Chapter 2: Real Purpose

Muli stood behind Mileena as they stood on the bridge of a war-torn city. The two watched as the soldiers from Earth Realm opened fire on outworld warriors as well as the creatures Shao Kahn kept. Mileena chuckled at this slaughter before the sound of a gun being cocked was heard to his left in which he turned to see two more soldiers.

"What are you two doing here?" Stryker asked making Muli narrow his eyes.

"Looking for more toys to play with," Mileena answered before removing her mask for a split second to show her tarkatan teeth only to slip her mask back on.

"Not on my watch," Stryker replied while aiming his gun at Mileena.

The next thing he saw was a hand going for his face forcing Styker to quickly duck his head and roll to the right and look up to see Muli standing there.

"You have a good reaction speed...for an earth realmer," Muli complimented while slowly turning his head to look at Stryker.

Soon enough, Muli was shot from behind revealing Stryker's partner Kabal. Sighing heavily, Muli turned and looked at Kabal who had emptied his entire magazine into his body but watched as the bullets were slowly begin pushed out of his body while the wounds healed.

"What the hell are you?" Kabal asked as he began to reload his gun.

"A cursed warrior," Muli answered before making his way toward Kabal leaving Mileena and Stryker to fight one another.

As Kabal finished reloading his gun, he took aim only for Muli to take hold of the gun and pull the officer close to knee him in the gut knocking the air out of him before he fell unconscious. With Kabal taken out, he turned to check on Mileena seeing her laying on the ground and the officer standing over her panting softly.

"You're coming with me," Stryker spoke as he reached down to try and take a hold of Mileena.

Just as he was mere inches from touching Mileena, he felt a heavy pressure on his back as he was shoulder tackled by Muli from behind. Stryker flew forward and slammed into a car before falling on his back. The officer shook his head and got to his feet to look over and see Muli standing by Mileena with white energy flowing around him. Right when Muli was about to charge at Stryker, a bolt of lightning hit Muli from above forcing him to stop and hold his ground while gritting his teeth.

"Raiden," Muli spoke while slowly looking up at Raiden who was trying to electrocute him.

Raiden continued to try and electrocute Muli as he was brought to his knee and his hands touching the ground.

"Surrender warrior. You cannot stand against a god," Raiden claimed.

This made Muli widen his eyes before he began to slowly get back to his feet to glare at the god of thunder.

"I will stand...against any who threaten my purpose," Muli spoke between grunts.

The sound of fighting caught Raidens attention to see Johnny Cage fighting one of Shao Kahn's officers, Motaro and losing. Raiden narrowed his eyes before looking back at Muli who had fallen back to his knees and facing the ground. Seeing Muli on his knees and not moving, he made his way to fight Motaro leaving Stryker to deal with the rest. As Muli raised his head, he looked directly at Stryker and his partner backing up as Kintaro walked in front of him and use his fire breath to burn Kabal.

As Kintaro and Stryker fought one another, Muli took this chance to get up and take Mileena to a safer location which was only two blocks down where they once were. Looking around to find no enemies around, Muli sighed and laid Mileena on the ground while looking for food.

"That electricity weakened me more than I expected," Muli said to himself before he heard a group of footsteps.

They were not like the tarkatans nor any of the creatures but together and well trained. Sadly they were not trained enough as Muli turned toward the direction of the shuffling, even with all the fighting Muli had already mastered how to separate what sound was what especially if he heard them enough. Just as the four soldiers banked the corner, the first two were speared into a wall due to Muli's soul manipulation leaving the last two. The remaining soldiers immediately opened fire on Muli from his right leg up to his head which his helmet did little to protect him.

"Are there no real warriors here?" Muli complained as the bullets were pushed out of his body while his wounds began to heal like before.

The two soldiers looked at each other than at Muli who was now completely healed. One of the soldiers quickly pulled out a grenade and threw it at Muli who simply caught the grenade in his left hand. Both soldiers immediately jumped into cover before the grenade exploded and tore Muli's entire left arm apart as well as part of his head and upper torso. As the exploding sound faded, the two soldiers would peek out of their cover to find Muli standing there but torn apart and motionless.

They sighed in relief before walking out of cover, one going to collect the dog tags of the dead soldiers that were speared through while the other went to check if Muli was dead. That was until his eyes caught sight of Mileena who immediately captivated him, ignoring Muli and making his way to the sleeping beauty.

"What do we have here?" The soldier asked as his hand stretched out to take hold of Mileena's plump breast.

"Ah watch your six!" The other soldier shouted as the one by Mileena looked over his shoulder to see Muli reach out and grab his head and began lifting him off the ground.

"What the hell?!" The soldier that was in Muli's grasp shouted while trying to pry his hands off his head.

"Stupid earth realmer," Muli whispered before crushing his skull in his hand causing the soldier's body to go limp instantly.

The remaining soldier widened his eyes before looking at his fallen brothers to take their grenades and throw them all at Muli. Learning his lesson, Muli tossed the soldier down to the ground before taking hold of all three grenades and throwing them away from their destination leaving the soldier alone and helpless.

"No...please..." The soldier begged as he fell to his rump and began to scurry backward.

"Mileena as well as I need all the energy we need for later," Muli replied before coming to a full stop and looking past the soldier.

The soldier slowly turned to see the Mileena standing over him chuckling.

"A new toy?" Mileena asked looking at Muli then back at the soldier.

"No. Food," Muli answered making the soldier look back and forth at the two outworlders before Mileena knelt and placed her hand against the soldier's cheek having him look into her eyes.

"Be happy you are about to die by my hands than...earth realmer," Mileena whispered before she brought her other hand up to slip her mask off and reveal her tarkatan mouth.

Mileena's jaws made the soldiers eyes widen as he was about to scream out in horror only for the princess to lung forward and bite down on his head beginning to feed. The soldier's body twitched from time to time while Muli scuffed and walked over to the soldier he crushed to begin to eat as well.

-Five minutes later-

Muli would have finished off the three soldiers leaving behind nothing but clothes and bones while he turned to look at Mileena who was covered in blood. She whipped her mouth with the back of her left hand before she looked at Muli making her smirk and began to bring her hands onto her chest and down to her stomach.

"If you are trying to tease me, it will not work," Muli reminded as he walked over to Mileena with his arms by his sides.

