A Thunder God's Lament

By evolution-500

Genre: Tragedy/Romance

Disclaimer: "Mortal Kombat" is a property owned by NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. I do not own this game nor its characters.

WARNING: This story contains references to violence, coarse language, disturbing themes and imagery. Reader discretion is advised.

"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."

– Buddha

"You are making a mistake."

Lightning flashed across the night sky, the wind howling in anger as two pale beings stood alone on the roof of the Sky Temple.

One man had long gray hair tied in a pony tail, his glowing white eyes matching that of the speaker, wearing a black vest with brown designs, along with loose green pants and metal shin and forearm guards.

Before him, a tall and imposing figure with equally long silver hair that flowed and draped past his shoulders stood with a stern expression, holding a staff in one hand, his form dressed entirely in white robes, his eyes flickering with electricity.

Shaking his head, Fujin adjusted the bag on his shoulder. "There is nothing to talk about, Raiden. I've already made my decision."

Raiden stood firm, his features hard to read. "You should reconsider your path, brother. Living amongst mortals is folly, and you would do well to heed my words as your eldest sibling."

Fujin remained unconvinced. "There's no folly in learning from them. After all, isn't it better to understand what it is that we're protecting by observing and interacting with them?" He then turned away, his back facing Raiden before glancing over his shoulder, continuing, "You had once lived amongst them for a time yourself after all, brother."

He noticed the older sibling tense slightly, his jaw clenching, as if the reminder offended him, if not pained him.

"That is all the more reason as to why you shouldn't do this," Raiden replied. "Heed my words, Fujin - do not become attached to them. Sentiment will only impede the execution of your duty."

Halting in his steps, Fujin turned to face his sibling, taken aback by the latter's words.

"How can you of all people say that to me, brother?!" The former exclaimed. "Does O Chiyo mean so little to you-?"

"Do not speak to me of that name!" The God of Thunder retorted, cutting him off with a harsh glare as lightning flashed across the Sky Temple, thunder snapping with a resounding crack that matched the edge in his voice, his eyes glowing and flickering.

For several moments, the two gods stared each other down in a tense stand-off, the rain cascading in thick torrents, the wind picking up slightly in an ominous low drone, building into a deadly storm.

Taking a deep breath, Raider's features softened slightly as he backed down, his pale eyes losing their anger as he resumed on in a calmer and more collected manner, "...You are out of line. Do not claim to know my thoughts, Fujin, nor speak to me of things which you do not understand. You wish to live among mortals? Then go, and speak no further of this."

Ending that last line harshly, Raiden turned his back on his brother as thunder rumbled around them, ignoring his younger sibling as he departed.

He waited a minute, then two. Once Fujin was gone, Raiden finally stirred, his emotions a raging maelstrom of frustration and anger.

Fool!

How naive his younger brother was!

Taking a deep breath, Raiden calmed himself, his emotions soothing the storm itself to a slight drizzle.

O Chiyo...

Even after so many centuries, her name lingered in his mind, causing the Thunder God's eyes and shoulders to droop, pangs of regret and sadness gnawing away at him.

Approaching the ledge of the roof, Raiden stared to the ground far below, his robes and cape fluttering in the breeze as he thought of her, the tower's form shrouded by passing clouds and mist.


Rain and moonlight poured through gaping holes in the decrepit brittle ceiling of the old house, spilling freely down onto Raiden, soaking his silver hair as he silently stood within the building's remains, his white robes a striking contrast to the crumbling dusty grey walls and green ivy that clung to its various surfaces.

Ignoring the droplets, the God of Thunder allowed his eyes to roam, his white orbs completely devoid of either iris and sclera that glowed in the darkness, slowly taking everything in.

The building hadn't been the most luxurious location, nor had it been particularly large; the main room itself was by far the largest room within the house, over six feet long and eight feet high, with two smaller adjacent rooms that were typically used for storage and paper-thin walls.

Letting his pale eyes roam, Raiden wordlessly shook his head in sadness at state of the crumbling building around him, dismayed by the utter ruin that it had become.

It was a shame to see something with so many memories attached to it abandoned, especially after for so many centuries.

The house never had any form of intrinsic value, nor any known spiritual connections.

Nor had it possessed any form of religious and/or historical significance either; as far as the Elder Gods and mortals were concerned, the house was unremarkable, nothing more than the decrepit, long-abandoned husk of a decidedly average Japanese home that was done in the traditional style.

A building that was entirely indistinguishable from its ilk, and neither god nor mortal would claim to possess any form of interest in it.

Only Raiden himself chose to visit this spot every once in a while to reflect and reminisce on times past, to remind himself of happier times.

To remind himself of her.

Curling his lips tightly, the Thunder God distractedly glanced around the room, his eyes scanning through a torn hole in the aged wall, where he spotted the small courtyard with a rudimentary fence outside, its wood old and brittle, rotten and worm-eaten.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Raiden allowed his shoulders to fall slightly, dismayed at the damage done to this place.

Once upon a time, this building used to be so warm, so comforting.

So many memories...

Casting his eyes to the floor, Raiden's mouth let out a plume of condensation as he exhaled.

Such a waste.

Taking a step toward the courtyard, Raiden felt his sandalled foot brush something.

Halting mid-step, the Thunder God lifted his foot aside, his eyes widening as he spotted an old Asian bamboo conical hat.

Gingerly picking it up from off the ground, Raiden stood silently back up, straightening himself as he blew off dust and debris, brushing it off dirt as his thumb caressed the hat in silent melancholy.

"O Chiyo..."


Sengoku Period

Lightning flared in twisting arcs, flickering through the clouds and violently striking the lands below, causing thunder to crack and rumble, the air pierced by raucous laughter as Raiden playfully chased after a bunch of fleeing bandits through the trees.

