Chapter4: Cyrax's house
In a moment the emergency lighting had come on and the passageway once dark was now a bright red. Coughing and sneezing the three Lin kuei stood to their feet staggering away from the burning wreckage and debris of the lift. Distant footsteps sounded out down the corridor and suddenly out of the darkness Lin kuei soldiers dressed in red came running forward.
"Freeze!" shouted one. Shurikens were in their hands, they glared towards Subzero and his two guards warily, "What's going on here!"
"An assassin booby trapped the lift!" shouted Kanashi over the noise of the flames, "It stopped while we were in it"
"You, you stay here! The rest of you to the roof"
"I think we'd all better go," snarled Subzero standing to his feet, "I want to meet the person who did this personally"
They rushed up the stairs two at a time running on foot. The Elite guard were coming out of passageways everywhere. The red lights flashed as they ascended the steps and passageways that lead to the roof of the mountain.
All at once doors on a metallic building close to the hall opened with a shudder and Lin kuei soldiers stormed out followed by Subzero Kanashi and Wurrow. Streams of other Lin kuei appeared out of other entrances. It was cold and snow was falling in flakes softly through the air.
"What's going on!" shouted distant voices across the compound. They sounded quiet through the snow.
"Intruder on the roof!" shouted back the captain putting his hands to his lips in a cup shape.
"I see him! Up there on the top of the hall!" shouted a soldier in red and all eyes turned to that place. On the roof of the great hall the black stone reaching up high into the sky a figure was crouched gazing down at them from the shadows.
"Bring him down," said the leader gazing up at the dark silhouette. He withdrew three shurikens from his boot and aimed them.
"No!" shouted Subzero, "Don't kill him I want to know who he works for"
"Blast," grumbled the Captain, "Alright take him alive"
"Don't you fucking move or we kill!" shouted another near by who appeared to be the leader of another section of troops. Alarms everywhere were ringing out across the compound.
The dark shape paused in motion perfectly still. The troops hurried forward their eyes locked on it. They ran up a metal stair case their feet clanging on the metallic grilled surface. Subzero watched gazing intently at the figure on top.
"Don't you fucking move now!" shouted the Lin kuei as they approached. They walked steadily towards the crouched figure shurikens in hand gazing over it. More Lin kuei burst out of the double doors and surveyed the scene shivering from the cold.
All in a moment the silhouette turned its head and with a quick burst of speed it leapt through the air. The Lin kuei watched stunned in awe as it passed across the night sky at impossible heights. With a clang it landed on the opposite roof.
"Take it down you imbeciles!" shouted the captain and at once they thrust their throwing knives forward. Clearly taken back the dark shape hurried away jerking a moment it seemed as blades sunk into its flesh. Again shuddering though this time it jumped high into the air and landed on another building. Subzero could see the blades sticking out of it now yet it didn't drop down. Running it hopped down cross the wall horizontally it ran straight toward the Lin kuei. Blood spurted everywhere as shurikens stuck into its chest. It was wearing yellow...
Running down and hopping off the wall it darted in between the soldiers who attacked and missed in a confused frenzy. It crossed as fast as a cheetah through the crowd directly towards Subzero.
"I know you!" whispered Subzero as it came steadily closer, "I killed you!" With a snarl and a flash of white eyes the ghost leapt through the air with burning hands of fire and headed straight towards Subzero. Quick as lightning he outstretched his hand and with a glow of blue he thrust though the air a large sharp icicle that whistled before lodging itself in the creature's chest.
Bleeding heavily like an old pincushion the last of the Shiri Ryu slumped to the ground clutching the ice rod that had impaled him through the chest. Fire burned in his eyes as he gazed up at Subzero blood pouring out of its body. Nobody dared to approach. Subzero backed off slowly gazing in fear at the specter before him. It smiled slowly with a toothful grin before with a grunt it gripped both hands on the ice that was inside him. With a heave it pulled it out bit by bit and threw it to the ground with a crunch. A hole was in his body as he stood to his feet. He gazed at it in amusement for a moment touching the blood with his fingers. Tasting it he gazed once around at the Lin kuei around him taking in their expressions of terror and fear. The shurikens wobbled about still sticking into the creature blood leaking down onto the floor.
"Not yet... not yet... yet death creeps through every crack to find its victim ... not yet Subzero but watch for me ... remember me... for you must remember my name when I come for you"
With a shriek he leapt into the air and burst into flame. When the smoke cleared he was gone.
"I killed him!" shouted Subzero frantically, "He should be dead! I killed him..."
"What does this mean master?" whispered Wurrow
"Who was that?" asked Kanashi with wild eyes
"I'll answer that"
Eyes turned to behold a cloaked old man walking through the Lin kuei. They stepped aside as he came through all shocked at what had just happened.
