A/N: It's been too long, but we're back. Last time on Gone but Not Forgotten, Benji and Callie met Orin the Gold Dragon and woke Taven up from his Armageddon-preventing slumber. Let's pick up where we left off. Take it away, Callie!
Botan Jungle: Minutes after Taven's awakening
Callie's POV
Argus has a cornucopia of issues. I can't wait to hear the blasphemous reason as to why he had his kid trapped inside a rock for who knows how long. (4th wall break: Also, it's good to see you folks again. Blows a kiss)
"So that's where Taven has been. I always wondered where he and Daegon went before we left Edenia," Benji remarked. "Taven, are you okay?"
"I'll be fine. I need a moment to collect myself and my thoughts."
"But not too long, Taven."
"Let the man relax, Orin. He's been sealed inside that rock for who knows how long," I spoke.
"I wish I could allow that reprieve, Callie Ann. But the realms are in danger. Armageddon may be upon us all."
"Armageddon?" I repeat before looking at Benji. "Should you tell him or me?"
"I don't care. Go ahead."
"Benji prevented Armageddon 27 and a half years ago."
Orin somehow made a screwy face. "What?"
"I killed Goro 27 and a half years ago during the Mortal Kombat Tournament. Six months later, Callie killed Sheeva in Outworld. Not long afterward, Shao Kahn invaded Earthrealm despite losing his claim. Okada and Duffeck killed him as punishment for repeatedly breaking the rules of the Mortal Kombat Tournament."
"Shao Kahn is dead? Who is the Kahn now?"
"Ko'atal the Osh Tekk Warrior."
"Hmm, not much of an improvement, in all honesty," Orin responded. "The recent string of Outworld Kahns has been awful these past few millennia. Truly a pick-your-poison affair with the last three."
"I agree. Armageddon and its threat can only return if a slew of kombatants are resurrected. But that's a blacklisted spell in Necromancy, so we don't have to worry about that."
"Benji's right. The focus should be on Daegon, specifically removing him from the living plane."
"I don't think we have met. My name is Taven Doragon. And you are?"
"Taven, this is Benjamin and Callie Ann of the Maddox Family."
"Oh? Mother told me about the Maddox Clan. She had nothing but great things to say about you all. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you," Taven commended before glancing at me. "Oh, my. You are gorgeous, Callie Ann."
"Thanks. My husband is a fortunate man."
"Husband? He must be a very important Edenian."
I scoff. "As if. He's from Earthrealm." I said plainly.
Taven looked slightly offended, but the Dragon spoke before he could say something that would give him a verbal lashing from me, Benji, or Orin.
"More importantly, Callie Ann is correct if Armageddon has been prevented. We must focus on your brother. Before we discuss a plan for dealing with him, you must find your armor and weapon. You must know some things about the world now, thanks to Benjamin and Callie Ann."
"We just came from your father's temple north of here. At the very least, the temple should tell you where both are," Benji said. After you find their locations, come to Edenia, and I'll reintroduce you to Sindel."
"Are you still the Royal Family's advisor? Surely, you returned to the position now that Jerrod is dead."
"No, my wife won't let me take any job involving the Royal family. Plus, being Jerrod's advisor ruined that position for me."
"And before you ask, I'm not the General of the Freedom Fighters anymore, either. I don't even live in Edenia anymore."
"What? Why?"
"Sheesh, Taven. How long have you been asleep?"
"At least 10,000 years. I know the people have started slandering your family's name, but was it that bad?"
"Taven, our father is dead by Jerrod's order. He tried to kill us subliminally by having us fight in the Mortal Kombat Tournaments that merged Edenia with Outworld."
"When did this occur?"
"Twenty-five years ago, I exposed your father for keeping your half-brother alive and used that, along with his scheme with Orion to ascend to Titanhood, to unmerge the realms."
"What? How is that possible?"
"I'm the Messenger, Taven. I would've killed your father if we had a replacement for Edenia's Elder God status in mind."
"So much has changed. I thank all of you for updating me on everything. I need to get going and will reconvene with you in Edenia, Benjamin. Callie Ann."
Before I could react, he took my hand and kissed it. "I hope to see you soon."
Taven left the cave, and I could tell he would be relentless.
"Benjamin, Callie Ann. If needed, I can transport the both of you to Edenia now that business has been concluded."
"No need, Orin. We both have our methods of traversing the realms. Before we leave, you mentioned a Bansho Clan. Who were they?"
"Indeed, the Bansho Clan was another well-respected Edenian Family. Like the Maddox Clan, they were also a warrior clan. However, that's all they were. If you were a Bansho, you were either a Warrior, a Sorcerer, a Smith, or a Demon Hunter," Orin explained. "Before taking the name of Maddox, your father was a Bansho Clan member. He was very influential and the heir apparent to the entire Clan but relinquished that claim to marry Mrs. Maddox."
Wow, Mom. How much respect do you carry that even a Dragon refers to you formally?
"That explains why I was so drawn to demon hunting myself."
"And why did Ilah pick up on your Demon Hunting skill so fast," Benji added.
"Thanks for explaining, Orin. We should get going, Benji."
"You're right, Cal. Thanks again, Orin. Until next time."
"Of course. If you two need anything, do not hesitate to return. I will do everything I can to assist," Orin said as we left the cave.
After reaching a sizable distance from the entrance, we stopped momentarily.
"I need to head back to Edenia and help the EFF with the lockdown and report to Sindel about what we found down here. I'll see you soon."
"Be safe and try not to get tied down by JJ and Sareena. You're just as important in eliminating Daegon as everyone else."
I hug my brother before he summons a portal to Edenia and walks through it.
I pull out my pocket radio. "This is Sergeant Maddox, requesting a portal back to HQ at my location."
"Approved, Sergeant. Just a moment."
Moments later, a portal appeared for me to walk through. Once I reached the other side, I headed toward the office.
"Callie! What's going on?" Kim greeted me.
"I can ask the same of you, Kim. I don't think I've ever seen you here unless Sonya or myself call you."
"I was just in the neighborhood about to head out but decided to do a final sweep before hitting the road," she explains.
Then I thought about her and Cassie's animosity toward each other before an idea popped into my head. "Hey, Kim."
"Yeah?"
"You want to beat up, Cassie?"
Her accompanying grin could light up a pitch-black room. "Go on."
"Listen closely. Cassie and her team are heading to Articka for a training mission with Sub-Zero. He'll be feigning betrayal to see how her team reacts. How about you head over there ahead of them and partake on Sub-Zero's behalf?"
"You had me when you said beat up Cassie. Blondie Jr. needs a humility lesson, and I'd happily partake in that seminar. Bless my luck, I just refilled my gourd with more Edenian Rice Wine."
"That's good to hear. Remember, Kim. This is a training mission. I'm letting you participate because you deserve to vent about Cassie. But it's best if you don't use your Laundry Pole."
