A/N: And now we can start the story proper. Just a heads up, the actual chapters are going to be fairly longer than the prologues. Now with that out of the way, let's get started. Enjoy!

The Nethership: Around Noon. Callie's POV

The Captain of The Nethership said that it would take all day for us to reach the Island. Well that stinks, I wanted to get the tourist out of me before I start potentially killing my adversaries. Oh well, at least the Nethership Interior was nice. Save for the hanging bodies laying about. The ship was nice and quiet as the only people who were on board was Liu Kang, Nightwolf, Benji, the Captain, and myself. But as the voyage trekked on and on I was starting to get uneasy. And the nice feeling of peace and quiet soon became replaced with paranoia. I had to find something to do beside wander about as the intricate designs of the Nethership Interior started maddening me. I eventually found myself outside where I thankfully found Benji overlooking the passing sea. I breathe a sigh of relief after finding him, Liu Kang was meditating, and Nightwolf was most likely resting. I walk up to and stand beside him.

"How long have you been out here for?"

"For about an hour give or take. Being surrounded by the chatter of Monk's for 25 years and then suddenly being slapped with silence was making me a little unnerved."

"So you felt the same way I feel now. The quiet was nice but, I need to socialize or else I'm going to lose my mind."

"Well here I am. Ready to pain through your rants if you have any in you."

"Hey! I don't rant as much as I used to when we were kids!"

"Oh yes. I'm kinda surprised that you could for so long when we were young."

Benji remarked with a chuckle. Before I responded I got a look at him. Some of his hair fell in front of his face, and his beard was getting to connect. It was a little alarming, as this is the first time he has had facial hair that he actually kept. It looked nice, and despite the fact that his burns and goatee don't connect it works for him somehow.

"You're facial hair's about to connect."

He scratched his goatee in response.

"You'd think so. But it's been like this for a while now. I don't think it's going to connect, I'd be surprised if it did in all honesty."

I couldn't help but laugh a little.

"You look like Drew Mcintyre."

He looked at me with a screwy face.

"I do not."

"Yea you do, what with your hair falling on your face and your physique. If you had a Scottish accent it'll be like looking at him legitimately."

I chuckle. But I stopped at his response.

"Oh yeah? Well you look like Zelina Vega."

"I do not!"

I shot back.

"Yes, you do. Don't tell me that you're going to interfere in my fights by doing crossbodies on my opponents?"

He joked.

"Only if you Claymore somebody."

"Sorry Cal, but I'm not that kind of wrestler."

We joked continuously. Our laughs echoing across the Lost Sea. But my face of levity soon became serious.

"Cal? Something on the mind?"

"Remember when we were kids, and we used to compete over everything?"

I asked. Benji nodded remembering the…. Memories.

"Yeah I remember. We used to compete for attention all the time. Who was smarter, who was more athletic, who could earn more love out of Mom, and Papa. Looking back at it, it's a wonder how we became so close."

"You know how Benji. Mommy and Papa's deaths forced us to get along."

Despite being 1000 years older than me, Benji and I were born on the same day. So what did our parents do for my 3,000th and Benji's 4,000th birthday? They decided to die. And to this day Benji and I don't know what they could've done to deserve the death penalty. Nowadays we've accepted that what they done made them deserve it. But as a result the Maddox name was devalued. So much so that redemption was almost impossible. We were all we had left, so we stopped the fighting and started working together to make the Maddox name proud. But their deaths affected us differently. I wanted to become both physically and mentally stronger, to prevent this from happening again. Benji took the direct approach and started teaching himself about medicine. We stole so many books in our childhood, we could open a small library with the literature we took. As time passed by I would eventually become a General, and Benji would become a renowned Doctor. But we still stayed close. And in the end we brought the Maddox name to new heights. Until, you know. We renounced our Edenian citizenship.

"Yeah, I didn't want to think about that now. I haven't thought about Edenia since Ryuji told us of her fate. I guess that shows how much I actually like being an Earthrealmer."

"Y'know I feel the same. I never felt so much pride over a realm ever. I love it here, more so than my time as General of the Freedom Fighters. Ever since we left Edenia, I hold nothing but resentment towards her. But Earthrealm? Earth? I feel compelled to keep her safe, so when Shang Tsung invited me to participate I didn't even let him finish his proposal before I said yes."

