A/N: This is what I believe I missed out in A Storm In A Teacup, things I should have said, added and such. This can stand alone however. This has been a pet project of mine for quite some time, I'm really pleased with how it turned out. :) The title is an anagram...

"Did you foresee this coming?"

Fujin shook his head, long braided hair swaying side to side.

"No one saw this coming".

Kara cast her eyes downward.

"Do you wish you had?"

Fujin did not reply, for he was not sure of his answer. His silence put an even heavier weight upon an already dire situation...

Blackness, unfathomable, the aftermath of a savage beating at the hands of her boyfriend. Smoke wasn't ever a kind man, that Kara knew. Despite her young age, she knew more than she let on. She understood what he did was abhorrent...

However, when every action he did made her flinch, scurry back, pressed against a corner of her bed chamber like a rat up a drainpipe, he would sigh, as if she should not be frightened, smoke leaving his nose in harsh exhale.

Kara knew, she knew if she hollered, if she so much as moved in an attempt of sign language, she'd be attacked.

Gods, it was wrong.

It was utterly abysmal.

By the fucking Gods...

She stopped shaking abruptly, forcing herself still. She looked Smoke in the eyes, beady shifting onyx sands and grimaced, spitting blood and a tooth out with it.

"We're done".

And, darkness engulfed her, her last sight the man who was supposed to love and take care of her charging, full force, head down like a bull towards her.

And, then, nothing. Sudden silence overtook the space, Kara's energy was rend sunder from Smoke's, his no longer existed in the room. Only wisps of grey flitted about in her minds eye.

She vaguely registered booms in the background, ever closer with each passing second. Her head unfocused, eyes closed, filling up to the brim with salt, wishing to stream down her face...

She wouldn't let it. Not anymore. Enough fluid had been spilt this day, whether from shame, guilt, passion or pain did not matter.

When you knew your life was about to end, and you could not hide from the dreaded Boogeyman, in that moment, Kara discovered her childhood fear was real.

Her childhood monster had come out from under the bed, intending on much more than merely grabbing her foot before she could hide under the covers.

The very same covers she used to cover her half naked form at the moment.

She coughed up carmine, ribs aching as she shifted onto her knees and away from the chest-of-drawers.

Silence?

Why had it fallen silent? Shouldn't her imminent demise be just that? Imminent? So then, why was it silent?

And why did silence hurt her even more? The young woman did not know what to think anymore, brain scrambled, thoughts scattered puzzle pieces, haphazardly cast onto the floor, some thrown to the wind.

Solemn, Kara lay down, fetal position giving clear indication she was vulnerable. At least several cracked ribs, potentially broken, badly bruised body, reddened lumps of flesh down her spine, covering her hips and thighs, rapidly darkening purple covered her face, a few teeth forcefully ejected from her mouth lay around her, calcium white stained crimson.

With body unable to carry her weight, and mind unable to carry mental cinder-blocks, she collapsed, obsidian cocoon awaiting her arrival to the other side.

The booms were Raiden, sensing a harshness in the mountainous regions of the Lin Kuei temple, he took a portal there. Upon hearing bellowing, thunderous hatred spitting its venom, he knew he had to act.

Rounding a corner to the dormitories, he saw a familiar man, one who had fought in the eighth Mortal Kombat tournament.

Only, he did not look so familiar here. His eyes were not light grey pools. They were jet black.

His mask was off, unshaven chin, ragged looks, staggered gait gave off intense sorrow.

Sorrow filled the God.

Tomas must have given in to the Enenra.

He shook his head of fog. His mind needed to be crystal clear here.

This is a sad turn of events.

Earthrealm had lost the eighth tournament, Shao Kahn already proposed a ninth, knowing full well the former did not have the men, the capabilities to fight the Emperor's realm.

Shao...

Raiden corrected himself.

No. He growled. Quan Chi and Shang Tsung have Earthrealm in the palm of their hands, and the Emperor and his men at their disposal.

His thoughts were disrupted, disturbed by a harrowing cry coming from the direction Smoke gazed in to. A woman's voice?

Wait.

Lady Tiama had told him that Smoke was in a relationship with her daughter, Kara.

His heart sank, lead weight yanking it into his stomach. It lurched as if sailing on treacherous seas.

Kara!

He sprinted towards Smoke, tackling him to the ground. Smoke teleported right beside the woman he had heard, the sight causing the light rainfall to become a heavy downpour in seconds.

A bloodied Kara lay, wrapped in once cream sheets, eyes closed, not moving, despite the freezing temperature.

Worry gnawed, claws tearing holes in the thunderer's gut. Lightning flared around him, commanded by practised hands.

Smoke moved, not at all panther-like as he once did, stalking his prey, before teleporting, catching them off guard and killing them swiftly. His movements reminded him of Bo Rai Cho, unsteady, flimsy. A well timed gust of wind could topple him.

The difference however? Bo was drunk, his type of fighting based off old Drunken Master style.

Smoke was drunk on power, lusting for more like a harlot for koin.

Raiden was in no mood for games. He tired watching people he cared for fall, one by one.

If he had to kill in order to save, he...

His vows...

Vows he damned, alongside ancient guidance.

Kara will die if I do not intervene.

Two voices played tag in his mind, each taking turns to be 'it'.

One was Fujin, his faithful friend. Like a younger brother, he advised caution, stay his hand, cease the storm and concentrate on disarming the assailant, before incapacitating them.

The latter voice Raiden did not like. His dark presence spoke, usually a silent, invisible spectator. Dark Raiden spoke up, voice loud, imposing.

Spilling his blood makes no difference to Earthrealm's plight. What it does do, however, is save an innocent mortal's life. Does Kara not deserve to be saved?

Raiden squared up to the man, the latter getting ready to lunge at him. The God took one last look at the prone woman and made his choice. A loud crack lighting up the night sky signalled a decision.

Smoke would pay in blood. It would not matter, it would be washed away via the rain, the raindrops that fell within the cracks...

A day later

Kara awoke sore, unable to move her body. Panic set in, skating over her with bladed implements of torture, each twitch needles deep in her skin. Cooling mauve waves eased the pinch, forcing Kara to open her eyes again. She looked up into the eyes of her Mother, Father behind her. He paced, arms folded.

Tiama sighed, long, sympathetic.

"She's awake, Jin".

Jin span around, so fast his head hadn't yet caught up. He swayed, using the waist height drawer a few meters away to lean against.

"Dad?"

He turned. "Oh, Kara. Gods...", he stopped short of saying much, lower lip trembling.

"It isn't your fault". Kara sat up, with help from her Mother. "It isn't anyone's but my own".

Tiama's eyes widened, a loud gasp tore from Jin's throat.

"Never! Do not blame yourself for Smoke's folly". The Goddess looked away temporarily. "We should have seen it. I should have seen it. Why didn't I see it?"

Kara held her head, sickness settling, taking away any comfort the spongy mattress or her parent's presence with it.

"Look, I'd love to talk about it, but I am about to throw up, and I'd rather it be in a toilet". She said that in haste, tone as if holding back bite. She used her voice to apologise. "Sorry. I, I don't do well with coddling or feeling like my insides are trying to evacuate via my mouth". She kept her eyes on her Mother's. "Please, forgive me".

"Don't need to say that, sweetheart. We know you aren't mad at us". Her Dad waved her off. "'sides, you take after me there. I sound pissed off all the time, but I'm not".

The most beloved women in his life laughed, him joining in seconds later.

"Help me up?"

Kara's eyes gained 'puppy' quality. They never failed to melt her parent's hearts.

"Of course" Tiama smiled, putting her arms around Kara's waist. She extracted her from the bed as safely as she could, standing her up. "I have cleaned, and healed your wounds, set your ribs and done what I could for the swellings. We have paracetamol, just in case".

Kara giggled. Despite her Mother's abilities, they could still rely off good old pain meds.

She snorted softly.

"Thanks Mom". The young woman stuck out a hand when she hobbled past her Father. He took it, squeezing it gently, goofy smile cheering her up. "One question. Where in the Netherrealm am I?"

That question was answered almost immediately upon leaving the room...

Kara bumped into someone as she stumbled into the corridor. Her head shot up, regretting the action, splitting agony returning. She wobbled, Tiama's hand on her chest steadying her, stopping her daughter from falling forward.

Kara moved her head back up, slower this time, having learned her lesson. She squinted, recognition hitting her like a truck.

"Lord Raiden?!" Her eyes returned to her Mother. "I'm in the Heavens?" She mumbled. "Sure doesn't feel like it". She bowed her head, hair covering her face, a rogue one ending up in her mouth. She spat it out, lacking any composure or grace.

"Forgive me and my haste. I'm not feeling too good".

Raiden shook his head.

"Not at all, Kara. It is usual after", he paused, unsure how to phrase prior day's events, "what occurred yesterday. You are in my home, and safe here".

The God kept his tone reassuring, millennia honing it. Hazel eyes looked into crackling, red?

Red?

She must be seeing things...

After some time, awkwardness grew, pregnant in stagnant air.

"I appreciate it, Lord Raiden". His eyes remained scarlet, This unnerved the girl, little shivers taking her. She pulled herself up, drawing all the strength she could muster. Offering a hand, she wasn't quite sure if that was 'protocol' but she did it anyway.

The thunderer tilted his head, as did Tiama. She was amused, eyes crinkling with mirth.

Raiden shook her hand, nodding.

"You're welcome".

Kara smiled graciously.

"Now, again, forgive me, as I feel really rough and might throw up". She shifted. "Could you, um, not be here? I don't like being listened too. It's gross enough already". Childishness came out in full force.

Bowing her head again, Kara hobbled into the bathroom.

Looking into the mirror would be something she'd regret for some time...

A few days passed, finding Kara able to walk without aid, sat on a stool in the kitchen. fingers wrapped around a mug of cardamom tea.

"Wanna talk about it?"

Jakal strolled down the stairs, affixing his gauntlets. Kara looked behind her shoulder.

"Not sure". She sucked in a breath, scent particles wafting upwards. The fragrance soothed her. "Okay". She let out the breath.

Jakal sat in front of her, a hand on her spare, and an elbow on the counter, his head in that hand.

"Either way, I sound like an idiot. Who stays with someone like that? It was obvious he was struggling".

Her Father's eyes took a murderous glare off into the distance, the glare failing its purpose, it's intended assailant already dead.

"One, don't ever say you are an idiot again. Two, people who fear they will lose the only one who cares for them. They may also be threatened if they do try to leave".

Kara butted in. "I had neither thought nor threat against me. So, why didn't I leave?"

