A/N: This is the final chapter in this story. This took awhile to write because it got really busy at work and I couldn't figure out what ending to put…I did say that it would take awhile. This is the longest chapter I've written! I've had a blast writing this story! Thanks for the reviews! Enjoy everyone!
The following night all the earth warriors and even Raiden attended the celebration in Edenia. The entire castle was full of people from the villages. There was a great feeling of peace in knowing everyone could sleep soundly now that Shao Kahn was dead. Raiden managed to find Kitana and Liu Kang together amongst the crowd of people.
"Kitana please meet me outside in the courtyard and bring your mother with you alone." Raiden said.
"Ok. Sorry, Liu, I have to leave for a moment." Kitana said.
"It's alright. I understand. I think I saw your mother near Jade and Rain." Liu Kang said.
Earthrealm
Raiden arrived at the temple of the Elder Gods. The Elder Gods of fire wind and water stood in the archways.
"We have awaited your return, lord Raiden." The god of wind said.
"Thank you for being patient. I have come to announce that Shao Kahn is dead, and everything is the way it should be, although I'm sure you already knew of this." Raiden said.
"Yes we are aware of the events that have come to pass. Never the less, you have done well Raiden." The Elder God of fire said.
"Thank you." Raiden said bowing.
"I sense you are here for something more, correct?" The goddess of water said.
"Yes I am. I have another matter that I wish to discuss." Raiden said.
"Go on." The god of wind said.
"I understand the policy for resurrection, which certain conditions must be met, but I believe what I'm about to discuss will bring forth a better future for the realm of Edenia." Raiden said.
"Raiden, although Edenia has gone without a monarch for centuries; they seem to be doing fine now under the rule with princess Kitana and queen Sindel." The fire god said as if he had read the thunder gods mind.
"I know, but it is a long time to be without one." Raiden said. "It will help provide better structure and safety. No longer will they fear the wrath of my brother." Raiden continued to explain his plan to try to sway the others decision. After much discussion, Raiden had succeeded.
"Very well, Raiden. We will allow this special event. You have proven you point. We shall carry on with this event. You're right, it is only fair." Fujin, the god of wind said.
"Then we shall prepare. Raiden, you know what to do." The fire god said.
Raiden nodded and went straight to work smiling at himself. When he was done the Elder Gods joined him in the middle of the room.
Edenia
Kitana had managed to convince her mother to come outside with her though it wasn't easy. The queen was very suspicious of her actions. They stood in the court yard awaiting Raiden's return.
"Kitana, I know you, you're hiding something. Now tell me, why are we waiting and disregarding all the guests inside?" Sindel asked her daughter.
"I don't know mother. Raiden just asked me to bring you out here with me and wait for him. He didn't say why, honest." Kitana said.
"I believe you, I Just don't' see why Raiden must do this tonight?" Sindel asked.
"Perhaps it is urgent." Kitana said.
Sindel sighed and looked up at the moon. Normally she would be more patient but tonight was a busy night. She noticed that the sky was clear of clouds but filled with millions of stars. The cool night air reminded her of a night when she and Jerrod would take strolls around the courtyard and converse in long conversations. Sindel looked down and saw Raiden walking along the stone path towards her and Kitana.
"Thank you for waiting so patiently. I apologize for being late." He said.
"Think nothing of it. Why did you want me out here? I keep asking Kitana but she isn't telling me anything." Sindel said.
Raiden smiled. "Then she has done her job well."
"What do you mean "job"?" Sindel asked looking at her daughter.
"I met with Raiden yesterday and he asked for my assistance in bringing you out here. He told me he had a surprise for us. That's why we had to wait out here, although I have no idea what the surprise is." Kitana said.
"And now you will see your surprise. I promise you both that it is well worth the wait." Raiden said.
Kitana and her mother looked at each other and then Raiden who still stood smiling at them. Raiden turned to his right and held out his hand to a pillar.
"Come out, your highness." He said.
Excitement ran through Sindel. Though she still didn't know what the surprise was, she still felt as if she already knew. From the pillar a tall man emerged and stepped into the moonlight. He had short hair, brown eyes, and wore green and white clothes with a belt that held a sword protected by a scabbard. He stood beaming at Kitana and Sindel. Sindel's eyes immediately welled with years as she ran and hugged the man that stood before them. The man held her as she cried in his arms.
"Jerrod…" Was all Sindel could say.
"I know. I've missed you too." He said.
Kitana stood bewildered. This man was a total stranger to her and yet he felt so familiar. A smile spread across her face. She knew the man her mother embraced was her father. He looked at her still smiling. He held out an arm to Kitana as she ran to him. All three embraced each other.
