Chapter 9: Battle for Kahn

It was the next day as Muli stood in the center of the arena facing Rain to test his strength to be his officer. At first, Kamea wished to test him personally but was turned down to avoid the possibility of his mother dying. Rain was the first to make a move by firing a single sphere of water toward Muli at a fast pace before firing three more. Muli responded by bringing out his spear and parrying the water spheres, or so that was his plan before his spear came into contact with the first one. As Rain's first sphere of water touched Muli's weapon, it exploded and knocked the spear out of the immortal warrior's hand before the last three crashed into the leader's body. Muli was knocked back by water spheres impact to find a larger orb of water racing toward him forcing the immortal to grit his teeth and brace for the consequence as there was no time to dodge completely.

As Muli braced himself for the sphere's impact, his entire for was suddenly engulfed in water and quickly lifted off the ground. Outside of the sphere of water, Muli could see Rain manipulating the orb from outside before the Edenian raised his hand causing the trapped immortal to rise into the air only to be slammed into the ground. Muli groaned softly while getting to his feet looking forward to seeing Rain was no longer in front of him only to feel a heavy pressure on his back earning a grunt of pain from the immortal warrior.

Rain hoped off Muli's back while getting into his fighting position once more panting softly as the chief chuckled lightly with white energy flowing into his body. Seeing this, Rain narrowed his eyes and fired a barrage of water sphere's at Muli once more followed by a larger version of the attack like before as a means to capture the immortal warrior again. The next thing Rain saw was Muli grab the ground and launch himself toward the Edenian while shattering the barrage of water spheres with ease as well as the larger one.

The Edenian sank into the ground avoiding a full charge from Muli before rising on the other side of the immortal warrior back in his fighting position. Muli came to a stop and turned to face Rain while nodding his head to show he was impressed with his choice to avoid while the immortal was engulfed in white energy. Both of them looked at one another before Muli materialized his spear and quickly threw it at Rain forcing the ninja to move out of the way.

As Rain evaded the first spear, a second one was thrown that nearly pierced the Edenians shoulder. To counter this, Rain began to fire his ranged attacks but found it ineffective as Muli's spears easily penetrated through the water spheres instead of being knocked back on impact like before. With his ranged attacks being dispatched swiftly, Rain was forced to evade the many spears being thrown at him with some cutting his arms and legs. Once the spears stopped, Rain saw Muli run towards him again in which the Edenian swayed his hands upward causing a large wave to form before firing it toward the immortal warrior.

Muli merely smirked at this before he ran into it but was eventually swept off his feet and slammed into the wall of the arena. Rain followed up by throwing his glaive at Muli's head and the warrior used his left hand to smack the weapon out of the way. The Edenian remained where he was while nearly out of breath before Muli pushed himself off the wall and walked over to Rain nodding his head impressed.

"You've done well Rain. I see you have been training yourself well," Muli spoke while Rain remained in his fighting stance. "...but this is your loss,"

Rain was about to argue until four of Muli's spears pierced the ground around the Edenian. The ninja stood there dumbstruck before closing his eyes and facing the ground. Muli chuckled at this as the spears faded away allowing the immortal warrior to place his hand upon Rain's shoulder.

"Do not look so defeated Rain. Although you lost this fight...you have succeeded in showing your strength to the three clans. Most importantly, my wives and mother. Welcome Rain," Muli said with a smile while turning and walking toward the main gate while Rain opened his eyes.

"But I lost..." Rain said turning to look at Muli who stopped in his tracks.

"Did I say you had to win?" Muli asked looking over his shoulder smiling softly.

Rains eyes grew wide at this before bowing his head in thanks. Muli nodded his head before facing forward and continuing to the gate.

"Tanya will fill you in on what you missed. For the next few years, we all must prepare," Multi said while gripping his hands into fists.

"Prepare for what?" Rain asked narrowing his eyes.

"War," Muli answered as he disappeared past the main gate.

-Days Later: Outworld Palace-

Kotal sat on his throne with Muli on the other side of the strategy table both discussing plans to ambush Shao Kahn. The current emperor of outworld had three of his officers present; Ermac, Erron Black, and Reptile. Muli brought three of his own as well one being his first wife with the other two being Skarlet and Tanya. Although the immortal Warrior had more officers he wished to keep the rest of his military strength hidden as he did not trust Kotal Kahn completely.

