Chapter 5: Reunion and trials

Shinnok glared at the figure before him that used to be Muli. Even though the body was Muli, the mind was someone else entirely. Muli's skin was no longer ebony but rather pitch-black with his eyes became the only thing anyone can see due to them glowing moonlight white while his hair began to flow upward as if he was submerged in water. The fallen elder god started to walk around with Muli followed suit. Even though Shinnok had gained a powerful boost in his strength, he still felt on edge against the one he saw before him.

"Necros," Shinnok spoke while lifting his head slightly still keeping his eyes on his old friend. "And here I thought I dealt with you eons ago,"

"And you have...but you underestimate me," Necros replied with a chuckle while rolling his shoulders back.

"Underestimate you? Please, I killed you," Shinnok spoke with a smirk.

This caused Necros to stop in his tracks and face the ground.

"True. You did kill me..." Necros agreed while closing his eyes in which Shinnok snickered. "After the elder gods nearly killed me!"

"And how do you hope to defeat me? In our time as friends I was weaker but now...you cannot hope to even last a second," Shinnok spoke with a burst of laughter before firing a beam of red energy toward Necros.

Necros only smirked before raising his left hand out and firing a green stream of energy toward Shinnok's canceling his out.

"Has it been so long that you've forgotten about my strength?" Necros spoke leaning his head back in confidence now with his long grin once more. "You gain your strength by absorbing the life essence of the realm...I gain my strengths...from the souls of the departed...from all the realms. And let me tell you this...old friend...I am overflowing with power from the deaths of the thousands from your stupid invasion,"

Shinnok narrowed his eyes and fired a beam of corrupt energy from the amulet straight at Necros. In response, Necros closed his eyes and jumped back before fading into the air like a wisp in the wind. With Necros out of sight, Shinnok began to scan his surroundings before he felt a pressure on the back of his neck as well as his middle spin. The next thing the fallen elder god felt was his feet leave the ground only for his head to crash down into the floor leaving a small crater.

"Still slow I see. All those times we fought and spared I always went easy on you. Your pace...but now...now we do things my pace. Can you keep up?" Necros spoke standing over Shinnok with his arms stretched out as he backed away allowing the fallen elder god to get back up.

"And you...are as cocky as ever...always giving...your opponent a chance...to make a comeback. Your ignorance...is as annoying as ever," Shinnok spoke getting back to his feet while glaring at Necros before charging at him.

Shinnok roared as he slammed his fists to Necros' gut, which made him gasp for air before grabbing his neck to lift him off the ground and wail on his face. Necros grunted with each hit and groaning after every second that he was not getting hit.

"What's wrong? Where happened to your ignorant attitude old friend?" Shinnok asked before continuing to beat his face in with a smirk.

After what seemed like half an hour of hitting Necros, Shinnok looked upon his motionless body before bringing his right hand back and thrusting it into his head. Muli's body twitched before eventually becoming motionless again. With a scuff, Shinnok pulled his hand out of Muli's corpse and tossed him to the ground watching as the black energy started to fade away.

"That was disappointing," Shinnok commented before turning his gaze back to the Cage family. "Now...where were we?"

"We are not finished yet old friend," Necros replied from behind him.

Shinnok immediately turned around to see his friend once more but in a ghostly form who wrapped his left hand around his neck and lifted him off the ground.

"Do you think it would be that easy to get rid of me? I used this form to escape with my soul...otherwise I would be nothing more than a servant to you. Something I would never do," Necros spoke glaring at Shinnok before another arm grew from his left arm resembling that of a Shokan.

"Holy shit," Cassie commented before Shinnok slashed at Necros' face but watched as it phased through.

"Weak," Necros spoke as he took hold of Shinnok's arms with his upper arms taking hold of the fallen god's while his lower took hold of his legs. "Whose weak now?"

Shinnok snarled before firing the energy beam from his amulet forcing Necros to release his hold on the fallen god and use his four arms to block the attack. As Shinnok landed on the ground, Necros used his left arms to block the beam while tucking in his right arms.

