Chapter

Author's Note

Warnings:

Kenshi put away the last of his few belongings before meeting Sonya in the shared 'living room'. He turned toward Sub-zero, assessing the man's energy as he waiting for the others to catch up for their tour of the base they would be calling home until they set out to face whatever danger Lord Raiden picked them for. He'd already explored his other teammates energies by now, learning just enough to distinguish them at a glance. The man's energy felt cold, unsurprisingly, and powerful. These factors fit quite well with what the swordsman had heard of the assassin, filling him with excitement at the prospect of sparring such an opponent. Though he'd grown in humility over the years, he couldn't deny the pleasure of a challenging fight.

However, even at this distance Kenshi felt something strange about the man's energy. He couldn't place it, and it fascinated him. It wasn't a sinister feeling. Not something dangerous, per say, but he couldn't shake the feeling it would come up later and be a big deal. He sighed, withdrawing his senses as he felt it wander towards the other's thoughts curiously. No matter how interested he was in unraveling this new mystery, it wouldn't do to just intrude on his privacy like this, not if they were to be allies.

Besides, he rationalized, it will make the discovery all the more satisfying this way. As he pondered his knew findings, the others, aside from the cryomancer, who seemed to have retreated to his room, gathered to be shown around the area. Major Blade led the group out of their temporary housing and toward the rest of the base, giving them a rundown on important areas and their purposes with practiced ease, as she knew the layout like the back of her hand. Kenshi pushed his new teammate's odd energy to the back of his mind, focusing intently on the woman's words so he'd not get lost again. Though he wasn't completely unfamiliar with the base, he spent far more time in the field than on it.

Alright, fellas, she told them once she finished her spiel, I've said what I need to. The rest of the day is yours. We'll be having dinner at nineteen-hundred hours back in the barracks. Think of it as team building, and be punctual. The actor started to say something, then clicked his jaw shut, likely because of a pointed stare from either Jax or Sonya herself. Kenshi chuckled lightly at the thought. The Major began to make the trek back toward their building where it sat separate from most of the others. He jogged to catch up with her before matching her step.

Kenshi, she acknowledged, what do you think?

About?

The group. I know it's too soon to say that we'll work together very well, but I want to hear your take.

Raiden picked well, as far as I can see. Or rather- He cut himself off with a smirk as he felt her exasperation at his joke, in all seriousness, though, Sonya, I believe this will work out well. There's something about Sub-zero though... He trailed off, uncertain of how to explain what he was thinking, or if he even should. It could be nothing, something highly personal to the frigid warrior. It could also be of great importance, though, and Sonya would need to know if that were the case.

C'mon, Kenshi. Only one of us is a mind reader, she pushed, tone impatient.

His energy is not quite what I expected, I suppose, he told her, then perked up as he realized what that strange aspect had been, His energy is softer, for lack of a better term. I wouldn't describe it like ice- it isn't as solid. Still cold, but blurry around the edges, if you can think of it that way. I think he's hiding something, major.

I'll take your word for it, she said flatly, a hint of something concealed in the way she spoke.

You know him better than I do. I assumed you might have an idea about what it might be. Does he always act like that?

Like what?

Spacey. Quiet. It's a bit unnerving, he told her.

I haven't known Sub-zero that long, Kenshi. He is pretty quiet, though this is a bit much, even for him. I guess this might be overwhelming for him.

Huh? What is?

The new team. We've talked a bit about his clan. They weren't pretty strict about who their members spoke to, from what I understand. He'd been around the same group of people his whole life, so he might just be struggling to adjust. It'll be fine, but if you're all that concerned, you might talk to him instead of me. You know, the person who'd actually have the answers you're looking for.

Ah, it isn't concern, exactly. Just curiosity. I'll consider it, though, Kenshi told her. He probably wouldn't do as she suggested. Asking meant that he'd have to explain energy sensing to the ice ninja, who would likely accuse him of reading his mind. Which would be silly, if he read the man's mind, why would he need to ask? Besides, finding out in a different far would be more fun to the swordsman. Are you worried that he might be hiding something dangerous, Sonya?

She stiffened, likely so subtly that most anyone else would've missed it, No. It's probably nothing, Agent Takahashi.

