Mortal Kombat: Broken Chains

By: Miss-DNL

Chapter 10: Turning on Masters



Instead of taking his time and strolling back to his master’s stronghold Noob Saibot appeared in the building itself, just outside the throne room. The place was lit by torch light as it always had been, stone walls with skull designs; made with actual skulls, greeted him. Noob Saibot paused a moment as he looked around, Oni’s were patrolling through the halls as usual. The shadow wraith looked at the doors while he mentally put together what he was going to say to his ‘master’, he hadn’t reported to him in a while. He wasn’t grossly late but Quan Chi would still notice his tardiness, and Noob Saibot knew he had told the Necromancer he’d be more on time with returning to him…

As much as Noob Saibot was confident in his abilities, he was still undead and Quan Chi was still the most powerful Necromancer in the NetherRealm.

The shadow wraith tensed, if he angered the demon enough he could easily be made into a mindless slave only competent enough to fulfill the tasks ordered to it. Quan Chi had been gracious enough to allow him his free will as he had made himself appear to be obedient and loyal. If angered him enough though…he’d have that freedom taken away.

Once he felt himself sufficiently gathered Noob Saibot headed over to the large doors that led to the throne room. The two guards present at the doors had mocking grins plastered on their hideous faces, clearly they knew he was in trouble. Noob Saibot shot the glorified doormen a warning glare, he couldn’t kill them at their posts but none would be the wiser if he shoved them face first into lava. Noob Saibot took some pride when their grins deflated instantly.

His own grin however was soon gone when he saw Quan Chi sitting on his throne, he didn’t appear angry but the demon was good at masking his emotion. Better than even he could, as much as Noob Saibot didn’t want to admit it. What was unsettling was how the pale demon immediately focused in on him soon as he entered his sight. That most likely wasn’t a good sign. So in hopes to avoid further angering him Noob Saibot quietly walked towards him and kneeled with his head down in an act of obedience.

“So, you’ve finally decided to return…” Quan Chi drawled out with a cold calmness to his voice, his red eyes ever focused on his wraith.

“Yes, master,” Noob Saibot answered obediently, his head kept down. Despite the necromancer’s calmness his tone caused the ash gray hairs on his neck to bristle. The wraith tensed further when the demon got up from his throne and began to pace around him silently. Now Noob Saibot knew his was in trouble, but he kept quiet to avoid making it worse.

“Care to tell me why exactly you’ve taken over two weeks, nearly a month to report in?” Quan Chi began, his voice slowly showing his hidden anger, “When I specifically recall you saying you’d be more punctual with fulfilling my orders.”

There was a pause as the demon stopped pacing and stood right in front of the shadow wraith, “And my last orders to you were to report to me every week. I had been specific enough for you to understand hadn’t I?” He narrowed his eyes dangerously when the wraith stayed quite, “Answer me…”

“Yes, master I understood your orders.” Noob Saibot answered quickly.

Quan Chi’s tone turned scathing, Noob Saibot had forgotten how dangerous he could sound, “Then tell me why you’ve taken close to a month to return wraith…”

“Master, I-” Before Noob Saibot could even voice his excuse Quan Chi grabbed him by the masked and hoisted him up to his eye level. Startling the wraith enough that he stopped speaking completely.

“Do not mistake my patience with lenience!” Quan Chi snarled furiously, his voice petered out into low burning aggravation as narrowed his eyes at him, “You have become awfully daring lately Sub-Zero.” Noob Saibot, bristled hearing his former code name, it was one of the necromancer’s favorite ways to humiliate him. However, at the moment he had no room to even give a ghost of a glare. Gripping his servants mask to keep their gazes locked Quan Chi continued, his tone unwavering, “You seem to think you can come and go as you please, but your arrogance is going to be put to an end. Or have you forgotten your condition?”

Even if he was dead, Noob Saibot felt his blood run cold, but all he could do was remain still and quite. His arrogance was about to put him in a world of pain.

“You have power and skill yes, but I have power over you.” Quan Chi hissed before he abruptly dropped the shadow wraith to the floor.

Noob Saibot felt panic rush him, all calmness and pride was immediately thrown out the window, “M-master, no please don’t!”

It was no use. By the time he pleaded Quan Chi hand finished his spell, ethereal power glowed from his hands and immediately after Noob Saibot’s eyes flashed red. The spell attacked the shadow wraith’s mind, pressuring it and his free will to submit to Quan Chi’s control. Gritting his teeth he gripped his head trying to fight against it. He could feel it was a losing battle, his control over himself was slipping.  Quickly his fight became painful, he clenched his eyes closed trying to will the spell away. Pained cries escaped his mouth as the pain began to escalated higher and higher. If he hadn’t already been kneeling he would have fallen to his knees at the amount of pain coursing through his body, mind and soul. Noob Saibot’s blue eyes were turning a burning red as Quan Chi’s spell began to win over his steadily weakening will. Soon enough he’d become an obedient puppet.

Suddenly Quan Chi broke the spell, freeing Noob Saibot causing the shadow wraith to fall onto the floor. The necromancer turned away from the shadow wraith and casually sat back down on his throne. The small torture session seemed to have lightened the demon’s mode as his tone turned back to its even calmness, though there was still a slight sneer at the end, “I hope that taught you your place again ninja.”

