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As much as Raiden missed home, returning to Earthrealm so soon wasn’t exactly ideal for him. A while ago, Liu Kang and Geras requested Kung Lao, Johnny, and Kenshi to bring Shang Tsung to their realm. Though he excluded Raiden as he’s become a familiar face to Outworld. As disappointed as he is, the Earthrealm Champion thought the exclusion was a good thing. As he could continue to improve his fighting, or even visit Fengjian, say hi to his parents and sister.
The first few hours after the Earthrealm Fighter’s leaving, Raiden went back to Fengjian, to see if everything’s still in one piece. His parents were proud that he'd won and cooked him some egg drop soup as a reward. His sister was proud yet she’s more focused if he came back with Kung Lao’s letter. She was upset he didn’t write back to her and told him to slap Kung Lao for her. Later on, he went to Madam Bo’s restaurant. When asked where his friend is, he explained to her his absence. She cooked some to-go chicken curry for Raiden and char siu for Kung Lao.
He went back to Wu Shi Academy afterwards by an electric tricycle. He exited out of it and was greeted by Liu Kang. There was a lingering presence that was behind him though he can’t comprehend what it is. So he looked around the academy and found the remaining monks. Because of the Earthrealm fighter’s time spent in the outworld, there has been a temporary break for the monks. Most of them went back to their hometowns to spend time with family and friends, as for the remaining ones who decided to stay in the there for multiple reasons.
The first couple of minutes he placed his hand on some sand. Then practiced his footwork and position on the wooden dummy, using Outworld’s opponents (mostly Kitana) for reference. He got the monks to train with him, asking how he could improve on his mistakes. Though none of the critiques were the ones he asked for, often comments that he’d get and make better in seconds.
Though one monk in particular criticized his fighting style, Raiden ought to use the information for their fight. The next few seconds he kept getting beat down as he tried to form a new style, then realizing that he could use defense once in a while. As he blocked the monk’s attacks, he defeated them with a kick. He smiled to himself as he noted himself to use this moment in future situations.
“That's a major improvement from the last time I saw you.” A voice called out. Raiden turned his head to see someone watching beside a three, where the shadows cover him. Looking close enough, it was Smoke, one of Lin Kuei’s assassins.
It’s been months since they interacted, which the only time they did was when they fought at Madam Bo’s. Then they would see each other from time to time but only gave each other glances and formal hellos. Seeing the man talk to him as if they were friends was a foreign feeling.
The earthrealm champion helped the monk stand up and approached the man. “Smoke, I didn’t notice you were here.” He said.
“I was waiting to see how long it would take for you to notice me, though I can't help but express my awe.” He said. If Smoke weren’t to wear a mask, Raiden could see a smile from him. But a squint in his eyes was already saying what he meant.
“How long were you there?” He asked.
“When you arrive back at Wu Shi Academy.” He replied. Raiden made an oh sound, as it did explain the lingering feeling he’d been feeling. He hoped that “So how was Outworld?”
“The descriptions didn’t emphasize enough how beautiful it is. I would be lying if I didn’t feel jealous when Liu Kang wouldn’t let me join the other Earthrealm fighters.” He said, as he’s thinking about what Kung Lao, Johnny, and Kenshi were up to now. He could only pray for their safety.
“And the fights?”
“I’ve won all three fights, but there were moments where I felt I was about to lose. Hence why I’m here training instead of resting.” He said, looking away from the man, feeling a bit embarrassed. Despite his wins, they felt he only won at the last minute, even when defeating Kung Lao, it’s only the first time it ever happened. He hoped the next time he meets them, he could have higher confidence to beat them and believe that it had all his efforts.
“How about we fight, then? I could help with whatever you’re having problems with.” The Lin Kuei member requested. Raiden raised his eyebrows, interested in what could be provided. The Lin Kuei’s methods were a lot more different than the monks, and even more effective in certain situations.
“I’d love that.” Raiden replied, smiling. He distanced himself away from Smoke, getting himself ready. “Though you are talking to Earthrealm’s champion.” He said smug, though showing he’s not all arrogant with his title.
Smoke readied his stance, flipping around his karambit and raising it high, then smirked if Raiden had to imagine it. “Where’s the humbleness you had ago?” Then disappearing to mere smoke, kicking Raiden from behind.
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“Don’t beat yourself up from this.” Smoke said, raising his hand to reach Raiden who’s now knocked on the ground.
Smoke won.
