Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Chapter 20: (Not Quite the) Main Event I

If fear was a person, its touch would be like pure ice.

For Master Hanzo Hasashi, it was as if someone had leaned over his seat, wound their arms around the breadth of his chest, and locked him in an embrace so chilling that his blood congealed right there and then. It sent shiver upon shiver through his quaking body, turning every hair on his tautened skin brittle. Then, in a mocking parody of affection, Fear slid its hand across his breastbone, pressing its cold fingertips against the spot where his heart would be – it might as well have been pushing sharp, frost-tipped needles into the pounding organ. His shallow breaths could barely escape as those flirtatious digits stroked the hollow of his throat …

Hanzo? Are you alright?

The voice that filtered into Hanzo's mind was soft, steady, and not least warm enough for Fear to drop its hand, allowing him to breathe somewhat.

Say something, Hanzo. Are you alright?

However, the Shirai Ryu was silent as the voice repeated the question within his mind; he remained as such when, with an audible sigh, Grandmaster Kuai Liang unclenched his fist. Then, sitting up in his seat, the Lin Kuei looked to the head of the table. Hues of shame coloured his countenance.

"I apologise profusely for my outburst, Lord Raiden," he said, bowing his head. "I did not mean to lose control of my temper. Please excuse me for my impropriety."

Raiden, still greatly affected by Johnny Cage's lurid account, gave a shaky nod.

"You are certainly excused, Grandmaster," he answered, his voice uneven. "What is done cannot be undone, so we shall not dwell upon it any longer."

But Kuai was not finished. Lifting his head, he then cast his eyes around the table, meeting most of the shocked faces dead-on.

"I also extend my humblest apologies to all of you," he declared. "Most truly I am sorry to have disturbed your dining."

Both luckily and unluckily for Kuai, it was Johnny who spoke up.

"Don't beat yourself over it, Popsicle," he said, his smile seemingly lacking its trademark lustre.

Then, glancing at the revenant next to him with a raised brow, the actor drily added, "Compared to your buddy, the human vape pen, your mini-explosion was kinda tame."

Those icy digits were upon Hanzo's throat once more as he sensed the smouldering gaze of Smoke resting upon him again. The sound of his heart, beating at a frenzied pace, reverberated in his ears when he dared to meet it. How violently he winced as he found himself staring into two fiery pits that broiled and bubbled like merciless pots of molten rock …

… shuddering, Hanzo had to look away, and Fear lovingly patted his chest.

Fortunately for the clansman, Smoke gave up glaring in his direction. Nevertheless, the vapour-haired revenant did his utmost to contain his smirk as Kitana spoke up next.

"I apologise on Smoke's behalf," she proclaimed, sounding harried. "Be assured that it was not his intention to provoke anybody."

("Yeah right, and I'm the Dalai goddamn Lama," Jax Briggs half-whispered, half-muttered to Sonya Blade.)

Coughing into his napkin, Raiden's attempt at a smile was extremely feeble as he addressed the guests at large: "Come, let us not focus on the matter anymore. After all, there are other important matters to attend to – namely the main course, and here it comes now!"

The monks practically zoomed into the dining room at light speed, bearing their trays of food and drink with exquisite balance and care. In contrast, however, their faces bore the barest hints of unease as they approached the table. Their musical counterparts, too, wore similar expressions for the umpteenth time in a row as they began playing their next song. From their instruments sounded a slow, reverent melody that dipped stridently high and cautiously low. For some, it was delightful listening; for others, it was barely tolerable on the ears.

In Hanzo's case, it was neither.

No, all that he could hear – could feel – was Fear breathing harshly against the back of his neck …

"Hanzo?"

Stifling a gasp, the Shirai Ryu suddenly found himself staring into a pair of eyes that no hot spring in Earthrealm could compare to.

"Are you alright, Hanzo?" Kuai Liang asked in a hushed whisper. He grunted before adding: "A poorly-thought question. Between Tomas and I, we must have greatly upset you. I'm –"

"Kuai, stop."

Shutting his eyelids for a second or two, Hanzo opened them again. Within his own dark globes swirled clouds of resolve, albeit tainted by smudges of fatigue.

