(DISCLAIMER:I don't own Mortal Kombat or its characters in any way. )

Chapter 2: Some Things Change

Side Event #10: Nido & Jade

Rain poured against the outside area of the throne room. Jade covered her eyes with her forearm while she followed Nido into a more shaded area with a balcony. The thunderclaps were drowned out by the white noise of rain.

"Nido?" Jade said. "You summoned me far sooner than I expected. I cannot stay too long, I've an obligation to watch after Kitana."

Nido shook his head and chuckled nervously. "It's cool. Just wanted to talk to you a little bit, if that's alright?" A flash of lightning lit them as the sounds of battle inside the throne room raged on.

"Yes, I have time to talk." Jade walked to the balcony rail and leaned against it.

"Crazy world out there, huh?" Nido stood near Jade and put both of his hands on the rail. "I just entered this thing to try to get my reputation up. Work's gone sour back home. I used to be the guy they turned to whenever something weird happened. I inherited the job, though. My father's father started it after his father started it from his father's own idea. My mom named me 'Nido' because they wanted me to be like Odin. Wiser and greater than those before me, I guess?"

Jade had long since turned her eyes upon him to listen to the story. She knew it already, though it did not hurt to hear it told to her all over again. Before, she remembered knowing nothing of Norse mythology, though now she played along. "I had a friend long ago from Earthrealm. He spoke often of this Odin and other mythological beings. It is very interesting stuff, though I personally still enjoy Edenian mythology."

"Yeah? Who was this lucky guy?" He asked playfully, of course.

"It was hundreds of years ago. He has long since passed." That man was Nido - but the time was exaggerated.

"Sorry to hear that." Nido faced forward, but turned his attention back to her when the time period registered in his mind. "Wait, Edenia? Hundreds of years ago?"

"I am from the realm of Edenia. It is the 'Earth' I reside in. It is another dimension which is many galaxies away from your own."

"So you're like an alien invader or something? How do you travel through spaces like that? Or is it like the realm demons come from?" Nido paused. "I hunt those. You're not a demon are you?"

"I am perfectly an angel." Jade joked before explaining. "Ages ago travel through realms was discovered after the Elder Gods created the Nexus. Since then, it has evolved to the point those with sorcery experience can conjure dimensional rifts that connect two or more places in the universe. It is difficult to explain how…, but everywhere we go, our energy leaves a signature. This is exploited by portal users who can teleport to places they have been or even seen. Other than that, I cannot explain how some go places they have never seen or been."

"Sounds like some pretty deep magic." Nido kept his attention on Jade, and never turned away to enjoy the island view. "So, I was thinking that you and I could grab a bite to eat or something. Maybe take a moonlit stroll and talk about things besides fighting?"

"I was hoping we could do that tonight." Jade placed her hand on his shoulder. "I do not wish to rush things, however I enjoy your company, as brief as our meetings have been."

"Yeah, I feel the same way, Brown Sugar." Nido found himself lost in her eyes. He stared endlessly from one green eye to the other, squinting as if there was some familiarity beyond their meeting here. "Sorry I…" Nido paused and regained his composure." Didn't realize you had green eyes too. They're beautiful."

"Thank you…"

"…Can I see your face without the mask?"

"Surely." Jade obliged. She pulled the front of her mask down to reveal her full facial features. "There we go." She watched him examine her face.

Nido's gaze ventured from her eyes to her lips slowly. The frightening powerful familiarity overwhelmed his heart with curiosity.

Memories flooded through Jade's mind about him. It was frustrating, knowing that bond was incomplete at this juncture.

Nido got closer.

Jade leaned in.

Their lips came within an inch of one another when another strike of thunder flashed. They paused. Their lips never touched, and Jade quietly cursed her conscience. She was the first to pull back.

"Probably the best kiss I never had." Nido joked. "Hard for me to say I'm not into you, Jade. You've got all of my attention."

"Then keep watching a little longer." She smiled, starting to pull her mask back up. "We will be seeing more of each other. Just be patient with me, alright?"

