So, not much of an Azril fan of the lemon, eh? Oh well I tried alright. However, we get some funny scenes and fight scenes in this chapter as the mission unfolds. Plus, you know how some stories you read have italics when it comes to other languages or even a song?
That's going to happen in this chapter and I pray you guys understand what it means.
Chapter 43
Nash's P.O.V
Well, today's the day we all split up to do the mission. Before I could go to the Shokan's to fetch Kristina, a screech was heard from the sky. There was a shadow that covered Bo Rai Cho's place, making the man himself step outside to see what's going on.
"Nash, what is- Oh!"
Oh was right. It was Azril who's on the back of a greyish-blue dragon, staring down at us. Oh my god, what has Azril been feeding his dragon?! She's as big as a house!
"Azril?" My voice was soft with disbelief.
"Yes?"
"Visenya's as big as a house!" I exclaimed. "How the hell did she grow so fast?"
"I have no idea," he shrugged as his dragon descended to the ground. She glared at me before snorting. Then she sniffed Bo Rai Cho who recoiled quickly while her muzzle looked like it was crinkled with disgust when the drunken master wanted to pet her.
"Well," Bo Rai Cho lets out a booming laugh before patting my shoulders. "I wish you all the luck for this mission. Please, you and your sister are welcome here. More importantly, do not lose any limbs because I am no expert in restoring them!"
I had a small laugh too and thanked him for his hospitality before getting on Visenya. Damn, she's as cold as an ice block! I can't find it easy to sit on her behind Azril due to the ridges on her back. All of the ridges including wings are a midnight blue. I held onto Azril's waist for dear life.
"Hang on," he murmured before commanding Visenya to fly.
"OH MY GOD!" I yelled as the flight was more than seventy-feet off the ground along with the fact that Azril is making her fly over jagged mountains to scorching fiery pits where the Shokans reside.
I am surprised that she doesn't melt since she's an ice dragon.
"Do you think the plan will work?" I suddenly ask Azril. I know that it's my plan and mission but I've been having some thoughts as we were flying across the lands. Azril did't look at me but said:
"If you believe that it will go well, it might. Though don't let your hopes get up as Shao Kahn is prepping up as well for his conquer for worlds to be merged and then become a battleground."
Both of us decided to stay silent during the flight until we found a safe place to land without causing any disruptions. I'm surprised Visenya's very careful considering how large she is now.
Just then the ice dragon whipped her head to let out a spine-tingling snarl. The Shokans obviously saw her and now all of them are ready with weapons in case of an attack. I wished I had a replacement hammer but I brought up my fists close in case one of them strikes.
And then came the Queen of Shokans herself in her battle armour that covered her up from her skimpy outfit. Despite that, she still looks beautiful and regal even with four arms ready to tear me off. But now I need to focus on the mission. Kristina came beside her in her outfit that's just shorts with a singlet top along with a belt that has her twin guns.
I myself wore a simple garment that was influenced by Edenia with my vest and pants. I just need a place to hold a replacement hammer. Azril on the other hand had the outfit that screamed the Lin Kuei with its sigil and blue hues however he wore something that I would describe as being a blend of old tradition and something out of Blade Runner.
"So this is the stoic Disciple I have been told about?" Sheeva enquired, approaching Azril who climbed down on Visenya. He bowed in greeting that made most of the Shokans calm down. His dragon was hesitant at the whole scene.
"Visenya isn't the most comfy with people," Kristina explained. "I think she only wants Azril since he raised her from an egg."
Sheeva then approached Visenya without any fear. The ice dragon showed her teeth to warn the Shokan what she is capable of. But Sheeva placed the first pair of her hands on the muzzle while the other pair held the neck.
"It's okay, Visenya," Azril assured his pet. Visenya sniffed at the Shokans but to my surprised, she lowered her head as the Queen of Shokans continued to stroke her. She was murmuring something in her language I figured.
"Shokans are part dragon," Kristina whispered to me. "So I think they're talking in Dragonese or some shit like that."
I wondered if the Shokans are on our side or they have other decisions that might affect this war. Because Shao Kahn favours them and has one as a champion. Maybe if we could parlay right now, we might have a bigger army.
