Born Into Kombat

Chapter Eight "The Beginning"

"How the hell does our son know so much about Mortal Kombat?" Liu yelled, pacing the living room floor. Kent was sent back outside and Kenshi and Keanu left us to talk about what just happened.

I shook my head, "It's not like I pulled up YouTube and said, 'Hey, kid, watch murder happen!' I didn't even know he had heard of it."

Liu ran a hand through his hair for the hundredth time. He's going to be bald by the end of the day.

"And why does he know so much about you? And how did he not know its you? There was a whole book written about you!"

"A fake book," I muttered.

"Well we know that! But there has to be some information about both of us."

Then I smirked. "Wait...are you jealous?"

He stopped. "Jealous?"

"Jealous that our son knows more about me than you. Apparently I'm some kind of idol."

"Really funny. Fantastic. I'm glad you're finding humor in this, I really am."

I rolled my eyes. I was joking, but maybe he was jealous. Liu was the poster boy in Edenia. The famous Liu Kang; the man who can move faster than lightning and knock you out before you even knew what was happening. Even I have to admit I like the recognition, so I know he does too. I miss it sometimes.

The moms at Kent's school...god I hate them. They brag about their new kitchens, their new diamond ring their husband got them, or how they can still do a cartwheel, even though they haven't cheered since high school! I killed people. I shoot fire from my hands. I can disappear beneath the fuckin' ground. So no, you're not that impressive, Helen. Get your cookies out of my face.

"I just think you're taking this too lightly," Liu growled.

I leaned forward in my chair. "I'm taking this too lightly? Liu! Our kid knows we murdered people! You think that's how I envisioned parenthood?"

"Then you should have thought about that when you became a fighter."

"I wasn't really planning on it, Liu! You were there! We slacked in the protection department that night!"

He sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry. Yeah. I just didn't expect it to go like this."

"Well me neither. Kent wants to watch us fight, Johnny has a kid that wants to beat the shit out of me, Hanzo is plotting our deaths, and I am going to have to find my fighting suit. I don't even know where we packed the damn thing."

"Check all of the boxes labeled 'miscellaneous' in the attic. That's where you packed literally everything."

I slid down in the chair, folding my arms over my eyes. This day has been exhausting already. "It takes too long to sort everything."

Outside I heard Sira start crying. Oh man.

As I pulled myself to my feet Liu grabbed my shoulders and helped me stand. "Everything will be okay."

"I know." Maybe.

Johnny waited outside, like I asked, while I made sure Mila had everything she needed. Sira was dangling on my hip, grabbing my hair, while Kent sulked in the corner. After two days of pushing hard, to the point where Liu finally had enough and yelled at him, Kent finally came to the realization that he was not going with us.

"We're just meeting the fighters Johnny has gathered, so we should be back in a couple days. I'll have my phone, so call me if you need anything."

"You're staying in earthrealm?" She asked.

"Yes, so hopefully I'll have cell service wherever we're going." I looked at Sira. Her eyes were practically beaming with happiness. Her plump cheeks pulled up in a huge smile. "Goodbye, baby girl - Mommy loves you so, so, so much!" I blew a raspberry on her cheek, kissed her other cheek, and handed her off to Liu. He began cooing sweet goodbyes to her, kissing her forehead.

I turned back to Mila. "Feel free to call me about anything. Um, Mila has tons of food in the pantry...Kent will eat anything. There's money for pizza if you want to order-"

"Zak! We will be fine. I'm a mom too, sweetie." She laughed and hugged me. "Be safe."

"We're not fighting yet."

"Still," she whispered. "Come home."

God, she's going to make me cry. "I will." I whispered back.

Before I could form the tears I ran over to Kent and pat his shoulder. "I love you, honey. Be good for Aunt Mila. Because I told her if you're not she is allowed to beat you senseless."

He just nodded. Great. Now my kid will hate me for the next few days.

"Ok...well, let's go." I turned and left with Liu. Johnny was leaning against his SUV, swiping his phone.

"We're ready." I said.

He looked up and flashed that trademark Johnny Cage smile. It was almost too white. I swear I saw an actual sparkle.

"Then let's go."

Authors Note: short chapter, but I hope you're liking it so far. Please let me know what y'all think!