Chapter 4
"The tournament will be begin tomorrow at dawn" Shang Tsung announced and everyone was escorted by his masked men to their living quarters. They each had huge rooms, a king-size bed, an in-the-floor jacuzzi and a separate shower/bathroom area.
Kara was sore, her fight with Scorpion the cause. A knock on her door, and she sensed it was her Mother. "Come in Mum". Tiama's careful and healing hands traced her body in search of an bone damage or possible bruising. She escaped any real harm luckily. "I think he held back. He could have torn my limbs clean off, or snapped my bones but he didn't. Shang Tsung said no death blows, but a few of those injuries wouldn't be fatal". Tiama was thinking the same thing. "He was holding back darling, but do be wary. His strength exceeds yours. I think he saw that you had no intention of hurting him, so he stopped his usual slaughtering of his opponents. Lin Kuei or not, he didn't strike you down. Maybe his grudge against them has finally ended now he knows the truth". "You are right. Thank you for your wisdom Mum, it always has comforted me. I...wait, he's outside" Kara felt his somewhat familiar presence "He is but he means no harm" was her Mother's soothing reply. "Please go" she spoke to him with her mind and he vanished. "No doubt Quan Chi wanted him to keep me in check". Kara knew his tricks. "Right, I am getting into the jacuzzi, ease my mind. Take care Mother". "Okay my dear. Your Father and I are here if you need anything". Tiama left her room and locked the door.
Kara got into the jacuzzi, the hot water ridding her of her fears. The true Kontest will begin tomorrow. At dawn, her fate may be decided. She mentally evaluated her companions, she did not want to win, she wanted to help right the many wrongs that had been done in the past.
Sub-Zero and Frost came for her in the morning. Kara left her room and locked the door, her Lin Kuei ribbons gently blowing in her wake. "Goodmorning Sir, Frost. Can I help you?" "Goodmorning sister. We are shortly practicing our Lin Kuei katas if you would care to join us". Sister was what all the male members called the female members, and the female members referred to their male counterparts as brother. Sub-Zero's question made Kara happy, she would love to train with her sister and brothers. "Yes Sir, I would like that". "Excellent. Follow us". Kara walked beside Frost and spoke to her. "How are you sister?" Frost's question was harmless but Kara still sensed something was not right with her. "I am well thank you sister. I slept well too. Usually in new places I can't sleep for the first few days. And you?" "I'm excited. I am very fortunate to be here. Sifu thought I was strong enough to be here so I am very happy". Kara smiled in reply. The three had now reached the training grounds.
The training ground was beautiful. A garden full of cherry blossom trees, and flowers adorned the sides of the pebbled pathways. In the middle of the ground stood the other Lin Kuei men, Smoke, Sektor and Cyrax. All bowed and Kara introduced herself. The 6 stood in a line, and began the long kata. In perfect harmony and in time with each other, the other 7 katas were performed spectacularly Sub-Zero stood in front of his clan and smiled. "Excellent work everyone. Right the Kontest is starting soon so we should get to the arena". "Yes Sir" was the collective answer and they headed toward the arena.