Geez, all that battle going on I bet these five Disciples will handle themselves well when they get back home. IF they get back home.

Also in this story, it's canon for Tarkatans to have firebirds and Lin Kuei members to have dragons except Frost! XD

Chapter 49

As if we can't even catch a break!

Everyone looked up at the sky where grey clouds were covering the Sun, the breeze becoming colder. It didn't feel like the sort of breeze that one would enjoy when having a picnic. Instead, it's like a blizzard where the wind and dry air can cut up your skin until blisters are formed.

Screeches were heard along with rumbling roars.

"They're here," Azril murmured. Wait, what does he mean by that?

Slowing with slow wingbeats, around 10 dragons in shades of blue, grey and silver descended gracefully.

Some of the dragons looked like Visenya but having more spikes on their backs and heads, I assumed they're males. About half of them have wings on their front limbs like her while the other half have proper wings on their backs just like an actual dragon.

The Lin Kuei have arrived and I believe the Tarkatan alliance may be fragile at this point.

Grandmaster Sub Zero climbed down from his dragon which was follow suite by other riders on their dragon. All of them wore the same blue gear with masks and having the Lin Kuei sigil on their armour. Only Sub Zero bore the Grandmaster badge above his chest on the right side.

Then on Sub Zero's dragon, Frost landed on her feet. Her gear and outfit was somehow different than the traditional attire Sub Zero and the others were wearing because hers was a lighter blue-white and looked somewhat futuristic.

"Grandmaster," I managed to speak up. "What are you doing here?"

"Apparently Frost sensed that you were in danger," he gestured to the only female member of the Lin Kuei. "But we weren't too convinced about it until Frost insisted that we come and find you."

Kristina approached all of us with her arms crossed over her chest, not convinced. "Yeah? How would you know, Frost?"

Despite the chatters and sounds of Tarkatans in the camp, Frost's voice was clear to explain her reason. She had a feeling that something was not right after Azril left. So it was something like a gut feeling but she tried to shrug it off by doubling her training and preparing herself. But that feeling came again when she heard the roars from Visenya in the distant.

"And then I brought the Grandmaster out to hear it for himself," Frost directed her gaze to the Lin Kuei master. "He was sure that you're alright Azril but I proved him wrong."

"I'm surprise that you're not tired after all that training," Kristina snorted. "Then again, who am I to judge?"

Azril was quiet, taking in the information carefully. "As much as I appreciate your concern, I'm fine. The question now is how did you find this place?"

"Oh yeah! We got some info from that guy over there." Frost pointed at one dragon whose back still had a rider-no, two riders! When they descended, I knew one was a Lin Kuei member while the other…

"Ermac?" I was speechless at the construct who seemed out of place riding an ice dragon and following the Lin Kuei all the way to the Tarkatan War Kamp. I am beginning to wonder if Ermac's just neutral in this world because he's on Shao Kahn's side yet he has helped us and not capture us.

God, these things are kinda confusing if I linger on to it!

"Who else has the information but him," Azril nodded, still not fazed that Ermac was now here with us. He was busy giving Visenya a few rubs and pets.

Kristina, no surprise dropped everything to meet him. It was fascinating to see our tough girl suddenly becoming all flustered and acting like those girls she hate in school.

All it took was just Ermac's presence.

"Anyways Ermac," I tried to steer him away from talking to Kristina before we lose sight of what's really important. "If you are here, you must know where my sister and friends are?"

Ermac's expression was blank except for those glowing green eyes blinking slowly like a cat. I was focusing on him to notice the constant chatters of the Lin Kuei and Tarkatans in the background or felt the vibration of the ground that were made by the dragons.

"Ermac, where are our friends?" Kristina asked, pressing him on the subject.

"They're…sailing towards their destination," the construct replied hesitantly. I was suspecting the worst. Riana and Bryan could be in danger!

"You sound unsure, Ermac," Azril approached us with Visenya lumbering behind him like an obedient guard dog. All of us were expecting the answers out of Ermac. Yeah, even Kristina who had her arms crossed.

Ermac was quiet but levitate close to me. Without warning, he grabbed me by the head with his hand and I saw flashes before my eyes. I tried to blink but all of the images were shoved into my memories.