“Y-yes...master.” Noob Saibot managed as he pulled himself back to a kneeling position, his mind was still throbbing from the spell’s attack. It had caused his vision to become slightly blurred but Quan Chi’s chalk white skin was still easy to see against the overall dark color of the room.

“Good,” Quan Chi stated with a derisive grin before slipping into a stone cold frown, “The only reason I let you keep your mind is because I allow it, but because of your failure to follow simple orders now I’ve made so I call you whenever I please.” Noob Saibot tenses slightly again, the Necromancer had put a spell on him after all. The necromancer looked down at the wraith, “Now whenever you decide to stretch what freedom I allow you, it’ll be all too easy to drag you back here for your punishment.”

Noob Saibot gritted his teeth, it was like he had an invisible leash around his neck! Just waiting for Quan Chi to be used it to yank him back here! The undead assassin went cold when he heard the demon continue,

“You are bound here, you will serve me.” Quan Chi said with a low, rumbling warning growl as he learned forward a bit on his throne. He gave his servant a hard stare with his blood red eyes until the shadow wraith gave him a nod. Looking the black clad assassin over for a moment before deciding he was satisfied. Leaning back on his skull, and stone throne he looked down at the wraith, “So, did you learn anything from your extended stay in Earthrealm?”

“Yes Master Quan Chi,” Noob Saibot answered staying in his current position, his body felt completely drained of strength and his mind was still dazed. It took all his will to remain kneeling. If he had to breathe his breathing would defiantly be labored. He could feel his body regaining its strength from the NetherRealm but it would take time.

“The new ‘Sub-Zero’ has allied with a monk called Kung Lao.” Quan Chi arched a brow hearing this, the name Kung Lao was familiar to him. A previous Kung Lao had been Earthrealm’s champion, was it possible this was an ancestor? He was a bit surprise this new Sub-Zero allied with him, but that didn’t change his plan in the slightest. The pale demon said nothing and let his servant continue, “Also a new warrior has joined them Johnny Cage is his name. I don’t see him as a much of a threat he’s just an arrogant pompous actor.”

“You’d know something about arrogance ninja,” Quan Chi commented sharply, “what sort of abilities does he possess?”

Noob Saibot tenses at the necromancer’s comment but still answered his question, “So for it seems to be energy orbs and energy augmentation to his body giving him enhances speed and strength.”

Quan Chi thought about that over for a moment, wasn’t nothing too special but he’d keep that in mind. He looked back to the kneeling shadow wraith, “Anything else?”

For a while Noob Saibot was silent, this caught Quan Chi’s interest but he waited a moment until he finally spoke again, “Sub-Zero has formed a new ability with his powers, he’s able to create ice weapons now.” Though he seemed a bit intrigued by the news Quan Chi said nothing to this, to Noob Saibot’s relief.

“The group is heading to a Shaolin Temple, to meet up with an ally called Liu Kang.” The shadow wraith reported then he dipped his head lower, “That is all I’ve found out Master.”

Quan Chi thought for a moment, “No sign of Scorpion?”

“No Master, but I’m certain it’s only a matter of time before he shows himself again.” Noob Saibot said with a slight shake of his head, he was beginning to feel sturdier finally. The NetherRealm was taking its time with restoring his strength.

“Seems things are progressing for Raiden, his forces are gathering.” Quan Chi commented casually not seeming bothered by the fact, “Continue to keep an eye on them,” He darted his eyes over to the wraith, “This time report to me whenever you discover something for importance. Understood?”

Noob Saibot nodded his head he could hear the necromancer was still irate with him, “Yes Master Quan Chi, I won’t cross you again.”

“You had better, next time I will put you under my control.” Quan Chi warned darkly, causing the shadow wraith to stiffen again before dismissing him, “Now go.”

Standing upright Noob Saibot and bowed again before turning and leaving back out through the throne room doors. He ignore the fanged, sneering grins on the Oni as he opened a portal back to Earthrealm and went through the pitch black portal. In a blink he was back in the cold, dark forest he had been in previously. Slumping up against a tree he slid down onto the grassy ground, the effect of the spell were still with him. Gritting his teeth he shook in anger, he was leashed like a dog! He was no dog! He was far more than that, he was far more powerful than that! How dare that blasted demon put a leash in the form of a spell on him!

Cold blue eyes burning with searing hatred he glared daggers aimed at Quan Chi, “Quan Chi…you will pay for this…” Noob Saibot hissed through clenched teeth. The shadow wraith narrowed his eyes and steadied himself. He was no specter he wouldn’t be blinded by his anger. Straightening himself he stood back up, he was still drained but he didn’t need much energy to track his failure of a former sibling.

“When the time is right, I will kill you Quan Chi and then the NetherRealm will be mine.”

Quan Chi got off his throne and walked down the halls of his fortress and headed up a spiral staircase into his main magic laboratory. At the center of it was a swirling black pool used to create his more sophisticated undead slaves. The walls were still decorated with the skull motif seen throughout his stronghold and most of the NetherRealm itself. Books and jars filled with various unsightly things also decorated the room. The Nether demon ignored all of this, he’d seen it for many years. Nothing new.

