+++ Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past by LadyRaiden aka Raydiva +++

Chapter 22:  Cameo

(Lin Kuei Fortress hidden in the northern mountains of China)

The small fire shivered as if itself was suffering from the cold that it’s audience barely felt.  The fire created more for light on that dark night rather than heat lit up the bare stone floors and walls, revealing a now older looking Sub-Zero and the teen-age Frost.  Outside the shelter of stone, the wind howled in as the unseasonable strong ice-storm that forced even beings of ice to seek cover as it raged. 

Fortunately, Frost knew where the food and other supplies were kept for those deemed either not ready or too important for the….upgrade to cyborg.  During their two days together, Sub-Zero found out a great deal about Frost.  Apparently, she witnessed the fight between the Headmaster and himself thus treated him as if Sub-Zero was the new leader of the Lin Kuei.  After all that was how the grandmasters where chosen…only the strongest and/or the most cunning led and to prove oneself as such you had to kill a current grandmaster.  The fact that he had not only killed the Headmaster, but took his medallion before killing him proved to Frost that Sub-Zero was more than worthy to lead the clan.

The girl was a product a centuries long Lin Kuei breeding program to ensure that certain abilities would breed true.  Warriors with certain abilities were expected to….ensure that their skills were passed on to future generations of Lin Kuei.  Frost was the daughter of one such family line that was fully under the control of the clan.  Her mother married a warrior of the clan as did her mother before her.  Any and all male children were to be snapped up by the clan for training at age seven, all female children were raised to understand that they were to be broodmares…warrior broodmares but broodmares all the same.

Not remembering much of his own childhood before the Lin Kuei, Sub-Zero wondered for a moment whether he and Frost might be related but his own almost pure western appearance and her oriental one hinted that if they were related it wasn’t as full-siblings.  Doing some mental math, he also figured that it would be almost impossible for his brother to be her father since he would have been still a student at the time and would have had no time for women and their father was already dead by the time it would have been required for Frost to be his half-sister from that end.  His mother was NOT of Lin Kuei stock and was killed when she refused to meekly allow the Lin Kuei to take her sons.  Sub-Zero bowed his head silently not wanting to show the anger and sorrow the memory of his mother’s death brought to him.  It was that, that kept him fighting to remember who he was….even though he lost that fight he still was never truly the Lin Kuei’s either.  His brother was already taken away and did not see how the Lin Kuei ‘recruiters’ cut down their mother but the younger brother did.  That was the only memory that stuck through all of the Lin Kuei’s attempts to wipe his mind of all memory of his mother and the life he had with her.  Shaking his head slightly to get his mind on track, shadows of his past were not needed now and would only get in the way.

Frost….the Lin Kuei must have been desperate to even consider bringing in a female as one of the warriors or perhaps, as with the ideas of changing their warriors into cyborgs, the ‘modern’ thinking towards women fighters has developed to the point that they thought to test the possibility of a female Sub-Zero.  From what Frost told him, it was shortly after his own defection she was taken away from her mother and aunts for training.  The Lin Kuei already knew of her abilities but left them untrained until that time.  If it was his style, Sub-Zero would have smirked.  Perhaps it was after having their ‘undefeatable’ cyborgs beaten by Sonya during the Outworld invasion might have also changed their outlook towards women.  Frost being the only female with the natural ability, courage and already partially brainwashed by ‘family tradition’ was no doubt selected as the perfect test subject.

Frost frowned and looked as if she wanted to say something so Sub-Zero prompted, “Is there something you wish to say?”

”When the storm blows over….”she started to say and then looked away.

”When the storm blows over I plan to head back to the United States, “answered Sub-Zero and he then frowned, “If you wish, I will see about taking you with me.  There you can continue your training if you choose, but as a warrior not as an assassin.”

Pride flared up in the ice blue eyes of the woman and she said, “Why not an assassin?”

Sub-Zero chuckled coldly and answered, “Have you not seen the results of being trained killer?  It takes away your humanity and your only fate will be that a bigger killer will show up to eventually end your life.  That is what happened to the Lin Kuei, they literally created their own executioner.  Besides, the people I would take you to frown on needless killing and destruction.”

