Notes: I do not own Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat: Conquest, Earthrealm, Outworld, etc. etc. This is all for fun and I do not make a profit from any of this. Well except for getting this damn story out of my head. The only thing I do claim is the mystery woman in black and gray. Don't worry she has a name, but it's a secret for now. However, if anyone is interested in borrowing her for a day or two get in touch with me. Be aware that I will not give out any info about her until it has been revealed in one of the stories.

This story takes place right after the final episode of the series. I am pretending that this is the next season of Mortal Kombat: Conquest so all the episodes are considered canon for this story. If I'm off a little in my facts, let me know. I don't have the DVD's, and I am missing a few episodes I recorded on tape. (Damn, niece. Why did she have to record Power Rangers over them?) BTY, big thanks to MKO's Zentile for correcting my spelling on some of the names.

Chapter One: Second Chances

The gloating laughter began anew as Kahn saw the despair on the once mighty thunder god's face as the powerless deity kneeled before him. Rayden could only mourn the death of Earthrealm and his friends. Silently he cursed himself for his carelessness.

Suddenly the laughter stopped as if someone closed a very thick door. Rayden looked up to see that the Emperor and his minions were frozen in place and if time had stopped. ``This is not good.'' A female voice spoke. Hope filled Rayden's heart, as he looked beyond the Emperor and saw HER sitting on the stairs leading up to the throne. The woman was dressed in clothes of the same cut has Rayden's, but where his was once white she wore black and where his were blue hers were gray. Her hair was long and whiter than even his. Eyes of crystal blue looked over a dark scarf that covered the bottom half of her face.

``You!'' he rasped.

``It seems you messed up rather nicely this time, my friend.'' She sighed, ``You may not goof often, but when you do....DAMN!''

She stood up and approached the still kneeling male. While she did this, he mentally thanked the Elder Gods for her timely arrival.

``At least this time I'm able to help.'' She said as she began to untie him.

Rayden started at the `this time,' he knew he had made mistakes in the past that he wished he could have undone. This was only the worse of them, but it sounded as if the masked one was watching him wanting to help but held back as he was when he wanted to help his mortal friends.

``Shame'' she mumble to herself ``Seeing you all tied up like this is bringing back some fond memories, unfortunately even I don't have the time.''

Rayden decided to ignore that comment, it wasn't the first time she would say strange or disturbing things as if to provoke or shock him. Once the ropes were off, he stood up slowly. His body loudly reminding him of the abuse he received from the Emperor's torturers.

She looked over him critically as if trying to determine if he was fit enough to travel and asked, ``Well, are you ready to leave? I have a bit of a tangle here and I for one want to get it straighten out as soon as possible.''

``Yes, but where.....'' Rayden replied but was cut off when the room sudden began to spend. Dizziness set in and Rayden fell back to his knees. Once the spinning stopped he noticed they were now at the tavern that he spent that last night drinking and...

``I see you haven't lost that weakness of yours for blondes?'' commented his rescuer.

Rayden stood back up and turned to see what she was referring to. Not surprisingly, he saw himself with the blonde in his lap and a mug in his hand.

``You know having a night off once in a while is okay, and even a good idea. But at least make double sure everything is okay before you do and please stay halfway sober. You do have two important jobs and could be called upon at anytime.'' She said.

Rayden only blushed and stayed silent.

``Okay, Protector of Earthrealm, here's the plan. Even gods cannot be in the two places at the same time, so once time gets going again you will be merged with party boy over there. You WILL remember what happened on that particular time thread we just left. Use that knowledge. Also, know this--any rule that can not be broken can be bent. That's how Shao Khan was able to take over Earthrealm and get away with it. You can do the same. Believe me; the rules of Mortal Kombat are a great deal more flexible than even you might think. If they weren't, they would have been broken a looonnnngggg time ago.''

Rayden was surprised by this speech. Never before has the mysterious woman stayed around so long or given such direct advice. The few times she had appeared before were limited to this moving him from one `time thread' to the past and a few cryptic hints. Then again, this was the first time he lost an entire realm.

