A/N: Been a while since I touched this story, huh?

It's been ages since the end of Arc IV, and I said I would let the end breathe before coming back to it. And work on other stories, namely Yao Guai's Journey and Eyes of a Merc. Well, I'm not going to finish Eyes of a Merc. Through rereading it, that story couldn't have ended on a better note. The former is only a couple of chapters left before the end, so I decided to get back into GbNF. Besides, this is probably the story you follow if you've even heard of me. This isn't me lying, but giving you all a head start.

So since you all forgot how the Bonus Chapters worked, allow me to give a quick refresher. Bonus Chapters are here to tie up loose ends, introduce new characters that will be important to the Arc, and set up the next Arc. But for this group of Bonus Chapters, there will be a new purpose. Getting to events that I wanted to do when the Arc was still being done. There are a few events that I set up during the Arc but couldn't get to. So don't expect two chapters like the last three arcs.

Without further ado, let's begin setting up for Arc V!

San Francisco, Earthrealm, 3:00 PM: Two Years after Shao Kahn's death

Kim's POV:

The peace was nice while it lasted.

After the Tyrant was capped and Edenia rediscovered, we separated and began the next chapter of our lives. However, we all decided to remain close and in touch.

The Maddox Family quickly moved into their new home and began helping the Royal Family resettle to ease the Edenian people's nerves. Pa and I were there with them, each for our reasons. Pa was with Mileena as her temporary bodyguard and also hers and Kitana's Combat Instructor. As for me, soon after the chaos from Shao Kahn's failed invasion died down, Jade, Sareena, and Ben unanimously agreed to name me their son's Godmother. So I reserved to spend time with them all to ease Sareena's pregnancy. Nine months later, and after 55 hours of labor, Sareena gave birth to her son, Theodore. Everyone (and I mean everyone) was there for the joyous occasion. Dakini stayed with them but moved back and forth between Earth and Edenia since she's still a Nightwolf, an Earth defender.

Sarge, Skarlet, and Lao all moved back to California. Their engagement gave Lao the courage to leave the Wu-Shi Academy. They haven't agreed on a 'Save the Date' yet, and when they finally decided on one, Shinnok invaded Earth. As for Mrs. Maddox, she made her relationship with Fujin public to everyone and moved to the Wu-Shi Academy with him while becoming the Academy's Medical Expert. She and Fujin look cute together, and from what Ben has told me, she's been her happiest after reconciling with him and Sarge.

As for Pa and I, we were recruited by Sarge to serve in the Special Forces. Otou-san nearly couldn't do it since he's romantically linked to Mileena. She, Sindel, and Kitana pushed hard for him to become her bodyguard permanently. It took him, me, Ben, Jade, and Ama-sama to get them to relent. Lovers or not, we're still Earth natives, and her defense is our number one priority. That explained why I had to refuse Kitana's offer to be her bodyguard. Pa became a member of Sarge's squad while I served under the General directly. Most of our time in Special Forces was spent fixing the invasion damage. Pa didn't often work as Sarge put him on part-time since he needs rest after tirelessly defending Earth for centuries. He's only called in when she needs an extra pair of hands and her group isn't entirely available.

By the time we were done rebuilding, Duffeck had come to us with a desperate missive. Shinnok and Quan Chi have escaped from the Netherrealm and were going to regain their strength by conquering Earth first.

Why is it always Earth that's targeted?

Outworld has a power struggle going on right now. If I were smart, I'd invade Outworld first, but I guess Shinnok isn't that bright. Currently, the war is being fought on three fronts. Raiden, Fujin, Ama-sama, and Tsu-sama are defending the Sky Temple. Sarge and her crew (minus Pa and Kenshi) are in the base of the Temple following some of Shinnok's Revenants. However, their reports stated they lost them.

Boss Lady's group is as follows: The General, Johnny, Kenshi, Dakini, Hamlet, and myself. We were flying over San Fran on the way to the Sky Temple to reinforce Sarge's group. Shinnok's invading the Sky Temple because he wants to corrupt the Jinsei, which essentially keeps Earth alive and pure. Who knows what the hell will happen if he corrupts it?