"BWAHAHAHA! RUN, MORTALS, RUN!" Raiden called down to his quarries below while seated on a white fluffy cloud in his oni form, his appearance short and heavy with red skin, his face twisted and wrathful, with a horrible sneer that showed sharp teeth and fangs. "FEAR ME!"

The bandit shrieked in terror as he continued to give chase overhead.

Lightning strikes danced and crashed against the ground, striking tree branches, causing leaves and burnt pieces of wood to rain down on them.

He kept up his pursuit, then halted his cloud in place as he watched the group darted away into the forestry before disappearing into the distance.

Grinning widely, he gave a derisive snort in self-satisfaction. "Heh, that'll show them!"

This was so much better than sticking around to listen to those boring old monks at the Sky Temple along with the other Elder Gods.

Raiden scrunched up his nose in annoyance as he thought back to those old farts.

While it was true that he was expected to become Earthrealm's defender someday, would it really hurt to have a little fun at least once in a while?

He rolled his eyes.

Whatever.

Searching across the lands, Raiden searched high and low, his pale eyes avidly looking in every direction for something to amuse him.

Finding nothing, he sighed.

It was a shame that Fujin was on a pilgrimage in Seido, the Realm of Order; he was always a riot to have around!

Without him, things felt very dull. Boring even.

Lightning crackled along Raiden's body, circling around his arms and eyes as he gave a dissatisfied growl.

Nothing.

No pirates to blow away, no invasion force to sink, nothing!

Not even a demon to zap!

Passing over a mountain, Raiden was just about to leave the continent and search elsewhere when he spotted something white in a ditch.

"Huh?" Stopping, the Thunder God glanced down at the ditch, curious.

Squinting, he blinked a few times, frowning as he leaned forward, struggling to see what it was.

Looking in both directions, Raiden lowered himself on his little nimbus, his intrigue growing as he continued to approach the surface.

It was then that he noticed something red, and once he was close enough, the smell hit him instantly, the distinctly metallic scent of freshly-spilled blood.

Someone was hurt, and badly.

'A soldier?' he wondered.

Raiden was no stranger to war; he had seen the brutality and carnage wrought by humans during his many millennia of existence from afar, although he had admittedly participated in a few conflicts now and then, if only out of boredom.

A smirk tugged on the corner of his mouth as he recalled his massacre of the Mongol raiders in their previous attempts at taking over Japan, the Thunder God snickering at the pranks that both he and Fujin had pulled against them.

Hah, such fun times!

As the nimbus continued to lower him down to the surface, Raiden's smug grin vanished, his curiosity growing.

"What's this?" he murmured aloud.

Hopping off and waving the nimbus away with a roll of his hand, Raiden approached the body, studying it from top to bottom.

A woman was lying alone in a ditch, her white kosode stained in a pool of blood, her obi torn, revealing a gaping bloody hole where her navel was, her face concealed by her long black hair and by her conical straw hat.

Crouching beside her torso, Raiden lifted the latter aside when he suddenly felt his breath caught in his chest, his pulse quickening as he took in the visage that greeted him.

Underneath the messy black hair that sprawled past her shoulders and in different directions was a pale oval face with a long thin nose and a sculpted mouth, the lips full yet delicate, stained with blood, the eyes of its owner closed.

The woman looked to be no older than either eighteen or nineteen-years-old, but Raiden couldn't help staring, mesmerized by the woman's appearance.

Swallowing, the Thunder God then started to check the rest of her person, examining her for other injuries.

There were no indications that she might have been raped as far as he could tell, thank goodness, but her life was fading fast. If he didn't act soon, she would die.

Raiden's mouth clenched in anger. To see something so lovely in such a horrible state made his blood boil.

It was clear that the woman had been attacked; by all accounts, these injuries weren't the result of either a fall, nor an encounter with a wild animal or demon.

Someone had not only slit her throat, but they had also cut open her stomach, cutting her bellybutton right off in the process, spilling out her intestines.

Thunder crackled as skies darkened all around him, his eyes flaring with violent arcs of electricity at this desecration.

Whoever did this to her, he swore, be it bandit, warlord or travelling samurai, he vowed to pay the person back a hundredfold for what they've done.

Lifting a hand, Raiden's eyes narrowed in concentration as he channeled all of the power that he possessed into the woman, watching as her form glowed.

In a matter of seconds, the woman's injuries vanished, her clothing no longer cut nor stained, her breathing normal.

Exhaling in relief, Raiden relaxed slightly, watching the woman's chest as it rose and fell with each breath, looking as if she were asleep.

Finally, she started to stir, causing the Thunder God to take an anxious step back, his heart pounding.

No! I can't-I can't let her see me like this!

Panicking, Raiden looked around in various directions before suddenly leaping straight into a bush some feet away, watching as the woman slowly started to open her eyes.

Letting out a sharp gasp, she wildly looked around in all directions, clutching her neck.

"What?" The woman then slipped her hand underneath her kosode, feeling her stomach, her voice soft like silk. "I'm...I'm alive?"

Raiden watched as she settled down, relaxing slightly, palming her face. "I...I don't understand. What happened? How...How is this possible?"

He nervously swallowed, staring transfixed at the woman before him.

Never in all of his years had he ever seen anything so beautiful, nor had he ever heard anything lovelier and sweeter than her voice.

For several minutes, he watched her from behind the bush when the woman suddenly perked. "Wait a minute," she said slowly, sitting herself up, looking around. "Where...where's my hat?"

Blinking, Raiden knitted his brows together before suddenly looking down at his hands in realization as he spotted the aforementioned item in his hands.

'I must have taken this without even realizing!' He thought.

Looking up from his hiding spot, he watched as the woman frantically searched for her hat, but it was the utter expression of panic and worry that made his heart ache.

Looking back to the cone hat in his hands, Raiden lowered his eyes, exhaling as he silently deliberated.

How should he present himself?

