by time I take over, the people will know my name and face from all I've done, and the reach I've built on my own. Outside this city, they don't even know my face. I can walk around without disguising myself."

"Does that seem smart to you?"

"They don't know me. It doesn't seem dangerous."

"Did you hear her though Sindel? She's putting herself out there, and helping her people, in a way that you must admit is more useful than what we ask of her."

"I will not admit my daughter acting as a carpenter is more useful than her learning how to conduct herself as queen. It's foolish."

Hearing her mother say something that meant so much to her, was foolish, cut her deeply. The Umgadi gave her purpose, and a sense of pride the crown was yet to offer.

"Sindel, you don't mean that."

She swallowed half the glass in one gulp. "Of...course not. Mileena, not to belittle, where you find, enjoyment, but what your father and I have built here, we want you to carry it on. I know it won't be exactly as we did things. But the changes you want, need a foundation. We've set it for you. You have to maintain it. It is not infallible. Can you at least try, a little harder than you are, just a little? If you can do that, I will give you the space you need, to be a hooligan. I mean, Umgadi."

"Yes mother."

Glass still in hand, her mother came around the desk and kissed her cheek. "If I survive the stress you put me through, I know you'll make us proud."

There was still a bite in her words that had Mileena feeling like she was being kissed by a saber cat. When her mother left, and it was only she and her father, he took her place behind his desk. "Better than expected, don't you think?" She sighed and nodded. "Don't think she doesn't see the value in what you do. She dotes on you, behind your back. She's in awe of what you accomplish with the Umgadi while also upholding your princess duties. You are a marvel. I expect nothing less of my child."

Hearing about the secret admiration her mother had for her did take some of the sting out of her words, but all this talk of Umgadi took Mileena back to what she'd seen earlier that day. Hiziza and Noble. Her father was more connected to the Umgadi and their ways than her mother. He took a more active interest in them, and still gave them the room to move independently. Unless she was involved, or she wanted him involved he was hands off. She figured talking to him wouldn't be so bad.

"Father...you know of Umgadi vows. The ones pertaining to, relationships and abstinence." It was a split second, she thought she saw his eyes widen and his mouth twist into a frown.

"Yes, darling. What about them?"

"I know, they don't exactly apply to me, as you and mother expect me to have an heir. But, those rules, do you know why they are? Do you believe they are necessary to uphold Umgadi principles? I paid attention during my lessons. I followed the teachings. I went to worship. I just want to understand the weight of its relevance."

"Can I ask why? Have you,"

"It's not for me, or about me!" She waved the notion out of existence. "I saw something. Something that, could possibly have been seen as an infraction. No one was hurt, but, I don't know."

"I would say, so long as no one was hurt, you should try and leave it to the girls who live this full time. There are things you're just bound to not understand completely."

"So I should just, leave it to my squad leader?"

"If you feel that is right. You're older now Mileena. You're passed the threshold of adolescents. I see the Umgadi as a way for you to get your footing in decision making, and conducting yourself. I would have preferred to see you in a leadership role, but taking orders, seems to be giving you just as many opportunities for growth. I want you to come to me, I want you to talk to me, I will be all ears. But in regards to Umgadi, they are yours to deal with. Our interference is already too great."

"I appreciate it father. If we go out again tomorrow, do you think I'll be allowed to go too?"

"I'll see. You know, it's not up to me. Just the Elder gods and your mother."

"If I pray, will you get your wife in a more agreeable mood?"

"I will try. After you're done praying, I think it would only be fair you write a letter of appreciation to the brewers. To call your mother manipulative, I feared for you."

"I feared for myself. I don't even know where it came from."

"Must be Kitana's turn with the brain. Run along. I have no time for clowns."

"Goodnight father. Thank you again."

She arrived in darkness, rose in the light. Birds were singing, the castle was coming to life. The conversation with her parents took up precious sleeping time, so she was still quite tempered from the day before, but she wasn't bone tired. A cool bath added a little more fuel to the fire. She didn't think they would be, but she still went down to the Umgadi bedchambers to see if the others were awake. To absolutely no one's surprise Elaine was wide awake. With a brush in hand, she was scribbling something on a piece of parchment.

"You know, if you weren't such a pain in my backside, you'd be a decent warrior. You're up early, you keep your complaints to a minimum."

"Have Hiziza...and Noble returned?"

"No. But they should be here in a couple hours."

"So...what jobs do we have today?"

"We? Two days in a row? We should count ourselves lucky." She wrote something else down. "Nothing too difficult. Are you sure you want to come with us today? It may be boring."

"I don't do this for excitement."

"We're doing deliveries."

"Of what?"

"Food, medicine. Whatever is asked of us. The supplies are already here. Since we're in the city, and we'll be on foot, I didn't expect you'd come with."

"I can wear a mask."

She shrugged. Whatever she was writing down, she set it on a table and left to awaken the others. In her absence, Mileena took a sneak peak at her paper. A couple lines in she realized it had nothing to do with work.

They ate together and left in the full light of day. The girls left in pairs of two. Each group took a small rickshaw loaded with their deliveries.

"No sister today?" Elaine handed her a piece of paper with a list of names and addresses.

"No. She's not good with early mornings. Two in a row would be torturous to her."

Everyone else was gone in their pairs. Mileena and Elaine were the only ones left. "So, you'll be my partner today?"

"Seems so."

All their deliveries appeared to be on the southern side of the city, furthest from the castle. With her mask on, just like before, even this close, no one noticed her. Walking through her city without being annoyed and overwhelmed by the screaming and looking at every person she passed, she was seeing parts of it she never had before. An endless sea of homes and shops. Impossibly close, hardly any room to walk through. It came off more cozy than crowded with the friendly way the people interacted.

It took them nearly two hours to get to the beginning of their route. Almost all of the residents they saw were elderly and impaired. She was glad to see they were for the most part, in good condition though. Her parents were doing right by those easily helped at the least.

"When we advance, will these still fall under our duties? Or will we only be security like Li Mei and the rest of her squad?"

"With the abundance of warriors here, we will probably continue, unless we're sent elsewhere. I doubt you'll come with us. But if we stay, I don't see them stopping us from doing this."

"Good, I hope you all stay. I like doing this, with you." Thinking about how awkward that came out, she added "With all of you. I like being part of this squad."

"Remember, at the end of all this, we are your guards. Not like your sister. You lose us, we'll be replaced. Getting so connected to us you forget that, defeats the purpose and makes things harder for us. Not you."

In the middle of them pushing the cart up a hill, Mileena stopped. "What does that mean?"

"Well, take now for instance." Elaine grit her teeth as the cart began rolling backwards. "You see how you're doing whatever you want, and it's only harder on me."

Returning her strength to the handle she apologized. "Can you at least admit when I am around, I'm useful? I don't just make things difficult, right?"

"You make things...interesting. You definitely keep me on my toes, when I'd rather be off my feet. That's not always a bad thing, I guess."

That was acceptable, it was better than being a complete burden. The last delivery happened in the early afternoon. Smelling the food the entire time had her stomach growling, all the work they'd done, burned through breakfast.

"Do you mind if we stop and get lunch?"

"If you can't wait until we get back to the castle, fine. Get yourself something."

"Aren't you hungry too?" If she had said no right away, Mileena would have quelled her hunger too and put it out of mind. Elaine was thinking. "I don't have much, I can split something with you."

"I don't have anything, so whatever you get is alright."

"Sweet?" Again she shrugged. Mileena ran to the nearest vendor before Elaine had a change of heart. Since she'd worn her Umgadi garb, and rarely carried coins on her in this attire, she only had enough for a small pastry. The seller through in a creamy milk drink for free. The treat was broken in half, and the drink was lightly sipped.

"Do you still have thoughts of what you'd like to change when you're in charge. Things about the Umgadi?"

"Yes."

"Like what?"

It wasn't until she'd finished talking that Mileena happened to look at her. She had a couple trickles of milk sitting on her lips. The tip of her tongue pulled them back into her mouth. Mileena looked down at the cup now in her hands. There was only one mark on the rim. They had both been drinking from the exact same spot. Her lips and Elaine's had indirectly been touching this whole time. It was moist too. It went further than just their lips.

Hiziza and Noble flashed before her. "I don't really know any more. The older I get, the more complicated things are. I want to understand things before I just start changing them. No matter what, I know I want this separation of families to end. I don't think it's right. I'm not the best. I'm not the smartest. But I don't believe it's because I have a mother and father, or sister. I'd give my life for any of you if I was allowed. I have a family and prefer my work with my squad. I would choose to be Umgadi if I hadn't had that decision made for me. I would choose this."

"Do you think we'd all be this close if we had a choice? I can't say for sure I would or wouldn't. Maybe I would see you all as friends instead of responsibilities. About what you saw yesterday...think you'll do anything about that in the future?"

"I don't understand it yet. So, I don't know. I'll do what you tell me to concerning that."

"Good. It's good you understand you don't know enough about it to make a decision. Believe it or not, I think it is one of the rules we should uphold."

"Then why don't you...do something? Or say something to them?"

That smirk on her face let Mileena know whatever was about to come out of her mouth wasn't going to be straightforward. "Well, Hiziza could break me like a skinny twig, and Noble, I don't think it's anything serious to her. It's not like affection is forbidden. They are, affectionate. Have you never kissed your sister before?"

Of course she had, but never really on her lips. Not now that they were older. Maybe, once or twice, before she became her guard and they weren't going to see each other for a long time. She might have given her a quick peck on the mouth. Maybe. It was nothing close to what she'd seen between Hiziza and Noble.

