Shadow of Dawn

💥ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 2: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔗𝔯𝔲𝔱𝔥💥

Me: Here's chapter 2~ Okay some of the places being said are made up like Auria Village (Where Mei is from) and the place Mortal Kombat Tournament will take place. And this story is not any of the game versions! I will be referencing different things from other game versions of MK that's it, this is my AU version. If you don't like this? That's ok, this story isn't for you. I hope you do find a story you do like. :) Enjoy~

☆~☯~☆

The sun cast a golden hue over the training grounds as Mei and Raiden began their morning exercises. Mei, clad in her training attire, focused intensely as Raiden gave her pointers, adjusting her feet and body into the correct positions. His guidance was precise, each movement imbued with the wisdom of centuries.

"Your stance needs to be firmer, Mei," Raiden advised, his hand gently repositioning her leg. "Feel the ground beneath you. Draw strength from it."

Mei nodded, feeling the stability surge through her. They sparred relentlessly, each clash of their movements honing her skills further. Sweat poured down her face, but she welcomed the challenge, determined to grow stronger.

☆~☯~☆

As twilight descended, they took a well-deserved rest. Mei, still catching her breath, sat on a large rock, her eyes fixed on the horizon. Raiden joined her, his expression thoughtful.

"Mei, there's something you must know," Raiden began, his voice calm and measured. He looked at her, the weight of ancient knowledge in his eyes.

She turned to him, curiosity piqued. "What is it, Lord Raiden?"

Raiden took a deep breath and began to tell her the story of Goddess Aurora. "Goddess Aurora was once a beacon of joy among the gods, until a terrible tragedy struck—she lost her child. Overcome with sorrow, she became distant and depressed. One day, looking down upon Earthrealm, she saw a newborn baby, abandoned and dying from neglect. Aurora descended from the heavens and, without hesitation, saved the baby's life by bestowing part of her essence upon it, transforming the child into a demi-god."

Mei listened intently, her confusion giving way to realization as Raiden continued. "The other gods discovered what Aurora had done and, in their wrath, imprisoned her for eternity as punishment."

His eyes bore into hers as he finished the story. "That baby... was you, Mei."

Mei gasped, her eyes widening in shock. Her whole body trembled as the truth sank in. She was the demi-god, the child saved by Goddess Aurora. The power within her was more than she had ever imagined. 

Swallowing thickly, Mei felt her hands grow clammy. "So... I'm not... human?" She was in disbelief.

Raiden nodded. "Correct. But you are only half human now, but no worries. Aurora is a dear friend of mine. So, I owe it to her to do this for her sake. You may have mortal parents, Mei, but when Aurora bestowed her essence upon you, it changed your DNA to accept it. In a way, she is your mother by default. She may not have given birth to you, but she breathed life into you, giving you a chance to fight for your life, to live the life her child never did." As he spoke, he tilted his straw hat in front of his face, hiding his solemn expression.

Mei looked somber, but she grew curious, seeing the sadness and pain on his face before he hid it. She realized he cared deeply for Aurora, maybe even more than a 'dear friend.' Determined, she stood up, walked over to stand in front of him, and punched her closed fist into the palm of her hand, bending forward with her head bowed. Raiden lifted his hat, surprised by her sudden movement.

"I won't fail you, Lord Raiden! I'll become strong... strong enough to find a way to free Goddess Aurora! I swear on my life, you'll have your friend by your side once again."