Chapter 8: New Missions
The Black Dragon has remained in hiding for too long, presumed dead during Geras' return. Kano may have died, but Tasia and Tremor have survived. They have been planning something, probably something bigger than last time. What makes matters worse is that Mateo is now one of the new leaders of the Black Dragon, successor to his father. With her son's help, Tasia has been busy recruiting new people, including Kobra and Kira, and Darrius and Dariou. The latter two felt mysterious to all of them, including Tasia and Tremor for some reason. Even Takeda and Vera had a funny feeling about them.
Mateo is busy planning deviously. He seems to be looking at encrypted files. As he works, he spares a glimpse at what appears to be a couple enchanted books. What could they possibly be? As he works, Kobra, Kira, Darrius and Dairou walk in on him, his mother and Tremor.
"You four better have some good news for a damn change. Hopefully you got their attention for me?" Mateo asks his four followers.
"Precisely what you told us to do. We traced back to our attack, brought what you have asked for and they have notified their Special Forces allies." Dairou reports.
"Now they have reunited and learned about the Black Dragon's return. They should be planning now as we speak. When do you suppose they will attack us?" Darrius asked.
"Not long. Given their expertise at strategizing in their fucking plans, they will definetly come up with something big. Very big. But this time, we will be ready for them and the Shirai Ryu. Mother told me everything about the clans. They won't know what we have planned." Mateo stated. He seems to be very bright, probably brighter than his father.
"Because we will not give it up so easily. They were dumb enough to take the bait as usual. They got noses like bloodhounds. It'll be their greatest mistake they have ever made." Kobra stated, cracking his knuckles.
"It's what we all trained for, Kobra. We have underestimated them many times. That's why we have more extraordinary people on our side this time around. Special Forces have never been good at making sure their deed is done. They always get off with plenty of luck. But we have plenty of it on our side." Tasia reminds him.
"But we also have to deal with members with powers. Demigods and regular people who were strong enough to beat an Elder God." Kira said, looking at her dragon teeth daggers. She looks up and chuckles. They'll be surprised by how much we've all grown. Old against new. We have trained for the past years. It'll be worth my while."
"But they are not overconfident, but we must not underestimate them either. They have their advantages, we have ours. Win or lose, Black Dragon will not die easily. I will undo my father's mistakes." Mateo claimed. He still seems angry as usual from the training he has done nonstop and being told about what happened to Kano.
"Special Forces will not continue to cross us over and over for many years to come. We will have our revenge finally." Tremor swears to it. Despite what has happened, his loyalty towards Kano and the Black Dragon has not died out one single bit.
"We must continue making preps for the military bastards and fire clan. Take whoever you want. But I want no one laying a single hand on Kabal. That traitorous motherfucker is mine." Mateo instructs everyone. "Good. Now get your asses going. Can't forget one damn thing." Everyone turns to do their thing. Mateo turns to his mother Tasia.
"It is time, son. Remember what I have taught you. The fighting styles you've been put through. THrough hell and back. How to embrace your anger and unleash it on your most hated enemies. They will be surprised to see you, Mateo. Special Forces will wish they hadn't done so much damage to us." Tasia evilly smirked with a hand on her son's shoulder. They both share the same looks and emotions. The same pain they had when they lost Kano.
The heroes remained shocked about the news they just received from Takeda and Vera. The Black Dragon has returned with Kano's mysterious son named Mateo taking over. Not only that, Tasia and Tremor have been busy recruiting new people, including Kobra and Kira. They claim to want revenge on the Special Forces for allegedly killing their parents. The only question remains on what are their true intentions of returning besides vengeance? For now, they must make a plan to infiltrate their hideout first, then go from there.
"So you got their hideout location. While you two were in their heads I'm assuming. That could be really helpful by now." Flora Cage stated.
"Yes. While we were in the fucker's head, we saw a map onto the computers." Vera said. She takes out some paper and some writing tools and starts drawing the building from what they saw on the monitors. The layout looks like its three floors high and the building looks like an abandoned factory.
"I don't recognize that place. From what it looks like, they must've found something new. Probably not even I wouldn't know what it is." Kabal shows his confusion.
"Most likely because you would give away all their secrets to us like several years ago. For once, Tasia and Tremor made a smart move by going underground for all these years." Cassie said.
"But we still don't know their goals. Whatever they're hiding, it isn't good. Then again, nothing is good when it comes to these fuckers." Flora Cage said.
"That's why we have to act now. We always come up with a plan first. We never faced the likes of Kobra and Kira before. From what Takeda and Vera have told us, they'll be a pain in the ass to deal with." Alex said.
"I hope we have one sooner or later. Based on what that man said, they have more alliances. But the question is who? Like colonel dad said, it can't be Mileena." Anthony said.
"That's why we have a plan, Anthony. Good thing we followed some of those members upstairs to the third floor. Me and Vera quickly realized the meaning of these three floors. Pretty clever of them to use something new for a damn change." Takeda said.
"Here. From what the 1st floor looked like, they've kidnapped some of the villagers and beating and tried to enslave them. The 2nd floor has weapons and some other technology with monitors. From what it looks like, that might be where they could be keeping private information to themselves. The 3rd floor is where the meeting was held and we got introduced to the newbies and Mateo. I saw them keeping some very valuable stuff close to them. Some sort of enchanted books, but I couldn't tell what they were. They seem to be mystical or something. I don't know much about magic." Vera said.
"Hmm. The Black Dragon are never usually interested in magic-based materials. And given what you have said, they don't seem like they will sell them to the highest bidder. Not to mention that they could be given to their mysterious allies. Whatever it is, it cannot be used by evil hands." Hanzo said.
"Takeda. Vera. What do you suggest we do? I think it's best to assign different people to different tasks and who will fight who and hopefully capture. Can't afford to make any mistakes, otherwise, we will have our hands full." Jacqui stated.
"I know. Given the fact that they have more new faces, this is going to be tricky. Anyone who attacks any part of the Shirai Ryu home, they attack the clan. That is one thing that I cannot let slip by our hands. Now for group formations, I have a plan about that. Jacqui. You and Cassie can help save the civilians. Kira will be there guarding them." Takeda instructs his wife and friend.
"Oh we can do that no problem. Been fucking forever since we fought beside each other. Hope it'll be worth the wait." Cassie said, agreeing to the plan.
"Same here, sister." Jacqui replied.
"Alex. You and I can handle the weapons and tech. Kobra will be there as well. You're the smartest one I know that can do it, but I will need your help. You think you got it?" Takeda asked.
"Hell yes. You know damn well how much I enjoy working on that kind of shit. And fighting someone new will be a new experience." Alex said.
"Good. But we still have Tasia, Tremor, Mateo, Darrius and Dariou to deal with." Takeda reminds everyone.
"I can help deal with those fuckers. Think it's time they say hi to this familiar face." Kabal volunteers for the mission.
"I'm going too. So is Flora. And Vera." Anthony Cage steps up as well.
"I thought you'd never ask, bro." Flora Cage smiles at her younger twin brother.
"Yeah. It's time for some payback to those assholes. They don't know how to think twice before they decide to cross us like that. In fact, any kind of asshole." Vera said, grabbing her weapons.
"I'm coming too." Satoshi said, walking up. "I'm not letting anyone such as the Black Dragon insult the Shirai Ryu like this, nor my family."
