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Chapter Seven: Mirror Image Part 1

Taja entered the kitchen and slammed the door behind her. Kung Lao looked up from the scroll he was reading and saw a very angry red head....''Uh, what's wrong?'' he asked.

``Siro is a complete moron!'' she answered and then went further into the building. ``Okay....'' Kung Lao said and then got up to find Siro to see if he could shed any light on why Taja was so upset. Crashing sounds could be heard from the next room. First it was Althea acting strange when he returned from the temple and now Taja was on a rampage. Outside, he found Siro unloading the cart in such as if he felt each item was a personal insult to him. Kung Lao offered to help him unload, but Siro just growled a ``No Thanks.'' The monk sighed; he couldn't believe he was starting to hope that Rayden would show up just to give him a hint as to what was going on with everyone. He started to turn when he saw four men in black leather enter the gate. They look almost like Black Dragons except that they wore red dragon markings on their vests. Three stop just inside the gate and the four approached Siro and Kung Lao, carrying a stained bag. ``Are you the Kung Lao and Siro who live here?'' he asked in a monotone voice.

``Yes, I'm Kung Lao and this is Siro,'' he said. Siro just stood their glaring at their visitors.

``I have a message,'' he said and then turned over the bag he was carrying, the preserved head of Jola fell out with a thump, ``The Black Dragon is dead and the Red Dragon has no argument with anyone who lives at this address or any interest in this trading post. Leave the Red Dragon alone and the Red Dragon will leave you alone.'' The man bowed and picked up Jola's head. Placing it in bag in the bag he turned and followed the other three into the crowded street.

``Who were those guys?'' ask Siro.

****

``That stupid...'' *thump* ``...son of a...'' *crash!*, was the sounds that Althea heard coming from one of the storage rooms. She peeked into the room and saw a very angry Taja moving crates and barrels around. ``What did Siro do this time?'' asked Althea.

Startled Taja turned and asked, ``What do you mean?''

``Well, I don't see Kung Lao making you this angry in the short amount of time since your return, and as annoying Rayden can be he's never gotten you this angry since I've known you guys, ``Althea shrugged and continued, ``That leaves Siro as the `son of a bitch' you're pissed off about''

Taja kicked on of the barrels and watched it roll across the floor, ``I rather not talk about it...its kinda embarrassing.''

``Ahhh, Fujin must have shown up, ``said the blonde with a grin.

Taja just look up and screamed through her teeth.

Althea shoulder's shook in silent laugher and then said, ``Here, let me help you make room here for the stuff you guys got. Afterwards we're leaving for a `girl's night out.''

Taja sighed and said, ``Sounds good, but we just can't afford...''

Althea smiled and then pulled out her coin purse. She shook it and the sound of coins could be heard. ``No one told me that the yellow metal called gold here was so valuable, otherwise I would have offered it as part of my upkeep here. I have tons of war metals and bits of jewelry that I never use made out of the stuff. Hoping to get a few coins, I went into town while everyone was gone to see if I could sell some of it.'' She gave a single laugh, ``I know I was mostly likely cheated but I got more the enough for that crap and I still have most of it upstairs, so next time you or one of the guys can go sell it. I wondered why Vatas was so insistent that I bring that worthless stuff.''

Taja just had a shocked look on her face at first, but then grinned.

****

Drevane was walking down a candlelit corridor when one of his men found him. ``The message has been delivered, ``the man reported and bowed.

Drevane smiled and said, ``Good, but be sure we keep a close eye on them for a while. That guard Siro, might just get curious about us and cause some trouble. Let's hope for his sake he doesn't....Oh, also see that the items that our newest customer requested are available yet. Quan Chi does not look like someone who likes to be kept waiting.''

****

In a smoke filled chamber, laid two coffin-like shapes. They glowed faintly, one with a blood red coloring and the other with a dark purplish glow. Lupena walk around them with a worried look on her face, and then turned when she heard Quan Chi's approach.

Standing before the two coffin-like shapes, Quan Chi chuckled and said, ``Superb, my `children' are almost ready to wake up.''

