Hello...it's me. I have found a server that can help me access to Fanfiction. Props to you, Australia. I will see you soon and will be updating more if time is kind to me. I have been busy, having exams and dealing with a lot of stress from home and college. I'll spare you the detail.

Another thing, my name made it to my country's local paper for my petition for this beloved sight. I don't know about you guys but this place is like a sense of home and comfort to me. I will do anything to share my stories with you.

So without further ado, let the chapter begin!

Chapter 20

Again, nothing beats another training with your mentor. This time, it was all about defence. Even without weapons, Kitana is very graceful in her steps while I am a bit clumsy in my steps. Can't help but think of tonight's event. We're all going to meet the emperor of Outworld and other characters from the game as well.

I wonder if my friends have met other characters besides their mentors. Well, I hope Mileena doesn't cross paths with me. Not when Jade is around me at all times. Speaking of Jade, she went to the garden to train with my sister, who I would say looked somewhat deadly with the hidden claws inside her gloves. How the hell did she placed and attached them?

"You're doing well, Nash," Kitana encouraged me to finish the training. As I did, all I could think now is tonight's event and again about a weapon of my own. I heard Azril has been using daggers lately, Bryan has upgraded his music player and now my sister. Soon, everyone except me will have a weapon! I'll stick out like a sore thumb if I am ever needed for battles.

After delivering the final blow, I decided to check on my sister. Or if you are me, then Jade since she's her mentor. Again, I can't wait to see what she's wearing for tonight. I bet she looks hot no matter what article of clothing she decided to choose. Hey, it's kinda the same when either my sister or my family thought I look dashing in any formal attire. Maybe so but it's bad enough I want to see Mileena again. She may look like a vicious polecat but she's kinda sweet once she warms up to you.

Riana's going to be pissed if I saw her again.

"Impressive," I heard Jade commented on Riana's technique. To be honest, this spar was more deadly than mine with the Edenian beauty. Because like Wolverine, Riana unsheathed those claws hidden in her gloves to attack Jade like an angry bear. I'm guessing that she spent the night trying to work on the gloves, making them sharper and more flexible to be used in combat.

Got to say…I'm impressed as well.

But before I could mentally praise my sister, Riana found an opening at Jade's exposed shoulder and poked her deep with her left tall man finger. I winced, because it reminded me of getting a tetanus shot at a doctor. But it went from bad to worse as I noticed Jade starting to look a bit light headed, almost pale to be exact. In concern, I rushed to her side while my sister stepped back. Where the hell was Kurt? He's always around when my sister is training. Maybe he's out for a hunt, I hope…

"RIANA!" I yelled at my sister who was murmuring something, her lips twitching. "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?"

"Ten…Nine…eight…" The sound came out louder than usual. But she approached us calmly, now removing her left glove which dropped a small transparent vial. I eyed my sister suspiciously when she used the pinky of her right glove claw to drain the liquid that was inside the little glass.

Oh god…she's not going to-

"Stay calm, Jade," Riana told her as she kneeled down and plunged the sharp claw into Jade's shoulder, which she whimpered in pain. Slowly, Jade's breathing was becoming normal, her skin had colours back and she leaned back into my chest. As much as I am pissed with my sister, I feel comforted by the fact that Jade is this close to me.

"Riana…" Jade breathed. "Wha-"

"Hemotoxic," Riana looked down embarrassingly, ashamed of what she did. "I thought of using it as a secret weapon along with other venoms in battles."

I blinked, trying to process what the hell my sister just said. Venom? Venom?! As in the deadly poisons used by snakes, spiders and octopi? Riana kneeled down in the opposite direction, eying Jade at a respectful distance. I stood up, walked to my sister before gripping her shoulders to shake some sense into her.

"YOU COULD HAVE KILLED HER!" I yelled. Riana herself was too lost for words. But before I could scold her even further, Jade reached her hand to stop me from doing something even more extreme. I sighed, releasing my sister to catch her breath.

"Riana," Jade looked at her sternly. "I wasn't expecting this from you but you did what your basic instincts told you to do when you need to defend yourself. And for that, I am impressed."

"Really?" Riana asked hopefully. "Still Jade, I'm sorry for almost causing you to die a slow, painful death."

"You are forgiven," the beautiful goddess told her. "Where do you retrieve your venoms from?" Yeah, I want to know too! How the hell does my sister know which toxic affects the sensitive part inside the body? Or the anti-venom for that matter?! So, she told us of how she was looking for Kurt last night and then decided to wear her gloves in case anything happened. So while searching for the bearded dragon, Riana encountered some venomous snakes like vipers and cobras so she had an idea.

"- and that's how I came about with a surprise attack," she explained. We both helped Jade to get up, letting her lean onto me. Riana called Kurt's name, to which he emerged from the bushes. He clambered onto my sister's shoulder, closing his eyes with a contented expression. Huh, so that's where he went.

"You two better get ready for tonight's party," Jade told us. "But try to wear something where you can manoeuvre easily in case there's a fight. The both of you are aware of that, right?"

