Mortal Kombat: Timelines

Chapter 16

Aric was back at the Fire Gardens and was meditating and healing in his room, he stayed in Outworld for awhile and helped Kitana with being Kahn and also to rally the armies to bring the fight to Kronika. Tyra was in charge of the army  that made up the palace guard at the behest of Kitana, Aric declined because he still had guilt for losing Edenia to Shao Kahn. He didnt think he could lead again after that moment, it changed everything for him.

Before his thoughts could persist, they were pierced by the sound of commotion outside. He opened his eyes and saw the others running to the outside, he slowly got to his feet and followed them.

Once he got outside, he saw Raiden in a kneeling position on the ground with Cassie, Jax and Jacqui behind and Liu Kang in front. Scorpion was a few feet away on the ground......wait Scorpion??

Aric frowned when he saw Raiden put Shinnok's amulet down, he has seen what that thing does to Raiden. Or at least the two years he had it on.

"I've been a fool, Liu Kang. Kronika's puppet." Raiden said as he got to his feet. "We only battle because she wills it."

Then Raiden turned and looked at Scorpion.

"I must help him." he healed his side and helped Scorpion up. "I was wrong to doubt you. I, too, have been a slave to anger."

"I do not understand, Lord Raiden. Your rage was caused by Kronika?" Liu Kang asked.

"It would be an interesting way to get rid of obstacles by making it look natural." Aric said picking up on what Raiden was saying.

"Yes. I succumbed to her influence. But then, our confrontation....it unlocked memories." Raiden explained. "Memories not only from this timeline, but from timelines that have come before."

"Wait a sec. Timelines? Plural?" Cassie asked.

"Kronika has restarted time on countless previous occasions, using each timeline to learn and perfect her plan." Raiden explained further. "The details of each timeline are different. But in each one, events conspire to bring Liu Kang and I into conflict. In each one, he dies. Only Kronika has such power to control time and fate."

"I don't get it. Why do that?" Cassie said.

"Could be she's gone mad." Aric said and the others nodded in agreement.

"I do not know. But rest assured, Kronika will control us no longer." Raiden promised.

Then wind started to pick up, sand swirled around and then Aric noticed how everyone became frozen around him. Except for him and Raiden, they both looked around to spot the uninvited guest.

Then a tornado of sand formed before it dissipated to reveal Kronika, the mastermind behind all of the mess going on.

"Prince Aric of Edenia. Your destiny was never to be this." Kronika said with a neutral look.

"No one mentioned she was bald." Aric said looking at Raiden.

Raiden just shrugged and looked up at the being above them.

"At long last, you see the pattern." Kronika said finally shifting her attention to Raiden.

"The pattern, but not the purpose. Why set me against Liu Kang?" Raiden glared at her.

"Is it not obvious? Your combined power threatens my vision for the timeline." Kronika said.

"Liu Kang and I will not be divided further by your machinations." Raiden said.

"Oh, Raiden. Do you think this is the first time you've made that vow?" Kronika said with a soft smile. "

"We have repeated this exact conversation so often, in so many timelines. I have lost count." Kronika said.