"Let us begin," Kotal said with narrowed eyes as he sat in his chair causing Muli to nod his head in agreement.

"I will hide my forces among the crowd in three areas. The North, West, and East," Muli pointed out while looking at the coliseum layout.

"And what of the South?" Kotal asked looking at the layout as well.

"I will handle the South with Mileena by my side," Muli answered not bothering to look at Kotal.

"How do I know this is not a trick?" Kotal asked with narrowed eyes.

"Now is not the time for doubt Kotal. I've told you before I do not wish to be emperor of outworld. I'm satisfied with what I have now," Muli said looking at the Emperor of outworld with annoyance.

"Can you blame me for being so cautious against a foe like yourself who can peer into the future?" Kotal questioned with a raised brow before sighing and shaking his head. "Before we continue our plans to ambush Shao Kahn answer me this... I sent an envoy sometime ago to speak with you on the matters of ambushing Shao Kahn together yet he has not returned...why is that?"

"Lying does not help your cause. Centurions are too proud to be used as simple envoys of peace or as messengers...but being a spy on the other hand...that is something that would gain their attention especially if it would lead to war," Muli spoke now glaring at Kotal.

"What have you done to him?!" Kotal demanded as the officers of the emperor prepared themselves to attack Muli and his people.

"All you have to know is that he has joined us Kotal. Now tell your officers to calm down...we do not need another civil war breaking out," Muli said while straightening his posture and gripping his hands into fists. "However short it'll be,"

Kotal stood there for a few seconds before eventually raising his hand to command his officers to stand down.

"Now let us focus on the task at hand," Muli said well bringing his focus back to the layout. "Kollectors execution is unchanged?"

"Yes," Kotal replied while sitting down. "He escapes our grasp but in time we will catch him,"

"I will remind you...my visions or future site is no longer one-hundred percent accurate anymore. As such we must prepare for the unpredictable," Muli mentioned while glancing at Kotal. "Where will you station your men?"

"Ermac will go o the east, Erron to the west, and Reptile to the north. As for the south, I will depend on you for that," Kotal said looking back at the layout.

"Then everything is set. I will return and prepare my people," Muli said as he turned to leave the room only to be stopped by two Ohs-tek soldiers.

"I trust you Muli...but Mileena is another matter. How do I know that she will not join her father?" Kotal asked focusing on Muli's first wife earning a heavy sigh from The Immortal Warrior.

"I grow tired of answering stupid questions Kotal. Remember well ruler of outworld... although we are at peace... that does not mean I or any of my people bow to you," Muli said while turning his head to glance at Kotal with his eyes giving off a faint red glow. "Now move your soldiers...or I will."

"Let them through," Kotal commanded while swaying his hand.

The soldiers moved out of the way allowing the immortal Warrior, his officers, and his wife to leave.

-Palace Exit-

"Tanya. Skarlet. Let mother know to retreat. There is no need for bloodshed today," Muli whispered as the two bowed their heads and teleported away.

"How did you know Kotal would ask so much pointless questions?" Mileena asked with a smirk.

"It is in his nature as a ruler to be cautious of all possible threats my love. As such it's to be expected for him to be wary of our people still," Muli explained with a soft sigh.

"Now what?" Mileena asked with a raised brow.

"We return home and plan with everyone," Muli answered.

-Tarkatan Village-

Muli gathered all of his officers as well as all the clan leaders to discuss the ambush for Shao Kahn.

"Mother you will take our family to the underground section of the Colosseum and around it while remaining out sight until needed," Muli pointed out while looking at his mother who simply noted her head with a faint smile.

"I will take my warriors to the east," Sheeva added earning a nod from her husband.

"Then I will take half of our Tarkatan warriors to the West," Skarlet said crossing her arms under her bust while smirking.

"And I will take the remaining warriors and Rain to the north," Tanya said looking at her Edenian counterpart with a smile.

"Very well. I will have Mileena, Barako, Shiv, Raka, and Rava with me at the south side," Muli said looking to those he named before bringing his focus to a drawn-out layout of the Colosseum. "Are there any questions?"

