Kotal knew he had no choice. He awoke Jade to tell her of the portal that had appeared in the sea. "I've already looked through it, the portal is a way out, a way home. I will take you there if you wish."

Jade looked at him confused. "That mark on the horizon?" She got to her feet, her hand placed across her pregnant belly. "I believe I can swim there."

"I would not put you or our child at risk," Kotal said, looking at the roof of their hut. "I will ferry you the location." He went about disassembling part of their hut to make a raft large enough for Jade to lay comfortably.

Jade sat on the beach, with her legs crossed, simply observing Kotal as he pulled wove together large leaves that were once their roof. "If you insist."

For a moment Kotal wondered if she was angered by his course of actions. But he finished the raft anyway. He could easily reassemble the roof as needed. "Here, take my hand."

Jade nodded and smiled. She placed her hand to Kotel's cheek as he helped her on to the raft. "You are truly a wonderful man. You could have left me, but instead, you trusted my love."

"Was this is a test?" he asked, as he positioned himself at the front of the raft to pull the device using a piece of bent wood he left as a handle.

"If it is a test, it is not of my doing," Jade replied. "Which is why I am grateful we will face it together."

Kotal had no choice but to believe her. Still, the question remained, what would they do when faced the portal?

They did not need to wait long to find out.

Kotal pulled her to the glowing, diamond-shaped, 'rip the fabric of time'. It was clear what was on the other side; the lavish gardens of Edenia.

Jade sat up, leaning in to get a better look. "Wow, it truly is Edenia." There was a light and happiness in her voice.

Kotal held her hand and together they touched the soothing light of the portal. It truly felt like home.

"Grab them!" shouted an army of voices.

As soon as the couple approached hands reached out to pull them through without their consent.

"Ow!" Jade cried as her shoulder hit the marble tile floor.

Kotal, reacting on instinct scooped her up in his arms. They were in the beautiful castle gardens of Edenia, surrounded by Kitana's royal guard. He deeply regretted arriving naked and without his sword.

Luckily he could hear the sound of Kitana's footsteps approaching. (If not Kitana then some other female wearing heels.)

"Kitana, what is the meaning of this?!" Kotal asked with head bowed (since she was still the queen.)

Kitana approached and lifted his chin. She took a moment to look into his eyes as if making sure the man before her was, in fact, Kotal Kahn.

"I know it's been a while, your highness." He locked eyes with Kitana who appeared genuinely apologetic.

"Sorry, Kotal, I was told that there was activity at the portal, so I assigned guards to pull through anyone who approached." She reached for a blanket to wrap Jade and Kotel's nude bodies.

They had left behind their armor, supplies, and clothing, so Kotal was grateful for the chance to cover up.

Kitana showed the couple to the guest bedroom. "I can get you some clothes if you wish to join me for dinner. If not I will send up some food and drink. even if you don't wish to stay here. I do hope you will spend the night."

Jade took a seat on the bed as Kitana left the room. "It is nice here," she said with a sigh.

"Do you wish to stay?"

"Like Kitana said, we can stay for the night before making a decision."

"Yes, the night." The words echoed in Kotal's mind. What would become of him in this realm? Would he suffer the same nightly 'involuntary transformation'? Only time would tell.

That evening they joined Kitana for dinner. Jade wore a long robe-like dress that did nothing to showcase her figure. Kotal was given garments that looked like something a guard would wear. But he assumed there was just very little clothing on hand for someone of his size. They enjoyed a meal of meat and vegetables while Jade and Kitana talked. Kitana wanted Jade to have the baby in the castle. "I can send for a doctor, you will be well cared for."

Jade was polite and promised to give the offer some thought.

As soon as they retired to the room Kotal stripped naked to bathe before bed. There was a decent sized tub and he expected Jade to join him at her leisure, but Jade went straight to bed in her robe. She looked warm and comfortable, so much so that he couldn't help but cuddle close to her. "Purrrrr."

"Did you just purr?" Jade asked with a chuckle.

Kotal's pressed his lips to her ear. As he took a breath he could feel the pressure of massive teeth growing in his mouth. A layer of black fur was forming over his skin. His muscles were becoming thicker, and then there was his tail. His jaguar tail seemed to have a mind of its own.

His tail wrapped around Jade's thigh, spreading her legs. It stroked itself down her naked pussy causing her to moan.

Kotal pressed his chest to her back, holding her close. His clawed hand opened her robe to reveal her naked form. "Do you fear me?" his voice was becoming deeper, animalistic. In a matter of moments, he would only be able to roar.

"No, my love." Jade leaned her head back as she reached between her legs for Kotal's throbbing cock. In his jaguar form, his cock was larger, thicker- just begging for a warm place to fuck. "I want you."

