Why was I summoned?
Kitana. Come up here where I can see you better.
I prefer you tell me why I'm here.
Because your father demands it.
Step-father.
You look lovely here, near the throne.
What a magnificent Empress you would make.
Edenia had an Empress.
But my mother died, didn't she?
Yes.
If your only purpose is to review your destruction of my family, I'd like to leave.
Is that how you would talk to Kung Lao, Princess?
No, Emperor.
Kitana gives me no choice.
Send Rain. He must kill Kung Lao.
Siro!
Kung Lao!
Are you all right?
I'm going after him.
Careful. Lightning.
- Got it. - You okay?
I think so.
In each of us there burns a soul of a warrior.
In every generation, a few are chosen to prove it.
Centuries ago in a time of darkness and fury that fate befell three strangers.
A monk - Kung Lao...
An exiled guard - Siro...
And a thief - Taja...
Who have to defend our Earth Realm from the forces of Outworld.
By fighting for their lives.
By fighting for their honour.
Your soul is mine!
And by fighting for their realm.
It's the burden you must carry.
In a tournament called... Mortal Kombat.
Any luck finding the ninja?
Lost him in the woods. But I can pick up his trail later. How's Kung Lao?
Not great. He's gonna be down for a couple of days. Maybe longer.
That's why I came back. The ninja might double back to finish the job.
For pain?
Yeah. Any idea who the attacker is?
No. But using lightning the way he did, I can guess where he's from.
Outworld. Looks like Kung Lao hurt him though. I saw him limping.
If I wasn't worried about leaving you alone, I'd get right back at the guy.
Yeah, well, I'm glad you came back, 'cause I've got a feeling this isn't over yet.
Not likely.
Come on. We'll let him know you're here.
He's worried, too.
Kitana, I'm sending you to Zaterra.
- You're sending me to another realm? - The reptiles of Zaterra...
they need stroking.
And as my step-daughter, you will make an excellent emissary.
What if I refuse?
Be careful, Kitana.
Even you are not immune to punishment.
It would be a shame to harm this face.
When am I to leave on this errand?
Immediately.
Send her in.
- Why am I here? Leave me be! - Ah, Mileena, it's been a long time.
- Too long, Emperor. - Are you prepared for your task?
Yes, send me. Send me now. It is a job I long to do.
- Still impetuous, I see. - Still skilled also.
And greedy, and uncontrollable, and self-serving.
Qualities that have gotten you in trouble before.
Just fulfil your end of the bargain and I'll do just fine.
- You'll see. - Bargain? I don't make bargains.
Do you understand? Do you?!
Yes, Shao Kahn.
Good. Hold her.
My face.
- My new daughter. - I doubted this could be done.
I am beautiful.
For the moment. Fail, and I take it away.
Let me remain this way. I will do anything.
Anything?
It's truly amazing.
Just kill Kung Lao.
My warrior has injured him...
and he's yours to finish.
Go.
Her name is Mileena.
That's what my spies tell me.
Really pretty clever, using Kitana to get to Kung Lao.
It must never happen.
What? I thought you'd be thrilled. Kung Lao finally dead.
He has to die by my hand.
With him gone, I lose all chance of Shao Kahn ever letting me out of this hell.
- You have to keep her from killing him. - Me? How am I sup...
Find a way. Learn everything you can about this Mileena. Stop her.
If I am no longer needed by the Emperor rest assured...
you are no longer needed by me.
Shang Tsung trying to save Kung Lao's life? Now I've heard everything.
- Any better? - Sleeping.
Siro...
Well done.
- Kitana. - I might have shot you.
No, but you would've been ready had I been the assassin.
- You know? - I still have a few friends at the palace.
- Shao Kahn has hired the killer. - So this is the Emperor's doing.
Yes. And I doubt he's gonna stop at one attempt.
You may need some help protecting Kung Lao until he's well.
- Do you know the ninja who attacked him? - No.
But if Shao Kahn risked an open assault on Kung Lao...
he will have sent one of his best.
