How's it going people. I'm back with another chapter of 'What Clouds Smoke?' and I'm happy to see that people are liking this. Now as of last chapter Sub Zero is now back so now there will be a little less Smoke and Jade time in this chapter as he needs to get caught up a little bit on things and get used to Edenia. And before anyone asks, he will have an outfit like Smoke's except blue and gold instead of silver and gold. Another thing if anyone wants to get in touch with me on something other than Fanfiction, I also have a fictionpress and Deviantart account that I use every so often. Feel free to message me on either as they are both under Trevyler just like this account. Back to the story, I've seen people also liked that I included Rain in the last chapter. He will play an important role somewhere down the line and I'm gonna leave it at that. Okay so on with the chapter!

CHAPTER 7:SUB ZERO RETURNS

Smoke just stood there looking at his friend, "Sub Zero? What are you doing here?" he asked.

Sub Zero crossed his arms, "Sonya Blade informed me of your departure to this realm shortly after I arrived home. I thought it'd be a good idea to find you and make sure you didn't get into any trouble. I know you can be tempered from time to time." he answered.

They grey ninja scratched the back of his head, "It's a little too late to not get into any trouble. I kind of got into a fight with a couple of Edenians. They injured me pretty badly before Jade and Mileena brought me back here to be healed. Jade even helped me out herself." he replied.

The cryomancer narrowed his eyes, "Mileena?" he asked.

Kitana quickly jumped into the conversation, "Ever since Shao Khan's defeat, I've made amends with her and welcomed her to stay in Edenia. She also carries the royal status as I do. She's actually helped out Tomas a couple of times." she explained.

Smoke nodded to confirm the statement.

Sub Zero sighed, "Alright. If you trust her then I will as well. I noticed you referred to him as Tomas." he told Kitana.

The queen smiled, "Yes. I find it more fitting to refer to anyone of my friends as their proper names regardless of status. So I would like to know your name as well." she responded.

He uncrossed his arms, "Very well then. You can call me Kuai Liang. Although I am not dishonored by using the title Sub Zero in honor of my brother." he let her have her way.

She just nodded, "As you wish Sub Zero." she said choosing to use the name anyway.

Jade watched alongside Smoke silently as the conversation went on.

Sub Zero looked at Smoke, "Please tell me you didn't get into any worse trouble than almost getting yourself killed." he said.

Smoke just grinned, "I don't know. Starting and interrealm war sounds pretty good right about now." he joked.

His best friend just groaned before leaving the room with Kitana.

The other two just looked at each other and followed.

Everyone was once again in the dining hall, with the addition of Sub Zero. He saw first hand the difference between the vicious girl he heard of from the others and Mileena who was sitting beside him.

One of the first things she did as they entered the room was smile at everyone, especially Smoke. She'd decided that he was her friend, even though they hadn't really spoken to each other, but his words this morning felt more genuine than most. It made her feel accepted as a person instead of because she was part of some royal bloodline. She was familiar with feeling wanted because of her status in both Outworld and Edenia and she didn't like it.

The silver haired man smiled, "How are you Mileena?" he asked.

Mileena smiled wider, "I'm good!" she replied rather excitedly.

Kitana smiled, "I'm glad to see you've found a good friend Mileena." she told her sister.

The pink clad girl blushed a little when she realized how excited she acted.

Jade couldn't help but feel a little jealous at how Mileena is acting right now and how Smoke responded to it.

Sub Zero gave a curious glance at the situation. He had become accustomed to reading people's facial expressions and was surprised by what he found. There was a flicker of jealousy that passed over Jade's face before it was gone as quick as it came. He pieced it together quickly. She obviously held some affection for his friend and felt somewhat threatened by the interactions between Smoke and Mileena. He chuckled to himself, hoping his friend wasn't being as dense as he could be a lot of times.

Luckily, Jade let out a deep breath and calmed herself without attracting any attention.

At least she thought so, "You okay?" Smoke asked.

Her words were immediately caught in her throat, "Um...Ye-yes. I'm fine. Thank you." she managed to get out.

He just raised an eyebrow at her and went back to talking with the others.

