As the weeks slowly passed into a month, Johnny found himself torn
between the intense training by Jax for his cardio, and visiting with
Sonya. Liu was no where to be found, which was even more frustrating. Jax
had Special Forces teams all over the world searching for him, and they had
found nothing. Sonya was ready to be released, her right arm still
bandaged from the surgery to repair it. He had watched her come out of her
shell a bit during the hospital stay, talking to the doctors and nurses.
Johnny sat in the waiting room, as Jax came running in, a smile on his face
like Johnny hadn't seen since her death.
"You look happy."
"She asked to call me partner. Doesn't know why, just wants to call me partner." Jax's smile grew wider.
"I'm glad for you, Jax."
"If you think that's something, Jamie's supposed to be coming over this weekend. She'll get Sonya to remember."
"Or she'll get her feelings hurt."
"Why are you being so negative all of a sudden?"
"It's been a month. She still doesn't remember anything. She still doesn't even believe she's Sonya."
"Johnny, she's making progress."
"No, she isn't. She still thinks she's Miet."
"She's getting there, man. Just give it time."
"Yeah." Johnny looked past Jax, to see Sonya in the hallway, wearing BDU pants and an OD green t-shirt. He smiled to himself, as she walked over.
"Johnny, are you ready?"
"Yeah, I'm ready." He smiled, putting his arm around her. His smile grew, as she returned the embrace.
"I am staying with you, Johnny?"
"Of course. Are you hungry?"
"Yes, Johnny, I am very hungry."
"Good, because I know someone who's been dying to see you." Johnny said, opening the door to the BMW. Sonya got in, and Johnny drove off. He pulled into Charlie's, Jax following. Johnny leads her in, as Charlie rounds the bar.
"BLADE!" Charlie screamed, hugging her, lifting her off the ground. She laughs, hugging him back.
"Hello." Charlie puts her down.
"I'm Charlie. I was your DI in officer's school."
"I am sorry, I . . ."
"Jax told me. Don't worry about it, you will. It's just so good to see you, Sonya." He said, hugging her again.
"Charlie, she's hungry."
"Not in my bar, she ain't. Grab a seat, I'll be back in a minute." Charlie rounded the bar, a spring in his step, as Sonya smiled.
"He seems really nice."
"Don't tell him that." Jax said, laughing, as she walked over to the pictures on the walls. She looked at each one carefully, as a smile crosses her face. Johnny walks up behind her, putting his arm around her.
"That is me?" She points to one of her and Jax in special forces gear.
"Yeah, that's you." She laughs, almost crying.
"That's me." She smiled widely.
"Do you remember it?"
"Yeah, I do. I do. It was special unit tactics training. Graduation day."
"YEAH! KEEP GOING! JAX!" Jax walks over.
"What's up?" Sonya turns around, crying.
"I am Sonya Blade. That's you and me on graduation day." Jax smiles, nodding, tears in his eyes.
"Do you remember it?"
"I think I do. We marched in front of a group, and then we received some paper, and then I got pulled out of the crowd for something."
"Think, what was it?" Sonya closes her eyes. She reopens them, looking at Johnny and Jax sadly.
"I don't remember."
"Hey, it's a start. At least you know you're name is Sonya Blade now." She nods, as Johnny puts his arm around her. She sits back down, as Charlie comes out, sitting a cheeseburger and fries in front of her.
"What is that?"
"That's your favorite. Cheeseburger and fries."
"I ate that?" Charlie laughs, getting a coke from behind the bar.
"Yes, ma'am, you did," She pokes at it with her finger, "It's dead, I promise." Jax laughs, as she tries it, "Well?" She nods, wiping her mouth.
"I like it, Sarge."
"What you call me?"
"Sarge. I always call you Sarge, right?"
"Yeah, you do! YOU DO!" Charlie said, laughing.
"And you are my partner," She points to Jax, "And you are my Sarge," She points to Charlie, "And you . . ." She looks at Johnny.
"Who am I?" Johnny looks at her, hopefully.
"You are . . ."
"I am?" She shakes her head.
"I am sorry." Johnny lowers his head, nodding.
"You'll remember." She nods, seeing the tears Johnny was trying to hide.
"I am sorry, Johnny. I can tell you what you are now."
"What am I now?"
"You are my protector, and you are my friend." She leans into his shoulder. He accepts the embrace, trying to hide his disappointment. He gets up, walks to the jukebox, and makes a selection. He walks back over to her.
"Care to dance?"
"Dance?"
"It's easy. I'll show you." He walks her onto the floor, as "Amazed" from Lonestar began.
"What do I do?"
"Just lean on me, and follow." She leans into him, as he glides her around the dance floor.
"We have done this before, yes?"
"Yeah, we have."
"Did it always feel this good?" Johnny smiles.
"If it did, you never said anything."
"Was I quiet?"
"Not exactly. You were sparing with showing your emotions."
"That doesn't sound like me."
"It was."
"Would you prefer I didn't?" Johnny looks deep into her eyes.
"No, I would prefer you be yourself. Do what you choose." She pulls him close, and rubs her head against his chest.
"You have been very kind to me. More kindness than I have ever been shown. I am grateful."
"You're welcome." She smiles, leaning into him.
The next morning, Sonya wakes up on Johnny's bed. She slowly stretched, and found that she was alone. Getting up, she made her way through the mess, and downstairs, to find him asleep on a pull out sofa bed. She smiles, going into the kitchen. When Johnny wakes up, he finds the house straightened, and breakfast cooked. He finds Sonya scrubbing out the bathtub.
