Chapter 1: Anthony and Flora Cage
24 Years Later
Many years have passed since the defeat of Shao Kahn and the deaths of Geras, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. With them, the second and final death of Kronika, who's subconsciousness lay dormant within the minds of Geras and Alex Cage. She has possessed Alex a few times but failed to make him hers. Despite this, Mileena, Rain, Tanya and Reptile have retreated to the Netherrealm, stranded with no way out. Mileena has taken charge of the group since the second death of Shao Kahn at the hands of the traitorous Shang Tsung. The heroes of Earthrealm, Outworld and Edenia have agreed to let them crumble in their own defeat, hoping that it will be permanent.
A lot of things have changed since the battle at the Sky Temple. The three realms continue to work together as allies against any possible threat to them all. King Jerrod and Queen Sindel have long since remarried and both agreed to start over with their lives in the New Era after Shao Kahn's defeat. They continued to rule Edenia and kept their agreement. Outworld is ruled by Kitana Kahn, who has married Fire God Liu Kang. Jade and Kotal have married as well. Kotal continues his work as general of his Osh-Tekk army. Jade continues her work as Kitana Kahn's bodyguard and friend and sister. While doing so, she has kept her promise to check up on Alex and Cassie whenever she can. She always enjoyed being their guardian. Fujin, who lives within the Sky Temple has since been trained to use the crown by Liu Kang, being his apprentice just in case something were to happen. Liu Kang could have turned to Alex, but he turned down the offer.
Earthrealm has changed as well. While Liu Kang has since continued his work as Earthrealm's protector while balancing his marriage to Kitana, he made sure to be extra careful of any threats that pose to the realms. Thanks to his time powers, anything could happen. The Lin Kuei has changed along with the Shirai Ryu. Takeda Takahashi and his wife Jacqui Briggs Takahashi have become full-time members of the Shirai Ryu, remembering the oaths they made when they got married. They have grown to have a daughter, named after Jacqui's late mother Vera Briggs. Hanzo Hasashi continues his work as the grandmaster of the clan. The Shaolin Monks are led by Kung Lao with his nephew Kung Jin following him.
Lastly was the Special Forces. Alex and Cassie have continued to grow through their jobs and their marriage has grown stronger. Cassie has become a full-time General in the Special Forces with Alex becoming a Colonel. Not only them, but their own children, Anthony and Flora Cage, named after Alex's late parents killed by Kronika, have joined the Special Forces, wishing to admire their parents. Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage are almost set to retire from the Special Forces along with Jackson Briggs. Johnny and Sonya have remarried since then and are reluctant to retire, but have no choice now. Jax seems to be at peace with retirement, and is proud of how far Alex, Cassie and Jacqui have come. Unlike his friends, Jax has been having health issues with his heart, which sadly and partly was what led to his retirement. Kabal has remained with the Special Forces as a weapon specialist. He has made peace with his job since he turned traitor against the long dead Black Dragon. He has since been a Specialist and is completely fine with it. What pleases him most is everyone in the military trusts him. They all knew that it was a matter of time before this would happen, but couldn't feel proud of how far their children have come. They have since been told about their parents' powers and the things the families went through to defeat Shao Kahn, Shinnok, Kronika and other enemies.
One day, there was going to be a big announcement within the Special Forces. But first, there are plenty of training exercises and mission details set to be done before the announcement would be made. This is going to be a big day for Cassie and Alex and their children Anthony and Flora. Their new base is in northeastern Georgia.
Alex and Cassie were the first to wake up in the morning at 0700 hours. Cassie wakes up and kisses her husband awake. "Good morning, Colonel handsome. How was the sleep for you?" Cassie looks roughly the same as her mother, minus the hair. Her hair is still cut short like it was in the beginning of the New Era.
Alex opens his eyes and smiles upon hearing her voice and seeing her face. "Always the best with you by my side. Always have, always will." This makes his wife snicker. Alex has grown a lot. He has put on more build and has facial hair, enough to grow a beard, but not too big.
"Gotta provide you in the manner to ensure that you're accustomed." Cassie said before kissing him again. "Time for the big day. You up for this?" She asked as they get up and start walking.
