40th Street Cathedral, Manhattan; 4:00 PM. Day 1 of the Earthrealm Invasion
Xan's POV
Mai coming back to the Cathedral with a guest was something none of us, save for the Sergeant, expected. She was told of her mother's plan to bring back Mileena as a turncoat to Shao Kahn before going out to find me with Shana. Everyone was skeptical at first. Who wouldn't be? We just brought back our worst enemy's daughter, who told everyone that she willingly betrayed him?
It was too good to be true.
Then Mileena spoke, sounding precisely like her 'sister' and not acting like an elated child. Despite her outfit (allowing Johnny a handful of chances to ogle her, which she noticed), Mileena told us everything, especially me, that we needed to know. She's good in my eyes if Mai purified and matured her mind.
My attack on the Tarkatans, despite how virtually perfect it went, didn't leave me unscathed - a small wound on my right arm. I most likely got that when I was growing tired. Slaying at least 200 Tarkatans with help from the two deities who blessed me, I'm surprised a nick on the shoulder and loss of breath was all I got. Amaterasu thought the same way and offered to patch the cut-up herself.
"There. That should be good enough where no one can see the bandages around your arm. I should have paid more attention to your blind spots."
"It's nothing to complain nor worry about. I can still fight, Amaterasu-sama."
"What did I tell you about the honorifics, Xan? Don't make me order you to drop them."
She finished wrapping the wound. I took the cigarette placed over my ear and put it back in my mouth before lighting it. Tsukiyomi was quiet the entire time, more so than usual. She looked a bit uneasy as if she had something on her mind.
"Lady Moon, you've been awfully quiet. Is there something you wish to say?"
"Yes, Tsuki. I have never seen you this secluded before."
"It's nothing, Ammy. Just thinking to myself."
"Well, as your older sister, I feel like you should tell me and your champion. Your thoughts haven't stopped you before, Tsuki. Why would it now?"
Lady Moon felt her sister had backed her into a corner before relenting. "Fine... 415 years ago, we, as well as the Old Man, Cepheus, Isabella, and Xianghua, prevented you from taking your life. A year after that, you became Ammy's and my first champion."
"Thanks for the reminder, Lady Moon," I said bitterly.
"The entire time while you were our champions, I never had to worry that you would attempt suicide again. And through this stunt, you made me think..."
Amaterasu and I put two and two together, and it didn't take us long to figure out what Tsukiyomi was getting at.
"You thought I went out to kill the rest of the Tarkatans alone because I wanted to die?" Needless to say, I was genuinely offended. "Are you serious?"
"I agree, Tsuki. This is rather radical, even by your standards." Amaterasu came to my defense. "Don't you think that if Xan really wished to commit suicide, he would have done so centuries ago while we were investigating the Mayans? Or when he was alone last year to 49 years ago while alone in the Bamboo Forest because of Kimura's departure? I cannot speak for Xan, but at least I know what you think of him, Tsuki. A tool for Japan's defense."
"You know I do not view our champion that way, Ammy!"
"To you, Xan's a tool who can speak."
"Ammy... I do not view Xan in that manner, and you know this," Tsukiyomi stressed to her twin. "I may be a hardass, but I care for our champion, my champion. I don't want anything or anyone to harm a single strand of hair on his head. I can't imagine how guilty I'd feel if something happened to you."
"Well, Tsuki. Your words have allowed me a new perspective on what I am about to say."
"You have something to say too, Lady Sun?"
"Yes, Xan. I wish the opportunity to apologize to you."
"Apologize? For what?"
"I cannot speak for my sister, but I will not be as radical or harsh as her. In making you my champion, I've been extremely selfish and completely thoughtless of your life in the long run. Although I have nothing but pride in you, I essentially robbed your life since Abyss's death. That has wracked me with guilt, eating away at me for centuries. Yet a generous size of it has disappeared since you asked us to help raise Kimura. But being one of three mother figures for her is not enough to erase the harm I've caused. Therefore..." Amaterasu got on her knees and performed Zarei in my general direction. "Please forgive me for my selfish act."
This sure is surreal.
"Lady Sun, please stop. You do not have to beg for forgiveness. Lady Moon, please help me here."
"You heard him, Ammy. Please stand back up. We have to go back to Japan and check on the forest. Maybe you should tell him what we did there instead of begging for forgiveness that he doesn't want."
"What did you two do in Japan?"
"Eradicated the rest of the Yokai that you and Kimura practically erased in Japan. Yours and Kimura's duty to us after the invasion is prevented will be over. Our atonement for ruining your life, Xan. As a thank you gift, we will allow you and Kimura to keep the powers we gave you those centuries ago since we know that you'll make great use of them."
"We will try and make regular contact with you and Kimura. Not as your patron deities but as reliable allies."
The Twin Deities both bowed at me.
"Until next time, Xan of Osaka." And they both disappeared.
I took a giant puff of my cigarette. The yokai of Japan... extinct? What will I do now that the job I took up to honor Taki-senpai is over? What will Kim do when she gets the news?