As a god, he wasn't bound to only one particular form; for centuries, he had taken on a variety of aliases, shapes and sizes for a given culture, although admittedly taking the shape of a red oni was fun for causing mischief with bandits and ronin.

But with her...he had no desire to see her in such distress.

And...he had no idea why.

Muttering under his breath, Raiden palmed his face, looking indecisively in various directions.

What in the hell was wrong with him?

Was this Fujin's doing?

Whatever this...feeling...in his chest was, he didn't know what to do about it.

Looking back to the woman as she frantically searched, Raiden felt a war brewing within her.

I should just leave.

After all, what else was there to stay for? He had saved this mortal's life, so now they could go their separate ways and they wouldn't ever see each other ever again.

Mortals lived such short and miniscule lives anyway; what was the worth of such finite beings in the grand scheme of things when they would all inevitably die anyway?

And yet...he made the effort to save her.

Why?

The question made Raiden clench his mouth in irritation, giving an annoyed growl.

"Is someone there?" He heard the woman call out, her voice making his heart race, his being tensing up.

Oh no...she must have heard him.

Taking a deep breath, Raiden exhaled.

No matter. He would just get this over with and scare her - that would be hilarious to see!

Feeling a sneer forming, Raiden prepared to leap out from the bush that he hid behind...only to find himself faltering at the sight of her worried visage, his sneer straining, struggling to retains its shape.

I...I don't understand. Why...why can't I act?

Why couldn't he carry out his mischief?

It wasn't as if he had never scared mortal women before - Raiden had done so plenty of times back then along with Fujin - but...why not this woman?

What force or spell compelled him not to act against her?

Why did the thought of doing such a thing feel so...wrong all of a sudden?

Scrunching his eyes in confusion, Raiden tried to muster up something, anything, to justify his spooking the woman...only to find himself unable to stoke the fire within him.

Feeling deflated, Raiden's sneer vanished, giving a frustrated and confused huff before pinching the bridge of his nose.

By the Elder Gods, how did he end up in this predicament?!

This was so embarrassing.

He couldn't do it. Hundreds of years of mischief, and he had to find the one mortal in his lifetime to make him feel so...helpless.

And all without seemingly even doing anything.

How?!

Feeling flustered, Raiden felt his nostrils flare as he let out an annoyed and slightly angry growl, frustrated at the situation that he was in.

Taking a deep breath, he exhaled, calming himself as much as he could so that he could think more clearly.

He needed to return the hat back to the woman - once that was done, he would turn around and leave.

Still, that raised one slight hiccup in his plan; after all, he couldn't just hand the woman's hat back to her in this current form.

He wanted...no, needed something that was not so threatening.

Something more appropriate.

Something...proper.

Folding his arms together, Raiden scratched his chin in thought as he considered his options.

Perhaps he should he assume the form of a dashing prince; after all, what maiden wouldn't swoon over such a person?

'Of course,' he reflected, 'given how she had been attacked, perhaps that might not be the best choice.'

He needed to assume the form of someone who would not cause her any undue fear, something assuring, but what sort of form would that be?

A brave samurai?

A Buddhist monk?

Thinking it over, Raiden then settled onto something simple, then concentrated.

In a matter of seconds, his demonic visage changed; no longer was he short, red, and stout.

Rising up from behind the bush, he rose to his full height, a towering seven foot figure that was broad in shoulder, lean, and muscular, with long black hair, his features sculpted, handsome, chiseled, and youthful, his eyes pale. Looking down at his being, he saw his form dressed in a white dōbuku with thick sleeves and a broad collar, worn over a kosodé and hakama.

Satisfied, he started to slowly approach the woman as she searched around with her back facing him, clearing his throat to gain her attention.

"Excuse me, my lady," he spoke. "I believe this is yours?"

"Huh?" Whipping around to face him, the woman's eyes widened, a smile forming. "Oh! You found my hat! Thank you! I was so worried that I might have lost this!"

"It is no trouble, my lady," Raiden stiffly replied, forcing himself to smile as he handed the hat to her.

Stepping toward him, the woman gave a polite bow, taking her hat back before doing a double-take as she looked at him from top to bottom. "My goodness, you are a tall one, aren't you?"

Raiden gave a light laugh. "I suppose so, I guess." In spite of himself, the Thunder God felt his own curiosity get the better of him as he tilted his head. "What happened, if you don't mind my asking?"

A dark and apprehensive look came over the woman's face as she anxiously glanced around before pointing up at the top of a hill. "I...I don't know," she said slowly, looking uncertain. "I could have sworn that an old man had attacked me up there."

"An old man?" Raiden questioned, puzzled.

"Hai."

"Did you see who it was? What he looked like?" She shook her head. "Did he have any accomplices?"

The woman shook her head, looking overwhelmed and distraught.

"I-I don't know. It...It all occurred so suddenly," she said slowly, looking visibly confused as she secured her hat with a string around her neck, letting it hang slightly behind her. "I was just wandering along a path up there by myself when I suddenly felt someone stab my stomach. I only caught a glimpse of him before he sliced my-" Reaching up to her stomach and neck, the woman halted, looking down disbelievingly at her own person. "I-I mean...I could have sworn-"

Taking a step forward, Raiden raised a placating hand, his tone soft, his eyes softening. "Please, calm yourself, my dear lady. From the sounds of it, you had undergone quite a harrowing experience. Whoever this person was, he is gone now. You are safe, my lady. You have absolutely nothing to fear."

He watched as the woman relaxed slightly, letting out a shaky breath, looking somewhat relieved. "Thank you."

The Thunder God regarded her for a moment, then gave a single nod before turning away.

As he started to depart, she called out to him. "Ah, w-wait!"

"Hai, my lady?" Raiden as he glanced over his shoulder.

"Can...Can you escort me back home?" the woman hesitatingly asked, looking around nervously. "I don't live far from here."