Nido reluctantly pulled away from her and spoke. "If you've been hurt by another guy, I'm not dumb enough to do that."

"I know you aren't." Jade said as she left him to return to the rain. "See you around, Nido."

"See you around, Jade." Nido lazily saluted her. "If you don't mind, I'll keep watching…while you walk away."

( End of Side Event )

( Meanwhile … )

"I will have my revenge, but I will not kill Sub-Zero." Scorpion announced after defeating Sektor and Cyrax in a grueling battle.

Mileena noticed Raiden's nod of approval to Scorpion's words. That had not happened before. "This is where Mileena feels a shift in time."

"Yes, this event in time has yet to happen, sister." Kitana folded her arms, and lifted a hand to rest beneath her chin. "This does not endanger anything yet. Let it pass."

"Will not, or cannot?" The voice of Bi Han rang out as he entered the throne room.

"Sub-Zero."Scorpion retorted calmly.

"Yes, sister." Mileena narrowed her eyes toward Sub-Zero. "Mileena will make sure no foul play happens. She is sure someone will influence him." Said as her eyes cut toward the distant Quan Chi.

"You are right. Do what you must, and I will cover you." Kitana whispered to Mileena.

Bi Han paused his approach to Scorpion and pointed out Mileena. "You keep this freak away from me. I will deal with you after I defeat this Shirai Ryu ghost."

"Freak?" Mileena hissed and marched in anger toward Sub-Zero.

Kitana reached out for her sister, but paused. Shang Tsung would probably find it suspicious if she showed too much care for her clone.

"The Shirai Ryu are dead. You will suffer a defeat in their honor." Hanzo promised. He turned toward Mileena and held his hand out to stop her. "Stay back, woman."

"To hell with your clan!" Bi Han barked.

Scorpion's patience and peace hit a boiling point as flames licked his fists and anger surfaced. "No, to hell with you!" Scorpion grabbed Bi Han and the two disappeared in a burning wave of energy.

Mileena missed her opportunity. Empty handed, Mileena stomped back to Kitana's side.

There was some chatter among the other Kombatants on what just happened or where the two warriors had gone. Kitana, however, had her attention on a red clad woman in the group of kombatants waiting for the battles to ensue.

"Is that Skarlet?" Kitana whispered.

Jade returned just as Kitana spoke. She answered her friend while putting a hand on her shoulder. "It is, indeed. I had suspected such. I do not believe I have seen her since before Kahn's invasion. She trained with us briefly, unless you have forgotten, princess."

Mileena sniffed the air and focused on Skarlet. "She reeks of blood."

"That isn't very polite, Mileena." Kitana said, glancing at her out the corner of her eye. "Blood magic. I wonder what she is doing here? Perhaps to keep an eye on us? I honestly hadn't noticed her before."

Jade's own history of spy-type work allowed her to draw conclusions of others by their movements. She could tell Skarlet was watching someone else. "I'll find out."

Quan Chi stepped toward the center of the room before the throne. "The battle is over. I will see to I the victor makes his return." He bowed before Shang Tsung to ask permission.

"Granted," Shang motioned his hand to Quan Chi, "be quick, please. Our guests are waiting."

Quan Chi summoned a green gate with a few sways of his gloved hands. Every practiced motion was like a master painter's stroke on a canvas.

"He will see to it Kuai Liang's brother is killed." Mileena spoke softly. "But, as much as Mileena hates him…" Mileena clenched her fist and fought with her own conscience. She rushed Quan Chi, and dove onto him as he walked through the portal, much to Kitana and Jade's surprise.

Mileena and Quan Chi crashed onto the dusty and hot surface of the Netherrealm. After a moment of adjustment, Mileena rolled off of the sorcerer.

Quan Chi grunted as he stood. "What in the name of…!" He glared at her. "Daughter of Shao Kahn, what do you think you are doing?"

Scorpion stood before Sub-Zero as he lay prone.

Mileena pointed to Scorpion and spoke with regal authority. "You have won. I come with word from Raiden!" She lied. "Your clan will walk the Earth again! You have done well."

