Currently listening to Shadow Hearts Covenant OST, Vicious 1915 - Battle in Europe.

Day 1 of the Second MK Tournament: 2:30; Outworld.

Callie's POV:

I found myself wandering from where AOI spawned me; near one of the walled cities. I stick out like a sore thumb, my attire not like an Outworlder. Everyone I saw wear's clothes much akin to Ancient China, armed to some degree. Nearly every person I came in contact with had a sword, dagger, or some form of weapon. I'm not scared since I'm armed and will kill should the need arise. At any rate, I need to know my specific location and directions to Shao Kahn's Palace. So I walk up to the most humanoid person I can find to start asking questions.

"Hey, bud." I start. "What city are we in?" I ask.

He looks at me, eyes scanning my body up and down. No shit, Sherlock, I'm not from here.

He cleared his throat before addressing my question. "We are in the city of Lei Chen; ruled by Overlord Zeffeero."

Never heard of him before, goes to show that I've never stepped foot here. My interest was piqued, considering he answered my question.

"Overlord?" I repeat. "I thought Shao Kahn ruled Outworld?"

"Overlord Zeffeero was the advisor before Shang Tsung but broke away from the court. He and his supporters came here before building a giant wall around the city for settlement. Lei Chen stems from the Lei Chen Mountains, the range we're surrounded by," the man explained.

A rebel, eh? That was something I didn't expect, which gauged my interest even further. "How can I speak with the Overlord?" I ask.

From his stare alone, I could tell he was growing suspicious. "And why do you wish to speak with the Overlord? Are you affiliated with Shao Kahn?"

Now the truth reveals itself. I do dress like an assassin, and I am armed to the teeth.

I shake my head. "I'm not. I despise Shao Kahn, and I dare anyone who can equal, if not surpass my hatred for that bastard. I'm participating in the MK tournament on Earthrealm's behalf. I was a survivor of the last tournament before Shao Kahn found a loophole in the rules," I go into detail. "All I ask is for someone to direct me to his palace."

"Wait, then you must be General Callie Ann Maddox!" the man exclaims at the realization after I elaborated on my being here. "News of the first female survivor on Earthrealm's team spread fast throughout the realm." He eyes me curiously. "You do know that there is a bounty for your head, right?"

I raise an eyebrow, tensing for a potential confrontation. "I'm well aware, and not afraid to fight and or kill anyone who stands in the way of me earning Earthrealm's freedom." Quickly, I pulled my knife out and held it to the stranger's throat. "Yours included."

His hands slowly go up to prove he wasn't an enemy. "No need to get so drastic, sister. Now, put that away please."

I place my knife back in its holster. Yes, I get it that was uncalled for, but in Outworld, anything can happen.

"The fastest way to Shao Kahn's Palace is to travel through the Living Forest and walk through the accompanying beach. I've also heard that the Tarkata has taken the monks hostage on some of the ships. Raiden went there to free them."

Talk about some info!

"Thanks a bunch," I thank him. "I would bow, but that's not my thing. How do I get to the Living Forest from Lei Chen?"

"You go north of here. When you arrive there, go east, and you'll end up at the docks. The palace is then southeast of the docks," he told me before taking something out of his pocket. "Here, a compass to help with your travels."

I gladly take his possession. "Thanks, but how do you know the way so well?" I asked him.

He merely laughed. "Because General, I am Overlord Zeffeero."

My mouth went wide. I almost killed the leader of the only rebel force in Outworld. God, I feel so damn stupid. Brashness is going to get me in trouble one day.

Embarrassed, I scratched the back of my head. "Sorry about threatening you. I had no idea."

Zeffeero merely waved his hand. "All is forgiven, General. I wish you the best of luck in freeing Earthrealm from Shao Kahn's clutches."

With that, we bid farewell to each other as I leave the walled city of Lei Chen on my way to the Living Forest.

Aided by the compass, which pointed me to walk north, I couldn't help but wonder.

"Why is it called the Living Forest? Trees are already alive." I said to myself.

