Hi, I'm back. A lot has happened in the previous chapter and also my life since I'll be graduating soon with my degree. So, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and I am coming up names for my characters in MK11. Can you guys believe that I named Kotal in Mk11 Jaguar Daddy?! XD

I main Erron in MK11 since there's no Reptile or Ermac. Sometimes I do Jade and Kotal despite him being low tier. Because his kitty mode is so cute and I want to rub my face in that belly! :D

Also a shoutout to my friend Alwaysdoubted for giving me permission to use his character being mentioned in this chapter :)

Chapter 44

Nash's P.O.V

The flight wasn't so bad if you are on Visenya's good side. Because all I could hear below me were screams of terror and shouts. Kristina was peering down over the wyvern's snake-like neck while I tried to look on ahead behind Azril.

If Visenya wasn't raised by him, she would definitely have those people as her appetisers.

"Kristina, you're going to fall over if you keep peering down," said Azril without turning his head. Kristina rolled her eyes. "I know that! I'm not so clumsy as-AHHH!"

Kristina slipped at the edge of Visenya and thankfully I grabbed her by the waist to pull her up. I could feel the wyvern shifting through the flight, so that the tilt could help Kristina climb back. Now Azril turned his head behind.

"Told you so."

"Shut up."

We flew over to Edenia, I told Azril to descend from here. Because during our previous meeting with Kitana and Jade, both of them wanted to help us get home. Honestly, I know I've had those sexual attractions to both the Princess and general but now…

I don't feel it anymore.

I can't explain why but I don't feel the spark for Jade as I had used to when we first got here. I remember when Mileena and Tanya kidnapped me before all of this, I sort of like it. With Mileena and not Tanya!

"Azril, I hope Visenya isn't going to terrorise anyone," Kristina shot the wyvern a look to which the large reptile stared down at her. The three of us walked to the Edenian palace, was confronted by the guards before I told them our purpose. Kristina's hand was gripping the holster of her belt in case she is going to shoot.

"You're ready for this?" Azril asked me. I nodded, wanting to prove to everyone that I can change. One of the guards came back with Princess Kitana and Jade by her side. Both of them regarded my friends with a nod then saw Visenya for the first time.

"She's grown," Kitana commented. "Last time I recalled she was small and could fit into your palm. So Nash, what brings you here?"

So I explained to Kitana and Jade about our mission on how we split up with my team dealing with Shao Kahn and probably Mileena while my sister goes with the others to find Shang Tsung. Right now, I want to convince Mileena and the Tarkatans to fight on our side to bring down Shao Kahn.

"You?" Jade pointed at me with her bojutsu. "After what happened, she's not going to be convinced. Especially now that she's with that harlot…"

I stepped back after hearing the growl in her voice. Her fight with Tanya in front of everyone was brutal enough. Not to mention about the threeway I had with them….

"Well, she's not fully corrupted yet," I told her. Kristina crossed her arms, itching for a fight while Azril leaned against the pole to watch our conversation. "I think it's best to do it now before Mileena fully believe that she will rule Outworld and probably destroy all of the realms."

Both Kitana and Jade glanced at each other before discussing. Kristina was about to eavesdrop before Azril and I held her back, in case she's going to rev up. Kitana then approached me, with a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Nash," she sighed. "What you are doing is risky. You have caused a rift ever since you turn your back on Jade and now you are going to bring down Shao Kahn's reign. Are you certain about your decision?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I am. I'm sorry that we're going to defeat and probably kill your father, Kitana but it's the solution to all of this conflict and tension. You can rule Edenia with ease. Plus, it's probably the key for me and my friends to go home to our world."

Kitana pondered a bit then I could see a small smile behind her mask. "Very well, Nash. Shao Kahn has lied to me ever since that abomination was created. King Jerrod was my true father and what I have been told as a child was…"

Kitana restraint herself from speaking further, because I could detect the pain in her tone. Jade rushed to her side to comfort her friend. While we were discussing, Kristina was mimicking gunshots to a bored Visenya while Azril was examining his daggers for stains or something.

"Nash," Jade beckoned me to follow her. Oh god, what did I do this time?

