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Day 2 of the Second MK Tournament 9:00 AM: Jade's Room

Benjamin's POV:

Despite having a nightmare during my first attempt at falling asleep, Jade's comfort and warmed body helped me ease into a peaceful slumber. I didn't suffer any harmful mental imagery afterward, letting me rest comfortably. When I awoke, a weight pressed against my chest, something soft. My awareness alert, I notice Jade's nude body curled next to mine. Her embrace felt so inviting. If we didn't have to fight for Earthrealm's freedom, then I would happily stay in bed with this woman.

So, this is what cuddling feels like, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Maybe I should stay like this a little longer. Looking outside at the sun's position, I make the safe assumption that it's around 9:00, later than when I usually wake up. But after what transpired yesterday, I'm surprised that I didn't wake at even a later time. I glance down. Jade is still sound asleep. A smile graces my mouth as I caress her hair, making sure it doesn't fly all over.

At least I attempted to.

My actions slowly stirred Jade out of her sleep. When her initial grogginess dissipated, my lover noticed me, sprouting an ecstatic smile on top of tightening her hold on me.

"Good morning, Benjamin," Jade spoke gleefully, her vibrant green eyes sparkling. "Sleep well?"

Each of my hands stroke her back before I carefully sit up against the bed's headboard. "I did, thanks to you. You make for wonderful bed company."

Suddenly, my happy expression morphed into sadness. Jade saw my change in attitude. "Benji?" She palmed my face before inquiring. "What's wrong?"

"The past two years were spent doing my job," I start. "To ensure my sister regained her ability to walk and fight again. For the first time since we founded the Resistance, Callie found something worth fighting for."

"Earthrealm," Jade answered before I could.

I nod. "Our first talk on the Nethership revealed how elated Callie was to defend Earthrealm and her freedom from Outworld's army. Before the final day, we promised to work as siblings to ensure a safer Earthrealm, free from any and all threats. When she fractured her spine, I made it my only goal over the next two years to make sure Callie can do what she loves." My hands continued rubbing Jade's back.

During my caresses, however, I felt… marks, multiple blemishes in fact. I know those didn't come from me. She would've told me if I was causing her pain.

"But what of you, Jade?" was my return question. "I always wondered how you dealt with these past two years."

Jade kissed my torso. "Now that we're together again, I wish to come clean about my experiences."

There was a semblance of regret in my beloved's voice. Furthermore, Jade's eyes turned away from me. Something terrible must have happened during our time apart. I stay quiet to allow Jade a moment to collect her thoughts.

"In trying to occupy my time, I... took on more assassination jobs for the Emperor. I became Shao Kahn's most deadly assassin within six months, even better than Kitana. That's when the bashing started. Everyone in the court began accusing me of various offenses; my feelings towards you on the top of that list. Sheeva, Baraka, that foul sorcerer Shang Tsung, and even Kitana bullied me because of my feelings for you," Jade informed me. "To get away from that hell, I accepted every job Shao Kahn had available. I just didn't care anymore, and because of my foolhardiness, I have physical proof of my labor. If you don't mind."

As she finished speaking, Jade got off me and stood up beside her bed. The first visage afforded to me was her flawless body. A flat stomach accompanied by full breasts all topped by her beautiful face and gorgeous milk chocolate complexion. I also noticed both nipples hardening, labia practically leaking with her essence. But then, Jade hesitatingly turned, trembling almost uncontrollably before revealing her back.

The sight was unnerving, to say the least.

Decorating Jade's naked back were so many scars from the many assassinations she undertook. Some were longer, more profound than others. One immediately caught my eye, a jagged scar ranging three to four feet going from Jade's lower back to the middle of her spine.

I sat there, eyes wide, mouth agape at this horrific picture. What has befallen on my companion?

Jade didn't face me, back facing me, her voice slowly beginning to break. "They called me a monster, a beast because I did those horrible deeds. I was labeled and mistreated."

Though I couldn't see it, Jade's tears started to fall. Without warning, she fell back on top of me and hugged my body tighter. "When I saw you again yesterday, I was elated beyond imagination." Jade gained enough courage to look me directly in the eye. "You've never judged me for my crimes that I'll eventually answer for. Added to that, you genuinely love me for me." All my lover's emotions poured out, unable to contain her self guilt. "T- thank you, Benji; for not thinking any less of me."

So that's where all those marks originated. To think that Jade endured through so much strife, to keep her mind off me. She's undoubtedly seen torture throughout our unfortunate time away from each other. I stroke her hair and kiss her on the forehead to make her feel better.

