#white girl called harumi

[ninja-boo]

not enough people are talking about these shitty fan castings on Pinterest from like 2016

[redara]

Sub-Mission

Pairings: Áila Hávarôr / Bi-Han / Tenshikiri Jun Ratings: Explicit Words: 6.418 Tags: F/M/F, Sub-Bi-Han, Toys Summary: Bi-Han admits, he appreciates strong, influential women. AU - canon divergence. Sets in the current timeline, post-MK1, in the AU where everyone agrees for a truce in order to prepare for potential timeline Invaders.

A/N: also posted on AO3. Áila Hávarôr belongs to @tazahan . Tenshikiri Jun belongs to me. Special thanks, Taza, for the discussion about our girls! :3

The threat of invaders from other timelines is still looming over. It is not a simple matter; all sides are wary of each other, cautious for another ‘Damashi’ to trick them. The growing tension is becoming too palpable that Liu Kang, as the Protector of Earthrealm and the former Keeper of Time, has decided to call for a truce. And such a decision is immediately welcomed, at least for now.

Upon entering the Wu Shi Academy, Bi-Han tries, and fails, to hide his disgust. Why, of all places, must the meeting be held here? He strides to the main hall, not bothering to look at his surroundings; Sektor and Cyrax are following dutifully, dressed in their red and yellow mech-armor, sans the helmets.

As expected, the main hall is already packed with familiar faces. Bi-Han glances daggers at Kuai Liang and Tomas, the former who is still donning yellow, and accompanied by his Shirai wife, Harumi. Surprisingly, it is Tomas who gives a small nod to Bi-Han, either out of habit or respect, Bi-Han doesn’t bother to care. He only wants to find a spot in the background where no one can sneak up and stab him – given the glares he receives, there are plenty with such a wish.

He finds a place by a bookshelf, where there are two unfamiliar women standing. One is a voluptuous woman with short orange hair, dressed in black techwear-style outfit; crop-hoodie with intricate silver pattern, cargo pants, and red and white sneakers; she is crossing her arms under her ample chest. The other woman has jet black hair tied up in a bun, dressed in a dark teal kimono, and she is shorter than the first woman. Neither of them look familiar, or important , so Bi-Hand decides to not give them any mind, and stands in the space in front of them.

“Great, now we have a wall in front of us.”

“Jun –” the Orange-Haired woman immediately adds when Bi-Han turns around, “-- sorry, sorry , she doesn’t mean you –”

“Of course not.” The Teal-Dressed woman feigns a smile. “Please, resume standing there, Áila and I are only wallflowers after all.”

Bi-Han frowns at the sarcasm, “If you are short , you should be aware not to stand in the back.”

“Yes, apologies. Clearly, we should have brought stepladders to this meeting.”

The Orange-Haired woman, Áila, looks apologetic for the Teal-Dressed woman, Jun, who looks annoyingly smug. Bi-Han could reply, in fact, he wants to, but he’d rather not add two more people to the list of ‘people who want to kill him’, so he opts to ignore them – which has proven difficult, now that they’re muttering behind his back.

Liu Kang finally begins the meeting, fashionably late, as usual. The Fire God still looks the same since the last time Bi-Han saw him, though now he looks rather tired, if a God can be tired… “Thank you for sparing your time for this important meeting. I hope this won’t be the only time we are standing together, as there is strength in number, and solidarity. I understand some of you have different goals, clashing goals, and I appreciate it that you are setting aside your differences to fight a common enemy – The Invaders.”

Does he ever stop talking? Bi-Han sighs quietly as Liu Kang goes on a lecture about the current situation; how another Titan has been spotted invading other timelines, and it’s only a matter of time before they come to this one; how the Shirai Ryu (Bi-Han grunts at the name) have agreed to set aside their rivalry with the Lin Kuei; and how Quan Chi and Shang Tsung have agreed to ‘play nice’ for once as to not have Empress Mileena and her court hunt them down. All the boring details that could have been summarized in a written note, instead of calling for a meeting.

But then Liu Kang concludes, “Before I forget, we have two additional guests here. They may not have been involved in our latest kombat, but they are of powerful clans seeking to maintain the peace and alliance. Uh –” he looks around the room, so uncharacteristically confused as he scans the faces of everyone. Somehow Bi-Han has the feelings that the two thorns behind him are the ones Liu Kang is searching for –

Aaand he is right, when Jun speaks up aloud, “We’re here, Lord Liu Kang.”

Now all eyes turn towards Bi-Han, seemingly judging him for blocking the two guests, and he steps aside before anyone could ask him to. Liu Kang smiles, “Ah, there you are. Everyone, let me introduce you to Áila Hávarôr, future chieftain of the Sól Eldur clan. Her clan has been a dear friend, and their inventions have helped keep Earthrealm safe for centuries.”

Áila gives a respectful salute to Liu Kang and the room, “Pleased to meet you.”

Liu Kang continues, “And Tenshikiri Jun, the current Head of the Tenshikiri family. Once a clan serving the Empire as Spymaster, they are now oath-bound as secret keepers of Earthrealm.”

Jun bows deeply, before standing straight and replies, “It’s an honor to be here.”

“The honor is mine, Lady Áila, Lady Jun. As per our agreement, the two of you shall join forces with the Lin Kuei, in hope the three of you can come up with a battle plan if the Invader does invade our timeline.” Liu Kang gestures at Bi-Han, “Please, look no further than to your right, and you’ll find Bi-Han, the esteemed Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.”

Áila casts a bright, carefree smile, “Ah, yes, we’ve been, uhm, acquainted.”

“With his back.” Jun mutters under her breath.

“If you’d like to step closer to the table, I’m sure we still have more space by the Champions.” Liu Kang gestures to the four Earthrealm Champions who are standing side by side.

Bi-Han watches as Áila and Jun accept the offer; they walk with their heads held high, and a formal smile on their faces. But he doesn’t miss the small glance they throw at him as they walk past him, one of curiosity and interest, both pairs of eyes locking with his dark brown ones. And in that single moment, Bi-Han can’t figure out why he is annoyed in the first place.

***

In the next few days and weeks, however, Bi-Han finds himself growing more annoyed than usual. At least now he’s back in the Lin Kuei compound, a familiar place devoid of judgmental people, and back on his routine as the Grandmaster. He’s sitting behind his desk in his office, reading the reports gathered by his Lin Kuei regarding the two unfamiliar clans he didn’t know existed prior to the meeting in Wu Shi Academy. Both the Sól Eldur and the Tenshikiri clans show promises and great rapports, in fact, they have been so secretive in assisting Earthrealm that the Lin Kuei have not needed to cross paths with them before.

Perhaps it should have stayed that way , for now he keeps seeing the names of Áila and Jun in every document, and his heart sinks a bit deeper each time. There is something about those two. Perhaps it’s the fact that Áila and her clan are blessed by the power of the sun and can torch the Earth if given the opportunity, yet they choose to remain pacifists for all these years. Perhaps it’s the fact that Jun and her family know every little secret in the world, but still keep them despite being capable of using them for their own gain.

Two beautiful women of powerful clans, commanding forces under their leadership – so why does it bother Bi-Han so much?

Perhaps it’s the fact that Áila’s voluminous chest would jiggle enticingly with every little move she makes – even the action of going downstairs becomes such a lewd display, that Bi-Han has tried so hard to focus on her face entirely. Perhaps it’s how Jun’s curvy hips would sway when she walks – Bi-Han doesn’t know if he enjoys the sight of her approaching or leaving. Perhaps it’s the way both of them would look at him, a mixture of coy and playful, like waves on the sand, enticing him to come closer into the sea to drown him.

And he hates to admit it, but by the Gods, some days he wants to step into the figurative sea and drown.

The door to his office is knocked. Bi-Han shakes his head to clear out the thoughts of Áila and Jun completely; he clears his throat, and gruffly responds, “Come in.”

Just his luck, the two burdens of his mind enter his office; they carry themselves in their own personal grace, like the sun and the moon, and Bi-Han suddenly feels like the dark space they accompany.

“Good evening.” He greets Áila and Jun, watching as they begin to occupy the space of his office. “To what do I owe this visit?”

Bi-Han is not sure who he has to watch; Jun is observing the line of decorative weapons on the wall, hips swaying with each step that she takes; Áila stands in front of his desk with her hands in the pockets of her cargo pants, shifting from one foot to another, and with each movement, her chest heaves. His attention finally settles on Áila as she speaks, “We’d like to say thank you for allowing us to stay with the Lin Kuei for this unforeseeable future. We understand it must be difficult to let strangers into your home, and we thank you for your trust, and – uhm…” she looks away, still shifting on her feet.

“And we trust you in return.” Jun adds without looking away from the decorative weapons.

“Right. I had that on the top of my head.” Áila looks at Bi-Han again, though now he notices a slight pink hue on her cheeks. “Uh… We just want to say that we trust you, and we feel that you do too, I mean, we are allies and – Jun, I can’t do this. You’re the one who’s good with words.”

Jun turns to her, “Why, you were doing great before that.”

“Oh, come on…”

The exchange raises both alarm and confusion in Bi-Han that he’s not certain on how to respond except, “What are you two blabbering about?”

Áila cocks her head towards Jun, “We have a point, I promise, but she will explain it.”

Bi-Han raises an eyebrow at the said woman, “Well? You’re talking about hospitality and trust, I don’t think I’d extend either if you two are acting weird in front of me.”

With a sigh, Jun begins to make her way to his desk; even paced, calculated movement, almost like a dance. “We intended to make this as refined as possible, but crass will have to do, given your attitude. We’re saying that we’re not blind, Bi-Han.”

“Who said you are?”

“We noticed your stare. I am a Tenshikiri, I’m trained to read the subtlest body language, and yours is loud.” Jun stops next to Áila. With both women looking at him intently, Bi-Han finds his heart beats a bit faster. “Did you think we wouldn’t notice your heated gaze on my hips? Or your ogling of Áila’s massive tits?” Áila nudges Jun’s side, but she continues. “We’re all adults here, so let us talk like adults, shall we? If my observation is incorrect, tell me so, and we will offer you our apology, take our leave from your office, and we shall continue our days like this has never happened. So, would you like to admit it, or deny it, Grandmaster?”

The shame growing in the pit of Bi-Han’s chest makes him feel like a hormonal teenager again, and he tries to suppress it, even though his face feels a bit warmer than usual. Gripping the armrests of his chair, his fingertips layered by ice in hope to quell his emotions. He glances between the two women, heat begins to consume him inside out, just like the urge to be honest or to lie to save face.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Bi-Han heaves a heavy sigh, body slumping against his chair. “How astute. Forgive me for having a keen sense of observation. You should feel safe within these walls. But,” he adds sharply, “I merely admired what your hard work has bestowed upon your physique. I’d be foolish if I did not notice them entirely.”

Jun glances at Áila. There is a smirk shared between them, and Bi-Han swears he sees a mischievous glint in their eyes, one that he doesn’t expect to see from them. Jun starts, “I told you. My skill is impeccable.”

Áila’s pink cheeks grow redder, “So you said. Now what?”

“Now it’s our turn to be honest. You do it.”

“Fine…” Áila groans, before schooling her expression into a decent one, albeit still holds mischief behind her smile. “We – ahem – we’ve also been ‘observing’ your hard work. We think it’s impressive, worthy of many praises – you are possibly the most beautiful man we’ve ever seen. Don’t laugh!” She chides as Jun snickers into her palm.

The cogs in Bi-Han’s mind fall into places, and oh… they’ve been ogling me as well? Them? Both of them? There is a cracking sound coming from his armrests, where his ice has taken form and completely ruined the fine wood, but he doesn’t care for that for now. These two women who have occupied his thoughts just confessed that they have been looking at him as well, and – and now what?

“Ah… Thank you.” is what Bi-Han can manage, for deep inside, his desire grows and he doesn’t wish it to be known, not when Áila is blushing so adorably, and he wonders if she’ll blush the same shade of her hair – does the hair below matches the hair above? – and certainly not when Jun is undressing him with her eyes, and he wonders what kind of expression she will give when she breaks underneath him – 

Bi-Han huffs an icy breath. The display earns the attention of the two women. He is the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. He is the infamous Sub-Zero who is widely known and respected. He can handle the toughest enemies and the hardest of battle, certainly he can handle two lustful creatures.

“Since the cats are out of the bag,” He begins, heart pounding harder and steadily, watching Áila and Jun’s response, “and since we are adults who are capable of being responsible for our own… desire, let me ask what do you have in mind?”

“Perhaps we should foster our alliances deeper .” Áila glances between Jun and him.

“Nothing better than showing the naked truth to foster trust.” Jun purrs. “And you? What does the Grandmaster want?”

Bi-Han can’t help the pull on the corner of his lips, or the growing need in the restraint of his pants, or how he thinks how adorable that these two women are acting like they are in control of the outcome. But he welcomes their heated gaze nonetheless, as he gives his reply, “Do whatever you wish to me.”

***

The cold bedroom gradually grows hotter with each layer of clothing that’s being shed. Bi-Han admires how both Áila and Jun are not holding back from their desire, and neither is he; he interrupts Áila from undoing her bra by pulling her for a kiss – she moans, partially in protest of his colder lips, but she complies and melts into his touch, arching into his palm that’s kneading at one of her breasts. They feel heavy and full and soft, and Gods , Bi-Han wants to bury his face in between them.

A small chuckle is heard behind him, and he parts from Áila to find Jun, already in her naked glory, approaching the bed with a small box in hand. Bi-Han grows curious, “What is that?”

“This?” Jun shakes the box lightly. Whatever’s inside sounds heavy. “It’s something pleasurable, I promise.”

He is not convinced. He approaches her, silently demanding to see the content.

She clicks her tongue, “Mm… Such impatience.” She opens the box, and just as she has said, the variety of toys stored within make Bi-Han’s dick twitch in reaction. Jun takes out a large vibrator, “Would this be too much to handle? We can start with the – UNF.”

Her challenging tone dies down when Bi-Han silences her with a kiss. Her shaky breath is a reaction to his cold tongue, and she mewls when he palms her breasts – they are significantly smaller than Áila’s, but he enjoys her hardening nipples, how she jumps as he pinches them to attention.

A warm hand holds his lower back. Áila hums, “I believe you said we are to do whatever we want with you?”

Bi-Han swallows thickly, did I? Oh, right, I did. “Fine.” He grumbles internally, climbing into the bed to settle in the center. His erection is straining against his boxer brief, too tight, twitching in excitement as Áila and Jun are standing at the foot of the bed, observing him. The warm light of the room accentuating the beauty of their naked bodies, the curves and dips, the colors and marks, the perfect imperfections.

When he finally removes his boxer brief, his erection springs free and heavily, and he swears he hears both women gasp. Their reaction pumps his pride – he is not stupid, years of training have sculpted his body into a perfect weapon, but also given him an impressive physique – so he lies there with a smirk, hand holding the base of his thick length, and he watches Áila and Jun’s eyes widening.

“Truly an asset –”

“-- befitting a Grandmaster.”

They finish each other's sentences.

Without wasting any time, the bed dips when Áila and Jun begin to climb up to lie beside him. Áila is to his right, and Jun is to his left, and both are on their sides with their breasts pressing against him. Bi-Han curls his arms around them, cupping their breasts, earning their shared moanings.

Jun holds his chin, pulling him for a kiss; tongues and teeth clashing; he holds her breast a bit firmer, milking a moan. He feels Áila kissing his chest, and her hand is roaming up and down his sculpted abs, nails lightly scratching his sensitive skin, making him buck slightly. He wishes her touch would glide lower to his aching cock that’s waiting for attention, but she is taking her sweet time kissing and nibbling and marking him.

The kiss ends when Jun decides it does; she turns his chin towards Áila, where Bi-Han finds her looking at him with such a bright smile, and so sweetly she holds his cheek. Her kiss is slow and steady; their tongues moving in tandem against each other. It’s intoxicating, that Bi-Han fails to notice what Jun is doing until he feels her finger on the tip of his cock.

“Mmh…” He hums into Áila’s mouth as Jun teases his cockhead. The light touch is experimental, but by the Gods, does it feel damning. He grunts when his slit is teased, rubbed rather vigorously, gathering the little precum that’s leaking.

Jun’s hand leaves him, but Áila’s replaced it, holding the base of his cock with just enough pressure for him to feel her warmth. She begins to pump him, up and down, slowly, gently, earning an involuntary buck of his hips.

Bi-Han parts from the kiss to breathe. Eyes closing, he’s savoring the feeling, throat humming in reaction. “Mm… That’s it…”

“Does it feel good?” Áila hushedly asks, head pressing against his chest.

