Royal End

Chapter 2

After Ash's visit, Alina decided to take the time to check in on the rest of Earthrealm. She was hesitant; since the Neatherrealm's second invasion as well as Kotal Khan's attack on her friends, the warriors were shaken. Lucky for them, the effects didn't last very long. While her father meditated, she wanted to see her friends again, so she almost begged her uncle to take her to them. Fujin liked being with the Earthrealmers, so she knew he wouldn't mind. As she returned back to the temple, she was accompanied by her closest friends as she didn't want to feel alone, but also because she wanted to spend time with them longer. They made no rush; they knew Raiden could still be meditating, so they engaged in a pleasent conversation as they were closer and closer to the temple.

There was no word from Outworld. Maybe Kotal Khan was embarrassed about his losses or maybe he was distracted? Whatever the case is, she felt safe knowing that Kotal wouldn't do anything for a long while. Even though she wouldn't be able to see the allies that she made for a while, she had hope that things will be well for them. With Sage acting as a spy of sort, she hoped Kotal Khan would leave them alone now.

"So, Alina, how is Lord Raiden doing," Sage asked. "We haven't seen him since the invasion."

The young female sighed. In her mind, she wanted to tell them how much he has changed; he no longer wore the original white and blue robes that she was used to, but only wore black. His eyes glowed a crimson red and his skin was so much paler than her. "He's doing better. He's trying to be more active and his powers are almost at its fullest. I still think he should relax more though."

"Sounds like Raiden," Usako replied. "But what about Shinnok?"

"I don't know, but I trust whatever my father has planned that it would be good."

Sage looked down, arms crossed over her chest. "I just can't help but get the feeling that something is off. Like a dark energy is still lurking around."

Usako scoffs. "Relax, Sage. Whatever it is, I'm sure it can be handled. It can't be much worse than the invasion."

Alina and Sage shared a quick worried glance at each other, the white-haired girl seem to stiffen a bit. She was no stranger to this feeling. Between this and her new visions, she felt odd, but she can't let her guard down too much. "You're right. We shouldn't worry. Hopefully it will pass and things will be peaceful again."

"I don't understand how you can be so sure," The raven-haired assassin started after letting out a sigh. "Everytime we believe things will be okay, it goes wrong. Earthrealm has been through too much and if something happens to our home...to us..."

Usako scoffs a bit. "Sage, we are the next generation of our realm and last time I've checked, we've been doing well for ourselves. I mean, Alina is the daughter of the literal God of Thunder and possibly the next protector of this realm. As her closest allies, we will stand by her side and help her with that task."

Alina shrugs. "While that is partially true, I can't help but worry either. If things do finally settle, then I wouldn't become it's protector for a another few years. I just don't feel ready yet."

"Then we'll continue to fight together as a team until you are ready. And even then, we'll still be a team."

A soft laugh escapes Alina's lips. "I would prefer that."

"Okay, I have faith. I know Lord Raiden and Fujin know what they are doing, but we still need to be ready," Sage said.

All three girl nodded at this as they arrived at the steps towards the Sky Temple above, but as Alina stepped closer, she felt a sudden change in the atmosphere. Something dark. Something...wrong. She wondered if the others can sense it. "Thank you for walking with me," she said, trying to ignore the feeling for a moment. "It was great talking with you girls after everything."

"Anytime, princess," Usako replied in a playful tone. She knew that Alina didn't exactly feel comfortable with that title, but she couldn't exactly help calling her such, out of respect, of course, since she is in the presence of Raiden's daughter. "But you be careful."

Alina gave them a smile. "Don't worry. Everything will work out well. I'll be back before you know it."

~•~

The more Alina walked in the temple, the more uneasy she felt, more mentally than physically. She would have passed it off as anxiety of the sort, yet that sickening feeling in her gut stayed with her.

"Hello?" she called out, trying to keep her voice from trembling as it echoed across the empty room that she stood in, only receiving silence. Now she was really worried. Someone would have answered. She promised Fujin that she would return soon, but couldn't find him anywhere. Did he not return home yet?

"Fujin? Have you come home already? Are you unwell?" Silence.

She was running around the temple halls, frantically looking up and down for any sign of her uncle or father's presence. The knot in her stomach grew as she finally reached her father's room, where he is usually meditating. She knocked, softly at first as she didn't want to disturb him, but louder a second time. Silence.

Something in her mind told her to open the door and after a moment of hesitation, she did just that, but nothing could prepare her for what she saw.

"Father-"

She gasped and her eyes widened at the sight in front of her. Blood. Puddles of it staining the floor. And her uncle laying across from her.

"Fujin!" Alina shouted as she ran over to him. He was bruised badly, but there wasn't much blood to create such puddles. Suddenly this felt familiar. "Fujin...what happened? I-I'll heal you! You'll be-"

Before her words could leave her lips, a suddenly blast of agony knocked her away from him and she fell on her side as her tried to catch her breath. She could hear footsteps approaching her and she struggled to push herself up to see her attacker.

"I am sorry that I had to do this, but I cannot let you leave."