Chapter 4: Negotiations and fate

Night had fallen upon Mileena's encampment as a gathering was called upon. Mileena stood in front of her throne along with Tanya to her left and Muli to her right while Rain stayed by the Edenian. The rebel empress looked out at her Tarkatan warriors silently as they talked among themselves. Muli looked at Mileena before sighing heavily and leaning to his Empress.

"What are you waiting for Empress?" Muli asked looking down at her.

"...I called you all here so that I may declare a battle for the right to lead this army!" Mileena shouted in which Muli and Tanya looked at their Empress with wide eyes.

"Empress, what are you doing?" Rain questioned as he also took a step forward narrowing his eyes at her.

"And for that I challenge...Muli!" Mileena declared while turning to look at her bodyguard.

"...for once Rain asked a good question. What are you doing Empress?" Muli questioned while slowly turning around and completely facing his Empress with narrowed eyes.

"If you defeat me, you will take command of this army as well as our future," Mileena explained while walking down to the flat ground which the Tarkatans all parted to give them room to fight

Muli only looked at the ring made by the warriors before looking down at Mileena once more.

"Why are you doing this?" Muli questioned while standing his ground.

"Either you fight me now or we go to war tomorrow," Mileena replied while getting into a fighting stance. "So, what will it be Muli Koa? Will you fight me and take command or follow me to see my death?"

Muli listened carefully before nodding his head knowing exactly where this was going. He did not see it in his vision, but he could easily predict what Mileena wanted to do. Seeing no other choice, he walked down and toward the center while gripping his hands into his fists.

"...this is the only way...isn't it?" Muli whispered in which Mileena only gave a faint nod. "Very well."

Tanya and Rain watched from the sideline as Mileena released a war cry while pouncing at Muli only for the warrior to grab hold of her head and slam her into the ground knocking her out instantly. Exhaling loudly, he stood up and looked around with his hands gripped into fists still. The Tarkatan warrior's all fell silent at how swift the fight was along with Rain who watched wide-eyed.

"Does anyone else wish to challenge me?" Muli asked raising his arms to his sides and watched as the Tarkatans all looked at one another. "Be warned...anyone else who challenges me will be killed without mercy,"

Five Tarkatan warriors stepped forward while bringing their arm blades out and snarling at him. Muli looked at the five and tilted his head to the left while he hung his arms to his sides.

"...come," Muli spoke nudging his head causing all five of the Tarkatan warriors to run at the bodyguard.

As they lunged at Muli, he swayed his right hand forward to create his spear which he spun in between his fingers. Muli narrowed his eyes at the warriors before quickly bringing the spear across the air swatting all five out of the sky. He watched them carefully as all five crashed into the ground before he pulled his spear back just to thrust it down to impale all the Tarkatans into the ground. They released a scream of pain before finally giving in and dying while Muli turned his gaze to the army.

"Any more challengers?" Muli questioned as his spear faded away allowing the bodies to slide to the ground.

Since the fight against five trained warriors were taken out so easily, none wished to challenge him after that display of experience. Seeing no others wishing to step up, Muli slowly turned his gaze over to the knocked out Mileena for a brief second until he heard the sound of footsteps approaching him. He turned his gaze toward the origin of the sound to see Tanya and Rain walking up to him. At first, he thought they were going to challenge him until they both got down on one knee while bowing their heads.

"What are your orders...Emperor?" Tanya asked while raising her head to look upon her new emperor.

Muli could not help but make a click of his tongue at being called such a title before he closed his eyes and sighed.

"Do not call me Emperor," Muli spoke looking at Mileena. "I am your chief...nothing more and nothing less. As for my orders...take Mileena to be treated immediately,"

"As you command master," Tanya said with a soft smirk before standing up and picking up Mileena with the help of a Tarkatan warrior.

"As for the rest of you...we will back off from this civil war," Muli shouted earning an uproar of shouts and complaints.

"You wish to surrender before you have even fought?" Rain questioned as he too stood up and glared at Muli.

"I have seen the end of this battle...and no matter what route we take...it will only end in defeat," Muli replied with half-opened eyes.

