Chapter 6: Unexpected events
Muli stood before what looked like his mother with Mileena glaring at the woman. The Xenomorph stood at a towering fifteen feet tall and stood upright like himself. She looked more human than xenomorph if it was not for her tail and her outer skeleton being like armor which allowed bust to be partially visible while her upper face was covered in a black slick plate. Her eyes were nowhere to be seen just like the others but her lower face was just like that of a human aside from her grey skin color.
"This is your mother? I see you get your looks from your father," Mileena spoke with a snicker.
"...do not let your guard down," Muli spoke narrowing his eyes.
"What do you mean?" Mileena asked looking at her lover.
"If this thing is my mother...our quest has become much harder," Muli warned. "In our village, a woman can never be the leader...my grandfather made sure of that."
"And why is that?" Mileena asked with a raised brow.
"Because his granddaughter almost beat him while he was still chief," Muli answered. "And that is my mother. Because she almost beat the past chief, my father took that chance to finish him off to claim her as his wife...even so, every time they fought, he couldn't even touch her,"
"She should be easy for you? It's probably a trick," Mileena spoke looking at the xenomorph growling.
"Only one way to find out. Stay here," Muli spoke walking forward with his hands by his sides.
As Muli was in arms reach of the alien, the xenomorph queen stretched her hand out to cup the warrior's cheek and smiled. It was the same look his mother gave him when they lived together. That was until the fateful day she was banished, due to be sacrificed to please the forest. An act he knew his father put in place to prevent his wife from embarrassing him ever again.
"So you have also been cursed...my son," She spoke closing her eyes and leaning her head forward to press her forehead against his.
Muli's eyes widened at the realization that this was no fake but rather his mother. The one he thought who was killed long ago as he closed his eyes with a tear rolling down his left eye.
"How?" Muli asked bringing his hand to place over his mothers.
"I was too die my son but instead...fate made me walk a different path. Instead of being used as the others, I was given an opportunity to become their queen," She spoke with a smile as she slowly leaned back along with her smile fading. "And who is this?"
"That is Mileena...second daughter of Shao Kahn and my wife to be," Muli spoke looking at Mileena who blushed but held her head up high.
"Is that so?" She spoke facing her son than back at Mileena. "Is she strong?"
"Yes. The strongest warrior in Out World...aside from you mother," Muli spoke nodding his head.
"I see. I am Kamea Ali'i, wife to Mana Ali'i and mother of Kala Ali'i," She introduced while looking at Mileena.
"Kala Ali'i? Mileena asked looking at Muli.
"That used to be my name?" Muli replied looking at his mother who snapped her attention to her son.
"What do you mean used to?" Kamea asked leaning forward.
"The village hidden in the living forest was annihilated," Muli answered before closing his eyes. "By Shao Kahn..."
This caused Kamea's attention to slowly face Mileena causing a chill to run down the Tarkatans back. Muli' opened his eyes and walked in front of Mileena already feeling the killing intent from his mother.
"And you would bond with the daughter of the one who annihilated your home?" Kamea questioned facing Muli now while growling softly.
"That happened eons ago. Not only has the time passed for revenge but Shao Kahn's rule has also ended with a new emperor taking the mantle," Muli explained while turning to look at Mileena.
He knew Mileena did not like hearing it, but it was something he had to clear up with his mother to prevent her from attacking his wife to be before he sighed and turned his attention back to his mother.
"We are at peace," Muli finished causing Kamea to face the ground while and sigh heavily.
"How did it happen?" Kamea asked still facing the ground.
"Shao Kahn sent his entire army to wipe us out since we did not wish to kneel before him. The warriors and I were able to fend them off, but we were not prepared for them to attack us from behind as well," Muli explained causing Kamea to nod her head slowly.
"It is very risky to roam through the living forest," Kamea spoke. "They had help from a sorcerer..."
"Yes. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. While all our warriors were busy fending off the main army, they snuck past the living forest and killed everyone in the village before hitting us," Muli spoke gripping his hands into fists.
Kamea remained silent before slowly facing Muli.