"Why are we preparing so much against Shao Kahn?" Rava asked gaining everybody's attention and Sheeva nodded her head slightly.

"It is not Shao Kahn we're preparing for but rather a greater threat," Muli answered causing his officers to whisper to one another.

"What could be more dangerous than Shao Kahn? Is Shinnok returning?" Sheeva asked with narrowed eyes while her husband simply shook his head slowly with closed eyes.

"I do not know who or what but Shinnok is not it. My instincts tell me that there's a greater threat than Shao Kahn and so far they have not failed me...sadly I do not know what this threat is," Muli replied while opening his eyes and looking at his second wife then to Rava. "You asked a good question Rava. Sadly I only know so much. The best thing we can do is prepare. I would rather be ready than caught off guard."

-Execution Day for Kollector-

Muli watched from the south side of the colosseum with Mileena by his side along with the four Tarkatan warriors wearing a hood over their forms to not attract any attention to them. So far everything was going well until a mysterious sand storm covered the arena forcing everyone to protect their eyes. By the time the sand storm faded away, Muli's eyes saw a younger version of Skarlet, Erron Black, and Kano while Baraka and Shao Kahn remained the same on one side of the arena. On the other side of the arena revealed Liu Kang, Kitana, Kung Lao, Jade, and Raiden before they were all corrupted.

Kotal walked between the two sides looking back and forth before Muli raised his hand while glancing over to his first wife.

"Do not move until I give the signal," Muli said before looking over to Barako whose eyes were wide at seeing his father alive. "Is that understood Barako?"

Barako looked at Muli than at his father before nodding his head. This allowed Muli to walk off the rails to land on the arena and make his way to stand behind Kotal.

"General Kotal!" Shao Kahn shouted

"Kotal Kahn," The Osh-tek emperor corrected.

"Kahn? Pathetic fool. You pretend to my throne!" Shao Kahn spoke while glaring at Kotal.

"It is mine, by right and deed. You were killed, long ago," Kotal spoke gripping his hands into fists.

"We were at the Mortal Kombat tournament. Kung Lao had just defeated Shang Tsung and Quan Chi," Raiden spoke taking a few steps forward.

"We are decades beyond those events," Kotal pointed out.

"For us, they happened only moments ago," Raiden explained.

"What game are you playing, Raiden? What magic powers this delusion?" Shao Kahn demanded while glaring at Raiden now.

"If it is a delusion, it is one we all share. Is it possible that the past and future are colliding?" Raiden asked and Muli walked forward while sighing heavily.

"Yes, it is. And I may know who is the cause for this event," Muli spoke walking in front of Kotal.

"And who is this weakling?" Shao Kahn demanded now facing Muli.

"I am many things Shao Kahn...but weakling is not one of them," Muli said now looking at previous Kahn of Outworld.

"Oh? Then do tell me what you are if not a weakling?" Shao Kahn said with a scuff while crossing his arms over his chest.

"What about...son?" Muli asked tilting his head causing Shao Kahn's eyes to grow wide while he brought his arms to his sides gritting his teeth.

"You dare speak lies to me boy?!" Shao Kahn demanded which Muli merely shook his head.

"I saved your daughter from death in a means to stop the civil war and allow Out World to recover from the pointless war that followed after your death," Muli explained while Kotal walked beside the immortal warrior.

"Osh-Tekk customs requires all refugees be offered assistance. I offer it to you, Shao Kahn-" Kotal spoke in a calm tone while Muli gripped his hands into fists.

"I would take the offer, Shao Kahn. You...and your officers...are fighting a losing battle," Muli said narrowing his eyes at Shao Kahn.

"I am no refugee nor a coward! I am Kahn of Outworld. Vacate my throne. Or I'll soak these sands with your blood!" Shao Kahn threatened as he raised his arms to materialize his hammer which he brought down toward Kotal.

Muli scuffed before gathering white energy around his form and charged toward Shao Kahn, knocking him back. As Shao Kahn was knocked back, Muli materialized his spear which he instantly threw into the air only for it to shatter into harmless pieces. Even as Shao Kahn's men that appeared with their emperor charged at Kotal's Osh-Tek, they were soon flanked by Tarkatan's and Shokan's. While Shao Kahn's forces were being captured, Muli made his way to Shao Kahn while Kotal met with Jade.