"How would you know of such a thing?" Rain asked taking a step forward.

"You were not here when Shao Kahn was ruler but just like him, I have also seen his defeat," Muli said while shaking his head.

"Then what will you have us do? Runaway with our tails between our legs?" Rain argued in which Muli turned and wrapped his hand around his neck before lifting him off the ground.

"I said we would back off from this war...I said nothing about running away," Muli said glaring into Rain's eyes.

"What's...the difference? We are...still running away," Rain replied while gasping for air.

"To back off is to prepare for the future. To run away is to give in to fear and surrender," Muli answered before dropping Rain onto the ground while standing over him. "If you wish to take command Rain, you can challenge me here and now,"

Rain coughed heavily with his right hand over his neck and glaring at Muli.

"What of the medallion? With that in our hands, defeat is nothing more than a thought," Rain continued to argue making Muli shake his head.

"I will not use a weapon not meant for me," Muli answered.

"What do you mean?" Rain asked as he slowly got to his feet and catching his breath finally.

"That weapon you have brought with you cannot be used by those of the lower plains," Muli started before looking off in the distance. "It was made for someone much stronger than us all."

"...what do we do now?" Rain asked while looking at the ground.

"For now, you will lead the Tarkatans to the Living Forest until you see a village. There they will make their homes," Muli instructed in which he turned and made his way toward Mileena's tent.

"What about you? What are you going to do?" Rain asked watching Muli walk off.

"...tomorrow I will speak with Kotal Kahn and his army with Mileena and Tanya by my side," Muli answered.

-Next Morning-

Muli stood at the center of the battlefield with Tanya to his left and Mileena grumbling to his right. Kotal Kahn soon walked up to the three while looking around wondering where Mileena's army had disappeared to.

"What is this?" Kotal questioned as his focus landed on Mileena.

"Mileena is no longer a threat Kotal...I have taken leadership from her," Muli spoke up gaining Kotal's full attention now.

"Then where is your army Muli Koa?" Kotal asked tilting his head slightly.

"They have retreated to my old village to stay out of your way," Muli spoke making Kotal narrow his eyes.

"And why should I believe you? For all, I know you may try to ambush me and take my life," Kotal argued as he gripped his hands into fists.

"If I wanted you dead Kotal, I would not have brought Mileena or Tanya with me to stand before you," Muli replied.

"...what do you want Muli?" Kotal asked.

"For this civil war to be over," Muli answered earning a smirk from Kotal.

"And how would you do that?" Kotal asked as his fists eased.

Muli stood there in silence before bringing his left hand to his back to pull out the medallion. Kotal's eyes grew serious while his right hand twitched ever so slightly.

"You can call off the Earth Realmer," Muli spoke looking over his shoulder and narrowing his eyes before tossing the medallion over to Kotal.

Kotal caught the medallion and looked down at it lost in thought.

"I will give this to you in exchange for leaving us alone," Muli called out in which Kotal nodded his head and looked toward Mileena than the warrior.

"I will agree to not harm you or the Tarkatans...but Mileena has declared war on the throne for years on end...for that she must be executed," Kotal spoke bringing his hand to his side.

"I knew we could not trust him!" Mileena snarled while bringing her sai's out as well as Tanya's bladed tonfa's.

Once Tanya's tonfa's came out, an arrow was shot directly at the Edenian only for Muli to catch it in midair gritting his teeth before snapping it in his grip.

"...if Mileena dies then Outworld will follow in her death," Muli spoke walking up at Kotal easily towering over him.

"...you've seen her future..." Kotal whispered in which Muli nodded his head while bringing his hand out for the Kahn to take.

"Let me show you what will happen...if you continue this route, Kotal Kahn..." Muli whispered back in which Kotal narrowed his eyes and nodded his head before grabbing the warrior's hand.

Both individuals were encased in a bright flash engulfing the entire field blinding all near them.

-MindTerra-

Kotal appeared in front of his palace but unlike the present time, it was in ruins with blood covering the ground. The sound of walking caught his attention as he looked at the entrance of the palace seeing red glowing eyes.