Lupena hid her fear and worry, asked, ``How long until they are ready, Master?''

Quan Chi gave a careless shrug and said, ``Depends on how quickly the Red Dragon can deliver the items that I need.''

****

A few days later, Althea was found searching throughout the trading post. ``Where is that damn thing?'' she mumbled as she looked behind some barrels in the storeroom.

``Looking for something?'' ask Siro.

``Yeah, have you seen my journal anywhere? It's been missing for a few days now,'' said Althea as she climbed over a crate.

``Haven't seen anything like a journal, except for the trading post's books. Me and Taja have been going over them since we got back, ``said Siro, ``Was there anything important in it?''

Althea dusted herself off and replied, ``Only some memories. Not too worry about anyone reading it since I doubt anyone here could read Calornian script, but I would like it back.'' Althea scratched her head thinking, ``What's funny is the last place I remember seeing it was on the table next to my bed. That's where I normally keep it. I don't think I ever had it out of my room since I moved in.''

*****

Quan Chi held the journal in his hand as he entered the chamber that held the coffins. He was pleased that the Red Dragon was able to get such a good focus for his creation and so soon. To top it off, they even admitted that retrieving the need focus from Rayden would be next to impossible and offered the journal for a fraction of the original asking price in return for their failure. It was hard to find such service these days, such a balance between deceit and good business was extremely rare. The sorcerer would just have to send one of his `children' to retrieve the needed item.

He placed the journal on the blood red coffin and then poured a potion onto it. The book than sank down into the coffin, which flared brightly for a moment and then started pulsating. Quan Chi laughed.

****

Rayden was at the tavern drinking. Since he was able to get Fujin as his second so to speak, he was able to spend more time for himself. Which he wasn't sure was a good thing. Since he wasn't so busy now, he couldn't keep his mind off of what nearly happened that night. What was coming over him? True, he always found human females, especially the blonde ones, attractive and fun to be with, but he never came that close to breaking one of his self imposed rules. Never to get intimate with one of the female chosen, he sighed. Of course, Althea wasn't really one of his chosen but he was the champion's student, and if Shang Tsung was able to change his homerealms there was a chance Althea could do the same. In that case, he would be a fool not to make her one of the chosen. He took a deep swallow of the wine, but for some reason couldn't enjoy it as he once could. The memory of the other time thread kept popping up with every sip, as if warning him what could happen if he got drunk. Eventually he just gave up and left. Instead of just disappearing he thought that he would take a walk, maybe the night air would calm his thoughts.

The later it got, the streets became emptier but still the thunder god was too wound up. ``I never thought it would be this easy, ``came Althea's voice but with an evil tinge to it. As Rayden turned to see the source, a dark red blast hit him full on, knocking him to the ground. Rayden looked up and saw what he thought was Althea, ``Why?'' he rasped from the ground. The woman walked out of the shadows and Rayden saw that it was not Althea but someone that looked almost just like her, except for the black hair and red glowing eyes. The strange woman then rolled the weakened Rayden completely onto his back and straddled him. ``Why not, ``she replied and then punched him.

****

Althea woke with a start. Something was wrong. She got up and quickly got dressed. Not thinking, she didn't bother to wake the others and she grabbed the fighting staff she had been practicing with on her way out. She only hoped that it would be enough. She ran down the deserted street towards where she was sensed the problem was. Althea wasn't quite sure what was wrong, but was almost certain it was something to do with Rayden. There she came across an unconscious thunder god and a strange woman pulling off his blue outer tunic. The stranger must have heard Althea's approach, because she turned and Althea got a good look at her face. Althea just said, ``Oh, shit'' and then went in for the attack. With a look of hatred on her face the stranger just ran, she got what she was sent for. Althea seeing Rayden out cold on the ground just let her go, and concentrated on seeing that Rayden was okay. She was afraid she knew how the strange woman was able to knock him out. ``This is not good,'' she said under her breath. Rayden moaned and when he opened his eyes he nearly lashed out at the person sitting next to him on the ground, but she grabbed his arm before the fist could make contact. ``It's okay,'' said Althea in a concerned voice, ``It's the real me. See, I'm the blonde.''

