Chapter 7 - New Allies, New Foes

Vic

Yo…what even just happened last night man? I save Cassie from demons right? Then I accidentally reveal that I've been alive, then I get sucker punched in the face and then the girl of my dreams kisses me and asks if we want to be a couple again. Bro…what the fuck?! She even agreed to stay the night again and…and I felt like nothing had changed between us. I swear us being together was just meant to be. I even woke up, turned my head to the side and Cassie was still fast asleep in my bed. She still made those soft snoring sounds whenever she slept on her side. I smiled, leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. Cassie smiled and then mumbled "Icky Vicky" before drifting back to sleep. Deciding that it was breakfast time, I started to make my way downstairs where I could hear Uncle Fujin softly singing to himself in Japanese. I saw him levitating a hot cup of coffee in front of him while reading something on his phone.

"Ahh, good morning!" he said upon seeing me.

"Hey," I said and walked over to the pot of coffee to pour myself some.

"Somebody's in a good mood," Uncle Fujin said as I put two slices of a bagel in the toaster. "Get lucky last night?"

"If by lucky you mean not get my fuckin ass kicked by my old girlfriend then yes, I did," I answered.

"I would not worry about that Vic," Uncle Fujin said and lifted his coffee to his mouth to take a sip. Then he recoiled in disgust. "Why do I always forget the french vanilla creamer!" he muttered and pulled the bottle out of the fridge. I chuckled and pulled out my phone as I sat at the kitchen table.

I scrolled through the daily news as well as seeing some messages from Kimi. My conversation with Kimi is as follows;

Kim - "Buddy. You told Cassie right?"

Me - "Yes…well inadvertently actually."

Kim - "Huh?"

Me - "I was over by the racetrack and sensed danger. Went over, found the danger, saved a rider and disposed of the danger. The rider happened to be Cassie. Didn't do that rattlehead thing because I didn't realize it was her."

Kim - "Bud…"

Me - "Got socked in the face real good though. Good news is that Cassie…wanted me back…"

Kim - "NO WAY!"

Me - "Way. She stayed at Uncle Fujin's with me last night."

Kim - "Do you wuv her? Huh little Vicky?"

Me - "Keep talking and I will tell Stryker about your emo phase."

Kim - "YOU WOULDN'T!"

Me - "Try me."

Soon enough I heard Cassie's footsteps on the stairs followed by her appearance…in one of my hoodies. Of course. I mean…I guess it makes sense. She hadn't planned on realizing that I was still alive last night and had no real change of clothes. She smiled at me and then walked over to the toaster to steal my bagel. At least she replaced it with another.

"Good morning Miss Cage," Uncle Fujin said. "I trust you slept well?" Cassie looked at me before nodding.

"I had my teddy bear back," she said and took a bite of breakfast. I rolled my eyes while Uncle Fujin chuckled.

"What's on the agenda uncle," I asked. "I know you will be out of town all day today."

"Well, I now need to look into something for Miss Cage during my time away," Uncle Fujin said. Cassie looked a little frightened.

"What?" I asked her. She gulped and then held her hand out. I cocked an eyebrow before I saw her hand begin to glow green and a small green ball formed there. She lobbed it out the open kitchen window where it made a weird whirring noise. Bruh WHAT?! When the hell could she do that?! She must have seen my look of surprise because I heard her sniff.

"I'm a freak," she muttered into her plate. I got up and made her look me in the face. She looked on the verge of tears.

"You're in the same room with the guy who can do this," I said. I used my powers to form a small cat out of air. I made it walk across the table and rub its head against Cassie's face and hand. She smiled.

"Aww! Kitty!" she said almost uncontrollably.

"Have you also noticed that my uncle is not holding his coffee cup," I added. Cassie looked over at Fujin who was shrugging with his hands in the air.

"See that uncle, I'm still good with p-" suddenly, I felt my voice get lost. I looked over at Uncle Fujin who I saw had saved me from myself by flicking his fingers toward his face. I had realized the joke I was about to make and cursed myself internally. Come on Vic! Get it together! Cassie however did know what I was about to say and I received a small smack on the shoulder.

"You…you don't hate me," Cassie asked. I kissed the top of her head.