"No need to worry, Callie. I'll grab something non-lethal before heading over there."
"Great. I'll let you go. Have fun."
"Will do," Kim said as she headed out of HQ.
Kim's POV
Before heading to the Lin Kuei Temple in Articka, I need a change of weaponry. So, I'm returning to Ammy and my apartment in Tokyo to grab my substitute weapon. (4th wall break: And a toast to your patience. We know you've been waiting a while)
What am I grabbing, you ask? Nothing special, just a Shinai I managed to pluck from the Proving Grounds before moving out here. But it's of particular sentimental value since, one; I used this to train when Dad was teaching me the way of the sword, and two, Amaterasu kissed the bamboo numerous times with lipstick. So I call it たいようをあびた. (Sun Kissed) Hehe, that was a good one! That joke was layered!
Walking into my apartment, I'm at first greeted by Ieyasu.
I picked him up. "Hello, Ieyasu. How are you, buddy?" He licked my face. "That's good."
Putting him down, I looked towards the dining table and saw my wife comedically surrounded by paperwork, so much so that she couldn't even see me.
"Ammy, everything okay? Enjoying your day so far?"
She moves the papers in front to see me. "No..." Her blunt answer made me chuckle. "But it has vastly improved now that you're back."
"Well, sorry to say I won't be here long. I'm only here to pick up my Shinai for a training mission."
In response, Amaterasu plants her face on the table before letting out an exasperated sigh. "Love of my life, please save me from this monotony."
"Honey, you signed up for this when you agreed to be my and Mrs. Maddox's sole defense team. You said, and I quote, 'I'll be all you two need.' Surely you're not backing out already?"
"Of course not. But there is so much of it. Look, Kimmy! I'll be growing gray hairs by the time I'm done."
"Aww, poor baby." I hold her head and kiss her cheek. "Are you sure it's just the paperwork stressing you this much?"
"At times, I forget you're very perceptive of your surroundings, Kimmy." She admits with a relieving sigh. "It's the mission to look for and rescue mother. I'm starting to fear we may not find her, or even worse, she may already be dead."
"Then let's accelerate when we search for her. Dad and the others will surely understand. The plan has already been finalized. It's your call. I say we do this sooner rather than later, as we all have other priorities. I may not answer to anyone in Special Forces specifically, but Callie still values having me around. And I don't want Dad to overexert himself, capable as he is."
"Fair enough. We will go tomorrow night; I'll let the others know. Kiss on it?"
"Of course." I acquiesce and kiss my wife to finalize the date. "I have to go. Do you know where my shinai is?"
"In your closet. I have to get back to this dreadful paper signing."
"Please do. You never know when someone will get bold and try to sue or press charges. I have to go and humble Johnny's Team."
"Which means you'll be dealing with Cassandra, correct? Give her what for, hon."
"You know it." I blow a kiss at my wife before leaving.
Using the Proving Grounds, I made it to the Lin Kuei HQ. From the look of things, I made it before the others did. I made a fast track to the temple on top since that's where the Grandmaster, Sub-Zero, normally is at this hour. I better do this fast before Cassie and the others show up.
Cassie.
I've never met a more confusing person in my life. We're both second-generation members of our respective families, so I would expect some semblance of respect. But unlike me, who chooses to remain humble despite my parentage, Cassie seems to revel and brag about hers. Sure, her parents are both high-ups in the militaristic force she works for, but my parents are either the reincarnation of a goddess or slain one. If anyone has any right to be braggadocious about our heritage, it's me. On top of her arrogant behavior, her racism is out of nowhere and uncharacteristic of someone of her background. Beating her up in front of her peers was a way to vent my frustration at her self-hindrance. Though it turns out bloodying her nose did little to help her change.
Dashing to the top, the other initiates gave me odd looks as I ran by them. Reaching the top, I took a more casual pace to the entrance of the Grandmater's Quarters. When I went to open the door, I was yelled at.
"Hold it! None may interrupt the Grandmaster while he's meditating!"
I turn around to see a woman with Icy Blue hair. "You must be Frost. Sarge told me about you. I'm-"
"I know who you are, Kimura Sannosuke."
"Family Names first with Japanese and Chinese people, Frost. Until told otherwise by said person. I'm here to help Sub-Zero train the Special Forces unit on the way here, and I have little time to squabble with you."
Turning around, I start for the steps to Sub-Zero's temple. I heard footsteps behind me and realized Frost was about to attack me. I dodge her vertical strike with her Frost Daggers. Before swiping at me horizontally, I draw my Shinai and slam the pommel against her wrist, causing her to drop one of the daggers. I swing and hit her left hip and follow with a complimentary swing on her neck's right side. She winced on impact, and I kicked her in the abdomen, causing her to fall.
"Shit."
"Shit is apt, Frost. I may be a cheery woman, but I'm still a seasoned warrior. Treating me like an easy opponent is a big mistake." I kick her other Frost Dagger toward her feet. "If you wanna try again, be my guest."
She grabbed the dagger while feeling her struck hip. "Cocky bitch. You're not worth Sub-Zero's time. I'll deal with you here!"
"Don't bother. Sannosuke Kimura is leagues above us both," Sub-Zero revealed himself.
"A pleasure as always, Grandmaster," I greet before resting my shinai on the ground edge first.
"State your intentions, Sannosuke Kimura. I must train your former unit, who should arrive any minute."
"That's exactly why I'm here, Sub-Zero. Sarge insisted I place my hand in the mix and help you. It's not like I got anything better to do for the time being."
Sub-Zero groaned in annoyance. Something tells me he isn't over me beating his revenant from twenty-five years ago.
"Frost, leave us. We will continue your instruction after Special Forces leave."
She kneeled in response before leaving us alone.
"She's a handful," I spoke aloud.
"Frost has potential but tends to be more impulsive in solving problems," Sub-Zero critiqued. "As for your allegiance, you may help. But you will follow my instructions, and you will not be partaking in your drinking habit while you are here."
"Still butthurt over me beating you twice two and a half decades ago? I don't know why you're taking those losses so personally. Don't tell me you're as sexist as Scorpion is."
"I am not butthurt. You underestimated me both times and treated me as such."
"You were a revenant! Revenants are naturally weaker than their living counterparts. Besides, if I underestimated you, why did I quickly dispatch you both times? You snuck me by freezing me, remember? You drew first blood and still lost. Face facts, Sub-Zero. You lost to a superior kombatant. Point blank, period."
"That's no excuse to treat my defeat as an afterthought, Sannosuke Kimura."
"We are seriously not having this conversation," I said in disbelief. "I'm changing the topic. I'll let you lead. I'm not here to give orders but to humble some soldiers. And if you seriously have a problem with me beating your weaker self twenty-five years ago, we can go at it again after I come back from the Netherrealm. But if you want my advice, just let it go."
