Chapter 1: Moving On
The Special Forces have returned to their new base, completely different from the one that got destroyed by Kano and Sektor. They came back after celebrating the wedding for Takeda and Jacqui Takahashi. Kenshi remains behind in case the newlyweds need help with anything. Sonya continues her role as General to lead the Special Forces and they remain in contact with Kitana Kahn and Liu Kang in case they needed to help each other. Jackson Briggs has returned to being a Major in the Forces before he left to grief for his wife's death. Johnny Cage and Sonya have been dating again since the New Era and regained their memories, although Sonya seems to be somewhat traumatized by her death because it was the last thing she remembered and the last words she said to Cassie and Alex.
Alex and Cassie feel happy. Not only because they've been married for a year, but their two closest friends Jacqui and Takeda who just got married as well. Jacqui and Cassie always thought of each other as sisters and Takeda as a close friend to the two, and Alex thought about Jacqui and Jade as his sisters, knowing that he is an only child and was an orphan after his parents were killed by Kronika. He is pleased that they have been avenged and has been talking to Cassie about wanting a child of their own. From time to time since the New Era started, Alex has received extra training and mentoring from Fujin and Raiden about his powers and giving him advice.
"Man, a lot of things go by so quickly and weird, like since the New Era started. You and I got married, then Takeda and Jacqui. Alot goes by fast." Alex said
"I know. Like I said, I've seen a lot of crazy shit from the past 20 years of my life, but I thought meeting you was the craziest." Cassie said.
"What about all of this? Where almost none of that has ever happened, yet we still remember each other?" Alex asked.
"Oh yeah. Definitely crazy as shit if you ask me." Cassie said. "The last thing I remembered was fighting in the Netherrealm with everyone else and then bang! We're all here, mom included, no revenant assholes or anyone from Outworld other than Shao Kahn and no evil Elder Gods."
"I never met the bastard but with Kitana and Sindel in charge of Outworld planning an ambush on Shao Kahn, I'm willing to bet he won't stand a chance." Alex said. "Imagine his reaction when he gets his own ass kicked by his ex-wife."
Cassie laughs at what he said. "I'm willing to see how that turns out. I mean I've seen how Sindel fights. Wonder how she and Kitana have been getting along."
"I'm pretty sure they're just fine. Kitana has told me about the relationship between them before and after Shao Kahn happened. Pretty roughed up history." Alex tells her.
"And because of you and Liu Kang, he barely has anywhere to run." Cassie said.
"I won't lie, it was tough trying to change history to make sure everyone lived, but couldn't do that without trying to kill Shao Kahn. We had to follow Raiden and Fujin's advise to make sure none of that happened again. So the only solution for the good guys was to get to Sindel's remains before Shao Kahn did and bring her back with the Soul Chamber." Alex said.
"Not as confusing as I thought it was going to be, but for a smart, sexy man like you, you made some good points." Cassie flirts.
"Trust me, it's still confusing as hell." Alex said. "After that, we restored their memories, including Sindel's and they worked together to drive Shao Kahn back to Edenia with his creepy sorcerers. Not only that, we were prepared for the Cyber Lin Kuie when they tried to kidnap Smoke and Sub Zero. Raiden had Liu Kang and Kung Lao distract Shao Kahn during the second tournament while he and Fujin restored Sindel and Hanzo Hasashi."
"And with Queen Sheeva and Baraka's memories restored as well as everyone else, Shao Kahn is just about fucked over." Cassie said.
"Oh definitely, my love. Especially with Kitana Kahn, Jade and Sindel in charge of Outworld." Alex said.
"From what Kitana told me, he always had such a bad ego, probably worse than Frost or Shinnok." Cassie said. "I may be the cocky one, but I'm no fucking idiot."
"Another thing I love about you, my darling wife." Alex said before he and Cassie kiss.
"You know I'll always love you and you know it." Cassie said.
"Oh you bet your ass I do." Alex flirts before they kiss again. Their kiss gets a little deeper as Alex runs his hands through her short hair. As they pull away, Alex has had thoughts about something.
"What's wrong?" Cassie asked.
"After talking to Jacqui, I've been wanting to ask. It's been a year since we got married. When do you think we should, you know?" Alex asked nervously.
