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.

5. Fourth Incident: Maybe you're not strong

The fear lingered, the intensity however, had reached tolerable levels. Their parents assured them both, they didn't mind the extra company. Her mother quite enjoyed it. She would brush their hair, talk to them about upcoming obligations. If they were having a particularly hard time falling asleep, give them a sip of wine to help them relax.

In the middle of her parents, Mileena shed the weight of her responsibilities as easily as one would shed a cloak. She would hear them, in the late hours, discussing what to do about rounding up the infected citizens. As the successor to the throne, she should have been a part of these conversations. As an Umgadi warrior, as someone who was personally there, she should have had a more active role in handling the aftermath. Yet, she resisted it. She buried herself in whichever parent was available and closed her ears to the deafening shrieks of her dignity, and pride begging her to do something.

These feelings resided inside her. Were they not aware of how hard she tried to return to her old self? Sitting in the castle library, studying all she could about Tarkat, comparing it to what she personally knew. Every discrepancy sent her into a panic. They really didn't know much about them. So many books, with so little information. Repeated incorrect information from different sources. Speculation based on nothing but one or two suspected cases. The only correct information she could validate were things anyone could have written down after spending three seconds around one. They were bloodthirsty, devoid of humanity and lacked general care for self preservation.

Scanning through the many books and scrolls on the subject, she came upon a section credited to Li Mei. Her high ranking elite squad took on the much hated task of apprehending those suffering with Tarkat for deportation. She kept better notes and accounts than the medics. She had timelines and symptom correlations. Her documents clearly stated women retained their sanity longer than men in most cases, but once they started to lose their minds, they had more frequent and violent outbursts.

Knowledge was supposed to alleviate fear, all her searching had done was frighten her with how little they knew.

Maybe her mother was right and they knew enough. Perhaps leaving them to rot in banishment was for the best. If everyone infected was disposed of, the disease would disappear. Less drastic measures could, without exaggeration, mean the end of Outworld as they knew it.

It would be worse than the war ridden days of their past. Even the Umgadi would be rendered useless in time.

Umgadi. Shame, disgust and pity branded on her heart when she thought of them. In the few times she was able to stand being alone in her room, she would look at her uniform lying on her bed. At the first sign of real trouble, when she could have stood with her sisters, she chose the safety of royalty. A coward either way, she stripped off the choice she so valiantly proclaimed to stand by, and ran to what she had rejected. Elaine was right. It really was an outfit she could just take off and on when it suited her.

Thinking of her while she lied there, safe and warm with her parents and sister, she wanted to cry out in night, but couldn't. Those feelings were returning and she couldn't do anything about it. She hadn't even had the courage to brave a night in her room to expel her sadness. Moments after she said she wouldn't let her be alone, she didn't fight the separation. Elaine was alone in that shack. What right did she have to want to be near her now? For all she knew, she had been released. Why had she not thought to ask until now?

Sitting at the foot of her parents bed, she looked down at herself. This mature body. Her breasts, long legs, lean muscle. Catching sight of herself in the mirror, the woman looking back at her felt less and less like the one sitting on the bed. Her reflection reflected annoyance.

Glancing at her sister on the side of her brought out even more demoralization. It was dark out, once their parents finished going over tomorrow's plans, that neither of them were involved in, they would come and snuggle up on either side of them. They couldn't even lie together as husband and wife, when they probably wanted to feel each other's comfort, because their overgrown babies wanted to monopolize their bed.

"I, I think I'll be sleeping in my own room tonight. Goodnight."

"Mileena, you don't have to."

Her father put a hand over her mother's and smiled at her. "Goodnight dear."

At the door, staring down a long hall with conservative lighting, she took her first steps into reclaiming her composure.

"I should be leaving too. This is a little embarrassing. Goodnight mother, father."

"There's nothing for you to be embarrassed about. Either of you. You can leave when you're ready and not a moment sooner. After what you both endured,"

"Sindel, we shouldn't hinder them. They know where we are. Our door is always open. Goodnight girls."

Outside their room, she waited for Kitana to join her side. There was no turning back now. Even if the only thing stopping her from turning around was her pride, right now that was more than enough.

"It felt, ridiculous to you too, huh?" Kitana whispered.

"Yes, and father's leg hairs were starting to irritate my skin."

"What does, normal look like after this?"

"Just as you said, normal. I'm still shaken, but we have to get back to ourselves. Mother and father took care of everything. What if they weren't here? What would we have done? Handling things the way we did, could have ended our kingdom."

"I know. So, what will you do tomorrow?"

She shrugged. "Still need to clear my head, but I'll see, I'll see about my squad tomorrow."

"Mileena, are you sure that's wise? She is under quarantine."

"I don't even know if she is. Besides, we should have been under quarantine too. I should have been out there with her." They stopped at Mileena's door first. Kitana stared in the direction of her own room, still a short walk further. "I should walk you to your room. I am the oldest."

"Do you ever think about that minute? The minute you entered this world before me. How different would our lives be if I had been born first?"

"I think the stress of having to deal with me, on top of being the future ruler would probably drive you mad. With mother and father not breathing down my neck, and no Umgadi principles to uphold, I might be uncontrollable. I think the Gods knew what they were doing."

"With all my freedom, I chose to be by your side. If the roles were reversed, you'd be a delinquent?" She giggled. "You'd be free of the boring princes. Free to find a version of Reiko you don't find detestable."

"Ugh, please don't bring that up. I'm regretting telling you that."

They stood in front of her door looking up and down the hall. "Will you be alright, alone?"

"Will you? You didn't have to leave because I did. No one will look down on you for needing that comfort. That's what parents are for. After what you went through,"

"Why do you talk like you didn't go through the same thing? I'm your guard, I should have been there, with you." She put her head down, and her hand on her temple like she had a migraine. Her voice cracked. The little light they had shimmered down her cheek, riding a stream of fresh tears. "I'm sorry Mileena. I should have been there. I was finally given a chance to prove my worth as your guard, and I ran."

The incident was not so far behind them, she could forget herself a part of it. Once she saw Kitana was safe, she hadn't tried to process the more intimate parts of what she had endured. She dove straight into trying to console herself so she could get back to normal. Neither of them had asked the other to talk about what happened after their reunion. Mileena was dying to know how that woman got Kitana's sash, but she wouldn't force her to dredge up those memories.

She felt terrible. Kitana had, without provocation, told her the worse moment she witnessed, and how guilty she felt about it. Mileena wouldn't dare. Unlike Kitana, Mileena had directly, purposefully, contributed to more than one person's death. Not only had she gone along with stealing the horses, she stopped Elaine from helping their sister, when she probably could have done something.

"Forgive me. Please, give me another chance."

What did Kitana need to hear right now? Mileena's honesty was only going to play into what was already bringing her such misery. Mileena would tell her to drop these dangerous ideals of being a guard. She was a princess too, who should have her own security. She would tell her sister to find an interest that fulfilled her like she had with the Umgadi. That's exactly what she couldn't say. If when Mileena reunited with Elaine, she told her to leave the Umgadi, it would destroy her.

"You're still willing to be my guard after that, how could I turn away such bravery?" Kissing those tears away, she opened Kitana's door and urged her in. "Tomorrow, take time for yourself. I will be fine. Even guards need a break."

It was hardly a fifteen second stroll and the demons were behind her the second she was alone. Tickling the back of her neck, telling her to run. Run passed her room, back to her parents. But her pride stood in front of her, ready to stop her if she went any further than her door.

That initial wave of unfamiliarity shed as soon as she got under her blankets. This was her room. Foreign as it felt, it was hers. The problem was, it was still the same, while she wasn't. She didn't allow herself to associate it with the change she went through in her parents room. Now she was back, and she could fill it with all the emotions she couldn't before.

Remorse, fear, self loathing, and the even more disgraceful ones that made her other memories lash out in disgust. In the midst of all the carnage, the destruction, she found herself thinking of Elaine, alone. In the grand scheme of things, her kingdom should have been at the forefront of her every waking thought. Was a week all they deserved? Because now all she could think of was Elaine. How she was going to make it up to her. Could an apology even be made?

In light of everything, why hadn't she offered her at least her room? Her bed? Caressing the space beside her, Elaine could have been here. Li Mei thought the likelihood of them being infected was low enough for a scrubbing to render Mileena and Kitana safe enough to be around their family. She had stuck to Elaine like muscle to a bone. Their chances were about the same of being infected. If Mileena had tried at all, she could have gotten her inside the castle.

The bed in that shack had been broken, with no real bedding or cover. The floor was hard and cold. Had she wanted to punish herself for allowing such a thing, lying on her floor wouldn't have the same effect. Feeling over the biggest hump of her ordeal, now she was ready to slum around out there with Elaine. After invoking her princess status, getting as comfortable as possible, at the peak of her privilege she was ready to lower her standards.

To stop herself from throwing on her uniform and rushing out to be with Elaine, she hugged her pillow and wailed into it.

That night, her dreams gave decent scenarios to mend her relationship. She dreamed she returned, and Elaine forgave her. She let her make her breakfast while she went about trying to fix the farmhouse better.

Come morning's light, she cleaned, threw on her uniform and ran to the kitchen. She didn't beat the breakfast staff as she hoped, but they hadn't all filed in just yet. Just Skarlet and a handful of others.

"What brings you to the kitchen so early princess? A special request maybe?"

"Maybe. Do you think you could lend me your expertise this morning? I would like to make breakfast to take to someone."

"You don't want me to make it?"

She shook her head. "I'd like you to help me though."

"Of course."

Her disregard for detail had never been so blatant. When nature provided the flavor, she considered herself a pretty good chef. She could slice fruits and vegetables with the best of them. However, when she was counted on to bring the flavor, her novice nature was on full display.

Skarlet hated the idea of wasting food, every dish Mileena managed to massacre, Skarlet somehow brought back from the brink and made it edible. For Mileena. She wouldn't dare feed it to Elaine. In the end, she let Skarlet make the final product. Under Mileena's guidance Skarlet packed it away in a nice little box, made it presentable, and even had a section for a nice cool drink.

Focused solely on her little gift she didn't notice her mother and father coming through the hall until they were on the side of her.

"Morning dear. What do you have there?"

Clutching it securely she stammered out "Nothing. It's just...nothing."

"Mileena." Her mother tugged on the shoulder strap of her uniform. "Don't tell me."

"I'm not going anywhere. Well I'm not going further than the outside of the walls. To the little farmhouse my squad leader is in. We were the only ones to return from our squad. She's been alone this whole time. I'm going to apologize. If you have nothing for me to do, I'd like to stay with her, for a while."

"You're joking? Mileena, she could be,"

"So could I mother. Or Kitana. We were cleaned. Li Mei said the chance of infection was low, nearly zero. She would know these things. I've been reading her notes, published notes. She has the most experience with them. She said Elaine was only being kept out there because of the people's fear."

"It sounds to me like Li Mei has more to say than you need to hear."

"Sindel. It should be fine."

"I don't want to stake our daughter's life on should, Jerrod."

"It will be fine. Just, use precaution."

"I will. Kitana, still needs some time, so I gave her the day off. Please check in on her."

She put on her mask and took to the streets. From the entrance she just happened to look toward the Umgadi barracks, and saw Mariko and Opal loading the cart. They were smaller girls so they were having quite a bit of trouble. Mileena ran over to them.

Lifting barrels with ease, the two of them took a break while she finished loading the rest of whatever they had, by herself.

"So, you two had to pick up deliveries by yourselves?"

"Why are you here?"

"What do you mean?"

"You came in with Elaine, and she's under quarantine, with everyone else." For every step she took toward them, they took several back.

"Everyone else? They returned?"

"Not everyone, but some. Aren't you still infectious?"

"No. Li Mei said it's just because people would be afraid to see us inside after hearing we had a run in with Tarkatans. We're safe."

"That's not what Elaine said. She said we couldn't come near her because she might be infectious."

"No one else even wanted to take them supplies. We're not back on duty yet, so we're doing it." Said Opal.

"Can I ride with you?"

"Should you?"

"I'll ride in back. Please?"

They looked at each other. "It's not like we can refuse her. Sure."

So she hadn't been alone this whole time, that was a relief. Briefly, she was hit with a pang of jealousy and maybe upset. Not even wanting to know where those came from, she ignored them and put all her attention on keeping the meal warm and stable.

"So you two never made it out of the city, or did you get caught up in it too?"

"No. We missed everything. The supplies weren't ready yet. We thought it would be smarter to stay and get them, than to go back, tell her they were coming and have to circle around and pick them up. So we never left."

"We didn't know what was going on until the next day after you guys returned."

"Is it true you had to fight off a pack of at least fifty Tarkatans, with nothing but your daggers?"

"Who said that?" She smirked.

"Leisa."

"I can't speak for what Leisa did, we got separated. But we didn't do much fighting at all. A lot of running."

"Even Elaine?"

Mileena thought a little longer before answering this time. "Not because she wanted to. I made her. I begged her. If she had it her way, she probably would have stayed and fought, if it meant more of us made it back."

"Oh, well, that sounds like her. You might be the only reason she made it back then. So...thanks for that."

While they went on talking about the tall tales Leisa had been concocting, Mileena was in the back, coming to terms with what her comrade had just said. She still felt like a coward, but, her cowardice may have been the only thing that kept Elaine alive. She was full of just as much fear as Mileena, she had tried to go back, multiple times, no more prepared than she had been the previous attempt.

She would much rather Elaine be alive to scold her, push her away, or hopefully forgive her. Than for her to be dead. Wearing that fact, like a shield around her heart, she could weather whatever await at the end of this ride.

"Hold it there girls." Li Mei's voice came from around the front of their cart. "Are you on your way to see your squad?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Great, I assume you have room for a few more things." A couple girls came around the back carrying crates and sacks. "Let her know I don't very much approve of this, but they are old enough, and in light of the situation, she shouldn't expect a lot of this."

"Yes, of course Li Mei."

"I know I can trust you two not to dip into it if you're going to be in charge of transportation."

"On our honor as Umgadi, we wouldn't."

"Good." The constable finally laid eyes on her. "Mileena? Do your parents know,"

"Yes. It's fine."

"Alright then, off with you now, don't dally."

Just as they were pulling away, Mileena called out. "Can I speak with you later, about some of the notes you submitted?"

"Yes, whenever you'd like, please stop by."

In the hour it took them to reach the outer wall's agricultural plains, she had a lot of time to think over what to say. She'd used every second for just that, and still had no clue how to approach anything. Mariko and Opal may not have been there, but this had effected them just as much as everyone else. They were moving on, doing what they could. They had been bringing supplies to their squad. If they could be this cheerful on the way there, everyone who'd made it back must have been able to be just as optimistic. They'd done that together, while she'd run to her family and felt no lasting relief outside of having her sister back.

A few meters ahead, the tiny farmhouse was covered in Umgadi warriors. On the roof, lying in the yard, sitting around out front.

"We've come bringing rations to the prisoners." Opal shouted. The girls came forward, laughs dripping with sarcasm. "Li Mei said this isn't going to be a regular thing, so make it last. And save us some. When will you guys be able to leave?"

"When they tell us we can leave." That fiery vixen locked eyes with Mileena as she handed her the crate of spirits. "I surely didn't order this. Take it back." She whipped the package away with so much force, Mileena almost went with it.

As much as she wanted to, she wouldn't chase after her. She had to finish handing out the supplies and emptying the cart. Elaine wasn't the only one deserving of her time, attention, or apology.

Hauling away that last box, she helped take some to a mini storage on the side of the cabin then walked back to the cabin with the others. Inside there was no sign of Elaine, but it did look like they'd done a little work to it. Patched up some holes, fixed the bed. Blankets and pillows were all over the floor.

"Shoes off inside Leena." Down by her feet, the memories made her knees buckle. All she could see was her going over the edge, under the horse.

"Julie?"

"In the flesh." She lifted her bandaged leg. "Most of it. I heard Leisa brought your sister back. She alright?"

"Y-yes, she's good."

"That's good. I'm glad."

"I-I'm sorry. Elaine wanted to go back, she wanted to help."

"I know. Don't worry about it, really. If one or both of you would have come with me, they probably would have tried harder. They cared more about the horse than me. We're lucky as many of us made it back as we did."

Lowering her voice, she leaned in as close as she could, while still keeping a small wedge between them. "Who didn't make it back?"

"As far as I can tell, just Noble. We're holding out hope she's just taking a long time to get back. Rita and Renee got in only yesterday, so it's possible. But, ya know, she wasn't the best fighter, wasn't great with directions, didn't have many survival instincts. Best we can pray for is she's in some hole, waiting to be rescued."

If so many of them could return, there was no reason for her to believe Noble couldn't. She was small, fast, she was probably fine. She could hope with them. "I don't see Elaine, do you know where she might be?"

"Nowhere to be, but on the roof, or behind the shack."

"Thank you." She said her goodbyes then stepped back outside to check her options. Three girls occupied the roof, none of them Elaine. Around the side, Hiziza was sitting on a crate, already cracking open the wine with two other girls. In back, just as Julie had said, was Elaine, with Leisa.

She could have sworn she heard Elaine's voice before she made it all the way around to them, now she was dead silent. "Hey princess. Good to see you. How's your sister?"

"She's...well."

"Great."

"Hello, Elaine." Kneeling before her, she presented her gift. "I made this for you. I'd like to talk." It sat there, between the both of them, weighing her arm down. When it finally did leave her hand, she was elated, only for that happy feeling to shrivel up and die when Elaine whipped it across her body.

She expected to see the food wasting in the dirt. It appeared at the last second Elaine changed her mind and handed it to Leisa.

"Thank princess Mileena. While it isn't necessary for her to thank a guard, for fulfilling their obligation, it is very kind of her to grace us with her presence. We are so lucky to serve such a kind and generous line of royalty."

"Um, you, you sure you don't want it Elaine? It looks good. You don't want me to save you any?"

"No. Surely it was for you. Don't be rude, thank her, so she can leave."

"You don't mind do you, Mileena?"

Before she could respond, Elaine made her set the food down, cover it up and bow properly. "Leisa, where are your manners? You can't speak to the princess like she's one of us. I know in that outfit, she looks like one of us. But I assure you, save for Noble, we're all here."

If she was going to get through this, she had to go along with it. "No, that was rude of me. Leisa, I never properly thanked you for seeing Kitana home safely. It means the world to me. I could never hope to repay you. But if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask, ever."

"Really, don't mention it. It's what I'm here for. I'm glad she's okay."

"As, am I. Could you please give us a moment?"

"I'm under quarantine, princess. I have no business with the royal family at this time. You should be receiving new security shortly, if you haven't already."

"Would you stop acting like this and just talk to me? Elaine, I'm sorry."

"For what, your highness? For, being a princess? Having a sister? Putting your life above ours? You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't really have a choice. See, I had choices, and like you, I chose my rightful position. I chose to get you home, to your family. You chose, finally, and thankfully, to be a princess. I respect your decision. You didn't have to come all this way to return the uniform, but I appreciate it." She held out her hand.

"Elaine, cut it out. You don't expect her to give it to you now, right?"

"I, I'm not giving it to her at all. Not until she talks to me."

"Give it to me, or I'm leaving."

"What?"

"Take it off, give it to me. Or I'm leaving."

"What do you mean leaving?" Leisa turned to her. "Elaine, what do you mean?"

"I mean, I take this uniform off, and disappear into the sunset. Within the next two minutes, a uniform is going to be on this floor. The Umgadi will have one less member, one way or another."

"You're not serious." Elaine unbuckled her chest strap. Leisa tried to grab her hands. "What's wrong with you? Stop being weird."

"Maybe you'd like me to leave you with a little parting gift? Let you in on a little secret."

"Stop!" Leisa clamped a hand over her mouth. "I like it here, please."

Elaine cupped a hand over Leisa's. Pulled it away from her mouth and kissed her cheek. "Be good, listen to Hiziza." Leisa pulled away from her and ran to the side of the house, where she'd seen Hiziza last.

"Did it really hurt that much, when I left?" Elaine stood up and dropped her top sash. "I'm sorry. I should have been here. I said I wouldn't leave you, and I did. I can't take that back, believe me, I want to." Down to her waistband, Mileena didn't know what to do. She started stripping too. "I'll go. I'll leave."

Leisa returned with Hiziza, who looked about ready to start swearing until she saw them both half dressed. "What's going on here? Would the two of you put your clothes back on?"

"It's your squad now Zaza. Good luck dealing with people who don't listen and all the other horse piss that comes with this. On the off chance you see me again, don't be a stranger."

"What's gotten into you? Princess, please put your clothes on. Elaine, you're not going anywhere. What's wrong?" She picked her top up and covered her chest. "What's wrong, Elaine?" Hiziza cradled Elaine's head on her shoulder. "Mileena, I'd say it's probably best if you go now, but Mariko and Opal might not be back until tonight, or tomorrow. Maybe just give her some space? Elaine, take a walk with me, please? Yeah, come on, we're going to take a walk."

Alone she watched Leisa anxiously shovel the meal she'd made for Elaine, into her mouth. There was so much she wanted to ask and say, but nothing came out. It was time to go home.

She wouldn't wait for Mariko and Opal to return. The two hour walk home was well below what she deserved. She tore off her uniform, put on a royal fit appropriate for the evening. Folding her uniform, she sat it back on her bed and stared at it. Was she done? Was she just going to give her room? Was it worth it to keep putting herself through this?

Was this one of those moments, where she should stand down, or stand her ground? Did she need to assert her position, or give in and lie low, let Elaine approach her?