He moved across the room towards a tall bookcase built into the wall itself, filled a wide variety of books. Most on magic of various kinds, namely darker methods of sorcery particularly necromancy. He pulled one out and flipped through the pages, looking through Earthrealm’s history of races with special abilities. The demon was trying to find what heritage the new warrior would be but the description he’d been given was too vague. So he flipped to something he did know the Cryomancers. A long gone race of warriors, long conquered and slaughtered by Shao Khan. Their cold, frozen tundra world assimilated into Outworld. Only ruins remained to prove the race existed. It caught interest that the younger brother of his servant had learned a new skill when it seemed the elder had stopped developing his, but he suppose his arrogance had stopped him from trying to. He grinned slightly all he needed to do was have the younger brother die then he’d be his to command. Quan Chi believed he’d become another Shadow Wraith while he couldn’t be certain it didn’t matter. So long as he was undead he’d make a good servant for him.

Quan Chi looked down at a golden medallion he had on his belt, taking it off he lifted it up to his eye level, of course that was only part of a much bigger plan he had in mind.


Sitting in the Earthrealm woods Sub-Zero sat in mediation, he had really come to enjoy the practice. He felt calmed and relaxed afterward, able to think more clearly. It was really helping him further his training as well. He could summon ice daggers with ease and they were becoming steadily sturdier. The only trouble he was having was with his blade, he could only get it to last for only a few hits. It wasn’t shattering with one blow but he wanted to have it last as long as he needed. Today though he had a good feeling, he had gotten a good rest last night; another thing mediation was helping with, so he felt he had more energy today. So in theory he had more energy to put into creating his blade, thereby making it sturdier.

First he wanted to be a centered as he could get, and after a good meditation session he felt ready. Opening his eyes he stood up, breathing in Sub-Zero put his hand out and gathered ice energy in the other. Exhaling he pulled his arm across the air he formed his Kori Blade, the hilt forming in his free hand. Looking the blade over with his eyes he still felt pride in his creation, he had already gotten the shape down. It was exactly the same as his first.

With a few swings he felt this one was about as sturdy as the rest. A frown formed under his mask in disappointment, Sub-Zero had been certain he’d make a sturdier one this time. This wasn’t about to let this deter him; however, there had to be a way to strengthen his blade. Thinking a moment he got an idea, perhaps if he coated in his arm in ice the cold energy coming from it would help it stay strong? It was worth a shot he figured.

Coating his arm in ice he concentrated trying to feel if the energy was flowing into the blade. It was hard to tell if it was strengthening it or just keeping it solid and cold. He took a breath and focused more, closing his eyes, willing the energy to flow into the blade. It should be easier with the ice on his arm. He could feel the cold ice on him and the coldness of the blade, the cold flowing from one into the other, staving off any warmth from the air around it. Concentrating as much as he possible could he looked at the blade he was holding, he furrowed his brows, something was off. His hand felt strange, it was like he couldn’t feel the upper half of his fingers and the rest of his hand was rather stiff. Sub-Zero couldn’t pin what was wrong, his hands couldn’t be going numb from the cold. That wasn’t possible for him.

Bringing his hand closer his eyes widened in shock, his hand had become made of ice! His fingers seemed to be melded into the blade! This was startling, it had never happened to him before! Had he just lost his hand to his own power? Out of a rare display of complete shock he reflexively released his grip on the Kori Blades’s hilt. The ice blade fell to his feet but remained solid. Holding his arm he carefully examined his hand again. To his wonder he watched as his hand reverted back to flesh, ice merely coating it once more.

Sub-Zero flexed his hand staring at it, what had just happened? Had he concentrated so much his hand had succumbed to his own ice power? He looked at his hand in a thoughtful manner, the fingers seemed to have gone part way into the blade. Could it be some sort of ability just showing itself? He thought.

If he knew more about his Cryomancer heritage, if he knew what his kind was fully capable of then he’d know for sure whether this was a bad sign or an ability of his race. He didn’t even know if his clan was lying to him or not, but he felt so certain Raiden wasn’t lying. He just couldn’t bring himself to think that.

Shaking off his troubled thoughts Sub-Zero flexed his fingers, his hand seemed to be working normally. To be sure everything was fine he commanded the ice to fall away from his arm. The ice broke off from his arm and fell to the ground some landing the discarded Kori Blade. Once again Sub-Zero examined his hand, and again everything was normal. This was a relief.

Still Sub-Zero was curious. If he could cause it to happen again then he felt that would mean it was an ability. It’d be risky to test it though, if something went wrong the results would be bad. Sub-Zero knew he could lost a limb or maybe worse. In the end that didn’t deter the half Cryomancer. Creasing his brow Sub-Zero decided he’d test it, he shot a few ice balls at the ground making a decent layer of ice. He wasn’t sure if it was curiosity that compelled him or misguided boldness, maybe it was a lapse in judgement.  Whichever it was Sub-Zero was about to find out.

Placing a hand on the ice Sub-Zero focused like he had before, trying to will his hand to merge with the ice. He tried this for a few minutes but Sub-Zero couldn’t get anything to happen. Remembering his arm had been coated in ice before the half Cryomancer covered his arm in a sheet of ice again. Pressing his hand back onto the ice, Sub-Zero inhaled then exhaled centering his mind trying to mimic how he had caused the merge before. Sub-Zero felt the cold energy coming from his hand and flowed it into the ice. This time he kept his eyes on his hand, and before his eyes he saw his hand become ice. Shoving aside momentary fright he pushed his hand forward. As expected it went into the sheet of ice.

