A/N: It's time to finish the MK I Arc of Gone, but not Forgotten.

Before I begin, I'd like to thank alwaysdoubted for the chapter reviews. It saved me a lot of time rather than going to the live previews to see what I previously wrote (I have a horrible memory). Also, thanks to everyone who's reading this story. Around this time, TLAD wasn't as popular. Huh, consistency pays off. Anyway, I've rambled enough for now.

Enjoy the Finale!

Currently listening to: Sweet Georgia Brown by Bob Acri.

Night of the Third Day: 1:00 A.M.

Benjamin's POV

I couldn't sleep for some reason tonight. No matter how soft and comfortable the bed was, something didn't seem right. I needed to be anywhere but this room.

Getting out of bed, I got dressed and headed out. The Gardens once again served as my destination. No moon this time, only the sounds of the stream and upper bridge occupying my attention. The wind felt passive, blowing the hair in front of my face lightly. I thought back to what Rain disclosed. He and Tanya knew the identity of the person who ratted Mother and Papa out, which haunted me since they knew before us.

Was it another Edenian? An outsider? Ahhh, there are so many possible conclusions!

"Couldn't sleep either, Benji?" Cal's voice broke the silence.

"Rain and Tanya's knowledge of who murdered Mother and Papa is consistently invading my thoughts."

"Me too. It bothers me knowing that. But I've been thinking about other things." Callie responded as she sat on the floor, patting the space next to her. I sat down with her. "It's been a while since we did this, y'know?"

"Twenty-Five years to be exact. After we win Earthrealm's freedom, you'll be going back to America while I head back to China."

"Actually, I've been thinking... I've been the General for the Special Forces for two and a half decades. That's a long time for an Earthrealmer. So, I decided that after the tournament ends, I'm retiring."

I did not expect that at all. "Really? You decided that?"

"Yeah. I can't be General for as long as I was General of the Freedom Fighters. People will get super suspicious. Afterward, I'll move in with you since someone should keep ya company."

"You don't have to do that," I said bluntly.

"Come on, Benji. I haven't seen you in 25 years. You're literally the only person I can reliably trust. And before you ask, yes, I don't trust my men at Special Forces. Most of them are too damn greedy for power. I think now is the best time to leave."

"Of course, I don't mind you living with me, but I had thought that being General paid well."

"It does. However, being like we were in Seido isn't the only reason as to why I want to move back in with you. I say after the tournament, we start looking into a couple of things like when we started The Resistance."

"Like the good ole' days, eh?"

Cal chuckled. "Yeah. Before Ryuji took over and the Resistance expanded. Just us Maddox Siblings."

"Y'know I'd be for it. But securing Earthrealm's safety comes first."

"Of course." She reached for my hand. "Let's keep fighting for her."

We shook hands before changing it into a fist bump as we both stand. "Well, this cleared my head. I'm headin' back to bed. I suggest you do the same, Benji."

"My room will be my first and only stop for the night."

"Alright, see ya tomorrow." Cal hugged me before heading for her room.

I started for mine, but an angelic voice halted me. "You two are close."

Whirling around, I saw Jade in the same attire she wore last night. I don't know what it is, but I'm genuinely glad to see her. Maybe this was an effect she had on me. What am I saying? I just met her. Sure, Jade is quite attractive, but I couldn't possibly be...

Falling for her, and so soon.

She walked up to me. "I can sense a tight bond from your relationship with your sister."

Honestly, I don't know what her intentions are with me, but to this point, Jade hasn't threatened me or anything of the like. Perhaps I should see where this goes.

"We've only had each other since our parents died while keeping the other grounded. Even though Mother and Papa's deaths were tragic, I wouldn't go back and stop it if it meant giving up our bond."

Jade placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, softly rubbing on it. "Seeing kinship like this is truly heartwarming."

I then noticed the metal nails attached to her fingers. "So, Jade. Here to try and kill me again?"

