#but I have a deep fear of scorpions

[shaykai]

Gonna slap the people who named bugs

[thesirenisles]

Pluto’s Sirens 🦂

beauty, love astrology observations ✨

scorpio sun, scorpio moon, scorpio mars, scorpio ascendant , Scorpio lilith, Black moon lilith

8th house placements including Lilith

Lilith aspects, Pluto Aspects, Venus Opposing Trine Conjunction Square Pluto, Ruled, Dominant

Pluto in the 1st house, Pluto in the 8th house

“She knew death quite well. She often drowned. But, never in fear. The storm waters of love, pain, and sorrow filled her lungs and from their depths, she rose metamorphosed — a captivating phoenix of the sea.”

-The Siren Isles

do not steal any of my original work. All rights reserved. © 2024 The Siren Isles | Leave a tip if you enjoy! 🧜🏾‍♀️

🦂Child of Pluto,

The stunning dark beauty that disappears intermittently, only to reemerge a brand new person.. having lived another full life to it’s completion.

You have walked the Valley of Death and your essence was fortified by means of eternal hellfire. There’s really no wonder why you’re so intimidatingly hot. 🔥

As a water sign, this is similar to the siren-like energy of Neptune. However, a Neptunian might unwittingly lure suitors to their death, but you, Plutonian Goddess are the siren who wants the kill.

🥀You are the siren they fear.

You are a mistress of the deep, a beacon of light through the annals of life’s taboo topics like sex, death, occultism, and mystery.

When considering Plutonian energy, I imagine the scorpion deep within a fierce ocean of emotions, burrowing deeper and deeper into the sand… searching and feeling…

Deep within these depths is where you thrive. The drowned woman… I say this because Scorpio is a fixed sign, meaning its energy can be stagnant.

So, it is literally fixed water or stuck water. Being stuck underwater can symbolically connote to drowning.

This is also where the big misunderstanding of Scorpio comes from because… a scorpion does not belong underwater?? Yup, you’re an anomaly.

But, hence this is literally why you cannot stay under water for too long. You’re meant to dive deep beneath the surface, transform yourself, others, and your surroundings BUT only for a little while.

If you try to resist and stay submerged, life literally pushes you to transform and resurface for fresh air. By the end of your journey, you come out reborn anew, carrying nothing but the wisdom you’ve gained.

At your core, you are here to transform yourself and others.

With this energy, you are always digging and craving depth wherever you go, whether you realize it or not just like the scorpion. This could be for emotions, the truth, or other extremes.

Your plutonic vibrations sometimes does this for you and easily charm souls into revealing their darkest and deepest desires to you.

Pluto has gifted you with a gaze that certainly helps to compel information, while also commanding authority and exuding power. (It’s giving Vampire Diariesss)

🥀A fierce siren, you wish to take hold of your romantic partners, friends, and families and lead them to the deepest depths of human existence.

But, this is only an attempt to free them from the confinement of the human ego and mundanity.

🦂The Misunderstood

The Scorpio/ 8th house slander is endless. But, I feel it’s just misunderstood. I love Plutonian energy. I find it refreshing, possibly because I have Scorpio 11th house & Scorpio Mars lol.

But, I get them. My longest friendship is with a beautiful Scorpio Sun and I have never had to second guess her loyalty.

She has been through more than anyone would guess, but maintains a heart of pure gold. Her shell is hard to crack though.

This is because you guys have seen the other side of life… death. You are aware most people aren’t living their truths or even knowledgeable of the truths of this Earthly realm… and it infuriates you at times.

It’s not easy being the one who sees a liar in a fake smile or an enemy within a friend. You see people without their masks and you call them out when needed… including family.

This can ruffle many feathers, of course. We all know how truth tellers are deemed in society.

And to some, your intense need to dive deep can terrify them and trigger them because in some way they are not living their authentic truth.

But, it’s meant to!

Pluto in the 1st house natives know this reaction well, as they wear the hellfire mark wherever they go. This triggers those who are not comfortable with darkness or their own shadow self.

Significant Lilith placements can resonate with this energy. Your presence and rebel energy triggers those whose identity is based upon a facade.

A Plutonian is a friend with their shadow self. They have seen the likes of all darkness.

You are the wounded warrior with these placements, (and honestly deserve so much more and so many hugs for what you’ve survived🥹) But, you seldom allow anyone to see you sweat or any weakness.

This need to conceal weakness hides your incredibly, loving heart and loyal spirit.

You can come off a bit brash at times. (Think, Jade from Victorious… Marlo from The Wire.. Matthew McConaughey’s character in True Detective) But, Its hard to empathize with those who seem ungrateful for their less challenging life paths or who refuse to make simple life changes out of fear.

You are like a butterfly. You have lived several lives, experiencing completely new things at each stage of life, but ultimately improving yourself each time.

While painful at times, that’s your superpower. ✨

The ironic part is that people see you in your Butterfly phase, ornate wings and beautiful colors, and assume you have not had it hard.

Until you sting. 🦂🩸

Absolutely incredible and yet so misunderstood.

Believe me when I say, it is such a GIFT to be able to transform in a world where Saturn’s energy reigns supreme.

🥀A piece of advice I leave to you all is… while understanding death.. DON’T forget to LIVE. Take a page out of the book of your sister sign, Taurus or Planet Venus… pamper your soul. 💅🏾

You are allowed and capable of just as much happiness and soft living as any other soul. Do not be afraid to open up and love or allow yourself to be loved.

You ARE loved over here! ❤️🫶🏾

🦂La Petite Mort “Little Death”.

To possess significant scorpio or 8th house placements is to live through many small deaths to be born anew.

Ironically, while Pluto rules sex, the French saying for an orgasm is Le Petite Mort … or “Little Death”.

Perfectly fitting.

With these placements, you can transform yourself and others through your sexual encounters.

🥀Your sex is transformative!

The sexual energy exudes from your pores, thanks to Papa Pluto and those around you can smell the fragrance.

When a suitor spots you, perched upon a rock amidst the chaos of the ocean… they can’t look away.

They don’t know what it is about you, but they are drawn… hooked and captivated by your watery siren gaze.

You call to them on the shore… and they approach only to be grasped and delivered to the bottom of the ocean for an unforgettable awakening.

This is why Scorpios/ Plutonians/ 8th housers rule the sack. There is less inhibition, less hesitation, and your goal is sink your prey… to the depths… and transform them. (This gives me chills to think about… very powerful stuff!)

Both men and women of Pluto have this quality. Even if they aren’t perfectly symmetrical or dreamy, you have to admit they are HOT AF & their raw sexual energy caught your eye and made you wonder if you even possess the endurance to swim in their waters…

Keep transforming the world Plutonians! We need you!

Thank you for reading! Wishing you blessings💋

Neptune ♓️⬅️✨ MERCURY♍️♊️ Mars ♈️♏️✨ Venus | masterlist

Alton Mason (Scorpio Sun) and Kofi Siriboe (Scorpio Pluto, Moon, Jupiter STELLIUM 😮‍💨)

@thesirenisles | masterlist | Enjoyed? Support!🧜🏾‍♀️

[novaursa]

The Last Flight

- Summary: You go to Dorne instead of your sister Rhaenys. And you never come back.

- Paring: sister!reader/Aegon I Targaryen

- Note: This short story covers one of possible endings of The Broken Crown series.

- Rating: Mature 16+

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @alyssa-dayne @oxymakestheworldgoround @fiction-fanfic-reader @fireandblood-mharmie @poisonedsultana

- A/N: You want another scenario? Let me know.

The scorching heat of Dorne clings to your skin, the sun a burning coin suspended high in the azure sky. The wind carries with it the dry, acrid scent of sand, yet beneath you, there is power—an unrelenting force. Tesaerix, your magnificent golden and cream dragon, moves effortlessly through the air, her deep red eyes scanning the terrain below. You feel her muscles ripple beneath your thighs as she soars above the arid wasteland, the pride of your House and the symbol of your strength. Her scales shimmer in the sun, the blood-red undertones flashing like molten fire beneath her brilliant hide.

Your thoughts are consumed by Aegon. You can feel the weight of his presence, even when he is miles away. His absence is a shadow in your heart, a constant reminder of your duty you accepted with time, not only as his wife, his queen, but as his sister. You are bound to him in ways no one else will ever understand. And now, as you carry his second child within you, the bond feels even deeper, even more unbreakable.

The Dornish, however, are not so easily subdued. Even now, beneath the beauty of the clouds and sky, you know they scheme. They have always been the most defiant, and as much as you admire their resolve, you cannot allow it to stand. Your mind drifts to the days of battle yet to come, to the throne you and Aegon are building together, stone by stone, blood by blood.

But then—suddenly—Tesaerix stiffens beneath you, her wings faltering for just a fraction of a second. You feel the tremor run through her powerful frame, an emotion you had never associated with her before: fear. Your hand grips the reins tighter, your body leaning forward instinctively. Something is wrong.

And then you hear it.

The sharp, mechanical twang of a scorpion ballista firing, followed by the deafening roar that reverberates from Tesaerix’s throat, echoing through the sky like the crack of thunder. A bolt of dark metal tears through the air, faster than you can blink. It pierces Tesaerix’s left eye, burrowing deep into the vibrant red that once glowed with ferocity. Her scream of agony is a sound that will haunt you forever in the afterlife, shaking your very soul. You can feel the shockwave of her pain radiate through your bond, filling your mind with white-hot anguish.

“Tesaerix!” you scream, your voice lost in the howling wind. She convulses beneath you, her massive wings faltering, her graceful flight collapsing into chaos. She spirals downward, her roars now guttural, filled with unending torment. The wind tears at your hair and clothing as the ground rushes toward you both. You grasp desperately at the reins, but it is useless. The beast that was once the queen of the skies, unstoppable and unbowed, is now at the mercy of gravity and death.

You feel her strength waning, her fire dimming. She struggles to keep you aloft, her wings beating sluggishly, a far cry from the power they once held. She has always protected you, shielded you, but now... she is dying, and there is nothing you can do to save her. Your heart shatters, not only for her but for the life inside you, for the child that will never know the world you fought to create.

The last thing you see before the ground rises to meet you is the faint glimmer of Tesaerix’s blood-red scales flashing in the sun, her body contorting as she crashes into the earth. And then, everything is fire and darkness.

Pain explodes through your body as you hit the ground with a force that knocks the air from your lungs. The impact shatters your bones, but it is the silence that follows that is the most terrifying. The bond you shared with Tesaerix, the link that had always thrummed with life, is severed. There is no heartbeat in your mind, no flicker of her presence. She is gone, and with her, your world unravels.

You try to move, try to reach out, but your body betrays you. Blood fills your mouth, the taste of iron sharp on your tongue. You can feel the life slipping away, faster than you ever imagined it would. Your hand instinctively moves to your belly, to the child within, but even that small motion is agony. Tears sting your eyes as you realize there will be no future for them. Aegon’s son or daughter will never be born.

Your thoughts drift to him, to your king, your husband, your brother. You wonder if he will feel it, the moment your life leaves your body, if he will know that his child is lost. You can see his face in your mind, the steely resolve that always made you feel safe. You want to tell him you love him, that you fought until the very end, that you died with your dragon by your side. But the words are lost in the blood that bubbles in your throat.

The sky above you dims as the world around you fades. You are alone now, alone with the silence of the dead, and the heat of Dorne’s relentless sun beating down on you.

With a final, shuddering breath, you close your eyes and surrender to the darkness.

The sun had begun its slow descent when Aegon received the news. He stood at the edge of the war table, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of Blackfyre, his ever-present symbol of command and power. But in that moment, the weight of the blade seemed insignificant, a mere tool in a world that had suddenly lost all sense.

A raven had come from Dorne, its message blunt and brutal, stripped of all the delicate lies courtiers usually crafted to soften blows. Tesaerix had fallen. She had fallen.

Your name was written on that small, crumpled piece of parchment, but it was as if he couldn’t comprehend it, as if it were not real. His mind swam, drowning in confusion, in denial. You—his sister, his queen, his love—were gone. The child you carried, his unborn son or daughter, gone with you.

For a moment, the world fell silent, save for the relentless beating of his heart, pounding in his chest like a war drum, louder and louder until it consumed everything else. His grip tightened around the edge of the table, knuckles turning white as the world blurred before his eyes.

Visenya and Rhaenys were there, though he barely noticed them at first. Visenya stood stoic, her sharp, regal face as unreadable as ever, though her eyes betrayed her. There was a glint there, something unspoken. She felt the loss too, he knew, but she didn’t speak. Visenya rarely needed words to convey the force of her presence. Rhaenys, on the other hand, had tears in her eyes, her lips parted as though she wanted to say something, anything, that would take away his pain. But nothing came.

He slammed his fist down on the table, sending maps and markers scattering to the floor. The room seemed to close in around him, suffocating. His vision darkened at the edges, a storm brewing in his chest, too fierce to be contained. Aegon, the Conqueror, the man who had never faltered, had never broken—was crumbling.

"How?" he finally rasped, his voice cracking in a way it never had before. He demanded answers from the silence, but there was no one left to give them.

Rhaenys stepped forward, her soft hand reaching for his, but he pulled away sharply, the touch unbearable. It was as if his very skin recoiled from the comfort, the warmth he could no longer feel. He didn’t want her pity, her gentle reassurances. They meant nothing. How could they, when you were gone?