Riana…

Sea…

Wha-What's D'Vorah doing with them?

They're being ambushed!

"Riana and Bryan are under attack!" I yelled, trying to pry Ermac's hand off of my head. If that was one of his abilities, I will not imagine what he might do if he wants information out of someone.

"What are we waiting for?" Kristina was wrapping a thin cloth around both her hands like a bandage. "Let's go help them!"

The both of us were in an agreement but Azril halted us. His grip was strong enough to make Kristina and I stop our struggling as the pressure increased. "Azril, you know that they are in danger!"

"Let them learn," he sighed. "How else are those two going to learn how to fight back or defend themselves? If it weren't for the three of us in the group, they'd be dead."

I'm staring at him, questioning his logic. Azril continued: "Riana and Bryan can handle them on their own. Besides, they are not alone on the journey."

Ok, I can see his logic but I can't help but feel worried about them. I guessed now we have to explain to the Lin Kuei about our current mission because it looks like this might be a fragile alliance with the Tarkatans despite Baraka's support.

So I explained to the Grandmaster about the newfound alliance with Baraka and his tribe. Sure it's different than the others in this realm but I think they're okay now.

I hope.

There were a mix of doubts and curiosity among both sides. Even for me, I thought Baraka's tribe are going to be Shao Kahn's followers but even if they do, I guessed it's for survival.

Mortal Kombat sure changed a lot when me and my friends are here!

I decided to see if I could get contact with Bryan since I totally forgot that he had given us some gadgets for us to use like a phone. So far, there's no luck in trying to reach him or Riana.

I decided to watch the scene before me: Kristina was teaching some of the eager Tarkatans some sports we do back home but improvised it with some of the items here. I know these guys are war-hungry but I think sports might show them the fun side of things. She was showing them how to play football with a flaming skull which fascinated some of the Tarkatans.

To me, I think Kris is better off with sports stuff than guns in battle.

Azril on the other hand was discussing something with the Grandmaster and some of the members of the Lin Kuei. I'm not sure what it was but sounds deep. I noticed that some of them were pointing at Visenya, who seemed to be the only dragon with a harness and saddle strapped onto her.

"Hey," a voice called from behind me. It was Frost.

Now, I don't know Frost that well but there's no way I'm making any attempts at her because she reminds me of a volatile Kristina. I wasn't sure why she wanted to talk to me because frankly, I find her really intimidating!

"Hello Frost," I greeted her with a smile, trying not to hide the fear in my voice. "So, how do you find the camp so far?"

"Too hot," she shrugged, using her cryomancing powers to make an ice-shaped fan for herself. Heh, there are some things I wonder about people with ice-type abilities where one is making a cooling system for themselves.

It's so awkward!

"I can see that your friend Kristina is settling in nicely," Frost pointed out to my friend who was showing the Tarkatans different types of sport. "I don't think I would last being here."

To be honest, I don't think anyone would! We were just lucky that I was almost a hair away from becoming the tribe's dinner. Now it's a matter of time before Baraka announce his alliance to his tribe.

"What's Azril like?"

That question snapped me out of my thoughts. Frost was looking at me with some expectation. "You're his friend, right? So what's he like?"

Now, I only talk to Azril briefly because I am intimidated by him. Besides, he goes to the same university as Riana so I figured my sister knows more about him. Or maybe not since Azril is the most reserve out of the five of us.

So I told her of what I know of him. Frost's expression wasn't much help because she too was in deep thought. "I thought so," she nodded. "Even he is a mystery to the Grandmaster. I remember Azril did mention about having to grow up so early in childhood."

Huh! So that makes a lot of sense. Push aside the fun stuff to grow up quickly and I guessed that's where he used his logic and common sense a lot rather than emotions.

"So, you're planning something for him?" I inquired. Frost just shrugged.

"Maybe but I'm not sure how he will react. Plus, his dragon hates me. I thought maybe you guys know more about him. I doubt that Kristina chick knows much since she's busy on training and stuff."

Oh I see! Frost wants to make a move on him and get to know him. All I could do was wish her luck and if Azril will open up, then it would be a sight to see.

My mind's too occupied about this new alliance and my meeting with Mileena. I wonder if she would consider my offer and maybe it might weaken Shao Kahn's forces.