Despite the mask covering half her face, she became crestfallen at my words. I really need to practice talking to girls not named Cal. "My apologies. Is my word not sufficient enough for you?"

"Wait, I didn't mean it like that. I was only trying to lighten the mood."

"Oh, then you can be more clear," Jade responded with sass in her tone.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the air blew my hair up, only for it to fall back down, partially covering my eyes.

"I suggest you keep your hair slicked back, Doctor," she commented on the state of my hair.

I gazed at her curiously. "And why do you think that?"

Jade slid her mask down. I took note of her lipstick color, a shade of dark brown that added to her appearance, which was quite simply... breathtaking. I don't think there's any point in denying it anymore. Through our short time together, Jade had managed to worm her way into my heart without even trying. Either I'm too easy, or she's that good.

Without hesitating, she kissed my cheek, similar to yesterday. "It does nothing but hide your handsome face."

I'm glad that part of my hair fell down to hide the redness forming in my cheeks. "Oh, stop. I don't like compliments like those."

"It's not to embarrass you, Doctor. I merely speak the truth."

Ok, I had to know. "Not to sound rude or demeaning, Jade. But... why are you so interested in me?"

"I was hoping you'd ask." Jade intertwined our hands together. "Walk with me?"

Doing what she requested, we began traversing through the gardens while talking about our lives. From our conversation, I learned that Jade was indeed royalty, but not like the Princess. However, she never cared for it as her parents always valued hard work and earning everything she ever had.

Hearing that coming from a noble was refreshing.

Her mother and father served Edenia in different capacities. Destiny, her mother, was a widely respected Sage, her infinite wisdom knowing no bounds. Yet, she never let that ever get to her head. Her father, Manuel, served as General of Edenia's forces way before my sister did. Strange. How come Cal or I never heard of him?

I told her everything about my family and me except my dealings with becoming a Warlock. Not that I was ashamed, but I didn't want Jade to think any less of me if Kitana's reaction was any indication.

The talk last lasted for nearly an hour, and I realized I needed to go to sleep. We stopped around a large tree and sat down. Jade moved in front of me before taking my hands in her own. Despite the coldness of her metal attachments, I still felt her soft, warm palms.

"With you, your sister, and Liu Kang still in the tournament, Earthrealm's victory is all but assured." Jade's eyes then went downcast. "I wish we could've met sooner. You're very kind, and I enjoy your company. After the tournament, we'll never see each other again."

Softly, I cupped her chin and raised her face. "I have a feeling that fate won't be so unkind. Like you, I want to see where this may go. We'll meet again. I'm sure of it," I responded reassuringly.

"You sound so certain, Doc-"

I held a finger to her lips. "Please, call me Benjamin."

After helping Jade to her feet, I brought her in for a soft embrace while softly caressing her. I'm not a perv, but everywhere I touched felt like perfection. The Gods knew what they were doing when they created this woman. Unable to help myself, I gently kissed her forehead.

"Ok. I trust you, Benjamin," Jade told me.

"Until next time, Jade."

Then, she did something I didn't think was in her heart as it was unexpected. Turning to walk away, I didn't get far as Jade reached out and grabbed my hand before pulling me forward, a pair of tender lips pressing against mine.

"Please be careful, Benjamin," Jade murmured during our kiss. "I don't want anything to befall on you."

I had never felt anything so blissful, exciting, and soothing in my entire life. My face felt hot to the touch, Jade finding that out as she held my cheeks, removing any distance separating us. Letting my emotions free, I wrapped my arms around her waist, bringing Jade even closer to me.

Reluctantly, I had to part before leaving the gardens and left Jade by her lonesome. I could feel her eyes on me the whole time. Once in my room, sleep quickly took me away, a small smile on my face at what just happened.

Maybe there's more for me to fight for.

Next day:

I awoke and walked to the courtyard, glad that the new day was finally here. Last night was firmly entrenched in my mind as Jade made her feelings known for me. What I would give to kiss her again. However, if the others knew about our secret rendevous, they may question my loyalty. Not to mention Shao Kahn or Shang Tsung will surely punish her.

