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kusagrasskusa · 2 years

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Mortal Kombat Males X Reader Imagines - VILLAIN EDITION :D - "Falling In Love" - Part 2

HOW THE FUCK AM I JUST NOW LEARNING THAT KUNG JIN IS GAY AND MILEENA WAS IN LOVE WITH TANYA- and who the FUCK is Meat?

Kano, Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, Ermac, Shao Kahn, Baraka, Scorpion, Noob, Goro, Reptile, and Erron Black.

FOR ALL THE NOOB FANS, I'M SO SORRY SKSJHSJ IT'S SO EFFORTLESS SINCE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AJFHSJSHSJJA (and thank you commenters of We're All Mad Here by SJ Tucker for the help)

I know some people hate it when writers engrave a song they like into their story, because a lot of the time, the reader doesn't know the song and just wants to get to the story instead. Reptile's part does have reference to He Is by Ghost, but it isn't much, I promise! I'm kinda listening to it right now and feel influenced by it haha

@wants2fight @bihansthot @jt-artsandfics @thetigerandthedoe @theelderhazlenut Thanks for the support on part 1!!!

~~~~~~

Scorpion

Y/N L/N was no fighter, nor could she even bare the thought of a person being cut. So what made Quan Chi want to keep her around? Simple; she had detailed vision, accurate predictions, and a personality that makes her loyal, vulnerable, honest, and weak. She was kind and entire harmless as she's been scared by so many things in the NetherRealm that she's barely capable of talking without stuttering. She holds her arms close together and talks quietly and nervously, looking at the ground and being shaking whenever she's around people. She cries when she alone and seemingly has forgotten how to smile.

Being under the watchful eyes of the hellspawns of Lui Kang, Kitana, and all those, Y/N is scared senseless all the time. It's not like she's given an outfit or armor to resist hits and fire; she's sorta expected to wear a dress, kimono, or something civil. Therefore, she gets constant burns, cuts, and others from crackling lava and hits from the demons. She's treated constantly for her wounds.

Scorpion is the most humane of all the hellspawns. This takes place in Mortal Kombat X before some people are freed from Quan Chi's control, however even with all these different creatures Y/N still knows Scorpion is more alive. He's a slave, however he still feels constant pain whereas the others simply believe something happened to them but otherwise feel nothing bad. They're empty shells that survive off a lie planted in their heads.

Scorpion is typically the one escorting Y/N around, as he knows Hell more than any of the other revenants. They always walk silently side by side, and Y/N's also so thankful of which. She's heard of Scorpion and knows about his past entirely, but she's always been too scared to tell him. Scorpion felt pity for the girl, however he never knew her enough to truly care for her.

At least, that was until one day. Y/N was being escorted to her chamber after being burned badly by Lui Kang for not speaking straight. She was in tears, shivering, and whimpering. Suddenly, for the first time, she boldly grabbed Scorpion's sleeve softly and stopped him. She then leaned her head on his arm, breaking down in tears. She begged to be killed by him as what she's going through it worse than death. Servitude, severe abuse, constant fear, no family or friends, not even the strength to talk right is only a few of what she goes through. The demon pat her shoulder and waited for her to stop before returning her to her chamber.

No judgements, no pain, nothing negative came from rather embarrassing act from Y/N. Hell, just emoting was embarrassment to someone who was considered weak. Though the very next day when Y/N was being escorted, Scorpion mentioned out of no where that she had a very difficult life and that he pities her. She shouldn't be afraid to cry around him, he explained. As if she was in a small concrete room filled with poison, blades, and monsters, Y/N felt trap. But just a few sentences by Scorpion made her feel as if the walls of that cage were cracking, giving her a chance to possibly escape her harsh world.

Whenever they were alone, Y/N would stutter out how she feels and what she has to endure. She would explain she had no chance of defending herself since she isn't allowed to even carry a glass shard. She's a slave due to her knowledge and killing herself wouldn't do anything as Quan Chi could revive her. Much to the girl's surprise, Scorpion had slowed down their paces to listen to every word she spoke as if he cared.

It would take many events like this before Y/N would finally fully trust the demon enough to talk more in depth about out her feelings. Often times, she would break down crying and Scorpion would be by her side, holding her with one arm. He didn't have to do anything to help her at all, but had a reason to. Y/N was a small, loving woman who's scared, helpless, and weak against those trying to kill her every second of her life. Yet despite these traumas, the trust in her prevails revealing just how innocent she really is. It reminds him of someone who was very close to him and how scared and helpless she must have been when she passed.

Y/N was sleeping in her room one particular night, and had a dream about Scorpion. He was alive and well, on a table drinking tea with someone who she knows he hates. Sub Zero spoke about how he knows the truth of his family and clan, and later on shows him proof that Quan Chi killed all of them. The suppressed sadness Scorpion felt was unleashed and his anger was redirected. It was when the two ninjas promised a truce did Y/N wake up, shaking with shock and smile on her face.

Just then, she got a knock on her door meaning that Quan Chi needed her. She got up and opened the door, revealing Scorpion. He immediately noticed her smile and tears at the corner of her eyes, asking about what had happened. After all, she hadn't smiled genuinely in so fucking long. She then nervously giggled, shaking her head. "I had a vision about you. But I think it's best if you wait for it to happen. In advance, I'm so happy for you!" A sense of relief washed over his body as if he was wanting to hear something good about him for a while.

It just so happened Scorpion was to escort her somewhere further away, making room for a long conversation between. During the walk, Y/N couldn't stop smiling and Scorpion couldn't help but notice. Then he asked on a desperate tone if he would return to life. Y/N looked up at him, replying with, "so much more than just life." That said it all for Scorpion. He knew he would relive, restore the Shirai Ryu, and get revenge.

Quan Chi had asked Y/N to tell him the outcome of Special Forces invading NetherRealm as he found out it was inevitable. Looking into the future, she found out that it wasn't going to be what Quan Chi likes. She stuttered out a few filler words as she fidgeted with her hands. The sorcerer scowled, raising his voice at Y/N for not giving him a clear answer. She stuttered out that Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage would defeat him and the revenants and force them into hiding.

Quan Chi hissed and slapped the girl, yelling at her for "given the wrong fate." Y/N yelled out that she was being truthful and explained more in depth of what would happen. The sorcerer raised his hand above the girl, however before he could strike, a voice yelled out for him to stop. Scorpion held his hand out in a halt sign while his other hand pulled Y/N away from Quan Chi's range. The girl yelped and covered her head with her arms out of fear whenever Quan Chi began to yell.

To say that Scorpion received harsh punishment would have been an understatement if Y/N hadn't stopped it. Just as Quan Chi was about to react, the girl had jumped in the way and yelled out that if something happened, some of revenants will die and thats not something to risk. It was a lie, of course, but she had to lie. Later, Scorpion had thanked her and suddenly, the idea of his died wife came into his mind. How he felt when he met her to when he asked her to his forever.

The thought wouldn't leave him. Such a shame that only mere days later, he wasn't able to see her as much at all. Even if he was the one to put her into hiding whenever the SP attacked, he wasn't satisfied. Saying goodbye to a woman he began to love was heartbreaking. Putting her into that crate in a dark, unoccupied room was dreaded for him. Y/N, that sweet girl, was however able to calm him. "Scorpion," she whimpered out, wiping her fearful tears. She knew what would happen so she just smiled at him. "It's time!"

When Scorpion returned to the abandoned Shirai Ryu as a mortal again, he couldn't think about anything else but restoring it. Although he felt empty now without that girl, this would satiate his needs for now. As he'd train and piece by piece being back his clan, the idea of one day taking back Y/N from hell wouldn't leave his mind even in sleep. One day, he promised himself. One day she'll be free again.

Y/N'a life had taken a terrible turn. She couldn't kill herself or she'll lose her humanity and simply turn into a demonic servant. There was no escape to her servitude and pain. She wanted to be happy too, considering that such an incredible person had returned along with a few others. But her mental and physical anguish was too much. Quan Chi would assure her youth as well.

20 years later...

Blindfolded and cuffed, Y/N sat down in a seat surrounded by guards from the SP. In front of her stood the blind swordsman known as Kenshi. Despite his best efforts, he wasn't able to see into her mind. It's unclear as to why, but it seems no one was ever able to see into her mind. Afterall, Quan Chi wouldn't have needed her to tell him anything if he could see into her mind. Kenshi may have not been able to look into her mind, but her submissive and uneasy nature proved to him that she was just very nervous and therefore easier to read. She was very honest.

Trust didn't come quickly, of course, however it was only enough time until they understood she was simply a slave to the Oni. Captured from her clan, she was held hostage for about 45 years despite her youth. She was kept young, in her 20s, in order to remain healthy for as long as it served Quan Chi. Y/N couldn't help break down crying as she was quickly found innocent.

Actually, it's been a few, maybe 2, days til they finally realized Y/N was innocent. The girl confessed to every single thing she was asked and gave away as much of Quan Chi she knew. Luckily, the timing was right as she was able to watch besides Takeda, Kenshi, and the others as Quan Chi got escorted to another SP camp.

God, that hatred she felt was beyond comprehension. Takeda had wrapped an arm around the girl as she began to whimper, then began to cry. She has to say, the old hoodie she was given in placement of those strangely revealing outfits (c'mon, this is MK) was much more comfortable to cry in. For the first time in 45 years, she would be able to smile and laugh as her confidence would slowly raise. Kenshi airway informed her of the psychological issues she will deal with for the rest of her life, but she didn't care.

In her time as a slave, her confidence was destroyed. She had no individuality and was seen rather as a number with all the other slaves rather than a person. She was beat, abused, humiliated, alone, witness to terrible things, scared, and everything else for what's a lifespan to some people. But finally, she'd see the cause of it be put away for longer than she has. He'll suffer like she did, right?

Of course, she didn't mean put away as in prison. She knows the man she thought about ever since a fateful day would return and imprison that creature in an afterlife. It's only a matter of time.

We all know how it happens. Sonya and the others fight then get held down by Hanzo's clanmembers. Hanzo mercilessly harms Quan Chi before finally, cutting off his head. The excitement held in Y/N's mind is alive as she closes her eyes, waiting for Shinnok to be summoned. She knew it would all happen, but she also knew it was would be okay. Cassie would defeat the newly awoken God.

As Hanzo was casted down with the force of the amulet, Y/N runs towards him. She dropped by his side, grabbing his hand tightly. The terrified girl ignored Shinnok as he spoke, only focusing on the man under her.

When he sees her, that feeling in his chest came back. His eyes widened as his hand weakly tightens around hers, whispering, "Y/N...?" Suddenly, a large smile grows on her face and she begins to giggle.

"I told you, you'll get more than just life. You'll get your revenge, Hanzo Hasashi," she giggled tearfully, pressing his hand up to her cheek. Hanzo weakly smiles back, staring into her eyes.

At least a shared kiss was able to ease the pain momentarily.

Noob Saibot

Noob Saibot. In short, a being of darkness and servitude who lost everything that could ever make him human. He started off a Grandmaster that had a heart of ice after ruthlessly taking the lives of many. However due to someone targeting him for the wrong crime, his life was cut short. Swallowed by flames, the once leader of his clan turned into a being of hatred, darkness, and shadows. He has two separate minds now; Noob, his body. And Saibot, his shadow.

Y/N L/N, a certainly interesting person. She doesn't fight, no, never did. But she does have a strong weapon; her mouth. It's hard to say what drove her to her insanity, however whatever it was ruined the girl for life. With a permanent smile and a mind of riddles, her words always keep people from crossing her. She was simply able to convince people of anything she wanted. Remember how the Cheshire Cat would talk? She was very similar to him.

However, even though he couldn't fight through her strangeness, the original Subzero couldn't stand being with her. So what if she could talk her enemies into killing themselves for the two when they were assigned missions together? Bi Han was an assassin who needed no help. However, with the previous Grandmaster assigning them missions together, there was nothing he could do about it.

Y/N was brought without any ice as a power. She was from the Lin Kuei, however she was nearly abandoned for being labeled useless and insane. Even as a child watching someone fight to the death, a smile remained on her face. Even when seeing two innocent toddlers play with toys, her words could make the entire situation sound as terrible as hearing someone slowly be skinned alive. Her eyes were filled with no emotion at all however her actions were never laced with bad intent.

Growing up together, Bi Han wasn't very fond of the girl. After all, she could talk people into fighting each other just so she can be entertained, therefore ruining his time. However, he was always impressed to to the least.

One of their missions was particularly dangerous. Kill the leader of a neighboring clan while ensuring no one sees them. Well, the mission ended up being a success! But only because Y/N talked everyone she came across to kill themselves for her. And damn that annoyed the Sub Zero.

In the middle of the mission, Bi Han had no problem yelling at the girl for her ignorant actions. How is it that she just has to run her mouth for a few minutes to get them to fucking kill themselves while he has to fight and train his best in order to win a fight and be prepared for the next.

Of course, Y/N just giggled and booped his nose playfully. "Bi Han, darling," she sweetly cooed, "you make an excellent warrior, sir. If you don't need me, I'll simply wait outside next mission, okay?"

So that's what happened. However, the young Bi Han ended up needing help.

Y/N giggled to herself as she watched an enemy slit his own throat open in shame, dying around the rest of his comrades. Bi Han hissed, rolling his eyes and his cheeks heating up under his mask. "Show off."

"You know, I would rather be anywhere else but with you most days. I don't know or care where, just not with you."

"Well," Y/N shrugged cockily, "you'll only know where you want to go when your somewhere you don't want to be."

To be honest, most missions ended up like this. But eventually, Bi Han was able to simply handle himself in these missions. Y/N would smile but damn she felt so bored. Bi Han's ego got big in the meantime, even if he himself wasn't used to winning all the time.

One time however, Y/N decided that she would join in the mission anyway. As the people around her dropped dead, Bi Han simply sighed and retrieved the item they needed. "Strange. You aren't mad? Perhaps the stress was getting to you, hmm?"

"Not at all, Y/N. I simply wanted to get this over with quickly," he answered. "Besides, you looked so bored by yourself."

Y/N smirked, awing. "Aww, did you miss me?" She wrapped her arms around him as he rolled his eyes.

Later on, the two sat down at the table together and ate. In a bit, the two would go on another mission. Y/N brought up randomly how Bi Han didn't react to her hugging him. Bi Han's face turned a little pink as he tsked, shaking his head. At this point in the time, the two were only 15 years old so I'm just saying that childhood crushes are very possible right now.

Quickly brushing off the conversation, Bi Han continue to eat until eventually they both finished.

Let's skip a few years, shall we? The two are 17 years of age and talk about a tournament is coming up in a few years. Two years of training and missions together sure as hell caused the two to get close, even if Y/N annoyed him a lot.

"Sooooo, Bi Han! Do you think we'll fight in the tournament?"

Bi Han tsked, shaking his head. "I will. You, however, will not ever. As son of the Grandmaster, I will be able to set that in stone soon." Y/N giggled, shrugging it off.

"You must hate me, don't you?"

"Hate you? You've clearly never seen me hate someone if you think this is what me hating is like."

Let's be honest right now, Bi Han doesn't hate her in the slightest. As a matter of fact, he grew impressed with her skill more and more among the years. Not only impressed but...feared her skill.

As we all may know, Bi Han was a warrior whose heart was cold from many killing sprees. He couldn't stand someone getting in his way so as he grew to realize that Y/N could easily destroy him, he began to worry.

He feared her and that earned her his respect

But also because I have like no fucking idea what should happenn between these two characters, let's just say Bi Han is some tsundere for Y/N okay? BeCaUsE fOr HiM tO rEsPeCt SoMeOnE sO mUcH, hE MuSt LiKe ThEm DeArLy, AnD tHeIr TiMe GrOwInG uP ToGeThEr LeD tO bI hAn FeElInG iN lOvEeeeeEEE~

Of course, that doesn't mean the girl would love him back. So what if Bi Han would start turning red whenever she hugged him? It didn't make her want to consider the possibility of him liking her. Hell, the thought had never crossed her mind.

Even as a child, the one thing she always thought of was just getting things over with; such as life. All she wants is to just talk to people, maybe make a few friends and enemies, eat, drink, breathe, survive, and all that. Not to be suffering or reclusive, but not to be obsessing over perfection and center of attention. Part of just getting over life was to simply complete her missions until she's in a comfortable place as an assassin.

She never cared about love. She may not be fully developed but she's an old soul. Her strength in her words prove that. So when she tells herself that having a family is something she doesn't want, then having a family is something that will never happen.

But, even if she never wanted to fall in love romantically, she loved Bi Han like a brother. All those hugs, teasing, and playing wasn't just to ease her boredom, but rather because she loved him.

"Bi Han! Look at this!" Y/N called out to her friend in the middle of a dangerous mission. Bi Han jumped, turning towards her with a glare that could fucking kill. She held out a baby turkey to him and silently squealed in awe. "It's so cute! I'm taking her back with us." She put the baby into her scarf to keep her warm and secure as the two would carry out their mission.

"You yelled at me while we were trying to hide just to show me...this?" Bi Han asked as he watched Y/N walk around with the poult following. She giggled, nodding her head. He rolled his eyes and simply accepted the fact that this dumbass managed to get away with kidnapping a baby bird and kill an entire group of skilled fighters by talking.

However, unfortunately, times weren't always this happy.

On Y/N 18th birthday, tragedy struck.

With the turkey who was now 2 years old, fully grown, on Y/N's lap and Bi Han sitting next to her, Y/N managed to have a good time simply by watching the sunset and talking.

Don't ask me how, but it's like the turkey, P/N, was otherworldly. By which I mean that their feathers faded from brown to colorful blues, purples, and red. Their eyes were pure white and it's body was larger than it should be. Not only that, but their wings were capable of shooting feathers out of them. So yeah, turns out Y/N found a turkey from Outworld without even knowing it.

P/N silently purred (yes, turkeys and chickens purr) as Y/N carressed their feathers softly. Bi Han simply sat silently contemplating what he'd say to Y/N. "Hmm...You seem antsy. What's on your mind?" She asked her friend, smiling softly at him.

A pause came between them before he finally replied. "Y/N... We have known each other since childhood and together, we have finally reached adulthood. In that time, we grew so close, did we not? After so long, I," he trailed off. Y/N cocked her head to show she was listening.

"I could not help myself from feeling not only like your friend but something more. The more I think of it, the more I realize that I perhaps care for you not only as a friend, but as someone I would love to spend the rest of my days with. Y/N..." He paused once more. Y/N hummed when her friend grabbed her hand, squeezing it lightly. Bi Han took off his mask, the redness of his cheeks visible as he finally confessed, "I believe I have fallen in love with you."

...

A minute of silence passed before Y/N finally opened her mouth. Yet as soon as she did- Boom!

The walls of the village crashed down then creatures from hell ran in next. The trio were quick to rush into battle (well, I suppose one just spoke) with the help of their clanmates however it would have been simpler if someone else hadn't stepped into the village.

A creature filled with hatred and rage stepped into the battlefield as most of the clan's fighters were occupied with the common hellspawns. Y/N and P/N were a bit too busy to fight the new intruder, but Bi Han, the Sub Zero, had time. (hah battle turkey)

Scorpion; a creature from hell who claimed Sub Zero had killed he and his clan. Yet even so, no one knew what the hell he was speaking of. But all Sub Zero knew was that whatever happened to his clan, he was grateful for it.

And Sub Zero would remember this for the next years of his life. The rest of Y/N's birthday was spent repairing the village walls and ridding the corpses of the demons. And Y/N and P/N in the village infirmary watching Bi Han barely survive all the wounds he suffered from Scorpion.

Seeing Y/N frown for the first time was a sight he never wanted to see again. She was known for always smiling, every hour of every day of her life. How much sorrow she must have felt when she thought her only friend in this world could die. Knowing that there was nothing she could do about it considering for some reason, her words don't affect the dead and demons in the slightest. All she could do was fight alongside P/N with her mediocre fighting skills.

Before the two had met, Bi Han was cold and serious he knew. But only after befriending Y/N did he start to act less serious. He simply allowed Y/N to yell when they were hiding, let her fight large groups while he handled smaller ones, let her act like a child, and let himself fall in love. But now, his serious side was coming back to him.

"Not now, Y/N," the Sub Zero spoke as Y/N wrapped her arms around him. "I have to be somewhere."

"Aww, when did you get so serious? You used to just drag me around at times like this, hehe."

"Indeed, but not anymore."

Y/N would still try to hug and talk to him playfully, but he would always push her away. She grew to accept it considering that he was soon to be the next Grandmaster but still, he hadn't acted like this in so long.

Yes, it's true, in two years the Sub Zero will be Grandmaster. Once he's 20 years old, he'll be head of everyone. Y/N just thought was strange that right after a dark event such as meeting Scorpion. he decided to start training extra hard and take lessons for leadership. Hell, Kuai Liang had noticed it too.

"Excuse me?" A softer voice spoke from behind Y/N. She turned around, smiling down at the small brunette boy. He looked to be about 14. "Are you Y/N, the friend of Big Brother?"

"That, I am," she replied, bowing down. "I see your brother must speak of me to you. You know, he speaks highly of you to me. How may I be of service?" Nervously, the young boy began to speak. In short, he was worried for his brother. Y/N would giggle and pat his shoulder reassuringly.

"Your brother is strange, is he not? Do you believe a dog is strange?" Kuai cocked his head questioningly, then shook his head. "Correct. A caring dog will growl when angry but will comfort when it's pleased. Yet your brother; he cares enough to comfort us when angry, but growl when pleased."

"I'd like to call it yelling," corrected the boy.

"Call it what you'd like," Y/N replied, giggling. "But it's strange nonetheless, isn't it? That's why I love him, truly."

That sisterly love for him never went away, even when Bi Han was away for long periods of time. Whenever Kuai would tell her stories of her big brother, that admiration for him would only get stronger.

Even in two years time, she loved him the same. During Sub Zero's ceremony for Grandmaster, she was the one who believed in him the most. In the two years of them speaking only half as much as before, she managed to get him to spar a couple times. And damn, he became so much stronger than ever.

It's a shame that she never figured out if Sub Zero still loved her or not. Of course, as we can imagine, he still did but he would never tell. If Y/N knew, she probably could have convinced herself to love him romantically.

As the tournament drew closer, Y/N knew she'd have to get serious too. P/N was 4 by then and her size made up for Y/N's mediocre fighting skills; like Ferra and Torr. But damn, she wishes she wasn't qualified.

"I remember one day when you said that when you were Grandmaster, you would make sure I wouldn't never enter the tournament. What changed, Bi Han?" Y/N joked as she smirked playfully at her friend. Bi Han leaned forward in his desk, recalling that event.

"Would you prefer staying here then? You and P/N would make an excellent team," Bi Han replied, taking his mask off to show his full face. Y/N giggled when she saw facial hair starting to grow him; she would make fun of him being a late bloomer often.

"Shang Tsung's scroll tells me I can't stay here." Y/N pulled out the scroll and read over a paragraph again before sighing to herself. "I'm excited, you know. I can't wait to see us fighting together like we used to!" Bi Han smirked to himself but brushed off her comment.

"I could not agree more."

A few days before the tournament, the selected members of the Lin Kuei were on their way to Outworld. Cyrax, Sektor, Smoke, Bi Han, and Y/N set out on horses to their destination. Smoke and Bi Han communicated while Cyrax kept his attention on our lovely Y/N.

And damn it annoyed Bi Han. Cyrax had no problem flirting as he was amazing at it. The two seemed to get along well and quickly got into each other's personal lives. Like where from the clan their from, who their parents are, what happened to their parents, their goals, and all that. When Y/N mentioned that she just wanted to get life over without worrying about a significant other, Cyrax made a comment with that. "That's a shame. I would love to change your mind, sweetie, cause I could grant you a good time." (idk how to flirt okay)

Luckily for Cyrax's life, the group had found their entranced to Outworld before anyone died. But don't think this wouldn't be brought up later, when everyone was getting settled into chambers that they'll rest in until the tournament is over.

"Do you like him?" Bi Han asked, pouring tea into cups for he and Y/N.

"That would depend on which like you mean," she replied, sitting down. P/N cuddled next to her, resting their head on her lap.

"It does not matter," he hissed, pulling his mask off. A look of jealousy would have been confused for hatred or bloodlust if Y/N hadn't known him so well.

"Well then," she spoke softly while grinning cockily. "It really doesn't matter if I like him or not."

Bi Han rolled his eyes, glaring. "I am serious, Y/N. Do you like him?"

"Why are you serious, friend? Me and him had only just met a few days ago. How could I possibly fall for him?" Y/N asked, picking up her cup and sipping some of the tea.

Bi Han didn't answer. Instead, he just took a drink and thought to himself. The tournament would begin in the early mornings of tomorrow. The way should would fight would surely annoy plenty as she never gets many bruises or cuts, she only speaks. She would probably annoy people with her childish and careless speech but then in battle, she becomes cryptic.

Her words are like the wisdom of the laughing god; some would call her insane. But what is insanity but a definition, one that is always changing, always earning and losing meaning. All we know is that we know nothing, and we may be wrong sometimes. Only he who thinks he knows everything can be wrong a hundred percent of the time. Perhaps the wisest of them all was the prophet who never spoke, but just laughed and saw the joke. For you see - the universe has a wonderful sense of humor. Perhaps that can explain her childish behavior and laughter.

"Perhaps,' Y/N spoke up again, smiling wider than usual. "Maybe you still love me. Is that it?" Bi Han felt his cheeks warm up as he nodded.

"Perhaps I do. It's a shame I never got your answer that day. What were you going to say?" he asked as he set down his tea cup. Yet again, as soon as Y/N opened her mouth, Sektor knocked on the door.

"It is getting late. We must be going to sleep now, you two." And just like that, the two said their goodnights and went to their rooms to sleep.

The tournament required too much training and focus to even worry about what her answer was. It's, again, a shame.

Two Lin Kuei warriors fell to the floor, unconscious, as a looming figure of pure hatred stands over them. "I will have my revenge, but I will not kill Sub-Zero."

The doors silently pried open, revealing a grinning girl with a turkey and an ice cold man. "Will not? Or cannot?"

"You!" As Y/N and the turkey walk over to where the familiar Raiden is, Sub Zero and Scorpion approach each other.

"The Shirai Ryu are dead. You will suffer as they did."

"To hell with your clan!"

"No, to hell with you!" Instantly, the bodies of these two enemies were swarmed by flames before seemingly disappearing. Y/N smirked cockily to herself as she awaited her best friend's victory. However, as the minutes past, she grew nervous.

"I can sense your agitation, Y/N," a deep voice spoke. Y/N looked over at Raiden, nodding her head. "I can assure you that he will live. Do not fret."

By the gods, if only he was right.

Y/N eyes focused as flames grew in the middle of the room. She expected to see her friend, but instead saw Scorpion. She waited for Sub Zero to return as well but it never came. She noticed Scorpion raising his hand slowly, a skull and spine within his grasp.

Being buried to her neck and kept alive so she can feel warms and bugs eat her from within the ground would have hurt so, so much less.

Y/N fell onto her knees, her smile disappearing for the fist time in two years. Her eyes were wide as she watched the skull of her best friend hit the floor and shatter. With a scream, Scorpion had disappeared after being engulfed with flames. As people begin to leave, Y/N stays onto the floor while others surround the skull.

Y/N drowned out the sounds of the god and Lin Kuei member arguing as she just sat in sorrow.

...

Y/N hadn't smiled in a few days. When she was called to fight, the battle was over in moments. P/N would charge at them while Y/N would dully speak in a low voice that only her opponent could hear, convincing them to back down. Once they let their guard down, she would simply hit them hard enough to knock them unconscious. That's all she would do.

All she focused on was training whenever the tournament wasn't going on. No matter what drama happened between the realms, all she cared about was keeping EarthRealm safe.

Even when she was brought to the inauguration of Lui Kang, she remained cold and lonesome. Yes, it was edgy but that disbelief and emptiness in her heart stopped her from even caring. Congrats, Lui Kang defeated Shao Kahn and Goro. But how can she celebrate happily without her happiness alive to celebrate with her? Sure, Kuai Liang was there now but she simply couldn't be happy.

To say that great sorrow made her stronger was an understatement however.

Whenever the second tournament started back up, of course she fought her heart out but in the end it was worthless to her.

Until...

"Y/N L/N," a deep voice called out. Y/N paused, turning around to face however just called out her name. The two stood in the middle of the forest of Outworld, where the trees had faces and corpses hung in displayed everywhere.

"Greetings, creature of darkness," Y/N replied, frowning as she eyed the new person in front of her. He wore a black mask, black clothing, black everything. "If you came for a fight, I apologize that you will need to speak to me in a few ours. I don't know where, but I'd rather fight anywhere but here."

Suddenly, the creature chuckled at the girl's voice filled with boredom. "I was once told that you'll only know where you want to go when your somewhere you don't want to be," he replied, taking steps closer. Y/N raised a brow, thinking back to when she said that exact line before.

Y/N then faced the person completely, cocking her head. She frowned more, shaking the thought from her head as she took steps towards him. She then took back what she said about not wanting to fight by getting into a stance.

Every single hit he threw at her with a few exceptions was somehow predictable. When he would through ghost balls, when he was slide, when he would hit and kick seemed so familiar to her. And somehow he predicted most of her movements as well, as if he'd seen her fight many times. Her voice seemed to do nothing against him either, telling her that he was a dead soul.

Y/N coughed as she hit the ground a final time, blood spewing out of her mouth. She covered a large cut over her stomach as she struggled to stand up, heaving. However the creature of darkness stepped on her, pushing her back down. He then stepped off her, circling around her.

"You have gotten stronger. Unfortunately, not strong enough." Y/N coughed as she looked up at the creature of darkness.

"Do you know me? Who are you!" she yelled, whimpering a she tried to sit up. If she had P/N with her, she would probably be in a better predicament.

"It is I, Y/N," the creature spoke as he stopped by her head. "I am Bi Han, only perfected in every way. However, I am now known as Noob."

Y/N's heart drops upon hearing this. This explains so much...

She covered her face as sudden tears slipped from her eyes, whimpers following after. Bi Han simply watches as his closest friend cries, not being able to feel bad for her.

"Goddammit, Bi Han... You had so much potential but you do this? Our people are now robots and have no official leader to guide them. Your brother is in danger! Yet you destine yourself to servitude?"

"Perhaps my death affected you more than I had initially thought. You don't smile anymore, do you? No games when you speak; you simply beg." Suddenly, he roughly grabbed her arms and pulled her up forcibly, causing her to fall against him.

She hissed as she struggled to stay on her feet, blood dripping from the ends of her mouth. She shoved him away forcibly, taking a step back. "I would have said, I love you too, that day. I really wish we could have lived out our lives under different circumstances."

Tears formed in her eyes as she watched what was left of her best friend pull out a scythe. She knew she was gonna die so why would she fight back.

"You will not be gone forever, Y/N," Noob replied as he neared her. "You will be back, only forever. We will live out our lives together then."

Then suddenly, everything went black.

Goro

As some may know, Goro has 7 wives. One of them being Y/N, a princess who was forced into marriage.

It's all for good relations, right? So her family can restore the honor and security lost when their realm was conquered by Shao Kahn?

Y/N was a princess who had been raised to act submissive, caring, and quiet. Anything her husband would want, she was raised to want it to. However, in her mind, she hated her life so badly. She didn't want to wear makeup, keep her hair pretty, wear dresses, and always reply with, "yes sir," or, "yes ma'am." She didn't want to be someone else's property. She knew marrying the price would bring her life to an end.

Goro, his full name being Gongoro, is a giant man of brute strength who was able to crush a skull like it was nothing. He's a showoff who believes he's the best of the best aside from Shao Kahn. And he isn't wrong, either. His wives mean nothing to him so he distances himself from them, but allows them to use his money whenever because he knows that's why they're with him. However, as not many know, Goro can be compassionate at times, even if it's just a little.

Y/N shivered to herself as she stepped onto the marble floors of the throne room. It was required for everyone who works with Goro to know his relationships, along with each other's relationships, to ensure that no one is betraying the empire. So in front of everyone, Y/N would be asked questions about who she is, what she does, where's from, what she expects from the marriage, and many, many more.

Of course she replied with optimism. She didn't want to but her marriage with Goro had to be perfect so she can live her full life and make her family happy. But in her eyes, anyone can see how unhappy she really was. Kitana was able to see it right away; the princess approached her right after the questioning.

"I pity you, Princess of [Realm]. This truly is a fate worse than death," Kitana spoke, bowing her head. Y/N kept up a small smile, shaking her head.

"I thank you, Princess Kitana," she replied as she bowed. "However if my family and realm is protected, so be it. Perhaps my Prince shall have mercy on me for as long as I live." Our princess's heart pounded heavily although her face remained calm. She knew all about Goro and his fights; she could only pray to the gods above her that she won't make him mad. Kitana frowned, looking into the fear held in Y/N's eyes.

"I pray for your safety. Word of advice; praise him and never get close to him whenever he is angry. You showing fear will tell him that you do not love him, and being brave would insult his authority and harm his pride. Prince Goro is tricky."

These words rung through Y/N's mind every second of her life from now on. As Shang Tsung walked her to her chamber in the palace, she couldn't help but break down. A sly smirk appeared on the sorcerer as he heard the poor girl whimper and cry.

In her chambers, she let in all out. Luckily nights are longer in Outworld than in her realm since she was able to get good amounts of sleep even after spending hours of crying into her pillows. She didn't want to marry a monster! She didn't even want to be a princess; why couldn't she be like everyone else and choose her life decisions?

Every night was like this up until the day of the wedding. Every day was spent being tutored on how the Prince likes things done and what to never do. Of course, she did it all with a smile and with the feeling of regret sitting deep inside her.

When the day of the wedding came, that was it for her. She spent the night before praying to the Gods for redemption since clearly, there was something she did that caused such a terrible fate to be bestowed onto her.

The wedding was interesting, to say the least.

When she first stood in front of the Prince himself, her heart stopped. A was giant; so incredibly large compared to her. His hands were enough to crush her skull with ease. And when he looked at her, he could see the ultimate fear in her eyes. A sly smirk appeared on his face as pride filled him. Yet another wife to love him eternally, and this one wouldn't need to be told to do something twice.

She had no idea how wedding worked in Shokan tradition so Y/N just spent the day being commanded. "Put the ring on him," "be quiet," "give your speech and make it sound sincere," and things like that.

She was so scared when she delivered her speech. Her parents, family, enemies, guards, Outworld dynasty, and so many Shokan peoples were there. She gave a toast with a look of pride but in her voice, she can just hear how scared she was. And that only scared her more.

Cheers and applauses filled the room when the vows were finished. Goro gripped Y/N tiny hand and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. It was a display of affection made to make the wedding seem sincere but they knew down down inside that it was all pretend.

Y/N remembers the first time she ever stepped foot into his lair. She was scared, petrified even, but she tried her best to conceal it. She knew she had to if she even wanted to live another year.

That night, the two sat down at the dinner table in their formal wear still, no other wife present. The two ate in silence; Y/N barely touched her food while Goro stuffed everything down like he had no manners. In a sense, he didn't need to have any though.

And she didn't have a say in the house, she might as well simply let it be

Months went by and nothing really happened. Of course, the night of the marriage, there was something expected of royalty right after marriage in the middle of the night

It was...traumatic, truly. Knowing services like that would be her legacy...the rest of her life, her people, depended on sitting around lazily and listening to screams, then bring pained every single night

He was gigantic and she was a small girl...she was so scared of him. Goro would have a wife lay in his bed every night, and on her turns, she'd shake and remain awake the whole night. How could she sleep when her fear of him accidentally rolling his large arm on her and crushing her is in the back of her mind?

And if he did that, waking him up would be the death of her

...

One night, she was called into her prince's chambers. She gulped, remembering what day it was...it was her turn to sleep with her husband. All of his other wives had no problem sleeping with him, as they were from larger races. However she just couldn't...she had to pray to the elder gods everyday to almost ensure she wouldn't die...

She stepped into the chambers, finding her husband absent from the room. Y/N breathed heavily as she laid in the bed and waiting for her husband patiently, time going uncomfortably slow. Where was he?

