+++ Mortal Kombat: Conquest by LadyRaiden aka Raydiva +++

Note: I do not own Mortal Kombat, etc, etc. If you wish to borrow any of the character I have created, feel free to contact me. This story takes place within a day of the previous chapter, Freezing Heat.

Chapter Eleven: Higher Court

Rayden entered the Temple of the Elder Gods with trepidation. He then kneeled before the empty altars and said, “I am here for Your Judgment.” Sudden the room grew bright, nearly blinding. The ruined temple was now as it was when it was new. Crumbling, colorless walls were now smooth and colored with the images of nature. Where there was once empty altars now stood the seven Elder Gods. Rayden’s face grew even paler, never before had he seen all seven of the Elder Gods at one time. This was not good.
        “Oh don’t worry, Rayden, its not as bad as it looks, “said a familiar voice, whose source placed her hand on his should and then addressed the Elder Gods, “If it pleases the Honored Ones, may we please inform Lord Rayden of the situation.” The Elder God of Time nodded and said, “It pleases Us so long as it does not take up too much of Our time.”
        Rayden was too shock to speak as the white haired woman encouraged him to stand and lead him to some chairs. The Elder Gods sat and started conversing among Themselves. Rayden finally found his voice and whispered, “What are you doing here?” Laughter danced in her crystal blue eyes and then she responded, “Why I’m your defense. It seems that aiding young Althea is not as cut and dry as you might think. First being a known descendant of a deity, a godslayer, and on top of that actually refusing to accept godhood makes her very unique. Well, she was until Arianna showed up but that besides the point.” Rayden just looked at the woman and noticed for the first time she was wearing something not shaded in black and gray, but in a hooded robe of dark blue trimmed in silver. The scarf was still there, but was a lighter shade than normal. Then it really struck him, “How can you be here? You’re not a god and we’re not in a ....”
        “Time bubble, “the woman finished for him and continued, “Hello, where do you think this whole temple is in. It the biggest ‘time bubble’ ever created. As for me not being a god, I got vouched for by old Kronos over there and the others listened.” While saying this she indicated the Elder God that had replied to her request earlier. “We’re both lucky he feels the same way I do in regards to you and the godslayer so that’s already one vote in your favor, “she said.
        Rayden raised one eyebrow and couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “You mean to tell me that there is actually going to be a trial?” The woman shrugged and said, “Sorta, it seems that the real debate is to whether or not consider Althea as fully mortal or not. If she’s not than you rescuing her and bringing her to the immortal plane did not break any rules. Actually there was a rather nice debate going on when you arrived, and since this does concern you in a rather big way they decided to let you listen in. Once Althea’s status has been resolved, then it’s your turn.”
        Just then the Elder God of Flame stood up angrily and roared, “I’ll tell you again, it does not matter whose granddaughter she is. If it did, then we would have to make exceptions to all mortals with immortal blood.” The Elder God of Stone replied with a rumble, “Not all, only those whose immortal blood has run true and within reasonable generation. After all we already recognize the worth of those who have an immortal and mortal parentage. Many of the younger gods today had a mortal mother or father.”
        At that the woman looked closely at Rayden as if considering something and then shook her head. She then indicated he was to remain where he was and got up to approach the Elder Gods. Kronos saw she approached them and said, “We assume that the present Protector of Earthrealm has been made aware of the situation.”
        “Yes, he has Honored Ones, “replied the woman, “Do You wish to question him now?” The Elder Gods all nodded as one with that cue, Rayden stood and made his way next to the woman. Just remembering, once again she somehow skipped the why she was there.

