This is interesting. In the future, I will update whenever I am free or wherever I can access to this place. Maybe in the future I should get a VPN to get here. Oh well, I will never abandon this story until it's finished! Also, i wish this fanfic can be sold into book stores and eBooks. Only thing is that I don't want it to be like that *coughs* other fanfic that became a popular book that middle age women like my aunt loves! *shudders*

Chapter 46

3rd P.O.V

Reptile wasn't convinced with the whole idea of Riana making a deal with the Kollector. He had known the Naknada for some time during his service at Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn's side. That slippery bastard was always lending money to those who needed it but could not pay back along with his greed of collecting valuables which seemed to benefit him and Shao Kahn himself.

Of course, he had been in those situations.

Now that he was kicked out and was meant to be executed due to his failures, Reptile wasn't sure where he would go now that he knew the truth of his race's extinction. Hell, he doesn't know much of his own culture except for what he read in the library or his instincts.

He stood next to the mercenary Erron Black who was disinterested in the whole situation. Reptile wondered if this human had any interest other than payment on his mind. He himself on the other hand considered money to be of no value since he never had a clue in using it.

"She's going to die," the mercenary commented, polishing the rifle he took from his back. "The Kollector has tricks up his four-six sleeves."

"I hope she knows what she's doing," Bryan stood close to the two Outworlders, afraid to get close to the six-armed being. "That guy looked like he's going to cheat on everything."

"No doubt," Reptile's sibilant voice was crisp. He was holding Kurt in his arms, watching Riana and Kollector readying themselves for a fight. It was odd considering the fact Riana was in her undergarments while the Kollector had his two tiny arms holding his backpack on his bag.

"Don't be so confident," Kollector chuckled before making his first move of swift swipes with his twin blades. Riana tried her best to evade but since she is on the heavier side, she had some gashes of red at both hips and stomach areas.

Riana punched the upper arm that came close to her but was intercepted with the lower pairs who grabbed her, throwing he over his head. He began to attack in a frenzy, leaving her with multiple stab wounds. It was a bloody miracle that she is still wanted to help her but was held back by Erron Black, saying it might make the Kollector torture or do worse things to Riana.

"Not much to say?" Kollector asked in a sickening-sweet tone at the now tired woman in her own pool of blood. He was about to knock her out when Riana...

Almost swiped him with her claws.

"NOOO!"

Thus, it was the end of the battle with a bloodied Riana fallen to the ground. Needless to say, the young woman was as good as dead considering how much damage that was inflicted upon her. What was a miracle was that her fitting gloves were still intact along with her specs.

The three plus bearded dragon came over to help her up. Riana was beaten up pretty badly. Blood dripped out of her mouth when she tried to speak. Reptile allowed Riana's head to rest on his lap while Kurt tried to nudge her face.

"Come on, Riana!" Bryan shook her by the arm. He lifted up his shirt for a bit to reveal his belt that had been on him this whole time. "We can't let him win from just one shot!"

Bryan began to take out two defibrillators from the belt pocket, rubbing them together to create static. Riana involuntarily snapped up awake from her unconsciousness before the youngest Disciples could touch her.

"Well, that's one way to wake up," Erron commented, a smile was hidden behind his mask. The Kollector was biting back the horrible snarl that was about to emerge on his lips. He grinned instead, wondering how much can her body be valuable.

"Okay," Riana panted, standing up while trying to suppressed the stinging pain. "Round two is different and something you might like. Game of the mind."

At this round, the both of them sat opposite to each at the table, where the Naknada does his deals and trades with people who owed Shao Kahn something. Bryan doubted that, seeing that this creepy spider-gremlin might want things for himself. But the youngest Disciple got uncomfortable when Kollector gazed at him.

"That belt," he pointed out. "Hand it over and I can provide the boat for all of you."

Bryan shook his head, hiding behind both Reptile and Erron. He has to find a better way to entertain him if Riana loses the game. His spy bats will arrive soon and he had a plan in mind...

