Intro part 1: welcome to town, let me show you around

* A cat girl with some black fur on her , black ears, chestnut brown hair, blue eyes, raven wings and a big smile on her face, wearing a tee-shirt that says ``freedom and balance'' on it and blue jeans appears. She is peeking out from around what appears to be a door frame * .

Well, hello there. I'm Mage, a resident here in one very strange town. Trust me, everything isn't what it seems, I mean come on you are talking to a cat girl for crying out loud, so yeah, normal doesn't apply. Well let me explain a few things, first of all, there are two churches you have to watch out for, the brotherhood of shadows and the order of light. Well you can guess the BOS is kind of evil and take over the world kind of deal right? Well that and the human sacrifices, not pretty. TOOL is a bit more on the nice side in that sense but their god is really psycho, I mean really REALLY psycho. Let me put it this way, this god decided he doesn't want anyone screwing up anymore so if he even thinks you are going to do something dumb, he kills you no questions asked. *shakes head* ironically I have a few friends there... Anyways wanna come with me to get a slush?

* She starts walking, a bit of a skip in her step as she walks. Her tail wags slowly as she walks. She looks over as she is walking and smiles again. *

See this isn't a big town per say, but there is some weird energy or something here, so some people, like me, get born with some interesting features, plus for some reason, this is where gods land when they come here. Don't ask me why, they just do, I don't talk to them, with those creepy white eyes, yikes. *She shudders * Me, I just walk around and write poetry, call me a silly little dreamer but that is what I do. Oh I am also the official welcoming committee and tour guide so that's why I am showing you around.

* She walks past a large, white building with statues all around of a stern looking man, but its unclear who it is just yet, the windows are stained glass depicting pictures of storms and battles with various demons. Outside there is a centaur, dark skinned , jet black in fact and muscular, with a stern look on his face and a spear in his hand, he is wearing a helmet and armor with black and gold coloring . He seems to be part Clydesdale, with golden brown coloring on the hooves, the hair aro und the hooves and the underside, going up into a V shape on his chest, not unlike a rottie dog . His eyes appear dull and dead, glossy as he stares into the horizon intently. He has a sword on his hip that appears to be taller then Mage , it seems to be a claymore variety of sword . On his back there seems to be both a quiver and a very large long bow. On his other hip is a knife, ornate in the handle. Around his neck he has a medallion with a symbol on it, the symbol of thunder. From under his helmet some jet black hair shines through. Mage waves hi and he smiles and waves back then returns to his post. *

That's Krogen; he is the main guard at the temple of light, which is what we are in front of right now, nice building huh? Don't be fooled, while he seems tough, he is really nice, I wouldn't worry too much about him. The church itself has a few nut jobs in it, but then what religion doesn't *she snickers a bit *. Anyway, I have never seen any of the rituals they do here but personally I don't want to find out. Oh and the statues, that's their god Raiden, god of thunder. He is the psycho I was telling you about earlier, friendly face huh? Actually whenever I say that to him, he always points out that he is like father to him *rolls eyes* not the kind of dad I want thanks, I prefer mortals honestly.

*Another figure, dressed more regally, with the symbol for thunder in the middle of what appears to be armor , fairly young, about Mage's age. He speaks to the centaur, the n s miles at Mage*

Oh that's Tyrone; he is the high priest of this church, aka. the direct link to Raiden, literally. Basically any messages that the thunder god sends, he delivers, nice guy, but a bit too into this if you ask me. *Mage winks* Actually he is a lot of fun, and tough, see a lot of the locals do know how to fight, then again when gods are popping in and out, you learn fast. Also I think its church law or something that every member of the staff has some sort of battle skills *shrugs* oh well...

*Further up the road we see a strange looking structure, like a round doorway, on the steps sits a monk, smiling and meditating in orange robes*

Oh that is our local portal, yup our gateway to every insane world you heard about, especially Edenia. The monk is known only as the monk of joy, we call him monk for short since we don't know his real name. He is actually a fun guy, unlike is former students. Those two have major humor and emotion issues sometimes *sticks out her tongue* Oh well, could be worse right, oh and if Queen Sindel comes, she usually arrives with her daughter, and two guards, one male and one female.

