Chapter Twenty-four: Time and Shadow
(Ashra's domain, The Neatherrealm)
The sound of soft footstep invaded the silence of the cavern, causing Scorpion's eyes to narrow as he turned to see the white clad woman known as Ashra walked towards him. Ever since his capture, Scorpion trained and trained hard in the region of the Netherealm that Ashra claimed as her own. He was disgusted with how easily he was captured by Quan Chi's followers. Although he would never show it in words the specter was grateful for Ashra's assistance both in rescuing him and allowing him a place to train in secret.
"One of Earthrealm's gods has contacted me inquiring about you and the swords, "said Ashra without bothering with a greeting.
Scorpion had a good idea as to which god it was and asked, "Did you tell him?"
"I told him an edited version of what happened, "said Ashra calmly but the feel of humor was there in her Victorian voice, "He didn't seem too happy about the news. The rumors are the Elder Gods are not too happy with godslayer since she gave you the swords."
Scorpion closed his eyes briefly to consider Ashra's words. He had little care as to what the Elder Gods wanted, however both the godslayer and the last true Lin Kuei would. Both suffered at one point or another because of him both he now owed a debt. The younger Sub-Zero for showing him even if unknowing the truth of his constant hunt for revenge upon the Sub-Zero line, the godslayer for the trust she gave him but he failed to uphold. If it was in his nature, Scorpion would have snorted in derision over his feelings. During most of his unnatural existence, the specter wouldn't have concerned himself with either. True he would have stopped hunting the Sub-Zero line, but idea of actually helping Sub-Zero would have never crossed his mind.
"If you speak with the thundergod again, inform him I will be returning the swords to the godslayer one way or another, "Scorpion said. As the specter turned to walk away Ashra's kriss briefly glowed--unnoticed by both the specter and the huntress.
(The Forbidden Forest, Outworld)
Lillith growled to herself, for days she had watched Shao Kahn and all he did was sit on his damned throne thinking. Not a word was spoken by the Emperor during this time. She swiped angrily at a branch as she flew over the trees; both Kuravan and Nitara were upset by the lack of information. Tonight she was nearly discovered by Kahn's guards and was forced to leave until things calmed down at the palace. Just when that human, Kano, was to show up to report about the war with the Edenians.
The vampire swooped down and landed lightly on a tree branch. Without warning the wind died down to nothing and the inhuman sounds of the forest went silent. A woman's voice rang in the silence, "Perhaps you should consider a career change."
Lillith sent her claws automatically in the direction of the voice, but found herself frozen in place looking ata strange white hair woman sitting on the large branch the vampire had landed on. The woman wearing the same type armor as the vampire except in black and instead of kamas she carried a pair of swords on her back. "Is that anyway to treat someone whose here to save your hide, "said the woman from behind her scarf.
Lillith would have growled but found herself unable even to do that. The strange woman jumped from the branch and landed gracefully on the ground below. She looked up and with a wave of her hand; the vampire was able to move once again. Carefully Lillith glided down to stand not far away from the woman. "What do you mean? "hissed the vampire.
A white eyebrow rose but the woman said, "I'm going to tell you what exactly is going to happen at the palace and you're going to tell both your employers. You might want to tell your master first, he's most likely not to kill you when you tell him where you got the info from."
The vampire growled with eyes glowing red and prepared to launch herself in attack when the woman drew a circle of light-blue flame in the air with her finger. In the circle an image of a silver orb floating in magma appeared. The white haired woman added, "A little something else that may interest your mistress--the prison to your homerealm and a possible key to its release."
All anger left the vampire's face as she instantly recognized orb from mental images given to all Vampires in their race's search for it. "Where…"she said then changed her mind to ask, "What do you want in return?"
"Nothing much, "answered the woman as the flames and the image they held faded, "Just tell Nitara that once she has freed your realm, I recommend to consider seriously aiding Rayden's little group. Even you must have noticed he's much more trustworthy than Kahn, Onaga or even Kuravan."
"Who's Onaga?" asked Lillith.
"Trust me you don't want to know, "answered the woman as her eyes flared briefly.
(Previously abandoned palace filled with a mummified army, location unknown)
"So it is agreed?" asked Quan Chi.
"Yes, "answered Shang Tsung as the pair walked past the kneeling corpses, "I will help provide the souls for these empty husks and in return you will see that they remain loyal to both of us. Soon, we will have what so many have sought for eons…power over all the realms."