He frowned. "I'm afraid I can't-"

"Please?"

Raiden wanted to refute the request, badly. But the moment he heard her voice, something within him folded. Perhaps it had to do with the softness in her voice or how vulnerable she looked as she glanced in various ways like a frightened deer, but something about her compelled him to stay.

Exhaling, Raiden relented, nodding as he felt his shoulders lowered slightly. "...As you wish, my lady."

Gesturing for her to lead the way, Raiden felt an indescribable warmth in his chest as the woman smiled and graciously nodded.

Together, the two of them proceeded down a path through the woods.

Raiden gave a side-glance to his companion, partially out of wariness, and partially out of curiosity.

She wasn't a particularly tall woman - only five feet tall - nor did he sense anything demonic in her aura.

There didn't appear to be any magic surrounding her, and yet, Raiden felt anxious regardless.

Many times while walking he wanted to say something to the woman, only to find his mouth dry and the words caught in his throat.

The woman seemed equally nervous, sometimes shifting in discomfort while sparing a glance his way every so often.

As they walked together in silence, the woman fiddled with the string on her hat, biting her lower lip in a manner that Raiden couldn't help finding - Elder Gods help him for admitting such a thing - cute.

Finally, she found her voice and spoke up, drawing his attention, "W-Who are you?"

Keeping his eyes ahead, Raiden shrugged. "Just a mere wanderer, my lady."

He had hoped that his short answer would have been enough, as in general he was never one who cared for making conversation.

And yet, it seemed that the woman was not so easily discouraged. "Are you a foreigner? I've never seen a man as tall as you around these parts, let alone in all of Nippon."

He gave a faint smile. "My mother used to live here, but she had passed away many years ago."

She blinked in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. "Your mother?"

"Hai," Raiden answered.

"Do you have any other family?"

"Aside from my younger brother, I do not have anyone else."

The woman's eyes softened. "I am sorry for your loss."

Blinking in surprise, Raiden glanced at the woman, taken aback.

He had to admit, the last thing that he had expected was to find sympathy, especially from a mortal.

But even more strange was the earnestness in which it was conveyed.

Searching her features with suspicion, Raiden regarded the small woman, unsure what to make of her.

She didn't seem to be deceptive, but one could never know with certainty.

And yet...Raiden sensed no ill intent from her at all; only compassion.

He had to admit, part of him felt touched by her concern.

Clearing his throat, he smiled and gave a quick nod. "T-Thank you."

As the two travelled past the branches of a looming tree, he looked and listened carefully, making certain that neither of them were being followed.

Sensing nothing, Raiden continued onward for several meters until shortly coming upon a small house.

"Well, this is it!" The woman gestured.

Raiden studied the small building, giving a thoughtful nod and smile. "You have a beautiful home, my lady."

The woman smiled. "Thank you. It was my parents' home, but I'm all that's left, I'm afraid. My father had died ages ago in battle, while my mother had passed away following an illness."

The Thunder God inclined his head. "I am truly sorry to hear of your misfortune, my lady."

The woman shrugged. "It is what it is, unfortunately. Still, thank you for your kindness. I appreciate your escorting me back home."

He smiled. "It is no trouble, my lady. I am glad to be of service to you. I hope you have a wonderful day."

Turning around, Raiden was about to walk away when the woman spoke up.

"Ah, before you go..." she said slowly, "...may I know your name, kind sir?"

Pausing in his step, the deity turned to face her, clearing his throat as he straightened. "...Raiden," he began slowly. "My name is Raiden."

The woman blinked, her delicate eyebrows raising. "'Raiden'? As in the God of Thunder and Lightning?"

Approaching him, she leaned forward, playfully inspecting Raiden as she looked him up from top to bottom before circling around him. "Hm. You do not look like you have red skin, nor do you look fat. Aren't you supposed to be a potbellied oni? You are way too tall to be him. And where are your drums?"

Raiden chuckled in spite of himself, giving a nonchalant shrug as he folded his arms into his sleeves. "I can take many shapes and forms, my lady."

The woman raised a brow. "Oh? Is that so? Hm. Tell me then, God of Thunder, why do you appear before me? Are you here to eat my bellybutton?"

Blinking in confusion, he gave her a perplexed look, puzzled as he reared his head back. "I beg your pardon?!"

Slipping her hands behind her, the woman batted her eyelashes, giving him a coy smile and a curious tilt of the head. "Ara? I was told that Raiden-sama was known to eat those that expose their bellybuttons."

He gave an annoyed frown, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please tell me that isn't what everyone actually says about me."

"Oh hai," she grinned, clearly enjoying herself. Taking a brazen step forward, she leaned toward him. "Tell me, God of Thunder - are they delicious?"

Looking up at her in astonishment, Raiden let out a scoff before shaking his head.

Such a bold little thing.

"My lady, I will have you know that I have never eaten a single being in my entire life, let alone their...bellybuttons." He muttered the last part, averting his eyes as he attempted to hide his blush, fidgeting slightly.

Giggling at his expression, the woman then tossed her head back and laughed, the sound warm, melodious and welcome to Raiden's ears.

Clearing his throat, he gestured to her. "And pray tell me, young maiden," he spoke, his features softening, "what is your name?"

The woman smiled pleasantly. "My name is O Chiyo. It's a pleasure to meet you, Raiden-sama." As she spoke, she bowed.

Folding his arms together, Raiden returned the bow, his features softening, smitten with the woman before him. "The pleasure is all mine, O Chiyo-chan."


Raiden stood alone in the ruins of the old house, his fingers tracing the curvature of O Chiyo's hat, brushing dust off of its brim.

That encounter had meant to be their last, but for reasons that he could hardly fathom, he had kept returning to her.

He supposed some part of him had pitied the poor woman, but as time went on, it became something more.

