A/N: Now, Part Two of the Trilogy of Prologues! Enjoy yourselves.

Seido: 9,975 after Benjamin and Callie leave Edenia. Callie Ann's POV

You're probably not wondering about this until now, but Escapism is the avoidance of unpleasant, boring, arduous, scary, or banal aspects of daily life. I'm telling you this because Escapism is one of the many words I can use to describe the Realm of Order. When Benji and I left Edenia and came here, hoping to settle and spark change I wasn't expecting the justice system of Seido to be so…. Discreet. Whenever a crime is committed and the perpetrators are found the trial is almost always swift and to the point. Key word being, almost. There are times where certain incriminated criminals wait for what seems like an eternity, regardless of crime severity. Which quickly lead to the conclusion that the justice in Seido is strictly black and white in every sense of the word. Certain crimes aren't prioritized above others because crimes aren't prioritized at all in Seido. And what makes the matter even more unsettling is that the denizens of Seido are aware of how cryptic and unironically unjust the justice system is but they openly choose to either avoid it or embrace it. Benji noticed it too and we quickly discussed it as soon as we explained our "situation." to the Seidan high ups. We obviously lied about why we left Edenia and came here. We told them that we were refugees from Outworld who at first went to Edenia to settle after narrowly escaping from the Outworld wastes. When they denied our pleas for help we came here. And seeing as Seido loves playing the hero to keep its reputation high they happily took us in. We settled in Green Town as the sectors of Seido are divided in colors. As soon as we settled into our new house we immediately start talking about revolution tactics. But nothing really stuck until about a year since we arrived passed by. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday.

"So I got an idea."

"Well since we're not really sticking with anything over our year here I'll take anything at this point."

Benji remarked.

"Yeah we really hit a dead zone with ideas huh? Kickstarting a rebellion isn't as easy as I thought. But enough of the negativity."

I respond.

"I noticed that crimes are punished the same way regardless of how severe they are. It's unsettling how the people don't do anything about it."

"Yes, it is depressing. It's like Escapism, except instead of happiness the emotion is replaced with depression. The regular people of Seido are pretty apathetic to the flaws of having everything in Order."

"Exactly. So, I suggest we make a move. I have been following the schedule of one the higher ups. He is currently asleep if my hunch is correct. Which it should be, I've been practically living his daily schedule for a few months. Let's go kill him."

"Cal. If he's a High up in Seidan society then we can't just waltz in his home and kill him."

"Yes we can."

"No, we can't."

"Yea we can Benji. He doesn't have guards around his palace. Plus you can summon a Portal to his room."

"Portals aren't silent when initially summoned. It'll blow our cover."

"Then we can walk. No one walks around because it's curfew. The guards don't patrol because everyone knows the penalties of not doing so. So, to counter your point. We can actually waltz in his home and kill him. No one is around to stop him."

"Okay, you got me there. But why are we targeting him?"

"From my time stalking him, I notice that he's corrupt. Really corrupt, he's a reason as to why citizens don't do anything about the justice system. Apparently he pays a lot of koins to shut people up when they would make good witnesses. Also he has a hit squad. Hidden though, they don't show themselves unless he calls them."

"We should kill them too."

"Oh we are. But that comes later. Let's go, I checked the area before I pitched the plan the way to his home as well as his home are clear. Want me to summon a Portal near his home? That way we don't give ourselves away?"

"Yeah that's a great idea. He lives in Red Town."

Benji summons a Portal and when we pass through we show up in Red Town. Benji closes the Portal and we survey the area. It was still clear.

"Good. Follow me."

I say as I head for the Judge's house. When we arrive there I go to open the door.

"Damn. It's locked. Can you summon another Portal?"

"On it. I'll make a smaller one so you can pass your hand through and unlock it."

He remarks as he summons a portal the size of my hand next to the doorknob. I pass my hand through and softly and slowly unlock the door.

"Got it."

We look around once more. The coast was clear. We head inside and slowly close and lock the door.

"He lives on the second floor. Follow me."

We silently traverse the house passing by the many portraits of himself.

"This guy is really full of himself isn't he?"

Benji whispers.

"Yes. Yes he is. I never heard a man talk about himself more than Jerrod. Pre Paranoia. His room is up ahead."

I say as we continue the trek down the hall. I make it to his room and I slowly and as quietly as I possibly can, open the door. We both head inside and we make it without making a noise. There we see him, fast asleep.