Quan Chi growled slightly and then said, "We must take care; if anyone even gets a hint of our actions too soon all will be lost. Even the Elder Gods may interfere if they knew that…"
"They won't know if it remains unsaid, "hissed Shang Tsung and then his hand fell on the hilt of the sword at his hip, "and once they do find out it will be too late. It's the Emperor I worry about; he doesn't need an excuse to interfere only a foul mood and even with these swords he will be difficult to take down."
"So some additional power is needed, "mused Quan Chi as he looked at the newly forming soul-nado and tapping on the medallion tied to his belt, "Perhaps it's not the quantity of the souls you are using but the quality."
(Temple of the Elder Gods, inner chambers)
Kronos frowned as he walked down the endless hallway. Fujin's report of the Elder God of Shadow's presence at the demonstration and his conversation with Althea concerned him. So far the council was still in favor of a hands-off approach in regards to the godslayer as in all things. Kronos being related to her gave him more leeway in regards to his interactions with the mortal but Anubis should have had absolutely no reason to speak with the woman. It was one thing to continue the balance of the realms by aiding Earthrealm's chosen with a little push here or there, but what Anubis had done was against all what the council stood for: a neutral standing to ensure that a balance is kept. Neither good nor evil should ever out weight the other and no single realm should truly be stronger than the others. The Elder God of Time frowned even deeper, ever since Shinnok's betrayal all those centuries ago it seems that this has been forgotten by the council as a whole.
The Elder God of Time stopped at one of the millions of unmarked doors that lined the endless hallway. The door opened without being touched and Kronos entered the room. The room itself was in an ancient Egyptian motif favored by pharaohs and other nobles of that era for their tombs. Images of Ra, Set, Osiris and Isis lined the walls; gods that no longer existed and only their images remained.
"What brings you to My private chambers Brother Time?" came a growl from a shadowed door.
Kronos turned to the doorway and answered, "I wish to know why Brother Shadow sought out My great-granddaughter."
A jackal headed figure stepped out into the light and with a bark said, "So you consider her Your great-granddaughter…how many grandchildren do You have ten, a hundred, thousands…what makes her so special aside from being a godslayer?"
Kronos wondered with concern why Anubis was wearing his form from the days before he became an Elder God, but decided not to mention it. Instead he replied, "Contrary to popular belief, I do have a sense of family. I hold each of My children dear, even if they prove less than what I hoped. I try my best to keep track of all My descendents and Althea is one that is proving herself even greater than what I or anyone could have expected."
Anubis chuckled coldly and then said, "Even after she gave her immortal killing swords to a creature that exists only to kill You can say that You still favor her?"
"You Yourself was once a creature of death and yet You have earned your place among the Elder Gods, "countered Kronos.
"I led the souls of mortals to their proper places after they died…I did NOT kill them, "growled Anubis, "And that is beside the point, she should have never even survived her encounter with…"
"Enough!" Kronos exclaimed for the first time with anger, "That has already been decided upon by the council over five centuries ago. Althea has proven that she has no intention of being a threat and has in fact been instrumental in stopping one who has seen to the destruction of dozens of gods that We know of." Then more calmly Kronos continued, "I will admit that she is far from perfect, but I know not a single mortal or immortal who can claim that distinction."
Anubis growled and attempted to move away in contempt only to find himself frozen in place. "You forget Brother Shadow, I am one of the original Elder Gods and have had a great deal more time to learn a few…tricks, " Kronos said coldly, "It is rare that I find a use for these…tricks, and believe Me You do not want to be on the receiving end of the more brutal ones. Leave Althea alone…and don't You dare to even think of taking your revenge upon Rayden or anyone that Althea holds dear. If You feel they have done something that demands the attention of the Elder Gods bring it before Sister Water and She will determine what is to be done."
Kronos then turned and left the room. As the untouched door slamming behind the Elder God of Time, Anubis shook free of whatever was holding him with a snarl. He turned to slam his fists onto his desk causing it to shatter under the force of his anger.
"I sensed your anger my friend, "came a warm and calm man's voice as the room brightened, "Do you wish to tell me what happened…"
(Lost Temple, somewhere in the jungles of Earth)
Kuravan looked up at the ancient pyramid without emotion considering the possibilities of this becoming his new base of operations on Earth. The crunching sound of footsteps on old gravel interrupted his thoughts and he turned to see both Arianna and his new follower, Kabal, walking up to him. It was Kabal who brought this place to Kuravan's attention and so far it seemed to hold the most promise. So far Kabal has proven himself a useful guide in places normally not seen by the majority of the native population of this realm.
