Chapter 2: New Day, New Training
World of Mortal Kombat
It has been a year since the Battle of Armageddon to save the universe. Shao Kahn returned once more with help from Daegon and together, they forged an alliance with each other as well as Havik the Chaos Cleric to find the six Kamidogu and awaken Blaze and combine his powers with the One Being and take over. Despite their best efforts, they were defeated. Daegon was killed when he attempted to betray Shao Kahn, and Shao Kahn was seen as unworthy by Blaze and was destroyed by Taven, this time permanently. Havik remains alive and working with Shao Kahn's daughter Mileena. They remain in the Netherrealm with the other villains.
Thankfully, they don't plan to start a war… at least for now. Given what everyone has gone through, they all needed to rest.
Flora wakes up and yawns as she cleans herself up and gets dressed in her Special Forces uniform. She walks out, only to her surprise, that her brother Anthony is waiting for her.
"What's up, Flora? Sleep well?" Anthony smirked.
"Yeah. Needed that after all those missions and shit. But you? You're up early. What's the occasion other than being ready to get your ass handed to you again?" Flora teased.
"Very funny. You'll be the one kissing the floor. But no. Dad told us we're getting a visitor today. And he wants to show us something. Something rare and only Matokans can learn." Anthony said.
"Oh, that Nightwolf guy. This outta be interesting. Imagine how powerful we would be against Mileena and her big team of douchebags since they're still alive. Would love to blow some holes in their heads." Flora said as she stretched.
"Don't you get even more cocky than you usually do. Besides, you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of mom and dad again." Anthony reminds his sister.
"I'm not. I try my best to learn from past mistakes. And one of those mistakes I've made is pissing them off. Anyone." Flora remembered the time her father Alex and mother Cassie often yelled at them for their bickering or in Flora's case her stubbornness and cockiness.
"Don't remind me. But still."Anthony replied. "Speaking of, I wonder if dad has finished working on my tonfas. I wonder what he's doing."
"Guess we're about to find out. Wonder what they have in store for us." Flora shrugs as they walk. They can't help but wonder what their parents are doing.
In one of the weapon rooms, Cassie approaches her true love Alex with some fruit and coffee for them both. She is smiling at how hard he works at his job with weapons, computers and tech. Cassie always remained impressed by his work. She steps behind him and kisses him on the cheek to get his attention.
"Hey there, Colonel handsome. So working hard on our kids' birthday gifts? Cassie smiled.
"Almost done. Just trying to make sure they work. I've hardly stopped doing so. I mean I can't help myself. Just the way I am. Gotta do something to please the fam." Alex smirked, taking his coffee and takes a sip. Just the way he likes it. With creamer and honey.
"You work too hard sometimes, you know that?" Cassie asked. "Coming from someone who takes the general job a little too seriously sometimes. But still. You don't need to work this hard to impress us."
"True. But I do what I do to keep us happy." Alex shrugged.
Cassie to suddenly grab his face and kiss him hard and smack him in the ass. "Since when have not made me happy?" Cassie asked. "Not one time. Besides, you're the only man I want to keep looking at. And it should be me that you should stare at. One woman who lays her eyes on you, I'll break their hands."
"Always resort to violence, don't you?" Alex said. Now it was his turn to tease her.
"Hey. Somebody's gotta make sure they don't touch my family. Otherwise, they're getting one punch and kick to the nuts." Cassie winked. Alex gets up and suddenly pulls her in and she laughs. Alex kisses her and smiles.
"That's my woman." Alex flirted with her, making her giggle.
"So. Ready to teach us something new?" Cassie asked.
"Yup. But first. Time to bring their birthday gifts." Alex said as they both looked back at the table. Just what is Alex planning?
Anthony and Flora walk to the dining are at their base that they have been using ever since their last one got blown up to prevent the Black Dragon from attempting to take over. But as soon as they walk in, their parents and most of the soldiers stand in front of them, much to their confusion. They all salute the twins, with Alex and Cassie smiling at them.
"Umm, what's this about? Is this the meeting? I thought it was private." Anthony expresses confusion.
"Happy birthday, Sergeant Anthony and Specialist Flora. Your five years of service have proven to be more than worthy of note. You two fought hard to avenge us, helped us defeat Shao Kahn permanently. Fought to save countless lives. In our realms. We couldn't ask for better soldiers and kids." Cassie tells them before she and Alex come up and hug them.
"Whoa! Thanks! I mean it was no biggie. We just did whatever we could against those fuckers." Flora said while blushing a bit.
