Much to his surprise, Kano woke up before Nary. He took a moment to admire her serene face. Due to their pre-slumber shower, her hair and body still smelled like orange and cream. Burying his face into her neck, he breathed in and enjoyed the lovely scent. With her soft and warm body in his arms, he couldn't fathom how lucky he was to be her partner and lover. Never in a billion years did Kano think he would fall madly in love and become one of Earth's saviors at the same time. His mind wandered to a past job he and his crew successfully pulled off. They celebrated by attending the city's premier restaurant followed by a visit to a strip club. While he and Kabal were getting lap dances, they mocked the idea of true love and agreed that it was for "wankers who still believed in fairytales." Now, he couldn't help but laugh and pity himself for being so cynical. The feeling of her gentle hand stroking his beard brought him back to the present.

"Good morning, Kano!" A soft grin touched her lips.

"Morning, Love…" He noticed her eyeing his beard as she continued to stroke it, "got something on your mind?"

A hint of wickedness was on her face, "I'm counting the grey hairs in your beard."

They both chuckled before he replied, "Aww, thanks for making me feel ancient, Baby."

"You're the one who claimed that I caused them. I'm simply admiring my handiwork." When her fingers neared his mouth, he teasingly made a chomping sound as his lips captured her delicate digits.

A startled laugh came from her as she tapped his bare chest with her free hand, "You ass!"

"What? It's not my fault that every single part of you is irresistible." His right fingers started to tenderly caress her arm.

His touch caused her to shiver but she pressed on, "Anyway, I'm supposed to talk to Rasi tomorrow night…would you like to join me?"

Tilting his head, he asked, "Really? I didn't think I'd get the chance…not until I started working with him."

"Well, I figure it's better for us to break the ice sooner rather than later."

"Sounds about right, I'm there."

She pecked his mouth before sitting up, "Great! Now, let's hit the shower and by that, I mean an actual shower."

"Fine but just know, we could have had a fucking great morning instead of a good one, your loss, Kitten." He sat up.

"Yeah-yeah," she grasped his hands and started dragging him out of bed, "we've got things to do and after that, maybe we'll have some fun later on."

After taking a chaste shower together, Nary and Kano were in her suite getting dressed for breakfast. Wearing only a pair of dark denim jeans, she helped attach his leather shoulder strap to the utility belt around his waist. To repay the favor, he assisted her in fastening her bra. As he slowly pulled her bra straps over each shoulder, he planted small kisses on her shoulder blades and neck. A little moan came from her lips before she turned around.

"Kano, we're supposed to make breakfast this morning," she resisted the urge to embrace him by gripping her hips instead.

He traced her collar bone with his forefinger, "I know - but your skin looks and feels so good, I needed to have a little taste, Love."

"I get it…I love how you have cute little freckles on your arms and back."

"Mmm, me mum had them too…Anyway, I got to thinking, I need to get Blondie a present."

Curving her left brow, she asked, "Really? For what?"

Grasping her waist, he explained, "She's the reason why I'm here with you."

She pecked his lips then slipped on a plum-colored tank top, "Well, that's partially true," Nary traced the dragon symbol on his throat, "this played a big part."

"True but I didn't know what it meant until she kidnapped me. So, I wanna show her my appreciation, got any tips?"

"She's not really into jewelry, candy or flowers, in fact she's not really materialistic. I'm thinking that you have to make her something that's thoughtful," she gently poked at his heart.

"Like what? It's not like we're old mates that know everything about each other?"

"You're right and well, she already has knives so that's off the list…I got it!" She perked up and told him her idea, "So?"

With a thankful curl of his lips, he told her, "I love it!"

"Great! And you will be helping out every step of the way!"

"Of course, Darling…you already know how good I am with my hands," he winked at her.

She scoffed then pecked his lips, "Yeah-yeah. Come on, breakfast duty calls!"

While everyone else was participating in their morning training session, the happy couple were cooking breakfast.

Cole walked in, "Hey Kano and Nary!" His tone was upbeat compared to his usual calm voice.

Kano transferred an omelette from a skillet onto a plate, "You're pretty chipper this morning, Sunshine."

"Oh I am! Last night I had a dream that Allison and Emily were here with me and everything worked out. It made me realize that without them here, a big part of me is missing, that has to be why I haven't discovered my arcana."

Nary nodded as she flipped the waffle maker, "That does make sense and everyone here has someone in their corner, why shouldn't you?"

He nodded, "So, I just spoke to Raiden about it and he told me that I'm the descendent of Hanzo Hasashi."