"He the one?"

"That's the guy. Now how do we end his life?"

"Use the pillow and suffocate him."

"I was going to slit his throat while he slept."

"That works too. But it's best we not leave a mess."

"But I want to do something that involves making a mess."

"Then go through. It's your plan."

I nod and I silently walk up to his sleeping body. I brandish my Dagger and I quickly leave a deep gash on his neck. Then using his blood as a makeshift ink, I write "RESIST" on the walls. Benji comments on the choice of word.

"Resist?"

"Yes. I want people to talk. Not just politicians or people in the Justice System. I want the regular populus to talk about this. And since he was a high up in the Justice System, as well as being well liked by the general populous people are most likely speak out about him."

"How about we plant some evidence?"

"How are we going to do that?"

"Try to find some of his handwriting. I have an idea."

Benji commented. I nod and I quickly search the room and I find a letter he signed. I give it to Benji.

"Good. This will do very nicely."

"So, what are you going to do?"
"You'll see. With my powers as a Warlock I can do many things. Such as…."

He says as his hand gets covered in a weird substance for a second before reverted to its original state.

"This. I copied his penmanship using a copy spell."

"Oh, that's very good. Let me see if I can find any paper."

I say as I scour the room for some writing paper and I find a heap in a drawer I hand Benji a couple papers.

"Now let's jot down some notes on his hush money victims."

"Here, let me tell you the exact names and amounts."

And we spent about a half an hour writing down around half of the victims' information. When we were done we planted them on the bedside table. The weird substance showed up around his hand before going away.

"Now let's get out of here."

Benji stated calmly as he opened a Portal. We both pass through and we end up at our house. He closed the Portal before taking a deep breath.

"Well that's that. We work well together."

"Well we are siblings after all. We have sibling chemistry."

"We would've never done stuff like this if we stayed in Edenia. Man, that was cool. Two heads are really better than one huh?"

"So long as the backgrounds are different. So the fact that you're a War General-"

"And you, a Warlock/Doctor."

"Makes for a lot less clashing and a lot more synergy. On top of the fact that we're siblings just make it more manageable."

"Wow. I never looked at it that way. Some War General am I."

"Oh speaking of Edenia. If we're going to fit in here, well until I find us a better place than here. We have to get rid of any trace of Edenian from us both."

"How?"

"I mean, not talking, not acting, not walking. Anything that would be common in Edenia we should probably stop. That way people won't suspect us of anything."

"That's actually a good idea. In all honesty, I kinda hated Edenian dialect."

"So did I. We're not Edenians anymore, so we can afford to calm ourselves on how we talk and sound."

"Cool. I like that idea."

"Good. Let's head to bed. We can talk more of our next move in the morning."

"Okay. G'night."

"Wow you're adjusting already huh?"

"I'm a quick learner."

"I see. Goodnight Cal."

And we went to sleep. As predicted the assassination of that Politician caused a lot of buzz in the Realm of Seido. The death of a popular political figure killed off the Escapism in Seido for a while. We got to see the result in a newspaper article.

"Here Cal. Check this out."
"Let me see that. "Senator Wilborne assassinated two nights ago in his home. The Seidan Guard has no lead but found very incriminating files involving paying citizens hush money listed in a very detailed manner on his bedside table. Oh, they took the plant!"

"Keep reading."

"Above the Senator's corpse spoke the word: "RESIST.". Since Seido's founding the citizens whomever they are, are resisting the Order that has been established for many millennia. The Seidan Guard have vowed to find the perpetrators of this Resistance and bring them to justice."

"Well you knocked the talking part out of the park. Citizens have been talking about Wilborne's death nonstop since yesterday."

"You don't say? Well, I came up with an idea for how we organize our attacks."

"Really? Well let's hear it."

"We're only going to target high ups in the political and justice system. If the Seidan Guard gets directly involved then we target them too. But only corrupt members of both, even all three. But we only do it once a year. We leave "RESIST" somewhere at the scene. This is to eventually incite riots. And when we do that we'll start listing demands. Changes to the justice and political system respectively. They'll start off small but eventually we'll get more and more demanding as the years go by."

"And if they refuse?"

"We attack sooner. And harsher. More targets in one attempt, more important figures. Stuff like that."

"Okay. Does Wilborne mark number one?"