We sat opposite each other, in the peaceful garden where there were some plants that were familiar to me in the real world while the majority were exotic flowers probably local here. Jade was quiet so I decided to break the silence.

"Jade, is there something you want to talk about?"

"Do you still have feelings for me?" she asked, her eyes focused onto me which was unnerving. There's no backing out now. I looked into her eyes, with a serious but genuine answer:

"I'm sorry Jade but I used to. After the banishment and the things I faced, my feelings for you is not as strong as it used to be."

Jade nodded in understanding but didn't say anything. Shit, now I fucked up! But she hasn't made an indication on whether I should leave her alone or not. I sat in silence, waiting for her.

"I'm glad," she spoke quietly. I was confused by her answer. "I don't want to experience another painful heartache as it has been with my lover."

"Kotal?"

"No, no," she shook her head before grasping my hand gently. "It was Jai. He was my one and only before Tanya killed him along with my parents. He was the best thing that happened to me when I was young besides being Kitana's friend. We trained together, fought together and shared love together. My parents were thrilled when I announced my love for him. If only….If only I could see them again…"

Jade was broken down with tears. I feel like a total ass for cheating on her with Mileena, not knowing what she went through in the past. All I wanted in the beginning ever since I got here was to try out most of the women here since they're total knockouts.

Now, I just want to go home and stop this upcoming war.

The sounds of footsteps rushing towards us made me stood up. Kitana, Kristina and Azril came with mixed expressions on their faces. "What did you do this time?"

"I didn't do anything," I protested. "Jade told me about her former lover and her family."

There was silence, minus the fact Kitana said "oh" before approaching Jade to comfort her as a best friend should. Azril remained unchanged to the whole scene while Kristina started pacing, clearly bored that there's no action or even a bit of thrills at the moment.

Now both Kitana and Jade approached me with serious expressions. "Nash," Jade spoke quietly. "What are you going to do once you reached Mileena?"

I explained about after convincing Mileena, I might want to disband the Tarkatans from following Shao Kahns. Since they're all loyal dogs to the tyrant, it's best to coax them out with something better."

"Yeah right," Kristina scoffed, folding her arms. "And what's your idea to make them join our side? Just tell them that they will be free and be who they are? You do know that they are all cannibalistic, right?!"

"By making them rule their own tribe," I announced. All of them don't look so convinced by this idea. "I was thinking that maybe if they get a place of their own, they don't have to follow Shao Kahn or a new emperor's rule. They can stay wherever they want but they follow their leader."

"Sounds logical," Azril carefully nodded. "Though you need to be careful with this, Nash. Baraka leads the Tarkatan tribe so whatever happens he will be the one you're going to face."

"Fine by me!"

Before I could go, Jade pulled me close to her face. I was nervous because it felt like she was about to kill me right here. "Nash, you can deal with Mileena and Shao Kahn but remember that Tanya is mine. Do not engage with her or fight her unless it's with me."

Oh, she's going to finish the fight where they left off. I still remember watching Jade sliced Tanya's clitoris in front of everyone during their match. I agreed, since Jade has been wanting to avenge her loved ones now that I knew.

"Okay Jade, I will handle Mileena while you handle Tanya."

"Now, you must go," Kitana ushered the three of us out of the Edenian palace. "Go to Outworld and stop Mileena. If you need to find out more about the Tarkatan tribe, the library is available over there."

I thanked both her and Jade for their support. Kitana then removed her mask to give a small peck on my forehead. "You are growing, my disciple. I wish you all the luck in this world."

"You too," I smiled before climbing on top of Visenya from her wings. Jade approached the wyvern, placing her hand on the scaley chest. I couldn't hear what the Edenian general was murmuring about but Visenya reared her head back to roar at the sky.

"So Nash," Azril's voice made me jumped from my seat. "How many do you think are going to look up to the sky with terror or awe?"

I remembered not going through the streets of Outworld or Edenia because of my crimes, leaving it to my sister. But now, all I could see from our flight were villagers, residence wondering if what they saw was true.

All I could say is this mission will make them change their perspective of all of us.

…

3rd P.O.V.

'Where are you guys?' Riana thought to herself as her mind was in panic mode while her stomach is strangling itself from the stranger who grabbed her from behind. It was difficult to turn since this guy has got a good grip on her neck and waist.

