Written by: Seth Green, Steve Hattman and Sean Catherine Derek
Directed by: Peter Ellis
Transcribed by: Octavia

Kung Lao: Paolo Montalban
Siro: Daniel Bernhardt
Taja: Kristanna Loken
Shang Tsung: Bruce Locke
Vorpax: Tracey Douglas
Raiden: Jeffrey Meek

Rain: Percy "Spitfire" Brown
Kitana: Audie England
Mileena: Megan Brown

We open on Outworld. Two guards escort KITANA into the throne room of Shao Kahn. SHAO KAHN sits on his throne, pleased to see her.

Kitana: Why was I summoned?

Shao Kahn: Kitana�come up here where I can see you better.

Kitana: I prefer you tell me why I�m here.

Shao Kahn: Because your father demands it.

Kitana: Step-father.

Shao Kahn holds out his hand. Kitana bends over and kisses his ring. He takes her hand, turns it and pulls her closer to him.

Shao Kahn: You look lovely here, near to the throne. What a magnificent empress you would make.

Kitana: Edenia had an Empress. But my mother died, didn�t she?

Shao Kahn: Yes.

Kitana: If your only purpose is to review your destruction of my family, I�d like to leave.

Kitana turns round to leave.

Shao Kahn: Is that how you would talk to Kung Lao, Princess?

Kitana whirls round.

Kitana: No, Emperor.

They glare at each other. She turns back and goes down the stairs.

Cut to a shot of the Emperor�s Castle.

Shao Kahn: (OOV) Kitana gives me no choice. Send Rain. He must kill Kung Lao.

Cut to Zhu Zin. It is night. KUNG LAO slowly walks through the streets of Zhu Zin on his way back to the Trading Post. He stops, having sensed something and looks around him. Lightning flashes. Behind Kung Lao, we suddenly see RAIN inching his way round a ledge on a high building. Kung Lao whirls round.

Rain jumps down from his perch to land before Kung Lao, who goes into a defensive stance. Rain flips forward as Kung Lao goes into a back flip. Kung Lao ducks under Rain�s right tornado kick but is hit by the ninja�s following left anti-clockwise punch. He recovers and left knife hand blocks Rain�s right punch, tries a right circle knife-hand strike, which Rain ducks under, and then a spinning right hooking kick. Rain evades the right spinning hooking kick and then right punches Kung Lao and left front kicks him. Kung Lao falls to the ground.

Kung Lao quickly gets up and tries to right aero kick Rain and then right tornado kick him; Rain avoids both kicks and deals Kung Lao a right strike to the chin and a right back kick which sends Kung Lao flying to the ground. Kung Lao rolls to his feet just as Rain does a series of cartwheels with a round off at the end, sending Kung Lao to the ground (yep, again). Kung Lao gets to his feet. He ducks under Rain�s spinning left elbow strike but is hit by the ninja�s following spinning left punch, right backhand and right spinning hooking kick. Again, Kung Lao is knocked to the ground.

He goes into a front somersault as Rain backflips to the side. As Rain tries to tornado kick him, Kung Lao hits the ninja on the head with an aerial cartwheel but is hit by a following right flying front kick. Rain then grabs Kung Lao and knees him in the gut. Rain blocks Kung Lao�s right punch and then his left punch, and tries a right punch of his own which is blocked. He ducks under Kung Lao�s left circle knife hand strike, palm heel hits him under the chin, puts his own back to Kung Lao�s and throws the warrior over. Kung Lao lands standing up (for once) but is then pushed to the ground by a front kick to the mid section. He kip ups to meet a left hooking kick in the face and falls to his knees.

As Kung Lao gets to his feet again, Rain cartwheels and then moves back to the left side to evade Kung Lao�s right hooking kick. Kung Lao left vertical blocks Rain�s right flying front kick and right hook punches him in the face. He right front kicks him, spins and right side kicks him in the gut and then right spin hook kicks the inside of Rain�s knee joint. With it being dislocated, Rain falls to the ground in pain. After recovering his composure, he snaps it back in and kip ups.

Kung Lao right vertical blocks Rain�s left front kick and then right side kicks the ninja in the stomach three times. Rain blocks Kung Lao�s right fingertip strike, ducks under his left circle strike and right circle strike, and then grabbing onto Kung Lao�s right arm, jerks him downwards and right punches him in the stomach. He pulls him around and punches him repeatedly in the stomach then goes into a back somersault with his feet uppercutting Kung Lao in the face. Kung Lao falls to the ground and doesn�t get up. Rain holds up his hand and lightning falls from the sky to strike Kung Lao. Kung Lao rolls away, covered in sparks.

The door of the Trading Post opens and TAJA comes out, having heard the fight.

Taja: Siro!

SIRO quickly comes out after her and Rain runs off, somersaulting over a few washing lines. Taja and Siro dash to Kung Lao�s side.

Taja: Kung Lao!

Siro: You all right?

Kung Lao doesn�t answer.

Siro: I�m going after him.

Kung Lao: Careful, lightning!

Siro: Got it.

Siro gets to his feet and runs after Rain.

Taja: You okay?

Kung Lao: I think so.

Suddenly he collapses onto. Taja holds him. Opening credits.

Zhu Zin. Dawn. A breathless Siro bursts into the trading post, jogs through the courtyard and into the kitchen where Taja is making breakfast.