"It does. We both will search for targets during the day. We'll review what we get we decide on the next target and I'll stalk them until I feel it's safe to make an attempt at their lives. Lather, rinse, repeat."

"Sounds like a plan."

"I know. Now we just need a name for it."

"How about the Escapism Theory? Since we're trying to permanently kill this Escapism in Seido and since we based the plan off it, seems to fit."

"I agree. Escapism Theory it is. I look forward to working with you some more Benji."

"I feel the same Cal. Let's revolutionize Seido."

"Let's indeed. Luckily for the people of Seido, The Revolution will not be televised."

And from then on we started and stuck to the Escapism Theory for our entire stay in Seido. Despite our best efforts we eventually recruited more members to our Resistance. One of which was someone from our past. I ran into him about 2,000 years after we set the Escapism Theory to action. I was surveying the public for any information. A man came up to me as I sat on a bench in one of the public areas of rest. I had a feeling that he was more than some Seidan citizen as most of Seido would rather be caught dead than be seen with me or Benji. So I headed to a spot where no one find themselves, the edge of Seidan civilization. I knew he would follow me as I stopped I still heard footsteps. I brandish my Dagger, and I quickly tackle the man pinning him to the floor. I put my Dagger up to his neck, easily overpowering him.

"Who are you? Why are you following me? Talk or hear the sound of steel meeting bone."

"I finally found you General Maddox."

I falter for an instant but I near immediately regain my composure, placing my Dagger on his neck. I gave him an angry look.

"Where did you hear that?"

"You never remembered but I was a member of the Edenian Freedom Fighters."

"You were a Freedom Fighter? Wait, now that I think about it."

I say as I give the guy a quick up and down. Then it all clicked.

"Ryuji?"

"General you remembered! I'm so happy to see you again!"
Ryuji was a Scout for the Freedom Fighters and he was the one who lead the Outworld Voyage.

"Ryuji. It's good to see you too. Sorry about tackling you and keeping you within an inch of your life."

"It's fine General. It only means that you haven't lost your touch over the millennia."
"Please, I'm without equal when it comes to surviving on a foreign battlefield. But what are you doing in Seido? Last I recalled you were in Edenia when Benji and I left."

"Well after we returned and King Jerrod learned of our capture, he laid us off. We were unemployed and couldn't find work. The others made an attempt at his life but…"

"They failed didn't they?"

"They were all sentenced to death, via public execution. The Edenian populous were forced to watch including their families. I blew the execution off, instead searching Dr. Maddox's office. I found his notes on becoming a Warlock, and through these notes I figured out why he took up Necromancy in the first place."

He kneeled in respect.

"I'm so sorry General Maddox. If I knew of his intentions then I would've never shunned him."

"Ryuji calm down. And stop calling me General. I'm not a General anymore."

"You will always be General in my eyes General Maddox."

"I appreciate the respect Ryuji but Benji and I are laying low. We don't need the Seidan Guard hearing you calling me that. So just call me Callie Ann. Also, how did you get here?"

"I learned the Portal spell from the Doc's notes. After I figured out his true motives my family and I fled from Edenia ourselves. I couldn't figure out the specifics of location so we landed in a random realm. Seido was where we ended up."

"So you left too? How long have you been here?"

"About 300 years General. My daughter just turned 100 yesterday."

I see it's going to take some time for him to stop calling me General.

"That's wonderful. So, why are you following me?"

"I heard that a Resistance was shaping in Seido, and I wanted to join so I looked into it. You two are very hard to find, even for someone as good at scouting like myself."

"That's because we're the only two members of The Resistance."

"Please General! Let me join you and Dr. Maddox!"

"Shhh! Not so damn loud! You can join if you keep your mouth shut. And stop calling me General! Just Callie Ann! Understood Ryuji?"

"Yes Ma'am!"

"Then come on. I have to acquaint you with Benji."

We met up with Benji and after explaining who he was he also accepted Ryuji into The Resistance. After heading back to our home, he told us of Edenia's fate.

"So Edenia lost ten in a row eh? Knew it."
Benji slyly remarked.

"Yes we all knew it was going to happen. Some still persisted but, we still lost the ten. After the tenth defeat, Shao Kahn invaded near instantly. He murdered King Jerrod, took Queen Sindel and their newborn daughter as his wife and daughter respectively."
"Yeah, I have a question. Ryuji, I sent you and the other top Scouts to Outworld on Jerrod's request. How in Argus' name did you get caught?"