Jakal finished his prior words.

"Three? Struggling isn't an excuse to hurt others. He could have easily come to me, and your Mother. We'd have listened, looked for a way to help keep him out of evil's clutches".

Kara blinked. "Evil?"

"Didn't he tell you?" Kara's face was indicating that she did not understand. "Enenra? Soul thieves? They took Smoke's soul when he was child. They kidnapped him, replacing his with one of their own. That's where his abilities came from. Being able to vanish into thin air? Controlling the air around him? Enenra did that. They were a dying species of necromancers, their bodies wilting, decaying ironically. They needed new hosts. What better than a human child?"

If his daughter's eyebrows increased their motion any further, they'd be grazing her hairline.

"He could have told me", she mumbled, "he said he ran away when he was little, nothing of the rest though".

"He wouldn't have. I only found out through Grand-Master, he informed me on the off chance Tomas came to me for guidance. I told your Mother, thinking you already knew. We knew you would accept him, no matter what". He growled, forming a fist, knuckles white with effort. "If only I'd have realised he wasn't at all well. The wounds he sustained in the eighth tournament weakened his body. His mind followed soon after. How long had he been, hurting you?"

Saying that caused sonorous silence, malignant sorrow.

Kara spoke up after some time, finishing her tea, the clinking sound the porcelain made pulled her Father from his daze.

"Who does that to a child? That's disgraceful". Keen, sharp ears girl pulled him up. "Had he been?" She looked around, a few seconds of wondering if Smoke was nearby, injured but alive. Raiden wouldn't have killed him.

Right?

Jakal's face dropped.

Would he?

Her Father's next action threw her, grabbing her head, throwing it about, and clutched her heart, sticking barbs in it, for good measure.

He nodded. Kara went white, sickly pale. She wobbled, Jakal's hands shooting out to keep her upright.

"Kara, he had too! He couldn't stop him otherwise, the Enenra's soul was powerful from having a host for so long".

Kara felt torn, the news scissors to stressed strings. Half of her wanted to faint, believe this was all one terribly long nightmare.

The other half wanted to strangle Raiden, slap him, in frustration mainly. The least the God could have done was incapacitated the man, saved her life, then let her question both.

Killing him? How final, how deceitful...

The woman folded her arms, refusing to look at her Father.

"Isn't that against his vows? Huh? Isn't it? I fucking hated Smoke, but I loved him too! Couldn't he have let me have a moment with Tomas? Fuck", she pinched her nose, "cuff him if need be!"

Jakal cut her off. "That wouldn't work, Kara. He could turn into smoke, phase through the cuffs".

Despite herself, Kara laughed.

"Bind him?" She sniffled. "Yes, he beat me. Yes, he maimed me. Yes, he spoke to me like shit! But, he was my heart! He had it. I mean, yeah, he squished it, but, all couples have fights, right?" Hazel looked to green for confirmation. When she didn't receive any, she continued. "Dad? Please". She waved her hands, ignoring biliousness. "Say something! Why did Raiden kill Smoke?!"

"Because I had to".

Raiden's voice made her jump. She would have hit the floor were it not for her Father flying around the counter-top, arms wrapped around her.

Kara sobbed into his shoulder, unable to look at the offending deity.

She choked out, "I...why?"

"He had been hurting you for months, hadn't he? That is not how you treat anyone, especially not those you claim to care for. He did not care for you. I could not ignore your screams. I have an obligation to keep people safe".

The young girl let out weak laughter.

"No. You have an obligation to keep Earthrealm safe. Not a lowly, obnoxious girl. Should have let me die".

Both men openly stared, Jakal's mouth agape, Raiden's barely staying in a controlled thin line. Kara bravely looked at the God, noting his eyes were the usual mix of white and blue.

"I could not do that".

"You could". Kara argued.

"He wouldn't have done that. It isn't just about Earthrealm, Kara. Its about much more than that". Jakal defended. "Raiden's roots run deeper than we know".

Kara shook her head.

"Should'a strangled me with those 'roots'".

Raiden squinted, looking away for a second, composing himself. Kara saw it, the glint of maroon. She chose not to mention it.

"I cannot say I understand your situation, but you must understand I only meant to save your life. I did not intend on killing Tomas until I saw merely stopping his assault would only deter him temporarily. Enenra are powerful spiritual beings, their time is spent whittling down the host's defences. It ate away at his mind, ever so slowly. You attempted to care for him, regardless, but he was unable to truly return your affections".

The telepath tch'ed, tone condescending and rather rude.

"And how would you know that? He didn't tell me about what he was. I thought him human, regardless".

Jakal coughed, Kara's eyes flying to his. He was unable to look at her.

"Dad?" His body language fuelled suspicion. "What did you tell him?"

"I told him from beginning flame to, dying embers".

Kara gasped, mouth an 'o'.

"Is nothing sacred anymore? Told him about", worry flitted, lips sucked in along with cheeks, 'that night? Please say no".

Cheeks hollow, face gaunt, she asked her Dad with her eyes.

"No, Kara. Lord Raiden only knows that Smoke's behaviour in lessons deteriorated, his attitude soured. That must have been the build up I missed".

Kara rolled her eyes, moving towards the sofa.

"You all missed it. I can't say I blame you though, didn't exactly shout it from the rooftops. Guess I didn't want to make him upset".

She plopped down.

He was already upset, darling. I doubt you could have exacerbated it.

"Mom?" A knock on the door prompted a hand to raise. Kara tried to open it using her mind, only managing a sputtering of clot from her nose, before blood ran out. She cursed, Raiden at her side in seconds, tea towel in hand. She took it, putting it under the offending article, pinching the bridge to stem the flow.

Jakal patted her back, and answered the door.

"I apologise Kara, I only wish for your safety and well-being".

Raiden's calm tone wasn't washing with her, she'd heard it before. He'd had millennia to sound like he gave a damn.

"Question is", she paused, am I really safe here? I saw the red, the intent that lay behind it. Not quite sure I am safe here.

She didn't get an answer. She didn't expect one.

Over seven months, Kara regained strength, mental and physical. Mental icebergs were conquered, physical limits pushed. Each time Raiden came home, he looked worse for wear, the ninth tournament taking its toll.

Eyes once bright with bolt frissons? There were less bolts now, their light not as gleaming.

Straight-backed stance, strong, decisive, moving through the air with grace? It looked more to be haste to her. Haste for several reasons. Posture a tad off, and she noticed a hunch.

He might have been a God, even Gods had their moments. Ones of tired reticence, facades masking anguish.

If something dire had happened, he wasn't about to tell her. And, though she could find out via his mind, her respect quelled curiosity.

The young woman wanted to help him, repay his generosity. She started off by making sure the house was spic and span, all chores were done with due care and attention.

Raiden's cat, Farren was well fed, kept happy with toys she'd fashioned from shoelaces and string. Her name struck a chord with the telepath, she was sure she had heard it somewhere before. After some digging via books (there wasn't any WiFi here), her guess was correct. Farren was Gaelic for 'thunder'.

A grey, white maned kitty? Kara liked that her name meant the same as Raiden's.

Rather rotund? Stubby legs? Bushy tail? Farren was majestic, despite her belly falling to one side as she attempted to sit on the woman's lap.

Short? Again, no. The God stood at seven foot, making the woman look like a child. Easily dwarfing her took no effort...

Still, she wasn't fond of looking younger than she was. She'd worked out to look older, began wearing makeup and clothing alongside that. That lasted until she'd sweat it off, mascara dripping into her eyes, down her cheeks, foundation all over the collar of her blouses. It wasn't for her, being stereotypically 'feminine'.

When Raiden was there, she would make him tea, or something stronger, if need called for it. She'd 'borrowed' Jakal's carafe of rum, the aged oak barrel sort. The kind that gave your throat a quick sting as it slid down. Sweetness bloomed next, earlier twinge eradicated.

She sipped it, hiding grimaces. Raiden drank it like a man who knew how to drink.

Kara didn't know whether to snort or chuckle. Either way, she'd choke on the liquor, she just knew an errant drop would end up going down her air pipe, bringing solitude to an abrupt end in fits of coughing...

She smiled, looking towards the vacuum cleaner. She'd listen to music (she'd have to thank her Mother for bringing her phone) whilst doing housework. Music had the uncanny effect of taking her away from it all.

She could do with that, just for a bit.

Little by little, her trust in the thunderer increased. She took care of his wounds, despite his protests. He may have been a God, but even Gods bled, bruised, felt pain. The onsen was a welcome sight after a long days of hard fought battles, watching new kombatants dropping like flies had his blood run cold.

The onsen's healing warm waters eased battle scars on his body. They did not manage to melt the ice in his veins.

He'd been hardened by wars, seen many conflicts. None made witnessing death any easier.

"Raiden? Can I chat to you for a second?"

Kara finished steeping chamomile tea, getting out two china cups. She took a breath, turning, attempting to be brave.

"I ought to apologise". Raiden tilted his head. "I immediately assumed you just killed Smoke, that you didn't think about it. You saved me, yet I blamed you, as if you did me wrong. You didn't". Hazel eyes watered. She contorted her mouth in mortification. "I am so sorry".

Raiden showed concern, allowing himself a moment of tranquillity upon being handed a cup, inhaling herbal steam.

"You were rightly upset, anxious. I did what I believed was the right thing to do, despite it going against my tenets. I would not harm anyone without cause, especially concerning murder. My heart was, and still is heavy from what I did".

Kara nodded. "I", she sighed, "I want to understand, and accept it, but I feel like, were I awake, I could have done something". She looked up into cotton white eyes innocent, heart on her sleeve. "You took care of me, despite my whinging. Bet I look like a spoilt brat. Anything I can do to assist Earthrealm, I will".

The God knew she wanted to fight, throw herself into the fray. He shuddered at the thought. He wasn't letting her get injured again, or worse, butchered on front of him.

"I am capable, Lord Raiden". A determined smile plastered itself on her face.

"I have heard this, I have not seen it".

Kara's eyes widened.

"Is that a challenge?"

Thunder swirled around, colouring the sky grey hues.

"Okay. Is that meant to frighten me". Sudden sound made her jump. She cursed, acutely aware of the thunderer's triumphant smirk. She waved her hands, a 'bring it' call.

Kara stretched each limb carefully, then her back, neck and knuckles. Necessary deep breaths were taken on her part, Raiden looked his usual self. Nothing phased him, or so it appeared.

The two walked outside, neither wishing to destroy the home.

An hour passed, Kara in the onsen, whining pitifully. She'd lost, effectively making friends with the concrete beneath her feet. Thoroughly got her ass kicked, though, not too much. Raiden only made sure to get his point across. Enough to drum it in, not too much to actually maim her.

