The Trainer's Estate, China; 2:30 AM. Day 2 of the Invasion

Benji's POV:

Nightfall couldn't have come soon enough.

This has easily been one of the longer days I've ever gone through, which is saying a lot because of my life span. The invasion's attacks have grown bigger and more brazen. That tells me Shao Kahn is ready to launch his full arsenal if he hasn't done so already. Still, Ko'atal and Shang Tsung's attack on my students won't go unpunished. I swear on my life that they'll pay for this.

When I got home for the day, I felt my anger dissipate as my family welcomed me home. Kim was in her separate room asleep, so I didn't go bothering her. I always feel at peace when my wives and daughter greet me after a strenuous day. Though it hasn't been long, Sareena's baby bump looked more noticeable. I smiled and rubbed on her stomach continuously, ready to welcome our newborn to the world. I know Jade is anxious about her turn as well. You might be wondering how she didn't conceive during our... ahem, coitus. That's because her cycle has deemed her not ready. Honestly, I can live with that, especially since Jade was adamant about waiting until everything is done before we work on having our baby.

Plus, not to make light of the situation, Jade will be easier to impregnate.

It was time to retire for the night despite the unease we all felt. Dakini went to sleep in her room while I did the same with Jade and Sareena. We didn't have to change our positions because Sareena's baby bump was relatively small. Around 2:30 A.M., I felt the need to get some water and quietly rose out of bed to head for the kitchen.

All stood silent as I drank my cool beverage, my gaze directed at the full moon outside the window. I then felt a pair of hands around my waist, a body pressed against me.

"Sareena, what are you doing out of bed?" I inquired, my hand atop hers.

She kissed my naked shoulder. "Just making sure you're ok."

I gave a small smile. "I will be, as long as you, Jade, and Dakini are."

Then, I sensed something on the front porch. My entire body was on edge for whoever was here. Yet, I knew exactly who it was, their body signature not fooling me.

"Benny...?" Sareena held my shoulders. "What's wrong?"

"Someone's here..."

"Who?"

I grabbed Sareena's wrists. "Go back in the bedroom and do not wake anyone. Understood?"

"Benny-"

"Understood?"

Sareena reluctantly nodded, much to my relief. I approached the front door, taking a deep breath before opening it. No one was in my direct line of vision, but I knew better. I scanned the area out toward the trees shrouded in darkness about half a mile from the Trainer's Estate.

"I know you're here and have been for some time." Cautiously, I approached the nearby trees. "You aren't looking for a fight, yet you want something else. Why are you here?"

Soon enough, a slender form emerged, and it was one I was hoping wouldn't come here.

Tanya.

It baffles me that she hasn't shown herself until now. Then again, it goes back to my earlier observation. Tanya loves to bide her time and wait for an opportune moment to strike. Her approach is likened to a venomous snake, which she certainly was.

So why show up now if not for a fight?

"Well, this is a surprise, Benny..." Tanya smirked as she came into full view. "I had to come and see if the rumors were true myself."

"What are you babbling about?"

"You managed to somehow impregnate that ugly demoness. Not only did I find the feat impossible, but downright inconceivable." Tanya shook her head in what I saw as disappointment. "Shame on you, Benny."

I crossed my arms. "Like I give a damn about what you think."

"You did the same to that green harpy, I assume?"

"None of your damn business. Why the hell are you here? And we all know the truth of what else you've done."

That eerie smile crept upon her face again. "Oh, so Sindel spilled the beans? Well, it was going to happen sooner or later."

"Why did you murder both of Jade's parents? What drove you to do such a thing?"

"Your mother apparently didn't tell you, hmm? Not even your minx of a wife? Poor shame. Well then, listen closely. I'm sure you're aware of the Dacarthi's hold over Edenia dating back further than King Jerrod's governing? Their rule has spanned for nearly countless generations, and their foothold spans to even the present day."

"Cut to the chase, Tanya," I interrupted. "What does this have to do with anything?"

Tanya smiled. "Aren't you a little bit curious of who could possibly replace the royal family should they all die of age or a changing of the guard was announced?"

Changing of the guard? Wait a minute...

"Figured that caught your attention. Think, Benny. All of the powerful families Edenia has, yours and mine included. Yet, even ours paled in comparison to one particular clan."