"And thus why you are here before me. They will not let you pass on," Kamea spoke watching as Muli nodded his head to answer her question. "Terrible people as I remember. After all, you have done for them they still prevent you from passing on,"
She shook her head and then turned to the two smiling.
"That explains why there have been no sacrifices for some time," Kamea spoke crossing her arms under her bust. "Than the pact will be void,"
"Pact?" Muli repeated.
"These trials were set to not only keep our numbers low but also to keep the hive from breaking out. A few years ago, my children wished to explore the world to bring more food, but I stopped them and commanded them to only hunt animals nearby. This kept them at bay for a time, but it was becoming more and more difficult to deny them food, as our numbers started to grow...what you killed, was all that was left of this hive," Kamea spoke facing the ground thinking deeply. "What is your choice?"
"Choice?" Muli repeated blinking his eyes.
"Will you choose to eliminate the last of the xenomorphs or spare me?" Kamea asked facing her son once more with a faint smile on her lips. "Whatever your choice I will respect it,"
"There is no choice to make?" Muli spoke narrowing his eyes earning a soft chuckle from Kamea.
"Then finish it. I will not fight," Kamea replied kneeling and bowing her head.
"What are you talking about? I will not kill my mother after I thought you had died years ago before I was cursed," Muli spoke narrowing her eyes.
This made Kamea raise her head at her son along with Mileena to look at her lover confused.
"Although those we slaughtered were your children, I am sure there are more hidden away?" Muli spoke looking around. "I fought them long enough to remember their scent as well as presence. They are not as strong as big as the others but still a threat...I have conditions though,"
"...what are your conditions?" Kamea asked straightening herself out.
"Your children are to not harm my people nor any of my future allies," Muli spoke looking up at Kamea who stood there in silence.
"Your people?" Kamea repeated confused.
"Our people are gone but as time passed I claimed the chief of the Tarkatans. They are my people now," Muli clarified earning a nod from Kamea.
"They will not harm your people nor your allies..." Kamea spoke but stopped as she watched Muli raise his hand to show he was not finished telling her his conditions.
"And your children are not allowed to leave the living forest unless permitted me," Muli spoke before slowly lowering his hand to cross his arms over his chest showing he finished telling his conditions.
"Understood...but what about yourself? Your people, as well as your allies, are protected by these conditions but not you," Kamea asked with an amused smile.
"With how I am now. It is impossible to defeat me as well as bound me," Muli answered bluntly.
Kamea could not help but laugh softly.
"Very well...what of the trial? Will you abolish it?" Kamea asked slowly looking around.
"Yes. Even if the trial is abolished, that does not mean there will be no fighting. To prevent such things in the future...tournaments will take place int he future for both sides to fight each other in Mortal Kombat," Muli explained.
"And what does the winner get?" Kamea asked leaning her head forward.
"That is for them to decide. They can either claim the title as champion or challenge us for our throne," Muli spoke looking at Mileena with a grin before turning back to his mother who faced the ground in thought about her son's plan only to nod.
"A way to ease the minds of those who wish to claim power," Kamea commented earning a nod from Muli. "Is there anything else?"
"No. That is all I had to say," Muli answered.
"Good, then we can get to business," Kamea spoke with a smile while allowing her hands to hang by her sides.
"Business?" Mileena asked with a raised brow.
"Kamea wants us to fight her," Muli said while rolling his shoulders back. "Even if it is not to the death you must be careful,"
"She taught you all you needed to know about fighting," Mileena finished earning a nod from Muli.
"Let us see if you have grown my child," Kamea said with a smile before leaning forward and racing toward the two.
Although she was large, that did not make her slow in the slightest. Mileena jumped up into the air to teleport while Muli charged toward his mother and crashing into her. Sadly, it did not go as planned as his mother overpowered him allowing her to pick Muli up and throw him at the back of the hallway. As Muli was thrown, Mileena appeared over Kamea with her sai's in hand and pierced her back. Kamea released a powerful shriek and running toward the left side of the hallway forcing Mileena to release her hold on the sai's and jump to the right avoiding the crushing death awaiting her if she stayed.
