What's this, another chapter? Oh my god! Well I'm adding something you all are familiar with...any guesses? Too bad 'cause it's flashback time! Yay, we all love flashbacks. And who wants a little lemon with a side of key lime pie and lemon curd muffins? I do! I do!

Also again, credit goes to CW2K and Alwaysdoubted. Check out their works if you like.

Chapter 18

3rd P.O.V

Azril eventually finished his shift before closing his cafe much to the wave of customers' dismay. They were enjoying the hot and cold beverages that warms them and comforted them before heading back to finish their tasks.

He felt rather good serving the people from all walks of life in his cafe because non of them wanted to fight or kill each other. All they ever wanted is a warm drink and refreshments to relieve their stress and maybe have a chat or two. Back in the real world, his job as a barista at After Black had earned him to distinguish each customer as an individual rather than a whole. Each lead an interesting life and have enlightened him from what's right and wrong.

Better than what he had learnt from home.

...

10 YEARS AGO

"Azril," an old voice crooned. "It's time for dinner."

A young boy of the age ten came down the stairs slowly. He was in his singlet and pyjama shorts. He sat down at the dinning table, looking at his meal which was just plain, watery porridge without any vegetables and meat inside. He peered over at the middle age women sitting on the opposite side with the same meal but with one difference:

The porridge had more variety in terms of vegetables and meat.

Azril scooped a spoonful and ate his. It tasted bland, boring and had nothing to comfort him before he goes to bed or do his homework. He stared glumly into his meal, not sure if he wanted to have a second spoon in his mouth.

"Not hungry?" she asked, not in concern but more of a statement. "I have calculated your body type, thus it's reflected on your everyday meals. A growing boy must have the right kind of food."

"Can I have some vegetables and meat in it?" he asked quietly. "I want to have the same amount as you're having, Ma."

But Azril's mom had stared at her son like a falcon, waiting to seize her prey. She got up from her seat and walked over to her son in a gliding manner with her salmon pink nightdress on. She laid an tentative hand on her son's shoulder.

"Oh Azril," she tutted him. "Are you planning to get fatter? It's not pretty for a boy to be round as a pig. How ungrateful you don't accept what is served to you. I can inject the nutrients into your body without you eating. It doesn't matter to Mama, you know."

"But I just-"

"Don't interrupt your mother," she silenced him sharply. "I thought I raised you better than that. You've been nothing but a brat ever since your father died. Want this, want that, can't you appreciate what we have?!"

This hit Azril right to the core. He remembered how he had his family together once his father was alive. By the time he reached nine, his father was charged into the hospital due to a blockage in his kidney. The doctors have tried everything they could but his father's body wasn't strong enough to cope with the procedures.

Azril didn't have anyone to comfort him when his father died. His two older siblings were far across the other side of the world, with families of their own and had cut off ever since his father's death.

Now, he's all alone with his mother.

After his mother's outburst, her body language suddenly shifted from anger to sudden sadness as tears flowed out of her eyes. Azril knew this would have happened. Awkwardly, he patted his mother's back for comfort. His mother's anguish wails soon subsided. Her eyes were already red he could not tell whether her anger was still there.

"Y-you've been a good son," she whispered shakily, trembling to embrace her son. Azril accepted it but without love. It was more of a common sense to take in what his mother has given him. "Always obedient…Not like your brother and sister who left Mama to wallow in self pity. Your brother…ran off with an Aussie whore while your sister is becoming a black sheep in the UK. You won't leave Mama would you?"

"N-no!" Azril shook his head. "Of course not, Ma. Poor Ma is all alone, right? I can do my best to help us. To be the best son and man out the house."

But Azril was answered with a slap from his mother. Azril looked at her in confusion, still feeling the stinging pain on his cheek. "Ma, I-"

"Don't touch me!" she shrieked. "How can you be so inconsiderate, Azril?!"

Azril quickly dashed back to his room, locked his door and brought the key to his bedroom with him. No way he'll want to deal with his mother when she's having her fits! But then again, he didn't eat much so he laid down with his stomach growling. But he trained himself to control his hunger no matter how many times it growled at him. Homework or school wasn't an issue. It was his mother. His beloved mother.

