Chapter Eight: Unexpected Free Time

The SUV and Hummer both drove up the drive and parked next to the ranch house. Althea jumped out of the car before it was fully stopped and ran into the house.
''What's going on?'' asked Sonya.
Johnny shrugged and went to follow Althea. As soon as he walked in the door, the actor was nearly hit by a blast of ice. ``Hey!'' yelled Johnny.
Sub-Zero just continued glaring at Althea as if she was Shao Kahn himself. ``What happened? Why did you attack me?'' Althea demanded.
The Lin Kuei just remained silent as the room temperature noticeable dropped and frost built up once again on his hands. The silence was broken by the clicking of a gun.
''I suggest you back off and explain,`` said Sonya as she aimed her gun directly at Sub-Zero.
''Enough!'' said Rayden as he walked in from the dining room, his clothes still torn and dirty from the fight, ``It was not her who attacked us earlier.''
''Huh, if it helps...Althea was with me on the movie set all day today, ``offered Johnny.
Sub-Zero blinked and then backed down from his aggressive stance. Seeing this Sonya released a breath and holstered her pistol.
''Now that's resolved, how the hell did you end up mortal this time?'' said Althea giving Rayden a sarcastic look.
(Later)
Later in the converted attic, Sonya opened the windows to the night sky as Althea prepared to activate the shield stones. As Althea focused onto the keystone, Sonya could see the faint shimmer of a hexagonal shaped dome form over the ranch house. At first the shimmer was bluish in color, but eventually faded to a silvery gray.
''That's strange, ``Althea said with a confused look on her face.
''Something wrong?''
''Well, I should be feeling some sort of drain but I'm not, ``said Althea.
''That's good right... wait then what's powering that thing?''
Althea looked at the stone with eyes that glowed slightly. ``Oh crap,'' she finally said and then ran to the window to look at the actual shields.
''Girl, ``said a white haired woman, ``You have no idea how many rules you have just broken.''
(Downstairs)
Sub-Zero stood in the living room's doorway to the drive as he watched the shields go up, trying to ignore the slight muscle twitches he still felt from the earlier hit. Rayden, wearing a borrowed white T-shirt and jeans, sat on the recliner frowning. For some reason he didn't feel that the shield was such a good idea, but with Johnny taking Liu to the doctor for his arm, Tanya gone searching for Kitana, and not to mention his own...condition, the added defenses were necessary precaution.
''Stop right there!'' yelled Sonya from upstairs. A familiar white haired woman wearing black jeans and jacket with a gray shirt came downs the stairs. She plopped on to the sofa as if she owned the place and crossed her arms angrily. Her crystal blue eyes flashing over her dark scarf, she mumbled incoherently with a ``Damn you Rayden'' being the only thing understandable.
Sonya came down with Althea not far behind. Althea stayed at the foot of the stairs as the other woman walked up to the `stranger' and pointed a gun straight at her face. ``Who are you and what are you doing here?'' demanded Sonya.
The white haired woman raised an eyebrow and said, ``Go ahead and try to shoot. It's not like it's gonna work anyway.''
''Sonya ``said Rayden with a calming voice as he stood and walked over to take her gun, ``She's not a danger.''
The white haired woman gave Rayden a funny look as if saying `That's what you think.'
Sub-Zero remained at the doorway and watched what was happening with a detached air. He then closed the door and leaned against it trying not to winch as weight was placed on his electric burns. There was something familiar about this strange woman, but he couldn't quite place it.
''Why are you here?'' asked Rayden looking down at the white haired woman.
''Don't ask me, ``the white haired woman said and pointed to Althea, ``Ask her, she's the one who pulled me into this mess.''
Rayden looked at Althea for a moment and through his link with her he could sense concern, nervousness and guilt. ``What happened?'' he asked Althea.
With a nervous expression Althea answered, ``Hmmm...somehow I sorta created...we're kinda stuck in a giant time bubble.''
''We're trapped in a what?'' asked Sonya.
Rayden sat back down on the recliner, rubbing the space between his eyebrows. He was definitely starting to get a headache. As Rayden did this, Sub-Zero opened the door again and walked out. A few minutes later he returned to say, ``Everything outside of the shields seems to be frozen in time; trees frozen in mid-sway, a car on the road, even a cat running across the drive.''
''I could try removing the shields. That should...''Althea started.
''No! ``Interrupted the white haired woman with a forceful voice, ``Just `popping the bubble' with cause a temporal whirlpool and cause total havoc with the current time stream.''
''If you're such an expert, why don't you fix the problem?'' said Sonya
''That is enough, Sonya, ``said Rayden tiredly.
''Actually, ``said the mysterious woman, ``I am already working on it. However, it will take time...from our point of view anyway.''
(Later, Upstairs)
Rayden was lying on Althea's bed trying not to fall asleep. Losing the battle, his eyes closed as he lightly dozed. That was how Althea found him as she entered her room. With a half-smile she noticed that he somehow took over the entire bed and then when to the closest to pull out a spare pillow and some blankets. She unfolded one the blankets and covered the thundergod. As she gently moved a strand of his long gray hair from his face, his hand reached up to grab her hand to pull her onto the bed. ``Thought you were asleep, ``Althea said with a light laugh.
Rayden smiled, saying nothing. The fact that he was alone with Althea in her room with some unexpected `free time' gave him a pleasant thought to consider. He sat up on the bed to look down at the woman now lying next to him. At the intense look in the thundergod's eyes she thought as she reached up for him, `About damn time.'
A loud knocking at the door broke the moment. Rayden fell back on the bed with a groan, mentally cursing fate as Althea got up off the bed with a growl. She opened the door and said, ``What?!''
