I don't own Mortal Kombat.
The D'Vorah Effect
Chapter 2: Red Lightning
Kung Jin lounged in a chair with his bow propped up next to him in the Special Forces sparring room. The Shaolin Monk was doing his best to ignore Jacqui and Takeda making eyes at each other. He was happy for them of course, but that didn't mean he liked watching it. Besides he had other things on his mind. The rumors about the stunt Cassie had pulled... they couldn't possibly be true could they?
Mr. Cage did say they were getting a new team member today. Nah, Cassie couldn't possibly be so stupid and gullible. The door to the room opened and everyone just stared dumbfounded as Cassie walked in with D'Vorah. "Damn, Cassie, I didn't want to believe it, but you actually helped that overgrown roach escape execution," Kung Jin said.
D'Vorah looked about ready to pounce, but Cassie stopped her, moving an arm to block the Kytinn. "I won't let you attack my allies, D'Vorah, let me deal with this."
D'Vorah bowed slightly, slumped and backed away. "As you wish, Mistress."
"Meet our new team member," Cassie announced, "D'Vorah. We can start with proper introductions as she hasn't really had a chance to really get to know us."
"Whoa, Cass, it's one thing to save her from being killed, but now you want us to wok with her? She tried to kill your father. No offense, but have you flipped your lid?" Jaqui asked.
"Look, my mom and my my dad both approved it, so you're just going to have to deal," Cassie said.
"I don't see what the big deal is, Cassie already kicked the shit out of D'Vorah once, she can do it again if the bug lady gets out of line. Plus this time she'll have us to watch her back," Takeda said.
"You've got a point, and considering Jacqui and I were both able to beat Kotal Kahn, D'vorah shouldn't be a problem," Kung Jin smirked as he recalled beating Outworld's Kahn in single combat.
D'Vorah tilted her head to the side quizzically, "Is that what you think happened, human?" she asked, "You did not defeat Kotal Kahn. He let you win."
Jin bolted to his feet. He could feel his blood starting to boil. How dare she mock him like that? He was a Shaolin, a member of the finest sect of warriors in all of Earthrealm. "And why should we believe you? You have quite the track record of lies and deceit. I don't trust a single word that comes out of your mouth. You were there when I laid Kotal flat!"
"Yes, This One bore witness to your battle with Kotal, human," D'Vorah said, "That is how This One knows that Kotal Kahn was not actually trying to win that fight. He wanted to know why four Earthrealmers were in Outworld, and he could not find out if you were all executed. He merely put on a good show in order to satisfy Outworld's laws. You are not as powerful as you think you are, Shaolin, but you may believe what you like."
"But I beat Kotal when he brought Outworld forces to Earthrealm to retrieve Shinnok's Amulet, he wouldn't have been holding back then," Jacqui said. Jin frowned, could Jacqui really be implying that she was stronger than him?
"I was not present during that battle as I was aiding Shinnok in the corruption of Earthrealm's Jinsei, but you are most likely correct that Kotal Kahn was not holding back at that time. He would have no reason to if he was after the amulet," D'Vorah said.
"I hate to say it, Jin, but as far as I can tell she's not lying, and I can read minds," Takeda said.
"Well then I guess I'll have to show her she's wrong!" Jin roared.
"Takeda, why couldn't you just keep your damn mouth shut," Cassie muttered, "What are you planning on doing, Jin?"
"I'm not going to sit here and be disrespected by some slimy Outworld backstabber. I'm going to show her just how strong I am right here and now," Kung Jin declared.
Cassie let out a clearly exasperated sigh. "Damn it, Jin, calm down. We have better things to worry about than your wounded pride. The Netherrealm is still a major threat, and our understanding with Outworld is on the rocks; we need to be getting ready for future conflicts, not fighting among ourselves."
"She's not one of us, Cassie. She's the reason our relationship with Outworld would be strained even without Kotal's violation of the Reiko Accords. You let D'Vorah sucker you in into giving her asylum and escaping justice. We've already seen that she'll betray anyone to get a leg up. For all we know she's working for Kotal again, and this whole thing is a ploy to weaken Earthrealm," Jin said.
Takeda and Jacqui glanced at each other, they clearly didn't like where this was going. They likely thought it would come to blows. Jin had to admit that they were probably right, especially since Cassie didn't look as if she was going to back down.
