Chapter 3: Birthday Dates
Outworld has not changed much ever since. Outworlders have never been more than this happy before. They're used to hearing that Shao Kahn is dead, this time for eternity. But it was time to move on to bigger and better things. Jerrod, Sindel and Princess Meia have been invited to meet up in Outworld for a strange reason. Something that only Liu Kang and Kitana know.
"I cannot help but wonder why we are here. I know this isn't some celebration to be held." Sindel expresses her opinion.
"I do see your concern, my queen." Meia turns to her. "But I heard that Kitana Kahn and the fire lord wish to show us something. And they have guests coming."
"The young princess is not wrong, Sindel." Fire God Liu Kang said to her. "Nightwolf and Alex wish to show you something rare and unique.
"If what you say is true, Lord Liu Kang, then I will take your word. But how will this work exactly?" Jerrod asked.
"Whatever this is, all we can do is hope that no enemy of ours should get their evil claws on such a thing." Cyan expressed concern.
"That is true, Cyan. And we can only hope we do not today." Kitana Kahn comes out.
"My daughter." Sindel smiled as she walks up to Kitana and hugs her. "I hope you have been well."
"I am fine, mother. It makes me smile to see your faces once more." Kitana smiles at her with brightness in their eyes. She then turns to Princess Meia. "Young princess. How do you fare today?"
"I am fine, empress." Meia bends the knee before her. "Pleases me to see you and your family again. I wanted to come visit you and Daisuki, but as a future successor to the King and Queen, duty always comes first." Meia smiled.
"Kitana has something to announce to all of us, lady Sindel. Please. Let us hear her out." Liu Kang nods to Sindel.
"There is a special technique that has been unknown to us until our visit. One that could only be used and mastered by someone of the Matokan Tribe. Liu Kang and I have been told about this from an old friend. Nightwolf." Kitana explains to them.
"And you are certain that we could use this as our own, mother? Do we not need supervision from Nightwolf?" Daisuki asked.
"I have mastered this technique, my son. All the words Nightwolf has told me that I will tell you. And these words will be spread to our other allies as well." Kitana said.
"Now that Mileena and everyone else have returned. And they have grown more powerful than ever. I can see your point." Daisuki nods.
"But is it truly necessary to learn this secret technique? There are not many major threats out there now. Now that the titans as well as Daegon and Shao Kahn are dead." Chang Bao questions this with some doubt.
"I see your concern, my daughter. But it is. Mileena and those who follow her stronger than ever. And that includes Havik, Mavado and Goro. I fear they may return one day. But I cannot say when." Kitana expresses her own fear.
"One step at a time, Kitana." Liu Kang reminds his wife. "While we have proven stronger before, we still cannot underestimate them either. What you are doing now is the right thing."
Kitana looks at her love and can see he is right. King Jerrod, Queen Sindel, even Kotal and his short-sighted daughter Shu-Shang agree with him. Kitana sighs and relents.
"Very well. Before we get started, I called a couple of friends." Kitana called out. Just as she said that, a portal opens. Much to everyone's delight, they are Nightwolf and Alex.
"Nightwolf, my old friend. How do you do on this day?" Liu Kang asked, shaking his old friend's hand.
"I have never felt more at peace. I had hoped that I may be more useful to the realms united one day. I am more than pleased to finally have my chance." Nightwolf smirked. "Ever since our last battle, I thought it would be best to do the same."
"Thank you for coming, Nightwolf. And you too, Alex." Kitana smiles before she hugs the latter.
"Anything for friends, right?" Alex replied.
"You never cease to amaze me with what you could do, my little brother. And passing your talents to us puts a smile on my face." Jade feels proud as she hugs Alex and kisses him on the cheek.
"Well, yeah. Anything to help you guys, particularly, you, Jade. My beautiful older sister." Alex smiles back at Jade.
"I could see why mother called you here alongside Nightwolf." Chang Bao walks up to Alex. "Because of all the pain and trauma you have suffered throughout your entire life."
"And I was able to handle it basically because I chose to move on. So I thought why not show it to some of y'all?" Alex offered.
"A wise choice indeed, Alex. Passing knowledge is always a good thing to do." Liu Kang compliments him. Alex nods to him before he does the same thing to Kitana.