"Sweetheart, we have all the time in the world. Nothing is going to stop us from making that come true. Trust me, as long as nothing serious happens, we can handle anything like champions like we always do." Cassie tells him and strokes his cheek. She's always felt pride in herself ever since she took down Shinnok and leading the Special Forces, even after her mom died before the time change. Alex felt the same way, having become stronger with the Special Forces and killing Kronika.
"You're right. You toasted Shinnok and I killed Kronika. What could go wrong?" Alex joked, making her snicker.
"Coming from the Chosen One destined to beat Kronika." Cassie joked back.
"Please, you embarrass me." Alex teased.
"I'm only just getting started." Cassie said. They both have a small laugh. That was when they noticed Jax standing by himself. Alex and Cassie look at each other in worry before they walk over to him.
"Mr. Jax? You alright there, man?" Alex asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Never felt better since what happened before this." Jax said. "Still can't believe Jacqui married a Shirai Ryu."
"Yeah. Takeda has always been a trustworthy person. I've always felt that Takeda and Jacqui would belong together. I was just afraid of what you would think." Cassie said.
"I was skeptical at first I'll give you that, but if Kenshi and Hanzo trust him, then it's only fair if I do the same. Heard about the good things he's done." Jax said.
"I believe it, considering the time we all spent with him." Cassie said.
"Yeah, I mean he was a very kind person from when I met him. He was the only other one other than Cassie that trusted me. I had a feeling it'd be him and Jacqui." Alex said. "Besides, I know Jacqui will be fine. You should've seen how pissed she was when we took on Frost and Cetrion."
"Oh yeah. She said that Frost tried to fry you but you survived and you both kicked her ass around the place." Jax smiled.
"Well serves her right for underestimating us, including Jacqui." Alex said, making him chuckle.
"If anyone knows Jacqui, she is one person you do not want to mess with, no matter what reason you have." Jax said.
"After getting to know your daughter, during the whole time war thing, I told her that I thought that her purpose in life would be more than protecting me and Cassie, it was filling in your shoes because she looked up to you." Alex said.
"Is that right? Those were some fine words of encouragement you've set for her, son." Jax said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I guess you're right. I originally thought it was for other reasons, but I'm glad Raiden told me otherwise."
"Either way, you have your reasons to fight for family. That's what we all must do." Cassie said.
"I shouldn't need to worry. If anyone knows Jacqui it's us. She's one hell of a soldier thanks to us. She's just as tough as me." Jax said.
"Told you so, Mr. Jax. After knowing her, I felt like she's like an older sister to me. A sister I never had. Told Jade the same thing. Jacqui was the one who slapped some sense into me when I felt down." Alex said.
"If it's one thing I learned the hard way, it's that you gotta let go, otherwise, the pain won't stop. I felt even more bad when I heard Kronika killed your parents. Only thing I was afraid of was if you were still pissed at me for trying to kidnap you and such." Jax said.
"Not at all. I don't blame you for Kronika being a god awful liar. You thought for your family for her own reasons, and you came back when we needed you most." Alex said.
"Son, you are gonna make one hell of a father one day. You've done good so far taking care of Cassie." Jax said. "One thing I like to ask. No more with the formality shit. I ain't that old. Not yet anyways." Alex chuckles a little.
"You got yourself a deal. I guess we all have to move on, but it's never too late to do so." Alex said as he and Jax bump fists with each other.
Over elsewhere in the base, Johnny and Sonya interact with each other. Their relationship seems to be going stable, in fact, going better now that the whole family is back together and everyone is having a better future.
"You know, it definitely feels like everything is going uphill rather than downhill since we're not hunting anyone down other than waiting for Kitana to send word to us." Johnny said. "Still can't help but feel that it was only a year ago."
"You're telling me. The last trip to the Neatherrealm with me dying, scariest shit everyone had to go through." Sonya said.
"God. Past you was shocked on the first day she got here in the present and was Cassie's age. And Alex and Jacqui were so pissed off at Dark Raiden and blamed him for the loss." Johnny said. "It hit us so hard, too easy to forget. Cassie missed you so much."