Unfortunately, Johnny caught up to me on the way. "Hey, Doc!"

"Morning, Johnny. I take it you slept well?"

"Like a baby. How about you? Raidude told me about your cheating match against mystery opponents a couple of nights ago."

I sighed. "Cal and I had to fight two challengers, but we beat them both, and we're still in the tournament. I wish I can say the same to you, however, losing to Cyrax yesterday afternoon."

He scratched his head. "Yeah, don't remind me. I had it but, y'know, didn't think he would be so strong. What kind of a tough guy wears yellow?"

"Cyrax does, as you learned yesterday. But I'm not going to grill you over it. After what we all went through, I think we need to relax, although today may well be Earthrealm's last day as a free world."

"Let's not dwell on that. You, the General, and Dragon Boy got this. I know ya do!"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Johnny. Come, we might be holding the start of today's battles."

I say as we pick up the pace. We arrived and noticed that a couple of warriors aren't here. "Or not. We'll talk later."

"Sure, Doc. See you later," Johnny said as he went up to Sonya and Jax.

Raiden walked up to me after he left. "Dr. Maddox. A word if you will."

"Sure, what's going on?"

"It has been brought to my attention by General Maddox that you had fought Tanya and Rain a few nights ago. Is this true?"

"Yes, that's accurate. Cal and I were walking through the courtyard when Shang Tsung showed himself and told us we had two mystery opponents. And there they were. We beat them both but couldn't kill them as it was a Challenge Match on our behalf. However, if we lost, we would be out of the tournament."

Raiden sunk his head slightly from the information. "I see. Shang Tsung's desperation is increasing if he's bringing mystery kombatants against you and General Maddox. But it's good to see that you and your sibling defeated them."

"Anything for Earthrealm's safety. But I found another thing odd."

"Speak your mind, Doctor."

"I peaked inside Ermac's mind to see what constituted his being and found the souls of hundreds of Edenians. Cal revealed that it may be the souls of the Freedom Fighters."

"But as adept as Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn are in Necromancy, they have not the ability to perform such a difficult task as Soul Transferring," Raiden pointed out.

On cue, Shang Tsung appeared on his throne. And with him, Quan Chi, whom I pointed to discreetly. "Perhaps they had help."

"A very distinct possibility. Good observation from both you and Callie Ann."

"Thank you, Raiden. Anything else you want to tell me?" I asked while adjusting my bandana.

"Two things, yet one will wait until after Earthrealm wins."

"Fair enough."

Raiden kept his voice down in a whisper. "Your affections for the green Edenian are not clouded. She could be a great asset to our cause."

I widened my eyes. "Wait... you knew?"

"I had my suspicions but will not disclose this with anyone else. You have my word that your secret is safe with me. We shall speak again shortly, Doctor."

After Raiden left me with my thoughts, Callie stood next to me. "Did I miss anything?"

"Nothing important."

"Good," she answered.

"Good Morning, Kombatants!" Shang Tsung started his usual shtick. "Today is the final day of the Mortal Kombat Tournament! By the end of today, we will see if Earthrealm will belong to Shao Kahn, or if the remaining Earthrealm kombatants can secure Earthrealm's freedom! Let us begin! Liu Kang!"

Liu Kang entered, and the Monks clapped.

"Your opponent will be…. Scorpion!" Shang Tsung yelled as the hellspawn made his entrance.

"I am not afraid of you, demon," Liu quipped.

Shang Tsung smirked as he shot back. "Fighting with Scorpion... the sorcerer, Quan Chi!"

The Monks clapped again as Quan Chi entered the courtyard through a portal.

Callie expresses her anger. "Are you kidding me!? Liu Kang is supposed to do this by himself!?"

"Either of you interrupts this battle, and you both will be disqualified!" Shang Tsung shouted angrily.

