Chapter Five: The Gathering Storm
Snafu's Notes: For some odd reason, I had Inglorious Basterds on the brain for some of the dialogue between Johnny and Amadeus.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier – Medical Bay.
Sam Alexander's cheek was still stinging from the slap that Carol had given to him. But it served its purpose in knocking him out of his madness. But he was shocked to find out not only was the Phoenix already on Earth, but he had been in a coma for the past three years.
"What have I missed?" asked Sam.
Carol and Cap filled him in, from the S.H.R.A., the Superhero Civil War, the Hulk's Invasion of New York, the Skrulls' Secret Invasion, to Osborn's Asgard Siege and finally, the S.H.R.A.'s repeal and later, the split between Cyclops and Wolverine.
"You guys have been busy," Sam grunted. "The Phoenix...?"
"We have no idea as to where it is," Steve replied.
"Did you have a clue as to who might be the host?"
"We did. Hope Summers," Carol replied. "A telepath in the X-Men. We knew what the Phoenix was, but we needed more information. So we consulted Logan at his school..."
[Flashback]
The Jean Grey School For Higher Learning (formerly the Xavier Institute) - Westchester, New York.
Inside the Headmaster's Office, James Logan Howlett sat hunched in a chair, hands steepled, listening to what he was told by the Star-Spangled Avenger. The Canadian mutant known as Wolverine was pensive as he remembered his own experiences with the Phoenix Force, and of the ultimate sacrifice that Jean had made in order for her to stop its rampage.
"Are you sure?" Logan asked.
Cap nodded. "We're sure. Logan, you were there when the Phoenix first came to Earth."
Logan grunted. "Jean did everything in her power to try an' contain it. But when all was said and done...she had to kill herself in order to stop it." He looked at Cap. "She killed herself and that didn't even stop it."
"What about Rachel? Wasn't she a host?"
Logan nodded. "Yeah. And by far, the only one who was able to properly contain the Phoenix."
"It's coming back to Earth, Logan," Cap said. "We need to know where."
"I know where," Logan replied. "Hell, just about everyone in the mutant community knows where it's going."
Cap could only guess. "Utopia."
Again, Logan nodded.
"Then I need Scott Summers to work with us. I need both the X-Men and the Avengers to work together on this."
"That thing killed Summers' girl, and along with it, any chance he had at happiness. If the Phoenix is going to be involved, then he's going to have an agenda. I know him better than anyone else. Slim's not gonna let go of things like that."
"Then can I count on you and the school...?"
Logan raised one hand. "I founded this school to keep the kids out of the fighting. The kids stay out of this."
"Can I count on you, then?"
"..." Logan was silent for a brief moment. Rising from his chair, he walked over to the desk and pressed a button on the intercom. "Rachel Grey, report to the headmaster's office immediately."
Minutes later, there was a knock on the door. It opened and in walked one Rachel Grey. "You wanted to see me, Logan?" she inquired.
Logan gestured to Cap. "You know Captain America."
Rachel nodded. "I do. So what brings him to our doorstep?"
"The Phoenix Force. It's back."
"I know. I felt its power when it returned here. I just don't know where."
"We believe that the Phoenix Force's host is Hope Summers, and it's only a matter of time before it posesses her," Cap explained.
"Rachel, go with him," Logan ordered. "You're our best authority when it comes to the Phoenix. You can make the positive ID if the Phoenix has chosen Hope for its host."
"There is one conclusive way to find out if she is chosen," Rachel said. Turning around, she removed her jacket and the top half of her bodysuit. On Rachel's back, was a tattoo of a phoenix. "Originally, this was the result of a past interaction with the Shi'ar Empire's Death Commandos," she explained. "But the Phoenix has adapted this tattoo as a sign of its intended host." She quickly dressed herself and turned back around. "As a former host, I can find out who is the host of the Phoenix."
Cap nodded. "Very well." He turned to Logan.
Logan had cut him off yet again. "I'm hoping that the Phoenix isn't here. Last thing we need is to be fighting over who gets control of the damn thing."
Cap sighed. "Me too."
[End Flashback]
"We left Logan and departed for the X-Men's Utopia base in San Francisco," Cap explained. "I went on alone, along with Rachel, where I received a cold reception from Cyclops."
[Flashback]
Beaches of Utopia, San Francisco.
The two men, leaders of their respective groups, stood on the beach, facing one another. The Quintjet was parked several yards away.
"Cap."
"Cyclops."
"You're here for Hope."
"Yes."
"She's not the host."
That sentence caught Cap off guard. "What?"
"I know the power of the Phoenix," Cyclops said. "It's something one doesn't forget. Hope isn't the host."
"He's telling the truth," Rachel confirmed, walking over to the two men. "I checked Hope out, and I can't sense the Phoenix from her."
"And the tattoo?" asked Cap.
"What tattoo?" Cyclops asked, puzzled.
"The chosen host has a tattoo on their back," Rachel explained as she pulled out a photo of her own back tattoo, taken before leaving with Captain America. She handed it to Cyclops. "This is what we're looking for. Hope doesn't have it on her back."
"So she's not the host," Cap surmised.