Plus without her glasses, she might as well be blind!

"'Ello lovely," that familiar accented voice breathed near her ear. Riana wanted to gagged because his breath smelled rancid. She unsheathed her claws, ready to jab before this man was going to be frisky.

Riana has to find the others fast, but the shouts and roars from more of the Black Dragon thugs were drawing near to her. Struggling to breathe, the young woman will need to rely on her legs to kick on oncoming enemies.

Riana's mind was frantic when a large hand groped her, causing a reflex with a venom claw to the back before she was freed for a while. Now, she must find the others without blowing their cover. Those at close range were enough for Riana to fight back.

"I like you~" that familiar voice growled lustfully. This caused the young woman to snap her head back to recognised a glowing red eye. Kano must have had this joint to introduce Outworlders to the wonderful vices in life.

Just then, some of the men were screaming, giving Riana time to elbowed Kano in the gut before taking off to regroup. Only problem is that everything's a blur except for things very close to her. She must find Bryan to claim back her glasses.

But Kano wasn't going to let her slip so easily through his grasp. Riana had no other choice but to fight him, thankful that the thugs were kept at bay by someone oh-so familiar.

"Not that difficult to spot you," Kano chuckled before taking a spit to the floor. "Considering how easy you are to be caught. Now, let's be civilised to each other like adults. You're not here willingly to put on a show for us, ain't ya?"

Riana said nothing but raised her hands up into fists. She's heard about the Australian ring leader from Bryan and he wasn't kidding when he said he's ripped, could tear her open like a candy wrapper. She prayed that he doesn't use that laser eye of his. So, the young woman decided to lure him close to her trap by lowering her fists to make her look more vulnerable.

"Hmm, so submissive without having trouble," Kano cooed, stepping closer. Riana decided to look down at her feet and then slowly up at him, to only let out a small yelp when his bare hands griped her hips without any care.

At the corner, Riana could make out Bryan's suit in the distance. Without a warning, she bit the Australian hard on the neck, then slashed across his throat with her venom claws which caused him to yell in pain. When she was about to kick him, his knife had torn her dress open at the back to revealed the ugly scars.

Thankfully, Riana was grabbed by an unknown figure and she knew right away that the other team had found someone. She was cloaked into the camouflaged and was embraced protectively by the Zaterran warrior. He was growling with acid dripping down.

"I am not letting them touch you again," he hissed. Riana just kissed his neck to assure him that she is find. "Syzoth, I think we need to bring Kano down. At least the thugs will scatter once they realised their leader is out. How are you guys doing?"

"As far as I am concern," Reptile sniffed. "Bryan and Black are fighting Kano. It's odd though…"

"What do you mean?"

"The three of us pursued Kano while you were distracting his men. We went all the way down into the Krypt where Shang Tsung kept most of the artifacts. All of us fought him and captured him already. Even Bryan did something to his glowing red eye."

Riana was confused now. Kano couldn't have been that fast to be in two places at once. Unless…

"We gotta take him down!" Riana cried, getting out of Reptile's camouflage to lunge at the Australian man. Kano roared in pain while Riana jabbed his back with venom. She figured it will slow him down but will not kill him immediately.

Since Kano was born in a land where everything tried to kill him.

Riana clung onto him for dear life as if she was riding a bull in a rodeo. Glass bottles, shouts and even some cigarette butts were thrown at her, the thugs' attempts to shake her off of their boss. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for impact while her hands closed around Kano's thick neck to steer him from firing his laser eye at every direction.

Some of the thugs were burnt with the single red beam while some tried to avoid it. Riana heard sobs of the slave girls, probably hiding or running out while they still can. She hoped Bryan would come soon and give her back her glasses. She's literally fighting blind!

Her whole top was torn open before Riana was slammed into the ground with Kano's steel-toed boot. She couldn't scream and felt her hip bones cracking. Rolling out of the way, she struggled to clamber onto the Australian man with full claws out. Her eyes were full of fear, pain, whatever it is that made her latch onto him with her scarred back glistening in the underground light.

