A/N: It's been a while, hasn't it?
In between the last chapter and by the time this chapter goes up, many things have happened. Both in terms of FF and elsewhere.
First, I made an AO3 account, the same name as my FF name, if you're curious. I plan on transferring most of my stories there. The only exceptions are GbNF and Eyes of a Merc and Musician. Any future projects will also go up on AO3 in case anything happens to my FF account.
Now, last time on Gone but Not Forgotten. After an entire Arc of waiting, Skarlet finally slept with Callie after they and Mai moved to California due to Callie taking the Drill Sergeant position in the Special Forces. Callie recruits Kenshi, Cyrax, and even Jax (Albeit with him on a tight rope in keeping his job) to her squad as Earthrealm's first line of defense against outer realm invasion of any kind.
Now that you're all caught up, let's resume the tale that is, Gone but Not Forgotten!
Trainer's Estate: 12:45 P.M.; Twenty-five days before Shao Kahn invades Earthrealm
Dakini's POV
Spar with your mother, you'll learn something, she said.
If the lesson is you're still nowhere near as strong as your mama, then I fail to see what I'm supposed to learn.
Mama beat my behind for over an hour. I get that Tae Kwon Do and Savate are pretty much the same since both rely heavily on kicks, but I don't need to be deciphered this badly in a sparring match.
"Ow, my butt," I said in pain after being knocked to the ground again.
"Bark! Bark!" (Mama's legs are open. Sweep them!) Hamlet coached through his barking.
"Hamlet, no coaching." I groaned before slowly standing up.
"Dakini, you mustn't be so aggressive," Mama instructed. "Haven't you tired yourself out in your relentless offensive attempts?"
"When I first started, but that was when I just became Nightwolf and Uncle Cloud taught me Tae Kwon Do. He said I had Dad's stamina when I grew adept at keeping pace for hours. It increased after I mastered Tae Kwon Do and self-learned Savate. My powers came through these Tomahawks, which are heavier than they look," I explained.
I tossed one to Mama, who almost fell due to struggling with the sheer weight. "These are heavy! How is it that you can lift them so easily?"
"As well as juggle and play Hackysack with them. I'm a lot stronger than I look. I bench 175, so my kicks hurt, you know. Yet, Mama. I haven't hit you once since we began sparring."
"I can only imagine the training and discipline Nightwolf had you undergo so that you may properly adjust to these powers."
"It wasn't fun. But after losing so much, I learned to persevere," I said before feeling on my abdomen, no doubt sore after every time I got the wind knocked out of me. "Ouch, that's going to be so sore tomorrow."
"You must learn to remain calm during a battle, child. It's better to bide your time and pick out an opponent's weaknesses," she pointed out.
"And I would agree if Tae Kwon Do and Savate weren't aggressive Arts. Being patient doesn't reward either. Plus, Nightwolves are patient when stealth is a legitimate factor. I'm only keeping up with the tradition," I mentioned.
"Sometimes, tradition must be broken for one to continue improving. You have potential, Dakini, a fair portion furiously unleashed already. But if you keep doing things by the book, you'll cap yourself earlier than intended," Mama politely warned.
"I'll keep that in mind, Mama. Uncle Cloud, in my time, said I was the most creative Nightwolf he's seen. I can't wait to meet him," I said proudly.
"Jade, dear." Dad and Ms. Sareena approached us after watching our spar. "What's the point of sparring and the purpose of you trying so hard?" Dad brought up. "Even if Shao Kahn's planning on invading, he still needs a sufficient reason. He's an idiot but isn't braindead."
"The bullet Callie shot through his skull would like a word with you," I countered. "He can very well be if he's still alive."
"I'm only being proactive, dearest. Dakini is strong but cannot handle a one on one confrontation with him."
"To be fair, Jade, I don't think any of us can. I'm the closest one, which is debatable. However, the likelihood of Dakini battling Shao Kahn by herself is minuscule. You know that."