"You are weak Necros! Your bluffs are nothing but whispers in the wind," Shinnok spoke keeping a safe distance only to hear laughter from his old friend.

"Who said I was bluffing?" Necros spoke as his form faded revealing it to be nothing more than a soul construct.

Shinnok's eyes widen before his entire form was grabbed by an invisible force. As the fallen elder god was raised off the ground, he struggled to break free but to no avail as he looked up at the figure before him. Necros was sitting meters away from their actual battle in a cowboy position and his left under forearm resting over his left knee and his opposite leg touching the ground.

"You know as well as I that I am never one to bluff. My past battles can back that up. There has only been one battle in my entire life-time that I knew I was going to lose...and it was helping you against the elder gods. I fought a losing battle to ensure your escape...and what do you do? Betray me so that you would be banished to the Nether, nothing else. Payback is a bitch...isn't it?" Necros asked with a chuckle before raising his right hand along with the image before bringing it down to the ground watching as the fallen elder god crashed into the floor.

"You...cannot kill me..." Shinnok spoke groaning in pain.

"You're right. I cannot kill you...but that does not mean you are free of pain and torment," Necros spoke with a wide grin before he reached his opposite hand out causing a spiritual hand to fire flow from his palm and take hold of the amulet in his gut. "Like your power source for example,"

"No!" Shinnok shouted before Necros pulled the amulet from his gut and watching as Necro's spiritual hand pulled the amulet from his gut.

This caused the fallen elder god to be engulfed by bright energy before is exploded revealing him returned to his original form. Necros held the amulet in his hand and sighed before looking back over to Shinnok. Rage still in his thoughts only to grin and as the larger hand started to partway slowly beginning to tear his limbs off.

"Stop!" Raiden demanded.

This caused Necros to stop his torture and look at the minor god with narrowed eyes.

"Necros?!" Raiden spoke getting into a fighting position while narrowing his eyes.

"Wait!" Cassie shouted while walking in front of Raiden who looked at the Earth Realmer confused.

"What is the meaning of this?" Raiden questioned lowering his guard slightly.

"He beat Shinnok," Cassie spoke with a confident smile.

"Why? Necros is allied with Shinnok?" Raiden questioned with narrowed eyes.

"In another life...yes. Unfortunately for Shinnok, fate was not on his side," Necros spoke glaring back at the fallen elder god.

"And why is that?" Raiden asked in a calmer tone.

"Because he betrayed me. When I fought by his side against the Elder Gods, I stood for him but...when I was fatally wounded by our enemies, he took the chance to kill me and try to make me his slave," Necros replied before slamming Shinnok into the ground again.

Raiden looked at this than to Cassie before sighing and nodding his head.

"Then we have a common enemy," Raiden spoke looking back at Shinnok.

"Indeed we do...but this problem has been solved...is there something more important you must do?" Necros spoke looking at the Jinsei.

Raiden looked at the red Jinsei and nodded before making his way towards it just as Kung Jin walked in with Mileena.

The first thing Mileena did was run to Muli's motionless body.

"Muli!" Mileena screamed before kneeling by his side to bring her hand to his head as to allow him to rest onto her lap. "What happened?"

"As powerful as Muli was...he is no match for Shinnok...no matter how many souls he devours," Necros admitted as she glared at the dead god.

"Then bring him back to me!" Mileena demanded causing Necros to chuckle.

"Why would I bring back someone who isn't dead? Shinnok is the Elder God of Death and I am the God of Souls. No matter how much pain he takes, he can never pass on. But you know that already...don't you?" Necros spoke narrowing his eyes at Mileena.

Mileena blinked at this and turned her attention back to Muli whose wound had healed completely. She stared at Muli awaiting his eyes to open which took place mere seconds. The warrior's eyes opened to look up at Mileena before groaning in pain. The Tarkatan female could not help but wrap her arms around Muli's head and sigh in relief with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks.

"You idiot! Scaring me like that!" Mileena shouted before the Jinsei was restored.

Cassie and Kung Jin helped Muli off the ground as Necros looked at Raiden who was engulfed in red energy. As Raiden walked over to Shinnok, Necros scuffed before making his way to Muli and entered his body once more. This caused Muli to gasp in pain and hanging his head back in pain but eventually settled.

