Maddox Family Cottage, Edenia: Several days later
Amaterasu's POV
After several days of investigation and gaining Duffeck's permission, we were finally ready to explain the plan to Kimmy, Xan, and Baiken. Hence why we were back in the Maddox Family Cottage. Keeping her word, Nox is here as well.
"Fantastic news, everyone. I returned from the Netherrealm yesterday after conversing with Duffeck. He is all for us heading to the Fifth Sphere to look for and hopefully find Lady Death. He was awfully considerate for being the ruler of Hell," Nox revealed.
"A good start. What's the plan, Amaterasu?" Xan said, with a lit cigarette in his hand.
"Dad, I thought you said you were going to try and stop smoking?" Kimmy mentioned.
"Keyword being try, Kim. It's my first smoke in weeks."
"Getting back on track. Unfortunately, we have to go on foot since teleporting down there is one way, and none of us know the realm well enough to warrant that. The war between Duffeck and Shinnok is still raging on, and according to Nox here, it's worse than anticipated."
"There were corpses everywhere from both sides in the cities. Even though I'm adamant in going with you all, my powers won't be of much use since there's no Moon and it's always daytime."
"There's nothing stoppin' you from not going with us, Nox," Baiken commented. "The fact that you stuck your neck out for us is more than enough."
"I agree. You did more than what was necessary," I sided with Baiken.
"Nonsense. Lady Death treated me like her own daughter despite being Roman. This is the least I can do for her, and I'd be a horrible bestie if I let you go down there alone. Even if you have your wife and former champions with you."
"Fine, Nox. Mother will be happy to see you, I'm sure."
"I'm sure she will, but not as much as you, Ammy. Now, Duffeck granted us permission to travel on the condition that we massacre any soldier from Shinnok's cult without discrimination. But I told him that went without saying."
"None of us are really big fans of Shinnok here, considering he inadvertently got Tsu-sama killed," Kimmy brought up.
I clenched my fist at that bastard's entitlement.
"And Susano'o as well. Thankfully, Shinnok is imprisoned in his own amulet and justly suffering. And with Quan Chi at his weakest, maybe we'll luckily encounter him and put him out of his misery," I added to the discussion.
"One can only hope. When do we head down there?" Xan brought up the most important question of all.
"In four days. We'll meet here at midnight so Nox will be at her most powerful when we enter the realm. Make your preparations, physical or mental. The Fifth Sphere of Hell is filled with the angry dead. Expect a lot of confrontation."
"Dare I say a hell of a lot?" Kimmy joked.
Everyone save me and Nox groaned. Even Ida and Ieyasu made noises that sounded akin to groaning noises. Kim laughed like the dork she is.
"I think that's everything. Is there anything else worth mentioning, Amaterasu?" Baiken asked.
"No, that's everything. We'll see you in four days. Nox, shall we head back to Earth?"
"Not yet. I wish to spend some time in Edenia for a while longer before heading back to my temple in Rome. Will you two join me?" She offered to me and Kimmy.
"I see no harm. What of you, Kimmy?"
"Sure, I haven't seen Ted in a day so I should visit him," she spoke while standing up. "Dad, Baiken. We'll see you later."
"Later, Kim."
"Take care, Kim. Amaterasu, Nox."
"We'll see you in four days, Edgemaster and Baiken. Until then," Nox said her goodbyes as we left.
Exiting the Cottage and into the main city road, Kim received a call. She took her phone out and answered.
"Moshi moshi? Callie, what's up?"
So it's Callie who called.
"You want me at Special Forces HQ now? Am I in trouble?" She inquired with a comedically worried expression. "Okay, I'm not in trouble. What's the problem? Okay, I'll be there in a jiffy. Wait, is Cassie going to be there? I don't feel like breaking her nose again, Sarge."
I remember when Kim told me of her one-sided fistfight with Cassandra. I wanted to march to Special Forces Headquarters and verbally eviscerate Cassandra for her remarks, but Kimmy convinced me that she and Callie punished her enough.
"Yes, Sarge. I'm on the way right now. Ja ne," Kim said goodbye before hanging up. "I guess the stroll in Edenia will have to wait."