Her eyes looked up at her bodyguard before they traveled down to his loincloth to find him telling the truth. He was not hard or even showing no real interest above from keeping his purpose alive. She scuffed while turning her head away from him while placing her hands onto her hips.

"It was worth a try," Mileena spoke before looking back at Muli who was still looking down at her. "What is it?"

"I did not expect you to lose against earth realmers so easily Mileena. At first, I thought you could hold your own to some point but this is much less then even I expected," Muli explained as his hands moved to his sides.

"What are you trying to say Muli?" Mileena questioned now glaring at him.

"You are not as disciplined as I expected," Muli answered.

This made Mileena widen her eyes before gritting her teeth and lunging at Muli's face only to find herself caught in her bodyguard's grasp around her neck but only enough to hold her rather than choke her. She grunted and groaned while trying to break out of Muli's hold and even to the point of pulling her mask down and biting into her bodyguard's hand.

"Are you done?" Muli asked unimpressed and unfazed by her aggressive nature.

"RELEASE ME! I COMMAND YOU!" Mileena shouted still struggling to break free.

Muli released Mileena from his hold in which she panted heavily and glared at her bodyguard for a few seconds. She began to slow her breathing while turning her attention to the ground while placing her hand on her throat. A faint blush forming as it reminded her of how they first fought while closing her eyes finally calming herself down.

"Finally calm?" Muli asked crossing his arms over his chest while narrowing his eyes.

"...yes. We must check on Motaro's progress," Mileena commanded while opening her eyes and looking at Muli.

Muli said nothing but simply nodded his head before taking lead and guiding her back to where he last saw Motaro. As they reached the bridge, not only did they see that there were no more earth realm soldiers but the corpse of Motaro laying on the ground.

"Motaro was defeated?" Mileena asked as she stared at Motaro's dead body.

"Yes. Raiden killed him just when he was about to finish off one of Earth Realms defenders," Muli answered while standing by her side.

Growling under her breath, she looked over her shoulder to see a group of tarkatan warriors gather to see their fallen officer.

"Get a platform and carry Motaro. We must return him to my father," Mileena commanded causing the tarkatans to nod and run off to get a large wooden stretch.

-Shao Kahn's Palace-

Mileena took lead on guiding the tarkatans back through the portal with Motaro's corpse with Muli following from behind. Shao Kahn saw this and immediately stood up from his thrown.

"What is this?" Shao Kahn demanded while looking over his dead officer's body.

"Raiden has killed Motaro," Mileena answered while looking at her father.

"It's no great matter. I will go to Earth Realm. To finish Motaro's work," Sindel spoke while walking to her husband's side.

"Yes. Shang Tsung," Shao Kahn spoke causing the sorcerer to step forward.

"Yes, your emperor?" Shang Tsung asked while looking at Shao Kahn.

"The Empress requires something of you," Shao Kahn spoke before his right hand was engulfed in green energy before it was raised and thrust toward Shang Tsung's direction and beginning to absorb his soul.

Muli watched with narrowed eyes while gripping his hands into fists. Once Shang Tsung's soul was completely absorbed into Shao Kahn's body, he quickly raised his left arm that was aimed at Sindel to transfer the power from his body and into hers. Sindel widened her eyes as she accepted the power her emperor gladly gave her. While the transfer was taking place, Muli's eyes caught the image of someone he has never seen before making his way toward Shao Kahn who was still transferring power into Sindel. Noob Saibot and Mileena were the first ones to intercept the stranger with Muli standing at the ready in case Mileena needed help.

"None shall touch the Emperor!" Mileena spoke while the three fought one another.

Muli watched the stranger fight the two and eventually stood victorious. As his eyes looked at Muli, he quickly looked around to find himself being surrounded by tarkatans as well as mechanical soldiers painted pitch black.

"Time to leave," The male spoke before quickly avoiding those around him as he made a break for the portal.

"Quin Chi, close the portal," Shao Kahn commanded only for the warrior to easily hop through and make to Earth Realm right when the portal closed.

With the portal closed, Muli made his way to Mileena to kneel and begin to help her up.

"MULI!" Shao Kahn shouted.

Muli turned to look at Shao Kahn seeing the rage clearly in his eyes while Sindel smirked.

"You are to protect my daughter yet you did nothing to protect her against our enemy," Shao Kahn said while narrowing his eyes.

"I thought she would be able to handle herself. I was mistaken once more," Muli answered while standing his ground.

"Let me punish him, my love," Sindel spoke walking up to Muli with a confident smirk.

"You may have been strengthened by Shao Kahn's magic but you are still no match for me empress," Muli warned while narrowing his eyes.

"You will do combat with your Empress Muli," Shao Kahn commanded before he looked to a tarkatan and nudged his head.

The tarkatan nodded his head and made his way to Muli to take Mileena from his hands. Once Muli surrendered Mileena, he looked at the tarkatan then before turning his attention back to Sindel who did not bother in getting into a fighting stance.

"I would advise you to take this fight seriously Empress. I am in no mood to test the waters," Muli warned while glaring at Sindel.

"You should worry about yourself, bodyguard," Sindel replied with a chuckle.

Muli simply sighed before exhaling through his nose and exhaling from his mouth. As he exhaled, his body was being engulfed by white energy before he closed his eyes. Shao Kahn watched while sitting on his throne with narrowed eyes. A second passed before Muli raised his hands and squatted slightly only to bring his hands down and slap his thighs while his eyes shot open. When Muli slapped his thighs, the white energy that engulfed his form exploded outward knocking everyone off their feet excluding Sindel who held her ground.

"You should be the one worrying Empress," Muli warned before he ran toward Sindel at a sluggish pace.

It was strange on how slow Muli was moving compared from last time she fought him but simply paid it no mind as she casually walked toward the warrior. As Sindel was in arms reach of Muli, she watched as the warrior pulled his right arm back to prepare a full swing while Sindel came to a stop. Just when she was about to prepare herself, she felt her form being pulled in by Muli as his right arm was pulled back.

"What is this?" Sindel asked while looking down at the ground seeing her body being pulled by the sheer air current Muli created.

As she looked up, she saw Muli's right fist flying toward her face forcing her to quickly duck under the warriors swing. While Muli's arm passed over her head, she was about to go for his rib but remembered what happened before and quickly rolled out of the way to see Muli perform the same move as before but this time cracking the floor. Getting to her feet, Sindel began to paint softly as she looked at Muli who was simply turning to look at her.

