Chapter 9: 1st Anniversary
The Special Forces arrived back to base on Monday. It is now Tuesday. General Sonya and the team went to training to test out Alex's powers and see if it is possible if he could do more than absorb fire. Everyone on the team watches as they see what Alex can do. Even he is curious on what it is. Sonya ordered him to dress in a fire suit minus the gloves just in case something were to go wrong.
"You know I was able to absorb it and not have a scratch on me. You sure this is necessary?" Alex asked.
"It's only a precaution. Don't want to risk having you fried and become food for those monsters in the Netherrealm." Sonya joked.
"Excuse me?" Alex took a few steps back with a worried expression on his face.
"Relax. She's kidding." Cassie calms her boyfriend down. "You can't say shit like that." She quietly grinned her teeth at her mother while speaking.
"Oh, come on. I gotta have some humor, but no fucking dad jokes." Sonya raised her hands. Cassie sighed and turns back to Alex.
"You have nothing to worry about. If you could do that from the fire bomb, then I'm sure you can do this." Cassie said. She kisses his cheek and stepping behind the glass in the next room.
"You ready, Corporal?" Sonya asked.
"Ready as always." Alex said as he gets his helmet on. In the other room, Johnny puts his hand on Cass to reassure her he will be fine, as he has faith in her boyfriend. Jacqui doesn't blame her, as she is almost as nervous as her best friend is. Alex holds out his hands, glowing with blue aura and his pupils turning blue.
"In 3,2,1." Sonya counts down. A soldier is firing a flamethrower at Alex and he manages to absorb the fire. Like before, there was no pain or any burns on his hands. He closes his left hand to extinguish the fire and shoots a target from his right hand, putting it on fire, and with more power, Alex shoots a dummy but accidentally makes it explode. Two other men use fire extinguishers to put out the fire.
"Oh shit! I didn't mean to do that!" Alex looks on in amazement. "I wasn't even trying to make it explode, just catch it on fire."
"It's alright, Alex. There's always a first time for everything.' Sonya said. "I mean Johnny had a hard time summoning his power after taking down Shinnok the first time, even though he could suck at it sometimes."
"Hey!" Johnny said, offended. "I do it because I want to, I, uh, just didn't feel like it." Sonya smiles and winks at Johnny, knowing he was offended. She always loved to play jokes on him, even going as far as using reverse psychology against him, such as threatening to punch him in the face.
"What I don't get is I thought I was able to absorb anything related to energy, not elements." Alex said, taking off his fire suit. "I mean could I end up doing more than that?"
Alex had a thought. He turns to a practice target and tries to shoot more fire from his hands, but he only shoots out a small one this time. He keeps thrusting his hand forward, but this time, nothing was happening. No fire was coming out.
"Huh. I can't shoot any more flames. What's going on?" Alex asked. Everyone steps out from beyond the safety wall, all intrigued by Alex's ability.
"That hasn't happened before. Last time, you were able to fire energy beams for a long time with no signs of it wearing off or getting tired. My guess is while you have limitless energy beams and blasts, I think you can only absorb and manipulate fire, not create it. Could be the same for the other elements." Cassie guessed.
"It's definitely not like Grandmaster Hasashi's. That's for sure. Not to mention that Rain guy. He controls water. And Raiden and Fujin, they're both gods, so it would make sense for both of them." Jin stated.
"But still. We haven't seen anything like this. Energy and fire? But Alex does make a good point. Can he do more than absorb just fire?" Takeda asked.
"It might be possible. He might be able to absorb other elements, like maybe water, earth, wind. We don't know that for sure. Someday we will find the answers, with or without Fujin." Sonya said. "We promise you that." She then gets an idea.
"What is it?" Alex asked.
"I've got an idea." Sonya said. "Follow me outside." Alex, the team and Johnny follow her outside. She starts to get in a helicopter.
"Are we going somewhere, General?" Her daughter asked.
"Not exactly." Sonya said as she started the helicopter. "Alright, Corporal. I want you to try something! Are you ready?"
"Yes, General." Alex nodded and gets the idea. He closes his eyes and glows again. He starts to absorb the wind and his aura lights up as the wind flies into Alex's body. His eyes open and he sees that it worked. He looks at his team in surprise. Cassie whistled appreciatively and snapped a photo.
"Damn." Johnny and Jacqui said at the same time.
"I'll be. I did not see this coming. I'm surprised that actually worked." Alex said.
"You're surprised? You keep surprising us, dude. Always becoming more badass as usual and hope you get better." Cassie said, causing him to smile. Alex turned to his General.
"Thanks, General. Don't know what I would do without you." Alex said.
"Hey, you're lucky I didn't decide to shoot you when we met." Sonya joked. 'Besides, Sergeant Cage believes you could be the best of us."
"Funny, I always thought she would be the one to shine out of all of us. I mean, she's done a damn well job protecting Earthrealm, being a leader following your footsteps and defeating an Elder God." Alex said.