"So it seems. Why does Callie want you in California so urgently?"
"She didn't reveal any details over the phone. I have to see her in person to get the deets. I'll see you both later."
Kimmy pecked me on the lips before leaving for Earth.
"She takes after her mother in more ways than she realizes," Nox mentioned.
"Don't I know it? I guess it'll just be us for the time being."
"I've no problem with that. Shall we proceed?"
We began walking through the realm. "I must comment on your wardrobe. You look lovely in it! Modern clothing looks phenomenal on you, Ammy."
I was wearing a white sundress with red sneakers and a matching satchel with my Katana inside. My hair was done in a low ponytail, and I had light makeup on; some red eyeliner. I must represent Japan at all times, so I ensure that I have some articles of red and white in whatever I wear. The fact that I look like I can pass for my supermodel who regularly attends a gym helps matters.
"Not as good as you, Nox. Even after all these centuries, you still dress like you're attending the Met Gala."
"A Goddess of the Night must dress for the vocation, Ammy. Then again, I don't have a country to represent just a mere aspect of it."
The Edenian citizens gave us curious glances as we continued walking.
"Have they not seen deities before?"
"Not one that looks like you, Nox."
"Right. Perhaps telling them to stop will get them to do so?"
"No, they are rather fickle on that end," a voice said behind us.
We turned to see Jade.
"General Verdigris-Maddox. A pleasure as always," I greeted the leader of the Freedom Fighters.
"My. Ammy. Are all of your mortal friends this attractive? If so, I see why you spend so much time among mortals."
"Amaterasu, who is this?"
"Nox. Goddess of the Night and of the Moon."
"She's my best friend I've known for centuries. Do forgive her. Nox likes to flirt relentlessly."
"Not relentlessly. Ammy's over-exaggerating." Nox extended her hand as Jade shook. "A pleasure."
"Likewise."
"Hmm, you look awfully familiar. Are you sure we haven't met before?"
Jade raised an eyebrow. "Like in your dreams?"
Nox giggled, clearly entertained. "No, though I wouldn't mind if that was the case. I'm being serious, hand to Sol. Don't you think so, Ammy?"
I shook my head. "If she looked familiar to me, I would've made the connection a while ago. I've known Jade for twenty-six years now. But you're more social than me. Maybe you're seeing something I'm not."
"Perhaps. Your maiden name is Verdigris, correct?"
"Yes. We recently discovered this not too long ago."
"Now that name is familiar," Nox said, adding to Jade's confusion.
She thought deeply for a moment then snapped her fingers. "Aha! I figured it out. You, my dear Jade, look a lot like Ishtar."
I rolled my eyes off of instinct.
"Clearly that mustn't be good if Amaterasu rolled her eyes."
"Seriously, Nox? Ishtar?"
"Who is Ishtar?" Jade asked.
"Ishtar was the Goddess of Love and War in the Babylonian/Mesopotamian Pantheon. She had an entire clan of Babylonians dedicated to worshiping her. How much do you know of your maiden family?"
"Not much, save for my parents. Even those recollections are hazy."
"Do I have some information for you, my dear."
"You know of my family origins, Nox?"
"Yes. I pride myself as a historian of other Pantheons. Knowing history will help prevent unnecessary repetition. So I ensure I know the histories of at least the Pantheons near the Romans. Do tell, Jade. How was Edenia created?"
"When the Elder Gods split The One Being's consciousness into the realms. But what does that have to do with my family?"
"You're correct. But what not many know is that Edenia didn't have inhabitants until a few Eons after the realms were created. In fact, the main reason why Edenians and humans look eerily similar is that the first generation of Edenians is actually from Earth originally."
"What?"
"Are you serious, Nox?" I asked, dumbfounded.
"I speak the truth, hand to Sol. The Verdigris Clan were among the first Edenian settlers, though were originally Babylonian. They worshiped Ishtar as their patron goddess. In fact, they were her first worshipers. I knew Ishtar personally. She was taken aback by your family's worshiping that they blessed every first born daughter to be conceived in her image. Which is why you look so stunning. Because Ishtar made it so. But not too similar to other firstborns, of course. Ishtar didn't want to stir confusion amongst her worshipers," Nox explained.