Vera looked a little reluctant on letting Satoshi come along, fearing for his safety. But at the same time, she knows that he is willing to fight and die for his family and clan. Vera and Hanzo both feel the same way about him.
"The more the merrier. Whoever their supposed new buddies are, they better not think about making the same mistakes the Black Dragon just did. We're ready for anything. After all, just like Hanzo Hasashi said, the Shirai Ryu don't run. They fight." Jacqui said, remembering Hanzo's words. She always took those words with pride upon marrying Takeda and took everything to heart as their journey went against the Red Dragon. Things are just about ready, and now everyone else is ready to move out. To stand against the new Black Dragon, find out what devious plans they have against the heroes.
The Special Forces and the Shirai Ryu are just about prepared. They are ready to face the new leaders of the returning Black Dragon. The only part of the plan the heroes are aware of is that the Black Dragon wanted their attention. The question is why? It would only cause their enemies to go after them. Everyone, particularly Cassie and Jacqui, are left wondering what their new methods and goals are. Hanzo, despite not having fought the Black Dragon nearly as much as the Special Forces, is well aware of all of their wrongdoings. They all set sail into different boats. They could not afford to take the jets, not wanting to chance getting spotted, given how the Black Dragon has their own technology. Alex, Cassie, Takeda and Jacqui are on one ship with the kids and Kabal on the other.
"Man. I guess some things will never change for the better, huh? It's always going to be for better or for worse." Cassie stated. She locks and loads her trusty weapons and also carries two electrical batons.
"I hear that. I was hoping we would not have to put up with so much evil in the world since the New Era started and after the whole shit with Geras and Shang Tsung. Guess Liu Kang was not kidding after all, not that I doubt him or anything." Jacqui replied with a bit of fear. Nobody could blame her, as she was afraid of how new changes could impact their lives, good and bad. One thing that she is glad about though is everyone's lives are changing for the better.
"Everything is always going by so fast. The shit with Reiko, Havik and the Kamidogu, Shinnok kidnapping dad and me kicking his ass. Then after that, Alex shows up because of Kronika. I mean he helped changed all of our lives for the better, even after finding out he's a demigod. Half elder god has always been the craziest shit I've ever heard. And then here we are, decades later in a new time without titans and evil elder gods." Cassie remembers. She smiles greatly at Alex, who is talking to Takeda.
"I'm happy we're all here now. Couple years after seeing you two together, I started seeing Alex like a brother, like I've seen you like a sister. I had doubts about myself like what if I don't exist in the New Era, but he and younger dad convinced me I'm here for a reason." Jacqui also remembered. She originally felt down and a little depressed because of her mother dying and her father becoming depressed and unfit to serve. That was until Alex and Past Jax convinced her otherwise.
Cassie sighs out of happiness. "Always has a way with words. They have a point. After all, you and Takeda killed Dogron and the Red Dragon. It took me a while to realize that Alex is the reason why the team became closer. I remember how Jin and I hardly got along with each other."
"Especially when he questioned your leadership or my family. At least he learned to show some respect for us after Shinnok went down. But he was still an asshole at some points, even to Alex. Like when he left a big bruise on his face from pushing himself too far and you got fucking pissed off." Jacqui said, causing them both to snicker.
"At least he apologized for that a hundred times, feeling bad for my husband. It was worse than when my mom beat the shit outta him on the first day. I could tell you were trying not to laugh." Cassie reminded her.
"True, but only because I wasn't a total dick like Jin. Also because I was quicker to warm up to him than Jin and Sonya." Jacqui said. The girls laughed as they remembered the good times they had when Alex first joined Special Forces and missions they went on, even before he joined.
"How does it feel to be the mistress of the clan?" Cassie asked her best friend.
"Completely unexpected. Didn't know that was a thing in the clan until the big announcement from a week ago. Then again, I knew that Vera would be able to step up and become Chujin. At least Satoshi got something else to make up for it.
"Can't help but be proud of her. She's come a long way. In a way she reminds me of you." Cassie tells her.
"You got that right, sister." Jacqui said and they both smile.
Over on another part of the ship, Alex and Takeda also have their own conversation and having some laughs. "Does it feel weird? Being the one in charge of the Shirai Ryu now?" Alex asked.
"A little. I won't lie, I thought it would take longer for me to get there. Then again, Grandmaster Hasashi wasn't going to keep this up for another decade. Now I know what's like being a leader similar to Cassie.
"Yeah. I mean I've seen how she leads after following Sonya. And Hanzo and Kuai Liang as well as Raiden and Liu Kang. I've never been one, but that's fine with me. Though I thought you would also be the new Scorpion or something, as in get similar powers." Alex joked.
"It sounds good, but I'll stick with what I have. Telepathy and telekinesis has never failed me once." Takeda said.
"I hear that alright. When I got arrested and you looked inside my head, first time in my life, I had no idea what to say about that. How hard was it training Vera to do the same thing?" Alex asked.
"It was not easy. I had to remember everything my father told me about my powers and how to perfect it. During the whole thing with Quan Chi and Shinnok, I still haven't mastered it at the time. I had to tell Vera to think about what she would want to see and how strong she wants her telepathy to be. There's much more to it than that, I promise you that. Vera trains as steady as me and fights as hard as Jacqui." Takeda said. He can't help but be happy for his daughter making so much progress in life in the clan. He may see her as a master at some point.
"She definitely fights like Jacqui alright. When I first started training with y'all, especially when she's pissed. I can guarantee the same thing would happen with Vera. Must be new having a daughter as a chujin." Alex said.
"True. I've seen how she practices leading when she goes on patrols with Satoshi. They've always had each other's backs pretty much every time." Takeda said.
"You and Jacqui told us what he and his sister were like. They seem really nice. Satoshi from what I could tell is becoming more brave, even after he chose to admire you and Jacqui. Someone to idolize you both." Alex smirked.
"Even Vera admired us. And don't forget about Anthony and Flora too. They admired us and you and Cassie. Coincidentally, we named them after Jacqui's mother and your parents." Takeda said. "I never got to ask, what was it like, seeing them for the first and only time."
Alex sighed out of sadness. "Like a dream come true. I could actually touch my mother's face and hug both my mom and dad. I thought I was considered the voice of wisdom, but apparently I inherited that from both of them, even since my mom was an elder god. Fujin told me their names. It's only a family member always pulling me out from the darkness. Them, Cassie, even Jacqui."
"Right. They both know how to talk sense into someone, and in your case when she slapped you. The last thing I was afraid of was losing her to the Red Dragon until we took the bastards down forever." Takeda said.
"You and I both, brother. I always saw Jacqui and Jade as sisters to me. And Jacqui definitely showed it." Alex smiled, thinking about how Jade is doing right now.
"And I can say the same for Cassie. Me and father always knew that it would be you two since day one. Cassie made the right choice of believing in you and choosing you. You were there for each other on countless occasions. I also knew to trust you as well." Takeda said, fistbumping his friend's shoulder. Alex and Takeda nod to each other out of gratitude as the ships keep sailing. Alex has a bo staff like Jade. Gifted to him as a birthday present.
As the ships start getting closer to their destination of the abandoned factory, Anthony, Flora, Satoshi and Vera interact with each other. They seem to get along with each other very well. From time to time the twins contact Vera to see how she is doing. Vera is normally the protective type of person, a trait she carries from her mother Jacqui.