Bi-Han can only hum, but he shows his appreciation by squeezing the breasts of both women; the soft squishy of Áila’s and the perkiness of Jun’s. He is enjoying the movement, the warmth, every little thing that makes his cock twitch happily and he’s growing harder and harder and –

A soft hum joins the shared breathing in the room, and the next thing he feels is a steady vibration pressed against the underside of his cockhead. He opens his eyes and looks down, seeing Áila holding the base of his cock steadily, while Jun is pressing a vibrator to his cockhead; the tip is buzzing, blurring. Bi-Han rasps, “What are – ngh –”

“We are making ice cream.” Áila replies in a sing-song tune, still smiling brightly.

Jun moves the vibrator up and down his cockhead; Bi-Han bites back a yelp when she presses it over his slit, “This is the slowest setting. Let’s see how long it takes for you to come.”

Bi-Han grits his teeth, “Insolent maidens… Is that – mmh – a challenge?”

“You can back down whenever you want, you know.”

The vibrator is pulled away, and though Bi-Han sighs in relief, his cock twitches involuntarily, missing the sensation. Áila giggles, “Seems your dick wants more.” She moves her hand up to the tip – he bucks and grunts – and she gathers the precum, smearing it down his length. She repeats the action two more times before settling back to holding the base. “You have to use your words, Bi-Han.”

Jun moves the vibrator closer, and Bi-Han watches, partially in want and partially in dread, as the silicone tip is inching closer to his twitching cockhead. She hums appreciatively, “Ooh are you shy? You’re blushing so adorably.”

“Quiet.” Bi-Han growls. “You want to do whatever to me, do it, quit wasting time – NNGH –” a whine escapes his throat when the vibrator is pressed to its previous position again. The sudden sensation makes his core muscle clench, making him more aware of the feeling, how it tickles in a good way.

To make it worse, Áila is now moving her hand, shallow pump, steady and firm, and Bi-Han could only throw his head back. His legs are shaking, and the two devious women have taken the liberty to wrap their warm legs around each of his thigh; he can feel their heat and wetness, clearly they are also aroused by the activity. He tries to buck, but they keep their hold steady.

Then, the vibrator is pulled away again.

Bi-Han grunts in annoyance, but the women are laughing, and he is in no position to demand when his cock is oozing precum and twitching on its own, when his balls feel so tight and full, ready to burst whenever. “Get on with it.”

“You want to come?” Jun asks, and he can hear her smirk.

“Of course.” He opens his eyes, finding her observing his face. But his eyelids are fluttering to a close when Áila kisses his strained neck, and soon he is lost in the sensation of being teased, hot and cold, fast and slow.

The vibrator returns with a raised power. Bi-Han can’t help the bucking of his hips, the twitching of his cock – he is close, so close, it feels so good, so good, so good – mmhhh!

The sound that he makes is something he doesn’t know he’s capable of; a pathetic mewling, a moaning. Bi-Han pants aloud when the vibrator leaves him again, so close to the bliss, but so far away. He grips the breasts tightly, warningly, but it only earns Áila and Jun’s shared giggle. Though the sound annoys him, it also melts him, knowing they are having fun at the expense of his demise.

“Once more for good measure?” Áila asks tentatively.

“No. No.” Bi-Han shakes his head, eyes closed tightly. “You’ve been denying me release. It’s unfair.”

“Unfair is going back on your words – you said ‘whatever we want’.” Jun turns the vibrator off. The lack of humming sound in the room alarms Bi-Han. “What do you say, Áila? Do you think we should continue or not?”

Áila chuckles, “You’re cruel.”

“ Fine .” Bi-Han repeats with a loud huff. “Fine… Do it.”

Just as the words leave his lips, the vibrator is returns to its position, yet it’s not on. He waits, anticipating, but he’s not expecting two pairs of lips pressing a kiss to his cheeks. His eyes flutter open, just in time to see both Áila and Jun hovering over him with smiles gracing their beautiful faces.

“Such a handsome man…” Áila praises.

“A good Grandmaster…” Jun adds. “Here is your reward.”

The vibrator turns on at the highest setting; Bi-Han growls deeply and throws his head back, eyes clenched shut, as he feels all of his nerves are alight. Áila and Jun hum as they’re settling their heads on his chest. The muttered praises are muffled by his own grunting, his complaints and singing of arousal. Áila moves her hand again, at the same time Jun rubs the vibrator all over his cockhead, and the combined action defeats him completely.

“C-close –” Bi-Han rasps for no reason.

His orgasm hits him like a tidal wave, pulling him under the bliss, that all he can feel is the twitching of his cock as Áila and Jun are milking him; thick sperms shooting out of him, painting his abdomen with the hot, sticky substance. Bi-Han gasps when they still continue their actions, still holding his cock firmly, still pressing the vibrator against his very sensitive head. His twitching cockhead leaking out the remains of his seeds.

Bi-Han pries his eyes open, looking at the blushing Áila and Jun, how wide their smiles are, and how it makes his heart soar knowing he’s the cause of their joy. While at the same time, he wants to protest their grip at his sensitive cock, the still vibrating vibrator trying to coax another ticklish orgasm out of him. “... nough – enough … I’ve come…”

But he’s not prepared to receive the answer, as the two beautiful maidens look at him, eyes glinting with mirth, and collectively reply, “We know.”

***

The heat of the room becomes a bit unbearable, as sweat begins to layer Bi-Han’s skin. He’s drunk on bliss, after having been milked twice by the vibrator; the offending tool has been set aside, thankfully. But now he lies, panting, thirsty for more, while at the same time he’s had enough. However, it’s difficult to know which desire he wants at the moment, especially when his head is lying on Áila’s plush thighs, and her breasts are just a kiss away from him.

Áila is caressing his hair; his bun has become loose in the midst of everything. The action is soothing, calming, also encouraging. Bi-Han looks up at her, past her impressive chest. His tongue darts out to taste her nipple, and like a baby, he latches there, suckling, earning her soft moaning.

Once again for the night, he fails to notice what Jun is doing. Only at the last second that he feels her straddling his hips; his hands automatically hold onto her thighs, fingers splaying trying to grab ahold of her. She chuckles, breathy and lustful, and he feels her taking his hardening length in her hand.

“Áila, I think your tits are magic. Look,” Jun gives him one long stroke, “he’s hard again.”

Áila laughs, “Indeed, breastfeeding has so many benefits.”

Bi-Han bucks his hips when he feels Jun rubbing her wetness all over his length. He can feel her warm cunt, and his cock is eager for a taste. His hands find her hips and pull her close, earning her chuckle, “How insatiable, Grandmaster. Relax. You don’t need to beg for this. I need you…” She presses his tip to her cunt, and though it’s not yet entering, the spreading heat is enough for Bi-Han to want to drive into her.

Then Jun sinks down his length.

Their shared moaning is loud; hers a broken one, his is startled one. Her walls are warm and tight, and he can feel his tip pressing against her cervical opening. Jun rocks her hips gently, and her moan erupts again. “A – ah … fuck … you’re so thick…”

Initially, Bi-Han believes she won’t be able to handle him. He believes she would give up, and he would have to plow into her at his own pace, and finally break her under his command. But the more she moves her hips, the steadier her pace has become, and within seconds, it is Bi-Han who finds himself at the edge of breaking again. He should have known the sway of her hips is lethal. Paired with the clenching of her walls, he can feel all of her with such shallow, hard thrusts.

Jun looks powerful like this; rocking and bouncing on his cock, humble-sized breasts jiggling in response, and the strands of her hair dancing back and forth with it. The flushed face and the parted lips, sharp eyes looking at him from hooded lids – somehow he wants nothing but to please her, wants her to be pleased by him.

With Áila’s breasts pressing against his face, earning a few lazy kisses and licks as he breathes and moans, Bi-Han could die peacefully. He doesn’t know what to feel when bliss is rushing all over his nerves. His cock is twitching, getting harder and more sensitive, especially when Jun suddenly clenches down tightly; her walls are spasming, and she throws her head back; her lips forming a perfect O, with her eyes closing tightly – she comes hard. It doesn’t take long for her to greedily continue moving, either to prolong her orgasm or to earn herself another one. For a moment, Bi-Han feels wild, feeling like a toy being used for her pleasure, and he loves it .

Áila looks at him from between her breasts, “Hmm? You’re loving this aren’t you?”

“What?” Jun breathes out between moaning.

“Yes, I think he’s loving this, Jun.”

“I do not – ah –” Bi-Han protests hastily.

Jun laughs, “I can tell you’re lying even when your face is buried in tits.”

Bi-Han tenses when he feels Áila’s hand on his chest. Her fingers are circling around his nipple, teasing, coaxing it to become erect. He huffs, “Wanton creatures… How – nngh – how can I not react… when you keep teasing me…?”

“You could freeze us, but so far you haven’t –  OH!” Jun’s words are cut off when Bi-Han layers his hands in ice, and he grips on her hips tighter. He wants to hear her protest, wants to hear her beg him to release her, but instead, she is mewling, long and wanting. “Ohhh… You play dirty, Grandmaster… Didn’t you know pain and pleasure go hand in hand?”

Bi-Han knows he is lost when Jun rocks her hips faster. He knows he is lost when Áila mutters hushed words of encouragement, and he beams up for each stroke of her hand against his hair. He knows he is lost when he feels Jun’s walls enveloping his length tightly, and she twitches and moans aloud when she comes again, this time accompanied by his. Hot white liquid spurting out in liberation, painting her insides completely. He knows he is lost when Jun removes herself from him, and he whines – the Grandmaster whines – at the loss of warmth around his sensitive cock.

Oh, but for once, losing feels so good.

***

“Does this hurt?” Jun pulls the chain slightly.

Bi-Han huffs, looking down at the chain, following it to the nipple clamps that are now attached to his erect nipples. They look so red. When he doesn’t reply, Jun tugs the chain again.

“I said, does this hurt?” She repeats.

“No.” Bi-Han grunts.

“They look like they hurt.” Áila comments from where she is lying down on the bed, propped up by comfortable pillows. Her legs are parted, baring her pink cunt to the air; Bi-Han’s gaze falls to it, can’t deny that he is eager for her even after so many times coming.

“It’s not.” Bi-Han assures her. To be honest, he has never thought his nipples would be in this situation, but here they are, and he’s feeling way too good about it. He takes his position between Áila’s legs; his hard length resting on top of her mound. He can feel her hot cunt against his balls.

Áila looks divine in this position. Sprawled out on his bed, hands clutching tightly on the sheets, and her bright-colored hair a stark contrast to the fabric. She looks adorable, with the blushing cheeks, and still bright smile that’s just begging to be turned into orgasmic bliss. He wants to ruin her, wants to be ruined by her.

Bi-Han rubs his length along her opening, tip teasing her leaking cunt. She feels warmer, hotter than Jun’s, and when he finally enters her – Gods! – Bi-Han believes he would have melted instantly. Yet he persists, pressing forward until his hips are flushed against hers. He hoists her left leg to his shoulder, wanting to drive in deeper, she moves her right thigh further, wanting him to drive in deeper.

Then he begins to move.

With each thrust, his nipple clamps move, and it sends jolts of bliss to his sensitive tips. It makes his cock twitch involuntarily. It tickles, but feels arousing. It aches, but feels blissful. He is lost in the sensation shortly, when he can hear Áila’s loud moaning, when he can hear the slapping of flesh and the wet squelching noise of her cunt, when he feels her walls threatening to melt his cock off from how tight they are squeezing him.

Suddenly, the chain is tugged, and Bi-Han’s eyes shoot open in shock; he groans in protest when his pace falters. He feels Jun leaning behind him, pressing her naked front to his back. Her right hand is tugging at the chain, while her left is on his head, giving a gentle pat. “Hush… You are doing so well…”

I was, until you interrupted me , is what Bi-Han wants to say. But he grits his teeth and remains quiet, and focuses on fucking Áila as best as he can without faltering again. He can feel her getting close; cunt twitching, her moaning escalating into a crescendo, and – 

And she comes, at the same time as the chain is tugged three times, and Bi-Han finds himself moaning aloud to accompany Áila’s wanton cries. He grips her thighs firmly, trying to ground himself, not wanting to come just yet. But it’s difficult when Jun is teasing the living hell out of him, giggling and peppering kisses to his sweating temple.

“One more, for the sake of being fair. I came twice, she must come twice as well.” Jun whispers, still holding onto the chain.

Bi-Han can’t think straight. His mind is too fucked up to even make a coherent sentence, that he simply nods in reply, and sounding off a breathy, “Yes.” His hips begin to move again, picking up the pace again, that by now it feels like an automatic action, a carnal desire. He wants to come, again and again, wants to paint their insides with his seeds, wants to have them howling his name and crying aloud from how good he’s making them feel.

But his reply must have been not good enough. The chain is tugged again, but this time is by Áila; he bows down, following the pull of the chain. His eyes lock with hers, seeing the lust she shares. Her question is laced with the same lust as well, “Are you – ahn – are you going to please me – mmh?”

Bi-Han nods frantically.

Jun coos at his back, kisses littering on the hard plane of his torso, on his shoulders, on his nape. Dainty fingers coiling with his hair, rubbing at his scalp, gently kneading. Bi-Han drives in faster and harder into Áila’s sopping cunt, again and again and again –

He feels her walls clenching around him again, and he can’t stop the blissful moaning that erupts from his throat; his cock twitching in delight, and his seeds are leaving him without having to be asked. It is too much, too damn much, that he gets lightheaded.

He feels himself being pulled backwards until he’s out of Áila’s divine walls, and he’s lying on his back, sweating. He registers the bed shifting as the two goddesses are moving about. Jun removes the nipple clamps one by one; with each one, she rubs a cooling ointment on his sore nipples carefully. He swears he hears her muttering what a good job he has done, and how good he looks. Then, shortly, he feels a wet, warm towel being dragged along his lower abdomen, as if giving him a bath. It cleans up his length from his sticky sperm. Áila’s face comes into view, and she plants a kiss to the tip of his nose, a smile so bright he could claim her as his sun.

When his breathing has become calmer, he feels the bed dips again. Automatically, he opens his arms, welcoming both Áila and Jun to lie on his chest, cuddled up in a shared body warmth. With a slow movement, he plants a kiss on their damp foreheads, each one earning their pleased humming. And only then do they close their eyes, and drift asleep, high on cloud nine of bliss.

***

“You… wish to be placed with the Lin Kuei for an indefinite amount of time?” Liu Kang asks, confusion etched on his face. “I mean no offense, I’m merely confused as to why. When I suggested it at first, you two didn’t seem to want it, said Arctika is too cold and harsh.”

“Well, it was then, but after a while it grows on us.” Áila replies with a shrug. “I’ve informed my clan. As long as I’m doing my part to keep Earthrealm safe, they are fine with my decision.”

“Likewise,” Jun comments. “The Tenshikiri can operate individually; I have my General at the ready should anything urgent comes up. You have nothing to worry about, Lord Liu Kang.”

The Fire God, despite still in confusion, finally relents. “Very well. Should you require anything, do not hesitate to inform me.”

Jun smiles, “Rest assured. The Grandmaster is treating us well.”

“Indeed, he is.” Áila adds. “Please excuse us. We must return to Arctika at once; there are plenty to plan for the sake of Earthrealm.”

Bi-Han hums, leaning by the door to Liu Kang’s meeting room, listening to the conversation that’s taking place within. He counts the footsteps of Áila and Jun, and anticipates their arrival to his location. They notice him, as he does them, and though it is subtle, the little look they exchange speaks louder than words.

“Now that is done.” Áila begins.

Jun finishes, “Shall we return to Arctika, Grandmaster?”

With his smile hidden behind his mask, Bi-Han hushedly replies, “As my ladies wish.”

[the-ninja-legacy-whip]

Would Miranda run the Fuschia Ninja social media fan page? What about the other ninja?

Miranda: Alright girls, we need to work on saving the Secret Ninja Force's social image!!! Who wants which fan page????

Sunni: I WANT THE BLUE NINJA!!! PLEASE

Meghan: Well, I'll take the Red Ninja~

Sally: Ooh ooh I'll do one for the White Ninja!!

Samantha: I'LL do the Green Ninja—

Harumi: *shoves her over* Over my literal dead body

Samantha: Ow! Fiiiiiiiine, I'll take Fuchsia, then, jeeeez...

Harumi: Yeah, you go right ahead e-e

Antonia: Ah, too late! I already called dibs and got an exclusive interview, heh heh heh...!

Miranda: And I'm working on the Cyan Ninja!!! (Since Sunni took the Blue Ninja.......)

Samantha: ...so who the hell is left?!?

Meghan: ...The Brown Ninja?

Samantha: Are you KIDDING ME—?!

Sally: ....aren't we forgetting the Black Ninja?