"Oh, my God. But wait, Amaterasu. Why did you roll your eyes?"
"From what Nox and Tsuki told me when she was alive, Ishtar was entitled and arrogant. While she was adept at the Bow and Daggers, Ishtar often punched above her weight class and even claimed she would take Japan from me and make it a country actually worth living in. I didn't take too kindly to my country and people being threatened and insulted. I only had one conversation with her, the topic was my threat to scare the shit out of her. It embarrassed her before the other Babylonian Deities in the Pantheon since they knew I was miles more powerful than them due to leading the Japanese Pantheon by myself with my brother already dead."
"Ishtar developed a fierce crush on Ammy from that moment after. But she was already married to Tsuki at that point."
"Lo and behold, Babylon and Mesopotamia are both destroyed and forgotten in history. Meaning Ishtar, Lady Tiamat, and even Gilgamesh, who was just as arrogant, are all dead. Take it from me, Jade. Be grateful the compliment Nox gave you in comparison to her is your looks because she was rather gorgeous. But the fact she made every firstborn daughter of her worshipers to look like her is extremely narcissistic."
"I meant no disrespect, General," Nox apologized.
"No, it is more than fine. I learned a lot about my family thanks to this eye-opening conversation. I can't wait to explain it to Benji and Dakini," she expressed her gratitude.
"I feel the same. I didn't know you knew the history of the other Pantheons this well, Nox. I learned something today as well."
"It's a good day if I can impress the almighty Leader of the Japanese Pantheon," Nox spoke with a couple of chuckles. "I must return to Rome now. Ammy, Jade. We'll reconvene in a few days."
"Until then, Nox," I said goodbye to her.
"It was a pleasure, Nox," Jade also said goodbye.
"Perhaps I should head back to Japan. Nox was the reason I was still here after all."
"If that is so. You said you didn't know about Ishtar, Amaterasu?"
"Not until Nox explained everything. Now that she mentioned it, you two do look similar. But like I said, Ishtar is long dead. But I guess that the 'blessing' still persists since Dakini looks so similar to you," I made the connection.
"So it would seem. Well, I thank you for visiting if you're leaving."
"Of course. Edenia is always worth a trip to for the environment. The air is so pure and fresh. And my father-in-law lives here, so I have all the reasons I need. Until next time, Jade."
"Yes, Amaterasu."
She bowed respectully. I smiled and returned the favor before leaving to mentally prepare in finding and rescuing Mother.
Kim's POV
I wonder what Callie wants of me? It hasn't been long since the mission in Outworld. I was hoping I wouldn't be called in again so soon. It must be serious if she requested me.
As I arrived at HQ, the lower ranks saluted me when I passed by. Weird, they never did that before. This is the first time I've been here since becoming Ambassador. Due to the sudden promotion, I'm hardly called in as that's a special position. I don't answer to anyone save for Callie. Even that is pushing her power. But when she calls, it's normally related to my position or a dire situation.
I continue walking towards Callie's office, but I'm unfortunately stopped.
"Sannosuke!"
I immediately regretted coming here once I heard that bratty tone. I turned to see Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Takahashi Takeda, and Kung Jin.
"Cassie," I greeted her. "What do you want?"
"Finally decided to show up to work?"
"Unlike you, I have more than one job. You know I model full-time too. If anything, I'm surprised I can balance the two so well. Callie called me here. Said it was important."
"Maybe she's firing you."
"She told me I wasn't in trouble over the phone but also said that you won't be here. So who knows what'll happen? I'm surprised you didn't call me any racist remarks yet. Callie must've put you on a tight leash," I said with accompanying snickers.
"This isn't fair. How could you get the Ambassador position? You haven't been with Special Forces for long. No military background or even completed Basic Training."
I looked at her, confused. "What the hell are you talkin' about? I've been a Green Beret for twenty-six years. My Father served directly under the Sarge for a decade. Not only did I complete Basic Training, but I also have better marks than all four of you."
"Bullshit. Just admit it, Sannosuke. You're privileged because you're Sarge's nephew's godmother."