"What will I do?" I wondered aloud.
"I'd like to put in my two cents if you don't mind," a voice responded.
I looked up to see... Mileena.
She was in a more modest getup to boot. Gone was the skimpy outfit that showed too much skin. Mileena now wore kunoichi clothing with steel gauntlets and shin guards. Her mask remained the same, but it meshed well with her new outfit, both Sais stashed around her lower back. I suppose it wouldn't be an outfit for Mileena if we saw nothing. Just the right amount of cleavage and legs each.
"Mileena... Mrs. Maddox finished your new clothes already?"
She chuckled. "As Mommy says, 'I have yet to meet someone with more skilled hands behind a sewing machine.' I'm surprised she had enough materials to make me this outfit. It's miles better than my previous one, don't you think, Edgemaster?"
Mileena spun slowly, allowing me to see how... snug the gear melded against her body.
"Yes. I, for one, enjoy your new look as well as your new voice."
"It isn't new, but I like everyone else here prefers how I sound now."
Mileena sat next to me. "But what I have to say about you and your daughter's future. Mommy told me about all the good you've done for Earthrealm. But in my opinion, it's time for you and Kimura to expand your skills."
"Expand?" I repeated. "If only things were that simple. Where would we start?"
"Outworld," Mileena listed before plucking my lit cig out of my hands.
"I don't think you smoking that is a-"
She then pulled down her mask. My eyes widened to see the once tarkatan faced Mileena... had a normal jawline and teeth. She noticed my staring and blushed before chuckling.
"Edgemaster, don't you know it's not polite to stare?" Mileena took a puff of her own before leaning in, her voice lowering to a drawl. "Allow me to let you in on a secret, Edgemaster. An Edenian body cannot gain any disease or terminal illness. In spirit, you and your child are Edenian, just like Mommy, Sister, and I. I can partake in something like this with you if it means spending more time together. I'll run through an entire carton if need be."
Mileena effortlessly blew smoke out of her mouth as our noses nearly touched. She handed back my cigarette. "Here you go, Edgemaster." She then placed a finger over my lips. "Also, shh. Only you and Mommy know of my face. Please keep it to yourself."
"I don't have a reason to tell anyone else," I said while taking another puff. "But I don't like owing anyone. Has Mrs. Maddox told you of possibly having Edenia separated from Outworld?"
She was taken aback by the thought. "No... she has not."
"Well then, a secret for a secret, yeah? Ask her about it next time you talk to her," I said before finishing the cigarette and stomping it out.
"If Edenia can get separated, that would be a phenomenal place for you and your daughter to migrate. But the chances of that are slim at the moment." We walked out of the room I was resting in. "There is a way to increase those chances."
"And what's that?" I asked in response
Before Mileena could answer, Ilah ran into us. "All hands on deck, Xan! You too, Mileena!"
"Ms. Ilah? What's going on?"
"The Cyber Lin Kuei are invading the cathedral. Slay anything that runs on circuitry. Give no quarters," she issued our orders before transmuting her arms and heading back to the center.
We rush to defend the base because who knows what will happen if we lose our primary stronghold. Arriving at the center, we saw the second figurehead of the frontline forces - a tall white-haired woman with power far beyond anything I've ever seen before.
"Edgemaster, step one in increasing the chances of Edenia's restoration... Purify Mother's soul."
Kim's POV
I can only imagine how lost Pa is right now. The job he started centuries ago is now done, and on a Demon Slaying front, so is mine. If not for watching Sareena, then I would be lost too. Hopefully, they're keepin' him busy in Manhattan. The less he has to think about being unemployed, the better for everyone.
Not to say he relents when mentally confused. If anything, Pa's more ruthless when in that state of mind. And if no one's there to keep him grounded, he may take things a little too far.
"Kim," Sareena interrupted my train of thought. "How are you feeling?"
She most likely asked because Tsuki and Ama-sama told me my job's done and is curious about my future.
"I'm fine, Sareena. Just a bit bewildered, but that's normal for someone of my profession, especially when they're told they don't have it anymore," I responded. "Finding something else to do won't be hard. I can just go back to the Kabuki Theater and lead as opposed to an understudy. But in terms of being a Demon Slayer, I have to expand or risk becoming rusty. Not being Pa's blood daughter kinda sucks in that regard. I don't have his insane muscle memory."
"But you carry a level of grace in your movements during kombat. I don't recall you ever wasting movement."
"I adopted the mannerisms from Kabuki Theater and mixed them with the evasive movements that Otou-san taught me. I really made it my own. Add in some Aikido for sharpened defenses, and you have a virtually flawless and unique style of swordplay."
Sareena nodded. "Very impressive."
It wasn't three seconds after that statement did the front door burst open. I pulled out my weapons but eased when Benjamin, Jade, and a teary-eyed Dakini came in with an injured Hamlet. They must've been attacked, bruises over everyone but not enough to be considered life-threatening.
"Jade, come with me. I'll need your help with the procedure," Benji ordered before eyeing their daughter. "Daki, stay here with Kim and Sareena."