"Did you hate me when you saw me kill those demons with my own powers?" I asked. Cassie shook her head.

"There we are then Miss Cage," Uncle Fujin said. "Remember how I told you to not be so hard on yourself?" Cassie nodded and went back to eating and I went to get my own bagel when it popped up.

After breakfast, Uncle Fujin bid us farewell and he was off. As soon as he was out of sight, Cassie embraced me.

"You and I have a lot of catching up to do, don't we," I asked. Cassie nodded. "Hey, listen. It's not a dream. I'm really here. I never died. I really am sorry I didn't tell you." Cassie responded by kissing me.

"Mine," she said after a minute. "I forgive you. Super Vic saved me last night." I smiled.

"You tell your parents yet," I asked.

"Well…kind of. I told them I wanted them to meet my new boyfriend today," she said but still held me extremely close. Oh boy…I don't know if I was ready for that. Telling Kimi, Stryker and Cassie was one thing. But Johnny and her mom? I shuddered just thinking about it. They were going to put my ass in the ground for making their daughter feel like shit for the last ten years. Cassie noticed my expression change.

"Vic, my parents always liked you," she said. "Even after they caught us together when I was supposed to be grounded." I chuckled in remembrance.

"Oh I remember that," I said. "I got in so much trouble with my own parents." I faltered a little bit when I pictured my parents again. Cassie again noticed.

"I miss them too babe," she said. I sniffed and clenched my fist.

"Hey hey, easy there big guy," Cassie continued. "Your get out of trouble free card is away. It might be best for you to lay low today." I nodded.

"Right…right yeah," I said and looked down into Cassie's beautiful face. "Wanna…shower together?" She smiled and lightly grabbed my crotch.

"I thought you'd never ask," she said and squeezed her hand.

Later I found myself staring at the naked body of the woman I loved. Cassie was doing the same as the water in the shower was warming up. She ran her hand along my new muscles in my arms before noticing the tattoo on my other arm.

"Wait...that's new," she said and narrowed her eyes. Then she gasped. "Is that…is that for your mom?" I nodded. I decided to get a tattoo in remembrance of my mom as well as honoring my uncles. The design was of orange flames, gray clouds and blue lightning. Uncle Fujin had taken me to get this on my…22nd or 23rd birthday. Can't remember the exact one. I recall him using his powers to blur my unmasked face just in case. The tattoo artist didn't even notice. I pointed at the Bastet tattoo on Cassie's arm.

"You got one too," I said. "I know you've always liked cats. Remember when my old cat Akiko used to follow you around the house whenever you came over?" She smiled, grabbed my body and lightly pushed me into the shower. It wasn't a tub one mind you, it was one of those showers where you open a door and walk in. The warm water cascaded down my body and I closed my eyes in comfort.

"Damn, this be what dishes feel like…" I muttered out loud. Cassie giggled.

"Such a dork," she said and joined me under the water. She too closed her eyes in comfort…but that might also be because I was running my hands up and down her body.

"You're mean," I said into her ear. Cassie's response was grabbing and lightly squeezing my crotch again.

"You're hot," she responded.

"Yes Cassie," I said. "That's what happens when warm water hits me. I tend to get a little hot. Plus have you noticed that when I took my clothes off, the shower got turned on." Cassie laughed and then reached for the bottle of shampoo nearby.

"Let me," she said. I proceeded to get my hair washed by her. She did everything. Lathered every part of my hair, gave me a little scalp massage all while getting small kisses and squeezes of affection. Yo…I…I nearly cried y'all. I missed this. I missed being this close to someone that cared about me this much…well you know, other than my uncle that is.

"My turn," Cassie asked and gave me the kitty cat eyes. "You have always been good at this. And you know exactly what I mean." I smiled down at her and followed her orders.

Later. At Cassie's Parents.

There I was, standing on that familiar walkway leading up to Cassie's parents. I was dressed casually in a band graphic t-shirt with a black button down over it as well as a pair of jeans. We had stopped at Cassie's place so she could change and to pick up her car. Looking at it once told me that her dad spoiled her with it. The privilege of having a famous father who loved you. Cassie was dressed pretty similar to me. Fashionably ripped jeans, Converse sneakers, a sleeveless shirt with her light jacket over it as it was a little chilly today. She tugged on my arm.