Pausing a moment Sub-Zero tried to see if he could feel his hand in the ice, he blinked in surprise when he did feel something. It was hard to describe but he could feel each of his fingers moving inside the ice, though he could see no movement in it. It was certainly a new sensation for him to experience.

Wondering how far he could go with this Sub-Zero pushed his arm into the ice, all the way up to his elbow. By now he honestly wondered where his arm was going but he decided not to question it.  Pulling his arm out of the ice he watched in marvel as it quickly began to revert back to normal. It almost seemed like a natural response of his body. Just to be sure he flexed his arm and hand to check their responses. Like before everything was normal.

With the good results of the little test he did Sub-Zero felt compelled to try something else to further test the waters of this apparent ability. Another part of him was unsure, feeling that he might be pushing his luck but it was quickly dismissed. Knowing what he wanted to try next Sub-Zero shattered the ice that was on the ground into small shards that’d melt quickly, to avoid leaving any sign that he was here. He didn’t want to be found just yet. Picking up his Kori blade he shattered it as well, though this time into fine specks that almost looked like falling snow.

Sub-Zero looked off towards where he and his traveling companions had made camp. The Lin Kuei knew they’d be looking for soon enough but he wasn’t done yet.  Moving away from his previous training spot Sub-Zero moved farther away from camp and deeper into the woods. He knew they were getting steadily closer to the Lin Kuei headquarters. When he was heading to Zhu Zin the ice assassin had moved through these same woods to get there. Soon he’d split from the group to return to find his answers at the hidden fortress in the mountains.

Believing he had moved a good distance away Sub-Zero stopped at a decent spot to perform his next text. Gathering ice energy in his hands he charged the blast, letting the energy build until he fired it at the ground. A wall of ice formed as he moved his arm upwards building it up until it was a good few inches taller than him. Looking at the side of the ice construct he checked to see how thick it was. The wall of ice appeared to be thicker than his arm that was good enough for what he wanted to do.

Standing at the side of the ice wall Sub-Zero pushed his arm through the ice wall while peering around the corner. As he had hoped his arm seemingly phased through the ice. Moving his fingers Sub-Zero saw they moved well as when they were flesh and blood. Concentrating Sub-Zero willed his forearm to turn into ice and pulled it back through the ice wall. Once again Sub-Zero watched his arm return to normal with the same amazement as before. Looking back up at the ice wall, now he was feeling like trying something even bolder.

Moving to the front of the ice wall Sub-Zero was about to put both of his hands on the ice wall when he suddenly stopped. He felt like something was watching him, it was a familiar sensation. Still facing the ice wall he felt the air was a bit warmer than before. He tensed a moment until he saw something drifting around his feet, fog. No, not fog. Sub-Zero smiled under his mask before taking a few steps back from his ice wall. The Lin Kuei watched the grey vapor gather at the top of the wall, beginning to take the shape of a man.

“Must you make a dramatic entrance Smoke?” Sub-Zero questioned lightheartedly with a slight shake of his head. He continued to smile under his mask as he looked up at his childhood friend sitting perched on top of the ice wall, one leg crossed over the other.

“No,” Smoke admitted readily, laughing briefly he says, “To be honest I was trying to see what you were doing, but you spotted me so figured I might as well show myself.”

Pushing himself off the ice wall Smoke landed on the ground, Sub-Zero chuckled and the two of them clasped one of their hands together in a brotherly salute, “Ha, it is good to see you again my friend.”

“Same to you Sub-Zero.” Smoke agreed before taking his hand back. Turning his head the ice wall he looked at it curiously, “So what were you doing?” He asked looking back to Sub-Zero.

“I’ve discovered a new ability and I’ve been testing it.” Sub-Zero explained, he paused a moment, “Though now that I think of it. It reminds me of my ice clone ability.”

Smoke furrowed a silver brow, and looked to the ice wall trying to figure what new ability would involve it yet be similar to Sub-Zero’s ice clone skill. Not finding a connection he asked, “How so?”

“When I create an ice clone, I cover myself in a layer of ice them pull myself from it,” Sub-Zero explained, Smoke was aware of this he had seen his friend pull the maneuver before. He had seen it since Sub-Zero was first learning it from his late older brother. The blue dressed assassin looked at the ice wall intently, he was surprised he hadn’t noticed the similarity before. “I now realize I can use that to move through ice.” He explained.

His long silver haired friend got a surprised expression on his face and looked at the ice blinking in surprise, “Really?”

“Yes, it even works on flat sheets of ice that on the ground. If I’m right I can transport my whole body through it, though I haven’t tested that yet.” Sub-Zero stated recalling when he stuck half of his arm in the ice. If he was right this would be a valuable skill against Scorpion, evening things out against his teleportation.

“Are you certain?” Smoke questioned sounding a bit worried, “That’s a risky thing to try Sub-Zero.”

“It is.” Sub-Zero admitted, he was already aware of what his friend was worried about. Sub-Zero himself was worried about trapping himself in a sheet of ice but he was certain it would work. Any edge in his next battle against Scorpion was worth the risk. He would avenge his brother by any means necessary.

“But it’s worth the risk.” The ice assassin stated firmly.

Smoke frowned under his mask, it wasn’t hard to see what was driving him. He crossed his arms turning to his cold tempered friend, “I had worried that you had perished in Zhu Zin,” Sub-Zero looked to his friend noticing the change in subject, “especially when it turned out Scorpion was there.”