"I have. So you think that's something that should stay the same? You think it helps in what the Umgadi is trying to achieve?"

"I think if you like how things are, you should leave them as they are. People who don't like it, are free to leave. Anyway, let's go. We still have a couple more things to do. If they return with the cart, we'll be leaving out again tomorrow. We're going a little further than Zikandur, so I really don't think you'll be coming this time."

"As long as my parents know where I am, I know they won't mind." Mileena drank the last of their creamy sweet milk.

A finger swiped over the top of her lip. That same finger disappeared into Elaine's mouth. "That was pretty good. Doubt I'll be getting anything that tasty any time soon. Can't waste a drop."

Elaine led them to the hold where the prisoners were housed. There Mileena was told to wait outside. Some minutes later, through the gate she saw Noble and Hiziza with the cart. They waved, she waved, then she waited. When she finally reemerged, they went back to the castle.

Once home, she went straight to her father to get permission for tomorrow's outing.

"You know your mother and sister weren't happy you left her, and without saying anything."

"I was in town the whole day. I know I should have said something, I just,"

"Didn't think. Mileena, it's getting harder to defend you not thinking. At this point, it might make your mother less angry if I said you just didn't care enough to tell us."

"I'm sorry. But tomorrow, we're going to Falkreath. It's a little further, so I may be gone at the very least one day, and the most, two. I'm accounting for broken carts, time it takes us to finish whatever we're asked to do. Elaine is very efficient. And if things go way over, I'll send word, or I'll come home by myself. Is that alright? I've thought this through."

"And you'll take your sister?"

"Of course. The only reason I didn't bring her this morning is because it was so early, and I know she hadn't gotten much sleep."

"She's your guard. It doesn't matter. When you move, she moves."

"Understood."

"Good. I guess it's fine then. I'm saying this without speaking to your mother, so if you find you can't go in the morning, know I tried my best. So, what did you do today?"

"We took food and medicine to some residents on the South end of the city. You and mother do well by your citizens. Even the ones with mobility issues, they were in good health."

"Yes, we have a service that brings them aide. They must have been somewhat overwhelmed and asked for Umgadi support to make up the difference. We've had more people leaving those kinds of jobs for fear of Tarkat." He smile reassuringly. "Not that you have anything to worry about. These are just cautious times."

Turning to leave, she thought to bring up one more topic. "Today, Elaine asked me about what I'd like to change about the Umgadi. She said, if I like it the way it is, maybe I shouldn't change anything. What do you make of that?"

"I think this Elaine, has a good head on her shoulders. She thinks a lot and has reasonable, realistic answers. Do you like it as it is?"

"From what I've experienced, I love it. But I don't like it."

"That is quite the conundrum. To risk losing the thing you love, to change a few things you don't like. Do you believe the changes you want to make will impact what you love about it? What if the things you want to change, help others in ways that make it something to love for them? It will be yours in time. So I'd think about it. Just like you're going to make changes we might not love, we do want it to be something you can love and be proud of. Sometimes, it's about making things better for the next person, not holding onto what you love."

"I'm grateful you put all the decisions regarding the Umgadi on me, because sometimes father, I never know what you want me to do when it comes to them."

"No matter what, I want you to think. Not just about them. Please start thinking in general. All the time."

"I will. I, think I'm going to sleep in the Umgadi chambers tonight. We usually leave early in the morning, or really late at night if Elaine can help it. Just so you know where I am."

"Very well. Goodnight, goodbye, and I love you. In case I don't see you before you go."

She made a stop by her mother's lounge for a scolding and a kiss farewell, then she was on her way to tell Kitana about tomorrow or more likely tonight's departure. She was upset, but understanding and appreciative of her late start.

At last she was in the lower section with the girls. They had dinner, bathed, prepared for the next day, and finally got ready for bed.

"I expect we'll leave out early again. As it stands, you can all comfortably get about four hours if you go to sleep right now. Considering how long we'll be gone and how far, I'd say bring more blankets and pillows, probably another uniform too. Maybe some leftovers."

It had been so long since she slept with them, she didn't remember where her bed was. She didn't see any empty ones. They wouldn't have had it removed.

"You need something Mileena?" Leisa asked.

"I was looking for my bed."

Leisa leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Adrian took it. She broke hers."

"Why?" Elaine popped up beside them. "Why are you looking for a bed down here?"

"I was going to sleep with you guys, so we could just go, when it was time. Instead of me having to come all the way from my room."

"We still have to wait for your sister. Waiting for you isn't that much of a bother."

"I just, missed being down here with you all."

"You haven't slept down here with us in years. Maybe twice since we got moved to this part of the castle. If you really want to, you can sleep with me." Leisa's eyes sparkled. "It will be just like old times. Remember when,"

"As wild as you sleep and as small as your bed is, that's not going to work."

"I don't want to put anyone out. I can sleep on the bench."

"You won't be able to stretch out. Don't listen to Elaine. If someone is next to me, I hardly move."

Elaine scoffed. "Neither of you will get sleep. You'll end up falling or fighting, then none of us will get sleep. If you must, my bed has enough space. And unlike Leisa, I really don't move much." Elaine held up her hand. "I won't let you inconvenience anyone else. It's my offer or your own bed."

Arguing further would had landed her back in her room, so she had no choice but to accept. Elaine's bed was at the end of the room, under a small window. Since they had less than four hours to get some rest, everyone went straight to bed. There was no talking, no whispering, just right to bed.

Except Elaine, she said she was searching for another pillow. Mileena was staring down at the little space they were expected to share, wondering where it would go. Her own bed could probably fit all of them. The only way two people were going to fit on this thing would be if they didn't mind being in each other's space. She hadn't had someone in her space like that since she and Kitana stopped forcing surprise sleepovers on the other. Even then, it was never this close.

Two people who don't mind being in each other's space.

Scanning over the girls, she looked for Hiziza and Noble. Were they this close? Would they try to be, in here with everyone? They hadn't done it well, but they were trying to hide before. What had they done while they were alone all that time?

"Lie down." A pillow hurled at her head by Elaine had her falling into bed. Had they not been against the wall, she would had been on the floor. "Good, I hate sleeping by the wall."

There wouldn't even be enough room for them to both sleep on their backs. Facing the wall, she could only imagine Elaine was facing the room. This was not pleasant. The blanket was so thin, she was cold. At this rate, she would be napping with the other girls on the cart, instead of sitting up front with Elaine.

That arm around her. It had been cold in the early hours, she hadn't even noticed. Elaine was so warm. She should have brought an extra blanket instead of a pillow. Her head was still on Elaine's pillow anyway. The extra one was just folded up against the wall, doing nothing. She moved it in front of her to act as a barrier between her and the freezing wall. Finding sleep in this was the only escape from this cold.

She was cold, too cold. Her skin was on the brink of cracking. Something told her not to move. She was unsafe. It was too dark to see where she was.

"I hope they fair well in this." A woman's voice came from behind her, it calmed her immediately. She brought a warmth that radiated from Mileena's heart, to the rest of her body. "Come empress. Let me warm you."

And she did. Everything was warm. The cold that bit her so callously was burned away. This woman enveloped her. She held her so securely Mileena couldn't move. Not that she wanted to. She wanted to lie here, in the dark, with this warm woman. Feeling every curve of her womanly body and the heat it brought. If she could move, it would only be to get closer.

"Empress, the sorcerer is near."

Her eyes fluttered open. The darkness she was in faded away, returning her to the Umgadi bedchambers. Everyone was still sleeping. Why could she see them? She had gone to sleep, facing the wall? Next to Elaine.

Elaine had to still be there, because she felt her legs. In fact, one of them was draped over Mileena's hips.

The paralysis of sleep not yet worn off, she could not get up, so she used her eyes to find the upper half of her leader. She saw her arm. Then her midsection, her breasts, and finally her head. She was leaning over Mileena, looking out the window.

"Just...a few more minutes."

When she came back down, Mileena's body moved of its own accord to accommodate her. Her head shifted for Elaine's arm to fit under it. She scooted a little closer to the wall, bringing more of that leg over her hips. Elaine's head was on the back of her shoulder. Her other arm was tucked between Mileena's stomach and the bed.

As delicately as a candle being blown out, Mileena was back in the realm of sleep. Remnants of her last dream completely forgotten.

"Mileena?"

"Don't wake them, please let her sleep for as long as possible."

"It's almost afternoon. She's going to be furious."

Now, it was too bright. Light was bouncing off every reflective surface it could find. She had only managed to squint before. The image she had gathered in that short amount of time, most the girls were dressed and standing around them. Even Kitana was there.

"Don't they look cozy?" There was constant whispering and giggling, only the odd phrase or two was coming through to her.

Stretching her right arm out in front of her, she didn't think twice about bringing it comfortably back to where it had been resting, until realizing that resting place had been Elaine's chest. Their legs entangled, their arms around each other. Even their clothes were twisted and misaligned indecent enough to paint a scandalous picture.

She tried to move away but couldn't, with Elaine's arm hooked around her back, under her shirt. "Elaine, Elaine wake up. It's morning. We're... late." She gently shook her.

The most she did with the arm behind Mileena's back, was move it to her waist. She used her free arm to rub the sleep from her eyes. "Okay...who woke up first and decided not to wake me?" All the laughing and whispering stopped. "It really doesn't matter. You can all run this morning, since you are so awake and energized."