Upon entering the barracks, a whiff of delightful savory scents hit Kenshi's nose as the sizzle of a hot pan resonated in his ears. Sonya noticed it as well, as she made a hum of pleasant surprise before making her way to the kitchen. He followed behind, stopping at the doorway as she did. It took only a moment for him to recognize the cook's chilly energy.

You know how to cook, Sub-zero? He inquired. A wooden spoon clattered on the floor as a breath was drawn sharply. The faucet hissed briefly before he got an answer.

Yes. No offense meant to any of you, but I'm the only person here I trust to prepare an edible meal, he said. Kenshi snickered.

Yeah. From what I've heard, Major Blade can only manage to cook an MRE or a microwave dinner. Even then, there's a chance of food poisoning, he said, only barely getting the last word out before an elbow found it's way into his ribs along with an offended Hey! from Sonya. A muffled huff of laughter came from Sub-zero as he went back to stirring whatever it was he was cooking.

Master Chef Sub-zero has a strange ring to it, though it doesn't really fit your image, you know, the swordsman said.

It is a useful skill to have, regardless of how it may seem. And I enjoy the task. I find it calming.

Well, it smells really good. Who taught you? Sonya asked the man. He remained silent for a moment, tapping the spoon against the lip of the pan.

Kitchen duty is shared in the clan, though who is responsible for it rotates based on rank and availability. We are taught how to handle a kitchen knife around the time we are taught to handle daggers, so I've had plenty of time to develop skill in it. At one time, I was in charge of the kitchen itself, he replied, the barest hint of pride in his voice.

Was? What'd you do to get demoted?

It is unimportant. The meal will be ready shortly, you told the others that we would be eating as a team, right, Sonya?

Of course. They'll be here if they know what's good for them. She folded her arms, then left the two standing awkwardly, mumbling under her breath about reports. As soon as she left, Kenshi could feel a change in the air, tension thick enough that anyone could feel it without the Major there as a buffer. Sub-zero returned to his task. He stirred furiously, as though the food had called his mother a foul name.

So, what are you cooking? Smells like a stir fry of some kind, Kenshi asked, hoping to break through the chilly atmosphere. To no avail, it would seem.

It is, the other replied with the same stiff tone he'd used earlier in the day.

Anything I can do to help, then?

No, Sub-zero said firmly, leaving no room for further words. Having nothing else to do, and disregarding the man's obvious desire to be left to his own devices, Kenshi decided to continue leaning on the door frame, listening to the other's movements. Sub-zero was growing irritated rapidly, the feeling rolling off him in waves. The telepath suppressed a grin as he continued to push the man's buttons. It was a fine way to learn about a person, he believed. Finally, the warrior took a deep, grounding breath, then slammed a hand down onto the countertop.

Make yourself useful and set the table. I am certain you can accomplish that, swordsman, he all but growled. The reserved sort of anger, then, Kenshi noted. Perfectly fine in individual situations, but a massive problem when the bottled up feelings of mistreatment and injustice finally burst during a critical moment.

He did as was told, struggling for a moment to find where plates and silverwear were kept in this kitchen. Sento was rarely of much assistance in domestic tasks, and this was no exception to that rule. It seemed his ancestors' spirits only cared for battle. In spite of his poor mood, or perhaps because of it, Sub-zero didn't allow him to fumble with the task for long, directing him toward the correct cupboard and drawers.

Once seven o'clock rolled around, the currently assembled team members sat at the large dinner table, plates of delicious smelling food sat before them. In the hours between the tour and dinner, Princess Kitana and her bodyguard Jade had arrived at the base, much to the Shaolin monks' delight. Their group was likely a funny sight, even with most of them in civilian clothing, but their seating arrangement held it's own ammusement.

Jax acted as a brick wall between Johnny and Sonya, lest the manchild start pulling pigtails, as he was known to do. Liu and Kitana nearly sat atop each other, though they seemed to believe themselves sneaky in their attraction to each other. Lao and Jade flanked their respective friends awkwardly, sparing one another sympathetic glances. It left the frigid warrior and Kenshi on the other side of the Major. Noticing Sub-zero's irritation with the telekenetic at the time, Nightwolf had placed himself as a divider between the two of them, filling out the chairs. As everyone began to settle into their chairs, Sonya spoke up.

