Chapter 9: 2nd Wedding Anniversary
One Year Later
It has been a year since Shao Kahn has been killed. Or at least in everyone's eyes. Because of Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, their sorcery have connected his consciousness to other clones that look like him. They still have ways to go to counter the barriers that Liu Kang and Fujin have places in the other realms to keep them at bay until everyone is ready. The heroes are also in for a surprise. Speaking of which, Sonya Blade and Kenshi have since told Liu Kang, Kitana Kahn, Fujin and Sindel about Skarlet and what Jacqui and Takeda have discovered. They were told that Skarlet somehow retained her memories from the Old Era and is planning something devious. Special Forces, Outworld, Edenia, the Lin Kuei and the Shirai Ryu are all searching for her, all believing that something big may come.
Not much has changed since a year has passed. Edenia has been rebuilt to how it was before Shao Kahn invaded. Sindel is now Empress of the realm and maintains peace while her edenian warriors are being well-trained and are very powerful. Sindel has not let her guard down, wanting to be ready for Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, wanting to make them pay. The memories that have haunted her no longer do so. In Outworld, Kitana Kahn maintains her position and she has helped her mother rebuild Edenia alongside Jade, Liu Kang, Raiden and Kotal. Queen Sheeva and Baraka remain as leaders of their tribes. Kitana and Liu Kang have taken a step further in their relationship and felt relieved that they have become closer than they would've in the Old Era should they not have died. Raiden knew that they were meant to be while changing the future. Jade and Kotal have also taken a step further in their own relationship, and have thoughts about marriage and family. The Lin Kuei hasn't changed much either. Sub-Zero continues to be grandmaster and continues to train and hunt down Sektor alongside the Cyber Lin Kuie with Frost, Smoke and Cyrax helping Sub-Zero.
Not a whole lot has changed within the Special Forces. They continue to hunt down the Black Dragon in hopes of gaining info on Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's plans so they could be ready. Sonya has been promoted to Major General Blade along with Jax. Johnny Cage continues to be Colonel. Ever since the changes Raiden made to stop Shao Kahn, Johnny became inspired to follow in Sonya's footsteps and become a soldier. Cassie has been promoted to Captain with Jacqui becoming Commander. Takeda and Jin maintain their positions at the Special Forces. Alex continues his work as Sergeant, which he is happy about. His friends have thought about making him leader with his status as half god, but he turned it down, believing Cassie to be the best leader. The Forces have failed to figure out the sudden upgrade to Cassie's powers and how it occured during her fight against Kano and Tasia. And Alex has not figured out the sudden anger he has from time to time when fighting his enemies. For now, he and Cassie plan surprises for each other for their wedding anniversary.
Major General Sonya has arranged a meeting with the Special Forces on the possible places Kano could be hiding. Kabal, who is somewhat still a prisoner, reluctantly agreed to help them track down the Black Dragon when he realized a year ago that Kano betrayed him.
"As you were." Sonya salutes them. "It has been a year since Shao Kahn has been killed. Regardless, we still have many enemies out there. First of all, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are still trapped in the Neatherrealm with an army. With the combined forces, we will be ready and be on guard for what realms they may attack first. Secondly, Kano and Tasia have since gone into hiding after the whole battle in Edenia. Thankfully, our prisoner has decided to cooperate." Sonya steps aside and presents Kabal.
"I have studied the locations of the Black Dragon hideouts and where Kano may be. He always had contingency plans, some of them were never any good. I've been there. A couple of them are underground. I know how to get past their defense systems. While Kano may be smart, you guys have the better tech and weaponry." Kabal said. It has surprised some people about Kabal telling them Kano's secrets. Kabal wants to get payback for Kano for leaving him for dead. Unfortunately for Kano, Kabal is still alive and brought in by Kung Jin and Cassie. Cassie, with a big sense of morality, normally doesn't kill her enemies unless absolutely necessary.
"But with reports we get from Sergeant Alex and the others, Kano and Tasia have to be at one of the underground ones, believing they couldn't be tracked down like that. They shouldn't be too much trouble since Shao Kahn went down." Sonya said.
"Exactly. But there's no guarantee that the bastard will change hideouts and how often he does so. He might try to reunite with the two magician buddies. They dub themselves the Deadly Alliance." Kabal said. "Luckily, your buddy there intercepted a message." He said, referring to Alex.
Alex pushes a button and plays the message with Kano and Shang Tsung. "It's from Kano and Shang Tsung."
"I trust that you have my weapons ready for departure as usual, Kano?" Shang Tsung asked.
"You mean our weapons, mate." Kano said.