But then there's Tanya who might persuade her…

I was about to have a walk when Baraka stopped me. "Come with me," he beckoned. Oh god, what's going to happen? What if he changed his mind and decided to follow Shao Kahn after all?!

…

We entered his tent where a dead body was laid on the table. It's probably his snack…

I was close to taking out the hammer that was slung onto my back in case he wants another fight. But I realised that he's not alone. Sub Zero and Ermac are in here too!

And the both of them don't look happy to be here.

"So we're having a meeting?"

"Of course," Baraka grunted before gesturing me to sit down. "Now that the Grandmaster and Shao Kahn's construct are here, we can discuss about the next plan of attack.

First it was Sub Zero who was discussing some things with the tribe leader. I guessed it has something to do with their dragons since Visenya seemed to be the only one with the saddle on.

Then again, she's the only dragon that has been out of the Lin Kuei temple.

I figured that the Lin Kuei and Tarkatans might get along in terms of their rides. I don't think the Lin Kuei has proper equipment for their dragons unlike Baraka's tribe with their fire-terror birds. All I noticed from Sub Zero's dragons were just ropes that formed makeshift halters.

As for Ermac, it was difficult to tell what's going on in his mind. I don't know him or have interacted with him. But seeing him here is a bit unnerving. I know Shao Kahn created him and fused him with souls of fallen Edenian soldiers but…

Can I really trust him?

"I'm impressed, Nash," Sub Zero's voice almost made me jump. "You convinced Baraka to join your side for the battle. Is there a reason why?"

Damn, he's on to me!

"Well…I was thinking that if Shao Kahn wins this battle and continue as the ruler," I began, getting the three of their attention. I got to play my cards rights in this.

So I told them about how Mileena would be next line for the throne with great promises and opportunities. But it's not going to work if she's under her father's care and having Tanya by her side. As far as I know from Jade, Tanya was known to backstab people who trusted her.

"He suggested someone else to rule," Baraka grumbled, picking his teeth with one of his arm blade. I tried to avoid staring at him because it looked disgusting.

"We know," Ermac's voice echoed, speaking on the behalf of thousands of souls. "He wants K'oatal to rule."

The mood in the tent suddenly shift from calm to chaotic with Baraka lunging at me once more. This time, I blocked his arms blades before roundhouse kicking him to the table.

"You WANTED him to rule?" Baraka growled, getting up from the table. I was already taking out my hammer, eyes set onto the tribe leader. "After what he almost done to wipe out my entire tribe?!"

Before the both of us could strike, a glowing green energy had restraint us from moving. Ermac was stopping us from delivering killing blows to each other!

"Cease and desist," the construct commanded. "Nash, give your reason for suggesting K'oatal. Baraka, listen well and then we will drop the both of you to resume your fight."

Feeling grateful that Ermac just saved me from having to fight again, I began to explain my reason that I had discussed with the other Disciples before we split up for our little mission. It was nerve-wrecking because it looked like Baraka's going to eat me and forget about the earned alliance I have made with him.

"K'oatal hates Tarkatans," Baraka grumbled. "We only aid Mileena because of the promise she gave us. From there, the tension between us is almost as bad as that Earthrealmer Blade and Kano."

I see. Well, looks like I have to find a way to make them work together!

Baraka was quiet. I decided to let Ermac put us down and we leave the tribe leader alone with his thoughts. On the way out, I whispered to Ermac: "You know, Kristina's teaching some of the Tarkatans some sports. Afterwards, I think she's going to get a drink if you want to join her."

The construct's glowing green eyes blinked and he went out of the tent.

Sub Zero looked at me. "I suggest you wait around his tent until he says a word. In the meantime, I can see Azril has improved a lot."

"Well, I don't think there's nothing to change about him," I pointed out. Azril to me, seems perfectly fine.

"Ah but did you notice how he's expressing more of his emotions?"

Has he? It must have been subtle because I couldn't tell!

The Grandmaster pointed out that Azril has become more relaxed since he interacted with Frost while the female cryomancer has become calm. At the moment, the both of them were sparring to catch up while I handle the situation with Baraka.

We decided to watch how the Tarkatans and Lin Kuei members seemed to have competitions of their own despite the language barrier between them. Some were playing the sports coached by Kristina while some were racing their dragons with the firebirds. She looks a bit flustered, I figured from the way she leaned into Ermac who had an arm around her waist.