She needed advice, but who could she even talk to about this? Her parents were knee deep in Tarkat patrols. Her sister, if she was honest with her, as honest as she wanted to be, the conversation was going to deviate passed what Mileena needed help with.

That's all she'd wanted, to be closer to Elaine. She could have had that, and she chose to hide in her parents' room. Had she just gone back that night, the next day, the day after, something. Just to check on her, she could have been out there, with her squad, sharing with them the daunting aftermath, and this invisible fight to return to normal. Once they were out of quarantine, she had no doubt they were going right back to what they did. They were going to return to their daily lives and duties, with no issue. Mileena wasn't. It was going to be a completely different set of unnecessary fears when and if she decided to resume fulfilling her duties as Umgadi.

"Mileena?" Her sister's timid face came around the frame of her door. "I thought I heard someone in here. You're back early. Did, things not go well?" She didn't know rather she should nod or shake her head, so she just exhaled and exhausted sigh. Kitana read it correctly and dropped the subject. "Well, it's good you came back. Mother and father had a message for us. I was on my way to come get you."

"What was it?"

"They didn't tell me, but it didn't seem serious, or unpleasant, so I assume it isn't urgent." Kitana came in, leaning on the bed beside her. "Do you, want to talk about it? How were Elaine and Leisa?"

"Fine. It seems everyone came back, except Noble." Kitana said nothing. "Why did you only ask about Leisa and Elaine?"

"I figured they were together. When we got the news you had returned with at least one other member, Leisa said she was going to see who it was. She wanted to be with her squad. We begged her not to, she was already disinfected, but she didn't care. She's a bit silly, but very determined."

"Yeah." It must have been her specifically. Had Elaine been hurt that bad by Mileena not coming back? If that was even a possibility, why wouldn't she just say that and let her apologize? She went so far as to declare she was leaving, rather than just admit her feelings were hurt?

If Mileena knew she could maintain this level of confidence, she would march all the way back and confront her. If that wasn't why she was upset, Mileena would be set back much further than square one. Not only would she be bursting in there, making the egotistical claim, Elaine's anger could only come from Mileena's absence and not her own experience that night. She would be accusing her of being willing to abandon her family for someone she probably hated.

"If you, don't want to talk about it, maybe we should see what it was our parents wanted?"

It was too early in the day for their parents to be in their rooms, unless they had business in the throne room, they weren't likely to be there either. Right about now, their mother would be wanting afternoon tea. It was nice out, a decent breeze, beautiful clear sky. The most logical place was the veranda.

Dressed in their own royal robes of leisure, for once they did look like a royal family. Her mother was quite pleased to see them both wearing clothes fit for lounging and not combat.

"Oh good, you've returned. Come, sit down."

"How were they?"

"Jerrod, please." Her mother cut him off. "We have, other business to discuss. Nothing catastrophic. Quite the opposite."

"It really depends now, doesn't it?" He scooted over in his chair. Kitana, standing closer, beat her to it. Not wanting to make her mother feel rejected, Mileena cuddled up next to her, relaxing, drawing just as much comfort from her as she would have her father. "I'd say this choice is up to you girls but, you know how it goes, upholding appearances and whatnot."

"Oh it's not so bad, don't put them in a sour mood." Her mother tucked some strands back into place on her head. "You look lovely dear. If you let your hair grow out," holding her beneath her jaw her mother stroked her face. "Nevermind that. Well, your cousin sent his condolences about the situation. He's having a little get together with some associates of his, and he'd like it if you two would come as well. We were going to tell him you may not be up to it, but his letter made it seem he'd really like you two to come. To take your minds off this."

"We know it might be soon, but, it would be, good for you two."

"The day we leave your room, you send us away from the castle? If you two needed to be alone, you could have just said something."

Their father nearly spilled his tea. "Do you think your mother and I don't know how to get alone time with two clingy children sleeping in our bed?"

"Father please, stop right there. We'll, go. We'll go."

"When will we be leaving?"

"In a couple days."

"And how long will we be staying?"

"A couple months at most. He'll be having a few events coming up and wanted you to stay and enjoy them. Of course you could leave at any time. But we also think it would benefit you both to get out and mingle some. Your cousin always throws the coziest, well put together, parties. Very accommodating too. I think you should pack lightly. He'll probably have wardrobes ready for you."

Try as they might, they could not hide that eye roll. Their cousin Xandras was nice enough, when he came to visit them. When they went to visit him, something was always bound to go wrong. Or worse, be extremely uncomfortable. Ever since they were children. From the awkward way he and his family was fascinated by them being twins, to the stranger way he tried to flaunt them around like ornaments. He boasted about their relationship and how close they were. He acted as though they were inseparable when they were together. Which was true. Only because he wouldn't leave them alone.

Rather it was them wanting to be alone for quiet or play time, he would force them to be together, then force himself in that. Even that was more tolerable than him wanting them all to sleep together, or bathe together. They hated it, but if their parents weren't there, their aunt would guilt them into it, reminding them he had no siblings. If her aunt thought they would be bathing with him this time, she had another thing coming. They were old enough to have authority over their bath.

"Do you think this is something you can handle? We've doubled patrols. That village has been completely rid of them. It's being torn down. After it's cleansed we'll rebuild. The people are being quarantined and monitored elsewhere. So far, there hasn't been any sign of infection. And many of the ones already transformed have been put down. None have been banished. Your mother's plan is working, that village ignored the protocol, and paid a heavy price."

"I'm sad it had to happen like this, but it will make us all safer, now that everyone can see why it's so important we work together. It only works if we all stay vigilant."

They agreed to go. If Kitana was feeling the same as her, she knew it came with much reluctance. Even if she wasn't dealing with a recent Tarkat attack, she didn't want to visit her cousin.

It wasn't super late yet. Li Mei should be finishing lunch and going on her evening beat. If Mileena left now, she could catch her before she hit the street. "I'm heading out again. I wanted to speak with Li Mei about some things I read. So I'll be in the city, and back, before nightfall."

She got the okay and left as fast as possible to meet the woman before she left.

Li Mei was more dependable than the sun dial. As Mileena figured, she was only now, a second after her lunch break, preparing to step out for her evening stroll. "Oh, I wasn't expecting you back. Mariko and Opal said they left you with the girls. Did something happen?" She denied anything special just to move along. "You wanted to speak about some notes I submitted?"

"Yes, about your findings on, Tarkat. They were very in depth observations. They differ a lot from the medics and soldiers. I know you. So, why are they so different? Do you not speak with them? Why are you not informing them of what you know? Their works are so, wrong."

"I don't know if their works are wrong. We're coming at it from different angles."

"You're a warrior. Your notes are different from even our soldiers accounts. Explain that."

"Well, we hunt them, your soldiers are a defense measure. The king and queen did start a special task force that would exclusively work to hunt down those infected with Tarkat, and follow the disease. Their notes would probably closely resemble mine. They are classified though, not available to common people. Not that many are looking for the information."

"That still doesn't explain why the medical pamphlets are filled with nonsense."

"Well, they don't have a way to safely test the information I offer. Tarkatans, in the later stage of the disease are unpredictable in many ways. I can say, as a warrior who has had to sit in a tree and observe them for days on end, that there is a point they mature to a degree, the longer they have the disease. But just as the doctors and chemist have no way to prove what I say is true, I can't prove what they say is false."

"Yes you can. The things they propose are easily debatable by spending one minute with them."

"To a normal person, the words of a doctor probably outweigh those of a soldier, when it comes to matters like this. Since it's such a difficult thing to explain, we all feel it's best to just, contain and eliminate those suffering. It's a mercy to us all."

"Are we even trying to cure it? Or, is the wasteland really just a dead end?"

"At this point in time, I can't really say. Food and water are being sent to the banished. They aren't just being left out there, completely on their own. In the way of medical care, it's just too risky to send anyone not prepared to fight for their lives. If you end up with blood on your hands every time you visit people you're supposed to be helping, are you really helping then?"

Feeling panic creeping in, she thought to change the subject. "You know, we're leaving in a few days."

"Yes."

"My, squad will be off quarantine by then?"

"No. But I have another squad ready for your departure. A small group, highly trained, especially in dealing with Tarkatans. Not that we think you'll encounter any. If the villagers were accurate about their numbers, we've likely eliminated all the Tarkatans residing there. And if not, the word is out. Every city from here to the edge of our outermost boarders has been made aware. Out there, the Tarkatans won't survive a day."

"Li Mei,"

"Yes?"

Having so many questions her brain just shut down, Mileena bowed to her former mentor. "Thank you for giving me this time. Goodnight."

"Goodnight princess."

Back inside, she caught the end of dinner with her family. Her parents retired early, as did Kitana to prepare for their trip in a couple days. Wanting to thank Skarlet again for her help, Mileena took her meal into the kitchen and ate with the staff.

"Did he enjoy the meal?"

"Huh? He? Oh, no, it was for my squad leader. She didn't eat it, but I did want to thank you for helping me." Skarlet's face turned sour after hearing her meal wasn't eaten. "But it didn't go to waste. Another girl there ate it, she seemed to enjoy it very much. She ate everything and was even going to share it with the others."

"That's good. Here I was thinking I was indirectly playing the part of a matchmaker."

That unsettling charm was in full swing. "What made you think it was for a man?"

"I've heard it said the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

"A woman can't be wooed by food?"

"As a woman like myself, who enjoys food, I wouldn't say we can't. But if a man brought me breakfast, I would be, grateful more than anything else. Most women enjoy receiving sweets. But since it was for your squad leader, I guess what we made was appropriate. Shame she didn't eat it. Was she sick?"

"No. Maybe? Could be, she's just sick of me. I upset her. I think I hurt her feelings."

"Oh, well. Sweets could still be the way to go. All of her frustrations are from here," She used her spoon to touch Mileena's head. "To here" She then pointed it at her chest. "Sweet things, go from your mouth, passed your heart, to your stomach. But they stay in your mouth the longest. Which is closest to your brain. Sweets taste good, they make you feel good, it makes your heart and brain happy. So they are great for saying I love you, or sorry. If the way to a man's heart is his stomach, the way to a woman's is just to go straight to her heart. I'd say brain but in my own experience, the more I have to think about why I love a man, the more I find to not love."

She laughed. "Really Skarlet? There's a man you've fallen for? Is he in the castle?"

"Yes."

"Can I know who?"

"Sure. Reiko."

Swallowing the hardest lump, she had to ask. "What do you like about him?"

Skarlet's dry, out of rhythm laughter made her stop eating. "He's strong. Handsome. Most importantly, easy to read. Simple. I feel a lot of people take him for a fool, when he just doesn't try to be something he's not. He says what he wants, he's clear, and wants you to understand. Many people in my life, before I came here, punished me, harshly, when all I needed was simplicity, clear instruction. He might not be an affectionate man, but he seems the kind to cherish what he holds dear. That's what simple people do."

The way she spoke about the man, almost had Mileena developing feelings for him, until she remembered who they were talking about. Since Kitana wouldn't let it go, she would borrow some of what Skarlet had said in case Kitana asked her what she liked about him. It would be easy enough to remember he was simple. She would love it if anything about Elaine was simple, just a little.

Packing for this two month long trip, while thinking about leaving her squad, had her mind racing in circles. Should she say goodbye? Should she leave without saying a word? With the way things had gone, and what they had come back from, it would be selfish of her to rile things up again. Elaine was prideful. She'd never seen this side of her before, but the sides she had seen said if she pushed her any more, Elaine would leave.

None of this had felt right. If she could endure her cousin and his family, she would use this two months away to ground herself. She would find out if this admiration driven infatuation, could be overcome with distance. This was all recent. When people were, in love, love didn't come on quickly. It built over time. Her parents were pushing the ideas of a prince on her, making it stressful. She just, enjoyed being with her squad. Right now, that wasn't even the case. She didn't even like Elaine very much right now. If she could hold onto that, by time she returned, she'd be able to go right back to her work with the Umgadi. Elaine would just be her irritable leader, not this woman who's bed she wanted to warm, food she wanted to cook, or arms she wanted to be in.

The regret that came with those thoughts had her right back where she didn't want to be. Even mentally admitting those things felt like a confession she had to stand by. That settled it, when she left she would leave without a word. She would cleanse her mind of this, use her time away to recenter and come back fresh, ready to fulfill her duty as the next queen to the fullest of her abilities. If Elaine became too much of a distraction, she may just have to think about quitting the Umgadi.

She spent every minute she had left before the trip, with her family. She asked her father to fill her in on all she'd missed during her short break. When she was with her mother she soaked up all the etiquette lessons she'd forgotten. With Kitana she spent a lot of time trying to persuade her to drop the guard occupation. From telling her to leave her weapons, to asking her to help scope out potential for a little out of the castle fling.

Lucky for her and her sister, they prepared ahead of time. If there was one thing their cousin liked to be, it was prompt. They said he would be there in two days, and he was, bright and early, with several carriages. They all came out to greet him. He burst out of his chariot, dressed modestly to their surprise.

"My majesty, your highness!" He gave the most glamorous, performative bow he could muster, twirling an invisible hat on his way down. "It's been ten years if it's been a day. How have you been?"

"Xandras my dear boy, stop that foolishness. Give your uncle a hug." Their parents hugged him as warmly as they hugged them. "Were your parents not able to make the trip?"

"Uncle, I'm a man, I don't need my parents to escort me through the kingdom. I'm capable of seeing the twins safely to our abode. Cousins," He held out his arms.

"Xandras." Kitana forced a smile.

"Have you forgotten our names, or are you just going to refer to us as one person the entire time?"

"Cousin Mileena, how I've missed your wit, and Kitana, ever the sweet one." For as soft as he looked, he hid his strength well, able to lift them both with no issue. He had their luggage loaded in another cart as he finished up with the greetings and farewells. "I don't want to invite myself to another visit, but I would like to stay longer next time. I have to get my other guests home. We've been on these roads for quite some time. You two are ready, right?"

They said their goodbyes and hopped in the carriage with him. The two other occupants stared at them for a while, prompting their cousin to introduce them, in a way only he could.

"Like you're seeing double, right? Amazing, isn't it? Don't take offense cousin, they've never seen twins before."

"We have, just not, living. They are a rarity where we're from."

"Where are our manners? Your majesties." Slender, petite, with a heart shaped face and almond eyes, the girl across from them offered a humble greeting. "I'm Elise, and this is my brother, Reaver."

She put out her hand with her sister's, to be polite. Reaver took them both and kissed them, from their wrists down their fingers.

"Charmed. Your cousin could have mentioned how dazzling you both look."

"The king and queen are a lovely couple, of course their children would be beautiful." Elise grinned. "Princess, Mileena and Kitana, correct?"

They nodded. "Who's the eldest?"

"Me." Outside her window, she saw Mariko and Opal in the crowd. "One moment please." The second they saw her, their eyes lit up and they waved. It warmed her that they would still have such a kind reaction to seeing her off. "Goodbye, tell everyone goodbye for me. I look forward to joining you when I return!" She couldn't hear what they screamed in return, but they looked happy.

"You're so sweet to your citizens."

"Those weren't my citizens, they were my squad." Elise and Reaver looked at her confused.

"I didn't tell you? My dear cousin is an honorary member of the Umgadi."

"I'm a full fledged member, Xandra."

"That must be, exciting. What's it like?" The girl asked.

"It is exciting, but more than that, it's fulfilling. We do a lot for the people. Like run errands, help with construction, deliveries, transportation."

"You do all that, while shadowing the king?"

Heat rushed to her face, from all the admiration and glee Elise was beaming on her. The girl looked absolutely starstruck.

"You'll get to see more of them, they'll be following us as extra security."

"Will your squad be joining us?"

Again, her cousin cut in. "Elise, we're here to relax. Mileena is turning into my uncle. All they know is work, and responsibility. I want them to have fun."

"Well, she is the next in line for the throne. You can't really expect her to turn that off. It's good she's responsible."

Despite her objections, Xandras took control of the conversation and ran with it. Soon Elise drifted off, so only he and Reaver were left talking. She would have liked to pay attention, but she didn't care in the slightest about whatever they were talking about. Every time she tuned in, she was less interested than the last.

For a while now, Kitana had been playing with her hand, but now she was still. When she slumped forward Mileena figured she had fallen asleep. She put her head on her shoulder so she could rest comfortably. Thinking nothing of it, she kissed her forehead, then went back to looking out the window. Had she known the kind of conversation that small act would elicit, she would have probably not done it.

"I'd like to ask a question if I may, and I hope you don't think me too forward to ask. Of course you are free to not answer, but," Reaver leaned in closer to them. "Is it true that twins, have a more intimate relationship than most typical siblings?"

He may not have been able to read her expression but his sister did. "Reaver!"

"It's a perfectly reasonable question. It's a common held belief that they probably engaged in all kinds of indecent acts while inside their mother. It's not something to be held against them. I'm just asking if that behavior persisted outside the womb."

When her cousin opened his mouth, she thought it would be in defense of their honor, but instead he egged the imbecile on. "Well, they've always been rather close. Closer than I've seen any other siblings be. Could explain why they were always so hesitant to let me join in with them, especially when it was bath time."

"We were hesitant because we just didn't want to bathe with you. We didn't even ask to bathe together, but you'd whine and cry to auntie, then she'd make us. You'd have accidents in the water, or try to get us to wash each other."

Xandras might have been embarrassed, but his friend sure wasn't. "He's a man, you two are attractive. It's normal he want to see you in your natural forms. Were you brother and sister, it wouldn't be as deviant. I was just wondering."

"Now hold on Reaver, I wouldn't try to," He finally turned to her to apologize. "We were only joking Mileena. I'm sorry."

"I wasn't. But I didn't mean anything by it. I just found it interesting. They just seemed rather, affectionate. She comes off as very, aggressive and commanding, over the more submissive tender one. Perhaps I've asked something inappropriate and what goes on in their bedchambers is best left to them."

They weren't too far from their home. They could easily turn around, or just get out.

For the rest of the way, until the halfway point, they were silent. When the sun started to fall, they stopped to set up camp for the night.

Between his guards and hers, they had protection on all sides. Seeing her Umgadi sisters gathered together around their fire, she wished she could join them. Even if they were not her squad, she would have enjoyed their company more than her cousin and his strange associates.

She was ready to put the disturbing conversation behind her, until she caught Reaver staring at her and Kitana while they ate. Kitana had wiped some food from Mileena's cheek and ate it. He winked at her and continued his meal, all the while never taking his eyes off them.

When the tents were set up, Xandras slipped into theirs with a pillow. "Mileena..."

"Get out Xandras."

"I'm sorry about him. I didn't know he would take it that far. I didn't know he would say something like that honestly. He's a bit, odd, but a good guy once you get to know him."

"I said get out Xandras!"

"Where am I supposed to sleep?"

"Mileena, don't be so,"

"No. Stay out of this Kitana. I don't care where you sleep. Outside, in your carriage, in another tent. But you're not sleeping here."

"I, I am sorry Mileena. I know you're not a deviant. I do want us to have fun together. I hope you'll have forgiven me by tomorrow. No more joking, like that. Promise."

She crossed her arms and turned away. If she looked at his stupid face, she was likely to fold and forgive him now. He was a follower, but harmless on his own. Him being defensive when his behavior was called into question was genuine. He didn't have siblings. He didn't know what was normal behavior. They had washed each other's backs when they were younger. They only saw each other a few times every couple of years. He hadn't outgrown it like they did. They maybe bathed together once, every blue moon, if even that often. Never once had he been intentionally inappropriate.

"What was that about Mileena?"

"Nothing." Moments later, after they lied down, the tent flaps opened again. "Fine Xandras you can,"

"I-I hope it's alright if I switched places with him."

"Yes, of course."

Elise fixed up a spot beside them. Maybe it was her paleness and light colored hair that had made her look so frail before. Because now, lying beside them, she looked...luscious. Her sheet draped over her body, outlined her curves nicely. Stretched out, those long shapely legs were somehow calling to her. Why?

"I'm sorry about my brother. When he wants to know something, he often doesn't wonder if it's right or wrong to ask. I hope he didn't offend you."

"It's not your apology to make, but thank you."

Whatever she dreamed that night, drew her closer to her sister. She woke up in her arms, with her arms around her waist. Perfectly normal as of late. However, Reaver's insinuations weighed down on her as heavily as his suspicious eyes. He made her pull that comfort away from her sister and her self.

She wasn't a deviant. Whatever that encased, never had been. She wouldn't let her sister be labeled one either.

Morning came, they ate a light breakfast, gave the soldiers a small break, made light conversation. Reaver was much more agreeable than the day before. Xandras was even more tolerable. Mileena followed suit. She wasn't going to be the reason this vacation was unpleasant.

"The first thing we'll do when we reach the house is have a huge feast! Surely everyone is starving and ready for some real food?" Everyone agreed. "We've made some new additions to the main house you two are going to love. I hate to ruin the surprise but my mother was so taken with what auntie has done with her garden and patio. It will be like you're still at home."

"I can't wait to see it, sounds lovely, right Mileena?"

She nodded, not sure what she'd just agreed to, because she wasn't listening. Her eyes were fixated on the Umgadi warriors idling around them. Their clothes, weapons, even their manner of patrol was different. They were so mature. She could feel herself reverting back to what she considered normal. They looked more like the future she wanted to be involved with, than what she had to look forward to.

Visions of herself and her squad, a little bigger, surely more skilled and mature. They would reach a point where they too could be this unbothered after a skirmish with Tarkatans. They would walk around with their weapons casually at the ready, laughing with each other. Reminiscing, being close. Taking longer trips together, covering more land.

