Medeva has no gods to protect or govern it. Rayden has yet to decide if this is an advantage to the realm or if it could lead to its very destruction. From what he has learned, Medeva's people are well aware of this and have taken precautions against anything.

Almost all the people of Medeva are trained fighters. They have been taught since they were old enough to walk. Rayden has seen some talented warriors from Medeva join the armies in Edenia. Medeva doesn't have many problems keeping peace among it's people, though there have been some exceptions. The criminals are always dealt with accordingly.

There is one person within this realm that the thunder god has taken special interest in. Medeva being in almost constant contact with Edenia, was well aware of the stories of Mortal Kombat and the Earth realm. Rayden's interest bares his name. Rayden was there, so to speak, when she was born and named and has been watching over her ever since. At first, he must admit, he looked out for her simply because she carried his name but after recent trails that have taken place in her life, he can see that she is destined for the same greatness that his Shan Fa achieved.

He wanted to help her. Somehow Rayden feels responsible for the young Raiden. She is perhaps the closest thing he has ever had to having a daughter. Shan Fa, who has accompanied him many times to Medeva, also feels the same way. On many of her visits, Shan Fa has transformed into an animal so she could get close to the girl. Rayden wished that Shan Fa was here with him now to see Raiden, but she is back at the temple getting things ready for their soon-to-be guest.

Rayden watches his young namesake as she hiked through the hills of her realm. She was not what most mortal men would consider to be very attractive. Her movements are not very feminine or graceful but there is a lot of power behind every step she takes. Although, she is not nearly as tall as most of the mortal females she has worked with, her frame is strong. She has a beautiful face, at least to him it is. In her green eyes is the soul of a woman who has been through a great deal of pain but in those very eyes is also a dreamer. Ever since she was born, she has always carried the look of determination and strong will both in her face and in her eyes. But even though she appears to be a very strong individual, she hides her true fears and heartaches where no one but a god could see.

She has no real mortal friends. It saddens Rayden for her to kid herself that she does. They have all abandoned her in her time of need, leaving her to walk the hill tops in search of peace. It has never seemed to bother her much. Raiden prefers to be alone to practice her fighting skills and to meditate. There is so much loneliness a person can take. Rayden, himself, faced that problem before he met his Flower. Now with the death of Raiden's family at her father's hands, Rayden feels that she has been spending too much time alone.

Rayden watches as the young woman takes her favorite spot underneath an old apple tree. Rayden, himself has stood under that tree to see why she almost always chooses that particular spot. There is a magnificent view of a meadow full of blooming flowers and a small stream that flows through it. The most breath-taking part is the almost endless view of the clouds. He can understand why she loves it here and he can also understand why it break her heart every time she has to leave it.

Rayden sighed. It is time for him to show himself to her. He knows it's against the rules for him to interfere with her life but she isn't exactly what he would consider to be a mortal. The hidden power within her was going to change all of that. Besides, Medeva is outside the rule of the Elder Gods. There is no way they will find out, at least not right away. What fault could they find in a father helping his daughter to find her way?

A flash of lightning hit the ground in front of Raiden, and the thunder god appears before her. She looked at him, unsure for a moment and then bows to him. The stories she has heard describes him perfectly. A man with long white hair and a childish look on his face with a sense of power about him. She knows that this man has to be the legendary Rayden she has always heard about from her mother. The only question is 'why is he here?'

"I am impressed. Most usually jump when I do that," he states smiling

"I had a little brother. Nothing can scare me," Raiden answered, returning the sarcasm. Rayden watched has she brushes her long brown hair out of her eyes. Her presence is even more dominating that he thought it would be. She seems to be just as taken aback by him.

"It is nice to finally meet you, Raiden," the thunder god says.

"And it is an honor to meet you," she replies, then adding, "You can just call me Rai. Everyone else does. Not to sound disrespectful but is there a reason you're here?"

"You are the reason I'm here," Rayden smiles. She doesn't waste any time getting to the point. "I want you to come back with me to my temple to continue your training."

"My training? Why?"

"Rai, you are destined for far more than you can imagine. I want to help you. Besides your father has escaped you realm and I fear that he will come back to take your life." Rayden watches as the young woman's eyes burn with hatred at the mention of her father. She quickly checks herself.

"I'm not afraid of him," Rai says, stubbornly, "but I will go with you," then she smiles at him, "It's not like I have anything else better to do."

"Thanks a lot," Rayden answers, trying to sound hurt. He then turns and opens a portal. He looks at the young Rai, waiting for her to change her mind. Rayden waves his hand and the two teleport through the portal to his temple where Shan Fa was waiting for them.

*******************

Shan Fa watches as her husband and the young woman materialize in front of her. Raiden is wearing her work out uniform, which looks very much like her husband's, but she is wearing a blue sash and no vest. Her long brown hair is worn loosely at her sides. Such is the way Raiden has always carried her hair. It made her look a bit wild with it that way. Shan Fa knows that Raiden is anything but wild. Unpredictable, maybe. Wild, never.

"Rai, this is my wife, Shan Fa," said the thunder god with pride.