"I don't think so, Jin," Cassie's voice was quiet, almost a whisper, "Kotal isn't subtle enough for something like that. He wanted D'Vorah dead. I know D'Vorah's only joining us to save her own skin, but I believe she is sincere about believing I'm her best shot at survival, and she's nothing if not a survivor. I honestly believe she can be a good resource for us."
"I'm going to take her insults laying down, Cassie, I want to spar with her and show her what a Shaolin can do," Jin said.
Cassie sighed. "You're not going to let this go, are you, Jin? Fine, just keep it nonlethal, both of you."
"As you desire, Mistress," D'Vorah said with a surprising amount of deference.
The two kombatants got into their fighting stances, ready for the spar to begin. D'Vorah stuck first he ovipositors moving lightning fast. Most people would have had trouble dealing with such quick attacks coming from multiple angles, but Kung Jin was a Shaolin, the greatest living fighter of the order chosen by Lord Raiden himself to defend Earthrealm against any outside threats. D'Vorah was god, in fact he was having trouble tagging her, but she couldn't lay a finger on him either. "I have to admit D'Vorah, you're more skilled than I thought you would be," Kung Jinsaid as he carefully studied D'Vorah's movements, "It takes a high caliber of warrior to last this long in hand to hand with a Shaolin."
"This One has dealt with Shaolin before, during the Outworld tournament Shao Kahn placed me in change of Shaolin prisoners. Several tried to escape before Raiden came to rescue them. Your skills are also admirable, Kung Jin, not many can fend off my attacks," D'Vorah said.
"You can tank Goro for that, after he defeated my ancestor, the Great Kung Lao we spent centuries devising ways to try and defeat a Shokan. Fighting a being with extra limbs became a core part of all Shaolin training," Kung Jin said as he twisted and pinned one of D'Vorah's ovipositors between his arm and his body. He then trust and open palm up into the Kytinn's chin before jumping back out of her reach.
"You are skilled, Shaolin, but you made one critical error: This one is not a Shokan," D'vorah said coolly. "Besides, all that training didn't do your uncle much good when Shao Kahn snapped his neck."
" How dare you!" Kung Jin felt his fists clench. It was one thing to insult his skills, but to insult his uncle who gave his life defending Earthrealm... He didn't care what Cassie wanted anymore, this bug was going to die. Before Kung Jin could act on his thoughts however, his opponent sprayed a swarm of bugs into his face, and struck him hard in the gut with an ovipositor. Winded Kung Jin collapsed to the ground.
"It is as This One thought," D'Vorah said. "You are indeed skilled for a human, but you are not skilled enough to defeat Kotal Kahn. This one was holding back by my Mistress' commands. You could not even beat me, if This One were to actually try. Your pride and emotions cloud your judgment."
Kung Jin wasn't really listening, as far as he was concerned this fight wasn't over yet. He rolled picking up his bow and nocked an arrow as he got on one knee. As he took aim Cassie jumped between him and D'Vorah.
"What the hell are you thinking, Jin? I said nonlethal. Stand down."
For a long moment the only sound in the room was Jin''s heavy ragged breathing through clenched teeth. He could still get to D'Vorah, he just had to go through Cassie... No, this wasn't the Shaolin way. He slowly lowered his bow. "Just keep your attack bug on a leash," he muttered before leaving, prompting the group to go their separate ways for the day.
Cassie took a deep breath as she sat down with D'Vorah. It was clear after that mess I the training room that some ground rules needed to be laid down. Not that she'd expected D'Vorah to become a model citizen of Earthrealm overnight. "Well that went about as well as I thought it would. I wish you wouldn't have set Jin off like that."
D'Vorah tilted her head in confusion. "Do you not wish for This One to tell the truth, Mistres? Your Shaolin friend is not powerful or skilled enough to defeat Kotal Kahn. Though I am surprised that Jacqueline Briggs was able to do so."
"It's not that you told the truth that is the problem, it's the way you told the truth. Kung Jin takes great pride in being a part of the Shaolin order. He's constantly trying to prove that they are better than the Special Forces. You just showed him in no uncertain terms that his two Special Forces colleagues are stronger than him, and threw the death of his uncle, his hero, in his face. What I'm saying is tat we really need to teach you tact, D'Vorah," Cassie said.
"Tact is not something This One is used to employing, Mistress. This One shall endeavor to be kinder to my new allies." The Kytinn dipped her head sightly, possibly in shame.
"Weren't you Kotal Kahn's First Minister," Cassie asked, "I would think some level of diplomacy would be needed for that job."
