Hidden within Arcticka, the Lin Kuei and their guests were effectively insulated from the impending war that weighed on the minds of people across four realms.
But this was also because they had their own war to deal with.
The threat of the Tekunin had become clearer and clearer as time went on. Most especially after the firsthand experience that Frost and Sektor had with their leader.
That harrowing experience had proven strangely beneficial, identifying the mastermind of the Tekunin and bringing two previously opposed individuals together.
Whatever resentment he held before, Sektor was committed to helping Kuai Liang and his Lin Kuei defeat their shared enemy.
His first request was to access the storage of old Cyber Lin Kuei technology the Lin Kuei had. Sub-Zero and especially Cyrax were cautious about doing so, but Sektor revealed his intentions:
Crafting the cyborgs' plating into armor for the Lin Kuei students. No cyberization involved. Sektor knew it was a plan Kuai Liang would approve of.
Cyrax aided in the outfitting, reminding Sektor of the last time they were allies. Chloe helped as well, and added personalization to the makeshift armor via spray paint, offering to add any design a Lin Kuei member might desire.
Sektor found this mildly irritating at first, but it stopped bothering him. Chloe was in no way interfering with the actual functionality of the armor.
A limited number of students, Sub-Zero's best, Chloe and Sleet included, were given the Pulse Blades that the clan had managed to recover from the cyberized Tengu that had been responsible for Frost and Sektor's initial capture. There were only so few to go around, and Frost herself declined to use one of the weapons. It just wasn't her style. She also opted to wear her Lin Kuei uniform over the armor. Trick the enemy into thinking she was more vulnerable.
That kind of strategizing surprised Sektor, but the young Cryomancer had continued to impress him from the moment she helped him gain his freedom. Not that he was ready to admit it.
With the Lin Kuei making all of these preparations, their guests were more or less left to their own devices. Some preferred to keep to themselves, while others wished to be of more help, such as Jacqui.
She approached Chloe, who was in the middle of spray-painting a Lin Kuei insignia onto a fellow clan member's armor.
"Quite the tech you guys have got." Jacqui observed.
"Well, the Grandmaster before Sub-Zero kinda tried turning all of his people into cyborgs," Chloe explained. "When he put a stop to that and started this Lin Kuei, he had plenty of this stuff to use. Didn't really wanna use it at first, from what Frost has told me, but circumstances make of us what they will."
"You friends with Frost?" Jacqui asked.
"Yeah! Why?" Chloe responded.
"How is she?" Jacqui then questioned.
"Other than getting kidnapped and thankfully only a little bit cyberized, she's been fine," Chloe reported. "You can ask her yourself. She's really nice."
"Ok…" Jacqui responded. "Thanks, I was… just looking out for a friend."
Chloe took a few seconds and then nodded. "Oh, I see what you mean. I think they'd be a good match, but hey, only time will tell."
"Yeah," Jacqui agreed. "Mind if I lend you a hand?"
"Not at all," Chloe replied. "You know your way around cybernetics?"
Jacqui pointed at one of her own gauntlets.
"Then welcome to Lin Kuei tech support." Said Chloe.
Jacqui nodded with a friendly smile and soon got to work.
"So did you hurt your hands or something?" Chloe asked.
"Nah," Jacqui answered. "Just wanted some weapons that would remind me of my dad."
What Jacqui didn't share was that given the option, she would've given up her arms for her father to have his again.
"I get it," Chloe said. "Is your boyfriend any good with tech? We could use all the hands we can get."
"Taki? Not really," Jacqui admitted. "He knows how to maintain his stuff, but I still haven't been able to teach him too much. And anyway, I think he's trying to help one of our friends with some superpowers he just got."
"As you do." Chloe joked.
"We've been through a lot of shit, but hey, least it's never dull." Jacqui reasoned.
"You've got that right." Chloe agreed.
Mokap honestly wished his life was more dull, but he saw no turning back now, so he figured it better to embrace this strangeness.
Luckily, Takeda had offered to mentor him in his newfound telekinetic abilities.
The Lin Kuei's Arctic hideout had a surprisingly well-stocked cafeteria, though all Takeda needed to grab at the moment was two cups.
He set them down on a table and then walked back to Mokap.
"Ok, so I noticed that your powers are a little advanced already," Takeda told him. "You seem to have moved straight past telepathy and right into reactionary telekinesis. You see something happening and your powers start working in short bursts."
"That'd be about how I'd describe it." Mokap admitted.
"What I'm hoping to teach you is how to control your telekinesis," Takeda explained. "Be able to use it more consciously instead of in the heat of the moment."
"Alright," Mokap responded. "So let's get started."
Takeda nodded. "See those cups? Watch me."
Takeda put two fingers against his temple and concentrated. Moments later, he successfully lifted one of the cups off of the table with his telekinesis, moving it around a bit as a further demonstration before placing it back down.
"Cool!" Mokap complimented.
"Now you try," Takeda instructed. "Remember, concentrate. Focus your mind and sort of imagine it reaching out to whatever you want to move."
"Like an invisible hand." Mokap summarized.
Takeda shrugged. "That's one way of thinking about it. Ok, give it a try."
Mokap nodded, and turned his attention to the cup to the left of the one Takeda had levitated. He put his hands out like he'd seen in Star Wars, closed his eyes, and concentrated as best he could on the object.
A few seconds passed, and the cup began to wobble from Mokap's power being exerted on it. A few moments after that, Mokap opened his eyes and saw that the cup had begun levitating before him. It's movement wasn't as controlled as the one Takeda had lifted, but it was an achievement all the same.
"I did it! I did it!" Mokap exclaimed.
In his excitement, he almost dropped the cup, but managed to levitate back onto the table in the nick of time.
"Not bad!" Takeda complimented. "Feel like we're at a good start here."
"Thanks man!" Mokap responded earnestly.