"You raised her well," she told Azril. I swear to god, he was looking down at his feet to hide that flustered look on his face. In fact, Azril has been acting strange during the flight.
The other Shokans were captivated by the ice wyvern so of course all of them wanted to reach out to touch Visenya, who was uncomfortable and blasted her flames into the sky as a warning.
"Damn, I can't tell the difference between Visenya and Frost," Kristina smirked at the scene. I was confused by the sentence until she explained. "Both of them in a way are anti-social and prefer Azril more than anyone else."
I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. However it's unlikely for Azril to have admirers since he's not the flirty type or into any relationships. Oh well, that guy can surprise all of us just as much as Bryan.
We were all ready to head for Shao Kahn's palace but I was halted by the Queen of Shokans herself. Her expression was stern, I bet it was still due to the circulation news about my affairs. I looked up at the four-armed warrior, feeling scared on the inside.
"I want to see how well you are in battle," she told me. "Without your weapon, let's see how far you have progressed ever since you were exiled."
Oh fuck I am screwed!
…
3rd P.O.V
Meanwhile on the other side of the world, Riana was with Bryan to investigate Shang Tsung's island along with Erron Black and Reptile. Riana thought Bryan overdressed himself with the most expensive materials that can be made into clothes.
"Don't you feel overheated in that?" Erron pointed out to Bryan who wore sunglasses as well. He dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "Why, you've hurt me, cowboy! I feel cool and awesome in these~"
Both the Outworlder exchanged glances, unable to comprehend the answer. Riana giggled and patted both of their shoulders to reassure them. Even Kurt tried to stop Bryan from being too dramatic by smacking him with his tail.
They don't want to draw any attention.
"So, are we all going to be turn into fishes?" asked Riana, holding the mossy herb in her hand. Bryan jumped back, almost knocking the Zaterran who growled. "Ew, I'm not dabbling myself in voodoo! You do it since my suit can travel underwater and has Skittles dispenser."
This guy was unbelievable!
"How about you, Erron?" Riana gestured to the herb in her hand. "Would you like to swim with the fishes?" But the cowboy was hesitant.
"Not much of a fish fan," he admitted. "Still, this is just weird even for me. I reckoned you and Toadie over there can handle the fishes. Kid, you have space in that suit?"
"Sorry, it's a solo," Bryan shook his head. The gunslinger glared at him, under his mask. If anything, Erron would gladly shoot Bryan out of his misery. "Don't worry, I bet you're a good swimmer. So, shall we go on our island adventure?"
No one answered as they were all focusing on eating the herb while being close to the water. Bryan decided to take both Riana and Erron's shoes by storing them in one of the compartments in his suit. The apex armour was more than just something Bryan used to protect his body from the gross things this video game has to offer.
"Fuck, how the hell are you not struggling, Riana?" Erron was struggling to breath which Reptile pushed both him and the young woman into the water. Reptile snapped his head at Bryan.
"Woah there, lizard man!" Bryan raised his hand. "I can do it myself! Besides, the sea is always scary so no way I am going to be out of my suit! And then-AHHH!"
Bryan was then shoved into the water by the Zaterran and then follow suit by the said reptilian man. All four of them including an aquatic bearded dragon were heading towards the island.
"Must he really play a music this loud underwater?" Reptile hissed in frustration as Bryan blared out something that would attract people from the surface to check underwater for intruders.
"What was that?" Bryan asked at the top of his voice. Not only was the music loud but the armour had produced something similar to a propeller in the water that literally cut through the underwater forest.
Riana prayed that no one from the surface heard or saw them coming. She'd probably have a heart attack since this is her first time doing a stealth mission with anyone. Only stealth she knew was slipping some pills to knock out her relatives to sleep so that she could raid the kitchen during the time they starved her.
"You know," Erron drawled as they were swimming. "We could've just cling onto Bryan's suit while we're in this form to get to the island. Makes it easy don't you think?"
Everyone paused. The cowboy had a good point and none of them thought of that idea. So it was decided that all three including the bearded dragon cling onto Bryan's suit like remora fishes to head to the underground tunnels.