Everything came full circle as it hit me like a ton of bricks. "Are you insinuating that Jade is-"

"Royalty?" she interjected with venom. "Correct. But I suppose either yourself or even she knows the truth of her bloodline. Had Jerrod not foolishly accepted Shao Kahn's challenge and doom Edenia, there was growing speculation that his reign of terror would've ended. Rain and I were to succeed him with a deal already in place between."

Those two running Edenia? I can't tell which would've been worse. Nor do I want to find out.

"However, a last-minute change thwarted everything. Destiny and Manuel, those senile fools, revealed Manuel's long lineage and found that he was deemed worthy of the throne. Public opinion began to sway their way, something Jerrod couldn't stand for. Hence why he paid me quite handsomely to... dispose of them."

I literally couldn't believe what I was hearing! None of this could be true!

"You're lying!"

"Am I? Why don't you use your truth spell then? Hell, even Mai herself can use it since I know she's more experienced with that technique."

Boldly, Tanya began stalking toward me, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "What's stopping you, Benny? That I'm telling the truth? You're right in saying I'm not here to fight. Where's the fun in not being able to slaughter Jade in front of your eyes?"

"So you're just gonna act like Cal doesn't exist?"

"Your sister is nothing more than a nuisance at this point. Besides, it's clear to me she doesn't hate me as much as Jade does. "

I raised an eyebrow. "Or is it because you know you can't beat her as the Messenger?"

Tanya narrowed her eyes.

"Scared that she'll hand you your ass like always? Or the fact that she lacks any mercy towards people she hates like you? How she can stoke the fire and manipulate any situation in her favor? Face it, Tanya. You may beat Jade when the stars and planets somehow align, but you won't beat Cal on your best day."

"Shut the hell up, Benny. And such little faith in your own wife. I will kill all you whole dear so that I may have you to myself at last. Just like that day in my dreams."

"What the hell are you talking about now?"

"I had a very vivid dream where you sought me out in Outworld. We made love under rainy skies, and you said 'I love you' to me as our bodies melded flawlessly together."

You should've seen the screwy expression on my face after that statement.

"You have finally lost your mind, Tanya. All the mental damage Cal inflicted on you, added with the poison fed by Shao Kahn, has finally broken you," I told my stalker. "You have my genuine sympathies. But we will never be together after what you've done and will attempt to do. Don't you realize that your attempts to get my attention only give you the wrong kind?"

"You know nothing of what you speak of, Benny. I do these things because I love you. And until that Emerald Harlot, her hellspawn, and that Abomination are dead, they'll continuously deprive me of my happiness."

We heard more footsteps. I thought I told Sareena to stay in her room?

"Excuse me, but this is private property, prostitute," Kim chimed as she showed herself, armed with her Laundry Pole. "You should shoo before things get violent."

"Kim? How did you-"

"Sareena woke me up. Said that you were in trouble. So I grabbed my sword and rushed outside." She pointed her blade at the intruder. "Say the word, and I'll cut this woman into Sashimi."

"Who do you think you are that makes you believe you can best me?" Tanya instigated.

"Earth's number two Yokai Slayer, and the Maddox Family's Personal Bodyguard."

Kim then did something completely unexpected. She pecked my cheek, which tipped Tanya off as her pupilless eyes widened immensely. "I'm Ben's third wife, and I'm very territorial with him. Is that a problem?"

Tanya rushed Kim in blind anger. "YOU BITCH!"

She wildly attacked Kim, which is what I assumed she wanted before landing a deep vertical cut across Tanya's torso. It split the dress up top, revealing her bare chest. Tanya got up as blood leaked from the gash while failing to cover her breasts. '

Kim snickered at Tanya's misfortune. "Nice tits."

A portal opened up from behind her. "I'll make sure I torture you before you die, stupid woman. You just signed your death warrant."

"Yeah, yeah. Go away already."

Tanya slowly walked through as the portal closed. Kim threw Tanya's blood off her sword before sheathing it. "Shall we head back inside?"

"Yes, we should," I said as we headed back inside. "Was that kiss-"

"No, Ben. I read the situation and made an educated guess. A romantic motion would most likely set her off, and I was right. While you are handsome, polygamy is not my thing. Being the third wheel is not how I want to spend the rest of my life on a romantic front." Kim sat down on the couch. "But to think that she was that far gone?"

