#PROTECT THE CRYOMANCERS AT ALL COST

[laismoura-art]

You see, Minnie, my love, maybe it's not even that bad...

But it's not that good!

Me:

Currently in the mood for more SubScorp + Crimson Shadow Incorrect Quotes!

Kuai, about his relationship with Hanzo: You know, everybody loves a badboy!

Bi-Han: Yeah, but not a freaking demon, Kuai Liang!

Later:

Sareena, a demon: *Exists*

Bihan: *falls in love fast and hard*

Kuai:

Bi-Han:

Kuai:

Bi-Han: Don't say a word.

Kuai: lol

[chiqelatasblog]

In the Middle Of the Night🌙

-> Ao3 link is here.

-> Part Three is here.

Pairings : Bi-Han/ Sub-Zero x Reader, Kuai Liang/ Scorpion x Reader, Tomas Vrbada/ Smoke x Reader

Author’s Note : Welcome to another long chapter, everyone! 🙌🏻 (It’s about 11k words) Writing from Bi-Han’s perspective was a bit of a challenge, as he wasn’t always cooperative, but I’m proud of how it turned out. As I did with Kuai Liang, I put my own twist on his powers. (He is touch sensitive) Also in this version, I’ve adjusted it so that despite the portrayal in MK1 where Bi-Han doesn’t really see Tomas as part of the Lin Kuei, I’ve changed that here. Sharing the same trauma bonds people more closely, as my therapist once said, so I’m using that here to bond them as brothers!

Hope you enjoy diving into it as much as I did writing it! Happy reading!❤️

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In the middle of the night,

Just call my name, I’m yours to tame.

In the middle of the night,

In the middle of the night,

I’m wide awake, I crave your taste.

CHAPTER FOUR : BI-HAN

Bi-Han had never liked to be touched or to touch others.

As a cryomancer, Bi-Han was unaffected by the cold itself. Yet, any touch, no matter how gentle, caused him intense discomfort, akin to frostbite searing through his skin. This peculiar sensitivity, despite his otherwise stoic demeanor, left him feeling isolated and disconnected from those around him. The only exceptions to this rule were Kuai Liang and Tomas, whose persistent presence he gradually grew accustomed to over time.

As the future grandmaster of the clan, Bi-Han knew he had to cope with this discomfort and eliminate any weaknesses that his enemies could exploit, just the thought was enough to make his nerves tense. In order for him to protect and maintain the future of his clan, he had to be perfect; he could not have a weakness. It was impossible for him to make mistakes like others because, at the end of the day, he would be solely responsible for the cost.

The temple of his clan, where he had spent every day since he first opened his eyes, was nestled among the mountains, at the edge of the forest, surrounded by towering rocks and fortified walls. Despite the bitter chill of the morning frost, Bi-Han emerged from his room before the sun had even begun its ascent, his cryomancer abilities shielding him from the biting cold that would incapacitate others. Today, the weather was particularly tumultuous, with fierce winds howling through the mountain passes, a harbinger of the impending snowstorm. Despite the harsh conditions, Bi-Han sought comfort in the discipline of his training, finding strength in the knowledge that one day he would inherit his father’s legacy and rule the clan with honor and power.

His hands sometimes fell apart because he worked long hours, his wounds bled nonstop for several days, his legs sometimes trembled, contracted, and ached from fatigue, but Bi-Han turned a blind eye to all of them. Although it is a fact that he was cruel to everyone, he was even more cruel to himself. The relentless pursuit of flawlessness drove him to push his body beyond its limits, disregarding the signs of strain and injury. It was as if his own well-being mattered little in comparison to the unyielding demands of his ambition.

More machine than man, Bi-Han’s focus was solely on the future of his clan and the welfare of his brothers. As an assassin, emotional bonds were his greatest vulnerability and also a liability; enemies could use them as weapons against him. Despite this, Bi-Han made exceptions for Kuai Liang and Tomas. In the earlier days, he was wary of Tomas, seeing him as an outsider not yet fully integrated into the clan. However, Tomas’s unexpected achievements and unwavering loyalty gradually took him by surprise, earning his trust. However, Bi-Han never openly expressed his true feelings to either of his brothers. Emotions were shackles to him, vulnerabilities to use against him. He became adept at burying his emotions, concealing them beneath a facade of stoicism. Instead, he pushed their limits and often subjected them to his sharp tongue, all in the name of unlocking their full potential. Though he understood the underlying rationale for his strictness, Bi-Han avoided dwelling on it, choosing instead to bury those feelings deep within.

This transformation permeated his entire being over time. People shied away from confronting him, even avoiding making eye contact. Like his powers, his demeanor grew as frigid and merciless as ice itself. He concealed all traces of fear, weakness, and humanity behind the impenetrable walls he erected, never once allowing himself to glance back in their direction. The weight of leadership, burdened with its responsibilities and grim tasks, further solidified his detachment.

The day Bi-Han was appointed as the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei was etched in his memory like a knife drawn on ice. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows across the courtyard, the wind howling through the mountains, and everything cloaked in an icy chill. With the loss of his father’s life, his heart beat strongly in his chest as he officially took on his responsibility in a simple ceremony before the clan elders. He had worked for this moment for years, and now as he stood amidst the frozen landscape the satisfaction he felt was unlike anything he had ever experienced. As he accepted the leadership mantle, Bi-Han vowed to preserve the clan’s traditions, to lead with wisdom and strength, and to protect its heritage against all odds.

But everything changed during their ill-fated mission to retrieve Quan Chi’s amulet. Bi-Han had always believed the trials he faced were diffucult, the stress thickening the walls he had constructed while honing his coping mechanisms. He often forgot he possessed feelings at all. Yet being ensnared as a love slave within the pages of a book presented a trial unlike any other he had encountered before.

Bi-Han contorted in agony as searing pain enveloped his body, his heart and mind consumed by swirling darkness. Despite his fierce resistance, the curse proved relentless, its cruel grasp tightening with each passing moment. Every fiber of his being screamed in protest as he fought against the overwhelming force, but it was as if he battled against an invisible, unyielding foe. As he writhed in torment, Bi-Han felt the tendrils of his sanity slipping away, replaced by an insatiable hunger beyond his control. In that moment, he knew he was no longer the master of his own fate, but ensnared by the caprices of lust—a fate more tormenting than death for a man who had spent his life mastering the art of control.

Bi-Han initially fought with every fiber of his being, honed as he was in the ways of an assassin since childhood. Taking a life had become as natural as breathing for him; he executed his duties without hesitation, always looking forward without a flicker of remorse. But this situation was unlike any other. Despite his desire to confront and overcome this weakness, physical contact had always unsettled him. The myriad sensations overwhelmed him, hindering his ability to focus and defend himself.

The relentless persistence of the curse, turning this discomfort into a constant torment, pushed Bi-Han to his limits as never before. Like he always did, he also concealed this vulnerability, never allowing it to surface and be used against him. Yet now, this situation had brought about an unforeseen consequence; nearly every master of the book who came and went sought to “tame” him.

Bi-Han was well aware of his challenging temperament, he bared his teeth, lashed out with insults, refusing to allow anyone to assert control over him. He was not a possession to be claimed; he was an assassin and the grandmaster of an esteemed clan, determined to safeguard his reputation and honor at all costs. However, the curse spared no effort in testing him, as it did in all things.

Given his heightened sensitivity to touch, fulfilling their desires proved more difficult for Bi-Han compared to his brothers. Coupled with his abrasive personality, he inevitably stood out as the outlier among them. Most of the masters relished the challenge of attempting to tame him. Despite his burning desire to unleash his fury upon them and spill their blood, the protective barrier surrounding them thwarted his efforts each time, leaving him writhing in agony.

He refused to be controlled like a mindless animal, he would sooner take his own life than submit. It was not in his nature to surrender without a fight, to yield until his last breath. This defiance was quickly understood, but when the punishments were directed at his brothers instead of himself, Bi-Han found himself compelled to submit, despite the vehement protests of his soul.

The methods used to tame him differed from those employed with Tomas and Kuai Liang. Bi-Han lacked the knowledge of how to navigate intimate interactions, particularly with the opposite sex. His life had been consumed by rigorous training and duties, leaving no room or desire for physical contact. After all he had always recoiled from touch, never seeking it or showing any curiosity about it. Focusing proved exceedingly difficult for Bi-Han, especially initially, as he struggled to regulate his body temperature. Prolonged contact resulted in searing pain and burns on his skin.

In the room, two women surrounded him, one beneath him as he drove into her with hard, fast thrusts, eager to end the encounter as soon as possible. The other, his current master, positioned herself behind him, her arms coiling around his body like a serpent, her hands grasping his pecs and trailing down to his abdomen and upper legs, where his muscles painfully contracted under her touch. She watched him intently, issuing commands to satisfy their pleasure, her tongue tracing along his jawline with small, biting movements. The air was heavy with their mingled scent, their moans grating on his nerves. Sex and sweat permeated the room, each touch searing pain into his skin, overwhelming him and making it difficult to focus. His muscles tensed, veins bulging visibly beneath his skin, and he felt trapped in this hellish place with no means of escape.

Over time, he had learned to grit his teeth, ignore the pain, and maintain control over his body. The burns on his skin had decreased and eventually vanished altogether, yet Bi-Han derived no pleasure from it. The constant tingling sensation, like millions of tiny needles dancing across his skin, persisted, causing him to clench his jaw in frustration. His demeanor grew even more obstinate, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He harbored a particular resentment towards himself for his inability to put an end to the situation. How much longer could he allow his honor to be trampled underfoot? Time continued to pass, yet he remained entrenched in the same place, consumed by turmoil.

His fists clenched tightly at his sides as he surveyed the vast landscape before him. Departing the cramped apartment before sunrise had become routine; he detested confined spaces, and the apartment felt as suffocating as a doghouse. With a determined effort, he forced his nerves to remain steady, inhaling deeply the crisp, cool morning air.

A month had elapsed since their emergence from the book, yet nothing transpired as he had anticipated. He had expected his brothers to exhibit a sense of sensibility, maintaining their customary distance and aloofness, as they did with all other masters of the book, except Leilani. Tomas, the most naive among them, was quick to extend trust and belief, a habit Bi-Han begrudgingly tolerated, especially after the events with Leilani. Yet, Tomas seemed to revert to his trusting nature in your presence, sporting a foolish grin and soft, welcoming gaze. While Bi-Han could comprehend Tomas’s susceptibility due to his youth, he struggled to fathom why the hell Kuai Liang chose to share the same fate. He was logical, cautious, and maintained a calculated distance from others, knowing the dangers his powers could inflict. Although he had mastered control over his abilities, ingrained habits die hard, and Kuai Liang remained vigilant against causing intentional harm beneath his stern demeanor.

The fact that both of them succumbed to your influence, and so swiftly, perplexed Bi-Han. From his observations, your approach mirrored Leilani’s initial demeanor—calm, gentle, and devoid of authoritative commands. Yet, Bi-Han remained convinced it was all a facade, awaiting the moment when you would reveal your true intentions. Patience was not his forte, but once he set his sights on his prey, he would not relent, biding his time for a misstep to expose your true nature. Despite his brothers’ failures, he remained resolute in his distance from you, determined not to fall to the same mistake. He had sworn an oath to end this and had no intention of breaking it. When two months pass, he’ll remain as the sole fortress in this situation, committed to restoring his brothers to their former selves. Whatever game you were playing, Bi-Han was resolved not to allow you to reduce them to rubble. It had happened once before, and he would not permit history to repeat itself.

A few days prior, he had successfully contacted Sektor via your mobile phone. Sektor, one of the clan’s foremost assassins, possessed unparalleled expertise in electronic devices, often partnering with Cyrax on missions. In the ten years since their entrapment within the book, this was the first time Bi-Han had managed to establish contact with them. Contacting his clan had been a daunting task, as previous masters had imposed stringent bans, subjecting them to severe punishment if disobeyed. Enduring the pain himself was one thing, but risking the safety of Kuai Liang and Tomas was another. They had always supported each other, relying solely on their own trust and dependence.

Sektor mentioned that he would come once the connection was established. He wanted to verify for himself if the person who contacted him was truly the grandmaster of their clan, with his brothers, also second-in-commands, accompanying him. Bi-Han couldn’t blame Sektor for his caution; he would have taken the same approach if he were in Sektor’s position.

