Chapter IX

Interlude

"Have you given any thought to what we talked about last night?"

Johnny Cage stirred his Bloody Mary with the stalk of celery, deliberately not looking Sonya in the eye as he asked the question. A warm and dry breeze blew through the kitchen despite his home being so close to the beach. The glasses of wine from last night had left him with a slight headache, and it was too early for one of her trademark death-glares.

When he finally looked at her, Sonya was staring at him in silence. She sipped her coffee—black, as always—and didn't look angry or even annoyed. Just tired. "Can we not do this now, Johnny? It's too early."

"And you're leaving soon," he said. "These weekends are too damn short."

"They're the best I can do. You know the drill: I have to report back to base. I'm cutting it tight as it is."

He let out an exaggerated groan that he punctuated with a childish pout. "Don't you and Jax practically run things now anyway? He can't cut you some slack?"

"Special Forces isn't Hollywood, jerk," she said, smirking. "I don't get special treatment for being good at my job."

"Then it's a shit job. You guys need a union."

She rolled her eyes and finished her coffee. The television echoed from the living room, where Cassie was watching cartoons and eating breakfast. At seven years old, she already looked so much like her mother. Johnny's sister once said she was Sonya's Mini-Me, and every day she was living up to that label.

He knew Sonya loved being a part of the Special Forces, and he'd never take that from her. But she was missing their daughter's childhood. Even with his shooting schedule, Johnny tried to remain a part of Cassie's life, and he knew Sonya would regret it if she missed out.

"Look," she said. "I do wish I was more available. And Jax always tells me how happier he is now that he's transferred to inter-realm diplomatic affairs. Safer, he sees Vera and Jacqui more … all that.

"But that's not me," she continued. "I need to be out there, facing something. I know the realms are at peace, and the Black and Red Dragon are long gone, but … I'm a fighter, Johnny. Always have been."

"I know," he said, giving her a kiss. "It's one of the things I love about you. And hey, Christ knows the tabloids love that I'm married to some bad-ass Army super-woman. All I'm saying is I think there are other things out there that'll let you still be a fighter and spend more time with Cassie. And me. Mostly me."

She chuckled and rolled her eyes again. "Such as?"

"Well, throwing this out there …" He cleared his throat and tried to balance his tone between genuine and joking. "I know people. I could make some calls. You ever think about … acting?"

He held his breath as Sonya's eyed widened. She stared at him in silence, as if waiting for some follow-up or punchline. When it became clear he was being serious, she started laughing.

"You're kidding, right?" she asked. "Me? An actress?"

She laughed again, but there was something Johnny picked up on. It wasn't completely dismissive. He could tell there was a part of her—even just a small part—that was flattered. And that, he knew, was an opening.

"Why not?" he said. "You've got the look. You can fight. You could be a star. Trust me."

"Oh, piss off. I can't act."

"Be a stunt-woman. That's how I got my start. I was one of the nameless goons who was there to get his ass kicked. Fast forward a few years, I'm one of the top-grossing stars in the world and an freakin' Oscar winner!"

She gave a gentle push and turned her attention to her duffel bag. While checking on her things, Cassie entered the kitchen to put her plate in the sink.

"Say, Cass," she said. "What do you think? Could you see me as the next big movie star like your father?"

Cassie looked her up and down and scrunched her nose as she thought it over. She then shook her head and said, "MMA." She paused. "No … WWE."

Johnny threw his arms up in triumph. "Boom!"

Sonya tried without success to scowl in disapproval. She zipped up her bag and grumbled, "I hate the both of you."

From outside came a car's horn, signaling her ride had arrived. Before she could say goodbye, Cassie rushed to her and wrapped her tiny arms around her waist. Even if their daughter had already inherited both of their sarcastic demeanors, she truly did love her mother dearly and never wanted to see her go.

"I won't be gone long," Sonya said. "I'll keep in touch and be back by your birthday."

The words stuck in her mouth like she was chewing peanut-butter. She tried to force a comforting smile, but it only highlighted how unhappy she was to say that. She was right about one thing, Johnny thought. She was no actress.

