Chapter 24: Grieving
Part 2: The Last Fight
Our heroes are within their darkest hour. They have faced many big threats before. Ranging from low lives to cyborgs to emperors to gods to titans. But none of them compare to the threats they face now. Visitors from another universe, good and evil have traveled through time and space in a mere accident.
Mileena Kahnum, daughter of Shao Kahn, ruler of the Netherrealm has now taken Edenia from King Jerrod and Queen Sindel with the help of their newest recruit, Adrelita the Dragon. She grows stronger every day, her might and fearful powers may already be compared to her father Onaga.
From another universe, Superman. A fallen hero now corrupted dictator who ruled his earth with an iron fist, eliminating any crime by any means necessary, even if it means abandoning all morality he once had. And alongside him are other former Justice League members such as Wonder Woman and Damian Wayne, and anti hero Black Adam.
Darkseid from the planet Apokolips. The most feared alien throughout the galaxy. Conqueror of hundreds of thousands of planets near flawlessly. Now he seeks the Anti-Life Equation and vengeance for his son's death. An equation that allows the user to control the will of all living things in the universe.
These four dangerous leaders have formed an alliance more dangerous than anything anyone has ever seen. With Darkseid's strategic mind, Superman's power and Mileena's prowess, their alliance has given them an advantage. They have taken over the Sky Temple, drove away the Shaolin and Shirai Ryu. Edenia has been conquered and Jerrod and Sindel have been taken prisoner.
And Outworld has suffered the same fate as Edenia. Fire God Liu Kang helped everyone escape before facing Darkseid alone. Despite them being evenly matched, Liu Kang could not beat him. And his true love Kitana sacrificed herself so he could live on. With help from Batman, Supergirl, his daughter Chang Bao and his close friend Alex Cage, Liu Kang escaped.
Now, our heroes grieve for their recent defeats and Kitana's death. Liu Kang has been mostly silent ever since. It became his worst nightmare. His children support him, as do Alex, Cassie, Jade, Batman and his Justice League. First came tears, then anger.
The fire god stands outside the base, staring at the sun in the sky. All he could think about was Kitana. And the words Darkseid said to him before he executed his wife right in front of him. Liu Kang knows that they have to win, or else the entire multiverse could be doomed for eternity. He wants to kill Darkseid, but he has reasons
After a week of grieving, he opens his eyes and heads back inside the base. Where his children and friends are thriving. Jade and her family have been given hideouts near the base to sleep and train along with their own armies.
Everyone gathers around as the fire god approaches them. He remains silent as they all look at him.
"Liu Kang? Are you alright?" Alex asked, feeling concerned.
"I am alive, Alex." Liu Kang. "I never got to thank you for coming to my rescue. I do not know what I would do without you."
"Of course. It's what friends are for. We've been looking out for each other ever since the Old Era and almost thirty years. You know we would never turn our backs on you." Alex reminds him.
"Me too, Liu." Cassie walked up to him as well. "What happened was horrifying. But no matter what happens next, we're with you to the end."
"Thank you, Cassandra." Liu Kang nodded. "It's time we discuss our current situation."
Chang and Daisuki approach their father, having overheard him. They both have sad looks on their faces and Anthony is holding Chang's hand. Liu doesn't show it, but he is glad that his daughter has found someone who cares for her.
"Father? What should we do?" Chang Bao asked.
Everyone gathers around, ready to hear what the fire god has to say. Where to go from here. What is their plan?
"Liu Kang." Batman approached. "Before you say anything, I would like to say that I am sorry. For what we are putting you through. It's my fault for inventing the trans dimensional gateway. I take full responsibility for what Clark has done with Darkseid and Mileena. I only did what I thought was best to save my world. In the process, I ended up endangering all other worlds. I could have ended Clark, but he's still my friend. And Kara still sees him as family."
Liu Kang was touched by his words. And then Jade was the next to speak up.
"I do not blame you for what happened, Liu Kang. Kitana was always like my own sister. And I trusted her with my life. She was willing to lay down her life for me and you. And for her and my family as well. Kitana convinced me to give these humans a chance. And she was right to be fond of them. And that in turn, strengthened my own bond with Cassandra. And for my little brother Alex." Jade said as she puts an arm on Alex's shoulder.
