Chapter 23: Remebrance
Today is a sad day for our heroes. Outworld has managed to recover its Kamidogu from the enemy. But the enemy has two daggers to their one. Their quest to stop the villains from unleashing Armageddon has come at the cost of innocent lives, including friends.
The Special Forces retreated to a new base and is well hidden from the Black Dragon and their enemies. Their mission has failed. They were forced to destroy their base to prevent Tasia and Tremor from taking it over but they survived. Because of the setback, they could not make it to Chaosrealm to stop Shao Kahn. And worse of all, they lost a good friend. That friend was Kabal. A funeral takes place in their new base as they plan to bury him in the snow. Cassie gives a speech with everyone listening. Takeda, Jacqui, Vera, Johnny, Sonya and Jax, who are attending via holoprojector calling, are also listening with sadness on their faces.
"Kabal. You were once an ally chosen by Raiden to stand against Shao Kahn. You fell into battle and became something you didn't want to be. But when time changed, you were our enemy with the Black Dragon. But ever since you were abandoned, you chose to redeem yourself. You surprised us. Me, my husband and my mom. You did the one thing we wanted to do years ago. You stopped the Black Dragon. Despite charges against you being dropped, you still stood by us for decades. Despite your past, you were a good soldier who followed orders. Thank you for your service. Your sacrifice will not be in vain." Cassie said. She does her best to put on a strong face and salutes their fallen friend.
Six soldiers aim their shotguns in their air and fire in the sky three times to honor Kabal. Afterward, four soldiers start carrying his coffin and walk slowly outside the base. Two more people are also helping with carrying their fallen friend. They would be Alex and his son Anthony. Alex does his best to keep a straight face, but can't help but fight back the tears trying to escape his eyes. Anthony, being a younger soldier, has a harder time holding back and sheds a few tears of his own. The six walk outside with Cassie and Flora following them. And behind them are all the soldiers. Alex, Anthony and the four soldiers walk towards the coffin-sized hole that was dug up deep enough. Alex looks at his son and sighs. They begin lowering the coffin with Kabal resting in it and place it in the hole. It slowly starts descending into the bottom of the burial spot.
The Cage family looks on in sadness. Flora tries her best to resist the urge to cry. The soldiers begin burying Kabal's coffin, filling the top of it with dirt and snow. Alex takes his wife's hand and holds it while Anthony wraps an arm around Flora. They stay and watch until the burial spot is completely covered in snow and a tombstone in front of it. It says: Kabal. Fast, strong and brave. A good friend and soldier.
Flora lays in her bed, facing the wall. She has been silent and has been crying since the funeral. She feels ashamed of herself. Flora wanted to save Kabal so badly with her powers, but didn't know how to. The young Cage girl feels like she let her parents down. A knock on the door happens and Flora does her best to wipe her tears as she goes to answer the door. It opens and is revealed to be her mother Cassie.
"Flora? Are you okay?" Cassie asks her, feeling worried. Her daughter shakes her head no. "What's wrong?"
"I'm…. I'm sorry, general. I tried to save him with my powers, but I couldn't- I don't know how. I-I tried to do it like the colonel, but I don't know how." Flora sadly said.
"Flora. How many times do I have to say it? I'm your mom. And your colonel is your dad." Cassie reminds her as she enters the room.
"But still. I failed you both." Flora looks down in shame as she sits on her bed. Cassie sits next to her, placing a hand on her daughter's.
"It's not your fault. It's no one's. You and your brother are not to blame for what happened to Kabal. He knew the risks of being a soldier. So should you. Me and your dad always knew. Every mission has its risks. Even before I became commander, I had soldiers die doing their best to defend Earthrealm." Cassie tells her.
"I don't understand what I can do. Throughout my life, I always looked up to you two. I don't blame either of you at all. But these powers. I don't know why I still struggle with controlling them, mastering them as I go. Why is it so difficult? If only I knew sooner, I would've saved Kabal. What if the same happens to Anthony, or you and dad? I'm just scared of what could happen next." Flora shivers out of fear. Cassie can look into her eyes and has the same feeling as she does. She can easily relate because of what happened in the Old Era.
