A/N: And now we can start the story properly. Just a heads up, the actual chapters are going to be relatively longer than the prologues. Now with that out of the way, let's get started. Enjoy!

The Nethership: Around Noon

Callie's POV

The Captain of The Nethership said that it would take all day for us to reach the island, which stunk. I wanted to get the tourist out of me before I start potentially killing my adversaries. At least the Nethership Interior was excellent, save for the hanging bodies lying about.

Overall, the ship was nice and quiet as the only people on board were Liu Kang, Nightwolf, Benji, the Captain, and myself. But as the voyage trekked on, I was starting to get uneasy, my feeling of peace and quiet soon replaced with paranoia. I had to find something to do besides wandering about as the intricate designs of the Nethership Interior were starting to maddening me.

Eventually, I found myself outside, where I thankfully found Benji overlooking the passing sea. I breathed a sigh of relief. Liu Kang was meditating while Nightwolf was most likely resting.

I walked up and stood beside him. "How long have you been out here for?"

"An hour, give or take. Being surrounded by Monk's chatter for 25 years and then suddenly being slapped with silence was making me a bit unnerved."

"So you felt the same way I feel now. The quiet was nice, but I need to socialize, or else I'll lose my mind."

"Well, here I am. Ready to pain through your rants if you have any."

I took offense to that. "Hey! I don't rant as much as I used to when we were kids!"

"Oh, yes. I'm surprised that you could for so long when we were young," Benji remarked with a chuckle.

Before I responded, I got a better look at him. Some of his hair fell in front of his face, and his beard was beginning to connect. It was somewhat alarming, as this is the first time he's kept whatever facial hair he had. It looked good, and despite his burns and goatee don't connect, it worked for him.

"You're facial hair's about to connect."

Benji scratched his goatee in response. "You'd think so? It's been like this for a while now. I'd be surprised if it did in all honesty."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You look like Drew Mcintyre."

He looked at me with a screwy face. "I do not."

"You do, what with your hair falling on your face and your physique. If you had a Scottish accent, it'd be like looking at him legitimately."

I chuckled.

But I stopped at his response. "Oh yeah? Well, you look like Zelina Vega."

"I do not!" I shot back.

"Don't tell me that you're going to interfere in my fights by doing crossbodies on my opponents?" he joked.

"Only if you Claymore somebody."

"Sorry, Cal. But I'm not that kind of wrestler."

We joked continuously, our shared laughter echoing across the Lost Sea. This is what I meant when I said that I missed my older brother. Us being able to share light-hearted moments like this was needed, knowing what was going to await us at the island.

But my face of levity soon became serious.

Benji noticed it immediately. "Something on the mind, Cal?"

"Remember when we were kids and competed over everything?" I asked.

He nodded, remembering the... memories.

"I remember. We used to compete for attention all the time. Who was smarter, more athletic, who could earn more love out of Mom and Papa. Looking back, it's a wonder how we became so close."

"You know how. Mommy and Papa's deaths forced us to get along."

Despite being a thousand years older than me, Benji and I were born on the same day. So what did our parents do for my 3,000th and Benji's 4,000th birthday? They decided to die.

To this day, we don't know what they could've done to deserve the death penalty. Nowadays, Benji and I accepted what they did was deserving of death. Still, the Maddox name was devalued, rendering redemption almost impossible. We were all the family name had left. Because of this, we stopped fighting and started working together to make the Maddox name proud.

However, their deaths affected us differently.

I wanted to become stronger physically and mentally to prevent this from happening again. Benji taught himself about medicine. We stole enough books in our childhood to could open a small library. As time passed, I reached the rank a General while Benji became a renowned Doctor. Yet, our occupations didn't lessen the strength of our bond. In the end, we brought the Maddox name to new heights before renouncing our Edenian citizenship.

"Yeah, I don't want to think about that now. I haven't thought about Edenia since Ryuji told us of her fate. I guess that shows how much I actually like being an Earthrealmer."