Liu Kang looks at Jade and Bruce. He couldn't think of what to say at first. He was afraid of Jade hating him for what happened to Kitana at Darkseid's hands. Finally, he begins to speak.
"Jade. Thank you. I'll remember those words. "Liu smiles at her before turning to Bruce. "And you, Batman. You are not to blame for the events that have transpired here. Your instincts proved to be quite sound. Sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures. I understand why you refused to kill Superman and those who ally with him. Because you still consider them your friends, even if they are beyond redeemable."
"We don't know that for sure." Supergirl flies in. "Clark is still my cousin, even after all that has happened. I know I'm still young, but he's always done good things for nearly thirty years before he lost everything. He and Diana still have friends. If they need to be locked up forever, then I'm fine with it. But some deserve a chance for redemption." Supergirl said.
"It's a toss up. But I'd have to agree with Kara. Like Cetrion, maybe they need to open their eyes somehow. Think about their actions and consequences they'll bring if they continue." Cassie said.
"Yes. Their fate will be decided. But now, one step at a time." Liu Kang said. "But while I was grieving, I thought of a plan. I have received word from Smoke and Cyrax that Mileena and Adrelita have indeed taken Edenia."
"And that your animal friend have been taken to your hell." Aquaman walked in, referring to the Netherrealm.
"Why would they choose Nightwolf? It doesn't make any sense." Daisuki is confused.
"There's only one explanation. The technique he showed us." Alex realized. "Someone must have spied on us. And then they captured him and must have threatened him to show Mileena. That could explain how they overpowered Sindel and Jerrod."
"We may not know. But I think I know where to get them from." Batman said.
In a prison cell shed, lies Damian Wayne and Cheetah. One of the Legion members. Taken prisoner by Aquaman. She remains behind an energy field and stuck with energy binders, preventing her from using her sharp magical claws to escape. Batman, Liu Kang, Alex, Cassie, Kara, and Liu's kids and the twins approach her. Cheetah snarls at them.
"Well, well. So it's true you resorted to plain human soldiers. Typical of you, Wayne." Cheetah mocked him. Batman, of course, isn't moved.
Alex types in the code to her cell, deactivating the energy field to her cell. Cheetah takes the chance to dash at Alex to slash at him, but Cassie uses a shadow punch to knock her backwards before she could attack. Cheetah's back hits the wall. Bruce nods to Kara as she pulls out Diana's Lasso of truth that she previously dropped.
"The Lasso of Truth compels you to reveal the truth. Diana told me how it works. No one can break out of it and rip it in half. Not even me. Now. What did Darkseid and his pals do? What was their plan?" Kara asked her.
Cheetah tries with all of her strength to break out of the magical rope. But no matter how hard she tries, she quickly tires out. She grits her fangs in pain, feeling the burning pain to her skin.
"Darkseid has teamed up with fang girl and Superman. They captured a man named Nightwolf. Forced him to give them extra powers. And Mileena used it to conquer some place called Edenia and took the king and queen prisoner. Now Ivy has control of the four armed creatures. And the dragon has a zombie army." Cheetah admits.
"There is more." Alex stepped up. "What did Superman want with the Sky Temple?"
"Mileena has told us about the jinsei giving power as it is the life source. They need it for Batman's contraption so we could return home once we gathered all the parts. Doctor Polaris is improving it and tracking the others as we speak." Cheetah said.
"Okay. I think we've seen enough." Flora loads her gun and points it at Cheetah. But her older brother stops her.
"Wait. We need her alive. She might know more info. Besides, we can't kill them for their sake." Anthony reminds his sister. She sighs and puts it away.
"So that leaves Outworld. Darkseid knows that Outworld has its own kingdoms. It would make sense, given its history of rulers. And Mileena chose Edenia because it's the home of all Edenians." Jade realized.
"Given Darkseid's reputation, it's a place to start. But the question is who's guarding the Netherrealm?" Kara asked.
