𝕬 𝕹𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝕿𝖔 𝕽𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖒𝖇𝖊𝖗

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Notes from the author:

:warning: Contains depictions of canon typical violence and Gore :warning:

• This is my prompt entry for the #HalloweenChallenge

• Kinda had this idea sitting in my head for a little while, so I had to write it out for others to enjoy.

• Yes, the edit on the cover is mine. See down below for proof.

• Ignore any and all typos. There is a high chance I miss some even after proofreading.

• Word count is 4,585 words (24,000+ characters)

• Hope you all enjoy the read!!

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"GET OVER HERE!!!"

A deep, filtered voice rang out through the arena as a metallic clank quickly followed suit. A chain flew from the grasp of the winning opponent, striking its target with ease as it always did and filling the crowd with glee and amusement at how the opposer would always struggle against the yank of the chain as it bore deep into the body and settled home amongst the bone. It was with harsh movements that the chain's handler yanked the target closer and wrapped the chain tightly around the backside of his enemy, leaning in close to his face as he glared daggers at the figure shorter than himself, taking slight glee in the fear that twinkled beneath the dark shades that rested on his enemy's face and knowing the other was at his complete mercy. It was with that knowledge that his entire form went up in flames, nothing remaining except his skeletal form as the flames flew from his grasp to worm their way along the chain, lapping at the attire and flesh of his dear prey.

"I should end you here, Cage. Give the people a show and watch your ego burn..."

The man muttered deeply, striking a nervous feeling that twisted the other's gut. Fighting in the arena waa fairly typical for any sort of champion or for anyone bored, yet the fear and worry of a fresh fight never changed. Johnny Cage, a man with an ego in need of boosting, found himself in the talons of such a blood sport constantly and was left with a face off against a fearsome warrior and champion of the gods, Hanzo Hasashi or better known as Scorpion. The man was terrifying and unbeatable aside from one slip up that resulted in his own demise. Ever since that, the man had been unstoppable and even now was a threat to all realms just on his own. Cage gulped harshly as he felt his skin begin to tingle from the flames lapping at his skin, trying his best to think of a way out of this. He tried to calm his nerves, thinking of his daughter and wife back at base waiting for their annual family Halloween trip, which is when it hit him. The man quiclly looked up at the figure before him, who seemed to be waiting for a sign to kill him right then and there. He had to act now before he became anymore cooked than he already was.

"H-Hey hey!!! No need to get your panties in a twist!! How about you us for Halloween? You could make for a pretty good Ghost Rider!! You look just like him! A movie star in the making! You'd make a whole lotta kids happy and the ladies... or men... or whoever super happy!! I don't judge man."

It was those words that caused the flames to die in almost an instant, the skin and chain of Scorpion sizzling with heat as his dull eyes looked Johnny Cage over. He had dealt with a lot of nonsense in the arena from people being afraid, but did the other just call him a movie star and offer for him to them for something? No, he must have been mistaken. That was quite the odd thing to say and was certain it was used for a distraction to attack, yet no attack ever came. As soon as the chain fell lax, Johnny simply took a couple of steps back and patted himself down from the heat. He simply bit his tongue and gave Scorpion a moment to breathe and to actually answer. He was just invited to some event he was unaware of and was at an utter loss for who Johnny mentioned previously. Ghost Rider? Movie star? It didn't click for him and it made his head spin. The warrior simply raised his hand to call a draw on the fight and turned on his heel to exit the arena to walk and clear his head, ignoring the boos and shouts for the fight to continue. He needed a moment as his head spun further into chaos, having a hard time comprehending what just happened.... friendliness from someone other than Kuai? What has the world come to? The ground beneath Scorpion seemed to become unsteady as he crashed against the wall with a grunt, allowing himself to slide down until he was slumped and trying to breathe. It was a good thing he jeard the rapidly approaching footsteps, knowing he had been followed.

"Striking while I'm weak is dishonorable, Cage... Turn away and spare your honor."

He grumbled as his breath shortened. What was wrong with him? Why was he worried about Johnny Cage and his honor? His heart was racing loud enough for anyone to hear and it only increased when, once again, he was met with kindness rather than hostility. Johnny Cage had his chest wrapped from the earlier fight and being punctured by the chain, yet still went out of his way to lower himself to Scorpion's side and wrap his arm around him, heaving the man off the ground and up to his feet. Both men stumbled as pain alongside exhaustion wracked them both alongside their injuries from the previous fight. Despite it all, Johnny held up Hanzo's weight and held him close, ensuring to him as he began to walk through the corridor to leave the arena.

