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chiqelatasblog · 8 months ago

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In the Middle Of the Night🌙

-> Ao3 link is here.

-> Part Three is here.

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

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

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

In the middle of the night,

Just call my name, I’m yours to tame.

In the middle of the night,

I’m wide awake, I crave your taste.

CHAPTER FOUR : BI-HAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It seemed unbelievable that you would willingly abandon this control.

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘’Does it hurt?’’

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

‘’Why do you hate me?’’

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

‘’So you don’t?’’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘’In her room.’’ Bi-Han replied.

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

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

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

‘’What are you saying-‘’

‘’Tomas?’’

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘’I-I…It’s just-‘’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“But brother—‘’

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

‘’So you stole it, did you?’’

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

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

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

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

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

“What’s going on?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No.”

***

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

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

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

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

“Is it worth enduring this pain?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I remember telling you to be silent.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And it was all because of you…

***

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

See you in the next chapter! 🥰

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mlmxreader · 2 days ago

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Appreciate The Company | Kuai Liang x gn!reader

『••✎••』

↳ ❝ “Come a little closer” With Kuai Liang please? ❞

: ̗̀➛ You and Kuai Liang both have a crush on one another, and it's only thanks to Johnny Cage that either of you find out about it.

trigger warnings: ̗̀➛ swearing

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spotlight fundraiser : ̗̀➛ Help Mahmoud and Family Rebuild their life

•───────────────★•♛•★──────────────•

You watched from afar as Kuai Liang gave a lesson to his men; perched on a rock in a white fluffy coat that Johnny had said made you look like a stand-in for an East 17 music video, you stood out easily.

The little wave that Kuai Liang gave you between breaks never failed to make your heart skip and pound amongst your ribs, worried that they might break sooner or later; you couldn't tell him, though.

Kuai Liang was a Grandmaster, he was a man of authority and respect and you were... Johnny Cage's friend. Nothing exactly special, nothing exactly deserving of a man of Kuai Liang's calibre.

Your phone went off, and you checked it to see a message from Johnny; he kept trying to get you to tell him how you felt, and as your self-appointed wingman, Johnny wasn't going to go two minutes without posting you about it - you weren't sure what was worse between that and Kung Lao backing him up on it.

You decided to ignore it when you noticed the man of every single hour coming over to you; you tried not to grin, your face feeling warm as you cleared your throat and curtly nodded at him.

"Grandmaster."

"Please," he said gruffly. "Kuai Liang."

You shook your head. "Oh, no, I couldn't, I-"

"Why not?" He frowned, furrowing his brows together.

You shrugged as you rubbed the back of your neck, a little embarrassed. "I, I just mean, y'know, you're the erm, the grand Mister- I mean Grandmaster! I, I couldn't do you a dist, disrespect like that."

Casually, Kuai Liang gestured to the rock beside you. "May I?"

You nodded, moving over a little. "Yeah! Yeah, sure thing, I mean, I mean, this is your, your home after all and I'm just-"

"More than a guest," he told you softly with a smile. "This is your home, too."

"I couldn't, I-"

"Why are you always so nervous to speak to me?" He asked quietly, almost like he was saddened by the thought.

You cleared your throat as you tried to steady your words. "I just, I... well, you know, you're... you're very... very nice."

Kuai Liang smiled a little as he patted your knee gently. "Johnny Cage told me."

Your eyes went wide as your jaw dropped; gawking at him as all ability to form words completely left you. Stunned was not quite the word, a massive underexaggeration.

He laughed softly, scratching his bearded chin. "Don't worry, it was either he was going to tell me... or he was going to tell you. I didn't want you to have that embarrassment."

"But..." You took a moment to steady your breath. "But you... you feel the same?"

He nodded, holding his hand out. "Would you please come a little closer?"

You shakily took his hand and allowed him to tug you closer as he took your other hand and gazed at you. He didn't look, he fucking gazed.

"Grandmaster..."

"Kuai Liang," he protested with a gentle laugh. "Listen... I've never... I've never thought for once about romance, and... and I am rusty in that department. But for you? I would give it a try."

You couldn't believe what you were hearing, feeling as if you were going to put the back of your hand to your forehead and fall backwards like all those silly cliche murder mystery films. "You... wait... you don't... you don't..."

"I feel the same as you do," he said with a soft laugh. "Would you... allow me to court you?"

You nodded slowly. "Erm. Okay. Yeah."

He gently took your hand again, and softly kissed the back of it just below your knuckles. "I have a free day today - Raiden is going to give my men some lessons on self defence... would you like to come on a walk with me?"

You nodded again. "Okay."

Slowly, Kuai Liang stood up, and gave you his hand to hold as he smiled; when you fell into step beside him, he grinned as he felt you swing your hand a little bit. He guided you through the woods, letting you stop to admire a particularly interesting looking few plants; he wasn't expecting you to ask him to catch a snowball and throw it back.

He laughed softly when it exploded against your hands.

"Is this your idea of flirting?" He asked, tugging you close. He realised he had brought you too close when he could not take his eyes from your mouth.

You laughed nervously. "Too much?"

He shook his head, the tip of his nose grazing against yours. "Take this at your own pace, my love. If this isn't our first date, then so be it. I don't mind."

"I am just so fucking nervous," you breathed out. "I don't wanna fuck up, and I don't think you deserve me because I'm just some... some randomer Johnny introduced you to and... and I just don't think I'm good enough, and-"

He grabbed your face and kissed you softly; your hands went to his wrists, and you kissed him back as you smiled. It was all the reassurance that you needed as you laughed softly.

"Sorry," you whispered.

He shook his head. "Was that alright?"

You nodded as you licked your lips. "It was... it was alright, yeah."

"Can I..." he paused to swallow thickly. "Can I do it again?"

You nodded, a little bit more warmed up to the idea. "Please do."

He kissed you with the same chaste softness, and when you smiled into it, so did he.

"Shall we keep walking?" He whispered. "I'll let you throw more snowballs to me - maybe I can even make them a little tougher so they won't explode against your hands?"

You laughed as you nodded eagerly. "I would like that... maybe... when we get back, can I, erm... can I share your bed? Not in that way! I just mean, you know... take a nap with you?"

Kuai Liang grinned as he linked his arm with yours and fell into step beside you. "I would appreciate the company."

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itsscromp · 1 year ago

Note

Kuai and Tomas with a reader who's closer to Bi-Han and is crushed after his betrayal? They basically spend days 'mourning' if that makes sense, because they basically did lose a brother.

- 💀 anon

Kuai Liang and Tomas Vbrada x reader

💀 anon, awwwwwww this is cute, Y/n's brothers would always be here for them, no matter what. Word count:695

It was the early days of the Shirai Ryu and you were already struggling to adapt to the changes, not only that... you lost your brother.

You and Bi-Han were the closest when you started with the Lin Kuei, He helped you become the person you are today. You were forever in his debt, but that changed when he betrayed you three to side with Shang Tsung.

"Do your oaths mean nothing !!!" He shouted at you three when Kuai told you what had happened. "It's your duty to obey my will !!"

"Not when it betrays Lin Kuei principles, we won't sacrifice them to serve your ambition." Kuai spoke angrily.

The two broke out into a fight which left Kuai a massive scar across his face. When Tomas ran to his aid he turned to you. You were now scared of him. This wasn't your brother.

"Y/n... We can lead the Lin Kuei to glory, To let people know not to fear us. We will rise from the ashes again. All you need to do is stay loyal to my side." He stuck out his hand for you to take.

You nearly did, He was your brother. You would do anything for him, But what he was showing right now wasn't what a Lin Kuei would do.

"No..." You backed away from him.

"How dare you disobey your grandmaster !!!" He formed an ice dagger and lunged at you, You didn't want to fight your brother, but right now you had now choice. This wasn't the Bi-Han you knew.

Ever since then, you, Kuai and Tomas built the Shirai Ryu from scratch, But they could see how much his betrayal devastated you. They gave you the necessary space to process and grieve.

All you could think about was what happened that day. Your brain was still replaying that memory over and over again, How angry and determined he was. His eyes filled with hate. How much he wanted to kill you...

It was all becoming too much, Upon from building the new clan, you were on the verge of a breakdown. Tomas could see the mixed emotions boiling inside you one day and gently approached you.

"Y/n... How are you feeling ??"

"I'm fine Tomas" You said, trying to focus on your task, But it was incredibly clear to him how much you were hurting inside.

"Look... I understand your upset... He was my brother too"

You froze from what you were doing, your hands gripping your pants tightly, You were starting to shake. Tomas could see droplets of water on the dirt, You were crying.

"Oh y/n..." He gently kneeled to your height and wrapped his arms around you.

"Why did he do what he did... I knew what he did was bad but... He was my brother" You spoke through your sobs as you cried louder.

"I know y/n, I know" He gently rocked you.

You continued to cry until you felt another pair of arms wrap around you, It was Kuai.

"Bi-Han was our brother and always will be. I hope one day he will have a change of heart just like you do y/n" He gently scratched your scalp, this helped calm you down a bit.

"And no matter what y/n, you will always have me and Kuai Liang, You are not alone. We promise from the bottom of our hearts." Tomas gently rubbed your back.

The three stay like this, Not moving one inch. They let you get all the pain, grief and frustration out of your system until they're was nothing left. They could see how exhausted you looked. Kuai gently picked you up and brought you back to your room, tucking you in bed and pressing a gentle kiss on your temple.

"You'll always have a family with Tomas and me y/n" He gently whispered to you. Tomas came in shortly after and climbed in, Gently wrapping his arms around you and keeping you close, rubbing your back gently.

While you have lost one brother. Your other brothers were never going to abandon you, They would help you through this. Like they always do, no matter what.

Taglist @callofdudes @fun-k-board

#platonic #reader insert #mortal kombat x reader #Mortal kombat 1 #mortal kombat #Kuai liang #Scorpion mk1 #tomas vbrada #smoke mk1 #kuai liang x reader #scorpion x reader #Tomas vbrada x reader #Smoke x reader

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lynn-w3st · 9 months ago

Text

MK1: Thantophobia (Prologue)

(Noun), The fear of losing someone you deeply love and cherish very much.

Pairing: Dark Bi Han x Fem Reader

Warning ⚠️: Mention of Suicide, Mild Yandere Behavior, Mention of Blood, Dark Themes.

I tried my best to start this lovely story off with a direct (over) foreshadowing prologue.

Bi Han was beyond furious with his wife, how dare she went behind his back and tried to get away from him. Can’t she see that the world is dangerous and you need him just as much he needs you. Please don’t leave him all alone like how his brothers, his father and mother did.

“You are a vile human and monster! I’m glad to have aborted this child!” The woman yelled at her husband. Bi Han was beyond furious at how dare his wife killed his beloved unborn child. He showed nothing but love and affection for her.

He gave her everything she wanted and yet she still treated him like a monster. “My love you are not well. Why don’t you rest and take a nap.” He said as the woman threw a vase at his direction but he easily step out of the way. “Get the fuck away from me! I’m not your love or wife.” She said as she walk towards the door but was pulled back by Bi Han who clutched her wrist.

“Don’t touch me you fucking asshole! I would rather die than continue being your wife. You killed your own flesh and blood! If your mother was here she would be ashamed of you!” She said but earn a painful ass slap from Bi Han.

Bi Han was breathing heavily in frustration as he grabbed his wife by her hair and dragged her out as she yelled and tried to free herself. “Let go of me!! It hurts! Let go of me! Someone help me!” She yelled as she tried to free herself from Bi Han’s very painfully tight clutch on her hair.

Tears fell from her face as she saw the lifeless bodies of Kuai Liang and Tomas on the ground. Her only ticket way out of freedom was gone as they were killed by the man that she once loved and called “husband” as she tried to break free.

Bi Han slammed the door shut and lock it as he walked away to go massacre the Shirai Ryu as his traitors of his brother were dead and dealt with. The icy weather outside intensified into blizzards as this horrific demon was unleashed.

Bi Han would do anything for his wife, he would fight many wars for her and offer his enemies lifeless head to her. “I love you so much I will never let you go. We are meant to be together.”

“I hope in different timelines, I die because you don’t deserve love and happiness. You are just a fucking vile monster who consumes innocent lives. I would rather die than be your wife.” She said coldly before turning her back to him and walk into washroom to take care of business.

She means so much to him. He won’t hesitate sacrificed the world for her as he adores her and cherish her like a good husband he is. No one can take her away from him as he will never let her go. Not even his brothers can take her away from him, he was glad to have killed them

But his actions have consequences and life was unkind. He became a very broken man, as the old Bi Han had died along side with his wife that night. His beautiful wife had hang herself as she gracefully floated like an angel before him.

Filled in immense sorrow and despair, Bi Han allowed anger, sadness and pain into his heart which turn it into darkness and anger. Angry that life took his beautiful wife away from him.

He held his wife’s lifeless body as he rock her back and forth. Bi Han didn’t care much about his wife’s infidelity with another man. That poor bastard was killed by his own cold blood hands.

So from that day onward, Bi Han went on a brutal rampage murder by killing and torturing anyone who dares opposing the Lin Kuei and to avenge his wife and won’t rest until he has her.

You gasped for loudly as the white curtains in your bedroom gently swayed from the night air breeze as you began to hyperventilate from the very horrific nightmare you just experienced.

“Keep it together (Y,N) it was just a nightmare.” You told yourself quietly as you got up from your bed and closed the window shut before wrapping your robe around your body and heading towards the kitchen to make tea.

It was the same nightmare you’ve been having for quite some time. A man in blue ninja clothes with a mask on was committing atrocities on innocent people. In the nightmare he claimed that his “wife” was taken from him. You shook your head in despair and laugh very anxiously.

“Maybe I’m losing my mind because there is no way something like that would exist. Probably I’ve been reading to much horror stories.” You mumbled as you prepared your tea with honey.

A knock was heard as you jump in surprise before fear began to settle in. Who would be knocking at your door at this time and why.

Being more awake and self aware, you grabbed a knife and silently made your way towards the door before peeking into the peek hole to see who is outside but sigh when you saw no one.

You cautiously open the door as you peek your head out to find a small box wrapped with a bow and note on it that was written nicely.

I want you to be mine, selfishly, thoughtlessly, mine. My darling, you will never be unloved by me you are too well tangled in my dark soul.

You stared at the note in shock and speechless as you were very flabbergasted. A chill feeling shivered down through your spine as suddenly everything became very quiet and a bit cold.

Snapping out from your thoughts, you quickly then close the front door and lock it tightly. You let out a shaky anxious breath as that horrible nightmare was still freshly implanted on your mind. It all felt so real and as a great sense of deja vu as if you seen this small box before.

You shook your head and decided to get back to bed and get some goodnight sleep. Maybe all this is from stress and anxiety. Yeah you are just imagining things as nothing like this can ever exist. Oh so you thought you wouldn’t.

Because somewhere in the universe or in a different timeline is a broken man who lost his beloved wife and he won’t hesitate to find her. Bi Han will conquer and burn any timeline to get her back even if he has to kill his other versions of him to get you back into his loving arms.

But for now you are going to give yourself a nice goodnight sleep because tomorrow is going to be a very busy day at the marketplace. Nothing can go wrong in my life right? Please tell me that everything is going to be ok and peaceful.

