The Trainer's Estate, China; 5:00 PM. Day 1 of the Invasion
Kim's POV
Ben and Jade really just fucked, with us in the living room. Whatever they learned in Manhattan must've been bad good news. The reactions were all scattered. Sareena was shocked, Dakini visibly disgusted.
Me...? I was choking down laughter. I couldn't really do much other than that since this is their home. They were really getting into it, judging from the audible sounds. I wonder how they're gonna explain this to Dakini.
Eventually, Jade walked out back into our line of sight, without Ben.
"Where's Benny?" Sareena asked her wife.
"He's..." Jade paused. "Asleep."
"I wonder why?" I sarcastically quipped. "Was Manhattan that bad where you had to fuck when you came back?"
"Yes, I needed that after learning Tanya murdered both of my parents," Jade shot aggressively. "Yet here you are, joking about."
Dakini's eyes widened at the revelation, a gasp sounding before she covered her mouth. Ouch, that was not good at all.
"I'm just trying to lighten the mood. If you couldn't tell, the general atmosphere of this entire invasion is pretty dreary. Did you not notice that your kid was listening to the entire session? Or were you too caught up in the moment?" I defended myself in response. "Did Ben and whoever you went to get in Hell purify Sindel's soul? Or did you have to kill her?"
Jade took a deep breath. "Benjamin and his mentor Okada purified Sindel's soul. She told us the damning news of my father's assassination afterward. The process to cleanse Sindel's soul is another reason why he's sleeping while she's having a reunion with Kitana as we speak. I'm sorry, Kimura. The stress had built up, and hearing that harlot was responsible made it boil over."
"Water under the bridge, but I'm not the one you should be apologizing to," I said before point to her daughter.
Jade's face flushed a deep pink before she covered it. "Dakini... I'm so embarrassed."
Her daughter merely giggled. "Mama, it's okay. I know what sex is. You and Dad used to have stress sex a lot in my time. As you said, that tension had to be released somehow. Though Dad used to silence the room so no one can hear the, ahem... lewd noises."
Sareena had a look of thought when she heard that.
I whispered in her ear. "Such a naughty girl. You're already pregnant."
My joke made her cheeks flush as well. I'm babysitting quite the perv. But that's another one of Shao Kahn's plans foiled, and now that Sindel's a turncoat, he just keeps digging his own grave that's growing deeper.
"But seriously," Dakini began before giving Jade a hug. "It shows that you love each other a lot."
Jade smiled. "Yes, we do, Dakini."
"Kim, when your father said he's hard to kill, you said 'Oak Tree.' in response. Why?" Sareena asked me.
"Oh, that." I chuckled. "So when Pa was merely 19 years old, a European God broke his first weapon and shot him through the sky. He hit an Oak Tree and was moving so fast with so much force, he flew straight through the tree's trunk to break it in two. Pa barely survived and would've died from his injuries if it weren't for his predecessor. Now, it's the story I tell to show how tough he is. Plus, the image of him slamming through a tree is hilarious."
"And that was before Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi blessed him?"
"Yup. I wasn't even born yet as this was in 1591."
"How did he survive that?" Jade inquired. "If he broke an Oak Tree, then that should've killed him."
"He doesn't know, and by extension, neither do I. I suppose Ama-sama and Tsuki-sama were looking out for him from way back then. Or he's really lucky. I'm glad Edgemaster brought him back to the Proving Grounds and healed him up. He told me that his best friend, Aunt Baba, told him that he's borderline immortal, and after hearing that story, I believe her."
"How can someone hate someone's family so much?" I referred to Tanya. "What could your parents have done to her that made her do those awful things?"
"I don't know, Kim." Ben made his presence felt. "But I promised her that I'd bring Tanya to justice. Then we... you know."
"We know. You could've kicked us out of the house before you decided to do that. Shame on you both," I said.
"And risk Sareena being exposed? I don't think so. A scarred memory like that is better than seeing any of you dead."
"Do you know the gender of your unborn child?"
"We do not. Mai never told us since it's too early in my pregnancy," Sareena answered.
"Pfft, Mrs. Maddox isn't blessed by a fertility god. I got this."
My hands started glowing white as I softly placed them on Sareena's stomach.
She giggles a little. "It tickles."
Feeling around her stomach, I took my hands off as they stop glowing. "It's a boy."
"A son..." Sareena rubbed on her abdomen before smiling at Ben. "I can't wait."
"Are you sure, Kimura?"
"If I'm wrong, I'll buy you all a drink when the baby's born. Except you, Daki. You're too young to drink. But I'm confident that it's a boy since the powers haven't failed me yet."
"Then we'll trust your judgment, Kim," Ben replied. For now, let's enjoy this moment."
Before we could do such a thing, Kung Lao barged through the door. "Doctor! Shao Kahn's men are storming the Wu-Shi!"