Waving off the more, Elaine centered thoughts, she went back to drooling over her sisters in arms. She had to make things right with her squad so she could earn her place among the senior ranks. Maybe she could even be a matron. That would strengthen her ties with the Umgadi and more than likely push the people to want their daughters involved even more. The chance to be brought up by the queen.

Mileena would take excellent care of her girls. They would be right here in the castle with her. Where she would see to them like a real mother, not just a mentor. Her squad would be there, helping her along the way. Kitana too. She owed the Umgadi that much. With all that going on, on top of running Outworld, she wouldn't have time to be sick with pregnancy. And being a matron was such a big commitment. She may not get to that for a long time. Before that, she had to find a mate, and he had to be alright with her plans. What man would be? That might take even more time.

A screech echoed through their surroundings, violently shredding her whimsical musings. She would know it anywhere. She jumped to her feet, and grabbed her sister. She didn't have to look at Kitana to know she knew what was going on. They were both ready to run.

"Cousins, calm down. Our guards will check it out. It's probably just an animal. You're safe here." Xandras came to stand with them. He put his arms around them, restricting her movements.

It wasn't safe here, and he was holding them. It was too soon after the attack. There had to be hundreds of Tarkatans out that night. There was no way they'd got them all. What about smaller groups like the ones that chased after her, Elaine and Julie? "Get off me Xandras! Let go, we have to go!"

"Mileena, stop. You're safe."

In the moment, in her mind, everyone else ceased to exist. It was just her here. Her squad wasn't here. Elaine wasn't here. She had to get them home, by herself. They didn't understand, he wouldn't let her go. She couldn't pry herself out of his grasp.

"Xandras let her go. You're hurting her. Th-that isn't an animal, it's,"

"Cousin please, I'm trying to calm her, she's panicking. Mileena, calm down. Would sitting in the carriage make you feel better?"

"Give her a blanket Xandras, that usually helps calm people down." Elise disappeared, likely to get the blanket.

"Why not lie her on the ground and get on top of her? I've seen it work for hysterical women before. The secure restricting weight of a man's body usually does the trick."

Miraculously enough, that did work. All the anxiety she had about the potential attack, was redirected to fighting off her cousin.

"Xandras, I don't think you have to...I think she's fine." Said her sister.

"It's fine cousin. I've got it under control. Mileena, stop resisting. I'm trying to help." By now they were practically fighting. That hidden strength of his, was yet again rearing its ugly head. She'd started pushing him away well before he got her on the ground. She wasn't scared anymore, just irritated. He caught her arm after evading a fist headed straight for his face. He was straddling her, with her arms bound across her chest. They were both breathless and still twisting and wiggling every so often.

"Get off me."

"Are you calm?"

As calmly as she could manage, she brought her knee up between them, positioning her foot between his legs. "If you value the branches on your side of this, family tree, I suggest you unhand me."

He threw himself off her. "She seems better now."

She was mad at her cousin, but her anger was turned on his buddy. "I wasn't hysterical. That wasn't some animal. It was a Tarkatan!"

Elise got closer to Xandras. "Mileena, it was an animal. There are no Tarkatans here."

"Have you ever heard one?" When she raised her voice, he reared back up on his knees, like he was going to pounce. "If you try it again Xandra, I swear to the Elders,"

Out of the bush, a small group of four Umgadi warriors returned. They didn't look particularly frightened or bothered. "You there, wenches," Reaver called. They looked at him, sideways. "Did you find the source of that sound?"

"Yes..." One of them replied.

"And what was it?"

They looked at each other then one said, "A large animal. Nothing to worry about."

It was possible she was reading between lines that weren't there. Something about that look they gave each other. Whatever it was, they had taken care of it, like Li Mei said they would. She was without her squad, but still under the protection of her warriors. If anything happened, she and Kitana would make it home.

"See? You're safe Mileena. I know about what happened, my soldiers are prepared. Were it anything serious, they would protect you." Xandras held out his hand to her.

She couldn't stay upset with him, with those big dumb puppy dog eyes, and his naive smile. "Xandras, when someone is panicking, the last thing you want to do, is pounce on them."

"It sounded like a good idea." He dusted her off.

"Perhaps she would have preferred her sister be the one to,"

"Reaver." Xandra glared at him. He threw his hands up and walked away. "We should get going. We're almost there."

Back in the carriage, on the move again, the ride there was full of for the most part decent conversation. She learned a lot about his companions, and a mystery companion in the other cart. Elise was an absolute joy, and Reaver, despite being somewhat, unnerving, was knowledgeable on many subjects. Everything he knew he found a way to tie it back into something scandalous though. Mileena hated the fact she didn't tell Kitana about what he'd said before. She didn't see anything wrong with how affectionate they were with each other. It was the way he looked at them. Every time Kitana tried to hold her hand, or lean on her, he would shift in his seat and make eye contact with Mileena. And so, she would pull away from her sister, busy her hands, or make herself unavailable by shifting toward the door.

His large house came into view late afternoon. The homes and shops around it were much less cozy than their home. Their streets were wider, more people walking about. The citizens of his city didn't seem very excited for his return. They had to know it was him. The entourage he came in with could only be of royal company.

"I know there's not much fanfare. That was my father's idea. You're here to relax. We'll do a grand send off. Make a party of that, if you're not all partied out by the end of all the upcoming celebrations."

"You don't have to do that."

"Why aren't they cheering for you? These are your subjects after all. You are still a royal." Reaver spat.

"I come and go so often, I'm always in town. I don't prefer it. So much screaming and chanting."

Their aunt and uncle were waiting at the door to greet them. "Girls, look at how big you've grown. And so beautiful. You look more and more like your mother every time I see you." She latched onto them like a leech once they were in arm's reach. Hugs, kisses, grabbing rubbing. She commented on every part of them she could get a hold of. If everyone in attendance didn't know her breasts were bigger than her sister's, before, they did now. "We might have to fix some of your outfits, but you know, I just can't resist. You two look so adorable when you match. We've got some lovely dresses for you both. I must get a portrait for your mother before you go."

"Hello girls. How was your trip?"

"Fine uncle. How have you been these days?"

"Can't complain."

All the other guests were greeted after them. She noticed her aunt was a lot more tame and motherly toward Elise and Reaver.

Finally, the mystery companion exited the cart and her uncle went to personally escort him to the rest of them. Dark and broody. He had a much different energy than the others. He didn't carry himself like a royal, but his clothes said he was.

Her aunt urged them away when her husband came back with him. She opened the walkway, giving him as much space as possible. It was quick, but she saw her uncle stare angrily at her. She just gave him a nervous smile.

Since it was late, the massive feast was dialed back to a modest gathering with good food all the same. Their hosts only stayed with them for a few minutes. They were her cousin's guests after all. And like her own parents, they were always busy.

According to her cousin, the spare bedrooms were being renovated, so for now, she and her sister would have to share a room with their new acquaintance. Elise was through the roof.

When they were alone together, she began gushing about how interesting it was that they were twins and how many questions she had. "Nothing strange like my brother. If you don't mind. I don't mean to be a bother, it's just, I've never met twins before."

"Ask away, it's no bother." Mileena sat between their beds, agreeing with her sister. Kitana absentmindedly rubbed her head, for once, since Reaver's observation, she didn't pull away.

"It would be silly, but can you read each other's thoughts? Well maybe not that, but are you maybe a little more in tune with each other? Can you finish each other's,"

"Sentences?" They laughed.

"We're close. But I wouldn't say we're more in tune than any other siblings. Or, if we are, I wouldn't think it's because we're twins."

"I think it's spiritual. Or fated. I'm, sorry again, if my brother made you uncomfortable. But have you really never heard of twins being fated lovers before?" She laughed into her hand. "Well, I guess it would be strange to be lovers in one life and sisters in the next. If you were, it would sound like to me, fate was trying to keep you apart romantically. Why bring you back and make you both women? I don't believe fate would condone deviants. That would be too cruel."

Deviant? Is that what it was called? Is that what those feelings were?

"Our father and mother seem to think we were circus performers, or criminals in our past lives. I don't know why fate wanted us together like this, but I'm enjoying it. I love my sister, and I love being her sister."

Mileena lied all the way down on the floor to avoid the kisses. Kitana followed, until she fell off and they were both scrambling to get back in bed.

"I definitely think you're closer than any siblings I've ever known. But, not in a bad way. I would have loved an older or younger sister. I just have my brother and we've never been all that close."

"That may just be the kind of person he is. He seems, simple."

Elise giggled. "He is."

"Someone told me, simple people may not be affectionate, but they do cherish the people they love."

"That's...that's why I kind of fancy your cousin." Averting her eyes, she wrapped up in her blanket. "Please don't say anything. I just find him, so different from most men. So kind and tender. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He seems simple to me, but he's so affectionate. Affectionate, emotional, stylish. He's unlike any man I've ever met before."

"That...really does sum up Xandras."

"That's so sweet of you Elise. Are these feelings...serious? Do you fancy him enough to maybe, court him?"

"If only I could."

"What's stopping you?"

Warped by fatigue, Mileena curled up in her blanket, and listened to them go on and on about boys and clothes. Elise's family and politics every now and again. She thought she would have trouble sleeping this far from home, and after that morning scare. Maybe this was what they needed. Right now, she felt like she could fall asleep nearly anywhere in their home. So far from her home, disconnected from the things they'd experienced. So far away from all the things that bothered or upset her.

Even her dreams, whatever they had been, were fresh and empty of yesterday's worries.

Their aunt gave no attempts at unloading their luggage. She had two matching outfits laid out for her and Kitana. Elise had one in similar colors. She was happy. Saying they could all be sisters during the visit.

Their cousin couldn't wait to show them this veranda. It was very similar to their mothers, nowhere near enough for them to forget they weren't home. It was nice enough though.

Still tired from last night, Mileena sat on the patio swing with Kitana and Elise, while the boys walked around the garden. Reaver and Xandras had for some reason taken off their shirts, and their friend, introduced as Logan, seemed to be in the same mood as last night. Just idling along, in a mood.

"He's so cute. He just has this boyish charm about him. The way he walks, with such bounce. I'm surprised he's not betrothed. He isn't right? Not to either of you is he?"

"No, no. He's all yours if you want him. He's my cousin, and that's all I want him to ever be."

Kitana and Elise had a ball with her disgust. This girl's declaration of love for her cousin was making her think, much like Skarlet's feelings for Reiko.

Her cousin wasn't, unattractive by any means. Like Elise had said, he was, cute. Like a puppy, or a garden snake. Compared to Reiko though, he was his complete opposite. He was so far from him, if she considered Reiko one of the manliest men she could think of, her cousin was at the other end of the spectrum. He was soft and emotional, like a woman.

Was that her type?

Imagining Reiko's shape, with Xandra's mannerisms, she tried to see herself with a man like that. A soft man, with a rugged exterior.

Reiko's face was ruining the whole thing. Xandras's sweet, tender self, coming out of Reiko's harsh, face, just didn't sell the product. His friend Logan, however. He had the same boyish aura, yet with a bit of maturity. He looked the type who could lead an army into a glorious year long battle, with only victory or death as an outcome, or sit among a meadow and let a daughter put a flower crown on his head. Could she be comfortable, and happy with someone like him?

Like a hard pill, the best she could come back with was, she could tolerate it. It wasn't a horrible picture, a man like that could produce good children, and would probably support her plans for the Umgadi. That was the kind of man her father was. He took on a lot of the responsibility of ruling the kingdom with no issue. She'd scoffed at the idea before, but, maybe a man like her father was the way to go.

While he ruled the kingdom, she would be free to roam with her sisters. Away from the castle. Taking care of business elsewhere, she and Elaine could...

Massaging her face out of her head, Mileena groaned a little louder than she meant to. "Are you alright?"

"Just tired."

Her morning was spent doing nothing, which she hated. The afternoon was tea with her aunt, which wasn't bad, but surely wasn't her cup of tea. Night was watching the boys practice archery. She was there to relax, and relax she would. Who knew relaxing could be so, tiresome.

For the most part, that was the routine of their first week. Morning stroll. Time with auntie, watching the boys show off, then bed. Apparently, her body, when relaxed, was in a constant state of being ready to go to bed. Several times she'd awaken to her cousin carrying her to bed.

In her lucid moments before he'd lie her down, she'd try to imagine these the arms of her husband. Again, it wasn't terrible by any means. He was stable, gentle. He smelled nice.

It wasn't that she, disliked men. Maybe, it was, she wasn't around them enough. She didn't really give them a proper chance. She looked at them as more of an eventuality, rather than something she had to actively participate with. When her parents spoke of princes, husbands and marriage before, it kind of flew over her head. She existed there in concept. Now that it was time for her to engage, and have her feelings involved, she realized just how little she interacted with men.

The futures she kept seeing with Elaine weren't...romantic, they were, what she knew. She knew what romance was, what love was. She saw what her parents had. She never imagined that for them. She imagined them just, together, older. Still going on quests together. Not alone. With her whole squad, they would be there.

These mental confessions brought her much relief. It was as if a big hurdle had just been cleared. That was what those feelings meant. She had figured them out. It wasn't love, or deviancy. It was immaturity. She may have grown into a woman physically, but mentally, she wasn't there yet. She was still very young. This was probably normal. She loved her sister dearly and thought her very clever, but asking for her help in this matter was like asking another child. She wouldn't know. This was clearly a problem of her not reconciling correctly with her womanhood. When she returned home, it would probably be a good idea to start talking with her mother about certain things.

A real scorcher came through the first day of their second week. Xandras invited them to a private little pond a short ride from his dwellings. They piled onto a little rickety cart, driven by him. Elise and Kitana had packed lunch, so the plan was to wait out the heat, wading in water.

The boys stripped down to their underwear, while the girls changed into proper bathing suits. When everyone else dove in, as naturally as if they'd been born of the water, Mileena tread lightly, as if an invisible force was pulling her in. Unstable ground, combined with deceptively strong currents, kept her movements stiff.

Ever present, and vigilant, somehow, her Umgadi guards had managed to follow them out there, without her knowledge. They kept a modest distance.

"Come out further sister. I'll hold you up." Kitana intertwined their fingers and tried to pull her out into deeper water.

"I'm fine here. I just want to cool off. Not swim. I'm still sleepy anyway."

Elise floated by on her back. "This is the perfect way to cool off. Can you at least do this?"

"No. She sinks like a stone."

"Not knowing how to swim is quite dangerous. You should try and learn." Not wanting to be rude, she let their new acquaintance, drag her out more.

Everything that happened from the moment the safety of the gravel floor left her feet, was a brave front. It took a lot to smile and laugh off every time her head went under water. Elise wasn't as attentive as Kitana. She approached her lessons with a, figure it out, mindset. Since her sister was racing with the boys, she didn't have that extra bit of care and mindfulness.

"I'm going to let you go. I'll be right over there. See if you can make it to me." She did make it over. In a technical sense. Flailing and splashing, she made it back into her arms. Elise's laughter knocked some of the edge off this risky situation. "Can they swim?" She motioned toward the Umgadi warriors up on the hill. "It's a rule all our royal guards know how to swim."

"Yes." Reaver came over, swimming circles around them. "It would be quite embarrassing to have to watch your ruler drown. To be able to save them from assassinations, angry mobs, bears, wolves, even, Tarkatans, just to lose them to water. So, can they swim?"

"Yes." The claim was made in spite, not from truly knowing.

"That's good. But they are so far away. If something were to happen to you this far out...do you think they could get to you in time? They're watching you closely." His circles kept getting smaller.

"It's their job to watch me."

"With desire? Could that be what they were whispering about? Wouldn't surprise me. Kind of an open secret, if the rumors are to be believed."

"Oh brother, stop. Lend us a hand. Wouldn't it be something to say we helped teach the future queen of Outworld how to swim? Help me." She stopped him a little further away than she had been before. "Try to make it to him, and this time, maybe, try and keep form? You shouldn't be going under as often as you are."

"Maybe she just needs proper motivation." He slicked his hair back and splashed more water on his chest. "I assume if you were being courted, it would be the talk of the town. So, the man of your dreams. Swim to him."

'I'd rather drown.'

He waited, with arms open wide. Just as she thought, his attempt at motivating her yielded no better results. However, when she began to falter towards the end, he reached under and grabbed her. "What kind of husband would I be if I let you experience even a moment of fear?"

The silence was thankfully broken when her sister, cousin and Logan joined them. "How is she doing?"

"Not much improvement. But it was only one lesson. We probably should have worked on floating first."

"You swim very well, I'm sure you'll have my cousin swimming like a fish in no time. Can't swim or teach on an empty stomach though. I can't wait to see what you packed."

Her cousin was oblivious to what he was doing to that poor girl. Every compliment, line of praise. It was probably a good thing they were in the water or she'd have melted. "Well then, let's get to it."

The blanket they had wasn't really big enough for all of them, and the food, but her cousin was determined to make it work. He squeezed between her and Kitana, then drew them in even further. He turned what could have been an endearing moment for Elise to watch him enjoying the meal she'd made, into a clown show.

He had his arms around their shoulders. He wanted them to eat in this complicated fashion, where they all fed each other. Kitana, being her kind, easy going self, thought to humor him. If she wasn't worried about spilling her food, she would have tried harder to get away from them.

"Xandras, what is on my plate, is on yours. It makes no sense,"

"Stop being difficult. She's so difficult. Isn't she Kitana?" He picked up a piece of food from his plate and held it in her face. "You haven't tasted it like this. The crème she used is amazing, but you have to put it between,"

"You couldn't just explain it to me? I can do it myself."

"You wouldn't do it right. You see, Elise, she did wonderful, I won't take that away from her. But I've perfected it." He brought his crème covered pastry up to her mouth. "Open up."

Just to get him to ease up, she allowed it. "It is good. But I can't really enjoy it with your arm around my neck."

He relaxed, showing everyone his creation. Even going so far as to fix it for Logan, who had no interest in doing more than was necessary.

"You three are so cute together. Imagine had you been triplets." said Elise.

Mileena tried not to be angry with her. She couldn't have known how insufferable that would make him. "We practically are. When we were younger, we were together all the time. Rather they came here, or I visited them, our parents would treat us like siblings. The queen, my aunt, treats me like a son. And my mother, adores them like they were her own girls. She often says she would have loved to have a little girl."

"That's lovely. Such a close knit family."

They stayed out on the pond until the weather broke and cooled. When they left, her warriors disappeared. She tried to find them on the way back, she couldn't.

The girls were just in time for tea, while the boys ran off to the backyard for some labor heavy activity.

"You really, enjoy this auntie?" Mileena turned the cup around in her hand, watching it swish and never go over.

"Yes. It's so calming. You two don't do this with your mother? I'd do this all the time if I had a daughter to do it with."

"We do. Not, daily. We have more things to do at home, work wise. This is more of a vacation."

"I could see Mileena having a lot to mind, but Kitana, I'm ashamed at you, you don't make time for your mother?"

"I have my own things to do auntie. My mother stays on my father's heels. And I'm with Mileena quite often. I'm in training to be her personal guard."

"Oh, that's, sweet." Her cut eyes said otherwise. "So, I'm sure Xandra's told you we'll be having a get together soon. Anyone you're excited to see there? You've still got time, but it's never too soon to start looking for the next potential king of Outworld."

"No one in particular."

"What about you Kitana?"

"Maybe to finish a conversation or two, but nothing more."

"Dear no one just wakes up next to the love of their lives. It starts with a conversation. That's something. Mileena don't make your parents worry."

"I try not to. But it's just, something I do. They're used to it. I don't even think they worry anymore."

Elise and Kitana laughed, her aunt did not. "When do you make time for courting? It's just as important as any of your other royal obligations."

"Believe me, I know what an obligation it is."

"It's just, you spend so much time around...them. Your mother was right to keep you from them. After that little debacle I offered to take you, just to give her a break. They had the nerve to harass her. She was much kinder than I would have been. Thank the elders for your sister. I guess it's only natural she continue to protect you. You could make it easier for her by getting rid of the evident dangers."

That was definitely something she was going to thank her mother for when she returned home. The thought of living with this woman, while she loved her, was best left in the realm of what could have been. "What dangers?"

"Attacks on the spirit dear."

Now she was curious. Who did she mean? What was she referring to? "Well, surely I need to be aware of these dangers. Auntie what are they?"

"Lets not talk about that. I'm sure your mother and father are taking care of it. As someone who loves you, I just have to meddle a little. What do you think of Logan?"

"He's, fine."

"Fine enough to...maybe get close to?"

"I don't know auntie." Kitana interjected. "He is nice looking. But he's not really Mileena's type."

"Oh really? What does a type mean dear? He's a handsome man. What more do you want as queen?"

"I haven't really spoken to him but, he seems a little too nice for her. She likes them, hard to get, harder to like. Doesn't know their place. Long hair, hazel eyes."

Her aunt's eyes lit up. "Goodness, yes that's most men. The detail is in the fine print. Hazel eyes really are beautiful. Long hair though? Not too long."

Until she said long hair and hazel eyes, she would have thought her sister describing Reiko. Her face flushed with heat when Elaine's eyes were forced into her mind. From the way her sister smiled as she said it, she knew she was just joking. Not knowing the internal struggle Mileena was trying to put behind her.

"I'll keep an eye out for you love. It will be my greatest gift to you. That color in your cheeks is so adorable. While you're here, maybe let your hair grow out."

It was a godsend when Kitana worked her attention on the budding romance between Elise and Xandras. She was counting down the days.

