I just want to say that I hope people in Australia, especially the animals are ok. I know the fire is still raging and most animals are dead but I got to at least help. So, I've donated some money that will hopefully save the animals and give them proper care to recover even if it doesn't look like it's enough.

In the mean time, I'll do what I can to help current animals by volunteering and probably raising charity through my bake sales.

Sounds childish of me to say that, right?

On with the story!

Chapter 48

While the Disciples were scattered across the kingdom, the last warriors of Edenia were gathering in a private meeting after Shao Kahn had left the palace with the Kollector by his side. The Edenian warriors had sombre expressions because of what had happened:

Shao Kahn had silenced Sindel by making her mute.

Princess Kitana was of course devastated when one of the guards informed her the news. She wanted to attack everything on sight! How dare that tyrant who once claimed her as his daughter and her mother as his wife, would be the sole reason there will be a war. Sindel was trying her best to protect her, Jade and her loved subjects. She didn't have a choice in marrying Shao Kahn, from what she was told by the Queen herself.

Kitana was practicing her twin fans in the training room, trying to vent out her anger. Jade watched as her friend had been on edge ever since the news of Sindel losing her voice. Jade herself would've been in the same situation as well if it had happened to her own mother.

Only her fate was different...

While watching her friend venting out her rage, Jade traced the moss-green bracelet on her left wrist absent-mindedly. It was as if the bracelet wasn't there before Jade realised it. It brought back some memories of her lover before he died. No matter how much everyone had consoled her, Jade's mind will always go back to her former lover.

Even during her time with Nash.

She thought that being with him could at least block out Jai's memories hoping she would moved on but it didn't work. Especially now that Nash prefers someone else which was both a relief and a painful decision Jade had to endure.

Right now, she must push her thoughts about the past aside and focus on her friend who was practicing her twin fan-blades with fury. She would be angry too if Shao Kahn would cut out her mother's voice. But that's not the case with that temptress Tanya who not only killed her former lover but her parents as well before Edenia was merged with Outworld.

One by one, Jade had witnessed the dwindling population of Edenians after a war with Shao Kahn to reclaim their homeland but they weren't prepared for what the tyrant had thrown at them as long as he has the sorcerer by his side. If Kitana doesn't stop now, she might as well be as irrational as Shao Kahn himself.

"How can this happen?" Kitana asked herself rather than her friend who was watching her every move. Jade wondered if this was how she looked like when she had her episodic rages a few weeks ago after Tanya's arrival and Nash's actions.

"My mother's voice has been muted," Kitana continued as she proceeds to stab at the training dummies with the knife tips of her fans. "A war is coming and what's worse is that abomination that Shao Kahn claimed to be his 'daughter' is still alive! If she becomes empress..."

Jade caught Kitana's hands in a grip to stop her. Jade's expression was stern before she shoved off Kitana away. "Kitana, I understand that but getting angry won't change anything."

Kitana took a deep breath. Much as she would disagree with her friend, she just nodded. "We need a plan."

The both of them decided to spar with each other while carrying on their discussion. Jade was using her signature bojutsu staff while Kitana used her fans again.

"So have you heard anything about the Disciples?" Asked Jade as she used her staff to hoist herself up from Kitana's fan tornado.

"As far as I've heard that they are scattered across the kingdom. Nash and his group are somewhere here in Outworld while Riana is somewhere else with her group."

Jade said nothing as she was focused on her battle. Kitana continued: "So it would be difficult to reach them as we don't know where they are."

"That's true."

"Plus, we have other things to worry about, like Tanya."

Jade's expression turned sour at the mention of her name. Nash must keep his promise to let her have the finishing blow on that traitorous Edenian who had caused her a lot of pain.

Kitana paused her battle stance to comfort her friend. She knew Tanya well enough to understand Jade's emotions. Right now, they will help these Disciples get back home along with stopping Shao Kahn from making all of the realms into one big battleground.

She wished that by the time everything was over, hopefully Edenia could be restored.

...

"Anyone following us?"

K'oatal was waiting for Reptile's return after he left to scout for anyone following them while waiting for Bryan to finish building a boat that could fit all of them.

"No sign and not a scent," the Zaterran shook his head. "But it doesn't mean that we could relax. They might find us soon. That boy better finish crafting us a boat before Shang Tsung or anyone finds us here."

