+++ Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past by LadyRaiden aka Raydiva +++
Chapter Fifteen: Death of a God
”Nothing personal, “said Tanya as the warrior to Liu's left struck first with a punch. The monk blocked the punch and countered with a punch of his own. The warrior to his right sent a high kick to Liu's head. Liu Kang dodged by ducking and sending a sweep kick to knock the warriors over. The third warrior behind him moved to attack but Liu using the momentum of his sweeping kick rolled on the ground and swung his leg up high catching the shadow warrior in the chest. Liu finished the move by rolling into a fighting stance. As Liu and the shadow warriors fought, Tanya stepped back and looked around as if expecting something or someone.
(Scene Change)
Rayden faced the former Elder God, prepared for almost anything; anything but the sudden surge of panic that came through his soulbond link.
”Step aside, Thundergod, “ordered Shinnok, “Or better yet leave. You may still have a chance to save that mortal slut of yours.”
Rayden gripped his hammer tightly, fighting the deep urge to leave the temple to Shinnok's mercy and save Althea. He knew where his duty laid, but his love… Then the panic stopped to be replaced by surprise, mild shock and…humor? Whatever happened, it felt like she was no longer in danger.
”I will not step aside, “said Rayden with a cold smile, “As for Althea, she is more than able to defend herself. Hell, she could kick your sorry butt easily but I want to save that little bit of fun for myself.”
”Really, Raijin, “said Shinnok as he summoned his polearm, “Do you really want to fight with me when your oh so powerful Elder Gods fear to do so themselves.”
Rayden smirked and replied, “They're not afraid, they just have more important things to deal with than you. By the way… my name is RAYDEN!” With that the God of Thunder sent a large bolt of lighting directly at Shinnok. Shinnok didn't even bother to dodge it and just blocked it by swirling his polearm in front of him.
The fallen Elder God smirked and said, “You'll always be Raijin to your dear old dad.” Shinnok then summoned what looked to be a pool of darkness at Rayden's feet. The darkness melted upward to entrap the thundergod, he teleported just before it closed around him and appeared behind Shinnok with his hammer already in full swing. Expecting this, Shinnok turned, blocked the hammer with his polearm and then countered slicing deep into Rayden's side. Rayden nearly dropped his hammer as one of his hands went to the injury, blood flowed freely with no signs of stopping.
”Oh didn't you know?” said Shinnok with false concern, “My weapon is the real thing not a water down alloy that my warriors are now forced to wield.”
(Scene Change)
Sonya tried everything she thought she knew about helicopters but nothing seemed to work. “Goddamnit!” she exclaimed.
Johnny quietly slid into the co-pilot's seat next to her and started flicking a few switches and then reached over to switch flight control from the pilot's to co-pilot's station. He pulled back on the yoke and the helicopter leveled off. Everyone just stared at Johnny for a few seconds. “Hey, “he said with a shrug, “It happened in one of my movies. The bad guys sabotaged the pilot's controls but overlook the co-pilot's. Figure it was worth a shot.”
Sonya then reached over, grabbed both sides of Johnny's face and gave him a hard, fast kiss on the lips. “Whoa, “said Johnny as the helicopter flew sideways for a few seconds.
Althea gasped in pain as she grabbed her side bringing everyone's attention back to her problem.
(Scene Change)
Sub-Zero sent a blast of cold to his opponent who easily dodged and sent his own blast of darkness to the Lin Kuei warrior. Sub-Zero ducked, rolled and jumped with a spinning high kick aimed right at the shadow warrior's head. The warrior blocked it with one arm and punched Sub-Zero in the chest with the palm of his other hand. Sub-Zero fell back, hit the ground but rolled back up into a fighting stance in time to catch the shadow warrior's low kick. The leg froze over and Sub-Zero slammed into it with his elbow shattering it. The shadow warrior went down grasping what remained of the leg, but in seconds a new leg melted into place and the warrior jumped back up.
Sub-Zero watched this with a frown and sent a larger blast of cold at the warrior hoping to freeze him entirely. The shadow warrior vanished and then appeared behind Sub-Zero. The warrior then knocked Sub-Zero over with a low sweeping kick. Before the Lin Kuei had a chance to refocus his chi the warrior stomped down hard into Sub-Zero's midsection knocking the wind from him.
