Ch. 2 – New

Mileena woke up in a panic as her memory came rushing back to her. She flung up and yelled, sending a small furry this flying across the room. A few seconds later, a man came bursting into the small room she just noticed she was in.

"You're awake! Good. I was starting to worry about you."

The man seemed young, but tall and strong. His eyes were green and his skin was slightly dark in the rays of the sun. He wore a red shirt with a symbol she's never seen before. He had a bandage on his right side of his head. Her head felt like it was hit repeatedly against a hard wall. She sat up in the bed and felt the world spin.

"Where…where am I? What happened?"

"You're in Los Angeles, and what happened to you is an excellent question. Do you remember at all? Do you know your name? Where you're from"

"Of…course I do. I am Mileena, daughter of-" Memories of her father's wrath flooded her mind. "…No one. I am daughter to no one. From a place that outcaste me."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Mileena," Jack said, sitting on the edge of the bed. But I'm glad you remember your name. Red and I were getting worried about you."

"Why? What do you mean? And who is red?"

As if on cue, a little furry creature climbed up over the edge of the bed and pranced right up to Mileena. It hopped onto her knees and stare at her with its beety little eye's and its nose twitched slightly.

"THIS is Red, my ferret. He was worried about you when I brought you home three days ago."

"Three days?"

"Yeah. There was a bit of touch and go there for a while, but you pulled through."

Mileena sat herself up in the bed a little more to find she was wearing different clothes then the ones she had on 3 days ago. She covered herself with the sheets and blushed fiercely and avoided Jacks eyes.

"What am I wearing? Where are my clothes?" she demanded.

It was Jacks turn to blush and look away. "The clothes you had on were covered in blood and ripped to shreds. I… had to change you. DON'T WORRY THOUGH! I had my eyes closed the entire time!"

Mileena looked under the covers and down at the shirt and shorts she had on. They both were pretty big but both had the same strange symbol on it like Jack's shirt did. She then noticed the garments she had on underneath the pants. She blushed even more.

"Wha-what does that symbol mean?" she asked, pointing at the mark on his shirt and quickly changing the subject.

"How 'bout some breakfast first, and we can ask questions then?"

Jack got up off the bed and extended a hand. Mileena looked at it and finally took it. His hand was rough and strong, but gentle too.

Jack led her to the kitchen, which was just in the other room. He pulled out a chair for her and went over to a tall whit box looking thing and opened it. He grabbed a few things from it and set them on the counter, then went over and got a pan from a cabinet.

"AHHH!"

Mileena looked down and saw the little red ferret thing climbing up her leg. Is hoped to her knees and then to the top of the table.

"Red, don't scare our guest. It's not polite." Jack said over his shoulder. He continued as he cracked a few little white things over the pan and spilling the contents into it. he then places two pieces of bread into a strange box and pressed a lever down, making the bread disappear from view within it.

"Now, to answer you're earlier question, the symbol on the shirt and pants are our logo for our dojo, Fire Hearts; martial arts/gym for all ages. This is really my dad's place, but I teach here while he's away. How do you like your eggs?"

"What?"

"Your eggs. Scrambled or over easy?"

"I…I don't know. What are you having?"

"Scrambled it is, then."

Mileena scratched the ears of Red and he squeaked happily.

"So you teach martial arts here?"

"Yeah. I have a few classes. Mostly little kids."

"You teach children fighting techniques? Is there a war brewing?"

"Gosh I hope not."

"Then why teach them the art of killing?"

"Whoa whoa, there! I'm not teaching little kids to kill ANYONE!"

"I don't understand, then. If not for killing, why would you waste your time teaching children how to fight?"

DING!

Mileena jumped a little at the loud noise. Jack picked up the now brownish bread and placed them on some small plates. He then placed some yellowy/white substance from the pan on said bread. He then got two small glasses down and poured an orange liquid into the both of them. He picked up one plate and held it with his teeth, then placed the other into the crook of his arm. He then picked up the two places, one in each hand and walked carefully walked over to where Mileena was sitting.

He placed one glass in front of her followed by one of the plates. He put the other place and plate in front of him and took a bite. He swallowed and continued the conversation.

"We don't teach children how to kill here. We teach kids how help them discipline themselves for the future. Martial arts should be used for good, not evil. To help one another, not hurt each other. To become better then you were yesterday."

Mileena just stared at the man with an inquisitive look on her face.

"I know, I know. Kids only see martial arts as a way to fight and beat up the bad guys, but their young. They'll learn. Do you like tour eggs and toast?"