You just hope all this was just a big joke or prank by your two dear friends Raiden and Kung Lao. You have nothing to worry about right? Nothing at all so just rest peacefully.

Don’t let him get me please

Bi Han is coming

Hope guys enjoy this prologue please don’t forget to message me if you need any help or have questions for me. Your guys opinions and feedback is very much appreciated and helpful.

Also, check out the oc story I made today. Sorry if both stories came out a bit cringe and bland. I tried my best but as long as you guys are happy then I’m happy. You all are my inspirations ❤️.

Please check out this oc story that I made. I’m very sorry if it came out to hard or cringe. But that’s ok because I was very honored to have made it for my bestie hermana @khaotic-kris.

Story Link: https://www.tumblr.com/lynn-w3st/747061504660160512/mk1-diet-mountain-dew

#mk1 2023 #mk1 fanfic #reader insert #bi han x reader #yandere #bi han sub zero #female reader #yandere bi han #mortal kombat #lin kuei #dark themes #obsessive yandere

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xinamie · 10 months ago

Text

🕯 — cozy caves.

pairing: kuai liang / scorpion x gn! reader

summary: odd first meeting with the second eldest son of the lin kuei. ♡

tags: mentions of being chased by unknown creature, flirting, fluff?

This trail was a danger to anyone passing by, but you really had no choice. There was no way you were going to let the granny next door deliver these goods on her own and the safe path was currently blocked off due to a new project going on. It was this or go back home with the guilt of failing an errand— if only your wagon's wheel would cooperate...

Poking a few pebbles out of the gears allowed you to push the cart down the rocky road. It was slower than you wanted, yet better than nothing. Your journey continued on as the sun shined down on your neck, beckoning sweat to rise as seconds passed. All was quiet, nature's song filling the air until a snap sounds off.

Peeking over your shoulder, there was no sign of whatever made that noise. Thinking it was just nothing, you pressed on and put your strength into pushing the goods forward.

That was the case, until a low growl reached your ears.

Nerves filled your very soul, wondering what could that be. Half of your brain wanted you to look back again and scope out the potential threat, but the other half was too distracted by your palms suddenly feeling slippery. You tightened your grip on the handles and the second you heard another snap— you bolted like the wind itself.

Behind you was a rather large, snarling animal that you couldn't quite confirm the species of as you were too busy running for your very life. It followed you like it had been starved for weeks, hunting you as its next meal.

The creaking cart was beginning to fumble once more, croaking and groaning at the exertion. Then, it crashed moments after you turned to check on the creature, taking you along with it as darkness surrounds you.

‐

Sitting up to cough up dust that left an unsavory taste in your mouth, you tried to look around to see where you were to no avail. A shift to your left causes you to tense up, yet it stops as soon as it starts.

"Relax. You are not in danger." A low, masculine voice drawled out. More shuffling could be heard until crackling embers filled the silence, a piece of wrapped fabric being lit aflame. There, you could see the face of the man who spoke to you.

A bronze— or was it gold?— mask covers most of his face, but you could see the reflection of the makeshift torch's wisps in his watchful eyes.

"We are caved in due to your disturbance." He continued on, ignoring the scoff that escaped you. You were being chased, so it wasn't your fault at all! Before you could retort, his words cut you off.

"How is your head?"

One quick pat to your temples was enough to understand the implications of the soft cloth resting there. He had checked you for any injuries while you were blacked out and unconscious. Letting your hand fall back down to your side, you decide to comply and answer his question.

"It's fine..."

There was no reply, only the waving of light as he checked on the damage at what seems to be both the entrance and exit of wherever you stumbled in. Tons of rocks covered the area, ranging from ones as large as your head and as small as those pesky pebbles that bothered your now forgotten cart.

"Are we stuck here?"

Your question was met with a dry laugh, no humor to it and sorely lacking comfort. Again, there was no reply. The man simply kept to himself, examining the rocky wall before him. A draft made its way through, causing goosebumps to scatter across your skin. That was a good sign, right? That could mean there was an out after all.

As minutes drone on, the only sound being something tapping against the stones, the area around you started to drop in temperature. Hugging your arms could only do so much, knees coming to your chest to keep the little warmth you had to yourself.

The clinking noises paused.

"Cold?"

You didn't answer, choosing to stay quiet as he wasn't much for conversation earlier either. He noticed it, though, eyes sharp even with the dim lighting from the torch that was dying down.

Nothing could have prepared you for when he sat down by your side, shoulders barely scratching against one another. No words were exchanged before you felt it.

A heat radiates beside you, almost taunting as if it would consume you whole. There was no need to rub at your arms or hands to keep them at ease anymore. It didn't take a genius to figure out what, or who, the source was.

His mask was gone, tucked within his uniform for safe keeping. A haughty expression grew on his face as you subconsciously leaned into his side for that warmth you so desperately wanted. No one said anything for a while, not even when he pressed his shoulder into yours.

He was hiding something, that you knew. You didn't ask, content on fighting the occasional wind flowing through the cracks by snuggling into the man. Your eyes drifted to the arm closest to you, noting the tattoo on his bulging bicep. Thoughts of just who this man was began to consume your mind, wondering if you should ask for his name at least.

A ruckus shakes you out of your wandering mind as rocks start to stumble and dust kicks up in the air. He stood up first, adjusting his mask back on as he covered you from the light flooding into the cave.

Once nature settles down, another figure could be seen on the other side. Tall, bulky, and clad in mostly gray. The voice that came out seemed pleased, happy with their findings.

"Brother, there you are!"

The man before you only hummed, moving forward to join his supposed sibling. The other continues to speak animatedly as you watch on, seemingly forgotten on your spot on the floor.

"Now, what were you doing? Some sort of new training? Ah, I bet you were testing the limits of that new blast technique!"

That shiny mask turned to look back into the cave, eyes meeting yours for a swift second. Then, it hit you.

He could have blasted the rocky wall? If so, then why did he...

"Smoke, escort the villager out. See to it that their injuries are tended to."

The taller man, Smoke, raises a brow and sets his eyes upon you. He doesn't protest, only nodding his head as he beckons you to come over. You oblige, of course, but you can't seem to put your mind off of the shared coziness from earlier...

Maybe one day you'll see him again.

☆

a/n: ok this one might suck bcs tumblr has been glitching out on me,, a sign i gotta write off mobile LMAO anyway hiii

#mk1 x reader #kuai liang x reader #scorpion x reader #mortal kombat 1 x reader #mk1 kuai liang x reader #mk1 scorpion x reader #mortal kombat x reader #mortal kombat kuai liang x reader #mortal kombat scorpion x reader #xinamie writes

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bunniekittiee · 1 year ago

Text

My name is Ari! I like horror and slashers a lot. I am mainly a writer on here and I used to actually write on Wattpad a few years ago about rock musicians (def had a few Metallica and Motley Crue fics).

I am in college and I do prioritize that over writing for obvious reasons. I tend to not proofread my work out of laziness so there may be mistakes throughout my writing.

Masterlist-

House of Wax-

Bo Sinclair:

To the Grave They Go

Small Snippet

Vincent Sinclair:

(Sorry, this is empty)

Lester Sinclair:

(Sorry, this is empty)

Texas Chainsaw-

Johnny Slaughter:

First Johnny Fic

Silly Johnny Fic

My Sweet Angel- Johnny x Fem. Reader

TCM Headcanons 1

Plushie Dreadfuls

Heaven Beside You- Johnny x Fem. Reader

TCM Headcanons 2

Jealousy

TCM Headcanons 3

National BF Day

Time of Dying- Johnny x Fem. Reader

TCM with reader on period

Short Angst Piece

Losing a Pet

Stranglehold- Johnny x Fem. Reader

Bubba:

TCM Headcanons 1

Plushie Dreadfuls

TCM Headcanons 2

TCM Headcanons 3

TCM with reader on period

Nubbins:

TCM Headcanons 1

Plushie Dreadfuls

TCM Headcanons 2

Jealousy

TCM Headcanons 3

TCM with reader on period

Bestfriend with Nubbins- Nubbins x Fem. Reader

Chop Top:

TCM Headcanons 1

Plushie Dreadfuls

TCM Headcanons 2

TCM Headcanons 3

TCM with reader on period

Escaping from Chop Top- Chop Top x Fem. Reader

Sissy:

TCM Headcanons 1

Plushie Dreadfuls

TCM Headcanons 2

TCM Headcanons 3

TCM with reader on period

Sissy x Fem. Reader Headcanons

Mortal Kombat 1-

Bi-Han:

Bi-Han x Fem. Reader Headcanons

Bi-Han x Fem. Reader Headcanons 2

Bi-Han’s s/o’s relationship with his brothers

Shattered Ice- Bi-Han x Fem. Reader

Fluffy Jacket- Bi-Han x Fem. Reader

Mean Bi-Han- Bi-Han x Fem. Reader

Titan Bi-Han with his brothers

Bi-Han’s s/o interactions with brothers post betrayal

Bi-Han doesn’t love Reader; Raiden swoops in

Sick s/o Headcanons

Titan Bi-Han reunites with Reader

Bi-Han Headcanons

Bi-Han x Pregnant Reader

Birth Control Crisis

The Loudest Silence

Movie Night Headcanons

I Bet On Losing Dogs- Dark Bi-Han x Fem. Reader

Hell Week- Bi-Han x Fem. Reader

Kuai Liang:

Bi-Han’s s/o’s relationship with his brothers

Titan Bi-Han with his brothers

Bi-Han’s s/o interactions with brothers post betrayal

Sick s/o Headcanons

Kuai Liang x Fem. Reader Headcanons

Movie Night Headcanons

Tomas Vrbada:

Bi-Han’s s/o’s relationship with his brothers

Titan Bi-Han with his brothers

Bi-Han’s s/o interactions with brothers post betrayal

Sick s/o Headcanons

Smoke x Fem. Reader Headcanons- Kidnapped

Tomas x Shy! Fem. Reader- Pregnancy

Movie Night Headcanons

Bi-Han’s S/O and Tomas’ Relationship Headcanons

Syzoth:

Fem. S/O in a band

Raiden:

Bi-Han doesn’t love Reader; Raiden swoops in

Birth Control Crisis

Christmas Season w/ Raiden

Movie Night Headcanons

Cheater Cheater, Raiden’s Eager

Fem. S/O in a band

Kung Lao:

Movie Night Headcanons

Cheater Cheater, Raiden’s Eager

Kenshi Takahashi:

Kenshi x Fem. Reader Headcanons

Mortal Kombat 11-

Noob Saibot:

(Sorry, this is empty)

Fujin:

(Sorry, this is empty)

Rules and Regulations

I am open to writing about other slashers from other movies too, as well as other MK characters. Sometimes I will include other characters, esp in the MK fandom, but I am currently sticking with Horror and MK.

I don’t really write smut. Sometimes I will hint at it or mention it, but I will never really go into detail about it. It’s not that I can’t write it, I just feel weird/uncomfortable. Smut isn’t my main focus so just remember that.

I will usually write about anything and everything but the obvious such as:

Pedophilia, Incest, etc. you know the drill.

I do write non-con and I will warn you all before the fic, as well as a Dead Dove warning. I will usually use this when writing for horror characters, such as Bo Sinclair and Johnny Slaughter. I will never write non-con or Dead Dove for MK characters. It is not in their characters to be as depraved and scummy as slashers. Please remember that.

If there are any requests for a fic, headcanons, drabbles, or anything you have in mind, send them in! I’ll get to them as fast as I can. Do keep in mind that I will disappear a lot and come back, so sometimes I will not work on requests or I will be slow at it. It just depends.

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allycot · 1 year ago

Text

probably, snowblind!Hanzo x mk1!Kuai interaction would be the cutest, as for me, because sb!Hanzo has extra powerful vibes, as if a hard rock song just plays in the background when he appears and he’s ready to come and destroy all enemies for Kuai Liang, and mk1!Kuai is such a babygirl, but such a chaotic mess at the same time and it’s such a cool contrast, he’s just Hanzo’s fucking queen, I swear

#attention: very crazy thoughts #guess who thinks kuaizo is the best mk couple #mortal kombat #subscorp #kuaizo #mk1 #kuai liang #hanzo hasashi #mk scorpion #mk sub zero #mk snow blind

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coolpizzazonkplaid · 11 months ago

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Lin Kuei (MK1) y Hanzo Hasashi y Kuai Liang (MK11) x lectora que es fanática del rock, te encuentran bailando y cantando la canción que te gusta.

Contexto: se explica por si mismo. Pero lo que sí voy a decir es que las canciones son mis recomendaciones, espero que les guste. Dejo también links para que puedan escucharlas y tambien de sus significados. Disfrutenlas, son bandas que valen la pena.

Bi Han:

Bi Han no tuvo el privilegio de presenciar la música porque sus deberes de ser Gran Maestro estaban primero. Además de no darle tanta importancia a ese estilo de arte, nunca entendió el por qué era tan valorado eso, un ritmo que no permitía concentrarse en la meditación para liderar al Lin Kuei.

Tenías una opinión diferente a la de él, la música te ayudaba a evitar el silencio abundante de Artika era algo a lo que no te acostumbrarías nunca y desconocías cómo Bi Han y sus hermanos vivían así. La música te ayuda a desconectarte de lo que te rodeaba y los problemas se esfumaban.

Sabías la opinión de Bi Han sobre la música y por eso mantenías oculto que te gustaba el rock y que si lo llegara a escuchar ya sabrías lo que diría. Que era un ruido que el Gran Maestro no podía escuchar, el silencio era la mejor meditación, etc. Pero para ti la música era tu meditación y tu tranquilidad.

Durante el día le dijiste que ibas a afilar las armas que guardaban en el salón de armas y que se quedara tranquilo con sus hermanos. Cuando lo ves marchándose y dar la vuelta por los pasillos, pones música a un volumen bajo y que solamente tú puedas escucharlo. El silencio que inunda el lugar se desvanece con el tono de las melodías y tus pequeños tarareos.

Afilabas las alarmas, mientras estabas pérdida en el sonido y pasabas las hojas de las armas sobre la piedra. Las canciones hacían que los minutos fueran perdiendo su importancia, cada arma que afilabas la ponías en un montón y luego las ordenabas tranquilamente. En un momento, tu celular reproduce Leave me be de Seether, cantas la letra y te balanceas ligeramente al hacer tus tareas.

No te habías percatado que Bi Han te observaba cantar y moverte tan tranquilamente. Te estaba buscando para ver si ya habías terminado de afilar esas armas, porque las necesitaba para el entrenamiento con sus aprendices. Mientras se dirigía al salón de armas, su oído escuchó un ruido… un ritmo, al avanzar la melodía se volvía más fuerte, oyó tu voz y te vio. Estabas a espaldas de él y relajada, tu voz era tranquila y reconfortante.

Sintió que verdaderamente se calmaba, que todo perdía su importancia, era algo que no había experimentado nunca. La música le resultó tan cómoda al igual que tu voz entonaba las letras y él nunca sintió mayor comodidad. Te observaba tan vulnerable en ese momento, parecías tan metida en tu mundo y desconectada de lo que te rodeaba y eso fascinó a Bi Han.

Estaba viendo un lado tuyo que nunca le habías mostrado. Por un lado, le molestó que no lo expusieras a él, es tu amante y por el otro cree saber por qué no lo hiciste, por sus dichos sobre la música. Pero esas palabras que su boca soltó quedaron silenciadas y opacadas por tu voz y movimiento. Cantabas tan pérdida en esa melodía desconocida.

