Chapter 15: New Kombatants

"Emperor," the voice of Reiko broke the silence within Shao Kahn's throne room, "Sindel arrives in company of Quan Chi and Tanya. The Black Dragons have arrived in company of Sektor of the Tekunins."

Shao Kahn's throat rumbled with a pleased chuckle. "Excellent," he spoke to his loyal General while gripping the armrest of his throne with each hand, "send them all in. There is much to be discussed."

The General took his order and turned to the guards of the room. A single motion of his fist going upward told them to allow the visitors passage.

Through the doorway came a red-haired woman in a torn and tattered hooded robe, a blonde martial artist in classic white Gi, and a man whose square jaw and low brow made him seem vastly less intelligent than his counterparts. Joining them was a Mongolian soldier with an odd machine-like harness strapped to his chest. Shao Kahn did not recognize him, but he had to be one of Kano's men.

Behind the Black Dragon crew came the fully armored Tekunins led by Sektor and Cyrax. Behind them was a new armored droid that was carrying two large knives at his side. His armor plating was similar to that of Sektor and Cyrax's, except his entire chest plate was black and only accented in deep crimson. The facemask was completely black with two glowing red eyes. He seemed slightly bigger than the other two Tekunins, and vastly more dangerous.

Behind the Tekunin, Sindel, Quan Chi, Skarlet, and Tanya all entered together. The complete set of visitors all lined up side by side in front of Shao Kahn's throne, with Rain and Reiko positioned on each far side of the line facing the group. Goro and Motaro stood at the Emperor's side proudly, awaiting any commands.

"Black Dragons," Shao Kahn spoke firmly, "introduce yourselves."

The first to step forward was the red-haired woman. She pulled back the hood over her head and exposed her face. She looked like a woman who saw the worst war had to offer, and would be surprised by little to nothing. The corruption in her soul, the greed and anger in her heart all attracted Kahn's attention.

"Name's Kira," the woman spoke, "I'm in command of this little team we put together for the moment. The gentlemen with me from left to right are Jarek," she motioned her hand to the man with the squared jaw, "Kobra." She then motioned to the martial artist. "And Hsu Hao." Finally, to the last member of her team. "We're among Kano's top players, get me? So, if you're gonna need widespread chaos, you're gonna need us and our weapons and wisdom of Earth's war tactics."

"Oh, selling your team to me, are you?" Kahn grinned. "Be mindful of your tongue, Kira. I do not need you, but you can speed along this process. While your team looks pathetic, I trust you can whip them into shape in time for the invasion?"

Jerek growled out and stepped forward. "Pathetic?!" He was stopped in place by a sudden backhand from Kira.

"Sit." She spoke beneath her breath while turning toward him.

"King Shao Kahn," Kobra spoke up next. "I wish to prove my skills in battle to best serve you, your highness."

Kira palmed her forehead in embarrassment. Kira yanked Kobra back in line by the collar of his uniform. "Emperor, my men will no longer talk out of line. Forgive me, they are rather anxious to serve you."

Amused, Shao Kahn allowed the words of the young man to pass over his head. "Even when I first came in command, I had several men such as them at my side. As you see now," He motioned toward Motaro and not Goro. "I have since upgraded. Now, I am interested in knowing how this…Hsu Hao can assist us."

"I already have." The Mongolian warrior folded his hands behind his back. The red device in the center of his chest pulsed lightly as he moved forward. "I infiltrated Earthrealm's American Special Forces unit which was looking into Outworld with several covert agents. I have names, I have weapons, and I have led them right into our first trap set up by the Black Dragon and Tekunin."

"Impressive." Shao Kahn grinned slightly. "Tekunin attack on military fortresses is very important to me. I want every monk, military man, and fighter in Earthrealm to be struck first. Then we spread into their villages and cities."

"Understood, sir." Kira bowed her head before Kahn.

"Now," Kahn shifted his eyes to Sektor and his group of cyborgs, "what news do you bring me?"

Sektor slammed his fist across his chest before speaking. "Dozens of new and improved models. The Black Dragon technicians as well as General Baraka's input has given us an extremely lethal high-powered systems upgrade." He stepped aside to motion his hand at the new cyborg with him. "To my right is Kano. A mixture of nanotechnology and Tekunin ingenuity made him part…and part machine. One and the same with total control and complete obedience."

