Chapter 17: Painful Grief In the Netherrealm, Shao Kahn, Geras and Quan Chi all smirk at a common goal they have achieved after so many eons of trouble. They rid themselves of Raiden. The heroes' symbol of hope is dead. But Raiden's demise was not without cost.
"At long last. Raiden is no more. Their symbol of hope is finally vanquished. Just as you said it would happen, Geras." Shao Kahn said. He smiles evilly as he looks at the blood in his hand that killed Raiden.
"Indeed. Kronika's visions have guided me. Everything has gone according to plan. By allowing them to escape with Jerrod, this bought you time to make one of your wishes come true." Geras said.
"But the body of Jerrod has been taken by Fujin, Nightwolf and Shang Tsung. They will more than likely restore him." Quan Chi reminded them.
"Because the crown is broken. Thankfully, Shang Tsung used his magic to keep the power of it from escaping permanently." Geras said.
"You told me about Alex Cage who's half elder god and why you want him. But you never told me why you wanted the crown. What is special about Kronika's crown?" Shao Kahn asked.
"It is more than a crown. It does more than amplify her powers. Only beings with strong will and a strong mind and powers can use its powers correctly. All the souls absorbed on Shang Tsung's island is what makes its power stronger with temporal powers. Kronika made sure that her plan involving Alex Cage and the crown would be prepared without any problems. She would not dare restart history without it. If anyone intends to do so, the hourglass will shatter and time and space will be lost." Geras explained. "I may be an immortal, but I do not have enough experience with the crown. I am not the keeper of time, and to ensure absolute victory, Kronika must be brought back." Geras explained.
"And you tend to do so because our enemies know what your weakness is. If Kronika created you with the hourglass, she could use it to erase you permanently." Shao Kahn realized.
"For now, they must work to repair the crown. That's why we allowed them to escape with Jerrod at the cost of Raiden. They do not know that they are doing part of our work for us." Geras said.
"Masters." Quan Chi bows his head to them. "Kano and the Black Dragon have reached Earthrealm with the materials you had them take away."
"Good. Let the earthrealmers do their work. Soon we will be one step closer to victory." Shao Kahn said. He then turns to Geras in question. "What about Alex Cage and his wife? What has Kronika shown you?"
"I know where they are. Quan Chi will lead a distraction there while he carries out the deed with the right timing. Give Alex Cage time. I must return to the Keep." Geras said as he looks at the warlock. Quan Chi bows his head, understanding the plan. Geras opens a sand portal and disappears through. Shao Kahn and Quan Chi nod to each other, knowing what they have to do. They seem to be up to something.
At the Keep, Geras walks through and sees Cetrion still regaining her strength. They smirk at each other and nod at what just happened. "Has it been done yet, Geras? Is he gone?" Cetrion asked.
"Yes. Raiden is no more. Without him, there will be no symbol of hope. Soon it will be time for the next phase of the plan. Soon, me and Quan Chi will bring a gift for you and Shinnok." Geras said.
"What kind of gift may I ask?" Cetrion said.
"Let's just say that it will be a once in a lifetime type of gift, Cetrion. I hope you will enjoy it for as long as you remember." Geras smirks. Cetrion wondered what he meant by that. She feels relieved at what Shao Kahn did. Still, she could not help but feel this strange feeling about something's wrong.
In Outworld, Shang Tsung and the Tarkatans are securing the body of Jerrod. Liu Kang, Fujin and Nightwolf call Kung Lao, Sub-Zero, Hanzo and the Special Forces. They share some news about what has happened in the Netherrealm. They succeeded in recapturing Jerrod's body. But it came at a major cost.
"It can't be. It just cannot be. Raiden is gone? And Shao Kahn killed him?" Kung Lao asked in anger while holding back tears. While Kung Lao wasn't always on even terms with him, he always saw him as a good friend.
"I am afraid so, brother. It was a trap. No one knew. Not even Shang Tsung. His amulet appeared in front of me out of nowhere. It was nearly all that was left of him. This is my fault. I shouldn't have allowed him to go." Liu Kang looks down in anger. His fists close in anger. He thinks about how bad he wants to avenge his friend. Liu Kang always saw him as a father figure.
