A/N: And now we begin Arc III!
You usually would get more hints as to what the Arc will be about. The Maddox Siblings heading to the Wu Shi is what started MK 2 in the MK 9 Story Mode. But through the last Bonus Chapters, I have done little to make you all infer on the next destination. Well, it's time to put that to rest.
Enjoy the beginning of Arc III!
Two Days Later. Okada's Home, Netherrealm. Undisclosed time
Benjamin's POV
A couple of days later, Cal approached and asked me to see Okada about Skarlet. Cal is enough to miraculously keep her in check, but she can only do so for so long. With four Edenians living under the same household, it was only a matter of time until Skarlet went ballistic, trying to take our blood. It doesn't help that she and Jade have significant problems, my Edenian wife looking for any reason to give Skarlet the boot. Despite her origins, I placed my faith in Skarlet, and so far, she's done nothing to earn my anger.
After agreeing to take her, Sareena insisted on coming with us. Not to keep an eye on Skarlet, but to calm Jade down. Like I previously mentioned, Jade doesn't trust Skarlet and immediately thought of the worst though Cal was going to be there as well as Okada. For now, the two will stay away from each other until a solution is found.
After arriving in his home, Okada greeted us all with his smile. "Oh, I did not know I was having so many guests! Please, make yourselves comfortable. I just wrapped up my duties with Emperor Duffeck for today, so I have some free time."
Cal stepped forward, Skarlet's hand intertwined with hers. "Uncle Okada, this is my girlfriend, Skarlet," she introduced.
Okada reached out to shake her hand, which Skarlet complied. "It is nice to meet my beloved's Uncle," she spoke.
"Likewise, Skarlet." Okada then noticed my wife and his smile widened. "Sareena! It does me well to see you well after your wedding with Benjamin here."
Out of everyone who attended the ceremony, I firmly believed Okada cried the most besides Mother, who he sat by during the festivities. It was nearly comedic, but then it really wasn't. Okada's death dawned a ton of facts about him. He never married nor had children as he was killed before he could propose to his long term consort. Having everything taken from him on top of him being a statistic was harsh, another product of Jerrod's maliciousness. Anyway, he hugged her tightly, and she swiftly returned until they broke it off. "How is he?"
"I'm right here." I cut him off, slightly annoyed at him asking such a question.
Sareena gave me a sad smile. "He's wonderful. I've known nothing but happiness since the union became official." She then kissed my cheek, the small anger leaving immediately. "But as nice as it is to see you, Okada, that's not the main reason why we're here."
Our uncle nodded. "Then let's not waste time. Come."
After getting comfortable inside, Cal and Skarlet told Okada about Skarlet's growing problem. From her similar upbringings to Shao Kahn playing her for a fool, to teaching her blood magic, and her eventual defection.
"And that's what happened," Callie finished. "Red here relies on consuming blood to stay alive because of Shao Kahn. Can you do anything to help?"
"Truly a saddening story. We've all had rough lives from the look of it. Benjamin and Callie Ann had to grow up without parental figures and with nothing to their names. But like them, you've grown into a fine young woman, Skarlet." Okada commended her determination, fierce altruism in his tone. "From the sound of it, Shao Kahn purposely left out how to control your urges for blood to make you more ravenous. All Blood Mages have the urge to feed, as they're linked to the dark side of vampirism. Your soul is not corrupt enough. Purification will not solve the problem entirely. I fear the only way to fix this is to finish your training on Blood Magic. I do not know of any Blood Mages in the Netherrealm. However, Emperor Duffeck may. I will ask for his guidance."
"If only we had a quicker way of gaining this information," I said, not expecting a miracle.
As if Phae herself was eavesdropping on our conversation, a small portal started to open behind my shoulder. My sister took note of it first. "Uh, Benji?"
"Yes, Cal?" I responded.
"Are you summoning Lulie here?" she inquired.
I shook my head. "No, why you ask?"
It was then I felt a small weight on my right shoulder. Turning, I saw another bird. Not Lulie, but a black Raven like her, the beak considerably smaller. Must be a crow if that's the case.
"Sup, Bossman!" the Crow greeted me. "You said ya needed some information?" Everyone, including Okada, was in shock. "What? You can't really be surprised! I work for you!" he said, his thick accent was as if he spent his entire life in a ghetto back alleyway.
"Well, I never summoned you before." I pointed out.
"Oh shit, you're right! Lemme introduce myself. My name is Lee. I'm an Informer Crow," he introduced himself. "Well, my flock and I are. I'm also your second summon! Guinevere thought she was going to be your second summon, but I beat her to it!"
"Wait, Flock?" I repeated.
"Who the hell is Guinevere?" Cal interjected.
"Y'see, Lady Phae became a very busy goddess when you became a Summoner. She created us, as well as Guinevere, who is a Dove. She also alerted the mythical bird of a new Bird Summoner. So you should be meetin' her soon."