Baraka was going to run toward Kotal but was stopped by his son causing the Tarkatan general to stop in his tracks.

"Barako? You fight for Kotal?" Baraka shouted now glaring at his son.

"No. I serve under Muli," Barako corrected before the two started to fight one another.

Sheeva was dealing with Erron Black while Siris was fighting Kano leaving Skarlet of the preset to fight her past self. As Shao Kahn got back to his feet, he charged forward to take hold of Muli and slam him into the ground followed by bringing his foot down on the immortal warrior's chest pinning him. Just when Shao Kahn was going to taunt his opponent, Muli brought his left hand out to bring his one-handed club out before quickly bringing it to Kahn's back leg knocking him slightly out of balance. This was enough for Muli to bring his opposite fist forward and knock Shao Kahn off his form followed by instantly getting back to his feet.

"You should have taken the offer, Shao Kahn. Like before...you do not think," Muli said as energy began to gather around his form with the immortal warrior's opponent gathering green energy before they both charged at one another.

Due to Shao Kahn having more souls to strengthen his body, he was able to overpower Muli. As Muli fell backward, he took hold of Shao Kahn's shoulders while bringing his right foot to the previous Kahns gut allowing the warrior to throw his opponent due to using his weight to pull him to the ground. With Shao Kahn off his feet, Muli quickly got back to his and materialized his spear while aiming. Sadly, before Muli could throw his spear, D'Vorah intervened by sending a swarm of insects to blind not only Muli's sights but the rest of the immortal warrior's forces and even more so Kotals.

By the time the swarm of bugs faded, Shao Kahn, as well as most of his forces had fled with the past Skarlet remaining behind. Both of them were talking to one another about how the present blood ninja was being treated, not as a tool but rather as a person, not just for killing but for living. As both forces were tending to their injured, Muli made his way back to Kotal before Raiden made himself known along with his fighters.

"Kotal Kahn. I am Raiden, Protector of Earthrealm," Raiden introduced gaining the Osh-Tek's attention as well as Muli's.

"I know you," Kotal said looking at Raiden then to Muli.

"We are acquainted in your era?" Raiden asked confused.

"Yes. To both of us...for a time," Muli answered gaining Raidens attention for a split second before Kotal spoke.

"We were allies who became enemies," Kotal spoke walking to Raiden with narrowed eyes before Muli stepped between the two.

"This is not the Raiden we know Kotal. Ashe said before, they have just finished the tournament on Shang Tsung's island," Muli whispered to Kotal who looked at the ground then nodded his head in understanding before facing Raiden once more.

"...everything changed after the defeat of Shinnok..." Kotal said in a calm tone.

"Shinnok is defeated?" Liu Kang said in a surprised tone.

"Our realms joined to fight him. But in victory, you were hardened. To protect Earthrealm, you lashed out at all realms you deemed threats," Kotal explained while Muli faced the ground unable to back up Raiden anymore.

"That cannot be..." Raiden spoke in a sad tone looking at the ground now.

"...our Raiden wore Shinnok's Amulet like a symbol of his fury," Muli spoke turning his gaze to Raiden while crossing his arms over his chest.

"Be assured, Kotal Kahn...and friend...I am not that Raiden. We have a common cause. Both in solving this temporal crisis and in defeating Shao Kahn," Raiden said looking between Kotal and Muli with determination.

"There is no need to investigate the temporal displacement," Muli spoke gaining everyone's attention. "This is the work of a Titan...Kronika...mother of Shinnok. Where she is at...that I do not know,"

"Then we shall seek out Kronika with the help of the Elder Gods," Raiden sid looking to Kotal.

"And I shall send scouts to track Shao Kahn," Kotal spoke up while turning to see the two Skarlets.

"She is with me Kotal...do not worry," Muli said glancing at the two Skarlets before turning and walking to the two female ninjas. "Skarlet...go to mother and tell her to the ruins with the family. Although Shao Kahn has fled...my instincts say that this is only the beginning,"

As Raiden left, Muli made his way back to Kotal who narrowed his eyes at the warrior.

"So...your forces... outnumber my own, especially with the alliance of the Shokan," Kotal spoke while glancing over to Sheeva then back to Muli. "Why keep such a secret from me? Your Kahn?"

