Chapter 33: Taking a Breather Part 1
A purple portal opens right in front of Darkseid. Only one gigantic figure walks through. It's none other than Adrelita the Dragon. She steps into the throne room as the portal closes behind her.
"Adrelita. Welcome to Outworld." Darkseid welcomes her.
"Darkseid. A pleasure to see you again. I like what you have done with the place." Adrelita commented.
"We're still in the process of redesigning Outworld to my personal liking. I feel right at home on my home planet of Apokolips." Darkseid replied.
"My father would have loved the view from high in the sky. It would remind him of the days he was conqueror before he died." Adrelita said.
"Mileena told me about a dragon king who was referred to as Onaga." Darkseid tells her.
"Yes. How he was unfairly trialed and murdered by the Elder Gods. How Shao Kahn wanted to avenge his master's death. They both conquered many realms before Mortal Kombat was forged to keep Outworld from growing too powerful." Adrelita said.
"Power should not be feared. It should be embraced." Darkseid said.
"Yes. Our abilities should not shackle us like slaves." Adrelita nodded to him.
"And yet you pledge your loyalty to Mileena." Darkseid tells her.
"I owe her my life for taking me in and promising that I would have vengeance on the Elder Gods and rule the realms in my father's name." Adrelita claimed.
"You're being held back, Adrelita." Darkseid tells her. "You heard one story, but have you thought about doing your own research? Are you sure you know the truth?" Darkseid asked.
Adrelita quietly growls at how Darkseid doubts her master. But she stops to think. She asks herself if Mileena is telling the truth. Is there any evidence to her claims?
"Most rulers often lie to ensure their own place. To save themselves. To understand your true place among your world, you must discover the truth for yourself. There is a place within this temple that holds the records and history of the past. They call it a "library." Darkseid tells her.
Adrelita looks at Darkseid with curiosity in her eyes. She can't help but wonder if he truly trusts Mileena or not. Adrelita flies out the window and heads towards to the library by bursting through the stone wall. Adrelita searches the now empty library, which somehow remains unscathed. Apparently Darkseid didn't care much for it.
Adrelita sniffs out the source as she walks thought the dusty, cold library. She finds a book that was left by itself in a vault after she burst it open with a fireball. Adrelita opens the same book that Kitana Khan once showed her friends a year ago. She reads the truth.
Onaga the Dragon King and his second in command General Shao once conquered many realms and merged them into Outworld irrevocably. She read about these stories since she was there. But her eyes widened once she saw something she didn't believe.
Onaga wasn't tried and executed by the Elder Gods. He was murdered by Shao Khan through poison in his drink. He became the new emperor of Outworld. This makes Adrelita snarl as she crushes the book in her big hand before she drops it and sets fire to it.
"I've been deceived. Me. A dragon who was destined to be queen. Turned into a slave. No!" Adrelita shouted. "I am no servant! I am a queen! I AM THE DRAGON!"
Adrelita yelled so loud, she roared and it echoed through the entire temple and shoots fire through the ceiling and burns the entire library. Paper flies through the air as they scorch into ashes. Wooden shelves turn black as they fall to the ground like trees being chopped down. Adrelita stares at the flames, full of rage and anger.
Lightning strikes the surface, as everyone has returned. Li Mei's men are carrying two more of Batman's transdimensional cubes needed to return home. But they didn't return without injuries.
Kotal and Baraka stumble forward. King Baraka is helped by his own kind as Kotal leans towards his wife Jade.
"Kotal!" Jade catches him. "Are you alright?! What happened?!"
"The general known as Steppenwolf was too strong for me. I failed to kill him, but it was enough to buy everyone some time." Kotal said as he grunts in pain. Jade looks at him with worried eyes as she caressed his face.
"What's more important is you're alive and in need of attention. Let us return to our area to rest." Jade said as she puts her husband's arm over her shoulder. As they walk, Kotal stops to speak to Alex.
"The plan worked. It appears that Cassandra made a wise decision of choosing you. You really are the brightest human I've ever met." Kotal compliments him.