"It is time I show you all. But first, I will give a demonstration." Kitana said to them.
Kitana gets into position with Nightwolf standing behind her. He places his hands on her shoulders and she closes her eyes as she remembered her own painful memories she has had in her past. Her home being taken by Shao Kahn, murdering her father, forcing her mother to marry him, only for her to take her own life afterwards, being lied to her entire life before eventually finding out the truth. Despite showing some anger for all that has happened, her positive emotions outweigh her negative ones as she found inner peace. The spiritual energy flowing from her body to her tessans glow yellow and white, resembling the colors of Edenia's Kamidogu symbol colors.
"By the Gods." Jerrod's eyes widened in surprise by what his own daughter just did.
"This is far different from meditating with the Kamidogu. Kitana? How do you feel?" Sindel asked as she approached.
"At first, I felt anger. Sadness. Betrayal. But then I felt happiness. Love. Compassion. The balance of my emotions flow within my mind and spirit." Kitana said. She opens her eyes and looks at everyone, who are awestruck by the sight of Kitana covered in the spiritual energy of Edenia.
"Those colors. They must not be of Outworld. But of Edenia. I remember after seeing all six symbols." Meia remembered.
"Your instincts served you well." Nightwolf said to Meia. "Each spiritual energy is different depending on the realm that you were born in. For example, the spiritual energy flowing around Kitana Kahn resembles that of her home realm. In her case, that is Edenia. And Alex here was born in Earthrealm, so his spiritual energy is different from hers."\
"It's true. My spiritual energy is based on Earthrealm. Same thing with my family." Alex said.
"As you can see, this happens best with those who have had a big negative impact on their lives. Kitana has suffered a lot of pain and trauma. She brings up all of her negative emotions by remembering all of the terrible memories she had endured, as she has just mentioned from her past, including when her home was taken, and has been lied to her entire life. Then she uses her positive emotions and converts all of her spiritual energy. She transferred her pain into her weapons." Nightwolf explained.
"To summarize what Nightwolf said, use your negative emotions by thinking of whatever bad memories you have and transfer it to whatever weapons you have. Then use your happiest memories you could think of and expand it to your body and soul. It can make you stronger and faster and even transfer these things to your signature weapons." Alex summarizes it.
"But is it recommended for everyone, may I ask?" Meia stepped up. "It's rather extraordinary seeing something like this. And your words make it sound easy."
"Except that it is not. For all we know, anyone who cannot master it or has a very difficult time trying to do so can suffer from physical pain, vomiting, drowsiness, or even fainting." Nightwolf said.
"So how will this work? Is each of us going to be taught this special technique?" Shu-Shang asked.
"One at a time, young Osh-Tekk." Nightwolf tells her. "I must be here to be the anchor to hold you together. Otherwise it will be impossible. Kitana, Ni'Toka and Alex will assist me."
"I would suggest you three divide up. It would be better than to do one at a time." Liu Kang suggested. "But heed Nightwolf's warnings. If you cannot handle it, then you may end up hurting yourself or pass out. Let us take precautions just in case."
"He's right. So who shall do whom?" Alex asked Nightwolf.
"Mother. Father." Kitana calls for her, "You can help. After all, you too have been a slave to pain and suffering from your previous life."
Sindel thought about it and believed that it could be for the best, considering she lost her home and family to Shao Kahn, killed herself, forced to do his bidding by killing Raiden's champions and becoming a slave to Quan Chi, Shinnok and Kronika. And for Jerrod, his failure to protect Edenia from Shao Kahn after gaining ten victories in Mortal Kombat, his execution and enslavement at his hands.
"I would be happy to accept. But only if young Meia would join us." Sindel smiles while looking at Meia.
"Me? Are you certain about this my Queen? I'm not sure if I am capable of doing this with you and Empress Kitana." Meia expresses some doubts.
"But you have suffered a lot. Just as much as I have as well as my daughter. I believe it is necessary. Besides, I can still see the sadness in your eyes. Of what you have witnessed from last month and before that." Sindel said.
Sindel knows Meia too well. Given her early life not being off to a good start due to Shao Kahn taking her family away from her and traumatizing her with imprisonment and slavery. And losing her guardians and best friends Jon, Cade and Huntress to Tessa, the latter who betrayed them for Daegon.
