(One year after the Blood Code Incident)
I groaned as I got up from my spot in the bed I was in, the cold body beside me turning as the woman turned in her sleep. I grinned at Frost's naked body before snapping and having our clothes return to our bodies before standing up. I had gotten myself an apartment in America, one I shared with Frost who needed a place to stay. The night before, we'd been sparring and things got a little heated between the two of us. I healed the cuts along her back she received before we fucked and placed my hand on her shoulder, waking her. She turned to me and I smirked before she rolled her eyes and sat up. "Sleep well, Frosty," I asked.
"Piss off," she said. She looked down before turning to me. "Did you dress me?"
"Well undressing you was easy enough. That I managed to get your clothes back on you without waking you is a miracle." She got up and walked around the bed to me before aiming an icicle at my throat.
"Do not get any ideas after today, Mason. This was a one-time thing."
"No emotions. We stated as much last night. Though if you ever need to relieve stress, just ask." She sighed before dropping the icicle.
"I thought you would've waited for Cage."
"I don't…"
"You're fooling no one, Phoenix." She stared me in the eyes. "You nearly went to war with the Black Dragons when they took her a year ago. And after knowing you for just as long, I know you wouldn't do that for anyone else."
"That's not true."
"So if I had been the one captured, you would've gone to war for me?"
"I would." She stared at me a little longer before sighing.
"You're lying."
"I'm not. Any friend of mine in danger, I'd have saved them. Especially if they got caught because of me."
"Because of you?"
"I'm… cursed. People get hurt around me. My mom, my clan, my girlfriend. They all ended up dead because of me."
"You're a fool. Their deaths were because of the actions of others."
'And aimed by the Power of Fate.' "Call me a fool if that's what you think. But I know what happens to those around me."
"Is that why you've kept her at a distance? And why you were the first to suggest no emotions?"
"Better to keep people at a distance. I don't need attachments right now."
"Your loner lifestyle is depressing, and not a good thing. Especially since you're still at war with the Black Dragons while rebuilding your clan."
"They're the ones gunning for me. I'm just putting more bodies in the ground than they can send. Kano's still sore from the beating I gave him after the Blood Code Incident. Bastard's lucky he got away."
"Not something I expected from the man who would rather turn enemies into allies."
"The Black Dragons make piss poor allies. Especially Kano." Frost looked at me before shaking her head. I looked up at her as she climbed onto my lap. "Frost?" She removed her shirt and pushed me to the bed.
"You said any time, right? Well what about now?" I started to speak when my phone beeped. Frost growled and aimed her hand at the device before I phased to it, tripping her to the bed.
"Go ahead."
"Phoenix," said Hanzo on the other end. "You have a mission."
"Hai, Sensei."
"Report to the Fire Garden." I hung up my phone and sighed.
"Sometimes being a Chujin has some very bad timing…"
"So it seems." I turned to Frost and saw her heading to the exit after getting her shirt on. "Seems you won't be helping me today, Phoenix."
"Heading to work?" She glared at me. "Have fun, then."
"Fuck off."
"Try not to freeze anyone's hand off if they try to grab your ass, Hooter Girl." I ducked under an ice spike and grinned as she slammed the door. I surrounded myself with fire before arriving in the ancestral gardens of the Shirai Ryu and ducked under a mis-thrown shuriken, avoiding the sedative laced blades. "Hey!"
"Sorry, Phoenix," shouted one of our younger recruits, saved from an orphanage that would make Grelod the Kind's seem hospitable.
"You know this is my landing site. Watch where you practice." I messed with her head. "And keep your practicing to the training fields. If someone is already there, head to the forest behind the temple. Find the rocks arranged like the constellation Orion. That's my old private training spot. I don't need it anymore. Consider it yours."
"Thanks, Phoenix!" She ran off after giving me a hug and gathering her training equipment. I made my way to the training grounds and saw Takeda was there as well with his father, Kenshi.
"Takahashi!" Takeda and Kenshi turned to me and the former grinned.
"Look who came out of his hole," he chuckled.
"Look who's done with family bonding."
"Hardly," said Kenshi. "It is good you started his training early when you sensed his powers, Phoenix Mason."
"Of course, sir. How goes the Dragon Hunting?"
"About as well as yours is, Verser." I tensed slightly before glaring at Takeda who sighed.
"Part of my training was keeping the most important secrets I know from my dad," he said. "Needless to say, I wasn't able to in my first attempt."
"Rest assured, Phoenix. Your secret is safe with me."
"If you want, Kenshi, I could grant you…"
"No thank you, Phoenix. I appreciate the offer, but I fear I would lose my abilities if you do restore my sight. Takeda has brought this up on numerous occasions."
"The offer is always on the table, Takahashi-San." I bowed to him and he nodded back. "So. What brings you here?"
"Takeda wanted us to help train some of the new recruits."
"What about you," asked Takeda.
"Father has a mission for me."
"That makes what?"
"30 in the last two months."
"That's more than most of us combined."
"I'm the only one who can get them done quietly enough and quickly enough. I told Ji-San to give me the high profile missions we get."
