Beyond Kombat: Backstage Pass 2 Mortal Kombat

Chapter 16 - Coming Undone

AUTHOR'S NOTE: sorry for the late update. I think I'm gonna start the next chapter. NEW SURPRISE AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER! It's even a surprise to ME. I wrote it and went 'wait wuuuuut'. Yeah.

“I’m not killing a puppy, Liu! What kind of person do you think I am?” I snapped, sending the pup to run back into the bushes. He cowered away from us, watching the argument from a safe distance.

“Someone who wanted to get this over with. Someone who was willing to kill a human being in order to kill another human being.” He replied.

I shook my head, “This is different.”

“How?”

I looked over at the small bundle of fur. He cocked his head at me, proving my point, “He can’t defend himself! I can’t do it.”

Liu growled out of frustration, “You need to! If you don’t Kitana will kill you.” He stepped forward and pointed his finger in my face, his eyes glaring at me. “And don’t think for a second that she’ll have mercy on you if you just give her the throne.”

“I’m not giving her the thrown.” I snapped back.

“Then do your duty.”

We stared at each other for what felt like a long time. Our chests heaved with heavy breaths and our faces were inches away from each other. I wanted to punch him so badly. I wanted to choke him until he couldn’t talk anymore. Every thing he said sent me on edge; every time he opened his mouth he had something insulting or hurtful to say. Then, other times, he was semi-sweet and caring. I didn’t understand him! I wished he would just...just...

“Would you just go away?” I screamed. “All you do is criticize and hurt people! You’re a grumpy, egotistical, narcissist and I can’t stand you! God, you just make me... Ugh! You just make me so mad!” I threw my fist out, aiming for his face.

He caught my fist in his hand and pulled me forward. I tried my other hand, forgetting all my training, and did the same thing. He caught that one as well and pulled both hands behind his back. He was practically forcing me to hug him. We glared at each other some more. But as I looked up at him, trapped in this position, my eyes began to sting with tears. I didn’t know what it was about him. Liu reminded me of the past; a past when I was sweet, when I still had a conscious. He reminded me of when I still loved Keanu, before he betrayed me. He reminded me of Hanzo and all of the good he once was. It felt like he was using all of this against me, all the time. Every time he glared at me with those black eyes it felt like my past was glaring at me. My parents; what would they say to the monster I’ve become? Keanu; where would we be if neither of us had entered Mortal Kombat? And Johnny; would we be as close as we are? Maybe I would be happier, maybe I wouldn’t have so many scars...maybe I wouldn’t look like a monster.

Liu’s furious expression deflated as he watched the tears develop. “No, don’t cry.” He said. “Don’t...ugh,” he sighed and let go of my hands, putting his arms around me in a hug. Reflexes took over and I laid my head against his chest. He awkwardly rubbed my back, trying to comfort me. “Zak, it’s okay...”

“No,” I sniffed, “It’s not.”

“Yes it is.” He barked.

“No!” I pushed him away. He must have allowed me to, since I didn’t put much effort into it. “Nothing is alright! I never should have entered Mortal Kombat; I never should have followed Johnny. I risked my life just to find Keanu again and what do I get? A curse and a broken heart. What do I have left? A realm I don’t even want?” I plopped to the ground and buried my face in my hands. “I just want to go home.”