Hi, I'm back. Sorry it has been a while because I was studying for my exams, figuring out my adulthood and trying to get better from my mental health. No, it's not depression. Mine is like I am forever wearing 3-D glasses where I see things negatively and people hate me or belittle me when in real life they don't. So I did this out of jealously and punish myself for it. I feel guilty and miserable all the time despite being well off but that's just me.

Enough about me, let's get to the story.

Chapter 34

Still, this whole ordeal was an experience to me! Azril finally back to normal, having a threesome with the hottest SF members and now the minute I got back I am seeing Riana, Kristina and Bo Rai Cho having tea together.

With the villains of Outworld!

What are Erron Black and Ermac doing in Bo Rai Cho's home?!

To top it all, are the men and Kristina having a drinking contest while Riana cheers them on? What have I missed out?!

"Hey Nash! Bryan!" Riana waved. "Sorry we didn't get back to the hideout. We got ourselves in a tangle as well. So where's Azril?"

In the end despite Bryan gripping my shoulders because he was afraid both the Outworld men would kill him, we told the girls about what happened to Azril and the fight at the Lin Kuei.

"Woah, wait a minute!" Kristina stopped me. I'm starting to feel weird around her despite the fact she could rip my balls off. "Azril turned into an actual cyborg?!"

"A terminator!" Bryan nodded vigorously. "He almost killed all of us and made the Lin Kuei extinct again! Thank fucking god he didn't teleport all of us to outer space, seeing that now he can."

"Shit…" the cowboy whistled. "I always thought that guy was just a stick in the mud. Who knew he's a murderer."

"I know right?" Kristina agreed. "But at least he's restored. So he's resting at the Sky Temple?"

"Sure is," I replied. "But even without emotions I can tell he hates being cooped up. It's now up to Sub Zero to decide when he can leave. I have a feeling they both need a break after all of this."

"Interesting," Ermac murmured. His voice still scares the crap out of me. How the hell is Kristina or Riana calm with him. Even Bryan doesn't look scared but his eyes were trailing at Erron's gun.

"So what are you two doing here?"

"We're just escorting the ladies back to their homes," Erron drawled out. "We know about your separations but it seems like you two can handle on your own. But for our ladies-"

"I can handle on my own just fine!" Kristina huffed. "I swear to god you keep insisting on sending us back as if we are weak damsels in distress! Erron, I thought you know that now that you've met the Special Forces. At least-"

"Kristina!" my sister silenced her from her rambles. "At least say thank you because I didn't know where the hell I was going when we escaped Shao Kahn's palace! These two may have travelled all over the place whenever someone orders them to do errands. Do you even have a compass or a GPS to begin with, Kris?"

"What is a GPS?" Ermac inquired. But his question was ignored because the two girls are arguing about being grateful to be escorted back home. A single clap silenced the argument in the room. Bo Rai Cho looked at the girls sternly and then the same to us. I was honestly scared.

I have never seen him this angry.

"If you two want to continue arguing," he boomed. "Take it outside! Training hasn't even started yet! Yet, you decided to be ungrateful for their help."

"What?!" Kristina exclaimed. "Of course I am! Just not used to getting saved by-"

"By a handsome Texan, you're welcome," Erron Black winks at her, making Kristina huffed in anger. Her face is redder than usual. Ermac tilted his head at the scene and Bryan was squealing rather loudly that could counter a piglet's. He took out his gadget.

"Ooh! Cowboy romance!" he gushed. "Pissed off Krissy meets mysterious gunslinger who doesn't give a shit. Or it's better with the mummy! Dark and brooding ghost and a pretty boy fighting for a country bumpkin! Could this be a Western erotica or-"

Bryan was quickly shut up with a red-faced Kristina. She tackled him to the ground much to everyone's surprise. Bryan screamed as Kristina was about to strangle him before Ermac separated both of them with his telekinesis. Kristina was hung in midair, I was afraid she's going to be dizzy in the head.

"Don't you fucking dare!" she growled, trying to claw her way to Bryan. The young boy genius was still whimpering, probably traumatised from Kristina's sudden attack.