Rayden sighed in relief and then concern set in. He sat up and lifted his hand to try to create a few sparks, nothing. ``This is starting to get old, ``he moaned as he fell back down.

The End

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest....

``Your powers should return, eventually, ``asked Taja with concern, ``Right?''

Lighting flashed with the clash of thunder, and the sound of evil laughter in Rayden's voice was heard.
(Next Chapter)
Chapter Eight: Mirror Image Part 2

``Your powers should return, eventually, ``asked Taja with concern, ``Right?''

Rayden sighed and lifted his hand, a few small sparks appeared. ``I should be back to normal sometime late tonight or early tomorrow morning at the latest.''

Kung Lao picked up the half-eaten breakfast plates and said, ``You can stay here until then.''

``What I would like to know is who is she and where did she come from, ``said Siro, ``Any chance she's a relative?'' He then looked at Althea. Althea shrugged and replied, ``Hard to say, since my grandfather is Kuravan. But I don't think I don't think he sent her, it's just not his style.''

``In that case, who did?'' said Taja

``That's the....'' Rayden then yawned. Kung Lao smiled when he saw how exhausted Rayden and Althea were. ``All that can wait for now, ``Kung Lao said, ``I'll get the downstairs' room set up while you, ``he pointed to Rayden, ``get cleaned up and you, ``he pointed to Althea, ``go upstairs and get some sleep.''

****

Althea tossed and turned in bed. The combination of worry and it being daytime just didn't mix for sleep. She sighed and stared at the ceiling, he mind wondering randomly. Why did the stranger want Rayden's tunic so bad? Althea thought. Sorcery? It might have enough of Rayden's personal aura to be useful. She sighed again and rolled over.

Then the question of how she was able to sense Rayden was in trouble came to mind. The connection created by the energy transfer should have faded already, but it seems as strong as it was the moment she woke from the coma. Even now she could sense Rayden's discomfort of being without his powers, a lumpy bed and his sensing her own inability to sleep. The memory of what nearly happened the other night played across her mind. What she sensed from him that time was unmistakable. He was attracted to her, but when she returned from investigating the noise he was gone. If it wasn't for Lilith....Lilith, that means Kuravan is watching....Crap.

****

In Quan Chi's lair, the dark haired version of Althea handed the blue tunic to the sorcerer. ``Marvelous, ``he purred, ``You have done well for your first night, Arianna.'' He stroked the side of her face, noticing that her eyes only flickered red once in while, a sign she used a great deal of chi. ``And I guess the thunder god didn't do so well in the meeting,'' Quan Chi sat on his throne, ``Does he live?''

``Yes, Master, ``replied Arianna, ``The other godslayer showed up and per your orders I didn't stay to fight once retrieving the needed item.''

Quan Chi shrugged and pulled Arianna onto his lap, ``No matter, soon your `brother' will be able to take care of him....Lupena!''

Lupena enter the room, ``Yes, Master,'' she said.

Quan Chi tossed her the tunic and said, ``I want you to prepare this for the final spell. I'll be busy....recharging my little godslayer.'' He then kissed Arianna on the neck and started stroking her. Lupena, with a sickly look on her face, turned and left the room.

****

That night, Rayden found Althea sitting at the kitchen table engrossed in some books and even taking notes. He glanced over her shoulder and saw that everything was in a language, HE didn't understand. So he assumed it was Calornian.

``Do you know how annoying it is when someone tries to read over your shoulder, ``said Althea as she made a few final notes and then closed the book. Rayden shrugged and then sat down as Althea stretched by pull her arms back over her head. Rayden tried his best not to notice what the stretching did to.....certain pieces of her anatomy, and said, ``What are you looking for?''

