Day 1 of the Second MK Tournament: 2:00 P.M; Outworld.

Benjamin's POV

Damn it, AOI. If what they say about the road to hell is paved with good intentions, then she must've known a shortcut. The intent couldn't have been anymore altruistic, but her mistake was glaring nonetheless. Now the entire team has been separated in a realm we do not know well with a bounty marked on my head - fantastic.

Truthfully, Cal and I had been waiting for this opportunity since we took up our new positions, so, in hindsight, I shouldn't be too angry. Alas, here I am at my wit's end. Even the pettiest circumstance would be reason enough for me to start hurting others in twisted, demented ways. At times like this, being a Doctor can be horrifying; however, believing in my better sense of judgment, I tried calming my inner thoughts down. Best get myself acquainted with Outworld since I'm here alone.

Usually, I'd fret and worry, but everything came full circle when I began walking around, recollecting a conversation Cal, and I had a few days ago. The topic of conversation? Trust and capabilities.

Trigger Flashback:

It was early morning, and I had just finished my morning meditations. The realm being at peace (at the time) wasn't enough of an excuse to forsake my traditions. When I finished, I head to the kitchen to grab some food. I arrive to find Cal sitting at the table, finishing her breakfast. Thankfully she's wearing appropriate clothing around the estate.

"Mornin' Benji," Cal greeted. "You got a second?"

I found it odd that she was awake at such an early hour. Must have been for a good reason. Otherwise, she wouldn't be waking up until the better part of 9 or so. "Good morning, and I do have time." I sit opposite her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, not now at least," she said before a pause followed. "I was just thinking of my growing trust issues."

Something told me my younger sister was still dealing a lot with harboring trust for other people other than myself. This notion was beginning to drag on longer than needed. If Cal can't trust anybody else, how will she fare if we become separated from each other? Call me crazy, but it's bound to happen sooner or later.

"They're still growing?" I inquired, my arms folded. "You'll lose trust in me if you keep going at this rate." I point out.

Being the more stubborn sibling, Cal shook her head. "That will never happen, especially after everything we've gone through. Voluntary jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge will likely happen first." She said bluntly.

To this day, I cannot fathom Cal's warped thought process on how she trusts other people who are just as worthy of it than me. It's a conundrum I've yet to solve and doubt I ever will.

"How can you bring yourself not to trust those who are just as strong if not stronger t-" I started.

"I know what you're going to ask, so I'm just going to cut you off," Cal quipped, sighing as she placed a palm on my face. "If it were anyone else, I'd completely ignore them for asking such a stupid question. However, since this is you I'm talking to, I can understand your questioning of my reasoning."

Callie cleared her throat louder than usual, meaning I'm going to sit through a 'Callie Ann rant.' I groan audibly. Never were these rants of my little sister ever a joy to endure, mainly because she's overly dramatic for no apparent reason. I will admit that Cal does eventually hit the main points, but I wish she'd stop beating around the bush and just come out with whatever she has on her mind. It would save both of us a

"Hey! You brought this on yourself, Benji!" Callie silenced me verbally, though I didn't say a word. "I was thinking about possible scenarios the four of us will run into while doing our jobs. While doing so, it all revolved around my trust issues, which brings us to your question. You're partially correct; I do only trust you. Though I can name an encyclopedia's amount of others who, on paper, deserve my trust, I can't or won't give it to them." She then pointed her finger at me. "Me trusting you and only you can be summed up with an analogy."

Gods, I wish I could bang my head against the wall right now, but refrain from doing so not to startle Sareena and Kenshi who are still asleep. That may no longer be the case with how loud my sister can become. I groan even louder than before; a 'Callie Ann Rant' and a 'Maddox Analogy'? Jumping off the Golden Gate bridge suddenly sounds very appealing.

"Hey! Shut up, Benji!" Cal quipped at me as if she heard my thoughts. "Say if I ask you to come hunting with me, and you said yes. That should conclude a couple of things because asking someone to go hunting together is pretty much asking: 'Can you make sure I don't die today?' During our hunting session, we have to work together to get more done."

"But that doesn't explain why you only choose to trust me." I interrupt.

"I'm getting there," she shot back. "Once again, you're right. I did run two armies, but the fact you ignore, Benji, is that you and I count as an army. So, technically, I've been a part of three armies."