"Does not matter. What matters is you deliver them to us in the Neatherrealm just as we talked about after me and Quan Chi lift the spells Liu Kang and Fujin have placed. Do not keep us waiting." Shang Tsung said.
"Always with those words, old man. We will meet ya at the Outskirts of Oregon in 48 hours." Kano said. Their transmission ends.
"Oregon. That's where it's gonna happen. They've almost lifted the barriers after a year of lockup just as Raiden predicted." Cassie said.
"Then that means we need a plan to intercept pronto." Jacqui said.
"Do you know where they could be attacking?" Sonya asked.
"Nope. They don't tell Kano shit anyway. They only cared about Shao Kahn and the two argue like two grounded kids in a room." Kabal said.
"We've gotten report updates on where they are." Jacqui said. "One of their underground alleys is outside the cities of Oregon. We found traces of their weaponry. Only Black Dragon would have ugly designs like that."
"Not really a big surprise for us. They probably plan on leaving to meet up with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi in hopes of turning the tides. What's surprising is how Kano gets along with the old man." Cassie said.
"The creeper did become intrigued by the Black Dragon's toys. It won't be easy with trying to get to him giving what he could have. Apparently he's finally learned from his past mistakes." Takeda said.
"But how do we know if Kano is going to hold down traps for us? We don't know how many there are and we could be lured into one." Alex said with a hint of distrust in his voice. He somewhat doesn't trust Kabal due to his past actions from the Old Era and the things he did since the start of the New Era. No one blames him though. Cassie, Sonya, Jacqui, Takeda and Jin are with Alex on that.
"Because I'm the one who set down those traps on Kano's orders. I know how to disable them. They still have a little bit of the tech you guys stole." Kabal said. "They plan on relocating in about 48 hours from what your spies have said."
"If that's the case, then we need to take extra precaution. We need to find them before it's too late." Sonya said.
"When do we leave?" Jacqui asked.
"At the crack of dawn tomorrow. For now, we must get to training. Dismissed. Escort Kabal back to his brig." Sonya ordered. "Except for Captain Cassie and Sergeant Alex." Kabal shrugged. He was used to not being trusted by them given his past as a Black Dragon member. He hopes to show redemption someday.
"What is it, General Sonya?" Alex asked.
"You two aren't coming." Sonya said.
Alex and Cassie look at each other confused. "Why not?" Cassie asked.
"Because your 2nd anniversary is coming up. Don't want to ruin the fun for you two." Sonya replied.
"You know, I never got to ask why you always let us go on our dates on weekends and let us celebrate anniversaries." Alex said.
"It's because I don't want you to repeat the same mistakes that I made when I married Johnny. I put too much effort on work than the family. It ended up putting a strain between me and him and me and Cassie. I realized that it was my fault, not Johnny's. I was an asshole to them without knowing it." Sonya said.
"I always looked up to you and dad growing up. Sure, you rubbed off on him, but you've changed to be a better person and rekindled with him. That's why I wanted to make sure the same thing wouldn't happen between me and Alex." Cassie said.
"Well I'm glad. Your marriage is alot more stable than when mine was. After Alex won my trust, I made sure to tell him don't screw things up with you, otherwise, I'd kick his ass." Sonya said. "As your general and mother, I order you to take the time off for your anniversary. If we do need help, we will contact you."
"Yes, mom." Cassie and Alex salute her.
"Good. Just be careful, Captain and Sergeant." Sonya said, saluting back and hugging them.
Alex and Cassie were given permission by Sonya to take time off and enjoy their second anniversary. They completely take Sonya's word to heart, remembering what she said. Alex personally felt bad for Cassie and Johnny. They were a good family until the divorce. This didn't stop Cassie from idolizing them. Alex doesn't blame Sonya, since she put alot of effort, probably too much effort in her role as leader. Sonya would hate to see the same thing happen to her daughter and son-in law. Alex and Cassie drive to their apartment as a start of their weekend of their anniversary.
"Man. Sonya was not kidding when she said that." Alex said.
"I know. Mom cares about her family very much. She wasn't really an asshole to dad after they got married since dad's own ego went down." Cassie said before smiling. "She is one stubborn person to have for a mom and that's what I love about her. Not to mention headstrong."
"Oh I definitely hear that. Considering how I first met you and everyone else. Your mom actually intimated me when we first met, I'm not gonna lie." Alex said. Given Sonya's attitude towards Alex when he arrived in Earthrealm, no one could blame him. In fact, Sonya was always stubborn but always cared about her friends and family and hate those who hurt them.
Cassie snickered. "I remember that alright. Especially since she beat the shit out of you on your first day. I could tell she wasn't going easy on you. I even smacked Jin for laughing at you."