She's right. Khan didn't exactly break the rules he just bent them. Rayden was mistaken to believe the rules were inflexible, unyielding. Since he didn't actually break any rules, Shao Khan was going to get away with destroying all that Rayden held dear.

``Also, Rayden, ``she continued, ``This is most likely the last time I will be able to help you. So if you mess up again...''

Rayden nodded and said, ``I understand and thank you for all you have done. In the future I will be more careful, I give you my....''

The woman placed her hand on his mouth to silence him, ``Don't make promises, and just do!''

The next thing Rayden knew he was sitting down with the blonde in his lap. The noise in the tavern was almost deafening after the silence. The blonde smiled and giggled at what `he just' said. ``Rayman!'' she squealed and rubbed her hand on his thigh. He kissed her on the nose and then said, ``Sorry, but I need to get up for a few minutes.'' Rayden said with a grin, ``But don't you worry, I'll be right back.'' The woman pouted but got up. Rayden kissed the pouted lips as an apology and left the room. In a flash he was gone.

*****

In the hidden town of Sha-Kana, the people headed back to their homes after a long day. They all but ignored the signs of the distant storm heading their way. Lighting flooded the distant sky and the low rumble of thunder was barely heard. As if guided, the storm quickly approached the town. As if with a vengeance, lighting struck the altar of Sha Kha shattering the stone. The roar of thunder shook the ground, awaking the dozing worshippers of Sha Kha. Another bolt of lighting hit the stone skull, breaking it in half. The scream of the release of energy nearly drowned out the ground shaking thunder. Lighting struck again and again, shatter what remains of the unholy alter there was. The ground shook as if fearing the wrath from the skies. Fires began to burn in the grasses and linens surrounding the former altar. People ran from their homes in a panic....

*****

Back in Shu Zhin, the ground shook slightly and the slight rumble of thunder was heard. Siro and Kung Lao stopped discussing about Taja's friend breaking into their home. ``You don't think....'' Siro began to ask.

``Rayden? No.'' Kung Lao answered the unfinished question, ``He's....busy with a new friend.''

****

Shao Kahn, Emperor of Outworld, and Conqueror of Realms sat on his throne. ``Soon,'' he said to himself, ``Soon, Earth will be mine!''

Then a two shadow priests rushed into the throne room and bowed before their ruler.

``What is it?'' Kahn demanded.

One of the priests's stepped forward and said, ``The portal has been destroyed. It was shattered by lighting from a freak thunderstorm, Great One. ``

``What!'' roared Shao Kahn.

*****

Back at the tavern, Rayden sat back down and pulled the blonde back onto his lap. ``See that didn't take so long did it?'' The woman giggled and kissed the thunder god on the check. ``All I had to do was a little thunder god business I've been putting off while defending Earthrealm.'' He took a sip of the wine and then kissed the woman full on the mouth. The woman returned it with a fever. ``Why don't we just go now, hmmmmm'' he mumbled into her mouth.

The End

Next Time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest......

``Oh, never mind me, `` said the woman in gray and black as she turned, ``By the way,'' she said over her shoulder, ``Be sure to give Rayden my regards and ask him if those rope burns of his are okay.''

A warrior of Queen Vorpax knelt down and reported, ``Your Majesty! Kung Lao is on his way to the temple, to interview a prospective student. He travels alone.''

Chapter Two: New Student

``I still can't believe Rayden had the nerve to bring that girl over the other night,'' said Taja, placing a tea kettle on the stove.

``You gotta admit,'' grinned Siro, ``She was a looker.''

Just when Taja was about to respond there was a loud knocking at the front gate.

``We're not open yet!'' yelled Taja. But the knocking continued.

``I'll get it,'' said Kung Lao as he left the room and made his way to the front gate.

He opened the door and suddenly it there was silence. In front of him stood a woman dressed in similar clothes as he was. The only difference was color, of which she wore shades of black and gray rather than beige. Her hair was long and white. Crystal blue eyes smiled at him over dark scarf that covered half her face.

``Please pardon me from disturbing you so early, but I must be leaving town this morning and just had to speak with Master Kung Lao about an important matter before I left. Is he available?'' The mysterious woman said.

``I'm Kung Lao,'' replied the martial artist in a bemused voice, ``Won't you come in?''