"How many-" I started to ask.
Cal interrupted me again. "Do you know of a Blood Mage that can help Skarlet finish her training?"
Lee nodded. "Yeah, I know of a person, but the Netherrealm's Big Cheese should know of him too. The odds of him trainin' Red over here are higher if Okada tells him about her problem as opposed to me."
"Well then, I will be seeing him after all. Callie Ann, Skarlet. If you don't mind, I would like you two to come with me. It would be easier to gain the Emperor's aid if you both were there. Benjamin, Sareena; you two will stay here. We won't be gone long," Okada said as he, Cal and Skarlet, left to go see Duffeck.
That left me, Sareena and Lee alone.
"So, Lee. About your flock..." I stuck up a conversation with my newest familiar.
"Oh, right!" He started. "We're five deep. There's me, Henderson, Mingus, Horace, and Holiday. All Crows and informants. When we aren't giving you information, we actively seek it. We're always in the know of what happens in as many realms as we can possibly enter. Lady Phae granted us the ability to travel all over to do our job, which is to feed you information when you needed. We don't get tired, therefore always on the clock. You won't get me all the time when you summon us. Sometimes you'll get another member of the flock," Lee explained.
"Why do you call him, Bossman?" Sareena took her turn in asking questions.
"Because the connection between a Summoner and his Familiar has to be established. The quickest way to do so is to give our Summoner a name to establish him as the boss. That's why Lulie calls ya Sir, Bossman," Lee answered. "Not to worry, though. The other members will call you somethin' different as to not confuse you. Holiday is a special case cuz she's a girl but isn't spared the same treatment. She's gotta name for ya like all of us do. It'll be an honor to work for ya, Bossman. I'm gonna head out now, but if you ever need some info, don't hesitate to call. Later!"
Lee then flew into his portal, leaving Sareena and me to our lonesome.
Flashbacks of two nights ago filled my mind, and I couldn't help but smile. It was the most passionate night I've ever had in my long life. Just me and my two beautiful wives loving each other. Good thing Mother is with Jade at the estate, possibly speaking on illusion techniques that will perhaps help against Tanya. My Edenian wife is a very skilled fighter and could be even better should she perfect illusion magic.
With nothing else to do, we ventured into Okada's lab for old time's sake. After all, it was here where we first met. With my mentor's help, purified Sareena's soul those few months ago. It's still a mess despite knowing him for more than a thousand years. But I understood why he refused to clean up, getting used to the chaotic layout. Even though things aren't appropriately placed, you still know where everything you need is. So I guess Okada must've gotten used to all his material's new location and most likely forgot where the old spots were, and didn't want to relearn the places. The table where I first met Sareena was still in the exact same spot, but all the dust was wiped off. As we continued surveying the room, Sareena called for me.
"Benny, look at this," Sareena said as she was looking at something out of my eyesight.
I walked over to my wife, and for kicks, kissed her cheek. She responded by pecking me on the lips with a smile. I glanced at what she held in her hand. Needless to say, I was in shock; a list of loopholes concerning resurrection in the Netherrealm. This must be the blacklist. We continued scrolling through each journal, and the methods were numerous as it covered the entire book.
"What could Okada be planning to do with these loopholes?" Sareena questioned. "There are so many."
"Resurrection outside the realm of death, unjust passing, altruistic enough in the first life. Soul exchange and the Equal Exchange Theory." I listed countless methods in the text. Turns out, Okada may be more scarred than he lets on.
"I wonder if Duffeck knows of this?" I said to my wife.
"Let's not jump conclusions, Benny. Maybe the Emperor has had thoughts of allowing resurrection to be allowed if certain conditions are met. I think it's a good idea to ask rather than to make assumptions." Sareena countered. "Let's ask Okada when he and the others return."
I complied. "Alright. What should we do in the meantime?"
A devilish smirk sprouted on Sareena's face. She grasped my hand and led me to the table before sitting cross-legged, leaning back in a provocative pose. "In the mood for some roleplaying, beloved?"
Her seductive ploy worked as she used her legs to pull me into an embrace before kissing me, lust apparent in her actions. I felt Sareena nip at my neck, her tongue gradually getting involved as her hands caressed my clothed chest.
"We have time, do we not?" she whispered sexily into my ear.
I wasn't stupid, though that could be debated sometimes. Should I decide to go along with this game, Sareena and I will share an unspeakable passion on this table, even if caught redhanded. But damn, the way she traced her mouth over my pulse spot made it rather difficult to separate business and pleasure.
Gently, I pushed on my wife's shoulders, fighting off the internal urge to grant her desires while stroking her hair. "Not in Okada's home, Sareena. Maybe when we return to the Estate."