“I fared far better than I had last time Smoke,” Sub-Zero answered briskly not wanting to talk about his failure. He had fought better against the specter but he had still lost. The lost still burned in the pit of his stomach fueling him to do train and become stronger.

“But you still lost it seems.” Smoke commented evenly noticing the stiffness surface in the cold warrior. The Czech Lin Kuei didn’t waver when his friend shot him an angry look for his comment, he needed to voice his concern. “I’m getting worried about how obsessed you are getting with revenge! You’re beginning to risk harming yourself for this! Not to mention your losing more sleep than before!”

“Of course I’m risking harming myself! How else and I supposed to avenge my brother?” Sub-Zero snapped, he couldn’t believe his friend was going against him on this. He was the one that said he’d help him avenge his brother! How could he turn on him now?

“I’m not talking about fighting Scorpion Kuai Liang.” Smoke snapped back, the blue clad Lin Kuei stopped a moment when Smoke called him by his real name. They weren’t supposed to use them outside of the headquarters. Briefly Sub-Zero glanced around to make sure his traveling companions weren’t around to hear that. His attention was jerked back to the silver haired assassin when he spoke again, “The trick you want to try could get you trapped in the ice! You’d end up killing yourself if you don’t pull it off right.”

Sub-Zero calmed a moment realizing his friend was concerned about him. He stayed silent as Smoke spoke again, “I know I promised I’d help you avenge Bi-Han, but you can’t do that if you get trapped in ice můj přítel (1).”

Smoke was relieved to see the ice assassin calm so he exhaled, the last thing he wanted to do was have him upset right now. Especially with what he was going to ask him to do soon. He put a hand on Sub-Zero’s shoulder, a coldness abruptly rushed him but Smoke was used to his friend’s naturally cold temperature. He himself had a slightly higher temperature than most due to his heat related abilities. In a way it was a bit odd they were friends, both of them being so different but neither really minded the fact.

“Kuai Liang, just be careful alright?” Smoke requested, yellow eyes showing concern to his friend. He was like a brother to him, Smoke didn’t want to lose him to his desire for revenge. They’d already lost Bi-Han to the specter’s revenge.

There was a moment of silence before Sub-Zero sighed and nodded his head, “The worry has crossed my mind since I discovered it earlier today. I’ll try and be careful with testing this ability, I didn’t plan on trying to transport myself through ice right away anyhow.”

The last part was a lie, but Sub-Zero wasn’t about to test it now since Smoke had voiced his concern about it. He’d have to wait until his friend left, but he’d take more time practicing and testing now before he tried transporting his whole form.

Smoke felt his nerves relax hearing that and nodded, Sub-Zero typically kept his word so he could trust that he wouldn’t rush testing this ability. He nodded his head showing he accepted his words, “Thank you můj přítel (1).”

“Regardless of the risk, I will admit it would be an impressive feet for you to master.” Smoke admitted, “Your late brother never even thought of doing that, and he’s the one that taught you the ice clone technique! You pull this off and you’ll have surpassed his mastery over ice!”

Sub-Zero chuckled a bit and broke down the ice wall, his training session seemed to be over now but it didn’t bother him. Sub-Zero hadn’t seen his friend in a while. He had no problem taking a break to chat with Smoke.  He looked at his ice covered arms, “Seems so. I didn’t think I could use my powers in other ways before. I thought that after I mastered what my brother knew that’s all there was nothing else. I now know that was foolish. Now I want to try and see just how far I can stretch my command over ice.”

He looked to his friend with a slight smirk, which Smoke couldn’t see due to his mask but having known each other for years the silver grey assassin could tell something was up. Creating a Kori Blade in his hand Sub-Zero says, “But I have gotten a good grasp on another skill, one I purposely created.”

Smoke was momentarily awestruck by the sudden creation of the ice blade, gathering his words he says, “An ice sword?” His friend nodded, suddenly curious he looks at the blades edge, “Can it actually cut things?”

As beautiful as the blade looked, he was a bit skeptical of ice cutting anything effectively. Still he was amazed how well-crafted the blade looked he’d never seen his friend create such a thing with his ice before. Regardless if it could cut or not, it was defiantly a step forward in Sub-Zero’s mastery over his power.

“That is a purpose of a blade.” Sub-Zero answered with an arched brow, he turned over towards a tree, “But let me show you.”

Smoke followed his fellow Lin Kuei, curious to see what would happen. He watched carefully as Sub-Zero swung at the tree, leaving a noticeable cut in the bark. Smoke brightened and gave his friend a couple pats on the back, “Well I stand corrected! Seems you’ve already begun to surpass your brother!”

“Thank you Smoke,” Sub-Zero responded, he looked at the blade running his fingers along the side, “Surpassing him will be the only way I can avenge him…”

The sliver clad assassin next to him expression fell at the darker tone in his voice. Smoke decided not to respond to that however, they’d talked about that enough for the time being. Putting on a more casual face he says, “So how did you survive that last encounter with Scorpion?”

Pulled from his thoughts of revenge Sub-Zero looked back to his long haired friend, “A monk named Kung Lao saved me. I had gotten knocked out during the fight, he defended me and managed to make Scorpion retreat.”