You got that right.
I started to track him, but I did not want to leave Taja and Kung Lao.
- Well, you can now. I'm here for Kung Lao. - Well, do you really think that...
It would be a mistake to allow this warrior the chance to rest...
and to choose his time for the next attack.
Track him, Siro. Hunt him down and keep him on the defensive.
She's right.
- Be careful, Siro. - I will.
It's good that you're here.
He's got a good point... the way you fight.
Where are your fans?
I left in such haste, I forgot to bring them.
- How bad is he? May I see him? - He looks bad, but he'll be all right.
It's just me.
And a little "get well" present straight from Outworld.
Well, I'm gonna go out on watch. I'll leave you guys to catch up.
- Thanks. - Thanks for coming.
- It's good to see you again. - How did you know to come?
I heard.
Seemed like a good time to return a favour.
But it's not safe. What if Shao Kahn finds out?
Let me worry about him.
I've been thinking about you a lot. Since last time.
Me, too.
I'm here to take care of you.
I've brought some special oils to help with your healing.
With a little bit of rest and my help, this will all be over soon.
Thank you, Kitana.
Get some sleep.
- I'll be back soon. - Well, where're you going?
I need some things for Kung Lao's healing.
- Herbs? I've got tons of 'em. Take a look. - No. I'm certain you don't have what I need.
Wait. Isn't it dangerous for you to be out here with the Emperor maybe watching?
Just tell me what you need and I'll go.
I'll go myself. Thank you. I'll be careful.
Here's your bread.
Enjoy.
Can I take your plate?
- I'll have more of this. - Yes, ma'am.
- Earth Realm does have its delights. - Which I will enjoy alone. Go away.
If I do, I'll only be leaving you to your own destruction.
- Who are you and what do you want? - Just a friend with a warning for you.
Warning? About what? You know nothing about me.
But I do, Mileena. I know why you're here.
You better stop talking in riddles and make some sense or I may have a warning for you.
I was sent by someone with great powers.
One who knows how Shao Kahn rewards his loyal subjects.
- Who? - The name is not important...
but the message to you is...
once you kill Kung Lao, you are as good as dead, too.
Like I said, you know nothing.
Not of the agreement I have with the Emperor.
An agreement? With Shao Kahn? Even you can't believe that.
Do you really think he'll let you keep that face?
There is no room in the palace for two Princess Kitanas.
Well, maybe I'll replace the bitch as Princess.
There is only one person in all of this who is replaceable.
Who would your friend suggest? I mean, how do I defy the Emperor?
Lie to him. Tell him you can't kill Kung Lao. He'll believe you.
If it were easy, Shao Kahn would've succeeded long ago.
- It would only buy a little time. - Which is what you need. You're smart.
In that time, you'll think of something.
The point is, as long as Kung Lao lives, you're safe.
Besides, why give up all of this so soon?
You've only begun to sample the pleasures that can be found here.
I think our talk is finished...
messenger. - And when your job is finished, so are you.
Think about what I suggested or return to Outworld to be shunned and ugly...
or to be killed.
- I thought you might like this. - Thank you.
I'm glad you're on guard with me.
We have to be ready in case Siro misses the assassin.
- Where will you be stationed? - With Kung Lao.
Oh, excuse me. I didn't realise how tired I was.
Tension can be exhausting.
Well, I better see to Kung Lao.
Sleep well.
I'm feeling much better. You really don't have to go to all of this trouble.
It's no trouble, Kung Lao.
It's my pleasure.
Do you need help removing your shirt?
- I can do it. - Here...
let me.
Are you sure Taja's okay alone?
I'm close at hand.
Relax. She'll be fine.
Take it in.
Feel it working.
Nice.
- It's best worked in deep. - Kitana.
I am simply offering pleasure for you...
and for me.
Kitana, you're so beautiful.
You're so beautiful.
Oh, I didn't realise you were in here.
Kitana...
She's here... and so am l.
Well, I guess I didn't expect this.