Come dinner, while she sat at the table with her family and guests, her guards were outside, standing around, patrolling.

In the middle of another conversation she couldn't be bother to listen to, she left for something familiar. Some of the faces she knew as Li Mei's personal girls. She didn't interact with them much, but she did have the most communication with her second in command. Tanya.

"Evening, sister."

Tanya, deep in thought, turned to her with the most tender smile. "Princess. Evening. You shouldn't be out here."

"Why not? Seems the safest place I could be. Li Mei sent her best. I fear the criminals will notice your absence and keep her busy while we're away."

"Don't tell her I said this, but that would make Li Mei very happy. Your food smells nice. Was it good?"

"Yes. Didn't you have any?"

She smiled again. "No. But, it's nothing to concern yourself about. We're here to protect you. Not burden your host."

"She hasn't been feeding you? What about lodging? You've been given a place to sleep at least?"

"Princess, we are fine. Enjoy yourself."

"No. I'm going to say something. The Umgadi are,"

"Royal servants. And resourceful. When you go out with your sisters, you often end up sleeping under the stars, don't you?"

"Yes, when our host is a humble village who can barely house their own. It's embarrassing, and much less than you deserve. I'm going to right this."

"Don't. As your superior, I'm ordering you to let it go." She sighed into her hand. "Your aunt, I'm sure is a lovely woman, but, she doesn't seem too thrilled about our presence here. I'm trying to be as little a bother as possible. We have food, we're taking care of ourselves. Don't worry yourself."

Shelving those guilty feelings she stood beside her, staring out over the land. From the darkness, a shrill cry she didn't recognize drew her close to the older woman. Four uniforms with torches disappeared into the trees.

"It's likely nothing. Just unfamiliar settling."

"And, the day we arrived? It didn't sound like a large animal. I know what they sound like."

"What you and your sisters experienced must have been terrifying. I am sorry you had to go through that."

She nodded against her shoulder. "So, it was out there?"

"You're safe, princess. Whatever it was, you're safe now."

"I'm still Umgadi. I should know. I won't tell them."

"That you are. I tell you this only to let you know how clever you've gotten after only one interaction. Yes. It was exactly as you think."

Panic came over her. She clung to Tanya's arms, digging her nails into her flesh. Tanya didn't pull away, flinch, or try to dislodge her. She just wiped the tears from her eyes. "How? How are you so calm? I've seen them a hundred times in my dreams and the fear is still just as intense as the first day I saw them."

"The thing about dreams is, there is no control. No preparation, no training. No logic or reasoning. I can guarantee if you survive a hundred encounters with them, they won't be nearly as frightful as they are now. I'd venture to say the number may be less."

"So, they don't scare you? You've faced them enough to be rid of this fear?"

"No, they scare me. But, when you have a plan, or an idea of what needs to be done, you're either going to succeed. Or it's not your problem anymore." Her laughter was infectious.

"So planning is the key?"

"Not to dash your hopes, but planning is a lot more fragile than that. Planning is just another weapon in your hand. You have a plan, they have a plan, life has a plan. No one is going to let your plan succeed just because you deserve it, or you're the righteous one. Me coming in with a plan is just my way of saying, I did all I could, I did what I could." The hand that wiped her tears, now cradled her cheek, pushing the scent of vanilla up her nose. "You girls had a plan. Against all odds, a lot of you made it home."

"We just ran."

"You didn't run into them, or a tree. You're not still running. Plans aren't just carefully thought out scenarios you wait to use. Sometimes they're made as you go."

"It does feel nice out here." Xandras stood beside them. He put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her away from Tanya. "A little cooler than I'd like." He looked Tanya up and down. "I imagine you're quite chilled yourself, wearing, that."

"Perhaps. Moving keeps us warm enough."

"Good to know. On with your moving then. Come cousin."

"Goodnight, Tanya."

"Yes, goodnight princess."

A few steps away from the entrance, Xandras held her so close they almost couldn't walk. "Don't you think that's distracting, for them? Let them do what they're here to do."

In bed that night, Mileena slept a little closer to her sister than she had been. Knowing they were out there, put her on edge. She wanted to share that unease with her sister. But being the oldest, she kept it to herself. What good did it do for both of them to be worrying and weary. Should anything happen, her warriors were out there. She and Kitana knew what to do.

"M-Mileena, are you awake?" Elise called to her from the other bed across from them.

"Yes. What is it?" She turned over, hearing a lot of fabric shifting from Elise's side.

The woman was patting the space beside her, with the blanket pulled up. "Come here please, I don't want to wake your sister."

Thinking nothing of it, Mileena climbed in beside her. It didn't really register she was in bed, with another woman, until their legs touched and she felt how cold Elise was. Elise held her tighter, wrapping their legs up more, stealing her warmth.

"You're so warm." Under the blanket, she slid her arms under Mileena's, putting her cold hands on her back. "I, have a favor to ask."

"Alright?"

"I've tried being, appealing. I don't really know how to be forward. It's not really proper. I really want your cousin to notice me. But he won't. I couldn't possibly approach him. You seem really close to him."

"Me? Not really. Kitana and him are a lot more, friendly."

"He cares for her, and they are friendly. But, your sister, she's just so outgoing and sweet, I feel like she gets that reaction out of everyone. But with you, he likes to be near you, despite how you don't seem to like it. And you tolerate his affection, when even I would probably find myself scolding him. I feel like that's the ideal relationship."

"What, being annoyed and being annoying?"

She giggled in that cute way she did. "No. I don't know how to describe it. He wants to be near you, just as you are. You push him away, you speak sternly to him. He comes back with the same love and affection. You love your cousin, right?" She reluctantly nodded. "I could tell just from watching you for this short time. You don't strike me as the type to allow just anyone to annoy you like he does." Heat started to form between them. When she thought she'd let go, she squeezed more. "I think being closer to you, might help him see me."

Her first mind was to ask, how her being closer to her, in bed, with Xandras nowhere in sight, was going to help. The little time she'd spent with her painted Elise as a naturally affectionate person, just like her cousin. There was no reason to make her feel bad about that. "Why is being direct not your first choice? What's wrong with just telling him how you feel? You...can. He's, cute. As you said. He's nice."

"What if he, rejects me? What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

"What if he approached you and you didn't like him? It's alright for him to be rejected, but not you?"

"So, if it were you, you would just tell him?"

She refused to let her mind put her in the same scenario. "You know exactly how you feel?" The woman nodded against her shoulder. "Is it complicated or straightforward?"

"I, I don't know. Now that you ask. Maybe I just want to be closer to him."

"You just want to be closer to him?"

"Yes. I just want him to look at me differently, for now."

"So you don't want to court him. Just, be closer?"

"For now. I want him to see me. To maybe, think of me differently. There's so much love, and feeling behind how he says cousin Mileena. He says it so endearingly. If I didn't know you, I would want to. When he says my name, there's nothing. I cherish every word, but they feel so empty."

Once again she was ready to question how silly what she said was, until she briefly let Elaine enter her thoughts. How she said her name, how she tasted it in her head. If it caused so many colorful feelings in her when she thought it, she could only imagine how it came out when she said it. The spelling, the syllables. So much went into such a short name, when it left her lips, it was nothing short of magical.

In the dark, facing the ceiling, she silently spoke Elaine's name, just to see what it felt like after so long. If Elise could tell so much from just hearing a name, what would she hear if Mileena just said, Elaine's name. Could she tell her something she didn't know? What if it didn't come out right because of how they'd left things? She wanted answers for her feelings before the attack. Until she saw her again, these feelings weren't to be trusted.

"I don't really know what you want me to do. But I'll help however I can. I still think my sister would be the better one to ask. I'm not going to turn you away though."

"You will? Thank you so much!"

An awkward embrace, made even more so by a poorly planned kiss. Elise's lips, right on the corners of Mileena's mouth. "I'm sorry. I'm just so excited. Even if we don't succeed, it's so kind of you to agree. "

"No, it's fine. I really hope things work out. I should get back to,"

Again Elise squeezed her. "Just for tonight please? It must be so nice, always having someone there to hold you. Someone so warm, who won't get annoyed with you clinging to them. Must be a sister thing. Reaver would never..."

Fear had kept her from sleeping, Elise's closeness and the thoughts she provoked, provided enough of a distraction Mileena welcomed the conflict.

Her dreams brought her a kind of peace she knew she had to awake from. Dreaming she was lying in Elaine's arms, between her and Julie. But they weren't hiding from Tarkatans. They were in bed, just talking over her. Elaine was stroking her back. It felt so real, she imagined time had jumped her passed all the terrible parts of their make up and things were better now.

Blinking the sleep from her eyes, still feeling the arms around her, she looked up, excited to see her squad leader, except, it wasn't her. It was this delicate faced, pale woman with bright hair.

Sitting away from her, she watched her arms fall to her side. For a brief moment, Elise reached for her, then she stretched, and Mileena's warmth was quickly forgotten for the warmth of a thin blanket.

Standing between the beds, she stood, and stretched. Her bones popped and cracked so loud she expected one or both of her roommates to awake in shock. She wasn't ready to get up yet. Elise had had her night. It was time she went back to her own bed. Peeling back the covers off Kitana, Reaver's poison slipped back into her thoughts, now aided by his sister's kinder, sweeter coating.

Fated lovers? Deviants? It would be cruel, if fate brought two lovers back as women?

A new set of vicious woes circled her, like prey. Standing there, staring at her sister's body. She was a beautiful woman. One Mileena had unrestricted access to. Was she so turned around on the inside because of some impropriety they'd committed in the past, and she was now being tortured for it? Everyone seemed to agree in the belief twins shared an entangled history. They were tied by the strings of fate somehow.

Maybe their closeness did stem from the fact they were twins? They were their own people, yet she considered her sister, hers. No parts of her were off limits to Mileena. Even in her confusion, when she was unsure of her strange feelings, Kitana didn't pull away. Everything she wanted with Elaine, she had with Kitana.

The entire time they were alone together, holding each other, sleeping beside one another, never once had those complicated feelings bothered her. She could only think of getting back to her sister.

This vacation was becoming more and more of a headache. Lying down on a chaise in the corner of the room, she watched her sister toss and turn, seemingly looking for her in her sleep. Whatever need she had, she would have to go at it alone. Mileena wouldn't risk marking her little sister with these devious thoughts they didn't share.

A new day, already stained by early morning thoughts, she needed a clean break from her sister, just to organize the mess in her head. Helping Elise attempt to get closer to her clueless cousin was the perfect excuse to do just that. Kitana had taken an interest in Logan and Reaver, so it wasn't like she was alone.

Today, her cousin had decided to take them into town. The people were much less overwhelming than their citizens. They gawked, some waved. Overall they kept a respectable distance.

They broke off into two groups. When Kitana tried to follow her, Mileena suggested she go with Logan and Reaver, who were thrilled for her company. She didn't read into her shifted eyebrows, or pout. She just left her.

Every booth, vendor, or shoppe they visited her cousin would try and shower her with some gift. He didn't, outright ignore Elise, but she surely was an afterthought. Sometime during their outing, the woman had taken to wrapping herself around Mileena's arm, just to be more involved by proximity. It worked. The food and trinkets he shoved in her face, were now easy for Mileena to shift over to her.

"I don't know, maybe she would like it? Your opinion please, Elise." A few of those, she was able to weasel away from them while they were gushing over some haughty handcrafted jewelry.

Spotting her warriors among the crowd, splashed her with some drips of homesickness. She sought the only one she could burden with her presence.

"Princess. How are you enjoying the day?"

"Fine. You?"

"It is a day. Have you had any good finds? Their market is a bit more colorful than even ours back home. Good wares. I'm sure your parents might enjoy a gift."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. They are, your parents."

She didn't ask for the company, or side quest, but Tanya tagged along with her, silently letting Mileena know, she didn't know her parents well enough to get them a souvenir.

"It's the thought that counts. I'm sure the fact you thought about them, will be just as cherished as an actual gift."

"The thought didn't even come from me."

"You can take the credit. Oh." Tanya stopped in front of a stall with many books. "One moment princess." She exchanged words with the seller, then picked up three books.

Mileena didn't know much about Tanya, she looked like someone who enjoyed reading though. The books weren't in a language she knew. "Strange book. You can read that?"

"No."

"You just liked the way it looked?"

"It's not for me, it's for Li Mei. It looks like something she's been wanting. They're rare around these parts. I couldn't remember which one she wanted exactly, so I grabbed all three. Rather expensive."

"You should have told me. I would have helped. I'd like to get Li Mei something."

"I wouldn't have gone this way if not for you, so we can say it's from both of us."

Realizing how childish she sounded she quickly looked around for another vendor. "How about I just buy you something? What would you like?"

"I'm fine. Since I bought my squad leader something. Why don't you get something for yours? Or any of your sisters? Maybe even something for your actual sister?"

"I...wouldn't know what to get any of those people you listed. My squad leader, she..."

"Elaine, right?"

"Yes. She's upset with me."

"Does she have a reason to be? I'm very familiar with her. She's not nonsensical, but she does have a short temper. I guess that's what happens when you outgrow your demons."

"What does that mean?"

"Like most people, she's struggling with things she doesn't talk about. Which can make other issues seem much more serious than they are. Why would she be upset with you?"

"I...I didn't hold her, when I said I would." Tanya stopped in the middle of the road, lending her a questionable head tilt. Mileena gestured to a place they could sit, away from the crowd. Tanya would be the perfect person to get advice from. She had all of Li Mei's smarts, but her sister's easy going nature. She would understand, and provide constructive criticism. "When we returned that night, it was just us. I told Elaine I wouldn't leave her alone. But I did. I ran to my family and left her, by herself."

"If I recall that night correctly, my team escorted Leisa to her not long after you arrived."

"I didn't know that." Where could she look to hide the tears that were sure to come? "I just found out, a couple days before I left, that most of our squad had returned. Elaine's always telling me I should just be a princess, abandon my title as Umgadi. When I had the chance to show her I'm serious about this, I prove her right."

"What did she do to make you think she was upset with you?"

Mileena paused, wondering how she should explain what had happened without getting Elaine in trouble. "She asked for my uniform."

"And what did you do?"

"I don't really know what I did. I didn't give it to her, but I took it off, and I haven't worn it since. I don't know what to do. I don't even know if it's me. I'm not as involved as I want to be with my squad. It's been so long since I've been regular with them. I just threw myself back into their lives. I try to just be an obedient soldier. I try to make her proud."

"Well, that is, a problem."

"I know it's a problem. I need a solution. Do you have any thoughts?"

"I have many. It will all come down to the same simple fact though. You just have to talk to Elaine. I was that young once. What I've learned from the few relationships I have outside of the Umgadi is, our way of life tends to complicate things that are actually very simple."

"Simple? What do you mean?"

"You are a princess. You are also, earmarked as Umgadi, but you're not leading. Elaine is your squad leader. She is in a very important, stressful role, where she has many lives in her hand. Outside of that, you are just two young, immature girls. Sometimes young immature girls have falling outs. That's not to say you don't have valid reasons, it's just, the fact you both aren't able to talk these things out, is just a sign of youthful immaturity."

"So I'll have to wait until I'm a queen, and we're both as old as my mother before I can have a cordial relationship with my squad leader?"

"That depends on you both. I said youthful immaturity, trust me, immaturity can grow with you. Unless there's something you're not telling me, it just sounds like you both need to adjust to each other. Like you said, you just, threw yourself into their lives. I know you're supposed to be relaxing, but I would take this time to really think about rather or not pursuing your position as Umgadi is really the right choice for you."

"That's the only thing I'm sure about. I want to be Umgadi. I think about my future with them more than as queen."

"And do you think that's right?"

"It's what I want. It's the only thing I've gotten to choose for myself."

"Perception is the difference between illusion and reality."

"I appreciate your advice, but I don't know what you're saying."

"You will. Hello princess."

Kitana approached them, alone. "Greetings Tanya." She slung a bag over her shoulder and opened it for Mileena to peer inside. "We've been all over. I've got many things to show you. Some jewelry for mother, an interesting gadget for father. Not sure what it does, but the seller made it sound worth a couple coins. And, do you see it?" Mileena was so tired she wasn't really paying attention to the treasures in the sack. Kitana's enthusiasm put a smile on her droopy face. "I found a puzzle box for us to solve."

Taking the box out of the bag she gave it a couple turns. "Can't wait."

"He had a lot of them. He said the prize would reflect whoever solved it. What do you think we'll get?"

"Considering how small it is, and how light it is, maybe just some sweets or a necklace."

"Then we should solve it quickly." Mileena leaned her head against Kitana's abdomen. "You feel warm."

"You feel...nice."

They reunited with everyone before noon. Another heatwave was passing over the city. They returned home for frozen treats and drinks. Elise was bursting at the seams tearing them away from the boys. Their aunt didn't join them, which didn't upset her one bit.

"It was amazing. We had a wonderful time. It was almost like a real outing. We went to so many shoppes, saw some lovely flowers. He thought we'd lost you, so he held my hand the whole time. There was this moment, when we cut through a crowd, he put his arm around me. I felt so safe. It was amazing."

"Wedding bells on the horizon. I'm happy for you Elise." Kitana twisted the puzzle twice then handed it to Mileena.

"If only. You two will have to be my bridesmaids."

"We'd be honored."

Mileena pushed the three of them on the swing, while taking her turn with the puzzle. The gentle rhythmic motion of her legs bending and pushing was lulling her to sleep.

"Mileena, would you like to lie down?"

She awoke in bed, still in her lounging clothes. It was night now. Elise was fast asleep in the other bed. Kitana was nowhere to be found. The entire wing of the mansion was quiet in a way she didn't recognize. The time spent there, she was accustomed to the settling of her new surroundings. This was unfamiliar. It was too quiet.

"Ahhhhh!"

A scream shattered the deaf air. It sounded like her aunt, but she couldn't be sure. Whoever it was, it was full of terror.

Hopping to her feet, she raced around the other bed, leaving Elise undisturbed. A hand on the door, she was prepared to confront whatever was on the other side, or find her sister.

Whipping it open, not a single candle was lit. The hallway was a weighted void. So dark she could feel it. She put her hand out in front of her. It disappeared. The longer she stared into the blackness, the more she felt disoriented.

"Mileena!"

A hand shot out from the hall, grabbing her leg. Jumping further into the room, she saw her aunt's face, covered in blood and gashes. "Au-auntie?"

"Help me!"

That unmistakable growl froze her. Her aunt was snatched back outside the room. She slammed the door behind her. There was no way to lock it.

"Ee-Elise wake up! Get up, it's Tarkatans! They're in the house!" Darting into the bed she grabbed the girl and threw her in the space separating their beds. The growls turned to screeching, the screeching was clawing against the wood. Sloshing and tearing. "It's Tarkatans." She whispered.

"My brother, I have to get my brother!"

Her physique betrayed her. Mileena lost her hold on her. Her companion ripped the door open and vanished into the darkness too.

Where were her soldiers? Were they already fighting? They had to know what was going on. They were competent. Tanya had a plan.

"Let's go!" Tanya.

Rushing to the window where she'd heard her, she saw her and her sisters rushing toward the woods.

"Tanya!" Emptying her lungs, she cried out for her attention.

Ever vigilant, Tanya turned around, coming back for her. Another soldier followed along with her. They were coming. She had to get to them.

Bursting through the fear, the princess remembered Tanya's words and put a plan into action. If she met them halfway, she would be safe sooner. They would take her home. There was no record of Tarkatans being able to see in the dark. If she couldn't see, neither could they.

Running as fast as she could, she raced into the hall. Trusting memory of the layout, she ran passed the growls and screams. They felt like they were all around her. She wouldn't stop until she saw the light of the moon.

"Princess!" She was there. Tanya had made it.

"They're here Tanya! What do we do?"

"She'll hold them off for us. We have to go!"

One girl, just one. She stayed behind standing at the back patio. She was wearing an Umgadi uniform. She was standing at the ready, until Mileena and Tanya passed her. As the growling grew louder, she put her staff down, sat on the swing, and pulled out a puzzle box.

"Kitana?"

It was her sister. She was sitting in the swing, trembling. She looked so scared trying to solve that puzzle. Tarkatans were slowly coming out of the patio door. They surrounded her. Kitana continued with her puzzle. The monsters were waving at Mileena, who was getting further away.

This time when she woke up, she wasn't alone. Kitana was asleep beside her, and Elise was sleeping in the other bed.

Stifling her tear filled gasps, she got out of bed, and took to the halls in search of safety. She wasn't ready. She shouldn't have been out of her parent's bed yet, let alone three days away from her home.

"Princess? Are you alright?" Just who she was hoping to run into. She read her silence, and brought her to safety. Outside among her warriors. Seeing them so casually strolling around calmed her worries like nothing else would have. "When you're ready."

"Tanya...you know where our room is?"

"Yes."

"If something happened...what is your plan?"

"Well of course, it is to get to you."

"And Kitana?"

"She is part of the royal family, so yes."

"If something happens, please get to her first."

"A nightmare I presume?"

Every tear her creamy brown hand whipped away, was replenished in abundance. Panic rose as the dream tried to rematerialize.

"Promise me, please? You, you would never make her fight, right? She's not strong. She shouldn't be a guard."

"I can tell you're still very tired."

"I don't want to go back to sleep! I want to go home!"

Seeing several members quickly turn away to hide their smirks, did embarrass her. Not enough to stop the sniffling, but surely enough to make her try to stop her nose from running.

Tanya waved them away. "If that is what you wish. We'll have to leave tomorrow. But now, I think you should get some rest first. It's time for a new dream."