He wished his mother was as cheerful as before his family fell apart.

Quietly, he allowed the tears to fall as he coax himself to sleep. Another day, he'll find a way to help his mother. She's still his mother no matter how many times he had to endure her vicious outbursts. Even seeking help was a problem because she was declared sane by three psychiatrists. Ten years old is still a growing age, he reckoned. So there's still so much to learn.

…

"So, do you have a name?" the dark skinned lady asked him in a sultry manner. Clearly to a normal person, she's interested in time but to Azril, he thought she's just plain asking him a direct question. To him, it's important to get straight to the point and to not raise is emotions to the optimum.

That, is to maintain one's dignity as a human being.

So he leaned back against the wall of his cafe, listening to the woman's chat. He has forgotten how to smile or laugh which makes it even more difficult to respond in a friendly manner. He was thankful for meeting Riana at university which led him to be more social with people. Also Nash, Kristina and even Bryan. Azril believed that life is something you seize and held it in your memories forever.

"It's Azril," he told her. "And yours is?"

"Melody."

"Ah."

He is unsure what else he could say. All this time, he only talks in a direct sentence. No one wants a long answer unless it is an essay to meet the word limit, he assumed. Most importantly, he'd rather use his actions rather than words to get the job done. Also he would like to find a laptop just to download some games or use his Steam account if he's not working or anything…

"Has anyone every told you about how cute those little foam arts were?" Melody asked. "Who taught you?"

"An old friend," he replied quietly. "Back at an old cafe where I trained under him, he is a legend when it comes to making foam arts. 2D, 3D, try him. I can never be like him so I just practice with what I do best."

"That's amazing! You wanna come over to my place? I'd be very grateful, Azril. Very grateful~"

"Thank you but I will have to decline your offer," he spoke to her kindly. "You see, I made a promise to return after work. My mentor is not a patient man. But I won't forget your offer. Maybe we will meet again in the future, yes?"

"Yeah…" Melody was disappointed. Even an invitation to get to know her personally had been declined. Nothing could move him. Not even a change of expression. She wondered if he was ever born that way. Can a child not cry and have the same expression after some years?

Once the lady customer left Azril on his own, he decided to walk back to the Lin Kuei temple. He had earned enough to treat himself. He'll buy something later at a night market. Maybe something for his Grandmaster as well.

Before he could even set foot on his way back, an icicle spear was shot towards him but he quickly evade the attack. He knew no one from the Lin Kuei would attack him without any reason. No one except…

"Frost," he commented on the shattered icicle on the ground. He watched as the female Lin Kuei member stood opposite him in a fighting stance. Sighing to himself, he dropped his bag of earned money to ease his weight. He would be in deep waters if he carried a sack of change in a fight.

"I don't care what Sub Zero sees in you," she sneered at him behind her cryo mask. "You are an outsider nonetheless. I don't know what the hell he sees in you."

"Then leave me be," he told her firmly. "I didn't ask to come here. I was forced to, remember? You are going to waste my time if you keep attacking me."

But Frost would not listen. Azril is neither a Cryomancer nor a warrior. He's just a tall, slender man without any respect in the world. She furiously attacked him again. Azril simply did not care so he blocked her as he walked his way to the temple. Just as Frost was about to punch him from behind, his hand quickly grabbed her fist, holding her in a death grip.

"Stop it," he said it without raising his voice. Honestly, he's just exhausted. He twisted her arm, watching the female Cryomancer winced in pain before he released her. He observed her carefully.

"If you want to attack me next time," he sighed. "Might as well come with a full reason. Outsider or not, Sub Zero accepted me because he found me and that was the plan Shang Tsung had."

Before he could climb up the temple, he kneeled down to hoist her up. Certain that she could stand on her two feet, Azril gestured Frost to go up first. "I am sure you had nothing else to do. So please, go up and I will follow you from behind."

Frost glared at him. He sighed again. Azril simply picked up his bag of earned money, placing them inside his shirt.

"If you think that I'll attack you from behind, don't press your luck…"

When he arrived, Sub Zero was meditating. Efficiently, he got himself changed before joining his mentor. The Grandmaster opened his eyes, a small smile was formed on his face as he watched his disciple concentrate.

