The skies turned dark and red was it fuelled by Raiden's sudden turn of darkness? Kether cursed to herself, she knew this would happen. Meanwhile, outside the sky temple.
Two visitors came close to the temple soon to be confronted by a god's wrath "You should not have come!" Voices rang in anger as lightning struck down. The pain came but did not stop there. A warrior in gold who was once known as Scorpion met with Raiden's dark side. His eyes glowed dark red as he glared at the man in gold.
"This isn't you Raiden!.. It's these damn daggers!" Yelled the man.
It was clear that the Kamidogu dagger he held was the source of this unnatural state. A state that only desperate beings such as himself could achieve by dipping it in blood. "The Kamidogu opened my eyes to the blood code, Hanzo. It's secrets..." Raiden swore as the blade tightly with commotion. "...And it's POWER!" With a shocking force, Raiden released his electrifying powers into the man known as Hanzo. Weak and vulnerable Raiden grasped Hanzo in his hold.
"The demon that entered Earthrealm is not here to destroy us. He's come to set us free." Turmoil and darkness spread throughout the area. With the dagger in the Thunder God's grasp, all was unrest with the beginning of chaos. Kether had hoped that Raiden would soon awaken from this vile mood of darkness.
Lightning soon mixed with hellfire, enough was enough. He finally brought out his blazing proficiency. "Raiden—, if you're in there—- I hope this hurts." Scorpion's chains wrapped around Raiden's neck. Hanzo Hasashi had been attacked by Raiden who was also accompanied by a younger man, his pupil Takeda.
He fell to his knees, he had been shocked by Raiden's power but was still alive. Hanzo was filled with rage, "You destroyed the second Shirai Ryu! You killed Takeda!" Distant mumbling...
"Master Hanzo..." A voice called out.
"Takeda!" Hanzo shouted. The young boy was alive and well. Thank the elder gods things did not end badly between them. Hanzo looked to see a bloodied Takeda. Kneeling, "It hurts, master. I-I don't want to die..."
All things have settled as Raiden was ultimately returned to his natural self. "I am sorry, Hanzo."
Still, Hanzo was overwhelmed, "Stay back!" "It is over. My blood is purged. I can save Takeda- But we must act quickly. Aid me." Raiden's voice was full of guilt and weariness. All was over for now. Later on, they arrived at the Sky Temple, specifically inside the Jinsei Chamber.
"Jinsei is Earthrealm's life force. It will heal me, and I will try to heal the boy."
"You'll do better than try." Grumbled Hanzo. Raiden concentrated as he wafted inside the Jinsei life force. "Why isn't he waking up?l" Hanzo asked in concern.
"He absorbed the shock of a lightning bolt. He should be dead." Raiden transferred the life force once more onto the dying boy. "The netherrealm is fighting for his soul. But he is fighting back. You taught him well." Something began to happen...
The boy unexpectedly woke up, yelling in shock. "You okay?" Hanzo rushed to his side in great concern.
"Better than that... I feel invincible!" Said the boy, "An effect of the Jinsei." Raiden replied.
Heels clicked against the stone and marble ground as Kether entered the chamber filled with irritation and worry. "Thunder God!" She exclaimed upon entering the room. The three looked at her sudden intrusion.
"Kether, if I may ex-"
"No." She cut him off mid-sentence. "I- see that you are well. Returned to normal." She scornfully smiled as she glanced at the two new visitors. "Friends, I amuse?"
"This is Hanzo Hasashi and his disciple, Takeda." Raiden introduced. They both stared at Kether, baffled and astonished by her appearance. Someone like her is familiar with the great Lord Raiden? Hanzo wanted to speak his opinion but decided to keep quiet. Already he was wary of her. As the silence was growing Raiden began to speak.
"My apologies to all of you. An explanation is overdue."
He crossed his arms and began to explain this chaotic mess all because of what Raiden allowed.
"Years ago I consulted with the Elder Gods, seeking for the obliteration and end of Shinnok's amulet. Unfortunately, it cannot be destroyed. Yet, upon safeguarding it the Elder Gods suggest locking it with the Kamidogu daggers. If they are united within the blood of a god the force can contain Shinnok.- And so, I offered myself to the ritual."