Mama then calmed down at the onslaught of truths. "I'm sorry for being so ruthless during our session, Dakini. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"I understand, Mama. I'm the one who came from a doomed future. If anything, I should be extra protective of you and Dad," I reminded them.
"Lee," Dad called for an Informer Crow.
"Yes, Boss. How can I help ya?"
"We're skeptical of Shao Kahn? Is there any way he can invade Earthrealm despite losing his claim to it forever?"
"Actually, there are a couple of ways," Lee responded, which caught our attention.
"What? How?" Mama asked, slightly frightened.
"Well, the first method is for him to damn the consequences and invade anyway. The Elder Gods won't intervene if the invasion succeeds and Shao Kahn merges Earthrealm and Outworld."
"WHAT!?" We all shouted collectively.
"Believe me; I'm shocked too. The fact Shao Kahn can invade despite not having legal wherewithal is actually a loophole. However, the consequences should he fail are extremely harsh. Death would be the least of his problems."
"So after the work we've done and nearly dying, Shao Kahn can still invade Earthrealm. How did the Elder Gods not notice this fact beforehand?" Mama asked.
"It's a matter of them not really caring. Cal constantly said that they're out for themselves, Duffeck the only exception. They probably 'overlooked' the loophole off. But you said that's not the only way."
"There is, in fact, from what I and the others learned." Lee continued. "Shao Kahn was married to Sindel after merging Edenia into Outworld. The guilt was too much to bear for her, and she committed suicide. Now, Shao Kahn can trap the Queen's soul and send it to another realm. From there, he can have a Sorcerer or Warlock resurrect her in that realm, creating a valid reason to invade. That being to get his wife back. But that's also flawed because resurrection is mostly blacklisted, so if he were caught, it spells disaster."
"Actually, it won't be," Dad countered.
"Why not?" I asked.
"When Mom, Ilah, and I confronted Okada about resurrecting Ilah, it was later revealed that she trapped her own soul. Therefore, bypassing the blacklist since she was still technically alive. She didn't actually die if he did trap her soul."
"Not only was the suicide publicized, but the army also conducted a funeral for her. So the same rules don't apply. It'll still be considered a full-blown resurrection, which is deemed illegal," Lee shut down the counterargument. "Shao Kahn will still be in some deep shit if the invasion fails. Unless he gains the means to do so, an invasion doesn't make sense on his end."
"Should we worry, Lee?" Dad inquired.
"Worry isn't the word the rest of the Flock or I would use. But I do suggest telling your allies, Boss, and be more perceptive of your surroundings. We may know a lot, but we can't inform the random and unpredictable, two traits the Old Cow Face has."
"Thank you, Lee. You may leave and tell the other members of the Flock I said hi."
"You're welcome, and will do, Boss!" he said before flying off.
"Bark!" (Dad sure has a lot of Summons) Hamlet commented.
"He sure does, Hamlet."
"What did he say?" Dad asked me.
"He just said you have a lot of summons at your disposal, Dad."
"Well, Hamlet. I am a Summoner. That's my thing. And speaking of summons, I have to go check on Everest."
Dad headed inside as we all watched, a bit unnerved by this revelation. "I'll keep an eye on him. I'll see you both shortly." Ms. Sareena said as she followed him.
They walked away and out of sight, leaving Mama and I out in the training field. When we thought things were looking up, Shao Kahn refuses to give up on claiming Earthrealm for himself. It's bad enough my actual home realm is already absorbed.
I bent my head down. "I miss Auntie."
Mama hugged me from the side and gave a smile before kissing my cheek. "I miss her too. Hopefully, she'll visit us soon. She and Ms. Mai."
"I hope she brings Aunt Red and Nana too."
She nodded. "Agreed. Let's say we get something to eat, child. We have been sparring for quite some time."
"Sure, Mama! I can eat a Bear!"
Sareena's POV
When I said, 'keep an eye on him,' I meant steal Benny away so we can make love until I can barely walk. Jade stole him when I was sleeping after our last session. I intend on taking my turn back. While I may forgive her, I'll be cross with Jade if Benny gets her pregnant first after they promised me that I'll be a mother first.