Taja: Any luck finding the ninja?

Siro: Lost him in the woods. But I can pick up his trail later. How�s Kung Lao?

Taja: Not great. He�s going to be down for a couple of days. Maybe longer.

Siro: That�s why I came back. The ninja might double back to finish the job.

Siro dips his finger into one of Taja�s mixtures.

Siro: For pain?

He licks it and grimaces at the sour taste.

Taja: Yeah. Any idea who the attacker is?

Siro: No. But using lightning the way he did, I can guess where he�s from.

Taja: Outworld. Looks like Kung Lao hurt him though. I saw him limping.

Siro: If I wasn�t worried about leaving you alone, I�d get right back at the guy.

Taja: Yeah, well, I�m glad you came back. I�ve got a feeling this isn�t over yet.

Siro: Not likely.

Taja walks round the table and picks up a tray. She moves to the door and Siro follows.

Taja: Come on, we�ll let him know you�re here. He�s worried too.

Outworld. Establishing shot of the Emperor�s Castle. Kitana stands before Shao Kahn�s throne.

Shao Kahn: Kitana, I�m sending you to Zaterra.

Kitana: You�re sending me to another realm?

Shao Kahn stands up and caresses Kitana�s face.

Shao Kahn: The reptiles there�they need squashing. And as my stepdaughter, you�ll make an excellent adversary.

Kitana: What if I refuse?

Shao Kahn stands up.

Shao Kahn: Careful, Kitana. Even you are not immune to punishment.

Shao Kahn stands behind her and picks up a spear, placing it against her neck. Gently he strokes her cheek.

Shao Kahn: It would be a shame to harm this face�

Kitana looks at her face in the shiny spear, rolls her eyes and sighs.

Kitana: When am I to leave on this "errand"?

Shao Kahn takes the spear away.

Shao Kahn: Immediately.

Without looking back, Kitana strides down the steps and away. Shao Kahn sits down and sighs.

Shao Kahn: Send her in.

Two guards drag a struggling MILEENA in. She is a female fighter wearing an outfit similar to Kitana�s black one, only pink. Her hair is coarse and tangled and from where she is standing, we cannot see her face. Her voice is raspy and hoarse.

Mileena: Why am I here?!!! Leave me be!

The guards leave her.

Shao Kahn: Ah, Mileena! It�s been a long time.

Shao Kahn stands up.

Mileena: Too long, Emperor.

Shao Kahn: Are you prepared for your task?

He walks down the steps to her.

Mileena: Yes, send me now! It is a job I long to do!

The camera turns and we see Mileena�s face - it is grotesque with bulging lines and tall long fangs growing from her mouth.

Shao Kahn laughs and walks around her.

Shao Kahn: Still impetuous, I see.

Mileena: It�s a skill well shown.

Shao Kahn: Clearly uncontrollable and self serving: qualities that have got you in trouble before.

Mileena: Just fulfil your end of the bargain, I�ll do just fine, you�ll see-

Shao Kahn stops.

Shao Kahn: BARGAINS?! I DON�T MAKE BARGAINS! Do you understand? DO YOU?!

Mileena cowers.

Mileena: Yes, Shao Kahn.

Shao Kahn: Good. Hold her.

The two guards return and hold Mileena. Shao Kahn slides the spear past her and she watches it. The image of Kitana appears in its reflective surface. Suddenly the image floats off the spear onto Mileena and she becomes Kitana. Mileena stares at her reflection in the spear. Shao Kahn laughs.

Mileena: My face!

Shao Kahn: My new daughter!

She shakes the guards off her and goes closer to the spear to look at herself.

Mileena: I doubted that this could be done! I am beautiful!

Shao Kahn pulls the spear away.

Shao Kahn: For the moment. Fail and I take it away.

Mileena: Let me remain this way, I will do anything!

Shao Kahn puts the spear down and looks at her. It is his dream to hear Kitana say that.

Shao Kahn: Anything? (to himself)It�s truly amazing. (to Mileena) Just kill Kung Lao!

He goes up the steps and then turns back to her.

Shao Kahn: My warrior has injured him but he�s yours to finish. Go.

Mileena bows and leaves.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Vorpax stands in a black hooded cloak in front of Shang Tsung.

Shang: Her name is Mileena?

He walks around her.

Vorpax: That�s what my spies tell me. Really pretty clever, using Kitana to get to Kung Lao.

Shang: It must never happen!

Vorpax: What? I thought you�d be thrilled. Kung Lao finally dead!

Shang: 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!

Vorpax: Me? How do I-

Shang Tsung whirls round and grabs Vorpax by the throat. She chokes.

Shang: 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.

He releases her and she slowly walks away. As Vorpax leaves the cavern, she turns round for a second.

Vorpax: Shang Tsung, trying to save Kung Lao�s life? Now I�ve heard everything.

Cut to the Trading Post, Zhu Zin.

The door to the Trading Post slowly opens and someone steps in and shuts the door. All we can see is their boots but we can guess that it is Mileena in the disguise of Kitana.

Siro sits at the breakfast table putting a new arrow in his crossbow. Taja stands fiddling with her herbs.

Siro: Any better?

Taja: Sleeping.

Having spotted some movement in front of him, Siro grabs the cross bow firmly.

Taja: Siro?

