#subzero x reader

Inside the complex, the halls were silent but alive, warriors training, strict disciplines.

And you, in your damp coat, shivering slightly, unsure if you were out of place.

Until you saw him... Him... Bi-Han.

Dressed in black and blue, tall, imposing, cold as snow beneath your boots.

And seeing you next to his father… his eyes narrowed, hard. As if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

-Father...-" the cryomancer murmured, walking toward you. -"How...?"

-She found me before the ice took me. She looked after me. She protected me- the old man interrupted.

Bi-Han's face showed nothing but contained tension. His fists clenched at his sides.

-I thought you were dead-was all the criomancer said.

But before the moment could turn awkward, two more figures hurried forward.

One of them, dressed in yellow, with his hair tied back, brown eyes, and a firm but fair expression, stopped in front of you.

-Father... is it really you?- It was Scorpion's voice, who without hesitation hugged his father. He thought he was dead. The old man was struggling to hug his son, who was already much taller than him.

Then he gave way to his adoptive brother, who also hugged his beloved adoptive father.

Tomas ascended, giving you a small bow. He was serene, even kind in his silence.

-Thank you- Kuai Liang said. "-We don't know why you did it, or how to thank you, but... you saved his life, and we will cherish that forever.-

-I did nothing but the right thing-you replied, shyly lowering your gaze.

Scorpion looked at you happily. You earned his respect, you returned what was most precious to him.

Bi-Han looked away, as if your presence irritated him, but the father, still leaning on your arm, spoke gently:

-She acted with her heart, without knowing me.And that... is something the clan has forgotten. Perhaps she can remind them of compassion - the Grandmaster said lookin at his elder son.

Thomas smiled sideways, curious. Kuai Liang lowered his head in respect.

Bi-Han... said nothing.But you felt his gaze fixed on you as the others welcomed you.As if the criomancer were trying to kill you... after all, you interfered with his plans.

You were asked to rest in a small guest room. The window overlooked the training courtyard, where warriors moved with precision through the snow.

The Lin Kuei elder asked to see you privately at dusk.

You were surprised by his request, but you accepted; you couldn't deny anything to someone you'd almost lost in your arms.

You entered a warm, quiet tatami room. The old man sat, his face now more colored, with a blanket over his legs and a teapot steaming beside him.

-Thank you for coming, daughter- he said in a husky but clear voice.

You sat down respectfully.

-You don't have to thank me for anything; I just did what anyone would have done -you replied respectfully.

-No. You didn't do it like anyone else. You did it without expecting anything in return...And for that... I want to offer you something that I know may seem unfair... but also, an opportunity,- the old man said.

His eyes, though wise, moistened slightly.

-I don't know how much longer I have. But I do know this: one of my children have forgotten part of what we once were. Bi-Han... has lost his way, blinded by power, by his ambition to control everything,-the Grandmaster said.

You lowered your gaze. You knew it, you felt it in his distant gaze.

-I don't judge him,-he continued. -He suffered too much. I raised him to be strong, but I didn't know how to teach him to love. And I fear that if I die without leaving him anything else... we will lose him completely.-

Then, bluntly, he told you:

-I want you to stay. To live here. And to marry him,-he said finally.

You looked at him, stunned.

-Forgiveness...?-you asked incredulously.

-Not now, not without your consent. But if you accept... I will offer you whatever you need: a home, protection, education, everything in my power. In return, I only ask that you observe him... understand him. That, with your sweetness, your temperance... you teach him what I couldn't,- he said weakly.

A heavy silence fell over you.

-He won't know, at least not for now. I'll say it's a decision of succession, that, by marrying you, he'll take the position of Grandmaster; out of pride, he'll accept it. But only you will know the truth: it's not a reward... it's a hope,-the Grandmaster said.

You put a hand to your chest. Your heart was beating fast.

Be with Bi-Han? With that hard, cold man who had barely exchanged words with you? A loveless marriage...? What would happen to your previous life?

Despite those thoughts... you remembered that you didn't know what to do with your life. You didn't have a boyfriend and still lived with your family, who judged you for never dating anyone.

Besides... something inside you told you he *wasn't completely ice*.

That maybe... he just needed someone who wouldn't fight him, but who would understand him.

-I'm truly honored, but... what if he hates me...?- you whispered.

The old man smiled tenderly.

-I don't think he can. Not when he sees the light you carry with you,- he said tenderly.

You remained silent, though grateful you knew that if you accepted, it would change your life, but also... maybe you would save his.

And thinking that it is the work of destiny, and that the universe sent you this opportunity to give you a purpose, YOU ACCEPTED.

*later*

Bi-Han appeared in the Grandmaster's chamber with his usual firm demeanor, his brow furrowed as always. He hadn't expected to see his father sitting there so serenely... much less upon learning what was coming next.