"Liu Kang. It isn't your fault. I understand your pain. I know what it's like. But don't go beating yourself up over it. Raiden made his own choice. He always did what he had to do to protect the realms. We all have a choice. I remember sacrificing myself once and to me, it was worth saving Earthrealm." Sonya said.
"Even I have to admit she's right. We all lost people throughout our lives. I can guarantee the both of you that he won't be in vain. It won't be wasteful." Johnny said. Jacqui, the team, Kenshi and Jax listen in on the conversation and cannot help but feel down about losing a good friend. Jax at first thought they assumed Raiden knew everything all because he was a god. But Jax became convinced otherwise when Raiden initially blamed himself for the loss of many allies in the Old Era. The events that originally cost them Liu Kang and Kung Lao haunted him.
"I want to avenge my brother. I should have been there with him instead of putting the mission first." Fujin said, also angry.
"Fujin. We all understand the pain. Raiden was a wise friend to trust. We owe it to him for helping us countless times. He is part of the reason why we are here today. The allies we previously lost before have returned again because of him." Sub-Zero said.
"Sub-Zero is right, Fujin and Liu Kang. Raiden showed redemption as I have. He proved that not all people are irredeemable. He restored our souls and we rebuilt our lives because of him. They are the days we will never forget." Hanzo said.
Liu Kang and Fujin look at each other, hearing the words their friends have said. Nobody blames them for Raiden's choice. They all remember the things that Raiden has done to ensure everyone's safety. He wasn't perfect but he has helped them in victory against Shao Kahn and Kronika. They will never forget what he did for each of them, especially Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Sonya and Johnny.
"Thank you. All of you. You are right. Raiden would want us to carry on with the mission. Anything to save the realms. He would also want me to step up. I may not be perfect, but I will fulfill my duty as Earthrealm's protector." Liu Kang said.
"Anything we can do to help?" Sonya asked.
"No. We must stick to our duties. Guard the realms in case Shao Kahn attacks. I am the only one who also has visions from the hourglass, but Geras keeps tempting with the hourglass, trying to throw me off guard. We do not know where he will truly attack first." Liu Kang said.
"We will also need to check up on Alex and Cassandra. We may need to move them to a different location." Nightwolf said.
"No. No matter where we move them, Geras will no doubt try to find them by tracking Cassandra to capture Alex and kill his wife. Besides, he must not fight, or risk increasing the strength of Kronika's subconsciousness. Cassandra also needs to avoid the fighting because of the child." Liu Kang said.
"We all have our duty, Liu Kang. Special Forces signing out." Sonya said before she and Johnny log out of the mystic call.
"What of you, Sub-Zero and Grandmaster Hasashi? What is your progress?" Fujin asked.
"We almost managed to find Sektor's hideout. He must be waiting for his associates to rendezvous with him. I do not know what his plan is as of yet. All we can do is wait for Cyrax and Smoke to return with information." Sub-Zero said.
"I will be accompanying them this time to ensure his destruction." Hanzo said.
"Understood. May the Elder Gods protect the clans this time." Fujin said. Sub-Zero nods and he signs out.
As soon as everyone has signed out, the two gods get to talking, discussing strategies. "Jerrod has been secured in the Soul Chamber. Shang Tsung and Kitana are waiting for us." Fujin said.
"Then we best not keep them waiting." Liu Kang said. The two make their way to the Soul Chamber. Kitana looks over the body in sadness. She couldn't help but remember the tragic day Shao Kahn plunged the knife through his heart. She only dreamed of her family back together in peace. Both of her parents still alive and no fighting in Shao Kahn's wars.
Kitana turns and sees Fujin and her lover Liu Kang make their way to meet with them. The Edenian Kahn walks to them out of concern. "Fujin. Liu Kang. How was the meeting?"
Liu Kang stayed silent for a moment before speaking. "They too are grieving for the loss we share together."