Siro stands up and points it at Mileena who instantly puts her hands up. He recognises her as Kitana and jerks the cross bow away. Mileena claps her hands and walks up to them.

Mileena: Well done!

Taja: Kitana!

Siro: I might have shot you!

Mileena: No, but you would have been ready had I been the assassin.

Taja: You know?

Mileena smiles and puts her hands on her hips.

Mileena: Oh, we still have a few friends at the Palace. Shao Kahn has hired the killer.

Taja: So this is the Emperor�s doing.

Mileena: Yes, and I doubt he�s going to stop at one attempt. You may need some help protecting Kung Lao until he�s well.

Mileena walks round the table.

Siro: Do you know the ninja who attacked him?

Mileena: No. But if Shao Kahn risked an open assault on Kung Lao, he will have sent one of his best.

Taja: You got that right.

Siro: I started to track him but I did not want to leave Taja and Kung Lao.

Mileena: Well, you can now. I�m here for Kung Lao.

Taja: Well, do you really think that-

Mileena: 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.

Siro: She�s right.

Siro grabs a water bag and prepares to leave.

Taja: Be careful, Siro.

Siro: I will. (to Mileena) It�s good that you�re here.

Siro leaves. Taja turns to Mileena.

Taja: He�s got a good point. The way you fight�where are your fans?

Mileena sighs.

Mileena: I left in such haste, I forgot to bring them! How bad is he? May I see him?

Taja: He looks bad but he�ll be all right.

Taja shows Mileena out of the room.

Cut to Kung Lao�s room.

Kung Lao lies in bed. The door slowly opens and he looks up. Taja enters.

Taja: It�s just me. And a little get well present, straight from Outworld.

Mileena enters. Kung Lao sits up, sees "Kitana", and smiles.

Taja: Well, I�m going to go out on watch. I�ll leave you guys to catch up.

Mileena: Thanks.

Taja: Thank you for coming.

Taja leaves. Mileena walks towards Kung Lao.

Mileena: It�s good to see you again.

Kung Lao: How did you know to come?

She walks to his bed.

Mileena: I heard. Seemed like a good time to return a favour.

Kung Lao: But it�s not safe! What if Shao Kahn finds out?

Mileena gently pushes him back down.

Mileena: Let me worry about him.

Kung Lao: I�ve been thinking about you a lot since last time.

Mileena sits on the bed.

Mileena: Me too. I�m here to take care of you. I�ve brought some special oils to help with your healing. A little bit of rest and my help, this will all be over soon.

Kung Lao: Thank you, Kitana.

Mileena smiles. She strokes Kung Lao�s face once.

Mileena: Get some sleep.

She gets up and leaves. Kung Lao sits back, looking just slightly confused.

Cut to Mileena coming down the stairs into the courtyard. As she walks through the courtyard, she passes Taja.

Mileena: I�ll be back soon.

Taja stops and follows her.

Taja: Where are you going?

Mileena: I need some things for Kung Lao�s healing.

Taja: Herbs? I�ve got tons of them, take a look.

Mileena: No, I�m certain you don�t have what I need.

She walks out of the door. Taja catches up.

Taja: Wait!

She puts her hand on Mileena�s shoulder. Mileena stops.

Taja: Isn�t it dangerous for you to be out here if the Emperor may be watching? Just tell me what you need and I�ll go.

Mileena: I�ll go myself! (she pauses and lightens her tone) Thank you, I�ll be careful.

She walks away into the market. Taja pauses for a moment, and then goes back inside.

The Market, Zhu Zin.

Mileena walks through the market admiring the stalls. She stops at a stall selling silk. The shop keeper smiles at her and gestures for her to have a look. Mileena picks up a pretty silk and admires it. Suddenly two men walk round her, admiring her. Mileena smiles and drops the silk. They immediately drop down to pick it up for and she leaves.

Cut to the main square in Zhu Zin. Vorpax stands on a balcony, watching the scene below. She catches sight of Mileena in the outside part of the tavern and smiles. Mileena is sitting at a table with a waitress giving her order. Mileena takes a long gulp of the drink and holds onto the waitress� tray, telling her not to leave. After a long gulp, she finishes the drink and drops it on the tray.

Mileena: I�ll have more of this.

Waitress: Yes, ma�am.

Mileena goes back to her food of she already has seconds of waiting for her. Vorpax slips in and sits down at the other side of the table. Mileena starts eating hungrily and then looks up at Vorpax.

Vorpax: Earth Realm does have its delights.

Mileena: Which I will enjoy alone. Go away.

Vorpax: But if I do, I�ll only be leaving you to your own destruction.

Mileena: Who are you and what do you want?

Vorpax: Oh, just a friend with a warning for you.

Mileena: Warning? About what? You know nothing about me!

Vorpax: But I do, Mileena. I know why you�re here.

Mileena: You better stop talking in riddles and make some sense or I may have a warning for you!

Vorpax: I was sent by someone with great powers, one who knows how Shao Kahn treats his loyal subjects.

Mileena: Who?

Vorpax: The name�s not important but the message to you is. Once you kill Kung Lao, you�re as good as dead too.

Mileena: Like I said, you know nothing. Not about the agreement I have with the Emperor.

Vorpax laughs.

Vorpax: 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.

Mileena: Well maybe I�ll replace the bitch�s princess.

Mileena takes a drink. Vorpax laughs.