"What? Come on Elaine, that's not fair!" They moaned.

"No, what's not fair is the people who were waiting on us, now have to wait even longer. Get outside, get the cart together. I don't want to see anyone sitting in it. You will run until we're passed Zikandur. Maybe, I'll let you back on then."

The oddest sensations came over her in the moments after while watching Elaine get dressed. Had those girls not been standing around, oogling them, she might not have been quick to wake Elaine. She may not have pulled her hand away, or pushed against her hold. She might have just laid there until Elaine woke up naturally. The feel of her skin was still fresh on Mileena. The memory of her separate warmth, the strength of her touch.

"Elaine, I'm sorry if I caused you to oversleep."

"Did you slip something in my food?" She smirked. "If not, then it probably wasn't you. I was just really tired. A warm and comfortable bed was more appealing than a cold hard bench. You look like you slept well."

"I did." She tightened the last hook on her sash. "You actually do move a lot in your sleep."

"I was going to say the same about you. You couldn't keep your hands off me."

Her blush lasted until they reached the stables and all the girls were sitting and waiting inside the cart.

Elaine tugged at the fabric on her shoulder, then looked down at herself. "Do I, do I look like a jester to any of you? Did you think I was, joking? Get down, and start running."

Cries and groans startled several horses. Eventually they all begrudgingly hopped out and started running toward the gate. Only Kitana remained inside. Mileena put on her mask then joined Elaine on the coachman's bench. They were halfway out of the city when they ran into Li Mei talking to a few of her cadets. "Morning Li Mei." Mileena waved. Elaine huffed at her as she slowed the horses.

"Nearly afternoon. I thought I had missed you girls. It's pretty late to be leaving now."

"Yes. Very." Elaine growled.

"Could you tell my mother and father we're running a little behind schedule. I don't want them to worry. Is it still two days?"

"I really don't know. We may need an extra half a day to give the people the time we owed them. Add travel onto that, and if we want to keep the next day's obligation. I don't know. We may be looking at four days."

"Do you think that's, wise princess? Maybe you should stay."

"I've already talked things out with my father. Just let him know we're behind. It will be alright. Bye Li Mei." They easily caught up to the running girls. Elaine urged the horses to go faster. Right passed them. "Elaine, don't you think it's silly to do this? Let them in so we can get there quicker."

"Do you want to run with them?"

Looking back at her sisters, Mileena considered it, since she did feel responsible.

Off to the side, she saw Leisa picking up speed. She ran around the side of the cart with her spear out in front of her, jabbed it into the ground and propelled herself right into the wagon. Unlike before, it didn't rattle and shake.

"If I have to duel you for my spot on this cart, I will. I'm not running all the way to Zikandur because you overslept."

More and more of them began piling on, jumping in, and crawling up the sides, no matter how fast Elaine tried to go, while still inside the city. Soon they were all onboard laughing at her.

"The next time you let me sleep for that long, I will leave all of you and have a new squad by the afternoon. Do you understand me?"

"How is it our fault you didn't get up? We thought maybe you were cutting us a break. It's Mileena's fault. You've never had to tell us to get you up before. We didn't know what to do."

"I'll make sure my new squad knows."

The ride was mostly uneventful from that point on. Halfway there Elaine dropped the reigns in Mileena's hands and took a small nap. After several hours they took a break to stretch out. A wagon of men happened by. They whistled and jeered. The girls threw comments and insults back.

"I think the short haired one in the back was cute."

"Cute? He was old enough to be your father."

"He could have been your father."

They laughed, Mileena and Kitana were disgusted at the thought of finding their father attractive. "And that's why Umgadi take a vow of abstinence." Leisa shook her head.

"Really?"

"Doubt it, but maybe. Might have a little something to do with it. Wouldn't you be sickened to find out you'd been intimate with your father or brother?"

"I...I don't know. I don't know what it means to have those things. He would just be a man to me. Being intimate with one of you would disgust me more."

Everyone laughed, even Hiziza and Noble. That surprised Mileena. She kept watching, waiting for something from them. A look, a sound.

For some reason, whenever she found herself fixed on them, Elaine was always there to turn her away. Discreet yet firm.

"Were any of those boys your types, princess?"

"Do you both have similar taste? Being twins and all."

She and her sister looked at each other. "We know you both are probably used to finer gentlemen. You ever fancied the same man? Has a man ever wanted the both of you? Together, at the same time?"

"I can't speak for my sister, but I like strong, modest men. A hard find among princes."

Just to be done with it, Mileena thought to just agree with her sister's standards. Then decided against it. These were her sisters too. This is the kind of thing sisters gossiped about. "I don't really know. Like she said, princes are all very similar. At least the ones that approach me are. Maybe I have a type I'm just not aware of because I haven't seen him yet."

"I think I know your type." Said Sariyah. "Tall, long dark hair, a nice tan, hazel eyes."

Hiding from their teasing, Mileena couldn't think of anything to deny the claim. The one Sariyah had described was standing right next to her, rolling her eyes.

"Rules for thee, not for me, huh Mileena? Is that the kind of empress you'll be?"

She wished they'd left the laughter outside, but it followed them onto the cart. It had shifted back to the men, and all the girl's preferences. Until Leisa brought it right back to Mileena. She leaned over the barrier separating them. "Had time to think about what kind of man you fancy?"

Elaine kept her eyes straight ahead. "Would you leave my ticket out of this, alone?"

"Oh hush Elaine. Nothing Mileena? What of the princes you've met so far? They didn't look good to you?"

"Do you really expect her to bad mouth royalty to you?"

"It's not like I'm ever going to talk to a prince. Why don't you just drive and let us talk?"

"I feel as though you're forgetting I'm your squad leader. I don't need slackers chattering up here while I'm trying to concentrate." She flicked her head.

"Fine." She turned a sour face to Mileena. "I'll just leave you and your man alone."

Unlike the first time they'd ridden together, there was no touching, hardly any talking between them. There was no lack of coziness. She still had the warmth of their late morning on her mind. Was Elaine thinking about it too?

Elaine, her man? A man like Elaine? Something about her, didn't seem like it would transfer well to a man. There was something fundamental that would be missing if she were a man. The closest comparison she could think of was Reiko, and he surely wasn't her type. He was handsome enough, kind of, but everything else was so off putting. His boastful nature, Elaine could be boastful, yet refined. She could be prideful, arrogant even, and still tactful. She just had a nature to her that Mileena enjoyed. Something she had yet to see in a man.

In her mind, if Elaine became a man, and retained everything else about herself, something would still be lost. Her soft curves to offset her hard emotional exterior. How elegantly she displayed herself when being most unladylike. The power she cultivated with her petite, slightly muscular frame.

If she could pinpoint the moment she started to see her differently, it had to be when she'd first been appointed squad leader. Around the same time Mileena had begun shadowing her father. When she was younger, she sought the approval of every authority she was under. And for the most part, she got it, even when she didn't do well. Not from Elaine. She made her work for it. When she failed she was mocked. Like she expected it. When she succeeded, she was ignored, because success was what they planned for and expected, so it meant nothing. With her, she didn't chase approval. She was chasing indifference. Her presence. To be judged and seen by her.

The humble town snuck up on her. It was so small there was only several houses and a couple horses. Since the sun was going down, none of the girls rushed to work. They sat in the cart, while Elaine went to speak with the one in charge. Mileena tagged along.

A man dressed in more furs and gems than the king came barreling out of a long house in the center of town. "You're late. Is this acceptable for members of the Umgadi? The one time we ask for assistance and you come nearly a day late? Do you expect payment?"

"Please, accept my sincerest apologies sir Siddgeir. This is unacceptable. We can extend our services to fill the promised obligation or if you'd allow me, I could personally refund your donation."

He sneered at her. "As if you could. You're here. You may as well do what you were called to." His jeweled hand pointed out several dilapidated structures. "We're having troubles keeping up with repairs. A sickness has swept over our little town. We would have liked to be allowed to rest comfortably tonight. Instead we'll be kept up all night by your working."

"Again, I apologize. We'll work as quickly and efficiently as we can."

"Get it done. I'm not well myself. I should be resting. Not up waiting for you."

"Of course. Go tell the girls."

The disappointment on their faces was evident, but they knew when to keep quiet. She could hear the man still raising a fuss at Elaine from there. When their leader finally came over she handed out orders and lanterns. Apparently they were going to start working now in the middle of the evening.

Kitana offered to be an extra pair of hands. Outside of repairs, daily chores were to be completed too. Weeds needed to be pulled from the pitiful gardens throughout town, herbs to be picked, new seeds to be sewn.

She hung the lantern above them on the handle of an abandoned shovel. So many unfinished projects, as though everyone in town had just gone to bed in the middle of whatever they were doing.

There was no one besides them outside. No children, no guards, no one just out to enjoy the evening air. Since they were trying to be as quiet as possible, the only sounds in the village were that of them working. The eerie silence let her hear how quickly some of the work was being done.

"This is, strange."

"Yes. The leader of this town said some sickness had blown over them. Hopefully they'll be alright. He didn't sound overly concerned. Maybe they just wanted us to finish their work. I don't think there's a lot of people here. They may be elderly. For everyone to be in bed at the same time, it's, unnerving."

"Mileena...why were you, in bed with that woman, this morning?" Kitana whispered.

The uncertainty in her sister's voice made her stop pulling weeds for just a second. What was she trying to ask? "I wanted to sleep with my squad, my bed had been, repurposed, so she offered me a space with her." When Kitana didn't speak again, she continued. "Why?"

