+++ Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past by LadyRaiden aka Raydiva +++
Note: Okay I got a request to make these chapters a little longer. I’ll try to keep that in mind in the future. This one is a little longer than the last, but I’ll try to make fewer but longer chapters than planned….Like my plans ever work out.
Chapter Two: Old Foes and a Ride Home
Shao Kahn, the Emperor of Outworld and Conquer of Realms sat on his iron and bone throne fuming. The sounds of tortured victims did nothing to sooth his rage. A year ago, the plan to finally capture Earthrealm that took centuries to create failed. The great and mighty forces of Outworld, humbled by a handful of mortal warriors and traitors….not only was the best chance of finally acquiring that cursed realm destroyed, he had also lost his hold on the realm of Edenia. Even now that bitch queen and her daughter were no doubt scheming to gather their scattered race. The emperor growled under his breath as he slowly gripped the skull he had in his hand tighter and tighter…until it shattered.
The normally static, shadow priests fidgeted slightly with unease. Not from their master’s anger, but due to something in the air. Someone of great power and malice was approaching. Shao Kahn himself finally sensed the same thing and quickly stood up. “Leave, “he ordered and his minions quickly moved to follow his command. After a few seconds of silence, he stepped down from his throne, moved to the side and knelt down on one knee. Looking down, the emperor saw blood red trimmed, black robes past by. Khan heard steps as He walked up to the throne and sat down. Looking up, Khan saw his master’s pale, blue tinged face. Long black hair with gray streaks held in place with a thin blood red band and dark, bloodshot eyes showed no emotion as He looked down at the kneeling emperor.
Kahn spoke, “Greetings….Father.”
”Tell me, why is Rayden still alive and Earthrealm in existence? “Shinnok asked in a cold voice.
(Scene change)
”Ahhh…chooo!” A cloud of dust rose from behind a small mountain of books and scrolls.
The Royal Librarian smiled at the site and sound. For years now, the strange woman has gone over the ancient text searching for a possible way to return to her homeland. The librarian placed the tray he was carrying on a small table. Sitting down on a comfortable chair, he proceeded to pour himself a cup of tea.
Another loud sneeze sounded and nearly caused a poorly balanced stack of books to collapse. Shaking his head slightly, the librarian sighed and then said, “Would you care for some tea, Althea?”
A dust covered woman rose from behind the books and stretched. Winching at the sound of popping joints, she replied, “Sounds good. I could use a small break.”
She dusted herself off as she walked out from behind the desk. As he poured her a cup, he couldn’t help but once again noticed what marked her as not being of this world: Yellow hair, bluish-green eyes and her pale skin. Where his people normally had black hair, black eyes and tanned skin. Sitting down, she gratefully took the cup of tea and took a sip.
”There has been another….request by the royal heir for your hand, “said the librarian with a raised eyebrow.
Althea groaned and said, “When will he understand. I already have someone I care deeply about and have no interest in him. Besides I don’t belong here.”
Sighing, the librarian asked, “Have you considered the possibility the way may not exist?”
”Oh there’s a way, “said Althea, “If I can’t find my own way, I know how to get the attention of those that can get me home.”
”Then why….”
”Let’s just say those who live in this realm and would be able to get me home are one’s that would prefer I didn’t even exist, “Althea answered with a grim half-smile.
(Scene change)
A cloaked figure walked through the silent city. Coming upon a public bench, he sat down with an audible sigh. When he pulled back his hood, long white hair pulled back into a pony tail revealed that he too was not of this realm. “This is getting hopeless,” Fujin said out loud to the night sky, “How the hell do I find one woman who could be anywhere in any realm if I don’t even have full use of my powers? She could be in the building right next to me and I wouldn’t sense her.”
Earthrealm’s God of Wind let his head fall back as the thought, ‘At least this realm makes sense. If I ever visit Chaosrealm again it will be too soon.’ Calorna, Chaosrealm, Dreano, Orderrealm…..For seven years he has searched the realms, but not even a clue to where she was. It would have been easier if Rayden was here. Even without his powers, he would have been able to sense Althea’s presence. All he would have to do was step out of a portal for a few seconds to determine if she was on that realm or not, if she was just walk in her general direction. However, the Elder God chose Fujin for this task and had forbidden him from even telling his brother. After hearing the stories, he could understand why. Unable to fulfill his duties for over five hundred years, Rayden ‘recovered’ just in time. His chosen won the critical tournament and fought off an Outworld invasion. There was no way this could have been done, if Rayden was distracted. Fujin closed his eyes, and breathed in the night air for a few peaceful seconds trying to think what to do next.
”Careful, you don’t want to strain yourself, “said a woman’s voice.
Fujin opened one eye and saw a white haired woman sitting next to him. She was wearing black baggy pants, gray shirt and a black leather vest, basically the same thing he was wearing under the cloak only in different colors. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail, like his own hair, and crystal blue humor filled eyes blinked at him, over a dark scarf. “Its been so long since you actually used your brain, “she continued, “you might end up pulling something if you think too much.”
Fujin groaned, “What is that suppose to mean?”
The woman shrugged, pulled up legs up under herself and looked around as if bored. Fujin sat back up and just stared at her for a few moments, waiting. Finally he had to ask, “What are you doing here?”
”Same as always, “she said, “Trying to make sure certain events happen and others don’t happen.”
Something clicked and Fujin looked closer at the strange woman to ask, “Is me finding Althea one of those events that is suppose to happen?”
”Nooooo, “she said and after seeing Fujin’s dismay added, “She’s suppose to find you.”
