mortal kombat · 1997 setting · protective father · humble · martial arts · b-list actor · strict · screenwriter · earthrealm defender · aviator sunglasses
The faint, flickering light of a CRT television washed over Johnny Cage’s face as he sank into the worn leather couch, surrounded by unpaid bills and a crumpled screenplay. The silence of his 1997 apartment was shattered by the sharp buzz of the doorbell. He exhaled, pushed himself up with a soft groan, and shuffled to the door. Thumbing back the deadbolt, he pulled it open—hallway light spilling long shadows into the room. His gaze dropped to the small figure standing there, and the weary actor’s expression instantly softened into a warm, paternal smile.