The Lin Kuei cocked his head to the side at the sight.

A sight that had given him hope, yet also awoke in him pangs of concern, and not for the first time tonight …

"Master Hasashi." His voice was below the point of being a whisper. "Are you sure you still want –?"

"Yes, I do," Hanzo cut him off again, giving a single nod.

"You don't have to –"

"I have to. I must."

"You said so earlier, yet I –"

"Then I must continue to hold to my word," the Shirai Ryu declared. "To endure dishonour by my own hand is more fearsome than to face death by the hand of an enemy."

Kuai stared at him, then shook his head.

"I cannot tell if it is bravado that speaks for you, or stubbornness."

Hanzo said nothing, and the other man sighed.

"Very well," he murmured. "I will abide by your wishes one last time. However, if something is to occur … you know I am ready when you are."

Another nod. "I do."

Kuai nodded, apparently satisfied. "And as for Tomas, I shall –"

He stopped when he saw Hanzo wince. Opening his mouth to apologise once more, the Grandmaster was again cut short when a monk appeared next to him, setting down a large plate of food. When the monk moved off, his mouth parted one more time, only for it to shut when Hanzo – his eyes piercing through him like spears – muttered:

"Kono hanashi wa korekiri ni shiyou. Mohaya owatta koto da."

Kuai frowned. It was their clans' young alliance that had allowed for the relationship between the two leaders to blossom into a sincere friendship. Although the cryomancer was a few years younger than the former wraith, their shared escapades – from participating in the last two tournaments and Shao Kahn's invasion, to their enslavement and liberation – easily put them on equal footing. In the past five years, they had built up enough mutual trust, respect and understanding, allowing them (if they wished) to openly discuss whatever was on their minds.

But when it became difficult to talk further, if not at all, then silence or slipping into his mother tongue were Hanzo's preferred methods of deflection. Begrudgingly, they often worked.

Tonight, it was no different: although he could not understand the words (Five years of knowing him, and I still cannot grasp Japanese beyond the basics), Kuai got the gist of what Hanzo was saying. Dipping his chin in reluctant acknowledgement, he slowly directed his blue gaze to his meal.

He must only say the word, and I shall do what I can to preserve his dignity.

But Tomas …

He stole a glance at the revenant on the other side of the table, who was being spoken to by Kitana in hushed whispers. Stern though she appeared, his ghostly countenance was void of any emotion. He took little notice of the monk who served him his dish and refilled his wine glass. Kuai sighed again, wishing he could fathom his old friend's unexpectedly antagonistic attitude towards them … towards Hanzo, in particular.

How Hanzo is managing to put up a bold front – or one of obstinacy – before Tomas, I also cannot fathom.

Only the Elder Gods know all the answers. As usual.

Lost in his train of thought, Kuai Liang did not hear his guest suddenly uttering in a strained, soundless whisper …

"Watashi, ano hito ga kowakute shikata arimasen no yo."

… which would have clearly revealed to the Grandmaster that it was neither bravado nor stubbornness that spoke for Hanzo Hasashi:

It was Fear.

Hanzo? Why aren't you answering me? Hanzo!

Takahashi Kenshi inwardly cursed. Frustration and worry filled his frame as his attempts to get Hanzo to respond telepathically in the last five minutes failed miserably. That the Shirai Ryu's attention was subsequently occupied by the Grandmaster did little to soothe the swordsman's frazzled nerves.

Indeed, his nerves were frazzled further when the clansmen's conversation ceased, yet an aura of disquiet still surrounded Hanzo.

Something's not right, he thought, hating himself for stating the obvious. Hanzo, if you can hear me, tell me what's going on so that I can help you. Please!

All Kenshi received was silence, as well as his senses being overwhelmed further by immeasurable unease.

He was not the only one affected …

Ermac suppressed the groan that rose in his throat. His body almost slumped forward in his seat as he became arrested by a most painful sensation.

What is happening to us? What is this – ARRRGH!