"Yes, General Sexy. Things are moving by fast. Us stepping up as new leaders. Everyone else is moving on with their lives. Children of ours idolizing us. I don't see any harm in saying that they remind us of us when we were younger." Alex stated. He remembered the days Cassie always idolized her parents and wanted to be like them. And the time he started idolizing Cassie since he grew to have a crush on her.
"I know. It's like going in a cycle. I see that as a good thing. I'll never forget the times I've went on missions with them before Takeda and Jin came along. And of course when you came along. You all made things better. Though Jin was an asshole most of the time." Cassie said, making Alex smile.
"I hear that. You sure they're up for this? I mean today is going to be a big day for them as well. Not that I doubt them or anything. It's something else." Alex expresses his concern.
"What is it, Alex? You know you'll always tell me anything." Cassie looks at him.
"With everything that has happened throughout the past 20 years, with Shinnok, Kronika, Shao Kahn and Geras and the shit they put us through personally. I just don't want them to be forced to go through what you and I experienced along with Jacqui." Alex tells her.
Cassie looks at his eyes and holds his hand. "I understand you're worried, Alex. I agree that those bitches made us go through all of that against our will. And what Kronika put you through twice makes sense. Anthony and Flora are not little anymore. You have to realize that. I know you've accepted them for their age, but sometimes, they need to learn to stand on their own."
Alex sighs and nods at her words, knowing what she means. "You're right. Given how we toughened them up and such, I bet they can fight anyone who tries to fucking antagonize them." Alex smiles.
"That's the spirit, Colonel." Cassie said before kissing him. "C'mon. Let's get this day started." She ordered and Alex nods. They both smile as they walk together. They seem to be confident in their children's abilities. But that remains to be seen by them, Sonya, Johnny, Kenshi and Jax.
Elsewhere in the Special Forces base, Flora Cage, named after the goddess of wind and earth, wakes up early in the morning and feels very excited. She dons long brown hair with a long ponytail similar to what Cassie used to have. She is aware of the big announcement coming today after training. Flora immediately gets dressed in her Special Forces uniform and feels full of energy. She quickly walks over to the door next to here and starts knocking.
"Anthony? You up yet?! Come on, wake up!" Flora Cage said as she continues knocking. Flora is someone who can be headstrong, brave, smart and just as mature as her father, but she can be energetic, impatient sometimes and being cocky, the latter she gets from her mother's side. Despite all of that, she cares deeply for her brother and her family. There hasn't been any strains on her relationships with any of them.
Anthony groans and yawns as he just exits the shower and puts on his uniform. It appears he doesn't feel as energetic or anything like his twin sister. He yawns again as he exits. "Damn, Flora. Least you could do is knock once and wait for a change." Anthony Cage said, feeling a little more tired. Anthony on the other hand has short blonde hair, nearly matching his mother's. Anthony, while brave and smart as his sister, he's confident, though that will continue to grow, and he's also shy, optimistic and can be a little more quick to anger than his sister. Like Flora, Anthony can also be protective. Like their father, they are also autistic.
"Don't tell me you forgot what today is? Right?" Flora Cage asked her brother.
"I know. T-the big announcement today. How long do we have?" Anthony Cage asked.
"Don't know. Have to see what General mom and Colonel dad say. This should be good. I'm looking forward to this." Flora Cage said, smiling with some brightness in her eyes.
"Somebody is excited today. More excited than usual. I like that about you, sister. But sometimes you can take things over the top." Anthony Cage said.
"Maybe. Maybe not. Hoping we spare today beforehand. Maybe grandma will have something big planned for us." Flora Cage thinks so.
Anthony felt nervous. "Y-yeah. I hope so too. Hope it's not a mission with her. I mean she is…. well you know."
Flora noticed her brother's hesitation. "Look. I see your point. I doubt grandma Sonya would go and do something batshit crazy. Remember what our parents taught us. Don't be nervous on a mission or training. As long as you follow through, you'll be okay." She smiles at him. "We always have each other's backs."
"I hope you're right, Flora. Thing is I'm just worried. I hate hearing bad news and stuff. Last thing I would want to hear is something regarding family." Anthony Cage tells her.