"What are you doing?"
"Cleaning. This place was filthy."
"The maid comes once a week."
"Maid?"
"She's the woman I pay to clean the house."
"She is your servant, then?"
"No. She's a paid housecleaner."
"Have I not done a satisfactory job?"
"It looks fine, but you shouldn't be doing it."
"I will be living here, correct?"
"If you want to, I'd love for you to."
"Then I should, should I not?"
"Not when I can pay someone to do this. Especially when you've been forced to do this for two years."
"Johnny, I wanted to clean up, to make you happy. Have I failed?"
"No, you've done just fine. But, what would really make me happy is for you to stop doing this, and join me for breakfast."
"As you wish." Johnny helps her up. A few hours later, they find themselves at Jax's cabin. Sonya gets out of the car, and is met by Jamie. Jamie tries to hug her, and Sonya stiffens up.
"Aunt Sonya?"
"Are you my niece?"
"I used to be a lot more than that. Come on in, Jax is inside." Jamie leads Sonya inside.
"Hey, partner!" Jax said, springing out of the kitchen.
"Hello, partner."
"How was your first night out of the hospital."
"Excellent. I wasn't woken up to be poked every three hours." Jax laughs.
"What about you, star boy?"
"My back hurts, and I'm tired."
"Perfect! Time for our morning run."
"Are you trying to kill me?"
"No, I'm trying to make sure Shang Tsung doesn't."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think you enjoy this too much."
"Well, I do love my work. Jamie, can you handle things while I'm putting Johnny through his paces?"
"I think I can handle that, pops."
"Help!" Jamie laughs, as Johnny follows Jax out. After a few minutes, Sonya broke the silence.
"You are Jax's daughter?"
"Yeah, that's me. Pops said your memory is coming back?"
'Bits and pieces and flashes."
"It'll come. Shang Tsung must've put you through hell. Just give yourself some time."
"I do not know if I can ever be the Sonya that Johnny wants."
"Who gives a rat's ass what Johnny wants. My Sonya never did. The Sonya I knew said 'This is me. If you like me, cool. If you don't, kiss my ass.' She lived her life the way she wanted to. She never asked anyone's permission."
"Until a month ago, I could not sleep without permission or consequences."
"That's not the case here. No one's gonna hurt you. And, anyone that does, has to answer to us. Trust me, hitting you is the quickest way to a painful death ever invented."
"Master Tsung would not think so."
"You don't remember, but, me and Master Tsung, as you put it, clashed before over you. He had you in outworld during the second tournament. He and Kano decided it would be a lot of laughs to work you over while you were chained up. Kano found out the hard way that was a stupid play. Shang Tsung handed me my ass on a platter. But I'd do it again. I kept getting back up. You taught me that. If you believe in something, it's worth fighting for. If you believe in someone, if you truly love someone, that's worth dying for."
"We were close, yes?"
"You were my mom. You didn't give me birth, but you gave me my life. You taught me how to take it back. When Rich, my step dad, was beating on me, and pops was no where to be found, you were there. You taught me how to fight. More importantly, you taught me when to fight. When he raped me, you were there to keep me from loosing it." Jamie clears her throat, closing her eyes.
"You were fourteen."
"What?"
"You came over. You were bruised up. You were crying. You said nothing happened, but you wouldn't stop crying."
"Sounds about right, what happened next?"
"I put you to bed. Somehow I knew something had happened. You were scared. Scared he might hurt me. He said he'd kill me if you told me."
"Keep going."
"I found him in an alley. I beat him as much as I could. I told him if he ever touched you again, I would personally kill him."
"Yeah, you did, and he believed you. As long as you were alive, he never touched me."
"I'm glad I could stop your pain."
"I wish Raiden had told me. Shang would never have had you that long."
"You said yourself, you can not defeat him."
"You would be amazed at what you can do when you don't have a choice." Sonya laughs.
"That is also true. I can not believe that you all care so much for me."
"We all love you, Sonya. If you don't remember anything else, remember that."
"Thank you, Jamie." Sonya hugs her. Jamie, crying, hugs her back.
"Welcome home." Sonya lets her go, sitting back.
"Glad to see you two are hitting it off." Jax said, walking in. A few minutes later Johnny followed, winded and sweating profusely.
"You OK?" Jamie asked, as Johnny collapsed on the couch.
"Yeah, I'm just beat."
"You ain't beat yet! We got three miles left!" Johnny flipped Jax off, lying down.
"Give Johnny a break. He's tired."
"Shang Tsung's gonna give him a break. He's gonna break his neck. It's a mood point, I gotta get to work."
"Partner, would you mind if I came with you?"
"Mind? I'd love for you to! In fact, Jamie, see if you can get her Harley started." Jamie grins, walking out.
"My what?"
"Your Harley Davidson."
"Who is Harley Davidson?" Jax laughs, as he hears the engine fire up. He motions to Sonya to follow, and walks out on the porch. Jamie rides a red and black bike from the garage out.
"That is a Harley Davidson." As Jamie cuts the engine, Sonya walks over. She smiles, looking it over.
"I like it, but, how do you ride it?"
"Don't worry, I'll show you later. Jamie, wanna give her a ride?"
"Cool! Climb on," She hands Sonya a helmet, getting one for herself. She climbs on, "OK, Sonya, climb on behind me, and hold on tight." Sonya climbed on, and grabbed Jamie around the waist.
"Got it." Jamie kick starts the bike, and slowly follows Jax out. Jax is going around thirty down an empty road.
"When did he start driving like grandma?"