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness overcame his senses, prompting him to lift his fingers to his temples in a bid to steady them. From the depths of his core sprung a blast of bitter cold, which spiralled throughout his frame in the form of a tremble.

At the same time, the souls within wailed mockingly.

Oho, what is this, what is this, what is this? Look to the left for the answer – we know that this is his doing!

The construct certainly did not need to look to figure out who the souls were talking about. He could sense the air of agitation that seemingly surrounded Takahashi Kenshi well enough, and … and … ugh, it hurts …

Then, all at once, the pain dissipated.

Taking a deep breath, Ermac – dropping his hands – assumed a straighter posture just as a monk placed his meal before him. A spicy gust of steam wafted up his nose, momentarily filling him with warmth.

But it was not enough to relieve him of the chill that had settled within every blood vessel.

Nor did it protect him from the jeers within.

It is as we have said, the souls hissed. The swordsman means to cause us harm, yet we were ignored. He is the root cause of our pain – he has proven it now.

The tone shifted from scorn to one of hollow malice.

And as we said before, we will take the necessary measures to cease them.

At once, Ermac could feel his hands balling into fists; encased by his gloves, the skin of his fingers began to tingle right down to the bones, vibrating in every pore, and growing more and more stronger as he –

"Ermac?"

At the sound of Kenshi saying his name, the tingling – much like the pain – dissipated immediately. However, it did not prevent a violent jolt from shooting through his body. A fact that did not go unnoticed by the Earthrealmer, who lifted his right hand towards him. "Ermac, are you –?"

"No." Ermac moved his shoulder out of Kenshi's reach. "No, no … do not touch us."

Startled by the abrupt exclamation, Kenshi withdrew his hand, albeit not by much.

"Excuse my carelessness, Ermac, but I sense that there's something –" he started, but the soul collective cut him off.

"No," he repeated. Desperation hung off the single syllable. "No, Kenshi. We are fine."

The frown beneath the man's blindfold was both impressive and daunting.

"I wish I could say that I believe you," he quietly replied. "Unfortunately, we've arrived at that point where I just can't do so."

Ermac refrained from gulping. He was overcome by the urge to get up from the table, walk out of the dining room, and leave the Sky Temple altogether. For him, the downpour outside was easier to brave than the storm that was brewing within the grand structure.

"Ermac."

The construct winced; even through the scarlet cloth, he could feel Kenshi's dulled eyes finding a way to lock with his.

"Ermac," the swordsman whispered now, his next words neither soft nor harsh, "there's only the main course and the dessert to go. It would be a grave error if we did not speak before the dinner ends. I know that such an arrangement doesn't please you, considering the current circumstances, but for your benefit, it'd be best that you go with it. Do you understand?"

Whatever response Ermac had for the Earthrealmer died on his tongue when Raiden cleared his throat into his napkin again. With an imperceptible nod, Kenshi withdrew his concealed gaze and focused it on the Thunder God. With some reluctance, Ermac did the same.

However, the chill remained, as did the faint prickling in his hands.

"At last, we have arrived at the main course," Raiden announced to his guests.

He waved a hand towards the colourful plates around the table, on which several thick slices of grilled meat lay neatly. Positioned atop their glazed, browned surfaces were chopped chillies, coriander and tomatoes, while small lime wedges were served on the side. From each dish rose swirls of hot steam with strong hints of spice.

"In Earthrealm," Raiden continued, "this dish is known as Mexican butterflied leg of lamb with salsa. Emperor, I trust that a similar dish existed in Osh-Tekk culture?"

Kotal Kahn nodded fervently, the piquant scent making his mouth water. "A comparable delicacy in our realm. Prior to the merge with Outworld, however, we made use of meat from ichcaconētli – the offspring of wild sheep that roamed Osh-Tekk. I have heard that they also bore some resemblance to the varieties that Earthrealm's farmers breed. Unfortunately, most of their population were domesticated and crossbred with their more brutish Outworld counterparts. To eat pure ichcaconētl meat is a rarity."

"As is humble pie," Liu Kang muttered into his glass.

If Reptile happened to hear that, then he would have risen from his seat and unleashed a torrent of abuse, before hurling himself down the length of the table at Liu Kang, sinking his teeth into his neck until the bones crunched.

