The Maddox Cottage; Edenia around Midnight - Xan's POV:
Before Baiken and I went to sleep last night, we received a visit from Amaaterasu, who wanted to accelerate our Netherrealm journey a day early to search for Lady Death after she and Kim held a conversation about her getting anxious over said search. Kim suggested the acceleration of it, and I agree. While I've only been to the Netherrealm once, when Scorpion dragged me to the Dark Prison, I never really wanted to return there. But for Kim and Amaterasu, I agreed to help.
There has been a snag, and we haven't even left yet. Baiken and I started having a heated argument when the time began to approach for us to meet with Kim, Amaterasu, and Nox.
"What are you saying that you don't want me to go?"
"Did I stutter, Ryu? I don't want you to come with us."
"But I already promised Amaterasu, Baiken. I won't back out now; she's counting on us."
"I don't give a fuck, Ryu. If you go with us, somethin' bad will happen."
"Isn't that the standard with us?" I ask sarcastically. "Besides, that's a non-factor. Did you forget our vows when you accepted my proposal to be life partners?"
"No, but-"
"Then you should know that when I asked you to be my life partner, you accepted on the condition that we won't run away from death. Have you been so consumed with the fact that you can re-identify yourself as a woman that you're going to break our vows?"
"To be fair, Ryu. I also promised that we would not get sexually intimate, and we broke that vow, too. What's one more?"
"You're not helping your case, Baiken."
"I don't care. I want you to be with me for as long as humanly possible and don't give a shit if I'm being selfish. I don't want you to come with us."
I start a response, but the others walk inside before I can get a word out.
"You two are ready to go?" Kim asked us in place of a regular greeting.
Before I could tell them about a small problem, Baiken spoke simply and plainly. "I don't want Ryu to go with us."
"Wow," I remarked. "Can't even let me get a word out?"
"No. He ain't goin' with us."
"Baiken, you know that since it's always daytime, Otou-sama will be second only to me while we are down there? If he doesn't go, searching for mother will be much more difficult."
"I don't want anything bad to happen to him, so I don't want him to go."
"I understand that Dad is the best thing to happen to you in literal decades, but has it crossed your mind that him not going could potentially jeopardize the mission?"
"Lady Sun and Nox are both a Pantheon Leader and a Primordial Goddess. You're blessed by said Pantheon Leader and harbor another Pantheon God's soul. While I'm not divine like everyone else here, I'm still experienced. The four of us are more than enough. I'll make sure to work twice as hard in his place."
"Kinda hard to do that when you're missing an arm and an eye."
"What was that, Kabuki?"
Baiken and Kim argued for what seemed like minutes but only lasted several seconds.
"Enough, you two. We're wasting time. The longer we wait, the weaker Nox will be when we eventually descend."
"Amaterasu is right, Baiken. I'll stay back, but if anything goes sideways-"
"I'll take the blame. You're the only person I give a shit about anyway, Ryu. The safety of everyone else, including my own, is secondary to yours. If my happiness is fine, who cares what happens?"
"And if you die down there, Baiken?"
She merely scoffed. "That ain't happening."
"Well, now that that's settled, let's go," Nox said as she and Amaterasu opened a portal to the Netherrealm. They all passed through, save for Baiken, who turned to look at me.
"I know this is a dumb decision, Ryu, but thanks for indulging in my selfishness."
"Just make sure none of us live to regret it, Baiken."
"We won't. When I get back, we can have some fun." She then pushed her breasts on my chest. "You know it's been a while since I've been impaled, so to speak, Ryu." She spoke as her working eye became sharp and slanted.
We kissed each other before she walked through the portal as it closed.
"Well, Ida. It's just you and me." I say to the pup. She barked in agreement.
But now, what am I going to do? I can just go to bed, but I'm not tired since I was prepped to go with the others. I approach the weapon stand and place my Katana and O-Katana there.
I then shake and shiver.
A Cold Snap? But it was sweltering today. And I feel a draft behind my neck despite being fully clothed. The draft grew stronger as the seconds went by. When Ida started barking repeatedly and rapidly, I knew something was seriously wrong.
"Ida, what's the ma-"
CRASH!
Something cold swiftly hit me in the torso as I flew through the front door. I roll and tumble before landing face down. I guess I'm still getting a fight in tonight. I summon the Blue Fire Jian and draw it as I gaze at my opponent.
A Wraith.
Dakini's POV:
"And that's what happened," I explained to Mama and Dad what went down with Mulan in Rome.
"Dakini," Mama began hesitantly. "I understand your supposed need to accept Nox's deal and become her champion. But don't you think you're being impulsive? You becoming a Nightwolf before your time is already too much that a child your age should bear. To become a Primordial Goddess' champion so soon after being relieved of another deity's duties can't be good for you mentally."
"I agree with your mother, Dakini. While you have an adult body, you're still very much an infant. Plus, you still contribute much to everything after losing the Nightwolf Powers," Dad added.
"I sincerely doubt that. Everyone was an eyewitness to what happened when Reiko escaped. If I still had my Nightwolf powers, he would've been apprehended and never turned Ms. Skarlet before she died."
"Hey, Ranger Girl," Mulan interjected. "Ma already told me not to blame my slow speed for Ms. Red's death. Neither should you."
"My point still stands. Despite me being here for the better part of twenty-seven years, Onaga still hasn't shown himself. And we all know his arrival is inevitable. I said repeatedly that I'll do anything to prevent the catastrophe that happened in my and Sonni's time from repeating itself."
"Sonni?" Mama repeated.
"Xan Sifu's daughter from Dakini's time."
"Dakini, Mulan is right. The blame shouldn't fall squarely on anyone's shoulders for Skarlet's untimely passing," Dad reminded. "I stand by my previous statement that you pull your weight, Great Spirit's Champion or not."
"Without The Great Spirit's Powers or Hamlet, my contributions to everything have diminished. You'd have to be blind or deaf not to realize that."
