A/N: Welcome back! Last time on Gone but Not Forgotten we learned that it was, in fact, Daegon, one of the Dragon Twins and leader of the Red Dragon Clan who put the hit out for Benji, as well as Kenshi, and Callie. But speaking of Callie let's see how she is doing, eh?

Currently listening to Introspection by Steve Lacy.

Day 2 of the Second MK Tournament 10:00 A.M: Dead Pool

Callie's POV

Is it wrong for me to be angry at Sonya and Jax despite the fact they no longer work for me? To berate them because of their incompetence at the Wu Shi Academy and the Dead Pool? Probably not, but considering I handpicked Sonya as the next General, I expected better than this, for Sonya to be a better General than me. In no less than two days, she has disappointed me more than a problem child disappoints their parents! So yes, I'm angry; furious, in fact! If Mom and Lao weren't with me, I would have torn Sonya a new one on the spot! After she left the Dead Pool, I just stood there in disbelief at this level of ineptitude I thought was impossible to reach.

Mom, however, brought me back to reality. "Callie Ann, are you ok, dear?" She seems worried about my ever decreasing respect over Sonya. "We've been here for about five minutes. Did that woman commit something against you?"

Her concerns weren't lost on me. I would lie, but this is my mother we're talking about here. Plus, I'm positive she'll use a truth spell on me if I even dropped one fib.

I shake my head. "No, Mom. I'm not fine. That woman was tapped as my successor from my previous job at Special Forces. I was the General before, and I chose Sonya to take my place. So needless to say, my expectations aren't really being met right now."

My answer failed to hide the bitterness in my tone. "Hopefully I don't run into Sonya again before this tournament is over. Otherwise, I'll be telling her off something fierce. At this point, I'm glad Kenshi asked for an honorable discharge."

Mom instantly picked up on my reasoning. "I understand, dear. I assume you did a fantastic job. You left your successor with rather large shoes to fill. However, you must be more empathetic, as opposed to being hard on her. It' s no longer your place to order those under Sonya's command."

Leave it to my mom to make me feel bad if not for a short while. But I don't mind. The fact that my mother is parenting me is enough to toss my feelings of anger and disappointment aside. Mom is as of right now, the only person I love just as much as Benji if not a little less so. What? You may only have one mom, but I couldn't even have a brother if she wished. Now that she's here with me, in the flesh and not as an elaborate prank, I never felt so elated. I have so many questions I want to ask, so many things I wish to do with my mother. 19,000 years is a very long time. Missing out on so much Mother/Daughter bonding hurt me deeply. As we eventually exited the Dead Pool, it was time to rekindle our relationship.

"Mom," I start.

She looks at me and smiles happily. "Yes, daughter?"

I felt my heart skip a beat at her calling me daughter. "Before I begin, I just want to say how happy you made me when you called me daughter."

Mother began laughing at my admittedly childish reveal. "Not as much as it heartens my soul to call you daughter."

If I didn't run into that soldier in the Living Forest, I'd be crying my eyes out right now. I clear my throat as I try my hardest not to stammer. "Can you tell me a little about Papa? I don't retain any memory of him since we were separated long ago."

Just the mere thought of my Papa brought instant sadness to me. Mom and Kung Lao saw through my facade. I then felt mom's hand wrap around my hip as we walked, a sigh of recollection leaving her.

"Ahh, my Joseph. Where do I begin?" she began. "He, like us as well as your brother, was a Freedom Fighter. Joseph was a Head scout, never once failing a voyage or mission."

Wow, I never would've thought servitude ran in our direct family at this level.

"He was also gunning for the position of General. Unfortunately, a Dacarthi held that spot at the time, solely because of stature. Thus, your father's goal became nothing more than a pipe dream. When he voiced his clear unhappiness, Jerrod was quick to remove him from the position of head scout," my mother explained.

I don't know what irked me more. The fact that a Dacarthi held my former position or Jerrod denying my Papa is rightful place in the higher hierarchy. Even before my brother and I were born, our Papa faced discrimination around the age we're at now. How ridiculous!

"That's not very fair," Lao interjected, showing his own distaste in the story revolving my dad. "They removed Mr. Maddox solely because of his growing ambition?"

My mother nodded. "Yes, Kung Lao. What made it worse was that he proposed to me merely hours before. My husband went from being the happiest man in Edenia to the saddest within two short hours. Sadly, things only declined after his engagement to a Maddox; a clan member who has harbored problems with the Dacarthi family for what seemed like eons. However, those imbeciles couldn't remove me from my position since I was the best Battle Medic Edenia had ever seen." A smile graced her face, tone swelling with pride. "Well, until Benny took up my mantle."