"Come on," she said reassuringly. "They're waiting for us." I gulped and walked up the path to the door with her. I silently hyped myself up with what I was going to say while also going over exuberant apology statements. Before I knew it, we were at the door and before I could say anything, Cassie was knocking on the door.

"Cass, I can't," I whispered. She squeezed my hand.

"Yes, you can," she whispered back. The door opened before I could respond and I was face to face with Mrs. Cage for the first time in ten years. She was in the middle of saying "Hi sweetie" before stopping dead as if someone had pressed the mute button. She stared at me and I watched her eyes go up and down my body. Then she screamed. Johnny was there at an instant.

"Babe, are you ok?" he asked. He hadn't seen me. Instead he followed the pointing finger of his wife. Johnny's mouth fell open in shock and he even took off his sunglasses.

"What…what the fuck?" he said before spotting his daughter. Cassie was smiling.

"It's him daddy," she said and sniffed. "He's Thrash." Johnny didn't respond but his wife was still freaking out. I decided to prove it to them and formed a bouquet of flowers and charged them with neon pulled from the air.

"No…fucking way," Johnny said as I held the flowers out to Mrs. Cage.

"Long time no see guys," I said. Before anything else, Mrs. Cage of all people, had thrown herself at me and was hugging me extremely tightly. It felt like…felt like I was being hugged by a mother. I hugged her back and saw Johnny was steadying himself on the doorframe while Cassie went over to keep him from falling over.

"Vic!" Mrs Cage shouted. "You're alive!"

"Yeah, but I'm about to go deaf in a second," I responded out of habit. Mrs. Cage released me and put both of her hands on my face…again…like…like a mother. She seemed to know what I was thinking.

"I'm so sorry about your parents honey," she whispered thankfully. "You are always welcome here."

"So…so, you're Thrash?" Johnny said to me. I nodded.

"Cassie found out last night," I said. "Then…then she asked if we could be a couple again." Cassie walked over, placed a hand on my shoulder and pecked my cheek.

"He's mine," she said. Mrs. Cage smiled at the pair of us.

"Well…shit man…uh…come on in you two…we…damn, we gotta know what happened Vic," Johnny said.

"Be glad to, if Mrs. Cage has some of her famous lemonade already made," I said. All three of the Cages smiled as we walked inside.

I found myself sitting on the couch in Cassie's parents' house by myself for a few moments. Man, I forgot how big this place was. There was a god damn pool in the middle of it. Like inside. It was crazy. Don't even get me started about the big ass theater I had passed on my way over here. Internally, I was still freaking out a little bit. What if Cassie was telling her parents what I had done? FUCK! I could see it now. Johnny marching up to me, picking me up by the neck and then chucking me into the pool while saying "YOU LIED TO MY LITTLE GIRL?!" Soon enough, Cassie and her parents came out of the kitchen each carrying glasses filled with lemonade. Cassie had two and handed one to me when she sat down. She looked happy so I assume I wasn't about to get dunked.

"So Vic, what happened?" Johnny asked as he put an arm around his wife. I took a deep breath and explained everything. How I came upon my home being destroyed (Cassie gently squeezed my leg when I mentioned my mom's body), how Uncle Fujin was there and revealed to me that I had powers, how he had taken me under his wing for training and eventually how I decided to take matters into my own hands and became Thrash.

"Hold on a tick." Johnny said. "Your mother is Fujin's sister? Huh…his name reminds me of that Raiden guy I partnered with once." I took a sip of lemonade (straight up DELICIOUS by the way) and pointed at Johnny. Johnny gasped.

"No way!" he exclaimed. "You're related to Raiden?! The Champion of Earthrealm?" I nodded.

"I was told he uses an amulet to control his powers much like how Uncle Fujin does. He's got one too. He normally wears it on his belt. Although, both Raiden and him got their powers later in life. My mom's powers were apparently inherent though and she didn't have one of those amulets," I said. Cassie meanwhile was in total shock.

"I've got celebrity status too I guess eh Cass," I said and patted her shoulder.

"But…your mom was a musician wasn't she?" Mrs. Cage asked. I nodded.

