A/N: You may notice I really like Kara and Snake's relationship. They have a little of myself and my boyfriend put into them. He's calm and collected, whereas, me?...;) Anyway, this is trucking along. The path is clear for it to move along nicely. Lets just hope there aren't any stones on said road...
Chaos Theory
"It's tense. Things here are on edge. Teetering. I don't like it. Stay on guard".
Kara looked around, wary. The attack on Kotal was two days ago, and yet, the air still carried a tense, heavy feel about it. When the group walked into the center of the marketplace, they saw two guards on a platform. One read a decree, the other stood by a man, whose head was on a chopping block. The decree said that the man had stolen some bread, and that, in turn was like stealing from the Emperor himself. Therefore, he deserved to die. Kara ran forward, carefully weaving her way through the rather large crowd, Cassie's team right behind her.
"Stop! Stop it!"
The guard with the axe glared down at her. His fellow looked to him. He nodded, to continue his 'speech'. Kara rolled her eyes, and implored.
"How is this justice? The man stole bread, not koin, or jewels. Even so, if he must be punished, surely that should be in a jail cell?"
A large, ornate carriage pulled up, a few feet from the crowd. A tall, broad man stepped out of, skin painted blue and eagle feather crown on his head. Another, much smaller man stepped out next, but stood near the carriage. He carried holsters and wore a Stetson. He eyed everyone, giving the situation attention, analyzing it. A knife edge stared back. This concerned him.
Kotal marched forward, indignation and determination in his gait.
"And who are you to defy forthright justice?"
Kara knelt down. "Emperor. I am General Kara Amakura of the Lin Kuei clan. We reside on Earthrealm".
Kotal raised a brow. "Earthrealm? How dare you return to Outworld with your gall again!"
Kara clenched her fists until her nails dug at her palms.
"Emperor. Earthrealm had nothing to do with the mercenary, Kano attacking you. He sides with Mileena, not us", she growled, "never us".
Kotal looked down, taunting her with his obvious advantage of standing.
"He is from Earthrealm. Correct?"
Kara blinked, before nodding.
"And he is an Earthrealmer, is he not?"
Again, Kara nodded. Kotal smirked.
"Then Earthrealm participated in the attempt on my life, willingly or not".
Kara really wanted to swear, smack her fists into the ground and given the man a piece of her mind.
She went with her mind, but used a different tactic. She froze the environment around her, stopping a rampaging Cassie in her wake...
Emperor, please. You must listen to me.
Kotal's head shot back at her.
How are you?...
He looked around, and saw the scene before him, still, unnerving. No one could see or hear them. No actions were possible by anyone other than he and this 'General' now. He looked at her, eyes as if gazing upon a splatter of mud upon a once pristine floor.
He had a good few heads topping her. And she was built like a child. He had seen children with bigger builds and muscles than her.
However, he wasn't blind to the fact that she had gained General status. A mere fighter, weak and meek would not gain that post. Only someone much more wholesome could claim that honour. This Kara may not look intimidating, like the generals of his time and in his army, but he would not disrespect her.
If he gleaned one thing from his Father, Ketz, you do not treat women disrespectfully, nor your enemy.
A woman, who is also your enemy? Was this woman his enemy? Her actions, her words would decide this.
Kara froze the Emperor in place, and looked behind her.
Guys, kneel.
Jacqui, Takeda and Jin did so. Cassie scoffed, refusing. Kara stared incredulously at her.
It isn't being subservient. It's being respectful.
Again, the blond scoffed.
"Right. Cause he thinks we respect him. Nah. He thinks we're here to finished what Kano started".
Kara shifted awkwardly, the cobblestones hurting her shins.
"Well, we aren't, and it's a good job he can't hear us, or we'd be killed or spending a night in the cells. And I'm not having either. This isn't just about us and Earthrealm anymore. We can't have any more shit hit the fan".
Cassie burst out laughing.
"Shit hit the fan? How eloquent"...she smirked..."General".
Kara winked, returning an equally wicked smirk.
"You know it".
She turned back to the Emperor, who's arm twitched when she gave him back control.
"What sorcery is this?!"
Kara kept her posture low, non-threatening. It seemed the Emperor wasn't getting the hint however. He began pacing toward her. She held up her hands.