"This moment wasn't just a reunion. I did this because I felt it would benefit Edenia in keeping the realm safe. I'm glad things turned out well. It wasn't easy, and I had my doubts, but I managed to convince the Elder Gods to grant you life once more, king Jerrod." Raiden said.
"Thank you, Raiden. I am forever grateful for what you've done. I never did get a chance to be with my daughter. You were only a baby when last I held you, Kitana, but now you're grown up." Jerrod said.
Kitana smiled. She could only pray to be reunited with her family. She never dreamed it would happen in this life, though she still said it in her prayers. Sindel placed an around her husband.
"So much time has been lost." She said.
"Maybe, but we can catch up and make up for lost time." Jerrod said.
"But why did we have to wait out here for so long?" Kitana asked.
"Because I had to prepare everything for the resurrection, which you're father was happy to oblige to." Raiden said.
"I always dreamed of the day when I would finally meet you." Kitana said looking at her father.
"Well it looks like your wish came true." Sindel said.
Kitana smiled. This moment seemed to be one of the happiest moments in her life, and she was certain her mother felt the same way.
"How will we explain this to everyone?" Kitana asked.
"It may be best if I came with you to explain. This may seem awkward for everyone at first, but I'm sure they'll adjust. The time that has been granted to you should never be wasted. Use it well and be happy. May Edenia live in peace once more." Raiden
The royal family nodded. They had been through so much, especially Kitana. She had seen her family be torn apart by Shao Kahn and manipulated against her. Together the group walked back into castle and entered into the back of the room. Raiden walked in first with the royal family behind. Raiden stood and waited.
"Why don't you do the honours, Raiden?" Jerrod said.
Raiden nodded and picked up a wine glass and tapped it gently. The loud chatter that filled the room slowly died down as the others who hadn't noticed the royal family turned their heads in shock to see their king. Even the earth warriors were surprised. Liu Kang, however, only smiled. He knew exactly what was going on.
"Most of you are wondering how your king could be standing before you. Allow me to explain." Raiden explained how after a long argument he had managed to get the Elder Gods to allow the resurrection of king Jerrod and how he had to find his soul and use the powers of the Elder Gods to re-create his body so he could be reborn.
When he had finished, Jerrod stepped in and spoke. "This will be strange for us all, but I have confidence things will carry on as before. I'm very happy to be brought back to this earth. It is good to see everyone's faces although some of us are not here to share this moment today. May Edenia see peace forever more! Long live Edenia!"
"Long live Edenia!" The crowded chanted in unison as they cheered their king on.
The chatter started up once again as the royal family talked with old friends. Kitana walked off to talk to Liu Kang while Raiden went to talk with Rain.
"So this is Edenia's king? Man this whole thing is weird." Jax said shaking his head in confusion.
"I'll explain it later, Jax." Sonya said.
Raiden approached Rain. He was starring at Jerrod and Sindel. Jade was standing near Rain turned her gaze from the king and queen to Rain. She saw Raiden stand beside Rain and averted her gaze. She walked over towards the earth warriors for a friendly chat.
"You must be disappointed, Rain." Raiden said.
"Disappointed about what?" Rain asked who stared ahead.
"Disappointed that you're father isn't here." Raiden said.
"Not really." Rain said.
"Although I was able to bring Edenia's king back, there wasn't enough reason for your father. I'm sorry." Raiden said.
"Don't be, I'm not."
"No I should be."
Rain looked at Raiden confused. "Why?"
"Because I know you want to see him."
"Although that may be true, unlike Kitana, I remember my father."
"That is true. You were older than Kitana, but I still sense sadness in this new change in your life."
"Don't worry about me. If the Elder Gods didn't allow it then I'm sure they had their reasons. Besides, Kitana needs this more than I do. We've been through the same ordeal, but I'll wait for my turn just like everyone else. I'll be fine."
Raiden smiled. "That's good to hear. Just remember, when one door closes, another will open." Raiden walked out of the castle. Rain watched him go, thinking of his last words.
As time passed on the people of Edenia became used to the presence of their king. Peace was once more again restored, especially for Kitana and Sindel. Life went on as usual for everyone in all the realms. Six months passed by and Johnny Cage finally got the nerve to ask Sonya to marry him. She accepted and a large wedding was held with the earth warriors and their friends from Edenia, and the thunder god Raiden. Rain, Kitana and Jade became close friends. Rain himself had taken a liking to Jade but was too stubborn to admit it. Liu Kang was now able to spend more time with Kitana now that the attacks upon Earthrealm ceased completely. Although this turmoil was over, there will always be other threats. Who knows what awaits the earth warriors? Only time will tell. The end.