"Deep breaths for me, fire guy. I know this whole dead thing and people not being jerks is new to you, so just breathe... I'll get you out of here and explain, sound good?"

The warrior couldn't even muster words, finding his current situation miserly and embarrassing. He simply nodded to the other and hung his head in shame as his previous opponent carried him out from the arena, allowing his mind to wander back to less than olesant memories. The last time he ed being in such a state, he was weakened by sadness and grief, finding himself on his knees after a good pummel and gasping for air as the elder Sub-Zero Bi-Han held a blade to his neck, soon ending his life swiftly. He ed where he heard this "Halloween" before and it was a word that got tossed about his clan every so often around the same time of year. Hanzo never thought much of it, but that word had floated around less than a before his clan had been killed in a dishonorable attack.... before his family had been struck down. His wife was gone, her tales of horror and ghosts faded into the trees of the ghost clan, a tradition long gone alongside the knowledge of what Halloween was. He could still see her face sometimes, still lost in a state of horror in the disgraceful manner she had been executed, their dear son still clutched tightly to her chest even in death. It was haunting, but there was nothing he could do. He had faced Quan Chi and bested Bi-Han for what they had done, yet the trauma still lingered deep in his thoughts. The warrior was lost in his issues, soon allowing the world to fade to black as the heat choked him from within.

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Grandmaster Hasashi had awoken with a chill nipping at his flesh, far different from the heat he was used to. His original garb had been replaced with that of something far different. It appeared to be a plain t-shirt and perhaps sweat pants? His head hurt far too much to grasp the spinning world around him in that very moment. The male groaned and rubbed his head, feeling how his hair had been untied from the tight bun he normally kept it in. There was no way Johnny Cage would dare lay hands on him even in an unconscious state, so who placed him here? He tried to gkance around his environment to gain any sort of hints, even taking in mind the drop of temperature, but nothing came to mind and he was at a loss as he examined the calming room around him and the soft crackle of a fire that did no good against the frost. It was the soft croak of a door that caught his attention, causing him to roll his head off to the side and investigate the noise as a familiar face walked through, a tray filled with small treats and a tea cup resting in his hands. The other male paused upon making eye with Hanzo, a small smile tugging at his lips as a soft look rested upon his features.

"Master Hasashi... You're awake. Good... I began to worry as did the others... The state Cage brought you here in was less that preferable."

Kuai Liang, a man of nobility and high honor. He was so soft spoken and was one of the few allies Hanzo had made since his return from the Netherrealm. The man had been quick to assist him and fill in the gaps in his knowledge, despite the fact that he struck his brother down in cold blood. The two were rather close, so it put him at ease to know that it was the other was the one caring for him in such a weakened state. He did not wish for anyone to see him in such a manner, but the younger Sub-Zero was the lesser of the evils and eased his mind a little. The elder of the two let out a groan as he carefully sat up from the chilled bed, a hand holding his head as he carefully watched the Lin Kuei Grandmaster approach to examine his form after setting aside the tray of goods. He did not resist such treatment, though he bit his tongue hard to withhold protests of disagreement against the male. He was simply there to help as he had been many times before, so he accepted the other's care without complaint.

"Do you mind telling me what happened? You know how Johnny is... Though he told me there was a fight in the arena, I don't believe he gave me full details. He made mention of talking about a holiday and you seemed to freak out as he puts it."

The gentle touch and clash of cold against his hot skin made Hanzo flinch at first before a sigh of defeat escaped him. Kuai was very patient and gave him a moment before examining and tending to any wounds that had been left untreated, brushing aside loose strands of his long hair that flowed freely now that it wasn't restrained to a bun. The two sat in utter silence aside from the crackle or the fire nearby, leaving Hanzo to figure out how to describe his situation to the Lin Kuei Grandmaster. He truly did not wish to speak of it, het something invoked the urge to speak and words came tumbling freely before he had a moment's notice to prepare for what even he may say.

"Mister Cage brought back unpleasant memories. He spoke of a 'Halloween' and made mention of making others happy... children... I have not heard of such a holiday since... since..."