She felt childish, but she wasn't going to refuse the escort. She counted the seconds it took for them to make it back to her room. Walking slowly, trying to make as little noise as possible, it took a couple minutes. In an emergency, Tanya could probably reach them in under a minute.

"Goodnight princess."

"Um...could you maybe, stay?"

"I wouldn't mind it, but your aunt,"

"I'm sorry to cause trouble, but please, just til morning."

"If that is what you wish."

Squeezing the handle, she laughed through the last of her emotions. "I say she shouldn't be a guard. Should I be Umgadi? Look at me, asking you to watch me sleep, like you're my mother."

"The only thing you shouldn't be, is so hard on yourself princess. I've watched over my younger and older sisters before. I don't mind, and it's nothing to be ashamed of."

Inside, everyone was still sleeping. Tanya made herself comfortable on the chaise. Mileena didn't want to think about having to explain her presence in the morning. Hopefully she woke up before them and was able to get her out.

The warmth of her sister under the blanket and Tanya's watchful eyes, sleep found her, before she found it. Memories of her nightmare was trying to keep her awake. Knowing she was there, she just couldn't be frightened.

Eyes heavy with sleep, she whispered over her sister's head. "Thank you, Tanya."

"Sleep well princess."

"Leave." The harsh shrill sound of her aunt's command jerked her out of her restful slumber. Her aunt was standing at the door, staring daggers at Tanya.

"Auntie? I asked her to be here. It's fine."

Tanya rose, bowed to her aunt. "If you no longer have need of me, I can resume my stay, outside. I do not wish to offend the lady of the house."

"Get out." Her aunt could be as fearsome as her mother. The anger in that last command made Mileena want to leave with her. Tanya wasn't afraid, she smiled as she normally did, and left without complaint. "Mileena, why was she in here?"

With no mind to put on a brave face, she told her the truth. "I had a bad dream."

"Oh dear." She appreciated the sentiment, however without the fear of last night to give it meaning, all she had to focus on in this moment was her irritation from her guard being rudely sent away. "Why didn't you come get me, or your cousin?"

"I didn't want to be a bother."

"You wouldn't have been. You're family. Don't hesitate to ask for anything you need."

Just like her son, it was hard to keep an attitude with them. They were imposing, but so well meaning.

Her sister and Elise managed to miss all the morning commotion, awaking just as her aunt was leaving. The three of them made themselves presentable for the day, then wandered outside until they found the boys, setting up some kind of ring for sparring.

"You can use a sword Xandras? I can't really see you as someone who sword fights." Elise stood over him, marveling at the weapon he picked.

"Of course. Everyone in our family is proficient in many styles of combat. Right cousins?" Now it was time to stand as a family. Mileena and Kitana pridefully nodded in agreement with their cousin's accurate boast.

"I've seen you fight Xandras. If that's what your family calls, proficient, I can see why they require all this...extra security." Logan admired a plain rapier, one obviously just for sparring, not for decoration. It was well maintained regardless.

Reaver picked up two dainty twin swords and posed with them. "I'm not much of a fighter myself, but they do really add a layer of sophistication. Very simple, beautiful weapons. Your guards, those women, their weapons are all so, unattractive and distracting. They should get some uniformity."

"Their weapons are for protection, not attraction."

"You act as though you have to choose." He sheathed the blades. "On with your match gentlemen. Loser has to help get more kindling for the bath."

"Too bad you can't join us princess. I'd love to see how the future queen of Outworld handles combat."

Her sister may have been fine sitting on the sidelines, Mileena however was ready for this kind of fun. She raced back into the house, to find her aunt. When she inquired about their luggage, her aunt seemed like she was going to be forthcoming with the information, until she asked why she needed it.

"You're here to relax."

"That helps me relax. Please auntie."

"No. You don't have to be part of the show to enjoy it. I don't see Kitana making a fuss. Now go out there and relax. When you're queen you're going to regret all the times you didn't. Out young lady."

"But auntie, even my mother,"

"You used to love to knit. Oh love, remember when you were a little girl and you'd sit beside me and knit all day? You used to break my heart, I wanted you all for myself. But your father would rather send you to that awful place, than to let you come here. Wouldn't it be nice if you,"

"Alright auntie, I'll go watch." If she let her get it out, she would feel obligated to oblige. Sitting there, knitting with her aunt, sounded like a form of punishment, when the other option was sparring.

Back outside, the fight was underway. Her cousin was covered in sweat, with tears all over his shirt. Logan on the other hand was mildly winded, otherwise unfazed and without a scratch on him.

Her soldiers were also watching from the other end of the yard. Her soldiers. Bolting over to them, she asked some girls if they had an extra uniform. Ever prepared, of course they did. There, in the middle of their makeshift camp, she stripped down and put on the elder girl's uniform. Every buckle and strap stirred up a yearning for her own attire. These weren't the colors for a warrior of her rank. She hadn't earned the right to wear these arrangements yet, here she was, throwing them on like a costume, just to play around in.

"Well don't you look lovely." Tanya came out of her tent, with disheveled hair and clothes. She's probably just now been able to get some sleep.

"I shouldn't be wearing this." She only managed to get one shoulder strap loosened when Tanya stilled her hands.

"You shouldn't be wearing it like this. But you'll have your own soon enough. What's wrong with trying it on?" Tanya fixed so much of her mistakes, she basically put the outfit on for her. "There, now when you and the rest of your squad get your own uniforms, you can be the one to show them how to put it on correctly."

Bowing to her superior, then thanking the girls again, she went back to her gathering in time to catch the end of her cousin's match. It ended in a respectful forfeit.

"Auntie isn't going to like that." Kitana laughed. "Did you at least bring your other clothes back?"

"What she doesn't know, won't hurt her. Even if she does know, I am Umgadi. The only crime I've committed is not having my own uniform. But if you see her, warn me."

She ignored all the other comments and picked up her cousin's weapon. She wiped his sweat off it, then stood in their circle with Logan. It wasn't her weapon of choice, choice was no excuse. Her training as Umgadi meant she needed to be skilled in many weapons, sometimes in battle, you didn't have the option of a fully stacked weapon rack. If she were on the field, and only had this sword to work with, she'd either have to make do, or be killed.

Logan threw off his shirt. "I always wondered why the, Umgadi chose such a strange outfit to wear. I can see it pays homage to the priestess influence, for fighting though, it seems a hindrance. You must have incredible skill to offset such a disadvantage."

"We must."

If anyone asked, she would, without shame, admit she thought her cousin was just a subpar fighter. He was silly, soft, even Mileena didn't think he kept up with his sparring passed childhood. Less than a minute of fighting with this man, she was sweating pools.

All her moves were more or less reactions, reflexes. If she stopped to think about anything, she left herself open to attacks. For as fast as he was moving, he wasn't erratic or aggressive. From the outside, he must have looked like a beautiful, elegant display of mastery. She, on the other hand must have appeared to have never held a sword in her life.

Her borrowed uniform, littered with cuts and slashes. Reaver screamed out something about a few more swings until she had to choose between holding her sword or upholding her modesty.

"Forfeit as your cousin did. To continue, would be disrespectful on my part."

"Why? Do you need a break?" She huffed.

"Boasting is not becoming of a queen. There's no shame in knowing when you've lost. This defeat is easy enough to overcome."

"Good then, you won't be too upset when I win."

From her resting spot on the ground she thrust her blade forward, aiming right for his face. He was skilled, he would move, or he'd swing. Either way, he'd be distracted enough for her to counter. Like a simple game of x and o she had left herself two clear paths to victory.

And yet somehow, he took them both.

In the span of a breath and blink, he dropped his sword, snatched hers out of her hand, and turned it back on her. She was so unprepared for that move, he had to stop her from falling on her own blade.

"Good. Now there will be two of you to bring the firewood for the bath."

Sweat was coming off her brow in buckets. He helped her up, dusted himself off then retrieved his discarded shirt. All around her were tattered pieces of her pride. Not only had she wrongfully worn an elders garb, she'd disgraced her fellow warriors by losing so spectacularly.

"Um...Mileena." Kitana pointed toward the patio.

On top of all that, her aunt was about to give her the lecture of a lifetime.

A fitting punishment for both of them in a way. She did end up having to knit with her aunt, but it was to fix the uniform she destroyed. Her aunt wasn't pleased, she was nowhere near as nasty about it as Mileena anticipated she would be. She even offered her very nice material to in her words "Make it prettier." It did look nicer, fancy. She didn't alter it so much it was unrecognizable, but it now had a flare that set it apart. If squad leaders were given distinct uniforms from their team members, it would surely belong to one of them. That gave her a wonderful idea for when she returned.

Kitana and Elise brought them tea, joined in the needlework, then went on gossiping and such.

As darkness fell outside the window, she saw Xandras dancing his way down a path into the woods. "Xandras, what are you doing?" His mother called out the window.

"I have to get firewood mother." He shouted back.

Since she too had lost the wager, she should be out there with him. She handed her project to her sister then threw herself out the window. Her aunt was surely screaming but she was too far gone to know what her exact complaints were.

"You know, no one really expected you to fetch firewood."

"I lost, same as you. We'll need wood too."

"But I'm dressed for the journey. Really Mileena, we are older now. You could think a little. It's quite cool out here now."

"We're not going to be out here all night. I'll be alright."

On a path, through the woods with her cousin, she wondered if her guards had seen her enter. In Li Mei's notes, she only sparingly likened Tarkatans to animals. She said when it came to stalking people, the further along they were in their affliction, the more they resembled desperate hunters, more than ravenous animals.

She had no weapons, she barely had clothes. Her cousin was only armed with an ax. How long could they fend them off? The further they walked into the woods, the less chance they had to make it back.

"Are you looking for special wood or something? Why are we going this far out?"

"Sorry, I was just walking, lost in thought. Here should be fine." He gave her his lantern, then got to swinging. "First party is next week. You excited?"

"It's your party. Are you excited?"

"Not really. I like it more like this. Small gatherings, with a few friends. Parties are fun, to go to. Not so much to host." She stayed quiet, and let him catch his breath. "So soon after what happened, I didn't really get the chance to talk to you both about it. How are you? Even if you didn't encounter them, hearing Tarkatans were so close to your home, must have been terrifying."

So her mother hadn't told them. "It was. I still, have nightmares about it."

"I wish you and Kitana were more open about those kinds of things. We're your family too. You're not being a bother. Had I not promised them a stay, I'd have canceled with them and it would have just been us."

"I'm glad you didn't, this has been, nice. Your friends are, a good distraction."

"Great. I'm glad you think so. Reaver hasn't been bothering you has he?" She shrugged. "I think he's taken a fancy to you. He doesn't really know how to talk to people normally. He doesn't have a grace period when getting to know people. It's kind of nice knowing what you're getting right from the start, but if he's not your cup of tea, he can be off putting."

"That's, something. Speaking of feelings, how do you feel about Elise?"

"Why? Has she said something about me?" He didn't sound thrilled or disgusted. Just a hint of intrigue.

"Does it matter? I just want to know how you feel."

"Well, I guess I kind of see her like I see the both of you. More like a sister than anything else. She's very sweet, and someone I do feel a bit protective over."

"What's your, type of woman Xandras? Are your parents not pushing you to marry?"

"What type of woman?" He swung a few more times, until the bark began cracking, then he swung off it, breaking it off completely. "I guess, my type of woman, is the type who will let me be myself. Even if it bothers her."

"Bothers her? Wouldn't you prefer someone, who isn't going to be bothered by you?"

"You've been spending too much time around Kitana. She's the only person in the world unbothered by anything. I don't want someone who worships the ground I walk on. What's a hug without friction?"

"If that's how you feel...maybe you should talk to Elise."

"No. Even if she thinks she likes me now, she's young. She'll outgrow me."

She scoffed. "Xandras, you're young. You think you don't still have some growing to do?"

"Nope. I am who I am. Changing anymore from how I am now, I wouldn't be myself. I'll learn more, but I'm not doing any more changing." He motioned she come closer with the light. "You've become quite the woman, and you haven't changed much. Neither has Kitana."

"What do you mean we haven't changed?"

"Well, when you were a kid, uncle used to dote on how perceptive and thoughtful you were. You were, but that was back when he was doing most the thinking for you. The way I remember, you were a little selfish and simple. Don't get me wrong, you were very perceptive to how mean you were to me, and really thoughtful afterward, but it wasn't your first mind to be so. Other than that, You're still very close to your sister, and you want to do this, Umgadi thing. So really, it seems like you figured yourself out as a kid, and stopped changing too."

"You really think I'm selfish?"

"For a queen, maybe. As a regular person, not really. You're selfish in the sense, you don't think of the entire world before you make a decision. But when you do think of others, you are very kind. When it's time for you to take over, everything you lack, will be easy enough to learn I suppose."

She took another break from speaking to mull over what he'd just said. When he wasn't being a goofball, her cousin did manage to be insightful. Philosophic even.

An unnatural crackling came from the woods behind them. She didn't have to ask if he'd heard it too, as he'd stop chopping to stare in the direction it came from.

Gripping his ax, he stood tall. "Show yourself. You are trespassing on private land."

Right beside his head, a blade split the bark of a withering tree.

She knew it to be a blade, but all she could see and hear in her mind was a barrage of spikes.

Her cousin snatched the light from her hand, tossed it and threw the both of them to the ground. He turned her around, then whispered in her ear. "You won't be able to see from down here, but the house is that way. Keep straight, stay low."

"No, come with me. I'm going to get lost."

"I have to find out who it is."

"And if they kill you? Just come with me. You can't fight those things with just an ax."

Something was coming at them fast, and they weren't alone. The footsteps of at least 5 or 6 pairs of feet were trampling through the foliage.

Xandras dragged them over a hump, giving them a little extra cover, then they watched several members of the Umgadi fill in the clearing with Reaver in tow. One of them pulled the thin sword, that had narrowly missed her cousin, from the tree.

"It doesn't appear to have struck anyone. You had better hope you scared them off. No one is going to believe your little joke was anything but an act of treason."

"The fact I didn't hit either of them in the dark, from 15 meters away, should be proof enough I was only playing. I only meant to give them a scare."

"And had you impaled the young man?" Reaver had no reply. "Had you struck the princess, we'd be well within our right to dismember you. The fact you threw a weapon in her direction, under such dangerous conditions is grounds enough of us to at the very least, grievously wound you."

"Do you urchins and orphans not know who my family is?"

"We serve the royal family. Your lineage matters not."

"Reaver?" Her cousin finally rose from their hiding spot. "Ladies, please, unhand him." The girls didn't heed his word until Mileena stood and gave her approval. "You threw that?"

"Yes. In jest. Your mother sent me to make sure you, and the lady were safe. I figure, what better way to see how safe you are, than to provide a bit of danger."

"Princess, are you harmed?" Two of her guards checked her over with their own lanterns.

"Since you caused such a disturbance, you get the wood." Xandras shoved the ax at his chest.

"You can't take a little joke?"

"Of course I can. I'm weak with laughter. Too weak to finish chopping. So surely, you'll do it for me."

"Myself? Even you had help. At least let two of these, strapping young lads," he gestured to the two girls holding him. "keep me company, and carry this back."

"If you want to put them through that." Xandras groaned.

"Would you mind?" She asked. They sighed and agreed. She didn't want to leave her sisters with him, but the thought of being alone, even if he deserved it, was too cruel. "How did you even come to meet someone like that?" She asked on the way back.

"Some unfortunate business. We opened up our home to them, while their family was, managing some hardships. It's kind of why we haven't pulled out all the fancy things for them. We keep it comfy and relaxed for family."

Reaver returned some hours later, with no wood in hand. That he'd left to her warriors. He whined and complained about wanting to use the bath first, but the gentlemen would hear nothing of it. The girls were given first use. To be considerate of his plight, they agreed to go in together.

Up til now, she had avoided bathing with her sister. It wasn't something they did normally anyway. Making an active effort to thwart the activity was making it awkward in ways it never had before. Excuses to not be touched, harsh reprimands and redirection. Were Elise not there to laugh it off, things would have been unbearably tense.

After the bath, Kitana played with her puzzle for a little bit, then went to sleep early, leaving Mileena alone with Elise.

"It seems Xandras isn't the only one you have that kind of relationship with."

Wanting to move passed talks of her and her sister, she shifted focus to her and her cousin. "I tried not to be obvious, but I did kind of ask my cousin what he thought of you."

She and Kitana melted away from her consciousness like a distant memory. Her bright eyes sucked all the light out of the room. "What did he say? Oh why did you say anything? Tell me, tell me!"

"Well, you know how he is. He does think of you...warmly."

"He said that? Please tell me exactly what he said."

She didn't want to be the one to wipe that light from her eyes. Hearing he thought of her as nothing but a sister was sure to dash the hope from this hopeless romantic.

"He said, you were someone he felt protective of. But, he always feels, he's childish. I mean, honestly, in your heart, do you not think you wouldn't get tired of him?"

"No, I wouldn't, he's wonderful! I love his boyish ways."

"You told me before, you would get annoyed. He believes he's done growing. When we were out there, getting the wood, he was swinging off the branches like a child."

"So? I think it's funny."

"Sure, now. You're young, Elise."

"So is he. I like him, just as he is. I don't want him to change. I wouldn't care if he was still playing in trees when he was an old man."

Before her passion turned to anger, Mileena cut her losses. "Then, you're on the right path I guess. Keep doing what you're doing, I hope he comes around."

"Oh...I won't pry into a private conversation between cousins, but do you really believe I have a chance?"

"If nothing else, I believe you definitely have a chance." Who was she to say she didn't?

Requesting her warmth again, Elise only wanted to lie in bed and talk about all the things she loved about Xandras, as if she were proving herself to Mileena. She was regretting putting herself in the middle of their affairs.

An hour in, the noise from her side started to die down, until eventually it stopped all together. Hopefully, all her babbling would give her sweet dreams. Mileena wouldn't be surprised if she dreamed about her cousin tonight.

If only she could get to sleep. For some reason, she was wide awake now. The bath did little to sooth her after Reaver's little stunt. Outside her window, she heard the sound of guards patrolling. It would be rude to walk around in the middle of the night, surely she could find appropriate company with her warriors.

If she were home right now, with nothing to do, her squad was probably out of quarantine now. She could be back with them, in their sleeping quarters. Back with Elaine, because she wouldn't let her inconvenience anyone else, even if she was still upset with her.

"Unless, Noble still hasn't returned." Had she really not thought of her, specifically, once since she left? Would she be upset with her? Would she be in worse condition than Julie? Would she be angry with Mileena? Would she blame her?

"Mileena?" She snapped out of her thoughts, to her cousin's worried face shining down on her. "Are you alright? You're just standing there. In a daze."

"Yes, I'm sorry. I was just...walking."

"Couldn't sleep?"

"No. But, I don't want to be..." His face was already twisting at the hint of the word bother. "I was going to pester my warriors for a bit. Your mother hasn't exactly been, welcoming to them."

"They are warriors, right? They're fine. Pester me, I don't mind."

"Really, it's alright. You should be resting and thinking about this party."

"I could use your ear on the subject." He put an arm around her, turning her opposite the way she was going.

"I'm not good at planning those type of things. I'm never involved with them at home."

"No time like the present to learn to be involved."

"Xandras, really, I'd rather,"

"Don't you think...maybe you spend too much time with them? You're not, a child anymore. Isn't it about time you stop this?"

"Excuse me? What are you talking about?"

"Please don't get cross with me, it's just, you're not like them. I'm sure they're not, bad people but,"

"What are you trying to say? What is wrong with you and your mother? You were bragging about me being part of them before. Your and auntie's treatment of them is frankly deplorable. I shouldn't have allowed it. What is the problem? Why are you both acting so strange toward them? Do you not understand who they are? What they represent?"

"Mileena." He huffed. Turned away, and rubbed the back of his head. "No one really, thinks of them like that anymore. The only ones who still believe that, are the members themselves and uncle. Maybe at one point in time, they were what they claim. But now, they are glorified bodyguards. Ornaments. Cousin you're more than that. You always have been."

"Glorified bodyguards?" The fire in her blood burned so hot, she expected flames to encase her words as they did her thoughts. "How dare you. They do more for the people of Outworld than our entire family, the crown included. What do you do? Plan parties? Throw money at issues? We don't send our soldiers to deal with petty disputes, and gangs extorting commoners. We just leave the people to handle it, until it gets too close to home. The Umgadi takes care of those things, of their own volition. The daughters of Outworld serve us all, in ways royalty neglects."

"There you go, being selfish again. They take children from their families, and corrupt them."

"What are you talking about?"

"I didn't know before. Auntie Sindel, told my mother, about you and your squad leader. How confused and upset you were."

Her and her squad leader? She wouldn't have. But...how else would they know? Confused and upset?

Her cousin was still talking when she stormed off. Everything that happened between his reveal and her standing before her sister was little more than a frozen blur of disbelief and fog.

Kitana, sitting on the chaise, playing with her puzzle cube, unaware of the beast she had awakened.

"You couldn't sleep either? I'm convinced we're just a few turns away. Would you like to give it a go. I can't get this side,"

Tiny pieces rattled against the wood panels, shattered on impact. The largest piece of it rolled away from them, under the bed.

"You told mother?"

Her hands were still in the air, molded around the puzzle. "What? Why did you,"

"What did you say to her? What did you tell mother? And don't bother lying. Xandras already told me our mother told auntie about me and my squad leader. So what did you say?" Gripping her by the collar she yanked her up on her feet. "I confide in you, and you run back and tell mother?"

