+++ Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past by LadyRaiden aka Raydiva +++
Chapter Three: Attack from the Shadows
Behind a movie studio Johnny sat, yelling into his cell phone, “Look, you said you and your people were going to be there this morning at nine am. What do I find out? No one showed. If you can’t keep to your contract, I’ll find someone who can!” Slamming the cell phone onto a small table, the actor tried to calm down. A gofer hesitantly handed him a cold bottle of water, which Johnny happily guzzled down. It’s been a real pain getting the ranch in order. All that it needed was to be clean out and the security updated, but no. The idiots that were hired to help clean out the place didn’t even bother to show. There was no way Liu and Sonya would be able to do it alone, and here he was stuck on the set. The phone rang, and with a sigh Johnny picked it up, “Yeah……I know, I know. Just got off the phone with them.”
From behind a scene panel of a stormy New York skyline, Rayden walked out and took a donut from the snack table. He munched on it as he watched Johnny talk on the phone. “Gotta go, “said Johnny seeing the thundergod, “A friend of ours showed up…..yeah that’s him.” He turned off the phone with a sigh and asked, “Any chance of putting the fear of a god into some workmen?”
Dusting off his hands as he sat down in the chair next to Johnny, Rayden smiled and then said, “I could…..but it wouldn’t help. Trust me.”
”Just an idea, “said Johnny, “So what brings you here?”
Rayden shrugged and said, “Just had a feeling you wanted to talk.”
Johnny looked away for a few seconds and then said, “Yeah, but now is not a good time.”
Rayden counted off silently in his head, ‘5…4…3….2….”
”Why was I brought back? Why can’t I remember…being dead? All I know is one moment I’m surrounded by Outworld monsters and the next I’m in the morgue scaring the crap out of a mortician.”
An understanding look crossed Rayden’s face. He knew this was coming; he was just surprised it took so long. “Let’s just say there is a combination of reasons for your resurrection. Just remember, it’s an extremely rare person that is brought back as you were with the blessings of the Elder Gods. As for not remembering….how much of the afterlife do you really want to know while you are alive and breathing?”
Another gofer walked up and after checking out the gray haired man in white and blue, said, “They’re calling you on the set Mr. Cage.”
Johnny stood up with his trademark grin and said, “Nice talking with you, Rayden, but gotta go.”
Rayden waved as Johnny walked off and then vanished.
(Scene Change)
”What did he say?” asked Liu as Sonya hung up the phone, “And what did it have to do with Rayden?”
Sonya moved the phone out of the way so they could continue cleaning the den/library. “He’s already talked to the cleaning company and Rayden showed up as we were talking.”
Liu shook his head slightly and then continued going through the books on the shelves. Most of which was ending up in the box to be taken away. Whoever owned this place previously, must have bought the books for looks rather than content.
”At least the new security system is up, “said Sonya, “Although what good it will do against the type of people we deal with I have no idea.”
”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. He wore a dark blue shirt with black pants.
”Sub-Zero, “said Liu Kang without emotion, “What brings you here?”
”I heard you were planning to open a school and was curious, “said the former assassin.
”You thinking of staying around?” asked Sonya.
”No, it would be unwise, “Sub-Zero answered, “There is still those of the old Lin Kuei that seek my life. Perhaps when and if they are taken care of…” He shrugs.
”Well, “said Liu a little warmer, “You’re welcomed here anytime. Who knows, maybe we’ll make you one of the instructors.”
Sub-Zero blinked and just stared at the monk.
”Ooookay, “said Sonya sensing the temperature in the room go down a few degrees, “Well while you guys talk, I’ll go see if there is anything else we can do while waiting for the cleaning crew.”
(Scene Change)
A pair of solid black warriors with gray glowing eyes knelt down before Shinnok. Their eyes revealing nothing but total obedience to their lord and master, as they each held up a dark red sack. The fallen Elder God took one of the sacks and opened it. “Ah…I remember this one, “he said as he pulled out a head from the sack, “a minor fertility god I believe.” Then carelessly threw the head over his shoulder and took the other sack. Opening it a cruel smile crossed his place as he said, “Now this is a prize indeed.” Shinnok took out the head from the sack as he walked over to a small shrine like table on which two heads were already placed. One with red hair and the other with hair so black it had blue streaks. He then pulled out and placed a bald head next to them. “God of Fire” he said as he fondly stroked the red hair and then went to the dark haired one, “God of Water,” and then almost jokingly taped the newest one’s scalp, “and now the God of Stone all that is left of the guardians is that idiot God of Wind. You may go.” He waved his hand nonchalantly and the two warriors vanished.
”How long do you think it will take for the other gods to notice?” asked Shao Kahn as he entered the room.
”Not long, but long enough, “said Shinnok not bothering to even look at his youngest son, “When that happens, I will deal with it. Your only concern is keeping Outworld and regaining Edenia. Leave Earthrealm to me.”
Kahn gave a slight bow and left the room. Once out of earshot, he growled and slammed his fist in to the wall making a sizable hole.