Vorpax: There is only one person in all of this who is replaceable.

Mileena: What would your friend suggest? I mean, how do I defy the Emperor?

Vorpax: No problem. Tell him you can�t kill Kung Lao; he�ll believe you. If it were easy, Shao Kahn would have succeeded long ago.

Mileena: It would only buy a little time.

Vorpax: 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?

Two guys walk past their table and wolf whistle at them. Vorpax smiles.

Vorpax: You�ve only begun to sample the pleasures�

Mileena: I think our talk is over, *messenger!*

Vorpax: And when your job is over, so are you. Think about what I suggested or return to Outworld to be shunned and ugly. Or to be killed.

Vorpax gets up and moves away. Mileena sits in silence, drinking her water.

Cut to the Trading Post. Taja sits on the courtyard balcony with the cross bow. She hears footsteps and points her weapon at the shadows. Mileena emerges, carrying a bowl of something. Taja lowers her bow.

Mileena: I thought you might like this.

She hands the bowl to Taja.

Taja: Thank you.

Taja starts drinking. Mileena leans over the balcony.

Mileena: I�m glad you�re on guard with me. We have to be ready in case Siro misses the assassin.

Taja: Where will you be stationed?

Mileena: With Kung Lao.

Taja yawns.

Taja: Oh, excuse me, I didn�t realise how tired I was.

Mileena: Tension can be exhausting.

Taja takes another sip. Mileena straightens up.

Mileena: Well, I better see to Kung Lao.

She walks back to the other end of the balcony. Suddenly we hear the chink of a bowl hitting the ground. Mileena glances back and smirks.

Mileena: Sleep well.

She leaves. We see Taja slumped against the wall, drugged.

Cut to Kung Lao�s room. Kung Lao is sitting on the bed. Mileena stands in front of him at a table, fingering her bottles of "healing" oils. She picks one up with her left hand.

Kung Lao: I�m feeling much better. You really don�t have to go to all this trouble.

Mileena: It�s no trouble, Kung Lao.

In her right hand, she picks up a dagger and smiles at it. Behind her, an unsuspecting Kung Lao gets into bed.

Mileena: It�s my pleasure!

Mileena turns round, hiding the dagger behind her back. She walks to the bed.

Mileena: Do you need help removing your shirt?

Kung Lao: I can do it.

Mileena sits down on the bed. She places the dagger and the bottle on the footstool beside the bed.

Mileena: Here. Let me.

Mileena helps him off with his shirt and pushes him back down onto the bed. She leans over and straddles him above his waist.

Kung Lao: Are you sure Taja�s ok alone?

. Mileena: I�m close at hand.

She leans down and picks up the bottle. Mileena pushes all her hair to one side and then unscrews the bottle.

Mileena: Relax, she�ll be fine.

Mileena pours some oil onto Kung Lao�s chest. He winces. Mileena puts the top on and leans right on top of him to place it down on a chest behind his bed. She puts her face close to his.

Mileena: Take it in, feel it working!

Kung Lao: Nice�

Mileena pulls back and starts to massage the oils into him. Then she leans back on top of him again.

Mileena: It�s best worked in deep�

Kung Lao looks away.

Kung Lao: Kitana!

Mileena strokes his face.

Mileena: I�m simply offering pleasure for you�

She kisses him on the lips and secretly picks up the dagger from the footstool.

Mileena: �and for me.

Kung Lao rubs his face against hers. Mileena raises the dagger.

Kung Lao: Kitana�you�re so beautiful�

Mileena suddenly opens her eyes. Her hand holding the dagger starts to shake.

Kung Lao: You�re so beautiful�

Mileena closes her eyes and goes back to kissing Kung Lao passionately. The dagger drops to the floor. Outside, Vorpax turns away from the curtains, smiling.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the following morning. Taja enters Kung Lao�s room. She is shocked to see Mileena standing, putting on her glove.

Taja: Oh-I didn�t realise you were in here!

Suddenly Taja realises what has happened. Kung Lao rolls over on the bed.

Kung Lao: Kitana�

Taja: She�s here. And so am I. I guess I didn�t expect this.

Kung Lao moans a bit. Taja looks at him concerned.

Taja: Are you all right?

Kung Lao: A little dizzy�

Mileena quickly walks back to them.

Mileena: It�s normal. You�re not used to the oils.

Suddenly she spots the dagger on the floor in open view and quickly kicks it under the bed.

Mileena: But they�re doing their job.

She turns to leave.

Taja: Where are you going?

Mileena: To freshen up. (to Kung Lao) You rest. I�ll check in on you a little later.

She leaves. Taja turns to Kung Lao.

Taja: How could this have happened? What were you thinking? (she smiles and sighs) Never mind.

Cut to the Trading Post staircase to the courtyard. Mileena is going down the stairs. Taja follows.

Taja: Kitana!

Mileena stops and turns round.

Mileena: Yes?

Taja: Look, it�s pretty obvious what went on in there. This is not what should be going on.

Mileena: Are you certain of that?

She turns to go down a few more steps. Taja follows.

Taja: Yes! He�s weak, he needs rest - not that!

Kitana: I�ve relaxed him, Taja. And I�m surprised at you. I never thought you�d be jealous.

Taja: I�m not jealous! But I do care about him and it�s obvious he�s gotten worse. You can see that.