"You're trying to protect the Clan," said Kenshi. "I don't need to read your mind to know this after what happened a year ago. I know because of your origins you place the blame squarely on yourself."
"That's not…"
"Dude," said Takeda. "You can't keep doing this."
"I won't have the clan die again because of me!"
"Phoenix," said Hanzo behind me. "That's enough. Come with me."
"Hai." I sighed and turned to the man. I followed him to into the temple before pausing as I saw a few SF soldiers in the temple protecting the meeting room. "SF?"
"This mission is a joint venture, my son. General Blade has requested you specifically."
"Why?"
"Your technological expertise and prowess, along with your infiltration and assassination records. You won't be working alone on this one."
"Who?" We opened the doors and saw Johnny, Sonya, Jacquie and Cassie waiting for us.
"Phoenix," said Cassie with a smile.
"Cass…"
"And Jacquie," said the young Briggs. I chuckled.
"And Jacquie. So we're working together on this?"
"Yes," said Sonya. "Chujin Mason. This mission needs to be performed by both of our factions. An enemy has been encountered after an attack on our base protecting the Stone Portal."
"Black Dragons." They stared at me.
"How do you know that," asked Johnny.
"Your channels aren't as secure as you like to think." I tapped on my PipBoy and a holographic display showed a video image from the attack which showed Kano along with a machine I was sure had been destroyed by Kuai Liang. "And the Black Dragons had a very familiar ally with them from what I've seen." We watched as a rocket was launched from the wrist before a green net trapped and compressed a soldier into nothing but gore. "And with some major upgrades." We watched as it used a blast of smoke to burn away the flesh of another soldier and paused. 'Smoke? As far as I know, he wasn't converted into a machine in this timeline. What the hell?'
"This happened a day after me and Jacquie were moved to another base," said Cassie.
"And let me guess, this was an SF experiment the Black Dragons managed to steal?"
"We're not at liberty to say," said Sonya.
"Meaning it is," said me and Johnny.
"Typical military fashion of denying involvement until proof is undeniable," I said. "You realize that claiming no involvement when your fingerprints are all over it is just as bad as outright admitting it, right," I asked as Sonya glared at me. "It's official. Hollywood has you guys pegged."
"I've been saying it for years," said Johnny.
"Both of you, shut up," said Sonya with a glare.
"Phoenix," said Hanzo. "Show respect." I grunted and bowed, apologizing to the general.
"Like a good little dog," said Jacquie.
"Said the military bitch," I muttered.
"Phoenix," shouted Hanzo. I tensed and stayed bowed. "It seems your time away has eroded your manners."
"He has manners," asked Jacquie.
"When his father insists, yes," said Cassie with a smirk.
"Can we get down to business, please," I asked, standing up straight.
"I'd prefer it," said Sonya. "After Master Kuai Liang defeated the Cyber Lin Kuei and defeated Sektor, we took the information that had been gathered by the former Lin Kuei's Cyber Initiative."
"I'm sure was in no way a means of creating a new type of soldier to defend the realm in case things go south with Kotal or something else occurs." We exchanged glares. "You need free men. Not slaves."
"And women, thank you," quipped Cassie.
"Some would argue we'd need more women than men," said Jacquie.
"I mean humans," I said turning to them. "We have adapted to the most difficult problems and come out on top numerous times. Frankly, I don't trust machines who are only designed to follow orders. Once they become self-aware…" I pointed to the still of Sektor. "They turn out deadly. Human intuition, ingenuity, tenacity. Not cold, blind, obedience, General Blade."
"You sure Terminator didn't scar you, dude," asked Takeda with a smirk. I turned to him and flicked a pebble into his forehead from where he stood. I hadn't even noticed he'd entered the room. 'He's gotten better at silent infiltration, at least.'
"Shut up. The big boys are talking."
"Fuck you."
"I thought you were into women, Takahashi."
"Oh, we're going there, Mason?" We grunted as Hanzo bent our heads low, stopping the bickering.
"Takeda," he said. "Did you need something?"
"Dad suggested I join this little venture. Said it'd be a good thing."
"Looks like great minds think alike," said Johnny with a smirk.
"Coming from the man who thought Ninja Mime was a good idea, I think your dad was just insulted," I said. Johnny's smirk quickly vanished as he shook his head.
"I mean, that this team would do wonders. Earthrealm's newest defenders. SF, Shirai Ryu, Shaolin."
"I suppose you're talking about the fool who thinks he actually managed to sneak up on three ninja," asked Hanzo. I sighed.
"And here, I was giving him a chance, Dad," I said before shooting my Johyo up to the rafters above us and feeling it wrap around something. "Get down here!" I pulled the rope taut and a bow was pulled to my hand as the wielder flipped to the ground before eyeing us, hood and mask obscuring his face sans the eyes. "And now I feel insulted."
"I thought you were a fanboy," said Takeda, making me hit his foot with the bottom of the bow. "Dick!"
"I'll have that back now," said the hooded Shaolin. I examined the weapon before tossing it back.