"I didn't tell mother anything. You said there was nothing to tell. What did he say I told her?"

"I was upset and confused? Did you tell her we were sleeping?" She hadn't meant it when she pushed her away, but seeing her slip off the chair onto the floor was satisfying. "Maybe you're the deviant. What's your excuse? Always clinging to me, trying to be near me. Declaring your love for me. Going so far as to appoint yourself my guard."

"Mileena."

"Born second, with all this freedom, and you choose to be under me? That is strange, that is confusing. But as your older sister, it's my job to help you, not tattle to mother and father. Allow me to help you get over this, confusion, sister. Stay away from me. Find your own purpose in life. I don't need any more guards."

As she originally planned, she stormed down to her Umgadi sisters, marched right into their camp, and climbed into a random tent.

"Uh, princess?" Of course it had to belong to Tanya.

"Please let me stay."

"Are you, alright? Another nightmare?"

"Only if I don't wake up."

"Is it something you want to talk about?"

More than anything, but if she tried speaking right now, all that would come out would be croaks and whines, so she declined.

What had Kitana said? Why had she said anything? What had Mileena said that day? What did her parents think? When had she told them? Is that why they were so insistent on this trip? Were they that disgusted with her?

Gritting her teeth against the burning sting radiating from her chest, she tried to rock herself. Her heart was beating too fast. She was too hot.

"Oww."

"Princess, is something hurting you?"

She tried to conceal her groaning. "My heart hurts."

A light she couldn't tell the origin of, shined over her. "Oh. Princess."

"I-I don't want to be a princess. I-I ha-hate this." The light dimmed, and multiplied. Curiosity got the better of her. She turned to see Tanya juggling three small balls of light.

Their airy dance lost speed at a gradual pace. Unbound by the laws of gravity. They floated in Tanya's hands. Formations changed, going from a simple juggle, to forming unique shapes. Their confined space filled with a lavender scent, carried on sparkling vapors.

She should be talking, or at least not coughing and sniffling like an infant. Wiping her eyes and nose on this woman's blankets. Mesmerized by the light show, she was lulled into a state of blinding calm. The lights circled her, leading her eyes up and down, until she could no longer lift them. Her final waking memory, was that of her superior yawning then getting under the covers herself.

For the first time since they'd arrive, she woke up rested. Too bad all the energy she finally had, had to be exhausted being angry. She was content spending the rest of her time here, with her warriors. Several times Kitana sought to initiate communication with her, every time she was turned away. All the evidence was there, Mileena wasn't going to listen to her lie or try to justify her actions. She didn't care about being called childish, or being threatened with a report to her parents. She was ready to leave anyway.

"Princess..."

"Mileena." She kept her pace, walking down the beaten path she'd created. "I want to be called Mileena."

"Mileena, don't you think you're going about this, the wrong way?" Tanya walked behind her. Somehow keeping up with her, without taking an aggressive speed. "Your family is worried about you."

"No. They are unhappy with me. They don't care about how I feel."

"No. They are unhappy with us. They are worried about you. Someone saw you crawling out of my tent, and I've been accused of some very unsavory things. Your aunt may be a delicate looking woman, but I fear actual retaliation."

The lighthearted tone she was trying to drum up was only serving to further infuriate Mileena. Everything was wrong and no one was taking it as serious as it was. Tarkatans, dwindling support for tradition and the Umgadi as a whole. Her being a constant disappointment to her parents. What if this was the last straw and they were considering passing the throne off to Kitana?

Hardheaded, temperamental, careless, lazy, thoughtless, and now a deviant. With the way things were going, the Umgadi may be all she had left, and if her mother was able to convince her father to see things the way she did, even that was liable to be stripped from her. No one understood that. If anyone else knew a fraction of what was going on, they would only see it as her being immature. This was more than a breach of trust between sisters. This was her entire life. She could lose everything.

Laid out like that, every card on the table, all stacked against the last entry. Deviant. Against everything else she claimed without qualm, she could let that go. That would not be the nail in the coffin that ended her reign before it started. If the people of Outworld were already willing to turn against a noble institution, that had served them for as long as her father, a king they adored, she wouldn't stand a chance with that mark on her character.

As simple as she was, even she could grasp that. Kitana had to know. What could she have been thinking? Why would she do this?

"I feel like I'm talking to a stone wall here. You being with us doesn't exactly make our job easier. You being closer to everyone else, does."

"Tanya!" She hollered at the ground, stomping in place. "I need to be alone. I need to think."

"Return to the house, find a room. Out here, you won't find this, alone, you're looking for."

"I would if you would stop following me."

Tanya stopped. "No you wouldn't. What difference does it make if you can see me or not? Everyone is always looking for you, asking about you. Frankly, it's like they're constantly trying to get our attention because they fear we're harming you. It's an inconvenience to all of us."

"No one cares when I'm inconvenienced." She didn't even know what she meant by that, it just felt right to say.

"If this is how you handle things with your squad, maybe only one of you is the immature little girl. Maybe you're the only one who doesn't want to talk."

That wasn't true at all. She asked, begged, pleaded with Elaine to talk to her, and Elaine tried to run away. When Mileena did talk to someone, someone she thought she could trust, that person went behind her back and told their mother, and now both her aunt and cousin knew. She was the mature one. It just didn't work out for her.

"Fine. I'm done then." Sitting on the ground, she started undoing her uniform. "No one has to wonder about me, look for me, or protect me anymore."

"What are you doing? Please don't start undressing."

"I can't be a princess, I can't be Umgadi. Fine, I will be a commoner."

So wrapped up in disrobing, she failed to notice Tanya coming closer. "A commoner? That should make this easy." In a flash, she was handcuffed and being dragged to her feet. Tanya went to fixing her hair and clothes. "If I bring you back looking thoroughly ravaged, she's likely to have me executed. Don't be difficult. I can only imagine the things going through her head."

"You can't, I don't want to go back."

"So you want to go into the forest alone? Commoner?" Sighing her elder tugged her forward by the cuffs. "I don't remember you being so disagreeable as a child. I'll bet the queen kept a hand on your neck." The elder woman switched from holding her by the cuff, to leading her by the back of her neck. "I'll never understand why some women choose to be matrons. Dealing with stubborn children all day would drive me crazy."

Seething with rage, she whipped her arms up, trying to take a swipe at her.

Tanya stilled her by the cuffs, then twisted them until her arms crossed painfully. "You couldn't beat me with both my hands bound, I don't think you want to try with yours. I'm sure if you ask, your aunt will give you an entire wing of her home to be alone in. Stop acting out, and return to your family."

"No."

"You don't have a choice." Her sorrow was overflowing again. That pain in her chest was returning. "You don't have to talk, but you will be made to listen."

"She betrayed me!" It was all coming out now. She couldn't stop it. "She was all I had, and she betrayed me. She said she loved me, then she told our mother something was wrong with me! No one gets it, no one understands! She was there though, she said she would be there, and she betrayed me."

"Is it something you want anyone else to know?"

She was grinding her teeth again. Her jaw clenched so tight, she could feel her teeth shifting under the immense pressure.

"Do you want to go back to my tent?"

Those deceivingly soft hands were on either side of her face, massaging her cheeks and lower jaw.

"I don't want to be abandoned. I don't want to be alone."

"What have you done to deserve to be alone? Who is it you think will abandon you?"

It took more strength to say it than she had. Being stripped of her birthright, after everything her parents poured into her, everything they forgave, or overlooked. They may not, remove her from their home physically, but to be publicly omitted from the throne, she may as well be out of the family.

"If you ever truly find yourself, abandoned and alone, I don't mind company. Find me. Alright? Is that good? Now you're not alone. So for me, for someone who vows to be by your side, rather you are princess, or Umgadi, or a commoner, will you please return to your family?"

She'd have to go home at some point. She would have to face the music eventually. If she really was to be disregarded by them, the idea of having a place to fall back to, did provide some relief. She would be grateful, and do as she was asked.

Before reaching the house, Tanya removed the cuffs and straightened her clothes a bit more. Upon their return, they were greeted by her aunt shouting in the face of one of her senior guards.

"This is my home. I don't condone that kind of behavior. Where is my niece? Return her, then take your leave! The girls will be fine here, without, whatever you think you offer. Our guards are more than capable of,"

"Ma'am. I understand you're upset, but we cannot leave the princesses, under anyone's orders, even theirs."

"They are under my guardianship. You can't even manage these...women properly. I doubt you take my niece's safety seriously." Mileena ran over to her aunt's side. "Mileena!" Her aunt snatched her into a tight hug. "Where have you been? What happened? Did this woman,"

"Auntie, I'm fine. What's going on?"

"I will not stand for it. The indecency. I caught, two of your, guards, breaking their vows. And the rest of them doing nothing about it. I know of the perversions that go on within their ranks. That they promote. Your father should have listened to your mother and disbanded them."

"Auntie, can I go lie down? I'm just, really tired now."

"Mileena, dear?"

She held such a resemblance to her mother, Mileena wondered if she'd ever see this expression of care and concern from her mother ever again. "I'm sorry for making you worry. Please take me inside."

Her aunt went on and on about something or other. They were headed back to her room. It was early in the day, so there was a high chance Kitana wasn't there. That was the last person she wanted to see right now. If she faced her too soon, she was liable to start a fuss all over again and get them a premature departure.

"Did something happen between you and your sister?" She shook her head, denying the speculation. "Well, she thought maybe you weren't able to sleep properly, the two of you, in such a small bed, so she's going to be in Xandras's room. Let me know if you need anything. You're not a bother, alright?"

"Yes. Thank you auntie."

For the next three days she did her best to limit interaction with everyone. She was cordial, she was visible. She made enough appearances to please her aunt and assure her she was fine. She wasn't trying to sap the life out of the gatherings. But that was the reality for everyone save for Logan and Reaver.

Elise was often near her, trying to make conversation, turning Mileena's short answers into more, opened ended questions to force more out of her. She'd catch Xandras, out of the corner of her eyes, staring at her. Kitana, without her puzzle box, usually had her nose buried in a book. There was a solemn cloud over all those involved. They were very out of place, since the rest of the house was full of cheer, preparing for the party.

If her attitude wasn't indication enough, Mileena had made it clear to her cousin, she wasn't feeling very festive, and would feel terrible bringing such a mood to his celebration. She gave him hope she would be feeling better in time for the next one, despite knowing she had no intention of attending that one either.

While he was understanding to her face, he apparently planned to have Elise persuade her on his behalf.

She had been the only one persistent in trying to get her to open up. No matter how short or snappy Mileena was with her replies, Elise kept speaking to her as if nothing were wrong.

"Many people will be arriving tomorrow." Elise lit the candle on the night stand between their bed. "Knowing Xandras he probably told everyone you were going to be here. It wouldn't look kindly on him or your family, if you didn't show."

"Probably wouldn't. That's, unfortunate."

"Did you and Kitana have an argument? I can't really imagine her doing anything to make someone upset like this. She's so sweet. She claims she has no clue why you're so upset, but she is worried."

Was she trying to save face, thinking Mileena too angry to out her for her betrayal? She was going to paint Mileena as some unstable troublemaker, while spreading slander.

"She isn't as innocent as she seems. Kitana has a forked tongue. She's not as trustworthy as I thought. That whole thing about twins having some kind of special connection, nothing but romantic mysticism. Apparently our relationship isn't even at the level of regular siblings."

Elise stayed quiet, humming, stopping and starting many replies. "I, I know she's your sister, but I feel, you're wrong about this. I'm a real good judge of character. Kitana just doesn't seem like the kind of person you can't trust. Are you sure you're not misunderstanding something? I think you two should talk to each other, so we can all get back to enjoying our time together."

"There's nothing stopping you all from enjoying yourselves. I'm fine being alone."

"No one's going to have fun, when you're moping around, not talking, not joining in. There's so much I want to talk to you about, but I don't feel like I can, until you're in a better mood. Xandras feels like you're upset with him, and he's who I want to talk about so, how can I talk to you, if he's the one you're mad at too?"

Huffing hard enough to make the light flicker, she sat up, giving Elise her undivided attention. "I'm not, mad at him, so what is it you want to say?"

"No. I'm going to feel bad if I get all giddy, while you're like this. Can you please just tell me? You don't have to tell me everything. Just enough to get the problem out. Maybe I can help? If there's one thing I've learned from having a brother, sometimes it helps to just have another person hear the problem, even if they can't help, because they weren't really listening. If it's easier, I can turn over and pretend not to listen. You just talk. I'll only ask questions if you want me to. Do you want me to?"

Something about her, reminded her of Leisa, maybe a little younger, more energetic. They both had bright eyes, literally and figuratively. "If I don't do this,"

"It will be impossible for anyone to enjoy the party. That will destroy Xandras."

"Fine. We'll see how I feel about questions, after I'm done." She took a deep breath, then quickly sorted through what she wanted to say. "I confided in Kitana. And she told our mother something I didn't want anyone to know. It's something, that could cause a lot of trouble for me. Even if we weren't twins, we aren't regular siblings. Our loyalty to each other has to be absolute. And she, betrayed me. I love my family, but, she was special. I put her above everyone else. If I had no one else, by circumstance, or choice, I had her. She showed me, I didn't. I possibly irreversibly damaged my relationship with someone else, I really cared about, for her. And I'm feeling like..."

It burned her up thinking about it again. Even so, in reference to that day, those nights, she couldn't bring herself to hope for anything other than what had happened. Kitana may have been lying about their connection, Mileena wasn't. No matter how angry she was, she wouldn't allow herself to entertain another outcome.

"Don't get upset, but, I just can't believe that about her. Even if she did do it, I don't think she would have done it for any reason other than she was worried about you. She told your mother. She told someone else who loves you. And your mother told your aunt. She's crazy about you. The only people who know this secret, are people who care for you. Is that really bad? I used to tell my mother my secrets, she would tell my father, my father would tell me she told him. But since no one was supposed to know, we all had to pretend we didn't. It would make me so angry, but, sometimes, it worked because they would do things to help me. Especially if it was something bad." She transferred from her bed to Mileena's. "Promise not to tell?"

"Sure."

"It's really bad...but I trust you. Please don't judge me too harshly, I was a child." She took a deep inhale. "I watched my lesson mates seal a boy in a well. I don't remember why, maybe some kind of punishment. We all went home. A couple days passed, his parents were asking about him. Heavy rains had come and gone. I felt so sick I told my brother. Later that night, my father and a few friends of his just happened by that well, and they freed him. He was barely alive. He told on the boys who'd sealed him in. Apparently they'd just forgotten about him. Had my brother never told my father, that boy most likely would have died, and I would have felt horrible my entire life. People who loved me, listened to me, and cared about me, took care of it. I was a little mad at Reaver. I called him a tattle, and a rat for a long time. Him being older, understanding things better, he ignored me. In time I was right back to telling him my secrets again. He always kept the ones that didn't matter. I used to think he wasn't listening, he'd tell me he wasn't, but somehow, he always managed to get the right ones to our parents."

She wished she could tell her everything and see if she could really see the same thing working out for her. It wasn't the same. There was no benefit to be had, no life to save. Only one to ruin. She wouldn't chock this up to deep seeded worry. If she was so worried, she would have talked to her first. Kitana was trying to elevate herself in their parent's eyes.

She could hear Elise now. "Kitana isn't the type to do that. She seems less interested in the throne than you."

Maybe that last part was more what she wanted to believe, than what Elise would guess, the point still stood. She didn't give her any warning or explanation. Then she tried to deny it, when Xandras came with details only she would know.

There was a sadness in Elise's eyes. One that said this imp of a woman, had many secrets hidden within. Mileena could pretend all was well, if only to help her get back to her bright, cheery self.

"I get what you mean. It's something to think about. I, guess I should talk to her, maybe."

"You really should."

"Okay...well, you wanted to talk about...Xandras?"

Her long legs kicked happily under the blanket, shaking the bed. "I helped Kitana get set up in his room, it all smells just like him. It's so, not what I was expecting. I thought maybe he'd put those linen on for Kitana, but they were his. He's so not like other boys I know. And in other ways, he's just like them. Did you know he's got a stack of swords just, in a corner of his room? They look so out of place with the rest of his décor."

"Yes. He has, tastes. He's very creative."

"Kitana told me he's a great dancer. I've never seen him dance. I want to ask him to dance at the party, but I'm not much of a dancer myself. She said I should ask you. She said you're a great dancer."

"I wouldn't say great."

"Please, anything is better than what I'm doing now. It can be your way of thanking me for teaching you to swim."

She smiled. "I still can't swim."

"Of course not, after only a couple lessons. And I won't be a dancing queen after only one, but it will be something. Please Mileena? Please?"

She couldn't say no to that. And there was a chance she wasn't going to see her again anyway, it was only fair after her offer to help her swim. Hopping out of bed, she stretched, then extended her hand to the girl.

"I assume you want something, basic?"

Tripping out of bed she fell into Mileena's arms. "No, I want to learn something that's going to bring us closer. I want him to hold me. I want,"

"I think I get it." From somewhere in the house, a jaunty tune could be heard. Probably the musicians rehearsing. "Convenient. Perhaps you and him are fated. Dancing is all about intention, and feeling. Just think about what you want, and try to convey that." The girl nodded, with the most determined look on her heart shaped face.

Within seconds of their dance, she could see Elise had taken her advice as literal as it could be taken. In this limited light, this girl must have been using her entire imagination to envision Mileena as her cousin. She squeezed her, wrapped herself around her, hugged her to the point they were almost stationary. She really did just want her cousin to hold her. When she said she wanted to dance with him, she apparently meant she just wanted to hug him while standing still, while music played.

"Elise."

She burst into laughter, with her head on Mileena's shoulder. "This is all I want. I just want to hug him and for him to hug me back."

"You don't need my help for that."

"Yes I do. We'll look so strange. But if you tell me dancing is about intention,"

"Poor choice of words on my part. Maybe for you, lean more into feelings. Then again, I don't know, that's just how I think of dancing."

"Well, why don't you show me? You know how I feel. Do you feel that way about anyone? If you were me, how would you dance?"

A simple waltz. She could literally do it with her eyes closed. It would be adequate for Elise's purposes, and it was beginner friendly. Intimate, lively enough.

"You were right." She laughed. "I wouldn't call you a great dancer either. I can waltz. I want to dance. I want to impress him, to have fun with him."

The gods must have been involved. The music picked up again, fast paced and merry. Outside her window, she and Elise saw some of her warriors doing a little jig on patrol.

"Alright you've got me out here, now show me what a great dancer you are." In her arms, right before her eyes, Elise transformed into her squad leader. She could imagine just how it would have happened. Leisa would brag about her skills as a dancer, Mileena would humbly agree but decline the demonstration, then Elaine would order her to perform. As her obedient soldier, she would have to do it.

Could Elaine dance? What kind did she prefer? Would she lead, or follow?

In front of their squad, Mileena might show out. But what if she embarrassed her? If she kept it simple, Elaine might think she was boring. Maybe she would decline all together. Knowing her though...what if she asked her later, when they were alone? She would show her all the spins, dips, twists and leaps. She could do those things without thinking, but if she was with Elaine, all she'd be able to do was think. Think about how she smelled, how she moved, the sounds of surprise she'd make when Mileena would catch her.

If she leaned in, as she had to with most dances of this nature. Would Elaine pull her close, as the dance would instruct them to do? Would she stop it just as they were to gaze into each other's eyes? If they were alone, she could ignore it like she had with Noble and Hiziza. If they were alone, she could try...

"I, I think I get the gist of it. I'd like to save the rest for your cousin, if you don't mind." When she came to, Elaine was gone. Elise had her petite fingers against Mileena's lips, holding her at bay. She was breathless, smiling, a shine to her already bright eyes. "That was amazing. It was like you weren't even here. You do just glide over the floor. Can I ask though...who were you dancing with?"

"What? You, you silly girl."

"Hardly. You were miles away. I could hardly keep up. Whoever it was must not be a good dancer either because you never stumbled while I was all over the place. He probably doesn't like to dance in front of people."

"He?"

"You danced with such passion, and well, you tried to end it with just as much. I figured some wonderful man was on your mind. You don't strike me as the daydreaming romantic who falls in love with something she can't see, or hasn't seen yet. What's he like? If you don't mind my asking. I'm curious about you. You and your sister are like open books, but different genres. You are a warrior, but still a woman. What kind of man can entice a warrior queen? Is he strong? Or is he softer?"

If she had to tell one more person she liked Reiko, she was going to scream. Considering, he somehow already had a woman who liked him, she wanted to get away from that.

Every time she vowed to let these things go, someone would force her to talk about it, and make things worse. She didn't have a chance to find someone to occupy the place Elaine was wrongfully being forced into. Lying to Kitana was one thing. A person like Elise was another. She was scary, proactive. If she lied to her and Elise had any way to contact Reiko, Mileena could see the man confronting her within the hour. The way she saw it, she could stand near the truth, without standing in it. That was good enough.

"Well, they are, strong. Confident. Dutiful. Very responsible. Good head on their shoulders. I don't really know if they're a good dancer or not. In childhood I remember thinking they were a good dancer."

"He sounds lovely. So, wedding bells on the horizon for you too? You and your sister have to make up, she has to be there with you."

"No. I don't see this person as a possibility."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm a princess."

"Oh. Star crossed lovers."

"What's that?"

"It's used for two people who can't be together. It's said the stars aligned against the union. But I think of it a little differently. We can't have everything right? Why would the elders make everything perfect for us here, and then make the stars against us? Stars align to lead us places, and tell us when the gods are upset with us? That's silly. You know what I've never seen? Two stars touch. Or go in the same direction. They just, sit there, in the same place, or they're passing by. Being a star would be sad for lovers. Only able to see each other."