The sorcerer Shangtsung parted and stood in front of the stunned Subzero with blue cloak and piercing eyes. There was something very demonic looking about the sorcerer through the snow. His shoulders seemed too smooth now as if in truth his age were somehow not a set back. He did not hobble forward now as he had done in the chamber with the Grandmaster but now he seemed to walk upright and strong. There was the sorcerer again just at the perfect moment. Almost too conveniant.
"That was a demon from the Neatherealm"
"I killed him," whispered Subzero
"You did, that is true," replied Shangtsung slowly, "But he has returned. Some people do not accept death"
"What does he want?" pleaded Subzero, "I defeated him fare and square, what does he want from me?"
"Wrong Subzero," returned Shangtsung with a piercing stare, "You defeated him with the help of a Shaolin monk who you also betrayed. Scorpion has returned to avenge his murder at your hands and he has become more powerful than ever before"
The soldiers parted and Subzero and Shangtsung met in the center. Subzero gazed at the floor.
"What can I do?"
"Run away Subzero... that is all you can do..."
"Where?"
"To a tournament... Mortal Kombat... he cannot follow you there"
"Your tournament sorcerer? You can grant me protection from this specter?"
"... Destiny is forced upon us, who knows whether he will eventually kill you Subzero? But while you are participating in my tournament, no beast from any plane of hell can enter without my knowledge"
"I don't understand, said Kanashi walking forward
"This is none of your business," sneered Subzero, "You know too much already"
"On the contrary... it might help matters. These two would make excellent guards on your flight. You will need all the help you can to get to my island, and away from that hell spawned monster in one piece. Hydro and Tringle may not be enough. Take these two with you, they have seen what is now hunting you"
"Heh... they're cowards the pair of them," spat Subzero glaring at the both of them, "You two wouldn't come with me if I paid you"
"On the contrary master I and Kanashi would follow you anywhere. It is my personal honor to accompany such a great warrior as yourself"
"Hey wait a minute!" pleaded Kanashi, "Did you just say we'd follow him anywhere? What part of we did I miss?"
"Why should I accept them anyway?" said Subzero looking from one to the other, "They're noisy, ignorant useless fools who probably couldn't tell which way up to hold a shuriken"
"Trust me Subzero," chuckled Shangtsung, "You will need them. All that I ask of you in return... is that you enter my tournament as we originally agreed"
"It is an easy price to pay old man," replied Subzero with a sigh, "Yet I cannot get rid of the feeling that there is some kind of a catch to this. I have been tricked in the past by clever men"
"There is no catch. I am just an old man who wants lost souls like your self to find their home"
Subzero turned and Wurrow and Kanashi looked him in the eye. They faced off for a few moments as Subzero looked for signs of weakness, waiting for one of them to back out but neither of them did.
"Will you two come with me then?" sneered Subzero
"I will," said Wurrow
"I guess I haven't got anything better to do with my life right now," sighed Kanashi
"Will anyone ever forgive me for killing off the gods?" asked Subzero grimly
"I thought it was rather a profitable idea myself," replied Shangtsung, "Still things may have gotten unpleasant if Quan chi had succeeded in all his millicent desires. You have no reason to complain Subzero, you've succeeded very well in making the best of bad weather"
"All of you search the perimeter!" shouted the captain ", I want every nook and cranny checked out for that assassin. Catch him dead or alive. We'll find out what we can from his corpse"
"You won't find him," laughed Shangtsung, "He is undead and powerful too, he can cross the boundaries of the realm"
The captain turned irritated and exasperated glaring at the old man, "I'm just doing my job okay? If I do nothing then I'm fired, its not as if I expect to find him"
"Kanashi do you know where to find Tringle?" asked Subzero
"I do sir"
"Good, tell him to get the copter ready, we're going early. Wurrow, do you know where to find Hydro?"
"I think so... I can ask directions if not. He's an arch assassin so he should be pretty easy to find"
"Tell him we're leaving... Shangtsung I have a personal favor to ask of you"
"Don't worry Subzero, I will tell the Grandmaster myself that you have done me the honor of setting about your mission early"
"I myself need to speak with a friend," grumbled Subzero, "I'll meet all of you who haven't chickened out by the helipad as soon as I'm done"
Cyrax's house was a tall building down the far side of the lake. It was much smaller than Subzero's ground which was by far the largest in the area, but it certainly felt a lot more free. There were minimal servants and no walls to keep out or keep in the beasts from the Neatherealm.
Through the darkness the light of lanterns and candles shone out across the lake at night like a tub of silver paint splashed out over the ground. The wooden roof was quite low with a small porch and door. Subzero hurried through the tall grass looking quickly now and again behind him to check that he wasn't being followed. His hands were feeling horrible cold as he rushed up the steps. The sound came across as a hollow thumping as he knocked on the door. The sounds of laughter and cheering came from inside. Yellow light glittered out across the tall grass.