"She... she died bravely, brother," Rhaenys said, her voice thick with sorrow. "She fell with her dragon—"

"Do not speak of her bravery to me!" Aegon roared, his voice filled with a fury that silenced even the birds outside. "She was my wife, my queen. I should have been there. I should have protected her!"

Visenya’s calm mask finally cracked. "Aegon, there was nothing you could have—"

"Enough!" he shouted, his chest heaving with each breath. The words felt hollow, empty. No matter what his sisters said, the guilt gnawed at him, tearing him apart from within. He should have known the dangers. He should have been with you, should have flown by your side. The image of you—falling, lost, dying with Tesaerix—flashed before his eyes. It was unbearable.

He turned his back to them both, his hands trembling as they hovered over the hilt of Blackfyre once more. It would be so easy to lash out, to let the sword take away this unrelenting agony. To cut down those who had taken you from him.

"I will burn them," he whispered, his voice cold, deadly. "All of them."

Visenya and Rhaenys exchanged a glance, but neither dared to argue. They had seen this side of him before—the part of him that was not just king, not just conqueror, but something darker, something ancient. The dragon that slept within him had awoken, and it hungered for vengeance.

Aegon turned, his eyes burning with unshed tears, yet blazing with the intensity of dragonfire. "Dorne will pay," he said, the words venomous. "I will rain fire upon them until their deserts turn to glass. Every man, woman, and child who had a hand in this... they will know my wrath. No one will escape it. I swear it."

Rhaenys, always the one to temper his fire, reached for him again. "Aegon, vengeance will not—"

"Do not speak of mercy to me, Rhaenys," he snapped, his gaze cold, distant. "I will hear no more of it. They took her. They took my child." His voice cracked again, and this time, it broke something in him. He sank to his knees, the weight of it all too much to bear.

For the first time in his life, Aegon Targaryen, the dragonlord, the Conqueror, wept. His shoulders shook, his hands gripping the cold stone of the floor as if it were the only thing keeping him tethered to the world. Visenya knelt beside him, her hand on his shoulder, but even her presence could not reach him now.

He had lost you, and in losing you, he had lost a part of himself. His sisters could not comfort him, for there was no comfort to be had. There was only the aching void where you had once been.

And in that void, only one truth remained. The fire of vengeance would consume him, just as it would consume Dorne. He would not rest, not until the ones responsible had been reduced to nothing but ashes and bone.

The dragons would fly, and the world would burn for what they had done to you.

[initialchains]

shadow of a heart | luke castellan.

pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: luke’s last day at camp and everything that comes with it.

wc: 3.1k

warnings: book spoilers and (shocker) luke being a bit toxic but its all internally

a/n: this is based on cosmic love by florence and the machine !! aka one of my fave songs of all time. sorry ik i disappeared for a while :( i hope this fic is good enough as an apology <33 also i think it is impossible for me to not talk about the stars and sky in a fic …

Luke could swear his heart was about to burst out of his chest. The sound of unclaimed children snoring and the sight of his siblings peacefully sleeping didn’t seem to help him calm down, he ran a hand through his face before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He had to calm down. He couldn’t risk fucking this day up. After all, waking up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and with his heart running a marathon wasn’t the most pleasant way to kick off his last day at camp. His last day ever. 

“Don’t fail, Son of Hermes. Unless you’re a coward,” The Titan’s voice rang in his ears, causing his breathing to come out short and his chest to rise up and down at a fast pace. Luke gasped for air, pressing his free hand against his chest.

His body reacted faster than his brain. His mind blinding him with a fog of fear. Fear of not being strong enough for the Titan Lord. Fear of being too weak to take out the scorpion he currently had hidden under his bunk. Fear of losing his only family. Fear of losing you. 

Luke had to take a second to remember the reasoning behind his actions. Reminding himself to not be scared, because why should he be scared? The gods should be scared, not him. If they hadn’t neglected and abandoned their children he wouldn’t have to do this. How dare they make him feel scared? After everything they’ve done to him, after all his losses, after all the times he had to press his hand against his mouth in the shower to muffle his sobs… why should Luke be scared? 

His heart slowly returned to its normal pace and Luke took advantage of it to throw his bedsheets to the side and step out of his bunk, walking in careful steps towards the door, making sure to skip over the pieces of wood that always creaked under his feet. The six years he spent under the roof of the Hermes Cabin helping him learn the best ways to sneak out without getting caught.

 At least something good came out of it, he thought. 

And even if he got caught, what would the children do? They admired him. He was The Strong and Brave Luke Castellan, the most skilled swordsman in the last three hundred years. The campers would be too intimidated to rat out their counselor. 

The certainty of his dominance over the campers was enough to fuel his last steps and open the door. Luke was greeted with a starry sky and a quiet night, the wood nymphs not humming in their sleep for probably the first time ever. He thought this was fitting. Camp Half-Blood being quiet on his last day. It’s almost as if the Camp was silently begging him not to leave.

Look at us. Look at how quiet it will be. Look at how dark the safe haven of the demigods will become. You’ll take the stars with you when you leave. 

He shook his head, trying to get rid of the loud thoughts he was having. Luke had it all planned out, all he had to do was pack his things and leave. 

No.

All he had to do was pack his things, make sure the Son of Poseidon dies, betray his sweet and brave little sister, betray you.. and leave. 

Stay. Just stay. It won’t be dark if you stay. Don’t take the stars away from your family. 

Luke was sure he was going crazy. He probably has been for a long time but he became certain of it when he gave up everything just to prove his loyalty to The Titan Lord. 

But despite all the rage he had inside him, a part of him wanted to run straight to the Big House and tell Chiron all about his wrongdoings. He wanted to get on his knees and repent for stealing The Master Bolt and The Helm of Darkness. He wanted to cry into your arms and reassure you of all the love he held for you. 

How could a silent camp be so loud at the same time? 

Luke walked to the combat arena and took Backbiter out of its hilt. The weight of it not even coming close to the weight he felt on his shoulders. His hands shook as he stared at the blade, the mix of tempered steel and celestial bronze making him feel sick. A feeling of impending doom settling in his gut.

“It can kill mortals, demigods, and immortal divine beings,” He remembered his master’s words. Luke’s reflection on the blade stared back at him, his scar being more prominent than usual.

Was he cursed? Maybe he was doomed from the moment he was born. 

He was fourteen years old when he stopped believing in salvation. The thought of there being a paradise where he’d end up happy and in peace seemed impossible to him, almost unimaginable. He had been fighting his entire life, not ever knowing peace or unconditional love a day of it. Sure, he assumed his mother loved him before she turned into... whatever she was now. But he stopped believing in the goodness of the world when he packed his bags at just nine years old and ran away from his house. After all, that’s what it always was: a house, not ever really a home. 

He was sixteen when he found his home. After two years of grieving Thalia’s death and sobbing silently in the showers—not ever daring to let Annabeth see him as weak, he found his home. He met you. Someone who would listen when he’d ramble about his mother’s homemade sandwiches and cookies, the ones he always claimed were “Kinda bad and didn’t miss at all,” never forgetting to mention that his mentally unstable mother is probably so far gone by now and probably doesn’t even remember the recipe. 

Luke twirled the sword with his right hand, trying to get comfortable with the newfound weight. He stared at Backbiter, noticing how it even made him feel scared, the darkness it held made him want to sneak into the Forge and melt it down. 

He tried to calm himself down by remembering one of the thousand times he shared stories about his mother while you silently listened. 

“I mean it, she thought those sandwiches were the peak of cuisine and yeah, I was nine so I guess it probably was, but... really? She could’ve done so much better. I suppose I can’t blame her for it, I would be a mediocre parent if someone like Hermes was co-parenting with me,” He explained while playing with your hair, his slender fingers moving in a delicate way while he kept his eyes on the campers risking their lives as they flew higher than they should with their pegasi. 

You didn’t miss the way he laced his tone with disgust when he said his father’s name, but you knew better than to reprimand him for it. “Beckendorf is totally going to fall off that damned horse,” You chose the safe answer, changing the direction of the conversation to something more lighthearted. 

Luke snorted next to you before poking your side with his free hand, “You’ve been in this camp for three years and you’re still calling them horses? Gods, what would Zeus say?” You could hear his smile even though he tried to mask it in his faux angry statement. 

“What would Zeus say? I’m sure you would love to know, Castellan. You should ask him in two weeks,” You replied, turning your head to the left to face him and poking him in the chest. You took notice of Luke rolling his eyes when you reminded him of the most dreaded time of the year: The annual winter solstice visit to Mount Olympus. 

“Don’t tempt me, angel. I’ll even tell him my sweet girlfriend was the one who ordered me to ask him about it,” He said, before leaning closer to you and pressing a soft kiss against your forehead, his hand moving from your hair to your jaw, caressing it in the tender way he always did. 

“Alright, alright. I get it, you win.” 

A bright smile made its way to Luke’s face, “Just another day on the job.”

“Just another day of you being a huge—” Your statement was interrupted by a loud thud and the sound of campers screaming, begging for a medic. The two of you were quick to stand up and run to the stables just to be greeted with the sight of a group of campers surrounding a clearly injured Charlie Beckendorf. 

“Fuck, Beckendorf. I’ll go check if there is a free spot in the infirmary for you but you need to be more careful when you play around with that horse.” You turned around, trying to ignore how worried you felt for your Son-of-Hephaestus friend, ready to sprint all the way to the Apollo Cabin. 

You were a few feet away from the stables when you heard a yell coming from behind you, “It’s a Pegasus, baby!”

You screamed back a “Shut the fuck up, Castellan!” and tried to ignore the wide eyes you got from the younger campers who heard the not so pleasant word come out of your mouth. 

Luke didn’t know how long he spent in the combat arena trying to get comfortable with the weight and darkness Backbiter had, but the sun was out and shining its bright rays down on Camp Half-Blood by the time he finally got tired. He panted and closed his eyes as he felt a wave of exhaustion take all over his body. 

He just didn’t know if he was exhausted from training or exhausted from keeping secrets from you. 

“Don’t get mad but that new sword looks kinda..” Your voice had him snapping his eyes open, the sight of you walking towards him making his body feel lighter. Luke felt so relieved to see you that he considered dropping down to his knees and breaking down crying over the weight he was carrying. If he hadn’t been in a public space he might as well have done it.

“It looks kinda?” He answered, running the back of his hand through his forehead, trying to get rid of the sweat trickling down from his hair.

“Kinda shit,” You continued. “I think the sword being double edged is cool but it’s stupid to have that. When would we ever maim a mortal? The tempered steel is useless.” 

Luke gave you a small smile before looking away from you. When would we ever maim a mortal? You’d be surprised, he thought. He looked up again to meet your eyes, a frown taking over your features. Luke’s heart sank when he saw your worried demeanor. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” You whispered, walking closer to him and cupping his cheeks, running your thumb under his scar before leaning closer to him and kissing it. 

Luke hummed at the sensation, he always felt less ashamed of himself and his actions whenever you kissed his scar or caressed it. He didn’t understand why but he liked having the knowledge of someone not seeing the scar as proof of his blatant failure, he liked knowing you saw the scar as another beautiful part of him—a part you loved. 

He turned his head to the left, kissing the palm of your hand and replying with a low, “Don’t worry about it. You know how I always get when it’s the last day of Camp for the summer campers.” 

It wasn’t a complete lie. Luke always felt sick whenever this day arrived because he knew half of the campers he met this year wouldn’t be coming back. They’d be lucky if they even survived all the way to December. 

“No, Castellan. I will worry about it. If it’s important to you then it is important to me,” you answered, matching his low tone as you stared into his eyes, feeling captivated by the light they held inside of them. You were sure a star fell straight into them and that’s why they always reflected light and love.

Luke sighed and took your hand that was cupping his cheek, intertwining it with his.  “Fuck, I’m going to miss you so much,” he whispered, almost as if he was talking to himself. 

“You do know I’ll come back to camp for Christmas, right? Plus, we can Iris Message whenever you want. You don’t have to miss me, Luke,” you reminded him. Luke almost keeled over and vomited at the knowledge of you thinking you’ll see him again in Camp. 

“I always miss you, angel. I’m even missing you right now,” Luke answered, leaning down to steal a quick kiss just to be stopped by a hand pressed to his chest. “What the fuck?”

“You’re sweaty as shit, Castellan. Go take a shower and maybe I’ll let you kiss me when you’re done.” That was enough motivation for Luke to mutter an annoyed “Fine,” and walk to the showers. 

Luke spent more time under the showerhead than usual. It was his last day at camp, he reminded himself. He deserved to take a long cold shower without the worry of Mr. D getting mad at him for “Wasting the cold water on just himself.” He could use all the water he wanted because he was never going to step a foot inside this place ever again. 

Plus, he could use this alone time to think. Think about the finality today will bring. An end to his years at camp. An end to his loyalty to the gods. An end to his bond with Annabeth. An end to his relationship with you.

That’s probably what scares him the most–the thought of you deciding to go against him. He doesn't know if he should let you know about the things that were bound to happen tonight or if he should just keep you in the dark. 

Two frightening options: Bringing you to the light and showing his true self to you or keeping you in the shadows.. never fully knowing how broken and rotten he truly is. 

He tried to not think about the second option for too long. Because even if you did find out and he went through with Kronos’s plan causing the sky to remain starless forever, he knew you would choose to stay in the shadows for him. He trusted you and knew you would rather stay in the darkness than go against him.

