The Trainer's Estate, China; 4:00 PM. Day 1 of the Invasion
Koga's POV
Ben let us in, and after introducing us to his lovely family and temporary bodyguard, he sat us down.
"You're not surprised by my having multiple wives."
"Polygamy is common among my people. Not everyone is a follower of the practice, but we don't shame anyone for doing so. As my Chief says, love is love who has four wives: two Hylian, one Gerudo, one Zora. His predecessor had seven wives. It's not my cup o' tea, personally," I answered.
"People? You're a native?"
"Yes, I'm from a Tribe from far away called the Imps. We worship a War Goddess who grants us various abilities for our devout loyalty. Some are more upfront about it than others, my twin bein' one of them."
"Why do you have stitches on your face?" Jade asked.
"I have a lot of enemies, Jade. One hated me so much that he tried to take me with him while on death's doorstep. Swiped my face with a Holy Weapon and nicked the bridge of my nose. The stitches, as a result, are permanent." I replied, sick of being asked that question over and over. "But enough about me. We're here to give you info."
"Have a seat, Koga. Tell us everything you know."
"Zafina, you start us off."
"Of course, Habib Albi," Zafina agreed, all eyes on her. "The Red Dragon Headquarters is located at the Charred Mountain. Do you know of the Krimson Forest?"
Ben shook his head. "I'm not familiar with the locale."
"It is hidden within the depths of Mt. Fuji. The Red Dragon hideout is concealed in part of the volcano. If it erupts, it will not harm anyone in that specific area."
"The stories of the place say that the ghosts of those who were slain there haunt the woodwork," Koga added as he hung up his coat. "Daegon has been looking for you since you and your sister touched base here."
"That much I know, Detective. What I want to know is why."
"Paranoia is enough of an answer when it comes to someone as mentally damaged as him, Ben. But since you want details, we'll need to rewind the clock to before he was born. Before any of us were. Are you all familiar with the One Being?"
"The one entity that was before he was separated into the realms."
"Yes, but when the Elder Gods separated him into the five realms, the One Being's immense power passed his goal of returning to the living and becoming all that exists. His influence is so powerful, those under his control have no idea they're playing into his hands. During my investigation, I learned that Daegon is one of those influenced by the One Being."
"What? How do you know this?"
"I stole this from him while sneaking around the base," I answered before waggling his tactics and strategies written cleanly in his journal. "In here are his plans in vivid detail, on top of his random acts of anger and psycho mannerisms. Take over Earthrealm, then spread the Red Dragon's influence across the realms. No doubt the One Being would then force him to somehow bring the realms together, bringing him back from the realm of conceptual thought."
I handed Ben the journal as he skimmed through the contents. "Mental damage is correct. The violent descriptions here are grotesque, and that's putting it lightly." Ben then glanced at me. "Do you know why Daegon's like this?"
"Thousands of years ago, Daegon's mother Delia had foreseen a vision and gained an ominous premonition. The number of warriors in this reality would grow to be too powerful. So much that the realms would destroy themselves from the collective power. Her husband, Argus, convinced Delia to have their children undergo a quest to solve this problem, which they named Armageddon. Daegon and his brother Taven were put into a deep slumber. The Dragons Orin and Caro were chosen to guard them while they slept, on top of awakening them when their avatar, Blaze, gave the signal. But Caro mistook an earthquake as the signal and woke Daeegon prematurely. As a result, his body aged faster than normal, his mind beginning to deteriorate. By this point, Argus became an Elder God. Overtaken by anger, paranoia, and current mindset, Daegon murdered Delia."
My recollection horrified the family, especially their kid.
"Daegon killed his mother?" Ben repeated. "But how? Delia was a powerful sorceress from what I heard and read."
"Being a powerful Sorcerer means little when your attacker's a demigod, Ben. Due to the One Being's influence, Daegon killed her to lower the possibility of Armageddon being averted. Hence why he sent Red Dragon soldiers after you. Daegon wants you dead to prevent anyone from stopping Armageddon," I told him.
"And what of Kenshi? They were attacking him too when last I saw him."
"That's something I didn't look into since I wasn't hired for that. Take it up with Kenshi next time you see up," I answered bluntly. "What Daegon doesn't know is that you and your sister already threw a few wrenches in the cog.
That confused him and his wives.
"How so, Koga?" Jade then inquired.
"Killing a person and taking their soul prevents them from being resurrected. When you killed Goro and consumed his soul before purifying Sareena's, you straight up prevented Armageddon permanently since Goro can't be brought back," I explained.