Then, Kano was kicked in the groin by Reptile who came out of hiding. Both human and Zaterran decided to tag team the Australian before knocking him down. For the rest of the thugs, somehow Bryan had arrived with Erron Black who was hauling someone over his shoulder made them scattered.

It must be because of Bryan's wacky gadgets.

"Come on!" Bryan yelled over the music. "I stunned them for a while so we can get out of here. Bring that with you!"

Reptile hauled the unconscious Kano over his shoulder while Riana followed after, blood dripping from her injured body. She prayed that her broken hip won't make her body split in half along the way…

…

Bryan and the team met up at the shores from where they decided to make a getaway soon. Both the cowboy and reptilian warrior were hauling the two bodies that were knocked out.

Previously while Riana was providing the distraction, Bryan and Erron went inside to find all of the hidden prison cells, treasures and even the room where Shang Tsung must have done all of his experiments. The youngest Disciple wouldn't want to go back in there as it was filthy, probably infected and downright disturbing as shit!

Bryan saw Riana emerging at last. He has never seen her so bloodied or in nothing but her bra and torn skirt. If he decided to take a photo of her now, that lizard boy-toy of hers will be after his ass.

He can see why Reptile is so fond of her~

Besides, he had better things to do such as meeting up with the gang or building a new gadget. He wondered if all of them are in the Mortal Kombat world, could it be that- No, it couldn't! But can it?

He will find out later after checking out both of the bodies. He gasped dramatically.

"Two Kanos?! How can this be? Did we just kidnap a doppleganger as well? I thought they're suppose to go right through you! I mean-"

"Quit your yappin', Bryan," Erron was already tired of the youngest Disciple's constant chatter. He's surprised to hear him talk after all if the screams he had to endure when they were down at the Krypt. If he wasn't friends with Kristina, he would've put this guy out of his misery.

Riana's damn lucky that she doesn't have to hear all of Bryan's screams at every turn despite him having his fancy suit.

"If there are two of them," Riana kneeled down to observe both of the unconscious figures. "That means one of them must be Shang Tsung. Syzoth, you mentioned before that he is a powerful sorcerer so he can change into anyone?"

Reptile nodded. "Not to mention imitating all of our skills in combat."

"Makes no difference to me," Erron scoffed. "To me, it's best we wake them up and see which one of them is the real Shang Tsung. Maybe just jolt both of them or something."

"It's not going to be easy!" Bryan exclaimed. "Shang Tsung I heard could copy how we act and our personalities. Meaning, he could be one of us next!"

Bryan screamed in fear when both of the unconscious men woke up before his mouth was covered by the scaley hand of Reptile. Riana readied her claws in case she will have to jab them with venom or give them a very strong sedative. Erron held her back before aiming both of his pistols at both of them.

"Never thought we'd bag the both of you," Erron clicked his tongue. "I never would have thought that two people who entered and shaped my journey a bit would be right here tied up like cattle."

The other three were confused at Erron's comment. He knew both of them on a personal level?

Both of the Kanos were very difficult to tell because both of them have the same attitude and almost fire their laser eyes at all of them had it not been for Bryan and his gadgets.

"Sorry, I disarmed both of your lasers," Bryan giggled. "Don't want both of you to zap us. So, I take it that you must be Shang Tsung!"

Bryan pointed a finger at the Kano on the right. But that Kano just laugh. "You got the wrong one, mate. He is!"

"No, he's the bugger copying me!" shouted the left one.

Shouts between the two men were making things difficult for the team until Reptile sniffed the air. He growled lowly before approaching the Kano on the left. His yellow eyes became slits, acid dripping from his mouth while the sound of his claws was unbearable as it scraped the stones under the sand.

Both of them stared down at each other, Reptile was towering above the kneeled man.

"You."

Reptile lunged at the screaming Kano before Reptile was thrown back by a green light coming from Kano's hands. The smiling Kano had morphed back into the young man with long black hair and hands glowing green similar to Ermac. It really was Shang Tsung who looked livid seeing all of them.

"Do you know this isn't going to work?" he glared before turning his head to Riana. "You just can't leave this be, can you girl? Always trying to prove yourself and defending your brother?"

"Nash is at fault just as much as I am," Riana told him. "Now, please tell us about your plans with Shao Kahn."