I lovingly kiss my lady's forehead. "Never will I ever question your reasoning, Jade. Believe me when I say that I'm no better had that been myself in your predicament." My hand lifts Jade's chin, our gazes connecting. "It would be my honor to be your life's companion if you'll have me. Seeing you again has made me very happy, and I would like us to be a-"

Jade stopped me by holding her hand to my lips. "Yes, Benji. I will never forsake you again for as long as I draw breath."

What instantly followed was Jade giving me a deep, passionate kiss. Her nipples are aroused as they contacted against my chest, practically piercing it. Jade subtly straddled my waist from the side, our kiss shifting from tender to a malicious amount of lust and longing. She broke it off, placing a lithe, warm hand around my shaft, teasingly stroking the love organ.

"I'm sorry if I come off as needy," Jade whispered in my ear. "But I want to feel you once more before we depart." Her movement increased, moans escaping my mouth. "Please, Benji. Make me yours again."

"Of course, honey. It will be my pleasure." I reply.

Warning! Lemon incoming! If you want to ignore, keep scrolling until you see the All Clear! Otherwise, Happy Reading!

Jade's look was akin to receiving a gift from the Elder Gods themselves before completely lying on top of me. She planted another searing kiss, and I immediately return the, our tongues dueling for dominance as she continued tugging my member.

We separated, a strand of saliva connecting our mouths before Jade licked my upper lip before her tongue descended damn near down my throat. I felt her hand leave my sex but to tease me further, Jade rubbed her glorious rear end against my now throbbing member. Groans of agonizing pleasure left me, wetness forming due to Jade's moist walls, constructing a make-shift lube. Jade pecks me one last time before taking my hands to guide them toward her mocha-colored bosom. Instinctively, I enclose each breast in my grip, careful not to squeeze too hard as I pinch her nipples. My actions caused Jade to let out a raspy moan, laying both palms on my chest to feel my hidden muscles.

"You're truly a marvel on the eyes, Benji." Jade sang, taking the time to memorize every inch of my torso.

I smiled at her compliment. "And you are a living masterpiece, Jade. As if I was gazing at a goddess of beauty."

Jade's cheeks burned into a deep scarlet color as a result. She leaned closer to peck my nose before sticking her ass in the air, gripping my sex before aiming at her barrier. She slowed her breathing to a sensual tempo, slowly accepting my phallus inside her warm vice. It seems as though last night did nothing to loosen her, Jade's face contorting in satisfaction. I start moving, but she pushed me back down so that we're face to face, her blush refusing to dissipate.

"No," Jade told me softly, hot breath tickling my lips. "Sit back and enjoy my love, Benji."

We kissed again as Jade rose up, moving without an internal rhythm. My pelvis and her ass softly collided. She felt herself loosen and sped up her tempo. The soft sounds of our lovemaking were quickly replaced with lustful noises, Jade's ass continually slamming against my groin. Her body slowed down, allowing me to place my hands on her shapely hips, guiding them as Jade grinded her sex against mine. The blush on her face grew, euphoria overriding every ache and pain in our bodies. Jade hugged herself to see if this was indeed real. I quickly sat up to latch my tongue and mouth on Jade's tit, lust consuming my mind. An arousing moan escaped my lover's mouth, lust consuming my mind.

"My turn," I stated huskily before reversing positions, pinning both of Jade's arms overhead. "Keep them there."

Jade nods in compliance, a devilish smile appearing. "Yes, beloved."

I blow on her left nipple, the tension making my hair stand on end. I enter her sex once again, Jade moaning gruffly in response before I pump my hips forward.

"Faster. Harder, Benji," Jade demanded.

I pick up the power and speed in my thrusting, feeling a pair of legs coiling around my waist before locking in place. Because of this, desperation is now apparent for us both, the bed creaking due to my movement.

"Ah! Hah! Damn, Benji! Mmm!" Jade voiced her joy, her heavenly moans of pleasure masking any criticism she thought about saying.

My strokes intensified, carnal desires quickly taking priority. Like a monster, I pin Jade further down to the bed and continue pounding her with so much force that her breathing became erratic. In between breaths, I relish our mixed moans and groans of pleasure. On instinct, Jade grabs and hugs me tightly, her legs never relenting their grip on my waist. As I near my climax, we share a frenzied kiss as I gradually slow down, my seed seeping into Jade's womb. But instead of feeling tired, I feel refreshed; odd.

All Clear! Now get back to reading, Killjoy.