``Thank you, but no.'' She replied, ``I'm in a bit of a hurry and was wondering if you were still taking on students? A....associate of mine's grown granddaughter has been training for a few years now, but recent events have...made training in her homeland difficult. I was asked to see if I could locate a suitable teacher.''

``I am taking on students, but I would need to meet with her first before deciding....''

``Of course!'' the woman interrupted, ''Why don't you meet her at the temple day after tomorrow. She's visiting there for some sort of testing or lesson or something.''

Kung Lao thought for a moment. It could be a trap, but if this possible student was already going to be at the temple....he sighed, ``Very well, I was planning on going to visit the monks anyway this week. Is there anything else, Ms.....''

``Oh, never mind me, `` said the woman in gray and black as she turned, ``By the way,'' she said over her shoulder, ``Be sure to give Rayden my regards and ask him if those rope burns of his are okay.''

A sudden slamming of the door to the kitchen made him start and turn. The noises of the city resumed and the woman was gone.

****

A few moments later Kung Lao was sitting at the table with a strange look on his face. ``Who was it?'' ask Siro.

``Not sure, but I think she knows Rayden.'' Replied Kung Lao.

At that moment....''Did I hear my name?'' said Rayden as he grabbed one of the breakfast rolls.

``Rayden, what a joy to see your face first thing in the morning,''said Taja, ``Feel free to join us for breakfast.''

Rayden just smiled and took a bite out of the roll.

``Rayden, ``said Kung Lao, ``a strange woman was just here a few moments ago asking if I would be interested in taking on a student. I never got her name, but she hinted that she knew you.''

``Oh?''

``She said to give you her regards and to ask about your rope burns?''

The smile left Rayden's face and he nearly dropped his roll, ``Was she wearing black and gray?'' he asked.

Kung Lao nodded, ``Yes and she had white hair. She wore a dark scarf and had blue eyes.''

Rayden sat down with a stunned look on his face. Never before had she appeared to anyone else to his knowledge. What is going on? She said she wouldn't be able to help me, but what if.....

``Who is she, Rayden?'' ask Taja.

Rayden sighed, ``To be honest, I'm not really sure. She shows up once in a long while to give advice and .....to pull me out of a trouble.''

``Rope burns?'' asked Siro, trying to keep from laughing.

Everyone just ignored him as Kung Lao spoke, ``So she basically does for you what you have been doing for us?''

``Yes and no, ``answered Rayden. `` I never got her name and she doesn't `hang around' with me as I do you guys. She's only shown up, not counting today, five times. Each time unasked for, unexpected, and desperately needed. She seems to have some power over time itself, but to my knowledge there are no time goddesses, only time gods and none of them would ever do as she has done.''

``Why would anyone like that take the time to encourage Kung Lao to take on a certain student?'' asked Taja.

Rayden did a head shake/shrug thing and said, ``I have no idea.''

``In that case, I want to know more about those rope burns, ``said Siro. Taja slapped him on the backside of his head.

****

``Ah, Vorpax, ''sneered Shang Tsung, ``and how is our `Queen' doing today?''

Vorpax nearly snarled at the sorcerer, but she still needed him. Otherwise, she would have happily order his throat ripped out. Instead she smiled and said, ``Wonderful, Shang. Is there anything that you need?''

``Kung Lao,''he said in a monotone voice.

Vorpax sighed. He just never gives up. Always Kung Lao, Kung Lao. One of her personal guards peeked in to announce that there was urgent information. She signaled to let whoever it was in.

A warrior of Queen Vorpax knelt down and reported, ``Your Majesty! Kung Lao is on his way to the temple, to interview a prospective student. He travels alone.''

``Well, Shang. I guess your going to get your wish after all.'' The Queen same as purred. ``Gather some of the grown Earthborn warriors and have them prepare.''

``I will go with them, ``said Shang Tsung, ``I wish to kill Kung Lao myself.''

****

Kung Lao was thinking about what Rayden said and the strange talk he had with the white haired woman. So he was surprised when it happened. Four female warriors jumped out from behind some trees and attacked him. He dropped his sleep roll and fought them off, holding his own. That is until Shang Tsung stepped out from behind one of the trees and threw a fireball at Kung Lao. The fighter saw it coming but knew he wouldn't be able to dodge it.