After a few minutes and several knocks a beautiful woman opened the door wearing very little. The little she did have on: Bra and underwear was green with sandals no her feet, in her hand she held a tray of biscuits and cheese. Exactly what sort of party was this anyway?
"Can I help you?" she asked almost dropping the tray as she opened the door.
"I need to see Cyrax," whispered Subzero hurriedly, "Can you get him for me?"
"I'll see what I can do master," she replied realizing who he was and with a nod set off into the back of the house. Subzero turned aside putting his back to the wall of the house and into the darkness of the porch. Breathing heavily he tried to relax himself. A touch of moonlight caught his hand, and as he lifted his head his eyes and fore head came into the light.
Gazing out across the darkness of the Lin kuei at night he could see the peacefulness of the lake and houses all quiet. It seemed strange that a camp of assassins could be so quiet while off work. Hardly any of them knew that there had just been an alert in the main fortress. Of course the next day they would all know but until then they slumbered like lions before the hunt. All Subzero wanted to do was just to go back to bed but really he knew he was on the job again. In a way he had never left the job. Scorpion was a direct link to his past.
With a soft click the door opened and Cyrax looked about his dreadlocks catching the light. He looked around him confusedly before looking into the darkness of the porch with a shudder he saw Subzero and was startled. He quickly regained his composure as the Lin kuei stepped into the light. He was wearing a gold dressing gown with a silver chain round his neck. He looked relaxed and calm yet now he was beginning to be unnerved.
"Hey Subzero... glad you could make it," he smiled nervously
Subzero quickly came forward and looked Cyrax in the eyes.
"Why are you still dressed in full garb? Christ I told you Subzero I wanted casual clothes? What the fuck is this?"
"Cyrax I need your help... there's someone hunting me. I need you to come with me as a body guard on my next mission"
Cyrax looked at him blankly before rubbing his eyes, "What the? Can you repeat that?"
"I'm going on a very important mission for the Grand master and I need your help: protection!"
"When are you going? Why are you telling me this now?" grumbled Cyrax
"Tonight... we're going to try and get away tonight"
"What the fuck are you crazy? I'm in the middle of a party... my party for that matter. Who the fuck's following you? You haven't brought him here have you? Oh god I don't want a scene"
"I don't know where he is. We managed to stop him on the roof but he's a ghost you see and we can't kill him! It's Scorpion Cyrax! He's returned to get me"
"Scorpion? What the fuck are you talking about? He's dead"
"He's come back to get me!" roared Subzero, "I don't know how but he's alive again. I need your help!"
"Subzero get a hold of yourself!" shouted back Cyrax. He looked quickly back at the lights from the windows noticing a quiet pause in the conversation of his guests. The cheering voices started mumbling now obviously aware that something was going on outside.
"Listen," sighed Cyrax gazing irately at the floor, "If you'd told me about this job at least a week in advance I might have considered it. Heck if you'd told me on a day when I wasn't having a party I might have been more sympathetic, plus the fact that I wanted you at this party and..."
"Cyrax..." whispered Subzero pleadingly
"No let me fucking finish!" he bludgeoned, "Not only do you come late to my party in the wrong dress you also try to do business with me and expect me to be all happy and want to join you on my night off. Well I'm sorry Subzero... I don't care how famous or rich or whatever you are, I'm not doing it. Tonight I'm going to relax"
"Don't do this to me!" pleaded Subzero gazing into Cyrax's eyes again he held him by the shoulders.
"Look Subzero... I don't know what's wrong with you tonight... but there's no ghosts nobody's trying to kill you. Scorpion is dead! You are a free man, just go home and get your house made to get you something to drink. Don't make a scene here and make things even worse for yourself"
Quickly Cyrax turned and started to close the door behind him.
"Cyrax please!" begged Subzero wanting desperately to tell him everything but he couldn't find the words.
"I'm sorry Subzero. I've got my own job tomorrow, I'm working with Sektor and Smoke on the Lk project. Its good pay, I don't want your work and I don't need your problems right now... good night"
He closed the door with a slam and Subzero was left on his own on the darkness of the porch "Shit," he whispered. Gazing across the grass he startled suddenly at a movement in the bushes. Gazing steadily in fear he withdrew a shuriken from his boot. A flash of yellow... a bird fluttered away across the lake and he sighed in relief. Putting the shuriken back where it belonged he hurried off away into the darkness of the night away and into the shadows.
The platform was cold and dark. A Chinook helicopter waited with double rotors silent and polished on the pad. Chairs were seated just outside it and several Lin kuei were in waiting. Hydro, Kanashi Wurrow and Tringle. Hydro was a Lin kuei, a spitting image of Subzero in costume. The blue was slightly darker in tone, ironic seeing how he lived always in the shadow of Subzero. People mistook him always for someone else yet he refused to change his couler just because someone else had the same design. Hydro had taken up the blue costume since he had first become an arch assassin. He was older than Subzero and he believed: more experienced. He refused to change just because of another's success. He was the "original blue" and he wasn't going to have it thought of any other way.