Glad you all managed to find your way back to the barracks. We've been brought together for some important task, most likely related to the fate of Earthrealm. Raiden assured me that we'd have info tomorrow. I know we're all fucking exhausted, but I just wanted to say welcome to the team, she addressed them. She was met with silence for a brief moment, before the table politely clapped or nodded in appreciation of her awkward, yet sincere, welcoming speech. Despite the group being ready to tuck into their meal, Johnny buzzed with energy, face likely split wide with that awful Hollywood Kenshi had heard his CO complain about- the one that spelled trouble for those around him. He too, had something to say, it would seem.

Awesome welcoming speech, babe. Way to rally the troops, he smirked, ignoring the very obvious way that Sonya wished to throttle him.

Backhanded much, Cage? Jax drove his elbow into the man's side.

Fuck! It's not, man! I'm being serious.

Someone sound the alarm, then. It must be the end of the world, Sonya spit.

* * *

The trio continued to bicker among themselves as the others sat silently, deciding not to intervene unless fists started flying. Kuai, however, was taking that moment of distraction to assess if she could slip away unnoticed. A small portion of food sat on her plate, uneaten due to her refusal to bare her face before the party. As the petty argument became more heated, she finally made her decision to quietly stand up from the table and return to the kitchen with her plate.

The muffled sounds of the verbal kombat between the soldier and the actor calmed down to a semi-civil back and forth. Kuai removed her mask to eat, keeping some of her attention on the voices in the adjacent room in case anyone left the table. The flavors that hit her tongue weren't as pleasing as they were when she cooked for her clan, but were certainly better than what was served at the base. At the very least, it was a filling dish and she'd learned to appreciate whatever source of sustenance she could get.

Somewhere behind her, someone cleared their throat, causing her to jump with a start. Sub-zero's mask slipped from her hand, clattering noisily to the ground as it slid across the floor. Despite her first instinct being to grab cover her face again, Kuai took the time to calm her nerves to respond.

What is it? She demanded, voice a bit lower in pitch than normal to compensate. Soft footsteps approached her, causing her muscles to tense. The blue material of her mask shoved into her peripheral vision.

You dropped this, I believe. I just came in for seconds, if there are any, Kenshi explained, So, that's what you're hiding?

I have no idea what you're referring to, she replied, tying the straps behind her head securely. She glared at him sharply, knowing how little it would do to convey her displeasure.

Your face, Sub-zero. I don't know what you would be covering- for obvious reasons, but I get the feeling you came here because you didn't want to show it to the team, he replied coolly, serving himself a second helping of dinner. He smirked, And your rapid pulse tells me that I am correct. Had she not felt anger at his smugness, her mouth would have fell agape at his perceptiveness. She cursed her heartbeat.

Tell me then, what do you intend to do about it, she questioned.

Nothing.

Do you take me for a fool? You could hold it over my head if it suited your whims.

Sub-zero, you act as though I know anything for certain. Well, I have ways of finding out, but you needn't worry about it. I get the feeling that your secret, whatever it is, concerns only you, Kenshi reassured. Before she could say more to the swordsman, she had been left alone once more. At the tail end of the process of cleaning the mess of cookery and general filth, scrubbing far harder than strictly necessary, Sub-zero heard yet another person drawing nearer to the kitchen. Unlike the first time, she knew well who it was and was prepared for the confrontation, having listened as Sonya excused herself from the table. Something must have betrayed the warrior's stoic demeanor, as the soldier raised a brow.

What's wrong? Something Kenshi did? The blonde placed her dish on the sink's edge, not looking at the other woman as she spoke.

No.

Uh-huh, you'll have to lie better next time, she narrowed her gaze at Kuai.

He suspects that I'm hiding something. Because of this, the cryomancer replied, voice laced with uncertainty as she gestured to her face.

Hate to break it to you, but everyone does.

What?

Cage suggested tarkatan ancestry at first, Liu bargained him down to the idea of a really gnarly scar, Sonya told her, rolling her eyes.

Kuai balked at her. She knew it would cause the others to ask questions, but had assumed that it would take more than a day for them to become suspicious. Major Blade turned to her, the same expressionless look on her face as before.

Look, if it makes you feel any better, we aren't doing this team dinner shit anymore. If I have to share a meal with Johnny Cage ever again, it would be too fucking soon. He's lucky I didn't make good on my threats earlier. So help me, if he keeps this up, he'll never have kids.

My offer from before still stands, she noted, eyes crinkling with mirth.