As the sun slowly cast its warm glow upon the awakening city, Bi-Han rose to his feet. A few blocks away, he silently descended from the rooftop, using the fire escape to make his descent. Despite the passing years, his body still tensed with apprehension at the thought of returning. He refused to acknowledge the draining effects of the curse upon him, despising every aspect of it—his weakness, his submission to its power, his dependency. These traits clashed with the values he had imposed upon himself, and he loathed them to his core.

Upon returning to the apartment, he sought to enter without a sound, wary of your keen senses that could detect even the slightest noise. Your ears were too sharp for a human; you could easily hear him coming and turn your attention to him. Despite his attempts to push you away with his brusque demeanor, you never wavered in your kindness. A plate of food always awaited him, set aside with care, and despite his biting words, you never cast him out or administered punishment. Bi-Han couldn’t comprehend your motives—why weren’t you angered by his actions?

In the days following their emergence from the book, it became apparent that you harbored fear towards him and his brothers. Your movements and speech were cautious, tinged with timidity. However, as time passed, this fear seemed to dissipate, particularly in your interactions with Tomas and Kuai Liang. Though you maintained a distance from him, your influence over him was profound. A single word from your lips could bring him to his knees. Yet, even though you refrained from wielding that power, Bi-Han saw no reason to hold back from testing your boundaries. He yearned for you to reveal your true self, to discard the mask you wore. With each passing day, his nerves stretched taut like an arrow, poised for release.

A deep conversation flowed between the three of you, so engrossed that neither you nor his brothers heard his silent entrance. Bi-Han observed quietly from his position, unmoving. In the kitchen, Kuai Liang and you were preparing breakfast. It was no surprise to see his brother immersed in the task, given his secret interest in food, but witnessing him so relaxed and at peace beside you was an image Bi-Han hadn’t seen in a long time. Meanwhile, Tomas lounged in one of the chairs at the kitchen island, engaged in animated chatter about movies while absently stroking the kitten perched on his lap. The faint strains of music from your phone wafted through the apartment, adding a tranquil ambiance to the scene.

Struggling to contain his anger, Bi-Han gritted his teeth at the sight of his brothers’ expressions. After all they had endured, how could they choose to trust again? Had none of them learned their damn lesson? When they faced the harsh realities of the real world once more, it would be too late. The book had stripped them of their identities as assassins, reducing them to mere instruments for the satisfaction of its owner. This was the bitter truth even if the owner had no desire for them; such was the insidious nature of the book, compelling its wielder to use them.

Despite the cramped confines of the apartment and the thin walls that allowed certain sounds to permeate, Bi-Han detected no indication of intimacy between you and his brothers. Your interactions typically consisted of innocent touches and kisses; he saw no demand for more. However, he knew it was only a matter of time before this changed, as he had witnessed such scenarios before.

Your body would ignite with primal urges, gradually clouding your mind until all you could think of was desire. As you resisted, the need would intensify, evolving from a flicker into an inferno, causing you agony, prompting you to seek relief using his and his brothers’ bodies. Once this barrier was breached, the rest would follow more easily. A few of the past masters, aware of their capabilities, hesitated to utilize them even under the book’s protection. However, when consumed by desire to the point of losing their sanity, they would resort to using their bodies for release, realizing that they wielded true power in such moments. They were no longer individuals with thoughts, wishes, or desires; they were merely slaves to be used at the whim of another. Bi-Han felt dehumanized, reduced to a mere object, easily discarded once his purpose was served.

The first to sense his presence was the pesky cat, leaping from Tomas’s lap in a frantic dash, its tiny legs propelling it as fast as they could go. Bi-Han restrained himself, resisting the urge to freeze the creature in its tracks. For some inexplicable reason, the cat seemed fixated on him, adding to the already cramped quarters of the apartment as he struggled to fend off its insistent attempts to climb onto his lap.

“Bi-Han, when did you get here? Hey, Ninja, wrong way, girl. Come here.”

As Tomas rose to retrieve the cat, both Kuai Liang and you turned, your gazes meeting his. Bi-Han observed the fleeting spark in your eyes, your lips parting as if to speak, only to halt at the last moment, offering instead a timid smile before refocusing on your task. Neither he nor his brothers missed this subtle exchange. While Kuai Liang observed you silently, brows furrowed in contemplation, Tomas’s initial concern flickered briefly in his gray eyes before morphing into indifference tinged with a hint of resentment upon meeting Bi-Han’s gaze.

Cradling the persistent kitten attempting to climb his legs, Tomas muttered softly under his breath, audible only to him.

“This is your doing. Are you satisfied now?”

Bi-Han’s brow furrowed deeply as he absorbed Tomas’s response, a pointed glance conveying his dissatisfaction as a muscle twitched in his jaw. It seemed absurd to feel unsettled now that you were finally grasping his cues. He had grown weary of your saccharine words, always probing if he was alright or offering assistance that he did not seek. Your sincerity failed to sway him; instead, your persistent interference felt like an unwelcome intrusion. So while he should have been content with your quiet acknowledgment, Bi-Han found himself strangely different. It was as if he hadn’t anticipated you relenting and giving him what he desired; instead, he was met with a hollow emptiness.

Instead of responding to Tomas, Bi-Han shoved him with his shoulder and strode past, trying not to indulge in the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen. Judging by what you and Kuai Liang were preparing, it seemed to be an Asian breakfast, the nostalgic scent evoking memories.

“Are you hungry?” Kuai Liang asked, casting a sidelong glance at him. Bi-Han made a small affirmative sound. Among them, he could endure hunger the longest; his metabolism was slower than his brothers’, allowing him to subsist on just water for weeks without issue. Especially after the curse, he often forfeited his meals to Kuai Liang, who needed sustenance more urgently. The strong survived, after all.

However, Bi-Han noticed that his meals were often laced with aphrodisiac-style drugs, subtly altering his senses and clouding his mind. At those moments, it was as if his body was enveloped in a thick fog; his hands and feet became unnaturally heavy, as if weighed down by lead. His senses dulled, his vision blurring at the edges, and his thoughts slowed to a crawl, as if his brain was wrapped in layers of cotton wool.

He resisted eating to avoid vulnerability, refusing to succumb to such manipulation again. Yet, you always reserved a plate for him, untouched by others, even when he abstained for days. It was as if you understood his reluctance and respected his choice.

Almost as though you had read his thoughts, when you put the plate you had prepared in front of him, Bi-Han lifted his head and looked at you again, meeting your gaze. You weren’t looking at him the way you looked at his brothers; it couldn’t be said that you were afraid, but there was a bit of underlying timidity in your gaze and a sadness that he couldn’t understand. In earlier days, Bi-Han was filled with terrible rage because he thought you were pitying him. However, with time and observation, he realized that he was mistaken in this belief.

“Do you want some green tea?” you asked, and Bi-Han silently confirmed. As you turned to prepare it, he felt a slight weight on his leg. Without needing to glance down, he sighed inwardly, ignoring the cat’s plaintive mewls.

“Ninja! Are you gambling with life? Come here.”

“How difficult can it be to control this pest?” Bi-Han remarked, breaking his silence and turning to Tomas, who had been holding the cat.

“Would you believe it’s harder than some of the missions I’ve been on? It’s so tiny, I feel like I’ll crush it if I hold it too tightly,” Tomas replied, eliciting a chuckle from you. Setting down the cup, you moved to pick up the cat, cradling it gently in your arms as it wriggled in protest.

‘’Come here sweetie, your breakfast is here.’’

Bi-Han kept his gaze fixed on you as he took a sip of his tea. Watching you care for the little cat in your arms, he couldn’t deny the sense of peace that settled over the room, despite his reluctance to admit it. The subtle smile on your face, the tender look in your eyes as you cradled the kitten with such delicacy, as if afraid of causing it harm… These details felt genuine and convincing, casting doubt on his previous perceptions of you. Despite the lingering uncertainties swirling in his mind, for a brief moment, Bi-Han entertained the idea of reconsidering them, but quickly dismissed the thought to a remote corner of his mind. With a hardened gaze, he reminded himself that pondering such matters was futile; their time here was limited, and he had more pressing issues to attend to—such as finding a way to put an end to this curse.

‘’Oh, somebody’s pretty hungry,’’ you said with a chuckle, watching the kitten eat with gusto.

‘’When is she ever full?’’ Kuai Liang hugged you from behind, planting a small kiss on your cheek as he observed the cat over your shoulder. Bi-Han struggled to contain his disdain, unable to stomach his brothers’ easy affection for you. Seeing them so tender was unfamiliar; he hadn’t known they harbored such warmth. Tomas was mild-mannered, Kuai Liang a mediator—they both possessed kindness, but this was different. It felt as if he were witnessing something sacred, untainted, and pure.

He also didn’t want to admit it, but looking at both of you, you looked good. Covered by his brother’s arms, you seemed soft and vulnerable, but also well-protected by the muscular arms, shielding you from any harm. You were almost radiating with a gentle warmth, soaking Kuai Liang with the same energy, making him more relaxed than ever.

‘’You’re right, she has an appetite that defies her small body. I’ve started to worry that I won’t be able to keep up.’’ you said with another chuckle, affectionately nuzzling Kuai Liang and placing a loving kiss on his cheek in return.

‘’Can you blame her after what she’s been through on the street?’’ Tomas interjected, popping a slice of peach into his mouth from where he sat.

‘’True, she’s been through a lot,’’ you acknowledged, turning to Tomas with a look that was a blend of sadness and warmth. ‘’But she’s in good hands now.’’

‘’We won’t let her go hungry again, we’ll make sure of that.’’ Kuai Liang affirmed, a gentle smile lighting up his face. The spark in his eyes, so reminiscent of yours, exuded hope and vitality, as if each glance at you reignited his spirit.

Bi-Han listened in silence, his facial expression betraying his inner turmoil. This situation diverged from anything that had defined their lives for years. He could already see his brothers becoming attached to your presence. Your natural demeanor, particularly your smile, never failed to catch Bi-Han’s attention, offering a glimmer of hope he couldn’t dare to believe. He wished he could feel the same; waking up without the curse looming overhead, knowing he could return to his clan, should have been a comforting notion.

‘’You talk as if you’re going to keep this cat here,’’ Bi-Han remarked after a while. There was a brief silence as you wriggled out of Kuai Liang’s arms and reached for your own cup, giving the kitten a final stroke on the head.

‘’She’ll stay here until I find her a good home, but my priority is to help her regain her strength and socialize,’’ you explained gently. ‘‘My budget is barely enough for myself, and I don’t know what will happen if I can’t find a job soon. Unfortunately, I can’t meet the needs of a cat under these circumstances.” There was a hint of sadness in your voice, as if you had already grown attached to the little creature and were reluctant to let go. Bi-Han’s gaze shifted to the kitten, standing a little apart from you.

The kitten was indeed tiny, easily overlooked if one wasn’t careful where they stepped. Yet, it possessed a courage that belied its size. Despite Bi-Han’s imposing stature and deep voice, the kitten persistently sought his attention, jumping at his ankles, meowing, doing everything to engage him. Its bravery reminded Bi-Han of you, actually— despite the biting words he hurled at you, you still sought help, a notion he struggled to comprehend. After all, they were total strangers to you, and there seemed to be nothing to gain in return. On the contrary, you stood to lose the power and control you had over them, something coveted by many but attainable only by you.

It seemed unbelievable that you would willingly abandon this control.

***

You left the house a short time ago for another job interview that you found couple days ago. They were all aware of your situation before you mentioned that the budget was tight. Even though there was a brave smile on your face, trying not to show your distress, Bi-Han could see all too well the underlying worries, as could his brothers. You weren’t as adept at hiding it as you thought you were.

That’s why Tomas and Kuai Liang decided to take advantage of your absence and left the house right after you did. Since you gave them unlimited space to act as they wished, without giving them orders or prohibitions, his brothers decided to ‘shop’ at the grocery store to support you—though their true intention was to steal. Tomas was extremely skilled at it when it came to stealth, thanks to the smoke magic. They wanted it to be a surprise for you when you came home, regardless of whether you got the job or not, to at least put a smile on your face, and they wanted to support you because they shared the house. Bi-Han didn’t even try to stop them or reason with them; he found it quite pointless now. He had realized weeks ago that his warnings were useless. He could only protect himself in this matter.