I'm not surprised, with Kitty being the lone possible exception, every Dacarthi I met was a prime level jackass; Jerrod being at the very top of the list.

"So, what did Papa do afterward?" I ask, genuinely curious.

"I remember that day like it just happened yesterday. Your father looked like he won the lottery as he witnessed walk down the aisle." She reminisced. "But anyway, he decided to pursue his other dream; hunting. Back in our day, when you became a Freedom Fighter, you couldn't pursue another job. But Joseph pursued this new outlet after being unfairly cast out. With the skills he learned as head Scout, he took to hunting like ducks take to water. In no time at all, he was known as the best hunter in Edenia, quite a way to silence the Dacarthi's mouths. Believe me when I say there was nothing he couldn't kill. Werewolves, Dragons, Pegasi, Sirens, Werepyres-" she listed.

"Werepyres!?" I yelled with a child's enthusiasm.

Mom unexpectedly matched my childlike excitement. "Oh, yes. I even saw him kill a Griffin and a Chimera before! He was quite the warrior though he had little magical power. But the power he possessed was cast into a spell which improved his accuracy due to his eyes glowing a violent blue."

"Whoa! That sounds like my spell! I call it Hawkeye. Look!" I say as my hidden ability activates, my vision brightening.

Mom's eyes widen in shock. "Wow, Callie Ann. You don't even have to cast a spell. Your father actually had to. I guess your lack of spell casting originates from my side of the family. Us Maddox women are some great folk, aren't we?"

I shrug my shoulders. "I guess, but that's the second time you mentioned Maddox women specifically. Didn't you take Papa's name?" I ask.

She shook her head. "Joseph took mine. I am the youngest of four girls, dear. My sisters wedded as well and took their husband's names. Upon realizing this, your father decided to take my name instead. This gesture earned the respect of my sisters, your grandparents, and every other Maddox member." Mom paused for a moment. "Funny, you barely remember him, but you were his favorite child."

That caught my attention. "Really?"

"Yes. Try as we might, we did have our favorites. Joseph favored you while I favored Benjamin. Despite this, both of us love you with every fiber of our beings. We never intentionally did this, your father was happy to spend most of his time with you rather than your brother, and vice versa with me," she elaborated.

Her explanation makes sense, considering that Benji decided to become a Doctor like mom. That's when I started hunting at a young age while most girls played with dolls. We wanted to be like our parents but in our personal ways. I've embraced my baser instincts.

During our conversation, I noticed Kung Lao stayed quiet for most of it. Whether out of respect or something else, I couldn't tell. I shouldn't leave him out like this. I'm glad to have my mother back but don't want to neglect him either, particularly after what happened last night between us.

Moving past the Dead Pool, we reach what I believe are the prisons which look like prisons from Outworld. Skeletons cling to the bars as if they were making last-ditch efforts to beg for mercy before death greeted them. Most of them decayed to nothing, and while I paid no mind, I noticed that it made Kung Lao noticeably uneasy. I'm not really shocked, he is a monk after all, and they don't take lives unless absolutely necessary.

Mom picked up on it as she kept her voice low, so only I could hear. "He is not taking those skeletons well, isn't he?"

I nod. "Lao's a monk. They dislike killing, it's their principle to value all life." I explain.

"Well, you should do something to put him at ease, especially if you're correct," mom requested. "I will go on ahead."

Before I voiced an argument, she picked up her pace considerably as I fell back to match Lao's speed. Usually, I wouldn't be too thrilled about something like that. However, Lao and I did need to address last night, the elephant in the room. Neither of us mentioned it once with my mother around. Part of the reason why was because I'm still trying to process my actions. I'll gradually bring it up as to not be so blunt. Otherwise, I might make things awkward between us.

"Are you ok, Lao?" I inquire softly, my hand placed on his shoulder to ease his discomfort. "It just dawned on me that you rarely see dead bodies."

Kung Lao turns his head before nodding. "Yes, I'm fine, Callie. Just unsettled at what's down here. I guess this is what happens when the White Lotus shelters you constantly. I'm glad it's not enough to run away, or you'll most likely tear me to shreds verbally." His eyes went back to the path we're walking. "You and your mother must have vast experiences with corpses, so I'll continue following even if merely a third-wheel."