I sat down across from her since the encounter left me wide awake. "Tanya has truly gone off the deep end. I admit it was my obliviousness that had a hand in making her who she is. Still, everything was farfetched."

"It's none of my business since the hate is towards Sareena and Jade. But why do you continue to spare her? Especially if you know she's a lost cause?"

"I promised Jade that she'll be the one to kill her. As well as Ko'atal."

"That's sweet of you, Ben. But you shouldn't be prideful on the subject of your psychopathic stalker who lost all sense of rational thinking. And I had a feeling that was the reasoning." Kim correctly predicted. "You think the Sarge is gonna have the same mentality if she runs into Tanya?"

"If that's the case, Kim, why didn't you kill her then and there?"

"Because I'm my father's daughter." She answered simply. "If I capped Tanya, then Jade will take that, spin it, and use it as a way to kickstart another argument with Pa. I made a light joke about you two making love with Dakini in clear earshot, and she got confrontational from that. If it was Otou-san who did that, she probably would've attacked him."

Kim has a point. If Xan were in Kim's shoes, he would've killed Tanya straight up. Jade would probably be furious that he killed her himself and would be even angrier due to all the stress that she's accumulated since the invasion began.

"You're right. However, regardless of how you and your Dad feel about Jade, she's still my wife. By no means is she perfect as none of us are. But when your parents' murderer still lives, you'd want their head too without anyone else taking it away. I'd be the same if Jerrod was alive now. We're working with Jade to get her some help, so be lenient as she's trying. But what you did caused Tanya to retreat for now, so I thank you."

"Of course. You should head to bed, Ben. We all need some shuteye since we have no clue what's going to happen tomorrow with Tanya lurking about the place." Kim stood up. "That's what I'm gonna do with the beds here softer than the cots I slept in with my troupe. Sleep tight and wake me when Sareena's up."

Before going back to her room, Kim glanced at me while clicking her teeth jokingly. "Oh, and don't tell Jade about the kiss. I don't want to get decked in the morning."

She then retired for the night. Kim's been a hidden blessing since becoming Sareena's bodyguard. My mind cleared temporarily, I went back to bed with my wives.

The Next Day

Xan's POV:

I woke up and didn't yawn immediately after stretching out in the bed I was resting in. The sunrays glared through the windows, directly into my line of sight. Looking to my right, I saw Shana sound asleep coiled in a ball. She's never had to heal me as much as she did yesterday, so she must be tuckered out.

To my left, I saw my O-Katanas hanging on the wall. What happened?

After killing Rain, I was taken to the Netherrealm and sent Scorpion into a deeper sphere of hell. Then I explained what happened to Abyss's soul to Duffeck. I returned here, and the rest was a blur. Now I'm awake, fully rested in a bed in what I assume was the Cathedral on 40th Street.

Did I overwork myself again? I've done it so many times that my body had gotten used to it. No time to dwell on that. Everyone else must be awake by now, and I need to carry my weight. Seeing my shoes on the same side as my weapons, I move from under the covers to put them on.

As I'm doing so, the door to the room opened, Mrs. Maddox and Mileena entering. "Xan, dear! You're finally awake."

I put my shoes on. "How long was I out for?"

"Enough where you got eight hours of sleep. Kimura told Callie Ann of your struggles to gain a good night's sleep in days, so she asked me to make sure you got one."

"I see, no wonder my sleep felt unintrusive. Kim's not lying. I haven't slept in days until now."

"That's not healthy, dear. I understand that you're immortal, but that's no reason to ignore your sleep schedule unless your body cannot perform anymore. Is there a reason why you normally ignore sleep?"

I stood and grabbed my O-Katanas before slinging them over my back. "It's nothing you should concern yourself with, Mrs. Maddox. Though I do appreciate you giving me some good rest."

"I'm afraid I can't let that slide, dear. You have continuously helped us repel Shao Kahn's forces and even got rid of his most stalwart pillars. But as a result, you neglect your mental health unless driven into a corner. So..." Mrs. Maddox closed the door, locked it, and silenced it so only we could hear the conversation. "You're not leaving this room until you tell us why you ignore your deteriorating mental health unless it is Kimura who points it out to you. Starting with why you don't get your sleep."

"Mrs. Maddox... I do not wish to fight you right now."

"I feel the same way, as it will most certainly be violent should we come to blows. But it will not reach that far, I'm certain."