Blinking in surprise Smoke says, “Wow really? That’s some monk.” He chuckled and hooked an arm around Sub-Zero’s neck, pointing at him Smoke says in a joking manner, “I’ll have to thank him for pulling your butt out of the fire. That’s usually my job.”

Sub-Zero rolled his eyes, “Since when?”

“I did it last time,” Smoke pointed out, referring to the ice assassin’s first fight against Scorpion.

The blue Lin Kuei stalled a moment before sighing, “So you did…” Moving back towards the camp he says, “If you really want to thank him then you can do it now. I’m currently traveling with Kung Lao and another.”

Smoke furrowed his brow as he followed him through the woods, out of habit his footsteps made no sound. He looked to his friend, “What for? Is he making you repay a debt?”

“Not exactly,” Sub-Zero answered, though he only left Smoke with another question but the ice assassin quickly answered it, “He’s another warrior fighting for Earthrealm in the Mortal Kombat tournament. Kung Lao is a warrior from the White Lotus Shaolin sect. I’ve agreed to ally with them against Shang Tsung. The other is a warrior from America, an actor called Johnny Cage. We’re training him to use powers that just surfaced in him to help prepare him for the tournament.”

“Johnny Cage? Ha, I’ve seen a movie of his!” Smoke laughed, Sub-Zero suddenly stopped walking and turned his head to him giving him a shocked look. Smoke shrugged, “Hey, unlike you I like to see what’s going on in the outside world. Besides that was years ago.”

Sub-Zero eyed him for a moment before continuing on. As they walked Smoke asked, “Why did they need you to ally with them? You were to fight in defense of Earthrealm too.”

“Their leader Raiden said that I was fighting for the Lin Kuei not for Earthrealm.” Sub-Zero said in a dully manner, the more he thought about that the truer it sounded. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, but his thoughts on his clan were getting very conflicted as of late. Smoke didn’t respond to that, his own thoughts on the clan at the moment made it hard for him to argue against that. His silence allowed Sub-Zero to continue, “They also don’t believe Shang Tsung will fight fairly. So it’s also as insurance, that I’ll help defend them in case the sorcerer does something underhanded. They’ll do the same for me.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me.” Smoke commented, Sub-Zero gave him a curt nod. The wispy haired assassin paused a moment, “But isn’t this alliance against our code? Our loyalty is supposed to be only to the Lin Kuei. You know I have no issue with it, but the Grandmaster won’t approve.”

“I know,” Sub-Zero answered he looked to his friend, “Kung Lao actually asked me to join them, the Forces of Light, but I declined. I instead allied with them for the benefit of my mission to kill Shang Tsung. I owe Kung Lao at least that much for saving my life. Currently we’re going to meet up with another warrior that will join the tournament. Another Shaolin monk called Liu Kang, but I will be returning to headquarters.”

Smoke stiffened a moment that reminded him of what he wanted to ask. He was going to speak but stopped when he saw a conflicted look in Sub-Zero’s eyes. The Czech Lin Kuei dismissed it thinking it was from the fact he was giving some of his loyalty to the monk and his allies. Smoke clenched his hands out of anxiety but forces himself to speak, “Kuai…there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it Smoke?” Sub-Zero asked, then he noticed how hesitant he looked. The half Cryomancer quickly became worried, what could have his friend looking so unsure? Was something wrong back at headquarters? Immediately Sub-Zero felt a bit of panic form in him. Had someone died? The ice warrior’s mind snapped to the possibility that Cyrax had somehow died, which only made Sub-Zero more concerned.

“Smoke what’s wrong?” Sub-Zero ask with the utmost concern.

It seemed like forever for Smoke to manage to say what he needed to. He was concerned about how his friend would take him and Cyrax defecting from the clan. Smoke knew he’d never turn on them, the three of them had made an oath but he didn’t want Sub-Zero to see him as a traitor. At the same time Smoke wanted to be free from the clan before something bad happened. So that left only one option, he just hoped Sub-Zero would agree.

“Cyrax and I are going to leave the clan.” Sub-Zero stared at Smoke when the words came from his mouth. He couldn’t believe what he had heard. Briefly he thought it was a joke, but the seriousness in Smoke’s voice quickly killed the thought. Sub-Zero tried to respond but all words seemed to have left his mind. Smoke looked him in the eyes as he expected he was beyond shocked, but there was no taking back what he said now.

“We want you to join us.” Smoke said, doing everything to keep his voice strong. His will began to weaken when Sub-Zero just continued to stare at him like he had gone mad. The silver clad assassin tightened his fists again to keep himself from breaking under pressure. Reaffirming his determination he spoke again, “Kuai Liang, we need you to come with us. Something is wrong in the clan. The Grandmaster is becoming a tyrant, people are vanishing and their working on something in one part of the headquarters but we don’t know what. It’s all about this initiative but what it is they won’t say!”

Sub-Zero still said nothing. Smoke looked his friend over for some sort of sign but he got nothing. Whatever was going through his head, whatever he was feeling he was keeping it locked away. Smoke wasn’t about to give in just yet though, he was going to try one final push.

“Kuai, you know who the Grandmaster will send after us.” He said, keeping his eye contact with his childhood friend. This time he got a reaction from him. Sub-Zero tensed knowing the answer. There was only one person in the clan that could go against Smoke and Cyrax working together.

“He’d send me.” Sub-Zero answered grimly, concern returned to his eyes as he continued, “You know I wouldn’t turn on you Smoke, you or Cyrax.”