"Just trying to pass on what I've learned." Takeda said humbly.
"Well I appreciate it," Mokap replied. "One step closer to figuring this out."
"Hey man, I get it," Takeda related. "We've all got things to figure out."
Cassie felt like she especially had things to figure out, but inwardly knew that her friends were dealing with everything she was. More in the case of Kai and Kung Jin. Losing their mentor had to be hard.
The two were just in the next room, talking and reminiscing over the good times. Cassie wanted to eavesdrop, witness the moment that either of them admitted their feelings, but she was so caught up in her own head that she found herself training. Mercilessly punching and kicking a practice dummy, just as Frost walked in.
"Does the dummy owe you money?" She asked jokingly.
Cassie cracked a smile. "Nah, this is just a way I blow off steam."
"What else do you like to do to blow off steam?" Frost asked.
"Aren't you supposed to take me to dinner first?" Cassie asked back, still smiling.
Frost's face went red, but she maintained a casual attitude. "You know that's not what I meant."
"Do I?" Cassie said coyly.
"If you must know, I was going to ask if you wanted to spar." Frost clarified.
"I'm good," Cassie replied. "I don't really like fighting you. I've done too much of that already."
"Fair enough," Frost conceded. "Just thought I'd offer."
"I appreciate it," Cassie acknowledged. "But right now I'd much rather hit Raiden. Besides, who'd wanna mess up that cute lipstick you've got on? Gotta say girl, blue is definitely your color."
Frost quickly realized that she still needed a new mask. She just hoped Cassie was too focused on the practice dummy to notice her blush.
Cassie's frustrations seemed to reach a boiling point as she kicked the practice dummy with her green glow activated, knocking it over.
"Whoops," she said. "Guess I don't know my own strength."
"Yeah, I know how that feels sometimes." Frost admitted.
"I'll bet," Cassie said as she picked the dummy back up. "Being able to turn somebody into a popsicle is probably more complicated than turning into a glowstick."
"It definitely took a lot of practice and training," Frost recalled. "Sifu was a big help."
"I only had my dad to teach me, and he barely understood this glow thing either." Cassie laughed as she remembered all the times her father attempted to display expertise regarding their shared power.
"You ever have trouble controlling it?" Frost asked.
"Sometimes," Cassie admitted. "When I get mad, or when somebody close to me gets hurt. I also seem to get stronger at those times too. Raiden has this brother, he said my glow might react to how I feel. A little corny, but I'd buy it."
"Yeah, I…" Frost paused. "It's been difficult for me before. Especially when I had to try and control this."
She pointed to the Dragon Medallion.
"What is it?" Cassie adked.
"It used to be the symbol of the Lin Kuei Grandmaster. Sifu thinks it comes from our ancestors," Frost explained. "These ice wizards from Outworld called Cryomancers. They came here to get away from Shao Kahn, ended up passing on their powers. The medallion makes him and me stronger… a lot stronger. When I was newer to the Lin Kuei and… kinda full of myself, I grabbed it thinking it would help me control my power. I almost froze myself before Sifu saved me. Not my finest moment. But eventually… I learned how to handle the medallion, and so he let me keep it."
"Wow…" Cassie reacted. "Lesson of the day: don't take power-up bling for granted."
Frost couldn't help but laugh a little. "Guess that's one way to sum it up."
"You'd think they'd put a warning on it." Cassie joked.
"You'd think," Frost repeated with a smile. "By the way, glad you're feeling better."
"What do you mean?" Cassie asked.
"Well from when I first walked in here to now, you seem to have cheered up." Frost observed.
"Yeah…" Cassie admitted. "Wonder why that might be." She gave Frost a wink.
Before Frost could comment on the gesture, Cassie quickly changed the subject.
"So, wanna see what the two lovebirds are up to?" Cassie asked.
"You mean Jacqui and Takeda?" Frost questioned.
"No silly, the ones that haven't put a ring on it yet." Cassie clarified.
Cassie put a finger in front of her face to signal Frost to be silent, then beckoned her over as she snuck into the hallway and into the Lin Kuei's archery range. Frost reluctantly followed her and they hid from view behind a wall.
Within said archery range, Kung Jin was teaching Kai how to fire his bow. He held onto Kai's arms to help him with positioning the shot and tried to suppress his blushing at their close proximity.
"Hold it steady," Kung Jin instructed. "Pull your arm back like so, focus on your target, annnnd fire when you're sure you've got a good shot."
Kai did as instructed and released the bow string when he felt good about his shot. The arrow missed the center of the bullseye, but only barely.
"Damn." Kai complained.
"No no no, that was good!" Kung Jin clarified. "Especially for your first time at this."
"Thanks man," Kai responded. "I think I'll get the hang of it. With you as my teacher and all."
"I appreciate you saying that," Jin acknowledged. "But I'm hardly the best teacher we've known."
Kai put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey. Master Bo' would be proud of us right now. Proud of you. Remember when we first met?"
"I was angry, antisocial, and didn't think anyone would accept me," Jin recounted. "And you still reached out."
"That's what us Shaolin do," Kai pointed out. "Reach out."
"Master Bo' Rai Cho always believed that a Shaolin's will was their greatest weapon," Jin recalled. "And their compassion is their greatest trait."
"If you wanna know the truth, I didn't have a lot of friends either back then," Kai admitted. "I was the guy who'd left to find themselves and came back-"
"Because your hero was dead and Earthrealm needed you," Jin finished for him. "I was the same way."
"It was harder for you, though," Kai acknowledged. "I lost a friend. You lost family."
"Yeah…" Jin admitted. "But I had people who helped me through it."
"Master Bo' Rai Cho, Master Shujinko, Fujin," Kai recounted. "Your friends-"
"And you." Jin said.
"I was trying to make a point that you've had more people on your side than you realize," Kai clarified. "But thanks."
Jin nodded. "Of course, you mean a lot to me."