"Holy shit! That motherfucker is a legend!" Kano excitedly exclaimed. "Nary told me about him when she gave me the grand tour."

Her jaw dropped, "Did he at least explain why he kept this from you and us?"

Shaking his head Cole answered, "He only told me that he hoped that my relation to Hanzo would be strong enough to awaken my arcana but he was wrong. Then I told him about my dream and the dreams I've had about a ninja in hell…."

"Wait, how long have you been having these dreams?" She asked.

"Right before I met Jax and I thought I was going crazy which is why I didn't tell anyone but now, it makes sense! Raiden told me that family meant everything to Hanzo, it looks like that runs in our blood. Then he agreed to open a portal so that I can go back home to bring Allison and Emily here. So, if it's no trouble, can you please make them each a plate and prepare a suite for Emily?"

She leaned over the breakfast bar and hugged him, "Of course I will, Cole! By the time you come back everything will be ready for them."

"Thanks Nary!" He rubbed her back before letting her go.

"Good for you, mate!" Kano patted his shoulder, "Now get your ass out of here!"

Cole chuckled, "Thanks Kano, I'll see ya guys soon!" He waved to them as he exited the lounge.

Kano said to her, "It's gonna be fun getting new blood around here and if having his missus and kid doesn't help him, I don't know what will."

"My thoughts exactly-shit, I knew I forgot something! Can you please go to the garden and get me some chives and green onions? I need to finish making breakfast and then set up Emily's suite."

"I'm on it, Peaches!"

"Thanks, Baby!" She kindly pressed her lips on his mouth before he left the lounge.

During his walk back from the garden, Kano entered a corridor when he noticed a shadowy figure on the other side of the electric barrier. Clutching his knife, he stepped closer and once again found himself facing Kabal.

He didn't hide his disdain, "Why is your pathetic deep-fried ass here now?"

Kabal shook his head, "I've been looking around here trying to see what the fuck has gotten into you…I can't fucking believe it! You gave up money and power, for pussy?"

Pulling out his knife, Kano warned him, "Don't you fucking dare talk about her like that!"

He snickered, "I never thought I'd see you become so weak but here we are. At least I'll get to see Shang Tsung slowly rip her soul from her body while you watch!"

Anger flared through him, he stepped closer to the barrier and held up his knife, "If this shit wasn't between us right now, I'd be using your fucking guts to paint these walls!"

"Nothing's more pathetic than a tough-talking pussy. She has you so whipped, fucking tragic."

"At least she doesn't have my nuts like Shang Tsung has yours!"

He puffed out his chest, "Bullshit! You chose the wrong side, Kano! And now, that pretty boy and his cute family are gonna be ripped into pieces courtesy of Goro!"

Kano's stomach dropped before he turned around and ran to the lounge.

Nary immediately became concerned when she saw a terrified Kano rush into the lounge, "Kano what's going-…"

"Evil Merlin sent Goro after Cole and his family!" He hollered while grabbing her hand.

She felt her heart stop, "Oh god, we gotta get to Raiden!"

Adrenaline was pumping through Cole's body as he hugged Allison and Emily. Defeating Goro was the most difficult thing he had done in his young life but the pride he was feeling was amazing. He briefly paused when he heard thunder and then saw light flashing against his wife and daughter's faces. When he turned around, he saw a lightning portal that made Kano and Nary suddenly appear.

"Mate, we're here to-holy fucking shit!" Kano stared at Goro's impaled and eviscerated corpse on the ground, "Looks you got that covered and fuck, look at you, mate! Bloody ripper!" He excitedly punched Cole in the left pec, "Shit that's awesome!" He saw the suit of armor glow with a fiery luster.

"Raiden was right, you unlocked your arcana! You look amazing!" Nary proudly gripped his shoulders.

A confused Allison asked, "Cole, who are these people?"

Cole introduced them, "Right, sorry! Um, Allison, Emily, these are my friends. Kano and Nary, what are you guys doing here?"

"We came to save you guys from Goro but you clearly didn't need our help with that," she explained as she tipped her head at Goro's dead body.

Kano stated, "Still, the fancy-haired wizard fella might send one of his other assholes to finish the job so, all of you haul your asses…respectfully."

"What Kano means is please gather your things and follow us." Nary politely said to them.

"We were halfway through packing when that four-armed monster showed up-wait, you're the one that gave us the gift basket, thanks so much for that we loved it!" Allison said as everyone quickly headed for the house.