The show of loyalty was a bit of relief for Smoke but he kept his firm disposition, “Yes, but what would the Grandmaster do to you when you defied such an order? He accepts no form of failure now, and the punishments are getting worse. He’s killing people. We can’t stay any longer. I don’t want to force you to choose between us and the clan, but I’m not changing my mind on this.”

Smoke paused for a moment, “But if you decide to stay, then we’ll stay. We can’t do this without you můj přítel (1), together we can survive leaving the clan and we couldn’t leave you behind. You’re like a brother to me.” He held his hand out to his friend, “So will you come with us?”

Sub-Zero looked at his hand for only a moment before taking it, he nodded, “Yes,” Smoke looked at him surprised by his quick response, “you’re a brother to me as well Smoke and as I said I’d never turn on you or Cyrax.”

Feeling a worried filled weight lifted off his shoulder Smoke felt himself smile, but it was short lived when he heard Sub-Zero’s next words, “And I’ve recently found out there’s a good chance that the clan is lying to me.”

“About what?” Smoke asked, he couldn’t help but notice a betrayed look in Sub-Zero’s eyes mixing with the conflict already storming in them.

“The origins of my powers,” Sub-Zero answered as he continued toward the campsite, “As it turned out I may be a Cryomancer, a race from another realm Shao Khan took over.  After I regained consciousness after my fight with Scorpion, Raiden told me this. He told me that my father knew full well what he was,” He looked to Smoke, “And the Lin Kuei told me he didn’t know what he was or why he had the powers he did.”

Smoke thought for a moment before saying, “To be honest můj přítel (1), I wouldn’t put it past them to lie to us.” He motioned to himself, “After all they said they’d help me regain my memories and they’ve done next to nothing. I don’t even think they’ve looked into trying to find out if my name is actually Tomas Vrbada. Lying about the origins of your abilities is their way of keeping you tied to them.”

“The more I think about it…the more I have trouble arguing against that Smoke.” Sub-Zero admitted tiredly. At the same time he said it the half Cryomancer felt some relief when he finally vocalizing his worry. It didn’t completely quell the conflict in his mind though, only finding out the truth would do that.

“Don’t worry about it my friend, we’ll break into the records room when we return to the headquarters. There’ll be proof in there to whether or not they’re lying to you.” Smoke assured as he pushed away a low hanging branch so he could move in step with his friend.

Sub-Zero chuckled, “That’s actually what I had planned.”

“Great minds think alike then.” Smoke laughed, then he got a questioning expression on his face, “How’d this Raiden guy know about your father? Did he meet him personally or something?”

“I believe so, that’s the only way to explain it.” The ice assassin answered, then he turned his head to his friend with a slightly devious look in his icy blue eyes. The expression made Smoke stop, it was rare that his friend ever had something remotely similar to that expression. To be honest it worried Smoke a little. Whatever he was about to say, the silver haired man braced himself for it.

“Remember Haokah Smoke?” Sub-Zero mentioned with a faint slyness to his tone.

It was very clear there was a grin hidden beneath his mask. As such Smoke answered with caution, “Yeah, he was that homeless guy we ran into after our first assassination missions.” The Czech Lin Kuei chuckled, “He asked us to draw a map for him. Hard to forget a guy with guts like that.”

Quirking a brow he asked, “Why?”

Sub-Zero didn’t answer instead he looked at Smoke waiting until his friend put the pieces together. It took a moment, at first he was confused by the silence but then a stunned look overcame his yellow eyes, “You’ve got to be kidding me. Raiden is Haokah!?”

Sub-Zero laughed for a moment while nodding, “Yes I was stunned as well when I saw him. What was even better he’s God of Thunder and Lighting. He defends Earthrealm, and choses warriors to fight in the Mortal Kombat tournament. I was apparently one of those warriors, that’s why he appeared to me those two times but apparently he also saw when I spared that family years ago.”

“That’s almost too much to believe…” Smoke said as he looked to the ground taking in what he just heard. Quickly he shook it off with a slight shake of his head, “But then again, I can vanish into smoke and you command ice so who am I to say.” He furrowed his brow thinking a moment, “I think I heard something about him once, he as fierce as legends says?”

The blue robbed Lin Kuei paused a moment, like he had in the past when talking about ‘Haokah’, “Not exactly…” He drawled, “The way he acted when you met him is the way he actually acts, but I haven’t seen him fight yet so I won’t say anything about how fierce he can be just yet.”

“This guy just gets more and more interesting doesn’t he?” Smoke commented as he took everything in. Haokah had gone from gutsy to a literal god in one short conversation. To add to that he’d chosen his friend to help defend their realm. Thinking about that caused Smoke to wonder something, he looked back to his friend again, “Hey, he appeared to you and he chose you to defend our realm. Does that mean I could be a ‘chosen one’ too or did I just happen to be present two of the times he tested you?”

“Interesting is one way of describing him,” Sub-Zero said amusedly. Hearing his friend’s newest question made the half Cryomancer think for a moment. That was a good question. He had been on his squad when he spared the family. They had been sent to wipe out a group of enemies who aimed to destroy their clan. Smoke had helped distract Sektor so they could flee. That led the ice warrior to wonder if Cyrax was also a possibility, he’d also helped distract Sektor.