The shadow warrior walked back to the altar to pick up a sword that was lying there as Sub-Zero fought to breath. The warrior unsheathed the sword, tossing the sheath to the side as he walked back to the prone Sub-Zero. Standing above the fallen Lin Kuei the warrior drew back its sword and prepared to plunge it into Sub-Zero's chest but hesitated. The shadow warrior shook his head, pulled back even farther and drove the sword forward until it stopped less than fingertip away from Sub-Zero. The warrior started shaking his head as if mentally fighting something and stepped back, dropping the sword with a clank. Recovering, Sub-Zero sat up and looked at the shadow warrior with a confused look. The dark-clad warrior looked at Sub-Zero for a second, blinked its glowing gray eyes and then vanished in a puff of dark sand.
(Scene Change)
Kung Lao ducked as a leg swept over him and blocked the lower kick with crossed arms. Then a sharp kick to the kidney area knocked him down, but he rolled with it back into a stance just in time to block another kick. One of his three attackers was about to send a blast of darkness but was tackled by one of the monks who were now racing out of the temple. The shadow warriors then all vanished in a puff of black sand.
In Chinese, one of the monks asked, “What were those things?”
Kung Lao answered, “I don't know but I have a good idea who might.”
(Scene Change)
'I'm getting too old for this,‘ thought Nightwolf as he sent a mystic arrow into one of the shadow warriors who vanished in a puff of black sand. Nightwolf was then knocked forward and onto the floor when the other shadow warrior jumped kicked him from behind. The historian rolled out of the way to avoid being stomped on. Nightwolf stood up to face the warrior who had drawn a long bowie like knife. The shaman once again summoned his mystic tomahawk to block the knife and then counter with a punch to the shadow warrior's face. The shadow warrior caught Nightwolf's fist before it landed, at the same time he lifted his knife and then drove it in and out of the shaman's arm. The tomahawk vanished as Nightwolf drew back to clutch his injury. The shadow warrior followed to swipe and slash at Nightwolf who could only dodge the attacks. As he was backing away, Nightwolf tripped over his chair behind the desk and fell backwards.
A sudden crash and the sound of falling glass filled the room. A dark gray blur flew over Nightwolf and onto the shadow warrior with a growl. The shadow warrior fell back with the full weight and fury of the grey wolf on him trying for his throat. When he hit the ground, the shadow warrior vanished. The wolf stood up growling with its hackles ups and looked around. Nightwolf got up and walked towards the wolf, kneeling down beside it he said, “Thanks Kiva.”
Kiva calmed down to sniff Nighwolf's injured arm and then whimpered in sympathy.
(Scene Change)
In a parking lot of an abandon factory stood the black unmarked helicopter. Althea sat on the ground, concentrating on getting her mental shields up tighter. Sonya was in the helicopter talking on the radio with Jax.
”You should have seen it girl, “said a slightly garbled Jax, “The second those shadow guys showed their true colors a squad showed up and….”
”I get the picture, Jax, “said Sonya tiredly, “Just try to contact Liu and see about getting someone here to pick up this thing.”
Sitting in the open doorframe of the copter, sat Johnny and Kurtis discussing what recently happened. “So you learned how to fly for that movie, “said Kurtis, “Ok I get that easy enough, but …”
Althea suddenly stood and said, “We got company.”
A purple and yellow portal then opened and a woman with curly red hair stepped out. She wore a wide strip of leather as a top, tied together with what look like curved claws and a short leather skirt. There was something about her that just made Althea sick at the stomach, not her looks but something the battlemage could sense. Sonya jumped out of the copter and pulled out her gun as the guys got ready for a fight as well.
”Don't bother, “said the woman, “Much as I hate to admit it I'm not here to kill you, just to pass on a message.”
”Get to the point, “said Sonya.
The woman smirked and said, “It seems that someone is attacking the Temple of the Elder Gods and your precious Lord Rayden is right in his path.”
Althea's heart hit the ground as she heard these words. She knew that Rayden was in a fight of some sort; she could still faintly feel pain in her side where he was hit.
The woman turned back to the portal when Stryker asked, “Why are you telling us this?”
”It's not my idea, “growled the woman, “If it was up to me I say let the thundergod suffer a painful death, of course I would love to give the same to all of you.” The woman then stepped into the portal which closed behind her with a hiss-pop sound.
