+++ Mortal Kombat: Echoes of the Past by LadyRaiden aka Raydiva +++

Note: I’m so sorry for the late update. I have a full time job which is going to say “bye-bye” in June, so I’m kinda busy looking for another job. That, have having to literally rewrite this damn thing to make sense and working on my latest sprite komic is taking up a lot of time. BTW Thanks for all the reviews! As for not updating faster, I will try but can’t promise until I find another damn job. As for Rayden needing to be more aggressive, I am happy to say that is in the works for this story. In MK: Conquest I had to hold him back since there were rules after all, which Rayden actually believed in. However since a certain emperor broke the rules and basically got away with it…again, I have a feeling the old thundergod will be ‘bending’ the rules a little more from here on out. Also, all you Subby fans please don’t kill me! Sub-Zero is a great fighter, but in this story I’m making him a bit on the young side, a little over confident and his look on the world a bit off center by being raised by the Lin Kuei. At least that’s what I’m trying for. (shrugs) Last but not least, I do plan on more fight scenes. After all this is a story based off of Mortal Kombat.

Chapter Five: Light Exercise and a Cold Shoulder

Althea woke to the unholy sound of chirping birds. With a groan, she opened her eyes and noticed she had fallen asleep on the loveseat. Not the most comfortable of beds in spite of the blanket someone was kind enough to cover her with, but not the worse either. Stretching to get the kinks out, she looked around wondering where everyone was. She then headed towards the dining room, running her fingers through her messed up hair.

In the dining room she found Liu Kang eating a bowl of something. “Morning, ”she said as she slid into a chair.

Liu nodded as he swallowed and then said, “Your stuff I over there in the corner and there’s a bathroom next to the kitchen if you’re interested, “

Althea smiled and said, “Thanks. Any plans for today?”

”Not really, “said Liu, “Only to try to get this place cleaned up so we can get this school open….eventually.” The look of interest in Althea’s face didn’t go unnoticed and Liu had to ask, “Would you be interested in signing up for the school?”

”Well, “said Althea, “My own training was sorta cut short, but I don’t know if….” She shrugged.

”How about this, “said Liu, “Go outside and we’ll see what you’re capable of, after that we can decide whether or not it would be a good idea for you to stay.”

Althea laughed slightly and said, “Fair enough, let me get changed and I’ll be out there in a few.”

(Scene Change)

About fifteen minutes later, Liu went outside to see Althea surprisingly dressed in an old fashioned gi. As she warmed up, Liu saw Sub-Zero leaning on the side of the building watching her.

”Sub-Zero, “said Liu as he approached the warrior, “I was wondering if…”

”I would spar with the woman, “said Sub-Zero in an emotionless voice, “as you watched to determine her skill. I don’t see why not; I could use some light exercise.”

Althea finished her warm-up and walked away from the building to a grassy area without saying a word. After she tightened her pony tail, she went into a sparring stance. Sub-Zero followed her, stood a few feet from and also went into a sparring stance. The only thing to be heard was the sound of the wind as it flew over the grass and rustled the distant trees. All of a sudden, Liu had a feeling that it wasn’t such a good idea but mentally pushed that feeling away. Sub-Zero may be cold, but he wouldn’t hurt the woman and he was good enough not to do it by accident. Liu then moved so he was a respectful distance away and said, “Ready?......FIGHT!”

Sub-Zero struck first with a few light but fast punches, holding back so not to harm the woman, which Althea easily dodged and even countered. Then when he tried a high kick, she was able to push the kick away such as to use his own momentum to knock him to the ground. Sub-Zero quickly jumped up and had to dodge Althea’s own low kick attack. Althea sent a punch at him and he grabbed her arm to twist it around her, but she rolled out of it and once again was able to throw him to the ground. This time when Sub-Zero stood up he looked closer at the woman in front of him.

”Is this enough light exercise for you? “Althea asked, “Because I’m getting little bored over here and was wondering when we can get to some real sparring.”

By the tone of her voice and the look on Sub-Zero’s face, Liu thought it would be wise on his part to step a little further back. The thought was confirmed when Sub-Zero send a blast of ice at the woman. Both the monk and Lin Kuei were surprised when the blast was deflected inches from her as if hitting a wall. “Okay, “she said with a smile, “My turn.” She then sent a flare of light blue flame at her opponent. Sub-Zero dodged the flare but it followed and hit him right on the butt.

