Baraka: Mileena‘s Loyal Partner in Kombat and Konquest
As a fellow hybrid sharing Tarkatan essence, Baraka has a special bond with Mileena built on bloody kombat, ruthless ambition, and mutual understanding. While the exact nature of their relationship remains ambiguous, these outcasts come together as deadly allies serving Shao Kahn‘s will in the brutal world of Mortal Kombat.
A Partnership Forged in Blood
As Shao Kahn‘s sinister creation, Mileena found her place in Outworld secured by her skills as an vicious assassin and scheming master of deception. Similarly, the vicious Tarkatan warrior Baraka established a reputation for unrelenting violence by leading his savage race into bloody battle for the emperor.
Baraka quickly became Mileena‘s most loyal ally, drawn to her ruthless ambition. In turn, Mileena came to appreciate Baraka‘s savage strength and mercilessness. Some speculate this kinship stems from Mileena‘s Tarkatan DNA – she views Baraka as a true brother-in-arms. However, others believe Mileena‘s flirtatious behavior reveals romantic affection for her tusked partner.
Their true bond lies not in passion, but in spilt blood. As the emperor‘s assassins, Mileena and Baraka forged a relationship through violently enforcing Shao Kahn‘s rule. When called upon, the Tarkatan hordes surge into battle with Mileena as their secret weapon. None can match her stealthy tactics, beguiling deception, and flesh-rending sai strikes.
A Konquest to Claim Outworld‘s Throne
With Shao Kahn slain, Mileena and Baraka shared ambition to claim his throne. Most recently in MK11, after usurping Kotal Khan‘s rule, Mileena ruled Outworld as Empress with Baraka commanding her guard. Though her reign was cut short by Kotal Khan‘s rebellion, Mileena continues scheming to regain the throne with Baraka loyally at her side.
In many alternate MK endings and timelines, Baraka and Mileena assume control over Outworld together. Consistently displayed as Baraka‘s "Queen", Mileena relies upon her Tarkatan ally to enforce her claim through bloodthirsty conquest against all rival factions in Outworld.
Their shared goal overrides other concerns – Mileena‘s secret insecurities regarding her grotesque Tarkatan features seem irrelevant to the warlike Baraka. Meanwhile, her affections distract Baraka from fully unleashing his savage nature, focusing him as her top enforcer and bodyguard.
The Depth of Their Bond Awakens the Fans
While some dismiss Baraka as a rage-driven beast, MK fans debate the true depth and implications of his connection to Mileena. Does brutal warfare side-by-side foster mutual respect? Or do their shared outsider experiences reveal legitimate affection? Let‘s analyze some key evidence.
||Proof of Respect | Evidence of Love|
|-|-|-|
|Aligned Goals | Conquering and ruling realms together | Flirtatious intro dialogues suggest intimacy|
| Similar Outlook | United in violent enforcing of Shao Kahn‘s will | Touching gestures in non-canon game endings |
|Ongoing Loyalty | Tenacious partners across various timelines | Shared ending seeing them rule Edenia as King & Queen |
Ultimately, it remains unclear whether Baraka views Mileena as a respected combat ally, attractive potential mate or both. From proudly proclaiming "She is Mi‘lady… not yours!" to attempting to "win her heart", Baraka acts as Mileena‘s foremost defender and suitor.
By the Stats: Franchise Favorites Destined to Kombat Again
Collectively, Baraka and Mileena rate among the top 10 most played MK fighters in competitive play and online rankings. Mileena tops the list as the #1 overall fan favorite among MK‘s 80+ kombatant roster. As shunned outcasts and otherworldly oddities in Outworld, Baraka and Mileena‘s shared connection resonates deeply with fans.
As two of MK‘s playable characters since MK2, they will undoubtedly return for future sequels and new timelines. Their missing presence was noted by fans during MK11 prior to arrival via DLC. Ed Boon and NetherRealm fully recognize fan demand for this dangerous partnership.
Popularity Power Rankings
||Baraka|Mileena|
|-|-|-|
| MK11 Pick % | #7 (8.94%) | #1 (11.35%)
| Online Wins | #8 (51.8% W-L) | #3 (55% W-L)
| Franchise Poll | #8 | #1
Data sourced from MK Online, Pro Kompetition Zone, Gamestat
The Beauty and the Beast – Bonded by Blood
In the end, Baraka and Mileena‘s bond centers on shared savage fury aimed to destroy their enemies and conquer realms. United by bloody kombat and Tarkatan essence, each finds purpose in serving Shao Kahn‘s will and claim to the Outworld throne. They forge ahead violently enforcing their claim as the emperor‘s rightful heirs.
Is theirs a relationship built upon respect? Affection? Or simply convenience towards ruthlessly acquiring power by any means? The depth of Baraka and Mileena‘s connection remains tantalizingly unclear – an alluring blood-soaked web for fans to untangle with each new twisted chapter of Mortal Kombat.