We all stood up. "What!? Who's there?"
"Shang Tsung and what remains of the footsoldiers. I don't know how much longer they can last!"
"I have to tell Cal this and see if she can spare anyone on her end." Ben looked at his wife and daughter. "Jade, Dakini. You go and help the Monks."
"No, better yet, I'll go." I stood. "Jade, you stay with Sareena. Brainstorm some names for your son. Let's go, Daki."
"Okay. Hamlet! Let's go!" She called for her Husky, and he ran out. The three of us booked it for the Wu-Shi Academy.
"Who do you think are the idiots we have to skewer?" I asked the youngest Maddox.
"Hopefully Blueface is one of them, so I can stick more arrows in his throat," Dakini answered.
Hamlet growled in response since Ko'atal did nearly kill him.
"I say we have a little fun if he's there. Let's see who can annoy him more."
The child smiled. "You're on. Fair warning, I can be a brat if I tried."
"Don't worry. I was the first female Yanki back in the '80s, so I can be quite the punk."
We continued running towards the Wu-Shi Academy. At the entrance, the scene didn't look good at all. Corpses of monks were all across the ground, and as we stood in shock, we heard grinding noises.
"Are we too late?"
I shook my head. "We're never too late, Dakini. Let's go."
Heading toward the primary training grounds, lo and behold, we saw our two main adversaries. Ko'atal, and Shang Tsung. I chuckled at the former as he's already angry.
"What? You couldn't beat up Ben in a straight-up confrontation, so you gotta attack his students to make up for it? Haha, you are such a loser!" I initiated the conversation.
Ko'atal tossed the monk he was most likely choking to death as he scoffed. "Hmph. I was hoping the Edenian would come. Instead, he sends a no-name woman and his insufferable brat."
"A no-name who made a kebab out of your associate. How's Reptile's gaping chest wound? Did Shao Kahn kiss it and made it better?"
"You-" Shang Tsung started, but Hamlet barked to interrupt him. Not playing fair is correct.
Dakini cocked an ear in their direction. "What's that? I can't hear you over the sounds of your growing entitlement!"
"How is that stupid little pup still alive after I nearly killed it?"
"You're a shit assassin, Blueface. I bet I got more bodies than you. But I expect no less from Shao Kahn's bastard son."
Hamlet barked in agreement before growling at his near murderer.
"How about you retrieve your deadbeat father, so I can kill him and take my soon-to-be-grateful wife. I'll even take you to appease her, you ungrateful rat."
"Where's the joy in that?" I interjected. "A world where you and Outworld win is a place I'd rather not spend my natural immortality in."
Ko'atal sneered. "You aren't even a noble; therefore, you have no right to speak, peasant."
I grinned, my retort already ready. "Says the man who's so hated by his people that he fled to play god in another realm? Screw Ko'atal, how about I call you Coon instead?".
"Silence, woman! You will not speak to Ko'atal in that manner!" Shang Tsung spat in my direction.
"Fine, fine. I will not speak anymore, in English." I spoke, my smile still present.
"Serves you right-"
I interrupted him. I said English but not my native tongue.
"むかしむかし、彼のロマンチックなかプラトニック興味を保持しなかった女性を望んだ別の世界からの資格を与えられた人があった。 だから彼は彼女が彼の腕の中で戻って強制しようとする試みで愛する保持しているすべてのものを殺すことによって彼女を懇願する無駄な試 リトル彼は女性が幸せに結婚し、子供を持っていたことを知っていたし、彼が続けていた場合、彼は彼女の妻のボディーガードによって紙吹雪に切り刻ま しかし、彼は日本語を理解していないので、これを理解していません。 これはまた、私が彼を怒らせるためにこの話をしていることを彼が知らないことを意味します。(Once upon a time, an entitled man from another world desired a woman who held no romantic or platonic interest in him. He made a vain attempt to woo her by killing all those she holds dear to force her into his arms. Little did he know that the woman was happily married and had a child. If he were to continue, he'd end up getting chopped to confetti by her wife's bodyguard. But he doesn't understand this because he doesn't understand Japanese. This also means that he doesn't know that I'm telling him this story just to anger him)" I spoke in Japanese.
That pissed him and Shang off while Dakini let out genuine laughter. I think that means I won the bet.
"Speak in a tongue I can understand, woman!" Ko'atal fumed.
"Angry yet, Osh-Tekk?"
"Yes!"
"Good. I win, Dakini. Now..." I brandished the Monohoshizao, prompting Dakini to get her Tomahawks ready. "Koi! (Come!)"
The pair dashed at us.
"Dakini, choose now!" I told the little one.
"Hamlet and I got Blueface. You finish what Mr. Xan started!"
Dakini began a fierce interlock with Ko'atal. The Sorcerer brandished a Jiao as he closed the distance between us. He's experienced with it, but I could tell unarmed combat is more his shtick. His strokes were predictable, and in no time, I managed to disarm him, his Jiao out of reach.