”Master, “said Reiko, “Is there nothing we can do?”
The Emperor’s eyes flashed angrily at his most loyal warrior and said, “Not at the moment, but….” Kahn calmed down as a thought crossed his mind. “Yes, “he said, “There just might be something. Follow me.” The Emperor of Outworld then walked purposely down the hallway with his minion following.
(Scene Change)
As the sun started to set, a blue with black trim motorcycle pulled into a rest stop and parked. The rider removed his helmet to reveal the scarred face of the Lin Kuei warrior, Sub-Zero. Dismounting the bike, he walked over to one of the picnic tables to sit down. He couldn’t believe the monk’s offer to stay with them and teach. The last thing he needed to do was stay in one place for too long or have friends which could be used against him. Smoke may no longer be a threat, but there was Sektor and Cyrax to worry about. Sub-Zero stretched out his legs and looked up into the night sky to watch the stars come out, thinking of what to do next.
Instinct kicked in and screamed “MOVE!” Sub-Zero then rolled off the table and purposely fell to the ground. Rolling away and then to stand up, he heard a “Get over here!” as a rope like creature flew at him. Without thinking, he sent a wave of absolute zero to the thing freezing it instantly. Sub-Zero looked towards where it came from as the ‘rope’ hit the ground and shattered. He didn’t see anyone, but then felt a powerful, burning kick from behind. Hitting the ground again, he rolled to get out the way and back up to his feet.
’Damn, ’he thought as he saw the familiar black and yellow leather armor.
”You are letting your guard down, “came the voice as if from the grave.
Sub-Zero didn’t bother with a response outside of pulling off his shirt, revealing a well defined and muscular torso. He examined the back of the shirt to fine that there was little damage and that it was nothing a good washing couldn’t fix.
”Why didn’t you join them at the school?” the specter asked.
That surprised Sub-Zero more than Scorpion’s ‘attack.’ “What do you mean?” He asked as he pulled the shirt back on.
However, Scorpion was no longer there to answer.
(Scene Change)
”What are you doing?” Althea asked as Fujin knelt down in what appeared to be some old ruins.
”Requesting an audience with the Elder Gods, “Fujin responded seriously.
Althea just looked at the windgod for a few seconds, fighting the urge to yell out “Hello, anyone home?!” Instead, she took a deep breath and knelt down as well.
As if that was the cue, the room started to change and Althea nearly forgot to breathe as she watched the transformation. The ruin seemed to melt as it was replaced by a marble lined room with frescos of nature. ‘Now this was some major magic, ‘she thought. Then she noticed the appearance of the Elder God of Time, Kronos. He was as she remembered him from that one meeting, but seemed tired.
”You may stand, “the Elder God said with a small smile. Once the god and godslayer were standing, he continued, “You have done well, Lord Fujin. You have redeemed yourself and your office among the gods of Earthrealm has been restored to you.”
Fujin bowed and then Kronos centered his attention on Althea, “You are both a bother and a welcomed sight, Godslayer Althea.”
’At least he’s honest,’ Althea thought trying not to grin. For some reason she just could not get serious about this meeting.
”I am renewing the offer of you being allowed to declare Earthrealm as your home. Do you accept or decline?” Kronos spoke in a voice that clearly stated she had to make the choice now.
Without hesitation, the woman answered, “I accept and wish to declare Earth as my homerealm.”
”Done, “said the Elder God with something sounding like relief in his voice. This sounded the alarms in Althea head, alarms that rang even louder when Kronos ‘requested’ that Fujin leave for a few moments. Once Fujin left, Althea spoke up, “Ok, what’s wrong?”
Kronos raised an eyebrow and said, “You are aware that using such a tone when addressing an Elder God could mean a fate worse than death.”
”You’re the one who wanted to see me, “said Althea, “Although I am grateful to you for sending Fujin to find me.”
The Elder God nodded and then asked, “Rayden did tell you of the responsibilities and duties you take on by declaring Earth your home?”
”Yes, “said the woman trying to figure out where the Elder God was leading to, “He also told me it would be unlikely for me to be called upon for more than protecting the realm, which I would have done anyway.”
”Normally, that is correct, “said Kronos, “However….recent events may have changed that. The temple you sacrificed yourself to protect has been broken into and Earthrealm endangered by Outworld not once but twice. Now….” Kronos shook his head and if changing his mind about something. He then asked, “What has Rayden told you of his past?”
The sudden change in topic struck Althea as odd and really got the alarms going. “Not much, I figured that when he was ready we could talk about it, but then again we never really got much of a chance did we.”
Kronos smiled and then said, “In that case you will have a good reason to stay close to him and him you.”
”Rayden is in danger, isn’t he.” Althea said bluntly.
”Perhaps, “said Kronos, “It’s too early to tell, all I can say is for you to keep an eye on him and Fujin as well if possible.”
”Things must be bad, “said Althea, “You’re asking a godslayer to watch over gods. Mind telling me what’s going on?”