Kitana looks at him with sadness in her eyes. She knew that Liu Kang always looked up to Raiden as a teacher and a father. Raiden saved everyone including her from a tragic fate. She felt relieved she made the right choice of siding against Shao Kahn. Kitana also believed that Raiden choosing Liu Kang to be his successor was his best choice yet. "Liu Kang. I am so sorry. I wish there was something we could do for him." Kitana said as she caressed his face.
Liu Kang shares the same look as his lover does. He too was relieved that Kitana chose to betray Shao Kahn for the greater good once she found out she was lied to. "It is alright, my love. The best thing we could do now is we will avenge him. It will not go in vain."
Kitana smiles before looking back at the body. "Do you think you can restore him?"
"It may be possible. But given that he has been deceased for so long. Longer than Sindel, the chances are slim." Fujin states.
"But with our magic combined with Earthrealm's jinsei, and Jerrod's soul which I have stolen from Ermac when I killed him, we may be able to increase our chances of succeeding." Shang Tsung said.
"Then we must not delay further." Fujin said. Using his powers, he lifts open the coffin and places the body of Jerrod within the Soul Chamber.
Once placed, Shang Tsung starts using his magic while Liu Kang and Fujin each lift viles of the jinsei. "IT HAS BEGUN!" Shang Tsung yelled out as they start their work.
Jerrod's body starts moving back and forth slowly as his heart is being surrounded by the great amount of jinsei. The two gods and the sorcerer look at each other and nod and give the magic a boost. All of the injuries on the body of Jerrod slowly began to heal. All of his cuts, bruises and the fatal hole where Shao Kahn used his knife to execute him all begin to disappear. His edenian skin is turning from gray-white to pure white. The gods and sorcerer all stop, hoping that it was enough. The body lays in the chamber motionless.
Kitana slowly walks closer to her father's body. All she could do was hope that it has worked. "Father?" Kitana quietly said as she stands beside her father.
Everything and everyone remains silent. They all stare at the body. It still does not move. Kitana is trying her best to hold back tears, given how much she has missed her father. Several more seconds of silence and still nothing. Then all of a sudden, Jerrod dashes out of the chamber, yelling in agony. He is stopped by the sorcerer and Fujin. The king nearly loses his footing, feeling a little numb in his legs.
"I… I live again? How?" Jerrod speaks for the first time in ages. His vision feels blurry at first and starts feeling his hands and legs. After a few moments, he looks up and his vision starts becoming clearer.
"Welcome back, king of Edenia." Shang Tsung greets him. The king sees the sorcerer and recognizes his voice and face. Jerrod immediately gets angry and grabs him by the robes. He remembered everyone too well. Despite the threat, this amused the old man. "It pleases me to see you too."
King Jerrod looks at his hands, seeing himself alive and moving once again after so long. He looks around and sees that he is not in Edenia. This is somewhere else. "This is not Edenia."
"No. It is not. This is Outworld. No longer under the rule of Shao Kahn. This is the New Era. A new timeline. Different from what most of us have experienced before, but not you. You live again, King Jerrod. A miracle that we managed to achieve with help from those who care about you." Fujin said.
King Jerrod looks at Fujin and recognizes him. He remembers him being the brother of Raiden. "Lord Fujin. God of Wind. I am in your debt. How long have I been dead?"
"More than anyone has ever counted. A lot has changed while you were gone, your majesty. So many events that have transpired and erased from existence. Wars, peace, change." Liu Kang said.
"And who you might be? I do not seem to recognize you." King Jerrod said. "You remind me of another god I once knew."
"I am Lord Liu Kang. God of Fire and Thunder. Successor to Raiden. Current protector of Earthrealm." Liu Kang introduced himself.
"Lord Liu Kang. I am pleased to meet you. I have never heard of you before." Jerrod said. They bow their heads to each other.
"At ease, your majesty. You are safe now. No need to worry about Shao Kahn." Liu Kang asked. This reminded Jerrod.