Raiden looked at her and smiled. Shan Fa can't help but return the smile. Her husband has given her that same look when he is pretending not to know something. She has a feeling this is the other way around. The young woman bows to her, still carrying the smirk.

"I do know you, don't I?" she says sure of herself. "In fact, we have met several times. You weren't exactly human, though." Rayden starts laughing.

"Busted," he laughs. Shan Fa reaches over and hits him in the arm playfully.

"True, we have met. How'd you know?"

"Just a hunch," Rai replies, shrugging her shoulders as if it was just that. Shan Fa has a feeling that is was more than 'a hunch'. Then a ghostly form of Sub-Zero appeared next to Shan Fa. He was not as ghostly as before. He had managed to teach himself how to transform almost solid.

"I am Sub-Zero. I have heard much about you. Those two talk about you all the time," he explained, "Raiden, it is an honor to finally put a

face with the name."

"Rai. Just call me Rai."

"Of course, Rai. That makes it so much easier and far less confusing. Come this way and I will show you to your room. Rayden and Shan Fa made it just for you."

Rai looks over at Rayden.

"So you knew that I would come?"

"Didn't have a clue," he answers innocently.

"Right," Rai replies, sarcastically. "So where's my room?" Sub-Zero motioned for her to follow him and they head into the temple.

"Now I have two children to look after," states Shan Fa giving Rayden a childish glance. "I had no idea, she could behave just like you."

"Not all the time."

"No, but enough." Then she looks at her husband, worried. "You don't think we'll get into any trouble for this. I mean she is still a mortal."

"Nah," Rayden assures her, "and she will not be a mortal for much longer but don't quote me on that." He kisses her and put his arms around her. "And if they do object, we'll just tell them she's out daughter."

"As long as I don't have to explain it to them."

***********************

As Sub-Zero leads her into the temple, Rai takes notice of it's simplicity. The larger room is empty, except for some candles and a small shrine that must be to the elder gods. She notices another room in the back and figures that must be where they sleep. What do god need with complex things anyway?

Rai was fairly impressed with Shan Fa, dressed in a warrior's uniform, with weapon in tow. The animal goddess looked ready for anything. She also seemed pretty use to Rayden's sense of humor. This of course caught Rai off guard. Somehow, she didn't picture gods as having a sense of humor, but she isn't about to complain about it. Rai is just glad she has someone to share wisecracks with. Not too many people in the realm of Medeva are known for having a sense of humor.

"Rai, are you with me?" asks Sub-Zero, looking at her with some concern.

"Sorry, I was just thinking," she replies.

"A dangerous thing to do," says Rayden, suddenly coming up from behind her. This time Rai jumps but tries to play it off. "So your not afraid of me when I teleport in front of you but you'll jump if I approach you. That says a lot." he continues, joking with her.

"You did not frighten me. You just surprised me is all," Rai explains. Sub-Zero laughs silently. Dealing with these two should be interesting at best.

Sub-Zero opens the door to her room. It was a recent add-on by Rayden and Shan Fa. He guessed that this meant Rai was going to be here for a while. Sub-Zero liked the idea of having someone else around. It gives Rayden someone else to pick on beside Shan Fa and he seems to really enjoy giving Rai a hard time. Sub-Zero is quite anxious to learn more about Rai.

"This is your room." states Sub-Zero, inviting her into it. "I hope you like it. I spent forever helping them get some items for you." Rai does not reply, only steps into the room to look around. Rayden is right behind, waiting for something.

Rai spots a small bed in the corner of the room with a blanket and pillow placed neatly on top of it. Also laying on the bed is a new fighting uniform for her. Stacked on a small shelf beside the bed is a stack of books. Sub-Zero got them for her, thinking he might like to read them. Above her bed, hanging on the wall in a painting of a thunderstorm she did some time ago when she was just a kid. It had been thrown away years ago. Rayden thought she might like seeing it again. In another corner, sitting neatly on the floor were the weapon of her choice; a bo staff, kari blades, and a barintawa stick. She rarely ever uses weapons in actual battle of sparing but Rai has been known to practice with them on occasion.

"I love it. Thanks a lot," Rai says to Sub-Zero, "especially the books."

"You're more that welcomed," replies Sub-Zero a bit relieved.

"Rai, I must ask you to put on your new uniform. My wife would like very much to have a sparing match with you before you get to settled in," explains Rayden and then he leaves the room. Rai looks over at Sub-Zero.

"You aren't alive, are you?" she asks.

"No, I was killed many year ago in battle. Shan Fa and my soul have bonded so I get to remain here."

"Coolness. I can hardly tell."

"It doesn't bother you? Most seem to have some problem with it. Though, they don't say anything out loud."

"I am not like most."

Was it his imagination or did she seem a little sad after saying that? He would have liked to ask her what she meant by that statement but only when they get to know each other a bit better.

"If you don't mind, I would like to change now."

"Sorry." Sub-Zero turned and closed the door.

"Tell, Shan Fa I will be with her in just a minute." Rai yelled through the door.

**********************

"She will be out in a minute," Sub-Zero tells Shan Fa, "Rai seems very anxious to spar with you. I hope all goes well."