"Y'know, I feel the same. I never felt so much pride over a realm ever. I love it here, more so than my time as General of the Freedom Fighters. Ever since we left Edenia, I hold nothing but resentment towards her. But Earthrealm? Earth? I felt compelled to keep her safe when Shang Tsung invited me to participate and didn't let him finish his proposal before saying yes."

"Wow... I've never seen you this determined about anything. Even when you had to discipline the other Freedom Fighters." Benji remarked with genuine surprise.

"I just like it here, y'know? I may be an Edenian by birth, but Earthrealm will always be my home at heart. I'd do near anything to keep her safe, and driving Outworlders out is at the top of the list," I said proudly.

Benji could do nothing but nod in acceptance of my ranting. "I'm proud to call you my sister, you know that?"

Blood filled my face. "Oh, stop it. You know pride is one of my most powerful traits."

"Which makes what you say hold meaning. I feel the same way, though not to the same extreme. For the first time, I'm surrounded by people besides you who genuinely care for my well being. It makes me proud to be a part of their lives now that I'm fighting for their safety. I can't let them down," Benji stated in his trademark calmness.

"It's baffling that you can say things like that with a straight face."

"I'm a Doctor, Cal. I have to stay calm to earn my patients' confidence, a mental check if you will. If I'm aggressive, then I'll scare my patients, which isn't good for their health."

I nodded in agreement. "Fair enough. You think some of the Outworld fighters will be Edenian?"

Benji gave me an annoyed look, but it's just his neutral expression after knowing him for so long. "It's possible. Edenians love wearing bright and skimpy clothing, especially the females. You're the only exception to that rule."

"Fighting in a dress is stupid. One mistake, and I'll be mooning the entire battlefield. I'll stick to casual wear with chainmail hidden underneath any day," I responded.

Benji and I talked for the rest of the trip, and as night fell, we finally arrived. As promised, Raiden was there to greet us as the ship docked. All four of us disembarked from the boat. Thank God I'm finally off that thing.

"You finally made it," Raiden commented. "I hope the voyage was safe."

"It was, Lord Raiden. If not prolonged," Liu Kang stated.

"Yeah. It seemed to drag on and on." I stretched both my arms. "I'm glad it's over."

Nightwolf eyed me. "You could've slept before the tournament, Panthera."

"I know, but I wouldn't be able to fall asleep later tonight, which I can ill afford. Benji kept me company."

"Yes, I had to flex my listening skills as I normally do with you," Benji joked.

I slapped his arm playfully. "Oh, be quiet."

"This way, you four. The other kombatants are waiting. When you arrive, the tournament will officially begin."

"Then lead the way, Raiden," Nightwolf said.

"This way."

And we started our trek toward the courtyard. While walking, I remembered something. "Benji. I almost forgot."

"Forgot what?"

"The gift you wanted me to give you. Here."

I handed him a custom made 1911 9mm Pistol. Since I served in the Special Forces, I became well acquainted with firearms in the U.S., using Repeater Rifles and Sniper Rifles in tandem with my Combat Knife. I hunted on the side, so I always carried those with me. I never left my home without my Litchfield Repeater and my 308 Sniper Rifle. They're my babies.

Don't judge me.

"Thanks. This will help," Benji said before tucking it in the back of his Combat Fatigues.

"No holster?"

"Don't need it. The fewer people who notice that I have a gun, the better."

"Smart," I remarked as we continued on.

If it wasn't for fighting in this tournament, I dare say this place would be an excellent touring spot. Everything looked lively and vibrant though it was dark outside. We finally arrived, Shang Tsung acknowledging our appearance.

"Finally! The final four members of Earthrealm's champions have arrived! We may finally begin!"

"Sorry it took us so long," Benji said, taking slight offense to the greeting. "The Lost Sea took forever to travel through."

"A fair point, Dr. Maddox. I grow weary of traversing myself. Now, to begin the festivities," the sorcerer announced as he stood.

I took the chance to glance around the courtyard. Monks sat in front of us, most likely spectators for the event. Survey other areas, I spotted a bunch of ninjas. Benji followed my gaze to where I was looking. They had a symbol stitched on their gis, something he recognized immediately.