As Hanzo's words became choked, Kuai found himself resting a hand on the other's shoulder in a manner of comfort as he gave the other a soft look of kindness and understanding. Everyone knew of the Shirai Ryu and the tragedy that had struck them down in their prime, so there was no need to explain such a thing. The younger Grandmaster was simply trying to put his dear friend at ease, trying to find words that would not seem insensitive but rather comforting. Instead, he was at a loss and hung his head in shame as words failed to come to him. The fellow Grandmaster simply brushed the other's hand seeing such a thing and allowed a small huff to escape him. He pitied the younger, knowing he experienced loss just the same as he yet no where near to the degree as he had. Their loss and grief was far different, so he did not expect the other to understand him in any sense or the fact that he had yet another episode related to his late family. He had shifted uneasily on the bed he had been stretched out on, glancing towards the tray from before. Why couldn't it have been him instead of them? He would give anything to have them back, to spend this apparent special day with them, to make the children and other's happy. His presence only invoked hate and fear now, yet he longed for the life he lost ages ago to Quan Chi and Bi-Han. He was startles from his thoughts as he felt a hand rest against the small of his back, glancing over his shoulder to see Kuai seated right at his side.

"To grieve is understandable, but you cannot let it rule your life anymore. Your family would want you to carry on. You've avenged them and all that was lost ages ago... Please, forgive yourself... You cannot blame yourself any longer. us here amongst the living..."

Kuai finally spoke, finding what he wished to say. The distraught the wrecked his friend made his heart ache, but he did his best to comfort the other male. He did expect to be shoved away, yet he was met with the other collapsing against him in a tight embrace, all while grief shook Hasashi to his very core. The other choked on a sob, holding the other close as he finally broke. Years of anger and grief came rushing forward all at once, leaving him sobbing against his old nemesis' chest. All the other did was hold him close allowing his grief to shake him through this fit and hope that the other would feel better after allowing his emotions to flow freely in a safe environment with no judgment. The duo sat that way for quite some time until it was Scorpion the moved back to rub his face. He took deep breaths, shaking slightly as he attempted to become steady again.

"Take your time... breathe... Here, allow me to clean you up, Master Hasashi. You just breathe..."

The other gently lifted a hand to wipe away the tears of the other warrior before moving to get up from the bed and dig around the room for a hair tie. It didn't take him too terribly long fortunately, resulting in his quick return to Hanzo's side. As the other focused on steadying his emotions once again, the Lin Kuei warrior found himself moving around behind the vulnerale man to carefully pull his hair back, gently raking his fingers through it to catch any loose strands and worked to fix the other's hair properly. The two sat in silence for awhile, Hanzo allowing his eyes to close as the comfort pf the other doing his hair washed over him. He ed the days that his dearest did such a favor for him, and Kuai picking up humming just in that moment made the image more real. He missed her dearly and would never forget her, but maybe Grandmaster Liang was right. Maybe it was time that he forgive himself and finally move on just as everyone else had. He couldn't hold himself down forever when everything that truly caused him pain was long gone. He was free. Maybe, just maybe, things were looking up for Grandmaster Hanzo Hasashi. He was pulled from his thoughts as fingers graced his scalp, sending a shiver through his spine and slight panic before he ed where he was and who he was with. Kuai Liang... One of the few he'd dare to let lay a hand on him despite their rough past. He had murdered his brother in cold blood, swore to destroy the Lin Kuei, fought the man on several occasions, yet here he was in the other's hands... vulnerable.

"If it makes any difference at all, it would make everyone happy to have you us for the Halloween event Mrs. Blade and her family are preparing... or... it would more make me happy, but I'm certain others would be pleased to see you."

The other Grandmaster muttered, keeping his voice low and merely voicing his thoughts out loud with no regard to whether the other was listening. His attention was far too focused on the task at hand, but Hanzo heard every word and took it straight to heart. Once more, silence fell before the two men aside from Sub-Zero's soft hums as he worked skilfully to pull back all strands of Scorpion's hair, smiling proudly at his work after finally securing the bun in place in a manner he deemed fitting for the irable man. He carefully reached forward to squeeze his shoulder before moving to arise from the bed, stretching out his legs and groaning at the settling muscle exhaustion and the fatigue that had hit him during his worried fit for his dear partner in crime.