Just then a short stream of light-blue flame struck Shang's fireball, deflecting away from Kung Lao and straight into the face of one of the four women. The one that was struck by both fireballs hit the ground hard. A voice rang out, ``Four against one is bad enough, but a fifth with sorcery!''

A little ways down the road stood a blonde woman wearing loose fitting leather pants and a white shirt.

``You dare to challenge me, girl?'' the sorcerer sneered as he threw another fireball at her. It stopped as if hitting a wall a few inches in front of her face. She didn't even blink. During this, Kung Lao was still fighting the women. Another was down, but the other two seem more determined then ever to defeat him.

The stranger smiled and said, ``You have no idea who you're dealing with.'' She then lifted her hands, palms outward, fingers up. Two short streams of light-blue flame flew from her hands and towards Shang Tsung. The sorcerer dodged but the flames followed him and hit him on his back and shoulder. He went down, but quickly rolled back up and ran towards the woman. She then changed her stance and prepared to fight.

By this time, Kung Lao finally defeated the last of his attackers and looked to see Shang Tsung preparing to attack the stranger. ``Shang Tsung!'' he yelled.

The sorcerer now noticed that it was now two against one. He threw two fireballs, one to each of his foes and ran. Kung Lao made as if to follow, but that fight with the four women finally caught up to him and he just fell to his knees. The woman who helped him ran to his side and asked, ``Are you alright?''

``I'm fine, ``he answered, ``Just a little tired.''

The woman smiled and said, ``Good, because if you weren't and chased after that loser I wouldn't have been of much use. I used the last of my spare chi energy on those last two energy streams.''

``Who are you?'' Kung Lao asked.

She smiled and said, ``Name's Althea. I'm the one you were supposed to meet at the temple today.''

****

The next night Kung Lao described what happened on his way to the temple to his friends as his new student, Althea, rested in her new room.

``Are you sure we can trust her? ``asked Siro, ``After all she did use magic.''

``Yeah, what if she another sorcerer type like Shang or Quan Chi?'' added Taja.

Kung Lao sighed and replied, ``Already thought of that, but Master Zong, already checked her out. He has the ability to sense these things. She has no taint of using stolen souls or any darker type of sorcery.''

``He's right.'' The trio jumped at sound of Rayden's voice.

``Ever heard of KNOCKING, Rayden,''said Taja.

Ignoring her, Rayden continued, ``I did some checking, it seems she's was to her home world as Kung Lao is to Earthrealm.''

``You mean a champion of Mortal Kombat?'' ask Taja

``Not quite, she did not participate in a tournament, but she was chosen to defend her realm from a great danger.

``Okay, ``said Taja, ``Why are you telling us this. Normally, you're not so free with information. And what do you mean by her home world?''

Rayden sighed, ``Believe me, this isn't the whole story. As for the rest, its best she tells you in her own time.''

****

Upstairs, the voices of the conversation could barely be heard. The Kung Lao's new student slept and dreamt of the past......

The signs of a former battle were all around. The dead covered the field and the carrion birds cawed as they ate their feast.

``Freyon!'' Althea screamed at the beast in her arms, ``I'll get you to the healers. Just don't die on me.''

The great liger-like beast didn't even raise it's head, ``::Mistress, don't bother....I can feel the spirit within me leaving. I will soon return from whence I came. The bond between us must be removed before I do.::''

``No! I will not let that happen. ``She cried aloud to her partner's mental speech.

The creature's chest moved as if in painful laughter but no sound came from its torn up muzzle. ``::Ahhh, Mistress. You may have defeated the Insane One, but even you can not.....::''

Just then the wind picked up and then they were surrounded by the five whose battle she just fought. ``Help him!'' she demanded.

``I am sorry, ``said one with kind, green eyes and wind blown air, ``But we can not, he is but a spirit in animal form as is all familiars. His spirit shall return from where it came, but his body is too far gone.''

Another with cold, blue eyes snorted, ``He did his job, he should be honored that we don't destroy his spirit for going against....''

