A/N: Here we are again.
How are you enjoying the Arc so far? I plan on ending Arc III in about 4 or 5 chapters, including this one. Think of Arc III as a filler that you still need to read since we're being introduced to Dakini, Guinevere, and Everest.
Anyway, let's get started.
Currently listening to: White Van by Jake One (feat. Alchemist, Evidence, and Prodigy)
Dakini's Hut, the Realm of Order, 7:00 PM. One Month before the events of MK III take place.
Dakini's POV
Am I too late? Should I have taken the initiative and searched Earthrealm and Outworld?
My thoughts are like this now because Mama and Auntie are teetering on the verge of bickering nonstop, and I can't fathom why. Being a Maddox comes with a myriad of mental damage, I guess. I wish I knew more about the situation to understand why this is happening. We're supposed to be a family, not enemies.
I asked for help from Lady Phae, but she said to: "Enlist help from a third party in your family. One who holds no bias towards the situation. From this one, will you get the answers you seek."
Though I admire her for gifting me with a second chance at life and the Great Spirit for my powers, I wished they didn't talk in riddles all of the time. Nanna is in Earthrealm with Guinevere taking care of baby Everest. Maybe I should ask a member of The Flock? Or I can ask Dad...
No, he's probably still fuming.
Who can this third party be? Meditation isn't giving me any answers, but I do feel better now. I hear the flap of my tent open, so I open my eyes to see my answer standing in front of me.
"May I help you, Miss Sareena?" I politely ask my surrogate mother. "I would think you would be comforting Mama or Auntie how Dad ripped them both apart."
I've never seen Dad blow a gasket like that.
Miss Sareena sighed at the remark. "Your father told me in case of a dispute between Callie and Jade to not pick either side. He had a hunch that they would eventually butt heads. Other than that, I wished to check on how you were doing."
Never did I expect Dad to be so insightful, yet I find myself getting a little angry. He should've stopped them before they started verbally assaulting one another, even though something told me there's an underlying message here.
I pat the space opposite myself, inviting her to sit. She accepted my invitation, sitting down opposite me. "I apologize for how dumb this is going to sound. But why are Mama and Auntie fighting like this?" I ask her, a small blush forming on my face due to how stupid and child this question was.
Miss Sareena smiles, her hand placed over mine before she intertwined our hands. I never expected this from her in my time. The miscarriage drove her to seclusion and near suicide. To see her so lively and... happy? Amazing.
"It isn't a stupid question, Daki. Given you are a child, it's a perfectly logical one. Though the answer, unfortunately, is not as simple," she began. "Your family-"
"Our family." I correct.
That earned a light laugh from her. "Yes, our family. Callie and Jade are suffering from a culture clash."
"Culture clash?" I repeat.
She nods swiftly. "Callie is an entire Edenian Generation older than your mother. I assume you know what happened to her and Benjamin when they were your age?"
How could I forget? "Yeah. The King of Edenia at the time was a racist supremacist who ordered my great aunts and uncles to be killed." I answered.
"Yes, merely the beginning of his hand in ruining their lives as well as your mother's. He had Jade's mother, Destiny, murdered because his wife Sindel felt inferior to her in terms of beauty. Both were clearly tragic events. Your father and aunt have been traveling together since they were teens. I understand that good must be done, and your aunt certainly carries an altruistic aura. But Jade and I, her especially, are frustrated that she drags Benjamin into things like this," Miss Sareena explained.
"But what does our family trauma have to do with Mama and Auntie not getting along?" I brought up my original question.
I need to know why!
"Jade has attempted to rationalize her mother passing away with Callie's relatives getting murdered. Callie doesn't have a very positive view of their home-realm. To her, Edenia, as well as its people, are bottom of the barrel, no good snakes who sold her and Benjamin out. Your mother figured out what Jerrod did a few months ago and tried to sympathize with Callie using Miss Destiny's death. At the same time, she failed to realize that confronting Callie while she's on the job was a terrible idea. It's no secret that everyone has flaws, those two specifically. The mental damage they both suffered drives them to argue. If I had to make an educated guess, Callie did not even want the argument to take place, and that Jade more than likely pushed her. However, that's not to say either were right in their actions, though both sides have compelling arguments," she finished.