I can't begin to describe how hard it is to say no to either her or Jade when they become lustful. Anyone else in my position would've said 'to hell with it' and do whatever came to mind, consequences notwithstanding. Luckily, Sareena relented, but not without Eskimo kissing me. Gods, this woman is beautiful.
"I love you, my lovely demoness," I said through our kiss.
Sareena's smirk returned. "And I you, my sweet Doctor."
Duffeck's Throne Room: Callie's POV
"And that is everything, Emperor." Okada finished explaining Skarlet's story.
Emperor Duffeck sat on his throne, contemplating his next course of action. He's nowhere near as intimidating though his presence demanded respect. However, it wasn't imposing, unlike Shao Kahn.
"It does me well to finally meet a Maddox," Duffeck spoke, leaning forward so he could get a better look at me. "Your family's rich history is interesting as it is tragic. Although I wished to meet your brother first, it is still wonderful to meet you, Callie Ann. As for your consort, I know of a Blood Mage in the city who can finish her training so that she may control her urge for Blood." He granted.
Okada started speaking. "Wonderful, Emperor! If you will just show us the way, and we will leave you at once!"
Duffeck raised his hand. "No. I will take them myself."
"Are you sure, Emperor?" Okada wanted to be sure. "You don't have to feel obligated."
"Was it you, Okada, who told me to spend more time in public as opposed to spending each day sitting on my behind?" Duffeck brought up.
"But you just met them both. If it weren't for my telling you of who they were, you wouldn't have given them the time of day," Okada said.
Duffeck sighed. "Perhaps if it were a century ago. But I am now taking your advice to heart." He eyed Skarlet and me before standing up to dust off his robes and grabbed his cane. "Come, you two. We leave at once. And Okada?"
"Yes, Emperor?" he answered.
"The next time Benjamin is in the Netherrealm to visit you regardless of company, bring him to me," the Emperor commanded. "I've expressed interest in your apprentice for quite some time. Understood?"
Okada nodded. "Yes, Emperor Duffeck."
"Wonderful." Duffeck made it down and approached us. "After you, ladies."
He led us toward the city and started chatting me up again, matching our strides. "So, Callie Ann. Your brother has a lot of magical power. Can you say the same?"
I shook my head. "I think the magical gift went all into Benji. I inherited Papa's ability to hunt and survive instead."
Duffeck began stroking his beard as he pondered my answer. "I see. Okada told me of you and your brother's hand in arresting Quan Chi. For years, he has evaded capture until you both cornered him in Outworld. The Netherrealm is grateful for your assistance. We are now one step closer to finding Shinnok and bringing his pale arse to justice as well." He then regarded me for a moment. "It's nice to see that Okada has a family he can call his own. After what you all went through, you all deserve happiness."
"Do you know what happened to Jerrod after Edenia lost the ten tournaments?" I asked, curious as to what his fate was after Shao Kahn overthrew him.
"Oh, yes. Shao Kahn decapitated him in front of his own army. When his soul descended into the Netherrealm, I judged his actions before ruling over Edenia. I concluded it was enough to sentence him to endless torture by my men. But the heinous things he committed after taking the throne only added to his punishment. Jerrod, being hypocritical of himself, did nothing to help his case. He was officially condemned to daily torture for eternity in the Dark Prison. For a time, you could hear his screams from the Netherrealm Society, but they have long since silenced.
Heh. Serves that bastard right. Though I'd much rather have Jerrod die by my hands after he heartlessly had most to all our family members murdered because of our lineage. Well, I can't be too mad since he's no longer alive.
"I could not properly judge your Father as Shao Kahn absorbed his soul before he could properly descend," Emperor Duffeck revealed. "But luckily, Mrs. Maddox granted Ermac free will, your father able to keep the other souls in check."
"What of Sindel? Did her soul descend?" I pressed.
He shook his head. "It did not. Either someone has bound her soul, or like your mother, she faked her death as well. But as smart as she was, it took Okada and her husband to convince her to fake a believable death. Jerrod was a political tyrant, and cared little for his own spouse behind the scenes."
Honestly, I don't know how to take that. For what it's worth, Sindel became a victim due to her husband's actions, though she was a diva and attention grabber. Plus, it didn't help when Tanya disclosed that she's the reason Jade's mother is dead.
"Ah, here we are. Allow me," Duffeck announced.
He walked up to an odd-looking house, preparing to knock on the door. Skarlet clutched and squeezed my hand to get my attention. It seemed she was worried, judging from her fearful expression.
"I am nervous, beloved," she whispered in my ear.
I kissed her cheek and lean in, knowing what will leave my lips will convince Skarlet to stay. "If you finish, I'll fuck you when you return."
My redhead gasped at the offer, tightening her hold while using her free hand to softly caress my face, our eyes connecting. "Do you mean that?"
"I mean it. Use our future lovemaking session as motivation to finish. Then our union will be your reward." I answered.