"But-" Dakini tried protesting.
Her mother gave a reassuring smile. "We'll make sure Hamlet recovers, child. I promise. But listen to your father."
Reluctantly, Dakini nodded as her parents left. Benjamin carefully carried Hamlet into the room where his medical tools were. Sareena cautiously approached Dakini, who looked distraught.
"What happened, Dakini? Who attacked you?" Sareena inquired.
Dakini regained her composure after wiping her tears away. "That blue-skinned freak along with Rain and Shang Tsung. He... he hurt Hamlet."
Sareena hugged her. "I'm so sorry to hear that. But I'm glad you and the others are ok." She moved away. "How extensive is the damage?"
"I don't know. Dad won't know for sure until he examines everything."
"Knowing how Benny is, he'll find what's wrong and make sure Hamlet is healthy." Sareena kissed her forehead. "You have nothing to worry about."
I took a swig of Sake as Sareena comforted her daughter-in-law. "Well, Daki. If Hamlet's as tough as you, then you have absolutely nothin' to worry about. If only Shana were still here, she could help your Dad since she knows healing magic herself." I covered my gourd. "But I'm still bewildered that you're pregnant, Sareena. Pa said that Oni couldn't conceive because they're all corrupted, and their souls are completely malicious."
"I... I can explain that. I was corrupted, my soul tainted to where it would be impossible to cleanse. Being around my sisters kept it that way. But despite us being 'family,' I was abused regularly. Deciding that I couldn't take anymore, I fled. That moment of rebellion slightly cleansed my soul to the point where I can travel among denizens. It's where I met Okada, a friend of Ms. Mai's."
"And he did what exactly?"
"Helped me find a sense of identity while controlling my true form. All demonic creatures normally look hideous, and only the most powerful demons can adopt humanoid appearances like mine. Normally, a demon's true form is stronger, so I only turned into that when in a dire strait. Even then, I abhorred that transformation because it made me a monster."
"So how come you can maintain that form for so long? Even the most powerful demons can't hold their humanoid form indefinitely."
"Eventually, I was tasked by Okada to infiltrate the Brotherhood of Shadow. He re-tainted my soul, but the pure part persisted and remained. After I was relieved and could leave, Okada and Benjamin purified my soul completely. Little did I know that granted me a sliver of humanity. It also completely removed my ogre form. This is my true body now. I cannot change back no matter how hard I tried. But somehow, I'm stronger now than I was then. And finally, the purification gave me the ability to conceive. Although the chances are low since I'm still an Oni, purified or not."
"But here you are. In nine months, you'll begin the true test of might... Motherhood."
"Yes. I cannot wait."
That's when he heard a sound behind us followed by footsteps. We looked to see Pa and Sarge. "Where's Benji? This is a borderline emergency."
"Dad's in the basement treating Hamlet."
"Hopefully he's almost done because we need him right now," Sarge said as she booked it for the basement.
"Otou-san, what happened in Manhattan?"
"A couple of things. Lady Sun and Lady Moon told you what they have done in Japan, right?" Pa began as he sat down across from us. "One, Mrs. Maddox matured Mileena's soul to where she's Kitana's actual twin now."
"Huh? Mrs. Maddox can do that with one illusion?"
"Ms. Mai is unrivaled when it comes to illusion magic, Kimura. She's a woman of many talents."
"I was shocked too, Kim. But Mileena sounds exactly like the Princess now. No acting like an obsessed little girl, which threw everyone over there off but something we all quickly accepted," Pa explained. "Next, Sindel invaded the cathedral."
"Sindel found you all?" Sareena asked worriedly.
"She nearly killed Jax and Nightwolf as a result. I nearly eviscerated her, but Mrs. Maddox insisted we get Benjamin so he can purify her soul. Personally, I think we should kill her since we'd have a strategic advantage over Shao Kahn. Sindel's death means he would no longer have a reason to invade Earth. And since he'd continue anyway, he'd plunge himself deeper into this stupid little hole he dug for himself."
"Xan, as smart as that is, some things can't be solved with decapitation or disembowelment. That wouldn't be fair to Kitana or Mileena to be robbed of their mother again," Sareena argued.
Pa nodded. "I agree, which is why I relented. But we are fighting against the clock. If Benjamin doesn't purify Sindel's soul before she awakes, she'll attack us again. And I won't be giving her a second chance."
"Otou-san, how are you feeling?"
"Fine, Kim. Why do you ask?"
"Ama-sama and Tsuki-sama told me of what they did in Japan. I'll be fine since I can go back to being a Kabuki performer. But I don't know about you. Unless you can go to another realm, there's nothing for you to do. She also said that you got hurt when you drove the Tarkatans to extinction."
"Lady Sun loves to over-exaggerate things." Pa took off his right coat sleeve to reveal the light bandages around his arm. "A small cut that wasn't even deep. Honestly, I'm surprised that's all I got. But you know I have a ridiculous pain-threshold, Kim."
"Right. Oak Tree." I remembered as I choked down laughter. Pa playfully pulled my cheek in response.
