The late afternoon sun stretched long shadows across the courtyard, bathing the training grounds in a golden haze. Kenshi stood near the open gate, arms crossed, his face locked in that familiar, unreadable expression. Beside him, she shifted the weight of her duffle bag onto one shoulder, taking in the surroundings with quiet curiosity.

Across the yard, Johnny Cage was in his own world. Decked out in sleek, overpriced workout gear, he practiced a series of flashy kicks — each one more dramatic than the last — using the reflection in a car window to admire his form.

On the steps nearby, Liu Kang and Kung Lao watched with thinly veiled amusement. Kung Lao nudged Liu Kang with his elbow, murmuring under his breath, "Bet you ten coins he pulls a muscle showing off."

Liu Kang just smiled, serene as ever. "No bet. It's inevitable."

Johnny caught a glimpse of movement from the gate and froze mid-pose. His reflection forgotten, he spotted the woman standing beside Kenshi — definitely not one of the usual fighters. She looked... different. Cooler. Way too cool to be standing next to Mr. Stoic himself. Grinning, Johnny abandoned his routine and jogged over without a second thought.

"Well, well, well," he said, flashing a megawatt smile as he slid his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose. "If it isn't the most welcome sight these tired old eyes have seen all week."

She lifted an eyebrow at him, unimpressed.

"Name’s Cage. Johnny Cage," he continued, offering a hand with all the flair of a man who expected to be both recognized and adored. "Actor, ninja, global phenomenon. You’ve probably got my poster on your wall already. Don’t be shy."

Across the courtyard, Kung Lao let out a loud, exaggerated groan. "Here we go," he muttered.

Behind her, Kenshi made a sound — low, dangerous. If Johnny heard it, he didn’t show it.