Slightly taken back by Althea's tone, Sonya said with hesitation, ``Have you seen Rayden? I've looked all over for him and...''
Althea moved to the side and with an exaggerated arm movement signaled for Sonya to enter to the room. The Special Forces agent walked in and seeing Rayden said, ``Where the hell have you been?''
''Where else would I be, ``said Rayden, ``It's not like any of us can leave.''
Then it dawned on Sonya what she might have interrupted. ``Excuse me for being concerned, ``she said with mild sarcasm, ``I leave you two lovebirds alone.''
She then left the room and closed door firmly behind her. Ignoring Althea's muffled laughter that made its way through the door, Sonya walked down the hall to the stairs. In the living room, Sonya found that the mysterious woman was sitting in the recliner reading some book with Sub-Zero watching her from the sofa as if trying to figure her out. A quiet thump from the ceiling made Sonya sigh as she headed to the dining room.
Sub-Zero continued to intently watch the woman in the recliner as she read. She turned a page and said, ``Do you know how uncomfortable it is trying to read while someone is staring at you?''
''Who are you?'' asked Sub-Zero.
The woman sighed and said, ``Call me Lady Tomorrow if you need a name. It's good enough for gods; it should be good enough for you. Anything more will just make my job almost impossible.''
''Are you related to Althea in some way? ``Sub-Zero continued to force the issue.
The woman frowned from behind her scarf and asked, ``What makes you ask that?''
''Your voice is similar to hers and you two share similar physical characteristics, ``he started, ``You also seem to have a similar ability with time as she does.''
The woman stared at Sub-Zero for a few seconds without blinking and her eyes flickered with a light-blue flame. A strange foggy feeling entered the Lin Kuei's mind. As the mental fog lifted, Sub-Zero shook his head slightly.
``Do you know how uncomfortable it is trying to read while someone is staring at you?'' said the woman as she turned a page.
Sub-Zero frowned, there was something he was going to ask her but he couldn't remember what. Maybe he wasn't as recovered from that blast as he thought. With that in mind, he stood up without a word and headed upstairs to get some rest in his room. The white haired woman watched him go and once Sub-Zero was out of sight, she sighed as if in relief.
(`Later,' Bedroom)
''You need a bigger bed, ``said Rayden as he stroked Althea's bare back.
''I'll keep that in mind, ``Althea replied as she listened to the thundergod's heartbeat. Rubbing his chin on her head, Rayden breathed in her scent. He knew they should get off the floor, but he was just so relaxed he didn't want to move. Althea then reached up and over to grab the blanket hanging off the side of the bed. Pulling it over them she yawned. ``Uh Rayden, ``she said after a few minutes.
''Hmmm.''
''As much as I hate to say this but I do need someone to teach me to control this time gift, ``said Althea, ``I thought it would be the same as when I had my old gifts, but its not.''
''You are not going to Calorna, ``said Rayden in a voice that wanted no argument.
''I know, I know, ``said Althea, ``Even if I could go...it's been over 500 years since I've been there. For all I know, the Conclave no longer exists. But I do need someone to teach me.''
Rayden thought about what she said and had no choice but to agree. Even `Lady Tomorrow' has been pushing him to find Althea a teacher. There was no one in his domains that had the necessary skills. Perhaps I am limiting myself by thinking only of mortals...Lady Tomorrow or perhaps a time god would be able to teach her. No, not Lady Tomorrow, but it won't hurt to ask...perhaps a time god? Doubt it, the only time god that would have the nerve to teach a godslayer would be...'Oh no, `thought Rayden with a mental groan.
(Dining Room)
What seems like hours later, Sonya was sitting at the dining room table drinking some iced tea. It was strange, any light still turn on remained on even if you tried to turn it off and any light that was turned off could not be turned on. There wasn't any water from the faucets but the refrigerator's icemaker worked fine. It was also so quiet it was nerve racking. The door opened and the white haired woman entered. ``Mine if I join you?'' she asked from behind her scarf.
''Not like I can stop you, ``answered Sonya with a slightly angry tone.
The strange woman sat down across from Sonya and chuckled. ``Hey, don't get mad at me. Its kinda your fault you and Johnny aren't doing the same thing Althea and Rayden are right now.''
Sonya glared at the white hair woman and through clenched teeth said, ``You have no idea what you are talking about.''
''Don't I, ``said the woman, ``Let's see...you and Johnny meet at the tournament. Just when things start to get hot and heavy between the two of you, he gets killed during the Outworld invasion saving your life. He's back among the living and has been for over a year, but you two haven't has much gone on a date since. I know part of the problem is your respective careers, but you two could have at least had lunch together since you moved here. I know Johnny's asked but you always made excuses.''
''Who do you think you are?'' Sonya hissed and stood up.
''Someone trying to make things right, ``the woman said seriously. ``Are you afraid of getting hurt again? Two great loves in your life both died violent deaths in front of you...must have hurt.''
''You don't know what you're...''
''Yes I do, ``said the woman this time with cold anger in her voice, ``I know what it's like to see a loved one suffer greatly, even die, and not being able to do a damn thing about it. Unlike you I don't let it scare me to the point that I refuse to open my heart. Give Johnny a chance.''
Sonya looked away as the crystal blue eyes bore down on her with an intense look. ``Why should I give that self-centered, egotistical....''
''Don't forget cute, ``added Althea, ``You also know that self-centered and egotistical doesn't really describe Johnny anymore. Otherwise, why would he help out with this school or not be as concerned with his public image?''