That hit me harder than usual. I didn't mean to just wholly ignore Kung Lao, but this is the first time I've made actual conversation with my mother since my adolescence. However, I understand why he feels like this. I teased and kissed him during a rather tense moment. And I must admit, Kung Lao has really grown on me, his maturity becoming more apparent.

It seems like our relationship is starting to evolve into something... more.

Honestly, it's something that I didn't know I desired until mom brought it up. I've secretly craved for a person, male or female, to approach me romantically, but this was unexpected. Of course, Kung Lao is rather handsome, not to mention a strong warrior with room for improvement. He's also a softie inside, a gentle soul beneath his cocky, overconfident exterior. Guess we aren't so different from each other. It was at that moment, I decided to make our relationship official.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to just leave you out like that," I apologized.

Kung Lao shook his head. "It's not your fault. I would want to spend as much time as I can with my own mother if she came out of nowhere. You don't need to apologize, Callie."

I stopped walking, which made Lao do the same. We openly stare at one another, our dark eyes holding a fixed stare. Though I hated to admit it, he's really starting to change, for the better. The only question I have is, will that be consistent? Lao at least deserves the benefit of the doubt and a fair chance.

"No, I do," I tell him. "You've been very patient throughout this ordeal. Believe me when I say I'm not really good at expressing feelings. At least, when I'm not yelling at someone for screwing up."

My head turned away, eyes filled with shame as I remembered going off on Lao yesterday. Not my proudest moment. Benji was right, I do need to reign in my anger before I chase a good one away.

"Please, just bear with me, Lao," I say before turning back to him. "I've never had a boyfriend before. And about last night..."

An unbridled heat once again filled my face. Whether it was out of impulse or genuine, I felt such joy within me when my lips contacted Lao's cheek. Never before has anyone made me feel like this. Damn sure not Tanya though I did have a small light for her before she led our Freedom Fighters to death.

Much to my surprise, Lao intertwined our hands together, showing a sincere smile. "You don't have to explain. Just know that I will wait for as long as you want me to."

The next thing I knew, Lao leaned in and peck my cheek, precisely the same way I did to him last night. Now, my face burned like a scorching afternoon. I don't know about the rest of you, but if we didn't have a mission to complete, I might have to... Nevermind. I'll keep that in my head. Only Kung Lao and I will cross that bridge should we get there. But I can't discard those thoughts out of my mind after this gesture. This is what Benji must have felt when Jade kissed him.

"We should catch up to Mrs. Maddox," Lao said.

I nod in agreement, as we start walking faster, our hands interlaced. We finally catch up to Mom while she's looking over an unconscious female. She wore very little and had a body most women would kill for. However, her teeth would make Jaws look kissable, all jagged like daggers. Hence why I wasn't ogling her like a pervert as I'm known to do. Mom didn't look worse for wear thankfully. She sighed just before we arrived.

"Oh, dear. Outworlders must learn to dress better. They all dress as if they are exotic dancers. They're more revealing than Joseph when he's drunk," mom pointed out before turning to see us. "There you two are." She noticed our hands intertwined and smiled. "And I see that you have both taken the next step in your budding relationship."

I look down but didn't die of embarrassment. Though it sure felt that way, the heat rising to my ears. If Benji were here, he would unknowingly make it worse, his casual demeanor is horrifying in times like this.

Mom giggled at my flustered look before hugging us both. "Don't be so flustered, dear. I'm elated to see this. I'll be here for you both. To think that Benjamin missed this. He would most likely be happy as well, I"m sure." Her attention then changed. "But back on topic, what should we do with her?" mom queried, pointing to the monstrosity who laid on the floor.

"We can just leave her here. There's no way she can track us." I answer as I let go of Lao's grip to get a better look at mom's victim. I then glance at one of the empty cells. "Better yet."

I open a cell and find its key before going back to the unknown woman and picked her up with relative ease. Being reckless, I throw her inside, then closed the gate before locking it. The landing force was enough to wake her up. She surveyed her surroundings before attempting to jump at me, but the cell stopped her from doing so. I step back to prevent her from closing the gap.

"We are not done yet, Siren!" the woman spat at my mother, I assumed.

I turn to her, and she shrugs. "Outworlders know me as the Edenian Siren. I cursed an entire sector into thinking the place was haunted. With me being the haunting figure, every sound the victims hear are a Siren's song."

My mother is quite powerful, but to effortlessly curse an entire part of a realm into thinking it's haunted is horrifying.