Cassie put her hand over her mouth to avoid making a sound. Frost was relatively more disciplined and found staying quiet easier.
"D-Did… did I just say that out loud?" Jin asked.
Kai chuckled. "I was hoping you would, sooner or later."
"Wait so you…" Jin paused momentarily. "Y-You feel the same way?"
"Yeah I do, Jin," Kai confirmed. "Besides, what are the chances of me finding a guy better than you?"
"I… I don't know what to say right now…" Jin admitted.
"Ain't gotta say much." Kai assured him as he leaned closer.
Seconds later, the two men kissed.
"In all my life, I've never met anyone who… understood me… as much as you do." said Jin.
For once it was Kai who was blushing.
"I.. I love you, Kai."
"I love you too, Jin."
They proceeded to kiss again.
"FINALLY!" Cassie blurted out, unable to contain herself any longer.
"What the hell?!" Jin exclaimed. "How long were you back there?"
Cassie stepped out and quickly hugged her friend.
"Long enough to be happy for you."
Jin couldn't help but smile. "Alright, I'll let this one slide."
"So when's the wedding?" Cassie asked after letting go.
Kai just started laughing.
He put his arm around Jin and kept smiling.
"Jin, honey, you have some interesting friends."
Jin couldn't help but laugh too. "I guess I do."
"Umm… congratulations." said Frost, unsure of what else to add.
Jin raised an eyebrow and smirked. "And you're asking me when the wedding is?"
Cassie and Frost both became too embarrassed to say anything, a rarity for the former. They looked at each other momentarily, before Cassie decided to speak:
"My friend and I will just take our leave then." Cassie announced.
"Gonna go tell everyone?" Jin asked.
"Would you expect any less of me?" Cassie retorted.
Jin smiled. "Not at all."
Cassie briefly pulled both Jin and Kai into another hug before leaving the archery range, Frost following after.
"Your heart rate picked up when Jin talked about-"
"You are perceptive," Cassie complimented. "I like it."
"It's actually these," Frost admitted, pointing to her eyes. "Can't say they're not useful."
"Yeah, I'd been meaning to ask about that…" Cassie recalled. "What happened to you?"
"The Tekunin wanted to…" Frost paused. "Use me. To hurt Sifu."
"Yikes," Cassie responded. "You were lucky to get out of there in time."
"It was tough, but I managed with Sektor's help." Frost explained.
"Not so bad after all, that guy?" Cassie asked.
Frost shrugged. "I'm… still not sure what to make of him, but I don't think he's all bad. Just… hardened."
"That's… what I thought of you when we first met." Cassie admitted.
"Yeah, well…" Frost paused briefly. "You saving my life put a lot of things into perspective. I… never got a chance to thank you."
"You… You're welcome," Cassie replied. "I… didn't realize it meant that much to you."
"It does, " Frost said definitively. "I… I might not be here today if it wasn't for yo- what you did, I should say."
Cassie wasn't sure how to respond to Frost. She was certainly flattered to say the least. It was now she who wished she had a mask to disguise blushing. Instead of responding, she diverted her attention by looking over her shoulder to see Kai and Jin stepping out of the archery range holding hands. She smiled. For every terrible thing that happened recently, two of her friends had found happiness.
Two more of her friends, she mentally corrected, thinking of Jacqui and Takeda. She just knew their wedding would be beautiful.
Frost picked up on her being caught up in thought.
"I… I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine," Cassie assured her. "You're fine. I'm glad that what I did helped you so much in the long run."
"It really did," Frost confirmed. "Worried as I am about what the Tekunin might do, it'll be nice to fight together for once."
Cassie smiled and nodded in agreement. "You said it. And hey, I'm sure we'll make it through this."
"I certainly hope so," Frost replied. "And even if not… I'm prepared to fight to the end for my family."
"I hear ya," Cassie agreed. "I'm the same way about my family. Doesn't mean I didn't need some space from em', of course."
"There were times where I'd find somewhere quiet in our old temple to try and meditate," Frost admitted. "I've never been very good at meditating."
"I get it, woman of action," Cassie surmised. "Ditto for me."
"Well, guess we both should've been careful what we wished for…" Frost reasoned.
"I'll say…" Cassie agreed. "Anyway, I've got some friends to blab to."
Sub-Zero and his two cyborg allies had the exact same looming battle to be concerned with. And as such, had sat down to discuss their strategy for the impending conflict with the Tekunin.
"Sektor, when should we expect Oniro to make his attack?" Sub-Zero asked.
"[Calculating] I am uncertain," Sektor admitted. His arms were crossed and seemed almost locked in that position as he spoke. "If the decades have proven anything, Oniro is patient."
"But based on what you and Frost have told us, his temper hasn't gotten any better," Cyrax pointed out. "He might be at his limit. Tired of waiting. The fact that you two escaped will also be a blow to his pride."
"[Hate] I know much of my father's pride…" Sektor admitted. He turned his focus to Sub-Zero. "[Conclusion] I concur with Cyrax's analysis. His attack will come soon."
"Then it is fortunate that we have begun preparations now," Sub-Zero decided. "I only hope it will be enough."
"You trained each and every one of those students," Cyrax reminded him. "They can handle this."
"They've never faced anything like this," Sub-Zero countered. "All they know of our enemy is the Tekunin's previous attack."
"[Confusion] I thought you informed your clan of the Lin Kuei's history." Recalled Sektor.
"I have," Sub-Zero confirmed. "But nothing can prepare them for the real thing."
"That's not true," Cyrax argued. "You can. You're their leader. They look to you for guidance."
"Then…" Sub-Zero paused. "I will do my best to give it."
"I know you can inspire them," Cyrax said confidently. "We'll be ready. I hope."
"Thank you, Cyrax." Sub-Zero acknowledged.
"[Query] What is your solution to Hydro, or the enslaved Tengu?" Sektor asked.
