Interactions
Three weeks have passed by swiftly and a lot has happened. Things that I didn't think would happen in such short amount of time. Rain and I have gotten more allied if you know what I mean. Relationship wise. Glimmer and Ash have improved in combat. Still a few rough edges here and there, but they're learning fast. I've even charmed some, - if most- Outworlder's that I think i can call them friends. In secret of course. The past weeks on this island has been the best time of my life. The best part is that Shang Tsung is barely here so I hope he isn't aware of my friendships with the Outworlders. No doubt he'd go and snitch to his boss. What a little bitch he is. Anyways, I've even easily charmed the big bad shokans. As I'm currently in conversation with Goro, Kintaro, and Sheeva. I kind of like Kintaro the most, maybe because he's also and giant predatory tiger I'm just prehistoric. They've even told me they don't find me as pathetic as most of my Earthrealm team based on my performances in sparring with both teams. Sheeva also thinks I could be Earthrealm's only hope in succeeding in this tournament.
"I don't mean to brag but... Yea I'm pretty good. Never been beaten in all my years living." I say brushing my shoulder as if it were dirty. They slightly chuckle at my comment. Tough crowd I think to myself. "Anyways, what's it like working for Shao Kahn?" I ask curiously. This question earns a huff from Goro as he crosses his two upper arms looking down at me.
"Shao Kahn is a peasent. Unbearable to take orders from. He is no true emperor. We do not serve out of loyalty, we merely serve as of means to protect out Shokan people who are conquered by him as well." Goro explains with anger in his voice. I nodd in an understanding manner. Hm.. Maybe after I rid Outworld of Shao Kahn they will finally all be free to live in peace I think to myself. I clear my throat as I ask another question that I hope they will find amusing and lighten up the mood and not take as a threat.
"Soo.. You guys have seen everything I can do and handle in the training arena right?" I ask rubbing the back of my head as they share glances slowly nodding in unision looking down at me. "So you think I can beat you in the tournament if we had to fight?" I ask with a smile. They all boast into a fit of laughter. I cross my arms chuckling a bit. I'm not sure if I should feel bad because they underestimate me, or feel relieved that they haven't jumped me yet. They pause their laughter as they now look behind. I keep my posture as I feel muscular arm wrap around my waist and soft lips plant a kiss on my cheek. Based on what some of the Outworlder's have told me about Rain being too tough to allow emotion be apart of his life, I believe I've changed that.
"My love." Rain greets while still gripping my waist from behind as I lean my head on his. He then looks up at that Shokan. "Has Shang Tsung or princess Kitana requested my presence as of late?" he asks. Sheeva shakes her head in response, slightly glaring at him.
"You should worry more on your foolish infatuation with this Edenian. Should the emperor or sorceror find out, she could be put at risk." she says pointing at me. She seems harsh, yet in a way she seems like I could be at risk.
"This is no foolish infatuation Sheeva. Do not dwell on my personal affairs. You know not my feelings for this woman. If you are attempting to keep her from harm by suggesting I stay away from her, keep your advice for she is mine to protect." he replies with seriousness written all on his face. Sheeva slightly shakes her head in disappointment as she gives her attention back to me.
"Be cautious Edenian, do not allow emotion to corrupt you." she says while facing Rain as if it was meant to him. With that, she leaves us followed by Goro and Kintaro shortly after. Sheeva said those words as if she knew I would be in trouble if word got out to the sorceror or the emperor on Rain and I's relationship. I turn to face Rain who sends me a warm smile.
"So, where were you all day?" I ask while taking his hand in mine as we begin to walk down the sandy beach.
"The princess requested I accompany her to a mission assigned by the emperor." he explains. Hm the princess couldn't have requested anyone else? Literally she has an entire Outworld team. She could ask anyone but she asks Rain. K. I speak to myself in my mind a bit bothered.
"I see. You also reported to Shao Kahn?" I ask. He nods in response. "Really so does know now that you are fraternizing with an 'Earthrealmer?" I ask with a light smile. This makes him giggle a bit.
"Shao Kahn cares not of his forces relations, he only cares if we can win this tournament to capture Earthrealm for him." he explains with a shrug. We stop just at the edge of the the small bridge on the beach staring together at the waters. A beautiful marmalade sky accompanies the sun set. Rain faces me as he holds both of my hands in his as he stares into my hazel eyes as if lost. He moves a loose streak of my hair from my face behind my ear as he leans in for a -
"Athena." a strict yet calm voice is heard approaching us. We both turn to see Lord Raiden accompanied by Liu Kang. I haven't personally spoken with the God of Thunder but I've heard many stories of him as protector of Earthrealm. I will show my respect to him however as I bow to him which causes Rain to scoff and cross his arms. "What can I do for you Lord Raiden?" I ask as I regain my posture.
"Athena, I have spoken with your sister and childhood friend. They have both informed me of your past and your plans for this tournament. I sense a great conflict within you followed by immense power. I have been watching you. You are vital for the survival of Earthrealm. However, my only concern is your close interactions with the Outworlders. Especially with Rain, who is know to be very tricky and treacherous." he says slightly glaring at Rain who only chuckles darkly. I see the tension growing as I notice Rain begins to take a few steps as Liu Kang's fists are ignited with fire. I pull on Rain's arm stopping him in his tracks.