Although he hoped to enjoy some quiet time alone at home, the pest wouldn’t leave him alone for a moment. As danger signals emanated from all over his body, either the cat was too half-smart to understand it or it didn’t care about the consequences. He didn’t want to lock himself in the study; he was already locked in there when he wasn’t going out. The moment he stepped out of the room, it grated on his nerves to see you and his brothers hanging out without a care, laughing and having fun.

When the kitten continued to cling to his ankles, squealing for the last five minutes without stopping, with a sound so thin that it almost bled his ears, Bi-Han growled, crouched down quickly, and grabbed the cat by the neck, lifting it to eye level with him. “What?! What do you want?” When the words burst from his lips almost like a roar, the silence he had longed for covered the room.

While the kitten stared at his face speechlessly, Bi-Han also breathed deeply and met the cat’s gaze. But then something unexpected happened, when the cat started purring loudly and rubbed its small head against his chin, this time Bi-Han remained absurdly motionless. He shuddered with a strange feeling when the soft fur touched his chin. It wasn’t hatred, but it was unfamiliar. It was the first time he had come into contact with a pet since childhood.

“So, this is what it takes to keep you quiet, huh?’’

The kitten let out a mew as if she understood his words, rubbed her head against him a little more, and when she started purring louder, Bi-Han felt the edges of his lips curl up to form a smile. Just like Tomas said, the kitten was tiny between his long fingers and his big hand. It was so easy to hurt her; he could have ended her life instantly with a little squeeze of his hand. But instead of doing this, without stopping the kitten’s purring for a moment, he pushed her small, soft, and imperceptibly light body into the area between his neck and shoulder, surprising even himself.

With the comfort of no one seeing him, Bi-Han collapsed on one of the seats and started stroking the little body with his other hand that was not holding the kitten. His actions were probably too careful to be funny to an outsider; he avoided ending the cat’s life for the slightest mistake because the possibility of this was quite high. Bi-Han didn’t know how long he had been sitting on the couch like that. When the kitten’s purring gradually decreased and finally stopped completely, he took her back into his lap to see her sleeping body.

The only place that was white on her body, covered with black fur, was her eyes, which was a funny detail, creating the impression that she was wearing a mask. Her ears, which had been huge at first, were now standing more proportionally on the top of her head as she gained weight. With her tiny nose in a triangle shape and pink paws underneath, curled up like a ball on his hand, sleeping deeply, Bi-Han couldn’t help but be surprised that this little animal had trusted him despite everything.

At that moment, when the front door swung open with a deafening crash, Ninja jolted upright, her fur bristling as she leaped from his lap to seek shelter behind the seat. It couldn’t have been you or his brothers who came; none of you had ever opened the door with such force before, as if intent on shattering it.

As an old silhouette, one that Bi-Han hadn’t laid eyes on in a decade, crossed the threshold accompanied by a dozen assassins, Bi-Han’s eyes widened imperceptibly. Yet, amidst the initial shock, a sense of familiarity washed over him, like finding an anchor in the stormy sea of uncertainty. Sektor’s presence, along with the assassins bearing the emblem and colors of their clan, brought a surge of relief, as if Bi-Han had finally returned to the familiar grounds of home, sense of belonging and reassurance, the tension that had gripped his shoulders for so long finally beginning to ebb away.

“Grandmaster,” Sektor greeted with a sharp inhale, leading the group in a respectful bow before Bi-Han. “It’s been too long.”

Sektor’s face bore the familiar features Bi-Han remembered, albeit with a slightly bushier and longer beard peppered with white streaks, his black hair pulled back tightly with strands of gray weaving through the dark locks. The passage of time was evident in the wrinkles near his eyes, a silent testament to the years that had slipped by in his absence. With an incredulous expression on their face, Bi-Han gestured for them to raise their heads as they greeted him. He briefly embraced Sektor, one of his right-hand men and a loyal friend, feeling a sense of familiarity and trust in his presence.

‘’You found the apartment spot on.’’ he said as he stepped back.

‘’I followed the signals from the phone with which you contacted us, and it led us to the woman you mentioned,’’ Sektor explained, gesturing to one of the men behind him with his head. ‘’She put up quite a struggle.’’

As the group of seven split into two, revealing you with an assassin gripping your arm, Bi-Han’s heart clenched at the sight of your distressed form. Your eyes widened with fear, unshed tears glistening, while blood trickled from your lip and purple fingerprints adorned your throat. The desperation in your eyes struck him deeply, igniting a fierce protective instinct within him. He didn’t even grasp how it happened; one minute ago, he felt a deep-rooted sense of belonging after seeing his clan members in front of him. But now, seeing you shaken and hurt because of him, he felt a surge of emotions he didn’t know he had. He couldn’t understand why. Why was he feeling this way? He should feel relieved, since the book only protected you before them, not from the outside world. It was a possibility that you could get hurt. But now, it didn’t sit well with him. You didn’t deserve this treatment from him or his men.

‘’Release her,’’ Bi-Han growled, his voice laced with authority, anger and a little bit of protectiveness. When the assassin hesitated, Bi-Han seized their wrist and forcefully pulled you towards him. You were startled by his grip, his touch either too cold or perhaps the recent events had left you shaken. Whatever the reason, it prompted you to avoid his gaze, focusing instead on the ground beneath you. In that moment, Bi-Han anticipated the familiar pain that usually accompanied touching skin, however, to his surprise, all he encountered was the remarkably soft and sensitive skin beneath his fingers.

“Bi-Han,” your voice, usually moderate and friendly, trembled with fear, resembling a fading whisper. ‘’Let me go, please. I just want to retreat to my room.’’

Even after everything, you were still pleading instead of demanding or seeking vengeance for the harm inflicted upon you. Standing there, head hung low and trembling slightly in his grip, the quiver in your voice as you implored him to let you retreat to your room—all these details spoke volumes. They revealed a vulnerability that struck Bi-Han sharply. In that moment, it dawned on him with startling clarity. Perhaps, from the very beginning, your actions had been genuine, and this moment was the ultimate test to reveal your true nature. It was a realization that left him reeling and cast doubt on his previous assumptions about you.

The timbre in your voice, your posture, or whatever it was, made Bi-Han pull his hand away from you as if it had been burned. Throughout the whole encounter, you hadn’t lifted your head once, and as you quietly passed into your room without a word, Bi-Han was at a loss for what to do with the emotions that were rising up inside him.

“Grandmaster?” Sektor’s voice interrupted his thoughts, and when Bi-Han turned his gaze back to the others, he saw them watching him carefully. “Did we do something wrong?”

“Wait here, I’ll be right back,” Bi-Han replied, avoiding a direct answer. “And be careful not to step on the cat.’’

With those words, he followed after you. When he looked through the partially open bedroom door, he saw you sitting on the end of the bed, your back facing him. He knocked once to announce his presence and then entered without waiting for your response. Startled, you glanced over your shoulder, an old T-shirt in one hand as you dabbed at the wound on your bleeding lip. You appeared small, vulnerable, and innocent, tears streaming down your cheeks silently. Your expression bore a sadness that tugged at his heartstrings, catching him off guard.

As Bi-Han closed the door behind him and stepped inside, you tried to wipe away your tears with a sniffle. “I didn’t know you hated me this much,” you said, your voice hoarse with emotion. Another tear crept down your cheek, and Bi-Han felt a pang of guilt wash over him at the sight of your despair.

“My orders were not in that direction. There was a miscommunication. I only asked them to come here, not to hurt you.” Bi-Han explained, though even to his own ears, his words sounded unconvincing amidst the swirling emotions he couldn’t quite grasp.

You must have been thinking the same thing too, so you didn’t answer him. Instead, you lowered your gaze, and a heavy silence settled between you. This situation bothered Bi-Han more than he expected. He had never cared much about what you thought of him until this moment. Now, he didn’t want any misunderstandings to grow, nor did he want you to think that he could give a command to harm someone defenseless. Another detail that bothered him was your demeanor; it was different from what he was accustomed to. You looked defeated, your shoulders slumped, as if trying not to take up too much space on the bed. Despite his words or his actions, there was always a flicker of light in your eyes, a desire to fight, but now it seemed extinguished. You seemed resigned, as if you had emerged from a battle knowing you couldn’t win.

‘’Show me your wound.’’ said Bi-Han, breaking the tense silence. You looked at him with a puzzled expression, clearly not expecting him to speak.

‘’It’s not a big deal. I can handle it. It would be better if you don’t keep them waiting.’’ you said kindly.

‘’Don’t tell me what to do,’’ Bi-Han growled, his voice taking on a contrary tone. Once again, you averted your gaze and shrank back, as if trying to disappear. Bi-Han cursed himself silently; he was too accustomed to speaking aggressively. Instead of further escalating the tension, he sat down beside you and ,as gently as possible, lifted your chin to examine your wound. Bi-Han had been expecting pain, but to his surprise, he felt the same softness and warmth of your skin as before. There was no biting pain or discomfort. It was unexpected and strange. Turning his gaze back to you, he found you watching him.

‘’Give me what you’re holding and stand still,’’ he said, attempting to soften his voice. You complied silently, handing over the T-shirt. As he applied pressure to your wound to stop the bleeding, he noticed you take a sharp breath.

‘’Does it hurt?’’

‘‘A little,’’ you replied softly. Bi-Han clenched his jaw, still feeling your nervous gaze on him as he tended to your wound with a care he didn’t know he possessed.

‘’Why do you hate me?’’

‘‘If I hated you, I wouldn’t be doing this right now, would I?’’ Bi-Han responded, his tone firm yet tinged with something softer. You took a shaky breath, your voice carrying a hint of innocence and hope that tugged at his heart.

‘’So you don’t?’’

Bi-Han didn’t answer, his eyes trailed to the purple fingerprints on your throat. Sektor had applied too much force. Anger surged within him at the sight of your injuries. You didn’t deserve this. Seeing you filled with fear in your own home where you should feel safe the most, blood on your lip, marks on your throat… Bi-Han had been trained to bear the weight of his responsibilities, but looking at you now, his conscience gnawed at him like never before. He should have foreseen Sektor’s aggression and prevented this. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to admit it out loud.

Before he could say anything, the sound of his brothers entering interrupted the moment. You exchanged a glance, then Bi-Han’s gaze lingered on the door.

‘’I think you’d better go,’’ you said again, your voice feather soft and light. Despite the fading fear on your face, you still looked vulnerable, like a fragile trinket that could be easily broken.

‘’I don’t trust you, but I don’t hate you,” Bi-Han said suddenly, the words escaping before he could fully process them. Your eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected admission. Something about your presence in that moment had prompted him to speak. “I hate this situation I’ve fallen into,” he continued, his voice tinged with years of pent-up frustration. “The power you have over us, this dark magic, the book, everything.” Then without waiting for your response, Bi-Han rose from his seat and walked out of the room, refusing to look back. He needed space to process his emotions, to distance himself from the turmoil that surrounded him. As he entered the living room, he found Tomas, Kuai Liang, and Sektor engrossed in conversation. Relief washed over his brothers’ faces at the sight of Sektor, and Bi-Han knew they were glad to see a familiar face after so many years. Noticing his presence, Kuai Liang turned to him.

‘’Why didn’t you tell us you had contacted Sektor before?’’ He asked, his tone more curious than reproachful.

“Your attention wasn’t quite suitable at the moment.”

Both of his brothers frowned, understanding the implication. Tomas’s gray eyes scanned the room briefly before settling on him again.

“Where is she?” He inquired, his brows furrowing further.

‘’In her room.’’ Bi-Han replied.

Tomas’s expression darkened, and he rose from his seat, his eyes narrowing as he headed towards your bedroom. Bi-Han stopped him by grabbing his arm.

‘’You should know there was an incident.’’

Tomas’s head snapped towards him then, anger clearly evident in his expression now.

‘’What are you saying-‘’

‘’Tomas?’’

When you peeked out from your bedroom, Tomas’s words hung in the air, left unfinished as he caught sight of your appearance. Bi-Han silently observed Tomas’s reaction as he swiftly reached your side. Sensing your hesitation to open the door fully, Tomas instantly noticed and, with a suppressed growl, swung the door wide open.

‘‘Who did this to you?’’ he demanded, his voice laced with pure anger.