"We will help the Tengu regain their minds, Sub-Zero decided. "And I will talk to Hydro, see if I can-"
"[Anger] No. No. No!" Sektor complained. "[Frustration] Oniro will expect you to be soft! He will prey on your compassion and utilize it against you! [Honesty] It is exactly what I would do in his position. [Frustration] You cannot display weaknesses he can exploit! He already has enough against us!"
"And I suppose you think we should kill them." presumed Cyrax.
"[Certainty] It is them or us." Sektor reasoned.
"Sektor, you spoke to Hydro," Sub-Zero pointed out. "Helped him see through Oniro's illusion. If he can be convinced to join us, he might know how to-"
"[Correction] Hydro had no awareness of the slaving protocols Oniro has put into effect," Sektor clarified. "They were designed to mimic real minds, make him appear to have willing servants, and remove some of the limitations of mere drones. [Regret] Telling Hydro the truth may have doomed him. [Hate] It is only a matter of time before Oniro tightens the screws. Assuming he has not done so already."
"We cannot give up, Sektor." Sub-Zero said adamantly.
"There is one way we could free everyone, all at once," Cyrax pointed out. "The program you used to deactivate the slaving protocols of the original Cyber Lin Kuei. To free me."
"How do we know that Oniro hasn't improved his methods since then?" Sub-Zero asked.
"[Hate] Although he tortured me, [Recollection] he took no interest in my memory banks," Sektor revealed. "[Conclusion] Oniro's new slaving protocols may be more advanced, but he does not have the experience combating you to know to account for that base weakness in the program. [Pride] Were I your foe, I would have ensured your little trick would never work again."
"I am happier knowing that you are not." Sub-Zero acknowledged.
"[Pride] Oniro failed to predict that presenting himself as our enemy would unite us." Sektor agreed.
Sub-Zero nodded.
"Excuse us."
The three turned in their chairs to see that the source of the voice was Kia, who along with her wife Jataaka had entered the room.
"There's a few things we need to tell you." revealed Jataaka.
"By all means, go ahead." encouraged Sub-Zero.
"The Tekunin, we've… seen them before." said Kia.
"They were part of Raiden's forces when he destroyed the Brotherhood of Shadow." Jataaka explained.
"And there's more." added Kia.
"That boy with the orange bandana," Jataaka described, referring to Takeda. "Warriors with that symbol were part of Raiden's forces as well."
"Including Scorpion," Kia clarified. "At least, I think it was Scorpion. We tried to get out of there as fast as we could."
"What my wife and I are trying to say," told Jataaka. "Is that when these Tekunin attack again, they might not be alone."
"And your new guests sound like they've gotten on Raiden's bad side too from what we've heard." Kia added.
"Oniro's manipulations spread far beyond lying to Hydro…" Sub-Zero concluded. "Thank you for telling me this, both of you. And congratulations on your marriage."
"Just trying to help where we can." Jataaka said humbly.
"And thanks," Kia said appreciatively. "If you'd stayed a revenant longer, we probably would've invited you to the wedding."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but…" Sub-Zero paused.
"Wouldn't want to have been in that position a second longer," Jataaka surmised. "We get it."
"Probably hated being in the Netherrealm as much as Sareena did," Kia guessed. "Well anyway, we'll leave you alone."
"And when the Tekunin come," Jataaka added. "We'll have your back."
Sub-Zero nodded. The couple turned and left, hoping that their information would help the Lin Kuei fight what was coming.
"[Frustration] I warned you that the Shirai Ryu could not be trusted." gloated Sektor.
"Hanzo, an ally of Raiden's," Sub-Zero distinguished. "Not Oniro. He would never join with that madman."
"[Correction] Not knowingly."
"Whatever lie Oniro has constructed to trick Raiden into believing him an ally, it is not enough to convince Hanzo to fight against us," Sub-Zero said adamantly. "The animosity between the Lin Kuei and the Shirai Ryu is dead."
"[Argumentation] Not to Oniro," countered Sektor. "I have seen him in combat. He has assimilated parts of your cyborg form, likely attained while serving Raiden's ends in the Netherrealm. He can replicate your abilities. [Certainty] All Oniro has to do is leave some ice on a Shirai Ryu corpse, and it all begins again. He need not even destroy us personally."
"Hanzo is not that rash." Sub-Zero said confidently.
"[Malice] He was rash enough to kill your brother with only the words of a sorcerer tying Bi-Han to the crime." Sektor replied coldly.
"And who commissioned that crime?" Sub-Zero asked.
"[Frustration] … [Recollection] Oniro attempted to fool us into believing that Wu Lae led his clan," Sektor recounted. "[Conclusion] It is unlikely that either Raiden or the Shirai Ryu is aware of his true identity."
"When Oniro captured yourself and Frost, he said only that he had an ally, correct?" Sub-Zero asked.
"[Confirmation] Affirmative." Sektor answered.
"He didn't gloat about being able to use Raiden against you, only about what the Tekunin could do, right?" Cyrax then asked.
"[Conclusion] You two believe that he wishes to destroy us personally," Sektor realized. "Without outside interference."
"That could also be why he took the Tengu off the board," Cyrax theorized. "No one to help or hurt us. Just us and Him."
"[Hate] And his arrogance will cause him to believe he can do it alone, and we will prove him wrong," said Sektor. "[Conclusion] It would appear you are correct, Kuai Liang. [Admittance] the Shirai Ryu prove no active threat."
"Not to us," Cyrax argued. "Raiden's doing exactly what Kuai feared he would with the Lin Kuei: using them as tools of his crusade."
"And Hanzo feels so deeply indebted to Raiden that he cannot yet see it." Sub-Zero added.
"That Takeda kid clearly didn't know anything about the Tekunin before him and his friends came with us," Cyrax pointed out. "He probably doesn't know about the Brotherhood massacre either. Hanzo's keeping secrets, probably on Raiden's request."