Well, Cal wasn't necessarily wrong in her logic. There's where the facts started rolling in as my sister continued, putting her dirty dishes in the sink before washing them.

"I have run nearly 700 missions with the Freedom Fighters, our success rate about 75%, and ran around 300 missions with Special Forces, the success rate at about 60%. However, In our time with the Resistance, we ran more than 1000 missions, with us failing zero of them." Cal gave out the facts. "This all revolves around the hunting analogy, our jobs, and the possible scenarios we may run into by extension. If we go hunting together, we may be separated in our line of work, and won't always be together. But because you are 'my' partner, or because I asked you to go hunting with me. My ability to trust you traces back to the history of what we've done. If for some reason we aren't together, I don't have to worry about your well being, because I know what we're capable of as a team. That's why I only trust you, Benji."

I couldn't tell what was better; Cal's clear cut explanation, or that she finally stopped babbling. In all seriousness, though, she was right.

Present:

It was then I started using Cal's analogy as motivation to finish these missions. To fail at this point would be spitting on our bond, and since we're the only Maddox members left, it would disgrace our family legacy. With newfound resolve, I continue my trek into an unknown section of Outworld. The place practically looked like a ghost town, every building in need of repair, no one in sight for miles. As I continue wandering into the area, I start hearing footsteps, someone converging on my location.

Someone's following me; and why I halt myself from going any further. There's a couple of cottages in front of and behind me, a paved stone road serving as a clear path to the next city. My eyes won't help me here unless my stalker waltzes out in front of me, so I used my ears instead to guide me. The footsteps grew in sound and pace. Sure enough, I open my eyes and look behind to see Baraka, both blades out ready to pounce on me. Quickly, I summon a portal underneath to escape his ambush before leaping behind him, using a high kick to stagger him as the portal disappeared. Baraka's not the best at stealth.

"How did you know?" the Tarkatan's leader queried, clearly livid his plan failed.

"We're the only people in this sector, Baraka. I would have to be deaf not to know you were following me." I respond, my hands inside my pockets as I study him. "Seems like Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung sent you after me first. That tells me the hunt is officially on then."

Baraka snarls. "A smart observation, Doctor. Shang Tsung did send another after you alongside me. When I bring you to the palace, their services won't be needed," he claimed. "I never forgot what the General did to me two years ago. I was hoping the horde would slice her delicate skin right off the bones."

I scoff at this poor fool who thinks his unstoppable horde was enough to corral my sister. "Using your head was never your thing, eh? If she beat you easily, then what would a bunch of lesser Tarkata do?"

I was dumbfounded at the stupidity of his inquisition; that Baraka sincerely believed Cal would be frightened, let alone intimidated by his savages. Baraka was having none of my banter, however.

"Quiet!" he ordered. "I could've brought my horde to devour you when they sent us to track you down."

I raise an eyebrow. Shao Kahn and his bitch boy must really want me dead. "And why haven't you done so, Baraka? You could've easily had your wish fulfilled if you had done so." I stated.

Slowly, Baraka inched closer to where I stood, prompting me to be ready for a fight. "Contrary to popular belief, we Tarkata have honor. I may utterly despise you and your sibling, but you've both earned my respect without a doubt. My wish is simply a chance to fight you or have a rematch with Callie Ann." Both his blades reach their highest length. "I will not accept a victory if you don't give your best, Doctor! Prepare yourself!"

Before the fight began, my foot touches something, a baton to be exact. I don't recall ever seeing this out here. I pick it up, but before I toss it aside, Baraka had speared me onto my back, his left blade rearing back to skewer my head. Instinctively, I use the baton to block his attack and threw him off of me. I try to press on the offensive with a blow to the head, but he kicks me in the gut, forcing me back a few feet.

Baraka relies more on aggressiveness, so the tempo was in his favor, his refined strikes from two years ago much more potent than when I first saw him compete. I can't find a clear window to strike back as he's putting me on the defensive. However, I see a fraction of an opening, one that I took advantage of by clipping his shoulder with the baton before following it up with a hard knee to the face, nearly shattering his nose. Baraka retreated for a moment and felt his nose, crunching it back in place with a simple twist, a large bruise on his forehead. I dust myself off then wag the baton at Baraka in a disappointing manner.