He was unable to finish, Althea jumped up and slapped him across the face. ``Bastards! We risked our lives, our very souls for your sorry hides!''

The other three back off as if in fear of the woman. The first one placed his hand on her shoulder, ``Please, Althea.....''

Anger flashed in the eyes of the one she slapped, but his voice remained cold. ``It doesn't matter; you must now take the place of the one you fought.''

``No.''

``Althea, ``said the kind one, ``Since you have defeated him, you have absorbed his power. You have no choice....''

Althea shook her shoulder to remove his hand and walked back to her fallen friend who still breathed. ``Give it to Freyon.''

*****

The next morning was sunny and bright. Taja was surprised to see that breakfast was already made and set out. She glanced outside to see Althea already exercising and by the look of her has been for a while.

``She's already putting Kung Lao to shame in the self-abuse department, ``said Taja to herself.

``You say something,''Kung Lao said and he entered the room.

``Ah...nothing important, ``she said pointing towards the door, ``By the way your student is already up.''

Kung Lao glanced out the door and just shrugged. ``Is there a chance any tea is made?'' he went to the stove to check the kettle.

``Yes there is and breakfast is already made, ``answered Taja, ``I'm starting to like having her around.'' She handed him a plate and then sat down at the table to eat.

``Well don't get too use to it, starting tomorrow I plan on starting her on a full training regiment. She might be too tired to fix us breakfast once that's started, ``said Kung Lao as he sat down. ``Today I'm just going to see what she already knows and get an idea of how strong she is. From what I saw before, she may be just the type of fighter we need to help us against....''

``Don't expect her to fight your battles, ``said Rayden from on of the roof beams. He disappeared and then reappeared behind the pair, grabbing a piece from Taja's plate. ``After all she has already fought one war.'' He ate the piece of food, ``Hmm, not bad.''

*****

Shao Kahn paced in front of his throne; candles flickering at his passing. A shadowy figure appeared and he stopped, ``Well!'' he demanded.

With a hissing voice the figure answered, ``The rumors are true. She has joined with Kung Lao and the other humans. I saw her myself training in their yard, alone but Kung Lao was just inside the building. Rayden was near so I had to leave before learning anything else.'' The figure then fell groveling to the ground fearing his master's wrath.

``Leave!'' he commanded as he sat down on his throne. The spy quickly left. ``Everyone, leave!''

His guards and servants followed the spy's example and ran from the throne room.

``Now, now, Emperor, there is no need to get too upset. With the exception of a few sparks, she nothing more than another mortal,'' said a cold voice. From the shadows, came the blue eyed man from Althea's dream. ``In spite of her breeding, she can die like any other woman.''

The End

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest.....

``Careful with that thing,'' said Rayden holding the end of the staff, ``You might take out someone's eye.''

``Well if you stop sneaking up on people, ``Althea replied, ``There would be less chance of you getting hit.''

``Hey handsome, ``said a mysterious white haired woman [wearing clothes similar to Siro's, only in black and gray.]

Chapter Three: Unique Heritage

Note: This chapter takes place a few weeks after chapter two.
Morning at the trading post had become almost a ritual. Althea would wake up early and start the fixings for breakfast. Kung Lao would then come down to join her and then they would head out to the yard to warm up and get some basic exercise. While they were outside, Taja would wake up at the sound of their work out and then go down stairs to grap a plate. Then it was most likely Siro who would show up next, still half-asleep and nearly stumbling down the stairs. Once breakfast was over, Kung Lao would clean up while Taja opened the store and Siro would go check around town for signs of any trouble before it showed up on their doorstep. The only problem was....there was no trouble.

Kung Lao and Taja, really didn't mind since they both had serious work to do, but Siro was bored. There was only so much training at a time he could take, and seeing what sort of stuff Althea was putting herself through only made his body ache. He knew in his mind that he was slacking due to the lack of action recently, but his heart just wasn't in to constant training. He was walking down the street, wondering if he should just return to the trading post, when he heard a crash from behind an empty stall. Siro went around to investigate and then....silence.

``Hey handsome, ``said a mysterious white haired woman, ``You know you really should be more careful.'' She then pointed to something behind him.

