A/N: Hello, fellow readers. I have returned with a brand-new chapter for the therapy book. This chapter is dedicated to the new Mortal Kombat 1 trailer released a few days ago. The new story details are vague, so this would be speculation about what happened to certain characters. With that said, grab something to eat/drink, relax, and happy reading!
Disclaimer: All fighting games belong to their respective owners.
"Thanks for coming for such short notice, Atom Eve. The ceiling plaster is crumbling, and I'm worried it might become a hazard," Dr. Rainey said.
After Orchid's departure, she called Atom Eve to repair the ceiling crack caused by the agent's small outburst.
With her powers, the pink-clad superhero wasted no time fixing the crack. "It's no problem at all. I'm always happy to help, especially when keeping everyone safe."
"So, how's it going with you and Mark? I saw what happened to him in Invincible Season 2."
"It's been a rollercoaster. Mark's been through so much, and it's taken a toll on both of us, but we're working through it together."
"I hope things get better for you both. You two make a lovely couple."
"Thanks, doc. It means a lot. Well, that should do it. Thank God it was a small crack. I don't want a repeat of Chicago."
"Don't let that bother you, and don't let your father's words weigh you down," Dr. Rainey advised. "Whatever happened in the past doesn't define who you are now. You have your path, and you're making a difference in the world."
Eve sighed, feeling relief and doubt. "It's difficult to shake off his voice sometimes, but I'm trying to focus on the good I can do now. Every day is a chance to prove I'm more than his expectations."
"Will you take advice from a wise woman like me?" Dr. Rainey asked. "When it comes to expectations, it's crucial to set your own and not let anyone else's dictate your worth. Whatever is going on with your father, let him run his race, and you run yours."
Eve nodded. "You're right, Dr. Rainey. I need to focus on my path and impact. Thanks for the reminder."
"No problem. Let me know when season three comes. Also, if your father continues to bother you, I'll give him the persuasion and the reason. My left fist is the persuasion, and my right is the reason."
Eve laughed at Dr. Rainey's lighthearted threat. "I'll keep that in mind." The superhero left the office with a renewed mind and purpose.
Before Dr. Rainey could relax, her intercom buzzed.
"Ma'am, it's Janet. Someone wants to speak to you. It's one of those emergency counsels."
An anxious jolt crossed the psychiatrist's body, but she composed herself. She straightened her attire and pressed the intercom button. "Send them in."
A few seconds later, a black portal emerged, and a figure cloaked in shadows stepped out. Its eyes glowed with an eerie white light, contrasting with the inky darkness engulfing its entire being. Green markings shimmered across the figure's skin, pulsating like liquid emerald veins. Its presence radiated a chilling, almost palpable sense of dread.
"Hello, doctor. I need your help," the figure intoned, resonating with a strange, otherworldly echo.
Dr. Rainey furrowed her brows while lifting her glasses. "Bi-Han, is that you?"
"Technically, I'm Noob Saibot now, but yes."
The psychiatrist facepalmed. "How did you get turned this time? Was it Quan Chi?"
"Well, not entirely. Have you seen the upcoming trailer for Mortal Kombat 1? They mentioned Kombat Pack 2 DLC and such?"
"Yes, I remember checking that out before my next patient arrived. Something about Titan Havik?"
"That's the one."
"Well, take a seat."
The black-clad ninja summoned his other half, Saibot, to fluff the couch pillow before slinking back into goo, allowing him to lie on the sofa comfortably.
"Alright, tell me what happened," Dr. Rainey said.
"Well, it started when I explored the Netherrealm," Bi-Han began. "I stumbled upon an ancient temple where I encountered Titan Havik. Of course, like all Haviks in every timeline, he wanted to spread chaos throughout the realms. Then, he caught me, and before I knew it, he transformed me into Noob Saibot."
"Ah, geez. First of all, what were you doing in the Netherrealm anyway?"
"I was searching for a way to increase my strength and gain an advantage over my enemies. I thought the ancient artifacts hidden there could give me the power I needed."
"And instead, you made a deal with a Titan. Classic."
"I didn't make a deal with that Titan, doctor. He captured me and forced the transformation upon me."
Dr. Rainey sighed, jotting down notes. "Alright, you're saying it was against your will?"
"Absolutely," Bi-Han replied, his eyes darkening. "Now, people say I look like a can of monster energy drink, whatever that is. Not only that, but I'm also struggling to find myself in this form in Liu Kang's timeline."
"Well, I won't lie: you look like the monster energy drink logo, but that's beside the point. What's crucial is understanding how this transformation affects you and finding a way to regain control over your destiny."
"I know I'm about to do some crazy shit when the story expansion comes, as seen in the trailer." Bi-Han clenched his fists. "But deep down, I want to reclaim my identity and purpose."
