HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! How have all of you been? Me, I have been busy and life got in the way. I'm planning to publish my real novels out and I hear we are getting an MK movie this coming April!

Better not be like MK11 and Aftermath! They made Annihilation a masterpiece!

I've been waiting to write this part!

Chapter 55

Nitara was in her humble abode, preparing for what was about to be an all-out war.

The vampiress was marvelling at the brew she has created, which she was going to use towards those Disciples and their allies. In a form of rain, her magical brew can corrode most of the soldiers, even through their armour.

She has collected most of the venom from the sacs of dead Zaterrans and unborn Kytinn their venoms were so lethal, she wore gloves to carefully pour her wanted content into the pot to brew her mixture.

"I should be careful not to spill any of this," she murmured to herself. Shao Kahn's promise of a new era excited her. She could rebuild her legion of her own once the war has ended.

She wondered if any of the people who discussed this with the emperor will betray him in the future? She trusted her instincts on that Kytinn queen whose buzz has given the vampiress constant headaches.

"Any luck?" a soft, whispery voice asked. Nitara turned her head to find her blood companion, Skarlet who has returned from speaking with Shang Tsung about the next step of their plan. She was wearing her blood red outfit that was similar to the Edenian women except it was more alluring, perfect to seduce men and women into her deadly trap.

"No," Skarlet shook her head bitterly. "I tried with the odd one and the short woman on the ship with K'oatal and his group but I didn't expect a leviathan monster to grab me. Luckily I managed to escape before it could swallow me. Sea of blood is my domain after all~"

"Let's hope this time my way works," Nitara sighed. "Would be nice to get that Nash boy. If the rumours are true, let's split him in half."

"Or in pints," Skarlet giggled. "His blood must be sweet if he decided to lay many women since his arrival. I'd rather have the lower half~"

Nitara shakes her head at her blood companion's remarks. "Typical from an AB like you. I hope my spell works. They should be dragged down here right about..."

A loud thud was heard and the ground beneath of the women shook.

"...Now!"

But both of the blood magicians' expressions turned from excited to disappointed when they realised who they have dragged down.

"Oh, we got ourselves the brute symbiote, the Lin Kuei boy and Nash's fat sister with her pet."

"Hey! I'm not that fat!"

Both Nitara and Skarlet placed a spell that immobilised the three of them and pet from moving. All they could do was stare at the two blood magicians, unable to move their mouths. Skarlet had a small smile behind her mask.

"We were expecting someone else but you three will have to do," she purred. "Isn't that right, Nitara~"

"Mmm," Nitara nodded before grabbing Riana and Kurt. "I think I want this one as a snack. Especially this-"

A kick to the vampiress' face was enough to break Riana and Kurt out of the immobilised spell. But before the owner and pet could make a run for it, they were both petrified again. Nitara tutted them condescendingly.

"Honestly, it's useless to try and break free. I'm saving you all of the effort of trying to escape. Since all of you are down here, I think I can make it work."

Azril and Torr watched in horror as Nitara's hands suddenly glowed before grabbing both Riana and Kurt together. Skarlet's giggling in the background wasn't helping the mood either. Azril struggled even with his mouth, trying to speak.

Torr's muffled grunts sounded as if he was being strangled.

But not as much as the ear-piercing scream that was emitted from poor Riana and her beloved pet. Azril's mind quickly went into a flashback from how he was fused to become a soulless cyborg that almost destroyed the Lin Kuei and his friends.

Is this happening again?

Both Azril and Torr tried to shake off the magic that bound them from moving. When they managed to, the transformation of Riana and Kurt were complete. Needless to say that their appearance merged together was so otherworldly that it made the oldest Disciple almost fall back in fear.

Standing before them, a creature with shades of sandy-brown and lavender purple appeared. It had five-finger claws that were sharp enough to slice any limbs from the boys, the torso and back covered in quill-like spikes, including a mane. But what terrified Azril were those unsettling eyes that do not show the emotional woman who sat next to him in every class nor was the friendliness of the bearded dragon.