The game that the both of them played was something to do with how much they are betting the stakes along with being deceptive. Two cups, five dices in each before it was laid down on the table. Kurt clambered onto Reptile's head to get a better glimpse.

"How did you know him, cowboy?" asked Bryan, who was in the process of typing something on his belt. Not only was he calling out his spy bats, he was making plans if they ever failed to get a boat. "And you too, lizard man?"

"I killed his brother."

"Was in position with him before Shao Kahn handed me over to Shang Tsung to become a spy."

Bryan hummed, wondering if he could use that to his advantage. For now, he took out some fabrics from his belt, a needle and threads to distract himself from watching this boring betting game.

Oh, a little light bulb has emerged from his head! Bryan was hiding a devious grin, plotting on what he's going to do. Once he's done making new set of clothes, he's going to introduce the Kollector to the art of advertising.

He was imagining what kind of predicament Nash's team is in. He hoped they are having a bit more progress with Mileena and Shao Kahn. This game of dice is going to take a while.

Little did he know that a pair of glowing blue eyes was watching them in the dark.

...

Nash's P.O.V

Things would have been a lot smoother if Kristina had controlled her trigger fingers!

Now all of us are going to face the leader of the tribe and probably kill rather than make peace at this point. I wished things would be just like how I imagined! I guessed at this point the three of us plus a wyvern are going to be part of their menu.

"What is the meaning of this?" Baraka demanded, his raspy voice holding authority to all of the members of the tribe. The others spoke to him in their native tongues. sounding angry and fearful. I told my team to stand down, much to Kristina's dismay.

I stepped forward, standing face-to-face with the leader of the Tarkatans. Growls, snarls and indecipherable noises were heard. There was also a warning roar from Azril's pet, making some of the warriors to back off.

"Baraka," I began, trying not to swing my hammer to the Tarkatans that were a little too close to my personal space. "Sorry about my friend as she is trigger happy. We came here because we want to end the war Shao Kahn is going to create."

He doesn't look convinced. "Do you really expect me to believe you after what you've just done?!"

He lunged forward with his arm blades out, forcing me to swing my hammer to counter. The fights between us and the Tarkatans resumed, seeing that their leader has started to attack to defend his territory. The tribe was strong in both numbers and skills, making my battle with Baraka difficult.

"Listen, you and your tribe don't have to hide or suffer if we help each other," I tried to convince him while evading his shark-like teeth. I was about to break some teeth before Baraka pushed me back. Now he's coming towards me with the swinging blades!

I used the techniques Kitana taught me to knock him off of his feet before stomping on his chest. With a swift reflex, I delivered blows onto his face until it was a bloody pulp with fangs. I could see a bit of blood when he coughed up. But he wasn't going to give in as his blades pierced my legs before tossing me over his head.

Wincing in pain, I struggled to get up because the blades had pierced into my shins. I can't tell who's voices do I hear but my eyes were focused on the tribe's leader who began to charge faster than an angry bull.

Using my hammer as a crutch, I waited for him to get close and then…

I swung my weapon close to his torso, hearing a crack that was emitted from the blow. Baraka roared in pain before he fell while clutching his broken side. Quickly, I grabbed both of his arms while pinning him down with my body. I was using my other hand to grip onto his throat. The fight had paused, seeing now that I have their leader under me.

"Go on," he grunted in defeat. "Finish me."

I looked up to see all of the fearful expressions the Tarkatans had, Kristina's was exhausted and Azril being cool as always. The crowd waited with anticipation on what I was about to do to the leader of the tribe.

With my grip onto his neck, I hoisted him up onto his feet.

Everyone including the tribe leader was confused by my action. I smiled a small smile. "I've heard about you supporting Mileena for a good cause. But it's not going to work if she still is under Shao Kahn's care."

