Chapter 9
Soon Is Too Long
Tanya sat in the darkness of the prison cell on her knees. She stared at the unconscious guard and deeply contemplated her life and recent events. Not only had she been bested by Tessen, but by a child as well. What happened to her? She used to be the fiercest of warriors. She was as deceptive as a mirage in the past. What changed?
She did whatever it took to survive, but her tricks were running out. Even aligning herself with the powerful sorcerers in Shang Tsung and Denise as well as aligning herself with Reiko and Rain…she had nothing.
"I should be royalty," Tanya said to herself quietly. "I am part of this alliance. Why did I settle for this role? Blinded by loyalty? Affection?" She punched the floor and tightened her fist. The plunge of guilt into her abdomen felt like a slowly moving dagger down her throat. For her, of all people, to admit she'd lost a step was similar to a god admitting weakness.
Not that she saw herself as a god.
No, she was better.
The door to the dungeon area opened. Slow moving steps from the armored Reiko came down with some of his armed guards. Behind the skull mask was a look of total disapproval. He paused at the bottom of the stone stairs and just glared at Tanya.
"You disappoint me." Reiko said with a low grumble in his voice.
A meeting was called twenty minutes later. Rain, Reiko, Tanya, Shang Tsung, Denise, and Tessen all gathered in the throne room. Tessen, out of all of them, was the most impatient. She paced back and forth and never took her eyes off of Tanya.
"We've lost our leverage," Reiko said as he sat down on his throne in a very Kahn-like posture with his feet far apart with his right elbow leaned on the arm of the chair. "We also have a traitor among us. You would murder our means of leverage, Tanya? Explain!"
Before Tanya could speak, Denise held her hand up to pause the interrogation. "All is not lost. We're making progress. We still have opportunities to rope Earthrealm in through the child. We just need to get to her in time."
"What do you propose, sorceress?" Reiko grumbled.
"I think it is high time our Deadly Alliance showed their faces to Earthrealm." Denise continued, "Kitana is weakened in this realm, but she is still well-guarded. Make your approach with some of our military might. Threaten the child's life in exchange for Mortal Kombat. Then, as a sign of good faith? Let her go."
"We'd need to know where she is," Reiko spoke out. "Unless you already have that covered?"
Denise smiled until her lips flattened and the corners of her mouth strained. "There isn't a soul in the cosmos I cannot find." She held her right palm up and summoned a green glowing crystal ball to hover over it.
"Reiko Kahn, Rain Kahn," Shang Tsung spoke next. "Our alliance with Noob Saibot and his ilk has begun early negotiations. I am sending them to prove their mettle to us in attempts to recruit for the coming battle. The choice of acceptance is eternally yours, your grace."
Rain spoke up. "You serve well-."
But Reiko cut him off. "We'll see how long this alliance lasts, sorcerer. In the end, Saibot will kneel. Is there anything left to be said?"
Tessen stopped pacing. She faced Reiko and grasped the hilt of her katana. "You all are putting things in great danger. Had you listened to me; this would have gone smooth. We need Liu Kang to fight us. We need to win in the War Realm. It is her will."
Shang Tsung elevated his eyebrows as he turned to Tessen. His sly grin seemed to suggest he knew who this 'her' was. "Well then. Let us find the child and continue pressing for our tournament. Earthrealm will fall."
ELSEWHERE…THAT NIGHT IN THE TARKATAN WAR KAMP
The night went on. The political conversations with Baraka were completed. Kotal Kahn would have what he needed to play a part in the true liberation of Outworld. These were important things, Mileena was sure of it. Even so she felt hollow. What about her daughter?
All of this talking and jockeying for equal position or a political advantage served her no good. Even if it got her closer to where her child was it didn't give her Mo Chou. Mileena didn't sleep. No one really dared shut their eyes very long in total comfort in a Tarkatan camp.
But Mileena went off on her own at the outskirts of the camp. She found a little spot by the river. She carved stick figures into the dirt with sticks she'd found. They depicted nothing in particular. It was idle motion without thought. Something that both reminded her of Mo Chou and made it easier for her not to think about her.
Her mind roamed in and out of dark places. She was alone in the dark of night with the nearest campfire being well out of reach. At least until a torch was struck in the distance. She felt the warmth of the light source before it was anywhere near her, along with the cracking of branches under the heavy footsteps of her beloved.
Mileena's teeth grit together. Her lips flattened into a thin line. She stared ahead of herself with her yellow eyes reddening at the corner. Threatening to brim with tears. "I failed her. I failed you. Mileena was…I was only ever good when I knew what to expect. Now I'm nothing more than a lost child. All over again." Her voice cracked as the threat of tears became a promise. "If she is hurt, how can she ever look to me for protection again? How could I ever call myself a mother? Mileena is…Mileena is only good for killing. Mileena was never meant to have this!" She choked up. The stick fell from her grasp.
