Awesome! Also, not being rude but you forgot to put Callie's profile before the intros. No offense. Love your story.

Great dialogues all over. Dakini and Ilah are now welcomed editions to the cast. I'm sure each will play vital roles when the story resumes. As stated in my previous review, I'm anxious to see the mistake Ilaho harbors concerning Sindel. And how much of a factor Dakini will be after settling in with her parents. Can't wait to see how this will all turn out in Arc IV.

alwaysdoubted

Another batch of OCs you did not disappoint with. I'm always glad to see artists such as yourself really take the time to craft and develop your OCs as most people don't do that. (Myself included) Dakini, Okada, and Ilah have all proven their mettle in this story at various points and I expect that to continue as the story progresses. What really caught my interest is the Ilah/Sindel dynamic you were referring to. I'm looking forward to seeing what that is all about. It's sad that Dakini and Hamlet will eventually be off screen but I don't find myself sad, seeing as she'll eventually return much later on.

alwaysdoubted

Arc III has now come to an end, a host of subplots to go through.

The first was Skarlet's return to the group after seemingly getting her thirst for blood under control. That will surely help her in the long run. Also, good on Callie for making her apologize to Jade, which will hopefully end that rivalry for good. Nice development on that end.

Darrius stealing the Declaration of Order was not a wise move as going up against Callie and her experience was only going to lead to disaster for him. Her planning for nearly every scenario came to the forefront once again as the two separate groups handled their assignments to a T.

Possibly the biggest development to date, the bounty on Jade's head will be south after like a moth to a flame. Nearly every unsavory character wants that hefty sum of money and will do anything to get it. From here on out Jade will have that target on her back. I'll be surprised if she doesn't sleep with an eye open.

Dairou and Darrius stood no chance against our heroes as they were all anxious to get back to their regular lives. With both of them now gone, and Seido reverting back to peaceful times, it's the perfect time to leave.

I can understand why Jade fell the way she does, believing it's her fault that Shao Kahn is attacking her family by placing that enormous bounty on her. That also tells me how desperate he is to have Benjamin at his side in his court. (Not to mention a certain yellow harlot) The relationship between the two Edenians continues to blossom even during their short stint of marriage. I have to believe things will only get better between them and Sareena. However, Jade's words have left a sense of foreboding, something to keep in mind as Arc IV commences.

alwaysdoubted

Another great effort on your part and I'm glad to once again be a helping hand to you. Just a few typos are below, most of those my fault. And I'd be more than happy to assist you with Patreon requests should you go that route.

("It's alright, Callie.")

("Where is Hamlet going, child?")

(Jade blushed profusely)

(He then flashed the wanted poster of our wife)

Since you did the Intro fight dialogues of Benji, Callie and Mai, do you think that you would publish a chapter showcasing their Brutalities and Fatalities

Possibly one of the most emotionally gripping chapters you've written since I began assisting you. Sareena and Benji's time together has dwindled since arriving in Seido, but they are making the most of it now before the battle begins. Ilah's presence still looms as a concern, but I believe that won't be an issue.

Callie's plan is now being put into motion but not before she and Jade continue mending their bond. Though it was quite risky for Jade to tell Dakini of her past profession, it was needed for her to find peace of mind from all that turmoil. I'm glad that they finally put their nastiness behind them for good, even with Callie and Mai eventually leaving for California. Perhaps that can be something to touch on in later arcs, people who want that bounty on Jade's head.

Jade's psyche has to be scarred just as much as Benji and Callie's for all she endured. It's a miracle she's still sane at this point. Hopefully now she can look forward to a new beginning and future, just as her parents hoped for her.

Skarlet's return now makes the impending conflict even more interesting. I wonder what role she'll play. Will probably remain to be seen as Seido is about to erupt in Civil War.

alwaysdoubted

So this was the previous version you were telling me about earlier.