"Why don't..." Sindel spoke before being interrupted by a sudden right shoulder charge from Muli who knocked her backward.

She used her hands to guard her form until the pressure was no more allowing her to drop her guard but watched as Muli performed a sudden leg sweep. Thankfully she levitated off the ground seconds before it connected but was short-lived as Muli steadied himself to materialize his spear and throw it at her body. Seeing the spear fly toward her body, she quickly ducked and landed on the ground to find Muli already in front of her with his club swiping toward her head.

"Enough!" Shou Kahn shouted causing Muli to stop a mere nanometer from hitting Sindel's head but not after the aftershock pushed her backward slightly.

Muli slowly backed away from Sindel while his war-club slowly faded away leaving the warrior unarmed. Sindel fell on her rump panting heavily while looking at the ground.

"Muli. You will go with Sindel to make sure the mission is complete," Shao Kahn commanded in which Muli looked to him and closed his eyes.

"No," Muli spoke before opening his eyes to look at Shao Kahn dead in the eyes.

"You dare defy your emperor?" Shao Kahn asked causing all his soldiers to gather around them.

"I defy the orders of the one that goes against his promise," Muli replied standing his ground as his body was getting engulfed by white energy once more.

"I will deal with you later. I have more important matters to handle," Shao Kahn spoke before turning and looking at Sindel who finally got to her feet while looking at Muli.

Muli soon walked over to the tarkatan and took Mileena from his arms before making his way toward her chambers. As he entered her chambers, he laid her on the bed before looking her body overseeing it was bruised but nothing too serious. Sighing, he turned his back to her and sat on the floor with his hands placed on his thighs and slowly closing his eyes to rest himself.

-Mindterra-

Muli opened his eyes to find himself in a pitch-black canvas but although everything was dark, he could still see himself perfectly fine as he raised his hands to look at them.

"Where am I?" Muli asked himself before standing up and looking around.

"You are in the Mindterra," A voice answered causing Muli to turn and widen his eyes in shock to find his long lost lover Hina.

Her hair was pure silver that stretched down to her lower back while her eyes were pure white. While her hair blew against an unknown breeze, her skin was pale white with her body being well-toned for a healer.

"Hina? How is this possible?" Muli spoke walking over to her to embrace her but simply phased through her form in which he looked down and turned to look at Hina.

"I am not Hina. I am simply borrowing this form to keep you calm," Hina spoke before she slowly faded away.

"...what is Mindterra?" Muli asked looking around now with his arms by his side.

"MindTerra is a land within your mind. An ability that allows the user to not only see far but also see many possible futures," Hina answered as she appeared behind Muli while slowly floating around his form.

"See far as well as seeing possible futures. How is this possible? Only healers can do such things. I was born a warrior," Muli asked narrowing his eyes.

"We are also unsure how this is possible but here we are. Although you are a warrior...you can enter Mindterra...a realm in which your mind can see far into other realms as well as possible futures. As the last of your clan, you hold responsibility for yours and Mileena's fate," Hina answered making Muli blink his eyes.

"We?" Muli asked turning to look at Hina to find her form was replaced with a single ball of light.

He watched as the ball of light continued to float around him for a few seconds only to stop and back away revealing thousands around the warrior.

"We are nothing more than servants of the Mindterra's maker...and that is you...we will teach you...what you must to effectively use this place as your own...but be warned. There is only so much you can do to shift the future. Sometimes...it is best to allow the future to go as it should. Changing too much will only bring havoc...something worse than Shao Kahn and his reign," The voice spoke before they all rushed into Muli to show him every little detail and knowledge his people had earning a scream of pain as the warrior fell to his knee and placed his hands over his head.

-Hours later-

Mileena woke from her slumber to find Muli sitting on the floor with his hands placed over his thigh as he was meditating. She groaned and sat up snapping Muli from his meditation and getting to his feet in which he turned to look at Mileena from over his shoulder.

"Rest well?" Muli asked narrowing his eyes.

"What happened?" Mileena spoke bringing her hand to the side of her head.

"You fought against another earth realmer...and lost. Even with the help of Noob Saibot," Muli spoke looking at her while walking over and placed his hand onto her.

Mileena looked up at Muli with a slight blush before he turned her head as to check if there were any other damages.

"Seems you are still in healthy shape," Muli spoke before taking his hand back.

"Where is my father?" Mileena asked before getting to her feet.

"He has gone to earth realm to finish the merge. I doubt he will succeed," Muli spoke while turning his back on Mileena.

"What do you mean?" Mileena asked glaring at Muli.

"Your father will fail and this kingdom will crumble. You...will have to raise it back up to power Mileena and my purpose to protect you grows evermore," Muli spoke looking at Mileena from over his shoulder.

"What are you talking about? How would you know?" Mileena shouted while growling.

"Your father is overconfident. They see themselves as unstoppable and untouchable...while in truth they are the ones to fall the cruelest," Muli answered as he turned his head to open the door.

"Where are you going?" Mileena shouted while taking a step forward.

"To check with the remaining officers who have returned from their mission. You are to stay here and recover," Muli demanded.

"Are you ordering me around?" Mileena asked narrowing her eyes while gripping her hands into fists.

"Yes, I am. Once I have confirmed a few things then I will return, " Muli said before leaving Mileena in her room.

-Courtyard-

Muli sighed as he bumped into Baraka. This caused the tarkatan to glare at the warrior and snarl at him.

"Watch where you're going, bodyguard!" Baraka growled before walking past Muli.

"Baraka. I wish to ask a favor of you, " Muli spoke while watching Baraka continue walking off.

"I have no time to bother with you. Go back to your princess, " Baraka said while looking over his shoulder at Muli for a split second before looking forward.

"It concerns the fate of Outworld, " Muli spoke.

This caused Baraka to stop in his tracks and turn to glare at Muli.

"Explain bodyguard, " Baraka demanded.

"Gather any officers who are in Outworld. Only then will I explain myself, " Muli spoke looking down at Baraka. "I will be waiting in the courtyard."

"Fine. It will be done but know this bodyguard...if this is all a waste of time then we will beat you down into submission, " Baraka threatened before turning and walking off.

"I'll keep that in mind tarkatan, " Muli replied before turning and making his way to the courtyard.