Tringle sat back arms folded with a black leather jacket and jeans. His eyebrows were tightened as if about to snap and his hands were tightened into fists. Wurrow sat opposite his blond hair and red clothing catching the light. There was tension in the air. Kanashi looked worried and kept gazing now and again at the copter.
"If this turns out to be some kind of a joke..." said Tringle presently, "I'll ring both your necks"
"Not if I kill them first," growled Hydro, "Are we getting paid extra for this?"
"I doubt it," sneered Tringle his green died hair catching the light, "Fucking Grandmaster thinks he can call us up here without a seconds notice"
"I'm sure Subzero will be here in a minute," smiled Wurrow, "Don't you look forward to an adventure?"
There was silence.
"Shut up!" hissed Kanashi
"Sorry!" he murmured
"Why the hell are we going early anyway? Is this anything to do with the bloody alarms?" demmanded Hydro
"Yes," sighed Kanashi, "Someone's trying to kill Subzero"
"This is fucking ridiculous," spat Hydro again
"If he's got someone on his tail he should waste them," grumbled Tringle, "Not go off on a mission. That complicates things. I respected that man and now he's just being an idiot"
"Give him a chance!" said Wurrow suddenly, "Its not as if he didn't try!"
There was silence again. Wind blew softly across them catching at the loose parts of their clothing and extending them in the wind.
"What's your name kid?" said Tringle straightening his jacket
"Wurrow, a servant under the house hold of Subzero"
"That means you are not an Arch assassin. Next time you speak to me like that you'll end up dead"
"Learn some manners you little shite," rasped Hydro with a glare. Wurrow opened his mouth in anger before slowly he closed it. He spoke in a quiet growl, "Yes master"
"That's better," sneered Hyrdro
Double doors opened and Subzero came running out onto the helipad. He crossed over to the chairs and skidded to a halt in front of Tringle, "Lets get going then"
"What's this all about?" demanded Hydro standing to his feet angry and flared up. The similarity between him and Subzero was quite outstanding. You could almost have thought that they were brothers, yet there was something about Subzero that made him look more competent. He seemed stronger bolder and sleeker in movement to such an extent that Hydro's blue clothing did nothing to hide the difference.
"There's no time for that!" hurried Subzero, "I'll explain once we're in the air. You know where to go don't you Tringle?"
"To the Neatherealm Perhaps? But as most of us prefer I'll take you to the docks"
"Very funny Tringle you look as irritated and professional as usual"
"And you look like a cat dragged through a hedge backwards. I'll give you truth Subzero and right now I don't really know what to think of you bringing me out here at this time of night. I was half tempted to kill that servant of yours knocking on my door like that"
"Think what you like," retorted Subzero, "Or go tell the Grandmaster that you're not doing it"
"Why am I needed?" snorted Hydro, "What am I supposed to do on this mission of yours Subzero?"
"You're supposed to protect me"
"You fucking sissy," said Tringle sneering at Subzero, "Lets get on board, once we get to the docks I'm dropping the lot of you off and don't expect any SOS' because I won't fucking give any. Once I'm done I'm heading straight back here, you lot can make your own way home"
"Thanks," grumbled Subzero, "Your help is much appreciated"
"Hardly," spat Tringle, "And don't expect me to help the likes of you ever again"
"I prefer to work with sensible people," sneered Hydro
"As a matter of fact I don't think much of you either Hydro," said Tringle turning on him in a flash. The blue Lin kuei opened his mouth in surprise before closing it with no retort. He glared at Tringle as he entered the copter.
"Come on you two!" roared Subzero at his two guards, "Get on board right now!"
"Aye aye sir!" said Kanashi with a shiver and both hopped on board before they could be critisized any further.
In the dark of the night the Helicopter blades started turning slowly at first and then sped up rapidly. With a great rush of wind the flying machine passed up into the air and away into the distance. Wurrow looked out of the window into the cold night sky as he sat in his seat strapped down and tightly. The mountains were passing away below them. Above the moon was up in the sky like a crystal ball.
Wurrow and Kanashi hardly had a clue what they were doing or why things had escalated into their current situation but they did know where they were going. It seemed to be looking hard for either of them to find out anything about their situation. Hydro was sitting back gazing out of the window in a bad glary mood, Tringle was in the front flying the thing and Subzero was there as well arms folded and in no mood to speak to anyone about anything.
"Do you think we'll get paid for this?" whispered Wurrow to Kanashi
"I don't know," he replied, "It might do something for our status in the long run. We'll just have to wait and see"
"I feel tired"
"Then go to sleep"
"Easier said than done," sighed Wurrow
"So do it and don't say it,"
"Everyone's picking on me today," mumbled Wurrow softly as he closed his eyes, "Blame my mother"
"Well she's a cow then"
"Thanks a lot snothead"
"Your Welcome"
"Will you two shut up?"