"Wow Cal, I never seen you this determined about anything. Even when you had to discipline the other Freedom Fighters."

Benji remarked with genuine shock.

"I just, like it here y'know? I may be an Edenian by birth, but Earthrealm will always be my home at heart. And I'd do near anything to keep her safe. And drive Outworlders out of her is as of right now at the top of the list."

I say proudly. Benji could do nothing but nod in acceptance of my ranting.

"I'm proud to call you my sister you know that?"

I feel the flush rush on my face.

"Oh, stop it Benji. You know pride is one of my most powerful traits."

"Which makes what you say have so much meaning. I feel the same way, though not to the same extreme. For the first time I'm surrounded by people besides you, who genuinely care for my well being. It makes me proud to be a part of their lives. Now that I'm fighting for their safety I can't let them down."

Benji stated with his trademark calmness.

"I'm baffled that you can say things like that with a straight face."

"Cal, I'm a Doctor. I have to stay calm to earn the confidence of my patients. It's a mental check. If I'm aggressive, then I'll scare my patients, and that isn't good for their health."

I nod in agreement.

"Fair enough. Fair enough."

I respond before thinking. I had to ask.

"You think that some of the Outworld fighters will be Edenian?"

Benji gave me an annoyed look. But knowing him for so long I know that's just his neutral face.

"I don't know. It's possible. Edenians love wearing bright and skimpy clothing, especially the females. You're the only exception to that rule."

"Fighting in a dress is stupid. One mistake and I'll be mooning the entire battlefield. I'll stick to casual wear with chainmail hidden underneath anyday."

I responded. Benji and I talked for the rest of the trip, and as night fell we finally arrived. When we docked, Raiden was there as promised. He came up to us.

"You finally made it. I hope the voyage was safe?"

"It was Lord Raiden. If not long."
Liu Kang stated.

"Yeah it seemed to drag on and on and on. I'm glad it's over."

I said in response.

"You could've slept, and rested up before the tournament Panthera."

"I know, but I wouldn't be able to fall asleep. Luckily Benji, kept me company."

"Yes I had to flex my listening skills as I normally do with you."

Benji joked. I slapped his arm playfully.

"Oh quiet you."

"This way you four. The other kombatants are waiting on you. When you arrive, the Tournament will officially begin."

"Then lead the way Raiden."

Nightwolf said.

"This way."

And we started our trek to the Courtyard. While we walked I remembered something.

"Benji. I almost forgot."

"Forgot what?"

"The gift you wanted me to give you. Here."

I hand him a custom made 1911 9mm Pistol. Since I served in the Special Forces I became well acquainted with the firearms over in the U.S. In fact, I use Repeater Rifles, and Sniper Rifles in tandem with my Combat Knife. I hunt on the side so I carry those with me. I never leave my home without my Litchfield Repeater and my 308 Sniper Rifle. They're my babies okay? Don't judge me.

"Thanks. This will help."

He said as he tucked in the back of his Combat Fatigues.

"No holster?"

"No need. The less people who notice that I have a gun the better."

"Fair enough."

I remark as we continue our trek to the Courtyard. We finally arrive and Shang Tsung acknowledges our appearance.

"Finally! The final four members of Earthrealm's champions have arrived we may finally begin!"

"Sorry it took us so long. The Lost Sea took forever to travel through."

"A fair point Dr. Maddox. I grow sick and tired of traversing myself. Now to begin the festivities."
The Sorcerer said as he stood. I take a look around the Courtyard. Monks are sitting in front of us. Most likely they're spectators, I survey the area and I see a bunch of ninjas. They had a symbol stitched on their gis. Benji recognized the symbol.

"Lin Kuei? What are they doing here?"

"Familiar with them?"

"They're a clan of assassins. And if they're here then they've been hired. But who could be the target? It can't be one of our own right?"

"Possibly. You can never trust assassins. They only follow the koin. If we're not the target then we should ignore them."

"Good point."

I continue to look over the Courtyard. Shockingly I see my suboordinates Sonya Blade, getting hit on by Johnny Cage of all people. Benji notices my confusion.

"You know her?"

"Yes, that's Sonya Blade. She's a Commander at Special Forces. Funny, the Forces sent me to represent them. Wonder why she's here."