Baraka growled, spitting blood onto the ground. "Shao Kahn conquered our realm and we Tarkatans served him without a choice. When Mileena came about, there was a sense of hope that once she became empress she will give us our freedom."

Boy, I hate to tell them what's going to happen!

"Ok, I believe you," I nodded. "But I am going to warn you that her rule is not going to last because she's too brash. She's going to crumble the whole empire, people are going into chaos and soon, your tribe will be extinguished."

There were murmurs around, Baraka closed his eyes before eyeing all of us. "Earthrealmers, you will remain here until I have come into a conclusion. If any one of you ever leave or aim your weapons at my tribe, we will not hesitate to make you our next meal."

The three of us including Visenya decided to listen while the Tarkatans shouted orders to make sure the three of us won't aim our weapons or attempt to escape. I wasn't planning to because I still need to convince Baraka to fight on our side, that way they can have their freedom without anyone controlling them.

"Guys," sighed Kristina as we were led into a small tent which I assumed were for prisoners. "I'm sorry for causing all of this. Every time I see Tarkatans, I wanted to go all Rambo on them after what we saw when playing MK9 back in our world."

"I'm glad you know where you went wrong," I gave her a small smile. She's still my friend after all. "But that's not going to change the situation we're in. I just hope Baraka can be allies with us. Who knows, Shao Kahn's Tarkatan army turning against him."

"It's a fifty-fifty chance, Nash," said Azril, who seemed calm from the whole situation. Hell, he doesn't go crazy when some of the Tarkatans muzzled up Visenya and chained her so that she won't attack or breathe fire.

The three of us sat in silenced, waiting for our fate. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw how Tarkatans are prepping up for the upcoming war Shao Kahn had planned. It was fascinating to watch the black smiths forged their weapons and helmets, making me realised that these guys not only are ferocious warriors.

They too have their own lives like most soldiers in every war movies I've seen!

Just then, two Tarkatans came and grabbed me forcefully to be escorted into another tent, leaving my friends behind. Still in pain from the stab wounds at my shins, I leaned onto the support of the two guards, who seemed disgruntled by this. But my legs were about to fall as I was about to go numb at the sight:

Mileena was here, with the leader of the tribe himself. Both of them were expecting me!

…

3rd P.O.V

"Two threes."

The Kollector was enjoying this game very much as it was testing both of their wits and deception. After all, Shao Kahn had named him after his duty and the duty had to hook a victim before fishing out the prize. He looked under his cup to view the numbers on top of the dice. Bid to the highest and point out who is the liar.

This woman might as well be looted because she doesn't have the face of deception!

"You are a very desperate woman," he tutted her. Reptile was standing behind Kollector in his camouflage. In case he pulls out something that might cheat the game.

"Three threes," he called his bid confidently.

Kurt the bearded dragon was watching on top of Erron's Stetson hat while both Bryan and the cowboy were concentrating on who will win the round. Somehow, Bryan felt like they were being watched but he tried no to think too much or else he will pee in his pants.

"Four threes," said Riana, who was clenching her fists to get rid of the dread that filled her. She was getting worried as once the five dices in the cup were laid down, there's no turning back until one of them called the other one out for lying.

"Is there anything you are prepared for?" Kollector taunted. The young woman stayed silent and adjusted her glasses. He looked under his cup to find four of the die has threes while only one had a five. "Five threes~"

Riana checked her dice, which contained four that are six while one had a three. Her expression was starting to be hesitant about the whole situation and what she got herself into. If everyone is dead here, she will carry the blame. She debated whether to up the bid or lie, hoping he won't caught it.

"Five sixes?" she asked meekly. Bryan let out a dramatic gasp while Erron pinched the bridge of his nose. She could hear him muttered: "What have you done…"

"Liar!" Kollector shouted with triumph. Both of them lifted their cups and…

Riana was telling the truth about the her bid after all!

The young woman smirked before standing up to join her friends. Kollector was still baffled at how Riana does it. But that doesn't matter!