-Why did you call me so urgently?- he asked impatiently.

His father looked up.

-It's time for you to take your place as Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.- He said.

Bi-Han looked at him seriously, without hiding his pent-up ambition. He had hoped for it since he was young, even believed he should already hold it, but something made him wary.

-Under what conditions?- He asked suspiciously, knowing he was hiding something.

-Only one. You will unite your destiny with someone else. You will marry,-his father said.

The silence turned to pure ice.

-What did you say?-the cryomancer asked indignantly.

-Listen to me,- His father said, without trembling. -It's not a whim. Tradition demands not only strength, but balance, and that union will represent political stability for the Lin Kuei... and for you.

-Who is she?- Bi-Han asked firmly.

His father took a deep breath.

-A woman who saved my life when you decided was no longer worth saving- the Grandmaster said without any fear.

Bi-Han took a step back, almost imperceptibly, as if his own past had slapped him in the face. He knew now that his father had discovered his intentions, but he wasn't willing to apologize.

-I... why she? It's obvious she's weak and doesn't know how to fight. She won't survive long with us - the Cryomancer said indignantly.

-Because I want you to know what it's like to love someone and lose your pride- his father said firmly.

Bi-Han gritted his teeth. To him, it was ridiculous; he thought it was just another dream of his deluded father.

-Is this a punishment?- the cryomancer asked. He knew his father was making him pay penance.

-No. It's a second chance... and I want you to know that if she dies here, or if there's any accident, your brother will take your place- the old man said bluntly.

Bi-Han just froze. To him, this was a trap; he was outraged. His father was cunning and played his cards well. Now... he was chained to you.

**Hours later**

You walked through the temple halls, wearing a light sky-blue robe that had been given to you to present yourself to the clan. Your steps were soft, but your heart was beating so loudly that you felt Bi-Han would hear it before he saw you.

And so it was.

The hallway was long and snowy, and he appeared at the end, like a shadow in the fog. Tall, imposing, his face inscrutable.

When his eyes met yours, he stopped.

He looked you up and down, expressionless, as if trying to understand what you were doing there. You weren't Lin Kuei; just by looking at you, he knew you were weak and would waste his time with you.

-You...?" he murmured.

You nodded respectfully.

-It's an honor, Bi-Han-you said nervously as you approached.

There was a tense silence. He took a step forward, then another.

-It was you... the one who saved him- he said indignantly, as if you had done the worst to him.

-Yes- you said resolutely.

-Why?-he asked, still indignant.

You didn't know how to answer. Because he was angry? It wasn't easy to say thank you like his brothers?

-Because no one deserves to die alone and defenseless,- you finally said.

Bi-Han didn't answer. He just looked at her with a mixture of coldness... and something deeper, hidden behind his icy shield: bewilderment.

Maybe... curiosity.

-I know it's hard for you to marry a stranger, I don't expect you to love me. I just want to be worthy of staying here- You said, trying to remain calm. The way he looked at you... he didn't make it easy for you.

He narrowed his eyes, not moving any closer.

-We'll see if you are.- He said cold

And he left, leaving you with a pang in your chest.

But something in his gaze, even in his silence, told you that this story... was just beginning.

kuai liang loves to admire beauty whenever he encounters it. the vibrant, pink blossoms grown in wu shi academy always made him smile. the fresh greenery and exotic plants that he cared for always brightened his day. but all those things were incomparable to your beauty and intellect. he loves to watch you fight — even looking past the sweat and messy hair after intense training. he watches you with adoration when you converse with the younger trainees — resilient and beautiful — he thinks.

you tended to him after he comes back from a mission, offering herbal tea and a scenery of his garden under the moonlight. you converse with him, although it’s one sided. kuai liang stares at your lips, soft and pretty — curling into a sweet smile. you notice that his soften eyes were directed on your lips. a rush of heat flowed through your body, how long had he done this for?

“what is so interesting about my lips kuai liang?” you muster the courage to ask, mentally thanking madam bo for gifting you tinted lip balm.

his reaction seemed halted before he realizes he was indeed caught. he chuckled nervously as he propped himself up to turn towards the luminance of the moon. kuai liang was flustered, but when he felt your balmy lips on his cheek, all the shame in his body vanished.

tomas isn’t subtle. at all. he’s very much aware of that, even his brothers and the young trainees tease him for being so smitten at plain sight. even so, he still cannot help but continue to stare at you with a loving daze — nervously fiddling his fingers behind his back. through his daily admiring, tomas came to the conclusion that he loved everything about you. his eyes tend to dart to your bright eyes, soft lips, pretty hair, and silky skin.

when you’re accompanying him with his training, cheering and playfully applauding at the younger ninjas dueling in an tense battle. the action playing before tomas was lost in time. it was blurry, silent, unmoving but all he could see is you — manipulating this time stop in his mind with your raw radiance. then his eyes widen when you met his gaze and suddenly he’s panicking. with trained speed, he’s now looking down at his feet, whistling a broken tune.