- Are you all right? - A little dizzy.
It's normal. You're not used to the oils. But they're doing their job.
Where're you going?
To freshen up.
You rest. I'll check in on you a little later.
How could this happen? What... what were you thinking?
Never mind.
- Kitana. - Yes?
Look, it's pretty obvious what went on in there.
This is not what should be going on.
Well, are you certain about that?
Yes. He's weak. He needs rest, not that.
Well, it relaxed him, Taja.
I'm surprised at you. I never thought you'd be jealous.
I'm not jealous, but I do care about him and it's obvious he's gotten worse.
You can see that.
Kitana, what's wrong?
Nothing. Nothing, I'm fine.
Kitana, wait!
Emperor, please, don't kill me! Send me back. I promise, l... I'll kill him this time.
I will. I'll do better. Please.
Please spare me. I just need a little bit more time.
- Were my instructions unclear? - No, Emperor.
- No. - Yet he still lives.
He's stronger than we realised. Even after he fought your warrior.
Mm-hmm.
But the oils you were given should have made him weaker.
Yes, they started to but I must go slowly for if his friends become suspicious...
Ah, your concern should be with my suspicion.
You were chosen because you know how to kill.
That and only that. Deviate from that plan and you will suffer.
Yes, Emperor.
Then return and finish him.
But how when I look like this?
Restore her.
The oils were prepared stronger this time to weaken both mind and body.
I'll kill him Shao Kahn. I swear on my life.
Then don't delay. And if I feel you're taking too much time...
I'll make good on your oath.
- Feeling better? - A little.
Kitana...
- what happened last night... - Was meant to be...
and can happen again.
You want that as much as I do, don't you?
Kitana...
I brought you some soup. There's more downstairs if you're hungry.
Thank you.
I'll see you soon.
Something's not right. Kitana's acting very strange.
- You must see it. - You mean because she and l...
Yes, for one thing. But there's more.
How unconcerned she is about being here.
I mean, you remember how last time she was always looking over her shoulder.
- She said she could handle it. - But can you?
Okay, this is none of my business...
but do you really think this is a good time to start a relationship with her?
Sometimes things happen that we can't control.
And that's what concerns me. You're not fully in control here.
And my friends are helping me. You and Siro. And Kitana in her own way.
Well, I'm glad for that. But I do think there is something very wrong here.
I know you're worried. So am l.
But not about Kitana.
She may be the only friend we can count on.
You again.
- How is he? - Alive.
- And so are you. - Barely.
He summoned me back, angry at the delay.
Yet you're here. What happened?
- I lied. - And well, it seems.
See? You can do it.
- You can deceive the Emperor and live. - But for how long?
This has gotta end sometime.
Sometime.
Meanwhile, enjoy yourself up there.
I saw you. A beautiful face can bring a lot of pleasure. Keep going.
Remember, as long as he lives, so do you.
Kill Kung Lao.
You're so beautiful.
Kung Lao... It's all right, it's all right. I'm here. You're safe.
It's just a dream. Just a dream.
Yes, but a very strong one.
Tell me.
Everybody was dead.
- And I couldn't help them. - You fear for those you care about.
What would happen if you were gone.
The images were so real.
It's the fever.
- It'll pass. - But when?
Patience.
I'm here for you.
For as long as it takes.
Thank you.
Mmm...
You're so beautiful.
Not very trusting, are we? This isn't Outworld, Kitana.
Kitana's magic oils.
Damn.
My god. Oh, my god.
This is poison.
- What're you talking about? - Her precious oils, they're poisoned.
- What? - How do you know that?
When I rubbed it on my hands, I almost passed out.
And when I washed it off in the fish tank, the fish died instantly.
No wonder you're feeling worse.
You're wrong, Taja. Why isn't it affecting Kitana?
I don't know. Maybe because she isn't human. But I swear, this is poison.
You may be right.
The Emperor has spies everywhere. They may have tampered with the oils.
- You know that I would never harm you. - Of course.
