This story takes place right after Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero. Copyright blah blah blah. If you must know, Chaolan is the younger Sub-Zero that appears in MK2, MK3, MK4, MKDA, and MKD. Sub-Zero, in this story, is the older brother that appears in MKM: SZ and MK1.

Kept Apart

Sub-Zero trained in the Lin Kuei gym. He practiced his kata, making whirling motions with his hands as he carefully moved his feet in a somewhat rhythmic motion. Ever since returning from the Netherealm, he had been doing this frequently. That and the preparation for this tournament that this sorcerer named Shang Tsung had invited him to. Mortal Kombat, he believed it was called. He had heard stories his whole life about the sacred tournament that determined the safety of realms, and Earth was no exception. He also knew about the horrors of Outworld, and its emperor Shao Kahn. Yes, he knew about it all.

But for some reason, it didn't intimidate him as much if it ever did. What he had seen and experienced in the Netherealm was unlike anything he had ever heard about. He barely escaped with his life and soul. He flashed back to all of what he had seen. He remembered murdering his old rival, Scorpion, how immensely satisfying it was. Then, he saw his spirit form in the Prison of Souls. He had almost succeeded in murdering him, and he had these new strange powers. Sub-Zero barely escaped with his life, and he also remembered what Scorpion told him, that he murdered his family, but he didn't. Still, it was probably best that Scorpion was in the Netherealm. No way would he like to face such a beast in battle again.

He flashed back to the four elemental gods he had faced. Now that he knew the purpose of his quest for the amulet, he felt bad for beating them, but couldn't help but feel more confident about his skills after beating them. He, a mere mortal in the eyes of gods, had defeated them all!

He flashed back to the Warden of the Prison of Souls, and the Keepers of the Bridge of Immortality. Horrible creatures they were, indeed, born and created to kill. They were worth having numerous nightmares about, and he wouldn't like to face them again.

He flashed back to the three assassins Kia, Jataaka, and Sareena. Kia and Jataaka were deadly, but Sareena was something else. He had no idea why he unmercifully beat the other two and spared Sareena. What was it about her that made him spare her? He couldn't figure out why, but he felt some sort of attraction to her, something about her fighting skills, her beauty. It was all the mark of a true warrior, but there was more. He couldn't understand, and he was in a way kind of glad she was gone from his life forever. Such emotions really clouded his mind, and in his career he couldn't afford them. Still, he felt some sympathy for her fate, and he never really thanked her for saving him from Quan-Chi.

Sub-Zero started to move more aggressively as he thought of him! The pompous sorcerer! He was a psychopath to be sure, a twisted cretin with no regard for anything but something irrelevant as realm domination. He reveled in the fact that he landed some heavy blows upon his bald white face, and hoped he would burn wherever he was now.

Sub-Zero had also thought about the thunder god Raiden, what he had told him. He had evil in his heart, and if he had died in the Netherealm, he surely would have remained there. Sub-Zero shuddered at the thought of spending his afterlife in such a place. He could alter his destiny, and change. How could he? His hands were tainted with the blood of many, and he had a master to serve. If he deserted he would die. Still, he knew the thunder god's words would intrude his sleep forever.

However, none of the above scared him more than HIM. Shinnok, leader of the Netherealm. What in the hell was a monster like that doing existing in the universe? It was impossible to defeat him, and he barely escaped with his life when he transformed into that creature once the amulet was stolen. To think that he wanted control over the Earth and everything around it. He was thankful that he was trapped in the Netherealm forever. Let him rule over that wasteland. The Elder Gods were wise in their decision. He made the fabled Shao Kahn look like a mere minnow in waters filled with whales. Still, the fact that he still existed made him nervous, that it was possible that he could attack at any time. Would there be any hope if he did?

All of a sudden, Sub-Zero felt a cold chill whiz by him. He stopped his kata and endless train of thought to look in the direction of which the chill came from. At the door, he saw a young man with brown hair dressed in a Lin Kuei uniform. Sub-Zero smirked. It was his younger brother Chaolan, the only person he knew his whole life.

"Your aim is off," he teased.

"What can I say, brother?" Chaolan smirked back. "You move too much. What did that old sorcerer want with you a couple of weeks back?"

"He was Shang Tsung," said Sub-Zero. "He invited me to the legendary Mortal Kombat tournament."