We both looked at Duffeck as he's making conversation with a dark-skinned woman who had a scar over her left eye. She wore red robes with a unique mark. She then gazed at us. "So, which one of you is Skarlet?"
"That is me," my beloved answered. "You are to be my new master?"
The woman nodded. "So it would seem. Name's Malakai. You're one of Shao Kahn's runts?"
"Was," Skarlet corrected.
"No matter. We'll start your training tomorrow. But as of right now, you'll be living with me," Malakai responded. "I'll show you around the city."
Skarlet glanced back at me. "So this is goodbye, for now."
"You'll be done before you know it. Train hard, Red," I said right back.
Skarlet gave me a long kiss as a goodbye gift before separating. "I'll be back, Scout. And when I return, I will be a woman worthy of you." She then joined her mentor.
"Oh, and Malakai?" Duffeck interjected.
"Yeah?" she said.
"Don't try anything with Callie Ann's girlfriend. If you do, I will know, and will find Skarlet a more suitable instructor," he warned.
Malakai scoffed angrily. "You are no fun, Duffeck." With that, she and her new trainee went back inside her house.
I started for Okada's place, but Duffeck stopped me. "Not so fast, Callie Ann. We need to discuss your lack of magic power."
I shrugged. "What's there to tell? I have little magical power save for Hawkeye. Mom says my eyes are a Mark for illusionary magic. But past that, I have no power to speak of. Is there something I'm not noticing here?" I asked, already knowing the answer is no.
"Please, just Duffeck will do." He walked to me and put two fingers to my head. "Hold still, allow me to check for myself."
"If you insist, but don't expect anything," I froze my body as he asked.
Within moments, I felt a burning sensation, almost likened to a searing headache. Then, it all subsided altogether as Duffeck removed his fingers.
"So much magical power lies dormant inside you, child. If you have so much potential, I can only imagine your brother's. Allow me to awaken it for you," he said before placing his palm on my chest, a purple aura leaking out.
I feel like a bunch of blocked off sections of my mind was violently opened. For a moment, I wanted to go and find someone to violently murder, but the feeling was washed away just as quickly. Odd.
"You have gained the abilities of a Messenger," Duffeck told me.
I was justifiably confused. "What's a Messenger?"
"A Messenger is practically an equivalent of the Grim Reaper. It allows anyone to learn any one school of magic, Illusion magic, most notably. The powers are slow coming, so you cannot harness them yet, save for your now innate ability to learn magic. In time, you can do many things. For example, learn the death dates of those whom you wish. So, someone killed prematurely can be prevented because you know when and where the event takes place. You will not do soul collecting by yourself. I have men for that. You'll also be entrusted with a weapon fitting your new status. Spoiler, it's a Scythe," he further explained.
"I don't know how to use a Scythe," I said.
"It doesn't matter. You will be well-versed in due time. The memories of every Messenger is ingrained into the Scythe. That's how you'll gain the ability to wield it as if you are a master. Before you go, you need a Mark befitting your new Title," Duffeck said.
Once again, I felt a violently hot sensation in my palm, forcing me to kneel down. After the pain subsided, I viewed my new Mark, an hourglass. "How long will it take for all of my powers to activate? And will I have to actually learn them?" I asked in succession.
"There's no deadlocked time. It might take days or years, depending on the situation. However, you're Edenian, so it will definitely activate before your soul descends down here. Also, about you and your brother's judgment when you both properly descend. Considering what you two have done for Edenia before her demise, on top of what you've done for Earthrealm, your second life is guaranteed granted you don't do anything to jeopardize it. The only way this could happen is if you somehow resurrect the One Being, then your second lives will be nulled. With that being said, you may go now. I look forward to seeing what you do with your new powers, Callie Ann. May the ground quake as you pass." Duffeck then bowed at me. "Messenger."
My spine shivered at being called that, but regardless, I nodded in response before leaving the Emperor's presence.
Arriving back at Okada's house, I opened the door and head inside. It was then I heard Sareena, Benji, and Okada discussing something I couldn't make out because they were in the basement. When they all came back upstairs, instead of a polite discussion, the tone was hostile.
"Are you fucking kidding me, Okada!? After everything you did to earn favor with the Netherrealm government, you're going to risk it all by performing one of the most heinous crimes in it!?" Benji angrily inquired of our uncle, not happy about the topic of discussion.
"We won't get caught, Benjamin. Please, do this for me," Okada pleaded.
"I'm not going to do it! You have finally lost your damn mind!" Benji shouted, Sareena doing everything she can to calm him down.
I had to see what the hell was going on. "Hey, what the hell is going on here!?"
Benji looked at me, his face quickly shifting from unspeakable anger to a more silent fury. "Okada wants me to help him resurrect his significant other."
"What's the problem with that?" I confusedly asked.