Kuai Liang kept a loose hold on her arm and listened to her. "No one could have seen any of this coming, Mileena. There will be challenges ahead, many of which we cannot anticipate. She is a strong girl. She has the best of the two of us. I am confident none would be so unwise to bring her harm. We will have her back soon."
"Soon," Mileena parroted. "That is too long. I need her now!" She yanked her hand away and stood. Her mouth stretched wider. Her fangs jolted from her gums and overrode her dulled teeth. Her eyes became slits as she screamed at the moon with the pained roar of a mourning mother. Her fingers curled toward her palm until they tightened into fists at the apex of her howl. When it settled, she was left breathless. Her eyes started to reform to normal, but her teeth remained.
"You want to solve this with bloodshed. I understand. I feel as you do." Kuai Liang stood near her, unafraid of her Tarkatan side. "But we must be wise, lest we care only for revenge and not for her safety. I need you to trust me."
"I do trust you. Mileena loves -…I love you."
"And I love you." Kuai continued. He took her hands in his and held them tightly. "Save this rage for the both of us. When Mo Chou is safe, if it is necessary, I will not stop you from whatever it is you must do to feel better.
Mileena silently nodded. She lowered her head briefly and returned her gaze to his eyes.
Sub-Zero placed a kiss at the center of her forehead. "Come morning you will be with our party to visit the Shokan. I will remain here to finish talks. I believe Johnny Cage has plans to return to Earthrealm to get the Special Forces more involved. That is if you accept this journey."
"I accept, husband." Mileena spoke just before burying her face to his shoulder as they embraced.
THE NEXT MORNING
SHOKAN TERRITORY
"La-da-da. La-da-da,"Ferra sang as Torr walked behind Liu Kang. "Ladada-la-da, la-da-da. First you kick the face! Then you bite the feet! Grab em up! Turn 'em round! Bite 'em on the butt-cheek! First you kick the face! Then you bite the feet! Grab em up! Turn 'em round! Bite 'em on the butt-cheek!" She sang while rocking her head from side to side with the half-masked Torr who unintelligible grunted along with Ferra's cheerful singing.
D'Vorah, who'd been trailing behind Ferra-Torr just pinched the bridge of her nose, as the Hive's patience was tested.
"She's been singing that verse for ten minutes," Jade said under her breath. "Is this what it's like having children-?"
"Yes." Kitana said.
'Yes." Mileena said at the same time.
"…Yes." Liu added after a slight delay.
Jade took a deep breath and faced forward again. "Thankfully I do not have to deal with that at present."
D'vorah chimed in with a throaty chuckle. "The Hive's young are not quite as chatty. Those ones only concern themselves with feeding and survival~."
"Admiral traits." Jade said while glancing back at D'vorah.
The Kytinn woman's grin grew. "Kotal has always dreamed of having young ones. This one supposes a more traditional birth should not be left off the table. The Hive tends to avoid that where possible."
"I hadn't any idea you two were intimate," Jade kept her vision ahead and her tone rather dull and uninterested. "Good for you."
"Ah, not as of yet. His heart and eye still lingers in the wind. This one finds it quite sad, really. To be forgotten is vastly worse than death."
"Is that so?" Jade flatly replied.
"That is quite enough." Kitana spoke up. "Let's not delve into personal affairs; let's focus on gaining Sheeva's aid."
"Oh! Torr!" Ferra chimed. "New song! Oh…Big….Bossy got two girlfriends, oh how come? Big-bossy got two girlfriends, oh how come? Big-Bossy got two girlfriends, Bossy got two girlfriends, Big-Bossy got two girlfriends oh how come?!"
Jade rubbed the sides of her head as they passed through the Shokan's gates. "I'm never having children."
The group was small. Mileena, Kitana, and Jade were accompanied by Liu Kang, D'vorah, and Ferra-Torr to meet with the current queen of the Shokan – Sheeva.
War drums were beaten on as soon as they passed the threshold. The weakened Thunder Goddess Kitana took the lead with her chin held high as ever. She was used to people kneeling when she entered a new location, but this day all of the Shokan were standing. It was not a means of disrespect, but quite the opposite. The Shokan men held a fist over their hearts while the women stood straight with their hands clasped in prayer and a slight incline of their heads. Though she was currently the protector of Earthrealm, she was still widely remembered as the former Princess of Edenia.
The war drums intensified.
The feeling of pressure on Kitana's heart tightened.
Her guts twisted with uncertainty of how they would be received. If Goro was not at the head of the table, either something terrible happened or there was a splinter in the Shokan nation. Adding more problems to her plate was not on her agenda; she was quite full on them already.