"Lin Kuei..." Benji muttered. "What are they doing here?"

"Familiar with them?"

"A clan of ruthless assassins. If they're here, they've been hired by either Shang Tsung or Shao Kahn," my brother elaborated. "But who could be the target? It can't be one of our own, right?"

"Possibly. You can never trust assassins. They only follow the koin. If we're not the target, we should ignore them."

"Good point."

I continued overlooking the courtyard. Shockingly I see my subordinate, Sonya Blade, getting hit on by Johnny Cage of all people.

Benji noticed my confusion. "You know her?"

"That's Sonya Blade, a Commander of the Special Forces. Funny... They sent me to represent them. Wonder why she's here."

"How did Johnny Cage get an invitation?"

I scoffed. "Beats me. I'll talk with her later."

He nodded. "Alright, we should get to our spots. The tournament's about to begin."

Following him, we made it to our positions. I raised my head to Shang Tsung's throne and noticed two women standing by him, one in blue, the other in green. Must be the sorcerer's concubines.

The one in blue had a light complexion and wore a tiara atop her head, stating she must be a Princess. Her counterpart shared an identical appearance to me, matching Benji and mine's skin tone. If I didn't know any better, I swore I saw her green eyes bore straight at my brother, a ghost of a smile forming underneath her mask.

I'll have to keep a close eye on her.

At last, Shang Tsung began his speech. "Kombatants, I am Shang Tsung! In the coming days, each of you will fight. Some are here of their own volition, others were brought here by chance. You participate in the most important Mortal Kombat in history! This tournament, the tenth after nine Outworld victories, will determine Earthrealm's fate. If you defeat all of your opponents, you will face one final challenge... me."

"Heh, that old geezer's the final challenge?" Johnny Cage quipped. "Might as well give me the belt right now." He then faced Sonya. "They do have belts, right?"

She just brushed it off. The sorcerer then suddenly appeared next to Johnny.

"What, how did you-"

"Appearances can be deceiving, Thespian," Benji remarked, earning a laugh from me, and a nod from Nightwolf.

"Well said, Bones."

"I agree with Nightwolf Doctor. The first kombatant will be Mr. Cage!"

Cage then shot up and strutted forward. "Heh, that's right. That's right. Who's it gonna be?"

"Reptile!" Shang Tsung ordered.

That's when the warrior in question lost the camouflage and jumped in front of Cage. The Monks then clapped, proving my claim that they were an audience. Well, it could've been worse.

"Nice stunt! Who's your agent?" Cage asked, utterly oblivious to the fact that Reptile was no actor.

"Fight!"

"Oh, yeah! It's showtime!" Cage remarked as the fight finally began.

Though I hate to admit it, Cage is actually not bad as a fighter. He can be flashy at times, but his style is pretty damn innovative. But what really threw Benji and I off was his weird green powers.

"Wait, those aren't special effects?"

"Guess not. Who would've thought?" Benji responded.

I approached Sonya. "C.O."

"General?"

"What are you doing here? The Special Forces sent me, not you."

"I know, but I found a lead on Jax. I think he's here on this island."

My eyes widened. "Major Briggs may be here? That's great news. If only we had confirmation."

"I can't solidify it, but I did see Kano here."

"Did you now, Blade? Then Major Briggs is definitely here. Good work, soldier."

"Thank you, General."

By the time we finished our conversation, Cage had defeated Reptile, much to my and Benji's surprise. The Monks clapped in response to the match ending, also not expecting the result. Raiden and Nightwolf looked indifferent from his loud boasting, while Liu Kang was visibly annoyed.

"He got Caged! That's it, haha! Oh yeah, I am so pretty! And I'm takin' you down. I'm takin' you down. I'm takin' you out. I'm takin' you out." Johnny's antics were growing old already as he strolled down the line and stopped in front of Sonya and me. "And I'm takin' you out... for dinner."

Sonya expressed her disgust, but Cage brushed it off and eyed me up and down. "Hey, sweetie. Ever dated a Movie Star?"