I still miss my boy even though we have Ophelia now, thanks to Ms. Amaterasu and Kim.
Dad turned to my cousin. "What do you think of this, Mulan? I know you're being silent out of respect, but your opinion still matters."
"If anything, Uncle Benji. I'm on your side since I was the one who insisted Dakini tell you two before deciding on this. We only have known her for a few hours at most. But I fully support Dakini, regardless of her decision."
"And I have decided to accept Nox's offer. Feeling useless like the day you two died-"
I start hyperventilating again just from mentioning that nightmare of a night.
"Breathe, Ranger Girl," Mulan calmly commanded as she held me.
Doing what she asked, I relax. "Thanks, Mulan. Besides, Nox and I already shook on it."
Mama spoke as she crossed her arms. "I don't like the idea of a Primordial Goddess tempting you with learning more of the Emerald Light and making you a Champion without some benefit on her end."
"Ti-Ti," Mulan spoke. "We're spread thin at the moment. You, Uncle, and Auntie Sareena are here with Aunt Kitty, Ms. Sindel, and Mileena. Ma, Pa, Uncle Liu, and Kim Jie Jie are in Earthrealm for the most part. While I'm not saying it'll happen, our enemies could attack us anytime and pick us off. Kotal, the Black and Red Dragon Clans, wherever the hell Tanya is, Shinnok, and the Brotherhood of Shadow cult. Not to mention what Dakini revealed about Onaga. We need all the help we can get at this point, and Ranger Girl is done being sidelined by virtue of being powerless."
"Besides, Mama," I gazed at her with pleading eyes. "You and I know we have too much to lose right now. Wouldn't you like to learn more about the Emerald Light yourself? Because of 'you know who'?"
Mama took a second to think deeply about the matter. I'm still cautious whenever I mention that harlot around her. It doesn't make it easier that none of us know where Tanya is and what she could be plotting. There's no way she's merely following Kotal's orders. She does what suits her best interests and will stop at nothing to have Dad for herself. I shudder at the thought.
"Dakini..." Mama paused before she nodded. "I wholeheartedly support your decision to become Nox's champion. Your growing independence and initiative are to be admired. And I can't help but be proud of your wanting to do more to help. You really are me... when I was your age."
I was floored by what I heard. Is Mama backing me? "What? Are... are you serious, Mama?"
"Absolutely."
"Jade, I think you should reconsider. Nox is still an unpredictable and dangerous ally," Dad continued his protest.
"No, Benji," Jade immediately shot it down to double down on supporting me. "I've seen first-hand what overprotection has done, Sareena and I being the biggest contributing factors. Therapy with Mrs. Maddox has brought that to my attention, and the last thing I want is for history to repeat itself. On that note, I must also apologize to you for our actions."
She looked back at Mulan and me while placing a reassuring palm on my shoulder. "It's natural for us as parents to show concern over our own, but we can't coddle them forever. They must eventually stand on their own."
Dad could do nothing but stay silent as Mama made several great points.
Mama pecked Dad's cheek. "Dakini has something you and I didn't have much of - supportive parents. You and Callie didn't amid your exile. Much like how everyone supported us and Sareena during the beginning of our marriage, we must now support our children, especially our eldest. They deserve nothing less."
Dad sighed defeatedly.
"I understand, Jade. And I accept your apology." Dad gave a small smile and pecked Mama's lips. "I know you and Sareena were looking out for me, and your explanation made me realize the severity of our situation."
Dad looked at me. "Alright, I also support this decision. However, this is on the premise that Jade and I will accompany you two if something goes wrong during the ascension ceremony."
I let out the most enormous sigh of relief before hugging my parents, to which they happily returned. "Of course, Dad. Thank you both."
After separating, we hear a slight thud at the front door.
"What was that?" Mulan asked aloud.
"Sounded like it came from the front door," I answered.
The sounds grew louder. Going to the front door, I open it and see...
"Ida? What are you doing so far away from the Cottage?"
Bark! Bark! Bark! (Master Xan is in trouble! A Wraith blindsided him after Master Baiken, Grandma Ammy, and Ms. Kim left for the Netherrealm!)
"A Wraith!?" I shrieked.
"Sifu is in trouble. We have to go now!" Mulan immediately ran outside the door toward Dad's old home.
"Mulan, wait!" Dad rushed after her.
"Come, Dakini. Grab little Ida, and let's move."
"Yes, Mama!"
I pick up Ida and dash towards Mr. Xan's location.
Ammy's POV:
The minute we arrived in the Netherrealm, I felt a surge of power flowing through my body. It's been said numerous times that the Netherrealm constantly having its sun out makes me more powerful due to my nature as Goddess of the Sun. Kimmy has Tsuki's soul but not my blessing, so she shouldn't be too bad for wear. No one blessed Baiken. For Nox's sake, we should expedite the search for Mother since she's at her weakest despite her being a Primordial Deity lessens the effects. Still, the Netherrealm has no moon and no Night Cycle, which puts her on equal footing as Kim.
"This is the Netherrealm, huh?" Baiken spoke first since our arrival. "I can see why Ryu spoke so badly about the place. Seems like everything wants to kill something down here."
"An accurate description of the wastes, at least," I respond.
Considering she's why Otou-san isn't with us, I'm inclined not to respond. The annoyed expression Kim gave her was enough not to follow through.
"So, Ammy. Where to first?" Kimmy inquired.
"We need to meet with Duffecek first," I answered.
We start walking through the city as some Netherrealm denizens bow at me, regardless of appearance or action, from the Brotherhood of Shadow Soldiers to the regular residents.
"Ammy," Kimmy started. "I know you're a Pantheon Leader, but why are the Netherrealm Denizens bowing?"
"The Netherrealm is in a constant day cycle with the Sun as its best representation. I'm known across realms as the Goddess of the Sun first. Only in Earthrealm am I known as the Japanese Pantheon Leader first. In other realms, what I'm the Goddess of takes precedence, hence why they bow."