*A stranger arrives with a cloak over his head and what seems to be cold air around him*

Oh, that's the lost cyromancer, you know what that dude sub zero is, the lien kui dude. That guy is Retsu, not much info on him, sorry, he is kind enough though. Then again most people here are, except a few here and there, and well a few more dangerous natives. *looks around cautiously* anyway, this portal is also the town square, here the mayor gives speeches and stuff like that, or some of the church evangelists come to preach, and preach and put half the town to sleep by being boring. *she giggles*

*We see another person run up to Mage, almost tripping over himself, he has almost blank looking eyes, and is wearing basically rags . He catches his breath and taps Mage on the shoulder.*

Mage: what's up?

Stranger: I saw Shang Tsung coming through a makeshift portal about ten miles north

Mage: WHAT?! I'll go tell the others, thanks!

*runs off then peeks back a moment*

Oh sorry, this might be bad, so I better check it out. *dashes off*

*she runs into Krogen again, she starts jumping around frantically*

Mage: Someone saw Tsung coming from the north, let everyone know NOW! *she is now waving her arms and jumping around, as if she is trying to reach Krogen's head*

Krogen: Hm! *slightly trots in place as to adjust posture for Mages franticity*

Calm your self little Mage! *knocks his staff on the ground twice*

Although I am a worthy opponent for the sorcerer, and would surely trample his bloody corpse, I was not summoned to this battle. I swore to Raiden that I would never battle unless the church was directly threatened, or unless Raiden himself requested my services.

I will rally up a squadron of 5 of my subordinates, and send them ahead of you. I will direct them only to keep an eye on the sorcerer's whereabouts. One of them will communicate the happenings back to me and carry my word of any orders I deliver.

Mage: *now bouncing around more quickly* but... but...

Krogen: *Puts one hand on Mages' shoulder*

"We are secret, and should remain that way unless my father calls my name. Be with my team....and they shall protect you, Respect my team.......and they will follow you."

Be safe in your pursuit of this one, he is extremely powerful and should be dealt with as such. He is very dangerous and will not be merciful if he finds you. He will kill you, so be careful....

Mage: *now very upset* but you could kick his butt in ten seconds, why do you have to wait for that psycho's orders anyway *stomps her foot then sighs* I'll go get my blades and my roommate *dashes off*

*as she is running, she looks around again*

Yeah stupid wizards and crap, and cause of Raiden we are stuck fighting, me and my roommate, well at least we have help.

*we get to what appears to be a regular apartment building, Mage knocks on a door on the side*

Glad I have my own entrance

*a lizard like creature answers the door, its reptile*

Reptile: what? Mage why the hell do you look panicked?

Mage: cause Shang has been sighted about ten miles north from here that's why

Reptile: WHAT!? And let me guess our centurion friend can't help us cause of `daddy' right?

Mage: yeah *hangs head* but he is sending some help

Reptile: I'll get our things

*Mage nods then turns around*

Yeah that is the infamous reptile, long story, can't talk.

*dashes off again, then comes back, looking embarrassed*

Hehe forgot something....

*Reptile returns holding two swords that look like jagged scimitar blades* ``need these?''

*he smirks*

Mage: yeah, I think I will *grabs them and reptile and dashes off*

Reptile*while being dragged*: Mage slow down! We can't just dash into battle

Mage: oh right, I have to wait for the grunts

*stops on top of a hill, in the distance we can see Shang talking to someone else in a black cloak*

Mage: Great, who is the man in black?

Reptile: I have no idea and I don't want to know

*the figure in the cloak vanishes, meanwhile five grunts appear marching up the hill*

Grunt 1: we have been sent by general Krogen

Mage: oh good, any news

Grunt 2: our orders now are to protect you and keep and eye on Shang

Reptile: well there was also some freak in a black cloak but he vanished a few seconds before you came

Grunt 1: we will send our messenger with the news; perhaps Tyrone or Gortaro might know something as well

Mage; do you think it was someone from the brotherhood?

Messenger *as he is about to run off*: it wouldn't surprise me *runs off to the church*

Reptile: maybe Raiden will give Krogen an order to help out, for once....

Mage: well Krogen is supposed to be hidden from the world despite what we think, only because if someone in out world found out about him they might kill him

Grunt 1: you are correct Lady Mage, your orders

Mage: let me guess, Krogen gave you orders to follow me

Grunt 3: yes to protect and serve you when you arrived, we saw the figure and you drag the lizard up here

Mage: Ok since I don't think you are allowed to fight, any info on Shang I can use

Grunt 4: aside from being undead at the moment, a soul sucker and obsessed with eternal youth and life, it is unknown how to defeat him

Reptile: I could have told you that

Grunt 1: but our orders are to only trust Mage, not you fugitive

Reptile: I AM NOT A FUGITIVE YOU JERK!!!! I am on parole, ask the elder gods

*The messenger runs back, with a note in his hand with a thunder seal on it*

Messenger: ORDERS FROM THE CHRUCH!