From the moment I broke from Quan Chi and my 'Sisters,' a child to call my own is all I wished for. Okada said that conceiving one will be difficult due to my residence in the Netherrealm. However, Ms. Mai noted that my time spent in Earthrealm restored my humanity to where pregnancy is possible. The chances are slim, but that's why I've been after Benny like an addiction.
Well, I'm addicted to him. Benny treats me like a Princess despite my origins. And though my lust allowed our past lovemaking sessions to be dirty and sinful, I'll let him take the forefront this go around.
I didn't want to mislead my wife and half-daughter, but this was a prime opportunity for me and Benji to have some time for ourselves. Who knows when we'll have another chance like this again with the threat of invasion prevalent.
Sensually, I approached my handsome husband before leaning in to kiss him. Benny returned my advances, a moan passing through his lips as our passions reawakened, tongues dueling for control. Judging by the soft caresses, he's biding his time as opposed to abandoning all rational and ravaging me throughout this bedroom.
Exactly what I wanted.
Reluctantly, I pulled away from his mouth, biting my lower lip. "You taste divine, lover."
"As do you, beloved," Benji told me. "You've been incredibly patient. Allow me to reward that with a night you'll never forget."
I giggled. "Of that, I'm sure." A pause occurred. "Benny... I want you to know that... if for some reason I can't conceive, it will never change how much I love you."
He took and kissed my palm. "I know, Saree. But I truly believe this is the night where your dreams will come true. Call me an optimist, but that's the feeling I have. Are you ready?"
A huge smile graced my face. "Always, baby."
Warning! Lemon Incoming! If you want to ignore it, keep scrolling until you see the All Clear! Otherwise, Happy Readying!
Pulling him closer, we engaged in another kiss, this one tinged in lust than the previous lip lock. Our lips move with fervor, Benny's hands placed against my love handles as they traced the warm skin over my curves before clutching my backside. A loud moan left me before I reached for the hem of his shirt, pulling it upward. He backed away and helped me remove the distracting fabric off his body. I took a moment to swoon and appreciate his chest and torso. It may not be a mountain of muscle like Liu Kang, but I cherish it nonetheless.
We kissed again, growing hungrier as time passed, hands roaming every which way. I managed to slip a hand behind me and unclipped my top, just as Benny pulled it off while still locked in our kiss. His chest collided with mine as I moaned again, begging for more of his gentle touch. Then, a gasp escaped me, Benny cupping my bosom before carrying me in his arms toward the bed in a sitting position.
The excitement began to build while Benny held my hips and pushed me further on the mattress, head between my legs to kiss and nibble each of my thighs. Moans filled the room before I felt him unbutton my skirt, slowly pulling it and my underwear off, my wet arousal exposed. I needed more of his touch, thrusting my hips out for him to get the gist. Not wasting time, Benny spread my legs in a spread eagle, keeping each still as he latched onto my labia. I gasped, accepting his tongue that parted my folds, throwing my head back from the intense pleasure. Each of my hands groped my breasts, an orchestra of moans leaving me.
"Ooh... yes. Oh, Benny," I crooned. "Right there... please."
Benny sucked eagerly, pushing his tongue deeper, his nose brushing over my clit. I could hear sniffing, my husband taking in the aroma of my essence. His hands then gripped my calves, giving me everything I desired. I slid a hand down to the back of his head, encouraging him as I fondled my chest with a free hand. He slid around my button before bringing his fingers to insert them into my womanhood, the action causing my legs to shake. Benny lapped at the flowing juices, not stopping until they disappeared. I pulled him to my face and kissed him again, grounding our pelvises as I tasted my own nectar.
We separated once more, our breaths labored. "So good, Benny." I groped his crotch. "Let me take care of you."
He smiled. "Of course."
Getting on my knees, I began undoing the belt and pulled down his trousers; Benny helped me discard his shoes. His magnificent phallus sprung out as I stroked him, my eyes boring into his. He moaned when I began sucking, taking my time to work his entire length.