The rest of his day went by faster than he wanted. He sparred with a few campers, got used to Backbiter’s weight by fighting some training dummies in the combat arena, spent time with his siblings, and sat next to you in the dining pavilion. It all seemed like a normal day at Camp Half-Blood. 

Well, at least that’s how it felt until Percy Jackson came back from his visit to Mount Olympus. 

The campers celebrated his return by lighting up fireworks and cheering his name every two seconds. It all made Luke feel sick. Why didn’t he get treated like that when he came back from his quest? All he got was a scar, looks of pity, and dead quest companions.

 No heroic welcome and no fireworks. Just burnt shrouds, mourners, and a feeling of self-loathing taking all over him. 

“Hey,” your voice made him drag his gaze away from the green fireworks lighting up the night sky. He turned his head to the right, meeting your eyes and raising a brow.

“I am pretty sure you owe me a kiss,” he said in a playful tone, taking notice of how the light of the fireworks illuminated your face just right, making the light look like a halo around you. 

Maybe he was wrong. Maybe it is impossible for there to be no light and for the sky to be starless. There will always be light as long as your heart is beating and your eyes are set on him.  

“Huh, do I? I don’t think I do,” you replied, biting your lip trying to prevent a smile from taking over your face. 

“Oh, shut up,” Luke answered, finally taking your face in his hands and kissing you. He almost fell to his knees at the feeling of your lips moving against his. The kiss was like a comet’s trail, leaving behind luminous particles of Luke’s hidden secrets and unspoken desires. 

You pulled away first, trying to catch your breath as you kept your eyes closed and your forehead pressed against his. “What’s wrong?” you whispered, asking him the same question you did in the morning.

“Why do you ask?” Luke answered in between pants, his breathing uneven due to the intensity of the kiss you shared. 

“You were.. somewhere else when I walked here. Lost inside your pretty little mind,” you explained. Luke hummed when he heard your answer. 

“I just,” he sighed, pulling his forehead away from yours by raising his head. “What would you–” he cut himself off. “Never mind.”

“No, it’s fine. I want to hear it.” 

“What would you do if you woke up one day and the earth was consumed by darkness? And I mean complete darkness, no sun and no stars.” 

“Holy shit. Did you hang out with the Apollo and Athena cabin?” you held back an amused laugh.

“Just humor me for a second, please.”

“Alright, um..” you looked down, trying to formulate an answer to Luke’s strangely philosophical question. “I guess I wouldn’t mind as long as I could find you. I know I’d be able to find my way to you so I wouldn’t really worry too much.”

And that answer was everything Luke ever needed. 

He spent some more time talking to you, memorizing the way you looked under the lights of the amphitheater in your Camp shirt and necklace. Trying to enjoy it because he will never have this sight again. 

Luke excused himself with an “I have a gift for Percy, but I’ll come back to you. Just give me some time,” before walking all the way to the cabins and taking out the Pit Scorpion he had hidden under his bunk. 

There was no fear in his actions this time. His heart was beating in a steady rhythm and his hands weren't shaking anymore. The weight of Backbiter in its hilt felt perfect against his hip. 

There would be no fear in any of his actions anymore. Because he knows if he keeps you in the shadows you’ll eventually become a dark starless sky just like him.

[pyrodolls]

clean (sub zero, scorpion x reader)

warnings: self harm, slight angst to comfort

pairings: bi-han and kuai liang x gn reader (separate)

a/n: this is a bit self indulgent, i am now 10 months clean as of today. i usually don’t write kuai liang, but i thought he’d be one of the most comforting characters to have by your side. i hope this can provide some comfort to those struggling.

(please read the warning before you continue.)

bi-han walked into your bedroom and saw you looking down at your old wounds. they looked to be self-inflicted, as they were all faded straight lines covering your arms.

bi-han is no stranger to scars. as the grandmaster of the lin kuei, he has grown used to the injuries he gains in kombat.

but he was not aware you had scars of your own. especially self-inflicted ones.

“beloved?”

you quickly hid your arms as soon as you heard your boyfriend’s voice.

“good evening, bi-han. how are you?” you asked, pretending he saw nothing.

he went up to you and gently grabbed your arm, taking a closer look at your scars.

“what is this…?” he asked. he already knew the answer, but he hoped he was wrong.

you went quiet. there was an uncomfortable silence between you two, as the only sounds you could hear were his deep breaths and the wind blowing outside.

“a few months ago…” you took a deep breath, preparing for the worst. “i… wasn’t doing very well. so i resorted to the only thing i thought i deserved. i felt like such an idiot at the time. i was making so many mistakes, so i just decided to give myself a… punishment. i haven’t done it since, i swear-”

your boyfriend interrupted you by pulling you in for a hug. he knew you were most likely better now. but would hate for you to think he doesn’t care about your feelings.

“if you ever feel that way again, please let me know.” bi-han whispered, holding you tight. he never cared about someone like this before. and now that he’s had a taste of what it’s like to love, he doesn’t wish to part from it.

he has also never been in your shoes, so he wants to comfort you as best as he can. but he doesn’t exactly know how to comfort someone, so he hopes he can hold you in his arms and it’ll be enough.

you are enough. he just wants you to know that. even if he has to remind you over and over. even if he ever loses his temper and you get into a fight. he would still love you. he always will. bi-han cherishes you as one of the only people that truly make him happy, so he hopes what happened to you in the past won’t have to happen again.

-

kuai liang felt sick when he saw your scars. he hoped they were old. but whether they were old or new, he should let you know that if something was going on, he would be there for you.

he wanted to tell you that immediately.

“my love..?” kuai liang called out, trying to hold back tears. he tried not to cry, knowing this was about you, not him. but he couldn’t help but feel a wave of sadness wash over him at the thought of you hurting yourself. he cared about you so much, his biggest fear was losing you.

“yes? is there something wrong?” you asked.

upon seeing you, kuai liang immediately embraced you as if he hadn’t seen you in years.

“do you understand how much i love you? i will always be here for you. at your happiest and lowest. no matter what, i will always help you when there is something wrong. even if i cannot solve the problem, you know i will do whatever i can.” he whispered, as he looked you in your eyes, the ones that he loved very dearly.

“what is this about?” you asked nervously.

“i saw your injuries…” kuai liang mumbled.

his gaze fell down to your arms. there were so many scars littered across your skin. they were faded, but that doesn’t mean they were never there.

“i just…” kuai liang sighed. “…wanted to let you know that i am always here for you, if you ever feel that way again. i am so sorry that your emotions drove you to the point of self-harm. i am not judging, but i do not it to happen again. i’ll do everything i can to prevent it.”

you were better. you had no desire to harm yourself again. sometimes the thought pops into your head every now and then, but you refuse. even though you were better, you still appreciated kuai liang’s support and determination to prevent it from ever happening again.

“it’s been 10 months.” you mumbled, sitting down against the wall.

kuai liang gave you a ‘hm?’ sound, as he sat down next to you.

“today marks 10 months since i last did it. i’m 10 months clean, kuai liang.” you explained.

“i’m proud of you. let’s make sure that number doesn’t go down, okay?” he encouraged, patting your back as a sign of support.

“yeah.. i try. i always try.” you admitted, leaning your head on his shoulder.

“i know, my love. i know.” kuai liang smiled, giving you a kiss on the forehead. he truly was proud of you. you were so strong, and he admired your honesty throughout the conversation. he understood that your past was difficult, but he believed that someone’s past does not define who they are.

even though you have been through tragedy, your existence is not a tragedy.

kuai liang accepts you wholeheartedly, and he’ll always be there to support you.

[gatorbites-imagines]

Hey I saw you were really stressed and I know requests aren't the best thing but this has been stuck on my mind, you can delete this or do it when you can. I can wait as long as you need 😊

Can we get Peter B and Miguel (separate or kinda like "we're co-parent friends") with a platonic male reader, reader is a spiderman for his own universe but his universe ended because of him. Now he's ungodly protective of both Peter and Miguel. Like he's put his life on the line multiple different times for those two knuckleheads

I just want fluff 😭

Peter B Parker and Miguel O’Hara

Platonic Headcanons

Peter B Parker

Now, Peter would appreciate how protective you could be, but it got a little overbearing at times, especially after you got impaled by an abnormal doc ock. Hed make you have a sit down with him about how dangerous it is, and how he feels protective of you too, so he doesn’t wanna lose you.

He can only imagine the insane amount of trauma youd have after losing your universe, especially if it was cause on accident by yourself. He would always make sure you have someone to talk too, and somewhere to go if you need it.

He would open his home to you, even after he got back with MJ and had Mayday, and you end up being a common sight in their home, to the point where MJ starts calling you their spiderson, and Pete ruffles your hair and calls you his kid.

Mayday absolutely loves you, even though Peter fears how protective you’ll be of her. If you were protective of Peter, with Mayday it’s a million times worse. He’s pretty sure he’s caught you hissing at other spiderpeople who get too close sometimes.

He still loves you very much, as he’s come to see you as his kid one way or another, you two just have a lot of things you need to work through, and Peter and the rest of his family is with you the entire way.

Miguel O’Hara

Miguel would be annoyed by how protective you were, because deep down he would feel he doesn’t deserve it. Especially after you get hurt protecting him, taking the stinger of an abnormal Scorpion for him.

He wouldn’t know how to feel about you till this point, or why you got attached to him of all people. But as you lay there feverish and hallucinating thanks to the poison from the Scorpion, he sits and holds you in his arms until you fall unconscious.

Miguel understands what it feels like to lose everything, so he’s actually great to come too if you need to talk. He doesn’t say much, but Miguel makes a great listener, especially after he starts caring for you in return.

Would end up calling you his kid on accident, specifically after you got hurt once again on a mission, and he yells at you that he cant lose another one of his kids. After that you two have to sit down and come to an understanding about your shared self-sacrificial nature.

You both have gone through a lot, and lost even more, but together you are able to build a tiny family with just two members, and that is more than enough, as long as you have each other.

[thegnomelord]

speaking of a cod apocalypse (i think actually idk i just skimmed over my tl) thoughts on the boys becoming some sort of fucked up mutated creatures?

like they're soldiers, right? and assuming the government sends them out to deal with whatever apocalyptic shit there is, surely one of them makes a stupid mistake that'll cost them their lives. fast forward to them succumbing to whatever radioactive shit decided to live in their bodies, and they're dead but alive? and like... just grotesque things. they're still them, just more brutal and monstrous. maybe their skin is melting off, maybe they're growing another limb or two, maybe they have teeth growing on their head.

anyways, thoughts on this kind of genre???? :))))

(i think itd be cool if like.... some of them merged together, just a mass of limbs and skin :33)

Okay, consider: Horizon zero dawn world, full of killer machines and tribes n shit, combined with the virus from the Prototype (that and darksiders are my fav games of all time tbh) also body horror, specifically the blend of machine and flesh bh, is my favorite shit :Dd this is a rough idea

So like as killer machines were sweeping across the planet, devouring everything in sight and replicating, a disease was created that, it was hoped, would be able to infect and eat away at the metal. But it fails, the virus ends up infecting the soldiers that are fighting against the machines and just, combining the human and machine.

The world eventually goes so far to shit that everything on the planet dies. The war machines become deactivated and some of the machine/human mutants are sealed away in bunkers to be used as experiments.

And just like, the 141 becoming a blend of steel and flesh in the grotesque approximation of what they used to be, able to strip away parts of other machines and graft them to their own forms.

Gaz was the first, fighting on the front lines back when he had foolishly believed the killer robots could be defeated. He had gotten separated when he got infected, the fear secondary only to the pain as his flesh literally melted into the corruptors, bone and muscle becoming tangled in gears and wires until all he could feel were his numerous stilt like legs now scrambled to gain purchase on the blood soaked ground . Turned into some weird metal scorpion bellow the waist, weaponry weighing on his back and coolant full wires snaking across his body, Kyle had passed out from the pain, his body further changing in his slumber to grow skin and eyes over the raw metal.

He woke up deep underground in a bunker, turned into a science experiment.

Price was next. He was a soldier turned scientist, working on a subfunction of the teraforming AI that would work to clear the world of the virus that had unleashed. He was the soft voice of comfort Kyle would listen to when they pricked and prodded him, the person Kyle spilled his heart out time and time again.

It came as little surprise when Price became infected. He had started to feel lethargic and sick for the few days, all of it going unnoticed as no one knew how the virus affected humans. That was until he came in contact with a Plowhorn, that changed him into a bulwark of flesh and metal, a living tank with a heavy crest of horns sitting on his head and thick metal plates to protect him.

Price and Kyle kept each other from going insane, figuring out the worst part of the virus — they had become immortal like the machines, but still felt pain like people, pain muddling their brains when pistons and gears would grind against flesh again and again until it regrew in a different way.

They were finally freed when the people experimenting on them died and the AI released the locks of the doors. They emerged hell knows how many years later, taking the first steps into a reborn world that was still crying in it's cradle.

Soap was amongst the first humans to emerge from the mechanical cradle, thrust into a wild and untamed world full of strange machines, with no tools but his hands. While out trying to scavange some of the metal from downed glinthawks he was attacked by Scrappers, ending up infected with the virus that had been slumbering in the earth. Soap became like the sphinx, glinthawk wings attaching to his back with wires, talons merging with skin and pushing out bone, the body of the scraper combining with his own until he was unable to stand on two legs, forced to crawl on all fours and screech in pain through distorted vocal chords until Price and Gaz found him. They took care of him until he was used to his body enough to soar through the air about as well as he could run across the earth.