"Yes and you're welcome! It's a pleasure finally meeting you and you too, Emily. Now, I'll help you two pack, all you're really gonna need is some clothes and a few mementos. We have the essentials covered." Nary placed her hand on Allison's back and smiled at her.

Right after Allison and Emily finished packing, the quintet went out the front door. About fifteen feet ahead of them was Sub-Zero. The cryomancer launched a large ice ball towards Cole and his family. Cole flicked his arms revealing his tonfas while he guarded his family. Kano blocked Cole then shattered the ice sphere with his eye's laser beam. Before Sub-Zero could reposition himself to launch another attack, Nary swiftly stepped ahead and stretched out both hands in front of her. The powerful vibrations she directed at the ice ninja knocked him backwards. As he kipped up, Lord Raiden opened a lightning portal allowing his champions and the Young family to quickly exit the scene. Just as the portal closed, ice spears flew in its direction but ended up crashing through the home's front windows.

Kano, Nary, Cole, Allison and Emily were in front of Lord Raiden's chambers where their fellow champions and the thunder god were standing.

Emily was in awe as she turned to Nary, "Your power is the force?! That's so badass!"

Kano's mouth cracked into an arrogant smile, "Told ya so, Baby!"

With an exasperated sigh, Nary told him, "You're lucky you're cute, Kano."

"Oh come on, Doll, we're a literal power couple now! Holy fuck, we're KaNary!" He brought his arms around her shoulders and kissed her left temple.

"You're so cheesy." Nary said with a small scoff as she wrapped her arms around his firm torso.

Jax asked Allison and Emily, "Are you guys, OK?"

Allison nodded, "We are and thanks Jax, for saving us at the diner and with Col-…"

"Wow, what an upgrade!" Emily marveled at his bionic arms and touched them.

"Thanks, Kid and you're welcome, Allison!" He said with a proud smile.

Cole introduced everyone else to his loved ones then said to Kano and Nary, "That was a close call, thanks for having my back."

"Any time, Princess!" Kano smiled at him.

Amused, Allison asked her husband, "Princess?"

With a shrug, Cole replied, "It's his thing, you'll get used to it."

Sonya commented with a smirk, "First, there was Kira and Erron Black's attack at the drug store which resulted in me and Jax discovering our arcanas. And now, thanks to Goro, you've found yours. Shang Tsung keeps failing and I'm here for it."

Lord Raiden was about speak until Shang Tsung and his fighters appeared from a black smoky portal. From the other side of the electric forcefield, they stood in the same spot from when they first breached the temple.

Everyone followed Lord Raiden and faced the Outworlders without a shred of fear.

With quiet confidence and a hint of derision, Lord Raiden said, "Thank you for helping my fighter find his arcana. After 4,000 years, the Hasashi bloodline still lives on," he then looked at Sub-Zero, "…Bi-Han."

The cryomancer narrowed his arctic blue eyes at the thunder god.

He turned his attention back to Shang Tsung, "Despite your attempts, you have failed to kill my fighters. But you also aided Sonya and Jax into receiving and discovering their arcanas. Your dishonorable tactics have been for nothing."

With a contemptuous expression and voice to match, the sorcerer remarked, "Dishonorable? You have kept one of your champions hidden away!"

"There are no rules stating that fighters' identities must be known before the tournament. I was protecting a life while you were endangering and taking the lives of innocents without a second thought. And all you have to show for it is three dead warriors."

"Those three losses were inconsequential because I have others who are ready to take their place."

Lord Raiden stepped closer to the electric barricade between them, "If you really have more fighters then bring them here now. I will remove the barrier so that we can settle this once and for all."

The sorcerer clenched his jaw as his head recoiled "…I do not need to prove anything to-.."

A ghost of a smile was on the thunder god's lips, "I'm offering to give you what you have desired this entire time and now, you do not want it?"

He glared at Earthrealm's protector, "Because I refuse to let you and your pathetic mortals into baiting me and my warriors into an unfair fight!"

"This is not baiting; it is a proposal. If you fail to show up here and produce two more fighters for your side at this exact time tomorrow…then I will banish you and anyone working on your behalf from Earthrealm until the tournament. Your choice, sorcerer." He turned around not waiting for a response as he led his champions away from the barrier.