If it's true, it means he knows that I'm here.
Then you're in danger.
Perhaps. But I will deal with that. Your safety is what matters now.
And because of Taja, your life may have been saved.
- Is Kung Lao dead? - No.
- But Mileena's been warned. - So I still have time.
Less and less. You know this can't last. Especially now.
Eventually she'll have to kill him.
Unless she is the one to die.
Yes. I'll gladly do it.
And expose us to risk?
Shao Kahn would tear the Empire and Earth Realm apart to find who killed his assassin.
How then?
There is still one card I have not played.
Rain?
Kitana.
How did you know to come here?
- I received a message. - From?
Someone unknown.
It was a warning about the Outworld warrior come to Earth Realm.
- The warrior I fought? - Yes. His name is Rain.
- One of Shao Kahn's killers. - Not always. He's Edenian.
I've known him for thousands of years.
We were close once, but he was seduced by the Emperor...
offered power and a place of importance for turning on his own people.
He's hurt now. I'll keep after him.
You should go back.
Back?
To the Trading Post. For Kung Lao.
What happened to Kung Lao?
You've been here. You know what happened.
Been here? No. I just arrived.
What?
- You've been nursing Kung Lao. - No, I haven't.
What's going on? Is he safe? Is Taja still guarding him?
Siro, I haven't seen Kung Lao.
Then who's with him?
We have to get to the Trading Post now.
Go ahead. I'll come as quick as I can.
Kung Lao, you shouldn't be up.
I'm feeling better, really.
For the first time since the attack, I've got some of my strength back.
I thought the fresh air would do me some good.
Mmm, yes, of course.
I knew you would heal. You're young, you're strong.
That feels good.
And soon, all your pain will be gone.
Shao Kahn, no!
You!
I will destroy your face forever.
He lives.
Yes.
I sensed it.
Oh, and how does it feel, saving your enemy's life?
I feel relief at saving my own.
Odd though, isn't it?
Using another who despises you like Kitana to keep Kung Lao alive.
Need can create strange alliances.
Like ours?
Well, you've been busy.
- I did what I had to... - You'll speak when I'm ready!
And you. I saved you from death at Kitana's hands for a reason.
This is how you'll stay.
With beauty to remind you of what you tried to be...
and that to remind you of what you really are!
Cover yourself...
for eternity.
Take her.
You were in Earth Realm.
- Serving you. - How?
Serving me?
By exposing that fraud masquerading as me.
She was sent to Earth Realm to kill Kung Lao.
Since you are forbidden to hunt Kung Lao by the Elder Gods...
I knew you had no hand in it. It was a plot against us both.
- I see. And who is behind it all? - That I don't know.
Nevertheless, you travelled to Earth Realm against my orders.
And by exposing this "plot", saved my enemy Kung Lao from death.
I have a dilemma.
Do I commend you or do I punish you?
Commend me. And guard against it happening again.
Dare you give me orders, Kitana?
No, Emperor, only advice.
Beautiful night.
Somewhat romantic.
Not now, okay, Rayden? Not in the mood.
You all right?
I'm feeling better.
Funny way of showing it.
- I need time to think. - Ah...
to think.
A lot went on here.
You learned an important lesson.
Things are not always as they appear, are they?
No. They aren't.
It's a tough one, but worth remembering.
And if you start to forget, all you have to do is think of your house guest.
I thought she was Kitana.
Well, of course you did. She was perfect.
Except for maybe the fangs, the bulging forehead...
Stop it, okay?
- And that lizard skin. - Damn it, Rayden, I didn't know.
Yeah. But when you found out, whew...
talk about rolling over in the morning after a bad night at the tavern...
- I don't need to listen to this. - All right, all right, all right. I'll stop.
- You sure you're done? - Promise.
I'm worried about the real Kitana. Shao Kahn might try to kill her.
- She's survived so far. - I hope she can again.
As do l.
- I need some rest. - Kung Lao, one more thing, it's important.
Exactly how long were her front teeth?