Frost looked confused for a few seconds and was about to reply but Sub-Zero stopped her by saying, “Why don’t you rest on it.  The storm will no doubt blow itself out by tomorrow and you’ll need all your energy to travel.  Whether you plan to go to the States with me or not, you can’t stay here.”

Frost bowed and mumbled, “Yes, Sifu.”  She then reached over and unrolled her bedroll.

As she did this, Sub-Zero frowned.  Where the hell did that little speech come from?  It was as if he was years older than he truly was ….Sub-Zero pulled out the silver medallion and examined it again.  Hopefully the school’s resident ‘expert’ on magic would be able to shed some light on it.  Looking down at the now sleeping Frost he quietly said, “Sifu?”

(Los Angeles)

In the darkened room, the only light shown on to two fighters…one a tall woman, with long blonde tied back hair wearing a dark gray leather outfit with dark-blue over shirt, her green-blue eyes fully focused on her opponent.  Her opponent, a muscular man with wavy dark blonde hair, his crossed over white shirt bearing a stylized gold and black cobra over his left chest.  His loose fitting black slacks shimmered in the light.  From out of the darkness a familiar voice yells out, “FIGHT!”

The man struck out first, fast and hard with a punch to the woman’s face.  The woman dodges and counters with a quick punch to the man’s mid-section.  Acting as if he never felt the hit, he followed through with a kick which she blocked.  Using his own strength and momentum, she nearly sent him flying into the ground, but he figured out what she was doing and turned in mid air to land on his feet.

A half-smile uncannily similar to the one Rayden often wore appeared on the woman’s face when she saw this and it remained in place as she easily dodged the sudden furry of punches and kicks that was sent her way.

Not far from the lighted ring and in the shadows stood Johnny and Sonya watching the fight with the rest of the surprisingly silent audience. Johnny sighed and pinched the top of his nose that was between his eyes, then said, “Wish she didn’t insist on ‘playing’ with them.”

Sonya smiled and took a sip from her glass, taking care not to smudge her lipstick.   Unlike Johnny and Althea, she was not part of the demonstration but still as a representative of the school she had to look nice.  So once again she was wearing the good old stand by green dress.  Which Johnny couldn’t seem to stop….she pulled his other hand away from her behind one more time, this time giving his hand a painful twist as she responded, “You rather have her start blasting from the start?  I know if any of the new students shows any…talent, she will be in charge of training it but I don’t think we want the world to know its part of the curriculum.”

Rubbing his wrist he replied, “I know…last thing we need is for people to think we’re playing X-Men or something, but she doesn’t have to…”

The room filled with a sympathetic ‘ooooooh’ when the male fighter in the ring landed face down in the mat and feet in the air.  Once his legs landed heavily it was obvious that he was not going to get back up for a while without help.

”At least this time she didn’t throw him at anyone, “mumbled Johnny as he headed to the ring.

The lights in the room lit up to reveal a full crowd of the most unusual mix of people.  Known actors and producers mixed in with obviously pure martial artists and the occasional person in formal military uniform parted to allow Johnny by, as some were clapping, some discussing the unusual techniques that the woman used on the well know martial artist, and a few others were silent with thoughtful looks on their faces.

Althea knelt down by her opponent to make sure that he was ok.  He was good for someone who was not one of the chosen.  She sighed, “Such a waste….if he only learned to control that temper.”  She stepped back as the medics came up and checked him over themselves.  After a few seconds, one of them looked over to Althea and nodded, “Only knocked out.  He’ll have a stiff neck and one hell of a headache when he wakes, but he’ll be ok.” 

Althea stood up as she heard the announcer say that Ken ‘Kobra’ Masters would be fine and that the next demonstration bout will take place after a few minutes.  She turned to see Johnny waving her over and headed over to him.  The actor helped Althea out of the ring and said, “Nice show, but did you have to be so….rough?”

Althea shrugged and replied, “He got upset and decided to take the fight out of just an easy spar to the real thing….I complied.”