Just as Mileena was out of harm's way, Kamea faced Mileena and brought her right arm up to grab the Tarkatan smirking. Mileena struggled to break from the grasp but snickered as a green spear pierced the large Xenomorphs forearm earning another shriek from Kamea and freeing Mileena. Once Kamea's grasp loosened, she took this chance to jump up and teleport away and appear beside Muli who was glowing green.
"You weren't lying. She knows how to fight," Mileena commented gaining a slight nod from Muli as he charged at his mother once more.
Kamea looked at the spear in her forearm and smiled before pulling it out and throwing it to the ground as she turned her attention back to Muli. She charged toward him as well ignoring the fact he was glowing green before she felt her son crash into her form and launch her back into the wall. This caught her off guard before quickly getting back up and seeing Muli had already jumped up to bring his right fist to the top of her head causing her to stumble and fall to the ground groaning. Mileena walked up beside Muli with a smile as she felt her husband place his hand upon her shoulder expecting him to kiss her but instead pushed her away.
"What are you..." Mileena was cut off as she looked back seeing Kamea's hand thrust toward where the Tarkatan stood showing she was mere inches from piercing her gut.
Kamea smirked before bringing her hand and knocking Muli to the side while getting to her feet and looking at her son.
"You really have grown," Kamea commented looking at Muli.
"Never let your guard down...even if my enemy looks defeated," Muli replied as he got to his feet cracking his neck. "You taught me that many times,"
"Good. You still remember," Kamea spoke looking over to Mileena. "But it seems your wife to be is still learning,"
"She is a slow learner...but whatever she learns...she does not forget," Muli replied glancing at Mileena who snarled softly.
"She has a good teacher," Kamea said with a sigh before kneeling. "I admit defeat,"
Muli looked at this and nodded his head before looking at Mileena.
"It is done," Muli said before looking back at his mother. "I know you cannot leave this place mother but...send one of your drones with us. There I will introduce your children to my people as well as our new alliance,"
"I will send my runner to go with you," Kamea spoke standing up and glancing over her shoulder and letting out a soft shriek causing a single Xenomorph to crawl out of the shadows.
"Then we will be on our way," Muli spoke bowing to his mother who did the same before the warrior and his wife turned to leave the ruins along with the runner right behind them. "Until we meet again mother,"
-Living Forest: Camp-
As Muli returned, he found the camp had grown with Tanya overseeing a fight between two Tarkatans fighting one another. It did not take long before a few Tarkatans started to gather and greet their chief as well as look upon the creature behind him. Tanya took notice of this and turned to see Muli and Mileena walking toward her with a bright smile. Once Muli and Mileena were now standing in front of Tanya, the Edenian slowly got on her knee and bowed her head.
"Dearest Tanya. How has the camp been?" Mileena asked with a smile while looking around.
"I only wish to serve," Tanya said raising her head to look up at Mileena.
"We have much to discuss," Muli spoke looking around at the Tarkatans while narrowing his eyes causing them to disperse and return to their duties even though most were still looking at the drone behind their chief. "Where is Scarlet?"
"She is currently with the hunting party gathering food," Tanya answered.
"When she returns, we will begin our meeting," Muli spoke bringing his right hand forward and swayed it up permitting Tanya to rise.
Tanya got to her feet smiling while looking between the two.
"Shall we celebrate your union?" Tanya asked looking at Muli.
"Yes. Tonight we celebrate more than Mileena and I but also an alliance," Muli spoke looking over his shoulder at the drone that was looking at every Tarkatan growling.
"Alliance?" Tanya repeated blinking her eyes before looking at the Xenomorph behind her chief.
"All will be explained when Scarlet returns," Muli said before looking over his shoulder at the Xenomorph. "Alien? Will you wait with me or within the forest?"
The Xenomorph nudged its head toward Muli not even giving it a thought earning a nod from the chief.
"Then come. It should not be long before Scarlet returns," Muli said just as the blood ninja returned from her hunt to find her master had returned.
While the Tarkatans were bringing their catch in, Scarlet made her way to Muli and went to her knee with her head bowed down.
"Welcome back master," Scarlet spoke raising her head with a smile.