-Courtyard-

Muli stood in the courtyard with his eyes closed and arms crossed over his chest waiting patiently for the others to arrive. The first to arrive was Sheeva as she looked directly at Muli before looking around to find Mileena nowhere in sight. As she approached Muli, want clearly in her eyes before the warrior's eyes opened.

"It is unwise to drop your guard Sheeva, " Muli warned making the Shokan smirk and stand by his side.

"Who said I dropped my guard?" Sheeva asked before crossing her arms.

"Your energy, " Muli answered before looking at the entrance to see five more officers walk in.

Both the warrior and the Shokan watched as six more officers arrived. Muli looked at Kotal and D'Vorah who stood by one another whispering to each other. After the two, he looked toward Skarlet looking around for her master before eventually looking at Reptile and even Kano along with Tonya.

"Officers of Shau Kahn. I called you here to tell you all of an event that will soon come to pass," Muli spoke as he unfolded his arms and walked forward gaining everyone's attention.

"And what is this so-called event you speak of?" Tanya asked tilting her head back.

"...Shao Kahn's death," Muli announced causing the officers to go wide-eyed.

"Wait a minute, how would you even know? Last I checked, you cared about no one but the princess," Kano spoke out.

"He has a point. How would you know when you are not in earth realm with our emperor?" Tanya pitched in.

"...I am not sure how this came to be but I saw it," Muli answered looking at Yanya.

"How is that possible?" Reptile now spoke narrowing his eyes.

Muli looked at the Zaterran before facing the ground sighing heavily.

"In my clan, the healers had a gift to see the future but only the high healer could use it to its full extent," Muli started while closing his eyes.

"What does this have to do with seeing Shao Kahn's death?" Sheeva asked.

"The gift is the ability to see into the future. If trained well enough they can see accurate possibilities," Muli continued while opening his eyes and looking over to Sheeva.

"What proof do you have that these are not just words?" Kotal asked crossing his arms over his chest.

This caused the other officers to agree while Sheeva remained silent.

"I understand none of you know me well enough to take me for my word. So instead of speaking any more, I will show you," Muli spoke while closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. "A word of advice. We will see the most possible event but cannot physically or mentally intervene with it."

With Muli's warning said, he opened his eyes causing his body to be engulfed by white energy before threads of silver sprang out of the energy surrounding the warrior's body and connected with the officers. Every single one of their eyes was now glowing pure white as they faced Muli's form.

-MIndterra-

Muli was the first to open his eyes in the mind space known as Mindterra before the others began to appear one after another until everyone arrived. Sheeva shook her head and brought her hand to the left side of her dome. Kano was the last but unlike everyone else, he seemed completely fine as if this was not the first time such a thing had happened.

"Where is this?" Kano asked as he looked around to see they were in a pitch-black canvas.

"Mindterra. A place in which our minds are connected. Here I can show you the event that WILL take place," Muli spoke turning his back on them and looking out to the great nothingness.

Skarlet was about to ask what he meant before the canvas around them began to drastically change from pitch-black to the city of earth realm they were currently invading. They had appeared on top a rooftop overlooking the destruction of the city before two figures were seen fighting on top of a completely separate rooftop. It was none other than Shau Kahn mercilessly beating down Raiden alone which seemed like he had won.

"Your visions have tricked you. Shau Kahn is victorious!" Tanya said with a smirk watching as her emperor stood over the god of thunder.

Muli remained silent before Raiden was engulfed in golden energy which knocked Shau Kahn back. Raiden hovered off the ground surrounded by golden dragons that circled his body. Shau Kahn's officers watched as Raiden fired the dragons at their emperor before he was finally destroyed leaving Raiden standing over a dead Liu Kang. With Shau Kahn dead, Raiden suddenly turned his attention directly toward Muli them only to find nothing.

-Courtyard-

After the event of Shau Kahn's death, Kotal and D'vorah began to whisper to one another before Muli cracked his neck.

"When will this event take place?" Scarlet asked narrowing her eyes.

"In five minutes," Muli answered while looking at the red ninja before looking at the others.

"Why are you showing us this?" Tanya asked gritting her teeth.

"To see where your allegiance lies," Muli answered.

"Allegiance?" Kano asked with a chuckle. "Mine is to whoever has the money to pay,"

"I know...but the main question is to others who stand here. I have seen another event that is coming but unlike that of Shao Kahn's fate, this one is unclear," Muli spoke while glaring at Kotal.

"...what do you mean?" Kotal asked looking into Muli's eyes.

"A civil war. One that will split Out World in two. Something I wish to avoid," Muli spoke looking at the others. "With Shau Kahn's death being mere moments away it is clear his heir is to take the throne as the next Kahn but others will see otherwise and try to usurp it from her."

"Do you know who they are?" Tanya asked looking at the others.

"No," Muli answered with a sigh. "I have one more thing to add other than showing you the fate of our emperor...a warning..."

"What warning?" Baraka asked balling his hands into fists.

"I will tear apart any who wish to bring harm to Mileena. Anyone who would side against her will be labeled an enemy and dealt with as such," Muli spoke while gripping his hands into fists and gritting his teeth. "This I promise you all,"

With that, Muli left the courtyard while bumping his shoulder against Kotal while Sheeva followed after him.

-Hallway-

Muli was making his way back to Mileena's chambers but came to a stop before sighing and looking over his shoulder seeing Sheeva following him.

"What do you want Sheeva?" Muli asked staring directly at the Shokan only for his eyes to look around the hallway. "Tanya. Scarlet. That means you two as well."

A second later, Tanya landed behind Sheeva while Scarlet rose from the ground behind him.

"We shouldn't be surprised by your...senses. You have proven yourself time and time again that you are much stronger than anyone here," Tanya spoke before walking up to Muli to stand in front of him. "Why not you take up the throne as the new Kahn?"

Muli narrowed his eyes at the proposal and scuffed.

"I do not nor ever want to be a ruler anymore. Too much responsibility and not enough help," Muli replied turning away from Tanya.

"Oh but on the contrary dear warrior you have all the help you will ever need right here," Tanya spoke backing up and swaying her hand out to Sheeva and Scarlet.

Sheeva and Scarlet smirked at this before Tanya smiled looking at the female warriors as her attention turned to Muli.

"Nothing will change my mind from my new purpose. To protect and serve under Mileena," Muli spoke causing Tanya to chuckle.

"And why do you serve her so willingly," Skarlet asked while she started to walk around Muli.

"That is none of your business," Muli replied while looking forward.