"I don't blame you. I remember before you were born, in the Old Era, I lost mom. She died on the same day I became commander after I beat her. I wanted to save her, but she ordered me and your Aunt Jacqui and your dad to leave and sacrificed herself. After her funeral, I continued blaming myself for her death and had a nightmare, with everyone dead and me being blamed. That was until your dad was there and told me otherwise. He told me that I was the best leader they have alongside her and always improved. I'm not perfect, even after I was able to master my powers. He convinced me to step up and take the burden. Look where I am now, a full-time general in the New Era. None of us are perfect, and none of us will ever be perfect. But that does not mean you can't improve yourself. We learn from our mistakes." Cassie advised her.
Flora listened to every word her mom told her with care. She is able to tell by the look on Cassie's face that she's being completely honest. That is when it hits her. With or without powers, Cassie was able to improve and lead, but without perfection. As much as she wants to master her own abilities, Flora wants nothing more than her family and being a soldier, wanting to be like them. Flora wipes the tears from her eyes and hugs her mother, who warmly accepts the hug and smiles back.
"You're right, mom. Thank you." Flora whispered.
"We're always here for you. No matter what. You understand?" Cassie asked her and she nodded. "Good. I promise, we will help each other." Cassie said and she nodded again.
"I love you, mom." Flora smiles as she drops another tear.
"I love you too, Flora. Get some rest, you look exhausted." Cassie smiles as she leaves the room to let Flora sleep after a long day.
Anthony remained silent in his own room. He seems sad, but not as sad as his sister. In fact, he also feels angry. He takes the ranks off of his uniform and begins to question himself. But before he could put thought on it though, he hears a knock on the door.
"Come in." Anthony said. The door opens and it is revealed to be his father Alex.
"Anthony. Are you alright?" Alex asked his son. Anthony sighs and shakes his head. "You know you can tell me anything. I know you two had a very long day."
Anthony remained silent for a couple of moments and sighed and reluctantly conceded. "So much for doing a good job out there. I feel responsible for everything that happened."
"What do you mean?" Alex asked.
"For how the mission turned out. How we got tricked. Mateo outsmarting us and forcing you two to destroy the base. Losing another of those things to Shao Kahn and us losing Kabal. He was a very good friend for years." Anthony admitted.
"Anthony. You should know as well as I do, that we don't blame anyone here. I thought it was my fault, because I didn't see his deception. He's smarter than Kano, but we don't give up. Me and your mom don't blame you, neither does Flora. You may be the leader of your group, but you are not perfect. Like your mom has told me, you can improve, however." Alex tells him.
"How? How am I supposed to improve myself after everything that has happened? For all I know, it may happen again and one of you could be next. I'm always putting on a brave face, ever since our first mission when we joined and our mission with the Shirai Ryu went well. But there's a part of me that just gives me butterflies. I feel afraid." Anthony replied. He shivers at the feeling of something bad happening to either his dad, his mom or his sister. If it's one fear the Cage family has in common, it's losing loved ones.
"I know that feeling. Take it from me. Someone who came from a different timeline and felt like I didn't fit in with everyone. Your mother was the only one who thought otherwise. She's smart, and can see through your eyes. So are me and you two. We all share this fear. Everyone is afraid of something, whether we like it or not." Alex said.
"Can I ask you something then? When was the last time you felt desperately afraid? Afraid of losing someone you care about most, like mom for example. Not that I doubt you, I would never. I just need to know." Anthony asks him. He looks into his dad's eyes, hoping for the right answer.
"You know. Everyday I fear losing her. Ever since the day we started dating. I remember having a dream of Kronika killing her and I remember the day Geras came to Edenia and kidnapped her while she was pregnant with you two. But I had help. From our family. Our friends. And because of them, I found myself again. I carried forward. I did everything in my power to save your mom." Alex explains to him. "What I am saying is, it's okay to be afraid of something. But do not forget that you will always have help. From family and friends. As long as you have their backs, they've got yours."
Anthony listened to all the words he just said. He looks to his right and sees the picture frame of the cabin that Alex's parents lived in before they died. He remembered that he also told them about meeting them for the first and only time. Anthony turns to look at his father. "The reason why I always put on a brave face is because I didn't want you two to see me afraid. But now I see why. I just want to be protective. Of my sister and you. I don't want to lose you the way you lost your parents you named us after. I know this job isn't perfect, but I want to do better. No matter how hard it gets."
"That's what I want to hear. Your mother also doubted herself when she first became the new CO, but she stepped up. Someday, you shall too. Even I had doubts about myself because of me being a demigod. But I accepted it and became proud of it because of your mom and Jacqui. And no matter what, I am proud to have you guys as my son and daughter. Don't ever forget that, okay?" Alex tells Anthony.