"Thanks. Couldn't done it without you, Kotal. Go get some rest. We'll heal you up in no time." Alex replied.
As the two smile and leave, Alex smiles… but then faded upon seeing the Takahashi family returning. With Vera's eyes gone. Alex gasped and ran over to his niece.
"Vera! Are you okay?!" Alex asked, cupping her face in his hands.
"Un-Uncle Alex? I'm scared. I'm scared. I did my best. I'm sorry." Vera said, trying not to hyperventilate.
The only instinct Alex had was to pull his niece into a hug. He hushed her and holds her close, whispering it isn't her fault. Once he was done hugging her, he kisses Vera on the forehead before he stands up and hugs his best friend, who begins crying in his shoulders.
"That Ermac…. He blinded my baby girl." Jacqui said as she continued crying.
Alex holds her tightly, running his fingers through her long, black hair. He kisses his best friend on the cheek.
"Next time… he's dead." Alex declared. He lets go of her and hugs Takeda. "Takeda. I'm so sorry this happened. It should've been me."
"No. It isn't your fault, Alex. Remember what Sonya said. No battle comes without cost. We all swore to take an oath to put others before ourselves. Never forget that." Takeda said.
Neither of them blame Alex. No one knew this would happen. Not even Alex could have prevented this, or Takeda.
"What are we gonna do? She can't be left alone. Vera needs you two and Satoshi. More than ever." Alex tells them. "Listen. You've both done an amazing job as parents. You raised a fine daughter, she's a hell of a ninja. Vera is family."
Jacqui smiles while dripping tears before hugging Alex again and kissing his cheek.
"Thank you, Alex. It's always good to have you around." Jacqui whispered. "There's gotta be something we can do to help Vera. There must be."
This gives Takeda an idea.
"I have something in mind." Takeda said, getting his wife's attention. He whispered in her ear. Jacqui looks at him with a little concern, unsure of what he is up to.
"Do it. Trust me." Takeda tells her. Jacqui smiles and gives her husband a kiss.
"I love you, Takeda. Nothing splits us up. Never."
Jacqui holds him close.
"I'll hold you to the end. I'll never let you go." Takeda tells her.
Alex smiles at this. He was happy that these two have loved a happy love life together for decades and raised a kind, strong daughter like Vera. He's also happy for his niece for finding someone like Satoshi to take care of her.
In an infirmary, Vera is given a bag of ice to put over her eyes. To her, it burns like someone slammed her face onto a hot stove. As the wounds were cauterized, Jacqui held her hand tightly as Satoshi wraps his arm around her. They both keep her as calm as possible.
Takeda walks in with a sword on his back and an orange blindfold in his hand. He tells her to hold still as he puts some healing cream on it and wraps it around her head, to heal her injuries.
"How do you feel?" Takeda asked.
"The burning pain….. It's slowly going. It still hurts so bad." Vera described.
"I'm sorry this had to happen to you. Everything is gonna be better." Takeda tells her.
"How? I'm blind. I'm useless now." Vera said, crossing her arms.
"That's where you're wrong. Hold out your hands. Trust me." Takeda tells her. Vera feels a bit reluctant, but she does so anyway.
Takeda unsheathes the sword on his back and gently places it within her hand. Vera can feel it. It's a sword. But then, it started glowing light blue. She all of a sudden hears voices.
"Vera Takahashi." The voices echoed.
"What- who said that?" Vera looked around.
"We are your ancestors. We are Sento. You are worthy of wielding our power. A power that we share with you. Daughter of Takeda Takahashi." Sento tells her.
Sento hovers in the air as Takeda places the holder down onto Vera's lap. Sento places itslef back inside the holder. As it did, a small blue light glows between the blindfold and where Vera's eyes used to be. She can see…. Her loving mother. Her protective father. And her true love.
"Vera? What happened?" Satoshi asked.
Vera slowly turns her head to face her boyfriend. From her point of view he looks exactly the same. Like she was never blind to begin with. Her vision also switches between black and white before switching to color again.
"Satoshi. I…. I can see you." Vera places a hand on his cheek. Satoshi's eyes widened. He could not believe what he heard. His heart skipped a beat. Now he feels more relived that Vera is alright.