"Saree... dear Lord," Benny voiced his enjoyment.
Smirking to myself, I kept up my efforts as Benny always adored my efforts in providing oral. He was especially impressed the last time we had sex together with Jade. We made her orgasm so hard, she slept throughout the next day. She got revenge the next time around, which I didn't mind. Moving back and forth, I looked up to hold his gaze, my tongue circling his cock head before I stopped.
"An acquired taste, Benny," I breathed.
"Something you always loved to do," he replied. "Prepare yourself, my demoness. I'm getting you pregnant tonight."
I laid down on our bed, spreading my legs apart in an invitation. "Take me, husband. Make love to me."
Benny slowly mounted me as we came together for one last kiss, his mouth moving down to latch against both my teats, pleasurable moans leaking out. He gave a loving glance, silently asking for permission. I smiled and nodded, hissing as my lover immersed himself inside my depths.
The size of his organ filled me to the hilt as I squealed in delight. Our mouths resumed kissing, Benny's hand squeezing my breast while interlocking our other hands over my head. He nipped at my neck and collarbone before pumping his hips in a gradual rhythm. This was the pace I wanted to keep for now. I met his thrusts as Benny groped my ass for better leverage.
Suddenly, my eyes widened, an oncoming climax surging through my being as I tightened around Benny as he buried deep within me. I wrapped all my arms and legs around him, my scream filling the room. He slowed down as my release covered his cock.
"Oh, oh... Benny," I panted, unable to form a full sentence. "You're so good."
"And just getting started," Benny murmured in my ear.
We dueled with our tonsils in another kiss as he removed my legs from around his waist, placing a foot on the bed for deeper penetration. I moaned continuously, relishing the intimacy of his movements. His chest radiated power, beads of sweat rolling down in an entrancing sight. Drool began seeping out of my mouth as I heaved ragged breaths.
Another orgasm was upon me, Benny sensing that as he increased his power, squeals replacing moans. Placing my hands on his forearms, I felt them pulse with heat before shuddering as I squirted over our loins.
"Hah... hah... damn, Benny," I cursed.
Benny chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "You seem at a loss for words, Saree."
I rolled my eyes despite the smile etched on my face. "Only because you're screwing me so good."
Disengaging, I bent over, elbows propped up. "Again..."
Nodding, my husband lined himself behind me and slid right in, gripping my firm behind. I arched my back as he moved back and forth, skin slapping and moans the only sounds made. His genitals hit my slit with resounding force before Benny pulled on my bosom, our bodies aligning as we met in a searing kiss. Our combined sounds of pleasure were muffled by the kiss, and it wasn't long before I orgasmed again.
"Oh... oh, God," I wheezed, out of breath.
I didn't get another breather, not that I needed one, as Benny helped me sit in his lap, granting me control. I placed each leg on either side of his hips before sliding back down on his erection, gasping in delight.
"Mmmmm... yes, Benny. I love you..." I moaned.
Benny kissed my shoulder. "I love you too, Saree. I'm... almost tapped out."
I nodded. "One last round... together." I kissed him. "I love you, Benjamin."
"And I love you, Sareena."
We panted and groaned in unison as I bucked my hips, riding Benny with the last of my energy. He moaned loudly, my walls tightening around him, his hands gripping my love handles. I was firmly in control before leaning forward to press our torsos closer together, bouncing freely. Benny squeezed my ass before shoving his tongue in my mouth, thrusting upward to meet my hips. I screwed my eyes shut before screaming my lungs out for an explosive climax. He wasn't too far behind as he bit my neck to stifle a shout of ecstasy, firing his fertile seed into my womb.
All Clear! Now get back to reading, Killjoy.
It was over. Otherwise, I'd keep going until I couldn't move anymore.
Benny laid back with me on top, holding me close with a tired smile. "Wow... that was incredible, Saree."