After a few minutes of waiting, Y/N's beating heart was being laid to rest. But as soon as she had started to calm down, a roar emitted from the hallways, coming closer to the room.

Y/N shot up, tears immediately swelling up in her eyes. God, why is he mad?

The last time she saw him mad...dear Elder Gods, she hates to merely recall the memory taking place...she brutality one of his wives received despite not doing anything was terrible. Just terrible...

Would she be next?

"Dear Gods!" Y/N full on screamed as she felt her breathe hitch a single time. She hates knowing that she's scared! She hates knowing that in this situation or anything around here, she's always so anxious and terrified! It's like feeling her entire well being drain every single moment until there's almost nothing left.

Just knowing she was becoming scared made her more scared, and the moment Goro broke his door angrly and entered the room, Y/N snapped

Instantly, all that graciousness from earlier was gone. She couldn't hold in her manners and pride any longer! She was scared, so scared for her life.

He immediately made eye contact with her, seething so heavily. Y/N quickly covered her mouth and tears feel rapidly from her eyes and onto the bedsheets. She sat up in the giant bed, pretty much balled up and stared

Goro led out a noise from the back of his throat, approaching the bed with a look that could literally kill. Had Y/N not prepared for this before marrying him, her frail heart would've been too petrified to let her body go on.

Goro towered over her like a rabid beast...and simply stared at her tiny form freaking out

Y/N had broken down, fully into tears and crying so loudly as she buried her face into her hands. She whimpered loudly, sniffing and trying to herself to calm down but she knew she couldn't recover from this..

"Hah hah.." a low chuckle erupted from the prince. "The most attractive trait in a wife is her fear. The inability to withstand me..is quite amusing. You must hate me, do you not? Do not lie."

Her cries quieted down a tad as she heard him speak, but once he finished then she immediately got louder again. She had to lie! But he would know..

The rest of the night would follow by more demeaning, objectifying statements about her and her position as his wife. Of course it got him feeling a little specially, and so the night would get worse and worse.

Looking into a mirror and seeing so many deep cuts and red marks on her skin had made the poor girl dry out yet again...she cries every night, but never in the sights of Goro. Or anyone as a matter of fact

But...to an extent, feeling the attention wasn't a bad thing

Demeaning but if she choose to be the wife of a monster, then she deserves it, don't she?

Looking into the mirror and outlining every cut, Y/N let her last tear fall.

"I choose to prefect my people and suffer for it..Goro may do as he pleases, as this must be my punishment."

Within time, Y/N knew she was his favorite. Now rather then 3 times a month, she would sleep with him 4 times. Then 5. And then more.

What can he say, he loved seeing that true, raw emotion in his miniature wife's eyes.

Goro was breaking her down day by day, but she'll learn to love it

Reptile

Standing there in the foggy, humid air surrounding an unimaginable jungle, young Y/N witness fire, battles, burning of peoples and trees, and all else related. There were her people of the L/N clan attacking their neighbors, a hardly recognizable clan. Reptilian peoples. Those people, their world- in flames. What were they fighting for?

...

Y/N cold, icy eyes held a look of familiarity and remorse to seeing her dear childhood best friend in front of her. His arm crossed over his heart respectfully, pledging his full loyalty and all. If she remembered anything about her first battle, it was how she felt betrayed and like the world was against her. She had to fight her dearest friend. Neither could do it, no matter how much they needed to.

In the end, the two just stared at each other until Y/N simply walked away. The pressure was released since they knew it wasn't each other's fault for the fight between their people, and if either can live another day, it'd all be worth it in the end.

Or so, at the time that was the thought process.

Being broken down, tormented, taunted for centuries... It has its affect on one's mind.

Just a few hours later, a large gathering was thrown at the palace of Shang Tsung to celebrate the new mighty warriors, including Baraka, General Kotal alongside Aztec warriors, new demons and hellspawns, Scorpion... and of course, Reptile. However, the party was mostly for Shang Tsung to showcase his wealth and power, and everyone knew it but the food and drink was worth tasting even if it stroked his ego.

Y/N stood tall at a pillar in the room. She wore a sort of dress required for this kind of gathering- The dress was pretty and touched the floor almost. She wore a small underskirt to make the dress more puffy. It was eye catching to say the least, but not nearly as much as how Princess Kitana and her side kick Jade was. Scarlette and many of the other men and women wanted to show their wealth and attractiveness.

However, it all looked like this blur to a visitor. Her face shun like the sun yet as cold as ice. Yet, whenever she looked back at that visitor too, her face warmed and her chest felt heavier.

Step, step, step...

His eyes glowed more then she remembered. He was way taller than her, too; her head almost reached his shoulders. Reptile, Syzoth, stood close enough to her to feel her heat radiating off her.

"You grew quite a bit since I last saw you. I'm almost at your shoulders, hehe," Y/n giggled as she looked at Syzoth right in his cold eyes. "It's been centuries."

"My people have all been lost. I am the only one left of my kind. All that remains is few ashy, destroyed homes and statues," Syzoth replied in his raspy, reptilian voice. "I never understood why your kind did it."

"I had never touched a thing. We were destined to different paths and had no choice. I wish... I wish it never ended the way it did. I remember us talking about running away together and starting our own people; our own clan. Maybe then our people would be at peace."

"Had only we saw the world through the lens of reality," Reptile replied, closing his eyes for a moment.

"Had only, my friend."

Silence filled the space between them as everyone around them talked and laughed and gambled. The music in the background that was softly playing ranged from different genres- traditional Chinese, Edenian, and whatever else sounded right. However, it was all put to a halt whenever Shang Tsung tapped against a glass to make a loud clinking sound.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to grant a toast to our beloved emperor... Emperor Shao Kahn." The crowd raised their glasses and clapped, roared, or produced whatever sound their specie can make to show support. When the crowd died down, Shang Tsung continued.

"And to appreciate the new warriors who shall stand against Earthrealm in the name of our emperor! You shall all be the reason we will take over our greatest enemy and conquer yet another major realm. One by one, you will see the effects of your support on your lives as you are approached with fame, wealth, love, support, and most importantly, power. You shall all be respected and worshipped by those in Earthrealm after the tournament begins! And with that, thank you all!"

The crowd cheered and smiled at each other cheerfully and took their shots as they were reminded of the upcoming tournament. However, the mood changed whenever the music changed to something more slow and romantic. Alas, the couple's dance begins.

Jade and General Kotal take the floor, followed with Erron Black and a maid lady most likely, Baraka and a Tarkatan female soldier, and more.

Y/N looked away from the crowd and back and Reptile.

"I do remember the festivals of our people. You looked stunning in that flowered dress you wore during your celebrations, and the warrior clothing you wore at mine. You were such a wonderful dancer," Syzoth broke the silence. A warm smile appeared on Y/N's face.

"I still practice our danced. Do you?" Y/N questioned.

Syzoth held out his arm for her, replying with, "would you like to find out?"

The pair walked onto the dance floor once she took his arm in her's. They walked into the center and held onto each other and stayed close. Together, they danced just like how they'd used to. It wasn't very eye catching or anything, but to them, it was special.

At least, for the night.

...

Two hundred years later. That's right, two hundred years.

And absolutely nothing had happened between the two. They were put on group missions time to time but they spoke as partners who's never met prior to the mission. They worked side by side, but nothing more.

Why?

It was the first time seeing each other in centuries the day of that gathering. There was no need for aggression or hatred on that day when it was a day of memorial and celebration. Since then, things have gotten more serious to the point where there was no more time for reunions and flashbacks.

Besides, the gathering was his appreciation to Y/N. There was no more left to appreciate as only the memories of the ruined home he once lived happily in remained. Everyday was a reminder of what had happened- how he was spared by his best friend when he'd rather join his family in death. He couldn't kill himself so he has to live out each day and survive. Working with Shao Kahn was his reminder of what he's fighting more.

Vengeance cannot ever be granted as long as Y/N is alive, but he could never hurt her. If he could revive his fallen people, only then will he be satisfied.

...

Reptile was knocked out by Johnny Cage in just a single fight. After the fight between Baraka and him, there was a break.

Reptile rested on a bench somewhere in Shang Tsung's island while he tried to rid of his headache. He groaned with his reptilian voice as he heard footsteps quietly approach.

"He was a lot stronger than we anticipated. I despise seeing people such as Cage winning," Y/N's calming voice filled the silence as she sat down next to him.

Y/N grabbed his arm and squeezed it slightly, causing a questioning look from Syzoth. However, his headache disappeared immediately, and suddenly he remembered her kind could aid any pain in the blink of an eye.

"It would take about 10 of my kind to kill a single person in your clan, however due to our healing abilities, we would live. With regeneration magic, we are practically impossible to defeat."

Oh, the memories.

"Do not worry though, for Shang Tsung would get the neck of it. It is he who runs the tournament so any failure is his failure."

Syzoth remained silent as he listened in to Y/N. His entire life, he wondered why his people had to die to this very girl's. The thought just wouldn't leave his mind.

"You did a few moves I had never seen before. I knew you could use your tongue and throw spit balls, but your slide was impressive. Along with the way you throw him up in the air like that and attacked again before he could react. You're even more skilled than your father."

His father died by the hands of her mother and uncles.

"Is that so? Would you like to see more?"

"You want to spar?" Y/N questioned as Syzoth stood up and held out his hand for her to take. He pulled her up once she took it and smirked.

"I would love to."

They walked in an open area and brought up their fists. A casual sparing match. Seconds passed before Syzoth ran and slide towards Y/N, throwing a ball of acid in the air that would hit her if she tried to jump over him. Y/N reacted fast and lunged forward, barely escaping the acid or the reptile.

She rolled onto the ground and summoned a whip covered with spikes. She swung it at it and the spikes poked through his skin, before she ripped back the whip. The spikes ripped his flesh apart and he came clashing down forward.

The sparring match slowly became more and more aggressive. To the point where it became a scene that passbyers watched. Not everyone left the island after the tournament after all.

Slowly, the two started to get genuinely pissed off at each other tactics, and eventually, Y/N tackled Syzoth and summed and dagger and plunged it into the palm of his hand. She summoned another one and did the same for his other palm. He hissed and attempted to kick her off him, however she moved too fast.

She summoned one more dagger that she pieced the scales around his throat with. "Do you give up, Syzoth?" She taunted.

She was covered in blood and bruises, and clearly badly roughed up, as was Syzoth. The crowd around them watched as the reptile started to feel self councious and humiliated. He said literally nothing and stopped struggling. He simply quietly hissed at the pain in his palms. He had given up.

Y/N got up slowly and took out the daggers. Slowly, shame started to set in. What a way to greet an old friend, huh? She had a look of pity as she watched Syzoth stand ho and brush himself off before walking off.

The crowd dispersed with their small talk and comments, but she ignored them. "What have I done?" She pondered.

The next tournament began, where Lui Kang was to fight Scorpion and Quan Chi. Y/N stood and watched the fight, but couldn't help but notice Syzoth in the background. He looked hurt, and an empty feeling in her heart remained. She felt terrible.

Little ways after then, the two happened to meet up at that pond again where they "sparred." Reptile was sitting at that bench again, before sensing Y/N.

"You are just like your clan. Taking advantage of whatever you can."

"I beg you're pardon? You fought back with equal might, Syzoth."

Before Y/N even noticed him, Reptile insulted her. But Y/N was correct- it wasn't all her fault. "Do not call me by my name," Reptile hissed as be stood up.

"You are just like your clan. You blame everyone else for your own faults in order to make yourselves think you look good," Y/N spit back. She glared at the heated Reptile, who began to quickly approach her. She went to take a step back, but immediately he was in her face hissing.

"I have no clan. Your family killed them all."

Y/N felt a tear in her heart but ignored it. "That was not our doing and you know it. We left home to protect ourselves and keep our legacy alive. What my clan did is not my fault. You embarrassed yourself yesterday, bur get over it. We aren't children anymore, Syzoth."

Venom spewed in his name. "I am not Syzoth to you, traitor!"

Y/N shoved hard against him and like a bomarang, he came back. Only he pushed her as hard as he could, causing her to fall back and hit her head. She growled and went to stand up but Syzoth got on her and held her down.

He opened his mouth, venom dripping from his tongue and onto the stone. Y/N gasped silently and tried to get him off by kicking and turned, but his grip on her wrists was strong.

"I heard it could take 10 of me to kill one of you, Y/N.." he hissed as his voice became more reptilian. He picked his lips as venomous acidstarted to drip onto her clothing. She gasped ad her heart began to pound. "Let us test that now!" He hissed.

She expected him to spit up the acid all over her face and make her skin melt, or to wrap his long tongue around her, or something other than what he did!

What he did was connect their lips. He kissed her dearly and made her gasp! Was he gonna force acid down her throat?

She was waiting and waiting for it, and while waiting a few seconds ahead couldn't help but pursue. She closed her eyes tightly and deepened the kiss. I mean.. if she's gonna die, what the hell?

Also, sorry this one sucks, I for some reason can't type on my laptop because of a random word limit on posts so I'm writing on my phone lol

But it never came. Despite the reptile seeming to be in attack mode, especially after the humiliation of yesterday's fights, he didn't harm her. He held her down and kissed her.

Her heart fluttered as she drifted away into peace. Well, I suppose they did say they would marry once they were older, and that they'd always love each other.

It does seem a little cliche though, doesn't it? Like they hated each inherent one moment then suddenly love each other? Well, you can say that these were built up feelings towards each other that Syzoth was just like, "okay, idgaf anymore, it's been centuries without holding hands so Imma"

When Syzoth pulled away, his anger had disappeared. Y/N grew a small smile and said, "Hmm, I did not know you would be the one to act first rven after all these years."

He rolled his eyes and got off of her, thinking back to their childhood. Y/N held hands with him first, hugged him first, and so on. Y/N helped herself up and smiled.

"Well, I'm glad you're not mad about yesterday. I thought I had embarrassed you."

"Of course you had bur it was expected," he replied. "No matter to me now."

Y/N held his hand and from then on, no more fights, okay?

Erron Black

150 years ago, there was a shortly lived era from 1860 to 1880 where there were cowboys and gunslingers. 150 years ago, a Chinese sorcerer had encountered a gunslinger, asking for the assassination of someone in return for immortality. Of course, the gunslinger had accepted, and staying young would allow him to remain patient with everything. He has so many years to fulfill everything he needed to do, so why hurry?

With the ability to stay young for years to come, he had so many opportunities to see people, see women, assassinate, and serve. Before he knew it, 150 years had passed and here he was, working for a mythic man in a realm he never would have thought real. Erron Black, a gunslinger who had lived 3 lifespans considering he was likely to live until 60 in the 1870s. A stoic, flirtatious man who perfected his aim beyond what should be possible and lived for the moment.

How would such a man react when he's invited to a party in the islands of Shang Tsung? His first thought when he arrived would be to find liquor, of course. However, when he looks around, his eyes immediately land on the girl across the room. She has flowing H/C hair that swayed when she walked across the room, handing out drinks to people. A short, beautiful F/C dress flowed with her movements, a dragon symbol suggesting that she worked for Shang Tsung.

The room was full of people Erron had never seen before considering he'd only just decided to officially become an outlander. Before a week ago, Earthrealm and Shang Tsung was all he knew about.

The cowboy raised an eyebrow, eyeing the girl as she spoke to an unrecognizable face from across the room. He already knew he would find a way to talk to her later so he simply shrugged off his findings for now to look for something to drink.

Goro, Sheeva, Kitana, Jade, Shao Kahn, Kintaro, Baraka, Reptile, and plenty of other guests surrounded and spoke in the room at once, and many soldiers and guards drinking and laughing.

Erron made his way through the groups of people, heading towards the throne in the middle of the room towards the wall. There sat the infamous Shang Tsung who at the time had a youthful form, as this takes place before the tournament. Erron's slow and cautious steps could almost be mistaken for nervousness, even. Before the cowboy could make it to the sorcerer, someone steps in front of him, putting him to a halt.

The one who cut him off was none other than that server girl from earlier. She had a soft smile on her features as she bowed her head to the cowboy, holding a tray in her hand. "Excuse my sudden visit, sir, however I noticed you seemed worried. May I offer you a drink, directions, or perhaps a person you need to see?" Erron smirked under his mask, chuckling as he stared into her deep E/C eyes.

"Well, lil missy, what's a gorgeous lady like you servicin' for? Ya outta be out havin' yourself a good time too," he complimented, looking the girl from head to toe as he took a took a beverage from her tray. The girl breathed out a short giggle, smiling.

"Why thank you, cowboy," she replied softly as her cheeks warmed up. "However if I had done so, I wouldn't be the first lady you'd speak to. I cannot have another woman be your first dance or good time of the night," The cowboy chuckled at her reply, placing his hand on his belt and the other lifting the glass cup and taking his shot of liquor.

"Darin', aren't cha?" he stated, taking a step closer to her and setting the glass on her tray, "I like it." The two were close to begin with, but now there was only one feet between them. "May I ask for your name, darlin'?"

"My name is Shang Y/N, sir. What may I call you?" she replied, smirking to herself as she leaned in.

"They call me Erron Black, milady. But you?" Erron leaned in closer, his hand pushing back a few strands of the girl's hair from her face. Y/N moved the tray in her hand to the side to allow Erron to get closer. "Call me what you want as long as I belong to you for the night."

Y/N's face heated and this warm feeling in her chest grew. She giggled to herself, feeling like a school girl whose crushing hard on the mysterious new guy, placing her hand on top of his. "You have a way with words, Black. But surely you didn't just come here to flirt with me, did you?" She teased. "There must be something you need. Please, name your need and I will provide."

Erron cocked his head at the change of topic, but then noticed a pair of eyes staring at Y/N from Shang Tsung. He knew that meant he had to step away from her and get serious, so he did. "Eh, the fanciest liquor you got will do; don't matter what it is." And with a bow, Y/N headed off to ask a few more people what they need.

Erron watched as she walked away swiftly before turning back to Shang Tsung and approaching him. The sorcerer smirked, greeting him and asking him how things were.

Minutes passed before Shang Tsung had been requested elsewhere and had to leave their conversation, leaving Erron to wait for his drink to arrive. He was a patient man but boredom hit him quickly.

E/C eyes and H/C hair, and a soft voice that was elegant. That reminded him of his first encounter with an Outworlder, whenever he was only nine. He remembers waking up in the middle of the night because a bright light illuminated his room. He tiredly walked over to his window, peering out and freezing in fear when he saw what it was. A portal. Quickly, he rushed outside through the front door of his home but by the time he managed to get outside, the portal was gone. And when he tried to go back inside, he went face to face with his father who he had woken up on accident.

Erron once was asked if he had shot his father, to which he responded that the son of a bitch had it coming. Another time, he mentioned that his mother would have loved someone, and later said that he hated her. With this in mind, you can imagine how upset his parents would get when Erron would claim to see things at night and rush out the door to get a better look, his footsteps waking up his parents.

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

Until one night. Always, the portal would come up at a certain time and Erron was prepared for it. When he saw a portal open, he busted open his window and jumped out. He ignored the glass shards on the ground and darted for the portal.

The bright light lit up three men that had walked through the portal. As soon as they were fully on Earth, the portal dispersed. Erron slowed down his running, observing the three men. A man who was white as paint and bald, a man with his hair down but some of it in a small bun, and a man with fire in his eyes.

Erron watched, mouth agape, and slowly crept forward. He was practically right in front of them, but he stayed to the side to not get caught. Two talked in a serious matter, the one with fire was silent.

It's strange. He knew now that it was Quan Chi, Shang Tsung, and Scorpion he saw that night. He knows they noticed he was there, but ignored him since he was just a kid. His parents were furious though, causing Erron to chuckle.

He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, tipping his hat and closed his eyes. "Yeah, those ol' bastards got what they deserved."

"...I beg your pardon?"

He opened his eyes, seeing the beautiful Y/N before him. In her tray, she held a unique glass filled with red liquid. The glass was shaped like a dragon and was crystallized.

"Ah, sorry ma'am. Say, whatever would that be?" He asked, referring to the glass bottle. Y/N smirked as she grabbed the glass and handed to Erron.

"This is your fanciest liquor, Black. It's an royal delicacy. Only those such as the emperor, my father, and those working under the throne will ever have the chance to consume it."

Erron hummed before taking a sip. Immediately, he felt strength coursing throw his veins, as if he just drank an energy drink. He furrowed his eyeborrows, taken aback by the taste.

"Sweet Jesus," he muttered. Y/N giggled, smiling warmly as his face. "This is the best thing I ever did taste! I want one once a night," Erron smirked, licking his lips. He held out the drink for Y/N, offering her a sip.

"Oh! Well, I should not..." she loomed around her, making sure no one watched as she took the glass and quickly took a sip of it. Her smile grew on her face as she felt the magic flow through her.

"Yeah, but 'cha did, as you deserve little lady," he leaned forward, brining his face closer to her's. She giggled, leaning closer to him as well.

"Well, I would not mind sharing a glass with you, gunslinger," her face heated up again, and she moved her tray to the side.

"Why don't you share a bed with me later tonight too then, hmm?" He asked, nearly breaking the space between them. Y/N was never one for sex or going out and partying like how her father is, but she was really liking this gunslinger!

"Y/N, dear," another voice called out. Y/N looked over at the man walking towards them; her father. Her heart dropped and she changed into a more professional stance. "You have been asked for by General Kotal. Don't slack, please, dear."

"Yes father, my apologies," she quickly bowed before rushing off. There left Shang Tsung and the gunslinger.

“She’s your girl, huh?” The gunslinger asked, putting his hands on his hips near his gun holsters. “She’s quiet the gal, boss.”

Shang Tsing smiled, nodded his head and replying, “She appears as quick-witted and sweet as her beloved mother, yet is as cold and hateful as I. She truly is a blessing yet a curse to all she opposes.”

And damn, was that right. Erron never really had a chance to speak to her again that night, and he soon forgot about it. He was gonna live for a long, long time, so what’s wrong with chasing a little tail? A blessing to married mortals is death, so they manage to last until death instead of maybe 80 years then onto the next person. Give it maybe 30 years later before they meet again- sex, booze, long nights, fights, parties, money- he had all he could ask for. But serving Kotal Kahn and beating people’s broke asses all day would get sort of boring, along with the same kind of but different chick every night to wake up to.

Erron did his regular patrol through the market place on the east side of Outworld. He hated it most- poor sons of bitches and whores always grabbing his boots, begging for a spare dime. Erron glared at those peasants, ignored them or hurting them if they wouldn’t get the message. He was an unforgiving asshole.

But FUCK, if you’re reading this, you love unforgiving assholes too.

He sighed as he heard the start of another fight- someone probably tried to steal a fruit or something.

Erron made his way over, walking his intimidating walk as he pulled his pistol out of the holster, shooting it towards the sky. “Settle down, ya filthy animals.”

A man in regular peasant clothes angrily looked at the gunslinger, pointing a finger at the women across from him. She was shorter, a long black dress with long sleeves and black veil on. She didn’t look rich, but she certainly wasn’t poor. Perfect. Erron was worried he forgot too many coins at home to get that one drink at the bar. Maybe the women would have a few coins to spare in exchange for her life?

The peasant man yelled, “this treacherous snake! She used black arts in the sacred walls of Kotal Kohn! She’s a slave of Shinnok!”

The woman glared at the man as if he was a mere inconvenience, rather than an actual problem. Her eyes held such spark and cold, false personality in them, in almost made him think of that girl long ago. She cried out, “lies! Please, gunslinger, you must believe me!”

She played her part so well. She was a fearful, harmless women who had wronged by this lying peasant. So everyone thought, anyways. She slapped her hands together and cried out, “please!”

Erron looked her up and down, smirking under his mask. “Is that so ma’am? Well I ain’t a damn reason to trust neither of ya. But accusing her of dark arts from the likes for Shinnok is a harsh statement to make and I doubt you want to suffer the pain that comes with being caught lying from that. Unless you wanna stick to your word, partner.” Erron took steps closer to the man, who dwindled in uncertainty and anxiety. “Am I right?”

“Sir, please, I saw it myself!” The man cried out as the woman fearfully stepped away from the two. “Her face, it- it changed! Like she morphed! As if Shang Tsung himself was-“

“Hol’ it.” Erron looked at the woman and glared. Those eyes, although all that was visible due to the black mask covering her nose and mouth, were an unforgettable sight. The woman sniffed, holding her arms close.

She knew he knew. The gunslinger she met that night was unforgettable to her, and she knew who he worked for. One of her father’s old “toys.” But perhaps he didn’t know exactly who she was.

“Ma’am, step o’er here with me for a moment.” The woman nodded and followed him away from the market and somewhere a minute or so away, in this larger building nearby. Torn and abandoned building with no one but homeless fools within it.

When they arrived, he turned to her and said, “Back to the wall. No funny business.”

The woman suddenly differed from the way she acted before- she was no longer scared or anxious. Just cold and hateful. It’s like the air around them had gone from one thing to suddenly dangerous. She blankly looked at the gunslinger, replying, “no. I do not think I will.” Erron glared, grabbing onto his pistol but before he pulled it out, the woman raised her hand.

“Long time, no see, Shang. Still as cocky and pitiful as ever, huh?” He glared at the woman, ready as ever to put a bullet between her eyes. Or his.

“It has been a while, indeed. As much as a brainwashed slave to the leaders as always, I see.” She only had to hold her hand out to seem threatening although nothing would happen. No spell was being conjured but a simple cowboy would never understand that.

“I work for myself, and always have. I never gave a damn about ye, unlike those mindless things ye call servants.”

“Hehe,” a sweet giggle left the woman’s mouth, making Erron question if it was Shang or someone who is going along with the idea that she’s him. It’d be sort of weird if the all powerful and feared sorcerer made a cute little giggle, wouldn’t it?

“I thought you were speaking of me, not my father. I know you had feelings for me, gunslinger.”

It all came together just like that. Unless this was a simple trick by the warlock too. “Okay, enough talk. For me, at least. Back against the fuckin’ wall, or have your guts spilled across it. Ye know ya have no way of escaping this.”

“Hehehe, well Erron, I am not my father. I have done non wrong at all. Should you Khan execute an innocent woman, imagine the uprising he will receive as a result. Not only that, but for if you don’t fear that, just know I won’t be going down alone.” She raised her hand to her veil, lifting it up- the sudden movement making the gunslinger pull out his gun and press the trigger within lightning speed, though never shooting. She lifted the veil off and pulled down the mask, revealing the face of the daughter of Shang. Beautiful face shape, beautiful lips, beautiful eyes, and an unmistaken smirk.

“Knock me out if you wish, but I assure you, I am Y/N. Ferra and Torr will not have met me. Neither your Kahn. And if you truly do serve none other than yourself, then you should have no reason to not let me go.” Erron studied her features, keeping his pistol steady in place. “Besides, you know I can make make you a mystery.”

A few silent seconds passed before Erron sighed, putting his gun away. Y/N smiled sweetly, as if the intense talk-off had never taken place. He chuckled, taking a few steps towards the woman, “yeah, you are a sweet and soft gal on the outside, aren’t cha? Don’t think I didn’t kill you because of your threats though. You know how disgusting the prisons here are, and such a gorgeous gal like yourself deserves better than that.”

“What are you insinuating?” She asked kindly, her unnerving smile never ending. She looked up at the tall cowboy, you were less than a foot away from her now.

“Well, howsbout we make a deal? I keep quiet about you, and let you roam to do whatever you please. But, I get to see you once or twice a week.” He pulled down his mask and smirked.

“And what do you see us doing?” She asked, putting her arms behind her back and feeling her face get flushed.

“Oh nothing. Maybe tour yer daddy’s island. That place was badass last time I went.” Y/N giggled, nodding and holding out her hand.

“Deal.”

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qdbs-writes · 2 years

Note

Hello my darling Kombatant! 😁

Can I please request headcanons for Erron, Johnny, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao being close friends with a married woman who’s very kind and reacting to her completely going insane when she discovers her husband is cheating on her?

ngl this request has made me want to watch all of soul food now it looks so good

MK Lads React To Fem!Reader Attacking Her Cheating Husband

Erron Black

Erron sees what's coming before it happened. In a way, he's already seen it all before. Familial tensions. Arguing. When you suddenly reveal your husband is cheating, that's when Erron knows that the pin is going to drop.

Your husband tries to talk you down from your accusation, and Erron steps in between you and him, gently pushing your husband to a safer distance.

As you fly into a rage and pull out a carving knife, you circle the kitchen island and try and close in on your husband. Erron, however, beats you to it, pushing your husband into the front room as he moves in to grab you by your arm, wrenching the knife from your grasp.

As you fall to your knees in tears, Erron peeks into the front room to check on your husband, who was currently on the front lawn shaking in terror, now surrounded by a group of concerned onlookers. He turns back to you and goes to fetch you a glass of wine, God knows you needed it.

Erron is saddened to know about your marital struggles but your husband made two fatal mistakes. 1) he forgot that hell has no fury like a woman scorned. 2) you never upset a woman in the kitchen (it's where all the knives are).

Erron pours you a glass but keeps the wine bottle handy, offering to take you out back to drown your sorrows with a friend, while the situation cools down. Also to get you away from any more possible weapons.

Johnny Cage

Johnny is slowly stuffing his face with everything in your fridge as the tension builds between you and your family in the kitchen. He's an emotional eater, despite what the tabloids say.

As an argument begins, Johnny is careful to only peek around the fridge door, keeping his body covered like some kind of shield.

As you pull out a carving knife and close in on your husband in a fit of rage, Johnny, in shock, attempts to close himself into the fridge, screaming in terror.

After your emotions catch up to you and you drop the knife in tears, Johnny doesn't go to you, he instead goes to your son that happened to bear witness to his mother flying into a murderous rage. I think of Johnny as a child of divorce and he knows firsthand how scary it can be for a child to witness that.

He walks up to your son, crouching down to his level, pressing a warm, comforting hand into his shoulder. "Hey, buddy. You okay? Come here." he says as he pulls your teary son into a hug. What goes on between you and your husband isn't really any of Johnny's concern, but he'll do all he can to protect your son during his turbulent time.

Liu Kang

Kang has always been a friend of you and your husband, in fact, he was the ringbearer at your wedding. When he sees the facade of marital bliss slowly collapse in front of his eyes in your kitchen, he's completely at a loss for what to do.

He can't quite keep track of what your argument with your husband and sisters was about, but based on the tension and emotions that were quickly rising, it was about a lot more than selling your mother's house.

When you mention that your husband has had a recent affair, your voice filled with venom, Kang can't stop his jaw from falling open. He believes that he understands the phrase 'shit hits the fan' better now than he ever has. But he dutifully keeps his eyes on your kitchen floor, unable to find it in himself to look at either you or your husband.

Kang was too busy looking at the floor to see you pull out the knife, but he does hear the unmistakable 'shing' as your pull it from the knife block. Immediately, Kang goes to grab hold of your shoulders as you advance on your husband, desperately trying to console you as your friends and relatives scream.

He's surprised that you seem to let him stop you, you lower the knife and begin crying into his chest. Kang delicately takes the knife from your grasp and chucks it across the floor, wrapping his arms around you, giving your back a comforting rub.

Kung Lao

Lao had originally entered the kitchen to get more nachos, but as a tense argument was brewing between you and your relatives, he thought it would be too awkward to leave. So he stayed in the background, munching on nachos as quietly as he could manage.

When you suddenly mention your husband's affair, Lao accidentally bites his tongue in shock, gasping and swearing under his breath as you and your family stare each other down, but none of you are paying him any attention.

As you pull out a knife and close in on your husband, Lao flings his hat expertly into the blade of your knife, knocking it from your hand and to the ground. Lao's hat was now embedded into the hardwood kitchen cabinets, but that was frankly the least of anybody's concerns.

Your husband flees the room in terror, as your drop to your knees in tears. Lao stands beside you briefly, slowly taking in what had just happened. He squats beside you and quietly apologises about the cabinet as you continue to sob. Lao gently pats your shoulder, feeling completely unequipped to handle this situation.

#mortal kombat #mortal kombat headcanons #mortal kombat imagines #erron black #johnny cage #liu kang #kung lao #platonic imagine #qdbs writing

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unusual-raccoon · 1 year

Text

Lady of the Tides | by Unusual_Raccoon (Luke Rivers/Lucemond AU) - Part VI

Warnings: Alternate Universe, Explicit Sexual Content, Established Relationship, Uncle/Nephew Incest, Anal Sex, Light Bondage, Light Dom/Sub, Mutual Pining, Slight Power Imbalance, Under-negotiated Kink

Summary: Members of the extended family have arrived and Aemond does all in his power to hide his secret.

WC: 12k+

___

A/N: Here is part 6, finally. There a big parts of the story that follow Episode 8 "Lord of the Tides" and certain dialogue is borrowed and as such is not mine.

___

"Stay," Lucerys had pleaded all morning, after they had eaten and after Aemond had dressed.

Stay, had become the mantra, the promise left unfulfilled as Aemond stowed his dagger within the leg of his boot, eyepatch pulled over the ragged seam of scar tissue and the gemstone window that resided in the socket.

Aemond had seen fit to dress the boy, affixed each button up the tall collar with steady fingers, felt the jump of the boy's pulse beat against the sharp peaks of his milk-white knuckles. He passed his hands over the rich black velvet of the ornate doublet he'd chosen for Lucerys.

"There," Aemond had hummed contentedly, it seemed a waste to dress the boy in such fine clothes only to keep him captive within the walls. But there was a small comfort to be found in having witnessed his little dragon dressed in black.

He tenderly gathered a few curls behind Luke's ear, savored the tremble of the boy's body as he leaned into the touch.

"How comely you are, Lucerys." Aemond purred, wooly dark curls spilled over ivory fingers like splashes of ink. Full lashes fanned against the paleness of his skin.

"Not comely enough to make you stay..." The boy muttered in a dejected whisper and Aemond merely replied with a sigh.

'Tis not wise to tempt a dragon, the prince thought to himself.

"Where will you go?" Luke asked after a breath, a small alabaster hand tugged upon the leather of Aemond's sleeve.

"Just to the courtyard, Darling, I'll be visible from the winow there," Aemond gestured and Luke shifted, greedy for the warmth of the prince's palm.

"What will you do?"

"Train, appear fearsome," he added with a small laugh only known between them, "at least until the petition of succession is heard."

“And then?”

“And then I will attend the proceeding alongside the rest of my family. The Queen and Lord Hand will render the final decisions. With any luck they should be quick and the matter settled…and I shall be your prisoner before long.”

The boy offered a weak attempt at a smile.

“Dyana will be with you, should you need anything.”

“I only need you.” Lucerys replied, batted thick lashes up at the prince.

“Hm,” Aemond huffed, rubbed a tender thumb against the soft flesh of the boy’s mouth out of habit. Longing brewed in his chest as that mouth beckoned him closer, soft lips parted to accept the callused pad of his thumb.

“Sorcery,” Aemond accused short of breath as Lucerys’ coy mouth pulled his thumb deeper, worshipped the bite of every callus with a wicked tongue.

“Mm,” the boy hummed around his thumb, the copper of his eyes turned molten and the dirt fertile.

“Release me,” Aemond commanded, heat had lurched in his stomach.

“Never,” Luke panted rebelliously even as Aemond’s thumb came loose, and dragged wetly over the plush surface of the boy’s red mouth.

“Never.” Aemond echoed, a small pleased smile on his lips as had lowered himself to plant a kiss to the boy’s forehead. He had become imprisoned in the unrelenting tangle of Lucerys’ arms as he allowed his mouth to stray lower, groaned at the insistent crush of Luke’s lips upon his.

“Witchcraft,” Aemond murmured fondly against the slick seam of the boy’s mouth. He railed against the instinct to have his conquest splayed against the tangled sheets, to have him for what erroneously felt like the last time with threats looming overhead.

Lucerys flopped against the messy bedding in his velvet doublet, a streak of black against the pale linens.

“I will return before the night is through, love.” Aemond swore before he had departed.

The courtyard had been predictably sparse when Aemond descended into. His blood had been alight, something that Lucerys shouldered part of the blame for.

The prince paused before the rack of blunted training swords, a tremble had resided in his hand as he brushed the wooden frame of the rack.