"I don't think I can purify her soul by myself, Cal. Not without some chance of making a mistake. If this is something Mom really wants me to do, I guess I have to swallow my pride and ask Okada for help," Ben said as the trio made their way up to our floor.
Soon after, Hamlet was walking about as usual. Dakini was certainly happy about his recovery.
"Hamlet!" She called for her pet enthusiastically.
The Husky responded in kind, licking his master's face happily. I looked at Jade, who looked visibly uncomfortable. I can make a safe guess that it has something to do with Sindel.
Pa noticed this too. "You look distraught, Jade. Is there something you wish to say? Do you not wish for Sindel's soul to be purified?"
"Who's jumping to conclusions now, Xan?" She snipped.
Ignoring the sass, Pa shrugged. "If I'm wrong, Jade, then I apologize. But you didn't say that I was. It seems your reasoning for wanting her to stay dead is different than mine. Dare I say it's personal."
"Which is none of your damn business, Edgemaster."
"I'm afraid you're wrong there, Jade. The moment Sindel attacked Earth was when her life and whether or not it should end became my as well as the Sergeant's business," he corrected without a raise in tone.
Jade's hand started to clench and form into a fist after the disagreement. Pa noticed too and decided to back off.
"Tch. Nevermind. We have better things to do than spark another pointless argument. Perhaps I'm better off not knowing the reason why. Depending on how petty it is, it may get me angry for the first time in centuries."
"Excuse you!?"
And here we go.
"I understand that I misjudged you and your daughter, but who do you think you are for thinking that my reasoning is petty!? What do you take me for, a toddler?"
"How can you be so angry from a harmless and potentially false claim? Just say that I'm wrong, and we can move on with the conversation. Don't lash out at me when we can be more civil. Is that the example you want to set for your daughter?"
Jade was downright livid, Benjamin having to step in her path.
"Don't you dare lecture me on how to raise our child! Especially when you make a living by mindlessly slaying monsters. While that may fit someone so used to being secluded like yourself, Kim deserves better than be stuck in your shadow."
Oh no. Pa did not take that lightly, his face visibly frowning, nose contorting as he stood up.
"Otou-san, please don't-"
"Kim, shhh. The parents are talking right now," he silenced me as we all had no choice but to be quiet.
"Since you want to debate parenthood philosophy, Jade. Then let's clear the air. You do not like me at all. Understandable, though I don't understand the reasoning as I have done nothing to earn your ire. Sure, I have said some things that may have offended, but I bear no ill will behind the words when you did the same. I don't know if it's my lack of a filter or the fact that none of those things were lies despite the potentially harmful things I have said. I don't know and could care less. I do not get angry as easily as I did when I was a youth. Now you've gone too far."
"Wrong, not far enough since no one, including Amaterasu and Tsukyomi, checked your blatant disregard for respecting anyone who isn't on your level," Jade corrected. "You were ready to behead Sareena if not for Benji and I stating she was our wife, your first mistake. Secondly, you had the utter audacity to tell my husband and my sister-in-law to fall back after this battle as Earthrealm's protectors. What, because we have more to lose? Everyone in this room and back in Manhattan has something to lose, Xan. If all hands aren't on deck, Earthrealm is only the beginning. You've lost your friends; we've lost our parents, our people, and our entire realm. Were all the citizens perfect? Hell no, and won't ever be. But that doesn't pardon Shao Kahn and his cronies' committed slaughter against them. Tell me. Do you honestly believe we wanted to be here in the first place?"
"Jade. I'm not discounting your efforts in wanting Edenia to be restored. And I never meant any harm by your wife. I merely observed something that isn't common, and I spoke of it. You're the one who placed your hands on your weapons. Mileena had already made a solid argument on helping you restore Edenia, but you have to understand. Earth's safety comes first to me, and I will act accordingly. Don't take my motivations, actions, or most importantly, my words for disrespect. I do not mean any harm in anything I said to you since we've met. I promise."
"Good. As for Sindel, we need her alive. None of us in this room knows without question whether or not she willingly followed her bastard husband. She's the key to uncover the truth behind Edenia's downfall and Jerrod's madness. Us killing her eradicates any chance of bringing our home back, which is why Kitana shall not know of this. So while your strategic purposes hold merit, it becomes a detriment in the long run. Now then, we have a job to do. Help my sister keep Sindel sedative while Benji and I retrieve Okada."
Benjamin broke the silence. "You heard her. Time's not on our side right now. Let's go, Jade."
"Yes, husband."
"Meet us at the Cathedral on 40th Street in Manhattan," Callie instructed. "That's where we'll be."
Creating a portal, the two left to find this Okada, but not before the Sarge gave Jade a subtle head nod. That could've gotten a lot worse. Crisis averted.
"We should head back to Manhattan and help the others oversee Sindel. That way, we can subdue her if she attacks again," the Sarge said.
"We will, Callie. I'll try and be more mindful of what I say and how it's said," Pa responded as he and Sarge went through their own portal to Manhattan.