Jacqui hugs her daughter, sighing with tears of joy. "Oh thank god. I thought I lost my bright star."
"Mom. I was so scared. It felt like I was trapped in darkness, with no way out." Vera described.
"It's good that you're back." Jacqui kisses her daughter's forehead.
Vera hugs her back before turning to her dad. "This is Sento. Grandpa Kenshi's sword. You sure if it's okay if he lets me borrow it?"
"He's letting you keep it, Vera. Your grandpa is retired. He felt that he no longer has need for Sento. I always felt that you'd be more worthy of it then me. The ancestors chose you." Takeda said.
"Dad, I-I don't know how to thank you." Vera is lost on what to say.
"Even if you're blind, I can never ask for a better daughter. If only your late grandma could see you." Takeda lowers to her level. Vera smiles and gives him a hug.
"I love you so much, dad." Vera tells him.
"I love you too, sweetheart." Takeda replied. "Soon, I'm gonna teach you how to wield that sword. You'll master it in no time. I promise you."
Vera and Takeda embrace each other. Jacqui clasps her hands together, happy that her husband came up with such a thoughtful idea. If he believes that she is worthy of Sento, then so does she.
Hal Jordan is in a training simulation piloting a plane. Although he loves to fly as the Green Lantern, there are days where he misses being an ordinary pilot. He remicases his past before his life changed forever. Flora Cage approached.
"Wow. Ironic how a superhero needs a jet even though he can fly. Weird, but cool." Flora joked.
Hal turns off the simulation and walks with Flora. "Yeah. It does. One time I asked Batman if he flies, he answered in a jet. Then I was dumbfounded when I realized he's just some guy in a bat costume."
Flora laughed.
"Man. That Batdude sure knows how to surprise everyone. If only we had someone like him in our world. Part of me is glad that my grandpa Johnny didn't meet him. Imagine how quickly annoyed Bats would be." Flora stated.
"He'd probably use knock out gas on him just to shut him up." Hal joked.
"Or maybe break his glass jaw. My grandma's best friend did that once." Flora said. They both share a laugh.
"I suppose so. Better to be a pilot than a movie star. Otherwise, my life would have been hell." Hal said.
"So, how did you become the Green Lantern? Your color matches my brother's powers." Flora wondered.
"I was a pilot once. My plane crashed because of what I thought to be a meteor. I was lucky to escape without a scratch because I was an expert. Then when I went to investigate, it was an alien in a ship and he gave me this ring and battery, and thought I was worthy before he died. Then I was introduced to Green Lantern Corp on another planet called Oa. Where the Guardians are the center of the universe. I was trained through hell until I mastered it." Hal explained.
"Wow. That's awesome. So uh… does this run on concentration then?" Flora said. She suddenly had the ring in her hand. Hal is seen back in a leather jacket, a green shirt and blue jeans.
"What the? How did you do that?" Hal asked.
"You weren't concentrating." Flora joked and giggled before giving it back to him. "My mom taught me that. Never doubt a soldier's hand. I punched sandbags and wood for hours."
"How this ring works is I can come up with anything with a thought. Like this." Hal projects a big green missle with his ring. "I'm not exactly omnipontent. And this ring only has limited power. Part of me wishes that it was infinite. I charge it with this battery and I have to say the oath. It goes like this; In lightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might. Beware my power. Green Lantern's light."
Flora whistled. She could already imagine herself as Green Lantern herself.
"Wow. That is fucking badass. I would probably take that or Flash's speed if I was in your world any day. Anthony would love that since it matches his powers. Anything over a jet." Flora said.
"What? You afraid of flying?" Hal asked.
"Flying, not really? But actually piloting it? Hell no! I'll pass!" Flora raises her hands. They both share another laugh.
Outside the main base, Liu Kang sits to meditate. But he finds himself struggling. He couldn't stop thinking about the events that have transpired recently with Darkseid and Superman. Batman and Alex approach him.
"Hey. You doing okay?" Alex asked.
Liu Kang sighs and stands up to face them. He does not look happy.
