The ride back to the Special Forces base from the film studio had been a somewhat lengthy one, not much that the occupants of the helicopter minded. Ample time was provided by the trip for Cassie to catch up with Jacqui and Takeda, asking them dozens upon dozens of questions about where they've been, what they've been doing, and what kind of missions they'd been on, always asking if they were ok whenever something that sounded dangerous came up, even though it was quite evident looking at them that they were just fine.
"Man, so you guys have been working like crazy, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'll say." Takeda confirmed.
"It's mostly my fault," Jacqui admitted. "Always wanna make sure the mission runs smoothly so ...I end up signing myself up a lot of the time."
"And wherever she goes, I go," Takeda added. "So ...yeah we end up being pretty busy."
"Takeda's also been helping his dad track down the Red Dragon," Jacqui recalled. "Hoping to find the bastard who-"
Takeda's usually chipper attitude suddenly changed to something a bit more sullen.
"Sorry," Jacqui quickly said. "Babe, I know your mom's a touchy subject, but you're getting close to bringing the people responsible to justice! That's gotta count for something, right?"
Takeda just stared at the ground for a moment, before eventually smiling. "Hmph. Yeah, I guess you're right." he leaned over and placed his arm around his fiance's shoulder. "Thanks Jacqui, you always know how to cheer me up."
Cassie let out a loud "Aaawwwwwwwwww." at their display of affection.
"Seriously Cass, you seem to think our relationship is the most precious thing on the planet, when you really should be getting something for yourself." Jacqui insisted.
"I know, I know," Cassie acknowledged. "I dunno, I guess I just haven't had the time to find the right person."
"You've had more time off than us." Jacqui pointed.
"If you can call back there time off." Cassie quipped.
"Girl, you're just not putting yourself out there," Jacqui deduced. "Cassie, I want you to be happy."
"I know you do and I love you for it," Cassie replied. "Y'know, sister kinda way."
Jacqui couldn't help but laugh a little. "Had my doubts that was what it was back in high school."
"Hey!" Cassie said in a tone conveying that she wasn't actually offended, though she was slightly embarrassed by the fact that her own best friend ranked among many, many high school crushes she'd thankfully gotten over being brought up again.
"Although thinking about it, maybe you should try girls again," Jacqui mused aloud. "Seemed to work out better for you."
"Yeah, maybe. The last thing I need is another Dylan." Cassie recalled with disdain.
"Don't even bring him up." Takeda advised, apparently remembering the ordeal as well.
"Well anyway," Cassie said in her obvious effort to change the subject. "Look, when I figure it all out, I'll let you know, ok?"
Jacqui nodded. "Alright. Sorry for bringing it up, I didn't mean to pry or anything."
"No, it's cool," Cassie responded nonchalantly. "I know you're just looking out for me."
Jacqui smiled. "What are friends for, right?"
"Right." Cassie agreed, smiling herself.
"Ah kids." Johnny said fondly as he sat further down with Sonya, Jax, and Mokap.
"Just wish Jacqui wouldn't keep putting herself in harm's way." Jax said worriedly.
"Were we any different?" Sonya asked.
Jax chuckled. "Guess not. Used to worry my folks sick when I was out on duty."
"Hard to think one day my little girl will be as big as those kids." Mokap commented.
"Oh that's right!" Johnny recalled. "Your wife delivered a few weeks back!"
"That was three years ago Johnny," Mokap corrected. "My girl's walking now."
"Damn, Cage memory strikes again." Johnny said regretfully.
"They grow up so fast, don't they?" Sonya asked.
Mokap shrugged. "Not when you're with em' every day."
Sonya shifted her weight a little, as if Mokap's statement had made her uncomfortable. Or self-conscious.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She questioned.
"I was just stating my experience, ma'am," Mokap said humbly. "I just know that, when Cassie was younger, you weren't really—"
"I had a job to do." Sonya stopped him.
"And I see you still have a job to do." Mokap observed.
"Your point?" Sonya asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Nothing," Mokap replied. "Just ….ever thought about taking a break?"
Sonya crossed her arms and didn't respond.
"We're approaching HQ." Announced the vehicle's pilot.
Shortly after, the helicopter touched down on a helipad located outside the facility.
The large door on the side of the vehicle opened, allowing the small group to step out onto the runway.