*****
        Althea just couldn’t keep busy enough while she awaited word on Rayden. She practiced with a vengeance and then cleaned the post from basement to attic. Kung Lao and the others were dealing with the wait as well. Kung Lao in training with his student and then help Siro with making sure that everything in the armory was in such good shape it was better than it was brand new. Siro aside from repairing weapons also help Taja with the store. Taja made sure that the store was the most organized it ever had been and help Althea with the cleaning. All of them were worried as to what was going to happen with their old friend Rayden. Every time there was so much as a breeze they thought it could have been Fujin arriving with word. Eventually there was nothing to do, so Kung Lao and Althea decided to head to town to pick up a few things while the others stayed to mind the store a wait for Fujin or hopefully Rayden.

        Kung Lao finally asked, “Why do you think Rayden went to rescue you rather than have us do it? Normally he would have just hinted or something.”
        Althea took a breathe and shrugged, “Not really sure? Might have something to do with this connection between us.”
        “Connection?” asked Kung Lao stopping in the middle of the street.

”Since Rayden used his powers to save me after Kuravan’s attacked we have been able to sense each other. At first we thought it was just something to do with his elemental energy being in my system, but it should have worn off by now. Instead it has gotten stronger, and if at least one of us does not have some sort of mental shield up we feel what the other one feels, “answered Althea as she tried to encourage Kung Lao to continue walking so not to block traffic, “From what I can tell there are limits placed by distance as well, but strong emotions and now strong physical sensations seems to overcome that.” They continued walking and Kung Lao said, “So what you’re telling me is that Rayden felt what you felt just before he vanished....He had these ‘shields’ up so he wasn’t aware that you were in danger until we told him.” Althea nodded and said, “And when he took down those shields to look for me, he got a strong dose of burning wrists and freezing cold.” Althea shivered at the memory of how cold she felt before Rayden got her to that hot spring. The hot spring....Althea wasn’t sure what to make of what happened there. True both she and Rayden have be somewhat attracted to each other and the idea of sharing each other’s sensations made one curious, but to actually have...Don’t think about it. WHEN Rayden gets back you can discuss it with him in private. That is if he wants to. Althea sighed, her past experience with men and sudden lust didn’t shed a good light on what she could expect, but perhaps Rayden was different. And after all it didn’t happen during a war and ....STOP IT!!! The very fact that he is a god meant that it was most likely a one time thing. Althea was so lost in her thoughts that she nearly ran over Kung Lao when he stop at the vegetable stand.

****

        Rayden’s head seriously started to hurt. They drilled him time and again on Althea’s actions and abilities. Yes the only time she’s actually used them was to save either himself or other. Yes she did seem to be getting stronger. No she did not seem to want to start a killing spree by killing off all the local gods. The white haired woman gave a strange smile at that one and looked as if she wanted to say something, but didn’t dare due to the situation.
        “Tell Us, Lord Rayden of you own personal feelings towards the godslayer, “said the Elder God of Light, “We understand that you took her to your home to aid her in her time of need.”
        Rayden nearly blushed at the wording that the Elder God used. There was no doubt in his mind that they knew what exactly happened at his hot spring. He took a breath and honestly answered, “I don’t exactly know my feelings in regards to her. Obviously I care for her as a friend as I do Kung Lao and other mortals, but there is a connection between us that goes beyond that. I don’t know if it was caused by my replenishing her chi with my elemental energy or perhaps the shared dream. All I know is that I can barely stand to see or feel her in pain or danger.”

        “Indeed, “said the Elder God of Shadow, “So much in fact that you would break Our Rules in regards to non-interference in mortal affairs.”
        “I object, “said the white haired woman, “it is yet to be determined as to whether or not Rayden actually broke any rules when he aided Althea. In any sense, there is a chance that whomever had the woman captured may have been attempting to force her to use her abilities against a deity or deities. In which case, even is she is declared fully mortal, Rayden would have still been in the right to save her.”
        “And there is no way to prove one way or another, “added Kronos with a smile, “This alone hints that the one who hired the kidnapper was powerful enough to be an immortal if he was able to hide from Our sight.” All but the Elder God of Shadows nodded in agreement, whose eyes narrowed in restrained hate towards his ‘brother’ and the strange woman he had vouched for. “In that case, “said the Elder God of Shadows, “Why is Rayden and his ‘defender’ still here? They are no longer needed for this discussion.”
        “Actually Honored Ones, I agree. If either Lord Rayden or I are no longer needed, then would it not be best for Your debate as to Althea’s status go unheard and uninterrupted? If there is need for further questioning of myself or Lord Rayden it would take us but minutes to return, “said Althea as if surprised to be agreeing with the Lord of Shadows.