The cybernetic Kano drew one of his large knives from his side and spun it skillfully until he caught it in an iron grip. "I've got a full directory of martial arts techniques in my skull. I've studied all of your moves…" Kano looked over Kahn and the others.

Sektor continued after a moment of silence. No emotion or humor registered to him. "Tekunin forces are currently active on Earthrealm, awaiting the Outworld and Black Dragon reinforcements. We are active in all major cities in Earthrealm, as well as several Shaolin locations and the Lin Kuei stronghold in Artika. We seek the Gatekeeper Emerald. The Lin Kuei may have it confused for a Kamidogu."

"It is. Of sorts." Kahn rubbed his jaw. "Once it is located, destroy it. Having such an item is no longer needed once I merge all realms. I will not risk one of those fools accidentally opening gateways for reinforcements. Cancel any intentions you had."

"Affirmative." Sektor bowed his head and accepted the new order.

Finally, Shao Kahn's eyes moved over to the magnificent sight of his former wife. While true he stole her and forced her into marriage, Shao Kahn had a soft spot for his beloved songbird.

"Sindel," Kahn chuckled softly, "my love…, you have returned. Let us hope you are more willing to listen to your husband this time around." He examined the slight scowl on her face. Something was a little off about her. Kahn immediately felt out her power. It was rather weak compared to how she used to be. "Sorcerer! Explain to me why my wife has the strength of an Edenian a fraction of her status?!"

Quan Chi was hesitant, but spoke up. "The spell takes time. Days or years could pass before she is at complete strength."

"Unacceptable!" Kahn slammed his palm down on the armrest of his throne. "I need Sindel to be my clean-up crew. I need her to be equal to me in every way! I should have you killed for such a betrayal to my expectations! But…, I have a solution." Kahn motioned his hand to Goro. "Summon Shang Tsung here immediately."

"As you wish." Goro bowed in respect, though he was hiding an anger in his chest for not being considered an 'upgrade' in Kahn's forces.

As Goro walked through the line of Kahn's soldiers and out of the throne room, the Emperor proceeded. "Until Goro returns, I need an update on our attack on Edenia. Did we capture the Dragon Medallion?"

Side Event #25: The Words of Jade

Edenia, After First Slumber

With the crescent moon high in the sky, all of Edenia was illuminated with soft light. The white stone walls of the village outside of the palace gates were bright and dream-like from the gentle reflections. Sparkling waters mingled and created a calming noise as gentle as the very breeze.

Jade stood on a high balcony overlooking it all from the palace. Her entire body was wrapped in the finest of silk robe Edenia could provide. It was a rich cream color, slightly transparent, due to its thin nature.

It ended just behind her ankles, and parted in the front until meeting with the sash around her waist. Her legs were only exposed to the cool wind partially due to one leg being bent at the knee to gently pry between the slit of her robe. She had one hand on the balcony rail and the other rested on the height of her tilted hip.

She stood side-by-side with Mileena and Kitana, who both wore similar gowns for bed.

"This whole time I've been in another dimension." Jade was in the middle of explaining to her friends. "This dimension is where my mother still exists. She showed me the world we left behind. She told me Edenia and all realms were my birthright. That I have been a slave to your mother and father since before you were even born." Jade's eyes searched the beautiful view of Edenia before them. "All of my life I have believed my parents died in the tournament to protect Edenia, and it seems the woman I so blindly served was a liar all along."

"No," Kitana shook her head, "it must be some trickery from Shao Kahn, Jade. Do not buy into it. You were never one to crave power or possessions such as an entire realm." Kitana placed a hand gently on Jade's shoulder. "We are just as much sisters as Mileena and I are. The three of us are family. My mother would never hold such a secret from you or anyone else."

Jade gave Kitana an icy stare. "Your mother never had a chance to." She faced forward again, leaving Kitana speechless in her wake. "If she is alive and we are able to bring her to her senses, I will find out the truth for myself."

Mileena kept her gaze on Jade the entire time. "You mentioned the world we left behind, Jade. What happened?"

"Chaos." Jade said simply. "There were no survivors, except Shinnok. He sent a replica to battle, I am told. He is killing the remaining Elder Gods and conquering the remains of every realm to ever exist. I believe that he will eventually come here to obtain more power."

Kitana squinted curiously. "Why do you say that?"