"You need a new string, I give that one about four shots, maybe 6 if you don't take a pause."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Kiddies," said Johnny, prompting me to glare at him. "Given the urgency of the mission, and the extent of the abilities of the cyborg, the Shaolin have sent one of their own to help. This is…"
"Kung Jin," I said. "Cousin to Kung Lao. Nearly shunned by his family and the White Lotus because his, in their opinion, questionable orientation."
"What," asked Takeda. "He's a bad guy."
"No. He's on their team, something most of the monks don't like." I nodded to Cassie and Jacquie who blinked in surprise.
"How do you know this," asked Jin.
"I've done extensive research on the various allied factions in Earthrealm."
"On some people more than others," muttered Jacquie, prompting Takeda to chuckle and me and Cass to blush lightly.
"I need to know who could potentially work with the Shirai Ryu. And who might be revived as a Revenant if they fall. Knowing how they fight, their weaknesses both physical and mental, that's what I need to know."
"My son, the pragmatist," said Hanzo.
"We done talking? Introductions can wait till we're in transit. Do we have intel on the Triborg."
"Triborg," asked Jacquie.
"Sektor, Cyrax, Smoke. Three of the Lin Kuei's greatest warriors wrapped into one. Given the objective of the Initiative, they more than likely had collected data on all three as well as their mental scans taken before their deaths in order to have a backup in case the original mind is destroyed in the transition between flesh and metal."
"And you know this how," asked Johnny.
"Phoenix is the greatest tech expert in the world," said Takeda. "Hell, he…" I punched Takeda in the gut, shutting him up before he could spill anything I may have done that would be considered illegal to the United States of America. I know it puts me in the same boat as I claimed the military was in, but hey, technically I've been a soldier longer than anyone in the room. Old habits.
"Rather than have him gunk up the story, I'll demonstrate my skill when we find Triborg. If I had to take a guess, I'd say that he's probably left the presence of the Black Dragons, right?"
"Actually," said Johnny. "They still have him under control. Sub-Zero told us the Cyber Lin Kuei all had trackers and he gave us the frequency."
"No involvement from them other than that," asked Cassie.
"They don't have the numbers to spare," I said. "Most of their recruits are too green for Kombat. If Frost hadn't been outed, she'd more than likely have been assigned to work with us."
"Instead of working at Hooters and living in your apartment, you mean," asked Takeda. I grunted before giving him a look. "You're not the only one keeping tabs on people, bro."
"If father has you watching me because he's worried about my mental state." I turned to Hanzo who had his arms crossed as I kept a straight face. "A call would work just as well."
"Not when you don't reply," said Hanzo, giving me a stern look. "A discussion for later. For now, you five need to move out. Triborg will more than likely prove to be more than a match for you, even with your training. Find Triborg, deactivate him, eliminate any Black Dragons that get in your way. That is your mission." Me and Takeda gave the Shirai Ryu salute, placing our fists over our hearts before bowing.
"We've got transport outside the temple grounds," said Johnny. "Let's go, Kiddies." He and Sonya started walking out and I hung back with Cassie as the others fell in line ahead of us.
"He calls us that one more time, I'm kicking his ass," I muttered.
"Do it and I kick your ass," she whispered.
"Not in your dreams, Cage. I mean, I did kick your ass already."
"Hey, I was mind controlled. It doesn't count."
"It does count, your skills were still there."
"But not my wit."
"Oh, yes. The infamous Cage Wit. Like that would've done anything." We shared a grin and continued walking to the APC I hadn't noticed when I arrived as I started working on a shutdown program from memory to make it easier to take it down.
"So… You and Frost?"
"Not what it sounded like. She needed a place to crash and hasn't left."
"So you two haven't…"
"Just once. We were sparring and things got heated." I glanced at her and saw her agitated look. "You're jealous."
"No, I'm not."
"I'm more in tune to a woman's emotion than most men, Cass. You're jealous." We stopped and turned to each other.
"I'm not jealous. I'm just wondering how you could sleep with her without her freezing your dick off."
"Oh, please. It's written clear as day on your face."
"Fuck you."
"I'm sure you'd love that, huh, Miss Priss?"
"Oh so we're back to that name, Asshole?!"
"I'll go back to Cass whenever you like. But right now, you're acting like the spoiled brat I first met when something wasn't to your liking."
"And you're acting like a real jerk, you know that?"
"If you two are done," shouted Hanzo, making me flinch. "We're wasting time!" We turned to the group and saw everyone watching us. Hanzo and Takeda both had knowing looks on their faces. They knew I was trying to force a schism between me and Cassie for when I chose to leave. I wouldn't have started acting this way otherwise. I grunted softly as Cassie pushed past me and moved beside Jacquie while Takeda moved to me and we went to the SF APC.
"Dude," he said. "Seriously?"
"I don't want to hear it," I stated before climbing in. I crossed my arms as Takeda sat next to Jacquie and across from me, Cassie and Jin. I said nothing as the APC started moving and used the onboard computer to start writing the program before I started meditating, projecting my mind to Outworld to check the situation there.