"The way you two were holding each other. I had come down earlier and was told by the few girls who were awake, to let you sleep. How you two looked when I came back, was tame compared to how you were before. I wanted to separate you two. They were all acting like it was...normal."

"We were sleeping. You saw how small that bed was."

"Why not just sleep in your room?"

"I already told you why. I wanted to sleep with my squad. It is normal. We often had to sleep together when we were under Li Mei. It's not a big deal."

"Her hands were under your clothes."

She had to work through the heat filling her cheeks. She had felt Elaine's hands under her shirt, rubbing her back, down her sides, and over her stomach. That was moments before she woke up though. Whatever her sister had seen before that, must have been worse for her to be going on like this.

"We were sleeping Kitana. What do you want us to do about that?"

"You were sleeping, the entire time?" She came closer. "Are you sure she was?"

Those weeds whipping at her sister's persons cooled that heat immediately. She hadn't meant it. The force of her strike knocked Kitana off her knees and into the dirt. "I'm sorry. But, Elaine isn't...she isn't like that. A rumor like that could get her removed as our squad leader, maybe even get her stripped of her Umgadi membership. She takes her vows seriously, she thinks interactions between Umgadi members is inappropriate. She likes things the way they are. She likes it here. Don't make things hard for her."

"And the princes?"

"Is it so wrong I don't know my type? They are all so similar. If it will please you, the next prince I'm forced to entertain, I will marry. Will that be enough? Will that stop the questions?'

She was kneeling over her. Her voice was cracking, getting as loud as possible while still being considered a whisper.

"Mileena, I think we should check over there, for some more weeds and herbs." She couldn't see where she was pointing to. Kitana picked up the lantern, their baskets, and walked her away from everyone else. A small lonely house near the end of the two minute town. They walked around it once, it was dead silent. Kitana hooked the lantern to the side of the house then she pulled Mileena to the ground under it, where they sat against the house. "I'm not asking about the Umgadi, or the future queen. I'm asking about my sister. What's going on with you?"

Getting as close as possible, to keep their words between them, she put her head on her knees, unable to face her, even in this darkness. "I saw, them kissing. My, sisters. Elaine saw it too. She didn't do anything. She said she knew, and I shouldn't worry about it. She said she doesn't approve, at least I think that's what she said. Ever since that day, it feels like I've been getting closer to her, and I don't know why. When we were sleeping, I had a dream I was cold, and a woman was holding me, she was so warm." She folded into herself, hugging herself tight. "I was sleeping. But I did wake up once. I-I liked her holding me. Kitana, something's wrong with me."

Falling against her, fully expecting her to have moved away, Mileena relaxed in her arms. "You're my twin. Why are we so different? Why am I so difficult for mother and father? How am I supposed to fulfill my royal duty if I can't secure a proper mate? I try Kitana I really do. This was the one place I didn't feel like a failure, and this happens."

"What happened?"

"I happened! I always do." That hand in her hair became the most reassuring thing in the world. Rubbing her scalp, lightly scraping the shaved sides of her head, pushing against the fine short hairs. "What should I do?"

"I-I don't know. Have you tried...not liking her?"

"What? You, you think I like Elaine?"

"I don't know. Is that not what you were trying to tell me? Do you, fancy the girls you saw kissing?" She shook her head. "Just because I'm your twin doesn't mean I understand all the strange things that go on in that head of yours. I'm not going to say I get it, or that it would be simple, but if it was as straightforward as you being smitten with Elaine,"

"I'm...smitten with Elaine?"

"I don't know. Mileena I don't know what to say. I don't want to encourage you, knowing there's no way to reconcile this. But, does it sound right to you? When you say it out loud?"

"I like Elaine."

"How do you feel after saying that?"

"Sick. Like my stomach hurts."

"I'm sorry my love. If I could, I would take your pain, not your feelings though. I'm starting to believe, despite how you feel, maybe something is pushing you away from the Umgadi. One more incident, mother is likely to explode."

So much regret was flooding her heart. Even if what her sister had concluded was true, she would have preferred to keep it to herself. To keep it separate, within the Umgadi, where it belonged. Elaine was her squad leader, and soon she too would be part of her personal security. If she really did fancy her, she would never be away from her. And the little bit of intimate interaction they had, was enough for Mileena. She could never, have Elaine for multiple reasons, so her feelings really didn't matter.

It wasn't like she wanted some grand ceremony in the courtyard with her. She wanted to be close to her, and earn her approval. She had wanted the same when she trained under Li Mei. She didn't want to be with Li Mei. She was a lot younger then, but still, she admired Li Mei, she didn't love her. That's all this was, matured admiration.

"I, I think I may have been mistaken."

"Mileena?"

Sitting up, she blew out all that hesitation. "I was a little, confused and alarmed by what I saw. And her being so nonchalant about it might have confused me more. But, I admired her for it. For how she protects us, and looks out for us. She's the same age as us, but she acts more like a mother than big sister. She's so responsible and mature. I do like her, but, not, in that sense. I want to be like her. She has no parents to be proud of her, and she's so deserving. I have two, and I disappoint them hourly." She was slowing her words, making sure it didn't sound like she was trying to quickly recant her semi-forced confession. She was being sincere, she meant these things, she just wasn't so sure she hadn't meant everything else. "Saying...I like her, and thinking about it that way, didn't feel accurate. I admire her."

"Mileena, you don't have to,"

"I didn't say it before, because it's a little embarrassing. I wasn't lying, I haven't found interest among the princes. But, as far as a type, at least, physically, I do find Reiko, attractive. It's just the rest of him I don't like."

"That is embarrassing. I wouldn't have said that out loud either. Mother and father might be more forgiving if you really were taken by this woman instead." That honest laughter made Mileena feel better, maybe she had been convincing enough. It wasn't like she lied. Reiko wasn't unattractive, in looks. Just in every other way. "You've found a role model you want to be close to. There's nothing wrong with that. Someone who pushes you to be better. That's wonderful."

"I don't want to annoy her though."

"I'm sure you don't. Her finding us sitting here instead of working might though. Let's search around here first, then move on."

Emotionally Mileena felt as though she'd just swam out into the middle of an ocean and was only now back on land. There was uncharted territory within sight, it frightened her. But she knew it was there. She didn't have to go there now. She could, visit it alone, before bringing others along. Even if that other was just her sister.

They covered the entire village. Doing the task by lantern had made it that much more difficult, but they completed it. Everyone else seemed to be finished with their tasks too.

"This is creepy. We're finished. Can't we just go?" Leisa jumped in the cart making as much noise as possible.

"Quiet down. You heard Sid. They are trying to sleep." Hiziza shushed her.

"No they aren't. They aren't trying to sleep. Those people are sleeping. I've been peeking into the houses. They are full of people just sleeping. All over the place. On the floor, on tables, chairs, stairs, dressers. It's strange and scary. There aren't enough houses for all these people. It's like they just came here and went to sleep."

"That is odd." Elaine entered the group. "So I want all of you to be cautious about being around them. Keep your distance and a mask on if you have one. We'll have to report this when we get back. For now, there's nothing to do but rest. It will be morning soon. We have to be up this time. We have to give them a full day."

"We did everything, in a few hours. What else does he need us to do? I don't want to sleep here." Noble whined.

If looks could kill, Noble would be napping on the coroner's slab from the way Elaine was staring at her. Noble may not have been paying attention, but Hiziza was. She pulled Elaine's glare her way. They rolled their eyes then dropped it.

"We don't want to be a nuisance, so no fire tonight. Let's just get some sleep."

It looked like tonight was shaping up to be the most uncomfortable rest they'd experienced so far. There was no flat ground to lie on even if they wanted to. The girls with blankets lied around the cart. The ones without, lied inside. On the inside, most of them lined the floor, packed very tightly. The other option was sitting straight up on the bench. Elaine and Hiziza each took a bench for the extra leg room.

Lying right next to Elaine's bench, Mileena was pressed so hard against it, she felt like she couldn't breathe. Whoever was lying behind her didn't seem to care about the lack of space, she had her knees pulled up and her arms spread out. There was no getting comfortable, no warmth. Just ache, and scraping her skin against the swollen, worn wood.

About an hour after they lied down Mileena was struck four times in the back and shoulder. After the third time handling it politely, she was going to retaliate. Turning over, she raised her fist prepared to strike whoever was behind her.

"I told you, she moves a lot." Elaine grabbed her wrists and dragged her up on the bench, where she was sat between her legs, and her head was placed on her chest. Elaine then draped what felt like her top wrappings over them.

Alone, they were cold. Together like this, the heat was already generating from just a few seconds of them being connected. Briefly, the conversation she had with her sister popped into her head. Maybe she was jumping to conclusions about herself. It could very well be she just admired this woman. She was admirable, so caring, and kind...

The light of morning came with no more and no less than two blinks. Looking off to her right, Noble curled up with Hiziza the same way she was with Elaine. To the immediate right of her and Elaine was Leisa, leaning into Elaine's side. Elaine's hand was cradling her head, keeping her close and stable.

Mileena knew what she had to do, and she hated to do it. Lifting herself off her chest, she prepared to wake their sleepy leader. "E-Elaine, it's morning."

"I know. Lie back down. I'm cold."

"Are you still sleeping? You said you wanted,"

"We don't have to get up until they do."

"Preposterous!" A bellow echoed through the empty gaggle of houses. It was Siddgeir.