"Sheesh, I hope your unarmed fighting ability is better than your swordplay. No wonder Otou-san made short work of you and your abdomen." I trash-talked him.
Shang Tsung adopted a snake stance of Kung-Fu. Fitting.
Not wanting to be predictable, I changed stances from having the blade adjacent to my face to cover the pommel with my right, a-la Hajime Saito. (I'm left-handed)
"You're an intelligent swordswoman, Child of the Edgemaster."
"I wish I can say the same for you and your Jian, Snake."
I take a quick glance, his weapon stuck in the ground. "At least your sword looks nice. Unlike your physical appearance."
The exchange between Dakini and the Coon was really close. "Dakini, the Coon doesn't block his legs! Aim for below the belt!"
Refocusing on Shang Tsung, I saw a flaming skull heading in my direction. I had a feeling there was more to this guy than what met the eye.
Channeling my ki, I sliced an X in the air as white lightning formed and flew violently in the trajectory of the skull, crushing it on impact.
"Howaito X! (White X!)" And they still hit the sorcerer, shocking him.
With Shang Tsung electrocuted, I viciously stabbed him numerous times across the torso, deep cuts left throughout. I gave him a final puncture before turning, much like a performance at one of my shows. A swift slice upward sent him airborne. My sight isn't the best, but I know a deep chest wound when I see one.
And boy, Shang Tsung's condition ain't looking so well.
Multiple stab wounds as well as a gaping vertical one? It'll be a miracle if he survives, let alone has working lungs. Not wanting to be disrespectful, I bowed at the loser before observing Daki and Hamlet.
Looks like they've taken my advice.
Ko'atal's legs look like a handicapped constellation on a crack cocaine rush. To end her duel, using one of the legs as a stepping stool, Dakini landed a spinning back kick in Ko'atal's face, his helmet going lopsided. Despite his weakened condition, he glanced over at Shang Tsung's terrible state.
"Shang Tsung!" Ko'atal rushed over to his associate. "What have you done to him, wench!?"
"Huh? I thought you said not to talk to you?" I sarcastically inquired as he merely growled. "Okay. Seven deep stabs followed by a profound wound, all in the chest. I may have ruptured his lungs, and his kidneys have to be fucked. If he doesn't get medical help in about," I recited before looking at the sun, "An hour, he's dead. Go bed him next to Reptile. They can talk about how Shio Kimura, the Kabuki Samurai, made Shang Tsung's chest a five-sided die."
I looked at my Laundry Pole and realized I was using it reverse gripped, meaning I hit him with the blunt side of the blade. "With the blunt side of my Laundry Pole."
A portal emerged from above, Ko'atal carrying Shang Tsung through it.
"Make sure you tell Cow Face that Mileena and Sindel are turncoats too! Maybe he'll kill you both to spare us the trouble," Dakini added before the portal closed.
That's taken care of, at least. "Ms. Kim, we should go see if the living monks need assistance with the foot soldiers."
"Please, Daki. Kim will do. But a smart move. Let's not waste more time."
Scouring the rest of the Academy, we assisted the monks, but they already took care of the fodder. While helping them assess the wounded, Ben, Sarge, Kitana, and a woman in pink found us.
"Kim! Dakini! Did you fend them off?" Ben asked.
"Yes, Sir. Shang Tsung and Ko'atal were killing monks like it was going out of style. You should've seen your daughter, though. She made Ko'atal look even more of an idiot. I gave the sorcerer some deep wounds, but that was secondary to how badass your kid was." I said, gaslighting the young Nightwolf.
"Thank you, Kim. But you're giving me too much credit," Dakini said, blushing embarrassment.
You made a kid smile today, Kim. Things are lookin' up.
"Not too many monks are dead, so that's a plus, albeit a hollow one." I bowed before the Princess. "Princess Kitana. A pleasure as always."
"Cease the formalities, Kimura. This is my sister, Mileena," she introduced the woman in pink.
"A pleasure, Kimura. We arrived to help, but it seems that you and Dakini have done the job already. However, that's not the only reason why we came here," Mileena spoke. "Your father was taken to the Netherrealm."
I raised an eyebrow. "What? How?"
"He was taken by the Ninja Spectre, Scorpion. Allow us to explained what happened."
Xan's POV
"Oof."
Rusted iron. I spent too much time making weapons. Getting back up, my vision cleared to allow me to check my surroundings. The floor seemed drained, the bottom of cell bars.
A kunai stuck in my chest. I burned the rope that held it before breathing so I can rip it out.
"I don't know if you used that in battle, but you're not gonna use it for a while." I quipped at my attacker.
Looking at my wound, I see that it wasn't deep, allowing me to still fight if I have to.
