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Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Mortal Kombat; it belongs to its creators Ed Boon, John Tobias, John Vogel and their crew.

Chapter Ten

A storm was raging outside, already in its late, heavy stage of thundering boisterously and lighting up the night sky. It was somewhat unsettling to be exposed to the elements as she was in her hut of a home, but Jade wasn't bothered too much by the loudness. No, she was engrossed with the blank sheet of parchment resting atop the old tome in her lap; or more specifically, what it was she wanted to write on it. She was hesitant to send another letter but a bigger part of her wanted to see where this would lead, this casual exchange between her and Kung Lao.

It is exciting, she admitted with a small smile. It is nice to have someone to talk to. I do speak with Kitana, with friends and family, but this is different.

This was something private and totally hers, these letters.

Kung Lao,

Hello again.

First of all, I don't mind nosiness, so long as it's tactful and out of genuine curiosity; however, I don't think there is much about me that would interest you. As for my promotion, well, I'll tell you this much: I train soldiers. They're new and young and wear me out, so forgive me if my letters seem short.

Jade put the writing utensil to her lips. Adding in that bit about her job was personal but she decided to add it anyway. She really did want to see where these penned encounters would take her. In that spirit she wrote a few more sentences.

What about you, Kung Lao? How do you spend your time? I'd really like to know.

Jade

She knew it might be a while before he got this letter but that was fine. She could wait. In the meantime, she'd have something to look forward to.

Given the information Mileena and I garnered, I knew another meeting was in order. But rather than call it at my apartment again, I decided to get the chief to host it in his village. I still hadn't figured out what was bugging Mileena but had a hunch that being back home would make her feel better. So that's where we all were now, in Arizona. By all I meant Mileena, Nightwolf, Liu and Kung Lao, and Raiden. Some of our members couldn't be here; Jax had a follow-up appointment for his arms and Stryker was backed up at the precinct. So on this clear morning, those of us who could be here gathered in the clearing in the middle of the woods where we wouldn't be overheard or disturbed. It was actually pretty peaceful out here.

But this peace won't last if we don't do something, I knew.

Raiden stood among the rest of us who were seated and took charge of the meeting.

"Thank you all for your cooperation throughout this confusing ordeal," He began.

I adjusted myself so that my legs were spread in front of me and my back rested against one of the tree trunks.

Raiden said, "You've been called here because there is more information regarding the tournament."

And with that he turned over the floor over to me. Shame, because I'd just gotten comfortable. I stood and dusted my bottom off and then addressed everyone.

"I went to Outworld to do some investigating," I stated, "and while there, Mileena assisted me."

I couldn't help it; my eyes darted over to Nightwolf at that, gauging his reaction. He was blank-faced. Mileena was also looking over at him in a discreet sort of way.

The chief asked quietly, "In what way did she assist you?"

Instead of me it was Mileena herself who replied.

She told him, "I just talked to Ermac and uh, got some information. About the uh, tournament."

The girl was stammering and I could see why; as soon as she mentioned Ermac's name, Nightwolf's countenance had changed to something displeased and disapproving and stern. I felt pity for having put her on the spot and took over again.

"Basically what we found," I spoke up, "was that Ermac knows we plan on fighting. He's raised the price for people like us, people who he believes will pose a threat to his winning the tournament."

By their expressions, I think most people saw that coming. I know I did.

Nightwolf tonelessly asked, "What is the price?"

"500 gold, silver, jade, and sapphire koins." I answered.

Everyone looked crestfallen or upset.

Liu Kang said, "I don't think I can afford that, not even with my elevated status; Edenia's treasury is so low that the withdrawal would put a dent in the reserves, as hard as that is to believe."

And it was hard to believe. Edenia used to be one of the wealthiest, most lavish realms of all. I'd read up on that in my studies at OIA.

"I'm with Liu," Kung Lao chimed in, "the monks don't have that kind of money lying around the Academy."

Nightwolf also nodded in concordance with his comrades' sentiments. He didn't have to say a word. With his humble village, I doubted he had the amount of cash, er, koins we'd need, either.

I'd seen this coming as well. That's why I came up with a plan of action ahead of time.

I said, "Now before you all lose hope, I do have an idea: we should use what little financial resources we have and pool it together. That way we can get at least one or two fighters to represent us in the tournament."