There was more going on between Mama and Auntie than I initially assumed. I know deep down they don't hate each other, but their issues are too hostile to ignore. Also, I don't want to arrive at a point where I'm forced to choose between either one.
"What should we do?" I ask, stressing how significant this problem is to me. "I can't pretend that everything is fine between them when they could start killing each other at any point."
"They won't argue again, not if your father and I have anything to say about it. I'll be slightly gentler than Benjamin, who could possibly eviscerate them verbally." Miss Sareena put a hand on my shoulder. "This is a matter you should not involve yourself in, only when Jade and Callie apologize to you for setting a bad example. None of this falls on you, Daki."
Miss Sareena then unexpectedly kissed my forehead. "You should go check on your father. He must be worried sick about you. I may not be a blood relative, but I love and care for you in ways you may not even imagine."
She stood up and prepared to leave, but I managed to call out to her one last time. "Miss Sareena."
Turning around, she smiles again. "Yes?"
"Thank you for this," I say before giving her a big hug. "I missed you."
Thankfully, she returned my hug. "Your welcome. I'm happy to see you too. I'll always be here if you want to talk."
With that, Miss Sareena exited the hut. I appreciated her wisdom as it will help in the long run. I take a deep breath before standing up to put on my vest and grabbed my Tomahawks before leaving my tent.
Time to find Dad.
Mai's POV
I do hope everyone is okay in Seido.
From the look of things, it seemed that the Resistance wasn't going to be the only problem. I would go with them, but I don't think Benjamin and Callie Ann need more help. After forming the Resistance those 10,000 years ago, they somehow caused a radical shift in Seido's way of life by themselves. I feel like anyone getting added to their plans would only add to the difficulty.
Hence why I have decided to stay back and take care of Everest with Guienevere.
To think that this little chick is going to eventually gain enough power to possibly kill everyone in the realm. Everest is so small, yet I wonder if she knows what she is meant to be.
"Guinevere," I call for the White Dove.
After a short silence, Guienevere did eventually come, landing on my shoulder. "Yes, Doctor? Is Everest well?"
I turn to little Everest, who is finally out of her shell and resting on the table, one of her tails starting to grow. I softly stroke her head. "Yes, she is fine. Admittedly, I'm not an expert on birds, let alone mythological ones."
"That makes sense. A Phoenix is rarely seen in its state of infancy. No need to worry, Doctor. Phoenixes age and mature at a rapid rate." Guinevere reassured me.
"But does Everest know that she is merely a summon despite being a newborn?" I ask the White Dove.
She nods. "Of course. Lady Phae creates Summons for this sole purpose. Everest is aware, considering Lady Phae created her. Summons are completely unique to their respective Summoner. They know their purpose and are eager to perform their duty. Mythological Summons, like Everest here, would normally have an attitude at first. But because she's a newborn, that problem is already dealt with."
Guinevere then shook off some of the chill that Everest was naturally producing. I can deal with her lowering the temperature for now, albeit without thinking. But as she gets older and matures? I may need AOI to help us in that instance. Guinevere is already suffering due to being a Dove.
"Gwen? May I call you that?" I ask her.
"Sure thing, Doctor."
"Are you cold? I'm not an expert on birds, but you're shivering badly, dear." I pointed out.
A deep sigh left Guinevere. "Being a Health Dove has its share of problems, whereas Lulie has her private section of the Nexus, and Lee and the Flock can fly between realms. When Everest matures, she'll migrate and roost in a cold location." She looked down on her person. "I am barred to the physical capabilities of a Dove, despite the benefits Lady Phae gave me."
"But you can do so much. What can you possibly want on top of your powers?" I inquired as I stand to make myself something to eat.
Guinevere flies and lands on top of the table. "It is by far a reach, but... I wish to have a human body. I use healing magic, and being a Dove won't do much in the end. For now, all I can do is give you verbal help as opposed to physical assistance."
"Maybe you should bring this up with Benjamin. I can make a safe assumption that he can help you." I respond as Everest wakes up from her nap, signaling she is hungry. "Gwen, can you feed Everest for me? I'm just about finished with my food."
"Okay, Doctor. I'll be quick." Guinevere answered, saddened at our conversation being cut short.
