Hi, I am back! Some news before we get onto the chapter. So first, I'll be in Bali for a week in September so I will do some water sports, see the island and probably get some inspiration for our Outworld romance oneshots. Secondly, I've been seeing a doctor about my problems so it's still an issue.

And finally, too bad you're going to see Riana and Kristina in this chapter with their...ahem...somebody. Also Azril is going to get gamed so put in some saxophones while reading this!

Chapter 41

Azril was keen on showing Riana what Visenya had done.

He figured the little dragoness could use a little playtime with Kurt while the two Disciples can talk over some of the plans. In fact, going out was no trouble for him when it came to telling Sub Zero. Frost has been a bit tensed lately after Visenya tried to torched her with bluish white flames. He decided to check on her before he left to Outworld.

He knocked on Frost's door until he heard a clear "come in" from the other side. He opened the door and found Frost just sitting on her bed. She was in deep thought which it was unlike her at all.

"I want to apologise about Visenya," he told her as he sat beside her. Frost saw a small glimpse of a smile on him. "She can be protective of me."

"Why can't I have one?" she asked, still a bit upset. "Most of the other members have dragon eggs, you and even the Grandmaster. Why am I the only one without an egg?"

'You're impatient,' Azril thought to himself. He knew the minute he met Frost, he's going to deal with someone harder than Kristina. He figured if he could take her out, it might mellow her into thinking rationally.

"Caring is a chore," he explained to her. "It's just like your other duties here except you're having a living weapon that we might used against our enemies. Even so, our enemies have the same problems just like us. I guessed Sub Zero thinks you're not into caring the egg but want to juice it up into your personal airstrike."

Frost stared at him. How can an outsider made her feel this way? All this time, thinking was the last thing she'll ever consider since everything was earned through her fighting and lack of weaknesses. Everyone doesn't take her seriously and why should they?

She was the first person the Grandmaster has ever recruited and now all that has been shoved aside because of him! He's the reason Sub Zero has given him more attention and favours anyways! Yet after the cyborg incident, something changed…

"Azril, how does it feel being a cyborg?" she asked him, laying a hand on his knee.

"Empty."

"Azril, if you need to go and see your friends, go on ahead," she told him gently. "I'm serious."

"Thank you," he nodded before Frost pulled him into a quick kiss. He was dazed as he stumbled out of the temple to meet up with the others. Sub Zero watched at the doorway with Visenya flaring her wings.

"It's about time," he chuckled. "Visenya, let him go. You can join him later as you both have the bond."

…

Bryan wanted to show Azril his invention of his spy bats. With him, the four members of the Special Forces had joined him since Bryan convinced them about Shao Kahn's plans and Shang Tsung creating an army.

"First, let's go pick up Snowflake," Bryan giggled, loving Azril's nickname. Takeda and Jin exchanged glances at Bryan's antics. They were more concerned about Azril accepting this. Then again, it was hard to tell behind that emotionless face.

"Jin, are you okay?" Cassie asked the archer with concern. "You've been zoning out the minute we left the base."

"Don't get your hopes up!" Bryan laughed. "Azril may be grumpy today! But I can't really tell if he's expressing anything other than what he has right now. Anyways, still thinking about helping us? You don't have to see me again~"

"We'll think about it," said Jacqui who was adjusting her gauntlets. Lately, she's been testing them on Bryan in his apex armour he himself had created.

The five of them saw Azril leaning against the pillar outside of the temple. They were surprised to see a dazed expression on his face as if someone had showed himself something unforgettable. Bryan approached and waved a hand in front of him.

"Hello? Azril, I'm here with the SF team!" Bryan tried to snap him out of his trance. "They're considering on helping us get home. Azril? Azril!"

"Yes?" he asked, still maintaining his composure but Bryan saw his hands were swaying slightly.

"The SF are here?" he jerked his thumb behind to indicate that the Special Forces came. Kung Jin was the first to walk up to him.

"How have you been Azril?" he smiled at him. "Been a while since we last met. Heard from Bryan that you have a dragon. Is it true?"

"Yes."

"So where is this big dragon unless you're playing D&D?" Cassie prompted, crossing her arms. Azril and her had never interacted before. She only knew him through talks with Takeda, Jin and Bryan.