Benjamin, Zelina, Dynamo, and Callie are now forming this new group to help out the Special Forces in protecting the realms from anything out of the ordinary. I wonder why these four were chosen specifically. Probably due to their unnatural abilities, experience, and youth. It's obvious to me that Benjamin will become the leader of this motley crew based on his personality. Alvis might be thinking the same, although Callie might have some of those characteristics as well. Though it may have been a lost product, it still would've had been interesting to see where it could've gone and to see the many differences between that story and the one were collaborating on now. Nice work with this alternate universe.

alwaysdoubted

So, we finally meet Darrius, the one responsible for the utter turmoil taking place in Seido. Callie Ann has not missed a beat in reprimanding him for what he's done to the cause she and Benji worked so hard to create. That, and he's full of himself. He may take Johnny's title one day. I think it's better for Callie to place her anger and attention on him rather than on her own sister. Now it seems the two have buried the hatchet, for the moment.

Mai is doing an excellent job taking care of Everest as she matures into the beautiful Phoenix she's destined to become. It also helps to have assistance in the form of Guinevere. I can't wait to see the final maturation process for the young bird and what help she'll give our heroes. Glad to see Kenshin is doing alright after going back to the Special Forces. But I am leery about this job offer for Callie, not so much the job itself, but the potential of working with Sonya again. It's no secret the two are on bad terms dating back to Arc II. However, knowing Callie, she might not even think about taking the job.

Dakini now has a summon of her own in the form of a Husky. I have to admit, I like this choice the best of all the animals so far. Hamlet will be a welcomed addition to the group. In the midst of that, however, I'm very curious as to what Benji wishes to discuss with Sareena. Could be their planned child, Jade and Callie's argument, or something else entirely. Who knows. Perhaps next chapter will shed some light on that.

Black Monday cast a dark shadow over Edenia, practically marring the realm in obscurity. Calle must've had her reasons for not talking about this event. But to Jade and Dakini, I'm sure they realize she has gone through enough to be mentally scarred for a lifetime. Also, I personally believe it might be time for Jade to tell Dakini of her own dark past as a deadly assassin. But now is not the time to mourn on past events. A big day is coming tomorrow. Let's hope they're all ready to face it head-on.

alwaysdoubted

Though there was no actual hand fighting this chapter, tension is at an all-time high.

I completely feel for Dakini as she finds herself in the middle of another conflict while doing her best to stop her mother and auntie from killing one another as they nearly did in her timeline. A tall order for a child to endure. Good on Sareena to step in and act as a peacemaker as well as comfort Dakini. It's easy to see that she cares a lot for the girl though not her own birthchild.

Even Mai herself can feel the hostility between Jade and Callie Ann all the way from Earthrealm. It makes me wonder if she will get involved to put a stop to it as a measure of good faith to Destiny. (I may have an idea concerning her in later chapters) Meanwhile, Everest is slowly growing little by little, capable of harnessing great power within her. I do feel bad for Guinevere as she wishes to become human. Perhaps she will be of even greater help for our allies.

Remorse is something Callie Ann rarely feels as she doesn't apologize for being the way she is. Looks like that finally caught up with her in that ugly spat. Her demeanor throughout the chapter sharply contrasts what it's been in this story, which I think presents good character development. Now she knows more about Darrius, Ryuji's replacement and hopefully a good strategy to combat him and his forces. But even that failed to cheer her up as she is clearly thinking about Dakini's fragileness along with Jade's state of mind. I have a feeling this is far from over.

Benji was able to calm himself but not to the point where he can relax. Out of everyone in the camp, he might be the only sane one besides Sareena due to the very close ties he has with his sister and Jade. I'll say this. No one said that Jade wanted to replace the bond Cal has with Benji. She only wishes to replicate it. That's all. I see no fault in that logic. My theory now is that something drastic will happen during this oncoming collision with Darrius between Cal and Jade. Either it will heal fresh wounds, or forever keep them apart. Tanya, if she saw this, would be grinning like a Cheshire cat from ear to ear, plotting each of their demises.

alwaysdoubted

Whew! So much to talk about with this chapter.