After I said that, another Lin Kuei member ran up to us. "Grandmaster! The Special Forces Team is here!"
"So where am I going?" I asked him bluntly.
He gave me a stern look. "You're leading, aren't you?"
I was getting fed up with everyone involved; could you tell?
"Wait in the temple. I will call you when it's time."
I turn and head inside. Once I do, I close the door and lean an ear against it to hear outside. At the outset, there is silence. Eventually, I heard Jin's voice.
"Grandmaster. You owe us an explanation," Jin said boldly.
"Jin, that's not part of the plan!" Cassie called him out.
"Cassandra Cage," Sub-Zero spoke. "You and your team are not welcome here. State your intentions."
I hear more footsteps; they must be from the other Lin Kuei footsoldiers.
Much to my surprise, Cassie decides to try to be diplomatic. "Grandmaster, let's talk. There were rumors of you turning your back on Earthrealm. All we want to know is if they're true."
"Whom the Lin Kuei ally themselves with is none of Special Forces concern. At least someone in your pitiful army can understand that. Isn't that right, Ambassador Sannosuke?"
That's my cue. I open the door and walk down the steps. Showing myself will throw diplomacy out the window since Cassie hates me for no good reason. And I was correct.
"Sannosuke! I always knew you were betraying Special Forces!" She claimed with an unearned confidence.
I didn't think she'd take it that far. She must have had it out for me longer than I thought.
"You'd think so, huh, Cassie? I'm only here for sparring since, if we're being truthful with ourselves, Sub-Zero will give me a much better challenge than you four." I show them my Shinai to prove my (supposed) intent.
"What will you do now, Cassandra Cage? Your team is outnumbered, and with my men and Ambassador Sannosuke here on my behalf, you are clearly outgunned as well."
Before Cassie could answer, Jin rushed Sub-Zero, making her team's decision for her. The other footsoldiers rushed Takeda and Jacqui as Cassie and I stared each other down. I readied my Shinai. Cassie cracks her knuckles with a confident smile.
"I've been looking forward to exposing you for the traitor I knew you were for a while now. This might as well be the greatest day of my life."
I scoff in response. "Can't expose me if you can't beat me, Cassandra. Let's see if Sarge's discipline changed you enough."
I transition to Hasso-no-Kamae. Believe it or not, Cassie has an advantage here. The most deadly part of a Katana, let alone any bladed weapon, is the follow-through. Sure, getting stabbed is not good, but the exit wound is what proves to be fatal in any incident. And since I'm using a blunt substitute for a bladed weapon, the deadliest part about it is completely removed. For me to do any substantial damage, I'd have to hit her pretty damn hard.
Cassie breaks the distance and tries to punch me in the face, but I dodge by hopping backward. Simultaneously, I retaliate by slapping the shinai against her hand. I motion to hit her underarm but feint and land a knee on her stomach. I tried to follow up with a swing at the back of her neck, but she pushed me away before I made contact. I snuck in a hit on her inner hip while pushed back. Infuriated, she pulled out a nightstick and tried striking me, but I parried her attempts with ease before jabbing her in the stomach with the shinai's tip. I elbowed her cheek, causing her to stumble backward. I'm anticipating her eventually drawing her pistol in fury, as it's only a matter of time.
The time was now.
When Cassie turned to face me, I saw her reaching for her left pistol. I rushed her and micro-waited for her to have the barrel pointed. I assault her lower and upper wrist, causing her to drop the gun. When it landed, I slid it away from her before erasing what little distance remained between us and hit her in her armpit, causing her to wince. Hopping back, I hit the left side of her neck, each hip, inner thighs, and dominant shoulder. Finishing her off, I hit the upper right part of her torso. But not accounting for the speed increase, I may have subconsciously hit her with a Tsubame Gaeshi (Swallow Reversal), hitting her neck and sides simultaneously as she crashed to the ground.
Choosing not to say anything, I step over Cassie and look for another of the four. Glancing at Sub-Zero, he briefly exchanged blows with Jacqui before redirecting her toward me.
She steeled her expression before rushing me. I switched to Ko Gasumi No Kamae just in time to start defending against her assault. Punch, kick, elbow, knee. At least Jacqui is using her entire body. Nonetheless, I blocked her attempt at offense with relative ease. The moment I found an opening, I slammed the shinai against her neck, causing her to gag. I knee the bottom of her skull, causing her to fall on her back.
"Someone's enthusiastic. Don't tell me you hate me too, Jacqui."
"Rank is still important even in a training mission, Ambassador. So until it's over, my name is Specialist Briggs."
"Apologies, Specialist. Major always said that military etiquette is important in your family."
"You're popular at HQ, Ambassador. All the boys are envious of your wife. Even Takeda."
"That's your problem if your boyfriend's eyes wander, Briggs. Don't let those emotions dictate your actions; otherwise, you'll end up like your bestie over there."
Those gauntlets are a problem. Let's rectify that, shall we? I parry a straight punch and kick her in the ribs. I attack Jacqui's right shoulder, swiping it with my shinai with enough force to move her down. I hit her bottom torso before assaulting her entire right arm before she had time to create some distance. But what I managed to get off already was working since she was struggling to keep her right arm up.
"Everything okay, Briggs? You're right arm isn't looking so good."
"I'm fine."
I crack her atop the head before slamming my shinai against the back of her knee, forcing her to kneel. I kneed her chin, causing her to stand back up, then fiercely jab her in her clavicles before fiercely jabbing her one final time in the stomach with so much force that she was briefly lifted off the ground. She landed on her hands and knees and spat up some bloody saliva in reaction to the sudden impact.
"Tch. Takeda! Get your girlfriend!" I yell at him.
That caused him to get distracted, taking his eyes off Sub-Zero momentarily. That was a mistake, as the Grandmaster kicked him deep in the sternum, causing him to slide. Instead of trying to retaliate, he got up and started rushing towards Jacqui. Before making it to her, he stopped by me.
"You're not actually betraying the SF, are you Ambassador?" He whispered.
"Of course not," I responded bluntly before deflecting Jin's arrow. I mush Takeda's face and pushed him in Jacqui's direction.
"For a Shaolin Monk Jin, you're awfully defiant," I critique him.
"All due respect, Ambassador. None of us really like you much." He ignored my comment.
"Pot calling the kettle black there, Jin. Tell me something I don't know, Fruit Basket."
"Beating you will be easy."
"I said something I don't know, not something that won't happen," I say succinctly as I move to Waki-gamae.
I rush him, planning on ending the confrontation fast. I quickly deciphered why I used the Tsubame Gaeshi on Cassie. It's already nighttime over here, and because of Tsu-sama's soul, I'm already more powerful than normal, and I'm not entirely used to it yet. Two Moon Illusions appear and strike Jin on opposite sides of the neck, causing him to gag and drop his bow. I then prepared and delivered a vicious overhead swing that landed precisely on his shoulder. The lack of follow-through didn't help him; as a result, he was slammed to the floor face-first. He struggled to get up as his nose started bleeding profusely.