"Scarlet. We were just talking about you," Mileena chimed as Scarlet rose seeing Muli sway his hand up.
"We have much to talk about...as well as celebrate," Muli spoke as he made his way toward his tent which was larger than last he saw.
Tanya and Scarlet looked at one another before following their master to his tent with Mileena by his side and the Xenomorph following behind the ninja and Edenian. As they all entered the tent, Muli made his way to his chair and turned to sit down with Mileena sitting by his side. Both Tanya and Scarlet stood on the sides of the walkway while the Xenomorph remained in the center.
"To business. My people's old tradition of the trial of union is hereby abolished," Muli claimed while narrowing his eyes.
The two women looked at one another then back at Muli.
"What I thought was a hard trial to test one's bond was nothing more than a way to control the village numbers. I have no need for such a thing, but we gained allies from it," Muli spoke easing his gaze to focus on the Xenomorph.
"I have been meaning to ask master but...what is that?" Tanya asked looking at the Xenomorph with narrowed eyes.
"Do not look upon my brothers with such eyes," Muli spoke gripping the armrest causing it to snap quickly gaining the Edenians attention with wide eyes before watching her bow her head.
"Forgive my rudeness master," Tanya spoke bringing her hand to her chest.
"You are forgiven...this time. Do not let it happen again," Muli warned before looking at Scarlet. "Our alliance is with my mother who is now the queen of the Xenomorph that reside within the Living Forest Ruins. With it, we will have more mouths to feed as well as warriors if Kotal wishes to try and wage war on us in the future,"
"What of their blood master?" Scarlet asked looking at the Xenomorph with curious eyes.
"Their blood would turn you to mush Scarlet. Unlike everyone else, their blood is acid...I experienced it firsthand. If it was not for my immortal body, I would have been severely injured," Muli answered before turning his attention to the Xenomorph. "As such, they will not harm Mileena or any who I have taken under my wing,"
"What about yourself master?" Tanya asked looking up at Muli who smirked.
"Mileena and I have already wiped out the hive only leaving a small handful of them left. If they break this alliance...I will gladly return and finish what I left," Muli spoke glaring at the Xenomorph that growled but lowered its head in a submissive position.
"So we are at a peace treaty with these..." Scarlet paused unsure what to call them.
"Siblings," Muli finished for Scarlet who nodded her head.
"We are at peace with your siblings?" Scarlet asked with a raised brow.
"Yes. For now," Muli answered looking at Scarlet. "Once a year a tournament will be held that will allow anyone to join and partake in it to earn the title of the champion of the clan...and if they wish...can even challenge their chief or queen for the right to rule,"
"Don't you think that is too dangerous?" Tanya asked with concern in her eyes.
"Normally it would but what else would there be to calm the minds of the Tarkatans that wish for things to change," Muli countered.
"What if the...wait your mother is the queen of your siblings?" Tanya asked with wide-eyes.
"Yes. It is a story for another time. What is important are any questions that hold more meaning," Muli spoke narrowing his eyes at Tanya who cleared her throat and nodded her head.
"Will you extend your alliance to the Shokan?" Scarlet asked looking at Muli.
"I will...in time. For now, we must prepare other things," Muli answered before looking at the Xenomorph. "You may return to mother now sibling,"
With that, the Xenomorph turned and raced out of the tent back to the ruins.
"If I may. When is this tournament?" Scarlet asked tilting her head.
"In ten months. If we are lucky, the Shokan will be joining us in our tournament," Muli answered.
"What of Kotal?" Mileena asked looking at Muli who glanced at her.
"What of him?" Muli asked.
"What if he wishes to partake in our tournament?" Mileena asked.
"Then I will simply deny him access. We are at peace...but that does not mean I must do as he wishes. Even so, he has more pressing matters to deal with," Muli spoke with a smirk. "He is now Kahn and there is much he must fix to make his empire better...otherwise it will crumble in his grasps just as Shao Kahn did,"
"What your saying is..." Mileena added with wide-eyes.