His remaining eye was inevitably drawn towards the open mouth of the prince’s window that looked down upon the courtyard - his darling dragon, so close, yet so very far.

He had turned his attention back to the rack of swords just as he had glimpsed Ser Criston Cole descend into the courtyard through halved vision. The member of his Kingsguard was lacking his usual plate mail in favor of a more maneuverable white, quilted gambeson.

The knight was adjusting his gloves, the faint curl of a smile on his lips as he neared Aemond.

“I’m surprised to find you here, my prince, as you are usually rather…distracted in the morn.” Ser Cole had said with a knowing slant to his mouth.

Distracted, Aemond mused to himself, he supposed that was one way to describe the ritualistic way he was usually buried down to the hilt in his lover each morning, sweating and snarling until they’d grown satisfied - only having managed to tear himself away each time out of a sheer sense of duty than out of any desire to be without his Lucerys.

“Your mother will be pleased to hear it.” His mother’s sworn protector added and the prince had felt the sting of nausea in his throat and the burn of rage at his fingertips. The informality had set his teeth on edge. Ser Criston carried himself with all of the Queen’s malice, sauntered about, her weapon to wield and the prince felt the line between friend and foe blur ever more.

“I’ve no doubt.” Aemond replied smoothly, as far as his mother was concerned, any time away from Luke was time well spent.

Aemond avoided the blunted swords upon the rack with nimble fingers.

His fingers had idled above his own blade stowed upon the rack, wickedly sharp.

“It’s been too long since we’ve trained, Ser,” Aemond commented absently, lone violet eye raised to meet Criston’s gaze.

“Would you do me the honor?” The Prince drawled as he pulled the pristine length of his blade from the rack.

Ser Criston’s smile widened cruelly, head tilted towards the balconies, and Aemond knew what the knight sought - freedom, freedom to rebel, to misbehave - as luck had bade, the Queen was nowhere in sight.

“It would be my pleasure, my prince.”

On that I have no doubt, Aemond thought to himself with a cold curl of his lips. A snap of his fingers had summoned a squire to provide a shield, while Ser Criston had exchanged his own sword for his preferred morning star.

They had paced around each other, a predatory grace in the slow slink of their movements.

Aemond had adjusted his grip upon his weapon, familiarizing himself with the weight of the weapon as he had given it a flourishing twist over his wrist, long ivory fingers tightened with resolve around sword's grip. It sat a tad lighter than the dull iron of the training swords, but he nonetheless allow it to be an extension of his arm, held straight as Ser Cole advanced with a rattle of his morning star.

At the first, nearly playful swipe of the knight's weapon, Aemond had felt the bubbling of adrenaline in his veins.

Sweat gathered over his nape as sunlight leered into the courtyard.

Criston smoothly avoided the pointed slash of Aemond's sword, a smugness about him as he had glided into the prince's blindspot.

Aemond spun quickly, in a flash of white-gold, reorienting himself, his adversary the only thing in his halved-vision.

Criston grinned, "Shall I slow down, my prince?"

Aemond bristled, throat dry.

"If you were moving any slower, Ser, you'd be dead," the prince drawled, heat lapped to the tips of his fingers as the knight's smile faltered.

There had been a time when Aemond had both adored and loathed training with his mother's sworn protector. When he'd been nothing but a boy who'd been prematurely crippled by his own hubris and loneliness, the knight had pressed a sword into his hand and had hammered the barbs of his ferocity into a weapon.

A time when riding the largest dragon alive meant naught to the man that had lived by his mother's side in father's absence, if Aemond could not so much as hold a sword...

They had proceeded, Aemond narrowly dodged the increasingly devastating swings of Criston's morning star as the knight pressed on his blind side.

The weight of his shield had been nothing but a hinderance until his mother's sworn protector pushed on, a biting swipe tore a chunk from the buckler in a spray of splinters.

Aemond abandoned the broken shield to the ground, his breath left him in a curl of steam. Their family's coat of arm's painted upon the shield's surface had been missing a dragon's head in the spot when Cole had struck the wood...

Aemond tightened his grip on his sword with renewed resolve, his throat burned and the leather of his arming doublet clung to his heated skin.

A shower of sparks erupted where his sword clashed, deflected a blow from the spiked head of Criston's morning star. Aemond slunk back, pulse beat hot in his veins, the sound roared to his ears.

The corner of the prince's vision darkened as the space around he and his adversary shrank.

A small crowd had gathered around them and a feeling that screamed trapped trapped trapped redoubled in the prince's gut.

The haven of his own chambers loomed mockingly above the courtyard.

Aemond spun, his heart had raced as his adversary's weapon swiped too close, the spiked head of the flail split the air with a whistle and bit into the ground with a crash. To his credit, Ser Criston recovered quickly.

He shook the tangle of his own hair from his lashes, sword held up as two heads of white-gold gleamed in his periphery.

Ferocity surged in his blood, panic curled in his throat, Ser Criston lunged forward with a hard arc of his morning star. Aemond danced around it, hair stuck to the damp skin of his cheeks and throat as he boldly rushed the distance between them, one misstep would've meant shattered bones beneath the spiked head of his opponent's flail. He blinked, throat tight, as the crowd erupted into applause when the tip of his sword was held close enough to the exposed swarthy skin of his throat to cause the knight to yield.

"Well done, my prince. You'll be winning tourney's in no time." Ser Criston offered, sweat gleamed in his dark hair, his morning star sagged in his grip with a rattle.

White-gold consumed the prince's halved vision...

His remaining eye had pierced through the crowd with ease, and spotted the faces of his family.

More dragons, he thought to himself.

"I don't give a shit about tourneys," He spat to his mother's sworn protector as he stared at Baela and Rhaena Targaryen where they resided, side by side as always, "Cousins," he greeted coolly with a twirl of his blade.

"Have you come to train?" Aemond asked smugly, pleased in the way Rhaena's mouth puckered in a little frown, and Baela, ever her father's daughter, had fixed him with a murderous glare.

A chuckle lifted in his throat. He was not oblivious to the fact that the lady Baela trained in swordplay upon Driftmark, unlike her bookish twin. Though it appeared she was fit for court and court alone, dressed in a long gown of Velaryon aquarmarine.

A shame, Aemond thought to himself with a smirk.

"That would hardly be a fair fight...for you, Cousin," Baela replied innocently and Aemond's smile sharpened.

"You've never bothered yourself with fairness before, no need to start now," Aemond hummed, as he recalled childhood spats where he fended off both girls, "I fear I should warn you - I shan't make myself such easy prey as when we were children." He said smoothly, pleased to have found that no amount of time living by the sea had cooled the dragon blood in his cousin's veins.

Baela's expression had been wrathful and Aemond was nearly certain they might come to blows when she stepped closer, before the gate's of the courtyard were drawn open...

Velaryon banners were carried into the courtyard, heralding the arrival of Ser Vaemond Velaryon, himself.

The man offered Baela and Rhaena a loathsome glare in passing.

"Another time, perhaps," Aemond offered in a whisper as he dipped towards a silver ringlet that danced upon the copper of his cousin's delicate neck, "it appears you've more pressing matters to attend to."

Baela's balled up fist nearly struck his throat had Rhaena not pulled her sister away.

"Another time indeed," Baela spat, full of fire and fury as Rhaena led her elsewhere.

"As if I needed a fucking invitation to cross swords with that dragon-stealing prick-" She continued heatedly with her sister, who only mollified her twin in timid whispers and agreeing "I know"s that had grown quieter and quieter the further they traveled.

A bumbling squire had come to collect the prince's sword and ruined shield, before Aemond had departed the courtyard.

. . .

Any and every intention of returning to the safety of his chambers had been dashed when the court proceedings had unfurled and the queen had requested all of her children be present to witness the dispensing of justice.

Justice, Aemond had mused humorlessly, mother's idea of justice was three abandoned babes.

In a stroke of luck, the prince had been fortunate enough to avoid his half-sister and her prince consort thus far, but his mother's request had offered him no such reprieve. Rhaenyra had been across the throne room, in an embroidered gown of black and red, Daemon beside her, pale and picturesque. The more he looked upon his sister, the more he could see her beautiful bastard son, pieces of Lucerys shone through in the curve of her mouth, the size and shape of her eyes, the faint cleft of her chin...

It was a vivid torment.

Aemond had witnessed as Vaemond Velaryon had taken to the court, swanning and posturing.

Grandfather sat upon the throne, poised as to avoid every blade that seemed gleam in ravenous warning. Mother's expression was neutral during the proceedings, resigned in a way, Aemond supposed.

Rhaenyra had stepped forward on behalf of Daemon's daughter, his children loved like her own.

Aemond felt a twist in his abdomen, a tightness in his jaw.

It was only as his sister had began to speak, that the doors of the throne room swung open. Kingsguard had marched through, flanked alongside something Aemond had not seen since his youth - the king. With an infallible pride, Ser Erryk Cargyll heralded the arrival of the head of their dynasty.

"King Viserys of House Targaryen, the first of his name, King of Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."

Aemond, along with the rest of the court had been stunned by the sight.

The prince had witnessed as his father struggled across the room, a miserable figure that hobbled beneath ornate robes and the weight of his crown with the aid of a cane. To see his father, Viserys Targaryen, frail and weak, yet still alive despite the odds inspired the kind of awe he imagined had been only known when the Black Dread last took flight...

The might of House Targaryen resided upon the shoulders of a creature too tired to bear it.

There was envy and pride wrapped in his chest as his father clawed his way across the throne room, he who had pulled himself from the grave in Rhaenyra's defense.

Where was this rage, this fight when her children were taken from her, where were you, father, when he was taken from me? The prince thought to himself.

Beside him, their mother's mouth twitched in an expression torn between agony and helplessness and Aemond was reminded that Balerion was no longer the largest dragon in the sky...

That honor belonged to someone else.

Viserys had idled beside Rhaenyra with labored breath as Grandfather had slunk from the seat he coveted above all, an alarm written on his face at the sight of that old dragon.

"I will sit the throne today..." The King commanded. And so he did.

He had climbed the steps with audible effort, too proud to accept the help of his Kingsguard.

When his crown clattered to the ground with a clang. It seemed such a mundane thing then, a crown, a piece of metal the realm bowed to...but Aemond was not concerned with the realm when he already presided over his own kingdom, his kingdom of one.

It was Daemon, the uncle that had only ever been described as more akin to Maegor than to Viserys the Peaceful, who had knelt and had retrieved his own brother's crown - a thing never destined for second sons...

Daemon had placed his brother upon the throne, each sword of Aegon's enemies stood erect around the pale, old King like thorns upon the delicate stems of a rose. The crown sat rightfully upon Viserys' head, and try as he might, the prince had not been able to imagine his own brother in their father's place...

His own words for Aegon rang within his head, You are no king.

Daemon descended the steps, Dark Sister swayed at his side as he returned to Rhaenyra's side, her small hand in his. Aemond's chest felt too small.

For all the years their father had spent away from his seat, Viserys had not dithered upon the throne.

Vaemond's claim was denied and the lady Baela Targaryen's succession was cemented as the true heir to Driftmark, though not without the expected conditions for a lady of her standing.

A dragon to rule the sea, Aemond mused curiously to himself at his father's decision.

He pondered on his mother's words, merely a day before, if High Tide is not ours, it is theirs...

Though as Vaemond Velaryon raged against the authority of a king, it appeared his dignity was not all Ser Vaemond was destined to lose, for when he spoke against the princess Rhaenyra, he had earned the wrath of all.

Father stood from his throne, his remaining hand wrapped around the leather-bound, dragonbone handle of his dagger. He wanted the man's tongue.

Your hands, 'tis the price a thief would pay for his crimes, his own words once again haunted him, his mouth had tasted sourly of ash.

Instinct urged Aemond to take a step back as Helaena spiraled toward him with a gasp, hands clasped over her ears, as Valyrian steel cleaved the Vaemond's head in two suddenly. Attending lords and ladies had shrieked in horror.

His body slumped to the ground, with a splatter of red and brains.

"He can keep his tongue." Daemon announced smugly, large hands settled over the pommel of the sword. There was a pride in the set of his uncle's broad shoulders, a mania in the violet of his eyes. Aemond recalled the weight of his dagger in hand, the torn Meereenese carpet in Aegon's room, the six holes his rage had plunged into the wood...

His temples had begun to ache.

Grandfather bellowed for the guards to disarm Daemon, but the Rogue Prince merely sauntered about, Dark Sister in hand, as he cleaned the ancestral blade with the fabric of his cape.

"No need," Daemon replied as he stowed his sword and happily returned to his wife's side.

Aemond swallowed thickly, uncertain as to whether it had been awe or fear that chilled his blood...

. . .

There was to be a family dinner at the behest of the King. Crawled fresh from his deathbed and father had not been shy about making demands of his fractured family.

They had all acquiesced.

Aemond had been given leave to prepare before supper, as were they all, when he had finally had a proper opportunity to sneak off to his quarters.

"Try and remain sober until supper," Aemond reminded Aegon who had replied with a lackadaisical wave as they climbed the stairs to their apartments.

"Of course," Aegon drawled greasily, "has mother asked you to keep an eye on me? Or are you simply currying for her favor?"

"Neither," Aemond replied tightly.

"Hmm," His brother hummed, "Do you suppose there's room for a new favorite now? Given your...affliction?"

Aemond pinned his brother with an icy stare that only earned a cruel cackle from Aegon who still leaned upon Aemond for support as they took the stairs.

"I suppose if there is availability, the claimants are myself, obviously," He said, pleased to continue spouting his drivel, "and the other cripple she favors-"

Aemond seized his brother sternly by the front of his embroidered green doublet in a trembling ivory fist.

"Alright, alright," Aegon panted with a wide, wheedling smile and Aemond allowed his grip to loosen, "If it's any consolation, she probably won't bed him...lest she have any strong boys herself."

Aemond's grip tightened and he slung his brother's weight to the edge of the step they had resided on, Aegon held his head back madly with a laugh as they teetered upon the step, hand's braced upon Aemond's forearm.

"She is our mother," His teeth gnashed together and his voice trembled, "you will not-"

"Speak of her in such a fashion?" Aegon recited in a stern tone to mock Aemond, "It's a bit late for that, brother. Careful now, you sound more cuntstruck than, Ser Criston,” Heat had snagged in the prince’s throat and his brother’s mean smile dimmed to one of curiosity, “Besides, why do you care?"

Why, it was such a curious question, why had Aemond still defended her honor, why had he still vied for a mere scrap of her affection?

Why, indeed, the venomous voice in his head that spoke the cruelest of truths, hissed.

Aemond's breathing trembled as he extended his grip, jerked the fist clenched in the fabric of his brother's doublet, further forcing his brother upon the edge of the step, the sinew that kept Aegon aloft strained and sweltered.

His brother pursed his lips with an annoyed sigh, and the sight of Ser Vaemond's corpse flashed through his mind; he could simply let go. The fall might not kill Aegon, but it might relieve Aemond of his presence until Rhaenyra and her brood departed for Dragonstone and he could breathe a bit easier.

He stared at his brother, as the messy drape of his choppy white-gold hair in his pale violet eyes. He pictured the six holes that existed in the floor of his brother's chambers. His chest tightened.

“She is our mother,” Aemond said finally, his tone brooked no room for argument.

"Gods, you are dull." Aegon announced as Aemond hauled his brother flat to his feet.

"I can still push you, if you'd like."

"It would save me from having to attend supper." Aegon replied easily, his mouth set in a little frown.

"Hm." Aemond agreed as they climbed the remainder of the steps in silence.

They parted and went their respective ways as Aegon meandered to his chambers and Aemond to his own.

The prince had clung feebly to the hope that he might bask in a few hours of Lucerys' warmth before he was forced to endure a strained supper with the rest of his family.

He realized how foolish he'd been when he completed the short journey to his chambers and found a slight figure beside his door...

A slight figure dressed in black, the spill of white-gold gleamed like a sheet of silk down her back.

His throat tightened and panic filled his chest.

"Sister?" He had managed, heart pounding like the drums of war in his throat.

"Aemond?" She greeted gently, hands folded over the faint swell of her belly.

"A-are you well? Should I fetch the maester?" He asked, sweat coated his temples and his lungs burned for air.

"No, thank you, I'm fine. Actually, there is a matter I was hoping we could discuss..."

His mind screamed and his stomach curdled with the feeling of trapped trapped trapped, that had never truly left him throughout the day.

Do not reach for the door, he thought, felt the burn of his dagger within his boot as Rhaenyra idled beside his door, do not force my hand, sister.

"I - of course." He nodded primly, "walk with me?" He suggested quickly and extended an arm to her.

Rhaenyra eyed him with an alarming smile that reminded him far too much of Lucerys, his cheeks had grown warm.

"Very well," She agreed, small hand draped over his arm as Aemond led her down the hall, each step he took he envisioned the slick cleave of Dark Sister in their uncle's hands, though it was his corpse that fell to ground with each blink and ragged swallow of air.

They approached the end of the corridor, arm in arm.

Their wandering had led them past the library out of the Keep and into the Godswood.

The fresh air beat against the heat of his skin, the crimson leaves of the Godswood ruffled above them.

Rhaenyra appeared rather radiant under the soft glow of sunlight and Aemond felt his stomach tighten.

"Did you think I would not find out?" She asked with a poised lift of a delicate silver brow, as she had turned to face him wreathed in sunlight.

Her voice was tender and disarming and pierced the prince's composure like a sword to the belly, panic oozed out of the wound her words had wrought.

"The whole of the court whispers about you, brother..." She added, voice husky. His panic climbed, each pound of his heart struck his breastbone like a hammer to an anvil.

"Rhaenyra, sister-" He pleaded in a small, desperate voice.

"I've spoken to father and he agrees-"

"Father knows?" Aemond asked with mortification that threatened to rival Vhagar in size.

"Of course, father knows..." Aemond was certain his fate was sealed then, his execution would not be carried out by the Lord Confessor, but by the King's brother no doubt, "and he and I are of a like mind - it is time you were wed."

Her little hand squeezed fondly upon his forearm and Aemond sputtered out a breath, dizzy.

"Begging your pardon?" He balked, throat dry and tongue stiff.

Her thumb rasped over the knuckles of his shaking hand, large violet eyes creased with a small, hopeful smile.

"You are nine and ten years of age, brother. It's time, don't you think?"

Aemond had been left reeling by the turn their conversation had taken.

"To marry?" He echoed in disbelief.

"Yes."

His mouth pursed as he considered her words, there were not many marriage pacts made for the disfigured second son of a dying king. Aemond had always viewed marriage as a duty, as a maneuver to gain wealth or land, a gambit reserved by his mother for when they were truly in dire need.

It had never been a desire before...

Before him, he thought to himself with a tightness in his throat. The words he had uttered in the pleasure-filled frenzy upon his first night with Lucerys to warm his bed, rang in his head, I would take you to wife if I could...

"You have spoken to father?" Aemond asked finally, rewarded with Rhaenyra's gleeful nod.

"Yes and he - we would like to see you wed before long."

Before he dies, Aemond gathered, his jaw tensed and Rhaenyra's hand tightened upon his forearm knowingly.

"Why? We have never been close, why this, why now?" Aemond asked despite himself and his sister's face had softened.

"What you say is true, we have never been close, and mayhaps that is as much my failing as it is your mother’s…” she took a meaning pause, “but, you are my brother, Aemond." She enunciated slowly and with purpose.

Yes, but I am her son, he had thought to himself.

"My blood." She added and guilt writhed poisonously in his chest.

Aemond had nodded and blew out a breath.

"If this is to be soon, surely this girl of yours must be close?"

He'd heard the Lord of Storm's End had a host of unmarried daughters. He was not delighted by the idea, but he supposed there were worse prospects. Rhaenyra had received their father's blessing and Aemond would not shirk his duty.

They walked together through the Godswood, copper sunlight gleamed like the shafts of arrows through blood red leaves and frowning white limbs of the weeping tree.

"She is already here." His sister explained carefully, her eyes so very round and large and it took a blink to dispel the imagining that they appeared copper as opposed to violet.

They paused in their stroll when it had dawned upon him...

"No," He said sternly and suddenly "no," he scoffed a second time, "I would sooner await the babe in your belly to come of age than wed her."

"Aemond," his sister had sighed in a tone that was decidedly maternal, "It was Baela's idea."

"And that was not a cause for alarm? Sister, surely you realize, she means to kill me."

At this Rhaenyra had laughed, a swat had been delivered lightly upon his arm.

"I am aware you two have history..."

"History? Sister-"

"But," Rhaenyra interjected, waggling a little finger at him, "Baela is of unimpeachable Valyrian stock. She is to be the next Lady of the Tides, as her Lord Husband you would rule alongside her at Driftmark. There is room enough at High Tide for Vhagar, and should you desire it, you would have the means to build a proper dragonpit. You could have wealth and power, Aemond. Is that such a terrible thing for me to want for you, brother?”

He had opened his mouth to speak when Rhaenyra's finger had returned, waggling just the same.

"You need not answer now, merely think on it."

He gave solemn nod, “of course.”

. . .

Aemond had wandered through the Keep after he and Rhaenyra had parted ways. He had escorted his elder sister back inside. To return to his chambers after such a near disaster was to invite chaos; a calamity Aemond was not so eager to court. Instead he had taken burning his restlessness through every stride he had taken through the Keep. His aimlessness had inevitably pulled him back beyond the Keep and into the Outer Yard. He had arrived upon an awning that overlooked the courtyard.

A flash of silver curls had swirled through the air like a tidal wave.

Baela, he recognized. His cousin stood in her long gown, a blunted training sword in hand.

Hardened leather gauntlets were laced overtop the delicate aquamarine of her sleeves. Such a curious contrast, his cousin. Part high society lady, and part not.

Aemond had followed the steps down the awning and into the yard.

Baela's hair whirled again as she brought her sword down upon a stationary target, jabbed crude holes into the straw with a curl of her lip and thrust of her sword.

She rained blows upon her target, hacked at limbs and spun with a flare of her gown, the rounded tip of her sword aimed for Aemond's throat.

Silver ringlets swayed in the breeze, buoyant as a cloud. Dark amethyst eyes glared up at him.

"Cousin," She greeted stiffly, eyes ablaze. Her small copper fist was white at the knuckles curled around the leather-bound grip of her sword.

Aemond merely hummed in greeting, unbothered by the blade poised for his throat.

"If you're done lurking, I'd like to return to training."

"Training?" Aemond echoed, thick pale locks of his white-gold mane spilled over the dark leather of his doublet as he tilted his head.

"Is that what that was?" He asked with a coy crook of his lips, feeling a twinge of joy at the murderous gleam in his cousin's dark eyes.

"'Tis not wise to insult the person with the sword, cousin." Baela admonished as she had rested the rounded tip of the dull blade against the point of his Adam's apple.

The threat was an empty one, but Aemond was glad there was minimal presence of guards in the courtyard as the hour.

"Wisdom has never been a talent of mine," Aemond replied in a wistful, if a bit of a stilted tone that by the squint of his cousin's eyes, she had seen through.

"As opposed to thievery," Baela replied smoothly, her full lips pressed into a cutting smile devoid of warmth.

Aemond chuckled, unfeeling as the lift of Baela's lips.

"I don't see your sister around," Aemond hummed, making a show of looking around the Outer Yard.

"I imagine there's quite a bit you don't see, cousin." Baela added.

"Hm, I suppose you are right. Do give Rhaena my best, though, will you? I do hope she's finally claimed a dragon of her own-"

Aemond's laughter reverberated against the blunt iron as Baela pressed the blade to his throat with more intent.

"She would've if not for you," Baela spat full of vitriol, her breath warm where it danced over the width of her sparring sword.

"Forgive me, I wasn't aware I had claimed all of the dragons in the realm," her sword pressed horizontally beneath his chin.

His cousin turned away with a hiss, hacking angrily at the straw-stuffed target as Aemond behind her.

"On the topic of claims," Aemond hummed, and Baela rounded upon him with a gleam of sweat along the copper column of her throat.

"A condition of my father reinstating your claim to Driftmark was that you marry, and soon - what I cannot fathom, dear cousin, is why you've asked for me."

Baela flexed her grip around her sword, breathing labored, the faintest hint of redness on her cheeks.

"I suppose, you are comely," He reasoned through gritted teeth, she was an exotic beauty with sharp Valyrian bone structure, copper skin and silver hair, amethyst eyes - none could accuse Daemon Targaryen of producing unattractive offspring, "you could have any lord you desire. Why ask Rhaenyra for me?"

Baela's lips pursed as the breeze billowed beyond them, whisking her silver hair and his, the skirt of her gown fluttered gently.

"I can think of no better way to punish you, Aemond."

The prince gave a lazy nod. His gaze inevitably drawn toward the mocking maw of the window that overlooked the Outer Yard. The barest hint of dark curls bobbed beyond the ashlar framing and his throat had grown tight.

Lucerys, Aemond thought to himself, his body burned with equal parts horror and blazing desire.

He had faced his cousin, mortified to find her gaze squinted curiously upon the very window Aemond, himself had been watching.

Amethyst eyes suddenly appraised him with open fascination.

"Enjoy your training, cousin." Aemond said in a clipped tone before he had marched off.

. . .

Dinner was a sordid affair that they were all forced to endure. Should any have dreams of escaping, father had no qualms about abusing his sickness if it meant wringing enough sympathy to force his family into one room for one damned meal.

Aemond had paused before the door to his chambers. The day had come and gone and he'd yet to find a moment to visit his darling boy, to his own detriment. He rested a large palm against the wood of the door.

After a moment he had succumbed enough to his own longing to press his forehead to door with a groan.

Give me strength, he prayed, not to any Gods, but to the boy that he risked all for.

"Aemond?"

The prince's remaining eye snapped open, pleased to have found Helaena standing in the corridor. It was a rare thing to find his sister without her children. Yet, she had stood there, a sunny smile upon her face at the sight of him.

"Hela," He hummed softly, a hand extended out to her.

"That's my job," Aegon objected from behind their sister, who, ever their peacekeeper, settled the matter swiftly and offered an arm to each brother.

They remained as such, arm in arm, until they arrived in the dining hall. Servants fluttered about, and for a moment, they had felt remarkably like children again, like a family.

That was until the rest of their family had trickled in...

Baela and Rhaena arrived together, unsurprisingly. Helaena's easy smile dimmed as Aegon's eyes wandered at the sight of their cousins. Her eyes, a pale lilac the same shade as Aegon's, had taken a far off look.

Soon after their mother and grandfather had arrived as well, garbed in green and gold.

Grandfather, for all of his faults, managed to coax Helaena out of her shell and into conversation.

Save for the King who was truly the last to arrive with the assistance of household guard, it was Rhaenyra and Daemon that had swanned into the room together just moments before him.

They had arrived, arm in arm, a pleased smile upon his eldest sister's face as their uncle murmured in her ear, Dark Sister swayed at his hip, his dagger at the other.

It was a disjointed sense of reality that Aemond looked upon them with longing.

He longed for what they had. He longed to lavish the offspring of his sibling with affection as his uncle did...

Father had been carried in, appearing exhausted by all accounts, but pleased at the sight of his family.

He had found enough vigor to rise, struggling between mother and Rhaenyra at either side of him.

"It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow," father said amidst labored breaths, "to see these faces around the table, the faces most dear to me in all the word...yet grown so distant from each other in the years past."

Helaena's eyes were far off once more, and Aegon merely stared into his empty goblet. The prince felt the sting of Baela's gaze from across the table.

Aemond's fingers drummed along his silverware, imagining how his father might react to know there were faces still lacking from around their table; three to be precise.

Father had bowed over the table, breathing harsh before he had reached for the clasp of the mask that covered one side of his skeletal visage.

The clasp had come undone, the gilded mask laid in father's remaining hand.

He lifted his head, the lank bits of what hair he still possessed swayed thinly.

Their father had faced Rhaenyra with a shuddering breath, but Aemond had still seen it...

The socket that sat rotted an empty in their father's head, missing an eye. His stomach tightened. Tendons in his cheek lay exposed by an open source of rot along his face.

Some around the table struggled to look, Rhaena kindly diverted her gaze. Baela politely looked at her plate.

"My own face is no longer a handsome one," father said with a self-depreciating wheeze that was meant as laughter from eroded lungs, "if indeed it ever was, but tonight, I wish you to see me as I am. Not just a king, but your father, your brother," anguish bled into his voice as he looked upon Daemon, "your husband," mother only offered a sad smile, "and your uncle...who may not, it seems, walk for much longer among you."

His mask had clattered noisily upon the table, making some of the silverware jump.

"Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts," the sickly king pleaded, his gaze rested upon his queen, his wife who struggled to meet his gaze, "the crown cannot stand strong if the house of the dragon remains divided. But, set aside your grievances," father's frail fist knocked upon the dining table, and Aemond felt Baela's gaze on him once more, fleeting and accusatory, thief, her dark eyes said, "if not for the sake of the crown, then for the sake of this old man, who loves you all, so dearly!"

Father held his mask to his chest, breathing labored as he inevtiably sunk into his seat with their mother's help.

Rhaenyra stood abruptly from her seat, goblet in hand, emotion thick in her voice as she toasted to the queen...

As Rhaenyra had taken her seat, Aemond had not missed the way their uncle leered expectantly from behind his wife. The image of Vaemond Velaryon's corpse flashed through his mind.

Mother cleared her throat, "your graciousness moves me deeply, princess, we are both mothers...and we love our children"

Those of them you allowed her to keep, the prince thought instantly, a thought no doubt shared as he witnessed the smile Aegon struggled to fight off.

Aemond flinched at the insensitivity of her words, the callousness as father nodded along none the wiser, believing he was a grandsire to two babes, as opposed to five.

Since the removal of her first babe, the court had been abuzz that the Princess Rhaenyra took after her mother when it came to birthing heirs, the late Queen Aemma had been notorious for her difficult pregnancies. Aemond supposed the rumors had only resurfaced when his sister had arrived, with two white-haired babes and a third on the way. All clever lies to cover his mother's own treachery.

Their mother had finished her toast with a raised glass and shaky voice and such longing in her gaze as she stared upon their eldest half-sister.

Dishes were served following the arrival of the king. Drinks were served, to the delight of Aegon, a light summer wine preceding their first course.

A thin, refreshing broth was first, followed by a small serving of savory frumenty alongside red strips of thinly sliced venison.

Steamed fish steeped and served in spiced milk was placed before each of the scattered inhabitants of their table.

More plates were passed along as servants flitted in and out throughout the evening.

In a sense it had been easy to melt into the conversation, to witness the small intricacies of family that were little more than strangers after so many years apart. Rhaena pushed a bit of roast duck onto Baela's plate with a wrinkle of her nose.

Such children, Aemond mused to himself.

Helaena painted a colony of fire ants in mulberry sauce served with the roast duck along the stained satin of her napkin.

Aegon downed a goblet full of summer wine in a two stiff swallows.

Mother grimaced through it all. On occasion he'd catch the heat of her gaze upon him, a tightness in the set of her mouth at the distance between them.

Aemond only offered a small contrite lift of his lips to her.

Laughter echoed from the other end of the table as uncle Daemon offered a bit of duck smothered in mulberry sauce to his wife from his plate, adoration in his violet eyes. A large thumb wiped the crimson remnants of the sauce from Rhaenyra's pale skin, his finger held up in offering to his wife; mischief in their uncle's eyes. And for a moment, the prince had envisioned a head of dark curls, wearing a smile identical to that of his sister, as Aemond held an overly sweet grape from Qaarth between his lips in offering, he recalled the sweetness of the boy's tongue in his mouth and his moans that had tasted sweeter still...

Aemond stared down at his plate, ears hot as he pushed a carved bit of duck breast around with his fork as servants arrived with the next course.

In a way it was all their father had asked for, unity amongst his family.

Halfway through supper father had retired, his agony no longer kept at bay. Household guard had carried him from the dining hall to his chambers, and despite it, their shared meal had persisted.

A large, whole roasted boar was placed upon the table and Aegon sniggered, emboldened by their father's absence, but Aemond had chosen to ignore his brother's taunts.

Mother was the next to make a sound, choking on sip of water that been served between courses. Both grandfather and Rhaenyra cast concerned glances her way.

Aemond leaned forward in his seat, brow creased as her dark eyes had gone wide and panicked.

Bodies poured from the kitchens in the bustle of servants. Some bore pitchers of water, others bore wine, fresh serviettes. The prince's mouth had gone dry as a sleeve brocaded with a pattern of dragon scales came into his view, a sleeve belonging to a doublet he had handpicked in the early morn, a garment much too fine for any servant.

Nausea burned in his gut as his gaze lifted to the high collar with buttons he had affixed with his own hands...

He had blinked his remaining eye in disbelief at the soft, boyish face that stared down at him from beneath wooly dark curls.

Small hands held a jug of thick spiced wine intended for the boar.

"Wine, my prince?"

Aemond had been spellbound, mute as he stared at his Lucerys, heart screaming in his chest. Luke appeared just as mystified, helplessly trapped beneath icy violet stare of his prince.

"Here," Aegon called with a clank of his cup. Even as Luke had shakily moved to Aegon's side, in his finery and jewels, his gaze never strayed from Aemond. Aegon had whispered something as Lucerys poured the wine in a practiced motion.

He has worked in an inn, Aemond reminded himself, as he willed his breathing to be anything other than panicked.

Aemond knew his brother's words to be crude as Luke's cheeks turned ruddy, his mouth pressed into a thin line.

A hand lingered upon the velvet of Lucerys' sleeve and Aemond's hand had tightened around the knife that had been placed alongside the rest of his silverware.

Copper eyes lingered on the white-knuckled clench of his fist, a furled mouth opened for him as it always had, a savory pink tongue wetted the plush surface of his lower lip as Luke briefly looked upon Aemond - terribly short of breath.

Aemond felt as desire had licked down his spine, white-hot.

All delicacies present and you are all I wish to devour, the intensity of the one-eyed prince's stare screamed as he held Lucerys' wanting gaze. The shuddering hitch of the boy's breathing was all the answer Aemond needed to divine his little dragon felt similarly.

Mother's eyes were hatefully alive as Lucerys dutifully rounded the table as any servant would.

Aemond’s throat had cinched shut and sweat prickled upon his nape.

The Queen had silently refused to meet the boy's gaze as she shielded her goblet with a shaking hand. A vein pulsed along her temple.

Lucerys had walked on coltish legs to the next member at the table - Rhaenyra. Aemond couldn’t breathe.

Lucerys persisted as he demurely offered the jug of spice wine to the realm's princess.

Delicately, Rhaenyra lifted her cup and in as practiced motion as all cups prior, Lucerys had filled hers with ease - none the wiser. Guilt wrenched like a fist tangled in his innards, pulling and pulling; Aemond had not been entirely certain how much more of it he could endure.

“Thank you,” Rhaenyra replied civilly and Lucerys gave a timid, but handsome smile in return. And Aemond had wondered, nonsensically, if the princess had seen her own reflection staring back at her.

Yet, it was as the boy had moved to the next chair at the table that the prince’s heart had truly stopped.

Daemon…

As meekly as all times prior, Luke offered wine to the Rogue Prince.

His uncle’s shrewd violet eyes observed the queer, little finely-dressed cupbearer, while Aemond had observed him all the while — knife in hand.

Daemon's expression had been chillingly unreadable. His gaze only deviated from Lucerys but once, and that was to stare upon the profile of his own wife, visible just beyond the boy's shoulder, dressed in their house's colors; sconce light framing her aquiline nose, soft lips and the faint cleft upon her chin...

Lucerys had dutifully filled the prince's cup. When the boy had lifted the jug of spiced wine, a large hand glittering with jewelry bearing Targaryen heraldry, caught the finery of Luke's sleeve. Daemon's eyes squinted, Aemond's grip tightened around the knife in his grasp, his uncle's broad thumb rasped over a single velvet dragon scale...

