Look who is back! I never strayed away from Mortal Kombat! Not since I saw the DLC and Friendships that are coming out in May 26th! I hope you guys are safe and forgive me if this chapter is tad shorter than my other ones.

Because things are about to get real!

Chapter 50

Meanwhile far away from where the Disciples were, a small council was set up in Outworld inside the palace. At the roundtable, different fighters of the realms were seated because they were all summoned here by no one other than Shao Kahn.

The said tyrant was already sitting with the Kollector by his side who was already given the title as the emperor's second-in-command since he had found out that the tides are turning against his Master. Of course, he still maintained his reputation as Shao Kahn's treasurer with his glorious grotto filled with more luxuries than anyone in this realm.

"Do you think he will be here?" Kollector asked, scanning each individual at the roundtable. The table consisted of Tanya, Kintaro, Shang Tsung, Sektor, Quan Chi, Nitara, Skarlet and two more missing.

"He would be here if she doesn't betray us," Shao Kahn grunted, clearly irritable. Well if he were in the emperor's place, he would be stressed too if his strongest allies have decided to turn against him.

The chatter soon died down when a buzzing sound was heard. Everyone watched as a swarm of insects filled the room until an insectoid figure emerged with a bloodied man still coughing. D'Vorah descended to her seat after dropping Kano on the opposite side.

"Those damn kids," Kano coughed. "Those two...had the three unexpected alliance I've ever seen!"

Everyone listened with interest as the Black Dragon mercenary explained what he had experienced during his raid. Luckily for him, he survived along with some handful of his team.

"This One was lucky to have found him drifting at the Sea of Blood," D'Vorah told everyone. She was lucky that Kotal or anyone didn't see her escaping. But there's no doubt that those two are suspecting her already.

Especially that short, fat female with that pathetic thing called a pet.

A shame really. She was going to consider coaxing that woman to join her and her hive.

"Interesting," Shao Kahn mused. "My own general is turning against me and joining with two of the most useless Disciples you sent into my tournament! Shang Tsung, are you even listening to this?"

"Yes my emperor," Shang Tsung nodded, still having a black eye and some cuts from his previous encounter with the two Disciples. "But do not underestimate them because each of them have their own strategies except two that I am confident with."

"How pathetic," Shao Kahn shook his head in disbelief and then laughed. "You got defeated by a mere Saurian and a little girl?! Listen everybody, Shang Tsung was defeated by my former servant!"

The whole room erupted with laughter. Shang Tsung has never felt so humiliated which was worse than getting killed by the emperor himself.

"I have heard of the Disciples," Quan Chi spoke up once Shao Kahn's disbelieved laughter subsided. "Though I must say that each of them have got my full attention. Especially that stoic one who bargained with you before, Emperor."

"I agree," said Sektor, whose voice had a hint of malice. "He could be useful if we make him into a cyborg permanently. Training under Kuai Liang? Hah! That fool failed to even tame Frost!"

"I'd rather go for that handsome boy I've been hearing about," Nitara purred. "Tanya, you have straddled him before. So, what is he like?"

Tanya had a small smirk on her face. "Oh, he was well-endowed for a young boy. I would say that if he had stamina, he would've lasted long. After all, he's been too focused on pleasure rather than pain."

"Why the wait?" Kintaro growled impatiently. "Let's strike them before they retaliate. As much as they are nothing compared to the other fighters, I have a feeling that they're preparing themselves."

The group murmured to each other until Shao Kahn raised his hand to silenced everyone. He cleared his throat.

"As much as I would agree with a lower Shokan, I have assigned the Kollector to gather information about each Disciple. Once that is done, I will assign who will strike who because I can. Is that clear?"

No one dared to oppose Shao Kahn for they know it will lead them to their demise.

"Good," Shao Kahn nodded in approval. "Kollector, will now scout for information about the Disciples and D'Vorah will join him."

Kollector was about topple over when he heard what his Master had announced. He was not sound with the idea of teaming up with the Kytinn because he knows of her intentions. She was merely using all of them as pawns in her little game.

A Queen serves no one but her hive.

Before Kollector could voice out his own opinions, D'Vorah buzzed out: "This One accepts your proposition, Shao Kahn! We will soon be back before nightfall."

So with the reluctant duo leaving the roundtable, Shao Kahn glanced at everyone else. He dismissed everyone early because something was occupying his mind. He was more concerned with how to handle Sindel now that she's under his control and his daughter was becoming distant lately.

He began to wonder if this was the work of those Disciples?