"You have a god living in you..." Cassie commented in which Muli nodded his head slowly.

"...it would appear so," Muli spoke as Raiden walked over to the group looking back at the Earth Realmer's and Muli them.

"You have done what needed to be done and for that, you have my thanks," Raiden spoke closing his eyes.

"...can you take us back to Out World?" Muli asked as Raiden nodded his head.

"Wait!" Cassie spoke causing Muli and Mileena to look at the young fighter. "Why did you help us?"

"Shinnok would only shift his attention to outworld have we let him do as he pleases. I will not lose my home again," Muli spoke narrowing his eyes.

"...will you not help us?" Cassie asked rubbing the back of her head as Sonya and a squad of her soldiers came in.

"I will not. My people need my help more than Earth Realm...from what I can see...this Realm has its protectors," Muli spoke looking at Raiden who nodded his head. "We will meet again in time Earth Realmer..."

"Cassie Cage," Cassie said with a nod.

"...then we will meet again Cassie Cage...in time," Muli spoke before looking over to Raiden who guided them out of the temple. "...if you have something to say Raiden...say it,"

Raiden came to a stop before glancing over his shoulder.

"Do not return to Earth Ream," Raiden demanded while gripping his hands into fists. "Out of thanks for helping us deal with Shinnok...I will allow you to keep your lives,"

Mileena snarled and was about to snap at Raiden only for Muli to raise his hand to stop her from talking.

"We are thankful for your mercy," Muli spoke in which Raiden looked forward and opened a portal back to Out World.

The two passed Raiden into the portal back to their home realm.

-Out World-

As Muli and Mileena exited the portal, they were surrounded by the Kahn's army with their weapons at the ready and Kotal in front.

"Is Shinnok dealt with?" Kotal questioned while narrowing his eyes.

"Yes. Shinnok has been dealt with. He will not be a threat to Out World," Muli answered in which Kotal sighed in relief and raised his hand to dismiss his army.

"Then I thank you for stopping Shinnok," Kotal spoke before moving out of Muli and Mileena's way allowing the two to leave the palace while his army parted as well to make a pathway.

"Our deal stays firm...Kahn," Muli spoke before nodding his head and allowing Mileena to lead him out of the palace.

As soon as they left the palace, Tanya and Scarlet immediately appeared to help walk their chief home.

"What is our next move master?" Tanya asked with a smile.

"When do we take the throne?" Scarlet added.

"Never. We will live in peace with Kotal...and make no moves in trying to usher the throne from him...am I clear?" Muli ordered looking at the two.

"...we understand master Muli," Tanya and Scarlet say in unison before looking forward.

"We have much to do anyway to be bothered with conquest," Muli spoke with a weak smile.

"And what is that?" Mileena questioned.

"Our ceremony of joining," Muli answered looking at Mileena who chuckled and nodded slowly.

"You and I?" Mileena asked tilting her head slightly.

"Now and forever," Muli answered as she removed her mask and leaned forward allowing the two to kiss one another deeply and passionately.

"Save it for the ceremony you two," Tanya said before laughing softly.

"She is right," Muli spoke as he broke their kiss and smiled.

"We have so much to do than," Mileena spoke as the four made their way into the living forest.

-Tarkatan Village-

Muli waited in his tent to rest his mind and body from the day due to what he went through for the past events. Fighting a fallen elder god, being possessed by a dead god, and lastly having that same dead god leave his body for a time. Everything happened so fast and much more chaotic than what he saw in his visions. While he rested, Mileena and Scarlet were directing the Tarkatans for the even to come which we take place tomorrow. The ceremony of joining.

-?-

Suddenly, Muli opened his eyes to find himself in a large open field that seemed to be stretch out for miles.

"This is not the mind terra..." Muli spoke looking around.

"You are right. This isn't the mind terra," Necros spoke appearing in front of him with his arms crossed over his chest.

"You," Muli spoke looking up at the dead god with narrowed eyes.