She wasn't ready. This cut her deeply, almost twenty-seven years of training rendered useless in one night.

The heat helped take the pinch off the swelling's littering her body. Healing magic woven into the water whisked away nerves from wondering how the kontest was going. How Sub-Zero and her Father were faring. Last she'd heard from her Mother, Scorpion had challenged the Lin Kuei leader again, under false pretences.

It was Quan Chi telling him to attack, not his own mind, his own voice. Kara was sure that despite the man's hatred of her leader and the clan, he would not simply attack, when given an opportunity. He had morals at some point.

Quan had taken those morals, corrupted them, created himself a valiant but severely misguided puppet...

Three weeks later

Head in her hands, elbows on her knees, Kara openly cried. Jakal stood before her, informing her of Sub-Zero's death. He, alongside other kontestants begged Scorpion not to kill the cyromancer, telling him of Quan's trickery, hoping somewhere, the man inside him listened.

He didn't.

He dragged the leader to the Netherrealm, returning only with a skull still attached to his spine cords...

Kara screamed, world hazy, paint on wet canvas. Jakal shot up, jumping to attention as she slumped to the floor, thunderer beside her.

Neither man would cry, that would be stubbornly kept inside.

Neither would touch her either, not whilst her soul was shattering, her body bare, mind raw.

A week ago

Shao Kahn's palace

Outworld

Shao peered at the vision Shang Tsung had in front of him. It showed a girl, surroundings pleasant, blindly peaceful blue hues signalled the Heavens. She was cleaning, humming quietly.

"And why are you showing me this?"

Black hair felt over the man's face, hiding malice.

"Kara Amakura, daughter of the Goddess Tiama and Lin Kuei General Jin 'Jakal' Amakura. I have designs for a puppet too, Emperor. Quan has Scorpion, you have Sindel. You see, Kara is a telepath, has moderate healing abilities and can manipulate her environment. I can twist that, make her yield to you. She'd be a valuable asset to Outworld and it's fight, a grandiose statement Emperor. Steal her right from under Raiden's nose".

Amber eyes oozed curiosity as the ruler gazed upon the moving images. He weighed up his options.

He quickly tired of Sindel's screeching, her pleas for him to love her. The word soured in his gut, threatening to bring up what he'd eaten earlier.

Quan had Scorpion, the heat from his wrath scorching, he eviscerated those who got in his way.

The girl, she wasn't intimating at all. Shao scoffed, the blind little thing had no idea of the danger she was in. Nonchalantly, she began singing, her tone not too off-putting, sorting away groceries, doing 'mortal' things, the 'mortal' way.

The Emperor growled. Kara perked up, taking out an earbud. She looked around, concern sweeping across her face.

"Is she aware she is being watched?"

Shang shook his head.

"She isn't smart enough to know. She will not find out, I am certain of it".

Manly pride filled the ruler as she moved back, the thought he'd frightened her pleasing him. He was not to be trifled with. Fingers worked about his jaw with purpose, the two sorcerer's beside him eagerly awaiting his answer.

He'd made a decision.

"Find her, bring her to me. Firstly, Raiden and the remaining kombatants attention must be taken from our plans".

Shang squinted.

Our?

Quan, upon seeing his fellow's dejected look chimed in.

"Sindel can take the warrior's attention, round them up, slaughter them like cattle". He chuckled, a deep, raspy hack. "Shang and I will find and execute Liu Kang and Kung Lao. This will crush Raiden, taking his beady eyes off the Heavens, his home, and, more importantly, Kara". He bowed. "I shall create a husk immediately, Shang will reanimate it, and she will be your servant, to do with, as you so please".

Shao liked the sound of that, he liked that sound of that indeed...

The next day

Vines thrashing, green swimming in her vision, something wrapping around her chest, throttling her. Lungs begged for life giving oxygen, blood deprived of it. It drained from her face, scarlet seeping from delicate skin, flower white, raised veins with pearl shine. Warmth left her nose, Kara vaguely registered drips on the carpet, random spots ruining plush faux fur, staining it with violence.

Crimson violence from men who sought her silence.

Undue torture, bloodied toil, no longer in this mortal coil.

They'd be her ruin.

Limited movement, gasping for air, Kara phased out, embracing death as a long lost friend.

The same day

Upon finding the battered bodies of Liu and Kung, Raiden was distraught. A broken, less veritable God. Now, more a man, mere mortal, feelings flooding him he hadn't felt in that quantity before.

All he saw was death, the death of those who took his friends away. Who took the men he thought of as sons away. Long held frustration turned to anguish, draining the hold his morals had on him. They lessened their hold, once so tight, they constricted everything he did. Thoughts were all he had, those could cheer or chill him. Dark Raiden perked up during those times. Shinnok gave in to his darkness. Raiden would not.

No matter how badly it stung, no matter what life threw at him. He would remain good, steadfast.

As long as his mind agreed, he would be okay.

His mind did not agree. It brought up everything negative in nightmares, out the corner of his eye, cheeky imp scurrying around, laughing at his indecisiveness.

Being kind wasn't effective, it did little to stop heinous crimes being committed.

It took the remaining energy he had left to return to the Jinsei chamber, shut exhausted eyes and meditate, lest he lose himself.

Lest you lose yourself...

Hearing Kara had been taken made the hole in his chest increase. He could shove his hand in there now, rip it out himself. Be done with the useless, feeling organ. Throw it onto rough stone, see it sliced open before he perished. Cast his soul from this realm, leave a coward. Die a martyr to the cause. He had little to live for now.

Elder Gods could be just as fickle as mortals when it came to the heart...

A week of furious activity at the palace to bring Shang's vision to life, the naked body of Kara to his right, a formless husk to his left. To implant the soul, Shang took away Kara's most treasured possession.

Her amethyst. Her link to everything that mattered to her.

Her soul, rather pretty in his view shimmered mauve as he siphoned it from her form. He felt something pluck at him, twinges gnawing, pawing at his chest. Did he feel sorry for the woman? He wasn't as barbaric as his counterpart, Quan, he much preferred less bloodshed. He favoured wickedness, latent malcontent just beneath his cracked surface.

He painted over his flaws, skilled brush eradicating scarred visage.

He returned to the task at hand, eyes following the soul stream. Kara's hand twitched, magic glazed over. Shang stopped that, using his own to trap it, take it away and into the crystal. Forgoing mixed emotion, he practically cooed to her, sooth her anguish, as one did a child following a bad dream.

Pretty little marionette? Yes, that's what he intended to create.

Marionette sounded less macabre than puppet...

Quan entered the husk chamber, Shang's creation lay before him. Shang could not animate it, he had been beaten bloody by Raiden. He did not kill him, but battered the man to within an inch of his life. His shattered body, bruises in varying shades lay in the same room as Kara, a tainted Jinsei chamber. Quan heckled his fellow, laughing loudly at how Raiden had turned.

Possibly another Shinnok?

If he became his dark altered form, he was done for however, not just each and every realm.

Quan must exercise caution, concentrate on this 'Viper', the name Shang gave her, he'd combined Kara's DNA with snake DNA. The horror his magic inflicted caused Viper's blood to contain venom, necrotic, fluorescent green ooze.

He would be her master, not Shang, or Shao, no matter what the deluded Emperor chose to believe.

Viper clutched her chest, rolling onto her side, hissing at cold stone against her skin. She choked, unable to breathe. Quan rolled his eyes, turning, pinning her upper half down with his hands on her shoulders. The man had to teach her to do the most basic things. Whilst he loathed this, it had to be done.

"Stop. Push out your stomach, inhale air through your nose". Wild purple eyes teared up. "Exhale through your mouth". He watched as the girl did as he asked. "Good".

She opened her mouth to speak, again, she couldn't. How to articulate words, the clone watched how the man's mouth moved. He'd say her name, enunciating each letter, syllable.

Vee per?

Vi per?

Viper?

She smiled.

"Viper".

Despite his earlier hesitance, Quan found himself smiling. She was learning quickly.

"Good, very good".

Perhaps Shang hadn't made a mistake after all...

Viper next tried to walk, Quan preparing a secondary formless husk on the off chance the 'girl' went and killed herself somehow. She tumbled down stairs, tripped over her own feet, hissing as she went. Three forms destroyed themselves, aforementioned breaking her neck, the second strangled by Shao in a blind fit of rage.

The final girl? She attacked a servant, the servant lashed out, a shard of pottery in his hand striking out, no direct path. It sliced her jugular, energy pouring all over the floor.

Furious, Quan pushed himself and Shang's energy to the limit, determined to create perfection.

And, he had. The fifth grew quickly, knowledge sponge, her mind in the state it should be.

She went straight to Shao, fawning as if she knew what she was doing, trying an ever so graceful bow.

In return, Shao tested her, body coloured purple, splotched carmine. The Emperor stayed his hand, not quite ending her 'life', merely letting her know he was not one to be trifled with.

The problems came when Viper began showing signs she was like Mileena, her clone type the same used to create the clone of his 'daughter'. Here and there, the woman flirted, gave off signals, scents that she were more than willing to make him happy, amenable to Quan, so he could strike when the man's guard was down. Long brown hair would be twirled, mauve eyes wicked, slits widening, plush muted pink lower lip bitten, roses in her cheeks, slight curves given just the right amount of sway as she walked by, dressed in form fitting black attire...

Not that Shao would give in to her. A god wouldn't lay with a mortal, the thought twisting his gut.

Sindel wasn't useful to him any longer, however. Her body was used, she was dried up, old, withered, whereas, Viper was young, new. She knew no man's hand, holding no experience of anything.

There was more than one way to mould her.

If she only knew him, she would serve only him, not Quan or Shang.

The night Viper came to him of her own accord? She entered the chamber innocent. Shao was judge, jury, and she signed her own death warrant.

She was found guilty in that very chamber, again and again, the verdict surprising none, bar one.

Quan.

Livid, the man grabbed the recovering Shang Tsung and demanded his magic pull Viper back to them. Shao couldn't be allowed to corrupt their work. He would slaughter her at some point, having 'killed' Sindel multiple times during acts neither man wished to think about. The chamber was far enough away so they couldn't quite hear the results of those acts...

Still, Viper had to be returned to them, lest the Emperor parade her dead form around, a necrophiliac 'trophy'.