"No..." he shook his head. "I shouldn't be this paranoid."

He decided to vent out by killing some of the prisoners the palace had kept. Oh yes, that would be nice along with a pretty concubine to bauble over...

...

Not long, Bryan returned back with his mouth rambling something inaudible. The others were training on deck but Kotal noticed the worried expression the youngest Disciple had on his face. But Bryan reassured him with his signature Cheshire Cat grin.

"Hey everybody!" Bryan called out to get their attention. "The one and only is back from the future! Well, other dimensions but I swear it's me."

Both Reptile and Erron Black paused their sparring match to see the youngest Disciple in his suit but had something in his hands. Reptile paid no attention for it doesn't matter to him while Erron nodded a greeting.

"Wow, I take it you guys are adjusting well to the ship?" Bryan asked, amazed at how Reptile and Erron were fighting it out. Kotal decided to stand next to him, his son was clinging to the Osh-Tekk's hip.

"We are indeed," he gave Bryan a warm smile. "It's still a wonder how could someone so young could achieve so many things. Your parents must be proud of you and your accomplishments."

Bryan's expression changed. He let out a nervous laugh and said, "Yeah, I bet they are if they weren't so busy. Sure, the rich life is the best but sometimes, it feels like we're all strangers living under the same roof."

Kotal was failed to hide his surprise. How could this boy's parents neglect their own child? His achievements should be celebrated and not ignored! He embraced his son, who was tapping on Bryan's suit with curiosity.

"Hey, it's no big deal," Bryan reassured him. "When you are rich and succesful, work comes first and family later, right? I'm sure you feel the same way too."

Kotal was slient. He wasn't sure how to approach him now that he knew Bryan even for a small fraction. Before Bryan could leave to find Riana, the Osh-Tekk placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Bryan, you are not alone if this is how you experienced your life," Kotal told him gently. Bryan was surprised by this unexpected talk. He wasn't sure how to reply back but patted Kotal on the back, walking away into one of the cabins.

He found Riana in her cabin with Kurt on the table. There were some papers, some old books, a map at the centre and a tiny little cup with a small creature inside. It looked like a mix between a spiky fish, a snake and has spines jutting out like those of a porcupine.

"Hey Riana," Bryan greeted, looking over her shoulder. "Say, you're doing some kind of research or something?"

Riana hugged Bryan gently despite the youngest Disciple sneaking up behind her from where she's seating. Her eyes were looking a bit tired and Bryan noticed her gloves were removed and was set aside.

"While you were away," Riana explained. "I decided to explore the ship and Syzoth decided to take me fishing. From there, I found some new alternatives to venom and kinda tested it out on me-"

"Wait a minute!" Bryan interrupted. "You doped yourself with venom?!"

"Um...someone has to test it out and no way am I going to make the guys as part of my experiment. Anyways, how was the trip?"

Now, Bryan had a cheeky expression in his eyes. "Oh it was swell! Went to three actually but one definitely stood out for me. We don't exist in that world except as fictional characters."

"What?!"

Bryan just showed her a copy of the game he bought in the other dimension. Even Kurt was curious to see what's all the fuss about. Riana was wide-eyed behind her glasses.

"No way...Does Nash know about this?"

"I haven't told him yet. Besides, the real deal is the shipping page and I'm still salty that I'm not paired up with anyone! I mean, I am the hot commodity and the brains of this operation!"

Riana patted him on the back. Whatever it is, she imagined that being in different dimensions would stress someone out. "Say, I hope we're close to where Nash is. At least he's got the info of what we found."

Bryan nodded then, his tone became serious. "Riana, I don't want you to overdose yourself, even if you know what neurotoxic and hemotoxic can to you."

He left, leaving Riana with her pet in their cabin. He wants some sleep and maybe watch some nostalgic memories of Just Dance games walkthroughs.

Instead, he found himself shedding his armoured suit just to walk around the ship. He can't fathom why but he just kept walking like he's in a trance.

He wondered if he's doing his part in the Disciples team? He knew that everyone apart of him can fight. Even Riana with her short, thick body can still pull a few surprises. All Bryan had was his suit and without it, he can't even punch a pillow across the room.

It wasn't like Bryan to think like this. But maybe it's because like his friends, he wants to go home. He bet that his mom and dad will finally notice that their prodigy son is missing. He knew his baby sister would notice but his parents...that's a mystery he can't solve for himself.

"Bryan?" A voice made him jump.