Being careful, I exit Jade's barrier. She moaned disappointedly, but we had to hurry and dress. We need to get the hell out of this place before Shao Kahn orders a search party within his walls. Just then, I hear shouts from outside the palace.

"Find the Maddox Siblings! Scouts have revealed they are inside the Palace, along with their mother and Kitana! We capture them all, and we'll hit the big time, boys!" A footsoldier rallied outside in the nearby gardens.

"Shit," I cursed silently. "Jade, we have to get out of here. The guards are on their way to your room."

I turn around to see Jade rushing to put her clothes back on. "I don't plan on returning here." She then asked, "Where am I going to store my belongings?"

"The Nexus," I said. "I can summon a portal there, so you'll have a safe place to keep them." Hastily, I put my clothes on. "Grab anything you find valuable," I command.

After dressing myself, I make a mental check of my personal items. Pistol? Check. Duster? Check. Baton...?

Great, I forgot to pick up my baton after fighting Tanya. I stomp the ground in silent fury.

"Dammit, Tanya," I say to myself.

Jade picked up on my muttering. "Tanya? What did that gold dressing harlot do to you." My lover's words held a lack of restraint on her anger.

"Nothing, besides physical wounds," I sigh. "I've misplaced it when we fought hours ago. It absorbed a fireball, and because it was so hot, I dropped it. After knocking Tanya out, I was too fixated on leaving that I forgot to pick up the baton my mother gave me when we reunited. I don't want to risk going back and risk capture, so I guess I'll be leaving without it." Jade came beside me, a bag filled to the brim at her side. "You have everything you wish to take?"

She nodded before listing, "Clothes, money, weapons, some jewelry..."

"Including the necklace you're wearing?" I ask, gesturing to the beautiful moss necklace displayed around her neck.

She clutched the central gem tightly before wordlessly nodding. "I'll explain after we're safe. I have everything. Let's get out of here before-"

Before Jade could finish, a footsoldier poked his head inside her room and took notice of our presence, his eyes widening.

"I found-" he tried calling for backup.

I quickly snap my fingers, and a boney sword pierces through his heart, killing him instantly. The soldier falls lifelessly on the floor, my created skeleton who performed the act disappearing. I take a deep breath before stumbling. Merely summoning a sole skeleton left me weary.

Jade picked up on my visible fatigue. "Benji, are you alright?"

Shakily I lean against the wall "I'll be fine, Jade. Casting spells in Outworld puts more stress on my body than normal. As soon as we arrive in the Nexus, I should be refreshed." Then, a sudden realization hits me. "Better yet, we're heading home. I'll recover much faster in Earthrealm."

I make the necessary motions and summon a portal to the Trainer's Estate. However, doing so drained the rest of my Warlock powers. Due to fatigue, I nearly fall back on the bed, Jade able to catch me.

"Benji!" she worriedly called my name.

Barely staying awake, I nod to confirm I would be ok, struggling to stand back up but was able to lean on my beloved's body. Jade grabs her bag with her free hand while slinging my arm around her neck.

"Don't worry, I'll assist you," Jade reassures.

She helped me pass through the portal before we end up at the same couch where I prepped my 9mm. Jade laid me down, but I close the entrance so no one can track us here. After placing her bag on the floor, Jade carefully helped me sit up on the back of the couch, kneading my sagging shoulders before embracing me. Even now, I felt a small amount of energy coming back.

"Doctor!" AOI's voice came from nowhere. "You're back earlier than I anticipated."

"Well, the mission isn't over yet," I told her. "The tournament is still ongoing, and I'm here to recover needed energy. Casting spells takes a lot out of me in Outworld." I suddenly remembered AOI's blunder. "And you scattered everyone too. I ended up in a completely different section of Outworld than everyone else, on top of the fact that everyone landed in different places. I have no idea where Cal or Kenshi is. The only reason I'm not worried about Sareena is that I ran into her sometime into my venture."

"My apologies, Doctor. It never crossed my mind to send you all to the same place. You four are very powerful, so I sent you to separate places to cover more ground. You've never traversed Outworld, hence why I felt like you had to better acquaint yourselves with the realm. But I will note to send you all to the same position next time." AOI then saw Jade. "Doctor, who is this hugging you so tightly?"

Introductions seem appropriate now. "AOI, this is Jade. She's my..."

I'm at a loss for words for how to accurately describe our relationship. We're not husband and wife (not yet, anyway) but we've grown to care for each other as lovers and equals.

"I'm his consort." Jade finished my sentence for me, no hesitation in her voice.