Meia sighs. "Very well. If my Queen and Kahn wish for me to participate in this, then I shall on their orders."
"It wasn't an order. It was a suggestion. All you need to do is follow my lead." Kitana tells Meia. Meia smiles a little and nods while trying to hide her real emotions on how she's feeling.
"Alex. Your bond with Jade is stronger than what we have realized. I think it is best if you help them out. I will assist Liu Kang." Nightwolf suggested to Alex, who nods in response. Nightwolf walks over to Liu Kang while Alex heads towards Jade and Kotal.
"Young ones." Liu Kang said. "Watch carefully."
Liu Kang already know why Nightwolf needed his help. To help be the anchor for what you are about to show everyone. In case something were to happen to his family."
"Follow my lead. Are you ready, Alex?" Nightwolf asked.
"I'm ready if they are." Alex said.
"This will be easy for us." Jade smirks with confidence as she readies her Bo staff. That comment made Kotal snicker.
"I never tire of hearing that coming from you, lovely wife." Kotal flirts.
"Nor do I tire of your admiration and bravery, dear husband." Jade replied, winking at him.
Alex steps behind Jade and Kotal as Nightwolf and Liu Kang stand behind Chang Bao, Daisuki, Shu-Shang and Cyan.
"We are ready for your teachings, Nightwolf." Daisuki said.
"Everyone, follow my words. Alex, Kitana, Liu Kang. Stay behind them." Nightwolf instructs. Alex places his hands on Jade's and Kotal's shoulders.
"Trust him." Alex whispered to them.
"Reach deep down into your darkest memories. Use them to influence your negative emotions. Emotions alone will too help out, but can only get you so far." Nightwolf instructed everyone.
Jade and Kotal have the easiest time handling Nightwolf's instructions. The former is usually never angry unless it was towards anyone who deserved her anger upon hurting or torturing Alex, her husband Kotal, her closest friend Kitana or her children Cyan and Shu-Shang. The negative emotions she brings up are mostly anger. But she cannot deny the sadness she has felt throughout her life, as she never met her parents, as they were taken from her by Shao Kahn, and when she watched her own little brother die at Shang Tsung's hands. And her husband falling comatose filling their battle against Daegon. Kotal remembers the days he lost his father, and the actions he committed back in the Old Era. He's done things that he's not proud of.
The young ones use their negative emotions as much as they could. However, they barely have any bad memories they could savor. But they have experienced negative emotions, particularly Shu-Shang, considering that she always had anger issues and can start arguments with her brother and friends. A lot. The best display of her anger was for what Daegon did to Kotal. She and everyone else shared the same pain and grief when they initially believed that their families were destroyed.
Sindel feels nauseous from the memories she remembered. She has always left the past behind her with help from Kitana. But bringing back something that she hates and regrets doing against her own will just gives her a sick feeling. But she is getting there. She and Jerrod are making it. Meia on the other hand, feels worse. She's not just feeling nauseous, she feels lightheaded and looks like she may have a panic attack. Kitana was quick to notice.
"Meia. Listen to my voice. Do not think too much on these emotions and memories. Fight them and maintain your balance." Kitana said closely to her ear. Meia can't help but drop tears about the horrible things that have happened in her life. Losing everyone she ever loved and knew.
"Now, think of the happiest memories. Convert the positive energy from your emotions and transfer it to your respective weapons. Then expand it through your mind and body." Nightwolf instructs them.
"How do you four feel? Chang Bao? Daisuki?" Liu Kang asked.
"This feels so warm. It feels like I do have powers of a god. The anger and sadness are my weaknesses, but it feels as if they become my strength. My Gundai is feeling it too." Daisuki describes his experience.
"The wind. The fire. I can actually hear them. Flowing within my body and mind. My Odachi sword can feel it. It's flowing with the positive energy." Chang Bao explains. "I feel something else. I cannot tell what."
"Good. Now think of the happiest memories which will bring up your positive emotions." Nightwolf instructed.
As he instructs everyone further, the young ones as well as Jade and Kotal start feeling positive aura energy within their minds and expanding to their bodies.
"How do you two feel so far?" Alex asked them.
"I agree with my daughter. Praise the sun. Now praise the technique and your teachings." Kotal comments.