It was Kotal again! This time, he looked so different without the blue colour on his skin. Bryan would never guessed that's him because of his olive skin tone, his eyes were still the glowing blue hue and still has the markings of the Osh-Tekk on his body. Plus, his eagle-like helmet was off so Bryan never knew that Kotal had long black hair like Conan the Barbarian.

'Still, he looked like those guys on the cover of women's erotic novels,' Bryan thought to himself.

"Woah," Bryan gasped. "I always thought you were blue from the start. But anyways, what's up?"

"I was asking you the same thing. Do you want to fight it out?"

Fight it out? Bryan dreaded the thought because he knows that Kotal is strong enough to break his back over his knees. He was looking around to find an excuse but Kotal dragged him outside despite his protest.

He realised that he and the Osh-Tekk were the only ones on deck. He assumed that Reptile and Erron had retired to their cabins. Since he left his suit, Bryan was no doubt shaking with fear.

"It will be fine, Bryan," Kotal reassured him while the both of them stood on opposite sides, ready for battle.

Since Bryan's knowledge on fighting was from watching a lot of walkthroughs from his favourite gaming YouTubers, he was basically dodging all of Kotal's powerful attack but not retaliating.

Hell, the Special Forces won't let him tag along to some missions except for that one time he got mouth-raped by Kano. His gut told him that those guys at Special Forces thought he's a liability with his in ability to fight hands on.

"You can't avoid forever," Kotal's voice was stern. He may be slow due to his size but his fists were enough to make a hole into the ship. Bryan will have to either win or lose this match if not the ship will sink faster than Titanic.

Despite how much he tried to avoid Kotal's charge, he wasn't prepared when the Osh-Tekk turned himself into a jaguar again. Bryan almost fell overboard due to the big cat's pounce.

"Hey, that's cheating!" Bryan protested but tried to push off the Osh-Tekk who clamped his jaws gently over his neck.

Bryan let out a high-pitch shriek that could shatter the glass but luckily no one came out to check. It was just him and Kotal. So, he decided to kick Kotal in the stomach.

No effect.

Now Bryan was panicking. Kotal lunged at him, pinning him to the ground.

"Okay, okay, I give up!" Bryan protested. "I'm raising the white flag for this!"

The jaguar stopped before the cat changed back into the powerful Osh-Tekk warrior. He offered a hand and helped Bryan up. He had a small smile on his face.

"I sucked, didn't I?"

"Well, in lament terms," said Kotal. "Nonetheless, you will have to adjust to it since it is not confirmed when you and your friends will be leaving."

Both of them heard footsteps and it was Riana. She was releasing the sea creature back into the water while Kurt was perched on her shoulders like a parrot.

"Hi," the young woman greeted. "Just releasing this little guy back into the water. So, what have you been up to?"

"Oh, almost getting mauled by an Aztec jaguar while I am naked without my suit. You know, the standards."

Riana laughed, deciding to join the two of them. Bryan now realised how short is Riana when she stood between him and Kotal. He imagined that she might be the last to be chosen in the roster if he had to check out the game he bought from the other dimension. But here they are, the both of them in this situation where it's either kill or be killed.

Bryan was debating on whether he should show the rest of them or keep this between him and the Disciples?

"Well," sighed Riana, taking a gulp of the sea breeze. "It is nice being on the high sea when you're not getting ambushed."

Kotal chuckled. "Indeed, the sea is a mystery itself and this Sea of Blood is no stranger of the unknown. Not many survived after being thrown overboard. There is no end to the Sea of Blood and there are leviathans lurking in the ocean."

ryan swore he saw a glint of interest in Riana's eyes.

"Can I have a sparring session with you too?" she asked. "I want to try and improve on my skills."

The Osh-Tekk raised a brow. "Tell me, you have something in mind if you win?"

"Can you teach me how to call on a leviathan?"

...

Nash's P.O.V

I just hope my sister and Bryan gets here soon.

There's going to be an onslaught, judging by the message Bryan has sent me. Has anyone followed us while me, Kristina and Azril are here in the Tarkatan war camp?

And I wonder if Mileena would truly change sides and take up my offer of joining me? I bet she would love to explore my world if it weren't for all of the things she was dealing with at the moment.

Right now, both Kristina and Azril are sparring at each other. It was a wonder how Kristina still has the energy for training if she keeps having a swear off? There are times where I got to train not just with my hammer but my whole body as well.

Kristina can be so bossy when she is coaching me!

"My my, it seems like Shao Kahn's fears are coming true~" a slithery voice made the whole camp stopped whatever we're doing.

