Resident Evil/ Mortal Kombat: Between Angels and Monsters

Chapter 7 - The Beginning

It's too damn early. It was always too early. Already 5:30 in the morning and Sargent Cassandra Carlton Cage was in her office making plans for the day. It's been four years since she and Jacqui enlisted and they were both determined to rise amongst the ranks. At the age of 22, she was now head of a four person Special Forces team. All under the leadership of General Blade and trained by Johnny. She was joined by Specialist Jacqui Briggs, Takeda Takahashi and Kung Jin. Their objective was to investigate any and all dealing with Mortal Kombat and any other threat to Earthrealm.

Takeda is the son of one of Johnny's friends and allies, Kenshi Takahashi. He is telepath, like his father and was trained by Hanzo Hasashi, better known as Scorpion. Takeda was taken in by the Shirai Ryu Clan at a young age after the death of his mother. An assassination attempt that was meant for his father. Takada found himself to be more of a peacemaker of the group. Especially with the help of Jacqui, his ongoing girlfriend, when Jin would start arguments with Cassie about her leadership.

Kung Jin is the nephew of Kung Lao. Lao was murdered by Shao Kahn during the last Mortal Kombat tournament. Jin was personally recruited by Raiden to join in the fight for Earthrealm and trained him among others at the White Lotus Society. For as talented as Jin may be, his arrogance and immaturity made it so much harder to live up to the legacy he had inherited.

This morning was not your typical morning. Cassie was still setting at her desk when the mail came through. There was a letter from Sarah. Sarah had moved away to attend Ohio State University. It wasn't uncommon for them to send written letters to each other. Instead of texting, a written letter seemed to be more personal, a deeper connection between them. This letter however wasn't one of those letters.

Cassie,

I don't know how to say this but I'm sorry. I've met someone. I know this will be hard but we are always so far apart. And even when I'm there with you, you're just so distant sometimes. I don't think this will work out in the end. You know like I know that long distance relationships are difficult. After Dad died, I really don't want to come back to California. And I know you won't want to leave. So I guess this is the end. Write me and let me know you're okay.

I love you, Sarah

Cassie couldn't stop the tears from flowing. She was heartbroken and hurt. It had been three months since the last time she saw Sarah in person. She had plans to surprise Sarah the next time they got together. The engagement ring was made of rose gold with a diamond shaped like a dolphin. It would have only been another year before Sarah would graduate from college. They could have moved in together, lived their lives and been happy. The future she planned was now completely out of reach.

There was a knock on the door that broke her train of thought. Sonya walked in without waiting for Cassie to respond. "Sargent Cage."

Cassie quickly dried her eyes and stood at attention. When on base there was no difference between her and any other soldier, Mom or not formalities stood. "Yes General."

"There will be a meeting in the conference room. A possible mission for you and your team." Sonya noticed the redness in her daughters' eyes. She knew something was wrong, Cassie hardly cried about anything. Sonya closed the door and sat down. "What happened?"

Cassie couldn't put it into words, everything was just so overwhelming right then. She just handed Sonya the letter from Sarah, trying not to break down again. Sonya nearly cried herself reading it. She knew how much Cassie loved Sarah. She knew about the ring, about the home Johnny was planning to buy them as a wedding gift. Above all she knew how much her daughter was hurting but could do nothing about it. She hurt just as much for Cassie but understood Sarah as well. The distance between them made the relationship hard for the both of them. "Cas, I'm sorry. I know how much this must hurt."