He exhaled a small amused sound through his nose, the interaction startlingly brief yet simultaneously never-ending before Daemon had released Lucerys' sleeve.

Luke rounded the table towards Baela and Rhaena, carefully filling Baela's cup, though Rhaena had politely declined with a small smile that creased the corners of her dark eyes.

More servants moved in and out of the dining hall as Lucerys vanished back through the doorway that connected to the kitchens.

The roasted boar was beginning to be carved when Aemond excused himself.

"I have no stomach for boar," He had explained, to which Rhaenyra made a sympathetic noise as the large cuts of steaming pork belly were doled onto platters.

"I fear your niece agrees with you, brother," Rhaenyra added, a hand rubbed at the faint swell of her belly.

He offered a small smile.

Still, there was no avoiding the vitriolic glare of his mother when had risen from his seat, nor the knowing quirk of Aegon's mouth hidden in his cups, nor, curiously, the leer of his cousin's amethyst eyes as he stalked from the hall.

Aemond had moved quickly through the halls, strides long and footsteps ringing when he had discovered a little silhouette. Wooly dark curls gilded copper in the flickering warmth of sconces that lined the walls.

He locked a hand around Lucerys' arm, before he promptly dragged the boy to a tucked away corner, just beyond the influence of a lit torch.

They were swallowed up in the dark when he turned the boy to face him.

Lucerys' expression had rippled from fear to one of delight in an instant at the sight of Aemond.

"Are you utterly mad?" Aemond hissed, though Luke's little hands clambered for him, for his shoulders, his hair, his face.

"You were given very clear instructions, were you not?"

In truth, the boy's unrestrained glee made it very difficult for the prince to remain anything but wanting.

"You were to remain in my chambers, Lucerys, you swore-"

"I know, I know-" Luke protested vainly, lower lip stuck out when Aemond held up a single finger in warning.

"So, you have disobeyed me deliberately?" The prince challenged, to which the boy offered a succulent little pout.

Luke's mouth opened, "Dyana-" be blurted, before falling silent, having divined that Aemond had not yet finished.

"Dyana? Dyana was to see that you remained in my chambers. Do you mean to tell me, that this is her doing? She will be flogged-"

In that instant, Aemond had seen the fire return to the boy's eyes.

"This, was my doing. If you are to have anyone flogged, my prince, it should be me."

Aemond exhaled a long sigh, a hand had curled around the edge of the boy's jaw, feeling the harsh leap of Luke's pulse.

"I have been too good to you," Aemond murmured even as Lucerys's lips opened for his, "too gentle," he hissed upon the boy's supplicant tongue, swallowing the starved sound he crooned "that you would welcome my wrath so willfully."

Little hands tugged upon the prince's hair, crying out for the ardor of his mouth.

"Must I tie you down to ensure you will obey, hm?" Aemond growled against the boy's ear in their little corner of darkness.

"If it please you, my prince."

A sticky, sweet squeal of delighted laughter poured from the boy's mouth as Aemond kissed and sucked knowingly at tender flesh along the boy's neck.

The prince pressed his weight down upon that of his headstrong little bedmate.

"You please me," Aemond muttered hoarsely as he licked into the warmth of the boy's mouth.

Lucerys had all but melted in Aemond's arms, a wanting little mess.

He seemed extraordinary desperate for the prince's touch, there was a solace to be found in the ravenous need Lucerys bore, that mirrored Aemond's own.

"Gods, Aemond you are so handsome I might die," Luke hissed hungrily, as he had reached for the prince's angular face, "You haven't touched me in hours..."

By Aemond's calculations he had not lain with the boy since the morn prior - far, far too long for his liking.

"How cruel of me," He murmured, offering his mouth in concession.

"Is that the reason you have wandered out here, Taoba? You need to be filled?"

Lucerys had sucked in a sharp breath as Aemond pressed the sharp cut of his nose into the boy's wooly dark curls, inhaling fragrant scent of lilacs.

The boy's lips gleamed wetly, his throat had bobbed and his round eyes of copper and dirt blinked at the prince, glazed with want.

"'Tis as I said my prince, I only need you."

Aemond groaned in audible desire, body wrapped around that of his bastard bedmate, chest painfully full.

The embrace had lingered. They held one another as moments had passed, time was marked by the exchange of fond, tender touches.

Lucerys had burrowed against his chest, face pressed against the dark leather of his doublet as though he had wished to crawl beneath the layers and exist within Aemond's own flesh. His chest throbbed as he pressed a kiss to the boy's dark curls.

He hadn't the heart to tell Luke that there was little room left in the cavities of his chest, when all territories, aching heart and all belonged to the boy already.

"Dyana had heard other servants whispering about a man being killed and I-" Lucerys voice had emerged small and muffled against Aemond's chest. The prince stroked a tender ivory hand overtop Luke's curls.

"I was worried. I hadn't meant to-" he paused considerately, "disrupt. A servant had forced the wine into my hands, and I hadn't the luxury to deny."

"Hm, my darling boy." Aemond murmured, his anger had long since passed, a result of their time apart no doubt.

Luke's face lifted from Aemond's chest, the prince found himself spellbound by those copper eyes.

"Your...family?" Lucerys hesitated, only continuing once Aemond confirmed his suspicions with a brief nod, "they are very beautiful."

Aemond had swept the curls from the boy's brow with long ivory fingers, noting on the slight tinge of spite that darkened the boy's voice. 'Twas the envy of a bastard.

His thumb had lowered to brush along the apple of the boy's cheek, supple and full of youth.

"More than you know, Taoba."

Aemond's fingers held the point of Lucerys' chin firmly, not having allowed the boy's gaze to avoid his as he spoke.

His touch had softened, "Are you able to find your way back?"

Lucerys had given a small nod, face hidden in the warmth of Aemond's palm.

"Good. Hide yourself away. I will be with you soon."

With that, he had watched as his little dragon skittered down the large, empty halls of the Keep, under the copper glare of lit sconces. Dark curls flounced about as he turned every few steps to cast a coy little glances at Aemond.

It was after Lucerys had disappeared from his sight that the prince had made to return to the dining hall.

. . .

Their dinner had concluded with desserts, trays piled high with cakes and custard tarts and wine-soaked fruit.

Rhaenyra had eaten a few candied lemons from the powdered tops of several lemon cakes, much to the amusement of her husband, who had merely observed her all the while, chin propped against his palm like she were the most captivating thing he'd ever seen.

Helaena had enjoyed other sweetmeats happily, much to the disapproval of their mother. Hela's pale, plump fingers were colored with chocolate imported from Pentos.

Aemond had enjoyed a small handful of honeyed almonds, before most of the family had seen fit to retire for the night.

Aegon had risen from his seat, utterly sloshed. Wobbling about with a mad cackle, until Aemond had steadied his brother. Mother for all of her scowling, had looked nearly grateful when Aemond vowed to see his brother to bed.

It wasn't until both brothers had departed entirely that Aemond addressed his brother.

"We both know you're not drunk, brother."

"Not nearly," Aegon replied, voice lilting near laughter.

"So, would you care to clarify the point of your little charade?" Aemond asked, maintaining Aegon's arm pulled over his shoulders.

"It is two-fold," Aegon explained, holding up two fingers, "Firstly, I needed to get the fuck out of there. If I had to watch mother stare at you besotted for another moment, I'd gouge my own damned eyes out."

Aemond's cheeks had grown warm.

"And the second reason?"

"I needed a moment to speak with my brother, whilst you're unoccupied."

Aemond squinted curiously at Aegon, his wastrel brother whose mercurial violet eyes were incredibly knowing for man so deep in his cups.

"Well, speak, then." Aemond replied.

"Mother will kill him, Aemond." His brother said bluntly, Aegon had never been one for flowery sentiments.

"She will do no such thing." He gritted in reply.

"Not now, perhaps, but there will be nothing to stop her when father dies - think of all she has accomplished while the king drew breath."

The squalls of a child being torn from the arms of his mother rang in his head...

Aemond's jaw tensed.

"Why are you telling me this? You bear no fondness for the boy, nor myself."

"We are family, you twat. And I suppose, he is my nephew too," Aegon snapped incredulously, "You have never seen mother clearly, Aemond. Not as I have. You do not know her as I have known her my entire life. But, I suspect you are beginning to see her - truly."

"Aegon-" His elder brother help up a finger as they approached the long stretch of steps that led to their apartments. The gesture reminded Aemond so very much of their mother, as his did Aegon's waxen face, as though he had been carved from marble in the Queen's image.

His brother hung off of him melodramatically at the click of a cane against the floor and the approaching sound of shuffled footsteps.

"-unhand me, you knave, d'you have any idea who I am?" Aegon howled abruptly, words slurred.

His brother's performance continued over the eerie approach of the Lord Confessor.

"Unhand me, I wish to see my mother, guard, guar-" Aemond clapped a hand over his brother's mouth to muffle his shouts.

"My princes," Lord Larys greeted in his wheedling way, expression keen and amused at the sight of Aegon's thrashing as he paused to stand before them; leaning upon his cane, golden firefly framed between his fingers.

"Shall I fetch the queen?" He asked with a brittle kind of concern.

"Yes-" Aegon barked between Aemond's fingers.

"No," Aemond said in return, "He simply needs a bed."

"Of course," The Lord Larys agreed.

"Sleep well, my princes." He bid farewell, cane clicking away.

Aemond had dragged his brother up the steps toward their apartments, unease coiled in his stomach.

He had thrust Aegon into his chambers, the door shut behind them.

"You should've been a minstrel," Aemond had murmured, and Aegon offered a small bow and a laugh.

"I was made for the pleasures in life, brother. Yet, our mother would have me on the throne, regardless of my desires, simply to spite Rhaenyra. To damn our dying father who has been damned since before we were born."

Aegon had strutted about his rooms, in his peacocking way, gleefully helping himself to a decanter of Arbor Red.

After a long series of swallows, his brother had wiped at mouth crudely, "'Tis a game of strategy and well, that's always been your fancy -- an eye for a dragon. Know this, Father will die, and between the two Queens that will try to fill his absence, only one will try to kill your precious boy-cunt."

Aemond grimaced.

"Do you think I do not know this?" Aemond drawled, an ache throbbed at his temples. Of course he was well aware his mother wasn't fond of Lucerys, but he supposed in some fashion, her own love for him might allow leniency in regard to his choice of lover.

What a fool I've been, The prince thought to himself with growing embarrassment.

"Allow me to impart a bit of wisdom upon you, brother..."

"Wisdom garnered from drinking and whoring?"

"As the reigning disappointment, I have learned this," Aegon paused for another drink and Aemond wished to strangle his brother, "'Tis better to ask for forgiveness than permission..."

Aemond stared down at the carpet upon Aegon's floor, gone was the Meereenese one he had slashed to ribbons and its place was a replacement from Lannisport, gaudy in red and gold. He nudged the gold tassel at the carpet's corner with his boot before he left his brother's apartments.

. . .

Aemond had entered his chambers, promptly pulled from his thoughts as Lucerys had latched upon him without warning. Willowy arms hung around the prince's neck, clinging like a little barnacle.

Their mouths had met in a flurry of snarling, whining kisses and Aemond had felt as his worry begin to drift away, like it had belonged to another.

To his delight Lucerys was dressed in the delicate, ethereal silk of his robe and by the flutter of the sheer fabric, little else.

He swept the boy into his arms, grinning against Luke's little laughing mouth as he was carried off to the prince's bed.

Aemond had been stripped of his clothes, though no article covering his skin had been torn away with more vehemence than the sculpted leather of his eye-patch, which Lucerys had hurled across the room at the first opportunity.

"Do you intend to punish me, my prince?" Lucerys asked breathlessly, the pale length of his throat stained red with a ruddy blush.

"I have entertained the thought, naughty thing. Be grateful that I am benevolent," Aemond said haughtily, which had Lucerys giggling madly. The prince nipped at the swollen sight of the boy's kiss-bitten lips.

"I have considered allowing you to atone for your wrongdoings," Aemond paused, as if to invite the show of approval for his kindness, a storm of kisses were rained upon his throat and cheeks.

"You are too kind, my prince," Lucerys lathed exaggeratedly, far too eager to play into the game as Aemond had settled a knee at the juncture of the boy's thighs.

"Entirely." Aemond hummed with a dry smile as his mouth lowered to rasp along the boy's fluttering pulse.

"Your atonement will demand leal service," Aemond added seriously, lone eye trained upon the slight part of the boy's wanton little mouth.

"Do you think yourself capable of serving?" The prince asked, abdomen clenched tight at the ravenous pulse of the boy's hips beneath him.

"Gods, yes-"

Aemond's mouth bore down on Luke's hungrily, drawing decadent little whines and cries into his gullet to be feasted upon after too long apart.

"Anything," Luke added, voice thick and heavy with want.

"Good." Aemond said with a sharp smile.

Palms adorned with calluses garnered from swordplay smoothed over the boy's pale flesh, catching along the fine silk of his robe. Lucerys sighed deeply into the sweeping touch, throat exposed and eyelids heavy.

"I had thought to tan your sweet little hide," The boy's hips rutted harder, a gasp had lodge in Luke's throat - a vulnerability Aemond wished to suck straight from his lungs.

"However," He purred, hands reaching from the delicate span of the boy's wrists to glide above his flushed face, "it occurred to me that there was a better way to punish such disobedience."

In a swift movement, Aemond had torn the linens from the corners of his bed, the fabric was brought around each wrist. Then, with more deliberate care, once the initial shock had made his little lover squeal with a mix of terror and excitement, the prince secured the makeshift bindings from Lucerys to the posters one either side of his headboard.

"Wiggle your fingers," Aemond instructed, plucking at the length of ragged bedsheets to ensure they offered enough range of movement.

Lucerys obeyed.

"So you can listen, how delightful," He drawled, to which Luke only scowled in response.

"Try to escape," The prince said seriously, and after a few seconds of struggling, sweat glittered at the hollow of Lucerys' throat, yet his hands were still bound.

The two shared a long stare as realization seemed to dawn upon them, the pink slip of Lucerys' tongue mirrored the agile flick of Aemond's.

The prince's fingers ghosted along the boy's sides, heat rushed to his face as Luke squirmed with a gasp - entirely at his mercy.

"Now, Lucerys, you are my prisoner," Aemond lorded.

"Gladly, my prince." The boy panted in return.

Aemond offered a starved grin, mouth lowered to the boy's supine body.

His tongue rasped over the slick taste of salt that gleamed over Luke's neck, tearing free a greedy little sound.

His mouth descended down to the sheer silk that clung to boy's slight frame.

His lips wrapped around the delicate point of a dusky pink nipple, he hollowed his cheeks around the warm flesh, he felt the skin lift tenderly into the heat of his mouth. The silk turned sheer and damp.

Luke cried out, limbs shaking.

"Aemond-"

His little fingers flexed wildly, yearning to touch him, Aemond burned all the hotter for it.

He pulled at the cord of the boy's robe, parting the delicate fabric with long ivory fingers as he suckled upon the boy's other nipple.

Aemond peppered kisses along the exposed flesh of Luke's chest, with its pale complexion and delicate web of spidering blue veins. He had sucked again at both nipples, unobstructed by the thin barrier of damp silk.

Luke had tugged at his binds, whining and crying Aemond's name as the prince's mouth ventured lower. His tongue dipped into the sticky pool of arousal that Lucerys' erection drooled against his own tummy.

Aemond's teeth grazed the jut of the boy's boxy hips. Long ash-white locks spilled over the prince's shoulders and dragged featherlight along Lucerys' bare skin, his whole body had trembled.

The prince dragged a tongue through the crease of the boy's thighs, groaning at the taste of musky sweat and the taste of vanilla.

Lucerys' hips bucked wildly.

"You are mine," Aemond growled against the flushed spasm of the boy's cock.

"Yes!" Luke cried eagerly, and Aemond felt his own mania froth hot as the dragon's blood in his own veins. A firm hand grasped the boy's face.

"Say it," Aemond snarled, "Say it or you will remain as you are, untouched."

Lucerys body thrashed at the mere suggestion.

"Gods, I am yours," he echoed, "I will always be yours, Aemond," Lucerys added rather ingeniously and Aemond rewarded the boy with a kiss.

"Syz Taoba," The prince murmured in a low chant against his lover's panting mouth.

And mayhaps if he approached his sister on the morrow and begged for her forgiveness, and she elected to reward his wrongdoings with the executioner's block upon ascending the throne - he could selfishly take solace in the knowledge that her son would never truly belong to her.

Aemond had procured the flask of oil that remained upon the bedside table, slathered both himself and his lover generously.

The cleft of the boy's rear dripped as readily as a woman's cunt.

"There you are," Aemond hummed, "open for me, Darling."

The wanton little hole relaxed with the loving coax a few fingers that teased Luke to tears.

He seated himself inside his beloved bastard bedmate in a single smooth cant of his hips.

Luke's legs tangled around his narrow waist.

Aemond had nearly been driven to the brink of madness by the hungry clench of the boy's quim around him.

His hips rolled tenderly, in deliberate, deep strokes that had Lucerys slack and gasping in his binds.

Aemond pressed in deeply, hissing between his teeth at the insistent heat of Lucerys' body around him.

"You're pulling me in," He groaned, white-gold hair stuck to the sheen of sweat upon his cheeks and throat as the boy's stretched pink rim clung to the glossy, oiled head of the prince's manhood.

"Have you missed me so terribly, Darling?"

"So badly, it hurt." Lucerys babbled as Aemond's hips ground down burying his cock into the slick cleft of the boy's rear.

The rhythm of his hips hastened, every hungry plunge drew them closer to the shaking inevitability of release.

Aemond leered down upon his lover who blubbered large tears of bliss and rampant desire.

"Oh gods - Aemond, I need to hold you, please-"

Aemond surged harder, dripping sweat and oil, the stern muscle of his buttocks flexed tightly upon his every stroke. He lowered his forehead, slick with sweat to press against Luke's.

"You will, love, you will."

The boy's hole tightened snugly as Aemond angled his hips to press along that blessed spot that wrung out tears and staggering climaxes.

Hard sinew pulled tight in the prince's abdomen and thighs, his lower back burned from the strain of striking that uneven terrain upon every sink of his hips.

Lucerys' release was a fitful fiery thing, with thrashing legs and a painfully arched back and tears.

The prince gathered the boy into his arms, against the tacky expanse of his chest, hips pumping once, twice, thrice before he had spent himself inside of his shaking lover.

He had still been buried to the hilt when he tore away the binds at Lucerys' wrists with shaking hands.

Soon thereafter, limp willowy arms wrapped around the breadth of his back and Aemond returned the embrace.

They laid upon sticky sheets tangled up in one another as Aemond stroked at the wild mess of wooly dark curls.

"You did so well, Luke," He murmured, "So well."

. . .

It had been terribly late when Aemond had arranged a bath for the pair of them, and they had laid in the waters until they turned tepid.

The prince had been the first to exit the tub, sitting along the edge and tenderly massaging supple oils into the boy's alabaster skin, paying mind to his dainty, chafed wrists.

His lips pressed kisses to the tender skin of both wrists.

"Thank you," Aemond murmured against the crown of damp dark curls.

"What for?" Luke hummed, utterly sedate in the warm water and beneath the caress of the prince's palms.

"For indulging me."

The boy's dark eyes appeared so round and full of youth, a small, bashful smile spread slowly across his face.

"Mm, I live to serve, my prince."

You are mine, the prince thought to himself as he stared longingly at the coy shape of the boy's profile, soft pretty features, Mine and mine alone.

Wordlessly, Aemond had begun to tie off a delicate section of white-gold. He twined the hair into braid, the movement practiced.

Lucerys wore a little dreamy expression as he watched Aemond.

"It looks pretty," He hummed, little alabaster fingers grazed the section of white-gold hair.

"I'm glad you think so," Aemond smiled as he reached for the platter of tools means for grooming within the bath, amongst which was a plain little razor.

Swiftly, without thinking twice he cleanly sliced away the neat braid.

"Aemond-" Lucerys gasped, fingers grazing the the lock of hair that curled subtly, shorter than the rest.

"Gods, why did you-"

The prince had already moved about the clawfoot tub. With deft fingers, Aemond had begun coaxing coils of dark hair to merge with his own severed braid.

"Hold still," He instructed to Lucerys who had immediately began squirming when he divined what Aemond's intentions were.

Before long, his darling little bastard bedmate bore a streak of silver amidst dark curls and the sight was enough to set the prince aflame.

"There," He hummed proudly, "now you will have a piece of me with you...always."

He'd been foolish in his admiration because soon there was water frothing over the lip of the tub and small hands grasping for him, a warm mouth upon his.

"Do not celebrate so soon, Darling, I shall be needing some of yours as well."

They laid upon the carpet, before the maw of the hearth. A stout black lock of hair that curled coyly at the ends had been braided dutifully into the prince's white-gold mane.

Luke toyed endlessly with the streak of silver that had been woven into his rich curls; a silly smitten smile upon his face.

"You are part dragon now," Aemound purred to which Lucerys' cheeks reddened.

Septon Barth's Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns laid beside them.

"Would you care to learn more about your history, Taoba?"

Luke nodded vigorously, dark curls and silver braid bouncing as he settled happily against Aemond's smile.

And Aemond had known, regardless of what the days to come might bring, they would always have this.

He would always have a piece of a bastard boy named Luke Rivers.

___

A/N: Any and all comments are appreciated - thank you guys for being patient!

#my writing #my fanfiction #hotd fanfic #luke rivers au #lucemond #lucemond au #lucerys x aemond #aemond x lucerys

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starneko123 · 11 months

Note

🔪💔😬 for Nova and Lilith pls!

TRIGGER WARNING: pregnancy/lost of child, suicide ideation, and death

NOVA

💔

angst

Nova has had very few lovers the latest being Shang Tsung who is her husband so to speak. Nova has always wanted children and in my canon, she does have one to be exact a little girl but before that, she had a boy. But unfortunately, she had a miscarriage in other words the baby was premature and didn't live long. A good three or four months but Nova is well aware that the baby her baby had to be suffering and while she has done some really bad things in her lifetime she didn't have the strength to kill her child even for the source of euthanasia. Shang Tsung doesn't know anything about this. I believe no one does since Nova went to her temple for her entire term. But her son, Shang Zixuan, is buried in the edges of Edenia where she had intended to raise him.

"In another life, we will meet each other again and I will give you the life you deserve. You deserve nothing less than the world my dear boy."

🔪

violence

Nowadays Nova is very...irritable. No, she won't go straight to violence but she debates. Because everyone seems to be coming out of their neck towards and she just doesn't...appreciate that at all. She holds up a sign that says ʼrespect is earnedʼ but she holds up another that says ʼbeing kind is freeʼ but she burnt that sign down not too long ago. Nova wears her emotions on her sleeve somewhat if someone says something to hurt her feelings she will show it on her gave if not speaking her mind. She stabbed Koʼatal once with Kitanaʼs fan. More so a slice. She doesn't like his god complex at all toward Liu Kang and Kitana being an item or bad-mouthing Mileena in general. Out of pure spite, she sliced Erron Black with one of her finger claws. When she won the hourglass she enjoyed putting Geras for a loop of multiple deaths everyone more painful and elaborate than the last.

"If you have a problem we can go outside and settle it. But don't use petty words to bring me down."

😬

worst thing they have ever done

Nova has never done physical torture but psychological is where she shines. She tortured people when it was asked of her but it would have to be one time that she did it out of her own kindness. Someone close to her was feeling the utmost turmoil and she decided to help them on her own. She abused the so-called abuser. Getting into their psyche by leaving small letters, all their friends don't want to be around, and their family thinks they aren't worth the time. Just overall bad luck. Then she uses magic she makes their worse nightmares come to reality.

"I will give you the worst nightmares imaginable. Who will stop me? Who can stop me? A better question is who will help you?"

😬

worst thing they have ever done

The worst thing Lilith has ever done? This is a hard one. There are a few things Lilith has done on purpose and by accident. Alright, here we go. She remembers this moment vividly and the only person that knows is Rain. As a matter of fact, she did it for him. There was a group of assassins attempting to kill Rain. Attempting. Since when do assassins travel in groups? Anyway, she had got word from Kitana that Rain had been on the run since they had revived him but it wasn't by choice and that was all she needed to hear. She had every intention of saving him and if she didn't they would come after her next for obvious reasons. She located them and the rage that filled her was indescribable. They had tortured him with malice with pure heinous intent. She returned the favor tenfold. But what makes the story worth telling is that there was a girl. A new girl apparently it was her first mission or something. First and last. She kept babbling on about how they were supposed to catch some thief and kill them. As Lilith came closer she said she had nothing to do with the torture. But she did nothing to stop it either. As Lilith claims.

"I can kill you with my bare hands or you can walk straight off that cliff it's up to you. I don't intend on letting you live."

🔪

violence

Lilith isn't a violent person. She is very sweet. Everyone knows this. But she hates that her kindness is taken advantage of. She hates that kindness is branded as a weakness. But her anger is...like... it's like poking a bear. Only so much can get Lilith to burst and that is what will make her mad. When she does get mad that's when she gets violent. She throws things. She insults people and she will go below the belt. She destroys personal belongings because she is spiteful. Family heirloom? She broke it. Picture with your best friend or family? She ripped it. Now in fighting even when she is spiteful, she is still fair. Even if she was in the wrong she attempts the be nice which messes with people.

"Everything you spew me. Everything you hit me with will come back to you. I cannot wait to see it. I pray to the gods that I am alive and well to see it!"

💔

angst

Lilith's life has been put on the line multiple times and she has never gotten anything in return. She knows she is loved and cared for but in the back of her head if she died...would people mourn her? Or would they mourn the fact that they lost a powerful ally? She has risked her life for people when it was asked of her and when it wasn't. She knows it comes with the whole hero thing but something doesn't feel right. It never has and it never will. If we're going back to the teenage years she had thought of suicide multiple times. I mean she died because of the chosen one and she was resurrected due to the chosen one. It feels forced. She wants to break the cycle, so to speak. No matter how much she sacrifices. no matter how many times she dies. She will remain in the background.

"One day. Not today. Not tomorrow. Maybe not even years from now. I will let you die. Your death will bring me life."

#mortal kombat #mortal kombat oc #mortal kombat 11 #oc interaction #my thoughts #mk1 #mine #nova nagako #nova nagako x shang tsung #lilith kanaye #lilith kanaye x kung lao #itʼs so rare when I give my characters angst #it's fun #I swear

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fandombird123 · 10 months

Text

Request Rules/Master Post

Here is my outline for my rules for requests and also the pairings that I will write for. I guess you can request a pairing I don’t have written down, but I might do it I might not. I won’t be rude about it and I’m always willing to take suggestions for new AUs.

What I won’t write:

Smut [I’m just not comfortable with it.]

Incest, pedophilia, or anything of the sort. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

Y/N Fics [This is nothing against that type of fic, just not in my interest.]

What I will write:

Fluff

Angst

Gore

AUs

Basic SFW stuff

Some violence

Headcannons for ships

Headcannons for individual characters

I will respond to all asks but please don’t be rude.

Pairings I will write oneshots/headcannons for:

- [Character]/[Character] = Romantic

- [Character]&[Character] = Platonic

Mortal Kombat:

[Since the new game has not come out yet I’ll be basing these in the same universe as MK9 and MKX unless specified otherwise in the ask.]

Bi Han/Sareena

Kuai Liang/Skarlet

Tomas Vrbada/Nitara

Cyrax/Sektor

Hanzo Hasashi/Sonya Blade

Johnny Cage/Sonya Blade

Erron Black/Cassie Cage

Kenshi Takahashi/Sonya Blade

Syzoth(Reptile)/Khameleon

Rain/Mileena/Tanya

Tomas Vrbada&Sareena

Sareena&Tomas Vrbada&Skarlet

Sareena&Skarlet&Nitara

Jataaka&Kia&Sareena

Bi Han&Hydro

Khameleon&Chameleon

Kombat Kids

Dragon Age: (Currently Closed)

Cassandra Pentaghast/Varric Tethras

Cassandra Pentaghast/Felassan

Cassandra Pentaghast/Solas

Cassandra Pentaghast/Anders

League of Legends:

Yasuo/Jinx

AUs I will write oneshots/headcannons for:

Mortal Kombat:

Three Princess AU

Fan Fiction Master Posts

Dragon Age

Mortal Kombat

[List Will Be Updated Later]

If you like my content and want to support me go check out my Redbubble!!!

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jasonblaze72 · 1 year

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Finding Happy Episode 10: Release Date, Spoilers & How To Watch

The Finding Happy Episode 10 Release Date is here, and we have compiled all the hot details about the same in this piece. Let's recap Finding Happy Episode 9 before getting to Finding Happy Episode 10's Release Date, and Finding Happy Episode 10's streaming details. The last episode was highly entertaining and premiered on November 12, 2022. It was titled finding a chance. We saw that the HR department at D-1 Media is looking into the leaked footage. We also see that when Yaz finds it difficult to reveal the truth, Porter cancels her guest appearance on the show. All this chaos did lead to an argument and a falling-out between Yaz and Chanel. We also saw that Jamila is desperate to start a family. Yaz tries to improve her relations with Porter but erroneously interprets a shared moment. Toward the end of the ninth episode, we see that when things at the office start to fall apart, Yaz tries to look for a new mentor—the radio personality of a competing station, who might be able to save her career. The upcoming episode will drop a few more twists and drama so let's learn more about the same. Also read: Significant Others Episode 4: Release Date, Spoilers & How to Watch Finding Happy Season 1 Story So Far However, this irritates Yaz, who exhibits new emotions that we may have never witnessed before. Yaz, therefore, requests that Shaun bring all of the items that belong to her from his home. We see her flirting with a really attractive man later while in the church, and we know this will melt her heart. Finding the Surprise, the sixth episode of Finding Happy, shows us that the family is enjoying their yearly reunion. Yaz will now face new difficulties due to her failure to tell her parents about her ambitions. Raymond, her father, is currently in the area. Additionally, there is a tonne of conflict between Cassandra, his new lover, and Marilyn, his ex-wife. Yaz's relationship with Shawn experiences yet another round of turbulence. He made an effort to surprise her by visiting her place of employment. He is, however, made even more envious by the fact that he must now compete against Porter. Finding the Worry, the show's seventh and most recent episode, revealed that Yaz's coworker Chanel had decided to take significant action in Yaz's favor. The designer flagship meal she prepared for her was called Ya Girl Yaz. Chanel asks Yaz to try daring styles she may not have previously worn as the event gets closer and closer. Later, we observe that D-1 Media's executives inform Porter that Princess Charles requires additional space for expansion, indicating that Yaz would finally have a space "apart" from them. Finding a Good Day was the title of the eighth episode. We observed that Yaz, fearing termination, took time off work to hang out with Jamila after learning that the film she had covertly recorded of Princess Charles had been exposed. The two cousins go to the Black Hair Museum, where they have a conversation regarding Jamila's secret, which Yaz can relate to, which can impact her relationship with Dexter. Yaz informs Jamila about the recently leaked footage, which causes Jamila to want retribution from Chanel. Despite keeping his secrets hidden, Dexter shares Jamila's happiness at the excellent news. Finding Happy Episode 10 Release Date? Finding Happy Episode 10 Release Date is Saturday, November 19, 2022. Finding Happy Episode 10 will air on Bounce TV at 8:00 pm in the US. Fans can also stream Finding Happy Episode 10 at the following time outside the US: British Summer Time: 1.00 am (November 20, 2022) Indian Standard Time: 5.30 am (November 20, 2022) Singapore Standard Time: 8.00 am (November 20, 2022) Philippines Standard Time: 8.00 am (November 20, 2022) Japanese Standard Time: 9.00 am (November 20, 2022) Korean Standard Time: 9.00 am (November 20, 2022) Australia Eastern Daylight Time: 11.00 am (November 20, 2022) https://youtu.be/Z8Tn1PfUQaY Finding Happy Episode 10: Where To Watch Finding happy episode 10 will stream at the above-mentioned times for international viewers on Bounce TV's website. What To Expect From Episode 10 Of Finding Happy The episode is titled Finding Dynasty. Yaz is hired as the MC for hip-hop artist Lil Young Baby's hearing party, but when the numerous guys in her life show up unexpectedly, she is forced to adjust. When Jamila asks Yaz for assistance after making a devastating discovery, she finds herself in a tough spot and has to make the most important life decision. Happy streaming! Also read: Andor Episode 9: Release Date, Spoilers & How To Watch Read the full article

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adjure · 5 years

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Summary: But he ain’t a greedy man— he just wants what he wants, and got the patience to back it up.

Besides, he enjoys hearing you talk.

Rating: Explicit/R18+

Words: 4229

Warnings: Explicit smut, dirty talk, dom/sub undertones.

Taste of a Gun Barrel

Dust, sand and grit; none of it is complete without the thrills Outworld brings to the table, and Erron Black is right at home in the thick of it all. Not everybody thrives here the way he does, having to fight tooth and nail to survive.

Only winners make it home alive, or make a home at all.

So he’s the man, the myth, the legend— who just so happens to be an unapologetic gunslinger with a mouthful of snark at the tip of his tongue. A rebel with a questionable cause, a man whose fealty can be bought and sold at the right price; the one and only Erron Black.

You find him sitting there all lonesome, perched on a worn down boulder in front of his bell tent— to the farthest, quietest edge of the camp— cleaning the barrels of his guns. Right ankle resting on his left knee, revolver snug in his gloved hand, a handkerchief in the other. Outworld’s sunset gleams off the metal he’s holding and casts a shadow from his hat over his eyes.

Shame, you think. You’d love to have them on you instead.

“Busy?” Your voice catches his attention well enough— enough for Erron to peek a glance as you make your way over. He doesn’t linger long, tending back to his weapon a second later, though the hum of his voice is welcoming. His sideways lean, a wordless invitation. The cock of his head draws you in.

“Need anythin’, sugar?”

“Not really, I just missed you,” you answer, licking your lips, approving of the way he drawls his words.

Erron chuckles, and that’s all you need to slip your arms around his shoulders, swinging your legs to claim his lap as your seat. That draws him off his gun, lowering it to the side, lifting his face to regard you with a raised brow.

“Remember when we met for the first time?” you ask.

“How I gave you a good, thorough beatin’?” he guesses.

“You and I have very different recollections on what happened,” your breath ghosts over the shell of his ear, grinning against it, tightening your hold on him, “Mr. Black.” Fiddling with the tresses of hair at the back of his head, you continue, “How I remember it, I put you to the ground. You got real familiar with it.”

He’s always liked the way you chitter when you laugh, crowing when you’re pressed close to him, how your exhale is warm on his skin. Erron doesn’t mind how your heat melds with the dunes and desert’s; it’s getting colder anyway, now that the sky’s beginning to dusk. And his mask is the only thing separating his lips from your neck. Boy, does it tempt Erron to take the damn thing off his face to kiss you silly.

But he ain’t a greedy man— he just wants what he wants, and got the patience to back it up.

Besides, he enjoys hearing you talk.

“You name your guns?” you ask out of the blue, picking what he left behind. You know he doesn’t let just anybody touch his babies— seen him break someone’s arm when they tried to. But he sits there, perfectly content as you run your fingers along its body, admiring how much care has been poured through all these years.

What it’s gone through, whose blood it’s spilled, the lives it’s taken. Leaves a lot up to the imagination.

“I don’t name ‘em,” Erron lolls his neck, enjoying your display, a hand massaging the stiff muscles on his shoulder. “I know all of 'em by heart and touch. Don’t need any names, I ain’t a coot.”

Indulging your whims, you acknowledge his reply by lifting the gun to kiss it, leaving an imprint of your lips, and feel the man you’re leaning on tense as he watches you. Something about it pulls a rope in him taut, catching his attention faster, deeper by the second. Erron’s hand finds your chin, rough as the glove might be, he’s both careful and firm when he tilts your head towards his own.