And be stuck with a Cage-shaped ice statue I have to keep looking at? Thank you, but no, she shook her head, besides, I noticed that you were uncomfortable out there. If you're wound tighter than a spring around your teammates all the fucking time, that's gonna cause big damn problems. Might as well let you have some space during part of the day before you snap at someone.

You are very perceptive, Major, Sub-zero huffed. All those years of training seemed to have been a waste, given how easily her actions were being read. It was just as she had been told for years, she was too soft for this lifestyle. Far softer than her brother had been.

If you haven't noticed, it's part of my job description. It just helps that you have the social skills of a brick, Sonya replied. Her words, while bluntly honest, weren't lacking warmth.

I see. In that case, I think I will be taking my leave. I'm far too tired for our normal sparring at this time. If anyone needs me, I will be in my quarters.

With that, and a respectful half bow, she made her way to her room at the end of the hall with purpose, her steps light despite her frustration, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. When the door locked behind her with a reassuring click, Kuai allowed herself to remove the mask and hood she'd worn all day. Looking at herself in the mirror on the opposing wall, she noticed the angry red lines on her face her mask wore into the skin.

With a sigh, she began to rub at the irritating marks. At the compound, she usually wore a softer cloth mask during the day, given she wasn't training. It wasn't an uncommon choice among Lin Kuei assassins, as it greatly reduced the discomfort experienced from wearing a metal or wooden face covering day in and day out. She'd considered it since day one, when she'd first been put up in a 'temporary' room on the base. One night turned to two, turned to many, leading to now, and she was still wearing her protective mask any time she wasn't sleeping or bathing. The soft touch of fabric on her face instead of unyielding metal sounded divine, especially when standing over a hot skillet in a small, stuffy kitchen, but she couldn't afford that sort of vulnerability now. Not when things were already so uncertain.

* * *

Waking early the next morning was no issue for the cryomancer, it was as natural to her as breathing to rise before the sun broke across the horizon. She practiced tai chi, clearing her mind and spirit in preparation for the day. The transition between each movement was smooth, careful as her Grandfather had taught her so long ago. She finished up as the sky had brightened, deciding it would be a reasonable hour to break her fast. The sounds of her fellow kombatants rousing from sleep greeted her as she made her way swiftly to the kitchen.

As soon as she had exposed her mouth, she wolfed down a simple meal of rice and eggs. Part of herself nagged at her for not savoring what food she had, and she was reminded of the times she'd gone without. Though guilt flooded her mind briefly, she shook the thought from her mind, as it held no importance in her current situation where such things were plentiful. Better to take advantage of it than not. The confident gait of a certain actor broke the silence as she replaced her mask, the sound of the man's shoes heavy against the floor. He turned the corner, a look of first surprise, then self assured delight crossing Johnny's face as he made eye contact with the Lin Kuei. Kuai held back a sigh.

Hey, Frosty! I know missed out on my chance to chat with you last night, but y'know, better late than never, eh?

I didn't expect you to be awake at this hour, Cage, she deadpanned. Honestly, she'd hoped her interactions with him would be few and far between, especially at such an hour.

C'mon, you're saying that I don't look like an early-bird? You and the Monk Hunk Duo aren't the only ones who know a thing or two about self discipline.

Not in the slightest. I had assumed that you would still be in bed by noon.

Damn, tough crowd. Whatever, my sleeping habits aren't what I wanted to talk about, Snowcone. Lao and I were talking last night about organizing a Guy's Night later this week- if Raiden doesn't get us killed before then, that is. He rattled his proposal off as he set the coffee maker up to brew.

I do not know if I-

Nah, listen, man. I won't ask you to remove your cool ninja hood or anything. You don't even have to drink with us, if that's your problem, it's just gonna be a hangout with the boys, ya dig? Johnny spoke so fast at times that Kuai's head spun, and she found herself nodding in response just to make him slow down.

Why are we not inviting the women in our group? She wondered aloud.

Well, Popsicle, then it wouldn't be Guy's Night! Besides, Sonya and the Princess are too uptight for that, so, I doubt they'd wanna join anyway, he explained, a little slower as his excitement tapered off, but, dude, you make it sound like you've never had time for hangin' with the boys.

If that's what you are referring to, then I suppose that any such outing would be a 'guy's night' in the Lin Kuei, Kuai noted, voice barely loud enough for the man to understand as she spoke her next words, I would not know, as I was never invited. The actor's eyes widened, a smile splitting his face soon after.