"Let's beat him there." She glances back at Sonya, who's grinning from ear to ear.
"Yes, Ma'am." Jamie pops a wheelie, causing Sonya to laugh, and rides past Jax.
"BE CAREFUL WITH HER!" Sonya waves, as they pass. They get back on two wheels, and open it up, as Jax turns into a speck. Jamie gets to the base, and parks. Sonya takes off the helmet, laughing.
"LET'S DO IT AGAIN! FASTER!" Jamie laughs.
"When we take it home, OK?" She nods, as Jax pulls up. He gets out of the car, kicking the door shut.
"WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING OUT THERE?!?"
"You were driving like an old guy."
"You get stuck on stupid, or something? You could've both gotten killed."
"Chill out, partner. I told her to." Jax takes a step back.
"You told her to?"
"I know I rode faster than that."
"You used to do high speed chases on that bike. You crashed it so many times, I lost count."
"So, chill out, it's all good."
"Do you know what you just said?"
"Yes, I do." Jax smiles.
"Come on, guys, I've got work to do." Jax goes inside, Sonya and Jamie following. The entire room, buzzing with activity moments before, falls silent, as she walks in. All eyes are on her, as she walks with Jax to his office.
"Why are they staring at me?" She whispered, nervously.
"Well, you were dead until a month ago. I guess they just can't believe it." She turns around, and faces them.
"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" They start laughing.
"SOMEONE ANSWER THE LIEUTENANT!" Jax barked. One of the soldiers walks forward.
"Permission to respond, Lieutenant?"
"Please, do."
"No one's seen you in two years. Most of us attended your memorial service. We've just never seen a walking dead legend."
"Well, YOU'VE SEEN IT! BACK TO WORK!"
"YES, MA'AM!" The entire office stands, and begins applauding.
"She's BACK!" Jax said, laughing, as they go in. Sonya walks past him, and begins organizing the desk.
"How do you work in this pigsty?" Jax laughs.
"That's the way I like it. I know where everything is."
"Well, it's a mess," Jax laughs harder, "Something funny?"
"No, not at all." Jax grins, as she finishes.
"Were you always this messy?"
"Yeah, and you always bitch me out for it. You wanna see your office?"
"I have one?"
"Yeah. Wanna see it?"
"Yeah." He leads her down the hall to her office. She walks in, looking around.
"The hardest job I've ever had in my life was cleaning this out two years ago."
"I didn't mean to hurt you, partner."
"You didn't. I just never thought I'd be cleaning it out. I missed you, partner." She hugs Jax tightly, as he tries to fight his tears.
"I'm sorry."
"Hey, you loose your best friend, and it's not gonna be an easy task for you, either. Do you remember anything about how it happened?"
"I remember something tugging at my ankle, and falling."
"Jarek pulled you over."
"Who's Jarek?"
"The black dragon."
"Kano. I spent years chasing them."
"I got there ten seconds too late. Johnny was making a run for the cliff, trying to somehow stop it. I forced him back, and dropped Jarek down right beside you."
"Then you did me proud."
"No matter how many gallons of whiskey I drank, or how many people I kick the shit out of, or how many times I screamed into the night, you were gone. I tried to close it and move on. You never left me, partner."
"I'm not sure you guys ever left me either. I've had dreams about all of you, all of this, for as long as I can remember. Maybe they weren't just dreams. Maybe some part of me was trying to remember."
"With all of the pain you've been in, maybe so."
"ATTTENTION!" Sonya and Jax both step to attention, as the colonel walks in.
"Yes, sir!"
"Major, are you having a major malfunction?"
"Sir?"
"You brought the Lieutenant into my complex, and you didn't even bother to bring her to say hi?"
"Yes, sir. I did have a major malfunction, sir." He looks Sonya over.
"Lieutenant, welcome back."
"Does that mean I'm still wanted here, sir?"
"Anyone that doesn't think so, direct them to my office. The Antarctic expedition is always looking for security." Jax laughs.
"And he means that." Sonya laughs.
"I've gotta get back to work. Lieutenant, when you feel up to it, stop by and get your id badge and gun. We'd be honored to have you back on the team."
"Will do, sir."
"In the meantime, if I can help, let me know."
"Actually, I would like a couple of things. The first is my file. I know I'm Sonya, but I don't remember what that means."
"I'll have my secretary bring it to Jax's office. But, if you really want to know what it means, take a walk around the base. Lieutenant, I haven't seen you in two years, I have a request of my own."
"What's that, sir?"
"I would like to hug the best recruit I ever had." She smiles, hugging him.
"Not a problem, sir."
"Well, enough of this emotional shit. I've got work to do." He walks out, clearing his throat.
"He liked me that much?"
"You saved his life. He adores you, most of the time. When you're not driving him up the walls."
"When did I do that?"
"Let's just say you're a legend because you did some things that no one else could've gotten away with. You didn't exactly give a damn about the rules and regulations."
"Jamie said that, too."
"You taught her. She's a walking image of you."
"GET THE FUCK UP!" Jax goes outside, Sonya following. They walk to the window, to find Jamie fighting with Rich. Rich gets up, and grabs her by the throat, pinning her against his car. He lands three hard shots to her stomach. Jax looks next to him, and finds Sonya gone. By the time he turns around, he sees Sonya tackle Rich, getting him off Jamie.
"GET UP!" Sonya screams, getting off him.
"You wanna piece of me, bitch?" He pulls out a knife.
"I'm gonna feed that to you." He swings the knife. Sonya dodges.