Benji's POV:
We made it to the Netherrealm in record time. I'm glad I didn't use any of my healing powers to mend Hamlet, as that would've sapped extra energy that I'll need later. Since we're already at Okada's doorstep, I went forward to knock.
Not before giving my Edenian wife the most passionate kiss I've ever given her.
Jade was left speechless but didn't push me away, our lips melding together for the longest while grasping my shoulders. What she showed me a few minutes ago was the exact reason I wanted her as a spouse - passion, selflessness, devotion.
I finally broke away, almost breathless. "That was for not sticking up for you the first time. Never again will I let anyone discredit you, Jade."
She smiled before kissing me again. "Thank you, Benji. Do you think Okada will help us?"
"I can't assume anything after our fallout, but we have no other options."
The door creaked open, Okada seeing us on his doorstep. "My children... If you're here, it's begun."
"Okada, we need your help with something."
He invited us inside his home. "You know I'll help when I can. My trip to the library with Duffeck is over, and we found what we need."
"I need your help with purifying Sindel's soul," I answered bluntly.
"You did not resurrect her, did you?"
"Wha- No. Shao Kahn did and unleashed her on Earthrealm to weaken the forces so he can invade."
"Oh. You had me worried for a second, nephew. Bringing Ilah back brought with it some paranoia. Pay it no mind, I'll help you. Do you have a soul to disperse?"
"I almost did, but Argus' bastard intervened."
"I'm not surprised that Argus didn't keep his word. He was a Dacarthi supporter, the fastest way to gain favor with Edenia's people. I have a few on standby, so it's a non-issue." Okada grabbed his Crescent Moon Staff. "Shall we go?"
I summoned a portal to Manhattan as we all walked through. We arrived outside the Cathedral and walked inside to see the others scattered about the main room. Cyber Lin Kuei parts were strewn all about the floor, circuitry sparks flickering from every destroyed machine. Xan, Mom, Cal, Ilah, and Mileena monitored Sindel to ensure she didn't awake prematurely.
Mom saw me and smiled before motioning for us to join them.
"How long has she been out for?" I asked.
"Give or take, a half-hour. Mommy has been using Illusion magic to keep her asleep," Mileena answered.
Her actual voice threw Jade and I off. "You weren't joking, Xan. She sounds exactly like Kitty."
"My apologies for the shock, Doctor. But this is who I really am, and I do not plan on speaking in that raspy voice ever again. It hurts my throat," she quipped before eyeing my wife. "You two look cute together."
This is one of those things you had to see to believe. Mileena sounding like Kitty, apologizing meaningfully and complimenting my partner and me. Surreal.
"Are we clear to do the purification, Okada?"
"I do not see any reason for us not to. You didn't resurrect Sindel. Thus you can't be punished. Duffeck and I agreed that the person who was brought back shouldn't be punished for something out of their control. If anything, this gives us more ammunition against Shao Kahn."
"Music to my ears, Uncle Okada," Cal spoke.
"Mine as well, my niece. Benjamin," Okada pointed to the opposite side of the unconscious Queen. "To the other side, please. Like with Sareena, on my count."
"Right."
Our hands became the same hue of blue as when we purified Sareena's soul. (One of my favorite memories) Pouring the essence inside of Sindel, we mirrored movements as we pulled her dark purple soul out of her body. I've never seen such corruption before. I can only imagine what Shao Kahn did to get it to this level of malice.
"Dear me, I'm glad you asked for my assistance, Benjamin. A soul at this level would be impossible to purify alone. One will not be enough to cleanse this monstrosity," Okada explained.
He obtained four souls, all of them slithering upward before viciously attacking the corrupted soul like rattlesnakes. The malevolent entity tried to fight, but the efforts were in vain as the soul went from a dark purple to a dark blue. We slowly descended Sindel's soul back into her body, our hands reverting to their normal state.
"I forgot what it's like to have assistance in Soul Purification. Lower magic cost is always welcome."
"Why was Mother's soul that shade of purple?" Mileena inquired.
"Most likely due to a soul infusion. You take another's soul, most likely a sorcerer or warlock, and infuse their souls with one who doesn't have a soul that studies a school of magic."
"Interesting," Mom mused. "Sindel knows Illusion Magic since I taught her how to use her voice as a weapon. I wasn't expecting her to know how to extend her hair and use it as a whip."
"That was most likely from the infusion. Its sole flaw is that the strength increase is permanent. If the soul was purified, that could be disastrous for the person whose soul was used as an infusion. It severely weakens them and is also permanent."
"You think Shao Kahn was the one who used his soul as the beacon?"
"If he had a functioning brain, then he would never and most likely used Shang Tusng as the beacon. Which only means doomsday is coming... fast," Okada forewarned.
I felt on my head, wary of the draining process we completed before falling to a knee.
"Benji?" My wife kneeled with me. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Jade. Just a little tired."