"Man. Being second in command sure has its capabilities, am I right?" Flora Cage asked Vera.
"Oh man. Even before becoming a chujin, leading a team is not easy. Had to learn the lessons from dad the hard way. Maybe I might start to know how he feels. Just maybe." Vera said with some concern. She feels rather a little nervous on becoming second in command of the Shirai Ryu.
"Well given that I'm a sergeant leading a team, which we still don't know who it will contain, I can't say I blame you. I really can't." Anthony Cage relates.
"Well, I also wouldn't mind being a sergeant, but this is still fine. I can live with being a lieutenant for a longer period of time." Flora Cage states.
"Really? I thought you'd be jealous or something, considering how crazy you can be sometimes." Vera joked.
"Please. I've been called weirder when we all went to schools together. A lot of people normally call me the lunatic of the classes. Surprised no one seems to mind my energetic, magnetic personality in the Special Forces." Flora Cage said, making Vera giggle.
"Suppose you're right. Then again, there is a point where all must lead. I realize that now. Hanzo Hasashi told me himself. Wish it would be easier, but it won't. Takes mostly experience in becoming one." Satoshi said.
"Tell me about it. This is technically my first mission of leading the Special Forces as a sergeant after all. I'm still a tad damn nervous about this." Anthony Cage said, expressing worry. If it is one thing he is afraid of, it would be disappointing his own friends and family.
"Anthony. Look, I feel the same was as you do. But I know you can pull this off. Think about what Aunt Cassie would do. Even mom told me about all the things she has done. Trust me. Not even she was perfect at it, nor was Sonya." Vera said, putting a hand on her cousin's shoulder.
"And Flora? You're a good sister, cousin and best friend." Vera said.
Anthony sighs out of relief and nods. He hopes that Vera is right. And his leadership skills are about to be tested as they are just about to approach their destination. Cassie locks and loads with her weapons as does Alex and his pupils briefly glew silver white. Jacqui dons her gauntlets while Anthony and Flora lock and load their weapons. Vera has her escrima sticks ready as does Satoshi and his nunchucks and Takeda with his weapons.
Thanks to the Special Forces' stealth tech, they managed to dock undetected. As they approached, they noticed a large electrical field surrounding the entire area. It is much different compared to other bases they invaded. This is a new experience for them. However, this does not faze the heroes.
"Electrical field. For once, they thought of something smart for a change. To keep anyone from getting in, or getting out. Guess this Mateo guy was smart enough to do so unlike Kano. Clever, but not clever enough." Cassie said.
"Because we have superpowered soldiers on our side." Jacqui said. They both turn to Alex and he nods, immediately knowing what they mean.
As Colonel Alex walks forward, he stops to look at his daughter. "Lieutenant Flora. I'm gonna need some help with this one. Remember what I showed you earlier back at base."
Flora looks at her father and quickly understands what he means. "Right. This will be a piece of cake." Flora and Alex step up and their respective powers start glowing. Alex and Flora step closer to the field and slowly put their hands on the electrical field, neither of them are feeling any pain. Flora closes her eyes and waits for a moment and hope it works. Within a few moments, both Flora's and Alex's hands start glowing as they began to absorb the electrical field. The field itself starts getting smaller and starts disappearing as Alex and Flora managed to absorb it without a single injury on them. Flora looks at her hand in amazement, could hardly believe she could actually do it.
Anthony turns to Satoshi, both are amazed by how powerful their powers are. "That's my dad and my older sister for you right there."
"I always believed everything Vera told me about them. That is a sight to behold." Satoshi said, sounding very impressed.
"Holy shit. It worked. That was a lot to absorb. Almost forgot it was infinite. Thanks, colonel dad." Flora Cage said to Alex.
"You still have plenty of ways to go, Flora. Don't let it out. Save those for an emergency. Understood?" Alex asked and his daughter saluted. "Good. Awaiting your orders, general. What do we do now?"
"We unpack and bring the boom." Cassie answered. She brings out plenty of C4, much to Jacqui's delight. She tosses some to her best friend and they both set the charges ready to detonate. "Lock and loaded." Cassie said as they all run for cover to get a good distance. Cassie nods to everyone as she pushes the button on the detonator. The C4 started beeping for ten seconds before finally going off.
Inside the base, the alarms go off at the electrical field being disabled and the explosions. Most of the people seem to be jumped by the sudden alarm. All except for Mateo. His face remains the same as he smirks. "They're here. I knew it was a matter of time before they would find us. All members get to your positions. We're preparing for battle." Mateo orders everyone.
"Finally. I've been waiting for years to meet the Special Fuckers. It'll be time for inevitable payback once we see them." Kobra smirks. He feels his heart raising out of joy that he will meet the enemies he blames for the loss of his family.
"We shall see how they like it when they know what it's like to die in a cold, bloody way. I want to hear them scream as the light fades from their eyes." Kira said, chuckling evilly.
"We all want revenge on all enemies who have disgraced the Black Dragon name one too many times. No more holding back on our strength." Tremor swears to it. To him, the Black Dragon has always been his family and home from his point of view. Regardless, he has always been blindly loyal to Kano.
"Kill them or delay them. But they cannot be allowed to stop our plans. We must not keep our associates waiting for what they asked for." Tasia said.
"Win or lose, it doesn't matter. They will get what they want as long as they keep their end of the bargain and pay us with other things we also demanded. Let's not forget we have common interests." Mateo reminds everyone.
As everyone gets into position, waiting and getting ready for the Special Forces and Shirai Ryu, Darrius and Dariou walk alone. "Do you think we should let our masters know about the plan now? We cannot keep them waiting." Dariou asked.
"Not yet. Our enemies will know our plan without a doubt. Once that happens, our masters will know. For now, say nothing else to Mateo or anyone else in the Black Dragon." Darrius replied.
"You seem to be very confident in our abilities to pull this plan off." Dariou said, feeling a bit suspicious.
"I am, but I am not so sure about you, brother. We always get what we want." Darrius smirked. Dariou seemed a bit annoyed with the comment. Seeing the weird smirk on his brother's face gives Dariou a strange feeling. But what exactly?
Outside, the Special Forces run inside the entrance as quickly as possible as everyone starts taking their positions. Takeda, Jacqui, Vera and Satoshi are leading the Shirai Ryu clan while Cassie leads Alex, Kabal and the twins and the troops. They start hiding behind cover as they wait for the enemy to come out with weapons of their own. The heroes know very well that the Black Dragon is normally prepared with weapons, and given that they have more recruits since being in hiding for two and a half decades, they know better than to just barge in head on.
Cassie and the forces hide behind good cover. They hear the doors open and many goons with guns and melee weapons start coming out ready to fight. Cassie looks at her friends and children and gives them the nod and they nod back. The new general was the first to rise up and start shooting many goons everywhere. In the neck, chest, or head, many goons start falling at their hands, all being covered in blood. Alex has done a great job shooting more of them dead as well as the twins. Alex always did his best to keep up with firearm training along with fighting. He shoots many of them dead and defeats many of them hand to hand. They have had a lot of training with firearms. Anthony has twin pistols just like both his parents while Flora has a rifle. One of them tried to get close to Flora, but she dodges his punch and elbows his forehead, kicks his neck and roundhouse kicks him in the head and shoots his back and the goon falls dead. Anthony uses a switchblade and stabs one in the heart and slices another's throat open and blood spews out and both fall dead. They check their surroundings everywhere, including looking up for snipers.