"Oh I remember. You were also there when I beat the hell out of Jin and you laughed as he got what he deserved." Alex said.
"That's what happens when someone messes with my Alex." Cassie said, winking at him.
Alex laughed a little. "You're right. She never holds back on anything during a fight. I've seen how she does it. Probably beat the hell out of Johnny when they first met."
"I could imagine that, considering they didn't get along well at first at the tournament." Cassie said.
"Now that you mention it, I wonder if Sonya did the same thing to Johnny when he joined the Special Forces?" Alex asked.
"Ding ding. She even used his own nut punch against him." Cassie said, making them both laugh. Alex grabs her waist and holds her and she puts her arms around his neck.
"So. What would you like to do for starters? You pick this time." Alex said.
"Wanna spar? I want to let out some steam. Besides, I'd love to pin my half god husband any day." Cassie flirts.
"We'll see about that. Don't lose your strength and sexiness of steel when I beat you." Alex flirts.
"This girl here never loses anything." Cassie said as she runs her fingers on his fit chest, making him giggle, knowing he is ticklish.
"Loser makes dinner?" Alex challenges her.
"Game on, my love." Cassie said before kissing him.
Down at their private gym, Alex and Cassie decided to spar with each other. They always enjoyed doing this with each other. Alex normally doesn't like to use his powers during training since he believed it wouldn't be fair. Cassie feels the same but sometimes likes to surprise Alex by deciding to user her green shadow powers to stand a better chance, considering he's half god. Alex changes into a sleeveless shirt and shorts while Cassie is in her workout bra and short shorts.
"Y-you ready?" Alex asked, turning a little red.
Alex and Cassie stare at each other, admiring each other. "See something you like, Alex?" Cassie said with a teasing glare.
"I, uh, didn't mean to. I always admire you." Alex said blushing.
"Oh, don't worry. You're the only man I want looking at me." Cassie said, blowing a kiss, making Alex blush.
"You ready to do this, love?" Alex asked.
"Ready. Don't hold back on me, sweetheart." Cassie said.
"No promises." Alex joked.
Alex comes in with a knee and a punch, which Cassie parries and does a elbow strike to the face and knee strike to the chest followed by a kick. Alex rolls backwards and recovers. Cassie jumps and does a mid air shadow kick which Alex grabs and throws her back. Cassie gets back up and Alex quickly runs in and elbows her left shoulder and chop strikes her right shoulder and pushes her back. Cassie just smiles, loving the challenge Alex brings every time. She seems to be in a happier mood than usual. Alex couldn't bring his finger on it. Cassie comes in for a punch which Alex grabs and elbows her right cheek and chops her right thigh. He attempts to kick but Cassie grabs his foot and pushes it back, stumbling Alex. Cassie tackles him and punches his forehead two times along with an elbow strike and rolls off. Alex recovers and sees Cassie charging in with a kick and punch to the head which
Alex parries and pushes away. He grabs her by the neck and throws her down on her back.
"Ow! What the hell, Alex?" Cassie said in a rather odd tone.
Alex felt immediately afraid he might've hurt her and tries not to panic. "I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to use my full strength, I wa-"
Alex gets cut off when Cassie trips him, elbows his stomach and grabs his throat with her legs and he taps out and gives up.
Cassie removes her legs from him and leans down and gives him a deep kiss and starts laughing. "Oh my god, you should've seen your face. Just priceless." Cassie smiles greatly as she snaps a photo of him on the ground.
"You tricked me again." Alex said in a small annoyed voice. "You do that a lot. Hope that didn't hurt."
"Oh, that didn't even hurt at all thanks to the soft floor. Not all the time, just when we're alone." Cassie giggles more before she helps her husband to his feet. "I know you're not gullible but you're too afraid of hurting me."
"Well I just don't want anyone touching you and me doing so by accident." Alex said.
"I know. We've always been so protective of each other. It is one thing that brought us closer." Cassie said before she suddenly grabs his face and kisses him hard.
"So. What would the lady like for dinner? How about one of your best dishes made by yours truly?" Alex flirts.
"Anything that is made by you is always the best." Cassie smiles before they kiss again.
Alex decides to make her steak salad. It's one of her favorite foods alongside pizza, popcorn, fruit and vegetables, tacos, banana pancakes and stew. Alex loved most of the food she loved except for pickles, corn beef, eggplants and olives. Alex learned how to cook while in the fake timeline where he grew up before being dragged back to his real home. He learned how to cook from his adoptive parents and watched shows.
"Here you go. Your favorite type of salad, m'lady." Alex winks at her.