But she wishes to have a humanoid body? Interesting. Maybe that's something I should look into. Perhaps Okada knows something? I'll ask him when Benjamin and the others return.
Wait... what is this I'm sensing? Though it's miles away, possibly in another realm altogether, I can feel anger, sadness, and confusion all going on at once. What could this mean? And between whom?
Oh no. Please, anything but that.
Callie's POV
For the first time in my life, I actually felt apologetic.
Usually, I wouldn't really care who I offended and just went about my business like nothing really happened. But this time, I really overstepped my boundaries in the worst way. No less than a day after Dakini told me about how JJ and I couldn't stand each other in her time, and not even a few hours later, we were butting heads like something fierce.
I, for one, feel like shit. It's terrible enough Dakini had to see us in our heated moments. But to have my brother incensed far beyond anything I've seen since he chewed out Okada was not a good sign. The look in his eyes spoke of annoyance and irritation, even scaring JJ. I don't think he's ever raised his voice at her or Sareena for that matter. Speaking of, Saree hasn't talked to either JJ or me, probably because she's remaining neutral. Right away, that told me Benji was deftly serious. I can't blame him for feeling that way.
Luckily, I had things to do to occupy my mind for the time being. So I went back into the tent where Hotaru was situated, Ryuji in there with him. They both noticed me walk in and motioned me to join the conversation.
"General. Nice of you to join us. Captain Ryuji has good news to share." Hotaru mentioned.
"Darrius hasn't changed locales. Resistance HQ remains in the same spot as it has all these years. I did tell him before relinquishing command to him, but he didn't heed me," Ryuji explained.
"Yeah," I accepted half-heartedly, glad neither of them caught it. "Tell me about your apprentice, Butterface. What's this Darius like?"
"Smart, cunning, charismatic," my former scout listed.
"Not to mention, brash, arrogant, and has an ego inflated that can power a hot-air balloon." Hotaru finished. "The man believes in his own hype so much and puts too much stock in his own hype. But the Captain is right about his charisma. I know only a handful of Seidan Guardsmen who haven't been swayed by him yet after I convinced them to see the Realm of Order the way I do. I wish I had the same level of authority you did, General."
I shake my head. "If you had my level of authority, then I think most of the Seidan Guard will quit. Ask Butterface. I was ruthless as General of the Freedom Fighters. I think I'm part of Edenia's history because of it, actually."
Hotaru looked at him for confirmation, and Ryuji nodded. "She was ruthless but with good intentions and justifiable reasons. Whatever punishment she gave us, we earned and deserved it all. Callie Ann doesn't give herself enough credit. She was marvelous to serve under. But one thing always did confuse me. When I joined, you were already leading the Freedom Fighters. Besides the fact that Tanya was also for the position, I never knew how you received the position."
"You should have asked me, Ryuji," I tell him.
"With that offering proposal, why don't you tell us, General?" Hotaru proposed as he sat down in one of the chairs in the room. "It has always intrigued me how the legendary 'Iron Maiden of Edenia' became General of the Edenian Freedom Fighters."
Why did I have a feeling I knew where this was going? I scratch my head and sigh. "Is this really necessary, Commander?"
My eyes glanced at Ryuji, his own curiosity peaked. And to make me tell this story practically inevitable, Ilah comes in and expresses her interest. "I had a feeling there was more to you than meets the eye, General Maddox. Enlighten us. Callie Ann, was it?"
I nod. "Yeah. Ilah, right?" She nods as well. "Well, since I'm peer pressured by my former soldier, a comrade, and my dad's hunting partner, I might as well spill it. Sheesh, where's JJ!? Where's my niece!? They might as well hear it too!" I briefly shout before calming myself down, knowing I don't want Benji's scowling face glaring at me again. "You still want to hear the story?"
They all collectively nodded.
"When I decided to join the Freedom Fighters, I was too young to enlist, having to wait a century before I could even sign up for basic training. So I hunted to sharpen my senses. A century passed, and my chance to enlist had arrived. At the time, I was content with being a grunt, but the thought of leading them never crossed my mind." I started.
"Were you the only female soldier at the time?" Hotaru asked me.