Seven months later

SF Military Kamp

Earthrealm

"Isn't anyone here?" Viper hollered. "Hey! I'm invading your kamp and no one is stopping me!" This was easy, far too simple. Shao sent her to Earthrealm, to spy on the surviving ninth Kontest kombatants, Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage. Rumours surfaced the two were engaged, wanting to put an end to the violence, purge the streaks of their comrades blood from their minds.

Only, neither were here at that moment in time, no energy signatures lingered in the air. This struck the clone as strange. Why abandon their only resource? She looked around, the place of sanctuary clearly having been ransacked at one point or another. Perhaps that is why the survivors left? Were they no longer in Earthrealm?

Viper would remain, scour the place down, nooks and crannies included.

Same day

The Heavens

Raiden's Home

Ripples, threadbare came through the front door, snaking, river tributaries around devastation, a family, ripped apart by the loss of their daughter, their only child, swept away by roiling waves. Dull lilac fused with shiny, glimmering obsidian took the occupants by surprise, until one blurted out something that caused hope's flame to reignite in their hearts...

"Do you see that?"

Jakal looked up from stupor, rubbing glazed over eyes, sore from sorrow.

"Yeah, yeah, I do".

Tiama shot up, hand interacting with the energy.

"There's malice", she continued quickly, not giving her husband time enough to process her words, "the black energy. See? But, Kara's energy is there too. It isn't hers alone however. Black is what you get when you mix all colours together."

Jakal gave a nod as to keep her going. His mind stuck on mentioning their child's name. He stopped listening after that.

"Kara's alive, I feel her life force, though, it isn't entirely her".

Jakal felt a pull, though his abilities were not similar to his wife's. In turn, he could not sense her as she could.

"My bet is if it's evil energy, and not entirely hers, its the sorcerers that have her. They were conveniently absent during the last battles we had".

He shivered. The reason he were alive? His wife. She got to the chapel too late to save his allies, creating a portal and pulling him, Sonya and Johnny through it. They'd missed Shao by mere seconds, the man ready to strike down any survivors of Sindel's attack, Wrath Hammer in hand.

"Yes, I feared that so".

Raiden's voice had the two jump, despite them being in his home. They hadn't seen him in a few days, the God taken to quiet solitude, staying in his room to think.

"I feel a disturbance in Earthrealm, though it is not one I recognise. I will travel there. If it is, indeed the form of Kara, I shall need your amulet, Lady Tiama. It will weaken her considerably. We must then go to Outworld, retrieve Kara's body and fuse her soul in the Jinsei chamber".

Tiama wanted to go with him, eyes watery, silent sobs meant implore.

Raiden would not grant this. Were this shift Kara, whatever it was that held her soul, the thunderer refused to let her parents see that.

They'd been through enough.

So had he, though, he had not the choice of staying here. His duty was to Earthrealm, and to Earthrealm he must leave.

That evening

SF Military Kamp

Earthrealm

Fucking realm. Easy peasy! Loot this place, report back to Shao. 'bout as simple as it gets. This isn't a challenge. That asshole lied. Where's the fight?

Viper paused, gait shifting, steps stealthy, silent.

"Hello? Someone willing to show their face?" She looked at her nails, checking for dirt. "I'm bored".

Raiden walked from behind a desolate tent, fabric ripped in several places.

"Boredom only comes to those unwilling to do something".

Viper spun on her heels, despite their height, she didn't falter. Raiden's heart flew into his throat, puking it up promptly a viable option...

It was Kara, her form, at least. The differing parts were what the God looked for, anything to help himself ignore the fact that, this woman that had Kara's soul meant that Kara was in mortal danger. He wasn't about to fight the Lin Kuei girl.

A pale imitation? Yes.

Viper looked at the sky, purest linen flashes lit it up, beacons of this man's power. Droplets hitting her head indicated a passing storm?

"I know you". She clicked her fingers, nails sharp, a harsh twang. "Flashes, rain, you aren't a mortal, that's for sure".

Raiden squinted. Whomever created this woman did not give her adequate brain power...

"Flashlight? Yeah!" She pulled off her mask, grinning widely, vibrant amethyst eyes shimmering. "Flashlight sounds good".

Grey eyes turned blue, crackling sparks covering his arms. Her canines were sharp, pupils slits...

Shang Tsung.

Light-bulbs blew in his head.

Viper grew wary.

"Yeah, okay. Don't throw a fit. Ya look like you've seen a ghost".

Raiden looked away.

"I have. One I had hoped not to encounter. I am Lord Raiden, protector of Earthrealm, God of thunder. You intrude on my realm, and I ask you to leave".

Viper scoffed. "You this, you that. Where's my respect? Can't respect a God if he don't respect me. It's Viper, old man".

She bowed, giving a view of her chest akin to what the God had seen during what mortals called 'celebrations'. His gaze returned to her, her eyes, nowhere else. He did respect her, the guise she took anyway...

"You'd do well to return the gesture. I respect who you are, not what you are. Shang Tsung created you, did he not?"

Viper nodded, freely admitting anything. Raiden took advantage of this.

"In the Flesh Pits? Kara's form lies in there, does it not?"

Again a nod.

"You already knew that, so, why ask me? There's nothing here. May as well leave, get back to my Master".

Raiden's swallowed, throat bobbing.

"Shang?"

The shake of her head confirmed the worst possible outcome.

"Shao, silly". She teased, forked tongue flicking. "Really. Couldn't Earthrealm be better protected? A senile old fool? Please. Spare me, lest I start laughing".

Raiden phased out, pallor. Shao owned her. She was a mere possession, in the grand scheming plans of a lumbering, power mad dictator. He would use, abuse and employ scare tactics to keep Viper on side, keep Kara weakened, unable to protest as he violated her soul.

"Leave here, now. Your presence is unwanted".

"Do I sense concern?" Viper giggled. "Ah! Not for moi, but for that thing on the slab. She's a husk, Flashlight, barren, alone and hopelessly terrified. I sense it, every time I am near her. It makes me happy, Shao does".

Booms increasing in volume and closeness closed the gap in the sky, indigo ink bottle spilled, engulfing the page, saturating it.

"Happy? You do not know happiness. Shao manhandling you? That is NOT happiness. You know nothing other than being damaged. Shang created an abomination, one that must be destroyed. I do not wish to harm her, but I must harm you".

"You sound ashamed of Kara. Wasn't she hurt, just like me? She hated it. I enjoy it. Pleasure without pain is pointless. We all have an edge, Raiden. Its who and how they push you off it that matters. I can wax poetic too, see. I may be little over six months old, but I wasn't born yesterday".

The beginnings of Dark Raiden flared, Raiden's mouth twitched as she struggled to hold back, the urge to strangle the girl overwhelming.

When he closed his eyes, they were blue.

When he opened them, they were red.

The urge peaked.

"If you learn through pain", he took out Tiama's amulet, "then so be it".

Viper flinched, stepping back cautiously, heels clicking on smooth stone.

"Bring it, old man".

The amulet shot out brilliant mauve hues, light emitted brighter than the sun. It hit the snake in the chest, knocking her off her feet, draining her life energy. Veins stuck out, eyes bulged, fingers clenched as she writhed on the ground.

"Crawl back to Shao, but, know this". Raiden stalked up, fear prominent in her eyes, a battle for morals in his, fusion of passive and aggressive. "I will find you, I will rescue Kara and end your existence. You did not ask to be created, nor ask to die, but, you will perish. I say to it. Upon my honour".

"Dishonour", Viper corrected, lacing the floor with spit and venom. "You're all talk. You wish to kill me, don't you?"

Raiden sighed, his internal battle won, raging dark side put to rest.

"I seek to end what you are, not whom you masquerade as. Now, go".

Viper stood, wobbling. She felt drunk, woozy.

"Fine. Done talkin' anyways. You believe Shao is a danger, huh? If he was, surely he's have taken Earthrealm for his own by now? Why cease his attack when he's on the brink of victory?"

That sounded like Kara, Kara would say something like that. Raiden allowed himself a smile. She was right too.

She was in there somewhere, he was sure of it.

Viper walked towards the portal area of the kamp.

"I'll respect you if you leave Shao alone".

Raiden shook his head.

"I cannot do that, not after what he was done".

Viper walked through the portal, not looking back.

So be it. Don't bother preparing for war, 'God of thunder'. Shao's already won.

Viper could be right, given what little remained of Earthrealm's defences.

Raiden needed a plan. He needed Sonya and Johnny's help. Calling upon them, so soon after losing their comrades wasn't right.

But they were all he had left.

Sonya and Johnny sat in the living area of Raiden's home three days later, being given all necessary information. The two withered, the Jinsei easing but not fully healing them. They needed more time, time that wasn't available to spare.

"Shang and Quan kidnapped your daughter?" Johnny's disbelief earned him a fierce glare from Sonya. "Shit".

Always matter-of-fact, the blond got straight to the point.

"That's why we are here, right, Lord Raiden?"

Raiden nodded. "I would not have called upon you lest it not be of vital importance. We must sever Shao Kahn's connection with Shang and Quan. Once that is done, he will be vulnerable. Then, find and deal with Sindel. Kara's body is in the Flesh Pits. Once we rescue her, the Emperor and Viper will come out of hiding. We can take it from there".

Jakal coughed. "Viper? Who's that?"

Raiden neglected to tell the Amakura's what he had witnessed three days prior. He'd told them he found Kara's energy there, but little more than grains of lavender sand, in desert full of brown.

"She is the clone of Kara, created by Shang Tsung. She was the disturbance".

He eventually answered, face glum. Tiama fainted, Jakal's legs went weak, texture jelly.

"You shouldn't have told us. We would have faced the truth if and when we saw her".

The man spat, unable to deal with the news his daughter was 'walking around'. Not herself, her true self in mortal peril. Tiama fell silent, shaking. Sonya consoled her, Johnny trying similar with Jakal. The latter flinched, not wanting any contact.

"Don't, Johnny". Jakal turned, forest eyes clouded over, "Please. Give us some time alone, guys. This, its a lot to process". He looked around apologetically. "Sorry".

Everyone waved him off, room falling quiet as everyone left, Sonya and Johnny returning to the Jinsei chamber and Raiden to his onsen.

Outworld battalions battered Earthrealm for six months, Viper at the head for much of the conflicts. Raiden shielded Jakal and Tiama from seeing her, leading the Lin Kuei himself, along with remaining Shaolin and SF soldiers.

A weakened clone stumbled through a portal to Outworld, clumsily leaving it open, far too pissed to care.

That was the chance Raiden took. He made sure everyone was sufficiently recovered and brought them to the dimming portal.

It was time to face the truth, time for the Amakura's to meet the harbinger of their nightmares, and for the thunderer to see Liu and Kung, face their deaths all over again...