Kotal penetrated her slowly, moving in and out, only a few inches at a time. His mind was desperate to stay in control, but his body had fully transformed.

Jade gripped his hand, lacing her fingers through what was now Kotal's paw. His claws were sharp enough to tear through flesh but Jade's level of trust was truly inspiring. she moved his paw to her breast, coaxing him to grip her soft supple skin. "I want you to fuck me hard, make me your woman."

"I will only go slow," he said in a voice that was too animalistic to be discerned. "You have always been my woman; my heart, treasure, my love." Each word came out as a breathy roar. His muscles felt tight. His heart was pounding in his chest as his fur covered body enveloped Jade in a loving embrace.

He could feel the softness of her skin against his abs. He penetrated her deep, moving his hips slightly to make her moan. In his current form, even the slightest touch caused Jade's muscles to tense.

Her back arched as she gasped for air. But it was clear to Kotal, his lover was holding back.

With one hand gripping Jade's breasts, he placed his other hand on her inner thigh and began to thrust with the entire length of his jaguar cock.

Jade turned her head, burying her face in his shoulder.

Kotal could feel her opening and closing her mouth, sucking on his fur.

But even with a full mouth, she was moaning, crying, "Yes, by the Gods yes!"

It was then Kotal shot his load, orgasming over until his cum ran down Jade's trembling thighs.

"Yes, Kotal, my love, my prince," she moaned as she was in the throes of seemingly endless orgasm. "Please, hold me."

Kotal did as she asked. With his spent cock inside her, he continued to massage her body. His fur receded, and muscles slowly transformed back into human form.

Jade turned to kiss him on the lips. "That's my good kitty."

Kotal smiled a genuine smile which turned to a laugh. "Only for you, my love."

"I do love to see you smile," Jade said as she traced her finger along his jawline. "We have both come so far in this life." Jade smiled as she lay blissfully in Kotel's arms. "I think it's time."

"Time?"

"Our baby wants to meet his father," as Jade spoke, she did not appear to be in any sort of pain.

"What do you need?" Kotal had witnesses births in battlefield and warzones. The women always needed something, whether it be medicine or just something to grip onto. But not Jade. He placed his hand to her chest, massaging her clavicle, to feel the rhythm of her breath.

"That feels nice." Jade started to breathe deep and slow, as clear liquid oozed from between her legs. With just a few pushes a dark head was visible. "I need you to wake Kitana."

Kotal was unsure if he wanted to attempt that in his current state of undress. But if he could open a portal to her bedchamber, perhaps that would be less awkward. He placed one hand upon Jade's belly, he could feel the baby's movement. There was something about the raw emotion of the moment, suddenly he was faced with Kitana who was staring at him through a glowing lavender portal.

Kitana's eyes were wide. She wore a simple white sleeping gown as she rushed to her friend's side. "Jade?"

"I think the baby is coming, but it needs help," Jade said as she reached for Kitana's hand. "Both of you."

Kitana seemed unsure so Kotal took the lead. "Kitana, position the baby and massage Jade's body to ease the pressure."

And while Kitana did that, Kotal stroked his fingers along Jade's hips down her thighs. There was a sound coming from Jade's body- a small, 'meow.'

With gentle hands he brought his child into the world; a perfect little boy with fur the color of night, cat ears and a tail.

The wet little boy was shivering so Kotal grabbed a nearby pillowcase to wrap the little child's body. The more he shivered, the more the baby started to look 'human.'

Kotal stroked his finger to the baby's cheek as his skin turned a dark caramel color. The baby looked so much like Jade, he couldn't wait to place the child in her arms.

Then the little boy lifted his hand to meet his father's.

The sight of his tiny hand gripping Kotel's finger drove him to tears. "Hello, my love, my Ahuatzi."

"Ahuatzi?" Jade asked. "Is that Osh-Tekk?"

"It is Aztec, an Earthrealm culture that paid homage to my people. I believe the word means small tree. As a child, I trained for battle by attacking trees, punching, and kicking until I was left with nothing but pain. And through pain, I would find strength. But that is not what I want for our son. I want our child to grow like a tree, to gain strength from knowledge and self-esteem."

"I think it's a beautiful name." Jade placed her hand with Kotal's. "And you will be a wonderful father."

"So what's the plan?" Kitana asked. "Do you want to go back to the island? I'll miss you but I certainly can't stop you."

Jade looked to Kotal. "I would like some time to enjoy my family, but I would also like our son to know all this life has to offer."

Kotal nodded. "I would have to agree, we shall return to the island to raise our child until he is of age to attend school."

"I will set the portal to open at that time," Kitana said with a smile. "Four years?"

A Kotal stood mesmerized by Jade's beauty, the little boy opened his green eyes. At that moment, Kotal knew he had truly found happiness. "Better make it five."