’Oh crap, ‘though Liu as he debated on trying to stop the fight or get farther away from the pair.

”Look, “said Althea almost angrily, “Stop holding back already. I’m a lot stronger than I look.” To prove her point, she then went on the attack. Sub-Zero blocked and dodged the barrage of punches and kicks sent his way by the woman. Finally getting the hint, he started to return those kicks and punches.

(Scene Change)

”This is not good, “Johnny sighed as he watched the sparring from a patio.

”What’s not good?” asked Sonya as she walked onto the patio holding a cup of coffee.

”Just look at them, “said Johnny indicating the sparring match between Sub-Zero and Althea.

Sonya watched a little amazed that the woman could keep up with the ice ninja but not overly so. “She’s good, but you’ve seen good fighters before, “Sonya said and then took a sip of coffee.

”I know, but it makes me feel out of shape or something, “the actor said sadly.

”Well, “said Sonya as she tapped Johnny’s bare stomach lightly, “Maybe a little more training and fewer donuts on the set wouldn’t hurt.”

”Hey!” yelled Johnny as she walked back into the building.

(Scene Change)

They weren’t the only one’s watching the sparring match. On the roof of the oversized ranch house, the god of thunder sat watching with interest and his shields up tight. He noticed that Althea didn’t seem to be weakening from the use of her chi as she use to. It was as if she acquired another source of energy. As he considered this, the fighters froze in mid-step and the wind stopped blowing. A woman’s voice said, “Someone seems to be in a thoughtful mood. I would think you would be a little more…chipper with her returning and all.”

”What do you want?” said Rayden not bothering to look at the woman.

A white haired woman in a gray and white outfit in a similar cut to Rayden’s sat down next to him. From behind her scarf, she chuckled and said, “Don’t tell me you still mad about that red dragon thingy and me not showing up to reverse things.”

”Why are you here? “Rayden demanded with an impatient voice.

”Why are you?” the woman responded with humor still in her crystal blue eyes. This time Rayden did turn to the one that many called ‘Lady Tomorrow’ and noticed that she was looking in the direction of the fighters. “Do you know how hard it is creating a decent time bubble close to someone with such a powerful yet untrained gift like Althea’s? I go through all this trouble to visit and all I get is a cold shoulder.”

”What are you talking about? “said Rayden and then once again looked in Althea’s direction, “No….”

”Yep, “the woman said, “That fight with what’s his face woke up what was a dormant gift. Not really sure if it was the fight or that visit from Kronos during the fight that did it, but its there, awake, strong and untrained.”

Rayden closed his eyes and asked, “How dangerous is it?”

The woman shrugged and said, “She most likely knows enough of the basics to keep in under control….under normal circumstances.”

The thundergod knew that Althea often finds herself in not so normal circumstance. “What do you recommend?” Rayden finally asked.

The woman gave the thundergod an almost angry look and said, “Hello! Start practicing what you preach and think.”

”I know she needs training, “said Rayden, “But who can teach her? No one on Earth has the knowledge and if she went to Calorna there is Kuravan to worry about.”

The woman slaps Rayden on the back of the head and says, “You’re limiting yourself. Think!”

Rayden frowned as he rubbed the back of his head. The woman sighed and said in a frustrated voice, “I give up. Maybe after your meeting with the Elder Gods you’ll figure it out.”

”What meeting?” asked Rayden but found himself once again watching the sparring match that was going in full force. Suddenly a pain in his gut as if he got kicked nearly caused Rayden to fall off the building.

(Scene Change)

A sudden twinge in the back of her mind caused Althea to be distracted for a split second. A split second in which Sub-Zero was able to land a hard kick to her stomach, knocking the wind out of her. As she fell, Liu yelled, “Stop!”

Sub-Zero was the first one to reach her and as he helped her up he asked, “Are you ok?” Unable to answer, Althea just nodded as she tried to breathe.

As Liu approached the pair a bolt of lighting struck Sub-Zero throwing him away from Althea. As Sub-Zero hit the ground, Rayden appeared holding Althea close to him. Liu stopped walking and only stared in shock at Rayden’s flashing eyes glaring at Sub-Zero.