"Calm yourself Muli. I am not here to possess you as I did against Shinnok. I had unfinished business with him," Necros replied with a chuckle. "Seems you are a descendant of mine...not sure how but there it is,"

"Descendant?" Muli questioned with a raised brow.

"You have the same powers as me...although much weaker. You have potential but have only reached the peak of my powers," Necros spoke closing his eyes.

"...I do not need your power," Muli spoke causing the dead god to open his eyes and look at the warrior.

"I think you do..." Necros spoke with a smirk.

"And why is that? Shinnok has been taken care of," Muli spoke facing Necros who unfolded his arms and placed them by his sides.

"Shinnok yes...but Kronika is still around," Necros replied.

"Kronika?" Muli repeated confused.

"The mother of Shinnok and Cetrion. Another Elder God...but of balance," Necros explained with an annoyed sigh. "The elder god I fell for,"

"You fell for an elder god?" Muli questioned with a raised brow.

"Is it not possible for love to find any living thing?" Necros countered while narrowing his eyes.

"...it is not...but the thing is you are no longer alive Necros. All you are is a soul with unfinished business," Muli spoke in which Necros chuckled.

"You're right. I am just a soul...for now," Necros spoke looking up at the sky. "In time I will regain a body and speak with Cetrion once more...there is much I must talk to her about..."

"What do you want from me?" Muli demanded while narrowing his eyes.

"...for you to be ready to fight a titan," Necros answered looking down at Muli. "Because when it comes to terms with power...Titans are on a league of their own...and the way you are now...you won't last a second against her...not without help,"

"What do you suggest?" Muli asked crossing his arms over his chest.

"Go into the MindTerra and train yourself. You saw what Shinnok is capable of. Within the MindTerra, you can fight him over and over until you beat him on your own," Necros answered.

"How would you know of the MindTerra?" Muli asked now glaring at Necros.

"Because I am the one that taught your clan how to use it. A gift. One that was never used to its fullest...not until now," Necros answered with an annoyed groan while shaking his head. "I know more about your people's history than you believe Muli. Do not underestimate my knowledge,"

"...you've lived for thousands of years...just like Shinnok," Muli pointed out while turning his gaze to the ground gritting his teeth.

"Yes. The reason why the living forest did not harm your people was simple...I commanded them not to...provided you take care of them of course," Necros spoke with a smirk which slowly faded away. "And your people did as I expected...survive...until Shao Khan and his army came into the fold...I expected your clan to have a lot more warriors to defend against his assault,"

"More warriors? The percent at which we birthed warriors were low and when we did...our mothers would be lost giving birth to us," Muli explained making Necros look at the warrior.

"...so that is what he meant," Necros spoke as he closed his eyes. "No matter...maybe you will make a new clan...one stronger than the other...one not cursed by Shinnok,"

Before Muli could question him more, the world grew black as he woke from his slumber.

-Next day-

As Muli opened his eyes from his dream-like state, he found not only Mileena on him but also Scarlet and Tanya. While Mileena rested on his chest, Tanya and Scarlet laid down by his sides using his arms like pillows. Seeing this, Muli could not help but chuckle as his eyes slowly opened.

"Mileena, Tanya, Scarlet. Time to wake up," Muli spoke causing the three women to stir in their sleep before waking up and looking at their master.

"Morning master," Tanya spoke brushing her hand against his arm.

"Yes, did you sleep well?" Scarlet asked softly biting on his other arm.

"Are you ready for our joining my love? " Mileena asked in which Muli nodded while slowly looking around.

"I am ready for our joining but...what is the meaning of this?" Muli asked looking at Tanya and Scarlet.

"What else my dear? They wish to be your...concubines," Mileena answered while straddling Muli with her hands placed upon his stomach.

"Concubines? And you agreed to this?" Muli asked surprised how Mileena not only agreed with this but also seemed pleased with it as well.

"Every ruler deserves more than one to bed," Mileena spoke looking at Tanya then at Scarlet.

"Tanya...I understand but when did you and Scarlet get so close?" Muli questioned causing Mileena to chuckle.

"We have something in common..." Mileena paused while crawling up to his ear to whisper. "You."

