Muli entered his tent just as Mileena woke up to be tended by the female Tarkatans. Mileena could not help but moan softly while stretching her arms over her head followed by a soft yawn. As soon as Mileena saw Muli, she could not help but smile widely at her husband's return before seeing the annoyance in his eyes.
"What troubles you so beloved?" Mileena asked tilting her head.
"Kotal demands my presence," Muli answered walking over to sit beside his wife.
"And will you answer?" Mileena asked with a raised brow.
"...yes. Under one condition," Muli said facing his wife with a faint smile.
"Oh? And what is this condition?" Mileena asked chuckling lightly.
"That he pay for our services," Muli answered earning a soft laugh from his wife. "As for payment...he is to allow me as well as our people safe passage for trading...that is my condition,"
"A reasonable condition my love," Mileena said with a nod before letting out a soft groan while looking at her legs. "What will you have me do?"
"All I want from you is to recover. There is much to be done in due time," Muli said bringing his hand to her chin while pulling her closer to kiss her lips softly for but a second. "Is that understood?"
"Loud and clear my love," Mileena moaned while watching as Muli stood back up before turning and leaving the hut.
Upon leaving the hut, Muli was greeted by not only Tanya but a Shokan warrior.
"Master. This Shokan warrior has come with a message from Lady Sheeva," Tanya spoke bowing her head which the Shokan followed suit.
"Lady Sheeva has invited you as well as your wife to our feast in three days," The Shokan spoke.
"...we humbly accept Lady Sheeva's generous offer," Muli said with a smile.
"Than I will deliver the message to Lady Sheeva," The Shokan spoke in which Muli looked over his shoulder before turning his attention to the warrior.
"I ask that my wife be taken to Lady Sheeva along with one of our strongest warriors as a bodyguard and four Tarkatan warriors. Sadly I might be late to the feast but make no mistake, I will be there," Muli said with a smile.
"...why you will be late?" The Shokan asked raising his head slightly to look at Muli.
"Kotal has summoned me to give him advice of the future of Out World," Muli answered with a soft sigh.
"I will inform Lady Sheeva of this," The Shokan spoke while raising his head to look at Scarlet and Tanya. "Who will be Lady Mileena's bodyguard?"
"Scarlet will be Mileena's bodyguard while four Tarkatan warriors shall be placed under her command as extra protection," Muli answered while looking at Scarlet who nodded her head in agreement allowing the Chief to look back at the Shokan.
"Why the need for so many bodyguards? As I have heard, Mistress Mileena has become a mighty warrior," The Shokan asked tilting his head.
This caused Scarlet and Tanya to chuckle softly at one another catching the Shokan's attention for a split second before he turned his attention back to Muli.
"Mileena and I have become one just last night..." Muli said looking over his shoulders before turning his attention back to the Shokan. "She is still recovering,"
"...I understand. I will assist in her protection if the time calls for it," The Shokan warrior spoke lowering his head once more.
"I would appreciate that," Muli said looking at the Shokan. "If it is not too much to ask...I would like Mileena to make her way to Lady Sheeva's territory as soon as possible,"
"If you wish it, I can guide them today," The Shokan replied earning a nod from Muli.
"Than I shall prepare my wife now. Scarlet, gather four Tarkatan warriors for this journey and make sure they are combat efficient. The handmaidens will also journey with you to tend to Mileena's needs," Muli said looking at Scarlet who nodded her and turned to leave to find her warriors.
With Scarlet gone, Muli turned his attention to Tanya sighing.
"Tanya. You will be in charge of the village during our absence again...and on my return, I shall pay you back," Muli said earning a faint grin to grow on her face before bowing her head and turning to walk into the village.
"I shall await your arrival mighty Muli," The Shokan spoke bowing his head while standing his place earning a nod from the chief as he entered his tent once more.
"Another unexpected event I hear," Mileena said with a chuckle.
"Yes. You will be going with Scarlet and a handful of warriors to Lady Sheeva's territory while being led by her envoy," Muli spoke while earning a soft sigh of disappointment from Mileena.