"Masterfully explained, Ammy," Nox added. "But that should mean the denizens should be lining up to attack me."
"You're Primordial, Nox. As volatile as the Netherrealm is, they know better than to get on the bad side of a Primordial Deity," I answered.
The four of us end up outside Duffeck's palace, and he walks out to greet us. "Lady Sun, it's a pleasure as always." We shook hands. "You as well, Nox."
She bowed. "Lord Duffeck, the pleasure is always mine."
Duffeck then looked at Kimmy. "Which must make you Amaterasu's wife and the Edgemaster's daughter, Kimura. Finally, meeting the woman who stole Lady Sun's heart."
"If anything, Lord Duffeck, it was the other way around."
"Kimmy's being modest."
"I can attest to that. Speaking of which, where is your father-in-law, Amaterasu?"
"His life partner insisted he stay back while she went in his place. Which is why Baiken is with us."
"This must have been recent, as I didn't know Edgemaster had a life partner," Duffeck surmised while scanning Baiken. "Regardless, he must be pleased to have his own companion."
"He does, and it goes both ways, Lord Duffeck."
"Wonderful. Let's get to business. Lady Death, Lady Death was in the Sphere of Wrath, but that was decades ago when you and Nox last visited. You four are more than welcome to search the Sphere of Wrath for her and have my blessing to bring her back to the Living Planes. Just do my men and me a favor and cull the wrathful dead and any Brotherhood of Shadow Cult member you come across."
"Why the wrathful dead in tandem?" Kimmy asked.
"The Brotherhood of Shadow Cult has been rallying them to take over the cities. They must go as well, unfortunately. They'll most likely attack you on sight since you are all still living. And I'd prefer all of you alive," Duffeck answered. "Any other questions before I send you four down there?"
"Is Mother... In the right state of mind to come back with us?" I asked, knowing I may not like the answer. It's still important nonetheless.
"I truthfully have no idea, Lady Sun. There's every possibility that her soul could be corrupted by being here for so long. Simultaneously, she's your Pantheon's personification of death, so her soul may be perfectly stable. The only way to know for sure is to find her."
That answer couldn't have been any more ambiguous.
"She'll be fine, Ammy. She wouldn't be your mother if she wasn't. We're ready, Lord Duffeck. You may send us down."
"Very well. I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope you find her well and healthy."
Duffeck made a Roman 5 with his right hand. Almost immediately after, a portal tore open. "Here's your entry into the Fifth Sphere. To return to the city, look for a Red and Black Monolith."
"Thank you, Duffeck. Come on, ladies. Let's move."
We all walk through and cross the plane just as the portal closes. And I thought Japan during Shinnok's first invasion was violent. The Sphere of Wrath looks more like a Civil War than a Sphere of Hell. Demons and Zombies are killing each other en masse.
"Hey, Lady Sun. I think we should start looking for Lady Death now."
"Why do you say that Baiken?" I ask before looking at her general direction.
She held a decapitated zombie's head before tossing it aside. "The denizens of the sphere know of our presence."
No other words were said. We all drew our weapons and began searching. Nox summoned a Gladius and expressed her disappointment with it.
"A Gladius? Cursed this blasted realm. I know I was weaker, but by this much?"
She then focused before summoning a shield with her free hand. The four of us were steeled as the sphere's denizens were ready to try and kill us.
"Hope you ladies are ready because I don't think we can cover any ground until we get rid of this group of denizens," I say as the group attacks.
Bit by bit, the size of the mob decreased as we continued slaying them. Making ground as we did so, it seemed like we were back to square one.
"At this rate, Ammy, we'll fight hordes for eons. Surely you could cut the work for us?" Nox spoke the truth.
"I'll see what I can do. Everyone, give me some room," I request as Kimmy and the others protect my flank.
I look at the Sphere of Wrath's Sun and place my palm in front. Taking in its heat, I feel my body rapidly rise in temperature as the heat envelopes me. I then grab my Katana with both hands and swipe horizontally, creating a massive sea of Heat, Flames, and Lava to engulf whatever zombie, demon, and Brother of Shadow Cult Member in its destruction without prejudice. Kimmy, Baiken, and Nox slew the rest that didn't run away in terror.
I sheathe my Katana as we stop momentarily to take a breather. "Is everyone okay? I think I put too much power into that swing."
"Nonsense, Ammy," Nox reassured me. "We were getting swarmed. While we can handle them manually, we need to work smarter rather than harder."
"Nox is right, sweetie," Kim added with a kiss on the cheek. "Say, I should know this. But do zombies bleed?"
"They don't, and you should know this."
"I'm just making sure because there's a blood trail that way," she pointed out.
"Good find, Kim. Let's follow it."
Baiken started walking in that direction. We looked at each other, slightly annoyed, before following to ensure she didn't get lost.
"Baiken, wait up. You're the least familiar with the place, so you shouldn't run off like that!" Kimmy exclaimed.
"Sorry about that, Kim. But I want to return to your old man immediately."
"I understand the sentiment, Baiken. But Kimura has a point," Nox said as we reached the end of the blood trail.
A Brotherhood of Shadow Cult member.
Kneeling down, I inspect his corpse. "Gashes and slash marks on his neck and upper torso. The wounds themselves look fresh but not recent enough, as so one of us did this to him. Someone else is also slaying denizens of the sphere," I analyze.
"While we can't conclude the other party is cemented as an ally, it does guarantee a neutral party," Nox surmises before pointing at another pool of blood. "There's the beginning of another blood trail."
As with the previous one, we follow the trail until it leads us to another Brotherhood of Shadow Cult member and several zombies. Looking around the immediate area, I see a figure in a medium-close distance. Following my impulse, I run after it.
"Ammy, wait a sec!" Kimmy shouted.
I ran full speed ahead at the figure. Closing the distance, I made out a body slightly paler than mine, holding a katana in each hand. Her hair was black like mine, and she wore a crimson-red colored kimono with a white outline that was slightly unraveled to expose her shoulders.
