Elora eyes flickered behind her closed eyelids . She suddenly squeezed them more shut and groaned in pain. She felt careful hands on her shoulders and was pushed back on the table she was resting on as she tried to sit up, her left hand reaching over to her right side. By the time she had opened her eyes, she already was listening to Shang Tsung's voice.
"Welcome back," he said with a wide smile. "You fell unconscious as we went through the portal. Your wound was almost the death of you. Luckily, we made it just in time for it to be properly treated and stitched up."
"O, oh," Elora breathed out. She very limply, casually, rested on the table, "Thank you so much... Um," she paused to recall his name, "Shang Tsung."
Shang continued to smile and nodded once, "What do you recall?"
He watched her eyes look away and up at nothing as she recalled where she just was, "I remember my home... The Lin Kuei." Her face quickly turned to depression as her eyes glistened with the threat of tears falling out, "Cyrax. ... The Cyber Initiative. We were running through the forest, trying to get away... He... didn't make it. I almost died until," she rolled her head to look, at Shang Tsung, "you rescued me."
"It seems you haven't suffered any amnesia," Shang Tsung observed. "That is very good." He helped her sit up and kept a comforting hand on her shoulder, "But do not grieve. You are safe now and have been given a second chance. You can train here and get back up to strength as soon as you are ready. But be wary. You are still of the Lin Kuei and if they were to find you, even now, they would still attempt to capture you for their cause."
Elora nodded her understanding. She glanced down at where her wound was. She was wearing a tight black tank top and could see the bulge of bandages wrapped around her stomach. She was wearing baggy black cargo pants that were tucked into long boots that came just below her knees. Her red hair was down and hung down the middle of her back and down the front of her shoulders just below her medium sized breasts. She carefully got off the table, her side protesting in slight pain, and she now observed the room she was in. It seems that she had been laying on an operating table for possibly a few days. She was in a medical room; several large cabinets with glass as the doors and medical supplies lined the walls with counters and a few sinks. It looked like an every day doctors office. Elora glanced back at her savior and noted his dated appearance and oriental robes before commenting, "This is very modern."
Shang Tsung smiled, "Yes. Do not get me wrong, this is not my typical way to go by treating wounds, but we felt it best to treat you in a way you are accustomed to."
"And what ways of yours are those?" Elora asked.
"By magic of course," Shang answered proudly. "Surely such knowledge isn't lost to you."
Elora shook her head and smiled wryly, "No sir. I have seen quite a lot for someone of Earth. ... Speaking of which, where are we?" She slowly walked to a large window at the end of the room and peered out. It seemed they were high up, perhaps on a mountain, and she could see towns in the far distance. Looking to the left and right of her out the window, she could see endless castle walls.
"We are in Outworld," Shang Tsung answered. When she looked over at him, he spoke again, "Have you heard of it?"
Elora nodded, "I have. But only just it's name. I'm aware of some other realms: Netherrealm, Edenia, Orderrealm. I've never been outside my home though."
Shang Tsung absorbed this knowledge with a slow nod, "And have you heard of Shao Khan?"
This time, Elora shook her head, "No, sir. Who is he?"
"He is," Shang began, "the ruler of Outworld and Edenia. This is his castle and he is who I serve. You will meet him shortly. Do show your utmost respect in his presence."
Elora bowed her head, "Of course." Shang Tsung bowed his head slightly in return and made his way to the exit but stopped as soon as Elora spoke. "Why me?" she asked.
Without looking back, he answered, "I just so happened to be nearby. I couldn't let you be hunted down like a dog; I believe that everybody deserves a fair fight. One that wasn't given to you." He paused while the words absorbed into her, "Now hurry along. Our Emperor is waiting. Get changed," he pointed to a wardrobe in the room, "and meet the guards outside. They will take you to Shao Khan."