"Alright, so where am I supposed to go?" Mokap asked as they walked, still confused about what exactly this all was.
"We're going to have to analyze you to see if we can figure out what the deal is with these powers you've suddenly developed," Sonya explained. "Follow me."
"Here, I'll come with." Johnny offered, wanting to make sure his friend wasn't too uncomfortable about the whole thing.
"Yeah... yeah, that'd be good…" Mokap said in a tone of voice that was clearly a bit uneasy.
Johnny lightly nudged Sonya on the arm. "Wouldn't mind spending some time with you, either."
Sonya rolled her eyes, but her seeming disinterest was betrayed by a smile.
"Maybe if you weren't off making movies…." she started.
"Hey, I'm not the one who gets all caught up with work," Johnny retorted. "Y'know, Cassie wouldn't mind spending more time with you either."
Sonya sighed. "Johnny, we've been over this a million times. You know that my work requires my utmost attention. I'm doing this for her, for everyone. To try and keep this world safe."
"But you're so busy that you can't even tell her that," Johnny argued. "The world might need General Sonya Blade, but I know a little girl who just needs her mother."
Sonya wasn't sure how to respond at first.
"Maybe you're right…." she finally let out even though she didn't want to admit it to herself.
Silence reigned as the three kept walking. Meanwhile, Jax and the "kids" were approached by two individuals all too familiar to them.
Kenshi Takahashi, Takeda's father. Accompanied by Vera Briggs: Jax's wife, Jacqui's mother, and a pseudo-aunt to Cassie.
"Everybody ok?" Vera immediately asked. "Anyone need help?"
"Just a few bruises and sore spots, aunt Vera." Cassie assured.
"Thankfully, those Black Dragons ran before anyone could get hurt." Jacqui informed.
"We'll get em' next time though." Jax added confidently.
Vera gave a brief look of disapproval at her husband's eagerness to go after the criminals. She then returned her attention to the others.
"Well, I'm happy to hear that." She said to Jacqui before spreading her arms in an offer of embrace that Jacqui readily accepted.
"Oh you get in here to, future son of mine." Vera insisted, gesturing to Takeda. After the briefest hesitation, he did as requested and joined the embrace. Cassie fought back the urge to insert herself.
"Jackson, it is good to errr...'see' you," Kenshi said in an attempt to make conversation. "I look forward to our children's union and our joining in brotherhood."
"Uhhhhh...me to." Jax responded awkwardly.
Vera eventually released Takeda and Jacqui, much to their relief. Never let it be said that Jax was the only one in the Briggs family with an iron grip.
Kenshi decided to turn his attention to Takeda now that he had the chance to speak to him.
"It seems you fared well against the Black Dragon, my son," he commented. "It is also good that everyone returned safely."
"Yeah, I'll say," Takeda agreed. "Shame we weren't able to catch them."
"Yes, that is unfortunate," Kenshi acknowledged. "But we have made much progress in just this year."
"True," Takeda admitted. "But enough about work, yeah?"
"Yes, I'm sure you are weary from your many missions." said Kenshi. His efforts at rekindling his broken father-son bond with Takeda had been an uphill affair to say the least. They were talking, but Kenshi felt as if he never knew just what to say to his son. He had grown up so much without him. Hanzo had been more of a father to Takeda than Kenshi himself, and Kenshi took no pleasure in that fact. Sure, he had wanted to protect Takeda from the Red Dragon, from being targeted like his mother was...but what had been the cost?
It was in no way lost on Kenshi that he wasn't the only struggling parent, but he kept these observations to himself. He considered making the time to speak to Sonya, their shared struggles with finding time to be the family their children needed being something they could perhaps remedy together. But for now, Kenshi decided to focus on his son.
"So, have you made any plans for your wedding yet?" he decided to ask.
Takeda shook his head. "Dad, you know how busy we've been lately."
"Right, my apologies," Kenshi said graciously. "I know I've said this before, but I really am very happy for you both."
Takeda couldn't help but crack a smile. "Thanks dad."
"Your...mother would be happy to…" Kenshi added, speaking a bit more slowly as he did so. "And very proud of you."
Takeda sighed. He knew his father meant well by the reminder of his mother, but it stung nonetheless.
"I'm sure she would." was all he decided to say.
