#Tomas Vrbada x reader

[tim-moh-thee]

Unholy. Yandere!Tomas Vrbada x Reader

What happens when Yandere!Smoke kidnaps his crush who turns out to be super nonchalant and accepting of the whole situation?

AFAB reader. Uses descriptions of long hair and female genitals.

Not beta'd

Yandere!Smoke to me is like a cinnamon roll with a knife that will absolutely kill anyone who gets between him and his love.

~

Ohooo boy. Is Smoke in for a ride.

Tomas first saw you working at a bakery shop selling your infamous pastries.

As he stood in line, he couldn't help but focus on you instead of the menu or the delectable selection of baked goods.

The way your eyes crinkled a bit when talking to customers, as if you were truly happy to see each and every one.

Or the way your long, silky hair swayed and caught the sunlight.

Oh and then you smiled.

And heavens above, Tomas was in love.

When it was finally his turn to order, you craned your head up to meet his gray eyes - lips forming a perfect 'o' shape.

You blinked away your surprise and gave him a beautiful smile.

Tomas felt something dark unfurl in his chest.

Oh how he'd love to sink his teeth into your lips until they bled, smear your blood all over you like it was strawberry jam and then lick up the mess.

"Hello?" Your voice chimed in, interrupting his thoughts. Your smile turned bemused as you gazed at this tall, mysterious man staring at you. "What can I get for you?"

You. Your eyes. Your heart. Your smile.

Tomas looks down at his fidgeting hands and then looks up at you through his lashes and gives you his most charming smile, the one that's endearingly shy.

"Uhm...Can I get a dozen pork bbq buns to go?"

And if possible, your smile brightens, leaving Tomas dumbstruck as you patter away to fulfil his order.

~

That wasn't the last you would see of Tomas.

Oh no, he comes back every chance he gets - which isn't as often as he likes because of his duties.

But every time he lays his eyes upon you it's like finally coming up for air - you are his salvation even if you don't know it yet.

You don't know what you did to deserve the unflinching attention of this beautiful man sculpted through years of hardship but you greatly enjoy his reverent gaze.

It was inevitable that other people took notice of Tomas' presence and many people tried flirting with him.

But he ignored every single one of them until they gave up.

He only ever had eyes for you.

Eventually, you invited him behind the counter, to the kitchen where the magic happens.

He watched you work, eyeing your delicate hands, the look of concentration when you're piping your pastries.

Tomas can't help but wonder what you'd look like fucked out of your mind with a different kind of cream dripping off of you.

Many times his thoughts would wander, and many times he'd stand behind you to discretely adjust himself.

The one time you offered to teach him how to pipe the frosting on the top of a cake, he leapt at the chance.

In an instant, he was crowding close behind you, large muscle-corded arms encasing you on either side; his hands cupping yours as you held the bag of frosting.

You felt the heat of his entire body pressed against your back, squeezing you between him and the cold of the counter.

He bent down low, bringing his face right next to yours.

His lips brushed against the shell of your ears, his hot breath made you shiver as he said, "Show me how."

And if he felt you press back into him, he kept his smile to himself.

~

Of course, Tomas wasn't the only one to notice your beauty.

One day, you had a big order placed and all morning you've been too busy to pay Tomas much attention.

Annoyed, he pouted as he watched you flit to and fro in your kitchen, scrambling to fulfil this order in time.

In the afternoon, your big order customer came to collect.

"Hey sweetheart, thanks so much for getting this order done."

As he pulls out his wallet to pay, he eyes you up and down.

"How about me and you go out tonight after your shift ends? I can show you a real good time to a pretty thing like you, baby."

Before you could respond, a snarl came from behind you.

A thick forearm circled around your waist, pulling you back into a broad chest.

"She's busy tonight, fuck off." Tomas glared at the man.

The man cowered under Tomas' murderous intent, scrambling to collect his pastries and run out the door.

When the door swung closed, Tomas prepared himself to be scolded for scaring away a potential returning customer.

Yet, when all you did was give him a blinding smile and a small pat on his forearm, his breath stopped.

"My hero." You said to him and walked out of his embrace.