Luckily for the former Shaolin monk, Reptile's attention was all on Kotal Kahn and Raiden, the latter who spoke again: "May it be eaten and enjoyed. I thought it appropriate that we should try this recipe while we had the pleasure of your company. I never had the opportunity to visit Osh-Tekk before Shao Kahn merged it with Outworld. Although from what I, too, learned from the Shaolin archives, its inhabitants were a proud race who valued each and every resource – whether it be gold, game, or a single ray of sunlight."

The emperor nodded again, and Reptile noted his sombre air.

"A characteristic of my people that balanced their often, erm, aggressive inclinations," he murmured. More quietly, he said: "My honoured father … he would have enjoyed this meal."

Reptile tilted his head. He knew well the blood-soaked history of Osh-Tekk and its eponymous race – possibly even more than that of his own race. Before Shao Kahn invaded the realm, their emperor, Kotal K'etz, was a figure defined by magnanimity and ferocity. As Kotal Kahn confided in him (and these instances were many), his father could be reproachful and brutal one minute, and show affection and indulgence the next. As is the case with most heirs, Kotal Kahn – Ko'atal – was exposed to both sides. Judging by the sound of things, he was subjected to the former most of all.

"Verbal chastisement, Syzoth, that is all it was," he told Reptile. "It took many years to prove myself in his eyes: to finally hear his words of praise was worth the missteps I took in my journey to inheriting his power."

Thus, it came as no surprise that Ko'atal was devastated upon Kotal K'etz's death. Although he often claimed that his father's spirit was more alive than ever (in what way, Reptile could not fathom), the Osh-Tekk was also distraught by the fact that his only link to the realm that he once called home was gone – he was now the last of his kind. Fortunately, it allowed Ko'atal to build a kinship with the Zaterran, the sole survivor of a race whom he sought to bring back.

Not that Shao Kahn or Shang Tsung could give me what I wanted.

In serving the Outworld emperor and the sorcerer, as well as their repugnant creation, Mileena, Reptile hoped and damn near prayed for the restoration of his race. However, his failing efforts during the last two tournaments were never to be rewarded.

Unless I count Ko'atal's saving hand as a reward …

It was Ko'atal who personally asked Shao Kahn to take Reptile under his command. If not for his intervention, the Zaterran race would have gone extinct a long time ago … and by the Osh-Tekk's hand, no less. Aware that he was now serving someone who was supposed to kill him, it was not long before Reptile gave Ko'atal two of the most precious gifts he could ever give: his loyalty and respect. These gifts enabled the Outworld general to pursue his plans to oust Mileena from the throne and take her place. As a result, the citizens of the realm gave him their loyalty and respect.

Truly, Ko'atal rose to a station that befitted him, one that made him stand above all others:

He was now Kotal Kahn.

For Reptile, it became difficult to separate one from the other.

The emperor had made it known to him on numerous occasions that he saw Reptile as more than just a mere enforcer: "You are my friend, Syzoth, and I am yours – I am Ko'atal." However, whether it was the Osh-Tekk's noble bearing, or if servitude seemed permanently stitched into the Zaterran's design, the latter could not help but only see Ko'atal as Kotal Kahn – his emperor, his provider, his … his …

My salvation? Yes and no.

Reptile's eyes closed, and he breathed in deeply. The smell of the food awoke his hunger.

My equal? Hardly. And yet he would say "Yes."

I wonder if he ever said this to her …

"Syzoth, have you not begun eating? This is a dish that simply cannot be eaten cold. It would almost be a sin to do so."

Opening his eyes, Reptile glanced at Kotal Kahn, whose fork was already pierced with a strip of lamb. The piece from which it was neatly cut was half-devoured. Clearly, he was not wasting any time with his food. Neither were the other guests, who seemingly regained their appetites after hearing Johnny Cage's appalling story. Only Ermac, Hanzo Hasashi, Kitana and Liu Kang seemed to be eating at a much slower pace than everybody else. Of these four, Ermac surprised him the most. Much like the Kahn, the construct apparently enjoyed sampling Earthrealm cuisine.