"Very well...then I shall ready myself," Mileena spoke while struggling to get off the bed until her handmaidens moved to get her dressed while helping her up.
"I will have a carriage set for you to go to Sheeva's territory to make your journey more...comfortable," Muli said earning a nod from his wife.
"Much appreciated dear husband," Mileenasaid with a smile while tilting her head. "Will you head over to Kotal now then?"
"The sooner the better," Muil said sighing heavily before turning his back to Mileena. "I will see you at the feast, my love,"
Mileena only smiled at this before Muli left the tent to see the Shokan standing beside Scarlet who brought a creature pulling a carriage. He could not help but nod at this before looking up at the sky and closing his eyes to take a deep breath. As he exhaled, Muli's eyes opened while looking down to see one of his siblings standing in front of him.
"What is it, sibling?" Muli asked tilting his head.
The Xenomorph faced the ground and wrote with its tail of a single word that caused the warrior to glare at it.
[Intruders]
Muli gripped his hands into fists while turning to his sibling and nodding his head.
"So many unexpected events," Muli whispered while nudging his head for his sibling to lead the way.
The Xenomorph turned and made a mad dash back into the forest with Muli following close behind it.
-Living Forest: Ruins-
Outside of the ruins, he could see that the entrance was blown open by what seemed like a medium-sized laser beam, big enough for something as tall as himself to walk through. Muli narrowed his eyes at this before entering the ruins to find his siblings laying on the ground motionless with one having its tail cut off. By one of the many corpses, a new creature could be seen in which Muli walked over and knelt before it. Just as Muli was about to touch the creature, the sound of blades exiting a metal sheath was heard causing Muli to bring his one-handed club out and turn. As Muli turned to defend himself against his assailant, his eyes came face to face to what looked like a reptile creature wearing metallic armor pieces: right shoulder, chest, thigh, and shin guards.
The creature's attire was more so for stealth rather than actual frontal battles. Muli's club deflected the wrist blades allowing him to bring his free hand forward and slam it into the creature's chest launching them backward.
"What are you?" Muli asked with narrowed eyes before the Yautja growled followed by it raising his right arm and firing an iron net.
Muli quickly threw his club at the net with enough force for the net to shift his previous direction. As the net missed Muli's form, the Yautja quickly threw his bladed disc causing it to fly through the air and cut through Muli's skin with ease. The Yautja caught his disc and glared at Muli as his prey's wound healed almost instantly.
"Death it is...if you will not tell me then your soul will...after I've torn your head off as a tribute to my siblings who have perished today," Muli spoke stretching his left hand out and gripping the air in front of him causing his spear to form.
The Yautja saw this and brought out their spear before twirling it in between his hands. Muli saw this and nodded his head before walking toward the Yautja keeping his eyes locked on his foe. Once they were both five feet in front of one another, they clashed with their spears with Muli thrusting forward while the Yautja ducked out of the way to slash upward at Muli. Muli moved to the side while swinging his spear in a sweeping motion causing the Yautja to leap over the attack. As soon as the Yautja was no longer touching the ground, Muli gathered energy around himself and tackled his opponent into the wall pinning them there.
The Yautja released a grunt of pain before Muli brought his knee to his gut knocking the air out followed by grabbing him with both of his hands and slamming him into the ground. As the Yautja was on the floor, Muli narrowed his eyes and brought his spear up only to be stopped by one of his siblings.
"Spare him my son...for I shall birth a new warrior from his body. One to act as my bodyguard if more come," Kamea's voice spoke through the halls causing Muli to sigh but nod his head.
Muli remained silent before grabbing the Yautja from the back of his neck only for the creature to scream and bring its wrist blades out and swipe it across Mulis neck. The Yautja panted heavily as Muli released his grip and fell back to his knees. After a few seconds of catching its breath, it got off the ground and faced Muli watching carefully as the Chief's head had reattached itself back to the body. His eyes watched in confusion before Muli immediately pushed himself off the ground to grab hold of the Yautja's hands to raise it over his head. With a quick twist, Muli snapped the Yautja's wrists followed by bringing his feet up and kicking its legs in to prevent it from running away.