”You're not considering going, “came Sub-Zero's voice.
Everyone turned to see a slightly limping Sub-Zero walking towards them from the other side of the helicopter. “Let me guess, “said Johnny, ”You met some dudes in black ninja wanna-be outfits who just insisted on kicking your butt.”
Sub-Zero remained silent and sat in the open door frame. He then said, “If you do go it's most likely a trap.”
”Hello, “said Sonya, “If anything is tough enough to consider going up against the Elder Gods is there, I don't think they need a trap.”
”Besides, “added Stryker, “It's not like any of us even knows how to get there.”
Althea had turned away as Sub-Zero sat down when she saw a flash in the corner of eye. There near a broken wire gate stood a masked warrior in black and yellow. She frowned and remembered back when someone dressed similarly, once tried to kill her. Hearing Stryker's comment about getting to the temple, Althea thought, ‘Damn it! Where was that bastard windgod when you needed him.'
Althea thought for a second, considering her options as she crossed her arms. Nodding slightly to herself, she headed towards the strange warrior.
(Scene Change)
The last of the three shadow warriors fell and vanished in a puff of sand. Liu Kang then faced Tanya one more time, breathing slightly. “Why Tanya?” Liu asked, “We trusted you. Opened our home to you.”
”Get a clue, Liu Kang, “Tanya said as she then sent a high kick to Liu's face which Liu easily grabbed and then threw her to the ground. “Seems you still have some fight in you, “she said, “We'll just have to do something about that.” With that three more shadow warriors appeared blocking Liu's view of the woman. As they walked his way, this time each drawing a short sword, Liu backed up and went on the defensive.
”That's not very fair, “came Fujin's voice just before three small tornadoes appeared picking up the three warriors and tossing them into the burnt trees. Each of them vanished upon impact. Fujin then appeared next to Liu Kang with arms crossed and said, “Give it up Tanya, you can't win.”
Tanya shrugged carelessly and then grinned, “We've been expecting you Lord Fujin.”
Sensing it as it flew directly towards them; Liu reached out and caught the crossbow bolt before it hit Fujin in the heart. Fujin frowned and suddenly a wall of tornado force winds surrounded them and sheared, tossed, or smashed everything in its reach but left Tanya, Liu and Fujin untouched. In seconds the wind died down and silence ruled. Tanya fumed and then tossed something to the ground that flashed brightly blinding Liu and Fujin. When their eyes cleared, Tanya was gone.
Fujin breathed out angrily and then suddenly had a worried look on his face. “We got to go,“ he said as he grabbed onto Liu's shoulder and they both disappeared.
(Scene Change)
Rayden barely stood holding himself up with his hammer as he gripped his bleeding side. “Any last words… son,” growled Shinnok as he raised his polearm. A roar shook the ruined temple, nearly knocking the weakened Rayden to the ground. Shinnok turned and looked up to see a blast of dragonfire heading directly at him. The former Elder God dived out of the way but Rayden was unable to do the same. Liu Kang came out of nowhere and tackled Rayden, pushing him out of the way of the fireball.
The Red Dragon of Flame flew in through the open ceiling and landed with a thump, glaring with its yellow eyes at its former master.
”You dare attack ME!” said Shinnok with outrage.
”You betrayed me!” hissed the dragon, “I served you faithfully, slew all that you asked even my own creator and you left me to rot in my prison.”
”Unless you forgotten, I freed you once from that prison but you failed me shortly afterwards…I DO NOT TOLERATE FAILURE!” roared Shinnok as he sent his polearm flying into the dragon's throat. The dragon tried to roar but only blood and silence came out of its mouth as it thrashed in pain.
While this was going on, Liu helped Rayden to his knees and asked, “You okay?”
”Will be, “said Rayden with a hiss of pain, “How…”
A tornado suddenly appeared lifting and tossing Shinnok into a crumbling wall. Shinnok picked himself up from the rubble and then casually dusted himself off as he said, “I see that Enlil's brat has decided to join us.”
Fujin appeared and said, “I suggest you leave Shinnok. You can not take on the Elder Gods.”
”Oh, “said Shinnok raising his arm. The polearm that was on the ground next to the red dragon medallion flew into Shinnok's waiting hand. With a small twirl, Shinnok went into an aggressive stance, “Who is going to stop me.”