"We don't know. But we know it ain't Mileena or Darkseid. It could Supes for all we know." Blue Beetle guessed.
"Possible. But how will we rescue your friends? You mentioned them having monster armies." Batman asked.
"And the fact that they can rip us apart like we're chewing toys to a bunch of rabid dogs. I would hate that. Quite possibly one of the worst ways to die." Blue Beetle shivered.
"It's better if Liu Kang sits this one out. His powers are weaker in the Netherrealm. We don't wanna takes any chances if Darkseid or Superman are there. We need someone who can be nearly as strong as them." Flora suggested.
"I'll go. I have max power. I can take them. I can open a portal and sneak us in there." Alex volunteers.
"But Alex. We need a distraction just in case. We can't just barge in there. We know better than that. And we can't afford to lose too many." Cassie reminds her husband.
"I'll step in and make a distraction. It's time for a little payback. Those demon things can't scratch me." Kara cracks her knuckles.
"I agree." Liu Kang said. "Given Supergirl's abilities, this should make things easier for us. Once you rescue Nightwolf, you get out of there immediately."
"She'll need some backup just in case. I'll see if I can get in contact with Barry, Hal and Firestorm." Batman said. "We'll need ground and air support to give Alex and Cassie some cover."
"To give you guys advice. Those monsters we've been facing. They are mindless and will kill on sight. Don't hold back on your punches. Even if some of you have super powers." Alex advised the Justice League.
"We understand. Just like Brainiac's mechs. But we're on a schedule, because while Holt works, we cannot allow them to find the missing gateway pieces. If they do, then they'll return to our universe and likely destroy it to leave us stranded forever." Batman warned.
"Now that we're all settled on who's going, here's our rescue plan and strategy." Cassie said.
It has been a long time since Outworld has seen a change in leadership. And for the worst. It was once ruled by the infamous Shao Kahn. And Kitana has brought it to peace. And now, an outsider has begun his new reign over it, and that is Darkseid. Darkseid hovers over the surface world to get a new point of view for his new kingdom.
Down below, not all Outworlders, Osh-Tekk and Tarkatans could be saved. Some of them are being taken prisoner and forced to work and live in fear, just as Darkseid wanted. Some of the parents become separated from their children. But others try to fight to no avail as the alien conqueror descended below.
Some of the Tarkatans and Osh-Tekk charge at him head on as some other warriors try to use arrows to kill him. But Darkseid easily destroys all the flying arrows with his Omega Beams and begins slaughtering the warriors. He rips off one Tarkatan's arm and stabs his face with his own blade, one he uppercuts and sends him flying very far away and knocks a third down and stomps on his head.
Two Osh-Tekk approach him, but Darkseid grabs their heads and mashes them together, crushing them completely. And then a third jumps with his spear, but Darkseid grabs him and twists his head and snaps his neck, killing him. He then turns to the survivors.
"You have no reason to resist me. Your protectors have fled. Your leader Kitana Kahn is dead. You will kneel before your new master Darkseid." Darkseid tells everyone around him.
People are horrified to hear this. They could not believe that Kitana has died. They attempt to flee. But a parademon shoots a family dead point blank. The rest of them were forced to face Darkseid.
"Now kneel." Darkseid commanded.
Two parademons knock a man and a woman to the ground, forcing them on their knees. Many others see this, and shakingly and full of fear, slowly kneel before the conqueror himself. He hears a few of them hyperventilating. He smirks.
"I can hear your fast breathing. Which leads to anxiety and doubt. It's delicious. This is your fate from here on out. Soon, I will have control over not just Outworld, but the other realms as well, and when I return to my world, all will feel the power of the Anti-Life Equation. The ability to control free will. It will soon be within my grasp." Darkseid announced it to everyone.
The Outworlders feel scared for what he might do to them should they try to resist. Without Kitana, they have no other option. They look down at the ground, not wanting to see the new ruler's face. Satisfied, Darkseid makes his leave and silently orders his parademons to take them away for further use.
Once alone, he contacts Mileena Kahnum. "How's the progress on Edenia?"