"I hear you on that, Anthony. Come on. Our parents/bosses should be waiting for us." Flora Cage puts a squeezing comfort on her brother's arm. Anthony smiles a little before they continue walking their way through. Flora couldn't help looking forward to what's coming up. Anthony is too, though as he tries to take steady breaths trying to stay calm. But still, he and Flora would be willing to protect their parents and each other.
The twins continue to make their way to the gym where everyone normally trains. Flora smiles upon entering. It appears she enjoys training. Anthony likes training too, though he tries to not get too overconfident in his abilities. They received a lot of practice from their parents, grandparents, Jax and from time to time, Takeda, Jacqui and their daughter. They are about evenly matched for each other. But they still wonder what will be special about today.
Flora turns to her brother Anthony just to check on him. She puts a hand on his shoulder. You okay, bro?"
"Yeah. J-just making sure I'm all ready and everything. Don't want to let mom and dad down and everything. Today is gonna be far different." Anthony Cage said, gesturing to their parents and grandparents, as well as the entire forces.
"Oh, shit. Was not expecting that." Flora feels her heart beating out of nervousness and takes a deep breath. "We can do this. Whatever they have assigned for us. You with me?" Flora Cage asked, offering her hand.
Anthony smiles and grabs her hand and fist bumps her. "Yeah. Let's see what this is all about."
The twins continue walking, doing their best to keep the confidence on their faces as they approach the entire family and all soldiers present. They stop right in front of the new general and colonel and salute them as they stand beside each other. Sonya and Johnny have grown to have some white in each of their hair and have some wrinkles on their faces. Their appearances are roughly the same since over 20 years ago. Jax's hair and beard have turned a little greyish white and his cybernetic arms have been upgraded to the latest technology.
Both of the parents smile as they approach their son and daughter, both having similar looks on their faces for what they have planned. "Anthony and Flora. You both made it just in time. Like you hate being late as usual." Alex said, making both of them snicker. "You both have done the Special Forces proudly since you've signed up and made a lot of progress. You have a big week ahead of you. Same goes with the rest of us. Before we get to an announcement, the general has some words to say." Alex said before stepping aside, knowing what General Cassie would have to say.
"You both have did both me and your father/colonel proud. Before we get to the special announcements, there is one task we have for you. You two have both since been promoted to Lieutenant months ago. Me and Alex talked and decided to give you guys your own team. You proved to be more mature as life progressed here in the Special Forces. However, there are no family favors here. Only one of you will be promoted to Sergeant and become leader of that team." General Cassie tells her children.
"Let me guess. We have to kick each other's asses?" Anthony Cage asked
Cassie and Alex briefly snickered before smiling. "Correct. Remember the lessons you two have learned from us as well as your Uncle Takeda and Aunt Jacqui and cousin. Keep things fair between you two. Understood?" Cassie asked them.
"Yes, General!" The twins said, saluting her.
"Good. Now begin. And good luck." Cassie said as she and her husband stand back with everyone else. They all look on with smiles on their faces, haven seen how far they have gotten and such.
Alex starts having this weird feeling. He gestures to his head like he has a headache. Something regarding him and his daughter Flora. Sonya turns to him in worry. "Alex. You alright, there? You seem to be acting a little funny."
"I'm fine. It's just I have this weird feeling. Something involving me and Flora. It feels familiar to me. I don't know why." Alex stated.
"You mean like what happened with you after the New Era with Kronika?" Sonya asked.
"No. Nothing like that. I can't quite make it out. Maybe some sort of connection or something. I'm not sure. It's not with Anthony, just her." Alex explained.
"Right. I remember what Liu Kang said back then. His visions. Could they finally come true at last? I would hope so because it's about damn time." Johnny said.
"I can hope so, dad. In fact, I am feeling the same with me and Anthony. This is entirely new shit for me. I haven't felt a new upgrade since I kicked Kano's and Tasia's asses. I remember Geras telling me that himself." Cassie said. She remembered her time as Geras' prisoner in hopes of trying to turn Alex and after seeing a blurred vision of her children given to him by Kronika. Now she finally gets the true meaning.
"The cycle never ends with this family. Just the way I like it. First with Johnny, then Cassie and Alex, and now Flora and Anthony. Same with the Takahashi family, knowing how badass they are." Jax said.
"Only one way to find out." Alex tells them. They look back at Anthony and Flora, trying to find a stance.