The drums became more isolated as they approached Sheeva on her throne. The background additional instruments stopped and left only the tribal heartbeat pounding from all sides with a dash of a two chambered duct flute.
The music stopped.
The creak of Sheeva's iron and wood broke the silence as she leaned forward. Her golden armored forearms settled on the arm of her chair as she greeted her guests with a simple nod.
"Kitana," Sheeva spoke in her naturally deep tone. "You honor us with your arrival. Though I sense it is not to congratulate me on my status as sole ruler of the Shokan."
"Sadly, no, Sheeva. Though the circumstances do interest me." Kitana confessed. "What has become of Goro and his father?"
"They still live, if that is what you are asking." Sheeva stood from her throne and stepped down to personally greet each visitor. "I am quite busy in the present moment. I wish to know your intentions."
D'vorah took it upon herself to speak up. "Liberation of Outworld from the false Kahns. The Hive is assisting in creating a joint effort to eliminate them all. The proper individuals to take claim to these lands will do so."
"And who are these proper individuals?" Sheeva asked.
"Pardon me," Jade held her hand up and stepped in Sheeva's line of sight to block D'Vorah. "Kotal seeks to unify Outworld. Not rule it as a sole leader, but as a Kahn that offers a seat at the table for the heads of all races. The Tarkatans are on board for unity, and we ask the Shokan aid us as well in this unification effort."
"The Tarkatans," Sheeva grunted. "Savages." She paused and turned to Mileena. "No offense."
"None taken." Mileena added.
"They are deceptive, violent, and their teeth disgust me." She paused and turned to Mileena. "No offense."
"None taken." Mileena shrugged.
Liu Kang chipped in with his hand settled on Kitana's shoulder. "The Tarkatans want what's best for their clan, as I assume you do for the Shokan. Under the rule of Reiko and Rain this realm will see ruin. With Noob Saibot, Outworld is no better than the Netherrealm. I do not believe the Shokan should simply wait for a new master. I believe you should take action and forge your own destiny. In my humble opinion, your highness."
Sheeva gave it some consideration. She paced back and forth slowly with her bottom arms behind her back. "You are correct, Mortal Kombat champion. Though I am apprehensive to join this alliance, I do see the advantage of having it. If the Shokan are afforded free reign to establish more territory and there are clear lines drawn to avoid conflict and kombat – then it is a good deal. However, I cannot agree to meet with your Kahn or Baraka until something is done for me in kind."
"Name it," Jade held her chin confidently. "We will do whatever it takes to get this done as soon as possible."
"Kenshi was here," Sheeva began. "He was seeking an organization. Black Dragon, Red Dragon, I do not recall. However, he is being held prisoner according to my scouts. Had he not dishonored himself he would not be in this situation, but at present my hands are tied. I cannot go to his aid even though the location he is in has an event I was invited to attend. It is a meeting of royal warriors. There are Shokan matters for me to see to first, so I cannot go. I ask Kitana go in my place; it will be dangerous. Chaosrealm parties typically end in mass death and sacrifice. I do not wish to see Kenshi's foolish actions be rewarded in death."
"I am weakened in this realm, Sheeva." Kitana replied sorrowfully. "Even with my skills, there is only so much energy I can maintain safely. If it is dangerous, I would need to be at my best."
"I will go," Mileena volunteered. "Tell your scouts to let the party goers know Kitana is going to be in attendance. I will extract Kenshi swiftly and quietly."
Liu Kang stepped forward to Mileena's side. "If that is the case, then 'Kitana' should not go alone. They are expecting royalty to attend? A champion should make it all the more delightful in addition."
"Mileena, are you certain?" Kitana asked quietly. "I would never ask you to do such a thing. You're your own woman, you don't have to pretend to be me."
"Sister, this gets me to my daughter faster. Any play from the playbook is on the table." Mileena said, mimicking Kitana's voice quality perfectly. It even took Kitana and Liu Kang back with how spot-on it was.
D'Vorah consulted with a slug-like creature on her wrist. After a bout of chittering she spoke up. "This one suggests the rest of us return to the War Kamp. However, Liu Kang and Mileena should not be alone. Back-up should wait in the wings. This one does not volunteer, as the primary objective is to only act when the slaughter of Reiko, Rain, and Saibot is imminent."
"Can we go?" Ferra called out. "We be real quiet! Not even there! Right, Torr?"
After the giant mumbled, Mileena gave a nod of approval. "If Liu Kang agrees, I have no quarrel. Inform Kuai Liang of my choice. Even if he does not approve, stand firm that it must be done to gain the Shokan's allegiance."
