Chapter 10: The storm approaches

I let loose my lunch for a third time as I made my way out the arena. I couldn't believe that all happened. I expected something would go wrong, but nothing like that.

I didn't really change anything. Only Shao Kahn lost a hand and Kung Lao died in a horrible way.

As I leaned against the wall for support, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Looking over, I saw it was Mileena.

"James? Are you ok?" She asked, looking concerned.

"I'm fine," I replied. "I just wasn't expecting any of that."

She nodded. "Yes, my father's loss was a shock. But that weak Earthrealmer got what he deserved."

No. He didn't deserve that fate.

We entered the throne room, where Shang Tsung was standing with the others.

"Nice of you to join us," Shang Tsung said as we approached them. "Now we can get started."

"Get started with what?" I asked.

"Choosing Outworld's new leader."

"Isn't that Mileena?" Said lady beamed at me, and even purred when I pet her.

"Yes," Baraka agreed. "Mileena is Shao Kahn's heir, she should rule."

"Mileena?" Shang Tsung scoffed. "She lives because of my sorcery."

"And you breathe because I restrain mine!"

We all turned to Shao Kahn with a bandaged hand and chest along with Quan Chi.

"Father!" Mileena said in astonishment.

"You live!" Goro exclaimed as everyone bowed. Except for Shang Tsung.

"I am not so easily killed," the emperor explained. "Quan Chi accelerated my recovery."

"Emperor, I-" Shang Tsung began.

"Not. Another. Word," the emperor growled. "Because of you and your lackey, Outworld can no longer merge with Earthrealm."

Lackey?

"There may be an alternative, Emperor," Quan Chi spoke up. "Invasion."

"Invasion?!" Shang Tsung replied in surprise, before Shao Kahn silenced him.

"Do you mock me? Sindel's ward prevents me from setting foot in Earthrealm."

"Have you considered why your wife and empress chose to betray you in this particular fashion?" Quan Chi questioned.

"Of course. But even after millennia, her motives are a mystery," Shao Kahn answered as he moved towards his throne while we all stood up.

"She realized that the safeguards afforded by the Elder Gods through Mortal Kombat are but fiction," Quan Chi explained. "She sacrificed herself to give protection the Elder Gods could no. So Earthrealm could not suffer as had Edenia."

"Indeed," Shao Kahn grunted as he sat down.

"I have mastered the spells necessary for her resurrection. Her ward will be nullified. And with it the barrier that prevents your entry into Earthrealm. I will return you to her of course. You will find her much more ...cooperative."

"This is a very magnanimous offer," Shao Kahn mused.

"I wish only to serve, Emperor."

"I am weary of sorcerers, Quan Chi. Prove your worth. Bring her to me."

"At once, Emperor," The sorcerer bowed, before turning to the leaving.

Shao Kahn turned his attention towards us, "and as for the rest of you. Prepare for battle."

"Yes, Emperor."

"And you boy," he pointed at me. "You will use your knowledge of events to guide my army. And this time, make sure it ensures victory."

Hesitantly, I nodded.

"Yes, Emperor."

"What am I going to do?"

I paced back and forth in my room, trying to find any way to fix the situation.

As my thoughts wandered, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me.

"Hello Mileena."

I felt her rest her chin on my shoulder. "How are you feeling James?"

I turned to face her, "to be honest, I don't want to enter a war with Earthrealm."

"Well, at least when father wins, we'll be together."

"Yeah," I said absentmindedly. "Together."

Chapter 10 has arrived!

Hope everyone's ready for Thanksgiving.

Just to let you guys know, I'll be on a cruise Dec. 17, and I won't be back for about 8 days. Gonna be spending a lot of time with family.

Until next time guys.

This is the EZ-GMR,

logging out.