Without turning, she points one of her katanas at me. "Stay where you are. While your soul is not tainted like the others of this Sphere, you will not take another step until I can prove no ill intent from you."
Her warm brown irises lay upon me and widened with realization. "By the stars... Amaterasu?"
"Mother? Is... is that really you?" I say while choking up.
"My eldest child. You have grown into a lovely woman," Mother said as she sheathed her katanas, freeing her hands.
No longer able to hold tears back, I gave my mother the tightest hug my body would allow, and she eagerly returned the gesture.
"Mother, you look phenomenal. I figured Kagutsuchi would've burnt you to a crisp. Though I did not expect you to be pale." I look at her fingers and see her pitch-black nails. "Or for your fingernails to be black."
"Those details are miniscule, Amaterasu. Though I understand the first thought. The pale skin and black nails are just an effect of staying in the Netherrealm for so long. But I assure you, they are merely cosmetic." We give each other another overdue embrace while the others catch up.
"Sheesh, Ammy. You made an executive decision without us and then took off without warning," Kimmy spoke.
I sniffed before turning to everyone else and pecked my wife with an apologetic kiss. "I'm sorry, everyone, but it wasn't for nothing." I turn back to Mother. "Kimmy, Baiken. This is Izanami, the Primordial Japanese Goddess of Death and my mother."
Mother smiled warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. Nox, though I'm surprised to see you down here, it's a pleasure to see you."
"The pleasure is mine, Lady Death. When Ammy pitched the idea of looking for you, I knew I had to participate."
"I appreciate you coming to see me, Nox. All of you. Now, Kimura." Mother called my wife by her full name. "I won't jump to conclusions as you have a soul as pure as silk. But I would love to know why you have my daughter-in-law's soul?"
"Lady Death. Tsu-sama... Is dead."
"What? Amaterasu, say it isn't so?"
"I'm afraid Kimmy is right, Mother. She was murdered 27 years ago."
"By who?"
"Quan Chi, Shinnok's Champion."
"That bastard. At the very least, my hunch was correct about you, Kimura. I trust you're making good use of her soul?"
"Yes, Izanami-sama. She wouldn't have trusted anyone else with it. I was her champion before her untimely passing."
"I see."
"Lady Death, if you don't mind my inquisition," Baiken interjected. "The stories surrounding you implied that you look... homely. I don't mean to offend, but that's what my folks told me while growing up."
"Baiken," Nox responded in slight offense.
"No, Nox. Baiken has a fair point. In truth, it's accurate. When I died from complications of Kagutsuchi's birth, I did look rather grotesque. And when Amaterasu's father descended to retrieve me, he instead chose to ascend into Titanhood. So here I was, bitter, scorned, unjustly cursed to live life in this realm. Thankfully, Duffeck took pity and offered me a deal. There were 1000 souls who escaped the Dark Prison in the city. If I were to hunt them down and either bring them back or slay them, he would restore my beauty and divinity."
"So the stories were still partially true," Kimmy said.
"Yes, Kimura. They were all dead within the day. This explains why I look healthy, barring the slightly pale skin tone and black nails. I've been living in the city for centuries now."
"But Duffeck said he hadn't had contact with you in decades, Mother. Why were you in the Sphere of Wrath for so long?"
"That, my lovely daughter, would be better answered by showing. Follow me, ladies."
Mother led us further down the path when we reached the end.
"Oh, my Gods," Kimmy spoke.
I can't believe it. "Su'sanoo?" I kneel down next to my twin brother. "Is he..."
"I'm afraid not, Amaterasu. But now you know why so many bodies of the Brotherhood of Shadow Cult soldiers are strewn about. I'd rather revert to my previous form than have them or any of the zombies or demons desecrate his body. I have been fighting them off for nearly a century and a half with little help. I understand that Kimura has Tsu's soul, but who is she to you, Amaterasu? And what of Baiken?"
"Mother, Kimmy is my... Wife. Baiken is the life partner of Kim's father." I said, slightly afraid of her response.
I was worried for nothing. "Musume (Daughter)! Give your mother-in-law a hug."
Mother gave Kimmy a deep hug that she quickly returned. "You are a beautiful woman, Kimura. Where's Nii-chan (brother)?"
"In Edenia, at my insistence," Baiken replied. "I had a premonition that something bad would happen if he came with us."
"I see. A shame, but that brings up the question. Why are you four here?"
"Duffeck blessed us to bring you back to the living plane with us."
"Did he? He's awfully giving for the Netherrealm's Elder God."
"Is... is that a problem, Mother? If you wish to stay here-"
"Don't put words in my mouth, daughter. I would love to come back with you all. There are some things I need to do, like bringing your brother's body to Duffeck and Okada so they can give him a proper autopsy to descend properly. Afterward, I would love nothing but to return to Earthrealm with you all. Well, myself and my retainer anyway."
"You've a retainer, Lady Death?"
"Yes, she was a recent acquisition at the behest of Duffeck. Ashrah!"
A small pillar of light suddenly appeared. When it dissipated, a demoness appeared in its place as it kneeled in front of her. "Yes, My Lady."
"Be a dear and help me with my son's body, will you? We're leaving the Sphere of Wrath."
"Truly, My Lady? It's about time. We have been here for decades now."
"My apologies, Ashrah. Thankfully, Duffeck sent in the cavalry," Mother explained while pointing to us. "Ladies, this is my retainer, Ashrah. Ashrah, this Amaterasu, Nox, Kimura, and Baiken, my daughter, surrogate daughter, my daughter-in-law, and my stepbrother's life partner."
She bowed at us. "The honor is mine."
"You're a demoness, Ashrah?" Kimmy asked.
"Unfortunately. Though I am seeking absolution. Slaying demons in the Sphere of Wrath and any Brotherhood of Shadow Cult members accelerates my soul's purification."
