It rained and shined, it glimmered and brighten. The skies endlessly shifted into different phases.
In these days many tasks were handed out to most of Kotal's allies and forces. Naiya had only participated in solo quests, and as much as she would want to spend some time with Erron. She knew what had been going in his mind, a man like him who seemed all over the place - lingering around her essence. She understood that she was a bottle of irresistible charm, the little part of Edenia to which she was from. But no one should be so feral around her even if they wish to be close.
Besides from such incompetent observations. - Just like any other morning; waking up, dressing oneself and preparing for a sufficient hunger - awaiting in the meeting room. The orange colors peering inside the open room. Long table and stone walls. Kotal Kahn stood tall as ever. The Emperor awaiting for settlement on his fellow forces and allies. Naiya was the last one to enter the room. All eyes seemingly catching up on her. She kept herself looking insecure like a dying swan in a bitter pond - hands tightly onto one another, avoiding to see reactions she could feel from her surroundings.
"Late, Naiya." Kotal called out. His stance almost still like a statue.
"I apologize, Emperor." No explanation, but a sincere, petty sorry. She sat in an empty, brooding chair of stone. Now eyes up front, awaiting for a start of words.
"There has been many complaints from people of Outworld - most shopkeepers and families has been robbed of - Jewelry, money and food. This would only mean that one creature is responsible."
"Kollector." Called out Erron. Putting two and two together. Naiya raised her brow in confusion. Why would they immediately assume that it could be this 'Kollector' creature? She was so naive. Naiya still had so many things to be known to. Being the Emeperor of Outworld would come with many problems and known enemies. "Is there any proof of this?"
Kotal looked over. "Yes, many of our people have witnessed that it was an Nakadan creature - six arms." He replied, it was only a statement from people. Witnesses are witnesses. No one really knew if this Kollector had been nearby. And being too near in a place of where the Emperor would be is a bit dangerous and petty. Naiya scoffed.
"I don't believe that this thief; who seems to be well known, would risk being taken in or killed. Perhaps it is just another thief." Naiya addressed. She smirked.
"I reckon he's - desperate?" Erron suggested.
"Or perhaps, a mockery to you?" Called out Reptile who was indeed unnoticeable to Naiya. She ignored most of the other forces of Kotal's. Deception was an inner gift from this Reptile creature.
Kotal had the look dim annoyance. But he had let their words be given to him. "I have word that he may reside back in his home-world: Nakada." Kotal Added. "
"What is the significance with this - Kollector?" Naiya asked.
"He was Shao Kahn lackey. Steals from Outworld's people, the poor, and is a bigger threat as I remain as Emperor."
"I see. And you seek to execute him?" She asked.
"Correct." Kotal replied. Constant questions warping into her mind. But knowledge was the best medicine for her right now. She had felt like this was a big task to take on. As history was a blur to her over the years of being imprisoned for such a long time.
"This is not a time to let more threats do whatever they please in Outworld. I need Kollector in custody. Erron, perhaps you may tend to this sort? Reptile? You two." The Reptilian snarled in agreement and the cowboy leaned over.
"Sounds 'bout nice. Why don't I and... Naiya capture this freak? She's holding out on most tasks, and I reckon she's best on .. helpin me out there." Erron took a glance at Naiya who kept a stiff facial expression; stiff and a bit overwhelmed from such invitation to a risky and high quest. Capturing some participate of a tyrant years ago. It was a dangerous opportunity to be part in but she needed to be confident, strong and faithful for her damaged soul.
"Very well then. Perhaps have Naiya visit Nakada as she is an unknown ally to Outworld. Nakadans will only see her as a - wanderer. When our threat is found. Capture him and bring him to me."
"That is all." Kotal Kahn exited the room with his fellow guards behind him. The room took an instant feeling of uneasiness, at least to Naiya. As she rose from her seat, the Reptilian descended into the outside sun. Erron swiftly rising up from his seat as well. But of course he had to speak with her. His direction sharply towards her.
