Chapter Seventeen: Practicing Moves

Althea just sat staring into space as Taja and Siro bickered over the possibility of another trip. Kung Lao glanced occasionally to each of his friends in turn. When he looked at Taja and Siro a look of amusement came over his face. Even though they have seemed to have admitted their feelings to each other, they still argued a good bit. It seemed as if they actually enjoyed the fights. When Kung Lao looked at Althea, he frowned with concern. Ever since her return she seemed quiet, distracted. It was showing up not only at mealtime but in training as well. That was a real concern, such distraction could be dangerous.

Suddenly, Althea stood up and left the room. Taja and Siro didn't even notice and just continued arguing. Kung Lao got up to follow. He found her pacing in the courtyard and mumbling to herself.

"Is there anything you would like to talk about?" asked Kung Lao. Althea sighed and then replied, "Yes and no…You know how I am prevented from doing some things due to coming from another realm right?"

Kung Lao nodded since he was aware that some of the rules of Mortal Kombat might prevent her from aiding them in certain circumstances, fortunately such occurrences have not happened since she arrived. Any attack on them included her, so basically she was defending herself or the attacks targeted at them were made by someone else from another realm.

"While I was recovering, Rayden informed me that I was offered the option to declare Earthrealm as my home, "Althea said looking away from her teacher.

Kung Lao frowned and asked, "Okay and the problem is?"

"I'm Calornian. True there's not much back there for me and I am much happier here…but I bled for my realm. Lost friends and those I considered family for it. I nearly lost my soul defending it. Leaving it for a while is one thing, but to completely cut myself off from it…"

"Would you be cutting yourself from it?" asked Kung Lao, "What would prevent you from visiting it on occasion or stay there for a while, like you are doing here?"

"And if Calorna is ever endangered again and I'm unable to help due to my new citizenship?" Althea replied.

"Then don't take the offer," said Kung Lao.

"Then if any of you guys get in a dangerous situation in which I am prevented from helping…,"Althea started.

"Are you listening to yourself?" said Kung Lao with a strange feeling of déjà vu as he remember a similar conversation he had with Rayden in regards to his status as Mortal Kombat Champion and its responsibilities, "Do you think you are Calorna's only defense? I hope that it has new defenders by now who can take up the fight in case of an attack that might never happen. I know if anything should happen to me, that Taja and Siro will take up the fight and see that, since they will be too old for the next tournament, someone will be trained and ready to fight for Earth. I know for certain that Rayden see to it that another is chosen. The real question is what do you want?"

Althea looked at Kung Lao for a moment considering his words. She then said, "I think I need more time to think about it, but …I will not let is consume my thoughts as much. Thanks for reminding me that I'm not the only line of defense for my world. Hmph! Thinking about it now, I'm not even the most powerful since if there is another attack I doubt it would be another immortal. Not even Kuravan is crazy enough to destroy his own realm."

(Quan Chi's Domain)

Arianna, slowly picked up the kamas given to her by Kuravan as if it was a pleasure to be stretched out. They were solid black and glossy, she had no idea what they were made of but they were light and virtually indestructible.

Arrianna then began to practice some of the moves that Lilith showed her. A pair of dark and deadly blurs attacked an imaginary opponent from multiple directions. Lupena entered the room to see Arianna shadow fighting with some very dangerous looking weapons and Arianna's surprising expertise with them. The sight made Lupena feel uneasy and slightly fearful. Lupena turned to leave and it was then that Arianna spoke in a cruel voice, "Not the same puppet you remember, hey Lupena."

(Trading Post's Courtyard)

The next morning, Althea went through the more complex staff motions under Kung Lao's watchful eye. He was pleased to see that most of Althea's distraction was gone and with how far she has gotten with her training, in spite of all the interruptions. As Kung Lao watched Althea's nearly flawless display, he considered if it was time to step up her training a bit. More advanced hand to hand and perhaps a secondary weapon. There was also throwing weapons and perhaps with another option, she wouldn't need to use that costly chi blast so often for distant attacks.

"She's not half bad, "said Rayden.

Kung Lao didn't even blink at the thunder god's sudden appearance next to him. He was also pleased that Althea didn't miss a motion, but acknowledged Rayden's arrival with nothing more than a smile and blink. Definitely need to step up her training. "She is doing just fine, Rayden. Is there something you need to tell me?" said Kung Lao.

