Chapter 11: A Moment to Rest

Side Event #19: Demons and Wraiths
( Over one year ago)

Within the confines of the FBI's Special Unit HQ in an undisclosed location, a meeting was ensuing. Within a dimly lit interrogation room several suited men surrounded a table with a couple of New York's Special Riot Control officers on hand. Sitting at the table itself was a dark-skinned young man who was currently in handcuffs. Due to recent events, it seemed that only the officers were in denial about what happened.

"Demons? What the hell are you crazy?"

"That's enough, Stryker." A suit clad man spoke up. "When Kano went off the grid, a lot of weird things started happening. That attack in Brooklyn was just one of many we can expect. They got their message out at the cost of some fine agents. This kid's the only reason some of us have our necks, and why we were able to keep people quiet." The man paced around the table and placed his hand on the young man's shoulders.

Stryker threw his hat down in frustration. "This kid saved Kabal and I back there, but you will have to forgive me for not buying into the Black Dragon having control over monsters." He gave the young man a glance, then returned his sights to the agent. "What did they even want?"

"They wanted to send a message. An invitation." The agent continued on. "The United States has known about these…invitations over the ages. It's something called the 'Mortal Kombat tournament'…"

Kurtis could hardly believe his ears. He looked to Kabal for a moment to see if he was feeling just as uneasy about this as he was. When he saw the feeling was mutual, he faced the agent and his associates again. "Look, if you're going to blow smoke up my ass, don't drag me all the way out here for it."

"They were trying to get the attention of the OIA; Outer-World Investigation Agency." Nido spoke finally, rattling his shackles as he sat up straight. "I heard the creatures discuss it while I was creeping around town. They were sending someone a message from this Kano guy I keep hearing about."

The agent confirmed this. "From what we've gathered, Sonya Blade's been directly invited by Kano himself for the upcoming tournament. We have the when and where, but we can't help but feel it's a trap. We're going to need you to make sure she doesn't hear about this tournament, Stryker."

Kurt remained silent for a few seconds. He leaned forward and placed his hands on the surface of the table. "They killed thirty civilians to invite Sonya to a tournament? Look, if you want this riot to be hush-hush, I can do that. I know it was just the gas affecting us." He did, however, give them the benefit of the doubt. "But…, if what you're saying is true that Kano's gonna be somewhere…we'll need someone to take him in."

"We've got that covered." The agent removed his hand from Nido's shoulder and began pacing around the other side to Stryker and Kabal. "We're sending this kid. He's from a long line of demon slayers. He specializes in these…where were they from?"

"The Netherrealm." Nido answered, "The Oni and Wraith creatures were from the first and second ring. Really nothing to be too scared of in my line of business. The attack was poorly planned…some of the Wraith spirits were from that area…something familiar from the past for them is their greatest weakness."

Kabal finally threw his own voice into the mix. "Netherrealm, tournaments, 'Oni'? Yeah, I think even if we told Sonya, she wouldn't buy it." He tapped Stryker's shoulder. "So, we letting this kid go? No point in holding him."

Kurt took his time making the call. "Yeah, if this guy's working with the feds, we've got no reason to hold him. You guys letting him go or what, 'cause I'm getting a bit tired of this nonsense…" Stryker pulled the key to the cuffs out of his pocket to hand to the agents. His whole reason for arresting Nido was due to his refusal to put his weapon down, but since these agents backed him so hard, he didn't want to deal with the paperwork.

Once the agents set Nido free, the lead of the group assisted him to his feet. "We could use someone who has been blessed by Odin in such a cut throat tournament."

When the shackles were removed, Nido stood up while gripping at his wrists. "If this ever happens again," He spoke directly to Stryker. "Aim for clavicle area. It's more effective for the first and second ringers." His little token of advice probably wouldn't be taken seriously, but he felt that if these guys were to ever get mixed up in another outbreak of demons, at least they'd be better informed. "I'm gonna need my Gungnir back, by the way."

( End Side Event)

With the rest period allowed, many of the warriors were going about their own business. Xue Fang was conversing with the students of Sub-Zero's reformed Lin Kuei, Nido seemed to be locked in conversation with Kitana, and Mileena was making her way through the crowd to meet with Sub-Zero. All was right, but the patience of Fukushu was thinning out. The red wrapped woman moved off to the side of the arena and crouched down by the stairway of the seating area. She looked around to be sure she wasn't being watched, and knocked on the side of the stone twice. She lowered her head and placed her fist to her forehead as if going into a prayer.

