Love & War 6: Replicants
Chapter 39: The Aftermath
"Just a few hours ago, Uganda became a nuclear crater when a nuke detonated, destroying the entire country. An entity known as Gargos was vanquished by Homefront Warriors Commander Melody Jones, who was thought to have killed her soldiers and perished, but her clone was the one responsible, therefore clearing her of the crimes. The aftermath of the nuclear bomb was to expected..."
Homefront Warriors HQ
Back at the HQ a few hours later, Melody was resting on a bed. Her body was patched up.
"Our angel saved the world again," said Jade, crying.
"She fought Gargos, while I rescued you."
"And she paid the price."
"How is she?' asked Nash."
"She's stable."
"That's good."
"It's a shame Uganda had to perish," said Tanya.
They all looked at Melody. She was wearing her breathing mask. Chris cried. He almost lost Melody again. The family returned home without Melody after a few hours.
Edenia
"Earthrealm has once again prevailed in yet another bloody war," said Tanya in her announcement to the people at Sindel's palace. "But this time, it was Melody's war, one that almost killed her. (cries softly) This is not the first time this happened. If you remember, after her war with Shinnok, she was in the hospital, but not as worse as this. Fortunately, she is stable but the damage is done. She may never be the same again. This war... Melody had been the target throughout, but since Earthrealm prevailed, I feel this victory was... I want to say well-earned, but because of Melody's condition, I feel she won the war in vain. Melody wanted to clear her name for killing her own soldiers, knowing she had to fight in her base, against her clone, her very self, just like I did with mine. I've seen it all myself."
Earthrealm
Three months later
It had been a few months since the war in Uganda. Not a day went by when the Jones family never thought about Melody. One day, Chris was grilling steaks, but the feeling of Melody laying lifeless on the battlefield. The thought plagued him greatly and he couldn't focus.
"Chris?" Jade came to him. "You ok?"
"How can I be? I know it's been a few months..."
"Melody lives, husband."
"I know. But seeing her... lying there..."
"You were thinking you almost lost her."
"I lost her twice. I promised myself (tearing up) that I will not lose her again... maybe I'm being too paranoid..."
"Dad," Chris Jr. said. "Melody is a tough girl. She knew what she was getting into. But seeing her with a life support system..."
"I know, and believe me, son. I've been knocked out more times than I can count. But you're right. Melody pulled through after Shinnok. I know she can do it again. Come on, guys. Time to eat."
At night, Jade returned from Edenia after spending time with Tanya. She went to the kitchen to get some water. She looked out the window on the beach, and she saw someone meditating. She went to investigate, slowly moving towards the person.
"Who dares disturb this beach?"
The person got up and turned around. it was Melody. Jade was shocked. Melody's body looked as if it healed rather quickly.
"Hey, mom."
"But... HOW? You were at the base with a breathing mask!"
"Have you forgotten? My Edenian healing powers. Even though I was badly injured, i do have the ability to heal."
Jade remembered that Kitana, Tanya and herself gave her this power through their souls in Edenia.
"I completely forgot. How are you feeling?"
"For once, I was scared when I faced Gargos."
"I was too when I was hanging by the lake. I'm sad to say Uganda is gone."
"I know. There was no way to prevent it from happening. However, I do plan on rebuilding the country."
"Really?"
"It was my birth home. It was my fault I let it die. I must rebuild it."
"How will you do so?"
"My people in Uganda and other parts of Africa will work together."
"We can help too, if you like."
"That would be great."
"Jade. Who are you talking to?" Chris came out, hearing voices.
"Hi, dad."
"Melody?! When did you get released?"
"Today. I was looking for you guys."
"We..."
Jade answered. "Queen Sindel invited us to dinner."
"I see."
"Mel... I," Chris tried to speak. "I almost lost you."
"Dad, not a moment went by when I found myself on the battlefield, laying there, knocking on death's door. Luckily, there was no response. While I was in that hospital, under life support, (cries) I had a nightmare, of that very day... I bled to death... Dad, you remember when you were a revenant?
"How can I forget...?" Chris suddenly picked up on what she was saying. "You would've been a revenant yourself!"
The thought made Melody fall on her knees and cried.
"Melody would've lived the same nightmare as we did!" Jade exclaimed.
Chris. Jr and the twins witness this on the balcony and rushed to her.
"Melody!"
The kids hugged Melody.
"I'm so sorry, guys..."
Chris and Jade hugged her as well.
"For the last three months," said Chris. Nothing was the same. But my baby girl is here..."
Meanwhile, Melody visited th HW base. Sonya and her family, Sheva and the BSAA and even the allies of Killer Instinct, Street Fighter and Tekken got the news of Melody's successful recovery and celebrated with her. Melody never felt more happier than she was when she defeated Shinnok.