The Osh-Tekk nodded, watching the youngest Disciple talking to himself as he built a boat- no a ship. He wondered if there are other children who were born with a mind like him or he's the rare kind. Such things were a mystery to him ever since he first walked into Earthrealm centuries ago.

Oh how time has changed!

Erron Black was sitting down, just in his own world by either inspecting his guns and rifles to him just gazing at the shores. Ever since they escaped from the Kollector's grotto and made their way through a passage that led them to a beach, Erron Black had been quiet.

He never knew the gunslinger well, only if it's associated with money. Nevertheless, Erron Black according to K'oatal seem to be a good ally if he ever employed that man despite his private demeanour. Syzoth, his Zaterran friend seemed to be more at ease compared to the first time he had met him even before he was ordered by Shao Kahn to execute him.

Now the both of them are here while back in Outworld, Ferra/Torr were guarding his quarters along with D'Vorah. He hoped that the Kytinn would be responsible for overseeing a few issues since she had proved her resourcefulness and her diligent work. He remembered meeting her for the first time after Shao Kahn conquered her realm and people, making her their slave. Kotal was fortunate to meet her after what Mileena had done to her and instantly appointed her as his First Minister while Syzoth was his closest friend.

Yet, it was strange that her presence made his only son cry and wail in terror.

His gaze then lingered on his beloved son, who was playing with Riana and her pet lizard, Kurt. She was showing his son how her pet could dig and bury himself in the sand. The sounds of his son's laughter made him smile a bit.

Kotal approached the young woman and her pet, sitting down next to them. "What are you doing?"

"Just teaching your son about the surroundings," said Riana. Kurt was letting Kotal's son play with him by letting the baby hold onto the little lizard's tail. The baby squealed happily when Kurt wagged his tail. K'oatal chuckled.

"Kiawe's a bit too young to understand the meaning of the surroundings. His eyes glowed with wonder yet he doesn't know why. He will learn in time, like a tree growing with each stage of life."

Erron Black had approached them, having nothing better to do. "Howdy. Thought I'd drop by to listen while waiting for Bryan to finish. I swear that boy is more in love with his machines than anything else."

Now, Riana only knew Bryan from Nash since those two go to school and are basically in the same class. So being with him during this mission, she felt like she knew a bit about Bryan or maybe not since he is a random person.

She wondered if Bryan and her have things in common.

"Okay everyone!" Bryan called out. "Come take a look at this beauty I built! It can ferry all of us across the sea of blood and has the quality of a six star hotel!"

"What is a hotel?" Reptile whispered to Riana. While Riana explained to him, Bryan lowered the ramp to invite the Outworlders and the other Disciple on board.

On the outside, the ship looked like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean with her woodwork, black sails and even the mast. However, the deck and inside where the galley and cabins were similar to those of an ocean liner including having circular portals rather than glass windows.

Riana and the Outworlders heard some mechanical whirs and metallic sounds coming from below, assuming them to be part of Bryan's work. Riana guessed he has a small laboratory downstairs.

This made Kurt leaped from Riana's shoulder to run all over the deck out of excitement.

"Impressive," Kotal was as awe with Bryan's work. "How could you build such a masterpiece in a few hours?"

"I have my ways," Bryan gave his Cheshire Cat smile. "Now, we have our heading to the Tarkatan War Kamps. Thanks to parts of my spy bats and a bit of Cyber Lin Kuei technology, we could reach our destination without any problems at sea!"

But this had shifted the mood.

There was a glow in the Osh-Tekk's eyes as if they reflected the scorching Sun. Heat was radiating in the atmosphere despite the weather being cloudy. Everyone was quiet minus the little baby Kiawe who was scared of his father's anger. Bryan backed away and pushed Riana forward as a shield. "Save me! He's going to go Plagues of Egypt on us!"

Reptile approach Kotal and whispered something. This seemed to calm him down, his heat slowly cooling down. "My apologies, the Tarkatans and I have a bloody history in the past that I can't seem to forget."

"Like you with the Shokans?" asked Riana.

Everyone was surprised when Kotal grabbed Riana by her throat, watching the short woman struggling under his mighty grip. Kurt screech and tried to bite Kotal's hand.