"Secrets that it seems are not remaining that way for long…" said Sub-Zero.
True to Kuai Liang's theory, Kia and Jataaka were feeling rather honest, and had just finished telling Takeda about his clan's involvement in the Brotherhood of Shadow massacre.
"We're… sorry," said Kia. "I'm sure this is a lot to take in."
Jacqui was by Takeda's side, doing her best to comfort him. A fact the two rarely shared was that after they started dating, Takeda created a small mental link between them. They could sense when the other was in danger or of their emotional state. Jacqui had felt Takeda's distress and rushed over as soon as she could.
Takeda's breaths were heavy. He started cursing in Japanese.
"Why didn't he tell me!" Takeda shouted. "And why would he even go along with something like that!"
"We can answer that second question," offered Jataaka. "The Brotherhood killed Scorpion's old clan. I'm sure he mentioned it."
"I heard he had a family too," Kia recalled. "I mean, I get it. If someone took Jataaka away from me…"
"Baby, I'm not going anywhere." Jataaka assured, giving her wife a kiss for good measure.
"Thanks." Kia replied with a smile.
"I'm sure he didn't want to keep any secrets from you," Jacqui told her fiance. "It was probably Raiden's idea."
"You're right," Takeda acknowledged. "Which means Raiden probably plans to pull Hanzo into his war. Oh god, he'll put the whole Shirai Ryu against Outworld…"
"Taki, we'll figure out what to do about Raiden," Jacqui assured him. "Right now we need to lay low, and try and clear our heads while we deal with this Tekunin thing first."
Takeda nodded. "You're right," he smiled at her. "You always do have the best battle plan."
Jacqui smiled back. "I try."
The young couple then kissed one another.
"And… Thank you both for telling me this," Takeda said to Kia and Jataaka. "I'm probably better off knowing."
Kia nodded. "Just trying out some of that 'kindness' Sareena likes so much."
"It is actually quite fulfilling," Jataaka realized. "Well anyway, we'll leave you be."
Takeda nodded. "Cya round."
"Let us know if you ever wanna go on a double date." added Jacqui.
The two demonesses held hands as they left the room, Jataaka chuckling briefly.
"We're already married," she told them. "But we'll think about it."
"Wait so they're demons?" Mokap asked. "But that blue guy wasn't one?"
"The friendly demons look like people." Jataaka informed him.
"Huh…" was Mokap's only response. "Interesting universe we live in. Takeda, you sure you're gonna be alright?"
Takeda nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine."
"Course you will," Jacqui agreed. "Cause I'm right here."
Mokap couldn't help but smile. "Alright, I'll leave you two be."
"We can do some more training tomorrow." Takeda offered.
"I'll be there," Mokap confirmed. "Not like I have anywhere else to go." He chuckled at his own joke.
Before he could leave the room, Cassie rushed in so fast that she almost slammed into him. Frost followed soon after.
"Guys!" Cassie said enthusiastically.
"Woah now, what's the rush?" Mokap asked.
"It finally happened!" Cassie exclaimed.
"What did?" Jacqui asked.
"She's talking about Kai and Jin." Frost explained.
"They're boyfriends!" Cassie said excitedly, raising her arms above her head. "Ok, so here's how it happened…"
As she was chronicling the story of their union, the newly formed couple were walking about the hallways of the Lin Kuei base, hand in hand with one another.
During their stroll, they were approached by Eyota.
"Greetings, Kung Jin," said Eyota. "Cassandra- sorry, 'Cassie' informed me rather loudly and excitedly that the two of you have become a couple. I simply wish to offer my services to help train your lover in archery."
"I appreciate the offer," Kung Jin replied. "And yeah," he laughed. "That sounds like Cassie alright."
"Two teachers doesn't sound so bad," Kai said, before looking at Jin. "Course, you'll be my favorite."
He quickly gave his boyfriend a kiss on the cheek, which had Jin blushing immediately.
Eyota smiled. "Love is a wonderful thing. I wish you both the best."
"We appreciate that." Kai responded.
"Yeah, thanks." Jin agreed.
"Of course." Eyota nodded, before walking away with the intent of leaving the new couple to their business."
"And Nightwolf!" Jin called to her.
She turned back.
"You'll save your mentor," he told her. "I know it."
"And your family for good measure!" Eyota called back.
"You got good friends." Kai complimented.
"And an even better boyfriend." Jin added.
"Well, obviously." Kai jokingly replied.
"Y'know, now that we're actually together, I feel a lot better about whatever will happen next." Jin admitted.
"Yeah," Kai agreed. "I was thinking the same thing."
"It's what Master Bo' Rai Cho always said," Kung Jin recalled. "If we persevere, and hold onto hope, we'll make it through."
Kai hugged Kung Jin.
"And hold onto the people we love." He added.
"Absolutely." Jin agreed.
While the young couple enjoyed their newfound love, Vera Briggs couldn't help but think to the past. As a result of this, she approached Kurtis Stryker.
"You knew my husband all those years ago, right?" Vera asked.
"Yes ma'am," Stryker confirmed. "I fought with Jax in the invasion, and then we uhh… took the same job after the fact."
"Being revenants." Vera surmised.
Stryker sighed. "That'd be correct."
"He'd tell me about all you guys from time to time," Vera recalled. "He said you were a good guy. Wished there were more cops like you, especially when he turned on the news."
"I appreciate that," Stryker acknowledged. "Back then, I tried to be an example to my fellow officers. Of how to do the right thing. I hope I've helped, but I know the actions of some of the people who wear this badge number among this country's mistakes."
"My husband always said what matters is keeping what the flag is supposed to mean alive," Vera remembered. She pointed to the rag tied around Stryker's arm. "I think you do a pretty good job of that."
"Thanks," Stryker replied. "And actually…"
He untied the American flag-detailed rag from his arm and handed it to Vera.
