9:00 A.M. Day two of the Mortal Kombat Tournament. Benjamin's POV

As I woke up and after cleaning myself up I head to the Courtyard to wait as the MK Tournament continued. I would probably have to fight today since I didn't yesterday. Especially because I healed a prisoner on the island. On the way I was approached by Jax.

"Mornin' Ben."

"Good morning Jax. Slept well?"

"Definitely. Your healing voodoo certainly worked their magic. I'd hate to get on your bad side."

"Not to worry Jax. Since Cal is your boss, I won't do anything to harm you. Cal's bad side is multiple times worse than mine believe me."

I state as we continued our walk. Jax scratched his goatee.

"What's burning you Jax?"

"Well, this whole tournament is odd to me."

"That's understandable. I mean, we're on an island with things like Baraka and Reptile. The fact that I can use magic compared to them is pretty normal. But here we are regardless. And it seems that most people have problems with specific people on the opposite side. What with you, Sonya, and Cal all gunning for Kano."

"Do you have problems with anyone here?"
I shake my head.

"Not that I know of. But people can be petty in the right circumstance. I say it's only a matter of time."

I reply.

"I have a feelin' that you can hold your own."

"Good on you to trust your gut feelings Jax. I bet it saved you many times in your service."

He chuckled at my remark.

"You ever considered being a psychiatrist?"

"No, I don't like tampering with others' personal lives. I'll stick with being a Doctor."

"I got no problem with that decision. We'll talk later."

"Of course."

I simply respond as we make it back to the Courtyard. Everyone else seemed to be waiting on us. Shang Tsung makes note of our entrance. The ladies who attacked Cal and Sonya were nowhere to be seen, instead an extremely pale man with marks on his face stood next to him. From my time in the Netherrealm the Sorcerer who taught me the abilities of a Warlock described a demon named Quan Chi. Seeing him here, I can finally put a name to a face. He sees me and stares me down as I stand next to Cal and Nightwolf.

"Finally, we can resume the tournament properly! The next kombatant will be… Scorpion!"

Quan Chi uses a summoning spell to summon the titular Scorpion. A Ninja Specter eh?

"Scorpion! Specter of the Netherrealm! Resurrected by the sorcerer Quan Chi! Who among you is worthy of this challenge?"

"Where is the Lin Kuei Sub-Zero? He killed my family and clan? I'll have his head!"

Talk about taking your grudges to the grave. I inspect the Courtyard and no one fighting for Earthrealm seemed to budge. I look at the Masked Guards and I see one of them has a peculiar looking hat slung on his back. I look at Raiden and he nods as he also knew who it was. I walk up to this Masked Guard.

"Kung Lao what are you doing here? The White Lotus chose Liu Kang to represent us this time."

"Doctor this is blasphemous. I should've came with you to fight alongside you and Liu Kang."

"You know that's not how it works."

"It does not matter. I am Liu Kang's equal."

"As of right now you have no proof of such a claim."

"Watch and see."

He proudly states before walking up to Scorpion taking off his disguise revealing his Shaolin garb. Liu Kang expresses his shock.

"Kung Lao?"

"Never mind the Lin Kuei. Now you face a Shaolin."

He proudly remarks as he tipped off his hat before getting into his fighting position.

"You will regret your impulsiveness."

Scorpion scolded as he got ready. Shang Tsung called for the match to begin.

"FIGHT!"

I walk over to Raiden and Liu Kang.

"Any hope that he can beat Scorpion?"

"I have my doubts. But Kung Lao did place second in the tournament to determine who would represent the White Lotus. However, Scorpion is a much more experienced warrior."

Raiden analyzed. I nod in agreement. Kung Lao is a very talented Martial Artist, but he's offset by his massive ego, and arrogant nature. Regardless of how he does, I have a feeling I'll be tending to his wounds. However his Hat gives him an edge. No pun intended. I don't call him Oddjob for no reason. His hat has a razor around the brim, so he throws it like a projectile. On top of this, he has moderate of the winds, allowing him to do various innovative things. Surrounded himself in a small whirlwind, using the wind to somehow teleport small distances. But all these abilities inflated his ego as I said earlier. And this time his ego got the better of him. Kung Lao loses the fight.