This caused Muli to look at Scarlet waiting to hear her answer.

"The moment you beat the two sorcerers I wished to follow you and only you. I want to feel your power within me...in due time," Scarlet spoke before licking Muli's arm slowly.

"As for me...the moment you showed your true strength. One that could even defeat Shao Kahn if forced to," Tanya spoke bringing her hand to brush against his shoulder. "Such power...and yet so humble and open-minded."

"If anyone is to bed me first...it will be my wife," Muli spoke opening his eyes to look at Mileena who chuckled and nodded her head while laughing.

"As it should be my love," Mileena spoke in which Tanya sighed along with Scarlet before they got up and left the tent for now. "Now...how will we join as one, my love?"

"Ceremony of unity," Muli answered in which he stood up while bringing his hands to her rear preventing her from falling.

"And how does this ceremony work?" Mileena asked before wrapping her legs around his waist.

"We are to venture out into the living forest and take on the trial of unity," Muli answered while looking down at Mileena.

"Oh? A trial? Is this one of your people's ways of marriage?" Mileena chimed while bringing her arm around his neck.

"It is. Very traditional...and dangerous. If they can overcome the trials of unity than they are fated to be together..." Muli explained.

"And if they fail?" Mileena asked tilting her head slightly.

"They die together. The trial of unity joins the couple in life or death," Muli continued to explain while sighing heavily. "It is a very dangerous tradition, but I watched many couples go in with only a few returning," Muli finished before chuckling. "I am sure it will be easy for both of us,"

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's do this trial of unity," Mileena spoke releasing her hold on her future husband to hop down and land on her feet chuckling. "The faster we finish this trial...the faster I get you all to myself,"

Muli only nodded his head before the two walked out of the tent.

-Tarkatan Camp-

Muli looked upon the Tarkatans that roamed the once destroyed village building and preparing only for their attention to shift to Muli. They all stood at attention and placed their right fist over their heart before bowing their heads. Seeing this, Muli nodded his head and swayed his hand out for them to gather which they did in mere seconds.

"Mileena and I will be heading out to do the Trials of Unity. One that will test our unity. While I am gone, Tanya will be in command," Muli shouted while looking around seeing no complaints.

"How long will you be gone?" Tanya asked walking up to Muli.

"...the fastest any couple has ever returned from the trial of unity was a month," Muli answered looking at Mileena before turning his attention to Tanya. "But for us...a week. Can you handle until we return?"

"I will do what I can Master Muli," Tanya spoke while bringing her hand over her chest and bowing her head.

"Then we shall take our leave. In two weeks, if we do not return...Tanya will be your new master," Muli spoke in which the Tarkatans bowed their heads once more.

Muli smiled at this and nodded before walking toward the living forest where a single tree stood. Its mouth opened revealing a hidden tunnel leading down into the ground. Once Muli and Mileena entered the tree, it closed its mouth locking the two within until they completed the trial. Within the tunnel, Mileena took the lead while Muli held a green sphere of energy to light their way. As big as Muli was, the tunnel revealed it to be twice his size as if it were built for the warriors of his people. On the walls of the tunnel showed pictures of the warriors as well as creatures. At first, it looked like a nether realm creature, but a closer look revealed it to be almost like an alien.

"Strange creatures," Muli commented as they continued to walk down the hallway.

After walking for at least five minutes, they finally arrived in a large room with five closed doors. All of which were too small for Muli to go through until the entrance they took suddenly closed behind them. Muli took this chance to glance over his shoulders before looking back forward to find Mileena missing. His eyes widened in worry as he looked at the spot that she stood on had a trap hole that immediately closed on Muli. Gritting his teeth, he knelt to the ground and raised his right fist only to look up and see a black humanoid creature lung at him.

It screeched with its clawed hands stretched out to tear into the warrior but before the creature could do any real damage, Muli had brought his left hand forward to catch the alien in midair. Glaring at the creature, Muli slammed it into the ground before raising it off the floor only to bring it back down. He continued to do this in an attempt to break the floor but to no avail as the alien was nothing more than a pool of blood now. Standing up, he looked at his body that had splatters of blood seeing it eat away at his skin causing a slight hint of pain now and then.