Let me tell you: I've never seen anything as creepy as this guy coming towards us with a few of Shao Kahn's guards. What's even worst was that he looks like an anorexic Shokan!

"What the- Who the hell are you?!" Kristina demanded, standing close to me with clenched fist.

"I'm here to collect the three of you," the creature chuckled. "And here I am to think that you three turn the Tarkatans against His Excellency. But you, Ermac?"

Ermac said nothing but stood on our side. I guessed he is tired of Shao Kahn! The construct floated with his levitation skills. "Leave us out of this, Kollector!"

This Kollector guy chuckled, his four arms were taking out something from his backpack. Wait, he has another pair of arms holding that bag? "No matter. Anyone against Shao Kahn must pay tribute. And I am not alone."

On cue, a buzzing sound was hovering above us.

Oh, is this the D'Vorah I've heard about? She's just as creepy up close! She's going to make me have nightmares of every insect I see. I gripped my hammer tightly.

Looks like the Tarkatans and Lin Kuei members are ready as well as their fire and ice beasts. But we weren't prepared with what the both of them had for us.

D'Vorah summoned a swarm of bees and other insects, making it hard for us to see her or the Kollector. I'm going to be sick with all these bees coming at me! I hope I'm not allergic to the stings!

"AHHH, THERE'S TOO MANY OF THEM!"

There were blasts of ice coming from the Lin Kuei and their dragons while the air is getting hotter due to the thermals from the Tarkatan's fire pteranodons. Azril has been slashing some of the insects with his dagger while Kristina does the most sensible thing for once:

Squish them until they are nothing than mush at the bottom of our feet.

Ermac helped as well by using his telekinesis to block some of the swarm. During all that, I can't make out where is the Kollector and D'Vorah are. Maybe they're here but the swarm is just masking them from getting caught.

I swear, I'm almost tired from swinging my hammer around and even stomping the remains of the insects. All I could hear are chaotic screaming from the Tarkatans, probably getting the women and children to safety while the rest of us fight on.

Even the Lin Kuei are getting tired, with the Grandmaster looking drained even when he blasted another set of icicles to some of the insects. Even the fiery Frost was about to collapse from the overwhelming swarm.

Is this really how we're going to die?

Just then, something strange was seen in the sky. It was redder than usual as if it would be raining blood.

Needless to say, I was right!

What was surprising was that the swarm had subside and both D'Vorah and Kollector disappeared. What was all that about?

"Azril, you have any idea what just happened?" I asked, seeing as Azril is the most logical among us. The oldest Disciple shook his head.

"I have no clue why this happened. Maybe it has something to do with Shao Kahn?"

"Where are those two?" Kristina demanded with a huff. "I'm ready to clobber them! Where are they?!"

"Well, looks like this is where we will depart," said Sub Zero. "We will aid you in the upcoming battles but now, I will have to train my group to prepare them for what is coming."

With that, we bid the Lin Kuei goodbye and Frost managed to sneak a kiss to a flustered Azril. It was a surprise to see the tip of his ears becoming red out of embarrassment.

Now, we are left with the Tarkatan, their pets and Visenya remained because she is Azril's dragon.

"You've proven your worth once again, boy," Baraka approached me. "However, my men found this while we're all busy fighting off the swarm."

He signalled two Tarkatans who were dragging someone who was covered in blood and a small groan of pain was heard. My jaws dropped at who did the Tarkatans brought here.

It was Erron Black

...

3rd P.O.V

Mileena decided not to join her father for the meeting. She knew what they will be talking about: Trying to kill the Disciples.

Which meant that they'll kill Nash!

She was debating whether or not to escape now to meet up with him. The Tarkatan princess wanted to visit his world and maybe get to know more about him.

She was hesitant because of her father wanting her to be in line for the throne after him and another is Tanya being by her side. Lately, that Edenian woman has been missing and only presence when her father had summoned her.

Mileena had to lied to Shao Kahn about her not feeling so well which the warlord assume it was a woman's thing. He assured her that he will send Sindel after her once the meeting is over.

She felt bad for the Edenian queen. Her voice was lost and there's a chance that Shang Tsung was ordered to brainwash her to turn against her blood daughter, Kitana.

Kitana...her 'sister'...

She will have to convince her and Jade that she will leave Edenia and Outworld alone because of her decision. She's sure of the choice she made.

First, she has to find Nash.

My favourite part about writing this are the villains. I just love a good ol' villain discussion and banter as a storm is brewing. Nash, you and the Disciples better get ready because this is just the beginning!

Stay safe everyone and please review!