Backstage Pass to Mortal Kombat

Chapter 11 - The Task

Chapter 11 - The Task

Though I swore to myself that I wouldn’t do anything on that list, I also swore to myself I would kill Hanzo if he approached me with it again – the only way to avoid that; do the chores. And so, this morning, I slipped on my black skinny jeans, tank top, and the black mask with a mission in mind and his list in my hand. I didn’t bother with shoes today; I wanted to feel the sand between my toes…and possibly track some into his room. The fresh salt air greeted me enthusiastically when I opened my door. My chest filled with the familiar scents, holding them in until I pushed it out and told myself to continue. It was breakfast time, and so I knew everyone was off eating, which meant I wouldn’t be bothered.

The list wasn’t too terrible; Hanzo – surprisingly – kept his room decent and didn’t leave clothes everywhere, or ruined his bathroom every time he stepped inside. Actually, I was finished cleaning his room and polishing his sword before breakfast was even over; I could get a biscuit before they cleared the tables. My stomach growled angrily at me, as if agreeing with my plan. I walked out of his room, untying my mask as I did so and made my way to the tent. Closing my eyes, I let the wind run its fingers through my hair; it was refreshing and sweet, something I’d always loved about the beach. “Ah, Zak, there you are!” Someone called.

I stopped in my tracks, looking around for who called me. Bo’ came walking up to me, an excited grin on his face. “Hold on, now, hold on!” He continued; breathing heavy as his plump body tried to catch up with me. I waited as he said, sighing deeply while I shoved my mask into my back pocket – I knew I was going to miss breakfast. Finally, he reached me. “I just wanted to let you know that we’re training tonight, so be ready… You may want to take it easy for the rest of the day until tonight. Just a warning,” He smiled broadly again before turning and walking away again.

I frowned, thinking ‘Okay, that’s fine, but did you really have to stop me for that?’ “Oh well,” I sighed before turning and continuing towards the tent. As I approached the flaps, though, everyone was clearing out and I could see everything was gone inside. Johnny was walking beside a few other fighters, talking amongst themselves. “Hey, Johnny, you don’t happen to have a piece of toast or anything?” I whined, looking hopeful at him.

He gave a sympathetic smile before shaking his head. “No, I’m sorry, Zak–”

“Why are you talking to the servant girl?”

We both turned and saw Hanzo walking out of the tent, holding a biscuit in his hand, stuffed with butter and jelly. My mouth shamelessly watered at the very sight of it.

“Don’t call her that.” Johnny repeated with a frown.

Hanzo ignored him and walked over to me, holding the biscuit – warm, sweet and salty – right in front of my face. “Did you get all of your chores done?” He asked.

“I only need to get your chips and then dinner tonight…” I muttered.

He shrugged and handed the biscuit to me; I took it with hungry hands, shoving half of it in my mouth the very instant he gave it to me. “I thought you’d be hungry, since you missed dinner last night and didn’t show up to breakfast.”

“Thank you!” I moaned behind the biscuit, but it sounded nothing like those words.

“Don’t mention it,” Hanzo smiled warmly before turning and walking away. “See, I’m not all bad!” He called over his shoulder, making his way to his hut.

“Could have fooled us,” Johnny muttered, glaring after Hanzo. “He’s such a jerk to you, you know that? I swear – he even pisses me off.” The other fighters had already left with the rest of the crowd, and now it was just he and I. I quickly shoveled in the rest of the biscuit, plucking all the crumbs that had fallen onto my shirt and popping them into my mouth.