"No. the Mutant Messiah is still out there, somewhere," Cyclops said, looking at the tattoo. "We will find it."
"Not if we find it first," Cap replied.
"Okay, guys, calm down," Rachel said before things got out of hand. "Cap, the Phoenix isn't here. That's all we came here for, right?"
Cap looked at Rachel. Then back at Cyclops. "Yeah. It's all we came here for," he said. Then he spoke into his headset. "The Phoenix's vessel isn't here. Hope Summers is not the host."
"Understood," Iron Man replied.
"Returning to base. Cap out."
Cap returned to the Quntjet without a word to Cyclops. It was better this way, least he and Cyclops would come to blows. After muttering a word of apology to Cyclops, Rachel ran after him.
[End Flashback]
"Things have been pretty tense between us and the X-Men," Cap explained. "So far, we've been keeping our distance, taking care not to step on each other's toes."
"I see..." Sam muttered. "At least the planet's still here, which means something at least."
Ms. Marvel nodded. "So far, we got nothing. It's as if the Phoenix disappeared once it arrived, as if it knows we're looking for it."
"Six billion people on the planet," Sam muttered, "and one of them could be the Phoenix."
"Stark tried to track the cosmic energies," Cap said. "All we got is that it's somewhere out West. We just don't know where. He can't get a proper read on the damn thing."
"Can he try to either intercept or contain?" Sam asked.
"Knowing Stark, he's gonna damn well try," Carol replied. She then clasped her hand on Nova's shoulder when he tried to get out of the bed. "No. You need to rest, Sam."
"I've rested enough."
"Sam, stay in bed," Cap ordered. "You need to recover your strength. Once we find out who the Phoenix's chosen vessel is, we'll let you know."
Sam sighed. "Fine. At least keep me informed if something comes up."
"Will do," Cap replied, before he and Carol left the room.
The Cove, San Francisco
It was Sonya's day off. With Cassie and Ravenna hanging around in Utopia for most of the day and Johnny overseeing the preparations for his retirement party, Sonya had the house to herself.
Perfect for her Yoga stretches.
Since she sucked at Tai Chi (yet Johnny and Ravenna loved it), she took up Yoga at her husband's suggestion after Cassie had been born, and fell in love with the class. She had kept up the exercises when she and Johnny divorced the first time around, and after thirty years, kept up the exercises.
Clad in her favorite warm-up clothes, Sonya was out on the outdoor patio, stretching. Given all that has happened in the past couple of years, she earned a little peace and quiet.
"Thought I'd find you here."
Sonya continued to stretch, but she recognized the voice. The voice in question belonged to a woman. She was leaning up against the wall, hands in the pockets of her reddish-brown trenchcoat. Beneath said trenchcoat, she dressed in a simple turtleneck sweater, slacks and boots the same color as the trenchcoat. She was also very attractive, standing around Sonya's height with strawberry blond hair that framed her face. Red-tinted sunglasses hid her eyes, once blue, now solid white, showing that she was blind.
Julia Cornwall. The Second Madame Web.
It had been five years ago when both Sonya and Johnny had met Julia for the first time. Julia had been a member of the West Coast Avengers at the time, and she had saved the lives of several Cage Incorporated employees. Johnny, in a show of gratitude, promised Julia a one-time favor...so long as it was reasonable.
Shortly before the Superhuman Registration Act had passed, Julia had been captured by the Skrulls, but managed to escape. Meanwhile the Skrull impersonating Julia had registered under the Act. While on her way back to Colorado to retrieve her daughter, she found herself being caught up in Sasha Kravinoff's attempts to resurrect her husband, Kraven the Hunter. 'The Grim Hunt,' is what she called it.
While Spider-Man was able to bring the scheme to a halt, Cassandra Webb, the first Madame Web, had been mortally wounded. In her final moments, Madame Web had transferred her powers – telepathy, precognitive and astral projection – into Julia. In becoming the second Madame Web, Julia had lost her sight.
When Rachel, Julia's daughter, fell ill, her kidneys shutting down, Julia had cashed in the favor that Johnny had owed her. Cage Incorporated had been working on an experimental drug that helped repair and revive vital organs. Rachel had been the first test subject. The drug worked, but there was still the matter of the S.H.R.A., of which Julia opposed. Sonya had proposed a solution: Julia would work for her in the Tactical Response Unit, as Sonya made plans of forming a psy-ops team, thus circumventing the registration laws. Julia's name would be registered under the military, but at least she didn't have to register under S.H.I.E.L.D.
Julia worked freelance, but she was still a member of Sonya's unit.
"To what I owe the honor of your visit, Cornwall?" Sonya asked as she continued to stretch.
"Just a friendly warning," Julia replied. "Your husband is going to have a couple of party-crashers for his little shindig later on tonight."
"Who?"
"Aside from Tony Stark...two of the grandmasters of the Red Lotus."
Julia was also the only one in the unit who knew the truth about the Cage Family. Of their origins in Earthrealm and the circumstances leading to their flight from their home realm. Fortunately, Julia had kept their secret. Seeing as how Sonya had kept her from rotting in the Negative Zone and that Cage Incorporated had saved Rachel, it was the least she could do.