"You ready to do this, Flora? Don't take anything too badly. And don't hold back on anything, okay?' Anthony Cage asked.
"Win or lose, don't disappoint me, Anthony. No hard feelings. Let's do this." Flora Cage said as they fight. Anthony has a pair of tonfas at his disposal while Flora has gauntlets similar to Jacqui. They are able to change to batons at free will.
Anthony and Flora charge at each other. Flora starts by swinging her batons at her brother, which he blocks with his tonfas. They switch between offense and defense. Anthony is usually trained to fight defensively while Flora is the exact opposite. Anthony manages to block every swing she brought at him and he manages to find an opening and swings a tonfas at her left hip, elbows her stomach, punches her forehead, followed by a kick. Flora rolls backwards a couple of times and recovers. The twins circle around each other, looking at each other in the eye. Neither of them are letting up a bit. Anthony charges in for tonfa swings, only for his sister to dodge and swing one of her batons at his legs and trip him. Her brother manages to move out of the way by rolling and kicks his sister back.
Anthony slowly approaches his sister and they quickly exchange fast blows with each other. He attempts to trip her, but she jumps and swings an endpoint of one of her batons at his back, stumbling him. They turn into gauntlets and Flora runs in and double kicks him in the back and back kicks his head. She then elbows his right leg, knees his forehead and swing kicks Anthony across the chest, sending him backwards. Anthony ducks a roundhouse kick and side kicks her right rib cage, back kicks her across the face, stumbling her. Flora recovers and does a punch to the gut, knee strike to the chest and kick to the face. Anthony regains his footing just in time before Flora was able to do an elbow strike to the neck. He grabs his sister's elbow, pushes it away, turning her around, allowing him to do a series of punches to the back of her shoulders and both sides of her waist, grabs her legs with his own, knee strikes her back and rolls off her. Flora is just out of breath as she sighs in defeat.
"Sergeant Anthony ready to report." Anthony Cage smiles slightly as he offers his hand to his twin sister. She smiles as she takes it to stand up. The twins both turn and see their parents and grandparents coming to applaud them for a job well done.
"Congratulations, Sergeant Anthony." General Cassie said, saluting him alongside Alex, Sonya and Johnny and Jax as well. Anthony smiled a little more, feeling some pride in his promotion. He blushes a little more when the soldiers applaud him for a job well done.
"You've done well, son. Amazing." Alex smiled as he and Cassie both hug him. Sonya and Johnny smile and nod as well.
"T-thank you. Didn't think I'd be the one to win. I was just doing my best, that's all. It wasn't hard to keep a rational mind in battle." Anthony Cage said while blushing.
"They're right, bro. That was badass right there." Flora Cage said before hugging her younger brother.
"Really? You mean that? I thought you'd be jealous or something?" Anthony Cage thought.
"Nah, not really. I mean there's always next time for me. We're only like 23 years old. What's important is you're our new team leader. You'll make a badass one perhaps. You're a cool little bro." Flora Cage smiled. Anthony felt more than pleased at his sister complimenting him on his promotion and becoming the official leader of their new team that has yet to come.
Things seem to be going very good for everyone, until suddenly, Flora's body started glowing purple. And then she sees something. Flora sees five unlit torches and one of them lights up. Flora returns back to reality and gasps for air. Once she regained her bearings, she sees everyone staring at her in awe. "What? Is there something wrong?"
"Flora. Your body. It's glowing." Anthony Cage points out to her.
Flora looks down and sees a purple aura glowing all around her. Just like it happened to her father Alex, and his father before him. "What's going on? I don't…. Wait a minute. Is this what I think it is?" She slowly started to realize something.
"Yes, Flora." Alex said as he approached her. He places a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Your powers. You've unlocked them because of how mature you are."
"Really? Awesome! But how did you know?" Flora Cage asked her dad.
"I sensed it. I'm not sure why. But I saw the torches too. It happened to me too. This is just like before when I was just about your age. You're a demigod, just like me." Alex said to her.
"So that's what happened earlier with you. I was damn hoping it wasn't anything bad. Thank god it wasn't. Not ever again." Sonya said. "But still, your father is right. Although you didn't get promoted, at least you got this to make up for it." This made Flora smile.