"Now," he began. "I may want to continue but I-"

All of them heard a baby cried in the deeper part of the grotto. Bryan and Riana exchanged looks when they saw Kollector's expression. He was becoming disgusted over the sound. Erron Black was just as surprised as them from the sound.

"I didn't know he could reproduce," Bryan whispered.

"Neither did I," said Riana, having the urge to see what was making the noise.

Then, Reptile's figure emerged from his camouflage with a small bundle in his arms. Upon closer expression, he was carrying a baby that had a cute face that looked familiar with the glowing blue eyes and tanned skin. The baby was now cooeing in Reptile's arms.

"Found him while you were watching the game," Reptile told the team. His eyes became silted and he bared his teeth at the Kollector. "You stole him! I recognised his scent and there's no doubt about it."

"I did not steal him," he snarled. "It was a gift from His Excellency for my service."

Kollector became enraged, all of his arms had taken out weapons as his body moved towards everyone with each weapon: Scythe, sickle, daggers on the back and twin blades. His two upper arms swung the blades close to Reptile, who spitted his acid to melted off the weapons.

"What are we waiting for?" Erron was already throwing sand bombs at the nimble Naknada. "Let's help him!"

Riana, Erron and even Kurt helped Reptile to fend of the Kollector while protecting the baby. Bryan on the other hand was leaning close to the corner to wait for his spy bats. "You're doing a good job, guys! I'll just stand here and watch!"

'I swear I will deal with that weasel once we get out of here,' Erron thought to himself about the youngest Disciple. During the fight, the baby couldn't stop crying. Of course, being held by different people and the sudden rush caused the little one to be fearful.

"He's fast as you, Syzoth!" Riana cried while she got slashed by the sickle at the hip. She swore that her body's going to split in half if the Naknada got another chance at her.

"Get rid of his weapons!" Reptile commanded as they fought. The baby was passed back-and-forth. Even Kurt tried to buy them some time by attacking Kollector's face, biting his nose and ears.

Suddenly, a black figure had tackled the Kollector down and mauled him savagely. All of them saw that it was a large jungle cat, assumed that it was as big as a jaguar with the black panther fur colour. What was interesting was that it was wearing something similar to a headdress and had some markings that were familiar.

"Oh shit!" Bryan exclaimed while backing up. "Who let the cat out?!"

"No," Erron watched in disbelief as the Kollector was torn to a bloody shred with the creature's claws and teeth. He was also impressed at how the Kollector was still alive after he got mauled. "It can't be…"

All of them aimed their weapons now at the jaguar, except Riana who was hesitant about killing a powerful cat. She took off one of her glove, showing her index fingers out.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

Riana concentrated on the jaguar when it turned it's head, leaving the injured Naknada. It had glowing blue eyes just like the baby Reptile found. It sniffed Riana's fingers before licking it. She giggled at how ticklish the sandpaper tongue was rough to the touch.

"Is this-"

"Yes," Reptile nodded before approaching the big cat with the baby in his arms. He kneeled down in a respectful manner. "K'oatal, we are grateful for your arrival. Your son is safe and unharmed."

"WHAT?!"

"He's got a son?" Riana asked in disbelief. Kurt climbed onto her shoulders to peak at the baby and the cat.

"More importantly," Bryan came up to them. "He can turn into that?! What is he, a shapeshifter or something?!"

The jaguar suddenly had it's fur receding into painted light blue paint over tanned skin, the claws reverted back to large hands and the muscles slowly transformed back into human form.

It was the Osh-Tekk warrior himself, standing tall and proud before helping the Zaterran up on his feet before holding the baby in his arms He embraced the infant with such tenderness, he murmured something in his native tongue.

"Wow," was all Riana could say about his transformation. Turning from a powerful predator into a mighty warrior was a sight to behold. Plus, it was nice to see him again.

"That was so cool!" Bryan gushed. "So you can turn into a cat?"