My attacker was a motif, wearing yellow and black and had no pupils in his eyes.
"How does it feel?" The yokai asked.
"How does what feel?"
"Vengeance. To gain your retribution against the man who wronged you?" He clarified. "You are Shio Xan, right? Black Dragon of Osaka, who slaughtered the man who slew his first lover? You have quite the reputation in the Netherrealm. The man who committed a sin and wasn't punished for it."
It must be a Spector.
"I have no regrets over killing Mitsurugi. After all the shit he did, decapitation was letting him off easy. If you want a straight answer, I'm not regretful, but it wasn't fulfilling. Living to be 439 will do that to petty things like vengeance. Not that it matters to you, Spector. All of you are one-track-minded in gaining vengeance. So why did you ask me this question?" I retaliated.
Before he could answer, someone, cut him off. "Enough, Scorpion." A voice from behind him spoke as he moved out of the way. "You are not Mileena."
"Really? What gave me away?" I sarcastically inquired.
The pale man only scoffed at my sarcasm.
"But if you wanted Mileena and got me instead, that means you made a mistake. And seeing as your clearly working for Shao Kahn, I plan on maximizing this mistake. But before I skewer your lackey, how about you tell me why you wanted Mileena?"
"Someone on your side has told Shang Tsung about Mileena's betrayal. Shao Kahn has ordered anyone who can get their hands on her to corrupt her mind. As for the punishment, well, I'm glad I'm stuck in a jail cell," the pale man explained.
"Now I'm glad I pushed her out of the way. Mileena has gotten some needed clarity from having her mind purified. She sees Shao Kahn for what he truly is - an egomaniacal childlike bigot."
"Hmph. But with you here in her stead, a new plan has surfaced. If I take the soul of who killed Abyss, I will be unstoppable. Scorpion, kill him!" The man commanded the Spectre.
"Hasashi Hanzo..." I sized him up before unsheathing my Damascus O-Katana. "How the mighty have fallen. Once the commander of the Shirai Ryu. Now reduced to nothing more than the lackey of another spineless Warlock."
"What do you know of my clan, Demon Hunter?"
"That Lady Sun helped the first Leader establish it, much like Lady Moon established the Lin Kuei as the sister clan. But a couple of mishaps prevented a sibling-like partnership from forming between the two. A regret they shared."
"You do not speak of the Lin Kuei in my presence!"
Scorpion breathed his fire. I mirrored his movement with my black fire. I can't see his entire face, but his pupilless eyes didn't betray his look of shock.
"You're playing with real fire now, Spectre." My grip tightened around my sword, lowering the blade adjacent to my hip while bending both knees. "I hope your swordplay is better than your fire."
I loosened my hands a bit, so strikes are more instinctively driven. Specters can't be killed since they're already dead. But they can be sealed off and sent back to the original sphere of hell where they were created. I'll have to weaken him enough where he can be sent back.
Scorpion disappeared out of sight. I looked behind me and saw he was ready to hit my blind spot. I quickly blocked the strike and examined his aiming point. The wound his kunai left on my chest. He's experienced alright.
I kicked him off of me. Approval noises sounded all around me. Looking around and above, I saw prisoners in all directions, floors separated by a flight of stairs.
"Eyes on your opponent, Swordsman!"
Scorpion brought me back into focus, ready to attack from above. I countered by striking his chest; the hit not clean or deep. In retaliation, he disappeared from my sight again.
Teleporting from below me, Scorpion tried to elbow my chest. I dodged backward, but he stroke downward in an attempt to get me before I can defend myself, but I was fast enough to do so. I bashed my pommel, hitting his eye socket to temporarily blind him.
"Agh! Bastard!"
He wasn't pleased about that. But his well of anger was starting to boil over. Being the predator I am, I took this as my moment to take the offensive. I start feinting an attack by dashing across the makeshift battlefield with blinding speeds, causing him to attack an afterimage.
Building enough momentum, I dashed straight towards the Spectre. He raised his scorpion-like sword in defense, but the strength of my strike was too much, snapping it in two while I landed the first of many clean strokes. Slash, slash, slash, slash at his chest as Scorpion failed to register a defense from the relentless assault. I feint another incision to misguide him but kicked his two freshest wounds before continuing with the bladed onslaught. I stabbed him in the abdomen and cut him upward to the right. I used the momentum to leave just as deep a cut on his left.
I quickly wipe off the blood before grabbing my scabbard and sheathing my Katana, adopting a laido stance. Infusing my sword with my black flames, I unleashed a myriad of quick draw strikes. The last slash left a sizable Z mark on his chest as the black fire burned many fresh wounds.
Throwing the blood off once more, I sheathed my Katana while hiding my left hand from his line of sight, lining the fingertips with sealing ninpo. Scorpion slowly got up from the floor and, in his rage, rushed me again. That was when I sprung the seal.