AOI then responded in kind. "Well, Jade. I am AOI, Artificial Intelligence for the Trainer's Estate, home of the Maddox siblings as well as Kenshi and Sareena. However, I won't make my presence felt unless requested or required. Just let me know when you're ready to head back to Outworld. I will gladly send you back." AOI then silenced herself.

Feeling revived, I sat up and joined Jade, feeling much better after having a moment to recover while not worrying about being hunted.

"Are you going to be ok, Benji?" she asked. "We have not been here long."

I nod before smiling. "Yes, I feel brand new. Earthrealm is nowhere near as draining on magical power than Outworld." My eyes bore directly into Jade's. "Now that you're here, is there anything you wish to do? I can show you around before AOI sends us back."

She nods in approval, her arm slung around mine as I escort her around the premises. Our first stop was the spacious Dojo. Jade seemed impressed at the structure. I can tell she and Cal will be going at it in here when things finally settle down. We then head toward the Room of Silence.

"Here's the Room of Silence. While we're inside, no noise can be heard unless the door's open. Likewise, no one situated outside can hear anything, so I use it to meditate when I wake up in the morning." I explain.

"Does your sister wake up early as you do?" Jade inquired.

I shook my head. "Cal values her beauty sleep and wakes up later than I do."

"I see," was her short reply.

A temporary silence engulfs us. It was then I decided to inquire about the priceless necklace on Jade's person. "That's a beautiful piece of jewelry. Who gave it to you?"

Like she did in her now old room, Jade held the central gem tightly in her hand. From that action, I could tell this was no ordinary fashion statement. This necklace meant a lot to Jade and held some semblance of meaning or sentimental value to her.

"It was a gift from Mai," Jade's voice but a mere whisper. "And originally belonged to... my deceased mother."

That quickly got my attention. "Mother gave that to you?"

Jade nodded in silence, eyes glistening in sadness. "In truth, your mother gave me consent to pursue you. I wouldn't have had the courage to rebel against my oppressor if it weren't for her."

In hindsight, it made perfect sense after I told mother that I was responsible for putting my friends in potential danger. She must've put two and two together. To think that my mother kept a keepsake from Jade's mother for all these millennia. I guess Cal and I weren't the only people she missed dearly beside Papa.

"My mother and Ms. Mai were very close. She gave this to me before I infiltrated the palace. This is all I have left of my family to remember them by," Jade elaborated, melancholy replaced with determination. "Now that you mentioned it, there is one thing I want to do."

"What is it, Jade? I promise I'll do anything in my power to help." I swore.

My lover rewarded me with a kiss on the cheek. "Bless you, Benji. I hope our union will last as long as our livelihoods." Jade caressed my face before I intertwined our hands together. "For years, my mother's death has been nothing more than a mystery. However, your mother revealed to me that she was killed by one of our own. Because of this fact, I will not rest until her death is avenged. Will you help me, beloved?"

"Anything for my Empress," I responded by kissing her palm.

Jade smiled gratefully. "Thank you. I hope that nothing terrible befalls you, my love. I'll tear the universe apart if they unjustly take you away from me." She gave me a burning kiss. "I love you, Benji."

"I love you too, Jade," I replied. "But we can't rest until Earthrealm wins its freedom."

"Agreed," she said.

We leave the Room of Silence, ready to turn the tide of this battle in our favor. Once we made it to the center of the Estate, I called on AOI again.

"Alright, AOI. Send us back; together this time," I sternly ordered.

"Got it, Doctor. In 3,2,1..." She counted down.

I turn to Jade. "I'll see you soon."

Soon, the sights of blue appeared in my vision before they promptly disappeared, telling me the transportation was complete. I found myself outside a walled city, the perimeter heavily guarded but not by Shao Kahn's hitmen.

"Jade? Are you there?" I call out

I feel a hand interlaced its fingers with mine. Jade was here and not in another part of Outworld.

"I'm right here. It seems that AOI landed us outside Lei Chen, the lone city that openly refuses Shao Kahn's rule over the realm. Lei Chen is headed by Overlord Zefeero," Jade informed me.

A man who wore an odd hat came out to greet us. "Ah, hello! You must be Benjamin. I'm Zefeero, Overlord of the walled city of Lei Chen."

Needless to say, I was confused. "How do you know of me?"

"I met your sister merely a day ago. She was very apprehensive and almost killed me. Only by revealing who I was saved my life. Callie Ann left this morning and headed for Shao Kahn's palace. With her was a man with a peculiar hat and another woman who wore a very nice dress. They looked ready to end this tournament and free Earthrealm for good," he told all the details.