He followed her outside where her twin brother, Daniel, was waiting in his truck. "Morning, John!" he called out. "I saw Ninja Mime 5 last night. It sucked!"

"Good to see you, too, Dan," he replied with a middle finger. "And it's the highest grossing one yet!"

Sonya loaded her bag into the car and turned to him. "Look, Johnny," she said. "I do want to spend more time with you and Cassie. And, yeah, the Special Forces can get along fine without me. It's just …"

She trailed off, and a strange look came to her. Her eyes were distant, and she seemed as though someone had walked over her grave. In all the years he'd known Sonya Blade, he had never seen her like that. She actually looked afraid.

"I just feel like there's something I'm missing. Something important."

A chill went through his blood, and an image from the nightmare he had last night came to him. But he shook it off and said, "Listen, real talk: I know you love your job, and I don't want you to think I'm pressuring you. I really do think you'd be happier with something … more flexible."

"I know. I do. It's just—"

"And I'm not ashamed to admit," he cut in. "The idea of you wrastlin' women in the WWE is really freaking hot."

She gave him a light jab in the chest and laughed. "Screw you," she said, getting into the car. "Besides, I'd be wrestling men and you know it."

"Still hot."

She gave a final wave to him and Cassie as they drove off. Watching them go, Johnny felt confident he and Sonya would work something out that would make them all happy. He turned to his daughter and suggested they get ice cream.

The sun shined, and the day was clear. He was a critically acclaimed movie star and world-renowned martial artist with an amazing wife and daughter. He already forgotten that strange dream about burning cities, bug-women, and a Centaur killing him. Everything was as it should be.

All was well.


Liu Kang practiced his katas, when the sound of thunder rolled through the Wu Shi Academy with a flash of lightning. He didn't let it distract him, keeping his mind and spirit focused on his martial arts as a proper warrior should. If it was who he thought, he would make his presence known in his own time.

Or it really could just be about to rain.

"Liu Kang."

Lord Raiden's voice, even when kept low, always had a booming authority to it. He finished his exercise and turned to see the Thunder God in his most common human form of white and blue garb and humble rice-picker's hat. His face was stern as ever, and electricity pulsed from his glowing eyes.

"Master Raiden," Liu said with a bow. "What may I do for you this evening?"

Raiden's eyes narrowed, and he seemed ready to throw a punch. But a smile came, and he chuckled as he patted Liu on the shoulder. "No need for such formality, my boy," he said. "How was your visit to Edenia the other day?"

"Beautiful," he replied as they left the lei tai platform. Fellow monks bowed to the respective Thunder God and Mortal Kombat Champion as they passed. "To tell the truth, it was almost overwhelming. I never pictured myself one for great balls and royal palaces."

"Neither did your predecessor. Of course, he wasn't engaged to the Princess."

Liu nodded, and after all this time, he still wasn't used to hearing those words. There were times even he thought it surreal that he should wed the Princess of another realm. Aside from the vast difference in age, it was unheard of for the Champion of one realm to marry someone from another. It sounded like a fairy tale or dream.

"Tell me," Raiden said. "How is the Lady? I understand she's finally recovered from her coma."

"She seemed fine," he replied. "Though her memories are … she apparently suffered terrible visions in her sleep. At the ball, she was … I've never seen her like that."

"That's unfortunate. But fear not, Liu Kang. It'll pass in time."

Another tremor shook the Academy. All around them, monks kept their balance and made sure nothing fell over. It wasn't the first or only to have plagued the land, and though it ended quickly, they were becoming a cause for concern.

"Which reminds me," Raiden said once the shaking stopped. "I came to tell you I intend to pay a visit to Ohana, the Earth God, and see what he knows of these damned quakes."

"I hope it's nothing serious."

"As do I," Raiden said. "To be honest, I've been uneasy myself lately. These quakes, some demon attacked the Lin Kuei …"

"I heard about that. Very odd."

His thoughts returned to Kitana and the awful dread that seemed to haunt her throughout the ball. He didn't see how her coma and visions could be related to earthquakes or a loose demon, but he couldn't deny it was unnerving her insistence something was wrong should be followed by such ominous events.