Miranda: Nope, I've already got my best guy on that one

Meanwhile-

Jesse: *typing* —and here's 46 more reasons as to why the Black Ninja is the GOAT, along with 17 never-before-seen candids of him fighting in action! And looking hot while doing it~

[e-nonsense]

SILVER MEDALIST — strongest pt.2

chapter one, pt.2 summary. She slips into the hall unnoticed by nearly everyone except Satoru who had been watching the door intently with all six of his eyes, scaring his fellow second years. He grins widely when he sees her enter, “Harumi!” He calls out her name and moves at an incredible speed when he lunges at her, she slips out of the way quicker. The only thing she’d ever thank her father for was the speed she was capable off because of his own speed. She grabs the back of the collar on his jacket when he stumbles forwards, pulling him back onto his feet.

prev // masterlist // next

2006

Harumi sits by her mothers bedside, holding her hand tightly as her mother sleeps. “Hey mama,” she brings her mother’s hand to her mouth and presses her lips against it in a soft kiss, “its my first day at Jujutsu Tech.” Harumi smiles and brushes hair out of her mother’s face. She watches her the woman’s eyes flutter open before landing on her, “hi baby..why didn't you wake me-'' Reina gets cut off by a fit of coughs that leave her throat.

Harumi reaches for the box of tissues on her mother’s nightstand, “don’t strain yourself.” Harumi mutters quickly as she hands her mother a handful of tissues. The sickly woman takes them into her hands before freezing when she notices the uniform her daughter is wearing. “Oh baby, why didn’t you tell me?!” Reina grins widely.

The woman pushes her daughter a bit back, “do a little spin for me. I wanna see you,” Harumi snorts in response but spins around to show off her uniform. A high waisted pair of shorts that reach just down and stop right above her knees, a pair of thin see through tights. A white button up paired with the typical Jujutsu Tech jacket that she leaves hanging open the three golden buttons that identify her as a Jujutsu Tech student on each side of the jacket.

“Which one did you end up choosing?” her mother asks excitedly and Harumi frowns. Not because she didn’t know but because she had already told her, “it's getting worse isn't it?” Harumi nears her mother’s sick bed.

“Don’t worry about it, today is your day.” Reina waves off her daughter’s concern, “so?”

“Tokyo, I’m going to Tokyo.” Harumi smiles and sits on the chair beside the bed. “That’s where Satoru is right?” Her mother grins smugly, “yes Mama.”

Reina’s eyes flick to the clock mounted on the wall in front of her bed, “you should get going baby. Or you’ll be late,” her mother smiles and runs her fingers through Harumi’s hair.

“I’m so proud of you,” her mother smiles softly. “You’ve come so far. My strong girl, show them what you’ve got.” Harumi nods and leans down to kiss her mother’s cheek, “love you mama.”

“Love you more baby,” her mother flicks her wrist, shooing her away, “now go.”

Harumi moves to the door, snickering when her mother calls out after her, “tell Satoru I said hi!”

—

Harumi walks onto the Tokyo campus, alone. She was aware it would be this way when she chose to go to Tokyo instead, not that she minded, she couldn’t have been bothered to listen to her father’s lecture.

She drags her feet as she walks through the fairly empty campus, sword slung over her shoulder as she nears the main building walking towards a the area labelled ‘Orientation Hall’, its where Satoru had told her to go.

She slips into the hall unnoticed by nearly everyone except Satoru who had been watching the door intently with all six of his eyes, scaring his fellow second years. He grins widely when he sees her enter, “Harumi!” He calls out her name and moves at an incredible speed when he lunges at her, she slips out of the way quicker. The only thing she’d ever thank her father for was the speed she was capable off because of his own speed. She grabs the back of the collar on his jacket when he stumbles forwards, pulling him back onto his feet.

“Idiot, how many time have I told you not to do that?” She roll her eyes when he grins down at her, “pleasee. You always catch me,” he says smugly because it’s true, no matter how many times the idiot would do it she would always catch him even though he was perfectly capable of catching himself.

”next time I’ll let you fall,” she flicks his nose when he pouts. Harumi allows him to drag her along towards the area the first years are standing in, boys. Two boys, she sighs, why were there so many male sorcerers anyways?

They stop in front of the first year and he pats her head as if she were a puppy, “behave.” He says teasingly before poking her cheeks and leaving her with the two first years.

The three of them stand together awkwardly before the dark haired one with a bowl cut grins at her, “You’re our third then?” He asks, his excitement makes her smile and nod. “That’s me.”

He sticks his hand out to her, “Haibara Yū.” She outstretches her own hand to shake his, “Zenin Harumi.”

She look back at the tall blond, “Nanami Kento.” He mutter, his voice unusually deep for fifteen year old.

”Its a pleasure to meet you Zenin-san.” Yū says with a grin before releasing her hand from his. “Harumi is fine, we’re going to be stuck together for a couple of years.” Yū nods, “then you can also call me Yū.” We both look back at Nanami who shrugs, “Kento I guess.”

I look around to see second, third and fourth years sitting by as if they’re waiting for something. “What are we doing?”

“Apparently we’re demonstrating our technique and being introduced to everyone else,” Nanami explains as he looks down at her.

she nods, “fun.. wait demonstrating against who?” Nanami shrugs in response and Yū decides to explain, “that guy.” He points a boy sitting beside Satoru, black hair tied into a bun, dark eyes. “Cool,” she grins and looks back at Yū and Nanami.

A couple of minutes pass and a teacher walks in, “I’ll be directing today, the principal is ill.”

The older man looks at the first years, “Yaga Masamichi. Second year teacher,” the three first years nod. Yaga points at the guy with the bun, “That’s Geto Suguru. You won’t be fighting him so don’t get too excited,” Nanami remains neutral as Yū and Harumi sigh sadly causing Yaga to let out a chuckle. “He’s a curse spirit manipulator, so he’ll be controlling the curses you’ll be fighting today.”

“But first I’ll introduce you all and your grade rank.” Yaga nods as we stand beside each other so that the older students can see us, Harumi stands at the end, Yū in the middle and Nanami is first.

Yaga points at Nanami, “Nanami Kento, grade three sorcerer.” Then to Yū, “Haibara Yū, also a grade three sorcerer.”

Finally he points at Harumi, “Zenin Harumi,” she notices some people finally looking up at the sound of her surname. “Grade one sorcerer.” She sees some brows raise at that and glares at Satoru when he whistles loudly, stopping to snicker when he sees her giving him a subtle middle finger.

Yaga sighs and motions to the door, “we’ll move to the training field for the demonstrations.”

It takes less than a minute for them to get to the training field, both Nanami and Harumi listening to whatever excited rant Yū is going on about. The three of them stand to the side as Geto stands in the middle of the field. “First up Nanami,” Yaga calls out and the upperclass men watch intently.

“A grade 2 curse?” Geto asks and Yaga nods before a curse appears on the field. Nanami ready’s himself, hand gripping a a sword. As Geto steps back the curse lunges at Nanami, who quickly slide out underneath it and spins onto his feet. It’s doesn’t take much longer after that for Nanami to kill the curse and then it’s Yū turn.

Haibara takes at least a minute longer than Nanami, as Yaga stops a stopwatch and calls out the time before motioning for Harumi to step up. She gives Yū a fist bump as she walks onto the field. “Special grade one,” Yaga calls out and Satoru grins after giving her a thumbs up. A curse appears on the field in front of her.

She doesn’t make a move to unsheathe the sword that’s strapped over her shoulder as the curse approaches. Harumi lets out a huff of breath before nodding causing the curse to lunge at her, she moves out of the way at an incredible speed. She watches curiously as the curse’ hand glows blue with cursed energy and then she decides to unsheathe the sword. She pulls it out of its case, revealing a black blade. The shadows from under trees begin to spread around her in a swirling motion and when she opens her eyes again they’re black, no sclera not iris just black.

Nearly everyone feels goosebumps arise (except Satoru who grins like a mad man.) They watch, trying to ignore the eerie vibe as they watch the girls technique.

The curse stumbles back in fear of her eyes leaving her with a split second to kill it swiftly. She moves at a speed that could rival her father and nobody sees the blade hit the curse they only see the curses head fall onto the ground as it dissolves into an ashy substance.

When she sheathes the sword, the chilly feeling in the air leaves and everyone seems to relax. She blinks a few times as her eyes revert back to their usual grey.

”Holy shit.” She hears someone swear and Satoru grins in amusement, “that’s not even half of what she can really do.” He calls out cockily, despite the fact that he wasn’t fighting.

Harumi looks around then to Yaga, “done?” The teacher clears his throat and nods, “yeah done.”

She nods and walk over to her classmates, who both grin down at her. “Shut up,” she mutter and Nanami smirks. “How are you only a grade one?”

Harumi shrug despite knowing the answer, “everyone is dismissed.” Yaga calls out and walks away, goosebumps still linger from Harumi’s display of barely any power.

”We should get something to eat!” Yū suggests with an excited smile that has both his classmates agreeing immediately. “I’ll pay,” Harumi says as she walks forwards, both boys following behind her and shutting down the idea of her paying until they realise they don’t have money on them.

”Fine but next time one of us will pay,” Nanami says and Harumi snickers, “sure you will Kento.. can i call you Kenny? Or Ken?”

”I’ll kill you.” The new trio walk back towards the main building, teasing Nanami.

—

”What the hell was that?” Comes the voice of Ieiri Shoko as she approaches Satoru who sits there smug.

”and how the hell do you know her?” Geto Suguru.

Satoru points a finger at Geto, “my best friend.” He then points to Shoko, “she’s a shadow manipulator. And that wasn’t even her trying.”

”She’s Zenin, they’re crazy strong. Emphasis on the crazy.” that had to be the first time either of his classmates had heard him say anything good about the Zenin. The fact that they were all strong was well known.

”wait- best friend?” Geto asks with a raised brow. “Jealous?” Satoru snorts and stares down at him, the bitterness of their friendly-ish rivalry was well known.

“Cut it out both of you,” Shoko sighs as she lights a cigarette. 

“How’d you two even meet?” She asks.

Immediately regretting it when Satoru grins manically and begins to explain, Geto only half listening as his eyes linger on the way Harumi left. “Wow.”

© e-nonsense. do no copy/steal/translate. do it and I’ll bite your toes off

[skymoral]

🩵UNFORESEEN🩵

- Chapter 1 -

Rating: Mature

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Category: F/M

Fandom: Mortal Kombat (Video Games)

Relationship: Bi-Han | Sub-Zero/You

Characters: Liu KangJohnny CageTakahashi KenshiRaiden (Mortal Kombat)Kung LaoReaderOriginal Female Character(s)Original Male Character(s)Kitana (Mortal Kombat)Mileena (Mortal Kombat)Harumi ShiraiGeras (Mortal Kombat)Tanya (Mortal Kombat)Original Female Character(s) of ColorOriginal Male Character(s) of Color

Additional Tags: Black Character(s)Family FluffFamily FeelsChildhood FriendsFriendshipAngst and Hurt/ComfortBetrayalBroken FamiliesTournamentsFalling In LoveFirst LoveNear DeathRedemptionPeople Change PeopleLin Kuei Clan (Mortal Kombat)Game 12: Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

4 hours earlier, as the girls were still dancing. Ashanti had noticed you were leaving with someone.  She didn't know whether to be concerned or not, then Rhonda hugged up her arm. startling her, she didn't even know she was coming. "So question girl does, Liu Kang got a brother?" Ashanti rolled her eyes, telling her no. He never really talked about a family.

"I just saw Y/N leave with somebody, for some reason my gut is telling me to go after her... She was bit tipsy." Ashanti said in a worried tone.

"Seriously! Girl I bet she was looking for someone to have sex with. OH! We should see if our girl got anything!" Rhonda suggested getting the other girls, just to spy on your sexual life. They all followed together where you left out, they stepped outside and didn't see you, but heard sounds coming from the side of the building.

They all slightly peeked out on the side of the corner, not all the way to be detected. They saw you being thrown into a white truck limp. Rhonda wanted to jump in, but Jamika and Tonya held her back and covered her mouth.

"What do you think you're doing?" Jamika whispered.

"To try and rescue my girl clearly." Rhonda whispered back

"Bitch there is many of them and not enough of you... Plus we black, we don't approach things like this." Tonya whispered

"We should call the police?" Jamika suggested.

"That won't do anything, they about to pull off. Like you said we black, they ain't going to do two shits, it'll quickly fall short and lie about they couldn't find anything."  Ashanti informed them, she noticed on the back of white cart. In the corner the name said the the red dragon clan, she heard of that clan from Liu Kang.

"Although I know someone who will, let's call our magic friends." Ashanti told them.

~~~

Ashanti had made a call to Liu Kang, yes Liu Kang had a phone at her demand and request, she was trying to keep calm and explained to him what happened and told him the groups name and everything. He had created a portal in the alley they were all standing in, he walked out greeting the familiar faces and a new face. He came out with Bi-han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas with him by his side.

Ashanti ran up and hugged Liu Kang, happy he came. "I was worried, this is something a fire god would find something not worth his time or serious that us lower people can handle." Ashanti chuckled nervously.

He cupped her face, "Not at all my goddess, you are always worth my time. Also my job is to protect earthrealm, whether it is big or small." Liu Kang told her, making her blush.

"He told us that you seen the Red Dragon Clan?" Bi-han asked, not trying to be here longer than he has to.

"Y-Yes, it was on the name of the cart." Ashanti answered.

"Yeah and they drove off with our girl, we don't know where though." Rhonda said worried, Tomas saw the concern in her tone and face.

"Don't worry we already have our Lin Kuei men on the search and look out for her, they won't get far. We promise she'll be okay." Tomas comforted Rhonda, putting her hand on his shoulders. She nodded shyly.

"We will also be on the search with them, to gather more leads. On why the red dragon clan was out here." Kuai Liang interjected.

"Who are these so call Red Dragon Clan?" Jamika asked curiously.

"An enemy that has been a thorn to my side. The Lin Kuei and Red Dragon has been enemies for many years." Bi-han answered frustrated.

"They are a clan that seeks to dominate many territories such as Bi-han explained the Lin Kuei, the temple, and more. To become a powerhouse of the world, and it's hold on everyone." Liu Kang explained.

"Sounds complicated." Tonya said.

"Which way did they go? And what does she look like?" Bi-han ordered. All the girls pointed to the direction they headed. Rhonda showed him a picture on her phone of you, he nodded. gesturing his head to his brothers to get moving, they quickly left leaving the girls and Liu Kang. Ashanti watched with worry.

Liu Kang pulled her close squeezing her arm, "She will be alright my goddess, Bi-han and the lin kuei will make sure of it." He smiled at her than looked her up and down. She looked away from shyly, knowing what he was thinking. Although they both knew it wasn't the right moment for that. "Would you ladies like to come to the temple and wait for your friend there?" Liu Kang offered.

They all nodded, and Liu Kang created a portal in the alleyway back to his temple.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

You were seriously trying to break this mans grip on your neck, but as you slowly was blacking out from loss of oxygen. You heard someone shout something, making you drop. You began coughing trying to regain oxygen back into your lungs, you looked up and notice some guy in like blue ninja gear staring at the man that was holding you.

"Well if it isn't the great grandmaster of the lin kuei Bi-han, to what I owe the pleasure?"

"Return the woman to me, and I will make your death swift Gojin." Bi-Han glared at Gojin, gojin picked you up by your hair. Your eyes watery, as your head is in pain from the grip.

"You mean this little thing." He pulled down his mask, and began licking your face. That got you pissed, and you put all your energy in your left hand punching his jaw. He dropped you gripping his jaw in pain.

"You niggas keep yo filthy tongue off my fucking face!" You shouted in anger, Gojin was about to charge at you, before intervening throwing an ice spear between them. Missing him on purpose, it made you jump and you made eye contact Bi-Han. He quickly looked at you.

"Come here." He ordered, you blushed not thinking twice. You don't know why that turned you on, it must of been that deep dominating voice he gave you. You stood back where he was as he creep towards your captor, Gojin growled at you both.

"Red Dragon!" Gojin called, but nothing happened. He looked around wondering why his men haven't come. "What's the matter Gojin, wondering where your little misfits are? Did you already forget who we are?" Bi-han smirked, slowly out of the shadows his brothers and the Lin Kuei revealing themselves surrounding them.

You unconsciously gripped the back of Bi-Han's shirt, from shock and surprised by the ninjas that just suddenly appeared. Gojin looked around him fear in his heart but his eyes burned hot with anger, looking at Bi-han. He charged after with his sword, Bi-han formed an ice blade blocking his attack.

freezing his feet in place, kicking him hard. making him bend back than normal, breaking his knees from the uncomfortable bend earning a scream from him. Before Bi-han slammed the ice blade through his forehead into the ground killing him instantly.

'damn' you said under your breath. It was scary and badass at the same time, you realized after finally relaxing from trying to escape and run. That you ended up passing out, the last thing you heard was someone asking if you were okay.

