Hey, I'm back! Sorry I've been gone for long due to work and I'm publishing my first psychological-supernatural novel. I might be planning on writing a solo story after writing Disciples. Probably one of my Disciples on their adventure with some of the MK characters. Not sure yet...

I also watched my favourite YouTubers commenting about the Mortal Kombat 2021 movie and I have one thing to say:

Stryker should replace Cole Young and reunite with Kabal but gets betrayed!

In other words, I feel hyper with caffeine tea and cocoa to the point I'm waiting for Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl and Legend of Arceus!

Anyways, enjoy the chapter :)

Chapter 58

Oh, my god...

This is it!

This is what we were expecting! Only thing missing were Riana and Azril joining us in this battle. I thought it was going to be something epic like Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit but this...

It was something terrifying with screams, cries, the clashing of weapons along with bones being broken were enough to make me sick in my stomach. Maybe there was a reason why the five of us came to Mortal Kombat. An awkward pervert, a student athlete, a child prodigy, a nature lover and a logical thinker...

Maybe, this could be the answer to everything!

I began to charge at a Naknadan who was outnumbering Kristina. I used a mixture of both of my hammer and my fists to break their jaws or at least one of their six arms. I think from all of the fights I have encountered here, I don't think the sight of dismembered limbs, blood or severed heads phased me anymore.

I wonder if my friends and sister felt the same way?

I'll have to think about later as another Naknadan was trying to slash my throat with a sickle. I could hear roaring coming from Reptile on my right. He was using his tongue like a chameleon's to snatch one of the Oni soldiers and managed to break his neck with the strength of his tongue and then spit his guts out with the corrosive acid.

"There's too many of them," I muttered to myself, smashing one of the scrambling Naknadans in my sight with their heads split opened, teeth and bits of their insides flying everywhere.

I could hear Jade screaming in anger as she was in an intense battle with Tanya. I did promise Jade that I would stay out of her way and let her have the finishing kill on her. Meanwhile, Kitana and her mother were teaming up to take down the giants with a combination of the fan and scream, making a powerful tornado.

Mileena on the other hand, looked like she was about to collapse.

I rushed to her side, hoping no one else got to her. She was brandished with new bruises and scars. "Mileena, just lean onto me. I can get you somewhere for you to heal up."

But the Tarkatan princess only giggled. "How sweet of you, Nash! But I'll be alright in a second. If you want my advice, go help my prissy sister and mother dearest!"

And she was right: Kitana and Sindel, despite their skills and abilities, were overwhelmed in numbers with the giants grabbing them as if they were Barbie dolls. Watching my former mentor and her mother getting thrown around, I began to charge at the giants with all of my might.

I know, sounds cheesy, isn't it? But when you're put into a situation like this, I'm pretty sure you would be doing the same, right?

"HEY!" I shouted, trying to draw the giants to my direction. When they ignored my calls, I began to sledgehammer them in the ankle, making them bellow out in pain. I have to act fast because now they are trying to grab anything they could to kill us.

I don't think I've ever jumped in my life but with the giants swinging their brutal arms at us, I have to do whatever it takes to survive. During the fight, I can't help but wonder where was Bryan. When I came up with Reptile, Bryan was there in his suit fighting off some Naknadans but midway, he disappeared.

'He better not change sides,' I thought to myself. Bryan was the most unpredictable one compared to me and Kristina.

Enough of that! Who knows what might happen if I decided to day dream right now!

"Boy, help me with this!" I heard Reptile hissing a command. I could see he was trying to lift a dead giant. I wonder what was his intention? Curiously, I leaped down from my kill to help this Zaterran.

God, the giants are so much heavier then I anticipated!

"What's under this dead weight?"

Reptile did not answer as the both of us rolled the dead giant over and find...a saw-like sword. Wait, this weapon looks familiar...

"Kotal's sword? What is it doing here? Where is he?"

"Finding a safe place for his son," was Reptile's reply before spitting his green acid at an oncoming Naknadan soldier. "You will have to wield it for now."

My eyes widened. No way in hell am I going to use an ancient sword that belonged to an Osh-Tekk! My hammer is already heavy enough!

"Just do it," Reptile commanded. "Until he gets back. Jade and Tanya are close to finishing the brawl. It would be a matter of time before one of them does the finishing kill. If I ever make it out alive in this bloodbath, do expect a ritual between me and your sister very soon."

With that, he camouflaged himself, probably to kill the poor Naknadans who didn't see him coming.

