From a Woman's Point of View

Apprentice

Sub-zero stared out the window. It had been what? Three or four months? She sighed. She shouldn't have been thinking about him, but the words he said were engraved in her mind. She shook her head and made her way to the mess hall. As she was, she overheard a conversation a guard and an assassin were having. She hid herself behind the vase.

"Have you seen the Grandmaster these past months? It's as if her soul was sucked out of her." He commented.

"Yeah, I have noticed that. Do you have any idea what happened?" The other one asked him. He shrugged.

"Beats the hell out of me. But he's…well SHE'S different now. Do you think it really is him?"

"Of course I do. No one can beat Grandmaster Sub-zero." The assassin said with utmost respect. Sub-zero allowed a smile to grace her features.

"Hmph. If I didn't know better, I'd say she was just an impostor. I mean, Grandmaster Sub-zero isn't some sissy who would grieve over something. But this person…it's as if somebody's died and she's crying over it…until now!" Sub-zero clenched her teeth. The guard was right. She has never acted this way her entire life. Nevertheless, she wanted to get out there and beat the crap out of him. Just as she was about to do so, the assassin spoke.

"Even the strongest of us fall off the wagon." He replied. Sub-zero started. "Grandmaster has never shown any sign of emotion except anger and sometimes, pride and happiness. But, there's always a first time for everything. For more than ten years, Grandmaster Sub-zero has not yet shed a single tear. He always hid his emotions well. He bottled it up. It's good that he's able to let his emotions out." He said quietly.

Sub-zero stepped out of the shadows and went to the two men. They bowed immediately.

"Grandmaster." They acknowledged in unison. Sub-zero looked at the guard.

"What are you doing here? You are not at your post?" she asked him. The man straightened.

"But-well-sir-break,"

"I do not remember giving such orders. You are to leave your post, when I tell you to do so." She continued on mercilessly. He bowed and strode off, the puzzled expression still plastered on his face. She turned around and faced the assassin.

"You, come with me." She beckoned towards him. He followed obediently as she led him to the training grounds.

"Um, sir?" he finally asked as they reached the clearing.

"Yes?"

"Why are we here at the training grounds?" he asked. Sub-zero turned around and faced him. He looked puzzled. Sub-zero grinned behind her mask.

"Why do you think we're in the training grounds?" she fired back. He looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Er…" he scratched his head. "You want to spar with me?" She stared at him for a moment.

"I have a question for you, if I were to take you in as my apprentice, what would you say?" She surveyed him, waiting for his reaction. It took a few seconds before it completely registered in his mind.

"W-wow, I…wouldn't know what to say…sir." He added.

"How about, 'Let's begin'?" Sub-zero suggested. He grinned at her. He bowed.

"I would be honored." And the two started sparring.

OoooooooO

"Ugh…" he moaned. Sub-zero pressed harder, and he groaned. Sub-zero shook her head.

"You…are such a wimp." She commented. He was a wimp, but he was a skilled fighter. He just needed a little more practice. All right, scratch that, he needed a lot more practice. She kept on pressing the same spot on his shoulder, massaging him. He winced at the pain.

"It's the first time I was able to fight with the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. I thought I would never, ever be able to spar with you." he said with such solemnity that Sub-zero had to grin.

They were silent for a long time.

"Grandmaster…"

"Hmm?"

"I know this question may be a bit personal but…is there anything bothering you?" He turned around and faced was a long silence, and Sub-zero spoke.

"You should go to your room and get a good night's sleep. Wake up at five, or watch me kick your ass out of bed." She threatened. She didn't answer the question and he let it drop. He laughed and bowed. He exited the room, still chuckling.

Sub-zero stared out the window as soon as he was gone. Scorpion…She longed for his warm hug, his warm smile…but she knew she would never see nor feel them again. Ever.