“this is the third time i’ve caught you staring, you know that right?” you mused, uncontrollably giggling when tomas nods in flustered acknowledgment.

tomas looks up from his feet and sighs in defeat. even caught another time, he’ll still take the opportunity to look at the scene before him — your cheerful grin and gleaming eyes. if his staring problem can make you this happy, he doesn’t see why he should ever stop.

johnny cage is a shameless man. he loves to flirt and proudly embrace his failed attempts at flirting. eye contact is key, he believes. a very effective technique to swoon others and an act of intimacy without touching. johnny loves to stare at you, in hopes of meeting your eye and share a perfectly cliche romantic movie experience. but with your oblivious nature, he hasn’t been successful just yet. although he learned that he loved your smile — instead of his usual attraction to anything below the face.

mindlessly wondering around the fire temple, johnny finds you sitting on the stairs while reading a rather thick looking book. he immediately joins your side, flashing a white smile as he enthusiastically boast about his acting career. even if your eyes aren’t on him, to much to his disappointment, you acknowledged every word and responded in interest. then he gradually stops talking until he’s mute and you grow concerned.

“johnny, did you fall asleep?” your brows furrowed as you turned to him, his head resting on his knee.

with his frosty blue lens, you couldn’t tell if he’s awake or asleep. slowly, you took the frames off his face and flinch in shock. his eyes were wide open, staring at yours with unfamiliar intensity for a moment. then you smile and turn away flustered. finally! he made eye contact and was rewarded with your beautiful smile. johnny’s hollywood charm works … most of the time.

raiden is clueless when it comes to his staring problem. he doesn’t mean to stare half the time, it was a force of habit — automatic admiration. you were simply bewitching, even in simple attire that was paired with a stained apron. his eyes are big and soft when he looks at you, even so when he talks about you. it could take kung lao screaming in his ear for raiden to snap out of his enchanted state. he promises himself to be more subtle, and so he did.

you’re pacing around the tea house, serving refreshments with impressive finesse while warmly conversing with the local villagers. under his straw hat, raiden watches you intently — noticing the loose stands fall on your face as it tickles your neck. your soft hair frames your face perfectly, dancing through the air like silk in the wind — one of your most beautiful features. under a smitten daze, he doesn’t notice how your body is much closer and how your voice was much clearer, soothing his ears.

“it’s okay to call me over for a chat raiden, i don’t bite.” you jested as you tilted his hat back with a finger, meeting his eager gaze.

he’s blushing now, beet red. a nervous laugh escaped his lips as his eyes averted to the side — caught in the act. you only adoringly smile at him, leaving the check on his table as you tend to another customer. another friendly interaction, raiden thinks. but when he looks at the check, a small heart and the time you’re off work was written on the parchment. his cheeks suddenly hurt from smiling too hard, he couldn’t wait. but for now, he’ll kill time by watching you from afar.

There’s a peace that blooms in him, despite the salacious position you’re in. Hands rubbing into your bare back, nose buried into your neck as he inhales your scent, the hitch in your breath as you adjust yourself on his length.

It would be relaxing, if the feeling of your pussy wasn’t currently driving him up a wall. Everything is heightened this way, every breath making you clench against him, every movement making him shudder in bliss, a repetitive loop of sensations that keep the both of you trapped in each other’s embrace.

You move, he follows. You whimper, and he tastes the sounds on his tongue. You stay like that until you fall asleep, where he wakes up and the first thing he feels is the warmth of your cunt.

Bi-Han

Confusion is painted on his face when you tell him your idea.

Eyebrows raised, he didn’t know you to be the type to be so forward, surprised at just how eager you were.

“Hm, seems simple enough.”

At first he didn’t understand the appeal—if you wanted to have sex he could easily hold you hostage to the bed.

But fine, he would indulge you.

As it turned out you are far more creative than he gives you credit for. He might enjoy this newfound position more than he thought.

Every time you squirm, it’s another slap to your ass. The sound rings loudly in your ears, the clash of skin only dwarfed by your whimpering.

“Bi-Han, please—“ you beg, arms wrapped around his neck, scared to move anymore in fear of your husband’s wrath. “Just a little bit, I need more—“

Another hand comes down on your backside. You jump in response, then shiver when Bi-Han’s cold hands soothe the aching flesh.

“You decided the rules darling, no moving.”

You almost want to argue, but the look in his eyes freezes you in place. You’re forced to obey, shaking with anticipation for the moment Bi-Han finds you ready and fucks you like you need.