"Sorry, Cage. I don't think you can handle this much woman." That made him jump back a little. "So back off."

Johnny raised his arms defensively. "It's kool. It's kool."

"Well done, Mr. Cage," Shang Tsung lauded. "We'll have one more fight tonight. Let us see... General Callie Ann Maddox!" I hate when people use my full name but stepped forward regardless. "You will fight... Baraka!"

Just then, a Tarkatan jumped forward, both his blades protruding out. I took a wristband and tied up my hair in a ponytail, leaving a few strands loose in front of my face. I brandished my Combat Knife while studying my opponent

I couldn't help myself with my next comment, a shit-eating grin on my face. "Wow, you're one ugly son of a bitch, ain'tcha?"

His response was sharpening his blades. "They will taste your flesh!"

Gone was my grin, replaced with my game face. "Your attempt to scare me failed to impress, Tarkatan."

"He isn't that tough. Nightwolf and I killed a few of them last week," Benji interjected.

"You will be fine, Panthera."

All I needed to hear. I looked at Baraka and confidently said, "Ready when you are."

Shang Tsung had only one response. "Fight!"

Baraka ran at me with a berserker's fury. So, he's relying on brute force to win. This ought to be easy.

I quickly knock him on his back with a front kick. He quickly rose back up and attacked me with even more fury. How's that even possible? Anyway, I effortlessly dodge the attacks as he starts tiring himself out.

"Come on, Baraka! You have to be better than this!"

"Mock me at your peril, Earthrealmer!"

"I don't know about that, Tarkatan. Not how you've been slicing at air since the fight began," I said mockingly.

After dodging another barrage, I then used Baraka's momentum to hit him with an outward spin kick, making direct contact on his jaw. He fell hard as I saw saliva mixed with blood on my shoe.

"Eww. Fucking gross."

Angrier than before, Baraka rose up and charged again. I saw that as a sign to go on the offensive. Before he started attacking again, I took him down with a tackle before kicking him stiffly in his testicles, causing him to slide on the ground. I then jumped and stomped on his chest before slicing it in the same position.

All of Outworld's representatives, Shang Tsung included, were startled with how I eradicated Baraka into this state. The thought brought a smile to my face. Never underestimate your opponent due to outer appearances.

I grabbed him by the shirt and Flashed Kick him, Baraka aimlessly flying through the air as I put my Knife away and took out my Repeater Rifle. Taking careful aim, I fired one round into his stomach as he fell. I get another shot ready as I sling the Rifle back on my back. Baraka fell with so much force, he bounced on impact.

"Sheesh... That was quick."

"General Maddox wins!"

The Monks applauded once again.

Shang Tsung stood up. "Well done, General Maddox! Now Finish Him!"

"Finish Him?" I glanced at Benji, who shook his head, which was all I needed to see.

"No thanks!" I declared before relaxing. "I think what I did was embarrassing enough." My eyes stared at Baraka's beaten form. "You're lucky I'm merciful. You get to live another day! You're still alive... right?"

Baraka groaned (I think, I couldn't understand with that mouth of his) in pain.

I stood back up and shrugged. "Yea, he's good."

"Very well. The tournament will resume at dawn!"

Shang Tsung said as he, those two girls, Reptile, Baraka, and the Monks, left the courtyard. Unbeknown to me, that dark chick gave Benji another odd stare before her partner pulled her by the arm. Everyone else, save for Sonya, walked up to me.

Raiden spoke first. "You fought well, General Maddox."

"Thanks. Nice hat." Cage said, blatantly cutting me off.

"Don't do that. I'll kill you," I said bluntly.

"Johnny Cage, you fail to realize the threat that those warriors imposed. Had they defeated you and the General, Outworld would be one step closer to invading and merging Earthrealm with it."

Cage, not believing anything that was said, responded as such. "Dun dun dun. Look, guys. I'm an actor. I save the world for the cameras."

"Pretty sure your movies sucked," my brother muttered under his breath.

"You shut up, man!" Johnny yelled.

Touched a soft spot, I see.