"Enough!" Bo Rai Cho clapped his hands to silenced the room. All was silent and I want to go to my room. But the tension was increasing in the room. Even Bryan stopped running his mouth to listen. "The boys just came back from the journey, and I don't want negative energy in this room. The tournament is about to be held by tomorrow and I need you to be ready, Nash. Riana, you too. While the rest of you may choose to leave or stay but no fighting until the tournament tomorrow."

"Welp, I'd better get going," Erron Black drawled as he was ready to leave. He gave Kristina a small wink. "See ya around, Princess."

"Don't call me Princess!" Kristina yelled at the disappearing cowboy.

"We will take our leave. Mileena may be looking for us," Ermac announced before he teleported away. I wonder who's side is he on. He hasn't hurt my sister or Kristina so I am keeping this an open mind in case he's going to backstab us in the future.

"I have to go too," said Bryan. "Tell me if Kristina Daaé found her-"

That was when Kristina threw a shoe at him to make him run back to the SF. Now it's the three of us left. Riana decided to stay back since she might help with cooking dinner tonight besides training so she's taking a trip to the market.

That leaves me with Kristina.

So it was decided Kristina might leave but then she stopped her tracks. Her eyes focused on me. Bryan watched with excitement while my sister sat on the steps to observe with her pet bearded dragon basking on her shoulder.

"Nash," Kristina sighed. "As much as I am up for a little blood sport in three days, I think you might want to visit the Shokans. Lately I have a feeling they are prepping up for a war. Not sure if it's with or against Emperor Dickhead."

What! Is she out of her mind? Why would I want to go into their territory, knowing they can practically rip me apart since they all have the dragon blood in them. Especially Goro, prince among them.

"I don't know…."

"Come on," Kristina scoffed. "You'll be back here in time for dinner and night training. If you have any that is."

Well, Bo Rai Cho seems to be okay. I guessed he wants to work on Riana since she is slow when it came to reflexes. Hell, even Bryan has more accuracy than her. Riana looked happy when I told her that I was going to visit the Shokans with Kristina.

"Tell me what's there once you get back," she told me. Seriously, there's something wrong with her. Her tone never sounds so cheerful. That usually comes from me or Bryan but her, she is more on the depressed or scared side. I won't tell you what she went through because it was too much for her.

Even Kurt had a proud look on his face.

As a little brother, it is my duty to know what my sister is doing so that she is safe from harm. I am going to do that and make sure of it.

…

The Shokans sure are strange besides having four arms. They lived in the undergrounds like those prisoners of war. Yet I never knew their underground system worked so well, especially if they are planning to attack. Some of them were staring at me, making me uncomfortable but Kristina strides on with confidence. Her hair tied back in a ponytail swishing as she walks while her thighs can be seen with those white shorts on.

Is it bad that in some weird way I do feel attracted to her?

Well, I try not to because she's a riot and can punch my lights out like any other guy who got on her bad side. I am just praying that Kristina doesn't start another war with her impulsiveness. She's always up to a challenge and a fight but her heart's in the right place.

I like that in her.

"Nash? Are you listening?" Kristina's harsh voice snaps me back to reality. "Sheeva might be able to talk to you. The others? Don't look at them in the eye or even think about challenging them."

No need to instruct me. They really don't want me to be here anyways.

Suddenly, footsteps were heard and the both of us were face to face with Sheeva. Damn! Now that I am seeing her up close, she's kinda hot with her red skimpy outfit that barely covers her breasts and those strong four arms that could do more than crushing….

"Kristina," Sheeva boomed. "What is the meaning of this? Why did you bring the Princess' disciple here? Tournament hasn't started yet!"

"Sorry, Sheeva!" I cut in before Kristina could say a word. "I came here on my own behalf. I heard you are having some trouble or prepping up for a war?"

Sheeva eyed Kristina. "You told him, didn't you? Kristina, you do know we're better off on our own rather than needing aid. Goro is to be coronated after we promised Mileena would be empress after Shao Kahn's passing."

"But I have been with Mileena," I sad matter-of-factly. The Shokans stopped from whatever they are doing to stare. Kristina had her hands on her hips and eyed me. "You mean fuck her brains out in your little 'private lessons'? Yeah we all know that! I don't need Bryan to be the news reporter here!"