“[…] I hate to reason with the dead/I hear them speaking but no one's there/Those frozen fingers give me chills/It's safe to say there's no good Will/So please leave me be […]” Esas palabras tocaron bastante a Bi Han al recordar sus acciones pasadas, pero tu voz lo hizo olvidar y que esos recuerdos quedaran perdidos. Por una vez, en su deber cómo Gran Maestro se permitió admirar esa belleza oculta en ti.

No quería que pararas de cantar y balancearte, sinceramente no quería estropear ese momento tan tuyo. Cuando la canción llega a casi su final, tu voz se eleva y Bi Han siente que apenas rascó la superficie de tu mundo. Termina la canción y sigue otra, Eyes Without a Face de Billy Idol, las letras salen de tu celular y cantas una vez más para Bi Han sin que te des cuenta.

Te sigue admirando en silencio y en sus ojos solo queda la maravilla, como si descubriera otra faceta tuya por más que sea la misma. Tu voz verdaderamente lo dejó perdido y confundido, ya que no se había percatado de que estabas terminando de afilar todas las armas y que estabas por darte la vuelta. “[…] I spend so much time/Believing all the lies/To keep the dream alive/Now it makes me sad […] ¡AHHH!”

Cuando sueltas tu grito, se te caen las armas con un estrepitoso ruido, hace que la realidad golpee a Bi Han y se ponga firme. Apagas la música y lo que mantenía al Gran Maestro distraído se disuelve, sientes que tus mejillas se calientan y te avergüenzas. “Lamento que hayas escuchado la música ¿Qué necesitas Bi Han?”

“Necesito las armas para el entrenamiento” Lo dice tan cortante que quiso verdaderamente cambiar sus palabras, decir que le gustaba lo que escuchabas y que eras bonita con esa mirada pérdida. Pero se sintió como un verdadero tonto al soltar las palabras que dijo, no sabía cómo expresar su admiración por ese momento.

Le entregas las armas, nota tu mirada cabizbaja y avergonzada. Querías marcharte a toda costa de la mirada fija y gélida de Bi Han, por eso te apresurabas a guardar todo rápido y sin nada de tu música. Eso decepciona a Bi Han, se siente apenado por cómo trato las cosas y antes de marcharse intenta arreglarlo como puede. “Tienes una voz hermosa. Deberías cantar más a menudo y no tengas miedo de poner música en mi presencia”

Te toman por sorpresa esas palabras y te invade la esperanza de poder compartir música con él. Le das un pequeño beso en la mejilla y luego en los labios, lo ves marcharse sin inmutarse y sabes que internamente debe estar con mariposas en el estómago como tú las tenías en ese momento.

A partir de ese día, a veces ponías música en la privacidad de los aposentos y Bi Han solamente te observaba con absoluta fascinación sobre las cosas que hacías. De vez en cuando te preguntaba cómo se llamaba la canción que estabas escuchando y qué significaba, con una sonrisa le respondías y eso internamente le dejaba con más curiosidad. Ni pienses que te dejará sacarlo a bailar, se negará rotundamente y por más que la melodía sea para hacer una danza, olvídate de que quiera bailar. A veces su mente las recuerda partes de las canciones durante la meditación o alguna misión y por consecuencia te recuerda a ti.

La canción que más le gustó es Leave me Be, le transmitió mucho de sus problemas en esas palabras tan sencillas. Quiere seguir experimentando de a poco lo que escuchas y conectarse más con la persona que es su pareja.

Kuai Liang:

Kuai Liang, al igual que sus hermanos, no tuvo mucha proximidad a la música. Entrenaban sin cesar y no había tiempo para relajarse, llevarse por las melodías y estar en otro mundo. Esta muy mal visto que el segundo al mando del Lin Kuei y ahora el Gran Maestro de los Shirai Ryu.

Kuai Liang no sabía tu gusto por el power metal y si lo descubría sabías que no le gustaría. Vivió con el silencio y el sonido de la batalla, este tipo de música seguramente le haría recordar a Jhonny y sus malos gustos musicales. Por eso mantienes en secreto tu música.

Tu amado sabe que a la tarde ibas a hacer la limpieza en algunas partes del recinto del clan. Lo que dejaba a Kuai Liang tranquilo y podía entrenar tranquilamente junto con Tomas a los nuevos miembros del clan. Cuando viste a tu amante irse, pusiste la música para solamente escucharla tú.

Mientras los temas musicales hacen que tu tiempo vuele, barres tranquilamente y te pierdes en la melodía. Cantabas algunas letras y la realidad estaba lejos de tu mente. Terminabas de barrer y pasabas un trapo mojado para que los pisos quedaran encerados y sin una pizca de tierra. La labor lo hacías tranquila y sin saber qué hora era, la melodía era todo un mundo para ti y pasaban de canción en canción.

En un momento, tu celular reproduce Bark at the Moon, la versión de Powerwof, y te invade una adrenalina. Cuando suenan las estrofas comienzas a cantar mientras pasa el trapo por el piso y cuando terminas con esa parte del recinto, sigues a la siguiente parte del recinto del clan.

Vuelve hacer lo mismo que hiciste con el pasillo anterior y cantas con pasión. No te habías dado cuenta de los pasos de Kuai Liang y que te estaba observando. Se quedó sorprendido al ver que cantabas, era algo que le resultaba abrumante y confuso. Estabas a espaldas a él bailando.

Kuai Liang te estaba buscando para pudieran resolver en conjunto una decisión para las defensas de la Tierra y aparte quería verte. Mientras caminaba hacia donde te encontrabas, al acercarse, escuchó un ruido leve y aproximándose pudo oír mejor el ritmo de una melodía fuerte y a ti cantando con pasión.

“[…] He's returned to kill the light/Then when he's found who he's looking for/Listen in awe and you'll hear him/Bark at the Moon/ Jajajajaja […] ¡AHHH!”Al soltar la risa de la canción, te giras, pones una mano en la cadera moviéndola al ritmo y al girar la cabeza ves a Kuai Liang mirándote.

Te pones roja, quitas la música y murmuras unas disculpas. Pero Kuai Liang quiere seguir escuchando la canción e insiste en que la pongas devuelta. “Ponla devuelta, quiero oírte cantar”

La vuelves a poner y pasado el estribillo sigues haciendo tus labores, pero te distraídas con la presencia de Kuai Liang. Aunque lo que más te desprevenía era la letra y te sentiste liberada al ver que Kuai Liang no te juzgaba por tu gusto. Sino que te permitía expresarte tranquilamente. Quisiste hacer algo un poco más arriesga que era sacar a tu amante a bailar.

Al principio, te mira con duda sobre tus acciones, pero tu insistencia lo hace ceder y al unir sus manos comienzan a bailar. La melodía los guía y acompaña, se miran a los ojos y se pierden en ellos. Nada importa. Los movimientos de Kuai Liang son rígidos, pero aprende rápido y puede seguir tu ritmo. Los bailes era algo a lo que no estaba acostumbrado, pero quiere arriesgar a hacer esto contigo.

Pasan los segundos y sigues sonriendo mientras bailas con Kuai Liang, estaba a la mitad la canción y lo mirabas a los ojos mientras cantabas. “[…] They cursed and buriеd him along with shame/And thought his timeless soul had gone, gone/In empty burning hell, unholy one/But he's returned to prove them wrong, so wrong […]”

Lo besas cuando terminas de entonar las letras, sientes que tu pecho explota y nada importa. En ese instante la canción termina y pasa a otra, Deus En Machina de Holy Wars. Te alejas de Kuai Liang y comienzas a moverte sola. Tu amante te mira fascinado por cómo lo haces con júbilo ante aquella melodía estruendosas.

No para de mirarte, al llegar a la parte del interludio musical, ve cómo te pierdes en el baile y la melodía. Nunca había visto ese lado tuyo, uno despreocupado y que no le importaba estar en su propio mundo, algo que tu amante nunca tuvo la oportunidad de vivir y en ese momento lo estaba confundiendo y a la vez avergonzando.

Pero se dejó llevar, te siguió y tocó apenas tu mundo de música. Cuando terminó la canción, el momento se detuvo y antes de que Kuai Liang se marchara a resolver asuntos del Shirai Ryu, lo abrazas y le das un beso pequeño. Al terminar ese pequeño momento, Kuai Liang y tú vuelven a la realidad y te lleva a discutir los temas más importantes para dar inicio al clan.

Cuando se encuentran a solas, le permites a tu amado escuchar tu música. Le gustó Bark at the Moon, se divierten apenas en la noche con un poco de baile y que no lo avergüenza al pobre. Le gustó conocer ese lado tuyo y realmente no se arrepiente de poder verlo cuando puede. Le permite deshacerse un poco de la responsabilidad de Gran Maestro y uno de los protectores de la Tierra.

Tomas Vrbada:

En Praga escuchó muy poca música, se la pasó cazando con su madre y hermana y en el Lin Kuei era el silencio absoluto o el ruido de los golpes (está chiquito hay que cuidarlo). Su apreciación por ese tipo de arte no está del todo alta y mientras te ve bailando y cantando sin preocupaciones, no sabe qué hacer en ese momento.

Se siente mal por las palabras que Bi Han dijo sobre él durante la espera a una audiencia con Liu Kang, también por la traición de su hermano y los varios insultos que tuvo en el pasado. Quería un poco de tu compañía y que lo consolaras indirectamente, pero cuando se dirigía hacia dónde estabas no esperaba escuchar un ritmo atrapante a oídos de tu amante.

Resulta que la canción era Symphony of Destruction de Megadeth y la versión que escuchabas era de un concierto que había sido en Argentina. Si eres argentina (como yo) le vas a enseñar a hacer el “Aguante Megadeth” y no me importa lo que piensen los demás. Se lo vas a enseñar, sus hermanos son medios amargos y un poco aguafiestas (más Bi Han que Kuai Liang) y quiere darle un poco de alegría a su vida. Estabas pérdida en el ritmo y en la tarea que estabas haciendo.

Se queda mirando cómo te mueves enérgicamente y le resulta divertido. Cantas durante la introducción la hinchada “Aguante Megadeth”, escucha tu voz a la par de la canción y te emocionas cuando llegas al estribillo: “[…] Just like the Pied Piper/Led rats through the streets/We dance like marionettes/Swaying to the Symphony/Swaying to the Symphony/Of Destruction […] AHH Tomas vení.”

“No gracias, me gusta tu entusiasmo y creo que lo apagaría. No soy bueno bailando”

No te importa sus excusas y lo sacas a bailar. Juntas sus manos con las tuyas y las mueves mientras cantas las estrofas. Cuando llegan al estribillo otra vez pasas los brazos alrededor de su cuello y sigues moviéndote de forma animada.

Tomas, al principio, no sabe qué hacer, pero luego se relaja y logra tener un ritmo con la música. Te ve cantar las últimas palabras antes del interludio musical, te ve alegre y siente que todo lo que tenía agobiado se marcha instantáneamente. Lo hace olvidar todo. Cuando vuelve a escuchar la hinchada siente curiosidad por lo que significa: “¿Qué significa lo que dicen las personas?”

“Significa apoyar a la banda, que los mantenemos o resistimos”

Esa pasión le llega, también canta la hinchada y se vuelve tan pasional como tú. Bailan hasta que termina la canción y cuando parecen que pueden respirar, sigue Hard Skool de Guns and Roses.

A pesar de mostrar cansancio, sigues moviéndote y Tomas te sigue. Guiado por el ritmo de la melodía fuerte, continúan bailando y ambos tienen sonrisas en el rostro. En un momento bailas despegada de Tomas y te ve muy fascinado por cómo tienes energía para continuar.

Ve tu pasión al bailar con la música hasta que llegan al estribillo. Cuando llegan a la última parte la cantan juntos: “Had to play it cool, had to do it your way/Had to be a fool, had to throw it all away/Too hard school and you thought you were here to stay/If that were true, it wouldn't matter anyway” Unen sus manos y bailan hasta que la canción termina. Le das un beso y todas sus inseguridades desaparecen, se alegra muchísimo de haber conocido ese lado tuyo.

Tu playlist pone Paquita la del Barrio, cantan Rata De Dos Patas y mientras se balancean indirectamente se la dedican a Bi Han. Cantan a todo pulmón el estribillo y en el proceso se ríen sin ningún remordimiento. Kuai Liang tuvo que presenciar sus risas descontroladas, mientras la música seguía en pie.

Quiere seguir viéndote y escuchar las canciones que te gustan. Le gustó mucho Hard Skool y cuando el tema suena quiere bailar contigo. Le ayuda mucho a sacarse las inseguridades, además de hablarlo contigo y que le afirmes tu amor hacia él. También quiere seguir escuchando Paquita la del Barrio.

Hanzo Hasashi:

Aguante Heroes del Silencio, volví a mi infancia con sus canciones y es buena banda. Recomendable.

Hanzo tuvo alguna que otra vez una aproximación a la música en las pocas fiestas que se hacían en Shirai Ryu. Prefería más el silencio que lo ayudaba a meditar, además convivió con el entrenamiento y la lucha. La música era algo con lo que no estaba acostumbrado.

Ya había terminado el día para él y todo su clan. La luna estaba en lo más alto y cada aprendiz se había ido a sus aposentos a relajarse. Las familias se preparaban sus cenas antes de irse a la cama y alistarse para el nuevo día.

El Gran Maestro tenía tenia su propia casa cerca de los Jardines de Fuego y le gustaba admirar contigo la belleza del paisaje durante la mañana. De lejos podía percibir el olor a comida, veía las luces prendidas de su hogar y tu figura haciendo la cena. Tenía sentimientos encontrados sobre la relación contigo. Sentía que estaba olvidando a Harumi, pero al mismo tiempo podía volver amar. Que merecía estar con alguien y a la vez que debía estar solo hasta poder acompañar a su esposa en el más allá. Toda una batalla emocional y que Takeda veía constantemente. El pobre no sabe ya cómo decirle a Hanzo que está bien avanzar en la vida.

A pesar de esas dudas que se esfumaban cuando pasaban el tiempo juntos y hablaban de cómo les había ido en el día, mientras caminaban durante la noche en los Jardines de Fuego acompañados por los faroles. Lo que le hacía indirectamente sacar una sonrisa.

Por otro lado, estabas feliz de establecer una relación con él, aunque fuera un proceso lento, sentías que de a poco se iban generando frutos. Las acciones que antes eran casi imposibles como tomarse de la mano en privado, besarse o darse una miradita se estaba volviendo más normal para Hanzo.

Cuando la noche estaba por salir querías preparar la cena para esperar a Hanzo, ya que había tenido un día ajetreado. Pusiste tu música y comenzaste a preparar la comida. Pasabas de tema musical mientras cortabas y hervías las verduras. En un momento tu celular reproduce Entre dos Tierras de Héroes del Silencio.

Una sonrisa adorna tu rostro y cuando la canción comienza te mueves inconscientemente. Cantabas al mismo tiempo que la canción y te perdiste en el ritmo. Mientras escuchabas el sonido abrupto de la carne freír no te habías percatado de que Hanzo estaba detrás de ti y veía tu baile.