"Who was beating who now, Jin? I can't hear over the sound of your Cassified nose." I say as he and the others are gathered on their knees.
Sub-Zero and I loom over them as they remain silent. "Do you have nothing to say, Cassandra Cage?"
"All I wanted was to try to talk."
"That went out the window when you saw me, Cassie. With that mindset, I struggle to figure out how you were chosen to be a part of a team, let alone lead one." I critique.
"That's not fair; we weren't expecting Kim to show up. Or be this skilled because of her role as Ambassador," Jin complained.
That pissed me off. "How was I the one being underestimated here? For starters, I have at least a century and two decades over all of you and beat your glorious leader here," I stated with added fury at Cassie. "In a fistfight before I requested my transfer. You're lucky I was using a bamboo katana. Otherwise, all of you would be in extensive pain or dead in Jin and Cassie's case." I slam them all.
"Well, that was sad to watch," Johnny's voice interjected before approaching next to Sub-Zero and me. "Wasn't expecting you to be here, Kim. But I'm glad you helped out."
"Sarge insisted. I was ready to go home before she suggested I head out here."
"Wait... This was all a training exercise?" Cassie asked, dumbfounded.
"Of course it was, Cassie! I may have been a Lead Understudy with my Kabuki Troupe, but I'm not that good of an actress! How much can you hate one person in tandem with being so impulsive that the second you see them with a rumored, not even confirmed enemy, you jump to the radical conclusion of treason!?"
Cassie could say nothing. Hell, she couldn't even maintain eye contact with me.
"For once, I'm actually in the same boat with Jin. I was not expecting Kim to be this fierce a fighter," Jacqui said.
"Ambassador," I mocked her for earlier.
"Sorry."
"I was being sarcastic."
"...oh."
"I'm more like my dad than I'd care to admit. He was my only teacher for most of my life, so I could be much harsher to all of you. You included, Grandmaster. But I'm a very patient woman. But you lot are adept at pushing my buttons. When you do that enough, you end up in this situation."
They all (Sub-Zero included) grumble. I can do nothing but laugh. "Hahahaha! Wow, I know I'm 177, but how is it that I'm the only one who participated in this exercise and is acting her age? You all undermined me because I got a diplomatic position? You all need to grow up. Underestimation is the sibling of defeat; clearly, you all suffer from it, including you, Grandmaster."
"Me?"
"Yes, you! Can't get over two losses in the past twenty-five years, letting them simmer in your psyche when, for me, it was a regular ass Thursday! Even if you took me seriously, you still would've lost; get over it!" I say what's on my mind before opening my Sake Gourd and taking a swig. "Stop staring, Takeda," I call him out about his micro-cheating. Jacqui slapped him upside his head. "Ugh, I'll lay into you four back at HQ. And you," I say as I point to Sub-Zero. "I'll lay into you in two days when I return from the Netherrealm and beat you for a third time!" I leave, but not before bumping Sub-Zero's shoulder.
Benji's POV
"And that's everything, Sindel," I relay what Cal and I found in Earthrealm. "Taven being Daegon's brother and Argus' son is enough to warrant my suspicion."
"You need not worry, Benjamin. Taven is the more pleasant of the two brothers. He took more after Delia than Argus, and Delia was well-liked among your family."
"As well as Orin, who guarded him while he slept."
"With how Edenia has treated you before we met, I don't blame the preapprehension, Benjamin," Xan spoke.
"The people here can be pretty shitty. No offense, Empress."
"I understand that from all of you. But Taven is of no trouble, I assure you, Benjamin."
"We'll see. Taven will return here after he finds what he's looking for in Earthrealm."
"Nevertheless, we thank you for this new information. You should tell General Verdigris-Maddoox about this development. As we speak, she's in the courtyard with the Edenian Freedom Fighters."
I couldn't hide my pleasant smile. "Will do. Ladies, Xan."
After saying goodbye, I approach the courtyard and notice my wife as she instructs the EFF.
"Remember. Even though we are currently on lockdown, prioritize your families. When you are called into service by me, the Empress, or the Princesses, make sure your families are safe first," Jade told them as I strode behind her.
"That's sound advice, General. General Maddox was smart to make you her successor." I compliment.
Jade turned around, and like a child on Christmas Morning, she became ecstatic and gave me a deep hug in front of her soldiers.
"Hello, husband." She scanned my body for scars and bruises. "Are you well?"
"I'm fine, sweetheart, like Cal and I promised." I look at the EFF, most of which were a part of the Living Forest. "Hey, boys. I hope my wife hasn't been too hard on you all?"
The response I got was not what I was expecting at all.
"DOCTOR MADDOX!" The EFF infantry swarmed Jade and me. "Welcome back to Edenia, Doc! We knew you moved back here, but we couldn't see you!"
"We knew you were here since General Verdigris-Maddox is our new leader, and you know she's your wife. But now we know you're back!"
"It's good to see you boys alive and well again—and not as a bunch of talking trees, to boot!"
One of them pushed my presence too far, however.
"Hey, Doc. Are you going to be our Battle Medic again?"
I held Jade tightly as I saw how she would respond: "Relax, honey. I'm afraid my time on the front line is over, boys. And it will stay that way as long as Jade is in charge."
The group made sounds of general disappointment.
"Will you head the Medical Team at least? I can only imagine you have become more powerful since your sister led us."
"I'll see what I can do. My wife has had me on pseudo-house arrest since becoming a dad," I joked.
Jade didn't find that funny if her (serious) elbow to my stomach was any indication. "Apologies to you all. But my husband is correct, as he will be used in a different capacity. You're all dismissed. I'll summon you when things get dire."
"Yes, ma'am!" They all said before dispersing, eventually leaving just us.
Jade sighed. "The nerve of them asking if you're returning to active duty. And your house arrest comment didn't help."
"I don't know, Jade. Some of them knew that it was a joke."
"I knew it was, but I didn't find it funny. How you can jest about Sareena and my worrying for you is beyond me, Benji. What are you doing here when you should be at home?"
"We found Orin the Dragon in Earthrealm. He was guarding Daegon, who had just awakened from a 10,000-year slumber. He'll gather some information before returning to Edenia. I was informing the Royal Family, which is why I'm here." I masterfully explained. "Jade, I'm not going to get killed. The only thing you'll acquire from worrying for me this much is your first gray hairs."
Jade blushed before huffing. "My men have no right to drag you back into open warfare and conflict like Callie, pulling you to do things and taking you away from us."
