+++ Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past by LadyRaiden aka Raydiva +++
Note: Ok, I’m tired of writing this same damn note over and over. So this is the last time I’m gonna say this in this particular fanfic: I do not own Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat: Conquest, Rayden, Liu Kang, etc…I’m just a big fan with some spare time on her hands. My original characters are my own; if you want to borrow them just ask first.
There will be other notes, but usually about announcements, requests, answers to questions, or to just help the story along.
Chapter One: New School and Old Friends
”Flight 726 from China now arriving at Gate 6, “the airport intercom announced. A overly handsome man, pulled down his sunglasses slightly and the put them back in place as he stood up. As he walked towards the gate, he sighed when he overheard two women talking.
”Is that Johnny Cage?” one asked in a loud whisper. The other responded, “Nah….No way we see a star like him in the airport lobby.”
A small smile appeared on Johnny’s face. After dieing last year, his stardom didn’t seem as important as it once did. Wealth and fame were great, but being able to breath fresh air (or not so fresh air, it was LA after all) was so much better. Stopping near customs, he waited until he saw a familiar face. “Liu!” he yelled. Liu Kang turned and waved as he dropped his bag so that the customs agent could go through it.
Eventually, the two men were in Johnny’s SUV and were braving LA’s infamous highway traffic. “Sooooo, “said Johnny, “The old man finally agreed to the new school?”
”Yeah, “Liu answered, “It took long enough, but latest visit from the Chinese government convinced him it was best since he didn’t know how long the temple would be allowed to remain open.”
Johnny laughed slightly and said, “Just gonna warn you, if you insist on enforcing the religious teachings you’re not going to get many students here in the good old US of A. There are a lot of people wanting to learn martial arts, but not many who are up for becoming a monk or nun.”
Leaning back into the car seat, Liu sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. “I don’t mine, “he finally said, “If they want religious teachings great if not no problem. Actually, I could do with a little less religion and fewer gods myself.”
A loud crackling sound of electricity came from the back seat as a voice said, “I’m hurt.”
The SUV swerved causing the other cars on the highway to blare their horns as they moved to avoid hitting the vehicle. “Damn it, Rayden!” yelled Johnny.
With laughter in his voice, the thundergod said, “Sorry.”
Leaning forward and placing his face in his hand, Liu Kang asked, “What are you doing here?”
”Just thought I’d drop in, besides, “answered Rayden, “someone has to keep an eye on you guys.”
”Please don’t tell me, he’s gonna be a regular at the school,” begged Johnny to Liu.
”I hope not, “the monk mumbled.
The thundergod in question, ignored their comments as he looked behind them and said, “Hmmmm, you are aware you’re being followed?”
”What? “Liu said as he turned around in the seat to look back. Following them was a dark green hummer with the words ‘U.S. Army’ painted in white. Due to the windshield’s reflection, it was impossible to see who was driving.
Looking in the rearview mirror, Johnny smiled and said, “Hey, looks like they made it after all.”
Suddenly, Rayden vanished and then the hummer swerved sharply nearly slamming in the car in the neighboring lane.
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Later that day, the two cars were parked outside a huge ranch-style building. The two guys stepped out of the SUV as a blonde woman did the same from the hummer. “It’s not much, “said Johnny, “but it has everything you asked for and a few things you might have forgotten.”
”It looks big enough, “said Liu.
”So this is going to be the new school, “the blonde in military fatigues asked.
”Thinking about it, “said Liu, “Where’s Jax?”
”With only me and him officially being in the Special Force’s new Outerworld Investigations Agency, one of us had to say in D.C. to keep the politicians happy,”said Sonya and then shrugged, “So we flipped a coin and he lost.”
Johnny laughed slightly and then said, “Ok, time for the grand tour.” He then walked up to the door and unlocked it.
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”….and this is what I believe was the big seller, “said Johnny as he open the double door, revealing a huge room. Hardwood floors, large mirrors lining one wall, and covered exercise equipment showed what this room was for. “The guy who owned this place last was an exercise guru and had converted this ball room into a gym. There’s even a spa, hot tub and swimming pool outback.”
Sonya coughed as she pulled off a protective sheet off of one of the bench presses.
”You might want to replace most of this stuff, “warned Johnny, “Most of it hasn’t been used in years.”
Rayden watched from the rafters as the three chosen left to check out the rest of the grounds. The thundergod tried to shake off the feeling of déjà vu. With sad eyes, he hoped that this school would have better luck than……’Don’t think about it, ‘he thought to himself, ‘This is a different place and time than when Kung Lao attempted to create his school. Modern communication and transportation almost ensure more and better students will show up.”
A small wave a pain went through him at the memory of one particular student of Kung Lao’s crossed his mind. The thundergod then vanished with a flash of light.
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As they headed back to their cars, Johnny asked, “So….Sonya you gonna be staying here?”
The blonde leaned against the hummer with her arms crossed, “Depends. It would be easier for me to set up an office here since I will want all if not most OIA agents to train here, but….the higher ups may not like it.”
”Why?” said Johnny, but it was Liu Kang that answered, “Because I was born and raised in communist China.”
”That’s crazy, “said Johnny, “You’ve saved the world more than once. They should be begging you to train their people.”
”Look we know that, “said Sonya, “But these are the same people that didn’t even believe there was an Outworld until an army of Shokan appeared on the front steps of the White House.”
Liu shrugged and then said, “Look, its no big deal. The OIA agents can always come here for lessons during their off time. With your backing, Johnny, the school will open with or without government funding.”
Sonya sighed and then said, “With that in mind….Let’s see what needs to be done to make this place secure.”
The End…..
[Kneeling before is own throne] Kahn spoke, “Greetings….Father.”
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