Now he is merely prodding at his food as if it were pieces of an unsolvable puzzle. Strange.

"Dear me, Syzoth, I am half tempted to spoon-feed you before your meal becomes ice." Kotal Kahn's voice was a low and pleasant rumble.

Reptile stifled a groan. "Emperor, you would not dare."

"Then eat."

The reminder of a friend; the order of a ruler. Reptile could ignore neither.

Cutting a thick strip and gathering some salsa on top, he deposited it into his mouth. His teeth sank into the lamb, and he found it to be tender and succulent. The combination of spices that was rubbed and grilled into the meat was zesty on his tongue. When he swallowed, the heat spread from his mouth to the rest of his body, filling every fibre of his being with delicious warmth. Without delay, he began cutting another strip.

Kotal Kahn chuckled. "At last, something you enjoy."

Next to Reptile, Erron Black let loose a sound that could have been a snort or a guffaw.

"A finicky lizard-man … my God, this world is full of the darndest surprises," he remarked, his words almost indistinct.

The emperor scowled, ready to reprimand his employee, but Reptile – with a roll of his eyes – merely replied, "It helps to pretend that I am eating your head, Black."

Just not as marinated.

The mercenary muttered a few obscenities under his breath, and he said no more.

Ignoring his urge to smirk, the Zaterran turned his attention back to Kotal Kahn; at the same time, his hands were making quick work of the lamb and salsa. The yellow-green colours of his eyes were a subtle shade brighter than usual.

"It is most certainly an appetising dish," he said. "I thought it would be too rich for my tastes, but I am glad to have been proven wrong."

"If I consider it good enough for my father, then it is more than good enough for you, Syzoth."

"My dad would've agreed with you, Emperor."

Reptile and Kotal Kahn looked across the table – General Sonya Blade returned their stares, her sharp features softened at the edges. Her plate was also fast becoming empty.

"I beg your pardon, General?" the emperor said.

Sonya tilted her neck. The hair strands of her braided bun shimmered in the candlelight; it was as if a halo surrounded her head.

"I couldn't help overhearing you," she replied. "My dad loved his meat: every cut you can imagine, he'd be prepping and cooking them up in the kitchen or at family barbecues. I bet if he were alive, he would've loved eating this – what's it called again? – butterflied leg of lamb."

Reptile's eyes narrowed. How dare this presumptuous Earthrealmer interrupt their conversation? The utter disrespect!

Unfortunately, Kotal Kahn did not see it that way. Leaning forward with a hopeful expression, he addressed Sonya once more.

"Then my father would have gotten on well with yours," he remarked, the corners of his mouth rising. "Forgive me, General, for I also happened to overhear your exchange with Raiden earlier – your father was in the military field, was he not? The same as yourself? If so, then it explains why you seem so naturally suited to your current position."

Much to the Kahn's relief (and Reptile's exasperation), Sonya's own mouth perked up into a small smile. She ate another piece of lamb.

"Major Herman Blade was a military man through and through," she answered. "He was dedicated to his cause as much as he was dedicated to his family, and I –" here, her cheeks flushed "– well, I guess I was what you would call a "Daddy's girl": he was my hero, and I wanted to be like him so bad. At least he got to see me promoted to his rank when he was alive; sometimes I wonder how he'd react to me becoming a general."

Kotal Kahn's smile was as bright as the sun.

"Proud, no doubt," he responded. "I think I would have liked to have met him. Although I have only just made your acquaintance tonight, I can tell that your father – and your mother, of course – raised a strong individual. I would tell them so myself if they were here."

The general's cheeks were blazing as she diverted his eyes.

"Thank you, Emperor, I appreciate the, uh, generous compliments," she replied softly. "I suppose it makes me feel kind of glad to have had parents like that. Lucky, too."

Kotal Kahn chuckled before saying: "Very much so. If you had been raised by someone wretched such as, say, Shao Kahn, imagine how differently you would have turned out!"

CLANG! BANG!