"I have created this New Era, hoping that everyone would live a peaceful life. But I also knew that a battle between good and evil is eternal. Everyone is suffering a fate that I did not plan for them. Raiden gave his life to protect you. Protect us. Kuai Liang died at the hands of Triborg. And now Kitana is gone. Your wife is in a coma. And Takeda's daughter is now blinded, just like her grandfather Kenshi. How many more of my friends must suffer a fate I did not intend for them? I'm starting to feel Superman's pain." Liu Kang explained.
Alex had no idea what to say. He never saw Liu Kang like this before. He was able to control his anger before after they lost Raiden. But given the circumstances that they are facing, he could understand.
"I wanted to kill Shao Kahn to avenge Raiden. But I was able to control my anger, fearing that should it consume me, there would be no going back. Now, I feel more anger and rage swelling up within my soul. I want to kill Darkseid for taking Kitana away from me. I know you will not agree with me. But from what Kara has told us, we may have no choice." Liu Kang said.
"I agree with you." Batman said. This surprises both of them, knowing that Bruce is unwilling to kill, even if other options have been exhausted.
"Bruce?" Alex asked, feeling surprised.
"I remember what Clark asked me. Asking that how many innocent people need to die before I accept that not every life can be saved. Brainiac is without his technology and is rotting in prison. But Darkseid is the biggest threat we've ever faced. Liu Kang is right. If we want to save both worlds, then Darkseid may have to die." Batman said.
Alex is nearly at a loss of words. He always was extremely moral like Cassie. She would never kill anyone unless absolutely necessary. Like when she killed Quan Chi, or when Alex destroyed Shang Tsung and Kronika. They only did it because it was necessary.
"You're right." Alex reluctantly nodded. He then turns to Liu Kang. "I know too well what loss feels like. Don't let it consume you, as it had with Superman. Or when it nearly consumed me. I'm always willing to die for the greater good. Cassie risked her life for me. If I'm going to die helping you, then so be it."
"So am I. For my parents. For my friends and for the universe." Batman said.
"Thank you. The both of you. I appreciate your support. I promise that I will not allow my rage consume me. Darkseid is too much of a threat to remain alive. And I can only hope that Superman can be redeemed. But I am not certain." Liu Kang thanks them.
"It'll be a matter of time before we can track the last cube. I am working as best as I can. But just like the previous encounters, there is no way of avoiding any more battles." Batman said.
"What do we do until then?" Alex asked.
"For now, we rest. We train harder. Particularly you, Alex. There are more powers for you to understand. Are you ready?" Liu Kang asked. Alex nodded. "Good. I'll need someone who is faster. Any suggestions?"
"I would suggest Kara and Barry. Or maybe someone who relies on weapons like Oliver or Harleen." Batman suggested.
"They will do." Liu Kang nodded. "Thank you, Bruce. I am glad to have you as an ally."
Batman nods as he walks away and makes contact with his friends, asking for their help with something.
For Alex's next lesson, he is being taught how to slow down time. This time, he has Green Arrow, Harleen, Flash and Kara to help.
"Man. Slowing down time? That's gonna be tricky as hell. I mean we already have a couple of people who go so fast, time slows down around them." Alex pointed out, referring to Kara and Barry.
"Correct. But not everyone is fast as them. If we are to deal with heavy armies and firepower, we need speed and versatility to adapt. The reason why Batman asked for these four specifically is because of their abilities." Liu Kang said.
"Whatever you do, just don't cry out for help when you're falling down after being tased." Green Arrow jokes. Barry elbows him in the ribs, silently telling him not cool.
"Oh, don't give the guy goosebumps now! We need the badassery." Harley said. "Besides, you'll do fine, won't ya, honey?"
Harley wraps an arm around Alex and gives him a wink.
"Uh, s-sure. I suppose so." Alex shrugged.
"That's the ticket, baby. You got this." Harley pinched his cheek before she walks back over with the other three JL members.
Liu Kang instructed Alex to watch and learn as he spins his arms to the right in a circular motion, bringing up an object that looks like a clock.