"And that's everything. Hence why we're flying to the Sky Temple. Any questions?"

"How long will it take for us to get there? Time's a-tickin'," I ask Kenshi.

"About an hour or so if the flight's uninterrupted. Don't go drinking, Kimura. We need you sober, for in case a fight breaks out."

"Ken, you worry too much. I've fought monsters bigger than this helicopter while shit-faced," I admitted as the helicopter's whirring and humming occupied the silence.

"While that's impressive, Kimura, I would rather not take that chance," Kenshi responded with his usual friendly tone.

That's when disaster struck.

As we glanced at our pilot, we saw a kunai viciously shoot through his skull, his body yanked from that seat, which caused the helicopter to spiral downward.

"General! Redirect the plane!" I yell at my boss.

She nodded and quickly took the empty seat. We all turned to see the revenant Sub-Zero kill our backup, leaving just me, Kenshi, Johnny, Boss Lady, and Dakini against him and Scorpion. Scorpion threw his spear at Johnny who caught it with his bare hand, showcasing his quick reflexes.

"I'm good," he complimented himself.

Johnny pulled Scorpion towards him and flash-kicked the Spectre into the aircraft's ceiling. Before he could press on the offense, Sub-Zero intercepted and froze Johnny while delivering a hard kick. The rest of us took his spot as we all attacked the duo.

Dakini used her Tomahawks against Sub-Zero but failed to land any decisive blows. Sub-Zero stiffly kicked her in the chest as she fell hard. Hamlet defended his master while she recovered. I joined him as we started to overwhelm Sub-Zero as he intercepted me before I could slash him. Before he could continue, Kenshi held him in place. Sub-Zero fought off his telepathic powers and threw him out the door. I rushed to see if I could find Kenshi and see him on the side, ingraining Sento into the aircraft.

"Mr. Kenshi! Are you okay?" Dakini asked him.

"Don't worry about me, Nightwolf. Just give me a minute to recover."

I turned around as Sub-Zero was about to hit Dakini atop the head with his Ice Sword. I intercepted the attack with my Laundry Pole, switching positions to kick him in retaliation as he flew out of the chopper.

"That's one bogey," I said to Dakini as we both watched him hit the street.

"Yeah, now onto- Kim! Watch out!" Dakini warned.

"Huh? Wait, what the fu-"

Scorpion tackled me out of the helicopter as I felt my grip on Laundry Pole loosens and even fall out of my hand as we descended. Scorpion teleported to safety while I continued to fall. No biggie, I can use my powers to do the same. Any minute now...

Wait, my electric powers aren't working! What's going on? As I realized this, I'm about to crash into the street. Oh man, this is gonna suck.

"Oof!" I yelled in pain, crashing and rolling into the destroyed city block. "Ow, my back."

Why didn't my powers work? Did something happen to Tsu-sama? No time to worry about that now. I went to get my Laundry Pole but realized it fell out of my hands when I was talking. It then spun towards me until it stopped right in front of my person. I looked up and saw Scorpion. Did he toss my weapon? Grabbing the handle, I used it to stand up.

"Daughter of Shio Xan. Where is your father?" Scorpion inquired.

"Pa's in Edenia right now. But not to worry, I'm more than a match for you, Hasashi," I grunted in pain, shaking it off before readying myself.

"I will not be dishonorable even to a woman who isn't deserving of it. Don't disappoint me, Shio Kimura."

Okay, I don't have my Electricity, but I must still have the other blessings. I wouldn't have survived a fall from that high up if I didn't. No worries, I can still beat this obedient arsonist. If Scorpion knows any better, he shouldn't underestimate me since I'm a woman. He might be sexist towards female warriors if he's as old as I think since we're both Japanese. But beating Scorpion should be easy if I rely on Pa's teachings and my status as a swordswoman with more than a century's worth of experience.