Simon was the last, born to a tribe that valued strength and worshipped the machines above all. And Simon is the only one who's convergence to steel has any semblence of thought or preparation. He had spent years hunting Fireclaws, tearing off the intact pieces and pistons after every hunt until the shamans of his tribe deemed him ready to become one of the metal gods. The change was slow and painful, bones melting and hardening around new metal, body getting bigger and flesh stretching to fit the new frame, heavy claws weighing on his muscular arms until Simon had become Ghost.

It wasn't what he expected. What he had done in an attempt to fit in amongst his kin served to further push him away as his tribe worshipped him as one of the machine gods, erasing his name as Simon. It was a relief when he met the others, finding comfort in their disfigured and grotesque bodies that looked so similar like his own.

And then you meet them.

Maybe you're a foolish mercenary that stumbled too far into the wild, maybe you're one of the subfunctions of the original teraforming AI that gained sentience. Either way, you didn't fear them, you tried to talk to them, to get to know them even when every societal law of your tribe deemed them as monsters and demons.

And on one random evening, when they had all settled into a rough cuddle pile, scarred flesh over sharp metal creating enough of a cushion for you to sleep in the middle of them all — safe and warm... It occured to them: you are nice, you are kind, and they want to to stay by their side.

[makrokosmuss-blog]

First Spark

Summary: The infamous Scorpion, Crown Prince of the Lin Kuei, helplessly falling deeply in love during battle.

Warning: It's Mortal Kombat. There is Comat. A/N: This is a whole story of both brothers having a bad case of crush. If anyones interested I'll post the other bits as well. Part II Whole Story (Ao3)

The air was cold. A storm was brewing above. And the man, you had tracked for weeks on end, the man you were sent to kill, was so very close now.

Skillfully and silently you moved along the terrain. Unseen and unheard, trained on your victim, so close to striking. Muscles tense, eyes unblinking, drawing your weapon as-

You saw the fight erupt before you.

A fight that, with how it proceeded, would change your path and bring with it so much more than you had ever bargained for.

Your prey, your contract, the man you had carefully stalked, now clumsily and hastily attacked by…a boy. A boy wearing a grey garment, young, too young to fight, to be in a situation such as this. Yet he was fast. And skilled and quick. Quick as yourself now nearing them, whispering: “No…No, no, no.” to yourself as you debated fiercely with yourself if to intervene and end their fight. If to quickly kill the man you were supposed to, or to stop the boy, or to kill them both, or-

Your mind was racing. Your heart as well. You watched on, still hidden, as the boy began to struggle. He was much smaller, much frailer in frame and with the progression of their fight it was clear who would stand victorious in this encounter.

He cried out, shouting. “I Found him! Over here!”, before getting hit by yet another strike of his opponent.

Your head shot to the side. It meant that the boy was not alone. Yet you did not see any aid coming, now heard any answer.

Another strike. The man’s fist had collided with the poor boys head and you could both see and hear the miserable state he was in when he hit the ground after that blow.

And slowly but surely the question in your head moved from fear of the intruding boy, to fear for his life. He was getting mercilessly beaten. Trying desperately to move away, to hold his position yet suffered great hits. He stumbled back, catching his breath for but a second, not seeing as the silver of the man’s blade glistened in the light. You heard someone Shout from afar. The shocked voice of a father, maybe a brother. Someone who saw that with the sheathing of this weapon the boy's life would be forfeit, yet could not reach him in time. Then, despite your better judgment, with your jaw pressed shut and your muscles tense, you rushed in.

The element of surprise was strongly on your side that day. Your blade met his in the last possible second. You had positioned yourself so quickly between the two opponents, that neither had even noticed you for the split second in which you had intervened. Facing your prey, your stare turned cold. You could not see the boy that you had protected so fiercely, stare at you with wide, surprised eyes. Saw only the man you were supposed to kill before you, shocked by your appearance.

So taken aback, that before he had a chance to react any further, you moved beneath his arm, drawing back your weapon and burying it deep into his guts, up into his heart. Out of the corner of your eye then, having angled you body towards him in your movements, you could see the boy behind you sink to his knees. Failing to stay upright. Quickly you pushed your victim off. Turning in a fluent motion and grasping for the young boy, catching him in his fall. His head fell back, revealing his unconscious features to you, beaten and bloodied face laying still. He was warm and soft in your arms and you worried if he was alright. This was not how this should have went. Not how it was planned.

“Tomas!”

The same voice again, this time the man was in view. And then, more than that, shock ran through you, ice cold and damaging. It was impossible not to recognize the man that was sprinting towards you. Even from stories and legends alone, it made your blood freeze and the fear in you arise. With that fear you looked down upon the boy in your arms, noticing he was Lin Kuei as well. One could not miss it in their beautiful ornate Robes and masks. And the man before you none other than…

“You, step back.” His voice was deep. Menacing. And yet it called to you so attractively. As if you had heard it a thousand times before. His infamous speer was held out, directed straight at you as he came to a halt, not bothered or out of breath by the impressive sprint.

He stood oh so tall. Broad as well. Shoulders strong and upright. A fire in his eyes that seemed unyielding. You would not dare to provoke him. Not the second son of the Lin Kuei.

As slowly as you could, you lowered the boy down. Running your hand over his forehead, through his gray hair, then at his throat, checking his pulse. He was alright. Even slower then, you rose from your crouched position. Careful with each step. You thought about raising your hands, to show submission. Yet decided against it. The best way to get out was to neither give up nor confront.

The tense silence hung in the air as you stepped back from the boy, your blade still in hand, but your attention now divided between him and the menacing man who had just arrived. Noone else, but Scorpion. The younger brother, of the sons of the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. The man's piercing, intense gaze locked onto you, and you felt an electrifying connection between your eyes. Although his face was covered, just as yours, by mask, in that instant, amidst the chaos, you recognized a strange attraction and admiration that welled up within you.

His speer remained pointed at you, unwavering, a clear indication of his readiness for confrontation. His reputation as a formidable warrior was well-deserved, and the stories you'd heard about him had not done justice to the aura of power that emanated from him. Like heat, it seemed to wash over you, filling you with strange exhilaration.

The boy you had saved, lay at your feet, his shallow breaths and steady pulse reassuring you of his safety. He was battered and bloodied, sure, but his life was not in immediate danger.

The man before you squinted his eyes at you, then they shifted briefly to the fallen boy. "You saved him," he said, his voice a complex blend of stern authority and intrigue. "But that won't absolve you of your intrusion."

Intrusion. Yes. You were in Lin Kuei territory. You had hunted your contract here. Knowing he would escape had you not. There had been no other choice in your mind.

You knew you had to be cautious, and you kept your blade at the ready, prepared for a fight you had not initially bargained for. "I did not mean to stumble upon anyone" you replied, your voice steady, though your heart raced. "I have my reasons for being in your territory."

Scorpion raised an eyebrow, and a flicker of curiosity danced across his eyes. "Reasons," he echoed, as if trying to decipher your intentions.

As you stood there, the tension in the air grew more palpable with each passing moment. Both of you were Assassins, bound by duty and honor, but now standing at an unexpected and unwanted crossroads. You knew there was little chance you had against him, if it came to a fight. Somehow you would have to evade this, his moves, his speer, long enough to get away.

The boy, Tomas,still did not regain consciousness. You glanced down at him and then back at the man. "He is alive and well. I do not ask for thankfullness, only for letting me go, as if unseen" you proposed, a hint of desperation in your voice. "Let's not make this any bloodier than it needs to be."

The man's gaze remained fixed on you, his expression unyielding, but a hint of something deeper tugged at the corners of his lips. “I don’t think so.”

The tension between you was a strange one. There was an undeniable connection that had sparked in the midst of this chaos that you found yourself in. Was it his eyes? His voice? You had heard it before. You knew that. Were so sure of it. And he. The way he looked at you. Moved his eyes up and down your form, puzzled expression, intrigue in his eyes. It was strange but he seemed to feel just as you did. He continued watching you with curious eyes, the short blade dancing in his hands. The world around you seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the next move in this unexpected dance of nearing Combat.

“You said it yourself, Woman. You are in Lin Kuei territory. I’ll have to take you in.”

Your eyes were trained on him. Heart began racing once more. The air tense, just as your piercing gaze. “I won’t go voluntarily.” His answer was calmer, nearly glad about this decision of yours. “I thought so.”

With the tension between you reaching its peak, the clash of steel became inevitable. Still wielding his infamous speer, he made the first move, lunging forward with deadly precision. You moved, feeling the hot air of the metal just inches next to your face, then, slicing through soft skin, leaving a bloody but rather shallow gash on your cheek. He pulled it back just as quickly and you moved again, evading it’s sting, before he drew his blade and it met yours in a beautiful sound of clinging metal. Another attack followed, then another. His strikes were swift and merciless, yet you moved with a grace and agility that seemed almost choreographed.

You parried his attacks with fluid movements, your blade meeting his with a melodious ring that echoed through the air. The dance of combat began, and it was unlike any you had experienced before. Each swing, each thrust, and every step felt like a part of a beautifully orchestrated performance.

He was relentless, his speer and blade a blur as it sliced through the air. You evaded his strikes with a dancer's finesse, your body swaying like a reed in the wind. Your movements were swift, his direct and forceful, a mesmerizing display of skill and precision. The air around him was hot. His skin, whenever you brushed against it, steeming, scorching.

Despite the intensity of the battle, there was a strange, unspoken understanding between you and him. A mutual respect for each other's abilities emerged as the fight continued. Admiration gleamed in his eyes as he saw your agility and prowess.

He stepped back as you had dodged another swing, landing in a crouched position. A moment of peace. A moment to breathe. A moment to watch each other closely. Seconds had past. A minute maybe. And yet you felt like you had spent hours brushed against him, lost in dance.

You could see his chest rising and falling with his rapid breathing. See his muscles tense. His shape pristine. You could see his eyes doing the same. Watching you oh so tenderly as you slowly rose to your feet. He was clearly impressed. Impressed or rather, entertained, maybe.

"Who are you?" he asked, acknowledging your theory of admiration, his voice low and tinged with a hint of appreciation.

You began to move. Slowly, pacing like a wild cat. He joined your movements, just like in battle. Synchronised in a beautiful dance. The two of you circled each other, a magnetic connection pulling you closer with each step. The man's breath was measured. The adrenaline coursed through your veins, and you couldn't deny the exhilaration of the fight.

As the clouds above cast eerie shadows on the battleground, the man lunged once more, and you twirled away gracefully, your blade grazing his arm as you did so. He winced, but once more there was a glint of admiration in his eyes. The pain seemed to fuel his determination. He grasped it then, his wound. Looking at the blood that ran beneath his fingers and then up to you again. Knowing, you would not attack him. Knowing as surely as you did, that there had formed a respect between the two of you so quickly, that neither had actively witnessed it happening. It was simply understood.

You parried his next strike, locking your gaze with his, and for a brief, electrifying moment, the world around you disappeared. It was just the two of you, locked in a dance of blades, a fight where admiration mingled with the thrill of combat.

And it continued, a harmonious clash of steel, a duel that neither of you seemed willing to end. As the seconds turned into minutes, it became clear that this battle was no longer about territory or a contract. It was a display of skill and a testament to the undeniable connection you seemed to share. More and more you noticed yourself not wanting to harm him. And neither seemed he to want to. Seemingly pulling back his punches, missing you on purpose, wanting to see your skill, feel your heat within his rather than being out for blood. He had you once, twice at a damaging position, yet did not strike, but glanced at you wondrously. You as well had your blade against his throat, only to redraw, deciding to back off before he lunged again.

The sun found its way through the thick clouds above, a silent witness to the dance of blades and the unspoken bond that had formed between you. This battle was far from over, and the admiration you held for each other would continued to grow.

It took you by surprise then, as he lunged forward. In a sudden burst of speed and strength, the man managed to close the distance between you, his speer aiming to immobilize you. With a swift, unexpected maneuver, he had gotten hold of you with his infamous weapon. Rope that felt as hot as him suddenly tangled around you, squeezing you tightly, taking your breath away. Before you knew it he pulled you close and his powerful grip held you firmly.

You found yourself pressed against him. Pulled with your back into his chest, strong arms around you, holding you in place. You could feel his heat up close now. Feel the rising and falling of his chest. For a moment, you were defenseless, your chest heaving, and your heart pounding. You turned your head, struggling, seeing him watching you from over your shoulder. The man's intense gaze bore into you, and his eyes seemed to contain a mix of regret and resolve. It was the strangest move then, that he did not finish you right then and there, but to grasp your mask, carefully and tenderly, pulling it down, revealing his face to you.

Frozen, shocked and taken aback by this move, you held completely still. Lips slightly parted, eyes wide. It was this that he had chosen as the prize for his victory. To see his opponent. You looked at him all surprised, yet unmoving in his arms, as the soft fabric brushed past your lips and beneath your chin. Not as surprised as himself however, the great Scorpion looking admiringly, dumbfounded even at your features, still for just a moment. The moment passed. Then another. Neither spoke nor moved. Both out of breath. Both exhausted and yet so intensely concentrated. On each other - in a different way this time around.