“Now, what are you doin’?” Erron wonders, rasp in his speech. “I don’t recall letting you pucker your lips for my gun, let alone give her a big ol’ smooch.”

“Didn’t know I needed your permission.” You talk between teeth, blooming a lopsided smile that makes Erron still and slit his eyes— defiance in yours, wide open now. There’s an expression you’re all too familiar with, the same glaze, the same coveting gleam that mirrors your own. “Are you jealous, Mr. Black? Of your nameless gun?”

Yeah, he knows what he wants alright. And you don’t have to peer any further— the look he bears on you is more than enough.

But you decide to push your luck, test the waters, tucking the revolver into its holster nice and ginger. Your movements are slow, steady when you anchor your weight on him till your knees are on either sides of his thighs. Erron shifts underneath, planting both feet on the ground below, palms rough on your hips as you block the last remaining light that dies on your back.

It never reaches Erron and he basks under the darkness you’ve created with the sun’s halo drawing your outline. You see the deep heave, hear his breath hissing through the mask.

“I ain’t got nothin’ to be jealous of,” he squeezes, pressing you harder onto him till you’re snug up on his fatigues. “You’re mine.”

“Did you say the same thing to Nitara and Skarlet?” You’re closer now, nose barely an inch off his face, hands trailing upwards till they find the exposed skin of his neck.

“Was only in it with them for the thrill, baby doll.”

Your fingernails dig into where your they are resting and you hear Erron’s ragged inhale. It sounds almost like a yes when he exhales, a rumble telling you it’s good. Yes, because don’t stop, because he’s half hard and desperately tries to find some form of friction on you— a soft, “Shit,” followed by a dismayed grunt are all it takes for you to figure out it’s not enough.

Not for him, and not for you. Not with all these damn clothes in the way.

So you lean in, dragging your fingers, cradling his head to crane it up and towards you. Your mouth twists when you drag your teeth over your lower lip, the straddle of your legs on his puts him to a halt. Erron’s chest rises, falls, rises again, one toiling breath after the other.

“And what are you in for now, Mr. Black?”

“You make my heart flip flop all the damn time—”

A hushed curse slips from his mouth when you slope your neck to the side, staring him down, unclipping his mask. Erron feels his gut snag and drop the way it does when his opponent comes to close, when his finger barely manages to pull the trigger on the last second a little too narrow at the end of the timer between living and dying. His mask hovers in your hands, hiding his face still, but the way he swallows dryly doesn’t go unnoticed.

God, you’re fucking gorgeous.

“—Don’t think it’s stoppin’ any time soon.”

“It’ll be a bullet through your heart when it does stop,” you promise, putting the mask away, not caring whether it stays on the boulder or fall to the ground. Lips, touching Erron’s chapped ones, parting and closing as you tell against it, “And I’ll be the one to put it there.”

“Yes,” he groans, struggling to fight his eyes from fluttering shut when your gaze locks onto them. Erron’s efforts doesn’t last, admitting defeat by letting his lids fall. Brows knit together while fingers furl and roam up to your waist for a purchase at something, thighs rubbing against yours, his spine arching sweetly at the thought—

“Yes,” he repeats, breathless, caving in. “Yes Boss.”

And the great Erron Black comes apart in your hands, just like that.

You kiss him the way you know he likes it— with tongue and teeth, deep enough to leave a red bruise, leave them plump and swollen and tingling after. Erron kisses back, you toss his hat off, and his hands hoist you from under while yours tangle in his hair.

His scent is the way you remember it always being; of musk and leather, gunpowder and the sun with a hint of cedarwood fading in the roof of your mouth when you breathe in— you can almost taste it.

“Can I have you tonight?” he pleads, the uncharacteristic whisper shared only between the two of you. Only known to you. A hoarse confession decorated with a nip at your lips that you reward with a pleased sigh: “I’ve been thinkin’ about you, been wanting you. Touchin’ myself to you.”

“Tell me how you want it, Erron—” The sentence cuts before you finish his name and he swallows your honeyed laugh. Dances with your tongue, eager and starving for every drop of you he can get.

Erron’s kisses are hot and heavy; he kisses you again and you’re reminded of rifle bullets and the searing pain, except you feel no pain and it sears just the same. You slip your index between his teeth, parting away to fill your burning lungs, feel them sink into your flesh and slaver from well kissed lips coating your finger slick.

When you start talking between pants, he lets your finger go. Cupping his cheek with that same hand, you say, “Tell me— everything and I’ll give it all to you tonight… I’ll take good care of you tonight.”

“You’ll take good care of me tonight,” he echoes, strained, and shudders.

Erron buries his face into the crook of your neck and pulls you flush against him. There’s a soft, filthy moan muffled where his mouth presses when you roll your hips and grind through the fabric of his pants. And though it’s dulled, Erron’s presence is enough to make you teeter and shut your eyes.

“I want you to fuck me, ride me, fill me—” damp heat seeps between your legs, into your blood, crawling from the tips of your toes till they color your ears— “I want you to make a mess outta me, doll. Make a mess outta me.”

Erron’s growl does it. You tell him to go in the tent, spacious enough to accommodate two bodies, voice coarse, grating your throat and he finds himself walking backwards through the entrance with you on his arms. He laps at your jaw, suckles on it, your hands untangling all the belts that loop both your bodies, the zippers and the clips.

One by one, they fall on the floor— his poncho, bandoilers, and vest. Erron drops on his bum then to his back on the measly, makeshift bed with you looming above, ass sitting pretty on his still clothed bulge while you take your time unbuttoning his shirt.

He’s hot between your legs and it makes you squirm.

“Please,” Erron sighs, hips curving to the shape of yours, digging blunt nails in your thighs. His head rolls back, showing you what’s for the taking. You push your palms flat against his bare abs, past all the scars and dips you feel under your skin, moving your body along until your mouth finds his neck and thumbs find his nipples, rolling and flicking them. It elicits a series of pleased grunts from Erron, keening into your touch. Your intention is to make your mark on him, make sure it shows, to paint him in pretty shades of red and blue and mix them both.

Indigo will look good on him, especially side by side with the the marks of long gone throes.

South is your next destination, peppering bites and butterfly kisses along the way, already unbuckling his belt and pulling it off. His pants come off enough for you to press your nose on his briefs, his hands running through your hair lovingly as you put your tongue over the fabric that’s wet with his precum. Erron watches, lips parted, jolting when you run down from the tip of his length.

“Let me…” your fingers pause at the band of his underwear, and you turn a patient look into his eyes. Erron swallows. “Let me have a taste of you too, sweetheart. I want— I need it. I need it.”

“Atta boy,” you coo, kicking your shoes off, discarding garments in a haphazard manner as you crawl on all fours. Erron misses the way you press against his cock, but he doesn’t voice any complaints when he finds his face between your legs.

And the guy, you think, has the gall to whine when he drags in a breath full of your scent.

Nothing feels quite the same as the way Erron works his mouth, his tongue lavishly prodding and sucking on your undergarment where he hits a sweet spot that curls your toes. He asks for permission to take it off, and you agree, slithering your fingers to pull his briefs down and slip his length out. It’s hard now, in your hand, twitching and dripping.

Cold air hits your bare skin after he tugs away the measly fabric along your thighs; though Erron’s hot breath quickly replaces the night’s dropping temperature and you shiver at the contrast.

“Don’t keep me waiting,” you murmur.

You dip, mouth over the head of Erron’s cock, and you can feel his moan on your skin. Your head bobs as you pump him up and down, careful with your teeth. His moves tend along the rhythm you’ve set, thumb rubbing over your entrance as he zeroes in on where he knows it feels good with his mouth.

Relentless, and constant. The type that draws out soft groans and mindless praise from you.

Muscles flex under your stomach, so do his thighs from the corners of your eyes, tensing, his heels digging the ground. You curl up, free hand clawing at Erron’s jerking hip when the pressure builds, breathing labored as you ride his face and leave both his palms clinging on your rear.

“Mmh, that’s good. Such a good boy,” you swoon, heavy eyes, slick cock sliding on the side of your cheek. Your hand doesn’t stop, palming the tip, showering kisses along the veins and down to have a taste of his sack.

Erron can only make out a swathed gasp.

“You’re wet, Mr. Black. So wet, what are we going to do with you?” And finally, you give him a moment of respite, lifting off from him to catch a glimpse of his dazed expression over your shoulder. He spams under your touches, you lick at your swollen lips. “Tell me, tell me what you want me to do with you.”

“Let me come,” he shivers, a light sheen of sweat dampening his skin. “Please, fuck me till I come, baby. I want you. It’s been so long.”

“Inside?” you purr, turning back around and find his lips to have a taste of yourself on his tongue. You groan, shameless, and Erron nods.

“Inside,” he croaks to your lazy kiss, canting his head to match you, feather light touches down your spine until he rests on the small of your back. His cock rubs on your ass, nose buried in your hair. “What d’you need me to do, sweetheart?”

“Just stay still.” You preen through his mussed up hair, smoothing it back tenderly, tucking stray strands away. There’s a smile on your face, admiring the stupor in Erron’s gaze and the way his hair frames his forehead. You press another kiss there. “Stay still and enjoy the show, dear.”

Enjoy the show he does, even without you telling him to. There’s a small bottle of oil you fish out from the mess of your clothes, popping it open and pouring a liberal amount all over your hand. You rub it on, and slide a forefinger in, then the middle, fucking your already soaked entrance. Head, thrown back, lips parted and Erron’s name rolling off your tongue becomes the finest song to his ears.

The blush decorating your face and beads of sweat cascading down your collarbone makes Erron’s heart skip a beat.

They’re hard to miss, and harder to ignore.

Your other hand braces your body against his chest, and he takes liberty to leave hickeys on your neck, fondling your nipples between his fingers. He kneads them, massaging down your sides, spreading your ass and lifting your hips. Your laugh is a staccato as your fingers slip out with a squelch.

“Patience,” you warn, sucking off the slickness from your digits and positions the head of his cock where they’d just been. “You want me to fuck you, Erron?”

“I do,” he’s winded, nodding, a shiver running up his spine.

“Have you ever had anyone fuck you?” you ask, voice low enough to be guttural, bordering a growl. “Fuck you proper, pound your ass. Have you a mess in your own cum. Have you?”

“N-no,” he stutters when you lower yourself down on him, shaking his head. You see the tips of his ears turn a cherry color. “No, I haven’t, Boss.”

“Maybe next time I should,” you sigh, moaning heartily when he’s sheathed in completely and makes you feel whole. Full. You stay there, and Erron doesn’t move, clinging on you till you give him the word. “I’ll make you come without touching your cock, Erron. Make you a sobbing mess.”

The imagery you give him is there to stay, there for him to collect your debt one day, and he can only strain out a strangled groan against your bare skin that’s clammy and damp. It tastes of salt, but lord is it one of the more inviting things he’s tasted.

You, and you. And more of you.

The tent smells like sex and both of you know it. It’s stuffy, but the good kind, the kind that makes you struggle to breathe and numb your brain with pleasure when you bounce on him, exhaling his name, moaning out obscene things.

Indecent squelches and your voice melding with Erron’s quieter ones, your own name rambling off his lips like a prayer. And against the quiet night in the camp that’s set somewhere far from bustling markets, it wouldn’t be surprising to have someone pass by the tent and hear everything loud and clear.

Except you don’t care, and neither does he. If they decide to stay and enjoy the show, then there’ll be a price to pay later. And you know neither of you come cheap.

“Fuck, sweetie, I— you feel so damn good,” he sobs, slurring the words, “so good, so hot—”

Your arms wrap around him, slipping under his neck, and you rest your lips by his ear. What comes out is garbled, but no less of an order than you mean it to be: “Move for me, Erron, you don’t get to be a pillow princess tonight.”

Earning his prize is something Erron is good at. And holy shit, do you never regret telling him to fuck you— he, finally earning your authorization, holds you pressed against him till you swear you can feel his heartbeat on yours. It’s a blur of gasps and moans and your name feverishly scattered all over you.

On your lips, teeth knocking, your neck, your shoulder. You convulse, and your body twists, gasping and moaning and whimpering. A repetition of fuck yes and right there with rolled back eyes, clenched fists and toes and Erron’s hips turn to pistons ramming into you. Skin, slapping against skin, and that’s what rings throughout.

“So close,” his cry is muffled, teeth grazing your shoulder, “so close.”

“Then come,” your exhale shakes, somehow maintaining the resolute tone despite the absolute wreck he’s made, and you swallow noisily.

Erron shudders, holding your hips still while you brace on him. He fucks you, pounds into you, quiet except for the ragged, hot breath that coils your guts just the same. And you know he’s close when his thrusts fall off tempo, careless and chaotic but hitting somewhere delightful all the same.

You tense when he does, the drawn out moan shifting into a feral growl as he bites into your flesh. It stings and he can taste iron in his mouth. You jolt, and moan, and he continues to buck and rut as he rides his orgasm, loosening his hold on you after he’s gone off from the high.

“Me,” you mumble, and he knows immediately what you mean. Erron licks on the wound he’s made, the mark he’s carved, slipping out of you with a wet squelch. You roll off him, spreading your legs apart, twitching from the sudden lack of Erron buried in you.

Yet the disappointment doesn’t last long when he bends down, intent on finishing you off with his mouth and hands. He has a taste of his own seed, his moans dirty, sinful as he laps up what leaks out from you. Hands, and fingers, busy working to draw your climax out.

Fast, hot, and heavy. It’s rough fingers against everywhere you’re sensitive and swollen, and your spine arches, hissing, feel your mind keeling in on itself when you see white and you release right on his face with spasms running from head to toe.

A moment of silence, filled in with only a pair of heaving breaths, before you finally regain your senses and your touch back on reality. Erron licks his fingers clean, while you pull him by the arm to lie beside you. There’s a glow about his face, and a crooked smile on yours.

“How are you feeling?” you ask, voice soft, dry and hoarse. You wipe his face as clean as you can with your hand.

“Amazin’,” he answers, fulfilled and content as he snuggles up beside you. At first, you hadn’t pegged him for a guy to cuddle, but it’s been years and you’ll never not enjoy his presence beside your worn out body. Seems like it’s the same for him.

The kiss you share next is soft, light; gentler on sore lips. Erron sighs, grunting, shifting till he finds the perfect position with an arm slung on your abdomen while yours absentmindedly rub his forearm.

“I missed this,” he murmurs. “I missed you.”

“I know,” you say softly, chuckling, lips against his hair. “I did too.”

“I’m thinkin’ of quitting this farce with the Black Dragons,” he chatters, voice turning private and mild. “It ain’t fun, Kano’s nothin’ but a wad of dick and summore. It’s boring here, all work, shit price. Kotal’s got a better offer up for me.”

“Mhm,” you brush his hair, and he sighs against it. “Then you should leave.”

“Can’t even see you that often,” Erron adds, scoffing. “Asshole’s sending me to weird places, I swear it’s on purpose.”

You’re genuinely amused when you laugh out of your chest, shaking your head. He’s sulking, you think. But it’s endearing just the same to you. A testament of his trust for you. “What’s stopping you?”

“Nothin’,” he shrugs, chuckling when you laugh. “I’m getting out of here morning comes.”

“Sure,” you say, sighing from your nostrils as you tuck your chin on the crown of his head. “I’ll never be too far from you.”

“Best assassin in Outworld?” Erron crows.

“Best assassin in Outworld.”

He grins, nudging your chin with his head. “Couldn’t even kill me.”

“Didn’t want to,” you admit, clicking your tongue. “And you paid me double to kill the guy who wanted you dead. More for me.” You give him a light pat. “Snatched you up too.”

“I wasn’t letting a pretty thing like you go.”

Comfortable silence settles, before Erron breaks it with a call of your name. Your eyes crack open, canting down with a, “Hm?” and a curious look.

“You think I’m naive?”

“That’s an odd question,” you muse. “Why?”

“I’ve lived for more than a hundred years,” he starts, lifting a look to you, lips twisting. “And I’m still betting my cards on people like Kano.”

“I like that part of you.” There’s no hesitation in your answer, fingers tracing his jawline, tucking strands of hair behind his ear. Erron’s got a way with his loyalty— extending much farther, much deeper than the money he parades. “All heart, wearing it on your sleeve. Not doing things half-assed.”

In his words once upon a time, no one can take the scrawny kid from Wickett outta me.

“Don’t try to brown nose me,” Erron chortles.

“But I’m not,” you close your eyes again, letting the drowse drift you off someplace else. “I like knowing I won’t be stabbed behind my back.”

“How’d I know you wouldn’t?”

“You won’t until I do,” you agree with the point he brings up. Betrayals are a part of your job, an everyday page in your book. But there’s no alarm in his tone; just a question, while your limbs are all tangled with his. “If I ever do. I don’t want to. I’ll miss on purpose for you, though.”

“How sweet,” Erron’s shoulder shake, humored. “Alright. I’ll take your words for that.”

“You should.”

“I will.”

“...I need a bath.”

“Yeah,” he concurs, nose scrunching. “We both do.”

#mortal kombat 11 x reader #erron black x reader #mortal kombat imagine #mortal kombat x reader #mk11 x reader #my fics #taste of a gun barrel #i enjoyed writing this one a bit too muchudfj #gender neutral reader like always #here's to all the erron black fans out there #he's also gonna start naming his guns after this #like the in-game guns... all stupid shit #whiskey & regret... romeo & juliet LMFAO

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snowscribe · 3 years

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Mortal Kombat Kast at a Theme Park/Disneyland Pt 1

First post! I made up/was given this prompt awhile back and tbh it’s the reason I want to start posting stuff publicly. Apologies if it’s super rough, I wrote it at like 4am lol. Basically the kombatants at a theme park/Disney idk my sleepy brain kinda flipped flop between the two. Might make seperate one with kharacters and their s/o’s at the parks if this gains enough traction. I also tried to cover as many of the kharacters as possible, though I am not comfortable with writing all of them just yet: since I just got into MK a couple months ago.

Begins under the kut! :3

This part is for the “good guys” in Earthrealm. Or at least the ones I decided to write for. Part 2 featuring Black Dragon and Outworld + some bonus kharacters can be found here!

Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs organize a trip for the Special Forces to Disneyland, they manage to drag some of the Shirai Ryu, Lin Kuei, and White Lotus along as well.

Raiden

He's too damn tall and electric to ride anything so he usually sits outside of attractions, holding bags and such while the rest of the krew goes on the ride.

Since he's always dressed in his normal attire, a lot of the other guests at the park mistake him for a park mascot or character. Lots of families stop and ask to take photos with him.

Raiden surprisingly doesn't mind, he doesn't interact with many normal Earthrealmers often. It's a fantastic way for him to meet some of the mortals he seeks to protect and ground him into reality.

Fujin

Unlike his brother he actually can and does ride stuff. Though he has to control his excitement when he does. One time on the Expedition Everest he soared out of his seat after the first drop, smiling and gliding in the air. The operator almost had a heart attack and it was not easy for Special Forces to cover it up/explain what happened to the operators/owners. He is not allowed on Peter Pan's Flight or Soarin, don't let those puppy eyes convince you, he gets wayyyy too into those ones.

He loves ferris wheels the most and loves the theme park sweets more. Fried oreos, churros, funnel cake, cotton candy, anything warm and fluffy is going straight to his stomach, much to anyone with a paycheck/wallet's dismay.

Cassie Cage

Being Johnny's daughter and living in LA definitely means she had a season pass for Disneyland growing up. A theme park veteran, totally helps the rest of the krew understand what the heck is going on.

Loves roller coasters the most, but won't turn down a good time on the teacups or carousel. She's been to some of the best parks in the States and knows Disneyland like the back of her hand. Favorite park is Disneyland of course, childhood nostalgia and all that. #BringBackThePeopleMover

Keeps trying to drag certain members of the Krew to certain parts of the park, Kuai to Frozenland, Erron (When he's sided with Kotal) to Frontierland, etc. They are all unhappy with her shenanigans, but Johnny is all here for it.

Johnny Cage

Has been taking Cassie to Disneyland since she was a tot. So very much like his daughter, he's a pro at this theme park business, more specifically the locations of restrooms, restaurants, and first aid stations, basically all the things a parent should know.

Anything Cassie goes on, he goes on, which can be a double edged sword when your daughter is willing to ride basically anything. He avoids going to Kings Dominion with her simply because the Intimidator 305 exists and he doesn't want to die just yet.

Unfortunately he's usually swarmed by the adoring public, so he typically tries to disguise himself, to varying degrees of success. He's on vacation with his friends and family, they shouldn't be burdened with the worries of being surrounded by tons of annoying fans.

Sonya Blade

She was rarely there for Cassie and Johnny's Disneyland outings, so she's more than happy to make up for it now. Only park she really went to growing up was the local county fair and hooooo boy she was not ready for the crowds, or how elaborate some of the rides are…..

or the prices.

"Like holy shit Johnny, why didn't you tell me a crappy pizza costs THIS MUCH??"

Like Johnny, anything Cassie goes on she goes on…..at least until Cassie dragged her onto Space Mountain.

Nope, nope, nope never again. Now she kinda rides what she wants with Cassie and Johnny then sits with Raiden when she thinks it'll be too intense. Don't tell her unit/squad though.

Packs snacks and food so they don't have to spend money on overpriced food on any theme park trips after, much to Cassie's horror.

Jacqui Briggs

Oh hell yes! She'd spend half of the day with Cassie, Kung Jin, and Takeda, then the other half with her Dad. Intense thrill rides with Cassie and co. in the morning, then the more slower and maybe slightly less intense rides with Jax in the afternoon. Not that Jax doesn't like coasters, Jacqui just wants calm quality time with her old man.

She does try to have some one-on-one time with Takeda though. She loves drop towers much to his dismay, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and Tower of Terror are absolute musts.

Queen of carnival games, even if they're completely rigged she seems to always get the prizes she wants. Seriously, that cute Rowlet plushie trapped behind a "Guess my Age" game? Jacqui's got this! Cassie owes much of her collection to her.

She and Cassie also always and I mean ALWAYS do the Disney Princess breakfast meet and greet. They get genuinely upset if they forgot to book a reservation for it during the trip planning phase.

Jax Briggs

Kind of like Sonya in that he doesn't like riding things that are absolutely crazy, but will go on if Jacqui really needs someone to ride with. He loves thrills, but not nonstop. Needs breaks in-between coasters and certain rides.

He does love Rock N Roller Coaster though, he'd ride it forever if you let him. It's the only ride he doesn't need a breather for.

He’s also the reason Jacqui is so good at Carnival games, since he has an addiction to them too. The Briggs home is filled with plushies of many sizes!

Kuai Liang

What, on Earthrealm, is all of this???? He has no idea what is going on or what the point of it all is. Initially he is adamant that he isn't going to enjoy the experience. By the end of the day he's binging rides with a small smile on his face and an overpriced ice cream in hand.

He won't be smiling about the weather or the people though. Poor man is melting from the Summer heat, (if it's summer and it usually is if you're going to a theme park). Hanzo carries around water, handheld fans, and an umbrella just to keep him cool.

As a result, he loves dark rides the most, for the air conditioning, but also because he can usually sit back and soak in the story/atmosphere the attraction is trying to tell. Kuai at first thought they were tacky and childish, but rides like the Haunted Mansion or the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror made him love the format. Tower of Terror specifically made him like thrill rides as well, mostly indoor ones, but coasters cool him off well enough too. (Universal Studios Florida becomes his favorite park once Cassie forces them all to go.)

He hates It's a Small World though, even if he's dying from the Florida/California heat he'd rather suffer than go on that ride again. Jokingly, he can't stand the Carousel of Progress either because “technology” or rather praising technological advancement blindly.

Hanzo Hasashi

Like Kuai he has no idea what's going on or why they're all even here. However, he takes to it a little less than Kuai does. He mostly enjoys the experience of being surrounded by friends and loved ones and less the actual attractions.

He'll definitely ride on stuff with Kuai or Takeda, but otherwise he chills with Raiden on the side. If he had to pick a favorite kind of ride though it'd always be thrill rides/coasters. He has a soft spot for Splash Mountain, but he'll never admit it to anyone other than himself. Doesn't have a favorite park, he just wants to spend time with people he loves. Quality time with Kuai is always a good thing, even with a hefty price tag.

Seriously, park prices could be better on like, everything holy shit. Why should food or even tickets to get inside be so expensive????? Couldn't they just have stayed at home or go somewhere else????? In the states the National Parks are free…. isn't that the same thing???? Kuai stresses out over this too, but slightly less.

Liu Kang

Like Scorpion and Sub-zero, he’s very confused but unlike them more open and enthusiastic about experiencing a theme park. He tries to ride everything, but some rides are just too much for him. He actually takes to the carnival and arcade games a bit more despite absolutely sucking at them. Liu almost begs Jacqui for tips on how to get better at them, which she indulges.

He does sneak off with Kitana when the Outworld group arrives, though when he’s not with her, he’s with Kung Lao.

Kung Lao

Of course like Liu he’s very confused, but oddly takes to everything quicker than Liu does. He boasts about hitting every coaster in the park, which no one believes despite him actually doing it. Adores the thrill rides, though he’ll always stick with Liu at the carnival games if he needs company.

To everyone’s dismay, he also loves the terrible, overpriced, theme park food. Cassie gets the meal plan specifically for him, lest they all go bankrupt.

#mortal kombat #mortal kombat 11 #mk11 #raiden #fuijin #cassie cage #johnny cage #sonya blade #jacqui briggs #jax briggs #kuai liang #hanzo hasashi #sub-zero #scorpion #liu kang #kung lao #mk #my writing

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drasin · 3 years

Text

Day 16 - Confession

Johnny Cage x Erron Black

Prompts list -> [LINK]

Link to Ao3 if anyone prefers to read there -> [LINK]

Cassie wants to know if Black is serious about her father.

Tags / Warning(s): none

Word Count: 1,940

The room was silent until the coin fell to the floor with a clang.

"Crap!" Johnny groaned and leaned up from his chair to pick it up. "You make it look too easy." He muttered with envy in his voice.

Black smiled as he watched his boyfriend fail time after time. "It is easy." He rested his chin on one hand, while in the other he played with another coin, showing how it should look properly. Knowing some pretty good tricks, he was now eager to use them to show off his skills.

Cage tried again, concentrating harder, but the coin slipped through his fingers. "Damn it!" He shouted frustrated, slamming his fists on the tabletop. And the mercenary laughed aloud, without hiding how much fun it gave him.

Sometimes they taught each other new things. Usually useful ones like shooting. The gunslinger could be proud of his aim, so they trained together regularly. Johnny, on the other hand, taught him to drive more competently. Although he still preferred horses, this skill allowed him to get some better assignments that required it.

However, Cage was also a fan of useless, cool-looking stuff. Such as the tricks with the coin or the gun. And well, he didn't mind, because it was hilarious to watch.

"You're doing great dad." Cassie appeared in the living room with an equally wide grin. "Too bad you don't have an audience for this."

Soldier gave her a death glare. "Try it yourself smartass."

"Pass, I have work to do." She picked up a coin that had rolled on the ground and returned it to his hands. "Speaking of which, a delivery truck just arrived. Can you help me unpack our new shiny guns, Erron?"

"Sure." Cowboy agreed almost immediately, and stood up, pushing back his chair.

"I'll help, too." Johnny turned toward them, resting his elbow on the back of the seat.

"Giving up already?" Cassie was certainly provoking him. "One trick surpassed you?"

He squinted his eyes, and all around could be felt his growing determination. "Give me ten minutes. Your jaws will drop. Both of you." He declared and turned, giving the coin his full attention.

Erron left the room with a slight laugh, following the girl into the garage. He liked staying in their house. It was peaceful and safe, unlike in Outworld. That's why they spent most of their longer vacations here, where they could sincerely relax.

"There's a bunch of them and they're pretty heavy." She opened the vehicle door by rolling it up, but had to stand on her tiptoes, so Black walked over to help out. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." He threw her a slight smile and grabbed the first wooden box from the edge.

He genuinely liked Cassie. But that was mostly, to her credit, cause it was impossible not to like her. The girl was sharp as a tack. She often hung out with them, helped with disputes, and simply was a great person. Like a combination of all the best traits of Johnny and Sonia. So he wasn't surprised that she was the whole world to Johnny. He definitely appreciated that Black had a good relationship with his daughter.

"Here?" He asked, standing against the wall where there was quite a bit of empty space.

"Yeah, it'll be fine." She placed the other crate next to it. "You can stack them on top of each other, I'll unpack it tonight. Probably faster than dad can learn that trick.”

"Nah..." Black rubbed his fingers as he returned to the vehicle. "If I know him, he'll learn it tonight and then brag about all week. I shouldn't have told him how long it took me." He shook his head, but smiled to himself at the mere thought of the man.

"Damn, you could be right." She conceded his point. "That's bad, I made fun of him too."

"Don't worry, If it happens, I'll teach you that even faster."

“Okay I'm in.” She laughed quietly. When another few crates were in place, she stopped, evidently wondering about something. "Erron." She got his attention and their eyes met. Black gave her a questioning look. "Can I ask what you feel for him?"

Surprised, he put down what he held in his hands. "Meaning?"

"Are you serious about him?" The girl certainly didn't beat around the bush. "I ask because you are important to him. You make him happy and I honestly think you two are a really great couple as well as friends. That's why I want to know if it's something more. I know you wouldn't be in our house if he didn't mean anything to you. So... do you love him?"

Love. Erron hadn't been this troubled before. He hadn't expected such a topic, and now it practically swept him off the board. He blacked out and without blinking stared at the girl, who was patiently waiting for an answer. He couldn't say anything. But not because the answer was negative. He didn't feel it was so. Only... he never thought about it before and never managed to confront his own feelings.

Did he love him?

If someone had told him just two years ago that he was going to call Cage his boyfriend, he would have laughed. But that was before he had a chance to get to know him. They became friends in quick time, while he thought they wouldn't even have much in common. He was wrong. Even though they were different, they got along great. Johnny was extravagant in practically all aspects, and it never seriously bothered him. There was just something about him. Something Erron couldn't find a word for, but it was constantly drawn to him.

He was a great drinking buddy and a trusted friend. Experience and confidence also made him a remarkable partner. He could take on different roles without losing the sensuality to give him what he desired. And besides, he was also... pleasant company. Black was surprised that sometimes all he wanted was to just sit in his presence. They could go about their business or not talk and that was fine as long as they were next to each other.

They both accepted each other completely, not needing to change anything about their partner. Johnny likes to cuddle, and Erron never guessed that it would become one of his favorite bed activities. They had long since stopped being simply lovers. He stayed at his place for weeks at a time. They simply slept together, brushed their teeth, and ate breakfast. All this and much more, just like a normal couple who have lived together for years.

Black thought about all that they had already done. It had come so naturally to them, though he hadn't expected there to be a time in his life when he would... settle down. But it didn't scare him at all. Not with Johnny. With him, he could be himself, and their life together for those two years required no sacrifices. This relationship wasn't a loss of anything. He was still just as free, and on top of that, he gained a place where he was always welcome and people who were important to him and cared about his well-being. Like at the time he took care of him when he was sick. The selfless love and affection that one gives to family.

Right, a family. He could be a part of it. The thought of Johnny being his longtime partner made him feel only positive emotions. No fear or worry. He wanted to know that he was someone important to him. To look into the future and see them both. He didn't even want to imagine that they could break up, or that he could disappear from his life.

So if that wasn't love, then he didn't know what it was.

"I do." Black whispered almost unheard. It was said to himself. Then he lifted his gaze, which at some point had drifted into the crates, and looked at the girl. "I do." He repeated it louder.

Cassie smiled brightly. "Well, tell that to him, not me."

Black nodded and pushed off, heading for the exit. He stopped at the door. "Should I help you with the rest of the boxes?"

"Go!" She rushed him with a laugh.

He nodded again, pointing his finger in a gesture of her rightness. He left the garage and went back to the living room. Once there, he spotted a man standing at the table.

"Johnny." Despite his calmness, he had a feeling his palms were sweating somehow more.

When Cage looked up, he raised his hand to silence him. "Before you say anything. Admire." He lifted the gold coin and placed it between his thumb and forefinger. Then rolled it down so it fell on his fingers like on steps. Finally he tossed it up and with a wave of his arm caught it in the air with a huge smile on his face. "It's showtime! I did it myself! Well... mostly. I had a good teacher." He sent him a wink. "Okay, go ahead. Whatever you've got you won't beat it." He bared his white teeth.

Mercenary smiled softly, gazing at the satisfied man. He had no more doubts. "I love you." The words flowed out of his mouth as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Johnny's eyes widened. "You..." As he'd been rambunctious a moment ago, now he couldn't get the sentence out. "Well... apparently I was wrong..." He wanted to say something else, but suddenly closed his mouth and scratched the back of his neck. "Erron... I'm sorry."

Time seemed to stop, and an unpleasant shiver ran along his spine. Johnny looked as if he really felt bad for him. He furrowed his brow when he suddenly felt sick.

"I'm sorry you can't see your face right now." He finished as his smile grew wider with each successive word.

Black closed his eyes. "You fucking asshole." He growled through his teeth, and clenching his right hand, he aimed for the man's shoulder.

"Woah, easy." Cage caught his fist, and pulled closer, holding him around the waist. “This is my rematch for our first kiss. Remember?"

He sighed. The fact that he had no right to be angry made him even more annoyed. But he was right, and as he instructed, he calmed down a moment later. "Ugh.. all right... I deserved it." He almost had a heart attack. But since he experienced first-hand what the man felt when he did the same back then, he could now quickly forgive him.

"Damn right, you do." He put a hand on his neck and pulled him into a kiss. Soft and sweet. The kind you give to someone you love. But not with sexual love, but with purely romantic one. The unconditional one you feel for another person without context, for who they are. He pulled back enough to look into his eyes, and stroked his cheek with a thumb. "I love you too."

Erron threw arms around his shoulders and sank face into his neck. He drew in a pleasant scent as the man hugged him in a strong embrace. They stood in this position, simply enjoying each other's company. Sometimes a simple hug could be more meaningful than any other display of affection. Simple but sincere. Showing the true love you have for another person. Black, being now in his arms, was sure that he loved him dearly and unconditionally. And it had been that way for a long time, only now he said it out loud.

#blacage #fictober 2021 #erron black #johnny cage #erron black x johnny cage #fictober #mortal kombat 11 #mk11 #ao3 #fanfic #confession

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qdbs-writes · 1 year

Note

can I request a part two of Captain America s/o with the same characters, but NSFW this time? They're getting to it but s/o is afraid to hurt them because of his strength and size (interpret that however you like 😅) ty so much <3

omg that super soldier post was so far back ahhh, but here is the og! and nonny i will be interpreting 'size and strength' in the horniest way possible >;)

MK Lads x Male!Super-Soldier!Reader NSFW Scenario

Kung Jin

He'd let you hit with NO PREP NO LUBE with the ride going at FULL SPEED. He knows he'll die, but he'll die happy goddamnit! You could hit him with your car and he would thank you!

Jokes aside, Jin strikes me as having grown up quite sheltered, so I won't bank on him understanding the intricacies of gay sex, even after he comes out and is in a relationship with you.

So hopefully you can teach him a thing or two! Like prep, prep is so fucking vital.

As an ex-Marvel fan, we all know that the super soldier serum works on the whole body, penis included. So please feel free to just drop your jeans if Jin is ever like "Just put it in me", it will silence all opposition.

So your fears of hurting Jin are probably more realistic. One way to get around this would be to let Jin top you for a bit, he'd love to clap your super soldier cheeks!

Granted, Jin isn't nearly as big as you are, about 5 inches erect and 1.8 inches in diameter, but hey, it's not the size of the boat, it's the motion of the ocean.

Takeda Takahashi

If you express your fear of hurting him during sex Takeda will go full heart eyes mode because no one else has been this concerned about his safety in the past.

At the same time, he wants to be fucking annihilated by your cock, your hands, your mouth. You name it, Takeda wants it.

Having the biggest dick he's ever seen, Takeda is gonna want it in his mouth first, starting with coy little licks and nibbles before it all devolves into shamelessly aggressive throat fucking.