I giggled before kissing his nose. "Gods, I've never cum like that before or that many times."
"Good thing I held out until it was the right time." Benny pulled the sheets over our bodies. "Now we wait and see if our effort bears fruit."
Before I fell asleep, Benny then said, "Try not being so hard on Jade. She knows you're supposed to get pregnant first and didn't mean to interrupt our time."
Immediately, I felt horrible. Though some of my ire was justified, I shouldn't have chastised my other lover inwardly. It wouldn't be so different from when Callie and Jade butted heads in Seido, something neither of us wants to happen again, especially in front of Dakini. That could destroy our bond.
"I... I'm sorry, B-"
I couldn't finish my apology as Benny held a finger to my lips. "Don't be. All I'm asking is for you two to be civil. Jade deserves the benefit of the doubt as she and my sister did reconcile. I'm not angry, Saree. I'll make sure each of you receives what you want. Just don't go overboard. Ok, sweetheart?"
With a nod, I kissed my loving husband again before we took a short nap together. Here's hoping our tryst is more than enough to make my long-awaited dream come true. To become a mother to my husband's child.
Also, I need to apologize to Jade. If I say I love her as much as Benjamin, I need to ensure she knows.
Mai's POV
With Callie gone off to Special Forces HQ and me putting Skarlet to sleep to help prep their 'session,' I have quite the free time on my hands. Seeing as I nothing to do, I suppose I could better acquaint myself with this villa since I'll be living here for a while.
The house is quite beautiful.
Callie Ann told me we're in what the people here call Calabasas. Only the wealthy and profitable live here, the house furnishings proof as such. Goodness. She even told me that this dwelling was due to her dutiful services in the Special Forces. The pay was not enough to live comfortably. Her boss gave this to her directly after breaking the record for fastest ascension to the General rank.
Success breeds success, after all.
While I merely got as far as Medic, she became a leader of two armies. I'm proud of my daughter in ways I can't imagine. Hmmm, maybe I should ask her for a position as Doctor for the Special Forces... I have so much experience in medicine, and it would be a waste not to use it. I'll ask her when she returns.
As I pondered my next thought, I heard knocking at the door. That can't be Callie Ann as she has the keys to the place.
"I'll be right there," I said, my hand on the Jambiya.
Looking through the peephole, I saw an unexpected face before slowly opening the door. "Lord Fujin? What brings you here? Callie Ann is not here right now."
The God of Wind smiled. "Madeline. May I come in?"
He called me by my full name? Only Okada does that.
"Please, Milord. Mai will do. And yes, you may come in." I said before clearing the way for him to enter.
"But Madeline is your full name, yes?"
"It is." I closed the door. "But I insist everyone call me Mai as it is what I personally prefer."
"I believe Madeline is more suiting for a woman as graceful and beautiful as yourself," he flirted.
This is new. I wasn't expecting flirtation from a deity, especially from him.
"Oh, a compliment this early in the conversation, Lord Fujin? Now I must think you're after something." We sat down on the couch. "How did you know my full name? I did not grant Raiden that information."
"You haven't. But I'm friends with Okada, and he has told me much about you," Fujin clarified.
Seeing the opportunity for a quip, I took a jab while smiling. "Okada has never told me of you."
Fujin jolted before breathing outward as if he actually got hurt. "I see you know how to hurt people mentally as well as physically, Madeline."
"Well, I am a Doctor. I would hope I know how to inflict physical as well as emotional pain. But playful jesting aside, did you really come all the way from China to converse with me?" I inquired. "I'm well aware Shao Kahn may still invade Earthrealm as he is as stubborn and mentally challenged."
"Believe it or not, I did come all the way from China to see you." He answered, which threw me off.
"I thought deities did not spend time with mortals?"
"That is just my brother, Madeline. Our sisters and I are cut from different cloths."
"Yes, I can clearly see that now." I smiled. "What do I owe this visit?"
"You may call me Fujin, Madeline," he corrected. "I do not like the prefix as much as most would suggest."