Dakini's appearance has undoubtedly gotten everyone's attention along with the brewing conflict about to take place in Seido. It's apparent Jade, Mai, and Sareena have taken a liking to the girl though she wasn't here by favorable circumstances. However, that didn't change Jade's anger against Callie Ann, who is using Benji in yet another battle. Sareena was the real interesting character here because of her admittance to wanting a child herself. Benji, being the good man he is, promised her one when this is over.

Easily my favorite part of the chapter, Jade and Dakini bonded extraordinarily, perhaps better than I anticipated. The two share a lot of similarities. Loyalty, compassion, determination, and spirit, not to mention they practically look the same. Dakini's questions certainly brought insight into Jade's life as not much is known about it other than bits and pieces throughout the story. (Same thing for the actual games, too) This is what I think Jade needed; to share a bond with her daughter in the same way she had with Destiny when she was alive. Though the void left behind will never be filled, Dakini's arrival certainly helped.

The arrival of Ilah put me in alarm, noting how severe Okada's punishment could have been if he was the one who brought her back. However, I'm glad that Emperor Duffeck allowed his trusted aide to bring his lover back due to his diligent work. Judging from their brief interaction, I think it's safe to say that Benji and Okada will have a very lengthy conversation about this whole situation, which I'm sure a lot of unfinished business will be settled.

Finally, the most explosive, emotional part of this chapter did not dissapoint. Callie and Hotaru are making the final preparations for what seems to be a violent assault against the Resistance. Her years operating as a General have not waned at all. But she was in for a rude surprise when Jade, Sareena, and Ilah accompanied Benji and Dakini back to the hideout. It's plain to see that tensions once again are on the rise between Jade and Callie, dating back to their previous discussion a few chapters back. Both made good points but remained so far away from having any semblance of a kindly relationship. Matters were made worse when they nearly fought in front of Dakini, confirming her fears that there may be nothing to stop them from fighting. Because of this, Benji stepped in and stopped the confrontation from going any further. I could feel Jade's anguish at how Benji made her feel. One has to wonder if Jade and Callie will ever see eye to eye at this rate. If anything, this battle in Seido will do one of two things.

Have them find common ground or forever dislike each other.

On a side note, I noticed that the first section of the chapter didn't have my edits on there. Weren't sure if you saw that or not. Otherwise, an outstanding chapter here.

alwaysdoubted

I'd like to see you imply whose POV the chapters are told from rather than announcing it at the beginning, such as when Dakini defends her name therein. Show, don't tell.

Add yet another Maddox to the fray.

Dakini's future as she explained is far from paradise. The Dragon King has risen again and enslaved all the realms to mold into his own. It certainly didn't help when our heroes had one of their own betray them without any regard. I can't blame Benji or Cal at first to how they reacted when Dakini revealed her origins. I'd be shocked too if I had a future daughter and niece pop out of nowhere.

I feel really bad for what Cal's future had in store. Unable to have children? And not getting along with Jade after she gave birth to Dakini? Definitely a bitter pill to swallow. At least she's still alive, though. Benji and Jade weren't granted that as Onaga erased them both to ensure no one will threaten his reign. Alas, Sareena may have endured enough to make any woman go crazy. Losing her husband and wife along with suffering through a miscarriage. Truly heartbreaking.

Now, the Realm of Order is anything but under control with both the Guard and Resistance looking to wage war. This isn't good on any front as it could extend into Earthrealm. Though I like Cal's idea to start a civil war, I don't particularly think it's a good idea dragging Benji into it as well. I'm sure Jade and Sareena will agree with me on that. Since those three have been married, they haven't been able to spend much time together due to Okada and Cal taking Benji on separate occasions. Maybe that's why Cal became infertile, because of her thirst for violence and war. That may come back to bite her later.

Meanwhile, the reunion between Dakini and the other members of the family went about as well as it could. No one attacked her and waited to hear her side of the story. Not surprising they didn't believe she is a Maddox. I can tell all sorts of thoughts are swarming Jade and Sareena's mind each at this revelation.

When does Jade become pregnant?

Will Sareena want the same for herself?

When will the conversation about kids come about for Benji and his wives?

And how will they feel knowing their husband is heading into another fight he shouldn't involve himself in?