Fuck….they knew…..

"Speak then!" Shiver demanded. "What have you been doing to Mileena? Training her from what I was told. Or are you lying?"

I raised up my hands in defence. The Shokans are drawing near to me while Kristina looks unfazed but pissed. Probably at me and this whole banishment has caused a chain of events to happen. So I told them about my private trainings with Mileena when I was in Edenia. Shang Tsung, I don't know if I should trust him but he lets me be with Mileena yet he threatens me.

"Hmmm," the female Shokan nodded. "Seems like you will be the first to die in the tournament. No surprise unless you have a back up plan. But since Kristina dragged you here you might as well know. Once Mileena has gotten her wish, we will be going our separate ways."

"So what do you want me to do?"

"I won't be around so Kristina may need some assistance," Sheeva told me. "My apologies, Kristina. Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn needs me so our training is going to cut short. If I allow you to come with me despite being my disciple, you are going to put many lives in danger with your brash actions."

"I understand," Kristina sighed. Poor Kris! All she ever wanted was to win the tournament and train but with this news, it's like a knife to her heart. It's Mortal Kombat, of course she wants blood on her hands!

"You can train with me and Riana," I offered. "Bo Rai Cho may be….loud but he's cool. Riana's at home with him. She's gonna need it if she's going to be part of the tournament. Her stamina needs to build up."

Kristina instead stormed passed me without a word. Oh well, her loss I guessed. I just have to get back and report this to Bo Rai Cho. But I hope Kristina will be alright…

…

3rd P.O.V

Kristina has never felt so disappointed as to her mentor not trusting her. She wants to run down and beat up anyone who crosses her path. Why is this not fair?

She was so clouded with anger, she rammed into someone before cursing. Great, now everything is against her! But she heard the all to familiar voice from the guy she rammed into.

"What's the rush, Princess?" Erron Black asked. He wasn't teasing her which is a surprise. Kristina growled at him, not going to have another battle with him. "You could use a drink and a friend."

"Thanks for the tip," Kristina sighed. "It's been a long day for me."

So the both of them went to the bar, had a few mugs of beer. Kristina drank four mugs straight, Erron Black couldn't help but whistled. She was glad to have long hair to hide the blush on her face. Not like she's going to admit it! But Erron is the eye candy for any woman who wants a hunk of a man.

"I hate it," Kristina muttered, tracing her mug. "Why am I the only one without a mentor who has time? We used to train together but with Shao Kahn now having more plans carried out, Sheeva seems distant. And….and…"

Kristina turned away. She can't cry now. No one's tough when they cry so she splashed a bit of the beer at her face. Erron watched her in concern. Behind that mask, he could've gave her a sad smile. Instead, he slides another mug of beer in front of her.

"Just drink, darlin'," the gunslinger told her. "Why don't you try out your skills on me. Gun or no gun."

Kristina arched her eyebrow. "Are you some kind of masochist or something? You like it if I bring pain into you?"

"Maybe," he winked. Kristina huffed and chugged her last mug before whispering into his ear. Erron Black could almost feel the strained inside his pants struggling to come out. Damn, Kristina's fine for a kid. "Outside, no guns in the clearing."

There wasn't a lot of people but Kristina's not going to complain. Like a Western showdown, they both faced each other and fought without firing a bullet from their respective guns. Kristina was the one who does the offensive while Erron used defence to block her attack.

Kristina is strong but she's too brash to think any rational thoughts. Erron decided to use that to challenge her. He would tire her out by blocking and evading her attacks while growls were heard from her. He can't deny that it turns him on to hear a girl like her.

"Spunky," he whistled and uppercuts her. "My kind of gal! Are you sure you're not flirting with me?"

Kristina this time punched his face but Erron seemed unfazed. His eyes were checking out her body through the tank top and shorts. For a teen, he wants to take her down and let her ride him hard like an untamed Mustang. But he knew this battle meant so much to her which he countered her attacks by elbowing her in the gut.

Kristina almost felt her ribs cracked but she cared less except to end this battle with her on top.

"Don't ever flirt with me," she growled, finishing the battle with a blow to Erron Black's head with a swift kick which she managed to knock him off his feet before placing a firm hand on his head while the other was holding her gun. The gunslinger sighed in defeat.