"He can make his tournament. If he wishes to challenge it just because he is the emperor of Out World...I will gladly take it from him," Muli spoke looking at his wife while raising his hand to cup her cheek before turning his gaze to Tanya and Scarlet. "Prepare a feast for village. We celebrate our union,"
Tanya and Scarlet bow their heads before leaving the tent causing Mileena to jump off her chair to straddle Muli chuckling.
"Patience my love. Tonight we will bed...although you will not be able to walk for a few days," Muli spoke bringing his hands to her hips.
"Is that a challenge?" Mileena asked narrowing her eyes.
"It is not a challenge Mileena...it is a promise," Muli answered earning a soft laugh from Mileena.
"I can't wait," Mileena spoke before Muli stood up with his left arm wrapped around her body while she wrapped her legs around her husband's waist.
"You will have to my love," Muli spoke earning a soft whine from Mileena who sighed and nodded before she was lowered to the ground allowing her feet to touch the floor.
"How long must I wait?" Mileena asked tilting her head.
"Tonight. After our union has been announced and become official...will we become one," Muli answered.
"Then until tonight...my love," Mileena spoke turning and walking out of the tent while swaying her hips back and forth.
-Night-
Muli and Mileena sat by one another enjoying the feast the Tarkatans made with the help of Tanya while Scarlet placed guards about the village just in case. With everything going so well, Muli stood up while holding Mileena's and causing her to follow in her husband to her feet and look around.
"And so we are united from here until the end. Our unity eternal. Our thoughts forever. Our strength unmatched. None shall break this bond of eternity seen by the avatar of night and day. Be it living or dead, we will stand together through all trials fate and destiny wish to throw at us. This I promise and uphold...as I am Kala Ali'i, The Sun Chief of the Village Hidden in the living forest," Muli claimed while raising his free hand into the air along with Mileena earning a cheer from the Tarkatans.
"Anyone who would dare to bring harm to those under our master's wing will feel the cold steel of death," Tanya added raising her right fist earning another cheer from the Tarkatans.
"Celebrate. Feast. Make love. Come tomorrow we will be training like no tomorrow," Muli spoke looking at Mileena.
"Training for what?" Tanya asked looking at Muli along with Scarlet.
"In ten months. I will host a tournament to see who this villages champion is. Whoever wins may claim such a title...or challenge me for the right to rule this village," Muli shouted. "I have but two officers... but I seek two more. So train tomorrow as your life depends on it,"
The night progressed as expected as Muli and Mileena found themselves within their tent. Mileena was already straddled onto Muli who laid flat on his bed. Heavy pants escaped the Tarkatans lips as she would rub her lower region up against her husband's loid cloth chuckling.
"Finally we will become one," Mileena moaned placing both hands on Muli's chest. "Ever since you helped me I wished nothing more than to ravage you my love,"
"The one who will be ravaged is you Mileena. Not me," Muli spoke earning to chuckle from the Tarkatan hybrid.
"We will see who will be submissive and who will be dominate," Mileena spoke as she leaned forward and kissed Muli deeply only to part lips to breath.
"Yes we shall," Muli agreed.
-Next Morning-
Muli stood outside his tent with his arms crossed and overlooking the villages reconstruction leaving Mileena inside to recover from last night's activities. Due to her body as well as stamina, two female Tarkatans to care for her when she woke. Scarlet and Tanya walked behind Muli and bowed their heads causing their presence to be known.
"Master Muli. Did you sleep well?" Tanya asked raising her head.
"After all the activity you had with Master Mileena, we expected you to be asleep still," Scarlet said looking at Muli with a smirk.
"The only one who needs to rest is Mileena after our joining," Muli replied glancing over his shoulders at the two warriors before he turned his attention to the Tarkatans. "Tanya, you will stay behind and watch over the village,"
"Where are you going master?" Tanya asked blinking her eyes.
"Scarlet and I are going to meet with Shiva to settle our alliance with the Shokan," Muli answered with his arms crossed over his chest.
"What about Master Mileena? Will she not wish to join something so important?" Tanya questioned.
"She is unable to join me at this time since she needs time to recover," Muli answered.
"We heard," Scarlet commented lightly.
