Love & War: Splintered Timelines
Chapter 9: What Would You Thinking?
Riana's House
Chris woke up with medkit bandages across his body. His right eye was swollen and has a icepack on his face. The first person he sees is Kristina looking over him.
"What the hell were you thinking?"
A strong sense of embarrassment loomed over him.
"Look, Chris, you know I respect you because you're military, but that was the stupidest thing you've ever done!"
"Look at it this way," Erron began, as his injuries weren't as bad as Chris's. "You got more guts than I give ya credit for."
"There's a difference between bravery and stupidity. And Chris crossed it when he took on Shao Kahn. He's damn lucky to be alive."
Chris knew Kristina was right. With that epiphany, he teared up. He thought of Melody and what her thoughts would be had she knew of his critical mistake that nearly cost him his life... again.
Meanwhile, Riana and Syzoth were conversating about the earlier situation while Zinnia, Aemon & Nymeria were playing in a nearby lake.
"I can't believe you and Ermac fought your duplicates," said Riana.
"We are still puzzled of the encounters," Ermac said.
Erron and Kristina approaches them.
"How is he?" Syzoth asked.
"He's stable," Erron answered. "In tremendous pain, but stable."
"Melody will have a field day if she finds out about this," Kristina said worryingly. The kids came out of the lake.
"Is Chris ok?" Aemon asked.
"He'll be fine," Riana told him. "It's Melody I'm worried about."
Just then, Ennis and Kiawe arrived with Bryan, Nash and Azril.
"What's going on?" Nash asked.
"Guys, (Riana gathered everyone around.) Chris was once again in a struggle with Shao Kahn.
"I thought he's dead," Nymeria said.
"He is," Syzoth replied. "At the Koliseum, a sandstorm covered the area. Before then, Erron, Ermac and I were observing the execution of a Naknata."
Riana added," I saw Shao Kahn firsthand. Chris came to us at Azril's Cafe, explaining to us that his kids back home could be in danger."
"Shao Kahn's mysterious return is a cause for alarm," said Azril.
Chris came out.
"How are you feeling?" Bryan asked.
"Like I got my ass kicked by Tyson."
Chris," Kristina went to him. "Sorry for giving you shit about earlier."
"You were right, but Shao Kahn attacked me, wanting to prove my claim from almost 30 years ago wrong. I realized that Melody will grill me for it."
"Maybe."
"If you speak to her, she'll understand," Nymeria said.
"Easier said than done."
"Can you return home?" Syzoth asked.
"I'm afraid not, Syzoth. My armband was destroyed in the process."
"I have an idea," Riana got up. "Come with me to Kotal's palace. He'll be able to transport you back home."
"I must report to Sub-Zero," said Azril.
"What for?"
"He is currently preparing to take down the Cyber Lin Kuei again. He requested me to join him."
"I thought the Cyber Lin Kuei was destroyed."
"Sektor returned..."
Everyone looked at each other in worry...