"Not surprising. Purifying a soul infused with a Sorcerer's while corrupted afterward is tiring. I wouldn't be surprised if you fainted from the stress. I'm glad I did the purifying while you held the soul. In truth, I'm a little woozy myself at the moment." Okada poked the cathedral floor twice with his staff, a portal opening. "Best of luck. I must report Shao Kahn's resurrection of Queen Sindel to Duffeck. It brings us one step closer to bringing retribution to the Emperor. I will see you all soon."
My mentor walked through the portal. Jade helped me stand back up, and as I did so, Sindel was slowly awakening. Edenia's former Queen sat up with a hand over her head, most likely writhing in pain.
Cal then kneeled next to her. "Sindel...? You there?"
"General Maddox? Yes... I'm here. It's good to see you." She saw the people in her immediate vicinity, noticing Mom, Jade, Ilah, and Mileena in tandem. "If this is a dream, please do not wake me. Mai, Ilah. Jade, Milly. W-where's Kitana?"
"In China. We didn't tell her of your being here since when you were last awake, you tried to kill us all," Mom mentioned with a straight face.
"Regardless, we're glad you're with us, Sindel," Cal said.
My sister then did something controversial. She spat in Sindel's face with a visible frown. To say that we were all shocked was an understatement.
"That's for running my army while I was gone," Cal seethed before calming down. "I'll get Kitty."
She left via teleport.
Sindel removed the spittle from her face. "I did deserve that."
Her eyes veered toward Jade, guilt immediately sweeping over the Queen's expression. "I... I am deeply sorry for your loss, Jade. Destiny's death was something that I did not expect or want to happen."
"Expect to happen!? YOU were the indirect cause! As far as I know, you had a hand in my mother's death!" My wife screamed.
"Jade, calm down," I requested. "What do you mean by that, Sindel?"
"Doctor Benjamin Maddox... I see that time has been extremely kind to you. And you've chosen quite the beauty as your other half. I applaud your successes. Getting back on track, there wasn't a woman in Edenia, including myself, who wasn't envious of Destiny's inner and outer beauty. I did not want her to die as she was close to Mai and Ilah, my teachers."
"You taught Sindel Transmutation Magic too, Ilah?"
Ilah shook her head. "Heavens, no. I was her Kombat Instructor. Me being an idiot, I was also the one who introduced her to Jerrod."
What...?
"But how? Why? I thought you hated Jerrod?" I accused.
"Relax, Benjamin. I do hate, Jerrod. I didn't introduce them of my own free will. If I didn't, my Hunting License would've been permanently revoked. I had no choice since hunting was how I helped Okada pay the bills in our household. Jerrod happened to notice me teaching Sindel while in the middle of an instruction. He and his bodyguards cornered me. Had I attacked either of them, I was facing life in prison or public execution."
Jerrod indeed was a monster; his crimes and policies spoke for themselves.
"She's right," Sindel remarked. "No one who knew me personally had sour things to say about Jerrod, even me."
Now that was news.
"Really? So the happily married couple-"
Sindel nodded. "Was all an act. I stopped loving Jerrod mere years into our marriage. He had many mistresses while we were together. But to separate from the most powerful and influential man in Edenia was akin to suicide. I had no choice in the matter. The sole highlight of our union was giving birth to Kitana. Shao Kahn was a better husband than Jerrod, and my time with him was its own floor of hell."
"To the point where you killed yourself, completely ignorant to the fact that he could and did trap your soul, leaving Kitana and Jade alone with that bastard."
"One of my many regrets, Mai..." Sindel tightly shut her eyes, overwhelming guilt in her subtone.
At the very least, we gained some clarity on Ms. Destiny's death.
Though I still felt the need to ask something else. "Sindel."
"Yes, Doctor?"
"What of Manuel?" I questioned her about Jade's father. "What became of him?"
A somber expression graced Sindel. "Another needless tragedy. Manuel caught wind of Destiny's passing while on tour in Edenia's southern hemisphere and marched back to the center." She glanced at my wavering wife. "Your father always had a premonition that it was Tanya behind his wife's murder, so he challenged her to trial... by Kombat."
Jade was in literal disbelief, her mouth quivering. "No..."
"I'm afraid so. Manuel had her on the ropes despite the massive age difference. Somehow Tanya gained a second wind. When Manuel wasn't looking, she shot a fireball straight through his chest, incinerating his heart. Tanya killed Manuel through treachery. I wanted to investigate his death, but Jerrod barred me from doing so, meaning he was involved in the glorified assassination."
Tanya... that heartless witch. She seriously committed a double parricide? How can one person hold so much contempt and hatred for one family?
Jade fell to her knees and hugged me tightly, tears uncontrollably sliding from her eyes as she wailed bitterly. I returned her embrace with as much warmth as I could possibly muster to comfort my wife in her time of need.
"It's okay, Jade. I'm here..." I murmured soothingly in her ear. "Tanya will pay for what she's done, with interest."
"I'm... I'm... I'm going to kill that bitch, Benji," Jade swore through her grief. "For all the evil she's perpetrated. She and Ko'atal find more reasons for me to discover new ways of torturing them."
My wife then rose her head to gaze at me, her eyes a puffy red but sharp and focused. "Promise me, Benji. That you'll help me bring that gold-wearing harlot to justice."