"Yes, it always dawned on me that Raiden is slightly arrogant in that regard. But I'm old, so I could care less for the honorific in his case."
"Then why use it for me?"
"Because, Fujin. You aren't swallowed by your God status to get an orgasm whenever someone refers to you as such. You are humble, yet hardworking, and are accepting of your flaws, something Raiden isn't as good as he is hiding it." I analyzed to a baffled Fujin, chuckling at his bewildered look. "May I get you something to drink?"
"Some water would be nice. Unless you have Rice Wine."
That took me by surprise as I headed into the kitchen. "You drink Sake?"
"I partake once in a while. As a deity, it is near impossible to become inebriated. I venture into pubs and fool people into participating in drinking contests with me."
"I never likened you to be a prankster, Fujin," I commented before handing him his water as I take a sip of mine.
"You've had your moments as well, Madeline?"
"Of course. As a little girl, I was infamous for pranking others, if not doing magic tricks for my friends and family. I guess it was those childish interests that drew me to specialize in Illusion Magic."
"Ah, yes. Raiden told me of your exploits. How you cursed an entire section of Outworld with ease. I was informed that Illusion Magic is the most useless school of Magic, but that tale changed my mind."
"It's only useless to those who lack the imagination, Fujin. And I am not devoid of creativity. It's why I partake in other activities besides medicine and kombat. I sing and sew too."
He nodded. "Yes, I remember you sang at Benjamin's wedding. Such an angelic voice. You make singing look so easy and graceful."
Oh dear, am I blushing? Here I thought it was impossible after Joseph passed away.
"Stop, Fujin. I'm nowhere near as graceful as in my younger days. In fact, I firmly believe that I passed it down to my children."
"If that's true, you have plenty to spare." Fujin paused. "May I... hear you sing?"
"I'm afraid a song will cost you, my dear."
"Will a guaranteed second visit count as payment?" he offered quite hastily.
Yet, I couldn't help but admire his drive with a soft chuckle. "It will suffice. Now, what shall I sing for you? I got it. I'll sing you the song I sang at the wedding."
"That would be lovely." I inched closer to him and began singing.
To be in love with you is everything
To be in love with you is everything
Every day is a new way
Every night is still fun and play
Every time you are near, my heart just skips a beat
I've falling more in love with you
I've falling more in love with you
To be in love with you is everything
Oh to be in love with you is everything
Loving you is a desire
Loving you has set my soul on fire
Every time you are near, you sweep me off my feet
I've falling more in love with you
I've falling more in love with you
You, you, you, you, you
I serenaded the Wind God, and... Oh, dear. His face. Seeing it grow a dark red made me feel so warm inside. I laughed at his flustered state as I leaned my head into one hand as it sank into the couch we shared.
"Did you like it, Fujin?"
"I did, Madeline. It is always wonderful to hear your voice."
"I'm glad, Fujin. It's getting late; you should head back to China," I said as we stood up. "Remember, I expect a second visit since I sang for you."
"For someone as lovely as yourself," Fujin took my palms and kissed them, my blush returning with a vengeance. "I'd be foolish to go against my word. Until next time, Madeline."
He then left the villa. Oh my, that just... happened.
I need some Sake after that exchange. To think, me flirting with a God? I wouldn't have ever fathomed the thought since I married Joseph. But he wouldn't want me to cling to him like this. I already decided to live for my children, so I should make an effort in this regard.
Besides, dating a deity is an opportunity that rarely shows itself. I might as well take advantage of my great fortune. As I went to place our cups in the sink, a portal opened behind me. I turned around to see another familiar face.
"Ilah! It's good to see you!" I brought in who I considered my little sister for a hug. "You will not believe what just happened."
Destiny was the youngest member of our circle of us three, her being 10,000 years younger. At the same time, there's only a two-year difference between Ilah and myself. Though her soul trapping herself widened the physical gap by 10,000 years.
"You can tell me later. Okada said there might be Tarkatans scoping out Earthrealm in Japan," Ilah informed.