Shang Tsung exited the room and Elora approached the wardrobe. When she opened it, she saw an all black outfit inside and pulled out every piece of the outfit. She immediately grimaced at what the attire was: over-revealing. The first layer was a fishnet piece that covered almost all of her body as she slipped it on over her underwear. The solid black over-wear was a small corset that came down to the middle of her ribs, keeping her stomach and arms exposed as well as her chest. Her waist was covered with a sash-like tie that had a skirt down the back, covering just her rear but only falling half way to the back of her knee. She had knee high black boots with a heel on the end on and gloves that came almost to her elbows. She found a black ribbon and tied her red hair up in a ponytail.
After she was dressed she looked down at her attire. She admitted silently that it was comfortable but it was too over exposing for her. Her Lin Kuei uniform provided both warmth and coverage but she pushed all conflicting thoughts aside and realized that she might have taken too long and rushed outside her room. She did as she was told: met the guards before then being escorted through several hallways and finally into an over-glamored throne room.
Royalty screamed out at every corner as well as power. Ahead of her was a large throne with a large man seated within. To the left and right of him stood two identical, besides in attire color, beautiful twin women. To the left of the woman in pink, stood a man in green. He seemed slightly human, but Elora swore she could see scales along his flesh. To the left of the reptilian man stood another in purple. His purple uniform was adorned in gold linings; he looked of royalty. Elora only paused on the man because she noted that his eyes had narrowed, but in the sense that he was smiling at her. He stood very tall and Elora could only imagine a very handsome man underneath the long mask he wore but she finally tore her gaze away from him.
She now looked to the right at the twin in blue. To the right of that woman stood Shang Tsung, and then to the right of him stood another man that caught her eye but differently from the man in purple. He was... different. Very, very different, and fascinating. His eyes were green, but not like hers; they were completely green and glowing faintly. His face had black bandages wrapped around his pale skin but not completely. She could see his eyes fully, some of his cheeks and jaw line, and his lips. He wore black and red; a hood over his head and a long coat on with buckles all down his tunic and along his boots. He was peering at her just as she him. There was an overwhelming energy to him that drew Elora in. She didn't realize that she was staring so intently until she heard Shang Tsung clear his throat. Her face snapped red with embarrassment and she immediately dropped her head and to one knee as she bowed before the large man on the throne, who, she regrettably admitted to herself, she hadn't taken the time to even acknowledge.
"Welcome to Outworld," Shao Khan's deep voice boomed in greetings. "I am Shao Khan, Emperor to this realm. It is a pleasure to meet you. Please rise."
Elora rose as she was told. As she raised her head, she now looked at the man's appearance. He wore a skull mask, his chest was exposed other than two thick belts forming an X across the center and he wore a skirt like belt and short boots. He was a large man, the largest she had ever seen. No doubt he was immensely powerful and Elora couldn't help but feel some form of fear towards the man, and he could see it but merely grinned.
"Introduce yourself." Shao Khan ordered.
Elora bowed her head and wet her lips subtly before parting them to form words, "My name is Elora Tenshi. I am- was- a member of the Lin Kuei until recently my clan had become enslaved by an unknown force to turn us all into a Cyber force. I am from Earthrealm and I am indescribably grateful for this second chance that I have been given. I am forever in your dept... Emperor."
A deep grumble of amusement came from Shao Khan and he spoke, "That is excellent to hear. For the time being, you may make yourself at home in my castle. I will be traveling to Edenia within the next month however to begin preparations for the next Mortal Kombat tournament. You may stay here to train before joining the rest of us in Edenia."
"Mortal Kombat?" Elora blurted out accidentally but then cleared her throat quickly, "I'm to be a part of Mortal Kombat?"
"If you win," Shang Tsung spoke up, "you will gain the power to save your friend."
Elora's eyes grew wide, "Really?" With a nod from the sorcerer, she bowed her head, "I would be honored, Emperor."
Shao Khan nodded, "Shang Tsung will be accompanying me, but my daughters will stay behind along with my General, Rain," he regarded the man in purple, who was still staring deeply at Elora, "and Ermac," he then acknowledged the man in red. The man Elora's mind tended to drift off to during this entire moment."