"Scorpion wins!"

Shang Tsung yelled as the monks routinely clapped.

"You are not yet a warrior."

Scorpion said with a tone of disappointment. Liu Kang, Raiden, and I walk towards his fallen body.

"Kung Lao!"

Liu Kang nearly yelled clearly showing his concern. Raiden simply chastised him for his ignorance.

"Listen to your Elders when they speak. You were not ready for this tournament."

"Sit up Kung Lao. Let me see the extent of your injuries."

I say as Kung Lao conceded.

"Better yet, let's move you out of the way."

I say as I help him stand. I move him out of the way and Scorpion attempts to beckon Shang Tsung to bring out Sub-Zero.

"I have defeated the challenger! Now I demand you bring me Sub-Zero!"

Shang Tsung wasn't having any of Scorpion's attitude however.
"You will demand nothing! You now face Nightwolf the Shaman!"

Nightwolf walks up and passes us. I wish him good luck.

"Best of luck Nightwolf."

"My thanks Bones. The spirits will give me strength."

Nightwolf remarks proudly as he walks past us. I continue to move Kung Lao to the back. As I start inspecting Kung Lao's injuries I hear Nightwolf briefly chat with Scorpion.

"Your aggression is misplaced."

"What do you know of my past?"

"You're not the only one whose people have been victimized. But I found new purpose in serving the Spirits. I do not cling to the past."

Scorpion responds, a little annoyed at this response.

"You no longer seek retribution? You dishonor your kind. I will honor the memory of my fallen."

Shang Tsung once again calls for the match to begin.

"FIGHT!"

A shame I couldn't see Nightwolf fight. He like me also practices Vale Tudo, and his devout devotion to the spirits has granted him many abilities.

"Any places where the pain is more apparent?"

"No Doctor. I feel a few bruises on my chest and back but besides that no further injuries."

"I see. Then if you're sure then just take some ointment after the bruises disappear. Since you will not be fighting anymore you'll have ample time to heal."

"Very well. Thank you Dr. Maddox."

"No need for the thanks Kung Lao."

I say as I stand back up and turn to the fight. Cal walks up to me after do so.

"Nightwolf is a good fighter."

She said bluntly.

"Yes he is. But from how tired he is I don't think he has much left. Scorpion is powerful isn't he?"

I ask her looking indifferent to how Nightwolf was going to inevitably lose, leaving just Liu Kang, Cal, Johnny, and myself to fend off the rest of Outworld. And I can make a safe assumption that Quan Chi is now a participant for Outworld's team.

"It seems like it. But it's nothing we can't handle. I bet Liu Kang can handle him easy."

"Maybe so."

I reply. After my response Nightwolf falls in defeat.

"Scorpion wins!"

Applause from the monks as usual.

"The spirits have forsaken you, shaman."

"An impressive start!"

Shang Tsung snidely remarked.

"You waste my time, sorcerer!"

"Restraint, Scorpion."

Scorpion in response relents. He then goes back to Hell. Earthrealm is now technically down two kombatants.

"One more battle until we stop for the day. Let us see."

Shang Tsung said as he looked at us all. He then smirks a little before announcing the next kombatant.

"The next challenger will be Dr. Benjamin Maddox!"

Breaking from the norm, the monks applaud as I step up. Shang Tsung then proceeds to give the others a quick rundown of me.

"Don't let his passive demeanor fool you all! Dr. Maddox is a veteran kombatant! His expertise in the Medical Field only adds to his natural fighting skill!"

I slick my hair back, only a few bangs falling down. I breathe out before responding.

"Always nice to meet a fan, sorcerer."

"With a sharp tongue to match. His first opponent will be Sektor of the Lin Kuei! Sektor has been hired by an unknown figure to kill the Doctor! Will he succeed?"

"You turn your back on your home Sektor? You should be ashamed of yourself."