"Acid blood..." Muli commented before he closed his eyes and began to push out green energy causing the alien's liquid to be forced out and fall to the ground.

With the alien dead, Muli turned his attention to the doorway and watched as it opened up wider. His eyes looked back at the dead alien once more before shaking his head and walking down the hallway. He scanned the hallway he walked through to see that the upper parts of the path had holes which caused him to ball his hands into fists.

"This is what the men of my village were supposed to do to marry?" Muli questioned himself while gritting his teeth. "Such a foolish tradition."

The warrior continued to walk before coming across a large hallway followed by the sound of the same noise as before, but this time joined by two others. Muli glanced over his left shoulder with his eyes glowing a bright white as a spear formed in his right hand. As the warrior looked over his shoulder, he watched as the hallway he had just walked through lit up by glowing red stones. It didn't take long for the middle alien to lung at Muli.

"Foolish," Muli spoke ducking under the alien's lung and grabbing its tail with his free hand to bring its body down on the alien on the left followed by spearing the third in the head. "Such a thing should be destroyed,"

Muli groaned before standing up and looking the squashed aliens only to turn and see another tunnel open up. As the warrior continued down the pathway, he found it connects with another and reveals Mileena walking out completely unharmed. Her eyes scanned the new area before eventually seeing her husband to be.

"What is the meaning of this place?" Mileena questioned before walking in front of Muli and crossing her arms under her bust.

"This was a place to prove one's unity. This is why most of my people never came back," Muli spoke gritting his teeth before his eyes widened and emitted a faint green glow. "Why would someone make such a foolish trial?"

'It was needed,' A voice whispered as a single spirit took form in front of them revealing it to a tall muscular male that was an inch taller than Muli.

"...Hoku...first Chief of my people. The legendary Chief who was said to be undefeated," Muli explained as the male nodded his head slowly.

'I am Hoku Nui...The Great Star...strongest and oldest of the Nui Tribe,' He introduced.

"Not so great anymore," Mileena commented with a snicker causing Hoku to chuckle as well.

'You are right. One cannot be great if they have already passed on...but you...Muli...cannot pass on...can you?' Hoku asked pointing at Muli who narrowed his eyes. 'The people you swore to protect...will not let you,'

"How do I destroy this tomb?" Muli questioned while taking a step forward ignoring his question.

'You wish to destroy our history?' Hoku asked narrowing his eyes.

"Such a trial should not exist in the first place," Muli countered in which Hoku nodded his head.

'If you wish to destroy this tomb...you will have to kill the Queen we have captured,' Hoku answered.

"Where is she?" Muli asked.

'In the lowest depth of the tomb. There she waits for her release. If you can make it there, you can be rid of this trial once and for all,' Hoku explained before fading away but not after swaying his hand causing the tunnel leading to the surface to collapse and shift into stairs leading deeper into the tomb. 'It will not be as easy as what you have faced...'

"Are the trials normally this easy?" Mileena asked placing her right hand over her hip.

'The trial of unity is not one of combat but trust and faith in one's partner. If one died, the other would share the same fate,' Hoku answered before fading completely. 'I wished for Muli to leave so that the tomb would live on...but he is now chief of his people and as such...he...has the final say,'

"So my love, what will you have us do?" Mileena asked with a grin.

"We are going to slaughter every single alien that resides in this tomb," Muli answered before making his way toward the stairs.

"Genocide? Lovely," Mileena cheered while skipping behind Muli.

Muli remained silent as the two descended the stairs before they started to clear every floor of the tomb. For days they went on a killing spree with the floors becoming smaller and bone piles growing. With each floor they passed, his rage grew more and more over the souls that were trapped in this tomb. After what seemed like days, Muli and Mileena came face to face with the creature that gave birth to the aliens.

"So this is their mother," Muli spoke rolling his shoulders back.

"Do you think it will be that easy?" A voice asked as the queen raised her head revealing it to be more humanoid than the others causing Muli's eyes to widen.

"...mother..." Muli whispered.

/To be continued...