"I won't. I will remember. And I'm proud to have you guys as my family. You know what they say, anyone who messes with us, they're gonna get Caged." Anthony smirked, showing his sense of humor. This makes Alex snicker and smile.
"I love your sense of spirit, Anthony." Alex smiles. "You've had a very long day. Why don't you get some rest and we can train you more soon. That's a promise." Anthony salutes his colonel dad and hugs him and he hugs back as they both smile. Alex leaves his room so Anthony could go to sleep after a long day.
As soon as he exits, Alex turns and sees his wife approaching him. "How did it go with Anthony?" Cassie asked with a worried tone.
"He's fine. He just needs time to think stuff through. Like I said to him, he's not at fault. No one is a perfect leader, but they can improve. We can improve, but we don't give up. We never do. That's what we do, right?" Alex said.
"That's exactly right. Anthony has the smarts and potential to be a great leader. He'll be as good as me one day when he becomes in charge." Cassie smirked.
"I bet. How's Flora?" Alex asked.
Cassie sighs. "What happened today hit her really hard. She had so many doubts about herself than we both realized. Personally, I don't blame her. She's afraid of failing like I was. Not to mention that she is having doubts about herself being able to control her abilities. I mean, I didn't master mine until the New Era."
"Except you're talking to your own demigod husband. It took me three years to unlock my potential and I've learned new things thanks to Liu Kang, Fujin and Raiden. But still, I have a big hunch Flora will learn far more quickly than I have. I won't be losing faith in her anytime soon." Alex said. This makes Cassie smile and she replies by kissing him.
"Neither will I. And I never lost faith in you. It's like we passed our spirits down to them. Our potential. They have become stronger because of us. They will be such badasses." Cassie said. The couple smile as they lean their heads towards each other as their foreheads touch. As they hold each other in their arms, wanting to save this moment. Something rings from Cassie's pocket. She pulls out her tablet rune and it's a call from Liu Kang.
"Cassandra and Alex. I apologize for interrupting you two. I heard about what has taken place. I am very sorry." Liu Kang gives them their condolences.
"It's alright, Liu Kang. We had a very long day. We're sorry we failed. They beat us to Chaosrealm because of a trick." Cassie sadly reports. "What about you guys? What did you find?"
Liu Kang was silent. He felt reluctant to talk to them, but knows he does not have a choice. "There are some good news…. And some bad news." Liu Kang said to them. Alex and Cassie look at each other with confusion. They could only hope the bad news isn't as bad as their own….. But it is.
In the Old Era/Beginning of the New Era
Outworld. Back then, it was considered the most powerful realm that has ever existed. Infamous for being ruled by evil emperors such as Onaga and Shao Kahn. The latter has ruled for over centuries after betraying the Dragon King. Shao Kahn has gained many followers, including Reptile, Skarlet, the Shokan led by Goro and Sheeva, Tarkatans led by Baraka and Osh-Tekk led by Shao Kahn's general Kotal.
Shao Kahn's forces train in the Kahn Temple Courtyard to hone their skills, to prepare themselves for the upcoming tenth Mortal Kombat tournament. The final tournament would be hosted by Shang Tsung himself. The villains that are set to compete are Reptile, Baraka, Sheeva, Scorpion, Quan Chi, Kano, Goro and Kotal. Kitana and Jade will act as bodyguards to ensure that no one will try to assassinate Shang Tsung, with Kitana acting in secret, as she is allying with Earthrealm. A few of them, being Scorpion, Kotal and Jade, do not have their memories restored as of yet. But they will.
Kotal trains in the courtyard, He fights bare-handed as he faces dozens of his own Osh-Tekk warriors. He yells in his own language as he orders his own men to attack him. One charges at Kotal but he uppercuts one in the jaw and slams both fists down on his head, quickly defeating him. The second, third and fourth fighters were next. The second one is swiftly swung across the chest by an arm, knocking the warrior away. The third warrior, with a shortsword, attempts to strike him, but Kotal grabs the weapon arm, lifts him up and does a strong headbutt. The fourth fighter is kicked across the face, backhanded and punched across the face, defeated. The fifth and sixth fights both jump to attack with their weapons, but Kotal grabs both of them and slams them into the ground, face first.
The seventh-tenth fighters all charge in. Kotal grabs the seventh warrior and swings him into the eighth before slamming the seventh into the ground. He then swings an arm at the ninth fighter, easily beating him and grabs the tenth fighter and does the backbreaker move and tosses him away. The eleventh fighter does two reverse kicks, but misses, allowing Kotal to elbow him in the back and punch him in the back of the head. The final warrior throws three punches, but Kotal blocks them and grabs his wrists, throws him to the ground back first and kicks him in the head, sending the last one further away, defeating him.