That thought remained in my mind until I finally arrived there, the reason why they call it the Living Forest staring me right in the eyes. Every tree here; has a face.

Frankly, I don't even want to know how or why, though I assume this was all Shao Kahn or Shang Tsung's doing. Who else would ever consider something this inhumane? I stop running and start passing through the forest; the trees' eyes eyeing me as if they knew who I was. As I continued, the place started growing darker. I saw hanging bodies, the trees eating corpses, and others catching unsuspecting visitors with their branches. Soon enough, after witnessing all of these, a tree started speaking, causing me to remain cautious after seeing this anomaly firsthand.

"Well, well, well. It seems we have our first female visitor today! An armed one at that! We got a smart lady here!" The tree bellowed, earning the laugh of a couple of the other trees.

I put my compass away in my pocket, quick to voice a counter. "At least I can move freely."

The trees started "oooh" ing, not at all fazed by my retort before their attention switched to my firearms.

"What's up with those things on your shoulders, girl?" another tree chuckled.

I glance at my Lincoln and my .308, both my prized weapons. "They're guns, and I'm probably older than you are, so don't give me lip. I'll shoot a branch off if you keep giving me an attitude."

The tree's only response was to laugh, starting a trickle effect with his fellow wooden friends. I shrug before taking my Repeater Rifle off my left shoulder, aiming at the sky.

*BOOM*

My shot hit a bunch of leaves, branches, twigs, and a bird that fell around me. I prep another round in the chamber before placing the rifle back on my shoulder. Instead of being angry, the tree looked rather impressed.

"Well, I'll be! This woman's certainly bold! To think we all thought about eating you! Back off, boys! She's a keeper!" it commanded.

I hear the sound of vines retracting back to their place. The tree then studied me carefully with as much of a thinking face it could muster.

"Hmmm. Now that I think about it, you look familiar; vaguely familiar in fact," it said.

How in the world does this tree know me? "I would say the same, but you're the first talking tree I've met." I turn my back to begin walking away. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a palace to infiltrate."

"Wait, woman!" the tree shouted. "You plan on rebelling against Shao Kahn?"

"Rebel? No, I'm a kombatant for the Mortal Kombat tournament. Furthermore, that clown placed a bounty on my head. Any member of Outworld's team to bring my brother and I in gets two wishes; primarily meaning they can do whatever they want with our lives." I explain.

"Can we turn you in?" the tree asked jokingly.

That comment made me furious. "Hell no! However, if you say you can help then by all means."

"Can those firearms on your shoulders shoot far?" He asked.

"Uh huh, and with me shooting, they can go even farther," I answer before an idea popped in my head. "Hey, Tree. Can I use you as a Sniper Perch?"

Confusion wracked the tree's expression. "A what?"

"A Sniper Perch. I use your branch or something of the sort as a place where I can take shots at the enemy." I clarify my request.

"Oh, by all means, go ahead. Here I'll give you a boost," he said as he lent me a vine to lift my body to his strongest branch.

From my vantage point, I look with squinted eyes to see what looks like a hub for the soldiers on the outskirts of the forest. I couldn't ask for a perfect position, placing a suppressor on my Sniper Rifle before getting comfortable.

Ever since Uncle Okada and Benji told me of my powers, I've started noticing things changing; Hawkeye is what I named it. It's as if everything around me slows down to where everything else moves slowly like molasses. I look down inside the scope, my vision becoming brighter and sharper. After inhaling a deep breath; I settle on an unsuspecting target.

*BOOM*

Just like that, they fall dead, a headshot to a common foot soldier. I continue looking down my scope, eyeing for more game in this specific hunt. My next target causes me to grin like a Cheshire cat. I spy with my little eye something… Purple.

It was Rain, all alone.