"I have never felt so happy ever since my wedding day." Jade smiles.
Alex smiles at their comments as he could tell it is working. He notices that Jade's spiritual energy is matching Kitana's, but Kotal and the young ones are different. Their spiritual energy is glowing bright purple, matching the colors of Outworld's Kamidogu. This shows that they were born in Outworld. Nightwolf closes his eyes to sense that the opportunity is working. But that was until… he hears grunting. He opens his eyes and he turns and sees Meia struggling to stand and even breathe.
"Meia. Meia! Listen to my voice!" Kitana tries to tell her.
"W-what's h-happening to me?" Meia grunts in pain as she grits her teeth. She falls to her knees, hands up to her chest, looking like she's fixing to have a heart attack. Nightwolf runs over to her.
"Young Princess. You must fight it. You're letting your fear and negative memories blind you. You must control it." Nightwolf tries to instruct her.
"I-m trying. So…. Many…. Bad things have happened throughout my life. The nightmares…. The losses I have witnessed. Voices. The enslavement and treatment." Meia starts closing her eyes as she puts her hands to her ears.
The last thing the Edenian Princess thought off was the sound of her parents screaming as they were executed, which ended up causing Meia to scream in painful horror. She yells in the air as she unleashes her banshee scream. Daisuki tries to run to her, but Nightwolf and Kitana both stop him.
"Someone help her! She cannot take much more of this!" Daisuki shouted. After a few moments, the screaming stops as she felt lightheaded and she nearly falls over, feeling completely dizzy. Daisuki breaks free from their grasp and grabs Meia's head before it could hit the ground.
Meia's vision was blurry. She could do nothing but look up as Daisuki stares into her eyes. Meia sighs in relief and gives a brief smile before she passes out.
Alex turns to Nightwolf. "What the hell was that? Is she….."
"She's still alive. Do not worry." Nightwolf reassures Alex.
"Nightwolf. What happened to Meia? Why did she pass out but not the rest of us?" Kitana asked him.
"It's because of her fears. Her life experiences. Her life as a slave for Shao Kahn, the loss of her family and friends and her great fear of loneliness and failure caused her to subconsciously hold back. Her pain proved to be worse than what we realized. In fact, the amount of her pain she has went through outrivals that of Kitana and nearly matches the level of pain Alex has went through. Meia fainted from all of the stress of her fears and negative memories. She failed to find positive memories because she was too focused on the negative. And that allowed her to cloud her own judgment." Nightwolf explained to them.
"Is she going to be okay? How long will it take for her to recover?" Daisuki asked.
"If she is treated, she can recover quickly. But I would suggest letting her regain her full energy first. She requires a talk from some of you. Perhaps motivate her." Nightwolf advices.
"I will be of assistance." Liu Kang summons Lightning and throws it down to the ground, creating a portal for Sindel, Jerrod and Meia. "Go. Return to Edenia and do what you must. Me and Kitana will be there soon."
Sindel and Jerrod nod as the king of Edenia carries Meia through the lightning portal to a resting place in Outworld. Kitana turns to Liu Kang out of worry.
"Liu Kang. Nightwolf. I wish that you two know what you are doing. But I am not sure if Meia is ready to do this again." Kitana expresses concern.
"I do not blame you, my love. But one day, the young one has to think about the positive things in her life if she wishes to maintain her inner balance, peace and spirit. I can sense that right now, it is fragile." Liu Kang tells her.
"Liu Kang is right. Meia must control the darkness within her if she were to succeed. But she will need help from those who had went through similar experiences as she did." Nightwolf said.
"Chances are, she may never be able to use this special power at all." Ni'Tako said.
"He is right. At times it can be dangerous." Nightwolf backed him up.
"So what do we do until then?" Alex asked.
"For now, we wait. You on the other hand can return to Earthrealm. We will take it from here." Nightwolf said.
"Alright. If there's any trouble, don't feel afraid to call." Alex smirks.
"I am pleased you came to help us, today. And please, tell your twin children we wish them a happy birthday" Liu Kang said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Thanks. I'll be sure to tell them. And they say hi to Chang and Cyan." Alex tells him.
"We are aware. There is no bylaw on who shall see who. You could ask me and Kitana." Liu Kang reassured him.