Sonya then turned to glare at the white haired woman for a few moments and finally said, ``Ok I'll give Johnny a chance. Just get me out of this time thing of yours.''
The strange woman shrugged and then vanished. ``What the...''said Sonya but then noticed the ticking sounds of the wall clock.
The End...
The cloaked figure stood and bowed deeply [to Shinnok] before leaving. Flashes of yellow could be seen from under the cloak as the figure walked off.

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Chapter Nine: Spies and Thieves
A cloaked figure knelt before the fallen Elder God. Silently Shinnok considered the implications of this one's latest report. It seems that someone else is seeking Rayden's demise and using Quan Chi's old creation to do so. Who was the duplicate working for now? Has she truly been resurrected or is she like one of the sorcerer's slaves, almost demon but not truly alive?
The kneeling figure shifted slightly bringing the spy once again to Shinnok's attention, reminding him of the rest of the report. Earthrealm's champion has been injured and is now vulnerable in more ways than one, a possible kink in the defenses of that realm if used correctly. ``Go, ``ordered Shinnok, ``Befriend the human and make yourself invaluable to him. Continue to observe and report to me any other information you might find to be of interest for me.''
The cloaked figure stood and bowed deeply before leaving. Flashes of yellow could be seen from under the cloak as the figure walked off.
( Los Angeles )
Johnny sat in the condo's living room flipping through channels. He hated being bored, but the doctor said it was important that someone keep an eye on Liu until the medicine wore off. The injuries were worse than anyone had expected. Not only were the gashes bone deep, but it seemed that the creature that did it had poisoned claws. The medicine that the doctor gave Liu to fight off the toxin made the monk groggy and mentally not all there.
With a sigh he turned off the television and threw the remote on to the coffee table. He got up and looked through his collection of movies and video games. Nothing really struck his interest. Instead he turned on the radio and went to check on Liu one more time. He was considering going over possible scripts for his next project when the phone rang. ``Hello, ``said Johnny as he picked up. He started to smile when he heard what the front desk was telling him. ``Let her on up, ``he said with a look of relief on his face, finally someone to talk with.
In a few minutes, his doorbell rang. When he opened it, he said, ``Tanya! Thank God you're here.''
( Ranch House )
Sitting at the den's desk, Althea was writing in her journal when the phone rang. She picked it up somewhat nervously, ``Hello?...Hey Johnny, how's Liu?...Damn, that bad...You need any help...Tanya? I thought she was looking for Kitana...''
Sonya walked into the room, curious as to who was calling. Althea placed her hand over the mouthpiece and whispered, ``Johnny.'' Once again talking on the phone, Althea said, ``Huh? You want to talk to Sonya?''
The woman in question nodded when she saw Althea's inquiring look. ``Sure, ``Althea said, ``She's right here.'' Althea then handed Sonya the phone.
``Blade speaking, ``Sonya said.
`Oh oh, `Althea thought, `please, please don't tell her you're the same as alone with...'
''What's this about Tanya?'' Sonya asked.
Althea quietly closed her journal and wisely left the room. Once in the living room she took a deep breath of relief to have made her escape. Last thing she wanted to be was in a room with a jealous and pissed off Sonya Blade. Althea smiled and thought, `I have enough of that with Rayden.' The blonde sighed as she tossed the journal onto the coffee table and sat down on the couch. Rayden left as soon as he regained his powers saying something about finding her a teacher. She had hoped to spend time with the thundergod while filming was on hold. On top of that she didn't dare work on any of the more unconventional defenses because of what happened with the shield stones. Sub-Zero took off on that bike of his without a word and now Sonya was upstairs giving Johnny the third degree over the phone so she didn't have any sparring partners.
The door suddenly flew open and a gust of wind flew throughout the room bringing with it leaves and dust. Fujin appeared in a spin and said, ``I'm baaaaaack!''
A single eyebrow rose as Althea asked, ``Is that suppose to be a good thing?''
Fujin placed a hand over his heart and said, ``I'm hurt. Didn't Rayden meet up with his normal standards as a mortal last night?''
''Watch it, windbag, ``said Althea with false anger and then with a smile asked, ``What brings you back? I thought you would be busy catching up on your duties.''
Fujin plopped down next to the woman and said with a shrug, ``Yeah, but I thought I take some time off and visit an old friend.''
Althea's eyes closed slightly as her suspensions rose. ``Rayden asked you to keep an eye on me, didn't he?''
''Humm, well, ``Fujin tried to answer, feeling more uncomfortable by the second, ``He found out about that near miss at the studio and after what happened last night....''
''I don't need a babysitter, ``said Althea in a heated tone, ``You can go tell that idiot brother of yours...''
''Althea, please, ``said Fujin, ``He's only afraid you'll end up disappearing again or worse. Just give him time to let it sink in that you're not going anywhere.''
As Althea was about to reply, Sonya entered the room cussing under her breath, something about Johnny, men in general, and some painful sounding positions.
''Hey, beautiful, ``Fujin said to Sonya with a grin. Althea covered her eyes when Sonya glared at the Wind God and said, ``What the hell are you doing here?''
Fujin stretched and said, ``Just wondering how the US Army's loveliest officer was doing today.''
(Condo )
Johnny slowly placed the phone down as if would exploded. Slowly he walked away from it wondering what the hell that was all about. Why was Sonya acting so... jealous? ``No, couldn't be, ``said Johnny out loud, ``Could it?''