~~~

You were beginning to wake up, your eyes squinting from the brightness of a lot light hitting you. You looked around and noticed you were in a nice looking room. You tried sitting up, rubbing your eyes to adjust your vision better. It was very fancy and traditional, Chinese scriptures around the room and pillars. Someone was walking into the room, it was your friend Rhonda who noticed you awake and quickly went to call the other girls.

"Y/N!" They rushed in pouncing you all together, you were really happy to see the girls hugging each other. "OMG I WAS S-S W-WORRIED A-A-ABOUT...YOUUUU!" Rhonda started crying dramatially, sniffling you looked her with a smile rubbing her back. Then you started to tear up a bit.

You were scared and worried that you wouldn't see your friends or family again, the other three pulled back as you and Rhonda was hugging each other tight. "I know Rhonda, I'm okay now. Thanks to these weird ninjas."

"One of them in blue carried you here, after you fainted." Jamika told you

"Those were one of my champions and there clan."

All the girls turned there attention, seeing Liu Kang with Bi-han and Kuai Liang on each side of him. "Ashanti had informed me what had happened, you were taken by someone the lin kuei knew to well. I had them retrieve you and We brought you back to my temple."

"Bi-Han!" You got up and quickly gave him a hug thanking him. Everyone looked at you and him in shock, confused, and cute. Bi-han was completely caught off guard and didn't know what to say or how to react, because it was all new to him. Kuai Liang whispered in his ear, "You should accept her kindness brother and return it, as she thanking you." Kuai Liang smirked.

Bi-han just lightly patted your head, "I only came because of orders... but you are...welcome." the last part was hard for Bi-Han to say. You smirked, sneaking a kiss on his cheek. Before quickly scurrying out the room with the girls giggling, leaving Bi-han shocked and confused.

"Looks like you have a secret admirer brother." Tomas entered seeing the event from afar laughing with Kuai Liang and Liu Kang.

"Mind your business TOMAS!" Bi-han barked before excusing himself

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

You were glad that you didn't have any classes today, you needed some rest and break from everything that happened last night. Liu Kang was kind enough to have you and the girls relaxed at his place as a little vacation, till you felt more comfortable and better returning.

Ashanti was definitely taking this opportunity to spend time with her lover. You and the other girls were near this small bridge looking at the river with the colorful fishes. "So... Bi-han huh? I see you too are already at first name bases?" Rhonda jokes nudging you. You only smiled shaking your head, "I only knew it because that guy that was trying to kill me said his name. And I was just thanking him, he probably doesn't even know my name."

"Mhmm yeah right." all three of them said in unison. You ignored the group walking away, to take a stroll in the little garden Liu Kang had. "Hey I know we just be hassling you girl, but in all seriousness... You good sugarfoot?" Jamika asked, walking with you.

"I'm okay." was all you said.

"I don't mean physically girlie, like what happened to you any-"

"I'm just happy I'm safe now... I'm good really girl, it was scary at the moment. But I'm thankful Ashanti had her man assist with it... But right now I'm happy I'm not dead and can see you all again." You looked at her with a tired smile, Jamika understanding you don't want to talk about it any further. Everyone handles a scary situation they do differently, Jamika just gives you a hug.

"I'm happy you're still with us as well." Jamika smiled, you were about to say something else. Until you saw the other girls coming where you all were at with Ashanti. "Why ya'll running?" You questioned, as one of them were out of breath.

"I wanted to tell you, while I was with my boo. He told me they are having another Mortal Kombat event for earthrealm. He asked if I wanted to come and watch the ordeal alongside him and to see if you guys wanted to come?" Ashanti said excitedly, a bit disheveled, with a messy bun.

"that sounds cool, and I'm sure the others agreed. But... I don't know.."

"Johnny and his other champions will be there... That includes Bi-han." Rhonda smirked at you deviously, seeing how you perked up at his name.

"You think you slick bitch but you're not." You gave her the bombastic side-eye.

"You know you want to see that nigga again, we all can see you've grown a little crush on him." Rhonda retorted.

"Whatever fine, fuck it I'll go. When is it?" You asked Ashanti.

"It's in two weeks, so with that I'm putting in my notice right now to be off for three days for this event." Ashanti looked at Jamika, Tonya nodded the same looking at her.

Jamika rolled her eyes, "I can't with ya'll, you lucky I wanna go to and I'm bringing my man as well."