"I'm sorry," Kenshi replied. "If you'd like, I can leave, so you may spend some time with your fiance."
"No, dad, it's fine," Takeda insisted. "I know you were just trying to help."
Kenshi silently nodded. "If my presence does not make you uncomfortable."
"Not at all," Takeda assured. "Tell you what, how about we do a little sword practice? Those Red Dragons aren't gonna take themselves down and….it's what mom liked to do."
Now it was Kenshi's turn to bear a smile. "I would like that, son."
"Great, let's get started." Takeda said earnestly. He began walking in the direction of the SF's training room with his father.
"Oh boy, this'll get interesting," Jacqui said to herself, before electing to follow. "Hey wait up you two!"
"Wanna go make sure Takeda and our new brother don't hurt themselves?" Vera offered.
Jax didn't respond for a moment. For one thing, he was still getting used to the idea that Kenshi would soon be his brother-in-law once Jacqui and Takeda were married. For another thing, much like Sonya and Kenshi, he felt his child was just growing up too fast.
"No, I'm good," he finally decided to say. "I...I think I just need to rest a little. I've been almost as busy in the field as the kids have."
Vera at first thought he was making excuses, but on closer inspection, saw his weariness.
"Oh alright, you win this round," she relented. "I hope this isn't because you're not ready to see your little girl as a woman."
"No, it's not that," Jax assured, although in truth that was part of it. "Guess I just...thought I'd be retired by now."
"You could be." Vera reminded.
"Nah, I've got a duty." Jax disagreed.
Vera shook her head. "I know, I know."
Cassie had at this point recognized that Jacqui's attention was focused elsewhere and as such decided not to bother her. Instead, she decided to see how her surrogate uncle was doing, heading over to where he was no doubt being examined to determine the source of his powers.
Cassie had a feeling they wouldn't find anything. After all, the Special Forces barely had an understanding of her powers. Raiden had tried to help narrow down their origin. Something about an ancient group of warriors, apparently. She didn't quite understand it. Either way, Cassie supposed she shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. These powers had saved her life on more than one occasion, including against Shinnok himself, as well as the lives of her friends, teammates, and even family.
In spite of that, she almost couldn't help but question these powers. Perhaps it was because like with Mokap, they seemed to have manifested so suddenly. That suddenness was ...also kind of what bothered her. Despite claims to the contrary, Cassie always felt as if she'd been given at least some level of special treatment within the Special Forces in spite of her insistence on making her own way. Perhaps it was her often absent mother's way of showing affection. If it was, she needed another method. Something had always bothered Cassie about feeling like she hadn't earned things, particularly her place within the SF. She'd seen the subtle jealousy in Jacqui, how she'd come across as naturally good at everything in spite of the fact that in reality she was just trying her best as anyone else would.
Then these powers came into the equation. Powers Cassie definitely hadn't earned, and as far as she understood, she didn't even have to take any steps to master. It bothered the hell out of her to feel like her gifts were not her own. This was why she had questioned the decision to be placed as leader of her squad. If it were up to her, Jacqui would have the position in a heartbeat. She was the more experienced of the two of them in terms of military endeavors, and even if Jacqui could be just a little cold at times, she always kept the most level head. In a way she had to, especially with Takeda around. When Cassie was in the field, the possibility of her friends coming to harm worried her to no end. It scared her. With Jacqui however, she seemed to always be able to keep a lid on things, displaying her concern, but not letting worry override her ability to think logically. Jacqui was a soldier, tried and true. Cassie wanted to be just as good, and trained her hardest to be. She hated being treated like she was better than her friend.
Especially when it came to Raiden. It wasn't at all lost on Cassie that the Thunder God seemed to look at her one-in-a-million victory over Shinnok and determine that he'd found his new Liu Kang. Again, she felt like she was being looked at only because of her familial gifts and not her own talents. And it was agitating.
She certainly understood how Kung Jin felt in this regard. Though their friendship had a rocky start, the two had grown to understand one another and be open with one another. And Kung Jin had made it all too clear that the weight of family was on his shoulders as much as hers. Possibly more so. Kung Jin was part of a long lineage that included not one, but two champions of the Mortal Kombat tournament, one of which was heralded for managing to best Shao Kahn himself. His family were known to be the Shaolin's best, and Kung Jin had not only to live up to that, but also prove his family's initial expectations of him wrong.