"And why is that?" Scarlet continued to ask before stopping right in front of Muli.

"I have no reason to tell you nor the others of my reasons. All you need to know is that I will serve her willingly," Muli answered now looking down at the red ninja.

"Than why not have a little bet? Beat us three and we will swear our loyalty to Mileena?" Skarlet asked tilting her head slightly.

Sheeva's eyes widened at this before shaking her head.

"I will not take part in this bet," Sheeva announced causing Muli to look at the Shokan.

"Then let us switch the bet. If I beat all three of you...then you will swear loyalty to me. Not Mileena," Muli spoke looking into Sheeva's eyes.

Sheeva looking into Muli's eyes before turning her head away from the warrior.

"I will not take orders from one who serves another," Sheeva answered making Muli blink before looking at the ground in thought.

"Than if I beat you three...Tanya and Skarlet will swear loyalty to me while you are to stay out of this civil war," Muli spoke looking back at Sheeva.

Hearing the new proposal, Sheeva looked at Muli surprised at his compromise before smiling and nodding her head.

"Than it is settled. Tomorrow we will meet at the courtyard and fight one another in Mortal Kombat. Mileena will be present for this as well as others who wish to watch," Muli spoke gaining an agreeable nod from the other two.

Tanya and Skarlet both left leaving Muli and Sheeva alone causing the warrior to look back at the Shokan.

"You wished to serve under Mileena but not Shau Kahn, why was that?" Sheeva asked looking up at him.

Muli could only stare at Sheeva before looking out at the hallway seeing the two women continuing to walk away. Seeing or sensing no one else around, he sighed and looked down at Sheeva.

"She reminded me of my lover back before she was killed. Because of that, I will protect her with all my might against any who wish to harm her," Muli answered causing Sheeva to blush softly at this only to chuckle a second later.

"That explains a lot...none the less that does not mean I will give up," Sheeva spoke before turning and walking away but not after swaying her hips back and forth.

Muli watched this before shaking his head and turning to make his way to Mileena's chambers.

-Mileena's Chambers-

As Muli returned, he found Mileena standing outside with her arms under her bust lost in thought.

"Mileena," Muli spoke snapping her out of her train of thought while turning to look at her bodyguard.

"I see you have finished your...personal task," Mileena spoke turning to face Muli.

"Is there something wrong?" Muli asked walking up to her with his hands taking hold of her shoulders.

"...no. Just thinking," Mileena spoke looking down at the ground.

"About what?" Muli asked releasing her from his hold and taking a single step back.

"...my father. When he passes...will I be worthy to take up his throne?" Mileena asked looking up at Muli.

Muli looked into her eyes unsure how to answer before sighing and closing his eyes.

"Truthfully you are not," Muli answered bluntly before opening his eyes.

"What makes you say that?" Mileena questioned while snarling at his direction.

"Your eyes," Muli answered unfazed by her snarling.

This confused Mileena as her snarling died down but not completely.

"What do you mean?" Mileena asked narrowing her eyes.

"I told you of my past. From that time I have learned to read people through simple means," Muli answered while taking a step forward.

"Like what?" Mileena asked while taking a step back.

"The way they speak. Their body language. Their eyes...I take everything into account. Even the energy they give off," Muli answered while bringing his hand up to softly place it against her left cheek causing her to freeze in place.

"...how am I...not worthy to rule? You have known me...for only a few days and you...think you know me?" Mileena spoke bringing her hand up to take hold of his wrist.

"This is true. Then prove me wrong," Muli spoke as he brought his other hand to take hold of her hip earning a faint yelp from her mouth.

"How?" Mileena asked blushing mad red now.

Muli chuckle softly before closing his eyes and removing his hand from her body and step back.

"I will be fighting Sheeva, Skarlet, and Tanya in a means to gain their loyalty. Except for Sheeva," Muli spoke opening his eyes.

"What do you mean except for Sheeva?" Mileena asked while growling.

"She will not serve under you nor me but...she will agree to be neutral," Muli answered causing Mileena to raise a brow in confusion.

"What do you mean neutral?" Mileena asked making Muli sigh at his lack of sharing knowledge.

"There is something I must show you," Muli spoke closing his eyes and taking in another deep breath.

Before Mileena could ask what he was talking about, she watched as his form was engulfed in white energy followed by a thread of energy springing from Muli and hitting her chest. Minutes passed before the two broke from the Mindterra causing Mileena to collapse to the ground panting heavily at the fact her father was now dead. Her eyes scanned the floor before she collected herself and stood up to glare at Muli.

"You knew?" Mileena asked gripping her hands into fists.

"Yes," Muli answered standing up straight.

"And you showed this to the others?" Mileena continued to question while her hands began to shake.

"...yes," Muli answered watching as Mileena materialized her sai's into her hands before she lunged at the warrior to wrap her legs around his waist while plunging her weapons into his chest over and over again.

"WHY?! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO SHOW THEM? WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME OF THIS?" Mileena screamed while Muli stood there taking the punishment.

After ten minutes of constant screaming and stabbing, Mileena had finally calmed down as she buried her face into Muli's chest. The warrior looked at the princess before closing his eyes and wrapping his arms around her.

"I showed them first as a means to see their reaction as well as who we can trust," Muli answered while Mileena sighed and closed her eyes.

"...enemies..." Mileena whispered as Muli nodded his head.

"Yes. From what I saw it is most of them. Tomorrow you will gain two more allies in a means to keep your fathers throne," Muli spoke softly rubbing her back with his left hand.

"...and if we cannot win?" Mileena asked opening her eyes slightly.

"Then we leave and start anew elsewhere," Muli answered.

Mileena released her hold on her sai's and pushed off Muli's body allowing him to bring his hands to her lower back to hold her in place. The two looked at one another before Mileena blushed and snarled before unwrapping her legs off his waist to land on her feet.

"Than tomorrow I will see you in action against three of them," Mileena asked turning her back on her bodyguard.

"Yes...and possibly others who wish to take up the challenge," Muli replied while standing still.

"...very good. I do have a question though...why do we not deal with the situation now before it escalates?" Mileena asked looking over her shoulder at Muli.

"The future was unclear as well as who the real threat is. If action is taken too soon then a much worse event may take the firsts place," Muli explained in which Mileena looked at the ground before looking out the window.

"...so be it. I will be relying on you more than ever than...Muli Koa," Mileena spoke looking at Muli with a faint smile before turning back to the window.