From the side of the stairs, a young boy no older than six years of age poked his head out. He was concealed in black garbs and feasting upon a small pouch of berries.

"Satoshi," Fukushu spoke with a warm smile behind her bandages. "You are behaving and staying out of sight, correct?"

The young boy nodded, hiding a bit more beneath the steps. "Yes, mother. I am on my best behavior! You are doing well…you will win this, I know."

She shut her eyes, taking in her child's words. "I can only hope. Still, getting close to the Lin Kuei to avenge our pain is the goal. I do not think I will win…, there are some with ill will here around us…" She opened her eyes again, glancing toward the gathered demon women, who all were previously eliminated. "I will make my strike and we will leave."

"Must you, mother? Having the help of the Lin Kuei…"

She interrupted her son with anger in her voice. "Satoshi Hasashi, the Lin Kuei ended our lives once. They must answer for their unjust crimes against us." She kept her voice low, but her son could feel the force of her words and her locked intentions. "I will come for you on my escape. Be prepared. We will be one step closer to finding your father…"

Satoshi dared not defy his mother. He simply took in her instructions and cowered back beneath the steps.

Seeing the fear in his eyes of discipline, Fukushu pulled the front of her mask down to show her face to her son. She was still Nao beneath the enigmatic persona she created. "You are doing a great job, my son. Having you rooting for me motivates me…, I am sorry for yelling…" Another glance over her shoulder…and she moved in closer to embrace her son in the shadows. She cradled the back of his head and shut her eyes. The last thing she wanted was to have him so afraid of her that he never blossomed as the warrior he was meant to be. She, as a mother, couldn't take the pain of seeing him afraid again…and be helpless to protect him…or for him to protect himself. "Now hide. This should take only but a moment…"

Her son remained silent. He simply obeyed as a good son would; as Hanzo's son would. It reminded her so much of him in his youth. She remembered the days the two of them would train together before they even hit their teen years.

She remembered the very day her clan and the Shirai Ryu merged to create a network of better resources. Despite the two of them being children of each leader, they both were forbidden from ever joining their ranks. Hanzo's rebellion inspired her, and once he became a full member of the Shirai Ryu's elite ranks, she vowed to never leave his side. That same vow held true with their son…despite leaving him to hide, she would never let him be taken from her. She pulled her bandages back up around her face and came to stand. The nightmares of the raid of their village played in her mind each time she saw any Lin Kuei. The murders, decapitations, the ravaging of the women…including herself. She could only play 'nice' for so long.

A single kunai was tucked against her sleeve as she walked. She moved through the spectators and headed to the back of the small arena. Her only intention was to find Sub-Zero and kill him before anyone would notice…or before someone else got the chance to. However, she saw up ahead that Sub-Zero was currently in audience with Mileena. The grey clad man…'Smoke' was departing to leave them to their privacy. The woman, Xue Fang was lingering in the area as well. Her plan of assault had to be stealthy rather than direct. She just lingered in the hall, pretending to read a few of the scrolls reciting the rules of the tournament, as well as the match-up brackets. It seemed she would be facing Xue Fang next round…if she remained for it.

"I saw that," Fukushu overheard Sub-Zero speaking to Mileena. "You are quick on your feet. That's a great quality. How long have you been training?"

As excited as she was, Mileena managed to hold still. Her fists were on her sides and her smile was bright behind her mask…as if it could get any brighter. "For about ten thousand years!" It hit her that Kuai Liang wasn't as ancient as she was. "Uh!...Y-years are different on Edenia and Outworld! M-Mileena is sure her age and experience does not mean she has more to learn!"

Kuai Liang chuckled at her words. "Relax, Mileena. Even masters do not know everything. Even I have much more to learn. If you become my pupil, I promise to teach you all I know, if you promise to teach me as well." His words were of pure nature. He bowed his head respectfully before her as his words met their end.

Oh, the thoughts that swam through Mileena's mind; oh the things she wanted to 'teach' him would make a succubus blush. She shook the thought out of her head and returned the bow. "Of course! We will be a great uh…benefit to one another." There was still that looming dinner as well. "So! What were your dinner ideas?"