"This will come to pass if Mileena dies," Muli whispered standing beside Kotal Kahn with his hands by his sides looking at his possible future.

Walking out of the shadows of the palace was one other than Muli himself but bigger and much stronger than his present self.

"After Mileena's death. I go into a blood rage and kill every living thing in Outworld...leaving nothing behind but death and ruin. Once I have killed everything...I do the one thing I wish not to do," Muli spoke lowering his head to look at the ground in disgust.

"And what is that?" Kotal asked looking at the present Muli only to see him look at his future self.

"...feed on souls..." Muli answered which Kotal looked up and watched as an Outworld civilian was scared out of her hiding place just to have her leg grabbed by the monster.

"Feed on souls?" Kotal repeated as he watched the future Muli not only tear the elderly woman in half and devour her physical flesh but also pull out her soul just to do the same.

"...in my village, it is taboo to feed on any living things soul. Although it strengthens our body and soul, we lose our mind to the hunger...and go on a feeding frenzy," Muli said gritting his teeth at his future self.

"What of Earth Realm? Would they not have come to my aid?" Kotal asked looking around.

"They abandoned you, Kotal Kahn. After their first encounter with me in this state, they found out that nothing could be done. In finding this truth they chose to abandon you," Muli spoke swaying hiss hand taking the two to a large open battlefield of Earth Realm corpses.

"...and all this...because of Mileena's death..." Kotal asked looking at the carnage that was to come.

"Yes. Something that can be avoided...provided you let me deal with Mileena," Muli said slowly turning to look at Kotal.

The Kahn of Outworld continued to look around until his eyes fell upon the future Muli who was emitting and sickening black aura around his body.

"How long did it take for your future self to bring ruin to Outworld?" Kotal asked gripping his hands into fists.

"...mere weeks..." Muli said swaying his hands again bringing them to the open field where Kotal watched himself fighting against the future warrior as the Kahn's guts were being pulled out while he was still alive. "...merciless and unending..."

"...what insurance do I have that Mileena will not try to steal the throne from me?" Kotal inquired glancing at the present Muli.

"If she wants to take Outworld from you...she will have to defeat me first," Muli spoke while looking up at the sky. "Plus, we have something else to worry about than this civil war,"

"What is there to worry about if not the civil war?" Kotal asked turning to face the warrior.

"Do we have a deal, Kotal Kahn? You let Mileena, as well as the Tarkatans, live...and I leave you to rule Outworld in peace," Muli asked walking up to Kotal being mere inches from him now.

"...I will take your deal...Muli Koa...and I will hold you to your word," Kotal answered before they were engulfed by darkness now.

-Plains of Outworld-

As soon as the light died down, Kotal Kahn looked up at Muli before turning and walking away while gripping his hands into fists. After a few steps away, Kotal came to a full stop to glance over his shoulder at Mileena one last time. For a split second, the two made eye contact before Kotal turned forward and continued to walk off. Mileena and Tanya both looked at Muli for answers while he turned and walked back to the forest.

"He will keep his end of the deal and leave us alone...while that takes place, we have more...pressing matters to prepare for," Muli answered as Mileena jogged to his side.

"What pressing matters do you speak of beloved?" Mileena asked which made Muli stop in his tracks and glance at Mileena.

"Beloved?" Muli asked looking down at Mileena.

"You and I?" Mileena questioned with a smirk in which she wrapped her arms around his right arm while pressing her breasts against his body.

"...if you do not betray me...then yes. You and I," Muli spoke before leaning down to kiss her forehead.

This action completely caught Mileena off guard causing her to loosen her grip on Muli before he quickly scooped her off her feet with both arms and continued to walk to the Living Forest.

"Now and until the end of time," Muli whispered causing Mileena's cheeks to turn red but grin slightly wider.

"And when will we become one?" Mileena asked with a soft chuckle.

"When everything has settled down...only then will we become one," Muli answered.

"Do I have your word beloved?" Mileena asked bringing her hand under Muli's chin.

"Have I ever lied to you?" Muli asked looking down at Mileena.

"No...but there's a first time for everything," Mileena countered with a soft chuckle.