I start snickering sinisterly, so much so that the tree starts getting a little scared. I aim for the brat's head but didn't pull the trigger, deciding to plant fear instead. Plus, I feel like Benji should be the one to take him down. With that, I ended up shooting Rain in the arm, which caused him to take a nasty looking fall from the impact. Dislodging the last used bullet, I prep my weapon for the next unfortunate soul who ends up in my crosshairs to my delight, who better than Tanya. I wait to take my next shot, analyzing what their conversation was about (besides the fact there's a bleeding, gaping hole in Rain's arm). What happened next was something I thought would never take place.

I saw Tanya softly kiss Rain on the lips, even a little tongue action.

I couldn't help but grin even more, and being the sadistic bitch I can be, I take the suppressor off my rifle. I'll spare Rain just for Benji, but Tanya? I have no qualms ending her treacherous life on the spot, no remorse or any second thought. I remove the bullet spent on Rain's arm, and it flies to who knows where. Carefully, I aim for Tanya's perfectly targetable head, but before I could end that traitor's miserable life, another figure enters my sight.

A redhead woman, a very voluptuous one at that.

I sat there in awe at her beauty. She's filled out very nicely along with a pair of dark eyes — definitely quite a looker.

Tanya makes a motion that most likely signals the new woman to scout the Living Forest, meaning I won't make fireworks out of Tanya's cerebrum and cerebellum today. Pouting to myself, I jump off the branch and land on my feet, ready to book it for the beach. However, the tree stops me from leaving.

"Leaving so soon?" he asked sarcastically.

"I got places to be, and people to kill," I say bluntly, slinging my rifle over my shoulder. "We can chat some other time."

I begin making my way out before that woman finds my location before the tree said, "But I remember who you are, or rather who you were, General Maddox."

I froze in my tracks, slowly turning around to see that the tree has a somber expression.

However, I wasn't falling for that. "I'm not convinced. Everyone in Outworld knows I was a former General of the Special Forces."

He remained persistent, however. "Not of Earthrealm's Special Forces. The Edenian Freedom Fighters," he corrected me. "We thought you were gone forever."

Though his claim seemed odd, I still wasn't convinced. Only one way to find out if what he's saying is the truth. "If you were a Freedom Fighter, tell me something only a Freedom Fighter knows."

"We used to call Captain Ryuji by his nickname Butterface; yourself included General." He answered. "I know the Doctor, your brother, isn't here with you, but on behalf of the other Freedom Fighters, we're sorry for treating him without looking into the details of why he learned Necromancy."

Can't say I saw that coming. While I'm glad they apologized for what Benji and I went through all those years ago, it needs to be in front of him.

"You're apologizing to the wrong person," I say without emotion. "When Benji eventually comes around, you can tell him sorry yourself, though I doubt he'll accept it."

I needed to get out of here because murderous pursuers are on my ass, and a former Freedom Fighter is keeping me from escaping, yet I couldn't help but continue the conversation. My time as leader of the Freedom Fighters seemed like a lifetime ago. I need to know a few things at least.

"How'd the Freedom Fighters fare after I left?" I ask, genuinely curious and concerned.

At this point, I'm ready to fight because escaping is impossible now. I hope it's one person, mainly Rain seeing as he's injured. If they possessed half a brain, they'd send someone else.

"Her Majesty, Queen Sindel, took over in your absence. She did a wonderful job," he responded.

I roll my eyes and groan, not the name I wanted to hear.

"Regardless of how you feel about her family, Sindel did her best to clear you and your brother's names. However, there is only one General Maddox, your leadership's unrivaled. Even though I'm nothing more than a talking tree, it is with as much pleasure I can muster when I say it was an honor serving under you. I'd do it all over in a heartbeat," he praised me.

I start sniffing and can feel tears sliding down my complexion. Never did I ever think this would affect me so severely. To this day, I harbored ill feelings for my former home for how my brother and our family's treatment through the years, but there's still someone who thought highly of us during our shortened tenure. Whether that was out of pity or sympathy, I couldn't tell. My mind was a wreck.

"Stop it, soldier." I counter, somehow managing to respond. "I turned my back on my homeland."

"Only because we were foolish enough to let you go, General. The moment we fell for King Jerrod's lie was when we lost you forever. I remember that day, we all heard Jerrod's rally against your brother, and we foolishly believed him; thus, our training became thrice as hard, demanding, and strict."