In a moment the emergency lighting had come on and the passageway once dark was now a bright red. Coughing and sneezing the three Lin kuei stood to their feet staggering away from the burning wreckage and debris of the lift. Distant footsteps sounded out down the corridor and suddenly out of the darkness Lin kuei soldiers dressed in red came running forward.
"Freeze!" shouted one. Shurikens were in their hands, they glared towards Subzero and his two guards warily, "What's going on here!"
"An assassin booby trapped the lift!" shouted Kanashi over the noise of the flames, "It stopped while we were in it"
"You, you stay here! The rest of you to the roof"
"I think we'd all better go," snarled Subzero standing to his feet, "I want to meet the person who did this personally"
They rushed up the stairs two at a time running on foot. The Elite guard were coming out of passageways everywhere. The red lights flashed as they ascended the steps and passageways that lead to the roof of the mountain.
All at once doors on a metallic building close to the hall opened with a shudder and Lin kuei soldiers stormed out followed by Subzero Kanashi and Wurrow. Streams of other Lin kuei appeared out of other entrances. It was cold and snow was falling in flakes softly through the air.
"What's going on!" shouted distant voices across the compound. They sounded quiet through the snow.
"Intruder on the roof!" shouted back the captain putting his hands to his lips in a cup shape.
"I see him! Up there on the top of the hall!" shouted a soldier in red and all eyes turned to that place. On the roof of the great hall the black stone reaching up high into the sky a figure was crouched gazing down at them from the shadows.
"Bring him down," said the leader gazing up at the dark silhouette. He withdrew three shurikens from his boot and aimed them.
"No!" shouted Subzero, "Don't kill him I want to know who he works for"
"Blast," grumbled the Captain, "Alright take him alive"
"Don't you fucking move or we kill!" shouted another near by who appeared to be the leader of another section of troops. Alarms everywhere were ringing out across the compound.
The dark shape paused in motion perfectly still. The troops hurried forward their eyes locked on it. They ran up a metal stair case their feet clanging on the metallic grilled surface. Subzero watched gazing intently at the figure on top.
"Don't you fucking move now!" shouted the Lin kuei as they approached. They walked steadily towards the crouched figure shurikens in hand gazing over it. More Lin kuei burst out of the double doors and surveyed the scene shivering from the cold.
All in a moment the silhouette turned its head and with a quick burst of speed it leapt through the air. The Lin kuei watched stunned in awe as it passed across the night sky at impossible heights. With a clang it landed on the opposite roof.
"Take it down you imbeciles!" shouted the captain and at once they thrust their throwing knives forward. Clearly taken back the dark shape hurried away jerking a moment it seemed as blades sunk into its flesh. Again shuddering though this time it jumped high into the air and landed on another building. Subzero could see the blades sticking out of it now yet it didn't drop down. Running it hopped down cross the wall horizontally it ran straight toward the Lin kuei. Blood spurted everywhere as shurikens stuck into its chest. It was wearing yellow...
Running down and hopping off the wall it darted in between the soldiers who attacked and missed in a confused frenzy. It crossed as fast as a cheetah through the crowd directly towards Subzero.
"I know you!" whispered Subzero as it came steadily closer, "I killed you!" With a snarl and a flash of white eyes the ghost leapt through the air with burning hands of fire and headed straight towards Subzero. Quick as lightning he outstretched his hand and with a glow of blue he thrust though the air a large sharp icicle that whistled before lodging itself in the creature's chest.
Bleeding heavily like an old pincushion the last of the Shiri Ryu slumped to the ground clutching the ice rod that had impaled him through the chest. Fire burned in his eyes as he gazed up at Subzero blood pouring out of its body. Nobody dared to approach. Subzero backed off slowly gazing in fear at the specter before him. It smiled slowly with a toothful grin before with a grunt it gripped both hands on the ice that was inside him. With a heave it pulled it out bit by bit and threw it to the ground with a crunch. A hole was in his body as he stood to his feet. He gazed at it in amusement for a moment touching the blood with his fingers. Tasting it he gazed once around at the Lin kuei around him taking in their expressions of terror and fear. The shurikens wobbled about still sticking into the creature blood leaking down onto the floor.
"Not yet... not yet... yet death creeps through every crack to find its victim ... not yet Subzero but watch for me ... remember me... for you must remember my name when I come for you"
With a shriek he leapt into the air and burst into flame. When the smoke cleared he was gone.
"I killed him!" shouted Subzero frantically, "He should be dead! I killed him..."
"What does this mean master?" whispered Wurrow
"Who was that?" asked Kanashi with wild eyes
"I'll answer that"
Eyes turned to behold a cloaked old man walking through the Lin kuei. They stepped aside as he came through all shocked at what had just happened.