Kether had a million questions, but one was enough to get her full attention. "...And look what has happened," Kether murmured. Although it did not affect him, Hanzo handled one of the Kamidogu daggers during this very moment. He appeared to be solemn at Raiden's explanation.
"You know I have heard stories of you, Raiden. A courageous and powerful god who protects the good and the weak. All this time you've appeared so sensible yet This is the cost of being a protector? Giving in dark magik?" Kether sighed bitterly.
"I'm sorry, but who are you exactly?" Suddenly Hanzo confronted her.
"The name is Kether, warrior. I have been by the Thunder God's side ever since he's taken me in as his own." Kether smirked as she gripped her hands around Raiden's arm like an alluring kitty. Hanzo glared at her. "Is this woman truly serious, Raiden?" Still, Kether's gaze was fixed on Raiden, not even looking at Hanzo. She was still concerned about his intentions.
Raiden glanced at Kether as she continued to hold him. This was not something he was used to, instead he ignored her.
"She comes from the netherrealm although I see a reasonable path for her. That is why I let her stay in my sky temple." Hanzo was upset, "Should've known she was of hellspawn." His face contorted.
Kether glanced back at him with a scowl hands on her hips, "You say that like it's a bad thing. Besides I was never a demon like I said. I'm half Edenian." She continued, "The other half perhaps is unknown. All I know is that I've spent most of my living in hell." They all listened in on her, still, Hanzo and Takeda weren't convinced that someone like her was acquainted with Raiden.
Raiden glanced at her. "That would explain your prepossessing appearance." Said Raiden.
Kether glimpsed back at him in shock, was he complimenting her appearance? The thought was brushed off quickly.
"—As I have said it was not safe to keep the Kamidogu in one location. So, I entrusted each dagger to a deadly champion. Like you." They continued their important discussion, explaining directly to Hanzo, "You failed to mention that the daggers were possessed, that they take control of people, turning them into psychotic murderers!" Hanzo exclaimed.
"It was in your best interest to think that the daggers were sacred relics — nothing else. You cannot betray ignorance but...I did not foresee a demon corrupting the blood magik." Raiden looked down in guilt. Hanzo approached him, "Quan Chi?" He guessed.
"Doubtful, but Fujin is investigating the netherrealm border just in case."
"Who else has these daggers?"
"All of the other Kamidogu are accounted... except for one, stolen many years ago." Although, Kether was aghast at what she was hearing. Her gaze wandered to the stone ceiling, "I sent Sub-Zero to recover it .., but he never returned."
Hanzo's glare was darkened, "Because he betrayed you."
"-Whoever corrupted the Kamidogu seeks to obtain the amulet of Shinnok." Raiden ignored his remarks. "-This cannot happen, if this demon is controlling Sub-Zero, we must save him to save ourselves. Will you help me, Hanzo?" Hanzo lowered his gaze contemplating his offer. Takeda, his student began to speak his voice, "The Shirai Ryu don't run from a fight, Right, Grandmaster?"
The warrior grunted in affirmation. Kether's dark eyes looked away in thought. As far as she was concerned, it made sense. "Right, we'll find Sub-Zero. Dead or Alive." Raiden was relieved that the matter was settled. They both returned one of the Kamidogu daggers into a safe chamber located inside the sky temple where it was secured again.
The rest of the night went on without any more incidents. Although Kether wanted to relax, hoping she could spend some leisure time with Raiden, Unfortunately, sleep was not something he required. He still had many assignments to attend to.
Hanzo and Takeda both left the Sky Temple so that they may pursue Sub-Zero. Meanwhile, Kether was stricken with conflicts in her head hoping she could have some time alone with Raiden even though he was too caught up in the moment.
"...So, what is your next pursuit, Thunder God? I suppose you'll truly need me this time? Although I still have my doubts." Kether addressed this as she was becoming more serious this time about aiding him in his duties. If she helped end this mayhem perhaps there may be a reward in the end.
"I must return to Earthrrealm, another warrior possesses one of the daggers. I will check its status." She looked into his eyes and saw something in his gaze she didn't recognize. Was it pity? Regret? She couldn't tell.