"Who is the new Kahn of Outworld?" Jerrod asked. Liu Kang says nothing. All he does is smile and looks at Kitana. Seeing her eyes, the king turns to Kitana. It took him a few seconds to realize who this person is. "Kitana?"
Kitana said nothing. She could no longer hold back tears in her eyes. The first thing she does is hug her father. Jerrod smiles and hugs her back and they embrace. It has been forever since Kitana has felt happy other than being with Liu Kang and reuniting with her mother and rebuilding Edenia. "Father. I have missed you. It has been far too long."
"Kitana. My daughter. I feel as if not many things have changed since my death. Yet, I cannot help but feel guilty for what I had done to bring the horror upon us." Jerrod said with a face of anger and regret.
"What do you mean?" Kitana asked.
"I was a fool to accept Shao Kahn's challenge. Ten of my finest warriors. Each of them having families. Each of them me and your mother were good friends with. They all died for nothing. Because of me, Shao Kahn was permitted to invade Edenia, enslave or slaughter our people. I was arrogant and challenged Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat. I remember myself dying at his hands and lost my home and my family to him." Jerrod remembered. He regretted every single choice he has made. He always put his people, his family before him. He feels as if he got desperate to do whatever it takes to do what was right.
"Father. It was never your fault." Kitana tries to reassure him.
"But it is. I take full responsibility for my own actions. I know that he has lied to you and did whatever he did to Sindel. If only I had declined the challenge, none of this would be happening. How can I ask for forgiveness, Kitana?" Jerrod looks at his daughter, stroking her face.
"Father. As Fujin and Liu Kang said, many things have changed since you were gone. Edenia is no longer under Shao Kahn's rule. We have taken it back. Edenian has been restored. With Liu Kang and Fujin. With allies from Outworld and Earthrealm. And with mother." Kitana tells him.
Jerrod's eyes widened. He couldn't believe he heard such things. He only hoped that Edenia wouldn't suffer for all eternity. What really surprised him is that Sindel lives. The king always thought something bad would happen to her. He has so many questions to ask. "Your mother. Sindel lives? And Edenia is restored? What has happened? And why is this sorcerous snake here?"
"You have every right to know all that has come about from the last several years. He is an ally we do not trust. But we need your help, King Jerrod." Liu Kang said.
"So many things I must know. What do you need from me, Lord Liu Kang?" Jerrod asked.
"It is a long story. Come. We will sit and explain everything to you." Liu Kang asked.
Jerrod follows the three down away from the soul chamber, but Fujin steps backwards to Kitana. "You must inform your mother of everything that has happened."
"I know, Fujin. But the question is what can I tell her about what happened in the Netherrealm?" Kitana asked in worry.
"I know it is unsettling and the truth may hurt. But it is not wise to keep secrets from family. Sindel, Jade, Alex and Cassandra must know." Fujin advised.
Kitana still felt reluctant to tell everyone about Raiden. She fears how Alex may react given the curse he is going through right now. "I understand, Fujin. I will come meet with you and the others when I am done."
The two nod to each other and go their separate ways. While Kitana may be fearful what is happening to her friend, she feels that Alex does not deserve to live the curse. But at the same time, she feels happy that her father is alive once more. Fujin on the other hand remains confident on what will come next.
After restoring King Jerrod, Liu Kang, Fujin and Shang Tsung sit down with Nightwolf. They each take turns explaining all of the events that have happened after his death. He was startled when Sindel committed suicide to stop Shao Kahn from merging the realms and Kitana was lied to her entire life about her family. That is, until Raiden, who received visions from his future self regarding the events of Armageddon, allowed her to reveal the truth. Kitana and Jade betrayed Shao Kahn and joined Raiden and his friends from Earthrealm to prevent the same mistakes from happening. Jerrod was not prepared for what happened next. He learned that Sindel was resurrected in Earthrealm and brainwashed by Shao Kahn, allowing him to launch an invasion in Earthrealm to merge the realms. Jerrod felt horrified when he learned that Sindel killed most of the warriors, Jade and Kitana included before she was killed by Nightwolf and that they came back as Quan Chi's Revenants. He ultimately felt relieved that Shao Kahn was killed.