"That's funny. Cassie said the exact same thing." Alex said.
"And Alex. Nightwolf has told me about your earlier experience. After all of this is done, I will be there to assist you. Believe me, it is better to not let any untapped potential go to waste." Liu Kang said to Alex and he nods. He then turns to his sister Jade.
"Well it pleases me to hear that our children getting along with yours and Jacquline's. And if Cyan ever hurts Flora, he shall answer to you." Jade smirks and hugs him and gives him another kiss on the cheek.
"Oh he will. And I'll be sure Anthony treats Chang Bao like true love." Alex said to Jade and Kitana.
"Likewise, my friend. And happy birthday to young Anthony and Flora." Kitana waves to Alex before hugging him again.
"Feel free to talk to them whenever you like. For now, I gotta get back. You know where to find me. See ya, big sister!" Alex smiles before he waves his hands together and opens a portal.
"Be safe going home, my little brother. And tell Cassandra I said hello." Jade falls out to him.
Covering some sweat off of his head, he waves bye to them as he steps through the portal before it closes behind him.
But as they were leaving, a strange man dressed in gladiator clothes was secretly watching the entire thing. He smirks before he walks away.
The Netherrealm. Once more filled with the heroes' enemies, led by Mileena now that Shao Kahn is gone forever. They survived the Battle of Armageddon, including Mileena, Mavado, Havik, Goro and Darrius.
Mileena vowed to never ally herself with her sworn enemies, given their part in her father's death. But now, she is more bloodthirsty and this time, does not plan on sitting around. Fortunately for her, she has made her own pact with Chaosrealm and the Red Dragon.
Above the castle, a big scaley creature hovers, flapping it's rings. It practices swinging its claws, tail, and even punches and kicks. This is a dragon. The very same dragon that was discovered in the depths of the Pyramid. Mileena herself has been raising this dragon as her own. This dragon is named Adrelita.
Adrelita wears some body armor around her arms, shoulder pads with spikes, her legs and upper chest. She has huge wings and one horn growing from her forehead. And from it seems, Adrelita has learned the ways of kombat.
Adrelita hears her master calling for her name and she flies back through the upper balcony. flapping her wings and creating strong wind, nearly pushing several residents off their feet. Adrelita lands on her feet, stomping her way towars Empress Mileena.
"My queen." Adrelita bows to her. "You summon me?"
"Yes, my dear dragon." Mileena said. "I have been noticing you practicing your kombat skills and your abilities."
"Yes, my queen. I have learned everything from you, Prince Goro, Tanya and General Reiko. A dragon never forgets."
"We thought your kind to have gone extinct after your father was unjustly murdered by the Elder Gods after the realms united against him." Mileena said. "But now you have risen from the ashes."
"You mentioned before that my father had special powers. Powers that everyone feared, which caused the Elder Gods to attack."
"Yes. You are more than capable of flight, brute strength and fire power. You have the power to revive the dead."
"Necromancy abilities? How is that possible?"
"Your father carried it. But how he obtained it is unknown to us." Mileena tells her. "Now that you have mastered your kombat and fire, it is time to complete your training. Time to meet your enemies. Our enemies."
"I am willing to face the mightiest of warriors. Even this... fire god you speak of. I live to fight gods. As I live to serve."
"Yes. You are obedient. Loyal. And thirsty for blood and vengeance. We have enemies. Realms to conquer and last for eternity." Mileena announced to everyone. They all look like they are on the same page with them. Surprisingly, none of them even fear the dragon princess known as Adrelita.
"Your father was unjustly murdered by the Elder Gods without trial. He was right to make the realms his. But they took away his power and destroyed him. That is why they forged the rules of Mortal Kombat. That was when my father took his place." Mileena lied to her.
"My liege. My powers can be of use to you. My fire. My necromancy can make you something that cannot be stopped by any means. We are feared by even the Elder Gods. But we lack the necessary requirements for me to provide you with the strongest army." Adrelita tells Mileena. It appeared she believes the lie.
"This gives me a clever idea." Mileena giggles and smiles. Now she has a dragon under her control. One simple lie leads to massive manipulation. A lesson she learned from her late father Shao Kahn.
"A dragon never forgets. Or forgives." Adrelita said.