        Elder God(dess) of Water then spoke, “So be it, We will now vote as to whether or not Rayden is to be reprimanded for his actions in regards to the godslayer, Althea. All those who declare Rayden innocent of breaking the rule of non-interference?” All of the Elder Gods but the one of Shadows said Yea. “Those opposed?” The Elder God of Shadows gave a singular Nay.
        The Elder God(dess) of Water continued, “In regards to the charge of bringing a mortal to the immortal plan, we must all take into consideration that the ‘mortal’ does have strong blood ties to the gods of her native world and could have herself been made a goddess. Do Althea and therefore all mortals with similarly strong blood ties have the right to visit the immortal planes, upon invitation of an immortal? All those in favor?” This time it was unanimous, with hesitance only on part of the Elder God of Flame. “So be it! Rayden kneel before Us.”
        The Lord of Thunder then knelt before the assembled Elder Gods with the God(dess) of Water in the front raising both hands, “We now restore and strengthen your claim as Earthrealm’s God of Thunder and Sworn Protector. Serve both offices well, Lord Rayden.”
        It was a good thing he was kneeling because he would have fallen to his knees in relief at that pronouncement, but then she continued, “Lady Tomorrow, once again you come unexpected and uncalled for. We are curious as to why you would side with those of Earthrealm, Rayden, and the godslayer?”
        The crystal blues eyes just smiled and she said, “Now if I told you that I wouldn’t be the mysterious, white haired woman now would I.” Then she vanished. Lord Kronos, and a few other looked as if they were about to break out in laughter. Rayden was completely shocked by this. They didn’t even know who she was or why she was helping him? The voice of Kronos entered Rayden’s head, ‘:It seems she favors you for some reason, I guess I need to keep a close eye on you thunderer:’ Rayden thought behind very tight mental shields, ‘Oh crap.’

****

        When Kung Lao and Althea returned from the market they found that the trading post was a wreck. It was obvious that was a fight. “Taja! Siro!” yelled Kung Lao as they search the post. Althea came across a piece a paper attached to a post in the armory. “Kung Lao!” she called and he came running they both look over the note. It was basically demanding that Althea to meet with some people just outside the city walls at sunset and to come alone or their friends wouldn’t see the morning. The pair just looked at each other and nodded.
        That evening Althea was waiting outside of the city gate as stated in the note when she was approached by four women. Nothing was said, but the women made it obvious that she was to go with them. Eventually, they made it to a camp in which there were a number of white tents and they entered the largest of these. There sat Queen Vorpax with an evil smile on her face. “Welcome, godslayer, “she purred, “would you care for some refreshment.”
        Althea snorted silently and said, “You must be Vorpax, what do you want with me? Why have you taken Siro and Taja?”
        Vorpax tsked and took ate a grape, “You have been hanging around Kung Lao’s group too much. You really should get out more.” Althea just glared at the green clad woman and said, “Where are my friends?”
        Vorpax smiled evilly and said, “Oh you can get them back, but first you must do a little something for me, godslayer.”