A loud crashing sound from Liu's room broke Johnny from his musings. The actor ran to the bedroom and when he opened the door, he saw Tanya wrestling with a man dress from head to foot in black. Johnny grabbed the intruder's shoulder and turned him around and away from Tanya. Johnny saw the gray glowing eyes and he landed a punch to the face. The assassin melted away into nothing. ``Are you alright?'' Johnny asked Tanya as he looked over the half-awake monk.
Tanya nodded and said, ``I am uninjured and it seems that Liu Kang was his target. He was already here when I came to check on the monk's bandages.''
''That's just great, ``said Johnny as he pulled a still drugged out Liu Kang into a sitting position. ``Get me his clothes, ``ordered Johnny, ``It's too dangerous to stay here.''
(Temple of the Elder Gods )
Rayden entered the temple ruins, once again debating with himself if this was the right choice. True, Althea needed someone to teach her how to control that timegift of hers, but was the Elder God of Time truly the right choice?
The thundergod frowned as he knelt down before the seven altars. Kronos was the ONLY choice. He couldn't even find Earthrealm's time god and there were no other true magic users on Earth that even came close to having the skills needed to teach her.
A slight flare of frustration came through his link with the woman to join his own. That broke the dark mood he was in and he nearly smiled at the picture of Althea's reaction when she found out that Fujin was there to keep an eye on her. Enough musings, time to request an audience with the Elder God of...
''Please stand, Lord Rayden, ``came the tired voice of Kronos, ``I already know why you are here.''
Rayden did as requested, noting that the room did not change as it normally did. When he saw the Elder God, he was struck almost speechless. Complete exhaustion was written over the Elder God's face. Kronos smiled and said, ``I know I look bad, but I hoped it wasn't that bad.''
''What's happened?'' asked Rayden.
''None of your concern, ``sighed Kronos as he looked up and closed his eyes, ``But back to the godslayer's little problem. Unfortunately, presently I am unable to assist with her training. However, I will partially seal away that gift until I am able train her properly.''
''A partial seal?'' asked Rayden, ignoring the fact that an Elder God volunteered to train a mortal.
''Yes a partial seal, one that will enable her to continue using time as a power source for her chi but will help prevent any more accidents, ``answered Kronos. The Elder God held out his hand and a small flat piece of silver about the size of a half-dollar appeared. ``Place this on her bloodline emblem and the seal will do the rest.''
Rayden took the seal, feeling there was something the Elder God wasn't telling him. Past experience has taught him that gifts from an Elder God often if not always had a price. Who would pay the price of this gift and what would it be?
As if sensing Rayden's thoughts, Kronos spoke, ``This is not from an Elder God, but from a concerned relative.''
'Yeah, right, `the thundergod thought and his hand closed over the seal.
(Museum )
Late that night in New York City, a security guard made his rounds past the eastern art displays. His flashlight passing over a blood red medallion in the shape of a dragon as he checked looked around before returning to his rounds. With a sound of a quiet thump, the guard went down after being knocked out. The thief quickly went to the glass encased medallion display, paying no mind to the already disabled cameras. He stood their silently for a few seconds until a tell tale sound of the alarm systems being turned off could be heard in the completely silent room. The thief then forced the case open and almost reverently picked up the red dragon medallion with both hands.
Another thief appeared at the end of the hall waving his hands to hurry his partner. The first thief nodded as he placed the medallion in a case tied to his waist and joined his partner as they left the building.
Behind the museum, a dark van drove up to pick them up. The van door slide open and without a word the two men jumped in. The door slammed shut as the van drove off. ``Any problems, ``said the man in the front passenger seat.
''None what so ever, boss, ``said the first thief as he unhooked the case from his belt and carefully handed it over to his superior. As the man took the case, a passing street light reveal the face of Mavado.
The End....
Next Time on MK: Echoes of the Past:
Once out of sight of the building, the elder professor stood up straighter and grew younger. His clothes morphed from the dark brown suit and wrinkled tie to that of bright red and bronze trimmed robes of a sorcerer. Shang Tsung smiled as a portal opened before him.

---------------------------

Chapter Ten: Premonition
(New York, New York)
Mavado smiled as he once again took the medallion in his hands. For years he had searched for the legendary heirloom and then suddenly it appeared on display, literally down the road from his office. He leaned back in his office chair and he turned the medallion over to examine the engravings that could be the key to releasing its supposed power. A knock at the door interrupted his musings. He placed the medallion on his desk and said, ``Enter.''
An elderly man in an old fashion dark brown suit and messy black/gray hair entered the office. Rolling his hands in excitement, the old man said, ``Is that it?''
''Yes, Professor, ``answered Mavado as he slid the medallion in the professor's direction. The scholar went to pick it up but hesitated, ``May I?''
Mavado nodded and with shaky hands the professor lifted the artifact from the desk. ``Oh my, ``he whispers as he examined the writings, ``Yes, almost definitely genuine.''
''How long will it take for you to confirm that this is in fact the Red Dragon medallion and to translate the writing?'' asked the crime lord.
''No long, not long at all, ``said the excitable old man, ``Actually translating the language will no doubt prove whether or not this is the artifact you seek.''
Mavado then reached over his desk to take back the medallion, ``Photos of the medallion and writings will be made available to you by this evening.''
The professor blinked slightly, just noticing he no longer held the artifact and that he was given the same as a dismissal. ``Of ccccourse, ``he stammered, ``I'll be waiting.'' He bowed slightly and left the office, closing the door after him.
The scholar made his way past unseen guards, and into the parking lot. Once out of sight of the building, the elderly professor stood up straighter and grew younger. His clothes morphed from the dark brown suit and wrinkled tie to that of red and bronze trimmed robes of a sorcerer. Shang Tsung smiled as a portal opened before him.