I teared up even more; the drops fall on the ground. There's no way I could keep this facade up for much longer.

My former soldier continued his tragic story. "We all thought it was you being you, but in hindsight, it was punishment for believing what we heard at face value rather than ask you or the Doctor himself. I'm truly sorry."

I couldn't take it anymore and cried so hard, just balling my eyes out. Niagara Falls felt like nothing compared to my waterworks. I was sniffing uncontrollably; my vision blurred temporarily. I could not stop my sadness over what became of that trial, that bastard ruining our lives.

"General, are you crying? I wish the others could see this," the tree half-joked.

I laugh a little before wiping the last of my tears. "Shut up. Just because I was a hardass doesn't mean I can't be sentimental."

"How touching," someone purred.

The next voice wasn't from the tree but my pursuer, the redhead. She walked up to me, alone with no apparent backup. The fist I formed was tight enough where the pressure could cause my palm to start bleeding.

I take my rifles off of my shoulders and lean them on my former soldier. "Hold on to these for me."

"Yes, General," he obeyed.

I tie my hair up and breathe out. No way I can take this woman for granted. She may appear mesmerizing, but we all know that familiar saying. Looks can be deceiving.

"Cute dagger," I remark sarcastically before taking out my combat knife.

"The fabled General Callie Ann Maddox, the loudmouthed General and Iron Maiden of Edenia, deadly as she is beautiful. Not to mention baby sister of Benjamin "Mad Man" Maddox," the woman drawled, every word rolling off her lips. "You two have quite a reputation in Outworld, your brother especially."

I decide to take a page out of my brother's book, showing a challenging smirk. "Always nice to meet a fan, especially pretty ones like yourself." I wink at her after my comment. "What's your name, Red?"

She inches closer to me. "You may call me Skarlet. The bounty on your head yields quite the reward, a single wish for each Maddox Sibling brought to Shao Kahn alive."

Her speech pattern was so intoxicating, and how she pronounced my name sounded exotic. I can feel my heart skip beats, my free hand shaking, which went unnoticed until Skarlet glanced down.

"Problem, Callie Ann?" she taunted. "Am I that stunning to make the legendary General Maddox tremble?"

Wow, and I thought I was full of myself. A hearty laugh escapes me before answering. "Yeah. I'm trembling all right, in anticipation." I sultry speak. "Ready?"

Skarlet replied, "I'll lead; you follow."

We both get into our stances, slowly decreasing the space between us until we were close enough where our legs and daggers intersect. A simple contact occurred as the confrontation took an aggressive turn.

The sounds of blades violently echoed throughout the forest. I was holding back, but Skarlet doesn't need to know that. I finally get the chance to fight someone that wasn't Rain, Tanya, Shang Tsung, or Goro even though he was dead. Therefore, I plan on enjoying myself in this match.

She goes for an overhead slash, but I managed to block it and kick her in the gut, pushing her back a decent distance.

"Not bad, Skarlet," I said.

She merely scoffs at my observation. "Spare me your sarcasm, Edenian. You have not escaped our exchange without flesh wounds yourself."

To my surprise, Skarlet patted her left cheek playfully. I feel my face's left side, blood staining my hand, albeit the wound was small compared to what my spine endured.

"I wasn't using sarcasm, but I applaud you for hitting me," my voice trailed off. "My blow was cleaner."

"That may be so, Callie Ann," Skarlet began, her body language turning more aggressive than before. "But because of your wound, I can do this!"

Her right hand started making motions. That's when I felt a stinging sensation from where Skarlet cut me, my face wincing at the blood extracted from my skin, nearly prying my cheek as Skarlet absorbed it into her body before forming it into a crimson dagger. So, I have a blood mage on my hands. This factor got me more intrigued as to how far her abilities go.

Using her free hand, Skarlet shot her created dagger at blinding speeds. I instinctively duck to avoid having my skull impaled as I rushed Skarlet.

