Note: I do not own Mortal Kombat, MK: Conquest, Siro, Taja, etc....(Wish I did but they keep escaping!) If you want to borrow any of the characters I did create, feel free to ask.

Chapter Thirteen: Business Proposition
``I still don't believe you, ``said Taja as she prepared the store for opening. ``Believe it, ``said Siro as he examined an apple, ``One bat-winged woman who drinks blood and a giant two legged wolf-like monster. Even Althea and Kung Lao didn't want to mess with them.'' He took a bite out of the piece of fruit.
``How long are they going to stay at the temple?'' asked Taja. Siro shrugged and said, ``At least a few more days. They want to make sure there is a repeat of what happened. Althea and one of the priests are working on rebuilding some old defenses the temple is supposed to have to prevent such creatures from getting in.'' Taja just gave Siro a strange look and then turned to face her first customer of the day.
Thinking of defenses, Siro decided that now would be a good time to check on their own security. Multiple break-ins and kidnappings didn't say too much on how secure the trading post really was. With a writing charcoal and some scrap paper, he inspected their home. From the outside walls to the interior doors, he checked everything he could thing of. What he found wasn't good, from overhanging trees to broken locks, he was amazed they haven't been robbed blind or killed in their sleep. Looking over this as he returned to Taja, he frowned. There would be some money needed to make the trading post really secure, and even with Althea chipping in it would hurt.
Taja just finished selling the last of the cinnamon, when Siro informed her of the situation. As they discussed what they needed and could do, a man wearing the mark of the Red Dragon approached the store. Both Taja and Siro went silent as he neared. The man simply said, ``I have a business proposition for you.''

****

``You can't be seriously considering the Red Dragon's offer?'' said Siro loudly. ``Look, ``replied Taja just as loudly, ``It's a good offer. Nothing illegal and relatively safe. So it seems a bit shady, it'll pay for many of the repairs and add-ons you said we needed.''

A strong wind blew open the door, causing dust to fly. ``First Rayden and now you two ``said Fujin as he walked through the now open door, ``Did someone declare a `get pissed' holiday and didn't bother to inform me?''
``What are you doing here?'' growled Siro as Taja invited Fujin to take a seat.
``Hiding from Rayden, ``replied Fujin in a tired voice, ``There's nothing worse than a frustrated thunder god. So what's up with you guys?''
Taja sat down next to the wind god and answered, ``The Red Dragon asked that me and Siro deliver some goods for them on our next trip to Xu Xan. They're offering a good bit of money and if the cargo is what they say it is, its all legal.''

``Soooo, what's wrong?'' asked Fujin.
''They want us to deliver it to one of the warring gangs in that city, ``replied Siro, ``It seems that the Red Dragon is favoring one side over the other.''

``And the want a former guard to deliver, because it would be easier for you to get by the gate guards at Xu Xan and with Taja, a former thief, there to help out with the more....earthier elements of that fine city, ``said Fujin, ``You must admit, a pairing like yours isn't too common.''

Siro sighed and said, ``What I'm really afraid is that we'll get a reputation of working for the Red Dragon and in a sense getting owned by them. It would be very easy for them to get use to the idea that they can call on us to make deliveries for them on `request.' Once that's the case, it'll get even more dangerous to refuse.''

Taja then said, ``Any enigmatic advice or mysterious hints of wisdom?''
Fujin chuckled and said, ``Sorry, that my brother's gig. Please remember, you guys are the first mortals I've even talked with face to face in centuries. My knowledge of .....human business practices is a bit rusty, even if I could help.'' Siro snorted. Fujin continued, ``However...I do know that the Red Dragon is more than what it seems.'' The wind picked up again causing dust to blind Taja and Siro. Once it cleared, Fujin was gone.

****

``I still can't believe you agreed to this, ``said Taja as she drove the horse-drawn wagon. Siro sat next to her, carried a cross-bow and there was a sword at his feet.
``Let's just say I'm now a little curious about the Red Dragon. This is a good way to get in good with them as well as make a profit,'' replied Siro. Taja rolled her eyes as they neared the gates of Xu Xan.

``Hey, Siro!'' greeted one of the gate guards. Siro greeted him back as he lowered the crossbow, ``Hey, Jakon. How are things going?''