"Visenya's meditating with the Grandmaster. She's having a timeout after she tried to blast Frost out with her white flames just because I needed her help with constructing before I decided to make my way to Outworld to see Riana," he answered bluntly.

All five members of the Special Forces stared at Azril, taking in his answer before Bryan blurted out: "Oh my god! You've got a crush!"

"I don't," he scoffed. "But it's nice to see you again. So, thinking about the offer of taking Bryan off from the team? Anyways, Bryan you got something to show me, right? Ah, Jacqui Briggs and Cassie Cage I don't believe that we are acquainted unless it's the three-way rumour."

"N-no, not really," Jacqui looked away from his steel gaze to whisper to her boyfriend. "Wow…you weren't kidding when you said he's blunt."

"Yep, the same one!" Bryan nodded happily. So he decided to show Azril his invention about the spy bats, to which he was impressed. He decided to lead them to Outworld. Along the way, they talked about what's it like being in this world.

"I know you guys don't really like me," Bryan pointed out. "But I'm having a ball here! Of course I'm scared shitless in this place but I'm just glad that they know a good sense of fashion. Snowflake, what about you?"

Takeda was walking alongside the silent Disciple. He doesn't mind fighting him since it's a coincidence that their mentors were former rivals and now deadly allies to one another. But hearing Azril having a crush got him curious.

"Seems fine," Azril shrugged. "Just do what I can to survive anyways."

"But what about living?" asked Jin who decided to walk on his right so that he's in the middle of the two SF members. "Don't you want to experience life full of fun and wonders? Sense of adventure?"

"We'll die eventually," sighed Azril. "We're born, survive until our lifespan expires and then go back into the Earth. Come, I'm pretty sure we can-"

"Azril!" a shrill voiced shouted. It was Kristina who scrambled out of the Lin Kuei temple, her hair messy and her jacket was punctured by the icicles Sub Zero had done from their previous and her fierce expression.

"Hello, Kristina," he waved, not fazed by the young girl's anger.

"Why didn't you tell me that you're leaving?!" she demanded. "I thought you were dealing with Visenya and that was it! But going on some mission with Bryan and the others without me?"

"Nice guns," Cassie Cage pointed at Kristina's guns at her holsters. Kristina smirked and the two girls chatted about their skills and competitive nature. Kristina was having a blast talking to Cassie.

So the three Disciples and four Special Forces went to Outworld to find Nash and Riana to tell them about this alliance. They agreed to do it just because they want to get rid of Bryan to which the youngest Disciple isn't affected by the decision.

Along the way, the three guys pestered Azril about his so called crush. Azril simply cleared his throat to brush it off.

"Frost is a competitive rival over the smallest things," he rolled his eyes, a bit amused that she almost tried to burn down the Lin Kuei just because Sub Zero was doing all he could as a Grandmaster.

"You're blushing, Azril," Takeda pointed it out. "I can also read minds and you clearly like her despite the fact that she tried to kill you or kick you out of the Lin Kuei."

"True," he agreed. "But she's improving on curbing her temper, using her head more. She's got more ego than Bryan and Kristina that's for sure."

"Hey, we heard that!" both of the younger Disciples glared at him. Takeda chuckled at how much Azril acts like the big brother of the five. He will never forgive Nash for what he had done to Jacqui. Him and Azril would make a decent rival since both of their mentors were in the past. Except now that one used daggers while the other used whips.

He hoped this alliance was temporary.

…

Nash's P.O.V

My head was still throbbing from the fight with Kotal. Along with the fact that my mind's logic has been thrown out of the window. I was thinking back on what Mileena and Tanya had done to me. It was so wrong…

Yet it felt so right…

But I sensed something was off in this room. It's like someone's watching me after I was patched up. Sitting up, I scanned the room thinking who is in here with me. I have a feeling I knew who it was.

"Show yourself, Reptile!" I called out the green warrior. "I know you want something from me!"

Soon, a figure emerged from the walls. It was the Zaterran warrior! Has he been standing there all this while? I gestured at the corner of the bed, motioning him to sit down.

I'm kinda surprised that he did without a word but his gaze was enough to make me lean back.

"I guessed you wanted to talk to me," I stated. "Is this about the whole affair I have with the ladies and how this is adding up to the merging of worlds and the battleground? Or is this about you and my sister?"