That explains her humane appearance. She still has demon marks on her forehead, but her skin tone resembles a Japanese woman who regularly tans.
"Ms. Izanami," Kimmy asked. "Why would Shinnok's cult try to desecrate Lord Storm's body?"
"Petty reasoning would be enough for him and his ilk," Mother began. "But the hatred Shinnok harbors for Earthrealm Deities, especially of our Pantheon, runs deep. He's had his eyes on Earthrealm even before Izanagi ascended. He would only relent if I were to become his bride. Amaterasu's father still had sense, and I was already pregnant with her and her brother, so we clearly refused. Shortly after, I gave birth to Amaterasu and Susanoo. Then Kagutsuchi accidentally killed me. Izanagi killed Kagutsuchi in his rage, and then he ascended. Which begs the question, how can you control fire, my daughter?"
"Mother, I'm the Goddess of the Sun. I have dominion over all sources of heat, including fire. Kagutsuchi gave me his soul in a dream, which might explain why I have better control of it than you would've initially guessed."
"That explains it. With you being Pantheon Leader, the powers of any dead deities of your Pantheon would default to you. And you would redistribute them to another mortal or keep it. Which means that once Duffeck inters Susanoo's body, you'll retrieve his power of the Storm."
"I'll most likely give it away. There is such a thing as too much power, after all."
"I agree, which is why you play your part as Pantheon Leader so well. Now that we have exchanged information and have been given the okay to leave the Sphere, let's find that Monolith," Mother said with finality. "Nox, help Ashrah with my son's body?"
"Of course, Lady Death. With me being down here, I'm afraid I can't contribute as much regarding kombat."
Nox walked beside Ashrah and placed Susanoo's arm over her shoulder as the pair lifted him off the ground.
"Ammy, how are you feeling? Reuniting with your mother and all of this information regarding her stay down here and your family's history with Shinnok must be taxing."
"You're right that I am slightly overwhelmed. But I'm just happy that Mother is more than okay. I was expecting her to be mentally unsound, so this is a pleasant surprise for me," I answer my wife truthfully. "And I'm glad you're here with me, Kim. A shame since Otou-san couldn't be here. Mother can introduce herself to him when we return to Edenia."
Kim intertwines our hands together before giving me a peck on the lips. "I'm glad I'm here too. We should leave here for Nox's and my sake since I'm growing fatigued."
"Of course."
Out of nowhere, we both fell suddenly. A moment later, I landed on my feet and Kim on her side.
"Ow."
"Kimmy. Are you alright?"
"Not really, but what can you do?" She responded honestly, rubbing her hip as I helped her up. "More importantly, where are we now?"
Looking at the place's decor, I'm all too familiar with this design. "Wherever we are, Kimmy. Shinnok properly owns it."
"What? How did he send us here when he's still trapped in his own amulet?"
"Quan Chi is still running around, remember? We never captured him during our last trip to the Netherrealm. Since Shinnok has dominion over this sphere due to his war with Duffeck, Quan Chi is at his most powerful here."
"But so are you, Ammy," Kim made clear. "So what are we going to do?"
"Now's the time, Kimmy. Today, we finally avenge Tsuki." I draw my Katana while Kimmy obtains her Laundry Pole. "We will climb his pagoda and slaughter anyone who stands in our way? Are you with me, Kimmy?"
"Always."
"Thank you, dearest. Let's go."
Xan's POV:
"Ida, get Benjamin and the others." I politely command my pup.
"I'm not this Ida person you speak of, Edgemaster. I am your overdue death."
"Of course not, Wraith. I was talking to her." I respond as Ida frantically moves through the wraith's legs and jumps outside, dashing past me into the city. Standing upright, I draw my Jian as Blue Flames coat the blade. "May I know the name of my home invader?"
"My name is unimportant, as you will die shortly."
I scoff instinctively. "If I had a Yen for every time someone told me that. Come on, then. Let's see if you're correct."
To my surprise, the Wraith makes a challenging gesture before spawning dual sickles. "It is an honor to do battle with the last remaining Edgemaster. Your death will please me and my masters greatly."
He dashed at me as our weapons clashed.
"Masters?" I repeated before putting the pressure on him.
He was off balance momentarily as I motioned for an upward slash, a streak of blue fire moving behind the blade. The Wraith barely had time to dodge, but his doppelganger suddenly appeared and deflected the swing. I then create distance between us by swiping my free hand creating a wall of fire, which causes him to jump backwards.
"I was sent by Quan Chi of the Brotherhood of Shadow to kill you before your patron deity and her team return from the Netherrealm with the Japanese Goddess of Death. And I will not fail him."
"Yes, you will."
"We shall see."
We charged, and I swiped downward as he could barely block it. I looked behind me and saw no one on the path to the cottage.
"You're concern for those of inferior kombat skill is a weakness, Edgemaster."
"I know better than to argue morals with a Demon corrupted by his own death. What do you know of morals, Wraith?"
"I can ask the same thing of you, Edgemaster. The genocide of the Moon Pheasants and of the Tarkatans. The death of Rain on top of the killing of Heishiro Mitsurugi. Not to mention the countless deaths of my Demon Brethren in Japan alone between you and your daughter. We are two sides of the same coin, Edgemaster. But I know better than to pretend to have a conscience."
"All of those you mentioned were all justified. The Moon Pheasants were terrorizing the people of Osaka. The Tarkatans openly followed Shao Kahn. Rain was scheming to achieve the Outworld and Edenian Thrones. Mitsurugi stole my identity and used it to kill numerous swordsmen. The Tengu were slaughtering the people of Tokyo in addition to the Demons who hid themselves amongst the citizens and killing them in secret as well. I had the power to do the right thing: kill them all."
I overpowered him again. "I was supposed to let them all live?"
I broke his sickles and grabbed him by the throat to lift him. I go to stab his aorta, but his counterpart interrupted the attack by kicking my stomach. I released the wraith and slid back a few feet.