"How did Johnny Cage get an invitation?"

I scoff.

"Beats me. I'll talk with her later."

"Alright we should get to our spots. The tournament's about to begin."

Benji stated. I nod and I follow him to our positions. I look up at Shang Tsung's throne and notice the two women standing by him. Must be his concubines or something. At last Shang Tsung talks.

"Kombatants. I am Shang Tsung! In the coming days each of you will fight. Some are here of their own volition, others were brought here by chance. You participate in the most important Mortal Kombat in history! This tournament, the tenth after nine Outworld victories, will determine Earthrealm's fate. If you defeat all of your opponents, you will face one final challenge... me."

At this Johnny Cage remarks.

"Heh, that old geezer's the final challenge? Might as well give me the belt right now. They do have belts right?"

He said to Sonya. She just brushed it off. Much to his shock the Sorcerer suddenly appeared next to him.

"What, how did you-"

"Appearances can be deceivin' Thespian."

Benji remarked earning him a laugh from me, and a nod from Nightwolf.

"Well said Bones."

"I agree with Nightwolf Doctor. The first kombatant will be Mr. Cage!"

Cage then shot up and strutted forward.

"Heh, That's right, That's right, who's it gonna be?"

"Reptile!"

Shang Tsung screamed. That's when the warrior in question lost the camouflage and jumped in front of Cage. The Monks then clapped, proving my claim that they were in fact an audience.

"Nice stunt! Who's your agent?"

Cage asked, completely oblivious to the fact that Reptile was no actor.

"Fight!"

"Oh yeah, it's showtime!"

Cage remarked as the fight finally began. As much as I hate to admit it, Cage is actually not bad as a fighter. I mean he can be flashy at times but his style is pretty damn innovative. But what really threw Benji and I off was his weird green powers.

"Wait, those aren't special effects?"
"I guess not. Who would've thought?"

Benji responded. I trek over to Sonya.

"C.O."

"General?"

"What are you doing here? The Special Forces sent me, not you."

"I know General, but I found a lead on Jax. I think he's here on this island."

"Major Briggs may be here? That's great news. If only we had a confirmation."

"I can't solidify it, but I did see Kano here."

"Did you now Blade? Then Major Briggs is definitely here. Good work soldier."

"Thank you General."

By the time we finished our little conversation Cage defeated Reptile much to my and Benji's surprise. The Monks clap in response to the match ending. Raiden and Nightwolf looked indifferent from his loud boasting, and Liu Kang looked visibly annoyed.

"He got Caged! That's it, ha ha, oh yeah, I am so pretty! And I'm takin' you down. I'm takin' you down. I'm takin' you out. I'm takin' you out. And I'm takin' you out... for dinner."

He stated as he strolled down the line until he stopped at Sonya and myself. Sonya expressed her disgust. He brushed it off and looked at me.

"Hey sweetie. Ever dated a Movie Star?"

"Sorry Cage, I don't think you can handle this much Woman."

That made him jump back a little.

"So back off."

He raised his arms in defense.

"It's kool. It's kool."

"Well done Mr. Cage. We'll have one more fight tonight. Let us see…. General Callie Ann Maddox!"

I hate when people use my full name. I step forward.

"You will fight…. Baraka!"

Shang Tsung stated as Baraka jumped forward as well. I take a wristband and I tie up my hair in a ponytail, leaving a few strands of hair loose in front of my face. I brandish my Combat Knife as I give my opponent a look. I couldn't help myself.

"Wow, you're one ugly son of a bitch ain'tcha?"

I say with a shit eating grin. His response was to show his blades. He's a Tarkatan eh?

"They will taste your flesh!"

I tuck away the grin and put on a very serious face.

"Your attempt to scare me, fails to impress Tarkatan."

"He isn't that tough. Nightwolf and I killed a few of them last week."

"You will be fine Panthera."

All I needed to hear. I look at Baraka and with a look of confidence I say.

"Ready when you are."

Shang Tsung had only one response.

"Fight!"

Baraka the brute, runs at me with a berserker's fury. This oughta be easy, I quickly knock him on his back with a front kick. He quickly gets back up and after growling at me attacks me with even more fury. How's that even possible? Anyway, I effortlessly dodge the attacks as he starts tiring himself out.