"You think I am a fool, Callie Ann?" Skarlet questioned my tactics. "You think you can just jump over me?"

I chuckle as I close the distance. "No."

I managed to grab and slam Skarlet against the ground before disarming the dagger using her finger as leverage. After tossing the blade out of sight, I then cut Skarlet in the same area where she sliced me, albeit a much bigger wound, and to her embarrassment (at least I think so) my knife managed to cut her top, exposing her breasts to me. My oh my was it a pleasure to ogle at those ample jugs, probably around the same size as mine.

Wait. What the hell is wrong with me!?

Anyhow, I get off of Skarlet and retreat to my rifles, placing them back over my shoulders. I glance back to see Skarlet both arms covering her chest. I couldn't help but laugh at her flustered face, the same red color of her attire.

"Problem, Skarlet?" I feigned confusion.

"How dare you embarrass me like this!" Skarlet screamed. "If Shao Kahn were to see me-"

"Then I hope he doesn't see you in your current state," I interrupt. "While you gather yourself, I have some Tarkata to kill. I dare you to try and beat me again if you're up for it. I'll be glad to embarrass you some more." I say.

Satisfied, I brisk past her, but not before blowing Skarlet a kiss as I run off to my next destination. What was I doing? Why didn't I kill her? It would've spared me the trouble later. Eh, whatever. No use crying over spilled milk.

I continue on the downtrodden path until the docks came into view, my pace quickening before I see a small armada of ships. I finally reached the docks, sneaking around to see the Tarkatan horde are still docking Shaolin Monks into their vessels. The sight made me sick. I'll kill them all for this treachery. I also see Kung Lao and Liu Kang dispatching the majority of the horde with little difficulty, their skills a step above their competition. When I reach their position, a stray Tarkata was poised to strike them.

Taking it as my cue, I intercept the surprise attack by stabbing the Tarkatan in the back, driving my knife down his spine that left a gaping hole. I wasn't finished yet as I slit his throat, leaving the vermin to choke on his blood. On the Tarkata's dead person was a set of keys to what I assumed were the prisons inside, before tossing the no doubt dead Tarkata into the passing waters. The Monks notices me and Liu Kang bows while Kung Lao doesn't. That didn't escape my attention. Raiden then teleports in front of me.

"General Maddox! It does me well to see you unharmed save for the small wound on your cheek," the Thunder God remarked.

I feel the still fresh wound Skarlet gave me, which stung like hell and soured my expression. "Thanks for the reassurance, Raiden. Benji and I got separated when we arrived here. I have no idea where he is, but knowing him, he's safe."

"We know first hand how ferocious Dr. Maddox can be," Liu Kang pointed out before turning to his partner. Right, Kung Lao?"

"Yes, I remember those vicious holds and submissions as if it were only yesterday," Lao snidely remarked.

Raiden noticed the keys in my hand. "Are those the keys to the prison cells, General?"

"I assume so," was my answer. "They were on the Tarkata's person when I took them." I presented the keys. "Here, you'll make better use of it than me."

"Wonderful! You've only joined with us for a few minutes, and have already done more than enough," Raiden lauded my efforts. "I'll free the monks and send them back to the Wu-Shi Academy." He turns to his prized students. "Liu Kang, Kung Lao, you two head for the Kolisseum. The official fights are taking place there." His attention turns back to me. "General, considering there is still a bounty on your head, I wouldn't advise going there just yet. See if you can find your brother or your other squadmates first. I have a feeling things will take an ugly turn. Be cautious and may the Elder Gods protect you."

After his spiel, Raiden teleported away to free the prisoners. I shrugged and started heading for the palace.

Liu Kang noticed where I was going. "General, where are you headed?"

"For the Palace, of course," I answered as if they just asked me a stupid question.

Both Monks were alarmed at my reply after Raiden just told me to avoid the Palace at all costs with this damn bounty square on my head. That's the thing, though, I do things my way.

"But there's a bounty on you," Liu Kang protested.

My pace never slowed. "I know."

