Bondage
by Nyohah

14
Resurrections
Letter to Yuan Li

I want you to know that I do not blame you.

It's been, I don't even know how long, and I have awoken from my coma.

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was a silver band around my neck. It's etched with the same sort of demonic runes as on the doors and ceiling all over Tsung's rooms. I'm still not sure what it is for, but I have a feeling it's something that will ensure I do not betray them again.

The second thing I noticed was the Demon Master's presence.

Apparently he was resurrected sometime during the tournament. He has resurrected Tsung. The only good news I have to offer is that I no longer have to marry Tsung, as I belong to the Master again, now, and he doesn't wish it. Apparently Tsung had his chance, and he ruined it.

He also brought back Shao Kahn, who is more determined than ever to capture the Earth Realm. Kitana's plan to restore Edenia failed before it was even started because of these resurrections.

Kitana was there when I awoke, beside my bed. She and Jade had been taking turns watching me ever since you were forced to leave.

She was quite upset. When I asked her what was wrong, she just whispered about her mother. I pressed the subject, and she said, "She's back, and sh-she's evil."

I was still confused, but I had to report to the Master as soon as I cleaned up, which is where I first saw the newly resurrected Tsung and Kahn. They were all watching through a pool some woman attended by the witch who had served as my doctor.

The woman inside had once been beautiful, but now she was completely white, white hair bearing a single black streak, her eyes the white of the undead. Her hair was the longest I have ever seen, and it engulfed her, seeming to weigh as much as she did. Her fingernails were long, curled, and black, nearly resembling the witch woman's except for color.

"Empress Sindel," said Shang Tsung. "Former Queen of Edenia, and mother of our own Princess Kitana. She was Kahn's wife before her untimely death. But now, resurrected on the Earth Realm, she will be our key. All Kahn has to do is enter the realm to claim her, and victory shall be ours."

This is frightening. Kitana, Jade, and I will not be going when he starts his attack. I was talking to Jade about this, and she did have words of comfort, however.

After the others had left, she walked up behind me and said, "Cage's blood was not ideal."

"Excuse me?"

"They used Cage's blood to resurrect Kitana's mother and turn her evil. But Cage's blood wasn't ideal, remember, because he was not defeated three times."

"So?"

"There might be some problems."

"You're guessing, aren't you. Just trying to reassure yourself."

"No, I heard them talking about it. Something about how she isn't completely evil, and she might turn from them if she learns the truth, not just the lies they will feed her."

You need to know about this, but I can't imagine how I'd ever get word to you. I guess you'll just have to figure it out on your own. It's not like you're not smart enough, or anything.

Yuan, I don't hold you responsible for anything that has happened, in Hong Kong or here. I know you're probably blaming yourself for everything, but it was much more my fault than it could ever be yours. I forgive you for the one flaw I think you had, naïveté. I know this is only the second time I've ever told you this, but I love you. Don't doubt it. You've told me endless times, and I don't deserve it.

Please forgive me. I was horrible to you, I used you. Don't worry about me. I've survived most of my life in the grip of evil; I'll make it a while longer.

Say hello to my father and sister, and her husband. Give my regards to your mother.

It occurs to me that we have both cheated death twice. That has to mean something.

I love you.

Hua Ching Sa

The End

"Twisted every way what answer can I give?
Am I to risk my life to win the chance to live?"
- Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera