A/N: Now the sights return to Benji. I wonder how things are going to play out with him after the madness that was his previous chapter. Guess it's time to find out.
Currently listening to Lady Bird by Chet Baker.
Day 2 of the Second MK Tournament 1:00 P.M: The Walled City of Lei Chen.
Benjamin's POV
What did I just do?
I've committed infidelity with Sareena, incredible as she felt in bed. It doesn't matter though, as I've done a massive atrocity against the one I genuinely love. All that bonding with Jade might as well be tossed out the window of the house I'm currently occupying. How can Sareena just casually do this to me? How can I face Jade after this? What if Kitty found out? She'd be right about me this whole time! In no less than an hour, my entire world is falling apart because I thought with my urges, not my brain. I'm not deserving of Jade's love and affection after this, let alone anyone else's. On cue, Lulie flew from a portal to land on my shoulder, routinely cuddling my neck.
"At least you'll never do me harm huh, Lulie?" I ask her rhetorically. "Such a good girl."
I scratch the top of Lulie's head in appreciation, a smart bird she is. I should reward her when we return to Earthrealm. I look at my person, dressed except for my discarded shirt thanks to Tanya, Jade, and Sareena, three women who have all expressed their varying emotions for me. I'm glad that shirt's ruined. It brought nothing but tainted memories to my mind.
"Be a good girl, and get me a spare shirt, ok?" I gently command my raven.
Lulie softly caws before briefly exiting. A moment later, she returns with a clean shirt in her beak. I casually pull it on, glad I won't be walking around bare-chested.
"Thank you, Lulie. Stick around for a while longer. You're doing a wonderful job of calming me down." I requested before grabbing my pistol and putting on my duster, Lulie now standing on my shoulder.
I could just place blame on anything and everything around me for what just happened but I shouldn't. The fault is solely on me for following through on this and the desires of men. I decided that when I see Jade, I'll tell her the truth... even if it means that she may never speak to me again.
I'm resigned to my horrid fate.
"Let's go, Lulie," I said as we depart Lei Chen.
Even though I made my decision to confess my wrongdoing, that didn't mean I was calmed. In truth, I was at a breaking point, nearly anything could set me off, and I would likely lash out against someone I care for. Lulie, despite doing her best to keep me grounded, isn't enough. I wish mother were with me to dissolve this growing self anguish. She's always been my calming influence before I met Jade. I could use a portal to send me directly back to the palace, but I need to conserve energy if I need to escape the kill on sight order when I get to the Koliseum. Luckily, I've been back and forth enough times to know the way by memory due to the secret passage Jade showed me.
Jade...
Words cannot express how much regret I hold within my soul. She had done nothing to garner this sort of betrayal. Jade has already endured enough torment and hurt from Shao Kahn and his order. I've only added to that anguish. Her mother and father must be cursing me from their grave, and I don't blame them. Any thoughts of Jade and I sharing a future together may as well become a distant memory.
I entered the palace, hopefully for the last time today. My motives were evident as the night time sky. Find Cal, find Jade, and confess my infidelity to her. Simple in nature, but damn near unfathomable to execute.
I momentarily stop to ponder Jade's responses to my lingering confession, and I concluded that none of the possible reactions were positive. I made a promise that I wouldn't break her heart. No longer than a day after we became an item, I did just that, a sin marked against my name. Never have I been more ashamed in my entire life. Matters could be made worse if Kitty knew of my mistake. She'll have me murdered in cold blood. Brushing those feelings aside, I entered a room I would've thought wasn't going to be here.
A Library, an expansive one at that.
Books were plastered in every occupiable and sensical space. I stood there in reverence at how many texts were in one enclosed room. I see a desk in the middle of the room, and a giant book stood there. Looks as though the tyrant has been reading recently. Lulie caws as if to warn me of a looming threat.
"Don't worry, Lulie. I'll be careful," I assured my companion. "If you wish you can survey the immediate area for any threats."
She complies and flies out the highest window to search for enemies, but with how vacant the palace is, I assume every available soldier is at the Koliseum at Shao Kahn's beck and call, his court included. I finally take a gander at the book on the desk, left speechless at what I found.
A book about Earthrealm.
I immediately open it to confirm my suspicions. Inside it held frightening details concerning Earthrealm and her ecosystem, the various factions dwelling there and their individual histories. Special Forces, the Lin Kuei, the Shirai Ryu, even the separate Dragon Clans. Then, a realization hit me. This book may have information on the Red Dragon. Lulie comes back and caws softly, signifying that no potential threat was nearby. I stay on alert; however. Tanya somehow bypassed her despite being a supernatural Raven. Lord knows my troubles will only increase should we run into each other again. At any rate, I thank Lulie for her hard work.
"My thanks, Lulie. I'll make sure to give you extra food when next I feed you, ok?" I thanked and praised her.
Lulie happily cawed before flying away into her designated portal. Making myself at home, I sat down in the plush chair. "This is very comfortable," I said to myself as I dive into the Red Dragon's history.
"They've been around for centuries apparently. Daegon must have established them before Cal and I arrived in Earthrealm. Outworld scouts have reported that the name came from Daegon's guardian, a literal Red Dragon named Caro. Long term goals included realm-wide domination, but they aren't big enough to be deemed a threat. Daegon, the leader is, in reality, an Edenian, the son of Argus and Delia, an Elder God and powerful sorceress respectively." I murmured.
So, Shao Kahn doesn't deem them a threat, eh?
Well, if he somehow wins the tournament and merges Earthrealm, then that may not be the case. From what little I've read, Daegon does not seem like the sane type. This can't be everything, so I kept reading.
"Recent reports state that Daegon may be insane, consistently ordering experiments to try and make humanoid Red Dragons using Zaterran DNA. But all attempts failed miserably. It is also stated that Daegon keeps his guardian Dragon hostage and regularly abuses him whenever the opportunity presents itself.
And now it comes full circle. Talk about confirming my suspicions.
Why would Daegon abuse his guardian like that? And these constant experiments are a little unnerving. Sure they have failed at every attempt... but what if they actually succeed? That'll spell doom for Earthrealm. But there is little I can do at the moment. Plus, I have my own issues to figure out.
Closing the text, I stood back up in contemplation, learning a lot about the Red Dragon clan than I bargained for. I wonder if I can send it to AOI back at the Trainer's Estate. Whistling softly twice, I call for Lulie again. She eagerly flies back on my shoulders.
"I'm sorry for having you pull double duty, girl, but I need you to somehow get this text back to AOI in the Trainer's Estate." I requested. "Here, let me make it easier for you."
I went to the beginning of the Red Dragon Chapter, ripping the entire chapter out of the book. I rolled it into a scroll and handed it to Lulie, who takes it all in her beak. Despite having a lot of text in her mouth, she managed to get out a muffled caw which earned a chuckle from me.
"When you're done, you may rest, Lulie. I'm sorry to work you so hard." I apologized.
She cuddled my neck affectionately to signify that she forgave me before flying away once more. Learning what I think is enough, I exited the Library to begin my search for Cal and or Jade once again.
Even now, I can see Jade's face in my direct line of vision. Never before have I seen such a beautiful woman. As I've always stated, Jade is everything I've ever wanted in a woman, and then some. Though we were quick to declare our love in words and under the sheets, I was ready at that moment to ask for her hand in marriage, damn what anybody else thought.
Then came Sareena.
In no way am I upset at Sareena, which wouldn't be fair to her. It was also my fault that I became unaware of her growing affections as she stayed with us. We're one big family under the same roof. All that can change within the next few hours depending on how my admission to Jade goes and trying to stave off Earthrealm's merging with Outworld. This is almost too much to bear at one time. More than ever, I need my mother's wisdom.
I'm sincerely praying that Jade can forgive me for what I've done. I had no intention of breaking her heart, but my negligence could cost me my one chance at being happy. No matter what, I must right this wrong.
I just hope the damage I've caused isn't irrevocable.
While making my way out of the Library, I wind up in the prisons for the umpteenth time. I'm starting to get agitated at my constant presence here. I sigh irritably, impatience clearly impacting my mindset.
"Ugh, I wish damn palace wasn't as big so I can find Cal. This whole mission has gone absolutely mental." I speak as I continue to walk through. Continuing on, a knife suddenly whizzed passed my head before implanting itself in the wall. I take a second to look ahead of me and see the guy who threw it.
Kano; typical.
"Be a mate and throw that back," he requested, showing a leery smirk.
I was in no mood for games, especially from this heathen. "If I do, it's going straight through your skull." My body turns to face Kano entirely. "What, did Kitty hit your brain hard when you two fought?"
"Nah, though she did rough me up somethin' fierce," Kano responded honestly.
"So why attack me?" I shot back. "That bounty on my head is no longer valid. It's officially a kill on sight order. Do you really want to test me?"
Right now, with how upset I am, I'm ready to place this Australian jackass in a coma. He takes out his knife but seems fatigued after facing Kitty yesterday. From the way his human eye looked, he was exhausted, which meant he was more prone to make a mistake.
Kano ran at me, ready to strike downward but forgot that his other knife was behind me. I dodged his rushing attack, the natural eye hitting the handle. Kano felt stunned, allowing me to grab his knife arm before disarming him by kneeing his shoulder. The blow caused him to drop the weapon on the ground. I then kicked his left knee, using the forward momentum to send him to the floor, all the while snapping his arm. I quickly grab the knife planted on the wall, clutching his foot to apply pressure on the knee until I separate the joint completely, Kano's agonizing screams failing to leave this part of the palace. To immobilize him, I jammed his knife into the leg that wasn't broken. He won't be bothering anyone else for the time being.
"You fuckin' bastard!" Kano cursed through clenched teeth. "How are you even human?"
"I'm not human like you, dumbass," I growled. "I'm from Edenia. Due to being a doctor, I know everything about anatomy, which is why I chose specific areas on your body to attack." Leaning down, I inch closer to Kano's face. "See what happens when I'm not in a good mood? Bad things tend to happen to my enemies, as you can clearly see."
His look of disbelief was telling. "I thought you were a goody-two-shoes! That you were going to just beat and spare me!"
"So you could stab me in the back? I wasn't born yesterday. You told me that Cal horrifies you, but you don't think the same of me? That's terrible thinking on your end." I spoke bluntly before letting my anger break loose. "Don't play the victim! Cal told me all about what you've done! You're wanted in every country you've stepped foot in, which is why you escaped to Outworld in the first place!" I vented. "Infiltrated Special Forces and betrayed everyone's trust. And when my sister found your cowardly ass, she ripped out your eye, hence why you have a laser implant."
I grabbed the knife still jammed in Kano's leg. "You don't play with people like me." My grip stiffened. "Because I'll make your life a living hell."
To prove my point, I drag the knife down his leg, earning even louder screams for mercy. Didn't know Kano could wail like a little bitch. It's becoming apparent that my inactive malevolence has boiled over. Satisfied, I released the knife and stood back up to take my leave but not before leaving one more message.
"Never cross a Maddox," I warned before stomping on his face, knocking Kano out while leaving a boot imprint on his left cheek and part of the forehead.
Seeing the door to another section, I headed for it, elated that I may finally leave this dreadful place. I reach another hallway, stopping to collect my bearings. The more determined I got to find my sister and my soon to be ex-consort, the bigger the palace becomes. This damn place is starting to become a labyrinth.
"I wish I had a sign letting me know that I'm at least heading in the right direction," I mutter condescendingly while inhaling a deep breath.
As if on cue, despite only hearing her voice for no more than a day, someone called for me. "Benny? My boy!"
Mother ran up and gave me a big hug that I equally returned as fast as I possibly could. Finally, a face I don't feel guilty about seeing, and one I really needed to speak to.
"Mother! Oh, it's so good to see you again," I said before slightly tightening the grip around her. We separated briefly before the other's hands.
"Oh, where's Jade?" she inquired. "I assumed you would have reunited with her by now."
My expression immediately soured, guilt threatening to swallow me whole. I could still back off and tell my mother I was ok and that there's nothing to worry about. But I knew better than to be a coward, especially with the truth spell in her possession.
Mother picked up on my somberness. "Oh, no. What happened? Did you two have a fight before I found you?"
Her worry was not lost on me. Any concerned mother will do anything to ensure their children are unharmed or facing something they can't do so alone. That's what I always admired about our mother.
I shake my head dispiritedly. "No, mother. I... committed infidelity with Sareena merely a day after Jade and I became a couple." My gaze fell, unable to even look my mother in the eye, all the shame I harbored earlier coming back. "I feel so terrible and ashamed."
After my admittance, I expected my mother to scold, if not berate me for doing this heinous act. Instead, much to my shock (and relief), she pulled me in for a heartfelt embrace, stroking my hair as if I were that small boy again. I let the tears flow, every aspect my anguish being released into my mother's dress. Thankfully she didn't mind, probably milking this for all its worth.
"My son, I'm so sorry to hear that." Her soothing words entered my ears as I continued wallowing in calamity. "It's ok, child. Mother is here. Had it been anyone else, then I might have actually been worried. But seeing that it was with Sareena, it's not as bad as you think."
Alarmed, I released myself from my mother's tender hug and showed a confused look, drying my tears in the process. "What do you mean, mother? Infidelity isn't nowhere as bad as adultery, but I still showed a lack of faith." I sulked. "Kitty was right all along about me."
"No, she's not," my mother corrected me. "And if Kitana really thinks that way, I'd be more than happy to school her on our realm's culture."
Culture? What does that entail?
"How so?" I inquired.
"In Edenian culture, polygamy is quite common, which is what I meant when inferring that your sexual relations with Sareena aren't bad at all. What you can do is pursue a poly-relationship with both Sareena and Jade."
So that's why Sareena made that suggestion in Lei Chen before leaving right afterward, the knowledge partially lifting my guilt. Curiosity got the better of me as I asked, "Did you and Papa pursue a poly-relationship?"
"Gods no. I'd kill your father in a heartbeat if that's what he desired," mother quickly shot down my assumption. "But he made it clear that he only had eyes for me. Believe me when I say that many women wanted his hand."
That blunt answer made me chuckle, my once dejected attitude improving. Mother began laughing with me to further pick up my spirits. I'm blessed to have her back in my life.
"That's relieving to hear," I said before my frown returned. "But the fact remains that I still cheated on Jade. And after I confess, I don't think she'll be on board with this idea."
"Don't sell yourself short, child. I have a gut feeling she may at least give it some thought. If there's anything I know Jade inherited from her mother, it's her competitive nature. In fact, to help appeal to that side of her, I'll travel with you to make sure those two don't spill the other's blood. Women tend to let emotions get the better of them over a man."
"But what of the tournament?" I asked.
Mother lent a hand on my shoulder. "You need not worry about that. We're winning by a landslide right now since Kenshi's involvement helped tipped the scales in our favor, though we need to find Jade and your sister fast. I have a feeling Outworld may start cheating soon. I'm actually shocked they haven't started yet, but let's not jinx ourselves. Lead on, Benjamin."
I nod. "Ok."
Talk about motherly powers. I'm happy my mother found and explained everything to me. Otherwise, I'd find myself in a depressed state until we found Cal. We searched every room until I saw a glimpse of green, dare I say a hint of jade. Ok, I'll stop now. All jokes aside, we found Jade, and from the look of things, she was searching for me also.
"Jade! Over here!" mother called for her.
She looked in our general direction, and upon seeing me, Jade smiled before running full speed, nearly crashing into me for a hug on top of giving me a passionate kiss. That will never get old to me. Eventually, we broke away, but Jade gave me a small peck to show her rapidly growing affection towards me.
"Thank goodness you're all right, Benji. I couldn't find you for a while after Kitana and I finished speaking," Jade happily stated before turning to my mother. "And you too, Ms. Mai."
"Benji?" my mother questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Don't let Callie Ann catch you saying that."
"I'll fight tooth and nail with her if I must." Was my beloved's response. "The name sounds too adorable for me to pass up."
Though I was quite pleased to see Jade again, reality quickly set in that I have to inform her of my misdeed. I just know that it will probably be the most challenging thing I've ever had to do. Learning Necromancy wasn't nearly as burdensome as this conversation will be. Here's hoping I'll live to see tomorrow.
"Jade," I called her name.
My soon to be ex-consort turned to me. "Yes, Benji?"
Taking a deep breath, I cautiously hold Jade's lithe hands, doing my best to maintain eye contact. She could immediately tell something was wrong, that whatever I was going to say to her would be detrimental.
"I have something I need to tell you and won't be surprised if you never talk to me again because of it," I began.
Jade was understandably concerned. "Benji? What's wrong?"
Well, here goes nothing. "I... committed to infidelity no less than a couple of hours ago."
"You what?" Jade asked incredulously.
"I met up with Sareena, a demoness from the Netherrealm who joined me, Cal, and Kenshi a few weeks ago to stop Earthrealm's merging with Outworld. My mentor Okada introduced us during his visit to the Trainer's Estate. Against my better judgment, I fell victim to my inner urges like a mindless slave." A lump so large formed in my throat, I'm not sure how I managed to swallow it. "We... slept together soon after I left you and Kitana."
A tear escaped my eye. "Never have I felt so much guilt in such a short time. Instead of hiding the truth or ignoring it altogether, I felt that you had to know since you were my first lover. I'm deeply sorry, Jade. Not even a day after swearing my love to you, I went behind your back. I sincerely hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me..."
Unable to stomach it anymore, I looked down at the floor to avoid my beloved's gaze. What made my anxiety worse was that Jade had not said a word during my emotional admission. This tells me she's contemplating what I've disclosed, and quite possibly on how to make me suffer for my utter stupidity. However, Jade took me by surprise, using her index finger to lift my face so that our eyes locked, her eyes unreadable but full of uncertainty.
"Mrs. Maddox, is this true?" Jade asked my mother for confirmation.
"I'm afraid so," mother answered before approaching us. "But Jade, I implore you to not use this as a reason to leave my son. He owned up to his mistake and promises to never do such a thing again. You two are still so young and are prone to flings like this at your age. I have without a shadow of a doubt that any and all promises Benjamin made with you, he'll keep until his dying day. He cares for you that much." Mother countered. "Please, Jade. He did not mean to commit this act. I had to comfort him, so his guilt can be somewhat relieved, but he still insisted on telling the truth because you deserve nothing less."
All stood quiet after my mother's vouch on my behalf, everyone on edge for what will happen next, not even troubled by Shao Kahn's tournament. At least, not at the moment. Jade didn't betray her look of sadness at my disloyalty. Not a good sign. My actions weren't justified in any fashion, and I could tell it will only end badly for me.
Jade finally broke the eerie silence. "I need to have a word with your son. Alone."
Mother did not hesitate to grant her request. "Yes, Jade. Just please be gentle."
With that, mother backed away into the adjacent room so she didn't disrupt what I know will be an unpleasant heart to heart. Knowing what was sure to come, I start to release our hands, already assuming our relationship will come to a bitter end. Jade, however, prevented me from doing so, keeping our fingers interlaced.
"Benjamin," Jade started. Definitely not a good sign if she's using my full name. "I appreciate your honesty and partially understand why you did what you did."
"But what does it matter now, Jade? Turns out Kitty was right about me all along." I point out, somehow managing to keep eye contact.
"That couldn't be farther from the truth," Jade disagreed with my statement. "Kitana, instead of telling me that Shao Kahn ordered her to bully me for my budding feelings for you, did so anyway and continued for those two years we were separated. Unlike yourself, who after committing one act of infidelity, came to tell me you did so no less than a day after doing so, all the while showing remorse for your actions."
Holding the right side of my face, Jade leaned in to kiss my cheek, not moving away for some time. "That in of itself tells me you're serious about us and want to make this work. I forgive you, Benji... under one condition."
No way in hell I'm turning that down. "Name it. I'll do anything you ask."
"All I want from you is to accept my own apology," she said.
Needless to say, I was flabbergasted. "Apology? But, you've-"
Before I go any further, Jade hushed me. "I also need to apologize for my actions earlier when I asked you to come live with me if Edenia was ever to be restored. It's only now I realized that I was selfish, only thinking about what I wanted and not paying attention to your needs as well." Her eyes teared in the same manner as mine did. "But I promised that I'll still love you regardless."
"Despite my foolish mistake?" I asked.
Her answer was a searing kiss, cutting off all air circulation between our mouths. I grasped Jade's body, intending to never let her go. That old saying runs true. When you find the one, don't ever let them go. Jade pushed herself into my body as our kiss turned tender before finally backing away, oxygen becoming prevalent.
"We're in this together, Benji," Jade told me. "It will take a lot more than one instance of infidelity to get rid of me."
A smile latched onto my mouth, nearly sawing my face in half. "I forgive you as well. And you just made my decision a whole lot easier."
She stood confused before I continued, stroking the top of her hands with my thumbs. "You came into my life at the right time, and I share your earlier sentiments that we should've met sooner. However, I don't think our love would be the same as it is now. But through all the bullshit we both endured, the unfortunate deaths of your parents and my father, and Edenia's downfall, I genuinely believe we were meant to be."
I fought off a tinge of hesitation. "I don't want you to ever worry about where we stand or my feelings for you. You gave me a chance to be happy despite my stained past, and I want to reward your faith in me."
Gaining more courage, I gradually lowered myself to the ground on one knee, making sure not to tip over and embarrass myself, not that Jade would mind. She stood speechless, eyes widening at what I was doing.
"When this is all over, and all the realms are safe from Shao Kahn's oppressive ways..." I stammered. "If we make it that far, Jade of Outworld... no, Edenia. Will you please grant me the honor of becoming my lovely wife?" I stared deeply into my lover's eyes, the most beautiful Edenian in history. "Will... will you marry me?
There was no doubt in my mind that this is what I desired. Jade had her pick of men to choose from, all of whom had money, fame, stature, and could provide a better life for her. But for whatever reason, she picked me from the crowd, a Warlock who turned his back on Edenia due to mitigating circumstances. I can't begin to explain the profound effect this woman has on my life, and I like to think that we can be so much more together - as husband and wife.
Jade froze. "I... I..."
My face began to fall at her indecision. Jade couldn't say or form any words, possibly out of trauma or something worse. Maybe... maybe I rushed this marriage proposal. Much to my relief and overwhelming happiness, she began nodding furiously, tears streaking down her gorgeous complexion.
"Yes, Benji! Thousand times, yes!" Jade answered emphatically before pulling my body up to crush my lips against her own.
"I apologize for not having an engagement ring." I softly kissed each of Jade's palms, her left ring finger and finish by kissing my now fiance's lips.
"Material things are inconsequential to me, Benji," Jade said, her hand placed over my heart. "What matters most to me is what lies here. Your heart and intentions drew me to you, and they'll always attract me more than money and jewelry."
Smiling, I kissed her forehead. "I picked a good woman in you, Jade."
"It must be nice."
We turned to see who interrupted our intimate moment. To our surprise, and my dread, it was Sareena. Dammit, not now. It's way too soon to have to deal with this after proposing.
Sareena stopped about a few feet from us. "I came by to pass along my congratulations to you two."
Jade broke away from our embrace to oppose her. "So... you must be Sareena."
"That I am." Sareena gave an innocent smile before extending her arm for a handshake. "A pleasure to meet you, Jade. I've heard so much about you."
I can clearly see this will not go well, seeing as though the two women who have both expressed passion and love for me are now in the same room. This is going to go one of two ways. They'll hit it off as friends, or walk away as enemies for my affection. And good old me is stuck right in the middle, a no-win situation.
Ignoring the extended peace offering, Jade marched right into Sareena's face. "You seduced him."
Sareena's smile faded into a thin line. "Is that what you think I did?"
"You knew damn well we were seeing each other," Jade lashed out in silent fury. "Yet you chose to take what belongs to me."
"It was never my intention to do so. I've told Benny himself that I had no motive of taking him from you," Sareena defended herself.
Jade wasn't buying that answer. "Then why did you engage in sex with my man?"
"Because I love him too," Sareena retaliated.
Before this got out of hand, I stepped between each woman, who looked peeved and ready to fight one another. Johnny may welcome this if he was in my shoes, but in no way do I want this to get physical. We're on the same team for crying out loud. They need to save this same energy for the tournament, not here.
"Ladies, please. We're on the same side." I pleaded.
Sareena instantly heeded my petition for nonviolence. "I'm not here to start trouble. Yes, I knew what I did was wrong, but I couldn't help myself. You honestly don't know how fortunate you are, Jade, being engaged to this wonderful man."
Meanwhile, Jade preserved her aggravation. "I know exactly how fortunate I am. In fact, why are you here? Were you spying on us?"
"I was only wondering if you would be willing to share Benjamin? As I said, I'd never do anything to pry you two apart and become a homewrecker. However, I think us three together can be a satisfying experience." Sareena glanced at me, a sultry gleam in her eyes. "Wouldn't you think so?"
This is just great. Something in the back of my mind told me this was going to happen. I wished it didn't happen now of all times. However, it's my fault as I haven't explained to Jade of Sareena and my mother's suggestion. Never have I been so conflicted about two people, especially ones I care very deeply for.
Jade frowned. "Benjamin, what is she talking about?"
I tried my hardest to maintain eye contact, but couldn't do anything except let my sight wander across the room. Depending on how this conversation goes, it can be either beneficial or blow up right in my face. I'm probably guessing the latter will happen.
"I was thinking," I began, trying to make sure my voice remained clear so both ladies could hear though I'm sure this won't end well for my sake. "We should involve Sareena here in our relationship."
My beloved didn't seem convinced, emerald eyes showing a look of betrayal. "You wish for this to be a poly-relationship?" Her tone was edgy, already a bad sign. "Benjamin, I may love you, but I don't think I can share you with the same woman you recently slept with."
"Of course you'd think that." Sareena's counter wasn't as civil as I would've liked, only adding to the building tension. "You're royalty, so you don't believe in sharing."
"My status has nothing to do with it, demoness," Jade hissed. "Benji is mine."
"You won't admit it, Jade, but you're just as snobby as Kitana. He adores me just as much as you, which is why you feel threatened and won't even consider sharing Benny." Sareena countered again.
Not good.
Sareena's comment wasn't accepted well by Jade, who threw her a murderous glare. "Benny!?"
I inwardly sighed. "I told her to call me Benjamin."
"How do I know you're not using Quan Chi's dark magic to place Benji under your control?" Jade accused.
Sareena instantly shot back, pissed at my fiance's allegation. "How do we know you're not luring Benny to Shao Kahn so you can bring Edenia back?"
Oh, hell.
It became even harder to separate these two after their scathing indictments against one another. Being a mediator is not what it's cracked up to be. If I ever needed a saving grace, now would be the time for one.
Thankfully, it came in the form of my mother, who used her powers to push both Jade and Sareena away from each other and me, seemingly fed up with their argument.
"ENOUGH!" my mother commanded in a bellow.
The world around us seemed to stop after her explosion of frustration; Jade, Sareena, and I taken aback by my mother's rage. You really have to do something extreme for her to go off like that. Apparently, this was one of those examples.
"No longer will I sit by and watch you two bicker in front of my son like this," she said, her attention turning to me. "It's also time for me to come forward. Me, your sister and Kung Lao met up with Sareena after helping Ermac free himself from Shao Kahn's control. Afterward, Callie Ann told Sareena to express her feelings to you even though Jade was more than likely going to win your heart."
She then glanced at Jade. "I do apologize, Jade, but it was I who first mentioned polygamy to my children. It's more common in Edenia than you think. However, I'm certain your mother or father never told you, and why you're upset with this, to which I understand."
Mother turned around to face Sareena. "It was also I that gave Jade permission to pursue Benjamin after I made the mistake of assuming you and him were an item. In no way does that mean I thought less of you, Sareena. You are a pleasing woman and have that same affection for my son."
Taking a deep breath, my mother then said, "By no means should either of you be forced into this situation. I hope that you'll look past your differences and focus on the one thing that matters to you, that being Benjamin. Nothing else should be taken into account. Jade, Sareena. At the very least, consider this. If you both truly love my son, you'll make every effort to make this work." My mother then headed for the exit. "And congratulations, you two. Your mother would be proud, Jade."
Just like that, she walked away. I breathed a silent sigh of relief. If my mother didn't arrive, I don't think I could've stopped Jade and Sareena from killing each other. The room went quiet once again, each woman eyeing the other but with softer gazes after my mother got involved. Yet, I can still feel an enormous amount of tension between them, for obvious reasons. Can things possibly deteriorate even worse?
"Even if I were to be on board with this," I could sense Jade was at her wit's end. "What would Kitana think?"
I just had to say possibly. "Kitty might try and have my head since she believes I stole you from her and didn't approve of our relationship. But her opinion doesn't hold weight here. This is only meant to be discussed between us three."
In a sudden reversal, Jade's attention switched sorely onto our guest, a hint of venom in her words. "How did you fall for Benjamin, Sareena?"
Sareena wasn't fazed by the small outburst and began explaining. "Benny and Callie Ann were among the few people who saw me as more than a demoness from the Netherrealm. Callie Ann herself viewed me as a little sister. Benny, with Okada's help, purified my soul and saved my life, for which I'm eternally grateful for. When Okada sent me to live with them, they both showed me true kindness. I suppose it was over time I started developing feelings for Benjamin."