"Yeah, bitch, I bet you're scared now, huh?"
"You loose." Sonya kicks the knife out of his hand, and follows up with a strong side kick into his chest, sending him flying into the parking lot. He slowly gets up.
"THIS AIN'T OVER!"
"Oh, yeah, it is." Sonya takes a running start, and leaps into the air. She lands a perfect kick to the middle of his back, sending him down. She grabs the back of his head, and drags him back to Jamie. She picks up the knife on the concrete, and pushes the blade against his throat.
"Jesus, don't hurt me." She looks at Jamie.
"Are you OK?"
"Yeah, Aunt Sonya."
"Sonya?? SONYA'S DEAD!"
"I'm BACK!"
"OH, SHIT! DON'T, PLEASE!" She kicks him over, and kneels in his chest. She pushes the blade against his throat again.
"YOU HURT MY DAUGHTER AGAIN, AND I'LL FINISH THIS!" She drops the knife, walking over to Jamie.
"Your what?"
"My daughter." Jamie hugs her, crying.
"I love you, mom." Sonya holds her.
"BEHIND YOU!" Sonya shoves Jamie out of the way, and side-steps, as the knife hits air. She takes it away from him, kicking him in the stomach. He doubles over in pain. She grabs him by the back of the head, and shoves him head first through the window shattering it.
"Jamie . . ."
"I'm OK. Way to go, mom!"
"Wow, I did that?" Jamie laughs, leading her inside. When she walks in, she has a standing ovation waiting for her.
"WAY TO GO, PARTNER!" Jax gives her five.
"ENOUGH GAMES, BACK TO WORK!" The clapping stops, as all of the soldiers snap to attention. They salute her. She smiles, saluting them back.
Sonya walked into Johnny's house, a wide smile on her face. He looks up at her, smiling himself.
"Good day?"
"Well, I remembered a lot. I remember I can fight. Quite well, as it turns out. I found out I like speed, and I like my Harley."
"Sounds like a good day is right."
"The colonel said my badge is waiting for me."
"Great!"
"I really did a lot. My file is over a hundred pages."
"Yeah, you did some things they still talk about." She sits next to him, leaning on him. He raps his arms around her.
"I remembered something else, too."
"What's that?" She leans up, kissing the underside of his chin.
"I like kissing you." She turns over in his arms, kissing him.
"And I like being kissed."
"Were we lovers?"
"Yeah, once, a long time ago."
"How about now?" She kisses him again.
"Is it something you want?"
"Well . . ." She gets up, and goes to the bedroom, closing the door. He counts to ten, and follows her.
Sonya wakes up the next morning, enveloped in Johnny's arms. She smiles, feeling his breath on her neck. She laid still, enjoying it.
"Little Miet, enjoying your vacation?" She looks at the foot of the bed, to see Shang Tsung.
"I don't belong to you. I don't belong to anyone." She stated, trying to hide the fear in her voice.
"You've gained some confidence, have you, little Miet."
"I am Sonya Blade, and you were never my master." He laughs.
"The suppression spell is wearing off. All the better, I want you to be Sonya Blade when I take you back."
"Never again. Johnny will beat you, and I will be free of your threat."
"He will die at my hands. And I will break you like I did last time. You will be mine again."
"I would sooner die than let you touch me again."
"Would you prefer Johnny to die?"
"You will never have my body again. You had the power once, I am taking it back."
"You've forgotten the pain that statement caused you once before. Do you remember? Do you remember how your screams echoed through the palace? How the hot poker felt against your tender stomach? How the beatings felt, only to be taken again to my chamber, and forced to please me again?"
"I remember. I remember every second of it. And I will never surrender to you again."
"What will Johnny think about that, little Miet? Do you think he will want some little whore by his side, Miet?"
"I AM SONYA BLADE!" Sonya wakes up, to Johnny shaking her.
"Are you OK?" She catches her breath, trying to regain her composure. She leaned against him, holding him for dear life.
"I saw him."
"Who?"
"Shang Tsung. He came to me in a dream."
"What did he say?"
"He's tormenting me. There's something I have to tell you."
"What is it, Sonya?" She bit her lip slightly.
"When I was in Netherealm, I had one duty that you don't know about."
"You mean?" She nods, crying.
"I had no choice. I tried to fight, but . . ." Johnny held her even tighter, as she sobbed into his chest.
"It's OK. It's OK, baby. It's OK." Regaining some of her composure, she looked up into his eyes.
"You want me to go?"
"Go?"
"You won't want some whore at your side."
"Sonya, you were raped. That's not a whore."
"You can't possibly still love me." He sits up, pulling her up next to him. He stares deep into her eyes.
"Let's get something straight, right now. I will always love you. Nothing he does will change that, ever. I loved you more than life two years ago. And my love for you grows and grows. Sonya, I don't care. I love you, Sonya. He can't change that." She lays her head on his chest.
"And I love you, Johnny Cage." Johnny could feel his heart almost leap out of his chest. These were the words that he had been dying to hear since the day he found her in the tower. His grip on her eased, as she relaxed into him. As she drifted into sleep, he gently stroked her hair, and made a silent vow. Live or die, Shang Tsung would never have Sonya Blade again. That thought carries him to sleep.
Sonya stood at the foot of the bed. She looked down at Johnny, watching him sleep peacefully. A tear trickled down her cheek. She wiped it away, pulled the jacket tight around her, and walked downstairs. She fired up her Harley, and rode to the base. Walking past security, she walked to the portal chamber. She set the coordinates, fired it up, and walked through. She found herself standing in Shang Tsung's throne room. He sits on the throne, smiling.