"Edgemaster, we are only here to help," Mileena added.

I sighed in defeat before sitting back down on the bed. Mai constructed a chair from her magic as Mileena sat next to me.

"Sometime before I adopted Kim, I was plagued with nightmares. Those killed at the Lost Cathedral haunted me endlessly, a frequent reminder that I failed them all. Even though everyone knew they would possibly meet their ends, they still came with me. Those thoughts contorted, manifested, and exacerbated my already growing depression. They continued after I began raising Kim. And when it would happen the next day, I'd venture deep into the forest where I resided to slaughter any Yokai my eyes saw. I knew that Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi would take care of her while I was gone and wouldn't come back until late at night. At times, I wouldn't even wash the blood off before my body couldn't take anymore and shut down."

"That's horrible; you've had those nightmares for at least 150 years."

"Give or take, yes. But as Kim grew up and spent more time together, I taught her how to be a Demon Slayer at her request. The nightmares were then replaced with dreams."

"And what did those dreams entail?" Mileena asked while softly rubbed my back, the tension leaving my body.

"Those who survived the Lost Cathedral and those I grew close to. Kin, Taki-Senpai, Baba, Xianghua and Edgemaster. They told me to keep living, that I did what had to be done and to be proud. That by continuing to protect Earth, I'd be doing them all proud in the next life. The nightmares occurred less, and my sleep grew plentiful, no longer afraid of closing my eyes. Seeing those whom I 'failed' didn't make me afraid of sleeping. It made me afraid of confronting them all. The dreams reassured me that everything I did was right."

"But you still have them, right? What happened that made them resurface?"

"Kim's leaving me when she turned 100. For the first time since I adopted her, I was alone. The only company I had was Shana if I were lucky enough to run into her while hunting."

"I see. I'm deeply sorry, Xan dear," Mrs. Maddox apologized truthfully. "Are you still afraid of confronting those whom you let down?"

"I don't think afraid is the right word to use. I think the better word to use is numb. I'm numb to their hateful words and tones. Before they would keep me awake, now I can get an hour or two. But now that I know Kim's okay, I'm unsure if those nightmares will continue to manifest."

Taking a cigarette and lighter from my coat, I lit it and took a puff. I glanced at Mileena and offered her one. What I can see of her face brightened as she happily accepted, pulling her mask down to take a puff of her own.

"That's truly sad. However, it seems you've made yourself some new friends because of your daughter. Most of all, the woman sitting next to you," Mrs. Maddox mentioned.

Mileena handed the cig back to me.

"Adopting Kim was the smartest decision I ever made. Even though people doubted me for doing so, I have no regrets." My mood somehow slightly improved.

"It sounds wonderful, Edgemaster."

"You may call me Xan. In truth, I don't like being called by my title since I don't feel like I'm living up to my predecessor's legacy. I will rather be recognized by own merits and not of my title."

"Well said. I know you do not like to tell anyone about what happened those centuries ago. Still, it cleans your mind of all negative thoughts, and it becomes easier to live on for those who want you to. So I thank you for sharing this with us. I will tell Callie Ann that you're awake to plan the next course of action. I'll be back shortly."

Mrs. Maddox left Mileena and me alone.

"Mommy wasn't lying when she said that you are a tortured soul. I didn't think you were fighting off demons like those. But I applaud your herculean mental strength."

"My thanks. The memories I have of those who were gone keeps me going." I blew another dep puff. "I never got to thank you for making sure I didn't eat asphalt when I fought Rain. So thank you."

"Think nothing of it. I enjoy being around you as you feel empowering." She inched closer to me. "You've given me the courage to be part of a family, so I'm returning the favor if anything."

I gazed into her golden eyes. "Why do you stay with me, Mileena? You're the one who suggested I expand my skills to another realm. You were there when I overexerted myself against Rain. I had a feeling that you had a crush on me, but I thought it was a product of your childlike mind. Yet here you are supporting me still."

That's when the mood shifted.

Mileena came onto me, her voice changing from her natural tone to a lower, seductive one. "The feelings I have for you are powerful, Xan. You give me the strength I never knew I had, and I can understand what it's like to be tortured. My time being a manchild haunts me as your memories do you." She erased the distance between us, her face blushing a deep red as she followed my move up the bed. "Your strength has completely enthralled me, your determination inspiring. I..."

