Hello! I'm here again. I'm using this as a stress reliever for my essays. But I'm good. So, wanna see how our disciples interact with other characters besides their own mentors which will be relevant to the plot? So be it!

Chapter 14

Surprisingly, Shang Tsung didn't call my name after all of the matches were done. Is it because of the private training I had with him and Mileena a few nights ago? Or is it just me, thinking he knows about my secret affair with the Tarkatan princess. Either way, I'm screwed. Both literally and figuratively.

"Young disciple," a stern voice boomed in my direction. It was no one other than the thunder god of Earthrealm, Raiden. I bowed in greeting, hoping he would not use a thunderbolt on me. Thankfully, he bowed back.

"Lord Raiden," I greeted him with respect. "You want to ask me something?"

"Indeed," he nodded. "You and your friends are not from this Earthrealm, am I correct?" I shook my head. I think if I have to trust people outside of Edenia, I better hope I'm making the right choice of confiding this to Raiden.

"No, the five of us are from another Earthrealm. I didn't know there would be another earth. But ours didn't have portals, demons or special gods. Until we were brought here by Shang Tsung of course."

The thunder god simply nodded his head before closing his eyes. I stood waiting for his answer. God, keeping secrets are hard! How does one hold all of them before they burst out everything? I'm a bit impressed yet concern for their healths though. Will that happen to me?

"I see," he murmured. "Then I wished you the best of luck. Shao Kahn is not what you expect him to be. Even if either of you win the tournament, none of you will ever return home."

Wait what?

"What I will explain," Raiden continued. "Kahn only wanted more fighters in the Mortal Kombat for his amusement. Chances of him giving you the promise is slim." Oh god, we're never going home, are we?!

"Then," I spoke quietly, still overwhelmed by the thunder god's explanation. "Is there a way the five of us can go back? We never…wanted to come here in the first place."

Lie! That was a lie to myself. But do I really want to go back now that I've seen some things in this video gamed world?

"I have observed the five of you," Raiden told me. "I'm still trying to find the realm Shang Tsung kidnapped you from. So far, no luck. But my advice is that you and your friends will have to be on guard. Even the people within your walls will betray you. Also, please control Cage's disciple. We don't need another one to weary any of us."

Without waiting for me to reply, he teleported out of the arena. I stood where I am, blinking with confusion. I'm still trying to digest the information I received. It can't be. There's no way my friends will betray me! We're like a team.

'Or will they?' the negative thought questioned. Shaking my head, I decided not to linger with that. Maybe next time. Now, I'll have to do whatever it takes to survive. Even if I have to make future sacrifices…

"Hey Nash!" a too familiar voice yelled. I don't have to turn around to know I was tackled by Bryan. The said guy then helped me up. He looked excited despite his embarrassing battle with Reptile. Speaking of the said Zaterran, I better find a weapon in case. But where though…

"You look pale," Bryan commented, checking me up and down. "Scared of losing a match? Come on! At least you were spared from being jumped! Hell, I'll have to download Bieber and Shawn Mendes. Believe me, those two can help me with the next fight!"

"Bryan," I sighed, too tired to think or listen at the moment. "I don't think I feel so good."

Then, his expression changed from excited to worried. He placed his hand on my shoulder. "What's the matter, dude? Had bad sex?"

"GOD NO!" I exclaimed before shoving him. Then, I quickly glance to see if anyone saw us. But thankfully no one did. Then I stared at Bryan for a moment. He still giggled at his attempt question. Son of a bitch.

"Okay," I sighed. "I just have doubts. What if we will never go back? Are we going to stay here forever…"

"Woah man!" Bryan had his mouth wide open. He shook me roughly "You're the last one to think about going back. What about your stud life, huh? Isn't this what you wanted, a place to have hot chicks and play the game in life action? Hey, I'm no fighter but one of us have to defeat Kahn. Heh, I think he'll be great in Wrath of Kahn!"

I facepalmed. Damn him and his terrible puns. But I had to admit that he's right. I just boned two of the most popular female characters of Mortal Kombat. Isn't that any guy's dream? I want to see Jade again. Does my sister know about my little affair? Her guess is not far off.

"Anyways," Bryan shook me again. "Did you know that Kristina likes someone?"

"What?!" I exclaimed in shock. "Who is it? Where is the guy?" But Bryan had his Cheshire Cat grin. Oh god, not this again! He won't tell me, won't he? He would make it into a betting game or something. That's why the four of us called him the Matchmaker of the group. You can never escape from his stalking skills.

What kind of life does he have?

"BRYAN!" a loud voice screeched. I am going to run since an angry Kristina is about to charge the both of us. Bryan as usual, screamed like bitch before taking off with Kristina swearing and planning to knock him out again. Poor Kris! She's not the type to get a boyfriend anyways. Most of the guys in the class are actual afraid of her. She's slender and athletic but she has a gritty attitude. Always charging first than ask questions. In fact whoever is this admirer, he better come prepared if he's going to ask Kristina out.