"Come on Baraka! You have to be better than this!"

"You mock me at your peril Earthrealmer!"

"I don't know about that Tarkatan. Not how you've been slicing at air since the fight began."

I say as I dodge once more and then I use the momentum to hit him with an outward spin kick. Direct contact to his jaw and he falls hard. I look at my shoe, and see his saliva on it.

"Eww. Fucking gross."

At this point Baraka gets back up, even angrier than before. I take it as a sign to go on the offensive. Before he starts attacking again, I take him down with a tackle, I get off the mount and kicked him stiff in his testicles, causing him to slide on the ground. I jump and I stomp on his chest before I slice his chest in the same position. I pick him up by his clothes and after dusting off the gi a little I Flash Kick him and he flies in the air. I put my Knife away and I quickly take my Repeater Rifle out. I take aim and I shoot him in the stomach as he fell. I get another shot ready as I sling the Rifle back on my back. Baraka fell with so much force he bounced a little on impact.

"Sheesh. That was quick."

" General Maddox wins!"

The Monks applaud once again.

"Well done General Maddox! Now Finish Him!"

"Finish Him?"

I look at Benji. He shakes his head. All I needed to see.

"No thanks! I think what I did was embarrassing enough."

I say as I relax myself.

"You're lucky I'm so nice Baraka. You get to live another day! You're still alive right?"

Baraka groaned (I think, I couldn't understand with that mouth of his.) in pain.

"Yea he's good."

"Very well. The Tournament will resume at dawn!"

Shang Tsung said as he, his concubines (I assume.), Reptile, Baraka, and the Monks leave the Courtyard. Everyone else save for Sonya walk up to me.

"You fought well General Maddox."

"Thanks. Nice hat."

Cage said interrupting me.

"Don't do that. I'll kill you."

I said bluntly.

"Johnny Cage, you fail to realize the threat that those warriors imposed. Had they defeated you and the General, Outworld would be one step closer to invading and merging Earthrealm with it."

Cage not believing responded as such.

"Dun dun dun. Look guys, I'm an actor. I save the world for the cameras."

"Pretty sure your movies sucked."

"You shut up man!"

He yelled at Benji. Touched a soft spot I see.

"Anyway, if this Emperor were really a threat, call the military. As for me, I got a date with a blonde. Ciao."

He said as he followed Sonya. I sigh in annoyance.

"Can I kill him?"

"No you can't."

I scoff and roll my eyes.

"Calm General. He's a hero, though he may not know it yet."

"Whatever you say Raiden. I'm going to make sure Sonya doesn't off him."

I say as I follow Cage to The Pit, a bridge with spikes at the bottom. I make a mental note to not get thrown off. I see Kano standing over Sonya like he was a predator looking at its prey. I break off the tension the only way I know how. By being snarky.

"Hey Cyclops! Funny running into you here."

That clearly got his attention. He turned around with a fury that appeared out of nowhere.

"You! You-"

"Bitch? Yeah, not the first time you called me that. How's the eye?"

I say with my grin returning. His fury only seemed to raise from my sarcasm.

"Shut the hell up whore. Or-"

"Or what? You gonna try and kill me? Like you haven't tried it before. So how about you back off from my C.O. or I take your other eye?"

I say with a dead serious tone. Cage then leaped off from the bottom. Kano must've thrown him off.

"Step away from the lady!"

"Huh. You actually survived."

Kano remarked.

"Heh. You know, fans always think my moves are wirework and special effects. Truth is…. I am the special effects."

Johnny replied. I take my Combat Knife out and I get ready for a fight.

"Let me fight with you Sweetie."

"Call me Callie. Don't fall behind, or I'll leave you in the dust."

I say bluntly.

"Don't worry. I can share a leading role. As you'll soon see."

"Fine. Hey Kano."

"What?"

"It's time I show you how to really use a Combat Knife."

I say with a smirk. I run up to him and assault him with a flurry of strikes from my Combat Knife. I feign most of them, as I did promise Sonya that I'll let her have the final blow. But that didn't mean I couldn't have a little fun. Kano noticed this.

"Eh little bitch! Ya toyin' with me?"

"Heh heh. You noticed me quickly! You improved much since our last fight. But it isn't enough."