Reptile rushed forward to try and stop this madness but was blocked by Erron Black. He shook his head, making the reluctant Zaterran stand down. Reptile bit Erron's arm and rushed to get Kotal to release his mate. However the Osh-Tekk was made like stone not reacting to the clawing.

"Stop it, K'oatal!" Reptile roared. "She doesn't know!"

Bryan screamed in panic while the wailing of the baby had made the situation more chaotic.

"Who told you," he accused. Kotal never raised his voice but when his tone became almost inaudible to the ear, Riana wanted to curl up into a little ball.

"I..." she gasped. "Heard rumours."

Kotal loosen his grip, making Riana coughed. She felt a small dent at her throat where he grabbed her. Riana looked up at the Osh-Tekk fearfully, readying her claws in case he might surprise her with another attack again.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Riana's voice asked with a slight croak.

Reptile kneeled down to embrace a shaken Riana. Kurt even climbed on her shoulder to nuzzle.

Kotal only looked away. He felt guilty for strangling Riana without thinking. The sound of his son's crying in fear made him even more uncomfortable at the situation. Reptile, who was his friend had just growled him a warning before leading Riana away into one of the cabins.

"We'll settle this with a battle after this," Riana announced, hurt in her tone before she closed the door.

"Shit..." Bryan whispered. "I guessed that's his trigger word. Oh well, I'll make sure things on this ship works and...not let anyone find us."

Seeing how this was a bit awkward, Bryan decided to busy himself with the insides of the ships and muttered about dimensions. He will eventually report to Nash soon about their situation and the opinion about how defeating Shao Kahn won't be the key to bring them home.

Erron decided to leave the three to solve the problem themselves. He'd walked around the ship, see if there's a special room for weapons especially guns.

When he was a boy, he remembered hearing tales about pirates and treasure. In this case, he hoped he'd get some pay after all of this shit. Then again, it would be quite a tall tale to tell any newcomers if they decided to have small talk with him.

He noticed Kurt walking out of the cabin before allowing the little bearded dragon to climb on top of his shoulders. "Tough to watch, huh?" He asked while petting Kurt on the back. Kurt closed his eyes, enjoying the touch.

Both man and lizard decided to watch the island fade as the ship sailed to who knows where until they are safe. He was wondering about where he'll go once this whole mission was over.

Of course, he'll be on the road again.

The breeze from the wind and scent of the ocean calmed him down. Maybe it's been a while since he had experienced this considering he's not much of a sailor. He wondered if Kristina is okay or Ermac for that matter.

Gotta say, the three of them would make quite a team.

Suddenly, Erron heard a fluttering from above. He shielded his eyes from the blazing Sun but peaked a bit to see who was above him. He frowned behind his mask at who it was.

It was D'Vorah.

"Howdy," Erron greeted the Kytinn curtly as she descended from the sky. She was still as ugly as he first saw her. Hell, she made those two Ferra/Torr look well-groomed. She was still wearing her black robes that had a hood over her head that reminded him of those cult groups.

Then again, the hive is sort of like a cult.

"Erron Black," D'Vorah buzzed in a pleasant tone. "This One is pleased to have found you. This One has some news for K'oatal so finding you was not an issue. The ship was...impressive to say the least."

The gunslinger raised a brow, a bit suspicious at how she could find them so easily even if Bryan had been cautious about masking all of them at sea. He gestured in one of the cabin rooms, not caring who's behind the door so long as this bug lady could get away from him!

"Hey, why do I hear-AHHH!" Bryan screamed before he jumped backwards to the door of on of the cabins in a failed somersault. "Ohmygodwhatisshedoinghere?!"

"You are Bryan This One assumes?" D'Vorah greeted him with a friendly buzz. "This One has heard all about you and your inventions. Care to show This One what you have invented?"

She was answered with a closed door, screaming inside and some things crashed. The Kytinn was confused by the young boy's reaction, hoping to at least get to know him and exchange some intelligent conversation.

But that's not what she was here for!

D'Vorah entered one of the cabins below slowly and saw something unexpected:

She never knew that a Zaterran would feel love but seeing Reptile and Riana in an embrace was interesting to say the least. She watched a bit as the young woman snuggled close to Reptile's chest while the Zaterran himself was purring and giving her neck a few licks. D'Vorah shook her head.

No, she has to find the Osh-Tekk.