Sonya nodded, but continued to stretch. "Will they be a problem?"
"No. As you already know, Liu Kang and Kitana have eyes here in the city."
"So their visiting San Francisco is to check on their interests here, and to crash Johnny's party."
"More or less," Julia confirmed, shrugging her shoulders.
"I'll tell Johnny. But for the moment, we'll do nothing. Liu Kang and Kitana have kept their end of the non-agression pact we have with them for almost twenty years. The only reason why I haven't gone after them is because the Red Lotus primarily targets the evil and the corrupt."
"And what's to be done with Liu Kang and Kitana?"
"Nothing. Only if they cause trouble, will we act. Not before."
"Taking the moral high ground, are we?"
"No. If I know my husband, his party will be populated with various fighters and/or mutants that can squash the both of them without a single thought. Not counting what Cassie and Ravenna can do with the powers of the Phoenix."
"About that," Julia said, "Come tomorrow...the Avengers and the X-Men will know the truth about your daughters being the host."
At that, Sonya stopped stretching. She rose from her mat and faced the telepath. "So what can I expect from the Avengers? That they'll try and snatch up my girls? Or will I see that from the X-Men?"
"Hopefully, it won't come to that," Julia replied. "Everyone is hoping for a diplomatic solution."
"Not with Stark and Danvers," Sonya muttered. "They have a hard time letting things go. And they both hate the fact that we managed to get away with not supporting the Act."
"Or that your family helped Danny Rand and his team in circumventing the Act," Julia added.
"And there's you," Sonya added with a smirk. "How's Rachel?"
"She's happy," Julia replied with a smile. "She complains about the checkups once in a while, but she's happy."
"A kid as young as she is needs a stable upbringing."
Julia chuckled. "Like you're the one to talk."
"I know. I screwed up with Cassie the first time around. At least I was given a second chance with her. Anything else to report?"
"No. That's all. By your leave, Colonel." With that, Madame Web vanished.
Sonya turned from the house and looked out at the beach. It had been three years since the Phoenix's arrival. The fact that it chose Cassie as its host was a shock to her, despite the warnings from Yao. The old man had seen it coming, despite having ascended to a higher plane of existence.
It had been Yao who had split the cosmic energies of the Phoenix between the two sisters; Cassie being the vessel of the Force's dark energies, while Ravenna wielded the light. The tattoos on their backs showed that both girls were the hosts of the Phoenix, with Johnny's warrior bloodline keeping the power in check.
Cassie's flames were of a darker hue, similar to Liu Kang's demonic-charged fireballs back when he was a revenant. Ravenna's flames were more of a reddish-gold taint. Cage Incorporated was the only place that the girls can properly train and hone their skills without being detected by the Avengers of the X-Men.
Now, after three years...
Sonya sighed. 'I really am getting too old for this shit,' she thought as she picked up her Yoga mat and walked back inside the house.
Portsmouth Square, later.
Portsmouth Square, the heart of Chinatown. For Johnny Cage, the block-wide park had a special place in his heart. Back in Earthrealm, he had shot 'Every Dog Has Its Day' here. And here, aside from the confrontation with Liu Kang and Kitana, it was his favorite place to hang out with Sonya and the girls.
That, and occasionally teach Tai Chi to the locals.
Now, as the afternoon rolled into the evening, the retirement party for Johnny Cage's martial arts career was in full swing, the guest of honor himself having finished up an interview with the local newspaper.
Sonya was by his side, of course, while Ravenna was chatting with her friends, Hope Summers and Illyana Rasputin of the X-Men. Cassie was even trying to enjoy herself, despite the nightmares that plagued her. At least she promised to go to Xavier, as he was in town for a conference, as well as to check up on his X-Men. While he no longer led them, he still felt responsible for them.
The good professor had caught up with Cassie, and the two were catching up on old times. 'Probably speaking about her commission and her gunning for those Captain's bars, no doubt,' he thought. Some of the X-Men were also present, aside from Magik and Hope. Scott Summers was by Emma Frost's side, the latter speaking with the Mayor of San Francisco, Sadie Sinclair.
Johnny had been the first to hire mutants into his company. When asked as to why he had done so, his reply was, "Mutants need to eat too. I will not condemn nor criticize anyone for circumstances beyond their control." For that, the mutant community in San Francisco had a deep respect for the man, which increased upon finding out that his daughters themselves were mutants.
It was a semi-casual affair, as Johnny was a laid-back individual. He was clad in his favorite dark blue shirt (seen in MKX), the sleeves rolled to his elbows, dark slacks and shoes. For once, he was without his signature sunglasses. Sonya, on the other hand, was clad in a simple sundress. Her hair, usually in her signature single braid, was simply pulled back into a ponytail.
Of course, being Sonya, she still had her dogtags and combat boots on. Had it been anyone else, they would have raised a big stink over that. But that was Sonya's style, and Johnny left it at that.
San Francisco has been good to the Cage family for many years. And Johnny was appreciative of that.