"You talk of a fair fight, but you assault me when I no longer make eye contact?" I mock. "Shame on you, Baraka."

His rage increased after my remark. "You mock me at your peril, Edenian!"

"Guess the cat's out of the bag, huh? Yeah, I'm an Edenian. My sister has at least 21,000 years over you, and I 22,000 years. You're outmatched, plain and simple." I finalize.

My mind games were starting to take effect as Baraka mindlessly charged again. "We shall see! This battle is not over yet!"

I quickly get ready for another round of attacks, continuing to block Baraka's onslaught, but Baraka managed to knick the bridge of my nose, blood oozing from the wound. Can't say I didn't deserve that for as much trash talking I've done. I couldn't adequately assess the wound's severity as Baraka's speed seemingly increased, making it harder to evade every attack. Using quick thinking, I slam the baton against Baraka's shoulder again, a rather nasty bruise the result as I lodged my fist into his gut, my power beginning to take shape in ascending strikes until I slam him in the face which knocked him up. One final kick to the sternum put Baraka on the ground for good as he wasn't getting up anytime soon. I put the baton in my duster pocket before making my way towards the beaten Tarkatan lying on the dirt ground who tried to return to his feet but failed every time.

"Give up, Baraka," I tell him. "This match is over."

"I refuse. We are just getting started, Edenian."

Baraka made a desperate swing at my feet but didn't come anywhere close. That's when I decided that enough was enough. With my right foot, I stomp on and break the blade attached to his right arm, Baraka's screams echoing throughout the realm to show his audible agony. I forcefully grab him by his gi's lapel and lift him with one arm.

"You're a lot stronger than you look," he noted in reverence. "I surrender; the match is yours."

I smile at my granted victory. "Good. Now then, you're going to be a good boy and relay a message to that snake of a sorcerer, Shang Tsung."

Though defeated, Baraka remained defiant. "You are not in a position to- GGRRKK!"

I interrupt him by wrapping my fingers around his neck, cutting off his breathing as I've just about had it with Baraka's boastful pride. "Being a Doctor, I know how to make things more painful." My grip tightens on the defeated Tarkatan. "If you don't relay this message, I'll snap your neck and end your life! Now swallow your pride and do what I say!"

Knowing I wouldn't take no for an answer, Baraka conceded. "What… is your message, Edenian?"

Mercifully, I let him go, allowing Baraka to kneel while heaving for air. "Tell Shang Tsung that he has incurred the attention of a wrathful Maddox, and if he so much as lays a finger on Jade, I will personally inflict fifteen layers of damnation upon him. Moreover, I'll torture his body in ways that would make the Netherrealm wastes seem like paradise, and ensure the remaining hours of his life are the most brutalized since he incurred his curse from the Elder Gods themselves. Need I repeat myself!?" I angrily demand.

Though it was brief, I saw Baraka quiver at my uptick in voice inflation, no doubt fearful of what I was truly capable of doing to anyone, even to the dreaded Shang Tsung and his Emperor.

"No need, Edenian. I will relay the message," Baraka hesitantly accepted before shakily rising to his feet. "In truth, I hope you keep your word. If anyone deserves pain and suffering, it's that sorcerer. Though I don't understand what you see in that Edenian."

"You need not understand what isn't your business," I retorted. "Now get lost, before I change my mind about sparing you."

Baraka nodded before finally walking (or waddling) away from my sight. A deep sigh left me. Thank goodness Cal convinced me to train hard with her over these past few months. Otherwise, I don't think I would've survived against someone like Baraka. I can't always rely on my Warlock skills to bail me out at any given point. Actual hand to hand combat will serve me well should it come down to that.

Jade, I hope no harm has come her way. Call me a hopeless romantic, but I can't help but think of her wellbeing and how difficult it must be for Jade to live within the same quarters of those she unwillingly serves. I had to get moving. The longer I stay here, the easier it will be for other hunters gunning for that hefty bounty.

As I continued my mindful wandering of this section of Outworld, I started recognizing things. Flora and fauna in the region looked humane as if it was a well cared for garden. Although it's in Outworld, this part seems lively. However, I can't truly appreciate it's beauty considering that I feel like someone is following me, but it couldn't be Baraka. I feel as though his honor is the only reason why I haven't faced another ambush yet.