"Pot callin' the kettle black, Miss I'm the Daughter of the Boss. Second, I'm not privileged. The records are there in my maiden name, not my married name. Look up Shio Kimura. You'll find my pretty mug just the same. Before I moved to Tokyo to be part of civilization, I lived in a forest with my old man. I had my first near-death experience when I was four. Meanwhile, you were treated like a pampered, spoiled princess. So who is the privileged one here? Although I have a modeling job, a hot goddess for a wife, a badass father, and a better six-pack than half the men here. So I'm blessed."
"I'll reach out to mom about your records."
"Who's being privileged now? You don't have to call Boss Lady by rank or position because you're her kid. Besides," I closed the distance between the two of us. "Do you want me to break your little valley girl face again? You just always have something to say though you know you're in the doghouse. Pissing the Sarge off again will guarantee your parents' firing and the permanent tarnishing of your family legacy in the Special Forces."
"I'm not afraid of you, Nip."
"And there it is. You belittle my service because I work another job, even though I'm in a superior position. Though because of your stupid antics, you got caught by Kano, ransomed by the Red Dragon, controlled by Reiko, and punished by Sarge. And your stupid antics almost got you, Jacqui, Johnny, General, and me killed. I also never got a thank you from either of you for killing Reiko because I did him in."
"I'm sorry for that," Jacqui spoke up.
I nodded. At least one of them took that lashing to heart.
"You killed Reiko?"
"Yes, Jacqui. Didn't your boyfriend tell you? I chopped him into confetti. Finally, your little antics and disobedience caused an avoidable casualty with Skarlet's death. You should be grateful running fifty laps and cleaning the dumpster fire of a mess hall is the only punishment you two got. If I were in Sarge's position, I would've fired both of you."
"Alright, Kim. I think you eviscerated her enough," Callie said as she approached before eyeing Cassie. "I heard everything, Cage. Can't keep your mouth shut, huh?"
Cassie looked down to avoid Callie's eyes. "Run your laps, Cage. NOW, LIEUTENANT!"
Her yell caused all four of them to jump. Cassie bolted after that.
Callie sighed. "Sometimes I wish I stayed retired. When the idiot is done, tell her to head to her father. He's sending the four of you on a mission to the Lin Kuei Temple. Until then, the rest of you can relax. Dismissed."
The three of them saluted her before quickly leaving us. I went to salute too, but Callie cut me off. "If you salute, I'll slap you upside the head."
I laughed. "You're no fun. Anyways, I'm here. What's up? Are you sure I'm not in trouble?"
"No. Walk with me?"
"Sure."
We took a stroll toward her office.
"I called you here suddenly because I want to send you out on a mission."
"Oh? What are the details?"
"As we all know, the Black and Red Dragon's civil war has spilled to Outworld. Sources say Kano is currently working out some deal with Kotal Kahn."
"Tell me this isn't a revenge mission you're sending me on, Callie."
"No. As much as I want to put an arsenal of ammunition into Kotal and his jackass cowboy sidekick, this isn't about him. Not directly, anyway. I'm sick and tired of Sonya's endless cat-and-mouse cycle with him. So I'm changing the capture alive order to a kill order. I want you to head there and confirm his presence. If he's there, kill him."
She isn't wrong about that. Sonya has been wasting our time, resources, and funding on her meaningless manhunt to bring him in alive if she ever miraculously finds him.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Kabal himself said that Kano wouldn't squeal about anything Black or Red Dragon based since the two criminal organizations were one not too long ago. We can try to sabotage both sides in the meantime. However, Kano is taking up too much of Sonya's time. So we need to remove him from the field. Can you do it?"
"Sure I ca- Wait, when do you want me to head out?"
"In a couple of days. Why?"
"In a few days, Dad, Baiken, Ammy, and I will head to the Netherrealm's Fifth Sphere to see if we can find Ammy's mom. Duffeck already gave us the okay to head down there. That conflicts with your wanting me to kill Kano. I can't abandon my wife like that, especially so suddenly."
"No, I understand. If anything, that might work out."
Callie then began to ponder. We were already in her office, away from prying eyes and ears.