The Lin Kuei warrior stood up with a wince, unsure what really happened. One moment he was helping the strange woman up the next thing he knew he was on the ground in pain with Lord Rayden of all people holding the same woman and glaring at him.

Althea was finally able to breathe. Staring at Rayden she said, “What…do you think you’re doing?” Rayden didn’t answer just continued glaring at Sub-Zero as if trying to decide to kill him or not. Althea could sense anger and protectiveness from her soulbond. “Hmmm, guys, “she said as she grabbed hold of the thundergods arm, “Maybe you should go for now. Me and Rayden need to talk.”

The two men nodded and headed off towards the ranch house. As soon as they were out of earshot, Althea pulled out of Rayden’s arm and demanded, “What the hell was that all about?!”

Rayden sighed as he calmed down, “When I felt that you have been hurt…”

Althea said, “You decided to come to my rescue. That’s nice, but we were only sparring and it was my fault for getting distracted.”

Rayden frowned and had to admit to himself that he did go overboard. He had acted without thinking, something that seemed to be a habit of his when it came to Althea. He looked towards the trees in the distance and said, “Like you said, we need to talk.”

With a hand in the small of Althea’s back, he led her to the small grove of trees. Once there, Rayden and Althea sat down in the shade of one of the trees, without saying a word. Rayden just sat silently, looking in the distance for what seemed like hours. Althea wasn’t sure what to say or do. She knew what she wanted to do, but the knowledge of their separation was much longer and painful to him kept her from following through. His actions just a little while ago, spoke volumes but in a language which she really couldn’t understand. With Rayden keeping those shields up tight, she wasn’t sure what he was feeling.

Rayden took a deep breath and said, “Fujin explained to me what happened.” A sad smile crossed the thundergod’s face as he continued, “It was the first time we really talked with each other since….”

”I’m so sorry, “said Althea with tears in her voice, “I know there is no way that…..”

Althea didn’t get the chance to finish that thought. Rayden suddenly grabbed her upper arms to pull her to him and kissed her hard on the mouth. The thundergod’s tongue demanded entrance, with a moan she opened her mouth and her hands clenched his blue overshirt. After a few minutes, Althea broke the kiss with a gasp and said, “As much as I’m enjoying this….I don’t think this is the place for it.”

Rayden nipped the side of her neck and the pulled her closer to him. She went willingly and leaned into his chest with a sigh. Althea smiled and said with her words muffled, “At least I know you’re still interested.”

Rayden smiled at the comment and for the first time in centuries he felt complete. He then closed his eyes and asked, “What are your plans? Will you stay here at the new school?”

Althea pulled back, turned around and then leaned back into Rayden, this time her back to him and his arms wrapped around her. “That depends, “she answered, “I would like to stay, but will they have me? Especially after your little display back there. To be honest, I really don’t have anyplace else to go. And no, I am not going to stay at your place. I’ll go stir crazy being stuck and I have yet to figure out my own way there and back.”

Rayden smiled and hugged her tightly. “Fair enough, “he said, “but you will need to tell them a little more about yourself and….” The thundergod cut off abruptly and looked around with a frown. Suddenly, he felt like they were being watched.

(Scene Change)

Later that night Liu Kang, Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage, sat around the dining room table listening with great interest at what Althea was telling them.

”Another realm?” said Sonya with exasperation, “Just how many realms are there?”

Liu remained quiet, not sure to be stunned or what. This woman knew his ancestor the Great Kung Lao. Not only knew him, but was actually one of his students.

”Ok, “said Johnny, “Let me get this straight. You come from another realm where there you were a mage of some sort. After some war, you left your realm to train under Kung Lao. There you met Rayden and Fujin. You were eventually asked to defend some temple by Fujin and then somehow got sucked into yet another realm over five hundred years later. Am I missing something?”

”Not really, “Althea giving the trio a nervous smile trying to hide the fact that she didn’t tell them everything. As she heard herself tell the story, even she thought that this was enough for them to swallow for now. No point adding who she was related to, that one of her relations wanted her dead or that unique side effect her chi flames had on gods.

”Oh, what about your relationship with Rayden?” asked Johnny with a grin.