Taking my mind off of him for now, I continue in my trek through the towns and forests, taking on a more familial appearance. For the life of me, I still couldn't quite put my finger on what this all reminded me in my memory bank until I saw a waterfall from the side of the mountain. That's when it hit me.

'I'm in what's left of Edenia. By the Gods, no wonder it all looked similar. The place looks relatively untouched.' I deducted silently.

I couldn't believe my shock at how Shao Kahn runs the realm and surprisingly left this part of Outworld alone for so long. The revelation caused me to start running instinctively. I didn't have a destination in mind; I just ran as far and fast as my legs can take me, the trees and small buildings becoming blurs as I sped past them. When I finally stopped to collect my breath, I look up around and see a wooden sign which read: "Maddox Clan Sector." Wait, I didn't remember this at all during my adolescence, hence why I'm flabbergasted.

"This is where my aunts and uncles lived before Jerrod's family started killing them off; including Mother and Papa." I think aloud. "Maybe I can learn more about my family if I pass through here."

Glancing around, I see no one, making my final decision that much easier.

"Here's hoping I don't learn that my ancestors were a bunch of cannibals or something to that effect," my inward self said before traversing into my family's section of Edenia.

The town was practically a park of small palaces with the names of each Maddox clan on every front lawn. I found all of this odd since I recalled living in a much tinier house; extravagant not the best word to describe our humble dwelling. Ugh, this is all so perplexing! I answer one question, and five more appear to take its place. Despite my growing discontent, I continue to walk through before finally reaching my destination: My parents' house.

"Here it is. Makes me all the more interested in finding some clues." I say to no one in particular.

I walk up to the door only to find the entryway locked. You have got to be kidding. After all these years, I figured some soul would find this place and try to enter.

"Are you serious?" I expressed my annoyance. "No one has stepped foot inside in nearly 10,000 plus years and its locked?"

Using my warlock magic, I constructed a working key for the door. When it spawns, I unlock the door and step inside after closing the door behind me before scanning the room. Despite not growing up here, the layout is much akin to the house where we did stay, which led me to think both floor plans are alike.

'Think, Benji,' I contemplate. 'In your youth, Papa would be in his study, and Mother inside her lab; or reading and writing somewhere. If the interior is the same to an extent, then maybe the layout is too.' I start heading for a closed door. 'Let's see if Papa had a study here too.'

I reach the door, but before I got a chance to test my theory, I hear a noise. Rather than investigate the disturbance myself, I summon a black portal into the house right before I whistle loudly. I wait a few moments before a pitch black raven shoots out before landing on my shoulder, cuddling my neck affectionately.

"Nice to see you too, Lulie," I greet my trusted pet. "Can you check to see if anyone is here? I'll be in this room."

She caws and flies off to search the house for any intruders other than myself. I open the door, and my hunch was proven correct. Papa's study was the room I was currently in, so I leave the door open for Lulie to fly back in as I analyze my father's mess of private space. Books were scattered all over the floor while some rested on the shelves, yet I found one opened on a table that caught my attention. I pick it up and inspect the pages; each one had some writing. Flipping the cover back, I see that it's Papa's journal. Before I could even begin reading, Lulie comes back and lands on my shoulder and caws louder than usual. Now I can't understand her, but the tone suggested she was a little frightened.

I naturally express concern for my pet raven. "What's wrong, girl? There's someone here?"

Lulie caws frantically, putting me on high alert. "Okay, girl. Go find a place to-"

That's when I hear footsteps, no doubt it was the person who followed me after defeating Baraka and his savages. When the steps inched closer and became more evident, I recognized the sound of heels. My stalker is a woman. Probably someone like Tanya, who was planning on jumping me but Baraka got there first, seeing as though Shao Kahn was desperate to have my sister and I grovel at his feet.

When the woman in question arrived at the doorway, I can quickly tell it wasn't that pyromancer but someone else. She wore a cloak obscuring her face but had on a deep blue Cheongsam with an intricate design of a Crane etched on the side along with short heels and stockings that covered her legs. This mystery woman may seem friendly, but I knew better, especially here in Outworld.

