Moonlight lit the path forward across the ocean as mist billowed like smoke across the hall of Shang Tsung's ship. The sorcerer himself stood on the top deck, glancing out at the seas as he listened at a distance to the voices of the contestants that gathered together near the beams of the sails. His long gray hair flowing lightly with the breeze carried along the sails above him.
He noticed a new faction had joined Raiden's allied forces. A handful of Lin Kuei stood close to one another while the other contestants grouped up as well. Raiden's favorites standing aside next to the mouthy man Johnny Cage and the soldier Sonya Blade.
He could taste the air of lingering powers mixed with the sea salt and it was tantalizing to see the feast he'd have, assuming all went according to his emperor's plan. Regardless of what Earthrealm had in store, bringing out all the talent it had left.
The Cryomancers of the Lin Kuei were powerful, not just in ability but combat talent. The last Lin Kuei Shang Tsung had swallowed was centuries ago and that ninja's experience remained close to the surface.
Clever and tricky, as slick as the ice they commanded. Shang licked his lips slowly as he remembered the burst of power he had felt upon the consumption of that Lin Kuei from many a tournament ago.
One more tournament. A few weeks at most, until the entire fate of Earthrealm is decided, it was a most exciting time to the sorcerer.
Shang Tsung wore his elder form's skin, wrapped in the silky black and gray armored robes he picked to maintain the illusion of the old man, too frail to fight much less feast upon a soul at the slightest provocation, and yet stylish enough to showcase his wealth.
He turned to face the rest of the ship and noticed a particular Lin Kuei who did not quite match the others. Shorter, smaller, female, and clawed feet.
"Sub-Zero, I am surprised to see you and your Lin Kuei here." He addressed Kuai Liang first before his dark gaze slid over to the smaller woman. "Nor had I known that you receded your clan's policy of allowing women into the field."
Shang Tsung bowed to the woman with one arm tucked behind his back, in a skilled play of showing respect. "I am Shang Tsung, host to the Tournament, and who might you be." His voice was calm, curious, and just a tad sharp with the way his eyes gleamed an acid green glow in the darkness of the night.