``Answers, ``Althea replied and then counted off some questions, ``Why would anyone want your tunic? How did our `friend' blast you without collapsing like I did when I blasted Kuravan? Last but not least, why are we still sensing each other's emotions? These, ``she indicated the books, ``Are my old school notes and most are taken from the old Conclave Library before it was destroyed. I hoped that there might be something that could shed a little light on the subjects. As the old saying goes, `Knowledge is power, so....REEESEEARCH!'' She said the last in a poor imitation of an old man's voice and pointed upward with her finger.

``Any luck?'' asked Rayden.

Althea got up and poured herself a drink before answering. Leaning back against a counter she replied, ``Not really, oh there are possibilities but no hard answers.'' She took a sip, ``In regards to your missing clothes, it most likely has to do something with sorcery. A lot can be done with something that has a person's personal aura imprinted upon it, but most if not all will become impossible once you recover your powers. However, be aware that this comes from information meant to teach a mage, not a sorcerer and they are notes. I may have left out a bit when I created them. As for our friend not collapsing, so could I before my abilities were damaged. She could be just as strong as I was before the war or she could have source of power we are just not aware of.'' Althea took a long swallow from her glass. ``Even without the ability to acquire additional energy from the elements there are other ways. Most I wouldn't even think of using, but for someone less....nice, ``she shrugged, ``I even found one I didn't think of and wouldn't mind using, but for it to work I .....need a partner. Then there's the transfusion you done to help me, and that's not even in my notes.'' She took another swallow.

``And the connection?'' asked Rayden.

Althea looked up and said, ``Like I said, these notes are incomplete. From what I have there are few possibilities, each less likely than the next. Both because you are a god and the fact they seem to require a mutual sharing of chi and/or elemental energy. The transfusion you gave me was one-way, and the connection should have been there only as long as there remained some of your elemental energy in my system. Unless I'm wrong, all of it has already been converted to personal chi.''

****

Wearing gray work ropes, Lupena sat watching the strangely colored fire as its smoke enveloped the hanging tunic. Fortunately the sounds of Quan Chi `recharging' Arianna stopped long ago and the only sounds was the crackle of the fire. She closed her eyes to pretend that it was an ordinary fire she heard. Silence....Lupena open her eyes and saw that the fire had somehow been frozen and she heard a strange voice say, ``Do you really want Quan Chi to have his own little god to play with?''

Lupena turned to attack the stranger but found herself surrounded by a ring of light blue flame. ``Stay girl!'' the strange white haired woman said with a smile. ``Oh by the way, you're stuck in human form. Sorry, but I'm here to talk and my wolvish is a bit rusty.'' Lupena growled at the stranger who was also wearing a robe like she was but in black rather than dirty gray. The crystal blue eyes she saw above the dark scarf seem to look deep into Lupena's soul. ``What do you want?'' said Lupena through clenched teeth. The woman sighed and walked around Lupena as if trying to judge her. ``Look, I know you don't like Quan Chi and you are only here for the sake of your people...'' Lupena started to sweat, wondering what else this stranger knew. ``However, be aware that even a poor copy of the thunder god will cause more havoc to nature then anyone can imagine.'' The woman spoke aloud what was on Lupena's mind the entire time she was preparing the tunic. ``What do you think I can...,'' Lupena began.

``Oh please, unless I'm mistaken you're shaman trained. Surely you know of a twig, herb or something you can throw on that fire to...un-stabilize Quan Chi's newest creation.'' The light-blue flames flared for a moment and Lupena found herself once again listening to the crackle of the smoky fire. Lupena looked around and found that she was once again alone.

****

Althea started clearing the table and asked, ``Will you be staying for breakfast?''

``As much I would like to,''Rayden said as he lifted up a hand to test his powers, sizeable sparks appearing. ''I don't think that Taja could stand my presence for much longer, ``he continued with a wry smile, remembering all the sniping that went on between him and the red head.

There was a sudden rumbling sound outside. Lighting flashed with the clash of thunder, and the sound of evil laughter in Rayden's voice was heard. The trio came running down the stairs, each in a different state of dress. ``What's going on?'' demanded Siro, looking at Rayden.