Several members of Cage Incorporated and Sonya's Tactical Response Unit were also present. Seated on a bench, sipping on a beverage, was Julia Carpenter, the second Madame Web. Her 12-year-old daughter, Rachel, was chasing after some of her friends. The second was Amadeus Cho, who worked as a lead scientist and researcher for Cage Incorporated. He was also seated on a bench, his girlfriend seated beside him.
Sonya had found it a bit...freaky that Amadeus was dating an actual Gorgon, minus the whole petrify-by-stare thing. If you got around the green skin, golden reptilian eyes and the snakes for hair, Delphyne was actually a nice person, as Johnny vouched for her. Plus, she was an Amazon warrior...even if the schoolgirl-plaid skirt, the wire mesh top and sleeveless black shirt said otherwise.
"Enjoying yourself, babe?" Johnny asked.
"Very much," Sonya replied. "We never really got the chance to do this, you know. Just take in a night on the town. Maybe we can, now that things are now back to normal."
"As normal as it'll get with us..." Johnny started to reply, but was cut off when a man had forcibly brushed up against him. A man, standing around Johnny's height with a muscular build, short blond hair, dressed in a suit sans tie. "Hey! Watch where you're walking!"
The man turned around. "You should watch your mouth, old man," he replied.
"This old man will kick your ass up and down Chinatown," threatened Johnny.
"Make a move, Grandpa."
For a long moment, Johnny and the other man stared the other down. Then they broke out into wide grins and embraced like brothers. "Johnny. Congratulations on your retirement."
"Danny. Glad you decided to come," Johnny replied, releasing the younger man.
Danny Rand, the hero known as Iron Fist, turned to Sonya and embraced her as well. "Colonel. A pleasure as always."
Sonya smiled as she returned the hug. "I'm off the clock, Danny. Sonya's fine." She released him. "How's Luke and Jessica?"
"They both said 'hi,'" Danny replied. "And Dani also says 'hi' as well...well as good as a three-year-old can get," he added in reference to the daughter of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, of which he was also the godfather.
"You went stag?" Johnny asked.
"Of course. I'm married to my job, Cage."
Johnny grinned. "So am I, which makes Sonya my mistress. Which is why I'm still in love with her." Sonya responded by punching him on the arm. "Easy on the shoulder, babe."
"Pray that she doesn't make you scream falsetto like she did Osborn," Danny said.
Johnny Cage and Daniel T. Rand had met three years earlier at a fundraiser in New York City. Johnny didn't know that Danny was the superhero known as Iron Fist, and in turn, Danny didn't know about Johnny being an Earthrealm fugitive alongside Sonya and Cassie.
That changed during Johnny's second visit to New York, in which Danny – as Iron Fist – confronted Johnny Cage alongside Luke Cage. Of course, whatever questions the two Heroes for Hire had for Johnny were derailed with the arrival of Jade via portal, the Emerald Assassin 'requesting' the presence of the K'un Lun warrior by binding not only Danny, but also Luke and Johnny, and whisked them through the portal.
Kitana had greeted the three men upon their arrival at a hidden training grounds used by the Black Lotus. As it turned out, Liu Kang had been the one behind the 'summon,' as he wished to challenge Iron Fist to kombat.
It was also through Liu, that Johnny discovered Danny's identity. But even Johnny – and Luke – had to admit that the fight between the former Shaolin-turned-assassin and Danny was one for the books. Johnny knew that Liu was tough. Very tough. After all, he was Raiden's champion before he took the job. But as he found out from Luke, Danny Rand was no pushover.
The match had been tough, but Danny had walked away with the victory. Not only that, but despite being an assassin, Liu had earned Danny's respect, of which Danny himself had returned.
Like Xavier and Julia, both Danny and Luke were privy to the true origins of the Cage family. Of course, Johnny had sworn both men to secrecy, and for good reason, seeing as how he didn't need anymore headaches in regards to the S.H.R.A. and keeping his daughters and himself safe. Rather than tell them about his past, he used a trick he had developed using his inborn powers to show them his past memories.
Suffice to say, Luke and Danny were impressed not only with him, but with also his family's exploits in saving their home. When Luke asked him why he chose not to be a hero, Johnny had replied, "Been there, done that, got the broken bones and almost dying to prove it. I've been a fighter all my life. Now...I'm a protector."
That much was true, Danny realized. When they were on the run following Captain America's death at the end of the Civil War, Johnny had told him about a loophole that Sonya had found in the S.H.R.A., that the Secret Avengers could sign on as 'civilian contractors' for the military, meaning that they would be exempt from registration from S.H.I.E.L.D., as they were employed by the military.
It also kept them out of prison. And Tony Stark's face nearly matched that of his armor.
Danny looked over to Amadeus. "Didn't know that your golden boy has a thing for snakes."
"Delphyne Gorgon," Johnny said. "And before you ask, no, she's not going to turn him or anyone else into stone. I had the chance to talk to her. She's a literal Amazon, but a nice girl."
"Aside from giving the Act the middle finger and helping us," Danny said, "Amadeus Cho was probably the biggest black eye for S.H.I.E.L.D. How did you manage to get Cho to work for you?"