All of you bounced in excitement, then you realized that you haven't had your phone. You began panicking, because what if your parents were trying to contact you. "Do ya'll know where my phone is?"

~~~

You didn't even know your phone and purse was right next to the bed you woke up in, you quickly grabbed your phone unlocking it. You noticed 2 missed calls from your mother and one message sent from her. You opened your message, and of course she's cursing you out on why you ain't answering your phone.

You call her hoping she'd answer, "Hello Momma?" You tried to say quietly and sweetly.

"Why the hell you ain't pick up the first few calls!?" She yelled from the other side of the line.

"I'm sorry momma, a lot had happened last night and this morning."

"And what is the a LOT that happened for you to ignore me child?"

You didn't want to tell her you got kidnapped and almost became someone's sex slave. You did not want to give her a heart attack, she already worried about you a lot anyways as you were her youngest baby out your two siblings.  "I was uhh... I went out yesterday with a few friends and Rhonda... We got drunk and wasted, so like passed out and woke up with a huge migraine."

You thought that was good enough, because ya'll did go out, it was quite for a moment. "Mhmmm, you are college student little girl. I hope you don't just party only, you better be up there studying. All that damn money we paid for you to get into that good school, that little scholarship you got, barely covered shit."

"Momma relax I am, I'm fine. I'm a finish school and graduate, then you gonna be in the audience yelling wooo... that's my baby up there, myfavoritebabybecauseshetheonlyonethatactuallyfinishedschool." You said the last part quickly.

You and your mother started chuckling, "You aughta stop it, if you sisters heard you say that. I can't protect you as you brought that onto yourself."

"How is daddy doing? I know it broke his poor little heart when I had went off to college."

"Girl he'll be fine, his grown ass will suck it up. But we do miss you and hope everyone down there treating you well. They don't won't me coming down there."

You couldn't help but smile and laugh, at your mother's threat to beat someone's ass. Because you know she would, "Don't worry Momma, Rhonda already does that for me."

"That's why I like that child, tell my baby Rhonda we missed the crackhead."

"I'll let her know momma."

"On another note, find a man yet to bring me some grand-kids."

"Bye momma Love you, I'll visit you and daddy on break." Your mother sighed with a chuckle on the man and kids remark

"Love you too panda."

You hung up the phone, laying back down on the bed throwing your phone down to the side. You were still a bit tired, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

[thegrimoiresvoice]

Okay, peeps, time for a little bit I'm doing to hype up Mortal Kombat 1 Year Two. Here's the thing though. I want to delve into both topics I really WANT to see and things I EXPECT to see. And as with everything, this is my own prsonal opinion. Feel free to leave your takes below. Oh! And potential spoilers due to datamines below. Be warned.

WHAT I WANT

Sektor and Cyrax: I know that datamines and such have discussed them. But I still have to mention them here, as... well, I just can't friggin' wait! And even more so, I like how they've been genderswapped. Not because of some so-called "agenda", but because I'm open to seeing new takes on classic characters. Take for example, Kuai Liang as Scorpion. Beforehand, I was cautiously optimistic. Now, I'm absolutely a fan. In fact, hot take, I might like him more than HANZO in some cases. And as such, I absolutely can't wait for Sektor's and Cyrax's new take. Design wise? Well, I think the armor ideas presented are pretty cool, but I kinda want to see some augmented pieces in their bodies. Like Cyrax having a robotic arm that uses the buzzsaw or Sektor having robotic legs that house her thrusters. Also, retractable helmets please!

Noob Saibot: Another datamine situation, yes. But the ideas I've heard? Hooooo boy, it sounds AWESOME. I'm already envisioning Noob as a gnarled shell of who he used to be, with runes carved into his skin, and disheveled stark white hair. Just seeing him should be enough to freak people out, kinda like Havik... speaking of which...

Lord Havik: Loosely inspired by one of my favorite YouTubers, History Behind The Warrior, I do have some ideas for Havik. I personally want to see the Titan version completely kill the Dairou version. And don't get me wrong, it's not because I hate MK1 Havik. No. It's because I think it'd lead to an awesome exchange of dialogue and then, a brutal fight. Actually, make that an execution. Havik would just butcher his New Era counterpart.

Chaosrealm: Similar to their master, I feel like it'd be really cool to see Chaosrealm versions of other characters. So far, we've only seen a Chaos Kenshi and, of course, Lord Havik. Just imagine a Chaos Scorpion or Chaos Baraka! Those would be disturbing.

Harumi Shirai: This one's for you @laismoura-art! I really want to see more of our girl, her past, her connection with Outworld, and her relationship with Kuai Liang.

So far, that's about all I got. Thank you all for your time!

[jadewolfceo]

"I'll carry you - Bloodmoon - angst"

Akita's hands trembled as she hastily tried to apply pressure on the blonde's wounds.

Blood spilled over on the snow, staining the pure white with a crimson red. Akita's own red markings seemed to blend in with her lover's insides.

Tears blurred her vision, she felt how the water dripped from her eye to the floor but she didn't care. Everything was okay a few seconds ago.

There had been rumors of some sketchy activity by Vex's hand- Akita and Kotaru were supposed to check it out but her brother was called over by the ninja so he couldn't join her. But with the arrival of the ninja, a certain blonde girl tagged alongside them, a girl Akita knew rather well- Harumi. 

Harumi had suggested that the two girls could go on the mission instead, which didn't seem like a bad idea at the time.

But now she stare at the girl's slashed stomach, blood oozing out of the wound more quickly than Akita could treat it and Vex gone. Akita could see the tears in the stomach muscles caused by Vex's surprise attack- one that was meant for Akita.

She grabbed the bag that Vex bad dropped, mysterious crystals inside. She didn't know what Vex wanted with these but Akita wasn't going to take any chances after the Ice emperor. 

Vex was tied up, trapped. So Akita felt no danger with having her back facing him. That was until she heard a snap.

"AKITA-"

She snapped out of her thoughts when she felt a pale pair of hands cupping her face. Harumi stared at her, once vibrant green eyes dull and tired. 

"Hey- i-it's okay" She said, even Akita could tell the other girl was struggling to speak. 

"Don't-" Akita spoke. She didn't want Harumi to stress her body too much by speaking, she had already caused her too much distress. "Don't speak. Please"

Akita couldn't do this on her own. She picked up the injured blonde and kept her close, not caring about the red standing her clothes. 

She ran, and kept on running. Even if her legs crumbled over and over again, she just stood up and kept on running. She could feel Harumi's ragged breaths as she drifted off- to sleep or worse, she did not know. 

She could see the outline of the village. 

She was so close.

"I'm sorry."

[winterluna81]

A Love Beyond Time-Chapter 5: The Foxes and the Valley

Dinner was a homely and sumptuous affair held at the clearing next to the waterfalls Sagiri had chanced upon earlier. A large pot of stew, filled with vegetables and herbs, simmered over a steady flame. Another slightly smaller pot held fragrant rice with adzuki beans, and a platter piled with ripened peaches and pears completed the menu. The crisp evening air, initially cool due to the setting sun, was now warm and spiced with the rich scents of a freshly cooked meal.

The large group of allies, existing and new, humans and foxes, gathered around the fire. No words were exchanged as they focused on filling their empty stomachs. Only when the sharp edges of hunger were soothed did Nurugai break the silence with a satisfied belch.

“That was a really delicious meal! I haven’t eaten so well for a very long time. Since….” The young Sankar girl trailed off, remembering her slain tribespeople and her beloved grandfather. How they had their evening meals around fires like this, eating and drinking and chatting. How those happy moments were instantly and cruelly wiped out forever by a group of devious samurais. By her own naivety.

A warm, slightly callous hand closed over hers and squeezed lightly. Nurugai looked up to see Shion’s soft smile of comfort and empathy. Of course, her new Sensei would understand because he, too, was nursing a heart shattered by loss and tragedy. Nurugai leaned into the older man, whispering her thanks for his thoughtful gesture.

Right opposite Shion, Seimei studied their exchange with an inscrutable expression. He raised his cup to his lips and drank absent-mindedly, seeming lost in thoughts.

"So, now that we have sated our tummies, can we sate our curiosities now? Who are you? Where are we? Why do you help us? Do you know anything about the Tensens and the Elixir?" Gabimaru, in his usual blunt and single-minded manner, fired off a quick succession of questions like arrows from a tightly drawn bow.

“Allow me to introduce ourselves. We are foxes, and we came to Nihon from the Middle Kingdom 500 years ago. Some people call us fox spirits, fox fairies, or fox demons. We can gain 1 tail after every century of cultivating our life forces. Each tail contains different powers and denotes our age. The ultimate number of tails is 9-hence, the nine-tail fox is extremely powerful,” Harumi paused and glanced lovingly at Asahi. “My mate here, Asahi, is a nine-tail fox. He got his last tail about half a century ago. My twin sister, Keiko, and I have eight tails each.”

“Fox Spirits? So are you now completely human or half of each?” Fuchi queried, his round eyes gleaming with inquisitiveness and something else, which Sagiri dreaded thinking about. She knew her comrade’s obsession with medicine and science. And dissection.

“We are born as foxes. Sometimes, perhaps due to affinity with religious philosophies and teachings, we gain the ability to practice them. We can obtain a human form after 50 years of practice. However, our true form is still the fox, so if we lose our powers, we revert to our original state. Not all foxes have this special religious affinity, though. And every century, a calamity will befall us just when we are about to gain our new tail. It’s like a test from the Celestial Kingdom, albeit perilous. Once we pull through it, we get a tail and increased powers.”

“Are there many nine-tail foxes around?” Nurugai wondered. Asahi shook his head.

“No. Sadly, many foxes fail to withstand the tests and lose all their powers, even their lives, when they are only 300 years old or so."

“Your explanation only covers the three of you, right?” Gabimaru drew a circle around Asahi and the twins with a pointing finger. “What about him?” The shinobi jutted his chin in Seimei’s direction.

 Eleven pairs of eyes swiveled to the silent figure in white. Seimei cocked a dark brow and sighed slightly.

“I, too, have nine-tails. But I am different from Asahi. I am a Celestial Fox and am much older than him.”

“What’s the difference?” Ganetetsusai frowned in confusion.

“It means Seimei is a Deity." Seeing that their Chief did not want to elaborate, Keiko chimed in on his behalf. “People in the Northeastern regions of the Middle Kingdom worship him. He’s one of the most popular deities in their folk religions.” Ignoring Seimei’s glower, she continued proudly. “He’s a very powerful and benevolent deity.” It was obvious that the young vixen greatly admired the Celestial Fox.

An audible gasp sounded as everyone fixed their attention on Seimei. A deity? On this island?

“Is that true? You are really a deity?” Nurugai asked excitedly.

“That was in the past. Yes, I had worshippers and temples dedicated to me,” Seimei’s beautiful face hardened in contempt. “But those mean nothing to me. Now, I am just an immortal with some powers. End of story. Let’s move on to other questions you may have.”

Seimei’s harsh words and apparent disdain for his status as a deity cast an uneasiness over the group. Keiko lowered her eyes and laced her fingers together, biting her lips. Hoping to salvage the situation, Sagiri cleared her throat. “The valley is absolutely breathtaking. Is it a part of Shinsenkyo? Or is it another realm?”

“Both," Seimei recalled. “I found this island more than 2,000 years ago while exploring the Mortal Realm. I liked it a lot-it was very peaceful and had valleys, mountains, lakes, and this waterfall. A perfect place for foxes.”

“But when I returned later, a group of humans from the Middle Kingdom had landed and established a village on the island. At that time, I was in poor form. Also, Asahi, Harumi, and Keiko were still too young. We couldn’t afford to expose ourselves or engage in a battle against the humans. So, I carved up a sizeable portion of Shinsenkyo to form another realm, which I hid and protected with enchantments. This became the valley. The four of us stayed here and continued to cultivate our life forces. I thought we could maintain the status quo. Until the humans started experimenting-first on their fellow countrymen and the island’s wildlife, then the lured outsiders-turning this place into a massive laboratory.”

“It doesn’t explain why you decided to interfere only now. Why didn’t you step in when the humans started their experiments or lured other humans to Shinsenkyo?” Gabimaru questioned.

“Like Seimei said earlier, we were not strong enough to stand up to them initially. It would have been foolhardy and fatal. Later, we didn’t try to rescue the lured humans because they weren’t worth saving, to be honest. All of them were greedy, malicious, and incredibly stupid. Why should we risk exposing our existence and sacrifice ourselves to help them?” Asahi interjected.

“But why rescue us then? What made us so different from the others?” Gabimaru persisted, his eyes trained keenly on the Fox Chief.

“Because all of you are stronger and far more intelligent than the previous ‘victims.' And you have valid reasons to survive this ordeal and return home. Personal reasons and convictions that motivate you to continue fighting. That moved me, so I wish to help. Besides, we no longer want to stand by and watch the experimenters continue with their atrocities and cruelties,” Seimei stated.

The truth is, there is a reason among you why I must step in now. My only reason. He mused quietly to himself.

Sagiri studied Seimei as he spoke. She had noticed him looking intently at Shion since they sat down for dinner. Though his face was a mask of serenity and his posture relaxed, the female Asaemon could sense some inner turmoil within the immortal being.

Does Seimei know Sir Shion? Why does he keep looking at him?

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

Images, dozens of them, clear as day, assailed Shion's mind as they sat around the fire, listening to Seimei. He gasped quietly, helpless to stop them.

…There was a temple-it was not exactly large, but beautiful and well-maintained. He could even smell the incense and the offerings, hear the prayers uttered by the worshippers…

…A large statue of Hu-Xian Ye* was placed on the altar, lifelike and beautiful. Large plates of fruits and eggs were placed on the table as offerings, where an elaborately decorated incense holder stood in the middle, holding hundreds of smoldering joss sticks…

…He was standing behind a pillar, well hidden from view, watching the tall figure in white as it glided gracefully among the crowd with an amused expression. Once, the figure went to the altar and grabbed a peach, biting into it while scrutinizing the statue of the Celestial Fox with an amused expression. As he watched him, his heart felt full and throbbed with an intense emotion….

What is this feeling?

Why do I feel this way about the figure in white?

Who is he?

And…why do I feel so hot and dizzy? Why do I feel as though my body’s on fire?

Nurugai glanced at Shion when he gave a low moan. Puzzlement turned to worry and worry to shock when she noticed his paleness and the sickly sheen of perspiration dotting his forehead. Before she could utter a word, he collapsed to his side.

“SENSEI!”

Quick as a bolt of lightning, Seimei appeared beside Shion. He cradled the moaning blind samurai in his lap carefully and took his pulse. Seimei frowned and, in one fluid motion, removed the silver belt and lowered the top part of the robe to Shion’s waist. What was revealed had the Celestial Fox cursing viciously and the rest of the group swallowing hard in dismal.

Most of the wounds that Shion had sustained had healed nicely and turned a light pink. Except one on his right torso-it was large and a raw, angry red, oozing blood and a pale greenish liquid.

Seimei touched the festering wound gingerly. Though his fingertips barely grazed the surface, Shion writhed and arched his back with an agonized cry. Nurugai rushed toward her Sensei with a distressed cry, only to be held firmly back by Harumi. Seimei tightened his grip around the injured man, murmuring words of comfort in a language foreign to the gathering humans.

“There is some residual venom in his system that infected this wound. We need to purge it immediately.”

As the Celestial Fox spoke, his eyes glowed as if lit from deep within. A sharp talon grew from his left index finger, and he ran it over the lesion, scoring the inflamed flesh. Blood, a dark sinister green, spurted from the cut and ran in rivulets down Shion’s mid-section, pooling near his belly button.

Shion could hear them, the muffled voices. He could not make out what they were saying, but the sounds were enough to tell him he was still alive. The pain spoke to him as well, letting him know that he was clearly not out of the woods. Yet.

“Little Dragon, it’s all right. You’ve been so brave, so strong. Just be brave for a little while more. For me, please. It will be over soon, I promise.”

A murmur cut through the voices and the pain-soothing and achingly familiar. It made his heart quiver again with that strange, intense feeling, and his throat constricted with unshed tears. Who's talking to him? And why does he feel like crying?

Then he felt something slide over him, like silk. Just a flutter over his skin, under it, then deeper, deeper still to where the pain was clenched in fists. Then the silk heated, then it burned. Oh, God. And the fire of it forced those fists open until the pain spread and broke into a thousand jagged pieces.

In his head, the silver-haired samurai screamed foul curses and obscenities that would turn the air blue and thoroughly shatter his reputation as a well-respected Sensei of the Yamada Asaemon clan. But all that passed through his chalk-white lips were inaudible croaks and groans. He sucked in air and trembled as a fistful of fresh pain exploded. But it slowly ebbed away and became a steady throb that finally receded as a cool wave washed over him.

Nurugai choked on a sob as she watched Shion tremble and convulse in Seimei’s arms, the pool of infected blood growing. Harumi squeezed the young girl’s shoulders in a reassuring hug and met Sagiri’s tear-streaked face. She reached a hand out to the female samurai, who took it in gratitude.

“Don’t worry. Shion will be fine. Trust me, and trust Seimei,” she reassured. Sagiri shook her head tearfully.

“How long more must it take? I can’t bear it…”

As if on cue, the blood, which now flowed a healthy crimson, slowed to a mere trickle and stopped completely. At almost the exact moment, the glow in Seimei's eyes faded, and he sat back, arms still around Shion.

“He’s all right now. I have purged the venom completely. All he needs is a good rest.”

Everyone looked in disbelief as the wound, festering and raw and bleeding mere seconds ago, began to heal, knitting close as though sewn together by an invisible hand. Soon all that remained was a palm-sized jagged circle, tenderly pink. They googled even more when Seimei conjured a small crystal bottle out of nothing, and the pool of tainted blood, glistening dully with an oily sheen on Shion’s pale flesh, flowed in a graceful arc towards the bottle and into it. Once the blood was collected, the Celestial Fox capped the bottle, and it vanished with a flick of his hand.

“Why did you collect Shion’s infected blood?” Fuchi questioned when he found his voice.

Seimei looked up at the yellow-haired Asaemon after popping a pill into Shion’s mouth.

"I want to examine the blood, see if I can identify the venoms. I plan to create an antidote. In any case, I enjoy studying things, making my own potions and salves. Basically, medical and healing-related stuff."

Unsurprisingly, Fuchi’s eyes sparkled with interest and excitement at the word medical. “Can I see how you work? I want to learn more about the Tensen too! And I love medicines and…”

“To dissect things to know how their internals look like," Seimei finished drily before flashing a sharp smile at Fuchi, which had the latter shivering slightly. "I know what you're fantasizing about, my boy. But I'll allow you to work with me and Keiko on some healing stuff. Just don’t push your luck too far. And…don’t act on your thoughts. Or I’ll toss you over the cliffs.”

Sagiri noted that Shion was still reclining in Seimei’s lap, with the Celestial Fox’s arms wrapped snugly around the blind samurai’s waist while speaking to Fuchi. As the platinum-haired man muttered and shifted restlessly, Seimei moved his left hand and cupped his cheek tenderly, almost lovingly. Much to Sagiri's astonishment, Shion snuggled closer to the immortal at the intimate contact and sighed contently.

They look like a pair of cuddling lovers...Anyway, I never knew that Sir Shion had this vulnerable, childlike side to him. He's always so strong and confident.

The young samurai looked away to see Yuzuriha and Nurugai also looking at the two males with interest and curiosity. Just then, Keiko hurried to Seimei’s side and knelt.

“Seimei, I’m so sorry. I didn’t detect the venom earlier…it was my fault that Shion got so sick. I’m really sorry….” Keiko broke off and bowed her head, weeping brokenly. She had grown extremely fond of the silver-haired man and was wrecked with guilt about what just happened.

Seimei smiled and placed a hand on the young vixen’s chin to lift her head up.

“It’s not your fault, little one. The amount of residual venom was too minuscule to be detected easily. You have already done an excellent job.” So saying, the Celestial Fox got to his feet with Shion in his arms.

“I think we should call this a night. We have enough adventure and information for the day. Let’s continue our conversation tomorrow morning. I want to speak to you about our battle plans. Have a good rest, everyone.”