``It wasn't me!'' said Rayden as Althea and Taja ran to the armory to get their weapons. They then all went outside to see what was going on. There they saw the woman from the night before, hanging on someone that looked liked somewhat like Rayden. He had corpse-gray skin, eyes that were solid black and sparked purple lighting. The stranger wore black leathers with a dark blue over tunic. One shoulder hung the woman and over the other he laid a mace, sparkling with the same lighting as his eyes.

``Oh, shit,''whispered Taja as she tried to ready her crossbow. ``Is that anyway to say before a new god?'' the stranger said while letting go of Arianna and then sending a blast of purple lighting towards her. Althea pushed Taja out of the way and the bolt created a crater where Taja was just standing.

``What do you want here?'' demanded Rayden as he stepped in front of the women. ``Ah, last century's model, ``the stranger replied, ``I just felt it was time for a change, don't you? You know the whole out with the old, in with the new thing.''

``Let me kill him, Ragen,'' whispered Arianna loudly. ``Now my dear, Arianna, ``Ragen said, while placing a finger under Arianna's chin, ``You know I must do it to prove my claim to his domains.''

``Crap! It's a challenge,'' whispered Althea as she stood up. ``What?''whisper Kung Lao. Althea answered, ``When a deity wishes to take over another's domains he can place a formal challenge. It can be done only between deities of similar positions in their respective realms. So only a god of thunder can challenge another god of thunder.''

``Great, IM-Mortal Kombat,'' said Taja.

Rayden summoned his hammer, but Althea quickly stepped between the two immortals with hands flaming light-blue. ``YOU DARE INTERFERE!'' roared Ragen.

``Althea, you can't...,''began Rayden.

``Look, I'm not trying to stop the challenge, but you guys just can't battle it out here. We just got the place repaired and there are other people outside this time, ``said Althea and then she looked directly at Ragen, ``Unless I'm mistaken, there's a few rules in regards to endangering too many mortals in these things. One more thing, she stays out of it or I will join in.'' she indicated Arianna.

Arianna growled with flashing eyes and raised her hand; Ragen grabbed her arm to prevent the attack. ``Agreed!'' he responded, ``Follow me.'' Both Ragen and Arianna vanished.

``Rayden, you can be seriously thinking....''began Siro. ``You're not going alone. You need us to ensure that Arianna doesn't butt in.'' said Althea looking directly into the thunder god's eyes. Rayden nodded.

****

Within moments they all appeared on a grassy plain and a blast of blood red flame greeted them. Fortunately, Althea was expecting such an attack and had a shield similar to the one she used the first time she met Kung Lao ready, only this time shielding everyone. Althea's eyes flared light-blue for a moment and then she went to her knees. The strain of shielding such a wide area was almost too much. Damn, she thought, where is the bitch getting her strength? Althea took a quick look at her duplicate and saw that she wasn't much better off than herself. Yes, there is a limit!

``Don't mind us, ``said Taja as Siro helped Althea up, ``We're just here to make sure it's a fair fight.'' Then Rayden's mortal friends surrounded Arianna ready to pounce if she moved. Althea, being the exception, just leaned on her staff and glared at Ragen. Ragen just growled in frustration and then proceeded to attack the reigning thunder god. Rayden gave a half-smile at how easy it was to dodge the widely swung mace and then responded with a well aim hit of his own weapon. Ragen was thrown back but not down. It was then that something was noticeably wrong with Ragen. Total rage and insantity seemed to overcome him as he wildly attacked Rayden with both weapon and element. Rayden defended, but was able to send in a few well placed attacks of his own that hit home. The ground shook as Rayden fought his mirror image, and it was soon obvious who the winner was going to be. Arianna's eyes flashed red as everyone attention was on the battle. The moment Ragen did hit the ground, she struck. Using the last of her red chi, she launched a blast of blood red flame towards Rayden, knocking him down as she herself fell unconscious. Ragen quickly got up to take advantage, but Althea then stuck with her own chi attack. Taja quickly followed by letting her bolt from her crossbow. The bolt stuck Ragen's neck, just seconds after the wave of light-blue flame. He was dead before he even hit the ground. Althea fell, but while doing so she and all the others were thrown by the outburst of energy caused by Ragen's death.