"This is not over, Mai Maddox!" the woman best spat. "I will bring you to my father, and he will show his love and reward me wonderfully!"

Hysterical and deliriousness were the best words to describe this creature's tendencies. Mom wasn't having any of it, however.

"Oh, honey," she stated sarcastically. "You couldn't best me if my arm was amputated and I was dying of poison. Your footsteps were louder than a blaring alarm, and your choice of attack was ravenous enough where it proved very simple to predict. The fact that you pounced on me with little thought, you knocked yourself unconscious. You didn't hit your head when you fell, but maybe Shang Tsung had forgotten to give you a functional brain." Mom sauntered to the cell. "You know what? As a Doctor, I prescribe you to sleep on it."

"You dare talk to me that way!?" the monstrosity screeched. "I am Mileena, the true princess of Outworld!"

Mom wasn't impressed in the slightest. Instead, she repeated, if not commanded her makeshift prescription. "I said, to SLEEP!"

Her bellow of divinity was so loud, I swore the ground shook a little. Mileena, as she called herself, buckled and spilled on the floor, falling into a deep slumber. Mom nonchalantly brushed off her dress as she turned to face our no doubt, shocked expressions.

"Oh, your brother made the exact same face when I placed Sheeva under an Illusion," she revealed.

"That's an Illusion?" I ask. "Benji only does Necromancy, so I wouldn't know."

I'm no wizard obviously, but don't you have to cast spells to get them to work? Mom practically told Mileena to sleep, and she promptly followed the order. I'm afraid to see Mom when she's angry.

"Yes but Necromancy is a broad term, dear. If it involves someone's lifestream, then can be classified as Necromancy. Soul Spells, Summoning monsters or any other form of being, like Lulie for example," mom lectured.

"You saw Lulie?" I ask.

"Oh, yes. My what a beautiful raven she is. How did he come to obtain her? I should have asked your brother this when I last saw him, but I was occupied with comforting Jade."

Wait, she saw and comforted Jade? How did she do that? Unless every person who uses magic can summon portals. No, wait. Benji told me that only Sorcerers and Necromancers have access to spells like those. Kung Lao and Mom both sensed my confusion.

"What's the matter, Callie?" Kung Lao asked in concern.

I shake my head. "Nothing. Mom, how did you even find Jade? Illusionists can't summon portals, Benji told me so."

"He summoned a portal, allowing Sareena and I to infiltrate the palace, much like we are doing now. We overheard an argument between Jade and Kitana, your brother their topic of conversation. It was rather heated, hence why Jade left the room in tears. I followed and consoled her on top of giving Jade consent to pursue Benjamin," my mother told us.

That makes a lot more sense now; confusion, over. I can imagine Benji being beyond happy with Jade. Maybe we can get along better than I have with Kitty.

But... what of Sareena?

She's shown an interest in Benji from what I've seen. What will she do now that my brother and Jade are an item? I don't know how or when Sareena began feeling this way, but despite her background, she seems very humane. If... no! She may be heartbroken if I tell her or if she finds out! I feel so horrible. I really like Sareena, and in our short time together, I've gotten used to having her and Kenshi around. Maybe Sareena and I need to talk about it before something volatile takes place between all three.

"Callie Ann, dear?" my mother called to me, more concern than the first time she did so. "You're standing there again. Are you thinking of that woman once more?"

"Yes, mom, I'm fine. Thinking about Jade and Benji. I know they're ok, but it doesn't hurt to think about them, y'know?" I voice.

Her and Kung Lao nod. "Of course. Sorry for bringing Sonya up."

"Yes, the Doctor is capable of handling himself. I know this first hand, and I know you know that just as well, if not more so." Kung Lao added on that.

I nod with them; they were both right. Benji can take care of himself. Plus, Jade is with him, and she can fight alongside him.

"Now, back to Lulie," mom brought her back up.

At this point, she should look into Ornithology since meeting Lulie was a treat for her.

"Right," I say, remembering how Benji came across his splendid raven. "Lulie was dying outside the Trainer's Estate, the place we currently stay in. Benji tried nursing her back to health, but he concluded that he was only delaying the inevitable. However, since he had a couple of souls leftover from when we last visited Uncle Okada, he used one of them to practically resurrect Lulie. Unknown to us, she ended up gaining the ability to hear his calling from any realm, which is why Benji can call for her anywhere, and she'll always be there. Something about the soul Benji used to infuse Lulie with had her gain spectral powers. As adorable as she is, Lulie is a very knowledgeable and intelligent raven."