****

        Kung Lao silently followed Althea from the city gates to Vorpax’s camp. He should have known, especially after seeing the four women. Carefully, he used the darkness to look for his friends hoping that Althea would be alright. After a few close calls he came across a heavily guarded tent, from which he could hear Siro’s loud complaints. The monk smiled, there they all now all I need is to find a way to get them out. He snuck to the back of the tent and then carefully look under the edge to see if there was any guards on the inside. Then he took a small dagger he and cut a small hole through the back and crawled in. Taja saw Kung Lao and could barely keep yelling out, but her years as a thief had ingrained the habit of silence. Taja then tapped Siro on the shoulder and indicated where Kung Lao was silently. The bodyguard’s trademark smile shown through. During this, Kung Lao pulled out a small pouch and handed it to Taja. Taja recognized it immediately as her old lock picks and quickly began to work on the cage’s lock. They all then quietly made their way to the back of the tent and headed out of camp. Once they were out of patrol range, Taja spoke up, “Where’s Althea?” Kung Lao frowned and replied, “Keeping Vorpax busy. They want something from her and used you guys to get her hear. Fortunately, it seems the warriors she sent are not very good at knowing when they are being followed.”
        “You mean to tell me, Althea is still in there?” growled Siro. Kung Lao sighed and said, “I know, I know. But this was the only way to find you guys, so long as she plays along with them she should be okay.” I hope, add Kung Lao mentally.

*****

        “Certainly, this little favor isn’t too much for someone who is able to kill gods, hmmmm, “said Vorpax. “You must be crazy,” replied Althea, “He’s in another realm, surrounded by a freaking army, and who knows what creatures he has guarding his place. And even if I did succeed, what guarantee do I have you will keep your word or even if they are still alive.” Just then Althea sensed something, almost a message stating that her friends were safe. RAYDEN! Althea could barely keep her face from losing the angry look she was wearing.
        “You have my word” said Vorpax. Althea sighed as if defeated and said, “Alright, but I’ll need time to prepare and plan. Give me until morning and then I’ll be ready.” Vorpax nodded and indicated she was free to go. Surrounded by the four guards, Althea was being walked out of the camp when the alarm went up in regards to escaped prisoners. Althea stuck two of the guards with her chi. She then elbowed another in the throat and a split second later kneed the final one in the stomach. With strategy being the better part of valor, she ran. The trio seeing the commotion and Althea’s flares did the same.

****
        “Damn! I just cleaned this place, “exclaimed Althea as the gang started to clean up the mess created by Taja’s and Siro’s fight with their kidnappers. “Well it could be worse, “said Kung Lao as he picked up some broken pottery. “You know, we really need to rethink our security, this is what the second or third kidnapping in the same number of days, “said Siro as he leaned against the wall. Taja through a small rag at him and then said, “Fair enough, but first let’s clean up this mess.” Althea just sighed and said, “At least one good thing came out of it.” The other just looked at her with a questioning look. “How the hell do you think I knew you guys were already out of there before the alarm went off?” Only Kung Lao face lit up in understanding and he said, “Rayden!”
        “You yelled?” came the familiar voice from one of the beams. It was Taja’s and Siro’s turned to yell, “You’re alright, “”What’s the verdict?”
        Rayden appeared next to the pair and wrapped his arms around their shoulders. “It’s seems I got off on a few technicalities,” he said with a smile. “I don’t know about you guys but this seems like a good time as any for a celebration. Let’s see if the tavern is still open, “said Althea with a smile. The others agreed and started heading out, “You are joining us, right Rayden?” Althea asked. Rayden smiled at her and said, “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The End

Next Time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest...

[Wolf howls in the background] Althea shivered and said, “Those howls are making my blood run cold for some reason.”

A bat-winged female shape is seen flying across the full moon as it hung low in the sky.

**Note: For those who wonder, the seven Elder Gods are that of Light (god), Shadow (god), Stone (unknown), Flame (god), Water (goddess), Air (god), and Time (god). Since the only real reference as to who or what the Elder Gods are is that of MK:A, I decided to make my own version of the Elder Gods loosely, very loosely based on what we seen in that movie. I know I should have made the Elder Gods almost half and half in regards to gender. It just felt to me that the goddesses have more important things to deal with than the constant bickering of old ‘men.’ *grin* So I tried to balance it out, by making the only Elder Goddess the spokesperson of the group.**