"What a beautiful raven you have." Her first words weren't about our predicament, but of my raven, the voice soft yet commanding respect. "What's her name?"

I gulp audibly at the question though it was simple in nature. The stranger picks up on my skepticism.

"No worries; I'm not an enemy. Otherwise, we would be fighting already, correct?" she states the obvious.

"Her name is Lulie," I calmly respond.

I glance at Papa's journal in my hand, not even close to identifying what exactly is in it. The stranger, as if reading my mind, used a spell to engulf the contents of the journal in flames. Instinctively, I dropped it before my Papa's work quickly burns into ash.

"Tch, some friend you are." My words laced in bitterness.

"Now now, child. I do not doubt that you have many questions, but why get them from a cryptic book and piece it together when you can ask an eyewitness?" the woman inquired cryptically.

I didn't betray my look of skepticism. "And you claim to know what transpired here in this entire sector?"

As if to further enforce her answer, she lifted her palm to gaze directly at it. "Like the back of my hand. Try me, Doctor."

She's goading me into spilling something I really shouldn't. Being the person I was, I give in and ask, "What the hell happened here, and why is this part of Outworld exactly like Edenia despite the merger?"

"Ahh yes. Edenia and Outworld merged millennia ago, yet you know not the reason why Shao Kahn left it unscathed," she stated. "You're a smart boy. He may be a tyrannical piece of trash, but Shao Kahn knows beauty when he comes across it."

I may be naive at times, but I could detect a sense of pride in the stranger's voice. Just who the hell is this woman?

"As for what happened to the Maddox Family," she continued answering my question. "Well, King Jerrod's family had problems with the Maddox clan for generations involving growing relations with other realms. The Maddox family wished to expand Edenia's relations with realms like the Netherrealm, Seido, and eventually Outworld during Onaga's time as Emperor. The Dacarthi family, Jerrod's ancestors, preferred to stay in Edenia since the Maddox family were a family of warriors, hunters, and sorcerers, as opposed to the Dacarthi family and their standing in politics."

She walked and stood next to me as I sat at the edge of the table. I lean in to see if I can catch a glimpse of her face, but she noticed my attempt and wagged a finger.

"Uh uh uh, Doctor. I'll reveal myself in time. Where was I? Ah. Naturally, as the Dacarthi family are known for their paranoia on top of their political stature, started commissioning the Freedom Fighters to kill members of the Maddox family one by one."

I felt my blood run cold at the thought of each of my ancestors mercilessly killed without any regard. Jerrod indeed was mad if he was willing to go that far in murdering our people.

Her tone shifted to a more relaxed pitch as she finished the story. "But the last married Maddox couple escaped, the wife pregnant with their firstborn child who turned out to be a son," she revealed before turning towards me. "You, Benjamin."

Me...? She's trying to tell me my parents were the one who escaped their execution!? Impossible! That can't be true, hence the stern glare I threw in the woman's direction.

"How do you know so much about all this? Who the hell are you?" I demanded.

A humorless laugh left her. "Isn't it obvious, child? I'm a Maddox."

My eyes widened at the prospect. Sure, I held my suspicions for it that was the case, but her admitting to it was not something I expected. If she's a Maddox, then who exactly is she? Shakily, the woman placed her hands on the hem of her hood, almost as if she's preparing to take the cowl off.

Before she removed her disguise, she pleaded, "Don't resent me, Benjamin."

I was initially shocked by her knowing my name, but when she removed the cloak to allow me a clear visual of her face, my shock damn near doubled.

The woman who was explaining everything to me was my mother; Mai Maddox.

My mother looked as though she hadn't aged a day despite being nearly 50,000 years older than me, her dark brunette tresses cascading down her back. I can barely say anything, my mind in utter turmoil at this revelation.

"M- Mother?" I finally speak.

Tears immediately fill her eyes, threatening to spill out at any moment. "Benjamin... my eldest child. My, you have grown into such a handsome young man. Well, young for us Edenians."

Her effort in lightening the mood failed to ease my building trauma. I wanted to be ecstatic, but I still have questions know that my mother is sitting right in front of me.

"Benjamin?" My mother started. "What's wrong?"

