What If... Venom Stayed Evil? (The Cheated Kombatant) (Male Reader)

Chapter 21: Securing the Throne

Inside of the Shokan palace in Outworld. Kitana stands before Queen Sheeva, who is seated on a giant throne that seems a bit small for her.

Sheeva: You are passionate, Princess Kitana. But... I am not persuaded.

Kitana: Queen Sheeva, haven't your people fared better under Kotal Kahn than Shao Kahn?

Sheeva: In some ways. But we can only guess which Kahn will prevail in this struggle. We gain no advantage, choosing sides now.

As she talks, two Shokan guards escort Liu Kang and Kung Lao into the throne room.

Liu Kang: Princess!

Kitana turns to face him.

Kitana: Liu Kang? Why are you here?

Liu Kang: Kotal Kahn has been captured by the Tarkatans. We must act quickly, before he is executed.

Upon hearing this news, Sheeva rises from her seat.

Sheeva: My people will not rally to a Kahn held in chains.

Kitana motions to the Shaolin Monks.

Kitana: We have Earthrealm's support, your Highness. With yours, we can guarantee victory.

Sheeva: There is no path to victory without the Tarkatans. If they can be swayed to Kotal Kahn, it would be to our advantage to join him.

Kitana: I will return, Queen Sheeva, with the Tarkatans at my side. Together we will march on Shao Kahn. In the Tarkatan campsite, the Kollector, flanked by two Tarkatans, walks past a prisoner cart. The Tarkatans are dragging the unconscious body of Kotal Kahn behind them by his feet. The cart is opened up and the Tarkatans unceremoniously dump Kotal in the back. The door slams shut as Kotal wakes up and pulls himself up to his feet. Next to another cart full of prisoners, Shao Kahn stands with Skarlet. They both watch two more Tarkatans dragging a struggling Jade into a nearby tent and start walking to the tent themselves.

Shao Kahn: What is it about Jade's blood that intrigues you, Skarlet?

Skarlet: Edenian blood is most sweet, your Excellency. It is also a rare commodity.

Behind them, the carts of prisoners begin to ride off. Shao Kahn stops and turns back to the carts as Skarlet walks into the tent. On cliff overseeing the Tarkatan camp, Kitana, Liu Kang and Kung Lao step to the edge, alongside some Outworld horses and a couple of Kotal's scouts. They look out across the camp, easily spotting the large procession of Shao Kahn's forces and the prisoner carts they escort.

Liu Kang: Where are they taking him?

Kitana: To the Koliseum, no doubt.

Kung Lao: Then we attack now.

Kitana: We'll never sway Baraka to Kotal's side by taking the offensive. We must turn Baraka first, then attack Shao Kahn together.

Below them, the cart with Kotal loaded in it leaves the campsite.

Kung Lao: The Tarkatans won't grant an audience. Their instinct will be to attack.

Liu Kang: Not to mention Jade. At the first sign of trouble, they could kill her.

Behind Kitana and the monks, the Outworld scouts saddle up on their mounts.

Kitana: I have an idea.

In the Tarkatan camp, A male warrior sharpens his arm blade on a grindstone. Another flexes his blades as a human would with his arms. Another mounts an Outworld steed. Many more stand guard wielding pikes, ready for trouble. One suddenly turns his head and snarls. Two Outworld soldiers - both male with well toned physiques and wearing face concealing masks - escort a captured Kitana through the campsite.