"I sure hope you're ready baggin this creature." He exclaimed. His hand leaning against the stone table. His direction concentrated on her. Naiya had an unsure facial expression. Her body feeling limp. She scoffed and laughed nervously. "I will be honest. It's- quite overwhelming. I find myself to be strong. W-I've had experiences through dangerous times and yet .. I'm uneasy?" Her words felt more open to what connected to her feelings.
"You're..scared?" He simply replied.
"No... I suppose I'm excited. In a more concerning way." She smiled in reassuring herself. But a hit of confidence hit her.
"When are we starting this quest?" She asked. They started to move as Erron started to head out of the meeting room. Long hallways and corridors was what only surrounded them. Naiya had followed his way until there conversation would end.
"Nighttime. We should actually get goin. Nakada is a long way to go." He replied as he headed towards someplace else instead. He walked into a faster pace as Naiya's mind was trying to gather where There direction was heading. He knew but she didn't.
He stopped - a door to which he opened. A dark room with colours of beige, brown and copper. Not much light source was placed inside but a tall, narrow window in the middle of the room. Covered and blocked by rags to be imitated by absent curtains. It was all Naiya could see. Perhaps if she had entered properly her mind would discover more. But it was his room, his chambers. In an instant she felt slightly unwelcome and awkward to be placing herself into someone's area.
Erron glanced at her, a noticeably hesitant body language to which he red immediately. "Come on in, you ain't waiting out there like a dog." He addressed sarcastically. Naiya nodded and slowly entered. Now with full observation. It was a room with warm lightning. A strong smell of tobacco and gunpowder lingering in the shallow air, many bottles of alcohol and most importantly: his guns.
"This is your room?" She said.
"This is where I sleep, fer' sure. Where I keep most of my stuff." He said. Erron's hands were busy handling on his weaponry. Checking them, examining their insides. Ammo, durability and which one to bring. Naiya soaked in his words and wondered inch by inch inside his room. Glancing at everything that could interested to plop her eyes around. So many odd things to seek upon. Her eyes caught a rusty jar of coins. Gold coins, it looked like ones on the very bottom were soon turning dim and grimy. A closet; of his clothing. Naiya quickly passed her view off of it and on to another. His guns stacked up on the walls like trophies.
"May I ask you something, Erron?" She called out. Her hands behind her back. She faced him as she sat down onto a chocolate-coloured leather sofa, she had hoped it was okay to make herself comfortable and wondered if . Busy with his handling; he replied with a "Mm?" For confirmation that he was listening.
"How long have been working along side Kotal Kahn and the others?"
"I reckon bout ..12 years now.."He replied in a dim tone but it was just a simple answer to her question. "Goddamn I'm gettin old." He said to himself in a sardonic tone. A laugh as you would say, a laugh to something saddening. Naiya listened to his low comment to himself. She then remembered their personal conversation of getting to know one another at the pub a month ago. She titled her eyes at him.
"That's not too long. Time is the only thing that grows old. Until one day we perish. And yet, time will still continue to grow old. We won't. We really don't." Naiya drifted off. Her words overlapping and mixing into something confusing? Erron looked at her for a long second, attempting to grasp her words. "Heh, what are you on bout?" He asked. A slightly awkward and confused
"I-I'm - Sorry I have gone drifting into a poetic - turn." She giggles softly. Erron looked back at her and laughed in return of hers. He finally equipped his rifle and his choice of firearms.
"Well, we better get goin'. As I said before, Nakada is long ways ahead." Naiya immediately risen up from her seat and prepared herself. "Of course, no more conversations. Let's go!" Erron walked in front and opened the door of his room. He gestured his hand in a manner of gentleness.
"Ladies first." He said. Naiya scoffed but smiled sweetly.
"Thank you." Letting herself through and back out in the sunlit corridors was all there was until a long task was awaiting to be served.