"Kotal Kahn was the diplomatic one, This One's job as First Minister largely consisted of making sure his decrees were followed. This One also served as one of his bodyguards. In short, This One served Kotal Kahn in any way that he required; you can expect me to do the same for you, Mistress."
"That's actually something I've been meaning to ask you about, D'Vorah," Cassie said, a little shakily as she was unsure how to best broach this subject, "just how far does this whole servitude thing go? I mean, what are the limits of what I can ask you to do?"
"You can not order me to take my own life, but This One knows you would not do such a thing, Mistress. You simply are not that cruel, that is something Mileena might have done. Beyond that, there are no limits to what This One is willing to do for you. This One would even copulate with you if you desired it, Mistress."
Cassie barely fought back the urge to recoil in shock. Whatever she had been expecting the Kytinn to say, it certainly hadn't been that. "Wait a minute, D'Vorah, you're saying I could order you to have sex with me, and you wouldn't have any problem with that?"
"Yes, Mistress, you are the protector of the Hive. As such, This One will do whatever you ask to ensure its continued survival. It would not be the first time This One has performed such acts. In fact Kotal Kahn called on me for such pleasures quite frequently."
Cassie looked for any hints that she was joking in D'Vorah's compound eyes and found none. This time she did recoil in disgust. "I did not need to know about Kotal Kahn's sex life." As for the other part of it she could admit that D'vorah was attractive in an exotic way, or at least she could now that they weren't trying to kill each other. Gender had never been an obstacle for Cassie in terms of attraction, why should species be? Still given the servitude that D'Vorah was determined to give her, Cassie would feel like she was taking advantage.
"D'Vorah, I don't see myself making use of that particular service," she said.
"You find This One repulsive? It is understandable that Earthrealmers would," D'Voah said.
"It's not that, D'Vorah," Cassie said quickly, "It's just that we really don't know each other, hell we were enemies until very recently. Well, that and I feel like I'd be taking advantage of you if I did that while you considered yourself my servant."
"Earthrealmers are such strange creatures, worrying about such things," D'Vorah said.
"Maybe we are, but that doesn't change the fact that it is how I feel. Now I really need you to be on your best behavior, D'Vorah. I'm sticking my neck out for you here, between getting you asylum and getting you on my team I'm on thin ice here. If the team has problems because of your presence they could still ship you back to Outworld," Cassie warned.
"I understand, Mistress. I will not fail you again," D'Vorah said.
Kotal Kahn, ruler of Outworld was troubled. Officially the civil war had ended with the death of Mileena, he was unquestionably the rightful Kahn of Outworld now, but that didn't mean the trouble was over. There was still much work to be done in terms of rebuilding and there were still threats to Outworld out there.
His current bodyguard and hired gun, Erron Black seemed to notice his turmoil. "Worried about what D'Vorah is up to? I still can't believe you let the Earthrealmers keep her."
Part of Kotal still found it odd the Black distanced himself from the Earthrealmers, considering that Black was from that realm. It mattered little, Black was loyal to Outworld, far more loyal than others he could name. "Outworld is too weak from the civil war. I could justify an attack before to retrieve Shinnok's amulet when I thought they had double-crossed us, but not now especially now that they've shown they can fight off an Elder God it would be inadvisable to fight them. We must hope that they can handle D'Vorah."
"I see," Black said in his Texas drawl, "You've got to know when to hold them and know when to fold them."
"Indeed. The Netherrealm is still a threat. It would be best to keep the peace with Earthrealm for now. Besides, there are internal threats that we must still deal with."
"The Edenians," Black said simply.
Kotal nodded. "AS long as Tanya and Rain still live the peace of Outworld is threatened."
"Don't you worry, Kotal, I'll hunt them down personally," Black said. Before anything else could be said a being appeared with the striking of red lightning. It took Kotal a moment to recognize the dark robed red eyed figure. The fact that said figure was wearing Shinnok's amulet was... disconcerting.
"Lord Raiden, what brings you to Outworld, and what has brought this change upon you?" The sheer malevolence oozing off of the god was chilling. Raiden was generally known as a gentile god. Yes, he would fight the enemies of Earthrealm if he needed to, but he never seemed as cruel as he did now.
"My battle with Shinnok has opened my eyes, Kotal Kahn. I have been too soft on the enemies of Earthrealm. I've given them too many chances to threaten our peace. You yourself betrayed our trust. I am here to deliver a warning: Do not cross Earthrealm again. I will show no mercy."