Sindel fell first, Jakal's Bagh Nahh ravaging her body, splitting open skin, flaying her alive. He wasn't holding back, abating anger, absolving the fallen Queen of what she'd been made to do was his current goal. His quake destroyed the ground, fissures deep. He allowed himself a breath after killing the royal, closing his eyes, guilt washing over him, a resolute wave.

He forced his feet to walk to the dining hall, where Raiden and Sonya would be. Her screaming forced feet to sprint. He saw Johnny running from Scorpion, almost bumping into the spectre. He booked it towards the hall, grabbing the actor's hand, yanking him, shutting the door behind them.

Sonya was on the ground, Quan Chi in the corner, being shocked by Raiden. Fury erupted, the God letting it fuel the action.

The sorcerer felt Scorpion near, bellowing an order. He burst into the room, firing a concentrated ball of fire at the white haired God. It hit him smack dab in the shoulder, scalding skin. He grunted, turning to see Jakal squaring up to him.

"Don't want to fight you. Him, over there?" The General pointed at Quan. "He's poisoned you, stole your soul and told you nothing but lies".

Scorpion roared. "Lies? What do you know? Where you there, when your Master murdered my family?"

Jakal shook his head, mourning the loss of his own family.

"No, I wasn't. But, I too, may lose a child, all because of your Master's actions. Please, desist. If I have too, I will destroy everything. The palace will be nought but ruins once I am through with it. Once my daughter is safe, I will rend this place a shell".

The hellspawn spectre faltered.

"Quan? Is this true?"

Quan ignored the question.

"Scorpion, we must flee. We are needed elsewhere. Come".

Reluctance obvious, the soulless man nodded, Raiden letting the two vanish, his arm keeping Jakal at bay.

"They do not matter. What does is Kara. The more time we spend here, the less she has left".

Tiama ran into the room, no trace of maiden blush on fair cheeks. She appeared to want to throw up, little green around the gills.

"Jin, please. I understand your haste, but hastiness breeds mistakes. Raiden is right. We must hurry, but exercise caution. Shao has allies, likely revenents too. We have to prepare for that". The Goddess spared her fellow a look. What he returned caused her gut to twist.

Nagging? She could ignore.

Feeling like someone had their hands around her stomach, twisting it like one would a wet towel?

Jakal burst into the Flesh Pit chamber first, having sprinted ahead of his fellows, yelling bloody murder when he saw Viper. He stopped dead in his tracks, entire body wracked with silent anguish.

"OH GODS! Kara!"

Kara was skin and bone on the floor of Shang's chamber, in a crumpled heap. She screamed, eyes wild, body tortured, agony unbearable. Her Father's voice made her move. She would have appeared dead, were it not for his voice.

"Hang on sweetheart! I promise we'll find a way to save you, get you out of this shithole".

Clapping jolted him, his allies joining behind him soon after.

"So, we have Flashlight, B-List actor, G.I Jane and Quake. All we need is Mommy dearest and the gang's all here".

Tiama stopped, pausing before stepping foot into the seething ball of malice that was the chamber's energy. She spared a look around her friends, eyes wide when happening upon her daughter's still form, and the form in front of it.

They looked like twins...only the eyes gave it away.

Viper waved, innocent.

"Hi Mom. Long time, no see. No, really. She can't see you". She pointed to Kara's prone form for effect.

Jakal growled, eyes that of polished bronze.

"Don't you dare. Don't you even think about calling my wife and I what only our REAL daughter is allowed. You're a tangled mess of vileness, a toxic, evil bitch, bent on destroying us. Well, guess what? I'll bring the house down 'fore you even blink, snake".

Shang watched the scene in amusement, until he was body slammed against the wall, via Raiden's thunder, the God in seconds picking him up, and electrocuting him.

"I should have ended your life the moment I sensed something was amiss. Never shall I make that mistake again".

"Hey, Flashlight? Get off Peaky, it's me you want".

Raiden killed Shang, everything slowing down around them, the move critical, a huge blow to Shao.

Viper howled.

"Old man, are you deaf? The fuck did you do that for? Why can't you accept that you've lost? If you let Shao win, he might slaughter your friends quickly, snuff out their lives painlessly. Or, he could drip the wax down their throats, spread it over their wounds, make you watch...".

She hissed, fluorescent venom coating her fangs. Raiden dropped Shang, turning to face her.

"Your safety net is gone, Viper. Shang is dead, Shao will be executed under Elder God's judgement and Quan Chi will be hunted down, revenents restored".

"Grey Skull? He's gone? What?"

Raiden nodded, smirk masked with a tip of his head, Kasa the cover.

"He abandoned you, Viper. If you mean much to him, why would he do that?"

Lilac eyes opened, a squeal of frustration leaving the clone's mouth. She stomped a heeled boot.

"Assholes, the lot of 'em. I still have Shao though".

"Then why isn't he here, defending you, preserving your honour?"

The woman shook her head, holding it, unable to process the thought that she did, indeed mean nothing.

"Stop it. Stop. Shao remains on his throne, awaiting the perfect time to strike".

Raiden disagreed, tone comical, making fun of her.

"He stays there because he is a coward, afraid to face his truth. Tiama!"

Time began its usual pace. The Goddess faced the thunderer, ignoring Viper as best she could.

"The amulet. Jakal, Johnny, collect Kara's body and keep this alongside it. It will harbour her soul. If taken too far away from her, she will die".

Johnny and Jakal nodded, waiting for the right moment.

Raiden challenged Viper, she had no idea what she was getting into, raring to fight.

There was a difference between fighting mortals and Gods, however. She just didn't know it yet.

Kara's frail frame lay in her Mother's arms, Raiden successfully draining the clone of her soul.

Shao deigned it necessary to check in on the situation, believing both sorcerer's, Sindel and Viper would handle the intrusion.

When he saw no sign of Quan, Shang burned to a crisp and Viper being hounded by Raiden?

Fits, bellows took his hulking frame, everyone reacting to them, most shrinking back.

All except the thunderer.

In fact, the God had just committed a cardinal sin most foul, Shao's eyes and mouth widening in delight.

Viper screamed, Kara joining in, the sounds identical. It was disconcerting, to say the least. Shao barrelled over, picking Viper up, away from the amulet's effects. He kept her over his shoulder, Wrath Hammer in hand.

"You dare touch her?! After killing my wife, defiling my halls, you attack my servant?"

Viper scratched the hulking man's shoulder, hissing into his eardrum, causing a shiver to wrack him.

"Flee". The Emperor put her down behind him, his form a shield. "I am a God, I can stand up to", he sneered, 'good' deities reviled, "them".

Viper blinked long lashes, mascara clumps dotted, ink jet shadow and liner slipping off her eyes, flaking onto her cheeks. Her body would not move, no matter her, nor Shao's command. The snake could only blink. She communicated sorrow, drip fluid spiralling down onto her blouse.

Telepathy wasn't her speciality, though it was her original's, so, the clone battled angry throbbing protests from her mind as she used it to speak.

I can't. I can't move...

Shao ceased his swinging, the hammer dropping to the floor, thud resonating. Johnny and Sonya saw their chance, the only opening they'd be given. They exchanged telling looks with Raiden, the God deeming the opening a wise time to attack.

What do I do if I can't even fucking move? Shao! The clone's mouth trembled. I'm scared. I know I'm not meant for this world, but, can't I have something too? Everyone else gets their piece of the pie, whist I get the tin. Please, maroon orbs pleaded, ever darkening pallete, end it. I'd rather you do it then them. She sneered, just about.

Shao's amber fury gave her an answer she didn't want. For a second, just one, measly second, Viper swore she saw apathy.

That was replaced by the look of agony, as a fist rammed through his chest, pulling out his heart, leaving a jagged, uneven hole in its place.

"Sorry kiddo", Johnny walked around Shao's form, watching it crumple like a sheet of script he didn't like in his fist, "but you have something we want, and we need it back. It's not your fault you exist, and we won't hurt you".

Viper imitated a glare, fingers snapping as she tried to curl them. The actor winced, followed by Sonya.

"She knows she isn't supposed to reside here, or anywhere. Her soul is not her own. She was made to keep it inside her, away from us. She cannot let go of it willingly, as that is not what her purpose for creation was".

Tiama's small voice wouldn't have been heard were the group not in an echo chamber.

"Viper, isn't it?"

The Goddess purposefully used her 'Mum' voice, knowing it would sooth Kara's soul.

It did, her daughter's body ceased thrashing, upon her whispers to it to calm. Raiden nodded to her, giving her back up, whilst, simultaneously letting her know that Viper's time was up. Kara's soul must be reclaimed, attached to her form, before she was whisked away to the Jinsei Chamber. There, she'd be constantly monitored, fed her abilities bit by precious bit. Never too much, not all at once.

With Tiama's blessing, Raiden continued the ritual to recover Kara's soul, watching the clone crumble into nothingness, a look of abject defeat plastered onto hardening cement.

Four years later found Kara back in the Lin Kuei, training her body, catch up with her mind, Whilst strong mentally, her body was in dire need of strength training.

And Sub-Zero was all too willing to pick up the slack, throw her in at the deep end, with her Father's eyes on her, of course. The cryomancer respected his second-in-command, he would never overstep the mark.

Yes, Kara had to prove herself, but she'd be given help along the way, should she need it.

It was at this time she met a younger male acolyte, the man's cheeky smile, laughter that sounded slightly immature, and goofy sense of humour had Kara knocked for six.

By seven? The two were talking pretty much all day, every day. About everything and nothing.

Eight? She was falling for him, this Snake, the irony of what her soul was used for, the name it was given in a new incarnation not lost on her.

She'd call him by his name, Stephen, if he called her by hers.

He did.

"Your Dad was worried, pacing, not concentrating. Some of the acolytes messed around. He informed us his only child was at death's door. That shut everyone up".

That was nine, how it began. Kara saw how bright Stephen could be, how aware he was of his surroundings. He told her that, being brought up in and around a circus troupe, you'd meet many sorts. Some skulking in darkened corners of tents, others in the vivid lights of the Big Top, or outside it, cheering, whooping to onlookers, wanting them to come inside, see the show. He was an acrobat, training from the age of five. His parents decided to let him live, learn as he went. The only advice he was given, by his hilariously witty Father was, 'To be careful around others, when speaking of sex. Sex is no joke, so do not treat it as such. Be safe, learn about yourself, and with your partner'.

His impression made Kara giggle. She hadn't heard or met the man, but felt the tone must have been worked on, so must have been fairly spot on.