Everyone woke at different intervals. Elaine climbed out first, Mileena hopped out behind her.

"This, this is what the renowned Umgadi is capable of? Look at this!" Since only Mileena and Elaine were there, they had to go on a mini tour of all the terrible work they had done. In the light of day, one could only defend their job by saying it had been done in the dark. Some of the structures fell with the slightest bit of pressure applied to it. "Not only were you late, you do a piss poor job on top of that? I can only imagine what kind of warriors you are. I think your superiors oversell your usefulness."

"This is unacceptable. We will have it fixed by the end of the day if you'll allow us. Please."

"How? With what supplies? We gave you what we had, we paid for your services and for the supplies. We had more we needed of you, but if you're going to take all our time, repairing your mistakes, we may as well ask you to move on to the next task if you're even able to do that."

Standing behind her, Mileena could see Elaine's balled fist, respectfully cuffed on the small of her back. "Of course sir."

"Some of our weaker citizens need to be taken to the royal city for treatment. Can you get them there?" The three of them looked at the cart. "Hardly. I will expect full reimbursement."

"We will get them there. And I'll have supplies brought back. Just provide us a list of things you need."

He didn't depart without spitting a resounding "Pathetic" over his shoulder. Back at the carriage everyone was looking highly offended by the man's tirade.

"We have the right to refuse."

"To the Netherrealm with him, I'm not fixing a thing."

"We did the best we could, with what he gave us, and what he demanded. I say we leave. He wants men to do the job, he can send for them. He probably paid less than it takes to feed our horses and he's complaining about free labor? Let's leave, Elaine."

"Had we showed up on time, I'd agree. But he has a right to his attitude. I should have asked he let us wait until morning. We did waste their materials and time." She rubbed the horse's back. "He's asking us to escort the sick, so we can't all ride, not just because there won't be any room, but I don't want all of us being exposed. So, I'll need at least two of you to escort them to the city and pick up supplies." No one volunteered. "Don't everybody jump up at once. Fine. Mileena,"

"Yes?"

"Since we're going to be here much longer than we reported, you and your sister should go. Everyone get your things off the cart, we have to make it as comfortable as possible for them."

As everyone was getting their stuff, Mileena asked Elaine to speak with her off to the side. "I-I don't want to leave. Besides if we go back and have to check in, it will hold us up."

"It has to be you. You have to cover the cost of the supplies. I will repay you, but right now,"

"You don't have to. Just, don't make me go."

"Mileena I don't have time for this. You will go. You want to be Umgadi? Then you listen to me. You do what I tell you."

"No."

"So you're doing it again." Mileena tilted her head in confusion. "Doing what you want, digging your feet in the ground, making things harder for me."

"I don't want to make things harder for you."

"Then why won't you just go?"

There was no argument she could voice. She just didn't want to leave her. That wasn't good enough. "I'm sorry. I'll go."

"Thank you."

Siddgeir returned with an older couple and a young child. While helping them in the back, they began hacking violently. All the girls backed away.

"Change of plans. Mariko, Opal. You two will get them back, and get the supplies. Mileena, give them whatever you can spare."

She gave Kitana's entire coin purse to them. "Tell them it is for me, and they might charge you less."

"Mask on girls. I want you back before nightfall. We will only work in the light. We want to do this right, this time."

They watched the cart until it disappeared down the path. Until the supplies were brought back, there was not much any of them could do. Siddgeir was so displeased, he demanded as much. He didn't want them doing anything. With nowhere to be, and nothing to do, everyone idled around, dejected.

"Why do you think she changed her mind? We should have went Mileena. Mother and father are going to be furious."

"Those people were really sick. She probably didn't want us riding with them. Whatever is infecting this town, we can't afford to catch it."

"We still haven't seen many people, out and about. Their spokesman and those people. They probably should have put more in the cart and took them. Something might be going on here. Even I'm feeling tired and we just woke up."

"We didn't sleep well Kitana."

"We did before we came. Maybe it's just nerves."

Angry pounding from inside the village pulled all their attention. It was Hiziza. She was touching up some of their work from last night.

"Hiziza? Hiziza what are you doing?" Noble asked from across the way.

"What's it look like? It's not like what we have was ruined. I don't want to just sit here doing nothing. I can see now." She hit the wood even harder.

"Hiziza, calm yourself. Put that stuff down. You're being too loud." Leisa said.

"It's morning. These people aren't getting up. When the supplies gets here, are we still going to be asked to keep it down? This whole place is falling apart."

"Excuse me? What do you all think you're doing?" Siddgeir ran out of his long house with a stern looking woman beside him. "Stop all that racket, now."

Hiziza looked right at him, and brought the hammer down again. "I'm trying to make do with what we have here in the meantime."

"You're making noise and making it worse. You're trying to be cheap too. I'm this close to revoking your services all together."

"And finding someone else who will work for a couple shillings? You're lucky we showed up. For what you offered, you'd be lucky to get a couple children from the next town to help you. We are not beggars."

"Hiziza, silence yourself!" Elaine marched over to her same as Siddgeir and his entourage. "Excuse her, she,"

"Is insolent. Who is in charge of you harlots?"

"Harlots? You ask us to work by candlelight, with these pitiful tools, and we have to work quickly and quietly. You cannot hammer quietly. Something is wrong with your town and you called us here to finish your chores instead of trying to get your citizens some real help? That's pathetic. That's pitiful."

Siddgeir towered over Elaine to stare down at Hiziza. Hiziza stood tall, clutching the hammer in hand. "That's the problem with women. Too emotional to accept responsibility for their actions. Biting off more than they can chew and spitting it out, like that's acceptable. Were you a boy I could knock some sense into you."

Hiziza threw her hammer to the ground and presented her face. Elaine shoved her back, standing in her place. "If that is what you need to feel righted, please do so to me. I am in charge of them. You have every right to be upset with how we've conducted ourselves. You are dealing with something we surely don't understand, and we've only added to your burden when you reached out for help. They will not retaliate, and you will not be denied service in the future should you want to utilize us again. The Umgadi are the daughters of Outworld, we thrive on the people's belief in us. Without it, we are nothing. If you believe, I am doing you a disservice, it is only fair I be punished."

He looked like he was contemplating taking her up on that offer. Mileena wouldn't allow it. Coming to her side, she put a hand on Elaine's shoulder. "I don't think that's necessary. You need more than what you're asking. The Umgadi and royal family work in tandem to ensure all our wellbeing. As the princess of Outworld, to make right this grievous mishandling of your request, I will pass along any further requests to the king, personally, and see to it your needs are properly met. Be it relocation, or medical treatment be brought here, for the whole town. You're in need of food and water, correct? I can have those things sent, just as a courtesy."

"You're, the king's daughter?"

"Yes." She bowed. "First in line for the throne. Mileena. I take pride in getting to know the people living in my kingdom personally. Your struggles are my struggles. We should work together to fix them."

"Interesting. Nenya," he summoned the woman to step forward. After whispering something in her ear, he gave Mileena another once over. "This is adequate compensation. Give us some time to find a worthy request for the king."

"Of course sir."

When he left, everyone scattered, save for her, Elaine, Hiziza and Kitana. "Hiziza,"

"Elaine, I'm sorry. It's just,"

"If you ever disrespect me, or the Umgadi title again."

Hiziza took a knee. "Forgive me. I was, out of line."

"And you. Come here." Mileena gestured her sister to stay, as she followed Elaine behind a building. Once they were out of view of everyone else, Elaine shoved her against the wall. "If you and her weren't here, I could have two capable girls. You are taking the place, of two pairs of hands I can actually use. Is this a game to you? Is this an outfit you can take off and on when you please?"

"No Elaine. I thought I was helping. I thought,"

"No, you didn't think. Not only did you needlessly expose yourself, you've painted us as an incompetent means to get to the king. He just wants to milk free labor out of us. This poor, nest of huts, pretending to be a proper village is a charity case for us. It's nothing. You don't offer yourself up on a silver platter to be taken advantage of. You don't expose yourself and put us all in danger. I should have gone with my first mind and sent you back."

"Why...why won't you take advantage of me Elaine? Why won't you use what I offer? Why does doing things the hard way make you happy?"

"How can I, when I can't trust you to listen? I have to think and plan for all of us. They are my squad. You are one wild card that pops in and out of my life, bringing nothing but confusion and chaos. Being around you, is hard for me. For many reasons. Reasons I can't talk about. If you could just be a princess, or just be Umgadi, it would be easier. But you refuse. You've been like this since we were children. All these years to think about it and you still can't commit. What vows did you take? What honor do you have to uphold? The lies you tell. Choosing to be Umgadi when you don't have to. What you consider, having a choice, having options, is nothing. We have choices, we have options. You don't."

Every word cut Mileena like a dull blade in a fresh wound. Unable to register what was even being said, she was just in pain. This didn't feel like her normal fussing. Then again, what did she know of normal? She did come in and out of Elaine's life too infrequent enough to know her. Pretending she did, because she wanted to be closer to her, was selfish. Elaine didn't ask for much, still Mileena fought her at every turn. She had come in playing Umgadi and Elaine humored her. She made adjustments, and Mileena walked around feeling entitled to more, having no idea what more even was.

"You're not coming out with us again, if I have to speak with your mother and father myself."

Had she really been a burden this whole time? Could it be, Elaine actually hated her?

"Mileena? Mileena are you alright?" Kitana appeared with Leisa. Elaine had somehow walked away without her noticing.