"Former and latter," said Reptile. "I've seen you battling K'oatal. Of course it was satisfying to see you being pummelled but I can smell what you are feeling. You are willing to stop your trifling affairs for the sakes of the world?"

"Of course!" I nodded. "After that fight with Kotal, I'll stop. Not only it's hurting the ladies but my friendship with my friends are falling apart to. Right now, we are going to focus on defeating Shao Kahn and go home."

"Oh? And then what comes afterwards?" he prompted, his eyes held curiosity rather than a glare.

"I probably need to apologise to the ladies. I've decided to stop and probably seek atonement from all of this. God, I can't believe that I'm using the word 'atonement'!"

"I would have done the same," Reptile nodded. "However you might have a leeway compared to me as you can see. You really are maturing, so Riana was right to say that there's a chance you might. I had doubts about you, boy."

"Heh," I scoffed, feeling a bit relief. "Who knew that we're having this talk after my hate for you being with my sister."

"Well, she does the same when you're with Mileena," said Reptile. "She's not Shao Kahn's true heir so her claim to the throne is moot. K'oatal however might be a suitable candidate as you all pointed out."

Huh, I guessed we're cool now? If only things were smooth between my relationship with Mileena or Riana would approve of my relationship with her. Then again, why was she so affectionate with me when we first met and then became power hungry when Shao Kahn recruited Tanya to his court?

"We'll have to not only gain some info for our planned attack on Shao Kahn but to Mileena and Tanya as well," I told him. "If we weaken that, there's a chance he can be defeated and we can replace him."

"Agree," nodded Reptile. "However before we can resume our goal, let me see how you fare in battle."

Wait, he wants to fight me now? While I am still injured?!

But this was one chance of me beating the shit out of him for being with Riana and how we both have this hostility for each other. So yes, I accepted the challenge.

Everything happened in a flash when I felt like I was going to be killed by a thousand cuts. Reptile with his camouflage and sharp claws were both effective in taking down his prey. In this case, me!

"Without the hammer, you don't have the fighting spirit!" Reptile taunted me as he camouflaged again. "How do you expect yourself to defeat Shao Kahn?"

"I'll find a way!" I told him, still wincing in pain. If he had anything citrus, I'd be dead. But the fight went over quickly as I again lost to the Zaterran warrior. He helped me to get on the bed before applying the medicine on my body. It was burning me.

"You will live," Reptile assured me. "Can you stand?"

I nodded and showed them. There was a sound emitted from him, almost liked an approval. "Come. I heard your friends are here and they brought more Earthrealmers."

He sounded bitter at that last statement. I wonder who could they be?

…

Reptile left as soon as I was greeted by Kristina, Bryan, Azril and the member of the Special Forces. I tried to avoid eye contact with Cassie and Jacqui along with the Shaolin archer and Shirai Ryu's apprentice. But what's important now is that Bryan has shown me his invention which he called them his spy bats. I think they're pretty useful when we need to split up.

Only thing now is to discuss who will stay and who would go. I am still not sure if I want the SF to join our mission after what I had done to them.

"So where's Riana?" asked Azril.

"She's handling the creatures here," I told him. Except for my friends, the member of the SF seemed confused to which I elaborate. "My sister found work here to earn a little bit of money and try to help the animals here which is what she loves."

"Y-your sister likes it here?" Kung Jin asked, still surprised at why an Earthrealmer would like to stay in Outworld. "With all these crazies?"

"Not just her," Bryan giggled. "Kristina does too because of the thrills and competitions! Let's not forget she has two guys who like her~"

"Hey, I do not agree with the last comment!" Kristina yelled hotly. But now people are more curious about her secret. Well, I was not convinced when she brought the cowboy and construct to the cafe for a meeting. Nor was it with my sister and Reptile who are probably going to do it later…

"Seriously, Kristina?" Jacqui had both of her hands on her hips. "You have two guys after you?"

Azril and I exchanged glances before we decided to intervene. Kristina may look angry but she gave us grateful glances before glaring at Bryan who was having his Cheshire cat grin. "Okay, someone needs to get Riana if we need to talk about who's going where."

"I'll find her," Azril told me before leaving to find her. Couple of minutes later, my sister emerged, her short hair was a bit messy and her whole body posture looked tired from the work she had done but nevertheless she still has a smile.

"Hi," she waved at the Special Forces shyly. Kurt was staring curiously from her shoulder. "I didn't know you would come to Outworld. Let alone be close to my brother after what he did."