"I could say I wouldn't blame him for what happened, but for what he said, I would've loved to punch him in the face for that. Still, I can't help but sometimes have nightmares from the experience." Sonya said. No one could blame her though, since she had no choice. She knew she wasn't going to make it out despite the urging from her daughter and son-in-law. Sonya has had nightmares about her death, but they don't come very often. It still didn't stop her from wanting to continue her career. It breaks her heart imagining how Cassie felt after Sonya sacrificed herself.
"On the bright side, at least it wasn't in vain, even during the time war. It was all thanks to Cassie and Alex." Johnny said.
"You know, I still cannot believe the thought about our son-in-law being half elder god with no parents." Sonya said.
"Believe me, he was in utter denial after realizing what happened to his parents and status. He was ranting about not wanting to do with it until Jacqui and Cassie talked some sense into him. He has us as parents. We've always been a family even after the split, I realized that." Johnny said. Even though he and Alex liked to mess with each other a lot, Johnny couldn't help but feel bad for him, about losing a family he never knew. He was the first to think of Alex like a son to him.
"Yeah, you're right. He's been through alot like we have. He's just like Liu Kang in a way as well as Cassie. Looked up to us as his idols." Sonya said.
"At least he didn't take inspiration to be a movie star, that's for sure." Johnny joked.
"Surprised that he didn't even interact with younger you, considering how much of an asshole you were." Sonya teased.
"Oh god, don't remind me. I was the one who had to babysit him the entire time and teach him a lesson in humility." Johnny said.
"And by humility as in kick the shit outta him?" Sonya asked.
"Wait, what? How did you know that?" Johnny asked, now feeling embarrassed for what he had to do.
"Sorry. It's a secret." Sonya said.
"If it was Alex who recorded me, he's so going to pay for that." Johnny said before he and Sonya share a small laugh.
"But still, I don't even know what the hell is gonna happen now with Kitana being Outworld's new Kahn." Sonya said.
"Better than having Shao Kahn, Mileena and Kotal. Kotal isn't too bad though he can be a big asshole sometimes." Johnny said.
"I guess. It's still a little tough trying to adjust to everything around here after a whole year." Sonya said. "And trying to imagine what would happen when Sindel takes back Edenia."
"Good point, but gotta remember that Sindel was brainwashed by tall, dark and gruesome except that was in the past in the Old Era." Johnny said.
"Hope you're right. Anything would be better than what we went through beforehand." Sonya said. Sonya seems to be rather a tad distrustful of Sindel considering the only time they've met was when she massacred most of Earthrealm's heroes except for her and Johnny. Sonya trusts Kitana, remembering that they fought beside each other against Shao Kahn before the latter originally died. But seeing things different around everyone gives them mixed feelings, but they know that it is best to move on. What they have now is better than what they went through before.
As everyone has been learning to move on from the past from the Old Era, they all still remember their normal duties they must do in their lives. They still have enemies, old and new to deal with. Unfortunately, Kano is alive once again due to time being changed after being killed by Past Sonya. He may not look smart, he is clever despite his cowardice. He's usually never on the same threat level as Shao Kahn, but there has been word saying that they have forged an alliance like before. Shang Tsung, despite relying more on his sorcery, was intrigued by the weapons Kano has stocked. The Special Forces tend to make a plan to stop Kano's Black Dragon from delivering weapons to Shao Kahn in Edenia and combining their own forces.
General Sonya, Commander Cassie and the Special Forces await for Fujin, Liu Kang, Kitana, Raiden and Sindel for a meeting, hearing word about the alliance between Shao Kahn and the Black Dragon. The forces watch as a large portal opens up close to the entrance of the base, with their allies approaching.
"General Blade. Commander Cassandra, Sergeant Alex." Fujin greets them.
"Let me guess, you got your plans figured out on Shao Kahn and take back Edenia?" Cassie asked.
"Correct." Fujin said.
"It took us plenty of time to figure out what Shao Kahn is planning, but thanks to reliable spies, we know what he plans to do." Kitana Kahn said.
Alex looks at the drawings and designs of the realm and brings up a hologram of the map. "Is this Edenia? Your home realm?" Alex asked.
"Yes. The place we grew up in before Shao Kahn stole it from us. He got to conquer through decisive victory in Mortal Kombat." Kitana said.
"And he plans on bringing his army here to Earthrealm and Outworld next, I'm assuming." Sonya guessed.