Mileena looked down at her plate and picked up the toast with the egg on it. She took a bit and loved the taste of it. She opened her jaw wider and took the whole thing in in one bite.

"…Wow. That was cool."

Jack tore a small piece off of his and gave it to the little ferret, who happily took it.

"Is there more of this "toast and egg"?"

"Yeah. Give me a sec. Ill whip you up another one. Guess you're hungry after 3 days of sleeping."

Jack finished his toast and started to make another batch for Mileena.

"So tell me, Mileena, wasn't it? Where are you from? How did you get here? And what's up with your teeth sticking out of your cheeks?"

"…I am from Outworld, a violent placed to live. It is ruled by my-…the emperor, Shao Kahn, a terrible man that rules with an iron fist. He sought to kill me but before the final blow, a portal opened up and save me. Then YOU saved me. I am grateful to you."

Mileena stood up and bowed to Jack.

"Hey, no need to be so formal. I couldn't have left beautiful woman like you bleeding to death in some alley somewhere."

Mileena blushed at his words. She pulled her shirt over her mouth and averted his green eyes.

"You think I'm…pretty?"

"Of course I do. Here you go, ma'am."

Jack placed a big plate of eggs and toast on the table.

"As for my teeth, I was born with them."

"Wow. Alright, you eat up, and I'll go get ready for the day. I'll be back."

Jack left the room, leaving Mileena along with her thoughts.

Jack entered the bathroom and removed his shirt. He looked in the mirror to see that his wounds from the previous night were healing quite nicely. He removed the bandage from his head to see that all that was left of the wound was a faint scar.

"Thank heavens I'm a freak." He said to himself.

He removed the rest of his cloths and hopped into the shower. After a few minutes of thinking time, he hopped back out and grabbed a towel. He wrapped it around himself and proceeded to his room. He found that Mileena was still in the kitchen eating, so he hurried across the hall. He found some cleanish pants and a shirt. After dressing, he grabbed a bag from behind his closet and headed to Mileena, who was placing her dishes in the sink.

"Alright, I'm ready to go. Are you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You've been cooped up here for three days. I think it's time you see what this world has to offer."

Jack extended his hand is hand to her and she took it. After stepping out of the door, she stopped abruptly and covered her face.

"What about my mask?"

"What about it?"

"I…I don't want to scare the children with my…"

"Ok. Give me a second."

Jack placed the bag down and went in again. After searching for a moment, he found her mask by the nightstand. He grabbed it and went to the front door. "Alright, Red. I mean it this time. I'm off. Hold down the fort while I'm gone. Love ya."

Jack came through the doorway again and locked it behind him.

"Ok, ma'am. Here you go. One purple mask."

Mileena thanked him and put it on.

"Alright, time to see the world."

Jack and Mileena headed down the stairs into a big wide open room, with mats in one corner and a lot of equipment in another.

"So you live above your dojo?" Mileena asked.

"Yeah. It's easier to pay the rent that way. We have an hour before we open up, so I'm going to run a few errands before my first class."

Jack unlocked the door and held it open for Mileena.

"After you, ma'am."

Mileena nodded and Jack followed her out the door. He then locked it.

"Alright, first stop; Eisen Welding shop."

"Welding?"

"Eisen is German for metal. Bart owns a metal shop. That's our first stop. You'll like him. He's great."

They walked down the street and Jacked looked over his shoulder and smiled at Mileena's expression. Her eyes were wide and trying to take everything in at once. She kept asking and pointing to the many things around her. Jack explained to the best of his knowledge until they got to the shop. Jack opened the door and was greeted by a very loud voice.

"JACK! IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, MEIN FREUND!"

A big man came from around the counter and grasp Jack's hands in a shake that would have crushed a boulder. "I vas beginning to worry about you! How does your…" Bart lined in slightly and whispered, "Spät- Spaziergänge fair for you?"

"My late night strolls fair well, Bart, but last night I broke another one of your swords."

"AH! Well, it can't be helped, I suppose. Not in your line of work. Come! I will get you a new one!" Bart began to leave for the back room, but Mileena caught his gaze.

"And who do we have here?"

Mileena blushed a little and stepped forward as Jack introduced her.

"Bart, this is Mileena. She'll be satying with me for a while. Mileena this is Bartholomäus

Schmidt, finest welder in all of L.A."

"Herzlich willkommen, mein dame," Bart bowed.

Mileena just nodded.

