(DISCLAIMER:I don't own Mortal Kombat or its characters in any way. )

Chapter 8: A New Beginning

It has been five months since Shao Kahn was last seen. Though this is…significantly longer than I predicted; the peace we've enjoyed since his defeat is highly accepted. Perhaps we've fixed things with this second chance. However, it happened, I am eternally thankful. There are however a few things that have not been fixed. There are loose ends that I haven't gotten rid of in hopes that things will play out further. Quan Chi has not summoned my mother, I have not issued any orders to get rid of Kahn's remaining forces in Outworld, and I have focused solely on my time here ruling the reborn Edenia as its Princess.

Mileena couldn't be happier; even if the nobles look down on it, she is still my blood, my essence. She is as much of Edenian royalty as I. Khameleon has worked as part of our new military. She seems very happy to be part of our efforts to defend ourselves and maintain peace. Sub-Zero and Smoke remained on Edenia for several months, but have come and gone to Earthrealm with the help of Lord Raiden. Today is the day he is to hold a dual realm tournament to recruit the new Lin Kuei students. Mileena is truly excited about this.

Liu Kang and I have gotten close again. I say 'again' as if he's aware there was anything between us prior…, but I'm just glad we've become established. However, his loyalty remains to Earthrealm. That has yet to change. I've been strongly considering…things. So that we could finally be together, have the happy ending I've always wanted. Though I can't leave here now. I…would feel horrible leaving Mileena all alone…, and leaving Jade in the state she's in. She has not woken up since that day. Mr. Nido has remained here with us for her hopeful recovery, but even he seems to be losing hope.

My thoughts are all unfocused – I'm sorry for that. Here I am, apologizing to myself for my own words. I'll end things here…and press on with my day. The tournament is set to begin shortly.

Sincerely,

Kitana.

Kitana stood from her desk and placed her feathered pin off to the side. The cool breeze blowing through the silky curtains of her balcony gathered her attention. It was quite the season on Edenia – the year-long warm season had only just begun. She moved slowly across her spacious room, hearing the echo of her heeled boots against the marble floors. The faint sound of activity outside of her castle coming to hear ears the closer she got to the lightly moving curtains. She stepped onto the balcony's stone floors, immediately meeting the bright glare of the sun sitting just feet over the rolling hills. Kitana tried to shield her eyes, but as soon as she reached the railing all had become clear.

She placed her hand on the stone rails and viewed her lands. Miles and miles of her people working, playing, and socializing down several stories below. She smiled seeing them all at peace…returning to a life that they had not known for ages. The rebuilding process was slow physically, but emotionally Kitana had repaired her entire realm. Another breeze rolled in and blew her flowing strands back. As the thick strands danced with the wind momentarily, Kitana took in a deep breath of the fresh air. It was time to visit the combat grounds.

She stepped out of her room and immediately was greeted by her door-side guards.

"Good day, Princess Kitana!" Raizar said when he stood. "You're looking beautiful today!"

His words drew a growl from his brother Kaizar, whom punched his armored shoulder once Kitana passed. "Idiot! That'd mean she wasn't beautiful before! You've got to talk to women right!"

The princess sighed, waving her hand dismissively. "No need for words. Keep sharp eyes." She proceeded down the wide hallway and was greeted by all of her royal subjects as she went along. She was much more polite to them – due to their lack of annoying her as much as Kaizar and Raizar.

"Brother," Raizor muttered from behind his helmet. "Do you think she likes us?"

"Of course!" Kaizor nodded reassuring his brother. "That is why we have such jobs!"

Raizor wasn't so sure. " Well, we were only promoted because the other two got sick…"

"Sh-shut up!" Kaizor kicked his brother's shin as hard as he could, making him grasp at it, hopping on a single leg at Kitana's door.

Having left the fools completely down the hall, Kitana headed downstairs. Her first stop was to that of the medical wing of the castle. Jade had her own room to herself, where she was being taken care of by a small set of workers at all hours, in case any progress in her waking up. She was allowed access as soon as the guards near the door saw her, as expected. Upon entering the room, Kitana felt her mood sink to the pits of Edenia. It was hard seeing Jade lying there unconscious. Even harder seeing that Nido was kneeling near her bed, holding onto her hand in silent prayer.

Kitana stood by respectfully waiting for Nido to stand before she said anything. She noticed the man was dressed for combat; his spear was strapped at his back, and his light amount of armor differed from his usual casual Earth attire. "Are you returning to Earthrealm, Nido?"