Jade internalized all she heard before her eyes lock on to mine, silently asking for confirmation on Sareena's story.
I nod, validating the truth in her words. "I unintentionally returned those feelings, then we became official before I found myself in limbo." Cautiously, I took both of Jade's hands in my own, not once withdrawing my eyes from hers. "I love you more than words can ever describe, but I love Sareena as well."
My beloved's expression softened as I finished, but her grip on me didn't. I hope this doesn't mean the end of our brief engagement.
"I see," were Jade's first words, which made me swallow hard. "You fell for him for the same reasons as I." She caressed me again, speaking to Sareena though not making eye contact. "Benjamin is a kind soul, who from my perspective at least, can do little wrong. Like me, you admired his compassionate and caring attitude as well as his altruistic, yet logic nature. Now I understand how and why."
Relief overcame me at those words. I still may have a chance to salvage something from this messy ordeal.
Jade then gave me a stern but loving gaze. "You should have been forthcoming with me from the start, Benjamin. We could've avoided this whole calamity."
Both my cheeks grew hot from embarrassment. Gods, this woman is going to be the death of me. I wouldn't give her love away for anything in this universe. I'd sooner jump in the Deadpool before that takes place.
"My apologies, Jade," I started. "But... being in love with someone is something I've never dealt with before. You couldn't possibly understand the amount of confusion dawning on me from having the two of you confess in such a short time gap."
By this point, my face flared to the point where red could become my new skin tone. Even I'm amazed at my utter stupidity in handling this affair. Papa is probably rolling in his grave right now. I'm sure Callie Ann will have a field day if this ever reached her ears, to where I'll never hear the end of it.
To my shock, Jade kissed me, and I felt a tremendous weight lifted off my shoulders, for now. "Apology accepted, but I won't apologize for my skepticism."
She turns back to Sareena, arms crossed to show she meant business. "You'll have to gain my trust when it comes to my lover and promise to put in an equal amount of effort. I do not wish to fight an ally, let alone another woman pining for Benjamin's attention. I'm already combating that wretched harlot Tanya who won't leave him alone. So my wish of you is not to become my enemy and to show loyalty. Can you do that?"
As if absorbing the spirit leaking from my beloved, Sareena strutted up to join in the embrace. She then surprised us by pecking Jade on the lips before doing the same to me. "You mean without breaking a nail? Clearly, you don't know me well. But you have my word. I'll go with Mai to the Koliseum to ensure Shao Kahn doesn't have any tricks up his sleeve. I venture to think Callie Ann might be there shortly." Before leaving, Sareena kissed my check. "I'll see you both later."
Sareena made her exit from where she came, her graceful walk leaving me captivated but I made sure Jade didn't notice. This entire ordeal has drained a lot of my energy and mental stamina. I know this is far from over, but a reprieve like this can go a long way. Jade then interrupted my thoughts by linking her arms around my neck from behind, pressing her chest into my back.
"I know you're skeptical, and you have every right to be," I began. "But are you sure you're ok with this?"
Jade teasingly pecked my neck before nuzzling it. "You were willing to consider my request to live in our home realm. It's only fair and courteous for me to grant you the same generosity." Next thing I knew, I felt her tongue gliding over my neck's skin. "Besides, I'm a very competitive person if you haven't figured it out. Now that we're betrothed, you can fully enjoy all the love I've suppressed just for you." She turned my head to face her. "Especially when our honeymoon comes around. But your mother is right. We can't dwell on this until Shao Kahn is no more."
"You're right," I told her before kissing my fiance passionately.
After our lengthy kiss, Jade broke away. "Come, Benji. It's time to finish this."
A/N: Whoa a lot of plot has been revealed and I'm having trouble taking it in. And I wrote it! Arc II is coming to a close and what a trip has it been. AD has joined in helping me with these chapters, I have a semi-consistent schedule with uploads. This story's popularity is skyrocketing and I appreciate all the attention this story has gotten. I never imagined it would grow this much, this fast. But anyway the usual stuff. Did you guys like it? Did you not? Let me know with a review or a PM. And while you're at it check out my Profile Page and give my other stories a shot. Find what will happen when the Siblings finally reunite next time on Gone, but Not Forgotten!
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