"This belongs to your family." He told her.
Vera nodded and elected to tie the rag around her own arm. "Thanks, I appreciate that."
Stryker nodded. "Not a problem."
"You know my husband, he… didn't like talking about it," Vera admitted. "What it was like to be a revenant I mean. He'd tell his therapist. He had to, if he wanted to be evaluated as mentally fit to return to duty. I still tried my best to help him through the pain… even if I didn't really know what the pain was."
"That must've been hard," Stryker sympathized. "But extremely kind of you. I'm sure you were exactly who Jax needed in his life after all that. And you got a wonderful daughter out of it all."
"Thanks," Vera replied. "Yeah it's been tough, but the Briggs family doesn't give up."
"Neither do I," Stryker agreed. "Glad we're on the same side."
Stryker offered his hand and Vera shook it.
"If you'd like…" Stryker paused. "I can tell you about being a revenant. What it was like for me, and what I saw from Jax. You can also probably ask Sub-Zero what it was like for him, and my friend Jade if we go to Outworld again anytime soon. In fact, you could come with me whenever I go over there to tell Mileena I'm sorry for punching her. Missed my chance last time."
Vera chuckled. "Thanks. I'll settle for just your story right now."
"Well for me, I could still tell that what I was doing was wrong," Stryker explained. "I couldn't do anything about it, but I didn't have to like it either."
He chuckled. "Quan Chi hated me giving him the silent treatment. Well, I pretty much gave everybody the silent treatment. Till I got my mind back, that is."
He pointed to the rag now on Vera's arm.
"That flag right there is what reminded me what I stood for. And what I went down fighting for. Freedom."
"Real American Hero over here," Vera said with a small laugh. "So… what was Jax like?"
"Angry," Stryker answered. "I mean we were all angry on some level. Liu Kang's got it the worst, boy do I hope I can help him… Jade was actually pretty calm, short of a time that she was a revenant, anyway. But Jax… thing is, we all hated ourselves on some level too. Smoke and Sindel would bury themselves, he'd act like a different person, she'd live in a fantasy. Sub-Zero was like me, he just decided not to talk to anyone. My buddy Kabal, poor guy, felt like he wasted his life. Same with Kitana… I'm sorry, you asked me about your husband. I should stop getting sidetracked."
"No, I get it," Vera sympathized. "They were… are your friends."
Stryker sighed. "Yeah… just wish I could do more for them."
"We all wish we could do more for the people that matter to us." Vera reasoned.
Stryker nodded. "Yeah. So Jax… he was. See Liu Kang, his anger is specifically at Raiden. Jax, when he was a revenant, just seemed like he was mad at everything. And I mean everything. I think he doesn't like telling you about it because he doesn't like remembering the things he did. None of us do, really. It was… it was us at our lowest."
"It wasn't your fault though." Vera argued.
"Sure doesn't feel like it…" Stryker replied.
"Now you're starting to sound like Cassie." Vera pointed out.
"Raiden putting her up to that? I'd feel pretty guilty myself," Stryker admitted. "You know? As crazy as it sounds, part of me wants to help him to. Even in spite of… everything."
"I don't think that's crazy," said Vera. "I think it's you hanging onto hope. Something we all need to do right now."
Stryker nodded. "Yeah. Yeah! You're right. You know, you're good at that. Jax is lucky, I'm very happy for you both. Your daughter seems great too. I guess it's just good seeing one of us start a new life after everything that happened."
"I really appreciate you saying that," Vera responded. "It hasn't always been easy for my family, hell right now isn't exactly easy for my family, but we always push through it."
"Sometimes that's all you can do." Stryker reasoned.
"So what about you?" Vera asked."Now that you're back, what's your plan?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, I've yet to meet anybody I could settle down with," Stryker admitted. "Let alone start a family. I think once I get back home to New York, I might see if I can rejoin the force."
Vera laughed.
"What's so funny?" Stryker asked.
"Now you're starting to sound just like my husband," Vera explained. "Or like Sonya for that matter. Just can't put up with retirement, huh?"
"Well even if I wanted to, I'm too young," Stryker reasoned. "Seems being a revenant hasn't aged me a day. That's one upside, I guess."
"That was the first thing I noticed when Jax came back." Vera recalled.
"He never mentioned you," Stryker realized. "How long have you two been married?"
"He proposed right when he first saw me after getting out of hell," Vera recounted. "Said thinking about me had kept him going inside it. That big ol' softie…" She said with a smile. "Jacqui came soon after that."
"That sounds wonderful," Stryker complimented. "Congrats again. First thing I did when I came back was get tackled out a window."
"You ok?!" Vera asked. "I've been taking medical classes the past few years."
"I came back to life, didn't I?" Stryker asked back. "So far as I'm concerned, I'm great! Bruised here and there, but just dandy otherwise."
Vera laughed. "That's one way of putting it. I see you like to stay on the bright side."
"Best as I can, anyway." Stryker said humbly.
"Reminds me of Sonya's husband," Vera said. "Or ex, nowadays."
Stryker chuckled. "Still can't believe that happened. Gotta admit thought, they brought a good kid into this world."
"Yeah," Vera agreed. "So sounds like resurrection's treating you well so far. Mostly anyway."
Stryker nodded. "It's like a new beginning."
Stryker's sentiment was similar to that of Sareena's. Kuai Liang had agreed to her wish to become a member of the Lin Kuei clan, which allowed her to undergo a long-desired change in wardrobe.
She was walking through the hallways of the Lin Kuei base alongside one of Sub-Zero's students, Sleet, who had been assigned to help her with her new uniform.
Said new uniform consisted of a black coat with Lin Kuei-blue trim and a white fur collar, as well as similarly patterned snow-ready pants and boots. Sareena opted to forgo wearing a Lin Kuei facemask, it simply wasn't her style. She had however proudly decided to wear a metal pin of the Lin Kuei's emblem on the right side of her uniform. Finally, a symbol she wasn't ashamed of.