"What? Agh, Callie Ann is at Special Forces HQ, and Skarlet is asleep."
"We are more than enough to deal with the horde. Plus, I know of someone who slays Demons in Japan. If we're lucky, he may have thinned the herd already. Let's go."
Ilah opened the portal to Japan, and we both headed through, ending up in a Forest. "Ah, there he is!"
"From the look of things, he's handling himself well." I noticed as the horde dwindled with each death.
The man in question wore a black duster with blue accents, a black undershirt, and a scarf, which I assume doubled for a mask. He had on black pants and boots with silver shin guards, fingerless gloves over his hands. He held a longer than average Katana, another one sheathed on his back. With little difficulty, he slaughtered the horde, placing the last living Tarkatan in a vicious headlock. It was then he noticed us.
"Oh! You're late if you planned on helping," he said before taking a puff of his cigarette he somehow held with his sword. His eyes laid on me. "Who's your friend?"
"This is Mai, my best friend. Mai, this is the Demon Hunter I was telling you about."
"A pleasure," he greeted me before asking Ilah, "Do you know what this Yokai is?"
"Uh, yes. Though it isn't a Yokai."
"It isn't? Then what is it?" he inquired while flicking the cigarette out of his mouth.
"Let me explain, Demon Hunter," Ilah answered.
?'s POV
"So this is a Tarkatan?" I asked Ms. Ilah, using its head as an ashtray for my cigarette before snapping his neck. "I've never seen a Yokai like this in all my years." I took a puff, looking down at the monster's corpse.
"He isn't a demon, just of another species entirely. It makes sense you've never heard of them because they originate from a different realm of existence known as Outworld."
"Outworld?" I repeated. "Doesn't sound like a pleasant place." Throwing off the blood off my O-Katana, I sheathed it and blew a final puff of my cigarette before stomping out the butt.
"Believe me, dear. It isn't. I would know as I lived there for quite some time." Mai responded. "Even though the place where I resided was pleasant, I can't say the same for the realm in general. I'm glad my children allowed me to stay with them."
"Well, it can't be a good sign if entities from another realm are scoping this one out. Especially if it was a realm that was lost to Mortal Combat. You think the ruler will invade anyway?"
"I won't put it past Shao Kahn if he's sending Tarkatans to scout out the realm. But you are sure knowledgeable about Demon Slaying, dear! Whoever taught you deserves a pat on the back!"
I bowed in respect. "Thank you, Ms. Mai. My senpai was harsh but did so out of love. Besides, we needed something to do ever since we killed Abyss. I was already a master swordsman thanks to the man who helped me master my own style."
"Senpai? Oh, she was like a sibling to you?"
"You could say that she was an older sister figure. She wasn't as protective of me as she was to her husband, though. It was kind of comedic. Sadly, they passed centuries ago. I make sure to visit their graves every year."
"What was her name?"
"Her name is-" I was about to answer but felt something on my pant leg. I looked down and saw the Tarkatan, barely clinging to life. "They are hardier than Lizardmen."
Taking my O-Katana, I mercilessly drove the blade through his ear, swiping it to the left to vertically cleave his head in two. "Her name was Taki, a kunoichi of the Fu-Ma Ninja Clan."
"Your Senpai was a Fu-Ma Ninja?"
"Uh-huh. She was killed by Toki, her biggest personal demon and master Toki. Her husband and I went on a manhunt for him and killed him, but Kin passed away from the injuries, leaving me in terms of my Japanese friends." I answered before once again throwing the blood off my blade and sheathing it.
"We have no clue when the invasion commences, but can we count on you to help us defend Earthrealm?" Ms. Ilah asked me.
"No need to worry. I'll help assist against this Shao Kahn character you described. Just come find me when the invasion begins," I reassured them.
"Ilah. How is it that you know this young man?" Ms. Mai asked her best friend.
"Young? I'm 439 years old." I questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Young for us, dear. We're both over 70,000 years old."