"Have you talked to your brother about the situation? Does he know what happened to you?"
"I think Kuai Liang is getting the gist of what happened, but he's been busy starting his clan, the Shirai Ryu, and his wedding with Harumi. Don't tell Hanzo about the wedding; it might complicate things."
Dr. Rainey nodded, understanding the delicate balance of relationships within the realms. "Alright, we'll focus on your path and finding ways to regain control. What are your goals? What do you need to achieve them?"
"Those are the questions that will plague me, doctor. I don't know my fate in the expanded story apart from this. But I know I want to break free from the chaos Titan Havik has thrust upon me and carve out the path for the Lin Kuei, no matter the cost."
"Before we cross that bridge, I have a question. What's with Cyrax and Sektor being women in the expanded story? Not that it's an issue, but do they have names?"
"I can't say for certain, but Liu Kang might have something to do with it." Bi-Han rubbed his temples. "I could be wrong, though. They also played a part in Cyber Initiatives. At least this time, they'll be in futuristic suits, not the cyborgs mentioned in previous timelines."
"Also, from the trailer, did you send them to crash your brother's wedding party because he left your clan regarding Shang Tsung's schemes?"
"Which one?"
"The non-Titan version."
"No comment on that, but let's say the wedding won't be as peaceful as Kuai Liang hopes."
Dr. Rainey raised an eyebrow, sensing tension and unresolved conflicts. "Huh, interesting. Anyway, let's get back to you. How do you plan to eliminate Titan Havik's influence within you? How will you remove yourself from the Noob Saibot persona he inflicted on you now?"
"I'm considering some approaches, but nothing is set in stone yet," Bi-Han said. "One idea is to seek ancient artifacts that might sever his hold over me. Another option would be to confront Havik, though that would be dangerous. No one knows what power that Titan has."
"Well, he turned you into Noob Saibot, that's one thing."
"True, and it shows how formidable he is. However, if I can find a way to weaken his grip, even temporarily, it might give me the chance I need. The key is to act before his influence becomes irreversible. Maybe I should ask Jago about it. He's dealt with this before, although his situation differs from mine."
"That sounds like a solid plan. Now, another thing to note is the worst-case scenarios. What if you can't find the artifacts or confronting Titan Havik proves too difficult? Do you have a contingency plan in place for those possibilities?"
Bi-Han mused. "If it comes to that, I might have to consider more drastic measures, perhaps even isolating myself from the realms. That or Kuai Liang might kill me to relieve my suffering. Sure, it might devastate him, but it may be the only way to save me. I won't let my humanity corrode further, even if it means sacrificing myself."
"I don't know about your brother killing you. In Mortal Kombat 11, as Noob Saibot, you mentioned you couldn't die that easily."
"That's because Quan Chi used his dark magic to create me after my death from Hanzo Scorpion. In a way, I was immortal. With Titan Havik, it might be different because I was still alive when he captured me. His influence is more insidious, weaving into my essence rather than resurrecting a fallen body. It means there might still be a way to reverse his control if I act quickly. As I said, no one knows much about Titan Havik and his power."
"I see. Apart from your plans and asking Jago for advice, perhaps I could suggest you speak to Kan-Ra? He is a powerful sorcerer and may shed light on the situation. He may be able to tell you more about Havik's abilities and potential weaknesses."
"Kan-Ra, that slick bastard from Killer Instinct?" Bi-Han said. "I don't know. Jago once told me about that fool, mentioning how treacherous and self-serving he is. Trusting him might be a risk, but it could be worth it if he possesses the knowledge I need. I'll have to tread carefully."
"Well, why don't you think about that? You have time since the expanded story gets released from what...two months from now?" Dr. Rainey said.
"Two months isn't much time dealing with Titan Havik. Still, it's better than nothing. I'll consider reaching out to Kan-Ra, though I won't let my guard down for a second around him. I appreciate you taking my urgency, doctor. I know it was unexpected to get an emergency walk-in, but your willingness to listen means a lot. It's rare to find someone who understands the gravity of dealing with such ancient and formidable forces."
"I am a psychiatrist, and it is my job to help everyone - good and bad - in any situation. One last thing before we end the session. Now that you turned into Noob Saibot, who will take the Sub-Zero mantle in Liu Kang's timeline? It can't be Kuai Liang because he's already taken the Scorpion mantle."
"That's a good question." Bi-Han rubbed his chin. "Perhaps Liu Kang has someone else in mind, or there might be an up-and-coming warrior who will rise to the occasion. Only time will tell how the Sub-Zero legacy will continue in this age."
A/N: Poor Bi-Han (aka Noob Saibot). It looks like he can't catch a break. Anyway, time to let my brain rest, so who should Dr. Rainey take on next? See ya later!
