Author's Note: Another update?! GO ME!! I stayed up late last night proofing this so I could get it posted. I hope I caught all the mistakes. I tried. This was originally stuck to the end of the last chapter, but I chopped it in half and added a few more little things here and there. I was gonna work in a little Frost/Wren confrontation, but I think that'll fit better in the next chapter. This is a little on the short side but I hope you enjoy it! Enough talk, lets get on with it shall we?

Disclaimer: I wish...

Sub Zero's Office

Frost lounged in the chair, her legs stretched out in front of her and crossed at the ankles. Her fingers were laced together behind her head as she stared up at the ceiling. She appeared almost peaceful if not for the crooked smirk that twisted her mouth. She sighed contentedly. She was finally back where she belonged.

The door behind her opened and slammed shut again causing her to sit up straight and turn to see who it was. She put on her sweetest smile as she observed the Grandmaster watching her. "I've missed you, Sifu."

Ignoring her words, Sub Zero moved across the room to the other side of his desk and looked down at her. "It is cutomary to stand in the Grandmaster's presence until invited to sit."

Frost grinned as she stood slowly. "I didn't realize you had become such a stickler for formality."

Sub Zero sank down into his chair. His eyes were glued to the woman standing before him and the playful grin she had on her face. "Does something about this situation amuse you?"

Frost's grin widened. "No, Sifu. I'm just really glad to be home." Dropping her voice to convey as much sincerity as she could muster, she continued. "You probably don't believe me, but I meant what I said. I really have missed you." Frost prided herself on how to read her sifu like a book. It was one of the things that had allowed her to make it as far as she had in the Lin Kuei. She mentally slapped herself on the back in congratulations when she saw him arch one of his eyebrows slightly. Her words were having at least some effect.

"Sit down." Sub Zero motioned to the chair she had been sitting in previously.

"Thank you." Frost sat obediantly, folding her hands in her lap and doing her best to look prim and proper.

The Grandmaster regarded her for a moment before speaking. "Do you realize the magnitude of what you've done? What could have happened if you had succeeded?"

The woman put on her most wide-eyed, innocent expression. "I understand that what I did was wrong. I've had quite a bit of time to think about it and I truly regret..."

"Regret?" Sub Zero chuckled darkly. "It wasn't very long ago that the penalty for walking out on the Lin Kuei carried a death sentence. I'm not even taking into account the fact that you tried to usurp leadership of the clan. If word of that ever came out, I'm sure you could imagine what would happen."

Frost gasped and tried to look horrified, but was fuming inside. Was the bastard threatening her? "You would hand me over to the rest of the clan to be executed?"

Sub Zero's expression softened a bit when he saw what he took to be a terrified look on Frost's face. He sighed and shook his head. "That isn't the fate I would wish for you...I had such high hopes for you, Frost."

Frost lowered her head to hide her smile. What a sentimental fool, so easy to manipulate if you knew the right strings to pull. "I know. I'm sorry I disappointed you." Getting herself under control, she looked back up and leaned forward in her chair toward the desk. "I know I don't deserve it, but I'm asking...no, begging you for another chance. I won't disappoint you again...I want you to teach me..." Frost inwardly smirked as she watched Sub Zero consider her words.

The Grandmaster surprised himself. He had thought that if this opportunity ever made itself available that he would have welcomed his pupil back with open arms. However, he now found himself hesitant to do so. His mind now wondered about what effect inviting Frost back would have on his relationship with Wren. "It isn't that simple, Frost."

Frost frowned. She had been so certain he would readily agree and ask her back. Something had definitely changed during her absence. She would make a point of finding out what that something was. Right now, however, she needed to kick it up a notch.

She scooted toward the edge of the chair and reached across the desk, clasping one of his hands in both of hers. Tears pooled in her eyes. "Sifu...please." She sniffed. "I want this so badly...I want another chance to prove myself to you..."

Sub Zero untangled his hand from both of hers and stood. "You undermine my trust, my faith in you, and then show up here out of the blue expecting me to just throw open the front door and let you back in? You have wagered much on my capacity for mercy and forgiveness. You lied to me. You tried to kill me. You tried to steal from me..."

Frost allowed a tear to slide down her cheek. She spoke the words that had never failed to get her way in the past. "I-I love you..."

"ENOUGH!" Sub Zero bellowed at the woman causing her to jump. Sub Zero lowered his voice. Despite his better judgment, the sight of the crying woman in front of him tugged at his heart. It wasn't the same feeling he had once held for her, but it was enough. "If I allow you to stay, it would not be without certain...restrictions."

Frost blinked up at him with wet eyes. A soft smile pulled at her mouth. "Y-you're letting me stay?"

Sub Zero looked down upon her. "I said 'if'. I have yet to make a decision. For now, you may return to your old quarters. There will, of course, be someone nearby to keep an eye on you."

It was good enough for Frost. She believed it wouldn't take long before she was reinstated to her former position if she played her cards right. She immediately stood and came around the desk to him, throwing her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest. "Thank you, Sifu. You won't be sorry." Frost smiled up at him and raised up on her tiptoes, intent on planting a chaste kiss on his lips, another tactic she had used to her advantage in the past.

Sub Zero turned his face away before her lips made contact and removed her arms from around his waist. "Don't." He stepped back from her. "I suggest you go now, before I change my mind."

Frost nodded, a bit confused as he escorted her to the door and out into the hall. Something was definitely different. She didn't like it and she didn't appreciate his abrupt dismissal. She would find out what was causing the change in the Grandmaster's behavior. She knew that some of it had to do with what had happened between them, but she sensed there was something else threatening her standing with him. She would discover whatever this obstacle was and eliminate it. Nothing would stand between Frost and getting what she wanted. Nothing.

End of Chapter 27

Frost is a manipulative little thing, isn't she? Ha, ha! Anyways, I hope you guys liked this chapter. Stay tuned for the next one when Frost and Wren meet face to face...I'm sure it won't be pretty. That being said, if any of you have any good ideas for what might happen in a meeting between the two of them, lay it on me. I'm always open to ideas. Happy reading and I'll see ya next chapter!