But that was not the end. Kitana and Sindel along with the other revenants served under Quan Chi and his other master Shinnok for years. He was surprised that an Earthrealmer, named Cassie Cage defeated him and her father Johnny Cage before her and Raiden became Dark Raiden and decaptiated Shinnok and threatened Revenants Kitana and Liu Kang. Jerrod was then told about the time war against Kronika and merging past and present together and Alex Cage's arrival. Another version of Kitana appeared alongside Nightwolf, Liu Kang, and several others, much to his relief. Along the way to the end of the Old Era, he was told about Raiden making Liu Kang a god of fire and thunder. With their powers combined and with help from Alex, they destroyed Kronika and created the New Era with help from Kitana.
After the New Era started, Jerrod learned that the revenants were fused together, his own daughter included and Sindel being restored by the heroes first before she could be abducted and brainwashed. Together they, with help from Liu Kang, Fujin, and allies of Earthrealm and Outworld have driven Shao Kahn back to Edenia and later, took it back from him and killed him, or so as they believed. They finally told King Jerrod about Geras' return and who he is and what he can do. Fujin and Shang Tsung explain that they have a common foe, being Geras because Kronika's subconsciousness survived within Geras and unknown to them until Shang Tsung told them, Alex. Now they are in desperate need of his help.
"So. You need my help to reforge Kronika's crown. By looking at it, it seems that its design is eons old. But why must you need this crown?" Jerrod asked.
"Because it is the only way to track the keep. Geras is constantly moving it so I cannot find him while he plans. He cannot restore Kronika without capturing Alex first and the crown. Kronika cannot be allowed to return. If she does, she will restart time once again. It is impossible to do so without the crown. Attempts to do so will result in the hourglass being destroyed, and all of time with it." Liu Kang said.
"You are a master of magic, forgery and swordsmanship in Kombat. Surely, you would know how to repair it." Shang Tsung said.
"While I trust Fujin and Liu Kang, I do not trust you, sorcerer. They have every right to feel the same way. Why should I believe you?" Jerrod asked, glaring at the old man.
"Because Shao Kahn betrayed me. He sacrificed me and transferred all the souls I absorbed to your wife while she was under his control." Shang Tsung said.
"If what you say is true, then I am surprised that no one has terminated you as of yet." Jerrod said.
"That is why we are supervising everything he does, so he won't pull any tricks on us. If he does one wrong move, we will end him." Nightwolf said.
"Is it possible to transfer the souls to a new crown?" Liu Kang asked.
"Yes. But with the tremendous amount of the souls it absorbed over the last millennia, it will take a while. It took longer to absorb that many souls in the well of souls on my island because when I died, the island died with me. But since I am alive again, my island is also back. With it, we can make rapid progress in the soul transfer." Shang Tsung stated.
"We need the proper materials to repair the crown, but we cannot do it without you, my king." Fujin said.
Jerrod thinks for a moment. He remembers how he made his swords, helped make buildings, currency and the same thrones that he made for his family in his realm. "There is one source of material that will do. Edenian steel."
"Edenian steel? I have never heard of such a thing." Nightwolf said.
"Edenian steel is the most indestructible type of metal in all the realms. I believe after my death, Shao Kahn used it to create his wrath hammer. Nothing can dent or destroy it. All attempts have failed." Jerrod said.
"Do you think it will be possible to create a new crown?" Liu Kang asked.
"I am not entirely sure. I have not made attempts at something such as a crown before. If only I knew where to find them, I can forge a new crown." Jerrod said.
"While in Shinnok's castle, we tried to find the proper materials. We could not find any. Knowing Shao Kahn, he would have a backup plan despite his ego. He must've hidden it away." Nightwolf said.
The five think. They try to see where in any realm could the Edenian steel may be hiding. It could be Outworld, Earthrealm. Who knows? That was until Shang Tsung thought of something.
"Kano." Shang Tsung said.
"What about him?" Nightwolf said.
