Chapter 8: Double Date
One Week Later
Jacqui and Takeda have returned from their Shirai-Cross Bondings journey and from their honeymoon. It seems like they had a good time. The couple seemed to have taken longer than they should've. Something must've happened during their trip and they are bound and wouldn't want to not tell anyone of what happened, especially with General Sonya, Jax, Alex or Cassie. The family await their return along with Kenshi.
The private jet lands as the family smiles upon their return. They return to see Kenshi coming down with Takeda and Jacqui, smiling and holding hands. It appears that the trip was worth it. They must've been through alot. Alex and Cassie couldn't help but feel happy for the two. Alex figured they were together since his arrival and Cassie always knew they had feelings for each other.
"Long time, no spar, Jacqui." Cassie said, hugging her best friend. "Had no one else to beat up other than Jin."
"You couldn't resist saying that to me, couldn't you?" Jacqui asked, smiling.
"Sorry. Old habits. Never getting tired of it." Cassie joked.
General Sonya comes up to salute Jacqui and she salutes back. "Few days late of reporting for duty." The General teased.
"Sorry. Wanted to make up for some time after what we've been through." Jacqui saluted before hugging her.
"Guessing some shit went down while you two had your trip?" Jax asked, hugging his daughter.
"Pretty much. Can never have a perfect good time. It's always been that way for us and that's the way I like it." Jacqui said and they laugh.
"Glad to hear you made it back. Must've been all worth it." Alex said, fistbumping Takeda.
"You have no idea the shit we've been through to get things done to do the real fun. We still had some fun beforehand." Takeda said.
"What do you mean by that?" Cassie asked.
"It's a long story, Cassie." Takeda tells her.
"You can tell us, later. Right now, there's something you need to hear. All of you." Sonya tells them and the four young couples look at each other confusingly.
"What do you mean?" Takeda asked.
Sonya guides them all to the main holographic projector and turns it on to show them something. "Sub-Zero. He has told us that Sektor has returned with man-made Cyber Lin Kuei."
"Sektor. I remember now. When Liu Kang and I saved him from being kidnapped by Sektor with the hourglass, they ended up escaping as a consequence." Alex said, slamming his fist down lightly.
"It's not your fault, Sergeant Alex. We all know about the consequences of time." General Sonya said.
"So he's back. Given the changes in history, it's no big surprise that most of our enemies survived as a consequence. With everyone's memories intact, that's how Kitana Kahn regained control of Outworld and its armies." Cassie said.
"So what happened while we were gone?" Jacqui asked.
"It's a long story. But first things first. Sektor must've figured out how to make more by hand since we tracked down his factories and disabled them after the New Era started." Sonya said.
"And from Grandmaster Blueberry Ice told us, he said he had some sort of partner." Johnny said.
"Did he ever mention who?" Jacqui asked.
"Apparently not. What we do know is that Sektor found some sort of old book." Alex said, bringing up an image of it. "Sub-Zero managed to memorize the front of it and drew it and sent it to us. Looks like some sort of spellbook for all we know."
"I don't recognize anything like that. I'm not even sure if Grandmaster Hasashi knows of its existence." Takeda said.
"We could try asking Raiden, Fujin or Sindel if they know." Alex said.
"Not a bad idea. Though what still bugs me is who was this book sent to?" Cassie asked.
"It couldn't be Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. They're trapped in the Neatherrealm after the whole thing in Edenia went down." Jax said.
"You mean they're still alive?" Jacqui asked.
"Unfortunately. But the good news is Shao Kahn is dead." Sonya said. Jacqui and Takeda look at each other in surprise. They have heard how powerful Shao Kahn was from the previous two timelines, when Shao Kahn originally unleashed Armageddon and killed Raiden, and in the previous timeline, he almost beat Raiden again but failed thanks to the Elder Gods.
"I guess the journey to Edenia must've been one hell of a funtime." Jacqui said. "Anyone else still alive?"
"Well Kano and Tasia got away again. Kabal is locked up. D'Vorah is dead again, and everyone else escaped to the Neatherrealm." Cassie said.
"Well shit. At least they got what they deserved." Takeda said.