Days had stretched into weeks, which had then stretched onward into months, and he would always find himself attending to every one her needs.

Whether it had been helping her fetch water, whether it had been helping her with her crops, whatever O Chiyo needed, Raiden had always been ready to assist.

But even more strangely, he had found himself becoming more attentive at the Sky Temple, taking more of an interest in the monks and their teachings.

At first, part of him believed that he had been bewitched, that O Chiyo might have been some type of sorceress or enchantress created by the Elder Gods as a test, for how else could a mere mortal persuade a god such as himself except through some form of magic?

She hadn't been the most remarkable woman at the time - she hadn't belonged to any notable historical family, nor had she any wealth.

O Chiyo had no servants, no luxury of any kind; she had been a simple woman trying to make ends meet, all without the aid from anyone.

And yet, for reasons that Raiden himself could hardly fathom, her face, eyes, smile and laugh had invaded every thought that he had, and at the time, he couldn't get enough of her presence.

This...addiction, for lack of a better word, had confounded the Thunder God.

She hadn't meant a thing to the Elder Gods, nor was she a deity herself, so why?!

For a long time, Raiden had found himself feeling perplexed over his situation, frustrated and confused.

Staring down at the hat in his hands, Raiden lowered his gaze, softly sighing.

What an arrogant fool he had been; it boggled the mind that O Chiyo had tolerated him for so long.

To her credit, not once in her life had she ever gotten angry with him; O Chiyo had been always been kind, patient, and gracious with him, one of the few mortals to have touched him so deeply.

She would always put up a strong, warm and at times funny front, her humor capable of disarming the Thunder God himself, much to his surprise, but there had been instances where Raiden had noticed an air of melancholy surrounding her.

Something deeply...sad, and lonely.

Perhaps that was part of the reason why he had visited her often, although Raiden had to admit that he had enjoyed her company compared to most mortals.

Not once had he ever dared raise either a hand nor voice to her, nor her him.

Staring down at the hat in his hand, his shoulders drooped.

He had tried to find the person who had hurt her all those years ago, but despite his efforts, he had been unable to find the man responsible, much to his immense shame. Even after so many centuries have passed, Raiden was still unable to find out anything, even from the other gods.

At the thought of the latter, Raiden felt a scowl harshly form on his features as he recalled that fateful interaction.


He was alone on the Sky Temple roof, training when he sensed her presence, causing him to stiffen.

"Lady Cetrion!" Raiden murmured in startled surprise as he turned to see a woman approach, her skin a dull purple, her hair green like seaweed, her eerie glowing eyes matched by the tiny green dots surrounding the former, resembling shining stars. Like the rest of her being, her garb consisted of a combination of teal crystal, green plant matter, and thin brown cords wrapped around her neck, torso, and waist, while chunks of crystal float behind her head like a dirty crumbling halo.

"Lord Raiden," Cetrion greeted as a bird fluttered onto her index finger, her voice fluttering and musical. "It is great to see you again."

Pressing his hands together, Raiden bowed. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Cetrion." Straightening himself, the Thunder God faced her directly. "I have to confess, I wasn't aware that you were planning on coming to Earthrealm, my lady. Had I known beforehand-"

Cetrion raised a hand, shaking her head. "Please, Raiden. Rest your troubled mind. My coming here unannounced had been deliberate." She then looked at him from top to bottom, raising a quizzical brow. "The change in appearance is certainly a surprise."

Raiden shifted in discomfort. "Is my appearance offensive, my lady?"

She then offered a full smile, radiating warmth. "Not at all, actually. In this instance, it is a marked change for the better. If you aren't careful, Raiden, you may end up attracting the eye of many fine young women, including Princess Kitana herself." Cetrion then gave a suggestive wiggle of the eyebrows, causing the Thunder God to feel flustered.

Taking a deep breath, Raiden cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "You said that your coming unannounced was deliberate." She nodded. "May I ask for what purpose, my lady? Is there trouble in Outworld? Is it Shinnok?"

Lifting a purple hand, Cetrion clicked her tongue in dismissal, flicking a hand through her seaweed hair in a dismissive gesture. "Shao Kahn continues to be a troublesome pest, but it's nothing too problematic. And no, you have nothing to fear from my brother. No, that is not why I have come here, Raiden. I wanted to see you personally about a matter."

He looked at her uncertainly. "How can I be of assistance to you then, my lady?"

Stroking the bird on her finger, Cetrion turned toward the edge of the roof, staring down into the clouds below.

"I've noticed that you've been spending a lot of time with a mortal," she noted, causing Raiden to tense. "A young woman."

Thunder rumbled, the clouds crackling.

"...Is it an issue, Lady Cetrion?" he asked.

Smiling, Cetrion gave a dismissive wave. "Not at all, actually. I was only curious." She then glanced over her shoulder at him, facing the roof's edge. "What is she to you, Raiden?"

For a long time, Raiden said nothing, his mouth feeling dry.

"...I..." Lowering his eyes to the stone floor, he shook his head, "...I don't know. It is a mystery to me as well. I had found her bleeding in a ditch, and...I had saved her."

Raiden watched as Cetrion nodded to herself, petting her bird. "A noble gesture." She then turned around to face him. "And yet, you do not seem pleased, dear Raiden. Why is that?"

The Thunder God opened his mouth to speak, only to find himself unable to do so. Tightening his hands into fists, Raiden stared down to the stone floor, his pale eyes filled with uncertainty.

"Would you rather that she died?"

Looking up with wide eyes, Raiden shook his head. "What? No! No, absolutely not! It's...It's just..." Faltering, he fell back into silence, his eyes focused on the floor.

Cetrion said nothing for a few seconds, her expression soft and comforting.

"Tell me, Raiden," she said in a soft voice, "what is it that troubles you so?"

Raiden squirmed beneath her gaze, unsure how to respond.