"I hope you are well," he commented. Azril exhaled before turning his attention to the Grandmaster.

"I am, Grandmaster. Although, I wonder if I have any training after this."

He shook his head. "No, Azril. But I need you to accompany me tomorrow morning. In the mountains, there's something we have recently found and I believed this would be beneficial to your training."

"Yes, Grandmaster," Azril bowed to him respectfully. He will do whatever it takes to survive in a world this chaotic.

…

Nash's P.O.V

My next training was in the garden. How nice it is to feel the cool breeze and the scent of different things nature has to offer. No wonder my sister likes to spend her mornings here with Kurt for breakfast. Speaking of which, I wonder if Kurt picked up that paper randomly or…someone gave it to him?

And then it hit me. Jade hasn't said a word when Kitana was interrogating me. Was she embarrassed by our little night a few days back? Or was she disappointed in me. I'm not a stronger man to her…I'm not as hotheaded as Kristina or have Azril's reflexes.

Kitana was waiting for me, ready as ever to beat me down yet train me at the same time. Popping the joints as I stretched, I prepared myself to meet her for my training.

"Ready?" she asked, getting into a stance. I nodded before mimicking the same position. I am exhausted, both physically and mentally. Why am I in this troubled situation? Is this really my fate?

"Let's get this over with," I sighed. Again we sparred like our lives depended on it. I have to constantly be on my feet every time Kitana kicks me down. Damn, she's elegant! I have a feeling that I'm going to pass out before our training could even be done. Hopefully I really find a weapon after this training session!

Eventually, our training had ended with me staggering to get up while I was held at fan-knife point by my mentor again. But she looked at me with an approving smile. "You have improved, Nash. I'd like to see more of it tomorrow. For now, rest for tonight."

Bowing down to thank her, I struggled my way to walk out of the garden. I can fix myself a drink before going to sleep. Though I could sense someone was following me, so I turned around to face my stalker. I have conflicted feelings of whether I should be glad or angry.

It was Jade.

"Hello Jade," I greeted her curtly. I know that she's hot in her casual outfit that consisted of a green robe with her hair down and maskless, yet my brain played the memory of how she doesn't say anything during my interrogation. I have had enough shit to be dealt with. First this, then Shang Tsung and now Mileena is probably going to eat my ass literally!

"Nash," Jade spoke softly. "I know you're upset."

"Yeah, so? I need to rest for tomorrow. No time for a match. I've got a lot to make up for. In a mess, I've screwed up everything and everyone around me! I can't be like you…Or anyone…"

I didn't realised I had tears sliding down the corner of my eyes. And in front of Jade as well! Fantastic…

"Don't give up, Nash."

I stared at her. After everything that has happened to me, this is all I could get?! Bullshit!

"I need you to calm down first," Jade said it calmly. "You just need to control your focus."

"How can I?" I asked her, not caring now that my voice is shaky, probably cracked due to emotions. "I messed up everything! Kitana knows about our relationship, Shang Tsung will rip my head before taking my soul and Shao Kahn might know and kill me first!"

"Nash, I-"

"Don't tell me to calm down!" I yelled at her, my face's probably red. "You certainly didn't help when you kept quiet throughout the interrogation! How can I trust you now if you can't speak out your thoughts?"

Jade was quiet as I ranted out what's been biting my ass. Her expression was hard to tell because she looked away. But what is it? Guilt? But to be fair, I am also to blame for all of this situation. If I had kept my mouth shut and my dick in my pants, none of this wouldn't have happened.

"Then let me try to make up for my mistake earlier," she finally announced. Call me a sceptic but I'm not sure about this. Despite the fact I want to bone her again. Then again, I think I know how we are going to settle this.

"How about a little match?" I suggested. "I also want to make up for what I did to you too. If it's alright."

Jade smiled softly. I think she should do it more often because she looked beautiful when she does. "Whenever you are ready, Nash. And don't worry about Kitana. I'll speak to her after this."

"Thank you," I nodded gratefully. "And I am so sorry."

"No…we both are at fault for this. But let's worry about that later. You can have the first move."