After finishing, mom was intrigued even more about Benji's pet. "What a kind gesture, something Benjamin would do. He's definitely a Doctor first. Well, I'm satisfied until I see him again, then I'll ask more appropriate questions. But for now, let's keep going."

We all exited the morbid dungeon and entered a giant hallway. It was admittedly clean from our first glance. But further down during our walk, we started noticing things; a generous amount of dried blood littering the floor for starters. I think it's clear that a fight broke out here. But between who?

"It seems a rather nasty confrontation took place here," mom pointed out as she and Lao noticed the grisly scene. "But I don't see any unconscious bodies around." We scan the area for any other anomalies until an odd-looking weapon was found.

"Oh, no," my mother said in fear.

She sprinted to grab what looked like a baton and picked it up. The weapon was in excellent condition despite blood saturating the handle.

Then her voice began to waver. "Benjamin was here. I gave him this baton."

Benji was here? That could mean he's nearby! But my positive thinking was quickly shut down after reminding myself that the blood was dry. This fight wasn't recent as of today.

"Why would Benji use a baton?" I questioned. "Pankration is an unarmed Martial Art."

"His version of it is heavily based on Pencak Silat, a Martial Art that's more effective with a weapon, like a baton for example." Mom answered, waggling the baton in her hand. "But why did your brother leave it here?"

"Perhaps he dropped it due to the fight, or something happened during the confrontation that caused Benji not to come back for it." Lao theorized.

Man, that was a great observation. Even I couldn't think of it that way. Lao is really on top of his game.

"Here, mom. Let me hold it." I request.

She hands me his baton. On further inspection, I see small spots of dried blood on the weapon's edge, and it felt hot to the touch despite a day passing. The room isn't the hottest place in the realm so the heat must've originated from another source.

"Perhaps his opponent was a Pyro of some sort. I mean, the baton feels hot, and I don't think you can make the baton this hot in the short time you held it, mom," I said.

Who did I know had the power to manipulate fire in their possession and not be hurt from it? It then dawned on me as to who Benji's opponent was. Instantly, my blood started to boil at the mere thought of that golden dressed harlot.

"Tanya," I spat. "It was she who Benji fought in here. She's a Pyro and must've shot a fireball at Benji to which he blocked it with the baton. That explains why it's so hot, even after a day on the ground."

Reaching the most possible conclusion, I retract the baton and place it in my pocket. "Well, at least we know my brother won."

Kung Lao was skeptical. "How are you so sure, Callie? You didn't get a chance to see him since you arrived here."

"For one, Mileena would've told us he was captured from how she sounded. Otherwise, she's fifteen levels of dumb." I began. "Two, it would be announced realm wide that Benji was apprehended. And finally, he's my brother. To be captured by Tanya of all people? He would've had to have a horribly bad day. Plus look, there is a lot more blood over there as opposed to here, and since his baton was here, that must mean he took less punishment. So he had to have won. Basic deduction." I finish, though I wasn't so sure I believed my own words.

"I hope you're correct, Callie Ann. If any harm has befallen my son, this realm will know the fury of an angry mother," mom undertone laced with venom.

"And an angry little sister," I add.

"As well as an angry student." Lao finishes.

Glad to see that we're all on the same page.

"Let's get out of here. Maybe we'll run into Benji on the way," I said

Exiting the hall, we traveled further into the depths of Shao Kahn's fortress. How full of oneself do you have to be to have parts of your OWN palace that isn't even adequately lit? We made good progress, and having my mother and boyfriend (I really just said that with confidence) around was slowly making me forget about Sonya.

That was before we ran into her; and Jax.

We found them arguing with Sareena, all of us inside a red room. Located in the heart of it was a green tornado of sorts. I pinch my nose, annoyed at the two arguing with Sareena along with my apprehension for my brother's safety. Though Jade is with him, I can't help but feel worried. There was enough blood in that room to be shared between him and Tanya. Fed up, I intercept on Sareena's behalf.

"What the hell are you two doing!?" I yelled before inserting myself between Sonya and Sareena. "Why are you arguing with my partner?"

The pair weren't too thrilled to see me. "Callie, this woman claims to be from the Netherrealm and on our side," Jax professed. "I ain't buyin' it."

"She is from Hell, Jax. Her name's Sareena, and she's a Demoness. She told you she's on our side because she works alongside Benji and myself," I counter before turning to Sareena. "Are you all right?"