"You are a cautious man Kotal. Knowing my military strength would only put you on edge and as such would also distract you from more important matters," Muli answered. "Such as killing Shao Kahn,"

"I have sent scouts to seek out Shao Kahn as we speak," Kotal spoke while Jade placed her hand upon his chest.

"You must calm yourself Kotal. Although I know not what has happened...Muli speaks only for his people and the peace Shao Kahn now threatens," Jade spoke causing Kotal to glance at her then at Muli.

"I will have my forces remain in the palace to strike Shao Kahn when the time calls for it. As such I will stay by your side along with my wives," Muli spoke as Mileena and Sheeva stood behind the immortal warrior.

"Very well. You shall remain in the palace as my honored guests along with your forces," Kotal said before returning to his palace with Muli and his wives following behind him.

-Time Skip-

Muli and Kotal spoke about where Shao Kahn would be hiding until Raiden arrived gaining both of their attention.

"Shao Kahn will seek the aid of the Tarkatans," Kotal spoke earning a scuff from Muli.

"With Shao Kahn alone...it would be impossible...but...with Baraka it might be enough to sway enough of them to fight under the previous emperor of Outworld," Muli spoke looking at Raiden.

"Shao Kahn counts on their power," Raiden pointed out earning a nod from Muli.

"Then I shall return..." Muli spoke before Barako walked up behind him and fell to his knee gaining the attention of the chief as he turned around.

"Let me return to the village with our men...I will convince my father to join us," Barako spoke with his head bowed and Shiv by his side.

"This in itself...is a dangerous task Barako. Should you fail..." Muli paused before sighing heavily not caring about keeping his military strength a secret anymore. "Mother will kill not just your father...but all who would be deemed a threat to the village...that includes you. Is that understood?"

"I understand," Barako spoke before getting to his feet and leaving the palace with haste.

"Relay the message to mother," Muli spoke causing Kotal to look at the warrior for a second before a Xenomorph ran off while still on the ceiling.

"What was that?" Kotal questioned while looking up to find the origin of the ground.

"A question for another time," Muli said looking at Kotal. "What is next?"

"Jade and I will make our way to Shao Kahn's location. Thanks to our scouts, he resides in a Kitan hive long dead but now...alive..." Kotal replied earning a nod from Muli who turned to Kitana and bowed his head in respect.

"So be it," Muli said leaving the room with Mileena chuckling at her sister while following her husband with her arms wrapped around his.

-Time Skip-

Barako returned to the Tarkatan village to see Shao Kahn as well as his father and the Kollector with part of the Muli's people already gathering behind the previous emperor of Outworld. Shiv looked at this with wide eyes while Barako walked forward gritting his teeth as well as gripping his hands into fists.

"What is the meaning of this?" Barako demanded looking at the Tarkatans standing behind Shao Kahn.

"What else? Serving their true emperor. And what of you...son of Baraka? Will you join me...or die here?!" Shao Kahn questioned while looking down at the Tarkatan.

"I...will fight for the honor of my father," Barako spoke earning a nod from Shao Kahn only to see Baraka's son get into a fighting position along with his wife and the twins. "And continue to serve under Muli Ali'i. Chief of the Tarkatan Village and saver of our people,"

Baraka snarled at this and walked forward bringing his arm-blades out.

"You bring shame to our bloodline traitor!" Baraka shouted now glaring at his son.

"No. I bring glory," Barako shouted as the two fought each other.

Their fight lasted an hour before both fell to their knees panting heavily just as Kotal and Jade arrived at the village seeing the Tarkatan forces murmur to one another.

"Enough! I shall end him myself!" Shao Kahn shouted walking toward Barako while materializing his hammer and preparing to crush the head of Baraka's son.

Baraka had another thing in mind as he brought out his arm blades and pierced Shao Kahn's legs causing him to grunt and fall to his knees. Barako followed up by bringing his blades out to pierce Shao Kahn's shoulders under his guards making him unable to move his limbs. With Shao Kahn laying on the ground unable to move, all he could do was groan and growl as Kotal flipped the defeated Kahn over smirking.

