Look who's back. And it's Ramadan here so I have to go fasting for a month without food and water for 15 hours. I just want to bake a tray of lasagna for myself! Also, I've been reading about the controversy of MK11 and all I gotta say is shame on you Ed Boon. You have conform to the things you are against!

Honestly, I don't really care about each character's ending, I just want a good storyline.

I also want something similar with Shaolin Monks but with Outworld under Kotal Kahn's rule. Imagine playing as Reptile and Ermac! That would make me so happy...

Another 14 hours to go before I can eat again. And the cycle continues for a month.

Anyways, back to the story.

Chapter 39

Nash's P.O.V

No….Don't tell me….

"Sorry Nashy," Bryan rubbed the back of my head. "Takeda is a mind reader so it's best not to lie to him."

Bryan you fucking idiot! Now I am screwed and probably going to die from messing around with two Special Forces members. Especially if their dads found out about it…

"I know what's going on in your mind," Takeda eyed me with rage. "You did it with my girlfriend and the Sarge. If you're going to do it again, then I might as well fight you."

"Please, this was all a big mistake," I pleaded, backing away from the man with his deadly whips. Bryan and Kung Jin were watching the whole thing."

"This is why harems are a bad idea," Jin commented on the sideline. Bryan took out a gadget, seeing as he wants to record every damn thing I'm doing.

"Takeda, I'm sorry," I tried to apologise to him. But he was having none of it so I have no choice but to battle him without any weapons. I guessed Karma's finally hitting me.

I deserved it.

Let's just say the battle was happening fast and my punches are useless for someone trained from the Shirai Ryu with whips that could cut a person's limbs in half. I'm like a toddler trying to wrestle an adult to which I am failing miserably.

"Are you going to stop this little sex adventure?" Takeda asked as another whirl of the whip hit me. It cut my skin so easily like knife with butter. I will have to fix this mess I made in order to focus on my goal to kill Shao Kahn, go home with my friends and hopefully win Jade's trust back.

"Yeah, I am," I shot back, trying to fight him off. Where's Riana when I need her? Surely she can talk her way out. Suddenly, I was knocked out with a swift kick in the face.

Waking up, I was greeted with a lick to the face by a little tongue. Kurt was wagging this tail, happy to see me awake. My sister was finally back but was pouring me some tea in a cup. I noticed her skirt was a bit torn and her top looked like it's about to slip and her short hair was dishevelled.

"Rough day?" I asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Sort of," she said, as she passed a cup to me. "Bryan told me what happened before he left with the other two. You know Nash, I have a feeling this Mortal Kombat place is becoming our reality."

"Obviously we are already in it!" I scoffed, thinking how my sister can be an airhead sometimes by stating the obvious. But Riana looked serious, I noticed her claws from the gloves were out.

"What I mean is," she explained, helping me get up. "Is that the more we stay here, the more rules are applied to us just as much as in the real world with laws and everything. Just because we know this is a video game, doesn't mean you can treat it like it's a candy shop. We gotta adapt to things."

I was silent. Jade hates me and I bet now the SF, Outworld and Edenia are sending an angry mob after me. I looked at my sister with pleading eyes, I don't know what to do. Riana sighed, patting my shoulders.

"Just avoid Mileena and her friends for now," she told me. "And settle things between you and Jade. Excuse me, I'm going to my room to study some venom and creatures."

She got up and left, leaving me alone with my own thoughts. I decided that maybe tomorrow I can ask Bryan if I could apologise to Cassie and Jacqui before their dad knew about it. Then again, Bryan is a loose cannon so I won't get a direct answer out of him.

My sister looked flushed and pleased as if she just…No…I just don't want to think about it right now! Things are already tensed up anyways. For now, I just want the gang back together so that we could defeat Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung to go home.

Tomorrow, I'm going to find Bryan. Probably rendezvous with the other Disciples for a group meeting. Maybe this is one way of redeeming myself!

…

3rd P.O.V

Kristina didn't know what to expect when she saw Riana and Reptile leaving together hand-in-hand. What baffled her the most was the Aztec warrior who just came out of the Apocalypto movie without any intentions of ripping her heart out under the sun on top of a pyramid.