I say as I poke him in his good eye.

"Ah! Me eye!"

I duck and Johnny hits hard in his chest. So hard in fact that he fell down the Pit.

"Huh. Oops."

"Well Johnny boy, you aren't that bad."

I say as I put my Knife away before I pat him on the shoulder. I go up to Sonya.

"Hey Blade. You alright?"

I say as I help her up.

"Yes General. I can't believe that you can get under his skin so easily."
"Psychological warfare isn't for everybody Blade. But I revel and excel at it. So I use it whenever."

"But what I did get was information on Jax. He is on the island, somewhere in the dungeons."

"Great news Blade. He most likely is injured. You go look for him, while I find someone who can heal wounds."

"Huh? Do you know of someone who can do that?"

"Yea I do. You go now, I'll see you again shortly. Hopefully with Major Briggs in tow."

"Yes General!"

She salutes before heading off. I turn to go find Benji but Johnny stops me before I can head out.

"Wait. So all this stuff about realms merging and Outworld is all true!?"

"Yea Johnny. If Earthrealm loses this time she'll belong to Outworld. Look Cage, I understand that you don't want to do any of this crap. But the least you can do is continue winning your fights. For Earth's sake."

"Got it. And sorry for hitting on you."

"Water under the bridge Johnny boy. I'll catch ya later."

I say as I run to find Benji. I search everywhere, the Gardens, the Pit, around the Palace. Eventually I found him in the Courtyard surveying the area.

"Benji! I'm glad that you're here!"

"What is it Cal?"

He asked as he studied a couple of the decaying corpses.

"A subordinate from Special Forces is injured. Can you heal him?"

"Of course. Lead the way."

"Okay, he's in the dungeon. But I don't know where it is."

I say defeated.

"No need to worry. Let's just run around until we see something suspicious."

He stated as he started for the Gardens. I catch up to him and he asks about this patient.

"He's a Major in the Special Forces. His name is Jax, and he was abducted and taken here for some reason. Commander Blade was assigned to find him. And she concluded that he was here. I hope he's still alive when Sonya finds him."

"Look. I see the entrance to a cave."

"Well let's go!"

I say as I run into the cave entrance and I find the dungeon. Sonya was inside the cave and Shang Tsung was not too far behind her.

"Blade!"

"General. He's over there!"

I look to my left and I see Jax.

"Major."

"General. I didn't want you to see me like this."

"Not another word soldier. Shang Tsung you decrepit bastard, what are you planning on doing to my men?"

"That is none of your business. But what is, you have a challenger."

"You said the fighting was done for the night."

I spat. He chuckled.

"True General, but challenge fights aren't involved with the Tournament. Even if you lose you won't be eliminated from the Tournament. Just no killing."

"Fine, I'll play along. Who is it?"

"You face, Sub-Zero of the Lin Kuei clan of assassins!"

And the big bad enters. He made an ice clone of himself before spawning from its place. I get ready once again. He does the same.

"Now you feel death's cold embrace."

"Never in a million years."

I say before I get ready to make a move. Sub-Zero in response spawns ice in his hands and he threw it at me. I dodge it and I rush at him and I try for a slice at his nose but I miss and he kicks me in the stomach pushing me back a little. I quickly swarm him again. The fact that he commands ice only shows how slow he is. I quickly take potshots at his lower body. Barely standing I go to stab him in the stomach but Raiden interferes.

"Callie Ann! Pace yourself! Sub-Zero has already fallen!"

I look and see that the other Lin Kuei members are tending to his wounds.

"Very impressive General."

"You want some you old man? Cause I can damn sure kick your-"

"Hold Callie Ann! You are not the one to take down Shang Tsung!"

I get all up in Raiden's face. But before I can run him down he tells me.

"Shield your eyes."

"Wha…..?"

"Shield. Your. Eyes."

I back off and turn around. I can see bits of a bright light. Sonya uses the opportunity to break the cage freeing Jax. Benji and Sonya lead him out with me following after.

"Keep moving soldier."

"Sonya, since when can you give me orders?"

Jax joked.

"Not to worry Major. Benji can fix you right up. He's a Doctor."

"You can fix me up Doc?"

Jax asked Benji.

"You ever played Final Fantasy, Major?"

"A little. What about it?"