Fujin sent blades of wind at the fallen Elder God who summoned a wall of darkness to block them. As they struck his shield, Shinnok vanished and then appeared behind Fujin striking with his weapon. Fujin as if expecting this dodged.
As Shinnok and Fujin fought Liu pulled the crossbow bolt he had caught earlier out from his belt. Rayden saw this and raised an eyebrow. He could only hope that was what he thought it was. Liu studied the bolt for a second and tossed it slightly in his hand as if weighting it. The monk then stood up, took aim and threw it with all his strength at Shinnok. Shinnok turned and blocked the bolt with the blade of his polearm. The clank echoed. Fujin tried to punch Shinnok while he was distracted, but Shinnok caught Fujin's fist and then twisted the windgod's arm. Shinnok then tossed up and caught his polearm in a way that he could stab the god of wind. “No!” yelled Liu as he ran grabbing Shinnok's arm. The monk's actions loosened Shinnok's hold on Fujin just enough for the windgod to break free in time to avoid a fatal injury but the polearm did shallowly slice open his chest from the heart area to the shoulder.
”Vermin, “hissed Shinnok as he threw Liu towards Rayden, “Always getting into things they shouldn't.” He then kicked the now bleeding Fujin towards the others. “Enough of this, “said Shinnok as a pool of darkness appeared under the two injured gods and Liu Kang. The pool started to melt upwards enclosing the trio in a black orb. Shinnok held his polearm with one hand and its butt planted firmly on the ground. His other hand, he held out palm upwards and started to close it slowly. As he did, the orb started to shrink as if to crush his prisoners. Then the shrinking stopped. Shinnok growled and clenched his fist again but to no avail. The slight hiss of fire filled the silent room warning the dark deity, he turned and summoned a wall of darkness but the light blue flames flew right through it as if it wasn't even there. He blocked it just in time with his weapon to avoid getting hit. As his concentration shifted to this new attack, the orb melted away revealing a barely visible hexagonal sphere around the still breathing Liu, Fujin, and Rayden.
”More vermin,“ mumbled Shinnok.
”Vermin? Maybe, “said Althea, “But I'm the deadly kind.” She sent two smaller balls of light-blue flame, one from each hand, at Shinnok. Shinnok prepared to block them but the chi flames went into two separate curving directions and then headed towards him in a pincer move. He dived out of the way but then the fireballs followed him and nearly landed home if he had not rolled out of the way. Instead they smashed harmlessly into the ground. From the ground Shinnok sent a blast of darkness at the godslayer and then rolled into a stance grabbing his fallen polearm as he did.
As the godslayer and fallen Elder God fought, Fujin noticed that Althea didn't have her swords with her. He knew she left the apartment with them earlier, where were they now?
”Stupid bitch!” roared Shinnok as he sent another, larger blast of darkness at Althea and then vanished. She dodged the blast and prepared for Shinnok to reappear attacking, but was tripped by Shinnok sweeping the ground with his polearm as he appeared. He then raised his weapon and prepared to run her through.
Then a sword blade appeared from Shinnok's midsection. The blade twisted and then retreated. Shinnok dropped his weapon as turned in shock to see Scorpion holding a bloody sword in his hands and a second sword strapped to his back. “Who?” Shinnok gasped before falling to the ground.
”Someone hired to kill you, “said Scorpion who then bowed slightly to Althea before vanishing in a ball of fire.
Althea rushed to her friends and raised a force shield up around the group preparing for what she know was about the happen. As Shinnok breathed his last breath all the energy and power that was his was released in explosion of dark energy that razed what was left of the temple ruins to the ground in first wave of destruction. Althea's shield barely held but then a second and a third wave hit. Each one stronger than the last and each weaken her shields. Althea went to her knees from the strain.
Rayden and the other's watched her fight for their lives against what could only be the essence of an Elder God. Before their eyes, her hair turned white as she channeled more and more energy into her shields. Finally after what seemed an eternity the final wave passed over and then there was calm outside of slightly shimmering hexagonal dome. Althea released her shields with a sigh and then fell to the ground unconscious.
The End…
Next Time on MK: Echoes of the Past:
Shang Tsung said “Are you certain we can use…”
”Of course, “said Quan Chi, “But it will take time to access its power.”