Later in Outworld, Chang Bao and Anthony are in nice, peaceful woods having a private picnic date for Anthony's birthday. It was his idea since he and his sister have been taught how to survive in the wild in case they were to get stranded. Anthony brought a wooden table that's easy to set up and ingredients and a set to help cook. Anthony is wearing a blue hoodie, blue jeans and black shoes while bringing his tonfas and guns with him just in case of trouble while Chang Bao is wearing an Edenian dress.
Chang Bao remains amazed by how well Anthony could cook. "My. You sure know your way around the culinary arts. How did you learn how to do it so well?"
"My parents taught me. Like the beginning of high school and before college. Dad always surprised mom with new recipes, especially some of her favorites. Mom does the same thing too." Anthony tells her. "And me and Flora learned survival skills as part of routines and missions just in case I were to come out to places like this."
"I must say you took a lot of knowledge from them. And based on what you have told me, you have a great liking to steak. Cooks in Outworld and from the Monk Academy normally serve us food except for father." Chang Bao remembered.
"It's been a long time since we've known each other. From what it looks like, you and Daisuki get along with each other quite well." Anthony snickered. "I'm betting better than me and Flora."
"I believe you. I easily believe you." Chang Bao smirked. "Given how you two tend to bicker from time to time. Sometimes I tend to tell my brother Daisuki as the Americans would say "man up." He isn't as violent as the rest of us are, but he does do what needs to be done."
"Yeah. I was a coward growing up and Flora told me the same thing. I've studied how the Monks trained and they looked really neat. And given how you fight with your powers, I think you're attractive whether you're fighting or not. Fights like fire, blows people away like the wind." Anthony flirts with Chang Bao as he cooks.
The two can't help but look at each other in the eyes. Their demigod eyes staring at each other. Anthony sees a smile on Chang's face, which makes him smile even more. Chang Bao can't help but admire him for his own attractiveness and bravery and resourcefulness. Anthony on the other hand admires her for her leadership skills, her wisdom, and in both their cases, their smarts, kindness, and strong will. They see each other's spirit.
After a while, it was time to chow down. Anthony made pepper steak with gravy, sliced bell peppers, rice and green beans. Chang Bao was the first to take a bite and her eyes widened at the taste. She felt like her mouth was melting from the recipe.
"You. You are one blessed member of the Cage family." Chang Bao smiles as she took another bite.
"Oh, thank god." Anthony sighs of relief. "I won't lie, I was actually a little bit afraid that you would hate it."
"Hate? Anthony. I sense some modesty. You should feel more proud of your capabilities. Not only do you exceed in leadership with me, your intelligence in Earthrealm and experience in culinary arts have impressed me and you continue to do so." Chang Bao smiles at him.
"Wow. Umm, thanks." Anthony blushes. "I can say the same for you. You're smart, you always know what you're doing, you're very loving and caring towards every nice face you see. How Liu Kang and Kitana Kahn raised you is just mind blowing. I like coming here a lot, actually."
"Hmm. If that is the case, then perhaps I should visit Earthrealm more and more often. I do wish to explore more of its culture at some point as my long lifespan lasts." Chang Bao shows her interest.
"Well it's settled. We can always give you a tour sometime. That is, if you like." Anthony reaches out for her hand and holds it. Chang Bao grabs it and smiles at their hands touching.
After dinner, they get their things ready to go their ways. They have another conversation before they leave.
"I'd be more than happy to volunteer you as my guide. To all the wonders and hope that I'll be blessed with whatever knowledge you may have for me and my brother and friends." Chang Bao shows her excitement. She has never felt this excited before since meeting Anthony and Flora and their other friends.
"Perhaps maybe next week or so? Whenever we aren't training or fighting any assholes like Mileena?" Anthony joked. "If anyone interrupts us or lays a finger on you, they better say their prayers."
"Stop. You flatter me. And they better not underestimate me, thinking I am defenseless." Chang Bao said, gesturing to her Odachi sword.
"I'm not even trying. I'm just being myself as the sergeant, brother and friend." Anthony tells Chang.
"Friends? Tell me this, Anthony Cage. If we're friends, then explain this." Chang Bao smirks before she places a hand on his cheek. Anthony was about to ask, but Chang Bao leans in and kisses Anthony on the lips. Anthony's eyes widened and he blushes greatly before he relents and kisses her back. After a long moment, they pull back.