"Anyway, if this Emperor were really a threat, call the military. As for me, I got a date with a blonde. Ciao." Johnny then began following Sonya.

I sighed in annoyance. "Can I kill him?"

"No, you can't."

I scoff and roll my eyes.

"Calm, General. He's a hero, though he may not know it yet."

"Whatever you say, Raiden." I turned in the direction they left in. "I'm going to make sure Sonya doesn't off him."

My decision to trail them led me to an area called the Pit. Fitting since there is only a suspended bridge with large spikes at the bottom. If I took a guess, that drop had to be at least 50 feet. I made a mental note to not get thrown off. Just then, I saw Kano standing over Sonya like he was a predator looking at its prey. I broke off the tension the only way I knew how.

Being snarky.

"Hey, Cyclops! Funny running into you here."

That clearly got his attention. Kano turned around with a fury that appeared out of nowhere. "You! You-"

"Bitch? Yeah, not the first time you called me that." My grin returned after getting the reaction I wanted. "How's the eye?"

His fury only seemed to increase. "Shut the hell up whore. Or-"

"Or what? You gonna try and kill me? Like you haven't tried it before." Gone was my playful side, and back came a serious version. "So how about you back off from my C.O., or I take your other eye?"

Cage then leaped off from the bottom. Kano must've thrown him off if that was the case. "Step away from the lady!"

"Huh. You actually survived," Kano remarked.

"You know, fans always think my moves are wirework and special effects. Truth is... I am the special effects," Johnny replied.

I took my Combat Knife out and prepare for a fight.

"Let me fight with you, sweetie."

"Call me Callie. Don't fall behind, or I'll leave you in the dust," I said bluntly.

"Don't worry. I can share a leading role. As you'll soon see."

"Fine. Hey, Kano."

"What?"

I smiled. "It's time I show you how to really use a Combat Knife."

Running up to him, I began my assault with a flurry of strikes using my Combat Knife. I feigned most of them, as I did promise Sonya to let her have the final blow. But that didn't mean I couldn't have a little fun.

Kano recognized my tactics. "Eh, little bitch! Ya toyin' with me?"

"Heh, heh. Figured it out quicker than expected! You've vastly improved since our last encounter." For shits and giggles, I poked Kano in his good eye. "But it isn't enough."

"Ah! My eye!"

I ducked, and Johnny hits him hard in the chest with a solid kick, enough that he fell down the Pit.

"Huh. Oops."

I put away my Knife before patting my temporary partner. "Well, Johnny boy. You aren't that bad." Looking down, I saw Sonya still on the ground before helping her up. "Hey, Blade. You alright?"

She nodded. "Yes, General. I can't believe that you can get under his skin so easily."

"Psychological warfare isn't for everybody. But I revel and excel at it. It has its purpose."

"But what I did get was information on Jax. He's on the island and held up somewhere in the dungeons."

"Great news, Blade. Most likely he's injured. You go look for him, while I find someone who can heal wounds," I ordered.

"Huh? Do you know of someone who can do that?"

"Sure do. Go now. I'll see you again shortly, hopefully with Major Briggs in tow."

She saluted me. "Yes, General!" With that, Sonya left us.

I turned to find Benji, but Johnny stopped me before I could. "Wait... So all this stuff about realms merging and Outworld is all true!?"

"No shit. If Earthrealm loses this time, she'll belong to Outworld. Look, Cage. I understand that you don't want to do any of this crap. But the least you can do is continue winning your fights. For Earth's sake."

"Got it. And sorry for hitting on you."

"Water under the bridge, Johnny boy. I'll catch ya later."

Afterward, I searched everywhere for my brother. The Gardens, the Pit, around the Palace - no sign of him. Eventually, I found him in the courtyard surveying the area. It looked as though he was observing a couple of the decaying corpses.

"Benji! I'm glad that you're here!"

He turned around. "What is it. Cal?"

"A subordinate from Special Forces is injured. Can you heal him?"

"Of course. Lead the way."

"Ok, he's in the dungeon." My shoulders slumped. "However, I don't know where it is."