"Yes. Uncle Fujin says she was the one that calmed him and Raiden when they were children by playing music. They all became distant from her when she moved to the States. Uncle Fujin does not talk about it much. It still seems to cause him pain," I explained. "He did say that he preferred my dad being with my mom a few times inadvertently though." I paused for a second and thought about it. What if my mom like…like ran off with someone that my uncles didn't agree with? And then the guy turned out to be a piece of shit and that's when she met my dad. My dad has told me that he met my mom when he was in a local musical and he walked in on her playing the piano and singing softly to herself about loss. Guess it made him teary eyes and he asked her for a date immediately which she accepted. She tells the story a different way. She often called my dad her savior and fell in love with him the moment she saw him.

"Vic?" Cassie asked.

"Hmm? Oh sorry," I said. "Did I miss a question?"

"No, you just looked like a thought crossed your mind. Must've been a long and lonely journey," Cassie said and chuckled.

"Keep it up pipsqueak, there's a pool over there calling your name," I taunted back. Cassie gave me the "*gasp* how dare you" face while her parents laughed.

"So you never knew about this Fujin guy growing up?" Johnny asked.

"I think I have some memories with him." I explained. "Like when I was really little. I remember a time where I got lost in the grocery store and couldn't find my mom and sister. I was really scared and then this guy that resembled my uncle appeared. He got my attention and pointed around the corner where I saw my mom acting frantic. Kimi saw me, pointed at me and I recall my mom saying something in Japanese as she hugged me close. It sounded like…" And then it hit me. I knew enough basic Japanese to know what "Arigatō fuujin" means at this point in my life. The Cages sensed my realization. Cassie placed a hand on my face.

"It…it…it was him…" I said to the floor in a shaky voice.

"Aww honey," Mrs. Cage said as Cassie hugged me.

I suddenly began to remember more times I had seen Uncle Fujin. He was at my fifth grade graduation in the back, he was at some of my baseball games, he…he had been there when I played with Malcolm and Steve at that talent show.

"He's been there for all the big moments hasn't he?" Johnny asked. "Just in the background."

"But…but why did my mom not tell me about him? She said he and Raiden died," I asked the floor.

"Maybe she was ashamed of herself or it might have something to do with your powers. Maybe she didn't want Fujin to take you under his wing yet," Cassie said. I could see she was having an internal battle about telling her parents about what she could do. I folded my arms and gave her a look that meant "I revealed myself to be alive to your parents, therefore YOU need to tell them." She gulped. Then said "Daddy…Mom…I have to…I have to tell you something." Mrs. Cage gasped.

"Ohmygod you're pregnant!" she said happily. I choked on my sip of lemonade. That didn't track! I don't recall even doing that move this morning! Thankfully Cassie shook her head. Holy FUCK donkeys that was close! Cassie held up her hand and within a few seconds, the green glow enveloped her hand. Johnny gasped while Mrs. Cage yelped. The ball object formed and Cassie lobbed it into the pool where it made a big splash.

"Before you ask, a few nights ago, no I don't know how or why and Vic's uncle said he would train me," Cassie rattled off. Wait…he did, did he?! I narrowed my eyes on her but didn't say anything. I sat there in stewed silence wondering why the hell she decided that she wanted to risk her life out there against forces she didn't understand.

Later.

I was outside by myself talking on the phone with Fujin while Cassie and her parents talked inside.

"You said you'd train her?!" I asked him angrily when he finally picked up.

"Yes," he replied. "Why? I figured you would like that idea."

"Uncle, have you seen what I'm up against?!"

"You're up against?"

"Yes ME, I don't see you going out and doing what I do all the time?"

"What do you think I'm doing now? I'm tracking a lead on a cult that I have a past with."

"Please tell me by past you mean you fought against members from it." Fujin hesitated before he answered.

"Yes. These are the people that killed your parents," he admitted. I nearly dropped the phone.

"Tell me. EVERYTHING." I snarled.