"That can op can wait. Let me know when you get back. Hopefully, I can make the kill order official by then. Though I'm pushing my authority by simply requesting you do this for me."
"Listen, Callie. I'll do it, make no mistake. But helping Ammy comes first. As you said, you can use the time to get more information. Find someone to scout Outworld beforehand. Maybe have one of Ben's Informer Crows travel the place."
"A great idea. But I don't know anyone who would do that so soon after our last visit there."
She didn't want to risk sending her men off the chance Kotal finds and uses them as an excuse to declare war on the Interrealm Coalition.
"What about Khameleon? She can camouflage herself and shapeshift, right? Send her." I suggested.
"She would be good. Yet I don't know where she is, and she's not with Special Forces as I plan on making this an official mission."
"I'm pretty sure she offered herself as a servant of the Edenian Royal Family Edenia would be the first place I'd look. As for the second reason, you run the entire army. What's wrong with bending the rules? Besides, even if you want Ben to use his Informer Crows, you'd still have to head to Edenia anyway. What's the harm in requesting Sindel hand you Khameleon so she can be your eyes and ears while you're there?"
Callie thought about countering but probably couldn't think of anything.
"Good points, Kim. Damn... Guess I gotta head to Edenia then. I hate being there at all. The people still piss me off to no end. Hopefully my time there'll be short."
We then heard a knocking on her door. "Ma, it's Mulan. May I come in?"
"You don't have to ask. Come in."
Mulan entered the office in her work outfit. Her sunglasses were on, but she took them off after closing the door.
"I'm glad I caught ya."
"Why, kiddo? What's going on?"
"Koga-Aniki met up with one of his informants who came back from the Netherrealm the other day. We got a confirmed face scan of the Red Dragon Clan's leader."
She then spawned a scroll that was wrapped up. "I don't know when you next plan on headin' to Edenia, Ma. Uncle Benji needs to know what the guy who wants him and all of us dead looks like."
Mulan revealed the scroll to Callie, whose eyes widened.
"For being younger than me and the younger of Argus' twin brats, he looks awfully old. Still, Koga never ceases to amaze. I thought he was going to retire?"
"Not yet. When he's 70, he says. I don't believe him."
"I'm with you. He makes me look like a normal worker. I wonder how Chizuru puts up with his constant overworking."
"He has me as an employee," she bluntly answered.
"Thanks, kiddo. I was planning on heading to Edenia to ask Sindel and Kitty permission to steal Khameleon, so this lines up perfectly. Wanna come with?"
"Sure. I need to see Ted anyway."
"I don't have anything better to do at the moment."
"That's that. Let's head to Edenia. And hope the trip is short."
Callie's POV
I want to get this trip done quickly. Despite being the key reason she has separated, still, I'm not too fond of Edenia or her people. I never forgot how the people treated Benji and me. And if it weren't for JJ, Sareena, and Dakini, I would be verbally massacring Benji for coming back here whenever the opportunity presents itself. At least the people in command don't have an agenda or have it out for our clan members. My sister is leading the Freedom Fighters, and I'm an official Aunt, so things could be worse than they are. It doesn't change that I'll never forget or forgive the Edenian people for treating me like a damn alien. I guess my disdain passed to Mulan as she wears sunglasses whenever she comes here, saying she feels like a circus animal because of her heterochromia.
The three of us navigate through the center of Edenia.
"Mulan, why are you wearin' shades?" Kim asked.
"Deja vu," Mulan began. "I don't like being here in Edenia. I have heterochromia, thanks to my powers. It's uncommon for anyone to have it, to have the colors I do. Edenians can't contract illnesses, so any physical anomaly would be seen as such to an Edenian who's not cultured. So I wear sunglasses to avoid having people stare or ask me questions I've already answered a kajillion times. Since we're on the topic of asking questions, I always wanted to ask you something, Kim."
"Shoot."
"Why do you use a Monohoshizao? With your skill with a sword, using a Katana would be more effective."
"Dad knew Sasaki Kojiro when he was still alive. He convinced Dad to make him the godfather of his first child if he had one, and agreed. Dad adopted me, and true to his promise, he made Kojiro my godfather. When he told me that story, I was already training to be a Demon Slayer, but I didn't know what to use. But it convinced me to use the weapon he did. Which is why I started using Laundry Poles. Now I use it because it makes the Tsubame Mai impossible to avoid."
