Chapter 2

``Wow, it's certainly varied, isn't it?'' Meat asked, looking around. Earthrealm certainly was nice, especially compared to what he was used to. There were lush forests, vast oceans, sprawling cities, animals of all shapes and sizes... Meat couldn't get enough and it seemed like there was something new almost everywhere he looked.

``I guess so.'' Frost replied. ``I mean, compared to that dump Outworld, yeah. Er, sorry for disparaging your realm.''

``No, it's alright. Outworld... could stand to be a nicer place.'' Meat answered. ``So, how much longer until we reach the Lin Kuei's headquarters?''

``Hopefully not TOO long. We're in Mongolia right now and the headquarters is in Siberia. Shouldn't be more than a couple weeks at most.'' Frost answered.

``Mongolia and Siberia, huh? Weird names for villages.'' Meat stated.

Frost smirked behind her mask. ``Oh no, these are countries. MUCH bigger than villages. More like... a giant group of villages and cities.''

The two continued their trek across the plains and, eventually, arrived in a harsh land of snow. Continuing further, they eventually came across a large, old temple. One that, from the outside, seemed rather quiet.

``We're here!'' Frost exclaimed.

``Huh? This place?''

Frost nodded, ``Uh huh. It's a lot busier than you'd think inside. At least that's how it was last time I was here.''

As the two strolled up to the gate, they were accosted by a guard, to whom Frost casually spoke to. After a bit of arguing on the guard's part, he finally relented and let them inside. Meat was in awe as they strolled through the Lin Kuei headquarters. It was much larger on the inside and he could see what were no doubt strong warriors training tirelessly. It was a nice place, he thought. Coming back to reality, he spoke up, asking Frost where it was they were headed.

``We're going to see the sifu to see if he'll admit you in.'' she answered plainly.

``Sifu? Oh, you mean Sub-Zero!'' Meat asked. ``I have heard of him, though only a little. He is master of cold, is he not?''

Frost nodded. ``Uh huh. He, uh, MIGHT be a little pissed at though.''

``Pissed?''

``Angry, mad, you know, like that.'' Frost answered.

``I see.'' Came the reply, ``What for, if you don't mind my asking?''

``I, uh, kinda stole his Dragon Medallion and got myself frozen to near-death.'' She said, wincing a bit. ``Anyway, we're here.''

The two strolled through the door into Sub-Zero's chamber. Spotting them as they walked in, Sub-Zero rose to greet them.

``Frost... you've finally returned?'' he asked almost immediately.

``Y-Yeah. I guess so.'' She replied nervously. ``Look, I'm, um, I'm sorry about the whole stealing your medallion and nearly killing myself thing.'' Sheepishly looking downwards, she continued, ``And the, uh, trying to kill you thing.''

Sub-Zero shook his head. ``No, it's alright Frost. You wanted to become stronger and I respect that. And while I might not approve of your... methods, I can see that such negative experiences have humbled you, hopefully making you more willing to listen to my teachings.''

``Huh? You mean you're not angry?'' Frost asked, looking up.

``A little disheartened, yes.'' Sub-Zero said, nodding. ``But no, I'm not angry. You are my star pupil and I'm actually very relieved to see that you're alright.''

``Th-Thank you, sifu.'' Frost said, bowing. ``OH! Right, I brought along a new recruit that I picked up while I was still in Outworld.''

``Hmm, I see.'' Sub-Zero said, glancing over at Meat, still in the form an Outworld female. ``She is from Outworld... interesting. What's her name?''

``Huh? Oh it's, uh... Sun. Sun Xia.'' Frost managed to get out.

``Lovely name.'' Sub-Zero stated, ``But what do you do?''

``Huh?'' Meat asked, not understanding.

``Everybody here has a talent.'' Sub-Zero explained, ``For example, Frost's and my mastery over cold. So what do you do? What is your talent?''

Meat was surprised but gave it some thought. ``I can, uh, do this.'' He said, turning into a copy of Sub-Zero, then quickly changing back.

``Hmm, much like a certain sorcerer.'' Sub-Zero muttered to himself. ``You could be useful to our organization so, for now, I'll let you join.'' Sub-Zero said, ``Training will be rigorous but also rewarding. Learning how to control your powers will allow you to better do your duties of upholding peace in this, and any other realm.'' He continued. ``Frost!''

``Y-Yes sifu?'' she said, perking up.

``Sun Xia will be staying with you. Your old room is still here so show her to it. And perhaps, give her a tour of the headquarters as well.''

``Yes sifu.'' Frost said, bowing. The duo then turned to leave.

``Heh, man we were real smooth back there.'' Frost said smirking.

``I... suppose?'' Was all Meat could say.

When they had exited his chambers, Sub-Zero sat back down, his chin resting in his hands. ``You remind me a lot of my brother: so brash and headstrong. This Sun Xia, though... hopefully she will be able to keep you from going down a similar path.'' He said, thinking aloud to nobody in particular.

Author : Connie Provenzano

Creation date: 2006-9-1-18-42

Modification date: 2006-9-20-12-28