The guard snorted and said, ``Crazy. The gangs are warring and the merchants are screaming. It seems that gang wars are bad for business. Most of the caravans are now avoiding Xu Xan, so the merchants have nothing to trade. Speaking of which...''
Taja uncovered the back of the wagon and showed the goods they brought to sell. ``We have some surplus crop from some of the farmers sold to us, some copper work and some Zu Zhin wine.'' Taja said.
The guard looked over everthing making notes. ``And the crate?'' he asked.
Siro answered, ``A delivery we promised to make since we had the room. If you want, we could open it?''

The guard waved it off and said,'' No worries, I trust you. By the way, you might get a good price for the wine at the Four Winds Tavern.'' The guard hand Siro a piece of paper. ``Thanks, ``said Siro.

****

The next day Taja and Siro were having breakfast at the inn they were staying. Everything sold well the previous day and the delivery was done without any problems. While they were talking, Jakon, showed up extremely happy.
``Did you hear?'' he asked and continued before they could answer, ``The Wyverns were completely wiped out last night and the Drakes completely skipped town afraid that they would be next.''

``How the hell?'' asked Siro as his face paled. The Wyverns were the gang they left the crate with the previous day.
Jakon shrugged and said, ``No one knows. It's as if every single member of that gang just up and died. No marks or injuries, just a look of pure terror on their faces. All I know is that it means that the caravans will soon be returning. Who or whatever did this, the city owe him big time.''

****

Drevane, leader of the Red Dragon Clan, was going over some books as one of his aids entered the room. ``Yes?'' said Drevan.

``The problem in Xu Xan has been resolved, ``the aid replied.
Drevane smiled and sat back in his chair. ``Ahhhh,'' he said, ``Then it means business will soon be back to normal. I might need to give Siro and Taja a bonus for making the delivery so quickly. By doing so, they save us a great deal of money.''

``So you're letting them live?'' asked the aide.
One of Drevane's eyebrows rose as he said, ``Of course, I'm letting them live. You don't kill someone for doing a good job. Besides, we might be able to use them again someday. There's nothing better than getting the local `heroes' to work for us once in a while. You may go.'' The aide bowed and left as Drevane returned to his books. A dragon shape red haze surrounded him and seemed to be laughing.
The End

Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest....

``You know, Kung Lao, keeping it all in isn't good for you, ``said Rayden.

``GET OVER HERE!''
Chapter Fourteen: Assassination Attempt
Kung Lao sat in a meditative pose in a candle lit room. Having to say his final farewells to his old friend was harder than expected. First Gen and now....

``You know, Kung Lao, keeping it all in isn't good for you, ``said Rayden, leaning against the wall. Kung Lao just tried to ignore the deity, but gave up after a few seconds.
He stood up and sighed, ``It's just so hard sometimes. There was no reason for him to die.''

Rayden didn't say anything, just looked at the troubled monk. ``It's not just him,''Kung Lao continued, ``Gen, her father, so many have died for no good reason...''

``Any you wish to blame yourself again,'' said Rayden. Kung Lao glared at the thunder god.
``We've all been there, ``Rayden continued, ``Siro, Taja, Althea....even..me. There was NOTHING you could have done.''

``Sorry, Rayden, ``said Kung Lao angrily, ``Its one thing to hear it, it's another to believe it.''

****

With the exception a few who kept watch, everyone at the temple slept. Unseen by the guards, a figure jumped from the temple walls and silently made his way to the women's guest quarters. Once there he carefully made his way to the door to Althea's room. It listened at the door for a few seconds as if to determine if the occupant was asleep and/or alone. Carefully he quietly opened the door. He entered the room and silently closed the door as he pulled out a sword with a barely heard `sshhinn.'