She then quickly thought of how to encapsulate her feelings. "I wish to be your woman, Xan. Is that so much to ask?"

Her eyes quivered as they refused to break away from mine, Mileena's full, beautiful face inviting intimacy.

To have someone to call my own... Someone to hold who will stick by me, like Xianghua did all those years ago.

Instinctively, I brought Mileena closer to me as our bodies melded together, her eyes widening from the sudden display. I pecked her chin, wordlessly committing to this bold decision.

"Bear with me, Mileena. Romance isn't lost on me, but it's been centuries since I acted this way," I pleaded.

She nodded her head. "Kimura told me as such. But it was her blessing that gave me the courage to confess to you. I will wait for as long as needed. I just need your love, Xan. It will give me the healing I desire."

"Then I'll stand by you if you do the same for me," I accepted her proposal.

Mileena licked my upper lip before initiating my first kiss since Xianghua passed away. Our bodies melded further during our affectionate embrace. That's when I had to give her one last chance.

"Are you sure you want to pursue this with me? I don't think I can be capable of everything a romantic partner should be. This is your last chance to back away."

"I'm not going anywhere. Now that I have you in my clutches, I will never let go, lover. Just give me time and a chance to show you that this was one of the best decisions you've ever made."

I kissed her nose, a blush of my own emerging. "Okay, I trust you, Mileena. I'm sorry for trying to push you away."

Mileena giggled before giving me another loving kiss, a sensual moan escaping her as she wrapped her arms around my neck while straddling my waist.

"I do not mind. You'll have to push harder to get me to leave. Even then, it still won't be enough." My lover caressed my face. "I just hope one day you'll mirror the mind-shattering infatuation I have for you. Your attention will do for now."

"I hope so too, Mileena. All I ask is for your patience."

"For you..." She pecked me one last time. "I will wait for an eternity."

Benji's POV

The following day, I got dressed and prepared to head back to the Wu-Shi Academy to continue aiding the monks injured by Ko'atal's heinous attacks. Jade, Dakini, and Kim volunteered to help, but I insisted they stay and watch Sareena. Kitty, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and I are more than enough to drive away anyone if they invade the Academy again.

Plus, I need to see my students since I did so under dire circumstances yesterday. Even now, though the mood is light, I'm still going to put my medical skills to work and expect a tranquil visit.

Walking down the path toward the Academy, I received a visitor. "Ben."

Detective Koga teleported to my side. "Good to see that you're still okay. Ana and I found our office in Manhattan, and after this invasion's over, we plan on establishing the Agency there."

"That's good news, Koga. Good to see you too. What brings you here?" I asked the Detective.

"I have photos of the Krimson Forest, landmarks of the place so when you decide to head there, you won't get lost on the way. Ana took them."

Koga handed me the mentioned photos that were quite detailed with excellent angles.

"Thank you, Koga. Ana's a good photographer. What did she do before she became your partner?"

"She was a high-ranking member of the Egyptian Army, their top sniper if I remember right."

"Really? My sister was a sniper in the Special Forces once upon a time."

"I'll make a note to not anger her, don't want to get shot in the head while I sleep." Koga pulled out a pocket radio. "Ana, what rank were you in the Army again?"

She responded a couple of moments later, playfulness in her response. "Are you gaslighting me again, Koga?"

Koga blushed. "...No."

His blatant lie made me chuckle. I can tell they're a happy pair. From only one conversation with him, I could guess Koga's a solid cheerleader.

"I was second in command, ya Amar. Now let me get back to arranging the office."

He looked at me. "Cal ran the Special Forces for a few years."

"Damn," Koga muttered in defeat. "Sorry, honey. I'll let you get back to it. Ben got the pics, by the way. I'll be back soon."

"Excellent. Take your time, ya Amar. Even if you were here, we still wouldn't be done arranging everything. I'm not in a rush to get this done. Tell Ben and the others I said hi."

"Will do, Ana. I'll see you soon," Koga said before placing his radio back on his hip. "Where're you headin' to?"

"The Wu-Shi Academy. Ko'atal and Shang Tsung attacked the place, and the former killed a few of my students there while injuring more. I did most of the healing yesterday, but I'm finishing today." I answered. "You and Ana are a wonderful couple. Sorry if that was random."

"Thank you. I'm glad I convinced Ana to leave Egypt with me."

