Born Into Kombat

Chapter Four "Cassie Cage"

"Cassie, go wait in the car." Sonya hissed

"No, Mom, I don't trust her."

"Jesus Christ, guys, she's not going to kill Johnny." Keanu sighed.

"I don't know, she might," Kenshi bubbled with laughter.

I groggily sat up from the cushioned mat. Liu helped me to my feet, holding both of my hands. "Are you okay? Zak? Answer me."

"I'm fine," I shook my head and looked at the little ball of fire that sucker punched me.

Cassie looked no older than fourteen but she sure as hell made up for age with attitude. Even now, watching me, she had a hand on her jutted hip and blew a large bubble with her gum at me. It popped and she slurped it right up. This girl was trouble, alright.

"Why the fuck is there a kid here?" I groaned, my head throbbing.

"Zak," Sonya glared at Cassie. "I'd like you to meet my daughter, Cassie."

Daughter? Wait, what?

Johnny chuckled, bringing my attention to his slumped figure in a chair at the table. He was shaking his head at Cassie. His left eye was swollen shut.

"Cassie, listen to your mom, sweetie, go wait in the car."

"But, Dad, she-"

"Don't argue."

"Dad?" I whispered.

Those green eyes were definitely Sonya's, but that smirk, her nose, her jawline...everything else was Johnny's. He had a kid? With Sonya? The room began to spin and I plopped myself back down on the floor. And she wasn't much younger than Kent. They got together pretty soon after he left, then. He never told me? How could he have a kid and not tell me?!

"Zak?" Johnny asked.

I shook my head. "This is fucked. This is all totally...fucked."

Liu pulled me back to my feet. "Keanu," he glared at the blonde man at the table, still sitting with his arms folded. "We're having a serious talk later. This was fucking stupid and you know it."

Keanu sighed, "I thought it might be good for them. Even if Zak doesn't fight, at least they would be in touch again."

Liu raised a finger, "Zak will not be fighting anymore, period! She and I are both done with all of that. You three," he pointed at Johnny, Sonya, and Chutar, "Can risk your lives, but Zak and I are done."

He began leading me out of the gym. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea. I didn't want to be here anymore; I would probably have a heart attack.

"Zak, a group of people are killing everyone associated with Mortal Kombat. They killed everyone in Edenia, even the servants, and they're beginning to slaughter everyone in Outworld. Soon enough they'll attack earthrealm and they will come after you and your family, Zak." Johnny called. "I can guarantee that."

I whipped around, angry tears falling down my face. I know he wants me to fight, but does he have to manipulate me like this? It reminded me of Raiden; how he pressured me into fighting for Johnny. He told me it was my only option, or someone I loved would die. Now it's Johnny and he's telling me I have to fight or everyone I loved would die.

"How?" I yelled. "How could you possibly know they'll come after me? I am no threat, Johnny! I don't care about Mortal Kombat anymore! I don't care if Outworld is taken! I don't care if Edenia is burned! Why would they come after me?"

"Because Hanzo is leading the group."