Let's imagine for a blissful moment that being a super soldier means you've got buckets of cum in your nutsack. Takeda wants all that cum covering almost every inch of his body: his face, his stomach, his back, his hands, if you've got some leftover, he'd love to feel it trickle down from his hole.

Be warned that Takeda may be so distracted by your super soldier dick that he accidentally gets way too much lube out and unintentionally turns the bed into a fucking slip N slide.

Erron Black

If you stop him in the middle of getting down and dirty to say some shit like "I'm scared I'm too strong and I might hurt you..." Erron's like "This ain't my first rodeo, big boy".

Do you think in his adventures in Outworld that Erron hasn't been fucking huge-cocked, monster people? Because he's been fucking monster people with huge cocks.

His hole? Douched. His cheeks? Waxed. His body? Ready. His soul? Sold. His panties? Fucking gone.

You could hold Erron up by one hand, pushing and pulling him onto your dick like a fleshlight and Erron would have the best time.

Erron's favourite bit is when your cock is so deep in his guts that you can see his stomach bulge at the size of it, he also loves it when you cum super deep and it floods his insides.

If you put 'Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)' on while you are balls deep inside him, Erron will let it slide, unless you can't stop laughing, then he'll be pissy.

#mortal kombat #mortal kombat x reader #mortal kombat headcanons #mk x reader #kung jin #kung jin x reader #takeda takahashi #takeda takahashi x reader #erron black #erron black x reader #male reader #qdbs writing

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robininthelabyrinth · 4 years

Note

If you're still taking prompts, what about something where LXC discovered that JGY had altered the song of Clarity/Cleansing, before NMJ died? Is JGY able to convince him it was a misunderstanding, or does he realize the betrayal?

sequel to this

“This is the worst kidnapping ever,” Nie Huaisang moaned.

Lan Xichen had given up on not smiling about ten complaints ago. “You’re doing very well,” he said.

“I am not.”

“You got me to come with you to the Unclean Realm, didn’t you?”

“You’re the one that flew us here.”

“Well, I’m better at flying on a sword than you are. Still, you did get me here. Against my will, even.”

“You said you thought it was a bad idea,” Nie Huaisang said gloomily. “Twice. And then you stopped protesting.”

Lan Xichen shrugged. “I still think it’s more likely that you remembered the song wrong.”

“And I’m telling you that I am far too incompetent to accidentally come up with a variation that causes the exact opposite effect to what it’s meant to do,” Nie Huaisang said stubbornly. “We’ll go to the room and listen and then you’ll see.”

“But there’s no need to sneak around – we could just ask A-Yao to pay it for us, and we’ll be able to see –”

“No! This is my honor at stake here, er-ge. I’m telling you: if you’re there listening, there’s no way san-ge won’t worry about doing it perfectly right, and that means he won’t make any mistakes. You have to hear him when he’s not thinking about it.”

Lan Xichen’s hand was covering his mouth and had been ever since Nie Huaisang had said the word ‘honor’ which – fair. It wasn’t exactly Nie Huaisang’s concern the majority of the time.

Nie Huaisang only kept invoking it because every time he did, it made Lan Xichen giggle-snort in such an embarrassing way that he entirely forgot that he’d been opposed to this little trip.

Kidnapping.

Whatever. No one would ever believe he could successfully kidnap anyone, anyway, and they were probably right.

“Here, er-ge, come through this way,” he instructed Lan Xichen, pushing open a wall.

“Should you be showing this to me?” Lan Xichen asked, following him in. “It’s not a family secret, is it?”

“Only in the most technical of senses?” Nie Huaisang hazarded.

“Huaisang…”

“Listen, if da-ge ever wanted to actually keep a family secret, he just wouldn’t tell me about it,” Nie Huaisang pointed out. “It’s a good system, and it works for us both.”

Lan Xichen was quiet for a moment. “What if there was a secret you had to know,” he finally said. “And he didn’t have a choice but to tell you –”

Nie Huaisang didn’t want to talk about the saber spirits, if only because his brother was much happier thinking he was ignorant of the whole thing.

“Shhhh, we’re almost there. San-ge should be getting started right around this time –”

Sure enough, by the time they arrived, Jin Guangyao was halfway through the opening chords. Lan Xichen settled down in the chair that Nie Huaisang had brought for himself, head tilted to the side to better listen, a soft smile on his face.

That smile slowly faded as the song went on, even though they hadn’t even gotten to the relevant piece yet.

Nie Huaisang really wanted to know why, but he couldn’t ask without giving away their presence – something he’d overlooked. If only he’d brought paper and ink! Then they’d be able to pass notes.

Or possibly he should really give in to his brother’s urging and learn some hand-signs for communication purposes…

Jin Guangyao finally got to the part of the song Nie Huaisang and Lan Xichen had been arguing about, and hah! Nie Huaisang had told him that he’d remembered correctly –

“Er-ge?” he asked, forgetting himself when Lan Xichen abruptly stood up and strode out of the room. “What –”

He ran after him, but he wasn’t fast enough to catch up before Lan Xichen burst into the room where Nie Mingjue was listening to the music.

“– are you doing, A-Yao?!” Lan Xichen was shouting. Actually shouting, which – wow. Lan Xichen never raised his voice; prior to this very moment, Nie Huaisang had honestly believed that his brother had laid claim to all three sworn brothers’ ability to speak at a high volume. “No spiritual power in the beneficial part, full power in the erroneous section –”

Jin Guangyao’s eyes were wide and frightened. “Er-ge, no, you don’t understand –”

“I don’t! A-Yao, why…?”

“I didn’t want to!” he shouted, his eyes darting quickly from side to side the way Nie Huaisang’s did when he was trying to come up with a good lie on the spot. “I didn’t – my father made me –”

“What exactly is going on?” Nie Mingjue said, rubbing his temples; he’d been meditating while listening to the music, and breaking the trance so abruptly had disoriented him. “And – Xichen. When did you even get here? And why are you here?”

Nie Huaisang stopped right before entering the door and abruptly reversed his steps as quickly as he could, even picking up his robes so he could better run away before –

“Huaisang!”

Shit.

Time to hide.

Nie Huaisang was never especially good at hiding; it wasn’t long before his brother had found him and picked him up by the collar – he felt and probably looked like a kitten being grabbed by the scruff of its neck – and dragged him back to the room, grumbling as he did.

Jin Guangyao was sobbing into Lan Xichen’s shoulder, and Lan Xichen looked upset.

“What happened?” Nie Huaisang asked.

“An excellent question,” Nie Mingjue said, and his face was black with anger, but that was pretty typical for him these days. “What was all that yelling about?”

Silence but for the sobbing.

“There was something wrong with the song,” Nie Huaisang volunteered, since no one else seemed like they were going to. “If you listen too closely, it has a negative effect rather than a positive effect. You see, I was eavesdropping and started coughing up blood –”

“You were what?! Have you –”

“The doctor said it’d be fine with some meditation!”

“Then you should go meditate!”

“Who says I haven’t?” Nie Huaisang protested, for which he got bodily lifted up and shaken like a disobedient puppy which…again, fair. “Okay, okay, I will, I will, I promise! But it doesn’t change the fact that he was trying to kill you!”

Nie Mingjue apparently hadn’t put that together yet and dropped Nie Huaisang like a sack of potatoes. “He was what?!”

“Not kill!” Jin Guangyao said immediately. “It was only supposed to disable you – to distract you –”

“Coughing up blood isn’t usually a symptom of distraction,” Nie Huaisang pointed out from the floor, a little skeptical.

Jin Guangyao wasn’t stupid – even when he’d been Meng Yao, he had always been very smart, very quick to pick things up, to put things together. How could he not know what would happen if he played music designed to destabilize instead of stabilize to a man already prone to qi deviations?

No, it was definitely a murder attempt. It might not have been much of one, but he was going to have to pay.

“You were using it to attack me?” Nie Mingjue asked, his voice low; anyone who didn’t know him might think he was bubbling over with anger – and he was, but to anyone who did know him it was clear that he was hurt. “After all the oaths we swore –”

“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” Lan Xichen said.

Nie Mingjue snorted and turned his face away. “You always defend him.”

“I know that, but it’s different this time, I swear,” Lan Xichen said, and shook his head, his expression pained. “I believe him when he says he was acting under duress.”

“Er-ge…” Jin Guangyao said tearfully, his eyes starting to curve.

Nie Huaisang considered throwing his fan at him. Or possibly at Lan Xichen.

“But the consequences of his actions could have been serious, and that he did not consult us first – either of us – is indicative,” Lan Xichen continued, not looking at him. “Who knows what could have happened if I hadn’t listened to Huaisang’s wild story and even more wild idea of dragging me here?”

Nie Huaisang really wished Lan Xichen would stop giving him credit. Especially credit that might make his brother angry at his actions.

“The answer to that seems clear enough: he wouldn’t have repented even if I were in my grave,” Nie Mingjue said, crossing his arms; disappointment was writ large throughout his features. “Xichen –”

“You’re right, da-ge; and you’ve been right all along,” Lan Xichen said simply, and Jin Guangyao turned to him with an expression of shock. “Don’t look at me like that, A-Yao – we’re your sworn brothers. Even if your father was forcing you, you should never have lifted a hand against da-ge in violation of our oath.”

“But – I told you – my father threatened –”

“And I believe you, A-Yao, I do,” Lan Xichen said, sincerely, reaching out to put a hand on Jin Guangyao’s shoulder. “I’ve always believed you have reasons for everything you do, that the world has misunderstood you. But da-ge is right, too: I don’t know when or how, but somewhere you turned down a wrong path. Whether you thought what you were doing was justified or not, whatever reason there was to your actions, in the end you nearly killed da-ge..! That would have been unforgivable. For some things, it doesn’t matter what types of reasons you might have had.”

“I’m glad we agree on that,” Nie Mingjue said grimly.

“Da-ge swore to be your elder brother because he believed you needed instruction,” Lan Xichen said. “I thought he was being overly harsh with his assessment of you, but I realize now that he was right. We are your brothers; we will help you.”

“Help me how?” Jin Guangyao asked, his voice quavering. “What can the two of you do, one in Gusu and one in Qinghe, when I’m alone in Lanling and suffering? When my life is under threat, when my wife is under threat of even worse..? I have already accepted the name my father gave me, the position he has forced me into; I cannot disobey him without losing everything - what can I do?”

“It’s not what you can do, you – you idiot,” Nie Mingjue snapped. “We swore brotherhood. It’s what we can do.”

“We’ll need to consider the matter carefully,” Lan Xichen agreed. “Da-ge, come with me; I’ll play Clarity for you myself to help calm you, and then we will see about what must be done – both about A-Yao’s behavior, and about his father’s.”

Lan Xichen was probably the only person in the world who had the strength to pull open Nie Mingjue’s clenched fist, and the daring to do so; he led him away, still grumbling and shooting glares back towards where Jin Guangyao was standing.

Jin Guangyao in turn was left behind, gaping at the retreating backs of his two sworn brothers. In the end, he turned to look at Nie Huaisang as if he could offer some explanation.

“If you even think about doing anything to harm da-ge again, no matter what the reason, no matter how small, I will find your mother’s corpse and feed it to wild dogs,” Nie Huaisang told him with a bright smile. “And then you as well. In very small pieces. Are we clear?”

Jin Guangyao’s eyebrows went up, probably because he of all people could tell when Nie Huaisang was being serious, as he so rarely was.

His brother and er-ge might like Jin Guangyao enough to want to keep him around - Nie Huaisang couldn’t blame them, he rather liked the man too when he wasn’t trying to murder Nie Huaisang’s only living relative - but Nie Huaisang was going to make sure that he didn’t make the same mistake a second time.

He was going to make him pay - and then keep paying.

“Anyway, you’d better come with me to help me find my saber,” Nie Huaisang said, even though he really didn’t want to. “Da-ge will start yelling soon enough; he hates it when I don’t have it around when there’s a war on.”

“But the war is over,” Jin Guangyao said.

“The Sunshot Campaign is over, yes,” Nie Huaisang agreed. “But the Jin sect leader just tried to assassinate the Nie sect leader, after having forced his son to participate against his own sworn oaths...did you really not realize that your brothers would go to war for you?”

#mdzs #nie huaisang #lan xichen #jin guangyao #meng yao #nie mingjue #my fic #my fics #in which jin guangyao's attempt to cover his own ass ends up starting a war #thanks jin guangyao #becomingatruelady

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blackdragonturds · 3 years

Photo

Hello everyone! This is my first Mortal Kombat blog and for starters, I’ve been lurking around the fandom here and its absolutely amazing. For starters, I’ll make this post appeal to the fans with a more romantic approach. Since well, the heart is a prominent thing in the games (Like getting ripped out, smashed, eaten, ect.) I thought I’d try something new. Without further ado, Mortal Kombat HeadKanon #1: “Revealing to your Kombatant honey you are a cardiophile!” (Or you have a thing for hearts and heartbeats)

Kano: He finds your interest utterly, completely, and simply adorable. He finds it so innocent and sweet compared to other kinks he’s seen thus far. He loves seeing that lustful gaze you have on his chest or when you hug him out of the blue. He loves teasing you with pressing his knife to his chest to see your reaction. He adores you completely and is 100% willing to be down for a cuddle session. When you whisper you love him, he responds with “I love you with all my heart, darlin.” That phrase that makes you blush is all he needs to be happy. (**BONUS: NSFW-ish) when it comes to lovemaking with your interest in his heart, its extremely satisfying and passionate. He loves seeing you look at him with lust in your eyes hearing his heart prior. <3 Erron Black: He finds your fetish to be strange but sweet. Since he’s old fashioned he’ll find it oh so romantic when it’s just you and him. He finds it cute and sexy once you two start dating and its serious. He always likes to see your reaction when he kisses you and likes to drink certain types of alcohol to see your reaction to his heart going faster. He knows you love it so he doesn’t mind you sleeping on his chest every night. He likes to put your hand on his sternum as a romantic gesture. He enjoys teasing you via putting his pistol to his chest during some makeout sessions and getting you flustered. (BONUS: NSFW-ish) Erron enjoys letting you listen to his heart during his climaxes and returns the favor kissing your chest <3 Kabal (Pre and post burn) Kabal finds your cardiophillia creepy at first but he warms up to it. He loves to tease you about it, and when you tell him you’re curious what his maximum rate is, he blushes and doesn’t give a straight answer. When you snuggle him, he blushes as red as a beet when you mention how his heart is getting faster. He may be uncomfortable about the fact that you like how it sounds but when he knows you’re harmless, he’s completely okay with it. He gets all hot and bothered when you whip out the steth, and when you sit in his lap doing so it only gets funnier. He’s a bit shy when you ask him to do a few laps for you but he does it anyway because he loves you. (BONUS: NSFW- ish) Kabal is EXTREMELY shy between the sheets when it comes to your kinks. He isn’t sure how at first but he can adjust. He often worries going too fast for your liking but wants you to be pleasured too. He often has a VERY reactive heart and often blushes deep red when you touch his chest. <3 Raiden: Your thunder god sweetheart finds it SUPER ROMANTIC. Like, the best kind of interest you can share with him. He finds it really a vow of love and curious as to how it happens. He loves to snuggle you close and kiss your hair while you listen to the drumbeat in his chest. He cherishes every hug and cuddle, and he knows it may sound more than a little crazy but he may develop a liking for it too. (BONUS: NSFW-ish) Raiden likes to use his electric powers on you during some intimate moments with you only by your consent, knowing humans are fragile. He likes making your heart pound with his shocks and strives to be gentle, He also has a nagging voice in his mind to be careful he doesn’t short circuit you. <3 Thanks for tuning in!

#mortal kombat #mkx #erron #erron black #raiden #kano #kabal mortal kombat #mk11 raiden #cardiophile #love #fluffy stuff

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iknowthekoolaidflavor · 3 years

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Surrexit lingua vestra cattus

Thomas appears to be a friend, but he is a demon after all.

Pairing: demon!Thomas x reader

Word count: Abt 2k

A/N: The translations came from Google, so by any means, please correct my Latin. My idea for demons and their jobs is loosely based on Supernatural because I miss it so much 😭

Take Latin, they said.

It will be fun, they said.

As a senior, you thought taking a language class would somehow lighten your stressful workload, and you were wrong. Latin kicked your ass every single week.

“Why didn’t I take Spanish?”, you groaned, dropping your head on the desk

The dorm room was empty, save for the stressed-out senior studying for finals. Your roommate, the English major, breezed through all their courses with flying colors. Avery was a natural when it came to writing and criticizing your essays. They were sure to graduate at the top of the class. Y/N, on the other hand, struggled to conjugate daily activities in past tense. College may not have been too much of a stressor in life, but this semester has fucked you over in more ways than one. All you wanted to do was graduate on time and that meant for the next two semesters you had to take 18 credits.

With the final tomorrow, you knew relearning the information was a lost cause.

Can I go home and tell mom I failed? I will never hear the end of it.

I’ll have to sit through another lecture about switching majors.

The wayward thoughts took over, filling your head with how disappointed your family will be. You wrapped your arms around yourself, head dropped to your knees when you heard something hit the floor. To your left, a book managed to fall off the bookshelf, landing on its spine.

You took your time getting the open book off the floor and reading the bookmarked page. Who would have thought your precious roommate would also be interested in demonology? The page was in English except for one paragraph at the bottom written in Latin. You read it to yourself, wincing at your terrible pronunciation.

“I guess demons aren’t real after all”, you laughed to yourself as you placed the book back on the shelf

You turned on your heel, then ran into something solid.

“Who told you demons weren’t real, sweetheart?”

The figure braced himself for the scream that escaped your lips. It happened from time to time. Someone thought demon summoning was a joke, he showed up, then boom instant nightmare. The demon towered over you. He appeared to be in his thirties. The wild, but neat curls framing his face were enough to cover the bottom of his horns. He stared down at you with his pitch-black eyes, bored with your screams.

“Are you done yet?”, he scoffed, “I’m not that bad”

“You’re a demon”

“You say it like it’s a bad thing. I’m no longer disgusted in the presence of humans…although I should be. Just gross and full of emotions”

The demon walked around your small dorm, looking the at the bookshelf before his eyes landed on the book you just put away. He immediately perked up and pulled it off the shelf.

“I can’t believe they still make copies of these. Are you a fan of mine?”, he stared at you with a suggestive quirk of his brow

“It’s not my book, and why would I be a fan of you?”

“Sure, it isn’t. It’s also my book. Had to get the word out somehow”

“Everything is already stressing me out. Why would I want to add a demon to the mix?”, you hissed

“To make your life less stressful. That is what we’re here for”

“A demon just steps in, makes your life better at no cost at all?”

The demon smirked as he took a seat on your roommate’s desk. He remained composed during your interrogation. Typically, the deals were quick. Everyone knew what they wanted, and he set the nonnegotiable price for their demands. This might take a little longer, but he was up for the challenge.

“You have a point. Nothing is free, sweetheart”

“Don’t call me that”

“Don’t call me demon”

“Aren’t you a demon?”

He paused for a moment, opening his mouth for a smart remark, yet it never came. A soft laugh came in its wake.

“Thomas. You can call me Thomas”

The name put you at ease, but only for a little while. You sighed as you sat on your bed, picking up your Latin notes again.

“…and you are?”

“A human that doesn’t need your help. Nothing is worth risking a deal with a dem—you. I can’t risk that”

“There’s nothing I can help you with?”

“No”, you stated with as much firmness you could muster. The room felt slightly warmer since Satan’s spawn appeared out of nowhere.

“Not even your Latin homework?”, Thomas grinned, watching your faux hostility crumble. He knew you needed his help, but he did not mind waiting for you to ask nicely.

“I’m studying for a final and no, you can’t”

“I’ve lived for over three centuries. I think I’ve picked up more than enough Latin in my lifetime. Why do you think it’s all in my book?”

“Why would I want your help?”

“Because you’ll fail without me”

“No, I won’t. Maybe. Who cares? I don’t need your help”

“Well”, he sighed as he stepped off the bed, “te visurum”

Thomas’s hand touched the doorknob. How bad can it be? Why is he willing to help you? If he apparated in your room, why did he need to use the door?

“For dramatic effect. Do you want my help or not? I know a trick or two to help you study”, he reasoned, aware that you were already screaming yes

“Fine, but this is time for studying. I don’t need any distractions”

Thomas was indeed a distraction.

He stopped after every three phrases to ask you about your studies, hometown, and why you summoned him in the first place. You did not strike him as the type of person to summon a demon unless they were desperate.

The space between the two of you were sparse. The longer he stayed, the warmer it felt. The thermostat in the room remained untouched since he arrived. For some reason, you felt your body warming up the longer he stayed around you. You sat up on the bed with your laptop in front of you, attempting to put some space between you. Thomas laid on his side, holding himself up with his elbow. Every time his horn brushed against your arm; your skin tingled, sending small trembles to places in your body you did not want to speak about.

“Do demons have tails too?”

“Does it look like I have a tail?”

“You have black eyes and eyes, I wouldn’t put it past you”, you smirked, “Don’t get an attitude with me, blame the internet”

“I can’t do anything about the internet taking artistic liberties for what we look like, but some of it is erroneous. Don’t need a tail or wings”

“What about your horns? What’s their purpose?”

Thomas grew silent. He never wondered why he needed his horns, dark eyes, or claws. They were just there. They were a part of him. It made people fear him whenever they crossed paths and easier to get what he wanted without threatening violence. Although he loved the latter, it made his life much easier. It did not take much for him to intimidate the strongest of men, but you seemed different. Besides the initial reaction, it appeared that there’s no part of you that feared him. If no one knew who he was, one would think you were talking to another human.

“Did I offend you or something?”, you asked, finally looking up from your notebook

“No”, Thomas blinked, “Not at all. It’s going to take more than that to offend me…”

“I’m still not giving you my name and I like a challenge”

Little did you know, so did he.

“I’ve been living amongst demons for so long, I forgot that humans aren’t used to our appearance. It got pretty lonely down there, then I came here and not much changed”

“I’m sure you’ll find someone who won’t scream for the hills when they see you”, you giggled

“I may have found one already”, Thomas replied with a devious smirk, “I’m going to give you a little push. There’s no way you’re passing this class…”

Trying to look offended was no use. You knew you were not going to pass either, regardless if Thomas helped you or not. This was a lost cause, and you were back where you started. Thomas pulled himself off the bed, collecting his coat and fixing his hair.

“There is another way I can help you, darling”

You closed your laptop and notebook, moving to the edge of the mattress.

“I’m not making a deal with you”

“You don’t have to. I’ll help you pass, and you’ll give me nothing in return”

“Why?”

“Do you know how often college students ask me for penis enlargement? Not help with studying. Not passing a class or paying for tuition. But you? You’re different. I like you, which is why this one’s on me”

“You’re going to help me…for free?”

“I only want to help”, he said, offering up his hands in mock surrender, “Next time, you’ll know when you’re summoning a demon. Do you know how much danger you put yourself in? Also, I’ll be happy to know you passed that final because you’re bound to fail”

“Gee, thanks”

If he helps you pass, he may come back and renege on his offer. There is probably some fine print that says you will belong to him for all of eternity. On the other hand, no more nagging from your mother about your major.

“Fine, I accept”, you agree as you moved to shake his hand

“Oh sweetheart”, Thomas laughed, “You naïve little thing. You really are new to this. That’s not how we seal the deal”

Thomas took a step forward, stepping in between your legs. In that moment, you became painfully aware of the dampness between your thighs.

“A quick kiss, then we’re all done”

You allowed him to move closer. He placed his hands against your cheeks as he placed a soft kiss on your lips. Thomas took his time kissing you, nails ghosting above your collar bone. The gasp that escaped gave him space to slide his tongue in your mouth. You found your hands tangled in his shirt, trying to pull him closer. Thomas happily obliged, placing his hands on the mattress, giving you the chance to wrap your arms around his neck.

Thomas’s hands inched up your shirts as he left rough kisses on your neck. The moan you released when he bit down on the flesh made him weak. His fingers wrapped around your hair and gave a slight tug. When your eyes rolled to the back of your head, he pulled harder, trying to hold himself up with his cock pressed into your thigh. You became so pliant in a matter of moments. This was all he wanted.

Before his hands could reach your bra, the faint sound of keys rang from the other side of the door. Panicked, you pushed Thomas off you.

“See you soon Y/N”, he winked before disappearing

Avery walked in as you were picking their book off the floor. You were quickly pulling your shirt down and trying to fix your hair.

“Told you the book was good”, they smirked

“Can I borrow it for a little longer?”

“Sure”

The next morning you woke up with last night as a distant memory. You quizzed yourself on past and present tense while you showered and focused on your phrases as you got dressed. You knew you were going to pass, something about today just felt right.

You stepped out your dormitory and headed to class. Across the yard, one of your classmates called out to you.

“Y/L/N, want to walk together?”

There was no reason to say no, but when you opened your mouth to say yes, nothing came out. You tried over and over, but each time, your mouth moved, your voice failed to follow suit. You stood in the middle of the yard. Everything felt like it moved in slow motion. Thomas took something valuable to you, and you were none the wiser to his game.

You yanked the demon book from your backpack, intent on summoning the very demon you now despise. In the middle of the cover was a sticky note with a message that made your blood boil.

Quid est? Surrexit lingua vestra cattus

te visurum - see you later

Quid est? Surrexit lingua vestra cattus - What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?

#demon!thomas #demon!thomas x reader #thomas jefferson #thomas jefferson x reader #thomas x reader #hamilton #hamilton fic #demon au #dark!thomas #dark!thomas x reader #dark!thomas jefferson #dark!thomas jefferson x reader

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allstarsstorymode867 · 3 years

Text

ALL-STARS -STORY MODE- CHAPTER 19

Heya everyone!

Sorry for the absence of chapters, there are things good and bad in my life but that is not important right now.

The OC belongs to @mortal-kombattore-115

I like to thank @this-person-is-slowly-dying and her friend, AlphaKing and @sampoststuff for providing me artwork for this so give them credit guys. ^^

That being said, enjoy reading the chapter you are waiting for while I work on the 20th chapter.

-Chapter 19-

-Back to the All-Stars Group…-

“So there will be a great conflict in the future, eh?” Bruno had asked this while he fed the fire with the wood leftover after others had barricaded the house. “To hell and back it will be to your dimension eventually.” Dempsey said as he helped a captive Helghast making a grate to hang the skinned bear over the fire.

“Still, too much hell for what the Germans had done to us.”

“Can you explain what had happened in that war?” as the large Frenchman helps out Heavy with the creature over to the fire to tie it on a grate.

“To make a long ass story short,” Dempsey apperaded, as he and the Helghast managed to get the grate made from scrapped metal and pipes from the shed with the help of Ratchet who set it in the ground with rocks. “Blame the Germans.” with Ultimis Richtofen giving him a glare from the background with Primis Jin shaking her head.

Demoman walked over with a knife from a kitchen as the smell of sizzling meat and hearing bubbles erupting from the flames crisping on the skinned bear creature. Soldier had to pull the Scottish man back and whispered “You think you can prepare dinner for us?” with a little concern for him. “I mean, Engie and Pyro can cook good meals…”

“I can cook, Jane, I have cooked a lot of food for me ma, remember?” Tavlish smiled with his one good brown eye, looked at it, and the Soldier patted his back and said “Just remember to put spice on each piece if someone wants one.” and Demo nodded.

The meat was grilled by the fire on a grate, was curved and cut onto a plate and served to the people around the bonfire. Spice and salt was provided to several others who wanted it and they ate it with ease.

Some laughed and made jokes, others were keeping watch for any familiar or the unfamiliar threats as Demoman looked a little proud of himself, an friendly atmosphere with little laughter and he thought “All of this needs to have a piano music.” rather joking in his head with a chuckle.

Door opened slightly from beyond the group and they jumped a little as Bruno looked at the door better than anyone and said “Erron is awake.”

Frisk had led the patched up Erron to the bonfire and had him rested at a spot with Mugman looking at them, “Thanks, kiddo.” Erron muttered under his breath as Cuphead looked at Erron and said “Amazing that you had survived that-”

“A Panzer Soldat,” Erron interrupted, “That’s what I learned from an ugly ass octo-” he noticed Jin finally who was looking at him with an eyebrow, “...pus, hello.” he greeted, he seemingly… looked similar to a marine in the group but Jin simply shrugged it off as she then introduced herself “My name is Jin Huang, you’re Erron, if I am correct.”

“Erron Black, Jin.” Erron confirmed, holding his newly bandaged side, “I see you’re here in a tournament too?”

This confused everyone around him as Primis Dempsey asked “What tournament? What’s it about?”

“To think you would know about it by now,” Erron begins to explain, “from where I am from, there was a battle-to-the-death tournament event known as Mortal Kombat. The winner will be the last one standing to decide the fate of the earth realm. But in order to win, is to off the other.``

Others were confused but Frisk looked fairly worried and Primis Dempsey figured it out what it meant as he said “Do we have to…” to Erron who is dead serious about this.

“Yep.” he responded, as Jin was perplexed with a thought of the tournament, “Mortal Kombat…” as Erron looked at her with little interest. “I had heard from Frisk that you are a damned good fighter, right? In the earth- In my universe, we had those there in the other realm. But they are not the only ones, there are tough-ass fighters out there as well and I won’t be surprised that we are meeting one of them from the realms I belong to.”

“I am not but I have been taught to defend myself.” Jin said as she looked at him, “Yet, I can’t die without a fight if it does happen.”

“Oi reckon that and the reason our own had been kidnapped.” Sniper added with a nod, “Yet, so far, it worked for a while so far?”

“Fighting a giant flower, then extraterrisory soldiers, our teammates taken to another world and now this.” P!Dempsey recounted the events from before, “So that could be the theory for this shitshow happening.”

“Could be…” Radec had remained silent until this point, “A strange entity had somewhat cause us to be here, our leader had sent us here to investigate the power and to harness it-”

“Before the shitshow hits the fan with war following suit!” Soldier jabbed, pointing a finger at him as if he was the only one who has authority over their captives. “You pushed first and we pushed back!”

“Stand down, son.” Dempsey said loudly as the Soldier looked at him, grumbling something under his breath as he sat down. “Yet,” Erron broke the ice as he looked at him, “You guys are going to leave me to die here once you guys leave.” in an accusatory tone. Radec nodded and said “But it all went wrong and no hope of leaving this planet as the carrier was destroyed, we are all trapped here together all thanks to you.” as Everyone looked at him until Mugman piped up.

“Not entirely.” he said, Cuphead and Frisk looked at him and said “What do you mean, Mugs?” with an eyebrow.

“Rachet, Clank.” he called to them, “You had said you two came here by a ship of your own, right?”

“Of course, we did but why did you ask?” Clank asked as Ratchet simply tilted his head to this. “You must have a radio on it, you can contact anyone far away from here, does it still work?”

“It does,” Ratchet answered as he simply shrugged but had a disappointed look on his face, “But the galaxy we are from is too far away from here, this is a Milky Way Galaxy afterall, there's a bunch of other galaxies in the universe.” as he stretched his arms.

“Or the next,” Clank added as he stood up and then chuckled when Ratchet turned to glare at him, “Mr. Masaki and Erron had said that this realm is what we are currently living in right now.” he further explained. “As for our ship, we can overlook the city, be your eyes and ears for any zombie coming your way.” Ratchet offered as Clank sat back on three bricks stacked on top of another.

“I agree with the strange talking cat lion alien,” Ultimis Nikolai interjected with a little sober voice even as it was slurred, “On the bright side, they can find Nikolai more vodka in this sh!t hole!” He raised the bottle and then drank it as the scarf Mugman was holding to patch the crack glowed cyan softly as he looked at him before looking away.

*You had no idea why this scarf was connected to Ultimis Nikolai…

A text hangs below his head as he looked at it before he looked at Frisk, who patted his shoulder in comfort. The look they had as if they knew whatever the newer text will explain, they would tell them about it.

Demoman yawned as he looked up the nighttime skies, the stars could hardly be seen because of the city’s lights but in this one, electricity that powered the city was all but gone after something had happened to it and the beauty of the stars and dust sparkled and smudged to regin the skies once more.

The moon is glowing softly with a few stars around it, a night silver ring of rainbow around it as the nearly glassy clouds covering it. “Demo?” Scout asked as he looked at him who got up and said “We should all get sleep, we can talk more in the morning, Lads.”

“I will take the first shift, then Bendy soon Richtofen.” Bruno had stated as he raised the hammer and placed onto his shoulder, resting it in place. “That’s a good idea,” Bendy walked with him to the captive Helghasts, “in case they had any funny ideas.”

“Oh ja,” Ultimis Richtofen said this with rather a sinister venom as he looked at the Helshasts with a wicked smile, “I vill gut zhem if zhey tried to escape.”

As the moon slowly sails in the clouded skies, everyone has made the parts of the backyard and the house itself as their spots for them to live temporarily. Half of them had set up tents in the backyard while U!Richtofen already had the shed to call his ‘cottage’ of his own.

Rest are resting in each rooms of the house 1145, Ratchet and Clank has the couch, Erron and Scout has the room with a bunk bed at the end of the hall in the upstairs, corporal had the master bedroom, Frisk had the side room with two bunk beds as it seemingly possible and sharing it with Cuphead and Mugman and lastly, the rest of the RED Team had the downstairs family room with one room but not the rest of them at the least, Sniper is at on the roof with a lantern on watch duty.

“Do you think that we have to fight each other?” It was Mugman who asked Jin that with a worried look on his face while Jin helped him onto the top bunk, with a blanket he had caught and wrapped himself with.

“Erron had said that as a theory, we don’t know about it yet.” Jin said as she adjusted the blanket he had and tried to be careful not to press the cracks and make them worse. “We need to know the reasons why we are here for a tournament.”

“And if it was the way to-”

“Mugman,” Jin had insisted, looking at him as she had a bit of a parental tone in her voice. “I will not let it happen if it is the only way, I promise you that I will protect you.”

“Really?”

“Do I ever lie to you? I am a fighter afterall.” she softly smiled as she lifted his chin up to face her, “Please get some sleep, Mugman, tomorrow will be better.”

Mugman slightly nodded and then laid down to get comfortable as Jin exited the room to find something to lay down to rest when she noticed something from the master bedroom that caught her eye before she could.

It was Primis Dempsey, he wasn’t wearing his coat and the boiler as they rested on a folding table close to him, sitting on a chair and holding a colt revolver in his hand as he stared at it. He looked at the window and then he rested his forehead on the cylinder and the rear sight with his eyes closed.

Something about this scene had her worried for the marine. She watched him raise his head back up to the window and he appeared to notice something on the window. Then he looked at the doorway, raised an eyebrow at the fortune sight before him.

“Jin? What are you doing over there?”

“I…” She said shyly as she walked in, “I wanted to make sure that you are alright, Dempsey.” she excused as she made her way to the dirty yet faintly clean mattress with a few blankets on it. He sighed as he walked over to the bed to sit down beside him.

“Thanks for doing that,” he said as he looked at the colt in his hand, “But ya really don’t have too, Jin, I am fine.” it was a lie and he and Jin knew that just the way he was holding the weapon. She reached out and then held the hand holding the gun, making him look at her.

“Mind if I ask why are you holding a revolver?” she asked as she and him looked at each other.

Dempsey knew that he wanted to do it with a weapon such as a colt revolver, that one thought, an idea, just swimming in the back of his mind for quite a little while but he couldn't let that side of himself show, not by a long shot and too stubborn to admit it. He simply shrugged and said “Just wanted to make sure those Lickers don't eat us in our sleep,” he excused, “You could never be safer than being ripped to shreds.”

Jin looked at him a bit more now and then she said softly, “I’ll stay.”

“Run that by me again, Jin?”

“I’ll stay with you.” in repeated herself, letting go him hand, she intended to stay with him to make sure that he doesn’t do anything too stupid, possibly to his own life, “I will let you be on watch if you want, do wake me up if you do see something.”