"No need to worry. Let's just run around until we see something suspicious," Benji stated before heading for the Gardens. I catch up to him as he asked about this patient.

"Name's Jax, a Major in the Special Forces. He was abducted and taken here for some reason. Commander Blade was assigned to find him, and she concluded his location is indeed somewhere on this island. I hope he's still alive when Sonya finds him."

Benji halted us and pointed. "Look. I see the entrance to a cave."

"Well, let's go!"

I ran into the cave entrance and found the dungeon. Sonya was already inside the cave, assuming she had the same hunch as we did. I had a feeling that Shang Tsung was not too far behind her.

"Blade!"

"General. He's over there!"

I looked to my left and saw Jax, the sight unnerving, to say the least. Bruises and cuts were all over his body, some worse than others. We had to get him out of here before that old geyser notices we're missing.

"Major."

"General..." Jax grunted in obvious pain. "I didn't want you to see me like this."

I knelt by him. "Not another word, soldier." It was at that moment, the sorcerer showed himself. "Shang Tsung, you decrepit bastard. What are you planning on doing to my men?"

"That is none of your business. But what is, you have a challenger."

"You said the fighting was done for the night," I spat.

He chuckled. "True, General. But challenge fights aren't involved with the actual tournament. Even if you lose, you won't be eliminated. Just no killing."

"Fine, I'll play along. Who is it?"

"You face Sub-Zero of the Lin Kuei clan of assassins!"

And the big bad snowman entered. He made an ice clone of himself before spawning from its place. I can't fool around with this guy, doing so could mean death. I got ready once again, Sub-Zero doing the same.

"Now you'll feel death's cold embrace."

"Never in a million years."

In response, Sub-Zero spawned ice in his hands and threw it at me. I dodged it and rushed in for a slice at his nose. However, I didn't count on his speed and missed before feeling him kick my stomach to push me back. I quickly regained my footing. The fact that he commanded ice only shows how slow he is. Taking potshots at his lower body, I gained back the advantage before attempting to stab him in the stomach.

Before I could, Raiden interfered. "Callie Ann! Pace yourself! Sub-Zero has already fallen!" Out of the corner of my eye, the other Lin Kuei members were tending to Sub-Zero's wounds.

I could hear Shang Tsung's mocking voice as he clapped. "Very impressive, General."

"You want some, old man? Cause I can damn sure kick your-"

"Hold, Callie Ann!" Raiden again impeded me. "You are not the one to take down Shang Tsung!"

I got all up in Raiden's face, but before I could run him down, he told me, "Shield your eyes."

"Wha...?"

"Shield. Your. Eyes."

Reluctantly, I backed off and turned around. Bits of bright light became visible before it engulfed the entire prison. Sonya used the opportunity to break the cage, thus freeing Jax. Benji and Sonya led him out with me watching the rear.

"Keep moving, soldier."

"Sonya, since when can you give me orders?" Jax joked.

"Not to worry, Major. Benji can fix you right up. He's a Doctor."

"You can fix me up, Doc?" Jax asked.

Benji eyed him. "Ever played Final Fantasy, Major?"

"A little. What about it?"

"I'm like a Red Mage, except I mastered both sides of the spectrum. Hold still, I'll fix you up."

"Call me Jax, Doc."

"Then you can call me Ben." Benji conjured up his mysterious powers again, using his Healing Magic on Jax's wounds. "Good lord. These wounds are deep. What have they done to you, Jax?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

My brother nodded, respecting the man's wishes. "Ok... Just relax."

Jax's wounds were starting to close, but too slowly for my taste. "You can't heal him any faster, Benji?"

He shot me an angry glare. "Without warping his skeleton? If he's to make a full recovery, I need to heal the injuries gradually."

"Halt! By order of Shang Tsung, no one leaves the island." Said one of Shang Tsung's women as they stalked us.

My patience was wearing thin. "Benji?"

"Give me some more time, Cal. I'm almost finished," Benji stated.

"Fine." I got up and opposed them. "We don't have time for this, ladies! So get out of the way!"

"You fought well, General," the blue garbed one said. "Let see if it truly matches your mouth."