*JAB*
"日本語シールスクリプトレベル二! (Japanese Sealing Script Level Two!)" I recited, slamming my fingertips against Scorpion's chest.
As he stumbled backward, a portal opened from below him as skeletons mercilessly dragged him down, meaning the seal was working. I sarcastically waved goodbye to the Spectre, grateful that he won't be a bother at least until he breaks out of his imprisonment. I took a deep breath and look to the top floor where the Sergeant, Argus, and a figure I couldn't recognize were.
I couldn't make out what they were saying, but after a swift conversation, the unknown man tapped the ground twice before a portal opened.
"I will have your soul, Edgemaster. Mark my words," the pale man threatened.
"You think you're slick. But I know that you're the one who slaughtered the Shirai Ryu. Be grateful I was dealing with Abyss, so I couldn't flay your ass myself." I spat back as I entered the portal. "Sergeant. Argus."
"Duffeck, this is Xan. The Edgemaster I told you about who killed Argus' bastard. Xan, this is Duffeck, the Neterrealm's Elder God," the sergeant introduced me.
Duffeck extended his hand, and I shook it. "A pleasure. I have some questions regarding Abyss's demise."
"Is there a problem, Duffeck?"
"Not at all. I'm grateful as if it weren't for you, the Netherrealm would be overrun with the dead. But I have a question about his soul. Let's talk after I imprison Argus. This way, Messenger."
Duffeck directed us all upstairs to his throne room. "Ah, I'm looking forward to confronting the Elder Gods with all this dirt, Messenger. You've done some good that will take me a long time to repay. Now, onto you, Edgemaster. It's rare to meet one, let alone you, who prevented a prophetic cataclysm."
"As it is to meet the ruler of an entire realm of reality."
"The pleasure is mine, I assure you. Now..." Duffeck got down to business. "This concerns Abyss's soul."
"Wait. Gods' souls descend down here too?"
"It matters not who dies. If Gods can die, their souls can descend down here. What makes this serious is when a deity is killed, I'm personally notified. Abyss was no different. Seeing as I am an Elder God, I couldn't interfere in mortal affairs, even when they are precursors to realm-wide devastation. The fact that we were about to pass judgment on arguably the most dastardly deity in the pantheons is a big deal. Then, his soul never descended, something we had to write off as a hollow victory. All we knew was that the last man to have contact was his slayer; you. Now that you're here before me, all I wish is an answer. Where is Abyss's soul?"
"When I landed the killing blow on Abyss those 419 years ago, he exploded into chunks of flesh and void energy. Little did I know that he tried to possess and contaminate my soul in a last ditch effort to still bring forth the Cataclysm. However, Lady Sun and Lady Moon anticipated this, and while I slept, they reversed the contamination. Instead of my soul being corrupted, the opposite happened. Abyss's soul was getting corrupted, and after they reversed it, they transfused my soul with his. Afterward, they irreversibly purified it. To answer your question, I harvested Abyss's soul thanks to the twin deities of the Sun and Moon," I explained.
"Well," Duffeck began. "That was not the answer I was expecting. But the Twins did mention they had a champion in the making a few centuries ago. I guess they were speaking of you. Preventing the corruption of your soul while turning it into a transfusion and purification must've taken a lot of effort on their part."
"It nearly killed them both. They had to rest for a century before materializing in the mortal plane again. It also means Abyss can't reincarnate himself - a bonus."
"Surely there are side effects or extra powers you've gained from this transfusion."
"There are. Side effect number one." I demonstrated by opening my hand, a Large Scythe appearing in the space I created. "This is Irkalla, Abyss's personal weapon. When Lady Sun and Lady Moon performed the transfusion, they let me keep Zasalamel's combat prowess, so I can fight exactly like Abyss if I so choose." I made Irkalla disappear. "I don't use it because Abyss essentially ruined my life, so I won't even give him the respect by using his style or his weapon. Another side effect that I can't avoid using is his limited control of time. I can slow it around me and stop it entirely. But on top of it hurting like hell, it halves my lifespan. I'm naturally immortal, so the only downside is the immense layers of pain it brings if I stop it. There's no downside to slowing time down from my experience. I use that to look faster and have a faster quickdraw. But I abhor using it since it reminds me of Abyss."
Duffeck nodded. "It's a relief to finally have closure on Abyss. You have my eternal thanks, Edgemaster. Even if no one else says it, you've done Earthrealm a great service. Earthrealm, and soon Edenia, will be in good hands if you two are any indication. You should head back and relay the good news. I will see you both soon."
Snapping his fingers, a portal opened behind Duffeck. The Sergeant and I both walked through to end back in Manhattan.
Callie's POV
"That's everything, Kim. Xan's currently sleeping in the Cathedral in Manhattan. Sealing Scorpion away shortly after killing Rain and exterminating the Tarkatans finally took its toll," I explained to his daughter.