(Ranch House Gym )
The two blonde women circled around each other tying to find an opening in her opponent's defenses. Sonya struck with a quick punch and then a low kick. Althea blocked both and responded with a punch of her own which Sonya dodged.
''How long have they been at it?'' asked Johnny after watching them for a few minutes. A still pale Liu Kang shrugged and said, ``About ten...fifteen minutes for this spar.''
A sudden barrage of punches and kicks from Sonya drew their attention as Althea struggled to keep up blocking and dodging. Johnny couldn't help but notice how Sonya's now sweaty green shirt and shorts were sticking to her in spite of the gym's air conditioning.
''Careful, ``said Liu, ``A certain someone may take you drooling at them the wrong way.''
''Huh?'' said Johnny not taking his eyes off of the women. He winced when Althea was able to get a good hit in to Sonya's mid section. Liu clapped his hands and yelled out, ``That's enough, good match!''
Althea fell to the floor mat as Sonya bent over panting as she placed her hands on her knees. Both women were covered in sweat and exhausted from the workout. Liu picked up some towels and two water bottles from the floor as he headed in their direction.
''Thanks, ``said Sonya as she took one of the bottles and a towel. Althea sat up on the floor to take the other bottle and towel as Johnny walked over. ``Sonya, ``the actor said, ``Jax called and wants you to call him back when you get a chance. I left the number by the phone.''
After taking a long swallow of water, Sonya nodded and left the gym. Feeling a chill in the air Liu turned to Johnny and asked, ``What did you do this time?''
(Den/Office )
Sonya hung up the phone with a concern look. Being called back to DC so soon didn't bode well for the project. She turned to leave the den/office and saw Tanya walk pass the open door. Sonya frowned...something about the Edenian made her nervous. She couldn't put her finger on why, but she really didn't trust Tanya. Then again it could just be that she didn't trust Johnny with the exotic woman.
Sonya continued thinking as she made her way to the stairs in the living room. After that discussion with that what's-her-face, Sonya had to admit she was at least attracted to Johnny, but did Johnny really share those feelings? Walking up the stairs, flashes of news articles with some actress or model draped on Johnny's arm kept flashing across her mind's eye. ``Men!'' said Sonya out loud as frustration set in.
''Hope you're only referring to the mortal kind, ``said Fujin from the top of the stairs.
Tiredly Sonya asked, ``What do you want?''
Fujin shrugged and stepped aside to let Sonya pass and as she started walking down the hall he asked, ``How about a date?''
''What?!'' said Sonya turning to face the wind god.
Unnoticed by Sonya, Johnny was now at the foot of the stairs listening in to the conversation. He was looking for Sonya to try to find out why she was so angry with him, but what he just heard froze him in his tracks. Fujin...asking Sonya for a date?
''You know...dinner perhaps a movie or some dancing, ``Fujin said with a mischievous smile.
''Thanks, but no thanks, ``answered Sonya sounding a little uncomfortable, ``I'm...kinda busy.'' She then headed to her room.
Fujin yelled after her, ``A rain check then!''
Johnny climbed the stairs and glared at the wind god. Fujin just waved at the actor and said, ``See ya!'' A strong swirl of wind and Fujin was gone.
(Althea's Bedroom )
Althea sat on the floor of her room, eyes closed and breathing deeply. Clearing her mind, she attempted to meditate. It's been years since she attempted to follow this aspect of Kung Lao's training but she felt a deep need for the calming effects of the meditative state. Just when she reached the proper mental state, images raced across her mind. Althea struggled free herself from the spell and after a few moments she fell backwards onto the ground breaking free of the trance. Sitting back up, she wiped the sweat from her forehead and mumbled. ``What the hell was that?''
''You alright?'' said Rayden, sitting on the edge of her bed.
Startled, Althea exclaimed, ``Damn it, Rayden!''
Rayden frowned. She was one of the few mortals he couldn't sneak up on due to their bond and normally she was not this jumpy. With a determined voice he asked, ``What's wrong?''
Scooting over so she could use the side of her bed as a back support, she sighed. ``No idea, ``she answered, ``I've just been having this strange feeling that something bad is going on. Tried to fight it by meditating, but then I got stuck with these images....Anyways, where have you been?''
Rayden was about to answer when the sound of a truck's horn interrupted. Instead he stood up and looked out the window to see a cargo truck pull up the drive.
(Outside and a few minutes later )
Liu signed the delivery forms as Althea started to pull the one of the crates open with a crowbar. The truck drove off as she started to pull out straw and other packing materials out. ``I don't believe this, ``she said as she pulled out a small truck with strange markings on it.
''What is it?'' asked Liu wondering as he also looking in as saw an envelope with Chinese writing on it stapled on the inside wall of the crate. He ripped the envelope off and opened it.
''This is one of my old trunks from when I was studying under Kung Lao, ``she said placing it on the ground to continue digging in the crate.
Liu took a letter from the envelope and started to read. ``Says here; the monks had your stuff in the temple library since you disappeared and they decided to return it when they heard you were back. Seems, that one of the priests back then didn't really believe you actually died and stored your stuff away. There's also some of my stuff as well in there and some things they thought we might be able to use for the school.''
Liu folded up the letter and put it in his pocked. He then reached over to try to pull some stuff out when Althea snapped, ``Don't you dare! You'll reopen those gashes on your arm if you lift anything heavy with it. Go get Johnny and Sonya to help while I get started here.''
Liu Kang was about to ignore her when someone grabbed his shoulder and pulled him away from the crate. Liu turned when the hand release him and said, ``I can...oh, hi Rayden.''