Scorpion dashed and slashed at me, but I parried it and bashed my pommel against his eye. He teleported and kicked me in my back in retaliation, though I regained my balance before falling. I turned to block another slash from the Spectre, rolled over his back, and landed a nasty gash against his abdomen. The cut was deep but not threatening as he simply ignored the wound.

How did Pa deal with him? Think Kim, think! That's right! I know what I have to do now.

Scorpion recklessly slashed me again, and I blocked each attack. I stiffly kicked his abdomen wound to momentarily stun him. If I can't use my powers, I don't know if I can use my Sealing Ninpo.

Hell, it's worth a shot at this point.

I kneeled and channeled as much chi as I could, passing a hand over my blade. To my happiness, the sealing Kanji appeared over the steel. I quickly dashed at the Spectre and struck his chest, sending him into the sky with it finalized. A Blue Sealing Ring appeared, and after pursuing him, I landed four vicious strikes as four more sealing rings emerged. With one final downward slash, I send Scorpion through the six sealing rings, sending him back to his sphere in hell.

I landed back on the ground as various skeletons dragged him down, sarcastically waving at him. "Ja ne!" (See ya later!)

I put my Laundry Pole away and surveyed my surroundings. Looking up at the street lights (the ones still standing, anyway), I see Chinese lanterns strewn about the area. I'm either in Shanghai or Chinatown. Moving down the street, I saw more intricately designed lanterns, indicating I was in Shanghai. The Sky Temple is accessible by foot, but it's a long walk.

As I pondered the next course of action, I felt a shot of frigid weather spread around me, my vision clouded by fog. I struggled before turning around as I was frozen solid. My Laundry Pole dropped again as I saw Sub-Zero approach me menacingly, spawning his Kori Blade.

Fighting off the chill just so I can move, I break out of my frozen state by divine luck and land a hook against Sub-Zero's mask. He spiraled away as his mask flew off. I grabbed my Laundry Pole and rushed him before he could recover, landing a vicious slash on his torso. The blow nearly eviscerating him as I viewed his bleeding body, fatigue catching up to me as I was forced to one knee. I lost half of my blessings from Tsu-sama.

Only one thing I can do. Recollecting myself and head for the Sky Temple.

I took a few deep breaths before standing back up, analyzing the Laundry Pole's damage. Not to the point where it can't be used, but showing the wear and tear from my fall. Hopefully, I can get some answers from her or Ama-sama about losing my powers.

Looking for the high tower in the distance, I start walking in that direction.

Mai's POV:

"She's gone, Lady Amaterasu..." I diagnosed Tsukiyomi's death, a slit throat and punctured lung.

The Sun Goddess wept for her dead twin. "No, Tsuki. Tsuki..."

"Onee-chan, I'll help you bring her inside," Fujin said somberly as the four of us, formerly five, had a moment to breathe. "Thank you, Madeline. Though the news wasn't what we wanted."

"I'm deeply sorry, Fujin. Shinnok held a grudge against her? Quan Chi mentioned that his killing her was retribution for what she did to him."

"The last time Shinnok attempted to invade Earthrealm, Tsuki was key in his failure by defeating him in kombat herself. I guess he never let it go, even for this long," Fujin answered.

Raiden teleported inside the temple. "The next wave of demons is almost upon us. With my sister's untimely passing, we require your aid in the fight, Doctor Maddox. Will you join us?"

To my surprise, Fujin got up in his brother's face. "No, Raiden! I will not let Madeline risk her life!"

I pecked his cheek to calm him down. "No need to worry, Fujin. I can hold my own. I'll be there, Raiden. You need not worry, but allow us time to mourn Tsukiyomi's death."

"Very well. You only have a few minutes at this rate. I will quickly scout the perimeter for any potential flanks. I shall return shortly." Raiden then teleported out of sight.

"Lady Amaterasu, I'm sorry. There isn't anything else I can do for her. But you heard your brother, we need all hands on deck. Will you join us?" I asked the Sun Goddess.