Then Ben had an expression that I can guess meant a lightbulb going off in his head. "Which explains why Shao Kahn brutalized Shang Tsung for his failure... He must've known that consuming a soul is a way to permanently kill someone off!"
"Bingo."
"Your little sister killing Sheeva also helped. Although, since she can't steal a person's soul, it would have meant a temporary setback if you did not kill Goro," Zafina added to my analysis.
"To think that you stopping Armageddon would happen because your sibling nearly got paralyzed." I quipped with a shrug.
"Will that stop the One Being?" Sareena asked.
"Doubt it. If he thought this far ahead, then he must have a few backup plans handy. Armageddon was most likely Plan A. I plan on returning to Charred Mountain once I report back to Duffeck. I would do so ASAP, but I have the feeling you want to come with."
"You're good. I do want to infiltrate Charred Mountain with you, Koga. If you don't mind, that is."
I shook my head. "Not at all. But you might want to stop Shao Kahn from merging Earthrealm with Outworld first." I got off the couch and grabbed my card out of my coat pocket before handing it to the Maddox household head. "Give me a holler when you're ready. And if you want, bring a +1." I offered him.
"I will. You have my thanks, Koga. Pray tell... How'd you get this information?"
"An officer spilled the beans to me," I answered, struggling to remember his name. "Ah, what was his name? It's on the tip of my tongue..."
"Hsu Hao, Habib albi?" Zafina answered for me.
"Yes, Hsu Hao! Thank you, honey."
She blew a kiss my way in response. "We ambushed him in the Krimson Forest, and after learning of the info, I ripped the Chest Laser Implant from his... chest. Then I tossed him into a stream of lava to cover our tracks."
"How long have you been on this case?"
"Three days."
Ben looked bewildered. "You gathered this much information in three days?"
"Comparin' me to Sherlock Holmes is like comparin' a chocolate chip Cookie to a stale piece of bread," I responded with confidence. "I am the world's greatest Detective."
"But you look young to be a PI."
"22, to be exact."
"And married?" Ben raised an eyebrow. "How long have you and Zafina been married for?"
"Our first anniversary was a week ago. Koga is a lovely husband, despite his youth. I'm merely a year older than him, but the love and affection are as present and fierce as when we first started dating." Zafina placed confidence in our marriage. "But we know you and your wives are at least centuries old. So for us to be 22 and 23 respectively, we might as well be infants, correct?"
"Yes, we've been alive for thousands of years. Dakini's barely 300," Ben answered.
"Zafina, your makeup is beautiful," Sareena remarked. "Can you show me how to apply it?"
My wife smiled. "Of course." She stood up. "Come, I will show you."
Kim followed him. "I'll tag along since the only type of makeup I can apply is Kabuki Face Paint."
Zafina kissed my cheek. "Let me know when you are ready to leave, Habib albi."
"I will, honey," I responded before reciprocating her affection.
"You have a gorgeous wife, Koga." Jade complimented my better half.
"Thank you, Jade. If you don't mind, I think you are lovely too." I threw a compliment back at the Emerald Warrior.
"You two are similar, I feel," Ben commented. "While I haven't known you long, I feel like that you'd attract a more boisterous type of woman."
"Believe me, I do. Whether or not I have the patience to deal with them is another question. Plus, falling for the female version of yourself is one of the greatest feelings in life. Zafina is my female equivalent. The way I see it, I'm fortunate to have met her, even if she was a client then."
"Don't mind Benji's suspicions. You two look lovely together, and you have a special chemistry. Though I do have a question."
"Shoot, Jade."
"What does Habib albi mean?"
I felt my cheeks heat up on reaction. "It means 'love of my heart' in Arabic," I answered, slightly embarrassed. "She started calling me that when we began dating; her special pet name for me, she says."
"Oh, that is adorable. Special indeed. I hope your marriage lasts as long as your lives," Jade said, giving us her blessing.
"Thank you, Jade. Hopefully, it'll last since my people can live to be 1,000."
Zafina, Sareena, and Kim al returned. Both Ben and Jade took in Sareena's new appearance, and we're quite impressed. The makeup wasn't much, but enough to tell a noticeable difference. Ben's low whistle was enough to make her blush.
"My thanks, Zafina," Sareena thanked my wife.
"Of course, Sareena. May your birth be without problems."
"Z, it's time to go." I stood to get my coat. As I put it on, Ben went to shake my hand. "Best of luck in Earthrealm's defense. I would help but need to continue my investigation and report more findings."