"You're the best, sweetheart. Even you cook better than my parents." Cassie blows a kiss before they start eating. Alex is a huge vegetable person. He likes meat but prefers vegetables. While he and Cassie love junk food, they love to eat certain stuff to keep themselves fit to serve. Alex wasn't exactly completely fit before he joined until his training from the team helped him. Even before his build, Cassie had a crush on him from the start.
As they continued eating, Alex started to notice Cassie is eating faster than usual. She must've been super hungry since they left. In fact, for the last few weeks, she's been eating more than what she normally eats. Alex couldn't quite figure it out. "You alright there?" Alex asked with a smile.
"I'm just hungry as fuck. You keep making the most badass dishes. The food at the bases isn't too bad, but this beats everything." Cassie said as she devoured her food.
Alex was just half done with his bowl before Cassie gets a second one. "Well I can't help if I make my shit that awesome. I just do my best. Good thing is I haven't poisoned anyone."
"If dad decides to prank you again, put something bad in his food to make him sick." Cassie snickered.
"Never heard you say that before, but anytime. It won't beat that recording I used to have. I wish I was able to carry that with me to the New Era if it weren't for that bastard Kano." Alex said, sounding surprised she said that.
"I still remember that. You were getting revenge on him for embarrassing you in front of me by saying something stupid." Cassie said.
"And you thought about having Sonya punch him in the face." Alex said.
"Reverse-psychology at its best." Cassie and Alex said at the same time before laughing.
After a rather quick dinner, Alex and Cassie decided to exchange their anniversary gifts as promised. Doing this so often makes them fall more and more. "You first, Cassie."
Cassie unwraps her present and she gasps upon seeing what it is. It's a picture frame with four selfies of Alex and Cassie doing weird faces, one with them kissing, one with Cassie kissing his cheek and making a weird reaction. In the middle is their wedding photo of them Johnny, Jax, Sonya, Jacqui, Takeda and Kung Jin. "Alex. Y-you didn't have to. It's awesome. You've been planning this?" Cassie said with a tear of joy.
"Yup. That's why I've been sneaking around behind your back, making sure you weren't looking. Used the computers to print them out and put them together." Alex said.
"Awe. Alex. I love it. Can't believe you planned this for me. Thanks." Cassie said, kissing his cheek. "C'mon. Your turn. Open it up or I'm gonna rip it out of your hands." Cassie said.
Alex slowly unwraps his gift and sees a video chip. Alex seemed a little confused. "What is this for, love?"
"Here. Put it in this projector." Cassie said, handing the holo-projector.
Alex puts the chip into the projector and the video starts playing, showing images like it was like a futuristic tv. It's playing one of his favorite songs, while it shows many images and selfies of Alex and Cassie and the times they had together. It shows the selfies they took during Alex's training, his first mission, first date, anniversaries, the wedding and their honeymoon. It played for about three minutes before it ends.
Alex couldn't help but feel his heart pounding as he just stared at the video. "Wow."
"Happy Anniversary, Alex." Cassie seductively whispered in his ear.
"Happy Anniversary, Cassie." Alex whispered back. Cassie places a hand on his cheek and he smiles. Cassie starts to kiss him and he kisses back. Cassie puts her other hand on his face to kiss him more. He starts to rub her back and she moans quietly.
After consummating, Alex and Cassie lay in bed.
"I remember the first time we did this. The first time we made love to each other on our first anniversary dating and the second time we did it on our vacation. Honestly, it was one of the best times of my life. The moment where I found my true love, I felt like I really belonged here." Alex said, looking at her.
"You always do belong here. You were meant to come home and you did. I'm glad we got to you first before anyone else did. I knew from the start that you were special." Cassie said.
"Really?" Alex looked at her.
"Yes. You changed my life, Alex. I was in love with you when we first met despite the conditions you were in at first. I can never forget that." Cassie said.
"I love you, Cassie." Alex said.
"I love you too, Alex." Cassie replied. They lean in and kiss each other deeply with hot love. She lays her head on Alex's chest and Alex puts his hand on her ass. "Good night, my love."
"Good night, my sweetheart." Alex said. Cassie falls asleep quick. Alex stares at the ceiling, smiling on how far he has gotten with Cassie before slowly drifting off as well.
Note: For those who probably don't know what Sonya was talking about, the reason why she and Johnny divorced was because Sonya put more focus on her work than her family. Though she did initially believed Johnny wanted to be the center of attention, she has realized that Johnny was right. Cassie's outfit she wore while on her anniversary was her klassic outfit without the jacket from MK11. One of the costumes I use for one of her variations. It's almost time for the main villain to make his return in the next chapter.