Though I had the feeling we'd need to give her some much-needed space. If Tsukiyomi is gone, what would that mean for Kimura and Xan? Will they lose their powers or only some of them? Of all the times for this misfortune to occur, it had to be now.

"Mom? If you can hear this, respond and tell us how are things at the base," Callie Ann spoke through the radio she provided us.

"Sweetie, I'm here. It's good to hear from you." I responded.

"Likewise. What's going on at the top of the temple?"

"We fought the demons off, but I'm afraid we have a casualty. Lady Tsukiyomi was killed by Quan Chi during the madness. Guinevere and I just confirmed her death."

"This isn't good. Kim's blessings are tied to her. If she's dead, Kim loses some, if not all her blessings."

"That's not possible. I blessed Kimura as well. At the very least, she may lose her control over electricity. But she still has Divine Endurance and Divine Strength," Amaterasu clarified.

"Did you hear that, Callie Ann?"

"Loud and clear. Makes me wish we had Xan right now. But it would be rude of me to go to Edenia and pull him here when he should be resting. We're continuing our trek through the forest. We saw Revenant Smoke some distance as Cyrax pointed him out and have been following him since. We're trying to not get too close."

Raiden teleported back near us. "Doctor Maddox. It is time..."

"Do you think this is the last wave?"

"It's a distinct possibility. Afterward, we will head down to the lower levels to check on the Jinsei."

"Understood. Sweetie, I must go. I have been called to fight. We will speak soon, so keep your radio close."

"Got it, Mom. Good luck and be safe."

"You too, dearest," I said to my daughter before the line cut off. "Alright, Raiden. Let's move."

"Agreed. Sister, you stay here and grieve. You're fighting is done. Come, Doctor."

I nodded as Fujin, Raiden, and I headed outside to see the demons rise up from the steps. Then we see him... Quan Chi. As if the world is damning us for our failures as thunder sounded.

*BOOM*

With him were a couple of revenants, but I only recognized one of them.

"Smoke," I spoke.

"Smoke is dead, Doctor. I am Enenra."

A shame. Either Smoke was killed during the Outworld invasion, or the Cyber Lin Kuei apprehended him. I have to imagine he defied them to the end.

"You still defy Lord Shinnok after all that has happened? Shao Kahn's invasion has left Earthrealm weak for the taking. Lord Shinnok will take Earthrealm."

"Not if we have anything to say about it. Shinnok would've had an easier time if he invaded Outworld instead," I revealed to the pale Sorcerer.

"That may be true, Doctor. But Shinnok wanted Raiden and Tsukiyomi dead, so we chose to start here. I have already done half of my job, and I doubt reinforcements will come to your aid."

"And I doubt your doubt, Milk-for-Skin." A voice called behind us.

We all turn to see a friendly face... Kimura.

"Kimura! You're okay!"

"Yes, Mrs. Maddox. It'll take more than falling a couple of hundred feet and getting frozen to kill me." Kimura stood next to us before whispering in my ear. "I lost my powers and can't summon electricity anymore."

"Tsukiyomi is dead. Quan Chi killed her during the last onslaught of the Sky Temple. Shinnok and her had problems in the past."

"Tsu-sama is gone? That explains everything." She pulled her sword out. "We'll dwell on that later."

Quan Chi was not pleased with Kimura's sudden appearance. "Scorpion should have killed you."

"He's currently in his sphere of hell 'cause I sent him there. And Sub-Zero is bleeding profusely in Shanghai. I'm a hardy bitch, as you can tell, baldy."

"No matter, your ends are fast approaching. Prepare to meet the Goddess of the Moon in the afterlife!"

The swarm of demonic footsoldiers surrounded us from all directions. I kept my eyes on Quan Chi throughout the onslaught as he'd most likely try to pull a repeat performance on Raiden, who's busy with the other demons.