Kotal yells in Osh-Tekk language over his victory. All the fighters are just about knocked out from the fight. Kotal was handpicked and trained by Shao Kahn himself. Then he hears one person applaud from one side of the battlefield. He turns to see who it is.
"You make it look too easy." Jade smirks, applauding for him.
"You. You're the bodyguard of Kitana. Jade. That is your name, correct?" Kotal asked her.
"You assume correctly, Kotal. You can call me Jade anytime you please." Jade smiles as she walks closer to him. Kotal couldn't help but feel his own heart beat. By how beautiful she looks and her personality.
"I remember you. We met in the courtroom. It was you that suggested that I would become the general. I appreciate the idea of you choosing me. But I still wonder why?" Kotal asked, feeling curious.
"Because I know all about you, Kotal." Jade smirked. This gets his attention. "Yes. That your home was conquered and merged into Outworld by Shao Kahn himself. And you plan to overthrow him to take command as revenge."
This surprises Kotal. Osh-Tekk are known for being slightly hot headed but wise and patient. Kotal, despite showing his loyalty to Shao Kahn, secretly hated him for taking his home and killing any of his kind that refused him. He has never told anyone of his intentions, knowing that it would be a bad idea.
"You knew my plans this entire time. Yet, you have not exposed me to Shao Kahn. Why?" Kotal asked.
Jade remained silent for a few moments, unsure of what to say to him exactly. "Because I too share the same feeling towards Shao Kahn. He stole our home Edenia and killed my parents. Parents that I never knew. Shao Kahn raised me to be an assassin."
"I have heard that the King was executed by Shao Kahn himself and forced his wife Sindel to marry him until her suicide. But why come to me?" Kotal asked.
Jade was once again unsure what to say. This time, she felt more nervous. "It is hard for me to say. But, I am rather intrigued by you. You are the first one that I know that would want to go into a more peaceful empire and overthrow Shao Kahn. I wish to join you in your quest."
"You sound like an honest person, Jade. I can tell by your attractive voice and the look in your gorgeous eyes." Kotal smirks and flirts with her. Now it was her turn to feel her heart beat.
"Why, you flatter me, Kotal." Jade blushes. "I wish to rule with you. I promise you that do not mean you any harm."
"I know you don't. When there is trouble, I sense honesty. And you have a strong sense of that. But will I make a fine replacement for Kahn?" Kotal questioned himself.
"I believe you will be a worthy Kahn. Once the tournament is over, win or lose, we shall overthrow him together. Side by side. Bring peace to the realms." Jade steps closer to him. She places a hand to where his heart is. She looks up at Kotal with a kind smile on her face. Kotal's hand slowly grabs hers. He stares into her eyes and could tell she is being really honest with him on everything, including their secret hatred towards Shao Kahn.
Kotal and Jade lean in and slowly kiss each other, with Kotal holding her in his arms as they embrace their private moment. Unknown to them, Kitana was watching them… with a smile on her face. With her memories carried over from the Old Era, she is pleased to see how they met and was surprised they already had a hate towards Shao Kahn long before she did. She had to wait until the right timing to restore their memories as instructed. Kitana leaves them to their moment and returns to the throne room, making more preparations for the tournament.
Present Day
Hours later, Jade stares out the window from her chambers. Ever since what happened, she has been completely silent, not wanting to speak to anyone out of sadness. She isn't mad at anyone, not even Liu Kang, given that she is aware of the oath he made to the Elder Gods and meddling with time can be very dangerous. All she does is stare at the window.
Jade closes her eyes to think about the good times she had with Kotal back when they first met and the times they had in the Old Era and New Era.
"Jade." A voice called out to her. Jade turns around to see who it is. Much to her surprise, it is none other than Alex.
Alex looks at his older sister-figure with a sad look on his face. Jade shares the same look and holds out her arms for him. Alex walks up to Jade and she puts her arms around him for a hug as he does the same back to her.
"Jade. I heard about what happened. I'm so very sorry. This shouldn't have happened to you." Alex looks at her.
"I know. I just cannot believe this is happening." Jade sits on her bed with Alex. "Today just breaks my heart." Her eyes are filling up with tears.
"I can't believe it either. As soon as Liu Kang told me, I immediately decided to come here and talk to you. I was worried about you all." Alex expresses.