Jacqui never goes anywhere without her gauntlets and shoots many dead. She still retains her skills from the Special Forces as well as traditional training from Shirai Ryu. Takeda never seized on using his traditional sword and chain whips, cutting many of them open and bloodied and dead. Seven goons run towards the new master and he swings his sword at all their necks, decapitating all of them all at once. Heads and blood go flying everywhere. Satoshi swings his kusarigama blade at many goons, killing them dead while Vera uses her escrima sticks to shock and beat her enemies. Despite making progress, some soldiers and a few clan members start falling victim, but nowhere near as much as the new Black Dragon is. Despite the losses, Mateo isn't moved by this, as he is watching from the monitors. Tasia feels the same way.
As the heroes managed to make their way inside, they remember the plan that Takeda has forged. "Alright. Remember the plan. Jacqui and I will help the hostages and deal with Kira. The rest of you go on ahead." Cassie orders and they nod.
"Okay. You two please be careful. Don't want anyone dying out here." Alex tells them.
"No promises that I'll come back with no scratches." Cassie said before kissing her husband's cheek. "Good luck out there."
"Thank you." Alex nods and runs ahead. Jacqui does the same to Takeda before he runs up to Alex.
The kids and Kabal do the same, but Anthony stops once he hears his mother's voice. "Sergeant Anthony. Good luck on the mission." Cassie smiles at her son. Anthony nods for a moment as he runs to catch up. Once separated, Cassie and Jacqui are left alone.
"You ready for the good times sake?" Jacqui asks her best friend yes.
"Fuck yes. With the one and only bestie." Cassie smirks at her best friend. They've missed going on missions with each other. Jacqui and Cassie always stayed in contact with each other since Jacqui left to join Takeda. This was done so Jacqui could keep her promise to her husband during their Shirai Cross-Bondgins journey.
As the two besties move along with their part of the plan, they continue to fight their way through anyone who stands in their way. Cassie shoots and kills as many as they come to her. She sees one coming with a bat to kill her, but she elbows the woman's neck, punches her nose and jump kicks her in the chest, cracking it and then Cassie stabs the woman in the forehead, killing her. Jacqui jumps over one goon, kicks him in the right shen, breaking it, back kicks his neck, and then Jacqui's gauntlets spawn some small blades and one of them plunges through the back of the man's neck, and he falls over, choking on his own blood before dying. The girls continue to shoot, beat up, stab and kill more as they made it to the cells with the prisoners. But as they walked into the huge cells room with the civilians, they run into none other than Kira.
"Cassie Cage and Jacqui Takahashi. At least somebody in charge was either brave or stupid enough to come here to challenge us. I have been told about you two." Kira smirks deviously.
"That's no big surprise coming from someone part of a club that should have stayed dead for eternity." Jacqui glares at the new enemy.
"And it's no surprise that you two are forbidden from keeping out of our lives. Just like you interfered with ours so many years ago." Kira said.
"You know the Black Dragon is full of shit. They'd do anything to get someone to join them. It's either they're expert liars, or you're fucking gulliable." Cassie said.
"You're about to be fucking dead. My brother Kobra will be happy he'll be dreaming of it every night." Kira gets out her dragon teeth daggers as she prepares to fight the two.
"We'll see about that." Jacqui said.
Kira starts by swinging her arms to stab the girls with her dragon teeth daggers, which Cassie dodges while Jacqui parries with her own daggers built into her gauntlets. Jacqui kicks Kira's chin and in the left eye before elbowing her in the left rib cage. Jacqui does a kick to the chest and across the head, stumbling her. Kira blocks Jacqui's daggers with her own, and knees her chin, back kicks her left shoulder, knees her chest and chops her on top of her head. Kira grabs Jacqui by the head, jumps up and slams her into the ground. Cassie comes in and saves her best friend by backhanding Kira across the right cheek, punches her in the forehead and roundhouse kicks her jaw, sending her away from Jacqui. Cassie then takes out some batons and she and Kira fight weapon to weapon, switching between offensive and defensive methods. That was until Cassie ducks a dagger swing, swings one of her batons up at Kira's chin, partially cracking it and and slams the endpoint of the other on her forehead. Kira snarls and quickly slashes her daggers at Cassie's forearms, giving them a medium sized cut.
"Oh I'm sorry. Did I cut you? Because it was beautiful to do. I want to see more blood." Kira smirks, amusing herself.
"You want more blood? You asked for it, asshole." Cassie gets back into a stance while activating her yellow shadow powers, gesturing for her to come over to her.
Kira takes that as a challenge. She throws her two daggers at Cassie and she deflects them with her batons, only to receive a knee strike to the stomach, a front flip kick to the head, a punch to the chest and launches herself forward and knocks Cassie backwards. Jacqui comes in and double kicks Kira in the back whilst shocking her with her electrical high heels. Kira turns around, only to be met by a high kick to the face and is brought to the ground by Jacqui's high heel and kicks Kira in the head hard, cracking the top of her skull. Kira grabs her daggers and nearly cuts Jacqui's ankles, but Jacqui jumps out of the way, allowing Cassie to shoot one dagger out of Kira's hand, making her hand bleed. Cassie comes in and sends an uppercut to Kira's chest, knees her right knee, uppercuts her in the chin again, sending her flying and gives Kira the double shadow backflip kick to the back. Kira falls onto her chest, defeated. She has blood coming out of her mouth and her nose, still alive.
"Fucking devious prick. There's some blood now." Jacqui tells her in disgust before turning to Cassie. "Cassie. You alright there?"
"Yeah. I've been through worse. We both came from tough stock. That crazy bitch does not mess around. Reminds me of Mileena." Cassie stated.
"Don't need to tell me twice. Come on. Let's free these villagers. They must be scared by now." Jacqui said and Cassie nods. They run into the cells and see them. Most of the villagers look frightened by being at the hands of the Black Dragon. Some of them, mostly the men, are covered in bruises and blood.
"Please. Help us." One of the women begged them.
"It's alright, we're here to rescue you. We can take you back to the Shirai Ryu. Come with us. The clan leaves no one behind ever." Jacqui said. Cassie unlocks the cells and the hostages start running out with Cassie.
The same woman stops to look at Jacqui and grabs her hand with her own hands and shakes it. "Thank you. Thank you, Mistress Takahashi. You have my eternal thanks."
"You're welcome ma'am. It's my husband you should thank for this. Come on. Let's get you back to the ships. We can get you home." Jacqui tells her. They all start running back to the ships. Outside, the soldiers continue to defend the ships, making sure that no snipers or rocket launchers are anywhere near them. They briefly hold their fire once they see Cassie and Jacqui.
"General. All hostages are on board the ships. However, we still haven't heard from Colonel Alex or the others." A female soldier said.
This worries Cassie. If it's one thing that she's afraid of, it's losing her husband. She lost him once, and she does not want to do so again. "Colonel Alex. What's the progress on your part?"
"Almost there. Fighting our way through as always. Like Takeda said, Kobra is there waiting for us. No way we're getting through without a fight." Alex reports. Alex continues to fight and shoot his way through while Takeda cuts many down.