With that, Seimei strode off briskly, leaving the humans behind with questions and intrigue buzzing through their minds. The trio of foxes stared after their Chief’s departing figure, a heavy uneasiness and despair weighing upon them as the final piece of the puzzle clicked into place, and their doubts were confirmed.

Shion was the one that Seimei had been waiting for. And that could only mean one thing….

*Hu-Xian Ye (狐仙爷): The Celestial Fox Fairy (male)

*The nine-tail fox is one of the most well-known and, sadly, controversial mythological figures in Chinese and East Asian legends. The earliest historical records of the mythical creature first appeared in the Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), compiled from the Warring States period to the Western Han period (circa fourth to circa first century BC). Initially, it was depicted as a benevolent creature. However, later Chinese dynasties turned the nine-tail fox into an evil demon that often took on the form of a beautiful seductress who would bewitch men to kill and eat them.

*According to Taoist records, the fox fairy is a deity worshipped by people in North and Northeastern China. The deity can be represented as either male or female, whose animal form is a nine-tailed fox. It is the Chinese equivalent of the Japanese Shintō cult of Inari Ōkami, both god(desses) of the foxes or collective representations of the fox spirits.

[flockofcrowsinatornadoofcreation]

Birdcage, Chapter 11

In My Bones

Morro blinks at the ceiling groggily, wondering why his throat hurts.

He winces.

Oh yeah.

He just cried himself to sleep. In front of Lloyd.

No, scratch that. He cried himself to sleep on Lloyd's shoulder.

And Lloyd let him.

He flops an arm over his face, wishing he could die from embarrassment.

Glaring past his arm at the ceiling, Morro puzzles over Lloyd's behavior.

On the Bounty, Lloyd had wanted to kill Morro. When Pixal attacked him, Lloyd defused the situation sternly and bluntly.

But when Morro got sick, Lloyd was trying to help him. Lloyd wanted to keep him out of prison. He even rescued him from that Kryptarium place!

Then Lloyd let Morro -- the person who possessed him -- cry on his shoulder.

I'm done hating you.

It makes Morro want to scream.

He settles for burying his face in the pillow and cussing like a sailor.

Lloyd is still such a bleeding heart.

Morro pauses his string of curses, thinking of the memory he picked up the last time he possessed Lloyd.

A girl with long white hair smirks at him, her smile sharp as a knife.

"Lloyd," she says in sing-song. "Don't you want to see your father again?"

Morro winces, recalling his own taunt to stall Lloyd so the Preeminent could arrive.

That was years ago. This memory is much more recent, probably only a few months ago.

He knows the girl in the memory must be that Harumi person. Whoever she is, she must have caused Lloyd a great deal of pain for him to react like that when she was brought up.

The door of the medbay clicks open, and Morro almost falls off the bed in surprise.

Lloyd -- ugh, why does it have to be Lloyd -- pokes his head into the room, smiling softly when he catches Morro's eye.

"Hey, bud. How are you feeling?"

Morro stares at him, floundering at the fact that Lloyd just called him "bud".

"Why?" He finally settles on a simple question. Lloyd looks confused.

"What?"

"Why are you doing that?" Morro elaborates.

"Doing what?"

"Treating me like a person."

Lloyd gapes at him, obviously confused out of his mind.

"Why am I- because you are a person?"

"But you hate me," Morro says, unable to hide the question in his words.

Lloyd's eyes soften, and he shakes his head. Morro's heart falls.

"Please hate me," Morro resorts to begging. "Yell at me, threaten me, some sort of normal response! Please!"

Morro doesn't want to think of the alternative, to be honest. Surely Lloyd doesn't want to... be his friend? Help him? He's used to hate, he can take it. Everything he's done should give Lloyd enough cause to hate.

But friendship? That is an enigma; a forbidden treasure locked in a cage, wrapped in chains, and dropped in the ocean to drown.

Lloyd should hate him. It's so simple.

But Lloyd just smiles sadly, pushing a bowl of rice in Morro's direction.

"Eat."

Morro stares at him, then down at the bowl. This is a distraction and he damn well knows it.

But his body decides, right then and there, to remind him that he hasn't truly eaten in decades. His stomach twists violently, letting out an audible growl.

Lloyd doesn't laugh, thankfully, only smiles wider and gestures at the bowl.

Morro hesitantly takes the bowl, picks up the chopsticks, and takes a tiny bite of rice.

"Is it good?" Lloyd asks.

After a moment of silence, Morro takes another bite. Lloyd lights up like a star.

Morro ignores the triumphant feeling in his chest at Lloyd's grin. He certainly hasn't done anything to earn it.

Then again, a part of him whispers as he takes another bite, maybe Lloyd's not wrong.

He forces down the little voice, putting it back in its cage. He can't afford to show any more weakness.

But he still gives Lloyd a hesitant smile, knowing it can't even begin to make up for his crimes.

It can't hurt to try.

[showlover2]

(First three pics are Pilot-Season 7)

Fourth one is Season 8-rest)

Fifth one is how she looks like as a little kid

Tell me what you think!!!

Meet my Ninjago oc!!

Name: Alyssum Jasmine ‘AJ’ Parks Smith

Elemental Master of Chaos 

Things to know:

AJ meets Nya when she(Nya) got lost in that woods. AJ helps her get back home and that how she meets Nya and Kai. Nya and Kai(after a few months of knowing and getting attached to AJ) “adopted” AJ and that how she became a Smith.

Maya and Ray are coincidentally AJ’s Godparents

She’s older than Nya but younger than Kai #middlechild

Calls Kai variations of mom and dad to mess with him(Gets Nya and sometimes Lloyd to join in)

AJ and Cole are cake buddies

Her scars and hair /eye turned white/pink from suppressing her powers 

AJ excepts/stops being scared of her powers at the end of S7 which is why her Scars finally turn white and she dresses differently to express her chaotic side 

AJ used to go the Darkley’s School for Bad Girls, she ran away because of the physical and verbal abuse, lived in the woods for a week before meeting Nya

AJ and Lloyd are Partners in Crime

Biggest Kailor and Pixane shipper!!

Doesn’t really like Jay, but wants Nya to be happy for she is kinda Jays wingwomen

Also, I’m still trying to decide if she should be Purple or Pink or just both

Almost killed Harumi (Was going to to if Lloyd didn’t stop her)

Kai, AJ, Nya and Lloyd are siblings

(You have permission to use her in fanfiction, just tag me so I can read it)

(I based her personality and quirks and “powers” based of of Madeline Hatter from EAH) as in saying since her elemental power is chaos. I thought it would be fun for her to pull random stuff out of her pockets no matter how big or small (Like how Maddie does in the show)

[riagraie]

🐉Hanna isn't an Elemental Master but her powers work similarly to how Lloyds do in terms of general use and appearance(minus color). The powers are called 'Discord' which is a combo of non-elemental powers of Peace/Tranquility and Chaos/Distress

🗡️I'd rate Hanna an 8/10 in fighting. When she's first introduced she cant fight back, only able too once she's trained. She works specifically with a Naginata that can extend and retract(built by Kai)

🖤At first she kinda hates them because she thought they were stuck up. But now she's really close with all of them and would die for any of them

💖Hanna is engaged to Lloyd and has been for 3 years as of the current season of Dragons Rising

🌈Heterosexual

🎨Lavender and light Gray :>

🖊️Technically she's "introduced" as a character called 'Madame D' in season 9 as someone Skylor knew to help her and the others get into the news station. Though she's properly introduced between the events of season 10 and season 11. The ninja get no break in my timeline lol

🐍Shed be a Venomari

🏔️She would try to go to either the First Realm(land of dragons and Oni) or to the realm where her ancestors originated(in my au, it's the lost 17th realm, The Realm of Duality) Butttttt since it was destroyed, it's almost impossible (poor girl)

⚡Well, she was chillin for a while(suffering a miscarriage 😥) then 1 year before reuniting with Lloyd she was imprisoned by Imperium, drained of her powers

❗Yes. She's done so several times. Even Lloyd at full power (he went easy on her just a bit but she doesn't know that)

🧠Originally she was the Silver Ninja, the overlords daughter 😭... Now she's the Mistress of Discord, great (x smth) granddaughter of an extinct race... Lots of things have changed.

💀Quite a bit lol (they need therapy)

🌪️Eventually she learns Spinjitzu! Took her until season 13 lol

🐱It would be a snow leopard or a Caribou

🎮Shed probably end up with a gray skin tone with gold and black tech markings. very vibrant purple clothing that makes her look like the classic mafia daughter and a gradient black and white pixie cut

🧑‍🧑‍🧒Hanna has a loving mother and father but there's a lot of tension because they picked their housing empire over her (long story)

⏳Technically, since around 2016 but with how much has changed, only around 3 months

💪Her greatest strength is her ability to remain calm and control her emotions to fuel her protectiveness. The biggest thing holding her back is her doubt in her abilities and her fear of hurting those she loves

☝️Crystalized. Easy pick. Shed thwack Harumi ez😎

I've had Ocs on the brain so I decided to make a Ninjago Oc Ask Game! This is my first time making an ask game, I tried my best with the questions

🐉 Are they an Elemental Master? What element do they have? If they’re not an EM, do they have any other non-elemental powers?

🗡 How good are they in a fight? Do they have a preferred weapon?

🖤 What’s their opinion on the ninja?

💖 Do they have a crush or significant other?

🌈 What’s their sexuality?

🎨 Do they have a favorite color? What is it?

🖊 What season would they be introduced into the story? If not directly introduced in a season, when in the timeline are they introduced?

🐍 If they were a Serpentine, what type would they be? If they’re already a Serpentine, what other species would they be if they weren’t Serpentine?

🏔 If they could travel to any realm, which realm would they go to?

⚡ What have they been up to after the merge?

❗ Could they beat any of the ninja in a fight?

🧠 How did you first come up with this character? Any interesting details about creating them?

💀 How much trauma do they have?

🌪 Do they know spinjitzu?

🐱 If they were to have an animal symbol, what animal would represent them?

🎮 If they were in Prime Empire, what would their avatar look like?

👪 Do they have any family members? What’s their relationship with their family?

⏳ How long have you had this oc?

💪 What is their greatest strength? What’s the biggest thing holding them back?

☝️ If they could only exist in one season of the show, which season would they be in?

Feel free to reblog this so your followers can send you asks about your Ninjago Ocs!

[itzred-ovo]

"Nya.......?"

The two female teens freeze hearing the voice of the corrupted fire ninja. Nya can see her brothers amber eyes, but they seemed dull and tired. A tear began to form from her eye, "Kai....? Is that really you?" Kai grabbed his head, groaning. He didn't know how long he had been under the control of the Crystal King. That's right! He stayed behind to protect Cole and Sky so they can escape! His memory started to rush back into his head. Though it hurt, getting your memory yet loosing them again. "Fight it Kai!" Nya says as she pushes snow white haired girl on her back, "Fight his control!"

"No! His power and mind shall stay with the Crystal King! Along with his other friends!" Harumi exclaims to the used to be water ninja. She jumps up, back on her feet and runs to Kai. Nya gasps in surprise as Harumi places her hand on Kai's shoulder, using the power that CK has given her. Kai throbs his head back and screams, his eyes now glowing a bright pinkish-purple. "You get away from my brother, you two faced princess!" Nya warns as she runs to Harumi swinging her sword at her. She quickly dodges her attack and was forced to let go of the fire ninja. He gasps, falls to his knees and hands, trying to breath. The sister blocks her bother protectively from the Quiet One, making sure she doesn't lay a another hand on him. This only amused her and laughed, "You think you can save him? He is too tired to even fight. Why give him what he doesn't want?" "What are you talking about?" Nya orders.

"Don't you see? The power of the Overlord can grant his very wish. He wants to be free from having to fight all the time, so that's what the Crystal King has given him. A chance to finally rest without any fights." Harumi explains. Nya blinks, Kai is tired of fighting? She thought. Harumi saw this as a chance to get her and took it without hesitation. Nya was shocked once she was kicked from the side to the ground. She groans in pain, picking herself up from the ground. Only to see her brother over her, once again under the control of the Crystal King. Harumi chuckles evily from behind. "Say goodbye... Water Ninja..." Her eyes glowed as she glares at her enemy. Kai raised his hand and lit it on fire. Tears fall from her eyes down her cheeks in sadness. "Kai.... Please... I'm sorry for leaving you," Nya whispers, "I'm sorry for not being there like you have always been for me! Please I want to be there for you big brother... Please... I love you..."

Kai blinked in shock. His expression saddened as the fire in his hand shrinks into a small ember. "What are you doing? Destroy her!" The sound of an angry teen was soon blocked out. The master of fire stands and stares at his little sister, begging for her life, wanting to make up for leaving. "Nya......" Kai whispers. The ember in his hand returned into a burning flame. He turns and blasts fire at the Quiet One. She was lucky enough to dodge fast enough and save herself from the fire blast. She looks to where the fire hit and back to Kai. Nya looks up out of curiosity and sees Kai, back facing her. "No one will force me to hurt my own sister... I am her brother and nothing can change the fact that I love her, you white haired psycho!" Kai explains to her. "Kai..." Nya calls in whisper. His turns and holds in hand out. Nya looks from his hand to his face. He looked corrupted but his eyes were back to it's fiery glowing amber. Nya smiles at the sight of her brothers' smile. She gladly takes his hand happy to have each other. And without hesitation......

They pulled each other into a loving sibling hug....

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Here is part 2 of the Crystalized Kai AU

@gas1le What do you think? ^w^

[rosiehunterwolf]

Twinkle, Twinkle, Are You There?

Prompts: Stars and Trauma

Word Count: 5,498

Characters: Lloyd (with reflection on Kai)

Timeline: During episode 82 (Dread on Arrival), with flashbacks to earlier seasons

Trigger Warnings: Claustrophobia, Kidnapping, PTSD, Self-Deprecation, Starvation, Dehydration

Summary: All he wanted to do was help his team. It was his mistakes that got them into this mess, after all. It would make sense that he was the one to get them out of it. But if there’s one thing Lloyd’s learned over the course of his life, it’s that things don’t have a habit of going his way.

That, and the fact that stars don’t make very good company.

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The night was crisp and clear, with a blackness that enveloped the city in a blanket of stillness, the kind that only befell in the late summer. The city was quiet except for the faint sound of wailing sirens in the distance.

And, much closer, the shuffling of footsteps and clanking of chains.

“What do you want with me?” Lloyd hissed, yanking tightly at the restraints.

“Quiet, Garmadon,” Harumi hissed, and the chains suddenly tightened, causing him to nearly lose his footing as she stalked towards him. “For too long have I remained silent while you blathered on. No longer am I the Quiet One. Now it is my turn to speak.”

“Oh, so now I can’t even talk? I’m not your slave, Harumi.”

She grinned. “No, you certainly are not. But your time will come, don’t you worry.”

Her words sent a trickle of dread down his spine, and he gritted his teeth. “You won’t get away with this. My friends will stop you, and-”

Harumi laughed, long and cold. “Your friends? They are too late. There is no way those pesky little ninja will be able to stop us. Even if they do manage to get here before your father is freed, do you really think that they’ll try to stop us when you’re in danger?”

Lloyd’s throat ran dry. “What are you going to do to me?”

Harumi smirked. “What do you think? After everything you’ve done to me?” She laughed at the look on his face. “Don’t worry. I need you alive. For now. Dead bait isn’t half as effective as it is alive, after all.”

Silence stretched on as the Sons of Garmadon hauled him up a staircase. Killow shoved him from behind, and he stumbled, being sharply tugged back up by the Sons of Garmadon holding his chains. Lloyd grimaced, looking away.

After a few moments, Harumi began to sing softly. “The spider’s in the house, sleep, sleep. The spider bit the mouse-

Lloyd gritted his teeth. He had used to think that song was cute, but now it just put him on edge. Feeling anger surge up inside him, he felt the sudden urge to yell at her.

“So this is your true face without the mask. No wonder you covered it.”

“What did I say about speaking?” Harumi hissed, whipping around. “You think you’re so cocky, but you haven’t won. Far from it. How does it feel to lose for once, Lloyd?”

“Where are you taking me?”

Harumi tut-tutted, shaking her head. “So many questions. Normally, I would not appease you. But I feel like this will be of great interest to you.” She glanced at him, waiting for a reaction, but he remained silent. She sighed. “This is where the palace used to be. Trapped here all my life, I discovered something truly extraordinary. The destruction of the palace was something that had to be done, but… we took care to protect this place. The Temple of Resurrection.”

Lloyd swallowed. The Temple of… oh gosh, she really is going to do it. She’s really going to bring him back. She’s crazy, so crazy-

Harumi turned away from him as they reached a set of double doors. Pushing them open, she revealed a courtyard stretching out in front of them. Sons of Garmadon milled around, stopping and stepping to the side to clear a path as they caught sight of Harumi. A pedestal rose up in the middle of the space, and off to the side was a contraption with two cages. One was empty, the other-

“Mom!”

“Lloyd! What happened? Are you okay?”

One of the Sons of Garmadon poked a spear at her cage, silencing her.

“Let her go, Harumi. This is between us, and only us.”

Harumi laughed. “What has been between us? Your incompetence as the city’s protector by causing the release of the Great Devourer? Or something else? Because only one of those things are true, Lloyd. And honestly, that was entirely your fault. I’m just picking up the pieces.”

Leaning forward and letting her long, white hair swish close to his face, she whispered. “There is nothing between us, Lloyd. And there never has been.”

He jerked away, hating himself as an ache spread through his chest. He was losing nothing by letting go of her. He was better off without her. If only his stupid heart would just understand that.

“Aww, honey,” Harumi cooed, a mock look of pity on her face. “The truth hurts, doesn’t it? Nothing is more powerful than a blow to the heart. Especially on you.”

To his horror, Lloyd felt tears welling up in his eyes, and blinked furiously to disperse them. “Please, Harumi. This is my fault. Do whatever you want to me. But my mom is innocent. Let her go.”

“You’re right, this is all your fault. Which is precisely why I need to keep her around. I know you, Lloyd. You’d be far too happy to take the punishment yourself. One of your little ninja friends would’ve been ideal… you would’ve done anything I asked you then… but she’ll have to do for now. Knowing you, she should be enough.”

Turning towards the Sons of Garmadon restraining him, she flicked a hand at them. “Put him in the cage. I want the utmost security on him.”

His captors nodded, and his chains were yanked sharply, and he was roughly thrown into the cage, his breath knocked out of him for a moment.

His head spinning, he glanced up, seeing the long, curved metal bars stretching above him. A cold trickle of déjà vu slipped down his spine as the reality of his situation fully hit him.

No. No, no, no- Lloyd stumbled to his feet, lurching towards the cage door, just as it was slammed in his face.

“You’re not goin’ anywhere, kid. Behave yourself.”

He felt his heart rate pick up as the familiar panic began to set in. He couldn’t- this couldn’t be happening again. Not a damn cage again.

He- he was the green ninja. He was supposed to- he was supposed to look after his team, to lead them, but he- he always got caught and thrown in a stupid cage.

He threw himself against the bars, gripping them tightly as he leaned his face towards the sky, drinking in the fresh air. It was so small in here, he wanted to get out, to go home-

But that was always how it ended up, wasn’t it? Lloyd was always the one getting caught, always the one the others had to go out of their way to save.

He was a burden. An incompetent, helpless burden. This whole thing was his fault, just like it always was, because he was too weak to stop anyone from taking advantage of him. Him and his dumb, dumb heart.

And he had the nerve to call himself a ninja.

Except this time, it had been so, so, much worse. This time was different from the time with the Serpentine, or even Morro. This time, so many more people’s lives were going to be endangered because of him. Because his stupid, soft heart had decided to trust the girl that was now going to destroy the city.

Again, he had ruined everything.

My friends will fix my mistakes. She won’t win.

Harumi’s words echoed back to him. “Even if they do manage to get here before your father is freed, do you really think that they’ll try to stop us when you’re in danger?”

She was right. He hated that she was right. He was glad his friends loved him, but sometimes it would just be so much easier if they saved the city instead of him.

Opening his eyes, he gazed at the sky above. The night was moonless, the only light coming from the spattering of stars across the sky.

Those damn stars were always there. Why wouldn’t they just leave him alone?

---

The Lost City of Ouroboros, 2012

Lloyd eyed the lock at the front of his cage warily. Ugh, if only I had a pin.