With a smirk, I began my strikes. Like the princess, Jade is also skilful and strategic when it comes to offence. I guessed I'll have to use defence. We fought with everything we got. Instead of feeling defeated and tired, I was determined to prove myself to Jade.

I'm not backing away now!

In the the end, the both of us were panting and sweating. But we both smiled nonetheless. Before I could go, Jade grabbed my arm to pull me close to her. I wanted so say something but my lips were sealed with her own. Slowly, her actions coaxed me into kissing her with more passion.

Her hands wounded up around my head, playing with my hair while my hands explored every inch of her body, earning a moan which told me that I was doing a good job. I nibbled her neck in response.

"You're so beautiful…"

"Thank you," she sighed blissfully. "Allow me to make up for not speaking up."

Then, I went hard when I found out that Jade started to unbutton my pants. My mind is like mush. I don't know what to think at this point. Sure in hell I'm not going to waste this opportunity! So, I took off my shirt to reveal my naked top. Jade had stripped me down to my boxers, where a tent was formed.

"Hard for me?" she giggled. Then, she removed the top of her outfit. My mouth watered slightly because those restraints hid away the most beautiful pair of breasts I have ever seen. Ample and supple…the perfect size for any man.

All I could do was let out a ragged breath as I caressed the two bosoms, each filled my hands perfectly. A soft moan erupted from her when I gave her nipple an experimental lick. My libido starts to act up, which led me to play and suck both of her chocolate breasts. God…I feel like a baby again suckling both of these tits.

Jade was enjoying my little treatment, which she reached down into my boxers to grasped my hardened length. I let out a small groan as she started stroking the length. Hastily, I pulled down my last article of clothing before assisting Jade by removing her remain attire so that we're both naked like we were born.

I then laid her on the ground, me on top like a wild dog catching his prey. Jade gazed up into my eyes with a soft expression. "You're my first, Nash…"

I was honoured. Smiling, I kissed her gently on her forehead. "You're my first too, Jade. Let's make the night worth it." Slowly making my way down, I parted her thighs to reveal the sweet wet cavern that was hidden from my view. Hungrily, I lapped at her core with my tongue.

This is the best love nectar I have ever tasted!

The sounds of the Edenian general's moans were musics to my ears. It felt so good that my member is aching to be in her wet core again. Just as I was about to replace my tongue, Jade stopped me with lust filled eyes.

"I want you please you, Nash," she begged, pumping me up and down. "I want you…"

"I want you as well…"

Not before long, she engulfed my hard length into her hot mouth, earning a pleasurable groan from me. I think I made most of the noises as a beautiful woman like Jade is giving me an oral while I squeezed her firm ass. Damn, you could grope them all day! I could feel myself about to release but Jade had other plans.

She stopped before straddling on top of me, rocking her hips against my body while my cock penetrated her wet core. This minx just won't stop dominating me! Holding her hips in place, I moved with her as we were in our erotic dance. I brought my face up to lock lips with her in a frenzied kiss. I have never been this wild before!

"Mmmm…Oh, yes. Yes~" the sound of Jade's voice played in my ears.

She slammed down on my member as I grope her breasts again, giving both of them love bites. Our pace increased with her hands on my chest while my legs caressed her back. The only sounds that filled the air were our moans and groans of pleasure.

When we both pound into each other harder than before, we both screamed each other's name, while my seeds filled her whole before she collapsed on top of me. Panting and sweaty, I stroked her back lovingly as I watched the beauty's steady breathing.

"Are you alright?" I asked with concern. "I didn't go too rough on you, didn't I?"

Jade shook her head before kissing me again. "No…You were wonderful, Nash. I don't want this to end."

"Me neither," I smiled, holding her close to me. It doesn't really matter that Jade is technically older than me. I love and lusted for her ever since I got my first Mortal Kombat game. This is too good to be true.

I just hope I can cover this up before morning.

Pervert Nash strikes again. Wow, you can't control yourself, can't you? And Azril sure is a brat! Even he turned down a hot girl who is interested in him. All because he wants meat and veggies in his porridge!

Updates will be slow due to work but I'll make each of them worth it.

Please review!