Mortal Kombat: Timelines

Chapter 15

Aric approached the Tarkatan camp after Kitana took down Skarlet, Kitana insisted that Aric stay on the lookout while they took out Skarlet and her goons and save Jade. Aric watched Tyra and Mileena dispatch the last of the guards that remained, he approached Kitana as she stood over Skarlet's downed form.

"There is more to power than conquest, Skarlet." he heard her say.

"That's something I learned the hard way." Aric smiled as he stood next to her.

"You did conquests?" Kitana asked a little surprised.

"I did. It made Edenia thrive and be prosper." Aric said before frowning. "But I realized the effect conquering had on others, so I strived for peace instead."

Kitana took in this new information before she noticed Liu Kang and Kung Lao approaching while carrying Jade, who was weak after Skarlet tried to drain her.

"As requested. Zero casualties." Kung Lao said.

"Jade, are you alright? We must find Baraka to save Kotal." Kitana said looking at her.

"Baraka won't join us. Kotal's hate for the Tarkatans runs too deep. If I hadn't stopped him, he would have executed them all." Jade reported after feeling better.

"Yes. Kotal has made his intentions plain." they heard a voice behind them.

Mileena and Tyra joined them when they noticed Baraka and his Tarkatans approaching, they all got ready in case they got attacked.

"Baraka, please listen. No more Tarkatans need to die." Kitana said trying to diffuse the tension.

"Kotal Kahn threatens all Tarkatans. In the New Era, Shao Kahn will rule." Baraka said with anger.

Aric then diverted his attention to his left as he noticed a blade cone from his left, he evaded the attack and kicked his assailant away. The Tarkatans started to attack them and Kitana was fighting Baraka, Aric evaded another attack before blasting his attacker away with his emerald flames.

Tyra coiled her chain around a Tarkatan and it glowed purple before she pulled him in and kicked him back, Mileena attacked her assailants with swift movements and knocked another to the ground. Jade, Kung Lao and Liu Kang all had their own struggles with a group of Tarkatans surrounding them.

"Everyone. Stand down." Kitana's voice rang out.

They all stopped and looked at her, she had beaten Baraka. But then the Tarkatans continued to attack, forcing Kitana's group to keep fighting.

"Hold! Cease your combat!" Baraka ordered in Tarkata.

Aric had one pinned to the ground and he quickly let him go, the Tarkatan got up rubbing his arm with a wince.

"Speak. You've earned the chance." Baraka said looking at Kitana.

"Shao Kahn has pitted Outworld's peoples against one another for millennia. And for what? The honor of dying in his wars?" Kitana said as she started to negotiate. "We must fight for each other. Not against each other."

"Kotal wants us dead. He said as much to my face." Baraka growled.

"Aid us and I'll make sure you sit at Kotal's table." Kitana said before turning away. "Which do you prefer, Baraka? To be Shao Kahn's slave? Or to be Kotal Kahn's trusted ally?"

"No one's ever made a Tarkatan such an offer. But these are your words, not his." Baraka argued.

"Help me save Kotal Kahn. We'll ask him together." Kitana said.

"He offers less. I'll slit his throat."

"If he offers less, Baraka. I'll help you." Kitana said.

Baraka nodded, glancing around at the group.