"What? What is this madness?" Quan Chi looked to Scorpion, unaware of the bargain he had made with the Thunder God. "Surely you do not believe this woman! The Elder Gods would never make such a promise! Kill him!"

"I will not." Scorpion spoke, much calmer than he had been in recent days. "He has been beaten. The Elder Gods will live up to their words, Quan Chi. I have no use of you."

"Have you forgotten it was me who brought you back to this plane of existence?" Quan Chi raised his voice and stomped several paces toward his former slave. "You will obey me, Scorpion!"

"I will not!" The flames of hell burned hotter as Scorpion's defiance grew. "I have what I desire. I have no further use for this tournament. Have another fool fight for your realm."

While the two bickered, Mileena snuck around them to the wounded Bi Han. "Here, let Mileena help you." She offered, starting to pull one of Sub-Zero's arms around her shoulders, helping him to his feet.

"You…" He muttered as he shoved away from Mileena. "I do not need your assistance to stand." Regardless of his words, he collapsed back to a knee shortly after. To his surprise, once again Mileena picked him up. "Why do you assist me?"

"Because, Mileena needs your help." She stated, now watching to see the aftermath of the confrontation before them.

"Sub-Zero murdered your family! The Lin Kuei destroyed your clan!" Quan Chi reminded Hanzo.

If only Quan Chi anticipated Sub-Zero's denial of the event. "These are lies. The Shirai Ryu are our enemies, this is the truth." He removed himself from Mileena's grasp and limped forward. "But we never ventured to Japan to slaughter them. In fact, it was you Quan Chi who sent Scorpion as 'back up' when you sent me after the sacred map. This led to our battle, and Scorpion's death."

Scorpion's hollow eyes were on Bi Han and then slowly slid back to Quan Chi. "You would hire the Lin Kuei after he destroyed my family?"

"I was setting it up for your vengeance, Scorpion!" Quan Chi held strong to his story.

"You tricked me once before, you will not trick another before my eyes!" Bi Han gathered frozen energy in his palms, immediately alerting Quan Chi.

With the chill of Sub-Zero's powers all around, the intense heat of Scorpion's flames, and the deathly glare of Mileena's eyes…Quan Chi decided fleeing was the best option.

Quan Chi summoned a portal behind himself and fled through before any of his enemies could launch an attack.

Relaxing himself, Scorpion turned fully to face Bi Han. "The score is settled dead even, Bi Han. If a Lin Kuei steps foot in the Shirai Ryu territory with malicious intent, I will kill them. You can be sure a Shirai Ryu will not bother your pathetic clan of criminals any longer."

"The same can be said to you, Hanzo." Bi Han said coldly with an intense glare. "For now, a truce is in order. The Lin Kuei will know of Quan Chi's acts of betrayal, as will the Shirai Ryu. Perhaps you will one day discover your true family's killers."

"Perhaps." Scorpion nodded and turned his attention back to Mileena. "Had you not come and told me of the Elder Gods word, perhaps I would have killed Bi Han at Quan Chi's request. I thank you."

Mileena smiled beneath her veil; despite she knew she lied to him. "You are welcome, Scorpion."

Without many more words, Scorpion vanished in a flare. This left Sub-Zero and Mileena alone in the boiling pits of this hellish realm.

"Woman," Bi Han began, "what is it you sought to gain from this? Why is it you desire my assistance?"

"Mileena wishes to become Lin Kuei." She said quickly. She saw the way he looked at her – as if she were completely off her rocker. Resorting to desperation, she placed her fist over her chest. "To be stealthy as the night…!"She bowed forward slightly.

Bi Han paused. "And deadly as the dawn." Where she learned such a thing would need to be questioned, though he began to recall her saying she knew Kuai Liang. "One does not become Lin Kuei overnight. However, in return for arguably saving my life…I will give you a map to the temple. There, you can attempt to gain audience with the Grand Master. I will send Sektor and Cyrax with you once this tournament concludes."

"Thank you, Sub-Zero." She bowed again respectfully.