"Looks like you're the winner, Kristina," he said with a smile. She smirked down on him, decided to help him up. They both gazed at one another where Kristina would not deny the heated feeling she had whenever the cowboy's bright blue eyes stare at her. She averted her gaze.

"Then that settles the score," he clapped his hands together. "You'll be fine tomorrow. Fine gal to beat up if I face you tomorrow! Don't come crying to me if this didn't work out."

"Oh yeah?" she challenged. "If I ever beat you tomorrow, you're gonna be remembered for being beaten by a little girl!"

"If I win," he drawled. "You owe me a kiss, darlin'. After all, I helped you today~"

This made Kristina fumed but Erron strode off before she could hurl another insult back at him. This motivated her to train harder than before for the tournament. Before they went separate ways, she quickly pecked his cheek much to the cowboy's surprise before she ran off the other direction.

Little did she know she was being watched by an admirer who wished the cowboy would leave her alone!

…

Riana was done preparing dinner before she promised to meet up with another teacher to train her in a more realistic environment. She had made a simple rice with spicy chilli sambal and some chicken from the money she received from her mentor. She hoped she might earn some bit of money like Azril or Bryan since she may have stayed in Mortal Kombat for too long.

"You really know how to cook, Riana!" Bo Rai Cho boomed, helping himself to a third plate with Riana eating her share. She saved some for Nash, who is not back yet. She decided to wrap some in a leaf for someone she's meeting later.

"I know you are going out so soon after dinner," he commented. "Let me guess, either nature stuff for your venom or you are seeing a certain Zaterran?" Riana blinked, thinking how does he know. She stared at him, her eyes already panicking.

"When you and Kristina came back," he explained, taking a swig of the bottle. "No way a branch ripped off your top and then left your back expose. I assumed they were claw marks of a beast."

Riana went silent but the drunken master patted her back. "I have never seen your type of relationship with someone, let alone a Zaterran. I think it's good he has someone to talk to. You as well since whenever we are training, your mind is elsewhere or you are not thinking."

She just nodded. "Are Ferra and Torr going to be part of the tournament tomorrow?"

"Of course they are! They have been wanting to shed some blood for their own amusement. In fact, they are training somewhere so you don't have to worry about them wrecking this place."

Riana smiled. She was starting to get fond of the symbiote, seeing them as little siblings. Well, one is bigger than her but still all the same. She thanked Bo Rai Cho and sets off into the jungle to meet her other instructor.

Riana was already exhausted from the night training in nothing but her gloves filled with venom and being barefooted. Knowing Reptile, he must have built up his immune system to make her venoms useless against him. What's more is the taunting she is receiving left and right if she missed hitting the reptilian warrior. She kept reminding herself that this was all part of training.

"Faster!" Reptile commanded, dodging another blow from Riana. "You want to survive, do you? Oh wait! With your weight and low self-esteem, it's going to kill you before your opponent gets a chance."

"Do you think I am that pathetic?!" she challenged, not ready for another slash in the face from the Zaterran. Her venom claws are no use so she took them off to rely on her fists and reflexes. But with her body mass, it's like a walrus trying to fight a swift fish. Her emotions are blinding her into pain and rage, almost like wearing 3-D glasses.

Yet she's been doing that all her life internally.

"You're short," Reptile commented, taking her into a headlock. "Lazy to get things done." He swiftly kicks her which she felt her back about to crack. "And on top all feeling sorry for yourself when clearly you brought this on yourself!"

Riana now growled and decided to keep a calm mind. She is going to die from exhaustion if this keeps up. So, she focused on aiming at Reptile's teeth where she will knock them out and then take him down. She screamed when he bit her shoulders, searing pain from the corrosive acid eating her skin.

"At least you weren't chained up and whipped a lot of times by your own kin!" Riana yelled, throwing him off. Reptile wanted to go for another bite but Riana clamped his jaws shut. "Just because their first born wasn't a boy or dark skinned!"

She delivered a blow to his skull.

"And….and…" her tears welled up while a lump was formed in her throat. "I am never good enough despite being the oldest of the kids! I see the shed and dark rooms all the time when mom and dad are away! Dark room with nothing but other kids who wither away!"