Upon hearing Tomas’s question, Kuai Liang sprang from his seat and darted past him like a gust of wind. Bi-Han watched as his brother approached you with a kindness he had seldom seen in Tomas before, tenderly cupping your face in his palms and inspecting the wound on your lip with his thumb.

‘“I’m fine, guys. It’s nothing, really. It doesn’t even hurt.” you said, attempting to reassure them.

“Bi-Han mentioned there was an incident,’’ Kuai Liang interjected, shooting Bi-Han a knowing look before turning his gaze back to you. Bi-Han watched as the hard edge in Kuai Liang’s brown eyes softened with concern as his fingers traced the purple marks on your neck. ‘‘Tell us what really happened.’’

Your eyes darted to his, filled with desperation, as if searching for the right words. Given that you seemed to have Kuai Liang and Tomas wrapped around your finger, they were inclined to believe whatever you said, no matter how absurd or hard to believe. A clear example of this was just a few weeks ago when Tomas confronted him on your behalf. Yet, there was a palpable sense of caution in your demeanor, as if you were treading carefully to avoid escalating the situation or triggering them further.

‘’I-I…It’s just-‘’

‘’I contacted Sektor through her phone,’’ Bi-Han interjected, unable to bear the helpless expression on your face any longer.Sektor also joined him halfway through, taking charge and completing the explanation.

‘’I’m sorry for hurting you,’’ Sektor apologized, his gaze fixed on you nestled between the protective arms of his brothers. Stepping forward, he bowed as a form of apology. ‘’I thought you were responsible for their absence.’’

‘’No harm done, really. You don’t need to apologize,’’ you said, panic and embarrassment evident in your voice. ‘’I was just a bit scared. I mistook you for Quan Chi and his men at first, so I was hesitant to answer and didn’t want to cooperate.’’ As you speak, Bi-Han observes your expression closely, noting the shift from fear to relief as Sektor apologizes, his sincerity reassures you.

‘’You thought he was Quan Chi?’’ Kuai Liang asked softly, gently caressing your face. You offered him a small smile and nodded in confirmation. Tomas joined him, planting a loving kiss on your cheek.

‘’You could have been seriously hurt,” Tomas said, his tone now tinged with awe and kindness rather than anger, reflecting the concern he felt towards you. His gaze softened as he looked at you.

‘’I just wanted to protect you,’’ you whispered, your voice laden with emotion. Bi-Han felt something stir within him at your words, a feeling he couldn’t quite name. He had imagined you must have been scared when you encountered Sektor, but mistaking him for Quan Chi and still trying to protect them… it was different. No one had ever shown such bravery to him or his brothers before. They had never needed it, and they were too proud to admit otherwise. Moreover, you didn’t even know how to protect yourself, yet you still resisted until you realized who Sektor was. It was foolish, yet admirable. The courage you displayed, even in fear, was something not everyone possessed.

Bi-Han understood better at that moment why his brothers were so fond of you.

As they returned to the living room, Bi-Han recounted the events, with his brothers occasionally adding their own insights. He wasn’t sure how many hours had passed; after all, they had been absent for ten years, and it must have taken them hours to catch up on the clan’s affairs. Throughout the conversation, Bi-Han remained seated in his usual spot, while you held Ninja on your lap, nestled under the seat after you reached out to her. You were installed next to Kuai Liang, while Tomas and Sektor occupied seats opposite you.

He was relieved to learn that the clan had remained steadfast since the day they were cursed. Sektor and Cyrax had worked diligently to maintain order and uphold traditions. In fact, Sektor mentioned that their numbers had increased slightly, and their training had become more comprehensive.

Once there was nothing left to discuss, Bi-Han spoke up once again. ‘’I want you to contact Lord Liu Kang. If anyone can lift this curse, it’s him,’’ he instructed.

‘‘Won’t you come back with us?’’ Sektor’s surprise was palpable. ‘’Everything’s ready, Grandmaster. Just give us the command.’’

Bi-Han yearned to return to his homeland, to the land where he belonged, where he was born and raised… But he had to consider the bigger picture. It was impossible for them to stay away from you for long due to the curse. If you came with them, you would be vulnerable to their enemies, who might exploit you to harm the clan. Bi-Han wanted to keep this situation as secret as possible, at least until a solution was found.

‘’It’s best if the curse remains discreet between us. The sooner you reach Liu Kang, the better.’’

��But brother—‘’

‘’They can use her as a means to reach us,’’ Bi-Han interjected, cutting off Kuai Liang. When his gaze shifted to you, a guilty expression flashed across your face, as if you felt responsible, and you quickly averted your eyes. Bi-Han cursed himself silently for yet another misunderstanding. ‘’It’s for the best, for all of us. If Liu Kang can’t find a solution, return here in two months and retrieve the book. I want us to remain within the clan thereafter.’’

‘’As you wish, Grandmaster,’’ Sektor replied obediently.

***

A few days had passed since Sektor’s visit. The scar on your lip had almost disappeared, and the fingerprints on your throat had turned into a pale yellow stain. The memory of your expression upon seeing the amount of food that Tomas and Kuai Liang had bought—enough to feed a small African tribe—remained vivid in Bi-Han’s mind.

‘‘What is all this?’’ you asked, your cheeks slightly flushed with excitement. Tomas scratched the back of his head bashfully, while Kuai Liang pulled you close with a gentle arm around your waist, planting a kiss on the bruises on your neck.

‘’We did some grocery shopping.’’ Tomas replied.

‘’But how?’’ You inquired politely, fully aware of they didn’t have an money, yet the bemused expression on your face was endearing, a blend of amusement and sweetness. Your cheeks held a faint flush, while your eyes sparkled with excitement, reminiscent of a delighted child receiving a cherished gift. Witnessing your joy, Bi-Han was taken aback by how effortlessly you found happiness in such simple gestures.

‘’It would be more accurate to say we obtained it without being seen.’’ Kuai Liang chimed in, taking over the explanation from Tomas. Your raised eyebrow and playful glance prompted a chuckle from him.

‘’So you stole it, did you?’’

‘’Is it stealing if no one saw?’’ Tomas quipped, eliciting a laugh from you that echoed through the small kitchen.

‘’Tomas! That’s exactly what stealing means!’’ you exclaimed, still smiling as you surveyed the bounty of food. ‘’You even got food for Ninja, guys, I can’t believe you! I hope I can fit this much food in the fridge.’’ Turning in Kuai Liang’s arms, you planted a happy kiss on his lips, filling his face with pride and joy. “Normally, theft is never something I would approve of, but I really needed it, thank you.’’ you said, moving to hug Tomas tightly and also kiss him like you did with Kuai Liang.

‘‘We can imagine how difficult it is for you to feed us all at once. We wanted to ease your burden.’’ Tomas explained. In response to his words, the innocence in your smile deepened, and Bi-Han watched as the warmth in your eyes softened further. He had never witnessed anyone gaze at his brothers with such sincerity and purity. Your gestures, your smiles—everything you offered them seemed so natural and genuine. It was as though you held deep affection for his brothers. For a brief moment, Bi-Han found himself contemplating how it would feel if those same tender glances were directed at him. It seemed absurd to entertain such thoughts, as he typically dismissed such sentiments. Yet, in that moment, he couldn’t help but wonder. Had he ever missed something he had never experienced? Was it jealousy, or perhaps longing? The unfamiliar emotions stirred within him, leaving him perplexed yet intrigued.

Shaking off his reverie, Bi-Han sat alone, you having gone out for a walk with Kuai Liang and Tomas an hour ago, leaving him alone with the cat. Glancing at the feline curled up in his lap, he found himself stroking her soft belly absentmindedly. As he sat at his seat, his gaze wandered to the window, where colorful city lights illuminated the evening sky. Below, people bustled about, returning home after a day’s work, while the distant sounds of car engines added to the city’s cacophony.

Suddenly, the cat perked up, alerted by a sound outside. Bi-Han’s attention shifted to the door, where he heard the anxious voices of his brothers approaching. As they entered, Tomas was holding you in his arms, with Kuai Liang in tow. Bi-Han’s brow furrowed as he took in the state you were in.

“What’s going on?”

“She’s not well,” Tomas’s voice was tense, dominated by a helpless and worried expression rarely seen on his face when he felt powerless. Kuai Liang remained silent, his eyes stormy with concern, his jaw clenched so tightly that he was sure his teeth were aching. “While walking in the park, she suddenly doubled over and started holding her stomach, whimpering in pain.” he explained.

“Side effects of the book,” Kuai Liang interjected, his tone tinged with anger. “She’s been experiencing symptoms for a while but hasn’t said anything.”

Bi-Han found himself grappling with disbelief as he processed the situation. Despite a part of him anticipating this moment, he couldn’t comprehend how he missed the telltale signs. Since they showed up at your house, he had always kept his eyes on you. He waited for you to drop your mask, quietly following your every step, scrutinizing your expression with sharp eyes. Perhaps, in hindsight, he was so overwhelmed with details that he failed to see the truth before him. Normally, within a week or so, whoever wielded the book would inevitably use them for their own pleasure.

Initially, the feeling would emerge subtly, like a thin fog in the corner of their minds, not applying pressure but making its presence felt. But as the days passed, this feeling would grow hostile and aggressive, leaving no choice but to use them, as relief could only come that way. Bi-Han had heard this definition before from several different masters, none of whom could endure the escalating wave of pain to the end, especially when the solution was within reach and there were no obstacles.

The fact that you had been enduring this pain silently for a while, and moreover, that you hid it from them without flinching, was something Bi-Han couldn’t reconcile with his logic. Why were you trying to endure this pain?

“I’m all right,” you weakly protested, barely audible amidst the turmoil. Bi-Han’s gaze softened as he observed you, held in Tomas’s embrace. Sweat glistened on your forehead, your face contorted in agony. Despite not touching you, he could sense the fever radiating from your body.

“This can’t continue,” Tomas insisted, concern etched on his features. “We can help you.”

“No,” you managed to gasp in pain, struggling to open your eyes. Bi-Han could see clearly the extent of your suffering, tears lined the edges of your eyes. “I don’t want you to do this because of the curse.”

“We are going to do this for you,” Kuai Liang countered, his voice laced with anger directed at the situation rather than you. However, in that moment, it came out as a snarl.

“Doesn’t matter. After all, I’m in this state because of the curse, and I don’t want you to be put under the same obligation again.”

“Do you want us to stand by while you suffer?” Kuai Liang pressed, his concern palpable.

Unable to speak, your eyes squeezed shut as a whimper escaped your lips, writhing painfully in Tomas’s lap as you began to take deep, labored breaths, resting your head on his chest.

“She’s burning,” Tomas remarked, his voice increasingly concerned. Then, as if a realization dawned on both of them simultaneously, Bi-Han crossed his arms over his chest and gave them a piercing, almost deadly glare.

“No.”

***

He couldn’t comprehend how he found himself lying in bed with you. Moments ago, he was at odds with Kuai Liang and Tomas, and now he lay on your double-sized bed, staring at the ceiling. His logical mind urged him to leave, yet his body remained rooted for reasons he couldn’t fathom.

Turning to where you lay, he observed you from his position. There wasn’t much space between you on the bed. Your body curled into a fetal position, drenched in sweat, causing the sheets beneath you to dampen. You looked so pitiful and helpless, as the only thing you could do at the moment was keep breathing.

“Why are you resisting?” Bi-Han’s voice lacked its usual aggression or coldness, replaced instead by confusion. He couldn’t grasp why you still kept enduring this suffering.

“I want to keep all of you safe,” your fragile voice answered. Bi-Han’s brows furrowed deeper at your response.

“Is it worth enduring this pain?”

“Yes.” Your answer was swift and simple, stirring an ache in Bi-Han’s heart. ‘’I told Kuai Liang that I would offer you a safe space, and I will do so as well. You deserve more than that, but this is all I can do. I don’t want you to do anything that the book obliges.’’

What you thought was insignificant was actually a tremendous sacrifice for their comfort. He was speechless for the first time in his life. He didn’t know what to say, what the right and necessary words were. He had never met someone like you who sacrificed themselves in this way before. As he needed a few seconds to digest what he was hearing, he simply looked at you.