"I don't know how to get through this without him. How Cyan and Shu-Shang will get through this without him. I don't know if he will make it. I gave him my heart since the day we fell in love." Jade said. Her voice is starting to crack, trying to hold back the tears.
Alex remembered having this sort of feeling years ago when he struggled to move on from the death of his parents and wanted to bottle up his emotions. Thankfully, Jade was there for him and convinced him to let it go and allowed him to have a shoulder to cry on. He places his hand on hers.
"Jade. It's okay to let it out. Bottling up your emotions will only bring more pain." Alex advised her, remembering the exact words she said to him once before.
Jade finally relents and more tears drop from her eyes as she starts crying and her lips twitch from sadness. She turns to her little brother-figure and puts an arm around him as she leans into his shoulder as she drops tears. Alex holds her close and closes his eyes as she cries into his shoulder.
"This day has been unbearable for me and my family. If only I could go back. Retrace our quest. I just wish that." Jade said as she continued sobbing.
"I would've done the same too. I know I would. When I was in limbo, I learned one thing. Regarding spirit." Alex tells her.
Jade looks at Alex. "What do you mean?"
"It's something my parents taught me. My real parents. Just because someone may be dead does not mean they are gone forever. As long as you remember them in your heart and soul, in my case, my parents. I have never forgotten them. And in your case, Kotal will always be with you." Alex replied.
"That's what they told you? Including all the other people you've known and love will be part of your spirit?" Jade asked.
"Yes. My parents. Raiden. Kabal. Everyone. All of my friends and family are my strength. And that includes you and Kotal. My love for Cassie has made me stronger. And my son and daughter. Kotal and your family are your strength. Because as long as you remember them, you'll always be strong to them. And from what I can tell, Kotal made the right choice of picking the right person. That being you. I didn't know him as well as anyone else, but I can tell." Alex tells his older sister-figure.
Jade looked into his eyes and could tell he was right. Especially given that he himself cried after waking up in limbo and blamed himself for the death of his parents until they convinced him to move on as long as he remembers them.
Jade pulls Alex in for a tight hug. He hugs her back as they embrace each other for a good minute. They pull away and look at each other. "Oh, Alex. I remember myself saying that to you in Edenia. This feeling. It felt like I was losing a part of myself. But your words. They remind me of him. The times he cheered me up with words and the things we did together after our marriage. Now I'm sensing part of him within me." Jade gestures to her own heart.
"That's exactly right. I lost part of myself and ran away. I blamed myself for the issue with Kronika and Geras. But then, Johnny, Sonya, Jacqui, everyone. You included were there for me. You helped cheer me up with words like everyone else did. You have always been the hope for everyone. That includes Kotal. Give him time. I believe he will heal." Alex said. This causes Jade to smile and hug him once more.
"Thank you, my little brother. I love you." Jade smiles.
Alex places a hand on her shoulder and kisses her cheek. "I love you too, Jade. My older sister. I'm proud to have you as one."
"And I'm proud to have you as my little brother, Alex. I'll never forget the day we met." Jade said, placing a hand on his cheek, making Alex smile. She then leans in and kisses his cheek in return.
"Thank you, Jade. Things will get better for you. I promise. Together. We can kill Daegon and Shao Kahn." Alex grabs her hands, promising her. Jade nods.
Jade gives Alex another hug before they both get up from the bed. "Yes. We shall. They will pay for what they have done to us. For Kabal and Kotal and for everyone across the realms."
"For now, I need to return to base. Cassie needs me." Alex tells her.
"Tell her I said I love her as well. Her and Jacquline." Jade asked him.
"I will. Goodbye for now, Jade." Alex smiles once more before he leaves her chambers. As he exits, he sees Cyan and Shu-Shang looking at him. "Your mother needs you. Now more than ever. Everything I said to her. That extends to you two. Don't ever let each other go." Cyan and Shu-Shang both look at him and by the time of his voice, they could tell he's being serious. They both nod to him as Alex makes his way out. He will never forget the day he first met Kitana and Jade and how easily they got along with him.
As Alex was leaving, Cyan and Shu-Shang both walk in her mother's chambers, where she is waiting for them. "Mother? Are you alright?" Cyan asked with a worried expression.
"My son and daughter. Come in." Jade tells them and they oblige. "Cyan. Shu-Shang. Today has been the worst day of our lives"
"He's family. He's done so much for us and I would take it to heart. I wish I could tell him that." Cyan wished.
