"King Gorbak, what a pleasure it is to make your Acquaintance!" claimed Shang Tsung in a Boisterous tone, to which the king showed no amusement in response.

"Spare me of your grovelling, sorcerer" Gorbak declared with a lack of interest. Already knowing what Shang Tsung was to request of him, he solely wished for the man to get it done with, so he can provide his speedy denial.

"Of course, your highness," Shang Tsung stated in a calm, but respectful manner, removing his exaggerated tone, "As you may of heard, Outworld had recently lost the last Mortal Kombat tournament."

Gorbak scoffed at that. The Undefeated Shao Kahn had lost all the progress he made within the last 500 years. This wasn't the first time this has happened, knowing Shao Kahn had dealt with this issue a handful of times during the dozens of conquests he lead. However, to lose a tournament when your one victory away from success is indeed a first.

"What does that have to do with me?" the Shokan king asked, losing patience with the sorcerer. He seriously didn't need Shang Tsung to remind him of something he's well aware of.

"well, it shouldn't mean anything to you," Shang Tsung admitted, " but it could mean something for you... Skarlet!" he called out, causing the blood mage to enter the room.

upon her entrance, Gorbak raised an eyebrow at this warrior. Her attire was baggy as she wore a hood and mask to withstand the blistering heat during their travels. she had a simple blade that sat at her holster, as several vials sitting next to it.

'armed with nothing but vials and one dagger...' Gorbak thought, 'She's either a medic or a mage. Given the fact that she was with Shang Tsung, I'd wager on the latter'

"This is one of the fruits from Shao Kahn's conquests." Shang Tsung explained, "Created with the blood of those who died in the Emperor's name, she possesses unlimited potential. I can offer this type of power to you, if you consider my proposal,"

Gorbak allowed a small grin to adorn his face. This type of power could prove beneficial towards his plans for the Shokan, but he need to ensure that whatever Shang Tsung had to offer wouldn't prove to be a risk for him.

"What is your terms," Gorbak questioned, which caused Shang Tsung to grin, knowing that he already won.

"My terms," Shang Tsung began, "Is to have your son enter the tournament, as it's new champion."

"Loosen yourself! In battle, you mustn't be so tense!" Kotal yelled as he evaded her punches and attempts to scratch him.

It has been nearly a week since Kotal has started training with Mileena. After gaining enough strength, he began to Memorize his old fighting tactics and preparing himself for their great escape. However, he knew that he couldn't leave his new friend defenseless. So he began to train her when they had the chance.

She lacked any style as of yet, which was to be expected, but her natural flexibility and powerful appendages made her dangerous even without any prior fighting experience. So he decided to teach her how to keep her opponents close and within reach, never letting them Build any distance so she can grapple and utilize her Claws and teeth to their full extent.

Now this tactic worked against weaker opponents, but when faced against a larger opponent, such as himself, she needs to bring the fight to the floor, as it'll be harder for them to use their size against her when on the floor.

She growled as she leaped towards him. her smaller, agile body proving to be harder to dodge, reached him before he could evade her. She grabbed him by the leg and twisted hers around his, causing Kotal to fall. This gave her the advantage she needed to release his legs and grapple around his arms. With her legs twisted around his left arm, her arms reached over and pushed his head down, before opening her jaws and freezing just before she could bite down on his neck.

She looked into his eyes, waiting for his response. Kotal began to smile as he tapped the floor, forfeiting their little match.

Despite his defeat, he was proud of how strong she was becoming. Now, even though he wasn't going all out, was still not at full strength and he didn't utilize any magic during their spar, the fact that she could beat him in any circumstance proved to show that she was learning well.

She had also grown substantially within the past week. It didn't take long for Kotal to understand that she was a Clone made in Kitana's image. It seemed that they wanted her to mature rapidly, to be prepared Sooner rather than later. When he first met her, she appeared to be like a young child. But now, she appeared to be in her adolescence. It wouldn't be long until she reached Maturity. However, that brings to question, as to why she was created in the first place?

If she was to be a tool for Shao Kahn, then she would have undergone training by Shang Tsung or someone assigned by him. Yet, He has yet to see anyone but Shang Tsung come to the flesh pits, and he only tried to adjust her appearance and make her more 'presentable'. He considered the idea that Mileena was to be something to take after Shao Kahn himself as a new Kahn. However, if that was the case, then why did he contain Tarkatan blood? Knowing that Shao Kahn viewed Tarkatans as war dogs for him to use to his heart's content, it wouldn't make sense for him to have his successor resemble something that Kahn himself thought lowly towards. So what exactly was the emperor's motives towards Mileena?

Mileena looked at his pondering eyes, and spoke to him, "Is everything alright, Kotal?"

Her question caused Kotal to shake his thoughts away and turn to her, "Everything is fine Mileena," he claimed, "I'm just happy with how much you've improved."

She beamed at his praise. As she continued to train under him, she found herself to admire him as her teacher and mentor. He's already given her strength and knowledge, and helped her when no one else even knew of her existence. She can't think of what life woul be like without his guidance. However, that is a thought that brought a bit of concern to her.

Knowing that they will not always be with each other, she would need to learn how to fight and live on her own. However, if the world outside is anything like her life here, then will she be no different than she was before Kotal woke up?

Will she be alone again? She didn't like to think about it, but she couldn't shale the thought out of her mind.

"Kotal," she asked, gaining his attention once more, "What will happen after we escape?"

Upon hearing this, Kotal looked up, as he laid back onto his table. "Once we are free," he began, "Life will not be easy, as Shao Kahn will undoubtedly seek us out."

Mileena's face faltered at that, but was taken out of her brief moment of sorrow when he continued, "However, we might be able to get you accustomed to living with the Tarkatans."

Mileena's brow rose slightly at that, "what are Tarkatans?" to which Kotal explained, "Tarkatans are a large, powerful clan in outworld, they are known for their ferocity and numbers, as there are more Tarkatans on outworld than any other race."

He looked directly into her eyes and revealed the truth, "Tarkatans genes are what Shang Tsung used to create you,"