"I know. No one is a bigger jerk than Shao Kahn and Daegon themselves." Anthony added. Alex steps up to them.
"Happy birthday, kiddos." Alex said. He hands out new tonfas to Anthony and new batons to Flora. They look mostly the same, but something seems up about them.
"Our weapons? But they look the same. What did you even need them for?" Anthony asked his father.
"Hold your tonfas like you normally do and there is a trigger on the handle. Press it." Alex tells him. Anthony shrugs and poses and pushes the trigger on them. Suddenly, they open up and sharp blades stick out from the top of them.
"Holy shit. This is definitely new. Thanks. When did you get this idea?" Anthony asked.
"It just came to me. I thought I'd do something for you since you guys were in need of an upgrade." Alex explained.
Flora pushes a small button on her baton handles and both of them light up. One covered in heat and the other in electricity. Her eyes widened and gives a big smile to her dad.
"Wow. Now this is over the top, but I think I'll get a kick outta this. Thanks so much, dad." Flora smiles.
"Actually, that was the general's idea." Alex points to Cassie.
"Yup. Given how you two are different, I thought since you're both demigods and given what your dad can do, I thought I'd make things more interesting. So that's y'alls gifts from us." Cassie explained before hugging her daughter.
The soldiers all resume their food while the Cage family go to sit at their private table. For their birthdays' they were given french toast while Alex made Cassie's favorite blueberry pancakes. Cassie grasps his hand as they eat.
"Can't wait to try these during training sessions. But let me guess, that wasn't it? That wasn't the meeting?" Flora guessed correctly.
"That's right. We're gonna have a special guest once we're done eating breakfast." Cassie tells them.
"And I'm gonna assume it's not someone from the other world. I mean, that would take a hell lot of work to bring someone here." Anthony also guessed right.
"Yup. He has been aware of our absence and told everything. Trust me, his help will be very invaluable. It's gonna work out. You'll see. It has something to do during our time in Birthrealm." Alex said.
"Who's gonna help? I mean why can't we do it on our own?" Anthony asked.
"Based on what I've been told, by ourselves, it'll take weeks, maybe months to master. But with our friend showing up, it'll be a lot less time consuming. About damn time." Alex said.
"Yeah. I've seen how it works. It looks badass, but very hard to master." Cassie said. "And by the way, don't even think about playing any tricks on each other. Especially you, Flora." She joked.
"Hey, hey. I ain't stupid. Last thing I like to see on my weird brother is a burn mark on him. If anyone does that to him, I'm sticking it up their ass." Flora replied.
"Okay. Now that's overkill." Anthony said, making her laugh.
"It'll be worth it." Flora giggled. Alex just rolls his eyes from how they tend to mess with each other from time to time.
"My god, you two are fucking ridiculous sometimes." Alex tries to hide his laughter.
"I am your daughter and he is my brother." Flora smirked. "Took many things after you and General Mom."
"Oh you have no idea. The things I do just to tick off my retired parents nowadays. Even using dad's phrases against him, pissing him off. Especially when I yell Cage Match!" Cassie recalled.
"Oh yeah. And when you told me you slacked off from training one week and tried vacation. And even made me come along after losing a bet." Alex retorted.
"Yup. It's the Cage in me and you, my love. And it's gonna be like that for generations to come." Cassie snickered.
"Don't need to tell me twice. I mean, look at two munchkins in front of us. They're even bigger troublemakers than we were." Alex said, knowing that they didn't like that.
"Hey! Don't call us munchkins!" The twins yelled, making their parents laugh. Alex and Cassie know too well that they can't deny it. They continue having a good time as they ate their food.
In the training room, the Cage family stands in front of an orange portal. The twins wonder who their father has called to their base. Cassie smirks, recognizing who's walking through. It was none other than Raiden's oldest friend Nightwolf.
"Nightwolf. It's been a while. How have you been doing?" Cassie said, shaking Nightwolf's hand.
"The Matoka Tribe has been healthy. It has seen better days. But they have not been this peaceful ever since. It pleases to hear you are in good condition, General Cage." Nightwolf replied with a smirk.
"Thanks. Given the shit we've gone through for the past few weeks with Shao Kahn, I'd say we've also seen better days. With a lot of blood I might add." Cassie said.
"Dropping blood is only necessary in order to survive. I was told by your true love called me here for guidance. Am I correct?" Nightwolf asked, turning to Alex.