"Spare me your pity Maddox. You are a means to keep up the honor of Lin Kuei. Spare me the trouble and kill yourself."

I stare at him maliciously before I respond.

"Cocky jackass. I hope you have made your peace."

I say as I prepare myself. I get ready to shoot for a takedown. Sektor gets ready for the fight to begin. I don't plan on taking long.

"FIGHT!"

Immediately Sektor fires a missle at me, I run at him and after ducking the missle, I grab him by the legs and slam him on the floor. He lands hard on his back, damaging his flame pack. He puts a flamethrower to my face but I grab his arm and snap the bone. His responsive yell echoes throughout the island. I use a spell to force him to stand a slew of demonic arms and hands keep him still. I summon a portal on both sides of the gates. I run towards the portal behind me, after I run through I show up on the other side. Keeping up my speed I jump and slam both feet against the back of his head. The instant before I make contact the arms disappear, and my feet crash against the back of his head causing him to flip madly. I land on my feet and I roll to break the fall. I look back to see that Sektor didn't get back up. I loosen up a little before I walk and check his pulse.

"He's out. But I still hear a heartbeat, he's still alive."

"A grave miscalculation on the contractor's part! Dr. Maddox wins!"

Claps from the monks as usual. I blow at my bangs causing the to briefly fly up before reverting back to their normal positions. Cyrax comes up to Sektor to move his body out of the way. He looks up at me.

"My apologies Doctor."

"It's not your fault Cyrax. Tell Sektor that he should be grateful that I spared him."

"I will."
He simply replied as he moved out of the way. I breathe out. Someone hired Sektor to kill me? That's something I should look into when I return to the Wu Shi academy. I couldn't roam in my thoughts for long however.

"Very good Doctor. But you still have one more fight before we're done for the day. Sheeva!"

The door I face opens to reveal Sheeva, a half Human and half Dragon hybrid race. She wore very little and had four arms. Each with three fingers. She was also taller than me. She jumps high in the sky and when I saw her descent I realize she was trying to crush me. I quickly roll out of the way. Cheating bastards.

"A nice dodge Doctor! As you can see, Sheeva is a Shokan and the first female representative for the Shokan!"

I stand back up and quickly inspect myself. No injuries, good. I turn to face her again, and I see she's giving me a predatory look. Like when Cal saw food.

"I'm afraid to ask what's on your mind."

Her response was straight to the point at least.

"You are very handsome Earthrealmer. If you lose, you will become one of my whores."

I burrow my eyebrows and crack my knuckles in response.

"Well good for me, because I'm not losing."

I say bluntly.

"FIGHT!"

Sheeva goes to stomp me again. I dodge it again and I respond by kneeing her in her stomach. It causes her to stagger backwards, but she recovered before I can act on it. She goes to shoot a fireball and I duck it and I roll back when she tries to grab me. I stand back up and she is in front of me. She wildly swings at me and I stop it with an overhead block.

"You're strong, Human!"

"So I've been told. But there's more to this block."

I respond by landing another stiff knee to her stomach. Before she can fall back, I grab her arms and pull her back in, I slam my fist against her jaw causing her to turn facing behind her. I run up and take her down, grabbing her arms on the right. When we both fall, I apply pressure to them both. Her screams make it clear that she feels the pain.

"Concede and I'll release the hold."

I say, keeping the purpose blunt. Her pride however wasn't having it.

"I refuse. You'll have to knock me unconscious."

"Have it your way."

I shot back as I break her arms. She yells in pain (obviously). I stand us both up, and with one of my hands I grab her by the hair while still maintaining grip on her arms. I pull her head back before I start swing us around. I rotate a couple more times before I wrench even more on her broken arm and throwing across the Courtyard, performing an Arm Lock Swing. She lands in a nasty matter on her back, her broken arms limping as she tries to stand but to no avail. She fell back on the floor. The maneuver earned collective gasps from Cal, Sonya, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, the monks and Lin Kuei representatives.

"Dr. Maddox wins!"

Everyone applauds the victory.