I rushed to intervene when he sprung his attack and intercepted Quan Chi by blocking his attack, protecting Raiden's blind spot. I pushed him off as he looked furious.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot let you kill Raiden," I told the Sorcerer. "He is a vital pillar to Earthrealm."

"Then we are at an impasse, Doctor. I will not fail Lord Shinnok."

"Tch," I scoffed. "As if you care for him. You're biding your time until you betray him. But your delusions of grandeur end here."

"When I'm done with you, I'll be sure to murder your son and take back Sareena."

We fought, and though the battle was in my favor, the numbers advantage was starting to overwhelm us. Slowly but surely, I felt our position pushed back even further.

"Things aren't lookin' so good for us, Mrs. Maddox," Kimura commented as our backs were against the Jinsei chamber's door.

"I'm afraid you're correct, Kimura. But we must hold our line. All is lost if they get through this door." I pulled out my radio. "Callie Ann! What's your status?"

"We're rushing double time to get to your location after following a false lead. Hold the line for as long as you can! We'll be there soon!"

"We'll try, but our chances our looking-"

*BOOM*

A blast slams the four of us through the door into the chamber.

"Mom? Mom, are you okay!?" Callie Ann frantically called for me.

I grabbed the radio while looking up. "Get here soon, Callie Ann."

That was all I said as I saw the Fallen Elder God Shinnok, with his amulet in hand.

"Quan Chi, my faithful servant. You've caught quite the group," the Elder God spoke in praise before eyeing me. "And you even caught an Edenian Legend. Mai Maddox, the infamous Edenian Siren. What pray tell are you doing in Earthrealm? I would've thought you would move back to Edenia."

"I'm rather fond of Earthrealm, so I decided to stay here. I can visit my children and grandchild in Edenia if I so please," I bitterly responded.

He then eyed Kimura with a much more dark expression. "And you. Tsukiyomi's champion, Kimura Shio. Where's your father?"

"In Edenia, much like I told your domestic, Scorpion."

To my horror, Kimura started coughing up blood, her condition worsening due to her lack of connection to Tsukiyomi.

"It seems you're a shell of your former self without your patron deity. Not to worry. When you die, I'll raise you as my personal Champion and powerful ally. Of course, since you were her Champion, I will make your death as slow and painful as possible."

His demented plans for Kimura revealed how sick this monster was.

"But first, Raiden." Shinnok directed his amulet at the Thunder God as he was pulled toward it. "You will become imprisoned in my amulet like you did me!"

We all latched onto Raiden to prevent his imprisonment. (Even Kimura, who might as well be dying at this point) Alas, our added weight was doing nothing to avoid an inevitable catastrophe. It seems that all hope was lost, Shinnok's maniacal laughter only reinforcing the notion. But then...

*BOOM*

"Ah, my arm! Who dares shoot an Elder God!?" Shinnok yelled in blasphemy as we all fell to the floor, Raiden's imprisonment prevented.

I looked over at Kimura, and she's much slower to get up while coughing up more blood than before. She can barely hold her Laundry Pole.

"Kimura, are you okay?" I asked worriedly.

"No, I'm not," she answered bluntly with a ghastly chuckle. "I... I think I'm dying."

"Kimura now is not the time for levity. I need to bring you to Amaterasu. She will know what to do."

I helped her to her feet as we all glanced at the entrance to see who saved us all.

"Sorry, we're late. But we reconvened with Kim's group then used a Portal to make it here lickety-split."

My daughter's voice...

Callie Ann appeared as smoke was still visible in her hidden pistol. "We'll take things from here. You just make sure Kim survives. If Xan gets word that Kim was killed, I don't think any of us are safe from his wrath."

I assisted Kimura out of the Jinsei chamber to take her to Amaterasu, but not before Shinnok gave one final quip. "Yes, Kimura. Survive, so I may kill you myself. Much I like I will do to all these pests."

I never stopped moving as I brought her to where Tsukiyomi and Amaterasu were, the Sun Goddess's eyes widening. "Kimura! What happened to her?"