"Best of luck on that, Koga. I'll call for you when it is time to infiltrate Charred Mountain."
"Looking forward to it. Ready, Z?"
"Of course, Habib albi," Zafina said as she intertwined our hands together.
"Until next time," I said as we left the Maddox Household.
Benji's POV
The meeting with Koga didn't last long but had the pertinent information I sought. Daegon and his goons have been tracking me to ensure I don't stop Armaggedon from happening? While not the first thing I would've thought of, it doesn't make his attempts all the more concerning. Seems like I'll have another mad man to stop after halting Shao Kahn's invasion.
Jade approached me. "I'll go with you when you wish to travel to Charred Mountain, dear."
"You're positive?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"No argument from me. But..." I glanced at our daughter. "What about Dakini?"
"I can help Kim watch Ms. Sareena, Dad," Dakini answered before either of us could say anything. "I want to do my part too."
I gave a small smile. Our child is undoubtedly eager to prove her worth. However, I frowned as my senses were going haywire. There were all kinds of energies within close vicinity. Almost like...
Shit!
"Husband." Jade rubbed on my shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"They're here. Shao Kahn and his goons." I quickly eyed Kim. "Make sure Sareena stays out of harm's way. I'm putting a lot of trust in you with our wife."
"You got it. Come on, Sareena." Kim tried to guide her out of the living room.
"Wait..." Sareena went up to Jade and me before giving us both a passionate kiss. "Be safe and protect each other." She then kissed Dakini's forehead. "Watch your parents. They need you as much as you need them."
Dakini nodded. "Yes... mom."
Sareena began tearing up, as it was the first time Dakini referred to her as mom. We all gave her a tender hug before leaving the Trainer's Estate. I'll be honest. I don't know what to expect in this encounter. But what I do know is that Shao Kahn picked the wrong realm to invade.
And he'll pay for it with his life.
Rushing through the forest, we got to the other side of the trees and saw our opposition.
Ko'atal, Shang Tsung, and Rain.
Koga and Zafina were running interference for us as they were most likely cut off. We caught up to them, the couple unafraid. If anything, Koga looked annoyed that his work was interrupted.
"Friends of yours, Ben?" Koga's sarcasm didn't go unnoticed as we caught up.
"You know they're not, Koga."
"Right. They prevented Zafina and I from going any further. Members of Shao Kahn's army, I presume?"
"Correct. Though Rain, the one in purple, I wasn't expecting to be here. An ally of ours broke his jaw and ripped off his mask, proving that Shao Kahn was going to invade."
"Where is the Edgemaster?" Rain seemingly cut Shang Tsung off, who most likely was going to ask the same. "I owe him for breaking my jaw."
"Xan's not in China, Rain. He's dealing with Shao Kahn's frontline in Manhattan. Plus, I don't think trying to find him is a good idea if he broke your jaw with little effort. Imagine how easy it'll be for him to kill you."
"A grave underestimation that will not happen again," Rain stated. "I will have his head for embarrassing me!"
"From how he told the tale, Xan played you like a piano and wanted your mask, which he got. He wasn't trying to kill you, and if you run into him again, he won't hesitate to chop you into confetti," I affirmed.
"Why are you stopping my wife and I?" Koga questioned the group.
"You conspire against Daegon. Due to the new working relationship between the Red Dragon and the Emperor, he wanted to silence all who threaten their partnership. Seeing as you are the greatest detective alive, you are Public Enemy #1."
Koga's expression shifted from annoyance to slight anger. "Tch. Guess I need to invade Charred Mountain sooner rather than later. That means we have to get by you three. Ben said that you had your jaw broken, so I know to aim for the face. But as for you two..."
The detective pulled out a strange looking mask and placed it over his face. To my disbelief, the trio all looked visibly uncomfortable.
A chuckle emerged from Koga. "I see someone just recovered from a deep stomach wound. On top of a sore jaw, Rain also has a sore shoulder and an impaired right eye. Xan fucked you up somethin' fierce, demigod." He shifted to Ko'atal. "No injuries, but you do have an unhealthy obsession with Jade as well as harboring heavy guilt for killing all those Mayans when you were playin' God."
He then took his mask off. The remark about Ko'atal was unnerving. Unhealthy is the word I would use to describe his fixation on my wife. And I'm about tired of looking at his pathetic self.
"It seems you can't take no for an answer, Osh-Tekk. Why would Jade be interested in you with your track record? " Koga interrogated.