"Now you cannot do any more harm," Muli spoke narrowing his eyes before releasing his hold on the creature to see one of his mother's face-huggers crawl out of hiding.
Seeing this, Muli turned his attention back to the Yautja and knelt to remove its mask in a means to allow the face-hugger to do its job.
"...your life will give birth to a new warrior. A new sibling who will stand guard as my mother's protector while I am not here," Muli whispered while bringing his right hand to the Yautja's forehead. "You have fought well...and for that, you have earned my respect,"
With that said, Muli got back to his feet to allow the face-hugger to do its job while Muli looked to where he heard his mother's voice.
"I am fine my son," Kamea spoke coming out of the shadows dragging along another Yautja who was unconscious and a face-hugger on his face.
"...will you be needing anything else from me mother?" Muli asked before turning his head to look at all his dead siblings.
"No. Once your new siblings arrive I shall train them personally. To act as my bodyguards and if the time calls for it...stronger supporters," Kamea answered earning a nod from Muli who turned his attention to his mother.
"How many siblings remain?" Muli asked earning a heavy sigh from Kamea.
"...three...one runner and the two face-huggers," Kamea answered while looking down at the unconscious Yautja. "And hopefully more to come in due time."
"...if there is nothing else for me mother then I will take my leave," Muli said turning to leave the tunnel only to stop after a few steps. "I am glad you're safe..."
"I am glad you could help me...son," Kamea spoke bowing her head in thanks as Muli continued his way out.
-Kahn Palace-
Muli arrived at the palace of Out World to be greeted by Erron Black, Reptile, Ermac, a larger Ferra with a young child riding on her back, with Kotal walking out between his officers glaring at the chief.
"Muli...you are a day early," Kotal spoke closing his eyes and sighing. "Why is that?"
"I wish to finish matters as soon as possible. I heard from Reptile that you are asking for my future sight," Muli said crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yes," Kotal answered.
"I will offer my services...but do note that my services are not free," Muli said narrowing his eyes.
"...name your price," Kotal said opening his eyes slightly with his hands behind his back.
"I wish for my people to be allowed to come to your empire and open up trade. A means to allow them to gain resources that the Living Forest cannot provide," Muli answered causing Reptile to hiss.
"...done," Kota said without hesitation.
"This is a long-term pack Kotal Kahn," Muli warned before easing his gaze. "What is it you would like to know?"
"...is there a crisis that Out World must prepare for?" Kotal asked narrowing his eyes.
Muli remained silent before sighing and nodding his head.
"Show me," Kotal said walking forward with his hands by his sides.
Muli stood there but nodded his head before closing his eyes and tapping into the Mind Terra before white energy gathered around the chief. After a second later, a thread of white energy shot from Muli's form and connected with Kotal's head causing the Kahn's eyes to shine white just like Muli.
-Mind Terra-
Muli and Kotal arrive in a white landscape in which the chief pointed his hand out causing the Kahn's stadium to take form.
"...Another Civil War will present itself in the far future," Muli said causing Kotal to turn his attention to the Chief. "But not by us..."
"Than by who?" Kotal demanded as he turned his attention back to the stadium to reveal an execution of a Naknada. "Shao Kahn's debt collector,"
"No..." Muli said fast-forwarding his vision to reveal Shao Kahn being restored before them along with his lover Jade. "Shao Kahn."
Kotal Kahn's eyes grew wide at this realization before his attention shifted to Jade which he walked stretching his left hand out to touch her face.
"In this event Kotal...you will lose against Shao Kahn," Muli notified gaining the Aztec's attention for a brief second. "And in doing so will cause the fall of your Empire...as well as your officers,"
"What shall I do?" Kotal asked backing away from Jade which Muli sighed and shook his head.
"I do not know. Unlike before the visions I gain from the Mind Terra change more rapidly than before...as if time itself is trying to gain control of something," Muli said looking at Kotal. "But this much is clear Kotal...you will lose Out World..."
-Out World: Kahn Palace Courtyard-
As the light faded away, Kotal fell to his knee panting heavily while Muli stood his ground causing the Kahn's officers to surround the chief.