"I think Tuskiyomi's death is starting to slowly kill her. If we don't do something soon, she'll be gone as well."

Amaterasu's eyes slanted, determination renewed. "I will not let that happen. I promised Kimura's mother that I will keep her alive by any means necessary."

"You... know my mom?" Kimura struggled to get out.

Amaterasu placed a finger over her lips. "Shh, child. I will explain after saving your life. There isn't much we can do to stop this from happening. If only I had a soul, that would be an easy remedy."

"Give... her... mine..." A weak and sickly voice got out.

We all looked at the other fallen body to see Tsukiyomi staring in our direction.

"Tsuki? No, I can't give her your soul! You'll certainly die!" Amaterasu voiced her refusal.

"Ammy... I'm dead regardless. My wounds are too deep, and I'm only alive because Kim's near me. But if you give her my soul, she'll survive."

"I don't want to lose you too, Tsuki! Not after I already lost Susano'o!"

Tsukiyomi summoned enough strength to caress her older twin's cheek. "You have the means to... recover from my passing, Ammy. Kim is more than enough. And you still have Raiden and Fujin. If I can prevent Kim's death, then I'll do so. And you would too..." What she said next shocked me. "...my love."

"My love?" I repeated. "Amaterasu, what is she talking about?"

"Tsuki and I... aren't siblings. In truth, we're married and have been for millennia. We haven't told anyone because we were afraid of the reception," Tsukiyomi revealed.

That was a shocker! These two were wed this whole time? I had a feeling something was off as they were too close to each other, even for twin siblings.

"Tsuki... Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Positive, Ammy. The only thing I've been more sure of was marrying you. Please, before Kim dies."

"Yes, Tsuki. Goodbye. I love you." The Sun and Moon Goddesses share one final kiss. "Doctor, may I have your assistance? I will be exhausted after performing the transfer, and having a pillar of support would be very nice.

"Of course, Amaterasu. We need to do this now."

"Agreed."

She stood and faced her wife before pulling out her soul, Tsukiyomi weakly smiling all the while as her eyes slowly closed. I could hear Amaterasu starting to weep but managed to focus and complete the transfer. Kimura's breathing started to regulate.

"Doctor..." Amaterasu barely got out before she cried heavily at losing her significant other.

I embraced the Sun Goddess. "I'm deeply sorry, Amaterasu. But this is what she wanted. And you would've felt much worse if she and Kimura were to die."

She sniffled a few times. "Yes, you are right, Doctor. I'm glad I can do one more thing for her before she passed." We both looked at Amaterasu's fallen wife. "She died with a smile on her face. That lovely smile."

Kimura slowly sat up. "Kimura!" We both go to check on her. "Do you feel better?"

"Yes, Mrs. Maddox, I feel fine now. But at what cost?"

"Nonsense, Kimura. It's what she wanted. She loved being your patron deity," Amaterasu said through her grief. "When you and your father became our champions, we had to split the blessings. But I gave you to her since she was the younger of us two and Father always gave me first choice. She was elated after becoming your patron deity since you were her first Champion."

"Wow, I would've never imagined." Kim didn't betray her confused expression. "But I'm still stuck that you know my mother. How long did you know? Does Pa know?"

"No, he doesn't. And I knew from the moment I first saw you."

"So who is she? Who's my mother?"

"Before I reveal that, I need to tell you a story."

Lady Amaterasu began telling us about her mistress Ame-no-Uzume. And how she cleverly got her to leave a cave she trapped herself in because of her brother's passing. Uzume and Tsukiyomi conspired to get her out by boldly dancing in front of her family.

"That's very clever, Ama-sama. But what does Lady Uzume have to do with my birth mother?"

"Ame-no-Uzume is the goddess of the dawn and dance and humor," she stated, and I immediately put two and two together.

Kimura was a little slower on the draw but eventually came to the same conclusion. "Lady Uzume is my birth mother!? But how? You said that deities can't give birth to children!"

"A subtle lie. In truth, it's scarce to give birth to a child," Amaterasu revealed her light deception.