"I would do better than that Edenian she's with! If given time, I could make her see the light-"
"You are sick and demented but do so love feeling yourself, huh, Osh-Tekk? Why else would you claim to be a deity and lead the Mayans to extinction?" Koga coldly shot him down. "I'm wasting my time with you. You do dress like a humane blue jay after all..."
"Enough, commoner! I will have your head for your insolence!" Ko'atal growled before running at the PI.
Zafina moved to the right as Koga cocked a palm and thrust it forward, electricity shooting out and hitting Ko'atal square in the chest.
"What the hell!?" Ko'atal exclaimed as the others moved to help him stand. "You're not human!"
"While my regulars and siblings call me Oni and Hannya respectively, I'm as human as the day I was born. I'm just a native of a tribe that praises an actual deity, and she grants us powers for our loyalty. Shooting lighting from my body is merely one of the many things I've been gifted," Koga clarified. "You actually thought I wasn't gonna do anything and let you maul me like I'm one of the whores you frequent, Featherface? Get back up, and I won't stop electrocuting you."
"This is a new low for you, Shao Kahn Jr.," Dakini quipped. "Just because you lead a tribe of your own doesn't mean everyone's gonna bend a knee. You're just as vile here. Guess some things never change after all."
"Watch your tongue, you putrid brat," Ko'atal spat at her.
"Ko'atal, you will cease your insults at my daughter at once!" Jade demanded.
"If I can't have you, Jade, then no one can!"
Roaring, Ko'atal ran at me, Shang Tsung and Rain doing the same as well.
Ko'atal tried to attack me with his Sickles, but using my Baton, I blocked his assault. The electrocution he absorbed from Koga took its toll still as his motions were slightly slower than average. I managed to hit his hip before slamming him in the cheek disorienting him.
"You will cease stalking my wife, buluc! Or I'll siphon your soul!" I threatened.
Angered, Ko'atal came back with furious strikes and managed to hit my side before hitting me with a shoulder rush that grounded me. Jade intercepted him with her bo staff, slamming it against his leg. With him on one knee, she smacked his other cheek, sending Ko'atal to the ground in a heap. I quickly moved in to steal his soul so Jade's torment can end.
Before I could take it, Jade and I got hit with a harsh stream of water that sent us away. That same stream morphed into a water ball that submerged my entire head in it.
"This is it, Edenian. I will have Jade!" Ko'atal roared as he transformed into a Jaguar to maul me before I could recover.
"Benji!" Jade cried out. "Stop this, Ko'atal!"
Hamlet intercepted and tackled him to my fortune, Ko'atal shifting back into his human form. Hamlet then bit off a chunk of his neck before barking at it, creating a mini sonic boom echoed throughout the grassland. Through sheer willpower, Ko'atal stood back up and threw Hamlet roughly into the nearest tree.
"Hamlet!" Dakini screamed for her pet Husky.
"Stupid dog! Know your place!" Ko'atal slurred as he strode in to kill him.
"No!" A furious green aura surrounded our daughter. "Don't hurt my Husky, you bastard!"
Dakini summoned a Spirit Bow and three arrows and fired all three, hitting strategic marks in Ko'atal's body. The hip, chest, and one in the neck gash. Dark blood spilled from each wound. As a Doctor, I knew that he wouldn't have much time if those aliments weren't treated quickly.
Jade and I went to check on Dakini and Hamlet. I leaned in to try and hear a heartbeat within the Huskie's chest. "He'll make it through. Don't worry, Dakini."
Tears fell down from Dakini's eyes. "You hear that, Hamlet? You're gonna survive."
I whispered in my wife's ear. "Stay with her. I have to help Koga and Zafina."
Jade nodded without hesitation and kissed me before I left to help our new allies.
I turned to see how they were doing, handling their opponents well. Zafina battled the sorcerer while Koga opposed Rain, who had bruises littered on his face while appearing sluggish.
Koga caught Rain's leg before crushing his ribcage with an incredibly stiff punch. He then landed two clean hits on each cheek before grabbing his face, sending lightning through Rain's body. Afterward, he grabbed Rain's face and chin and started separating the two until...
*CRACK*
He broke his jaw, damn near separating it from the mouth itself. As Rain howled in pain, Koga dropped him on his neck before punting Rain's cheek.
"Rain, you insufferable fool."
Shang Tsung found an advantage and struck Zafina to create distance. He looked at his allies and realized he was the last one. Jade and Dakini were still checking on Hamlet, so it was just me, Koga, and Zafina after she recovered.