"Yeah. I guess you're right. So that fight and the promotions and the team. Was that the big announcement? I have a slight hunch that it wasn't at all. Just an opening act, I'm guessing." Flora Cage assumed.
"You guessed right, kiddo. The main announcement is about to come up right now. Something bigger than anything like we've all seen?" Johnny tells her.
"Bigger than the money you made as a movie star?" Jax teases Johnny, causing everyone to laugh at his embarrassment.
"Haha. Very funny, Briggs." Johnny mockingly replied before turning to his wife. "You ready for this? It's now or never." Sonya nods to him and then turns to her daughter and son-in law who respond with a nod as well.
"Alright. All troops. Line up side by side. Major General Blade has an important announcement to make. Let's move, people." Cassie ordered everyone and all soldiers, including Sergeant Anthony and Lieutenant Flora line up.
Sonya, Johnny, Jax, Cassie and Alex all line up in front of them, with Sonya Blade standing in the middle. She steps forward, takes a deep breath ready to speak what's one her mind. "Fellow soldiers. It is with great reluctance for me to make this speech. I knew that it was only a matter of time before this would happen. At the end of today, I will be officially retiring from the Special Forces alongside Johnny Cage and Jackson Briggs." Sonya announced. This causes many whispers among the soldiers. They feel shocked upon hearing those words, especially Anthony and Flora. "Now I know some of you are shocked to here this. But I have talked with my husband Johnny, my brother-in-arms Jax, as well as General Cassie and Colonel Alex as well as Jacqui, Takeda and Kung Jin for about almost 6 months in advance. As time went on, we have faced many foes. We defeated Shao Kahn, Shinnok, Kronika, Geras and Shang Tsung. Many sacrifices were made to ensure the safety of Earthrealm and the allies it has. My final command as Major General is to listen to the commands of General Cassie Cage and Colonel Alex Cage from here on out and to come to the retirement party tonight. Anthony. Flora. You may both have potential. You carry the spirit and soul of a soldier. I know you will not let us down. General Cassie. Colonel Alex."
Sonya Blade steps backwards and Cassie and Alex both step up. Cassie was the first to speak up. "Thank you, Major. I am honored to take up the mantle of being the new leader of the Special Forces. This was something I grew up with. To be a model soldier. To live up to you and dad. The stories we've been told along the way despite the ups and downs the family has had. At first I was worried of becoming C.O at such an early age, but I had inspiration. People that looked up to me. I would never forget that. And thank you to Sonya, my mom for inspiring me all the way. And thank you to Johnny." Cassie gives a speech as everyone applauds for her, including her son and daughter.
Alex was the next to step up and sighs. He gathers up the courage to speak up. "Thank you, Sonya Blade. I am honored to be among you all. Up to this day. At first I felt like I was out of the blue when I first came here to Earthrealm. At first I was afraid, too shy and modest with myself to try to fit in. But thanks to Cassie Cage, my lovely wife, I changed for the better. I was different from everyone else. Being a demigod. Something that I refused to accept at first when Kronika attacked. I have her and Jacqui and an old friend named Raiden to thank for convincing me to step up. I chose my own destiny and killed Kronika and decided for myself what to do with my life. And that was to serve the Special Forces. Thank you to Cassie, for being there for me and showing me what everything feels like. Thank you to Johnny and Jax for the inspiration and laughs we had. And thank you to Sonya Blade for putting your trust in me after you were reluctant to do so at first. Memories that I will always cherish for the rest of my life." Alex finished. Everyone felt moved by this, especially his wife Cassie and their son and daughter. Anthony and Flora were the first to applaud for him and everyone else that stand before the two with all the other soldiers following the twins. Alex turns to Cassie, who responds by blowing him a kiss. He smiles and turns to Sonya, Johnny and Jax and they smile back at the words he said to them.
Later that night, the Special Forces are holding a retirement party for Sonya, Johnny and Jax. It was hard to believe that they are doing so have decades of service. Regardless, the soldiers thought it would be a good idea to have one last night before they leave. This feeling of Sonya and the others leaving feels shocking especially for Anthony and Flora. Nobody could blame them though. Their parents Alex and Cassie are also having a bit of a hard time believing the news. Kabal on the other hand wasn't too surprised. He isn't much of a party person, but would do it for the alcohol….. as long as he promised not to go too crazy over it.