"He sent you away, didn't he, little Miet?"
"I am Sonya Blade, and yes, he did." He laughs.
"Take her away. I will decide how much pain she will endure for this treachery later." The men grab her arms, leading her away.
"You look happy."
"She asked to call me partner. Doesn't know why, just wants to call me partner." Jax's smile grew wider.
"I'm glad for you, Jax."
"If you think that's something, Jamie's supposed to be coming over this weekend. She'll get Sonya to remember."
"Or she'll get her feelings hurt."
"Why are you being so negative all of a sudden?"
"It's been a month. She still doesn't remember anything. She still doesn't even believe she's Sonya."
"Johnny, she's making progress."
"No, she isn't. She still thinks she's Miet."
"She's getting there, man. Just give it time."
"Yeah." Johnny looked past Jax, to see Sonya in the hallway, wearing BDU pants and an OD green t-shirt. He smiled to himself, as she walked over.
"Johnny, are you ready?"
"Yeah, I'm ready." He smiled, putting his arm around her. His smile grew, as she returned the embrace.
"I am staying with you, Johnny?"
"Of course. Are you hungry?"
"Yes, Johnny, I am very hungry."
"Good, because I know someone who's been dying to see you." Johnny said, opening the door to the BMW. Sonya got in, and Johnny drove off. He pulled into Charlie's, Jax following. Johnny leads her in, as Charlie rounds the bar.
"BLADE!" Charlie screamed, hugging her, lifting her off the ground. She laughs, hugging him back.
"Hello." Charlie puts her down.
"I'm Charlie. I was your DI in officer's school."
"I am sorry, I . . ."
"Jax told me. Don't worry about it, you will. It's just so good to see you, Sonya." He said, hugging her again.
"Charlie, she's hungry."
"Not in my bar, she ain't. Grab a seat, I'll be back in a minute." Charlie rounded the bar, a spring in his step, as Sonya smiled.
"He seems really nice."
"Don't tell him that." Jax said, laughing, as she walked over to the pictures on the walls. She looked at each one carefully, as a smile crosses her face. Johnny walks up behind her, putting his arm around her.
"That is me?" She points to one of her and Jax in special forces gear.
"Yeah, that's you." She laughs, almost crying.
"That's me." She smiled widely.
"Do you remember it?"
"Yeah, I do. I do. It was special unit tactics training. Graduation day."
"YEAH! KEEP GOING! JAX!" Jax walks over.
"What's up?" Sonya turns around, crying.
"I am Sonya Blade. That's you and me on graduation day." Jax smiles, nodding, tears in his eyes.
"Do you remember it?"
"I think I do. We marched in front of a group, and then we received some paper, and then I got pulled out of the crowd for something."
"Think, what was it?" Sonya closes her eyes. She reopens them, looking at Johnny and Jax sadly.
"I don't remember."
"Hey, it's a start. At least you know you're name is Sonya Blade now." She nods, as Johnny puts his arm around her. She sits back down, as Charlie comes out, sitting a cheeseburger and fries in front of her.
"What is that?"
"That's your favorite. Cheeseburger and fries."
"I ate that?" Charlie laughs, getting a coke from behind the bar.
"Yes, ma'am, you did," She pokes at it with her finger, "It's dead, I promise." Jax laughs, as she tries it, "Well?" She nods, wiping her mouth.
"I like it, Sarge."
"What you call me?"
"Sarge. I always call you Sarge, right?"
"Yeah, you do! YOU DO!" Charlie said, laughing.
"And you are my partner," She points to Jax, "And you are my Sarge," She points to Charlie, "And you . . ." She looks at Johnny.
"Who am I?" Johnny looks at her, hopefully.
"You are . . ."
"I am?" She shakes her head.
"I am sorry." Johnny lowers his head, nodding.
"You'll remember." She nods, seeing the tears Johnny was trying to hide.
"I am sorry, Johnny. I can tell you what you are now."
"What am I now?"
"You are my protector, and you are my friend." She leans into his shoulder. He accepts the embrace, trying to hide his disappointment. He gets up, walks to the jukebox, and makes a selection. He walks back over to her.
"Care to dance?"
"Dance?"
"It's easy. I'll show you." He walks her onto the floor, as "Amazed" from Lonestar began.
"What do I do?"
"Just lean on me, and follow." She leans into him, as he glides her around the dance floor.
"We have done this before, yes?"
"Yeah, we have."
"Did it always feel this good?" Johnny smiles.
"If it did, you never said anything."
"Was I quiet?"
"Not exactly. You were sparing with showing your emotions."
"That doesn't sound like me."
"It was."
"Would you prefer I didn't?" Johnny looks deep into her eyes.
"No, I would prefer you be yourself. Do what you choose." She pulls him close, and rubs her head against his chest.
"You have been very kind to me. More kindness than I have ever been shown. I am grateful."
"You're welcome." She smiles, leaning into him.
The next morning, Sonya wakes up on Johnny's bed. She slowly stretched, and found that she was alone. Getting up, she made her way through the mess, and downstairs, to find him asleep on a pull out sofa bed. She smiles, going into the kitchen. When Johnny wakes up, he finds the house straightened, and breakfast cooked. He finds Sonya scrubbing out the bathtub.
"What are you doing?"
"Cleaning. This place was filthy."
"The maid comes once a week."
"Maid?"
"She's the woman I pay to clean the house."
"She is your servant, then?"
"No. She's a paid housecleaner."
"Have I not done a satisfactory job?"