You didn't feel his gaze trailing after you. Nor did you didn't hear his thoughts.

How dare someone try to take what's his. In what world would that piece of trash believe he had a chance with someone like you?

You're his, all his. Mine, mine, MINE.

He can't let another steal you away. He can't even stomach the thought of you looking at someone else, giving those smiles to someone else.

For the rest of the day, Tomas stuck to you like glue, never leaving your side and never letting you be more than 2 feet away.

He was also quiet the entire time, a pensive look frozen on his expression.

When you were closing up the bakery, Tomas insisted he walk you home.

For your safety, he said.

And already endeared to his charm, you couldn't refuse his offer.

He lingers at your doorway, not wanting to say goodnight.

Chuckling, you tell him you'll see him tomorrow, standing up on your tippy toes to press a kiss to his chin.

"Goodnight, Tomas." You whisper to him and close your door.

~

You didn't panic when you woke up in an unfamiliar bed, in an unfamiliar room with your head slightly pounding.

You squinted your eyes against the sunlight beaming through the windows.

Your hand comes up to rub at your temple, trying to will away the headache.

A glass of water and a pill comes into view, and you take them both without hesitation.

Sighing, you turn and find yourself looking at a sheepish Tomas, sitting at the foot of the bed.

"Good morning." He greets you softly.

You hum, noticing his bruised knuckles. "Good morning, Tomas."

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I got my head kicked in." You respond dryly, causing Tomas to wince and cower a bit.

"That's my fault. I sometimes forget how frail you are..."

"Frail." You repeat, unamused. "My frail ass could probably kick your thick one."

Once your headache cleared up searched the room.

"Toilet?" You ask. "I really need to pee."

Tomas takes one of your wrists and guides you to the bathroom.

He leans against the door frame watching you pee.

You look so relaxed, closing your eyes as the sweet release of your bladder deflates you.

When you're all done in the bathroom, you look to him with an open and trusting expression.

"So, what now?"

Taken aback by your chill attitude, Tomas hesitantly takes your reaction in stride.

He shows you around at the Lin Kuei compound, proudly boasting the beauty and grandness of his home.

He sees your eyes sparkle when you two get to the kitchens.

You turn to him for permission and with his chest puffed out, he nods his approval.

You cook the both of you a simple yet delicious meal - taking your meal on one of the empty counters while pressed side by side.

Tomas takes you back to his side of the compound, which is secluded from the main parts.

He tells you that you must stay here and mustn't wander off. He points to a stack of books he left you to read and tells you that he will be back with lunch.

You nod and he gives you a kiss on the forehead, brushing his thumb across your lips.

"Good girl."

He smirks as an involuntary shiver travels down your spine.

~

The days pass relatively the same.

You and Tomas wake before the other chefs to cook breakfast in the kitchen together, he leaves you with your hobbies - you've expanded to learning how to play chess on your own - before returning with lunch and eating together.

Then depending on what duties he has, Tomas will either spend the night with you or come in late at night to you already asleep.

Despite the lack of fighting back, begging, crying, and anger that he expected from you, Tomas can't help but doubt your acceptance.

Were you just pretending? Biding your time to escape? Are you lying to him when you tell him that you're happy here? You can't leave him.

He can't help thinking this, he loves you, don't you know that? Don't you know that he'll do anything for you?

He already killed that piece of trash that thought he had a chance with you the night he kidnapped you.

He beat the man until he was a bloody pulp - utterly unrecognizable - before cleaning up as best as possible to go break into your house.

Tomas had injected a knockout drug into you so that you wouldn't wake up while he was moving you.

You say you're happy here with him and that you don't miss your bakery and Tomas wants to believe you but that little voice in his head won't shut up.

The more he asks you if you're truly happy, the more irritated you get with him.

What is up with him? He's been getting more and more anxious as the days go and it's really grating on your nerves the more he doubts you.

So the next time he asks, you stare him dead in the eyes.

"Why... aren't you saying anything?"

Tomas does not panic - he doesn't.

But you're not saying anything. Was this it? Were you going to yell at him? Tell him he's horrible for kidnapping you? Were you going to leave him?