Sensibility only slowly returned to you. But when it did you remembered what was truly happening. That the man, no matter how close now, was a killer who would take you hostage if you did not change something about your situation fast. And so another moment passed.

A moment you had to use in your favor. You were swift and determined. With a deft twist of your body, you managed to break free from his grip, turning the tables on him. You landed a series of powerful blows, using the momentum you'd gained from your evasion to kick at the back of his knee, then at his chest.

The man grunted, his composure momentarily shattered. His speer clattered to the ground, and he staggered backward. There was an undeniable sense of satisfaction that surged through you as you overcame him, a fire in your eyes that matched the sparks of attraction that had flared between you. You had grasped his own blade, moved so quickly, and then -

Pointed it at his throat. Silence fell. Time stood still, for but a moment, just as it had before. The great scorpion, beat by his own blade, hieving, staring you down. Admiring the fire in your eyes.

Just as you were about to speak to him, something unexpected happened. The heat of the air disappeared. Replaced by cold. Then a swishing noise.

You heard Scorpions hiss, felt him lunge at you, grasping you, turning you around in his arms, trying desperately to protect you. It was because of him that instead of your heart, itr was your shoulder that was pierced by ice. Then a searing pain rushed through your shoulder, and you cried out in agony, collapsing into the man that was no longer fighting, but holding you. Blood stained your clothing, and the world spun around you as you sank to the ground.

The man, who had been your adversary just moments ago, now knelt by your side, a mixture of shock and concern in his eyes. "No," he muttered, his voice tinged with regret. He hadn't wanted this outcome.

His accomplice approached, the icey air still prevalent around him, his face pale as he noticed his brothers scattered around you. One laying, one holding you.

Scorpions gaze shifted between you and his accomplice, a protective instinct rising within him. "We need to save her," he declared, the urgency in his voice clear. "She's not our enemy, and you just gravely wounded her."

“She’s in our territory, brother. What has gotten into you.” “She saved Tomas!” “She’s a threat, and i won’t let you-”

Voices faded around you. You felt strength leaving you. Heard your own heart beating. And felt warmth, above all, lull you in.

The encounter had taken an unexpected turn, and what had once been a battle of wills had transformed into a complex mixture of attraction, duty, and the shared desire to keep you alive.

[calisources]

GEORGE R.R MARTIN'S FIRE AND BLOOD QUOTES. all sentences here were taken from the book fire and blood which in part was adapted to hbo's house of the dragon. change pronouns, names and location as you see fit. warning for some foul language and mentions of inc*st.

“Then the storm broke, and the dragons danced.”

“A ruler needs a good head and a true heart, a cock is not essential.”

“Words are wind, but wind can fan a fire.”

 “My father and my uncle fought words with steel and flame. We shall fight words with words, and put out the fires before they start.”

“The seeds of war are oft planted during times of peace.”

“Only you could have won me away from the sea. I came back from the ends of the earth for you.”

“The Iron Throne will go to the man who has the strength to seize it.”

“I fed my last husband to my dragon. If you make me take another, I may eat him myself.”

“Let no man think that the fire of the Targaryens did not burn in his veins.”

“We are as the gods made us. Strong and weak, good and bad, cruel and kind, heroic and selfish. Know that if you would rule over the kingdom of men.”

“This is a night for song and sin and drink, for come the morrow, the virtuous and the vile burn together.”

“Thrones are won with swords, not quills. Spill blood, not ink.”

“Such a fierce little thing she is, she has no need of comfort. They are wrong in that, I fear. All men need comfort.”

“When the gods are silent, lords and kings will make themselves heard.”

“I do not have the time for tears.”

“Pride goes before a fall.”

“It is always winter now.”

“I will not fight you, nor will I kneel to you. Dorne has no king. Tell your brother that.”

“But we will come again, Princess, and the next time we shall come with fire and blood.”

“Surely the Mother Above loved my children more. She took so many of them away from me.”

“The tradition amongst the Targaryens had always been to marry kin to kin. Wedding brother to sister was thought to be ideal. Failing that, a girl might wed an uncle, a cousin, or a nephew, a boy a cousin, aunt, or niece.”

“ This practice went back to Old Valyria, where it was common amongst many of the ancient families, particularly those who bred and rode dragons.”

“The blood of the dragon must remain pure, the wisdom went. ”

“Familiarity is the father of acceptance.”

“Brother, you need never kneel to me again. We shall rule this realm together, you and I.”

“All men are sinners.”

“You rose up in rebellion against your lawful queen and helped drive her from this city to her death.”

“We came here to be free of Old Valyria, and your Targaryens are Valyrian to the bone.”

“They practiced blood magic and other dark arts as well, delving deep into the earth for secrets best left buried and twisting the flesh of beasts and men to fashion monstrous and unnatural chimeras. For there sins the gods in their wroth struck them down.”

“She has such a tender heart. Give me time, and I will find a lord to cherish her.”

“Not every Targaryen needs to wield a sword and ride a dragon.”

“I would sooner she wed a lord, but if she prefers a hedge knight or a merchant or Pate the Pig Boy, I am past the point of caring, so long as she picks someone.”

“If she wants I can find a hundred men and line them up before her naked, and she can pick the one she likes.”

“I'll have no songs about how brave you died, Kingmaker. There's tens o'thousands dead on your account.”

“Who can presume to know the heart of a dragon?”

“The Red Keep has its secrets, known only to the dead.”

“He bound the land together, and made of seven kingdoms, one.”

“Sixteen Targaryens followed Aegon the Dragon to the Iron Throne, before the dynasty was at last toppled in Robert’s Rebellion. “

“Dorne has danced with dragons before, I would sooner sleep with scorpions.”

“Winter’s here. Time for us to go. No better way to die than sword in hand.”

“The High Septon was the true king of Westeros, in all but name.”

“I will leave the making of law to you, brother, I would sooner make sons.”

“And with his death, the war of ravens and envoys and marriage pacts came to an end, and the war of fire and blood began in earnest.”

“Paying coin to the usurper is proof of naught but treason.”

“Poison was regarded as a coward’s weapon, and lacking in honor.”

“For both the blacks and the greens, blood called to blood for vengeance.”

“It was a good time, a golden autumn, a time of peace and plenty. But winter was coming.”

“The confidence of youth counts for little against the cunning of age.”

“Thankfully I proved too small for the wolf to notice.”

“Such stories make for charming songs, but poor history.”

“Why be a lord when you can be a king?”

“Only the gods truly know the hearts of men, and women are full as strange.”

“Whatever her powers, it would seem Daemon Targaryen was immune to them, for little is heard of this supposed sorceress whilst the prince held Harrenhal.”

“They called themselves the Winter Wolves.”

“We have come to die for the dragon queen.”

“Under the terms of the pact, the prince’s firstborn daughter would be sent north at the age of seven, to be fostered at Winterfell until such time as she was old enough to marry Lord Cregan’s heir.”

“For the rank and file of the City Watch still loved Daemon Targaryen, the Prince of the City who had commanded them of old.”

“We are done with writing letters.”

“The North was too remote to be of much import in the fight.”

“The Dance of the Dragons is the flowery name bestowed upon the savage internecine struggle for the Iron Throne of Westeros fought between two rival branches of House Targaryen during the years 129 to 131 AC.”

“His mount was blood-red Caraxes, fiercest of all the young dragons in the Dragonpit.”

“The bells began to ring on the tenth day of the third moon of 129 AC, tolling the end of a reign.”

“These happy bastards were said to have been “born of dragonseed,” and in time became known simply as “seeds.”

“House Tyrell would take no part in this struggle.”

“For all the vaunted strength of its walls, King’s Landing fell in less than a day.”

“This is a night for song and sin and drink, for come the morrow, the virtuous and the vile burn together.”

“How many came to see the crowning remains a matter of dispute.”

“This we do know: Cregan Stark and Jacaerys Velaryon reached an accord, and signed and sealed the agreement that Grand Maester Munkun calls “the Pact of Ice and Fire” in his True Telling.”

“Here I have you to myself, day and night,when we go back, I shall be fortunate to snatch an hour with you, for every man in Westeros will want a piece of you."

“I have the dragon’s bastard in me.”

[devswritingcornerorsmth]

mirrorwatch headcanons

since ow doesn't like making stories anymore I'm making my own (bliz pls hire me for story stuff) (actually dont i know what goes on there-)

lowkey inspired by @/vhstropics on tiktok

just headcanons not canon and based of my personal bias. don't like em make ur own :D

TANKS

D.VA: Failed MEKA training and was replaced by D.MON. South Korea is half destroyed due to the Gwishin and MEKA failed and most pilots have passed. D.VA/Hana is currently in a shelter with her family, trying to stream for money but never gets any views due to the amount of people doing the same.

Doomfist: Formed Overwatch to combat the Omnic Crisis after his master was killed by said omnic's (Mirrorwatch Orisa).

Junker Queen: Lives with her family in Junkertown. Participates in the Scrapyard most of her time.

Orisa: Part of Null Sector and led the massacre in Numbani.

Ramattra: Took Mondatta's place and ended up assassinated by Tracer via pulse bomb while Widowmaker/Amelie tried to save him.

Reinhardt: After everything that happened in Eichenwalde he gave up his oath as a knight and wanted revenge for the comrades he lost in battle due to the Omnic's. After killing both Omnic's and people, he was taken in by Mercy/Vengeance and became a top member in Mirror Talon.

Roadhog: Living with his daughter in Junkertown. Sometimes they go to New Zeland to visit other families but mostly stay and talk with friends and other family. He never meets Junkrat but does see him every once and a while with his mother.

Sigma: Siebren was able to harness gravity, and with the help of Moira, keeps his mind under control. Has won several awards due to his discovery and currently works with Mirror Overwatch.

Wrecking Ball: Escaped the Moon after the massacre by himself and ended up working with Mirror Overwatch as an engineer.

Winston: He was part of the massacre on the Moon and was pissed when Hammond left him by himself. Built his own way back to Earth and landed in Junkertown where he became champion and seeks revenge on Hammond for leaving him.

Zarya: Discovered that Russia was actually helping the Omnic's and destroyed what she could while also stealing a bunch of stuff that was important to her boss. She soon joined Talon and was given her gravity gun and enhancements to her body to make her even stronger thanks to Mercy/Vengence.

Mauga: (okay two of them cuz angst raaahh) 1, Mauga joined Overwatch after the Deep Sea Raiders disbanded due to Talon. He joined around when Baptiste did and was sad to learn he left due to wanting to be a merc. He let Baptiste go and promised they would see each other again, whether that be friend or foe. 2, Mauga was high up in Overwatch along with Baptiste. Bap was kidnapped by Talon and tortured for months. When they got him back, he killed Mauga and ended up as Scorpion.

DPS

Ashe: Akande/Doomfist made something similar to Blackwatch and got Ashe after finding her abandoned by family. She distances herself from Mirror Overwatch after it disbanded but still cares for it and will become active again if they need her to.

Bastion: After he woke up, so did his programming. He caused panic and a mass murder once reaching the city and went into hiding after he was damaged by police and others. Was soon found by Null Sector and is now a member.

Cassidy: Created Deadlock after Ashe and the rest of his family left him in the desert. Neither have heard from the other.

Echo: When she woke up, her programming malfunctioned and she was unable to learn new things and only knew that she was a weapon. Liao tried to deactivate her but Echo killed her out of fear. She soon joined Null Sector and became Zenyatta's right hand.

Genji: After attempting to murder his brother, he fled to Junkcity where he now lives his life in hiding from the Hashimoto and Shimada.

Hanzo: Genji tried to kill Hanzo and almost succeded. The Hashimoto took him in and fixed him with robotic parts and made him a killing machine for their own benefit.

Junkrat: Living with his mother in Junkertown, while taking care of her and building her little trinkets. Mei: Passed due to the cryo-sleep malfunctioning. None of them made it and ended up being forgotten by most of the world.

Phara: Joined Talon to follow her mother's footsteps, currently in training after being kicked out from Helix.

Reaper: Moira fixed him up in a good way this time. No longer has Wraith form nor can teleport, but he no longer feels too much pain and uses his abilities for good.

Sojourn: Dies the OW explosion.

Soldier76: (straight/j) Joined Talon after the OW explosion and was experimented on by Mercy/Vengence. Now faster and stronger but decaying a lot faster than normal. He only has about a year of life left and is living it with murder through Talon and weapon trading with Los Muertos.

Sombra: Still a very good hacker but her parents never passed and improved of her hobbies as long as she used them for good. After they died at the hands of Los Muertos, she turned most of them in using her hacking abilities and was scouted out by Akande for her good deeds. She now turns in criminals and sends money to the poor when she can using the money the criminals possibly stole. Best friends with Widow and thinking of asking her out.

Symettra: Dropped out of Vishkar and left to Junkertown to expand more on her creations. Is quiet popular and owns a popular shop.

Torbjorn: Left OW after the explosion. Due to complications, his wife passed, leaving him with only Brigette. He needed money to keep them afloat and joined Talon to use his engineering abilities to build multiple weapons and armor.

Tracer: Part of OW as a pilot and was presumed dead when they couldn't find her plane and left her as such. She joined Talon to get revenge on the people who wronged her.