"Now when I twist my hand, Kara. Attack me." Liu Kang instructed.
Kara nods as Liu Kang twists his hand to the left. Supergirl launches forward and goes for a straight punch to the chest, but while holding back some of her strength. To Liu Kang's point of view, Kara is just hovering in the air, approaching more slowly.
Liu Kang does a strong fire kick, sending Kara back. It wasn't enough to actually injure her, but she slides back onto her feet and shrugs the pain off.
"Wow. Kinda like we're in one of those shows." Barry joked.
"Yeah, pretty much. It's like Liu Kang didn't move a muscle. No one was able to outrun me like that before." Kara described.
"Time has always been a powerful ally. But not the strongest." Liu Kang tells Kara before turning to Alex. "Your turn. Remember what you have seen."
Alex steps up and does the same pattern Liu Kang demonstrated. He waves his arms in a circular motion, bringing up the big clock again. This time, Flash runs forward as Alex twists his hand to the left. Time slows down. Barry Allen runs in slow motion like a slow motion scene in a movie. Alex walks over and waves his hand at Flash, but he doesn't even see him. He does the same to Kara and flicks Oliver's head, but there's only a slow reaction. Alex takes the opportunity to return to Flash and kick him in the back of the head, knocking him down.
Time is restored, and Green Arrow gestures to his head like a rock was thrown at him and Flash's head was buried in the snow. Harleen couldn't help but giggle at the expense.
"Ow! What was that for?" Flash gestures to his head.
"Where's the fun in training?" Alex shrugged and smiled.
"Ah! There's the sense of humor I've been waiting for! Teasing is the best part of training! Just one time stop and then boom! Sucker kick!" Harleen yelled in excitement.
"So? Who's next?" Alex asked.
"Me next, god boy." Green Arrow said. He fires an arrow at the ground, which puffs into smoke, clouding Alex's vision.
Alex rolls his eyes and brings up the clock and slows time down again. He waits for the right moment to counterattack. He sees Green Arrow going for a dive kick while Harleen charges with her big hammer. Alex grabs Oliver's ankle, spins and throws him back. Alex then dodged Harleen's hammer swings easily while switching between normal and slow speed before he throws her back as well. Harleen isn't even mad. She just laughs at her own pain. Something that normally disturbs almost everyone.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked the both of them.
"I've been worse, boyo! I learned to embrace the pain! Because it motivates me to keep on bashing heads!" Harleen jumps in the air in joy. "But that! Ooh, that was badass right there! Can we go again?!"
"Alex. How… did you do that so quickly?" Liu Kang asked in a surprised tone.
"I just thought of it. Honestly, I didn't think it would work. What did you see from your perspective?" Alex asked.
"Similar to how Kara or Barry would react with their speed. You are a fast learner. Well done, Alex. What you did what clever." Liu Kang complimented.
Alex smiled and nodded before he gives Harleen and Kara a high five and Barry a fist bump. Barry turns his eyes and leans backwards. Alex barely reacts in time before Oliver can hit him with a punching glove arrow.
"Hey! What the hell, man?!" Alex yelled.
"Damn, I thought I'd get ya. I wanted to even up the score. It would've been great if I actually hit you." Oliver smirked, causing Barry to roll his eyes.
"You like pain, huh? Where's your wife? Maybe she can show me a trick or two." Alex thought.
"Oh, uh. Would you look at the time? Gotta go, uh, patrol… and stuff. Later." Oliver runs away out of fear of facing Dinah's wrath.
"Oh don't sweat, honey. You're awesome." Harleen fist bumps Alex. "Besides, Dinah knows everything. She'll give him a good whoopin on the ass."
"Good. Because he's apparently a child." Alex said.
"Yup. And they call me the child." Harleen giggled. Alex starts to chuckle. He finds Harley to be funny despite her being a bit crazy. But he likes her. Cassie would definitely like her as well.
Note: I always love the part with Johnny giving Kenshi Sento. It was a heartwarming moment. And Darkseid always had a feeling that Mileena was deceiving Adrelita, given that he himself is a master of deception and strategy.