Althea's eyes opened and she rolled out of the way just as the sword came down. She swiped her leg around in the hopes of tripping the would be assassin, but he just jumped over her leg as it came around and took another swing at the woman. Again she rolled out of the way and this time jumping up into a defensive pose. Drained from attempting to repair the temple's mystical defenses, Althea's only hope was the training she had been receiving from Kung Lao. The attacker threw out his hand as something ropelike came from his palm. As the `rope' flew straight to Althea, he yelled, ``GET OVER HERE!'' She tried to dodge it, but it followed her and then grabbed hold of her nightshirt. Rather than struggle against the `rope,' she ran straight to the intruder and attempted to kick the sword from his hand. He didn't give her the chance. He dropped the sword before she hit and grabbed her leg in mid-air to throw her to the ground. Holding her down by neck with one hand, the other hand reclaimed the `rope' and then pulled out a long dagger from the assassin's belt. Looking in to the cataract like eyes, Althea saw her death. Althea's own eyes then flared light blue as she called upon what little chi she had left, blasting the assassin into and through the door and crashing into the wall across the hallway. Althea collapse from the strain as the intruder dug himself out of the wreckage that was once the door. From down the hall the sound of running footsteps could be heard and the light from the monk's lanterns could be seen as they ran to the source of the loud noise. The light from their lanterns revealed the distinct yellow and black armor as the intruder ran, injured and unwilling to fight....for now.

****

Kung Lao ran to the infirmary as soon as he heard of the attack. Seeing his student once again drained of her chi, his rage grew. Why couldn't they just leave us all in peace?! He breathed deeply to help control his anger and then asked, ``How is she?'' The healer replied, ``Physically, unharmed from what we can tell...but she seems drained and unable to wake up.''

Just then Ryant, the priest Althea was assisting, enter the room. ``This should help, ``he said as he handed an herbal bag to the healer, ``It's not as good as replenishing her chi but it should help her build up her chi on her own. It must be made into a strong tea and as much of it as possible must be drunk. There is no such thing as an overdose in this case.'' The healer nodded and left with the precious package.
Kung Lao asked, ``Is there anything I can do?'' Ryant sighed and said, ``She mentioned as we discussed her limits that she has been in this situation before and someone, who she didn't name, was able to replenish her chi to a certain extent. Find him! My own resources are just not good enough and I don't think that my chi would even be compatible in this case since hers is so similar to elemental energy.''
Kung Lao nodded with determination and said, ``I know who it is and I'll try to get in contact with him.''
***
Kung Lao paced in the temple yard. The cool night air did nothing for his heated temper. Time and again he called upon Rayden and even Fujin, but nothing. He didn't know what to make of it. Kung Lao knew they might be limited as to what aid they could provide due to the damned rules, but Rayden had bent the rules before to help Althea for his own reasons

Out of the corner of his eye three intruders as they attempted to sneak pass him through the shadows. Kung Lao was almost happy with the excuse to release his anger as he attacked the interlopers.

****

Back in the infirmary, the healer returned with some more of the tea in the hopes of getting more into his patient, only to find her gone. He dropped the mug and yelled out for help as it crashed onto floor.
***

As he was fighting, Kung Lao could barely hear the healer's yell for help. The three intruders sensing other defenders approaching beat a hasty retreat. For a moment, Kung Lao was unsure as if to follow, but decided to find out what was wrong in the infirmary first.

Just as he turned to return, Ryant came out in a run. ``She's gone!'' he yelled. Kung Lao, believing that the three intruders had something to do with the disappearance, then ran to catch up with them.
***

The three assassins reached Scorpion's camp and reported their failure. Each on their knees, they awaited their punishment. Which Scorpion was about to give when one of his guards came running, ``Kung Lao approaches,'' he reported and then returned back to his post. Scorpion's eyes closed halfway as he reconsidered his alternatives.
***

Kung Lao tried his best to travel unseen and unheard in the forest, but stealth was one of Taja's talents not his. He had lost the ones he was following, but hoped that they continued in the same general direction they were running in earlier.

Suddenly he heard ``GET OVER HERE!'' and felt something wrap around his throat. He reached up to try to pull it off, but was pulled off of his feet and dragged towards Scorpion. Then for no apparent reason, the `rope' went slack and fell to the ground. Kung Lao rubbed his throat and tried to breath for a few seconds. He then noticed that Scorpion had fallen to the ground, his armor burnt and even smoking in a few places. The ninja kept repeating, ``I don't know where she is, I don't know where she is..'' , in a pain filled voice. Kung Lao cautiously approached him and saw that in his hand he was clutching what appeared to be a dark scarf, with a few strands of white hair attached to it. Kung Lao took the scarf as he heard Scorpion's followers approaching. He left Scorpion where he laid and headed back to the temple with only one thing on his mind, `If Scorpion didn't take Althea, who did?'
The End
Next time on Mortal Kombat:Conquest...
[Elder God Kronos speaking] ``...Tell me, Rayden, Fujin, about this godslayer.''
Althea rolled over, revealing the newly made mark on her shoulder.