"It looks fine, but you shouldn't be doing it."
"I will be living here, correct?"
"If you want to, I'd love for you to."
"Then I should, should I not?"
"Not when I can pay someone to do this. Especially when you've been forced to do this for two years."
"Johnny, I wanted to clean up, to make you happy. Have I failed?"
"No, you've done just fine. But, what would really make me happy is for you to stop doing this, and join me for breakfast."
"As you wish." Johnny helps her up. A few hours later, they find themselves at Jax's cabin. Sonya gets out of the car, and is met by Jamie. Jamie tries to hug her, and Sonya stiffens up.
"Aunt Sonya?"
"Are you my niece?"
"I used to be a lot more than that. Come on in, Jax is inside." Jamie leads Sonya inside.
"Hey, partner!" Jax said, springing out of the kitchen.
"Hello, partner."
"How was your first night out of the hospital."
"Excellent. I wasn't woken up to be poked every three hours." Jax laughs.
"What about you, star boy?"
"My back hurts, and I'm tired."
"Perfect! Time for our morning run."
"Are you trying to kill me?"
"No, I'm trying to make sure Shang Tsung doesn't."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think you enjoy this too much."
"Well, I do love my work. Jamie, can you handle things while I'm putting Johnny through his paces?"
"I think I can handle that, pops."
"Help!" Jamie laughs, as Johnny follows Jax out. After a few minutes, Sonya broke the silence.
"You are Jax's daughter?"
"Yeah, that's me. Pops said your memory is coming back?"
'Bits and pieces and flashes."
"It'll come. Shang Tsung must've put you through hell. Just give yourself some time."
"I do not know if I can ever be the Sonya that Johnny wants."
"Who gives a rat's ass what Johnny wants. My Sonya never did. The Sonya I knew said 'This is me. If you like me, cool. If you don't, kiss my ass.' She lived her life the way she wanted to. She never asked anyone's permission."
"Until a month ago, I could not sleep without permission or consequences."
"That's not the case here. No one's gonna hurt you. And, anyone that does, has to answer to us. Trust me, hitting you is the quickest way to a painful death ever invented."
"Master Tsung would not think so."
"You don't remember, but, me and Master Tsung, as you put it, clashed before over you. He had you in outworld during the second tournament. He and Kano decided it would be a lot of laughs to work you over while you were chained up. Kano found out the hard way that was a stupid play. Shang Tsung handed me my ass on a platter. But I'd do it again. I kept getting back up. You taught me that. If you believe in something, it's worth fighting for. If you believe in someone, if you truly love someone, that's worth dying for."
"We were close, yes?"
"You were my mom. You didn't give me birth, but you gave me my life. You taught me how to take it back. When Rich, my step dad, was beating on me, and pops was no where to be found, you were there. You taught me how to fight. More importantly, you taught me when to fight. When he raped me, you were there to keep me from loosing it." Jamie clears her throat, closing her eyes.
"You were fourteen."
"What?"
"You came over. You were bruised up. You were crying. You said nothing happened, but you wouldn't stop crying."
"Sounds about right, what happened next?"
"I put you to bed. Somehow I knew something had happened. You were scared. Scared he might hurt me. He said he'd kill me if you told me."
"Keep going."
"I found him in an alley. I beat him as much as I could. I told him if he ever touched you again, I would personally kill him."
"Yeah, you did, and he believed you. As long as you were alive, he never touched me."
"I'm glad I could stop your pain."
"I wish Raiden had told me. Shang would never have had you that long."
"You said yourself, you can not defeat him."
"You would be amazed at what you can do when you don't have a choice." Sonya laughs.
"That is also true. I can not believe that you all care so much for me."
"We all love you, Sonya. If you don't remember anything else, remember that."
"Thank you, Jamie." Sonya hugs her. Jamie, crying, hugs her back.
"Welcome home." Sonya lets her go, sitting back.
"Glad to see you two are hitting it off." Jax said, walking in. A few minutes later Johnny followed, winded and sweating profusely.
"You OK?" Jamie asked, as Johnny collapsed on the couch.
"Yeah, I'm just beat."
"You ain't beat yet! We got three miles left!" Johnny flipped Jax off, lying down.
"Give Johnny a break. He's tired."
"Shang Tsung's gonna give him a break. He's gonna break his neck. It's a mood point, I gotta get to work."
"Partner, would you mind if I came with you?"
"Mind? I'd love for you to! In fact, Jamie, see if you can get her Harley started." Jamie grins, walking out.
"My what?"
"Your Harley Davidson."
"Who is Harley Davidson?" Jax laughs, as he hears the engine fire up. He motions to Sonya to follow, and walks out on the porch. Jamie rides a red and black bike from the garage out.
"That is a Harley Davidson." As Jamie cuts the engine, Sonya walks over. She smiles, looking it over.
"I like it, but, how do you ride it?"
"Don't worry, I'll show you later. Jamie, wanna give her a ride?"
"Cool! Climb on," She hands Sonya a helmet, getting one for herself. She climbs on, "OK, Sonya, climb on behind me, and hold on tight." Sonya climbed on, and grabbed Jamie around the waist.
"Got it." Jamie kick starts the bike, and slowly follows Jax out. Jax is going around thirty down an empty road.
"When did he start driving like grandma?"
"Let's beat him there." She glances back at Sonya, who's grinning from ear to ear.
"Yes, Ma'am." Jamie pops a wheelie, causing Sonya to laugh, and rides past Jax.