To the two Disciples, the underground tunnels that they entered from the water looked like a torture chamber. Not to mention that the water was red like blood. Bryan was so glad that he's in the suit so that he doesn't have to be exposed to this contamination!
"Okay, we're in," Bryan laughed. "I guessed I'm the only one with common sense to be dry in this situation! But then again, I'm pretty sure you three are used to being wet your whole life."
Both Reptile and Erron were confused by Bryan's statement but Riana wished she could have a shell to hide her embarrassed face from the comment. But they are still on the mission so thankfully, all of the gills and fish qualities from her and Erron disappeared as soon as they submerged.
"Never again," Erron grumbled, shaking of the wet water from his feet. Bryan's suit quickly folded back and he handed the young woman and cowboy back their shoes. "Cowboy, when was the last time you shined your shoes? They're more bloody than Kristina's period!"
Erron then hit Bryan on the back of his head with the butt of his revolver. "Never talk to a lady like that. No wonder most gals don't dig you."
"Can we focus on gathering information on Shang Tsung and take down the Black Dragons?" Reptile hissed irritably, clearly stressed from Bryan and trying not to get caught.
"Okay, but we gotta keep a low profile," Bryan nodded vigorously.
The four of them including the bearded dragon snuck into the island where there was a hall with all of the Black Dragons. Riana was disgusted at how it reeked of alcohol and urine with some of the members forcing underage Asian sex slave girls to be abused. Some of the girls looked younger than twelve with white splooges in their mouths as they sobbed.
Riana lowered her head from their hiding spot. She prayed no one is sensing their presence. Bryan wanted to throw up from seeing the scene, Erron was indifferent about it under his mask while Reptile curled his mouth into a silent snarl.
Clearly, human trafficking was part of the Black Dragon's horrible crimes besides the heated war with the Special Forces. Reptile decided to camouflage himself. What was impressive was that if he surrounded the other three, all of them would be camouflaged too!
"Cool, we're invisible!" Bryan whispered excitedly. Erron rolled his eyes, wondering if this guy was high on something or just plain crazy. Nevertheless, none of them were caught since there was gnarly music playing in the background.
"Oh god," Riana gasped softly. "Tarkatans are working alongside them. I see Shang Tsung!"
And the sorcerer himself had appeared. His expression had a look of disgust among the Black Dragon's debauchery and the Tarkatans' savagery. He announced about the plans he intended.
"After Shao Kahn merged the realms and make this world into a battleground," his voice rang throughout the island. "I will be creating more clones to assist in the new era. Mileena has been a success thanks to all of your resources and raw materials."
The Tarkatans grunted and cheered in their strangled language no one has heard of before. Bryan leaned into Reptile to whisper. "I didn't know they could speak! I thought they're just gremlins who took steroids."
"They have their own language," Reptile nodded. "Though I am baffled by how the Tarkatans can be swayed so easily. I believed it's because of Mileena since she is part Tarkatan."
"Shao Kahn really thought this through," Riana mused. "Since those guys are the most brutal fighters along with Black Dragon technology. And since he wants Mileena to succeed…"
Erron Black was the only one who rolled his eyes. "They're still dumber than a catfish climbing a waterfall. But most Black Dragons would be too drunk or too groggy to even aim. At best, those guys either have to be at close range or use broken glass shards."
Now all three of them including Kurt were staring at the cowboy. How does he know about the insides of the Black Dragon? Who's side is this guy playing on?! Reptile sniffed the air, trying to detect if Erron was deceiving them.
"How do you know about them, Black?" Reptile sneered at the apathetic gunslinger. "You're working for them behind all of our backs?"
"Worked," Erron corrected the lizard and shot some glances at the others to question him further. "The past is my business. Right now, we gotta disarm most of their technologies and get Shang Tsung."
Reptile was growling. His faith in Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn has diminished after the revelation of what happened to his race and he damned himself for believing in a false hope.
"But how are we going to get him without those guys?" Riana pointed out at the two groups who were either drinking, having rowdy fights or abusing their little sex slaves.