Sareena nodded. "They didn't harm me if that's what you're thinking, though I'm positive the blonde one was itching for a fight."

Just when I thought I couldn't get any angrier. "Why are you two even down here? I told Sonya to find you and join the fight, not wander the palace."

"We just want to help, General." Sonya simply responded.

"You are more of a help to Raiden than to me at this point. Now get out of here, before something happens to you both." I command.

Before they can even respond, Ermac's surfaces out of the soulnado, rejuvenated after losing in the last tournament to Liu Kang.

"You all have interrupted our rejuvenation process." Ermac declared.

Jax, being a headstrong idiot took (or attempted to) initiative and grabbed Ermac by the throat, ready to dislocate his jaw.

"GOTCHA!" Was the final words before tragedy struck hard.

Using his telepathic powers, Ermac stopped his fist before it connected. He then lifted Jax in the sky and started surrounding him in green energy. Then suddenly, Ermac maims Jax, robbing him of his arms much to all of our shock and horror. Sonya hastily stabilized his arms to stop the profuse bleeding.

"Jax!" Sonya screamed, urging her teammate to remain awake. "Stay with me."

Calmness ultimately left the conversation, as I angrily brandish my knife and I walk up to Ermac who looked poised for a rematch.

"I knew something like this was going to happen." My attention turned to my so-called replacement. "Sonya, if Jax dies, I'm kicking your ass! Understood!?" Sonya gulped before nodding, horrified at my claim. "Sareena, you're helping me teach this monster a lesson," I command with quiet fury.

Sareena complied without hesitation as she brandished the Devastator. "Where's Benjamin?"

"Not sure, but he's nearby," I answered. "Jade is with him now."

I couldn't help but notice Sareena's eyes lower. "Oh, I see."

Smooth, Callie. Another problem I guess I'll have to sort out. But first, Ermac needs his ass kicked, maybe it will release all those souls belonging to the Freedom Fighters. Who am I kidding? It's a construction Shao Kahn himself made it. Releasing all my men can't be that simple. Whatever; I can deal with freeing the Fighters after Ermac is ko'ed.

"You honor us with Kombat, General Maddox. We can tell solely by your demeanor that you 'll give us a better fight than the monk did." Ermac spoke. For an Outworlder, he certainly holds some measure of honor. Must be all the Freedom Fighters comprising his being. "However, you shouldn't need assistance from your partner."

"You made this fight personal, Ermac. Therefore, fighting fair got tossed out of the window. You brought this on yourself." I spat as I move in to slash his chest, but he levitates out of the way.

Ermac swiftly descends and tries to stomp me, but I quickly get out of the way. Sareena then enters herself in this fight, making very close attempts at hitting Ermac with the Devastator but to no avail. However, when I start attacking with her, displaying chemistry rivaled only by my chemistry with Benji we land hit after hit. The deciding blow came by Sareena as she connected a nasty strike on Ermac's chest with the Devastator's teeth cutting through Ermac's robes and into his flesh, ripping it apart. Ermac spilled to the floor, as he bled profusely.

I pat Sareena on the shoulder a couple of times before complimenting, "Nice job."

My attention shifts to Sonya and Jax. Mom quickly catches up to me. "Oh, dear. This is not looking good. I will look after him, you go speak to Sonya." Mom professed.

"How did you know-" I began.

"I am your mother, Callie Ann. I saw the way you gave her that death stare, especially after Jax got maimed. If you're going to release your fury as General, now is the best time, sweetie. I'll ensure he survives," mom explained.

We embraced before quickly separating. "I'll be right back," I tell mom, my attention squarely on Sonya as I requested her time in silent aggression. "Sonya, a word?"

"But what about-" she tried questioning my hidden order.

I grabbed her by the ear and yanked her away from Jax while mom started applying her healing magic. If I were still General of Special Forces, I'd rip Sonya apart with no rational thought. But I'm no longer in a position of power, so I decided against it.

"General, I-" Sonya tried to apologize.

Immediately, I place hand in front of Sonya's face, cutting her off. "I'm feeling a multitude of emotions right now. Anger, sadness, confusion. But the strongest of those feelings is disappointment. I picked you to be General in my place because I had hope that you would lead the Special Forces to levels of glory that I couldn't. But all I have seen is your confidence spilling over, refusing orders from your superiors, retired or not. And what just happened to Jax being the absolute pinnacle of incompetence." I berate my former soldier. "So here's what you're going to do. You'll take Jax and leave this chamber. You will find Raiden, and request him to take you back to Earthrealm. I personally don't care if you have to get on all fours and beg him. When you ensure Jax's survival of this ordeal, you will give him an honorable discharge." I command.