Everything fell into silence. I scooted closer to Azril, afraid what the four might do to me. Kristina eyed the two SF girls. "Well, we've all heard about it. But did Nash rape you?'

"Kristina!"

"I want to know!" she demanded, challenging both of the girls and the two men with them. Takeda and Kung Jin were also looking at the girls for an answer too. Takeda, if you can read my mind please forgive me!

In the end, both Cassie and Jacqui admitted that they wanted to know how good I was after hearing the rumours about me. And there was something I didn't know:

They were both looking for someone to take out all of the stress they have been pending up.

"But Jacqui!" Takeda scolded her. "I was around at the base! Why couldn't you ask me that?"

The young daughter of Jax looked away. I'm pretty sure Takeda can read what's going on in her mind along with Cassie. Both girls looked like they were guilty for leading me on and I just went with it without controlling myself.

"I'm at fault too," I admitted. "I didn't stop myself either because I was sex-crazy. So I want to say I'm sorry Takeda that I did it with your girlfriend and I'm sorry ladies."

There was only silence.

Only murmuring between the two oldest Disciples while the Special Forces had a discussion among themselves. I felt guilt in the pits of my stomach but then I saw the Special Forces invited me over to talk to them.

"Alright Nash," Cassie patted my back. "Seems like you can mature after all. So, of course we will help you get you all back into your world. Besides, Bryan has been acting weird lately so I don't think we will miss him much."

"But Cass," Kung Jin argued. "Bryan's not that bad once you look pass the weirdness. He can sure build things from scraps and hack into any network faster than a supercomputer. Hell, even your dad likes him and not because he became his so called 'apprentice'."

Well, that's one thing to know about our youngest Disciple.

"I'm a bit curious about Azril to be honest," said Takeda. "Is he always like that? All brooding and stuff without a smile on his face?"

"Kinda," I admitted. "But it's rare to see him express something or even smile but my sister has seen him do it since they're both in the same classes at the university. It's funny how my sister and him are the same age yet the height and interest difference made Azril look older."

"Well, he's interesting," Kung Jin commented. "He looks like he could be in a spy movie or a cop drama."

"Okay, about your sister," Jacqui glanced behind me to see that Riana was talking about something to both Azril and Bryan. "She enjoys it here? Being in Outworld with the freaks and let's not mention a girl having a pet lizard rather than something cuter?"

I thought about it for a moment. Riana has a different view of things compared to the rest of us. Sometimes it's good while other times it's not. Her mind is more on animals than people to which I explained to the four of them. She may have doubts and in Wonderland most of the time but she knows when to come back.

But I am not telling them about what happened to her ten years ago!

"I've read her mind and Kristina's," said Takeda. "It's kinda disturbing, especially your sister. So she and Reptile are-"

"Yeah. I don't like it one bit but seeing as how the both of them are happy in each other's company, I think I'm slowly going to accept it. Hell, I even had a fight out with Reptile to prove it."

"Right now," Cassie pointed out. "There are some traces of the Black Dragon location along with Kano at Shang Tsung's island. If we could lock onto their coordinates we can take them down along with Shang Tsung and his mutant army he's been brewing up."

Now, we turned to the Disciples and told them what the SF are going to do. Bryan looked like a Cheshire cat again with his grin. "Looks like spying and hacking will be my speciality."

"Next is to see who will go with you while the other half goes with me in Shao Kahn's fortress," I announced. "Riana, do you think you could go with Bryan and the SF to Shang Tsung's island?"

"Well, I've never worked with Bryan so this is going to be interesting!" she gave me a nod. "But will Shang Tsung or his minions see us coming if we take a ship there or even use the technology to teleport?"

"We'll improvise along the way," Bryan reassured her. "So that means Kris and Azril will stay here with you, Nash?"

"Yep. We need full strength and both of them combined can do it. Since you and Riana are the best at the spying and stuff, we leave that to you."

"Seems fair!" said Riana. The others murmured in agreement and so the meeting was adjourned. I decided to head back to Bo Rai Cho to practice my fighting stance and maybe find a hammer replacement.

But my mind lately still lingered on the relationship I used to have with Mileena. I wished there was some way to stop her and go back to how it used to be when we first met.