"This is unfair! There are three of us. And we can't make the fight a two on two!?" I asked, livid at the stipulations.

"It is my tournament, Doctor, and therefore, my rules. FIGHT!"

This is ridiculous!

At least in their previous attempts at cheating, they kept it hidden. But doing this in plain sight? Blasphemous! I see the Outworlders, most of them smirking triumphantly until Liu Kang started winning the battle. He beat Scorpion so bad, the spawn had to retreat to the Netherrealm to recover. Soon after, Liu Kang had Quan Chi on the ropes and bested him too, gaining the victory miraculously.

Cal and I saw the defeated sorcerer setting up for a sneak attack after losing. She got her Repeater Rifle ready, and I had a hand on my pistol. Quan Chi shot a skull, and I quickly took out my pistol and shot him in the knee.

*BOOM* landed a clean shot. Cal shot at the skull before it could touch Liu Kang. *BOOM* Quan Chi fell to the ground unconscious.

Shang Tsung was not pleased. "Dr. and General Maddox! You two were not involved in the fight!"

"Quan Chi was going to attack Liu Kang after he lost! And you wouldn't have done anything to stop it because that would mean assuring an Earthrealmer's safety! Do not play us for fools, sorcerer!"

Lacking a response, Shang Tsung simply replied, "Liu Kang wins!"

The Monks clapped loudly at the upset victory. We put our firearms away as the guards hauled Quan Chi before he bled to death (regrettably).

"Well Done, Monk! You have secured a spot against me in the final battle!" Shang Tsung got out of his chair, his glare of contempt honed in on us. "As for the Maddox Siblings, one more trial awaits you both! Follow me to the Throne Room of my Palace! Everyone else except for Liu Kang will remain here!"

Liu Kang, Cal, and I followed him back to the throne room.

"Dr. Maddox. General Maddox. You two will go head to head with the nine-time Mortal Kombat Champion, Goro! Defeat him, and you will be able to fight alongside Liu Kang in the battle against me. Fail, and you'll be eliminated and or killed." Shang Tsung told us. "Off you go!"

He summoned a portal around Cal and I, sending us to Goro's lair. The place was desolate, skulls and bones of various sizes everywhere serving as the deco, a slight draft in the air. I slicked my hair back, and Cal got her Knife ready.

We heard a stomp from a distance. As they grew progressively louder, our opponent finally made his entrance. Goro was another Shokan, much burlier than Sheeva and bigger as well. He had a lighter skin tone than her, however.

"I did not expect to fight in this tournament. But once in a while, there comes a warrior who can challenge me. And it's even rarer when there are two of them that can rival the power of a Shokan," he boasted proudly while beating his chest, marching toward us.

"We know of you, Goro. We're ready for you!" Cal stated as we get ready for the fight for our lives.

"A gorgeous woman... You must be the fabled Callie Ann Maddox. It seems the myths of your beauty are true." Goro switched his attention to me. "Which means that you must be her older brother, Benjamin Maddox. Come! I will give you, Doctor, a warrior's death! Then I will take your sister as my concubine!"

Cal did not take that kindly. "Kiss my ass, Shokan!"

"Ah, such fire! I love that in a woman," he replied, ignoring Cal's insult.

Cal rushed and attacked him with a flurry of slashes and kicks. I got in as well, making ill attempts at his organs. Goro landed a stiff punch on Cal's cheek while landing a kick in my gut, knocking the wind out of me. Cal landed on her back but quickly got back up. I slid back but somehow kept my balance as we got back into our fighting stances.

"He's a toughie."

"Indeed."

We couldn't continue the conversation as Goro attacked us both recklessly. I dodged the blows as he isn't the fastest kombatant out there. I managed to intercept and grab his arm, trying to get him on the floor. Alas, Goro loomed too big.

"Hold still, Dragon Breath!" Callie yelled as she shot him in the chest, causing him to lose balance.