"Only?" I repeat. "Hotaru, I was the first woman to join the Freedom Fighters who wasn't a medic of any kind. Being a game hunter gave me somewhat of an edge. I was assigned to a position as a Scout as being Benji's sister already gave me a reputation. At first, everyone only knew me as: "Doctor Maddox's kid sister." Eventually, the other soldiers knew to keep their mouths shut. Then, Argus' brat, Rain, and Tanya joined as well. I was growing past everyone's initial impressions as time progressed. But in hindsight, I realize that because I am a Maddox, they didn't give me the position of Head Scout."
"To think that they withheld you from a position that you deserved because of a name." Hotaru realized.
"It goes deeper than her, Commander. Her dad was denied the Head Scout position for the exact same reason. It's what drove him to leave the Freedom Fighters and become a hunter. It was kind of a reversal of her position. She used her skills as a game hunter to land her a spot as a Scout. Joseph used the skills he learned as a Freedom Fighter to become arguably the greatest hunter in Edenian history. But that still doesn't explain how you became General." Ilah clarified.
"If the higher-ups didn't want you to become General, then how did you?" Hotaru asked me.
"Color me really intrigued, Callie Ann." Ryuji expressed.
"Here's how. The General who I served under was retiring and wanted his successor to crush the shoes he had left to fill. Jerrod gave him a list of what he thought was a good list of successors. When the last General mentioned my name and inquired why I wasn't on the list, Jerrod couldn't even come up with a decent answer, according to him. I can make a safe bet that Rain and Tanya were on that list. So a tournament, written exam, and personal interview were all arranged. I was added to that list per his request. I accepted the proposal to spite Jerrod for not allowing me to be Head Scout because whether or not I become the next General wasn't his decision to make." I explained.
I grabbed a seat and got comfortable. "Everything was over. The exam, the interview, and the Round Robin exhibition. The top two candidates were Tanya and me. In the end, the former General picked me while she got promoted to a Scout, Rain becoming Head Scout after placing third. And there was nothing Jerrod, and his fat, rolly polly ass could do about it. People always ask me why I hate Edenia so much. The fact that my last name is Maddox prevented me from reaching a higher position. And the only way I became General was through the previous General's insistence and scoring higher than everyone else at the placement test."
"And there you have it," I say with a false mystique, and everyone held astounded expressions.
"Incredible. To think you faced so much adversity and practically laughed in its face. Absolutely incredible. My respect for you has skyrocketed, kid," Ilah complimented. "Your father would be so proud."
"I don't need praise from you, Ilah. The fact that you worked alongside my dad means that I should be interrogating you." I say as I slouch in my chair.
It was getting late, and I was tired as I don't know what. This day has drained a lot of energy from me.
"Well, Callie Ann, I'm going to head back home. My wife must be worried, sick. We'll meet up tomorrow. Commander, Ilah, Callie Ann." Ryuji said his goodbyes before leaving.
"We'll talk tomorrow, Butterface," I told him.
Ilah then got up. "I'm going to head back to my hut. Thanks for telling me your story, Callie Ann."
She left as well, leaving Hotaru and myself alone. "General, if I may leave my two cents-" he offered.
"Hotaru, I shouldn't take advice from a man who works 16 hours a day when he has a wife and kid to go home to." I cut him off. "Go home."
He raised his arms. "Fair enough. We'll modify our plans tomorrow with our new information the Captain received. Good night, General," Hotaru said as he left.
That left me as the last person in the tent, finally.
I take a deep breath to regain my focus. This conflict needs to be finished in the next few days. Who knows what will happen if the struggle persists longer than what I intended in the first place. Afterward, it will allow me to work on mending my relationship with JJ for Benji and Daki's sake. But that stopped me.
What kind of relationship do we even have?
To be honest, I don't know much about JJ other than her mother's brutal murder and the fact that her father was General before me. She and Kitty are the best of friends, though we haven't heard from Miss Royalty in a while. (Probably cozying up to Liu Kang for all we know) JJ knows all about me during my time as General since she idolized me. Not to mention that we're eerily similar in terms of temperament.
I suppose I should actually attempt and get to know JJ, as well as apologize for how I acted. Benji might not speak to me again if we don't solve this problem. Plus, I did refer to her as my sister back in Outworld as I did with Sareena, and sisters don't fight each other. It's time I show JJ that I do care and trust her around my brother. She did conceive my sweet niece after all.