Chang Bao sees Anthony's blushing face and can't help but giggle at his reaction. This causes Anthony to chuckle a little from embarrassment.
"Wow." Anthony whispered.
"You didn't answer my question." Chang Bao stares into his eyes.
"We're more than friends now? You want that?" Anthony asked her, feeling his heart beat.
"I would be honored to be your love." Chang Bao bows her head before him.
"So would I." Anthony grabs her hand and kisses her once more. "Thanks for coming out tonight. I appreciate it."
"Anything for you, my love. Until our next date. In Earthrealm." Chang Bao smiles and winks at him. "I love you, Anthony."
"I-I love you too, Chang." Anthony blushes more. Chang Bao's smile grows, accepting the words before she flies away as Anthony starts walking away to look for his sister. Wherever she is with Cyan.
Elsewhere in Earthrealm, Flora and Cyan walk on the beach at night. Coincidentally, the moon is at its full phase. Which makes the night more beautiful. Cyan likes the environment with trees and plants. He is blown away by the far away cities and he likes the sound of waving waters coming back and forth. Cyan has his robes matching his color and name and a jacket to keep a low profile while Flora is wearing a purple camisole and shorts and flip flops with her hair in her long ponytail as they already had dinner and are walking on the beach as part of their date. They're having an amazing time getting to know each other.
"This place. This beach. I have never seen such sights like this before. Even Outworld cannot match to what this realm has." Cyan is fascinated.
"Oh you bet your ass. There are alot more beaches, vacation spots in Earthrealm than you realize. My family, notably my grandpa Johnny Cage and grandma Sonya have seen many." Flora said.
"I take that you have better tastes than what your grandfather would have had, given the history you told me about." Cyan smirked, making Flora snicker.
"Given his enormous ego, which isn't as bad as it was, you're not wrong. Sonya, mom and dad and even Uncle Jax have had better tastes. If only Vera and Satoshi could see more of this." Flora said.
"I have seen how they get along with each other. You two are cousins, correct?" Cyan asked.
"Well, yes. But we consider each other sisters. We get along just great minus the teasing." Flora smirked. The only joke Flora will not tolerate is someone trying to tell her saying that her dad Alex or grandfather Johnny are hot.
"You still have no idea how hard it can be to get along with Shu-Shang from time to time. Always the hot-head to jump into action first, ask questions later. Even mother and father do not tolerate it to the point where they're the only ones who always intimidate her when she speaks out." Cyan rolls his eyes.
"Wow. Given how she was in Birthrealm, I can tell. Then again, I can be too damn stubborn and cocky. Which can unintentionally piss off dad. I like how you get along with Chang Bao and Daisuki just fine." Flora said.
"Daisuki is always the calmest one and worries so much regarding our safety. But he does wish to learn from Kitana Kahn and become a ruler one day. I have noticed he has his eyes on Meia." Cyan replied.
"I knew it. Given how they talk to each other and how we all interacted, it's not hard to tell. Then again, they're not alone. Ask my brother and Chang. I'm the one who has to watch his back and hope nobody touches him, otherwise they're gonna get it in the noots." Flora joked, taking a quote from her mother Cassie.
"It seems you do have your mother's sense of humor." Cyan chuckles. "My mother is the same, except a little more sadistic."
"Guess I was wrong about Outworld not sharing humor. But having scarier places like the dead woods which dad told me about." Flora said.
"Ah yes. Like how your father accidentally killed a tarkatan by throwing him into one of those trees that ate him alive." Cyan smiles. "Serves those right for serving a cold-hearted bastard like Shao Kahn. Whatever you do, do not speak a word of it to Baraka. They won't like it."
"As long as you don't make fun of their teeth, which makes them look like they have gingivitis, then I'm cool with it." Flora jokes once more.
"Your sense of humor never ceases. Your family always shares this and I knew that my own liked you two from the beginning." Cyan said.
"Oh yeah. Jade is so nice to us, especially to dad. She's so protective of everyone. I hear that you piss her off, you're dead." Flora said. She's always been told by many things about Jade, Kitana and Kotal from her family.
"Oh, she's not alone. I get like that, but not as dangerously bad as Shu-Shang." Cyan joked. Flora laughs at this.