"This will do nicely, "Kuravan said and Kabal nodded in acknowledgement. The deity continued, "I sense you have a desire for revenge…so in returned for your continued service I will do what I can to assist you in your endeavor. Just be aware I must not appear to be aiding you directly due to rules I must abide for the present. However, I can advise you…"Kuravan stopped for a second as if a thought came to him and he then turned his attention to the woman, "Arianna, please find me Lillith she is late with her report and while there pay the Emperor a visit…a friendly one."
Arianna bowed and walked off. Once she was out of sight, Kuravan said to Kabal, "I feel it is time you learn a part of your true heritage and the truth behind the Black Dragon." Kuravan then held out his hand and a smoke filled flame filled his palm only to disappear as the Black Dragon medallion appeared in its place, "You see the 'clan' Kano created in rebellion against the Red Dragon is nothing compared to the true Clan of the Black Dragon."
Unseen in the jungle, Arianna watched and listened as Kuravan described the 'honor and great leadership' of Jola and how Kabal was a descendent of Jola's older brother who died before seeing his son…killed by the treachery of the Red Dragon. Arianna snorted, knowing Kuravan was being creative with history…again…to ensure a loyal follower. She then turned to continue her appointed tasks and to run an errand of her own on the way. As much as she disliked the idiots she was going to see, what she was going to gain in the end was more than worth the headache.
(Johnny's condo, Los Angeles)
The front door swung open into the living room with a hurried Johnny walking in. He headed to the coffee table to pick up the wallet that he had forgotten earlier. Sonya leaned against the open doorway with a slightly amused look on her face. As Johnny picked up his wallet he could barely hear the voices from the kitchen…all three of them. 'What in the world could Fujin be talking with them about?" thought Johnny as he headed to the kitchen door. He opened it in just in time to hear Sonya's father say, "If Earth lost ten tournaments in a row, all would have been lost. "
"He…they knew, "whispered Sonya standing right behind Johnny nearly causing him to jump in surprise. Johnny looked over his shoulder and held a finger over his lips to indicate she should remain quiet.
(The Kitchen)
"That's correct, "said Fujin recovering quickly from the surprise.
"You have got to be kidding, "mutter Erica in disbelief but Herman's serious look made her think twice then she asked, "Who told you this?"
Herman Blade looked away and said, "I…shouldn't even had said that…its classified.."
The kitchen door swung open and an angry Sonya barged it as Johnny recovered from being forcibly knocked aside. "Don't give us that cop out, "Sonya said, "Classified my…I was there…Me and Johnny most likely know more about the tournament than anyone with the exception of Liu, Rayden and Fujin. This includes you do so spill it Dad."
Fujin coughed into his hand trying not to laugh and acting as if he knew that the pair was listening in. The cough earned him the deadly glare of the Blade family which made him think, 'Ooookay, think I'll go now.' The god of wind then vanished in a puff of air.
"Wish I could do that sometimes, "mutter Johnny thus earning him his own set of glares. "Hey don't look at me…he's the one with the secret to share, "said Johnny pointing to Herman Blade.
Ret. Major Herman Blade then stood up with full dignity and said, "I have already said too much. You might know more about Mortal Kombat but I'm still not at liberty to discuss it. Col. Sonya Blade, you of all people should understand this." Sonya's anger deflated and she nodded once, but then said, "You forget, Major, I rank you and have full clearance. One thing you might not even know is that anyone who is on the school's staff has also been given clearance in all things involving the OIA…including and especially Mortal Kombat." Sonya then turned to her mother and continued, "Mom, I hate to ask this but could you please leave the room…you're the only one here that can't hear this from Dad."
Johnny rubbed the right side of his forehead, wondering what he was getting into dating Sonya. He then sighed and said, "Why not just let her stay, she's going to find out later anyways." Erica gave Johnny a thankful look just before giving her husband and daughter each a glare.
"I'll have to get permission…"protested Herman but stopped when Sonya picked up the cell phone from the table and handed it to him saying, "Call whoever you need to and get the ok. If they try to refuse hand the phone over to me."
The End….
Next Time on MK: Echoes of the Past….
"So it is agreed, "said Arianna as she took the small vial from Quan Chi.
It was Shang Tsung who answered, "Agreed…you keep the gods of Earthrealm distracted while we deal with the…"