"I..." He swallowed, feeling at a loss, "...there is something within my being that I do not understand. We gods are free of mortal temptation. And yet...this woman...I do not know what it is that I feel toward her. Nor...nor do I know what I should do about it."

Cetrion nodded, giving him a knowing yet sad smile. "You care for her."

Raiden said nothing, his face feeling warm, unable to make a retort, nor was he able to refute and deny.

Looking up at the clouds as it rained, the two deities observed the moon in the distance.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, Raiden," Cetrion spoke up, causing the Thunder God to look up in surprise. "You aren't the first god to develop feelings for a mortal."

Raiden furrowed his brows. "Truly?"

She nodded. "Indeed. Argus has loved many a fine woman in both Edenia and Earthrealm before meeting his wife Delia, and now she's expecting."

"Argus," Raiden nodded in remembrance. "Yes, I recall hearing something about that." His features darkened. "There are also...many rumors...of his infidelity toward her."

"And that is all they are, Raiden - rumors. Nothing more," Cetrion quickly and coldly interjected. Her features then softened, the dark look she was giving replaced with a tender warmth as she continued, "But never mind that. It is good that you are able to interact with her. You should continue doing so, Raiden. After all, since you will be expected to act as Earthrealm's protector someday, what better way for you to see what you are protecting than through personal interaction with mortals?"

Hesitating, the Thunder God then raised a questioning brow. "Wouldn't the Elder Gods disapprove?"

She shook her head. "Not at all, Raiden. As long as it doesn't impede you from performing your duties, the Elder Gods will take no action against either you or the girl, so feel free to enjoy your time with her."

Blinking, Raiden stared speechlessly as Cetrion lifted her hand and let the bird fly free.

Giving him a warm smile, the latter approached him, placing a hand on his upper arm.

"I hope things work out between you two, Raiden," she said softly. "You deserve to be happy, just as she does." Turning around, she then gave a playful and mischievous look over her shoulder as she added, "Be sure to invite me to the wedding!"

Feeling flustered, Raiden blushed as he attempted to make a retort, only for the Elder Goddess to vanish in a column of white light, leaving him alone on the roof of the Sky Temple with nothing but his thoughts and the rain.

Now alone, he wrinkled his brow, absorbing Cetrion's words.

The fact that Elder Gods didn't disapprove of this provided a great sense of relief for him.

However, Raiden was also reminded that as a god, he needed to be vigilant and make certain that this relationship didn't cross certain lines, though what those exact lines were weren't entirely clear to him at the moment.

Still, not bad, all things considering.

Looking up into the clouds, Raiden watched as Cetrion's bird chirped and fluttered, flying off into the distance as lightning crashed around it.


The days that had followed after the encounter with Cetrion had been filled with great uncertainty, but none had provided him more worry than his meeting with O Chiyo.

When next he had approached the latter, he had revealed his nature to her.

His knowledge, his abilities, everything, including the fact that it had been he who had found and healed her.

For a long time, O Chiyo had been uncharacteristically still, so unusually silent that Raiden became concerned.

Finally, when she had been able to speak again, she had started to ask questions, and Raiden had done his best to comply and answer them all as best as he could.

Once they had finished, one more unexpected question was asked, one that Raiden himself had been unprepared for.

Puddles formed on the broken ruins of the old house as Raiden stood in silent and grim contemplation, his pale eyes reflecting from the pool as he thought of that question.


"...Why? Why did you save me?"

Staring uncertainly to the leave-covered ground, Raiden uselessly worked his mouth, unsure how to answer, his spirit wavering in the face of O Chiyo's stare, feeling like a flickering candle.

"I..." he swallowed, "...I don't know."

"You don't know?" she repeated.

"Hai."

O Chiyo stared. "I...I don't understand. What is it that you want? If you are what you say you are, then why are you telling me all this? Out of all the mortals, why do you come to see me, let alone help me?"

Raiden looked around, uncertain as to what to do or say. Letting out a frustrated growl, he turned his back to her. "It was a mistake coming here."

As he started to walk away, he heard O Chiyo call out.

"W-Wait! Where are you going? Raiden-sama?"

Raiden kept walking, his attention fixed on the road ahead, trying to ignore the woman's voice.

"Raiden-sama, wait! Raiden-sama wait! Stop! Please!"

To Raiden's surprise, O Chiyo ran ahead of him, turning to face him directly.

"...D-Don't go," she pleaded, her lips quivering. "Please. Please don't go, Kaminari-sama."

The two of them stared at one another, his towering form dwarfing hers, his pale eyes meeting hers. "O Chiyo..."

"Please." She begged, her voice unusually quiet. "I know that I have no right to ask anything of you, Raiden-sama..." She swallowed, "but...but the thing is...I don't have anyone else." As O Chiyo spoke, Raiden noticed how the small woman seemed to shrink into herself, looking even smaller than she really was. "When I was attacked, I thought that would be it for me. I thought...I thought no one would care. But then...but then you came, Raiden-sama."

O Chiyo's eyes watered, her lips and voice trembling as she continued, "You were the only there for me when I needed you most, and you have been there for me ever since, Raiden-sama. To...To know that the gods care...or at the very least...to know that you care...I am forever grateful for your kindness. Thank you. Thank you!"

Raiden's mouth parted, his eyes widening in surprise as she suddenly fell to her knees and bowed at his feet.

"Everyone that I have ever loved is gone...except...except you, Raiden-sama." A strange warmth filled his chest, his heart both aching and fluttering at her words, a tear falling from her beautiful cheek. "You are...everything to me. Please...please don't abandon me..."

For several long moments, Raiden stood still like a statue, his tall white form looking down over hers in indecision, looking lost, the ache in his heart growing the more she cried.

Part of him wanted to flee in order to get away from the pain, but seeing her in distress made it impossible for him to leave her.