All of the guys including Kurt looked at her with knowing expressions. Riana was confused but then realised what the men and Bryan had in mind. Reptile despite all of them camouflaged, held her hand to assure her. Riana's eyes widened behind her glasses before backing up.
"Guys, you can't be serious about this!"
…
Nash's P.O.V
The sounds of drums along with chanting from the Shokans were enough to make me nervous. I don't think I have any support since Kristina is Sheeva's Disciple while Azril is neutral in any situation. Visenya has pierced herself on one of the roofs of Shokan architecture to watch the match.
I just raised my fists close to my face, still a bit bummed out that I don't have my weapon. I have to find a new hammer soon!
"If you win," Sheeva announced while beating her chest. "We will assist you in your mission. If you lose, never set foot into our lands ever again or else we won't hesitate to attack."
"Kristina, can't you make it an exception?" I asked the fiery girl who was watching with hands on her hips. "Hmmm, maybe I like this kind of thrill."
Seriously, Kris?!
And thus the match had begun. I was trying my best to avoid the Queen of Shokan's swinging arms while trying to find a weak spot under all of that armour. All I could do now is block and jump up to kick at the side of her helm.
I need to knock out that helmet and some of the armour!
So with the stamina that I have, I focused on grabbing one of her fists before twisting it, then kicked her in the nethers to release me. It wasn't that strong but effective enough for Sheeva to loosen her grip on me. I can't really tell if time had gone by because the now cloudy weather had switched to blazing hot!
"Come on, Sheeva!" Kristina cheered from the sideline. Azril was the only quiet one watching with his hands folded on the back of his head. He looked bored so I caught a glimpse of Azril fiddling with one of his daggers.
I noticed that the armour that covered her chest was slightly loose. So praying for my luck, I lunged forward to give Sheeva an uppercut while the second pair of arms grabbed both of my legs.
She's going to split me in half!
While struggling, I did the most stupid thing by biting one of her arms which felt like biting a pile of needles. Despite a bleeding mouth I was still determine to detach her armour so that I can finally knock her out.
"It's been a long time since you've gotten yourself in a match," Sheeva taunted. "No wonder you're struggling."
I can't think right now. All I could focus now is using all my might to headbutt her in the neck before I grabbed the first pair of arms to twist it behind her. The both of us collapsed while everyone around us were cheering and shouting. A thunder of rumbling noise was emitted from Visenya.
Before the Queen of Shokan could even get up, I used my foot to stomp on her face, hearing a small crack. Kristina's rowdy cheer became silent and her expression changed from excited to horror.
Everyone else was silent.
"Nash, is she still alive?" Azril's voice asked.
All of my confidence suddenly dropped before I hesitantly looked down at my opponent. Sheeva was breathing slowly but it's too soon to tell. The other Shokans were surrounding us, both Azril and Kristina were prepared to fight.
Visenya leaped down from her perch to roar at the Shokans, firing her bluish-white flames in the air as a warning. I tried to shake Sheeva awake but the Queen did not open her eyes.
I am panicking right now!
"Come on, she'll be fine!" Kristina tried to assure them but her hands had already reached at her holsters for her guns. One of the Shokans was charging towards her but Kristina shot the female Shokan's hand which was carrying a typer of knife.
With that, a riot broke out with the three Disciples and dragon fighting the Shokans. Vines was bigger than the largest male Shokan so she used her tail to smack and whip them away from where we stood. I myself was dragging Sheeva away from the chaos to try and revive her.
"Come on, Sheeva!" I begged her to wake up by shaking her shoulders. "Everyone thinks you're dead because of me! I don't want to start another war!"
While doing my best to perform a CPR, I watched the scene that unfold before me. Kristina was not trying to kill any of the Shokans since she is currently living with them so she was knocking them out with her swift kicks in the air or fire her gun at their hands to drop their weapons.
Azril on the other hand is going to cause a massacre!
Basically he didn't pull out his daggers as I would think he would. Instead, he used both of his fists, some of the weapons he caught from some of the Shokans and he took out the blunt pencils to be sharpened by some of the bladed weapons before stabbing some of the Shokans with them. What the hell?