"That is all today. At this rate we will conclude in the next few days! Come I invite you all to the palace to relax for the rest of the day!"

He says as he gets up and leaves the Courtyard. The monks do the same. I walk up to Cyrax and the still k. Sektor. I kneel down so we're levelled.

"He's still out?"

"That kick you delivered was pretty vicious Doctor."

"How is it that he took a contract on an Earthrealmer? Especially one he knew? I heal his wounds and I get repaid with an assassination attempt."

"No need to worry Doctor. I think he learned his lesson. He needed the humility. Don't feel guilt for injuring him so. And don't feel obligated to heal his wounds. I know how you are Doctor."

"Do you know of the contractor?"

"I do not. If I did I would happily tell you, but what you know is what I know I'm afraid."

"Fair enough. Rest easy Cyrax."

I say as I stand back up. Cal runs up to me as I look at her and the others.

"Whoa Benji! What the hell was that?"

"Yeah Doc. That was some insane strength back there."

I shrug my shoulders.

"I'm stronger than I look Johnny."

"What was that maneuver you did to finish off Sheeva?"

Cal asked me, really excited from the sight.

"You're really enthusiastic today."

"Oh stop. I never seen you do stuff like that before! And we've been sparring together for ages!"

"It's an Arm Lock Swing. You put the victim in an Arm Lock and using the arm or in her case her hair as a firm grappling point you throw the victim as hard as you can. It's basic Sambo."

I say bluntly.

"Remind me to ask you teach me some holds like that. Jeez, I didn't know Pankration grappling can be so stiff."

"It's all subjective. No two practitioners do the same holds the same."

"Cool!"

"Remind to never get you mad. Ever."

"Well, Johnny didn't know to never get any Doctor mad? They save lives so they definitely know how to end them too."

I joke. No one laughed at it.

"Oh go to hell, that was funny."

"No it wasn't Benji."

"Whatever. I'm going to meditate before I head to the palace."

I say as I head to the gardens. I found a spot with a view of the setting sun, and I sit. I try to get comfortable, but the tension from what I learned prevents me from doing so. Who would try to kill me? I haven't done anything to earn hired killers coming for me. In my thoughts I can hear footsteps, the sound of heels. I open an eye and look to my sides. It's the woman in green. I stand up and face her. I loosen my hands a little.

"Shang Tsung commends you for your fights today Doctor."

"But?"

I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"He asked me to be rid of you. Don't take this personally handsome."

She said as she got her staff ready.

"I'm charmed. But I made it clear that attacking me was a horrible idea. Now you'll see why."

I say as I rush at her and take her down. I knock her staff out of her hands, before standing her back up. I hit her with a Guillotine hold, before quickly transitioning into an arm lock. I quickly break her arm before standing back up. I turn around and start to head to my room.

"Attack me again and I'll kill you."

I say bluntly. What happened next was something I didn't expect.

"I'm sorry."

I stop in my tracks. I just thought about what she just said. I turn back to her.

"Excuse me?"

"I said, I'm sorry. I wasn't commanded by Shang Tsung to kill you. I just wished to see your strength in person. I apologize for acting so rashly."

"I see."

I respond as I start walking back to her with force. Her faces quickly shows fear, as I close the gap between us two. I take her broken arm in my hand.

"Wait! Don't hurt me anymore. Please!"

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you. Stop stressing your body."

I say calmly as I start healing her arm.

"So Outworlder. What's your name?"

Now it was her turn to be confused.

"Excuse me?"

"It's customary for a Doctor to know the name of all his patients. I don't know your name so I'm asking for it."

I respond bluntly.

"Jade. My name is Jade."

"Fitting, considering your wearing green."

I remarked.

"Do not take this as a token of friendship Doctor. We are still enemies."

"Of course, Jade after all you did try to kill me not a mere four minutes ago. Don't worry after all this, I'll pretend this never happened and I will go back to hating you."

The response earned a look of guilt, well as much as I can see as she hid part of her face.

"A question Doctor."

"Depending on what it is I may have answer."

"Are you and your sister really of Earthrealm descent?"