Tank looked down to face the revolver from Jin, looking a bit confused yet vacated from the conversion they had before he looked at her and nodded “Yeah, sure.”

Jin nodded as Dempsey got up to let Jin get into bed, she stretched her arms to prepare for the night as she pulled the sheets over her with P!Dempsey sat down on the bed again as he looked at her. She does have a nice…

“Not now, Tank.” his subconscious told him as he shook his head, “No time for feelings, lover boy.”

Jin fell asleep quickly after finding comfort in the blankets as Dempsey watched, letting out a soft sigh as he looked at the revolver again. He wasn’t the one to admit it but she had stopped him, he’ll give her that but he is a little worried about the Lickers he encountered however so it is a reason for him to keep watch.

He looked at the window again as the fire in the backyard had dimmed and smoke rising from where the bear was cooked. He has watched the window like a hawk for anything with a long tongue and teeth for an hour or two when Jin woke up with a sketch and got out of bed.

“Sleep well?” he asked as she sat down beside him, “Yes I have.” she answered as she immediately prepared to take the night watch, “It’s now your turn to get some rest and me taking watch.”

Dempsey looked at her and then looked at the revolver in his hands, he then looked at her again and said “Do you know how to use it?”

Jin simply nodded as she took it from his hand gently before he had got up to lay down the bed with the blanket over her, she looked over to the corporal and responded nicely “Sleep well, Dempsey.”

Dempsey softly smiled with tired eyes and then started to fight his way to get some sleep. A few minutes of this, his eyelids closed tightly, soon softened and he fell asleep soon...

The sound of gunfire and chains flying through the air, his boots were dusted in dirt as his two feet crashed onto the ground as he ran away from whoever it was he was running from.

“Sh!t sh!t Sh!t SH!T….!” he cursed loudly under his breath as he was losing air from his lungs, the sounds of the gun firing and chains flying in the air are consent; whenever he had to stop to catch his breath, the sounds returned and making him turn tail and running through an old western town that seemed abandoned since the 1800’s or after that century.

He skidded on the ground to turn the corner and then made it inside an nearby building that seemed like a shack. He hid inside the shack, on the wall and remained silent and watched a figure walking by: the one with a cowboy hat, a trench coat and weiding what appears to be a gun of a strange kind.

The pursuer walked by the marine without even noticing him being inside, Tank had sighed in relief softly and he got off the wall. “Thank god…”

He then walked towards the way he came in but chains suddenly appeared and stretched across the doorless frame, wrapping and blocking off his exit as he yelled out a curse word.

He feared that the man chasing had heard it happened too so he had to find another way out of the building as he turned to notice something that he didn’t see in this shack before he entered. A staircase that leads down, he softly breathed in and out before looking at the blocked off exit, then he shook his head at this.

With no other choice on the matter, he descends downstairs with slow steps on the steps as the setting sunlight creeps through the walls made from wood boards. He then turned to see what was in the basement itself of the shack. He muttered “Oh no…” as he got a look of what was in the room.

It was a stake in the center of the basement and on it were four rusted hooks, but they looked like they were sharpened to a fine point and crusted with blood, like it was used countless times with an animal of kind that had been hoisted onto it.

He had stood there to take in what he was seeing until the chains upstairs had been taken down and someone walked in. He cursed under his breath and looked for a way to hide which he eventually did through a hole wide enough for him to fit inside.

Footsteps were descending down the stairs and came upon the landing as he could see through the cracks to see who it was: The man with the gun came inside the basement and began to look around, finding someone inside.

“Where are you…?” an old voice called out from the man, banging on the creaking walls and pounding, “I know you’re in here!” He said as he used the bunt of the rifle to bash through the wall on the right of the basement, the sound had revirabated to Tank as he flinched but didn’t make noise, he was not going to give away his location.

After a long time, the man seemed to give up as he said “Well said… Have it your way then.” as Dempsey sees him going back upstairs with the shadow stretching out on the wall where the sun was shining before it had settled over the entrance.

Dempsey carefully slid out of the hole and looked around as he saw the hole the man in the trench coat had made with his coat. The chips and splinters were on the inside of the wall and some of it was hanging off the craves.

He slowly had put his hand into the hole his purser had made, feeling another wall from within, feeling cobwebs and wood from inside. The bunt of the rifle had made a bend on the wooden plank wall when he had his fingers to feel the bump the man had made out of anger and frustration.

“Jesus…” he muttered as he placed his hand through it, “at least have an therapist…” he sarcastically jabbed as he pulled his hand out of the hole but then jumped when an one claw wrenched out of the hole the man had made, it was pitch black and it had a tinge of orange on the tip as it had a bit of fur of the same color when it came out and made him yell in shock.

The claw happened to try to slash at him but he missed it just in time just narrowingly avoiding its attack, then he witnessed its shell cracked and then crumbed away, transforming it into… Chains.

It was a flash as the chains behaved like snakes controlled by their master and it shot forward towards as he turned to try to run but these metal linked strings had latched onto his right arm and coiled around it in a tight grip. “What the hell…?!” He pulled at the chains as he tried to break it but then he spotted another same claw came out of the first hole he was hiding in and it, like the claw, changed into chains and lashed out.

His left arm was grabbed and coiled by the chains behaving like a predatory snake and the next thing he knew, they pulled and his arms were stretched about as he screamed. The footsteps returned and there was the cowboy on the landing. Dempsey pulled desperately to get them to let go his arms but their grip was death-like as they were rattled and clacked.

“So that’s where you were boy,” the man then lifted his head up to reveal the rest of his face, Caleb the Deathslinger, his white and black eyes locked onto his target as he had lifted his jawbone upward, reconnected it to his skull with a crack that made Tank cringed at the sound of it. “Nowhere to run this time.” he muttered as he stood where he was as he lifted his rifle upwards him as he gotten a good look at it:

[Digitally drawn by Meaghan “Icefir” Halter]

The rifle had a reel with chains attached to it, with a lever to pull it and lastly, it had a very defining feature to it as the chains are connected to it: Some type of harpoon or a spear and it was aimed at him.

The hammer was heard smashing onto the barrel and the next thing he felt was a spear piercing through his abdomen and out his back as the pain was unbearable-

He jumped out of his sleep with a yell, eyes wide open and panting as if he was seeing hell far beyond him. He quickly checked his abdomen with his eyes locked onto it as he placed his hand on where the spear surpassingly made its mark.

No blood, no sign of t-shirt torn or penetrated the skin, flesh and bone. “Dempsey?” a soft voice had questioned worryingly, he turned to face Jin, she was looking at him with an unsettled yet concerned look in her eyes.

He looked at her for a good minute before closing his eyes and placing his hand on his forehead as sweat trailed down. “Are you okay, Dempsey?”

“I’m alright, it’s just a nightmare… that’s gotten worse.” he muttered as he looked in the other direction, Jin was a bit puzzled of what she could understand him saying under his breath. “Nightmare?” she said as she lowered her hand as he looked at something else in the room, an old pile of junk that is drawers filled with beads, strings, scissors and paint brushes with painting of any kind and other things. Like he had never said that but he did say “What time is it?”

“It was only 3 o’clock in the morning, Dempsey.” Jin responded as she looked at him a bit more, studying his movements, “Damn…” he sighed, “Just when I was getting some good night sleep too.” as he rubbed his eyes with his shaking hand with a soft groan.

Jin was worried for his mental health as she continued to look at him for a bit longer and said “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m feeling fine, Jin.” he lied as he looked at her now with tired eyes as he let out a dry chuckle. But she refused to believe him as she saw through that sentence; a lie. A lie to keep his pride up.

“Are you sure about that?” she responded as she crawled onto Dempsey’s side, sitting next to him as he had his hands on the bed, planted onto the sheets as he was baffled by this. “I can see it in your eyes that you are… Distressed.”

Tank looked at the window to avoid but then in defeat, he let go of the breath from his mouth. “Like I had said, it’s a nightmare.” he confessed finally, Jin listened closely to what he had to say more. “It was me being chased and eventually being killed by a creepy-ass cowboy that looked like a zombie but smarter than that.” he then looked down from the window. “And he had a gun with a spear that killed me with…”

“If it’s connected to the war,” Jin rationalized as she had placed her hand on his cheek and had him turn to look at her, “If so, it could be understandable.”

His eyebrows furrowed upward and as he had his arm rested on one of his knees, “But something about it felt so real.” he mumbled softly to himself. Jin then said “There is no need to worry.” before wrapping her arms around the American. He was a little flustered when she did this but he found comfort in this and held her arm with one hand as he closed his eyes.

“Thanks.” he said, showing gratitude.

“No worries.” Jin replied with a gentle smile.

He was smiling softly himself but then they both flinched when they heard the door open, they were both ready to face whatever it was until they saw who it was: It was Erron who yawned as he rubbed his eyes.

“Hey Erron,” Dempsey sneered tiredly, “You almost scared us.”

“Evenin’, Tank,” Erron stopped to see Jin with him, he had dark circles around his eyes like he hadn't slept for a while but he had brushed it off and asked “Mind if I ask you two what you are talking about?”

“Nothing important, Erron.” Dempsey responded as he looked at him carefully, “Speaking of which, ya’ll looked like crap, Erron.”

“It was Scout’s fault for talking.” Erron complained as he had his thumb pointed at the closed door on his left as it left him and the Shaolin woman confused by what Erron meant by that. “But wasn’t Scout asleep on the top bunk above you?” Jin responded with a raised brow as Erron looked like he had run out of many cares to give anyway.

“Oh, don’t worry, he is asleep,” he answered as he grabbed the doorknob, opened it just a crack and what they were hearing was kinda humorous. “Heeeey, Pauling…. Do ya want to go on a date?” Scout murmured from the darkened bedroom with Erron holding the door open just a small wedge as he concluded “But he’s like a radio that can’t shut up.”

Jin giggled and face palmed as Dempsey smirked “Poor you” he joked as the Outworlder glared at them as he pulled the door close just as Scout mumbled out “Oh no, the dog has wings….!”

“Anyway, I was going to take a leak in the middle of the night anyway.” Erron explained as he let go of the knob and waved this off with his hand before he wrapped his arms together, trying to warm up as he walked into the darkened hallways.

“You should’ve got a blanket with you, dumba$$.” Dempsey sassily remarks as the man was fading into darkness as he replied “Yeah, whatever.” his response echoing in the halls.

The corporal smiled as he shook his head while Jin looked sighed and held her forehead, but then he looked solemn again as he looked down again as she noticed.

He looked aloof with himself, “Dempsey,” she responded as she placed her hand on her shoulder. He looked at her again then responded “It’s only a nightmare, I know-” but he was cut off.

“If you want more sleep then you would,” she offered, Dempsey’s mouth was aigbe a little bit upon hearing that, “if you had another nightmare, I’m here, understand?'' She sounded like a mother figure for someone that’s broken, broken nearly beyond repair but he had said nothing but nodded. “We have to do work at sunrise, try to get some sleep.” she said as Dempsey laid back down and fell asleep with Jin beside him, sitting upright on the bed.

Yet, Erron had lied about going to the restroom but instead had his hand over his mouth as his eyes locked onto the ground with furrowed brows. What he had overheard, he hardly ignored what Tank experienced in that nightmare.

He muttered “That can’t be Caleb…”

-In the morning light.-

Sun rose over the mountains that seemed to be close to the neighborhood in ruins and dominated by the forest trees as dawn bleeds anew with colors of purple, orange and sky blue dancing in the sky.

Primis Takeo placed the pieces of firewood into the dying campfire to warm up Heavy, and Sniper.

Bendy had to share a blanket with seemingly tired Bruno who was barely awake as they had been watching their prisoners, the Ink Demon looked concerned for the giant Frenchman as he had him wrapped in the blanket to get him warmth.

Scout was on look out of Ultimis Richtofen’s “Cottage” with Ultimis Nikolai was slubbed down, back on it and drunk as ever, vodka in hand as he hiccup. Ratchet and Clank are with Frank West, Raiden and Erron with the digitized map of Salt Lake City in ruins but it is now named Fallen City due to it’s population of the undead roaming in its streets.

“Hard to believe that they could do this much damage.” Erron muttered under his breath as he looked at the map, Raiden interjected “In most cases, an outbreak like this is common since the COVID-19 pandemic.” as he looked at him while pointing at where they were right now on the map.

“Actually, Raiden,” Clank intervened, “It’s only Utah that’s populated with the infected.” as the cyborg and kombatiant were confused by what the small robot had said. “How is that?” Raiden responds in confusion, “It should be an epidemic by now.”

“It could be but the place where I am from, something similar happened to Willamette is that the national guard had roped and blocked off every road leading into the town where the outbreak started.” Frank rationized, motioning Rachet to zoom out the city and they watched as the city was zoomed out to view the state.

It was Utah in nearly red color but it remained in its shape of that state, not once are any signs of the infection leaving it. “But this was unheard off, they said that it could stay in one city but not the whole state itself.”

“No sh!t, Frank.” Erron said as he looked closer at the map, small red dots were going close to the border of Utah but they disappeared upon reaching the line, “Whatever’s keeping the dead inside the state is not going to let them out.”

“Almost like a force field.” Raiden added. Clank nodded as Ratchet added “Still, it’s something to think about but keep in mind though…” as he pointed at a few blue dots leaving the state and a couple more dots entering it. “I am guessing those who are not infected are allowed to leave and go inside Utah as much as they want.”

“Almost like it was a strange type of spell quarantining the state.” Erron said as he watched the two different colored circles moving around in a few cities of the Beehive state. “With us survivors, it’s good that we don't have to worry about the dead coming out but if you’re a zombie, being trapped here will suck so much.”

“Frank,” Raiden said as he looked at him, “Do you remember how you got here?”

“Not too sure but I was outside the city before I met you guys, plus the way out of it was blocked off but there are other roads out of it if you’re asking.” he replied as he looked at the map once again. Having Ratchet zoom in again on the city.

[Map of Utah, from Google Search]

Raiden looked at the one lone black dot on Orem and pointed at it with a sharp metalized index finger, “That’s where we are right now but if we go along the line,” he said as he had his finger follow the line towards Cedar city. “It could have a road leading out of the state, then we could get out of this hellhole.”

Erron looked at Raiden and insisted “But to travel that far, we need supplies to last us about three days to get there. We need to find as much as we can carry on us.”

Frank West internally groans, again with the three day mark like the same scenes before. He face-plamed at this and said “Is there a train that can get us there?”

Erron looked at Frank West and said “There is one, but it’s in Provo and there’s all of them all over the place.” he then looked at Raiden, “Do you think you can clean that town up?”

Raiden remained silent for a moment but then he responded “You’ll leave them to me.” as he turned away and said “Find anyone that will scout the area, we’ll be leaving at sunset.”

“With pleasure, Raiden.” Erron nodded as he turned to walk away from the map as well with Raiden, leaving Frank West with the lombax and a small robot companion.

“Mr. West.”

“Hm?” he turned to face Clank as he was looking back at him. “You wanted to scout the area as well?” Clank offered as well, “You are a reporter-”

“As well as a freelance photojournalist and a teacher in a local college, Clank.” Frank added as he pointed at the camera, hanging around by an landrid around his neck and hasn’t been used in a while since he met the group of people from different worlds.

“Yeah, that, something like that is useful.” Ratchet said this as he crossed his arms, “Dempsey did say that there are mutations of those zombies like Lickers. If there are more, we need pictures of them.”

“Sounds like a scoop you wanted me to look into.” Frank smiled, liking this idea already but then he said “What if I accidentally ran into one of them if they heard me?”

“Hey Frank, that’s what our arteries are for.” Ratchet responded, “Most of us are armed to the teeth and neck deep in these infected people.”

“As for Lickers,” Clank added as he justered his finger upward, “Mr. Dempsey had said on the note he found that they will attack anything that makes noise so best to remain quiet when they are in an area with you.”

“Gotcha, Clank.” Frank said as he nodded, he then looked at the barbed-wire bat he had rested on an overgrown oak tree with vines draggling off the branches. He walked over to it and then picked it up and threw it over his shoulder and landed. “Right, I’m heading out first before anyone could scout out. Make sure they will bring back any stuff and food we could need.” Frank responded as he headed to the east gate that leads out of the backyard, opened it and then went out of it as it closed behind him.

Erron then turned to Ratchet and Clank then said “As for you guys, best to find the best scouts that can do this.”

They nodded as the map was turned off and then he helped Clank onto his back with a click before walking off as he placed his hands on his hips.

-Later on that morning-

There are a few willing volunteers willing to savage the area; Scout of course, Erron, Gordon Freeman, Soldier, Demoman, and Jin Huang. They are given a brief rundown on how they will be leaving soon but warn them about the mutations.

“So, we will have to find other resources for the journey ahead,” Erron explained to the group, Scout had swung his bat onto his shoulder and asked “And where are we going?”

“Cedar City is far from this city,” Erron answered, “Hopefully less zombies, the better.”

“Aren’t we going to wait for the others?” Soldier asked as he adjusted his helmet a little as Demoman looked at the Outworlder. “The Knight said that they are in another world,” as he places his hat back on and it is shadowed over his eyes, “Besides, he has an artifact that allows him to go from one realm to the next so they will be able to catch up to us.”

“Seems possible?” Jin commented as she raised a brow, “And I had to ask, what artifact is it?”

“I don’t know to be truthful,” Erron responded, “Most of us don't tell me about it but best have good faith that he still has it.”

“Plus, we are armed to the teeth,” Scout strugged, “we can take on those lickers.”

“I didn’t say there will just be Lickers, they could have other mutations.” Erron interjected that poke a hole in the young man’s bubble. “The science experts had said that zombies with parasites or viruses can mutate overtime, judging on how long this city had gone through over the years or so.”

Scout gulped with the thought, Erron then shook his hand to dismiss the conversion as he said “Very well, then, we haven’t got time to waste away. We gotta find something to survive on for the next few days or die stravin’.”

“Understood, Erron.” Jin nodded as Demoman looked at her but then nodded. Soldier then salutes this, “Remember before you're a$$es left; be careful out there.”

They nod to acknowledge before heading toward two different gates and going out back into the woodland neighbor and into the infested busy streets.

Jin, however, still struggled to comprehend how different characters could coexist with each other but she had to push aside her new questions and continued on forward. As they go on, she learns more about Gordon, Demoman and Soldier.

Gorden Freeman is truly a man with a few words, he had helped people in an accident as he had referred to as The Black Mesa Incident and led a rebellion against an enemy known as the Combine.

Demoman and Soldier are quite good friends and teammates actually, despite the American being obsessed with wars and bloodshed while the latter is working two jobs, one being a house cleaner and a flipping demolitions expert as a mercenary for hire.

They are quite smart to stay in groups as new breeds of infection are now more presentable, not just 115 zombies.

One infection had visible black veins, rarely ones without injuries but others are most bitemarks and scratches where the virus had spread. Another was riddled with worms, strange worms of alien origin and mutated into special types as their green vomiting counterparts had different yet same parts when it came to mutating.

The zombies, the non-eyes-glowing ones had eyes almost white yet they stumbled slowly, they will be resistant towards being shot in the head surprisingly but it will take 4 or more bullets or even stabs to bring it down.

They had gotten into stores and located non perishable items that strangely haven’t yet been perished yet despite how much time had passed by since what happened to this state in the U.S.

To cover more ground and to get more, they split up and told to keep an eye out for threats around the corners. Jin entered a community hospital and she had found modern medical equipment with an umbrella logo on each of them. The scene seemed to have a group of people researching brain samples before they were interrupted by something that she already knew what it was.

“We better need medicine for our journey ahead of us.” she whispered as she had a sack to stuff them in but when she’s all done doing so, Jin had found notes on a pharmacy desk, curious on what they would say, she picked them up and read them.

Umbrella Corps. Research Notes

The T-Virus had appeared when we had gotten here, it was thought to be destroyed yet we are trying to come up with the theory for its continued existence.

The virus that mutated white and red blood cells causing them to go black colored, the origin is unknown but it is referred to as The Black Plague Virus.

The parasitic worms, a neurological alien of unknown origin, can take over the host and control it. These “Devil Worms” as we call it and it is rather shocking they can merge together as they mutate.

The victims had similar symptoms to the rabies yet it appears that it had been weaponized, the virus of this type had been nicknamed the Green Flu due to it showing signs of a flu but soon they will become rapid overtime.

The unknown element had reanimated dead cells in the human body, making them, like the four other deadly pathogens, into literal zombies, finding documents of the same thing happening in the late 40’s as this element is referred to as 115 discovered by an organization called Group 935.

They were theories on how they are contained inside the state of Utah due to them unable to go outside as something is keeping them inside. It is unknown what is happening could be good or bad yet we could not know for now.

Further research is needed.

Jin was confused by the notes provided such similar information yet it is useful that it showed strange yet same symptoms of the zombification process. Violet behavior, headaches, sensitive to light and such more.

“This is strange…” she muttered as she folds the notes and placed them in her pocket for later, to show the others of her discovery. She was about to leave when she noticed something that caught her eye.

A mysterious hooded figure walked away from the mirror hanging above and walked out of the door calmly like it was a normal day. She turned to see the backdoor closing in time. “Wait…!” she said as she walked fastly towards it and then pushed it open and she found herself in an alley away that’s rotten away and nature crawling upward on the walls.

She looked on the left side, the end of the alley way leading towards the more heavily woods and on the right she saw the Ridden and Black Plague zombies, they were not looking in her direction but hissing and screeched at one another over a kill the other claimed. Similar to a pack of wolves when the alpha is defending its meal.

Jin covered her mouth to prevent the sound from coming out, deciding that she needs to leave and leave now. Moving slowly, she walked back to the door and tried pulling it open but it wouldn't bulge. She tried again but harder yet it still couldn't open from the second attempt. She was locked outside.

She turned to pay attention in the right direction, one of the Plagues seemed to sniff the air and then turned to the alley, its face was half-way ripped off, flesh and teeth showing as black veins sprawled across its features. It snurled upon seeing her as her thoughts were racing but she remained calm, not showing fear from what her masters taught her. “Looks like I am taking an alternate route…” she thought as she turned on her heels and then ran as she heard the screeches from the damned reined in the air. She ran into the forested area to lose them as both Ridden and Black Plague are flooding in the alley and making their way to the heavily wooded area but not without killing each other to get to it first.

They bite and scratch each other as some of them are overwhelming them and then devouring their flesh and organs that have been tainted with the virus or a parasite as the rest had managed to make it through the alley way and proceeded to chase her.

She was like a monkey on the loose upon release, she ran and avoided logs and used branches to swing over the terrain to outrun the dead. The sound of something else is hopping with her at the same pace as her but she was confused when she heard at least six pairs of feet on the ground or the branches.

Before she could turn her head to face whatever it was, that couplet had hopped into her vision, right in front of her. It was human but it lacked of hair on it’s head, it had four arms, two small as the other limbs are longer and it had a red pulsating organ on the bottom of its throat and collarbone as it has been missing a jaw to begin with and replaced with a lower part of the mouth with small sharp teeth.

Red eyes glowed as it snarled and crawled like an animal one side to the left then to the right a little. A worm with mandible spurts out of it’s one eye socket and into another as they bleed crimson tears down from its eyes as Jin cringed at that sight when she looked at the creature in the eye.

“Did the worms do that?” she thought as she pulled her hair ornament out, prepared to fight what this monstrosity is but it seems to know what it is doing. Getting on two feet and then doing something peculiar with it’s four hands as if it was a normal day of folding clothes but something was slimy and drooling in them then suddenly, it tossed the “ball” at her and it exploded.

She exclaimed as she tried to get away but her legs were caught in the mucky projectile and it climbed up to her stomach, pinning her in place while she stood. “What the hell…?!” she tried to pull at the clammy slime but it was like rubber and it stood on her while the screeching had reached her ears.

She looked up just in time to find the worm-ridden creature leaping at her, the two hands wrapped around her throat and neck as the other two are holding on her shoulders as she is doing the same with her own arms to push or try to push it away from her as she was choking, fighting for air.

It roared at her as worms fell out of it’s eye sockets and onto the ground, missing her face as she was losing consciousness but then, its side of its head had exploded with blood and brain matter spewed out. It stopped then fell with Jin in its arms as by now the slime had expired.

She gasped in for air as she heard a familiar voice calling out to her, “Jin!” and feet running over to her and then her arm was grabbed and being pulled up onto her feet. It was P!Dempsey.

“Are ya alright!?”

“Yeah, I am fine…” she rubbed her bruised neck as she looked at the creature, “It’s true what Erron has said about the mutations.”

The marine was looking at the corpse then shrugged a little, “A stinger like this one must be Licker’s second cousin, an ugly b@#$ too.” he sass-talked before the ‘Stinger” was slowly getting back up but was quickly shot down with another bullet with a gun.

Head was clearly devastated from the second bullet discharge, several worms crawled out and went into the ground as they groaned in disgust. “F*#$ing gross…”

Jin thought back about the notes she found and then worried that the others might catch up from the alley after their fight with each other. “Corporal,” she spoke up as he was going to leave, P!Dempsey looked at Jin with a raised eyebrow as she held up the papers and landed them on him. “I had found this from the hospital before I fled, I think there are not just two viruses here in this state.” she explained.

“Could be worth the trouble you’ve gotten yourself into.” he said softly but then he heard faint growls from the tree lines. He gestures with his hand to get her moving as he muttered “We have to get the f#$% out of here…”

They turned and fled the area where the Stinger had appeared as the Ridden and the Plague were coming in.

-Suncrest-

From a frying pan and into an oven, that is what Jin could hear him mutter under his breath as he read one page after another. Apparently the deadly pathogens that can create the dead walked this earth and had each section separately after research on them.

“What is the matter, Tank?” she asked softly as the corporal placed the notes in his pouch and said “First 115 and now four more?” sounded angry, “Talk about dinner for the worms after they can…” he then shook his head. He wasn’t sure if this was even more worse than the previous universe they belonged in.

“Dempsey,”

“Yeah, Jin?” he asked, annoyed as he looked at her now.

“That Stinger, it had..” she was interrupted with the marine’s hand placed onto her shoulder and said “I know…” softly, “It’s one hell of a way to die.” and Jin looked down with her brows furrowed. She then looked at him and nodded wordlessly. He smiled softly and then looked around.

Yet, she can’t let go of the feeling peculiarly on how he was at the wrong place yet the right time, so she needs to ask while they are now continuing to walk down the street that is now halfway covered by dirt forming a path.

“Dempsey?”

“What’s up?”

“I like to know, how did you find me in trouble?”

He was usually loud enough to verbally question Richtofen or someone else loudly but he was oddly quiet but then he answered “Don’t like to copy Tak but I had a stinking feeling when you left. " as he scratched the back of his head."

Jin cocked her head to the side with little confusion yet interested, “You had sensed that I’d be in danger.” she said as she and him continued walking down the path. “You could say that.” he nodded as he looked at the tall trees, pine trees and oak trees that grew to climb the skies upon the ground and dirt.

“I like to call it a “gut feeling” in situations like that one back at the house.”

“Well, I am glad you listened to that “gut” feeling.”

Dempsey chuckled softly as he closed his eyes and turned his head away from the trees, “Yeah, this tank sure did.”

Jin softly smiled at this man as she had a tint of pink on her cheeks as birds above them chirped above them. This is a peaceful walk in the woods that is once a town before the walking dead of all five kinds showed up.

Yet, the feeling hasn’t shown up until when they are deeper into the forest and the air has gotten… colder?

Jin had felt the familiar temperature and held her arms together as Dempsey looked around as soon as he felt the wind had gotten colder than usual, “What the hell?” he muttered as they walked along but more aware of their surroundings.

Their feet crunched onto something soft, they looked down and saw they had walked into a bed of snow. “Why is there snow in the middle of summer?”

“The hell I know,” Dempsey had spoken the thought out loud, those the only thoughts he could think to say as he was caught off guard with what appears to be the change of the session. “Whatever’s happening is not a part of mother nature’s to-do list.”

He continued onward into the slowly falling snowflakes before a blizzard hit them both, “Holy sh!t!”

“Tank!”

The snowstorm had come along and the environment had transformed into a winter hell, Dempsey calls out to Jin ``Jin! Are you there?!”

He felt a hand grabbing hold of his own, he flinched and was going to get a knife out, believing it was another zombie but then heard her voice “Wait, I have you!”

He felt himself relaxed a little when he heard Jin, they sheided their eyes from the shooting snowflakes as they continued forward, “It is almost like that winter from the 1900’s!” he bellowed out as he was trying to find a sight or a road for them to go on. “It was colder than Northern France!”

“And it still is!” Jin stated as she too was trying as the corporal marine, “Do you think what might cause this, Tank?!”

“How the hell should I know-” they then bumped into something that caused them to fell backwards from, they looked up and saw a buff towering figure over them, it was frozen but it’s features are still visible; it was missing a jawbone and a tongue dangling out, its fists are too big for the normal human fingers to curl into one.

They both yelled and Dempsey got out his revolver to fire but then noticed the big hulk-like zombie was indeed turned into an icy statue as it appeared it was about to smash onto something or someone it was targeted.

“Hold on…” he got up on his feet as Jin stumbled onto hers as well, and as they looked around the area, they were barely able to see what else was around them; a horde of zombies, frozen into light blue statues as they appeared to have green vomit leaking from their lips. They way they are posed as if they were after something or someone they were chasing.

More of them are several common yet some are special, one of them had a long tongue as it looked like a frog trying to catch a fly almost similar trait to the Lickers, the other had claws and bleeding from the eyes as the hood had covered its head but its face where it was features shown and it was even being hold up by the ice sickle attached to a nearby building as if it was jumping towards something.

The other looked like it had been crying for a long time judging by the trail of tears on a creature’s features with long nails, long blooded sharp claw-like nails up into the air, ready to strike and like others around her, it was also frozen solid.

“They are…” Jin is finding the courage to speak up in silence besides the noise of the snowstorm, “They are all frozen.”

“You said it, Jin.” Dempsey nodded, zombies frozen in places that reminded him of the time that Nikolai had tried out the Staff of Ice for the first time back in France and it had frozen one of the 115 zombies. “It’s like back in Northern France, Jin.”

“Shh… Something is coming.” footsteps crunching in the snow from the south direction, they turned and ready to confront whatever’s the one responsible. The crunching snow made by two pairs of feet came closer as the figure had formed a shadow from the blizzard. It was the shape of a man and this human had glowing icy blue eyes peering from the hail of snow before stopping in front of them.

Dempsey said “Whoever you are, f*#$er, show yourself.'' With a threatening tone in his voice, the figure responded by raising his hand and then in one smooth motion, his hand traveled to the right shoulder and then washed it back down.

As if on command, the storm driddled and hastily stopped as light from the sun shined through once more, revealing the figure that dwindled in the blizzard. As the snow settles around them, the sun reveals this stranger quickly, he is wearing a blue zukin mask, a hooded cowl with a hat and blue ribbon flowing in the wind yet soon slowly handing it as it dies down. The jacket he was wearing had no sleeves and both of his arms are ice colored unnaturally but they moved just fine with no issue as blue and silver arm guards are strapped to them as well with fingerless gloves, blue wrap around his torso and black boots buried in the snow.

Jin looked at this man as he was staring at them with one scar over one of the eyes, his breath breathed through the mask as it provided four retringle holes as it was seen in the frost.

She walked beside the tensed man before her and then gently rested her hand over the barrel of the revolver then lowered it slowly down as he looked at her in confusion. Jin was certain that the situation would continue negatively.

“We mean no harm, sir, we are not one of them.” She spoke in a calm yet professional manner as she looked him in the eye as they changed colors; from icy blue to normal brown as their glow was lost.

“State your business then.” a deep male voice responded from the man as he stood down as a sign of being less of a threat. “We are only salvagers, looking for supplies to get the hell out of this sh!t.” Dempsey responded with his eyebrow raised.

The man responded “Then we are in the same scerno.” as he had his hand reached his zukin mask and then with little work, he removed it, revealing a beard that is black as a raven’s feathers. “I am Sub-Zero.”

“Sub-Zero, huh?” Dempsey is a little intrigued by the name this man had, “Mind saying why they call ya that?” Yet before anyone could say anything, a loud screech was heard and the couple spotted one of the zombies frozen running towards Sub-Zero. It was one of those hooded special zombies as its teeth are sharped and bared like a rabid dog.

“Watch out!”

Sub-Zero said nothing as the screeching zombie acting like a wild animal was running towards him and ready to strike but they seemed aware of what was happening as he turned and then grabbed this “Hunter” by the head.

It attempted to scratch his arm to break free but very quickly, the frost and ice spread all over it as it stopped moving due to cryo-hibernation the Shinobi had performed upon it as P!Dempsey and P!Jin watched on with astonishment.

And then in one go, Sub-Zero threw it onto the snow-covered road, upon impact, its body, head, arms, legs, hands, and feet had exploded into pieces all over. The head rolled over to Dempsey’s feet as he said “Holy sh!t…!”

Jin was a little shocked to see this happen but they now know why he is called “Sub-Zero.”

“Is this why, Sub-Zero?”

The man only nodded before putting his mask back on, and saying “There are much more things than this.”

“Still freezing the crap out of that freakbag!” Dempsey finally laughed a little, “How did you do that?”

Sub-Zero looked at him and answered “I and my brother were born with these,” as he shook his head at the marine, but then took a moment to examine the duo. They are from a different realm, in a past somewhere from what he could think of.

“Do you two know where you are from?”

“From ours?”

Sub-Zero nodded as he crossed his arms as he looked at them both while the two were standing there, recovering from what had transpired.

“We are from…” P!Dempsey wanted to say what dimension they are from, “1918. We’re from the first world war.”

He looked a little surprised, “We are from different realms, whoever did this must have a purpose for us being here..” he stated, Jin looked at Sub-Zero as her eyes narrowed, “Do you believe this might be a Mortal Kombat tournament?”

“Yes, I do.” Sub-Zero nodded as he turned around then walked away, Dempsey then followed behind him with Jin doing the same. “Hey, we have theories about this bullsh!t too.” he said as their feet were crunching upon the snow passing by the horde of frozen statues with the Green Flu.

“And they might be?”

“It could be the octopus-things called Apothicons that Doc called them, or that some kind of an experiment gone wrong the worst way possible.”

“Or could be Shao Khan or Shang Tsung.” Sub-Zero poked the holes, as he looked down at the ground slowly changing from snow to the dirt ground. “The latter could have done this.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Time to count the suffering.”

“I am sorry, Sub-Zero.” Jin apologized as Dempsey looked ahead as he asked “So, you stated you are born like this, is there any training for that?”

Sub-Zero slowed down a minute and turned his head facing the corporal, “If you are ever born a cryomancer, the clan, Lin Kuei, will train you yet I train you how to use winter’s power, and to control and tame it.”

Jin nodded understandingly, as a shaolin monk, she understood the warrior.

Sub-Zero then stopped himself, which made others stop in their tracks, “Stay quiet.” Sub-Zero’s instincts were quite right, Jin took note and got her hairpin out as Dempsey looked at them in confusion but soon heard voices faintly as he muttered “What the hell is that?” as he held up the revolver once more.

Sub-Zero shushed him and they slowly stepped over to the source of the voices and then kneeled down into the tall grass with P!Dempsey and Jin behind him. The tall grass are yellowish green and the height of grass itself goes up to an average human’s wrist but it was tall enough for an animal to hide, the grass was parted halfway for them to see who was talking, much to Tank’s confusion, and Sub-Zero’s surprise, there were Hyenas standing on their hind legs, holding sharpen boomerangs, bows and arrows, and other weapons that the humans would use. They are dressed in tribal african clothing that seemed to be a mix of 1920’s and medieval age.

They are speaking in an unknown language, a mix of Zulu and strange gibberish pouring from their mouths as they surround carcasses with arrows in them, bleeding from the open wounds. Upon closer look, Dempsey and Jin had realized that those were the strange bears Takeo had slain, faces that looked like tigers but had bodies of normal bears with long tails. patterns of tiger stripes placed upon their dark brown and white fur they bore. Then the other spoke in english “Do you think she will approve of the fest of living Tears?”

“The queen will,” the other Hyena responded as he gently kicked the tiger-bear’s head that had been called Tear. “She had said this once and not twice, the Untotens’ flesh is far too rotten and unsafe to eat.”

