Backstage Pass to Mortal Kombat

Chapter 29 - Never Underestimate

“Normally,” Hanzo had said when we first arrived, “at dinner time, the slaves eat in the basement. They usually eat whatever they can find; usually the scraps from what they cooked for us fighters. However, since I need to keep a close eye on you, you get to eat with us.” He said it as if I should be utterly grateful, which I suppose I should have been. When he saw my raised eyebrow, he added with a sigh, “Of course, you’re better than them, too.”

It didn’t bother me that if it were up to him, he would have had me eating in the basement, eating the trimmed fat from whatever meat they had, while Johnny, Cory, and Walter probably laid in a ditch somewhere. The thing that bothered me would be sitting next to him at dinner, in his line of sight, and also within reach of his grabbing hands. My glares did nothing to stop him from resting his hand on my knee, or even when it slid a little higher. For the past week I’ve been ignoring it, and tonight was no exception; I tried my best, but it still irked me.

“How’s the new uniform?” Hanzo asked as he sipped his wine.

He had gotten me more clothes since this afternoon; now I had black skinny jeans, tank tops, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, and even a black dress. I don’t know when he expected me to wear the dress, but it was still a nice dress.

“They’re great,” I replied as I took a bite of white chicken breast, “thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He nodded, not sounding very warm. This was the response he was expecting; gratitude.

To my right was Johnny, who sat next to Cory, who sat next to Walter. I nudged his side with my elbow and whispered low to him, so no one else could hear. “Master is so good to us.” I mocked.

He snorted, trying his best not to laugh, but failed. Across from me, Ice-Man snickered too, and I wondered if Hanzo heard me. When I risked a peek to him, he was in deep conversation with someone, and so I knew I was safe.

“Just feel lucky,” Johnny whispered back. “At least you don’t have to fight these guys…they can seriously pack a punch. They’re almost as bad as you.”

I nudged him harder in the ribs, causing him to choke on a piece of food. “See,” He gasped out.

I giggled once before shrugging, “Sorry, but remember, I’m just a slave girl.”

He nodded, “Oh right, sorry.”

Once again, this didn’t miss Ice-Man. He was smirking up at me as I ate. “I knew it.” He said.

I raised one black eyebrow at him, “You knew nothing.”

He shrugged and went back to his food, accepting my answer. Worry engulfed me, though. What if he told them? He knew there was more to me now…what if they killed us after all?

“Are you done?”

I jumped, “Wha-what?”

“Are you done?” Hanzo repeated. He was facing me now, and I realized nearly everyone was done with their dinner. Across from me, Ice-Man made it a point to be interested in his peas, thinking they were far more interesting than the under-cover slave in front of him.

I nodded, “Sure.”

My thoughts stayed on my escape tonight as we walked up to his room. I had to train, that was no question. If I wanted to get out of here alive, I’d better keep up my strength. I barely listened as Hanzo rambled on how superior he was. Occasionally, I would tune in when I heard him say Shao Kahn, but found quickly it wasn’t anything interesting.

As we stopped outside our door, he turned to me. “I have to somewhere tonight.” He said.

I jerked my head back, like I had just been slapped in the face. He’s leaving me alone? “Um…where?”