After having a lovely breakfast where everyone became acquainted with Allison and Emily, the mother and daughter duo went to unpack their things in their suites. Nary then gave the temple's newest guests the grand tour while her fellow champions had their usual afternoon training session. She was overjoyed to see how impressed and curious the young mother and daughter were with each new room and location she showed them. Every question they had, she immediately answered with enthusiasm and didn't hesitate sharing her breadth of knowledge. Once the tour ended, they went to the fight pit where Cole and Kung Lao were sparring. The trio sat next to the Liu, Jax and Sonya while Nary seated herself on an empty spot in front of Kano's open legs. She joined him and kissed his cheek when he wrapped his strong arm around her shoulders.

Allison kept her shining eyes on her husband, "This is all so crazy, monsters and wizards and people with superpowers are real. I saw him fight Goro and I still barely believe it! But look at him. Cole hasn't been this excited and confident in years..."

"It's a lot to process," Sonya said to her, "we were taught that all of those things only existed in fantasy and scary stories but now they're actually real! But you're right about Cole, he's come a long way. He struggled and he's worked hard…it just took him time to realize that you two were the missing pieces that he needed."

With a gentle grin, Allison replied, "That's really kind of you to say, Sonya. But it also helps that he had all of you here to teach and help him. I always knew he was a great fighter but there was always something holding him back."

Liu shared, "Cole came here with talent but he lacked faith in himself, discipline and he was narrowminded when it came to his fighting. He only focused on offensive moves but neglected the defensive ones. That's what Lao and I focused on and he's clearly progressed as an overall fighter."

Allison and Emily looked at one another and smiled, the former spoke, "We're grateful that none of you gave up on him."

Kano interjected, "It works both ways. Sure, we got off to a bumpy start but now Cole is one of me best mates here! I've learned a lot of from him and I know it's because of you two. He has taught me so much about myself and love. And he adores you both so fucking much, it's beautiful!" He grinned at them before planting a sweet kiss on Nary's lips.

Emily looked at her mother and saw the same surprised expression. They remembered the unkind words Cole used to describe Kano during their first video chat. Instead of sharing those statements, Emily thought of their most recent conversation about the Aussie, "That's really cool of you to say, Kano. I know that Dad feels the same way about you."

"Aww, thanks for telling me that Kid!" He looked at Nary, "Hey Babe, is movie night still on?"

"Yeah but I don't know if Candyman is appropriate for tonight. If Shang Tsung shows up tomorrow, this could be the last time we're all together. Maybe we should watch a comedy?" She suggested.

The teenager's face was lit up, "No, we gotta watch Candyman! I always wanted to see it and now with the new one coming out, I finally have a good reason to! Mom, can we please watch it?"

With an apprehensive look and voice, she said, "Emily, you had nightmares for a whole week after watching The Exorcist."

Crossing her arms, she remarked, "That's because I was nine and Bobbie made me watch it with her when Aunt Sophia and Aunt Casey left us home alone. It's been five years and I can handle scary movies now. And come on, Dad just fought and killed a four-armed creature that looks like an evil Shrek and I'm totally fine about it!"

Jax chimed in, "I was around Emily's age when I first saw it. Sure, there are scary moments, a few jump scares, some blood but the movie is more psychological than gory and well, it's kind of romantic too. It's a classic for a reason."

Nary offered, "If it gets too intense, I'll turn it off and switch to a more lighthearted movie."

With a resigned sigh, Allison folded her arms, "Fine, but if you get nightmares, I'll never let you," she pointed at Nary, "and Jax live it down."

Emily smiled as she gave her mother a happy side hug, "Thanks so much, Mom!"

Nary shrugged, "Jax and I have nieces and nephews, we know how to handle traumatized kids."

During their viewing of Candyman Nary, Kano and Jax laughed when everyone else nearly leapt from their seats at the movie's jump scares. When the end credits started to roll, Nary paused the movie and encouraged everyone to discuss their thoughts about it. Praise for the film was unanimous among them with Emily being the most impressed and vocal.

"Tony Todd was such a good villain! He was scary and charming but I also felt really bad for him too. Have you guys seen the sequels? Are they any good?" Emily turned to the left where Kano and Nary were sharing the loveseat sofa. Her legs were flat across his lap while his arms were draped over her thighs.

Kano answered first, "Yeah and they're utter shit, don't see them! But I do have hope for the new one, especially with Nia DaCosta and Jordan Peele behind it."

Emily nodded then said, "So, in the movie, Candyman was a legend and everyone drew his face everywhere. It reminded me of those murals of past Mortal Kombat tournaments. Will that happen with you guys if Shang Tsung shows up tomorrow or will it not count because it's not an official tournament?"

Kung Lao answered her, "Some of those moments occurred outside of the tournament, tomorrow should be no different. But I'm not worried at all for two reasons, we're all well trained."