Chapter Fifteen: Timely Interference
Rayden and Fujin felt Kung Lao's urgent call, but were unable to answer. The Elder God of Time, Kronos, had summoned them and they were now waiting for him to return. Rayden nearly left the moment he felt the attack on Althea. It was the sense of `drainage' from Althea that kept him from doing so. He knew that the monks were able to help her until he was free to do so and that whoever had attacked her was most likely gone one way or another.

After what seemed like hours, Kronos returned with a concerned look on his face. ``My apologizes for keeping you waiting. Please sit down.'' Two chairs suddenly appeared behind the brothers and the Elder God. As soon as everyone was seated, Kronos continued, ``The reason why I summoned you is I am growing concerned with the recent happenings on Earthrealm., especially in regards to the godslayer.'' He sighed, ``Kuravan is demanding her return, while her `uncle' and Sworn Protector of Calorna is requesting that she continues her training under Earthrealm's Champion of Mortal Kombat. Normally, We would state that this does not concern us, but her unusual....gift and recent accurances brings it to Our attention. Tell me Rayden, Fujin about this godslayer.''

Fujin and Rayden fidgeted a little and then Rayden spoke up, ``What do You wish to know?''

Kronos leaned back and said, ``What kind of person is she? I assume there is little chance of her declaring war upon the gods considering your obvious attachment to her. What I want to know is she and the realms better off where she is or do you consider it better that she return to her home realm? Remember, I already have an idea but you two are closer to her and the situation, your opinion would be insightful.''

Rayden sighed, ``I believe she's better off on Earth. What I know of her and her past, I feel that it would be.....unwise for her to return to Calorna. Her own preferences, emotional state and the mutual dislike between her and Kuravan all lead to this conclusion.''

Fujin then added, ``As for Earthrealm, she should be considered an asset in spite of Kuravan's multiple attempts to cause trouble. To be honest its not much more trouble than Earthrealm has already been experiencing in regards to Outworld and the Neatherrealm attempts to interfere. Her other abilities and skills, such as repairing the mystical defenses on the Temple of Light, are extremely useful since there are so few natives now alive with this knowledge, power and/or skill.''

Kronos nodded and then interlaced his fingers in front of his face as if in deep thought. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke, ``I have made my decision. If the godslayer chooses, she may declare Earthrealm as her home with all the rights and responsibilities as such this would entail.'' Rayden and Fujin both acquired a stunned look as Kronos continued, ``However...there is the question of her immortal blood. She will also retain ALL that entails, including the possibility that she may someday take a place among the gods but in this case among the Gods of Earthrealm rather than Calorna's pantheon. Due to this and the fact that she is still a godslayer, I ask you both to keep a close watch on her.''

Kung Law was preparing to head out again to search for Althea, despite knowing it was almost a futile attempt. He had already sent a message to Taja and Siro, hopefully it should reach them later today. Just as he threw his satchel over his shoulder, Rayden appeared. ``Where have you been!'' demanded Kung Lao.
``In a meeting with one of my bosses, I came as soon as I could. Where is Althea? I am unable to sense her anywhere near here,''replied Rayden.
Kung Lao just glared and said, ``I don't know. She just disappeared from the infirmary while I was fighting some of Scorpion's followers.'' Kung Lao then continue to explain what happened the previous evening and show Rayden the dark scarf that he found in Scorpion's hand.

Rayden frowned and pushed his hair back while he attempted to seek Althea though the link he shared with her. ``She's alive, but unconscious, ``said Rayden as he closed his eyes, ``Unfortunately, I'm unable to specify where she is. She's just too far away and her weakened state isn't making it any easier.''

Kung Lao wasn't sure to be relieved or frustrated, ``How can she be so far away?'' He looked away from the thunder god for a few seconds and the looked him directly in the eyes, ``I assume you ARE going to help find her.''

Rayden nodded and said, ``Fortunately, I can. Althea has just been given a special status and the Elder Gods have given me and Fujin more freedom in regards to her and the ones who are close to her. Don't ask...'' He finished seeing Kung Lao's inquiring look and then the thunderer vanished.
Later that day, Fujin appeared at the trading post after the messenger left. ``Althea's alive, but we don't know where she is, ``he said,''yet.''