Ten? The woman found herself melting into lush green pools, wanting to ruffle dusty blond hair, fingers twitching in time with the ticking of the dining hall clock.

The whole time they were there, Stephen merely smiled warmly. For he, too wished to gaze into hazel eyes, chocolate fused with camouflage green. He could hide himself there, with her, just the two of them.

Eleven found the man in Kara's room, she explaining her past, Smoke, staying with Raiden, to why her Father acted the way he did back then. Stephen's face gave off his internal feelings. It shifted between careless anger, abated by a funny quip, brows lowered, to the corners of his mouth twitching, when she mentioned that occasionally, she would see Viper, through Viper's eyes as she was damaged further by Shao Kahn.

Stephen knew of him, his tyranny. The man wanted little to do with him, except split kick him until he fell onto his backside, whilst his congregation spouted mockery.

He gave Kara space, a shoulder if she needed it, an ear she could not chew out, despite her worry.

She had no need to worry. The man cared for her, her well-being.

He cared for more, but kept that quiet for the time being.

It frightened Stephen to think Kara might flee, were he to say anything else, anything more.

He wasn't Smoke, nor Shao.

But, Kara didn't know that. For all she knew, the man could be twisting her, feeding her lies, until she gave in, got on her back and purred away as he schemed up top.

Twelve, thirteen, fourteen and fifteen went by in a haze, constant training burning the young lovers out, their flames too weak to kindle at night.

The evening of sixteen had Kara in Snake's room, awaiting his arrival from training. He had been at the opposite end of the temple this time, the young woman, having finished early taking time to brush her hair free of knots, change into something a tad uncomfortable, but she payed it no mind.

She'd walked to the man's room in heels she 'borrowed' from Viper's closet, dark crimson satin, five inches stacked, heel golden, hoping no one saw her grenadine corset, lace back black ribbons, barely there, see-through black lace thong as she danced down the hallways.

They were lit by candlelight, enough shadows for her to sneak into her lover's chamber.

Snake arrived ten minutes after Kara, finding her sitting on the edge of his bed. His mouth ran dry, comparative to the Sahara Desert. He swallowed.

"Uh", he croaked out, "need a shower? I know I do". He sniffed himself for good measure. Kara nodded. "You'd have to take those off though".

"I could", Kara looked at herself, boldly, proud of herself to have taken initiative, "you could too".

Snake began to ruffle his hair, bite his cheek.

"I could, yeah, but I was trying to be respectful. What you're wearing is making it hard to breathe, and I don't want to assume anything".

The woman stood, eyes fixed on his, din hush soothing.

"If I, for one second believed you were like him, I would not be here. I wouldn't have chatted, gotten to know you, gotten friendly, ending up really liking you", she paused, offering her hands, "I really like you. I wanted to show you, that's all. I can leave to my room, if you want. No hard feelings".

Stephen shook his head, too fast. It spun for a while. Kara steadied him, laughing softly.

"Trust me, that isn't what's hard. I'm trying to think straight here". Emerald's closed, opening earnestly. "Are you sure? Really sure? I have condoms, we can stop at any time, if we do anything...".

That was uttered quickly. Kara quietened him with a finger, lips replacing the finger soon after.

"I'm sure. I have an IUD, so, we're covered either way".

She kissed him again, slow, intent clear, bare.

"See you in the shower?"

Stephen nodded, watching his lover walking into the bathroom, hips given slight sway.

He couldn't get undressed fast enough, leaving his boxers on, seeing as Kara had her underwear on. He opened his bedside cabinet, taking out the box of prophylactics he'd mentioned prior. His head swam, intimate thoughts charging through his brain like a rabid bull, its fighter long since deserted.

He took a breath, calming himself. Reigning himself in, lest, despite his nature contrary to having his way, his body reacted to Kara's instantly, her sweet perfume inhaled through nostrils tainted with her scent.

Wondering wasn't enough, though, somewhere, he was wondering if he had enough towels, or would have to make a mad, naked dash to the linen room...

Steeping into that bathroom felt like stepping into paradise, though, he was far from lost. His anchor stood beside him, the two finding solace among warm waters, suds falling off them like petals in the wind. The wind glided palms over skin, finding purchase hard.

Still, pleasure would be given, sought out. gasps masked from rainfall, steam a shield for wondrous exploration.

Their bodies melded so well, like pieces of a puzzle reunited after a long span of time apart. Slowly, their first time had to be cautious, care was taken. Shifts of hips, purchase on sheets, necks bare, mouths easing out sounds they hoped no patrolling guard heard. Kara and Snake were in their own world, the very real world outside mattered not. Peaks were not the intention, no goals to be hit, pitch nonexistent.

Only love mattered here, feeling, truly being one with one another.

Stephen tucked Kara up, fingers tracing invisible trails down the skin of her arm. She looked snow white next to his dusky tan, his body not wider than hers, but significantly longer. Interlacing his fingers with hers as he hunkered beneath the sheets, he found his digits could easily encircle hers, his hand covering hers protectively. He sighed laughter, wrapping his free arm around her. Kara let out a pleased sigh, one signalling her trek into peaceful sleep.

They would deal with the real world tomorrow...

Eighteen years later

Kara sat in Raiden's home, escaping the duties of General. Whilst she revelled in that her Father and Sub-Zero believed her proficient enough to take on the role, she couldn't help but think it was because she was his only child. She was the only one who could take on the post.

The childish side didn't want too. Stephen declined, wishing to be with his wife and twins.

Kara understood that. Family mattered to her too, as did the person behind her, who, evidently believed he was much quieter than he actually was. The skylight view of an ever greying sky gave it away, if nothing else...

She chuckled.

"I apologise".

Raiden smiled.

"Premature, and unnecessary".

"What's with the chaos outside then?"

No reply. She smirked, tone now holding a teasing edge.

"Silence? Ah! This is another, 'elaborate test', right? See if you can shake my resolve? Test my calm state? You should know better by now".

Meditate with me. Lets see if we can't brighten the sky...

Raiden agreed, looming dealings with Outworld's new ruler put to one side.

Kotal worried the thunderer, Shinnok's reappearance exacerbating past fears. The God effectively 'killed' the disgraced deity, leaving him a stump on the ground, in front of his revenents. In front of Raiden's dead allies. Liu Kang's words rang painfully true in his head. It was his fault they were dead. Kara's assimilation to become the next guardian of Earthrealm, to stand beside the Elder God, and his brother Fujin, taking over the role from Tiama was going smoothly, however, that was something he could control. His need for control grew as he watched his fellows battle, gnawing fangs in his gut telling him Kotal was definitely lying. He had to be.

Why stage a coup, take over Outworld, then sit there, doing nought but watching? Surely he would try Mileena's path, or, perhaps, he was already strolling down it?

Whatever the case may be, the only people there who could sway him were the wind God and the Goddess of telepathy, telekinesis and healing.

Lord Raiden?

The woman's voice came off woozy, Raiden raising a brow as he sat beside her, in what was once Tiama's temple. She sounded drunk, drunk on something he knew now to be potentially deadly, if his anger did not abate.

In here however? Calming, positive energies sapped strength given to as yet nebulous terrors.

You needn't call me that anymore. We are equals.

Kara cracked one eye open, its brilliant mauve a gem in the palms of a heavenly being.

Were we not before? I mean, yeah, you have the age to your advantage. You'll always have that.

Laughter trickled down gingerly.

The wisdom. Your wisdom has guided many, your light creating hope.

Raiden, sadly had to disagree.

I lead them to oblivion. Hope is lost when all is dark. My light failed them in their time of need.

Kara sat up abruptly, pouting dry lips.

"Did it lead me to oblivion? Sure, it may have been a factor in what's happened. But", she offered a hand, tentative but emboldened, "that glow? Its the only thing that I saw when in darkness, utter blackness, devoid of anything. It kept me fighting, I needed to fight, no matter how weak I was. I know I was weak, Raiden. Don't need to tell me I wasn't. I mean, come on, a telepath, who can't sense energies clearly not that of anyone she knew?" Kara spat the rest. "That me is long gone". She tried a warm smile. "Mom and Dad were constantly on my mind, their words cooing me to rest easy, but it was you who had me battle internally, throw off any attempt Shang or Quan made to 'kill' me. Anything to divert them, I tried. It was your voice that kicked me up the ass and kept me going. So, please, don't ever believe you failed".

Kara opened her palm, an amethyst inside it.

"You have your soul gem? Quartz, right? If we can locate Quan, get the revenents inside the Jinsei Chamber, I can restore them, as he carries their soul gems too. Take that to heart, please, Raiden". The woman implored. "Take not the violence".

Its too late for that...

Kara frowned, eyes darkening.

"What did you do?"

The God looked downtrodden, his body stepped on, bruised, beyond any pain he'd ever experienced.

"Shinnok returned, taking Quan with him. Master Hasashi tried to murder the sorcerer after learning the truth, he and his men stormed the kamp. However, all were attacked when they tried to fight back. Shinnok wielded his amulet, with his, Quan's, Shang's, Shao's and your Mother's energies inside".

Kara sobbed.

"What?! How?! He hurt my Mom? Where is he?"

Demanding would do little, both knew that.

"Shinnok made an attempt on Tiama's life. She survived it, barely, but Cassandra Cage and her team chased him down, defeated him, saved myself and Johnny Cage and we restored Tiama. I, he is of no matter anymore".

Literally, not figuratively. The thunderer could only hope his fellow deity did not focus on that specific part.

"Quan is still missing, the Shirai Ryu are searching desperately, but cannot locate him. I believe Shinnok placed him, his revenents in a plain I cannot access. I only realised I need Shinnok to gain entry into that plain after I...", how should he phrase this? Any option was unpleasant..."stopped him. He cannot hurt anyone anymore".

The Goddess felt moved strangely, but also numb. All of this happened whilst she 'slept', put into a state of flux, so her body could slowly siphon energy from both her Mother and the chamber.

"You can't kill an Elder god. How did you stop him?"

Raiden refused to answer the question properly. He stood, white hair flowing to his side.

"I stopped him, that is all that matters".

Kara huffed, lying back down, folding her arms.

"Fine", she squinted, but I'm holding you to that. I'm not a stupid child anymore. I know the evils of this world, Raiden. I can handle it. Whatever your explanation is, I will listen. My ear is yours. I get the feeling I'll have to bite my tongue though...

Kara travelled to Outworld, meeting Kotal for the first time. He held nothing but respect, nothing about his demeanour gave her cause for concern. She failed to see what had Raiden on edge. The Emperor was worn down, his warpaint cracked, visage not that of a 'perfect' man. He was far from Shao's vanity. In fact, without the grandeur around her, without golden adornments, feather headdress, she would say the Emperor was more like a God than Emperor.