The Elder God remained silent.
Athea felt her temper rise as she said, “How the hell do you expect me to ‘protect’ Rayden if I don’t even know from what? What is it with gods and secrets?”
(Scene Change)
”You okay Rayden?” asked Liu Kang seeing the thundergod rubbing his head.
”Huh? Oh, nothing to worry about, “Rayden answered, hiding his concern behind his dark eyes. ‘Where did that sudden flare up of anger come from?’ he thought.
The three chosen and the thundergod sat around an outside wooden table, taking in the cool night air. Johnny then asked, “So Sonya, any news from Jax?”
”No, and in a sense that’s good news. That means no one is really against this project, “said Sonya, “It will take time, until then…”
”We make do, “finished Liu Kang.
Rayden wasn’t even listening to the conversation. He kept looking towards some brush on the other side of the yard. Something wasn’t right.
”You sure you okay, Rayden? No offense, but you seem distracted even for you.” asked Johnny.
”I’m fine, “said Rayden turning to answer Johnny. He suddenly fell to the ground, a grabbing his shoulder. As he fell his friends could see what appeared to be a crossbow bolt sticking out from the back of his shoulder. Liu and Sonya knocked the table over as Johnny dragged the thundergod behind it. Rayden tried to get up, but was pushed back down by the actor. The thundergod then hissed with pain, “We need to get inside.”
”Tell us something we don’t know, “said Sonya as she pulled out a small pistol from her boot. Seeing Liu glaring at the gun, she said, “Lecture me later about the no guns rule.”
Another bolt sliced through the table and hit the ground with a thud, right next to Rayden. “I don’t think that table is going to do the job, guys, and “said Johnny.
Aiming in the general direction of where the bolts were coming from, Sonya fired and then said, “You guys get him inside, and I’ll cover you.”
”What about you?” demanded Johnny.
”Guys, “said Liu as he stared in the direction of the building, “We got more company.”
The others looked and saw two ‘men’ dressed in black with gray glowing eyes. Once carried a heavy, curved sword and the other another crossbow. The one with the crossbow took aim.
(Scene Change)
Outside of the ruins, Fujin asked, “What was that all about?”
”To be honest, I’m not really sure. Perhaps….”Althea said and then fell to her knee, grabbing her should as she cried out in pain.
”What’s wrong?” asked Fujin kneeling next to her. Through clenched teeth, she answered, “Rayden’s hurt. Get me to him, now!”
Picking up her bag and then holding on to her arm, he nodded. The wind started to blow around them, blinding any view. Once the wind died down and the dust settled, they were gone.
(Scene Change)
Sonya turned to fire at the new threat. She hit the one with the crossbow knocking him back slightly; causing the bolt he was firing to miss. Aside from that, the bullet didn’t affect him.
Johnny and Liu then attacked, the actor knocking the crossbow out the hands of one attacker and Liu circled the other trying to avoid the curved sword. Sonya tried to help Rayden to his feet, knowing that there was at least one other out there. “Hurry up you over rated bug zapper, “she yelled, “We need to get you inside.”
Rayden shook his head, “Don’t worry about me, its not as bad as it looks.”
”Don’t give me that, “said Sonya as she tried to partially carry Rayden towards the house, “You’re a god! How the hell can you be hurt like this in the first place?”
Rayden winched as they suddenly turned at the sound of metal on metal, to see two swords just inches from them. One curved and the other straighter blocking its deadly arc to their backs. “I don’t think so, “said Althea eyes flashing, “Get him inside, I’ll deal with this.”
Knowing now was not the time to ask questions, Sonya attempted to do just that but Rayden was rooted to the spot. “Thea?” he whispered with disbelief. All though of his injury and the fight was momentarily gone, all that he could think was that she was there and alive. How?
Pulling out the mate of the sword she already in hand, she stood ready to attack or defend, waiting for the assassin’s next move. The figures eyes flashed briefly and then he vanished as if evaporating. “Okay, that wasn’t what I was expecting?” she said and then looked towards the others. The ones that the two men were fighting moments ago were also gone.
Liu and Johnny turned to see the strange woman, not sure what to make of her. Just then a man with gray hair in a pony tail walked out from the brush. He yelled, “The other one is gone too. Guess they didn’t want a fair fight.”
”Fujin?” asked Rayden and he would have said something more, but the pain combined with blood loss nearly knocked him out. Sonya could barely hold him up. Althea then grabbed her own shoulder and fell to one knee. She hissed, “Damn shields they’re not working.”
Liu then helped Sonya with Rayden, and then ordered, “Everyone inside!”
”You too, Fujin!” Althea said, eyes flickering as Johnny helped her up, “If you dare leave now, I swear I’ll hunt you down and make you mortal for a week!”
The End….
Next time on Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past:
”So…what’s your connection with Rayden?” asked Johnny. Althea smiled and gave the movie star a ‘Do-you-really-want-to-know’ look.
next chapter [4]