"Well, I've had my eye on him for a while before his parents were murdered," Johnny explained. "Then, S.H.I.E.L.D. started to chase after him, thinking that he was a mutant due to his hypermind. Stark and the others saw a threat. I saw an opportunity."
[Flashback]
Knowing that he didn't have a lot of time before S.H.I.E.L.D. would arrive in order to take the boy into custody, Johnny had to pull some strings with his contacts in the San Francisco Police Department. He would have to call in a favor to the Attorney General in order to get Cho's case reviewed should the boy agree to his proposal.
Amadeus Cho was already seated inside the interrogation room when Johnny arrived, a paper bag in his hand. After thanking the officer, Johnny was left alone with the teenager. Walking over to the opposite end of the chair, he sat down, placing the bag on the table.
"Amadeus Cho," Johnny drawled, "aliases include Mastermind Excello, Freelancer Of All Things Science, and the Tenth Smartest Person On The Planet."
"Seventh," Amadeus corrected.
"Dr. Banner says otherwise," Johnny replied.
Now, Amadeus was surprised. "You know Bruce?"
Johnny nodded. "I do. He spoke highly of you, Amadeus. I believe you know who I am, right?"
"You're Johnny Cage, Chairman of Cage Incorporated, the 'King of San Francisco,'" Amadeus replied. "So what do you want with me? You're with S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"I'm insulted, Cho," Johnny said, amused. "My wife and I are not on good terms with Stark and his bunch of misfits. Not after we hid the fact that our daughters are mutants until the Act was thrown out." He folded his hands together. "I have a proposal for you, Amadeus."
"I'm listening."
"First off, I'm a fan of your work," Johnny said. "I've been following your exploits with Hercules for some time now. You have my condolences. Anyway, you show great talent with that hypermind of yours, and I pride myself in having a keen eye for that kind of talent. Something that Stark and Richards lack. But your status in all things science is still amateur." He unclapsed his hands and gently pushed the paper bag forward. "I've come to see if you'd like to go pro."
Amadeus looked at Johnny. Then he looked at the bag. His curiosity getting the better of him, he opened it. Inside was a carton of ice-cold milk and several pieces of walnut fudge.
"Chocolate is my wife's one and only vice," Johnny explained. "Aside from Yours Truly, of course. I understand you need sweets for your mind to work."
"It's not pie, but it'll do," Amadeus replied as he broke off a chunk of fudge and began to eat. "You're offering me a job with your company? Why should I agree?"
"The benefits are nice," Johnny said, "Room and board also included. And we can use someone of your skills in the science and biomedical division. Plus, the Attorney General owes me a favor. You agree, I can get Stark and his buddies off your back while the A.G. reviews your case. Give you some breathing room."
Amadeus swallowed a gulp of milk. "And if I say no?"
"Then I'll leave it at that," Johnny said. "But that means that you will have to deal with S.H.I.E.L.D.." He looked at his watch. "And you have less than three minutes before they arrive to take you into custody."
"How can I trust you?" challenged Amadeus.
"I live by a single rule: 'When questioned, always speak the truth. And if you don't want to hear the truth, ask nothing,'" replied Johnny.
Amadeus finished off the walnut fudge and milk. "So long as I can still work freelance on the weekend, I accept."
"Deal." With that, Johnny pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
Three minutes later, and Amadeus Cho was a free man.
And just in time, too, as the S.H.I.E.L.D. envoy led by Susan Richards, arrived at the precinct, just as Johnny exited the building, accompanied by Amadeus.
"Top of the morning to you, Sue," Johnny greeted, giving the Invisible Woman a small wave.
"Where are you going with him?" Sue demanded.
"He's going to orientation, seeing as how Mr. Cho here is the newest employee of Cage Incorporated," Johnny replied.
"No he's not. He's a fugitive and I'm here to take him into custody," Sue replied. "Hand him over, Cage."
"I don't think so, Richards," Johnny replied.
"Either hand him over, or you will be arrested for obstruction of justice," the Invisible Woman threatened.
If anything, Johnny looked amused. "Wait for it..."
"Wait for what, Cage? Quit stalling and hand Cho over..."
BEEP. BEEP.
"I believe that's for you, Sue," Johnny said.
Giving Johnny the evil eye, Sue answered her phone. "Richards...yes, I'm at the station now, Stark..." Her expression then turned from anger to disbelief as she looked at Amadeus and Johnny. "What? Impossible, there's no way that Cage can work that fast...! Yes, he's here and he has Cho with him!" Sue then growled, muttering under her breath. "Fine. Richards out."
She ended the call, all the while giving Johnny the most hate-filled glare she could. Amadeus looked concerned, while Johnny looked amused. "Nice glare, but my wife has you beat," Johnny said. "Now, if you don't mind giving the order for your friends to back off, we can be on our way."
"...stand down, all of you," Sue ordered the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. "Let them pass. Stark's orders."
The agents backed off, clearing a path for Johnny and Amadeus. With a nod and a "Have a nice day," to Sue, Johnny and Amadeus left the precinct without further incident, Sue glaring at the departing figures as they entered Johnny's car and drove off.