"You sure do know a lot."

"My brother is good for something, other than being a nuisance. You know though, I've heard of queens having entanglements with unfavorable mates before. Don't think me being disrespectful, I only mean it to tell of what I've heard. The life of a queen, must be full of upsetting responsibilities."

"Do your parents not expect you to wed a man of means, to benefit the family? I just have to do that for, all of us."

"They do. I know I love your cousin. I have my heart set on him. But sometimes I wonder what we could be missing out on. At home, sometimes I talk to our guards in training. They are nice boys too. Bakers, artists, some can even do nice needlework. What if the man of my dreams isn't of high blood? What if he's a fisherman of all things?"

"My cousin loves to fish."

"You don't have to sell him to me. I've already put in the request. Why does it all have to be so, tragic?"

"What is?"

She giggled. "Things for us. Especially you I'm afraid. You must have been very loved in a past life. A star crossed twin. Your next love will be just as unattainable as your last two."

She tried to laugh to hide the sickening cringe. "I wish you and your brother would stop insinuating my sister and I are lovers. It's, disturbing."

"I'm sorry, it's just so amazing. You're almost magical. It's like seeing a fairy. At least we know you're not a deviant."

Just as the word left her lips, Mileena looked down at her warriors, near the forest edge. The little hideaway, they'd been occupying most of their stay. Behind a shrub, beneath her window, she saw two uniforms getting closer. She knew where they were standing they were virtually invisible from every angle, but this particular one. Even Elise sitting across from her probably wouldn't be able to see them. She pulled Elise from the window, to give them privacy. It didn't matter what she saw. Who would she report it to? Her squad leader wasn't here.

"So, you will be at the party tomorrow?"

"Elise."

"Mileena please? I told him I'd cheer you up and you'd come. He entrusted me to do so. He believes in me. He'll be so proud. You'll be helping me reach my happiness. You know, I'd do the same for you. If I could."

"If I go, and ruin the mood,"

"I don't want you to do that, but my only job was getting you to come. The rest is up to him."

"Fine then. Sure. I guess, I'll be there."

Just like that, the girl hopped into her own bed, saying if she stayed there, gushing over the party, she was likely to fall asleep there. Mileena wouldn't have minded. As of late, the only decent sleep she managed to get, was when she was beside someone.

"Star crossed lovers?" From her perspective, both of Elise's interpretations fit the bill. The stars surely had aligned to keep them apart. Many unions in Outworld were questionable, unfavorable. Different races, classes, regions and cultures. But, so far, only one was deemed deviant. She could take questionable, unfavorable. Deviant, just had such an ugly undertone. Separate of anything decent.

She couldn't be star crossed. She wasn't bound, unable to be close to her star. She knew what happened when they touched. They confused each other. They upset each other. Then again, they comforted one another, gave warmth, put their worried thoughts at ease.

Nothing in the stars was making her life difficult. All her obstacles were here, in the mortal plain.

The entire next day, she was forced to be in her sister's company while they readied for the festivities. Hair, dresses, makeup. They even helped with set up. Her aunt melted at the opportunity of having three girls to style and parade around. Xandras finished up the ensemble, with his own suit in similar colors.

Keeping up the facade was wearing on her nerves the closer they were to the first guests arrival. Elise was happy though. Even if Xandras wasn't paying her a lick of attention, she was glad enough just being the cause of his smile. Mileena wasn't actually mad at him at all. He, had come from a place of care. She could extend the same courtesy to her aunt. But Kitana, she just couldn't forgive so easily.

Every time she saw her face, she was infuriated all over again. Her aunt tried to get them to sit down since they were already dressed up. She couldn't, not if she was going to make it through to the party. So she headed to the kitchen to see if she could be of use to anyone. Her aunt foresaw this course of action, she had her uncle waiting at the door to turn her away.

With nothing else to do, she sat on a bench on a balcony overlooking the entrance to the house. She could see carriages from over the gate.

"I hope it wouldn't be deviant of me, to say you look nice."

Kitana's voice came from behind her. She walked over to the ledge, obscuring some of Mileena's view. She was stuck between walking away without speaking or staying, without speaking.

"I take it you're still upset. About what you won't say. About who, I guess it's me. I talked to Xandras, he feels he hurt your feelings, by insulting your precious Umgadi sisters."

She was really going to sit there, and continue playing this game. "The only real sisters I have. Of course I would be upset with them being slandered and disrespected."

Kitana leaned forward, on the railing. "A couple days ago, that might have really hurt me. All of this, hurts me. But, since I now know what's going on, I'm going to let you have your temper tantrum. Just know, I love you, and forgive you, whenever you're ready for it. But be careful Mileena. You're going to say something you can't take back. It's going to hurt you more than it hurts me."

"Your forgiveness? After what you did? You betrayed me. First you tell mother,"

"It's not what you think it is."

"I was confused and upset, about my squad leader, according to what you told mother. That's what he said to me. How are you going to explain that? You've heard how they talk about them. How they talk about those kinds of relationships. And you tell mother? You don't talk to me?"

"About what Mileena? What is there to talk about? First, you tell me there's nothing. Now, you're upset, because I told mother, about you and your squad leader? What did I tell her Mileena? What was I supposed to tell her? That you liked her holding you? That you've already lain with her?"

The back of her legs knocked against the bench, making it rock on it's hind legs. Kitana didn't flinch.

"I'm the deviant aren't I? Isn't that how I think? That's how you think of me, right? I'm the one who cuddled up with the darling new girl I just met? I'm the one who spent the night being cozy with my deviant soldiers? I'm the sick twin, who loves my sister, who wants to be close to her. What do I have to tell mother, about you?" Kitana raised her voice, just to bring it back down a second later. "Even if I had to call you that, I'd stop seeing it as something bad, before I saw you as something bad. Please try and be pleasant for Xandras. He put a lot of work into this."

As she left, three carriages entered the city and were coming straight for his home. It was time.

She and Kitana were to sit on an elevated stage designed for the hosts. Sitting they weren't easily visible, so until they had to be seen, both of them were going to look as unapproachable as possible.

Mileena had so much on her mind, she couldn't think straight. Kitana had obviously said something to her mother. She hadn't even denied it. She just said it wasn't what she thought. If it was a simple misunderstanding, she could have easily cleared it up. Either she was more devious than Mileena could fathom, or something else was going on. Neither felt possible, given all she'd heard.

Kitana threw on a veil then left to greet and seat the guests with Elise and Reaver.

"Great, I thought I'd find you in here." Xandras slid in the booth beside her, trapping her with him. "I really should have done this, before the guests arrived. Or, really any time would have been better than seconds before the party. If I insulted you by speaking as I did, about your, warriors, I apologize. I do think them, as a concept is, pretty amazing. It just comes with some, less than favorable, that's neither here nor there. Mileena, I'm sorry about all of this. I didn't understand what I was talking about. It must have been really...something, if it's still such a sore subject."

"Xandras, what, exactly did auntie tell you?"

"It's not important. Kitana said you weren't upset with me. Elise said you weren't. But, you shouldn't be upset with Kitana either. I didn't know it wasn't something to be discussed."

"It is important to me."

"No, just, please put it behind you, have a good time." He left when a crowd joined them in the grand hall.

Behind her, in two chairs sitting at the very back of their section, two Umgadi warriors came in and sat down.

"There's a lot of new people entering the premises. We can't afford to be too far from you."

"It was like pulling teeth for your aunt to allow us inside, but here we are."

Looking at their outfits, she was filled with envy. She would forsake every privilege afforded to her, to just be security. No party, no cousin, no sister, no worrying about how others perceived you, just guarding, then taking requests with her girls.

It took two hours just for all the guest to arrive and be greeted. Applause, cheering, then waving. Xandras gave a speech about overcoming difficulties. It seemed quite a few people in attendance had had recent problems with Tarkat infections. They were all youths of means, in need of distractions. Without a doubt, she could offer them more comfort and support as Umgadi, than the princess. What was she supposed to do, except offer condolences and tell them the king was with them? She, as his daughter, felt no more protected by his words than they should. His words were about as useful as his arms when she clung to him. Nothing more than a false sense of security. What was her father doing? The soldiers, both Umgadi and royal, were the ones actually doing something.

Her mother's policies, while more helpful than her father's words, were still just putting a bandage on a limb that needed to be amputated.

The ice was broken, so she and Kitana were free to depart from each other and mingle. The bards were playing, food and drink were flowing. Xandras had games all around. If only for a moment, for him, she would try to have fun.

As usual, being the next in line for the throne, Mileena was mobbed by annoyingly adoring subjects, while Kitana walked around relatively unbothered. People would approach her first, usually out of confusion. Then she'd point them her way. She did so with a smile and a wave.

Politics, romance, her favorite kind of pie. An evening of fun, was little more than an interrogation with music for her. Kitana got to dance, talk, eat, play. If she wanted the crown so bad, Mileena would let her have it now.

Years passed, in her head. In truth it had likely only been maybe, half an hour. Mindless questions, simple conversations, boys arguing for a chance to dance with her. Girls arguing for the chance to be invited to some imaginary party she wasn't going to invite them to.

She had to go.

"Excuse me, please. I believe my cousin needs me. My sister more or less handles those things. She's right over there if you'd like to talk to her. She loves parties. She's dying to hear all your suggestions. And she absolutely loves to dance."

Wrapping her face til she couldn't breathe, she ran for the doors, leading out onto a deck. She feared her guard coming behind her might be a dead giveaway, but no one followed.

Outside, in the cool air, she took off her veil. There were partygoers bleeding out into the yard, but they were far enough away, they probably couldn't identify her from here.

"Oh, princess." A young woman bowed from the shadows. She stepped forward, sporting a very simple dress, with very few accessories. Modest. Dark eyes and hair, painted lips.

Mileena waved. She didn't feel like dealing with anyone, still it would be rude not to at the very least, speak. "Hello. How are you, enjoying yourself?

"Yes, it's lovely. You?"

"Likewise. You're really enjoying it, out here? There's a lot more to do inside? Unless you came out here for a break from it all? It is a bit overwhelming too."

"It's...I, I just want to, I shouldn't speak of such things."

"Now, as your future queen, I must know these things you shouldn't speak of. I'd like to help, if I can."

"No, your highness. I can't. Master Xandras,"

"It's fine. Or, are you going to make your queen beg? Nothing pleases me more than the chance to personally, see to my citizens. Please, your name?"

"Synge."

"Like, a burn?"

"I had a birthmark that looked like a small burn on my back."

"That's unique."

"It's a family tradition, to name the child after something remarkable about them either at birth, or at the very latest, two years into life."

It was on her tongue to ask, what if no remarkable traits were found in time, something about that felt rude. "Must have been some mark to be a namesake."

"It was." Was, came out distinct. An air of sadness surrounded it. "Do you, do you think it's safe here?"

"Safe?" She followed the girl's eyes out into the forest. "There's guards everywhere. I've been here for a few weeks, we've had no issues."

"There's never enough guards." The girl shook, every time someone emerged from the tree line. "I don't get how they can be so, at ease. Every time I close my eyes,"

Now she understood. Going to her side, Mileena offered her hand. "Do you mind?" Unsure of how exactly to be of use, she gave her back a pat. "I assume you're one of the unlucky few whose encountered them?"

She nodded. "They came from the woods. They were so quiet. They just took the day. I woke up, I went to the market with my mother, and they were there. Before noon, we were in cages. I watched them cook and eat so many. For five days. They were driving in, by the cart full. They aren't mindless creatures like everyone thinks."

They had the mental capacity to drive? No. She had to be mistaken. "I'm sure that must have been, terrifying for you."

"During the night, one of them reached into our cage,"

As she rubbed her back, her hand brushed over something that got caught on a piece of her sleeve. Trying to untangle it, loosened whatever it was. Her hand reflectively went back to comforting her, until she noticed a change in texture and moisture.

Wet, slick, meaty. A poorly packed wound had been uncovered. In the center of her back, angry claw marks radiated outward, from a large crater. She feared staring at it, lest she start identifying things she shouldn't be seeing.

Her guard was behind her, mouth hanging open. "Go, go get my cousin. Xandras. Go, now!"

In seconds, Xandras was out there, throwing his coat over the girl. "I'll have the doctor summoned, please come with me." He bundled the girl up and started walking her another way, without going through the party. "Mileena, you should get cleaned up, immediately." He calmly quieted the girl as she rambled off teary apologies.

That girl, had had a run in with an infected. It had, taken a hefty chunk out of her back. It had drew blood. She...she could be, infected.

She smeared her blood on her dress. Her hand still felt wet. Suddenly her skin was alive with movement. She could feel every drop of essence that didn't belong to her. It was seeping into her pores, slowly infecting her.

Fabric was flying off her before she reached the bathroom. By time she made it inside, she was completely nude. Her guard caught up to her as she was filling the tub with scolding water. "Bring me a scrub brush and soap!"

She could have started howling, the water was blistering hot. Waiting for her soap and brush, she rubbed herself violently, to remove as much infection as possible. It felt like it had spread all over.

"Princess?" Tanya was in the bathroom, holding the items she'd called for. "What happened?"

"Give me the soap and brush! She, she was infected, I,"

"You are going to give yourself blisters. It feels like the air is on fire. Mileena, get out of there."

"No, give me the brush and soap!"

"If you try to scrub your skin now, it's going to tear, or shed, you'll be open to all kinds of infections then. The heat probably killed anything you had to worry about. Mileena, please get out."

After two refusals, Tanya manually removed her from the water. Mileena couldn't even really tell she was being removed until the change in temperature. She was still hot to the touch, but the slightly less hot air, made her shiver.

"Go bring her a uniform please." Tanya ordered her subordinate.

"Make sure it's all gone!" She screamed.

"What?"

"The blood! I touched her blood, her back, it was open, I,"

"Mileena, there's nothing,"

"Look at me!"

With the patience of a saint, Tanya checked her limbs over, turned her around. "Never again Li Mei. Never again." She moaned. "You're clean, princess."

"I don't want to turn into one of them...I don't want to grow spikes all over!"

"Mileena? Tanya, what's happened?" There was Kitana, acting like she cared. If she knew Mileena was possibly infected, she would use that against her. She would tell everyone.

"Princess Kitana, could you please sit with her. Your aunt, personally requested I not be allowed in. She believes,"

"No! Get out. Go away!"

"Mileena, stop acting like this. Let her help you."

"What's wrong with her?" Kitana came closer.

"I said leave!"

"Could you please, bring her some clothes? I'll stay with her." When Kitana ran off, Tanya wrapped a towel around her. "Umgadi, princess, commoner. Whatever you are, you're much too old to be behaving this way. I told you, I have no interest in being a matron. I won't be giving you baths and putting you to bed. You have to stop shouting and start talking about things."

"We shouldn't be here! None of them should. How can anyone think of parties and celebrations when Tarkat is loose in the kingdom? It's near the main city, our home! You encountered one on the way here. We should have turned around then! I shouldn't be here. I should be with my mother and father, trying to fix this! I shouldn't be thinking of anything else. Not her, not this."

It wasn't too clear to her when she had thrown herself at the older woman, everything was moving without her input, just like her life.

"Mileena..."

"Cousin? What's going on? I can take it from here." Unlike Tanya, Xandras was able to shield her from all the things she didn't want to see. He offered her an immediate comfort with his stability. "This, wasn't my greatest idea. I shouldn't have asked this of you, or Kitana. You came to rest, not entertain."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen."

"You have nothing to apologize for. You need to rest, I'll get you to bed, then call Kitana to sit with you."

"No. I don't want to see her."

"Mileena," She expected to be pulled away, not further embraced. "You can't forgive her, even a little? She did it to protect you. Whatever happened, you shouldn't feel ashamed. No one blames you, or thinks ill of you. It wasn't your fault, you were a child."

A child?

"Come, let's get you dressed and off to bed. I'll explain your absence, and I'll come back to sit with you."

He helped her prepare for bed, then carried her to her room. After he'd tucked her in, he promised to bring her something to eat when he returned.

"Wait, you can't abandon your party. I'll be fine."

"You shouldn't be alone. I'll get my mother, or father."

"No, I'll be alright. Just, tell my guards where I am."

He stared at her with a stern eye. "I'll still be by to check on you, and feel free to join us if you feel up to it. If you refuse that much, I'll tell Elise, and you know she'll be back here promptly, every second, on the second."

"Fine, fine. You can check on me. I'm just going to try and get some sleep. I'm really sorry about this Xandras."

"Stop apologizing." He kissed her forehead. "Rest. I'll go find your guard. I'll send her back with something sweet for you."

"Xandras...could you please tell me, what your mother told you?"

"Why do you want to know, if it hurts you so much?"

"I feel, I may be, misunderstanding something. Whatever Kitana said, was about something that happened in our, childhoods?"

"I don't have all the details, so I only know, what my mother was comfortable saying. It greatly upsets her too. I thought reminding you, might help you understand, it would make things easier. But, I see I've made a mess of things. Not thinking things through, and being selfish, must be a family thing." He chuckled. "You, don't remember when you had to go to the Umgadi training grounds when you were younger?"

"Vaguely?"

"Do you recall any interactions between you and your squad leader?"

"I didn't have a squad leader back then."

"Maybe that's not what they're called. The woman who was in charge of your group. According to Kitana, something happened between you two, and you were very upset when auntie said you couldn't go back. When we came to visit you after that, my mother said I had to be very sweet to you, because that woman had hurt you. She also said, I wasn't allowed to bring it up. Now I see why."

"That's, something." Long and buried, so much time had passed since the days of her childhood, most of her memories felt more like feelings and concepts, than actual formed happenings. The only matron she could remember was, Li Mei. Li Mei had been there from the start. She visited her a lot, and came to take her to festivals or Umgadi activities she had to attend. Mileena remembered a few times she had gone to the training grounds, then her mother put an end to it after she snuck Kitana in one year.

She'd been very upset she wasn't allowed to go back. Sometime later, her group was brought to the city and allowed to live there, where she resumed her training. Li Mei came too, and everything was fine. She's been there ever since. She didn't have one bad memory with her. Even when she scolded her or punished her. Li Mei was stern, but fair. Her commitment and dedication were unrivaled. She embodied Umgadi principle to the letter. It couldn't have been her she had these, interactions with.

Her cousin left her there, to stew in her thoughts. This new information was confusing. She dug deep to dredge up these memories he spoke of. Nothing ever came to mind.

Sitting in bed like this, wasn't helping. Putting her feet on the ground, she jumped at the threat of something sharp piercing her skin.

Running her hand over the wood until she found it, she easily located several more smaller, equally sharp pieces. She didn't need to be able to see to know it was Kitana's puzzle box.

For some reason, ever since they'd gotten here, one thing or another, was pulling her away from her sister. Well, she was. It was such a small, silly thing, but Kitana had been so happy to do it with her, and she'd broken it.

She'd been wrong, it was a misunderstanding, that she still didn't understand. Nonetheless, she was still wrong. The broken toy, as bad as it was, had been the least horrible thing she'd done to her sister. Called her a deviant, tried to sour her character to Elise, implied her loving nature was some kind of perversion. Worse than that, she disparaged their relationship, for that of her Umgadi sisters.

"Be careful Mileena, you're going to say something you can't take back. It's going to hurt you more than it hurts me."

It surely had. She felt horrible. All this talk of Tarkat. Her sister was out there, with those possibly diseased people. Despite everything on her mind, the threat never left her head, it was always there, lingering in the back of her thoughts, like those filthy Tarkatans, lingering in the forests. She had run to everyone seeking comfort. Her cousin, her guards. Even her aunt. Who did Kitana have?

She couldn't go another second without righting this wrong. If something happened to either of them, and she never got to apologize, it would kill her. Reaver be damned, her own feelings be damned right along with him. She was going to hug, and kiss, and hold her sister, as she always had. If she was the only woman Mileena ever would, then so be it. And there would be nothing deviant about it. She loved her when she was difficult, confused, lazy, selfish, thoughtless. If she could have no one else. She would choose no one else, if she could have her sister. That was more than good enough.

Whipping the door open, she expected to see anyone, her guard, Tanya, Xandras, Elise, Kitana. Anyone, other than an exquisitely dressed young man.

"Pardon me, I was looking for the washroom."

He used his entire body to block the doorway. His voice had eerie inflections that said he was lying. Even if it had come out genuine, these were the family quarters, he was far from where the guest would be expected to stay.

"You had to pass several on your way here."

"Oh." He looked down the hall. "You can hardly hear them from here. I just, really wanted to get away from the music." He shoved her back inside, then closed the door behind him. "Please don't be, alarmed. Princess, Mileena was it?" Leaning against the door, he motioned she sit on the bed. "I could tell from your face out there, that you find this, equally ridiculous. Festivities, while most of us are dealing with funerals and deportations."

"If you just want to talk...you should understand, this wasn't the way to go about it."

"Maybe not, but you kept slipping away. I heard everyone asking you questions, you looked so, uninterested."

"Maybe instead of staring at me, you should have spoken to me, out there."

"No one wants to hear that. It would have ruined this, lovely party." He went to unfastening the laces of his vest. "Keep calm. I don't plan on doing anything, untoward. I just want you to see, what I am willing to endure, for what I believe in. If you hear me out, rather you help me or not, if I sense you at least receive me in good faith, I'll stand down, and accept what should come to me. If not, I'll take my concerns up directly with your parents."