So, Cal is alive and well, which is good news if I ever needed such a thing. A peculiar hat must mean that Kung Lao is with her too. Strange; where's Liu Kang then? Knowing Cal, she must've taken him for a ride-along. And if the reason is what I think it is, Kung Lao may finally grow a spine after all. Godspeed, Cal. We'll see each other soon, I know it.

Jade and I started for the Palace, but Zefeero stopped us before we made any progress. "Before you go, you should know that Shao Kahn has found a dead soldier in Jade's quarters."

Shit, that can't be good.

"Shao Kahn is furious that you were in the palace and no one could bring you to him, on top of the fact that you two escaped. In retaliation, he removed the bounty on your head only. Until you arrive at the Kolisseum, everyone will attempt to kill you on sight. Any soldier who accomplishes this feat will govern the entire Edenian Sector and rule as an equal level of power as the Emperor. Be careful, Benjamin," the Overlord warned.

Not the news I wanted to hear, but I can't say I'm surprised. Shao Kahn's anger is getting the best of him since Cal and I are evading his best efforts in having us captured and brought to his throne. Desperation can bring out the best or worst in people.

"Thank you, Overlord Zefeero. We will be now, thanks to you," I say before turning to my lover. "Come, Jade."

Our trek for the palace began again, Jade staying close to me. We had to be on high alert in enemy territory. The smallest mistake could mean our deaths. On the way, I hear steel clashing against an unidentifiable object. We inch closer, the sounds growing in volume. When we arrived at the scene, I managed to see a friend.

Kenshi.

He was fighting a throng of assassins who wore an unhealthy amount of red. Seeing that he was outnumbered, I intercept the bogeys and join my ally, Jade following my lead. The scuffle didn't last long, and we defeated all of them within ten minutes.

"Kenshi! It is good to see you're alive and well." I greet.

He smiles in my direction. "Good to see you as well, Ben. I ran into Sareena not too long ago, said she was going to find either you or Callie. I did some snooping around to see if I can get some info about how Shao Kahn allowed another tournament so soon after he lost his original claim. Turns out, he used the fact that you and Callie were Edenians by birth as a reason to instigate another tournament. Which is why he'll be barred from invading Earthrealm forever when he loses."

Seems like Cal was right after all. The Elder Gods really don't care for mortals. Luckily for me, I stopped praying to them millennia ago, even if Argus is now one of them. But him not caring makes sense too despite that he lived a Heaven on Earth lifestyle, had a beautiful and powerful wife, two kids, and godly powers. Argus chose Elder Godhood over making his family happy on top of refusing to even acknowledge Rain as his bastard son. Pride isn't lost on him, but humility is.

I look at the assailants. "Who are they?"

Kenshi put his sword away. "These are foot soldiers for the Red Dragon Clan. Turns out the leader had been handpicked by an unknown contractor to kill off powerful Earthrealm warriors. All of us were on that list. From what these idiots told me, it was their leader who commissioned Sektor to kill you."

Rage clouded my mind at the mention of that blasted hit put on me. "Who!?"

Jade quickly rained me in to slowly calm down, her hand rubbing my back. "Benji, please mind yourself."

"His name is Daegon," Kenshi revealed the man behind the plot. "When he hired Sektor, he didn't want you to snoop around him specifically. If you figured out who he was, it would ruin whatever plans he has for the future, which won't bold well regardless." Kenshi explained.

Despite my seething agitation, I nod. "I see; Daegon is one of Argus' sons. But what is an Edenian doing in Earthrealm? And leading one of the largest criminal enterprises in the realm?"

This is typical. Rain is working for a tyrant, and now Daegon is running amok in Earthrealm. Some Edenians just can't resist the temptations of power, wealth, and influence.

"My thanks, Kenshi. We can talk more about the Red Dragon after the tournament," I told him. "We're about to infiltrate the palace. Are you with us?"

"By all means, lead the way," Kenshi said as he joined us on our way to the palace.

We're reaching the climax of the tournament. I can feel Earthrealm's freedom on the horizon. A little longer and it will all be over.

Maybe then, I'll start envisioning my future with Jade.

A/N: And that's a wrap! No monologue this time just the usual. Did you guys like it? Did you not? Let me know with a Review and or a PM. We're reaching the last few chapters of the Arc! But don't expect it to end so soon. We still have a few if not several parts left to go. Be patient.

Later!

Currently listening to N.Y. Stae of Mind by Nas