[End Flashback]
"I remember that day," Rand said, chuckling, as Sonya walked off to speak with Julia. "I never knew that Sue could swear up a storm like that. I almost pity Reed."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't see the potential in Amadeus. Instead, they assumed that he was a criminal due to him not registering under the Act," Johnny said. "The kid's no mutant. His mind can be considered to be a hyper-mind. I want to see Amadeus challenged and rewarded, rather than punished."
Rand nodded. "I agree that the situation with Amadeus should have been handled better. I told Stark as much."
"That kid," Tony Stark's voice said from behind both men, "has been a serious thorn in the side of S.H.I.E.L.D. ever since the Act was made law. Just as both you and your wife were."
Johnny and Danny turned around. Sure enough, the Iron Avenger himself was standing there. As the affair was semi-casual, Tony Stark was also in casual dress; a red business shirt, the collar undone, with a black suit jacket and slacks.
If Johnny was surprised, he didn't show it. The relationship between himself and Tony Stark had taken a serious nosedive following the Siege of Asgard, in which it was revealed that Cassie and Ravenna were both mutants following their escape from Osborn. But not before racking up a killcount that included Madame Masque, The Hood, and the architect behind their kidnapping, Zebediah Killgrave – the Purple Man.
It was also discovered that Johnny and Sonya had helped some of the heroes evade capture by using the military loophole in the S.H.R.A., of which the Secret Avengers were also affected. When Tony had discovered who was the culprit behind telling them of that loophole, he was furious.
But he couldn't do anything.
Then came the revelation that not only was Johnny himself had inborn powers – as he would later find out – but also that his daughters also inherited said powers, alongside the fact that they were both mutants.
"Still mad about me and Sonya in regards to the Act, I take it?" Johnny asked, looking amused.
"No. I just don't like being made a fool," Stark replied. "Of which your entire family has done."
"And in epic fashion," Johnny added. "So...here we are. The three most powerful businessmen on the planet, together again. Funny how events can bring us full circle. I hope you're not here to cause trouble, Stark."
"Do you think that you're the only one with business interests here in San Francisco, let alone on the West Coast?" Stark replied. "If I wanted to cause trouble for you, Cage, you wouldn't see it coming."
"Be careful when you speak of trouble," a female voice said, one which Johnny and Danny recognized almost instantly. "For it may come from when you least expect it."
The three men turned to the source of the female voice. Tony Stark's jaw literally dropped to the floor, while despite the poker faces of Johnny Cage and Iron Fist, both men were worried – Johnny despite Sonya's warning – and for good reason.
Kitana was standing there.
In the mind of Anthony Stark, he was looking upon what he could consider the most beautiful woman on the planet. She had an exotic look to her, tilted eyebrows and delicate coloring. Her body was for lack of a better term...perfect, Tony guessing that she stood at least five-ten.
The Edenian assassin was dressed to kill in a black cheongsam with a blue rose motif that showed off her figure and showed plenty of leg. Aside from the blue eyeliner, she wore no makeup. Her hair was done in traditional Edenian fashion; dual braids and a bun, the braids secured with a pair of lacquered chopsticks, the bangs framing her face. Johnny and Danny noticed that the small golden headpiece was absent.
"Johnny Cage. Daniel Rand," Kitana greeted. "How nice to see the both of you again."
"Please be looking for me," Stark said, in awe of the assassin's beauty.
"I'd steer clear of her, Stark," Danny warned. "She's dangerous."
Stark turned to his fellow Avenger/business rival. "I like my women with a bit of danger to them," he replied. Turning back to Kitana, he introduced himself, extending his hand. "Tony Stark."
Kitana shook it. "I know who you are. Your reputation proceeds you, Mr. Stark."
"Tony's fine. And you are?"
"Kitana Kahnum," Kitana introduced herself.
Johnny cocked an eyebrow, his expression reading 'Kahnum? Seriously?'
"Kahnum? A play on the word 'Kahn?'" Tony asked. "Interesting name."
"But it's mine," Kitana replied.
"And what is a delicate flower like yourself doing in San Francisco?" Stark asked.
"Oh..." Kitana paused to draw out a fan. Fortunately, it wasn't her signature bladed fans, but rather a normal-looking fan. "...my husband and I have certain interests here in the city. Aside from that, we both have, shall we say, an 'intimate connection' with the Cage family."
'If you call an intimate connection being slain, transformed into a revenant and revived,' Danny thought.
"So you know Johnny and his family?" Tony asked.
"You have no idea," Johnny replied. "And where is Liu?"
Kitana turned her head. The three men followed suit. There, speaking with one of the younger city councilmen, clad in a formal Chinese-style clothing (think Jet Li from Lethal Weapon 4), hair pulled back into a ponytail, was Liu Kang.
"So that's your husband?" Tony asked.
Kitana nodded, smiling. "Yes."
"So...what exactly do you and your husband do?" Tony asked, still smitten by the assassin.
"Liu is the grandmaster of the Wu Shi Academy, a martial arts school in China, while I am the headmistress of the Wu Shi Orphanage. Councilman Chow was a former orphan there." Kitana then turned to Danny. "Mr. Rand, when you get the chance, my husband would like to have a word with you."