From his shoulders down, he was painted with claw marks. His torso, deformed by missing chunks of flesh. Soaked bandages looked like black holes in the dim light.

"I really want you to hear this. Will you listen?"

"You, you should see a doctor. My cousin sent for one not too long ago."

"I'm fine. This is more important." Purely a reflex, she jumped back when he stepped forward. "I'll stay over here. Please, sit down. It's important...you listen to your subjects. Don't you think so?"

Aside from when he'd first entered, he didn't come off so devious now. Just tired. In his condition, he probably couldn't cause much trouble. Desperation most definitely was the motivation behind his actions. She could respect that. That was worthy of her time and attention.

"Yes. Well, please, speak."

"From what I've heard, Tarkatans never made it into the city. Just in the neighboring towns?" She nodded. Unsure of what her parents wanted the people to know, she would only confirm what he offered, and nothing more. "So, how did you encounter them?"

"I, didn't."

"Let's not, lie to each other, princess. Most of the people out there are only able to act the way they do, because they've never dealt with an infected person, personally. You behave like someone whose been face to face with them. Even your sister seems more tolerant of the celebration, than grateful. So, what do you know of Tarkatans?"

"What? I thought you wanted me to hear you out? What is this? What do you have to say?"

"I like to know who I'm talking to. Through you, I'll see if talking with your parents would even be worth the trouble. So, bear with me."

"They're, bloodthirsty demons. Stripped of all humanity. Any intelligence they regain after infection, is only that which makes them more deadly. There is no cure. The person they once were ceases to exist. They'll turn their teeth and claws on anyone. Man, woman, child. They kill indiscriminately."

"If that was true, why would your family enact policies that deport them, instead of kill them? Why take rations to prolong their suffering? Why allow growth of their colony?"

"To contain it. There is no cure, yet. We're still, holding out hope."

"Or creating a need. Tarkatans escape from the colony daily. Should they choose to rebel,"

"They don't have the capacity for such thought!"

"Where do you get this information? Your doctors too afraid to be near them? Or your death squad who has no interest in knowing anything but their locations?"

"You've obviously encountered them before, why do you sound upset by these measures? You've seen their ferocity. What do you propose we do?"

"They are abandoned, in pain, and hopeless. What do you propose they do?"

"Honestly?"

"Of course. I want to hear your honesty."

"Die. I expect them to use the last shred of humanity they have left, to die. They know what comes next, they should have the decency to do the rest of us a favor and die."

"I'm going to make many assumptions. I hope you'll correct me if I'm wrong. Assuming your parents are as ignorant as you, I can at least charitably say, they've made these unjust choices out of fear, and not malice."

"Unjust? How can you say that? Do you not see yourself as proof?"

"My wounds are proof of many things. My loyalty, my love, my strength. My lack of support from my king."

"What do you mean?"

"The only help they offer, is death. No management, no assistance. Not even so much as an uplifting word. Just death. There are stages beyond, infection, and monstrosity. There's recovery of rational thought. Language, relearning of skills. Rate of infection may be different. Disease progression might not even be consistent for all of them. But, it's been documented. It's not rare. It's suppressed."

"What does that change? Are you suggesting they be reintroduced into the population?"

"They already live among us. They could live freely among the bestial races, if not for the king's negative portrayal, ensuring they can survive nowhere, but the colony."

"It doesn't spread to them."

"We're not too sure how it spreads though...are we? All we can definitively say, is if you're around them long enough, you're likely to catch it. How do we know, after a single exposure, it's not just dormant?" He smirked when she remained silent. "Sending people to their deaths, separating families, ending entire bloodlines, and we don't even know, how it's spread. Pretty cruel, isn't it? Evil, if you ask me."

"The lesser of two evils, from how I see it. I'm guessing, your wounds aren't from a random attack. Someone close to you?"

"Perceptive. My sister, and young cousin." He pulled something wrapped in fabric from his pocket. "My mother had already lost one daughter, to tradition. She was her pride and joy. Same with my cousin. They were our princesses. The infection, came out of nowhere. Blisters that hardened and broke their skin, turning into spikes. The skin around their mouths, tearing and peeling off. They stopped talking, stop eating regular foods. We sent word to the king. For two little girls. They were restrained, we were taking every precaution. We managed, for two months, with no help from him. Do you know what happened in those two months?"

He unwrapped the item he'd pulled from his pants. Two blades. One small, appearing to be fashioned out of bone. The other, an Umgadi dagger.

"Regression. During the worse parts, we considered putting them out of their misery. It was a frightful sight. These two, beautiful little girls, losing their hair, turning into screeching monsters, spitting blood from their faces, clawing at each other. After that, they, slowly started returning to normal. They were trying to speak. They would sit quietly in their cages. They listened to stories. They were returning to themselves. Then they came. The kingdom's lapdogs." He gripped the Umgadi dagger, by the blade. "The girls were so well behaved, they assumed they were recently infected and just physically progressing quickly. Taking them from their homes, to live among strangers. They were terrified? How else were they supposed to act? Two scared children. And do you know, what those big strong women did, to those two scared little children?"

She could hardly focus on his story, as the blood was dripping down his hand, staining his body and remaining clothes.

"They killed those children. With this very blade. Broke my mother's heart. Tore my father to pieces. But, we were, understanding. We were yet to be, disillusioned. Then it struck my family again. Months later, the infection showed up in my younger brother. This time, we were going to be proactive. We searched high and low for help, all we found, was betrayal. Someone alerted your death squad. They came to our home, kicked in our doors, and murdered my little brother. And stole our right to a proper burial. This was all I could salvage."

More blood was spilling on the floor, than he had to spare. Covering ground, getting closer to her.

"I had one brother left. He thought, if he went peacefully, he could at least, live. He was willing to live like that. He even had hopes of being used as a specimen, to help study this, disease. Do you know what happened to him? Devoured at the front gate. They did nothing to help him."

Picking her feet up off the floor, she looked for the words in every direction but his. What was she supposed to say? It was sad, terrifying. But what was she supposed to say to him? She was, sorry?

"I'm sure you're wondering, how you're supposed to respond. That tells me you were listening. Thank you. Don't worry, I'm not looking for an apology. Just help."

"How, what do you expect from me?"

"Do you believe what I've told you? Do you have sympathy for these people?"

"I believe, you've perceived things, as you have. But I don't know,"

"Do you, have sympathy for them? Do you see them as people, or monsters? If you could help them, would you?"

"Yes. If we could do more than we're already doing, yes."

"So, you believe you are already doing as much as can be?"

"We have chemists, sorcerers, doctors, soldiers, everything that can be done, is being done."

"Just as I thought, if it's not malice, or corruption, it's motivation." He dropped both the blades in the puddle of blood beneath him. "You and your sister, you're twins, right?" She nodded. "From the looks of you, she seems the more levelheaded. She'd move mountains for you. But you seem more passionate. Passionate enough to move the heavens for her. That about right?"

"Whatever you need, please leave her out of this. I am the next in line for the throne, I'm the best way to achieve your goals."

"Mileena!" Kitana shrieked from the hallway.

"Oh, she must have found your guard." He was just sitting there, against the door, as someone rammed it from the other side. "This, disease does come with some, unfortunate perks. Who would you say is, stronger? You're going to need strength to deal with this."

"M-me. I'm stronger."

"Good. I hope she has the same resolve as you, because she will be the sacrifice. The stronger you are the less chances you have for maintaining control. And women, in general tend to be more erratic. Twins, will make excellent test subjects."

He stood up, blood coated weapons in hand.

Though there was no definite agreement on transmission, blood to blood contact was always treated as certain death. The only method for attempting to stop the infection, vigorous sessions of bloodletting. Never once had it yielded positive results.

The world was moving at impossible speeds. It was going just slow enough for her to think, but too quickly for her to act. Kitana was walking through the doorway, this man was on the other side of it. He didn't aim to kill her, just infect her, which was worse.

It was all in the look. That was the power of their relationship. Kitana went low, Mileena went high. She only saw the glimmer of the blade, as she passed Kitana, to grapple with this man.

Every ounce of her strength went into restraining him. Any twin would do for him now. He was trying to strike her, her sister. She couldn't see what Kitana was doing below, but the ground was becoming harder and harder to stand on. She was losing traction in the blood.

Her knees were caving under the force. He loomed over her, with such cold disdain. Disappointment. Did he really expect her to go along with this? He knew the pain of losing a sibling. He'd undergone it three times. Why on earth, would he try and inflict that on someone else?

Maybe it was the dark that skewed his view, or their struggling shifted his aim. She'd know it anywhere by now. Once in real life, a hundred times in her dreams, she'd know those spikes anywhere. Right before her face, dripping blood.

Using his momentum, she bent down, covering her sister, while letting him tumble over them. Grabbing her around the waist, she ran the both of them into the hall, ignoring the body propped up against the wall opposite them.

"Are you hurt?"

"No. You?"

"No."

"Mileena, you're faster, go tell everyone, get help. I'll stay behind and,"

"If you even think about turning around, I'll charge him head on."

"We can't just lead him back to the party."

"I don't even think he's following us."

Two spikes whistled between them. The air cooled and split, beside her exposed thigh. She whipped Kitana into a room on the left of them. Cradling her to her chest, she hurled them both out the window. A short thorny bush broke, half their fall.

"There's a Tarkatan in the house!" Kitana shouted at the guards sprinkled throughout the yard. The party patrons were stunned into inactivity, until the man who'd been following them, jumped from the room they'd just escaped.

Kitana rolled them out from under his crushing fall. He appeared to break his leg when he crashed, but he kept advancing.

"It still hurts. I'm in a lot of pain. Who would help me? Who would bandage me?"

Mileena tried to get up. Something had been seriously hurt in the fall. Every time she tried to move, a debilitating pain shot through her back.

Her sister stood over her, with that tiny blade in hand. With lanterns all around, she could see how the infection had ravaged his body. Those craters that deformed his silhouette were replaced by jagged bony protrusions.

"Ki-Kitana, run. He just wants to infect one of us. Let it be me!"

"Is that what he said? Like they can be trusted."

"She speaks the truth. I only want to provide motivation. You royals don't tend to care for anything too far outside yourselves. Just think, what would be done, what leaps and breakthroughs could be made overnight, if one of the king's children was to contract this disease? A cure within the week. You wouldn't even have to suffer long. I'm willing to die for this. You can endure a little, pain, can't you?"

"All that can be done, is being done. It doesn't matter who contracts it."

Her uncle, cousin, Logan, about 20 guards, and her Umgadi warriors were surrounding them now.

"Stand down boy. Do the honorable thing, resign yourself to the colony." Her uncle drew his sword. "It is the only way you'll escape this with your life, dreadful as that may be."

"Fight me today, take my place in the colony tomorrow. Rather you're actually infected or not, if it's even suspected you've had blood to blood contact, you'll be carted away, experimented on, then fed to the monsters." Some of the guards discreetly fell back.

"Get these kids inside. Xandras, see to your guests."

"I'm not leaving you father."

Three bursts of spikes shot forth from his body, shredding his chest and pants. So many fell to his attack. Soldiers, bystanders. The screaming, just like that day, all over again.

"Now, you understand the severity of your situation."

Xandras and his father led the counterattack. He was just one man, not even fully transformed. He shouldn't be so difficult to defeat. Unless, perhaps the little fraction of sanity that remained was enough to help him use his abilities to his benefit. He was using his arm blades just as effectively as they did their swords. He ejected more spikes to dissuade interference.

An unfortunate blow to the face put her uncle on his back, giving his opponent the perfect opportunity to pin him to the ground with a pole through the leg. When Xandras bent down to help him, he was struck by an elbow in the back of his head.

"No one else, and I mean no one, has to suffer. I only have business with the princess. If your king would punish you for valuing your own lives, over that of his children, is that really a king you wish to serve? I was dead from the moment this disease touched my family. A walking corpse, I just didn't know it. Because of them, some of you are now in the same boat. You'll bring it back to your families, your friends. And your king will do nothing, but banish you, to death."

The weight of their uncertainty made it even harder to stand. She wasn't going to beg them to defend her. Duty or not, they had every right to fear for their lives.

Four arrows pierced his body simultaneously, sinking into his flesh, avoiding the hardened parts closest to his spike deposits.

"Did you kill that woman upstairs?" Tanya came from behind them, with a hand on her staff. "You're going to die, regardless, I just want to know."

"For most of them, the ignorant ones, I felt remorse. But for you death bringing harlots, I enjoyed it. Corrupted torturers."

Extended and free, Tanya took a fighting stance. "It's always less painful, when it's personal. I'll try and live up to the reputation that proceeds me. I consider it a compliment. Princesses, please take shelter."

He sent two waves of projectiles at them, Tanya deflected them all. Another four arrows came from four perfectly aligned directions. Tanya ran beside the one nearest to her. She struck him three times with her staff, throwing him off balance. Two more uniforms joined the fight, evading his ranged attacks until they were as close as Tanya.

Masks on, multiple blades and poles going into his body, rarely coming out. The two who had joined in where moving so fast, she could hardly see their hands. Each hit from Tanya's staff would land squarely on a newly inserted weapon, driving it into his body.

Falling to his knees, resisting no more, he made yet another, calm, announcement to the dwindling crowd of living and dead. "This is what awaits. These torturers. Inhumane monsters." Kicked in the back by one of the women, he looked to Mileena. "This is the only help, the crown provides?"

He raised one hand, from his palm, a ready ejection teased an opening. Standing over him, Tanya whacked his arm, displacing the bone, exposing it to the outside world. The new awkward angle it was forced to take, sent the attack meant for her, straight up. Tanya caught it, knelt down, and jammed it into his neck.

Still, he writhed. He appeared to be jerking his head up, to dislodge the spike, or get above it. Tanya ignored him. She went to his back, grabbed one of his jagged pieces, and yanked it toward herself until it gave. She did it two more times, until she had three pieces. One for his unimpaired arm, and one for each leg.

Bound and gagged, no threat to anyone, they left him to bleed out. He continued struggling to remove the spike in his neck. To her, it seemed he was still trying to speak, he was treating his grave injuries like inconveniences.

Just as he'd said, the wounded were immediately branded with a curse in the eyes of their fellow man. The unscathed were gazing upon their comrades and wards in fear.

The worst thing that could have happened, did, and somehow they still managed to be okay.

"Tanya, help us, Mileena she's hurt!"

The pain in her back had lessened to relatively negligible degrees. There were others in more need than her. "Kitana, I'm fine, I'm"

As she reached for her to calm her worries, she saw the blood covering her sleeve and speckling over her arm. Where was it coming from? The fall?

"Do I put pressure on it or,"

Tanya's hand was hovering in front of her face. "Where did it come from? Was it him?"

A wound on her head, that was bleeding?

The realization smacked her like a boulder. Back in the room, when she'd been restraining him and he ejected the first spike above her. She thought it had missed, the blood dripping from it had to be his. Fresh spikes usually were covered in blood or mucus. But if it was hers, that meant...

The last coherent thought she had, was a prayer. If the gods would allow her to skip all the melodrama that this disease was going to turn her life into, she wouldn't mind waking up in the colony. No slow progression of watching her family begin to fear her, abandon her, or worse, them still trying to love her when this illness took over. If they could skip all that, forget she was someone they loved, make the logical choice and ship her off, she could bear it.

In that dark time, those very thoughts haunted her. In her mind, she was already there, alone, scared. Trying to find a hole to hide in, while waiting for the inevitable. This wasn't the place for hot, stinging tears to blur her vision. She'd have to be alert, and ready.

A hand swiped across her face. Instinct made her lash out.

"You're still pushing me away?"

Eyes opened to her actual surroundings, she saw her sister, sitting on the floor of their carriage. Mileena was lying on a bench with a quilt covering her.

"What happened? Where are we going?"

"Home. Tanya said it was time to go. There was nothing we could do. Staying would have only inconvenienced auntie and uncle."

"What about him and Xandras?"

"What about you?"

Without the adrenaline pumping through her, she was very much aware of how badly she'd been banged up. Her entire body was sore. Her head ached. That ache sent a throb that radiated to the front, making her cut sting.

"I asked Tanya about it. She said, since it was a clean slice, even if you did come in contact with any fluids, they probably flowed out with your blood. She cleaned it, stitched it and everything." Kitana tried again to touch her head, Mileena slapped her hand. "Mileena."

If someone would have told her, after facing off with a Tarkatan, she would be in a carriage, slap boxing her sister, she would have called them crazy. Here she was, deflecting every attempt her sister made to touch her.

"Mileena, why are you being difficult?"

"Me? What do you not understand? I could be infected. We shouldn't even be riding together."

"You're not infected!"

"Tanya wouldn't know. She probably just said that so you wouldn't worry."

"Does she seem like the type of person to do that?"

She wasn't, but still. Putting as much distance between them as she could, by leaning into the bench, she pleaded again for her sister to use some common sense. "It's not worth the risk. Don't...don't punish me like this."

"How? By being close to you?"

"Yes! I don't deserve you...but mother and father do. This is all my fault. Had I not been acting like a child, throwing tantrums, running away because everyone was talking to me, I wouldn't have been alone. I wouldn't have gotten attacked like this. You coming to check on me...he was going after you. I could have gotten you killed. I deserve this. I deserve to be banished. But you don't deserve any of that. So please, stay away."

"They wouldn't send you away, even if," She cut herself off. "One minute. You came into this world nearly one minute before me, and you act like it gives you the right to think for and command me. I try to be levelheaded enough for both of us, but it's hard Mileena."

"I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry about everything."

"I've already forgiven you, so why do you keep pushing me away?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"Not to me. Even before your misunderstanding, you were treating me strangely. Waking up, seeing you with her, I thought you were, finding someone, to," Her sister's whole demeanor shifted, she sank into herself, sitting back on the floor beside her bench. "I thought Elise was helping you, figure things out. But you were still pushing me away when we were all together. You were so cold to me sometimes. I didn't know what to think. I thought maybe I was making you feel uncomfortable."

She didn't know what to say. She was still too fearful to reach over and comfort her.

"Before I put it all together, and you called me a deviant, for being close to you, I thought you were blaming me. We aren't children, yet I still cling to you, I expect you to hold me, kiss me, comfort me. Once I knew why you were really upset, I didn't know how to tell you, I don't care. Now you know it wasn't what you thought, but even if it was, we're twins. You're not the only one who can be selfish. I can't support anything that takes you away from me. Not now that I have a say. Not Tarkatan policy, not your odd affections. If these feelings are here to stay, don't leave me out of it. You can't expect me to be alright watching you be sweet, to these terrible women, who are going to push you away, and make you cry, while you do the same to me."

They had just fought a Tarkatan, watched him kill many people, possibly infecting many more. On top of Tanya, practically torturing the man to death. Mileena was dealing with the possibility of being infected herself. And her sister was crying, because she thought, her deviant older sister, would forsake her, for the love of any other woman who would have her. At a time like this, that is what got her emotional. Neither of them was fit to rule at this rate.

"What do I do Kitana? I want to hold you right now...but I can't."

"Oh, well I, guess it can't be helped. As long as I know you want to hold me, that's just as good. Before I forget, I should give you the little farewell present Elise left for you."

She turned around, fumbling with something. Dropping her guard, in a vulnerable moment of wanting to move passed all these heavy feelings, she leaned over her.

Her sister threw her arms around her neck, and covered the entire left side of her face in kisses. "Only one of those was from her. She gave you one while you were sleeping, but wanted to make sure you got it when you awoke. Xandras, Auntie, Reaver and even Logan. They all wanted to say goodbye."

Now that she had her, she couldn't let go. "You idiot." Together the two of them got down on the floor so they could share her quilt. "I don't know how we're going to explain any of this to mother and father."

"It wasn't our fault we had to leave. One moment, I have an actual gift for you." Her hand fumbled around under the fabric. In seconds she was holding a shiny silver piece in her face. "Our puzzle box. There were two earrings. They were both for the right side. They have very similar designs. This one, seems like it would suit you better." As she was putting it on her, she must have looked over and saw the remorseful look on her face. "You're not very good at puzzle boxes, but you did get it open for me. It was supposed to represent the people who opened it. All things considered, I think it was pretty accurate."

All things considered, everything had been a mess. The trip, her mental state, the state of her kingdom. The happiest thing to come out of all this, was her and her sister making up, after she'd put a wedge between them. To them, it was everything. From the outside looking in, nothing of value was gained. It was all bad.

"Oh well."

Kitana's cold hands wriggled around her undershirt, rubbing together, pressing against her skin, making her shake and fidget. Mileena reached for a sash that wasn't there. It was that moment, she noticed she wasn't wearing the same clothes she passed out in.

"My, clothes? Did you change them?"

"I helped. Tanya said you were likely going to wake up and be screaming for a bath, so I helped her wash and dress you while you were unconscious. For as serious as she looks, she's actually very funny. She said after a couple weeks of taking care of you, she was glad to be in the Umgadi. Motherhood is too stressful."

"She...bathed me?"

"I couldn't do it myself. She's surprisingly strong. She carried you in, held you up, washed you, cleaned your wound too."

"By the nine. And what did you do?"

"I...handed her things when she asked for them. I figured you'd like that. She was the one you ran to when you left me. In case you didn't, well you were unconscious and couldn't yell about it."

On top of absolutely everything else that had happened, she had, embarrassingly, turned her superior into a surrogate mother. What did that seasoned warrior of impeccable skill think of her future queen now? Hot headed baby would be charitable.

Had she known it would turn out like this, for that alone, she would have stayed home.