"Lord Raiden, I don't want to pose a bad first impression. But if you've already been told about me then you don't need to worry. I can take of myself just fine. As for Rain, I trust him." I reply trying to avoid a fight. Liu Kang faces me extinguishing his flames with a look of concern. "Very well." Lord Raiden says in a disappointed tone as he and Liu Kang turn to leave.
Rain and I now sit in the sand as the sun goes down watching the gentle waters splash every now and then on the beach. This island seems like the only beautiful place in Outworld based on what Rain has told me. He says Shao Kahn only cares of conquering realms. He doesn't care of how the realms appear, he only wants power. Typical. I snap out of the trance I'm in as I stare off into the ocean as Rain is apparently calling me. "Are you troubled?" he asks with a look of concern. I face him with a gentle smile.
"I'm fine Rain. Ive just been getting lost in thought ever since ive been here. Nothing to worry about." I lie. Lord Raiden's words may have slightly gotten to me. Rain is known to be very tricky and treacherous. I erase those words from my mind. I can't distrust Rain. I have to believe him and everything he's said to me.
"I see. Do not worry I will not hurt you. Yes, I do have a dark past where I've been know to be untrustworthy but you changed that." he says bringing a hand to my cheek, caressing it. We stare into each other's eyes as Rain leans in slowly, his lips meeting mine. Our kiss deepens with passion as I wrap my arms on his neck. He pulls me closer to him, his hand on my back. My body is filled with lust for him at this moment. Surprisingly, we haven't done the nasty yet. I mean we do sleep in the same bed but no we haven't done that yet. I feel he wants to take things slow with me. That would be the sweetest thing he could do. I then feel his lips slowly leave mine, our faces inches apart.
"Athena, I-" Rain begins to say before he is interrupted by a familiar feminine voice now approaching us. We turn to face the figure. The woman is princess Kitana. She is beautiful I admit, I don't want to think of her as a competition. Even thought she spends a lot of time near Rain as much as me. Especially with her revealing ass outfit. "Rain, Shang Tsung has sent me to retrieve you. He requests that you accompany us tonight to Outworld to report to my father." she commands. Rain sighs but nods as he faces me again.
"I shall return by the morning, do not expect me tonight. Get some rest my love." he says planting a kiss on my forehead. I watch them leave as I sit there alone now pissed.
Now that I'm left here in my lonesome I get lost in thought. Can I really bring myself to defeat Shao Kahn? I'm an expert on anything having to do with combat and personal interactions my only problem is controlling my emotions. I can't bring my emotions into a fight, that could distract and jeopardize my plans. I sigh as I toss a pebble into the ocean watching it skip a few times. "Shouldn't you be inside by now? It's late, especially if you're out here by yourself." A deep muffled voice say behind me. I simply shrug as I'm in no mood for questions. I just keep my stare into the waters as I see the moon's reflections from the sky. The man who spoke to me takes a seat next me. I face him curiously as I recognize him from training. I sparred with him a couple times. His name is Erron Black. The Outworlder that originates from Earthrealm, ironic.
"I thought I recognized that voice. Don't do that sneaky sneak shit again though, in the mood I'm in you're lucky I didn't attack you." I say facing the waters again.
"What's wrong? Rain break up with you? That was fast." he teases. I chuckle lightly. This dude is like a male version of me. Always finds a joke out of everything. I like this dude, he's cool to be around.
"No, you goof. He's just been going on a lot of arons lately and I don't know I just miss his company. Plus, I don't like the fact that he's with Kitana a lot and she wears some revealing ass shit. Hoe." I say earing a laugh from Erron.
"Don't be so jealous Athena. It's just business, but you do have a point she wears revealing ass shit. Don't worry, Rain would be an idiot if he chose between you and another woman. Especially between a woman like you." he says trying to cheer me up. I smile at this. Who pegged Erron to be such a sweet? Not me, he's like a mysterious mercenary who you need to be careful around. But apparently not with me.
"You know Erron, you're right. Hey, walk me to my room?" I ask while standing up also dusting off the sand particles on me. He also stands up as he nods. We walk back to the building in silence for a while. Erron doesn't know, but I've been glancing at him and it seems he has something to ask or say to me. "What is it?" I finally ask.
"Exactly. What's wrong, you seem kind of...lost? Like in thought." he asks me with a low voice. Damnit why'd I open my mouth? I sigh deeply as I explain to Erron about Sheeva and Lord Raiden basically warning me about Rain. "Soo.. Are you doubting Rain's actions towards you? His feelings?" he asks.
"No of course not. I just I don't know it's hard to explain. I have so much on my mind mostly on the tournament and now this happened. My mind's just a bit messed up." I say as we reach the door to my room. I begin to open it as I turn back to Erron. "Care to spar tomorrow morning? It will be nice to let out some steam." I smile at him as he chuckles under his mask. He nods as he motions me to go inside and get some rest. I enter my room feeling the lonely feeling once again. Where are you Rain? He better show up tomorrow morning or I'm going to be super pissed. I sigh deeply as I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling stuck in deep thought again. Before I know it my eyes begin to feel heavy as they close and I drift off to sleep.
More chapters to come.