"Sheesh, the last time he fought this hard was when he saved me from a flock of Tengu when I was four. Dad won't get a full night's sleep and will probably be awake in a few hours," Kim responded. "Mrs. Maddox is great with Illusion spells, right? Can she cast one that'll help give him rest?"
"Mom surely can if I ask her. Has he been sleep deprived?"
"He's told me that once in a while, he's haunted by his dead friends that Abyss killed. If that's true, he hasn't had a solid night of sleep since at least adopting me, maybe earlier."
"Auntie," Dakini interjected. "How did you get Argus to let Mr. Xan kill Rain?"
"He didn't, Dakini. But I had a plan and put it in full motion."
Flashback: Two Hours ago
Despite spitting on Sindel, she at least reunited and reconciled with her kids. I'm surprised Xan apparently nudged Mileena to join her true family. With her insecurities in check along with a mature mind, that's step one on her journey of self-redemption.
Mom walked over to Xan and started chatting him up as he yawned, lit cigarette in hand. I walked over to insert myself in the conversation.
"Are you okay, Xan dear?" Mon asked our ally. "You seem fatigued."
"I'm fine, Mrs. Maddox. Just a little tired. I haven't had a good night of sleep in days, but it's not enough to hamper my ability to help you all."
Xan took a puff of his cig before Shana whined in concern for her master. He petted her, showing a weak smile. "Don't worry, girl. I'll be careful. With Sindel and Mileena changing sides, I doubt they would send anyone else here right now. They'd take the rest of the day to rest and plot their next attack."
He yawned again. For a human, Xan has some inhumane stamina, blessed by two deities or not.
I sniffed the air, immediately put off my ease.
Skarlet noticed the smell too. "Beloved, do you smell that? It smells... familiar."
"I agree, Red," I concurred with my girlfriend.
Then, when I remembered who was coming based on this exact smell, my eyes widened. "EVERYONE HIDE UNDER SOMETHING!"
Everyone who listened did so as thunder boomed in the Cathedral.
Rain had returned.
We all revealed ourselves to the demi-god. Xan was not happy with his appearance, Shana sharing the same sentiments as she growled.
"Where is the Edgemaster!? I will have my revenge for him embarrassing me!" The entitled Edenian bellowed to everyone.
Xan's frown was highly pronounced, and as he moved forward, I put my hand on his shoulder.
"Are you sure, Xan? You're clearly fatigued and tired," I asked.
"Even on my worst possible day, I'm more than this entitled bastard can handle. But you can follow me if you're feeling on edge," he reassured, continuing to move forward as Shana and I followed. "Rain! How'd you recover from a broken jaw so fast?"
"I'm a god, dull creature-"
"Half-god. We've been through this. You're too cocky, which means you'll never best me. Yet you continue to look for me so I can embarrass you again. I let you live last time we fought, but it seems that only death can cause you to leave me alone," Xan ran him down before yawning. "If you really wish to settle things, step outside and face me alone."
"Fine. I will have my vengeance, and Earthrealm will lose one of its most sturdy pillars. Come, Edgemaster!"
Rain, Xan, and Shana left the Cathedral.
"That's not good. Mileena said that Xan and I were to be avoided at all costs by Shao Kahn. Rain is heading for an early tombstone," Mom revealed. "Callie Ann, follow them to make sure Argus doesn't interfere like he did last time when you nearly killed him."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
I started following them. On the way to the door, Mileena caught up to me. "Take me with you, Sergeant."
"Are you sure, Mileena? You don't want to reconcile with Sindel?"
"If given a choice, I'd rather spend my time trying to strengthen the bond I wish to have with Xan," she revealed not so loudly before whispering in my ear. "I'm awestruck and enamored with him and will do anything to get closer. It's so fierce that I felt the same when I was still a manchild. Please, Sergeant."
"Okay, Mileena. Let's go."
We left the Cathedral and followed the trio as they moved farther away from the building. Nearing where they decided to duel, steel clashed in the distance and grew louder as we drew closer.
Xan and Rain were locked in a fierce exchange, yet Xan held an advantage, proving his claim earlier. He also had a sword that wasn't on his back. It looked like a Jian. Wow, he didn't even respect Rain to use his country's weapons? The Jian was in his left hand while his right hand was immolated with black fire.
He parried Rain's attacks with ease before setting him ablaze with his fire. Xan then slashed Rain, spreading the flames across his body to cause excruciating pain. He kicked Rain stiffly in the chest then dashed at the demi-god before slicing his abdomen cleanly. Using the black flames that spread across Rain's body, Xan disappeared in them.
The flames on Rain grew furiously as they scorched upwards. More and more they rose, until...