"Do take it easy and help yourself to anything on the tray. I shall return soon enough to check on your condition... Just make yourself at home."

Kuai spared the wraith a small smile, graving him with that same soft look he always bestowed upon him before ducking his head and exiting the room all together. What the other said lingered with the troubled man, but as he reached for the tea on the tray, he found a small smile had curled onto his lips, resulting in a small huff escaping him. Home... such a silly word...

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The night of Halloween, everyone was gathered on Earthrealm just in the open field of a milotary base Sonya Blade was stationed at. The Cage Family was all dressed up as a mix of different superheros, Raiden had dressed as Zeus at the request of Liu Kang, Liu Kang had teamed up with his dear Kitana Khan as the beloved duo of Prince Zuko and Mai, Jacquie was adorned in homemade gear made to resemble that of Scorpion's equipment while her father dressed similarly to that of Donald Anderson from Metal Gear, Kuai Liang had a simple sheet tossed over his head with holes cut out for the eyes and his blue headband tied around the head with a matching scar painted over one of the eyes, and finally Kung Lao brought up the closing as an inflatable dinosaur after he failed to convince anyone to be his date to the party. Many others started to crowd in as music blared and lights flashed and flickered. Johnny Cage was the first to welcome all of those who came through, grinning and complimenting each outfit that came through, yet he kept his eyes out for one figure. While there were several people that showed up that he didn't expect, he had little hope that the one person he invited out of fear would them tonight. Even as the sun started to set and call upon for the true party to begin, the spectre was still no where to be seen and everyone had practically given up hope.

Kuai Liang had given himself just long enough to watch the entrance before he turned his back and started to stalk back inside, but his steps soon haulted. He felt as if something was creeping about, but the vrunch of rocks beneath what seemed to be combat boots were still familiar despite the foreign gear. He managed a small smile and waited for just a minute before turning to face exactly who he expected, the bladed tip of his chair held out towards his neck. There he stood, Hanzo Hasashi, adorned in a leather jacket with spikes along the shoudlers, dark jeans, combat boots, and his his hair tied back with his signature chain gripped firmly in his gloved hands. After a minute, the other began to grin as he lowered the weapon, seeing that his old enemy had not faultered.

"Your hearing is failing you, Sub-Zero."

The other muttered with humor dancing in his eyes, which seemed to be mirrored by the other in front of him. All Kuai could manage was a laugh at what he had to say as it finally settled and he moved to put a chilling hand carefully on the other's shoudler, weary of the spikes. His smile grew after his laughter began to fade, giving way to a warm look that was always directed toward the hotheaded Grandmaster. He simply stood that way for just a moment, dark eyes raking over his every feature before he retracted his hand to rest the both of him on his hips. A huff left him as he finally settled on what he was going to say, moreso just happy the other arrived in the first place.

"I recognized your footsteps. I always have. Besides the point, I'm glad you're here."

The two seemed to stand there for just a moment, enjoying the company of one another before the moment was sure to be ruined. The harsh patter of rapidly approaching footsteps was charging towards them and it was a mere seconds after they turned their heads towards the noise that Hanzo felt arms wrap around him and he wa staken straight to the ground. The ninja groaned as soon as his back made with the ground and the air was knocked out of him, Kuai tossing the sheet off out of concern for his dear friend and simply lost at the sight of Johnny Cage laying out flat across the other's chest. Eventually, Cage's laughter rang out as he rolled off of the other's chest and laid out beside the baffled and winded wraith at his side. It only seemed to grow in volume as Kuai held a hand out to assist in pulling the other warrior up to his feet, quickly examining the other for injuries and ensuring that he was alright before daring to assist the wheezing actor to his feet. Johnny lifted his signature shades to wipe the tears of pure joy that were streaking down his face that were dragging his makeup down with it, cracking a grin at the Grandmasters before him.

"I'm glad you actually showed up bug boy!! And in costume too!! You look good!!"

