Love & War 6: Replicants
Chapter 1: Family Matters
"Show me a battlefield, and I'll show you victory."
"Born from the war-torn country of Uganda, Melody Jones, formerly known by her real name Amina, was the daughter of a family who became corrupted by drugs. They were once a happy family until African rebels forced them to join their ranks with selling drugs of different types. The young Amina, 7 years old, refused to obey their demands and as a result, she was assaulted and raped by not only the rebels, but her own father as well. Her mother was killed trying to stop them. A week later, the U.S Army rescued her and other children and sent them to America to flush out the poisonous substances from their bodies. Each of them were given new names and identities. Amina was among them, given the name Melody. A few years later in a foster home, Melody was discovered by Chris Jones. His wife, Maxine, hated her because of her skin color and background. Chris went against her wishes and adopted Melody. Several years later, Chris was in Cuba for a drug trade op that never took place, therefore keeping him from returning home. Kano, leader of the Black Dragon criminal organization, used it as a diversion to kill Chris' family. He raped both Maxine and Melody, but Melody survived. Maxine did not. Since then, Melody lived in isolation and loneliness back in the foster home until one day she saw Chris at war Shao Kahn of Outworld. His victory inspired her to become a Homefront Warrior. After graduating for high school, Melody was chosen by the Homefront Warriors, sponsored by the United States Marine Corp.. She happily accepted and spent 10 years training, all the while given a scholarship, participating in volleyball, softball and basketball games. One day, she was chosen to travel to West Africa to investigate a viral outbreak. She met a woman named Sheva Alomar, an agent of the BSAA's West African Branch. They teamed up to stop the viral delivery to terrorists and Melody was praised for saving the world. Jade and Tanya of Edenia have discovered Melody via interview on live broadcast. The next day, they found her training at the HW bunkers. She learned of her adoptive father's comatose state. She feared she would never see him again, but it wasn't until weeks later, Melody found him in Edenia. Chris lost his memories with her, but eventually they came back. After an emotional reunion, Melody was assigned to Sonya Blade's Special Forces. Several days later, she rescued Chris after she defeated the fallen Elder God, Shinnok. Praised once more for her bravery and conviction, Chris hailed Melody as the next Commander of the Homefront Warriors."
On the beach of Los Angeles, Melody Jones, the prodigal daughter of Chris and Jade Jones, was sparring with her mother. After two hours...
"I broke up quite a lot of sweat," said Melody.
"As have I," Jade replied. "But it is to keep your skills sharp. Mine as well. We both needed this."
"I didn't hurt you too bad, didn't I?"
"No, dear. Come, it's almost time to eat."
The ladies walked in to see Chris shirtless. It made Jade lust for him.
"Hey, now. The kids are around."
"Oh. Sorry..."
Tanya-Camille, 12, Raven-Jade, also 12 and Chris Jr. 14, were at the dinner table. Chris brought out a nice ham sliced up, perfect for sandwiches. He also made scalloped potatoes, thanks to Melody's recipe.
"You guys ready to eat?"
The kids cheered. As they ate...
"You two sparred pretty well," said Chris.
"There's a saying, dad. Even if you think you perfected your technique, there's always room for improvement."
"You think you can train us, Melody?" asked Tanya-Camille.
"One day, but in a few years I will. For now, you and Raven-Jade just enjoy your childhood."
"I agree," said Chris Jr."
"I honestly think Melody would be a big influence for you guys, so if you do train with her, follow her instructions. Me and Jade can observe to see if you can handle it."
"We're not going with physical training, what I'm going to do is expand your mind through spiritual training. Mom and I do this every week. I actually dug deep into her soul in order to help restore her fractured psyche."
"If you're referring to my past as a assassin, trust me, I hated that life."
"Those days are well beyond you. You're a loving mother to us and a amazing wife to my dad. Family matters, mother. That's something dad once had, but it was you who made it possible when Chris Jr was born."
"I always wonder how I was born."
"Well, son, and Melody can vouch for me on this one. But I had a incident in high school. I was quite popular with the girls, but some dudes got jealous and picked a fight with me. After school, one of them tackled me. Two more held me down. The other had a gun and he said, "Good luck getting in the future, loser!" He shot me in the groin. The people outside heard that gunfire and saw me screaming g in excruciating pain. There was blood everywhere. The fool that shot me was arrested, last I heard, for possession of a deadly weapon. I had surgery for 6 months. After that, I wasn't the same anymore. That incident haunted me... even to this very day. (Crying) So you see son, I met this woman. Her love was so unique..."
Chris paused.
"It was you!"
"What?" Jade was confused.
"It was your love, far different than other woman here on Earth, that cleansed me of that fracture! You gave me something I lost long ago. Of course, Kitana, Sindel and Tanya had their fair share of me, but you, Jade, you replenished my ability to procreate."
"How did she do that?" Melody asked.
"Like you Earthrealm women, us Edenians can impregnate as well. Are you familiar with a God of Light known as Aether?"
"No."
"My parents were descendants of him. They had a hand in letting me become pregnant. So children, all three of you were given a segment of ancient Edenia. And you, Melody, Kitana, Tanya and myself have given you a segment of our soul, and you used it at the correct moment when you fought Shinnok. You yourself had proven worthy of our heritage. I also developed a premonition just like Tanya did. That premonition being you saving Earthrealm. We never told you why we adopted you. We saw destined greatness within you. In my eyes, when you saved the world the first time, my first thought was just like Chris, but you, you did it on your own accord. And when you defeated Shinnok, queen Sindel knighted you."
"I didn't think I'd earn that honor."
"You have. That's why you're the commander of the Homefront Warriors, Melody. You're basically protecting Earthrealm even when not on duty," said Chris. "But you are right earlier. Family matters. Even though I retired, at least I have someone who earned the right to replace me, but I may end up being called into action one day, and maybe we can work together."
"Like father, like daughter."
"Is that your favorite motto?" Asked Jade.
"More like a family motto."