Everybody started murmuring in assent so I knew they were considering it. The only one who wasn't getting excited was Mileena. She was quietly looking off to the side, thinking about something quite hard.

"Did you have anyone in particular in mind, Miss Blade?" The chief asked me.

I said, "Yeah I did. If the two are able and no one objects, I figured Liu Kang and Kung Lao should represent us."

There was more murmuring amongst everyone but it was obvious from the general feel of things that we were all in agreement. My logic: Kung Lao was one of the best fighters among us, second to only Liu Kang of course, Earthrealm's champion himself. Like I said, from the tone in the group and the two monks' reactions, I'd say the decision to send them was unanimous. While everyone was still buzzing over that, I brought up another point.

"Of course we'll also need back-up fighters, should anything happen or if we do manage to come up with more money."

That brought on more speculation.

"I'll go!" Mileena piped up.

However, at Nightwolf's stern gaze she lost some of her enthusiasm. I could tell that it really bothered the chief, Mileena having gone to Outworld with me.

"Well we can discuss that later," I said quickly, "Liu, Kung Lao: did you have any luck with the GrandMaster?"

The monks shared a look and Liu said, "Not really. The new Masters, Smoke and Kuai Liang, both said they want to help but aren't sure how yet."

Kung Lao chipped in with, "They have a lot on their plate."

I nodded; that, I could understand. I know Sektor was nothing short of a lunatic and most likely left the clan in shambles.

"That's okay," I said, "we'll just have to try other means of assistance."

And with that the meeting ended on a hopeful note.

Everybody started to stand and go their separate ways. Now I approached the chief, cautiously, as I wanted to work out the situation with him and Mileena. I wanted to see if she was staying or coming back home with me or what. I found that already he'd moved away from the clearing to speak to Mileena in private. At first I was too far away to make out what was being said, so I got a bit closer. However, I didn't immediately interject. Nightwolf seemed to be lecturing his wife, who looked considerably ticked off.

"Can't you see I'm only trying to protect you?" The chief asked.

Mileena sighed and said, "I can protect myself. You know that."

"Maybe so but I care too much about you to let you get in the middle of that kind of bloodshed."

I now knew they must've been talking about the tournament.

Bitterly Mileena remarked, "If you really cared you wouldn't be gone 90 percent of the fucking time."

The chief dropped his shoulders and sighed in a quiet, resigned way. His wife folded her arms and looked away with her lips pouted angrily.

"Ah. So that's what this is about." Nightwolf murmured.

"What?" Mileena frowned, but didn't look his way.

He told her, "If more attention is what you want, this isn't the way to get it, love."

Now Mileena turned on her heel and balled her fists indignantly at her sides.

"I'm not trying to get attention." She rebutted.

The shaman patiently explained, "I know I can't be there for you as much as you want me to-"

"You're never there."

"But you know I can't abandon my duties." Nightwolf continued.

Mileena scoffed, "But you can abandon me."

The chief closed the distance between them and held Mileena tightly to himself. She yielded easily, which let me know that's probably what she wanted all along. From then on, their voices dropped and were muffled. I decided to back away and leave. I knew that what I'd just witnessed was the less glamorous side of a relationship.

"Ugh, I hate it in this part of Outworld; too damn hot." Tanya remarked.

Her partner reminded her, "We wouldn't have to be here if it wasn't for your carelessness."

"This isn't my fault." She claimed. "How was I to know Rain would do what he did?"

"Hn. Scum like him never change." Reiko sneered.

Tanya said irritably, "You're one to talk."

"Ah, Tani." Reiko chastened, "Just couldn't let the past alone. Now look what it's cost us. If Shinnok found out," he trailed.

"He won't." She stated sharply, threateningly.

Reiko shrugged, "I hope your little boyfriend is worth all this hell."

"Just shut up and finish posting these flyers." Tanya grumbled.

The white-eyed male asked, "You think this will work?"

"It has to," She answered, "We have to find him and get the amulet back."

"Or it's our asses," Reiko affirmed.

The two Brotherhood members were so caught up in completing their task and abating the unforgiving heat that they didn't see someone approaching them from afar. Amidst the hustle and bustle of numerous fighters signing up for the tournament, Ermac had been observing the two cult leaders. Now the host was making their way toward the pair.

"Can't you fuckers read?" Ermac pointed to a fold sign near his left and read, "No soliciting."