"Are you serious?" asked Chaolan in excitement. "THE Mortal Kombat tournament? The very same that decides the fate of this planet?"

"The one and only," said Sub-Zero. "However, I'll just be on another mission. Apparently an old enemy of Shang Tsung's heard about this and is paying the Lin Kuei a healthy payment to have the sorcerer murdered. Really, Chaolan, the fate of Earth at Outworld's hands does not concern me. We all die in the end, and I do not fear death. This is just another mission."

Sub-Zero continued his kata. Chaolan was confused by this. Usually, his big brother would come back with a playful insult. But, ever since returning from his mission, he had been quiet.

"Something wrong?" asked Chaolan.

At that quote, Sub-Zero stopped his kata entirely. He turned slowly to face Chaolan, and he could already tell something was wrong. Sub-Zero decided after all of his thoughts that Shinnok's return was inevitable. Just in case, he wanted Chaolan to survive if he died. He had devoted his life to the Lin Kuei, but he still cared about his little brother. The thought of him suffering at the hands of such monsters as he had encountered previously made him uneasy.

"Come, Chaolan," he said. "We must talk."

X X X

Sub-Zero lead Chaolan all around the Lin Kuei complex, walking past new assassins in training. The whole way, Sub-Zero told him about his journey through the Temple of Elements and the Netherealm. Chaolan was in awe at his brother having survived all of this. It was a very interesting story to say the least. Finally, he was done.

"Amazing," said Chaolan. "You did battle with the gods and lived?" Sub-Zero was proud of such an accomplishment, but he kept his modesty in this case as he nodded.

"The Shirai Ryu ninja Scorpion," began Chaolan. "He still lives?"

"In the Netherealm he continues to die," said Sub-Zero. "Perhaps it is best he stays there."

"But you didn't murder his family," said Chaolan.

"Yes, I know," said Sub-Zero. "That sorcerer Quan-Chi did the deed, and managed to frame me for it. But how?"

Chaolan shrugged. "Quan-Chi sounds like a nasty sorcerer," he said.

"More," seethed Sub-Zero. He hated that sorcerer with a vengeance.

"So, tell me more about this Sareena," said Chaolan, a big knowing smile on his face. Sub-Zero saw this, and playfully punched his brother on the arm, knowing he was teasing him about his possible attraction to her.

"There is not much to tell, actually," said Sub-Zero. "Still, she saved my life. No one has ever done that for me, and probably never will again."

"Where is she now?" asked Chaolan.

"I don't know, and I sympathize with her soul," said Sub-Zero solemnly. He did, actually. He couldn't deny his attraction to her, and the thought of her suffering at Shinnok's hands for all of eternity for betrayal was very disturbing. Sometimes he had wished he had taken her with him out of the Netherealm instead of fearing for his own life, but he had a mission and it was accomplished. It was rare, though, that matters of duty and the heart came into conflict.

"So, this Shinnok," uttered Chaolan. "What is he?"

"A monster, and let's never speak of him again, please," Sub-Zero said rapidly, as if trying to end the conversation. Who could blame him, really?

"Sorry," said Chaolan. After that was silence. Sub-Zero realized the rudeness of his reply, and also remembered he had something to tell Chaolan.

"Chaolan, Shinnok was a cruel evil bastard," stated Sub-Zero, "who is deservingly dying in the Netherealm over which he claims to rule. However, I fear that may not last, which is what I needed to talk to you about."

At this quote, Chaolan was all ears.

"Should Shinnok ever appear from the Netherealm, I want you to remember something," Sub-Zero began. "Shinnok's power stems from the amulet I was telling you about. He could not escape the Netherealm without it. The key to destroying him is the amulet. All you must do is steal it from him and his power will cease. Remember that, Chaolan. If ever the time comes, remember that."

Chaolan was shocked at the urgency in his brother's voice. It was if he strongly believed Shinnok would return. Nevertheless, he nodded understandingly.

"Everything we discussed remains between us," said Sub-Zero. "No one must know about this experience of mine or anything else."

"I promise, brother," said Chaolan.

"Now I ask you to leave me," said Sub-Zero. "I must be alone." Chaolan bowed to his brother, and then just left. Sub-Zero watched his brother leave, hoping that Chaolan would apply his knowledge should that fateful day come. Perhaps it was paranoia, but he felt that Shinnok's return was inevitable. Somehow, someway, he knew he would attack again.

CHAPTER 2 COMING UP!