Creasing his brows, Liu asked, "What's the second reason?"

"Whomever does our murals will not have to worry about capturing my 'best side' because I look good from every side!" He smirked and immediately picked his hat shielding the popcorn thrown at him by Sonya, Kano and Nary as everyone groaned and laughed.

Nary's phone was docked into the lounge's stereo blasting one of her playlists. Kano and she were in the kitchen rinsing and placing snack bowls and cups into the dishwasher.

Shaking his head, he closed the dishwasher and turned it on, "I can't believe the love of my life is…is a fucking Spice Girls fan!"

With a defiant look, she gripped her hip and pointed at him with her right finger, "They are talented and unfairly attacked simply because their main genre is pop and they were generally positive. But unlike other girl groups they all sang lead vocals on their songs instead just relying one or two of their members! I have wonderful and diverse tastes in music, so you better get used to it!"

"Well, no one's perfec-shit!" He quickly caught the tea towel that she threw at his face. Snickering, he retorted, "Haha! Nice try, Baby!"

Folding her arms, she backed away when he tried to grasp her waist. She continued walking backwards until she reached the side of the breakfast bar.

He kept pace with her and stopped right in front of her when the next song began playing. "You're shitting me, right now? How the fuck can you like Spice Girls and The Jeff Healy Band?"

"Like I said, I have wonderful and diverse tastes and 'Angel Eyes' is a classic song."

"Darling, I'm not arguing with you about that, it's an amazing tune!" He grasped her right hand with his left one and placed his free hand on her upper back.

She gripped his right arm right above his bicep and felt a sudden breath escape her when he pulled her body closer to his. With a dry chuckle, she stated, "Did one of your Black Dragon clan members teach you this?"

With a snort, he remarked as he started to lead their bodies to the ballad, "Fuck no! I was 12 when Peter Barrons and his mates thought it'd be hilarious if they pulled down my pants and underwear during gym class. So, naturally, I punched his lights out…but it was the third fight I had gotten into in five weeks. Uncle Jack was so pissed off. He hated how those pricks picked on me but he also hated having to leave work to pick me up from school whenever I got in trouble, which was often. So, he made me take ballroom dancing lessons for six fucking weeks!"

A wide smirk was on her lips, "Oh you must have loved that!"

His shoulders lifted then dropped, "Actually, it wasn't too bad. My teacher was Carmela Cordova, she was twenty-eight and of course became my biggest crush." His eye brows wiggled.

"That's not surprising. And it looks like she was a good teacher." She said as they did a small spin together.

"She was and shit, I honestly thought I buried everything she taught me until now..." He gazed down at her then effortlessly dipped her.

Nary giggled, "Apparently it's like riding a bike."

"Looks like it is, Love...Then again," he lifted her back up and their chests were pressed against each other; he could feel her heart beating, "You helped me discover sides of me that I either thought were dead or never existed."

His earnest admission pulled at her heart, she felt her eyes welling up, "So have you. I never thought I'd end up with a man as bold, honest and passionate as you are."

Taking his hand off her back, he cupped her face and stroked the apple of her cheek with his thumb, "Before you, I went through life chasing after anything that made me feel alive but…but eventually, they left me empty. Right before Liu found us, I dared Sonya to take my marking. At first, I wanted to get her to sink to my level, prove to her that she can be as ruthless as I am by killing me only because I had something that she wanted…but then uh, but then I actually begged her to kill me."

Stunned and horrified, she removed her hand from his arm to rest it on his heart, "Why did you do that?"

His glistening eyes blinked releasing tears, "I was chasing after what I had with my mum and Uncle Jack, real love. At the time, I didn't know it…until I started falling in love with you and then became friends with everyone else here," he then held her face with both hands, "None of that wouldn't have happened if-if it weren't for you welcoming me with an open mind and heart."

The beautiful words coming from the depths of his soul caused her to experience all of the love and passion he had for her to flow into every single fiber of her being. With both hands on his chest, she shared, "Letting you into my heart was the best decision I've ever made. Kano, my love for you has no limits and it will never waver, no matter what happens."

The strength of his love and his intense need for her was now beyond his control. He excitedly seized her lips with his then swept her off her feet and into his muscular arms. After he carried her to their suite, they expressed their love for each other by meshing their bodies and hearts until they became one.

Note: Thanks nadilla and Lawlyss for your reviews! Please leave a review, guests can do this! Also, "Angel Eyes" by The Jeff Healy Band is a lovely song, listen to it when you have the chance!