She found him in the wardroom, at one of the tables just feeding his son. Now, Kiawe still is a baby so something liquid will have to suffice. D'Vorah remembered when she first met him, still a general with many scars and that little grub in his arm. Always squealing and whimpering everytime she is in the same room.

She can't exactly remembered if his lover died giving birth to the boy or she was killed by Shao Kahn. But none of that matters once things go according to plan.

"D'Vorah?" Kotal's voice asked in disbelief. Despite his son whimpering, the Osh-Tekk held a steady gaze at the Kytinn. Humans are very strange when it came to their offsprings. Their young were born with a blank mind without a purpose until they grow older.

"Kotal," she buzzed, fluttering in the air. "This One has been looking for you. A lot of things have happened since you left."

"And where are Ferra and Torr?"

"This One has left them at Z'Unkarrah. The both of them wanted to guard while This One searches for you. Outworld is slowly turning into a battleground under Shao Kahn's command."

Kotal pondered for a bit, figured that Shao Kahn had already started this war and then merge another realm all together. He wondered if Nash has finally let go of his trifling actions and focus more on the current situations.

"We must chart course to Nash's location immediately! Do you know where he is?"

Just then, Reptile entered the cabin. His reptilian eyes followed D'Vorah's movements. "I thought I sensed something that was causing Kiawe some discomfort. What brings you here, D'Vorah?"

While D'Vorah was explaining of her presence, Riana was peering at the doorway. Now in a more decent outfit to cover her, she listened closely before sneaking into the cabin that contained Bryan's laboratory.

"Bryan, I have some bad news," Riana whispered, her voice barely audible.

"No shit Sherlock," Bryan let out a breath. "I don't trust that bug lady just as much as you do but if these guys want her on board so be it. We need to contact Nash or Azril. They haven't responded!"

This made Riana feared for the worst. What if her brother, Azril and Kristina were taken prisoners or killed?

She flexed her claws uneasily. "Do you know where they might have gone?"

Bryan shook his head. "No. I was busy working on a portal for us to get home. I doubt defeating Shao Kahn or Shang Tsung is going to be our one-way ticket. I might need to test out if the portal does lead to our world. No pressure since I am only sixteen, okay?"

The young woman had never thought of that!

Suddenly, the both of them heard a loud gunshot and then a crash. They raced out and found Erron firing his rifle in the distant with Kurt by the side who seemed to be holding bullets in his mouth.

At the distance, shouts and gunfire were heard which made the atmosphere more chaotic.

"Oh shit," Bryan cursed before adjusting his suit on himself. "They found us!"

Indeed the opposite ship with the symbol of a dagger between two dragons have found them.

…

Nash's P.O.V

The three of us were taken out into the clearing, tied up. Kristina couldn't stop swearing all the way while Azril obediently followed but held that gaze which made some of the Tarkatans backed away.

We weren't sure what's going to happen but two Tarkatans had grabbed Kristina's guns and tossed them into the fiery pit.

"NO!" Kristina screamed. "WHY WOULD YOU-"

She was gagged, much to her anger. I swear Kristina's going to explode just by looking at her red face. Azril was watching the group of Tarkatans who approached a bounded Visenya.

She snarled over her muzzle as some of them were touching her hard scales. It seemed like they've never seen a dragon before. Even what looked like children came to clambered onto her much to Visenya's annoyance.

"It will be okay," Azril murmured, not breaking an eye contact with his companion. "Visenya, it's okay."

Baraka had emerged from his tent, his battle gear already ordering his men. Oh god….Don't tell me that we're all going to be executed! I raised my head at the leader of the tribe, who was eyeing all of us like lambs ready for slaughter.

"Grr….There's one more thing I need out of you before I make my decision," Baraka growled. He raised his arm and one of his men blew the horn that echoed throughout the camp.

Is it just me or is the air getting hotter despite this oncoming strong wind we're experiencing?

There from above, a loud screech was heard. A creature swooped down from the sky faster than a meteor that will struck the Earth. It was all red and ridged like a bark of a burning tree. The creature had a sharp beak and two crests on it's head, making it looked like Devil horns.

Since when do Tarkatans have fire pterandons?

"You will be battling me once again," Baraka told me before mounting the giant bird. I noticed that it had a saddle. I was stumped by all of this.