Not that it mattered, anyway. The night was too dark for him to be able to see properly enough to pick the lock. And even if he did manage to get out, he wasn’t exactly unguarded. The city was crawling with Serpentine. And he didn’t stand a chance of sneaking- or fighting- his way past all of them, thanks to the ninja’s refusal to let him train with them.

His frustration dissipated quickly, and he glanced down at his hands, wringing the edge of his black hoodie. No, that wasn’t fair. The ninja had risked their lives trying to save him today. It hadn’t been that long ago that they had met- he was just some bratty kid they had fished off the street, one that had messed everything up for them. They didn’t owe him anything. The fact that they had done as much as they had for him, well-

It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. No one had ever cared for Lloyd like that before.

The Darkley’s students had always hated him. He was lucky to go a week without being beat up or having bugs left in his bed. Brad had sort of been a friend, he guessed- but in the end, even he had abandoned him.

His mom had left him high and dry at Darkley’s- he didn’t even remember her. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to. And she obviously hadn’t cared enough to come back, or even to write, so… he didn’t think that was an issue he would have to worry about anytime soon.

And his father-

Lloyd really wanted to have hope for his father. He really did. But it seemed like whatever he did, it wasn’t enough. Why hadn’t his dad visited him or even sent him letters, like the other boys’ parents?

Releasing the Serpentine had been Lloyd’s last hope that his father would notice him. But, like everything else, it hadn’t worked. And now he realized that he had hurt people by doing it, too. Good, innocent people, like the ninja.

They were the closest thing he had to a family, now.

But that was just Lloyd being dumb. He had made life very difficult for all of them. Why would any of them ever return those feelings back? He was just making a fool of himself by even entertaining such a notion. Forgiveness was never that easy, something he knew firsthand.

But then they had come back for him, anyway, and Lloyd was left wondering if they really did care. They had fought so hard for him. Maybe he was a part of something, finally. He was afraid to hope.

And then they had nearly died, and he had taken it all back.

He wanted them to save him, to bring him back to the Bounty, to care for him, to love him like no one had before. But he couldn’t ask them to risk their own selves for him. He was an outsider to their family. He hadn’t been there over the past months, the past memories. He was just the bratty kid. Maybe they cared about him now, but they wouldn’t give up that safety and security just for him. He didn’t want them to.

He had tried to remind himself that this was what he wanted as he had watched them flee on the Samurai X mech, watched them take the Golden Weapons to safety. Good. That was much more important than him. They could come back for him any time. Everything was going to be okay.

But then, why did his chest feel so hollow as the mech flew into the distance, smaller and smaller until it was gone? Why hadn’t that feeling gone away even now, hours later?

Lloyd shrugged his shoulders, as if the motion could shake the feeling off. The bars of the cage dug into his back- although not as bad as when he had been shoved into lockers back at Darkley’s, it wasn’t a pleasant reminder- and he shifted, trying to get comfortable, but it was no use. Instead, he tried to focus his gaze outside the cage. Ourorboros was much less active at this time of night, but there were still too many snakes lurking around for his liking. Lloyd hated the sound of their scales slithering across the ground. He had thought, after Uncle Wu had taken him aboard the Bounty, and read him that book, that he would never have to see another snake again. What had he been thinking, going after the Serpentine like he did? Sure, he wanted to prove himself, but he was no ninja. He didn’t even want to be here.

He hadn’t really felt like it had been a choice, though. He had just wanted to fix his mistakes. But he had dug himself into a hole too deep for someone as little as him to climb out of. And going after the Serpentine had only made it deeper.

If only he was cool and awesome, like the ninja. They would know what to do.

He turned his gaze up to the sky, if only to look at something other than Serpentine. The moon was nowhere to be seen, but the stars shone down brightly on him, abundant out here in the desert. Lloyd stared up at them, breathless.

He had grown up in Darkley’s, which had been on the edge of Ninjago City, and after he had been kicked out, in those long weeks before he had come up with the brilliant- or now, he was realizing, insanely stupid- plan to release the Serpentine, he had only ventured farther into the city, hoping to find food and a place to sleep.

The point was, Lloyd had always been a city kid. Before he had gotten captured, he had never been out in the blistering sun in the Sea of Sand, where Jay had grown up, or in the depths of Birchwood Forest, former home of Zane, or even to the small little village of Ignacia where Kai and Nya had once called home. In the thick of the city, he was used to light pollution brightening the skies, the nights dull with only a scattering of stars visible.

But now, out here, in the middle of the desert, the night sky couldn’t be more different. The darkness above him was littered with so many bright, white specks that Lloyd couldn’t believe that so many stars even existed. Darkley’s had taught them typical school curriculum alongside their villainy lessons- in which Lloyd had been told that there were billions of stars in the galaxy, but he hadn’t really believed it before now.

Now, he was sure there must be trillions.

He remembered the ninja’s long nights on watch, and wondered how many stars were visible from his uncle’s monastery, and if the ninja liked to watch them, too. He did remember one night- when he was being a particular pain, Kai had dragged him outside with him in hopes that he would calm down. Lloyd hadn’t been paying much attention to the stars that night- too distracted to look up.

He would pay more attention next time. He bet that Kai would watch the stars with him. The red ninja had sat so patiently with him then, mostly quiet but making conversation every once and a while before they had settled back into the easy bouts of silence. He had even made Kai laugh once. That happy, rich sound had sent warmth spreading through Lloyd’s chest. He hadn’t really known what to make of it then, but now, sitting here, cold and alone except for Serpentine, Lloyd longed for that warmth again.

He wished Kai was here now.

Well, not here-here, he didn’t want him to be captured too, obviously, but he wanted to be with him, somewhere safe, far from any Serpentine, where they could watch the stars in peace.

Maybe they could’ve been, right now, if Lloyd hadn’t been such an idiot.

As much as he hated the fear that clamped at his chest anytime a Serpentine rattled too near, he hated the feeling of hopelessness and uselessness even more. Why did he have to mess up everything all the time? If it weren’t for him, the ninja could be having those peaceful evenings still, out on the rooftop.

Next time, he would be smarter. Next time, he would be a better brother. A better asset to the team.

But at this point, he wasn’t even sure if next time would be an option. He had read plenty of editions of Starfarer in his lifetime, and people like Lloyd didn’t usually get second chances.

But that hurt too much to think about. Instead, he turned to gaze at the stars.

That was the good thing about the stars, he supposed. No matter where he went, what he did, or how badly he messed up, they never left him.

---

The Fire Temple, 2012

Lloyd pulled his knees closer to his chest as hot, bubbling lava gurgled below him. For once, he was glad to have the bars around him- although he wasn’t sure how much protection they would be if the lava seeped up towards him. The Serpentine seemed to think that the volcano was perfectly safe, barely dazed by the oozing molten around them, but Lloyd wasn’t so sure.

At the very least, the heat was sweltering down here, where his cage sat only a few feet away from where the rock dropped way into the vat of lava. Serpentine perched on many of the other rocks jutting out of the lava, chipping away at them as they searched for the third Fangblade. Lloyd bit his lip, hoping they didn’t take the whole volcano down with them.

He kicked absently at a bit of rock that had strayed into the cage, watching as it fell down, into the lava with a gloop.

This sucked. He had been in this stupid cage for about a week now, and he was so tired and scared. Somehow, he hadn’t really expected this. In his mind’s eye, he had imagined getting gobbled up by the Serpentine after a day or two, or maybe even getting rescued. He hadn’t thought it would go on this long.

He tried to be like the ninja- to put on a brave face, stay strong, come up with a plan- but nothing came to him. He wasn’t a ninja. He just wanted his dad.

Nibbling on his lip, he looked up at the chunk of sky that he could see through the opening in the volcano. It was a much more limited view than the one he had seen back in Ouroboros, but the stars were still there, as bright and unyielding as ever.

These ones were especially fascinating, the lava casting a gentle glow on the stars, staining them a faint, burnt orange color. They almost seemed to pulse gently with the flickering lava, and Lloyd let himself forget about everything for a moment, just watching them.

It could’ve almost been peaceful, if it weren’t for his situation.

He leaned his head against the bars of the cage, despite the uncomfortableness. A slight quiver reverberated through the floor, reminding him of the unstableness of the ground beneath him.

Trying to think about something else, he turned his thoughts to the ninja instead. He wondered what they were doing now. Realistically, he knew they were probably trying to find a way to stop the Serpentine- maybe even coming to save him. He knew the idea should’ve brought him comfort, but for some reason, it just made his stomach ache. He didn’t want his friends to get hurt because of him.

Instead, he imagined them hanging out at the monastery. Jay flopped over the couch with a Starfarer comic (one he had probably stolen from Lloyd), Zane and Nya sprawled out on the floor as they played Stratego, glaring at each other icily from time to time, and Kai and Cole duking it out in Fist-to-Face 2, Kai balancing on his knees and practically smashing his controller as he got more agitated, while Cole’s demeanor was much more relaxed, although there was a fierce concentration in his eyes.

Lloyd let a smile play on his lips. The image felt so vivid, so real, and he clutched onto it, longing desperately for some connection- any connection- to the others.

Tears blurred his vision. It wasn’t enough, just imagining them. He needed them. He was going crazy in here, and the slimy Serpentine were terrible company.

Looking back up at the sky, he let his gaze fall on the North Star. Lloyd didn’t know much about constellations or different stars, but he knew that one. It wasn’t too hard to spot, especially on this dark night- bigger and brighter than all the rest.

Lloyd remembered what Brad had told him back at school- that supposedly you could see this star from anywhere. It was a guide, a wayfinder, a path back to home.

Biting his lip, he glanced around to see if anyone was watching him. No one was- of course they weren’t, why would they be- so he turned his gaze on the North Star and whispered under his breath.

“Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.”

Closing his eyes, he thought the wish in his head as hard as he could- saying it out loud would make it not come true, of course- and hoped against all odds, that this time, for once, his wish would actually be granted.

Opening his eyes again, he fixated on the star again.

Maybe, wherever the ninja were, they were watching that star, too.

---

Stiix, 2015

If there was ever a time in his life that Lloyd had wished he had brought a jacket with him, it was now.

Not that he had really had an opportunity to get a jacket in the first place- it would’ve had to been when he had first gone down to investigate that stupid museum robbery, weeks ago at this point- but his point still stood. He was freezing.

A cold breeze rattled eerily through the bars of his cage, swaying it slightly, and Lloyd pulled the dirty, worn mess that was his gi tighter around him. Alright, he got that Morro wanted him to suffer in every way possible, but did he really have to hang his cage all the way up here?

Another gust rocked the cage a little harder, and Lloyd grabbed hold of the bars, whiteknuckling as he tried not to look at the churning waters of the lake not too far to his right. It was all too easy to imagine the cage rolling into the dark, choppy waves if a strong enough gust were to knock him loose.

The hands that gripped the cage bars were pale and trembling, so that Lloyd barely recognized them as his own. He cursed himself- even this brief, fleeting moment of relief from Morro’s possession really wasn’t much of a relief at all because of how much his body was screaming in agony. He was so weak, and even if, by some miracle, an opportunity was presented for him to escape, he would never be able to take it. He wasn’t even sure if he could move.

As if to accentuate his point, Lloyd’s stomach suddenly growled loudly, agonizing cramps ripping through it as he curled in on himself, moaning. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had eaten. He bit his lip, trying to distract himself from the unbearable hunger pangs. Even Cole’s nasty chili sounded heavenly about now, and he felt himself start to cry as he thought of the black ninja, wishing his friend was here now, with or without food.

But the only person there was Ronin. Lloyd craned his neck to peer through the hole in the roof of the man’s pawn shop. Ronin was scowling, his hands securely tied up behind his back as he glared at the floor. He was looking a little better than he had a half hour ago, his skin less of an ashy shade, and some of the color seeping back into his cheeks, but he still was slumped over weakly, trembling slightly.

Even though Lloyd hardly knew him, he felt his heart go out to the man. He was one of the few people in Ninjago who knew how it felt, to be possessed by a ghost- and honestly, Lloyd was impressed that Ronin had recovered this much in such a short amount of time. The first time Lloyd had been released from Morro’s grip, it… well, he preferred not to relive the memories, but it had not been pretty.

Suddenly, he caught sight of a flicker of translucent green glide past Ronin, and Lloyd lurched back from the edge, pressing his back against the opposite side of the cage, gasping. He was still lurking around. Lloyd didn’t even want to look at him, he didn’t want to think about how, all too soon, the ghost would be slipping back inside him, filling his mind, taking over his bones-

Lloyd cut off the flow of thoughts violently, breathing heavily as he tried to contain it. He- he couldn’t think about that now. There would be plenty of time for trauma later, but now his poor body couldn’t handle anymore.

Trying to get his pounding heart to slow, Lloyd swallowed- and immediately regretted it as his throat seared. Ow, he groaned silently, not daring to speak. His throat felt impossibly dry- Morro had given him some water a little while ago, after he was safely out of Lloyd’s body, but the stale, warm liquid had done little to alleviate the raging heat in his throat. Just the thought of water made his head throb, and Lloyd clutched tightly onto the bars, trying not to pass out.

He had barely gotten over his dizzy spell when his stomach suddenly cramped again, loud gurgles and whines bubbling from it as he braced himself.

The pain came much worse than any time before, and it was only the promise of pain from his throat that kept him from crying out. The cramping continued to flare for much longer than usual, and Lloyd began breathing heavier, tears pricking his eyes as he prayed for relief, which came a few moments later, slowly and reluctantly.

Dammit, I haven’t had it this bad since my days wandering the streets, back when I was nine. How long has it been since I last ate?

He hoped Morro would feed him soon. The ghost would need to put some fuel in Lloyd’s body if he wanted to continue to use it, and Lloyd wasn’t sure how much longer he could run without food. If he didn’t get anything soon, he would probably have to ask Morro to give him something, which was always humiliating because the ghost always found some way to make him beg for what he wanted.

It wasn’t like he could ask for anything in this state, anyway. Why did it feel like every part of his body was actively trying to kill him?

Needing something- anything- to distract him from his pain, he found himself looking up for the first time since he had been there.

The night skies of Stiix were breathtaking, stars littering the air like glitter. Even with everything going on, Lloyd felt himself stop for a minute, taking in the beauty of it all.

It would’ve been a perfect night to go stargazing, back home.

Lloyd’s fascination with the stars hadn’t faded since his capture in the desert all those years ago, and he had kept his promise to himself to keep watching them. The others would accompany him once in a while, although he sensed that it was mostly just so that he wouldn’t be alone.

Kai’s feelings, however, had always been more genuine. He and his friend had spent hours studying the different constellations, charting the stars, and going out on the prime stargazing nights. The outings weren’t just about the stars, either. They would chat for hours- about silly things, serious things, or nothing at all. Out there, alone in the darkness, it had just been the two of them and the stars. There had been something intimate and comforting about it, especially on the hard nights. If he was having nightmares again, all he would have to do was wake Kai up and they would go, no questions asked. Sometimes they talked about it, sometimes they didn’t. But what was important was that Kai was always there, as unfading and unfaltering as the stars themselves.

Yet here he was, the stars shining above him, and Kai was miles from here. The last time he had seen him, Lloyd had tried to kill him. His best friend.

No, he reminded himself fiercely. That was Morro in control then. I saved Kai’s life by fighting back.

But he should’ve done more. He had seen his friend escape with cuts and wounds, while Kai had tried so hard to not hurt Lloyd.

Damn, none of that mattered. Kai would forgive him, he always did. Lloyd just wanted to see him again. He’d know what to say to make Lloyd feel better.

Or, at least, he would just hug him. Lloyd really wanted to be held. The only person who had touched him recently was the ghosts, who more so phased through him than touched him.

Wrapping his arms around himself, he looked up at the stars again. Maybe Kai was staring up at them now, too, thinking of him.

The thought made a smile flicker across his lips, and for a moment, he thought he felt a shoulder pressing against his.

He turned his head. No one was there. Of course they weren’t.

Lloyd looked back at the stars desperately, longing for the sensation again. But, unsurprisingly, nothing happened. He had just imagined it.

It was just Lloyd and the stars, together again, yet lonelier than ever.

---

The Temple of Resurrection, Present Day

Lloyd gasped, blinking back the tears that were welling in his eyes. The sky above him came into sharper focus as he did so. But this time, when he gazed up, he didn’t get the little skip in his heart he always felt when watching the stars. Perhaps it had something to do with being so deep in the city, but they felt colder and more distant than usual.

Even the stars were against him tonight, it seemed.

Maybe his luck had finally run out.

That was probably for the best. It seemed like every time Lloyd got himself captured, Kai managed to plunge himself headfirst into danger, and would almost get himself killed.

Lloyd really hated that about him. If Kai ever died trying to save him, he would never forgive himself. It would be better for everyone if they stayed far away from here.

But then Harumi will succeed in bringing my father back.

Lloyd put his head down. He didn’t know what to do. He just wanted everyone to be safe, but he always managed to mess things up, to throw a wrench in their plans.

And this time, he had messed up so much worse. His father was going to come back, the city was going to be destroyed, Harumi was going to win.

And this time, he didn’t know how to fix it.

Suddenly, a flash caught the edge of his vision, and Lloyd whipped his head towards it, sucking in his breath. A shooting star. He hadn’t seen one of those in years.

Those are lucky, he thought, unbidden. For special wishes.

He was being silly. That was just a dumb old superstition. He wasn’t a little kid anymore, he had stopped wishing on stars a long time ago.

“Make a wish, Lloyd.”

“Go away, Kai,” he grumbled. “You’re not really here. The last thing I need is the Sons of Garmadon laughing at me for talking to myself.”

The red ninja pointed to the sky. “You’re going to miss it.”

“I’m not going to wish on that stupid star, okay?”

“Why won’t you do it anymore? I miss when we used to talk about the stars.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not a kid anymore.”

“It’s never too late, bud.”

“Yes, it is!”

“Why?”

“Just leave me alone!”

When he looked up again, Kai- or rather, the illusion of Kai- was gone.

“... because I can’t,” he whispered, to whom, he didn’t know. “Not anymore. My life hasn’t been that simple for a long time. Even the luckiest of wishing stars isn’t going to change that.”

Closing his eyes, he blocked out the twinkling lights above him, letting his vision succumb to blackness.

[laismoura-art]

I think it's funny how the most hated women in this game were

Tanya (black girl here with black girl hair🎶 no longer hypersexualised and now open and loudly queer)

Li Mei (looking older and now no longer hypersexualised)

Sareena (no longer hypersexualised)

Harumi (out of the fridge and no longer a footnote on a man's story)

It is also quite funny how while these women were called "blackwashed," "ugly," and "better left dead" (honestly, these bastards), Sonya Blade was often complimented from her beauty!

And don't get me wrong, Sonya IS STUNNING! But having this be the game where she's praised the most, the game where she's the only white, blonde female, and where she's only a cameo who doesn't have a active role in the story (Heck, she's not even in the story) sounds pretty freaking sus!

SOMEONE WHO DESERVES SO MUCH BETTER !! i hate the way the fandom treat her :( y’all don’t get her like i do 😒

[goldenkamuyhunting]

Ramblings and crazy theory time about GK chap 276 “Fried shrimp”