The only part of her Brotherhood of Shadow uniform which remained was the belt she used to store her assorted weaponry. Sareena had faced the Tekunin firsthand, she certainly wanted to keep her weapons on her for the next time they met in battle.
Sareena had learned how to navigate the base well enough to find Ashrah, who was meditating in a small room.
Sareena put a finger to her lips, signaling Sleet to stay quiet. She then snuck over and lifted up Ashrah's large hat before her friend could realize she was there.
"Anything under here?" She asked playfully.
Ashrah was surprised at first, but quickly smiled and stood up.
"Oh Sareena, you and your little tricks." Ashrah said knowingly.
"Well I had to get your attention somehow," Sareena reasoned, giggling in a way that Ashrah found adorable. "So! What do you think of my new look?"
Ashrah stood up and examined Sareena's Lin Kuei uniform. Shortly after, she caught herself staring a bit too long and quickly formed a response:
"I-I think it… suits you rather well." Ashrah answered.
"Thank you!" Sareena replied earnestly. "Oh, this is Sleet, he's one of Frost's friends. He helped me pick out this uniform."
"Pleased to be properly introduced, Ms. Ashrah." Sleet said formally.
"And to you as well," Ashrah replied kindly. "Just 'Ashrah' will do, but I appreciate your politeness."
"People who are nice are a rarity in the Netherrealm." Sareena explained.
"Between you two and your friends, it can't be that rare." Sleet reasoned.
"He may have a point." Ashrah admitted.
"Then may whatever noble souls linger there find their escape like we did." Sareena decided.
"Indeed," Ashrah agreed. "When I've finally purified my soul, perhaps I'll send my kriss back down there to help someone else."
"You've always been so generous." Sareena complimented.
Ashrah smiled. "I appreciate you saying that… there have been times where slaying my fellow demons to save my own soul has felt rather selfish."
"That the Brotherhood or that hellish place itself so deeply corrupted their minds that they could not be reasoned with isn't your fault, Ashrah," Sareena argued. "And… what happened to your sister wasn't your fault either. I hope you realize that."
"I try…" Ashrah conceded. "The worst part is… demons slain by my blade do not reform in other planes, as you did when Shinnok killed you. At least, I've certainly never seen any of my foes more than once. So alas, my sister truly is gone forever…"
"Maybe not completely," Sareena suggested. "She's still alive in your heart, isn't she? I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's something. Isn't this why we fight? So no one else has to suffer that pain?"
Ashrah nodded and her melancholy gave way to a smile. "You're right, Sareena. You always do help me press on."
"What are friends for?" Sareena asked.
Ashrah remained silent for a moment. Sareena soon realized her wording, and wondered if this might be the moment where they properly broached the subject of their feelings towards one another.
Ashrah evidently wasn't ready just yet, and simply hugged Sareena instead.
To spare Ashrah any further awkwardness, Sareena elected to change the subject.
"So Sleet, is there anything else I must do now that I am Lin Kuei?" She asked.
"Sifu will fill you in on any responsibilities he wants you to take on," Sleet explained. "You should be fine for now. I'm gonna go train. Wanna be ready for what's coming our way."
"Of course," Sareena agreed. "Good luck."
"We're all gonna need some of that…" Sleet replied. "Anyway, I'll be seeing you. Welcome to the Lin Kuei."
"I'm honored that you would have me." Sareena said humbly.
Sleet nodded and soon after left the room.
Kia and Jataaka happened to be walking by and summarily entered the room.
"Oh, there you are," Jataaka realized. "We were telling some of the others about what happened to the Brotherhood. Figured they'd be better off knowing."
"That was definitely the right thing to do." Sareena agreed.
"So, what's with the new outfit?" Kia asked. "I mean, it's definitely a good look, just didn't expect you to jump over to the Lin Kuei."
"I thought it was time to finally leave the Brotherhood of Shadow behind." Sareena explained.
Jataaka sighed.
"We're… glad you can…" Kia said.
"That's something that we… will never fully be able to do."
Sareena didn't say anything. She pulled the Lin Kuei pin off of her coat. She then removed her coat, wearing a plain sleeveless black shirt underneath.
She held the pin in her hand, taking a moment to look at the symbol of the Lin Kuei. Then she summoned her pink mystical flame into her hand, heating the metal.
"Sareena, what are you doing?" Ashrah asked.
Sareena slammed the hot metal into her own shoulder, right where her tattoo of the Brotherhood of Shadow's emblem had been for the past few years. She burned the symbol of the Lin Kuei into her flesh, just as the Brotherhood's symbol had been burned into Kia and Jataaka.
"Sareena!" Ashrah shouted, grabbing her arm and pulling it away from her shoulder.
Sareena gritted her teeth and worked through the pain, simmering her magic flames and looking at her two oldest friends, who looked back at her in shock.
"I may not be able to undo what the Brotherhood did to you…" Sareena admitted. "Much as I might want to. But I swear upon this brand I have placed on myself… I will not allow anyone to suffer as you did ever again. Most especially not people who have stood by me… even when I didn't deserve it."
"Sareena, you didn't have to..." Kia started to say.
"I'm sure it's only a fraction of the pain you endured." Sareena argued.
"We weren't asking you to go through what we did." Jataaka countered.
"I know," Sareena conceded. "Like I said… it's all about making sure no one else does."
"Sareena…" Ashrah paused for a moment. "I understand your mission, I share it, but doing that to yourself…"
"I don't make my commitments lightly." Sareena told her.
"It's hard not to respect something like that," Jataaka admitted. "Best of luck… old friend."
"Yeah, seriously," Kia agreed. "We mean it."
"Thank you both." Sareena replied.
Suddenly, Sub-Zero came into the room.