The man shook his head. "I'm gonna get in on this tournament." He looked over his shoulder while he started to angle himself to look at Kitana behind him. "I've got a lot of frustrations to get out of my system. Figure if I manage to win and become a Lin Kuei apprentice, I can improve my skills. Maybe get in good with some sages to help Jade out, somehow."

Kitana placed her hands in front of herself and dipped her chin toward her neck. "I see." She looked to Jade for a brief while, then back to Nido. "I wish you the best of luck. I just want you to know Jade is in good hands. You don't have to do this for her. She would want you to enjoy your life, to be sure your family is safe. I'm sure they're worried."

"With all due respect, princess." Nido paused a moment. "There's nothin' you can say to make me wanna do otherwise. My instincts are telling me this is the right thing to do. I can't just sit back and wait for someone else to help her." He turned his visions to the unconscious woman and stroked the coarse beard forming along his jawline. "Sounds crazy, right? I just can't shake it. It feels like I've known her for a lifetime. I barely know her, but…" He struggled to define just what it was he was feeling. It was the way she looked at him, the way she spoke to him, the way he felt around her. "I…just know this is what my gut's telling me to do. I've got to at least try."

The princess understood him completely. She wasn't very into being idle when there was something she could do many times. "You have a good heart, Nido. I look forward to seeing you compete." She took a step closer to Jade. The machines helping support her beeped on occasion to show her vital statics were still balanced. "Stay strong. We all are doing our best to stay positive." She reached out to touch Jade's forehead, smoothing her hand over her skin. It brought a small smile to her face, to feel the warmth of her life still lingering there. "How are you doing today, Jade?" She spoke softly, knowing that her friend couldn't respond to her. "Oh? Well…, try being in my shoes. I've got to come down here every day and do your makeup. I simply cannot have you look anything less than splendid." She giggled to herself softly. It even made Nido smile a little. "I'm still here for you, alright? I don't have much news for you today, but that tournament is today. I really should go get ready to watch the festivities. I will return later with full details of each match." She leaned down and placed a kiss on top of Jade's head. "I miss you, my friend. Please, return to us." It was how she ended each of their visits since the day she'd collapsed.

Kitana stood up again, turning toward the door. "I will see you at the arena, Nido." She gave a nod to him as she passed and returned to the hall outside.

Side Event #16: Rivals

Time was closing in. The fighters were getting assembled. Tensions were high among them all – except for Mileena. She was more excited to see Kuai Liang once again. Today was her big break; if she won this tournament, she could secure a spot as Kuai Liang's new apprentice.

The tournament had very strict rules for combat to ensure everyone survived. It was a different type of fighting, but Mileena was sure she could 'play' with many of those involved. None of the ones she'd seen gathered looked half as skilled as Sub-Zero nor herself. That was until two women arrived.

One woman was wrapped up head to toe in red and black wrapping. She wore a red mask over her lower face, and the wraps only left her eyes exposed. Her slim figure was draped in a large red hooded kimono, concealing her arms down near her fingertips. Her mystique kept Mileena's attention. Due to the condition of what bandages were visible, it seemed she'd been in combat prior to her arrival. Her eyes were dark and experienced with pain. Perhaps she was one for Mileena to worry about?

The other arrived not long after. She immediately felt this woman's presence as a threat. She had pale, cold skin. Her hair was spiked backward and frozen over. Her facial mask expelled light amounts of mist with every breath. Mileena had a good idea that this was Frost. "Hello." Mileena said as she moved toward the women as they were getting their number drawn for their entry order. "Mileena – I mean I was wondering when more skilled warriors would arrive. I am glad you showed yourselves. Though you are not familiar."

"Xue Fang," The frosty woman said, "a pleasure." She turned away from Mileena immediately and looked ahead of herself. The large square ring was awaiting them. From their spot on the ground, she could see all the spectators beginning to file in.

The other woman spoke softly, almost in a whisper. "Fukushu." Her attention strayed from Mileena just moments before Sub-Zero stepped across the ring to stand at its center. Her eyes locked in on his form, fist clinching up beneath her oversized sleeve.

Mileena could sense the moment of hostility, but perhaps it was just Fukushu's way of threatening her fellow competitors. "Mileena wishes the both of you the best of luck." She stepped back, having gathered all she needed to know for now. Sub-Zero's presence made butterflies flutter through her stomach…, but she had to remove herself for now to focus. There was at least twenty minutes before the tournament began… more than enough time to prepare herself.