"I need to find Dakini." I finalized as I jolted out of my seat to grab my duster and put it on before searching for my niece.
I just hope both can forgive me, or Benji won't.
Benjamin's POV
It took me close to forty-five minutes to finally settle down, my irritation level through the roof. I don't even think Okada or Tanya could've pissed me off to this extent.
Of all the times for my wife and sister to be arguing... Just before taking part in another full-scale encounter that will permanently affect Seido. I get that they don't see eye to eye on a few issues, but it pisses me off that they can't put aside their differences for the greater good.
What makes it worse is that Dakini had to see their dysfunction first hand, right after she told Callie and me about our fates in the future.
That's the infuriating part in all this. We know what could possibly happen if certain events take place, yet we can't stop it if Jade and Cal's exchange showed us anything. Gods, I swear women will fight over the pettiest of things. Then again, I shouldn't be saying that even within my mind, knowing mother will surely reprimand me again.
However, part of me does feel remorse about how I reacted to their squabble, especially toward my wife. That was the first time I ever raised my voice at Jade, and from her eyes, alone, she felt sadness and... fear. Something tells me my outburst brought her back to the time she spent in Outworld amongst Shao Kahn's ranks, where I'm sure she received her fair share of yelling and torment.
Probably abuse as well.
Well, it looks like those two are not the only ones that need to apologize.
After staying inside the tent I'm sharing with Jade and Sareena to cool off, I decided to go make things right. There's a good chance we'll all need therapy to figure out the root causes of our disagreements. Not even a moment after I rounded the corner, my daughter accidentally bumped into me.
"Oof! Sorry, Dad," Dakini apologized.
"No, no. I should've looked where I was going. Are you ok?" I asked. She shook her head as I let out a deep sigh. "Understandable. I wish you didn't have to see that."
"They weren't nearly as bad in my timeline, but it still scares me that Mama and Auntie don't get along now." Dakini paused. "What are we going to do?"
I said, "We're going to have to play this by ear. It's really the best we can do at the moment."
Dakini bent her head down and whispered, "I'm worried about Mama..."
Somehow, I knew that was coming. Our daughter could sense distress from Jade, just as much as I did. Yeah, that falls on my head for being so harsh on her. I'm not too concerned about Cal since she usually shakes it off, though this is far from an ordinary dispute.
"So am I." I gently grab her hand. "Come on, let's go find her."
We searched everywhere within the confines of our camp, but my Edenian wife was nowhere to be found. I started to panic. Did my actions cause her to run away? No, maybe that was too extreme. Perhaps she went somewhere to clear her head. That had to be it. Still, I will never forgive myself if something happened to her.
While searching, we ended up bumping into my sister. Speak of the devil. I could tell she took my verbal lashing to heart, having an apologetic look on her face. However, I wanted to be sure it was genuine.
"Cal," I bluntly greeted her.
"Hey." Her response lacked any bite. "Where you guys going?"
Dakini averted her eyes away. "To look for Mama."
"Kiddo, listen to me. I-"
I put my hand up to stop her from speaking. "No. You listen to her." I turned to Dakini. "Go ahead."
She stepped up to Cal. "I understand you and Mama didn't intend to say those hurtful words, but your bitterness towards each other effects all of us. Papa, Miss Sareena, and myself. Even Nanna could feel it. At the very least, try to coexist." Dakini's eyes welled up. "There's nothing that makes me sadder than watching the ones I love constantly yell at each other. We're supposed to be a family... not strangers or enemies. If not for yourselves... then... do it for me. Please? That's all I'm asking."
You could hear a pin drop around us for how quiet it got. I made sure to keep my distance the entire time. Only if things got out of hand will I step in. Dakini is maturing before my very eyes, not from me or Jade teaching her. It was done all on her own. Maybe this is the feeling fathers harbor for their children, a sense of pride and happiness.
Unexpectedly, Cal hugged Dakini for dear life as all her grief poured out. "I'm so sorry, kiddo. I promise this won't happen again."
"Cal, have you seen Jade?" I ask.
"She's not in the camp?" she said.
Not good. "No, we searched everywhere."
"You don't think that..." Cal started.
Now I'm gravely concerned. "Go to Hotaru and tell him what's going on. Now. Dakini and I will keep looking."