"Resurrection is at the top of Necromancy's blacklisted spells. It's equal to that of murder in the living world," my brother responded before turning back to Okada, the rage coming back out. "Why in the hell would you want to resurrect her now, Okada!? Why not do it when Edenia was still around?"
"Because Madeline and Joe helped me grieve. They were the only ones who could, Benjamin. But Joe and I were executed, forcing Madeline to go into hiding. My second life at first was wonderful, but now it is meaningless without Ilah. I have found countless loopholes, you have seen them all. We won't get caught," Okada spoke softly, doing nothing to calm Benji down.
"That's what everyone before you said before they were caught, Uncle. It doesn't help that you're Duffeck's right hand. If... no. You will get caught. Becoming a mindless zombie forced to wander the Netherrealm wastes unknowingly waiting for a demon hunter to mercilessly end your then pitiful existence will be merciful. Hell, endless torture in the Dark Prison may be too light. Duffeck may personally torture you himself for doing something so rash, so stupid, so braindead!" Benji ranted, his fury rising to frightening levels.
"Then it's a risk I'm willing to take to bring Ilah back. Please, help me." Okada pleaded again, not having a valid counterargument.
Sareena remained silent throughout the entire conversation but had a determined look on her face, showing she was taking Benji's side. My opinion in this matter is small due to my lack of knowledge on the blacklist. Still, if getting caught meant the removal of Okada, then I'd be opposed to the idea too. Benji told me that he didn't like training in the Netherrealm, but Okada himself made the training bearable. His fury is merely a front to hide his growing concern. But if he is this angry, then there must be some genuine resentment as well.
"Please, Benjamin. Help me resurrect, Ilah. Please." Okada practically begged.
Benji took a deep breath, but not because he relented. Possibly fed up with Okada's foolishness.
"I'm going to give you a couple of days to really think about what you are plotting to do. But I'm saying this because I'm not going to help you, and no convincing is going to change my mind." Benji started calmly, but the fury quickly returned. "If you are so blind to not see what you have now, Okada, then you never deserved it in the first place!"
With that, Benji summoned a portal back to the Trainer's Estate and marched through it without even so much as a goodbye, leaving Okada speechless. I was shocked at how much pent up fury resided within my brother in a short period.
Sareena did, however, say goodbye.
"Goodbye, Okada." Was all Sareena said before leaving. Just from her expression alone, I could tell she was torn about what was right and wrong.
Okada and I were the only ones left. I wanted to speak, but I relented. Hell, what could I say? I turned around and began heading for the portal to go back home, but not without saying goodbye.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Okada. Don't do anything rash okay?" I said before leaving his home and by extension, the Netherrealm.
After reaching the other side, I see Benji and Sareena sitting on the living room couch. He looked stressed beyond human comprehension. Okada's pleading must've really gotten to him. I would say something but, I think Sareena is enough to calm him. Plus, Jade rounded the corner and saw the scene as well, prompting me to leave the area.
I've never felt so lost before. Lao's at the Wu-Shi academy while Skarlet is stuck with Malakai in the Netherrealm. Okada may have lost Benji due to his rash and arguably unreasonable decision. Everything is so dark today. Shit, hopefully, a beacon of light will shine soon.
Bless, Mom. She noticed me spacing outside my room and brought me back into reality by placing her palm on my shoulder. "Callie Ann, dear? Is something troubling you?"
"Yeah, you can say that. You have a minute to talk?" I asked.
Her face quickly sprouted a pure smile. "Of course, dear. I always have time to talk with my child. We can talk in your room if you wish-"
I shook my head. "No. Your room would be better and away from prying ears."
"Of course, Callie Ann. Follow me," she said.
When we got to the room, Mom sat on her bed, motioning me to sit next to her. I complied, and she pulled me in closer. "So, sweetie. What is it that's troubling you?"
"Okada asked Benji to help resurrect his lost loved one, Ilah. Benji was furious at the request. In all the time we've been together, I have never seen him that mad at anyone. It was so crazy it left Uncle Okada speechless." I told her, still dumbfounded by Benji's fury at the prospect.
Mom rubbed my arm to comfort me. "Well, Benjamin's fury is justified. Resurrection has been a big no-no all the way back when I was your age. Okada knows the dangers of performing a blacklisted spell and getting caught. I, and by extension, you and your brother know of his grief, but we all have lost a lot more than he has, and we all have found ways to persevere. Whether it be reconnecting with you two, gaining two lovers, or two wives. Resurrection, regardless of the loopholes, will do nothing but hurt Okada. But it seems he's reached a point where we have done all we can. Whether or not Okada will see the error in his madness is his decision alone. There's nothing we can do, unfortunately."
She then noticed the new Mark on my palm. "I haven't seen this before on your person. Where did you get this from?"
"I met the Netherrealm Emperor. He told me I had a lot of dormant magic power, and awakened it by making me a Messenger. The Hourglass is its Mark." I honestly answered. "Do you know what a Messenger is?"