"BE CAREFUL WITH HER!" Sonya waves, as they pass. They get back on two wheels, and open it up, as Jax turns into a speck. Jamie gets to the base, and parks. Sonya takes off the helmet, laughing.
"LET'S DO IT AGAIN! FASTER!" Jamie laughs.
"When we take it home, OK?" She nods, as Jax pulls up. He gets out of the car, kicking the door shut.
"WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING OUT THERE?!?"
"You were driving like an old guy."
"You get stuck on stupid, or something? You could've both gotten killed."
"Chill out, partner. I told her to." Jax takes a step back.
"You told her to?"
"I know I rode faster than that."
"You used to do high speed chases on that bike. You crashed it so many times, I lost count."
"So, chill out, it's all good."
"Do you know what you just said?"
"Yes, I do." Jax smiles.
"Come on, guys, I've got work to do." Jax goes inside, Sonya and Jamie following. The entire room, buzzing with activity moments before, falls silent, as she walks in. All eyes are on her, as she walks with Jax to his office.
"Why are they staring at me?" She whispered, nervously.
"Well, you were dead until a month ago. I guess they just can't believe it." She turns around, and faces them.
"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" They start laughing.
"SOMEONE ANSWER THE LIEUTENANT!" Jax barked. One of the soldiers walks forward.
"Permission to respond, Lieutenant?"
"Please, do."
"No one's seen you in two years. Most of us attended your memorial service. We've just never seen a walking dead legend."
"Well, YOU'VE SEEN IT! BACK TO WORK!"
"YES, MA'AM!" The entire office stands, and begins applauding.
"She's BACK!" Jax said, laughing, as they go in. Sonya walks past him, and begins organizing the desk.
"How do you work in this pigsty?" Jax laughs.
"That's the way I like it. I know where everything is."
"Well, it's a mess," Jax laughs harder, "Something funny?"
"No, not at all." Jax grins, as she finishes.
"Were you always this messy?"
"Yeah, and you always bitch me out for it. You wanna see your office?"
"I have one?"
"Yeah. Wanna see it?"
"Yeah." He leads her down the hall to her office. She walks in, looking around.
"The hardest job I've ever had in my life was cleaning this out two years ago."
"I didn't mean to hurt you, partner."
"You didn't. I just never thought I'd be cleaning it out. I missed you, partner." She hugs Jax tightly, as he tries to fight his tears.
"I'm sorry."
"Hey, you loose your best friend, and it's not gonna be an easy task for you, either. Do you remember anything about how it happened?"
"I remember something tugging at my ankle, and falling."
"Jarek pulled you over."
"Who's Jarek?"
"The black dragon."
"Kano. I spent years chasing them."
"I got there ten seconds too late. Johnny was making a run for the cliff, trying to somehow stop it. I forced him back, and dropped Jarek down right beside you."
"Then you did me proud."
"No matter how many gallons of whiskey I drank, or how many people I kick the shit out of, or how many times I screamed into the night, you were gone. I tried to close it and move on. You never left me, partner."
"I'm not sure you guys ever left me either. I've had dreams about all of you, all of this, for as long as I can remember. Maybe they weren't just dreams. Maybe some part of me was trying to remember."
"With all of the pain you've been in, maybe so."
"ATTTENTION!" Sonya and Jax both step to attention, as the colonel walks in.
"Yes, sir!"
"Major, are you having a major malfunction?"
"Sir?"
"You brought the Lieutenant into my complex, and you didn't even bother to bring her to say hi?"
"Yes, sir. I did have a major malfunction, sir." He looks Sonya over.
"Lieutenant, welcome back."
"Does that mean I'm still wanted here, sir?"
"Anyone that doesn't think so, direct them to my office. The Antarctic expedition is always looking for security." Jax laughs.
"And he means that." Sonya laughs.
"I've gotta get back to work. Lieutenant, when you feel up to it, stop by and get your id badge and gun. We'd be honored to have you back on the team."
"Will do, sir."
"In the meantime, if I can help, let me know."
"Actually, I would like a couple of things. The first is my file. I know I'm Sonya, but I don't remember what that means."
"I'll have my secretary bring it to Jax's office. But, if you really want to know what it means, take a walk around the base. Lieutenant, I haven't seen you in two years, I have a request of my own."
"What's that, sir?"
"I would like to hug the best recruit I ever had." She smiles, hugging him.
"Not a problem, sir."
"Well, enough of this emotional shit. I've got work to do." He walks out, clearing his throat.
"He liked me that much?"
"You saved his life. He adores you, most of the time. When you're not driving him up the walls."
"When did I do that?"
"Let's just say you're a legend because you did some things that no one else could've gotten away with. You didn't exactly give a damn about the rules and regulations."
"Jamie said that, too."
"You taught her. She's a walking image of you."
"GET THE FUCK UP!" Jax goes outside, Sonya following. They walk to the window, to find Jamie fighting with Rich. Rich gets up, and grabs her by the throat, pinning her against his car. He lands three hard shots to her stomach. Jax looks next to him, and finds Sonya gone. By the time he turns around, he sees Sonya tackle Rich, getting him off Jamie.
"GET UP!" Sonya screams, getting off him.
"You wanna piece of me, bitch?" He pulls out a knife.
"I'm gonna feed that to you." He swings the knife. Sonya dodges.
"Yeah, bitch, I bet you're scared now, huh?"
"You loose." Sonya kicks the knife out of his hand, and follows up with a strong side kick into his chest, sending him flying into the parking lot. He slowly gets up.
"THIS AIN'T OVER!"