Everyone, minus the twins, are not having alcoholic drinks. Alex isn't the biggest fan of it but tolerates alcohol. "Shit is moving really hard and fast, isn't it?" Alex asked.
"What? The fact that mom and dad as well as Uncle J are finally retiring after so many years of serving? I believe that very much. Who knew we could come this far in life?" Cassie replied.
"I did. For a long fucking time, Cassie. Even before you beat Shinnok, and the way you led your team, I figured you'd be best suited for the job. There has never been one time where you have let me down." Sonya said, putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder, making Cassie smile.
"Thanks. Again, I'd thought it would be Alex that would be the best of us." Cassie stated.
"Nah. You've always been the better leader than anyone. Because you were made tough by Sonya. The toughest one I know personally." Alex flirts and kisses her cheek.
"He's right. I mean you both have done so much for us in the past, helped pull us through the tough shit in the Old Era and after Kronika died. Never met the bitch but she got what she deserved." Sonya said. While what she said was true, she hated Kronika even more when she had Geras kidnap Cassie and possessed Alex a few times.
"Oh, you're telling me. Given the fact that she lied to my face and tricked me, I agree." Jax said. He felt ashamed for siding with Kronika, blinded by wanting a future for Jacqui, but thanks to Raiden, he realized he was fighting for her intentions.
"And that she tried to kill me and Cassie with cyborgs and Black Dragon dickholes, oh yeah, the hate became official." Johnny said. This actually made everyone laugh, including the twins.
"Oh yeah. The hate never gets old. In fact, it just becomes entertaining for us, me especially." Jax chuckles. He smokes his cigar, but then starts coughing and puts a hand to where his heart is. Sonya looks at him in worry.
"Jax? You okay, there?" Sonya asked, looking concerned.
"Yeah. I'm fine. Just ready to hang the guns up the walls and live in peace. Just having some minor issues is all." Jax tries to reassure her. This hardly makes her feel any better. She knows that something is up with her long-time brother-in-arms, but thinks it's not because of his habit of smoking.
"I hope so. Because you wouldn't want Jacqui to see you like this, now would you?" Sonya asked.
"Hell no. In fact, I hear they're gonna make an announcement. Something to do with changing the Shirai Ryu. She and Takeda invited me to go there tomorrow.
"Really, now? What do you think they're gonna say?" Johnny asked.
"Don't know. They wanted to keep it a secret. No one else knows but Hasashi." Jax shrugs. He coughs a little bit more but smirks, thinking of his daughter.
"Damn. Didn't know you guys take the whole hero and villain stuff seriously. When you told us about what happened and how awesome mom and dad are, we were just blown away by all that shit." Flora Cage said. She couldn't help but feel happy for her parents. She and her brother both looked up to their parents.
"I mean. How else would we believe them? They showed us their powers. And you have them too now, Flora. That is what is good about you. It means you're ready to step up." Anthony Cage tells her.
"You think so?" Flora Cage asked her brother.
"I think so too. Your brother is right. It has happened before. I promise you we will help you with this. We always help the family out." Cassie smiles at her daughter.
"Thank you, general- err, I mean, mom, I mean-" Flora Cage stuttered in her own words, causing her mother to snicker.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Call me mom when it's just us. It happened to me a lot." Cassie said.
"Sure thing, General Mom." Flora Cage smiled, making her father laugh a little. "Hey, Colonel dad? Can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What is it, Flora?" Alex asked his daughter.
"How did it feel? Unlocking your powers for the first time? Using them for the first time on your first mission and saved mom? And how you pulled through mastering it." Flora Cage asked.
"Well. I didn't know I had powers because I was knocked out and had visions like you just did earlier. It wasn't easy though. I used them to protect and serve. Kronika wanted me to use them for her doings but I didn't want to. It took me a few years to master my powers completely. With a lot of training." Alex explains to her.
"Do you think you could teach me how to use them properly? So I can help my brother and the new team he's gonna lead? I want to always have his back just as he has mine." Flora Cage asks him.