"Look, I will explain later. I promise you that. All I know right now is that I know for a fact this cult was dissolved shortly after your parents' deaths. I need to know why they are resurfacing. I will also explain to you the real reason your mother kept you at a distance from me and Raiden." Uncle Fujin said calmly. "If they are back like I believe they are, I will-...wait…is that-" the line went dead

"Uncle? Uncle!" I exclaimed into the phone but no response. Perfect. It gives me time to cook up a response to him about training Cassie. I started to turn back to go inside but movement caught my attention.

Before I could really do anything, two hooded and masked figures emerged. The both of them were wearing similar outfits. They were actually ninja-like in appearance but lacking a shirt. Attached at both of their belts was a sort of medallion depicting a head in wearing a helmet with horns and yellow eyes. One of them looked female (hence the bra-like garment covering her chest) and had white colored skin while the other looked male also with white skin. I raised my hands in defense.

"Oh, I like it when they fight back," the woman said and pulled out two knives. The other guy slammed his fist into his palm and cracked his knuckles.

"Where's Cage kid," he said in a deep gravelly voice.

"He's not home, can I take a message," I answered. As I said the last word, I attacked with a wind assisted spin kick that connected with both of the hooded figures. I followed up that attack with an ax kick intending to smash my heel into one of their faces but it was blocked and I was shoved off balance.

"The nephew," the male figure said. "Sister, go find Cage. GO!"

"Yes Brother," the female said and charged in the direction of the house. I tried to stop her with a wind barrier but the other guy kicked my arm away. I'm surprised it didn't shatter because FUCK ME THAT HURT! Like FUCK! I tried to move that arm but no dice. It was stinging with pain. Before I could really do anything else, the guy tackled me to the ground and began punching the shit out of me. I took blow after blow to the face before I managed to catch one of this guy's hands and bent it backwards. He yelled in pain as I felt and heard bones break. Then I saw someone sprinting towards me looking livid. It was Johnny. Wait, Johnny's a martial artist! Hold on, where did that chick go…whatever! I needed help. I used my good hand to punch my attacker in the face which stunned him. I got my feet under him and launched him toward Johnny who delivered a spin kick of his own to the guy's spine. He crumpled to the ground in a heap. I attempted to get up but that turned out to be a bad move. Johnny caught me.

"What the hell happened?!" he asked.

"Where's…where's the…" I began before the woman leapt out of the shadows brandishing her knives. Johnny delivered a back hand punch to her face without even looking and she collapsed on the ground. If I had to guess…both of them were dead…or at the very least out cold.

"Yep that one, you got her," I said. Johnny assisted me in standing and we walked back inside.

As soon as Cassie saw me, oh boy. Ever see someone go from extremely happy to panicked in about half a second? Cause I did. She ran over to us and looked me up and down.

"Daddy, did you actually beat him up?!" Cassie exclaimed. "I told you I forgave him already!" Johnny gave her a look.

"No, but some hooded douchebag did," he said. "I have no idea who those guys are."

"I do," I heard a familiar voice say. It was Uncle Fujin standing on the balcony with his arms clasped behind his back.

"Forgive my intrusion Mr. and Mrs. Cage," he said politely. "I will be happy to explain what is happening. May I come in?" Johnny nodded as Cassie and her mom led me to the couch. Mrs. Cage ran off and returned with an ice pack as Uncle Fujin was examining me. He looked angry. Not at me, but at the people who did this.

"Uncle," I said but coughed up some blood.

"Vic, relax," he instructed. "As I said, I will explain. It is time you know." Mrs. Cage returned with an ice pack and Cassie proceeded to hold it against my bruised face. She was even rubbing her finger along my injured arm which felt really good. Uncle Fujun looked around the room, took a breath and began speaking.