Rayden just gave the champion a strange look that gave Liu a queasy feeling for some reason. ``I'll go find the others, ``the monk said as he backed away from the thundergod and then went inside the ranch house.
(Den/Office few minutes later )
Althea was placing the last of her scrolls on one of the shelves when Johnny carried in another chest and dropped it on the desk with a thump. ``Here's the last of your stuff, ``he huffed, ``What the hell is in that thing, it weighs a ton.''
Althea looked at the truck trying to remember what was in it. ``Not sure, ``she admitted, ``It's been years and we kinda packed those things in a hurry. I was just going through them when...Let's just open it already.''
Johnny laughed and opened to chest to see...leather? He took it out of the chest and it unfolded itself. How the hell could leather remain in such good shape stuck in a small trunk for so long? ``I don't believe it, ``said Althea as she pulled out a larger piece and unfolded to be a pair of pants, ``Crazy servants, they packed my old battlemage armor.'' Seeing Johnny studying the stuff, bending as if trying to figure out something, she smiled and continued, ``On Calorna we...they have a way to treat leather once so that it doesn't stiffen up or rot with age, unless it gets completely soaked...Wonder if it still fits?''
''You actually wore this heavy stuff?''
''Its better then getting a stray arrow stuck in your a...back, and it's not that heavy once you get it on, ``said Althea folding the leather up again and returning it to the trunk with a sad sigh. At one time she was proud to wear the armor, but the memories of wearing them during the Calornian God War tarnished that pride.
''Why not take it upstairs and try it on?'' suggested Johnny.
Althea shook her head, ``No, it...''
''Come on, ``said Johnny.
''No, ``she said more firmly and closing the trunk.
``Bet Rayden would love to see you in leather, ``Johnny grinned.
''Johnny, ``said Althea coldly, ``I suggest you go help Liu and Sonya with the rest of the delivery.''
Johnny held up both hands as if in surrender and left the room. Althea blew at a strand of hair in her face as she went to pick up the trunk. `Damn, `she thought, `This is heavier than I remember.' She dropped it back down on the desk and reopened it. She pulled out the leather to see if there might be anything else in the trunk that she could leave here.
Rayden appeared behind her and said nothing as he picked up a long flap of dark blue leather. ``Don't even think of it thundergod,''Althea said as she reached the bottom of the trunk finding the steel portions of the armor. `No wonder it was heavy, `she thought as she pulled them out to examine the dents and scratches, `I rarely wore the steel, unless heavy conflict was expected.'
The shine of the steel, reminded Rayden of the seal given to him by Kronos. ``Thea, I spoke with Kronos. He said he will see to your training when he has time and until then...''
''A seal of some sort, ``Althea concluded, ``I understand, but that may not be a good idea.''
''Oh?''
''Doesn't matter,'' she shook her head as she said, ``Not like we have much of a choice. I think that this time gift is starting to affect me even when I'm not trying to use my chi. Those images I saw while meditating...''
''What did you see?''
Althea looked away from Rayden, not sure if she should tell him. Sensing her unease, Rayden placed his hands on her shoulders and said, ``If you don't want to you don't have to tell me, but it might help.''
''There were five scenes...the first one had you wearing armor and holding a bloody hammer. You were....so angry that you...''
A never forgotten memory flashed across Rayden's mind. He tried to send comforting feelings through their link as he said, ``That was a long time ago, part of my past that haunts me to this day but the past all the same.''
Althea nodded and continued, ``The second one was a man wearing black and red. He looked kinda like you, but he had black hair with gray streaks and wearing black and red. He was standing in front of an altar of some kind with three heads on it. The next one was Quan Chi, I believe, running from something and holding a medallion or disk of some sort. Then there was a giant male version of what Jola was walking past a bunch of kneeling corpses and last a hooded figure holding that same disk up as darkness exploded from it.''
Rayden didn't hear a word of what she said after the description of the man next to the altar. One name crossed his mind: Shinnok.
The End ....
Next Time on MK: Echoes of the Past:
Outside, Lilith smiled as she sensed the monk's restlessness. ``Come, ``she whispered as she lifted a clawed hand, ``Come to me, Liu Kang.''

-----------------------------------

Chapter Eleven: New Tricks
``What the hell is that?'' asked Althea seeing an installer working behind a big screen TV.
Johnny, who was happily flipping through a guide, answered, ``A TV and since there is no cable this far out of town, a satellite dish is also being installed.''
Liu shook his head slightly and had to ask, ``Why do we need this?''
''All work and no play, ``said Johnny, ``We all need something to do around here aside from training and working on the place.''
A mean look crossed Liu's face as he mused out loud, ``Wonder how long this stuff is going to last with Rayden popping in and out?''
Althea looked confused for a second and then tried to keep from laughing out loud at Johnny's look of dismay. Liu Kang continued musing, ``You do remember what happened to that stereo?''
The actor gave Liu a dirty look and replied, ``Rayden did that on purpose...I seriously doubt that the song, `God of Thunder,' is one of his all time favorites.''
''Especially with Sonya singing along with it as she was, ``added Liu Kang.
( Washington, DC )
Sonya checked her watch for the fifth time as she waited to reach her destination...wherever that was. She was picked up at the airport by two men in dark suits and sunglasses, with written orders by her commanding officer to go with them. The black car she was escorted to had windows tinted so dark that she was unable to see outside. If it wasn't for the fact that she was allowed to keep her gun and cell phone, she would have been nervous. Instead, she was just getting extremely impatient. After what seemed to be hours, the car finally stopped and a few seconds later the door opened to reveal an underground parking lot.