Tomas

“You want to what?”

Poor Tomas, his face turns a shade of red you’ve never seen before. He has to ask you to repeat yourself to make sure he heard you correctly.

When you do he becomes even more flustered, but it does spark a certain…curiosity.

He’s open to anything when it comes to you, and he would be a liar if he said otherwise.

As sweet as Tomas can be, it’s like he’s a different person when you’re like this—possessive, greedy even. He holds you by your ass and refuses to let go, kissing at your face when you shudder at the feeling of his cock inside you.

So big, so fucking full.

“Is this what you had in mind?” He grunts, barely stopping his hips from forcing you to bounce on his length. You can see it in his eyes, the barely-held back urge to dig his fingers into your skin and fuck you like he wants to, it’s only your pleas that keep him complacent for the time being.

You see shades of the sweet man you’ve come to love, almost overshadowed by the lust that pools in his very being. He wants to cum so bad, but more than that he wants to be good for you.

Johnny Cage

“You’re not kidding right? Please tell me it isn’t April.”

He’s over the moon, he’s actually thought about it before but was worried you wouldn’t be up for it.

But hearing you ask for it? You’ve given him far too much freedom, and you might regret that in the future.

Safe to say that it becomes his new favorite pastime.

Johnny was the one who invited you over in the first place, something about “needing to focus on his newest script.” A very obvious lie, but you suppose that hindsight is 20/20, especially where your boyfriend is concerned.

Instead of focusing on memorizing his lines, he instead memorizes what makes you tick, what buttons he has to press before you’ve become a writhing mess in his arms, how far you fall on his cock before your legs start shaking.

“Can’t help it baby,” he says, rutting into you softly. “You’re just feel too damn good.”

You almost want to beg him to fuck you, but you know him better than anyone—if Johnny says he’s going to keep you on his lap, he means it. So even if he’s barely focused on the script in his hands, you can be sure as hell you’re going to be sat on his cock until he’s had his fun.

Kenshi Takahashi

He laughs a bit, entertained at the thought.

You, sat pretty in his lap? It makes his heart beat faster.

He asks if you know what you’re getting yourself into, asking him a question like that, but your excited nod is enough of an answer for him.

“Okay then, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Kenshi feels the heat that spreads through your body, a benefit of losing his sight. He knows all your weak points, his heightened senses aware of every reaction you have to his touch.

He knows you better than you know yourself, even without sento he knows how desperate you are to move.

“This is what you wanted, right?”

He coos in your ear, tattooed hands rubbing circle against your shaking hips, a gentle squeeze reminding you to keep still. You nod in reply, but it doesn’t stop the soft noises leaving your lips.

Raiden

Turns into a shade of pink you didn’t know existed

Lost for words, it takes him a moment to register what you’ve said before responding

“Well, if you’re interested, I wouldn’t mind…”

Poor man, he doesn’t know how to express himself, but he is very on-board!

He tries his best, really he does, but how exactly is he supposed to stay still when you pulse around him so deliciously?

He knows he’s supposed to enjoy this, but being unable to move is driving him up a wall. You have to scold him like a child every time his hips try to move higher.

He stares at the ceiling, head tilted backwards in an attempt to calm down his racing heartbeat, afraid that even the sight of you will make him lose control. In, out, his breathing is labored, your voice doing nothing to quell his urges.

“Relax baby,” you say, running your fingers through his hair. “We still have the rest of the night.”

Kung Lao

You’ve never seen him smile that wide before.

“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

If you didn’t ask him, he would’ve. He’s just glad you saved him the effort.

The moment you two walk into the bedroom he’s pawing at your pants. He’s impatient, and can you blame him?

“Kung Lao, calm down!”

You try to plead with your boyfriend, but it goes in one ear and out the other. What was meant to be a relaxing past time is now a struggle to keep his wandering hands to himself.

“Come on, don’t you want me to touch you?” He teases. His lips find their way to your nipple, lapping at the pebbled nub while his fingers slide between the two of you.

“This wasn’t the plan,” you whine in response, unknowingly pressing yourself into his greedy fingers. “I wanted us to enjoy this…”

“And we will,” he promises, circling your clit with a twinkle in his eye. “Just want you to feel as good as possible baby.”

Liu Kang

He’s heard of the act before, but never really gave it any thought.

“You sound like you’ve thought about this often, darling.”

He can’t help but tease you a bit, but he’s completely in agreement.

When he has a moment of free time he invites you to sit on his lap, grinning when his fingers dance across your skin.

For a god, Liu Kang sure can be a tease.

In his private quarters he keeps you close to him, one of the rare moments where he has no obligations and can simply enjoy himself. You thought this would be a perfect time to act on your little suggestion, and he thought the same.

Where you erred however, is misjudging a god’s patience.