"Who else would be greedy enough to take the offer for himself for his own benefit? Knowing Kano, he would always have a plan to do with what he has and use it against his enemies." Shang Tsung said.
"Of course. It all makes sense now. He has to be the one with the Edenian steel." Liu Kang said.
"Who is Kano?" Jerrod asked.
"An Earthrealmer who allied with Shao Kahn. He runs an illegal black market group called the Black Dragon. He has schemed for years. Other than the enemies we already share with Earthrealm, Kano has been Earthrealm's greatest enemy. The Special Forces pledged to protect it and help its allies. They promised to help ally with Outworld and Edenia since the time war and the New Era." Fujin said.
"Can these Special Forces help us?" Jerrod asked.
"Yes. Knowing them personally, they would do whatever it takes to get the job done, but they are not reckless and are not willing to leave anyone behind. I will inform them of your need." Liu Kang said.
"Thank you. For now, I must remain here. I must regain my full strength and powers to pull this off." Jerrod said. Liu Kang walks away to speak with the Special Forces. Once alone, he sees Kitana smiling at him and he smiles back.
"He will help us?" Kitana asked.
"Yes. He can forge a new crown. I am about to tell the Special Forces to find Kano and take back the Edenian steel." Liu Kang said.
"I never got to thank you, Liu Kang. For everything you have done to help us." Kitana said, looking into his eyes.
"I do what I must to protect those I care most about, yours included." Liu Kang said.
"You have been one of, if not, the most selfless person I have ever met in my entire life. I'm also willing to throw my life away for yours." Kitana clasps his hands with hers. They smile and lean in and kiss. "I love you, Liu Kang."
"I love you too, Kitana." Liu Kang replied. He walks away to update the Special Forces. Kitana makes her way into the council chamber. Fujin was the first to stand up.
"Kitana. How did your message to your mother go?" Fujin asked. Kitana has a worried look on her face. She still can't help but think about what will happen once they all react, including her friends Alex and Cassie. She can only hope they will take it well.
In Edenia, Sindel has already received the message from Kitana about the mission. Both good news and bad news. She felt relieved that they retrieved her husband and can't wait to reunite with her love once again. She has not seen him for so long after his death. Sindel and Kitana are both pleased that he remembers his family. As for the bad news, she felt saddened by it. Sindel plans to tell Jade, Cassie, Alex and Sheeva about the updates, but feels rather reluctant. The four have been called to Sindel for a meaning.
"My empress. Jade, Sheeva and the earthrealmers are here as you requested." The guard said.
"Thank you. Leave us. This meeting is private." Sindel ordered. The guard bowed his head as Jade, Alex, Sheeva and Cassie walked in.
"My empress. You wished to see us?" Sheeva asked. The four walk close to the table and sit down.
"Yes. I have received news from Kitana. Good and bad." Sindel said.
"Sometimes it's better to get the good news out of the way first. That's what we normally do in the Special Forces." Cassie said.
"In this case, Cassandra. You would be correct." Sindel replied.
"Well. What's the good deets? Hopefully something satisfying." Alex said.
"They have succeeded in their mission in rescuing Jerrod. Shang Tsung and the others used the jinsei and the sorcerer's magic to resurrect him with the soul chamber. He remembers his family and home. He has agreed to help us construct a new crown." Sindel said.
"That's some good deets alright." Cassie said.
"But how will he construct a new crown? Surely there must be reliable material that we could use to pull it off." Jade said.
"Shang Tsung has confirmed that the Black Dragon has Edenian Steel. Liu Kang is going to update Alex's and Cassandra's Special Forces. They know the Black Dragon more than anyone." Sindel said.
"That's Major General Sonya for you. I can guarantee that they will succeed in their mission and get the materials and get that asshole Kano once and for all." Alex said.
"But what's so special about Edenian Steel? Is it that durable?" Cassie asked.
"Indeed. It is the strongest type of metal made compared to the realms. In fact, it is indestructible. No being has ever damaged such material before." Jade said.
"What about the bad news, my queen?" Sheeva asked.