Widowmaker: Top Sniper in OW and followed Ana closely until she shot Widow in the eye for Talon reasons. Eye got replaced by Moira and ended up being an even better shot. Bestie friends with Sombra, knows of Sombra's crush. (edit: forgot about her husband but fuck it lesbians raaahhh)

Venture: (Works for the British museum/j) They joined Talon to search for artifacts to pawn off for money. They're one of the richest people in Talon due to this and does flaunt their wealth while underpaying the people actually digging for the artifacts.

SUPPORTS

Ana: A plant in OW until she was tasked with killing Widow. She failed and went back to Talon before they caught up with her. Uses Mirror Mercy's healing tech to hurt others and (sorta) help her team. She teases Rein for not being able to save his comrades, making their relationship nonexistent.

Baptiste: (two again cuz lore n angst) 1, Left OW because they refused to let him show his full potential on the battlefield and was paired with Ashe n the little team Akande made (Mirror Blackwatch). Was stopped by Mauga before he was let go. Now a merc under the name Scorpion doing business with Talon. 2, He was in OW before he was kidnapped and tortured for months until OW found him again. He killed Mauga and went off back to Talon, only to run away again and become a merc.

Brigette: Following in her father's footsteps and joined Talon. Talon realized her full potential and allowed her on the battlefield after she showed how aggressive and strong she was. Torb was basically an absent father due to working so much but she respected him for it. She knew how hard it was on him and joined Talon to help. Mizti is a gift from Torb and is the office cat roaming around that bites and claws at everyone but Brig and Torb.

Kiriko: (not annoying, actually contributes to society, doesn't have a bike/jj). Followed Hanzo's footsteps and joined the Hashimoto, dying her hair to get rid of her routes as a Kamori. She works in Hanzo's squad and is constantly trying to find Genji and get revenge for him. Oath siblings in Kiriko's eyes while Hanzo hates the fact she followed him to the Hashimoto.

Lucio: Works at Vishkar alongside his father. Was close friends with Symettra until she left and now despises her.

Mercy: Founder of Talon after she realized OW wasn't changing the world and decided to change it herself after discovering her medical tech.

Moira: Head Medic at OW due to her discoveries with decay and bringing things back to life. Fixed Sigma's mind, Widow's eye, and countless other things. Has won multiple awards and is well-known in the medical community. Knew Mercy before she started Talon and was inspired by her.

Zenyatta: After witnessing the death of Ramattra, he began Null Sector and led the Omnic Crisis while Mondatta frowned upon him. He didn't care and wanted justice for his people.

Lifeweaver: Working with Vishkar and is a top researcher with hard light. Tolerated Symettra and was glad she left.

Illari: Once the ceremony came, turns out there was nothing special about her. She know feels burdened and like a disappointment for not being able to live up to expectations. She still tries to help but only ends up getting burnt. (Icarus situation)

[that-one-i-think]

MCD KAI LORE TIME!

(I am a firm believer of giving Meif'wa facial hair/stubble. They're cats. FURRRR! Give them body hair) Please give me your thoughts on the lore and stuff! I am starved for attention, validation, and discourse!

Kai is the nephew of the current king of Tu'la. Their family comes from an offshoot of the main branch family of the Northern Tu'la kingdom who didn't get the big cat tiger gene, or "blessing," but rather are normal domestic meif'wa. This meant that they wouldn't be viable for the throne since it has to go to a tiger, but when the main family got sick and died, a miracle happened when Kai's uncle received the tiger's blessing in their wake. A fortunate miracle, for while it was incredibly rare for the branch family to get the blessing, it had happened before.

The branch family was then moved into the palace and took the positions of the deceased members, and the new Young King took the throne. Four years into his rule, Kai was born and was then labeled a possible inheritor of the throne after his older siblings. He grew up with an amazing education while learning how to navigate the politics of Northern Tu'la. His uncle, both seeing and fearing of Kai's talents, sent him to Southern Tu'la to stay with their royal family as a way to… tie the two nations together when he was 15.

Kai thrived in this environment and became an advisor by the age of 17 (Kinda Zane Coded). He eventually became rather beloved by the Southern Tu'lanian community and became a staple in the southern capital of Solspear. Unfortunately, his intentions did not stay kind as he started feeding his uncle information, becoming the king's favorite and further securing his chance of being next in line for the throne. The kindness he was shone was overshadowed by the thrill of power.

When he was 20, he aided in the invasion of Southern Tu'la by the North. He poisoned the royal family with something he only thought would have made them so sick that they would have had to surrender peacefully, but his uncle was not that kind. Kai watched what was said to be a quick and peaceful overpowering turn into a massacre as both Northern Tu'la soldiers and the recently aligned O'kasis soldiers slaughtered the people of which he considered his. The last look of his host family's eyes was utter betrayal as every orifice of their body leaked blood, trying to escape the boiling temperatures.

He, who was once a beloved child advisor, became a symbol of betrayal and hurt, earning the nickname "Scorpion" by the remaining southern Tu'la people. His uncle was incredibly proud of him but was fearful of his ambition, so for the first two years of his reign, he sent Kai around Southern Tu'la to burn down any temples of Menphia left and gather up all of the warriors and remaining soldiers to send to the newly formed Gladiator Pits. A distraction so Kai wouldn't interfere with him overtaking O'khasis after he killed the O'khasis soldiers that helped in his overtaking of Tu'la.

Kai did his job and shoved all emotions deep down, choosing to display aloof behavior to cope with his actions. Realization came crashing down when he returned from his expedition to see children no older than 12 fighting in the pits for entertainment. Orphans convicted of the crime of stealing bread because he burned down the temples housing them. (One of these kids was in fact Liochant, or Lais at the time.) He then decided to help free the gladiators by playing into the game. (Age 22)

He created a new sort of playboy persona, one where he found a love of gambling and a penchant for the underdog gladiators. His uncle took notice of his disinterest in the throne and encouraged Kai's new behavior, allowing him to have almost unlimited money and access to trades. Kai then started buying gladiators who were on their last legs due to injury or were no longer viewed as entertaining and either turning them into his servants or revamping them, though it wasn't uncommon to see people go missing under his care. As most benefactors of gladiators, he had no qualms of disposing them how he saw fit, though unlike others, his disposal method required a lot less blood but a ship out of the country.

When he was 31, he acquired Liochant, or Lais Ravanah Havilah, aka Lais Seshadri, the Pit Viper of Solspear. Liochant, who was 20 and a half years old, had been practically given to him by one of the crueler benefactors after Liochant had refused to kill a child shadow knight in the pit. Kai pitied him and wanted to… disappear him as fast as possible, but at the time he had no gladiator, so he used Lio. He helped heal Liochant from his previous treatment while still having him fight for him and be arm candy for whenever Kai needed for the galas. When Liochant was 22, he managed to get a newer gladiator on his hands, and suddenly, his little Lais broke a family heirloom and had to disappear one night. Liochant then woke up one morning on a trade ship with 2 trunks full of clothes, his khopesh, and enough coin to last a few months.

Kai's operation continued until he was sent to watch over the troops in O'khasis after the prisoner and former Lady of O'khasis, Zianna, escaped.

I essentially made Kai a sort of foil to Zane. Both characters manipulated into doing horrible things for their father figures for power and favor, except one regretted it and the other did not.

(FYI - Liochant hated him and still hates him. Kai's helpful actions did not get rid of his previous actions and the ways he still used Liochant for gain/cover. If it came down to it, Kai still would have put his life before Liochant's. Also he is the reason why Liochant still has so many of his clothes because he didn't think about sending him with food or books to learn about the culture, just clothing and a sword.... Rich people.)

[midnight-songbird]

As much as we all love Scorpio, there's no denying he deserves to get told off at least once. Maybe more.

This takes place in Scorpio's route, a little after the prologue. The gods have been on earth for a few weeks at this point.

Gender neutral mc, no gendered language used. I am using my own name here, though.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sting Him Back (Scorpio x MC)

I really don't know why I chose him. He's never been anything but rude to me. I try to be nice, but I'm really getting sick of it. He won't even call me by name! He just refuses. It really is infuriating, now that I think about it. If I have to sit through another round of his insults-

"Hey! Stupid human, can't you hear me?! I said get over here and help me!"" Scorpio barks out, startling me out of my thoughts.

Deciding that I've had enough of him, and of being nice, I fire back, "I DO have a name, you know." 

"There's no reason for me to use your name. Stupid human."

"Oh, I've got a reason. It's called respect!"

"Why should I respect a filthy human like you?!"

"Because it costs you NOTHING to be polite! Absolutely nothing! You're making a big deal out of this for no reason!"

"Tch... Who do you think you are, talking to a god like that?" As he speaks, he flashes his upturned sneer at me. Holy hell it pisses me off when he does that.

I have an idea, just to spite him. I've already turned around, my back to him. Standing with my arms crossed over my chest, I pretend like I don't hear Scorpio. I casually make eye contact with Leon and show him a confident grin to silently communicate my plans. He catches on and is unsurprisingly thrilled to play along.

"That Scorpion is stubborn as ever, isn't he," Leon comments.

"Hmph, you're telling me. He's unbearable," I reply back.

"HEY! FILTHY HUMAN!"

I stare at nothing in particular, arms crossed, like I'm deep in thought and didn't hear him.

"Stupid human, look at me when I'm talking to you!"

I give no response. This is about to get fun.

"...Hm? Say something, Scorpio?"

"Yes, I told you-"

"Oh, silly me, must be hearing things."

"DAMMIT HUMAN, YOU BETTER ANSWER ME OR EL-"

Sounds like a good time to have at him.

I whip around to face him, speaking with a mocking tone, "Ohhh, was that supposed to scare me??? Why should I fear a scoundrel like you with no decorum whatsoever?"

"EXCUSE ME?!" comes his indignant screech.

With a sickly sweet smile, a honeyed tone, and a falsely sincere hand to my heart, I say to him, "Oh, of course, you're excused!" My sweet grin turns wicked.

Oh yeah, Scorpio's ticked. Realizing he won't win this, he yells, "UGH!"

And with that, he stomps away, dramatically slamming the door shut behind him.

"Aww, you don't wanna play anymore? That's too bad," I purr out. I'm quite satisfied with myself, if I'm being honest.

With his signature smirk, Leon praises, "I'm impressed, Goldfish. You've got quite the backbone."

Ichthys is shocked, and it shows on his face. "That. Was. AWESOME, WINTER!!!" Now grinning, he adds, "You tooootttallllllyyy told Scorpy off!!!" After his cheers of delight, Ichthys couldn't help himself from sticking his tongue out.

Teorus squawks in agreement, "Yeah! Who knew Goldie could get scary!!!

Dui chimes in next, beaming, "No one can say you aren't brave, Winter."

Huedhaut pipes up with, "I must admit, I admire the snark. Well done."