"Cal was your predecessor, so you shouldn't be surprised at their assertiveness. These are the same men we served with. Besides, she has a point. I can't spend every waking hour watching over Baby Theo and Dakini's present self. I've been telling you that for years now. Hiding is just as useful as doing nothing, especially if Daegon figures out where in the realm we-"
"Don't finish that sentence, Benji. I shudder at the thought of a psychopath like Daegon in the same realm as our kids."
"Fair enough. Just keep that in mind. Now, shall we head home?"
"Yes, please."
"Wonderful," I say before lifting her as a newlywed again.
She couldn't stop from giggling. "Benji!"
"You know you missed that, my love," I say before giving her an overdue kiss. "Anything interesting happen while I was gone?"
"Besides Sareena and myself watching our kids? I ran into Amaterasu and her friend Nox while making my rounds earlier."
"Nox? Like the Roman Goddess?"
"Yes, they've been friends for a very long time. And she revealed something about my family that I never would have figured alone."
"What is it?"
"Let's wait until we get back home. Everyone needs to hear this."
"Alright then," I acquiesce as we finally make it to the door to our house. Setting Jade down, I go to open the door. "So, what is it that Nox told you?"
Walking inside, we see Sareena holding Present Dakini, Dakini, and Mulan in the living room.
"Mama!"
"Ti-Ti. Uncle Benji."
"Hello, my shining star." Jade hugged our future daughter while booping our niece's nose. "She told me about my family's origins and why Dakini and I look so similar."
"Who did, Ti-Ti?"
"Nox, Amaterasu's friend."
"She's the Roman Goddess of the Night and Tsukuyomi's Roman counterpart. Didn't think she and Amaterasu would be friends," Mulan quickly deciphered her identity.
"Correct. She explained that my family and the first generation of Edenians originate from Earthrealm."
Dakini was dumbfounded. "What?"
"That is news!" Sareena commented, absolutely shocked.
"The Verdigris Clan apparently hails from the kingdom of Babylon," Jade detailed.
"Babylon..." I repeated. "That's in Southern Mesopotamia."
"And Dakini," Jade called for our daughter. "We look similar because our ancestors worshipped the Babylonian Goddess of Love and War, Ishtar. The Verdigris Clan was among her first worshippers. As such, we were created in her image."
"Sounds like Ishtar was very narcissistic, dearest," I remarked.
"As Amaterasu herself said, it's quite the revelation. After scouring the old houses, we found nothing about my family's history besides the name."
Dakini and Mulan shared a look of silent agreement.
"Well, I guess I know what I'm doing now. I'm heading to Rome to find Nox herself. With any luck, she may give additional information about what led to your clan's disappearance, Ti-Ti," Mulan said as she stood up. "Ranger Girl, wanna come with?"
"Sure, lemme grab my weapons," Dakini said as she entered her room.
"Do you think you can find her, Mulan?"
"It's a chance we should take, Uncle Benji. Plus, we won't even have to find her and can summon Nox here if need be. It wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. Nox is bound to know something and should be willing to share what she knows about Ishtar."
Dakini came out of her room with her bow and tomahawks. "I'm ready."
"Then let's get going. We'll be back before it gets late," Mulan said.
Sareena gave them a joint hug. "Be careful, you two. You're both formidable, but try not to start something you can't finish."
"Don't worry, Ms. Sareena. We'll be on our best behavior," Dakini reassured us all as Mulan created a Door with her mask.
Mulan's POV:
We immediately started looking after walking through the door into Rome.
"Alright, we're here with no worse for wear. Let's start looking for Nox."
"Right. Where would my temple be if I were a Roman Goddess of the Night?"
"It's nighttime, so she may be out and about. Who knows? I've never interacted with a Pantheon Deity before, save the short conversations I had with Amaterasu in your dimension," I revealed.
"Wait, you've been in my timeline long enough to talk with a deity? I thought you said we were being merged into Onaga when you dropped into the realm?"
"It was. There was still enough time to converse with Amaterasu and her twin brother. And I still had time to pluck and take you to Seido."
"Amaterasu has a twin brother? How come we never heard of him here?"
"'Cause he's dead! In this timeline anyway," a plucky voice answered for me.
Oh, no. I see an arm with a black wristband hanging over my right shoulder. I look to my left and see my work partner.
"Hey, Cowgirl! Been a while!"
"Hey... Sonni. I missed you," I say sarcastically.
She laughed. "Ya don't sound too enthused, Mu-Mu! You're a slippery one to find, y'know that?"
"Please don't call me that. And I've been busy with family matters."
"Family matters shouldn't take this long, Mulan! My boss has been reluctant to send me on cases because you aren't there with me."
"That's because we know you're more trouble than you're worth."
"Uh, I feel like I'm third wheeling here. Who are you?"
Sonni gasped. "You never told your family about me?"
"Not by name. You weren't going to meet them, Sonni."
"I beg your pardon? Move." Sonni reached out her hand. "I'm Shio Sonia, Formerly Known As Boogie. But everyone calls me Sonni now."
"Shio? Like Mr. Xan?"
"Correct! That's my old man! I'm not from this timeline, though. We're from the same timeline, kiddo."
"How is that possible? I thought I was the only one who survived!"
"Nope. Just you and I got out of that hellhole alive. Unlike you, it wasn't your cousin who brought me here. Lord Storm and Lady Sun transported me here."
"And you said you're Mulan's partner? Does that mean you two are-"
"Wha? Heavens, no! Your cousin wishes she had a significant other like me!"
"Sonni and I are partners in our regular line of work. We're both Detectives of the Tribal Detective Agency."
"Oh, that's Mr. Koga's agency in Manhattan!"
"Bingo! Here's my card." Sonni handed Dakini her card before turning back to me. "Now, Cowgirl. What on Earth are you doing here in Rome?"
"If you must know-"
"Don't get snippy with me, Mulan. I haven't heard from you in weeks. And as much as you enjoy being nowhere near me as I get off on getting on your nerves, I worry sometimes."
"You don't need to worry about my well-being, Sonni."
"And yet here we are. Now answer my question."
"We're looking for Nox's Temple to get information from her."
"And it's just you two out here?"
"Who else?"
"Whoa, ease off on the attitude, Cowgirl. I was asking because I don't think those folks in red aren't with you two then?"
We see mooks in red jumpsuits gather their weapons.
"Red Dragon Clan members!" Dakini confirmed the opposition.
"I guess the hunt for Noxwillo has to be put on hold." I spawn my Jian.
"Then I guess I'll help while I'm here."
Sonni grabbed the red handle almost concealed in her beige cloak and pulled out her rapier, Karasu. She then used the Hirazuki to lunge her rapier into a Red Dragon Goon's chest, revealing his heart forcefully removed from his chest.
Drawing my Jian, a footsoldier tried to rush at me. I jump over him while cleaving his head clean off of his shoulders. I spin and descend into the Lotus stance while swiping at another soldier's neck. Spinning and standing up, I slice the man in two. Turning around, I notice a goon about to flank Sonni. I take my revolver and land a headshot.