Really? Well, get ready then, my friend, 'cause this is gonna be the fucking best Guy's Night ever! We'll talk more details later. See you around, Frosty, Johnny said, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He clapped Kuai on the shoulder in an overly familiar manner, leaving her to ignore the prickling sensation at the unexpected contact. After he left the cryomancer alone, she rubbed the spot he touched to rid it of the feeling, a sigh finally escaping her as she realized what she'd just agreed to.

* * *

Despite his insistence that he didn't need the thunder god's assistance in reaching the Special Forces base, Hanzo had allowed himself to be teleported in an electric burst alongside Raiden. As the blinding flash around them subsided, he understood why the god had wanted to accompany him. Even with his divine escort, soldiers of all ranks eyed him warily, fingers itching to wrap around weapons to combat the perceived threat he represented. He had that effect on normal mortals, the imperceptible taint of the Netherrealm causing an instinctual dread. Though their puny firearms and weak attacks would be unlikely to cause any damage to the spectre, the ensuing conflict caused by their wounding- or even death- at his hand would be a major obstacle for he and the god both.

The pointed glances and hushed chatter as the two of them passed was easier to ignore the farther they walked, military personnel becoming less densely clustered as they moved, though why the god couldn't have simply brought them closer to their destination was beyond Scorpion. At last, they came upon a building farther removed from the others. Raiden stepped up to the door with a moment's hesitation, head half turned to the wraith behind him, before opening it in a graceful motion befitting his divine status. The dwelling was a rather bland affair, walls painted a sort of pale beige, furniture utilitarian and formed from blocky shapes.

Two men, who Hanzo recognized as Raiden's students after wracking his brain for the information, sat at the wooden table with bowls in front of them, exchanging light banter between themselves. He caught himself wondering if they were brothers. Though he'd been his parents' only child, he recalled the warmth and playfulness that his friends had displayed toward their siblings. The two fighters displayed that sort of open fondness as well. The thunder god smiled at the scene of the two skilled fighters as if they were still young boys. Liu Kang, the champion, noticed Raiden first, standing abruptly and bowing to his lord. The other, harder to recognize without his hat, followed suit, only a step behind the other man.

Lord Raiden, Liu began, It's good to see you. The champion then tensed as the yellow clad wraith caught his eye, Him less so. Raiden, what is the meaning of this? Kung Lao, Scorpion's mind finally supplied, seemed less bothered by the spectre's appearance behind their lord and more by Liu's lack of respect while addressing their master. He nudged his comrade for it, frowning disapprovingly.

Scorpion is a valuable ally to us, Liu Kang. He and I have come to an agreement, so you needn't worry, Raiden reassured his student. The champion still seemed to disagree, but covered his obvious distaste for Scorpion in a show of great restraint.

If that is what you believe, Lord Raiden, I will have faith, Liu bit out. The god, accepting of this reaction, nodded once to the man.

Indeed. I must speak to Sonya Blade, after that I will explain the purpose of your team with all of you present. Raiden left no room for argument or questioning after he said this, vanishing in his crackling lightning. The three fighters stood uncertainly together, the Shaolin watching Scorpion carefully. Kung Lao was the first to speak up.

We are grateful for your contribution to our team, Scorpion, he said politely, you're a skilled fighter. Beside him, Liu looked agitated, ready to strike out if given half a reason. The wraith decided not to push his luck with Earthrealm's champion present.

Thank you, Kung Lao. As are you- both of you, that is. Hanzo figured that would be reasonably civil, given the circumstances. He hadn't the chance to consider their reactions to his presence further before they were interrupted. Sunglasses perched atop the crown of his head, Johnny Cage, coffee mug in hand, entered the room, rendered speechless momentarily by the wraith's presence.

Oh. So... are you the last dude on our team? the actor questioned dumbly.

Scorpion nodded, catching movement behind Cage as he did so. A familiar face, wearing a more casual blue garb than when they last met, followed a few feet behind Johnny. Surprise, followed quickly by a combined force of fear and rage, hardened Sub-zero's eyes; The young man's shoulders rose like the arched back of a feral cat. The room's temperature fell by a few degrees as shards of ice formed on Sub-zero's bare arms.

You, he growled, breath escaping his vented mask in enraged puffs of mist.