Siro turned around and saw a man holding a knife, completely still as if he was a statue. The woman walk towards the attacker and gave the knife a look, ``Now that would have definitely left a mark.''

The former bodyguard noticed that she was wearing an outfit similar to his, but the colors were black and gray. ``You must be Rayden's friend, ``he said as he slowly backed away, not sure if he moving away from the man or her.

The woman laughed behind her scarf and then said, ``So you are not as dumb as you act. That's a relief, for a while there I was getting worried. By the way, there's no point of trying to walk away. Once everything goes back to normal, you'll be back in the same place I found you. Just a little wiser as to what's behind you.''

Siro stopped moving and said, ``I thought gods couldn't directly interfere in mortal affairs.''

``Depends on the interference, but then again I never claimed to be a god. And even if I was, this conversation is not really happening at least not in your time thread. Any rule that can not be broken...wait of minute did I already tell you this or was it party boy?'' The woman scratched her head as if trying to remember. ``Ah never mind, it's not important...What is important is WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!''

Siro jumped surprised at the sudden tone change in her voice and replied, ``What do you mean? I was just....''

``Walking around moaning about how bored you are...you definitely need a hobby. Hmmm. Why not practice your investigative skills?'' She said as she walked around stranger, studying him for some reason.

``What do you mean?''

The woman shrugged and then pointed to a strange mark on the knife. Siro approach and looked...there was engraving of a stylized dragon, the symbol of the Black Dragon. ``That's impossible, ``said Siro, ``We defeated them months ago, their leader is stuck in the cobalt mines of Outworld.''

``Is it, well if you're not interested in this mystery there is another one living under the same roof you do.''

``You're the one that recommended her, why don't you tell me....''

The women yawned and then said, ``And take away all your fun. Talking about fun, I hope you have a plan on how to deal with him. See ya!''

The sounds of the city began again and Siro found himself facing the other direction. He quickly turned, knocked the knife from his attacker's hand and punched him in the throat.

****

Back at the trading post Althea was practicing with a fighting staff in the yard. Kung Lao thought her basic hand-to-hand was acceptable for now, but her weapons training was somewhat lacking so he showed her some basics and told her to practice as he help Taja with something in the store. Attack, attack, defend....attack, attack, attack and defend. She fought a non-existent opponent as sweat started running down her face. Suddenly her staff was caught on a back swing.

``Careful with that thing,'' said Rayden holding the end of the staff, ``You might take out someone's eye.''

``Well if you stop sneaking up on people, ``Althea replied, ``There would be less chance of you getting hit.'' She then took the staff and leaned on it, holding it with two hands. ``You were looking for something, the stores upfront.'' She said as she as she looked the gray haired man over. Wondering who he was and if what she was sensing was true, that this was a local deity.

Rayden just smiled and said, ``Let me guess, Kung Lao and the others haven't mentioned me yet.''

``No...but I believe an old mentor of mine did, ``replied Althea. ``Lord Rayden I presume?''

Kung Lao entered the yard and seeing the thunder god said, ``Rayden! Is there something wrong?''

``Only that you haven't introduced me to your student yet.'' Rayden replied.

Althea just slapped a hand over her eyes and sighed. Then she held out her hand, ``Hello, my name is Althea and you are Rayden right.''

Rayden took the hand and shook it, ``Why yes I am, I am so please to finally meet you.''

``Ha, ha Rayden, this can't be the only reason you're here,'' said Kung Lao.

``Why do you say that?'' asked Althea.

Kung Lao only gave Rayden a look that if he wasn't immortal, should have left burnt marks. Rayden sighed and said, ``You mean I can't just show up to visit you guys once in a while?''

``Kung Lao, have you seen the...,'' said Taja as she looked out the door. ``Rayden! What wrong now?''

Althea started laughing and Rayden just got a long suffering look to his face.

Just then Siro returned and seeing everyone there said, ``Guys, we might have trouble.''

****

``So after I knocked the guy down, I came back here,''said Siro, completing the story of what happened to him in town. He then took a drink out of the mug that was in front of him on the table.

``This is strange....she has never done anything like this before, to my knowledge,'' said Rayden.