Sonni looks behind her and back at me. "Thanks! Nice shot." She points in front of me. "Your cousin can handle herself."
Dakini kicked a guy in the knee, forcing him to kneel. Using his position as a catapult, she landed a vicious somersault kick on his chin, knocking his head clean off. Before landing, she put away her Tomahawks and pulled her bow out, quickly firing an arrow that flew true through another man's head. Putting her bow away, she tackled the last man and drove an arrowhead into his neck.
"That's the last of them. How does the Red Dragon know we were even here?"
"That might've been my and Koga-aniki's fault."
"What? How?"
"One of the Red Dragon's stooges, Hsu Hao, tried to blow up the TDA office decades ago. Boss and Ms. Amari retaliated by killing him on his way back to Red Mountain. The other stooge, Mavado, tried to give Ms. Amari a miscarriage. Koga then retaliated by killing Mavado and then planted false reports of betrayal among the ranks on his corpse."
"Koga-aniki and Rouge-aniki would focus on the Red Drago, but they're reflecting on the account that I'm helping the family deal with Daegon."
"So it isn't a family problem! It's more serious than you were letting on, you little sandbagger!"
"Who are you calling little, you uppity valley girl wannabe!?"
"Valley Girl!?"
"Enough!" Dakini shouted. "Now that we've dealt with the Red Dragon, I think it should be time to focus on finding Nox, right?"
"Ranger Girl's right. If you're adamant about getting involved, Sonni, ask Aniki back at HQ."
"Will do. I can't let you have all the fun, Cowgirl. Janne. (Later)" Sonni said as she wiped the last blood off her blade before sheathing it back into her cloak and leaving Rome.
"That's your day job partner?"
"Yeah. She can be so annoying at times."
"I can see that. Why did Mr. Koga pair you with her if you two bicker like that?"
"Because he prefers working with his Fairy and Rouge-aniki is our secretary who deals with the business side of the Agency. He also doesn't trust Sonni to do cases by herself. I don't have much choice in the matter." I explained. "But we should focus on finding Nox again, like you said earlier."
"And why pray tell are you two looking for me?"
Nox appeared from seemingly out of nowhere.
"Nox! Where did you come from?"
"You're in my dominion at the time of the day when I'm most powerful. There are seldom deities who can overpower me. Me suddenly appearing is normal given the circumstances," she expertly answered before staring down at Dakini. "You look awfully familiar. Have we met before?"
"N-no, ma'am. But you've met my mother, General Jade Verdigris-Maddox?"
"Ah, another remnant of Ishtar's lost worshippers. It's funny how I've met two inheritors of the Emerald Light in the past few days. Life can be odd at times."
"You know of the Emerald Light?"
"Of course. Ishtar was the progenitor of the power. When she gained her first patrons and gave the firstborn daughters her visage, she also gifted them the Emerald Light. Now then. Why are you two looking for me?"
"Nox, we request permission to view your library."
Nox's expression changed to a careful suspicion. "That's an interesting request to ask a deity you just met. State your business with my divine library."
"We're looking for dirt on Kotal Kahn since we found some interesting information on him in Outworld."
"Kotal Kahn? Isn't he the current Emperor of Outworld? Why would there be information on him? He is mortal, no?"
"Yes, but he was a faux god. You probably know him as Buluc, the False God of the Sun."
Nox's expression shifted to astute attention. "Buluc? Fitting. He couldn't play god, so he's doing the next best thing. Very well. Since Buluc is an enemy of Amaterasu, and you are her allies, I'll let you into my library to peruse my texts." She then beamed at Dakini after looking at her again. "And I may have an offer for you, Ms..."
"Dakini. Dakini Maddox."
"Sky Dancer, a beautiful name. Hindi correct?" Nox inquired, to which Dakini nodded. "And you're name?"
"Mulan Maddox; we're cousins. Here's my card." I give the Goddess of the Night my card.
"Ah, an investigator of the Tribal Detective Agency. Is this your firm?"
"No, I'm an employee there."
"Well, your boss' firm is something I will look into," she said intently. "But onto you two. We'll head to my temple now. Grab on and try not to hold onto my dress too hard because it's silk."
Dakini and I (softly) clutch Nox's dress as she summons a dark portal. I expected a dreary backdrop, a strong draft, and a gothic theme. What I expected was not what I got.
There was a lot of Gold and Red, a very regal locale. I looked at Dakini, and from the look she gave me, it looked like she was thinking the same thing.
"Shocked, ladies?" Nox asked us as if she could read minds. "I can read minds." Oh, "I jest. Expectation subversions aren't lost on me. I'm the Goddess of the Night, not of Depression or Gothicism. Before I let you two loose in my library, how about a divinity lesson? This way, ladies."
Nox walks towards a table. I looked at my cousin again, but before I could say anything...
"Time may be eternal, but we are not ladies."
We then followed Nox and sat down.
"Now, the Hierarchy of Divinity goes as follows: Honorary Gods, False Gods, Minor Gods, Protector Gods, Pantheon Gods, Pantheon Leaders, Elder Gods, and Titans. Honorary Gods are those born mortal but have won the Divine's favor throughout their lives and have been granted Godhood post-mortem. Rome's very own Hercules, the Celtic Pantheon's Chu Culain. King Arthur, Joan of Arc, and your namesake, Hua Mulan. Hua Mulan is your full first name, right?"
"Yes," I say meekly.
"Haha, the stoic detective can express feelings after all. We're all learning something tonight," Nox remarked before pouring herself a glass of wine. "False Gods are mortals who schemed into godhood but were eventually exposed and outed. Buluc, or as you call him, Kotal Kahn, is a perfect example of this as he was the Mayan God of the Sun and War, making him Ammy's counterpart until his exposure. Next are Minor Gods. Minor Gods are born into divinity, but what they represent is less important or relevant than the rest of the hierarchy. Demigods and Demigoddesses are also considered Minor Gods. Yato, the Japanese God of Rice, is an example of the former."
"Rain, Taven, and Daegon are all examples of the latter," I say.
"Wait a sec. That means that Kim's a Minor God, too! Her Mom was Ame-no-Uzume."
"Correct on all accounts. Rain and the Dragon Twins being the sons of Argus makes their divinity more prevalent than Kimura's, but you two are still very much right," Nox clarified. "Next are Protector Gods, who are slightly weaker than a Pantheon God and are considered the minor version of one. More often than not, they are chosen to safeguard realms. Raijin and Fujin are perfect examples of this because they safeguard Earthrealm from outer realm threats and are minor versions of Ammy's twin brother, Su'sanoo."
"Is that the Lord Storm that Sonni was referring to?"
"Yes. Sonni's a Holy Warrior from Japan, meaning she is a patron of a deity in her country's pantheon."