''Please follow me, Lt. Blade, ``said one of the men. He then turned and headed towards an elevator door. Minutes later, Sonya handed over her gun and took a visitor badge from another dark suited man behind a desk. She was then escorted to an office, where she found Jax already waiting.
''Hey, Sonya, ``greeted Jax after the door closed, leaving them alone, ``They got you too, huh?''
Sonya sat down in the empty chair in front of the large desk without saying a word. She crossed her arms and waited in silence.
Jax chuckled and thought, `Same ol' Sonya.'
The door then opened and a man in an army uniform entered. On his lapels, he bore the general's stars but no name tag. Both Sonya and Jax, stood up at attention as the general walked around and sat down behind his desk. He then indicated the pair should sit down as he opened the file he had carried in with him. As he placed the folder on the desk, black and white pictures of Sub-Zero and Althea sparring slide out from between pages of a typed report.
The general then steepled his fingers over the folder and said, ``I assume you are wondering why you have been summoned here and where `here' is. The nature of your proposed project is not the stuff which can normally be brought before congress for funding. However, a certain amount of funding is set aside for so called `black projects' and that is where we come in. I will be honest with you, when I first read your proposal I was skeptical however seeing the people you are already....working with, you have peaked our interest. Tell me of these two and the one that can shoot electricity.''
Mentally, both Jax and Sonya thought the same thing, `Ooooohhhh, crap.''
( Ranch House )
A faint outline of a winged figure could be seen flying across the moonless night. Soundlessly, she landed on the dark patio and then listened to the silence to ensure that no one had noticed her arrival.
In his room, Liu Kang started tossing and turning in his sleep. Unknowingly, he gripped his partially healed arm as if it suddenly pained him.
Outside, Lilith smiled as she sensed the monk's restlessness. ``Come, ``she whispered as she lifted a clawed hand, ``Come to me, Liu Kang.''
Liu Kang's eyes flew open but were glazed and unseeing. He sat up and threw off the covers.
''Come to me, Liu Kang, ``Lilith commanded once again.
Liu stood up, left his room and walked in a trance-like state down the hall to the patio doors.
Downstairs, Johnny Cage was crashed out on the living room couch in front of the TV. Earlier, someone was kind enough to turn off the big screen and place a blanket over the actor as he slept. That same blanket was kicked off as he started scratching madly and woke up. ``Damn, ``he whispered as he continued scratching. To him, it felt that his skin was itching from the inside and it just wouldn't stop. He stood up, still scratching, and went upstairs thinking it might be a good idea to take a shower before heading off to a real bed. On the second floor, he saw Liu walking in a daze to the patio doors.
''You ok, Liu?'' Johnny asked with some concern, which grew when the monk didn't answer. The actor hurried to catch up with his friend and just reached him as Liu stepped out through patio doors. Johnny grabbed Liu's shoulder and said, ``Dude, are you awake?''
A hissing sound and a swiping claw was his answer, but not from Liu. Johnny was just able to push Liu out of the way as he dodged. Liu fell to the patio floor and remain there unmoving. Johnny dodged again as he sensed the yet unseen attacker strike again. He rolled out of the way and was finally able to get a good look at the creature. ``A gargoyle?'' he asked. For some reason, his mind flashed back to a cartoon he watched that afternoon.
Lilith growled as if insulted and jumped up in a spinning kick. Something came over Johnny and it was as if everything was moving slower than it actually was. He was able to easily dodge the attack and sent in his own counter attack knocking Lilith over the patio's guard rails. She opened her wings and flew up into the night sky. For a moment, Johnny thought she was retreating but that soon changed as she turned and went into a dive straight towards him. Johnny's fist started to glow bright green as he said, ``Oh no you don't!''
Instinctively, he threw a punch into the air as if giving someone an uppercut and a green glowing ball flew towards Lilith striking her directly in the face. She was knocked up and over in the air. She was able to regain control flight before falling. Lilith glared at Johnny with red glowing eyes for a few seconds and then flew off into the night.
''How the hell did I do that?'' asked a stunned Johnny as he looked down at his now normal looking hand.
''I have an idea, ``said Althea in her pajamas kneeling down next to Liu Kang, ``but first let's take care of poor Liu here.''
A little later in the dining room, Althea placed two mugs of coffee in front of the two men and then sat down herself behind hers. Liu slowly lifted his mug and took a sip with a grimace. Johnny just ignored his coffee and continued to look at his hand.
Rubbing her forehead Althea asked, ``Could one of you please tell me how that started? I just got there when Johnny was giving Lilith a going away present.''
''I'm no sure, ``answered Liu, ``All I remember was someone calling my name and I couldn't...no didn't want to resist.''
They both turned to Johnny who wasn't listening. ``Johnny!'' said Liu punching him lightly in the arm.
''Huh?!'' the actor said, ``Oh, sorry about that. What were you saying?''
''What happened?'' asked Althea trying not to lose her patience.
Johnny scratched his head thinking and then said, ``I woke up itching like hell and decided to go upstairs for a shower. Once I got upstairs, I saw Liu walking like a zombie and figured he might be walking in his sleep or something. I followed him outside and found...whatever it was and fought it.''
''Liu,`` said Althea with a thoughtful look, ``Let me see your arm.'' After looking over the half healed gashes, she shook her head not seeing or sensing anything unusual about them. ``Maybe Lilith learned a new trick or two, ``she thought out loud releasing the arm. ``How are you feeling now?''
''Still a little dazed, but aside from that ok,''answered Liu.