Two hours ago you eagerly stripped for your husband, and in those two hours you’ve been left teetering on the edge, every time you close your eyes for a moments peace Liu Kang finds it fit to let his fingers remind you of where you are.

A repetitive cycle with no end in sight.

Your clit throbs with an incessant need, but you’re unable to do anything except take what he gives.

Syzoth

Beg your pardon?

You literally see his pupils dilate at the thought

“Really? Are you sure?”

He has his own misgivings about the idea, still ashamed of his ancestry as a Zaterran. It took him a while to become intimate with you but this…

You assure him that this is something you want, and he eventually agrees.

You gently coax Syzoth onto the bed, making your hips flush with his. You can see the doubt begin to flood his mind, until you drag his hands from the bed and onto your body.

“There’s no rush baby,” you murmur, resting your head on his chest. “Let’s just stay like this, hm?”

You hear his heartbeat return to its natural rhythm, his hands slowly brushing against your spine. Tentative, testing the waters, as if you’d shatter if he held you too tight. As the minutes pass he becomes more comfortable with your position, the feeling of your warmth enveloping him.

a lovely and manipulable pawn. still a pawn. irrelevant in many ways.

one of the biggest obstacles in your relationship has always been his indifference. sometimes you wonder why he started a romantic relationship, only to be negligent and cold. were you the problem?

at first, you tried to avoid thinking that way. tomas, the grandmaster's younger brother said you were perfect! but to be honest, tomas was the human definition of the word: sympathy. (he was a trained killer).

but over time, avoiding the inevitable train of thought became impossible. and when a creature, elegant and sensual, appeared in bi-han's life, it was clear to you that there was something wrong in this relationship.

(and judging by the disdain that was permanently planted on kuai liang's face, you weren't the one to blame).

her name was sareena, she was a demon and you couldn't hate her. she was beautiful, in every way. (magnetic. extraordinary).

even when you witnessed intimate moments that you begged to have with him, everything was so natural. knowing glances, gentle touches in moments when they thought no one was looking — and everyone was, waiting for something. a break in the trust of vows he made to you.

the imposing figure of the grand master was seen with a new companion at his side. it was her. the third participant in your relationship, but she was treated with respect and dedication.

you were the other, apparently. even in his actions, this was reflected. the vows of loyalty and love were just empty words.

there came a time when you got tired of living like this, tired of the neglect or constant silence.

OoOoOoOoOoO

Fujin tried his hardest to appear calm and collected as he walked towards (Y/n)’s private quarters. Of course upon arriving there, he knew the door would be locked. A habit they tended to have whenever they felt overwhelmed. A part of Fujin wished they would seek him instead of isolating themselves to deal with everything on their own. It pained him knowing they’d prefer to suffer in silence, fearing to be a bother to anyone else.

For the first time, Fujin hesitated. The greyish colour of the door staring back at him as if mocking his uncertainty. When his knocking went unanswered, Fujin sighed. His needs to make sure they were alright, took control of him. He’d prefer his partner to be mad at him for barging in then leaving them on their own. Unlocking the door was a mere child’s play for the god who used his ability against the lock.

Steam filled the room as the sound of running water could be heard coming from the bathroom. Making sure the door was locked once more, Fujin made his way toward the sound. The sight that fell upon his eyes nearly shattered him. A messy pile of clothes and tactical gear were scattered across the floor, like one would have removed their clothes had they been set on fire. The shower curtain had been ripped open in a hurry, leaving some of its hinges hanging loosely in the air. (Y/n) was sitting underneath the shower spray, head between their knees. Despite the warm water dripping across their body, (Y/n) was shivering, their shoulders rocking in tandems with the soft whimpers escaping their lips. The wind god gently kneeled in front of them. In a matter of time, Fujin was soaked but he couldn’t care less at that moment.

Placing a careful hand on their arm, Fujin watched as (y/n) startled upon contact but relaxed once their eyes met. Fresh tears fell from their bloodshot eyes. No words left their mouths, their eyes speaking for them. Just as carefully, Fujin brought them into his arms, their naked body crashing against his fully clothed one. (Y/n)’s arms wrapped around his waist, gripping the fabric of his shirt tightly, as if holding on for dear life. Head hidden in the crooked of his neck,(Y/n) wept in silence occasionally letting a small whimper escape their lips. Fujin rocked them gently while rubbing soothing patterns on their back. Reassuring words whispered into the crown of their head. At that moment, nothing mattered more for the wind god than giving his partner the comfort they needed, to be the anchor in the sea of sorrow.

Later, when the water turned cold and the whimpers were scarce, Fujin turned off the faucet and, using the wind, brought a towel to wrap around them. At one point, Fujin left to grab a fresh pair of clothes, promising to come back as quickly as he left.