"Indeed," the Osh-Tekk smiled before his expression fell. He stared up as if he was cursing the ceiling. "Ahcualli tlācatecolōtl…"

"What are you doing here?" Erron Black asked while he was polishing the rifle and pistols that were full of dirt now.

So K'oatal explained how he was looking for his son who disappeared from him. He had a feeling it was on Shang Tsung's island, the place where he had done some experiments on him in the past along with some of the other Osh-Tekks before they perished.

He wasn't going to let his son suffer the same fate.

"Shang Tsung's crueler than we thought," Reptile murmured. "But we need to get out of here before we draw attention."

"What about him?" the cowboy gestured at the bloodied Naknada.

"I could give him a sedative that will kinda paralyse him but it won't kill him," Riana offered, holding up her claws. "It's from a creature's saliva I had collected and apparently it puts the victim in a state of hallucination and dreams."

"So like a trippy Inception kind of thing?" Bryan asked. Riana nodded, looking at the other three for approval. When the Osh-Tekk gave the signal, Riana injected the liquid into the Kollector's head.

Now, the team along with the baby must escape before Shang Tsung or anyone finds them.

…

Nash's P.O.V

"M-Mileena," I stammered as the pretty Tarkatan princess sauntered over to me. Baraka just watched.

"I wasn't convinced about your team being until you came," she told me. I was trying not to collapse from my injuries that the tribe leader had inflicted upon me. It still hurts like a bitch!

I realised Mileena does come here because she needed their support and she had promised them of their freedom without being enslaved. How long had that been before me and my friends arrived in this world?

"I need to talk to you in private," she purred, pulling me out of the tent and into the clearing that's away from the camp. She undid the binds on me before pouncing on top.

"Let me guess," I began. "This has something to do with what I proposed to you at the library?"

"That and lately I have been feeling a bit lonely~"

Well, we know what's going to happen! But I decided to make things more interesting before I can let my lust demon take over. I rolled over to pin her arms above her head.

"On some conditions," I smirked at the beautiful temptress. "You can't be empress because I will guarantee that your goals are going to fail."

"How dare you, Nash!" she snarled, trying to bite my face but I dodged it. "I open myself up to you and now you're giving me this?!"

"Mileena," I told her gently. "As much as it is fun to rule and conquer all the realms, you're going to make a lot of enemies, including those in your court who want to kill you. Plus, there's going to be a lot of pressure not just from fighting, but people who want to discuss about treaties and such for hours where you can't leave until things are settled."

Mileena listened but was also frustrated that she can't push me off of her. I also told her about debts she will need to pay and the idea of how there will always be someone who wants to overthrow her if she is not careful.

"How do you know all of this?" she asked.

"Because I've seen leaders from my world did all of the things I told you about. Some had a temporary alliance while some are at war with each until everyone is fearful of each other."

She averted her beautiful cat-like eyes away from mine. I can see that Mileena is going to take some time to think about it. Especially if it means separating Tanya from her so that Jade can avenge her loved ones and Shao Kahn's influences.

"I have a proposition too," she said it quietly.

"And what is that?"

Mileena leaned up to kiss my lips with hers, despite the sharp teeth which I do not mind. Oh god, it's been so long since I had this moment with this woman! My hands groped her body, hearing her moan while her slender hands had traced by back and was about to pull down my pants…

If I planned this carefully, maybe I will fully convince her to join our side and not be empress!

Ahcualli tlācatecolōtl: Evil devil.

So, looks like Nash still has to convince Baraka and his tribe to join their side while also trying to steer Mileena away from the corruption of running an empire. Don't worry, there's going to be a continuation of this sexposition between him and Mileena in the next chapter ;)

I'm pretty sure you know what game I referenced when Riana played with Kollector? I used to play it on the PS2 before I lost the game and all of my progress!

Also in Disciples, it is officially canon that Kotal does have a son because he looked like he could be a good dad but also a brutal warrior.

Please review as it keeps me going!