"There is a first time for everything but only time will truly tell what will happen," Muli responded with a faint smirk.

"Then I will be waiting for the day you take me beloved Muli," Mileena said before placing her hand against his chest and closing her eyes.

"She truly cares for you does she not?" Tanya asked walking by Muli's side.

"As I care for her. Our paths will be connected from here on out," Muli spoke in which Tanya looked up at him then forward with a sigh.

"...but this future was not seen was it?" Tanya asked with worry in her voice.

"The future is ever-changing and shifting and cannot be predicted accurately," Muli answered. "A single choice can change the timeline completely."

"What do you mean?" Tanya asked confused.

"...the future has and will always be a mystery. Although I can see the future...there is no guarantee that it will remain the same," Muli explained.

"What exactly did you show Kotal?" Tanya asked curious about the information Muli showed the Kahn.

"If Mileena died...all of Outworld would follow suit," Muli answered without hesitation. This fact caused Tanya to stop in her tracks while looking at Muli.

"And who would bring about the end of Outworld?" Tanya asked narrowing her eyes. Her question made Muli stop in and turn his head slightly to glance over his shoulder at Tanya.

"Me," Muli said in a serious tone that gave the Edenian chills as she looked into her master's eyes. "Everyone dies Tanya...even you,"

Tanya fell silent before looking at the ground in which Muli sighed before turning and walking over to her.

"Thanks to Kotal Kahn that future is no more...at least for now," Muli said making Tanya look up into her master's eyes. "Will you still serve me after learning what may happen if Mileena is to die?"

"...I will continue to serve you master. Provided you protect the Edenians," Tanya replied.

"If they will follow my rules then I will allow them to join the village," Muli answered as he turned around to continue to walk off.

"What if Kotal declares war on us? What if someone tried to assassinate Mileena?" Tanya asked walking beside Muli now filled with questions.

"I will tell you when the right time comes...for now we must strengthen our own forces," Muli spoke making Tanya nod her head and follow for the rest of the trip in silence.

-Living Forest-

Muli arrived at his village seeing the Tarkatans have already prepared their camps and even more so a large hut for himself. Seeing this, he nodded and turned to see Rain walking toward him.

"Rain," Muli spoke looking down at the prince. "What are your plans now seeing as this civil war is over?"

"I am too leave and see what the future lies for me. If our paths meet again then so be it," Rain spoke before bowing his head and walking past him.

Tanya narrowed her eyes only for Muli to click his tongue to gain her attention.

"Let him go. If he wishes to seek his path, who am I to stop him from doing so," Muli spoke still carrying Mileena in his arms. "Tanya. Tell the Tarkatans that a meeting will be held tonight. When it is done get me at my tent," Muli spoke looking over to Tanya and watched as she bowed her head before walking off.

"And what are we going to do in your tent beloved?" Mileena asked opening her eyes and looking up at Muli.

"We have much to talk about in private. Becoming one is not one of them," Muli spoke before slowly lowering Mileena so that she could walk on her own.

"Such a tease," Mileena said brushing her left hand against Muli's chest.

"It is how it is Mileena. Now, come," Muli spoke walking to his tent with Mileena following after him.

-Muli's tent-

As the two entered the tent, Muli sighed heavily and sat down on his bed looking at the ground before slowly looking at Mileena who stood there with a grin on her face.

"Why did you challenge me for the right to rule?" Muli questioned.

"Is it not obvious? You are powerful as well as wise. Something my father took for granted. Although I respect his power and rule, he did not see the true potential you possessed," Mileena answered while slowly walking up to Muli.

"You planned this?" Muli asked closing his eyes.

"No, I did not. My wish was to regain my father's throne to rule over Outworld but...after what you showed me...I knew it was pointless. I struggled to come to a decision but all I could think of was you leading us," Mileena spoke as she straddled onto Muli's lap chuckling.

"...I did not want to lead anyone," Muli spoke as Mileena raised his head so that their eyes could meet.

"No...but you are more than capable of leading us into the future," Mileena spoke leaning forward and kissing her chest.

"...you are my future Mileena," Muli spoke bringing his left hand to raise her head before leaning forward and kissing her lips softly earning a soft moan from Mileena.