Carefully, I grabbed her hand and placed it over my heart. "On my honor as your husband, I promise, Jade..."
I kissed her forehead to calm Jade as she laid her head on my chest, crying silently. On a brighter note, Cal and Kitana returned. And when Kitty saw Sindel, her eyes instantly watered.
"M-Mother?"
Sindel stood, tears brimming. "My sweet daughter. Kitana... Oh, how you've grown so much." The pair eventually closed the distance and hugged with so much emotion. "I missed you so much, my daughter. I should have never killed myself. It feels me with great joy to see you again."
I looked over at Mileena, who stood next to Xan. The Edgemaster nudged her arm and pointed at the pair. He said something, but I couldn't make out what it was exactly. Mileena did a double-take before slowly gathering the courage to approach them.
Kitana was skeptical at first, but after noticing her sister's modest outfit and authentic voice, she became confused. Mileena's explanation of what happened to her made Kitana accept everything. In one day, no, less than half an hour, Kitty got her mother back and another sister.
Distracted, I didn't notice that Jade snuck a sensual kiss against my cheek, licking the same spot quick enough for no one to see.
"I want to make love to you, Benji. Take me home. That's an order," she seductively whispered her command in my ear.
The bones in my body jumped with lustful excitement. How could they not?
"Now?" I whispered back, fighting back the blush and smile I wanted to display.
Jade then gnawed on my ear, my blood boiling at this point. "Yes, husband. Now."
I stood up with her in my arms. "Say no more. Mother, Cal. We'll be right back."
"Benji, where are you two-"
Cal didn't get the rest of the words out as we disappeared inside the portal I created back to the Trainer's Estate. How I wished I could've seen my sister's face before we left for ammo at a later date.
Mom sighed. "Those two lovebirds..."
"They're gonna do that now!?" Cal exclaimed.
"If you were here before retrieving Kitana, you'd understand why. Come, I'll fill you in while they 'reaffirm' their love."
Jade's POV:
Every emotion surged within me, but none of them were more apparent than longing and desire. I have not been able to lay with my husband for quite some time for a couple of reasons - the coming invasion, our joint agreement in helping Sareena conceive, and me training Dakini.
That won't be the case now.
The portal sent us directly into our bedroom, most likely startling Sareena, Kim, and our daughter. However, that was far from my concern at the moment. I can't tell you how long I've waited to have Benji all to myself.
And no one will dare disturb us.
Once situated, I still found myself being held in my lover's arms. We wasted little time continuing in our passion with a slow kiss, his hands memorizing all my curves while mine caressed his biceps. It didn't take me long to discard his duster and shirt. My husband's chiseled body always gave me shivers.
Benji wrapped his arms around me to pull my body closer. I twirled one hand through his hair, the other's fingernails tracing down his torso toward his thigh. Moaning, Benji skillfully removed my cloak, gloves, and uniform top - a tight olive bra underneath.
I smirked. "You like?"
"Like?" was his coy response, kissing all over my neck. "I love it, Jade. It's my turn to seduce you."
Without warning, Benji grabbed my ass and moved us to the nearest wall to pin me there. Fire engulfed my belly at being taken in this manner. Sure, I welcome to entice and tempt my husband every chance I get. But to have him turn the tables is something I crave.
Looks like I'm the lucky one tonight.
Our kiss turned passionate as Benji's tongue snaked inside my mouth for a sensual duel. I felt my leg hiked in his grip, allowing him to push his frame deeper into me. Feeling dizzy amidst the sexual haze, I failed to realize Benji had brought us to the bed, gently lowering me on my back. Then, a cascade of wet kisses graced my warm skin and cleavage, goosebumps rising with each touch. I damn near unraveled as he lingered at my toned midsection, teasing licks bestowed around the navel.
My moans came out as needy. "Mmm... Benji, you tease."
"I've only just begun," he drawled.
Moving further down, Benji unclasped both my boots, carefully sliding them off my legs before my bottoms followed in the same manner. I was left in only my lingerie, close to bearing myself. I brought him down for another kiss as Benji reached behind me and unclipped my bra before tossing it away. He couldn't help but stare at my bosom, my profuse blush covering my face before I led his hands to them. Raspy moans left me after feeling each breast squeezed tenderly. They grew louder after Benji kissed and grazed each teat with his talented tongue.
"Ohhh, yes. So... so good, Benji," I sounded my surrender.
We kissed again as Benji hooked his thumbs into the straps of my underwear, removing them to expose my arousal. Biting my lip, I watched him descend upon the wetness surrounding my mound. He wasted little time probing my core, keeping my thighs far apart to bring me nothing but bliss. Moans turned into tiny screams as I threw my head back, breaths labored.
'By the Gods, he knows my body so well,' I thought in my mind.
After ten minutes, Benji stopped torturing me and kissed his way up for us to meet in another tonsil battle. I reached out to undo his pants, stripping him of those and his boxers. I then moved my hand towards his pulsating member, the length just as I remembered as I began stroking. Benji let out pleasured groans during my movements.