"But General-"

"Do I have to call the Sergeant and have your position pulled?" I rhetorically inquire, not in the mood for any backtalk. "I may not be with Special Forces anymore, but the Sarge owes me so many favors."

She shook her head, realizing the position I forced her into. "Good. Now if I hear that Jax didn't make it, know my threat still stands. I'm petty enough to book a flight to Special Forces HQ to kick your ass in front of your own men. Are we clear?"

"Yes, General," Sonya answered despondently.

"Good; dismissed," I ordered as we walk back to Mom, Sareena, Lao, and Jax. "Is he going to make it?" I ask mom, hopeful he'll make it through.

"I regulated his breathing and put him to sleep. He will survive, but my healing magic only extends to physical trauma. This event will no doubt scar him mentally," mom explained.

Sonya then lifted Jax up, and with tears, she looked at me. "I'm sorry, General."

That was all she said before leaving to find Raiden. With Sonya and Jax out of sight, we all turn our attention to the passed out Ermac. Or me only, as I stared at the construct, knowing my men are trapped inside him.

"Callie?" Kung Lao approached me, mindful of the situation. "What's wrong?"

"The Freedom Fighters are all part of Ermac's conscious. Benji told me so when he surveyed his soul two years ago," I tell him. "I feel horrible since my defection signed them to this fate."

Mom laid a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Perhaps I can help, dear."

I wasn't sure what my mother had in mind as she walked to Ermac and kneeled by his head. She then placed her hand on his skull, a similar blue aura growing from her palm to when Benji and Uncle Okada purified Sareena's soul.

"Souls of the Edenian Freedom Fighters, this is Doctor Mai Maddox. Ermac's collective soul is in disarray. I challenge one of you bold men to take charge and help me purify this pour tormented soul. I implore you!" mom commanded.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

Ermac's unconscious body levitates off the ground, the collection of souls exiting his being at a blistering pace. They all look to be clashing for dominance. One soul managed to emerge from the rest and took control before reentered Ermac's body, the others following suit. Ermac slowly fell back to the floor, unmoving until he suddenly awoke slowly sat upright, hand clutching his head as if he suffered a headache.

"Ermac?" Mom cautiously advanced. "How are you feeling?"

He met her eyes. "Freed. All the voices in our head have been silenced. The head scout of the Freedom Fighters has heeded your call, Doctor Maddox. He reveals himself as your husband, Joseph," he stated.

Mom, by merely knowing that Papa will now live on in Ermac, started breaking down. "Joseph. My Joseph!" She quickly embraced him, not caring if he wasn't her husband that she once knew, tears flowing. "I missed you so much! This is what happened to you? Your soul is trapped by Shao Kahn and his men?"

I hug my mother to ease her pain; Sareena and Lao joining the occasion.

"Joseph says that he's elated to see you and his daughter again, Doctor. It brings us much pleasure to help bring you closure. We thank you for freeing us from Shao Kahn's torturous clutch." Ermac thanked. "Joseph will happily keep all of our other souls in check for the rest of our existence. But no, we must seek asylum until we're ready to travel outside the realm. For now, We will stay in the soul chamber and finish Our rejuvenation. We will speak with you later."

Ermac broke off his part of the embrace before floating back into the soulnado. I can't believe it. This entire time, my father was housed inside Ermac, not just the deceased Freedom Fighters. Lord knows who else is residing in his body. So many questions, yet not many answers. Maybe there's a way to free them all so they could live their own lives again. A certain sorcerer may know how to fix this, even if I have to beat it out of him.

"I'm very happy for you, mom," I say to her.

She kissed my forehead. "Thank you, my child. Hearing that Joseph will guide Ermac from here on brings closure to our story. Thank you so much being my pseudo guide, Callie Ann. You have made me a proud mother."

"For you, mom, I'd do near anything," I said.

But this talk about family had me think of the other two people in this room. Kung Lao and Sareena. I would say my partner, but I feel something stronger between us. I had to speak my mind on our relationship.

"Sareena," I start. "Can I talk to you for a moment?" I ask kindly which threw her off.

She looked taken aback by my request. "You wish to speak to me?"

"I don't know of any other Sareenas," I confirm before pulling her aside gently.

"Are you ok Callie? You have been nice to me, but this is another level of kindness. Dare I say I didn't think you were capable of this," Sareena pointed out.