"Yup. Liu Kang and Kitana told me you wanted to show me something first." Alex replied with his own question.
"Indeed." Nightwolf nodded.
"Then you heard right." Alex answered.
"The Great Spirit believed that I am worthy the moment I was discovered. I have learned a special technique, from which I have mastered a long time ago." Nightwolf said.
"But I wanna ask why did Liu Kang ask you to teach us this thing?" Alex explained.
"Given our last major battle, which could have been our last, it would be safer to master this technique in case our enemies returned, stronger and in larger numbers." Nightwolf said. "What I am about to show you requires guidance. It is impossible for anyone outside the Matokan Tribe to learn this on their own. Without proper guidance, you will reach a dead end. You will see nothing but darkness. But only if you follow the voice, then you will find the light." .
"Wow. Good word." Flora sounds impressed.
"In our point of view, balance is the key to drawing strength. But maintaining said balance is not an easy task. Nightwolf has shown me." Ni'Tako said.
"Makes perfect sense." Alex nodded in understanding.
"We could use the extra lessons. Who knows what could be their next move?" Cassie can't help but wonder.
"Which is why Liu Kang and Kitana had the right idea of calling me here. I am here to help. But it will not be easy, even for the majority of you." Nightwolf said to them.
"Well it's worth a shot. Alex, why don't you try it?" Cassie told her husband. He nods and steps forward.
"Follow my instructions as we go. Meditate as you did before." Nightwolf instructed. Alex sits down, crosses his legs and closes his eyes. He takes deep breaths. "Dig deep. Into all of the pain you have endured. The anger you've unleashed, your sorrows, guilt and shame that you have shown. Remember each part of your life that has endured pain. Feel your spirit flow around you. Do not deny your emotions. Your anger and sadness. Use it."
Alex closes his eyes and takes deep breathes like he did with meditation. Nightwolf gets behind him and holds him by his shoulders. He thinks about all the painful experiences he has put up with throughout his life. Alex remembers the day when Cetrion told him the truth of being a demigod and quickly realized he was lied to his entire life. And that almost every villain was after him, including his Kronika. Everyday, he misses his parents when they died.
Alex has had his share of physical pain and a lot of mental pain, such as being drained of his blood by Skarlet, his Kronika nearly converting him to her side and possessed by her numerous times in the New Era. And it was worse for him when he took his anger out on everyone while under her control and believed he was ashamed of himself and went to banish himself. And all the nightmares he had.
"Follow my voice, Alex. Feel my hands on your shoulders. Control your motions and breath. Let it flow within you. Convert it into your weapon from Jade. Think of every single positive memory you have retained since you came here. Transfer the pain. Convert the energy and expand it to your mind. Your body and soul." Nightwolf urges him to continue.
Alex smiles as he transfers the energy to his bo staff and remembers the memories he always cherished. Meeting Cassie, marrying her and having a family. Having friends such as Jacqui, Jade, Takeda, Kung Jin, Liu Kang, Raiden, etc. His powers unknowingly activate and his weapon and body glow brighter upon Nightwolf's advice. He finally opens his eyes.
"Good. Now channel it. Remember your abilities, including the recent ones you've discovered." Ni'Tako said. He grabs Alex's hand and clenches it into a fist. He takes his bo staff and places it in his other hand.
Everyone can see the blue-green spiritual energy flowing around Alex. The color of the energy resembles that of Earthrealm itself.
"Whoa. That's incredible. The colors look beautiful. They look like they resemble the colors of the Kamidogu from Earthrealm." Flora assumed.
"Yes. Because you thrive in Earthrealm, you will draw energy from it. As the realms have unlimited energy. This is the case for the other five realms as well." Nightwolf to them.
"And anyone that lives in those realms. But the good news is the bitches led by Mileena don't know about it. I'm hoping we can keep it that way." Anthony said with some concern in his tone.
"I agree. But we must move on. And do not worry. I have already taught it to Kitana." Nightwolf said to them.
Then all of a sudden, a light blue mystical wave starting flowing around Alex.
"Whoa. What the hell is this?" Alex asked.
Nightwolf is stunned by this. He did not think something like this would happen.
"This. This must be the powers of Kronika." Nightwolf commented. Alex stands up to face him.
"What? How is that possible? I thought I expelled all of that decades ago. I was 25. Did a part of it always survive inside me?" Alex asked.