"Stop!" Kotal commanded as he was helped back to his feet by one of his foot soldiers. "He has done what I have asked of him...as such...we have much to prepare for..."
Muli nodded his head and turned to leave only for Ermac to stop him in his tracks.
"...Muli...your powers are wasted for not being used to better Out World and its people...join me as my advisor and I will offer more land as well as support for your village," Kotal offered as he got to his feet and straightened his posture.
"It is not wasted Kotal...as such I will decline your offer," Muli said glancing over his shoulder at the Kahn who nodded his head and looked to Ermac causing the specter to move out of the chief's way.
Muli nodded his head in thanks before turning and leaving the palace to make a mad dash toward Sheeva's territory. It took two days before Muli came across the Shokan palace due to some bandit trying to jump the warrior as well as large beasts trying to get in his way. Upon arrival, he could see Shokan warriors already placed about the palace halls while Muli walked forward. As he reached the gates of the palace, he was stopped by two Shokan warriors before one pulled out a picture and nodded. The two moved out of the way before pushing the gate open allowing Muli access to the palace. As the gates opened, Muli was greeted by Shokan warriors gathered around a large table along with Mileena and Scarlet eating their fill along with the Tarkatans.
"Mighty Muli. You have finally arrived," Sheeva spoke raising a cup to Muli causing the music to fade and everyone to turn their attention to the warrior.
"Forgive my tardiness. I had to speak with Kotal Kahn...and even had to deal with a company of bandits and beasts seeking to test my patience," Muli spoke entering the hallway while making his way to sit next to his wife.
As Muli sat down, he looked to his right to see Sheeva sitting there with a smile.
"I am just glad you accepted my invitation," Sheeva spoke in which Muli began to scan the room.
"And what of your husband...Lady Sheeva?" Muli asked turning his attention back to the Shokan mistress who sighed in disappointment and looked out at her people.
"None are worthy enough to become my husband...concubine yes but no husband," Sheeva answered while looking down at Mileena than at Muli. "Unlike you...who has joined with Mileena,"
"Was there any doubt?" Mileena asked with a chuckle.
"None Lady Mileena. But I must ask...would Muli be open-minded enough to accept another wife?" Sheeva asked with a smirk causing Scarlet to choke on her drink while Mileena narrowed her eyes looking at the Shokan.
"That choice is up to our chief," Mileena spoke looking at Muli who was staring at Sheeva.
"What came about this question Lady Sheeva?" Muli asked tilting his head.
"Ever since your presence before Shao Kahn, I have gained an interest in you...even more so when you bested the prince of the Shokan...Goro with ease. As time passed on my interest in you grew with each passing day," Sheeva spoke bringing her upper right hand to place under her chin chuckling.
"And what of your people?" Muli asked looking at the other Shokan who was already talking amongst themselves. "A ruler must think of their people more than even themselves,"
"None have witnessed your feats mighty Muli...as such I would ask that you prove it to us in our arena," Sheeva spoke earning a chuckle from the other Shokans.
"...very well. After this feast I shall take on any challengers who would doubt their leader," Muli said looking around while taking a bite from a creature.
"A feast and a show...I like it," Mileena spoke with a smile.
-Shokan Arena-
After the feast, Muli was led to the arena where he walked into the center of the structure looking around with Sheeva sitting on her throne looking down at the layout with Mileena by her side. One of the gates opened revealing a single Shokan warrior walking out wearing dragon fang gauntlets. Seeing her Shokan warrior exit from the gates, Sheeva stood from her throne raising her right upper hand to silence the stadium and gain their attention.
"This battle is to the death. There will be no mercy nor surrender...only death," Sheeva shouted earning a scream of excitement from her people as well as Muli's group.
"...do you not want to have others join you in your fight Shokan?" Muli asked gripping his hands into fists.
"I do not need any help to take your life," The Shokan replied earning a nod from Muli who scuffed.
"So be it," Muli said narrowing his eyes as the Shokan warrior let out a war cry while lunging himself toward the chief.
Muli merely stood there before getting his spear and thrusting it forward impaling the Shokan through the head. The Shokans gasped at this show of strength and speed before Muli pulled his spear back and look around.