I looked around as I found myself in the same jungle the Blacks and Reds had gone to war in when I had infiltrated the Reds to save Cassie and Jacquie. I froze as I felt eyes on me and slowly turned around, seeing a sight I would never forget. My silver eyes fell on golden ones as the naked form of Mileena stared where my astral form was, Sai in one hand with the other hand covering up her breasts. "Who dares spy on me," she demanded.
"Your conscience," I muttered. "Not like you can hear me."
"I can hear you just fine! Reveal yourself fully so I may kill you!"
"Wait, you can hear and see me?" I blinked in surprise.
"Not see. I can feel you, pest! Stop hiding!"
"Not hiding. Projecting. My mind travels through the realms while my body stays rooted to one spot. I have to say, I'm surprised you can feel my presence, let alone hear me. Sometimes my projecting gets a bit lonely. Though, loneliness seems something we have in common." I paused as I looked at Mileena's face. It was different from what I knew from the original timeline. Instead of fully jagged, she retained her lips with only the edges of her mouth betraying the Tarkatan blood Shang Tsung used to create her.
"You know nothing about me."
"I know you're only about 23 years old. You've spent the last 10 years trying to get back the throne after the coup from Kotal. You're exceptionally skilled in Kombat and deception. Made from the blood of Kitana and an unknown Tarkatan. You were turned against by those Kotal keeps close because they thought your way of running Outworld wasn't working."
"They're all fools… I was trying to keep order!"
"How?"
"With my father's death, there were acts of rebellion. Calls for separation from Outworld, fighting the armies my father had created. All while we had the threat of Earthrealm's retaliation to worry about."
"Earthrealm was thrust into a war with Netherrealm shortly after the death of Shao Khan, who really was no father anyone should have, by the way. And the defenders are more worried with defending from another attack, not attacking themselves. And Netherrealm is a threat to Outworld as well, you know."
"They're main goal is Earthrealm, not Outworld. And Earthrealm's forces must want vengeance! I couldn't let my own realm be conquered by those my father tried to crush!"
"Your father has brought nothing but destruction, death, and misery everywhere he's been! Not to mention he would've been working towards Shinnok's goal the entire time and resurrecting the One Being, the entity that would mean the death of all things since we'd be nothing but cells in its makeup!"
"My father would not allow Shinnok to defeat him so easily!"
"Shinnok is still an Elder God, fallen or not! Shao Khan proved he couldn't stand against them when they killed him for defying the rules of Mortal Kombat! Speaking of which, Earthrealm couldn't do a thing as they have to follow the rules of Mortal Kombat as well!"
"And what of Shinnok?! He led his forces to attack Earthrealm!"
"Again, he's an Elder God! He probably knows how to negate the Mortal Kombat rules so Netherrealm could invade!" Hearing my logic she lowered her weapon slightly and frowned.
"Earthrealm is still a threat. And it would've been Father's next conquest."
"No. Because he lost the Tournament, twice. And any chance he would've gotten close to winning, Earthrealm would've beaten him. A champion would've risen up to beat whoever Shao Khan picked to fight, including himself as evidence by his loss against Liu Kang." I found myself drawn to her eyes as they seemed to register the truth behind my words. "Do you know the definition of insanity?" With this, her eyes narrowed.
"Why?"
"The definition of insanity is doing the exact same shit over and over again expecting shit to go differently. Shao Khan, the man you claim is your father, was insane. Something you are not." She glared slightly.
"Liar."
"I do not see the same Madness in your eyes I've seen in Shao Khan's through the memories of others. In your eyes I see… determination, loneliness, doubt, low self-esteem, pain… beauty." At this, she blushed and her defensive stance faltered.
"W-what did you say?"
"That you are beautiful. Believe me or don't. It is your choice. Just know my job is to lie to people on a regular basis. Whether that affects how you take my words, is also up to you. You're someone trying to find themselves through a sense of normalcy from a lifetime ago. Something I suppose I can relate to on some level. You're doing things the only way you know how, and it has pissed a lot of people off. Now… you're just trying to bring yourself back to the only thing you've ever known. If that makes you insane, then I'm right there with you. Though to be honest…" I switched my accent to a Scottish one. "A little Madness never hurt anyone! Though it does leave them scarred." At this she laughed lightly before clearing her throat and resuming her glare.
"And you?"
"And me, what?"
"What would you have done in my situation?"
"Honestly?" I sighed. "I don't know. Maybe the same thing as you, maybe just find something else, somewhere else. Change my outlook on things. It's hard to say." I looked her in the eyes fully. "All I know is that change is needed, maybe in me or in my situation, for things to keep going. People will betray, belittle, or wish to behead me, but they would have every right to."
"I am Khanum of Outworld by my father's decree. They had no right!"
"And that's exactly why you were outed. By not giving them rights, a choice in anything, you were outed as a tyrant."
"They thought me insane."
"Well, I don't. As far as I'm concerned, you're more sane than most. You just need help."
"Help?"
"That's something you need to figure out, my lady. Whatever it is you feel you want help in. Understanding another's feelings, how best to change things for the better, how to be a better leader. These are only a few of the things you could need help in."
"Why tell me this?"
"Because I feel you need to hear it, my lady. Spoken as someone thrust into a situation I wasn't prepared for without any clue as to what I was supposed to do, I can say I know how you feel. Maybe not to the same extent as you, but I know how off-putting and disorienting it can be. Doing this alone."