I give her a stern look.

"I don't know whether or not to answer that question considering you're from Outworld. Heh, funny how I just broke your arm. And now we're bordering pillow talk."

Jade chuckled as she caught on.

"So we are Doctor. But you have my word, I will not tell anyone. Not even Kitana."

I sigh deeply. Hopefully this doesn't come back to bite me in the butt.

"We're not Earthrealmers by birth. We're both Edenian. I'm 23,000 and Cal's 22,000. Now are you asking me that because you're Edenian?"

Jade gasped.

"How did you know?"

"You dress like Edenian royalty. How old are you?"

"I'm 14,000 years old. Kitana is 12,000 years old. Now, why did you and Callie Ann leave?"

"King Jerrod was mad. I was his advisor, and he refused to take my offer to decline the initial invitation to participate and let the Elder Gods do their job. He refused and was ready to force Cal and myself to participate. So we renounced our citizenship and fled. So we're not traitors in any sense of the word."

"I see. The Emperor told us of you and your sister and your leaving. But I could tell that he left out many details. Now I have the full story. Thank you Doctor."

"Not a problem. Now, I'm healing you against my better judgement. Once it's done you have all the reason to attack me again."

I say despite the conversation we just had.

"I will not. You have my word that I will not attack you or tell anyone of you and your sister's background."

She responded, nearly interrupting me.

"And if you don't?"

I shot back.

"You're a smart man Doctor. I like that in a man, but my life is forfeit if I break my promise. My word."

"Fair enough, I'll take you for your word. No need to get so drastic."

I say as the healing finally finished.

"All done. You should be fine now."

I say as I help her stand. I walk to her staff and I pick it up. I walk back to her and hand it to her.

"Thank you Doctor. I will see you soon, I take."

"Yes, I'm not eliminated from the tournament yet."

"Good. I will be rooting for you and your sister. Specifically you."

She remarked before pulling her mask down and kissing me softly on the lips.

"Goodbye for now Doctor."

"Goodbye Jade."

She goes and leaves the gardens. A little after she left I feel a hand on my shoulder. It was Cal.

"Ya think that was a good idea Benji?"

"If she doesn't, you can shoot her in the head."

She took a second to think about it.

"Fine. She seems nice. Unlike her partner. Let's hope she keeps up her end of the deal eh?"

"Uh huh. No turning back now. Come on, let's head to the palace."

I say as we both head to Shang Tsung's Palace. When we arrive we see Kano chatting up Kitana and Jade (who both look completely disinterested.), Sonya, Jax, and Johnny not too close to them. On the other side of the room we see Cyrax and the now awake Sektor. Sektor notices my appearance and sneers at me. Not too close from them are Nightwolf, Kung Lao, Raiden and Liu Kang. We walk up to them.

"Bones, Panthera. My apologies for losing the battle today."

"Don't lose sleep over it Nightwolf. Benji, Liu Kang, Cage, and myself are still more than enough to drive Outworld out of Earthrealm."

"Yes Panthera. I will pray for all three of you."

Nightwolf said, reassured by Cal's natural confidence. Raiden had something to say about her pride.

"Callie Ann, your pride from what I can tell is unrivalled."

"Thanks."

"It was not a compliment. How do you know that your ego is not inflated?"

Raiden asked sternly. Cal answered her confidence refusing to break.

"With him as an older sibling, you tend to be humble. I know where I stand and where I can improve on. Which is lacking in very few areas. You've been around as long as I have and your confidence will build up. But with Benji to keep me grounded, the glass will never spill. So, that's what keeps me in check. If I did something wrong Benji would be the first to let me know."

"A good answer General. My humble apologies."

"Besides if you have a Benji as your sibling then I have all rights to be cocky. Being a loudmouth doesn't mesh well with Benji here. He's too relaxed so I became the talker. It was as if it was meant to be."

Cal stated proudly with a smirk on her face.

"I'm surprised that your cocky attitude isn't contagious Cal."

I say sarcastically. She playfully smacked my cheek.

"Shh Benji. Don't make me play Gallantry."