”I was afraid of that, “said Johnny as he led her over to the juice table, “His former instructor mentioned that Ken was looking for a challenge but had a bit of a temper when actually getting one.”

”Shame really, “said Althea as she took a sip of the lemon flavored water, “He has real talent and the signs of becoming a decent fighter…if he learns control.”

”I know I’m going to regret this, but since you just said that one of the best US martial artists as only having potential, “Johnny said, “Just what do you think about ….”

”Johnny darrrrrrling, “an effeminate man’s voice rang out.

”Oh crap, “whispered Johnny as he ran off into the crowds.  A tall black ‘woman’ wearing a red dress and a blonde wig walked up to Althea looking agitated.  “Be a friend, “the ‘woman’ said, “Can you tell me where dear Johnny boy ran off to?”

Althea coughed on her drink and then pointed in the general direction that Johnny ran off to.  The ‘woman’ tapped Althea’s wrist with ‘her’ long red nails and said, “Thank you….oh Johnny!”

”That wasn’t very nice, “said a rough sounding man’s voice.  Althea got her coughing under control and turned to see an older man with long light colored haired tied back into a small pony tail.

”Neither was him not telling me about this demonstration until yesterday, “she replied.

”Well Johnny was never one to give much warning, “the man said as he held his hands behind himself and laughed slightly, “See you a little later, just saw someone I need to talk to.”

”Sure thing, Mr….”

”Lambert, “the man responded with a strange smile and as he turned to walk away he winked, “Just call me Chris.  Why don’t you walk with me and meet my friends.  I know at least a few of them are interested in meeting a mysterious and beautiful woman who just happens to be one of if not the best martial artist I have seen in a long time.”

In the distance, Sonya nearly choked when she saw who was talking to Althea and to what group the woman was being led to.  Her eyes then automatically roamed the room, an old habit to look out for trouble in strange surroundings.  Sonya eventually saw her parents talking with some of the military personnel, obviously old friends of her father’s.  She only hoped that her parents wouldn’t mention some of the more unusual occurrences they recently saw and experienced. 

Sonya then froze when she saw the general that once questioned her and Jax approach her parents with a strange man in a black suit that seemed to ooze power.  She walked over to the group and was able to her the general introduce the man as Mr. Anubis to the others.  Just as when she was going to speak, Fujin wearing a white silk shirt and dark slacks suddenly appeared at Sonya’s armed and gently pulled her away.  “Trust me, “the wind god said, “You don’t want to go there at the moment.”

Sonya pulled her arm out of Fujin grasp and hissed, “Why shouldn’t I go talk with my parents.”

”Let’s just say, “said Fujin, “That you are not the only one in your family keeping secrets.”

(Temple of Light, China)

Liu Kang yawned as the small boat pull up to the riverbank.  Liu stepped off the boat and took his backpack from the old man who was kind enough to bring him to the temple.  The trip from Los Angeles was anything but boring, but at least it was normal.  No shadow warriors, no cyborgs…just stupid bureaucracy.  Now all he had to do was figure out how he was going to get back to the States.  Maybe he should have found a way to get in touch with Sub-Zero.  He never seemed to experience problems like this.

The youngest of the temple students saw Liu and ran for the Temple to inform the masters that the prodigy son has returned.  Gods, he hated this place.  “The place isn’t that bad, “said Fujin now standing next to Liu Kang.

Liu’s head fell forward as he sighed, “I know you’re the new Sworn Protector, but do you really have to do that.  Rayden was bad enough….”

”I’ll keep that in mind, “answered Fujin who then frowned, “just be careful something in the wind isn’t right.”

”What the hell is that…”said Liu as he looked at where Fujin stood less than a second ago only to see that the windgod was already gone.  Liu muttered, “Just like Rayden.”

”Liu!” came Kung Lao’s voice in the distance and Liu then saw his cousin waving.

The younger cousin ran up and took Liu’s baggage saying, “About time you got back.  Stuck here with a bunch of old men and kids is just about to drive me insane.”

Liu smiled but noticed the tired look in Lao’s eyes.  “Are you getting enough sleep?”

Kung Lao’s smile vanished and he started to walk towards the temple as he mumbled, “Yeah.”