Instead, they were two pit holes like the abyss, black and hypnotising if stared too long. Let's not forget the gravelly growling sound that was emitted from the throat and the gnashing of teeth. The skin shifting from black to brown to even light sandy brown was something Azril did not expect.

"Impressive isn't it?" Skarlet smiled behind her mask. "A fusion of a human, reptile and our blood magic has brewed a monster. Makes your skin crawl, doesn't it?"

"What have you done..."

With a snap of her fingers, Nitara commanded the monstrous fusion to attack. Torr began to growl before banging the ground to create a tremor to slow the creature down. Azril was a little hesitant despite having a clear shot.

That thing was his friend and he needs to get her back!

"Forgive me, Riana," he muttered to himself before aiming his dagger directly into the creature's cheek. The sound that the creature made was otherworldly with its hooting cries that was similar to an owl's but more octave and hints of snarling like the raptors from the Jurassic Park films.

What was even more terrifying were the scraping sound the creature was making as it walked with long talons scratching the floor. Suddenly, the fused creature used both of its claws to burrow its way down and out of sight!

"Torr," Azril turned to the brute, eyes narrowed as if he was locking on a target. "We gotta knock her out. Mind the quills and claws. Figured they might be loaded with venom. I don't know where we are but we have to get out of here. Ferra and my friends might be in danger."

Torr only grunted and pounded the floor, hoping it would make the creature pop up.

While both the Disciples and brute were trapped in the fray, Nitara and Skarlet sat above the ledge to watch scene unfold. Nitara folded her wings neatly while Skarlet summoned a bowl with blood for them to sip.

"Should we go down there and kill them?" asked Skarlet, sipping the blood before passing it to Nitara. But the vampiress shook her head.

"No, it would be too boring. Besides, if either one dies and if there are survivors, we will kill them. So how are you holding up? You know that man has a silver tongue that could make Shao Kahn bend to his knees."

Skarlet scoffed. "Don't speak of his name again! I'm surprised that you still think about him when I heard that he has found himself a new girl. I pity her."

"Or a man," Nitara laughed. "Rumour has it that a certain lackey of Shao Kahn also is pursuing him."

"No..."

"Oh yes! You know from observation, fast steeds and women will be his downfall."

"I hope so, Nitara...I hope so.."

Little did the women knew that a dark figure was too watching the fight. This figure wanted nothing more than to take both of them down. All he needs to do now is get the Disciple and brute's attention first.

...

"Great," Bryan muttered as he watched a ship descending down from the sky. It has the Special Forces symbol on the flank. He knew that these people meant business but he doesn't understand why they are here when the battle is already over!

"What are they doing here, Bryan?" Kristina demanded. She honestly thought that they have things under control. "I thought we had it in the bag!"

"Apparently not..."

The Special Forces troops came out of the ship, surrounding the area. They arrested Reptile, Kotal and his son, Erron Black and some of the other people who were here including Azril's dragon, Visenya. Kristina did not like that at all! Plus, Riana, Azril and Nash are probably trapped somewhere in hell for all she knows!

"Hey!" Kristina called out. "You can't arrest us without knowing what we did! Bryan, tell them that we got everything under control. Get off of me!"

Kristina kicked a female soldier in the nether region before getting into her fighting stance.

"Kristina, stand down!" Kotal ordered her. "There has to be a reason for their arrival. I suggest that we kept our weapons for now."

Reluctantly, Kristina ceased but her hands were twitching for a fight. Bryan approached her and pat her back.

"Relax, Kris," he assured her. "Colonel Blade and Cage are fair., Just don't get onto their bad side since you just kicked a soldier in the bush. Also, we got Cassie, Takeda, Jacqui and Jin here so you don't want to make them think you're crazy."

"You're the one to talk about crazy," Kristina rolled her eyes before facing the Special Forces. She gave a crooked smile. "Didn't expect that out of me, huh? Not a soldier yet I have the reflexes."

"Are you drunk?" Jacqui questioned with a raised brow. "And where are the other three? Bryan sent us a signal to get here but now that we are here, you don't want us here? Bryan, what the hell were you thinking?"

"Hey, hey, no need to accuse me!" the youngest Disciple raised his hands in protest. "I also didn't know that we would end the bloodbath here thanks to these guys and you can stop aiming your guns at the wyvern. She's Azril's pet."