Raiden knew how strong he and his brothers were during his test at Madam Bo’s, still, it took him by surprise by hisquick defeat. He grabbed onto the other’s hand and by the elder gods, if those
“How are you not competing as Earthrealm Champion?” He asked.
“Outworld can’t lose to every tournament.” Smoke jested, not showing any seriousness.
“I can’t imagine fighting your brothers when they’re not holding back.” He said.
Smoke shrugged his shoulders. “I can.”
After the fight, the two went to the kitchen. Raiden offered one of his foods to Smoke. Smoke has already tried most of Madam Bo’s cooking so he took the other dish. The farmer mentioned the soup being made by his parents, and he swore he could see the other’s eyes soften. Smoke microwaved the food, standing and staring at it spinning for around a minute and a half. He took his mask off to taste the soup, but found the soup still cold, so he microwaved it again for a minute. During the whole time, Raiden had a fixed gaze at the man, noting all the details in his clothing and the moles on his face.
Raden found himself staring at Smoke for too long. He hoped the other didn’t recognize the long silence.“Why are you here again?” He questioned.
“Bi Han and Kuai Liang are doing their Lin Kuei duties.” Smoke answered, still staring at the microwave’s timer.
“You didn’t go with them?”
“I was excluded by my brother.” He replied. Raiden frowned and it was like Smoke noticed. “But don’t worry. Bi Han probably kicked Kuai Liang by now for other reasons. He doesn’t do this often, this is one of his rare moments!” He reassured, which wasn’t a complete lie.
When the Lin Kuei are assigned to do something, most of its duties involve only the main three going. It slowly deescalates as soon Smoke is no longer in the picture, then Scorpion follows not long after. What Smoke said, Sub Zero rarely kicks him out, rather gives him less things to do or be a distraction to their opponents.
Not wanting to dwell on his frequent exclusions, he opened the microwave before it reached zero. He grabbed the food and sat beside Raiden. When he looked at him he could see how wide eye he was, though he backed away in embarrassment, hoping to give him space. Smoke took note of how oddly sweet it was, storing the information for… later use. He then went to inform Raiden about his fighting. Instructing him to try some new fighting styles, some techniques that were made by Lin Kuei or from Smoke’s experience.
As Smoke was about to tell Raiden what he could do with his powers, he then heard his name being called out. He turned around, which happens to be his older brother, Scorpion.
“Tomas! You’re here!” He exclaimed, in what Raiden could interpret as the sound of relief, that his softer side was something he doesn’t see much. Though it could be because there’s a lack of Sub Zero in this area.
Scorpion went to Smoke, putting his hand on his shoulder. “Kuai Liang, is there something wrong? Is Bi Han alright?” The younger brother asked, putting all his worries to him.
“Everything’s alright. Bi Han kicked me out a while ago. I tried finding you home, though you weren’t there, and you wouldn’t respond to my text messages.” Scorpion explained.
Smoke clicked his tongue. “Sorry.” He apologized, bowing his head down to acknowledge his brother’s concern.
“Please tell me you’re going somewhere next time.” He said.
Smoke nodded his head. “I will, Kuai Liang.” He promised.
Then, Scorpion turned his head to Raiden’s direction, humming a sound before speaking. “I heard about your win in Outworld, good job.” The older brother congratulated.
Raiden waved at him. “Greetings, Scorpion. And thank you, without you and your brothers I wouldn’t know there was something more for the earthrealm fighters and I.” He said, thanking the Lin Kuei member.
Scorpion looked back at his brother. “Come on, Tomas, it’s better to walk home now before Bi Han freaks out.”
Smoke sighs. “Okay.” Raiden says his goodbye to the two ninja, making them wave back to him.
The farmer went to a wooden dummy, practicing motions while using Smoke as his new reference. He slowed his movements down as he could overhear a conversation coming from the two.
“You were there for Raiden, were you?” Which was Scorpion asking, as if he were teasing the younger brother. For him?
“I-I was only visiting the academy!” The other retorted instantly. And he was right, does he not have the right to just visit there?
Though when Smoke got there, he wasn’t there for Liu Kang. Nor was he wanting to see Johnny Cage, Kenshi, or Kung Lao. And he could’ve trained with the monks if he wanted to. The only possibility was what originally Scorpion said.
If so, Raiden couldn’t understand. Why would someone want to go to Wu Shi Academy for him? His face slowly turned hot, confused with this new feeling.
So he kicked the dummy.