Mortal Kombat: Timelines

Chapter 14

After helping Sub-Zero and Hanzo shut down the Cyber Lin Kuei factory, Aric found his way into the Fire Gardens of the Shirai Ryu. He sat on the steps of the meditation rooms that led outside, then he felt wind surge up and lightning flashed.

"What the....?" Aric said as he got to his feet and saw the lightning energy die down.

He saw Raiden, Cassie, Johnny, Jax and Jacqui.

"Cass?" Aric as he walked up.

"Aric!" Cassie said with a smile before running up to hug him.

"Why are you here?" Aric asked as they let each other go.

"The base got blown up by Sektor. Raiden saved us at the last minute." Cassie said.

"I'm glad you're safe." Aric smiled ruffling her hair and Cassie laughed softly.

Hanzo then stepped out of the homes that he was meditating in and he approached the group.

"Grandmaster Hasashi, I humbly request the hospitality of the Shirai Ryu." Raiden said giving a bow. "My Sky Temple has been compromised. There is no safer place for us to gather."

"Lord Raiden. Welcome to the Fire Garden." Hanzo bowed in respect.

"Where's Sonya and Johnny 2?" Aric asked.

"Kano and his counterpart, along with Kabal kidnapped them. They attacked the base." Jacqui answered.

"We will get them. Don't worry." Johnny said smiling at his daughter.

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After Kung Lao, Liu Kang and Sub-Zero showed up, they decided to gather and talk about what they learned so far.

"The Elder Gods are gone? Shinnok is Kronika's son? No wonder she sent the Black Dragon after me and Dad." Cassie said. "We both kicked his ass."

"Based on what I've seen. I dont think revenge is her driving force here." Aric spoke up reading between the lines.

"Yes, you are right. She restarts history to balance the light and dark among the realms." Raiden confirmed.

"What can we do, Lord Raiden?" Liu Kang asked.

"Gather Earthrealm's forces. But that effort will be for naught if Kotal Kahn's armies will not join us." Raiden said. "Cetrion informed me that Shao Kahn has captured Kotal Kahn. We must spare no effort to free him."

"Kung Lao and I will go." Liu Kang spoke up. "We will rendezvous with Princess Kitana."

"I'll go with you. Its about time I met my niece." Aric said stepping up, surprising everyone.

This was surprising since Aric had avoided going to Outworlder these past few years, they knew he had a personal reason for going this time.

Raiden nodded.

"Thank you, all three of you. May the Elder Gods protect.......May you return victorious."

Aric then turned and formed emerald flames in his hand and opened a green flamed portal, the others watched in amazement at the emerald color.

"Prince Aric....I...would like....to..." Liu Kang began.

"You have nothing to say, Liu Kang. You seem like a good man and you have my blessing to be with her. I know Kitana would choose well."

Liu Kang nodded.

"Now, let's go." Aric said before walking into the portal, the other two followed immediately.

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After entering Outworld, Aric made his way to Sheeva's palace. Liu Kang and Kung Lao wordlessly followed him, the two were nervous around Aric and it wasnt because he was Kitana's uncle. It was the way he carried himself, this was a man who had seen battle and wars and it was good that he was on their side.

Aric came to the gates and two guards crossed their spears and stopped them from entering.

"State your business." One guard said.

"We are here to see Queen Sheeva. Let us in." Aric said.

"She already has three guests. You will have to come another time." The other guard responded before spiting on the ground.

"Or you could just let me in. I'm an old acquaintance, you might remember the name that she spoke of: Prince Aric of Edenia." Aric said looking at them, he didnt always like pulling the prince card, but they were running out of time.

The two guards looked at each other before opening the gate, they walked in and gestured for the three to follow.

As they walked through the halls, they came to the throneroom where they saw Sheeva sitting on a throne. Kitana was talking to her, Mileena and Tyra behind her.

"Princess." Liu Kang called out.

All four women turned in their direction, Mileena's eyes widened when she saw Aric, Tyra merely smirked upon seeing her old commander again. Kitana looked at the three males, studying them. Obviously she knew Liu Kang and Kung Lao but she didnt know the third. She remembered how Mileena and Tyra mentioned that she had an uncle, her father's brother.

"Why are you here?" Kitana asked.

"Kotal Kahn has been captured by the Tarkatans. We act quickly before he is executed." Liu Kang said.

"I will not rally behind a Kahn in chains." Sheeva said getting to her feet.

Oh, please Sheeva. As if you were ever afraid of odds stacked against you." Aric asked as he walked up and stood next to Kitana. "We've had way worse odds than this."

"That was a long time ago, Prince Aric." Sheeva said looking at him sharply. "We were different back then."

We already have Earthrealm's forces. With your support, we can guarantee victory if you join us." Aric spoke up.

"There is no victory without the Tarkatans. If you can rally the Tarkatans to your side, then we will have the advantage in joining you." Sheeva negotiated.

"Very well." Aric smiled. "I'm glad we came to an agreement and we will march on Shao Kahn together."

Sheeva nodded. She knew she could trust Aric since they had helped each other many times during wars and combat, she trusted him with her life and his bond with Jerrod and Sindel proved that fact.

Kitana turned to Aric, her eyes searching. Trying to understand.

"You knew....my father?" she asked cautiously.

"I grew up with him." Aric said glancing at her.

Tears started to form in her eyes. She couldn't hold it anymore, all the lies that she lived through taking its toll.

"Are you my father's brother?" she asked.

"I am. I'm your uncle, Kitana." Aric said giving her a small smile.

Kitana didnt say anything and just reacted, she pushed up against him and hugged him tightly. Aric closed his eyes and hugged her back, the baby he once held in his arms was all grown up now and cursed fate for robbing him of the time they didnt spent together.

"Tyra and Mileena told me but...."

"You didnt want them to give you false hope." Aric finished for her. "I know how you feel. Shao Kahn erased all trace of me after conquering Edenia, he didnt want you to know more about your own family."

"Tyra mentioned you in the stories she used to tell me when I was a child, but they were all stories. She didn't want to be in danger by mentioning your name." Kitana said looking away.

"It was for the best." Aric said.

"What do we do now?" Mileena asked as she came closer.

"We find Kotal and the Tarkatans and put an end to this story once and for all." Aric said looking at her.