He smiled big at the other, and it was the kind words that drew Scorpion's attention once again rather than the name that he had been called. The ninja looked down at his own attire, question and doubt racing in his mind before a cold touch to his lower neck, near his collarbone, clashed with his own sizzling heat. He glanced up to find that familiar warm gaze of Kuai Liang awaiting him, a silent reassurance that it was okay and he had no need to over think everything just as he had grown accustomed too over his years of hatred and betrayal. It was hard to tell what was real and what wasn't anymore, so having that guidance was extremely helpful to the reformed wraith. He let out a deep sigh, allowing his mind to be put at ease before glancing at Johnny Cage once more, who seemed moe than baffled at how the duo were interacting. He even went out of his way to dramatically take his glasses off, blink, rub his eyes, clean his glasses, and slide them back up his nose.

"Whoa... You two not threatening each other? What story meeting did I miss? I knew you two weren't terrible, but jeez..."

Johnny soon broke the silence that resided, crossing his armsover his chest while Scorpion and Sub-Zero exchanged weary glances. Their bond seemed to be growing each and every day as they coped with their own trauma and troubles, finding comfort in feeling less alone and having a friend again after such drastic losses. Sure, their hostility was notable and led to many deaths and lots of destruction on top of their story spanning across several movis and video games.. but now? They were free. They could fight together and combine their strength for the better. All was not lost and there was far more they could do now than ever before. It was with that, that Kuai Liang decided to speak.

"We have fought for a common cause for quite some time. We were both wronged by Quan Chi, wo we struck up a deal to forces and we have yet to destroy that bond. We're stronger warriors together rather than apart."

The words brought a faint smile to Hanzo's face, making the more harsh male feel special in some regard as he watched Johnny for a reaction. Of course, Cage seemed to crack a grin and nod in response to the explanation. It was similar to his own story with his beloved Sonya, just with a little less of them trying to kill each other but rather killing others. It was very similar to him being graced with his own beloved Sonya. Two that seemed unlikely fighting side by side and finding love on the battlefield and soon having a kid that was beyond them being the icing on the cake. Johnny couldn't ask for things to happen any other way, so he understood the bond that developed between Grandmaster Liang and Hasashi. He simply chuckled seeing the tension begin to arise in the two warriors, watching how Hanzo's shoudlers raised and Kuai's jaw locked. The two did not enjoy the silence, so he walked towards the others to lock his arms around them with the signature Cage grin.

"Well it's goo you both are buddies!! Now c'mon!! Lets party before the punch is gone!!"

The male glanced between the two, amusement dancing on Sub-Zero's face as unease rested on Scorpion's. Eventually, Cage released them both and light punched their shoulders, vanishing into the crowd of fellow fighters, family, and friends alike wailing some nonsense about needing a sequel for a movie that was never a hit to begin with. Kuai chuckled deeply as the other disappeared, making the move to grab his sheet and fix it back over his head before daring to face the more stern ninja at his side. It was in that moment that he made a small gesture to the other, referring to them ing the crowd. It was such a small gesture, but it did the trick of catching Hanzo's attention, as the other furrowed his brows before letting out a deep sigh. Thought and tension graced his face and, in just the blink of an eye, flames engulfed his head and sizzled deep within his chest, invoking the pyromancy of the wraith that had sank it's teeth deep within his mortal soul all in the name of his costume. He fully adorned the gear and act of the character he knew nothing about until like five hours ago, but he did it all for the others.... for Kuai Liang. It was with that signal that the two ninjas departed from the outskirts of the military base, diving deep within the crowd and Scorpion took slight pride in the murmurs he gained for his costume and how fitting it seemed. Maybe this new life... turning over a new leaf.... maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Perhaps this "Halloween" would be a new tradition to reside within the Shirai Ryu clan for ages to come.

Truly a night to ...

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Final Notes:

Well well well! Hitting in with a story and betterlate than never yeah? Gotta love procrastinating close up to the deadline.

I initially had the plan of drawing this idea, but I decided to write it out instead in the name of the halloween challenge! I figured just a small one-shot of Scorpion experiencing a bit of Halloween or being asked to a party would be a fun idea to draft out and of course I had to bring up the connection between him and Marvel's Ghostrider.

I absolutely adore writing, so don't expect this to be the last work from me!! I have so many more plans outside of making silly little connections of two angry fire spirits killing people, so don't you worry! And if you have any suggestions, feel free to shoot them my way and I may consider writing them out!!

Anyhow, I hope you all enjoyed this short little one shot!! Thank you for taking the time to read it!! Make sure to drink plenty of water and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!!

Until the next post,

- Fallen

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