"Shinnok has his amulet and his staff. No one in our former time can stop him. My mother showed me visions of him arriving on Earth while Liu Kang was doing battle with Shao Kahn on the apex of his Earthrealm fortress. Shinnok killed them both, then everyone else. He moved from realm to realm, conquering and destroying. Merging every universe and timeline within himself. This repeated…over and over. At times in different places, at times with different people, but it all ended the same. The only timeline he has not consumed entirely is the one we left…, as well as this one."

The two sisters were stricken with fear. The unpredictable nature of their Shinnok's arrival as opposed to the current Shinnok was frightening. How could they prepare for something like that?

"I had a chance to stop him, but I passed it up." Jade continued. "My mother gave me a chance to return to our former world and I did not accept. I know when he comes, that we can stop him. No matter how powerful he is."

"Mileena knows we can!" The woman nodded eagerly, showing off her sharp rows of teeth. "Then there will be peace. Then Mileena can retire from war and learn to be a chef, write books, become an actress in an Edenian play, and…and" She stood up straight, holding her hands in the air. "And paint a picture of the entire Edenian sky!"

Kitana looked to the stars and moon in the sky, whispering a silent 'wow' to herself. "I admire your ambitions, Mileena," yhe elder sibling said with a small giggle, "but first, you will need to complete your archery lessons."

"Bah! Mileena hates archery!" She growled and folded her arms. "So boring!"

Jade turned about and leaned her lower back against the railing of the balcony. "Archery can be quite fun, Mileena. Once you begin something, you should always see it through to the end. No matter how frustrating or boring it may seem to you at the time. All things you learn in life are very beneficial."

Kitana's hands folded behind her back as she spoke. "I could not have said it any better, Jade."

Mileena rolled her eyes. "Anyway! Mileena…I was curious. What do we do about the Deadly Alliance and the Dragon King?"

Jade and Kitana gave it a few moments of thought. However, Jade came up with a solution first. "Neither of us really know how Onaga returned. If we can manage to defeat Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, their alliance will never be."

"Simple enough," Kitana walked away from the balcony. "Khameleon and the others should be in Earthrealm by now. We should head to sleep, as we will need our strength for Artika. Come along, Mileena."

"Just a few more minutes, Kitana?" Mileena whined.

"Must I pull you by your ear, Mileena?" Kitana teased while moving along to grasp Mileena's arm lightly. "Sleep well, Jade."

Just as the sisters started to move inside of Jade's room to exit through the front door, there was a knock. Kitana opened the door to reveal Nido on the other side. He froze in place, not expecting to see all three women in their sleepwear.

"Uh," It was enough of a sight to make red flush over his dark cheeks. "I didn't mean to come by so late. Forgive me."

"It's fine, Sir Nido." Kitana chuckled, bowing her head lightly. "Jade is inside. I take it you have words for her?"

"Yeah." He stepped back to let Mileena and Kitana through the doorway. "I'm just glad she's alright."

"As are we! Make sure to get sleep for the big battle!" Mileena said as she and Kitana passed Nido up.

"Sleep well, Sir Nido." Kitana said as she and Mileena headed down the hall.

This left Nido in the doorway of Jade's room. He felt his heart thumping against his chest like a tribal drum. Seeing her on that balcony was like seeing a ghost; all of those months she was so still and doll-like had him nearly accept that would be how she'd end her life.

As he passed the threshold and closed the door behind himself, he began to lower the weapon at his back and lean it against the wall. The light clunking of the metal casing didn't startle Jade at all. She'd yet to even turn around.

"Jade?" Nido spoke up to get her attention. He saw her turn her head just slightly, having the entire moon seem to shine it's light down on her and cast her long shadow through the opened doorway to her balcony into her dark room. Nido followed the path of light to the balcony, joining Jade there. "Thank the gods you're alright."

Jade's hand came up to brush along the jawline of her beloved. "Thank the gods you are alright." She just barely cracked a grin for him. "Watch the moon with me?"

The invitation was impossible to pass up. Nido silently accepted and moved behind Jade as she faced forward. His arms timidly coiled around her waist. He was nervous, testing the waters to see just what she would allow. He shut his eyes as he embraced her, and felt her shoulders rest against his chest.

Edenia was most beautiful when the moon lit the expansive world. Despite preparations for war were being made, the peace was all too important to all inhabitants of the world.