I folded my arms over my chest. "I'm skeptical. For 19,000 years, I thought you were dead. All of a sudden, you follow me from the moment I enter Outworld, explain what became of your step-siblings, and reveal yourself." My anger began to show, tears falling down my face. "You honestly expect me to just welcome you back with open arms!?"

What happened next surprised even myself as I unfurled my arms and raised a hand before slapping my mother across the face. I made sure not to add much power, but I was understandably upset. To my astonishment, however, she wasn't mad, taking the blow in stride like she anticipated my reaction.

"I understand, Benjamin; please allow me to explain," she requested, holding her cheek. "When the Dacarthi family brought us to trial and inevitably found us guilty, Joseph suggested that since I'm an Illusionist, I should fabricate my death while taking you and Callie Ann with me to asylum. However, I didn't want to do so, determined to see our vows to the end, but your father convinced me to protect your lives no matter what. No one in Edenia can match my illusions, so it was a simple task to achieve." My mother paused to collect herself. "When our judgment day came, we weren't expecting you and Callie Ann to bear witness to our eventual demise. Okada was supposed to take you originally, but he took my place and alongside your father, fell to the death penalty."

Unable to hold back anymore, my mother cried openly at the horrid memory of our Papa's murder along with Okada. "For millennia, I watched our children grow and ended up following you both to Seido but returned to Outworld when you settled in Earthrealm. Shao Kahn's men occupied the area, so I crafted a massive psychological illusion. Everyone who came in contact with the spell believed the entire region was cursed; Shao Kahn among them. So, for 27 Earthrealm years, the Edenian sector of Outworld laid empty, allowing me to stay here."

Another silence enveloped the room as I take in all this information, which was a lot to digest in a short amount of time. Never did I fathom my mother suffered like this for such an extended period, though I couldn't find it in my heart to forgive her actions yet.

"I did some snooping around the tyrant's palace and discovered he will hold another Mortal Kombat tournament in Outworld. That's when I started searching for your whereabouts before you ran into Baraka," she disclosed.

Without warning, my mother laid a tender hand on my shoulder. "I'm so proud of what you've done, my son. You fight just like your old lady, you know? I noticed the Silat in your Pankration," she stated proudly.

Even now, I'm still at a loss for words. Our mother followed us until we established our home in Earthrealm? I couldn't believe all this.

"Then why didn't you reveal yourself to us beforehand?" I ask angrily.

My mother didn't hide her look of shame. "Because it wasn't my place. You two had to grow up and protect each other when I couldn't. Though I am your mother, I can't guide you all the time, and to be truthful; I didn't know either of you were around until I heard you became Jerrod's advisor. That's when I started watching over you, your guardian angel, but in living form." She allowed herself a small giggle as she did all those millennia ago. "I didn't want to interfere in your personal growth as people that's why I wished to die with Joseph. However, your father wanted to ensure that you both had a proper childhood, but we know by extension that a decent childhood for any Maddox was impossible. Finally, Maddox is my maiden name; your father took it when we married."

She finally finished her story. I look at my hand that I slapped my mother with and felt it shaking, guilt quickly taking hold of me.

Sensing my eventual breakdown, my mother firmly grasped the hand while holding my face with her free one. "I missed you and Callie Ann so much. I know things will never be the same between us again but-"

I interrupted her by hugging my mother's body as tightly as I could without restraining her oxygen. Tears flowed from my eyes and try as I might, they wouldn't stop. My mother realized all my pain coming out and embraced me lovingly, crying along with me. I didn't care that I felt like a kid again. For so long, I've held this turmoil within my soul. Now, I can show more of my emotions after seeing my once thought to be dead mother.

"I missed you so much, Mom! I missed you so much! You and Papa's deaths haunted us every day!" I balled my eyes out. "I'm so sorry I slapped you! Please forgive me!"

Instead of berating me, my mother gently kissed my forehead before nuzzling me, her hand caressing my face while wiping away my tears. "If anyone should be asking for forgiveness, it should be me, my child," she told me softly. "I missed you and Callie Ann much more than you can believe. Please accept my sincerest apology."

I raise my head to look my mother dead in her auburn eyes and nod happily. "Yes, I forgive you, mother. I always will."

For the first time in our reunion, my mother smiled. "My little Benny; I love you so much."

