Mortal Kombat: The Three Titans

Chapter Twenty: Cursed Book

(Code: Pandorum - Ritual)
-Bi-Han's POV- "So, let me get this straight," Hanzo begins, pacing after I showed him the book and explained everything. "This book just showed up in your library, and has made predictions that are accurate? And you can't get rid of it? How long ago did you find this book?" He demands.

"About a year ago, give or take." I shrug. I scan the text over again about Kuai, feeling a shiver go up my spine. "Nothing about this feels right. This book knows more about his powers than we do. Necromancy is pretty much raising the dead, right?" I look into Hanzo's brown eyes. "Yes, it's the ability to speak with the deceased, usually to see the future."

Hanzo frowns, skimming the book. "We shouldn't tell Kuai about this."
"Tell me about what?" Kuai walks into the dining room, rubbing his eyes and still looking sleepy.
"Hey, Kuai!" I laugh nervously, turning around and blocking the book from Kuai's sight with my body. I see Hanzo freeze up. "Hanzo and I were just talking about....your birthday present!" I blurt out.

Kuai blinks, his hair a mess and looking like he's still waking up. "Is...my birthday coming up? I haven't celebrated it in years...." He yawns, stretching.
"Yeah, it's coming up. In a few days, actually. Come on, get back to bed, you still look sleepy. Do you need anything?"

I hope he simply says no and goes back to bed.
"Just a glass of water....I woke up and got thirsty."
"Okay, go ahead." I nod, watching him shuffle over to the sink and fill a glass.
"Night, Hanzo, brother." Kuai sighs, sipping his water and walking off.
"Love you!" I say, nearly laughing in relief.
"Love you, too," Kuai calls back, then we hear his bedroom door close.

Both Hanzo and I sigh in relief. "We should tell Raiden." I say.
"Definitely," he agrees.
****
Raiden scans the book with concerned eyes. "And you've never seen this book update itself?" He asks.
"No," I shake my head.
"I've got an idea..." He walks over to his desk and pulls out a pen. Flipping to a blank page, he motions us to come over.

We both reluctantly do.
'What are you?' He writes down. We all see the ink fade on the paper.
Then, slowly, an answer forms.
'A phantom long forgotten.'
We all stare down at the message as it fades away.

'Can you tell us your name?' Raiden writes.
'Not yet.'
'Why not?'
'It is reserved for another.'
'Who?'
'Papa.'
"Papa...?" I whisper, brows furrowed as the massage fades.
'Yes.' It answers.
'Why did you appear in the temple?'
'It used to be my home.'
'When?'
'Long ago, before the Titans.'
'Who is Papa?'
'You know.'
'Answer.'
'I will only answer to Papa.'
Frustrated, I grab the pen.

'Is Papa Kuai Liang?' I write.
A long pause.
'Yes.'
I drop the pen in shock.
"No way," Hanzo breathes out.
My heart races as I look up at Hanzo and Raiden.
With shaky hands, I grab the pen.
'Kana?'
'Hello, Uncle Bi-Han.' Kana answers.