She started thinking to herself, 'I wish I could just tell him. I waited a bit to confirm my feelings and have found that they are true and genuine. Why is it so hard to just say it? I've been through countless trainings, I've been an assassin for Shao Khan, and I've been a bodyguard for Kitana in both Outworld and Edenia. But for some reason I can't just tell him about my feelings? Do I fear something? Rejection? Losing the bond we've created so far? That must be it. I must find a way to conquer my fears. Until then I'll have to be satisfied with what I have.' she finished her inner monologuing.

Kitana saw that the glazed over look in her friends eyes so, she gently patted her shoulder and mouthed 'Let's talk.'

Jade nodded and began eating the food that had just been given to them.

After dinner, Jade once again met Kitana along with Mileena in her room.

Kitana looked between the two, "Okay so there's a couple things we need to go over. First of all, Mileena you should know that Jade has taken some interest in our friend Smoke."

Mileena picked up on it pretty quickly, "Oh that's why you keep going to spend time alone with him." she said.

Jade was feeling embarrassed for being on the spot about this, "Well yes, but he doesn't know that." she replied.

The half-breed just went into a fit of laughter, "You like him! No you love him!" she screamed.

The former quickly covered her mouth careful to not get her hand bitten off, "I'd rather the whole palace didn't know that." she told Mileena.

Kitana cleared her throat and the other two brought their attention back to her, "Second of all. Mileena will you please tell Jade that she doesn't need to feel threatened by you. I've made it clear that I support her and in no way would betray her." she said to her sister.

Mileena smiled, "No. It's not like that. It just felt nice to be treated like a normal person for once. Usually it's only because I'm part of the royal family. You have no reason to be worried. Oh but he is kinda cute. Maybe I can-" she got cut off.

Jade glared, "You wouldn't dare." she said seriously.

The other girl just erupted into more laughter, "You...should've...seen...you-you're...face. It was...Priceless!" she said trying to catch her breath.

The green clad girl did not appreciate having her feelings used for amusement.

Kitana just sighed, "Alright. That's all I wanted to say. Goodnight you two." she excused them.

Mileena hugged Kitana, "Goodnight sister." she said and skipped out of the room.

The queen gave her friend a reassuring smile and bid her farewell.

Sub Zero was laying in the room he'd been shown too. It was more luxurious than he was used too. Living in the Lin Kuei made you accustomed to basic living conditions. Sometimes during training all you'd get was the floor and the clothes on your back to sleep with. You'd take what you could get. Now here in a palace, he felt wrong and uncomfortable. Of course he wouldn't decline Kitana's offer as he knew she just wanted to be a good hostess. The Edenian queen wanted nothing more than to be forgiven for her past. Little did she know that she'd already been forgiven by most including the cryomancer himself. A sudden peace was felt around him and he let sleep take him.

Smoke on the other hand was just staring at the ceiling. He thought about how Jade had personally cared for him today when she could've had anyone do it. The one thing he was hoping was that she returned the feelings he held for her. His thought drifted to images of her beautiful face, it was something that gave him happiness and peace. Maybe he could would up the courage to ask her on a date back in Earthrealm. Maybe dinner or a movie or something of that sort. Yeah that sounds nice. Until then he'll be fine with what he's got.

Kitana laid in bed, but for some reason she couldn't sleep. After trying in vain to sleep for sometime, she got up and went to her balcony. She stood there feeling like there was some purpose for her sleepless night. No later did that thought pass through her head, she felt another presence with her on the balcony.

Standing a short distance from her was Raiden, "Pardon the intrusion Queen Kitana." he greeted.

His expression worried her, he hadn't seen him like that since they lost Kung Lao in Outworld, "What is it Raiden?" she asked.

The thunder god frowned,"I have unfortunate news." he said grimly.

Another chapter complete. I won't spoil what the unfortunate news is just yet as it's important for later and the sequel. I watched a little Sword Art Online today and have to say I liked it aside from the fact at how overrated Kirito is. Seriously like five girls fall in love with him at once including his cousin. That's just wrong.

Anyway back to the story. I'm not sure when I'll be able to update this right now as I'm back at school. That's all you really need to know for now so have a great day everybody.

~Trevyler