Al entrar a su pequeño hogar, Hanzo escuchó lo que parecía música y al verte bailando y cantando solamente se quedó mirándote desde lejos. La canción le parecía interesante y el ritmo era atrapante. Su español no era bueno, pero escucharte cantar con naturalidad le provocaba un apretujón en el pecho. “[…] Abrir tanto la boca para opinar/Y si te piensas echar atrás/Ya tienes muchas huellas que borrar […]”

“Tienes una linda voz al cantar y la canción es buena” Hanzo solamente lo soltó sin más y eso te tomó por sorpresa. Un pequeño susto y sueltas una risa vergonzosa, después de eso sigues haciendo la cena y la mirada de Hanzo te estaba taladrando.

No entendía mucho, pero le cautivaba mucho las letras del segundo estribillo y cómo las entonabas con pasión:” […] Que yo no tengo la culpa de verte caer/Si yo no tengo la culpa/Entre dos tierras estás/Y no dejas aire que respirar […]”

Mientras esperabas a que la comida terminara de hervir, le tomas las manos a Hanzo y lo sacas a bailar. Al principio no quería, te miraba con esa expresión seria que usa habitualmente, pero no pudo resistirse y cedió a tus tirones. Puso una mano en tus caderas, la otra la unió a tu mano y comenzaron a balancearse al ritmo de la música.

Al principio estaba duro, no sabía cómo ponerse en esta situación y hace mucho no bailaba, pero verte tan animada y alegre al compás de la música lo relajó un poco. Pasaron bailando y las preocupaciones se fueron de a poco. La canción terminó, pero no se separaron porque siguió Dark de Edge of Paradise y siguieron moviéndose tranquila y sin preocupaciones. El estribillo lo cantaste tan tranquila y Hanzo se permitió admirarte

“[…] Together we are mysteries in the dark/Swimming through sadness inside our hearts/Don't fear it/I'm gonna be there with you/I want to feel it with you […] ¡LA COMIDA!” Sentiste el olor a quemado e inmediatamente revolviste las verduras y evitaste quemar por poco la carne. Hanzo solo pudo soltar una sonrisa y una risa pequeña. Solamente se quedó mirando tus acciones y antes de que se diera cuenta sus brazos te estaban rodeando mientras te concentrabas en seguir cocinando.

“¿Quiénes eran los que escuchabas?”

“El primero es una banda española que se separó hace mucho y el tema se llama Entre dos Tierras. La segunda es otra banda, pero es estadounidense y la canción se llama Dark”

“Quisiera seguir escuchando tu música”

Cuando terminan de poner los platos, la música sigue reproduciéndose de tu celular y a veces cantabas alguna parte de las canciones. Cada tanto, Hanzo te preguntaba alguna parte de la canción si estaba en español y él no podía entenderlo.

Le encantó La Herida de Heroes del Silencio, pero no le molesta escuchar alguna que otra vez Dark, siente que esa expresa sus sentimientos en la relación. De vez en cuando, Takeda lo descubre tarareando Entre dos Tierras, hasta incluso tu misma lo atrapaste. Durante la noche se la pasa escuchandote divagar de las bandas que te gustan, mientras la música se escucha para ustedes solos y algunas veces bailan.

Kuai Liang:

Kuai Liang dirigía el clan, mientras tú estabas en tus aposentos. Tenías en la cabeza reordenar la biblioteca, ya que estaba polvorienta, había libros nuevos que tenías que acomodar, se hallabana alrededor de la cama y querías que la biblioteca quedara bonita (todo lector quiere eso, que la biblioteca quede aesthetic. No mientas estúpida perra blanca).

Te gustaba mucho escuchar música mientras hacías tus actividades. Lo que no te gustaba era que alguien viera que cantabas y bailabas al compás de la melodía, menos frente a Kuai Liang. Pensaría que sería vergonzoso que su pareja cantara a pleno pulmón y además Kuai Liang apenas estaba integrado a la música.

En su vida, mayormente, se la pasó luchando, conviviendo con el sonido de los golpes, choques de armas y el silencio de la meditación. Creerías que escuchar rock sería bastante para él. Tu amante nunca escuchó ese tipo de música y si lo llega a oír sabes que no le va a gustar. Por eso escuchas tus gustos musicales lejos de Kuai Liang. Le avisaste desde antes que estarías en la biblioteca limpiando y ordenando, lo cual él no tuvo problema y siguió con su día.

Cuando estuviste a solas, pones tu música a un sonido en el que solamente lo puedas escucharlo por toda la habitación y que ninguno de afuera lo sepa. Pasas por todos los temas y en el proceso vas haciendo tu limpieza en la biblioteca. Lustras cada estante hasta dejarlo sin polvo y haces lo mismo con los libros. Uno por uno vas sacándole la suciedad y pasan los temas musicales hasta llegar a Maldito Duende de Héroes del Silencio.

Sonríes, comienzas a cantar la canción y te balanceas mientras limpias los libros. Tu voz melodiosa acompaña a tus labores y no te percataste de que el Gran Maestro estaba cerca.

Después de darle a sus aprendices un pequeño descanso para que repongan fuerzas y se preparen para una nueva etapa de ejercicios más difíciles, pero es un Gran Maestro piadoso y empático así que pueden tomarse un respiro. Además, quiere visitarte un rato y charlar de cómo van con su día, pero lo que no esperaba era escuchar un ruido en la habitación en la que te encontrabas y menos escuchar tu voz. Abre la puerta en silencio y estás de espalda a él, sacándole el polvo a los libros y cantando una canción a oídos desconocidos de Kuai Liang. El español no era su fuerte, pero entendía algunas cosas.

“He oído que la noche/Es toda magia /Y que un duende te invita a soñar…”

Se quedó detrás de ti con una postura firme, pero en sus ojos miraba fascinación al ver cómo ese sonido extraño hacía que cantaras y balancearas al limpiar. “[…] Y sé que, últimamente/Apenas he parado/Y tengo la impresión de divagar […] ¡AHHH!”

Estabas en tu propio mundo y ver a Kuai Liang escuchándote cantar te dio un ataque al corazón y apagaste inmediatamente la música de tu celular. Sientes que tus mejillas se calientan y tu amante suelta una sonrisa espontanea. “Lamento que escucharas la música”

“¿Qué cantabas? Era bastante tranquilo” Lo único que entendió fue duende, soñar y noche.

Eso te tomó por sorpresa, pero le das la respuesta que buscaba. “Héroes del Silencio, es una banda de rock que se separó hace tiempo, pero la escucho cuando tengo nostalgia.”

“Quiero seguir oyéndola y también cómo cantas” No sabía lo que era el rock, pero estaba dispuesto a experimentar eso contigo.

Al reproducir nuevamente la música, es el estribillo, sientes que vuelves a estar en tu mundo y lo cantas: “[…]Las estrellas te iluminan/Hoy te sirven de guía/Te sientes tan fuerte que piensas/Que nadie te puede tocar […]” La mirada de Kuai Liang es seria, pero sus ojos te miran y hay brillo de admiración.

“¿De qué habla la canción?”

“Habla de los duendes que, durante la noche, todo es mágico y misterioso, nos invitan a soñar y alejarnos de lo cotidiano” (saqué de aquí el significado).

El tema musical sigue y ves que Kuai Liang está relajado ante la melodía. Quieres hacer algo más arriesgado. Te levantas y ante tu acción te observa, lo que menos espera es que le tomes las manos, las pongas en tus caderas y cruces tus brazos en su cuello. Está sonrojado completamente hasta el cuello, nunca bailó, pero lo que haces es balancearlo relajadamente al ritmo de la música.

Al principio es medio rígido en sus movimientos, pero logra adaptarse y sigues cantando mientras lo miras a los ojos. Te sientes más relajada al ver que escucha tu música sin algún problema o incomodidad. Al comienzo no sabía dónde fijar la mirada, pero sus ojos se posan en los tuyos y se permite marear en tu océano de música. Antes de que termine la canción haces que te de una vuelta.

Pero cuando termina, empieza otra, Written in Stone de Seether. Sigues con los brazos alrededor del cuello y balanceándote al ritmo de la introducción. Llega la estrofa y cantas con la cabeza apoyada en su pecho, se permite apoyar el mentón en tu cabeza. El inglés de Kuai Liang era muy avanzado debido a las muchas interacciones con los demás representantes de la Tierra, pero a pesar de eso el significado de la canción era un misterio e intentaba revolverse los sesos buscando el significado a algo que no lo tenía.

Llega el estribillo y lo cantas mirándolo a los ojos: “[…]'Cause when it breaks down it's like its written in stone/And it when it fades out/I feel the pain in my bones/It's like its written in Stone […]”

“¿Qué significa la canción?”

“Habla del dolor emocional, el aislamiento y la confusión interior” (el significado, lo encontré aquí).

“¿Todas las canciones tienen algún significado?”

“Depende. El autor puede darle uno, pero la mejor experiencia es que tú le des tu propio significado”

Siguen balanceándose lentamente hasta que la canción termina y antes de que pase a otro tema detienes la música. Te apartas de Kuai Liang, le das un pequeño beso y le das una propuesta tentadora: “Cuando termines tu día, si quieres te muestro mis canciones favoritas”

Una pequeña sonrisa aparece y acepta tu propuesta. Junta tus manos, las besa antes de dejarte continuar con tu tarea y él se vaya a seguir con el entrenamiento de los aprendices. Mientras vuelves a tus tareas, las mariposas de tu estómago revolotean felices y la sonrisa adorna tu rostro, rememorando el momento compartido.

Después de ese día sospechas que la canción que más le gustó fue Maldito Duende. A veces lo escuchas tarareando la melodía cuando están a solas. Además, en el silencio de la meditación su mente intenta reproducirla.

#Spotify #mk1 x reader #mk x reader #kuai liang x reader #bi han x reader #tomas x reader #tomas vrbada x reader #sub zero x reader #scorpion x reader #smoke x reader #hanzo hasashi x reader

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thenanbakacorner · 4 months ago

Text

✨ Writings Masterlist Pt 3 ✨

3rd Masterlist! Be sure to check the 1st and 2nd one for more!

Jyugo

• Found family member with motherly instincts comforting them (Cell1 3)

• S/O with endometriosis reaction headcanons (Cell 13)

* * *

Uno

• Found family member with motherly instincts comforting them (Cell1 3)

• S/O with endometriosis reaction headcanons (Cell 13)

• Uno and Tsukumo discover their S/O is transmasc headcanons

* * *

Rock

• Found family member with motherly instincts comforting them (Cell1 3)

• S/O with endometriosis reaction headcanons (Cell 13)

* * *

Nico

• Found family member with motherly instincts comforting them (Cell1 3)

• S/O with endometriosis reaction headcanons (Cell 13)

* * *

Tsukumo

• Uno and Tsukumo discover their S/O is transmasc headcanons

* * *

Honey

To be added!

* * *

Trois

To be added!

* * *

Upa

To be added!

* * *

Liang

To be added!

* * *

To be added!

* * *

Musashi

To be added!

* * *

Hajime

To be added!

* * *

Hitoshi

To be added!

* * *

Seitarou

To be added!

* * *

Yamato

To be added!

* * *

Mitsuru

To be added!

* * *

Kiji

To be added!

* * *

Kenshirou

To be added!

* * *

Samon

• Samon x Reader big n' little sib relationship headcanons

* * *

Inori

To be added!

* * *

Rokuriki

To be added!

* * *

Kokoriki

To be added!

* * *

Youriki

To be added!

* * *

Enki

To be added!

* * *

Ruka

To be added!

* * *

Momoko

To be added!

* * *

Shiro

To be added!

* * *

Elf

To be added!

#masterlist #canarical nanbaka

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izzabela · 4 months ago

Note

Idk how to start with this but like how Hanzo is the last couple timlimes kinda clawed out of hell just to avenge his family and shit. Something along the lines of the reader doing it with one of the Lin Luei bros of your choice? Like they died during a mission gone wrong that ended in a massacre with only the Lin Kuei bro alive. So the reader just out of sheer desperation to get back to them bascially claws themselves out of the Netherrealm to try and get back to them. Their covered in burns and they look like shit, but their back

From the Depths of Hell - Kuai Liang x GN!reader

in which you come back home

a/n: DLC announcement, how we feelin?

ship[s]: kuai liang x gn!reader

warning(s): bodily injury(/ies)?, gore?, angst, non-kanon story, non-kanon lore LOL

the TATTOOS GUYS THE TATTOOS OH MY ELDER GO-

=====================

You looked at Kuai Liang's eyes as he stares at you. His eyes, that are usually focused and reserved, held a line of tears as he looks into your eyes.

The fight to defend the Fire Temple and Hourglass from another timeline threat ended, and the casualties in this were double Shang Tsung's atrocities.

While Liu Kang, his champions, and other titan allies remained relatively alright, mortal casualties from the Lin Kuei and the monks of the Wu Shi climb high.

This was not a war, not even a state of emergency. This was a bloodbath, a massacre- carnage.

It was so bad that the aid you and the Lin Kuei provided, most (if not all) of the men and women that were born into this clan, perished.

The lone survivors were you, Kuai Liang, Bi Han, and Tomas. Not even Sektor and Cyrax made it.

"My dear?" He calls out to you, and you smile as you happily close your eyes, arms are wide open for him to embrace you.

Except you can feel something pass through you. Like a wave of goosebumps, you don't feel the muscular body of Kuai Liang, nor the warmth of his arms.

You turn around and watch as he kneels on the ground, cradling a body that looks eerily similar to yours. You try to get his attention, waving your hands, screaming his name even. But when you try to grab his shoulder, your hand phases through it, and your eyes meet the gaze of your very own, lifeless, ones.

Kuai Liang's shoulders rack violently, rocking back and forth as he holds your cold body. There's a deep, ugly gash running down your collarbone to your stomach, scratches littering your usually clean face, and blood coming from the top of your head. You gasp, falling to your butt as you scoot away.

Your ghostly presence shakes again, this time two people passing through you.

"Brother..." Bi Han's voice is rough, but eerily soft as his eyes lay upon the situation at hand. Tomas is also by his side, and he looks into the sky as he fights the tears that threaten to fall.

"She told me she could handle it..." he mumbles, still rocking back and forth. "I let her go because she told me so..."

Suddenly, you could feel yourself slipping away from the bloodshed. Your arms tried to reach for something, anything, but the mysterious force that stole you from your dearest and his family was too strong.

One minute, you were in Earthrealm. Next, you found yourself in the chaos and eternal damnation of the Netherrealm.

The scenery of the realm frightened you. You had heard the rumors, learned from Ashrah as well, but seeing it in person was different. Jagged and sharp mountains painted the endless and borderless horizon. Echoes of the screams and cries of the damned can be heard throughout the realm, and no matter how much you cover your ears, it rings clearly through your hands.

"By the elder gods," you plea silently. Tears welled in your eyes, the overwhelming sorrow of this place filling your soul.

You begin to cry, wandering aimlessly in the terrain as your body begins to burn, scar, and tear at the elements it faces. What's worse, though, is that you couldn't feel it- not a single thing.

You couldn't feel the jagged stones and rocks that pierced through your feet and scraped your legs. You couldn't feel the fire that burned your arms and torso, your burns scarring over themselves as you wandered. And you couldn't even feel the tearing of your skin as debris from the whirling winds cut you up.

"No use... stay here... all alone... the fire welcomes me..." you mumble this mantra over and over again.