"Mulan is correct. Though Holy Warriors died down over the centuries, this Pantheonan said that this Sonni woman is as old as you," Nox replied. "Now, onto Pantheon Gods like myself. We're powerful enough to be offered a seat as an official member of the region's Pantheon. We typically vanguard something that is important to mortal life. I'm the Roman Goddess of the Night, which makes me a member of the Roman Pantheon."
"What's the difference between a Pantheon Deity like yourself and a Pantheon Leader like Amaterasu?"
"Good question, as Pantheon Leaders are next. Pantheon Leaders are the most powerful deity in their Pantheon and lead the Pantheon in question. Zeus, Jupiter, Odin, Lady Tiamat, and Ammy are all Pantheon."
"Greek, Roman, Norse, Mesopotamian, and Japanese." I list.
"Very good! Now, Pantheon Leaders are horrifyingly powerful. I'm no slouch, mind you. Jupiter himself is afraid of me. But compared to Ammy, I'm multiple Pantheons weaker than her. Even among Pantheon Leaders, she is one of the more powerful ones. The only ones who may potentially have her number are Jupiter or Lady Tiamat. They also have complete control of a weather element. Zeus commands the sky and all the weather that comes with it, including rain and lightning. Lady Tiamat is the Goddess of the Sea controlling all forms of water, and Ammy is the Goddess of the Sun."
"I have a question," Dakini spoke.
"Go ahead, Dakini."
"If Amaterasu is the Goddess of the Sun and Kotal is the God of the Sun, how is it that Amaterasu is more powerful?"
"Good question. When I mentioned Buluc, I said he was the God of the Sun and War. His divine power was diverted among those two things, so the things he could do with his sun power were nothing compared to what Ammy could do due to her being a pantry leader. We're almost done. Elder Gods are more powerful than Pantheon Leaders. They control more essential aspects of life, and there are now six. Cetrion, Aamir, Brium, Duffeck, Argus, and Orion. Cetrion is referred to as Mother Nature, Aamir is Lady Chaos, Brium is Lord Order, Duffeck is the Lord of the Damned, Argus is the God of Protection, and Orion is the God of Conquest."
"I don't think it's smart to let the God of Conquest become an Elder God," I say aloud.
"I agree, Mulan. It is rather idiotic. Lastly, there are Titans who govern the Cosmic aspects of life. There are three of them as of now. Kronika, the Keeper of Time, Ammy's father, Izanagi the Giver of Life, and the Grim Reaper, the Usher of Death. Only Elder Gods can become Titans, but they don't know how. Argus and Orion have schemed to try to become Titans. Still, they never went anywhere with their machinations, which led the Messenger, your mother Mulan, to expose them and eventually separate Edenia from Outworld. A lot of information, I know, but I figured you deserved now that you are now acquainted with a Pantheon Goddess and Pantheon Leader in addition to being close to a Minor Goddess. Now, you two have free rein in my library. Everything is sorted alphabetically. As for me," Nox said as she sipped her wine. "I'm going to enjoy this glass of wine and get dressed for bed. Even we Pantheon Gods need our beauty sleep. Have fun, ladies."
Nox left us alone to our devices.
"A lot of information is correct. I'm still processing everything she just said."
"Same, but we came here for dirt on Kotal, so let's get to it. She may have been kind enough to let us peruse her library, but I don't think Nox would want us here for long."
"Right."
We immediately went to the K section of the library and started digging through literature, though we didn't find anything on him. And we scoured the entire section multiple times.
"Find anything, Dakini?"
"No, Mulan. We can't go through that lecture and almost be marked as an enemy of the Pantheon just for us to return to Edenia with nothing."
"I know, Ranger Girl. We have to keep looking," I said with some optimism.
Dakini looked like she was thinking for a moment. "What did Nox call Kotal again?"
"Buluc, I think. Why?"
"Maybe we should look for Buluc as opposed to Kotal Kahn since we're in a Divine Library as opposed to a mortal one."
I take a second to think it through. "That makes sense. You should be the Detective here, Ranger Girl. Let's go to B."
After going to 'B' and perusing, we found something.
"Dakini, I found something," I call her while opening the book. "Good on you to say check in B." I compliment.
"Thanks. What do the texts say?"
Flipping through the pages until I see something substantial, I stop at one page. "Buluc was first revered as the Mayan God of Blood when, upon driving out the Spanish Conquistadors, the Mayans venerated him as a hero. In honor of him, the Mayans picked up his habit of consuming blood, which killed thousands of Mayans from the contracted diseases. In shame, he left the Mayans but was still honored as a deity and joined the Realm of Gods. Not too long after suspicion, an investigation was undertaken, and it was revealed that Buluc wasn't born a deity but a faux god. He was properly exposed and sent back to the mortal realm."
"How can he sleep at night knowing he inadvertently killed thousands?" Dakini questioned.
"Maybe that's why he has an air of arrogance. Being treated like a deity would surely boost any mortal's ego." I answer honestly. "Look, there's more. Before being exposed and ousted from the Realm of Divinity, Kotal befriended and fell madly in love with the Babylonian Goddess of Love and War, Ishtar."
"The text name-dropped, Ishtar!"
"It was said that his feelings were reciprocated as she was the first to decipher he was a faux deity and was attracted to his scheming ways." I finish reciting. "Doesn't say much else about Ishtar, though. But to think the deity whom you and Auntie are made in the image of was intimate with Kotal."
"I don't need that to be reiterated, Mulan. The very thought is enough to make me hurl. Let's see if there are any texts on her in the I section."
"Yeah, let's go."
Putting the book back, we search in the 'I' section.
"Mulan, I found something."
"What'd you find?"
"This small book is on Ishtar herself." Dakini opened the book and started reading the text. "Ishtar was revered as the Babylonian Goddess of War and Love. Okay, we know that from Kotal's book." She flipped through the pages. "Ah, here's a picture of her."
I took a peek. "Wow... Auntie said you two were made in her image, but the similarities are glaring. Even through the picture, I can feel something otherworldly about her appearance."
"Same. Seeing this puts Kotal's obsession with her and Mama into perspective. I know Auntie didn't know I wasn't made in a deity's image at my time, but maybe she picked up something otherworldly about me."
"Right, it was Ma who named you. Dakinis were Kali's bodyguards, right?"
"That's what she told me," Dakini said as she continued flipping through the pages. "Not much else about her is told except that she and the rest of the Babylonian Pantheon were wiped out simultaneously. This is the only book about her, Mulan. And we still know next to nothing about her."
Nox reappeared in a black bathrobe. "Finding everything to your liking, ladies?"
"For the most part. Nox, do you know anything about Ishtar?"
"Of course, I knew her personally when she was still alive. Do you want specifics besides what that text told you?"
Dakini's expression was unmistakable. "Anything, please."