-Days later-

Muli had finished recreating his village and bringing up the warrior and healer class once again but with a twist. The Tarkatan warriors who wished to grow stronger would endure hellish training from Muli himself while others would tend to the Living Forest. Any who wished to leave were welcome to go their path with Muli's blessing while keeping those that wished to grow in power. Those who chose to stay were to follow simple rules just like before; there will be no death within the village unless sanctioned by Muli to settle disputes, none would look down upon one another who lived within or outside the village, any could challenge Muli to gain the right to rule the village, and lastly, food was to be gained from the beasts of the living forest or any intruders wishing ill will to the village.

As the village and training continued, Muli walked the courtyard of is village while being accompanied by Mileena and Tonya as well as two Tarkatan warriors. Suddenly, Muli fell to his knee gritting his teeth as he placed his right hand over his head in pain. This show of weakness caused one of the Tarkatan warriors to lung at Muli in his weakened state only to have a Tanya bring her foot up and kick the warrior's throat breaking it.

"Beloved! What is wrong?" Mileena asked moving to Muli's side who gritted his teeth and looked up.

"...Shinnok has risen," Muli whispered before standing up and looking toward the direction of Kotal Kahn's palace.

"What do you plan to do beloved?" Mileena questioned as Muli stood to his feet while rolling his shoulders back.

"Shinnok threatens all in the Realms. Outworld included," Muli said looking at Mileena.

"You mean to face him? An Elder God?" Mileena asked with wide eyes.

"I will face any who would threaten my village," Muli spoke looking back toward Kotal's Palace.

"Then I will come with you!" Tanya shouted making Muli shake his head slowly.

"I need you both to stay here and watch over the village in my absence," Muli replied.

"I will not take no for an answer beloved. How else are you supposed to keep me alive if not by your side?" Mileena argued in which Muli stared at her for a long second unable to counter her argument.

"Tanya. Can I trust you in watching over this village in my absence?" Muli asked still looking at Mileena.

"I will do all I can master," Tanya replied bowing her head.

"Keep up Mileena. We cannot spare any more time," Muli spoke walking toward the entrance of the village.

"How are we going to fight Shinnok?" Mileena questioned.

"We will be using Kotal Kahn's portal to get into Earth Realm," Muli answered as he went into a slow jog.

"Will he let us use it?" Mileena asked keeping up with Muli.

"He will not have a choice," Muli said as he slowly started to go into a full sprint with Mileena barely keeping pace with Muli's speed now.

-Kotal Kahn's Palace-

Muli and Mileena came to a stop as they were surrounded by Osh Tekk warriors. It did not take long before Erron Black and Ermac joined the army.

"What is the meaning of this?" Kotal Kahn questioned as he revealed himself standing on the steps of his palace.

"I have come here to bring news," Muli spoke standing up straight while he had his hand on Mileena's shoulder.

"And what news is so important that you would come to my palace with Mileena?" Kotal demanded while narrowing his eyes.

"Shinnok has risen," Muli answered causing Kotal's eyes to widen before he looked at the ground but turned his gaze back at Muli.

"Is that why you are here? To tell me Shinnko has returned?" Kotal asked glaring at Muli.

"I wish to go and take down the Elder God," Muli replied earning a chuckle from Erron Black.

"You would challenge Shinnok?" Kotal asked walking toward Muli.

"Yes. He threatens not only Earth Realm but also Outworld as well. I wish to confront him before he comes here," Muli answered looking at Kotal.

"And if you fail?" Kotal asked now standing in front of Muli.

"I will not," Muli spoke while looking around at his army. "...but if I do then I will be buying you time to bolster Outworlds defenses."

Kotal listened carefully before nodding his head in agreement while looking off to the side in thought.

"Very well. I will allow you to use the portal to Earth Realm but once you go through, I will close the portal," Kotal said turning to glance at Muli.

"I understand," Muli spoke looking at Kotal who nodded and nudged his head to follow him.

-Earth Realm: Sky Temple Forest-

Muli found himself and Mileena walking the forest of the Sky Temple wondering unsure where to go until his eyes came across four figures. As they grew closer, he could feel a strange energy coming from one of the individuals.