Silence remained between the two for nearly a minute. It was ended by Jade's voice.

"How did the meeting with Sareena go?"

"Good," Nido said as he squeezed her waist a little tighter, "she's going to help us out in Artika and beyond. The other three are staying in their cells until further notice. Sareena gave me some…interesting news, too."

"News?" Jade turned about in Nido's arms, now with her arms loosely going about his broad shoulders. "What news is this?"

"It's…about Outworld. A lot of stuff is going down there. She told me about some secret being held from even Shao Kahn. Some kind of Dragon Egg is being nursed. The holy men protecting it say it will end Shao Kahn, and…"

"The Dragon King." Jade said beneath her breath.

Nido seemed confused. "What?"

"Do you know of this location, Nido?"

"Well, yeah. I know the landmarks a little bit. It's near one of the taller volcanic areas I believe. When I helped Jax and Sonya I remember seeing the volcanoes in the distance. Her description of the area might help me narrow it-."

Jade gripped Nido's shoulders tightly. "I need you to find this place. Destroy that egg no matter the cost. I will explain everything when the time is right, but I need you to

"Jade…, the Edenians and Lin Kuei need every able body they can get. I don't want to abandon you guys to go after some secret Dragon Egg. We can handle that after we handle Shoa Kahn."

"No." Jade shook her head. "Please, Nido. I need you to do this!"

"Earthrealm is my home," He lowered his eyebrows. "I'm going to fight for it. This Dragon Egg is part of a prophecy. When it hatches, Shao Kahn's reign will end. What do you think will happen if I break it?"

"Shao Kahn's reign is destined to end." Jade lowered her voice. "However, when the egg hatches, a greater evil will be born. Shao Kahn will not be completely destroyed, he will only get angrier."

Nido stepped back from Jade. He allowed her hands to stay on his shoulders, however. "So you're trying to say that this fight for my home world will be in vain? If it was Edenia that was in trouble, I know you wouldn't take some side job on a hunch like this."

"It is not a hunch!" Jade lowered her hands and took hold of Nido's wrists urgently. "It is how things are! It must happen! You survive this endeavor by not getting deeply involved. Do not ask me to suffer your death again! Do not ask me to endure that. The only way you will live is if that egg never hatches, the alliance is never made, and all of this ends with Shao Kahn's invasion!"

Nido was silent, watching Jade as she practically seethed with bottled emotion. "Did you have visions of my death, Jade? Is all of this based on a dream?"

"I need you to do this Nido. For me. I do not have the spirit to lose you. I already know what you are willing to do for me…, even now." She finally looked up to him, seeing flashbacks of his sacrifice when Tanya and the Tarkata ambushed her. "I fight for Edenia. I fight for Earthreaalm. But in my heart, I know I would only die for you."

Nido started to blink a few times. That was quite heavy to hear. He was speechless. He brought both of his hands to Jade's shoulders and lowered his head to place his forehead on hers. "I'll do it. Don't worry about it, alright?"

Jade had her eyes just barely opened while her chin lifted up. Her lips were just a breath's length away from his. She lingered there, sharing a breathing space with the demon slayer. Her hand went about and flattened between his shoulders while the other remained against his shoulder. The railing of her balcony softly sunk against her back. The space between the two closed as slowly as their lips did when they met.

She was tangled with him. She could now slake her desire while pressing forward her agenda. She held Nido close, where he was safest. "Thank you, Nido. Thank you for trusting me."

Kitana's Bedroom

Mileena whined. "Not tired!"

"Ah ah," Kitana shook her finger. "But we have a big morning, Mileena. We cannot risk you being too tired." Kitana sat on her bed with her covers over her legs. She gave a soft pat to the space beside her on the massive Edenian Queen-sized bed…which was roughly twice the size of a King-sized bed.

"But!" Mileena stomped her foot down once. "That Xue Fang!" She turned to face the window now, folding her arms tightly. "She is probably telling lies to Kuai Liang, Mileena must go find him! To clear things up!"

Kitana did not say a single word. She looked right into Mileena's eyes as if repeating her distaste in the thought of Mileena leaving.

The look only served to anger Mileena further. "This is not fair!" She growled. "Mileena does not need your permission!"