"Can you handle until I return?" Muli asked looking at Tanya.
"Yes," Tanya spoke but looked at the ground in thought.
"Speak your mind, Tanya," Muli spoke causing her to look up at Muli.
"How long will the journey be?" Tanya asked with worry clear in her eyes.
"As long as it needs to be. I cannot promise it will swift. Allying takes time," Muli replied before sighing heavily. "Just like with my siblings...it took time to find their queen and have her agree to an alliance...if it was not for the fact that my mother was not the Queen, I would have wiped them out without a second thought,"
"Why ally with the Shokan?" Scarlet asked wondering the same thing as Tanya as she nodded her head.
"Shiva. I wish to know what has come of her and her people," Muli spoke closing his eyes. "With the Shokan on our side, we need not worry about Kotal invading any of us,"
"In time, will we ally with Kotal as well?" Tanya asked narrowing her eyes.
"Only time will tell. For now, we will focus on the Shokan," Muli spoke before a group of Tarkatans gathered in front of the village causing the chief to narrow his eyes. "What's going on?"
Tanya walked to his side narrowing her eyes and called out to one of the Tarkatans to get information. After a small bit of chatter, Tanya's eyes widened before looking to Muli.
"It's Reptile," Tanya answered.
"Then we shall meet him," Muli spoke nudging his head for Tanya to go and bring Reptile over.
It did not take long before Reptile was led by Tanya to stand before Muli.
"Why are you here Reptile?" Muli demanded.
"Kotal Kahn has demanded your presence," Reptile answered with a hiss with the Tarkatans all bringing out their arm blades but stopped as Muli raised his left hand.
"And why does he demand my presence when we are on equal standing? He rules his precious empire and I will rule over my people," Muli questioned while walking toward Reptile with his hands by his sides now.
"Does it matter? He is your..." Reptile was unable to finish as Muli wrapped his hand around his neck and lifted him off the ground glaring into his eyes.
"My Emperor? No. I serve no one but me and my people. Something Kotal should be doing as well instead of demanding things form someone who can single-handedly wipe out his empire," Muli spoke narrowing his eyes. "Now I will ask one more time Saurian...Why does he demand my presence? I will not have my time wasted on showing up to another's place unless it is of the utmost importance,"
The Saurian try to claw his way out of Muli's grasp before gritting his teeth and hissing loudly.
"He wishes to ask of Out Worlds future," Reptile answered finally before Muli released his hold on the Saurian allowing him to land on his feet and rub his neck.
"Why would I tell Kotal anything? We are at peace but that does not mean we are on friendly terms," Muli asked slowly crossing his arms over his chest once more.
"Because Kotal has something you cannot ignore," Reptile spoke with a smirk.
"And what would that be?" Muli asked with his interest piqued at this claim.
"In Shang Tsung's flesh pits under the palace holds clones of Mileena. Hundreds of them," Reptile spoke causing Muli to fall silent.
"And what do you plan on doing with these...clones?" Muli asked tilting his head slightly.
"If you do not answer Kotal Kahn's summon, he will eradicate them all," Reptile answered causing Muli to look at the ground in thought.
"...in two days, I meet with Kotal Kahn. I must speak with my wife," Muli spoke turning his back to Reptile and walking toward his tent. "Scarlet...escort the Saurian out of our home,"
Scarlet bowed her head before turning to Reptile and nudged her head. The Saurian could not help but hiss at her before turning and walking toward the exit.
"Are you sure it is wise to consider such a thing Master Muli? He could be lying," Tanya asked following behind Muli.
"These unexpected events are happening more than I want but for Reptile to come here alone without an escort shows he was not lying...and with D'Vorah gone...he has no one else to seek advice from...what better way than to prepare for the future when you yourself can get information from someone who can see the thousands of possibilities," Muli explained.
"And if it a trap?" Tanya asked narrowing her eyes causing Muli to stop in his tracks.
"Then I will tear that entire palace apart along with Kotal. Without D'Vorah, Kotal is no threat to me even with numbers favoring him," Muli answered before continuing to walk toward his tent leaving Tanya behind.
/To be continued...