We went our separate ways. Cal explained to Hotaru our situation and had some of his troops scour the perimeter for Jade. Things just went from bad to worse. This is on no one else but myself. My wife has disappeared to who knows where because I couldn't reign in my temper.
That's when it hit me.
Jade always goes to a secluded area whenever she wants to be alone, whether to train or meditate. She does this often with my mother as a way to quell her swelling hatred for Tanya. It's done wonders so far, but I think her spat with my sister might have reawakened some dormant feelings.
Dakini and I found the most remote area simply known in Seido as 'Ground Zero.'
Sure enough, we found Jade sitting on a deck near a small lake, her back facing us. She didn't move at all as we inched closer. I better not surprise her to avoid any panic attacks. But as Dakini and I got closer, we could hear a couple of sniffles, confirming my worse fears.
"Mother... I'm falling apart. Not even two weeks have passed since my marriage began, and I already feel like a failure and that I don't belong."
Wait, Jade must be speaking to herself. I told Dakini to stay put as I inch a bit closer. No sudden moves were vital as I was curious as to what she was saying. But hearing her say mother means that she's trying to communicate somehow with Destiny.
"I've become a horrible sister and a terrible wife, not to mention setting a poor example for my daughter though I just met her today. I... I don't know if I can do this anymore. Things were easier when you and father were here. Maybe Tanya was right all along... that Callie will never accept me."
I immediately halted in my tracks. There's no way in my right mind that was the truth. Sometimes, it has been challenging to be a decent husband and lover to her and Sareena. Despite that, I wouldn't trade their love for anything, even if Cal doesn't respect Jade the way she does Sareena.
"Jade?" I gently called out to her.
She froze in place before slightly turning around. Her eyes widened when she saw me approaching, Dakini not too far from our position. Just as quickly, Jade turned away from me, and the waterworks flowed.
Yep, I'm the dummy for allowing this to happen.
I took a seat next to her, unsurprised to find that Jade wouldn't look me in the eye. "Hey."
My wife didn't speak after my greeting.
"We were worried when we couldn't find you," I said.
Still nothing.
"Jade," I softly called her name. "I didn't mean to yell at you back there. I was... agitated that you and my sister haven't resolved your differences. Yet, I failed to understand the emotional toll I put you under."
I tenderly grasp her slender hand in mine, hoping she wouldn't pull away. "You don't have to say anything. I owe you an apology for what I did wrong. But I wanted to tell you that witch has no idea what she's talking about. Cal does accept you. Otherwise, you wouldn't be my wife in the first place."
Wiping a few tears from her eyes, Jade finally faced me. "But what does it matter, husband? I've tried to form some kind of bond with her, only to be pushed aside because of our differences concerning our home, and my love for you. No matter what I do, it's not enough..."
Carefully, I caressed her face. "Don't worry about that. What matters now is that you're here with us. With me. Like I promised you on our wedding day. Nothing will tear us apart, not when we've come so far." I lovingly kissed Jade on her sweet lips. "I love you, Jade, my Emerald Tigress."
Dakini joined in with us. "And so do I."
"My baby," Jade whispered before giving our child a sincere hug. "I... I'm so sorry."
"I forgive you, Mama," Dakini told her.
I brought both my wife and daughter into an embrace. Guess that old saying runs true. Nothing in this life is more important than family. Yes, we all have issues to sort out, but as long as we do it together, everything will turn out ok.
After an emotional moment, I held Jade close to me with one arm while holding Dakini's hand in the other as we walked back to Hotaru's camp. We kissed again, not backing away for some time before Jade tucked her face into my neck, a smile etched across her mouth.
This is the way it's supposed to be for us. And I vow to keep it that way.
A/N: And that's that. This chapter's a bit on the shorter side, but I can't give you a book every installment. No monologuing this chapter, hopefully this will keep you all still until the next chapter. If this Arc is moving slowly and you're not with that, then I understand. It's low tide right now, but when high tide comes, shit will hit the fan. Scratch the no monologue part.
What did you guys think? Did you like it? Did you not? Let me know with a Review or a PM. And while you're at it, check out my Profile and give my other stories a shot. Who knows, maybe you'll find your next favorite story. I'm out. See you soon!