"Yup!" We both answered at the same time. Oh yeah, how are we going to find something nice to wear for tonight? No offence but I don't think Edenia or Outworld has a shop that tailors suits for men. I can't believed that I'm going to make a regrettable decision.

A VERY regrettable decision…

…

"So," Bryan circled around me like a mischievous silver fox. "You decided to come to moi to design you a suit for tonight? My my, Nashie boy you are that desperate! But it's gonna cost ya!"

"Bryan!" I groaned in frustration. God, this guy is going to be the end of me! "Okay, okay I'll pay you my earnings but please make a suit so that I look suave and cool. I want to look my best for tonight."

Bryan grinned. "Impressing the ladies tonight, aren't we? I'll do it if you let me score some chicks with you. Gonna show them my killer moves~"

I wanted to strangle him at this point but I'll have to save my strength for tonight. Who knows what plans Shao Kahn has. Not only for the fighters but the disciples who were dragged out of their will into his deadly game. Will we start killing each other like in Hunger Games? Or be placed in a deadly trap for his amusement like Maze Runner?

Eventually, Bryan finally tailored my suit as I did poses in the mirror. I was wearing a stark white shirt with a matching red cravat around my neck. My coat was black with gold cuff links that probably shone from the light's reflection and dark leather shoes that were used for tango. I don't know how the hell Bryan could finish this within half an hour. Got to admit, I'm impressed.

"Muy macho!" Bryan whistled at me. "Surely you'll score some sweet devotchkas tonight! Ah, I need to make one for myself. You know Johnny's coming along with Cassie, her buddies and maybe Sonya. You know how she can put it on ya~"

I smacked Bryan's shoulder playfully before thanking him for his tailored suit, for which he gave me in a neat tote bag. After paying him, I decided to head back home by cutting through the Outworld marketplace. For a place where the tournaments were held and under the tyrant emperor's rule, life carried on as usual as if they either ignored the corrupted system or integrated into it. I'd love to stick around and shop or even go to Azril's cafe which I've been hearing from the locals.

Man, how is Azril so good at multitasking? Even I have a hard time juggling my homework, study and play Mortal Kombat at the same time.

"HELP!" a scream broke me from my thought. I located the source to which it was a woman who was ganged up by a group of men at a corner, preying on her like hungry jackals. My mind was blank. Should I help her? If this is Outworld, will most of the people have brutal defences to protect themselves? So many thoughts were running through my mind.

Without thinking, I grabbed a large warhammer that was randomly placed to attack the lechers who looked like they were about to go in and out of the woman in public. I allowed my anger and emotions to do all of my actions as I swung the heavy weapon into the men's skulls, hearing cracks from the result. It was bloody and brutal, expected from a game like this but why do I feel sick to the stomach? I thought fighting games are supposed to make you feel victorious after killing or defeating someone.

At the aftermath, I helped the woman stand up and assure her that they won't harm her anymore. Ironic since I crushed them with this hammer. Hey…this hammer feels good in my arms. Maybe, just maybe-

"T-thank you," the victim thanked me in her shaky voice. "A-are you hurt?"

"I'll be alright," I gave her a reassuring smile. When I looked back at the hammer, it was covered in blood and some remains from the cracked skulls. Man, I don't think I can return it now. So going back to the place where I found the said weapon, I left a bag of coins as a payment for the hammer.

I finally found myself a weapon.

…

Tonight was the night. I'm already prepared in my new suit that was tailored by Bryan. Kitana told me to head towards the party first with my sister because she and Jade were dealing with a matter before joining us. I was waiting at the courtyard for Riana. Moon was full and acting like a special spotlight to guide us towards our destination. I bet that old clod is going to be there. If he's coming, then so is Mileena. And I'm having doubts about this party already. I'm going to be screwed, not in a good way.

"Nash? Are you ready?" my sister's voice caught me off guard. Seeing what she was wearing, I can't help but gaze at her. Heh, down at her since she's so short!

Riana was wearing a turquoise and light green dress that looks breezy down to her feet. It felt like she's reflecting the cool waters from the ocean and the calmness of the forest. Her fair skin would make the dress stand out like a stain glass window. I noticed she's holding her short, wavy hair in a floral headband and still wore the gloves she used for training. Even with her tortoiseshell patterned glasses and plus size, she looks like a nymph of the forest. Even Kurt looks smart in a red bowtie!

"Wow…" I breathed. "You look amazing, sis!"

"Aw, you're sweet!" Riana blushed. Kurt just puffed his chest proudly while pointing his snout upwards. "You look handsome yourself, Rudolph Valentino~"

I laughed at my sister's reference. Well, I am flattered anyways. We walked together side by side without saying a word. I swear if people looked at us, they wouldn't suspect us as brother and sister. Along the way, the night was cool and breezy. I just hope tonight would be the same as the weather. But I'd be damn if the first conversation I have with someone had something to do with the weather!

We arrived at the party just in time and by god, how colourful it is in contrast with the game's main theme of violence and war. I guessed war and romance do go well together. Everyone was looking their best: some in expensive robes and tunics, women in fine dresses probably made of silk and some like me who wore suits.

"What a crowd," Riana commented. "I hope we'll find some familiar faces here."