"Sister," Kitana spoke calmly, "there will be a time and a place for that anger. There will be a time and a place for words. People like Xue Fang need to be out performed at what they do best. Not killed. Savor that rage for battle. Please, sister."

Mileena clenched her fists tightly once her hands dropped. "Mileena is in control of her own choices. When the time for her anger or Mileena's-…my words comes, I will decide. Not you. Mileena is not your pet."

The hostility coming from her sister made Kitana uneasy. She simply shook her head and looked down at her hands. "I thought you would have learned by now that I hold no ill will or intentions for you. I see you for who you are," She looked up with her brown eyes reflecting the sorrow brought to her heart after being accused of treating her sister like a 'pet'. "You are and will always be my sister. You have to understand, Mileena, that we have spent several human lifetimes together on bad terms. That life we lived before; it is gone. This is our second chance, and I intend on having a family this time. I do not intend on letting you be treated like an animal! To have you kicked, spat on, and considered second rate to any!"

The emotion coming from Kitana's breaking voice made Mileena calm down. Though her endless 'smile' was present, her body spoke volumes of how Kitana's words were affecting her. Her shoulder's slumped, her posture became slightly slouched as guilt started to set in due to her selfish demands.

Kitana continued on. "That night that Tanya betrayed us. The night Shinnok seemed to win, and I was at a loss. You imprisoned me. I am not sure if it was compassion or arrogance on your part, but when you let me escape, you gave me a second chance. I imprisoned you in return out of fear of my life. I could have easily killed you then and there, but no, sister. I saw as much of an Edenian soul in you as I had in myself. I gave you a second chance. We became close like never before, and I hold onto that bond with an iron fist, sister. Do not dare accuse me of treating you as a pet. I only wish to give you the love and protection I wish I had. I want you to be better than you ever were, Mileena. I want the best for you. That is all. I am sorry if I made you feel any less."

Mileena turned to face the window at the last few moments of Kitana's words. "It was arrogance." Mileena clarified. "Mileena did not know what compassion really was. All that mattered was power, victory, and approval." She turned around again, this time bowing her head. "Mileena forgives you, sister. If you forgive…me."

Kitana smiled, once again patting the vacant side of her bed. She fought her tears and only presented a smile with her cheeks flushed red from the bottled emotions. "I forgive you, Mileena. Come to bed, please. I want to tell you a story."

Mileena did as she was told, carefully climbing into bed beside her sibling. She lay her head against Kitana's chest and coiled her arms around her as she leaned back against the large propped pillows.

The princess pulled the covers partially over the two of them to fight the chill of the air blowing through the balcony window. She gave Mileena a kiss at the top of her forehead and gently smiled.

"Did I ever tell you the story of how I picked out the perfect little sister?"

"No." Mileena grumbled a little. "Mileena doesn't like the sound of it."

"But it's a good story." Kitana lightly chuckled. "Before we were ever born, the Gods took me to a sacred room in the clouds. They told me that I would grow up to be a big sister, and that I would be given the once in a lifetime chance to pick out the perfect little girl to be my sister."

Mileena shut her eyes, listening to the story as if it were actuality.

Kitana continued. "They showed me hundreds upon hundreds of little girls that I could pick to be my little sister. Days and months went by, and mother's stomach kept getting bigger with all the choices I had to go through! All of the girls were equally pretty, strong, brave, and even wise beyond their years. I came across one girl, but she was far too fat! She was eating cake for our entire conversation!"

Mileena giggled childishly at the visual that came in her head; Bo Rai Cho wearing a pink frilly dress and gulping down cake.

"Another girl I saw, she was so very tall!" Kitana's furthermost hand lifted up to exaggerate the height of the girl toward the ceiling. "Why, I had to climb a ladder just to pat her on the back! She had a temper, and threw tantrums when she did not get her way. She cried and cried when I asked her to calm down or behave. Her tears created ponds, rivers, and even oceans! Why, I had to swim to get away from her!"

Mileena continued her childish giggling, snuggling at her sister's side.

"But then, I met the perfect little girl." The princess' voice became slightly hushed. "She had the most beautiful yellow eyes, short hair, and the most adorable smile on her face. Do you know who she was?"

Mileena playfully responded. "Nooo!" She looked up to her sister now in wonderment for a moment, and returned her head to her chest.