However, the road to welding the Osh-Tekk weapon was short-lived as an explosion was heard. Most of the creatures from Shao Kahn's army stopped to stare at something but then resumed their fight as if it were nothing.

"Calvary's here, bitches!" Bryan's voice announced and let me tell you, I did not expect him to be in a giant robot that's the size of Bumblebee from Transformers!

"You have got to be kidding me," I muttered, moving away to get to where the Edenians were.

Jade was close to collapsing from her battle with Tanya while the pyromancer herself was full of bruises and was minutes away from getting decapitated by Jade's weapon. But the cruel smirk on her face said otherwise as she pulled out what looked like a pendant necklace.

Needless to say, I'm going to have to talk with Jade and the others once this battle is over. They'll need it.

"Nash!" Kitana called out. "Don't go any further than where you are!"

"Wait, what do you mean?"

My answer was the entire ground changed and shifted from sandy dirt to thousands of faces with gaping mouths!

...

3rd P.O.V

"So, the rumours were true," Shao Kahn murmured, approaching the calm Disciple, brute and fused friend. Azril in his mind was petrified but on the surface level, he greeted the tyrant emperor with a bow. This made Torr and the fused creature follow suite.

"Emperor," Azril greeted, aware of Shao Kahn being occupied with D'Vorah. "Apologies for interrupting your...interrogation."

This made Shao Kahn glance at D'Vorah, who was ready to grow her stingers to break free from his grasp. Not under his watch!

He brought his foot down onto the Kytinn queen, his foot on her throat. He was aware of her kind regenerating whenever any part of their bodies were destroyed. But right now, the three stowaways in his palace piqued his interest.

"I assumed you came from the undergrounds? Where Nitara and Skarlet failed to finish you off?"

" Basically."

Shao Kahn pondered but did not hesitate to summon his spear. He was pointing it at the fused creature. "Explain to me about the abomination beside you. And then I will kill you."

A growl was emitting from its throat but Azril laid a gentle hand on the back. "It's alright, Riana-Kurt. I can handle this. Emperor, this is a fusion of my friend, Riana and her pet. A fusion done by Nitara."

"SHANG TSUNG!" Shao Kahn's voice boomed. "COME HERE AT ONCE!"

When the sorcerer teleported himself to the tyrant's presence, Azril noted the disgusted look he was giving before his face puts on a mask of calmness. "You summoned me, sire?"

"I want you to separate two entities from that abomination's body," he pointed at the fused creature, who began to curl up its body with quills jutting out. Shang Tsung raised a brow. It was unlikely that Shao Kahn would demand something as unexpected as this.

"Emperor, are you sure- Is that the sword of the Zaterran Queen it's holding?!"

Before he could question, the loud clang from Shao Kahn's hammer was enough to make the sorcerer do as he was told. Deep down, he was just bidding his time before he could overthrow this brute of a tyrant who doesn't deserve the right to rule Outworld.

If anything, it should be him and him alone.

Azril and Torr stood back as Shang Tsung's hands began to glow green. Azril was afraid that he was going to collect his friend's soul but to his surprised, the sorcerer's hand went through the creature's chest. The creature was writhing in pain, tears dripping from its eyes as Shang Tsung began to chant, making his eyes go black.

Without further ado, the creature writhing in pain began to glow as two figure was split from its form: Riana and Kurt. Both of them were dropped to the floor, having erratic breaths. Azril was thankful that when the two separated, at least Riana was not naked.

Because that would be horrifying in a room with warlords, demons and even an anthropomorphic bee.

"Riana?" Azril kneeled down to approach his friend.

Riana groaned before lifting her head, eyes behind glasses blinking as she got a good look at her surrounding.

"W-what happened?" she finally asked, still in dazed. Azril figured that whatever happened while she was that venomous creature was blocked out of her memory. Even Kurt was scurrying close to his owner the moment he opened his eyes.

"I'll explain later," said Azril who helped her up. "We're in the palace."

Riana began to flexed her fingers, seeing the claws come out of her gloves. Azril figured that she wished she could look at her reflection because of the stares she was receiving. When Kurt perched on her shoulder, Riana felt as if her own pet was experiencing some things that never happened before.

"Hope you can still fight and be on your feet," Azril sighed. He honestly wondered if other video game worlds will give him this sort of feeling of having eyes at the back of his head. Probably not!