The sorcerer Shangtsung parted and stood in front of the stunned Subzero with blue cloak and piercing eyes. There was something very demonic looking about the sorcerer through the snow. His shoulders seemed too smooth now as if in truth his age were somehow not a set back. He did not hobble forward now as he had done in the chamber with the Grandmaster but now he seemed to walk upright and strong. There was the sorcerer again just at the perfect moment. Almost too conveniant.
"That was a demon from the Neatherealm"
"I killed him," whispered Subzero
"You did, that is true," replied Shangtsung slowly, "But he has returned. Some people do not accept death"
"What does he want?" pleaded Subzero, "I defeated him fare and square, what does he want from me?"
"Wrong Subzero," returned Shangtsung with a piercing stare, "You defeated him with the help of a Shaolin monk who you also betrayed. Scorpion has returned to avenge his murder at your hands and he has become more powerful than ever before"
The soldiers parted and Subzero and Shangtsung met in the center. Subzero gazed at the floor.
"What can I do?"
"Run away Subzero... that is all you can do..."
"Where?"
"To a tournament... Mortal Kombat... he cannot follow you there"
"Your tournament sorcerer? You can grant me protection from this specter?"
"... Destiny is forced upon us, who knows whether he will eventually kill you Subzero? But while you are participating in my tournament, no beast from any plane of hell can enter without my knowledge"
"I don't understand, said Kanashi walking forward
"This is none of your business," sneered Subzero, "You know too much already"
"On the contrary... it might help matters. These two would make excellent guards on your flight. You will need all the help you can to get to my island, and away from that hell spawned monster in one piece. Hydro and Tringle may not be enough. Take these two with you, they have seen what is now hunting you"
"Heh... they're cowards the pair of them," spat Subzero glaring at the both of them, "You two wouldn't come with me if I paid you"
"On the contrary master I and Kanashi would follow you anywhere. It is my personal honor to accompany such a great warrior as yourself"
"Hey wait a minute!" pleaded Kanashi, "Did you just say we'd follow him anywhere? What part of we did I miss?"
"Why should I accept them anyway?" said Subzero looking from one to the other, "They're noisy, ignorant useless fools who probably couldn't tell which way up to hold a shuriken"
"Trust me Subzero," chuckled Shangtsung, "You will need them. All that I ask of you in return... is that you enter my tournament as we originally agreed"
"It is an easy price to pay old man," replied Subzero with a sigh, "Yet I cannot get rid of the feeling that there is some kind of a catch to this. I have been tricked in the past by clever men"
"There is no catch. I am just an old man who wants lost souls like your self to find their home"
Subzero turned and Wurrow and Kanashi looked him in the eye. They faced off for a few moments as Subzero looked for signs of weakness, waiting for one of them to back out but neither of them did.
"Will you two come with me then?" sneered Subzero
"I will," said Wurrow
"I guess I haven't got anything better to do with my life right now," sighed Kanashi
"Will anyone ever forgive me for killing off the gods?" asked Subzero grimly
"I thought it was rather a profitable idea myself," replied Shangtsung, "Still things may have gotten unpleasant if Quan chi had succeeded in all his millicent desires. You have no reason to complain Subzero, you've succeeded very well in making the best of bad weather"
"All of you search the perimeter!" shouted the captain ", I want every nook and cranny checked out for that assassin. Catch him dead or alive. We'll find out what we can from his corpse"
"You won't find him," laughed Shangtsung, "He is undead and powerful too, he can cross the boundaries of the realm"
The captain turned irritated and exasperated glaring at the old man, "I'm just doing my job okay? If I do nothing then I'm fired, its not as if I expect to find him"
"Kanashi do you know where to find Tringle?" asked Subzero
"I do sir"
"Good, tell him to get the copter ready, we're going early. Wurrow, do you know where to find Hydro?"
"I think so... I can ask directions if not. He's an arch assassin so he should be pretty easy to find"
"Tell him we're leaving... Shangtsung I have a personal favor to ask of you"
"Don't worry Subzero, I will tell the Grandmaster myself that you have done me the honor of setting about your mission early"
"I myself need to speak with a friend," grumbled Subzero, "I'll meet all of you who haven't chickened out by the helipad as soon as I'm done"
Cyrax's house was a tall building down the far side of the lake. It was much smaller than Subzero's ground which was by far the largest in the area, but it certainly felt a lot more free. There were minimal servants and no walls to keep out or keep in the beasts from the Neatherealm.
Through the darkness the light of lanterns and candles shone out across the lake at night like a tub of silver paint splashed out over the ground. The wooden roof was quite low with a small porch and door. Subzero hurried through the tall grass looking quickly now and again behind him to check that he wasn't being followed. His hands were feeling horrible cold as he rushed up the steps. The sound came across as a hollow thumping as he knocked on the door. The sounds of laughter and cheering came from inside. Yellow light glittered out across the tall grass.
After a few minutes and several knocks a beautiful woman opened the door wearing very little. The little she did have on: Bra and underwear was green with sandals no her feet, in her hand she held a tray of biscuits and cheese. Exactly what sort of party was this anyway?