"Yes. Yet I do not sense any negative power, or signs of corruption within you. Kronika's power lies within you and you did not notice. Your mind has been damaged by how much pain Kronika has caused you. And it took a long time to repair. The power inside your mind is greater than you know, but it is not as strong as Liu Kang's, since he the keeper of time." Nightwolf explained.
"My guess is everytime Alex got possessed, it kept changing, but he never became like her." Cassie guessed.
"Yes. But now his body has adjusted to it and now his to harness and command it. And Kronika's crown only temporarily gives it a boost." Nightwolf said.
"Wow. And dad always has been the badass out of everyone in this family." Flora added.
"Now, Alex. Hit me. As hard as you can." Nightwolf said. Alex suddenly rushed to Nightwolf and does three nerve strikes to his left arm before punching him so fast, he nearly slides off his feet. But he swings his tomahawk to the ground to keep his footing.
"Your speed increases as you harness this power. And stronger too." Nightwolf said.
Suddenly, Alex felt dizzy. His vision was blurred and he couldn't tell who was who. His aura shuts off and falls to the ground on his knees.
"Alex!" Cassie rushes to his side. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah. I'm... alive, Cassie." Alex shook his head and took a moment to regain himself.
"What was that, Nightwolf?" Cassie asked him.
"Hmm. I'm not entirely sure. But I think whatever this is for Alex, it may be more powerful than we thought. But I would advise speaking with Liu Kang since he's mastered his powers." Nightwolf said.
"Yeah. But I want to try that again. See if I can unlock it." Alex said.
"In time, Alex. We don't want you to hurt yourself." Nightwolf assures him. "Now, who would like to be next?"
"I'll go. I'm pretty sure I can handle it if colonel dad can." Flora stated, causing her brother to facepalm.
"Be careful with what words you choose, young one. Overconfidence will only make things more difficult when attempting to master this technique." Nightwolf warns Flora.
"We always tell her this every time. She's more cocky than I am. Not to mention stubborn." Cassie said with all honesty.
"But she does mean well. Really. So just have some patience with her." Anthony tells him.
"I see. If your sister will be next, then you must practice alongside her. Because you two are also demigods. Despite your powers not being as strong as your parents, your will is strong. But do not think that this will be easy. Chances of success can vary depending on the person. Alex has suffered a lot of trauma throughout his life. Even your mother Cassandra has had her own bad memories." Nightwolf tells them.
Nightwolf is not wrong, considering everything he has seen regarding Alex's history while in the void and during the New Era. And Cassie's trauma with being kidnapped by the Black Dragon, Red Dragon, being under the Kamidogu's control and losing her mother in the old timeline. But Cassie has not suffered as much pain as her husband Alex had.
"Okay. Fair point, fair point. Well then. You're our teacher for the day. Your words of wisdom, not ours. We'll take your word for it." Flora relents.
"Good. And to be certain, your general and mother will join you." Nightwolf looks at Cassie.
"You sure about this?" Cassie asked him.
"Absolutely. We are friends, after all. You will more than likely have an easier time than Alex. Are you three ready?" The three nod to him. "Alex. I will require your assistance. Help the twins."
Alex nods and goes behind Anthony and Flora while Nightwolf helps Cassie.
"Okay, you two. Remember what Nightwolf showed me. Close your eyes. Take deep breaths. Though you two haven't suffered the same experience as me and your mother, try your hardest to think." Alex instructed them as Nightwolf does the same to Cassie.
"Cassandra. You have better control over your emotions. Access them. Access your painful memories that you have suffered. Remember that you are loved." Nightwolf said, holding her hips from behind.
Cassie closes her eyes and takes deep breaths as well. She remains more calm as she does so. Cassie shivers from the horrible memories she has had, with most of the things she has gone through, not as bad as Alex's pain. Her time as a kidnap victim alongside her best friend Jacqui and watching her get beat up by Skarlet and interrogated by Havik. Losing her mother was what hit her the hardest, as Sonya and Johnny meant everything to her before Alex came part of her life. And she remembers the painful experience she felt when she was abducted by Geras and nearly executed by Cetrion. Thankfully she backed off upon finding out Cassie was pregnant.
Anthony and Flora try their hardest to think. Unlike their parents, they do not have a whole lot of bad memories. Because they made sure to not allow them to go through the same ff they went through, but they still let the twins decide their own career paths. They chose to follow in their footsteps, much to their happiness. The only painful memories they truly had was when they witnessed their good friend Kabal dying at the hands of Mateo. And when they presumed everyone to be dead when they were believed to have been blown up, courtesy of their enemies. In Anthony's case, his own sister nearly died when she was nearly shot to death by arrows by the Red Dragon.