Cassie was at least fortunate to have a supportive family, even if she felt like she was stuck in their shadows, especially her mother's. Jin hadn't been so lucky. He'd danced around the reason why, but Cassie had determined that it was because of his sexuality. Again, she felt she'd been gifted more than she deserved when she compared Jin's rejection to her own experiences. Cassie's parents, as well as Jacqui, seemed to have always known on some level that she was not one to confine herself to only men when looking for a lover. So when she was forward enough to come out as bisexual, it wasn't really a big shake-up. Kung Jin on the other hand, had clearly had to deal with prejudice from his own immediate family as a result of his predilection towards men. Even if the Shaolin as a whole were accepting, Jin's own family was not, outside of a few case examples which evidently included Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Two people who were now gone ...perhaps even worse.
Much as she didn't want to admit it, Cassie didn't know much of the people who had given their lives fending off Shao Kahn's invasion. Another way in which she felt too damn lucky. She knew that her "uncle" Jax, as well as Sub-Zero, had formerly been among their number before Raiden managed to restore them. She knew that they were good people, friends of her parents and of Jacqui's father. And she knew, or at least had been told, that they could be saved. Cassie had only faced them as enemies, yet she still felt like she could get some sense of the people hidden underneath.
She hoped her parents were right. That they could be saved. She'd like to properly meet those people, someday.
Cassie's thoughts, of herself, of her friends, of her parents and their friends. All firmly grasped her attention. So much so that she was completely oblivious as she walked right into Kung Jin, clearly in thought himself. The two bumped into each other and nearly fell over. It didn't take long before they recognized one another and started to laugh the whole thing off.
"Oh man, this is so typical of us." Jin said through laughs.
"Right?" Cassie replied, still snickering. "I mean when people say we tend to butt heads, I didn't think they were being literal!" She then burst into another fit of laughter.
"That was…terrible." Jin said as both his and Cassie's laughter started to die down.
"Well anyway," Cassie said in a clear effort to move on. "My mom called you up, right?"
"Yeah," Jin confirmed. "Said it was good to have everyone accounted for in case something goes down."
"Well the only thing that's happened so far is another run-in with the Black Dragon," Cassie explained. "They got away, but nobody was hurt, so I'm still calling it a win."
Kung Jin shrugged. "Sounds like a win to me. So how have you been?"
"Eh, holding in there," Cassie said honestly. "It's been kinda tough, but y'know, we'll get through it."
"You mean with Raiden?" Kung Jin asked.
Cassie thought for a moment. "I guess just ...with everything. Jacqui seems to think the answer is for me to start dating again. Maybe it'd help." she waved her hand dismissively. "Y'know what, I won't bore you with the details."
"Hey, you've listened to me plenty of times," Jin pointed out. "I'll be your ear if you need it."
"You sure?" Cassie asked. "I've...kinda got a lot to air out."
"Same here," Jin responded honestly. "Maybe we can help each other out."
"What are friends for?" Cassie asked rhetorically, starting to like the proposition.
Once the two located a place to sit down, it all came tumbling out. Their shared feeling of pressure due to who they were related to, Raiden's recent actions, Cassie's feeling that she hadn't earned much in her life, which Jin was quick to dismiss, making her feel a little better. They discussed their consideration of getting back into relationships after more than a few failed attempts in the past, how they might handle the situation of the revenants, the sudden disappearance of the Lin Kuei and the White Lotus's diametrically opposed viewpoint concerning Raiden when compared to the Special Forces. It was a lot. A year ago, neither Cassie nor Kung Jin would've thought that they'd be airing out their personal problems to one another. A year ago, they couldn't stand each other. Amazing what a little understanding a life-threatening situation could accomplish.
The shift wasn't lost on either of them, but neither felt the particular need to directly acknowledge it either. Their being friends was just the way things were now, and it was a welcome change in what felt like a sea of not-so-welcome ones.
"Jin, be honest with me," Cassie requested, still caught up in doubt. "Do you really think I should be squad leader?"