"Alright. Please be careful out there. Tell the same thing to the others. General out." Cassie comlinks before hanging up.
"Cassie. You alright?" Jacqui asked.
"Yeah. It's just… it's just that I hope they'll be alright. And I'm not just talking about Alex and Takeda." Cassie worries.
Jacqui looks into her eyes and immediately knows what she means. "I get it. I feel the same way for Vera. But we can't always worry about her, Flora and Anthony. There will be a time where they may have to stand on their own."
"I guess you're right. I mean we trained them for this. They chose to do this. We taught them alot of things. It was inevitable. Don't know what I'd do without my twins." Cassie said.
"That's the spirit, Cass." Jacqui smiles. But then they see some more goons coming. "C'mon. We can hold these bitches off."
"Right behind you, Jacqui." Cassie loads her guns as they start firing while dodging their attacks. They're more than capable of holding off the enemy. But how long?
Alex shoots, beats up and kills many goons as they are almost to the weapons facility. Takeda uses his sword and chain whips to cut down as many as he does. One goon attempts to punch Alex, but he blocks it with his hand activates his powers and electrocutes the man to death, fires an energy beam at another, sending her towards a wall. One goon has a flamethrower and fires at Alex, but he absorbs it as he walks towards the man and elbows his forehead, punches his throat and gives him two roundhouse kicks to the head, knocking him down. Takeda uses his telepathy to sense several people behind him and uses his chain whips and stabs all of them at one, killing them and blood goes in a straight line. Kabal deflects bullets with his hook swords and cuts down and beats down many as he goes.
Anthony keeps his distance and shoots many goons dead. Anyone who comes close gets easily defeated. He backflip kicks one of them, jump kicks the goon in the chest, stumbling him and allowing Anthony to kick and punch him in the stomach. Flora switches between her weapons, fighting skills and powers. Flora fires an energy beam at a few goons who tried to approach her, and she grabs one by the head, knees her in the nose, punches her right in the eyes, grabs her neck with her own legs and snaps the goon's neck. She then fires her twin pistols into two more goons' necks by the collarbone, killing them as they scream in agony. Flora blocks one punch and fires an energy beam, killing another. Vera continues to fight with her escrima sticks as she blocks and parries each attack. She blocks three kicks and swings them at a goons head. She swings at a goon's throat, forehead and slams the endpoint into his eye and back kicks him in the neck, followed by a back kick to the head. Vera looks over to Satoshi and sees how well he is fighting with his team. Satoshi knocks many of them out with his nunchucks as they make progress.
As they just about to reach the room with the weapons and other tech, Alex stops Anthony and Flora in their tracks. "Sergeant. Lieutenant."
"What is it, colonel dad?" Anthony said.
"Listen to me. This is your first mission as Sergeant, Anthony. General mom asked me to make sure that you two will promise us that you'll come back with us. I know you can do this, Anthony. I know you won't let us down."
"Thanks. I'll do my best." Anthony smiles.
"Good. As for you, Flora. Hold still." Alex activates his powers. Flora sees what he's doing and activates hers as well. Alex gives her enough wind and water powers to help her against any upcoming fights. "Tasia and Tremor are very strong fighters. This is not the first time we thought they died. Do not underestimate them. Don't do anything else. If you run into trouble, me and Takeda will come for you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, colonel!" Anthony and Flora salute their father.
"Good. Take Vera and Satoshi with you. That's an order." Alex orders them.
"Thank you. Be careful out there with that bitch. Give him a few punches for me." Flora asks her father.
"No promises. Now get going." Alex tells them. The four children start running ahead. Anthony is a tad worried about her father, but not as worried as Flora is. Even she is afraid of seeing those she loves get seriously hurt.
Alex and Takeda walk into the weapons and techs room, only to run into none other than Kobra himself. He sports a purple karate-like uniform and has his black hair and anger in his eyes. "I've been waiting a long time to meet you, Special Bastards." Kobra said.
"We didn't kill your parents. It was Black Dragon and Shao Kahn that attacked the city when he invaded. Kano worked with him." Alex tries to tell him.
"Lies! Tasia told me that you and your god-like friends started the war. They wanted homes and you took that away from them. You made it personal when your missiles bombed my home. My sister and I survived and were nearly left in the streets no thanks to you." Kobra said.
"I can read Tasia's mind. I know she is using you to her own benefits. The Black Dragon started this whole thing when they joined up against Earthrealm." Takeda said.
"Tasia told me you would say that. Delusions, deceits and lies. Once she wipes out your Special Forces and other friends, we will be the top of Earthrealm and avenge our family. I have trained for years for this." Kobra said. He gets out his Kali sticks and prepares to fight.
"So much for reasoning. But then again, Black Dragon doesn't listen to anything unless it involves money." Takeda said.
"I'll be listening to your screams when I'm through with fucking killing you." Kobra said as they begin to fight.
"We'll see about that." Alex said.
Kobra swings his metal kali sticks, which Takeda blocks with his sword, but he receives a kick to the chest and to the jaw, allowing Kobra to swing at both of Takeda's shoulders, swings at the master's forehead and chest, stumbling him. Before Kobra could attack any further, Alex blocks his attacks and counters with a kick to the face followed by two punches to the chest and a roundhouse kick to the head. Alex then grabs Kobra's head with his legs and throws him down to the ground and gets back up. Kobra swings both of his kali sticks, but Alex dodges, grabs his wrist and punches him in the face, eagle kicks his right shoulder, kicks his right rib cage and back of the head, stumbling him. Alex comes in for an elbow strike, only for Kobra to kick him away, punches Alex's right shoulder, then the stomach, and kicks him in the chin and top of the head. Kobra follows it up with a punch to the chest, a side kick to the left rib cage then the left knee. Kobra eagle kicks Alex in the head, sending him to the ground. Takeda comes back in and blocks his swings, saving Alex. They switch between offense and defense with weapons, until Takeda overpowers him and goes for a punch to the face, a punch to the left rib cage and a back hand to the head. Takeda swings his chain whips, knocking his kali sticks out of his hands, grabs his throat, pulls him over to him and swing kicks at his jaw, cracking it.
Kobra gets back up and quickly grabs his kali sticks. He looks up and snarls as he throws down a smoke bomb. Alex and Takeda look around to find them, only for Kobra to appear and sidekick Takeda in the back followed by a double kick to the back, sending him forward. Kobra disappears again and swings his kali sticks at Alex's left arm and the back of his head, and upper kicks him in the back, sending Alex flying before he lands on the ground. Kobra's kali sticks start glowing with heat and fire, evilly smirking as he is about to kill Alex. Alex immediately sees this and activates his powers and glows silver white. He grabs both kali sticks, absorbs the fire and head without a single burn on him. Alex headbutts Kobra backwards, stumbling him.
"You dare cheat death at my hands?! Powers are for the cowardly! I only fight by any means necessary!" Kobra angrily stated.
"So do we, Kobra. You just do not understand. Ask anyone. Ask Kano. Oh wait, he's dead. Try asking me instead." Takeda said. They resume fighting.
"I won't much care anyway, because you will be dead." Kobra said.