Kung Lao had a response for my simple answer. "She must be mentally challenged, brother." He insulted.

Luckily, I caught wind of his dumbass remark as I whirl back around to give him a death stare. Those were not the words he should've spoken, behind my back no less.

"Liu Kang," my voice was now one of silent fury. "You go on ahead. I want a word with your Shaolin brother; privately."

"Yes, General. I'll leave at once." Liu Kang never hesitated to heed my words, lest he bears witness to one of the biggest ass-chewings in history as he left the docks. He said before frantically leaving the docks.

I look at Kung Lao, this fucking egotistical moron. Then again, that's a similarity we share, though I'm not as bad as this clown.

"I know that look, Kung Lao." I began.

As I suspected, Lao chose to be ignorant of my observation. "No idea what you're getting at, Callie Ann."

No way I'm letting that slide. "The look of envy. I don't know what your one-sided beef with Liu Kang is, but I'm telling you this right now. Cut it out."

"And who are you to tell me about envy, knowing who your brother is?" Kung Lao countered.

Big mistake.

"Benji is a Doctor; I'm a retired General of an army. The only shadow I'm under is my own. You, however, continue to hide your jealousy, it will consume you." Both arms fold against my sternum. "Why are you even jealous of him?"

His words held bitterness. "Because he's the Chosen One and I'm not. I'm the descendant of the Great Kung Lao, and he gets the spotlight? It was supposed to be me."

What a stupid answer, indeed. "You can stop placing yourself as a victim. Benji told me about how you're a smart ass during his lectures, slack off on your training, and have an ego more inflated than a hot air balloon." I shut him down. "You want to use an excuse that petty with him? He's fighting to ensure the safety of our home, and you want to be an envious little brat? The reason why he's the Chosen One, and you're not, is because he's humble, he trains regularly, and he constantly breaks ceilings. You lost to Scorpion during the first MK tournament. Liu Kang beat Scorpion and Quan Chi without help, near effortlessly." I start laughing a bit. "So you sitting here stating that you're jealous of your fellow monk because he works harder than you?" I laugh at this guy's foolishness. "Do yourself a favor and wake the hell up. Why we're here is bigger than your stupid petty rivalry. Do you want recognition? To be remembered by your peers?" I then get in his face. "Then stop whining, complaining, humble yourself, and GET TO WORK!" I yell before storming off.

I wish I didn't lose it like that, but Kung Lao got under my skin with his blatant stupidity. He has potential and can become just as good, if not better than Liu Kang. However, his lack of maturity and overall childish mentality will always be his downfall.

"Sorry."

I stop in my tracks to turn and face Lao again, only this time, he's blushing. This fucking kid will be the death of me.

"What was that?" I relaxed my 'bitch face.'

"I said, I'm sorry," Lao repeated, his head bowing. "For acting out of line. Your harsh criticism is what I needed."

Despite my anger, I merely nod my consent before letting it go completely. "Believe it or not, you remind me of myself when I was young." A sigh left me before I walk towards him. "So I'm sorry for lashing out at you like that, but don't apologize to me with your words. Show me with your actions, Kung Lao." After sighing again, I motion with my head to come with me.

Kung Lao seemed perplexed. "Callie Ann, where are you taking me? Raiden wants me at the Kolisseum."

"I know odd-job; I got ears too," I retorted. "However, I'm taking you for a detour." Before he disagreed with me, I hold a hand to his mouth in a gentle way. He does look cute up close. Ugh, the pros and cons of being bisexual. "Now shhh and try to keep up, eh?"

A/N: Well now we all know how Callie's doing. Arguably better than Benji but y'know opinions. Join us next time as we see what Benji and Mai have been up to since they left the remains of Edenia. Did you guys like it? Did you not? Let me know with a Review and or a PM. While you're at it, check out my Profile and give my other stories a shot, and vote on my poll. I just posted the first S Support on my FE Support Story, maybe that can be your first stop, eh? Later!

Currently listening to Baby Be Mine by Michael Jackson.