"Do you consider her to be your soulmate?"

Koga shook his head, much to my surprise. "No. In fact, I actually met her, and we're close."

We continued the trek. "Really? Then why aren't you with her?"

"Have you ever met someone whom you became intimate with, and as you spent time with them, you mix too well? Like afraid that making even the smallest mistake will end everything, so you act the closest thing to perfect?" Koga questioned.

"Can't say that I have. Sareena, Jade, and I have had our problems, but we worked things through."

"That woman made me act that way. It took a self-reflection for me to realize that. I'm an orphan, my Dad the Tribe's Berserker, the best warrior among my people but cursed with a halved lifespan. He died in battle after my mother conceived my twin and me. She passed away from the pain of giving birth after being told by the Tribe's Doctor that only I was growing in her stomach. When she was told that a second baby was ready to be born, she wasn't physically prepared. She died shortly after my little sister was born. Therefore, I was raised by the village Chieftain. He told me one should be steadfast and never hesitate on a decision, particularly when it's a matter of the heart."

"And she made you hesitate?"

"Yes. Although doubt might be the better word, or afraid. I was afraid to commit. She has more enemies than I do, which says something. And I've never hesitated on any other decision like that before then. I chose to not pursue her, even though the interest is mutual and everyone, Ana included, said we'd be a model couple."

"What about Ana made you commit to her instead?"

"She's gentle and always improves my mood, the right amount of jovial and serious. Ana takes her work just as seriously as I do and pushes me enough without overstepping. Normally, I thought I'd never get hitched, but with Ana, it was I who pursued the relationship further. It was then she who was skeptical. A few months ago, Ana told me she was always going to say yes while testing my resolve. So I had to convince her verbally."

"Wow. She's good."

"I know. I harbor no regrets over the decision."

From what I could gather, this woman must be immaculate for Koga to question whether or not to debate seeing her more. We arrived at the Wu-Shi and greeted my students, who were up and about. I headed to the injured ward with Koga in tow.

Kitty was feeding the bedridden when she noticed us. "Benjamin. It's good to see you as usual." She pointed to the Detective. "Who's this?"

"Koga, PI," he introduced himself before pulling out his card to hand to her. "A pleasure to meet royalty in the flesh."

"World's Greatest Detective. I'll keep that in mind in case I need something to be investigated."

"Ben can vouch for my skill as well as Netherrealm's Elder God."

"He's the best at what he does, Kitty. I see you've been feeding the injured."

She nodded. "Yes. Liu Kang and Kung Lao are finishing their training, so I've been here since dawn."

One of the injured started choking. The three of us went to his bed and found his face losing color.

I leaned in to check for a heartbeat. "The heartbeat's faint."

"I got this. I dealt with this same scene in Greece," Koga said.

He rubbed his hands together with electricity, pressing them on the monk's chest. The color returned to his face as his breathing regulated. The monk returned to sleep, his face peaceful.

"Nice thinking on your part, Koga."

"Thanks."

"Raiden could've done the same thing. Why didn't he show?"

"Never trust a deity to help in human matters, Princess. Most of them are out only for their own interests. Meeting a few of the Gods in the Greek Pantheon taught me that lesson." Koga explained.

That's the second time a human had warned me about Raiden's interests. I don't know if that's a warning sign of things to come or me being paranoid. Nevertheless, I have to remain vigilant for anything.

Before I could add in my two cents on the matter, we heard a noise outside.

"What was that?" Kitty spoke up.

We had a solid guess as Kung Lao was thrown into the room at our feet, startling the nurses.

"Lao!" I reached down to help him to his feet. "What happened?"

Koga ran outside. "I'll go check on the others."

"Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, Doctor, just a couple of bruises. Ko'atal arrived and was about to start attacking again. Liu Kang and I intercepted him. He's still out there fighting him."

"Ko'atal..." I seethed.

He and Tanya are really getting on my nerves, and I've about reached my patience threshold.

"Kitty, make sure Lao's okay. I have to join Liu Kang and Koga."

"Okay, Benjamin. Come, Lao," Kitty voiced.

When I caught up with them, I saw Ko'atal there as well, with a few bruises and burn marks across his face. Koga's arm was electrified, Liu Kang's fire beginning to extinguish from his hands. Needless to say, they, along with Lao, roughed him up if the visible cuts on his torso were any indication.