There is no possibility of keeping track of time here. Order, law, civilization as you once knew did not exist here- not when it's ruler-less, borderless, and populated with the most wicked.

And you had to walk through it all.

********

As you walked, Kuai Liang mourned. The loss of his clan was one thing, the loss of his beloved? You? Impossible to comprehend.

While everyone mourned differently, Kuai Liang was different. Fire is beautiful, but also dangerous. It can be wild, uncontrollable, an element of destruction. And by the elder gods, he was ready to explode.

The yellow-clad ninja's depression was violent and manic. He lashed out on everyone, almost burning his brothers and burning Liu Kang's champions. He did not sleep, his insomnia coming back full force to keep him training or sparring.

He wandered the empty palace, sometimes stopping in the courtyard and yelling exercise mantras- as if he still had initiates to train. He was falling deeper and deeper into a psychosis- and you weren't there to witness it.

Bi Han, Tomas, Liu Kang and his champions, hell even some of the Outworlders the Lin Kuei allied with, they all tried to help him, but it was no use. Kuai Liang was a ticking time bomb, and every little thing could be considered the ignition.

One night, Kuai Liang finally passes out from exhaustion of his insomnia. Tomas heard a thud in the hallways, and found one of the servants trying to pick him up. i know i said everyone died but do you honestly think servants go? Tomas tells the servant he's got it, and rushes to his brother in his study.

"B-Bi Han!" he stutters out, his brother on his back as he calls for the cryomancer.

Bi Han gets up immediately, and it's slightly scary for Tomas to watch him tie him down without saying a word.

However, it was for his own good, he'd been growing more and more unstable, taking him out traditionally would probably get one of them killed.

As Tomas watches his brother's chest rise and fall, Tomas prays for the first time in decades.

"God, whoever. If you can hear me, please..." he begs.

"Please return my brother."

********

You're not sure how long it's been since you've heard a noise other than a scream or cry.

But when you hear the faintest whisper of Tomas's voice, your tears cease and your humanity is brought back momentarily. You wipe your eyes and look left, right, down, and up, trying to figure out where and how you heard Tomas's voice.

"return?" you repeat what you heard.

The whisper grows into something more tangible, like a hushed tone someone used in the library. You can hear his voice more clearly, but not yet loud enough.

"Please- retu- bro-," you hear his voice whisper fragments of words.

You shut your eyes tightly, using the last bit of your energy to really zone in on his words.

"God... whoever. If you can hear me... Please. Please return my brother," his voice booms in your head. It's shaky, almost like he's holding in his tears.

"Oh Tomas..." you coo as your tears begin.

Tomas hasn't gone to church in decades. Being from Prague, The Czech Republic, catholicism used to be a major part of his identity. After his parents, he lost the spark and drive he had for the religion.

"The fact he is praying..." you mutter to yourself. "Oh elder gods."

Kuai Liang must've not taken your passing as well as his brothers. Death was natural in your line of work, Kuai Liang had hosted many burials in honor of his clans-people, but you were different. You weren't just a clan member, a ninja, or a woman.

You were Kuai Liang's, just as he was your man. You were his fire, his drive to fight, his partner for life. To be separated so soon... you can only imagine what it would be like in his shoes.

You wipe your tears as you get up from your spot on the ground. More burns appear, but they do nothing to you as you begin to tread for the end of this realm.

However, despite such a noble start, you realize the pain that once felt dull to you was creeping back in increments. Slowly, the agony began to settle in.

"I guess the more human I am, the more I'll feel again," you groan, walking the grounds of the Netherrealm as you try to find any semblance of an escape.

Finally, you stop at a huge wall. Looking up, you realize that it's emitting a haze of heat, just hovering your hand over it feeling like you got burned again. You think of stopping, returning back to the sad, yet easy life of a wandering spirit.

"No," you tell yourself. "Not when you have something to live for."

And so, you grabbed onto the stony wall, hoisting yourself up as you reach, grab, and pull yourself higher and higher. It's hot, scorching, melting your skin as more burns cover your body; you don't care.

Not when your beloved's brother prayed for the first time in years. Not when you realize the agony your beloved is living through as you lie here- wandering and helpless.

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

Blue.

Blue and white.

It's cold, too.

You aren't sure how long you had been climbing, but when you make it back to Earthrealm. And while the chill bites you, it feels like a warm hug.

The warmest of hugs.

Using the last of your strength, you pull yourself up and land into the powdered snow. You gasp as you lay in the snow, rolling around in it like a husky.

You're on hands and knees as you take in your surroundings, and bits of yourself too.

This is Arctika, that's certain. The fir and maple trees that are around this part of the small nation, the constant snowfall the region has is also an indicator. You climbed out of hell to finally be home, but that's the least of your worries.

Looking down at your body, you examine the serious burns that mar your arm. Like a crazy artist on a canvas, your arms are painted in splotches of pink and brown.

But why can you only see one arm?

Your leg also experience this type of artistry, except scars of deep cuts add more depth to this painting. You knew your leg would be cut up from the climb, but you didn't realize to what extreme they would be.

You honestly don't want to look at your face, but when you lick your parched lips, you limp to the nearest body of water you could find.

By the gods, you had never been so... shocked. No words could describe what happened to your face, but it's not a secret when it's this obvious.

A huge, healed burn starts from your right eye, down diagonally across your nose and lips, and ending at your chin. You also realize why you can only see one body part.

Your left eye has been blinded, and there's a scar over your eye as well. You don't remember when this happened, but it doesn't matter when it's real and on your face. You stifle tears as the realization sets in, and all the adrenaline that kept you alive leaves, and you pass out next to the water.

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

Kuai Liang remains in his room, bound to his bed as his brothers stare him in the face. He's livid, body temperature rising as he tries to use his fire to melt the chains that hold him.

Too bad they're imbued with magic.

"Release me at once! Bi Han! Tomas!" he seethes, venom dripping from his words.

Both men look at one another as they meet with sad eyes. For the first time in years, these two agree on one thing- that their brother has become unstable and a threat.

"We cannot do that, brother," Tomas says softly, and Kuai Liang is practically pulling the chains off the walls before a servant bursts through the doors of the bedroom.

"Grandmaster! I come bearing news-" but the servant is immediately yelled at by Bi Han.

"What do you have for us that allow you such disobedience?!" Bi Han screeches, but the servant is out of his water as he keeps talking.

"Grandmaster, master Tomas... She is here." The young men stare at the servant with semi-lax faces, and they push out of the way as the servant locks eyes with the bound pyromancer.

"How do you mean?!" Kuai Liang yells, arms shaking the chains, but it falls on deaf ears as they run out of the room.

Bi Han and Tomas are in the courtyard, and the servants are trembling at their knees as they carry your slumped body. Bi Han and Tomas rush to them, the former carrying your head and the latter at your feet and legs.

"This... is a trap. We saw her die," Bi Han states matter of factly.

"But look, brother," Tomas points out a damning feature of yours. "No one else in the clan has such a part on their body."

"Agh...." you groan, moving around as best as you can. The men move more softly, trying to keep you comfortable.

"(Y/n)?" Tomas calls, and you blink multiple times before the vision of an ashen-haired man appears in your eye.

"Oh elder gods, you're real," you whisper, touching his cheek as Tomas turns pink. You turn to Bi Han and touch his face too.

"It's not a dream...." you mumble to yourself, and Bi Han sits you up so you can breathe properly.

"That... is not possible," Bi Han mutters. "We saw you....die. Kuai Liang held you, he-." You cut him off at the mention of your partner.

"Bi Han, where is he? How is he? I heard he has gone mad, show me where-" it seems everyone in this family has a habit of not letting people finish their sentences.

"Wait, how do you know he was going crazy? You've been dead for months!" Tomas gets up, pointing an accusing finger at you with an accompanied glare.

"I heard you pray, Tomas," you say, getting up slowly to your feet. Tomas is shocked, a bit scared, but he nods as helps you. You arm is over his shoulder, and you limp.

"You look well for what the Netherrealm has treated you," Bi Han quips, and you raise a brow at his dry humor.

As you walk upstairs together, entering the room, and you're met with such a heart-wrenching sight.

Kuai Liang has wrist burns where the chains hold him. His eyes are sunken in, and he has deep and heavy eye-bags under his dimmed eyes. His skin is dull, but there are littered bruises and cuts all over him.

"Kuai Liang?" you ask carefully, voice echoing into bedroom. His head is up, and his tired eyes are bright at the sight of you.

"Oh... darling," you whimper, limping over to him as you wrap your arms around him, his warmth crawling all over your skin as you breathe him in.

"I'm here, I am here. You do not need to be afraid or angry, please beloved," you beg, crying as your shoulder wrack and shake.

Kuai Liang breathes you in, that natural scent of yours with the slightest hint of death. But it doesn't overpower your smell. In fact, it compliments your scent.

Kuai Liang's chains are removed, and finally his hands wrap around you. He holds you, so tight that he was afraid you'd leave again. He tries to look at you, but you're shy.

Also, mangled at the face, you cannot forget that your face isn't what Kuai Liang fell in love with.

"Kuai, no, please do not look,' you whisper. "I am not the same as I was before..."

Kuai Liang just holds your cheek, rubbing it as he smiles tiredly.

"You're as beautiful as the day I lost you." Your eyes well up in more tears as he kisses the scarred parts of your face.

You hold each other, your arms lovingly around his back.

It would take more than death to tear you apart from him.

=====================

no yap notes, see yall in the next fic!

#mortal kombat #mk1 #mk1 2023 #x reader #kuai liang #scorpion #kuai liang x you #kuai liang x reader #scorpion x you #scorpion x reader #kuai liang scorpion

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tiredfox64 · 7 months ago

Note

Could you pretty please do the lin kuei bros x siren reader 🙏🥺

Bad Things to Come for Travelers

Yip notes: Since when were sirens bird women? I didn't know this. Hope we are talking about the mermaid kind.

Pairings: Lin Kuei Bros x Siren! Afab reader

Warnings‼️: This may be short

It was supposed to be a simple mission. All the brothers needed to do was retrieve an item for Liu Kang. Some jade artifact or something. This mission took them to rocky cliffs and harsh waves. There were points where they had to hug the wall to prevent their deaths. They believed that would be the only challenge they would face while on this journey.

Wishful thinking…

The brothers were reaching the top of the cliff, their bodies somewhat soaked by the waves that were just barely miss them. You hid behind a rock to peek at your new visitors. Three of them? Oooh, this will be a fun challenge for you. Let’s see if you can get all three men.

The brothers got to a spot that seemed relatively safe. A part where there were no waves crashing and the cliffside was flat. They took that as an opportunity to take a breather. You took that opportunity to sing your lovely siren melody. The wind blew your voice into the men’s ears. At first they thought it was the wind itself making that sweet sound. No, that can’t be right. The wind had been blowing nonstop and only made that sound now. Bi-Han was the first to act by covering his ears with his hands.

“Cover your ears.” He commanded.

“Why?” Tomas asked.

Kuai Liang listened and didn’t ask questions, leaving Tomas in a vulnerable place. Bi-Han remembered something that Liu Kang told him before going out. He warned that if he were to hear anything that sounded like singing that he should cover his ears immediately. It’s a sign of a siren trying to lure men to their doom.

That’s exactly what’s happening.

Kuai Liang stared at Bi-Han while in a panic. If they move their hands to cover Tomas’ ears they put themselves at risk. It was too late; Tomas was already in a trance. His pupils were dilated and his eye color barely showed. He walked closer to the edge of the cliff. Kuai Liang called for him to stop. Tomas looked down the cliff and saw you lying on a rock. You looked up at him, giving him a smile. You were happy not because he noticed you but because he was close to his demise.

You don’t know these men, remember? You don’t know what they have up their sleeves. That’s when you saw Tomas pull out his karambit that shined even though it was cloudy. He threw down a smoke bomb and he was gone. You were left confused and wondered what you just encountered. Did you encounter an Enenra that was disguised as a human?

Then you heard the sound of stone being struck. When you looked up you saw Tomas sliding down the cliffside, using his karambit as a way to slow him down. Once he hit the ground he came up to you with that same crazed look you usually see in your victims. Except Tomas was not a victim. Though he was in a trance he was smart enough to not leap off the ledge and be impaled by sharp rocks.

“Wow…you’re even more beautiful up close.” He said with this lovesick tone.

His hand went up to caress your wet hair. You were appalled, astonished, flabbergasted even. Your victims never got this close to you. But now you have a man in front of you who can’t take his eyes off you. He didn’t even comment on your tail. He knelt down in front of the rock you were lying on and had his head in his hands, admiring you like you were a goddess. It was a nice change, you couldn’t lie.

Kuai Liang and Bi-Han stepped closer to the cliffside and stared down. Good to see that Tomas wasn’t dead. Kuai Liang was unsure of what his brother was doing until Bi-Han gave a hint.

“That fool, he fell for the siren’s song.”

“I thought those were myths.” Kuai Liang was surprised.

You noticed that the two were looking down at you. Try your luck again. Maybe this time at least one of them will meet their maker today.

You sang your song once more. Bi-Han was quick to cover his ears again, Kuai Liang unfortunately wasn’t quick enough. Bi-Han knew there was something wrong when he saw his brother wasn’t moving at all. His pupils dilated until there was no more golden brown showing. He tried to take a step forward but Bi-Han used his leg to push him back. He couldn’t trip him because he would accidentally kill him. He tried his best to push him back with his legs or even his whole body. Kuai Liang was fighting back while in this daze. He just had to get a closer look. There was no other option and Bi-Han was so frustrated he decided to grab his brother with his hands and pull him back.

uh oh!

bad decision, bi-han!

The effects of your song immediately got Bi-Han. His eyes grew darker from the dilation of his pupils. The brothers were not fighting anymore but were instead staring at you. You thought this would be the moment you killed two birds with one stone. Nope, you’re in for a surprise.

Bi-Han pushed his brother out of the way before creating steps made from ice down the cliffside. Kuai Liang was not gonna lose to his older brother so he started acting quickly. He stabbed his kunai to the side of the cliff and held onto the rope tightly before taking steps down. You lay there, not angered but disappointed. How did you mess up that badly? When did humans have the ability to do tricks like that?

Before you knew it, Bi-Han slid all the way down to you and Kuai Liang scaled down the mountain. You got three beautiful men in front of you and you have the nerve to complain? Yeesh!

They adored you which was weird. Usually, people look at you with fear but for once you get to see the faces of your victims. Tomas melted every time you placed your hand under his chin. Kuai Liang liked to admire how your scales shine and how flowy the end of your tail is. Bi-Han…he’s already acting up. He’s acting possessive, holding your waist and pressing you against his body. The other two are getting agitated now. They want you just as badly as Bi-Han does.

“I was the first one down here,” Tomas argued.

“I was just as willing to see her up close as you were!” Kuai Liang shouted at Tomas.

“I am your grandmaster! She should be to me!” Bi-Han was shouting right in your ear.

Alright, you see why the other sirens tell you not to let the trance go on for ages. They get possessive and see what they could potentially do you don’t want them turning on you or each other. Nobody wants to handle a burnt corpse or a frozen carcass.