“I’m not certain Smoke, it’s a possibility but I didn’t think to ask at the time.” Sub-Zero admitted. Seeing they were close to the camp he motioned towards the area, “Once we leave the clan we’ll ask next time we meet Raiden.”

Smoke nodded to the decision and the two continued forward in silence. Reaching the camp the silver haired man was met with the sight of a simple camp. A monk with mostly black garb had been chatting with a dark blond haired American man. Both of which stop talking and look to Sub-Zero when he arrived at the camp, but soon switch their attention to Smoke long with his drifting silver hair. The actor seemed particularly curious about the new arrival and soon laughed a bit getting up from his sitting position and motioned to Smoke.

“Is it possible that Captain Cold has a friend?” Johnny Cage questioned humorously as he looked at Smoke, he chuckled, “Or am I making assumptions?”

Smoke chuckled at the man’s humor, “You’d be assuming correctly.” He grinned under his hard face mask and tilted his head towards his cold tempered friend, “He actually as two friends me and another called Cyrax. Believe it or not he’s not that bad a guy once you get past his cold front.”

Sub-Zero sighed roughly to himself as he was spoken about but said nothing to it, he had expected as much to happen when they arrived. It was best he just waited the humor and ice puns out for the time being. They had to tire themselves out eventually.

“Wow, I didn’t think I’d meet a Lin Kuei with a sense of humor.” Johnny commented with a welcoming grin as he held out his hand for a handshake, “I’m Johnny Cage, famous movie star. Maybe you’ve seen one of my movies?” He glanced at Sub-Zero, “Or do all of you abstain from movies?”

“Actually I did see one of your movies,” Smoke answered while taking his hand, “Saw Time Smashers when it came out, I’d have to say it was pretty good.” Johnny Cage grinned happy to hear that as they shook hands, looked to his friend who seemed annoyed with the whole meeting at the moment. Smoke chuckled a bit, “Some of us actually like to take a moment to see what’s going on in the world.”

Smoke looked to the actor and then the monk he guessed was Kung Lao, “You can refer to me by my codename Smoke.”

Johnny Cage creased a brow hearing the odd codename, “What can you turn into smoke or something?”

Letting off an aura of smoke for a moment the grey robbed Lin Kuei answered, “You guessed correctly again Johnny.”

Looking over his shoulder at Kung Lao the movie star shrugged, “Hey look at that. I’m two for two Kung Lao.”

Still sitting where he had been initially Kung Lao smiled in amusement, “Seem so Johnny.”

“So you’re Kung Lao.” Said Shao Lin monk turned his attention to Smoke as the assassin spoke to him, “I have to thank you for saving my friend from the specter Scorpion.”

The monk blinked his dark eyes, “Please no need to thank me.”

With the introductions out of the way Sub-Zero walked forward drawing attention to himself, “We will be leaving to go back to headquarters to find answers,” He looks at Smoke a moment, “for the both of us. Then we’ll find Cyrax and leave the Lin Kuei for good.”

Now Kung Lao stood up and went over to stand by a shocked Johnny Cage, “You’re going to defect from your clan?”

Johnny looking at the icy Lin Kuei with shock in his eyes, despite the sunglasses, says “What’s with the sudden change? You were pretty clear about not wanting to be disloyal to your clan a couple hours ago.”

“I’ve realized that there is something wrong going on in the clan. Smoke was going to flee with Cyrax, and I not wanting to get sent after them agreed to go with them. I refuse to chance being forced to turn against them.” Sub-Zero explained voice grown stiffer as he says his declaration. He’d never turn on Smoke or Cyrax, they were the closest things he had to family after his brother died. Two he didn’t want to feel the pain of losing anyone else, once was enough for Sub-Zero and he still felt remnants of that when he thought of his dead sibling. Sub-Zero knew if he didn’t take down his friends the Grandmaster would send others until Smoke and Cyrax fell. So because of that Sub-Zero decided he’d go along to help assure their freedom.

A hopeful look glimmered in Kung Lao’s dark brown eyes, “Will you join the Forces of Light when you return?”

Sub-Zero looked to Smoke to see what he thought about the idea, when Smoke nodded Sub-Zero gave a curt nod back. Looking to Kung Lao he responded, “Yes, we’ll need the help. The Lin Kuei won’t like the idea of us defect from the clan. If you can offer protection then we’ll join your forces.”

“I’d be more than happy to help you in this tournament, I’m sure Cyrax will too.” Smoke added as he pointed to himself with his thumb. He quirked a brow before saying, “If Raiden will let us join your group.”

“We’ll ask Lord Raiden the next time he appears to us.” Kung Lao stated with a slight bow of his head, “And I’m sure we can help defend you from the Lin Kuei when you leave.”

Smoke and Sub-Zero nodded to his answer before turning to head back, “We’ll be leaving now,” He paused a moment, “If we’re not back in a couple of weeks. Leave without us.”

While Johnny was uneasy about the answer Kung Lao nodded, he understood how the Lin Kuei were but he had faith that the two would make it back, “Understood. We’ll wait for you here until then. I wish you both a safe return, may the Elder Gods watch over you.”

The two Lin Kuei gave a respectful salute out of gratitude for the monk’s words and headed back into the woods towards the headquarters. Inwardly both of them knew they would need the protection of goods if both they and Cyrax were to successfully escape the Lin Kuei.



Translations:
1-My friend