Tucked underneath tin military sheets, their body safely wrapped around two strong arms, (Y/n) let their eyes drift close. In the quietness of the room, Fujin spoke.

"There is no rush to move on, for you to grieve , no matter what the military might expect of you." Tightening his hold on (Y/n), Fujin pressed a soft kiss on their forehead.

"But know this, however long you take and every step of the way, I will be by your side whenever you need me."

Kuai Liang

(Feeling worthless)

oOoOoOoOo

Feeling worthless 

The training at the Lin Kuei temple was a harsh one.

It was difficult both physically and oftentimes mentally.

Add to that the cold environment and you had the perfect condition to feel demoralised rather quickly.

You were training among other Lin Kuei students one snowy day.

No matter what you did,  you kept eating snow. 

Cuts and bruises painted your body

You tried your hardest to fight against your opponent but it always ended up the same.

Once the training finished, you bowed politely at your adversary while trying your best not to show how hurt you were.

The walk back to your room felt much longer than usual.

You had a small hope that you could hide your failure from your partner.

After all, it wouldn't do good for the Grandmaster's reputation to have a partner failing in training.

oOoOoOo

Footsteps echoed in the quiet corridors of the Lin Kuei temple.Having just finished his business for the day, Kuai Liang walked in the direction of his shared bedroom. Thoughts of a warm shower in the back of his mind.

Upon arriving at his destination and stepping inside, the grandmaster frowned.The lights were closed, all except the one coming from the adjacent bathroom. Sounds of running water filled the otherwise completely silent room.

The grandmaster took his time undressing, neatly folding his clothing into a pile on the bed. Once only his underwear remained, he walked into the bathroom.

The room was smaller compared to the bedroom. A double sinks counter adorned the left wall alongside a giant mirror. On the right was the shower and further down the toilet. The shower was big enough for two adults to stand next to each other. Which worked for Kuai since said shower was already occupied by his partner.

(Y/n) was standing beneath the hot spray, one hand placed on the wall as if to keep them from falling down. They seemed oblivious of Kuai's presence, too engrossed in their own mind.

Taking off his underwear, the cryomancer entered. Carefully placing a hand between (y/n)'s shoulder blades, Kuai tried to hide the smile as he felt them startled.

"You're back."

Slowly turning to face him, Kuai Liang took notes of every single bruise on their body. His hand traces over the fresh cuts, sliding gently to another once he was finished mapping the previous one.

" I had hoped you wouldn't see them." Puzzled eyes searched for (y/n)'s ones.

"What troubles you, my love?"

(Y/n) refused to look at Kuai, feeling ashamed of their failure.Doubt clawing at the back of their mind alongside a nasty feeling inside their stomach. Silence settled between the two as Kuai waited for his love to voice their worries. Eyes observing the closed face of his partner unnerved him.It was rare for (Y/n) to close themselves around him, to try and hide whatever was plaguing their mind.

Eventually, (Y/n) glanced his way. Seeing the worry in the cryomancer's eyes and feeling the tender touch of his hand on their chest, (Y/n) sighed.

" I failed the training. Couldn't even land a hit on them. I-" Leaning against the back wall, away from the falling water and Kuai’s gentle touch. In an attempt to soothe themselves, (Y/n) crossed their arms, wincing. "What would people think of you, if I keep losing fights?"

Kuai frowned at his partner's words. The grandmaster couldn’t care less about what others would think of him. Kuai could see the worry in his partner’s eyes, the way their failure was affecting them.Moving so he could place his hands on (y/n) waist, Kuai wanted nothing more than to remove that expression from his lover’s face.

"The Lin Kuei will never think lowly of you even if you fail some training."

Kuai brought his lips to their jaw and kissed the dark bruises alongside it. He felt them shivered as he left a trail of kisses down their neck, making sure to kiss every single bruise. The grandmaster went back to their lips after a while, making sure to show his love for his partner as they kissed slowly.

" I will never think lowly of you, no matter what." He said as he leaned his forehead against theirs. Holding their body against his, avoiding the bruised part as much as possible, Kuai Liang tried to convey how much he cared deeply for them. How his feelings would never change in that regard. Every time (Y/n) attempted to argue against that, the cryomancer would kiss them, refusing to hear his partner think for a second that they weren’t worthy of being with him.

“My love for you is unconditional and nothing would change that.”

The grandmaster knew that their insecurity wouldn’t leave so easily. The burden of being his partner, always present on their shoulders. But Kuai wouldn’t let them wallow in it, to be crushed by their dark thoughts of being a failure.He made a vow that night, to help (Y/n) conquer over these walls they placed around themselves.

Bi-Han knew he had his faults. He was ill tempered, dishonest, untrusting, held grudges, the list could go on and on. All those flaws disappeared when he was around a special someone, tossed in the wind and floating about, waiting until he was away from them.