"You're using pencils, Azril?!" Kristina exclaimed in disbelief. Azril was too focused to even listen to her. His pet dragon was just like him in terms of attending to their tasks first before anything else.
I winced away as I saw Azril shoving one pencil into a Shokan's eye and then proceed to kick it in before turning around to uppercut another's jaw. But even blunt pencils were effective as he fired them as if they were throwing knifes, seeing a few in pain or even bleeding.
While trying to wake Sheeva up, I tried to fend myself from oncoming Shokans who are dutifully fending their queen. I kept yelling that I am going to wake her up but they won't listen.
"Come on!" I pleaded, almost desperate. I wanted to bury my face in my hands and cry. "Everyone is going to kill each other here and it's bad enough that I started this whole mess. I really want to undo this. Please…Please…"
Just as the chaos was staring to become a bloodbath, a single hand was raised. It was Sheeva.
"Desist! That's an order," the Shokan Queen commanded, allowing me to help her up. Kristina had a look of relief on her face, with her mentor alive and not having to waste anymore bullets.
"It has been decided," Sheeva's voice boomed. "We will aid these people in battle and will send them home to where they came from."
All of the Shokans halted their attacks, Kristina was still having a adrenaline but was forced to stop it much to her disappointment. She was about to dislocate a Shokan's arm. Azril was precise from holding someone in knife point to kneeling down to stop. Even the large dragon bowed her head in shame.
"Sheeva, I don't know how to thank you," I was starting to calm down. Feeling guilty that I started this riot because I thought I killed her, I started to apologise to Sheeva. But she raised her hand to silence me.
"It was expected," she told me. "Now, tell me about your intentions now that you have our support."
So I told Sheeva along with the Shokans who were listening about Shao Kahn's plans to invade and merge other realms. Along the way, we also figured that Mileena will be the heiress to the throne so that means that Kitana might be assassinated along with Jade's bitter rivalry with Tanya.
"And your concern is?" Sheeva was still unconvinced.
"None of you are going to be free!" shouted Kristina from the crowd. She walked up to us and looked up at her mentor with that bold look in her eyes. "Sure you all may fight and serve Shao Kahn but if this carries on, you guys may not be your own people. You guys will just be nothing more than weapons for Shao Kahn's pride. Don't you want to be your own masters?"
Most of the crowd were murmuring in agreement though some have doubt. Sheeva eyed, her Disciple carefully. "You are bold and not afraid to speak your mind, Kristina. But tell me if you think Shao Kahn is not worthy of the throne, who is?"
"K'oatal," the both of us answered simultaneously. Then, her expression changed to a morose one which made me worried. Kristina's excitement soon dropped as she heard sneers and disapprovals from the crowd. Azril had climbed on top of Visenya while the wyvern herself gnashed her teeth to prevent anyone from coming close to them.
"Him?" Sheeva questioned. "After the bloodshed he had committed unto my people and murdered King Gorbak along with crippling his only son, Goro?"
"Kotal did that?" I asked in disbelief. But he seemed kinder in person when I first encountered him minus the fact that he defeated me in a match with him.
"What the hell!"
"But he is less of a tyrant than Shao Kahn," I told the Shokan Queen. "Surely this is a misunderstanding."
"You can confront him about it," Sheeva snapped. "We may help you but we would not support K'oatal or any of his followers. The Shokans and Osh-Tekks have a bloody history besides his people being conquered by Shao Kahn."
Damn, who knew Kotal has affected them.
"Whatever decision it is," Azril approached us on Visenya. "The important thing is that we are all long gone and all of you can resume to your daily lives. After all, we are causing trouble the minute we existed here."
Everyone was silent at the Lin Kuei Disciple's comment. How empty it sounded with no one wanting us here. But Azril always is a direct person and sometimes we ourselves don't accept the truth or the logic of the situation.
"Very well," sighed Sheeva. "We will be with you in battle. Kristina, you know how to call us."
She handed Kristina something that was made out of steel but it reminded me of a whistle she kept in her pocket. The Shokan queen then turned to me. "Nash, step forward."