"Well, I realize that in the short time we've known each other, I've grown to care for you a lot. That I would be angry if I learned that someone hurt you in any way, shape, or form. That includes in the romantic sense of the word too."

That caught her attention.

"I know of your infatuation with Benji as I started noticing it from back in the Trainer's Estate. But you do know that he's completely oblivious to your feelings, as well as having eyes for Jade, right?" I questioned.

Sareena sadly nodded, which was what I feared. "I do know. I saw them together, and I…" She stopped to find the right words. "I'm happy for them. I really am and wouldn't do anything to separate them. But I love your brother, Callie. I love Benji so much!" she admitted in tears. "I didn't want this to happen... but it did. I can't help myself!"

I had a feeling this was the case. Looks like my earlier thoughts are all but confirmed. Being a good friend, I hug Sareena in an attempt to calm her down. Have to say that Benji has a way with the ladies even I didn't know he had. However, he does it nonchalantly, always showing respect and not becoming someone like Johnny. Hopefully, my brother doesn't turn out like him.

"There, there, Sareena. I understand where you're coming from." I console her. "But just because Jade is with Benji doesn't mean that it's over." I profess.

Confused, Sareena glanced at me, her face stained with tear lines. "What are you talking about, Callie? It is over. I can't compete with someone like Jade."

Can't say Sareena is wrong. However, I refused to just let her concede Benji that easily. So what if he's with Jade? Sareena has been tortured herself, and I'll be damned if she doesn't deserve happiness too!

"No, it's not," I defiantly said my eyes locking with Sareena's. "Listen to me. I want you to find Benji and pour your heart out to him. You hear me? I don't care if Jade's with him or not. You're one of the few females I know who's just as good as her. Profess your love for him, animate your passion and do whatever you can to show him how much you care. Ok, sister?" I request.

Sareena stared at me like I grew a second head after calling her sister. Benji's the only one I've cared for as my actual sibling. Sareena is a close second now. Besides, it's fun having her around the house and helping us defend Earthrealm from Tarzan.

"Sister?" Sareena repeated.

"Yes, Sareena. I care for you and trust you. Over time, I've grown to care for you in a way a sibling would care for her younger brother or sister. I now know how Benji feels when he does things for me. He has some sort of twisted power to make everyone he cares for feel so special." I admit. "And now I feel the same for you. We may not be blood, but we are sisters. I love you, Sareena, my little sister." I confess.

She hugs me even tighter before wiping away her tears. "I love you too, Callie; my big sister," she replies before pecking me on the cheek. We separate. "I'll find Benjamin. Even if he doesn't feel the same, he needs to know my feelings for him. Thank you, Callie, for giving me the confidence I needed." Sareena thanked me as she ran out of the room.

A large breath leaves me. That felt really good to get off my chest. Benji may come back and chastise me for this, but Sareena at least deserves a fighting chance. I felt a hand intertwine with mine and I see Lao right next to me.

"You're such a good girl. My good girl." Lao said before kissing me on the forehead.

The flush swiftly returned to my cheeks. Mom smiled with so much purity. "I'm proud of you, Callie Ann. To think that you would find someone to care for besides your brother and I."

"Do you think I did the right thing?" I ask them. "What if Sareena and Jade fight each other?"

That concern did cross my mind. Hell, I could be sending Sareena to her death if I didn't know better. She may be a skilled warrior, but Jade is slightly better, her Edenian training far above anything our demoness has seen. Add to that, Benji may have a hard time separating them if things get out of hand.

My mother nodded. "I know you hold some reservation, but it's up to those three to decide how things go from here. Part of me wished to intervene on your behalf, but you handled it better than I could've imagined. Who knows, maybe they'll put all differences aside and form a poly-relationship."

Lao and I were flabbergasted by her remark. "What?"

"That's right. Poly-relationships are more common than one would think, particularly in Edenia," mother informed us before shaking her head. "But I'll go more in-depth later. We must continue on for Earthrealm's sake."

Lao and I nod, as we leave the soul chamber, my head turning back to see Ermac's resting place. "We'll come back for you, Ermac! Just wait a little longer!"

A/N: Oh my goodness! So much happened this chapter! Lao and Callie are official, Callie and Sareena are now Soul Sisters, and Ermac has been freed! I wonder what will happen next with Benji and Jade? Find out next time on Gone, but Not Forgotten!

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Currently listening to Skippy by Thelonious Monk.