"It's all mine for the taking. It feels so good being back at home. Where all Edenians were born. I love what Sindel has done with it while I was gone. And the Shokan are now under my command." Mileena replied.
"Your prowess has exceeded my expectations. Impressive. You sure know your way around the realms." Darkseid compliments her.
"And what of my sister?" Mileena asked. Darkseid holds up her two weapons. Mileena sighs and smiles before she laughs manically. "Yes! YES! Finally! No more will she haunt me in my dreams! My only regret is that she denied me my own right to finish her! How does the fire god feel now?"
"No one can resist fearing me. Not even a god. If he chooses to go to war with me, then it will be his undoing." Darkseid said before signing off.
In Edenia, the brainwashed Shokans under the command of Mileena with help from Poison Ivy. To her, it smells like fresh air. More beautiful than the hot air in the Netherrealm. She has not been here for over twenty years ever since they were banished from it by Kitana and Sindel.
"If only father could see this. How we have finally conquered another realm. Wouldn't you agree, Tanya?" Mileena turns to her. Tanya smiles and wraps her arms around her neck.
"Oh, I couldn't agree more. Feels like home before Sindel became a weak queen. All of it was worth the long wait, my dear." Tanya flirts with her and slides a finger across her chin. She smiles.
They hear wings flapping. They knew who it was. The two look up in the sky and see Adrelita the Dragon flying down and hovering in front of the balcony.
"My queen. Havik has returned to the Netherrealm as you commanded." Adrelita bows her head before her.
"Good. So, my friend? What do you think of Edenia?" Mileena asked.
"It is beautiful. So many things to burn. And so much to explore. You were right about this place. That it is the crown jewel of the realms. It was where my father was born. And where he died." Adrelita smirks.
"It pleases me to hear it. You will love the other realms as well when we cross the bridges." Mileena tells her.
"My father is a fool. His own ego blinded him. And allowed your father to murder him. He brought you down the right path, my queen." Adrelita slowly descends inside the palace.
"How does it feel to become stronger?" Mileena asked.
"Unimaginable. I see why it is feared alongside the power of Blaze. And the power to control time and space. And an equation to control all free will. Imagine almost all of it within your hands. I love my abilities. And I have a feeling that they will only get better by each day." Adrelita smiles.
"I admire your confidence, Adrelita. But we must not be overconfident in our abilities. If we are to succeed, we must understand our enemies and what they can do and exploit their weaknesses. That is one step in unlocking your true potential." Mileena tells her.
"What shall we do next?" Adrelita asked.
"First, we shall wait for updates on Polaris on finding the gateway pieces we need to travel across worlds. You are not to make any movements until I give the command." Mileena said and Adrelita nods. "And Adrelita? If one of them shows any signs of treachery, feel free to make them your meal."
Adrelita licks her long teeth. She hungers for food. She sees some dead warrior bodies within the throne room. She flies in the air and dives in to feast.
Down below in the cells, Sheeva, Jerrod and Sindel are battered, beaten and covered in blood. They still carry injuries from their enemies. The cells are heavily guarded by the mind-controlled Shokan. They each have flower buds attached to both of their shoulders to ensure that whenever the effects wear off, they get sprayed with more toxins to keep them under Poison Ivy's control.
They hear the doors unlock to the room. They look up and see Mileena walking down the steps. Sheeva growls at her, which of course, Mileena ignores and turns to Mileena and Jerrod. She smiles gleefully at them.
"Mileena." Sindel snarled at her. This only earns her a scratch across the face from her claws.
"Queen Mileena! Show some respect and appreciate that I chose to let you live!" Mileena shouted at them.
"What do you want from us? Make it quick." Jerrod tells her.
"Very well. I have some exciting news for you all. Outworld has been conquered by my new friend Darkseid. Liu Kang fought hard, but he was no match for the new god. He fled like the coward he is." Mileena tells them. Jerrod is surprised by this. Someone from another world defeating their strongest warrior. Sindel isn't moved.
"We all lose fights at one point. Do not think that you and your allies will win. Liu Kang. My real daughter Kitana. Jade. Alex. Batman. They will find a way to win." Sindel stands up with confidence.