"Tch. I know when I am bested," was all he said before picking up Rain and summoning a portal. "This is not over. Come now, Ko'atal!"
Ko'atal limped to where his comrades stood despite the arrows sticking out of his body. The trio went through the portal as it disappeared.
"Z, are you okay?" Koga asked his wife.
She kissed his cheek in response. "I am fine, Habib albi. You don't have to worry about me."
"It seems that kombat savagery isn't lost on you both," I complimented them.
"I can say the same to you, Ben. But you heard what Shang Tsung said?"
"Shao Kahn and the Red Dragon working together. That obviously isn't good. We'll have to work double time to end this invasion as soon as possible."
"If you need my help with getting info, you have my contact card. But now we really need to get back to the Netherrealm. Best of luck to you all. Come, Z."
"Yes, Habib albi. Until next time, Benjamin," Zafina responded as the pair walked away.
I walked back to my wife, daughter, and our pet. "Thank you both for saving me."
Jade quickly gave me a hug. "Of course, Benji. I will not let Ko'atal bring harm to you. I swear that as your wife. He is crueler than he lets on. I know from first-hand experience."
"I understand."
"Next time I see him, I'm ending his life," Jade vowed. "You may absorb Ko'atal's soul when I'm done attaining my retribution."
There's no changing Jade's mind when it's made up. And I think it's the right thing to do to let her face her abuser. I'll be there if she needs assistance, though I doubt it as she had many frustrations to air out.
"At least Mr. Koga absolutely destroyed Rain. I don't think I've ever seen someone fight so ruthlessly and with such savagery. And I'm a Berserker."
"Yes, but it seemed calculated from what I saw. Koga knows his way around a fight, that's for sure. To think he prefers being a detective," I added to Dakini's analysis. "We'll need to hurry and get back to the estate so I can check the severity of Hamlet's injuries."
Out of the blue, an Informer Crow appeared on my shoulder. "Boss!" Lee cawed frantically.
"Lee? What's the matter? Something went wrong in Manhattan?"
"No, but it might!"
"What's going on?"
"We were doing some reconnaissance, and Holiday found some crazy shit out!"
"Spill it out, Lee. We're on borrowed time for all we know."
"Tanya, Mileena, and Sindel are one of four leaders of the front line offense in Manhattan," Lee informed.
None of us could believe what we just heard. "Sindel's alive!?"
"Yes, seemingly resurrected by a figure in all black. Calls himself Noob Saibot. Now the ladies, as well as Motaro, are searching for your sister's group!"
"Thank you, Lee. You may go." I told the Crow.
"Yes, Boss! I gotta warn the others!" he said before flying off.
I whistled twice to summon Lulie. "Yes, Sir? How may I be of assistance?"
"Go to Manhattan. Find Cal and the others and warn them. Mileena, Tanya, Motaro, and Sindel are lurking around Manhattan looking for them. They need to be warned so they can prepare. Go now!"
"At once, Sir Ben!" She flew into a portal posthaste.
"Dakini, can you carry Hamlet?"
She quickly completed that task. "Yes, Dad. I can."
"Let's go check on your other mother and Kim," I stated as we made our way back home.
Mai's POV
Damn...
These city blocks and buildings have an identical likeness. If Xan didn't give Shana and I directions, we would've gotten lost. When Lulie arrived and warned us about Mileena, Tanya, and Sindel, we all had work to do. And that's when Xan (after shutting down Johnathan) devised step one of an on-the-spot plan.
Flashback: Thirty Minutes Ago
"Madam Callie! I have news regarding Shao Kahn's forces!" Lulie cawed as she landed on her shoulder.
"Lulie? What is it?"
"Tanya, Mileena, and Sindel are three of the four leaders of the front line forces here! We don't know who the fourth is, however, and don't know where they are!"
"Lulie, relax. You did good and may go now."
"Yes, Madam Callie!" Lulie cawed before flying through another portal.
"So... Sindel has been resurrected. I had a feeling this was going to happen." I said.
If not by Quan Chi, then who?
"Mileena is most likely leading the Tarkatans, seeing she has the teeth of one while having their charisma despite behaving like a small child," I deduced. "Callie Ann, if you have a plan, now would be a good time to tell us of it."
"We need time to prepare. If those three are in Manhattan, it's only a matter of time until they figure out where we are. We're on the defense for the most part. Bolster the cathedral's defenses in the meantime."
"If I may, I'd like to advise another part of this plan."
"Let's hear it, Xan."
