Chapter 1: Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang)
"You're sure you want to train my daughter?"
Johnny Cage quietly asks the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. Sub-Zero had been eying Cassandra Cage for months, her leadership piquing his interest and it was inevitable, she was destined to become Lin Kuei.
"Do you find her unworthy?" Kuai Liang asks, a small smile playing on his lips.
Johnny laughs, "I'm not asking cause I think she can't do it. But…Cass can get intense. She's her mother's daughter alright…"
Kuai Liang nods, "that's exactly what we look for in our students. Intensity. Our Lin Kuei are only suited for those who value a life of dedication to the best they can become. Cassandra showed great courage, thwarting Shinnok's invasion. She possesses the kind of skill that only a Lin Kuei warrior has."
The two men grin and proceed to watch the match before them. Cassandra Cage and her best friend Jacquiline Briggs were in an intense boxing match. It wasn't so much that they were trying to train, they just read online that it was a great way for women to lose weight. They were so caught up in their match they never realized that Sub-Zero and Johnny were in the room.
It had been three months since Cassie made Shinnok eat dust and although peace was nice, she and Jacqui were beginning to get anxious. Petty crime and small local disputes were issues they didn't believe Special Forces agents should have to deal with. So here they were, at the Lin Kuei temple, boxing to exert some of their pent up energy. It was quite a spectacle for Johnny and Sub-Zero to behold. One moment the two young women were conversing, the next they were fighting as though their life depended on it. This is what caught Kuai Liang's eye.
"Well what about Jacqui, she's tough as nails and no one can beat her strength. Not even Sonya," Johnny inquires. He was pleased that the Grandmaster saw how amazing his daughter was.
"Jacquiline is a Shirai Ryu claim. Regardless of how she feels about the military, Master Hanzo has his pupil Takahashi trying to convince her to join. To avoid any complications, I will avoid trying to recruit her…for now," Kuai Liang says, a slight twinge of annoyance in his voice. He and the Shirai Ryu clan leader had put an end to their feud but to lose out on a promising warrior to increase his clan's ranks still left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Johnny understood. Jacqui was an invaluable member to the Special Forces. It was a shame that Jax chose to lead a simple life but a blessing that his daughter decided to pick up the reigns. Itching to find out what Cass had to say on the matter, he decided to put an end to their match.
"Cass, come here for a sec. The Grandmaster wants to ask you something," Johnny yells out, a little too enthusiastically.
KAPOW! Cassie catches a face full of Jacqui's fist from her father startling her, mid punch. Her defenses were so low, she ends up stumbling backwards a bit. Jacqui quickly rushes forward to stabilize her best friend then throws a scathing look at Johnny.
"Seriously Mr. Cage? Remember rule number 1?" Jacqui could not hide her obvious disapproval.
Johnny waves her aside, "Yeah yeah, I know. Never stop a fight. But I need Cass over here. She's a big girl, this isn't a big deal. She's dealt with worse."
"Dad, please don't try to make this better. I think my jaw is dislocated," Cassie says, rubbing her jaw and hearing creaking sounds that were very worrying.
So embarrassing, and in front of Sub-Zero too? What is wrong with my father…? Cassie thinks, while glancing at Sub-Zero.
His icy blue eyes meet her dark blues. She feels a chill down her spine. I've always respected him but now I feel like burying my head in sand. This feeling reminds me of being around my mother, she thinks while looking away quickly.
"Cassandra, it is of no consequence to me. Mistakes happen, especially when unwanted actions occur. But I do have a request of you. More like a proposal. Will you heed me?" Kuai Liang infers, amused by her sudden shyness.
"Of course Grandmaster. I would be honored," Cassandra musters, still feeling slightly dizzy from the hit. She was more than sure that her jaw was not broken but she made a mental note to never let her guard down again, especially with Jacqui as her opponent.
"I want you to become my next Lin Kuei pupil and train under my tutelage. You would learn the secrets of my ancient clan and be honored as one of my chosen fighters to represent us on the front lines. Your answer?" Kuai Liang declares, quite certain of her reply.
Cassie looks from her father to her best friend and then back to the Grandmaster. She gives her jaw one last rub of reassurance and then says,
"Hell…yes."