*Mage takes the note it reads:

To Lady Mage Facat:

Do not engage in battle with Shang Tsung at this time. My orders to you as of this hour are to find sufficient cover and stay hidden. You are in more danger than we were initially able to anticipate. Shang Tsung knows you trail him..........

The Black Cloaked figure you saw was either a wraith from the Brotherhood of the Shadow Noob Saibot or Tsung's previous partner, another extremely powerful sorcerer.......Quan Chi. Either way, these are very vicious and deadly opponents one of which is the leader of a clan from the Netherrealm's pits and are trained and or programmed only to kill.

I (Krogen) have been ordered to join you in the pursuit of Shang Tsung and this "cloaksman" because if they are at all working together, his armed forces just doubled in size. I am in route to your current location and will meet and return with the messenger as soon as he is able to send message of your safe location.

PS. I am bringing an army of 20,000. Do not engage in battle. We will develop a plan to demolish this threat as soon as our forces are in place......

*end message*

*Mage blinks a moment and then looks at Reptile and her soldiers*

Reptile: what do you know; Raiden actually let him come out to play....

Mage: All right everyone get to safety, there is a cave about five minutes from here, that should be a safe place for now until further notice, you there *points to the messenger* what is your name anyways

Messenger: Vire ma'am

Mage: ok Vire, send Krogen a message about where we are heading and be careful

Vire: yes ma'am *salutes*

*everyone else is now nervous, one of the grunts speaks up*

Grunt 3: Krogen has lost it! We need to strike now!

Mage: Just relax. The first thing we NEED to do is find cover until they get here. Otherwise we will end up corpses and I don't think that is what Krogen wants right now

Grunt 2: still Shang is a risk, why should we wait?

Mage: cause there is about 20,000 of them and only seven of us....

*everyone nods in agreement*

Mage: so unless anyone has any better ideas....

Reptile: *putting his claw up in an intellectual way* Ahh, allow me....

Grunt 3: No, let me, I have trained for years to do this job. I thin--....

Reptile: Um... Excuse me, I am a reptile. We do have instincts for this sort of thing you know...

Mage: Here we go...

Reptile: Besides, I think living in secret your entire life surpasses mere training my friend. Mage, see that hill over there about five minutes from here?

Mage: Yea...

Grunt 3: I'm sorry to buck your little rant but, on our way here I noticed an excellent cave that would suffice for cover of not only us, But...

Reptile: What? No sir, let me buck your "little rant" that hill over there not only houses a cave big enough....

Mage: Umm, Hello, we're not moving; all you two are doing is bickering. We need to be there before Vire can go give Krogen directions to where we are. So, this is what I will say...

*All five grunts listen up as well as Reptile*

We will take the hill and cave,

Grunts 3&4: But ... but!!

Mage: That's an order. While I do respect your input, you do have to follow my order. The reason I chose the hill is because Krogen is coming with 20,000 men. Which will be better for concealing that many men and horses? Hmm..? Not to mention a half man half horse that is almost 8' tall

*Everyone looks in disappointed convincement*

*Reptile smirks a bit and turns to walk toward the hill*

Mage: The hill would be better, so let's go....... and Rep, don't look so smug, it's a military strategy move, not a you are right and my friend move

Reptile: yes ma'am

Mage: Vire! *a slight distance away response*

Vire: Yes ma'am. *bows to conceal the smirk on his face by now and receive the order he knows is coming*

Mage: You can go now and report to Krogen of our whereabouts.

Vire: Yes ma'am! *he rushes off using his special power of moderate speed burst*

*On the way up to the hill shelter the dislike between Reptile and the remaining Grunts grows into distasteful looks back and forth*

Grunt 2: What are you looking at you monster on two legs!!

Reptile: A grunt! *chuckles* stay in your place or I'll burn your skin mongrel! *slithers tongue*

Grunt 3: *growls* you'll be lucky if we don't make a bag of ya'!

Reptile: *Slithers tongue again and prepares to fight*

Mage: *Slightly ahead of the pack, turns around to walk backwards up the hill* Knock it off or I'll scratch you all! *shows her hands, which are now paws with very, very sharp claws out and ready*

*They all chuckle and keep the looks going between them, Mage only shakes her head and mutters* I am babysitting here, for six bickering siblings....