"The Tarkatans are most likely after me since I had a hand in Baraka's death. They want vengeance, so if they see me, they'll go berserk and attempt to kill me. I can lead them all away from the cathedral, so you have more time to prepare," he explained his suicide play.
"Do you think you can handle the rest of the Tarkatan horde?"
"They were terrible warriors when focused. I might as well be chopping meat if I'm correct. How far is it until there are no people in the vicinity?"
Callie gave it some thought. "Ten blocks at least."
"Alright."
The plan was finalized after a majority vote. Jackson, who was keeping watch of the area, spoke up. "Some of the fang faces are a few blocks right of this street."
"Okay, I'll get their attention and have them chase for fifteen blocks. In half an hour, Dr. Maddox, leave here and look for me. I'll turn left every two blocks and right every four. By then, the Tarkatans should all be dead. Take Shana with you since I want her to stay here and help keep watch." He told us his plan.
"That's pretty solid. The zig-zagging through the streets will rattle and anger the Tarkatans even more, making them easy kills. I see that battle strategy is a strong point of yours. Not bad for an on-the-spot plan."
"Thank you, Sergeant," Xan thanked Callie Ann before lighting a cigarette and taking a couple of deep puffs. As the smoke left his nostrils, much akin to a dragon, he made his way for the cathedral doors.
"Yo, Bruce! Can I get a cig?" Johnny asked.
Xan's face grew screwy anything Johnny called him Bruce because of Bruce Lee, despite the fact he's Japanese, and Bruce Lee is Chinese.
"One, that's racist, Johnny. I'm from Japan, not China. And two, no Johnny. Smoking Cigarettes will kill you," Xan listed before blowing the light out and placing the cigarette over his ear.
He isn't addicted or showed signs of it, meaning Xan must smoke to cope with those he lost.
"What? Then why do you smoke?"
"To put with insufferable people like you, Johnny boy." He shot back instantly before opening the cathedral doors.
Looking to his right, Xan unsheathed his weapon before yelling at the remaining Tarkatans. "HEY!"
The Tarkatans all roared in anger, much like he predicted.
"If you wish for vengeance, take it if you can."
Xan ran in the opposite direction, and like he predicted, the horde chased him in a frenzy to avenge their fallen leader.
"He perfectly predicted their actions and devised an instinctive strategy in what seemed like minutes," Callie Ann remarked.
"I think he has coup d'oeil, dear."
"Stroke of the eye? That makes sense if he plans on killing so many Tarkatans in a crowded space like this. I guess you'll prove that when you go find him." I followed my daughter back inside. "For now, let's set the defenses for the place. Mileena will most likely follow the horde and attack Xan after. You might have to battle her when you go out there."
I smirked. "Don't worry about that, dear. I got a plan to not only deal with Mileena but get her to betray her father.
Leaning into my daughter's ear, I whispered my plan, Callie gasping when I finished. "Is that even possible, Mom?"
"When it comes to my illusions, dear, nothing is impossible. I'll make Mileena an ally of us yet. Just you watch," I said as we prepared the defenses.
Present:
Half an hour had passed, and after finding Shana, we followed Xan's directions and set out to find him. Nearing the desired distance, we saw Tarkatan corpses litter the otherwise empty streets. Maimed arms, slit throats, gouged eyes, decapitated bodies, and some things unsafe to be said. The bodies only grew as we neared him, an apparent reason for that.
Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi were beside him with their weapons drawn. They must've helped him killed the rest of the Tarkatans. This young man from Japan practically drove the Tarkatan race to extinction. He was on one knee, using one of his swords as a makeshift cane.
"Four centuries of being our champion, and this is the first time I've ever seen you fatigued," Tsukiyomi observed as Shana and I caught up with the trio. "The cavalry has arrived."
"Yes, right on time. Your plan worked to perfection, Xan," Amaterasu complimented.
She was dressed like a red samurai, armor and all. Her katana was gripped tightly in her right hand. Her twin wore an outfit more similar to Xan, a solar eclipse etched in her shirt, and a Khopesh in her left hand. Every sword that was held had one eerily identical detail.
All of them were coated in the sanguine fluid.
"Xan, dear. You surely have a gift for strategy along with your gift for kombat. I don't see any wounds on you, and you're probably just tired."
I kneeled to get a more detailed look at him. Shana howled as a healing aura surrounded him momentarily. When it disappeared, Xan slowly stood up.
Needless to say, I was shocked by this dog's intelligence. "Shana knows healing magic?"
"Yes, she's healed me many times. I should be able to walk back to the cathedral but, I don't know if I can fight after all of that."
