Feedback: genxlisa@interl.net Disclaimer: Don't own Midway, New Line Cinema or anything else associated with Mortal Kombat. Thanks :) Mortal Kombat: A Different Interpretation (2/?) by: Tara Depp Johnny Cage felt like his lungs were on fire and that the oxygen was being liquefied even as he dropped half of his bags down the stair case. "Do you need help with those?" Liu Kang asked, pausing to stare down at Johnny who was resting on a step. "No Liu. "Johnny said with a sarcastic smile. "I'm just fine." "Okay." Kang replied and walked on. Sonya Blade stood just above the step Johnny was sitting on, staring at him. She couldn't tell what it was about him that was so attractive. Sure, he was gorgeous, but there was something other than that. Something that wasn't on his face---- She gave up and continued on up the stairs. * * * The three, some how, reached the top of the staircase without one of them falling by the wayside. Liu and Sonya walked side by side, reaching the peak of the staircase together. Johnny was lagging behind. But, he did make it to the top. He rushed forward with a short smile on his face. He bumped into Sonya before stopping completely. Swiping the expensive sunglasses off of his face, Johnny looked around him. "Ah ha ha! No more steps." Sonya cast a look around her. A beautiful courtyard was lying before them. Statues, exotic flowers and cobblestone walkways were scattered around. They were actually standing on one of the many walkways that led in many different directions. Sonya was amazed by the great surroundings, but her thoughts were directed back to Johnny. As the group began to walk away, Sonya looked at Johnny. She shook her head a little. He appeared to be in the worst condition of his pampered life. "Liu, um, this may be a stupid question but where the Hell are we?" Johnny asked, trying to catch his breath. "I already asked that question." Sonya snapped at him, applauding herself for acting unconcerned toward Cage. Johnny stopped as Liu moved farther into the courtyard. He took a step backwards so he and Sonya could walk together. A cocky smile came over his face. "You like teasing me don't you?" Sonya rolled her eyes. "No. For your information, Mr. Cage, I'm not teasing you. It's called a reality check." "Reality?" Johnny asked, speaking the word as if it was foreign to him. "Now what is that?" "Something that's lacking in your life." she growled, staring around her. They were approaching Liu, who was stopped by a statue of a strange looking animal. Only, Liu's eyes weren't concentrated on the statue; They were fixed on a richly dressed woman who was sitting under an umbrella. "You know," Johnny started, "When a woman looks at you like that, it usually means something." "How would you know?" Sonya asked, granting him a slight glance. Johnny grinned widely. He moved a fraction of an inch closer to Sonya and quietly said to her, "It's the same look you gave me on the boat." This time, Sonya stared at him with a look of disbelief on her face. "Excuse me? I don't recall giving you anything." "That would be your loss." Johnny grinned. Blade clenched her teeth. He was the most pretentious man she'd ever had the pleasure of meeting. "Don't flatter yourself, Cage." "Call me Johnny." he responded. Suddenly, Liu spoke up. "Listen guys, I'm going to try to talk to that woman over there. I think she may be able to help us. You two go onto the feast." "Feast?!" Johnny said, his spirits lifting. "Where's the feast at? I'm starving." Liu smiled at little at Cage's enthusiasm. "See that open door way over there?" Johnny looked to where Kang was pointing. "Yup." "Just go through there and there's supposed to be a great feast awaiting the combatants." Liu explained, glancing at Sonya. "I'll catch up with you later." "How do you know all of this?" Johnny asked as Liu turned to leave. "It's written in the legends." Kang smirked and started toward the woman. "What legends?" Sonya dead-panned. Johnny turned to look at her. "I already asked that question." TO BE CONTINUED... YEA, ONCE AGAIN YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF MY STORY. I PROMISE I'LL BE PROMPT :)