``How would you know? If everyone but who she wants to talk to is frozen in time...''said Taja.

Althea shook her head, and said, ``From what you are describing the people are not frozen, this woman and the one she is speaking to are in a time bubble.''

Everyone looked at Althea and Kung Lao asked, ``You know about this?''

Althea shrugged and said, ``It's a theory from my old school. Some mages have some ability over time. The more powerful ones are said to be able to create what is called time bubbles. Time bubbles are literally like bubbles in water. You have time all around you, but inside the bubble there is none. Thus whatever happens inside this bubble technically doesn't happen.''

Rayden frowned and asked, ``Would these time bubbles allow someone to travel through time and/or change history.''

Athea shook her head, ``No. History is considered immutable, unchanging. Only the present and future can be changed. The stories of attempts being made are known; let's just say they don't have happy endings. The time mages can only slow down or speed up time, but are unable to change the direction of the time flow.''

Siro then said quietly, ``Any rule that can not be broken....''

``Can be bent,'' finished Rayden.

Siro looked to the thunder god and asked, ``You're the one she called party boy?'' Everyone else looked at the thunder god for a few seconds, but then Althea spoke up. ``Whoever or whatever she is, she does make a point. I think it's about time you learn a little bit about me.''

****

``I'm not really sure where to begin,''said Althea as everyone but Rayden sat around the table. He was walking around looking through jars and canisters as if in curiosity.

``Why not start at how you are able to use sorcery?'' said Siro.

Althea looked slightly insulted by what the former bodyguard said but responded, ``It's not sorcery, per say. Its called chi, or my life energy, focused into a useable form, ``she sighed, ``Where I come from some people are born with the ability to do this, but they must be trained to fully utilize it. The better trained or more skilled the more they can do with their chi. Also, a few are able to draw additional energy from certain elements around them. Such as fire mages can draw additional power from a campfire. An extremely rare few are able to pull energy from more than one element.''

Kung Lao asked, ``Can you?''

Althea shook her head and said, ``Not anymore. I lost that ability at the end of the war. The only energy I can still pull on is my own personal chi and even that is difficult.''

``Why is that?''

Althea sighed and glanced towards Rayden briefly. ``A god was killed and the backlash burned out the ability from me and others. I guess I was a lucky one, most didn't survive.''

Rayden paled, but didn't say anything.

``How is it possible to kill a god?'' asked a surprised Kung Lao.

****

Outside of the trading post a hooded figure approached the gates. He touched them as if to analyze them. A slight nod and then.....

****

Both Rayden's and Althea's heads suddenly went up as if hearing a sudden noise. Rayden yelled, ``Everyone down!''

Althea was already down on all fours and crawling under the table. The others were a little slower but followed her lead, not sure as to what was going on.

****

A bright light-blue blast flew from the hooded figure's hand. The heavy gate doors exploded inward. Bits of wood and stone flew across the yard with the light-blue blast as it hit the doors to the building destroying them as well.

Rayden flashed out for a moment and reappeared in the yard between the doorway and the gateway. His hammer flashed into existence as he prepared for battle. Kung Lao and Siro were knocked unconscious by the blast, but Taja and Althea dug themselves out from the debris.

``YOU DARE TO ATTACK THOSE OF EARTHREALM!'' Rayden roared with a voice filled with thunder.

The figure stepped forward through the gateway and said, ``No, I do not intend to attack Earthrealm or those who belong here. So long as they do not get in the way of me claiming what is mine.''

Althea paled, recognizing the voice. ``No, it's impossible, ``she whispered.

Taja heard her, but didn't bother to ask her what she meant.

The figure lifted his hands to push back his hood to reveal the dark haired man with cold blue eyes. ``Well granddaughter, ``he said in a cold voice, ``are you not going to say hello to your Grandfather Kuravan?''

``I have nothing to say to you, ``she yelled in a shaky voice. Throughout all of this, no one seemed to notice the darkening sky.

Kuravan laughed and said, ``It seems you're not so brave anymore. What happened? Did you lose your powers....or your nerve?''

Rayden moved to block Kuravan's view of Althea. ``It seems she's not interested in talking to you, ``he said.