"Did Elaine fuss at you? Elders, she thinks she's everybody's mother. You're the princess, you gotta start letting her know who's boss."

"I wish I wasn't."

"What? Mileena?" Kitana's voice was full of worry, whatever her face was doing, Mileena didn't know, she didn't feel like looking at anyone and trying to regulate what was being observed.

"Ignore her, she's always taking her attitude out on everyone else." Leisa flopped down beside her. "As a matter of fact, don't ignore her, go give her a piece of your mind." Her voice lowered. "You want me to say something to her?"

"I want, to go home. I make things hard for her. She doesn't want me here."

They stayed, trying to comfort her, while she fought an emotional shutdown. If this was how she was going to act, after a mild scolding, maybe she shouldn't be here. This was princess behavior, surely not how a warrior would go about it.

Exhaling all her frustration, and sadness, she brushed them off. "I'm fine. Just a bit sensitive. It must be nearing that time. Or maybe I'm just tired."

"Really?" Leisa asked. "It is strange, how tired we still feel. Whatever has these people out like this, might be getting to us. That could also be why Elaine's so snappy. She's tired, we did a terrible job, even though that wasn't our fault, and we're all tired. Haven't eaten since yesterday either. I wouldn't worry about it."

"Maybe we should leave."

Mileena dusted herself off and stood up. "I can't. I made a promise to one of my subjects, I must uphold it."

"Girls, let's go. We're moving out." Elaine's voice blasted over the town.

"No you aren't. You haven't completed a single thing we've asked of you. You can't just leave now!" The three of them raced out from behind the building just in time to see Siddgeir running after Elaine. He and his assistant were hot on her heels, hollering into her backside.

"We will return. Without supplies there's nothing for us to do anyway. I will go see what they want, then we will be back. If that doesn't work for you, you can arrange something else with my superiors. Girls, move it, we're heading to the next town."

On her way to join her sisters, Mileena and Siddgeir made eye contact. "Is this how the princess of Outworld treats her people? You abandon them, and make empty promises? Is this how you represent the king?"

She paused no longer than a second before she was snatched forward by none other than her squad leader. Elaine spun on him so fast and firm, had her hands not been on Mileena, she was sure she would have struck him.

"You had no right to keep that information from us. You've had us here, wasting time. We accepted our mistake, you would have been compensated. Now, you've made a trespass against us. You will get what you are owed and nothing more."

"How dare you, you insolent child!"

"No, how dare you! You've exposed us to whatever is plaguing your people, so you withheld the conditions we'd be working in from our superiors. And now you withhold an urgent call from people who actually need our help? Were I able to send for my warriors, I'd cancel this request all together. We are only returning to help these unfortunate people. They don't deserve to live in squalor. There's only so much one can do under such poor leadership." Her grip on Mileena softened. "I would suggest, instead of waiting for us to return, you try and send word to the city now to get these people out of here, or seen by someone. That sleep is unnatural." With her peace said, they all left Siddgeir fuming and cursing them behind.

They walked for a few minutes before anyone attempted to speak. Hiziza broke the silence first, inquiring what had happened to make Elaine fire off like that, and why they were leaving in a different direction than they came.

"Scheduling error. Another village sent for us. He intercepted their call, and took it for himself. They sent word through him again, he was going to ignore it until we completed his task. They were the ones we were supposed to be helping yesterday. It's a few hours from here. I don't know what we'll be able to do, or what they need, but they deserve at least to know we are aware of them. It's a bigger town, so if we must, we'll borrow a horse and buggy to get back to the city. I may pass the other job over to another squad."

"We should have left a note for Mariko and Opal."

"He probably wouldn't have given it to them anyway. If things go on too long here, I'll send a couple of you back to explain the situation to them."

After that, mundane conversation filled the void. Complaints about their last client, speculation on the next, food. Everyone had so much to talk about. They were so, energetic. Every step away from that village seemed to give them a boost. As drained, weak, and agitated as everyone was back there, the change was night and day.

"Maybe that village was cursed?"

"That would explain a lot. I could see someone hating him enough to curse his land. Too bad for those poor people though."

"Do you think it was cursed Elaine? Do you think we could be cursed?"

"No."

"You don't believe in curses or something?"

"I do. And while I'm sure he has a list of enemies that could reach the heavens and back several times, I don't see him being that much of a menace, someone would invoke dark magic to curse him. No matter how small the curse, dark magic is nothing to toy with. I'd believe something more natural was bothering the land first. Could be spores, or some contamination. This is a popular trade route for merchants moving, questionable goods."

"Do you think we'll be alright?"

"We should be. We'll take another way home, and I'll come back myself to get Opal and Mariko if I have to. Until we understand what's going on there, I don't want us returning."

"I don't want to return anyway. I hope there's food in the next town."

Elaine stopped. "We should, probably eat before we get there. Don't want to show up, not be able to help them, and then bombard them with requests of our own. You see this road? There's a stream up ahead. I want some of you in the water, some of you in the trees. If you don't know what it is, for the love of Argus, don't pick it up. We don't have long, so meet back here in 20 minutes."

Kitana took off toward the water, Mileena would take to the trees then. She and several other girls ran into the shrubbery. Within seconds one of them was asking if the other thought a bushel of berries was safe to eat. Mileena was swift in swatting it out of her hands as she lifted it to her mouth.

"Better to be safe than sorry. We're only to pick what we know is edible." Elaine really did have to think for them. They really didn't listen well.

Refashioning her top sash around her, as a sling, she found a tree littered with ripe fruits and went to climbing. Her makeshift bag filled up in seconds. Back on the ground, she happened upon a rabbit. She froze. It wasn't very big, but it was meat. She only had one kind of fruit. And if the girls caught anything, all they would have is fruit and fish. They needed something else.

Lowering herself, she took a knee before the creature. Extending her hand, she tried to coax it closer. For a while, it worked. When it was within grabbing distance, she took the chance, and it hopped away. She dropped half her food in the attempt.

"Nice try, but you left him with way too much room to escape." Elaine, with very little effort had grabbed Mileena's prey by the ears. "Did you want it?" Her blade was already under the rabbit's neck. She had wanted it, but seeing it like this, she was suddenly fine with just fruit. Elaine sheathed her weapon, gave the rabbit a pat and let it go. "Quite the haul you've got here." She helped Mileena gather what she'd dropped. Her own sash, tied behind her back, was bursting with food. "This should be enough. Don't want to take too much." When only a few pieces remained, she sat down, and watched. "So, Leisa says, I may have hurt your feelings."

"You...you didn't. I'm fine. It was wrong of me to do what I did."

"It was. You realize, I meant every word I said."

She couldn't blame the fatigue now. Her chest was tightening all over again. A stinging pain shot through her heart and throat. "So, you don't want me to come back?"

"Come here." Like she had done with the little rabbit, Elaine put her hand out, and coaxed Mileena closer. Unlike the rabbit, Mileena wasn't able to escape Elaine. Told to sit before her, Mileena waited with baited breath. "I'm not oblivious to your position. But I'm not going to speak to you any different than I do the rest of them."

She nodded instead of speaking. The way she was talking sounded like she wasn't looking for a conversation.

"When you are here, with me, I need you to be my ignorant, little soldier. My blindly obedient soldier. I think for you. The only thoughts you are to have, are how to complete the goals I give you. It may sound counterproductive to being a ruler, but it's exactly what you need to be a great ruler. You listen to your people, and further their goals, to the best of your abilities. You trust me, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Why? Why do you want to be Umgadi so bad?"

She paused after the first why, leading Mileena to think she was questioning why she trusted her. She was already deep in thought about that, the second question was even harder to ponder.

"I...I believe in what we stand for. In what we represent. The history, all the Umgadi has done for Outworld. I feel, we do more for Outworld than my father. We throw parties, we entertain people, sign papers, throw coin at problems. It's a show."

"You really do need someone to think for you, if that's all you think you're doing." Elaine combed her fingers through her hair. "I feel like, even if I told you not to come back, you wouldn't listen. You might stay away for a couple weeks, or months if your princess duties get in the way. Then you'd be right back out here, being a thorn in my side." It felt safe to crack a smile when Elaine laughed. "You do bring chaos and confusion. But, no more than the rest of them I guess."

Standing tall, she stretch then extended her hand to Mileena. She didn't plan on it, she also didn't try to stop herself. When Elaine pulled her to her feet, she kept going, throwing her arms around her. "Thank you Elaine. I'll try my best. I'll be better. I'll make you proud." The awkward pats on her head made her squeeze harder.

"I don't think I act like a mother, you guys just treat me like one. You all make me feel so old. Come on, we're the same age."

Everyone else had already returned and to Elaine's delight, they had a fire going and the food was almost done cooking. In no time they were back on the road on the way to their next destination.

"You seem in a better mood." Kitana whispered. "You spoke with her?"

"Yes."

"Good. I don't know what she said, but she needs to learn to be kinder to you. More respectful. You are still a princess, and the next empress of Outworld. We aren't children anymore, she has no excuse."

"It was me who was being disrespectful. I can't come in and disrupt what they have here. Umgadi trust is not built on royal promises. Everything is fine now."

"If you say so sister."

They walked for hours before they laid eyes on this town. It was emitting a warm inviting glow, that reminded Mileena of the festivals back home. She even heard joyous cheering and yelling.

"Sounds like a party. What kind of help could they need if they're partying? I hope we didn't get called to setup or something."