"Right. Although Shao Kahn may be evil, he knows well that he has to follow its rules. Fortunately he does not remember what happened from the Old Era. This can give us an opportunity." Liu Kang said.
"This should be easy, considering that you have Queen Sheeva and Baraka on your side." Alex said.
"Nothing is ever easy, Alex. Shao Kahn would probably have a backup plan since he couldn't persuade them to his side." Cassie said.
"Cassandra is right." Raiden said. "Shao Kahn is still keeping Jerrod's remains in a mystic chamber to sustain his magic. Jerrod has learned magic alongside weapon expertise and swordsmanship. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are manipulating his soul to force the Edenian warriors to obey Shao Kahn."
"My deceased husband has trained these warriors for generations and despite losing many to Shao Kahn, they are not to be underestimated. They have been taught many things by Jerrod himself to hold back unless otherwise, and knowing Shao Kahn, he will not be merciful." Sindel said.
"And what makes matters worse is he is actually teaming up with Kano. Given that it has happened before, and he may not be as big of a threat as Shao Kahn is, Kano's expertise in weaponry and knowledge of the Special Forces could mean trouble." The General said.
"So we gotta make sure Kano and Shao Kahn don't have a union meeting and then what's next for all we know, invasion of Earthrealm and Outworld." Alex said.
"And that is why we must divide and conquer. Our combined experience of our enemies will come in handy." Liu Kang said.
"Right. Given that we've known these guys for years, we're bound to gain the upperhand, but let's not forget about their expertise in their own stuff." Cassie said.
"Right, cause the last thing we would want is a war almost as bad as the last one with Shao Kahn. Everyone's worst nightmare combined." Jax said.
"Out of all the people here, you guys are the only ones who know Edenia all that well. Don't you think Shao Kahn would probably be aware of us coming?" Johnny asked. Not that he doubts the plan, and despite not having interacted with Shao Kahn once, knows that Shao Kahn isn't as dumb as some say he is despite his arrogance.
"It's a big risk, Johnny Cage. But you are correct. Shao Kahn would be ready for anything, especially with Shang Tsung's expertise. That's why we must take out the weaker link first." Fujin stated.
"And that would be the Black Dragon. Without Kano's followers and weapons, Shao Kahn's army will be weaker." Raiden said.
"Hoping you would say that, that's why we're making a plan to invade their base of operations. Thankfully Kano won't see us coming, but he's gotten more backup." Sonya said. "According to what Alex has found through his stealth drones, he has Tasia, Kabal, Tremor and Jarek backing him up. I remember us running into them during the whole incident with Reiko."
"You have a plan, General Blade?" Liu Kang asked.
"Yes. My men and I will infiltrate the New Black Market Alley." She said as she brings up a map of the place." Kano's alley is different from the one Cassie has been to. It's bigger than when it was before. It looks like what used to be like a big hotel but was turned into an illegal marketing store. Kano may have thought about a contingency plan just in case his cover was blown.
"And with both Grandmasters Sub-Zero and Hasashi busy with their own businesses, we're on our own." Alex said.
"We can't just charge in like a bunch of rioters. Otherwise Kano will jump ahead of schedule and send word to Shao Kahn." Johnny said.
"These weapons are packed with explosives, rpgs, rifles, snipers, you name it. Kabal will no doubt be on watch for anyone who tries to infiltrate, so we will have to be more careful. Everyone else are no slouches either, so facing them may be tough. But we figured out who's gonna fight who. First, Major Jax will lead Alpha and Bravo team to attack from the outside to gain Kano's mens' attention, giving us an opportunity to attack from the inside. Kano and his followers will no doubt try to guard or try to escape with the weapons early to meet up with Shao Kahn. Kung Jin and I will handle Kabal and Tasia, dad will take Jarek. Special Forces dealt with them before. Alex will fight Tremor. He's an earth elemental, sort of like Geras. Alex shouldn't have a hard time trying to counter him. General will capture Kano. Once all of them are down for the count, we can destroy the weapons. No weapons, no support for Shao Kahn." Cassie tells the group.
"Not a bad plan. But we must spare no effort to make sure it works. Chances are Kano may change his plans ahead of time to meet up with Shao Kahn. It is only best to attack when his defenses have grown weaker." Sindel said.
