A/N: Okay, this is the revised version of the story. I wanted to explore more of Jacqui's back story and her relationship with her father before jumping to the next chapter.

Chapter One

[Earthrealm, New York City]

"You just gonna stare into space? Or are you gonna try and beat your old man?"

The sound of her father's gruff voice jarred Jacqui from her idle thoughts. Looking up from her cards, she smiled at the sly smirk on her father's face. His signature cigar was clenched securely between his teeth.

"I beat you earlier today, remember?" Jacqui glanced down at her cards briefly before returning her focus to her father's face. His thick brows were drawn together as he studied his hand.

Chuckling, Jax placed his cigar in a nearby ashtray. "That was in hand-to-hand combat, baby girl; you could never beat me when it comes to spades."

"You talk a lot of smack, old-man," Jacqui quipped. Nodding silently, she placed her cards on the table. "Dad, when did you know mom was the one?"

Leaning back in his chair, Jax placed his cards on top of his daughters. A small smile touched his lips. "What brought that question on?"

"I'm just thinking about the future, dad," Jacqui replied, absently toying with one of the cards on the table.

"I knew your mom was the one from the moment I saw her. Vera was the prettiest girl in New Orleans. I don't think I've ever met a woman as patient as she is. When Quan Chi got a hold of me," he shook his head at the thought of his dark past, "She was just…"

Taking her father's hand, Jacqui lovingly ran her thumb down the cool metal. After the demise of Shinnok and Quan Chi the previous year, Earthrealm began the tedious process of rebuilding. The isolation of her parent's farm proved too difficult for her to handle, so she rented a small one-bedroom apartment for herself in order to assert her independence. Being the only child of Jackson Briggs came with a tremendous amount of pressure—and pride. While she knew her father would always protect her, no matter the kinds of decisions she made, his over-protective nature and watchful eye were becoming engulfing.

"I know how hard that was on you, dad," Jacqui looked into his eyes before taking a deep sigh, "It was hard on all of us—"

"This is why I don't understand why you would join SF, Jacqui. You saw firsthand all of the shit I went through."

Laughing in disbelief, Jacqui stood from her seat. "You're my father. I mean, how was I supposed to deal with what happened to you?"

"You could have handled it without joining SF behind my back."

"Dad, look—"

"I want some peace, Jacqui. We're long overdue for a vacation. I've been fighting most of my life and I'm tired."

Wandering from the table, Jacqui massaged the back of her neck before walking towards the window. The rain tapped gently against the glass as she stared at the city skyline. As she placed her hand against the window, she thought of Takeda and the time they had spent together before he left for Japan with his father, Kenshi. The two men had forged an even stronger bond after the battle to protect Earthrealm from Shinnok reached a fevered pitch. There had been a strong attraction to between her and Takeda during the mission to save Earthrealm. While the relationship hadn't crossed physical territory the sexual tension was palpable.

Once the dust had settled, the members of Cassie's team went their separate ways in order to heal, both physically and emotionally. Kung Jin had found his calling teaching young students throughout Asia and Cassie travelled to Austin, Texas with her mother and father. The group had promised to reunite after their respective getaways.

"I know you think I'm being too hard on you," Jax joined his daughter by the window, "But this life ain't easy, Jacqui."