Sindel's face went from relieved to sadness. She still feels reluctant to tell them. As much as she does not want to, she knows she can't hide it. Otherwise they'd find out sooner or later. Sindel sighs and was ready to speak. "It came at a cost. It cost us Raiden."
Everyone looks at each other, all hoping that it is not what she meant. They're hoping that it isn't the worst. Alex and Cassie hold hands, trying to keep each other in check. Sheeva shows confusion as Jade slowly starts to realize what she means.
"What do you mean? Did he get captured by Shao Kahn and Geras? Did he get trapped in the Netherrealm?" Alex asked, feeling worried. He is trying his best to hold back tears and anger.
"Is he okay, at least? Raiden is strong. There's no way." Cassie said.
Sindel looks down. She really does not want to say it. But the empress of Edenia has no choice. "... he's gone. Shao Kahn murdered him in cold blood." Sindel finally said.
Alex gasped, taking steady breaths, trying to deny what he just heard. Jade and Cassie share the same reaction.
"By the gods. It can't be. He can't be dead. Raiden may not be a god, but he wouldn't." Jade said. She always saw Raiden as a good friend. "Raiden is a strong friend. This cannot be true."
"I can't. I can't believe this is actually fucking happening. I've known Raiden for years. Say it isn't so." Cassie said. She bends her head down in sadness. She tries her best to hold back tears.
"I am afraid I speak the truth. All that was left were his hat, robes shredded and his amulet. The amulet that Liu Kang carries now." Sindel reluctantly replied.
Alex tries to keep his cool, but starts to be overwhelmed and angry. He does his best to fight it off. He doesn't seem to be taking the news as good as the others are. "This can't be happening. This has to be a bad dream." Alex stands up. He let's go of his wife's hand and starts grabbing his head. Jade immediately notices and walks over to her friend.
"Alex. You have to stay calm. Take it slow." Jade tries to tell him.
"I'm trying. It hurts so bad." Alex's breaths are becoming faster. He tries to shake it off, but he starts to hear Kronika's voice rising. He closes his eyes and grits his teeth.
"You know you want to avenge him." Kronika said.
"Stop. Get out of my head." Alex said. It may seem like he's talking to himself. But he's not. He can actually hear her talking to him.
"Kill the chosen one. Kill the sorcerer. Take his place and join us. Raiden's dead because of them, Alex." Kronika said. Her voice is getting louder. No one else can hear her but him.
"No. Stop." Alex falls to his knees.
"Alex. You have to control it. Raiden's demise was not his own doing." Jade said, stepping closer.
"Y-you're r-right." Alex shakingly said. Out of nowhere, he instantly stood up. He opens his eyes and they once again turn black with green pupils. He is once again possessed by Kronika. Alex rapidly walks closer to everyone, very angry. "It's that damn sorcerer's fault. He got Raiden killed!"
"It is not anyone's fault. Raiden volunteered himself. Liu Kang tried to stop him." Sindel tells him.
"And he didn't do anything to stop him! If he did that, Raiden would still be here! But he's not! We should've killed that stupid old man! I'd say we take our chances!" Alex tells them. His fists close in anger as he activates his powers and glows yellow aura.
"What do you think you're doing?" Jade asked out of concern.
"Going to Outworld to kill that bastard Shang Tsung! He's gonna off us one by one if he isn't stopped! We need to get rid of Geras now!" Alex said. He turns around to open a portal.
Jade runs up to him and puts her staff in front of his chest. "I cannot allow you to leave, Alex. I am your guardian."
"Move aside, Jade. I have to do this." Alex knocks the staff away and shoves her aside.
"Alex, wait." Jade tries to reach him. But it only gains a very bad reaction and turns around.
"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY!" Possessed Alex yelled so loud, some guards came in, getting out their weapons and some ready to fight bare handed. Alex glares at the Edenian warriors, ready to fight and maybe even kill them.
Two fighters immediately charge at Alex, who evaded their attacks and swiftly overpowers them. He punches one down, kicks the other in the head and fires energy beams at four of them, knocking them back, yelling as he does so. He grabs one by the throat and starts to choke him.