"I'm not alone."
"As in you have someone in your life to converse with? Or you just have people around you?"
"I have… a lover."
"Better than that bastard, Reiko, I hope."
"Don't you dare utter that traitor's name, again." She snarled as she threw her arms in anger at the mention of the 'Blood God'. I turned away and cleared my throat.
"Um… Not that your body isn't tempting, but I was raised to respect women. That being said, I know we've been discussing things while you're naked and only slightly covered, but at least I could keep focus on your face. Now, though, it's a bit harder to stay focused." At this she smirked.
"What's wrong? Don't you find me ravishing?" She ran her hands over her body and I groaned.
"I do, and that's the problem. My body is on the way to a mission and I can't be… distracted right now."
"A mission?"
"A threat to my clan. One I need to deal with before it becomes a bigger one. I was projecting to pass the time."
"What is your clan?"
"That would be telling, my lady. Until we meet again."
"Can you at least let me know your name. I want to know who to kill for gazing upon my body without permission."
"Perhaps I will next time, my lady." I smirked as she growled before returning to my body and blinking as I saw Cassie right in front of me.
"You ok, dude," she asked.
"I'm fine. Why?"
"We landed five minutes ago and you hadn't moved an inch. Takeda said he's never seen you this deep before."
"I have been like this before. When I was looking out for certain people, that is."
"Like a certain blonde standing in front of you," asked Jacquie. Me and Cassie blushed before she stood up and I shook my head before Phasing outside and on top of the APC. I looked around and saw we were in the countryside close to Tokyo, an old building in the distance.
"I'm assuming that the signal is in the building," I asked in the SF radio frequency.
"How did you get on this frequency," asked Cassie.
"Better not to ask that," replied Takeda. "And based on Master Sub-Zero's signal, yeah, that's the place."
"Alright. Takeda. You know what to do. Everyone else, follow him. I'll scout ahead and mark the routes."
"We're supposed to do this together," said Jin.
"The Black Dragons deal in tech and stolen weaponry. More than likely, they'll have snipers covering the roof. If they haven't detected the APC already, or picked up radio chatter by accident, they'll still be on the mentality they got nothing to fear. If they're on high alert, I can blend in and cause enough chaos for you to get in. This is Infiltration 101. I have a higher chance of remaining unseen alone. Like back in the jungle, remember ladies."
"I remember you got your ass kicked by Kano," said Cassie, referring to Kano getting the drop on me with his damned laser eye when I tried getting the girls out of Black Dragon hands by impersonating a Red Dragon thug.
"Asshole got lucky and you know it."
"Really," asked Jacquie. "I thought you were too distracted by Cassie's ass."
"Cut the chatter," said Sonya, sternly. "Phoenix. You're clear to go."
"Roger Wilco," I said. "Yes, I know that's not proper etiquette, and also yes, that was to piss you three off." I shut off my coms and grinned before cracking my knuckles. "Now… like a shadow or a resident?" I looked up at the sky, seeing the sun above me and smirked. "Resident it is." I moved closer to the building and saw a few snipers up on the roof looking aimlessly. I connected to Takeda's mind, letting them know about the eyes up top and to hide the APC before advancing. I looked at the snipers and counted two within eyesight with the possibility of others beyond them before I moved out of their vision and spotted someone taking a piss nearby. "What? Is the plumbing not working?"
"What," asked the thug before I hit my elbow to his face, knocking him out instantly. I copied his appearance and memories and moved inside, knowing this guy was supposed to be moving some crates to the basement for the scrapheap, more than likely Triborg, to work on. I was glad my magic allowed me to hide my eyes when impersonating someone, at least for a little while. If Kano was here, he'd likely remember me for the eyes alone. The one person besides the SF who'd been giving the Black Dragon hell for the last year. I told Takeda the route to use to get in and to wait thirty minutes before entering. I breathed deep before making my way to the roof, making sure the more observational members didn't notice I wasn't supposed to be in certain locations, setting multiple shaped charges in certain areas as I did.
When I got to the roof, I noted the two snipers I'd spotted before looking in the direction of the APC and hoped Takeda managed to get them to hide the damn thing when I told them. I looked around the roof and spotted two more men up there who were busy playing a card game and drinking. Somethings never change. "Hey," said one of the snipers. "I think we got company. Radio Kano and tell him to send a team to check something out to the north."
"I'm sure it's nothing," I said, drawing their attention to me before I shot out sedative laced shuriken at the snipers before charging the other two as the snipers started drifting, trying to aim their sidearms at me. I connected my boot with one of their heads, smashing it against the wall before knocking the other's radio to the ground with a well-aimed throw with my Johyo and throwing his buddy into him, sending them both to the ground as the snipers fell backwards off the roof and into bushes below. I shook my head before picking up the radio and disguising my voice as the sniper's. "Kano. Spotted something to the south. Send a team to check it out."
"Do it your bloody self, Dickless! I ain't payin' ya to laze around drinking beer on the roof," came the reply. I shut off the radio before shaking my head as I collected the sniper rifles, seeing they were mediocre at best.