To emphasize the point Raiden pulled out the still moving head of Shinnok. Kotal had to fight the urge to be sick. To see such things done to a being as powerful as an Elder God... Shinnok deserved it, true, but what would Raiden do to Outworld if his wrath was turned on them? Without another word Raiden teleported away.
"Elder Gods help us," Kotal muttered, "Raiden has gone mad."
D'Vorah had gathered with Earthrealm's remaining warriors in the Special Forces base. It seemed that Raiden was going to be seen for the first time since the battle with Shinnok and his cleansing of Earthrealm's Jinsei. Truth be told, the Kytinn was nervous. She had little doubt that Raiden would justifiably not trust her after her recent actions. She knew something was wrong immediately when the god appeared in a burst of red lightning.
"Raiden, what has happened to you?" Sub-Zero, leader of the Lin Kuei asked.
"I have had a revelation. We must be more proactive in protecting Earthrealm. I have warned Outwaorld of the dire consequences that will befall it should they attack Earthrealm again, and I have delivered Shinnok's head to Liu Kang and Kitana as proof of what I am willing to do to our enemies."
The Earthrealm warriors gasped in shock, and D'Vorah squirmed uncomfortably. She did not see this ending well for her. The fact that the god was wearing Shinnok's amulet was all the proof she needed to verify his claims of the fate of the dark Elder God.
"The last time you tried to be proactive you got most of Earthrealm's warriors killed. Forgive me if I'm not on board with this plan," Kung Jin said.
Raiden's eyes sparked violently. "Do not test me, Shaolin, lest you share the fate of Liu Kang. I will not tolerate disrespect."
"Lord Raiden, do you not think that is extreme?" Hanzo Hasashi, the warrior once known as Scorpion asked.
"I will do what must be done to ensure the protection of Earthrealm." Raiden's eyes then shifted to D'Vorah. :What is that creature doing here?"
"This One has sworn herself to the service of Cassandra Cage," D'Vorah said. This would be a true test of the resolve of the Earthrealmer to hold up her end of the bargain in protecting her, they dare stand up against Raiden?
"Whatever scheme it is that you are concocting, I will not let you get away with it, D'Vorah," Raiden thundered, "You are not welcome in this realm you duplicitous vermin!"
Casie stepped forward. "D'Vorah was granted Special Forces' protection; we work with you, but don't answer to you, Raiden. I have taken personal responsibility for her, in other words: If you want her you have to go through me."
"You would dare defy me, Cassandra Cage?" Raiden asked.
"I gave my word that I would give D'Vorah a chance to prove herself. The Raiden I know would do the same. If she steps out of line, she'll be dealt with, but until then she is under my protection." Cassie declared. More and more it seemed like D'Vorah had made the right choice I swearing herself to the girl's service.
"You challenge a god's authority? Tread carefully or feel my wrath."
"I already whipped Shinnok's ass I'm pretty sure I can beat you," Cassie hissed.
"That's enough, stand down, Sargent Cage," General Sonya Blade barked. Cassie relaxed at her mother's order, but she certainly didn't look happy about it. "Still, she's right, Raiden, this was a Special Forces decision, you have no authority to overwrite it. Given the fragile state that Earthrealm is in right now, can you really afford to sever ties with us?"
For a tense moment the Thunder God glared at the General before relenting. "A s you wish, but be warned, I will be watching." With that Raiden vanished.
It was Johnny Cage that spoke up first. "Alright, Ladybug? What did your boss do to Raiden?"
"If This One had to make a hypothesis, Raiden was likely corrupted by Shinnok's energy when he cleansed the Jinsei. This was obviously not a part of Shinnok's plan as he never intended to be defeated. Raiden still wants to protect Earthrealm, but he will be far more ruthless about it."
"After everything we've been through a little more ruthlessness might not be a bad idea," Jacqui Briggs said.
"You're wrong he'd sacrifice any one of us without a second thought now we can't trust his judgment," Takeda said.
"Worst of all, it will be far more difficult to contain him than it once would have been, he wears Shinnok's amulet, which will amplify his powers," D'Vorah said.
Sorry this took so long, that fight scene really held me up. I used to be better at those, hopefully as I write this fic I'll get my groove back. I feel I must say this to cover my bases: I don't hate Kung Jin. I actually like him quite a bit. This was all just part of getting him in position for when the Mk11 plot kicks off.