I'd also like to point out that both Riana and Kristina are not shoppers. Funny or laugh at us but both Bryan and I are fine with shopping for anything really. So long as we get a snack afterwards. Azril is probably indifferent about it since we can't really tell what he's thinking through our outings together. But for our girls, they only go to two or three designated shops which are the bookshop, game-shops and either the sports centre for Kristina or pet shop for Riana.

Those poor bastards who thought dating these two ladies would be easy, they have another thing coming!

Speaking of my sister, Riana was talking to Azril with Kurt on her shoulder. And is that Sub Zero with them? I wonder what are they talking about. I decided to join in their conversation. The three of them were sitting together. Then, Kurt turned around and stare at me with those derpy eyes.

"I believe your brother is here," Sub Zero informed. Riana looked at me before patting an empty spot next to her. Sitting next to her, I was facing both Azril and his mentor on the opposite site. I swear, the both of them look alike. If only Azril had grown a goatee rather than the current facial hair he has on that face. But he looked exhausted despite his active skills in battle. Hell, when was the last time I've ever seen this guy smile?

"So," I broke the silence. "What did the three of you talk about?"

"Azril's planning on opening a cafe," Riana told me. The said disciple nodded to confirm. Wait a minute…How the hell is he going to find the time or even place to have a cafe?! Who or what gave him the idea to open a cafe while we are about to risk our lives?! Doesn't he want to go home?

"Why do you want to open a cafe?" I asked. "When did you even think about having a cafe? Don't you want to go home at all?"

"Nash," Azril sighed, rubbing his temple with his pointer and tallman. "All of us want to go home. We are after all from a different dimension where our Earthrealm didn't involve sorcerers and ninjas who could decapitate us before we are even death. And to answer your first two questions, I imagine we are going to be here for some time so might as well do something productive other than training for the next tournament. Don't worry, I have my breaks in between and after training."

"If I may interject," Sub Zero added. "I have discussed about this with him after he demonstrated his skills to be back at the temple. He is an interesting person to train. He's still learning but he has impressed me."

I'm not sure about you but I almost saw Azril blush but his head was hung low so it was hard to tell. Maybe that's the closest thing to see an expression out of him. Don't want to be rude but does Azril have trust issues or something? I'm referring to his unexpressive emotions.

"But where are you going to build it?"

"Outworld market," he answered bluntly. "Reason? Busiest place and what better way to start your day by having a cup of a freshly brewed coffee with a side of muffin. I have my ways, Nash."

"It would be interesting and exciting!" Riana smiled. "I hope you'll tell us when it would be ready. We'd like to come."

"Of course you will," Azril nodded. "Anyone can come to the cafe. Rules are no fighting or else they'll be kicked out."

"That's reasonable," his mentor agreed. "But I have faith in him."

Again Azril didn't say anything after Sub Zero just supported and praised him. He still looked down, fiddling his fingers to distract himself. "Also, we were discussing about our weapons," said Riana.

"Weapons?"

"For fighting, duh!" my sister elbowed me. "Azril's planning to use something similar to daggers. Though, you're not a Cryomancer, are you?"

Azril shook his head. "Nope. I'm not a meta-human." Sub Zero just watched the scene with amusement. Never thought I'd see it for the first time. His face doesn't say it but his eyes does. Can't help but think if the both of them walked down a street in casual clothes, one would think they are brothers. Or maybe father and son in this case.

"How about the both of you?" asked Sub Zero. "Already made a decision?"

"Um…I think I'll go for a sword," I answered carefully. I don't know any other weapon that could suit me. I'm not a weapon expert. I leave that to the experts. I looked over at my sister who was giving Kurt a piece of grape.

"I might use a glove-like weapon," Riana told the Lin Kuei Master. "Not steel like Jax or something like Jacqui. I'm thinking about something that could retract like claws. Looking friendly from far but will slash if anyone comes near me."

Azril made a sound which I assumed it's the closest thing to a laugh. He smirked but not smile. Damn it, I want him to smile! But I still chuckle regardless. Typical of my sister to have an influence from nature. Thinking of acting like a bear, huh? Kurt sprawled over her shoulder to get into a better position. I tickled him under the chin which he close his eyes in content.

Why aren't most reptiles as cute as our little dragon?

I said goodbye, leaving the three to continue their chat. I should go and find Kitana. Maybe I can consult with her about my choice of weapon. But I've searched everywhere for her. Where could she be?

"I'm going to regret this sooner or later," I mumbled as I went to where I encountered Mileena. Needless to say, I found her confronting the Tarkatan princess. Is it bad seeing my mentor and the so called 'twin' together? I really want to bone the both of them but…Kitana is my mentor…

"Nash?" Kitana's expression was a mixed of shock, anger and betrayal when she saw me. Mileena grinned behind her mask. I stood in fear.

I'm so screwed.

Oh Nash, what are you going to say now? Kitana may know of your little affair, hm? Who knew there are some time Bryan will act mature but he's still the ass that he is! And about the cafe, it may sound like a filler but it's a crucial place for this story. More will be seen in the next chapter. However, I haven't thought of a name yet. It would be great if you could think of one since it's going to be built in Outworld.

And jeez Azril, smile for once! You can't even laugh properly, can't you?

Please review and I'll see you soon!