"You speak as if some of those kills weren't emotionally motivated. Didn't Mitsurugi kill your lover at the time, a woman by the name of Setsuka? The Moon Pheasants were also personally harassing and making attempts on your life, and it was only then you decided to act. Stop pretending and embrace that you enjoy taking lives, justified or not."
"From the moment I killed the Shogun of Osaka, I abhorred killing. Since then, I have always viewed it as a necessary evil. While I agree that some of those kills were motivated, I have no reason to harbor any regrets. In terms of Mitsurugi's death, his taking my identity was the crime that made me seek him out. It was my fault for not being fast enough during the search. If I had, Setsuka's death would have been prevented. And speaking of Musashi, he died during a duel he challenged me to."
"You're a poor liar, Edgemaster. Perhaps you'll be more truthful when reborn as a Wraith like me."
"Good, because I'm done talking philosophy with a man who is so corrupted that he can't think straight."
His one-track-minded pursuit of my death makes him predictable, but his damn counterpart is preventing me from landing a killing blow. I can't believe I must use his soul, but I don't see another way out without playing the long game. Ida can only run so fast.
Quickly thinking of a plan, I feign a headache, landing on one knee while grabbing my head with one hand and using the other to steady myself.
"At last, an opportunity to finish you. Now, Saibot."
The Wraith called for his clone. I hear it spawn from behind me and quickly turn around. I easily deflect his supposed killing blow, then channel 'Time Corruption' energy into my right hand. Once my hand emanated black and purple energy, I viciously slammed my palm into Saibot's hip, cursing him. Saibot is temporarily stuck in place but flies back into the Wraith, violently merging the two together just as suddenly.
"What have you-" He began to inquire.
I interrupted him by creating a deep gash with the Blue Fire Jian using a downward strike, causing some Blue Fire to sneak into his fresh wound. The Wraith gets blown back by the force of the blow. Suddenly, I feel exhausted. My vision is slightly blurred, but I focused to see the Wraith attempting to stand but failing due to his burning wound and the curse I gave Saibot.
"Sifu! Are you ok?" I heard Mulan's voice from behind me as she saw the Wraith. "What the... What is Noob Saibot doing here?"
"That's his name?" I get with a few breaths in between.
A portal was then summoned from below him, and he slowly descended. "This is not over, Edgemaster! We will clash again!"
"I'm not finished with you yet!"
I tried to move, but my sudden exhaustion prevented me from running as Noob Saibot disappeared.
"Xan!" Benjamin called as he, Jade, and Dakini (with Ida) shortly appeared. "Ida's sudden appearance prompted us all to come here. Are you hurt?"
"I'm... fine, Benjamin."
That was far from the case. My breathing grew heavier, along with my head throbbing mercilessly. I grab my head as the headache worsens.
"Mr. Xan?" Dakini called.
The Blue Fire Jian dissipated out of my left hand despite my not willing it away. I then land on one knee.
"Xan?" Jade called for me next.
My breathing was now laborious as I grabbed my mouth in a vain attempt to prevent myself from vomiting a pool of blood in front of everyone. At my weakest, I fell as my consciousness faded in and out. Before my vision went black, I saw six more feminine figures dash in my direction.
Kim's POV:
As Ammy and I familiarized ourselves with our immediate surroundings, I inspected my Laundry Pole. When it almost broke twenty-five years ago during Shinnok's second invasion, I brought it to Dad, who started living in Edenia for repairs. He fixed it to the point where it could pass for being brand new but also told me the nature of a Laundry Pole makes the blade of one more brittle than a regular Katana. This one should be retired after a few more years since further repairs will be impossible.
"Kimmy, is there something wrong with your Laundry Pole?"
"Uh, huh. Look, miniscule breaks all over the blade. Dad said a few years, but it's only been two since it was last appraised and refined."
"I wager it's because of all those techniques you developed using Tsuki's soul. You've been wielding your Laundry Pole as a mortal woman for the entire time you've been a swordswoman. Now, as a Demi-Goddess, you must learn to wield a Laundry Pole, let alone any weapon. You should ask Otou-san to make you a new weapon once we return to Edenia."
"I agree. Let's just hope that the Laundry Pole survives this pagoda," I say as we walk up the steps to the first door.
"I have faith. Your perception has always astounded me, Kimmy. I would have never noticed those little chips in the blade if you didn't tell me. Otou-san's training had to have been excellent. But to think it would bring out this level of precision in you."
"Merely a product of my environment, Ammy. I would have picked up on something like that even if Dad didn't train me."
I opened the first door, and we saw Quan Chi.
Ammy angrily points her blade at him. "Well, if it isn't Tsuki's murderer. Why am I not surprised you forced us here moments after one of the happiest moments of my life?"
"A Good Night to you too, Lady Sun. I hope you like the decor. I recall you and your wife disliking it, so I have changed the pagoda to be more Oriental."
"Spare us the false modesty, Quan Chi. Why did you force us down here?"
"Quite simple. Lord Shinnok would be furious if I didn't at least make an attempt to kill the two people he hates the most out of every mortal, deity, and Elder God in all of existence. My power doesn't fade in his Sphere, unlike the others."
"You already killed Tsu-sama, and while I may have my share of detractors, I didn't think I earned the ire of your entitled boss."
"The fact that you are Tsukuyomi's champion and harbor her soul is more than enough to warrant his and my disdain, Kimura Sannosuke."
"Family names first, Quan Chi, since we're not on a first-name basis."
"Of course, Sannosuke Kimura. Now that you two are here, the festivities can begin."
Quan Chi snapped his fingers, and a swarm of zombies from this Sphere appeared. "Have fun, ladies."
He then disappeared.
Ammy and I's backs touch as the zombies quickly surround us.
"Ammy?"
"Duck." That was all she said.
I immediately do as she says as Ammy performs a massive horizontal swing, creating an enormous donut of fire that takes out half of the horde. A swing in the opposite direction takes out the rest. I stood to see the entire horde burnt to a crisp.