My mother nodded. "I do. The Messenger is an Edenian myth. The legend states that the Messenger, who is always a woman, would be the one to tell someone they'll be dying soon. Death would shortly follow the receiver of the message. The Messenger has a lot of powers, like prevention of death and harbinger of life. Messengers also punish the malicious and unjust, doing so in a harsh manner. They are also masters of any one school of magic. Most chose Illusionary Magic, but some chose other schools like General Destruction or Necromancy. But you have no magical background save for Hawkeye. What school will you choose, Callie Ann?"
"If you don't mind, since I can actually learn magic now, I would like you to teach me Illusion Magic. Now that I'm a Messenger, I can actually cast spells. It's just a matter of me learning them."
Gasping at the offer, Mom hugged me tightly. "Of course! I would love to teach you, child! We'll begin when you are ready, I don't want to rush things."
I lean my head in on Mom's shoulder, and she deepened her embrace. "I love you, sweetie,"
"I love you too, Mom. I love you too..." I trailed off before her warm embrace rocked me to sleep.
Armory:
Benjamin's POV
Instead of destroying another practice dummy in the Dojo, I did something more constructive with my time. Luckily Sareena calmed me down, my anger replaced with shock. I realized my actions were a bit rash and out of anger, but I hope that Okada uses his large brain for once. Resurrecting Ilah will only lead to more significant problems for us all.
I start working on Cal's new holster for her new knife, seeing as when I was supposed to initially do it, I was caught up in more... Physical activities.
I found my design for Cal's blade. Since she took the actual knife, I have to use my drawing to make the sketch of the holster itself. Thankfully I do them up to size so I won't have to guess.
"AOI?" I called out.
"Yes, Doctor?" she responded.
"Can you give me an update on the growing war between the Red and Black Dragon?" I asked while cutting out my holster sketch.
"The conflict has been favoring the Black Dragon as of right now. Considering that faction has no morals whatsoever, they use the resources they've gained more ruthlessly and efficiently than the Red Dragon. The casualties so far have only been clansmen. Not a single civilian has been harmed or killed. In all honesty, I'm surprised the Special Forces have not caught wind of this yet." AOI explained.
"The Black and Red Dragon clans are both well versed at keeping their intentions shrouded in secret. I didn't know of this until reading Shao Kahn's book on Earthrealm when I was still in Outworld. You can thank Lulie for that," I answered back.
"Oh, I did. Though it was when she couldn't speak English, so she just cawed at me. I assumed it meant: "your welcome." but I am not well versed in the language of the Raven. Another item worth noting is that Daegon's fury is slowly growing as the scales continue to tip in the Black Dragon's favor. At this point, he may kill his own men if enemies don't do it first." AOI continued her analysis.
"Do we have an inkling as to why he's even here or know what his motives are?" I inquired before forming the leather to make the holster out of. "I'm not comfortable with Argus' brat running amok in Earthrealm, especially if he runs one of the biggest crime syndicates in the realm."
"Nothing concrete yet, Doctor. Though from what I've learned thus far, I can make an educated guess if you wish to hear it," she suggested.
"Go ahead."
"When Daegon declared war on the Black Dragon, he revealed the reason why was forced merger. If the Black Dragon lost the war, they would be merged into the Red Dragon, practically doubling their numbers. However, Black Dragon would rather die than work with the Red Dragon, hence why they are just killing members. Those deaths were an unexpected wrench in Daegon's plans of realm-wide dominion much akin to Argus when he ruled Edenia. He wasn't the favored child, his twin Taven was next in line for the throne despite being the younger sibling. That threw Daegon over the edge and forced him to flee. How long he's taken residence here remains a mystery." AOI answered.
"Daegon is around my age, but considering his organization was established when Cal and I arrived, he was here longer than us. So the Red Dragon has been around for at least 27 years. Thank you, AOI." I said.
"No problem, Doctor!" AOI responded before disappearing.
I look at my leather and see it's completely formed. Leaving the main table, I obtain my rotary cutter so I can start shaping in the form of the knife's blade. As I walked back to the table, I hear someone coming down the steps. Ignoring it initially, I continued making the holster before looking up briefly to see Cal rubbing her eyes.
"Wake up from a nap?" I greet her.
"Yeah, something like that. Being in Mom's embrace rocked me to sleep," Cal answered as she eyed my work. "Oh, you're making my holster?"
"Yup. It's almost done too. Take a seat. It'll be done in a minute." I told her. "Sleep well?"
She shrugged. "More or less. Mom's bed is really comfortable. Hey, Benji."
"Yes?"
"Do you know of the mythical being called the Messenger?"
Immediately, I stopped sharpening the blade, glancing up at Cal with a raised eyebrow. How did she know about that? Better yet, who told her?