I play along with Huedhaut, my smile present in my voice, "That's quite the high compliment, considering it came from you."

~~~

Later that evening, I'm still hanging out at the mansion. Scorpio hasn't come back out since he stormed off.

I'm chatting with Dui when I hear something. Scorpio has come back to the living room, presumably thinking I'd be gone by now. The moment he sees me, he stops dead in his tracks and actually growls. I can't say I'm surprised. I am a little amused, however...

Now, Scorpio and I are just staring at each other. Breaking the silence, with heavy sarcasm in my tone, I ask, "What, are you back for more?"

He just scowls, turns on his heel, and walks right out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is my first fic ever, and I really had fun writing it!

And it wouldn't feel right if I didn't thank @fateinthestars , @star-crossed-mid , @pyxianox , @izaberu-chann , and @eclipsegalaxy ! They all helped me out in writing this! Thank you guys <3

I think I'll have a little epilogue to this at some point, I have no idea when.

[starsurface]

Hi friend hope the hanzo mk 11 with Baby Bi-Han Mk 1 isn't too much hassle as a fic I know it can be hard sometimes even with the requests just letting you know I don't mind how long it takes just hope you're doing well and it isn't causing you any unnecessary stress or worry 😊

Hi!!! Sorry for this taking so long!! I have my Fics on another request list, which you can check on my AO3. :p

But also thank you for the support and concern! I'm doing well!! No stress at all! Just Senioritist seeping into posting. <3

CG Hanzo MK11 w/ Regressor Bi-Han MK1 (Fic)

 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

"If you keep glaring at it, it might eventually freeze over," Hanzo said as he added some honey into a bottle of milk.

Bi-Han huffed, moving his glare from the bottle, to Hanzo, then back to the bottle.

He didn't need Hanzo's silly commentary. Just like how he didn't need some silly baby bottle!!

"Hate it!" Bi-Han spat. "We get rid of it!"

"Have you ever dranked from a bottle before, Bi?" Hanzo asked, receiving another huff. "If you truly hate it, we have a sippy cup instead."

Bi-Han didn't like that choice either.

He found . . . friendship with Hanzo and Kuai Liang, as did his brothers. It was an . . . interesting friendship, at first.

Timeline merging was something Hanzo had gotten used to, especially with the events that happened here. Although Liu Kang- Uh, "Lord" Liu Kang's new universe was . . . interesting.

Not bad just . . . a different take on their lives.

Although Hanzo, surprisingly to some, enjoyed this universes Bi-Han.

He was still Kuai Liang's brother, but in another universe, one where he wasn't fully corrupted by Quan Chi. 

One where he could be saved.

Even Kuai Liang enjoyed his company. And it was almost awkward that he wasn't with them. But he was hanging out with the Scorpion Kuai Liang and short haired Tomas.

Hanzo and kuai Liang enjoyed watching regressors, and after finding Bi-Han regressing, and the entire incident (meltdown) that followed, they had started taking a small CG role for him. Even encouraging little playdates when one of them were small.

Bi-Han wasn't too keen at the friendship at first . . . But he wouldn't deny that they provided somewhat of a safe haven for being tiny.

"Don't need that either," Bi-Han frowned. "Cup."

Hanzo shook his head, "Your too little for big kid cups-"

"No!" Bi-Han stomped his foot. hanzo put a hand in the air, indicating Bi-Han to take a deep breath, which he did. ". . . Not a baby, Papa."

Ah, that's what it was.

Even if Bi-Han did regress smaller than others, he had a habit of indicating that he wasn't 'some baby'. Always trying to do big kid things.

But even with straws, Bi-Han had a habit of knocking over his cups. Or dropping them by accident. It wouldn't matter if it was just water. But the angry shouting and throwing Bi-Han had after was something Hanzo didn't want to encourage.

Bi-Han hated regression items.

Or, he feared them, to an extent.

Most of his items were kept here, in another universe, where his LIn Kuei couldn't find.

What would they say if they found their Grandmaster's paci? Or a teddy bear on his bed? He'd be reducuiled, he know he would.

Still, Hanzo and Kuai Liang decided that a baby bottle and a sippy cup wouldn't hurt him. And they would just store it at the Shirai Ryu temple, there was no reason to be all fussy about it.

"Of course you aren't. you just need a cup with safer cup, one that won't spill as easily."

Bi-Han wanted to call bogus. There were so many big kid cups like that!! He didn't need some baby bottle or sippy cup- He just needed a big kid cup! Why couldn't Hanzo see that?! 

He was be silly, and not in the good way.

Hanzo noticed Bi-Han's grumpy scowl, ruffling his hair, "You'll be okay. Just try it out and if you'd like, I can change it."

Bi-Han wanted to press more, but knew it really wouldn't get anywhere.

Well, it could if he reeeeally wanted it . . . But he also couldn't completely deny that he did want to use one. It was just embarrassing, using some bottle.

"Fine," Bi-Han grumbled.

"There's blocks in the living room corner if you'd like to bring them out," Hanzo suggested, screwing the bottle cap on.

This sparked Bi-Han's interest. Blocks? he liked blocks! He didn't have them back at his place, but hanzo was more than willing to share his toys.

Bi-Han practically rushed out of the room, causing Hanzo to hold back a chuckle. Any sort of laughing would cause a tempter tantrum.

Hanzo shook the bottle before walking back into the living room, setting it on the low table. Bi-Han, who was in the middle of building his castle, paused his actions, glaring at the cup as if it were to attack him.

"The more it sits, the more it'll spoil," Hanzo warned him, sitting on the couch.

"Nap?" Bi-Han glared at Hanzo. 

Warm honey milk always made Bi-Han sleepy. Was Hanzo trying to make him take a nap? He wasn't some baby, only babies took naps!

"No, you asked for it?" Hanzo raised an eyebrow, receiving a huff.

Okay, maybe he had, but he wasn't going to admit it.

Bi-Han seemed hesiant. He tried to drink some, but quickly set the bottle down. It was too - Too embarrassing!! He couldn't drink out of it! Especially while Hanzo was right there, just watching!

Hanzo tried not to watch, amused by Bi-Han's actions. But he didn't want the milk to go bad. And Bi-Han was clearly thirsty, he couldn't have the little one go thirsty.

". . . Come here," Hanzo patted his lap. Bi-Han looked confused. "Lay your head on my lap."

Bi-Han hesitated, looking between his blocks and Hanzo. Eventually, he slowly got up, waddling with his bottle in hand.

He sat beside Hanzo, laying his head on his lap. Hanzo gently stroked Bi-Han's hair, holding the bottle to his mouth, which Bi-Han hesitantly accepted.

Bi-Han felt himself grow tired, sluggish. Warm honey milk always made him sleepy. But laying down, having his hair tussled defienty made him sleepy. He was only halfway through before Hanzo took it away, making Bi-Han whine.

"I think it's time for a nap," Hanzo said, putting the bottle on the table. Bi-Han tried to protest, but he just got shushed instead. "Shh, there's no need to fuss, I can see your eyes dropping."

"Ba!" Bi-Han angrily mumbled, making grabby hands for the bottle. "Papa, ba!"

Hanzo shifted Bi-Han to his hip as he stood. He grabbed the bottle, which Bi-Han quickly snatched and tightly held as Hanzo carried him to Hanzo's room.

He tried, tried, to lay Bi-Han down. But instead Bi-Han fussed and whined, clinging onto Hanzo.

"Nooo!" Bi-Han whined, pointing to the bottle that Hanzo set on the nightstand. "That!"

"Here you go," Hanzo tried to hand it to him, but received a headshake. "What do you want then?"

Bi-Han glared at Hanzo, as if he expected Hanzo to know what he wanted.

"Can we use our big boy words?" Hanzo asked.

Bi-Han pointed to the bottle again, "More Papa. . ."

"You want to lay on my lap again?"

Bi-Han thought about it, before nodding.

But when hanzo sat down, Bi-Han didn't lay his head on his lap. Insead, he sat on it. He clung to Hanzo's chest, trying to make sure that Hanzo wouldn't kick him off. Which Hanzo made no more to do.

Ah, he wanted to be cradled.

Bi-Han looked proud, happy in the fact that he had 'tricked' Hanzo to get what he wanted.

"You want me to bottle feed you?" Hanzo double check, earning a grumble. "I need words, Snowflake."

Bi-Han grumbled at the nickname, mumbling out a small, "Yes."

"Thank you," Hanzo smiled, grabbing the bottle.

It wasn't long before Bi-Han passed out. He felt . . . safe in Hanzo's arms. And with the bottle making his tummy feel all warm and happy, he felt all sluggish and tired again. 

Hanzo gently tucked him in, kissing Bi-Han's forehead. He heard the door click behind him, Kuai Liang walking into the room.

"Hanzo-"

"Shhh, he fell asleep," Hanzo shushed him. Kuai Liang nodded, walking over. Bi-Han's eyebrows furrow, curling more into himself. "Get out of here, you'll wake him."

"As if he can stand your heat," Kuai Liang rolled his eyes before noticing the bottle. "Did he take kindly to it?"

". . . Only a bit of screaming," Hanzo admitted. "But he seemed content after being fed."

Kuai Liang nodded, noticing hanzo's phrasing but not pressing further. Perhaps he would bug him about it when he wasn't in the room with the sleeping baby.

He just hoped Bi-Han wouldn't get upset for 'letting him do silly things' while regressed, again.

Or straight up ignore them . . . again.

 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Hope I wrote Bi-Han right. I like his character, but he's hard to get accurate sometimes. 😭

Also thank you again for the concern, it was really nice of you. I'm doing okay! Posts might be a bit slow for the next little bit (something bad also happened) but I'll be alright. <3

[cienie-isengardu]

[MK1] Bi-Han & Kuai Liang. Good brother? Evil brother? Nah, just different reactions to trauma, part 2

With the first part, I hopefully established that within presented worldbuilding, 

A) characters being allied with the Good Side aren’t “perfectly pure” and may be involved in questionable actions,

B) the same as wishing to change prevailing traditions isn’t a sign of evilness, as tradition itself is not determinant of good and evil

C) there are little to no sources showing us that Lin Kuei benefits in any special way from its “honorable servitude” to Liu Kang and Earthrealm.

Before I will dwell more into details about Bi-Han, Kuai Liang and how Lin Kuei training affected who they are, let me established two more things:

First and foremost, we need to remember that during story mode Sub-Zero and Scorpion are affected by things outside of their control - frustration and grief respectively. So none of them are at their best (normal) mentally state.

Secondly, from on I’m gonna use words like “abuse” conventionally for Lin Kuei upbringing, not as I think their parents or teachers were abusive people on purpose but because installing in young children a traditional values is one thing and making them cold-blooded killers totally different matter and there is plenty to say - and condemn - about turning children into perfect soldiers (tools) to uphold someone’s authority or idea of a “greater good”.

The most vital question about the Sub-Zero and Scorpion is: how two brothers raised by the same parents, taught the same values and growing together in an isolated and hidden Lin Kuei clan could get such an opposite approach to tradition and authority?

As stated in the title, I do sincerely believe the conflict between Sub-Zero and Scorpion is not rooted in how morally or immorally characters they are at core, but how they deal with hardship (abuse) of being trained since childhood to be a secret weapon ensuring safety of Liu Kang’s Earthrealm and how this limited their life to one, dictated by someone’s else, purpose.

The game makes it clear the main theme of conflict between brothers is about tradition (father’s teaching), more precisely, whether Lin Kuei should follow the centuries old servitude or break with it. We could see this dispute between Kuai Liang, Tomas and Bi-Han twice, first when brothers were awaiting Liu Kang

Tomas: Were he here, Father would advise us to wait without protest. Bi-Han: But now he is gone and I am Grandmaster. Kuai Liang: His teaching did not pass with him. They should still guide us. Bi-Han: Guide us, yes. Shackle us, no.

and during the mission itself

Kuai Liang: We must honor his vision Bi-Han. Bi-Han: Vision is what he lacked. He was blind to our superiority. We settle for defending Earthrealm when we could help lead it. Tomas: Our clan doesn't govern. It serves. Bi-Han: That is our past. It won't be our future. 

The conflict was already ongoing issue between brothers to the point Kuai Liang feared at some point he would need to turn against Bi-Han to take control over the clan:

Scorpion’s Bio: But Sub-Zero's unprecedented moves to cast off the Lin Kuei's traditional duties have frozen Scorpion’s enthusiasm. He fears that he may one day have to battle his brother for control of the Lin Kuei's legacy.But Sub-Zero's unprecedented moves to cast off the Lin Kuei's traditional duties have frozen Scorpion’s enthusiasm. He fears that he may one day have to battle his brother for control of the Lin Kuei's legacy.

On another hand, the story mode suggests that despite those fears, Scorpion did not really believe Sub-Zero will ultimately go so far as to abbadon Earthrealm in need.

Story Mode, Kuai Liang: I knew Bi-Han's frustrations ran deep. But I never thought they could inspire such madness. We can't let his corruption spread.

The game keeps each brother’s reasoning as vague as possible, however Kuai Liang and Tomas does not provide any constructive argument beyond honoring father’s teaching. There is no given reason why exactly Kuai Liang and Tomas think Lin Kuei should still uphold a system that objectively speaking does not benefit the clan as far as sources are concerned, yet both are very firm about respecting tradition and fulfilling their original duty they were trained for since childhood. 

And so we have in story mode

Scorpion: We must chart a new course. One that both honors our Father's legacy and serves Earthrealm

or

Scorpion: "Glory? We fight for duty."

or

Tomas: We can't abandon tradition.

or

Liu Kang: As you know, Bi-Han and his Lin Kuei have abandoned their roles as Earthrealm's guardians. His brother Kuai Liang has agreed to build a new clan, the Shirai Ryu, to take its place. I must go aid his efforts.

while intro dialogues adds

Smoke: With you as grandmaster, our new clan will flourish. Scorpion: Only if we honor tradition.

or

Geras: We are both sworn to serve. Scorpion: May neither of us neglect our duties.

or

Sub-Zero: What is the point of your new clan? Scorpion: To fill the role the Lin Kuei abandoned.

As Scorpion’s Bio says “Like his cherished father, Scorpion is dedicated to the Lin Kuei and its defense of Earthrealm. “, the Earthrealm’s safety is an important matter to Kuai Liang, although whether this dedication comes from his deep sense of duty alone or he actually cares for other people is up to debate. Mainly, because the sources don’t provide an insight into his motivation beyond loyalty to cherished father, his teaching and “legacy”.

Out of three brothers, Tomas was the most sidelined character, but despite sharing with Kuai Liang a similar dedication to their father, intro dialogues at least directly address his desire to save people, so we may assume for Smoke, the duty to Earthrealm is not just matter of principle but a real care for others - something most likely tied to his survivor’s guilt / trauma after losing biological family:

Sindel: It's impossible, Smoke. We can't save everyone. Smoke: Then I'll save who I can to make up for the ones I can't.

In contrast to Kuai Liang, the sources add a lot of insight into Bi-Han’s motivation. Alongside his desire for making his clan stronger - and eventual expansion of Lin Kuei’s political-economic standing, the thirst for independence and freedom are the most frequently mentioned things and such repeated theme make it clear that for Sub-Zero the cherished by Scorpion and father’s tradition was nothing more than enslavement.

Story mode: 