He wouldn't blame anyone for assuming he'd be a strict father who took issue with everything his child did. He knew Kuai Liang and Tomas assumed he'd be just like that, only to be surprised when he proved himself to be the gentlest of souls when it came to his baby.

"Aw man!" The seven year old pouted as they kicked at a rock, "okay, you hide next and I'll try to find you!". Hide and Seek had been their favorite game for years now, for reasons he didn't know. He just chalked it up to one of the many things they found intriguing that he personally didn't care for. They covered their eyes with their hands, "one! Two! Three-!

Bi-Han's rough hands pulled theirs from their eyes, "playtime is over". He had already let them skip out on the last hour of their lessons. He had to be somewhat sensible and at least get them to bed on time. "We'll play again tomorrow"

"But I wanna play now"

"Yeah? Well-"

A gasp followed by a squeal left them, which honestly could've meant a number a things. Children were excitable by nature but he swore they had more energy than any normal child did.

"Daddy look!" his eyes followed where they pointed, eventually seeing…

A butterfly.

A butterfly?

That's what got them excited? "Isn't it pretty?

Not necessarily. It was just a butterfly. A little insect with wings. Whatever caused them to squeal, he didn't see it. But he also wasn't a child anymore. His mind had been reigned in by the reality of being an adult long ago, his childish wonder dripping out of him until there was nothing left. "It's a butterfly"

"But isn't it pretty?". He shrugged. "You don't like butterflies?

"I don't care for them"

"Why not?

"I just don't. Come on, let's go home"

His extended hand went ignored, his child instead choosing to slowly approach the flower the butterfly sat on. "I think you should start liking butterflies. They're small, but small things keep us happy". Ugh, what cereal box did they read that from?

"I'll considerate it" he said, trying not to sound as uninterested as he actually was. "Let's go home"

"Hey dad" you looked over at him, "I'm gonna make history when I'm Grandmaster. Wanna know how?

Hmm... Your intellect maybe? You'll be known as the wisest Grandmaster the Lin Kuei have had so far. Or maybe your strength. You'll crush the bones in someone's body without even thinking. Or maybe you'll be fast enough to kill 1000 men within the blink of an eye. Or maybe-

"I'm gonna be happy"

Happy? How would being happy make history?

"Grandpa was pretty grumpy sometimes. You are too. Maybe Grandmasters are always grumpy. I won't be though. I'm gonna be the very first happy Grandmaster. You wanna know how?". You fully turned to face him, arms outstretched "like this. I'll have open arms"

As smart as Bi-Han was, you had fully lost him by now. "Open arms?

You nodded, "yeah. That means I won't be all angry and violent all the time. I'll be kind. That's what I wanna be when I grow up; kind. I think everyone would be a lot more happier if everyone was kind. Everyone doesn't have to be sad and angry". The butterfly began to flutter away, catching your attention. "Maybe I'll inspire others to greet the world with open arms. You think I can do that?”

No. As harsh as it sounded, Bi-Han knew what you wanted was impossible. People would always yell, fight and kill. The world would continue to be ugly because that's just how the world was. There was no "greeting the world with open arms". That wasn't realistic. No Grandmaster was happy because being a Grandmaster meant carrying a heavy burden. You'd see.

But he couldn't tell you that. You looked too sweet and innocent, eyes full of light when thinking about a future that couldn't be.

"I think... " he began, setting his hand down on your shoulder. "I think you can do whatever you set your mind to"

That smile was worth the lie.

"Can we play one more round of hide and seek before we go home? Please please please? I won't even choose a super good hiding spot, and we can use the clap rules! Please please please please pleeeeeasssee?”

No! You need to get to bed!

"Alright, fine"

Dammit Bi-Han. Just one more round, then you'd be off to bed. Then he swore he'd be more strict with you.

"Close your eyes!”

Yeah yeah, he knew how the game went. He closed his eyes before covering them with his hands (because you always sword he was peeking if he didn't cover his eyes), then counted loudly. 1, 2, 3, he shouted each number until he got to 10. "First clap!”

Clap clap!

East.

His feet carried him while his eyes scanned the area. The faster he found you, the faster you could both be inside. He wouldn't admit it, but damn, he was tired. A mix of both physical and mental exhaustion, but he tried his best to hide all that from you.

"Second clap!”

He waited a bit.

Silence.

"Second clap!" he shouted louder. Still, all he got was silence in return. There was no way you didn't hear him. You always heard him when he called for you. "Clap or we're going home!".

More silence.

Then a ear piercing scream.

"DAD, HELP!”