"I will do what I can," Muli spoke bowing his head before bowing his head.

-Next-Day: Courtyard-

Muli stood in the courtyard with his arms crossed over his chest while Kotal and D'vorah watched from the sidelines. Soon enough, Sheeva, Skarlet, and Tanya arrived all prepared for battle. Seeing the three arrive, Muli smirked and looked at Skarlet with narrowed eyes. Mileena also watched from the sidelines with her arms crossed under her bust.

"Shall we begin?" Muli asked gripping his hands into fists only to raise them high over his head and open both hands up allowing him to bring it down and slap his thighs hard while squatting slightly.

As his hands touched his thighs, his entire body was engulfed in white energy making Tanya prepare her bladed tonfa's while Skarlet brought out her Kodachi with Sheeva balling her hands into fists. The four watched one another for what a few seconds before Skarlet fired compressed blood followed by Tanya shooting energy from her tonfa's, both racing directly toward Muli's head. He watched both attacks before swaying his left hand upward materializing his onehanded war club to deflect both projectiles making the girls widen their eyes and roll out of the way. While Skarlet and Tanya were a little surprised at the counter, Sheeva jumped into the air in an attempt to stomp onto Muli's form if it was not for his eyes keeping track of all three of them.

"Brave," Muli commented before looking up and bringing his hands to his sides with the warclub vanishing. "But foolish."

As Sheeva began to quickly descend toward Muli, she did not expect the warrior to thrust his right hand up to take hold of her right ankle and pull her down to the ground grinning. All Sheeva could do was watch as she was pulled down by Muli's strength and thrown toward the two girls. Skarlet slides under Sheeva while Tanya simply hopped over the to find Muli waiting on the other smirking.

"What?" Skarlet spoke as she saw a hand grab hold of her head while Tanya's leg was taken hold of by Muli's other hand.

With both of his hands full, he spun forward and threw Tanya at the Shokan but before he could throw Skarlet, she turned herself into a puddle of blood which allowed her to slip out of Muli's grasp. He turned to look at his bloodied hand but looked down to find Skarlet had sprung out of her puddle with four tendrils to come out and impale Muli's limbs.

"Now I have you right where I want you," Skarlet spoke bringing her blade up to Muli's neck.

"Overconfidence will be your downfall Skarlet," Muli warned before he tore his right arm out of the tendril to grab hold of Skarlet's shoulder and pull her close to slam her head against his own quickly knocking her out.

With Skarlet out of the picture, Muli pulled the rest of himself out of the other tendrils to get to his feet while laying the assassin on the ground and watched as Sheeva and Tanya got back to their feet.

"Now. Who's next?" Muli spoke narrowing his eyes while his wounds began to heal at a fast pace.

Tanya prepared herself before looking at Skarlet than back at Muli only to grit her teeth and blitz toward the warrior. Muli watched carefully as Tanya performed her drill kick. Seeing this, the warrior jumped over her attack and watched her not seeing Sheeva shot a fireball from her hands that crashed into his body causing him to fall to the ground. Sheeva took this chance to quickly jump into the air and descend and watching as her feet slammed into Muli's body.

"Not so tough when you're on your back are you?" Sheeva taunted with Muli looking up at her.

"I do not like to repeat myself," Muli spoke as he was about to move his hands to take hold of Sheeva's legs until both hands were pinned down by Tanya's bladed tonfa's.

Looking at his hands, he sighed and looked up to see Tanya walking toward him.

"Submit," Tanya spoke with a smirk.

"No," Muli spoke before closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath only to hold it in and exhale a second later.

"What can you hope to do?" Tanya asked with a smirk.

"Wait," Sheeva spoke before Muli's eyes shot open.

As he opened his eyes, he sat up while his hands were torn open causing Sheeva to hope off Muli and land on her feet while Tanya prepared her staff.

"Do not underestimate me. It will be your lose otherwise," Muli warned before running toward Sheeva and Tanya.

Tanya only smiled before doing her drill kick once more seeing as he did his best to avoid getting hit by that specific attack. Sheeva watched for an opening with her hands preparing to fire another fireball. Sadly, instead of jumping like last time he stood his ground and watched Sheeva before he spun forward to slap her feet to the side and breaking her out of her kick. The slap, although simple came at a price as his right hand was torn apart but just like his many other wounds, his hand began to rapidly heal.

With Skarlet knocked out of her kick, Muli brought his left hand forward to grab her thigh and pull her close and brought his knee to her gut easily knocking the air out of her lungs before watching her fall unconscious. Sheeva stood before Muli's right hand had already completely healed from the drill kick.

"What will you do now Sheeva? Continue or submit?" Muli asked narrowing his eyes.

"FOR THE SHOKAN!" Sheeva shouted before running toward Muli who only smiled and charged at her.

The Shokan raised all four arms before bring them down on Muli's body forcing him to raise his arms in a means to defend. What happened next surprised not only Muli but all who were watching. Not only was Muli's defense broken but his arms were completely broken as they hung by his sides. Sheeva did not stop there as she quickly kicked Muli onto his back before walking back onto his chest smirking.

"You really do bring honor and pride to the Shokan," Muli complimented making Sheeva smile.

"I could always use a right hand," Sheeva spoke before leaning down.

"Sorry. I already belong to another," Muli spoke while looking at his arms that were still healing.

"From what I see. You cannot do anything else warrior. Submit," Sheeva spoke straightening herself out with her hands on her hips.

"There is so much I can do without my arms," Muli spoke looking back up at Sheeva smirking.

"And what can you do without your arms?" Sheeva asked before raising her foot and bringing it down on his right shoulder before doing the same to his left grinning.

"Much more then you think," Muli replied unfazed by his shoulders being crushed.

"Who is being overconfident now?" Sheeva asked with a raised brow.

"You," Muli spoke before sitting up slightly only for Sheeva to shove him back down onto the floor.

As Muli's back hit the floor, he used his legs to move and take hold of her waist and quickly slamming her into the ground. After she was slammed into the ground, he released her from his legs and hopped to his feet only to look at his arms seeing they were still healing.

"Strange. I remember healing much faster than this," Muli spoke before looking at Sheeva who got to her feet panting.

"It will take more than that to take me down," Sheeva spoke making Muli nod his head.