"She's right. We only have one shot at this. Our top priority is making sure not one weapon reaches Shao Kahn. And we cannot afford to lose anyone on this mission. We're gonna need all the help we can get if you're gonna take back your home." Alex said.
"Perhaps it is best that we wait here until you return. Me and mother are needed most to take back Edenia because we know our home best. Without the Black Dragon's support, Shao Kahn would have to rely on his army, and we must take advantage of his arrogance in any way." Kitana said.
"Regardless of whether Shao Kahn survives or not, he will no doubt try to retreat to the Netherrealm. Surely he would have a backup fortress. But Edenia comes first." Raiden said.
"Alright. We all know what we have to do. This is something we cannot afford to lose, otherwise, it'll be war all over again like last time." Sonya said.
"I have confidence that you will succeed. You have helped push back the evil for decades. Surely you can handle a situation like this." Liu Kang said.
Thanks, Liu Kang." Sonya said before turning to the Special Forces. "Alright. You heard what the plan is. We move out immediately. Grab what you can and meet us outside. We head for the Black Market Storage. Am I clear?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Everyone said, including Commander Cassie, Alex, Jax and Johnny. As everyone moves out, Fujin grabs Alex's shoulder to get his attention.
"Alex. A word with you." Fujin said.
Alex turns to look at his wife, who seemingly looks worried, but he gives Cassie a reassuring smile and nod to tell her he'll be okay. He turns back to the gods. "What is it?"
"Remember what we have taught you for the past year, Alex. Though you and I are still new to knowing more abilities, I know in my heart that you will succeed." Liu Kang said.
"I'll remember. I don't plan on letting anyone die. Not on my watch. Wish I could do more than just manipulate elements. Wish I could create them." Alex said. Alex has little regret on not being able to summon elements on his own, he hopes to do so one day. Thanks to his training by Kitana, Jade, Kung Lao and Fujin, he has since learned to adapt when necessary. Thankfully he has mastered his energy-based moves.
"Worry not, Alex. Perhaps something will happen. You must give it time and have faith in yourself. Whenever you're troubled, let the winds guide you. It's my way of knowing what you must do." Fujin said.
"It may take years or less for something to happen. Though I am no longer a god, I sense more potential buried deep within your spirit, Alexander. Someday we may figure it out. May the Elder Gods protect you." Raiden said.
"Thanks. The three of you. I may not be like you guys, but I'm still proud of being half god." Alex said. "Hope we have a safe trip home." He said before he leaves to catch up with the others. Liu Kang, Fujin and Raiden turn to each other.
"He has helped bring peace back to Earthrealm once before. He can do so again with help." Liu Kang said.
"If Kronika had not summoned him to Earthrealm, we probably would not be here. She failed to sense his spirit like we have, that's what led to her downfall." Fujin said.
Kitana, Sindel, Fujin, Liu Kang and Raiden watch as the Special Forces head to their destination to stop the Black Dragon from meeting with Shao Kahn. They remain confident, even Sindel, despite not knowing them well outside Alex and Cassie from what her daughter told her.
"You seem to have a lot of confidence in the Special Forces." Sindel said.
"You doubt them, mother?" Kitana asked.
"No. I have seen what they could do, given from my horrible experience as a revenant. I have confidence in Cassandra Cage's abilities since she defeated Shinnok. You have told me about Alex and what he can do. I believe that it is only fair that I trust him if you and Jade do." Sindel said. While her opinion on Earthrealmers isn't as high as Kitana's and Jade's, she doesn't technically dislike them. She has come to respect Cassie for being one of the strongest fighters alongside Liu Kang. And although she has interacted with Alex, she realizes that she and Kitana share the same kind of pain that Alex had. Sindel hopes that they interact more upon their return. Sindel has confidence in him, knowing that he defeated Kronika and wishes to make it up to him for the staged assassination attempt on him.
Note: I've planned to have each character interact with other characters they haven't done much before or at all. Examples with characters like Kenshi, Jax and Sindel. Again, Sindel is a hero, not a bs retconned villain like from the MK11 Aftermath story. This story will focus on Alex being one of the main protagonists as he will be tested physically, emotionally, and mentally.