"Will there be any other challengers?" Sheeva shouted as five Shokan warriors hopped down from the audience stands to land in the arena.
Muli looked around his form seeing he was surrounded, causing a smile to form over his lips. The five Shokan all ran toward Muli in an attempt to beat him down but was stopped as Muli brought out his spear again but instead of using it as a weapon, he threw it into the sky. This act caused the five Shokan to look up and follow the spear allowing Muli the chance to run forward and punch the throat of one of the Shokan's breaking his windpipe and causing him to collapse to the ground suffocating. This gained the attention of the remaining four who charged at Muli once more only for his spear to descend to the ground and pierce the furthest Shokan through her head. With three Shokan left, Muli charged at them and began to not only deflect their attacks but counter with his own.
The fight went on for merely a minute before Muli was able to come out on top with either their necks snapped or their head smashed in. Muli stood over the dead bodies before looking up at the crowd that cheered for him. Sheeva smirked at this and nodded her head before nudging her head allowing herself and Muli to leave the stadium.
-Shokan Throne Room-
Sheeva sat on her throne with Muli standing before her along with his wife and Scarlet.
"Now...about my offer..." Sheeva said with a smile.
"I accept," Muli said gaining Mileena's attention but remaining silent knowing her husband would explain sooner or later.
"Very well...we shall hold the ceremony tomorrow," Sheeva spoke earning a nod from Muli who then turned to Mileena. "You shall all remain her as my honored guests,"
"Than we will make our way to our rooms Lady Sheeva...but I must remind you that even though we are too wed...my priorities are to my first wife as well as my people," Muli notified while turning his head to look at Sheeva who nodded her head in understanding.
"I understand Mighty Muli," Sheeva said with a soft chuckle while glancing at Mileena.
Muli nodded as he turned his attention to Mileena before picking her up bridal style and walking off to their room with the Tarkatan queen pointing the way. The two remained silent about this before entering their room in which Muli laid her on the bed before sitting beside her.
"Why did you agree to marry Sheeva?!" Mileena demanded.
"An alliance...that is what I was going to ask of Sheeva...before unexpected events got in the way. This makes our alliance that much easier...and makes our army that much stronger..." Muli said looking at the ground.
"Why would we need to strengthen our army if we are at peace with Kotal?" Mileena asked confused.
"It is not for Kotal but a bigger threat," Muli answered while turning to look at his wife. "Your father..."
"...show me..." Mileena spoke as Muli nodded his head before bringing his forehead to hers linking both of their minds while gathering white energy around both of them.
After Mileena was shown the possible future, her eyes shot open before placing her hands together in excitement.
"Father shall return," Mileena cheered which Muli sighed and shook his head.
"...and he will become my enemy Mileena..." Muli replied while turning his gaze away from his wife. "A choice will come where you will have to choose my love...your father...or me,"
"What? Why is that?" Mileena asked wide-eyed.
"...I have betrayed him. Not only have I failed to keep you on the throne as the Kahnan of Out World but also refused to kill Kotal for his betrayal," Muli answered while looking to the door. "I know this choice will..."
"I will remain by your side beloved..." Mileena answered gaining Muli's attention. "Do not think for I would join my father over the man who not only saved my life but granted me a new one. I may not be your only wife but the only important thing is that I am your first wife,"
Muli sat there before smiling and nodding his head in agreement.
"And it will stay as so even after I marry Sheeva," Muli promised to earn a soft chuckle from Mileena who crawled over to her husband and straddled him with her legs wrapped around his waist.
"Then let us...make our bond more...clear..." Mileena whispered into Mulis's ear chuckling.
"But you have yet to recover our prior joining my love... any more and you may lose the ability to walk," Muli said earning another giggle from Mileena.
"Then let me lead this time," Mileena whispered which Muli only nodded before his wife pushed him onto his back grinning.