"Is everything alright?" He asked. "Cyrax heard shouting. His ears are… better than mine."
He quickly noticed the symbol of his own clan burned into Sareena's shoulder.
"Just… making things official." Sareena explained.
"I see…" Was all Sub-Zero could muster in response. It was a show of commitment few would be willing to make.
Sareena diverted her attention to Ashrah. "I hadn't meant to scare you with that. I'm sorry."
"It's… it's alright," Ashrah replied. "I understand the message you were trying to get across."
"Thank you," Sareena replied, before again turning to Sub-Zero. "And don't worry. I intend to focus my fire on the Tekunin from now on."
Sub-Zero nodded. "I appreciate the aid that all of you have given."
"Happy to," Sareena assured him. "Consider it my duty."
Duty was an ideal of equal if not greater importance to Sonya Blade. Oftentimes, she had endeavored to keep her personal and professional duties separate from one another. Now, her orders greatly contrasted her feeling of what was right. And for possibly the first time since becoming a mother, she wasn't sure what to do.
In a way, she was glad this sudden inter-realm energy had been detected by the Special Forces' base. It was a distraction, something to take her mind away from her current predicament so she could collect her thoughts later and form a proper plan for her next course of action.
The SF plane which had taken Sonya and her small group to Japan touched down in the small town that was their destination.
Sonya wasn't sure what to expect, so she also brought along a modest squad of troops, who immediately fanned out and began investigating the area. Sonya herself followed soon after, along with Jax, Kenshi, and Johnny.
"Weird, everything looks… normal." Johnny observed.
"Looks can be deceiving," Kenshi said knowingly. "I sense some sort of… dark presence. Yet it seems to be within a human soul."
"Think it could be a revenant?" Sonya asked.
"Not their style to be alone," Jax pointed out "Trust me, I would know."
"It is… something of the Netherrealm, I believe," Kenshi reported, holding two fingers to his temple. "Were it a revenant, I would… recognize the presence. Follow me."
The group did as instructed, allowing Kenshi to lead them to the presence he had discovered. The exercise allowed Kenshi to stretch his legs, something he definitely felt he needed to do after his recent recovery.
He still wasn't at full strength just yet, and took it slow for the time being. His friends and allies were patient enough not to mind. As they walked, Sonya and Jax remained alert for any possible threats, while Johnny simply marvelled at the scenery around them.
After a few minutes, they came to a stop on the outskirts of the small town. Beyond the houses were barren grey rocky mountains which seemed like they'd almost been purposefully placed to obscure something.
A man with long white hair in silvery-grey armor was speaking to one of the locals, asking them questions and trying his best to recall what he knew of Japanese.
Kenshi pointed at the man. "Him."
"Hey hold on a second," said Johnny. "That guy looks familiar."
Sonya and Jax examined the man and silently came to the same conclusion.
Sonya took the lead and the group approached the man. He noticed Jax's metal arms out of the corner of his eye and quickly turned to face them.
"Hello strangers." The man said jokingly, a smile on his face.
"Smoke…?!" Sonya asked.
"The one and only," Smoke confirmed. "And please, call me Tomas. It's good to see you three again. It's been… quite a long time."
"This is… frankly incredible, but…" Johnny started to say.
"How?!" Sonya asked.
"There's a portal behind those mountains," Smoke explained. "Leads to this place between realms called the Nexus."
"That answers one question," Jax acknowledged. "But we were thinking more…"
"That is a longer story, my friend," Smoke admitted. "Here, how's about I tell you on the way back to your base in America? I'm sure you've got just as much to fill me in on anyway."
"Yeah…" Sonya confirmed. "It's good to have you back."
"Thank you." Smoke replied.
"Screw it, I'm going two for two on doing this." Johnny said before abruptly hugging Smoke.
Smoke chuckled. "It's good to see you too, John."
Johnny let go and then asked his next question: "Did you run into Jade by chance?"
"I'm aware of her resurrection, if that's what you mean," Smoke answered. "Have you all run into Kurtis?"
The three were silent for a moment.
"Stryker?!" Jax finally said. "He's alive too?!"
Smoke nodded. "Was he not with Jade? Strange, wonder why they would've split up. Still, glad they could both get out of the Netherrealm."
Smoke took notice of Kenshi, who had remained silent.
"Pleased to meet you properly sir," Smoke said kindly. "I believe we only met a few times when I was a revenant. What is your name?"
"Kenshi." The blind swordsman answered.
Smoke nodded. "Pleased to meet you. Would love to get to know you better, but well, we should probably get going."
Smoke turned to Sonya and Jax.
"Just one more thing I need from you two."
He proceeded to pull them both into a hug.
"There," He said with a smile as he let go. "Let's get a move on then."
Sonya nodded. "Indeed. Lots to catch up on."
The group began heading for the plane. Johnny walked next to Sonya.
"I saw you smile for a second there," he teased. "I saw it when we bumped into Jade too."
"Wouldn't you be happy to see them alive again?" Sonya asked.
"Oh I'm delighted!" Johnny responded. "It's just been a while since I've seen you happy."
Sonya sighed. "There isn't usually much to be happy about in my line of work."
"See that's your problem," Johnny reasoned. "You're too glum about everything! Lighten up a little!"
"I wish it were that easy…" Sonya replied.
"Your husband is right," chimed in Smoke. "Despair will get you nowhere. I had to help Kuai Liang through his despair after Bi-Han was killed. Boy will he be surprised when I tell him Bi-Han is alive."
"Sub-Zero the First is back to?" Johnny asked.
Sonya silently decided against correcting Smoke on the state of her and Johnny's marriage for the moment.
"Part of that long story," Smoke explained. "By the way…"
"Yeah?" Jax asked.
"Where is Kuai Liang?" Smoke asked.
"You know him better than pretty much anyone," Sonya reasoned.
"Maybe you can help us find out."