Nine Tailed Mutant Legend

CHP 21: Prisoners of the Netherealm

Entering back into the temple walking down the hall, Sasuke looks in time to see the Dark knight turn the corner. Shrugging his shoulders he follows, not having any idea on what else he could be doing. The whole state of affairs involving the invaders frustrates him completely. If it were up to him Naruto would have been dead on first sight; but killing his old friend at this time wouldn't make much sense. If there is a way to win against these guys, it will take all they've got. But afterwards maybe than he'll receive a battle to the death against the leaf village ninja. Stopping at the entrance to the infirmary he whistles getting Batman's attention.

"Come on in, you can have a seat over there if you'd like." Bats says lifting the cowl from his face.

It didn't take him more than thirty minutes to shower and redress from the events which occurred prior. It's funny to think that in some way he was raped by his own teammate, but at the same time it was pleasuring! This is something he would not share with Superman, or any of his closes allies. This cracks his top ten of most awkward moments without a doubt. Sitting down he picks up where he left off with the blood analysis.

"Stop me if I'm wrong, but it would seem to me you're the one in command on how we're going to attack these guys. So you mind telling me why we're going to try and rescue a few of your allies who have been captured first?"

"Why wouldn't we," Bruce turns from the equipment looking over at Sasuke, "It only makes since to recruit as many fighters as we can."

"But if they were captured in the first place, they're probably useless; I say we just forget them and focus on the task at hand."

Sitting back Bruce takes a deep breath, but regrets doing so almost instantly grinding his teeth together. The cherry taste of Zatanna returns reminding him of his earlier pleasure. Shaking the thoughts off he maintains his composure.

"That's interesting you say that, especially given the fact you were a prisoner of theirs. However I do understand your point; but I've worked closely with one of the persons we're trying to get back. He'll help our odds."

Sasuke finally takes a seat in a far corner of the room.

"So will we proceed after you're finished with what you're doing?" Sasuke asks.

"We'll wait till the morning, I want to make sure everyone going has full energy. This mission will require three or four of us. On another note no one is in command."

He doesn't agree with waiting but Sasuke doesn't question the decision made. As much as he'd love to attack the invaders straight forward, a little more help couldn't hurt their chances.

"So who is your sensei and or master?" Bats asks mixing together a few chemicals, "I figure you and the blond kid have some history."

Looking over the expression Sasuke gives him; hints he doesn't want to talk about it for whatever reason. Turning back to the beakers he measures carefully not wanting to make even the slightest mistake.

Shrine

Quan Chi gathers up a lot of equipment boxing them in certain area's of a back room. Ermac comes in behind him just watching; what is the sorcerer up to now? He wants to ask but decides to continue watching. Looking over his shoulder the sorcerer notices Ermac, but does not stop what he's doing.

"Mind telling me what's going on? Why are you packing things up; you aren't trying to skip town are you?" Ermac asks.

Lifting and setting things within a specific corner there is no reply. Pulling out a large role of Tape Quan Chi tapes some of them shut. After doing that he turns to Ermac.

"I am doing nothing of the such; the boxing of all this is incase things don't go according to plan and we have to make a quick escape."

Netherealm

Vision is a blur, but that doesn't matter; where in the world is he? Given the immense headache thinking back is difficult; trying to stand feels almost impossible. For the moment nothing is clear except for the verity he was in a fight; one he undeniably lost. Forcing himself up using the strength within his arms he sits back leaning up against a stone cold wall.

"Good to see one of you has finally awoke. Judging by the way you're dressed, I'd say you're from another realm."

Shaking his head while rubbing his eyes begins to bring his vision back. The voice in no way sounds familiar; it has been a long time since he's ever been through anything as this, one bad situation after another non stop. Now being able to see clearly brings a chill down his spine observing the laser prison bars which hold them in the small room. This must be the work of the invaders!

"You're a quiet one, do you have a name? Word is you were brought in from earth realm along with your buddy over there. But I wouldn't doubt if you weren't even from there."

Arching his back up against the wall he takes a deep breath stretching out his muscles.

"I go by Spiderman, and yes you're correct I'm not from this dimension. You said something about them bringing me from earth realm; if so than where are we now?" Spiderman asks standing.

Walking over to one of the laser bard windows he looks up into a red sky not liking that at all.

"I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you lad, but we're in the nether realm; also known to many as a living hell."