At that moment, Bi-Han heard the answer to the ‘Why’ question that had been spinning in his mind for weeks. Because you cared not only about your brothers but also about him with all his thorns, sharp words, and rude manners. Despite everything, you weren’t keeping him apart from Kuai Liang and Tomas, and you were enduring this pain inside for him as much as you were enduring it for them.

As you writhed in pain, still maintaining a careful distance, Bi-Han realized that what he had been waiting for wasn’t you to drop your mask, but for him to acknowledge your genuine care. You didn’t play games; your sole purpose was to only help. While gaining the trust of Kuai Liang and Tomas, you rejected their assistance, a reaction unfamiliar to him and his brothers. Despite the opportunity for relief, you refused their aid.

With another whimper, you completely crumpled down where you were, and when tears started to flow from your eyes once again, Bi-Han pulled you to himself as he grasped you, without thinking about anything else, along with the emotions that sprouted in his heart. Even though he knew that you would be surprised under normal circumstances, your indifference and continuing to cry quietly while being embraced by him by doing the exact opposite, tugged at his heart strings.

“I’m sorry,” your voice muffled against his neck, yet Bi-Han heard every word. “I know you don’t like me… I’m sorry you had to endure this.’’

“Be silent, woman. You talk too much.” His tone was surprisingly gentle as Bi-Han held your sweat-drenched body against him tightly. A small moan escaped your lips, a sign of relief amidst the pain. Since Bi-Han has always kept his distance from you, you’ve had almost zero contact with him, so in addition to his body being cold, his touch was also more effective compared to his brothers. That’s why, actually, part of the pain you suffered was because of him, that you couldn’t touch him the way you could have touched Kuai Liang or Tomas.

Your body slowly relaxed in his arms, Bi-Han’s hand finding its way under your shirt, offering what little coolness he could. It felt natural to hold you this way, as if it was where you belonged all along.

“Bi-Han…” your voice was soft and vulnerable, triggering his protective instincts. As he rested his chin on top of your head, completely caging you with his arms, your breathing steadied a bit, and the tremors subsided. “You don’t have to do this.” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. Your lips brushed against his throat as you spoke, a detail Bi-Han found himself liking.

“I remember telling you to be silent.”

“I don’t want to cause you any more inconvenience. I’m feeling better, please, you can let me go.” you said, the obvious lie and stubbornness in your voice softening Bi-Han’s heart while simultaneously angering him. He grabbed you by the neck so that he could see your face, and when he lifted your chin up with his thumb, he faced your innocent gaze. All the while his touch was gentle and incredibly cautious, much like when he handled Ninja. You resembled her at the moment, fragile and delicate.

“Under normal circumstances, you can’t force me to do something I don’t want to,” he asserted, his hand tracing from your chin to your temples. As his fingers moved over the lines, a moment of relief washed over you, your eyes closing briefly in response. Bi-Han found solace in providing you with comfort, a departure from his typically cold demeanor that often left others chilled rather than soothed. “This is one of those rare instances.” When Bi-Han whispered the last part towards your lips, your eyes opened, and you suddenly looked at him with so much emotion that Bi-Han felt his breath getting smaller and clogged in his throat. He could see his own reflection in your eyes.

‘’I have been cruel to you, even though you did not deserve it.’’ His confession enveloped the room like a heavy blanket, yet Bi-Han didn’t feel suffocated beneath it. On the contrary, he felt a sense of relief, as if he had shed a bit more of the burden he carried. When his gaze shifted from your lips back to your eyes, he couldn’t help but feel a pang in his heart at the profound understanding reflected in them.

‘‘You had your reasons, it’s okay.’’ You said it with your usual forgiveness. ‘’I have not given up hope for you.” Despite everything, when you managed to put a small smile on your pain-weary face, Bi-Han felt that his heart was being suppressed inside his rib cage, as if it was being squeezed from both sides. How pure your heart was, so full of kindness that Bi-Han started to feel like absolute shit when he thought about the times he hurt you so many times.

‘’You make me feel things I’ve never felt before.’’ He said after a moment, his brow furrowing slightly as he spoke.

‘’Is that… a bad thing?’’ You said in a timid voice.

“No,” Bi-Han said without hesitation. “It’s something I never thought possible until now.” He had buried his feelings so deeply that now, as they began to surface, distinguishing and naming each one became a daunting task. He felt overwhelmed by them, but refusing to ignore them any longer felt like the only honorable choice, especially after witnessing your endurance of pain on their behalf.

While he seethed with frustration towards his brothers, he never anticipated finding himself in the same predicament as them. Typically, he’d be harsh on himself for failing to maintain his vigilance. Even before assuming leadership of the clan, he embodied the role of the older brother, a figure of experience and protection, standing resolute where they faltered.

Yet, as he observed you, he teetered on the edge of conflicting emotions. You touched a part of him that had remained untouched, your essence reaching deep into his soul. Physically fragile you may have been, but your heart—your heart was a beacon of forgiveness and strength. Your presence illuminated every space you entered with a comforting warmth, a stark contrast to his reserved attitude.

Despite this, a part of him resisted. A lifetime of emotional barricades made him wary of letting anyone in, fearful of disrupting the balance he’d maintained. If Liu Kang couldn’t find a solution to the curse, he was doomed to lose you. Did he really want to take this risk despite knowing the inevitable outcome? As he looked at you, the answer became clear in his mind. Though brief, even if it were to end eventually, Bi-Han yearned to taste the light before returning to eternal darkness. You were a rarity, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter he couldn’t bear to reduce to a mere ‘wish’. No, he wished to imprint every moment, every sensation of you, onto his memory. The desire boiled within him, igniting his veins like wildfire, as his gaze once again descended from your eyes to your lips.

‘’Throughout my life, I’ve learned to be self-sufficient, prioritizing my clan above all else and neglecting my own desires. It’s become second nature, so much so that I didn’t realize what I truly needed until this moment.” His thumb grazed your lower lip, a gesture filled with longing. “It’s you,” Bi-Han declared, his voice echoing with a possessive growl that emboldened him. “I want to taste you, to feel you. I need you.”

Your expression softened even further, a tired yet content smile gracing your lips. “I’m here.” Those words were all Bi-Han needed to act. As his lips met yours, he felt the warmth radiating from your body, a heat he was determined to temper. Your kiss was slow and tentative, your movements guided by exhaustion and lingering pain. Bi-Han welcomed your presence, relishing the sensation of your lips against his. He felt every subtle shift and curve; your lips were so much softer than he ever could imagine, delicate like butterfly wings. Your taste was intoxicatingly sweet and warm, tinged with the fever that had consumed you, yet achingly innocent.

It felt like stepping onto solid ground after sailing through a raging storm, finally finding a peace and comfort he had never experienced before. It felt like returning home, to where he truly belonged—welcoming, gentle, and forgiving.

“Bi-Han,” you whispered, your voice barely audible, as if afraid to disturb the delicate moment. Pulling back slightly, you sought to catch your breath, your lips brushing against the tip of his chin in a tender kiss. Nestling your head against the crook of his neck, your hand resting gently on the side of his neck. “Thank you for trusting me enough to give me a chance.” you murmured, your words laden with sincerity.

Then, as if on cue, your body grew heavy, slipping into the embrace of sleep. Careful not to disturb you, he adjusted your position to ensure your comfort, his hand instinctively finding its way to gently stroke your hair. It felt natural, as if he had been doing it all his life, bringing him a sense of peace he had long yearned for.

“Trust, huh,” Bi-Han whispered to himself, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. It struck him then that this was exactly what he was offering you in this moment. As you lay peacefully, surrendering yourself to him, Bi-Han couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Everything felt so right, so true, in this moment with you. If breaking his oath was the price to taste this peace, he was willing to pay it. His decision was made the instant he lay down beside you, even if he couldn’t bring himself to admit it.

As your skin gradually returned to its normal temperature, Bi-Han found comfort in the gentle contact. Your touch, a testament to your presence, was undeniably soothing. It carried a silent promise of healing, a balm for the wounds inflicted by the curse. Like the calm waves of the morning sea caressing the shore, your essence enveloped his soul, offering comfort and reassurance. The rhythm of your breathing, the soft glow of the lamp, the weight of your body against his—all of it contributed to a sense of serenity that permeated the room. For a moment, Bi-Han allowed himself to relax fully, succumbing to the tranquility that surrounded him. With a sense of surrender, he closed his eyes, trusting that his brothers would keep watch and ensure your safety for the hours ahead.

He had harbored a lifelong aversion to physical contact, but now, as he yearned to etch into his memory the sensations evoked by your touch, along with every intricate detail, he realized that touching could bring comfort and pleasure instead of pain.

And it was all because of you…

***

Author’s Note : As you can see, Bi-Han was a virgin before being sealed inside the book, due to his strong aversion to physical touch… But! He’s in good hands now. Welcome to the party, Bi-Han, albeit a bit late. Better late than never, right? By the way, Bi-Han sees the reader as non-threatening, which is why her touch doesn’t hurt him at all, but he isn’t aware of this. Subconsciously, he’s reacting this way, and it’s only with his brothers where he truly feels safe. Reader is now a part of that inner circle.

See you in the next chapter! 🥰

[running-with-the-feels]

If we are talking hcs.... I hope you don't mind but in one of your fabrics you wrote about Hanzo and Kuai Liang meeting when they were younger and there was a failed attempt to bring him and Bihan to the Shirai Ryu. What if it succeeded? How would they get along with others? I've been really curious about this idea ever since I read your work so I'd love to know your hcs about it!!

Honey, I never mind getting an ask about my hcs or my fics, don't worry about that

(also, I've been dying for a chance to ramble about this)

Bi-Han is protective of Kuai Liang, we all know that, but he's even more so in an unfamiliar place. He will not let Kuai Liang out of his sight and glares at anyone who tries to talk to them

It's also hard for them bc they're in the home of their ancient enemy (in the fic I think you're talking about Jiahao, their father, was killed by the Lin Kuei alongside their mother and sister) and no one here knows that they are Lin Kuei, they think that they are the children of some kind of mafia family from overseas, given their lingering american accents

So they're hiding their origins and powers at all costs, no one can ever find out bc they are both terrified they will be thrown out and if they are the Lin Kuei will find them and kill them

But, going too long without using their powers hurts them so they still train in secret in the middle of the night, but it isn't enough to keep them from getting ill.

Hanzo does find out at one point, by accident, when he catches them practicing while trying to sneak in to see Kuai Liang

Bi-Han, pinning Hanzo to a wall with an ice knife to his throat: Why were you trying to sneak into my brother's room in the middle of the night!?

Hanzo, Kuai Liang's boyfriend: Oh, gee, I wonder

Hanzo is quickly sworn to secrecy and agrees to help them hide their former clan affiliation, leading to him and Bi-Han becoming reluctant allies even though they don't get along (they fake it for Kuai Liang tho)

Kaede and Eiko (Hanzo's parents) immediately take Kuai Liang and Bi-Han in, they are as protective of the two cryomancers as Bi-Han is, which shocks them both.

The first time that Eiko gives Bi-Han a hug he cries bc it feels so much like his mom's hugs

Eiko and Kaede realize that the boys are Lin Kuei on day one and help cover for them without revealing that they know, wanting to wait for the boys to feel comfortable telling them in their own time

Bi-Han ends up training as a warrior under Osamu alongside Hanzo, which they both hate but put up with, while Kuai Liang trains under the grandmaster

That's all I can think of rn but lemme know if anyone wants to hear more about this

[bardic-tales]

updated: 2.9.24

Warnings: Main Character Death. AU: Canon divergent. Supernatural Themes. Violence. Trauma. Loss of Loved Ones. Internal Conflict. Identity Crisis. Redemption Journey. Dark Themes. Cult Activities. Supernatural Battles. Emotional Turmoil. Abusive Relationships. Toxic Dynamics. Demonic Heritage. Angelic Heritage. Perpetual Displacement. Psychological Distress. Mental Health Issues. Trauma. Supernatural Violence. Familial Conflict.

🌙 Name: Bianca Amara Moore 🔮 Age: 20 👤 Gender: Female 🌌 Fandom: Omniverse 🌟 Ship: Bianca x Sesshomaru 📅 Date of Birth: October 1st, 1976 👼 Mother: Seraphine 👩 Surrogate Mother: Sarah Moore 👹 Father: Azrakiel (Asmodeus / Ragnar) 👨 Surrogate Father: David Moore 🎭 Faceclaim: Monica Bellucci (blonde)

About Bianca: Bianca's life is a tapestry woven with threads of celestial grace and demonic power. Born from the forbidden union of an archangel and a demon to end the Omniverse, her journey is marked by tragedy, love, and the pursuit of redemption but her pursuit will lead to her ultimate downfall.