"Can I help you?" she asked almost dropping the tray as she opened the door.
"I need to see Cyrax," whispered Subzero hurriedly, "Can you get him for me?"
"I'll see what I can do master," she replied realizing who he was and with a nod set off into the back of the house. Subzero turned aside putting his back to the wall of the house and into the darkness of the porch. Breathing heavily he tried to relax himself. A touch of moonlight caught his hand, and as he lifted his head his eyes and fore head came into the light.
Gazing out across the darkness of the Lin kuei at night he could see the peacefulness of the lake and houses all quiet. It seemed strange that a camp of assassins could be so quiet while off work. Hardly any of them knew that there had just been an alert in the main fortress. Of course the next day they would all know but until then they slumbered like lions before the hunt. All Subzero wanted to do was just to go back to bed but really he knew he was on the job again. In a way he had never left the job. Scorpion was a direct link to his past.
With a soft click the door opened and Cyrax looked about his dreadlocks catching the light. He looked around him confusedly before looking into the darkness of the porch with a shudder he saw Subzero and was startled. He quickly regained his composure as the Lin kuei stepped into the light. He was wearing a gold dressing gown with a silver chain round his neck. He looked relaxed and calm yet now he was beginning to be unnerved.
"Hey Subzero... glad you could make it," he smiled nervously
Subzero quickly came forward and looked Cyrax in the eyes.
"Why are you still dressed in full garb? Christ I told you Subzero I wanted casual clothes? What the fuck is this?"
"Cyrax I need your help... there's someone hunting me. I need you to come with me as a body guard on my next mission"
Cyrax looked at him blankly before rubbing his eyes, "What the? Can you repeat that?"
"I'm going on a very important mission for the Grand master and I need your help: protection!"
"When are you going? Why are you telling me this now?" grumbled Cyrax
"Tonight... we're going to try and get away tonight"
"What the fuck are you crazy? I'm in the middle of a party... my party for that matter. Who the fuck's following you? You haven't brought him here have you? Oh god I don't want a scene"
"I don't know where he is. We managed to stop him on the roof but he's a ghost you see and we can't kill him! It's Scorpion Cyrax! He's returned to get me"
"Scorpion? What the fuck are you talking about? He's dead"
"He's come back to get me!" roared Subzero, "I don't know how but he's alive again. I need your help!"
"Subzero get a hold of yourself!" shouted back Cyrax. He looked quickly back at the lights from the windows noticing a quiet pause in the conversation of his guests. The cheering voices started mumbling now obviously aware that something was going on outside.
"Listen," sighed Cyrax gazing irately at the floor, "If you'd told me about this job at least a week in advance I might have considered it. Heck if you'd told me on a day when I wasn't having a party I might have been more sympathetic, plus the fact that I wanted you at this party and..."
"Cyrax..." whispered Subzero pleadingly
"No let me fucking finish!" he bludgeoned, "Not only do you come late to my party in the wrong dress you also try to do business with me and expect me to be all happy and want to join you on my night off. Well I'm sorry Subzero... I don't care how famous or rich or whatever you are, I'm not doing it. Tonight I'm going to relax"
"Don't do this to me!" pleaded Subzero gazing into Cyrax's eyes again he held him by the shoulders.
"Look Subzero... I don't know what's wrong with you tonight... but there's no ghosts nobody's trying to kill you. Scorpion is dead! You are a free man, just go home and get your house made to get you something to drink. Don't make a scene here and make things even worse for yourself"
Quickly Cyrax turned and started to close the door behind him.
"Cyrax please!" begged Subzero wanting desperately to tell him everything but he couldn't find the words.
"I'm sorry Subzero. I've got my own job tomorrow, I'm working with Sektor and Smoke on the Lk project. Its good pay, I don't want your work and I don't need your problems right now... good night"
He closed the door with a slam and Subzero was left on his own on the darkness of the porch "Shit," he whispered. Gazing across the grass he startled suddenly at a movement in the bushes. Gazing steadily in fear he withdrew a shuriken from his boot. A flash of yellow... a bird fluttered away across the lake and he sighed in relief. Putting the shuriken back where it belonged he hurried off away into the darkness of the night away and into the shadows.
The platform was cold and dark. A Chinook helicopter waited with double rotors silent and polished on the pad. Chairs were seated just outside it and several Lin kuei were in waiting. Hydro, Kanashi Wurrow and Tringle. Hydro was a Lin kuei, a spitting image of Subzero in costume. The blue was slightly darker in tone, ironic seeing how he lived always in the shadow of Subzero. People mistook him always for someone else yet he refused to change his couler just because someone else had the same design. Hydro had taken up the blue costume since he had first become an arch assassin. He was older than Subzero and he believed: more experienced. He refused to change just because of another's success. He was the "original blue" and he wasn't going to have it thought of any other way.