"Please, lover," I practically begged. "Don't make me wait any longer."
We shared a lustful kiss, no longer caring how loud our collective moans were. I massaged his manhood, shocked at how well endowed he is even after making love numerous times.
"Telling me not to wait? When you're stroking me so well?" Benji grinned. "Who's teasing who, beloved?"
"Can you blame me, husband?" I whispered hotly in his ear. "You're so big. How this fits inside me is such a wonder that it keeps me awake at times."
I stopped stroking him and took his hands before leading him to the same wall he had me pinned earlier, placing one hand against the wall while aiming his sword at my walls.
Slowly backing up against his penis, I let out lustful groans as my carnal instinct took over. Benji was granted the heavenly view of my ass jiggling with each minimal movement. Although I never had the stamina to accept his entire length, I made it a mission to take it all before this session's over. Little did I know...
That was Benji's desire as well.
He grabbed and squeezed my ass, pushing forcefully until his shaft was no longer visible. Reactively, I had one of the most intense orgasms I've ever experienced.
"Ohhhhhhhhhh, fuck!" I swore, struggling to regulate my breathing.
Exiting my sheath, my husband embraced me from behind. "Oh, my." His low voice rumbled in my ear. "Never did I imagine my first wife and lover to be a quick shot."
Biting my lip with a smile, I craned my neck halfway to maintain eye contact. Then, I started swaying my hips while my ass hot dogs his dick.
"I may be a quick shot, my love. But I still have enough stamina." I Frenched-kissed him. "You should know this by now."
Benji quickly turned my body around and pinned me against the wall. His stare, eyes, and attention... were all on me. Tanya and Ko'atal may have tortured me while in my presence, but this man always erased the pain away, and not just in the bedroom.
"Jade... you don't understand what you do to me. You have the power to drive even the sanest man to madness. Surely you know this?"
My smile sawed my face in half. "I do, my love. How else did I marry the most handsome Edenian in all of history?"
I recalled the time when he proposed and called me the most beautiful woman in Edenia's history. Nothing else mattered at the time. Benji could've asked for my hand 100 different times, and my answer would always remain the same as that day.
"I love you, Benji."
"I love you too, Jade."
We kissed again as my lover lifted me in his arms with ease, leading us to the bed as I wrapped my legs around his hips. Falling onto the mattress, I managed to flip him onto his back, taking control of the action.
"Hope you don't mind me riding you..." I winked.
"I love it when you assume control, beloved."
Leading his hands to my waist, I positioned myself above his spear and moaned lustfully as Benji entered me again. He sat up and began suckling my chest with my head thrown back. My lower body gyrated to its own rhythm, waves of pleasure surging throughout. I held Benji's shoulders for support before increasing my tempo.
"Oh, God... Jade..." Benji rasped his comment.
Tilting his head upward, I crashed my lips against Benji's as we continued letting our emotions free. He laid back down to marvel and appreciate my figure. The way his eyes analyzed and scanned every detail made me fall in love all over again. Benji leaned up to capture my lips again while fondling my breasts. I could feel him smirk against my mouth the entire time.
Sensing my body growing tired, Benji reserved positions again to lay on top. I folded my arms overhead, submitting to him.
"Debase me more, Benji. I plead and beg of you," I breathed.
Our embrace was of love and tenderness as Benji impaled me once again. I took his entire length this time with ease. He stroked with love and passion behind each motion, his member filling every crevice. My hands instinctively grabbed and nearly ruined the bedsheets. The noise produced was loud enough where the others could hear. We could care less now, though we might have to explain the birds and bees to Dakini later.
The strokes became harder, and I felt myself clawing at anything I could grasp. I clawed at Benji's back before hugging him deeply, coiling my legs around his hips as he stroked faster and harder, to the point where I could pass out.
Yet, Benji decided to play dirty and pulled out of me.
"Benji! What the hell!?" I scolded but kept my voice down.
I failed to notice the wicked look in my lover's eyes. Before anything else was said, Benji grabbed and placed me on all fours before pushing his way back in. My back arched with another loud moan, cherishing every moment of this debauchery. He spared me no breather or mercy, to which I granted him a chorus of gasps, sighs, and pants.
"Yes, Benji! Yes! Fuck me harder, please!"
Benji complied with my demands, our sweaty loins and bodies colliding nonstop. Being kinky, he pulled on my hair to bring up my upper body, aligning it with his while mercilessly pounding my smoldering vice. I began seeing stars as my ass jiggled with each powerful thrust, essence coming out in buckets. Benji groped and fondled my swaying chest before bringing me to his mouth for a hot kiss.
That was when I reached my limit.
Fortunately, I bore witness to our combined climax, as Benji shot his seed inside my womb with one final stroke while growling. An ear-splitting scream was heard as I cried out in pure ecstasy. I wouldn't be surprised if he dried himself up for the remainder of the year. Even as he exited me, I felt more of his sperm leaking from my vice. That had to be the best session we've ever had.
I know it's not a competition, but... top that, Sareena.