Yep, those were fighting words. "Commander! With me! It's time we discipline these two in Military Force."

Sonya got ready alongside me. "Yes, General!"

The ladies brandished weapons of their own. The one in green taking out a small pole, while the one in blue held two-bladed fans.

"Cute," I remarked.

Saying nothing, the one in green came after at me. Unlike Baraka and Kano, she's disciplined in her and didn't attack without a plan. Before I could anticipate her movement, her pole extended and clipped me in the head. It could also transform into various bladed objects.

Though it was quite impressive, it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. I slashed her weapon arm, her grip loosening before throwing her weapon in the form of a bladed boomerang. I barely ducked in time to avoid being decapitated. Benji, much to my awe, caught the boomerang with relative ease without losing his hand or fingers.

"I'm finished." He then inspected the blades before shifting it back to its pole form. "This is quite a weapon you have. Ahh, I see that you're also a practitioner of the black arts, a popular trend in Outworld."

He sounded intrigued, judging by his tone. Benji then threw the weapon back to its owner. She stood shocked by his skill as a Warlock before retreating backward.

I saw that the woman in blue was defeated by Sonya. "Good work, Commander."

She nodded. "Thank you, General."

"How are you feeling, Major?"

"Good as new." Jax got up, every scar and aliment on his body nonexistent. "Ben is a living miracle!"

"You humble me, Jax."

"How did you best us so easily?" The blue-clothed woman exclaimed, confused by the wide gap in skill. "We are Outworld's best assassins!"

"If you're Outworld's finest, then I really like our chances at besting you. Ain't that right, Benji?"

He joined my side before running his hand through his hair. "It's true. How Cal had utterly embarrassed Baraka earlier, and with Johnny Cage eliminating Reptile, we're up by two."

"You two have done nothing but impress," Shang Tsung said as he entered the garden. With him was… Kano!?

"What the hell!? Didn't Johnny kick you off the Pit?"

"Shang Tsung here saved me life. Can't have any deaths during challenge matches, now can we?" Kano rhetorically asked.

I was pissed. "Whatever you say, Cyclops."

"I demand answers! How are you, an Earthrealmer, so strong?" The woman in blue yelled.

Her partner held her shoulder. "Relax, Kitana."

Well, that answered my earlier doubts. "Kitana, eh? So you really are Jerrod's brat, huh?" I then smirked at her. "Let's just say that Benji and I are older than we look."

"We're done fighting for today. I'm heading to bed. If I see any more of my men being imprisoned, every Outworlder on this island dies," I said sternly.

The sorcerer clenched his teeth in frustration. "Fair enough."

It was then that Benji addressed the two women. "I suggest you refrain from attacking Cal and myself if you value your lives. It may not look it, but I'm pretty powerful myself if Major Jax has anything to say. Until tomorrow."

We all left the area. Again, that green-clothed woman eyed Benji until we disappeared.

Once we were out of earshot, I caught up to him. "That Kitana girl is an oddity."

"If what Ryuji said was true, then that is Jerrod's child, meaning that Shao Kahn must've adopted her after merging Edenia."

"So it seems. But it doesn't matter as she's still an enemy," I reaffirmed.

"Agreed. However, I wonder who that other woman was."

"I have no clue, but she bothered me with her gaze fixated on you. It happened in the courtyard too. Watch your back from now on, Benji. She may attempt to kill you in your sleep."

"We'll deal with them when the time comes. But for now, get some rest. Things are only going to get more difficult for us," Benji said with his trademark relaxed demeanor.

"You're right. I'm heading to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

"Night, Cal," Benji said as he went off to his room.

I get to mine and instantly fell asleep.

A/N: And that's a wrap for the first official chapter.

I could've probably written more, but I feel content with where and how I ended things. Maybe as the story progresses, the Chapters will become more extensive. Who knows?

Anyway, did you guys like it? Did you not? Let me know with a Review or a PM. And while you're at it, check out my Profile and give my other stories a read. You might find something that you fancy.

Anyway, I'm out. Later!