I guessed those two are past the point of no return!

I wonder how Riana and Bryan are going to handle the chaotic situation. I hope those two know what they're doing but then again mine is was also a trouble to deal with.

I decided to stick around the tent, waiting for Baraka to come out. I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.

"Nash," Sub Zero's voice got me to stand up straight. God, he's scary when his eyes gaze down at you! "What you propose sounds reasonable but dangerous. However, I think you might convince him."

"You think so?" I asked hopefully.

"If you decided to go with your intuition rather than your carnal desires," said Sub Zero before he left me alone to my own device. I was about to peek into Baraka's tent when a vibration was felt at my hip.

Heh, I almost forgot this crazy device Bryan gave us since all of our phones are in the real world!

I looked at the message and my heart almost dropped. This isn't good…

This is seriously not good!

…

3rd P.O.V

"HARD TO STARBOARD!" Bryan screamed while frantically putting on his suit in order to fight the opposite ship. He was baffled at how that ship had found them or it's just a coincidence?

Not to mention that the busybody bee is here with them!

Bryan hoped that they would at least get away from the ship and there's no way in hell is he going to face the ship's captain. He shudder, not wanting to remember how that guy had kissed him and almost violated him in Bryan's womanly disguise.

He was glad that Riana is the one steering the wheel of the ship while her pet was left to guard K'oatal's baby in one of the cabins. The said Osh-Tekk was at the hull and chanted something in his own language.

Bryan wasn't sure what he did but he saw through his built-in binoculars that the people on the opposite ship were screaming in pain.

That guy must have summoned something.

Reptile had fired some of his acid bombs to at least melt the ship. He's better than a cannon if he could fire his acid that way! And the gunslinger Erron had been really handy with his rifle, firing at some of the crew members.

Bryan could've swore that guy has the Dead Eye!

"Should I accelerate now?" Riana asked from above. Bryan gave her the thumbs up, knowing now it's the good time to use the propellors of the ship.

Suddenly, Bryan's ship began to rumble and everyone felt it except for the hovering D'Vorah. Yes, the ship was picking up speed! Bryan punched his fist into the air for victory! He decided to quickly send the message to Nash about what they have encountered and know before he forgets.

After all, Nash is somewhat the 'leader' in their group.

"What was that?" Reptile hissed, steadying himself from the sudden speed of the ship.

"Acceleration of my propellors my dear reptilian," Bryan grinned his Cheshire Cat grin. "Can't handle the motion in the ocean? Don't worry, we might get away thanks to my genius play!

Reptile snorted. Seemed like a fate that the boy was Cage's disciple since the both of them really annoyed him but he bit back the urge to fire acid at him.

"Amazing," Kotal murmured. "Without using the power of the wind.."

But it was not over yet.

Somehow, the opposite ship had fired a few cannons and something similar to a gating gun. Everyone on the ship were doing their best to avoid getting hit.

"Riana, shake them off!" Erron called out while firing his rounds. "Looks like those Black Dragons are going to launch themselves onboard!"

The young woman at the wheel could only nod since she was focused on trying to steer the ship away from the Black Dragons. Now, she doesn't have any experience with a boat but Bryan reassured her that it's fine.

So she relied on her intuition and those times of watching movies to help.

"I hope Kurt and the baby are okay," she murmured. Her fingers were twitching from the urge to slash or jab someone with her venoms since there's a chance the opposite ship might have some of the members jump into their side of the ship.

Bryan, now in his suit decided to fire some of of his lasers at them. But the real fight would begin if they decided to come close. Then, he'll show off some of his moves…

As if his wish came true, a few men had jumped onto the ship, making everyone go into combat. Bryan decided to shuffle away since he doesn't want his suit to get scratches after all the hard work he put into it.

He noticed that D'Vorah was just avoiding the fight because he saw the Kytinn hovering in the air, dodging some of the attacks but never retaliating.

Seems a bit suspicious.

"Shit…" he cursed when he saw who decided to jump onboard. It was the leader of the Black Dragon himself with his shit-eating grin. He was looking at Bryan.

"We meet again, beanpole," he chuckled. "Gotta say, it's impressive that a little boy like you could build something like this. You could be valuable if you join us."