"Come to my chambers tonight." Bi Han paced away from her. "It is near the docks. It is impossible to miss."

"First, we must escape…this place." She added in, following closer behind him. "Have you any means of escape?"

Thinking briefly, Bi Han placed a hand at Mileena's shoulder. "It will take every ounce of energy I have left. I will try." The two of them quickly became encased in ice – and within seconds would be forming into ice back within the throne room. Exploding from the frozen casings, Sub-Zero fell forward, but Mileena remained standing.

Everyone chattered amongst themselves, though Sektor and Cyrax quickly came to Sub-Zero's aid.

"What did you do to him?" Sektor shouted, quickly picking him up to begin carrying him off for medical attention, leaving Cyrax behind. "You will pay dearly for this, woman!"

Though cooler heads prevailed with Cyrax, Mileena did not stick around long enough for anyone to question her. She fled and jumped over the balcony into the rain. She was going to meet up with Sub-Zero with little delay, as long as she could help it.

"…Jade." Kitana simply said.

Knowing the command, the Jade stepped away. "Far ahead of you, Kitana." It seemed the matches for the night were over…and as the group dispersed, Jade headed out carefully alongside Kitana. Before long, the two went separate ways.

Side Event #11: Inescapable Fate

"I called Sektor off, you should be fine." Sub-Zero spoke as he limped over to his night stand. "Keep this safe with you." A scroll was pulled from it as he turned to limp back toward Mileena. "This was meant to be given to possible recruits. Guard it well."

"Mileena will guard it with her life. Thank you." She accepted the scroll.

"Perhaps your…gifts will serve us well in the future. Now, be gone. Until you are a proven Lin Kuei, consider this peace between us no longer existent."

"Ha. Right!" Mileena left his chamber and moved like a thief in the night back into the storm. Within seconds, she was completely gone.

This left Bi Han alone, finally. He hobbled to his bed and sat down. He was still in a lot of pain, and wasn't entirely certain he would survive long with his patched wounds. He could sense Sektor and Cyrax in the distance. They were growing more hostile with one another. He would have to for once and for all shut down this nonsense of the cyber initiative himself.

There was a loud crackle of thunder outside that caught his attention. In his brief distraction, suddenly another energy source appeared in his dim room. "What? Who are –!"

He couldn't see his attacker until the last moment… Skarlet. Before he knew it, pain shot through his body as breath left him. The last thing he saw…was red.

( End of Side Event )

( Much Later )

It had been a full day since the three Kunoichi separated at the throne room. Kitana was worried. She remained at the side of Shang Tsung and his remaining minions. The unveiling of Ermac wasn't as spectacular the second time around for her. She knew Liu Kang would topple him.

Just hearing his name being called out gave her chills. Seeing him alive and well brought back great memories, but being near him was absolute torture. She couldn't tell him her feelings just yet.

While Liu and Ermac battled, Kitana was given a pleasant surprise.

"Forgive me for being late," Jade whispered as she walked up behind her, dragging along Mileena. "I found this one trying to hitch a ride off the Island. The Lin Kuei thought she killed Sub-Zero."

"What?" The princess sharply turned toward them. "Mileena, did you? Answer me." A hushed yell was given toward her sister.

"She didn't. Mileena was with me when it happened. I got it cleared up with the Lin Kuei of her whereabouts. Otherwise, I'd be seeing red…right now."

Mileena remained quiet. Her stomach turned at the very sight of Baraka nearby. When he saw her coming with Jade, he kept several feet of distance from her, just as Kano.

"Quite…" Kitana said, with her eyes narrowed. As Ermac fell and Liu Kang was announced the winner, Kitana knew what to do next. "Excuse me, ladies." She parted ways with the others and approached Shang Tsung. It was déjà vu. She stood at his side as they watched Liu Kang leave the throne room with his allies. "He is a greater threat than anticipated," she began, "I will ensure he will not reach the final challenge."

With a simple nod of the aged sorcerer, Kitana's 'plan' was accepted, just as before. Now, she would have time alone with Liu Kang.