"None shall stain my son's conviction...he has fought as a true Tarkatan should...as I taught him," Baraka spoke looking to his son. "...as he said before, he brings glory to our bloodline..."

"And for better cause as well," Kamea spoke as she walked past the crowd from behind along with all of her children revealing themselves from the forest easily outnumbering the Tarkatans and the sudden absence of Shao Kahn's forces. "If you had failed Barako...my children and I would have wiped you all out,"

"Than I am glad...I succeeded," Barako spoke before passing out in which Baraka caught his son while looking to Shao Kahn then the ground.

"What of Shao Kahn and myself?" Baraka asked looking at Kotal.

"Baraka is under the protection of my son Muli Ali'i. As such...no harm will befall you, Baraka," Kamea spoke looking to Kotal smiling softly.

"Understood. We shall take Shao Kahn back with us to execute him for all to see," Kotal said with a smile.

-Kotal Kahn Colosseum-

Muli was notified by a Xenomorph runner with a message from Kamea of the news about Shao Kahn's capture and his execution taking place in the colosseum. Mileena stood by her husband's side in a booth watching as Shao Kahn was placed in an iron pillory where Kotal walked out welding a large greatsword with one hand. The immortal warrior placed his hand upon his wife's head to turn her away so she did not have to see her father die again. As Shao Kahn struggled to break out, Kotal raised his greatsword before another sand storm kicked in causing the Osh-Tek to look around confused.

"Another temporal?" Kotal questioned while bringing his hand to cover his eyes.

Muli narrowed his eyes seeing a single figure form with wings spreading out to dismiss the sand around the arena. Shao Kahn's eyes grew wide seeing who was now standing before everyone. It was none other than Onaga himself who looked around slowly at the arena only for his eyes to fall on Shao Kahn. A long grin grew over the dragon emperor's lips as he walked up to Shao Kahn and take hold of his head.

"...so fate brings us back together...boy," Onaga spoke narrowing his eyes before releasing his grip on Shao Kahn and continuing to look around. "So this is Outworld?"

"...Onaga..." Kotal spoke with wide eyes while one of his Osh-Tek soldiers ran toward the large dragon.

Onaga looked at the lone soldier before stretching his right hand out to slap the spear away followed by taking hold of the warrior's head and crushing it with ease. Muli released his hold on Mileena and launched himself at Onaga knocking the dragon emperor forward while also earning a roar of annoyance. As Onaga turned to look at his attacker, the dragon emperor blinked at this before chuckling softly to himself while tilting his head.

"So...the Ali'is still live," Onaga spoke while walking to the side with Muli moving in the opposite direction.

"You know nothing of my family," Muli shouted as Onaga stopped in his tracks with Shao Kahn right behind him.

"I know more than you think child," Onaga spoke before turning to grab Shao Kahn's pillory and tear it from the ground as his wings began to flap rapidly.

Muli gritted his teeth while the wind coming off from Onaga pushed not only the immortal warrior back but also everyone else in the arena. All they could do was watch Onaga fly away with a screaming Shao Kahn before they eventually vanished from sight. With Onaga and Shao Kahn gone, Muli gritted his teeth and looked to Kotal and Jade who looked at the ground in deep thought.

"...first Shao Kahn and his allies...and now Onaga the dragon emperor," Muli spoke gritting his teeth.

"Our forces alone cannot defeat Onaga...and to make it worse...his agenda is unknown. We do not know what Kronika has offered the dragon emperor but whatever it is...we will have no choice but to fight him," Kotal said sighing heavily while shaking his head.

"...for now we must focus on the future. If it comes down to it I will deal with Onaga myself. Right now we do not have the means to track Onaga...but I can only guess Shao Kahn will keep him busy for a time" Muli said hoping he was right.

"Was this the feeling you were talking about?" Mileena asked walking up to her husband who nodded his head.

"Yes. I no longer feel anything else...and for now...we have to prepare for what may happen next," Muli said while looking over to Kotal who remained silent for a time.

"Before anything I wish to say something Muli..." Kotal spoke now facing the immortal warrior.

"...what is it?" Muli asked looking at Kotal.

"We have seen your mother as well as your extended family. Kamea...filled me in on everything," Kotal spoke before he took a heavy sigh. "The throne is yours...Muli Kahn,"

/to be continued...