"Where's Nash and the others?" she asked, unsheathing her claws to protect herself. She does not trust the sorcerer or the Kytinn and the warmonger tyrant here. Azril did not answer but Torr was beating his chest to warn the others to back off.

Before anyone could respond, a low hissing sound was heard. Azril noted the hopeful expression his friend had but was soon diminished when she began to pet Kurt. It was the Kollector and he does not look pleased. Shang Tsung had his hands behind his back, an amused expression indicated that a fight will be coming soon.

"My liege," Kollector bowed with bated breath. "D'Vorah is going to deceive you. She is- You!"

With a blink of an eye, Kollector was already locking the Kytinn in a chokehold with his upper arms. His lower arms were restraining her pinchers from reaching him. Shang Tsung was about to teleport when Torr grabbed him.

"What's going on?" Riana whispered to Azril. "I thought we're supposed to be defeating Shao Kahn and everyone here?"

But Azril, calm as ever whispered something back to Riana. Both human and pet glanced at each other. If it is possible for a bearded dragon to smile, Kurt was definitely smiling as well as Riana. Azril knew that she might have an idea.

"We'll weaken what's left here," Riana kept her voice down but couldn't contain her excitement. "If we ever get out, I am going to find Syzoth."

Azril nodded, gesturing to the irate emperor, struggling Kytinn and angry Naknadan. Riana approached them slowly, aware of Shang Tsung's glare. Azril then faced Shao Kahn without breaking out in fear.

"Emperor, do you remember about the 'request' I made at the gala?"

"Ah yes, the cryomancer's disciple!" Shao Kahn was readying himself into a stance. Azril follow suite, his right hand playing with a dagger. "I take it you have slain the female cryomancer? However that is none of my concern as I am interested in your tactics."

"What about your army?"

"Shang Tsung!" Shao Kahn roared. "Ready the undead army. You will be in my steed for the next wave. Also, make sure the brute obeys you."

"As you command, emperor," Shang Tsung replied lowly. Azril didn't want to comment about how the sorcerer might deceive him very soon. In fact, it's better to watch these people turn against each other, right?

Both him and Riana, who was busy engaging with both D'Vorah and Kollector, didn't have time to react to Torr getting pulled away against his will with Shang Tsung's magic.

Azril swiftly blocked Shao Kahn's spear with his own dagger. He has multiple hidden insider of his coat plus additional pockets. The emperor laughed, his voice created a tremor on the ground.

"You fight with nothing held back!" Azril never let out a sound while Shao Kahn commented on him. He was laser-focused on at least taking him down. Even he knew damn well that Shao Kahn could kill him in a single blow.

With multiple daggers at hand, Azril began his aim at Shao Kahn. Despite some of them already piercing the tyrant's skin, Shao Kahn still pressed on with a cruel smile etched upon his face. With his helmet, he reminded Azril that he was outmatched despite studying his moves.

"It will take a thousand daggers before I can fall," he chuckled. "But then again, I won't guarantee that!"

With that, Shao Kahn summoned his hammer to swing but Azril reacted by using his foot to kick him at the chin. Knowing the emperor wore armour to represent his ferocity and royal heritage, Azril will have to find the weak spots.

"My army can do my bidding before I join them," he continued to slam the hammer down, barely missing Azril. "Once I am done with you, your friend over there will be next. I've heard many tales about her. Frankly, I them more interesting than her brother's women conquest."

"Hmm," was Azril's reply. He decided to lead Shao Kahn into a trap the more the tyrant began to swing his hammer. He wanted to aim at the face, specifically the place where everyone took it for granted.

With a grunt, Shao Kahn swung his hammer, managing to knock Azril off his feet. Before Azril could get up, both of his legs were smashed. Azril couldn't scream. He bit his lips, not caring that he was drawing out his own blood.

He wasn't going to give Shao Kahn any satisfaction.

"A shame you are on the wrong side," the emperor kneeled down to Azril's level. "You have spirit and skills of a formidable warrior. Your mentor must've trained you very well. I look forward battling you again!"

With that, Shao Kahn hoisted himself up by using Azril's broken legs as a support. As if the bones are going to poke out of his limbs anytime soon.

This time, Azril really cried out in pain.

...

"Whose side are you on?" Riana interrogated. She was engaged into a three-way fight with D'Vorah and the Kollector.

"Does it matter?" D'Vorah hissed as she was blocking Kollector with her stingers while Kollector's back arms were struggling to hold Riana in place. Kurt was doing his best to release his owner by attacking Kollector on the face.