"It's rare, but it may be a celebration for us. Sometimes to show their appreciation they send for help and throw surprise parties for Umgadi warriors. Li Mei has had quite a few."

"A party for us? After that, we do deserve it."

"That was just a guess. If it's not for us, don't act disappointed. We'll throw our own party for us when we return if you want one so bad."

"Really Elaine?"

"If no one manages to make me mad between now and then, sure."

Talks of this theoretical party came to a screeching halt when a bloodcurdling scream tore through the trees. It broke the illusions of a surprise celebrations. Those imagined cries of joy, were howls of agony. Closer now, they saw smoke pouring out of that warm glow, it was a massive fire.

Without a word, they all broke into a run. Full speed ahead, moving as one. There was no plan. The main gate was shredded, hanging on by a hinge. Aside from the smoke, there was an overwhelming scent of blood, and something even more foul Mileena couldn't place.

"What do we do Elaine?"

Mileena had only managed to hear the person ask because they were right next to her. People were screaming and running passed them. Bodies were all over the ground leading away from the fire.

"We, we have to find the fire, and put it out. That's the first thing."

All around them, people were running, and suddenly dropping. Right in front of her a woman was running with a child. An infant. It was crying, then the woman fell and it was quiet. As far as she knew, if the child was crying still, the woman was muffling it.

Rushing to her, she tried to turn the woman over. "E-E-Elaine!" Was the only word her mouth would form. Their lifeless bodies flopped back into place when she jumped away from them. They slid down the spike pinning them together.

Spikes. The people had dropped from spikes? They were, shot down.

Her chest hurt, hands hurt from rubbing up against the gravel below. Hopping to her feet she scratched herself, begging to be awaken at any moment now. The rest of her squad was up ahead, planted before the blazing fire.

Dragging herself over to them, she bore witness to what had them all frozen in place. The fire wasn't an out of control blaze. It was a bonfire, surrounded by many people, both living and dead. Bodies were hanging over the fire, in it, around it.

In unison, a group of people began roaring at the top of their lungs. Then they charged.

"Tar-Tarkatans!"

No matter how hard she pumped her legs, she didn't feel like she was moving fast enough. It always felt like someone was right behind her. A hand was always a swipe away from getting her. If not a hand, a spike. So terrified one was coming for her, everything started to sound like the whistle of a projectile. Trying to run with her head down, nearly had her on all fours.

It was only a matter of time before she stumbled. She rolled, then slid into a pile of bodies. Rather it was her extreme intrusion that threw their lifeless limbs over her, or they weren't all exactly dead, she didn't try to find out. She shook them off and kept running. The growling was getting closer.

"M-Mileena!" Hearing her name she ran toward the sound without trying to figure out who was calling. It was Noble, bound to the side of a house with a spike through her arm. "Help me, I can't get it out."

"Have you seen Kitana?" She put her foot against the building and pried the jagged material out. It sliced up her hands, making her lose her grip many times before she wiggled it loose.

"No. Come, this way. We should run into the woods. We'll have more cover there."

"I-I can't go until I find Kitana."

"Mileena don't!"

She shook her off and started running again. It didn't cross her mind until she was back in the middle of the road that Kitana might have also had the idea to run into the woods. Turning to call out to her, she saw three Tarkatans run off in Noble's direction. There was nothing she could do.

No. Kitana wouldn't run off into the woods. She would stay and look for Mileena. She wouldn't leave until she found her. So Mileena couldn't leave either.

She wasn't going to focus on anything that wasn't her sister anymore. She had to get her, then they had to get home and warn her parents. They had to get back to the safety of the city.

As the entrance came into view, she saw it too was overrun by Tarkatans, they were dragging people back into town, tearing them to pieces, biting into them. Men, women, children, animals. No one was spared. The pleas appeared to fuel their blood lust. People were really trying to bargain with these creatures. Parents begging for their children, some offering them in their place. Had there been a leak in the Netherrealm? That's the only place something like this should be visible.

"Mileena? Mileena get down!"

The only other person she could truly say she was happy to see, yanked her from where she stood and threw her beneath a crawl space. In the dark with only flickers of the fire and light from other homes on them, Elaine appeared to be covered in black ink.

"You're hurt?"

"It-it's not mine. Have you seen anyone else?"

"Noble, she ran into the woods. She was hurt. Have you seen Kitana?"

"No."

"I have to find her."

They spotted a uniform running up. Elaine tripped the girl and quickly dragged her under with them. The man running with her wasn't so lucky. The Tarkatans chasing them, hit him with a barrage of spears, then pounced on him, tearing chunks from his body. He died reaching out to them.

Seconds later another body was tossed to the crowd. "Don't look."

She wouldn't have believed it had Elaine not tried to turn her away. She would have seen it as proof she was dreaming. The woman they'd just thrown into that feeding frenzy couldn't have been wearing Kitana's royal sash. There were none like it, it was one of a kind, specially made for her.

"Ki-Kitana?" Her mind told her if she could just get to her, she could do something. Her dreams weren't prophetic, this was all wrong. What did it matter if she was killed too, without her sister, she may as well cease to exist.

"What are you doing? Stop, Mileena, there's nothing you can do. Stop." Elaine forced her back into the shelter of their crawlspace, then used her body to pin her in place. "One of you has to make it back. Don't look, don't listen."

Her sash moved. They hadn't started on her yet. They were still feasting on the man. If Mileena could distract them, Kitana could get away.

Fighting against Elaine she clawed toward the opening. Finding her voice, she tried to scream. Only one of those bloody beasts bothered to look for the source of the scream. Elaine clamped her hand over her mouth before she could get another out.

"What do you think you're doing?" She rolled them over, further away from the chaos.

"That's my sister, let me go Elaine, get off me! I have to help her, I can't leave without her."

"Mileena be quiet. She is already gone. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Don't do this to your parents. You can still make it home to them."

"No Elaine, stop please! You don't understand, please!"

"Give me your sash."

Muffled with her hands tied, Mileena was forced to watch what her nightmares had been kind enough to omit. She hadn't been dead, she was fighting, and losing. Even when her grunts became blood gurgles, she struggled on. Mileena wasn't even able to fight off two Umgadi warriors, and her younger sister held out against a pack of Tarkatans. She held out for help that wasn't coming.

The fabric tied around her mouth, coupled with the smoke, and what she now knew was the smell of burning flesh, made it impossible to breathe. Lightheaded and nauseous, she closed her eyes and gave in to the void calling her to rest. It would be a blessing to never wake up if this was what she had to look forward to.

Were the gods being merciful when they sent her dreams of a happier time? Were they in charge of such things? Why would they send her dreams, when they could rid the lands of this horrid infection? How could they see this as a preferred action? It was torture. Why would they taunt her with visions of her sister being alive and well, just for her to wake up alone? If they were not rewriting the timelines to reflect what they showed her, she didn't want to know of its existence.

Waking up in Elaine's arms was bittersweet. For a moment, seeing the wood overhead, she imagined they were in the cart. Seeing nothing but Umgadi colors and wood, her mind took her back to the previous day in Falkreath.

"It's quiet." Elaine whispered over her.

"Do those things sleep?"

"I don't know, but now may be our only chance to escape."

"What about the others?"

"We just have to pray they know to get back to the city. We never should have been called for this. Either they lied about what was going on, or there was a mix up in orders." Finally, she looked down and acknowledged Mileena wasn't sleeping. "If I take that sash off, and untie your hands, will you cooperate? Remember," she stroked her hair. "Don't think. Just be my obedient little soldier. Keep looking at me. We're going out the back. There wasn't much movement that way all night."

Shutting her thinking off really was the only way she had a chance at surviving. When she was in control of her thoughts, she wasn't sure she wanted to. Her mind was telling her to sit there with her sister's remains and wait for those monsters to reunite them. With Elaine in control, her parents had a slim chance of at least one child returning.

Behind the structure they'd hidden under, the carnage was at a minimum, only a couple bodies and parts of bodies, here and there. None of them said anything, but she knew they were looking for Umgadi uniforms among the dead.

"I-I see Leisa! Spirits, Elaine I see Leisa! She's alive." The woman whispered.

"Where? Can she see you?"

She pointed to the roof of a building. Leisa's head and hands were peeking out from behind a giant sign. "She's looking right at me, yes."

"Sign, river, tell her to get to the river."

"Can she understand sign language?"

"For her sake, let's hope she can, or she can figure it out."

"I think she got it. She's trying to sign back." They were all squinting up at her. "That idiot doesn't know any gestures, she's spelling everything out. Is Nina with you? No?" She looked to Elaine. "We don't even have any Ninas in the group."

"I think she's trying to spell Mileena. Say yes."

"Kitchen is me. Kitchen is me? What does that mean?" They watched Leisa put three fingers over her head. "Chicken? What is her problem? What is she trying to say?"

"Wait, I think that's supposed to be a crown. She's trying to say, Kitana, princess is with me." Elaine could very well be a mind reader. Barely had her thought left her lips, did Mileena try and run in Leisa's direction. "She knows what to do. She will get your sister to safety. You know she's alive, remember, I think for you. We're all heading back to the city. Forget the river, tell her city. Back to the royal city."

After the woman finished signing, Leisa gave her a thumbs up. " I don't know if she understood a lick of that. It's in Delia's hands now."

"Help me,"

Swallowing the scream in her throat was physically painful. The fact the one calling out to them was still able to do so, was nothing short of miraculous. She was missing half her body, covered in tooth and claw marks, so much exposed muscle and bone. She was likely only a breath away from death, and only hanging on through disbelief of her unfortunate future.