Mileena turns to go down and suddenly stops. Her hand flies to her mouth and she groans. She doubles over with pain as she tries to go down a few more steps. She braces herself against the wall and stops at the bottom of the steps.

Taja: Kitana, what�s wrong?

We see that her long fangs have grown back. Mileena puts her hand to her mouth, feels them and stares ahead with horror.

Mileena: (raspy voice) Nothing! Nothing, I�m fine.

She runs out.

Taja: Kitana, wait!

Taja dashes down the stairs and watches her go, confused.

Cut to Outworld, the Emperor�s throne room. Two guards deposit a balled up Mileena at the foot of the stairs. She has completely reverted back to normal: her pink costume; her matted hair; her bulging forehead� She curls up on the steps, rocking back and forth.

Mileena: Emperor, please don�t kill me! Send me back! I promise I�ll kill him this time.

Shao Kahn slowly moves down the steps and sits down beside her.

Mileena: I will, I�ll do better! Please, please spare me, I just need a little bit more time.

Shao Kahn: Were my instructions unclear?

Mileena: No, Emperor! No�

Shao Kahn: Yet he still lives.

Mileena: He�s stronger than we realised. Even after he fought your warrior.

Shao Kahn raises his head, pretending to understand her, humouring her.

Shao Kahn: Ah! But the oils you were given should have made him weaker.

Mileena: They started to but I must go slowly�

Shao Kahn: Ah.

Mileena: - what if his friends become suspicious?

Shao Kahn: Your concern should be with my suspicion.

He sighs.

Shao Kahn: You were chosen because you know how to kill. That and only that, deviate from that plan and you will suffer.

Mileena: Yes, Emperor.

Shao Kahn gets up and walks up the steps past Mileena.

Shao Kahn: You�ll return and finish him.

Mileena: But how when I look like this?!

Shao Kahn sighs loudly.

Shao Kahn: Restore her.

A shadow priest walks towards her and raises his cloak over her. When he moves, we see that she has turned back into Kitana again. The shadow priest hands Mileena a small bottle.

Shao Kahn: The oils were prepared stronger this time, to weaken both mind and body.

Mileena: I�ll kill him, Shao Kahn. I swear on my life.

Shao Kahn: Then don�t delay. And if I feel you�re taking too much time, I�ll make good on your oath.

Mileena glares at him, gets up and leaves. Shao Kahn watches her go.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the Trading Post. Mileena opens the door and enters.

Cut to Kung Lao�s room.

Mileena is rubbing the oil into a lather with her hands.

Mileena: Feeling better?

Kung Lao: A little.

She massages it onto his chest.

Kung Lao: Kitana, what happened last night?

Mileena: Was meant to be. And can happen again. You want that as much as I do, don�t you?

Kung Lao: Kitana�

They move in to kiss but are disturbed by the door opening. Taja enters with a tray. She doesn�t look to pleased to see Mileena there and in that particular position. Mileena moves off Kung Lao and sits upright on the bed.

Taja: Brought you some soup. (to Mileena) There�s more downstairs if you�re hungry.

Mileena: Thank you. (to Kung Lao) I�ll see you soon.

She gets up off the bed and walks out, shooting Taja a glare as she leaves. Taja puts the tray on the footstool and sits down on the bed.

Taja: Something�s not right. Kitana�s acting very strange. You must see it.

Kung Lao: You mean because she and I�

Taja: 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�

Kung Lao: She said she could handle it.

Taja: But can you? OK, this is none of my business but do you really think this is a good time to "start a relationship" with her?

Kung Lao: Sometimes things happen that we can�t control.

Taja: And that�s what concerns me. You�re not fully in control here.

Kung Lao: And my friends are helping me. You, and Siro, and Kitana in her own way.

Taja: Well, I�m glad for that. But I do think there�s something very wrong here.

Kung Lao: I know you�re worried. So am I. But not about Kitana. She may be the only friend we can count on.

Cut to outside the Trading Post. Mileena leans against the wall, staring into the distance and pondering her fate. A hooded figure comes up behind her. Mileena gasps and whirls round to see only Vorpax.

Mileena: You again.

Vorpax: How is he?

Mileena: Alive.

Vorpax: And so are you.

Mileena laughs.

Mileena: Barely. He summoned me back, angrily at the delay.

Vorpax: Yet you�re here. What happened?

Mileena: I lied.

Vorpax: And well, it seems. See, you can do it. You can deceive the Emperor and live.

Mileena: But for how long? This has got to end sometime.

Vorpax: Some time.

She turns and walks to Mileena�s other side.

Vorpax: Meanwhile, enjoy yourself. (she smiles) I saw you.

She pulls Mileena�s face towards her.

Vorpax: A *beautiful* face can bring a lot of pleasure. Keep going. Remember, as long as he lives, so do you.

She turns and leaves. Mileena sighs.

Cut to the Trading Post, Kung Lao�s room. Kung Lao lies in his bed. Sweat pours down his body as he shakes, lost deep in a vision/nightmare. He sees a large orange portal opening and then we see him falling to the ground in his previous battle with Rain. He sees Shao Kahn laughing and then the huge four-armed monster from his first vision attacking him again.

Shao Kahn: (dream) Kill Kung Lao.

We see shots of the four-armed monster beating him again from his viewpoint and shots of Shang Tsung and Kitana.