"From what I remember, the Messenger is an Edenian fable. As the Right Hand Woman of the Grim Reaper, she would arrive to let a family know that a member was going to pass away soon. Messengers were masters of the Scythe and any School of Magic. They also had a cornucopia of powers exclusive to them. Mother told me stories about the Messenger when we were young, so I would stay in line. And to reinforce that I should be kind to all women if it can be helped because a Messenger can be any of them." I answered truthfully. "Why did you want to know about that?"
"While we were in the Netherrealm and Duffeck walked Red and me to her teacher, he kinda made me a Messenger after seeing a lot of Magical Potential unrealized inside of me. Turns out, I have the Maddox Magic Pool after all. Papa's powers just took priority somehow," Cal revealed.
My eyes bulged. "Duffeck made you a Messenger? How do you feel? Any violent outbursts?"
"No, save for a little urge to bludgeon something to death, but it went away as quickly as it came. Do you know of the effects of being one? Wait, you can't because you've never been one," Cal reminded herself.
I continued working but explained my knowledge on the subject matter. "Okada is close to a Siren who was a Messenger. They can have random outbursts of violence depending on what school of magic they learn, Blood Magic being the most common."
That got Cal's attention. "Her name wouldn't be Malakai, would it?"
I shook my head. "No, not Malakai. However, I'm pretty sure- Wait, how do you know Malakai?"
"Malakai's finishing Skarlet's training in Blood Magic in hell. Whoo. Bullet dodged. Though I think she may be into women, Duffeck said not to try anything to her," she informed me.
"No, she isn't. Malakai hit on me numerous times while I was training with Okada. Duffeck may be talking about feasting, not as a siren, but a Vampire." I said.
"What!?" my sister exclaimed. "How am I supposed to trust her!?"
"Malakai hasn't fed in millennia. The last time she fed was when she last walked the world of the living. Fun fact, she's Edenian like us too," I said.
"She is? Huh, small world," Cal surmised before saying. "Hey, we should head to Seido." I finished her holster and tossed it to her. Cal then threw me her knife. "Sharpen that for me, please?"
"Sure, and why do you want to go to the Realm of Order?" I grabbed a Whetting Stone before sharpening the onyx blade glimmering in the room's natural lighting.
Her answer was short and blunt. "We should check on Butterface and the Resistance. We did found the basis of it after all."
"I thought we left Ryuji with the Resistance because we could trust him with it," I reminded. "Wouldn't going back kind of kill the point?"
"Wasn't it you who said that we should be safe, just in case, Benji? It's been twenty-plus years since we've been. Who knows what could have happened since we left..."
"We don't. But I may have someone who does. Lee!" I called for my Informer Crow. One flew on my shoulder, but upon closer inspection, I could see that it wasn't him. "You're not Lee."
"You're right. I'm not Lee, I'm Holiday," the crow spoke up, revealing a feminine voice. "You must be my boss?" Holiday asked me.
"Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you, Holiday." I greeted.
"Likewise, Prez. What can I help ya with?" she asked.
"What's been going on in the Realm of Order?" was my query.
"Things have been looking nutty lately, Prez. The Seidan Guard and the Resistance you and your sister created are embroiled in a searing war. Two years have passed since the conflict reached the public's ears, splitting the Populus' opinion in half. Though those who support the Resistance have not made that known. Publicly supporting the Resistance is punishable by death." Holiday relayed. "And the new commander of the Seidan Guard, Hotaru, made the training for the Seidan Guard a lot stricter, bounded by a messed up honor code. The size of the Guard has nearly doubled, the same could be said for the Resistance after its creation. If I had to describe the conflict in one word, it would be a stalemate. The battlefront couldn't be any more even."
Talk about a reversal of fortune. Something told me that Seido wouldn't remain peaceful after Cal and I long departed. What makes me wonder is how much longer will it take before either side begins pushing the issue and end the standoff.
"Thank you, Holiday. You may leave now," I said to her.
"Of course, Prez. Until next time," Holiday said before flying back to resting place.
"Yeah, we're definitely going to Seido," Cal concluded. "We can help Ryuji finish what we started and stick it to the Seidan Guard at the same time. Let's go!"
I wasn't liking where this was going. "What about the others? What will they think when we just up and disappear?"
"Mother, JJ (Jade's new nickname), and Sareena will have to deal with it. Wait, scratch that. AOI can tell them where we went and why," Cal said.
"I can! I can also send you both there if you wish!" AOI brought up.
Before I can voice my opinion, Cal interrupted me. "Sounds like a plan. I got what I need. Send us at once, together, this time!"
"Of course, General. Sending you in 3,2,1." AOI counted down before I see a deep shade of blue momentarily before shifting and twisting in weird contorted ways before arriving in the Realm of Order. Looking to my left, I see Cal, looking no worse for wear. Surveying the surroundings, we recognize it's nighttime, which meant everyone is asleep if the curfew law is still in effect. Luckily we edited it, so the curfew is dependent on age as opposed to a set time. But it would seem the Guards aren't patrolling this part of town. Looking at the road beneath us, it reveals a blue path. We're in Blue Town.