He was about to speak, when a voice called out: "I thought I might find you here, Thunder God." The Shaolin monk came forward wearing appropriately humble garb. He greeted the two with a bow, which they returned in respect. "Did you mean to come and go without my knowledge?"

"I thought to spare you, old friend," Raiden said, smiling. "I'd think with your days as Champion over, you were glad to be rid of me."

The Great Kung Lao laughed and shook his hand. The wrinkles forming in the corners of his eyes gave him a rugged appearance along with the new streak of gray hair in his beard. It had only been a few years since he lost his title to Liu Kang in the tournament—after reigning undefeated for over five hundred—but already his returned mortality was apparent.

"Are you sick of him yet, Liu?" he asked. "I sometimes wondered if our Thunder God didn't go looking for trouble out of boredom."

"Do not begrudge me for taking my duties seriously, Kung Lao," Raiden said. "At any rate, I shall take my leave. Take care, my friends."

With that, the Thunder God disappeared in a flash of lightning. Although Raiden had been a part of Liu's life for much of it, it was still something he needed to get used to. As Champion, he was Earthrealm's chief defender now—soon to be a Prince of Edenia as well. It was almost overwhelming for a young Shaolin monk who only wished to be like his hero.

"You all right, my boy?" Kung Lao asked. "What ill news is Raiden hounding you with now?"

"It's nothing," he said. "I'm more worried about Kitana to be honest."

"How is the Princess? Feels like ages since I've last seen her."

"I was just telling Raiden. Her memories are … she's troubled. She was convinced something terrible was going to happen or already happened."

"I understand," Lao said, nodding. "Kitana's always been strong, but I found she tends to take things too seriously. Not unlike Raiden. She'll feel better when she sees you again."

Liu considered that, and his mind felt at ease. "On a lighter subject," he said. "Have you spoken with your descendent? Will he be joining us tomorrow?"

"He declined. My namesake seems content meditating with his fellow White Lotus. Not even an interest in fishing."

Liu chuckled. The younger Kung Lao was a peculiar man. Solitary and quiet—sure to be an impressive martial artist, yet no interest in participating in the Mortal Kombat tournament or being Champion. It was shame, he felt. He would've loved to test his skills against the descendent of the Great Kung Lao.

"Bo' Rai Cho said he'll join," the elder Lao continued. "But knowing him, he'll just guzzle wine until he falls asleep. What about your brother?"

"Chow said he'll come."

"In that case, I think I'll turn in. We have an early morning ahead." As he finished speaking, another quick tremor rumbled. "Assuming those damned quakes don't keep me up."

Liu Kang headed to his chamber to meditate before calling it a night himself. Kung Lao and Raiden were likely right about Kitana's visions. He knew she was a capable warrior in her own right—possibly one of the best if not the best in her realm—but he could never deny the feeling of protectiveness he had around her. If something troubled her, it was his instinct to find it and stop it.

The earthquakes and her visions seemed grave, but it was probably because any shadow seemed especially dark on a bright day. He enjoyed a peaceful life with his mentors and family. He was engaged to wed the most beautiful, kindest and bravest woman he'd ever met—unusual for a Shaolin monk.

If there was danger lurking out there, he would gladly meet it. For he was Champion of Mortal Kombat—a tournament of honor where, despite its cryptic name, no one died. He was a humble man who'd been blessed with all he could hope for. Everything was as it should be.

All was well.


"Have you heard from Grandmaster Hasashi since it happened?"

Night fell on the Lin Kuei Temple. Outside, the moon bathed the courtyard in cold, blue light. Wind that gave even Sub-Zero a chill whipped through the land, but he found it comforting. He watched the snow come alive around him and swirl like a small, white tornado.

"No," he replied. "The Shirai Ryu is on high alert, but their Grandmaster hasn't been seen. I suspect he's with the demon and trying to learn what he can from her. I just hope he knows what he's doing."

"Hanzo Hasashi is many things. Gullible is not usually among them."

She waved her hands and directed the swirling snow to gather in front of her. Her gestures were elegant and soft, like a conductor orchestrating a soothing symphony Kuai Liang could almost hear in his head. He always enjoyed watching her work.