"A shame, I wished to dance with a warrior as ferocious as yourself, Edgemaster." A raspy voice interrupted us.
Lo and behold... Mileena.
"Everyone in the court didn't think you could do it but me. They all thought the remaining Tarkatans would kill you. To my joy and my father's disappointment, you proved them wrong once again," Mileena sang his praises before drawing out her sais. "I must kill you as your death will be the ultimate surge of morale for his forces!"
Xan hardened his grip on each katana, but I held him back. "No, dear. You've been through hell because of your plan despite its perfect execution. I'll deal with her myself. Amaterasu, Tsukiyomi. Can you get him to the cathedral?"
"Do not worry, Doctor. We'll ensure his safe passage. Come, Tsuki."
"Coming, Ammy."
The twins helped Xan sheathe his weapons as they, along with Shana, went back to base. When they were out of sight, Mileena's childish joy dissipated and shifted into a murderous glare.
"I finally get my rematch with you, Witch!"
"Dear, didn't your father tell you it's not nice to call other people names?" I sarcastically retorted with a smile to match.
"You have made a fool of my father, and for that, you must die!"
I drew my Jambiya. "It seems you lack any sort of will or independent thought if your anger towards me is because of your father."
"I am not a fool, Siren! Father has told me, Tanya and Mother to avoid you and Xan at all costs. He's predicted that you two are the most dangerous out of Earthrealm's warriors."
"Oh, so you do have free will since you're defying orders and smitten with Xan." I failed to hide a happy smile after revealing her seemingly childish infatuation with the Edgemaster.
"You know nothing of my emotions, Witch!"
Chuckling at her claim, I got into the Silat stance. "I guess not, but I will shortly. Come, child. It's time to see how your savagery matches against the refinement and discipline of Pencack Silat."
Mileena's eyes twitched as she rushed at me, swinging her Sai with fury but no discipline.
I intercepted her weapon with mine and slap conditioned her arm continuously. Mileena's wild swings made it easy to see what her next attack and motions were. Not in the mood of playing defense, I conditioned her again before jamming my Jambiya into Mileena's arm before landing an elbow across her cheek.
She spilled across the ground, looking at me stunned as I circled around her, blood dripping from my dagger. I threw it off before altering my stance, keeping my Jambiya across my face. Mileena stood up, not pleased with how the exchange went.
"Again, Mileena." Was all I said.
Growling, she came after me, using a mix-up of low attacks and kicks, but nothing I have seen before. I allowed her sweeps to miss before forcing her to the earlier exchange.
I made more kali slap conditions, Mileena's learning, or at least letting her instincts taking over as she moved past my counterattacks. Admittedly, I let her do that. I blocked her backfist, and when she turned back around, I kneed her dead in the stomach, followed by another elbow to her back of the head as she crumbled in a heap.
"Give up yet, Mileena?"
"Never! You'll have to kill me!"
"Don't say that, honey," I said bluntly.
She came at me one last time, only for me to intercept her attack before throwing Mileena over my shoulder and punting her forehead. I put my Jambiya away before kneeling down to place my palms against her cheeks.
"This Illusion is permanent. When I'm finished chanting, you will have the same level of maturity as Kitana. You'll see Shao Kahn for what he really is, an obsessive tyrant who cares for nothing except the realms he wishes to conquer," I recited.
I let the illusion purify Mileena's mental state.
As my hands reverted back to normal, I let go of Mileena's head. Shortly after, she began to stir awake, not nearly as violent as before. That's already a good sign.
"Mileena? How are you feeling?" I asked gently.
How she responded shocked me, to say the least.
She sounded exactly like Kitana. "A plethora of things, guilt being the most relevant. But in terms of my mind, I feel like I'm healing from wounds I didn't know were present."
"Yes. Well, I did mature your mind from its previous state. Seeing as you were practically a rabid child before, I'm not surprised you feel this way. Though I'm surprised you sound like this. I thought that raspy voice of yours was natural."
Mileena giggled in a lady-like manner. "Merely a vain attempt to individualize me from my sister. Kitana's the enemy and was a traitor. Since I was created in her image, I had to separate myself from her, so my childlike mind convinced me to do so. Naturally, I sound exactly like her since I'm her twin..." She felt on her Tarkatan mouth. "...save for the teeth, of course."
"Why did Shang Tsung give you the mind of a child?"