"The Tsubame Mai, the technique you used to kill Reiko," I recollected. "How the hell did you come up with an attack like that? I've never seen something like that like ever."
Kim cheekily grinned. "A testament to my maddening battle IQ. Uncle Kojiro's signature technique was the Tsubame Gaeshi or Swallow Reversal. It consisted of swinging downward, luring the enemy and fooling them into thinking you missed your stroke. They close the distance, and you immediately counter with an upward strike that hits the victim clean from the groin to the head. Hence why it was called the Swallow Reversal. The blade dived down and then swooped up like a Swallow in flight. As you both know by now, I have Tsu-sama's soul. With it came a divine derivative of Illusion Magic. Tsu-sama called it Tsuki no Gensou or Illusions of the Moon, and it mostly consists of Illusions utilizing Afterimages."
"From how Mom has mastered Illusion Magic, I can only imagine how tricky a divine subbranch of the school is."
"Exactly. When Tsu-sama was alive, however, her illusions couldn't hurt anyone since they weren't real. She could only use them to fool those who see them."
"But your illusions not only wounded Reiko but left deep cuts. So how is that even possible?"
"Remember when Mrs. Maddox told Dad and me that our Killing Intent is so potent that it could be weaponized?"
Mulan and I both nod.
"Being the warrior he is, Dad figured that out immediately and taught me. Then I taught myself how to apply the killing intent with enough magnitude to my Illusions so that if they work on someone, the victim is also fooled into thinking the afterimages I concoct are also real. Then I perform the Tsubame Gaeshi."
Kim swung her finger up, then connected her two index fingers from the side and disconnected them, moving down to the left and right.
"While my afterimages attack my blindspots. For those who aren't under the illusion, it looks like one swing of my Laundry Pole connected three times."
"That's insane," I said. "How do you defend against a technique like that?"
"You don't," Kim answered bluntly. "I exclusively use the Tsubame Mai with a Laundry Pole because the length of the sword prevents any escape through movement if I'm using the Tsubame Mai. I concluded that you're close enough that dodging won't do anything. If I use a regular Katana or an O-Katana like my dad, I'd have to re-evaluate the distance needed to work in the same inescapable condition."
The explanation left Mulan and me dumbstruck.
"Kim, that was the most cerebral thing I've ever heard you say," I spoke as Kim's explanation caused us to temporarily stop. "Before bragging about your strength, you always had a bright or lighthearted subtone. This is the first time I've heard you be serious about anything. I like Serious Kim. Why doesn't she show herself more?"
Kim unexpectedly blushed, most likely due to embarrassment.
"Because Dad is never expressive about his feelings, so I act bright and joyous. Can you imagine if Dad and I always act stiff and brood? Depressing wouldn't be the first word I would use to describe that."
"I don't think it's depressing. I welcome you to drop the optimism act and show your intelligence. Or even doing something that would otherwise be out of character for you to do."
"Like giving Cassie a bloody nose?"
"Exactly. Or even when you killed Reiko. I understand why you act the way you do. We all know your father and how dry he is. But you are still his daughter, and it wouldn't be so bad if you show us how in personality more often."
"I'll... I'll try," Kim said shyly.
She must not like acting like her dad if she's this somber when talking about it. Finally, we were outside of the palace steps.
"We're here. Let's head inside."
We all entered and headed to the throne room where the royals spent the day. As usual, we see Xan and Baiken standing behind the door. Their conversation ceased when we approached.
"Sarge, Kim," Baiken spoke before eyeing Mulan. "Who's the third wheel?"
"A friend," I answered. "I need to talk with Sindel. She here?"
"Yup, the boss should be here. Ryu, you tell her that she has guests."
"I'll be right back."
"Kim told me you three and Amaterasu will be heading to the Netherrealm to find her mother."
"Sheesh, Kim. Y'might as well tell the entire fuckin' Special Forces."
"Callie's my boss, Baiken. She has the right to know. After all, finding Lady Death is interfering with me doing my job. Both of them."