Once the dust started to settle, Rayden and the trio started to stand up dusting themselves off. Seeing Althea was not getting up, Rayden quickly went to check on her. For a moment, he feared she had used up all her chi again but she just seem exhausted not drained as before. He sighed in relief. ``Will she be okay?'' asked Kung Lao. ``She'll be fine with a couple days bed rest, I think, ``replied Rayden, ``Unfortunately, getting her to her bed may be a little difficult right now.''

``Damn it! Does that mean we're stranded out in the middle of nowhere until tomorrow? ``asked Taja.

Just then Fujin appeared, ``What the hell's going on?!'' Kung Lao attempted to fill in the wind god on what just happened when Siro spoke up, ``Huh, guys...Where's Arianna?''

The End

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest

``Damn it, Siro, ``yelled Taja, ``Why are you so upset about Fujin showing up?'' Siro replied just as loudly, ``I just don't like how he's always.....'' Siro shrugged.

Taja opened the door to see Althea standing there with a bucket of cold looking water in her hands as if ready to throw it. ``Either you cool down, or I'll cool you down, ``said Althea in her most dangerous voice.

(Next Chapter)
Note: I don't own anything in regards to Mortal Kombat. If you would like to use the characters I have created feel free to contact me. This story takes place a few weeks after Chapter Eight and Althea has pretty much recovered on her own.

Chapter Nine: Peace Talks

Damn it, Siro, ``yelled Taja, ``Why are you so upset about Fujin showing up?'' Siro replied just as loudly, ``I just don't like how he's always.....'' Siro shrugged.

Watching the scene was a very curious Althea. She munched on an apple as she looked out the second story window. Kung Lao walked by the door to the room and saw that she was watching something outside. Curious he asked, ``What's going on?'' as he walked over and took a look out the window.

``......your're not my father, and I'll damn well see....''Kung Lao could hear Taja's voice clearly.

``Hi, Kung Lao ``greeted Althea as she offered him an apple. ``They've been at it for almost an hour now. It's both entertaining and educational.''

Refusing the apple, Kung Lao frowned and said, ``You know it's impolite to watch.''

Althea shrugged and replied, ``Well, they shouldn't be fighting in the middle of the yard with the gates wide open if it was a private conversation. Besides, how else am I to learn about Earthrealm practices and customs if I don't watch?''

Kung Lao sighed, ``You could just ask.''

Althea shook her head, ``It's not the same. The answers I would receive are how things should be, not how they are. For example: From what I understand if an unattached guy is interested in an unattached woman, he should ask her out or something. She has the right to accept or refuse the invite and to leave at almost anytime. However, when I watch these two...''

``What makes you think Siro is interested in Taja in that way?'' asked Kung Lao as if it first dawned on him.

``Well, he has a fit everytime a guy even hints of being interested in her. That's why he gets so upset when Fujin shows up,'' said Althea.

``Perhaps he is just trying to protect a friend.''

Althea nearly laughed and shook her head, ``You're her friend, and I don't see you going berserk every time someone tries to ask her out. Then there's the way he looks at her when she's not aware he's around.''

Kung Lao smiled slightly, he seen those looks but it didn't dawn on him they were romantic in nature. Althea continued, ``I'm about ready to go down there and do something, but I'm not really sure if it's my place or if it was what I would do.''

``Good call, ``said Kung Lao as he pulled her from the window, ``If there's anything between them, they need to work it out themselves.''