"From what he said and you showing up unexpectedly," Riana began, using her leg to kick the Naknadan at his nether region. She was shocked from how her shoes unsheathed talons which were never there before!

She figured it must be because of the magic when she was fused with Kurt.

Speaking of which, she remembered bits of her memories as that creature which made her stomach churned. She recollected killing two individuals but she hoped she didn't eat their flesh as the creature.

Kurt on the other hand was jumping to-and-fro from both Kytinn and Naknada. It was an irony considering he's small compared to the insect and the Kollector looked like a spider with those eight limbs. What was interesting was how the bearded dragon was moving his mouth as if he was taunting them.

Could the merging from before affected their minds and personalities once they unfused?

While fighting in the grotto, Riana couldn't helped herself but be mesmerised by the trinkets. The last time she came here, it was because she and Kollector gambled their lives in order to escape.

This time, this place might as well be her tomb.

"Shao Kahn will be pleased to have both of your heads!" Kollector growled, taking out a sickle-like weapon from his belt. Riana could only kick, punch and even slash the Kollector with her venom claws. She hoped that the fight is over soon because she and Azril need to escape to find the others.

Speaking of which, she hoped Azril fares better than her with Shao Kahn.

"Riana, you will have to trust This One!" D'Vorah buzzed, her wings fluttering so that she was hovering above them. "Kollector will keep us down here if we don't take him down."

"Why should I trust you?" Riana questioned, when one of her legs was sicked with the sickle. Riana winced, hoping that the hard thing she felt inside wasn't her bone. It was risky but Riana managed to kick Kollector away before staggering back.

Kurt had already leaped back on her shoulder.

"Is it...just me..." Riana panted, holding one hand out with claws. "Or is the room colder than usual? I feel so slow..."

She wanted to lament on her condition but the sight of D'Vorah and Kollector tumbling in a brawl reminded her of an insect documentary. Wherever there are insects, there are bound to be predators to hunt them down.

Riana narrowed her eyes, drawing the Zaterran sword she had kept on her back and...

SLASH!

D'Vorah screeched in pain when both of her stingers were removed. Riana sighed, staring at the two pink stingers that contained some of the most valuable venom sacs she has read. Bees have mellitin, histamine and other proteins that could produce a cocktail of a venom. She wondered if Kytinn produced something of the mutated variation?

Riana and Kurt watched as Kollector and D'Vorah fell into a pit, trying to process everything around them. Without saying a word, Riana began to milk the venom from the freshly cut stinger before placing them in vial bottles connected to tubes that lead to her claws.

She knew some people are severely allergic to bee stings. Would it be the same with Kytinn venom?

Flexing her claws before sheathing them, Riana decided to find Azril so that they can get the hell out of there.

"You okay, Kurt?" she asked, walking while Kurt decided to walk on her arm. She was amazed at her pet nodding, as if he understood her. She smiled a bit before the both of them hi-five each other.

Both of them heard a groaning sound.

"Azril," Riana whispered, running to where she might find him. But before she could move on, the ground beneath her vibrated. She was about to make a run for it until her arm was grabbed on. Riana was going to retaliate but the figure was swift by slamming her and Kurt onto the floor. She was then picked up by the neck, trying to slow her breathing.

"Going somewhere, my dear~" the sickening sweet purr of Shao Kahn lingered in her ear. Riana felt disgusted being hoist up by the tyrant himself. "You have so much to learn."

"My brother's going to defeat you if I can't," she began. But Shao Kahn shook his head. "I'm afraid your brother's remains will be arriving anytime soon. For now, let me show you what a true warrior can do."

"No! I-" Riana paused, noticing something at the corner of her eye. The room felt colder than usual. The silhouette of the figure at the corner gestured something, making Riana realised something.

"I mean, sorry, emperor," she composed herself, trying her damn best to remain calm. She decided to soften her tone. "I would like to see what you want to show me."

"Excellent!" he boomed, holding Riana as if she were a sack. Riana looked back at the figure, inching a claw very close to Shao Kahn's neck to inject him with her venom. But the figure's gesture told her something else:

No, not yet!

It's good that you are unfused Riana but too bad you will suffer along with the others in this chapter! Hahahahahaha! What does Shao Kahn want from Riana?

Oh, I'm so evil :)

Don't worry, we'll see what's going on in the next chapter and who is that figure in the end?