Kung Jin stared at the magnificent beast who gazed down at the archer with disdain. With a breath, hot smoke blew out of her nostrils before giving the whole Special Forces a warning growl. Needless to say, most of the troops were in awe at the sheer size of the dragoness.

"So, you two are teaming up with those guys?" Cassie points at Reptile, Erron Black, and Kotal. Kristina nodded, the same with Bryan.

"Yeah! They are with us and can help us fight Shao Kahn and his army!" Bryan rambled on as he walked. Kristina noticed that Erron was not around as Bryan explained to the Special Forces about what the Disciples are up to.

"So you are telling me that Azril, Riana and Nash are trapped in the Netherrealm?!"

"Indeed," an echoed voice answered. Everyone got into their stance except Bryan who hid behind Kristina. Rolling her eyes, Kristina noticed a figure slowly emerging in a mist of green. It was the same figured that made her heart flutter slightly.

"Ermac," Kotal approach the construct. "You escaped the Netherrealm? Where are the others? "

"Still in the Netherrealm or away, we hoped," Ermac answered, his glowing green veered away. Everyone was surprised by Ermac.

"You left them?" Kristina questioned, her voice hushed.

"Kristina, we-"

Before he knew it, Ermac was tackled hard by an angry Zaterran. Reptile was shaking Ermac by both of his shoulders. "You left them in the Netherrealm?! Where Quan Chi or anyone using necromancy could turn them into puppets?! My Riana is trapped down there?!"

"Reptile," Kotal ordered with a boomed of his voice. "Cease and desist! Release Ermac this instance!"

With huffed growls, Reptile released the construct's grip, acid dripping slightly from his mouth. Kristina crinkled her nose at the reptilian man's behaviour. Riana must have some sort of kink if she is into him, right?

"So Bryan," Johnny Cage cleared his throat. He gestured to his disciple to stand next to him. "Why don't you give us a run down about what you guys have done so far? Also, Colonel needs to talk to you privately."

Judging by Bryan's expression, he looked like he was being called by the principle for something he has done. So far, it was probably one of his gadgets or inventions. Needless to say, it gave her a more peace of mind to talk to Ermac.

"Hey," Kristina approached the man in red. Ermac tilted his head curiously. "So if you were in the Netherrealm before, how did you escape?"

"We were in a mid-battle with the wraith known as Noob Saibot," said Ermac while levitating. "Our battle teleported us to the Lin Kuei. Grandmaster Kuai Liang is dealing with the wraith. From there, we decided to find you."

Kristina nodded, watching Ermac discussing with Kotal about something while Reptile began to carry the Osh Tekk's son towards Visenya. She felt a warm hand touch her shoulder.

"All my life," Erron Black chuckled. "I've never seen a gal like you being all bullets about our current situation. If I were you, I'd muzzle up and let them take the reins for a while."

"Lemme guess," Kristina crossed her arms. "You'd buck them like a bronco, right?"

Erron smirked behind his mask and leaned close to her ear. "You wanna find out how long you'd last, darlin'~"

Before Kristina could answer, she made an excuse to go somewhere before Erron could make his advances. He watched her leave hastily. The old gunslinger was confused with his feelings for her. She is a competitive one who could challenge him and enjoy the same thrills as he does and yet...her sensitive side makes her more adorable in his eye.

"What are you doing to me, lil lady?" he shakes his own head.

...

Kristina walked far away from the group, trying to clear her mind about what just happened.

She has kissed both of the men and yet her heart had the weirdest decision that she herself never knew. It was like choosing between having a cheeseburger or a hotdog. Why choose one when you can have both?

It was so confusing for her that she punched the ground out of frustration.

"Pull yourself together, Kris," she groaned to herself. She never expected any of this to happen. After her breakup with her ex, she had swore to herself that she will never date another guy or fall for one. Ever since she was trapped in this fighting video game, she never thought that her heart would hammer not on one but two guys.

It was damn confusing!

"Kristina?"