Danny looked at Liu, who was still talking with the councilman. "I guess it would be impolite not to refuse such an offer," he said.
Kitana smiled. Then she turned back to Tony and Johnny. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I would like to have words with Mr. Cage."
Once both men had departed; Tony leaving the park and Danny approaching Liu, Kitana turned back to Johnny, who said, "The Wu Shi Academy? Liu's becoming nostalgic for the good old days as a Shaolin?"
"It surprised me as well," Kitana replied. "Goes to show that old habits die hard."
"So what? The Red Lotus has connections here in the city as well?"
Johnny, Sonya and Cassie knew of the Red Lotus, and of who was running the show. The only reason why they were not going after them was that Liu, Jade and Kitana's primary targets were corrupted officials, pedophiles and exploiters of children. So far, the non-aggression pact between the former revenants and the Cage family was still in effect.
"Of course. How else were we able to discover that you were retiring from the ring?" Kitana began to fan herself. "Although...your 'perfect record' isn't as clean as it appears."
"I know. The people don't need to know that detail."
"There's the loss to Liu Kang..."
"...of which I also won in the rematch..."
"...and I've also bested you before, Cage..."
"...I was being nice those ten times. I've won against you as well."
"Your daughter was more of a challenge than you."
"Now that's hurtful, Kitana. And when did you fight Cassie?"
"About two months ago. She owed me a rematch from the Sky Temple. I won."
"Cassie showed restraint."
"I know, her being a mutant and all." Kitana cocked her head. "Your daughters, now looking back, are very impressive, Cage, despite their parents."
Johnny frowned. "I don't know if I should take that as an insult or a compliment."
"Try compliment. Had it been up to me, given that while Cassandra shows restraint, but has no qualms about getting her hands bloody, from what I've seen her and Ravenna do onboard Osborn's Helicarrier. I would have tried recruiting her into the Red Lotus."
"Sonya wouldn't go for that, and neither would I."
"I know. Liu wouldn't go for it either."
Johnny scoffed. "He has no problems facing me in kombat, yet he's against Cassie joining your merry band of assassins. At least he said no."
"Well, at least you're taking our presence well," Kitana noted. "And here, I thought you would freak out upon seeing the both of us here."
Johnny shrugged his shoulders. "Sonya has a psy-ops squad within the Tactical Response Unit. We knew you were coming."
"And you allowed us to come?" Kitana asked.
"The way Sonya and I figured, if you and Liu wanted to kill us, then you'd done it long ago."
Kitana smiled meanly. "We could be merely biding our time, Cage."
"And we would see it coming. Besides, despite you and Liu being hired killers, we've both honored the agreement made between us."
"That much is true. But if the Tactical Response Unit does come after us...then all bets are off."
"I'd be more worried about S.H.I.E.L.D. than Sonya's unit. You haven't killed any American military official."
Kitana grinned. "Yet."
With Liu and Danny...
"Johnny seems to be holding his own against my wife," Liu noted as he and Danny watched the verbal sparring session between the former actor and the assassin. "It appears that I owe Kitana dinner."
"Johnny is a lot tougher than most people think," Danny replied. "Of which you know as well."
"He is an annoying buffoon, but I cannot deny that he is skilled in martial arts," Liu admitted. "Both him and Sonya."
"A trait which they passed down to their children."
Liu nodded. "Kitana and I know that their children can fight, of which Kitana knows of this first-hand."
"Are you talking about the rematch between Kitana and Cassie? Or in Earthrealm when Cassie was a mere Sergeant and Kitana was a revenant?" Danny asked in a low tone.
Liu slowly turned to Danny. "So you know about our past."
"And the reason why as Johnny fled Earthrealm alongside his family. I didn't find out until after our first fight. Johnny said that if I won our match, then he would come clean, on the condition that I keep it secret." A sardonic grin crept upon the superhero's face. "As a hero and Avenger, you tend to take things by faith. Johnny took it a step further by showing us his memories."
"I guess there is no reason in denying it," Liu said. "I was the original champion before I...died. Then I was brought back as a revenant alongside Kitana and several others. It was only after Shinnok's defeat that Jade was able to free us from Quan Chi's curse. Although I am surprised that S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't at our doorstep. Is that your doing?"
"Oh, S.H.I.E.L.D. is aware of the Red Lotus," Danny replied. "Just that we have more important matters to deal with. The Red Lotus hasn't killed any S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives, and hopefully, that policy still continues."
Liu grunted. "The Red Lotus is the best at what we do. Just not the most famous. We like to keep it that way."
"But...in spite of you being an assassin, I do have some form of respect towards you as a warrior," Danny admitted. "And I must admit that our match was by far one of the best fights I've been in a long time. Johnny Cage himself being a close second. If you want your rematch...then I'll be happy to oblige you."
At that, Liu grinned. "I may cash in on that challenge soon, Rand."
The Sky Temple, Earthrealm.
A lot has changed in Earthrealm in the past three years since the 'deaths' of Johnny Cage, his daughter and ex-wife.