More like Raiden than a dictator.

She decided to do something drastic, tell Kotal what happened, to make Earthrealm's protector the way he was.

Kotal gave all of his attention to this, taking in information like a sponge. Absorbing it on a tired, frayed mind wasn't easy, but he managed.

Afterwards? He understood, issuing, signing a decree, offering it to the woman.

She shook her head.

If the decree was to be issued, Kotal must travel to the Heavens with her. Offer the decree himself, have the Gods sign it, implore them to speak with Raiden, reassure him nothing untoward was going on.

The Emperor would not attempt a coup.

He would not attack Earthrealm, nor issue an attack.

If anyone from his realm did attack, it would not be on his word.

His word was law in Outworld, he just needed to convince the Heavens of this.

Raiden paced, fuming upon word of what Kara had gone and done. If she warned him of Raiden's true feelings towards him...the thunderer's lightning burst out in frustration. He wouldn't hurt her, but he'd have to let loose. Bar the doors of his temple, roar, make its walls tremble, the very foundation stone crack.

He saw Kara, leaving to her temple after seeing Kotal off. She did not speak, merely bowing, moving around him, slipping into the ether. The Elder Gods informed him of Kotal's decree, their fellow reading it carefully. Reading, rereading, taking care to look for signs things were not all as they appeared, lines hidden in word play.

Nought lingered, nullifying the agreement. Raiden signed it, breath he was sure he'd held in for months let out, stream of white billowing from him, flaring his nostrils.

Kara's plan had been a dangerous one, but had worked out all the same. He would have to speak with her, thank her.

This wasn't transparent, when he saw through frosted glass, tinted red from years of bloodshed...

"Kara, you may be forty-six, but I will still use Dad tone with you".

The parents of the group laughed. Kara slapped her forehead.

"Dad, do you have to say this in front of everyone?"

Jakal nodded, no shame, tact obviously absent.

"I know you've been spending more and more time in the Heavens".

Kara nodded, deciding fuck it, she'd humour her dear old Dad.

"Are you happy? Don't tell me you are if you aren't. I might be old, but I sure as hell haven't lost my hearing".

"Haha. Dad, honestly". His daughter rolled her eyes. "I, I wish I could say yes. Its not a no, not a yes".

Jakal grew concerned, taking his child's hand, leading her to the medical tent.

"What's he done?"

Kara pulled a face.

"Is it me? I don't know". She sighed. "He's quiet, sombre, morose, much darker than before. Even his robes look to have taken on his turmoil. I'm worried Dad, really worried".

Her Father sat her down, weaving his hand through her hair.

"Is it affecting his surroundings? Is he hurting you?"

The Goddess shook her head several times.

"Never, he isn't capable of that. He knows how Smoke impacted me. It, it feels oppressive around his home. Inside? Its like wading through sludge. The air is thick. I kinda want to purify it, but that would involve breaking in to his home. I can't do that".

"I thought you were welcome there"...

His confused expression mirrored hers.

"I thought that too. There's some sort of rune there, on the door. Fujin said he isn't allowed inside either. Dad", her voice choked, "how do I help? I have too, he's done so much for us".

"Shhh, sweetheart". Jakal cooed. "You'll find a way, you always do. You got this".

He went to fist bump her. Kara smirked.

"Aren't we too old for that?" She toiled. "What the hell". She curled a fist, hitting it against her Dad's. "I'll try again later, leave it till evening. Kinda chickening out, to be honest. That, and I'm famished! No wonder Mom's so slim, she runs around after everyone, using up all her energy!"

Jakal laughed, holding her close, shielding her for as long as he could.

Kara returned to the Heavens that evening, tired, though determined to find a way through the barrier, learn what the rune was on the thunderer's door. The rune was no longer there, she stepped inside with no issue. She needed to purify the space, light some candles, burn incense...

Rest...she needed that too. When was the last time she'd gotten any sleep? Proper, dreamless sleep? She couldn't recall, swallowing bitter sorrow. She ended up falling asleep whilst talking to Raiden, once he returned, not at all surprised to see her. He smiled, tucking her into his robes, nestling her head against his shoulder.

This wasn't right, she'd likely wake up cranky that the God was giving her a sort of attention that wouldn't be deemed acceptable.

He'd take that chance, the Goddess' presence an analgesic, one he took regularly now.

He shouldn't need someone to lean on, but he did.

Kara awoke, aware this wasn't her abode. She heard soft rumblings, her 'pillow' not quite as spongy as she remembered. She moved away, feeling her hair tangle with something. Her eyes ran up the length of an arm, its fingers splayed in her hair. Raiden's arm, Raiden's fingers. Despite herself, she nudged the hand, nuzzling it, as a cat would its owner, head bobbing. She saw how deep the God slumbered, weaving her way free of their tangled mass, remaining on the couch. She returned his gesture, running her hands through the mess of long white locks, feeling at peace, tranquil, atmosphere lightened, sunlight not the instigator.

She wouldn't wake him, her composure kept her quiet as she appreciated the quiet beauty of the space. The only thing marring the scene was...

Wait. Raiden wasn't wearing his black robes. He wore a loose white shirt, partially open, loose grey pants. Simplicity itself. Still, the attire looked excellent on him.

Kara giggled, stifling it.

What in all realms was she thinking?

She ought to steep some tea. If she could work up the urge to move, that was, she would.

This habit of staying in Raiden's home instead of hers, or her temple became a regular thing for Kara. She'd go into her 'old' room on most occasions, sometimes falling asleep on the couch again, the thunderer a pillow yet again. He did not mind this. He'd grown fond of the woman, he'd admit. Not to anyone, he was sure they already knew.

They talked, talked, and talked some more, about anything and everything. He let her know what happened with Shinnok, that they were ever closer to finding Quan. Kara offered her help, runes on the walls where he believed the portal to the realm the sorcerer resided in similar to the one he'd used on his front door. His was Sanskrit, these appeared to be Norse. The Goddess studied up, knowledge pouring into her faster than the God could pour boiling water into china cups, readied with teabags. More sustenance would be needed, the God noting Kara neglecting herself.

He wouldn't pry, badgering her would push her into a corner, purely proverbial. It didn't matter if it were real or not. What mattered was Quan Chi, retrieving the souls of his dead fellows, his kombatants over the years, ultimately, his friends.

He shouldn't have taken friends, knowing someone so well, he knew what they would say, choosing to ask rhetoric questions as a result.

He shouldn't have taken Kara as one dear to him.

He shouldn't have let her in, let her under his skin. He was a sturdy wall, stones weighty. Kara wasn't. Her wall was flexible material, it would move with the wind gracefully, forming a thin, lithe barrier. Her stones were light, majestic, spinning in the air, colour varying from the deepest wine to lightest fragile petal pastel.

He let her into his head a long time ago.

He let her into his bed a few months after the day she returned. They did what most people did, sleep, but that sentence, if uttered would conjure thoughts other than resting.

Raiden woke up, one hand rubbing his eyes of sleep, the other grasping around him for his undershirt. He could not find it, until he turned onto his side.

Kara was wearing it. She must have woken in the night, felt chilly and put it on. She'd barely buttoned it up, the thought making the thunderer chuckle, half asleep, buttoning up a shirt. A line of flesh down her sternum was open to his gaze, though, his gaze was not with any intent.

It only held amusement, awe, the woman's form before him curled up. He saw her neck pulse, placing a hand on it. Her skin was cool, so he moved closer, wrapping both the sheets and his arm around her. Her heartbeat soothed him, he was glad for this, as his mind reminded him of the many times the vital organ stopped its beat in front of him. His own would pound, aching his very being.

I know you're awake.

Kara frowned.

Even at a time of rest, I bring you trouble. I hoped I could find a way to help you be at peace.

Raiden disagreed.

"I am at peace". He smiled. "My memory may retain the bad, but it also retains that which is before me, right now".

The frown turned to a shy smile.

And what is that exactly?

The God found an errant curl, wrapping it around an index finger.

"Happiness, fulfilment. An ever shining aura, no matter how dark it gets".

The woman blushed.

Okay. She cracked an eye open. I'll give you that one. I am pretty damn amazing.

The curl was tucked behind her ear. The telepath took the hand, linking it with hers. Mischief gave her aura a tad darker tone.

Raiden snorted. Kara laughed.

Now I'm awake, but don't quite want to move just yet. Whatever could I do?

She opened her eyes.

"Yes. I, singular. Don't want to assume anything". She looked worried. "Can I assume something? Feel like I am pushing you sometimes".

The God moved their interlinked hands over her heart, his warmth sending shivers through her.

"You could never push me".

Hmmm?

Kara smirked.

"Yep, you're heavy. I would know, if there is something, of course".

Hugging, nuzzling, Kara cooking, little naps she would take, these things took up Raiden's spare time, increasingly wanting to be at home, not on Earthrealm. Things there were serene, he was correct in assuming certain young people in the kamp would end up couples, this cheering him, his mind automatically tacking Kara onto that.

Bright smiles, face red hue, her hands waving him off, little giggles leaving her, pitched gasps she would let out, inadvertently, face carmine, she'd snort...

Snorts were indecision, the God knew that.

Not from Kara, however. Hers were amusement, glittering in chocolate mix eyes.

A year flew past, Raiden's indiscretions coming out in full force. When she wasn't there, the God would be led astray by doubt, taken by the hand, led down the garden path, towards the portal chamber.

If the Goddess didn't know any better, she'd believe the thunderer was becoming evil. Not neutral (she wished for that with all she had), but pure evil. His storms bellowed, dragon roars, heat in the air unbearable. Kara had taken to staying outside, wandering out into the garden naked. Her body felt hot, but her mind was cold, her heart was icy. Voices chimed in, giving their necessary opinions...

The storm isn't just on the outside anymore. His darkness is coming out...

There was reason.

If we had to fight him, we'd have no chance.

That was fear.

"What do I do?"

That was voiced, vocally louder than she'd anticipated. She covered her mouth, tears filling weary eyes. Derangement added she should dance until she froze to death, her heart gave out, pressure too much.

Reason fought the sickening shade off, throwing it off her shoulders. She did not need its weight, dragging her down.

Leave. If he follows, so be it. If he does not, then you know how he truly feels.

"Right". She sighed. "Why do you have to be right? Why does the right thing have to hurt so badly? Feels like my heart will give out any second".

That's because he means a lot to you. His love harms you, however. Your love for him hurts you. You let yourself suffer.