Softening his eyes and expression, the Thunder God lowered himself to the ground and reached out to her, his thumb brushing aside her tears, causing her to look up.

"Please, no tears, O Chiyo-chan," he said. "You have no reason to cry, nor do you have anything to fear. As long as I exist, I will never abandon you. You are not alone, O Chiyo-chan. You are...never...alone. That's a promise."

To Raiden's surprise, O Chiyo suddenly embraced him, clinging onto him, as if afraid of drowning or for fear of losing him as she audibly wept into his chest.

Tensing slightly, Raiden uncomfortably lifted his arms and attempted to shove her aside, but upon feeling her crying into him, his arms slackened, his glowing pale eyes filled with pity as he relaxed under her grip.

Heaving out a great sigh, Raiden returned her embrace, being careful not to hurt her with his immense strength as he held the tiny woman, comforting her as best he could.


From that time onward, the two of them had become close. Closer than anyone had in Raiden's entire life.

It had been a strange feeling, being able to hold something as small and frail as a human in his arms. Even stranger that he had even allowed himself to care in the first place.

After all, mortals were such tiny creatures with even shorter lifespans, so small and fleeting that it was easy for a god such as himself to forget they were even there sometimes, even sometimes dismiss them as insignificant.

He had seen plenty of examples of humanity's cruelty over the years, and by the Elder Gods, he was more than aware of the darkness within them, but O Chiyo...O Chiyo had been the kindest and gentlest being that he had ever met.

There had been no darkness in her soul whatsoever, nor had her life ever been insignificant, especially in Raiden's eyes.

Standing in the dark ruins of the house, Raiden melancholically recalled O Chiyo's smile, how her features used to always brighten at the sight of him whenever he came to see her.

Usually, most mortals would flee in terror, but O Chiyo...O Chiyo had been grace and kindness embodied. He remembered how she used to welcome him and make him tea along with various foods, and though Raiden never had any need for either food nor drink, he had accepted regardless as a courtesy to her.

Thunder rumbled as lightning flashed, illuminating the torn insides of the old ruined house, the wallpaper hanging by mere threads like skin off of a decomposing skeleton.

"I see that you are here again, brother."

Glancing over his shoulder, Raiden spotted Fujin, his silver hair fluttering in the wind. Looking ahead, Raiden kept on staring in sorrow at the ruined walls and ceiling beams, the smell of mold permeating the air.

Hearing footsteps behind him, the Thunder God was still as Fujin stood beside him, taking in the view.

"I thought you were going on pilgrimage and live amongst the humans," the former spoke.

"I was, and will," the latter replied, "but then I saw you here, brother. I wanted to see this place for myself."

Raiden said nothing to that, watching Fujin's eyes roam along the ruins of the dilapidated house.

"It's a shame what happened here," the latter nodded. "It must have been a beautiful home at some point."

Raiden clicked his jaw, casting his gaze down to the floor. "...Yes," he answered simply. "Yes, it was."

Fujin nodded thoughtfully, his eyes glancing around. "This house's previous owner," he said slowly. "Was she a good hostess?"

Raiden nodded. "The best that I ever had. You would have liked her."

He watched as his younger brother offered a smile. "From your descriptions of her, I think I would have too. Not once have I ever recalled you speaking so animatedly and passionately about someone, let alone a mortal. She truly must have been something special for you to keep coming here. It's unfortunate that I never had the opportunity to meet her in person. Part of me wishes that I had never left for my pilgrimage in Seido."

The wind hollowly echoed, causing the robes of the two deities to flutter.

"It wasn't your fault, Raiden," he spoke up, causing Raiden to spare him a glance. "You couldn't have known that you would be gone for so long."

Looking away, Raiden glanced down at the hat in his hands, his broad shoulders heaving a great sigh. "I had promised O Chiyo that I wouldn't ever abandon her," he said softly. "She had lost everything. Her mother, her father. All she had left was this home, and she had been scared of being left alone. So scared that she had clung onto me as if...as if she were drowning. I had travelled to other worlds such as Outworld to deal with some matter or another, but up to that point, I had always made it a point to return back to O Chiyo. I couldn't...I couldn't just leave her alone. But...when I went to continue my lessons in Seido, I had promised her that I would return, that we would be reunited once more."

Rain pattered down onto the floor all around them, thunder rumbling.

"...One day," he continued. "I was gone for only one day in Seido, and when I came back...she was...she was gone. I had found her lying in her futon, an old woman with her eyes closed. I hadn't even recognized her. I had thought her a stranger. I...I had wanted to wake her up...but..."

As Raiden trailed off, he exhaled. "I took her body and buried it on a hill with flowers. It isn't far from here. O Chiyo...used to like going there, so I had thought..."

He felt Fujin place his hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure she would have appreciated that," he assured. The two deities quietly observed the vegetation and branches as they rustled around in the breeze, the latter poking invasively through the walls, ceiling and floor. "Have you paid your respects to her, brother?"

Raiden remained quiet, his eyes drooping.

"...No," he answered. "No, I...I haven't. I haven't gone to that hill in years."

He felt Fujin's gaze as the latter gave him a questioning look. "Truly, Raiden?"

"Yes."

"Why don't you?" Fujin then tilted his head. "Have you tried visiting her in Heaven, if not asked the Elder Gods to see her?"

Raiden took a long time answering.

"...Well?"

Clicking his tongue, Raiden shook his head. "No. No I haven't."

He watched as Fujin's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Why not?"

"I had abandoned her, Fujin," Raiden explained. "I had promised O Chiyo that she would never be alone, and I had failed to keep that promise to her. I am too ashamed to even face her, let alone her grave."

"And yet, you come here to her home," Fujin held out a hand, gesturing the crumbling ruins of O Chiyo's home. "You are afraid to face her in person, and yet you choose to stand amongst the ruins of this house. What is the purpose then for coming here? Why do you torment yourself so, brother?"