I obeyed, then Sheeva beckoned one of the soldiers to pass her a large hammer. It looked bigger than what I used to have and had spikes like a mace. I was about to lose my breath when Sheeva handed the weapon to me.
"You will need this," she told me with a small smile. "Forged by our finest blacksmiths and easy to wield in battle."
Oh my god….Sheeva, I could kiss you now but I can't!
"Alright Disciples," I announced. "Let's go to the palace. We got an emperor to catch."
"Oh yeah!" Kristina punched the air in excitement. "I've always wanted to ride a dragon and take down the monarchy!"
"Sometimes," Azril sighed while helping us get up on Visenya. "I feel like the only adult among all of you."
"Azril, you are an adult!"
…
3rd P.O.V
"I look stupid in this," Riana complaint, trying to walk in the tight white dress. It was hugging her in the waist, making her breasts stand out. Luckily, she was wearing her gloves but it was coated in white to match her outfit. Bryan had taken off her glasses and perm her hair to avoid being recognised. Reptile was averting his eyes away while Bryan gave her a thumbs up. Erron couldn't care less but kept a look out for anyone coming in their direction.
"Just pretend that you're performing in those jazz clubs," Bryan told her. He was the one after all who tailor made the dress. "Try and make your voice more gedik, okay? Most guys love those."
"Like this?" Riana adjusted her voice which made both Reptile and Kurt on the Zaterran's shoulder snapped from how high and painful it was. "Ala please, I want to sing~ Bolehkah, sayang?"
"Okay, maybe not too much," Bryan shuddered at how painful it sounded. "Just sing. It'll distract them while I disarm most of their weapons with a disruptor. Erron can follow me."
"And one more thing," Riana stepped in before taking out two vial bottles with clear pink liquid. She passed one to Reptile while the other to Erron. "This is to knock them out for a while. We'll be gone before they wake up."
Both men nodded. Riana hugged Reptile which he returned the embrace. "Take care of him, Syzoth and be careful."
"I will, dear," he nodded. "Be safe, Riana."
So the plan was set into motion! Riana had to be cautious because most people can see her since she's wearing white. She had to avoid places that had a lot of Black Dragon thugs or Tarkatans to get to the centre.
She took out the thug in charge of the music by jabbing his neck with haemotoxic while covering the man's mouth. She quickly changed the music to something more alluring….haunting….
"Seharum bunga yang menggoda," Riana's voice ran throughout which make all of the thugs be hypnotised by her. It was working as most of the Tarkatans follow suite as well, giving Bryan enough time to hack and disarm most of the technology.
Sekadar dipandang usah dipuja
Kau pasti tak percaya
Kasih ku bukan,
Untuk mu, sayang
Riana wished it out be over soon because she can't see a goddamn thing without her glasses! All she could do now was sway to lure them in, maybe Kano as well. She was trying not to get groped by any one.
When one of the thugs grabbed her by the breasts, she took his face and caressed him. She had her smile and pressed a finger to the neck which was to others, a teasing touch. But to Riana, it won't be long before the guy starts foaming and fall paralysed.
"Kau milik ku~" she whispered lowly before shoving him off.
She could hear heavy footsteps, praying the guys are done because she can't see and is helpless without having good eyesight. But her hearing wasn't that bad but…
The sound she heard was close and it was behind her.
Bryan, Bryan. A mad genius but sometimes bringing attention. Riana's about to get wrecked! At least Nash's team finally got the Shokans on their side. But what's this secret about Kotal and the crimes he has done. And Nash has got himself a new hammer!
Hope you guys like the fight scene.
Azril's wyvern might as well burn down the whole of Outworld if given the order. Or else Azril will fire a rain of pencils upon the people besides dagger.
Also, the song in the end is called Pulangkan by Misha Omar, a Malay singer from our horror film: Pontianak. It's scary to hear it at night and I get scared so easily. But I can't wait for Sindel as DLC now that Nightwolf is. I main Erron and Jade in MK11 by the way. Kotal to some extend because he's so cute as a kitty!
Please review!