You sighed, knowing that the fun had to end now. Might as well bring them back to shore. You grabbed Bi-Han with your right hand and Kuai Liang with your left. You bit the back of Tomas’ uniform before diving into the sea. One second they were on the rock with you and the other they were being flung up into the air and landing on the wet sand. Kuai Liang rubbed his head after that rough landing while Bi-Han was trying to catch his breath after inhaling too much seawater. Tomas was booking it down the shore and was already jumping in the water to catch you. He grabbed onto your tail and begged you to not leave him. You almost felt bad for doing it but you knew he couldn’t stay with you so you had to push him off. He swam away quickly, leaving them in an uncomfortable situation.

“I think Tomas is still in a trance.” Kuai Liang said.

“No, I just wanted to have her around for a little bit longer,” Tomas replied in a sad tone, the waves pushing his body back to the shore.

Bi-Han finally caught his breath and realized what happened. That was unpleasant and he could not forgive himself for falling for that. He grabbed Kuai Liang and Tomas and started dragging them in the opposite direction of the sea.

“Wait, where are we going?” Tomas asked, “Aren’t we supposed to-“

“I AM NOT GOING BACK UP THAT CLIFF!”

For the first time, the brother will return to Liu Kang empty-handed. Bi-Han can tell Liu Kang to get it himself because he is not going through that again.

Yap notes: I hate posting late I'm sorry. And yes I did make a Mandela Catalogue reference. I don't really have much to say so yeah. Adiós!

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chiqelatasblog · 9 months ago

Note

Can I request imagine: Bi Han fell in love with Shang Tsung's daughter; unlike her father she is gentle and soft spoken and thanks to her father she mastered soul magic takes place when Shang Tsung captured Bi Han and Kuai Liang please?

Um… Well… This imagine turned into a whole one-shot. I'll try to shorten it in the future. I realized that I can't write short fic.🥲

Fates Intertwined ♾️

-> Ao3 link is here.

Pairings : Bi-Han/ Sub - Zero x You

Tropes : Major Character Injury, Blood and Injury, Near Death Experiences, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Falling in Love, Strangers to Lovers, Protectiveness, Possessive Behavior, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence , Intimacy

Summary : Bi-Han, gravely wounded during a mission, finds himself lost in the uncharted territory of Outworld. As he teeters on the brink of death, he awakens in an unfamiliar home. There a woman, a master of soul magic, emerges into his life, her presence calming and gentle as she tends to Bi-Han's injuries. Drawn to her unexpectedly, Bi-Han finds himself experiencing feelings he never had before.

However, little does he know, his savior harbors a secret...

Author’s Note : This is the first request I’ve ever received, I didn’t get any notifications about it so I found it on accident actually. Anyway I’m kind of excited to share it, it’s over 8k (I got away with feelings.) Hope it lived up to expectations! 💕

He was on the brink of death.

Bi-Han felt the specter of death looming closer than ever before as he dragged his battered body through the uncharted terrain of Outworld. While he had faced dangerous situations in the past, none had brought him as precariously close to the brink as this one. With every step, he pressed a hand against his stomach, where a gaping wound on his right side oozed blood, a portion of it torn away. His vision dimmed gradually, like a flickering lamp nearing its end, his breathing ragged, his steps unsteady. Despite having accomplished his mission, he snarled with what little strength remained, enraged that his slight lapse in caution would cost him his life.

Each step grew more arduous, his coordination failing as darkness encroached upon his sight. Unable to discern what obstacles tripped him amidst the dimming landscape, he collapsed heavily onto the ground. The wound, incessantly bleeding with each convulsion of his body, sent tremors of agony coursing through him, threatening to shatter his teeth as he gritted them in pain.

Struggling to roll onto his side, Bi-Han expelled the soil that had invaded his mouth and smeared his lips, laboring to draw oxygen into his weakened lungs. Above, the sky darkened, with the moon and stars emerging while clouds gathered ominously, presaging the impending rain. It was a grim realization that in this barren, lifeless landscape, he would meet his end alone—a consequence of his arrogance and overconfidence in his abilities. Dry and lifeless plants dotted the cracked earth, while rocks and pebbles stretched as far as the eye could see, with no sign of a river or any semblance of life.

Death had never been a fear for him, he was raised with the understanding that every moment could be his last. Memories raced through his mind like fragments of a shattered mirror; his training, the teachings of his clan, and the faces of those he had loved and lost along the way. Amidst the pain, a sense of regret gnawed at him, whispering of unfinished business and promises left unfulfilled. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a resolute determination surged within him, a steadfast refusal to succumb to the darkness that threatened to consume him. While the frustration and ambition of leaving his goals unfinished weighed heavily, he found a measure of peace in knowing that Kuai Liang would capably assume the mantle of grandmaster and safeguard the clan.

As he drew a deep breath, a fit of coughing wracked him, the bitter taste of blood filling his mouth. Turning his head to the side to avoid suffocation, he surrendered to a numbing sensation that dulled his senses from head to toe.

Finally, unable to stave off the encroaching darkness any longer, his eyes, barely able to remain open, fluttered closed.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

The first sensation that washed over him was a soothing warmth, cocooning him like a comforting embrace. Blinking open his eyes, Bi-Han found himself lying atop a soft surface, the faint scent of clean soap wafting around him. In the distance, he could hear a soft female voice humming a kind of melody, accompanied by the clinking of plates and dishes. Struggling to lift his heavy eyelids, he squinted at the wooden ceiling above him, its rough texture illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight casting dancing shadows across the room.

‘’The hell?’’

His words emerged hoarsely from his parched throat. As he attempted to sit up, the covers slipped off, landing on his lap, and a sharp pain shot through his side where the wound lay. Clenching his hand over the bandages wrapped around his abdomen, he felt the fabric instead of his usual cold skin. The bandages appeared freshly changed, but his right side had already begun to bleed anew due to his carelessness.

With a muttered curse, Bi-Han glanced around the room, his body tensing as footsteps approached. Instinctively, he summoned an ice kunai into his hand, a simple gesture that now felt exhausting under the circumstances. Just as the figure drew near, he leveled the weapon with a silent threat.

‘’I didn’t go through all this trouble just for you to kill me,’’ admonished a soft female voice. ‘’Besides, I’ve just changed those bandages, and now I’ll have to do it all over again. Why are you still sitting? You need to lay down.’’

Bi-Han’s surprise was tinged with suspicion. Was this woman blind? How could she not have noticed the sharp kunai in his hand? Moreover, she appeared unarmed, leaving herself defenseless against him. His anger flared at the implication that he was underestimated. Even injured, he was still a lethal force to be reckoned with.

‘’Do you intend to worsen the bleeding?’’ she continued calmly, stepping closer but maintaining a cautious distance. ‘‘I am not a threat to you. My name is (y/n). I found you and brought you to my home for treatment. You’ve been here for three days. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t have bothered bringing you back from the brink.’’

Bi-Han’s gaze softened slightly as he absorbed her words. Despite his initial hostility, there was something about her demeanor that suggested genuine concern. Yet, he remained wary, his mind racing with questions and suspicions.

‘’Why?” growled Bi-Han through clenched teeth, his gaze sharp as he eyed the young woman standing before him.

The woman blinked in surprise at the question. “I don’t understand.”

“Why did you save me?”

“Because you were dying,” she replied innocently, taking another step toward him. “Now, will you let go of what you have and let me help you?”

“I can take care of myself,” Bi-Han insisted, trying not to be swayed by the woman’s gentle aura as he moved to stand up, wary of her true intentions. The woman’s expression clouded with worry.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

“Don’t interfere—Fuck.” Despite his attempt to rise, sharp pain lanced through Bi-Han’s body, threatening to overwhelm him. Just as he felt himself faltering, a soft body caught him, careful to avoid his wound. A sweet scent enveloped him—cinnamon and vanilla—intoxicatingly sweet, like fresh-baked buns.

Relaxing involuntarily, Bi-Han allowed the woman to guide him back onto the bed, his resistance waning. She had a point—if she wanted him dead, she wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to keep him alive for three days, despite being a total stranger.

“I have to open the bandages and check your stitches. I’m afraid they may have burst.”

“I’ll take care of it myself,” Bi-Han retorted, refusing to show weakness or dependence.

“Why won’t you let me help you?” The woman’s voice softened, her gentle demeanor tugging at something within Bi-Han. Though he remained silent, she sighed deeply. “I have a light touch and am quite fast, you can trust me. If I happen to hurt you, you can also treat your wounds. I just want to assist and ease your suffering, especially since you’re badly wounded. Oh and besides that, I made some stew. I’m sure you’re hungry.”

Bi-Han scrutinized (y/n) for the first time since waking, assessing her body language and facial expressions. As an assassin, he rarely misjudged people. Despite his initial wariness, he sensed a purity and compassion within her that he couldn’t ignore. The subtle tilt of her head and the warmth in her eyes felt genuine. Even though he couldn’t fathom why she would go to such lengths to heal a dangerous person like him, knowing he could easily harm her without breaking a sweat, he found himself appreciating her compassion. Yet, alongside his gratitude, a twinge of annoyance gnawed at him, stemming from her apparent blindness to the danger he inherently posed.

With a resigned grunt, he relented, allowing her to tend to him as she saw fit, though a part of him remained on guard, ready to react at the slightest sign of threat.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

A week had passed since his return from the brink of death, and four days since he had awakened in your home. In that time, while his wound had begun to heal rapidly, his movements remained slow and restricted. Returning to his clan without a full recovery would only be self-torment, risking undoing the healing process with his own hands. And also, you were stubborn about it, showing no inclination to let him go until he was fully restored to health.

As absurd as the situation seemed to Bi-Han, it also warmed him in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Despite his injuries, he was an assassin and the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei—capable of neutralizing any threat that crossed his path. But you posed no threat; instead, you cared for him with remarkable dedication, as if welcoming a normal person into your home rather than a man with lethal abilities. Day by day, Bi-Han found himself lowering his guard against you, a sensation he struggled to control.

During the first night, while you slept, he scrutinized every corner of your house, finding no weapons or defenses. There was nothing you could have done to protect yourself from him. Trained from an early age to turn disadvantage into advantage, Bi-Han realized that this was not the case here. You harbored no ulterior motives; your only intention was to help him.

With the house being small and his movement limited by his wound, Bi-Han had ample time to observe and learn about you. Spending time together, he discovered your extraordinary ability to heal and revive him using soul magic—a gift passed down from your father. Bi-Han refrained from prying into your past, respecting the boundaries you set. He knew only what you chose to share—that your father was a merchant who often left for months at a time with his caravan.

Staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, barely able to fit two people, Bi-Han assessed his unkempt appearance. His normally well-kept hair hung loose, difficult to manage due to his injury, cascading down his neck to his chest. A scruffy beard obscured his chin, his pale skin accentuated by dark circles under his eyes. Running a hand through his hair, he muttered to himself, ‘‘I need to shave… And I definitely need a damn shower.’’

‘’Did you say something?’’ Bi-Han looked at you inquisitively from the bathroom door, wondering how long you had been standing there watching him. Your cheeks flushed a sweet shade of red as you realized you had been caught. ‘’Well, the door was open, so—I thought, um… do you need something? I heard you talking to yourself,’’ you said, trying to regain your composure quickly.

‘‘I need to take a shower, and I also need to trim my beard. It itches.’’

‘’Oh, sure. The towels are right there.’’ you replied, entering the room and retrieving the towels from the wooden closet under the sink. As you spoke, you kept busy, avoiding his gaze. ‘‘It’s better if your wound doesn’t get wet for a while longer. I can give you a cloth to wipe your body, and I can help with your hair. If you want, of course.’’ Though you added the last part hastily, your avoidance of his gaze didn’t go unnoticed by Bi-Han, who couldn’t help but smirk slightly.

It was evident from your demeanor that you held an interest in him—your actions were transparent and sincere. What intrigued Bi-Han even more was that he also found himself drawn to you. For the first time in a long while, there was no need for him to be on guard, and your presence offered an unexpected reprieve from his usual responsibilities. You brought him more comfort than anyone had before, your dedication focused on helping rather than brute force, and you effortlessly dismantled the walls he had built around himself. It was a mystery to Bi-Han how you managed to achieve this in such a short time, but your presence had a calming effect on him.

‘’Do whatever you want.’’ Bi-Han said, beginning to undress. Your eyes widened in alarm at his actions.

‘’W-What are you doing?’’

‘’I will wipe my body as you said. Since you’re so helpful, maybe you’d like to assist me with that too?’’ Bi-Han lowered his voice, locking eyes with you as he took pleasure in the crimson blush that spread across your face. He didn’t fully understand this newfound calmness and playful demeanor within himself, but he felt compelled to act this way around you. You weren’t under his command or a threat to be eliminated; instead, you were the reason he was still alive. Though he was reluctant to admit it, he owed you his life.

Your response was stuttered and unclear as you hurriedly left the bathroom as if it were on fire. ‘’Just call out to me when you’re finished. And don’t forget to wrap a towel around yourself,’’ you called out from behind the door.

Bi-Han carefully placed his clothes in a corner to keep them dry, then settled onto the edge of the bathtub, ensuring not to disturb his bandages. Using the cloth you provided, he began to cleanse the dirt and grime from his body, avoiding the area of his wound. Minutes later, when the water ran clear, he wrapped one of the towels around his waist and called out to you.

Opening the door cautiously, you peeked inside to confirm that he was following your instructions. Seeing him with the towel wrapped around his waist, you entered the room and closed the door behind you. “Sit on the edge of the bathtub and lean your head back,” you instructed in a gentle tone. As Bi-Han complied, you adjusted the water temperature for a few seconds until it reached the desired level. Letting out a small murmur of approval, you turned your attention to him, holding a shower cap in your hand.

As your eyes met, your cheeks flushed once again, and you quickly averted your gaze to his hair. Clearing your throat with a small cough, you began to wet his hair, ensuring the water stayed away from his face. Bi-Han watched your every move with keen interest, finding pleasure in your innocence and sincerity.

“Does the water feel too hot?” you asked, breaking the silence.

A small grunt escaped Bi-Han’s lips. “I’m a cryomancer; water temperature doesn’t bother me.”

“Oh, right. I forgot. It’s not every day I meet someone like you. I thought cryomancers were just a myth,” your fingers hesitating slightly as you untangled his hair. Emboldened by his lack of reaction, you continued to work, carefully removing the knots with practiced hands. “Your hair is very beautiful.” you said in a low, soft voice that could be considered shy.

“It’s just black,” Bi-Han replied.

“It’s not just black; it’s like onyx, especially when it’s wet. I’ve never seen such dark black hair before. It suits you.” As you determined that his hair was sufficiently wet, you picked up a shampoo that smelled of sugary flowers and squeezed a generous amount into your hand. “I’m sorry, this is all I have. I hope it’s not a problem.” you said, your voice tinged with apology.

‘’It’s better than dirt,” Bi-Han remarked in a dry voice. Though he had no desire to smell like a flower garden, he also acknowledged that he didn’t have a better option. As your fingers began to massage his scalp, Bi-Han was taken aback by how pleasant it felt. Your deft fingers worked circles on his scalp, lathering the shampoo, and Bi-Han found himself relaxing in waves of relief, melting like ice rapidly thawing. The warmth in the bathroom, the gentle touch… it was almost overwhelming, especially given how skilled your fingers were at their task.