"Kim, I already told you. I'm not your boss and don't have the legal authority to ask you to do things for me."
"Considering I'm the godmother to your nephew, it's the least I can do," Kim responded as her dad returned.
"You all can go in. Sindel requested that we enter with you as well," Xan spoke.
Everyone entered the throne room and saw Sindel, Kitty, and Mileena.
"Sergeant Maddox, a pleasure as always. I see you also brought Ambassador Sannosuke with you."
Sindel then looked at Mulan with curiosity. "And a complete stranger. I suspect her identity will be revealed to us in short order. To what do we owe this visit?"
"I would love to stay and chat, Sindel, but we both know I don't like being here. This will be brief. Kano is rumored to be in Outworld thanks to the Black Dragon and Red Dragon civil war that has increased the violence in that realm. I wish to confirm his presence there while finalizing a kill order I plan on submitting to the others in Special Forces. Normally, I would request Kim go, but she'll be busy for the next few days. Therefore, I formally request to borrow Khameleon so she may scout the realm in Kim's stead." I request.
Sindel pondered for a moment. Is she going to deny me?
"In a surprising turn of events, Callie Ann, while Khameleon has been officially recognized as a servant of the Royal Family, we have also given her free agency. The decision to help you is not mine to make. Khameleon herself can decide whether or not she will help you."
That was not the answer I was expecting. I guess the power dynamic of the Dacarthi Family has slowly shifted. Slowly. Still, if Sindel allowed Khameleon to make her own decisions, finding her would be harder. Or so I thought. Moments later, Khameleon revealed herself on one knee before me.
"I am yours, Sergeant. Use me however you wish."
That sounded a bit provocative, but I got what I came for.
"That was quick. Now that that's done, I will go see Ted. See ya later, Sarge. Bye, Dad. Bye, Baiken," Kim said as she left the palace.
"Callie Ann, have you visited your nephew recently?"
"No, Kitty. Work has left me with little time for breaks."
"I always admired your work ethic Sergeant, but even you need your rest occasionally," Khameleon chimed.
Wasn't expecting that from her.
"Now, about this other woman in the room."
"About time we get into it," I said before glancing at my daughter. Still can't believe it even now.
"Everyone, this is Mulan. My daughter."
Even with the masks on, I can see Kitty and Mileena's expression turn to genuine shock and surprise.
Mulan bowed before showing her eyes, revealing her heterochromia.
"Hello, Aunt Kitty. It's good to see you. Queen Sindel, Mileena."
"Callie Ann, how is this possible?" Mileena inquired.
"I'm from the future. I'm also the reason why Dakini's here too. But there's a specific reason as to why I'm here with Mom."
Before she could explain, the place doors opened. And there he is, the nerve of him to be so damn bold.
Daegon.
Not wasting time, I immediately drew my Pocket Pistol while Mulan pulled out her Revolver and spawned her Jian with her free hand.
Sindel was infuriated. "Who are you to disturb the Royal Family during an important and private meeting?"
"Daegon," I started. "Quite bold for the leader of the second biggest crime syndicate in Earthrealm."
The room's tension thickened within seconds. I saw Xan, Baiken, and Khameleon steel themselves in my peripheral vision. Kitana summoned her fans, and Mileena did the same with her Sai.
To my surprise, Daego started clapping in applause. "Well, well, well. You didn't take long to decipher my identity, Callie Ann. I'm Daegon, the son of Argus. This makes me better than everyone in this room, especially the two foreigners."
"Y'know, for being younger than Mom, you certainly look older than her," Mulan commented. "Why are you even here? Surely you had to have known you aren't welcome here."
"Why am I here? I'll tell you why, you half-breed freak," Daegon insulted, to which Mulan responded by cocking her gun.
Daegon points at Sindel. "Queen Sindel, you sit atop a throne that doesn't belong to you. I offer you one chance to surrender my birthright or die."
"You are in no position to request such a damning demand. I may have ascended the throne due to becoming a widow, but I remain as the Empress of Edenia. I will not stand for the son of a heretic to demand me to relinquish it!" Sindel adamantly denied his claim.