****

Unknown to everyone, Rayden was on the roof just above the window Althea and Kung Lao just left. With his emotions fully under shields, Althea couldn't sense him. He was also enjoying the show that Taja and Siro had going on in the yard. For a moment, he was tempted to ask Fujin if he could check on them just to see what would happen. However, his interest changed when he overheard Kung Lao and Althea talking. Her honest admittance of being unfamiliar with Earth's ways reminded him he knew very little about her people. Calorna was neither a danger nor ally to Earthrealm, so he rarely found any need to even thing about it. Only the recent god war and Althea's arrival had really brought it to his attention. His lack of knowledge made him a little uncomfortable, especially in regards to dangers related to Kuravan and how to predict Kung Lao's new student. Perhaps he should do some `research' to correct the matter. Rayden vanished.

****

For the next few days, things were almost back to normal, almost except for the constant bickering between Taja and Siro. They couldn't say more than two words to each other without breaking into an argument. By the fourth morning, even Kung Lao had had enough.

``What's wrong with you two?'' he demanded when they showed up for breakfast.

``What do you mean?'' asked Siro.

``You two have barely been able to stay in the same room together without coming to blows and it's driving me insane. We're supposed to be a team.'' Kung Lao said.

``It's not my ...''started Siro. ``And it's mine! ``interrupted Taja.

``ENOUGH!'' yelled Kung Lao. ``I'm about to take Althea's suggestion of locking the two of you up together until you get along or kill each other.''

****

Althea had just finished with her warm-up exercises and was reviewing fighting with her staff. The long piece of wood moved around her in a smooth and deadly blur.

``Whoa!'' exclaimed Fujin falling on his butt after nearly getting his head knocked off.

``I must be getting faster, ``said Althea as she reached to help him up, ``Rayden was able to catch the staff when he nearly got hit.''

Fujin dusted himself off and said, ``Speaking of my brother, have you seen him? I was going to ask Kung Lao, but I heard the yelling.''

``No, I haven't seen Rayden and you were smart not to go in there, ``said Althea as she leaned the staff against a wall, ``Kung Lao is holding `peace talks' between Taja and Siro. Your appearance would have only made things worse.''

Fujin snorted and said, ``Its Siro's own damn fault for not seeing Taja as the lovely lady she is, before I showed up.'' Althea just shook her head, but decided she was the last one to make any calls in regards to relationships. She couldn't even get her own love life in line, or even going to think of it. ``Did Rayden say where he was going?'' asked Althea, hoping to change the subject.

``He said he was going to do a little research on something and was going be gone for a day or two. Today's the fourth, ``answered Fujin.

Althea sighed and tried checking her own connection with the thunder god. Either he was still shielding or way too far away, since she couldn't sense anything. ``Wish I could help, but I will ask Kung Lao once the `peace talks' are over.''

Fujin laughed, ``It may take a while. Siro is almost as dense in regards to females as Rayden.'' Althea's eyes flashed dangerously as Fujin vanished in a puff of air.

****

Rayden awoke on a couch with a moan. ``You know, even deities need to be careful drinking Calornian Brandy. It has a subtle kick but a powerful after effect, ``said a grinning Vatas as he handed his guest a steaming mug. Rayden just scowled as he sat up and took the mug. ``Oh, don't give me that look. You're lucky I found you and not my brother Kuravan. He would have loved to get his hands on you and use you to get Althea.''

Rayden nearly choked on his steaming drink and then rasped, ``What do you mean? There's nothing...''

Vatas just gave him the `Oh, please' look that caused Rayden to becoming increasingly interested in his mug.

``Even it there is `nothing' between you and Althea, she still considers you a friend and would have felt it was her fault Kuravan captured you, ``said Vatas, ``You of all people should know how she is.''

``That's the problem, ``admitted Rayden, ``I might know of her sense of responsibility, but not much else.''

``Ahhhhh...That's why you're here, to learn a little about Calornians, ``smiled Vatas, ``There are better ways than getting drunk on their liquor.'' Rayden just gave him a dirty look. Vatas sighed and sat back on his chair, ``Look, there's not much difference between Calornians and Earthlings. Women warriors are more common and we have mages. That's about it. Of course, due to these few differences relationships are a little more....''Vatas shrugged, ``It's not like it's important, after all there is `nothing' between you two.''