Kano didn't buy that story no more than Raiden have. After all, Sonya Blade wasn't dead because he didn't kill her, and he deserved payback for what she had done to him following their brawl in the Refugee Kamp. Had it not been for the fact that Sonya could not kill him and risk her career, but he also knew where Shinnok's Amulet was located.
The Black Dragon chieftain had been approached by the dark thunder god himself following the departure of the Cage family with an offer he couldn't refuse: a general amnesty for past crimes - including stealing Shinnok's amulet - in exchange for his services. Refusal meant the one thing that Sonya or Johnny couldn't do: death for him and the extermination of the Black Dragon.
Wisely, Kano accepted.
Since then, he made Fort Charles - the former home of S-F - his main base. That was, of course, after he and the Black Dragon clan had slaughtered its operatives down to the last man, Kano himself having slain Colonel Flagg after he had destroyed the portal embarkation room, while Raiden had killed Secretary Blake.
This was, of course, after Raiden had bested Kotal Kahn's champions in Mortal Kombat, and absorbed Outworld into Earthrealm.
Working with a corrupted thunder god had its perks. But what he really wanted was the brainwashed charges of Cassie's team as members of the Black Dragon. Raiden refused, as he had his own plans for the trio...as well as their respective parents and masters.
The former members of Team S-F served as bodyguards for Raiden, while Subzero, Scorpion and Jax served as his generals.
Kenshi was dead, slain in battle by Kotal Kahn, having been cleaved in two by his macuahutil, with the usurper Kahn having been slain by Raiden himself. He did, however, take sadistic pleasure in murdering Vera Briggs, the wife of Jax and mother to Jacqueline Briggs, framing the Tarkarta for the murder. The Red Dragon have been slain, with Taven and his dragons on the run from the Lin Kuei and the Shirai Ryu.
All in all, it was a damn good time to be a member of the Black Dragon.
Then, he was summoned to the Sky Temple.
Kano had been here a couple of times, the last time was to help in subduing Fujin, the God of Wind having objected to Raiden's dark and cruel nature. His powers were drained, and he was rotting away in a cell in Seido, unable to die due to his immortality.
And then, there was the Shadow Priest that Raiden had on his payroll...
He had arrived in Earthrealm following its absorbing Outworld, offering his services to the dark thunder god. Raiden would have refused, had it not been for a piece of information that he had given him: Jade, Kitana and Liu Kang were alive, and had fled the Netherrealm.
Almost immediately, Raiden had retained the Priest's services, and had given him a specific task: find not only the former revenants, but also the fugitive Cage family as well. Failure would not be tolerated.
Speaking of said priest and thunder god, both were waiting for him inside the Jinsei Chamber, still raidiating its vibrant blue. Standing nearby, watching the events unfold, were the brainwashed members of Team S-F, the corruption having been reinforced with the Shadow Priest's sorcery. While most of them haven't changed in appearance, Takeda wore the Shirai Ryu headband over his right eye, having lost it in Mortal Kombat. Even while corrupted, the young kombatants did not trust Kano.
"Honey, I'm home!" Kano greeted in his thick Outback accent.
"Took you long enough," the Priest replied.
"Oi! You know how long a climb those bloody stairs are from the ground to the temple proper?" Kano shot back.
"That's enough, Kano," Raiden intoned. "I have brought you here to serve my will."
"Yeah, yeah, make it quick. I got engagements to keep, Raiden," Kano spat.
Raiden's impassive face twisted into a malicious grin. "Our missing friends have been found."
Kano's eyebrow raised. "So you found Mama Blade?"
"Her ex-husband and daughter as well, along with the former revenants, Liu Kang, Princess Kitana and Jade."
"On second thought..." Kano replied. "My schedule's just been cleared."
"I thought that might interest you," Raiden said.
"Edenian sorcery is easy to track, once you know what you're looking for," the Priest explained. "Jade had left a trail. Now, I know where they are."
"Which is...?" Kano prodded.
"An alternative Earth. Similar to this one, but not the same. As it turns out, Johnny Cage and his family has fled there as well."
Kano grinned evilly. "So...orders?"
"You are to take two squads of the Black Dragon and retrieve Cassandra Cage," Raiden ordered. "Unharmed, if possible."
"And what is to be done with Papa Cage and Mama Blade?"
"They both are to be killed at your discretion," Raiden replied.
Kano's grin widened. "Music to my ears. I'll rally the troops." With a mocking bow, Kano left the chamber.
The Priest then turned to Raiden. "And what is to be done with the former revenants?"
Raiden took a moment to think about that. "They are too big of a threat," he replied. "You will go to this alternative Earthrealm and kill them. A squad of Tarkarta will accompany you."
The man removed his hood. Raiden stared back into the face of the Shadow Priest. Chinese in origin, but a native to Outworld, muscular, with dark hair that was tied back into a ponytail, the sides lined with gray streaks. He was sinister in his appearance, and the goatee didn't help much in his appearance.
Had any of the kombatants who knew him in the past saw him, they would recognize him almost instantly.
"Lord Raiden," Shang Tsung began, "it will be my pleasure."