"Wait here for a moment, Mileena. I'll be right back."

"Ok."

Jack followed Bart into the back room and produced the broken sword from the bag.

"I tried to block a shot gun blast, but as you can see, didn't quite work out."

Bart took the blade and looked it over.

"Hmmm. I vander vhat ammo they are using. Not standers, I take it?"

"No. I guess a new weapons dealer is in town."

"Hmm. I vill ask around about this new handler. In the mean time, Here is a new blade for you to try out."

Bart went over to a box and lifted out something wrapped in a sheet of cloth. He hefted it over to Jack and unwrapped it.

"As always, its iron and steel combined with titanium and my own mix of other metals. Its 4 inches wider this time and 50 pounds heavier. A big shorter, though. Good for a shield vhen you in a tough spot."

Jack swung it around and smiled. "I love it. Thank you, Bart."

"Ah, anything for an old friend. I also have new knives for you."

Jack sheathed the sword and handed it back to Bart. "Thank you. Just set them in the alley and ill pick them up tonight."

Bart took the blade a sat it down on a work bench. "It'll be there tonight, Schakal."

"Come on, man. You know I hate that name."

"Then vhy dress like one and fight second rate thugs jede Nacht?"

"You know why."

"I do, but I still don't like it."

"I just have to, Bart. But I have to."

There was an awkward silence between the two man until Bart cleared his throat.

"So, that woman out there is quite beautiful."

Jack just looked at him.

"Vhat? It's just an Überwachung."

"Yes, an observation that needn't be voiced."

"All right, all right. I vont push the matter. But I vas vanfdering vhat the mask vas about."

"…She has a very rare case of Dysplasia on both her cheeks . Enamel Dysplasia."

"Mensch, wirklich!"

"Yeah. She was born with is and doesn't like to talk about it much."

"Poor Fräulein! If theres anything I can do, please tell me."

"You've done plenty with helping me with my Spät- Spaziergänge. Thank you again, by the way. Now, we've got to get going. I've got a class to teach."

Bart looked at the clock over the doorway. "But your class is in an hour. Can you not stay and chat for a bit?"

"…I'm heading over to Simon's place for Mileena."

"Ah. Vell, don't let be hold you here any longer. You may not have enough time! Go on! Go on!"

Bart shooed Jack out and waved goodbye to the two of them. Jack then hurried along down the street with Mileena hurrying to keep up.

"Why are we in such a rush, Jack?"

"We're about to go to Simons place, The Sunny Bird. It's a clothing store."

"So why the haste?"

"Well, to put it politely, Simon is a talker. He LOVES to talk. And we just don't have time to stand around and talk to him all day. We have to get groceries too."

"Then why not skip the Sunny Bird?"

"I'm doing this for you."

"For…me?"

"Yes. I don't want to you run around in guy's clothes the whole time you're here."

Jack and Mileena walked through three intersections and turned a few corners until they finally reached the Sunny Bird. Jack took a deep breath and pushed through the door. They both were greeted by a few perky and bubbly employees of the place.

"Welcome to the Sunny Bird, Here to make you soar over a bright day! How can help… JACKIE!"

"Hey, girls. How are you?"

The girls flocked over to him and began to flirt with him, pushing Mileena out of the way. Jack tried to grab her hand, but another girl grabbed his instead."

"Hi,Jackie!

"It's been awhile, Jackie!"

"How come we never hang out?"

"Wanna go on a date with me tonight?"

"Your peaks are lovely today!"

Jack was bombarded by a million and one comments and questions until a throat was cleared behind him. The girl stopped their flirting and parted as a tall well dressed man stepped forward.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite costumer, my Jackie. Come here, you!" The man pulled Jack into a hug that made Jack feel slightly violated. He pulled away and looked Jack over.

"My my, Jackie boy, you get more and more handsome every time I see you. How do you do it?"

The girls, at this time, started to run their hands on Jacks body again, but he pulled away and pulled Mileena gently to him.

"I'm sorry, Simon, but today is not about me. Today is about my friend here, Mileena."

The girls pouted and Simon stepped forward. "Why, hello, my dear. I am Simon Bellbottom, and welcome to my store! My, what a lovely girl you have here, Jackie-boy. You are one lucky man."

"Mileena Is out of town and has no clothes for herself."

The girls and Simon all gasped in unified horror at this information.

"Oh my dear!" Simon pulled her into a hugged and cooed like a mother soothing over a child.