"It shall be done." Jade spoke up. "Good luck, and be swift. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
ELSEWHERE
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED, THE REDLANDS OF OUTWORLD
"So, what's in the bag?" Mo Chou asked as she sat in the back of The Kollector's carriage. He was steering the beast pulling along the wood-wheeled carriage with a small fence around the back of it. Several bags and goodies were held back there, along with his favored backpack.
"Stuff and things." Kollector answered. "Special made bags. Can carry and hide most anything. Even a person or two."
"That so?" She said while peeking in one of the larger bags. "Do you sell this stuff?"
"If there is a good amount of Koin to gain," Kollector said while glancing over his shoulder. "Sometimes it is better to keep for yourself. A buyer could show up tomorrow, or next year. Never be too hasty with choices."
It was in the early hours of the Outworld morning. Ravens and bird-like demons circled overhead in search of food above the forest. The trees were white with blood-colored leaves that rustled in the gentle breeze. The smell of the sea was thick even if it was distant. There was a large camp far off the beaten path that seemed to be hosting some sort of loud party, even at these hours. Though the town they were approaching was less rowdy and more active with morning chatter.
People were out moving large pieces of lumber to help either construct or repair the humble buildings and homes in the town.
People roamed the stone streets in plain clothing. None of them were in rags like beggars, but they seemed to be fairly normal for Outworld folk. There were some children playing in the distance, but Mo Chou still ducked behind the various goods in the back of the carriage to stay hidden.
"Where are we?" Mo Chou asked.
"Nostrum Town," Kollector said as he continued to slowly steer them through the streets. "It is an independent town. Good people, fair people. A place where even a Tarkatan can settle down and have a family with a non-Tarkatan if they so wish. We watch each other's backs here. But be warned, little one. Even in a safe place there are still those who are unsafe to be around. Never get too comfortable to those you do not know."
"Those like you?"
"Exactly. Though, I am not foolish enough to harm the child of Mileena. I am sticking by my word to see you safely home."
"How is this closer to home?"
"Once we reach the sea, there is a ferry that can get us to a nearby Nexus. I happen to have an artifact to access it." Kollector said while stopping in front of a storefront. "I must make a short stop for supplies. Please, stay hidden if you wish to stay back there. If not, please come with me." He climbed down and hitched his beast to a wooden post.
"I'll stay here-." She paused and coughed violently into her forearm. The repeated wheezing coughs led Kollector to quickly go into the carriage to check on her. When she pulled her forearm away there was blood dripping down her skin.
"Child," Kollector spoke softly. "What ails you?"
"It's nothing. I just need my medicine." She wiped her mouth over and slumped against the various bags of treasure. "I'll be okay once I get home."
"I have seen such sickness before." Kollector frowned. "Your blood is at war with itself. I think this shop may have herbs to alleviate your symptoms. I will return…just, do not die." He paused. "That is a joke."
Mo Chou didn't respond. She just stared at the blue man until he climbed out awkwardly and proceeded into the shop. While he was gone, Mo Chou started peeking through the various bags. Curiosity had gotten the better of her.
She found nothing that interested her immediately. That was until she found a large egg in a lone bag. The egg was hot to the touch. She pulled her fingers back immediately after brushing over it. She sucked her fingers to calm the stinging sensation. As she did so, the egg shifted about. It expanded in size just slightly and strained the bag it was in.
"An egg? Wonder what it is." She whispered to herself once she pulled her finger free. She placed her gauntlet on top of it and the egg tripled in size in seconds, sucking energy from the armored glove. She pulled her hand back and draped the top of the bag over the egg to conceal it. There was nothing to see there.
After a while, the Kollector returned. He dropped off a bottled green potion and a few bags of snack cakes and cookies for her. "Eat first, then drink." He directed. He rolled over a few bottles of Outworld fruit juice to her as well. "The potion will soothe your ailments. It should, given it is Tarkatan strength."
Mo Chou didn't hesitate to start chowing down, and despite her lack of response, Kollector got back in the front of the carriage and drove them through town until they reached an exit.
The road was leading them closer and closer to the rowdy sounding camp. Though they passed through a small wooded area beforehand. Mo Chou drank the potion as suggested. It tasted like medicine for certain – so much so that she gagged after drinking.
"Tarkatan strength, as I warned." Kollector chuckled. "Are you okay, little one?"
"I'm fine, I think. Can I ask you a question, though? What's with the egg?"
"It is a special delivery of mine," Kollector explained. "A mission from the Elder Gods. This egg will bring new life and great wealth once it hatches. If not? I will simply kill whatever it is, or capture it and sell for a high asking price."
"Where is it going to be delivered?"
"War Realm. It will end the eternal strife and make it profitable again for merchants such as myself."
Mo Chou paused. "How can an egg do all that?"
"Don't care," The Kollector chuckled. "After the profit is made, they can believe what they want."