"We should find Ryuji's home. It should be somewhere nearby," Cal told me.
"You remembered?" I asked quietly.
"Yeah. You didn't?" my sister retorted. I was about to shoot back, but Cal placed a hand over my mouth. "We're being watched."
I push her hand away from my face as we start walking. "What? We haven't been here for a minute, and we're being stalked? What should we do?"
Our pace was deliberate and quiet to confirm Cal's assumption. Much to my surprise, a ki signature popped up. It was faint and well-hidden, but not enough to where I couldn't sense it. My sister waited before she stopped, prompting me to do the same.
*Tap* *Tap*
*Tap* *Tap*
*Tap* *Tap*
Footsteps. We are being followed. But by who? It's as if they knew we were coming to this exact location! We continue trekking through Blue Town. Both of us were on high alert. Though most of the Resistance knew who we are, there was no way we could take any chances.
"We're confronting our stalker now. Let's keep going until we reach the edge of Blue Town. Once we do that, summon a Portal to the Nexus under the stalker's feet. Then we'll go through our own and corner him," Cal devised a quick plan.
I nodded. "Got it. We'll use a facade that we're just casually walking through."
Cal agreed as we reached the edge of Blue Town at a crossroads going toward Green Town. The stalker is now suspicious, their movements quiet before randomly picking up again, converging on our position.
"Now," Cal signaled.
I took another step before stomping the path, summoning a portal to the Nexus under the stalker's feet. We heard a brief scream, letting us know the planned worked. I quickly closed the entrance before creating another.
"Good job, Benji," Cal praised. "Let's see who it is."
"After you," I said to my sister.
She shrugged before walking through. After exiting out of the portal, we see a group of burly skeletons holding down the stalker.
"Stand him up," I commanded.
They instantly complied before backing away. Our visitor didn't move or make an attempt to attack us. I wasn't stupid but kept my guard up as I placed a hand over the hood that hid the stalker's face and slowly removed the cover, closing the portal to prevent any escape.
What hid behind the disguise was admittedly unexpected.
Underneath the cowl was a young woman who shared a similar complexion to us and our mother, if not a little darker with black hair falling just below her shoulders. She had a headband on, a few feathers sticking out like Nightwolf's headband. And she had face paint combination of Nightwolf's and Sareena's but in red. Her face showed a look of fear, piquing my curiosity though I refused to shift my expression.
Cal took out her knife and approached the woman before grabbing a handful of hair and placing her new knife under her throat. "Normally, we would skip the talking part considering you were stalking us since we arrived in Seido. But since you aren't a Guardsman, I'm giving you a chance to come clean," she started. "Why are you following us? Can you answer that truthfully?"
She nodded in desperation. Slowly, Cal released her hair and slightly pushed the girl away. "Good. Now start talking."
The woman gulped audibly before bowing. "Thank you for sparing me! *Gulp* Please believe what I'm about to tell you is 3000% the truth."
Cal wasn't having any of that. "Explain."
"Right. I... I am a Maddox," she revealed.
What the...? Cal and I looked at each other with wide eyes. Now I know something's off. I quickly cast a truth spell over our stalker. It's really a good thing Mother taught me to use this ability, which I know will come in handy in the future. After a few moments, the results left me stunned.
She didn't lie.
"She's telling the truth," I said, doing my best to collect myself before glaring at her. "But how? Our Aunts and Uncles were all killed millennia ago. Who the hell are you? And why are you dressed like Nightwolf?"
"My name is Dakini; Dakini Maddox. The reason why I'm dressed like Nightwolf because I'm his successor. Additionally, I'm not of this universe and come from another dimension entirely. And the reason as to why I'm a Maddox is because... is because..."
She started breathing audibly, a tear escaping her eye before she ran and gave me a hug, much to my and Cal's shock. I felt the urge to push her away but stopped from doing so when she raised her head, giving me a look at her facial features. To my utter disbelief, it was almost like staring at a clear reflection of Jade, those familiar green eyes locking onto mine.
Wait a minute...
"I'm your daughter from the future. Jade is my mother," Dakini finally admitted in a small whisper.
"DAUGHTER!?" Cal damn near bellowed.
This day just got a whole lot more interesting.
A/N: Oh Shit! So much information in one chapter!
We all finally met Duffeck and have been introduced to Skarlet's teacher, Malakai. Okada wants to resurrect his long lost love, Ilah. And now we have Dakini Maddox, Benji and Jade's Daughter from the future. Yes, she's telling the truth, nipping any fan theories in the bud right now. But Dakini's origins will be revealed next time on Gone, but Not Forgotten!
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Currently listening to: Ready to Die by Biggie Smalls.