"There was also Mileena, Kollector and Rain. They've escaped with those two weird sorcerers. From what Sindel said, Ermac and Reptile are there as well. Only one missing is Skarlet. She's usually with Shao Kahn." Jax said.
Jacqui and Takeda look at each other again, and they realize what may be going on. After a moment, they nod to each other and look back to their family, holding hands. "Yeah, about that last part about Skarlet." Takeda said.
"What?" The General asked. "What's wrong?"
"Skarlet is alive. Apparently she's gone rogue and used to team up with a certain enemy we thought was gone. The Red Dragon." Kenshi said.
"Son of a bitch. Seriously?" Alex and Cassie said at the same time.
"Okay. Call me crazy with a K, but didn't you and Kenshi take down Daegon? Me and Hasashi saw you." Kung Jin said.
"That's what we've been meaning to tell you." Takeda said. The whole group look at each other in confusion. They remember hearing from Jin telling them what happened on their way to stop the Black Dragon.
"The Red Dragon was still alive and in hiding. They wanted revenge on Grandmaster Hasashi, dad, Kenshi and the Shirai Ryu. During our journey, we were intercepted twice. Once by a man named Lang Cho the top lieutenant. He was a friend of Hsu Hao, whom dad killed. The second time by Skarlet. We were ambushed a third time and almost died, but thankfully Kenshi and Hasashi saved us. It was led by Dogron, a clone created by Daegon and considered him a son. We managed to kill him and the Red Dragon went down." Jacqui said. "I killed Lang Cho, but Skarlet disappeared."
"So the Red Dragon was still alive this entire time until y'all brought those assholes down. But why would Skarlet be with them?" Jax asked.
"Exactly. From what I've seen she always worked for Shao Kahn. Always followed him ever since he saved her from the streets and trained her." Sonya said.
"But she must've rebelled or something due to the time changes." Cassie said.
"Yeah, about that one, Cass. Skarlet remembers everything." Takeda said.
"Remembers everything? What are you talking about?" Jax asked.
"That's the thing. We don't know how. She remembers torturing me and Cassie and turning us into her slaves for Reiko and Havik. She also mentioned stealing and tasting most of Alex's blood." Jacqui said. This made Alex shiver. He remembered the only time he fought Skarlet and bested her, but was caught in a trap and would've been dead or brought to Kronika if it weren't for Jade.
"That's impossible. None of those fuckers should remember anything. Kano didn't, neither did Kabal. Even Shao Kahn and the sorcerers couldn't remember a thing." Alex said.
"Yeah. There has to be an explanation for this. Skarlet must be planning something devious. Something that none of us will like one bit. The Blood Bitch just refuses to die." Cassie said.
"You're right, Cassie. Whatever this is, it could be a threat to all realms for all we know." Sonya said.
"Shouldn't we tell the others about what we just heard and all? Skarlet is pretty much an enemy to everyone." Alex asked.
"I would. She could be anywhere." Johnny said.
"Yes. I think we should do that. I should warn Liu Kang, Kitana Kahn, Fujin, and Sindel. Maybe they know something about Skarlet." Sonya said.
"We should help. We might be able to provide details." Takeda said.
"It's alright, Takeda. I can have Kenshi come with me. Besides, you two have been through enough with the Red Dragon. For now, you should rest. If you want to make plans tonight, do it now. You resume your duties starting tomorrow. Understood?" Sonya said.
"Yes, ma'am." Jacqui and Takeda both said.
"Good. It's good to have you two back. Would've been more fun with you two around." Sonya smiled before she and Kenshi turn to leave.
So now the Special Forces know about the Red Dragon and Skarlet. The Red Dragon may be gone, but for now, they must focus on finding and capturing Skarlet. They can't help but wonder how she was able to remember everything after Alex and Liu Kang changed history. They're hoping to find out.
Meanwhile, Jacqui and Takeda turn to leave as well. They're thinking of a plan on what to do before they resume their work with the Special Forces. They've been through so much completing their task and on their honeymoon. Then they suddenly had an idea.
"So, Cassie. Alex. Got any plans for tonight?" Jacqui asked.
Alex and Cassie look at each other, wondering what she means. "Not much. We were helping track down Kano and Tasia, hoping to see where they could be hiding, but other than that, no not really." Cassie said.