*they make it to the hill and cave, where reptile is crawling on the walls, one of the grunts looks up*

Grunt 4: Looking for a crack to crawl into?

Reptile: only if you are looking for a hole to fall into

Mage; I said knock it off

Grunt 1: I still don't think that lizard is trustworthy

Mage: deal with it, if Rep is smart he won't backstab, ask the elder gods

Reptile: yeah! *sticks out his tongue

Mage: in the meantime, everyone get your weapon's ready, if Krogen is coming, that means Raiden is gonna be watching *under her breath* unfortunately

Reptile: I just pray he doesn't decided to hit me with a thunderbolt this time

*The grunts all chuckle*

Reptile: shut up!

*everyone quiets, then the youngest grunt speaks up again*

Grunt 3: I still can't wait any longer, I am going out to fight Shang myself if I have to

*mage and reptile look at the grunt annoyed*

Reptile: you read what the centaur wrote you idiot, we attack we get trounced!

Mage: besides, you really don't want Krogen pissed at you right?

*the grunt is now gone by the time they turn to look at him again, he is running toward Shang*

Mage: OK so much for reason

Reptile: any ideas?

Grunts: we can....

Mage; stay here, I'll get him

Grunt 1: LADY MAGE!

Mage: REP COME ON WE HAVE TO GET HIM BACK!

Rep: RIGHT BEHIND YOU!!!

*the grunts start to follow her, the first grunt calls out*

Grunt 1: what are you orders?

Mage: get to safety and wait for the army we don't want anyone else getting hurt, let them know what happened

Grunts 1 2 and 4: YES MAAM!

*They run off, Mage and Reptile catch up to the grunt*

Rep: you idiot... are you trying to die or is that just something you don't care about

Grunt 3: I don't have to take orders from you

Mage; but you do from me, go to the cave with us, its sa...*she is cut off by a fireball, her ears go down in disappointment* never mind...

*Shang appears laughing, along with a few undead soldiers and Quan Chi, Reptile and Mage ready themselves for a fight*

Quan: well well, it seems Raiden's army is lacking in power this time

Shang: indeed, we should eliminate them quickly

*Reptile spits acid into their faces and Mage and the grunt knock them over*

Mage: idiots, you think I am going to let you two win, right... *she spreads her wings and sends out a psyconic blast of energy, knocking away most of the army* see we have this little thing call a home that we would like to keep thanks

Reptile: besides we will have enough troubles without you when this is over

Shang: I beg to differ traitor *shoots another fireball at Reptile, everyone dodges and attacks*

Grunt 3: Sorry but lord Raiden decrees... *he gets knocked over by another blast, Reptile comes to his aid*

Reptile: QUIT THE TALKING AND ATTACK ALL READY *draws his sword and lunges at Quan Chi

Mage: You heard him, attack and no exposition thanks *lunges at Shang*

*the three go after the remaining zombies and the two wizards, but while the grunt is able to take care of the undead, Reptile and Mage are having more trouble then they thought, something made the two soulless ones stronger then ever. Reptile was pinned to a wall while Mage was on her back looking at Shang as he prepared his final blow*

Shang: any last words you pesky spy?

Mage: yeah, go to hell douche!

Shang: such language, this is the best Raiden has to offer

Mage: get a clue I don't work for that loony of a god, I work freelance and I intend to send you back to hell

*Shang is about to suck out her soul when he hears a shout on in the distance....*

*Krogen's voice* "Never fear, my fair Lady Mage, I will protect you from the ensuing evil"

*Mage and Shang look to see who or what called out*

Shang: what is the meaning of this?

Mage: *straining to get up* you're screwed

*both look to see Krogen standing with an army of thousands, all loyal to the god of thunder himself. Each of them in black and silver armor, bearing the emblem of Raiden on their chests, all of them armed with swords, spears, bows and arrows as well as some having a handgun, just in case, even Mage gasps a bit as she sees the forces, this was not some militia thrown together in an hour, these where battle hardened and trained warriors. Reptile and Quan both look up from their struggle to see the vast force near them, Reptile only smirks at his old master a moment before saying anything*

Reptile: oh looks like our friends are here for the party too...

To be continued...

Author : Mae Elizabeth Francois

Creation date: 2006-8-17-18-18

Modification date: 2006-8-17-18-18