The Grandmaster's Consort.

Chapter 2: Irritating Intrigue.

Your head was still hung low, knowing that if you looked up at the Fire God now, you'd most likely cry and that is something you never do.. Not anymore at least. A few more moments had passed and then you finally decided to raise your head. You looked at all four of them, taking in each of their features.. Well as much of their features as you could considering that three of them were wearing masks. With that thought you pulled down your own face mask and finally someone decided to break the loud silence.

" I know you must have a lot of questions, a few of which I can answer for now." The Fire God stated. He was absolutely right about that. With a small nod, you opened your mouth to speak.

"For starters.. May I ask your name Fire God.. As well as theirs?" You gestured to the other three men in the room.

"Ah of course. How very impolite of me." He said with soft smile and slightly embarrassed chuckle.

"I am Lord Liu Kang, God of Fire and Protector of Earthrealm." He bowed respectfully.

" And these three are some of my closest and trusted friends. May I introduce Smoke, Scorpion and Grandmaster Sub-Zero. " He introduced the others but something tells me that those aren't their given names, nonetheless ones earned due to their abilities.

Then realization hit you.. GRANDMASTER-?! That title is only used for powerful and respected leaders of ancient clans that are known to be relentless warrior like assassins-. Come to think of it.. That would explain their fighting tactics, unique powers and the way they dress... Quickly regaining your composer and closed your mouth that you hadn't realized was slack, you stood up straight and bowed to the man in blue.

" Please excuse my informality Grandmaster.. It is such a great pleasure to be in yours and Lord Liu Kang's presence, as well as your clansmen." Even though you're only a mere thief, you were indeed taught manners and with that said.. you've also come to realize that you hadn't introduced yourself.

"Ah- What a fool I am, please forgive me and let me introduce myself. I am (Y/n)-" You were cut off by Lord Liu Kang.

"We know who you are (Y/n). No need for self-introduction." He said with a smile.

"But of course.. you're a God, so it's no surprise that you possess great and vast knowledge." A nervous chuckle escaped your lips.

"Next question. Which clan do these incredibly skilled men belong to?" You asked, eyeing each one of them, your gaze lingering on the Grandmaster.

" We're members of a great clan know as the Lin Kuei. We're a clan of elite assassins that are dedicated to protecting Earthrealm." One of the masked men finally spoke. Smoke had been the one to reply.

" I see. I've only heard stories of the great Lin Kuei but seeing your abilities in action, I must say you three are truly remarkable." You said. It astounds you that you almost escaped them.. Especially the Grandmaster himself.

" Thank you. My brothers and I appreciate the high praise. Though one could argue that we were indeed a bit sloppy considering that you almost got one over on us." It was Scorpion who opened his mouth this time.

All three of them were brothers?! Well that is also a mild surprise. After looking them over again, you did notice the resemblance of Sub-Zero and Scorpion. They almost looked like twins.. Smoke however didn't look like either of the two and stood out. With that discovery, you're now curious about their background.

" That may be so but you boys certainly kept me on my toes." A soft melodic giggle left your lips as you spoke.

"Alright, Last question about the matters at hand.. If there's anything else I'm curious about, I'm sure that I'll find out later. You said that I am to join your champions.. What need do you possibly have for someone like me, a lowly petty thief? " You asked eyeing Liu Kang.