Right now, she needed a drink and thankfully, Outworld's palace does have some pint in mugs that she could chug down on. She still found it weird that Ermac sides with that bitch Mileena rather than himself just because she's Shao Kahn's daughter.

Isn't he super smart or something?

But he's sweet and she'll admit he's almost like Erron minus the apathetic attitude or the rule of following the money. Right now, Kristina has to find something to occupy herself while Sheeva strayed further away. She felt alone compared to her friends. At least Bryan has people to annoy, Azril has his cafe if it's not the Lin Kuei and the siblings have their own agendas.

She kicked a stone which bounced across the pillars. This got the little runt and her pet gorilla's attention. Kristina rolled her eyes, wondering when can she get a part in this. It has been weeks since she has fought, killed or beaten someone in a competition.

"Kris, what wrong?" Ferra tilted her head. Her brute also cocked his head to the side. Kristina couldn't help but smile. They reminded her of her little sister back in the real word along with her pet poodle, Teddy. Difference is that her little sister and dog don't kill people for fun.

"Don't worry about me," she assured the two. "Just having headaches from drinking too much."

"You with Bang Bang?" the little Kutter asked. Kristina blushed, wondering if they actually did it.

"No, we didn't bang bang," she told her, finding it awkward to say it. She was still fuzzy from earlier's memory of drinking with him. She will admit that Erron is handsome and any lady would want him.

No doubt she would think that Erron already had sex with other ladies before her. She's not that surprised.

"Kristina, isn't it?" a deep voice inquired, making her snap her head at the direction. It was that Aztec warrior! She stood up straight, her eyes carefully looking at the two sickle-like weapons behind his back.

"You recruited Riana to work here?" Kristina asked, her guard was up just in case. He simply nodded. "Indeed. I see you're getting along with Ferra/Torr?"

"They're alright," Kristina shrugged. "Just having some migraines from what happened earlier. I don't remember a goddamn thing and that damn cowboy must have overdid it with me."

K'oatal pondered for a moment. She's got a fiery spirit for such a person. He had never seen such passion in her eyes. Yet something was also troubling her. He was certain it had something to do with the mercenary he will hired and will tie their contracts through the payment.

"Erron Black will become my mercenary," said K'oatal. "He has excellent marksmanship and knows how to duel with and without his weapons. Shang Tsung has let him lived for more than 150 years worth of age."

"Yet he still looks like a twenty-nine year old," Kristina scoffed. "But he's alright despite his cocky attitude."

Kristina smiled when she saw how the stoic Aztec warrior also laughed. She understood why Riana's was so easy around him. He reminded her of a strict father that supports and care for his children. Then something hit her.

He could be the potential emperor that Outworld needs!

She needs to rendezvous with the other Disciples to tell them about this! Maybe include Erron Black and Ermac too since they're the ones who helped her during the gala.

"I have something to ask you," K'oatal's deep voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Kristina stared up at him expectantly. "Would you like to be my assassin? You can travel wherever you pleased and I can assure you thatt you will be paid."

Kristina shook her head. "I might consider it but I don't know…A lot to take in from Sheeva leaving me and this upcoming war. My friends are falling apart and if we don't get our act together, we'll never go home!"

"I understand, Kristina," he nodded. "But whatever your decision is, you are welcome here. Though, it would be better if someone else can rule Outworld and not make it into a battleground where innocent blood will be spilled or the people living in fear. Plus, it would be good to forge allies rather than making more enemies that will soon destroy every realm in this world."

Oh, has she got herself an idea!

She was about to rush out to tell her plans when she collided with another figure. The person groaned in pain and Kristina knew who it was. Kristina placed back the Stetson had on his head.

"Sorry Erron!" she apologised quickly. "Kinda got an idea and caught up in the moment."

"No worries, baby doll," he chuckled but Kristina glared at him, slapped his shoulder playfully. "Heh, you're cute when you get all huffy, little lady."

"Don't call me a lady," Kristina huffed. "As much as I want another duel with you, I got an idea from our little gala episode. I gotta ask my friends if we could meet up somewhere. You should come to."

The cowboy blinked. "Me? What did I do?"

Kristina told him that he had helped her and also Ermac. She wanted to take the both of them with her. Maybe all of them should meet at Azril's cafe. Last time she remembered Ermac having a liking for expresso and developed a sweet tooth.

