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

Notes: I do not own....ah hell! If you’ve been reading my stories you already know the routine. If not, the read the previous chapters.
        This story takes place at almost the same time as Chapter Four, in fact it’s while Rayden is doing the ‘dream trick’ to save Althea’s mind and eventually recharging (pun?) her chi that this story is taking place. Also, please be aware ahead of time that I am eventually planning to upgrade the rating again in a future chapter. So if the rating is getting a little high due to your age and/or preference, my apologies. Unfortunately, it seems that this story is pretty much writing itself and I can’t seem to convince it otherwise.

Chapter Five: Red Omens

        A shadow of a four armed monster is seen on a cave wall, flickering in firelight. A sound between the roar of a dragon and the scream of a man is heard. Then we hear the sound of the Emperor Shao Kahn laughing.

****
        Siro prepared some tea in the hopes it would wake him up. Kung Lao walked in with a tired look on his face. “Rough night?” asked Siro and he offered some tea to his friend.
        “Kept tossing and turning, worrying about Althea and this Zuravan that attacked us.” Kung Lao answered.
        “Oh, yeah, “said Siro, “That reminds me. Rayden showed up and said he was going to try whatever it is to help Althea. He’s up there now and does not want to be disturbed. You are to find someone by the name of Fujin if we need any help.
        “Fujin? The God of Wind?” asked Kung Lao. A stiff breeze blew through the kitchen and then a voice said, “You called?” Both of the men turned and saw a man sitting next to the table. He had long gray hair, tied up in a pony tail and sun-tanned skin. His eyes were the same dark color as Rayden’s and he wore a leather vest over a white shirt and green pants. Just then Taja walked down the stairs and entered the kitchen. Fujin saw her and said, “Why, hello there.”
        All three mortals just stared at the deity each with a different look; Kung Lao in shock, Taja in surprise, and Siro as if he’s trying not to laugh. Fujin continued, “You must be Taja, by brother has told me so much about you.” He then took her hand and held it in his two.
        Taja slowly took her hand back and said, “Okay....Who are you?” Kung Lao spoke up,“Taja, meet Fujin...the God of Wind. He’s covering for Rayden as he attempts to fix whatever is wrong with Althea.”
        Fujin smiled and then added, “I was more than happy to help my brother in anyway possible. It’s not everyday that I get to be able to mingle with mortals or put Rayden in my debt.”

****

        “YOU DARE!” yelled Shang Tsung in anger as he was dragged, chained towards Vorpax. Sitting, Queen Vorpax just smiled seeing her old torment being dragged and placed at her feet. The offspring she sought were well on there way to joining the ranks of her sisters. The sorcerer was no longer needed.
        “What’s wrong?” she said in a over-sweet voice, “I thought you liked this sort of thing.”
        Shang just glared at her angrily from his position on the ground as a spear of one of Vorpax’s guards held him down. Two men in black leather approached the Queen and bowed. “Greetings, your Majesty, is this the one we spoke of?”
        “Yes, this is Shang Tsung, “replied the Queen, “Are you sure you want him so badly. I’m certain we could make other arrangements for the needed...supplies.”
        The other man said, “We must apologize, but our employer was most specific in wanting this person. He is paying a high price for him, alive and breathing.”
        Vorpax nearly pouted at the thought of nearly losing any chance of paying Shang Tsung paying Shang Tsung back for all the pain he’s caused her. The first man as if sensing her toughts added, “However, there is no stipulation as to what condition except that he be alive and able to communicate. If you would like some time to....say your good-byes...we can have your people look over the supplies we brought. All that we ask is that he will be able to walk under his own power....within a reasonable amount of time.”
        “Why thank you, “she smiled a predatory grin, “I do hope we will be able to do business again some day,” she said as she kicked the sorcerer in the face.

****
        Somehow, Fujin convinced Taja to show him around Zhu Zin. Much to his dismay Siro insisted on following along. Kung Lao, having drawn the morning shift remained behind to guard the trading post. Eventually, the wind god took Siro to the side as Taja looked over some jewelry at a stall. Fujin quietly asked if Siro could please go back home. Siro replied aloud, “What ever for?” Taja turned at the sound of Siro’s voice. Fujin spoke out of the side of his mouth, “Shut up already, I’m trying to score.” Siro just gave a dumb look and said, “Huh?”