New chapter before the break in which we get to meet…

…yeah, Hanazawa’s sacrificial sheep, Yuusaku. The poor guy seems to believe he shares his father’s beliefs on how he (Yuusaku, sadly not Hanazawa) has to die for the well being of the country… as if he were the antichrist or something like that.

So we’ve left Sugimoto showing, in his hurry to eat the fried shrimp, that he has not the slightest idea how to use western cutlery, realizing he has messed up and thinking, in panic, he’ll have to signal to Kikuta already about his failure.

I mean, Sugimoto, if you’ve no idea what to do just let Kaeko start eating first and then copy what she does.

Anyway, luckily for him, Kaeko thinks she’s making a joke and Sugimoto takes advantage of it, saying he did it to lighten the tension.

She then observes he’s still wearing his cap, asking him if that too is due to him being tense. Sugimoto removes it, then claims at the academy they eat in Japanese style so he’s not used to this.

Kaeko notices there’s a difference between him and the photo but she’s pleased by his look anyway and continues not to suspect anything.

Anyway Kaeko gives him tips on how to eat the food, which, as usual, pleases Sugimoto greatly. He asks her if she comes there often and it turns out she does, as well as visiting other expensive places. Sugimoto thinks at how he, instead, after his father died, was in such a poor situation he resorted to steal the food that was given to cats.

We get a one page image with Sugimoto, in his dark uniform seated in this white and luxurious place, as if he were a dark spot clearly out of place in all that white luxury, his gaze downcast as he looks at the food in front of himself and is forced to take conscience of the huge divide between his world and Kaeko’s.

Later he’s with Kikuta again and claims since he kept silent, he should have felt like a boring guy, which should have displeased Kaeko. Kikuta is predictably happy and tells him since marriage interviews involve more than one meeting he’ll be counting on Sugimoto again.

Sadly for him, Sugimoto is seriously mistaken in regard to Kaeko’s reaction to his behaviour.

In fact Kaeko is delighted with ‘Yuusaku’, thinking he was just a quiet man, who kept on nodding at whatever she said without disagreeing with her and who had an awesome look.

In a way this is interesting because it’s clear Sugimoto thinks to impress a girl he should be vivacious and talkative, strong and assuring, when this isn’t necessarily what girls search in men.

Toraji never beat Sugimoto and was even prone to cry and yet Umeko loved him because he would do everything for her.

Tanigaki is quiet and grumpy as a bear yet Inkarmat ended up liking him because he was actually gentle with her.

Shinpei is a coward, yet Chiyoko wants him because, again, he is willing to leave his life for her.

Girls aren’t all made with the same mould, Sugi, they are different one from the other. Not everyone likes the loud type and it’s kind of relevant how, ultimately, the girl in GK ultimately chose men who just cared for them.

Kaeko assumed Yuusaku did her the kindness to let her speak without him disagreeing, that he tried to make her relax with a joke, in short that he was kind with her, though clearly Sugimoto’s look also played a part in this.

Anyway Kaeko’s maid warns her about how she cares too much for the look of men, which is why she lost many chances to get married so yes, Sugimoto’s good looks played a huge part in why Kaeko liked him.

Back to Sugimoto he complains he can’t believe how someone would marry someone else only after meeting them a few times. Kikuta explains him that’s how it works among the upper classes and Sugimoto ends up on talking with him about Toraji and Umeko… and this is relevant because instead he kept for a really long time the matter for himself when with Asirpa and Shiraishi and was reluctant to talk about it.

Sugimoto concludes his tale pointing out how Toraji told him he was still Umeko’s number one yet she married Toraji so he wonders if this sort of things happen as well.

Kikuta gets angry, asking him if he’s wondering if Umeko is happy after marrying Toraji and what does he understand about women.

Kikuta views his words as arrogance, as Sugimoto thinking he’ll always stay number one in her heart, she always pining after him and never being happy with Toraji… and yes, this is what in a way Sugimoto hopes, because he’s unhappy without her and thinks it’s not fair how Toraji took her from him and a side of him probably would like to hope she’ll jump Toraji for him in the future.

Kikuta points out how this is rude toward Umeko and Toraji, how women are capable to move on from a failed love story and start another, without remaining dependant on the man they had lost and how Sugimoto should apologize to them both.

Sugimoto doesn’t get why Kikuta got so mad and wonders if he’s just being pathetic because he can’t let go of things. Kikuta’s mood changes radically and he assures him it’s absolutely normal for men to be pitiful creatures who can’t let go of the woman they love.

I wonder if part of Kikuta’s reaction is due to him living an experience similar to Sugimoto. Did he too pined for a woman who ultimately chose another? Or was he the replacement for such a man?

Anyway Kikuta tells him that, as a man, he should understand Toraji and leave the whole thing behind himself, firmly and completely. So hum, yes, I tend to think Kikuta lived through something similar as Sugimoto.

Anyway Kikuta’s support brightens Sugimoto up, who smiles and agrees to do so.

I think Sugimoto is starting to see Kikuta as some sort of father figure, who feeds him and scolds him and accept him. He’s a replacement family in a way.

I wonder if it’s due to his discussion with Kikuta that Sugimoto became reserved on the topic, for fear to look pathetic… or it’s just due to Toraji’s death. He feels guilty because deep inside himself he had hoped for Toraji to get out of the picture and when it happened in such way, it broke him.

Anyway Kaeko’s maid is giving her tips on how to seduce ‘Yuusaku’, get him into the right mood and then wrap her legs around him. Kaeko is determined to get ‘Yuusaku’ and her maid is very encouraging about this.

Kaeko comments that since men who chose brides from her school do so for her pedigree and looks, there’s no problems if she does the same. ‘Yuusaku’ is good looking and of a high social ranking so he’s perfect for her.

As she thinks so she realizes her cousin might chide her for focusing too much on appearance but he also picked up a country girl with curly unruly hair merely due to her look and now he seems to be really happy… and so now we know what had happened to Igogusa/Harumi Chiyo.

She really left her hometown because she married the son of a manager from Mitsubishi, which is to say Kaeko’s cousin. Well, in a way it’s a relief. I’m glad to know she’s alive and I hope she’s also happy.

In short Tsurumi was honest the first time, when he said how a man from Mitsubishi wanted her as a wife for his son, and Tsurumi only tricked Tsukishima with the story Tsukishima was told in Mudken, in which he made Tsukishima first believe she was killed by his father, then that Tsurumi merely made things look like that, so he could make Tsukishima feel indebted to him even more.

Also this means Tsukishima really killed his father over nothing, as the man might have many faults but didn’t cause Chiyo to die.

Kikuta and Sugimoto are out eating in a poor restaurant, Sugimoto thinking at the fried shrimps and feeling angry and jealous at how upper class people can eat them. Kikuta reminds him that’s how it works in Tokyo.

Sugimoto then wonders if Yuusaku wants to be a flag bearer. Kikuta says his job is only to protect Yuusaku’s virginity and have the lady rejected as gently as possible. Sugimoto insists Yuusaku might want to eat fried shrimp instead than joining the army. I mean Sugi, in the past chapter you considered joining the army so as to get food… I get your situation is desperate because you were literally starving but food serves little when you’re sent out to fight and die in a war… and you realize this only when you think Yuusaku, instead than dying in a war, might want to eat fried shrimp?

Kikuta insists Sugimoto shouldn’t worry about Yuusaku… but those are wasted words.

Sugimoto dresses up  in Kikuta’s uniform and goes to meet Yuusaku, telling him he’d heard his father wants him to become the regimental flag bearer. Yuusaku is confused but points out this will be only if he gets chosen for the position…

...which makes him pretty naïve because of course his father can hugely influence the choice if he’s already set on having him in that role.

Have I mentioned in this ramblings how Hanazawa senior is a jerk? No, I think I haven’t yet so here it is, Hanazawa senior is a jerk.

Sugimoto asks him why his father would want such a role for him, wondering if it’s maybe Hanazawa thinks there won’t be a war.

Yuusaku ‘reassures’ him it’s quite the opposite, his father believes there will be a war soon and what a better chance than to make use of his son for his honour by putting him in the riskiest position with the highest death rate? Because what’s a son if not cannon fodder meant to be used for his father’s honour?

Hanazawa is a disgusting person.

Sugimoto asks Yuusaku if he wants to be a flag bearer and Yuusaku… circles around the subject, saying if he’s chosen he’ll feel pride. Yeah, because who doesn’t want to die as a sacrificial lamb for his father’s social standing?

Sugimoto asks him if he’s merely trying to met his father’s expectations.

Yuusaku sweats and denies it, asking him what does he wants.

Sugimoto says he just wants to know how he feels.

Yuusaku explains Hanazawa (at this point, as Alessandro Manzoni would have said “I have not the hear to call that guy ‘his father’”) told him about how his life can be used for the good of Japan so Yuusaku believes using his life for the good of Japan is the right thing to do.

Dear God, this man really viewed his sons as pawns to use and dispose when they weren’t useful anymore. Is he ever human? Or there’s only duty and honour running in his veins?

Sugimoto, who has no idea Yuusaku is the kind who’s stubborn as hell and would have refused anyway, thinks Yuusaku’s problem is merely he thinks he only have one path open, but wouldn’t think so if he were to know there’s another path, one they’re hiding from him.

No Sugimoto, the problem is actually Hanazawa completely brainwashed his son, to turn him into a noble and righteous icon without even knowing well why except that daddy thinks that’s the best way for him to live his life.

Hanazawa is a jerk.

On a sidenote I hate this situation even more exactly because Yuusaku is basically brainwashed. Each time he has to explains his position he uses as argument what his father told him, yes, he says he came to believe it too, but it doesn’t seem like it’s something he came up on his own, or something he gave deep thought about, but something that was merely put into his mind by all of Hanazawa’s talk.

Maybe it’s just me but Yuusaku always feel more like not thinking for himself but merely reporting what his father told him to think. Whatever, let’s go on.

Meanwhile Yuusaku proves he can be observant, as he notices Sugimoto is wearing Kikuta’s cap due to it being stitched in a little area due to a hole made when Kikuta has been nearly killed by an officer candidate during shooting training. Sugimoto tries to cover up the thing by claiming he got the hat from Kikuta, but this is even more suspicious as that cap belonged to Kikuta’s little brother who died of illness during the war with China.

This is probably why Kikuta is adopting young men… but at the same time, although he should know Yuusaku since Yuusaku knows him so well, he has little to no sympathy for his fate and will show complete disinterest for Koito as well. I do wonder if Kikuta has issues with people from the upper classes.

He trains officer candidates but this might have exposed him even more to the differences between classes and made him think low of them. We’ll see.

On another side I wonder if Yuusaku will do something out of this information there’s someone wearing Kikuta’s cap and who’s asking him if he’s okay with being the flag bearer.

This little exchange proved Yuusaku can be observant and connect the dots so now if only he were to think a little more he could prove himself to be more than just his father’s puppet.

Anyway as Sugimoto walks for the city, holding his cap in his hands he gets careless and slams against someone… this someone turns out to be the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse…

...pardon, I mean Tsukishima, who’s with Usami, Ogata and Tsurumi (please notice how the light shines on them as if they were some sort of saviours or angels from above), the four of them all enjoying a trip to Tokyo prior to the start of the apocalypse… Tsurumi’s plan, I mean… because really, it would feel to absurd to have those 4 in Tokyo just for a touristic trip, so they had to be there to pursue Tsurumi’s plan.

Okay, I know, maybe the apocalypse was safer than what Tsurumi’s plan will turn out.

Anyway, some random observations on them.

From the 27 on Ogata and Usami’s shoulders we can see they’re already in the 7th division.

From the stripe on Ogata’s sleeve we can see he’s a second class superior private, meaning he has just enrolled in the army since, second class privates should have been automatically promoted to first class after 6 months (at least from the info I have who’re dated past GK so it might be things were different that early on). It’s 1901 so he should be 19. It means he enrolled in the army earlier as although one could join the army from when he was 17, the norm was they would be examined for fitness at 20 and, if judged fit then they would join the army for a 2 years period of training.

Considering Noda said Ogata studied Russian with Tsukishima and Tsukishima went in Russia with Tsurumi much earlier on, it seems that Tsurumi recruited Ogata prior to him being able to enrol in the army.

Usami should be a year older, so he’s still pretty young. Did they join together or Usami also joined much earlier than planned? We’ll see.

Anyway the 4 of them are having a trip to Tokyo… and I can’t help but think if Tsurumi went in Tokyo with 3 of his soldiers whom he has twisted with ‘love’, things are likely going to turn troublesome.

LOL, now let’s only hope Sugimoto won’t introduce himself as Yuusaku… though if he were it could be that Tsurumi would spot the lie immediately and that’s why Ogata knows passing for an officer is a dumb plan.

On another side... this might be the moment in which Yuusaku and Ogata first met. I’m honestly scared.

Oh well, we’ll see.

Overall this chapter provided us some info and was nice but not that emotionally compelling, it merely seemed to plan to set up things for the next developments.

Anyway next week there’s a break so we’re in for a long wait.

[keity-devil]

I made this mini fic and art because of these, Miracles! From what you know, (if you found out), Morro and Harumi are cousins! And Harumi and Lloyd 'siblings', as Tommy Andreasen wrote on Twitter.

And honestly, I'm glad they're relatives. Because I don't ship Morrumi. At ALL. Sorry for those who did. If you still do, it's not my problem, everyone has their own tastes.

And I made a mini fic! At 5 AM. Because- because yes, mhm. Enjoy.

The Lost Souls

--

Two souls. Two lost. Two injured. Two without a family. Two who hoped to find peace, but found only sadness. Two trying to repair their reputation and wounded souls.

Morro and Harumi didn't know how, but they were there. Where exactly? They didn't know that either. All around them was white, white and white, everything was white. There were no visible corners, and no so dense or high sage and red smoke around them.

Morro looked at the girl in front of him, and Harumi looked at the boy in front of her.

"You seem... weird to familiar to me." Harumi had begun. Her voice echoed. It was clear to them now, the place where they were was huge.

"Now that you say... you look a little for me too." Morro approves, still confused, with the troubled memories in his mind.

"Harumi." She introduced herself.

"Morro..." He didn't answer at first.

They stayed- they don't know how long they stayed there. But they stayed seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, maybe even years in the sea of ​​whiteness. They had no way of knowing, there was no clock or landmark.

Slowly, they began to know each other better. Their childhood was similar to one another, and their character, but a little or big diffrent. They had both hated Lloyd Garmadon, the Green Ninja. But they realized, late, but they did it, that it wasn't his fault. Not Him.

Morro had no family. If he had, he couldn't remember. The only thing close to his word and family feeling was Wu. Otherwise, nothing. He and Harumi had similarities, so he tried an idea that resonated in his mind for a while and didn't give him peace.

"We are.. do you think... do you think we could be relatives? Cousins?"

"My mother had a sister who.. looked like you." She talk. "And I know that, if I remember correctly, she also had a child. I don't remember.. but I think Aura was her name? But I don't know what happened to them. So, maybe. I mean, we have quite a few similarities in common."

Morro was watching her. His body was beginning to tremble slowly. Too many feelings. He felt like he couldn't resist. If what she was saying was true, was his mother really called Aura? He had a family...?

"M-Morro?!" He threw himself into her arms.

"I had a family.. And I found a member of it after years...!"

Harumi realized that Morro was just like her. Lost. Alone. Broken heart. Her parents were killed for her to live, and his, it is not known what happened to them. They both hit the streets life. They were both taken under someone's wing, loved. But they both had a tragic end, and only at the end did their eyes open.

They stayed like that for a while, rejoicing that they were reunited with someone in their family after years and years.

.

.

.

Another soul. Lost too. Hurt by many, mentally and physically, he opens his eyes. White, white, and white again. Sage smoke, red, gold now, walked slowly around his feet.

"Is... is anyone here?!"

.

.

.

The voice was too familiar. Too Gilded Green, Too Ancient Title Almighty. They turned their attention, seeing a blonde boy lost in the distance.

"Lloyd?" They said suddenly. Their voices echoed.

Lloyd saw them, he heard them. He didn't know how to react. The girl he liked and broke his heart, brought his evil father back to Ninjago, was with the boy who had possessed him for the title of Green Ninja, who tried to kill his friends and curse Ninjago, they were next to each other, in front of Him, with Him. Lloyd was about to step back.

"Stay!" Harumi spoke. "No.. don't leave. We just want to talk. Please, Lloyd. We won't hurt you, we promise. If you want, you can stay there, we can stay here. Just listen to us."

Lloyd took her words skeptically, but sat down where he was. He was on high guard, but he wanted to know what they were going to tell him. Harumi sighed calmly that they had managed to persuade him to listen. She was looking at Morro, who did not seem to feel in his waters that he was in the same room as Lloyd.

"Are you... feeling well, Morro?"

"Yes...! Yes. Heh.. yes." He was not. He was very sorry. He was looking at Lloyd, and he wanted to throw himself back into that cold, burning water. He later find out that Lloyd was really just.. a child.

"So? What do you want? Where am I? Have you two joined forces and want to kill me?! If that's a Yes, this will not happen."

"No. We don't want that. Actually..." She looked at Morro, who nodded slowly. "We want to apologize."

"What?!" Lloyd was watching them. "You're kidding..."

"We're not kidding."

There was a small silence. Harumi looked at her cousin, who had begun to hug his feet, staring at the ground. She knew he wasn't going to talk too soon, so she started-

"Lloyd, I'm sorry." Morro had spoken first to the girl's surprise. "I shouldn't have possessed you then, to put all my anger on you. It wasn't your fault and I realized too late that.. you were just a child.. I was an idiot! Blind. I'd was blinded by a stupid Prophecy! Forgive me, but you don't have to, I don't forgive myself either. I just... I want you to know I'm sorry, Lloyd. You didn't deserve anything bad in your life. You're too, good..."

Lloyd listens. Process. But he didn't say anything.

Harumi had realized that Lloyd wouldn't tell them anything, not yet. It was her turn now.

"Lloyd, I realized my mistake late." His attention was on her now. "I know that maybe these excuses really don't mean anything now, that the deed has already been done, but I want you to know... that I'm sorry. I wanted so much to see my parents again, I was so depressed by their death, and you.. you were the only one who was in the light to blame for my loss.. It wasn't your fault.. I realized this late. Hate has corrupted my mind and I'm sorry I broke your heart. Hey, it wouldn't have worked. We're relatives, cousins, aren't we, Morro?"

"Cousins?" Lloyd was confused for a long time, and his voice echoed.

"Well, yes. Morro and I have-" Giggle. "We have time to talk. A lot, time. And I found out that we have a lot in common, that maybe we are really relatives, cousins. And from what Morro told me about his experience with Wu, that in a way Wu is Morro's adoptive father, that means he is his son, Morro your cousin, and I may be very presentiment to be Morro's cousin, that makes us all three relatives, cousins!"

Lloyd was almost gaping. Many details and information suddenly thrown away carefully. But something seemed to light up in him, in his good and bright golden soul.

"Does that mean we're cousins...? All three of us?!"

"So it seems." Harumi approved, smiling briefly.

Lloyd thought for a while. Try to find the best way for him to handle the situation. Just now had two cousins, who were former criminals, but they were his. He gets up and get closer to them, sitting down again.

"Morro, Harumi," They looked at him curiously and with a little fear. "Everyone deserves a second chance, doesn't they? And a bad season everyone in this family had, right? Even me."

Morro and Harumi felt forgiven, smiling. One weaker than the other.

"And can we all get back to Ninjago?" Lloyd asked.

"That... we don't know that, Lloyd." Morro replied.

"Do you know how you got here?"

"No. We woke up here. We don't know how we got here or where exactly we are in the first place."

"Well," Lloyd stood up. "How about we find the way out together as a family."

In front of them were Lloyd's hands outstretched in front of them, with his smile. The eyes of the two former villains had met, following in his blondy hands, rising from the ground like a Family.

------------

Aura is a character create by me and Blossom.