"Riana," Bryan shook her shoulders. "He's not going to give info if you ask him like that."

Now they're stumped. But Reptile had other plans in mind. He decided to attack the sorcerer despite the fact he was aware that he could be killed and have his soul permanently taken away as part of Shang Tsung's collection.

The three of them had never seen Reptile so aggressive that even Erron Black backed away. Who knew this brown nose toadie finally have the balls to stand up for himself! Acid spits flew everywhere, some on Bryan's skin to which he screamed that his pure skin was now blemished.

Shang Tsung who was now freed from his bind decided to fight an enraged Reptile who was becoming feral. Bryan decided to move out of the way, not wanting to have any dirt or scratches on his suit and skin.

Riana stood and watched the horror before her. Not only was Reptile and Shang Tsung locked in a duel, if Shang Tsung kills him she and Nash will be the latest test subjects for the sorcerer's cruel experiments.

"You've lied to me!" the Zaterran spat before landing a kick to the sorcerer's face before he was thrown down when Shang Tsung summoned stones to fall on him. The reptilian warrior stood unshaken with green blood oozing out from his injuries. It may sound like an exaggeration but the three of them could feel the atmosphere becoming chaotic.

"You've promised me and gave me hope," he growled viciously before pouncing on Shang Tsung to tear a bit of his flesh with those acid-coated teeth. The sorcerer roared in pain before blasting flames from his hands to Reptile's chest.

"ALL OF IT WAS A LIE!"

Blood was spilled, red and green coating the ground. Reptile has had enough of following people based on false promises and suck up until he gets what he wants but the rewards won't happen anytime soon. Reptile now snatched Shang Tsung by his neck to toss him over, still growling.

"You've used me and abused me. I'm not letting you touch me again!"

Shang Tsung punched Reptile in the jaw which some of his teeth fell out and mouth was green from blood and acid. "You gullible gecko. Your kind are always meant to serve me and Shao Kahn. It was only a matter of time before you realised it. All Zatterans are considered in the same rank as Tarkatans."

Oh damn, he just said that!

With an enraged roared Reptile was dashing towards the man who he served and bent his knees to just because he was told lies all his life. His family he had accepted were long dead and there's no chance of finding another of his kind after the truth was revealed.

"Oy, aren't we forgetting about me?" Kano's voice was raised to drown the bloodied battle. Erron just hit him with the butt of his pistol to shut him up. "You really are a traitor, Black."

"I like to live dangerously," Erron drawled. "Now shut up and let them fight. I'll just leave you with Bryan. Maybe Riana too since she put up a fight back there with you."

There was a sense of dread on the Australian man's face at the mention of the two Disciples. He cocked his head at the fat female who's top was bloodied and saw those scars on her back. He whistled.

"She'll have to find a better way to beat me," he chuckled. "Those scars look pretty on her, maybe the front could use some work as well. Especially her face."

He was about to make another remark before he was punched in the face by the young woman's ungloved hand. Riana pushed the tied up man down and laid a food on his chest.

"I heard that," Riana spoke quietly. "Still, I was surprised to see you working with Shang Tsung or give him weapons."

"Just business, mate," he spits at the corner. "You could be part of the Black Dragon. Your service will be appreciated~"

Riana shook her head and tapped a finger at the side of his neck. She smiled a small smile. "You'll be fine if I give you another jab. Lots of shots and needles are good for you."

"Ooh! Can I dress him up, Riana? Please?" Bryan asked excitedly. "Or maybe he can be my first guinea pig for my new gadgets. I'm bored with just cyborgs in my room~"

"Not yet, fellas," Erron stood in-between them. "He and I used to be in the same league until he decided to take things too far. Plus, the drinks in the Black Dragon aren't strong enough and the pay is shit."

"Fair enough," both Disciples said at the same time. A shout was heard when they saw Reptile being lifted into the air, he was choking from the energy that surrounded him. His eyes looked like they could pop out any minute.

Riana used all of her might to tackle Shang Tsung so that he could release Reptile and face her. She too felt Reptile's pain about his lost race and nothing was going to make him suffer the same fate again.

Shang Tsung sneered before summoning flames from the ground to throw Riana off. Her whole outfit was burnt, leaving her gloves intact along with her undergarments and glasses. There was no way Riana was going to charge if he either used chaotic energy or flames to attack.