Spiderman's eyes widen at the mention of hell. Wow a lot must have occurred while he was out; now he finds himself even further away from home. Looking over in another corner of the jail cell he finally realizes Jax was captured along side him still unconscious.

"So who are you supposed to be, if you ask me I'd say you haven't seen sunlight in quite some time," Spidy looks over his pale skin feeling a bit sorry for the inmate, "How long have you been a prisoner?"

Walking past Spidy he takes a seat on one of the bunk beds. It isn't known if the question offended or aggravated him in some way; but there is clear emotion displayed across his face. Seeing as the laser bars to their cell shuts off, both watch a 7 ft plus creature step into the small space. Lifting the top off a pot, the prison guard dumps water all over the face of Jax awakening him.

"Listen carefully you jail scum, in ten minutes you will be released to the working fields located out near the magma mountain with the rest of your cell block."

Not saying another word he disappears from the entrance way just as the laser bars reappear.

"I've been a prisoner for over 700 years now; by time you have spent a couple years you'll get use to this place just as I have. Only those with a speck of evil in their heart can exist within this realm."

"Well isn't that unfortunate for me, I positively have no thoughts of hate anger or evil running through me. Sounds like someone has made a mistake bringing me here." Spidy says.

Is it possible that he could have evil in his heart? It's something he never put much thought into, until now it was never really an issue. Why is he even thinking about this, of course there is no evil present within him; who's to say this prisoner isn't just lying. Removing some of the water from his face Jax stands taking a seat over in a corner of the room.

"I don't know about the two of you but I think we should begin plotting on how we're going to escape." Jax says.

The pale inmate snickers at what is said. The two of them may not understand yet, but no one can possibly escape this reformatory.

Earth realm

Returning back to the castle is a squad of invaders who have completed their night sweep of the area. Hearing their presence Azun enters from a back room to greet the squad.

"Are we getting any closer to the whereabouts of the leaf village ninjas? What they posses is vital to our master's plan." Azun informs.

"No, but I have a good feeling where they might be hiding it out. If they are in any way smart they won't return to that Shalion temple."

"Good thinking, I guess we will have to pay that place a visit real soon indefinite."

Smiling wildly Azun is almost certain that's where they will return to. Lately things have been to easy. The people of this world couldn't be more predictable as far as what he believes.

"You're all free to rest for the remainder of the night, I don't want any of my men over working."

Sasuke watches Batman finish on what is left of the antidote. In the back of his mind he knows this probably won't be a permanent cure for her condition; if only he had access to his equipment back in the cave. Regardless this should stabilize her for now; good thing he made extras. Standing up from the chair he lifts the cowl back over his face.

"If you're planning on getting any sleep at all, I'd do it soon because we'll be starting early tomorrow. I'm sure if we find the man Liu Kang mentioned called Quan Chi, we'll also find Jax and Spiderman."

Sitting in place Sasuke doesn't follow Batman out of the room, looking around at all the utilities. It's strange but deep within him he feels sick to his stomach! Why is he teaming with these frail unit of fighters, he's probably better off on his own. Before heading up to his destination Batman undresses out of the bat suit into his regular clothing. Traveling down the many halls and stairs, Bruce enters into the room where Zatanna still lays asleep tied up. Maybe tying her up wasn't necessary, but he didn't want any chances of her waking and doing something else uncalled for. Walking over to the side of the bed he removes the piece of cloth from her mouth lifting her arm. Pin pointing a certain area he stabs the needle into her arm injecting the fluid.

"Ouch." She mumbles.

Narrowing his eyes, he hopes she doesn't react to what he had done to her earlier watching the last of the fluid disappear. Pulling the needle out of her, he sets it off to the side.

"How do you feel?" He asks feeling a bit discomfited.

Looking up she smiles moving around a bit.

"I'd feel a lot better if you'd untie me." She says giggling.

Is she trying to mess around with him? They both know she can get out of the rope easily on her own. Reaching down to untie her, he stops seeing as she gets out of it herself with two words. Bruce bends down picking up and handing over her panties. She slides into them looking away from him.

"You can return to the room with Naruto, I'll get these sheets cleaned. What just happened earlier is something you and I will never discuss; it may be hard but just try and pretend it never happened."

Looking down on her she looks back up at him frowning. It's no surprise she would disagree with his judgment. He backs up a bit feeling as though she might slap him.