With that, Shao Khan dismissed the room. Elora quickly learned that the man in green was in fact named Reptile, but made no conversation with him. Instead, her eyes turned to Ermac, who, which caused her to blush faintly, was still staring at her. Her muscles made to walk in his direction but the red man was cut off by purple as Rain stood before her. Elora took a small step backwards, as he was very close, and he removed his mask. He was incredibly handsome; any woman would have swooned for a face such as his, but Elora's attention couldn't focus on him. Not willingly anyways.
"A pleasure to meet you," Rain had taken a hold of her hand and brought it to his lips, "Elora." He finished with a smooth kiss on her hand.
Elora smiled even though it was slightly feigned. She didn't need, or want, a man attempting his charms on her. He had held her hand for a few more seconds as he introduced himself, "I am Rain, as you've previously heard. I am a prince in Edenia and a General for Shao Khan's army for a reason. I will, too, be participating in this Mortal Kombat tournament. Perhaps we can train sometime?"
Elora grinned a bit wider and nodded, "Yeah. That would be great."
"Wonderful," he said, finally letting go of her hand. "I can't wait to see your moves."
Elora laughed lightly and held her smile with him as he left but her mouth immediately dropped as soon as he was gone. When she looked around the room, her stomach dropped when she noticed that Ermac was gone. Only Reptile remained in the room with her but he was doing something off on his own and Elora didn't feel that she should interrupt him and left the room finally.
"She still has her free will, Shang Tsung!" Shao Khan angrily said.
Shang Tsung bowed his head only slightly, "Only for the time being, Shao Khan. As soon as her will and strength is great enough, then will she be under your rule eternally."
"Why," Khan began, still furious, "are you waiting until then?! I fear Kitana will learn the truth any day now! I can feel her allegiance dimming! I need someone now; someone as obedient as Mileena!"
"I," Shang began, "am well aware of that, sir. However, her love for her friend is very strong, indeed. If we continue to lead her on to believe that she could save him if she were to win the Mortal Kombat tournament, then her mind will push her to great limits. If she were under your command just yet, she would lose such a passionate will to fight."
A deep growl protruded from Shao Khan's throat but no more words of objection came forth. "Very well."
Elora explored the castle, as she was told she had the free will to do so. She had eaten a few hours prior, where she then became acquainted with the two sisters, Mileena and Kitana. Elora found a connection, an understanding, when Kitana spoke, but with Mileena, Elora couldn't help but feel uneasy, almost hostile, to the sister in pink.
Night had fallen and Elora glanced out every window as she passed them by. Outworld really was beautiful at night. The stars looked much clearer and larger than on earth and the trees were much taller and reached for the skies. It was mesmerizing. The ground however did mostly have a earthy texture to it; a desert floor almost, but where she was walking actually consisted of vegetation. The grass, even though it was night, wasn't as green as the grass in Earthrealm, instead it had a purplish shade to it. Regardless, it was gorgeous. Elora's legs suddenly locked by one window as she saw green flashes of light outside. Her curiosity was overpowering as she quickly found a way outside and towards the light. The night breeze felt amazing on her skin and her eyes fluttered closed for a moment as a light wind hit her. The air was so crisp and perfect. She was safe. Her eyes opened once more and she passed by several trees, grazing her fingertips on some as she passed and finally stopped by one; almost immediately hiding behind it, as she found the source of the green light.
Elora's lips parted, her eyes widened and she hugged herself to the tree tighter. She saw Ermac training in his martial arts style, it appeared to be Choy Lay Fut, but then sometimes stopping in between attacks and grabbing inanimate objects, but not physically. His hands would glow green, as would the objects he would grab before then crushing, tossing, or slamming them down. A large rock was lifted, one that Elora would definitely be unable to lift, and in a matter of seconds, Ermac's hand closed to a tight fist, and the rock exploded into several hundred various sized pebbles.