"As Vic may have explained to you, I am his uncle. Raiden is my brother. Mr. Cage, you had an excursion with him many years in the past. Our older sister, Hikari, was Vic's mother. Many many years ago, the three of us lived in Fengjian. I was the youngest of us and we were inseparable for a time. But Hikari always wanted more. She longed to leave Fengjian and come to America to become a musician rather than remain a farmer. She was also a gifted martial artist. One of the local master's star pupils. Many people used to call her "Amaterasu" due to the fact that light seemed to bend to her will. In actuality, it did. But the three of us kept it secret lest she be cast out. One day, an American soldier by the name of Zayne Jarek, caught her eye. He and his unit were stationed nearby and Hikari met him while he and his comrades were at Madam Bo's, a local restaurant nearby. I never liked him. She was far too good for him. He promised her everything she dreamed of. And she foolishly believed him. The fight between the three of us following her telling us that she was going to live in America with Mr. Jarek was one of the worst. I remember Raiden telling her 'Do not become attached to him Hikari! Sentiment will impede the execution of your duty!' but his words and my pleas for her to stay fell on deaf ears. Raiden and I barely spoke of her for many years afterwards. I myself relocated to America soon enough and found out about this musician calling herself 'Amaterasu'. I realized that she was in fact my older sister, now going by the name Lauren which is the name you all know her by. As soon as she recognized me when I approached her one evening, she broke down crying. Jarek had apparently been horrible to her and she needed an escape. I was that escape. I took her to this city and set her up in the house I still occupy. Jarek never found out where she went for many many years as I sent him to prison. Then I watched as she met, moved in with and fell in love with Vic's father and started a family together. I much preferred Victor's father as a suitor for my sister than Jarek. Seeing how Vic treats Miss Cage reminded me of how his father treated my sister. I kept myself at a distance at the request of Hikari because she felt that Vic was beginning to develop innate powers like she had and did not want him to grow up believing he was different. I myself possess similar powers as you might know but Vic is slightly different. He is a combination between me, Raiden and Hikari. My wind, Hikari's light and Raiden's volatile lightning. I heeded her words and only popped in every once in a while. I kept a watchful eye on Hikari's 'sweet boy' whenever I could, even when he was on dates with Miss Cage. But…but then Jarek found them. He and his lieutenant, a man named Kobra, arrived at the Harris residence. I happened to be visiting because Hikari was ready to tell Vic about his heritage and to stop lying to him about me, something she does regret Vic, when they attacked. I engaged in a fierce battle with Kobra and ended up killing him but not before watching my brother-in-law and my sister's one true love get murdered by her former lover right in front of her. She went ballistic and engaged with Jarek while he just laughed and taunted her. I tried to help but Jarek incapacitated me with a thrown knife. That proved to be his downfall as Hikari, who herself was mortally injured, got Jarek in a chokehold and…and made me promise to look over her children…before sacrificing herself in a fiery explosion that she caused."

I looked at my uncle, who looked as though telling us this was causing him great pain, and then to Cassie. She remained silent but I did feel her squeeze me affectionately.

"Was…was this Jarek bastard part of the group of people that just attacked me?" I asked. "And he was the body we disguised to be me wasn't he?" Cassie let out a gasp of disgust.

"Yes to both. He was their leader. They are called the Cult of the Black Dragon King or Black Dragon Cult," Uncle Fujin explained. "I assumed they disbanded upon Jarek's death and they have been dormant for many years. Until tonight." I looked over at Cassie.

"I don't want her involved," I said. "Don't train her." Cassie gave me a look of venom.

"You are not fighting them on your own," Cassie snapped at me.

"Vic, that guy was about to splatter you all over my lawn!" Johnny added.

"NO!" I shouted. "THIS CULT KILLED MY MOM AND DAD AND THEY'RE STILL OUT THERE! I'M NOT LOSING ANYTHING ELSE! NOT WHEN I JUST GOT SOME OF IT BACK!"

"Neither am I," Uncle Fujin said calmly. "I held you when you were born, Vic. When it was just you and your mother in the hospital room. I will not fail in my promise to protect the little baby boy that managed to make my big sister cry when he smiled at me." Hearing that made my anger get blown away. I felt Cassie's hand's squeeze me again. Maybe…maybe I did need help.

"You don't need to be alone anymore Vic," she said. "You have me again."

"I agree," Johnny added and then put his hand forward. I looked at Uncle Fujin. He wanted to avenge my parents deaths as much as I did.

"You know that Kimi and Mr. Stryker will also be willing to help," Uncle Fujin said. "Cassie has been telling me she may know how to easily beat you in sparring practice tomorrow." I slowly turned my head to face her. She kissed me on the forehead.

"Like that," she said and placed her hand forward on her dad's. Uncle Fujin followed suit…and so did I.

Don't worry mom and dad, I'm going to find this cult and make them pay for what they did to our family.