"Emperor. I can see how you'd think that Kano is with us. Yes, he does come from Earthrealm, but, so does your lackey over there in the Stetson, no? Has he caused you any harm? Surely if we were intent on attacking you, we would use every opportunity to do so? We'd have coerced this man into maiming you? No, Emperor. There are bad apples in every basket, it doesn't mean all of them are".
Kotal was taken aback. He did not expect that answer. He half expected her to go with 'We didn't do it. Don't harm us'. A simple, ineffective answer in his book. But, the woman spoke true, her words ran truth. She remained staunch, but with a touch of gentleness. No complacency when she spoke, no lies. He would see straight through her if she were giving him the run around.
"Your abilities. You are not human".
Kara stood up, dusting off her knees.
"Er, bit harsh there Emperor. I am human, though goddess blood flows through my veins, so to speak".
She cursed internally, her inner monologue span.
I've been around Sub-Zero and Dad too long...
She glanced at the man before her.
Then again. LOOK who I'm talking too. Doubt he'd appreciate silly quips and messing around.
She looked at hr friends.
"Forgive our intrusion into Outworld, but I assure you, we did not have malice in our sneaking around. We really need to speak with you about the citizens, what's going on". She looked at the man on the stage, frozen mid-quiver, head still balanced precariously on the shopping block.
"I'm sorry Emperor, but, this isn't justice. People are fleeing your realm. They pile into Earthrealm hungry, skin and bones and with their meager possessions in sacks. Some only have the clothes on their backs. They are starving Emperor, I beseech you. Listen not to us, but to your people. Hear their plea".
Kotal looked around and felt a shiver go down his spine. Kara was right. His people were indeed thin. They had little koin, and were being worked to the bone. The large half-built statue of himself was the cause. He had people work long hours in brutal, unnatural heat for the time of year. He was to blame here, no part of him could deny this.
He gestured to Kara and nodded. She let go of her control on the people.
Cassie and her team ran behind her, and looked pissed. Kara waved her arms.
"Ease up. It's okay".
Kotal bellowed.
"Guards! Stop. This man has done no wrong. He did not steal from the realm's efforts. He stole because he and his family are starving. I did not know of the situation. For this", he looked at the crowds, "I sincerely apologise. This must and will be rectified".
He walked up to the platform, stood on and watched as the condemned man bowed, clasping his hands together in thanks. A friend helped him down and they walked away.
Kotal began to issue a new decree, one that Kara and the group wholeheartedly agreed with...
Nineteen years ago
Today was the day that Sonya Blade would become Sonya Cage. She didn't wish to wear a dress, wanting a wedding, with full military honours. That meant Johnny in dress blues. However, as he wasn't in the military, he decided on a suit and bow tie. She reluctantly settled on an eggshell coloured gown. It's cut gave her athletic figure soft curves. Its flare at the hip and soft taffeta material have her a serene grace, something she wasn't used to. Her makeup was simple, a little tinted foundation to give her a glow, dusky rose powder on her cheeks for a natural flush, nude pigments on her eyelids, and a light pink lip, a barely there sheen.
She stood, in her dress as her hair was being braided. The braid started the ends of her hair, then was sung over and continued on the crown of her head, a halo braid. She held on tightly to the small bouquet of cerise roses in her hand. A knock on the door of the chapel made her jump. She was a little jittery. Unlike her, though she knew why.
When she first met Johnny, she thought he was a joke. A stupid fool, who's bravado and wicked tongue would get him killed quickly.
When he didn't die, and proved he could, indeed fight, that lifted the annoyance she felt for him.
Only a little...
Afterwards, he started trying to flirt with her. She never took it seriously, believing he did this with all women, until he eventually won them over. She wasn't wrong. He did do that. He was tough, strong, and thought himself a looker. Therefore, he figured trying it on with the ladies meant he'd get laid...no strings attached of course.
However, a string began to form for him. Sonya began worming her way into a heart that he believed wasn't there for love. Merely like, than progressing to lust. She didn't know it, and he felt like a coward when he tried to tell her, and clammed up.
He, clammed up. The man, used to being on camera, wearing barely anything, parading around like the 'macho' man he was.
He couldn't say anything. The words were there, in his brain, wanting to come out. They hug around on his tongue. All he needed to do was open his mouth. And by the Gods, he simply couldn't...