Kobra uses his smoke bombs to teleport again. Alex nods to Takeda who understands what they need to do. Takeda puts two fingertips to his forehead. Alex brings out his staff. Takeda points his finger over to Alex's right, and Alex swings his staff at the reappearing Kobra's head, left shin, and slams the endpoint of the staff at his chest. Kobra swings his kali sticks and tries to swing at him, but Alex deflects them and its the hilt at his jaw and backkicks him in the head. Kobra disappears again and appears behind Takeda. The new master swings the endpoint of his sword to the stomach, knees Kobra's chest, and jump kicks him in the head, sending Kobra down and defeating him.
"You should have listened when you had the chance, Kobra." Takeda tells him.
"Then again, it's the Black Dragon. You feeling alright, Takeda?" Alex asks out of concern.
"I'm alright. I've been through worse. Guess your training with that staff has paid off. Nice work, Alex." Takeda compliments.
"Thanks. You can thank Jade for that. Let's get to work on this shit." Alex reminds him as they head into the weapons and tech room. "They have tons of files on here. It's gonna take a while to decrypt all of this. Then again, better safe than sorry." Alex pulls out a drive.
"What are you doing?" Takeda asked.
"For all we know, they could be hiding their actual plans in any of these computers, not just this one. I'm transferring them all to this one so we can make sure so we don't get thrown off." Alex explained.
"So the Black Dragon can't trick us into taking the wrong files. This Mateo person really knows his way around, given he is Kano's son. And who knows what kind of training he had from Tasia." Takeda said.
"Better hope the others will stand a chance against him and the rest. We don't know what he can do." Alex said as he continues to work. He can't help but feel that something isn't right. He can't put his finger on it. While they work, Kobra smirks and disappears via another smoke bomb.
While Alex and Takeda work, Anthony leads the rest of the heroes to the top floor. Flora, Vera, Satoshi and Kabal follow closely behind. Anthony tries his best to hide the nervous feeling in his stomach. He is really afraid of failing his parents and sister. They continue to fight their way through as many goons as possible. Mateo sees this through the cameras and smirks. He types on the main monitor and begins transferring. But where? He, Tremor, Tasia as well as Darrius and Dariou hear screaming, gunfire and see blood spilling as the youngest members of the Special Forces and Shirai Ryu come in, having their weapons ready in hand.
"So. You finally show up. About fucking time. Been waiting to see you assholes for so long you have no idea." Mateo declared.
"We know how long. For years. After all, me and my dad read one of your men's minds to get info out of him. We know you're Kano's son and why you attacked one of the clan's villages. But why attack the Shirai Ryu? They never done anything to y'all, even before you were born." Vera pointed out.
"Is not fucking obvious? I knew that Hasashi's new men would capture one of my men. We trained them to be tougher than before. And knowing your dad has psychic powers, it was only a matter of time before you figured out the Black Dragon was still alive. Luring you here was only part of the plan." Mateo explained.
"So you can exact your revenge on us when I killed your father Kano. Asshole got what he fucking deserved for the crimes he's done." Kabal said.
"Look at you, sounding so innocent. What about the times you committed crimes when you were part of us? Fucking hypocrite." Mateo said.
"Because unlike Kano, I learned from my mistakes and saw the error of my ways and did what was right. Kano was an idiot to follow Shao Kahn. And look where that got him." Kabal said, insulting his father.
"You fucking bastard. This time, it's your turn to feel death!" Mateo said, getting his metal gauntlets on as the two separate from the rest, ready to fight each other.
Everyone else separates to fight certain others. Flora begins to fight Tremor, Vera and Satoshi against Dariou and Darrius. Lastly, Anthony fights Tasia. "So, you are supposed to be Cage's new son? I see fear in your eyes. Afraid of failing. This will make things easier for me. Your parents will know my pain." Tasia draws her twin kitana swords.
"My parents did everything they had to do. And they know what it's like. I don't need you to force it on them. Not while I'm here." Anthony draws his tonfas.
"It will be the last mistake you will ever make. Once I'm done with you, your mother is next." Tasia said before they start fighting.
Tasia comes in and starts swinging her twin swords at the young Cage boy. Anthony blocks her swings with her tonfas as he fights defensively. He dodges a swing, grabs her arm and knees her elbow and does an elbow strike to her right eye. He uppercuts her chest with one of his tonfas, slams the other on her forehead, back kicks her right knee and throws her down by her arm. Tasia kicks back up and teleports and sidekicks Anthony in the right rib cage, slams the endpoints of her swords into his lower spine and roundhouse kicks him in the back of the head. She then grabs Anthony's shoulders, knees him in the spine, cracking it, turns him around, punches him in the face and slams the endpoint of her sword on his forehead. Tasia teleports again and this time, cuts Anthony's right leg, cutting it and making it bleed, nearly forcing the young sergeant to a knee and swings at his head. Anthony barely blocks the fatal swing, but is trying not to lose strength because of his leg.
Tasia evilly smirks down at him. "Weak. Your parents were terrible teachers. They should have never sent you here. Once they hear you're dead, they will grieve. And your sister will drop waterfalls of tears. And then I will kill them next."
Anthony grits his teeth in frustration and anger. Hearing those words come out of her mouth only makes things worse. Anthony thinks about his parents and Flora and thinks about the happy memories he had with them and how much he loves them and is willing to protect them. Then all of a sudden, his entire body starts glowing green. Tasia's eyes widened at what's happening right now. She was too late to react to a punch to the gut and a swing kick to the head.
Anthony stands up and sees that his powers have activated. His green shadow powers glowing all around his body. "You stay the hell away from my family." Anthony said. He sounds more confident and braver than usual. The fight resumes with Tasia once again swinging her swords, which Anthony managing to dodge while blocking and deflecting each swing. One of his tonfas open up and a blade comes out. He once more grabs her elbow, but this time, he stabs her arm and her shoulder, causing her pain. Anthony punches her across the face followed by a backhand strike, swings his tonfa at her left rib cage, cracking it a little, and grabs her left arm and stabs it and knees her in the face and throws her down to the ground, head first. Tasia lies there in defeat. "Serves you right, asshole." Anthony glares at her.
Flora continues to fight Tremor. Things seem to be hard for the young Cage girl. "You know, for an ugly-ass looking earth elemental, you sure are damn tough."
"I spent years training hard enough to beat your father. I want to see you bleed and see him cry and mourn." Tremor swears on it.
"Coming from the big bad man who cried about Kano everyday." Flora roasts him as they continue to fight.
Flora gets into a stance, ready for Tremor to make his move. Tremor dashes in for a one-two punch, but Flora dodges both of them and swing kicks his right shoulder followed by an eagle kick and a roundhouse kick to the jaw. She shoots tase shots from her gauntlets, briefly stunning him before she runs in and elbows his left shin, knees his forehead and backflip kicks his jaw. Flora then fires an energy beam at his chest, sending Tremor backwards. Tremor growls in anger as he slams his fists into the ground, stumbling Flora and grabs her right shoulder, headbutts her followed by a punch to the face, tosses her and she almost loses her footing, allowing Tremor to throw a downward punch onto her upper spine followed by a backhand strike to the head, and uses his earth powers to trip her. Tremor then rolls a magma ball towards her, and Flora had to think fast. She fires some of the wind that her father gave her and throws it back towards Tremor, who gets hit in the chest by his own magma ball stumbling him. Tremor summons part of the earth from his hand and throws it towards Flora who rolls out of way and blocks a punch from him, and her hands light up with electricity and punches his gut, shocking him as she throws his head down onto her knee and pushes him backwards to a wall with her wind, using up the last of it.
