Four Years Later...
Cherin's Life-Since the defeat of the Siren, Delphine, Cherin and Stryker had retired to their secret beach house in Earthrealm. It was rather difficult to remain undetected, but so far there hadn't been any major problems.
"Kurtis," Cherin said, still staring into the mirror, "Come here!"
Stryker stumbled through the bedroom doors, expecting an emergency due to the tone of his wife's voice.
"What do you think of this dress?" she asked, turning to look at him. He did his best not to let her know how annoying she was being, it was the third time she'd asked him.
"It looks great Cher," he said automatically.
Cherin's eyes narrowed.
"Are you lying?" she asked, "Because you know it's been four years since I've seen any of my friends and this anniversary party is very important to me."
"I wasn't lying," Stryker assured her, "It really does look good."
Ashlynn's Life, two years earlier-Ashlynn had been standing on the beach, as she did many evenings, watching the sun fall into the water, when she heard someone approaching.
"Ashlynn," Quan Chi said.
She turned, noticing that he had a strange look on his face.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
The sorcerer shook his head.
"Nothing is wrong," he said.
"Then why do you look so worried?" Ashlynn asked.
He smiled, "Do I look worried? Hmmm, I was trying to hide it..."
"Quan," Ashlynn said, "What's going on?"
He took her hand, making her even more confused.
"I have a question," he said, "And if you say no I will jump off the top of the fortress."
"What are you talking about!" Ashlynn demanded, frustrated.
"I am sorry," he said, "I am afraid I did not plan this out very well..."
"Plan what out?"
"Ashlynn," he said slowly, "I want you to marry me."
The Present-
"Mom? Mom!"
Ashlynn blinked. Arilayn was staring at her, arms crossed, standing in the diningroom doorway. Now fourteen, she had grown so much in the last four years. Now, standing before Ashlynn was a younger, more stubborn version of herself.
"Sorry," Ashlynn said, smiling, "I was just thinking about how pretty you are."
"Uh, thanks Mom," Arilayn said, "But are you going to answer my question? I asked you if me and Rhapsody could go to Earthrealm for a few days..."
"By yourself?" Ashlynn asked, "No Arilayn."
"But why?" the teenager demanded.
"For one thing you're too young," Ashlynn said, "And for another thing Quan Chi would never-
"I don't care what he thinks!" Arilayn screamed, startling Ashlynn, "I'm so sick of him and his stupid rules!"
"Arilayn," Ashlynn said quietly, "What's gotten into you?"
"I'm tired of this place," she said, "I hate it here."
"But your father-
Ashlynn was once again cut off.
"HE IS NOT MY FATHER!"
With that, she ran from the room, slamming the doors behind her. Ashlynn let her head fall into her hands.
Amilee's Life-
Amilee pulled her coat closer around her. After all this time, she still hadn't gotten used to the cold of the Lin Kuei Headquarters.
"Mommy!"
Amilee smiled, spinning around and sweeping the three year old into her arms.
"Tina," she said, "Where's your coat?"
The little girl smiled.
"I'm not cold," she giggled.
Amilee set her down, shaking her head.
"Yeah well, you get that from your father," she said, "Hey Frost."
Frost smiled, making her way toward them.
"A message just arrived from Cherin," she said, "She says her anniversary is in three days in Earthrealm, and that you'd better be there or else."
Amilee laughed, "She knows I will."
Maria's Life-
Maria paused for a moment, staring up at her handiwork. The temple was simply built, but elegant, with a tapered roof and high arching windows. Inside, it was quiet, except for the few other priestesses making their way through the halls. She walked toward the shrine in the center of the temple, and stopped when she noticed a woman crouched in front of it.
"Excuse me," she said.
The woman stood, and Maria had to take a step back. Tanya only smiled.
"What ever is the matter?" she asked.
"You can't be here," Maria said, "Scorpion killed you."
"This isn't the first time I've escaped the Netherealm," Tanya replied with a smirk, "And it probably will not be the last."
"Get out," Maria ordered through clenched teeth.
Tanya only smiled innocently, "Isn't everyone allowed inside this holy temple of yours?"
"Everyone but you Tanya," Maria said.
"Then I suppose that means I am allowed here?"
Maria spun around to find herself face to face with the most unlikely person.
"Shang Tsung," she breathed, unable to believe it. This man was like a weed, no matter how many times they thought they'd gotten rid of him, he kept popping back up.
"How did you get past my guards?" Maria asked, once she'd recovered her voice.
"Guards?" Tsung chuckled, "Those were guards? I mistook them for peasants. Not to worry, I took care of them."
Maria shook her head, this could not be happening.
"By the way," Tanya crooned, running her fingers over the beautiful golden shrine, "This is very nice."
Before the last word had even left her mouth, the shrine exploded, throwing Maria backward and giving Tanya and Shang Tsung enough time to vanish. Maria sat up, letting out a howl of rage.