"You have a handicap. It would be a shame to waste it," Muli spoke looking at his arms before locking eyes with Sheeva who panted.

Mileena watched the two stared at one another before they jumped off from the ground toward each other. As soon as they grew close enough, Muli was engulfed in white energy before he used a shoulder charge to ram into her form and slam her back into the ground. Dust was kicked up from the sheer force Muli used to knock out the Shokan before he stood up and rolled his head back as well as his shoulder.

"You have my respect Sheeva," Muli spoke only to sigh and shake his head.

With a quick turn, Muli would bite down on the blade of Baraka. Glaring at the Tarkatan, Muli pulled Baraka closer and brought his foot forward to slam it into his gut knocking the air out of him as well as launching him backward. It did not take long before Baraka crashed into a pillar only to look up and see Muli jumping up and slamming his knee into Baraka's face knocking him out and breaking most of his teeth. With Baraka knocked out, Muli landed on the ground and looked at his left arm to see he could now move it slightly.

"Is there anyone else who would like to try?" Muli asked while looking around with his eyes half-open. "No? Good. Those of you who have lost will swear loyalty to me and me alone."

A few tarkatans arrived to take their leader away while Muli looked over at Mileena.

"It is done Mileena," Muli spoke before slowly raising his left hand to place over his chest and bow in her honor.

Mileena smiled at this before nodding her head and looking to the others who whispered among one another.

"Come Muli, we have much to discuss," Mileena spoke turning her back on Muli.

"Before we leave. I ask that they are treated back to full health," Muli spoke looking at the knocked out women.

"Very well. Guards, take them to the healing chamber," Mileena commanded which caused eight guards to come and take the three women to the healing room.

Muli watched as Sheva was taken away before following after Mileena.

"Now that you have displayed your power once again. Only a fool would challenge my rule," Mileena said with confidence while having her head held high.

"There are fools everywhere Mileena. Always be prepared for what may happen. There is still a chance...others will try to usurp your claim to the throne," Muli warned while walking behind her.

"I have little to worry about. Not when you stand by my side," Mileena commented while looking over her shoulder at Muli before winking at him.

"...I will not always be by your side Mileena," Muli spoke causing Mileena to stop in her tracks and turn her body halfway to look at him.

"What do you mean?" Mileena asked with narrowed eyes.

"Do not expect me to protect you from everything. Such a thing is just impossible," Muli admitted while shaking his head. "Which is why tomorrow our training begins."

Mileena blinked at this before smiling once more as well as her gaze softening.

"I can't wait," Mileena whispered before turning front and beginning to walk once more.

-Month later-

Days had gone by with Mileena gaining her fathers throne along with loyalty from Tanya and Skarlet as well as Baraka. Sheeva stayed by her side for now but only because of Muli and nothing else. The first thing Mileena asked was for Muli to become her Emperor but was bluntly turned down seeing he wished to stay as her bodyguard. She granted him his wish and kept him by her side at all times no matter the situation even to the point where she invited him to bath alongside her which he was refuse and keep watch outside.

Today was another day of intense training with Mileena fighting both Tanya and Skarlet by herself. Muli stood outside of the ring with his arms crossed over his chest and Sheeva standing to his left. Once a week, Mileena would go a few rounds against Muli only to be defeated in mere seconds but seemed to be getting harder and harder to hold back against her due to her improvements to her style.

"She is improving," Sheeva complimented as she watched Mileena teleport and finally takedown Skarlet along with Tanya laying on the ground behind the Empress.

"We submit," Skarlet spoke closing her eyes.

Mileena smirked before getting up and walking over to Muli while dropping her sai.

"When will we be sparring again...Muli?" Mileena asked bringing her hands up and brushing them against her bodyguard's upper body.

"Later. You are improving Empress. In time you may be a challenge even for me," Muli spoke with a faint smile.

"Lucky me. You are not one for compliments Muli," Mileena spoke pressing her body up against Muli before looking to the side seeing Baraka walking over and whispering into Mileena's ears

Mileena narrowed her eyes and growled before nodding her head while backing away from Muli.

"Trouble?" Muli asked looking at Mileena who turned her back on him and looking toward the palace.

"Kotal. He plans to usurp my throne," Mileena answered while gritting her teeth.

"What do you plan to do about it?" Muli asked looking at Mileena who simply glanced over her shoulder to her bodyguard.

"What else? Kill them all," Mileena spoke before looking to Baraka. "Gather your soldiers. Let us go and have a chat with my officers."

With that Mileena walked off toward the palace in which Muli sighed and made his way to Skarlet to help her up along with Tanya while Sheeva stayed by Muli.

"Skarlet. Tanya. Follow me but stay hidden. Do not reveal yourselves until I say so. Sheeva. This is not your fight to participate in," Muli spoke looking over his shoulder at Sheeva who widened her eyes.

"...I can help," Sheeva spoke looking at the palace.

"No. You have your own duty. Go and help your people. This civil war will affect everyone...even the Shokan. Without Goro to lead, they are lost. Be their guide," Muli spoke before turning his focus to the palace.

With a soft sigh, Muli began to make his way to the palace leaving Sheeva behind who watched Skarlet and Tanya follow after their leader. As they entered the palace, the two women jumped up into the pillars and began to follow through the shadows.

-D'vorah's Chamber-

Within D'vorah's chambers stood the kytinn herself along with Reptile and Kotal until Mileena walked in along with Baraka, Ermac and a handful of tarkatan warriors.

"Ah, there they are. Three fellow councilors...whispering like handmaidens. About what I wonder?" Mileena asked while placing her left hand on her hip and leaning to her left side slightly.

Kotal looked at the tarkatan warriors for a split second before focusing on Mileena.

"If only you would hear out our counsel. As war with Netherrealm looms. I have urged a detente with Earthrealm," Kotal spoke while narrowing his eyes.

"And I've told you I would soon rather die than treat with my father's murderer's," Mileena shouted while taking a step forward with her hands gripped into fists.

"You refuse practical solutions to credible threats. You endanger the realm..." Kotal replied while shaking his head slowly.

"And sedition does not? Speak your last. Before I have your tongue," Mileena spoke while pointing at Kotal.

"You are not Shao Kahn's true heir! She is a construct. Formed in Shang Tsung's flesh pits. I saw this. Your best claim to the throne is moot," Reptile spoke with a sway of his hand with slit eyes that were focused on Mileena.