"ブラックスター (Black Star!)" Xan yelled, materializing from the flames on Rain's body, his figure akin to a corrupted Wyvern who spread his wings. Landing, Rain fell backward, the fire consuming him to the point of death. We both knew that Xan was exhausted.
"Mileena, catch him if he falls."
"What of you?"
I spawned my Scythe. "I have a death to guarantee."
Taking aim of the space above the demi-god, I was ready to erase him permanently. Like I predicted, Xan began falling, Mileena immediately there to catch him.
"I have you, Edgemaster. You've exerted yourself a little too much, don't you think?" Mileena playfully inquired.
"Perhaps, but Rain was getting on my nerves. Shana, if you don't mind."
Shana barked twice before a healing spell quickly transpired, allowing him to stand on his own. She then barked some more. I don't understand dog language, but even I can tell when someone's getting berated.
"Okay, Shana. I'll get some sleep. Stop nagging me like my mother," Xan responded.
The Jian he held also turned into black fire. I looked over Rain's body and saw a light putting out the flames. Oh no, that's not good!
I chucked my Scythe at the light, and as I predicted, it shattered.
Argus landed severely on the Manhattan streets, the Scythe embedded in his chest.
"Argus, you lying bastard!" I demeaned him immediately. "I thought you said Rain wasn't going to be a problem?"
"I will not lose my bargaining chip that keeps my position as Elder God, Callie Ann!" He spat before spitting up blood. "What in the world did you hit me with?"
I grew smug. "The Messenger's Scythe. I have the means to kill you now. So you really should have kept your word!"
His bewildered expression told the whole story. "But how!? The only one who can give you those powers is Duffeck, and he's dead!"
Huh? He said what?
"Oh, I think we're due a field trip to the Netherrealm then. I think it's time you meet the ruler of Hell, Argus. You don't understand the hole you just dug for yourself, you little cheat!"
Just as I opened a portal to Duffeck's throne room, another one appeared. Before I could react verbally, a kunai attached to a rope shot out in Mileena and Xan's direction.
"Mileena, Xan! Watch out!" I yelled.
Xan pushed Mileena out of the way as the kunai embedded him in the chest. Before he was pulled through, a voice yelled.
"GET OVER HERE!"
Xan's fatigue prevented him from defending himself as he was yanked through the portal as it closed. Shana whined instinctively, thinking the worst outcome for her master.
"That's not good. Mileena, take Shana and tell Mom what happened. I think it's time for this bastard to eat his crow. Go! I'll be back with Xan soon!"
"Yes, Sergeant. Come, Shana."
Shana barked in approval as they returned to the Cathedral.
With them out of sight, I spawned a portal of my own before pulling the Scythe out of Argus's chest, violently pushing him through the portal. "Move it."
We ended up in Duffeck's throne room, with him waiting patiently on us. "Argus... It's been a while."
Argus looked up, the color draining from his face like he's seen a ghost. "Duffeck? But how, Orion and I-"
"Ah, so Orion was in on it as well? Certainly good to hear."
"Duffeck, what is he talking about? He said you were dead."
"That's because Argus and the Elder God of Outworld, Orion, tried to assassinate me. The Netherrealm would descend to madness, and they'll pick up the pieces and co-rule the realm. That failed, obviously. I decided to fake my death to run the Netherrealm without hearing the other Elder Gods' opinions. All of them, save for Earthrealm and Seido, are always looking out for themselves, let alone the realms they govern," Duffeck explained. "And now you're breaking promises, Argus? We all knew about your bastard, you dolt!" Duffeck admitted.
"What? You knew of Rain?"
"Everyone did. Cetrion, Orion, Aamir, Brium, and I knew for some time. You're the only Elder God in the council's history to fuck a mortal."
"Then why did you keep me in the position? You could've outed me centuries ago."
"Because your other candidates are more corrupt than you are. We had no other option but to keep you around. But this, the corruption of the Messenger that you and your predecessors have committed over the millennia. You're in deep shit. I would confront the others right now, but Earthrealm is currently being invaded by Outworld. Callie Ann will have to deal with Orion's failure before we can deal with you. For now, you'll stay in the Dark Prison. Come, Callie. We can have some tea afterward before I send you back to Earthrealm." Duffeck stood up from his throne. "Guards! Take this idiot!"
"Yes, Lord Duffeck!" The guards didn't waste any time taking Argus away.
"Callie. You might've just sealed the deal on Edenia's restoration. We'll speak more about confronting the other Elder Gods after the invasion is snuffed. I don't think it can get any better than this," Duffeck said.
We followed the guards who took Argus down to the Dark Prison.
Present Day
"And then we ran into Xan after he sealed off Scorpion. He looked no worse for wear, but the fatigue was apparent. After we returned to the Cathedral, Mom escorted him to a bed. Xan passed out immediately after laying down."
"Shana has been sleeping next to his bed as well. I don't think I've seen a more loyal canine before," Mileena added.
