Chapter 2:

Memories

Five Years Before the Third Tournament (3 years before Chapter One):

"And you will volunteer willingly, Sektor?" The Grand Master looked at the young Lin Kuei warrior clad in red. "You do know, young one, that it is a potentially dangerous procedure?"

"Yes, Master, but if it is for the good of the clan then I will endure it." The young warrior was on bended knee and slowly looked up at the Grand Warriors that sat at the raised table that swept around the room only breaking to allow the doors to the outside. They were talking amongst themselves at the courage of the young warrior before them. Yes, he thought. I will make a name for myself. The Grand Master looked down at the Lin Kuei ninja.

"Sektor? Would this have anything to do with Sub-zero being chosen to fight in the Tournament?" Sektor was visibly affected by the mention of Sub-zero's name and his head fell to his chest. "Sektor, we chose him for his superior skill as well as his quest for honor. He needed to avenge his brother's death; it is within our code."

"Yes, my Master, but I still feel as if I should have represented the clan." The Grand Master looked kindly at the warrior; he could tell it hurt him deeply that he had been looked over. And it was true; the following year instead of sorting through all of the warriors available, a unanimous decision was made to send Sub-Zero.

"Sektor, I grant permission for you to be a part of this. . experimental treatment." Sektor looked up, and with pride in his voice accepted. "Now, we turn to you to find one more warrior to join the procedure, and Sektor?" The warrior looked at his Master. "You must enlist Sub-zero or Smoke by any means necessary." Sektor began to open his mouth before being silenced by his Master. "You will still remain the leader of the squadron, young one. But for us to continue with this operation, we will need the help of those two." The Grandmaster dismissed him with a wave.

Sektor saluted and turned to leave, walking with mixed emotion through the large double doors. He walked at a steady pace until he reached the Hall of the Fallen. There he slowed his walk and stepped through the rows of glass looking at the masks that rested beneath them. His face suddenly felt bare as he was not allowed mask until he had gained his title.

The titles that could be gained were basically divided into two main parts: The Lin Kuei assassins and the elite Elementals. He'd strived to be an Elemental, but sadly did not show any promise in controlling any aspect of nature. His hand rested on the glass cube containing the Mask of Sub-Zero the First. and for the first time he wondered how the current Sub-Zero must feel. He was the sixth in his family to have that title. He grimaced not in hatred, but in resolution. He would be part of the new division; the first of his kind, a Cybernetic Assassin. It was then that a small girl clad in blue ran up to the glass case.

"Shienar," he said warily. "What are you doing here?" The young girl peered up at the mask that rested upon a velvet pillow.

"I've come for inspiration."

"Inspiration?" Sektor suddenly realized what his young friend was wearing. A light blue shawl was wrapped around her small frame, white dragons embroidered around her sleeves and up into the hood that covered her white hair. She was in training for Elemental Status. "I see. Came to look upon your Guild's most glorious member?" The young girl nodded.

"I shall excel beyond his glory, though." Sektor watched her gaze. How could he not have known that she was going to be an Elemental. He had watched her grow and had been there for her and yet he hadn't seen how empowered she seemed when winter was upon them.

"Well, I guess I'm shouldn't call you Shienar anymore, then. Have you chosen a title for the end of your apprenticeship?"

"Yes," she said. I shall be known as Frost."

Cyrax sat painfully cross-legged before the altar. The incense smoke lifted up through the air around him and he breathed deeply. Cyrax had no mask to remove in recognition of the gods, but he always kept his head down when near the shrine. I can not pass up this offer from Sektor. The chance to gain a title without all of the rigorous training usually involved? Without the pain of failure because of these cursed legs? Yet that what was why he came to the temple, wasn't it? For answers to his doubts and answers to why he had been born lame in his limbs. The fear he felt he had at facing the choice before him. The frequent nightmares with the hot desert air and the beaming sun; the nightmare that caused him to awaken nightly panting. Yet, though he had so many times before, he could find no peace with his prayers. Cyrax stood from the altar with his chin still braced against his chest. He bowed slowly to the stone deity and, limping, exited the shrine and did not lift his face until he was near the trees that stretched before the entrance to the compound. He could feel his legs so fragile beneath him. How could a Lin Kuei be born with such a disability? He couldn't be looked down upon anymore if were to become part of a new division beneath the Grandmaster directly.A small smile crossed his scarred lips. He let his fingers run over the scar, and he suddenly became strangely acute to the feel of his disfigurement; he could feel the groove that led from his chin to his nose and the tender skin within it. Sektor me promised a new body. A new face. A new beginning. And for that I would follow him through the Netherrealm.

Flight

"Sub-Zero?" Smoke looked at his friend from across the table. Sub-Zero seemed to be deep in thought as he often was now. Smoke shrugged before taking off his mask. He looked at the mask curiously.

"What have we become?" Sub-Zero had taken off his mask and was looking at it longingly. "Do you remember when we used to play in the leaves? Fight in the snow? Not for bloodlust or honor." The way he said the final word caused Smoke to cringe with emotion. It was true. What were they now besides barbarians and slaves to their order? Smoke threw his mask to the table in contempt. "What do you suggest we do?"

"Concerning what? The Lin Kuei?" Sub-zero ran his fingers along the mask.

"No, brother, what Sektor has offered us. The chance to be the first in a new squadron of ninja elite?" Smoke stood to look out of the window. The moon rose heavy in the purple sky. "He's already gained the allegiance of Cyrax." Sub-zero laid his mask onto the table.

"I can never serve beneath Sektor. His contempt for me will hinder his leadership." He leaned on his elbows and held his head. "And my skills." Smoke nodded.

"Sub-zero, when your brother saved me long ago, I swore my allegiance to him and would do anything he bid. All he asked of me was to grow along with you, my friend. Now that he has gone, I will stand by you no matter the choice you make." Sub-zero stood up and grasped his shoulders.

"I thank you, now and forever. And know this, I will never let harm come to you as you have never let harm come to me." Smoke grasped him back and nodded.

Sektor stepped before the Grandmaster solemnly. "My Master, Cyrax has agreed to join the cause, but the inclusion of Sub-zero and Smoke will not happen as neither will willingly volunteer." The Grandmaster stroked his chin. "Sektor, we cannot go on with the procedure because unfortunately we must be ensured to have at least one elemental with the group. Sub-zero and Smoke are the current warriors with most promise of growth." Sektor looked up at the Grandmaster. "But, what if they will not?" The Grandmaster looked strangely cold as he replied: "Then we have no other alternative then to sacrifice them."

"But, Master. . " The Grandmaster silenced him with a hand.

"If they will not volunteer for the Lin Kuei then they are obviously contributing our secrets to rival clans."

"Master," Sektor began. "I, myself, do not particularly care for Sub-zero, but I can safely say that he would never betray us. And Smoke follows Sub-zero in all he does." The Grandmaster nodded, but it was absently as if he were not truly listening.

"Perhaps you will more willingly rid us of these traitors for this temporary reward." The Grandmaster tossed him two small bundles. "One is for you and the other for Cyrax until you have killed both or returned with at least one; then you will recieve your proper award." Sektor looked curiously at the bundle before he began to open his own. "But, know this. Even if you return with one, after automation, you will have to kill the other." Sektor looked at his gift, a crimson mask that matched his uniform lay in his hand. He clenched it tightly as he headed from the Citadel.