"What's in it for me?" the gunslinger asked, crossing his arms with his eyes holding an amused expression. Kristina pondered for a moment and then-

"A drink of Irish coffee with whisky shots and some games I could take you for a jog or a workout from. Besides, I could always have a training partner."

That wasn't what the cowboy was looking for but it's better than nothing anyways. Plus, getting a huge some of money from his new employer and being with two of the unlikely people he's with, that's something. If anything goes wrong, a few shots to the head might soften things up.

"You good yourself a deal, darlin'."

…

Nash's P.O.V

It was a good idea after all to meet up with the gang after all that has happened. In a calm atmosphere of the cafe with Azril closing it just to have this private meeting.

Well, not so private when Kristina came in with the cowboy and Ermac or my sister bringing in that damn Zaterran.

All of us sat at the round table that could fit all eight of us. I eyed Reptile with hostility, hoping he won't stir up trouble or rat us out. Erron Black looked bored which I don't blamed him. He was leaning into the chair, wanting the meeting to end just as much as I do. Bryan was his usual self chatting away with Kristina where both of their voices felt like a chaotic storm. Azril was pouring mugs of coffee for us except Riana who he poured tea instead. Riana was whispering something to Ermac and Reptile as her finger was pointing at the plate of pastries at the centre.

Let's not forget Kurt who was outside playing with Azril's wyvern, Visenya. She has grown into the size of a ragdoll cat! I wondered if wyverns' growth spurt were different from dragons?

The three Outworld guests were served coffee as well but Reptile wasn't too keen on the strong taste so he switched to tea where his expression relaxed.

"So, what's the plan?" my sister asked.

"First of," I began. "We really need to break down certain elements from either Shao Kahn's fortress or Shang Tsung's island. That way, we could find ways on how to get back home and to a certain extend save this realm from becoming a battleground."

"You want to be the hero," Reptile scoffed, rolling his eyes. His acid saliva was dripping slightly from his mouth. I'm starting to get pissed off by him. "You'd be dead the minute you set foot in any of their lands. I've been in both of them and most men or even a child like you wouldn't survive the minute you set foot in there."

"I didn't ask for you opinion!" I snapped. Both of us were ready to battle it out but Riana got in between us, trying to diffuse the situation. "We can fight later, boys. Nash, tell us what else needs to be done."

"We just need to break down the two places and attack!" Kristina banged her fist onto the table, almost spilling the coffee in her mug. "When they're both weak, then we could attack Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn."

Azril shook his head. "Not a good idea. Even with your fury and your skills to take out all of the guards, we are outnumbered. Plus, not all of us are allied with anyone except ourselves."

Shit, he's got a point!

"Can't your dragon outside burn the place down?" Erron Black prompted. He parted his mask slightly to drink his coffee. "You know you have a weapon just outside of this place?"

"Visenya is still young," Azril told the cowboy. "I am not sure about her growth but even now she still has trouble taking off from the ground. I'm not too sure what can she breathe out either fire or ice."

Riana fingered a doughnut before finishing the pastry in one bite. "Well, we have Bryan and his technology. I'm pretty sure he has a spy cam or a drone for this."

"What is a spy cam?" asked Ermac, who was nibbling a chocolate doughnut before he took four more for himself. All of us stared at Ermac as he proceeded to finish the whole plate without gaining any weight.

Kristina explained to him what it was as the construct of thousands of souls added more sugar onto the already sweet pastry.

"Of course I can do that!" Bryan nodded excitedly, a mad glint in his eyes. "Who knows if I want to take a peak at the ladies~"

He was met with a hit on the head by Kristina who glared at him. Riana was watching with amusement and whispered something to Reptile. The reptilian warrior did the same as their hands intertwined on the table.

"Then we could do that first," said Riana. "Right now, we are in need of allies to help us. Azril's right about just us being the only ones. I mean, Ermac, are you on Shao Kahn's side?"

All of our attention now were at the construct who was now helping himself to a slice of cake. I never knew he's got a sweet tooth! Even the cowboy arched an eyebrow in surprised. Ermac looked up with the corner of his mouth having a bit of pink frosting. Kristina licked her thumb before rubbing away the pink stain at the corner of the construct's mouth.