Kung Lao: (dream and voice over) You�re so beautiful�(beautiful echoes)

We then see the monster again, circle round the Black Tower and finally we see a shot of Mileena, fully fanged, looking up at someone. (Shao Kahn from earlier in the episode.)

Kung Lao sits bolt upright, gasping with fear. Mileena rushes to his side.

Mileena: Kung Lao! It�s all right, I�m here, you�re safe.

Kung Lao: What?

Mileena strokes his face.

Mileena: Just a dream. Just a dream.

Kung Lao: But a very strong one.

He slowly starts to calm down.

Mileena: Tell me. Tell me.

She gets up, strokes his hand and then walks back to her table.

Kung Lao: Everyone was dead. And I couldn�t help them.

Mileena: You fear for those you care about; what would happen if you were gone.

She pours some oil onto a compress of some kind.

Kung Lao: The fear was just so real.

Mileena: It�s the fever. It�ll pass.

Kung Lao: But when?

Mileena: Patience.

She walks over to his bed and applies the compress to his forehead. She strokes his face again.

Mileena: I�m here for you, for as long as it takes.

Kung Lao: Thank you.

Mileena smiles. She moves off the bed and over to the table. She then turns round, picks up the mirror and admires herself.

Kung Lao: You�re so beautiful�

Cut to the Trading Post, Mileena�s room.

Mileena comes out of her room, locks the door behind her and walks away. As she disappears into the distance, Taja steps out from the shadows and heads towards the door. She tries to open it but finds it locked.

Taja: Not very trusting, are we? This isn�t Outworld, Kitana.

Taja picks up a lantern from the wall. Using the light to see what she is doing and the lantern�s hook to pick the lock which she places in the key hole, she manages to pick the lock and open the door. She blows out the candle and walks through the door.

Cut to inside Kitana�s room. Taja steps inside and looks around. She has a look at some of the jewellery then puts it down and walks over to the oil table.

Taja: Kitana�s magic oils�

Taja picks up one bottle, places it down and then picks up another. She lifts its lid and smells it.

Taja: Mmm�

After sniffing it again, she places the bottle down on the table. But as she tries to put the lid back on it, she accidentally knocks the bottle over and its contents spill onto the table.

Taja: Oh, damn!

She picks up the bottle and scoops most of the liquid back in it with her hands. After putting the lid properly back on it and putting the bottle down, she rubs the remaining oil in her hands, massaging it to a small lather. Suddenly she doubles over, coughing, and with her hand clutched to her throat. Short for breath, she looks at the oil on her hands, dashes over to the fish tank and washes the liquid off in that.

Recovering, she dries her hands and looks back at the fish tank. The fish are suddenly floating upside down on top of the water. The oil has killed them instantly.

Taja: My god! Oh my god!

Taja drops the cloth, grabs the bottle of oil and dashes out.

Cut to Kung Lao�s room. Mileena reclines on the bed beside him. She bends over and kisses him, then reluctantly moves off him and off the bed as Taja bursts through the doors clutching the bottle.

Taja: This is poison!

Kung Lao: What are you talking about?

Taja: Her precious oils, they�re poisoned!

Mileena: (sceptically) What?

Kung Lao: How do you know that?

Taja: When I rubbed them 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.

Kung Lao: You�re wrong, Taja. Why isn�t it affecting Kitana?

Taja: I don�t know. Maybe because she isn�t human!

Mileena laughs this off. Taja glares at her.

Taja: But I swear, this is poison!

Mileena: You may be right! The Emperor has spies everywhere; they may have tampered with the oils. But you know that I would never harm you.

Kung Lao: Of course.

They stroke hands for a while. Mileena turns away.

Mileena: If it�s true, it means he knows that I�m here.

Kung Lao: Then you�re in danger!

He starts to get up but she gently pushes him back down.

Mileena: Perhaps. But I will deal with that. Your safety is what matters now. And because of Taja, your life may have been saved.

She leaves.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines, Outworld. Vorpax enters to bring her news to Shang Tsung who stands in the middle of a cave.

Shang: Is Kung Lao dead?

Vorpax: No. But Mileena�s been warned.

Shang: So I still have time.

Vorpax walks down to him.

Vorpax: Less and less. You know this can�t last, especially now. Eventually, she�ll have to kill him.

Shang: Unless she is the one to die.

Vorpax: Yes. I�ll gladly do it.

Shang: And expose us to risk. Shao Kahn would tear the empire and Earth Realm apart to find who killed his assassin.

Vorpax: How then?

Shang Tsung turns away and smiles.

Shang: There is still one card I haven not played.

Cut to a small ruined building. (yep, the usual one)

Siro enters, still tracking Rain. He bends down to the ground and has a look at a few leaves that have been disturbed. The assassin has obviously come this way. He walks into the middle where he bends down and examines another pile of leaves. Suddenly lightning flashes and Rain appears behind him.

Rain goes into a flying front kick as he leaps to the ground, hitting Siro in the chest. Rain ducks under Siro�s left circle strike and then side kicks him five times with his right leg without putting the leg down and then right axe-kicks him. Siro reels back and tries to right spin hook kick him but Rain evades it by jumping back onto the platform. Siro moves forward and tries to sweep him off it but Rain back somersaults over the kick and then drops into a lying down position to evade Siro�s higher left roundhouse kick, jumps up to evade his left hooking kick and spins to the other end of the platform.