"I will return momentarily." The want of stopping him was in her mind but instead, she decided to let him go.
"Farewell." She said simply.
The thunder god arrived in Earthrrealm where he found himself in grass and foliage. A farm that belonged to Jackson Briggs. Raiden called out for Briggs but was interrupted by Vera; Jax's wife. He had been informed that they were attacked by a man named Reiko, threatening to kill Jax's wife and family. Jax ended up surrendering the dagger to him. This is troubling news Raiden thought. Vera's main concern was for her daughter Jacqui, who hadn't been in contact with her family in some time.
"What about Jacqui? My husband didn't crawl back from hell just to lose everything again, Raiden. You gave him the dagger. Bring our daughter home."
"Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage are already searching in Outworld as we speak. Jacqueline is not the only one missing... I shall depart." He stated, leaving that very moment...
Back at the Sky Temple rain continued to fall.
Kether's body was in great pain, her body was aching, and her mind felt tired. But she refused to rest at the moment considering that she had chosen to stay at Jinsei Chamber, guarding it for the sake of it. Her spirit was more powerful than ever, she even had a few more things to say to Raiden in the future. All she had to do was wait.
Kether stared at the Jinsei, staring at its captivating glow. The room was dark to the outside world, but within her chamber, it was illuminated by its vibrant energy. Kether's eyes widened at this magnificent sight. She could barely contain her emotion.
A flash occurred from behind her as Raiden returned to the Sky Temple.
"Kether." He called.
She snapped out of the trance and turned around in delight, "Thunder God. You're here." "I would've suspected that you would be away, resting. I expect that nothing has happened while I was away."
"Nothing happened. I stayed here to guard like a good little girl." She said, a bit sarcastically."I see." He said but continued walking by her. "Has Fujin arrived yet?" He inquired.
"No. I don't think I've seen him." She replied.
There was a bit of silence between them as they both watched the emptiness of the Jinsei Chamber Raiden crossed his arms, and Kether continued to stare at the chamber in front of her.
Finally, he spoke. "Do you have any knowledge of who may be in control of this blood code?"
Kether thought about it and said, "Many crazed users may have control. I only know those who have been known to me in the netherrealm. If they come from someplace else then I have no evidence." Raiden kept silent as her response was not useful."
They began to hear footsteps behind them revealing to be Fujin arriving. "Raiden!" He called out.
"You've finally returned, Brother. What news from the netherrealm border?"
"The retaining seals are untouched. There is no trace of Quan Chi or his revenants. But we have a new cause for concern." "We have repaired and reinforced the boundaries protecting Earthrealm but in doing so we have left a strategic weak point unguarded... The place between the realms."
Raiden sighed, "Shang Tsung's Island."
"Exactly, what if that is the incursion point?" Kether listened in on their conversation, she was slowly getting a hang of it. "We should investigate at once." Raiden declared.
"I have already attempted my journey there but was repelled by a powerful spell, a shield remarkably similar to your retaining seals.." Fujin glanced at Raiden, "...Is there something you need to tell me?"
Kether looked at Raiden as both Fujin and her noticed something off about him. "No. Only… it can't be.." Raiden approached the Jinsei force field.
"What is it?" Kether asked. He entered the Jinsei where his body could barely faze through. Suddenly Raiden was thrown off as the Jinsei repudiated him.
"-Ever since this morning, the Jinsei has rejected me..." Raiden murmured in disgrace. Fujin hurried to his side. "I warned you against using the Kamidogu. The Jinsei can sense its influence." Fujin addressed.
"I know I never listen.." Raiden mumbled weakly. Kether exhaled and decided to aid Raiden. Somehow he fell undermined by the rejection. "Allow me," Kether interjected as she insisted on letting Raiden lean on her. She helped guide Raiden into someplace else in the temple.
"How many Kamidogu have you obtained?" Fujin asked.
"Only three. But they are safe here… Outworld is as exposed to Shang Tsung's island as Earthrealm Johnny and Sonya are there. We must warn them and determine if Kotal Kahn is our ally."