Tringle sat back arms folded with a black leather jacket and jeans. His eyebrows were tightened as if about to snap and his hands were tightened into fists. Wurrow sat opposite his blond hair and red clothing catching the light. There was tension in the air. Kanashi looked worried and kept gazing now and again at the copter.
"If this turns out to be some kind of a joke..." said Tringle presently, "I'll ring both your necks"
"Not if I kill them first," growled Hydro, "Are we getting paid extra for this?"
"I doubt it," sneered Tringle his green died hair catching the light, "Fucking Grandmaster thinks he can call us up here without a seconds notice"
"I'm sure Subzero will be here in a minute," smiled Wurrow, "Don't you look forward to an adventure?"
There was silence.
"Shut up!" hissed Kanashi
"Sorry!" he murmured
"Why the hell are we going early anyway? Is this anything to do with the bloody alarms?" demmanded Hydro
"Yes," sighed Kanashi, "Someone's trying to kill Subzero"
"This is fucking ridiculous," spat Hydro again
"If he's got someone on his tail he should waste them," grumbled Tringle, "Not go off on a mission. That complicates things. I respected that man and now he's just being an idiot"
"Give him a chance!" said Wurrow suddenly, "Its not as if he didn't try!"
There was silence again. Wind blew softly across them catching at the loose parts of their clothing and extending them in the wind.
"What's your name kid?" said Tringle straightening his jacket
"Wurrow, a servant under the house hold of Subzero"
"That means you are not an Arch assassin. Next time you speak to me like that you'll end up dead"
"Learn some manners you little shite," rasped Hydro with a glare. Wurrow opened his mouth in anger before slowly he closed it. He spoke in a quiet growl, "Yes master"
"That's better," sneered Hyrdro
Double doors opened and Subzero came running out onto the helipad. He crossed over to the chairs and skidded to a halt in front of Tringle, "Lets get going then"
"What's this all about?" demanded Hydro standing to his feet angry and flared up. The similarity between him and Subzero was quite outstanding. You could almost have thought that they were brothers, yet there was something about Subzero that made him look more competent. He seemed stronger bolder and sleeker in movement to such an extent that Hydro's blue clothing did nothing to hide the difference.
"There's no time for that!" hurried Subzero, "I'll explain once we're in the air. You know where to go don't you Tringle?"
"To the Neatherealm Perhaps? But as most of us prefer I'll take you to the docks"
"Very funny Tringle you look as irritated and professional as usual"
"And you look like a cat dragged through a hedge backwards. I'll give you truth Subzero and right now I don't really know what to think of you bringing me out here at this time of night. I was half tempted to kill that servant of yours knocking on my door like that"
"Think what you like," retorted Subzero, "Or go tell the Grandmaster that you're not doing it"
"Why am I needed?" snorted Hydro, "What am I supposed to do on this mission of yours Subzero?"
"You're supposed to protect me"
"You fucking sissy," said Tringle sneering at Subzero, "Lets get on board, once we get to the docks I'm dropping the lot of you off and don't expect any SOS' because I won't fucking give any. Once I'm done I'm heading straight back here, you lot can make your own way home"
"Thanks," grumbled Subzero, "Your help is much appreciated"
"Hardly," spat Tringle, "And don't expect me to help the likes of you ever again"
"I prefer to work with sensible people," sneered Hydro
"As a matter of fact I don't think much of you either Hydro," said Tringle turning on him in a flash. The blue Lin kuei opened his mouth in surprise before closing it with no retort. He glared at Tringle as he entered the copter.
"Come on you two!" roared Subzero at his two guards, "Get on board right now!"
"Aye aye sir!" said Kanashi with a shiver and both hopped on board before they could be critisized any further.
In the dark of the night the Helicopter blades started turning slowly at first and then sped up rapidly. With a great rush of wind the flying machine passed up into the air and away into the distance. Wurrow looked out of the window into the cold night sky as he sat in his seat strapped down and tightly. The mountains were passing away below them. Above the moon was up in the sky like a crystal ball.
Wurrow and Kanashi hardly had a clue what they were doing or why things had escalated into their current situation but they did know where they were going. It seemed to be looking hard for either of them to find out anything about their situation. Hydro was sitting back gazing out of the window in a bad glary mood, Tringle was in the front flying the thing and Subzero was there as well arms folded and in no mood to speak to anyone about anything.
"Do you think we'll get paid for this?" whispered Wurrow to Kanashi
"I don't know," he replied, "It might do something for our status in the long run. We'll just have to wait and see"
"I feel tired"
"Then go to sleep"
"Easier said than done," sighed Wurrow
"So do it and don't say it,"
"Everyone's picking on me today," mumbled Wurrow softly as he closed his eyes, "Blame my mother"
"Well she's a cow then"
"Thanks a lot snothead"
"Your Welcome"
"Will you two shut up?"