“Due to the five plagues they had within.” the other one said with a female voice as she had taken a rag that was used too many times to the point it was just a dark crimson fabric. “Humans weren’t prepared for the All-Five Outbreak 500 years ago.”

“Neither the same with Monsters.” their leader added as gotten a knife out, the one that appears to be made from bone and wood, walking over to one of the Tears’ corpses, “Yet, all five Untoten Hordes were stopped by the Tree of Life.” He spoke as he kneeled down and then stabbed the carcass.

Tree of Life?

Primis Dempsey had heard them wrong or… he had recalled a myth that his mother had recalled when he was a boy, he showed a little interest in his Irish heritage and Celtic religion his mother had tried to force upon.

Crann Bethadn is referred to as the Tree of Life by the Celtics in Ancient Times as they believed that the trees on Earth had several powers and were sources of all life we breathed into our lungs.

The symbol is preserved well for so many centuries by our people of Ireland.

We carry our deep roots of our heritage.

Primis Dempsey had averted his eyes away from the Hyenas to focus fighting that memory in his mind, bad timing to recall the past, bad timing he thought.

“Still, do you remember what our elders had told us over and over?” as several other Hyenas looked at the female hunter in their group, “About the forbidden water that was left behind after Humans and Monsters ascended.”

“Ah yes, Femina, we remembered.” the pack leader answered as he pulled out meat and muscle from a Tear and put it into a sack as blood dripped from the bottom. “Gods of the Old World had accidentally let the forbidden water fall down from the skies, our past elders drank from it and soon, knowledge had changed them the way we are now.”

The trio listened to them as the story behind the ordeal was unfolding, yet it was sickening: an zombie outbreak had happened with all five dangerous biohazards and it had been 500 years later afterwards but what caused it to happen? Then a thought came in Dempsey’s head: Broken, the one that Knight had talked about, might have something to do with it.

Something had done something unforgiving and appealing towards humanity and monsters had made his blood boil but he can’t let it burst out of him, not here, not now.

“The day that world has fallen, the Incident, Humans, Monsters, fled into the stars to flee the terrors.” the other Hyena nodded to the conversion, “Yet, from the previous animal kingdom, Gods of The Old World had given birth to us, Furthers, to watch over the world to wait for their return.”

“Yet, the queen is here so we will have no fear if they will attack or not.”

“I agree now, help me skin them.”

They watched in silence as Hyena Furthers had gotten out similar knives and started skinning the Tears, taking organs and flesh covered in blood as they were placed in sacks as blood dripped and poured from the bottom of the sacks and onto the ground.

All that is left of the Tears now were skinless, fleshly yet bones exposing carcasses. They then got up on their hind legs again like they were human beings and then walked away from the bloody scene.

They waited until the voices and footsteps had vanished in the distance, “We are safe now.” Sub-Zero was the first one to speak up as he and others got up from the grass as Dempsey looked to where the hunter Furthers had gone.

“What the f#$% is a Further?” P!Dempsey asked as he is now the one questioning this reality as Jin seems hinged by this discovery. “Do you remember that I said I had woken up in a house with talking animals, Dempsey?” she asked as he placed her hand on his shoulder, making him look at her with doubt for his sanity and Jin knew it.

“Those talking animals were Furthers as well,” she responded, “They had the bare intelligence of a regular human being yet they had developed their own language and cultures. They had worshipped the ‘’Gods of the Old World'' as their religion.” she explained as P!Dempsey stared at her.

“Holy sh!t..” he said with disdain, “Richtofen wasn’t kidding about different realities, wasn’t he?”

“Who?” Sub-Zero was confused about who Dempsey was talking about.

Jin looked at Dempsey and then rubbed his shoulder a little, he loosened up a little when he felt it with comfort. “Thanks, Jin.” he sputtered nervously aas he looked at her with comfort in his eyes.

Jin smiled softly but then heard Sub-Zero calling out softly to them, “You two, come over here.” as they turned to notice that he was kneeling on the ground, picking something from it, something glowing faintly of soft blue.

The duo walked over to the Cryomancer as he stood back on his feet while looking at the object in his hand. Without a word, he showed them both of what he had found on the ground. They looked to see that it’s a gem, an ocean blue crystal that is about the size of a quarter.

“I had found this crystal on the ground.” Sub-Zero said as he was looking at the crystal with wariness in his voice. “It was glowing faintly, I am sensing strange energy coming out of it.”

“Do you think this is nuts, Sub-Zero?” Dempsey asked out of disbelief and ignorance at first but the look in Sub-Zero’s eyes had told the different answer. “Oh, right.” he responded under his breath as he looked back down at the crystal once again.

Jin was looking at the inscallfincent crystal, resting in Sub-Zero’s palm as she felt like she needed to take a closer look, as if it was holding a secret that none of them don’t know yet. “Sub-Zero,” she spoke softly as her hand had started to lift upwards and going towards a crystal slowly, “Can I see it please?”

Sub-Zero was weary of what she was doing and was trying to get his hand from hers but she had managed to get the crystal away from the palm of his hand and it was a bit fuzzy soon afterwards.

One moment, she was with the two men in a forest with a small crystal in her hands but the other minute later, she was somewhere else entirely and laying on the ground. The day was nighttime as a hand came into her line of sight yet this hand is not her own.

This hand was wearing a violet purple glove with metallic claw armor on it as it was placed onto her forehead, it took a moment to realize that what is happening is that she is in a memory of someone and she is watching this from their point of view.

Flashback of Blood

The person she was witnessing had then got onto their feet as she had gotten a look of their attire. The ninja yoroi was pink colored with slight cleavage showing as this person is a female.

“Hmmm…” a woman’s voice groaned as it sounded like it was an echo, and looked around “The earthrealm is different now, must to find a few souls…~” she purred that made Jin feel on edge just by hearing this from her as she walked ahead from where she has woken up.

As the moon floated over the bloodbath and nearing those hours of sunlight rising, this woman had performed onto the undead yet she often let out a groan or a moan of disdain when she sniffed or looked at them as if they were not the one that she was hoping to find. What was she trying to find?

“Most of these mortals are undead… I wonder if this realm has warriors left?” she purred in strange interest as she dropped the Black Plague zombie onto the ground as a dark red pool formed from its devastated head.

She then heard twig snapped and she turned to see a Hyena Further with an arrow pointed at her, the moment she saw him and the next thing she heard was a dark giggle coming from the woman, the type was feral but with ill-intent and sounded like her prayer had been answered.

“You dare to raise your weapon to your ruler of Outworld?”

The Hyena Further looked a bit shock at first but didn’t have time to react when the woman lunged out at the helpless hunter with her claws out and Jin haven’t seen what had happened next but she did heard the hunter screaming that soon heard a gurgle as well as with crunching of teeth and flesh tearing apart that made her recoiled.

Soon afterwards, she saw two more Hyena hunters with bows and arrows on their person. One of them is a man and a woman hyenas as the female hunter looked concerned.

“Juju?” she asked, “What is wrong, we heard screaming.”

[Two comic strips are drawn by SamPostStuff on Tumblr]

A crunch only answered them, Jin turned to see what it was as they stopped and the other readied the arrow, willing to fight but they both froze in horror. Jin cringed at the sight before her.

The same hand was holding the corpse of their comrade before dropping it onto the ground with blood on its palm as Jin had gotten a good look at the woman’s face; it looked like something that any child would scream in terror in their dreams.

Her face was drizzled in blood as sharp needle teeth were on the outside of her lips and cheeks, forming a mouth, her eyes a golden yellow with short black hair flowing freely.

“She really is real…” she heard a male hyena mumble to his friend in pure shock, “Our queen.” is the only thing that he finished the sentence with.

The woman- no, this creature smiled grisly, “Ah yes, I am your ruler.” she spoke with such atrocious tempting bliss, “Your Queen Mileena.” as Hyenas are trembling in fear.

“W-We…” the lady hyena began to explain themselves with a catch of breath, “We are so sorry, we… We have no idea it’s you.”

“Or even say that it’s-” the lady hyena immediately covered her friend’s mouth before he could finish.

“It is only a shock,” She said as she understood yet the look of her eyes can seem like they would hold potential, “I will let this mistake go for now.” Mileena responded as she lifted up what looked like a windpipe and with one chomb, she ate it, blood flowed through her mouth and dropped onto the ground.

“But for now, I have something for you to do.”

That was the last thing she heard before everything around her had gone into white.

“Jin? Jin!”

A familiar voice had ringed in her eyes, Jin was on the ground and being held by a man wearing a familiar jacket, it’s Dempsey.

She was being held in his arms as she, Primis Tank and Sub-Zero as the sun was over them and in noon time. “T-Tank?” she spoke up in pure confusion as she placed a hand on her forehead, “What happened?”

“After ya took that crystal,” Dempsey started to explain the situation, “you just collapsed when it glowed for a little bit.” as Sub-Zero had removed his mask once again and held the crystal yet he’s making sure that it's as far from her as possible this time.

Jin seemed lost for a moment when she looked at them both, but then remembered back the dream she had for a short time with the woman, Mileena, and Hyena Furthers worshipped her as their ruler- a goddess even. As if she was the one they were waiting for god only knows how long.

But she has to know how long she was out like a light, how long was she dreaming exactly before that first, she turned over to Sub-Zero and questioned him, “how long was I out?”

“Only nearly an hour, Jin,” he answered.

“Yeah, while you were asleep. We had to pray it out of your hand since you were holding onto it tight.” P!Dempsey added further.

“I see…” she muttered softly as she looked at the ground again, the two men looked concerned now for Jin as the birds were chirping sweetly in the green and yellow trees around them as the wind danced smooth as butter.

“Let me guess for you,” Dempsey responded a bit more gently than usual, “You had a hell of a dream when you passed out.”

Jin looked at him with a slight jump from her stupor yet nodded, “How did you see?” Sub-Zero questioned her, “From the start of it, how much did this crystal have foretold to you?”

Jin with what little strength she had in her gut, she told them about it in little detail of the dream regarding the comprehensiveness of itself to them but she had noticed that Sub-Zero looked troubled when she had mentioned Mileena’s name, in fact, he looked like he never wanted to hear this name from someone else, ever.

Dempsey took notice of them as well as Sub-Zero had stood up and then walked from them a bit, giving them some space between himself and the two. “Hey, ya alright there?”

“I am fine, marine.” was Sub-Zero’s response.

“Ya sure, you seemed like you know this Mileena chick.”

Sub-Zero turned to look at them with his eyes glowing again but calmed down right away when he drew in a breath and exhaled it. “She was the creation of Shang Tsung, who was an ally to the former Emperor of Outworld itself.”

“Outworld? The one where Erron was from?”

“Erron Black?” Sub-Zero was surprised to hear that, “He was here as well?”

“Of course.”

Sub-Zero looks down for a moment, thinking of what is happening and how much of this revelation has unraveled itself. “There is going to be another tournament,” he thought without doubt but he is quite skeptical of what Mileena’s intentions are. He doubts she could be capable of doing this; kidnapping people from their own realms and into this one, unknown as uncharted.

“...Does anyone but us here?”

“I dunno.” Dempsey said uncertianingly, “All we know, that there most of us are from our universes alone or in a group that’s brought in this hellhole, Sub-Zero.”

Sub-Zero then turned his body to them both and responded “Mileena will be my responsibility to take care of, you two need to get back to your camp right away.” he then started to travel to the direction where he believed the Hyenas had gone too.

“Hey, where the f$%^ are you going?” he yelled after the shinobi who doesn't stopped walking, “I’m going to find their queen.’” as his arms are covered in frost.

Primis Dempsey was watching him go when he noticed that Jin was trying to stand up, “Ya think you can still walk?” he asked while he stood up, helping her onto her feet. “I think so, Tank.” she simply answered from her dizziness from the crystal's influence, legs wobbling like jelly.

She stumbled but she was grabbed by Dempsey when she nearly fell over, “Hey,” he said, “Don’t push yourself too much.”

“I wasn’t trying too.” she replied, holding on her arm while she’s trying to adjust her balance. When she got hold of her footing, she let go of the marine and then tried walking again but this time, one step at a time.

Still, Dempsey is walking beside her in case of her falling again while she was walking as they went through the way they came in, they walked past the tree line and back to the frozen graveyard of the green flu zombies.

They kept an eye out for anything that moved as they carefully walked past them as Dempsey noticed something that made him realize; the sun was hot enough to melt the ice on a hot summer day and the ones that had been turned into frozen statues were dripping water.

“They’re melting…” he muttered, catching Jin’s attention. “What?”

“These freakbags.”

Jin looked around and saw the ice that jailed them was melting into slush, even the big one, a hulking muscle with normal human legs and big arms that nearly overgrown its fingers. They noticed it was moving a bit by the minute soon afterwards a second.

They walked fastly past the major zombie as the ice was cracking as its arms were vibrating, it was going to break away from the ice in a moment and they both knew it just by looking at it. The popping and snapping of the cryogenic ice getting louder, before they knew it, Tank had said “MOVE!”

He pushed Jin forward as the ice finally gave way, soon afterwards a roar from the creature as its hands, now freed, smashes onto the ground, making the ground rumble under them and they stumble from the impact.

P!Dempsey got out his assault rifle and then immediately opened fire on the giant thing but as blood sprayed off of it’s pale too-much built body, it had no effect and that seemed to enraged the creature.

[Drawn by This-Person-is-slowly-dying and AlphaKing]

“Dempsey, get away from that thing!” Jin yelled as the big fella began to charge at the two on it’s knuckles and feet, similar to an angry gorilla ready to destroy whatever had tried to kill its mate and his kid.

He let out a curse and then turned to run from the beast, while they heard it growling. Soon, they heard the ground rumble behind them, Tank turned to see what was going on but soon regretted doing so because this thing had pulled a rock from the ground, hanging it over its head.

“Jin, incoming!” He ran faster and tackled Jin to the ground just as the big boulder was thrown and went over them, smashing onto a nearby car, even though it had aged over 500 years but it is shocking part of this is that its siren had sounded as they looked up. As if it does it despite the age of time.

Soon afterwards, the screeching of the damned was heard from a distance faintly but grew louder as they got back up and soon after he aimed at the incoming horde infected by the Green Flu Virus as he asked Jin “Run or fight?”

She looked at him confused but soon she was brought back by the big creature’s roaring as it was powering through the horde to get to them first before they did.

Dempsey repeated himself loudly.

“Run or fight?”

Jin has already decided on the answer already; she responded “Both.”

He had no time to argue with her so he and she turned to run towards a road, heading towards a hospital while an army of Green Flu zombies closed in the gap as they ran while Tank turned to open fire on them, splitting their heads open, painting the ground in red before turning to keep running.

“F#%^ off, you maggot-asses! Along with that Tank too!” He taunted them, but he is mostly taunting towards the now nicknamed big beast that’s catching up to them more than the horde.

Jin shook her head with raised brow as they reached the hospital, the glass of the doors was long since broken down long ago so they are able to get through them with no trouble but with each answers, it has pros and cons to solve any problems; the con was that there is no barricade to keep the riff-raff out.

Jin had got out her hair ornament from her hair but then she felt a nudge on her arm, she turned to see Dempsey holding a revolver, “Take this!” he ordered her as Jin used her other hand to take it.

“Ever use that gun?”

“I had never used it on a person!”

He fired on a couple of zombies coming closer, he turned his head to her and responded “Well, the best thing to do is to aim for the head.” he then looked at them, he had often felt safe with barricades but he knew that this time it's the opposite, the doors without wood boards and he does not like it.

“Sh!t… What should we do now?”

“I am working on it…”

Just when the horde and the Tank are coming closer, the intercom had rung to life and a new voice came through, it was a different male Australian accent like Sniper’s.

“Oi!” the voice called out, making them look at the intercom with shock and confusion, “Ya two are not one of the Green Flu bastards, are ya?” Then they heard a ding, they turned to look at an elevator opening up with the dimmed light glowing from its ceiling. “Come in the elevator if ya want to live!”

They looked at each other, then they turned to look at the incoming horde and the Tank that is posing through it like a runaway bull attacking anything that has red all over a group of people.

The choices were: Either be killed by the rabid horde and eaten or get in the elevator to where this voice is in one of the five floors.

They looked at each other again and then at the horde before they decided the latter: they ran in the elevator and Dempsey slammed the filth floor button and they readied themselves as the common infected ran inside as the doors hastily closed in.

They are watching them heading towards them as the moving doors closed up and hearing them banging on the doors as they go upward. They ascended upwards as the arrow slowly moved towards and crossed each number as the little moment of relief washed over them, “Holy sh!t….” he muttered, “Never seen anything like that…”

“The horde of the undead or that big creature that could rival a Panzer Soldat?”

“The big guy.” he answered, placing the revolver back in his Back-Pit device and holding his head a little.

“Still, do ya see what it has been doing?”

Jin nodded as she looked down at the ground. “It had thrown the zombies out of the way to get to us,” she softly said, “I can not imagine what it will do if it got to us.”

“Properly literally crush us with those arms,” he halfry joked, crossing his arms as he looks at the arrow going over to the number five, indeciting they are getting closer to the floor he selected. “Besides, we’re gonna be alright now.” he said it too soon the moment the elevator dings upon their arrival on the filth floor.

The elevator doors opened up to reveal their “savor”; a cyborg Carcassian man with device over his right eye or at least acted as his eye, a beard, wore no shirt but a strap that form an X across his chest with the device with glowing red glass, army green cargo pants and boots as he appears to be holding something behind his back.

With a smug smirk, he said in the same accent “Ya made the right choice.” before they heard what sounded like a pin being pulled and then he threw a container at them in the elevator before he had put on a gas mask.

The container they were looking at had exploded and a pretuid smell came from before them as they were trying to get away. “Dempsey watch...ou…” Jin had started to say but the smell had gotten to her that caused her to slur her speech and she fell onto the floor.

“Jin!” He ran over to her but his body started to get heavy but his mind was ordering it to keep going as he stumbled towards her as he was trying not to inhale the stench before he too fell down just inches to her.

The world around him had begun to spin as hearing had started to rung in his ears as the man walked over to them then knelt down while Dempsey watched. He chuckled while he looked at the marine as his eyelids were getting more and more heavy and soon, the world had been drowned in darkness.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A soft moan left his lips as he suffered a suffocating headache, he felt like he had drunk too many beers while he had his hand stretched the back of his head as he muttered “Argh…. My head…”

He groggily turned his head over to look around as his mind wondered where he was right now and he saw Jin sleeping by his side, sleeping softly with her head on his shoulder. “J-Jin…?” he mumbled as his mind was swimming from whatever happened to him.

Inspecting her closer, her coat was missing as well with her hair pin and her hair was let down and flowed down her back.

As he tried to remember what had been transferred, he looked down to see that his coat and boiler were missing, as he was in his gray t-shirt.

The feeling had come back to him and came with it was metal and rust, at the base of his neck as he raised an eyebrow at this and had his hand reached to what it was and whatever it was it was around his neck.

He then had another hand on it as it dawned on him with distress; he had a collar around his neck. He turned his head at the wall and saw that he was chained to a wall before he looked at Jin and saw that she was collared as well.

He was on his knees and then grabbed her shoulders. “Jin! Jin! Wake up!” he said as he shook her by the shoulders as her sleep was disturbed, her head swayed as she groaned in strained breath as she opened her eyes and looked at Dempsey in confusion.

“Dempsey?” she groaned as her head was throbbing in pain as she held her head, “What happened?”

“I don’t know,” he said as he noticed that her coat was gone as well. “But it has something to do with that guy, I think we have been ambushed.”

“What?”

“We have been ambushed.” he repeated himself, “Have we been captured?” she asked to which he nodded.

They looked around the room they are in, it was dark but the light is peering through the bars above them and only them, but it did luminated what room it is; the ceiling, the walls and floor are made from stone, with reddish brown and moss on the wall but they hardly could see through the darkness.

“I believe we were in a cell.” Jin stated as she looked at Dempsey. He said nothing but then he sat down beside her again and looked down, “In all honesty,” he started to say, “I had gotten myself into worse sh!t like this.”

“You’d been captured?”

“That and many things that I wished could be a nightmare.”

Jin sighed lightly as she lowered her head, “So do I.” as she held her forehead. “I wished the same as you.” while Dempsey looked at her again. He said nothing but looked at her. He looked at the chains and by the look of them, they haven’t been properly clean for a good long while.

There is something moving from in front of them, the peek through hole opened up and the eyes are peering inside looking at them with a contented look in their eyes.

“They’re awake.” The voice echoed softly in the chamber, those familiar, different eyes of a hyena is no mistake for the two to recognize, they heard the clanking of boots is heard from outside the cell and a voice, a distorted woman’s voice speaking to the Further as he looked at whoever she was. “Open the door please.”

“Yes, your highness.” the hyena complied as he hopped down from the hole, letting a bit of light flowing in for a moment as they heard something unlatching on the other side of the door.

The metal door scraped across the stone floor as the rusted yellow light poured in the room as a figure entered and the cell door closed behind her. The clicking of heels returned once more but this time towards them.

Soon, Mileena came into the light of the barred off hole in the ceiling yet she was noticeably different with a zukin mask as Jin had noticed. The corporal sighed and said “Let me guess, you must be Mileena, right?”

“Of course, you had it right.” she confirmed as he and Jin had backed up to the wall a little bit, leaving space between them and her. “Do you know where you are now, kombatants?”

[Drawn by Meaghan “Icefir” Halter]

“Your boyfriend, Mileena?” he answered sarcastically, as the chains rattled a little bit behind him with his hand fumbling on the floor for a stone piece that he could use as a weapon in case things could get messy once she got closer.

“Not quite.”

“Hyenas are your army now?”

A giggle as two out of five of her fingers rested on her mask, it was not a good sign as she continued.

“Much so, fair lady.” Mileena responded, “In fact, I am really joyful that they made me their ruler yet honored to have you both here. Even though what I am going to do next may seem… horrible.” she sounded a bit sad when she said this, the marine could mentally roll his eyes at this.

“Must’ve been one hell of an honor to be here, mind telling us what are you about to do to us?”

“Kano had brought this up, I figured that I could at least try-” Mileena had stopped herself when she looked over to him, hesitancy in her eyes when she noticed quite prequitrity.

“Hold a minute,” she started to say, “You looked familiar to me.” She leaned closer to him as he tried to back up but he went into a wall so he was trapped between it and her. “Did I see you before?”

Jin looked over in confusion towards Dempsey as he muttered “I am just one of those faces that just don't like being in a sh!t hole situation like this…!”

Mileena didn't seem to believe but she pulled herself away from him as she shook that thought away, “It doesn’t matter,” she simply replied to his statement, even if it’s barely audible from a man.

“In the next few hours, one will be taken and the other to the tournament.” Mileena explained, “One out of two of you here.”

Dempsey spat out “Like hell that we are going to,” as he gritted his teeth, keeping his eyes trained on Mileena, “You’re stuck here the same as us in this world.”

Another giggle from the deranged woman before this, he had enough of this and he said loudly “What’s so god damned funny?”

“Not too familiar with Mortal Kombat, have you yet?” she asked as her hands reached the back of her head and then began to untie the straps that are holding the zukin mask itself.

“Yeah, someone had told us about it.”

“Oh.” she said as she managed to untie the straps and then took it off. Tank’s eyes grew in shock and disgust but his voice didn’t go out of his mouth as usual, only silence rained down on him as he looked at Mileena before himself and Jin.

“Then you knew how it would end, didn't you?~” she spoke coldly as a tongue slithered out similar to a snake’s as the door opened once again behind her.

-Back at the camp-

Erron glanced over his shoulder for the group of savagers as they are arriving back but yet, he was a little concerned that Jin isn’t with them.

“Where’s-”

“It was a nightmare!” Soldier cuts Erron off, “Gordon had scared off all of the strange-looking deer!” as Gordon had an annoyed expression on his face along with Demoman as the Outworlder can clearly see.

Erron lets out a sigh, “What exactly happened?” to the only two men of the hunting group that are sanerer than this man with low intelligence.

“Gordon was being a quiet boy the whole time when he was hunting the deer. That's clearly different from normal but Soldier is the one who scared them off.” Demoman explained briefly while Gordon Freeman nodded at the end of it.

Another sigh, “I thought so.”

“But cowboy, have you seen Jin anywhere?” Soldier asked as he looked around the front yard, Erron was going to ask them that question in all honesty before he was interrupted.

“I thought that she was with you boys.”

“The lass was with us but we couldn’t find her.”

“Do you know where you last saw her?” Erron asked more.

“We had split up to salvage more items,” Gordon once again said, “I think she went inside a local pharmacy.”

Erron crosses his arms as Ultimis Richtofen came out of the background with Frisk in tow and loudly asked “Have you all seen zhe marine anyvhere?!”

“Wasn’t he here?” he asked with his hand on his forehead once again.

“I had sent Frisk to go find him but zhey couldn’t find him.” he informed them.

“Two people had gone missing.” Erron groaned in frustration, “Last thing anyone wants.”

“Zhen ve have to find zhem!” Ultimis Richtofen announced with pride, sounded less concerned, “Ve can’t leave zhis city of zhe undead vithout zhem, I cannot imagine zhe fates zhey are going through.”

“And we are coming too!” Cuphead said this as he ran out but was stopped at the last minute by Demoman as he picked him up by the handle of his head and turned him around towards the house as he said “No more getting into troubles, and more staying put where it is safe.” as he points at the opened door as Cuphead moaned in disappointment and walked back while Demoman and others watched.

Soldier looked over to his friend and said “You are much more different than you usually are.”

Demoman only chuckled as he shook his head.

No one had failed to notice but the air had gotten cold all of suddenly as they felt it. “Hm?” U!Richtofen muttered as he looked around, “Zhe air is getting colder all of sudden?”

“Doc, it’s impossible,” Demoman stated, “This city was once a desert, ya know.”

“Oh blah blah blah, zhis place can have winters as vell.”

Erron somewhat remained quiet as he was staring something before them, “Frisk, get behind me and into the house.” he commanded, as he shushered them to go inside as others had begun to notice.

“Kuai Liang.” Erron said as he watched Sub-Zero walk over to the group as his eyes were trained on Erron Black. “Erron Black.”

They both stare at each other, Erron had his hand on the handle of his revolver, ready to pull it out of the hoister as frost is visible on the shinobi's hands. “You do understand that I didn’t come here to fight, Erron.”

“I do know that fact,” Erron said as he had his hand up to stop the others from advancing further, “And let me guess this, you don’t remember how you got here too?

“Yes.” Kuai bows as Frisk, Cuphead, Mugman and Bendy are watching the encounter from inside the house, looking worried and concerned of what’s to come.

“Hallo uh, Kuai Liang, is it?” Ultimis Richtofen had spoke up as he walked to stand by Erron for a moment as he looked at Sub-Zero, “You must’ve seen a man und woman by zhis point before you came here, am I right?” he questioned, “One vith brown hair und jacket, zhe other with black hair, fairly pretty skin?”

“You must be speaking of Dempsey and Jin.” Kuai Liang answered as he looked at the German, “I assume they are with you?”

“Oh ja!~” he happily said, “Zhose two teammates of ours, do you seen them?”

“I had left them behind in Suncrest when I had to follow a group of Further Hyenas to see if Mileena was truly here.”

“Mileena is here too?” Erron looked at Sub-Zero who had dropped that bombshell on him, hoping this was just a joke but it’s true as he nodded. “And she leads the what?”

“Further Hyenas.” Kuai answered, “And appearty, it's not just hyenas that are affected by this “Forbidden Water.” they spoke off. They became somewhat an intelligent animal humanoid species after something horrible befell onto the earthrealm or this earthrealm is what they had made their home now.”

“Do they know what caused this?”

“The Incident, involving all five different plagues that includes the one you are currently facing and an entity they called “The Broken.””

“Oh!” U!Richtofen chimed in, “A woman had told about zhis lady but not in full detail about her.” as Sub-Zero looked at him once again. “Has she said anything about the Broken.”

“If she had- Haha!” the Doctor triumphed with delight, “She had taken at least 12 of us avay into another plane of existence or in your vords, another “Earthrealm '' you called it. Und zhis Broken vould drive zhem into insanity or death if I had to put in more details.”

“I will share what I have learned later,” Sub-Zero looked at Erron once again “Are there other warriors here?”

“A bunch,” Erron shrugged, “All of them are different worlds and timelines but it could be enough to bring this bloodthirsty daughter of Shao Kahn down.”

“Und most of us were from our own universes ve called home,” Ultimis Richtofen as Erron raised the revolver a little threateningly but it does seem to silence the Doctor by this much.

“I see.” Kuai nodded, “we must need a plan before we could jump into battle.”

“Ya know, for once, you could be right.”

As being said, Kuai was led into the backyard as others were getting ready to leave the city as the kids were peeking outside to watch others meeting the newcomer. “So, you had met them after encountering a different infection type?”

“But of course,” Kuai answered Bruno’s question, “But I wanted them to be out of harm's way when I did find her.”

“Can you take us to the last spot you left them at, at least?” Scout said with chagrin, “We just lost enough already.”

Sub-Zero made an ickle in response and spoke in a threatening tone “We are getting to that point, young man. Show patience.”

“Are you saying that one of your- their own were captured?” Radec asked as he and his remaining men were being watched over by Takeo while he was keeping a close eye on them while he was cleaning his sword.

“I fear so.” Kuai responded as he crushed the ickle into small pieces, “And you must be Mael Radec from what I am told of.”

“Colonel Mael Radec,” Radec corrected, as he stood up and he was a little bit intrigued that this ninja could barely reached his height, “Our homeworld is Helghan and as off right now-”

“They are trapped here with us,” Takeo interrupted as he had a rag that seemed to be used multiple times to count as he cleaned off the blood crusted onto the blade. Sub-Zero looked at the samurai and he somewhat resembled Hanzo in a way but in World War I form.

Takeo continued “And yet, we had a solution to escape this hell together, uninfected and unharmed.”

“Tak’s right about that.” Frank added “Since for some reason, these zombies can’t literally get out of the state of Utah, as if something is keeping them inside.”

“A tree’s spell…” Sub-Zero muttered as he looked down at the ground and yet, it was audible barely for Frank West to hear.

“What’s that?”

“It is nothing.” he shook his head, as Ultimis Richtofen walked over to him, “I am zhe most curious of you, Mr. Liang,” he said as he looked at the man of ice as he looked at him with an raised brow.

“From vhat I see from you, zhe frost on your arms und hands vithout any trouble at all!” he exclaimed as he took a hold of his arm to get a better look as if he was inspecting a snore or something else that could be intriguing.

“How do your arms vere at normal temperatures instead of breaking apart?” Ultimis Richtofen squeezed his bicep a little to feel the difference, the muscle felt soft yet it is the normal type of soft when you could feel when you squeeze the skin and muscle on your forearm.

“It is only magic, Doctor Richtofen.” Sub-Zero only answered as he pulled his arm away, “I am a cryomancer as I had trained to control the ice magic.”

“I see.” Ultimis Richtofen placed a finger under his chin, he now looked more fascinated by this fact. “Und how do you train?”

“I was the student before I became the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.” he replied as he turned away and then walked away from the German as he felt like he needed to get a healthy distance away from that man as far as possible.

Something about him was.. Unhinged, he thought.

Others had gathered, talking about something to do after they rescued their allies and escaping Fallen City as they are getting their weapons while Erron is discussing the plan as Kuai will lead them to where he had met Dempsey and Jin.

Sniper and Demoman are talking about what they should do with their prisoners if they make it out of the city infested with the walking dead, then something else that caught his attention however.

“Did ya notice that one of them was missing, laddie?”

“One was missing?” Sniper looked up to have his eyes facing Demo’s only one with stupefaction.

“There were seven of them last night when Bruno took over Bendy’s nightwatch.”

Sniper raised a brow and looked over the Demolimation’s Expert to look at the giant Frenchman and then looked back to Demoman.

“Did one of them escape while on his watch, Talvish?”

“I doubt that, Snipe.” Demoman answered, “Jin had said that she found him slowly regaining consciousness when she found this.”

“Regaining his nongs?” Sniper quizzed, as he tilted his hat a little to rub his fingers on his forehead, “Was his noggin hit by one of them?”

“Ah no,” Talvish shook his head no, “No bruise or a cut on his head whatsoever when she checked on him. Whatever happened to him must’ve been slippery like Spy was.”

“Mate, that is impossible,” the Australian refused to believe his teammate. “If he was knocked out, there could be a-”

“No no no, Sniper,” Demo shook his hand to halt him from speaking his thoughts out, “He had recalled he felt something plunging into his back before he blacked out.”

Kuai Liang didn’t hear the rest as he was already going to find Bruno as he is peculiar about it. He didn’t have to waste time to find him to see if it is true, he may not be with them on the night it happened but he needs to check on what he believed to be an injury. It didn't take him too long to find him when he checked at the withering apple tree and found him sharpening the knife.

“Bruno.” he got his attention as the large man looked at him, the carasian raised a brow and said “Oui, Kuai Liang?”

“Please understand that I am only curious but I heard you’re knocked out while on watch but you were not hit in the head.”

Bruno said nothing but he did nod that confirmed Sub-Zero’s suspicion, the cryomancer walked over to the giant with the understanding look on his face and went behind him as the Frenchman looked at him with further confusion.

“What are you doing-?”

“Do you remember what you felt before you passed out?”

Bruno only responded by looking down, “It felt like something had stabbed me in the back. Like a bee sting.”

“A bee sting, you say?” he said as he pulled the collar of his shirt down a bit as the Frenchman tried to look over his shoulder.

“I do not give you permission to search me.” Bruno interjects but Sub-Zero relents as he pulls it down a bit more and he sees something on the bottom of his neck, near the right shoulder on the tanned skin: It’s a small red dot. It was small enough as if a syringe had poked through and into the flesh.

“What are you looking at?”

“A sting dot,” Kauai answered as he looked at him, “A stab wound small enough to be an injection.”

“I was injected?” Bruno turned to look at him, “With what, exactly, Kauai Liang?”

“Possibly a drug enough to knock a person out yet only someone could be quiet and quick enough to plunge a syringe into you without ease.”

Kuai then had his fingers on his chin, the stable hair brushing against them gingerly, “It could be one of these ‘’Helghast” prisoners you captured.”

“It’s impossible, Kauai Liang.” Bruno denied, “All of them were asleep when I took a watch after the dinner last night.”

Kuai raised an eyebrow at this, looking at the giant before him and asked “If it is not one of them, then who?”

A raven cawed from behind them as they turned to see it flew over to a shed with the old wooden double doors as they were opened just a crack yet the raven was able to wedge between and go inside with no trouble.

Kuai signed Bruno into staying quiet as they unhurriedly walked over the shed on alert as each step drew them closer before they could know it but they stopped when a smell of death hit them both.

Bruno reinched from it, he knew what he was smelling, he was too familiar with the death before and after his time with a gang of thugs and this was a smell of the recently deceased, not the rotting decayed corpse of a zombie.

Kuai knew what Bruno believed to be too as he saw his hand stretched out and then grabbed one of the doors and then pulled it towards them, letting light flood inside the interior of the shed and the sight that greeted them was desolate and horrid.

It was one of the prisoners but what happened is just a grim death. Nothing to say but they noticed the man was stripped of the chest plate and cut open in the chest. Bruno gagged from the sight and turned from it as Kuai did the same with his eyes closed in uncanny disgust.

Bruno looked at him with hairs on the back of his neck raised and said “I think we now know what happened to him.”

Kuai nodded as he said nothing, something like this had the part of him believing it could be one of a Tarkatan or Mileena would do but the other part of himself had believed it could be someone else. Before the latter would say anything, U!Richtofen yelled for anyone to hear.

“Come on now! Ve are now going to get zhem!”

The two men looked at each other, not saying anything but exchanged looks before they walked away from the shed, silent after what they found. It’s going to take a good courage to tell others what they have discovered yet they are worried whoever disembowled him will be still with them as they know.

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