"Mileena!" The blonde-haired girl spoke as she pulled out her gun only for the archer to step forward and place his hand on the gun.

"Hold up. That's the guy who caught my arrow. He and Kotal Kahn have agreed," He said looking at the girl before turning his attention back to Muli.

"My names Kung Jin. This here is our leader Cassie Cage. Over there is Takahashi Takeda and his girlfriend Jacqui Briggs," The archer introduced with a smile.

"...I am Muli Koa...you have already meet Mileena...my wife to be," Muli spoke in which Mileena wrapped her arms around Muli with a chuckle.

"Okay...so why are you here? Where's Kotal Kahn?" Cassie asked putting her gun away while keeping her eyes on Mileena.

"I talked him into sending me and Mileena rather than bringing his whole army here," Muli answered.

"You were able to stop Kotal Kahn from bringing his army? I'd like to hear how you pulled that off," Cassie said impressed.

"When time permits it. For now, we have more pressing matters to deal with. Where is Shinnok?" Muli asked in which the four looked at one another then back at the warrior.

"Come on. We'll take you there," Cassie said turning and making their way toward Sky Temple.

-Sky Temple-

All six of them arrived at the Sky Temple in which the four all moved to try and be stealthy, something Muli could not do so he waited where he could hide. After a minute had passed, the sound of fighting could be heard which made Muli run over to their direction to see Takeda and Briggs fighting Kitana while Jin and Cassie were fighting Kitana. Mileena laid on the ground knocked out causing Muli to walk toward Sindel.

As he grew in arm's length, he caught Sindel's kick and lifted her off the ground to slam her into the floor a second later followed by bringing his feet to her throat locking her down.

"Who was responsible for Mileena?" Muli demanded in which he turned to look at Kitana.

"Muli! Why...are you here?" Sindel demanded before Muli crushed her throat killing her instantly.

"Kitana..." Takeda admitted before being lifted off the ground and impaled by Kitana's bladed fans along with Jacqui in the gut.

"Do you think you can take me on Kitana?" Muli questioned while walking off Sindel's throat and narrowing his eyes.

Kitana stood her ground as black energy pulsed from Muli's form.

"I know I can!" Kitana shouted before she sank into the ground to appear overhead to impale his head with her bladed fans.

"Pointless," Muli spoke grabbing Kitana's wrists and bringing her forward to slam her into the ground knocking her out.

Once she was dealt with, he turned his gaze to Kun Jin and then to Cassie.

"Where is Shinnok?" Muli asked in which Cassie narrowed her eyes.

"In the temple. I'll take you, Cassie said before looking at Kung Jin. "Help Takeda, Jacqui...and Mileena."

With that said, Muli and Cassie made their way to the temple.

-Sky Temple: Inner Chamber-

As they arrived, D'Vorah looked to Cassie and Muli with wide eyes.

"Muli, why are you here?" D'Vorah asked now glaring at the towering warrior.

"She seems to know you quite well," Cassie said as her eyes fell upon her dad. "DAD!"

"Help your father," Muli spoke walking toward D'Vorah who flew in front of him with her four legs springing out of her back and started to stab away at the warrior's body only for Muli to stretch his right hand out to grab hold of her throat. "I will deal with the bug," Cassie nodded and ran over to Johnny Cage while Muli pulled D'Vorah close and slam his free hand into her head knocking her out.

"So, you are the issue of Johnny Cage. Fitting that I exterminate his entire line," Shinnok spoke with confidence.

"You want him. You're going to have to go through me!" Cassie said only for Muli to drop D'Vorah to the ground and turn around to face Shinnok with a long grin.

Shinnok's eyes widened as he took a step back at seeing Muli's now pure white eyes and black aura oozing from his body.

"Long time no see...friend..." Muli said in a deep raspy voice with his head tilted.

/To be continued...

A twist and in kind of a haste. I know full well it will be hella hard come next chapter, but it will be a good long one. Hope you enjoyed, please tell me your favorite part of this chapter everyone. Please look forward to the next chapter.