"Apparently you're not paying them that much anyways." I noticed the door starting to open and moved above it before seeing Kira step out onto the roof.
"Where the hell are those assholes," she muttered before noting the knocked out men to the side. "H-" was all she could get out before my Johyo shot through her head and I pulled her up to my level before hiding her body and pushing the other two to join their friends in the bushes below.
"No one ever looks up." I took her dragon teeth before heading back inside, cleaning off the dart of my Johyo before hiding it again. I went back to the ground floor and outside as Cassie and the others went to the entrance, weapons drawn, only dropping them as I dropped my disguise. "You took your time."
"You said thirty minutes," said Takeda.
"Normally you're early. But it's fine. Triborg's in the basement. Takeda, you got the drive?" He held it out and I turned to let them in, only to see a few Black Dragons aiming at us.
"Where the hell do you think you're going," demanded one of them.
"Any plans, genius," asked Jin. I snapped and the thugs were distracted by several bombs going off before the floor above them dropped on them, crushing the unfortunate bastards, and taking out those on the first floor.
"You extra sonofabitch," chuckled Cassie.
"Hey," I said as I put a Black Dragon who was crushed from the waist down out of her misery with a quick jab to the head with my Johyo. "I get results. That should make them scramble like ants as they try to figure out what the hell is going on."
"And they won't check down here," asked Jacquie.
"They will. Soon enough. But they'll too busy licking their wounds and trying to salvage whatever they can to do so immediately. Problem with this is Kano gets away. But we can catch up to him later. Triborg is the bigger threat. I can always kill the Ausie next time he pops his weaselly head up. He came close to killing my best friend. He can sweat his death coming a little longer."
"Nice to be demoted," said Takeda. "Being your best friend comes with headaches."
"Can we get this over with," asked Jin.
"Ladies first," I said, holding the door for Cassie and Jacquie.
"Oh, and who says chivalry is dead," asked Cassie with a smirk before she took point, sidearm drawn.
"I'll watch your rear," said Takeda as he stood by the door while Jacquie walked through.
"You wanna rephrase that," she asked.
"What? It's a nice rear." They smirked at each other, making me roll my eyes.
"And you think me and Cass are bad," I asked before knocking Takeda upside the head. "Jin, hang back and provide covering fire."
"You're not…"
"I have the most experience and knowledge of everyone's skills. We didn't bring any heavy firepower for the SF members and me and Takeda are better for close range Kombat. You're our ranger. Keep it pinned unless you need to engage yourself and coordinate where possible." I blinked as my com beeped and looked at Takeda who nodded and advanced ahead of Jin. I looked at the message and placed earbuds in place before listening to Hanzo's message.
"Phoenix," said the message. "This whole mission could've been undertaken by the girls alone. It is to test the compatibility of this team before anything else. They are to be the next Defenders of Earthrealm. I know you are set on leaving, but the plan was for you as well. But there is a mission Lord Raiden wishes you to undertake alone. This mission is the prelude to that. You are to infiltrate Outworld and monitor the war there. You seemed to have gotten the favor of Kotal Khan and Queen Sheeva. Use this to establish yourself. It is clear Kotal Khan is willing to work with us, provided we keep to the Reiko Accords. If you have a chance, make sure Mileena does not win the war. She will try to attack us the first chance she gets." I frowned slightly. "Please. Just stay a while longer. I know this is unfair of me to ask you. I know you wish to cut ties with us and move on. But you do not need to do that. You can still contact and visit us as much as you wish. I know it will pain you. Seeing us age as you stay the same. But don't cut us out. We are your family and friends. This is a home for you. Please, Phoenix. You are my son. Stay a while longer. If you're truly set on leaving, do me this favor, please." I sighed as the message ended and followed after the group.
I noticed the cybernetic equipment in the basement as soon as we entered and frowned. 'Localized air conditioning? There was barely any power in the rest of the building so… Shit…'
"It's cold," said Jacquie.
"These are servers," I said as I looked at the machines we were passing. "Jesus, you can hack the planet with all of these. These are beyond military grade, it's experimental." 'Or the first aspects of Third Level technology. Only capable with an… ah shit.' "Guys. We need to be careful."
"Why," asked Jin.
"Because I think they're using these to…" We turned the corner and saw several cyber warriors standing in front of us with Kano smirking beside them. "Recreate the Cyber Lin Kuei into their personal attack dogs."
"Seems our mole was right on the money," said the Australian. "Bratty Cage, Little Briggs… and the Silver Arsehole who's been giving us a hard time."
"When I'm not fingering your nan, yeah."
"Fucking prick. I'm gonna take those eyes of yours and put 'em on display, pretty boy."
"I'd like to see you try." I mimicked his Kano Ball and slammed him into one of the servers as the Cyber Lin Kuei attacked the others with Triborg going for Cassie. I threw Kano away before glancing at Cass and seeing Triborg about to launch Sektor's rockets at her as Cyrax's energy net had her captured. I rushed forward and took the brunt of the explosion to my chest, knocking me into her. I groaned as I rolled away from her before shooting a server in a specific spot with Cassie's pistol after I took it from her holster, the energy spilling out and shocking Triborg.