-Next Day-
The day has come for Muli and Sheeva to wed as they both stood at the alter one crafted by bones of fallen warriors. Although a few Shokan still disapproved of this joining, they could do nothing but watch due to Muli's show of strength in the arena. None of the Shokan knew if Sheeva could birth a child from Muli but if it was possible then they would gladly welcome such a powerful warrior into their ranks. After the wedding, they feasted once more with Muli and Sheeva sitting side by side and Mileena on his left side. Seeing the joy and life of the clans, Muli stood up from his seat while raising his cup gaining the room's attention.
"In a month, I shall host a tournament of our three clans. One to fill my seats of officers. Those who succeed in this coming tournament will gain one of these seats as well as the right to challenge me in one on one combat for the right to be the ruler of the clans. If not to gain the throne then to also be trained by me personally to strengthen yourselves. Mileena is already taking it with two others and has grown very powerful themselves. Train hard because there are only eight seats left," Muli explained causing the Shokan to cheer even louder before he sat back down to face Sheeva who blinked her eyes in confusion.
"Three clans?" Sheeva repeated while tilting her head slightly.
"Yes. There is the village hidden in the living forest, my clan. My mother's clan which is hidden within the ruins who leads her brood. Last but not least, the Shokan. With me being the head of all three clans I will be strengthening our bonds in time. This tournament will be one of them," Muli said with a smile while looking to Mileena. "Although I must admit...having two beautiful wives worry me..."
"Us? Worry you? Why is that so?" Mileena asked with a giggle.
"I understand what he means," Sheeva spoke earning Mieena's attention. "After hearing of your activities last night...I cannot hope to wait for my turn with my husband..."
"As I told Mileena...if I lead...you will have trouble walking Sheeva...even if you are a Shokan," Muli noted earning a chuckle from the Shokan Empress.
"Something I hope to see...and by the sounds heard...it is very satisfying," Sheeva said glancing at Mileena then back at Muli.
"I must warn you...I also have two concubines waiting for their turn in bed with me as well," Muli warned with a heavy sigh. "They both more than earned it...and are waiting patiently,"
"Scarlet and Tanya...yes I would assume so. Both have had their eyes on you for a very long time," Sheeva said glancing over at Scarlet who was drinking silently while staring at Muli. "One being very eager and yet patient to witness the joys you bring,"
"I will not deny that...but I must ask...what of your people?" Muli asked turning his attention back over to Sheeva. "Will you remain here or live with Mileena and me?"
"I will journey with you to your village and see its worth," Sheeva answered earning a nod from her husband. "Plus, I wish to see your mothers clan,"
"She is a powerful warrior Sheeva," Mileena warned with a smile.
"She is our mighty husband's mother, I would not be surprised she is just as strong," Sheeva replied looking at Mileena than back at Muli.
"She is. In time maybe you will be able to witness it yourself Sheeva. A small spare even," Muli said looking forward with a smile. "And Mileena can join you,"
"With our forces combined, no one would dare challenge us," Mileena spoke raising her drink in the air chuckling.
"Not even Kotal?" Sheeva asked with a raised brow.
"We do not need to worry about Kotal as we are in a peace treaty with the Kahn. Not only that but he has agreed to open a trading route with my village as well as allowing my people to buy what they cannot get from the living forest itself," Muli explained earning a smile to appear upon Sheeva's lips.
"From what my envoy has said, the price was your foresight into the future," Sheeva noted with narrowed eyes.
"Yes. A future threat to prepare for," Muli spoke causing Sheeva's left upper hand to twitch slightly.
"Who would be a threat to our forces?" Sheeva asked with a raised brow now.
"Shao Kahn" Muli answered softly before taking a sip of his drink while Sheeva crushed hers within her grasp.
"What do you mean by that?" Sheeva demanded.
"A matter for another time Sheeva. One that I am already preparing for," Muli said looking to Sheeva who looked to the table then back to her husband and nod her head in agreement.
"You're right my king. Why spoil our feast?" Sheeva asked with a smile.
"There is no reason to spoil our feast. After all, we have years to prepare. One that I have already taken into account and set my plans in motion," Muli said with a smile. "Until then we shall celebrate our joining...and more so our unity tonight,"
"Yes. Tonight we shall join," Sheeva agreed while bringing her upper right hand to Mulis.
/To be continued...