"How dare you! I succeed Shao Kahn by decree!" Mileena shouted now glaring at Reptile.

"Succeed him you have. But Outworld demands new leadership," Kotal spoke turning his body to look out the window while placing his hands behind his back.

"From you?! Osh-tekk fool! Kill him!" Mileena commanded causing Baraka to bring out his arm blade and thrust it toward Kotal's head.

It did not reach its target as D'vorah intercepted the blade with an insect leg.

"This one serves Mileena no longer," D'vorah spoke before deflecting Baraka's attempt to try and cut her with his other blade until she flew into the tarkatan and knocked him off the balcony leaving Reptile and Kotal with ten tarkatans.

"You will defend your empress," Mileena spoke watching as he tarkatan warriors were being taken down one by one.

Our creator. Shao Kahn is dead. We will serve whom we choose," Ermac spoke before turning on Mileena.

Just as Mileena was caught fighting Ermac, Muli came in and immediately looked at Ermac who was being pushed back by Mileena. Nodding his head, he turned his focus to Kotal and Reptile before walking toward them.

"Kotal. Reptile," Muli spoke as the two had finished off the last tarkatan warriors.

The two turn and face Muli with the zaterran hissing at the warrior. Muli narrowed his eyes while gripping his hands into fists causing his knuckles to crack loudly.

"You know what is to come," Muli spoke before Reptile turned invisible while Kotal rushed the warrior.

As Kotal reached Muli, he delivered a flying punch which caught the warrior off guard in which made him take a step backward. Shaking off the daze, Muli was suddenly felt the back of his leg kicked in forcing him to fall to his knee. Gritting his teeth, he looked over his shoulder to see Ermac beginning to push Mileena back due to her intense training mere minutes ago. Narrowing his eyes, he turned to see Kotal attempt to bring his knee to the warrior's chin but was stopped by Muli's right hand.

"I must protect my empress," Muli whispered before quickly turning his body and bringing his opposite hand up as a guard to block a kick from Reptile. "I cannot see you Reptile...but I can still hear you,"

Muli released Kotal from his grasp and stood up and gritting his teeth while drool began to seep from his mouth. Kotal backed up while taking out his Aztec one-handed sword while Reptile appeared in front with the Osh-tekk. Just as they two were about to charge at Muli, the warrior surprisingly turned and did a shoulder charge knocking Ermac into a wall and standing in front of Mileena. The Empress and warrior stood side by side until the sound of buzzing could be heard in which Muli turned to see D'vorah landing on the balcony with a smirk.

"Baraka is dead. Your bodyguard is the last of allies," D'vorah spoke while Ermac shook off his daze and walked to the exit while the Kytinn stood at the balcony entrance.

"You are surrounded," Kotal spoke narrowing his eyes.

"All I am surrounded by is dead bodies," Muli spoke while bringing his left hand over to push Mileena behind him.

"What are you doing?!" Mileena shouted while looking at her bodyguard.

"Protecting you," Muli replied softly while keeping his eyes on the four opponents.

"There is no doubt you can kill us all Muli but it will also cost you your purpose," Kotal spoke making the warrior widen his eyes and look at Mileena than back at the Osh-tekk.

Kotal spoke the truth, he could hold his own against the four alone but it would be impossible to assist Mileena in her current state. Easing up his stance, Muli stood up straight and nodded his head in understanding.

"...you are right Kotal...I cannot protect my empress in such a situation," Muli admitted while closing his eyes while the white energy around him began to fade.

"What are you doing?" Mileena questioned as she watched Muli's energy fade.

"Getting us out of here," Muli whispered back before his eyes shot open and turned to sweep Mileena up into his arms followed by running toward D'vorah.

Her eyes widened before she flew up and brought her four legs to stab at Muli in hopes of stopping him but to no avail as he jumped off the balcony and landed hard on the ground. Gritting his teeth, he made a break for the jungle with Tanya and Skarlet appearing behind him and following after him.

"Let them go. They are all that is left of Mileena's officers. We have much to do here," Kotal spoke while placing his weapons on his back and watching Muli flee with Mileena in his arms.

-Jungle-

As Muli entered the jungle, he came to a stop and looked over his shoulders to see that Kotal was not persuing. Sighing in relief, he looked at Mileena who pushed herself out of Muli's hold to land on her feet growling in rage.

"Why did we flee?" Mileena shouted while looking toward Outworlds palace. "Especially with Tanya and Skarlet at the ready. We could have won!"

"No," Muli admitted while shaking his head and walking behind Mileena.

"What was that?" Mileena asked turning to glare at Muli to see his chest in her face causing her to jump and look up to see Muli with a serious face.

"I would have won. You three would have died. Take everything into account Empress. You hastily took action after your intense training and not giving your body time to rest. The same goes for Tanya and Skarlet. Both in which you defeated and left on the floor. Although they were not badly injured, their stamina was at a low. You three have been fighting for the past four hours without rest. Even though you trained for days, your body is not ready for that prolonged battle. It is time to retreat and regain our strength," Muli explained with narrowed eyes as he turned and began to walk deeper into the forest.

"No! We will go back and finish him off while he does not have the power yet!" Mileena commanded while gripping her hands into fists.

The caused Muli to stop in his tracks and slowly turn to look at Mileena. He stood there for a mere second before turning his entire body and walking back toward Mileena. This caused Mileena to widen her eyes and take a step back at the intimidating presence her bodyguard was giving off. As Muli reached Mileena, he took hold of her right wrist to stop her from running away while kneeling and using his other hand to pull her veil down. Once her veil was down, he pressed his lips against her own making her eyes widen in shock along with Tanya and Skarlet. The kiss lasted only a few seconds before he parted from her to look her into her eyes.

"I will not lose my purpose...not again. I could do nothing before...but this time a can. Let us retreat and gain allies," Kamehameha whispered into the dazed Mileena who slowly nodded her head.

"...let us retreat for now then," Mileena agreed as she watched Muli get back to his feet and nod his head.

"Than let us go," Muli spoke as he stood up and turned to continue walking into the jungle.

"Where are we going?" Mileena asked as she followed behind him along with Tanya and Skarlet.

"...home..." Muli answered with pain in his eyes.

/To be continued...

Another chapter is done.

This one was a little tricky since I am combining both mk9 and mk10.

Thankfully there was a lot of blank spots I could fill in to make it interesting. Hope you all enjoyed though. Till next time.