Sonya threw an empty soda can at the actor’s head. “That’s alright, “said Althea, “I believe…..you would say…..hmmm…..we’re seeing each other.”

”By seeing each other, “pressed Johnny, “Does that mean…”

A flash of bright light filled the room with a boom thunder. ”That is a private matter, “said Rayden forcibly, eyes flashing with sparks of lighting.

Everyone, but Althea nearly jumped out of their seats startled by the thundergod’s sudden and loud arrival.

Changing the subject, Liu said, “If you want, you are welcomed to stay here. Having someone familiar with magic and sorcery around will be a big help considering the type of people who have a tendency of showing up around here.”

”Well with that settled, “said Sonya in a flat voice, “I have a question for Rayden….How the hell did those crossbow bolts hurt you thunder god.”

Rayden just glared at the Special Forces agent until he felt Althea’s hand on his arm. Taking a deep breath he said, “There are ways to kill a god, even when he has not taken on mortal form. Thousands of years ago, there was a war between gods that crossed realms. During this time, weapons made of a unique metal were created. This metal is one of the few things that could harm an immortal. Since the war all known sources of the ore used to create it have been destroy as was most of the weapons made from it.”

As Rayden spoke of this war, Althea felt a flash of pain and guilt from the thundergod. There was more about this war to him at least, than what he was saying.

”So the bolts that hit you last night were made of this metal?” asked Liu.

Rayden shook his head, “Perhaps an alloy with it as one of its components, since I was able to heal so quickly after it was removed. If the bolts were purely from that metal, my injuries wouldn’t have healed any faster than if I was mortal.”

”So either it’s a new metal or someone has limited supplies of the old stuff, “said Sonya, “Wait, you said most of the weapons were destroyed. Does that mean there are still some of those weapons around.”

A half-smile appeared on Rayden’s face as he said, “I know of only two beings that carry such weapons. Shao Kahn holds a great sword made of the metal and, “Rayden looked towards Althea with a raised eyebrow, “Althea’s dual blades are also made of the same material.”

Johnny then said, “You mean to tell me you’re dating a girl that can kill you?”

Rayden looked at Althea again and with humor in his voice said, “You didn’t tell them about your ‘gift’ did you?”

”Hold it, hold it, hold it, “said Sonya as she turned to also look at Althea, “How the hell did you get those things?”

Althea shrugged and said, “They just appeared when we were fighting a dragon.”

”A dragon, “said Johnny with disbelief.

”Actually, it was a woman who fully merged with the black dragon spirit, “said Rayden without blinking.

Without missing a beat, Althea asked, “Was that before or after your evil twin showed up.”

”Evil….twin?” asked Sonya.

”After, “said Rayden, “It was just before Taja was nearly forced by that curse to kill Kung Lao.”

Suddenly all humor left Althea and she said, “Excuse me.” She got up and quickly left the room.

Rayden sensed a wave of grief from the woman, and it took a few seconds to understand what had happened. Then it struck him, she just found out yesterday that Kung Lao and the others were dead. Mentioning of the attempt on Kung Lao, must have reminded her that she would never see them again. Without a word, Rayden got up to follow her.

”Was it something we said?” asked Johnny.

Minutes later, Tanya walked in with a concerned look on her face. “I just saw Althea run by in tears, “she said in her accented voice, “Is something wrong?”

(Scene Change)

A beaten and battered Quan Chi laid on the floor at Shinnok’s feet. Sitting on Kahn’s throne, the fallen Elder God read a report from one of his spies. “It seems I almost owe you an apology socerer, “said Shinnok in an almost kind voice, “Its seems that everyone believed the godslayer was killed. Even Rayden who seems to have some sort of bond with the….mortal, thought she had died. I will let you continue with your existence for now, since you are so good at gathering information.”

Quan Chi looked up to see Shinnok was leaning forward and looking directly at him with red glowing eyes. “I want you to find out everything about the godslayer. Her history, her strengths, weaknesses….everything.”

Quan Chi bowed his head and hissed through the pain, “As you command….Master.”

The End

Next Time on MK: Echoes of the Past…..

[Johnny Cage talking] “How would you like to be in a movie?”

”That depends, “said Althea, “What’s a movie?”


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