``You dare to interfere, Protector of Earthrealm? She is not of Earth thus you have no right....'' Kuravan raved.

``From the moment she was accepted as a student of Earth's Champion of Mortal Kombat, she acquired his protection. Due to this, I will also protect her as I would him,'' said Rayden in a calm, but dangerous voice, surprising everyone, ``Besides, this is not your domain, you have no right even being here.''

Kuravan laughed a cold cruel laugh. ``Your information is slightly outdated thunderer.'' He then threw out his hand and a large ball of light-blue energy flew out towards Rayden. The thunder god deflected it with a thunderbolt and then swung his hammer. Kuravan was hit squarely in the chest, causing him to fly through the air and crashing into a wall. The wall crumbled on impact and buried the invading deity. A light-blue light appeared from under the pile of rumble and then the pile exploded outward. Then....silence.

``DAMN YOU RAYDEN!'' yelled a white haired woman standing behind Taja and Althea. Taja jumped in surprise and turned to see the source of the noise. There she saw the woman wearing clothes similar to what Taja was wearing, but only in black and grey. ``He's falling for the same damn trap again?'' Taja could see the worry in her crystal blue eyes in spite of the exasperation in the strange woman's voice. A sigh made the scarf she was wear flutter slightly as she looked around.

``I guess it's up to you,'' said the woman looking at the frozen Althea.

Taja asked, ``Can't you do anything?''

``Sorry, but I'm kinda stuck in this time bubble and can only bring a person in once in a while and almost never the same person more than once a human lifetime. Almost everyone else have already received their quota. You'll just have to remind Althea of what she can do.''

``What!?'' exclaimed Taja.

The mysterious woman looked straight into Taja's eyes and said, ``Look, you need to remind Althea of how she defeated the Insane One.''

``Who?''

``IT DOES NOT MATTER!'' the woman yelled, but then calmed down, ``Remind her that it wasn't her old elemental abilities that defeated him, but her chi. There were other mages who were way more powerful than she, but they died. There is something about HER that did it.''

``What good...''began Taja.

``This is the only chance you guys got. Kuravan is NOT of Earth and should not be able to use his powers. Look closely at Rayden and you will see that he is slowly losing his.''

Taja's eyes widened at those words.

``Okay, I'm going to send you back now. Just remember what I said...and please tell Rayden he's an idiot. A cute idiot, but still an idiot.''

The sounds of battle resumed. The explosion knocked down everyone, including Rayden. He dropped his hammer as he jumped back up. He threw his hand forward....and nothing. ``Oh, crap, ``he mouthed.

``Rayden, move!'' yelled Althea. The thunder god dropped and rolled out of the way just as a large stream of light-blue flame passed by. It struck Kuravan full in the chest. At first it didn't seem to have any effect on him, but then his entire body began to glow and he fell to his knees. When the glow dimmed, he rasped ``What have you done?''

Rayden seeing his enemy's weakened state picked up his hammer and made his way to finish him. However, from the shadows a winged creature flew down and grabbed Kuravan. They both disappeared in a flash of darkness. Once they were gone, the sunlight returned and Rayden felt his powers start to return. He saw that Althea had collapsed to the ground. ``Taja, see to the guys. I'll check on Althea, ``Rayden ordered and Taja nodded in agreement.

He was shocked by what he `saw.' Her physical body was uninjured with the exception from a few bruises and scraps, but her life energy was almost completely gone. It dawned on him that she must have used almost all of her chi in someway to weaken Kuravan. He gently picked her up and then teleported to her room. Once he placed her on her bed and made sure she was comfortable, he returned to help Taja with the others. Aside from being out cold, they seemed okay. But one thing was on both Rayden's and Taja's minds...What the hell was that all about?

The End

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest....

``Is there anything we can do?'' asked Siro, ``She's been out since that fight.''

Rayden sighed, ``Perhaps, but its dangerous and might end up killing her.

``So, Kung Lao has acquired a godslayer as his student, ``said Quan Chi, ``That could prove useful.''

Author : Preferred Customer

Creation date: 2005-8-16-9-59

Modification date: 2005-8-16-9-59