Character Overview

🌟 Bianca's Persona: Bianca radiates warmth, compassion, and unwavering strength. Despite the turmoil of her past, she carries herself with grace and resilience, navigating the complexities of her dual heritage with courage and determination.

🎭 Eloquent Personality: Bianca's past shapes her actions and decisions, driving her towards redemption and healing. She grapples with guilt, grief, and the burden of her lineage, but her inner strength and unwavering compassion guide her through the darkest of trials.

🌸 Unwavering Compassion: Bianca forms deep connections with those she encounters on her journey. Her relationships are forged in trust, loyalty, and empathy, offering solace and support to those in need.

💑 Transcendent Bond: Bianca's bond with Sesshomaru transcends time and space, rooted in mutual respect, love, and sacrifice. Their union is a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity, driving them to protect each other at all costs.

⚔️ Courage in Conflict: Bianca's bravery shines in moments of conflict and adversity. She faces darkness with unwavering resolve, wielding her inner strength and celestial powers to protect the ones she loves.

✨ Likes & Dislikes

Likes: Art, Nature, Music, Tea, Travel, Cultural Exchanges Dislikes: Injustice, Oppression, Betrayal, Selfishness

🌿 A Soul of Many Hobbies: Bianca finds solace in celestial stargazing, drawing, meditation, and nature walks. Her diverse interests reflect her curiosity and appreciation for the world around her.

Power and Abilities:

💫 Powers and Abilities: Bianca possesses a diverse array of supernatural powers and magical abilities, reflecting her celestial and infernal heritage. Through Celestial Harmony, she taps into her mother's lineage, exhibiting powers such as Celestial Empathy, Cryomancy Sorcery, and Temporal Manipulation. From her father's infernal lineage, Bianca wields Dark Sorcery, Illusory Mastery, and Charismatic Manipulation. Her Succubi's Seduction abilities grant her enchanting allure, emotional manipulation, and dreamwalking prowess. Additionally, Bianca's Toymaker's Touch allows her to craft cursed artifacts and manipulate reality. In combat, her Sword Abilities, including Temporal Sundering and Sword Judgment, showcase her mastery of time and combat prowess.

💔 Weaknesses: Despite her formidable powers, Bianca faces several vulnerabilities and limitations. Her dependence on emotional feed for sustenance leaves her vulnerable to energy drain and emotional instability. Bianca's susceptibility to celestial and infernal influences, along with her reliance on environmental factors, makes her vulnerable to cosmic interference and environmental hazards. Furthermore, her emotional vulnerabilities, lack of experience in swordsmanship, and limited defensive options render her susceptible to manipulation and physical harm in combat. Bianca's true dragon form, while powerful, comes with limitations such as energy consumption, size, and maneuverability constraints, as well as vulnerability to anti-dragon measures.

Key Moments in Bianca's Journey:

🌠 Birth from the union of Seraphine and Azrakiel. 🌠 Tragic loss of her surrogate mother, Sarah Moore, to Azrakiel's cult. 🌠 Meeting and forming a deep bond with Sesshomaru. 🌠 Transported to the ‘Feudal Age’, facing unknown challenges. 🌠 Transformation and training to confront Azrakiel and Naraku. 🌠 Transported to 'the Planet' from Final Fantasy 7, facing unknown challenges.

Themes: Redemption, Identity and Heritage, Love and Sacrifice, Good vs. Evil, Inner Conflict and Growth, Resilience and Hope, Destiny and Fate, Forgiveness, Trust and Betrayal, Society and Acceptance, Legacy and Heritage, Transformation and Growth.

#Inuyasha #Final Fantasy 7 #FantasyWorldCollide #FWC #oc: Bianca Moore - Inuyasha

[kaediisarchive]

[  relationship headcanons  |  still accepting  ]

@yukikorogashi​​ said:

❂ - Can you share a Friendship HC? c:

          Skarlet is highly protective of Itsuki, even from the start. Despite being a Big Bad Blood Mage™ she has a soft spot for children, and Itsuki even more so because she has Cryomancer blood and Skarlet wholly believes preserving and exploring the potential of unique abilities is something that’s super important. Also, Itsuki is just so darn cute. Like, a day into knowing her and Skarlet is already in “must protect at all costs” mode. And I absolutely believe Itsuki can see through Skarlet’s cold-hearted act. She’s probably the only person she can’t fool.

[cienie-isengardu]

I still find it kind of strange that Frost respects Bi-Han, despite Bi-Han telling her he would never allow Female Lin Kuai. Which leads me to my next though. I’m not fully familiar with the lore of the Lin kuai, but when Bi-han’s brother became the grandmaster, was that the first time female Lin kuai were integrated?

Frost is the most known female Lin Kuei warrior, the one given name, face and special part of story as Sub-Zero’s skilled yet rebellious student, but she wasn’t the only one woman in the clan, not even the first one to join. We just never saw / notice them, especially since Lin Kuei background characters wear full gear, with masks and usually heavy clothes to protect against cold & harsh environment they live in. What makes even harder to tell for sure who may be under the hood. And to be fair, from the mass of modern masked Lin Kuei warriors, we know barely what? Nine or ten named characters? Not that much to make assumption about whole assassin clan whose roots go back to ancient times.

Of course, since Mortal Kombat is already decades old franchise, some histories (timelines) may be different from each other, but female clan members were mentioned in some sources like:

Mortal Kombat novel (1995):

They [Lin Kuei] would kidnap children when they were five or six and raise them in secret caves or woods to become superb athletes, great scholars, and unparalleled fighters, able to use all weapons and to improvise arms from common objects such as paper rolled to a knife-point or sand packed into a sock. They would train the children, boys and girls both, to be masters of many trades: carpenters, fishermen, priests, and even beggars, so they could blend in and make themselves useful in different towns as they traveled on missions for their lords.

Many young people died during training: some could not hold their breath for five minutes and drowned, others weren’t fast enough to avoid the weapons of the masters, some starved or froze or dehydrated when they were stranded, naked, in deserts or on mountaintops and told to make their way home. But those who survived were the Lin Kuei.

Oh, and let’s not forget about Sareena, a female demon that Kuai Liang accepted into clan, like here:

Armageddon Bio Kard: “Once one of Quan Chi’s elite lieutenants, the demon Sareena had a change of heart, offering to help Sub-Zero to defeat her sorcerer master. This betrayal cost her human form and brought her years of suffering in the Netherrealm. Now free, she has regained her mortal form and has pledged to Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei.”

And Mortal Kombat X intro:

Sonya Blade: Why no female Lin Kuei?

Sub-Zero: There are. Frost chief among them.

Sonya Blade: I’ll kick her ass next.

MK Mythologies: Sub-Zero game guide did not specified female warriors but did not call Lin Kuei “only male” clan either:

Somewhere in the northern most parts of Asia, there exists a secret clan of assassins and thieves known as the Lin Kuei. This group has existed for centuries and thrives on the evil intention of the people who pay for their services. Its warriors are chosen at birth to be raised apart from the workings of day to day civilization and are stripped of their former lives. Only the clan knows their existence. Each of them posses certain skills and abilities that set them apart from normal men. These abilities are passed on from generation to generation and honed throughout the experiences of life.

So, Lin Kuei chose its warriors at birth; once again no specified as “only boys”, so all the children with special abilities that usually are passed down from one generation to next; from parents to children. Bi-Han himself was a fourth generation of Sub-Zero, who get the mantle after his father’s death. Lin Kuei were interested only in special genes to utilize, so the gender should matter little, since girls are born as often as boys. Looking at Lin Kuei inhuman approach to its own people, any child born with special DNA is good tool to use.

So, there is old source about little girls being kidnapped and trained to be Lin Kuei, one newest about female warriors, Sareena as other female Lin Kuei (even if temporary but still), and one that does not specific girls but at the same time, does not exclude them either. In all fairness, I don’t remember any source that would claim Lin Kuei took and trained only boys. Like I said, the clan is here to make great assassins and thieves so not “using” women does not make sense, since Lin Kuei is all about utilize all means toachieve the goal.

That said, I wouldn’t take Noob’s words as the true claim or manifest of his misogyny, because A) Lin Kuei took and trained women for centuries B) Bi-Han was shaped by Lin Kuei traditions, thus his morality is a product of it, C) he never showed in past that attitude, D) during his life and in death, he met a lot strong and dangerous women and E) he is dead and death does not discriminates.

So, I personally do not look at Noob’s line as any deep statement because the context of intro is what count the most:

Frost: You should have been Grandmaster.

Noob: I would not allow female Lin Kuei.

Frost: You’re worse than Kuai Liang!

In which I think Noob’s words are just rude, jerk-ish response meant to hurt Frost, as a way to say pernament “fuck off”. And I’m not joking. The only one thing Noob is interested in Lin Kuei, is for Kuai stop using his name, that should died with him. He isn’t interested to be grandmaster or to dwell what should have been. He barely tolerate other shadows in his intros, not wanting another brother / companion and here is his lil brother’s angry student trying to drag him back into mess of clan he does not belong for years. Of course he is gonna act like the last asshole. You want me to be Grandmaster? Cool, but I wouldn’t take you in, if I was, no get lost. Seriously, Noob just want be left in peace to do his evil stuff, not being drag back into the mess who should be leader that last for what, two decades already? Yeah, good luck Frost.

As for why Frost respect so much Noob? Bi-Han was once the most cunning warrior, and incredible talented cryomancer (whose power developed much faster than it was usually, according to Mythologies: Sub-Zero), and a man that went to Netherrealm and come back alive. I’m pretty sure there is a lot Frost knows, either from Kuai Liang or clan records. But above everything, Bi-Han was the best product of Lin Kuei training, a true assassin and master thief but Kuai Liang is trying get far away from what Lin Kuei should be. There is also matter of his death, and how by befriending Scorpion, Sub-Zero disrespect Bi-Han’s memory.

So, there is a lot stuff to dwell on and I wish there were more interaction between them. That said, Noob does not have any reason to look down on Frost for being woman, since most likely he grew up along with other female warriors. It’s just that trying to drag him into Lin Kuei mess is never good idea and well, he may be biased toward her cause she betrayed his lil bro.

[silver-wields-a-pen]

“Frost Bitten & Mistletoe Kissed” A “Guardians of Las” short

“I understand the concept,” Nyima stated, eyeing the tiny sprig of green leaves and red berries, with a cool expression. “What I don't understand is why anyone would bother.” Abaddon, Nyima and the other women were clustered around the table, sharing stories about holiday traditions. The half-bloods and Scyanatha gushed, sighed and melted when the topic turned to a tradition which stated that any two people meeting under a cluster of leaves and inedible fruit had to kiss each other. “Maybe you wouldn't be so disinterested if you happened to meet someone you were attracted to,” suggested Scyanatha. She didn't mention any names, but the Aos Si faery's smile stretched wider, as the blue in Nyima's cheeks deepened in colour. Solstice had come and gone and there was much that changed in the passed three days. The fact that one face came unbidden to Nyima's mind at Scy's subtle prodding was plenty proof of that. Still, the Aetumuh strove to keep her dignity, and pulled her shoulders back. Putting on airs, she stated, “I don't know what you're talking about.” “Pshh,” Vyxen said, laughing. “I'm going to get you a crown, because you're the Queen of Denial.” They were an unusual group of people. Nyima didn't mind the differences, but they were note-worthy. The part-humans, part-faeries, Zercey and Vyxen, were on one end of the spectrum of personalities, while she resided on the other. Scyanatha and Abaddon fell somewhere in between. “I don't think anyone believes you,” Abaddon murmured, leaning over to speak into Nyima's ear. They had positioned themself between the ice elemental and the stove to protect her from the heat. “Not even you do.” Lovely. Even the blind one can see through me. Nyima stood up, determined to hold her ground. “I really don't think it would make a difference,” she informed the rest. “I don't see the point in being kissed under mistletoe.”