"Shut up Cal."

"A challenge! Scorpion versus Cyrax and Sektor!"

Shang Tsung proclaimed for everyone in the palace to hear.

"Your obsession with Sub-Zero ends here."

Cyrax states calmly. But considering that Scorpion is a veteran for who knows how many years in the art of kombat, he defeats them both with relative ease.

"I will have my revenge, but I will not kill Sub-Zero."

Scorpion reponds. Raiden nods, content with the comment. I guess he talked him down. Well I guess that means less problems for us in the future.

"Will not? Or cannot?"

And he appears. Sub-Zero marches in the room. Cal, couldn't keep her mouth shut, as usual.

"Careful Snowman. The guy can fight circles around you I bet."

"You! The Shirai Ryu have fallen. You will suffer as they did."

"To hell with your clan."

Scorpion shakes his head angrily.

"No. To Hell with you!"

He grabs Sub-Zero and transports them to hell. I walk up and push Cyrax causing him to trip. He regains his balance.

"Why in the hell did you provoke Scorpion?"

I ask annoyed. Cyrax trying to save himself from embarrassment answers.

"He mocked the Lin Kuei's pride Doctor."

"He did no such thing! I heard the conversation you and Sektor had with him. You told him his "inferior clan was dead" and that he will soon join them. You think I'm an idiot Cyrax?"

"What does it matter to you!? You are not Lin Kuei! You don't share our pride!"

"That's true and I'm glad I'm not. But Your pride may have costed your ally his life Cyrax."

I spat back. Sektor barges in on the argument attempting to help Cyrax.

"And what do you know of Scorpion's strength? You have never fought him before."

"Don't talk to me Sektor. I refuse to acquaint myself with traitors. Now back off before I Finish You."

Sektor complies and backs off. Moments later Scorpion returns. With a skull and spine. I shake my head in disappointment. Sub-Zero, is dead. I look back at Cyrax and notice his look of shock.

"Told you so. Congratulations, you just lost the only other member who disliked the idea of the Cyber Initiative."

I say as I leave the Palace. I arrive once again in the Courtyard. The Moon used the throne area as a hiding spot, showing gleams of its light. It was relatively nice scene.

"How come everytime I look for you, you're here?"

I turn to see Cal. She walks up to me and we both look at the scene I was looking at.

"It's a nice view."

"I was just thinking that."

"Similar minds think alike after all."

That's when something odd happened. The monks who watch the matches for the tournaments entered and took their seats. I look at Cal and she shares a similar look of confusion. We look back up at the throne to see the sorcerer Shang Tsung on his throne.

"You old hag! What is the meaning of this!?"

"Benjamin and Callie Ann Maddox! You have two challengers! They have heard of your participation in the Mortal Kombat Tournament, and have asked to fight you both!"

"More entrants from Outworld!? I'm not surprised, the minute Earthrealm gains warriors worthy of defending it, you start playing dirty! Fine, we'll take whoever you throw at us!"

Cal yelled, furious at Shang Tsung's deception.

"I thought you said the fights would be over for the day!"

I ask, annoyed at the cheap trick.

"Yes, for the day. But clearly it is night, Doctor! And a reminder, if you two lose this battle then you will be eliminated from the tournament!"

"Curse you Shang Tsung! I'll have your damn head for this bullshit!"

Cal swore. Shang Tsung merely laughed at her claim.

"A bold claim General! But let us see if you can keep your word! Your challengers will be…"

And the gates opened. And we saw them. We saw the bastards who sold out Edenia.

"Tanya and Rain! Generals of Shao Kahn's Army!"

A/N: Oh Shit! We're getting into it now! Tanya and Rain have shown their faces finally. Will the Maddox Siblings be able to defeat them both, saving their places in the Mortal Kombat Tournament? Will they fall and bring Earthrealm one step closer to merging with Outworld? Find out on the next episode, of Dra- I mean Gone, But not Forgotten! Did you like this chapter? 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 look. You might end up finding another story of mine you like. Also there's a poll on my profile so vote! Later!