"Flora. We both know that you're willing to care for others' safety more than your own. But you should also take care of yourself as well. Something that your mom told me. I want you to be ready for anything. I won't be the only one to help you. You'll have help from all of us. I will help you. Me, your brother, your mother, and everyone else that is in Outworld and part of the Shirai Ryu." Alex tells her. Alex immediately wanted to say yes, wanting his daughter to be safe alongside his son. Sonya and the team helped Alex control his powers, and he felt that it would be wise to do the same for the twins.
"Thank you, dad. I love you." Flora Cage smiled and hugs him.
"I love you too, Flora. I always will." Alex replied.
Cassie smiled about how much Alex cares for their children. And it makes her feel more happy that they're named after his late parents. Cassie secretly feels the same way her husband does, feeling afraid of something happening to the twins. Alex nor Sonya could blame her, given the roughed up history both the Cage family and Alex went through because of Shinnok and Kronika. Anthony walks up to her.
"Mom? May I ask you something?" Anthony Cage asked her.
"Of course you can, Anthony." Cassie tells him.
"You really think I'm ready to pull off being a leader? Like you once have with Aunt Jacqui, Kung Jin and Uncle Takeda?" Anthony Cage nervously asked.
"Anthony. I know being a leader is a tough thing to pull off. You're talking to someone who became leader of her own team when I was about your age. Me and Jin fought a lot of times. We had some trouble pulling through before, and we became better, even before I met your dad. Nothing is easy when it comes to a job like this." Cassie tells her son.
"I know. I just don't want to mess things up and let you guys down. You, dad and my sister. We want to keep the family name alive." Anthony Cage said.
"Like I said to your dad, I see honesty, courage and your spirit within you. Same with Flora. I know you'll do us proud someday. If we could pull through what may seem to be possible, so can you. Trust me." Cassie said, placing a hand on her son's cheek, making Anthony smile. "And hope that what happened to me and your grandfather before will happen to you. I just know it."
"I'll do whatever I can to help Flora. Our cousin Vera. And everyone in Outworld such as Kitana Kahn, Liu Kang and Jade. Not to mention the Shaolin masters. All of them. I don't want to feel too desperate." Anthony Cage said with a sigh of relief.
"That's the spirit. That's my boy. Don't forget that when things get serious, don't be afraid to step up." Cassie said.
"I promise, General mom." Anthony Cage tells her.
"Good. It'll be time for you guys to get ready. For now, let's enjoy the rest of the night." Cassie kisses his forehead.
Sonya, Johnny and Jax watch how Alex and Cassie interact with their children. They cannot help but feel proud of them. For how far they have come in life. "Kiddos have grown up. About damn time. Just like the old days. I mean the good days, not the bullshit ones." Johnny said. "The new kiddos are gonna bring the boom."
"Yeah. In fact, they've done better than us. Far more than any of us could have. It's like rinse and repeat in a new kind of way. That's how we made them. Tough as nails, harder to break than steel." Sonya said. She looks on as Alex, Cassie and the twins are sitting together with Alex and Cassie holding hands. Johnny and Sonya remembered the times they had. The first time they met and didn't get along well much at first during the first tournament and going up against Shao Kahn. The adventures they had before and after the divorce and rekindling their relationship before and after Kronika's defeat. It was about time they made permanent peace with their relationship with each other. They're happy that Alex and Cassie's marriage is a lot more stable compared to them.
"Guess you're right. Things are swinging by fast." Alex said to Cassie.
"Told you so. Just glad that you and I have finally been idolized." Cassie replied, smiling at her husband.
"And I told you before you'd make the best mom ever. Nothing can ever change that period." Alex said. Cassie blushes a bright pink before she pulls him in and kisses him. She couldn't be any more surprised than the facts that she has done better in her marriage to Alex compared to Johnny and Sonya and was shocked that he was a demigod. But that could not stop them from being together. It's only just the beginning.
Note: Hey, everyone! I am back! I have been super busy with my job, mental health and gaming lately alongside with working on more projects! And now with a flexible schedule with said projects, I thought it is time to return with a new Mortal Kombat story! This will introduce plenty of new original characters as well as pre-existing characters that have not appeared before. Anthony and Flora Cage, twins of Alex and Cassie Cage are grown and have joined the Special Forces! I'm excited to explore these characters as well as everyone grown up!