I stood up and exclaimed as the Cyber Net encompassed me before Triborg shot forward, covering Kano's escape while I got a face full of flamethrower. I shouted out and knocked its hand up and away from me before I flip kicked him away. I landed and growled as a barrage of bullets hit my body before I caused another surge to stun the android. I leaned against a wall as I started slowly healing as Cass checked on me. "Phoenix," she exclaimed.
"I'm fine. Go kick his shiny metal ass." I handed her pistol back to her with a smirk. "Don't worry about me, Cassie." She frowned before turning to Triborg as I shook my head and pulled myself to my feet. "Takeda. Kick one of them my way." Takeda nodded at me before using his whips to pull a Cyber Lin Kuei to him before throwing it in my direction. I caught the cyborg and opened up the casing in its head before checking the neuro-link the cyborgs seemed to share. At the time I couldn't override it and take control, but I could at least learn how to disrupt the weapon systems and hinder their Kombat capabilities.
"What are you doing," asked Jin as he shot a cyborg before it could attack me.
"Turning the tide." I finished my rewiring and ripped off the cyborg's head before seeing the Cyber Lin Kuei and Triborg start to spark as their systems were disrupted. Cassie took control of the situation and tackled Triborg to the ground as I took Jin's bow and an arrow.
"Hey!" I notched the arrow higher than a traditional draw and used my magic to strengthen the arrow before releasing it. The arrow shot in a wide arc through multiple cyborgs and back to me. I caught the arrow as the cyborgs dropped to the ground.
"Show off," muttered Takeda. I just smirked before handing Jin his gear back and going to Cassie who was beating in the head of Triborg with a fury I'd never seen before, her fists glowing green.
"Cass," I said. She barely heard me as she just kept punching. "Cass!" I grabbed her hand and she turned to me, breathing heavily and tears in her eyes. "It's over." I helped her up and brushed oil off her face as she got her breathing under control. I looked at where Kano had been and saw him gone before sighing as I felt Cassie hug me after seeing my wounds had healed. I took her gun again and shot up the servers before tossing an explosive to take out the rest. "Back to the APC." I turned to the others. "Keep an eye out for Kano. Fucking snake slithered off during the fight."
"You ok," asked Jacquie. I nodded and removed a bit of shrapnel still stuck in my chest before healing the wound. I noticed Cassie's hands and nodded for them to move ahead as I looked her over.
"You really did a number on your hands, Miss Priss."
"Shut up." I cleaned her hands of oil and started healing them. "I had armor. You didn't have to…"
"Armor wouldn't have stopped the concussive blast. I've tanked worse, believe me."
"Like what?"
"Shinnok's Amulet?"
"Right. Yet another situation you hurt yourself to help me…"
"Don't worry about me, Cage."
"How can I not?! You go out of your way to protect me and it's nearly gotten you killed twice!"
"I'm fine. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Cassie."
"Why?"
"I would've thought that'd be obvious."
"Guys," said Takeda. "Love confessions later, we should leave now before more Black Dragons show up." I turned to Takeda and glared.
"Great fucking timing, man."
"I try." He ducked under a shuriken I shot at his head.
"He's right though. We should leave," said Cassie. I nodded and we followed after the others. As we exited the building, I pressed a button on my PipBoy and the building was littered with explosions. A Black Dragon thug was shot out of the building and landed at our feet where I kicked his head in, making sure he was dead.
"Dun, dun, dun," I muttered.
"Stop," groaned Takeda.
"Another bites the dust."
"Can you go one destruction mission without doing that?"
"Can you stop complaining like a bitch?"
"Real nice, asshole."
"Is it always like this with you two," asked Jacquie.
"Brothers argue. And we're brothers in all but blood and name," I said. "You're telling me you and Drama Queen don't bicker from time to time?"
"I resent that," said Cassie as she looked at her phone with a frown.
"Ok," said Jacquie. "I can see your point there." She looked at Cassie and groaned slightly. "Jordan?"
"Yeah." I watched her brush her hair behind her ear and stayed silent before walking to the APC, contacting the superiors.
"Father. General. Kano got away, but the mission is complete. Triborg and his Cyber Lin Kuei are nothing but scrap, and I've got a souvenir from this encounter." I held up a hard drive I took before destroying their servers, my shadow taking some of the armor pieces scattered everywhere for future use. "Entering APC and heading back to the Fire Gardens."
"Chujin Mason," said Sonya. "Switch to a private channel, please." I frowned before doing so.
"If you're near father, he knows my secure channel."
"That's what I was told to use. Congratulations on a successful mission."
"I get the feeling this isn't primarily a celebration."
"You're right. Originally, I had planned on selecting a leader for this team from this mission. We were monitoring the whole thing. I had opted to pick you, but after your reckless stunt with Triborg…"
"I'm no stranger to ulterior motives, ma'am. There's another reason other than my actions. You're just using a small excuse for a more covert mission. Just cut to brass tacks. Father already informed me what Raiden asked of me."
