-Chapter 1: The Disciple

The Sky Temple, place of residence for the god of thunder, Raiden, and site of the Jinsei: Earthrealm's lifeforce. It was a holy, sacred place, one where many a monk came to pay tribute and offer incense to the master of storms.

But today, a different man was here to see Raiden.

Clad in white robes arranged in a 'v' shape down his chest and held in place by a leather belt bearing the marking of the White Lotus, the tall and muscular young man of twenty-nine walked the grounds of the temple. He had just recently returned upon witnessing the corruption of the Jinsei via the blood-red sky and had returned from his journey to see what had happened. The young man was lean with a sharp jawline and tanned skin, sporting a thick layer of stubble along his chin and jaw. A white bandanna kept his black hair out of his face, ensuring his electric-blue eyes could see everything. A fitting appearance for one with the powers of a lightning elemental.

The young man stopped in the courtyard, just outside the entrance to the interior of the temple. He glanced around, reaching out with his powers to feel the air around him. He paused, sensing a disturbance in the electrons in the area. He quickly jumped forward, a bolt of lightning striking the ground not far from where he once stood. The outline of a man appeared within the lightning strike, taking on the physical shape of an armored man wearing a wide straw hat. The white-clad young man readied himself as Raiden materialized before him, clad in dark robes and his eyes aglow with red energy.

"Lord Raiden?" He wondered, both confused and afraid by the new look. Red lightning rippled across Raiden's arms, flowing through his hands as he prepared to fight. The young man took on a fighting stance, ready for anything. Raiden struck with a cry, firing a blot of electricity from his hand. The young man created an electric field before him, absorbing the blow, but only just. Spinning around, he attacked with a blast of white lightning which Raiden batted aside. Uttering another war cry, Raiden flew forward in a flying assault, lightning surrounding him. The young man rolled out of the way, narrowly missing the attack. Raiden struck a nearby pillar, quickly rebounding in a spin. The young man lunged forward and attacked him from behind with an electrified punch. Raiden quickly dodged and struck back hard with two spinning kicks in quick succession. The young man was thrown back, but somersaulted to his feet and struck with a blast of lightning. Raiden countered by teleporting, appearing right behind the young man. But as he moved to strike with an overhead punch, the young man turned and ducked, snapping out his fist to strike the thunder god in the abdomen. With Raiden staggered, the young man attacked with a high kick that caught him on the chin, then clapped his hands together, generating a wave of electricity that knocked the god onto his back. Back on his feet and ready to attack, the young man gave his head a quick shake as he gathered himself.

But Raiden did not strike again. Instead, he began to laugh.

It was not a dark or evil cackle, but deep and warm chuckle as the god of thunder sat up.

"Magnus Shadrix." He greeted the young man. "You have not lost your touch." He noted. The young man relaxed, smiling as he realized Raiden was alright despite his darker appearance. Walking over to the god, Magnus offered his hand which Raiden took as the young man helped him up.

"I will not lie, Lord Raiden, that's a hell of a way to greet someone." Magnus replied.

"A simple test to prove your abilities have not faltered in your time away." Raiden replied. "You are still as sharp as ever, my pupil." Magnus bowed respectfully. Raiden was his teacher and mentor, as well as a friend. In the aftermath of Shinnok's first invasion of Earthrealm twenty-five years ago, Raiden's senses had led him to discover a boy who had been orphaned during the assault. The traumatic experience had unlocked his elemental powers, leaving the boy scared, alone and afraid. Taking pity on him, the thunder god had brought Magnus back to the Sky Temple, seeing a kinship in their abilities. While Magnus was no god, his powers were on par with those of Tremor, the earth bender, and Raiden deemed it wise he learn he noble and honorable ways of an Earthrealm warrior rather than let him be found by other, corrupt organizations. He had mastered many martial arts taught at the Wu Shi academy, and Raiden himself had overseen the development of Magnus' electromancing abilities. "Did you find what you were seeking?"

"I did... and I didn't." Magnus replied. "You know, growing up, I remember my parents telling me stories about the Norse gods... Odin, Baldur, Thor, all of them. Never did I think I would one day have powers akin to a god of thunder."

"The deities of the Norse are just stories. And while you are not a god, your power is great indeed." Raiden responded. "Which is why it is important you take up the cause of defending your realm and to keep the forces of evil at bay." Magnus nodded, knowing Raiden's own dedication to protecting this realm was great. "I am pleased you have returned, Magnus. Your unwavering loyalty is most reassuring during these troubled times." The thunder god added, shaking Magnus' hand.

"I came to see why the sky had turned so red. I could feel some kind of evil run rampant." Magnus told him, elaborating on the reason for his return.

"Shinnok returned. He used a cunning plan to overwhelm our defenses so he could corrupt the Jinsei." Raiden explained. Magnus looked shocked.

"So he succeeded..."

"Narrowly. Fortunately, the intervention of Cassandra Cage, Jacqueline Briggs, Takeda Takahashi and Kung Jin thwarted him and spared us all."

"You've told me about them... briefly." Magnus noted. "I've never met them before."

"Your training has been of a much higher priority." Raiden told him. "Earthrealm has very few allies with power like yours. Only the likes of Sub-Zero and Hanzo Hasashi are in possession of such elemental abilities. You may very well be the hope for Earthrealm should we go to war with either Outworld or the Netherrealm." Magnus looked at Raiden askance.

"Have tensions flared up again?" He asked. "I though the Reiko Accords were keeping Outworld where they were."

"Their ruler, Kotal Kahn, made advancements upon us, thinking I was in league with Shinnok's agents." Raiden explained.

"Surely he can see the truth now."

"He has never trusted Earthrealm. And after his near-invasion, I do not trust him either."

"Is that the reason for the... new getup?" Magnus asked, gesturing to Raiden's new robes.

"I will no longer sit by and let Earthrealm come under fire for intrigue and suffer the needless wars of conquerors." Raiden stated, voice turning dark and edgy all of a sudden. "If that means I must become more forceful... then so be it." Magnus stayed silent, noting the sudden change in attitude. Raiden seemed so tense and concerned, his brow furrowed when discussing the matter of Shinnok and Outworld. Magnus wondered if there was some way he could help his mentor, if perhaps there was a way for him to alleviate the causes for concern that plagued Raiden. He wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how. "Enough of grave matters, come and join me for some tea." Raiden invited. Magnus nodded and made to follow. But the issue of resolving this conflict remained on his mind...