“You might want to close your eyes, I wouldn’t want the shampoo to run into them by accident.” You said, breaking him out of the trance he hadn’t even realized he had slipped into. Once again, Bi-Han was surprised at how low his guard was around you. He had stopped seeing you as a threat some time ago, but he couldn’t comprehend how easily he let down the automatic defenses he had cultivated over many years.

Closing his eyes, Bi-Han waited for you to rinse the shampoo from his hair. After washing for a while, you reached for the towel in the corner to help him dry off.

“Okay, you can stand up, we’re done.” you announced.

Bi-Han stood up quickly, stretching his neck, which had grown stiff from being in the same position for so long, before turning his gaze to you. With your cheeks flushed from the warmth of the bathroom, your clothes splattered with water drops, and your skin glowing from the moisture, you appeared vulnerable and innocent enough to make his chest ache.

Raised in a clan of ruthless assassins where survival and flawless execution of death were paramount, Bi-Han had always imagined the woman who would enter his life as strong, tough, with sharp eyes and an authoritarian nature to adapt to his lifestyle. Yet, looking at you, he began to question this assumption for the first time. You possessed a nurturing side that defied brute force, completely opposite to his expectations, and Bi-Han found himself unexpectedly drawn to this contrast. You were good to him.

“Bi-Han… You’ve been staring at me for a while. Is everything okay?” you asked.

“I want to kiss you.” Bi-Han blurted out suddenly. The words escaped his lips so spontaneously that he was as surprised as you were. Though he could have easily taken you in his arms and kissed you, he wanted your consent, to hear from your lips if you desired it as much as he did. You were the last person he wanted to intimidate or use force on.

As your eyes widened in astonishment, a loud “What?” escaped your lips.

‘’You heard me.” Bi-Han said sharply. Your cheeks flushed to the tips of your ears, the color he liked to see. Approving him in a soft, almost shy voice, your gaze drifted to the ground.

Finally hearing the answer he desired, Bi-Han growled and gently raised your head with his fingers grasping the tip of your chin. He connected his lips with yours, driven by a voracious appetite. This hunger was unlike anything he had ever experienced before, possessing a fiery intensity that shook him to his core. It wasn’t until he kissed you that he realized the depth of his feelings; he could have kissed your lips, as soft and tender as rose petals, for hours, sating an inner thirst he hadn’t known existed.

His hand traced the line of your jaw, capturing the back of your head and part of your neck. Placing his other hand on the curve of your waist, he gently squeezed the soft flesh, eliciting a small, breathless moan from your lips. Your voice, trembling like a whip of flame, ignited a dangerous fire within Bi-Han.

There was a unique taste to you, one that defined you completely. It was clean, like dewdrops forming on leaves in the morning spring, and wet as he slid his tongue between your parted lips. Another small moan escaped you as you placed your hands on his shoulders, your thumbs massaging the veins that began to appear on his neck. Bi-Han found himself hating the bathtub that stood as a barrier between them, longing to bridge the distance between you.

‘’Hold on tight.” He growled savagely, his lips pouring forth a mixture of desire and intensity. With your flushed cheeks, half-lidded eyes, and breathless look, you embodied a dangerous blend of innocence and allure, a presence that could emerge on the wettest of nights. As you tightened your grip on his shoulders in response to his command, Bi-Han effortlessly lifted you from the bathtub, as if you weighed nothing at all.

“Bi-Han! Your wound–” you began, concern lacing your voice.

“I’m fine.” Bi-Han cut you off, dismissing any objections as he instructed you to wrap your legs around his waist. He captured your lips again, this time with a fierce hunger that left little room for gentleness. Despite his intentions to proceed slowly and remain in control, you made it nearly impossible with your presence alone. Your scent, your soft skin, your delicate movements – they all acted as an irresistible spell, unraveling Bi-Han’s logic and common sense piece by piece.

Drops of water from his wet hair trailed down your cheek, then your neck, as Bi-Han followed their path with his tongue. He paused at the curve of your neck, grazing your skin with his teeth.

“You don’t even know how bad I want you. Now.” he declared in a voice thick with desire, his need palpable. Tilting his head slightly, he took your earlobe between his teeth, exerting just enough pressure to send a shiver down your spine. “Can I have you?”

You trembled in his arms, pressing your body against his, and buried your head in the curve of his neck, your voice barely above a whisper, the soft cadence of your affirmation barely audible against his skin.

“Yes. Ah, to—to bed… Let’s go to bed.” you murmured, your voice filled with anticipation.

Responding to your command, Bi-Han carried you swiftly into the bedroom, stealing kisses and caressing your soft flesh which filled perfectly in his palms along the way. As he carefully placed you on the bed, he ensured not to overwhelm you with his weight. With one knee positioned between your legs and applying small pressure to your aching core, he felt your breath quicken, your legs parting slightly, inviting him closer.

“Bi-Han, please… hurry,” you pleaded, your voice trembling with need. Despite not yet fully engaging in intimacy, you were already consumed by desire, your surrender evident in every trembling breath and pleading glance. Bi-Han found himself entranced by the unique blend of your naivety and charm, a combination both intoxicating and heady. It puzzled him how you could exude such innocence while also igniting a fire within him, a sensation he found both captivating and bewildering.

With every inhibition shattered, Bi-Han’s entire being was consumed by you. His mind echoed with a commanding voice, declaring possession. ‘Mine. You are mine.’ With each beat of his heart, the intensity of his desire deepened, enveloping him in a whirlwind of need. His arousal surged with a newfound fervor, driving him to seek you with an urgency he had never known before. He longed to lose himself in your warmth, to leave an indelible mark on you, claiming you as his own in a way that no other could satisfy you again.

‘‘Fuck. I wanted to take it slow,” Bi-Han cursed, his voice filled with frustration.

“Another time,” you replied swiftly. “I want you, Bi-Han. I need you… just… please.” As your attempts to form coherent sentences faltered, you resorted to expressing your desires through your eyes, tears clung to your lashes, your need laid bare for him to see. Despite the flush that colored your face, neck, your chest peeking through your clothes, your timidity had been replaced by a raw, unbridled desire.

“Another time.” Bi-Han echoed your words, his tone laced with determination. It was a promise, a vow to indulge in the intoxicating taste of you until every inch of your body bore his mark. The thought had transformed into a primal need, a longing to possess you completely.

With swift motions, Bi-Han stripped away your clothes, discarding them haphazardly. As predicted, your chest also completely flushed dark, your nipples hardening under his gaze, pleading for his touch.

“You are such a sight… so beautiful,” Bi-Han murmured, his words tinged with reverence. You squirmed under his attention, somewhat embrassed by his words and attempted to cover yourself clumsily. As he untied the towel from his waist, he fixed you with a stern gaze. “Don’t you dare hide anything from me. This is not a request.”

When his cold fingers made contact with the intimate area between your legs, you flinched at the sudden chill. Instead of recoiling, however, you parted your legs, wordlessly inviting him closer. Bi-Han found himself drawn to this decadent aspect of you, contrasting with your usual demeanor. You were slick with arousal, your warmth enveloping his cold touch until it reached a semblance of normalcy.

“Next time, I will explore you slowly, savoring every moment,” he declared, his voice brooking no argument.

And so he did.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Another two weeks slipped by, each day marked by the steady healing of his wound and the gradual return of his strength. Strangely, Bi-Han found himself not minding the passing of time, a stark contrast from his usual restlessness. Even though his days were now filled with the singular purpose of recuperation, he couldn’t bring himself to feel bored in your company.

You had established a routine of caring for him in the house. Every morning, after sharing breakfast together, you diligently tended to his wound, changing bandages with meticulous care. Despite his stature, Bi-Han appreciated the gentleness with which you handled him, as if afraid to cause him any discomfort.

Following this, Bi-Han would retreat outdoors to meditate or exercise, while you busied yourself with tending to the garden and other household chores. Occasionally, you would venture to the market, a task Bi-Han offered to take over multiple times, only to be politely declined by you each time. He sensed a trace of anxiety in your eyes whenever you left, as though fearing his departure in your absence.

The reality of his impending departure weighed heavily on Bi-Han. Though duty called him back to his clan and responsibilities, he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving you behind. The bond between you had grown deeper with each passing day, surpassing even the connections he shared with his own brothers. You had a remarkable ability to understand him without words, a skill few others possessed.

In your presence, Bi-Han found himself rediscovering aspects of himself long buried beneath the facade of his assassin persona. With you, he experienced a sense of comfort and peace he hadn’t known in years. Every touch, every embrace left him yearning for more, a relentless desire burning within him. He marveled at the intensity of his feelings for you, realizing that he wanted every part of you in a way he had never imagined possible.

His favorite time of the day was undoubtedly dinner. Sitting across from you, sharing simple conversations, witnessing your smile, hearing your laughter, and seeing your eyes light up brought him joy. It was a simplicity he hadn’t experienced since becoming the grandmaster. Once disciplined, strict, and focused solely on responsibilities, he now found value in these moments, offering him a new perspective on life.

As both of you sat facing each other at dinner, Bi-Han decided it was time to address the lingering topic that had hung in the air for some time.

“You mentioned you could remove my stitches in a few days, after that I’ll return to Earthrealm.” He stated firmly. Though he disliked seeing the smile on your face fade, you both knew he couldn’t remain cocooned in this sanctuary forever.

“Oh… So you’ve decided on the day.” You responded, averting your gaze as you spoke. When you reached for your wine, Bi-Han gently grasped your hand, halting your movement.

“I want you to come with me.” he declared.

Your eyes widened with surprise. “To your clan? Really?”

“Yes, I want you to see where I live.” Bi-Han lifted your wrist, his touch still gentle as he grazed his index finger against your skin, all while maintaining unbroken eye contact. “I wasn’t joking when I said you were mine.”

Your cheeks flushed slightly as a sweet laugh escaped your lips, a sound Bi-Han found irresistible. In that moment, he realized his attachment to you ran deeper than he had ever realized.

“You know, I’m not an item that you can take wherever you want.”

“I didn’t mean it in that sense.” His gaze shifted to the dozen bruises on your neck, a satisfied curl tugging at the corner of his lip. Each mark filled him with a sense of ownership, igniting a fire within him every time he saw them.

“Then it’s only fair that I should say that you are also mine.” you countered. Despite your brave demeanor, your face betrayed your true feelings once again. As you took a sip from your glass, attempting to hide your expression, Bi-Han watched you silently, a smile playing on his lips, hidden only by his hand resting on his chin.

As Bi-Han grappled with the conflicting desires pulling at his heartstrings — duty to his clan and the burgeoning attachment to you — a storm of emotions raged within him. The weight of responsibility tugged relentlessly, reminding him of the obligations he bore as the leader of the clan. However, a shadow began to loom over his resolve, stirring a longing for something more.

“I’d love to,’’ you finally said after a moment. ‘‘But I have to wait for my father’s return; I don’t know when he will come here.’’

“You can leave a note.”

“I’d rather talk it over with him face to face,” you insisted politely. “But I can come to visit from time to time. If it’s convenient for you, of course, I’d love to see where you grew up and spend time there.”

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

It had been five months since Bi-Han returned to his clan, and everything was just as he had left it. Kuai Liang had managed the clan well in his absence, with the assistance of Tomas and Sektor, although Bi-Han knew his brother was downplaying his own contributions. Despite the slight age difference between them, Kuai Liang was more than capable of assuming the role of grandmaster.

There was considerable curiosity among the clan members about his prolonged absence and the circumstances surrounding it. Tomas, in particular, had been concerned for his well-being the most. During a briefing with the council members, consisting solely of his inner circle, Bi-Han provided a summary of what happened, including mentioning you and your remarkable abilities. The news of your impending visit piqued the interest of everyone present, even if they attempted to conceal it.

Although you could only visit twice in five months, you effortlessly bonded with his brothers. Even with Sektor and Cyrax, you made it easy to connect, your kind soul evident in your demeanor and smile. It felt as though you had always been a member of the clan, your presence comforting and familiar to everyone. During conversations, you repeatedly expressed feeling comfortable and safe around them. This, coupled with the unique way you contributed to Bi-Han’s recovery, swiftly earned you the respect of the entire clan.

When you did visit, Bi-Han found solace and peace in holding you in his arms once more. In your absence, he had been on edge, constantly worrying about your well-being. Your presence felt like a breath of fresh air, infusing color and vibrancy into his otherwise monotonous existence. He couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment he fell in love with you, but your influence had been undeniable from the moment he first laid eyes on you. The desire to keep you close, to protect you at all costs, consumed him, even though he knew the realities of their lives would make it challenging. Being separated from you had taken a toll on his nerves, leaving him irritable and restless. Amidst the tumultuous whirlwind of his thoughts, Bi-Han grappled with the overwhelming desire to see you again.

The last time you visited, you stayed for a while. One night, in particular, is etched clearly in Bi-Han’s mind. A fierce wind howled outside, causing the windows to rattle, while snow fell rapidly, swirling in the storm and clinging to the glass surfaces. Except for the candles flickering in the room, there was no other light, casting a dim glow. The scent of both of you enveloped the room like a heavy blanket.

After bringing you to climax multiple times, your body glowed with vitality like a pearl, cheeks flushed dark with a serene smile adorning your face. Half of your body draped over him, your elegant fingers traced lazy circles on his bare chest, while Bi-Han’s hand caressed the smooth skin of your back. In that moment, he felt complete, as if a part of him that he didn’t even know was missing had been found. It was as if you were both separate individuals yet inexplicably intertwined—each completing the other.

When your fingers ceased their movement altogether, Bi-Han glanced down to see why, his heart swelling with warmth. You had drifted off to sleep, your face relaxed in slumber, lips slightly parted. You appeared so peaceful that Bi-Han couldn’t bring himself to disturb you. This wasn’t the first time you had fallen asleep beside him, and each time, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and a burning desire to protect you. He knew you trusted him enough to reveal your vulnerability in these moments.

His mind was more at ease than ever before. Even though he was in his own home, with you beside him, he felt a sense of belonging that he had never experienced before. Especially during the times he awaited your arrival, he had never felt such intense longing to see someone again—your presence shaking his very core, pushing the limits of his endurance. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could bear being without you; your absence felt like torment, while your presence transformed him into a different man altogether.

Although the notion of someone having such power over him would typically be unsettling, he couldn’t view it negatively because it was you. What concerned him more was the possibility of others noticing—the fear that his enemies might discover you, exploiting his vulnerability by hurtin you.

Two and a half months had passed since he last laid eyes on you, adding to the weight of the task Lord Liu Kang had bestowed upon him and his brothers. He longed to complete this mission swiftly and reunite with you, yearning for the calming embrace of your presence. The strain of constant vigilance was taking its toll on him, both mentally and physically, culminating in his recent capture alongside Kuai Liang.

Navigating the stone corridors of Ying Fortress, Bi-Han found himself flanked by a dozen soldiers, with Kuai Liang by his side and Shang Tsung and General Shao ahead of them. Shang Tsung’s words fell on deaf ears as Bi-Han contemplated his next move, steadfast in his refusal to entertain any offers from these unfamiliar men. His focus remained fixed on devising an escape plan to extricate himself from this predicament. As they traversed the corridor into a vast area, Bi-Han was confronted by a multitude of stone sculptures lining the space. Hindered by the restraints on his wrists, he scanned the area for any potential means of escape, exchanging a knowing glance with Kuai Liang, who mirrored his uncertainty.

“Father?”