"I seriously don't like being underestimated. Quan Chi being at his most powerful while he's down here still doesn't compare to mine." She put her sword away. "Let's keep going."
We opened the door to the next set of steps.
"I'm confused. I thought it was Shinnok's pagoda we're in?"
"We are, Quan Chi is just being dramatic."
"Why a pagoda, specifically? I expected something more European from an Elder God like Shinnok."
"His obsession with the Far East dates back to when Mother and Father had just created Japan as Shinnok was the Elder God of the Netherrealm since he hadn't fallen yet. It is always said that imitation is the best form of flattery. Shinnok took it further since he tried to conquer Japan before."
"There's obsessions, and then there's Shinnok."
"Well said."
We reached the second door and saw Quan Chi speaking with two figures. One I recognized, the other I didn't.
"Welcome, ladies. I hope you've enjoyed the gift I left for you on the previous floor," Quan Chi spoke.
"You realize that while your power doesn't fade in this Sphere, my power grows while I'm here, Quan Chi. Playing the long game with me will only make our eventual confrontation terribly one-sided."
"That may be so, but it would weaken your lover since she harbors Tsukuyomi's soul."
Shit, he's right.
"Kimmy is strong enough to defend herself even with Tsuki's soul since she has my blessing. Goes to show that you truly can't think independently. If you had half a brain cell, you would've brought Nox here in her place since she can barely do anything while down here. If you haven't yet, it's because she, Baiken, Mother, and Ashrah made it back to the city," Ammy explained. "You're merely delaying the inevitable, Quan Chi."
"We'll see about that. Sheeva, Rain. If you kill Lady Sun and her concubine, I will expedite your reascension to the Living Plane."
"Concubine!?" I furiously repeated.
"With pleasure, Sorcerer," Rain said.
"They're as good as dead," Sheeva added.
"Rain. I never pegged you as the wrathful type. I expected you to be in the Sphere of Greed. How are those burn marks Dad gave you?"
"Long since healed, though the pain still persists. But once I return to the Living Plane, I'll ensure your father pays it back with interest."
"I seriously doubt that."
"If you're Sheeva, that must mean you're the Shokan Callie killed during the second Mortal Kombat Tournament twenty-eight years ago."
"Callie Ann Maddox lives? I thought the Kahn would have killed her long ago."
"Both of the Maddox Siblings are alive, Halitosis. Ben is happily married with two kids to boot."
"Benjamin was supposed to be mine! That whore Jade is not deserving of him!"
"You sound awfully similar to Tanya. It's for the best we don't tell you about his other wife."
"Agreed. Let's just accelerate your descension and be on our way," Ammy said as we readied ourselves. "You can deal with Rain. I'll ensure that Callie's efforts weren't in vain."
Ammy rushed Sheeva while Rain inversely did the same to me, attempting to close the distance. I poked at him as he tried repeatedly to reduce the space between us.
"Does your mother know, Rain?"
"Know what, woman?"
"That you failed her?"
Rain looked like he got a splash of cold water (pun intended) in the face. He was beyond infuriated after gathering himself. "You do not dare speak of my mother, wench!"
Predictable, Rain rushed at me without proper thought and practically fell directly in line with a stroke of my Laundry Pole, cleaving him clean in two. Ammy was faring just as well, quickly cutting off Sheeva's arms one by one before just as swiftly decapitating her.
"Come, Kimmy. We must get after Quan Chi!"
We both ran towards the final set of steps and bursted through the door. Upon seeing Quan Chi, Ammy shoots a fireball at the door handles to the next floor of the pagoda moments before he clutches it. When he does so, he burns his own hand.
"Damn it! You work fast, Lady Sun!"
"There's nowhere for you to run now, Sorcerer. Today's the day you take your final breaths," Ammy seethed as she drew her Katana once more.
"You couldn't escape your destiny forever, Quan Chi." I drew the Laundry Pole. "We avenge Tsu-sama's death today!"
"You think you have won, but the struggle is not over!" Quan Chi gathered magic and quickly summoned a temporary ally. "Motaro, lend me a hand dealing with Lady Sun and her wife."
"Yes, Quan Chi."
A Centaur!? What the hell!? And he has a metal tail!
"Uh, Ammy..."
"Quan Chi is mine, Kimmy. I leave the centaur to you."
I gulp audibly before transitioning to Ko Gasumi No Kamae.
"Afraid, little girl?" Motaro sneered.
"Actually, I'm 177 years old. And despite my pretty appearance, I'm battle-hardened and have been slaying demons since I was eighteen."
Motaro responded by trying to stab me with his tail, but I dodged as the ground broke from the impact. He tried again numerous times but failed each time. I wanted to hit him with the Laundry Pole, but his tail deflected it. When I turned to face him again, his tail was about to shoot a laser at me!
"Die, Earthrealm Dog!" Motaro yelled as he fired.
I dodged the laser, but he whipped his tail at me where I barely had time to dodge it, pushing me back a few meters.
"What's wrong, Demon Slayer? Surely this is not the best you can do?"
"Don't push me, minotaur!"
"I'm a centaur, wench!"
Motaro fired a barrage of lasers at me. I ran around as he missed shot after shot, but not by much. I then made a beeline for him as he prepared to fire another laser. I feign a horizontal swipe before switching to a vertical one at the last second, hitting his chest. Before I could follow it up, I jumped back before his retaliatory tail swipe could hit me.
"Kim!" Ammy spoke as she clashed with Quan Chi. "You're relying too much on your physical capabilities as a deity and not enough on your father's teachings! Otou-san's teachings have never failed you, so why stop using them?"
Is that what's happening?