Siro jumps up and tries to right punch him; Rain blocks and grabs Siro�s arm, twists it and then right uppercuts his chin. Rain ducks Siro�s left circle swipe and his returning left circle strike, then puts Siro in a headlock and kicks Siro in the face with his back right heel. He then tries to twist Siro�s arm and dislocate his shoulder but Siro rolls out of the hold and gets to his feet. Rain growls. He rushes forward and tries a left circle strike which Siro ducks under. He then moves away from Siro�s left hooking kick, ducks down and crawls between his legs. He lies down and as Siro whirls round to look for him, goes into a shoulder stand and kicks his chin. Siro falls off the platform. Rain kips up. Lightning flashes.

Siro dashes forward. Rain hops off the platform and is hit by Siro�s left hook. Siro then tries to right punch Rain; Rain grabs his arm, jerks it down, turns his back on Siro and reverse elbows him in the stomach. He turns Siro around and right front kicks him in the face. Rain lets go off his arm and Siro stumbles back. He recovers and does a left spinning hooking kick which Rain evades. Rain then moves forward and goes into a back somersault, uppercutting Siro with his feet as he rotates. As Siro barely manages to stand, Rain does a tornado kick knocking him to his knees.

Siro tries to right punch Rain but Rain grabs his arm, twists him around and forces him into a front somersault. Siro recovers and, holding onto Rain�s arm, pulls him down, forcing the ninja into a one handed front flip. Rain turns round and tries to right flying roundhouse kick Siro, who ducks under the kick. He then right tornado kicks, left hook kicks and right flying roundhouse kicks Siro to the ground. Siro falls way way back. Rain flips, cartwheels and rolls forward until he meets up with Siro and then, jerking Siro down, knees him in the gut.

Rain ducks under Siro�s left circle swipe, right punches him in the face, and right flying spinning hook kicks him Siro reels back. Rain grabs him by the shoulders, head butts him, then drops himself to the ground, flinging Siro over him (tomo nage). As Siro tries to get up, Rain moves forward and jumps over him, kicking one back foot onto his face to send Siro back to the ground.

In the background Kitana appears and throws a fan at Rain. The fan lodges in his uniform. Kitana holds her other one, ready to throw it too. Moaning, he slowly pulls it out and turns around.

Kitana: Rain?

Rain: Kitana!

Rain throws the other fan to the ground, flutter kicks to the ground and flips out of the building. Kitana lowers her fan. Siro looks up at her from the ground.

Siro: How did you know to come here?

Kitana: I received a message.

Siro: From?

Kitana looks down.

Kitana: Someone unknown. It was a warning that an Outworld warrior had come to Earth Realm.

She picks up her other fan and then helps Siro up.

Siro: The warrior I fought?

Kitana: Yes. His name is Rain.

Siro: One of Shao Kahn�s killers?

Kitana: Not always. He�s Edenian. I�ve known him for thousands of years. We were close once but he was seduced the Emperor - offered power and a place of importance for turning on his own people.

Siro: He�s hurt now. I�ll keep after him. You should go back

He turns to leave. Kitana looks confused.

Kitana: Back?

Siro turns round.

Siro: To the Trading Post for Kung Lao.

Kitana: What happened to Kung Lao?

Siro: You�ve been here, you know what happened.

Kitana: Been here? No, I just arrived!

Siro: What? You�ve been nursing Kung Lao!

Kitana: No, I haven�t!

Siro: What�s going on? Is he safe? Is Taja still guarding him?

Kitana: Siro, I haven�t seen Kung Lao!

Siro: Then who�s with him?

Kitana: We have to get to the Trading Post now!

Siro: Go ahead. I�ll come as quick as I can.

Kitana leaves.

Cut to the Trading Post. Mileena sits sunning herself in the courtyard. Kung Lao slowly walks up behind her. She turns round and gets up.

Mileena: Kung Lao! You shouldn�t be up.

She helps him into her chair.

Kung Lao: 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.

Mileena moves behind him and starts massaging his shoulders.

Mileena: Yes, of course. I knew you would heal. You�re young, you�re strong�

Kung Lao: Mmm�that feels good.

Mileena: And soon all your pain will be gone!

She pulls a sai from a boot, wraps her arm around his neck to stop him from moving, and raises the sai high. Vorpax enters and smiles knowingly at her. Mileena looks up and then back down at Kung Lao. She falters and lowers the sai.

Cut to Outworld, the Emperor�s throne room. Shao Kahn looks up.

Cut back to the Trading Post courtyard. Lightning flashes.

Mileena: Shao Kahn, no!!!!

The lightning strikes her and she puts her hand to her mouth, feeling the fanged teeth. Mileena is changed back to almost what she was before. Her costume is pink, her teeth are hanging out of her mouth, but the rest of her face and hair is still like Kitana�s.

Vorpax quickly leaves and the real Kitana takes her place. Kitana opens up her fan and Mileena looks up.

Mileena: You! I will destroy your face forever!

With her fan raised, Kitana backs out into the Zhu Zin square. Mileena dashes after her and front somersaults over Kitana�s outstretched fan. She ducks down and pulls her two sai out from her boots. Mileena brandishes the sai and twirls them around her in a complex form, eventually thrusting them both at Kitana, who blocks them with her two closed fans and left front kicks Mileena. Vorpax steps out onto the balcony and watches the fight, laughing. Kitana spins round and blocks Mileena�s sai with her left closed fan, then moves forward and blocks another thrust but Mileena�s sai has hooked round the fan and with a swift motion, Mileena throws Kitana�s fan to the side.