I swear I saw his pale skin behind the bandages had colour on it!

"Ohh I shipped it!" Bryan squealed before he was shushed by my sister. But she too was smiling. Azril eyed them before exchanging glances with me and then our two other guests.

"Damn, who knew a trash bag full of ghost would get lucky," Erron Black whistled. He leaned back so casually while winking at the two. "Gotta say, you sure work fast, darlin'."

Kristina was now red in the face. "G-guys, can we forget about this? Let's focus on the plan!"

And so we did. However, I am not to sure about Ermac since he served Shao Kahn and to a certain extend Mileena due to the fact they were both created under the tyrant's orders. So we decided to split up to gather info and probably infiltrate both Shang Tsung's island and Shao Kahn's fortress.

So Riana can go with Bryan, Azril, Erron and Reptile while I go with Kristina and Ermac since he knew the place inside out. But Ermac was quiet throughout the whole meeting minus the occasion of inserting another pastry or cake in his mouth.

"Ermac?" Kristina asked in concern. She placed a hand on his shoulder, to which Bryan and I were surprised because she's never this soft for anyone except her family.

"We have mixed feelings about this," construct confessed. "Shao Kahn is Our creator and Mileena is somewhat Our kin yet all of Us felt that the both of them were not fit to rule. More destruction lies ahead."

"So join us," Riana offered with a friendly hand gestured. Ermac's glowing green eyes stared at all of us. I think the only one not feeling uncomfortable was Azril with him staring back without a blink.

"It is uncertain," he sighed. Reptile and Erron Black exchanged glances before the cowboy stood up. He made his way to the ghost who tore up Jax's arm in the MK9 story mode.

"Just follow whatever you believed in," he drawled, tilting Ermac's up to look at him. "Pretty sure these guys ain't here 'cause we all want peace. I reckoned it's something bigger."

What does he mean by that? Is he saying we don't just want to save the world and go home?

"I can smell your desperation, Nash," Reptile hissed. I glared at him, wishing he would go away or not come here in the first place. "You want to make amends with some of the people including the ones that caused another war to start in the first place. Thinking all could be wiped clean but you've caused stains that can't be washed."

"What is he talking about?" asked Bryan, who sat close to Azril in case the Outworld men decided to attack.

"It's nothing!" I snapped. "Just a dinosaur being a dinosaur."

"I think we should end the meeting," Riana suggested, sensing the tension. I am relieved to do so! I waited for all of them to leave minus Ermac who just teleported out of sight. Riana and I were the only ones left in the cafe while Azril waited outside. Riana finally said goodbye to Reptile before he planted a kiss on her forehead with affection.

"Nash, just admit that you couldn't accept it," my sister took my hand in hers.

"What do you mean?"

"You're used to everything being served to you or getting in your way," she explained, flexing the claws of her glove. "No matter what, everyone will give you anything you wished for and when we came her, you wanted to conquer all the ladies here because they are hot, right?"

I was frustrated but I slowly nodded.

"It was normal back home but here, it's different. A world where anyone can be killed even if some are wearing clothes like a stripper I would go for three hours at maximum."

She laughed a little before clearing her throat. I noticed the recent marks on her neck and chin. I decided to venture with some risk of getting beaten up with those pudgy fists.

"You were with Reptile, weren't you?" I questioned. "Not just meeting with him but you've been having romps with him?"

"I love him, little brother," Riana told me, a hint of tenderness in her tone. "He's not the kind of guy you or anyone would want but I'd take him. His heart was in the right place and I've never seen anything so lonely before…"

"Riana," I sighed. "Do you realised that he's not human? You're basically porking a living dinosaur?!"

"Not the same as you leading a harem of women who just used you like a vibrator," Riana retorted. I stared at her in shock. How dare she said that!

"Forget about it, it's not going anywhere," I told her. My sister stayed quiet, adjusting her glasses. "It's still going to bite back, Nash. Sometimes we have to trust our instincts. I have a feeling Shao Kahn can be replaced by someone better."

Now this peaked my interest. He was the one who we're going to defeat and the key for us to go home. Plus with a new ruler, there won't be another war or conflict between realms. Sounds like a plan to me!

"I think my employer could replace him," Riana tapped the table. "K'oatal seemed and looked decent. Plus, he reminds me of a strict dad but is fair and supports you."