"I should have expected this of Argus' child. Somehow I completely glossed over the possibility that you're just as much an idiot as he is," I slandered him and his father. "Shouldn't you be in Outworld or Earthrealm to help your clan members against Kano and the Black Dragon since the war has only worsened in the past twenty-five years?"
Once again, Daegon applauded. He's really starting to piss me off.
"Exceeding my expectations, Sergeant. I would expect no less from the Legendary Iron Maiden of Edenia."
That's when Daegon hit below the belt.
"Perhaps if you were this intelligent all the time, your mistress Skarlet would still be alive."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?"
I was ready to unload every bullet from every firearm I had on my person into this moralless piece of garbage.
"Mom, relax! He's trying to get in your head. Don't swing below the belt because your mind no longer holds any sanity. You're nothing more than the Beta version of your father, who's just a beta version of the last Elder God of the Realm." Mulan's voice got me to see sense.
"At least I don't hide my heritage from my people. You hide your Mark from Edenia, fearing they will shame you."
"I hide my Mark because the Edenian people don't deserve to know," Mulan stood up for herself before pulling her shades down so Daegon could see her eyes. "At least I have two working eyes."
From Mulan's expression, I could tell we shared the same thought. Putting a bullet in Daegon's head.
Unfortunately, Khameleon beat us both to the punch. She dashed at Daegon and struck him in the chest, leaving a visible wound in the center. Daegon moved as he was off-balance momentarily. He felt his chest and felt his own blood. That was the moment he went off the rails.
Daegon's breathing grew ragged while seething, no longer using the same condescending tone from before.
"You dare strike me!? The son of Argus!? I am above you all! I am a GOD AMONGST MEN, AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT ME!?"
His confident demeanor had broken completely.
"I will see to it that you, Queen Sindel, your daughter, and your abomination of an adopted daughter. As well as you, Iron Maiden of Edenia. You, your monster child, your softened brother, your abomination of a sister, and your other sister-in-law. Even your demon nephew and inbred niece. ALL OF YOU WILL BE DUSTED UNDERNEATH MY FEET! ALL OF YOUR CORPSES WILL DECORATE MY TROPHY ROOM! I WILL BECOME THE NEW GOD OF EDENIA OFF THE BODIES OF THE DACARTHI FAMILY AND THE INFAMOUS MADDOX CLAN!"
"No, no, no, no, no, NO! I promise you, Daegon..."
I invaded his personal space with Mulan moving with me in tandem, the barrels of our firearms directly against his forehead.
"If you harm any of my loved ones, whether family, friends, co-workers, significant others, or even acquaintances. You will pay. If you touch a hair on Benji, JJ, Saree, Ted, Dakini, and Mulan's head, you will live every day, hour, minute, and second past that action doing nothing but wallowing in the misery and pain I'll personally inflict upon you. I will make it my mission to ensure my face will be the last thing you ever see. Understood? I will be the last thing you see before I put a bullet in your skull."
I saw Mulan staring at me in awe. Yeah, I said it in the heat of the moment, sure. But I will never take it back.
"Matter of fact..." I cocked my pistol. "What's stopping us from doing that right now?"
Mulan and I started to pull the trigger. In desperation, Daegon teleported out of the throne room. I felt my heartbeat race from the adrenaline as put my Pocket Pistol away. For what felt like an eternity, the room went silent. Even the crickets couldn't be heard, and only from what Sindel told Kitty to do did the severity of what just happened kick in.
"Kitana, find Jade. Inform her of what happened and tell her to prep the Freedom Fighters. The realm of Edenia is going into lockdown. No one is allowed entry or to leave unless they're with the Interrealm Coalition. Understand?"
"Yes, Mother. Come, Mileena."
"Yes, sister."
They left. Hell's about to break loose.
*Gasp* "I need to tell Benji."
Hurriedly, I rushed out of the room with Mulan in tow.
A/N: Arc V has begun!
By the time this goes up, it'll be either my birthday or the day after. Regardless, I'll be 24 when the chapter gets uploaded. What did you think? Lemme know with a PM or a Review. Give my other stories a look and check out my editor, alwaysdoubted's page. I'll see you all soon.
Bye-Bye!