Kuai Liang: His teaching did not pass with him. They should still guide us. Bi-Han: Guide us, yes. Shackle us, no.

and

Shang Tsung: I know that you wish to break free of Liu Kang’s control…

Sub-Zero’s ending:

“I had broken the Lin Kuei free of Liu Kang’s enslavement. We were now masters of our destiny and could take our place among Earthrealm’s greatest nations.”[...]

Intro dialogues:

Liu Kang: You have forsaken your family. Bi-Han: To free the Lin Kuei from bondage.

and

Liu Kang: Come in from the cold, Bi-Han. Bi-Han: And again kneel before you?

and

Havik: You let yourself be Liu Kang’s slave. Kuai Liang: An opinion shared by my brother.

or

Sub-Zero: I've gained the Lin Kuei's freedom. Smoke: You've only earned them infamy.

(the screenshots can be found here)

This visible difference between brothers gives us the first clue to understand the motives behind their choices and what kind of people they are. 

Whatever Kuai Liang experienced as a child, he fully embraced father’s authority and build his life around the duty to Earthrealm - to the point he never wished to be anything else than Lin Kuei

Raiden: Did you ever want to be an Earthrealm champion? Scorpion: I have only ever wanted to be Lin Kuei.

even if he clearly does not enjoy the fighting the way Bi-Han does

Sub-Zero (Scorpion and Smoke): You're both unharmed? Scorpion: We are, brother. Sub-Zero: Good. After years of idleness, it pleases me to again face kombat. Scorpion: I will be pleased when we complete our mission.

and actually may not like kombat that much in general

Scorpion: As Time’s Keeper, you could have abolished kombat. Liu Kang: Even a Titan’s power has limits.

Mind you, a timeline in which fighting is abolished is a world where there is no need for Lin Kuei, as the clan's purpose is tightly tied to kombat. What gives an interesting detail about Scorpion and his dedication to duty, even at the cost of his own comfort.

In contrast, Bi-Han questions everything

the purpose of Lin Kuei

Sub-Zero’s BIO: As the Lin Kuei's Grandmaster, Sub-Zero leads his ancient warrior clan in defense of Earthrealm from external threats. For centuries, it has been their solemn task. But Earthrealm hasn't been threatened in generations, and Sub-Zero see no point in limiting his clan to preparing for dangers that may never come. Under his leadership, the Lin Kuei will come out of the shadows and fight for its place as one of Earthrealm's great nations.

the authority and wisdom of father

Story mode: Vision is what [father] lacked. He was blind to our superiority. We settle for defending Earthrealm when we could help lead it.

and

Scorpion: Father would be ashamed of you. Sub-Zero: Only because he lacked vision.

and

Sindel: I knew your father. He was a great man. Sub-Zero: Yet he never understood the Lin Kuei's potential.

and

Sub-Zero: My father was a fool to follow you. Liu Kang: He wisely honored Earthrealm with his service.

the authority of Liu Kang

Sub-Zero: Earthrealm isn't yours to rule. Liu Kang: Nor has it ever been, Bi-Han!

and

Sub-Zero: I don't recognize your creator's authority. Geras: Denying facts makes them no less real.

and

Kenshi: Why do you so resent Liu Kang’s authority? Sub-Zero: Give it time. You will understand.

This leads me to see Kuai Liang as a believer (follower of Liu Kang and father’s authority) that wants to uphold the status quo because it was so drilled into him and/or without Lin Kuei he has no purpose or identity to cling to, while Bi-Han is the man questioning the system and purpose imposed on him. A purpose that without an external threat could turn out to be a wasted life. 

That Sub-Zero question authority is nothing surprising, as all major cryomancers have a rocky relationship with it, including previous timelines Kuai Liang. From in-universe perspective, this could be a reason why Liu Kang on purpose changed Kuai Liang into pyromancer, as I believe that cryomancer Kuai Liang would be much more supportive of Bi-Han’s independence streak than his fire counterpart is. 

This is solely a ground on which in next part(s) I’m gonna exploit more all the nuances between brothers and from where comes their different approach to tradition, authority and their duties. 

[darknesseddiem]

𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐬'𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐥: 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Amidst the dawn of creation, when deities strode the earth as equals among mortals, humanity thrived in serene unity, untouched by the grasping tendrils of greed that would later mar the landscape. Stirred by the inherent goodness of their subjects, the divine council elected to endow them with a peerless boon: a guardian, a celestial warrior sculpted by the ethereal hands of the gods, ordained to safeguard the vulnerable and uphold equity amongst all.

Yet, the idyllic tranquility swiftly dissolved into a harrowing nightmare. With no need for celestial intervention, humanity succumbed to the seductive allure of avarice and pride, exploiting the guardian-warrior as an inexhaustible wellspring for their desires. Gold, jewels, fineries—all were but a whispered command away, conjured effortlessly by his boundless power.

Thus dawned the era of enslavement, a grim testament to humanity's descent into moral decay, as the defenseless fell beneath the yoke of callous overlords devoid of empathy. As calamity flourished and the divine pantheon grieved the degradation of their once-beloved charges, a decree resounded through the hallowed halls of eternity: the token of gratitude and trust bestowed upon mortals would be reclaimed and returned to its celestial sanctum.

Yet, the gods failed to anticipate a pivotal revelation: the guardian-warrior, born of their divine essence and combined prowess, surpassed even his creators in strength. Fearing his uprising following their futile attempts at annihilation, they decreed the most severe of punishments: eternal imprisonment.

Unaware of the extent of his own power, the warrior endured a punishing ordeal, encased within a sarcophagus of obsidian and unyielding stone, assailed by the venomous embrace of serpents and scorpions, his form suffused with chilled mercury—a spectral warden, condemned to an eternity of solitary confinement.

A formidable curse, imbued with the arcane power of millennia past, was woven into the fabric of his sarcophagus, its hieroglyphs serving as a dire warning to any who dared disturb the seal imprisoning the warrior, lest they unleash unfathomable chaos upon the world once more. However, amidst the shadows of time, an ancient prophecy, shrouded in the enigma of celestial movements and cosmic whispers, stood poised to redefine the very tapestry of humanity's fate.

In the heart of an unprecedented archaeological endeavor, an intrepid explorer embarks upon a quest of unparalleled magnitude, driven by the tantalizing allure of uncovering secrets buried deep within the sands of antiquity. Yet, intertwined with her journey lies a prophecy etched into the annals of time itself—a prophecy veiled in mystery, its origins lost in the mists of history, foretelling a cataclysmic confrontation between forces ancient and divine.

As the threads of destiny unfurl, two diametrically opposed forces emerge from the annals of legend: one heralding the dawn of salvation, the other portending an abyssal descent into darkness. Amidst this cosmic conflict, the archaeologist finds herself cast as a pivotal figure, entwined in the struggle between light and shadow, tasked with deciphering the enigmatic prophecies that hold the key to humanity's ultimate fate.

In this crucible of uncertainty, where the past converges with the present and the future hangs in the balance, the question lingers like a specter haunting the recesses of the mind: Can the immutable laws of destiny be defied, or does the intrepid explorer possess the audacity to chart a new course for humanity, rewriting the very fabric of existence itself?

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: +18 MDNI, violence, torture, Eddie has a demi-god name, etc. More will be added later.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: It's been a while since I had this idea and after my hiatus I finally had time to write, I hope you like this baby of mine just as I already have a huge affection for this story. Thank you for your support, I'll be back soon!! TAGLIST IS OPEN.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟏𝐤

𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫.

If you like my works, support me with a small 𝐊𝐨-𝐅𝐢!!

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲

𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲: Sutenankh, once revered for valor, finds himself ensnared in the ethereal confines of divine justice. As he awaits his fate within the celestial sanctum of Horus, his heart heavy with remorse, the gods decree eternal imprisonment. Meanwhile, a clandestine pact between Anubis and Horus births a prophecy of hope for a future liberator. Betrayal, anguish, and the weight of celestial retribution collide in a tale where virtue and destiny intertwine.

𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧: Ramses Thothmes, a wealthy Egyptian magnate, extends an invitation for a new excavation, promising untold secrets hidden beneath the desert's surface. As you convene with Thothmes to discuss the venture, a new figure emerges from the shadows – the enigmatic Colonel Duncan Smith.

Under Smith's watchful eye, the expedition sets forth into uncharted territory, where ancient ruins conceal dark secrets and lethal perils.

[khaosrealms]

I love the Syzoth X Princess!Reader so much I can't even- ❤️❤️❤️ Is it alright if I request something similar but with the Lin Kuei trio? Syzoth falling in love with Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Smoke's younger sister? I imagine her joining the Outworld investigation bc "Lord Liu Kang, you're sending two of the least stealthiest people in our group for a covert op? With all respect, why in the world did you think this was a good idea?" Basically pressuring the local demi-god into letting her tag along, and the mission going to hell anyway. Super-ninja be damned, the chaos cannot be contained. I also imagine Johnny isn't going to let that fact go anytime soon.

NUWA’S RAZOR. / SYZOTH X LIN KUEI! READER.

a/n: of course it is alright to ask for such a request, that is why i’m here! thank you so much for sending the ask— i am happy to respond 💚

- Perhaps it comes with the territory of being the sole sister of a family of boys. A sense of responsibility likened to that of a mother coordinating a group of toddlers. Younger than your brothers you may be, but hardly inept and hardly easily swayed enough to be told by your Lord when your presence is unneeded. What else was he to expect, when you spent the many of your living years upon Outworld’s soil doing everything in your power to prevent your brothers from slaughtering one another where they stood? If there was anyone more capable of investigating Outworld with discretion, it is you.

“Look at them, my Lord.” You utter, gazing upon his champions. A cabbage farmer, a former yakuza, a deadbeat stage fool. Men who can hardly so much as breathe before taking a bite at one another’s necks. Well, at the very least— with Kung Lao, it was more to take a nip at your own. Easier to control. “If it is recognition you fear, you know you may trust me to remain hidden much better than these… Earthrealmers you have chosen.” You do not miss the gasp of insult that escapes Johnny’s lips; rather, you choose ignorance. Searching for answers in Liu Kang’s glowing eyes. Yet nothing speaks, so it is words you are forced to accept. Words that come in what you imagine is a form of sigh from your Lord’s lips. “No one is to know that you are Lin Kuei.”

- And also, perhaps, you should have simply chosen to let the Earthrealmers suffer their own given fate. The bickering, the clumsy coordination, Tarkat, Shang Tsung, by god, Kenshi’s own eyes. By the time that you awake in a cell, dank and filthy with the smell of corpses and gore, you feel as if that day, you’d been better suited to remaining at home. Continuing your daily training as you’d had for years on end. But instead, waking with an ache in your head so deep it rushes to your spine and forces you up, you realize you no longer had that privilege. Here, instead, you were residing within Shang Tsung’s true laboratory— soon to be faced with the horror of being taken apart and made into whatever greeted your eyes through the cell’s bars.

- You’d been the second in the cell to awake, after Kenshi, woken by virtue of true and utter pain, gouged of his sight; and Baraka, awake since his capture, there to fill the hours alongside you both while you stew in your fate. You’d learned from the former merchant that your jailer had passed prior to your awakening. And now, all five of you await for his return, well— some of you. Johnny and Kung Lao were deep sleepers, it seemed. For now, the ones in the waking world, Baraka, Kenshi, and yourself, filled the rancid air with words. Jailer, you wondered. A chance to flee, bars wide enough to wrench a hand through, threaten for freedom. Options, all waiting for you to spring upon the man who chose to align himself with Shang Tsung and would die for his choice.

- Nearly, you do it. When Johnny finally rouses, stumbling to Kenshi’s side, your jailer appears. Dressed in green, red fabric tied around his bicep, and a tattooed arm that reaches in just enough to be held and twisted around. But it is Baraka who makes the first move, his word that gives you enough pause to listen and discover the true nature of your jailer. Not a herald for Shang Tsung’s cause— a slave to it. His family in the clutches of a man who would slaughter them if so much as a whisper of betrayal left him. A shapeshifter, a Zaterran. Syzoth, a name you only learn due to Shang Tsung’s arrival after fighting the hoards of his creations. A sorcerer who revealed your jailer’s only purpose for remaining in enslavement was a lie. His family dead “many moons ago”. Suffering for no cause but for Shang Tsung’s cruel ambition. Here to die alongside the five of you; suffocating in toxins.

“I should’ve simply stayed with my brothers.” You can’t seem to get the rancid smell of Shang Tsung’s labratory out from your lungs; no matter how hard you breathe in the air of Outerworld. Johnny cackling out a laugh. And too, that smell sitting in the newfound companion of Syzoth. But rather, more so— the scent of despair. Enough to give you pause; to bite back Bi-Han’s insults and instead lean towards Kuai Liang’s guidance. “…He will get what he is due.” A momentary sentiment, but you can see his eyes flicker. Heard, even in the abyss of his mourning. “I am sorry, for your grave loss.” For a moment, he reminds you of Tomas. A sort of kindness in a place where it should have no place coexisting. “Thank you.” “Thank me once we get what you are owed.”

- From that time forth, an agreement formed between you both. To seize the moment, to make Shang Tsung fear the hour for which his own actions would smite him, and you would be there— to assist in that vengeance. A blood pact, almost; shaken hands on even. A source of comedy for Johnny, who found nothing but delight of the thought of the ‘big bad serious ninja’ actually shaking someone’s hand. Syzoth simply shared in your confusion. A mutual link of attitude towards the odd Earthrealmer. If a bit more lenient of his callousness than yourself.

- In Syzoth, you suppose what you find is a… reasoning for balance. You’d cared for your family, always, yes— but you never considered what truly was at stake had someone taken them away. If, like your father, all those you loved were slaughtered. Would you still find the determination to keep going once they were gone? Would you still fair with that kindness he holds when the two of you speak during the night? Still passionate about living beyond vengeance against Shang Tsung— enough to laugh with the Earthrealmers where you failed to join. Too set in Lin Kuei ways; the silence of it, the tight grip of it that these days Bi-Han holds over it as grandmaster. You’d never considered it before. That it was possible you could be swayed. That it would be a Zaterran who would make you question the way of the Lin Kuei as it was.