I can tell things will get pretty hostile in the Maddox household in the coming days.

alwaysdoubted

Arc III is already off to a tense start.

On one hand, I can see why Benji basically went off the hinges when Okada first mentioned the mere thought of resurrecting his beloved Ilah for being cruelly taken away. It makes me wonder where did he obtain that blacklist. Or, did Duffeck give it to him in a possible reversal? Definitely something to think about. I know for a fact this issue will not go away so soon.

Callie now has her hidden potential unlocked and can now become a Messenger with help from her own mother. I hope she's ready to take on this new role, seeing as Skarlet will be out of the Estate for however long it takes to stave off her thirst for blood. Things will certainly be interesting for that dynamic in the coming days, weeks, and months.

The siblings return to their original stomping grounds in Seido where they laid the foundations for the Resistance there with Ryuji. There's a war brewing in the realm and things might spiral out of control if nothing is done. Which is why Callie suggested to come here and stop it from happening. But here came the shocker of the entire chapter, more so than Benji's rage at his own mentor.

A young woman who looks oddly familiar to Jade in more ways than one. Those same green eyes and facial features told the entire story. Dakini is from the future. How did she arrive in the past? Why is she here? Who else might be involved in this matter? And what will Jade and Sareena think if they see Dakini? (more on that later in PMs) So many questions to answer in the coming chapters, I'm sure.

alwaysdoubted

An excellent prelude for what might happen in Arc III.

First, it starts with Mai doing what she does best, making dresses. Dating back to the last chapter, I was surprised Callie agreed to wear one despite her stubborn nature. Props to her mother for getting her to do so, if only once. Later on, Jade comes in, and the two have a lengthy conversation on a variety of topics. It was good to see them bond closer together as a tribute to Destiny. I believe there will be more interactions with them in this nature that will help in the long run.

Benji and work are considered synonyms at this point as he continues going full speed at whatever he does. I have to hand it to him. The knife he designed and created for his sister was a thing of beauty and very unique. He should be very proud of that. Luckily, Jade came down to see her husband after not seeing him all day due to Okada taking him. Like I stated in the previous paragraph, I love how all the characters are becoming closer, especially after Benji removed Jade's scars from her back. And boy, things got steamy from there, even more so when Sareena entered the room. Any man would kill to be in Benji's position, making love to two gorgeous wives. I think it's safe to say this won't be the last time these three go at it in the sheets.

The Callie/Kung Lao dynamic is showing me different things every time you write on them. No longer is the Monk, the arrogant boy at the start of the story. He's showing more maturity and patience, knowing he cannot reach his true potential. Callie certainly has been a significant influence on him, and it has transformed into a budding relationship after their passionate tryst. I'm sure Callie has doubts about whether she can keep both Lao and Skarlet happy. What she can take solace in is that her brother and his wives are thriving in their polygamy relationship, with some pleasurable benefits.

Can't wait to see how you'll approach Arc III and how the rest of the story plays out. Been a great journey so far.

alwaysdoubted

So much to cover in the Bonus chapter.

Benji, as Okada mentioned in Arc II, has only scratched the surface of his raw power. Such unlimited potential will only bring more evil people his way, but will also grant new abilities. That scene where his mark was burned into his back had to sting a lot. Looks like Benji will need some treatment later.

Great to see that Benji, Jade, and Sareena were able to tie the knot together after everything that happened. I'm sure all three will be happy until the end of time. However, this is only the beginning as I'm sure they'll each face a difficult trial and even more enemies to deal with.

Callie has also changed quite much during the story's last chapter. She's grown to accept her two newest sisters, will actually wear a dress, along with seeing Kenshi off to the Special Forces. It will be interesting to see how our heroes will fare without the blind swordsman who helped them tremendously while here.

And of course, Callie finally got her wish as Kung Lao wanted to be so much more with her, the feeling mutual on her end as well. Guess they couldn't quell their hidden desires anymore, and it led to her bedroom. The rest of the chapter speaks for itself. Can't wait to see what you have in store for Arc III. I hope it will match the craziness you had in the previous Arc.

alwaysdoubted