In this case, she decided to fight him to buy Reptile some time to recover his strength. She tried her best to keep up with the old sorcerer by blocking his moves, kicking when there's an opening to even ripping a handful of his hair from his scalp with her claws.

Only his neck will be the target for her venom.

"You stupid girl," he panted. "Your brother and all of you will stay here forever. And thanks to his contribution in training Mileena, all realms will be conquered by our emperor and his daughter Mileena by his side."

"We're not staying here," Riana told him firmly. She was in a crouch position similar to a cat. She managed to at least scratch his leg before he kicked her against a rock.

Before Reptile and the others could rush in to help, Shang Tsung chanted something while raising both of his hands slowly. The ground trembled and all of them were in surprise that pairs of hands, legs and even heads popped out of the ground. Some of the hands released Kano from his bind and he disappeared from the sea of undead corpses.

"Dammit," Erron muttered before locking his rifle into position.

"AH SHIT!" Bryan shrieked. "I JUST WANT A SPY MISSION! NOT A WALKING DEAD EXPERIENCE! I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS SHIT!"

…

Nash's P.O.V

I never thought that screaming citizens would be the least of my worry. Maybe it's sort of my way of getting back at them for throwing things at me since my banishment. I decided to chat to break the silence.

"You look excited Kristina," I commented at my athletic friend. Her face was flushed, that sort of expression when one likes someone. She snapped from her thoughts and cleared her throat.

"Of course I am, Nash!" she scoffed. "We're gonna take down Shao Kahn's empire and hopefully weaken that army of his. Also you are going to sweet talk Miss Crazy Teeth to break up her little group."

"Or maybe you're just happy that we're close to the library so you could visit Ermac," Azril called out from the front. I stifled a laugh as Kristina's face was redder than ever.

"Shut up! He's part of the team too. Remember that he will help us?"

"Sure, Kristina," Azril's tone had a bit of amusement in it. I wonder if Kristina does like Ermac. Hell, I think she also looked happy when Erron was mentioned despite the fact I've seen her having smack talks with that cowboy.

We landed at the library to get some info on the Tarkatans before approaching Mileena or her followers. Azril just headed into the history section with me. Kristina seemed to head off in the other direction.

"I wouldn't be surprise," Azril sighed.

"About what?"

"Kristina's relationship. It's going to be…different than what most would think."

"Azril, are you telling me that-"

"Yes," he nodded. "Let's not talk about this at the moment. You said you were looking for the history of Tarkatans?"

He gestured to a very old hardcover leather-bound book that seemed to be dusty. God, I think no one decided to take interest in Tarkatan history. I wouldn't blame them since they're mostly cannibals and serve Shao Kahn.

But I need to know how to approach them in order to disband them from being so co-dependent on that tyrant who trapped us here in the first place. I hope Bryan and Riana are doing alright on the island.

I haven't heard from them since we left.

While reading, I heard some whispered conversations at the other side of the library. Sheesh, Kristina's behaving like a girl around him compared to Erron. Maybe, I wonder that Ermac just brought out the sensitive side of her while Erron brings out the sporty, trigger-happy side of Kristina.

"I'm worried about him, Ermac," Kristina's voice was heard.

"We are worried too," the construct agreed. "Do not overthink, Kristina. Mr Black is capable of fending himself in dangerous situations. We have seen him train for matches."

I am not sure if I am hearing right but Ermac sounded like he's happy when talking about the cowboy. I was about to hear more when Azril dragged me and covered my mouth tight.

"Shh," he silenced me before pointing a finger at a direction across us.

Mileena is here.

Welp, Nash and his team had it easy talking with Jade and Kitana along with scaring people on top of Visenya. I am just going to imagine if Azril does snap, do you think he'll command her to burn all of them?

While Team Nash had it easy, Team Riana is getting creamed by undead warriors and Black Dragons! Angry Reptile would be scary in real life...

Again, I want to thank Alwaysdoubted for lending me his character because we both agreed that Jade and Kotal aren't suited for each other. Sorry, guys.

Also, I'll be leaving for Bali this Friday so Indonesia here I come!

Please review!