"I like to see them try to even piss you off. I'll just stand there, eat popcorn and watch. But still." Flora said before grabbing his hand. "Glad to have you around. Way to have our backs back there in Edenia by the way. You were brilliant."
"I am flattered, Flora." Cyan kisses her hand, making her blush. "If someone leaves a mark on your throat, I'll strangle them with my staff until I rip their heads off."
"Hey. That's my thing. Well, one of them. Alongside the nut punch and kick, shocking and burning and kicking their guts out. Literally." Flora said. Cyan can tell by looking into her eyes. She's not kidding around this time. Flora sounded serious.
"You do not need to tell me twice." Cyan smirked.
"So what do you think of your time in Earthrealm?" Flora asked him.
"The cities. Seeing animals in these zoos. The beach and the water, plants, fruit and other food. They are all amazing. And the dinner that we had. What was it called again?" Cyan asked.
"Oh. Chinese food. The egg rolls, steak, pot stickers and the tea. I'm a decent cook, but not as good as Anthony. I didn't want to make you sick, otherwise, your dad would probably take his anger out on me, thinking I poisoned you." Flora said with a slight shiver.
"My father is not as angry as he was before. But he has seen worse. And he tolerates you people more now. Those cooks are blessed. And I want to try more foods and see more in the future." Cyan gives his opinion.
"To be honest, I'd like to see Outworld more, now that it's more peaceful than the big bad douchebags around. Being Shao Kahn, Daegon and the creepy magic guys." Flora said.
"I can always invite you to Outworld at any time. If you wish to." Cyan offered.
"Yes. I like that so much. As long as Kitana Kahn is fine with it." Flora said.
"Kitana Kahn is too kind to reject something like that. She's always been so fond of humans, including demigods." Cyan said. "You are perhaps the most lovely demigod I have ever met. Your humor, looks and your intelligence in many things and survival and fighting skills make me wish to never take my eyes off of you."
"And you and your protectiveness and willing to explore with me, your voice for someone so young for an Edenian, and your charms in every way. You'd make a great second in command of something one day. Don't know what, but you will." Flora grasps his hand. "I really liked our date tonight. And coincidentally, the full moon is out, which makes it even better."
"Yes. Earthrealm has such lovely weather. So many things for me to learn, so much time. Cannot wait to share my experiences." Cyan smiles.
"Hopefully next week? Maybe a double date? Us, Anthony and Chang Bao." Flora suggests.
"Perhaps. If they are up for it. Your brother needs to work on being more proud than less modest with himself. But he's a good man." Cyan said to her. Flora nods. She looks around to make sure no one was watching. Thankfully, they had the beach to themselves. Flora activates her powers and concentrates hard enough to make a portal. She nearly falls to her knees, sweating a little and burning some of her energy. Thankfully Cyan caught her.
Cyan and Flora look at each other. The latter has a nervous look on her face for some reason. They actually hear their hearts beating. Flora cups Cyan's face in her hands and slowly kisses him. Cyan slowly kisses back as he put his hands on her hips. They pull away and Flora can't help but giggle and blush.
"My first kiss." Flora and Cyan both said at the same time, making both of them blush.
"So. Do you wanna do this? You know? Start a relationship?" Flora asked with some worry in her tone. Cyan was quick to pick it up.
"I know. Mother and father will not be upset at this. I am sure they will accept. My father is used to seeing this ever since Lord Liu Kang and Kitana Kahn. Besides, I do not care if anyone protests." Cyan expressed.
"If you say stuff like that….. Then I will happily agree with you." Flora smiled as she kisses his cheek. "Tell Jade and Kotal I said hi. Same with Shu-Shang, Chang and Daisuki."
Cyan bows his head before her and smiles while holding her hand. He looks at her with brightness in his eyes before he steps through the portal and it closes. Flora sighs as she walks away happy. A lightning portal opens courtesy of her father Alex and she walks through it before it closes on her.
Note: It's gonna be interesting to write Adrelita the Dragon. Her abilities will be fearsome, even to Liu Kang. Here, dragons age rapidly and live for eons. But she has yet to truly awaken her true strength and abilities. Something we will see later on. For now, next chapter, it's back to the Injustice world.