"I learned from Okada there are still Demons in Earthrealm, particularly in Japan. Seeing as I don't want my skills to get rusty, I ventured out here and ran into him mid-hunt. What demon were we hunting?"
"I believe it was a Tengu."
"Ah, yes! I never heard of them before."
"Neither have I. Were they in Edenia?"
"Not to my knowledge. There are a plethora of demons exclusive to Japan, even in Europe. Have you ever heard of a Gorgon?" asked Ilah.
"A what?"
"Exactly, Mai. Exactly. How long have you been hunting demons around Japan for?"
"For 418 years now. The numbers are finally dwindling down, yet most of the remaining Yokai masquerade in society. I have to do some digging if I want to find the rest. That can wait for later." I said before pointing to the Tarkatan. "Is there anything we should do the body to prevent it from resurrecting itself?"
"See what I mean, Mai?"
"He's extremely prepared. No, dear. He'll stay dead, though maybe we should rid the body. We don't need a news team driving down here when a hiker walks down the path and sees the corpse," Ilah responded.
I scratched my head, laughing weakly. "Sorry for the inquiry. I'm so used to hunting Tengu that I have to ask if there's anything to be done with the body. If you don't burn the head of a Tengu a day after decapitating it, the body will reanimate itself and will search for the head. They were all I hunted for two months. But say no more."
Inhaling, I spewed furious black flames over the Tarkatan bodies as they quickly charred the corpse into ashes. "That's all of them. Are you two going to return to your homes?"
"So it would seem. I must return to Okada and tell him his advisory was well done," Ilah said.
"I'll head back to California. I wonder if Callie is home? What are you going to do next, Demon Hunter?"
"I don't know, might take a nap or get something to eat."
"As Andy Bey once sang: 'Your thoughts are in a bind. Relax your tired mind.' Sleep on it, dear," Mai sang wonderfully and effortlessly.
"Thank you for the tip, Mai. Until next time." I bid farewell and returned back to my secluded home in Kyoto.
"Yes, until next time," she started her goodbye before stopping. "Wait a second. I never got your name."
"You're right," I noticed. "My name is Xan. Xan Shio or Xan of Osaka if you're old fashioned." I revealed before bowing and continuing my trek.
"Until next time Xan," Mai's fading voice said.
Shao Kahn, huh? I wonder if Lady Amaterasu and Lady Tsukiyomi know about him. I'll ask them whenever next I'm able. If what they said was true, getting rid of the rest of the Yokai in Japan can wait.
A/N: You have questions; I have answers.
Isn't Xan a SoulCalibur OC? What's he doing here?
- I realized the sad truth that unless an SC story involving Sophitia, Taki, or Ivy sleeping with one another, it doesn't gain a lot of traction on FF or AO3. But Xan has a special place in my heart through my time on FF since he's the protagonist of my very first story. I'm not benching him.
I thought you said Dakini was the last OC?
- No, I said Dakini was the last Maddox OC. Xan isn't a Maddox. He's of Osaka or is a Shio.
Is he going to be a Main Cast Member?
- Yes, he will be. I hope you don't have a problem with that; like it matters.
I read Tales of... He doesn't smoke in that story! What gives, Salty?
- Long story short, this is an AU version of Xan. He smokes, drinks, and is extremely secluded while keeping things to himself. At some point, this version of Xan's backstory will be explained. Fair warning: It isn't pretty.
Is this an SC x MK Crossover now?
- NO! Xan is like, Freddy, Jason, Alien, Predator, Terminator, Rambo, and Leatherface - a guest character. One with actual plot relevancy. You won't be seeing any mainstay members of the Soul Cast, though they'll be name-dropped.
And so ends the Bonus Chapters for Arc III.
Next chapter, Arc IV begins as we dive into MK III! What did you guys think? Let me know with a PM or a Review and check my page to give my other stories a read. I suggest A Yāo Guài's Journey or Tales of.
Thank you all for waiting so damn long. School, other stories, MoIs, the works, you know how it goes.
I'll see you all soon.