"She is you, Mileena. Though when I finally found you mother was ready to give birth. The only way I could bring you with me, was through Shang Tsung's magic. I suppose we owe him thanks for that. If he hadn't done something, I would never have my sister and best friend here with me this day. Were you aware of that?"

"Nooo…" Mileena smiled warmly, allowing her body to finally relax after such a long day. She was rapidly winding down to sleep.

"We are family." Kitana spoke gently. "You are not an animal. You are…unique. Remember that."

(Side Event Over)

The thunderous sound of Goro's fist pounding on the doorway to the Flesh pits resounded through the entire lab. Each loud, slow clatter did not make Denise move any swifter, but the Prince of the Shokan heard her on the other end.

"One knock was enough, you damned ogre!" She pulled the door open, looking up to the towering mass of Shokan perfection before her. "What is it? Have we been summoned?" She held a half-empty goblet in her left hand, clearly having been drinking quite heavily.

"Mrs. Shang Tsung, I implore you to mind your tongue." A grim glare was presented to the woman. Goro was clearly not amused. "Where is Shang Tsung? Shao Khan calls for his presence."

Denise looked to the Shokan's feet, then back up to his eyes. "He will be right up." She shut her mouth and rolled her tongue over her upper row of teeth while leaning on the door. "What is it Shao Khan wishes of my husband for this invasion? If I may pry?"

Goro remained silent, up until Shang Tsung stepped from the shadows of the stairwell. "Come. Do not dishonor yourself further by allowing this woman to speak for you."

"As you wish." Shang Tsung bowed slowly toward Goro. "Lead the way. My emperor awaits."

The journey up to the throne room was silent; not a single word came from Denise, Goro, or Shang Tsung. It was only after Goro stepped inside of the throne room that any words left his mouth.

"I have brought him."

Shao Kahn's company all turned to face the three entrants, while Khan remained seated with Sindel taking Goro's former spot. "Shang Tsung. Come forth." He commanded as he shot a glare to Goro. "Mind your post at the door."

The Shokan obeyed his orders, but took a distaste to being replaced in his absence.

Shang Tsung left Denise's side without incident. He held a grin on his face, as if he were to get news of Liu Kang's death or a large promotion. He did not look to Quan Chi for reassurance, nor did he seem to fear what all else knew he was present for.

"Sindel is not strong enough as she is now. Quan Chi's error must be corrected, but there also must be a statement made." The red eyes of Khan gazed upon Shang Tsung. "My new assassins are complete?"

"Yes, master." Shang Tsung kept his head down in respect to Shao Khan.

Pleased, Khan's lips began to curl into a wide grin. "Then I have but one final use for you." He glanced to Sindel, who in turn began to smile.

The former Edenian Queen stepped down from Khan's side and held her right palm out. A violet orb rapidly formed in it, attracting Shang Tsung's eyes. It was an ancient Edenian technique of torturous black magic. The Blade of Life was forbidden to be used by Edenians after their first great war predating Khan's invasion. However, Sindel now used the technique to violently rip Shang Tsung's souls from his body.

Shang had violet energy pouring out of his eyes and mouth, screaming with the agony of thousands of broken, burning souls echoing through the room. As his flesh vanished and Denise dropped her goblet and screamed.

"No! Stop this!" Denise ran forward only to be restrained by the arms of Goro. Tears streamed down her eyes as she reached for her husband yards away. It was futile, but she tried to overcome the Shokan's titan strength.

Shang Tsung's body flickered, and with one final cry of pain. He turned to reach for his wife. His final words of, 'I love you' came with a pained rattle in his throat. His body vanished entirely. Not a speck of dust was left; and every soul he consumed was now part of Sindel's Goddess-like power.

"No…" Denise's eyes searched the room for any sign of her husband. There was nothing left. "You…monster! How could you do such a thing?!"

Shao Khan merely laughed at the woman's cries. "You still have use to me, woman. Be thankful." To the rest of the troops in his presence, Khan began his command. "Prepare for full Earthrealm invasion. I will send Sindel if Raiden's forces gain. Prepare the launch of my new fortress!"

As the others cheered with war on the tips of their fingers, Denise was finally released by Goro. She fell to her knees and grasped at the stone floor with both hands. As everyone left, even Shao Khan himself, Denise lifted her head. Through running mascara and pained eyes, she could hardly speak. She did, however, crack a wicked grin.