"Well, a mutual friend gave me a bit of advice. How does…spaghetti sound?"

Mileena's eyes and cheeks lit up. It had to be Kitana that told him! "Perfect! Though I wish my sister did not spoil the guessing game for our first date! This means I must ask your friend a secret about you…"

Kuai was amused. He reached up to place his hand on her shoulder. "I will do you one better. I will tell you something I enjoy. I'm very big," Mileena's mind raced before he could even finish his sentence, "on reading, as boring as that sounds. I also have a near absurd obsession with pancakes of all things."

"Mileena loves to read!" She dare not mention her favorite fairy tale in fear that she would sound stupid compared to his possible love of things like novels.

The two were interrupted by the presence of Xue Fang. "Master Sub-Zero." She bowed respectfully. "I apologize if I'm interrupting…but some of the Lin Kuei have brought something to my attention."

Sub-Zero allowed this, due to the fact he'd become so intrigued with Xue's ability. Her arrogance was another matter, however. "Yes?"

Xue gave Mileena a glance, then faced Kuai again. "I was asking them about the prior Mortal Kombat tournaments. I am a follower of Liu Kang's career as a fighter. I was told that…your elder brother was…murdered. I am sorry to hear this…" She bowed once again.

"It is fine, Xue Fang." He had many feelings still lingering about his brother's death. "He was a great warrior, despite his flaws."

Xue almost began to smirk as she stood upright. "I heard word that his killer interrupted his match with the one known as Scorpion," She did not look at Mileena, but she could tell the woman's eyes were on her. "Also that her…'friend' had to convince your clan that she had no part in it. Convinced as in…forced them under threat of pain." With a slight motion to her side, she concluded. "I believe it was you. Correct, Mileena?"

Now Kuai Liang's eyes went to her. This information was held from him…, but why? Was it true?

Mileena panicked and shook her hands before herself. "No! That is not true! Mileena did not kill him! She tried to protect him! And Jade…Jade…she just told them if it was I who did the killing, that they too would be dead!"

"So, are you stating you are superior to the Lin Kuei? Perhaps…trying to get close enough to snag the Dragon Medallion?"

"What?" Mileena's anger bubbled to the surface. "You listen! Mileena wishes only good things for Sub-Zero! His power is his and his alone! Quan Chi is the one behind this all…he tricked Scorpion into thinking the Lin Kuei killed his family! Scorpion did not kill him! He spared him against Quan Chi's wishes!"

Kuai Liang thought about this in silence as the women bickered. He remembered Quan Chi sending Bi Han on a quest…and he remembered the report that Scorpion was killed, but he never knew why. Hearing now that Scropion spared his brother made things…feel a bit off. Which one of them spoke the truth?

On the other side of things, hearing Mileena's words made Fukushu tuck her kunai away. Sub-Zero was not the one to harm. This…Quan Chi…she heard of him before. He hired Scorpion to retrieve the Map of Elements from the Order of Light's Shaolin Temple. She recalled those dark eyes stalking her body, giving her the most sickening feeling.

"Well, if it wasn't you, why did you interfere in his battle? What motivation did you have for that? He is…was a complete stranger…" Xue Fang continued to pry away at Mileena's nerves.

Before the half-Tarkatan could explode with anger, Kuai Liang ended it. "Stop." He stepped between the two of them. "Save your aggressions for the tournament. I will conduct my own investigation on this topic on my own time. I do not wish to hear mention of my brother or his death from either of you. Am I understood?" His tone was more business-like, as if he were already their teacher.

Both women bowed lightly toward the Grandmaster, but spoke not a word. With his mood as bad as it was now, any words would have been cut down anyway. Mileena could sense this. When Sub-Zero left the two of them…Mileena's yellow eyes stared over to Xue Fang. She was grinning from ear to ear, satisfied with enraging Mileena.

Xue Fang laughed as she began to speak. "Good luck with your match!" She knew exactly what she was doing. She saw Mileena fight earlier, and she knew that her emotions would get the better of her. If she could make her upset enough, she would be too blind to defend herself properly. It was all…strategy. She walked away after making brief eye contact with Fukushu on her way back out toward the ring. Without being provoked, she bumped shoulders with the woman, maintaining her arrogant grin.