``This is seriously starting to get old, ``said Siro, ``How is it that one of us is always being captured or is missing?''
``Does it matter? What matters is finding her, ``said Taja. ``Well, Rayden is using his own methods to look and I'll be looking as well as soon as I leave. What we do know it wasn't Scorpion's bunch or any of Shao Kahn's people.''
``Vorpax?'' asked Taja. Fujin shook his head head, ``No, the same goes for Quan Chi and Shang Tsung.''

``What about this Kuravan?'' asked Siro, ``He seemed interested in getting his hands on her.''
``Not sure, ``sighed Fujin, ``But if it was him, wouldn't he have taken her back to his own domain by now? Rayden is still sensing her somewhere on Earthrealm, he just can't seem to pinpoint where.''
******

``Is this charade really necessary?'' asked Kronos.
A white-haired woman wearing black and gray clothes similar to the cut of the Elder God's shrugged,``Don't know, all that I do know is what I remember. Althea has or will develop and extremely strong bond with Rayden, which will enable the both of them to face a great evil in the distant future. This evil will not show up for centuries but it will so powerful as to endanger the Council of the Elder Gods. If this bond does not develop now they may not have enough time to grow use to it in such a manner that it comes truly second nature to them. Unfortunately, both Althea and Rayden are....stubborn; they need a strong enough push in the right direction. For a moment, I thought that Rayden rescuing Althea from Sub-Zero was a big enough push. It seems so for Rayden, but Althea...,''the woman chuckled exasperatedly, ``Her past experience with males, both mortal and immortal, has blinded her to the possibility that there could be a long term relationship with the thunder god. Stars, I can't believe I was so...'' She shook her head.

``Very well, I'll go along....for now, but only because you have proven yourself to be who you claim to be. I do admit Rayden does have the potential as does the girl. However what you ask of Me....''
``Is necessary. She is slowly growing stronger, but not fast enough to survive another attack from her grandfather. If she ends up dieing or enslaved to that....''the woman took a deep breathe, causing her scarf to cave in some, ``Trust me, we can't have Kuravan or anyone else getting their hands on her....Yet. If there was anyway for me to....''

Kronos nodded, ``Very well. To be honest it should have been done sometime ago, but not by Me. It seems I need to have a long talk to My children in regards to family responsibility.''

In a solid white room, Althea laid on a small bed. Just a shade darker than the bed sheets, she looked as if she was no longer among the living. Kronos entered the room and looked upon the woman. He sighed as he rolled her over to her side, and pushed aside the cover to expose the bare shoulder blade area of her back. He then pressed his palm on to the exposed area as a bright glowed engulfed his hand. After a few seconds Kronos removed his hands as the glow expired.
*****

Rayden suddenly sensed exactly where Althea was. How she got there, he had no idea, but within seconds he appeared just outside of his `home' not far from the hot spring which he brought Althea to before. He entered the house and then headed to the main room. There on a roman style couch, he found her. She was wrapped in white linen and sleeping deeply. Rayden walked up to her and quietly `looked' her over. Somehow her chi was back to safe levels and there was something else....

Althea rolled over, revealing the newly made mark on her shoulder as the linen came loose. Rayden didn't know what to think, someone had marked Althea as of his or hers bloodline and thus laying claim to her. But for some reason this person left her in Rayden's care. Rayden covered the nude Althea back up with the linen and gently moved a strand of her golden hair from her face. He sighed, ``What am I going to do with you?''
*******

Kuravan sat at his desk, fuming. The one he hired to killed Althea had failed and now she was under Father's protections. The warning he felt was unmistakable and unnerving. Why the Elder God would seek to claim her, Kuravan couldn't even begin to guess but that was the way it was with the Elder Gods. If that wasn't enough, his most useful and faithful servant was still recovering from receiving that damn message from that infernal sorcerer. How DARE he make demands? But perhaps he could use Quan Chi's foolishness to his advantage.

Arianna entered the room, ``You summoned me, Lord Kuravan?'' The deity smiled as he looked upon his newest servant. Arianna was everything he wanted with Althea and more. With her, he no longer needed the rogue and there was no room for two godslayers.
The End
Next time on Mortal Kombat: Conquest....

``Where the hell are my clothes!'' [Althea talking]

Author : Preferred Customer

Creation date: 2005-9-4-13-19

Modification date: 2005-9-4-13-19