They were all remarkably steadfast in who they were; Teysuht – as she sometimes went by – still saw parts of them that were the same as the day they all met in the trainee barracks. Vyxen was still wild and untamed, Zercey was still eager to meet expectations, Abaddon was still quietly contemplative, Scyanatha still the voice of life experience. And then there was her: the indomitable Ice Queen, with a warrior's spirit at her core. “There isn't really a point,” Zercey tried to make things clearer. “It's more an excuse to do it than anything. The idea is that if a person wants to kiss someone they haven't started dating yet, they will put in a little extra effort to make sure that they both end up at the right place at the right time.” “That's a rather spineless way to begin a courtship,” Nyima concluded. “It would be far simpler if they would be direct.” “Simple? Okay, yeah, sure; you're right, it would be,” she replied, rocking her head side to side. “But, it's not nearly as romantic.” “Sometimes,” Scyanatha chimed in with an air of nostalgia in her voice,  “it's when someone shows how weak or nervous they are, that we find them to be the strongest and the most brave.” “Maybe for some, but I wouldn't be so moved,” Nyima stated, her mind made up. Rising from her seat, she announced, “I am on patrol today. I expect that I will see all of you later, at some point.” Her team-mates called their farewells, and the blue-skinned woman made her way out the heavy, wooden door that barricaded the womens’ barracks from the main hallway. She stepped out onto the staircase that led up the spiral tower in the Order of Mana's Headquarters. She did think that some of them would have understood her position, being that the vast majority of them weren't from this world, either. However, it did feel at times they would conveniently forget their time there was supposed to be temporary and that some – her especially – had missions of their own to accomplish. Every passing day was like a bell ringing the death of thousands in her ears. She had to achieve the required victories necessary to win back her freedom before Ifrit, or the world she knew would be reduced to a smoldering ball of fire and ash. How many did she have left to go? In truth, Nyima had forgotten, lost track, so long ago. Each summon was a tick mark on her score card; one summon, one victory. Regardless of how she ended up trapped in this place, with it's own complications to be sure, every battle she took part in here was not going to be a step closer. She was effectively wasting her precious time in Illthdar and there was little she could do about it. It was frustrating. She was more than aware of the choices she had and the costs that came with them, so to throw herself into a weak and feeble romance on a whim, with nothing to gain except heartbreak in the end...

It was sobering, and Nyima found it difficult to let fate take the reigns. “Nyima!”

She froze in her tracks, recognising the deep voice. She braced herself because it was him, and she, with her mind in such turmoil, didn't want to see him at the moment.

“You have a quick stride,” Tundra noted as he reached her side. A fine layer of white frost draped his bare arms from the shoulders down, contrasting the black and blue of his clothing. “I almost had to run to catch up.” “Was there something you needed from me?” She disregarded his statement, face blank as she looked at him. Jingyi, better known as Tundra, was a man with a broad and muscular frame. A martial artist, with chiseled features and a square jawline. He was a cryomancer, a step below her in the ice magic hierarchy, but one with a some skill and distinction. Tundra shook his head slowly to indicate he did not. “But, we are on the same patrol today,” he reminded her.

Nyima kicked herself internally for having forgotten that detail.

“We're taking the south-east route, I see.” He wasn't an unobservant person, taking information in easily and reproducing it as necessary.

Nyima looked around, her feet had indeed led her down the path in the direction he indicated. “I chose at random,” she said. Though, she added, “We can change if you'd prefer a different route. I have no preference.” “Me, neither. We might as well just keep going, it'll take us by the cliff side and the air will be cooler there.” Had she not known of his abilities, his statement might have come off as one of reservation or concern for her, but it seemed he liked the colder weather, too. “It has been excellent weather of late,” she commented, settling on a safe topic.

Tundra chuckled, the sound deep and rumbling in his throat. “Seth can't stand it.” He shared his amusement. “I've threatened to put him on ice if he keeps complaining. I keep my dislike for the summer to myself, I expect nothing less of him.” “You dislike the heat, too?” She was surprised by the admission, having again assumed it would not have been the case, due to his human lineage. “I put up with it, but my abilities suffer greatly. It takes more effort to produce cold in a hot climate. I get tired more easily.” He confessed to his weaknesses easily and Nyima turned her head to regard him. “I have similar problems,” she admitted. “More so here than where I was from before.” “You must be impressive back on your own world,” he guessed. “You're quite powerful as it is.” How little did he know. Her most powerful attacks she couldn't even muster in this place. She was limited to the most basic of moves; it was like returning to a child state. “Thank you,” was all she could give in reply. The distant crash of the waves below filled the air between them as they reached the cliff-side. They sky was cloudy, with the promise of snow by the afternoon. Most humans had visible breath long before temperatures dropped to that point, but it was only just then where the wind was further cooled by the salty brine that Tundra's became visible.

“You're warm-blooded after all,” Nyima remarked, taking in his countenance. “You're surprised?” Blue eyes locked with hers. “I had begun to question the likelihood,” she confessed and he chuckled. Changing the subject, he said, “This is the coolest place in all of Illthdar during the summer. The shallow waters on the opposite coast get too warm. It's the best place to find relief during the hottest days.” “I'll be sure to remember that.” Nyima responded, wondering if he was trying to share the secret with her out of consideration or if he was just making small-talk. “The view isn't bad either,” he remarked, taking a couple of strides backwards. Holding his arms aloft, he formed a frame with his fingers and thumbs which he then peered through. “It's further improved with you in it.” The compliment was subtle and though it was far from the directness that she would have preferred, Nyima's cheeks blued noticeably in response. “We should keep going,” she stated, gathering her wits and shaking herself out of her stupor. ~*~*~ The patrol was completed in record time thanks in part to Nyima's quickened strides and Tundra's quiet pursuit. At the steps leading up to the doors of their temporary home, Tundra said at last, “I should have invited you to a sparring match.” “Beg pardon?” Nyima blinked at him. “It would have been an excellent learning experience for me,” he reasoned, concluding with a one-armed shrug. “Oh well, another time, then.” “Yes,” she agreed readily, “another time, perhaps.” For once, feeling the cold in her own voice. The bitter sting of realisation. He was interested in her for the sake of experience. The knowledge burned like cold fire in her heart. About to ascend the steps, she was caught off-guard by an additional question. “Might I ask for two more things?” “That was the first one,” she replied, turning to face him, her face blank and unreadable. “Then would it be all right by you if I gave you a kiss?” There was no awkward shifting, nor fidgeting fingers or hands. Tundra stood calm and tall with open arms in silent anticipation of her reply. “Why?” she asked, her eyes instantly drifting to the top of the doorway. No stupid plants hanging anywhere. It still left her with the question. An amused smile spread across his lips. “Because you look kissable.” Oh. “Very well.” He bounded down the steps two at a time to reach her. Sweeping one hand around her waist, he spun them around, his other cupping the curve of her cheek and jaw. Lips first brushing and then locking as they drank each other in.

~*~*~

That evening, in Jasper barracks, Tundra returned to find Inari and the rest of his friends already waiting. “Man, where have you been?” Seth looked at the clock, which said the time was nearing rustern, “Your patrol finished hours ago. What happened?” “Hmm,” Inari said as they paced around Tundra, examining him. “Something serious, I imagine.” “Not particularly,” Tundra  responded, reaching his fingers into his bracer. “Though I was right.” “About what?” challenged Date. “I didn't need this after all.” He produced a sprig of mistletoe hidden there and flicked it onto the table.

Written by @illthdar

[thetakenpokemon]

Act 2 - More Wardens

//RETRIEVING FILES// … //FILES RETRIEVED//

FOLDER IDENTIFICATION: Night Warden Team - Sundown Elite

[TEAM INFORMATION BELOW]

Warden Team Identification: Sundown Elite

Team Members: 6

Specialization: Taking down powerful threats - UBs to Super-Natural

[INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION BELOW]

Name: Rorke Stonemaul

Alias: Craghammer

Gender: Male

Species: Conkeldurr

Bio Below

A seasoned warrior. His skills specialize in either taking on large numbers of opponents at once to fighting one individual whose size is equal to or greater than his own. Although capable of taking down powerful foes with only his fists, his favored weapon is large club made of Diamond-Grade Obsidian. The club not only grants him greater reach, but allows him to strike harder as well as block powerful attacks without risking injury to himself.

His personality is down to earth, he is very practical and analytical during the situation at hand. He utilizes the strengths of all around him to the greatest efficiency, making him a great tactician. His behavior has a tendency to give off a cold personality, however this is due to him not being very expressive. Although a humble individual, he won’t turn down a challenge if offered.

Additional Notes

His weapon is supposedly a tradition of his home-clan, where upon reaching adult-hood they are to forge a weapon made of a unique Obsidian within the depths of a volcano. His chosen weapon is the club. Its hardness surpasses that of diamond, unlike normal obsidian which is brittle and easily scratchable.

Name: Aurelia Orthona

Alias: Crystalis

Gender: Female

Species: Jynx

Bio Below

An extremely proficient Cryomancer. Her control over her ice powers grant her a great amount of versatility, ranging from conjuring sharp icicles to be used as projectiles to creating large structures of frozen vapor to impede movement. One of her favored methods of defense is entombing herself in ice, creating a protective shell that she can also shatter at-will - sending shards of frozen shrapnel towards those that would be surrounding her. Her powers have shown to be capable of conjuring objects of ice with great detail - such as various weapons like blades and spears.

Her personality is extremely vain, it’s incredibly often to see her flaunting her power and looks at others all the while demeaning them. Due to her superiority complex she believes herself to be a prime example of Pokemon, that all others compared to her are her lessers and could never compare to her. Occasionally she has shown that she’s capable of some form compassion, however these instances are very rare and only towards those she has some form of respect towards - how little it may be.

Additional Notes

She has displayed quite a prowess with a variety of weapons in close-quarter combat. Although rarely, there has been times she would conjure said weapons out of ice and use them against her opponents.

She speaks little of her origins, although it’s believed that she may have come from a powerful and wealthy family.

Name: Oxott Mal’Du

Alias: Apex

Gender: Male

Species: Scrafty/Heliolisk Hybrid (Natural)

Bio Below

One of the greatest ‘Feral Hunters’ known. Hailing from a tribe in a land untouched by technology, he gained his skills in hunting dangerous Feral Pokemon due to his lifestyle. His greatest skills lie in his mobility and strength, where he outpaces his foes - usually those far larger than he - and disables them. His weapons consist of a large serrated blade, his bolas, and a small hunting knife. Wrapped around the hilt of his serrated blade and his arm is a rope made from Luxray-tendon, granting him greater reach by releasing the weapon and swinging his arm, and the elasticity of the tendon brings the weapon back to his hand after the swing. He can also channel massive amounts of electricity into all of his weapons for even deadlier effects.

His personality is quite laid-back, he is known to be a rather honest individual yet also very considerate. Due to the mindset of his tribe he believes strongly in power, how one can always strengthen themselves to improve further. Because of this he won’t hesitate to assist others in either training or providing advice if asked, although this mindset has also made him rather prideful. 

Additional Notes

The skulls and pelts he wears on his body are trophies, taken from powerful Feral Pokemon that he himself has slain. His serrated blade is his greatest trophy of all, for it is the leg-bone of a Feral Tyrantrum that he and several others killed. He claims that the bones of these Tyrantrum are as strong as metal, thus one of the reasons why hunting the Pokemon is so dangerous. He says that to slay one is to be considered one of the greatest accomplishments of a Feral Hunter, and no other weapon compares to those carved from its bones.

Due to his origins, he has very little knowledge when it comes to advanced technology. Although his time working the GoT has expanded this knowledge, there are still some things that he’s unaware of.

Name: Sofia Deluca

Alias: Sylph

Gender: Female

Species: Audino/Whimsicott Hybrid (Natural)

Bio Below

A masterful healer of physical afflictions. Although her skills in combat are acceptable at best, her greatest strength lies in her healing energy and her power over the wind. She is capable of conjuring strong gusts that can briefly enhance the movement of her allies by massive margins, or manipulate the air around her to grant her flight. She can also release pollen that contain powerful healing properties when inhaled, mending wounds in mere moments - although at the cost of the injured individual’s stamina. Although it would normally affect those within close proximity to her when she releases said pollen, she can also manipulate the air to guide the healing particles to those she wishes to heal. She can also release pollen that contain a powerful sedative that cause unconsciousness after a few minutes once inhaled. She refrains from physical combat as much as possible, using either her sedative pollen or her wind skills to avoid foes.