Kristina whipped her head to find the source of the sound, which came from none other than Ermac. Kristina became a bit stiff as the construct slowly approached her with his levitation. "Are you alright? You seemed confuse by something."

"You have no idea," she chuckled dryly. But she looked up at him with a small small, her cheeks red. Ermac noticed this, began to trace her face with his gloved finger. She held it tenderly.

There was something that was nagging inside of her mind and Kristina needed answers. She shakily reached out a finger to tap his nose playfully.

"What do you look like?"

"We beg your pardon?"

"Well," Kristina cleared her throat. "What do you look like under all of those bandages?

Ermac was surprised by her question. Does she really want to know? "Kristina...are you certain about this? We don't look like anyone you would expect."

"I'm sure," Kristina nodded and took his hands in hers. "Is that alright?"

Hesitantly, Ermac's hands shakily removed his hood as he undo his bandages. Kristina held his breath, waiting for Ermac to slowly unravel the bandages that covered his head. The souls inside of him were chittering with excitement, clearly urging him to strip out of the bandages that held his body. Kristina gasped when the final bandage over his head was removed.

"We are a monster, are we?"

"No...Ermac... no..."

His face was just as she expected: Pale, with sallow cheeks and a few scars while he lacked the hair over his bald head. His glowing green eyes stood out from his ghostly complexion. She caressed his cheek gently, making the construct lean into her touch.

"You're beautiful," she breathed out. Before she knew it, Kristina's lips were met with a kiss. It was sweet yet there was a sense of passion that made the young woman wrap her arms around his neck while a pair of arms encircled her waist.

"Mmm.." Kristina sighed into the kiss. "You had...experience?"

"Soulful experience," Ermac smiled a teasing smile on his lips. Their kiss has led to the both of them gently removing each other's clothes until Kristina stopped. She covered her chest, making Ermac confused.

"Is this...to far?" he asked, not wanting to force her to do anything that might make her uncomfortable. Kristina shakes her head.

"No...God no!" she laughed. "It's a bit personal but...I'm not as busty as most of the girls. Puberty was kinda late with me so..."

But Ermac kissed her gently on the forehead with utmost care before he pried her hands covering her chest. Ah, so this was why she was hesitant! To be honest, Ermac has no problem with her being the way she is. No one has ever moved him more than she does.

Slowly, Ermac removed her sports bra and there were her flat chest with pebbled nipples. Ermac began to kiss at her cleavage, using his tongue to play with the nipples. Kristina bit her lips but couldn't surppress the moan that her body was feeling.

Plus, her legs were trembling like a baby deer's. She could feel a throb between her legs. Ermac, who somehow sensed this, began to let her wrap her slender legs around his delicate waist. Their little session was getting intense when Kristina removed his robes and began to rub her hand on a bandaged area that covered his...precious jewels.

Hearing him gasp, Kristina stopped a bit. "Are you okay?"

"We are well, Kristina," he assured her, perspiration was seen on his face. "No one...has ever touched us...like this before..."

Feeling honoured that she was the first to do so, Kristina began to unwrap the bandaged area like it was a present. The more she does it, the more Ermac's breathing was hitched. When the prize was uncovered, Kristina began to pump it.

"Ah...Kristina..."

Kristina smiled, loving the fact that she was making him all putty under her touch. It was a lot easy than pumping weights or iron to lose some of her weight at the gym. Never in her life would she do this to someone! Without thinking, Kristina began to suck him off.

Ermac's groan of pleasure echoed within him and the thousands of souls that were inside of his body. He pulled Kristina's long hair while another hand began to trace her back until it reached her underwear.

Little did the both of them knew, a figure was watching the little session. It was none other than Erron Black himself. Being a watcher was one thing that could make him hot under the belt but...

It was only a matter of time before he gets his turn!

So Nash is trapped in the Netherrealm with beautiful Edenian ladies and Ferra, Azril was forced to fight a fusion of Riana and Kurt, Bryan gets a talk while Kristina...you know...

Don't worry my dears, there's more~

I'm going to catch up on shows while I write all my stories and novels.

Waiting for Peaky Blinders season 6, Beastars season 2, Kakegurui season 3 and finally, rewatch Shape of Water

Please review!