Taking the opportunity, I kicked him in his knee, causing him to stumble with me in tow. I managed to dislocate his arm, his roar of pain echoing that of a Dragon's. However, before I can take advantage, Goro took one of his other three arms and tossed me away as I landed harshly on my back.

"Ah, shit," I cursed, writhing in pain. "That's gonna sting tomorrow."

Looking up, Goro was about to stomp me, effectively ending my existence. I quickly summoned a portal and fell through, instantly closing it so Goro couldn't follow me. I appeared next to Cal before dropping to one knee.

"That was close."

"Benji!" Cal exclaimed. "You alright?"

"Could be better, but I'm alive," I responded while standing back up, shaking my head as if to clear the cobwebs.

"You two are indeed worthy opponents!" Goro complimented us. "You fight well together. Let us see where this fight takes us!"

Soon after, green energy surrounded the entirety of his body before entering his chest, his roar of pleasure deafening.

"Shang Tsung, that old hag. He's giving Goro energy," I deducted.

"Have you no shame, Goro!? Shamelessly taking help from your master!?"

Goro shot my sister a look of anger. "Quiet, wench!"

He then leaped for Callie. She rolled out of the way and shot again, nailing Goro in his shoulder. He roared and swung at Callie in retaliation. Due to a quick recovery, she absorbed the full force of the blow, knocked across the lair before landing hard on her back. Then, Cal didn't move altogether.

"Cal!" I ran to her to ensure the damage wasn't life-threatening. "Are you ok?"

"I-I'm fine. I should've seen that comin'. That hurt."

"Don't worry about it. Stay here and lay down. I'll inspect you shortly."

All Cal could do was nod before passing out. I checked her pulse, a sigh of relief leaving me. "Just unconscious. Close calls are sometimes too close."

"She is a true warrior, Doctor. But you will be next."

I wipe some of the blood off of Callie's forehead before facing my opponent. "That's not going to happen, Goro. Because you've already lost. Hold Him!"

My small army of skeletons grabbed onto various parts of Goro's body. He struggled mightily to break free but found it impossible to do so. Don't let the sight of their frail bodies fool you. Their power came from me.

"Break his limbs and keep him in place!"

On command, the skeletons broke the remaining three arms and both his knees and legs, the rest putting pressure on his neck. "You little sneak!"

"Says the Shokan who's receiving help from Shang Tsung." I approached my beaten adversary. "You do know the penalty for cheating in the Mortal Kombat Tournament, do you?"

"Make your peace and kill me, Earthrealmer! If you can anyway!" Goro laughed despite the skeletons holding him in place.

Green flames engulfed my hands, my face showing no remorse for what I was going to do. "Your soul is mine."

Placing my right hand on his shoulder, I rammed my left hand into his body before forcing him to the ground with my foot on his chest. I began tearing his soul from his body with a healthy conscious. After completely separating the two, I absorbed the aimless soul into my being, feeling refreshed from the action.

"Let him go."

I commanded as they release the lifeless husk to the floor. I walked up to Callie's body and inspected for anything out of the ordinary until I reached her back. She cringed in obvious pain.

"Bingo."

Lifting up her shirt, I saw a large, nasty bruise. I started healing it immediately before summoning a Carrier Oni. Carefully, I turned her on her back and treated the wound she received from crashing on the wall. When the Carrier Oni arrived, he awaited my command.

"Wait a minute while I finish healing Cal's wounds."

"Yes, Dr. Maddox," he complied.

I finally finished and wiped my forehead. Cautiously, I shook her lightly, and Cal woke up. "Did- did we win?"

"Uh-huh. You took a nasty bump when Goro knocked you in your stomach, but I closed the wounds. Come on, we have to head back to the throne room," I said before lifting Callie up, slinging her arm around my shoulders so she could walk.

"Carry Goro's body," I command the Carrier Demon.

He saw Goro's corpse and jumped. "Did you do that, Doc?"

"Yes. I stole his soul and feel no regret. Believe me when I say it was the least I could've done after he hurt my only family. Imagine if he killed her. There wouldn't be a corpse for you to carry."