Tremor growls in anger as he throws a magma ball at Flora fast, forcing her to absorb part of the fire from it, but it leaves her open as Tremor sends a stoned fist to her chest, making her spit up some blood and saliva, as she is uppercutted by him, grabbed by the ankle and thrown down to the ground. Tremor summons two battle hammers from his hands made of the earth itself and swings at her head but Flora grabs them. She struggles to push them away, but Tremor was physically stronger. Flora grits her teeth as she remembers the advice that Alex taught her. Flora closes her eyes as she starts absorbing the power of the earth. Tremor smirks as if he's about to win, but now something was up. Flora senses a third torch light up and her powers start glowing from blue to red. She opens her eyes as the two hammers begin to break apart completely.
Flora throws a one-two punch made from the earth followed by an elbow strike to the face and kick to the right shin, cracking it, and uses the rest of the lightning powers she borrowed and swing kicks at Tremor's face. Tremor tries to roll another magma ball at her, but she slams her fist to the ground, a move she learned from Tremor herself and does a front flip kick to the head, cracking his skull, summons her batons and swings at the right side of his jaw and then under, nearly breaking it, shoots tase shots at his chest and knees and kicks it, cracking it as Tremor is worn out before Flora gives his head an eagle kick, sending Tremor down in defeat.
"This… this is not over. You won't get away with this so easily next time. Next time, it will be my turn." Tremor said before he passes out.
"That's what she said, bitch." Flora jokes and insults him.
Over across the room, Vera and Satoshi continue to battle Darrius and Dariou. They seem to be pretty evenly matched. Darrius and Dariou look pretty tough for beings who look like they're in their mid-40s. Something feels off about them though. Something anyone has not seen before.
"For a pair of young members of the Shirai Ryu, you seem to be explicit in your training. Pretty impressive, but you do not know what you are facing, young girl." Darrius said.
"You're in the Black Dragon. What else could you be possibly part of? Don't even want to know what these assholes offered you." Vera said.
"You might possibly know, but it is better that you're better off not knowing. I'm not above killing anyone, but I am not wasteful. I can give you this chance to stand down. Otherwise, your friend may suffer the consequences." Darrius threatens to kill Satoshi.
This only ends up getting Vera angry. Her fists close in anger upon hearing someone wanting to hurt Satoshi most. "You wound him, and you answer to me." Vera said.
"Then so be it." Darrius said as they resume fighting.
Vera has her escrima sticks while Darrius has his gauntlets equipped with two blades coming out from each side. Darrius double punches, but Vera dodges, swings one of her escrima sticks at his right rib cage, right knee and swings both sticks across the forehead. Vera backflip kicks him in the chin, stumbling Darrius, and throws both her escrima sticks at him, briefly shocking him before they come flying to Vera, who catches them. Vera comes in for more swings, but Darrius dodges each of them and blocks them with his gauntlets. This allows him to kick Vera to the stomach, causing her pain. Vera comes back in and they switch between offensive and defensive, which until Darrius avoids a swing kick, punches her in the head, sending her to the ground, but Vera dodges a kick. Vera recovers, but is met by a punch to the neck, a fist slammed onto her right shoulder, a kick to the stomach and to the face, sending Vera back.
Vera manages to get back up and combines her sticks together into a staff. Darrius awaits her. Vera swings the staff at his feet, but he jumps over it and grabs the staff as Vera tried to swing. Darrius hits her with the endpoint two times before he backhand strikes her across the face. Darrius sends two chop strikes to her right arm and right shoulder, causing Vera a lot of pain, as if she could hardly feel her own arm. But she would not give up. Darrius unsheathes his blades, ready to end the fight. Vera holds her stand in her hands despite her arm. Vera spins and swings, but Darrius jump and swing kicks her across the forehead, and in return, Vera swings her staff into his left knee, cracking it and, swings it up his left elbow, injuring it, and slams the endpoint of the staff into his stomach and chin. Vera finally knees him in the jaw followed by a kick and spin kicks him in the head. Darrius goes down to a knee, just about as exhausted, but not as tired as Vera is. Vera falls to both of her knees and gestures to her injured arm, like he hit her pressure points there.
Satoshi on the other hand continues to battle Dariou. And he seems to be having just about a hard time as Vera is right now. "You should not have crossed the Shirai Ryu. You will pay for the damage you have done to my people." Satoshi swears.
"And you have no idea what your masters have unleashed upon us. The damage you've done to us beforehand. Soon it will be fixed." Dairou said. Satoshi seems confused by what he said. By what he meant by beforehand. But he does not have time to figure it out though as they resume fighting.
Satoshi swings his nunchucks into circles as Dairou goes into defense. Satoshi slowly comes in swinging and Dairou dodges them, but is met by a sudden swing to the left rib cage, left side of the head, and a side kick to the left rib cage then an elbow strike and punch to the back. Dairou growls and grabs his nunchucks, punches Satoshi's right shoulder, uppercuts him and down punches him right on the head, stumbling the young man. Dairou was not finished as he punches Satoshi's chest followed by an upper kick, and two kicks to the jaw and left eye and then falls backwards and suddenly bounces towards Satoshi, kicks him into a wall.
Satoshi shakes, trying to get back up. He wipes the bit of blood from his mouth as Dairou brings out a sword to finish him. But Satoshi turns his nunchucks into a kusarigama and throws the chain at his arm, jumps over Dairou, pulls him in, double kicks him in the head, elbows his jaw followed by a punch, and knees his lower spine and chop strikes the back of both of his shoulders.. This causes Dairou some pain, like his own pressure points have been hit. Satoshi wraps his nunchucks around Dairou's throat and throws him down to the ground, chest first, just about defeated. Satoshi pants heavily, catching his breath. He starts to have the same feeling Vera does. Something is odd about those two enemies they just faced.
Lastly, Kabal continues to face Mateo. They are evenly matched. Mateo must have had a lot of training thanks to the likes of Tasia and Tremor. "You're a dead beat for your so-called family, Kabal. That is where you have crossed the line." Mateo said.
"Oh, don't you worry about your little ass, kid. I'd be happy to kick your ass on their behalf." Kabal said.
"And someday, maybe today, you will lose and die as fast as you run." Mateo said as they resumed fighting.
Mateo has metal gauntlets that cover his forearms and his fists while Kabal has his hook swords. The gauntlets seem to be loaded with some technology. Mateo shoots actual fire from his right gauntlet which Kabal narrowly dodges with his speed powers. Mateo then starts shooting bullets out of them which Kabal swings his hook swords and deflects away harmlessly. He closes the gap and sends a strong kick to Mateo's gut and to the forehead followed by a back kick to the face. Mateo regains his footing, but Kabal punches his jaw and speeds through him, making the new Black Dragon leader spin in place. Mateo quickly defends himself when Kabal swings his hook swords. The metal gauntlets Mateo wears appear to be very durable to where the swords aren't even leaving a scratch. Mateo knocks the swinging swords away and delivers a quick punch to the stomach, backflip kick to the jaw, a back kick to Kabal's right knee, a punch in the right eye and grabs Kabal by the throat, throws him down and headbutts him. Mateo rolls backwards as Kabal gets back up. Kabal throws a buzzsaw at Mateo who dodges, but Kabal jump kicks him in the stomach, elbows him in the crotch area and uppercuts his jaw, cracking it, sending Mateo flying and hitting the ground, defeating him.