Reptile froze. What was she talking about? Riana now pinned him down on the ground with one had clamped at the jaws while the other gripping his neck. Her face was red, hot with tears and her glasses askew.

"Nash gets to be in their luxury house with good food and bed while I was chained to be whipped anytime without food or water," she whispered. "I was so hungry, so pathetic and alone…."

"Riana," he breathed. He wanted to comfort her, maybe the training really set her off but she seemed to be elsewhere. Was this the reason for those scars on her back? Why would her own family torture her this way.

"Sorry," she shook her head and helped him up. She felt guilty for damaging his face and leaving him with gashes of green blood mixed with her own red ones. "I shouldn't be ranting out about my family in times like this. After all, we have training before the tournament tomorrow."

She wanted to walk away but Reptile held her hand, pulled her close to his chest.

"I didn't know," he spoke quietly, rubbing her back. Riana sighed deeply before enveloping the Zaterran into a hug. They said nothing but the comfort of each other's presence was enough to calm them down. Riana then realised something.

"Oh, I kinda brought you this," she handed him a wrapped leaf with contents inside. He curiously felt it before ripping the green wrappings apart to find rice with meat, eggs and an aroma he has never smelt before.

Riana smiled as he ate, savouring the food she brought for him. "It's delicious!" he complimented, making her blushed. "Is this what Earthrealmers eat?"

"From where I lived, yeah," she nodded. "It's a thank you give. For taking your time to train me and everything. I know you have duties or other things to do but I'm glad you're here."

"Likewise," he purred, licking his chops. Gently, he kissed her on the forehead. "You're the first human to ever talk to me as a friend. Or make me want to see you again."

Without realising, their hands intertwined with each other. Riana looked down and smiled. "So what's going to happen at the tournament tomorrow?"

"From what I've heard, Shao Kahn has two guests watching over the match with him. So I have heard they are of great importance. But what can I do about it unless I'm being told."

"Who are the newcomers?"

"I am not sure," he admitted. "Whatever happens tomorrow, just be prepared."

Riana pondered a bit before asking: "Can we….continue training for one last time before we go home?"

Reptile gave her a toothy grin, nodding his head.

…

Azril knows that working harder gets people anywhere in life. So without any permission, he decided to double his training as soon as he can stand on his feet again. He feels like there's a lot to make up for. So he practiced in his room with his daggers.

The egg was moving a lot lately. He had prepared a special nest in case the egg is about to hatch.

Tomorrow is another day, knowing he's going to face his friends and others he had made acquaintances with. But nothing beats impressing others before him. It meant nothing to him because loving yourself sounds narcissistic.

Suddenly, a crack was heard. He rushed to the egg, trying his best to help the hatchling come out. He felt pain in his chest, noting he will take some medicine after hatching out the egg. Squeaks were heard and his hands felt a bit numb at the creature that emerged.

It was a blue wyvern with pretty midnight wings.

Azril's eyes softened at the little thing. Then he remembered he had to raised it as a weapon for the Lin Kuei. That was his order and he will follow if it means playing it safe. He stroked the baby wyvern with his finger. It purred softly.

"Hello," he talked lowly. "You showed up both in the right and wrong time."

He knew someone was watching him but he couldn't care less. This baby is his priority and he will make sure it will grow up into a beautiful dragoness. Tomorrow at the tournament, he will show it to his friends, maybe trying to figure out how to raise it.

Yay, the egg finally hatched! Yeah, Wyverns and not dragons if you can tell the difference. I based it on Sub Zero's ending where he found the eggs. To be fair guys, Kristina really is like Christine from Phantom of the Opera except she has a temper! Nash and the other disciples are going to fight tomorrow so there will be tensions and drama, since we are going to see his views on both Jade and Mileena.

Plus, I will put in the full backstory of Nash and Riana's past, since they both need to be in the story.

As for lemons, sure Nash wants to bone Kristina but Kristina has other things on her mind.

Also, you're going to see Azril's baby wyvern grow so I already came up with a name.

Finally, who wants a hot threesome and some monster on girl romance next chapter? I do!

Please review!