"If I were to guess, to keep me in line. A child doesn't say no to her parents, and the Tarkatan teeth gave me a ferocious edge. A big mistake on their part since I wouldn't listen to anyone save for Fa- Shao Kahn," she corrected herself. "The fact that he thought of me having Kitana's body but the mind of a child constantly throwing a temper tantrum is sick and twisted beyond words."
Her expression turned sad before making eye contact with me for the first time since I matured her. "I'm sorry for attacking you, Doctor. Blind loyalty will do that to you."
"It's okay, dear. I understand. I assume the skimpy dresses were another attempt at distancing yourself from Kitana."
"As well as to distract people from my face. I was a fool to think this way. A testament to Shang Tsung's genius." She raised her leg in an arch, meaning her seductive mannerisms are purely her decision. "I still cannot believe that the Edgemaster killed all these Tarkatans."
"Yes, if that was the rest, they're at extinction," I added. "But since we're on the topic of Xan. What are your feelings towards him now that your mind has matured?"
The mention of her infatuation caused Mileena's ears to turn red on instinct. That told me her feelings were genuine.
"He's... He's so wonderful, strong, and powerful. Not to mention charismatic, as if I'm drawn to him." She started hugging herself while saying all this. "Seeing him for the first time allowed me to show my free will to an extent. At the time, I just accepted it and instinctively tried to get his attention whenever I saw him while still a child."
"It seems this is more than a schoolgirl crush, Mileena."
"I would think so, Doctor. Merely thinking of him makes my cheeks hot." Sadness overcame Mileena again. "But he would not be interested in me, not with teeth like these. These cursed canines have prevented me from gaining his affections. Damn that Sorcerer for being a blind fool!"
I placed a hand on her shoulder. "I can help you with that."
Hope filled her gold irises. "Can you? Really?"
"Simple to me, but I must make sure. Xan is tortured, more than he lets on. Save for his dog and daughter, he lost all he was close to due to death or simply dying of old age. He has few connections left. If you really wish to pursue Xan romantically, then know there will be a plethora of hurdles, Mileena. With that being said, do you still want me to help you?"
Mileena became determined and focused. "I've never been more sure in my whole life, Doctor. I adore Xan beyond my own comprehension and must make him mine. I don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't at least make an attempt."
I nodded. "Very well. Let me see your face. Take off your mask."
She flinched before putting both hands over her face, something I anticipated. "A-are you sure, Doctor?"
"Yes, Mileena. I'm sure."
Her hands started shaking as she placed each hand over her mask and slowly pulled it down, revealing the grotesque fangs occupying the inside of her mouth. Then much to my surprise, Mileena began crying, tears streaming down her eyes.
"Please, Doctor..." she pleaded while still weeping. "Fix my face."
She and Xan will be a lovely couple as Mileena is also damaged mentally. I gave Mileena a hug, one that she returned as all her emotions came pouring out.
"I'm here to help you, Mileena. Why else would I mature your mind?" I murmured as my hand turned blue once again.
I then waved it over her teeth, and immediately, the illusion took effect. The fangs slowly twisted and contorted until they became regular teeth. Eventually, every fang became the regular assorted 32 teeth that a humane person should have.
"Done. Now for kombat purposes, I gave you the ability to revert your teeth into what they were, as well as everything else. Your tongue, cheeks, everything," I said to Mileena.
She felt her cheeks. "Skin..." Her eyes widened as tears of joy left her eyes while hugging me tightly. "Thank you so much. I will never forget this."
Mileena pecked my cheek. I see she's already making use of her new mouth. "Uhm, before we head back, may I request one thing?"
"What is it, dear?"
Her blush returned with a vengeance. "May I call you mommy?"
Indeed a peculiar request. "But Sindel is your mother in technicality."
"I know, but you've been more motherly to me than she ever has been. I don't see her as one anymore now that my mind has matured."
"Well, when you put it that way... Fine, call me whatever you wish."
"Thank you, Mommy. Now let's head back," Mileena said as I helped her stand. "I need a new outfit. I'm not a fan of how much skin is exposed."
"I will make you a new outfit when we get back to the cathedral. Come now, we're wasting enough time as is."
A/N: Bet you weren't expecting that weren't you?
Mileena matured and having the exact same voice as Kitana. (MK11's voice, specifically) Her being an anti-heroine? Hey, a Tanya redemption arc may be overdone, but a Mileena is rarely done at all. Either that or I don't read enough MK Fanfics.
Anyway, let me know what you think with a Review or a PM. If you want to motivate me further and help get these chapters out faster, consider becoming a patron on my (P)atreon page.
I'll see you guys later.