"Want me to slow down a little for you?" Kabal joked and mocked him. Mateo lays there, unconscious.
As all the members of the Black Dragon lay defeated, except for Dairou and Darrius, who are next to being tired, The heroes check on each other. Flora and Anthony are amazed by each other's powers. "You got it, little bro. You got your green shadow power. Badass I should say?" Flora is impressed.
"Yeah. That's what happens when people like her threaten my family like that." Anthony said. "You on the other hand were kinda cutting it close." He can tell Flora is just about exhausted from her fight against Tremor and probably would have died had her powers not kick in and get stronger.
"About time too. Told you we'd make a great fucking team. Don't you think, Anthony?" Flora said, holding out her fist.
"Yes. Very much. Can say the same, Flora." Anthony smiles and they fistbump each other.
Satoshi and Vera check on each other as well. "Vera. You alright? That must've been a tough fight. These jerks packed more than a punch this time." Satoshi feels worried as Vera holds her injured arm.
"They're more than jerks. They're complete dickheads." Vera joked. "Besides, I should be asking you that. Hope you aren't too badly hurt. Don't wanna see you all fucked up and everything."
Satoshi sighs out of relief, yet still feels a tad worry. "How many times do I have to tell you that you gotta lookout for yourself as well. You always worry. Let me help you with your arm's pressure points." Satoshi offers. Vera couldn't help but smile at his help. She looks into his eyes and sees how much he cares for her and would be willing to lay down his life for her. It could more than that why she worries for him.
As Satoshi tends to Vera, Kabal contacts General Cassie. "Hey, general. Took Mateo down for the count."
"Good. We're bringing them. I'm on my way to you. Stay where you are." Cassie ordered him before contacting Alex and Takeda. "Alex. Takeda. How are you two doing?"
"I'm just about done getting the data we're looking for. Got it all downloaded and ready for everyone to see. We're heading to where the others are right now." Alex reports as he takes the flash drive out and he and Takeda start running towards the floor above them with Cassie running behind them.
As Kabal and the kids wait for the others, Mateo quietly starts laughing. Not too loud but enough for Kabal and the kids to hear. "You think getting your ass kicked is funny, asshole?" Kabal asked.
"Oh no. Not that. You Special Bastards may be smart, but not super smart. While I was trying to win, I was also a distraction." Mateo said, much to everyone's confusion. Mateo types something into his tech gauntlets as He stares at the books floating in mid-air as they are about to be placed in capsules. Kabal uses his super speed to dash over and grab them. As the books are just about to enter, Kabal reaches for one of them, but could only grab and rip a page out of it as the capsules close. Within moments later, the two books and capsules suddenly teleport away from everyone.
Kabal looks at the paper and sees six different symbols. He could recognize any of them. He quickly grabs Mateo by his robes out of anger. "What'd you do? What did you do?!" Kabal demands as Alex, Takeda and Cassie run in. Mateo stayed silent and smiles before speaking.
"You're too late. This isn't the last time you'll see this new face, Kabal and Cage. We are not alone. Not anymore. The big boss man, the conqueror will return." Mateo said. He points one of his tech gauntlets at Kabal's stomach and shoots him. Kabal's mouth is wide open as he is in a lot of pain. Tasia, Darrius and Dairou gather everyone around and Tasia teleports herself, her son and Tremor away while Darrius and Dairou escape through a green portal that just suddenly appeared for a moment before reappearing.
Alex quickly dashes over to Kabal. "Kabal. You alright? What just happened?"
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. F-fucking son of a bitch shot me." Kabal grunts in pain.
"Here. Hold still." Alex said. He holds out his hands and starts glowing silver white. Alex loses his eyes and his hands start glowing. Kabal's bullet wound to the stomach slowly started to heal. He grits his teeth as he keeps going until the wound was gone. Nothing was there like he was never shot in the first place.
"Wow. I forgot you could do that. Must be really cool learning a spell like that." Anthony said, amazed at his dad's god powers.
"Not as easy as you think. I had a lot of trouble growing up trying to master these." Alex said, wiping some sweat off his head.
"What happened? Where are those books? I remember seeing them when I was in the prisoner's head. They should be in this room where they had the meeting." Takeda said.
"Not anymore, Takahashi." Kabal said, getting up. "I tried to reach for them, but as soon as they placed themselves in a couple of capsules, they teleported away from me.
"That's not good. Who knows what plans the Black Dragon could have with those books. Hopefully Alex found something good. That could really help us." Cassie said.
"With whatever we found, that could help. Maybe find some intel on their next step. Maybe find more of their hideouts. They must have several by now." Vera said.
"I did find one thing." Kabal holds up the piece of paper. "I ripped it out of one of the books by accident. Don't know what any of that shit means. Maybe someone else on our side does."
Alex takes the page from Kabal's hand and reads it. Most of these symbols he seems to be just as confused as Kabal and everyone else is. A marking appears at the bottom-left corner of the page.
Jacqui and Takeda both see the marking on the page. This brings a bad, shocking reaction among them. Say it isn't so. "Oh god. Say it isn't so. How is that possible?" Jacqui said out of shock.
"Mom? What's wrong? Do you know what that means?" Vera asked out of concern. She, of course, is not familiar with the marking, but her parents are.
"It's…. The Red Dragon. They're back. They've been dead for many years." Takeda said.
"The Red Dragon? But you and Mistress Jacqui both kill Dogron. And with him, the clan went down as well. How is this even happening?" Satoshi asked.
"Red Dragon…. Now I remember. They were the same sons of bitches who killed my grandmother and tried to kidnap my dad. And the same ones who attacked him and mom." Vera remembered. Now she remembered them. She has since been told about the Red Dragon and how Takeda's mother died and them getting in the way of the Cross Bondings journey.
"You're right. They even killed that Lang Cho guy and Skarlet was with them as a temporary ally until she betrayed them for Geras." Cassie said.
"But it doesn't make any damn sense. You guys told me that Black Dragon and Red Dragon hated each other and were always at each other's throats." Alex said. He remembers being told about both of their involvement in kidnapping Cassie and Jacqui.
"Exactly. But the question is what are these symbols? They don't seem very familiar to me. But I am willing to bet that something is bound to happen." Takeda said.
Everyone agrees, including the children. Cassie and Jacqui can't help but feel a hunch in their guts that something is very wrong. Even Alex can feel it. But when he flips the page…. He sees two symbols that he seems to be familiar with. "Oh god."
"Alex? What's wrong?" Cassie asked her husband.
"Dad? Dad? Are you okay? What's the matter?" Flora asked out of concern.
Alex looks up at everyone and feels rather reluctant, shocked and somewhat afraid of what he just found out. He takes a deep breath before he speaks his mind. Alex holds up the back of the paper he was looking at. "I know two of these symbols. They're the signs of the Kamidogu."
Note: I hope you guys like the action for these original characters so far. I promise there will be more where that came from. And of course, some of the 3D characters as well. The Kamidogu are making their return. But what part will they play?