"There there, my sweet. Mama Simon will make it all better. GIRLS! We have lots of work to do!"

The girl all flocked to Mileena and pulled her away to the shelves of clothes, asking all kinds of questions and comments.

"What size are you?"

"Where are you from?"

"How did you meet Jackie?"

"I love your contact lenses!"

"I'm so jealous!"

"Let's hang out sometime and do each other's hair!"

"MAKEOVER!"

"OH GIRLS!" Jack called to them. "Be careful of her mask! She was hurt and needs it to stay on!"

Someone shouted ok and they all disappeared into the sea of cloths.

"Well, Jackie-boy. I never thought 'd live to see the day when you would take in another beauty like her."

"It's not like that, Simon. She was hurt I'm helping her."

"Uh huh. Is she staying with you at the dojo?"

"…Yeah."

"Then it's only a matter of time then, my dear boy."

"Mmmmm."

Jack watched Mileena from a distance. Underneath her mask, Jack could see she was smiling widely at all the attention.

"So, how goes the crime fighting, Jackie-boy?"

"Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you about that."

Simon nodded and headed into the back room followed by Jack. Jack then produce the torn fragments of his costume.

"AHHH! What happened to my creation?!"

"I went into the 56th Angles territory last night."

"You play a very dangerous game, Jackie-boy."

"I know. Luckily I only got some cuts and bruises from them."

Simon looked over the hole- ridden coat.

"I see they had a shot gun."

"Yeah. I'm still recovering from that one. Thank heavens I'm a freak."

"Now now, Jackie-boy. Don't call yourself that. So you can heal faster than the normal man and have abnormal strength. That doesn't make you a freak."

Jack just smiled and looked at him.

"Alright, so this one is trash." Simon tossed the coat away. "I'll make you another one. Any special request this time around?"

"Could you make it a little less tight? It's hard to move around sometimes."

"Ah, but Jackie-boy. We have to show off your amazingly strong and muscular body to the public. Make the other man jealous and such. But I will add more armor to it, even though you clearly don't need it."

"Thanks you, Simon."

"But I do have to remeasure you."

Jack groaned and took off his shirt.

"Oh my, Jackie-boy! So willing to strip in front of me! How naughty of you!"

"Funny." Jack out stretched his arms and Simon took out a cloth measuring tape and got to work.

"So I was wondering, Jackie-boy."

"About what?"

"About that girl you're with now."

"Hey now. Not so fast. I just met her a few days ago. She needed help and I gave her my service."

"Oh my!"

"Stop that."

"Haha! You are just too easy, Jackie-boy. But my question was about her mask. Why does she wear it?"

"She has a Enamel Dysplasia on both her cheeks."

"Oh my! The poor girl!"

"She was born with it, so she's adapted to it."

"Well, if there is anything I can do for her."

"I believe you're doing plenty right now."

Simon stopped halfway through a measurement. "Wait. Is SHE the reason you in and bought those panties a few days ago?"

Jack blushed and looked away. "She was hurt bad and was asleep. I had to change her clothes. Look, don't make this wired."

"Oh, you've already gone and done that, Jackie-boy! Peaking in on sleeping women."

"Hey, I didn't see anything! I had my eyes closed the whole time! I swear!"

Simon looked at him with fierce eyes for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"AHAHAHAHAHA! AHHH, Jackie-boy, You are just too much fun! HAHAHA!"

"Alright alright! You had your fun now. Are we done here? I've got a class to teach in…20 minutes?! CRAP!" Jack hurriedly pulled his shirt on and rushed out of the back room. Jack found Mileena with a pile of cloths in her arms.

"Did you find everything you needed?"

"I…I think so. There's just so much of it!"

"Well, we gotta go! My class starts in 20 minutes and we still need food!"

"Alright."

"Now which ones are you just dying to have right now?"

"I'm not dying at all!"

"Sorry. It's an expiration. I mean which ones do you need right now."

"Well, Scarlet said I needed a bra, whatever that is. She handed me this."

Mileena held up tiger stripe bra, making Jack blush.

"Ok, I'll get you that. Anything else?"

Mileena held up her haul and sheepishly smiled under her mask.

"I can't get you everything there! Im sorry, but-"

"Oh don't spoil a ladies fun! Don't worry, Jackie-boy! I'll just add Milly's cloths to your tab!"

"Thank you, Simon!" Jack grabbed a bag and stuffed Mileena's new cloths in it. He grabbed her hand and ran out of the store. "Bye, Simon. Bye girls!"