"So do I," Shan Fa answered, "What do you think of her?"

"She is very pleasant and she doesn't let Rayden get away with his wise remarks. I think I am going to get along with her just fine."

"I like her too."

Both Shan Fa and Sub-Zero turn to see Rai emerge from the temple wearing the uniform that Sub-Zero made for her. It is entirely black. She was wearing her blue sash around her waist and a blue head-band. Rai put the head-band on sideways so that the left over ribbon would fall to her chest but not in her eyes. Her hair is still hanging freely about her but with the head-band, it doesn't look quite so wild.

"Where's Rayden?" Rai asked.

"He has gone to check over his dominions," Shan Fa answered.

"Then shall we get to it?" asked Rai. Shan Fa nodded and they turn to face each other. Shan Fa bows and takes a fighting stance. Rai also bows but remains in a relax position. Shan Fa had seen her play this trick before when she was little. Rai is trying to make her think she is not ready.

Shan Fa is the first to attack because she knows that Rai would never throw the first punch, so to speak. Just before Shan Fa's kick gets to her, Rai takes a fighting stance with lightning speed and grabs Shan Fa's foot. Rai then ducks under and delivers a sweep while still holding the animal goddess's foot. Shan Fa is only able to miss the sweep by flipping backwards, pulling her foot from Rai's tight grasp.

Rai doesn't give Shan Fa a chance to counter attack. She roles forward, underneath Shan Fa's flip, up onto her feet and before Shan Fa can turn around to face her, she send a roundhouse kick flying directly at her head. Shan Fa not anticipating it, barely ducks Rai's kick and turn to face her, only to see an uppercut heading toward her. She quickly blocks it.

Shan Fa moves to finally counter attack, only to be caught off guard by Rai's sweep. Shan Fa hurries to get back onto her feet, just to get hit by Rai foot, right in the forehead. The animal goddess falls back to the ground. She pauses for a moment, waiting of Rai to attack again but it does not happen. She jumps to her feet to see Rai in a fighting pose waiting for Shan Fa to make a move.

Shan Fa also takes her fighting pose. She pauses for a moment, trying to think of a way to catch Rai. Rai is young, bound to make a mistake sooner or later. She is just so fast. There is no way a mortal can be that fast.

Shan Fa attacks again. This time turning into her tiger animality, hoping to surprise Rai. Rai just flips over her, onto Shan Fa's back long enough to deliver a kick and then flips off again. Rai lands so that she is facing Shan Fa who has turned back into her human form. They pause for a moment and then continued their fight.

***********************

Sub-Zero watches in amazement as the two of them fight. He can barely make out their movements but he can tell that the fight isn't going well for Shan Fa, and Rai is barely breaking a sweat. Though, he had to admit, Shan Fa almost got her a couple of times.

Rai is barely giving Shan Fa room to breathe, let alone, counter attack. She is a true warrior. Sub-Zero didn't think that Rayden or Shan Fa can teach her very much, if Rai always manages to be one step ahead of them, as she is doing with Shan Fa. He had noticed that unlike Shan Fa's movements which are graceful as a tiger, Rai's are not, but her movements carry a bit more power behind them. Also Rai seems to be more in control of her actions and it only takes her a split second to decide what she wants to do.

Shan Fa had gotten better at dealing with Rai's speed as time went on, but Rai was always coming up with new ways to surprise her and get the advantage. Sub-Zero is almost glad that Rayden isn't here to see this. He can barely keep himself from interfering.

*******************

Shan Fa was surprised when her roundhouse kick actually finds its mark, sending Rai spinning to the ground. She is even more surprised as Rai manages to kick her at the side of the face as she falls. The kick was strong enough to knock Shan Fa to her knees, giving Rai enough time to get to her feet. They both look at each other, taking fighting stances. Shan Fa is breathing hard. Rai is sweating a bit and there is blood falling from the side of her head where Shan Fa' roundhouse landed.

Shan Fa leapt at Rai, figuring if she wanted to stop, she would have said something. Leaping at Rai was a big mistake on her part and she was very sorry that she had done it. Rai merely side-steps and grabs a hold of Shan Fa, slamming her into the ground. Shan Fa is unable to get to her feet right away. She was afraid that Rai was going to continue her attack, but Rai stops in her tracks. Shan Fa gets slowly to her feet, and as she gets up, she feels Rayden's arms helping her.

"I am so sorry. I had no idea that it would hurt you," says Rai, wiping some blood from her face with her hand. "I am so sorry."

"It's okay. I asked for that one," Shan Fa answered, tiredly.

"I think you two have had enough for one day," states Rayden. He heard no complaints coming from either Shan Fa or Rai. "Rai go with Sub-Zero. He will help you with your wound."

Rai leaves with Sub-Zero, and Shan Fa was left alone with her husband.

"I had no idea she could fight like that, Rayden. If I had known...."

"I should have warned you."

"Why is she here? What could we teach her?"

"We have to teach her how to use her powers."

"Powers?"

"Yes, Rai has hidden abilities. When they show themselves, which will

be soon, we need to teach her how to use and control them."

"Oh, joy."

"Be glad, Flower, that she is on our side."