…

3rd P.O.V

Kristina thought the meeting was a breeze and she felt proud for Nash. That kids is slowly maturing and she could see it. She doubted it would be the same with Bryan as that guy was a wild card.

Oh well, Nash said she and Azril are going to work together with him to go to Shao Kahn's fortress. Seems exciting enough.

Yet she feels left out when at least the four Disciples still talk to their mentor while Kristina was left to her own device. Nothing is worst than being alone despite being in a group. Hell, all of her friends are Malaysians while she's the only Singaporean in the Disciples.

Above all, all of them are either well-off like Bryan in their Semi-D houses in a cul-de-sac with swimming pools or have maids like the remaining three Disciples. But what does a girl from Holland Village know about this?

But Outworld has become somewhat like her playground if she's up for another fight or even sports. Right now, she hoped no one was following her to the library as she doesn't want anyone to know that she likes to read.

Bryan would certainly blackmail her in front of everyone!

In the library, she felt at peace from all of the competition and sports. She loved the thrill but winding down to a good book was also cool too. Plus, she had a feeling she'll meet a familiar face here.

"Kristina," a voice of a thousand echoed through the library. She smiled, watching as the Master of Souls appeared in front of her. Damn, now she's confused on who she likes.

"Hey Ermie," Kristina greeted him, trying to hold a laugh as Ermac tried to take in the nickname she gave him. "You always hang out here when Shao Kahn doesn't need you."

"Indeed," he answered. "But We do patrols every now and then middle of the night. The silence is peaceful to Us."

God, seeing Ermac's soft expression from his glowing green eyes made Kristina want to hug him. He's so naive for someone who could rip intestines with his psychic abilities. It made her excited like some giggly cheerleader whenever he tried sweet stuff like the doughnuts at Azril's cafe.

"So are you going to hunt us down because we are all going against your creators? I mean, Shao Kahn isn't your dad!"

The construct was quiet. Kristina feared that she struck a nerve within him and he might as well turn her inside out like clothes in a washing machine. But Ermac was still, maybe having a discussion with his souls about this topic.

"We choose whom We serve," he concluded. "We decided to assist you and your friends now that Shao Kahn's ruling has become tyrannical rather than reasonable."

Oh, that makes sense!

Kristina noticed that his pale skin was cracked and dry as if he's never touched a body lotion or exfoliated himself. She had an urge to run her hand through his soft yet brittle skin under all of those bandages.

If she was bold, she would like to remove the bandage covering his face.

For now she just took his gloved hands in hers and pressed them together. Ermac was confused by this gesture but the souls were snickering to no end inside him.

"Well, do you want to read something with me?" Kristina asked. "But if anyone comes in, just pretend that you're fighting with me in the library."

Ermac slowly formed a small smile. No one ever asked for his company unless it was to patrol or kill. His feelings with others under Shao Kahn had been neutral until he met Kristina and Mr Black.

The souls were battle as usual inside of him and this time, it was between the extraordinary girl in front of him and the mercenary. He sighed, picking a book on the shelf with Kristina. It was a different experience when the both of them sat down together with Ermac's legs crossed on the floor while the Shokan's disciple leaned into him while reading a book he recommended to her.

Besides the souls laughing and giggling, Ermac's heart was beating at an odd pace. He wasn't sure why but with the young girl leaning into him, face focused on a book despite her gritty attitude.

When the both of them heard someone coming into the library, Kristina snapped the book close before Ermac placed it back into it's rightful place. Kristina was going back now, saying that she needs to rest up before the mission tomorrow. Before Ermac could teleport, Kristina grip his hand.

"Yes Kristina-"

Ermac was cut off with a small peck to his dry lips. It was soft and sweet to which he had never experienced it but his souls had in another life. His expression was a mixture of surprised and confusion. Before he could say anything, Kristina had gone off.

"We have a lot to think about this."

Just kidding! This chapter was more on planning on the split up with a scene of Azril's secret romance. I'm really glad in some way Nash and Reptile finally have some sort of mutual respect for each other. Our protagonist sure is making amends with the SF and now we have allies, yay!

What stood out the most to me was Azril expresses something a little!

But I promise you that there will be a lemon in the next chapter along with some fight scenes. Why can't MK have a spin off dating game? I'm pretty sure you thirsty guys and girls are into most of the characters *winks*

Anyways, please review as I love all of you guys!