Kim breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good he'll get some rest. When working, Dad normally deprives himself of it until he overworks himself then passes out from overexertion." She bowed to Mileena. "Thank you, Mileena. For making sure his head didn't hit the ground and going with the Sarge to ensure he doesn't kill himself."
"It's nothing, Kimura. I find your father to be... Eye-opening to be around."
I had a hand on my hip. "I may act cheery, but I'm blessed by a fertility god. So I know that you have feelings for him."
That caused the Pink Princess to blush heavily, even throwing Kitty off.
Mileena covered her face. "Am I dying right now? Because that's what it certainly feels like."
Kim giggled before taking Mileena's hand in hers. "I do not have a problem with you getting intimate with my Old Man, Mileena. He's admittedly hard to deal with, considering everything he's been through. But if you have the willpower and persistence to keep pushing, he'll eventually find you a joy to be around. I support your pursuit of him 100%."
"Th-thank you, Kimura," Mileena accepted the blessing. "I will feel much better about what I did if I can earn his favor."
"Of course." Kim stood up. "Well, Daki. We should head back. I was brought here so I can guard Sareena. I'm not doing that right now, so I should get back to it. You coming with us, Ben?"
"No, I'll meet you all there. I have to make sure the monks who'll survive wounds are adequately closed. I'll be back within the hour.
My brother wasn't fooling anyone. He's stewing in his juices at the scene before us. Though the number of dead monks wasn't huge, it still didn't sit right with him. A good portion of the monks here were his brightest students.
Kimura nodded. "Okay, Ben. I won't question it. Let's go, Dakini."
"Okay." Dakini yawned before giving her father a hug. "We'll see you later, Dad."
"Looks like you need some shut-eye too. Hell, we can all use some sleep. Is there a spare bed at the Estate?" Kim asked Dakini as they walked back to the Trainer's Estate.
I gripped my brother's shoulder. "Well, Benji. I'll leave you to it. I have to get back to Manhattan and tell Mom what happened here. Ready, Mileena?"
"Yes, Sergeant."
"Kitty, are you staying with Benji or coming back with us?"
"I will stay here," Kitana said. "With this attack, Liu Kang and Kung Lao may need another body to ensure the Academy's protection and defense."
"Good point. We'll talk more later."
Benji's POV
Destruction was apparent everywhere, but that didn't bother me as much as the dead bodies I saw. Buildings and dojos can be replaced. Human life, for the most part, cannot. I haven't come here often because of my married and father life, but I always made time to see my students. Now they've been involved in this invasion.
The thought made my skin crawl.
"Doctor?" Kitana's voice broke my musings.
I felt my shoulders slump. "Yes, Kitty?"
"Are you well?
"No... Those bastards came here to send a message. They wanted me for constantly ruining their plans. Shang Tsung for disrupting his tournament, and you already know why Ko'atal was here."
Kitty reluctantly nodded. "He would never leave Jade alone, no matter how many times she said no. Not even physical harm from her or me stopped him."
Sighing heavily, I turned to her. "I never did thank you for looking out for my wife then."
"Of course. You know Jade is practically my sister, as is Mileena. And I... now know what happened to Manuel."
"Yeah..."
I began walking toward the medical ward filled to the brim with numerous patients. The ones alive had some nasty injuries, but none considered life-threatening. At least patching them up won't be too strenuous. Once again, I won't rely on my powers as I know they'll come in handy when the next attack commences.
"What will you do now, D-"
"Kitty, you know you're more than welcome to use my actual name," I corrected. "We're not acquaintances anymore, but friends. Plus, Jade would kill me if I didn't say so."
"My apologies, Benjamin. After helping your students, what will you do?"
I thought about it momentarily. Taking on those two clowns while they're with Shao Kahn is a literal death sentence. Even at my peak, I can't fight them all by myself. Added to that, Tanya's still lurking somewhere to keep surveillance from the shadows. No doubt she's biding her time while the battle goes quiet, at least for tonight.
"I know this," I started. "Ko'atal will deal with me since he refuses to take no for an answer. Jade won't be too happy since she wants retribution for his actions against her."
Stepping forward, I looked down at a bedridden monk, bandages all over his face and torso as he rested.
"But that blue bastard has crossed a line he shouldn't have. If Ko'atal wants Jade so badly that he'll attack and kill my students..."
Clenching my hand, an unrestrained amount of energy formed as I turned to face Kitty, my expression one of pure malice. "He'll have to kill me... several times over."
A/N: So another chapter's in the books.
Scorpion has been sealed off, and Rain's pretty much dead thanks to Xan. We got to see what Kim can actually do, both verbally and physically. And Mileena's crush on Xan has been brought to Kim's attention, who's given her the blessing to pursue him. I wonder what will come out of that little substory?
Find out next time on Gone, but Not Forgotten. See you all soon.