Speak of the devil, we were both greeted by no other than Lord Raiden. The thunder god was in his grand attire from his disc hat to his well dressed robes. He nodded to me and the both of us bowed in respect.

"Lord Raiden," I greeted. "Have I introduced to you my sister?"

"Ah," he gave my sister a small smile. "From what I have heard, your older sister? And it's a surprise to find her pet her as well."

"Kurt has always been with me," Riana told him proudly. Probably because finally someone saw her as the older sibling. I scanned the party to see if can find someone familiar. I noticed Azril standing in the corner, talking to two figures. Leaving my sister with Raiden, I decided to great the oldest disciple. But I stop my tracks to see who was he talking to.

Azril was interacting with the blind swordsman, Kenshi and…Ermac? Woah, two telekinetic warriors talking with the emotionless disciple. I shifted in to eavesdrop on their conversation. Can't help but noticed how smart Azril looks in his dark attire. If i were a girl, I'd trail after him. But seriously, has any girl ever laid their eyes on this guy?!

"…Then Rick decided to let Ilsa go on the plane with her husband to flee to America," Azril's monotone narration filled the air. Both the swordsman and construct were listening with interest. Can't help but noticed how much Kenshi looks just like Neo from the Matrix while Ermac reminded me of that mummy that was eaten alive by scarab beetles from a certain movie I have forgotten. Just by his bandaged body and the green souls surrounding him.

"Ah, a friend of yours is here," Kenshi turned his head to smile at me. It's odd, his eyes were blindfolded and from my gaming experience, he's blind. So how the hell does he know if I am smiling or not?

"Sento tells me," he told me, taking out his sword to demonstrate. I blinked in surprised.

"You can read my mind?" I asked stupidly. He's a telekinetic swordsman. Of course he can! Kenshi only chuckled. "I do. And I know well you are here to enter our conversation."

I nodded but none of them gave an indication that I was interrupting. "So, what are you three talking about?"

"Films," the construct answered. It felt weird hearing a lot voices coming out from him but I simply nodded. "Azril is explaining to us about the plot of certain narratives he himself had experienced. We have never of of these stories."

"Likewise," Kenshi agreed. "He was just finishing a war-romance genre."

Interesting. I don't know any so far. Neither does my sister. So I listened to Azril's description and explanation, hoping I might watch it one day. Once he is done, I wanted to ask him something.

"Azril?" I called him to get his attention. He turned to me, eyes gazing at my soul. "Where is Sub Zero?"

"With Smoke," he answered dully. "Whatever reasons he has, it is his business I must not interfere. Unfortunately we had to bring Frost because the Grandmaster thought I could 'teach her' humility. What a drag…"

"You don't like her, huh?"

"She sees me as a rival," he sighed. "Nothing more than that. I walked into her territory, she will impale me with an icicle. Then again, I had no other choice since this is not my world or yours, isn't it?"

I don't know how to answer him. His questions can be too deep to think through.

Just I was about to leave him, he stopped me by pulling onto my sleeve jacket. If I had moved, he'd probably tore the sleeve without hesitation.

"You finally have a weapon," he murmured. "Good. At least we are all prepared…a storm is coming, Nash. It will destroy us if we are not prepared."

"The weather is fine," I chuckled nervously. "Can you please let go of me?"

He did as he was told. But he gazed at me one more time before joining the conversation with Kenshi and Ermac. Man, he has to relax! Suddenly, a hand was placed on my shoulder. Instinctively, I turned around and was greeted by a sight to behold.

It was Jade and by god does she look gorgeous! She wore an unbelievably tight dress that showed a V-neck cut of her chest, where her supple breasts could be viewed while a slit graced along the left side, to show her ample legs. If my pants weren't tight enough, I'd fucked her on the spot.

"Hello Nash," Jade greeted me with a smile. "You look handsome tonight."

"Thanks," I blushed. "You are a gem, Jade. Boy, there's a lot of people tonight."

"Every warrior is here," Kitana approached us. She herself was beautiful as well. I swear, these Edenian women are going to be the end of me! I just want to run my hands to explore their bodies…

"Don't look so nervous, Nash," Kitana reassured me. "We are here to have a conversation and listened to what the emperor has to say."

Suddenly, the atmosphere of the party became quiet. Heavy footsteps were heard and I stood my ground, ready to take out my hammer I hid in my jacket. Jade's expression has never looked so livid as the subordinates came first, the old clod Shang Tsung and a newcomer I have never seen before.

She wore a yellow dress that fitted her figure along with those flexible legs. I have a feeling she too was Edenian just from her Sun-kissed skin and beauty. Her hair was a short bob, kinda fits the picture.

Finally, the emperor and host of the party has arrived.

OOOH PARTY'S JUST STARTED! What will Nash do now? Will he interact with the other warriors? Or there will be lemons? Finally he has a hammer of his own. I can't help but noticed how none of the characters has a hammer-like weapon so I thought of that for Nash. Azril, what kind of movie are you trying to explain? Seriously Bryan, don't call women devotchkas.

I will update once my exam is over and hopefully find a server that helps me access to the site.

So please review. I love those if you want me to continue!