Her personality is that of high spirits and energy, she is known to be an incredibly bubbly individual who is almost never unfriendly towards others. She is often very vocal, getting into other people’s business for the sake of befriending them. Rarely has she ever shown any sort of contempt for people, and she is extremely forgiving and understanding - to the point that many consider to be a double-edged sword of hers.

Additional Notes

She has constantly shown several traits of pacifistic behavior, one of many being that she never desires to be the one to directly harm another individual. It’s believed that this may be tied to some sort of traumatic event in her past, however she seems to show no trouble being in fights as long as she’s not the one hurting them.

She is apparently capable of producing a toxic pollen that paralyzes the lungs, causing those who breathe it in to suffocate. The mere thought of using it appalls her however, and she desires to never use it if she can help it. It’s believed that this may be linked to her pacifism and the possible traumatic event.

Name/Alias: Venus (Self-Given)

Gender: Female

Species: Roserade/Mawile Hybrid (Artificial)

Bio Below

A deadly hybrid with an arsenal of organic weapons. She fights with a variety of tactics in battle, from sticking close to her targets to keeping her distance. What would normally be normal flowers on her arms are instead closed buds, opening them would reveal maws lined with teeth. These maws alone can be weapons, but she is also capable of firing large needles from these buds to strike down foes from afar. Attached to the back of her head is an even larger maw that’s capable of spitting out streams of extremely corrosive nectar, the acid-like substance seems to break down most organic and inorganic matter. She is also capable of unleashing numerous whip-like vines from under her arms that can be used either for striking or restraining her foes. These variety of weapons make her very adaptive, adjusting to the scenario at a moment’s notice.

Her personality is very forward, perhaps rather excessively forward. Although friendly, she often tends to miss social queues and has difficultly comprehending on what is and isn’t best left unsaid. She has a strong desire to include herself in scenarios and conversations to offer her thoughts, even if they’re completely unrelated to her. Although she’s oblivious to some of this behavior, she still means well in the end.

Additional Notes

Even with the efforts of the Hybrid Rehabilitation, she still deals with PTSD from the trauma inflicted by the HWDP. Unlike most of the Hybrids, her case was far more extreme due to the success of her being an optimized weapon. Although the frequency of flashbacks have decreased majorly, she still experiences strong bouts of anxiety in certain situations.

The HWDP Identification Code on her body reads FL-07

Name: Sabra Bomani

Alias: Scourge

Gender: Male

Species: Cofagrigus (Venharan Incineroar)

Bio Below

An experienced fighter that still retains his skills even after death. He knows the traditional fighting style of Venharan Incineroars (or Tsubeten, what they refer themselves as), which is to use mobility and relentless attacks to overwhelm their opponents. He combines the skills from his past life with his Cofagrigus abilities, which is to manipulate and solidify darkness into extra appendages. The hands that form from this darkness end in sharp claws that are capable of slashing and rending, although he can have these claws overlap over his own hands to enhance his strikes. He is also capable of making his body intangible by converting his entire form into darkness, allowing him to become resistant to nearly all physical attacks. This form also allows him to hide in people’s shadows.

His personality is very youthful, the liveliness of his behavior being rather surprising despite his ancient age. He is very respectful to those he interacts with, never making fun of an individual even if jesting. It’s very common of him to comment on the traits that he likes of those he’s conversing with, be it their appearance to the way they hold themselves. He has a strong fondness towards combat, something that’s common among Tsubeten warriors. Although he himself tends to shrug off insults and aggressive behavior, he has no toleration when it’s targeted towards other individuals - especially those he has grown fond of. In response he would attempt to intimidate the aggressor to stand down, or challenge them to combat if the former was unsuccessful.

Additional Notes

The Tsubeten have far leaner bodies compared to the normal Incineroar. Although they are weaker in terms of overall strength, they make up by possessing far more agility and stamina than their more muscle-bound cousins.

Due to him never having left the Tomb of Warriors until recently, he is very oblivious to a lot of things that would be common knowledge in the modern world. The world has changed massively since when he was alive, so there’s still a great amount of things that he needs to learn.

//CLOSING FOLDER//

[letalisastralsight]

A Single Silver Coin

A singular silver coin.

The first time it was newly minted, yet imperfect, with a slash through the crest. It formed a distinctive ridge under Letalis’ thumb when he took it as change for a bottle of arcwine - more expensive than he could really afford.

He was a clerk in the vineyards with his working hours spent hunched over ledgers and purchase orders. One of many beneath the notice of the nobles who came to tours and tasting sessions. The office windows overlooked the bay, the view a much needed momentary respite. There were worse jobs. Far worse. Letalis’ parents would have rather he joined their tailoring business but he was better with a quill than a needle.

When work finished he would make his way down to the backstreets of the Bazaar to smoke and drink away his wages. He was young and the dusky, cushioned rooms ever tantalising and exciting.

That was where he found Aelio and spent too much money on a certain vintage of arcwine.

In the smoke haze and tarnished silks of their surroundings, Aelio had a strange kind of nobility. It was in the refinement of his profile and how he lounged, elegantly, in a heap of pillows with a pipe balanced between his fingers. Letalis could imagine him as the deposed lord of a fallen house or the heartsore and rejected bastard son.

Slipping the slashed coin into his pocket, Letalis took the wine back over to Aelio, dazzled by his attention.

The second time the coin came to him it was their wedding day. He knew Aelio a little better then, knew that lots of it was an act, and found that charming. It was simply part of Aelio’s armour against the world - a protection for his wounded spirit. Letalis had not called himself a romantic until Aelio and pretended blindness to the thin-lipped disapproval of his parents.

After the ceremony there was a meal out with the family. The family was all Letalis’, the only people who had attended on Aelio’s side were his friends. They never talked about why that was. When the parents, aunts, uncles and cousins had departed in a flurry of love and blessings, the party moved to where they could smoke and drink freely to excess.

Letalis bought the drinks and with his change came the coin. He only noticed later, on his own getting a breath of air by the canal, when his fingers had brushed against it in his pocket. A little older now, dirtier, but with the same slash through the crest. It felt like fate and another blessing, a sign, that this coin should have travelled all the way to their wedding day from the day of their first meeting.

Smiling, Letalis slipped it away into a different pocket so it wouldn’t get spent by accident, thinking to make it into a souvenir and a story to tell Aelio later.

-

The third time the coin returned they had been arguing over Letalis’ continuing education. He had re-applied to study cryomancy and been accepted, determined to better himself and become more than a clerk. Aelio thought it was too expensive, too time consuming, too everything but all it would take money from was drinking and smoking. Things Letalis felt they could do without. It was time to grow up.

He stalked angrily through the Commons, stiff-legged and tense, trying to walk off the argument. So what if they would never be as good as the nobility? Was that any reason not to try? Not to have more than two rooms above a shoe shop to live in? Not to do more than spend their few days off out of their minds on wine and smoke? Letalis wanted so much more and Aelio didn’t seem to understand that he wanted it for both of them. A house, a roof garden, even a child…

Instead they mouldered away together in their box and never changed, never grew. Some people thought that was an inevitable part of living in the city and a fair price to pay for safety and security. Letalis was not one of them.

He paused near the dock and looked out into the bay to where the shield shimmered in the distance. Claustrophobia crept up his spine and itched at the back of his neck. The buildings crowded in, the knowledge that he was never, ever, more than three metres from another person. It didn’t matter where he went. Those born under the bubble were supposed to be more content, more used to it, but Letalis had never felt like that.

The anger dissolved under the weight of the artificial sky.

Later he walked home. On his way back he stopped to buy food and arcwine, shuffling through the markets to find the best bargains. Splashing out a little on cakes seemed a good way to smooth over the argument, even if it wouldn’t fix anything. His change, when it came, included a single silver coin.

It had been forgotten years earlier and then spent by Aelio when found under a cushion. Letalis had given it little thought until now, the slashed crest staring up from his palm. He wanted… He wanted to feel reassured by it, made glad by this early companion to his relationship. Instead he felt a flicker of surprise at the odds and nothing more beyond the dull ache of harsh words.

-

The fourth time came in the hushed beginnings of the rebellion. Letalis could not bear to live in his parents’ empty house so he sold it, and most of their belongings at auction.

They had been invited to dinner but Aelio had cried off with some kind of excuse - Letalis didn’t remember what it was. It hardly mattered. He had gone over to his parents’ house alone and found the door ajar. Clinging to a fragile hope he had stepped inside and called out to them. It was so still. A mannequin dressed in a half-finished robe stared blindly at the open front door.

His parents did not come home. He searched for them, pulled strings, paid someone to look around the Terrace of Order, but they weren’t to be found. Executed or exiled, no one knew. Letalis couldn’t even find out what their crime had been. Aelio was sympathetic, of course he was, but as with everything it was tinged with selfishness. Letalis had come to expect that.

So he sold the house and the furniture, almost everything, and it was when he was taking the money for his father’s pattern cutter that the coin slipped over his palm. Hours later he sat with a view of the bay and stared at it. Tired and heartsick, yet here was this coin, the crest rent in two lifetimes ago. He ran his thumb over the familiar injury and it mirrored the tear in his own fabric, the crest of who he was, or who he had been. Before.

-

The fifth time, the final time, Letalis had been with his lawyer all day. After the war, the rebellion, the pain, the divorce should have been easy. It was just a choice after all. A choice, a process, legal paperwork. Letalis was good at legal paperwork. Paperwork was his job.

Even as he signed each part his mind crept back to it.

Aelio had not been at home. That was the case more often than not. Letalis was busy, so busy, with the Nighthold striving to rebuild and assert national identity, diplomacy. The outside world. There had been trips to Silvermoon, to Orgrimmar and Undercity. Aelio could have come with him, they could have seen the world together. Aelio preferred to busy himself in the city.

Letalis arrived back one day, tired, missing his husband. The rebellion had thrown them together again and shown them what was important. At least he felt so. He had tried to ignore Aelio’s distance, his absences, and gone in search through all their old haunts. Aelio would be in one of them.

Of course it was where they had first met.

Of course Aelio was seated on a pile of cushions and of course there was a man in his lap. They were kissing, wreathed in smoke, wine-stained and sordid.

They were too absorbed to see how Letalis froze in the middle of the room, they didn’t notice him watching as moments turned to minutes. When, finally, he could turn away it was to the bar. He called on every ounce of his training, every shard of ice, every cold breath just to do it without shaking.

He ordered that old, expensive, vintage of arcwine. A bottle. It cost even more now.

He leaned over and said, to the barkeep, in a steady and controlled voice -

“It’s for the happy couple over there on the cushions. The one beneath to be exact. You see them? Good. Tell him… Tell him it comes with compliments from his husband.”

Her eyes widened, whatever she had expected it wasn’t that, and nodded as she gave Letalis his change. A handful of silver and copper coins. He walked out and didn’t look back.

So it was after that long session with the lawyer, after transfer paperwork, shouting matches, moving house, that Letalis stood and looked out over the bay. He reached into his pocket for his cigarettes and found, instead, that handful of change. Silver and copper coins. Thought ‘no…’ even as he rubbed his thumb over each.

And there it was.

Pulling it from his pocket, Letalis studied the old coin, the designs on it barely visible any longer. A relic of days gone by with a slash through the crest. The old crest. The newer coins had the Dusk Lily on them, but this not this one. This one had the cut, that familiar corruption, almost like an old friend.

Letalis closed his fist around the coin and felt it warm to his palm. Dalaran sparkled in the sky in the distance and beyond that, the stars. The whole wide world waited beyond the ocean and the broken shield.

He drew his arm back and threw the coin out, as far as he could, into the bay.

[mikka-minns]

Yeah, thats fair

There is more ✨charm✨ to Crimson Shadow/Somra Carmesim

Currently in the mood for more SubScorp + Crimson Shadow Incorrect Quotes!

Kuai, about his relationship with Hanzo: You know, everybody loves a badboy!

Bi-Han: Yeah, but not a freaking demon, Kuai Liang!

Later:

Sareena, a demon: *Exists*

Bihan: *falls in love fast and hard*

Kuai:

Bi-Han:

Kuai:

Bi-Han: Don't say a word.

Kuai: lol