Cassie felt horrified. She has never seen her own husband get this angry. In fact, no one has. Alex never gets angry like this.
Sheeva was about to call the order to attack Alex, but Sindel grabs her shoulder. "Stand down! All of you!" Sindel ordered her warriors and guards.
"Wait. Let me talk to him." Cassie said.
"Cassandra, stay back." Jade tells her.
"Please. It worked before, it can work again. Give me a chance." Cassie pleads.
Jade looks at Sindel, asking for suggestions. The empress turns to Cassie and nods to her. "Be careful."
Cassie turns and walks to her husband slowly, hands up. "Alex. Please listen. You have to shut it down."
"But Raiden is dead. He was lured into a trap." Alex said, tossing the guardian aside.
"A trap that no one knew. I bet not even the creepy old man did. I can guarantee that trap was meant for you. Raiden did this to protect you. If you were there, Geras would've had his hands on you. If he did, then all would be lost. You would've lost your family. Your friends. Look at Jade. She loves you like a brother. Look at me. I don't want to lose you. You're my husband." Cassie said.
"I don't want to lose you too. My wife. Not like Raiden or my parents." Alex said.
"You won't lose me. I promise you I am not going to die. We will have our family. Please. Come back to me. I love you." Cassie said with concern and sadness in her eyes, putting her hands on his face. She looks in his eyes.
Alex looks at her back. He remembers the first time she told him she loved him. He smiles briefly at his wife as he grabs his head in pain. Alex yells in pain. The pain feels worse than before. He falls to his hands and knees, gasping for air. He stares at the ground as his eyes go back to normal. Cassie gently bends down to check her true love.
Jade runs to him out of concern. "Alex. Are you alright?"
Alex looks at his sister. Jade is relieved that his eyes are back to normal. "I'm okay. I'm okay. I promise." I-I'm sorry. That was not me. I never get this upset." Alex tells her as he catches his breath.
"I know this isn't you, Alex. We have time on our side. You have to be patient with them. I promise you we will kill the sorcerer if he attempts to betray us." Jade tells him.
"Jade's right, Alex. We can't afford to lose you to Geras. Remember the plan. We have to stick to it. I love you." Cassie said.
"I love you too. I'm sorry." Alex said.
Cassie responds by kissing her husband. "I forgive you, Alex. It's alright. We'll get through anything. No matter how hard it gets."
Alex nods and tries to stand, but suddenly feels dizzy. He nearly loses his footing. Jade catches him before he could fall. "Alex. Are you sure you are alright? Perhaps you may need some rest." Jade suggests.
"Yeah. I think so. Guess that anger tired me out because of you know who. Looks like I definitely need sleep." Alex said.
"Me too. I'm never tired this early, but I think it may be because of the baby." Cassie said.
"I shall lead you two back to your room." Jade said. Alex and Cassie smile at their friend. The three of them walk away as Jade escorts them. Sindel and Sheeva are left alone.
"It is becoming more dangerous letting him live here in Edenia." Sheeva said.
"We cannot afford to move him back to Earthrealm or Outworld. He made a promise not to fight, nor abandon his wife." Sindel said.
"I was not suggesting we move him." Sheeva said.
"Absolutely not. We are not killing him. He is our friend. Jerrod, Shang Tsung, Sonya Blade. They need time to get the Edenian steel so they can make the new crown. Do I make myself clear, Sheeva?" Sindel said.
Sheeva felt reluctant to follow her, but her loyalty to the empress got the better of her. At least for now. "Yes, empress."
Sindel looks on, remembering how Alex's eyes changed and trying to resist the temptation. Sindel could not help but remember the horrors she went through and can relate to Alex. Then, she had an idea to help him.
Note: It feels good bringing Jerrod into the mix. I only remember him being in one of the endings of Mk9 and 11, the latter being part of a bs retcon. I wanted someone who has never had a big physical appearance before in the series have a big role here. Meanwhile, Kronika's influence over Alex is getting worse.