"He knows. Ever since you two matured more, he knew that about your love for him. He is happy to know that you two appreciate him." Jade smirks.
"Your friend told us to never let you go. I don't. And that you need us. And I think we need you too. I don't want to lose you, mother." Shu-Shang worries.
"You won't. As he has told us. We are all hopeful. As long as we know that, we have faith in each other's abilities. He has changed a lot for you two. And he is no more than proud of what you two have become." Jade opens her arms and both her children both hug her for a warm embrace.
"We love you, mother." Cyan whispered.
"I will always love you too, Cyan and Shu-Shang. Now and always." Jade smiles as she looks at them.
"One question I must ask. Your friend. Why do you call him your little brother? He's not Edenian based on what I can tell." Shu-Shang wonders.
"You're more clever than you look to be, daughter. It is a story I have been wanting to tell for more than a while now." Jade tells them.
On his way back to Earthrealm, Alex sighs out of sadness. He feels very sorry for Jade and what she and her family are going through. Despite not knowing Kotal as much as his team did, he knew him well and the good things he's done for Outworld. As he leaves and goes outside, he takes deep breaths and was about to open a portal. But before he could get into position, he starts hearing a voice.
Alex felt its presence and to him, it feels familiar. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he starts following the voice back inside. The voice keeps calling his name and he is getting warmer as it gets louder. He opens a door and sees that it is none other than the room of Chang Bao and Daisuki, with the former holding Liu Kang's amulet.
The two children turn and see Alex coming in. And the three of them see the amulet glowing. "You. You're our parents' friend. You're him. The one who killed Kronika." Chang Bao correctly guesses.
"I guess you could say that. I'm sorry, I didn't know this was your room. I'm hearing a voice. Calling out to me. It feels familiar." Alex replied, looking at the amulet.
"This amulet. Father gave it to me to hold on to." Chang Bao said. She looks at the amulet and sees that it is glowing brighter once Alex got closer. She extends her hand. "Here. Maybe someone wants to talk to you."
Alex slowly steps closer and takes the amulet from Chang Bao's hand and it glows more in his hand. Alex's eyes glow like his mother's as he enters in the same place Liu Kang was before. Alex opens his eyes and sees a figure forming before him. He couldn't picture who it is. But then his eyes widened at the sight of his old friend Raiden.
"Alexander." Raiden calls to him.
"R-Raiden? How? So it's true what Liu Kang said then. You are alive. In a manner of speaking." Alex stands there shocked about what he's seeing.
"Yes. My spirit has always lived on in the amulet that Liu Kang carried before he passed it on to his daughter Chang Bao. I felt your presence in Outworld, so I thought I should speak to you." Raiden said.
"I'm guessing Liu Kang told you about the situation we're all facing? Regarding Armageddon?" Alex asked. Raiden nods in response. "But why me though? Didn't you talk to Liu Kang?"
"Yes. But I want to speak to you since you know very well of the Kamidogu's power. You have played one of the most important roles with stopping Kronika, Geras and Shang Tsung. Your family is starting to live up to its legacy. But now, it is in danger. You remember the story of what Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade told you about?" Raiden asked.
"About the original past. Before you changed it and killed Shao Kahn." Alex said.
"There is something that I must ask of you, Alexander. Please listen carefully." Raiden tells him.
In the real world, Alex returns and gasps for air. He looks around and sees himself back in the room. He looks at Chang Bao and Daisuki before looking back at the amulet in his hand. "Here. This belongs to you." Alex gives it back to Chang Bao.
"Thank you." Chang Bao smiles. "You're very kind just like they said.
"Someday you will make them proud." Alex compliments them.
"What did you see?" Daisuki asked out of curiosity.
"Listen. I can tell already that your parents have their complete faith in you as well as confidence. I need you to do this for me. Involving your father Liu Kang." Alex said to them. Chang Bao and Daisuki look at each other, both wanting to know what Alex meant.
Note: It's time I clear a couple things up. The reason why I chose to kill Kabal and Kotal going into a coma. I have nothing against him. I like him. This was to have the children, particularly Anthony and Flora understand that they can't always save everyone. Innocent people can die during dangerous adventures like this current one, and stuff like that is out of their hands. So they know the high stakes of saving the realms from darkness. And that they all have a lot more to learn regarding their abilities and develop more experience. Everyone has their flaws in terms of personality traits and abilities. The former I can go over another time. For now, I hope this chapter was good enough.