"Do you know my birth father then?"

"Yes, I do. So do you."

That took a much shorter time for us to figure out who. "Pa's my birth father!?" Kim nearly shouted. "Does he know that?"

"No, I don't believe he does. But make no mistake, Xan is your birth father."

"But how is that possible? Xan was still very depressed around the time Kimura was born."

"True, but you have never met Ame-no-Uzume. She acts much like Kimura does and is very clever and sincere. A beautiful yet rare combination. She most likely saw your father in his stupor and resolved to get him out of it."

"And how did she do that?"

"She isn't a regular Shinto deity and reincarnates herself into mortal women across Asia. But despite this ability, she always acts the same. I happened to meet her reincarnation and deciphered that it was her."

"Who was she?"

"She called herself Xianghua."

"What?"

"You're tellin' me that Ms. Xianghua was Lady Uzume's reincarnation? So a deity fell in love with a mortal man?"

"It's more common than you think. Remember, she wasn't a deity, merely a reincarnation. But still, yes. Your father got Uzume pregnant, but she chose not to tell him. The nights they shared were more than enough for her. Finding out where he was adopted when you were born, she dropped you off there. A year later, Xan returned to that same orphanage and adopted the youngest person there. You, Kimura. So, unknowingly he ended up raising his birth daughter."

"So, is Kimura a half-deity?"

"Yes, in technicality. You act so similarly to your mother; it's borderline uncanny."

Kimura just sat there, absorbing this near overload of information. "Man..." That was all she could say before gasping and jolting to her feet. "Shinnok! We have to help the Sarge!" That got us to refocus. She grabbed her Laundry Pole before running back outside.

"Was Uzume really like this?"

"It's hard to believe, but she was. And she was just as bright as well. Truly wonderful to be around, much like Kim is now," Amaterasu said before standing up, me doing the same. "An enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Though I will miss Tsukiyomi, letting Kimura know the truth has turned me around. Now it's just a matter of telling her father."

"Hopefully, you'll do that sooner rather than later," I mentioned.

"I agree. I will most likely seek Xan out after this invasion is over. But for now, Kimura is right. We have to assist my brothers and your daughter and granddaughter."

"Right. Let's not waste any more time."

Callie's POV:

"I hope Kim is alright," Dakini spoke.

"Adopted daughter of Xan or not, Kim is extremely tough. Don't worry about her, kiddo. We got business to take care of," I said.

We circled the invaders as I summoned my Scythe and landed an unexpected deep cut on Shinnok's torso.

"Lord Shinnok!" Quan Chi caught him as he fell. "What did you- How did you do that!?"

"What? You didn't hear about me nearly killing Argus? I'm a Messenger, Quan Chi. Elder Gods are mortal to me and can be killed by my hand as a result." Everyone walked in behind me. "Maybe if you learned that, you wouldn't have invaded Earthrealm."

"You insolent woman! I will have your head for this!"

Quan Chi's outburst followed a discharge of energy that knocked us all down. Thus my Scythe dropped out of my reach. Johnny and Sonya surprisingly got up first to oppose Shinnok.

"I will have Earthrealm's essence! All who oppose me will die!"

The pair fought Shinnok and did better than we thought. As I went to retrieve my Scythe, I heard Quan Chi. "I do not think so, Callie Ann!"

He was preparing to launch a skull my way. Dakini quickly joined my side and shot three Spirit Arrows that landed on his arm.

Meanwhile, Shinnok was devastating Johnny and Sonya. I grabbed the Scythe and rushed to help them. After they were sent on their backs, I took their place and did a better job putting the fallen Elder God on defense. I gave him multiple arm lacerations, causing his amulet to drop to the floor. I kicked his chest wound to create some distance. By this point, Johnny and Sonya are up along with Cyrax, Jax, and Kenshi.

"Callie Ann Maddox! The amulet!" Raiden yelled as I looked below me.