"Nash," Azril sighed. "Use Visenya. She may not be welcoming but it's the only way if you want the Tarkatans to become our allies. Even if I use my daggers to cut myself free, there's a likely chance that I will be the first to be executed."

Oh damn, he's right! Azril has been the backbone for this team!

"Your friend speaks some sense," Baraka agreed. "Mount your beast and battle me from above. If you lose, you and your friends will be our special feast for tonight."

That's when I heard Kristina screaming through the gag.

Forcefully, the Tarkatans cut me loose and escorted me on top of Visenya, who was growling. Gotta say, these guys sure know how to make a comfortable saddle! They looped a harness and reins over her head down to her neck. I patted her neck gently, despite her trying to shake me off.

"Visenya, I know you don't like anyone other than Azril but if we don't work together, he's going to die first."

Visenya let out a small whimpered as her gaze was on Azril. The oldest Disciple just nodded at her, trusting her with those eyes of his. Reluctantly, she lowered her head to allow the Tarkatan guards to remove her muzzle and release her..

She opened and closed her jaws before gazing at the pteranodon. Visenya spread her wings and took off before I could react. She's faster than I thought she would be!

I still have my hammer with me so I figured if Visenya could fly closer, I could go battling it out with Baraka. Roars and screech filled the air while shoutings and chanting were heard from below.

I held onto Azril's dragon as we both flew closer to Baraka and the pteranodon. He calmly stood up, ready with his blades. I mirrored his actions but I stumbled in my steps since I've never fought anyone while on the back of a dragon!

Both of us yelled while our blades and hammer clashed each other, trying to keep a balance from falling over. I dodged Baraka's steps and swing my hammer to knock him off his feet.

Oh no, I'm not letting him stab my legs again!

I leaped over and stepped on both Baraka's arms to prevent him from using his blades. The heat radiating off of this pteranodon is making me feel like I'm in a volcano! But before I could punch his teeth, the pteranodon suddenly shifted and does something similar to a barrel roll.

It was trying to manoeuvre through Visenya's oncoming fire blast!

So this is how it feels to be on those crazy rollercoasters at Universal Studios! My head was spinning, feeling sick. But I have to win this in order to get the Tarkatans on our side!

With all of the stamina I could muster, I had Baraka in a brawl while two beasts are also fighting each other in the sky. My shouts, his growls and the crunch of bones were enough to make my adrenaline kick in.

I was almost on a roll when Baraka had bit me on the shoulder, feeling his shark teeth ripping a chunk of my shoulder. That was until the pteranodon screeched in pain, turning it's head back.

It was missing a right eye!

On my left, Visenya licked her chops which I assumed she had lunged at the flying turkey while I was busy defending myself from Baraka.

With a missing eye, Visenya had gripped onto the pteranodon as the both of them were falling while battling. My heart was racing and my mind suddenly went blank. This isn't good!

There's no way I could survive this impact!

Through instinct, I scrambled off of Baraka to climb on Visenya's elegant wing. Baraka's going to fall along with that beast of his!

Hovering in the air, Visenya let out a victorious roar while I was breathing heavily. Then it suddenly hit me:

If Baraka dies, then the tribe will be after us!

Under my command, Visenya swooped down and caught the leader of the tribe before landing safely on the ground. Everyone was silent. Baraka slowly got up, surveying the scene before he focused his gaze onto me.

"That was," he spoke. "Interesting to say the least. Very well, you have won and have our support."

I can't believe it. I did it! I really did it!

Azril had emerged from the crowd which made Visenya bound over to him to give him licks. Azril simply embraced his dragon. Everyone roared while us Disciples watched. Kristina was released like Azril from their bonds but rather than punching the first person she sees, Kristina kinda leaned back against the rock wall.

I can tell that she's exhausted from her rage.

"So, what's the next plan?"

"I guessed we can heal up and train for a bit," I suggested. "I bet Riana and Bryan are missing out something as exciting as this."

Our celebration was short-lived when the sky darkened to grey and blue, a chill sweeping across the camp.

These Disciples can't seem to catch a break, can they? Well, more will be revealed in the next chapter and yes in this stories I like to think that Tarkatans have fire pteranodons which are not just war machines but their pets as well.

If you are wanting a lemon, we will have to wait and see. Because I got a surprise for all of you!

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