I always fought like this, if not as a derivative. Maybe Tsu-sama's soul is causing me to do certain things subconsciously—first, that unintentional Tsubame Gaeshi on Cassie, and now this. I need to do some severe meditation when I get back home. Amid my musings, I realized my Laundry Pole was also hindering me. Range is why I use it, but against Motaro, I can't use range to my advantage since his tail is longer than my Laundry Pole. And my swings are taking too long to follow through. I can't wait for Ammy to deal with Quan Chi since his power isn't diminishing. If I want to finish Motaro, I need to do it now.
When making an executive decision, I transitioned to Waki no Kamae and widened my stance.
"You dare gamble your life like this, woman? Have you taken leave of your senses?"
"No. Why are you scared, minotaur?" I instigated.
"Fool! I am a CENTAUR!"
Motaro rushed at me with his horns, ready to impale me. Steeling my position, I continue to wait for the right moment. At the last second, I duck and simultaneously swipe at his lower torso horizontally. I force a follow-through as my Laundry Pole flows through Motaro's entire torso, eviscerating him as he violently spills on the ground.
But the clean hit was with cost.
The Laundry Pole's blade was snapped clean in two. Looking back at Motaro, I see him slowly getting up. Rushing at him, I jumped on top of him and used the broken blade's edge to slit his throat, killing him.
"Fucking bastard! My Dad made this for me, and you broke it!"
My yell came before chucking the broken blade at the corpse's neck with so much force it sifted through his spinal cord. I pulled the handle end out, and sheathe it after throwing the blood off. I guess I gotta retire it sooner than I expected.
I look at Ammy, and she's doing a much better job than I did. She quickly overpowered Quan Chi and then drove her blade into his neck. She pulled it out before just as swiftly eviscerating and following through on his stomach. He spilled and fell to the floor, seemingly dead.
"Are you okay, Kimmy? That centaur was giving you trouble there."
"He was. I'm not as attuned to Tsu-sama's soul yet as I'm doing things I normally don't during a physical confrontation."
"You'll get used to it in time. Remember, Otou-san is why you're so seasoned as a swordswoman, not Tsuki's soul."
"I will, Ammy. At least I killed Motaro, but..." I show Ammy my now broken Laundry Pole. "I need a new weapon."
"Otou-san will accommodate you. But that's a sign that you should stop using laundry poles.
"Something I'll have to consider seriously. At least Quan Chi is- wait, where is the body?"
Ammy looks and sees what I see. A pool of blood and a trail of it. Quan Chi's wounds were slowly getting healed due to his being in this Sphere.
"This isn't over, Amaterasu. I swear on Shinnok's name that I'll slay you both," he barely uttered before leaving the room.
"We should get after him!"
I stopped her. "Ammy, I know you want to avenge Tsu-sama because I also want to. But without a weapon down here, I'm virtually useless. We did what we set out to do: find Izanami-sama. We'll report what happened here to Duffeck; he can handle the rest. Gods willing."
Ammy took a deep exhale. "You're right. We should go before the situation gets worse."
Just then, a portal opened up.
"Amaterasu, Kimura? It's Izanami," she spoke before extending her hand, proving her identity. "We can't keep this portal opened forever. Hurry!"
Ammy and I walked through and appeared back in the city, specifically in Duffeck's throne room. Izanami hugged us both; despite her slightly cold touch, her intentions couldn't have been any warmer.
"I'm so glad you two are okay. We reported everything and gave Susanoo's body to Duffeck and Okada."
"Where did you two go?" Baiken asked us.
We relayed everything that happened in Shinnok's Pagoda.
"Damn, you broke your Laundry Pole? I guess that's an excuse for Ryu to make you another one," she responded.
"More importantly, The Brotherhood of Shadow Cult is on the backfoot thanks to this brazen attempt at your lives," Duffeck commented. "This will surely turn the tide in our favor, ladies. And you found Izanami as well, so you did what you came to do. As promised, Izanami and Ashrah are free to go with you four. You all have my blessing. Give the Edgemaster my regards."
"We will, Duffeck. Thank you once again." Ammy bows, and we all do the same. "Come, ladies, let's go home!"
A portal to Edenia opens, and we all walk through. What we saw on the other side was the last thing we expected. Mulan and Ben were lifting Dad off of the ground and carrying him away.
"Jade, what's going on?"
She looked at us with a worried expression. "Kimura, your father was dueling a Wraith who invaded his home. He fought him off but started vomiting blood moments after we arrived to lend our aid. Benji and Mulan are taking him to the hospital."
"What!?" That was all I could say. "Mulan, let me help!"
"Of course, Kim Jie Jie."
Before we leave, I shoot Baiken a murderous glare. I hope she knows that her selfishness is why Dad is in this condition.
A/N: Whoa, what's going on with Xan? Activating Abyss' powers has left him in critical condition! Ammy and co. found her mother, Izanami, and brought her and Ashrah back to the living plane. Benji and Jade decided to support Dakini in becoming Nox's Champion. The next chapter will reveal what's wrong with Xan, so stay tuned for the next edition of Gone But Not Forgotten!
Thankfully, this chapter took less time than the one before it due to jumping back into this after some time, letting the previous chapter marinate. I wrote a layout for this chapter as well as a bunch of other stories. Now, all I have to do is follow through - shouldn't be too difficult.
Before I go, I have an announcement. I said I would start doing commissions a while back, but I needed to create a pricing system. Now I have one, and here's how it's gonna go down:
Regular One-Shot: $10
One-Shot with a Lemon: $20
Threesome: $30
Foursome: $40
Harem: $50
Things like word count or additional details can be discussed over PMs. Now, why the prices? They seem high, especially since I won't be doing multi-chapter stories. Well, I don't work alone. By now, you all know I have an editor who makes sure there are few grammatical errors and ensures that what I write makes sense in the story's context. So, the prices accommodate both him and me. I also held off on commissions since if I'm gonna get paid for this, it's only fair that he does too, since he does half of the work.
If the prices are a problem, just don't commission anything; I have enough stories you can read for free ninety-nine anyway.
With that being said, I'll see y'all later. Bye!