"Well, we figured since me and Takeda don't come back to work until tomorrow, we were thinking we could go somewhere tonight? General already told us we can make plans so why not do them with you?" Jacqui said.
"You mean like a double date?" Alex asked.
"Always the bright one, little brother." Jacqui teased.
Alex and Cassie look at each other again and smile and nod. They decided it's a good idea. They go on dates almost every weekend so it wouldn't hurt to do so. "Yeah, we can. Hope we pick something badass as always."
"Oh you bet your ass." Jacqui said. "See y'all tonight." Jacqui and Takeda take their leave.
"Just like always?" Takeda asked.
"Just like always." Jacqui replied before they kiss.
"I love you, Jacqui." Takeda said.
"I love you, Takeda." Jacqui replied as they stare into each other's eyes.
Alex and Cassie are still happy about Jacqui and Takeda coming together and the way they kicked ass against Red Dragon. "That's why they are the best we know." Alex said.
"Oh definitely. Red Dragon should've known better than to mess with our best friends like that. Serves those assholes right." Cassie said, making her husband snicker.
"If anyone taught me not to mess them, it was them, Jax and you." Alex said. "Like that time when Jin accidentally gave me a big bruise on my face and you two got pissed off at him." This made Cassie laugh.
"Well he didn't mean to after apologizing a hundred times." Cassie said. "But still, no one should ever mess with you and me. Don't forget that."
Alex smiles before suddenly grabbing her waist and pulling her in. "Says the one who defeated Shinnok and Liu Kang. Knew you'd be the strongest and sexiest I know." Alex said, flirting with her.
"I was gonna say the same about you, as well as this. I love you, Alex." Cassie whispered in his ear.
"I love you too, Cassie." Alex said before they lean in and kiss.
Later that night, Cassie, Takeda, Jacqui and Alex are dressed in casual clothing. Takeda with a dark red sweater. Jacqui is sporting her favorite green sleeveless shirt she normally wears in the military and has skinny jeans on and high heels. Cassie with her favorite white and blue jacket, mini blue shirt and shorts and Alex wearing a hoodie with a plain black t underneath and black jeans.
They head to a japanese steakhouse restaurant, one of their favorite places to go. Alex grew fond of the place after his first date with Cassie. The four catch each other up on what they've been doing involving missions the journey Hanzo sent them on.
"So how does it feel to be part of the Shirai Ryu?" Cassie asked.
"Still a little weird. I was honestly nervous as hell becoming the wife of the chujin. This journey we went on took more than three days if it weren't for people getting in the way." Jacqui said.
"At least you kicked a lot of asses. I would've liked to see you beat the hell out of Skarlet, though." Alex said.
"Oh, I haven't forgotten what she did to you. Next time we see her, she's dead." Jacqui said.
"You still want to talk to Jade about that. She wants payback as much as you do." Alex said, making her giggle.
"We had to make a royal promise to the spirit of the clan that we would never turn our backs on each other. I did one, Jacqui did one and we did a final one together. Along the way, we met some nice people, friends of the grandmaster." Takeda said.
"Bet they were fighters and have a family." Cassie said.
"Oh they do. Chief Hasoshi and his wife Kumiko have two children named Jubilee and Satoshi. They've been hearing about us, especially the kids. They admired us. Wanted to be like us." Jacqui said.
"Ooh. You got admirers. I'm already fucking jealous. Apparently the blood ceremony made you guys so popular." Cassie said.
"That's how it rolls with the Shirai Ryu apparently." Jacqui said.
"What were the kids like?" Alex asked.
"Well, Jubilee wanted to be like her father, become the new chief and a fighter. Satoshi was named after the grandmaster's late son. He was very shy at first, but he began to warm up to us. He was kind and wants to be part of the clan and fight alongside us." Takeda said.
"Wow. Those kids are braver than I thought. Hopefully we'll get to meet them one day." Cassie said.
"You will." Jacqui said. "What about you two? What have y'all been up to other than practicing making a family." She teased, knowing it would make Alex blush greatly. His face was turning deep red.
Cassie couldn't help but giggle at his reaction and grasps his hand to calm him down. "Alex, it's okay to talk about it." Cassie said, trying not to laugh too loud.
"Uh, well, we have done that as well as two straight missions." Alex said.