When something was said, the dam broke. Sonya flat out told him she loved him. This shocked him, and he pulled her towards him, holding her as if she'd disappear if he didn't. She'd only gone and fallen for him. Unbeknownst to him, the string he had latched onto her was reciprocated for her. She'd plaited hers with his and was not about to let it undo itself.
She never believed she'd fall in love, even know what love was. Neither did Johnny.
But, what they had? What they'd been through? They knew it was. They just knew.
Johnny's stupidity, wit and silliness had gotten to her, latching themselves around her heart.
Her brash, harsh, yet vulnerability created space on Johnny he never knew he had. It was filled with warmth, protectiveness. He would protect Sonya for the rest of his lie. Everything he did, it would be for her.
"Sonya? Can I come in?"
Sonya coughed.
"Yeah. Come in Kara".
Kara walked into the room, and looked Sonya over. She bit her lip.
"Oh my God, Sonya. You look...I think I'm going to cry". She shook her head. "No! No crying dammit. It took hours to do my makeup. I am not crying it off". She fanned her eyes. Sonya chuckled. She approved of her bridesmaid's attire too.
She had chose two dresses for her bridesmaids. Kara currently wore the one for the ceremony. It was red, deep scarlet, with gems under the bust, one strap across her chest and over one shoulder. It ended just above her knees. Silver heeled sandals, silver drop earrings, french manicured nails and small gems in her side braid completed the look. Her makeup too was a nude pallet. The dress did all the talking.
She looked Kara up and down and motioned for her to twirl. Her friend did so.
"Thank you. And you look incredible". She smiled softly. "Thank you, for doing this. I know things have been crazy for you, but I really, truly appreciate it".
Kara waved her hands. "Of course! You're my friend. Why would I say no? How could I? With all you and Johnny have done for me, the least I could do is say yes".
Sonya sniffled. "Why the hell am I emotional? This is supposed to be a happy day".
She huffed. Kara chuckled quietly.
"You are happy Sonya. You're emotional in the good sense. It's because you love Johnny. You care, and are willing to become his wife. I bet he's feeling the same".
Sonya nodded, smoothing down her dress and taking a deep breath. Her stomach felt like it was knotting. She needed to change the subject, anything to calm the fluttering.
"So, I saw a man, claiming to be your date".
Kara blushed, a full face flush.
"My 'plus-one'? Yeah, Snake, Stephen to be precise. We're...". she paused, a little shyness creeping in to her mannerisms.
Sonya finished her sentence. "Dating, right?"
Kara nodded. "I'm happy for you. You deserve happiness too you know. As long as he's good to you, we won't have to kick his ass then, will we"?
Kara laughed, feeling less embarrassed now. She felt positively giddy and light, confident and, more importantly, happy.
"Hah. That'd be a hell of a way to to begin a wedding, kicking someone's ass. Haven't you done enough of that?" Her laughter subsided. "Really though. Stephen is, he's amazing. He's calm, funny, smart, gorgeous, he makes me feel amazing. How I got him is beyond me, but, God", she began tearing up again, "I'm lucky, I know that much".
Sonya got off the pedestal and walked to her friend. She cursed as her dress bunched around her feet as she did so. Kara spluttered laughter at her friend's clumsiness.
The older blond and Lin Kuei acolyte shared a hug, moments before another knock on the door.
It was Tiama, waiting for the pair to leave the room. They both took deep, calming breaths. It was time.
Sonya and Johnny were about to become Mr and Mrs Cage, and they'd never felt happier...
"Ah! Stephen! There he is! I'll introduce you", Kara waved, "Lord Raiden?"
After the ceremony, the couple and party had gone to a beautiful estate, regal, and lavish. This was clearly Johnny's influence coming through here. The place screamed flashy. All they needed was the paparazzi and red carpet and they'd be good to go. Sonya forbade that though, she announced that in her speech, prompting laughter from her guests. Johnny's speech was corny and sappy, like the man himself, with a few hit and miss jokes thrown in. But, they made the entire room gush over them, and many cried during their first dance as man and wife.
Stephen had only just gotten finished eating a rather delectable piece of strawberry and chocolate cheesecake when Kara almost shouted his name. He shot up, dropping the spoon, managing to catch a split second later.
"Huh?"
Kara laughed. "Really. You can be so ditsy sometimes. Scatterbrain".
Blue green eyes narrowed at her. "Little Miss Clumsy. I saw you drop those biscuit crumbs on the floor. That's what the napkin is for", he sighed, "honestly. Can't take you anywhere".