Well, that's one way of seeing it!

"However," her tone became serious. "He's got a companion that's been with him for a long time and I instantly don't trust her. It's a vibe I'm getting from her."

She described to me her employer's First Minister who seemed to be a human-bee creature. I don't know what's my sister's problem with that considering she has been seeing Reptile lately.

"Look," I sighed, a bit tired from the event today. "Why don't you and I go back to the palace and do a bit of investigation. I might want to see this D'Vorah."

"Be careful, little brother," my sister patted my back. "She's not the kind to take you so easily."

The both of us decided to go through with this idea. Before we meet up with the others tomorrow with the mission. When we exited the cafe, we were greeted by Kurt who climbed on my sister's shoulder.

"Hey, he's got something in his mouth," I pointed out. Riana took it out and her expression looked pale.

"Nash…You and I need to go to Edenia immediately. Jade and Kitana's orders."

Oh god, here comes the sinking feeling…

…

3rd P.O.V

Bryan was already working on his drone for the mission. In order to blend into the surroundings, his drones would be shaped like little bats so besides surveying the area, there will be some video recordings too.

Just then, his mentor Johnny Cage entered without knocking and plopped down beside him. "Hey B-Man! What kind of crazy inventions are you up to this time?"

"Spy bats," Bryan told him excitedly and explained the meeting he had with his friends about infiltrating the fortress and Shang Tsung's island. His mentor was amused.

"Gonna take more than just these little guys to take them down," he chuckled. The both of them watched as the little bat prototype fluttered out of the base into the unknown.

"Now let's watch on the screen," said Bryan, a small grin formed on his face. "I'll have a mini screen when I fixed my suit."

Both mentor and disciple watched as the bat drone made it's way to Outworld and flew over the marketplace without the people glancing up. Johnny Cage patted his disciple's back.

"Graphics are better than those simulator games," he smiled.

Then, Bryan recorded a particular scene that made his mentor's eyes grew wide. It was Kristina hanging out with Erron Black and Ermac. She was laughing with Erron while pouring drinks for Ermac and passing him a few sweet treats.

"So Apple Mac has a sweet tooth and there's a DLC for Red Dead Redemption?" he arched an eyebrow. Bryan nodded, wanting to record the scene further since Kristina isn't the one for sweet and soft things.

"More like the best reboot for Phantom of the Opera," Bryan giggled.

Afterwards, Kung Jin entered the room when he heard laughter. He was surprised to see Bryan bonding with Cage so well. Almost like father and son. Though Bryan can have a contest with Cassie without even trying.

"Hey Jin!" Bryan waved, gesturing him to sit down. "Come and take a look at my spy bats. It's for a mission my team and I are going to do tomorrow."

Kung Jin has gotta admit that Bryan is a mad scientist when it came to gadgets. Though, he can be quite the busybody when something fell under his interest radar. Still, his friend Nash made a dick move to be smooth with Jacqui.

If he had to choose one, he would go for Azril. Enough said.

"These spy bats are a cool idea," said Johnny Cage. "Can I used them for stunts once you're done?"

"Of course! My inventions are perfect and good to go!" Bryan smiled. "Come on, let's bet on Kristina and see if she will get the dark and mysterious phantom or the handsome pretty boy with a lot of dough."

Not having missions from Colonel Blade, the Shaolin archer decided to hang out with Bryan. He's not so bad once he talked about his gadgets or interest. Maybe he's judged the kid too harsh.

"Next week," Bryan announced in a tv-host voice which made his team mates smiled. "We'll see a better remake of 'Beauty and the Beast'. Unless you want to call it 'Rated X Creature of the Black Lagoon'!"

Nash sure is having a lot of stress at this point. I don't blame him and hopefully he would fix the mess he has caused to everyone. I wonder what does Jade want with him?

Also, I would call this The Breakfast Club: Disciples edition with the whole gang's meeting. In case you are wondering, Visenya's growth will be like Saphira from Eragon.

Looks like Bryan is going to spy not just on the enemies but his friends as well for his so called tv series. I bet he records Riana and Reptile just to make a documentary for Animal Planet or Nat Geo Wild.

So please review and happy mother's day to those going out with their moms!