"That's it; you're just goanna tell me to pretend this all didn't happen!" She yells sitting up on her knees.

Moving forward he places both hands on her shoulders.

"I'm going to ask you to lower your voice. Look I don't want things to be weird between us, it's best if we forget this. Besides you weren't in your right mind."

Sitting back she shrugs him off crossing her arms pouting somewhat.

"I can't believe I actually have feelings for you, if this had been Selina I bet you'd be doing just the opposite. What am I not pretty enough for you?"

Stepping forward to speak he stops realizing what she had just said! She has feelings for him, and this is with her completely stable. Perhaps the serum hasn't passed throughout all of her body; but looking down on her it's obvious she is in full control back to her normal self. The mention of Selina only makes things worse, causing sweat to run down the side of his face. Yes of course he's had a clue she had a soft spot for him, but he had no idea she'd come out straight forward like that.

"What's wrong Brucie, cat catch your tongue. God help whoever you want to be with, she's in for a huge surprise."

Looking away from her he thinks staying quiet. His silence calms her nerves, maybe for a change he's taking her opinion into consideration. Walking toward the exit he looks over his shoulder.

"We'll talk about this later." He tells.

"rood esolc."

The door closes and locks in front of a now uptight Bruce. Why is she doing this, couldn't this wait till later there're more important things going on than the two of them.

"I'm not asking you to do anything, I just want to talk. Please don't walk away, this won't take long if you collaborate." Zee tells.

Turning back around he walks over having a seat at the end of the bed.

"Lets make this quick, you have fifteen minutes to ask me whatever you want." He tells giving into her command.

The thing which plays in the back of his mind is the night she tried to come onto Parker. Yes she nor Spiderman had a clue he was awake, but the fact of the matter is he heard everything from the moment she entered the room. The magic headphones she placed over his ears were made to keep him asleep, if he had been; she should have set it to block out all sound. Regardless of that, he decides not to bring it up.

Netherealm

Out on the field Spidy smashes the shovel into the sturdy ground, his super human strength makes it easier for him to dig. The prison guards didn't explain to them what they're digging for; but it wouldn't surprise him at all if this was just an exercise.

"So Jax got any bright ideas; perhaps we can try and make a run for it on the next break. If you ask me they seem to drop their guard more." Spidy suggests.

Jax continues digging watching a few guards pass by, he wonders how much they get paid for this job. They hardly ever take an eye off of any of them, if they're to try and escape now wouldn't be the time.

"Why don't you ask me again later, right now we wouldn't even have a chance. Say we were to try and run and they don't see us on first sight, I'm almost positive we'd be caught just as quick."

The wall crawler shakes his head stabbing his shovel into the ground with even more force this time. Taking a look around himself he sees why Jax said it wouldn't be a good idea, the security is very tight.

"If I were you two I'd forget trying to escape, it's pointless really. I'm goanna be honest with you, in the past we've had about 6,000 prisoners try and break out and none of them were successful on getting far."

Hearing this extra information puts even more doubt in the back of his mind. It seems there only chance of getting out of this place is if somehow their friends can figure out where they're located. The heat the area generates makes it hard for anyone to work or even focus.

"Ten minutes till break." A guard tells.

Taking a break from digging Peter takes off his mask wiping the sweat from his face taking a deep breath.

Shalion Temple

Zatanna continues talking with Bruce almost coming to a close. She tries to explain to him that while under the influence of whatever that was, she still had some control therefore it wasn't completely a lie. But remembering back on her encounter with Azun, brings doubts to her mind. Whatever was done to her had a physical as well as mental affect on her.

"Now that we've gotten this out of the way I hope you're satisfied, remember that this stays between you and I."

Shaking her head informing him he has her word, Zee lays back. Resting his hands on the cover tops, he stares at her for a few moments but doesn't know why. Standing he begins his way toward the door. Not getting far she moves over grabbing him by his wrist.

"What about a goodnight kiss." She teases giggling.

He pulls away from her smiling walking toward the door.

"Get some sleep Zee, who knows what'll happen tomorrow."

She nods watching him exit through the front door. How she wishes he could give himself up, she's probably better off moving on. It almost seems he's destined to end up alone. Getting downstairs he runs into Donatello and Mikey who have just stepped back inside.

To Be Continue