You were a jokester, yeah, but this was no prank. You'd never play like this with him, and that scream, it was of genuine horror. It was a tone he had never heard you use before. A tone that scared the hell out of him, and caused him to run in the direction where he last heard you clap.

He kept running, calling out for you, heart thumping faster than it ever had before. A snake. Let it be a snake that frightened you. Or a spider. Anything but you actually being harmed. “WHERE ARE YOU?!”.

“DAD!”.

He was getting closer.

He could hear you crying.

All these stupid fucking trees were in his way. He kept having to finagle his way through them, which only added to his panic. Seconds wasted on trying not to run straight into one. “I’M COMING!”.

“DAD!”

“I’M-“ he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw you. A nightmare. That’s what he wanted this to be. This couldn’t be real. You couldn’t actually be laying on the ground, blood seeping from the several stab wounds you had. How? He had just saw you!

Someone had been watching you. How hadn’t he noticed?!

“I have you” he ran to your side, heart tearing into two when he heard you cry in reaction to him sitting you up. “Daddy’s here. I have you”. Who would do this to you?! Who would attack a child just trying to play with their father?!

“I’m scared” you managed to get out in between your heavy breathing. So was he.

“Don’t be. I have you”.

“I don’t wanna die”.

“You won’t! I’ll get you home!”. You blinked, but it lasted too long. He had to get you home now! “Stay awake. I have you”. That’s all he wanted you to do. Just stay awake and let him get you help.

Your breathing changed almost at an instant. Your hyperventilating slowed, which was the exact opposite of what he wanted. “Dad…”.

Bi-Han watched as you let out your last breath.

Your eyes were still open, but they lacked the warmth from earlier. They were lifeless now, no light in sight. A smile no longer graced your face. There was no talk of open arms. There was no big speech like there was in the books he read as a child. You were just gone.

“Baby” he whispered, “wake up. Don’t- this is an order from your Grandmaster! Get up! GET UP!”. He shook you with all his might, but the dead didn’t follow orders. He rocked back and forth, your blood staining his clothes, his forehead on yours, letting out the most gut wrenching sobs he had ever let out in his entire life. When his mother died, he was sad, but he was comforted by the fact that she had lived a beautiful and long life. You were so young. You still had so much of the world to see. Shit, maybe you actually could’ve led some unnatural era of peace. He didn’t fucking know. All he knew was that it would never happen now.

His baby was gone. His beautiful sweetheart with a laugh as beautiful as the clouds in the sky, was gone.

You were just a corpse now.

~~

When Bi-Han found out that Liu Kang was the creator of this timeline, he wasn’t shocked like the others. He hadn’t seen it coming, but he felt something stronger than shock.

He felt rage.

As creator of this timeline, not only had he chosen to have the Lin Kuei remain mediocre, but he must’ve known that you would be killed.

“That’s not true” he tried to tell Bi-Han, “I am no puppet master. I had no idea that your child would die, and I didn’t plan for it to happen”.

“Then bring them back”.

“I can’t”.

Bullshit. He could do anything! He just refused to!

Liu Kang… he was the true traitor yet everyone was angry with Bi-Han?! He hadn’t meant for Sindel to die, but why was everyone upset by her death? What about his child? No one demanded justice for them! Even when their death was fresh, all these people who cried for Sindel, their “allies”, did nothing. Liu Kang could’ve burnt their rival clan down to the ground, but no! Bi-Han had to carry the weight of his grief, and somehow think straight enough to make a plan of attack. When he looked up from your corpse and spotted the pendant of his rival clan nearby, gods, he wanted everyone to die. And Liu Kang had the nerve to advise him to think on it first?! No!

“The innocent men, women and children-”

What about his child?!

That grudge was the wind beneath his wings, carrying him away from everyone he once called an ally. But it also carried him to what appeared to be his own destruction.

He was in an unfamiliar timeline now, woozy from the fight he was just in. Fine, maybe he should’ve made a better decision, but at least he was doing something! Liu Kang would probably have him be inactive as always!

But now he was in an even worse spot. In unfamiliar lands with a madman ranting about his need for anarchy. Black tendrils with sharp points came closer and closer to Bi-Han, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t afraid.

Then, there was a noise. A clattering on the ground.

Before Titan Havik could react, a sudden wave of ice filled the nearby area, freezing anyone with their feet touching the ground. Ice crawled up the nearby machines, but thankfully it didn’t stick the way it did to flesh.

“Move move move!”. Ugh, of all variants, it had to be Jonny Cage?

Johnny Cage in a military uniform? He needed a nap.

“How long do those bombs last?” Johnny asked, rushing over to Geras and freeing him from his confines.

“Long enough for us to get out of here!”.

That voice…

He was upside down, but he could still recognize the child approaching him. He heard that voice in his dreams and nightmares. Of course he’d recognize it.

“Hi dad”.

His baby.