(Scene change)
”Thanks for the tea, “Althea said as she got up and walked towards the desk, “Think I’ll take a walk and get some fresh air. Need to clear out the dust and cobwebs from my brain.”
The librarian nodded and said, “Very well, just be careful. A lone woman walking around the city in the middle of the night….”
”I know, “Althea smiled as she reached down behind the desk to pull out a harnessed and two sheathed swords attached to it. She slid her arms into the harness and buckled it place. After making sure the swords could be pulled out easily, she said, “See ya later.”
After stepping out of the Royal Library, Althea took a deep breath of clean night air. She then started walking down the road. ‘Seven years, ‘she thought, ‘Seven years since I showed up in this realm. I wonder if the others even remember me?’ She kicked a small pebble out of the way and continued to think to herself, ‘I don’t even know if they are still alive. Hell, I don’t even know for sure they have even been born yet. That was a time-rip that sent me here, no doubt about it. But those were supposed to be impossible only a theory kicked around by senile time-mages. Then again, how many mages take into account a battle between a group that consisted of a god, godslayer, werewolf and crimelord against a monster possessed by a rogue dragon spirit, taking place within spitting distance of a temple considered important by Elder Gods? Maybe what was in that temple reacted with my newly awakened time-gift? Who knows, but anything the Elder Gods consider important enough to take notice when someone tries to take it can’t be good.’
After walking for a few more minutes, trying to clear her mind, she suddenly stopped and looked around. Althea would occasionally sense the local gods as they looked over or visited the realm, but this wasn’t someone local but still familiar ….”Fujin!” she whispered.
(Scene change)
Fujin was mentally kicking himself. All that time wasted! He should have remembered that Althea could sense the presence of gods and other beings of power if they weren’t trying to hide themselves. All he had to do was sit still in a realm for a few days without hiding who he is. He was under orders from the Elder Gods; no local deity was going to gainsay his right to be there. Instead of a year or more in a realm, sneaking around and searching, he could have waited a few days to a week for her to sense him. She’s smart and a mage, she would have found someway to either contact or get to him.
”I am an IDIOT!” Fujin yelled.
”You just figure that out? I could have told you that a looooong time ago.”
Fujin jumped up from the bench and turned around to see Althea grinning with unshed tears in her eyes. She said, “It’s been a long time. Please tell me you’re my ride home.”
(Scene change)
”So you’re telling me I’ve been gone….”Althea started but had to look away without completing the thought. After finding him, Althea took Fujin back to the library where they could talk and she could collect her things. Has she gathered her notes and some clothes from the small room that was hers, he told her of what has happened since she ‘died.’ Her bag packed and sitting at the small table in the library, they were waiting for the librarian to show up so she could say good-bye. After hours of listening to Fujin’s story, Althea knew things were worse than she ever thought. “So Rayden thinks I’m dead?” she said.
Sadly Fujin answered, “Yes. He was seriously out of it until recently.”
”Then do you really think it’s a good idea for me to go back?”
Shocked Fujin said, “What! Of course I do.”
”Think about it, “said Althea in a quiet voice, “He’s just recovered from centuries of mourning. I’m mortal, if anything should happen to me again….”
Fujin covered her hand with his own, looking her straight in the eyes said, “I know for a fact that it’s best that you return to Earthrealm. An Elder God sent me to bring you back. Rayden still misses you and it was that messed up bond thing that caused him to lose it. Whether you return or not, if something like that happens he will feel it. No matter how far away you are. If he wasn’t so busy lately, he would have figured out you were back. You do want to see him again?”
Althea exclaimed, “Of course I do! It’s just….”
”Hello, “Fujin said with a smile, “Weren’t you listening? He still cares for you.”
”Who still cares, “demanded a powerful male voice, “And who are you?”
”Oh no….”groaned Althea and she placed her face in her hand.
Fujin stood and gave a slight bow, “I am known as Fujin, and you are?”
”Prince Leandes, “growled the dark skinned man, “What business do you have with my intended?”
Raising an eyebrow in Althea’s direction, the wind god asked, “You’re intended?”
”Look, “Althea stood and looked the prince directly in the eyes, “I said NO and I meant it. How difficult is it to get it through that thick skull of yours. I have absolutely no interest in you.”
Fujin cover his mouth to keep from laughing out loud but his shoulders shook. It seems that Althea has acquired an admirer, a stubborn one at that.
”Lord Leandes, there you are, “said the librarian as he walked in. Seeing Althea glaring at the prince and the prince doing the same at a strange white haired man, he said, “Oh my…”
”Fujin, “said Althea, “where and how fast can you open a portal?”
”Here and a few seconds, but since it will take a moment to close behind us it would be best if no one follows us, “Fujin answered with a smile.
”You are not going anywhere, “the prince ordered as he grabbed the woman’s arm.
’Oh oh, ‘Fujin thought.
”Oh really, “Althea growled and for the first time since she arrived in this realm, she allowed her eyes to flare up in light blue flame. She raised her free arm and engulfed her hand in the same light blue flame, “I suggest you release me…now.”
The prince released her arm and slowly backed away. Both Leandes and the Royal Librarian stared in shock at the woman’s fiery display.
”Fujin,”she said.
”Already on it, “said the windgod with a grin, “Hope you don’t mind if we stop off somewhere first. I was told to take you to meet Lord Kronos before taking you to Earth.”
”No problem, “she answered as she picked up her satchel and the harness, “I have a few choice words for him anyway.”
The End…..
Next Time on Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past
”None from what I’ve seen, “came a man’s voice.
Sonya and Liu turned to see a dark haired man wearing a blue T-shirt and dark pants with a red scar crossing over his right eye standing in the doorway.
next chapter [3]