"Please, don't," She reached out for them, watching pieces of herself fall away. Then she started screaming.

They sprung up like flowers in bloom. In seconds the town was full of life again, and they were on the move.

Kitana was still alive, she wasn't alone. Those two thoughts helped Mileena focus on maintaining her own survival. Kitana was clever enough to stay safe. As long as they knew the other was okay, they could breathe easier and do what needed to be done.

Right now, their squad of three, needed to avoid the hunters who had followed them into the woods. They were running opposite the way home. It was unclear if Elaine knew this, or if she had just taken off for fear. They couldn't stop and discuss it. So for now she just had to trust her and keep running.

With only one goal in mind, she wasn't too upset with them losing sight of each other. The trees were so densely packed, even though she could hear them right beside her, she could hardly see them. She assumed the same could be true for the monsters chasing them. Their growls echoing through the forest meant they could be anywhere. Beside her, in front of her, right behind her.

Each step an uneven hope she didn't land face first on a rock. After falling and recovering so many times, she wasn't even sure she was still going straight.

It didn't seem wise to call out for either of her companions, but she was scared. She wanted to hear a person's voice, not that demented howling and snarling. Not threats of being eaten alive, or worse, infected with the horrid disease.

Tearing through the tree line, she found herself at the bottom of a hill. A few meters away, Elaine and the other warrior came bursting out of the forest too. They all started up the hill, gradually coming closer together.

At the top of this hill was a road, and on that road, was a turned over cart, with two horses grazing nearby.

They approached with caution. When both horses were under their control, they mounted them and led them back to the road. Just in time as the horde was emerging from the trees.

"Our horses! Come back! Thieves!"

If she could take back her decision to turn around, she would. It wasn't like they had the option to go back. A man with a bandaged leg hobbled out from some bushes opposite the way they'd come. A finely dressed woman, with a child, followed.

If they stayed quiet, or if they caught sight of them first, maybe they could run back into the bushes. But they kept coming, they kept coming toward the road. Didn't they hear those creatures? Mileena did and she was a field away. She almost hoped they kept coming after them. They had horses. Those things were fast, but they couldn't outrun horses.

"Hold on tight, don't look!"

She was thinking for herself again. Unable to tear her eyes off them, she watched half the group go after the little family. The woman was stricken with fear, as they tore her husband to pieces. She waited until the last moment to try and save herself and the child. She was running. If Mileena turned around right now, she could pretend the woman had a chance.

The half that broke off to chase them was pelting them with spikes. They couldn't evade them. There was nowhere to go but straight ahead. The road turn into a bridge, the sides were closed off. The horses were doing all they could, the riders were doing all they could. Everything that could be done, was being done. All she could think to do now was pray.

"Elaine!"

The second horse went down. It rolled over, slamming the rider into the railing, breaking through.

As she went over, Mileena noticed their horse slowing down, Elaine was shifting, like she was going to get off. In a panic, Mileena clung to her, holding her in place. "No Elaine! You can't! You have to get me home, you have to!" They still weren't moving. "As Umgadi, it is your duty! Elaine go!" In haste, she sunk her teeth into Elaine's shoulder. That seemed to remind her of the mortal danger they were in.

The group chasing them grew even smaller when more than half of them dove into the water below after their fallen comrade. The few left following them weren't going to give up, but they weren't getting any closer now that the horse had finally picked up speed. Not long after, the pursuers became a speck, then a haunting memory with a couple turns.

They rode for as long as they could, only stopping when the horse needed rest. Day and night, jumping at the most innocuous sounds. Multiple times, Elaine tried to send Mileena off on her own so she could circle back around to help at least some of her squad make it back. Mileena refused. She dug her feet into the ground and whined until Elaine relented. She didn't want to be alone. She would not be pulled from her side until they crossed the gates into the city. For three days she was as close as a second skin to her.

When they finally crossed into the mainland soldiers were already forming barricades around the city. It was nighttime, lights had sprung up everywhere in the grassy plains. If she didn't know any better, she would think it a beautiful sight.

Once spotted, she and Elaine were surrounded by many long ranged weapons. It was evident in the way they approached her they had no idea who she was. They were terrified. Screaming at her, pushing her away with the sharpest parts of their weapons.

"No one is allowed inside the city. All potentially infecteds must be quarantined. You are Umgadi? What squad? Who is your squad leader?"

"Elaine."

Marched away from the city gates, away from her family, she and Elaine were taken to an abandoned farmhouse where they were to stay until further notice.

Stuck outside, Mileena stared at the tip of her castle, wondering if Kitana had made it back yet. Why hadn't she said anything? Why didn't she tell them who she was? It wasn't safe out here.

While she stayed outside pondering her silence, Elaine was inside the farmhouse, making all kinds of noises. So much commotion was coming from inside, she wondered if maybe someone else was in there with her.

Poking her head in, she only saw her, heaving over a broken up pile of wood. "Elaine?" With only the light from a lantern hanging outside, she couldn't see her face. Her wet, irregular breathing said she may have been crying.

"Leave."

"Elaine, I, you should come with me. You don't"

Her hands reflexively shot out in front of her. She hit the floor with all of her and Elaine's weight. The hands around her neck didn't even register until her head stopped throbbing.

"I could have gone back. I could have saved her."

Not knowing what to say or do, and since Elaine's hold was more restraining than restricting, she lied still.

"Only you matter, only your sister matters! What about us? What about my sisters? You keep taking people away from me!" Turning away to protect her face after the first punch, Mileena returned to her submissive position and accepted her punishment.

"I'm sorry."

"What does that mean? What are you apologizing for? We're supposed to die for you. We're disposable."

Cowering behind her hands she squeaked out "Not to me."

"Then why, why didn't you let me go back? Why didn't you listen?"

"I couldn't bear it. I'm sorry for forcing that pain on you. But I couldn't lose her. I could lose everyone else in the world, but not her. If you cared for them even a fraction of as much as I love my sister, I know an apology means nothing. But if she's alive, and safe inside the castle, then all I can do, is apologize and thank you for taking that pain for me."

"While you have her...who will I have? If I'm to sacrifice everyone I love for you...who will I have?"

"I won't let you be alone."

For a long time, it was quiet. Elaine eased to the side of her. "I'm not like her. I was happy with what I had. I didn't need you, to feel like I had something worth having. And now, you're all I have."

"Princess!" Li Mei bursts into their shack with half her girls. "Thank goodness you're alright. When I heard Elaine's squad had returned," She stopped and bowed to Elaine. "I know your pain sister, but you did excellent seeing her back to the castle. What do you think your chances of infection were? Did you come into any direct contact?"

"No."

"Understand, you're being asked to stay out here for a little while, just to make sure. You'll be brought water to bathe, and fresh clothes. We'll bring you supplies. Princess, come please. Your family has been eagerly awaiting your return."

"My sister, has Kitana made it back yet?"

"Yes, she is safe."

Were this her squad, she knew they would all be huddled together, happy to be alive. These girls were right to sit so far away from her. Li Mei said something about a low rate of infection, she dealt with Tarkatans regularly, so she knew a little of what to expect. She probably thought Mileena was shaking from fear. Which was true, but not from what she was talking about. Until she saw Kitana for herself, in her mind, she was still out there.

"You're safe now princess. Before you see your family, we should get you cleaned. It's a disease of exposure. The risk is low, but not impossible."

Scolding water, and the hardest bristled brush in the kingdom made for quite the painful experience. Soap in the wounds stung like salt.

She was still getting dressed when Kitana ran in and took her down. It wasn't enough to feel, see and smell her. They needed to be a part of each other.

"Thank the gods you're safe!" Sandwiched together by their parents, her family was made whole at last.

Her mother pulled away with tears in her eyes. "My girls." Smothering them with kisses, she caressed their faces and rubbed their backs like she had when they were children. "Silly girl. Finish getting dressed, then both of you, get to bed. There's much to do, but for now, just get some rest."

"We'll be back to check on you a little later."

Alone, Kitana helped her with the rest of her clothes, then they hopped into bed. She thought she might resist it, but she didn't. She allowed Mileena to fold her arms and legs around her. In turn, she hugged Mileena back for dear life.

"I was so scared. I was waiting for you. I saw them chasing after you."

"We had to run very far out the way. We had to..." Visions of her fallen comrade and the family flashed before her eyes. All those dead bodies and Noble. She had seen so much death, and contributed to it.

"They followed us." Kitana's words stumbled out of her mouth, cracking every few syllables. "We ran back to that little village. They were right behind us. Then they ran into the houses."

"It wasn't your fault." Kitana's grip grew stronger. If Mileena were only strong enough to speak of the terrors she'd caused for the sake of saving her own life, she wondered if her sister would say the same. Of course she would. Would anyone else? All the choices she had, she only made ones that would see her spared.

She was willing to put anyone she needed to on the line to get her back. Had she known from the start of it all, they would be reunited like this, she wouldn't change a thing, in spite of her heavy heart.

They were so tired and couldn't rest. Physically, they knew they were safe, but mentally and emotionally, there was no safety to be had in this space. They needed to go to the only truly safe place from these mental monsters in the shadows of their minds.

Hand in hand, little sister lagging slightly behind, they scurried down the hall to their parents bedroom. The hardened warriors were out there somewhere, still recovering from all that had happened. In their place were two little scared princesses clinging to the impenetrable security of their parents' embrace.