The mage then turned her attention to Johnny and gave him an amused look, ``Looks like I'm going to have to teach someone chi control, Mr. Cage. How long have you been able to summon your chi like that?''
''I dunno, ``Johnny shrugged, ``That's the first time I ever done anything like that...wait...there was that time at the tournament when I was fighting Scorpion. Somehow I was able to `push myself' into a portal after him after I started a flying kick. I didn't think nothing of it since that whole trip was weird.''
Althea tapped a finger on the table for a few seconds, thinking. She then sighed and closed her eyes as she said, ``It's seems as if you have it under instinctive control for right now, but you will have to be trained. Fortunately, one thing I do know is chi energy.''
( Calorna )
Kuravan continued writing after Lilith concluded her report. As he signed the paper, he said, ``So aside from the clown's interference the experiment was a complete success.'' Lilith remained silent as her master folded and then sealed the letter with melted wax. ``See to it that our friends receive this. If they have any questions in regards to the test, feel free to answer them...honestly.'' He handed the letter to the vampire, who took it with a bow and then left the room.
''So this Johnny Cage is able to use chi energy,'' comment Arianna as she leaned against a bookshelf. The Calornian god turned to look at his godslayer. He couldn't help but be amused by how she tried to differentiate herself from the original. Arianna's hair was back to its true black color but now cut short and spiked. She wore a leather/chain mail vest and a black leather skirt. Her kamas were tied securely at her belt. Silver bands bearing Kuravan's symbol graced her otherwise bare upper arms. Her steel tipped boots tapped slightly with impatience.
''Yes, ``Kuravan answered her, ``but that shouldn't be too surprising. After all, most if not all so-called chosen warriors either have a gift or talent that makes them worthy of being chosen.''
Arianna nodded in understanding and then asked, ``Then what `talents' or `gifts' does Rayden's other chosen posses?''
(Washington, DC )
''Tell me again about this...Rayman, ``said the tired looking general.
Sonya blew a strand of hair out her face and said, ``His name is Rayden. He is the God of Thunder and Lighting as well as the Sworn Protector of Earthrealm. We have no control of when or where he'll show up next, but he is the one that has provided us with warnings and information in the past. Before you ask again, the woman is Althea. She is a mage originally from a realm called Calorna but now calls Earth her home. She is a magic user and martial artist that is staying at the ranch to see about becoming either a student or teacher. Way things are looking, most likely a teacher. Frosty there, is called Sub-Zero a former Lin Kuei assassin. He fought along side us during the Outworld invasion and has proved trustworthy during the invasion and since. We are presently trying to convince him in becoming a teacher as well.''
The general then looked at Jax who said, ``I never met this Althea, but as for Rayden and Sub-Zero I'm with Sonya on this one hundred percent.''
A knock on the door interrupted the eight hour interview. A dark suited man opened the door and entered. He then walked over to the general and whispered something in his ear.
''Here? Now?'' the general whispered loudly.
''Yes, General, ``
The general sighed and then said, ``You two stay here. I'm not done with you yet.''
Sonya and Jax stood up at attention as the general stood and left the room, following the dark suited man. Once the door was closed they sat back down and Jax groaned, ``How much longer is this going to go on?''
(Hallway )
The general marched down the hallway as a man in a white lab coat rushed to catch up with a stream of paper following him. ``General, ``the technician said trying to show him the paper, ``From what our instruments are showing, they are telling the truth.''
''Or the truth as they see it, ``the general growled, ``Keep an eye on them while I'm away. Tell me if they do anything interesting while their alone.''
''Yes, Sir! ``said the tech and he then rushed back to his observation room.
The general continued down the hall as he straightened his tie and combed his fingers through his graying hair. Reaching a conference room door, he knocked and then entered.
''Mr. Anubis, what do we owe the honor of...''
The chair at the head of the conference table turned to reveal the Elder God of Shadows in a black three piece business suit and silk black tie. ``Cut the chit-chat, soldier, ``Mr. Anubis said in a cold voice, ``Why are you still questioning Sonya Blade and Jackson Briggs?''
The general started to sweat a little and tried to hide his surprise as he answered, ``Trying to reach the truth in regards to...''
''They have already told you the truth, ``said Mr. Anubis as he leaned back into the car, his fingers touching one another, ``You just refuse to hear or see it. As did your predecessor I believe when they warned of the impending Outworld invasion.''
''A god of thunder?''
Mr. Anubis laughed slighted and said, ``I'm surprised they didn't mention the god of wind, Fujin, that's been popping up at their place recently. Guess you didn't ask the right questions?''
The general was about to say something when Mr. Anubis stopped him with a cold stare and saying, ``I highly recommend you let those two continue with their work. With or without funding on your part, they will continue. It is their....calling after all. Funding just makes it easier.''
(Elsewhere )
The Elder Gods of Light, Time and Water stood in a dark room discussing the ongoing situation.
''Is it wise for Brother Shadow to interfere as He has been doing?'' asked the Elder Goddess of Water.
''No more or less than My handiwork of late, ``answered Kronos, ``Besides its interesting to see the same Elder God Who was so against interference at one time, doing it so well.''
''Speaking of Your handiwork, Kronos, ``said the Elder God of Light, ``You are aware what will most likely happen if and when that seal of Yours fails?''
Kronos smiled and said, ``Actually, that's what I'm hoping for.''
The End....
Next time on MK: Echoes of the Past....
The explosion shook the ground, as Sub-Zero fought to stay standing. Out of the flames, the red cyber walked unscathed.

Author : Preferred Customer

Creation date: 2007-4-22-23-45

Modification date: 2007-4-23-12