"Fuck no!" Bryan protested, now the flooded memories came back to him. "I'm going to send your ass down under!"

With that, his suit had powered up and let out loud music which some would recognised as techno-pop or remixes. Not only was this used to stun some of the unwanted visitors onboard…

It's used for Bryan to perform his dance attacks that ranged from moonwalking to dodge some of the Black Dragon's attack, to the most outrageous dance that could be seen in most K-Pop videos!

But that doesn't last as Kano had reinforcement.

This was what Riana feared the worst: They were outnumbered!

Riana was fending off some of the Black Dragons, resulting in some being poisoned or dead by her lethal weapons. She was keeping an eye on the members, hoping none of them found her pet or Kotal's son. What's even worst is that her venom supply was running low.

"COVER YOUR EYES!" Kotal's voice boomed across the ship. Everyone wasn't sure why but when they did, they felt burning sensations on their skin. Only those with acute hearing could hear that it was the Osh-Tekk himself who had summoned this attack.

Once the brightness had subsided, Riana opened her eyes to see some of the Black Dragons charred while those who survived had thrown themselves overboard to retreat.

It wasn't a victorious moment but at least she and her friends are still alive.

"What was that?!" Bryan asked, clearly in awe of what happened.

"I summoned and used the power of the Sun," Kotal explained. "It's one of my abilities as an Osh-Tekk. When I was in Earthrealm centuries ago, the Mayans and Aztec depicted me as their god. Besides the Sun, I can control blood magic and turn into a powerful jaguar."

"Well I'll be!"

"That was impressive and expected of you, K'oatal."

'That explains his animal-like attire,' Riana thought to herself. She checked to make sure everyone was okay, including fetching the two precious things in the cabin.

"My brave Kiawe," Kotal sighed in relief when he saw his son was safe. Riana passed the baby to him before making her way to Reptile. He had some burnt marks on his upper body and some bruises.

"I'll be fine," Reptile nuzzled her. "How about you?"

Riana just embraced him. Looks like there's a lot of things to do before the ship reached Nash's location. She bet that Nash along with Kristina and Azril had it easy since they don't have to deal with the Kollector or something as chaotic as this.

Speaking of which, she hasn't noticed that D'Vorah had left them where the battle had unfold.

Riana made a mental note to read and brush up her knowledge on bees in order to understand the Kytinn and how to outwit her.

Right now, she needs to check if there's any medical supply to patch up her friend's wounds and injuries.

…

Bryan decided to let the ship be on autopilot mode because there are more pressing matters he has to attend to:

Finding the right combination to find their world.

The youngest Disciple had been busy in his lab while the others were patching up their wounds. He will have to test these dimensions on himself so he decided to wear his suit on this matter.

"I hope I don't run into my past-self from another timeline," Bryan muttered, clearly tired.

When the portal opened, Bryan took a deep breath before walking in.

He had entered what looked like a town and there were a lot of people. He assumed that he's in San Francisco or something because this doesn't look like his or his friend's home.

"Hey, nice cosplay!" A man walked up to him, giving Bryan a thumbs up. Bryan cocked his head in the suit. He must be in a comic-con convention.

"Huh? What cosplay?"

"You know, Bryan from the new Mortal Kombat: Disciples!," said the man.

Bryan's heart dropped and so is his mouth.

"W-what?!" He stammered in disbelief. The man pointed out to a panel where a lot of people were gathered in from to see two gamers having a live competition. And the characters they were playing were…

"Oh my god…" Bryan's voice was almost speechless when he saw himself on screen. "They drew me too thin! I'm the hottest thing and they decided to make me a scarecrow with glasses?!"

Some passerby saw the young Disciple ranting. "Heh, he's probably upset that his character's on C-tier list."

After his rant, Bryan composed himself and crossed this out as one of the tried combinations. He still found it hard to believe that he and his friends don't exist except as video characters in this world.

Before leaving, he snatched up a copy of the game to show Nash and the others. Not without paying, of course!

Did I sledgehammered the 4th wall? Good!

Nash sure gets lunge at by Tarkatans, doesn't he? Don't worry, Kano is still alive despite what happened. Only question now is:

Where's D'Vorah?

Please review!