"We need you to infiltrate Outworld," said Hanzo. "Lord Raiden seems to be worried about the situation there. During the Blood Code incident, you established a rapport with Kotal Khan. We hope to use that to plant you in Outworld. We want you to monitor the war there and see if Mileena will become a threat. If it looks like Mileena's forces will overcome Kotal's, do what you can to help him."
"And Mileena?"
"If you see an opportunity," said Sonya. "Deal with her." I glanced at the others as they talked and lowered my voice.
"Father. What if I can find a peaceful solution to this. One without bloodshed."
"Why ask this," asked Hanzo.
"She's lost, I know it. She's trying to find some kind of sense of familiarity. She's doing things the only way she knows how. I know the feeling. If I can stop this war without bloodshed, without killing I…" I was met with silence as Hanzo thought over my words.
"Do what you can and what you must, my son. I trust your judgement. But if you feel there's no other way…"
"I know, father. When do I head out?"
"As soon as you return and get some rest."
"So as soon as I return then. Alright." I looked at Cassie a she texted on her phone. "And the team?"
"Cassandra will be chosen to lead. You'll be called in for support if they need it on a mission."
"Alright."
"General Blade shall make the announcement when you return."
"Yes, father." I turned to the team. "We're burning daylight, people! Let's get a move on!"
"Hold your horses," said Takeda.
"Stop staring at Briggs' ass and hurry up!"
"Asshole!" I sat in my seat and crossed my arms before looking at Cassie.
"So who's…"
"Some asshole I used to date in high school," she said before looking at me. "He's been trying to get back with me recently."
"Why did you…"
"He cheated on her with a cheerleader," said Jacquie.
"Ain't that a bit stereotypical?"
"Yeah. She was a bit… angry after that."
"That's putting it lightly," said Cassie. I turned to her. "It happened shortly before we met."
"So I have Jordan to thank for nearly getting my head blown off? Mind if I hunt the bastard?"
"I do. I can handle him myself."
"Alright then. Takahashi." Takeda blinked before knowing to switch to Japanese.
"Yeah," he asked.
"Oh my god," said Cassie. "I know you are not thinking of talking without us understanding."
"Father wants me to go on a mission," I said in Japanese. Cassie glared slightly and started typing on her phone. "Did you have anything to do with this?"
"You think I'd tell you if I did?"
"I know just bringing it up brings the knowledge to your mind. I could read it from there."
"You know I hate it when you…" I held up my hand and turned to Cassie before switching to Spanish.
"Oye, Chica. Deja de usar la aplicación traductor." She looked up at me before smirking.
"Stop talking about something in a language I don't understand," she said.
"Nice to see you know Spanish."
"Top of my class."
"Uh huh…" I sent a bolt of lightning and drained her phone before turning to Takeda.
"Hey!"
"What's the mission," asked the telepath.
"Infiltrate Kotal's services, update the General and Lord Raiden on the war going on there, if I can, end it in our favor."
"Meaning no more Mileena, right?"
"Depends on who I see is more fit to ally with us."
"Dude…"
"Mileena was forced into the position by us. By Shao Khan and our need to survive. She's the same age as us. Well… technically you."
"Right."
"She's still in the development age, comparatively speaking to Edenian physiology. She may have been created with the body of a twenty year old, but she was technically still an infant, mentally speaking, when Shao Khan bit the big one. She was an orphan with no one who was forced to take over an entire realm and no clue how to do so. So she fell back on the only thing she knew. People's fear of Shao Khan keeping order."
"Is that what you think happened?"
"It's what makes sense. I know we can't fathom how her mind works. But based on the amount of psychology I know and observing how a Tarkatan acts and thinks thanks to my Projecting, I can make a psychological profile on how she must be feeling and thinking while all of this is going on. I know Edenian psychology might be different from human, but I see enough similarities to make a proper judgement."
"So you're planning on redeeming her."
"If I can."
"And if you can't…" I sighed and shook my head. "Gotcha." I turned to the girls, switching back to English.
"Cassie."
"Yes," she asked, swapping out the battery in her phone for a spare. She had an annoyed look in her eyes.
"Sorry for making you worry back there. I'm gonna make it up to you."
"Oh yeah, how?"
"When's your next leave?"
"In a week, why?"
"How does a trip anywhere in the world sound?"
"Don't bullshit me."
"Well, I'm not gonna be needed for a major mission for a while. I've met my personal quota on recruits and got nothing but time right now. So. Where would you like me to take you?"
"Paris."
"Texas or France? Gotta be specific, Cass. My magic allows me to go anywhere in the world. Monte Carlo, Vegas, Tokyo, New York, Paris, Cabo. You name it."
"What about your mission," asked Takeda in Japanese. I switched to the language myself and turned to him.
"It can wait a week. Technically, Dad said to rest up first, so…"
"He's gonna get angry."
"I'll deal with it later." I switched back to English and smiled at Cass. "What do you say?" She grinned and leaned closer to me.
"Fine. It's a date," she said.
"Finally," muttered Jacquie with a grin.
"Shut up," we said at the same time. I caught Cassie's eye and smiled at her. A smile she returned with a healthy blush.