"We have already won. Before I forget. I have a gift for you, mother dear." Mileena said to her.
"I do not need anything from you! Sindel refused.
"Ah, trust me, my dear. You will love it." Mileena replied. She pulls out Kitana's tessens and tosses them in her and Jerrod's shared cell. "Darkseid sends his regards."
Sindel's eyes widen and suddenly loses strength in her legs and falls to the ground onto her knees. Her hands shake as she grabs her daughter's tessens. She holds them tight in her hands.
"No. No, no, no. This… this cannot be." Sindel tries to fight the tears.
"You should have heard Kitana scream as Darkseid vaporized her, right in front of her foolish husband. He told me everything. Love was Kitana's biggest flaw. And that is why she is dead." Mileena walks away, laughing at their expense. Her half sister's demise was a dream to her. Seeing Sindel breakdown and cry is music to her.
Sindel screamed at the top of her lungs. Her screams were so loud, Mileena could still hear her from a floor above as she laughs more. Sindel breaks down, crying as her husband holds her very closely as he too sheds tears. Sheeva bends her head to honor Kitana's sacrifice and looks down in sadness at the loss of her greatest pupil.
At the Sky Temple, Superman, Diana and Adam are guarding the jinsei. They are busy taking shifts alongside Havik as Mileena is in charge of Edenia and Darkseid ruling Outworld. They examine Earthrealm's life source.
"By the gods. This thing feels strong. And it looks beautiful." Diana comments.
"I can why the people of this realm guard this with their lives. This jinsei is much more powerful than the powers of the Rock of Eternity. Even the gods find this invaluable." Adam added.
"And now it is ours." Clark came in. "This Sky Temple seems to be one of the oldest places in this realm. This was around before the gods and these tournaments were formed. I have heard that Mileena and Darkseid have completed their objectives."
"Good. That means we're making progress. We cover more ground while we find Bruce's dimensional gateway and bring us home. All of us." Wonder Woman said.
"No, Diana. Bruce cannot be allowed to come back with us. Neither he, Kara or anyone else. They're too much of a threat." Superman replied to her.
"But Clark." Diana blinked twice, hearing what he just said. "We don't belong here. Neither do they. They may not be on our side, but we have a common problem. We are stranded here until we get home. It's their home too. Even Kara's."
"We must lighten our burden. If they persist then they have to die here. No one will suspect it will be us when we get home. They'll believe that they perished in the explosion that brought us here." Black Adam suggested to Kal-El.
"True. But not everyone will be persuaded. We've always had people refusing to support us back then. Soon they all will once we learn how to use the Anti-Life Equation." Superman said.
"But we also have another problem. What if Mileena and Darkseid choose to betray us? Everyone is susceptible. While Mileena is of this world, I for one do not trust Darkseid. I feel that he may be hiding something." Black Adam gives his suspicions.
"You make a point, Adam. We must prepare for any signs. I can't afford to make the same mistake that I did with Bruce." Clark said, hypocritically.
Bruce knew that Clark and his side would turn against him once they defeated Brainiac, hence why he brought a dagger made from gold kryptonite. Clark always believed that Bruce betrayed him instead, even after what happened in Metropolis.
"There has been no sign from Damian. He must've been captured by Liu Kang and his friends." Diana points out.
"We'll find him. Wherever he is. For now, we need to–" Superman is interrupted when a purple portal opens up. Much to their confusion, an injured Havik comes in and stumbles forward before he falls to his knees.
"Havik? What happened?" Clark asked.
"The Netherrealm has been invaded. By the Earthrealmers. They brought some of your friends. One who has fierce powers like you. A man that runs fast and a flying green man." Havik tells them.
Superman immediately realized that he meant Kara, Barry and Hal. His eyes glow red as he realizes that Bruce is taking matter in his own hands. He closes his fists in anger.
Note: Sorry for the lack of updates. I thought I'd give this a breather before starting part two. While doing so, I played Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League for free, and it is one of the worst DC games ever made. I couldn't be bothered trying to do the dlc because of the requirements. At least it isn't Kevin Conroy's last performance as Batman. God rest his soul. And the T-1000 is cool to play as.