Rayden raised an eyebrow at Kung Lao's cold tone of voice, but didn't comment on it. "It seems that someone is stirring up Shao Kahn's and Vorpax's interest. Who or what I'm not sure, but you might want to be careful, "he replied.

Kung Lao nodded and mumbled, "Thanks."

This time Rayden didn't ignore Kung Lao's coldness and asked, "Is there something you would like to tell me?"

Kung Lao glanced at Rayden for a moment and returned his attention to his student. The exercise ended and he said, "Good one! Why don't you go take a break while I talk to Rayden…alone."

"Ooookay, "said Althea as she leaned the staff against a wall and went inside.

As soon as she was out of sight, Kung Lao began, "What is going on between you and my student? Ever since she returned she's been in a bit of a daze which has affected her training. She's mentioned the offer about making Earthrealm her home, but that's not all that bothering her."

Rayden just blinked, but inside he winched. He was about to deny anything was between him and Althea, but then changed his mind. Sighing, he sat down on a barrel and said, "To be honest, I'm not really sure myself. You would think that being able to sense what each other feeling would make it easier to understand each other, but all it does is cloud the issue even more." Rayden looked in the direction that Althea took to leave and continued, "Both of us have an…attraction for each other, but I'm unsure about it and it seems she is trying to fight it."

Kung Lao crossed his arms and asked a simple question, "Why?"

Rayden replied, "Me; most likely in spite of my centuries of life have never had a serious relationship. Being immortal and spending most of my time with mortals will kinda do that." He took a deep breath and continued, "As for Althea, I think it has something to do with her past. Unlike her past studies and fighting history, I…haven't dug too much into her personal history, to find out more since it has little to do with the defense of Earthrealm and she might consider it private information which she might not want me to know."

Kung Lao snorted lightly and said, "Rayden "Buttinsky" God of Thunder, minding his own business? Hell must be freezing over."

Rayden just glared at the now laughing monk. Kung Lao continued, "Sorry, Rayden, but you are the last person I would expect to have this kind of problem. Well…good luck." Kung Lao turned to leave and Rayden gave his familiar half-smile as he said, "At least you're not like Fujin and…others, playing matchmaker."

Kung Lao shrugged and said, "You minded your own business…sorta, when me and Jen first started seeing each other. Just returning the favor."

(Inside)

Althea sensed Rayden's discomfort as she got a drink. She had an idea what Kung Lao and the thunder god were talking about and wasn't sure as to be angry, amused, embarrassed or flattered.

Suddenly something was wrong. What or where she didn't know, but something was definitively not right. She ran outside to the courtyard, ignoring Kung Lao and Rayden, closed and locked the gate. "What's wrong?" asked Kung Lao as Rayden suddenly vanished with a concerned look on his face.

Althea shrugged and answered, "Don't know…I just suddenly got this sinking feeling."

(Red Dragon Headquarters)

Drevane wasn't doing well. The spirit of red dragon within him sudden grew more active, more demanding. He could feel it attempting to eat his mind, heart and soul. What was causing it, he had no idea but he fought to control the monster. Drevane was the master, not the dragon!

The leader of the Red Dragon fell to his knees when the pain struck. The red haze surrounded him again, but this time the shape of the dragon was more complete, more solid. "NO!" yelled Drevane as the hissing voice in his head spoke, "Ssssoon I will be the masssster and you my sssslave." The man internally fought the power he once thought was his own.

(Calorna)

Kuravan looked up from the book he was reading. So far his newest plan seemed to be working, but where was this feeling of dread coming from. He closed his book and yelled, "Lilith!"

A scarred but fully healed Lilith entered the room, traces of her feeding being carefully removed by her hand. "Yes, my Lord," she said as she kneeled.

"As soon as possible, I want you to go to Earthrealm and take a look around. Just look and do not let yourself be seen."

Lilith recognized the tone in Kuravan's voice even though she had never heard it in his voice before, the sound of fear and concern.

The End…

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest….

Light-blue flame encompassed Althea's fist as she glared at Arianna. "Do you really want to take the chance? "said Arianna with a evil grin, "If you try to hit me, I'll hit her first." Aranna's hand lit up in blood-red fire and pointed to the unconscious Taja at Arianna's feet.