"I suppose I should just be grateful Frost didn't trigger a war," he said. "What was she thinking pulling a stunt like that?"

"Frost may be a child of ice as we are," she said. "But it's fire that burns in her belly."

"I know. I sometimes wonder if she wouldn't be a better fit with the Shirai Ryu."

She turned to him with sympathetic eyes. "Don't be too hard on her. You know she only wishes for your approval."

"I do," he said, sighing. "But I'd be more approving if she showed more caution and insight. It disturbs me she so easily allowed herself to get swept up in Ashrah's holy crusade."

Part of him regretted almost getting swept up himself. He should've shown more care in taking the word of a strange woman he'd never met before. A demon Sareena may be, how was he to know Ashrah wasn't treacherous in her own right? Her zeal nearly cost Hanzo his family and could've ended the truce between the clans.

"I honestly hope we've seen the last of Ashrah," he said. "I don't trust her. I can't place it, but there's something about that whole thing that troubles me."

"Understandable."

"Oh?"

"Her talk of sacred tasks and divine missions," she said, forming the gathered snow into a tall, winged shape. "Coupled with her pristine, white attire. Someone who so blatantly presents themself as righteous and pure arouses suspicion. It's natural you assume there's something hidden beneath it."

"Father did always say your enemy will come at you with a smile. But it's not just Ashrah. There was something about the demon. Something … familiar."

"You think you've seen her before?"

"No," he said but replayed their encounter in his mind. Had they met? There was something about her. Something in her eyes. "To be honest—and I know how this will sound—she reminded me a little of you."

She turned to him. Her black hair was marked with streaks of blue, which made her ivory skin seem even whiter. No, they didn't really resemble one another, but there was something intangible.

"I'm intrigued," she said. "If you manage to contact Scorpion, you should allow her a chance to speak. Maybe Ashrah has it wrong and she isn't as she appears." She returned her attention to the snow and added, "I would certainly like to meet her."

"I don't know about that."

"I'm not inexperienced with demons," she said. "I helped Smoke control the enenra within him, did I not? Maybe I can make an ally of this Sareena."

"This is a little different. I think Bi-Han feels the same about the demon as I do. He's kept it to himself, but she worries him—maybe even more than me."

"Did you ask him?"

He had tried when he returned from Hasashi's home. Bi-Han refused to say why Sareena vexed him, but Kuai Liang sensed something was wrong. His brother confined himself to his chamber and just sat in the dark to brood. There was something about seeing Bi-Han shrouded in shadow that chilled his heart.

"He won't speak of it."

"Typical," she said. "For better or worse, Bi-Han has always gone his own way. I sometimes think it's funny he and Scorpion don't get along. They can be so alike."

"Some look in a mirror and hate their reflection."

With one final wave of her hands, the snow sculpture was complete. Sub-Zero was surprised to see it was a fearsome looking creature that resembled a cross between a man and a dragon. It was thick with muscle, and great horns grew from its head. It stood in a strong, conquering pose like a powerful warlord.

"Quite a beast you've made," he said. "Not your usual style."

"I know," she said. "I saw it in a dream and needed to get it out. It frightened me."

He stared at the dragon-man she made. Her snow and ice sculptures were usually of more gentle things. Something about this made him uncomfortable. He didn't know why, but the sight of it filled him with dread. "Seems everyone is on edge lately," he said. "Earthquakes, this demon …"

"I'd heard Princess Kitana was uneasy at the ball. I imagine she would be after her coma, but …"

She trailed off, and a look of worry came to Xue Tianshi's eyes. It was a rare thing to see for Sub-Zero, as his sister was usually so serene and calm. Ordinarily, he looked to her as a source of stability.

She shook her head, and with a wave of her hand, the dragon-man sculpture disintegrated into the wind. "I wonder if we shouldn't be on our guard ourselves, brother," she said. "I pray it's nothing, but I feel something in the air."

He nodded and said, "Come, sister. Let's go back inside."

Kuai Liang and Xue Tianshi went back into the Lin Kuei Temple. He was Grandmaster of the clan and respected by Raiden himself. He had his brother and sister. His friend and apprentice. Everything was as it should be.

All was well.

Wasn't it?

End of Chapter IX