Reiko scowled and ignored the emperor while Tanya put her intrapersonal skills to work.

"Look Ermac," She stated, "We know we're intruding but if you just let us finish posting these notices, we'll be out your way."

"No." The host said curtly, "Take your business somewhere else."

Some people just can't be reasoned with, Tanya thought with a deep frown. She and Reiko started packing their things up nonetheless. They were already in deep trouble, they didn't need to trifle with the emperor on top of it all. However, Tanya took comfort in knowing that a majority of the flyers had already been posted.

As they left Ermac added, "Besides, if the little punk knows what's good for him, he won't be anywhere near Outworld."

It would seem I'd come to Outworld at a busy time. Even though it was high noon and the sun was beating down on everything (a change to the weather back home), the sheer amount of people waiting in line to sign up for the tournament was astounding.

I'm glad I got down here instead of letting Liu and Kung Lao wait to do it themselves, I thought, who knows how long it would've taken them.

I pulled the brim of my cap down and shifted my weight to my right leg. It was really hot out, even with my tank top and shorts on I was sweating. Thankfully though, the half hour wait paid off and I got to the front of the line. I was also surprised by the large number of humans I saw here. Shang Tsung must have really put out with the advertising. But why? Didn't he want to win? If so, he wouldn't have pulled in so many Earthrealmers.

Ah, but not everything is as it seems here, I reminded myself. Just because some of these people looked human didn't mean they were, or that they were from Earthrealm. I faced one such humanoid attendant that was working at the sign-up table. The male held a ledger of some sort and a writing utensil at the ready.

"Earth or Out?" They asked brusquely.

I frowned, "Excuse me?"

"Earthrealm or Outworld?" They elucidated.

Oh. Duh. If I had to keep asking that, I'd shorten the terms, too.

"Earthrealm," I answered. "I'm signing up two people."

"Names?"

"Liu Kang, Kung Lao."

"Okay. Payment?"

"Pardon?"

"Payment?" the male repeated.

Shit.

"You don't have the money?" The attendant asked knowingly.

I shook my head.

He sighed, "I'm sorry ma'am. You must have payment upfront. Come back when you get the money. And I suggest you be quick about it; slots are filling up fast."

The attendant was ready to move on to the next person but I wasn't finished yet. He was right, slots would fill up fast so I had to get the monks on the roster. They were the best of the best. No offense to the other fighters, but the final challenge was Ermac and he'd tear these guys apart.

"Ma'am you're obstructing-"

"I need to speak with the emperor." I cut in.

"...Ma'am..."

"Can you go get him please?" I asked adamantly.

The attendant stood wearily and granted my request. I knew I might regret this but I just had to get Liu and Kung Lao in.

When the emperor arrived, he looked none too pleased at being fetched.

And I know he must be hot in all that leather

Ermac stepped past the guards and narrowed his eyes when he saw it was me who'd had him brought out.

"Surprise, surprise," The host muttered, "What is it now?"

I said, "I need to sign up two people but I don't have the money right now. Can you please let me enter them now and just pay you later?"

"No."

"The price is too steep to have all at once but if you give me a little time,"

"No."

"Ermac I swear I'll have the money for you if you just-"

"No."

I leveled my chin and put my hands at my hips.

Okay, just keep cutting me off, why don't you?

Not sure if he heard that thought or not, but either way I wasn't backing down. I knew I could be killed for testing Ermac this way, but I wasn't budging until I got my way. I just had a feeling that the host could be worn down. Once he sees that I'm not leaving until I get what I want, that should change his mind, right?

Or he could just force an aneurysm on me and be done with it all

Ermac glared at me for the longest time. I didn't see how Mileena could stand being around him, getting info from him. The being was downright intimidating without saying a word.

"If you don't have the money in two weeks, they're disqualified." He said at last.

I could hardly believe what I'd heard and had to fight the joy bubbling up in my chest.

"I understand," I told him.

"Yes, we hope you do. Now don't bother us again." Ermac grunted.

My relief at having not been destroyed, at having gotten my way, rather, was short-lived. This problem was solved and surprisingly so, but now there was another one: how the hell were we gonna come up with all those koins in two weeks?

A/N: I'm trying to keep at this as regularly as possible. Any thoughts and reactions you guys have after reading this latest chapter, don't hesitate to leave in a review! Thanks for reading and until next time...

~DymondGold~