Mortal Kombat: Timelines

Chapter 20

The ship came to a stop on the shores of Kronika's Keep, Aric watched the Shokans bring down the gangway and they looked at him.

"Go, and aid Raiden and the others." Aric irdered.

The army all roaree and then turned to charge down the gangway to fight the battle with the Netherrealm demons, Aric watched closely as he saw Shang Tsung wearing Kronika's Crown and then heading for the Keep.

"Of course." Aric said watching closely. "His treachery was expected."

"Uncle?" Kitana called as she limped toward him.

She stumbled forward but he caught her and helped her stand straight.

"Are you alright?" he asked his eyes laced with concern.

"I'm fine, Uncle. But Liu Kang...." she said before turning to look at Liu Kang who's legs were broken.

Then Aric turned to hear Sindel groaning as she started to stir awake, she lifted herself up by her arms and rubbed her head in agony. She started to get to her feet, but was still a bit sluggish.

"Sindel." Aric said as he stepped closer.

Sindel quickly turned to see her brother in law, her eyes widened and she backed away and he could see fear in her eyes.

"There's the Sindel I remember." he said with a small smile.

Aric? But you died......I-I saw you die...." she said reaching to grab her head.

"That was thousands of years ago." Aric said.

"Thousands of-" Sindel said before she paused and gripped Aric by his clothes. "Where is Kitana?! Where is my daughter?!"

Aric quieted her down and tried to calm her down.

"Mother?" Kitana said as she stepped out from behind Aric.

"Kitana?" Sindel said as her eyes widened in shock. "But you....."

"Were a child?" Aric finished for her. "Time has passed, Sindel."

Sindel reached for her daughter but Kitana away and glare at her, she couldn't trust her a second time.

"Kitana, its me." Sindel said with a hurt look.

"What do I believe anymore!" Kitana exclaimed as her eyes welled up in tears.

"My mind is fragile, Kitana. I have been used far too many times, I understand your doubt." Sindel said dropping her arms and stopping her attempts to reach her. "But your father, Jerrod, I loved him more than anything in this world. He was a good king and an even better husband, I lost my entire world when Shao Kahn took him from me. But you kept me together, Kitana. You are so much like your father."

Kitana's tears flowed before she hugged her mother tightly, Sindel hugged her back immediately with closed eyes and tears flowed as well. Aric watched with a sad smile, he was happy to reunite the mother and daughter duo, but for real this time.

"Why did you never tell me of Uncle Aric?" Kitana asked.

"Because you were a child, Kitana." Sindel said. "I was more occupied with being Shao Kahn's trophy wife and protecting you from him, I couldn't let more things complicate everything."

"And she did the right thing. My story is not important in this situation." Aric said. "But now, you know that you do have family outside your mother and father."

Kitana smiled.

Sindel turned to Aric and reached up to hug him into her arms, Aric froze and slowly hugged her back.