Kara swerved the conversation with raised brows.
"You couldn't take me here. People are watching".
The man's jaw dropped, and he dropped the spoon again, failing to catch it this time. He'd been unable to stop looking at her all day and night. The red dress she wore earlier made his head spin. The pastel peach flowing gown with gold accents billowing around her frame had his heart threatening to bust through his rib cage. The final nail in the coffin was yet to come however, and he was completely unaware.
Kara smirked. "Look sharp. The Elder god en route".
A very tall, white haired man approached the couple. Stephen suddenly felt nervous, the collar of his shirt constricting his throat. He coughed, covering his mouth. Kara noted the change, placing a hand on top of his.
Chill, he's okay. Stand down.
His reply made her giggle. She tried to mask it.
Yeah, but, look at him. The guy's tall. Hell, my neck hurts just looking at him.
Well, if you think he is, how'd you think I felt around him? He's got almost two foot on me.
She squeezed his hand.
Breathe. I know he's wary, but that's only because of my past. He doesn't know you yet. But, when he does, he'll come around and be okay with you, promise.
"Lord Raiden? It's an honour". He offered a hand. Raiden shook it. "Stephen, Stephen Payne".
Raiden eyed him, though kept his face and tone neutral. He hadn't met this new man, and to see how close he was to Kara, how obvious their affection for one another was, this made the god wary. He did not pick up any unwanted advances or unruly behavior from the man, though he hadn't from Smoke either.
And look what happened there.
Stephen tilted his head. Kara followed his gaze and nodded in respect.
"He's okay, Lord Raiden. I trust him, my Mom and Dad do too, and my friends".
The elder acknowledged this.
"That is good to hear. You look well".
Kara smiled. "I am. How's things? With Liu and Kung too".
Raiden, upon hearing their names smiled.
"They are well, recovering nicely, eager to return to the fight".
Kara looked deep in thought.
"I look forward to meeting Liu. The strongest Earthrealm warrior huh. Hell of a moniker. Kinda wanna challenge him, see if that's true".
Raiden chuckled. Stephen didn't have a clue whom they were speaking of. He looked blankly at his girlfriend. She grinned at him.
"He's famous for being the strongest kombatant. He stopped Shang Tsung, the man I told you about".
Swirling green and blue orbs misted. Stephen's face became angry, his body tensed, clearly distressed at the mention of the sorcerer's name. Kara reassured him.
"He's gone, in the past. Everything's okay, I'd tell you if it wasn't". She looked back at Raiden. "Sorry. Where were we?"
Raiden waved a hand. "It's no matter. I'll leave you two too it".
The young couple nodded, Stephen snapping out from his haze.
"Yeah. Sorry Lord Raiden. Don't know what happened there. I guess...I don't know".
Raiden answered what he knew the man was about to say.
"You care for Kara. You wish to protect her. Of course you would feel something akin to rage when someone who hurt her is brought up in conversation. That is normal".
Stephen nodded. "Yeah. I'd be worried if I wasn't bothered. Thank you though", he looked at Kara lovingly, "for everything you've done for Kara, for Earthrealm. We all owe you a hell of a lot. I do especially. Anything I can do to help, with anything, please let me know".
The thunder God nodded appreciatively.
"I and Earthrealm appreciate the sentiment". He glanced at the dancing couples. "I must be going".
Kara stood, her boyfriend mirroring her. "Okay. Take care Lord Raiden. And no, you don't need to assure me you already do". She teased. Stephen laughed.
Raiden bowed, left the estate and created a portal back to the Heavens.
Before he stepped into it, he remarked on how different Kara looked, how drastic the change in her demeanor was. She looked cheerful, bold and bright. No longer the shy caterpillar, but rather an intrepid butterfly, fluttering about, with grace and elegance. She had almost died twice, thus, the white haired man wondered that because of that, she had decided to live how she wanted to live. Do what she wanted to do. To not let anyone control her, dictate what she should and shouldn't do. This Stephen seemed good to her. She gave him her trust. She valued him and he valued her. Kara wasn't one to give her trust easily. Earning that was a tricky matter.
Though, the man had managed it, and for this, Raiden was glad. It seemed the small, frightened cub he had rescued many moons ago had grown into a lioness. One worthy of acclaim, respect.
And he would respect her. He did respect her.