"Elora," Ermac spoke. Elora flinched at her name but mostly because it wasn't a man saying it. It was almost like a unison of voices. Before she moved, she saw him turn his head in her direction, his green eyes locking with hers.
"I'm sorry to intrude," Elora said as she stepped from around the tree and into the clearing with him. "I saw the lights and got curious."
"You are fine." Ermac spoke.
Elora blushed nervously as her eyes wandered, something Ermac noted. "That's a cool trick you got there." She said in attempts to break the silence.
"We make you nervous." Ermac spoke, not commenting on her words.
"W, we?" Elora asked.
"We," Ermac placed a hand on his chest, "are a harbinger of souls. We are many."
Elora tilted her head back and opened her mouth in the 'Oh' fashion as she quickly understood.
Before she could speak, he did once more, "You were staring at us. Why?"
Elora blushed, "I told you. I saw the lights and-"
"We mean earlier," Ermac said.
Elora's blush deepened, "I'm sorry for being so rude. You're just... fascinating."
"Odd," was all Ermac commented.
Elora grinned now and took a few steps to the side along the clearing, looking at her feet while she walked, "Odd? You were staring at me too."
Ermac's words were lost to him for a moment but his eyes snapped to her when he heard a soft laugh. A melody from an angel indeed. "It appears we were."
"Why?" Elora counter-attacked.
"Perhaps you're," Ermac paused for a second. The souls within him started to do something unfamiliar to him. They spiraled around in him as if excited. It made him feel dizzy and he didn't even realize that he was stammering slightly, the feeling was so new. He was fine just a few seconds ago. Her laugh maybe? Or the way the moonlight highlighted her deep red hair and smooth, pale shoulders? Or it could be the way she walked, so innocent and casual yet seductive at the same time. The way her eyes occasionally peeked over at him... Ermac immediately realized he was lost for words and couldn't speak.
"I'm what?" Elora broke the lingering silence.
Ermac needed to break these unfamiliar feelings now, "Weak."
Elora's smile dropped as she stopped in her tracks and glared at him. "Weak?" She echoed. "Maybe not as much as you think."
"Prove it," Ermac challenged.
A wicked grin slapped itself on Elora's face as she moved into her fighting stance. She moved her left leg out, along with her hand, ahead of her as she turned her body sideways, still facing him however. Her left hand was an open palm towards him and her right, well, lacking her weapon, was left as a fist and held back towards her waist.
When they were both ready, they had moved towards each other at the same time. Ermac swung his right arm at her but she placed her left palm on his fist and redirected his attack before striking him in the ribs with her right. Immediately, he grabbed her right arm after the attack and lifted in it the air and struck her hard on her right side and then kicked her legs out from under her, dropping her to the ground.
Elora rolled backwards but immediately used her hands to push her body upwards in a cartwheel towards him. Before her legs could be brought down on him, he easily grabbed them to stop her. Without giving him a chance to counter, she shifted her weight in the other direction and flung him over her, slamming him to the ground with her legs on the other side. When she got to her feet, she flipped sideways and and brought her boots down on his head before he could stand.
Ermac stood finally and raised his hand towards her. His hand began to glow green and a matching aura encased Elora. Her eyes grew wide as she was lifted off the ground before him. Ermac hesitated again. He watched for several seconds as Elora hovered in front of him and his eyes wandered on her long legs, her slim waist, and finally her confused face. She was helpless in this state. She was his like this. And he liked that.
She was now on the ground, but placed there on her feet. He didn't even realize that he put her down. When Elora took in what had just happened, she got his attention before advancing him again. Ermac, back in the fight but now flustered, attacked her with a flurry of punches. Several landed, but several also got countered with just the palm of her hands. Each time she redirected his hits, she would get several in of her own. Once clear, Elora pushed her left palm under his chin and forced his head upwards before uppercutting him with her right hand.