He nodded. "Fair enough. Gimme a sec."

With little effort, he managed to lift Goro's corpse up.

"Follow me."

"After you, Doc."

We walked toward the throne room.

"Benji," Cal managed to speak despite the unimaginable pain she was feeling. "You *cough* *cough* really took his soul? Ya didn't have to- *cough* *cough* *cough*."

"Stop talking. I closed your wounds, but you still have the wind knocked out of you, and it's gonna be this way for a while. So shh."

"I'm sorry, Benji. I should've seen it coming. I now know better than to do something so reckless."

"No one is mad at you."

"But me. For once, I let my confidence get the better of me, the one rule in war to never break. I'm sorry, Benji. I'm so sorry," she repeated before breaking into tears.

"Stop," I commanded the Demon.

He did so. "Got it."

"Hey, hey. Look at me, Cal."

"Nuh, uh."

"Cal. Look at your brother, the only family you have left."

She slowly did so, the sadness and disappointment tattooed on her face. I wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You did well. Neither of us could've foreseen that. Remember, Shang Tsung fed him energy, so it was more likely to happen."

"Which meant I definitely should have! I'm such a disappointment. I let Earthrealm down!"

"No, you did not! Cal, I couldn't be more proud to be your brother and what you did back there. Now stop beating yourself up. Come on, we gotta go see Liu Kang kick that Old Man's ass."

Cal laughed lightly. "Yeah."

"Good. Here let me help you up." I picked her back up and put her in the same position before we continued marching.

"Benji."

"Yes, Cal?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being the best big brother in the world."

"I'm hardly qualified for that title. But you're welcome, kiddo."

Cal laughed again. "Stop callin' me that Benji. We're not kids anymore."

"Oh, hush. I'm only teasing."

"I know. Hey, remember what we used to say when we were growin' up?"

"How could I forget?"

"The more we are together, the happier we shall be." We say in unison.

I roughed up her hair lightly. "I missed you, Benji."

"I know. I missed you too."

"From now on, we stick together as siblings," Cal stated. "Promise?"

"Promise," I said as we finally arrive at the throne door.

Kicking the door open. The Outworlders, save for Jade and Kitana, looked on horrified. A small glance at Jade's direction showed that she had slight smirk gracing her concealed lips. Call me a charmer. The Earthrealmers were both happy and relieved that we were alive.

I turned to the Carrier Oni. "Right here's good."

"You got it, Doc," he said before slamming Goro's corpse on the floor, earning everyone's gasps.

"How much I owe you?" I reached for my wallet.

He shook his hands. "On da house."

"You sure? This is the third time you haven't charged for your services."

"The way it should be. You and ya sister are good folk. Anytime you need me, I'll be there."

"Thanks."

"Later, Doc," he bid farewell before returning to the Netherrealm. I kicked Goro's body in front of Shang Tsung as he sat on his throne.

"How?" Was all he could utter.

I sat Callie down next to Nightwolf. "Thanks, Benji."

"Not a problem," I replied before turning to Shang Tsung.

His fury was on full display. "How did you best him!?"

"What, sorcerer? Surprised he lost after you fed him your energy?"

Shang Tsung was horrified. "What did I tell you back at the courtyard, you old bastard? Do not take us for fools! If you played by the rules, then maybe he would still be alive on top of keeping his soul."

"You did not!"

"His soul was very nourishing." I patted my stomach mockingly. "You've got one to blame but yourself."

He literally shook in anger before standing up, Liu Kang doing the same. "Very well. You have also gained the ability to face me."

"Thanks, but I have to properly address my sister's wounds. Liu Kang will be more than enough for you. And for your sake, you better hope he bests you. Because if we fight, I will kill you," I threatened before kneeling to Cal's level.

"Fair enough Doctor."

"Shang Tsung! Only one battle remains! Face me... In Mortal Kombat!"

Liu Kang declared.