****
        The Emperor sat on his throne with a look of anticipation in his eyes. Four men wearing black leather enter the throne room, dragging a badly beaten Shang Tsung. Kahn laughed slightly at the appearance of the beaten sorcerer as the men threw him at his feet. Shang Tsung cursed under his breath, proving that he could still talk. The Emperor was more than pleased, it was about time he found someone who could deliver as promised.
        “Tell your master, that you have done well and I am more than pleased, “he said and the four men bowed at once, “His price shall be met, access to the cobalt mines to located and remove one prisoner of his choice.”
        One of the men stepped forward and stated, “This does include the means of returning to Earth afterwards with the prisoner.”
        The Emperor nodded without removing his eyes from the beaten man at his feet. He waved to his servants, who picked up Shang Tsung and took him away for future.....pleasures. Another servant handed a crystal and a scroll to the spokesman of the group.
        “Here are the items you will need in order to retrieve your prize, “I do hope he is as happy as I am with the outcome of this trade.

*****
        Back at the trading post, Fujin joined Taja and Kung Lao for lunch. Siro finally went to bed and was asleep at this time. Fujin was telling the pair an amusing story about his and Rayden’s youth when he felt it. He stopped talking and looked around. It was as if a piece of ice ran down his spine. Something was wrong. Unlike Rayden, he excused himself and then vanished.

*****

        Four men walked through the caverns of the cobalt mines searching. They eventually came across their prize, burning another resident of the mines with the flames of the black dragon. She turned and the outline of the black dragon could be seen around her as she looked upon her unexpected visitors. The spokesman stepped forward and bowed. “Mistress Jola, Master Drevane wishes to invite you for get together in Zhu Zin. If you wish to attend, please follow us.”
        She smiled as the shadowy figure of the dragon faded and said,” It’s about time.”

****
        A few hours later at the old Black Dragon headquarters, Jola sat on the throne of the Black Dragon Clan. Sliding her hands across the arms rests in a sensuous manner. At last, she thought, soon the Black Dragon will be returned to its former glory and I will be master of it all. The four men that had accompanied her bowed and left the room as another man entered.
        “Welcome back, Lady Jola. I do hope your journey was a comfortable one, “he said.
        Jola looked upon Drevane with an emotionless look on her face. There was something about him that made her uneasy. As if the black dragon spirit within her was trying to warn her. She shook it off and then said, “It took you long enough to get me out.” She stood and walk towards the man.
        Drevane replied, “I do apologize, but it took time to acquire Shao Kahn’s price for your freedom.” He watched as the woman approached and continued.
        Jola waved it off and said, “What is the status of the clan? I noticed some new faces and I have yet to see anyone I recognize.” She walked past him in a snobbish manner. As she passed him, he slowing drew out a long knife with an image of a stylized dragon engraved upon it. “A few were arrested, others killed during a confrontation.” He hid the knife behind his back.
        Jola turned and asked, “Confrontation with whom? Kung Lao, the guards?” Drevane replied, “Another clan has been attempting to take over your territory since your disappearance from the scene. They and the guards taking down all of the commonly known members of the Black Dragon have decimated the clan’s numbers.”
        Jola snorted and turned away once more, “That will soon change.....” As she spoke a reddish outline of a dragon surrounded Drevane and he grabbed her from behind with the knife in his hands. For a few minutes the pair struggled, dragon against dragon, with Dravane obviously being the stronger. “What are you doing?!” she demanded.
        Drevane replied, “Finishing a job I started shortly after you left. After all there can not be two dragon clans in the same city.” Jola’s eyes widen in fear.
        “The Black Dragon is dead, “the man said as he slit the woman’s throat, “Long live the Red.”
        The black, stone wall hanging of a dragon that hung behind the throne for generations fell and crashed onto the throne. Both shattered upon impact. The head of the stone dragon slid down the stairs into a growing pool of dark red blood.

****

        Shang Tsung was dragged before the throne of the Emperor once more. “Well, sorcerer, “the emperor said, “Have you finally learned the price of betraying me. After all, there are things worse then death.”
        The sorcerer remained on the floor where he fell and just nodded. The emperor chuckled. “Good! In that case I have a job for you. One that will keep you out of trouble and out of my sight.” He threw up his hand and then Kitana entered the room. “You and my....daughter are to prepare for the next tournament. It’s to take place in a more neutral area than before by request of the Elder Gods. It seems you’re constant bending of the rules came too close to breaking them. You two are to go to an island located in the area between realms and prepare. Kitana will see that the rules are followed to the letter, to ensure that there is no chance of losing due to an infraction. You Shang Tsung are to build and host the tournament facilities.” The ground started shaking as if the steps of an enormous creature walked. “Ah, yes the third member of the lovely party, my chosen fighter will train and practice on the island. You will teach him how to win, Shang Tsung.” In the shadows the outline of a large four- armed giant was seen.

The End

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest.....

        “What’s a godslayer, exactly?” asked Althea.

In the sky hung a full moon, and in the distance a howling was heard.