The three open their eyes. They find their powers have inadvertently activated. Cassie's spiritual energy is glowing brighter, but not as strong as Alex's, but stronger than the twins.
"Shit. This one doesn't run in the family at all." Cassie joked.
"Only those with strong will can truly succeed. Luckily for you and Alex, your respective ones have been stabilized. Never let anyone break your will ever again. And that goes for you, young ones." Nightwolf said.
"Yeah. We don't have a lot of shit happen to us compared to them. So I doubt we'll be able to get good at this. Only things I could think of were nearly losing my only sister to those Red Dragon bastards and the day we lost Kabal to that Mateo." Anthony sighed in sadness.
"Dwelling on the past for too long will only bring more suffering. You must turn it into your strength. But only when necessary. Mastering this technique also requires absolute focus. If you do not find said focus, then you won't succeed." Nightwolf warns them.
"I get that. Besides, Kitana told us she was gonna show it to her own family as well as Jerrod, Sindel and Meia. And Fujin is supposed to help the Monks and Shirai Ryu." Cassie stated.
"Gods are at the peak. So those such as Liu Kang and Fujin do not need them. If Raiden were still here, neither would he." Nightwolf replied.
"And yet demigods need it, despite the whole thing being optional? I'm not trying to sound overconfident, but this thing may come in handy at one point." Alex said.
"And for that, you happen to be correct." Nightwolf explained to them.
"We will. And we're gonna make sure these two do as well." Cassie said, putting hands on their shoulders. Anthony and Flora roll their eyes at her, making her chuckle a little.
"Good. May the Great Spirit be with us all." Nightwolf bows his head before them.
"Wait. And the Lin Kuei? Haven't mentioned them yet." Anthony reminded Nightwolf.
"I'm glad you have reminded me, young Anthony. I shall make my way over there as soon as possible after I help assist Kitana and Liu Kang in Outworld." Nightwolf smirked before he takes his leave from the base.
"You think he knows where he is going?" Anthony asked.
"Yeah. Matokan Tribes always know their way. All they have to do is believe in their Great Spirit. Like we have to believe in ours. Ain't that right, general– I mean mom?" Flora asked Cassie.
"Yup. What we all do as trained to do so. So, what are you two gonna do throughout today?" Cassie smirked.
"We're gonna do stuff around the base. Maybe train and exercise. And hope we don't kill each other." Anthony joked.
"On your birthday? Usually you two slack off from training every year on your birthday. What's the occasion?" Alex sarcastically asked while teasing them.
"Uhh, nothing in particular." Anthony tries to lie as he quickly walks out of the room as fast as possible. Flora sees the blushing look on his face and smiles.
"It's about you and Chang, isn't it?" Flora asked Anthony, making him feel more embarrassed.
"You're one to talk. How about you and Cyan, huh? I've seen you kiss him." Anthony proclaims. Now it was Flora's turn to turn red. Her parents snicker behind her back, but she was able to hear them.
"DAMN YOU, ANTHONY!" Flora chases after Anthony, who laughs at her as payback. Alex couldn't hide his laughter anymore. Cassie ends up joining him as a result.
"Man. They're finding love in their early 20s just like we did." Alex catches his breath from laughing..
"Except with a lot less teasing. To be honest, I didn't think they'd have crushes on someone from Outworld. Who knew?" Cassie shrugs her shoulders.
"What I wanna know is do Liu Kang, Jade and the others know about this?" Alex asked out of worry.
"I get your meaning. To be fair, they're not the first ones. Ask Liu Kang. I'm pretty sure they'll be fine with it. Besides, Kitana and especially Jade have grown fond of humans." Cassie assured her love.
"That's true. After all, they better watch each other's backs, or else I'm gonna go over there and have words with them." Alex playfully threatened.
"You? Talking to someone else's kid when they fall for ours? Okay. Who are you and what have you done with Alex?" Cassie stares at him.
"I'm the guy who was supposed to be the best father they ever had. And the best husband." Alex smirked before grabbing her ass and pulling her in for a kiss. They share this tender moment before they break away laughing once more.
"Oh, sweetheart. I love you so much." Cassie strokes his face.
"I love you so much too." Alex smiles as their foreheads touch each other.
Note: For the MK world, things are changing for better for worse. New training, new abilities. But new enemies along the way. For new abilities, it'll be useful for later in the story, particularly for Alex.