"So be it," was Shang Tsung's only response.

I chatted with Callie. "How are we doing?"

"A little better."

"I'm going to give you a proper look over, ok? Hold still."

She nodded. "Uh, huh. I'll just watch the fight while you do so."

I used my powers to study her anatomy and bone structure. "You look fine for the most part. Let me take a look at your ribcage and spine, and we'll be done."

Looking around those specific areas, I saw that the force was worse than I thought, her lower spine partially broken. An injury like this could take years to heal.

"Yikes. The force was worse as I feared."

"Lay it on me, Benji."

"Your lower spine is fractured. It's nothing I can't fix, but it'll take a while for a complete recovery."

She sighed disappointedly. "Damn it all. If I were only more careful."

"Hey... no one is holding this against you. You did great. After it heals, I'll teach you some holds."

"Ok. Thanks, Benji."

I patted her shoulder a few times. "You're gonna be alright, Cal."

My sister gave me a light smile. "I believe you."

I looked up to see that Shang Tsung was on his back, Liu Kang not being any worse for wear. "Say it."

Shang Tsung then said the magic words. "I concede..."

The Earthrealm team shouted their cries of approval and happiness. Our efforts had saved Earthrealm from certain doom regarding Shao Kahn's twisted infatuation with the realm.

I approached the champion. "Good job, Liu Kang. Master Bo' Rai Cho taught you well."

"Thank you, Doctor. And you too, General."

"Oh please. All I did was look pretty," she remarked sarcastically before coughing a little.

"He has saved Earthrealm," Raiden said as a bright light nearly engulfed the entire throne room. "The Elder Gods have made it official. Earthrealm has won the Mortal Kombat Tournament!"

The others have voiced their approval of our victory as they surrounded Liu Kang.

"Alright, Cal. Let's get you back up." Slowly, I brought my sister up to her full height as she leaned on me for support.

"Don't worry, Benji. I can stand now," She said but quickly lost balance.

Luckily I caught her. "Not yet, Cal."

"Ugh, I'm a mess."

"Hey, now. Stop beating yourself up. We won! Earthrealm is free!"

"Words cannot express my gratitude to you both, Maddox siblings," Raiden stated proudly.

"It was nothin', Raiden. The fight with Goro could've gone better, but a win is a win," Callie stated.

"I am indebted to you, which leads our earlier discussion, Doctor. I have something else to show you. Meet at the Wu Shi Academy tomorrow. You too, General."

"I'll be there... With his fucked up spine, I don't think I'll be goin' anywhere."

"Come on, Cal. Let's go back home."

We said our goodbyes to the others before the Outworlders vacated the area using a portal. However, Kitana and Jade were the last ones left. To my surprise, Jade approached. Cal tensed, thinking she was here for a fight.

"Relax, General. I'm not here to fight. My apologies for your injury. I pray for you to have a speedy recovery," Jade said.

Raising an eyebrow, Cal merely nodded but didn't say anything else. She probably didn't expect for Jade to wish her for full health. I could see in her eyes that she was being truthful and lacked any malice.

"Let's go, Jade!" Kitana ordered.

Ignoring her, Jade eyed me. "Promise me we'll see each other again?"

I nodded. "We will, Jade. You have my word."

Satisfied, she closed the distance in another kiss, Callie and Kitana's eyes widening at the scene in front of them. Neither Jade nor myself paid them any attention as we melded our lips together. After breaking away, Jade gave me a goodbye wink before sprinting past Kitana and into the portal. The Princess glared at me in disdain before entering as well.

With that out of the way, I carried Callie out and opened a portal to my home, making sure Cal had the strength to move on her own. I couldn't risk carrying her bridal style, knowing the severity of her spinal injury. Making it to the other side, I closed the portal to ensure no one would follow us before placing Cal on the bed. She stared at me.

"What?" I asked her.

"When were you going to tell me?"

I sighed. "It honestly slipped my mind."

Cal smirked wildly. "Sure, whatever you say, Benji."