"C'mon, don't let Cass hog all the glory. I deserve some of the credit, considering I passed down the glow to her." Johnny exclaimed.
"I'd be careful, Alex. You don't want someone other than him dancing in the spotlight." Takeda said. Alex snickered.
"Keep laughing, Takahashi. We'll see who's laughing when my green glow matches your telepathy." Johnny said. "And don't even try to cheat."
Takeda rolls his eyes. "Why must everyone use that as an excuse when they lose to me?"
"I don't, because you let me win sometimes." Jacqui steps up. Now it was her turn to tease someone.
"U-uh. That's not true. You sometimes manage to outsmart me in Kombat. I just don't have the heart to get in your head, that's all." Takeda stutters in his own words, making Jacqui giggle.
"Alright, team, that's enough. We're done for today. Don't forget we are running drills for the next week. 0900 each day. And then after that, Alex, you, Cassie and Jacqui will be camping out so they will teach you survival skills." Sonya said.
"Yes, ma'am!" Everyone said and they leave except for Cassie. She seems to have something on her mind about something.
"Cassie. Is there something wrong? Never seen you this troubled before." The General asked with concern.
"Well, it's just that, my anniversary with Alex is supposed to be next week, Mom. I'm trying to think of what to say to him. I don't know when we will change it and I'm trying to see what to do for him." Cassie said. She is worried she might mess up their anniversary.
"Cassie, you know Alex loves you. He's lucky to have you as his girlfriend. He'd do anything for you. He'll understand if you're having trouble." Sonya said, placing a hand on her cheek.
"I know. He's very smart and the sweetest, and not to mention honest. I just want to do something special for him. What did you and dad do for your first anniversary dating?" She wondered.
"Well there was something. You might be surprised." Sonya whispers something into Cassie's ear. Cassie is in fact surprised. She wasn't sure at first but accepts the idea. "Besides, there's nothing wrong with a little early celebration."
Meanwhile, Alex is trying to decide what to do for their anniversary. He is nervous and decides to turn to Jacqui for help.
"Hey Jacqui. Got a minute? I need your help with something. It's about me and Cass." Alex said.
"I hope it isn't what I think it is." Jacqui said with her arms crossed.
"Relax, it's not that. It's about our anniversary." Alex corrected her. "I need advice on celebrating."
"Are you serious? When was the last time you had an anniversary with someone?" Jacqui asked. She couldn't believe her ears on what she just heard.
"Never. I had at least two other relationships and they never lasted that long, mainly because they were assholes. One cheated on me and one turned out to be a criminal. I honestly never thought I'd get this far. I want to make it special." Alex said.
"Alex, bud. You're a smart guy. Everyone here likes you, Cassie loves you to death. She's lucky to have you as her boyfriend. She's willing to take some punches and a bullet for you. I don't think you'll mess up." Jacqui reassures him.
"I know, but I want to make this special for her. I know she wouldn't want me to do anything expensive. Besides, General Sonya told me that we can celebrate this weekend because of drills. I'm trying to find something to do." Alex said.
"Well if you are that serious, then I might have an idea." Jacqui shows a devious smile. She whispers something into Alex's ear. Alex was uncertain until she nods. He has a feeling someone put her up to it, and hopes it wasn't Johnny.
It is the weekend. Sonya has given Alex and Cassie permission to celebrate early. She and Jacqui each gave them advice on what to do. They both knew their anniversary was coming so they secretly got together and worked out advice to give to both of them. Cassie and Alex would be spending the weekend outside the base. They made sure to turn off trackers, only using them in case of emergencies. They bring weapons and cloaking devices just in case. Cassie is driving herself and Alex somewhere.
"Hey, Cassie. Where are we going?" Alex asked.
"You'll see, sweetheart. You trust me?" Cassie said, looking at him.
"You know I do with every bit of my breath." Alex said before kissing her. They arrive at an apartment building. Alex, of course, is unfamiliar, but Cassie knows this one fully well. "What's this, beautiful?" Alex wonders.
"Welcome to my dad's condo." Cassie said. Johnny's condo has a fur rug, a flat screen tv, a game system, a big kitchen, a pool and a window which shows the ocean. "Dad used to live here whenever he wasn't busy with his blockbusters. This was where me and Jacqui sparred for the first time."
"Let me guess, you won?" Alex tilted his head out of curiosity.
"Ding ding." I pulled off a Shadow Kick by accident and made her stumble backwards and accidentally broke one of my dad's rewards." Cassie said
"How did he react?" Alex hiding his laughter.
"Don't know. He probably didn't care since he dropped the movie shit, though he was pissed when we made a mess." Cassie said, causing him to laugh.
"Wow, you must really loved to spar and not care, don't you?" Alex asked, amused.
"To the point where we went to a fighting club where I was one stubborn girl. Thought it was just regular MMA but an actual deathmatch. That's how I met Frost. I barely kicked her ass." Cassie explained.