*****

Althea snuck a peek through the kitchen door to see if it was safe to enter. The only one she saw was Kung Lao with his head in his hands. With him looking so dejected, she wasn't sure if she wanted to bring up Rayden's possible disappearance. But she did promise Fujin. ``Kung Lao?'' she asked hesitantly.

The monk looked up with a sigh, ``Yeah?''

``Fujin dropped by while I was practicing. He mentioned that Rayden had been missing for a few days and was wondering if we saw him. I promised to ask you to keep him away from the `peace talks,' ``she said.

Kung Lao groaned. Althea said, ``I guess it didn't go so well.''

``Taja ran upstairs and locked herself in her room. Siro left the post completely looking like he wanted someone to try to mug him just to blow off some steam, ``said Kung Lao.

``Well, unless I'm mistaken there's not much we can do about Rayden, but hope he eventually shows up, ``sighed Althea, ``Why don't I try talking to Taja, `girl-to-girl,' while you go hunt down Siro and get him drunk or something.''

****

Taja just sat next to the window looking out at nothing. A light knock was heard along with Althea's voice, ``Taja are you alright?'' The red head just ignored her in the hopes that Althea would just go away. Knocking louder, ``Taja, I know you're in there. Both Kung Lao and Siro are gone and Fujin is busy looking for Rayden.'' A few seconds of silence, ``Okay Taja, if you don't let me in I'll tell everyone you're secretly in love with Siro.'' At that Taja jumped up and walked angrily to the door. She growled, ``You have no idea...''

Taja opened the door to see Althea standing there with a bucket of cold looking water in her hands as if ready to throw it. ``Either you cool down, or I'll cool you down, ``said Althea in her most dangerous voice.

``You wouldn't dare, ``replied Taja through clenched teeth, but the look in Althea's face proved otherwise. Althea, seeing that Taja understood the situation lowered the bucket. ``Do you mind telling me what's going on with you? It's like it's been your time of the month for weeks. It's starting to make me wish for an attack so that you and Siro will have someone else to fight.''

Taja just returned back to her seat. Sighing as she sat down, ``I really don't know. Its like he...I don't know.''

``He doesn't want you do go out with any male friends? Sounds to me he could have a touch of jealousy, ``said Althea bluntly as she sat down on the floor.

Taja just look shocked and said, ``Who...how can he be jealous?''

``Look, I'm not sure if I right in telling you this, but Siro cares for you more than just a friend. Dense as he is, it most likely didn't dawn on him until Fujin showed up and started to pay you so much attention. Whether or not you feel anything for Siro, tell him. I know it's against custom here for the woman to make the first move, but...so are female fighters. Just proves that custom doesn't always work.''

Taja first paled and then blushed at Althea speech. Althea then jumped up and then grabbed Taja's hand, ``Okay, that's said lets go downstairs and brutalize a practice dummy. If you want, I'll even try drawing Siro's face on it.''

****

That night and exhausted Althea and Kung Lao sat outside on the steps and looked up to the stars. Both Taja and Siro were in their respective beds, one totally exhausted from beating up a dummy and the other dead drunk. By morning, it would be know if peace would reign. Kung Lao didn't know what Althea told Taja and wasn't really sure he wanted to know. Siro was relatively easy to get talking after a few drinks and what he said only proved what Althea said, that he did care deeply for Taja. Kung Lao hoped things would work out between them. Now that only left...

``My aren't we contemplative tonight.'' A familiar voice spoke. Kung Lao barely saw the dangerous flash of light-blue flame in Althea's eyes as she jumped up and said, ``WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!''

The End...

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest....

Kung Lao was walked towards Taja with a worried look on his face. ``Have you seen Althea anywhere?''

[Althea] then started working on the ropes that tied her legs together. Unfortunately, she was no longer alone. An ice cold blast from behind knock her back into unconsciousness.

Author : Preferred Customer

Creation date: 2005-8-26-16-3

Modification date: 2005-8-26-16-3