Bi-Han’s eyes widened at the sudden sound of a familiar, albeit unexpected, female voice behind them. Sensing Kuai Liang’s reaction, he knew it wasn’t a trick of his imagination. With a swift turn, his heart raced as he watched the soldiers before him part, revealing your approach. What the hell were you doing here?

“What’s going on here — Bi-Han?” Your wide-eyed astonishment mirrored his own. As Bi-Han scanned you for any signs of harm, he moved to approach you. But before he could reach, a soldier struck him in the stomach with the tip of his weapon, causing him to stagger backward.

‘’Stop! What do you think you’re doing?!” Your voice, tinged with worry as you shoved the soldier aside, your anxious eyes locking with his. “Bi-Han, are you all right?”

“What are you doing here?” Bi-Han growled out a whisper, tension taut in his voice.

“I’m asking you the same.”

“What is the meaning of this? Do you two know each other?” Shang Tsung’s voice sliced through the hushed talk, prompting Bi-Han to instinctively shield you, despite the restraints on his hands. Determined to protect you at all costs, Bi-Han urged you to take cover behind him, his voice laced with venom. “Get behind me.” he commanded, his grip tightening protectively around your arm.

“There is no need. He is my father.” You revealed, catching Bi-Han off guard with the unexpected revelation. Stunned by the revelation, Bi-Han chastised himself for not piecing together the clues sooner. Living in Outworld, soul magic, an enigmatic father figure—it all suddenly made sense. Yet, your stark differences in character from your father only deepened Bi-Han’s sense of disbelief.

“Why are they prisoners?” you questioned, your gaze flickering between your father and the imposing figure of General Shao and the eerie aura that seemed to surround them.

“They attacked us.” General Shao asserted, his voice gruff as he responded to your inquiry. “We were about to take care of business before you came, sorceress.” Despite Shao’s attempt to intimidate you with his imposing presence, Shang Tsung interjected before Bi-Han, shooting Shao a warning glance.

“They attacked?” Your gaze flickered momentarily, silently questioning the situation. ‘Why?’ The unspoken question hung in the air, directed at Bi-Han. “I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“They were sent here by Liu Kang’s order. To catch us and maybe kill us.” Shao divulged, his voice dripping with hostility.

“Why so? Nobody has told me anything since I was brought here, and even now you still insist on not telling me. I want to know what’s going on. Tell me the truth.”

“Walk with me,” Shang Tsung interjected, gesturing towards a secluded area. With a final, anxious glance towards Bi-Han, you complied, flanked by Shao and Shang Tsung. Bi-Han’s instincts screamed to follow, but he was thwarted by the soldiers’ firm grip. Initially, Bi-Han braced himself for a sense of betrayal, believing that you had concealed Shang Tsung’s identity as your father. However, upon reflection, he realized that you had always been forthcoming with him, never hiding the truth about your father. Bi-Han had simply never asked. Your genuine reaction to the unfolding events affirmed your honesty. It became evident that Shang Tsung had dragged you into this situation without explanation. All that mattered now was escaping with you safely by his side.

‘’You seem quite invested in these men, (Y/n),’’ Shao remarked in a harsh tone, his words more of a probing question than a mere observation.

‘’It’s none of your concern, General Shao.’’ You retorted firmly.

‘‘But it is my concern,’’ interjected Shang Tsung, his tone authoritative. ‘‘As your father, I demand to know the nature of your association with the infamous grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.’’

‘’Before you question me, father, perhaps you should first explain your activities over the past months. Then, and only then, will I consider divulging any information.’’ you countered. ‘’You dragged me here without giving me an explanation, expecting blind trust. It’s not fair, and you know it. You’re exploiting my kindness, I deserve some answers.’’

‘’I was promised my true potential, and I’m going to get that right back. You’re my blood and flesh, I want nothing more than to secure you a good and wealthy future, I want what is best for you—for us.’’ Shang Tsung continued to talk as he walked towards a dark-colored box that looked like some kind of chest. ‘’Take a look around, do you remember what I told you about this place?’’

You watched him with hesitant eyes, then looked around you before answering his question.

‘‘Yes, you said that Emperor Ying’s Dragon Army was here.’’

‘‘Very true. What I told you was not just a fairy tale. These statues were constructed and enchanted by the great mages in the Emperor’s court.’’ Shang Tsung opened the lids of the box, took out a crown and a small green bottle, and emptied the contents of the bottle onto the crown. ‘‘They are animated by the fragments of souls. Once alive they fight tirelessly, unburdened by remorse or pity.’’

‘’What are you planning to do with these?’’ You said, your voice overflowing with obvious concern now.

‘’If they won’t be on our side,’’ Shang Tsung murmured with a half-smile, placing the crown on his head. ‘‘Then I will eliminate them. This is what I had to do, for our future.’’

The moment he finished his words, six of the soldiers standing a little further away stepped forward, and with mind control, moving nimbly despite being made of stone, they began to descend the steps towards them. Bi-Han’s muscles tensed involuntarily, his body as taut as a drawn bowstring as he observed the approaching stone soldiers. If only he could get rid of these damn handcuffs…

‘’No!” Your panicked scream echoed through the vast area as you summoned your magic, green energy crackling around your outstretched hand in an attempt to halt the advancing soldiers. When you realized your magic was ineffective against them, your attention swiftly shifted back to your father.

“Father, stop this!” Startled by your sudden movement and desperate cry, Shang turned his attention to you, momentarily caught off guard. Seizing the opportunity, you darted forward, delivering a powerful blow to his knee, causing him to buckle and kneel before you. With him immobilized for a moment, you snatched the crown from his head and placed it on your own. ‘‘I’m sorry, father, but I cannot allow this.’’

‘’Have you lost your mind?!’’ While Shang Tsung was looking at you with stunned and greatly betrayed eyes, despite the distance, Bi-Han could see tears welling in your eyes. ‘’I am your father! My blood runs through your veins; your loyalty should lie with me.’’

‘‘I know, and I am sorry,’’ you said, your voice trembling with emotion. ‘’But I love him.’’ Both Shang Tsung and Bi-Han froze with surprise at your unexpected reveal, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Your breath came out quickly, the air heavy with tension as a few tears escaped from your eyes, glimmering in the light. ‘’That’s why I cannot stand by and watch you harm him.’’

“(Y/n), behind you!” Kuai Liang’s urgent shout jolted you into action, narrowly dodging Shao’s axe at the last moment. With Shao bearing down on you, Bi-Han could no longer stand idly by. Keeping you in his sight, he and his brother sprang into action, combating Shao’s soldiers amidst the chaos, using the handcuff chains to choke one of the soldiers.

Despite your efforts to evade Shao’s attacks and deflect them onto the stone statues, he effortlessly dispatched them with a few swings of his axe. You tried to keep up with him, but as a healer, your combat skills were lacking, evident in your reliance on the soldiers for protection as you dodged Shao’s attacks. Bi-Han had heard stories about Shao in the past, tales of his power and mercilessness in battle. But now, witnessing Shao’s sadistic enjoyment as he toyed with you, seeing the fear in your eyes, filled Bi-Han with fury and a desire to eliminate Shao.

‘‘Don’t harm her!’’ Shang Tsung intervened, hurling a fireball towards Shao, catching him off guard and forcing him back. “She is my daughter.”

Shao spat on the ground, unaffected by the smoke left behind by the fireball he countered with the tip of his huge axe. “And she betrayed us,” he growled. “You just proclaimed that we would eliminate those who oppose us, sorcerer. That’s precisely what I intend to do.”

As Shao swung his axe again, you pushed the last remaining statue in front of you for protection. However, under the force of Shao’s blow, the statue shattered, leaving a gaping wound from your shoulder to your rib cage. Crimson red blood splattered everywhere, your expression a mixture of pain and shock as you desperately tried to stay on your trembling legs. A pained groan escaped your lips as you stumbled backwards, Shao raising his axe for another strike, this time aiming for a fatal blow.

“No!” While Bi-Han was blowing off the soldier’s head he had knocked down with his foot, bloody brain pieces flew everywhere, his heart was in his mouth. He couldn’t bear to witness you lose your life before his eyes, with so little distance between you.

‘’I told you to stay away from my daughter.’’

In a stroke of luck, Shang Tsung once again caught Shao off guard with a barrage of fireballs, diverting his attention away from you at the last moment. Shao was thrown several meters away, gasping for breath, while Shang grasped you firmly, applying pressure to your wound. Your body tensed with pain, tears flowing freely from your eyes as you struggled to maintain a brave face.

‘’You will bandage this as soon as you get away from here. Do you understand?’’

‘‘Father-’’

‘’Do you understand?’’

‘’Yes.’’

‘‘Good, I’ll buy you time,’’ Shang Tsung urged, motioning for you to leave. ‘‘Take a few of the statues with you; they’ll provide protection until you’re out of here. I’ll find you once I’ve dealt with this.’’

With tears streaming down your cheeks, you managed to press a small, wet kiss to your father’s cheek, gratitude evident in your pale, tired face.

‘‘I’ll explain everything.’’

‘‘Later. Go now,’’ he insisted.

Bi-Han brutally incapacitated the last soldier before reaching you in a few wide strides. Shang’s gaze fixed on him for the first time since his arrival, promising death with its intensity.

“You’d better take care of my daughter, grandmaster. Otherwise, I’ll follow your soul to the Netherrealm,’’ warned Shang Tsung with a menacing tone.

‘‘I will protect her with my life.’’ Bi-Han asserted, though his agreement with his recent foe felt tenuous, the situation now imbued with personal stakes. Shang promptly removed the handcuffs from both him and his brother’s wrists, freeing them.

‘‘Go on quickly. The others will be here soon, so hurry up. My daughter will take you a shortcut.’’ directed sorcerer.

As Shao charged toward them, Bi-Han scooped you up into his arms, finding relief in having you close again. With urgency, he ran alongside Kuai Liang, ascending the steps and leaving the area behind. With your remaining strength, you compelled a dozen soldiers to follow, your hand still applying pressure to the wound. Upon reaching the corridor they had passed earlier, you weakly tugged at Bi-Han’s clothes to get his attention.

‘‘We can’t escape through the main exit, it’s too risky. There’s a passageway from behind the fortress leading towards the mountains; we can slip through unnoticed.’’ you suggested.

‘‘Tomas is out, we can’t leave him here.’’ His brother interjected.

‘‘Exactly where, I can use one of these statues to find and contact him.’’

‘‘He is where the Soul Stealers are.’’

With a deep breath, you closed your eyes and concentrated, sweat beading on your forehead as your skin paled. Despite the obvious pain, you maintained a resolute expression. As they reached a narrow area, your faint voice reached their ears.

‘‘I found Tomas. I’m getting him out through a different exit; it’s too risky for him to come this way.’’

‘‘Okay, we’re counting on you,’’ Bi-Han said, hoping to give you courage. You were so small and lifeless in his arms, though he couldn’t bring himself to say it, his heart ached with painful sorrow as he looked at you. If it weren’t for the faint rise and fall of your chest, he might have feared the worst; you were losing a lot of blood. The wound must have cut deeper than he thought. Bi-Han looked into his brother’s eyes, whatever expression there was on his face, Kuai Liang stopped walking for a moment and squeezed his shoulder, looking at him with understanding eyes.

‘‘We will save her, brother, don’t worry. She’ll be okay,’’ Kuai Liang reassured, and they proceeded to a small room at the end of the corridor. A statue opened the thick old door, revealing a landscape of snow-covered mountains.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

It was already dark when they met Tomas a little beyond the fortress, at the bottom of a frozen river. After you spent the rest of your strength to bring Tomas to them, you fell unconscious, Bi-Han had to hastily bandaged you because he knew he had to keep a distance between them and the fortress in case of getting caught. And when they decided to spend the night in a place that he believed was safe, he didn’t let you leave his side for a moment, even though he was with his brothers and they were safe for now. Tomas had left a short while ago to hunt some mountain hares for food, while Kuai Liang went out to gather supplies to sustain the fire he had kindled.

Bi-Han carefully cleaned the wound with the materials he had and bandaged it tightly. Your bleeding was still going on, but it wasn’t intense compared to the beginning, as long as you weren’t moving, it could buy time until he could get you home. But you would definitely have needed stitches in your wound.

‘’I can heal myself.’’ you muttered softly. Bi-Han didn’t even realize he had said the last part aloud, too focused on gently stroking your pale cheek with one hand while carefully examining you.

‘’How do you feel?’’

‘’Not at my best, but I’ll be fine.’’ You weakly replied. Even if you wanted to reciprocate the gesture by lifting your hand, which was resting on your lap, it was quite difficult for you to do so. Bi-Han noticed this, grabbed your hand, and guided it to his cheek, allowing you to caress it. ‘’Thank to gods, you look well. The others-’’

‘‘We’re all fine except you, don’t worry. You almost died.’’ The last part poured from his lips with great hatred, it felt terrible even to say it. He hated the blood on his hands even more. Seeing you in such a state filled Bi-Han with a profound sense of helplessness. He feared the worst, and it was the most intense fear he had ever experienced. Even now, it lingered in his mouth like a bad taste, causing a churning sensation in his stomach. His entire body felt ice-cold with stress, his instincts had gone into hyperawareness.

‘’It just grazed, it doesn’t even hurt. I swear.’’

"If it had cut deeper, you could have lost your arm as well as your life. It does not suit you to lie, (y/n). I still don't understand how you could be Shang Tsung's daughter."

‘’Are you angry?’’ As your voice quivered with uncertainty, Bi-Han tenderly placed a kiss on the top of your head, offering silent reassurance before you found the courage to speak again. ‘’It’s just… My father is a difficult man and kind of has a bad reputation. People are ready to attack him given the chance. I didn’t mean to hide it from you; I was just afraid you’d leave me once you knew the truth. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.”

‘’You think a sorcerer can intimidate me?” A small smile appeared on his lips as he continued to caress your cheek. After hearing your confession, he wanted nothing more than to reassure you and dismiss your fear. “I’m just confused and angry with myself for not seeing the signs earlier,” he said honestly. “I almost lost you, and besides that, nothing else matters.” While he continued to stroke your cheek with one hand, he didn’t break eye contact with you for a moment. He needed you to know that he was sincere in what he was about to say. “Today has been an important day for me to realize some things.”

Thanks to the heat emitted by the camp flame, he could easily discern your facial features. Despite the weariness evident in your eyes, there was a twinkle that betrayed your curiosity about what he had to say. Leaning in a little more, he shifted his body closer to yours, positioning you between his legs as he sat leaning against a tree. With a gentle touch, he lowered his hand from your cheek to your chin, lifting it slightly to plant a small, tender kiss on your lips.

With his cold breath mingling with your warmth, he whispered softly, “I love you.”

Caught off guard, you gazed up at him with wide, teary eyes, a breath catching in your throat. As a tear traced a soft path down your cheek, Bi-Han gently caught it with the tip of his finger, his own eyes filled with concern. Then, with the warmest and most sincere smile he had ever seen, you planted a kiss on his cheek.

‘’I’ve dreamed of this a few times, but I never thought you would express it.’’

‘‘Is that why you’re crying? If you’re hiding the truth about your shoulder causing pain-’’

‘‘I’m crying with happiness, my love. Now give me one more kiss so that I can believe in you better.’’

Bi-Han couldn’t help the smile settling on his face.

‘’As you wish.’’

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