"To see the life that could have been," Raiden admitted, thunder and lightning rumbling outside, cutting through the darkness. "Before I had left, O Chiyo and I used to talk about this house. She had dreams of being a mother someday, of having a family of her own. And I...I had wanted that family with her. I too had wanted to know what it was to be a father."

He watched as Fujin's face softened, the latter nodding in acceptance and understanding.

"Raiden, you can always go and see her," he said slowly. "She may have died, but that shouldn't stop you from-"

"She is reunited with her parents, and the Elder Gods are with her now," Raiden cut him off with a clipped tone. "She is no longer alone, and she will be happier without me around. It is for the best that she doesn't see me." He then looked back to his brother. "Now, I believe that you have someplace to be, brother."

Taking the hint, Fujin nodded, a frown on his face as he dipped his head. Looking to the house, Fujin pressed his palms together and bowed, then departed, leaving Raiden alone.

Standing amongst the ruins, Raiden lingered over the rotted remains of the house, lowering his eyes to the coolie hat in his hands.

Lifting it up, he carefully regarded the item, brushing aside some dust when a piece of paper fluttered down, catching his attention.

"Huh?" Curious, Raiden picked it up, his eyes widening in surprise at what he found.

'To my dear Kaminari-sama,

I hope that your lessons in Seido are going well! Life has been very quiet without you around, but I have been managing regardless. The days have been pretty bright, sunny and clear, and I have grown many fine crops since then. Occasionally a fox or rabbit would cause some mischief out in the garden, but outside of that, I haven't been bothered by anyone lately. Hardly anyone comes around these parts, if ever. It's strange, as a little girl, I used to love being out under the sun, but lately I haven't felt any comfort under the sun's warmth any more. Instead, I found comfort in the rain and the sound of the thunder claps outside my home, for whenever I heard them, I would often think of you. I've been having the most wonderful dreams of the future lately, and I wish that I could share those dreams with you someday. I dreamt that we were in the garden watching our children playing, a boy and a girl, both of whom looked exactly like their father. I've been thinking of names for our child, and I have chosen two that I think you might like - "Raitoro" if it is a boy, and "Nariko" if it a girl. I wish I knew where to send this letter, but I will keep it here with me just in case and offer you daily prayers.

Oh! I had almost forgotten, I had wanted to give you a present, but you were gone before I had been able to give it to you. I don't know how hot or cold it is in Seido, let alone know if it rains or snows there, but on the off-chance that it does, I want you to have my hat. Admittedly it isn't much to give, and I apologize for not being able to give a better present to a god such as yourself, but the hat had once belonged to my father and has a great deal of sentimental value for me. It probably sounds silly, especially since the Elder Gods are beyond earthly pleasures as you have told me, but still, it is my most prized possession in my home, and it would mean the world to me if you were to have it. I eagerly await your return, my beloved.

With love,

O Chiyo.'

Staring at the letter, Raiden looked back to the hat in his hand, a regretful sigh escaping his lips as he studied it.

Though it had some dust, out of all the objects in this place, only the hat seemed to have been left untouched, as if it had been waiting for its new owner.

Looking back to the letter, Raiden quietly contemplated his surroundings, sorrow filling his ancient heart as he was once again reminded of the ephemeral nature of life.

"It was a wonderful dream, O Chiyo," he said softly, speaking to the house. "A most wonderful dream indeed."

Carefully folding the letter, he slipped it into his robes, then brushed off his hat before putting it on.

As Raiden prepared to leave, he paused slightly and looked back at the house, a question lingering in his mind.

Was it...possible...?

Hearing the thunder crack outside, Raiden glanced to the doorway, his towering form illuminated by the lightning strikes.

Glancing back to the house, Raiden then pressed his fist into the palm of his hand and bowed before turning away, silently stepping out into the rain and mud.


Author's Notes: So, the inspiration for this story came from thinking about Raiden as a character. Some of his dialogue in the games, especially in "Injustice 2", made mention of how he was immune to human desires such as lust, if not love, but I wasn't at all convinced on the basis of Argus, who had not only married but also had three children, Taven, Daegon and Rain, with the latter being the result of an extramarital affair. Now granted, every god was different in terms of what they represent and in their temperaments, but a lot of deities within world mythologies are known to be VERY horny bastards; Zeus, for instance, was said to have had over a hundred or so affairs with numerous women outside of his marriage to Hera.

I couldn't help wonder a bit about Raiden in terms of whether he had any other family aside from Fujin in mythology, so I opted to do a little research on the subject. For those unaware, Raiden (or "Raijin", as he was sometimes called), along with Fujin, were both figures from Japanese mythology, although in many ways there were very clear departures in their portrayals, both in terms of their appearances and in their behaviors.

Interestingly, Raiden in the myth had a wife and son, O Chiyo and Raitoro.

Intrigued, I kind of pondered on what happened to them in the world of MK when the idea for this story came to me. Part of me couldn't help being somewhat fixated on what Fujin said to Jax in "Aftermath" during their interaction about what Raiden had told him, and I couldn't help but wonder.

Was it really the case that Raiden was so coldly distant when he made those comments, or was there something more going on beneath the surface?

Was he really so dedicated and immune to all emotion, or was he warning Fujin because he knows first-hand the pain that would come from loss?

Since Raiden is thousands, perhaps even millions of years old(?), it was likely that he had experienced loss, especially if he had interactions with mortals such as Kung Lao and others over the years.

So, I kind of figured that I would write this up as a way to kind of interrogate that aspect.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. I hope you all liked it. :)

Also, shout-outs to Stuff-3, StarAquarius, Disciple Of Ember and Egyptianmaus - thank you all so much, guys! You absolutely rock!

Stay safe and healthy, everyone! :D