Prologue: The Mystery

Sighing heavily, Fujin gazed down at the gaza resting in his hand. The woven sedge leaves had yellowed with age, giving the conical hat a tattered look. Fingering its rim, a contemplative smile crossed his lips as he thought of its former owner.

12 years had passed since that fateful day when the very fabric of the universe severed under the intensity of the battle between Raiden and Shinnnok. 12 years since Fujin had seen the last of his old friend as he stepped into the Inner Sanctum where the Elders decided the punishment for Raiden's disobedience.

Fujin shook his head. There was nothing he could have said or done that would have changed anything. By his very nature, Raiden was as impulsive the lightning he commanded, always putting things into action without thinking about its consequences. So it came as no surprise to Fujin when he heard the news that the Storm Warrior had relinquished his position as Elder god to join the fight against the Deadly Alliance. And shocked as the wind god was to discover Dark Raiden's rebirth, Fujin could hardly say he did not see it coming.

Yet he would never forget the Storm Warrior's demeanor as he entered the chamber, his face filled with sorrow and regret for what he had done but determined to accept whatever sentence was bestowed upon him. Fujin stayed at his side as Raiden walked liked a condemn man down that lonely corridor.

As much as Fujin had hoped the Elders would be merciful, he knew that it was not possible. Raiden had committed a grave crime and they would see to it that he was reprimanded accordingly. After all, redemption for gods did not exist.

With this in mind, both of them knew it was a parting of ways. So just as the gong sounded signaling the last session, Raiden turned to him.

"Fujin, I know it's too much to ask of you of anything. Indeed, I do not deserve to do so after all this. But I beg you, please watch over the mortals of Earth. Tell them...tell them I'm sorry for the grief I caused them," at this the expression on Raiden's face became pained and frantic. "Tell them that if they ever find it in their hearts to forgive me, that I'm proud of them." He gasped as two Elders seized him by the shackles and pulled him toward the chamber.

"Raiden!" Fujin shoved pass the guards. He reached out to grasp Raiden's outstretched hand but missed and took hold of the gasa instead. Helplessly, Fujin could only watch as the thunder god was led away.

That was the last time Fujin saw him. He knew not what fate befell him, the details of the trial were kept among the elders themselves.

But out of respect of Raiden's memory, Fujin resumed his duties as Protector of Earthrealm, a thankless task that he had formerly resented. And yet as peace thrived after the war, Fujin felt that it was only an illusion, and that another threat loomed on the horizon.