"Very well. As you two probably figured, Ishtar was the Babylonian Goddess of Love and War. While in the Realm of Gods, she and Buluc were lovers after being attracted to his scheming maneuvers."
That practically confirmed Kotal's obsession with Aunt JJ since she and Ishtar looked eerily similar now that we know what Ishtar herself looked like.
"Her mortal enemy was a man named Gilgamesh, the great Babylonian Hero. Have you two ever heard of him?"
Dakini and I shook our heads.
"It's a great tale. He was the first mortal to be granted the title of Honorary God while still alive, meaning he was granted the right to access the Realm of Gods justly. While she was a Love Goddess and loved her patrons deeply, she was also incredibly petty. Despite being mortal, she despised that Gilgamesh was allowed access to the Realm of Gods, and her lover couldn't be a faux god. The two quarreled often, and that sentiment was shared with their worshippers. Their last quarrel was so destructive that the entire Pantheon got involved. If one thing is true about the Babylonian Pantheon, they were arrogant and entitled. As a result, the ensuing Babylonian War wiped Babylon and a massive chunk of Mesopotamia off the map. Lady Tiamat, Gilgamesh, Ishtar, and all the others were killed."
"Okay. What about Kotal? Who exposed him as a faux god?" Dakini asked the next important question.
"Once the rumors of Buluc being fraudulent spread across the realm, the deities decided to have someone to investigate. Everyone unanimously agreed that Ammy should conduct the investigation."
"What!?"
"Nox, Amaterasu was the one who exposed Kotal?"
"It was only fitting since she too is a Sun Goddess but also a Pantheon Leader, so none of the other Gods would trouble her. The problem was that she had only been to the Realm of the Gods once to intimidate Ishtar after she made snide remakers about the Japanese. Luckily, I had befriended Tsukuyomi, and she just married Amaterasu, so that was our way in, and after enough begging, she agreed. She found the evidence that damned him, and he was expelled from the realm with prejudice," Nox explained. "Before she was killed, Ishtar told me that she and Kotal had planned to rebel against the other deities for outing him, but once she realized that meant confronting Ammy in a physical confrontation, she gained cold feet."
"Wow, Amaterasu threatened her and must have shaken her up," Dakini said.
"A contributing factor, but that very same incident was Ishtar's bisexual awakening since, from that moment on, she loved and lusted after Ammy. And she would never do anything to harm her. Ammy never knew that she had a near unbreakable control over Ishtar."
"Power is attractive, but to think it could be that serious," I said before thinking aloud. "Hmm, Daki and Aunt JJ were given Ishtar's image. Kotal and Ishtar were lovers, and his obsession with Auntie is seemingly out of nowhere. You don't think he knows Aunt JJ and you were made in Ishtar's image?"
"That would explain the visceral obsession. But knowing Kotal, the reasoning could be much darker."
"Do you think he wants to use Aunt JJ's body as a vessel to resurrect Ishtar? I don't know much about Blood Magic, but if that ritual Reiko performed was any indication, the school seemingly lacks limits."
"A colorful imagination you have, Mulan," Nox said. "But that isn't possible as Pantheon Deities and lower are the only Gods in the hierarchy who die permanent deaths. They'll reconstruct themselves if you kill a Pantheon Leader, an Elder God, or a Titan. If an Honorary, Faux, or Minor God dies, they stay that way. Technicalities exist as deities can be pulled out of the Netherrealm if they are found. But otherwise, once a Pantheon Deity's life ends, it is normally permanent."
That was reassuring to hear, but the thought itself was mind-shuddering.
"Nox."
"Yes, Mulan?"
"You said that you had an offer for Dakini? Are you getting cold feet?"
"Heavens, no! Even though you are no longer Nightwolf, Dakini, I can still sense its spirit in your soul, which means the Great Spirit and Phae have forsaken you. Being from the future, in addition to your present self being born, has stripped you of those powers that have been effectively passed down to the next inheritor of the Nigthwolf mantle. Your present self won't have to worry about being a Nightwolf. Since you are no longer without a patron deity, and we need all hands on deck when Onaga immediately finds a way to scheme his way back into the realm of mortals, I offer you a chance of becoming my champion," Nox offered.
"What? Are you serious?"
"Very much so. You will become a Shadow Dancer and inherit powers based on mine. As an added bonus of being Ishtar's descendant, I'll do what I can to help you learn more about the Emerald Light. Since I'm Primordial, the abilities you receive will be much more powerful than the normal blessings from a regular Pantheon God."
"When can I start?" Dakini impulsively asked.
"Wait a sec, Ranger Girl. Think about this clearly. Nox may have helped us, but we met her a few hours ago."
"Your cousin is right, Dakini. Becoming a Champion of any deity is a harsh undertaking, and doing so under a Primordial Deity is even more so. I will be as gentle as I can as a mother myself, but the mental conditioning needed to gain powers from me? Harsh would be a vicious understatement."
"The process of becoming Nightwolf was hell, and I want to be strong enough to do my part in protecting what I have now. However, I'll talk to my parents about this. When can we do this?" Dakini said firmly.
"A few days from now, as I will be heading to the Netherrealm tomorrow night with Ammy, Kimura, Xan, and Baiken to look for Lady Death, Ammy's mother."
"Let me know when you get back, Nox."
"Very well. If you don't mind, Mulan. Should Dakini undergo this, I would like you to be present when I begin giving her my patron's powers. It'll be easier on me if someone else she trusts and cares for is present."
"Of course, Nox. I'll be there. But Dakini, you must tell your folks you're doing this. They have every right to know."
"Oh, I will. But they'll be less apprehensive when we explain the situation."
"Fair. We should return to Edenia and inform the others what we found."
"Yes, I need to sleep as well. Nox, thank you for letting us peruse your library." We both bow at the Roman Goddess.
"Thank you for being wonderful house guests, ladies. A final gift before you go."
With her index and middle fingers, Nox held her hands out and touched our foreheads. "A gift of a good night's sleep since that's something that we all could use. I will see you both in a few days."
Summoning a portal, we transported back to Rome.
I looked at my cousin. "You sure about Nox's offer, Dakini?"
"More than sure. Enduring what Onaga put us through, killing most of our friends and allies along with my father... and watching that witch murder Mama while gloating in my face."
Dakini's eyes had a slight green glow. "I will not experience that again. Not if I can help it."
Knowing this was important to her, I couldn't help but smile and hug my dear cousin. "Then you have my support. Let's go."
A/N: And that's a wrap! In the next chapter, Xan, Kim, Ammy, Nox, and Baiken will head to the Netherrealm to search for Ammy's mother. Also, Dakini is slowly gaining some sense of independence and agency. Will she accept Nox's offer to become her Champion? What will Benji and Jade think?
Find out all that and more next time on Gone, but Not Forgotten!