"Goodnight, Cal. Get some rest," I said before going for the door.

"I will. See ya in the morning. And you're answering my question, too," Cal insisted.

Rolling my eyes, I found myself laid out on the couch and quickly fell asleep.

Next day:

I woke up, and after taking a shower, fetched a new set of clothes, making sure they were suitable before heading to the other room. Cal was still asleep, but I needed her to wake up so I could finish my diagnosis. I did just that with a soft shake of her shoulder. She yawned loudly.

"Morning."

"Mornin'."

"Can you walk?"

I asked as she rose out of bed and took a few steps. "I think I'm good for now."

"Alright. Look alive, we're gonna head for the Wu Shi Academy."

"Ok. Let's go," Cal said as she put her boots on.

When we arrived, Raiden was waiting for us at the entrance. "It is good to see you both."

"Same goes to you, Raiden. So what did you want to show us?"

"Well, remember when I gave you the bandana you currently wear?"

I looked at my bandana, which houses the symbol for Earthrealm. "You said that I will be representing Earthrealm as opposed to the White Lotus Society."

"Glad you remembered. Well, I wish to tell you that as of right now, you are relieved of your duties as a Teacher and Kombat Instructor for the White Lotus."

I look at him, shocked. "What!? Why!?"

"Hold, Doctor. I do so to give you and the General a more impressive position. Behold!" he proclaimed as he teleported us to an estate.

"Raiden, what is this?" Callie asked.

"This, General is the Trainer's Estate. It has been vacated, and I have obtained the deed to the place. I offer you both the home with your new position as Protectors of Earthrealm. You will become freelance, shackled by no one but Earthrealm and the constant need to protect her. Will you two take the position?"

I couldn't even think before Callie answered for us both. "Of course! Won't we, Benji?"

"I guess. I would've liked to at least give it some thought, Cal."

"Too bad. When do we move in?"

"The place has been renovated. Here are the keys, one for each of you. Inside, there is a portal that will take you to any realm you so desire," Raiden stated.

I scratched my head. "This is a lot to take in."

"Worry not, Doctor. I, as well as Fujin, will be available whenever you are need of counsel. The Elder Gods have granted me the consent to do this."

"Yeah, Benji! Stop bein' a worrywart!"

"Calm yourself, Cal. I still have to finish healing your spine. And you have to wait for it to recover before we can start working."

"Oh, right," she said disappointingly. "How long will I be out for?"

"Minimum? Two years. But given that you have a fractured spine, the fact that you'll make a full recovery is a miracle. Since we'll be living together, I'll be with you every step of the recovery."

"Ok. I can do this. Two years is nothin'!" Callie stated, determined.

"I will leave you two now. May the Elder Gods watch over you," Raiden said as he teleported away.

We both took in the site of the Trainer's Estate, our new home. "Well, Cal. Let's get inside where I can completely heal your wounds. Then the recovery can begin."

"Not so fast! First, you're gonna tell me all about your supposed girlfriend! Start talking!" she practically demanded.

I groaned. This was going to take forever to explain.

A/N: And that finishes the MK I Arc!

Since the first Arc is done, I'll take a little break from this story to work on my other projects because it's been ages since I updated the others. But still, leave a review or a PM to share your thoughts.

The next time we'll see the Maddox siblings will be after Callie recovers from her spine injury, but that won't be the start of the MK 2 Arc just yet. We have a couple of bonus chapters to get through first.

Now a couple of items to address.

First, I can't thank all of you enough for reading and givin' this story a chance. It was because of this story blowing up that I continued writing it. I've never been so motivated to update any of my stories ever. Second, a small detail, but people who have been paying attention, noticed that the Amulet is not present. I got rid of it as it was a stupid plot device.

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 shot. And vote on my poll too (I should probably check on it to see if people voted on it some more.).

Alright, I'm out. Later!

Currently listening to: Put Your Hands Where I Can See, Busta Rhymes