"Damn. Must've been one hell of a day." Alex said.
"Oh it got worse. That's how I met the Black Dragon and Kano, Red Dragon and later, Skarlet." Cassie said.
"Who's that?" Alex is not familiar with the name.
"She was a blood mage who feeds off blood and used to follow Shao Kahn. She tortured me and Jacqui and forced us under her control to do what Havik and Reiko said. Even Raiden fell for it. I was forced to fight mom and she did scold me for leaving without telling anyone. We have Hanzo Hasashi to thank for saving us all." Cassie explained.
She has not forgotten that day. She was forced to watch Jacqui get beaten up and be the first victim to be placed under mind control with Blood Magik, with Cassie following her and being forced to obey Reiko and Havik. She also remembered her own parents fell for the trick, but only briefly before Reiko was betrayed and killed by Havik.
"Geez. At least you learned not to piss her off after that. What happened to that Skarlet person?" Alex asked.
"Last I heard, she got her ass kicked by Mileena. She broke both her legs and left her for dead." Cassie explained.
"She sounds like the Bride of Dracula if you ask me." Alex joked, making her snicker.
"So, what do you like to do for dinner tonight, sweetheart?" Cassie asked.
"I've got something." Alex smiled. They decided to make a heart-shaped pizza. They happily eat their dinner and relax after they each had a shower. They relax on the couch together, ready to open their gifts.
"Are you ready?" Cassie asked, smiling.
"You go first." Alex said.
Cassie opens her gift. It's a small box with a necklace with a bullet on fire as the icon. She looks at it in awe. "You got this for me? Alex, you didn't need to. I love this so fucking much."
"I wanted to. Because it means I am willing to take a bullet for you because I love you, Cassie." Alex said.
"That's sweet. I love you too, Alex." Cassie said. "Your turn, come on, open it up."
Alex opens his gift from Cassie. It's also a small box, a little bigger than hers but not much. He looks inside to find a watch. It has the symbol A+C. He looks at her in surprise. "I fucking love it. This is the best thing you've ever given me. I'm never taking this off." Alex exclaimed as he puts it on as Cassie puts on her necklace. Their faces lean in close, both smiling and looking at each other.
"Happy Anniversary, Alex." Cassie smiled.
"Happy Anniversary, Cassie." Alex replied.
Cassie lays a hand on his cheek and slowly kisses him. Alex kisses her back as he puts his hands on her waist. The kiss starts to intensify as they start to make out. She puts her other hand on his face to kiss him harder. Cassie gets on his lap as they continue to make out and she runs her hands on his arms. Alex runs his fingers through her long, blonde hair into a ponytail. He can feel her tongue trying to push past his teeth and he allows her entrance as they continue to make out. Alex begins rubbing her thighs as Cassie starts rubbing his chest. After a long moment, they pull away for air. Cassie was not done yet, as she starts to put small pecks on his neck, making him moan.
"You like that, sweetheart?" Cassie looks at him.
"Cassie." Alex said, moaning.
"Somebody is excited. Good. I like that about you." Cassie said as she puts her arms around his neck. She notices his hesitation. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing. You sure you want to do this? Because I have never done this before. " Alex said, as he was turning a deep red.
"Oh, really? Well, this is my first time too. I think we're ready to step up. I would be honored to be your first, then Alex. We got all weekend, we can take it slow." Cassie seductively whispered in his ear and she grinds on his lap.
They resume kissing one more time before they walk to their bedroom to celebrate by taking a further step into their relationship.
Alex and Cassie consummate their relationship for the first time. After they were finished, they were covered up in a blanket, exhausted and clothes lying around on the floor.
"Wow. That was truly something." Alex said, catching his breath.
"I know. It was worth it. I never thought I got to do this until now. This is the best anniversary ever. I thought I was gonna mess up." Cassie said.
"Don't worry. You didn't. I'm glad you love the necklace. I love this watch. I was afraid I would mess up." Alex replied.
"Far from it. You did awesome, sweetheart. We should do this again tomorrow night." Cassie said. "I love this necklace. I am never taking it off. I will always be there for you. I love you, Alex."
"I love you too, Cassie." Alex said before suddenly pulling Cassie on top of him, making her laugh.
"Alex!" Cassie said before giving him a deep kiss. She grabs his hand and puts it on her ass as she starts to fall asleep. "Good night, dude." She falls asleep on top of him.
"Good night, sweetheart." Alex teased as he falls asleep a few seconds later. Their love will only get deeper from here on out. They want to enjoy every moment they have with each other, no matter how many times they put their lives on the line.
Note: So the part where Cassie was telling Alex about her sparing with Jacqui, going to a fight club and met the Black Dragon, Frost and Skarlet and being forced under her control, is a reference to the MKX comics. I only read some of them. I decided to not include a real love scene, wanting to make the story more comfortable for everyone, since not everyone likes to read these kinds of mature content. Next chapter will head into the story of Mortal Kombat 11. Until next time.