"Oh, yeah, it is." Sonya takes a running start, and leaps into the air. She lands a perfect kick to the middle of his back, sending him down. She grabs the back of his head, and drags him back to Jamie. She picks up the knife on the concrete, and pushes the blade against his throat.
"Jesus, don't hurt me." She looks at Jamie.
"Are you OK?"
"Yeah, Aunt Sonya."
"Sonya?? SONYA'S DEAD!"
"I'm BACK!"
"OH, SHIT! DON'T, PLEASE!" She kicks him over, and kneels in his chest. She pushes the blade against his throat again.
"YOU HURT MY DAUGHTER AGAIN, AND I'LL FINISH THIS!" She drops the knife, walking over to Jamie.
"Your what?"
"My daughter." Jamie hugs her, crying.
"I love you, mom." Sonya holds her.
"BEHIND YOU!" Sonya shoves Jamie out of the way, and side-steps, as the knife hits air. She takes it away from him, kicking him in the stomach. He doubles over in pain. She grabs him by the back of the head, and shoves him head first through the window shattering it.
"Jamie . . ."
"I'm OK. Way to go, mom!"
"Wow, I did that?" Jamie laughs, leading her inside. When she walks in, she has a standing ovation waiting for her.
"WAY TO GO, PARTNER!" Jax gives her five.
"ENOUGH GAMES, BACK TO WORK!" The clapping stops, as all of the soldiers snap to attention. They salute her. She smiles, saluting them back.
Sonya walked into Johnny's house, a wide smile on her face. He looks up at her, smiling himself.
"Good day?"
"Well, I remembered a lot. I remember I can fight. Quite well, as it turns out. I found out I like speed, and I like my Harley."
"Sounds like a good day is right."
"The colonel said my badge is waiting for me."
"Great!"
"I really did a lot. My file is over a hundred pages."
"Yeah, you did some things they still talk about." She sits next to him, leaning on him. He raps his arms around her.
"I remembered something else, too."
"What's that?" She leans up, kissing the underside of his chin.
"I like kissing you." She turns over in his arms, kissing him.
"And I like being kissed."
"Were we lovers?"
"Yeah, once, a long time ago."
"How about now?" She kisses him again.
"Is it something you want?"
"Well . . ." She gets up, and goes to the bedroom, closing the door. He counts to ten, and follows her.
Sonya wakes up the next morning, enveloped in Johnny's arms. She smiles, feeling his breath on her neck. She laid still, enjoying it.
"Little Miet, enjoying your vacation?" She looks at the foot of the bed, to see Shang Tsung.
"I don't belong to you. I don't belong to anyone." She stated, trying to hide the fear in her voice.
"You've gained some confidence, have you, little Miet."
"I am Sonya Blade, and you were never my master." He laughs.
"The suppression spell is wearing off. All the better, I want you to be Sonya Blade when I take you back."
"Never again. Johnny will beat you, and I will be free of your threat."
"He will die at my hands. And I will break you like I did last time. You will be mine again."
"I would sooner die than let you touch me again."
"Would you prefer Johnny to die?"
"You will never have my body again. You had the power once, I am taking it back."
"You've forgotten the pain that statement caused you once before. Do you remember? Do you remember how your screams echoed through the palace? How the hot poker felt against your tender stomach? How the beatings felt, only to be taken again to my chamber, and forced to please me again?"
"I remember. I remember every second of it. And I will never surrender to you again."
"What will Johnny think about that, little Miet? Do you think he will want some little whore by his side, Miet?"
"I AM SONYA BLADE!" Sonya wakes up, to Johnny shaking her.
"Are you OK?" She catches her breath, trying to regain her composure. She leaned against him, holding him for dear life.
"I saw him."
"Who?"
"Shang Tsung. He came to me in a dream."
"What did he say?"
"He's tormenting me. There's something I have to tell you."
"What is it, Sonya?" She bit her lip slightly.
"When I was in Netherealm, I had one duty that you don't know about."
"You mean?" She nods, crying.
"I had no choice. I tried to fight, but . . ." Johnny held her even tighter, as she sobbed into his chest.
"It's OK. It's OK, baby. It's OK." Regaining some of her composure, she looked up into his eyes.
"You want me to go?"
"Go?"
"You won't want some whore at your side."
"Sonya, you were raped. That's not a whore."
"You can't possibly still love me." He sits up, pulling her up next to him. He stares deep into her eyes.
"Let's get something straight, right now. I will always love you. Nothing he does will change that, ever. I loved you more than life two years ago. And my love for you grows and grows. Sonya, I don't care. I love you, Sonya. He can't change that." She lays her head on his chest.
"And I love you, Johnny Cage." Johnny could feel his heart almost leap out of his chest. These were the words that he had been dying to hear since the day he found her in the tower. His grip on her eased, as she relaxed into him. As she drifted into sleep, he gently stroked her hair, and made a silent vow. Live or die, Shang Tsung would never have Sonya Blade again. That thought carries him to sleep.
Sonya stood at the foot of the bed. She looked down at Johnny, watching him sleep peacefully. A tear trickled down her cheek. She wiped it away, pulled the jacket tight around her, and walked downstairs. She fired up her Harley, and rode to the base. Walking past security, she walked to the portal chamber. She set the coordinates, fired it up, and walked through. She found herself standing in Shang Tsung's throne room. He sits on the throne, smiling.
"He sent you away, didn't he, little Miet?"
"I am Sonya Blade, and yes, he did." He laughs.
"Take her away. I will decide how much pain she will endure for this treachery later." The men grab her arms, leading her away.