She was gone, that much was true. The yellow eyed God passed the bathroom, paying the mocking mirror inside it no more attention then it deserved.

She couldn't stand you. She lay with you because she needed to be put on her back. Put in her place.

Passing the room Kara stayed in previously, Raiden smelt vanilla, the source the wardrobe. Kara had sprayed her perfume onto her neck, missing it almost entirely. As she blinked, she realised she'd sprayed into the wrong direction. She laughed, placing the bottle onto the vanity after a second successful attempt.

Her laughter hit the God's memory next. Clear, ecstatic, beams of purple adding pretty hues to his onyx. Once a crystal pure, filled with tiny bolts, zapping her hand, causing ripples of laughter to go through her, her body jerking sporadically, was now shimmering black in her hands. It felt freezing, uninviting. As if she should throw it away, casting him out of her life with it.

He paused, standing in the room's doorway.

You're wrong. Kara left for her safety, her sanity. I have not been myself in some time. I cannot find my way without her, however.

Alien emotion struck him, the rain on the inside this time, falling down his cheeks. No storm accompanied this, terrible weather internal, throwing his stomach and heart about like a child, bored with their toys.

He braced himself against the frame, ambling over to the bed.

Kara's bed.

He lay down in a heap, looking like a vagrant by the time he had flopped down. He couldn't care less. No one would see this, not even...

Kara...

"You know, when you think you know someone?" Kara exclaimed to her Mother, sat on her bed, arms around her knees. "Almost thirty years. That's how long I've known him. At least, I thought I did. He proved me wrong that day. Very wrong. I don't like that I'm wrong. That we are wrong. How did we get him so wrong? We saw the storm outside, but not the one that raged inside. It's dark now, so very dark".

Tiama cradled her daughter like she did when she was a baby. She didn't know how to reply without further exacerbating her child's condition. She would give her unconditional love. that was her balm. She threw out a rope, Kara latching on to it, an anchor to weigh her down, a child with a comfort blanket.

The once soothing rain now felt like daggers upon her skin. Confused, alone, she sat on the ground, letting herself get hurt.

"Drown me".

This was her words, upon her return, morose, pitiful. She'd had enough. Sorrow shadowed her face, though, she wouldn't let Raiden see it.

He walked behind her as she closed her eyes, readying herself for the end. The only thing that engulfed her was his arms. Led towards the onsen, she stripped methodically, turning to face the ever looming presence. She nodded, signalling she wished to cease their torment, preferably before she controlled her own demise. She controlled her own mind, her body as well as her fate. She could damn well do as she pleased.

Nothing needed to be said, anything spoken would upset the moment. Eye contact would make the pain real, drive the needles deeper, stabbing, drawing life to the surface. Kara's nod gave God what he wished to know, her unable to verbalise it fretting his mind.

He buried that, it was not the time for inconsistent affection, non-existent affection. For all intents and purposes, Raiden's behaviour told people that his love may as well not exist. He did not speak of her, the only sign he gave that his heart was in Kara's possession a softening of his features, when her name was mentioned. His charges would enquire as to how she was faring.

Not well. Not at all well. The thunderer wished to save her.

Kara didn't wish to be saved. She wished to use physical persuasion to have him stay, longer than a few hours at least.

That was unnecessary, however, it had been too long since either sought comfort in one another.

Taking portions of pleasure couldn't be selfish when they loved one another, right?

Kara sighed, steam clearing her senses, heat calming, gentle waves carrying away unease.

Though, she was aware, always aware. Aware of the God's form slipping into the water behind her.

Goosebumps created coarse skin under calloused palms. She couldn't help releasing a relaxed sigh when nimble fingers massaged her shoulders.

Kisses on her collarbone twisted her stomach. In her mind, vanity gnawed, wanting her to take what she knew she could get.

Compassion twitched its feelers, telling her to give as well as take. She was far from self-centred.

Both were hedonists, to a certain degree.

She needed something to hold on to. She chose the tiles at her sides, nails in their grooves. She feared if she let go, this would wake her, fretful sleep, awakening to an empty bed, an empty home, an empty heart.

Should she turn? Press her reddened form against his?

No, cold, callous, but I can't.

I simply can't face him, face our truth.

She would give her body, cursing how the God could stray into her mind with ease.

I don't wish to see anymore...

"You have to go".

Kara stated flatly, drying her body.

"I'm being selfish. Earthrealm needs you".

"Earthrealm needs me", Raiden began, his voice startling his mate, she still thought this was a dream she'd wake up from wet, alone, "but I need you. I've neglected you in favour of my duties. Little has happened since Shinnok's defeat, Kotal has signed a decree with myself, and Kitana, combining our assets. Yet"...

Kara filled in the blanks, knowing her words were along the same vein.

"Yet, you do not return here. This", she wouldn't look at him, "we would be real if you did. If I look at you, you'll disappear". She dropped the towel, sniffling. "My heart can't bear that anymore. Drained, I'm drained. I can't sleep with you here, my mind is coddled by thoughts that I'll open my eyes to see yours. Shame they are no longer that heartening blue I know. They hold a harshness I cannot place, a topaz glare into someone's soul. Shinnok changed you. Reckoned if I could assuage, abate your frustrations, tell you things would be okay, which I knew they would, Kotal never gave indication that'd he'd harm Earthrealm or Edenia, I'd get through somehow".

Kara got into bed, ignoring what Raiden had proclaimed. Whether he needed her or not was irrelevant. She'd base her opinion on whether or not he chose to sleep there the night.

She peeked out from the covers, younger Kara making an appearance, cheekiness in hazel.

"I do not wish to leave".

The thunderer stated, as if fact.

It was fact. It took two strides before Kara was moving to accommodate his frame.

"Now can I look?"

Kara whispered, shakiness making words come out rushed.

Shifting the sheet with an arm, Raiden saw her slight frame coloured in blush, not from the waters. He gently tilted her chin upward to look into her eyes.

What he saw closed fist around his heart, it's thud increased.

He saw longing, frustration in her fingers latching at the sheet. He swore her frame was thinner, his free hand confirming it was via pronounced ridges of her spine and hips.

She moved up, gathering any contact she could, storing it away with previous memories of interactions her mind had the uncanny knack of giving her at inopportune times...

Her kiss was welcome, this spoke of passion, the act before of want, lust.

Neither judged the other. It was give and take, with some love in-between.

In her temple, Kara resided, again alone, unhappy. Looking at her stomach, she pat it, shaking her head.

What was I thinking? Ever believing we could create a family together.

She dropped her hand, letting it fall beside her. She turned to face the mountain before her.

My heart lies here, my home is the mountain. So, why do I feel discontent?

Raiden could not hear her words. He was not here.

I could have given you children, made a home with you. I no longer feel welcome here, nor with you. I remain barren, empty, devoid of heart. You took it, kept it warm, inside your storm, your eye watching over it tenderly. Then, you let the rain hit the previous organ, thunder blasting holes within it. I cannot think, feel, breathe, live without you. That terrifies me. You terrify me.

The two stood outside the Jinsei Chamber later that month, Summer lessening its heated grip.

"It took time, but I located most of the lost kombatants souls. Quan held a great many".

Raiden's eyes widened. Kara nodded.

"Liu's and Kung's too. I will bring them back, Raiden". She recalled something he'd said, all those years ago, back when things were not so glum. "You'd move the Heaven's if you could restore them?' I'll move them for you".

Raiden's heart, in twain lurched. He didn't deserve the woman, no, Goddess before him. She was too pure, his darkness would only envelop her light in its misery.

She continued, knowing the thunderer was deep in thought. She'd find out later she was wrong, he was thrust into painful memories, their barbs buried deep within his chest...

"I don't want to exist if I don't exist in his world". Kara said aloud, standing outside Earthrealm's military kamp, wind in her hair, tugging playfully at her robes. She scoffed. "Anyone who heard me would think I'd lost it. Perhaps I have"...

Not having the strength to speak once back in the Heavens, she used her mind, unflinching harshness lay foundation in her tone.

Feel like I should hate you. Childishness came to the fore. I can't. I only ever considered myself, my issues alone. I gave you hell but you stuck by me. Yet, when you needed an ear, I fled. When you needed guidance? I wasn't there. I wouldn't force my will upon you, nor could I hurt you. I know I already have, and, her voice cracked, I don't know how you can bear to stand beside me...

Raiden had heard enough. He stepped forth, offering arms. Kara wasn't in any state to ignore affection.

Kara stood on the balcony of her room, Raiden beside her. The air was still, Autumn in full bloom before them, full spectrum of oranges, reds, yellows, gold and amber.

"The man I see today isn't the man I knew yesterday. I don't know you, this you". She faced him. "I can't do this anymore, but I cannot let you go. You pervade my thoughts, you've anchored yourself, found a spot within my heart. Filled it, but with too much, too many differing emotions. Frustration, desperation, longing, adoration, love...", she paused, finger to her lips, chuckling, "you have me enumerating, enunciating everything. I speak like you now. You taught me so much, and yet", hazels watered, her lip dry, bit until blood was drawn, "I offered little other than 'wahhh, feel sorry for me'! What woman does that? I shouldn't act like a baby, but I do. Its my fucking pathetic defence mechanism".

She screamed herself hoarse, sudden, the sound making the God jump. A deluge of water soaked her, freezing upon impact.

The woman turned quickly, taking one of his hands, hugging him awkwardly.

"End it. End this. Stop me from becoming a burden. Drown me. I can't stand to breathe anymore. It hurts to breathe".

Raiden didn't give her the answer she sought. He couldn't. It consumed his heart, unknown thing eating away at it, teeth ripping arteries, restricting blood, lungs bursting for oxygen, burning up.

"If it comes to that, we drown together".

Kara sniffled, swallowing salty phlegm.

"You can't die, idiot".

Despite herself, the situation, she laughed.

"You cannot either, then. Do we have an accord?"

He offered a hand, steady, firm. His companion gave a slight nod.

"Sure", she shook it with conviction, "we have an accord".

"You'll hold me to that".

Raiden called her bluff. Kara squinted, smirk playing.

"Yes, for the rest of my existence, I will be squinting at you, from afar and up close. Up to you which one".

Raiden acknowledged that with a curt wave. He pulled her to him, his arms encircling, encompassing, not engulfing.

"One thing, its been bugging me". Kara looked out, over the landscape, hand on the thunderer's chest. His chest rumbled in response, the ridge in his muscles pacifying her.

"What if the storm drowns out your voice?"

She spoke quietly, afraid to be loud.

He replied, conviction clear.

"Then I'll use the storm to speak"...