Ermac stumbled backwards. He saw Elora on him once more. She ducked his oncoming attack and lept at him. He expected more kicks, or possibly a strong punch; he didn't expect her legs to wrap themselves around his waist. Once her legs locked, the souls within Ermac exploded in a flurry of excitement. Elora twisted herself around his body and readjusted her legs to lock his arms and pulled him to the ground. She may have been under him, but she still had the upper hand as her arm was locked around his throat. It would have been different with her scythe but what she did now worked for the time being.
Ermac, even with his head locked in her arms, had his head resting against her warm stomach. His green eyes moved upwards to lock with hers and he noticed the sweat on her brows, the way her soft lips were parted in pants and finally the way her cheeks flustered a red to rival her hair. He cherished that look on her face.
Elora suddenly released the lock she had on Ermac and stood up, backing away immediately. Her right hand found her side. She didn't even realize that she opened her deep wound that was stitched up and didn't notice how much it hurt with all the adrenaline running through her body.
Ermac saw the blood on her fingers and was there in moments. He replaced her hand with his over her wound, surprising Elora. He was standing very close, his head tilted down slightly. He was barely taller than her and she could feel his breath on her nose, her cheeks flustered deeply with red. He was applying pressure on her wound with his gloved hand and had actually stopped the bleeding slightly.
"Perhaps," Ermac spoke lowly to finish what he was saying earlier, "you are fascinating to us as well."
Elora smiled a little but her nerves caused her to bite her lip gently. She could have swore he was even closer now, their bodies practically touching, and his hand still on her side.
Ermac noticed that she bit her lip. He also noticed the slight wetness that came on them after she did so and his eyes couldn't help but stare. Every soul in his body told him to claim her lips now but he managed to restrain himself and instead spoke lowly again, almost husky with his unison voice. "We make you nervous," he repeated from earlier. "Why?"
Elora's eyes fell to his lips too; she could tell he was staring at hers. Her voice was very low as well as she stammered, "I've never... met someone like you. Something about you...," her hand placed itself on his chest before slowly sliding upwards and on the inside of his hood. Her soft fingers stroked his neck and jaw line before cupping the side of his face. His other hand gripped her waist on the other side and their bodies were definitely touching now. Elora could feel his body heat and pressed herself closer to him, wanting more. She felt his fingers on her waist tighten a bit in his grip as she did so without any objection from him.
"S, something about you," she attempted again, "draws me in. Maybe it's the power you wield? I'm not sure... All I know is that I would like to know you more..."
"As we would you," Ermac spoke. He saw her bite her lip again and his souls had had enough. He wanted to kiss her again but he couldn't move his body. He didn't want to take advantage of her. Elora thought this place, Outworld, was a new beginning; a new hope. She didn't know what the Emperor and Sorcerer planned on doing with her. She didn't know that her free will was about to be lost to her. He wanted to protect her from it. He was created by Shang Tsung and regardless of that fact, he was commanded to do deeds that he was forced to carry out unwillingly. He felt her fingers lightly stroking his pale, life-less flesh on his face and felt the overwhelming urge to kiss her again. His eyes, which were lingering on her lips again, slowly moved to her eyes. He could read them clear as day. She wanted him to kiss her too but he had stopped any further thoughts of the matter because he could now feel the blood from her wound through his glove.
"You need to get that looked at," Ermac said, tearing himself away from her unwillingly.
Elora's facial expression dropped with disappointment but she wasn't upset with him. He was right. If anything, she was disappointed in herself for ogling a man- a unique and definitely inhuman man- she had just met. She took a few steps away from him, holding her bleeding side again and bowed her head.
"Thank you Ermac," she spoke softly. "We should continue some other time... With training, of course!" Elora laughed shyly and blushed a little bit from embarrassment. She saw him smile gently and relaxed because of it.
"Of course." He spoke just as softly as she did.
With that, Elora left his presence. Her side hurt like a bitch but she didn't show any signs of weakness with her steps. Ermac had watched her walk away until she was completely out of sight before exhaling a deep sigh and returning to his training.