"We were backstabbed by half of the team. Tanya and Rain intentionally revealed their location to the enemy and they joined Shao Kahn and Outworld as a result."

"Tanya and Rain huh? I had a feeling they were going to turn on us at some point. Tanya was gunning for me and my spot since I beat her for it. I should've killed her then. But why did Rain backstab Edenia?"

"He was always an entitled piece of garbage. He's a demigod, Argus' son no less. And he wanted to rule in Jerrod's place. He couldn't fight for his life however so he made him a Scout instead. Who would've thought that he can hold a grudge for millennia?"

"He truly is a petty man Doctor. After Edenia's seventh loss, I fled with my family. We ended up here. Doctor, General. Please let me serve as a member of The Resistance."

"This is not a Hierarchy Ryuji. Plus we already agreed to let you join. So stop with the formalities."
"Okay. Thank you both."

Fast forward to present day, The Resistance remain steadfast, but Benji found a new place for us to officially settle in. Earthrealm, our time as co-founders of The Resistance was done. Before we left for Earthrealm we said our goodbyes to Ryuji who would become the new leader in our place.

"Are you two really going? It felt like it was yesterday where I became a member."

"Yeah Ryuji. Our time here is done. We've done a lot to combat the Escapism here in Seido. But with you taking the helm as leader, you'll get more things done."

"We have the utmost faith in you Ryuji. Best of luck."

"Thank you Ben. And you too Callie. The others are going to miss you being here."

"We'll miss you all too, but we can't stay anymore. We felt like we done all we can in our time here."

Benji says as he opens a Portal to Earthrealm.

"Well this is it. Best of luck Ryuji. Don't let us down after everything we did."

"I won't. I can't."

"Great. Let's go Cal."

"Uh huh."

We both pass through and we land in Earthrealm.

"Reminds me of Edenia."

"I can see the resemblance. But the less we acknowledge Edenia the better."

"Noted."

We landed in front of a giant temple. It towers anything in Edenia and Seido that's for sure. We thrown off our admiration of such a landmark by a godlike voice.

"It is known as the Sky Temple."

We both turn to see a man. But he didn't have a humane like vibe about him. He wore a Shade, and intricate designs of White, Grey and Blue. His eyes were a bright blue with no irises.

"Who are you?"

"I am Raiden, God of Thunder. Who are you two?"

"Uhm…"

"I'm protector of Earthrealm, and I can sense you mean it no harm. If you don't mind."

"Okay if you insist. I'm Benjamin and this is Callie Ann."

We both bow in Raiden's presence.

"No formalities are needed of you two. I know of you both. And of your heritage."

"Wait so you know we're-"
"Edenian? Yes, while you two do a brilliant job at hiding your Edenian background, I'm not so easily fooled by your elaborate disguises. Are you two runaways?"

"No, we left before the Mortal Kombat took place for Edenia's freedom."

"I see. Well, if you're not here to cause Earthrealm any harm I can offer you two a place to stay. Under one condition."

"What is it?"

I ask Raiden.

"You two are very capable kombatants from what I've been told. I ask that you defend Earthrealm from any threat should the need arise. That is all I ask."

I look at Benji and his face looked determined. I nod my head in acceptance of his request. Benji did the same.

"We are in service to Earthrealm Raiden."

"Words cannot express my gratitude to you both. It will be a welcome change by having a Battle Medic, and the Head General of the Edenian Freedom Fighters as allies. Come, I will show you your new homes."

He lead us to the Wu Shi Academy, where we would be introduced to the many Monks and Warriors being trained there. Benji would get a job there as a Professor of Medicine as well as being a Basic Combat Instructor. Raiden however lead me to another location. After a few days, we settled in and Raiden would take me to Special Forces as he somehow enlisted me within their ranks. And that is where we would be until that fateful day. Escapism is the avoidance of unpleasant, boring, arduous, scary, or banal aspects of daily life. What started off as a Resistance hellbent to expose Seidan corruption, and kill off the Escapism in Seido became a mission to ensure safety in Earthrealm. A job I would soon learn to love with all of my being.

A/N: And that concludes the second part of the Prologue! What did you guys think? Did you like it? Did you not? Let me know with a Review or a PM. And while you're at it check out my Profile Page and give my other stories a read. I'm gonna go to bed now, as it's super late at the time this chapter goes up. Later!