"I'm like a Red Mage. Except I mastered both sides of the spectrum. Hold still, I'll fix you up Major."

"Call me Jax Doc."

"Then you can call me Ben."

Benji said as he started using Healing Magic on Jax's wounds.

"Good lord Jax. These wounds are deep. What have they done to you?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay. Just relax."

Benji stated calmly. Jax's wounds were starting to close slowly.

"You can't heal him faster Benji?"

"Without warping his skeleton? If he's to make a full recovery I need to heal the injuries slowly."

"Halt! By order of Shang Tsung, no one leaves the island."

Said one of Shang Tsung's women. My patience wearing thin I huffed angrily.

"Benji?"

"Give me some more time Cal."

"Fine. We don't have time for this ladies! So get out of the way!"

"You fight well General. Let see if it truly matches your mouth."

"Commander! With me! It's time we discipline these two in Military Force."

I say as I get ready for another fight. Sonya gets ready alongside me.

"Yes General!"

The ladies brandish weapons of their own. The one in green takes a small pole, while the one in blue brandishes bladed fans.

"Cute."

I say. The one in green comes after at me. Unlike Baraka and Kano she is pretty disciplined. And her pole can extend into many lengths and transform into various bladed objects. But nothing I can't handle, I slash her weapon arm a few times so her grip loosens. She tries to throw her weapon in the form of a bladed boomerang. I duck it and Benji catches it with relative ease.

"I'm finished. This is a nice weapon you have sister."

He remarked as he shifted it back to its pole like form.

"Ahh, I see that you're also a practitioner of the black arts. Seems to be a trend in Outworld."

He said in a intriguing tone. He throws the weapon back at her, shocked from his skill as a Warlock. I look at the one in blue and she is defeated by Sonya.

"Good work Commander."

"Thank you General."

"How you feeling Major?"

"Good as new. Ben is a living miracle!"

"You humble me Jax."

"How did you best us so easily? We are Outworld's best assassins!"

The one in green asked confused by the wide gap in skill.

"If you're Outworld's best assassins then I am really liking our chances at besting you. Ain't that right Benji?"

"It is true. How Cal had utterly embarrassed Baraka earlier, and with Johnny Cage eliminating Reptile we're up by two."

Benji stated as he scratched the back of his head.

"You two are doing nothing but impress."

Shang Tsung said as he entered the garden. With him was… Kano!?

"What the hell? Didn't Johnny kick you off the Pit?"

"Shang Tsung here, saved me life. Can't have any deaths during challenge matches now can we?"

Kano remarked.

"Whatever you say Cyclops."

"I demand answers! How are you, an Earthrealmer so strong?"

The woman in blue yelled.

"Relax Kitana."

The one in green responded.

"Kitana eh? So you really are Jerrod's brat huh? Well, let's just say that Benji and I are older than we look."

I say with a confident smirk.

"We're done fighting for today. I'm heading to bed. If I see anymore of my men being imprisoned then every Outworlder on this island dies."

I say sternly.

"Fair enough."

The Sorcerer said with clenched teeth. It was then that Benji said this to the women.

"I suggest you refrain from attacking Cal and myself. If you value your lives that is. It may not look it but I'm pretty powerful myself if Major Jax has anything to say. Until tomorrow."

He said calmly before leaving for his room. I do the same. I catch up to him and immediately we talk of Kitana.

"That Kitana girl is an oddity."

"Yes, if what Ryuji said was true then that is Jerrod's child. Which means that Shao Kahn must've adopted her after he merged Edenia."

"So it seems. But it doesn't matter, she's still an enemy."

"We'll deal with her and her friend eventually. But for now get some rest. Things are only going to get more difficult. For us especially."

Benji said with his trademark relaxed demeanor.

"You're right. You're right. I'm heading to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

"Night Cal."

Benji said as he went off to his room. I get to mine and I quickly fall asleep.

A/N: And that's a wrap for the first official chapter. I think I did a decent job. Maybe I could've written more but I feel content with where and how I ended things off this time. Maybe as the story progresses the Chapters will become more and more long. Who knows? Anyway. Did you guys like it? Did you not? Let me know with a Review or a PM. And while you're at it, check out my Profile and give my other stories a read. You might find something that you fancy. Anyway, I'm out. Later!