The Disciples

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

3rd P.O.V

Azril was never the type for parties. All his life, he usual leaned against the walls as he watched the event unfold before his very eyes. Observing was a useful key when you don't socialise much. But he will do what he could to satisfy other people's needs rather than his own. He watched as some people were chatting away like starlings or laughing like maniacs over cups of wine. He himself could never drink. Not even a shot.

It would damage his liver and it would've resulted in him being useless. He despised being useless to people's eyes.

Sighing deeply, he drank a bit of water from his glass. He could not understand why some ladies in their fancy dress or attire that required more skin needed to follow or crowd around him. He had Nash to be the women's magnet or even Bryan despite him getting a beatdown from either gender. When some women from the party invited him to dance with them for fun, he politely refused for he himself doesn't have the lively vibe like his friends.

Speaking of friends, he wondered if they truly accepted him for who he is or they just hung around him out of fear and pity. He shook his head to dismiss the negative idea. 'No. Riana accepted me for who I am. In return, I am her logic. Nash is like the brother I never had since my own brother abandoned me for a very good reason.'

Which was true, since he couldn't express himself even if he wanted to. He learnt that rational thinking was the only solution to survive. If he is careful, he might even get some valuable resources from his crafty mindset. For now, he will have to play a different game. Similar with life and death but more strategies and wits than skilled movesets. Then, Azril felt a cold yet firm hand on his shoulder.

"Aren't you going to socialise?" asked Sub Zero. Azril noted that his mentor was wearing the outfit he used in tournament where it covered his biceps and chest to conceal his identity as a Grandmaster. The mask he wore too shield his beard from any women who were interested in 'small talks' with him. How women found men with beards attractive was a mystery to him.

"I'm not sure who to socialise with," Azril sighed. "Don't worry about me, Grandmaster. Please, enjoy your time or attend to your matters. I can manage."

"Azril," Sub Zero's voice was a bit stern. "You are my disciple. And as your mentor, it is my duty to be concern about your well being. There is nothing wrong with socialising with anyone. We are talking at the moment so that's your starting point."

Azril only nodded. There's no point arguing when you don't have backup thesis or evidence to assist you to counter. He and Sub Zero talked about what's coming for them. He deduced that Shao Kahn may want to conquer and merge Earthrealm with Outworld and Edenia. He hoped it is this game's Earth and not the Earth he and his friends came from. As much as he is making a small earning of Koins, he wants to go home more than anything.

Only because he is more familiar with the roads of Kuala Lumpur than the different realms in Mortal Kombat.

"I'm sorry we have to bring Frost," Sub Zero patted the young man's shoulder apologetically. "She went on a rampage back at the temple due to the changes we need to make so the best thing to do is bring her out with us."

"..."

"She lacks humility," this time Sub Zero sighed. "But I hoped this event could teach her a thing or two. She has been obsessed with you, Azril."

Azril snorted. "More like an easy target to pick on. After all, I am the outisder so I am treated as such. I am sorry that I am an extra weight you have to worry about."

But Sub Zero made Azril looked at him in the eye. "Stop doubting yourself now. You can brood later. Right now, we need to work together if we make out of this event alive, full limbs and stable sanity."

Azril wanted to smile but he couldn't.

In fact, he had forgotten how.

"Hey, Snowflake!" a loud voice caught his attention. He rolled his eyes as it was Bryan who ran up to him and his mentor. He checked him up and down to judge his attire.