"I love you too." Energized, I rise back up, a new fire igniting in my eyes. "Now come on, we have a tyrant to dispose of."

"By all means, son," Mom said with the trademark Maddox Pride. "Also there's something else I need to talk to you about at a later date. It concerns Jade and Kitana."

I raise my eyebrows at this but chose not to press on the matter, opting instead to nod my as we leave our home and head for Shao Kahn's palace, ready for blood. However, I did have another question.

"Mother..." I start.

"Yes?" she replied.

I take out the baton and waggle it. "I take it that this was your doing as well?"

She giggled at the sight. "Guilty. Silat is much better with a weapon in hand. I know you don't like using weapons as Pankration is mostly an unarmed Martial Art, but it doesn't hurt to be safe."

Her reasoning was valid, so I chose to keep it on my person. I could need it again like I did today. Before I put the weapon away, my mother plucked it out of my hand.

"It's retractable," she said. "Pull it down."

I pull the baton down as instructed until I only see the handle. That will come in handy. "Oh, talk about convenient. Thanks, mother."

"Of course," Mom said as she opened the door, a deep frown appearing on her face. "Looks like we have a guest, Benny." Mother said.

I looked outside and failed to hide my anger. It was Sheeva, dressed even more lewdly than our last encounter (if that's even possible at this juncture). Just what the hell is it with her? It's obvious I'm not attracted to her in any fashion, so it baffles me as to why she keeps trying to win my heart unless she's after that bounty as well.

"Hello, Doctor. I've been waiting for you." Sheeva's sultry voice was creepy, not a turn on by any stretch. "Welcome to Outworld, your new home after the emperor merges Earthrealm with Outworld, just as he did with Edenia."

"I think I'm going to be ill," I spoke, revolted that I have to deal with this Shokan again. "I take it your wish is for you to become my wife still?"

Sheeva began walking in our direction; her eyes hazed with faulty seduction. "A perceptive observation. We will have our wedding, in front of Jade no less, seeing as she's very fond of you."

This is the second person today who has talked ill of Jade. Had it not been for my mother holding me back, I would use every source of magic in my arsenal to make Sheeva's remaining days of life a living hell. Not only that, it made me want to march up to the palace and rescue Jade from that hellish life she's had to live.

Before I could retaliate, my mother stepped in front of me. "No, child. I will deal with her."

Sheeva didn't take too kindly to the threat. "And who are you to be claiming as such?"

"Benjamin's mother, that's who, and I never recalled giving you consent to consummate with my son, especially if you plan on taking him as your man-whore," she chastised Sheeva. "I'm quite familiar with Shokan tradition. Now, you will leave my child alone. He broke your arm and damaged your vertebrae, yet you still pursue? Your injuries also affected your brain. Also, what in Argus' name is up with your outfit? You have no protection, let alone no decency. If I were to attack you with a weapon, how would you defend yourself?"

I can see where we got: "In Argus' name." from.

"You certainly act like a mother," Sheeva wasn't backing away. "How about you give me consent, and make me a happy Shokan?"

Ignoring my mother's berating was not the wisest choice to make as she took out what looked to be a curved dagger. "How about I murder you instead?"

"You think you can take me, Edenian?" Sheeva asked.

"I'm responsible for why this entire section of Edenia is considered cursed," my mother stated. "But now, I can't let you walk away since you know now."

Those were her last words before my mother pounced on Sheeva, her fingers digging into the Shokan's head rather roughly as they began to glow bright blue against Sheeva's cranium, who screamed in pure agony.

"When I release my fingers," my mother's voice commanded to that of a divinity. "You will enter deep sleep. When you wake, you will forget this entire conversation as well as your twisted infatuation with my son."

Within moments, she released Sheeva as the female Shokan fell into a deep slumber. Never before have I seen a maneuver like that before. My mother saw my awed look and smiled pleasantly.

"I'll teach you everything I know about illusions after we prevent your new home from falling into Shao Kahn's grasps," she promised, her eyes on the palace just ahead of us. "Come, Benny! To the palace!"

Following my mother, we both march towards Shao Kahn's palace.

A/N: And that's a wrap for the second chapter for Arc II! What did you guys think? 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. I'll catch you on the flipside! Later! Currently listening to Blue Moon, by Frank Sinatra.