Liu frowned but didn’t push.  He knew of Kung Lao’s gift of seeing could be sometime more of a curse than the gift it was.  It was one of the reasons why he wanted Kung Lao to return to the States with him.   The techniques taught by the temple monks to control such gifts were just not working.  Perhaps Althea or even Nightwolf might be able to help him, but only if Lao goes with him back to the US.

(OIA Headquarters, Washington D.C.)

Jax sat at his desk reading over some paperwork and looked up when he heard a knock at his office door.  With a sigh he closed the folder and said, “Enter.”

The door opened and in walked a yellow cyborg who said, “You wished to see me Major Briggs?”

Jax leaned back into his chair and said, “I understand you wish to pay us back for ‘helping’ you….why?”

In his mechanical voice, Cyrax answered, “Lin Kuei Masters promised that power to those who are completely loyal and only the most loyal volunteered to become cyborgs.  I was one of those, but instead of power….my mind was enslaved and forced to only watch as my new form followed commands blindly.”

”No offense, “interrupted Jax, “but didn’t you follow orders blindly before…I thought that was in the Lin Kuei contract or something.”

Cyrax nodded and continued, “True, we are raised from childhood that the Lin Kuei is family and family obeys the Masters….but the Masters betrayed us, stripping us of our humanity.  As a cyborg I no longer had the choice to continue to obey the Lin Kuei or as Sub-Zero to leave….something I never even considered until it was too late.  Your scientists have given me a second chance, I wish to take it.”

Jax nodded in understanding and then pulled out some photos of other cyborgs…red ones attacking the ranch house.  “You can start repaying us by helping us with some of your former friends.  If we can we’ll free them as well…”

Cyrax picked up one of the photos as said, “These are different….they don’t seem to be like the ones created by the Lin Kuei, similar but different.”

”Yeah, we noticed, “answered Jax, “We think they might be some sort of upgraded version.  They seem to be interested in the martial arts school which will be opening soon or perhaps the instructors.  I want you go there and help with security.  That school is going to be this organization’s main recruitment location since all of the instructors are familiar with….the weird stuff.  You’ll stay at the ranch house and we’re preparing to send one or two of our techies to assist you.”

Cyrax nodded and said, “I will be ready.”

”Good, “said Jax and then under his breath, “Now if only Sonya would take it so well….”


The End….

Next time on MK: Echoes of the Past…..

”No buts, “she [Erica Blade] hissed as she stood up, “Because of your delusions my father died at some stupid tournament and now I find out that my daughter nearly did the same!  Why don’t you fight you own f….”

Author’s note:

Ok as promised I’m gonna try to respond to some of the reviews and personal messages I have received recently in regards to this story. Also, you might have seen this before but when I posted it someone ‘kindly’ reminded me it was against the rules of FanFiction to post Author Notes as chapters even if temporarily.  I know they can get annoying if left in place but….nevermind lets get back to the the Q/As.

Q:  How did Althea learn to speak modern English when she was from 500 years ago? 

A:  Reading over the chapter where showed up and taking into consideration suggestions that has been sent to me, I would have to blame it on Kronos, the Elder God of Time.  Fujin is an okay guy, but he doesn’t think that far ahead and Althea did have that private talk with Kronos at the Temple of the Elder Gods.  When she accepted Earthrealm as her home, Kronos made sure she could continue to help those protecting that realm since it was part of the agreement.  Don’t forget, Althea is also his great-granddaughter one in which he has taken a personal interest in.  (For more info on this, check out Mortal Kombat: Conquest.  It’s not completely spelled out like, but Kronos is Kuravan’s father and Kuravan is Althea’s grandfather….sooooo.)

Q:  How are the modern Sub-Zero and Scorpion related to the Sub-Zero and Scorpion of MK: Conquest? 