"Kim told me of what you did to my students, Ko'atal." I clenched my fists in unbridled rage, fed up with this imbecile. "You know where I live, so why not confront me directly?"

"And possibly bring harm to Jade? While I could care less about you, your brat, and your Demoness whore, I will not scare my beloved."

Ko'atal and Tanya were made for each other with how insane they are. Not wanting to hear his rambling anymore, I quickly whipped my pistol out and shot him in the hip joints. As he fell, I hit his shoulder blades.

"Liu, go check on Lao."

He bowed in response. "Yes, Uncle."

Liu rushed to the injured room at my request. Koga and I turn to the now paralyzed Osh-Tekk.

"You... had a firearm this whole time? Only cowards use guns," Ko'atal spat his complaint.

"But ruining others' lives blindly is perfectly acceptable!? You make me sick!" I retorted.

I marched up to the bastard who's repeatedly threatened my family before putting the barrel to his head, my expression darkening. "I'm going to say this one time, so listen the hell up. Jade does not love you; she never has and never will. Stop trying to persuade her to leave me because she'll sooner commit Hara-Kiri. You will cease threatening my daughter, my family, as well as my Edenian heritage."

Moving the gun, I forced the barrel into Ko'atal's mouth as my facial expression turned grave to match my fury. "Or I'll make Shao Kahn's punishments look like child's play compared to what I'll do to you. I can be very creative in expressing and releasing the malice people like you and Tanya force me to internalize. Are we clear?"

Completely horrified, Ko'atal frantically nodded just as I opened a portal to Outworld behind him. "Good."

Taking the barrel out of his mouth, I reversed the pistol to infuse the handle with magic before fiercely pistol-whipping the Osh-Tekk as he crashed on the floor unconscious. I then kicked him into the portal before closing it.

I had to take a few deep breaths. That man had angered me to the same level Tanya did if that was even fathomable. Yet, I could tell this still won't deter him in the slightest.

"How are you feelin' Ben?" Koga brought me back to earth.

"Somewhat relieved. A part of my psyche was screaming at me to shoot him in the head repeatedly. But I promised Jade that she'll have the pleasure of killing him since it will heal her mentally and emotionally."

"That's sweet... In a radically violent way," Koga quipped.

I felt a slight shiver rush over me but shook it off before looking over my shoulder to see... Everest. I pet my Ice Phoenix as she grew her fourth tail due to the sudden display of affection.

"M... Master," she spoke. "It... is hot."

"Well, it's morning in the middle of summer, Everest. What did you expect?"

"Oh... Come back home. Aunt Callie Ann says you and Jade need to come back with her to Manhattan."

"You should check on the others first before doing that, Ben. From what I've been told, Kitana might want to tag along as well as Liu Kang and Kung Lao," Koga suggested.

"Of course. Everest, tell Cal I'll be a minute."

"Yes, Master. I'll... see you soon." She quickly rubbed my neck in affection before flying off.

"I think things are reaching a climax. I may be wrong, but you should move double time for safety's sake."

"Good idea. What will you do?"

"I have to head back to Ana. I'm startin' to miss her. Until next time, Ben." Koga teleported out of sight.

After gathering Liu, Lao, and Kitty, we rushed to the house. We entered to see Cal, Xan, and Nightwolf inside.

"Cal? What's going on?"

She faced me with a victorious smirk.

"Oh, it must be good news if you're smirking like that."

"Boy, is it. But it's better to show than to tell. Come on, you all have to see this."

Cal opened a portal to Manhattan, and when we reached the other side, I saw a sight absolutely awe-striking.

Shao Kahn was being held in place by Duffeck and Okada. They turned to see us all on the rooftop with them. An indigo portal was behind the Tyrant. Okada and Duffeck both smiled at us all.

"We're happy you all could make it. We're about to bare witness to Earthrealm's permanent liberation, and it would be a shame for anyone to miss this momentous occasion," Duffeck turned back to face Shao Kahn. "Isn't that right, Konqueror?"

A/N: So, the Arc's gonna end next chapter if you couldn't tell from how it ended. Duffeck AND Okada are in Earthrealm and have apparently locked up Shao Kahn. Hopefully, they and Callie can explain how they captured the biggest Tyrant in the Realms in the world. Not to mention the prosecution of that bastard Argus.

Until next time!