Everyone practically jumped out of their seats at the earth-shattering sound of cutlery being dropped upon a plate. Feeling his heart leaping into his throat, Reptile cast his eyes to the opposite end of the table. The sight was enough to make him tighten his hold on the handle of his knife.

Kitana was the living embodiment of fire and ash. The veins that lined her colourless skin were like streaks of lava, ready to melt through the dermis and pour out in abandon. Her jaw was clenched to a sore burning point, as were her hands. As for her eyes, to stare into them would be akin to gazing upon the surfaces of two Venuses.

"What," she rumbled, "did you say, Ko'atal?"

Many of the guests' eyes shifted to Kotal Kahn – his mouth opened and closed, too stunned by her volcanic exclamation and appearance to say anything right away.

But just as a coherent sentence gathered on his tongue, somebody else beat him to the punch:

"You have no right to ask him that, Princess, until you address him by his proper title."

The words came charging out of Reptile's mouth before he could even think to stop them. He could feel himself stiffening as everyone turned to look at him, many in shock; he could feel Kotal Kahn also stiffening beside him as Kitana now canted her head towards him, her face inflammable with rage.

Yet as he stared back, the Zaterran lifted his chin in defiance. At that moment, he knew that one thing was clear:

He was ready to fight for his emperor, etiquette be damned.

A/N: Hey look, an update, hooray! On top of still sorting out the moving process, Internet issues, and of course COVID-19, the first part of this chapter was really difficult to write (blame Hanzo and Kuai), but once that part was finished, everything flowed from there.

Kono hanashi wa korekiri ni shiyou. Mohaya owatta koto da = "I will not talk of this anymore. It's finished"; Watashi, ano hito ga kowakute shikata arimasen no yo = "I'm dead scared of that man"; Ichcaconētli/ichcaconētl = "Lambs/lamb."

Guest: Heh, thank you so much! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed Johnny's cringe-fest of a story, and survived it to let me know. And yes, I do predict a mother-daughter team beatdown against JC in the not-too-distant future (let's hope for Raiden's sake it's away from the Sky Temple). As you can see, Kuai is trying his best to negotiate the whole Hanzo-Smoke drama ... dunno if it's going to work much, though. X'3

As for the whole situation with Jin and Erron, it's more like "two lovable idiots trading not-too lovable, idiotic exchanges and questionable lines" at this point, but we'll see how it goes with these two as the story continues. Hope you liked this latest chapter! And Uncle Brad? Well, let's just say that JC's network of friends is very star-studded. :)

Revenant Nonny: Yes, a book club started by Ko-Ko would be a marvellous idea, or just plain disastrous, especially if he invites Jin and Erron to be members. Unfortunately for the duration of this course, the Holsters and Arrows banter is taking a backseat (shame, now Takeda has to find other ways to entertain himself – luckily, Jacqui's available for some hugging/cuddle sessions). But don't worry, there might be another chapter featuring these two in the future (with the usual sassery and snark and ... being on the pull, maybe?).

Thank you, hun, glad you thought so. :D It was surprisingly a fun thing to write, despite all the cringe involved. As I say, it's kinda based on a true story, and I knew I had to write it in somehow. Too bad for JC and Liu Kang, though – they better make nice with Raiden so that they can hole up at the Sky Temple together while Sonya, Cassie and Kitana cool down. Yup, you don't mess with the general, her daughter, and the most fan-tastic empress of them all. XP And please, do send all the hugs to Hanzo, because as you saw, he needs them more than ever. Oh, Kuai, we don't envy you one bit. I hope this chapter was okay enough to read, and that the main course' was decent – all we're missing is popcorn at this point. XD

A few more notes: the song playing in this chapter is called The Moon Over the West River by Yu Qiwei. Also, good grief, the salt and spice that everyone at the dinner is feeling right now is about to get worse. Let's hope Kitana's not going to turn Reptile into escargot. Hope my fiddling with Sonya and Ko-Ko's canon is okay!

Thanks to everyone for bearing with me while I was busy getting this chapter done. Please keep safe and calm during this hectic time, wash your hands, etc. My PMs are open if you want to chat. :)

Reviews are welcome!

*~AI07~*