"I had my doubts at first, back when I was still being a jackass," Jin admitted. "But you proved yourself out there, same as we were all trying to do, really." He placed a hand on her shoulder in an attempt at comfort. "Look, I know you feel like you've been handed everything, but you're your own person. Take pride in where you are, because you've earned your stripes whether you realize it or not. I mean for crying out loud, you took on a former Elder God and walked awa-"
"I only got out of that fight because of my dad's superpower," Cassie reminded. "Maybe I'm not just here because of my mom, much as it might feel like it, but that win was hardly mine. People like you and Jacqui and Takeda have trained their whole lives to be as good as they are. Me….I feel like I was just born special. Or lucky, or whatever."
"From what Jacqui's told me, you've trained just as much as the rest of us," Jin argued. "You might've lucked out with that glow thing, but don't act like you don't deserve anything."
"She really said that?" Cassie asked.
"She's your best friend, 'course she did." Jin answered.
"Well yeah, but…" Cassie stopped herself. Maybe it was a stupid thing to think. "I dunno. We've never talked about it but I've always kinda worried that...maybe I was kind of showing her up in a way. That maybe I made her jealous, that I was receiving special treatment, or that I made her feel like I was."
"There were times that I thought like that. Until I realized how petty I was being."
Cassie was caught off guard by the sudden arrival of the very person she'd been talking about. But Jacqui clearly wasn't finished.
"Even if your parents did give you an edge in one way or another, that doesn't matter," Jacqui continued. "The important part is our mission. We keep people safe. But more than that..."
Cassie was just listening intently, letting her friend's words ease her worries, until Jacqui unexpectedly embraced her.
"Cass, you're the best friend I've ever had," Jacqui assured. "You're practically my sister. So don't worry about making me jealous, ok?"
"Funny, I coulda said the same thing about you," Cassie responded. "Probably wouldn't sound as good though."
Jacqui chuckled a bit, before letting go. "It's what I'm here for."
"So if you don't mind me asking," Kung Jin chimed in. "Where's the future Mr. Briggs?"
"Sword fighting with his dad," Jacqui answered. "Why do you ask?"
"No reason," Jin replied. "It's just that ever since you guys got engaged you've been pretty much inseparable."
"Yeah, love will do that to you," Jacqui said with a smile. "But I still like to make time for my friends."
"Hence tracking us two down." Jin surmised, briefly pointing to himself and Cassie.
"Pretty much," Jacqui confirmed. "So what have you guys been up to?"
"Honestly?" Cassie replied. "Venting."
"A lot that needed to get off our chests, I guess." Kung Jin added.
Jacqui nodded, understanding.
Before the three could converse further, they were approached by an individual. A young woman, roughly their own age, and of Native American descent. She wasn't at all dressed in typical Special Forces attire, instead a rather casual outfit of a sleeveless black shirt with a dark brown leather jacket draped over it, simple jeans with a noticeable red stripe down each of their sides, and a pair of heavy-looking black boots.
The dead giveaway that she was anything other than a mere civilian was the prominent red warpaint on her face that looked...strangely familiar to the three, and the headband she wore, which held a small group of large multicolored feathers.
"I'm sorry but, who are you exactly?" Jacqui asked, Cassie and Jin clearly equally confused.
"Do we just let anyone in now?" Jin questioned, which resulted in him being elbowed by Cassie.
"Apologies for any confusion, I was told to come here by Haokah." the young woman explained.
Clearly her explanation did little to clear things up, as the expressions of the three didn't exactly change.
"Sorry," she apologized again. "I believe you call him 'Raiden'."
"Oooohhhhh." Cassie said when she realized who the woman was talking about.
"I don't mean to be rude or anything, but that doesn't exactly clear up who you are." Jacqui pointed.
"No no, it is entirely understandable," the woman replied. "After all, we have never met. My name is Eyota. In my tribe's tongue it means 'special' or 'greatest'. I'm a bit too humble for it myself, but I suppose my parents always knew I would be destined for this responsibility."
"Responsibility?" Kung Jin asked.
"To harness the power of the Great Protector Spirit," Eyota explained. "You may be familiar with my title."
"Which is?" Jacqui asked next.
"Nightwolf." Eyota answered.
That seemed to be a name the three recognized.
"Nightwolf as in…." Cassie began to say.
"I assume you are aware of my predecessor, who gave his life defending Earthrealm." said this new Nightwolf.
"Yeah, we've heard of him." confirmed Jacqui.
"Good," Eyota responded. "Because I know how to save him. To save all those tortured souls."