Kicking Shinnok's Amulet to Raiden, we all moved out of harm's way to allow Raiden to mirrored what Shinnok did earlier. To imprison him in his amulet. Before Quan Chi could interfere, I shot him in his unaffected arm before Johnny Shadow Kicked him. This gave Raiden the go-ahead to put this maniac out of commission.

As Shinnok realized his impending defeat, he began ranting empty threats. "This is not over! I will escape and will get my-"

All went silent and still as Shinnok was completely sucked inside his amulet.

I took a breath of relief. "Enjoy the digs, Gramps."

"Is the invasion over?" Dakini asked.

"No, but we are past the worst of it," Raiden answered honestly. "All that's left is to apprehend Quan Chi before he reverses our progress."

"Well, that's easy since he's right-" Dakini pointed to Quan Chi's body. Or that's what she would've seen if he was still there.

"Shit. He escaped," I cursed.

"It is nothing, Callie Ann. Madeline has weakened him, and your shooting him reinforced that. We'll find him before he does anything we'll regret."

"Fujin is right. For now, we can rest easy, and you all deserve it. I will make contact with you all when we find him," Raiden announced as he left the Jinsei chamber.

"Well, Kenshi, Jax, Cyrax. You all did well and may go home now." They all saluted me before leaving.

"Dad's going to be happy to know that Shinnok was defeated. I'm going back to Edenia."

Dakini and I headed for the exit just as we saw Kim, Mom, and Amaterasu. "Kim, you're okay!"

"Yuh-huh. I'm not going to die when I just became a Godmother. That'll be insane. Though the cost of my survival... was high."

"It's no matter," Amaterasu interjected. "Though I do need to find your father so I can tell him the news."

I raised an eyebrow. "News?"

"Turns out that I'm a demi-goddess. My birth mother was Ame-no-Uzume, Goddess of the dawn, dance, and humor. She reincarnated into Xan's lover and conceived me."

"Wait... that means that-"

"Pa's my birth father," Kim finished for us. "And with Tsu-sama gone, I lost my electricity powers. I wonder what happens to Pa's blessings?"

"Nothing as bad. I gave Xan his blessings to include control of fire. If anything, Tsuki's death just reverted them to regular flames. But he also harbors Abyss's soul, so that may not be the case. Regardless, I need to reveal the truth about Kimura and tell Xan of Tsuki's death. Until next time, Earth's Defenders." Amaterasu bowed at us all before disappearing in a beam of light.

"Also, she and Tsukiyomi were married," Kim added.

That left us, especially me, confused. "Aren't they twins?"

"They aren't actually and didn't tell anyone because they were afraid of the potential scorn," Mom revealed. "But alas, no use in keeping the secret anymore now that Tsukiyomi has passed and gave Kimura her soul so she may survive."

Wow, I would've never imagined that deities would be discriminated against based on who they romantically involve themselves with. I'm just glad the worst part of this invasion is over. A lot of people almost died today; that disaster averted save for Tsukiyomi. Now, I just want to go home and sleep.

"I'll see you all in a few days. I'm heading home," I said my goodbyes before hugging Mom.

"I'll see you later, sweetie. Rest easy. You too, Dakini."

"Of course, Nana. I'll see you soon."

"Bark! Bark!" (Goodbye, Grandma) Hamlet said goodbye.

Mom rubbed the top of his head. "Bye Bye, Hamlet."

Dakini and Hamlet went back to Edenia.

"Until next time, Callie Ann. Come Fujin, we should retire for the night."

"Agreed, Madeline."

The new pair walked in the direction of the Wu-Shi Academy. I'm so glad Mom could find someone to share her life with, though I'm unsure if they plan on taking things to the next level. Mom still loves Papa so much, but I hope it doesn't interfere with what she has with Lord Fujin. Benji and I will always support her no matter what happens.

Spawning my Scythe, I summoned a portal back to California, where my fiancé and girlfriend awaited me.

A/N: And it is done! No rants for today. Just let me know what you think of GbNF's return with a Review or a PM. I'll see you all later.