"Heard you ran into trouble with Black Dragon again and met Shao Kahn." Jacqui said.
"The guy didn't look as fucking ugly as I thought he would be, but he sounded like an arrogant idiot high on Outworld drinks." Alex said, making them snicker.
"Speaking of which, something came up." Cassie said. "When I was fighting Kano and Tasia, they were stronger because of Shao Kahn's magic. They were able to match my green armor. When I was getting my ass handed to me, my powers started glowing yellow."
"That's new. That never happened to Johnny." Alex said.
"You're right. That was my first time. Question is, how did that happen?" Cassie asked. She realized that if her powers hadn't upgraded, she would've been dead.
"Well what's important is you're still alive. You kicked their asses and made them cry as usual." Takeda said.
"He's right. Now you're the one who's always impressing me. "Alex said, kissing her cheek.
"You know, seeing and talking to Jubilee and Satoshi had us thinking of something." Jacqui asked.
"What would that be?" Alex asked.
"Me and Takeda had a talk. We were thinking of going into yours and Cass's footsteps." Jacqui said. Alex and Cassie both see what she's talking about. "We're thinking about having a family too."
"You know, there's nothing to be afraid of when it comes to telling us that. I'm with you on that." Alex said.
"Me too. If you like to start a family, go for it. Just know that you can count on us to help with your future kids. Completely up to you on when you want to start. There are no bylaws on how long you have to wait. I mean mom and dad are fine with it, I'm sure. They too support you all the way." Cassie said.
"And we could say the same for you two. We know you've been thinking about it before the battle in the Neatherrealm. I'd say you two would make good parents." Jacqui said.
The four of them continue to flirt and eat dinner, thinking of the future. They all had the right idea of starting a family of their own and would like each other to become godparents. Cassie and Alex were in talks of starting one when they were dating for three years. Jacqui and Takeda became inspired by Chief Hososhi and Kumiko to start a family and follow in their best friends' footsteps. They know that they have all the time in the world to decide, along with support from Johnny, Kenshi, Jax and Sonya. The four also wonder how their children would be like in the future yet to come.
"And you are sure that Skarlet is alive?" Liu Kang said via communication with the ancient tablets Raiden gave to everyone.
"Absolutely. Hasashi, Jacqui and Takeda have pretty much confirmed it. She could be anywhere." Sonya said.
"But it still does not make sense for Skarlet to retain her memories. It should not have been possible when Liu Kang and Alexander used the hourglass." Raiden said.
"Can't you just use the hourglass to find her?" Johnny suggested.
"It is not that simple, Johnny Cage. The hourglass requires precise work. Besides, I have tried to locate her with it. She has not been visible to the Sands of Time. I do not know why." Liu Kang corrected him.
"But we can't just let her go scotch free. Something is going up in hell and flames and I'm not liking it one bit." Jax said.
"There have been no signs of her here in Edenia. If she did appear, I would've been alerted by now." Sindel said. Sindel has been very familiar with Skarlet before her suicide, created by Shao Kahn himself.
"Skarlet can prove to be a threat to us all, whatever her motives are." Fujin said.
"Which is why we have to do what it takes to find her." Sonya said.
"Agreed. We must bring her in for questioning. If all else fails, then we could try to bring her to the hourglass and find out how." Raiden said.
"Alright. You lot take care of yourselves. Whichever one of us finds Skarlet first, we will contact each other at the earliest opportunity." Sonya said. Everyone nods into agreement before signing off.
"Man, that woman is one creepy bitch." Jax said.
"Oh you're telling me, given what she did to our daughters." Johnny said. He always hated Skarlet for kidnapping Cassie. In fact, he can't stand anyone who threatens his family.
"Not to mention what she did to Alex and getting herself involved with the Red Dragon. Good news is those assholes we don't need to worry about." Sonya said.
While everyone knows that they share yet another common enemy being Skarlet, little do they know what her true intentions lie. She has always been a mysterious type of person. No one knows when she will make her next move.
Note: I like seeing best friends bond with each other, so I thought why not do some catching up with each other. I forgot to mention this in the previous chapters, but I'm so happy that Smoke and Rain are returning as playable characters in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1. I'm surprised to see Frost back but as a kameo characters.