A:  This Scorpion is the same Scorpion of 500+ years ago in spirit.  In the TV show it was a corrupt soul and/or spirit that took over Siro’s friend and changed him into Scorpion.  As for Sub-Zero he is a descendent of the original Sub-Zero.  The ice ability is hereditary and Scorpion has been hunting the family down for centuries as has the Lin Kuei to turn them into assassins.  Each one was called Sub-Zero as a title and a means to erase their past connections outside of the Lin Kuei.  Think cult brainwashing if it helps, but they didn’t completely finish it on this Sub-Zero since they planned to change him into a cyborg anyways.  As for the reason for Scorpion’s sudden change from wanting to kill the Sub-Zero family to aiding the last known one is a story I’ve been kicking around as a possible side story to this one but I’m not sure yet. If I don’t write that story, I will write at least a ‘flashback’ chapter in this one to explain it. 


Q:  Why wasn’t Althea confused or shocked over another Sub-Zero/Scorpion ‘set?’ 

A:  Althea was kidnapped by Sub-Zero, but never saw him or got his name unless Rayden or the trio told her afterwards.  Even then, she has a faint idea how the Lin Kuei works and understands how names/titles can be passed on over the centuries.  As for Scorpion, she did recognize him and understood what he was…a killer for hire with the ability to teleport.  Something she needed at the time and was willing to pay for his services.  She may not like him, but she knows never to waste a weapon or tool.  Not to mention, Scorpion already saved her when she and Subby fought the cyborgs for the first time in this story.  That would raise a few questions as to whose side Scorpion was on.  However she doesn’t trust him, but is willing to work with him.

Q:  Did Erica Blade and Fujin know each other and if they did in THAT way? 

A:  This is one of those questions which will be answered in the story if not the upcoming chapter then the one after that….I hope.

Q:  What’s up with all the red cyborg ninjas?  Are you planning to bring in the Tekunin?

A:  Yes, I am planning on throwing in the Tekunin (sp?).  That’s just a too good a tool not to use, especially since the Lin Kuei are the same as extinct at the moment.  As for what their plans are, I’m not going to tell until later in the story.

Q:  With all the damage, will they (Sonya, Johnny, etc) get better security and what about magical guards?

A:  Now in regards to security, they had firewalls but Sektor got by them but since the whole system will most likely need replacing thanks to Althea’s overkill Sonya will no doubt see that better ‘mundane’ defenses are in place.  As for magical defenses…that is how Althea knew there were invaders before the security system did.  She placed a light shield around the property to alert her whenever someone tries to sneak in, her mage senses only works on those who are actively working magic or similar (ex: Shang casting a spell/curse, Gods in general radiate ‘magic’ unless they hide it, etc) unless she places a ‘warning system’ in.  It’s not perfect, but the last time she tried anything stronger they sorta got stuck in time.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to get her back to learning to control Timegift of hers.  Something that strong can’t remain sealed forever. (hint hint)


Q:  Here’s an old one….Did Sonya really have a brother or did I make it up?

A:  According to Sonya’s Mortal Kombat card (an old one but if you want you can confirm this info in the Mortal Kombat Bible found on MKO) Sonya’s know relatives include her father (Major Herman Blade), her mother (Erica Blade) and a twin brother (Daniel Blade) who is deceased.  How and when Daniel Blade died is not mentioned, but the fact that there is no rank in his name my guess is either he never joined the military or was too young at the time of death to do so.  I don’t keep the storyline canon to the game, movies, etc but I like keeping as much of the canon info in as I can while still have enough freedom for writing.

Q. Why is Frost acting so ‘green’ and am I planning to have her betray Sub-Zero as in the game?

A  As for Frost acting so ‘green’ it’s because she is ‘green’ especially for a Lin Kuei.  The only reason why they ‘recruited’ her was as a replacement for the ‘traitor’ Sub-Zero.  Normally, in spite of her powers the Lin Kuei would not bother with a female but would have kept tabs on her in case she ever had any male children.  (Remember in the TV series they only kidnapped boys.)  She started her training late and it shows but she will have talent.  As for the betrayal, you have to wait and see…sorry.



A big thanks to Oracle Thunder and Agent-G for all the questions and suggestions.  Also a big thanks to everyone else who has reviewed my story so far, it’s because of you all that I have been able to keep writing for so long and will be able to keep writing so please keep ‘em coming.

next chapter [23]