As Mileena approaches her with both sai twirling round her, Kitana opens up her other fan and Mileena�s two sai hook themselves right through the holes in the open fan and Kitana throws them away and right side kicks Mileena. Kitana then ducks down and tries to slash Mileena with her fan but Mileena aerial cartwheels over it and somersaults to the right over Kitana�s returning sweep and right front kicks Kitana in the back. Kitana falls forward and lands in a forward roll, dropping her fan. Mileena goes into a guard position.

As Mileena spins forward, Kitana backflips but as she lands, is right backhanded in the face. She leans against some boxes for support and then right hook kicks Mileena in the face. Mileena falls to the ground and goes into a forward roll. She gets to her feet. Mileena right roundhouses and then right aero roundhouses her but is then hit by a butterfly kick and falls to the floor.

Mileena right hook kicks Kitana and tries to right punch her but Kitana right vertical blocks her, pulls Mileena down and right front kicks her in the gut and then right axe-kicks her to the ground. Mileena is on her hands and knees. Kitana goes into a back flip, uppercutting Mileena�s chin with her feet as she flips. Mileena gets up and Kitana aero-roundhouses her and goes into the splits. Mileena lies on the ground, unmoving. Kitana kips up and goes to finish her off with a right axe-kick but suddenly they are both instantly transported through a portal to Outworld by Shao Kahn. Vorpax laughs.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Shang Tsung sits on a chair, his forehead leant on his hands as he concentrates. Vorpax enters.

Vorpax: He lives.

Shang: Yes. I sensed it.

Vorpax: And how does it feel, saving your enemy�s life?

Shang: I feel relief at saving my own.

Vorpax: Odd though, isn�t it? Using another who despises you like Kitana to keep Kung Lao alive.

Shang Tsung finally looks up.

Shang: Need can create strange alliances.

Vorpax leans over his chair.

Vorpax: (flirtatiously) Like ours.

Cut to the Emperor�s Throne Room. Shao Kahn sits in his chair with Kitana and Mileena before him.

Shao Kahn: Well, you�ve been busy.

Kitana: I did what I had to-

Shao Kahn stands up furiously. Lightning flashes.

Shao Kahn: YOU�LL SPEAK WHEN I�M READY!!!

Kitana falls silent. Shao Kahn turns to Mileena.

Shao Kahn: And you! I saved you from death at Kitana�s hands for a reason. And 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!

He throws a pink ninjitsu mask at her feet.

Shao Kahn: Cover yourself!

Mileena drops down and grabs it.

Shao Kahn: For eternity. Take her.

Two guards take Mileena out. Shao Kahn slowly walks down the steps until he is face to face with Kitana.

Shao Kahn: You were in Earth Realm�

Kitana: Serving you.

Shao Kahn: How serving me?!

Kitana: By exposing that fraud masquerading as me. She was sent to Earth Realm to kill Kung Lao. And since you are forbidden to harm Kung Lao by the Elder Gods, I knew you had no hand in it. It was a plot against us both.

Shao Kahn: I see, and who was behind it all?

Kitana: That I don�t know.

Shao Kahn: 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?

Kitana: Commend me. And guard against it happening again.

Shao Kahn smiles.

Shao Kahn: Dare you give me orders, Kitana?

Kitana: No, Emperor. Only advice.

She turns and leaves.

Cut to the Trading Post. Kung Lao leans against the wall of the courtyard. Raiden appears behind him.

Raiden: Beautiful night. Some what romantic.

Kung Lao: Not now, ok, Raiden. I�m not in the mood.

He sits down on the steps.

Raiden: You all right?

Kung Lao: I�m feeling better.

Raiden: Funny way of showing it.

Kung Lao: I need time to think.

Raiden: Ah. To think.

He sits down beside Kung Lao.

Kung Lao: A lot went on here.

Raiden: You learnt an important lesson. Things are not always as they appear, are they?

Kung Lao: No. They aren�t.

Raiden: 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.

Kung Lao: I thought she was Kitana.

Raiden: Well, of course you did. She was perfect! Except for maybe the fangs�the bulging forehead�

Kung Lao: Stop it, ok?

Raiden: And that lizard skin�

He makes a disgusted face. Kung Lao glares at him.

Kung Lao: Damn it, Raiden, I didn�t know!

Raiden: Yeah, and when you found out, whew! Talk about rolling over in the morning after a bad night at the tavern!

Kung Lao: I don�t have to listen to this.

He starts to get up but Raiden pushes him down again.

Raiden: All right, all right, I�ll stop.

Kung Lao: You sure you�re done?

Raiden: Promise.

Kung Lao sighs.

Kung Lao: I�m worried about the real Kitana. Shao Kahn might try to kill her.

Raiden: She�s survived so far.

Kung Lao: I hope she can again.

Raiden: As do I.

Kung Lao: I need some rest.

Raiden: Kung Lao - one more thing, it�s important. Exactly how long were her front teeth?

Kung Lao finally bursts out laughing. Raiden laughs and disappears. Smiling, Kung Lao heads back inside.

End credits.