However, what you do next leaves him speechless.

You slap your hands on either side of his cheeks, like you've seen Gordon Ramsey do with two pieces of bread on someone else's head.

"You listen to me Tomas Vrbada. If I hear another fucking word coming out of your mouth and it's not 'yes mistress', I'm going to edge you until you're fucking cryin' for me. Got it?"

He nods, but with the stern look you shoot him, he quickly says, "Yes, mistress."

You pull him by the wrist back to your shared quarters.

"Lay down on the bed. Put your head in the middle of it and don't move." You command him.

Tomas quickly complies and he watches with a dry mouth as you slowly strip away your layers.

You pin him to the bed with your sharp, dark gaze as you crawl on top of him.

"Now be a good boy for your mistress. Or you won't get to cum at all tonight."

You undress his upper body, leaving his pants to hide his large bulge.

You take one of his nipples into your mouth, making Tomas to keen at the sensitive nub being pleasured.

You gently suck, swirling your tongue and lavishing love onto your man's boobs.

With your other hand you explore his god-like physique, gently raking your nails over ticklish parts causing Tomas to flinch.

You release his boob with a wet pop, blowing on it to tease him further.

"Such a good boy for me."

Tomas whimpers, neck straining to keep his eyes on you.

You climb up his torso, until your thighs are comfortably settled on either side of his head.

"But you're such a dumb himbo." You say before suffocating him with your pussy.

Tomas makes a muffled shout of surprise, his gray eyes widening before he opens his lips and begins giving your pussy kitten licks.

You moan a bit, rocking your hips to get him to lick more.

"Can't believe you'd ever doubt me." You snarl at him, snaking a hand to harshly grip and tug at silver hair.

Your action makes Tomas' hips rock up and you tighten your grip.

Tomas whimpered but laid still again, switching to broad strokes with his tongue that caught on your clit.

A strangled moan escapes you and you grind your clit against his nose.

Every dip of his tongue inside of you makes you closer and closer to the edge.

Until you're properly riding his face, rutting like a deprave animal, whimpers and moans coming from the both of you.

Tomas thrusts his tongue in and out of your clenching hole, gray eyes closed, and a blissed out expression on his face as he tongue-fucks you.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck...." You whine, using your grip in Tomas' hair to angle his face further into your cunt. "Tomas!"

Your clit pulsed in time with your hole, fluttering around his tongue as wave after wave of euphoric pleasure slammed into you.

You're thighs and hips burned from how fast and harsh you were grinding on Tomas' face. And yet, you kept going - chasing after more pleasure to make your orgasm last.

Tomas moaned as he drinks up your slick, getting high off of your pleasure.

"Fucking take it!" You yell out to him - the last vestiges of your high ebbing away. "Do you feel how much your mistress wants you?"

Tomas' eyes glaze over as he looks up at you, tongue lazily flicking you once, twice before you growl from overstimulation and rise a few inches above his swollen, red lips.

He heaves in a few gulps of air.

Despite being the one to orgasm, Tomas is the one that wears a fucked out expression.

His nipples are pebbled and hard, blush dusting his heaving chest and his cheeks are rosy. He has a gaze so reverent and tender it make something dark stir in your chest.

You almost give in the urge to slap away his expression to hear his bitchy whining again.

You settle back down on his stomach, leaning so close to his face, your lips barely brush against his.

"If you ever doubt me again, I'll make you regret it." You murmur.

Tomas takes a shuddering breath, his large hands come up to hold your hips.

"I love you." He breathes out.

You press your response into his lips - but that's all he needs.

*Hits 'post' and runs away cackling and grinning like a maniac.*

Years and years I've lurked and read so many fanfics and not once, not once have I given into my urges to post my own fanfic but there's something about subby, bitchy, feral Smoke that got me trying my hand at writing. It's not as good as I want it to be but I think if I deliberate on it any longer it will never see the light of day.

[chiqelatasblog]

In the Middle of the Night🌙

-> Ao3 link is here.

-> Part Four is here.

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

Author’s Note : I apologize for the delay! The past couple of weeks have been incredibly stressful for me. I had several meetings and had to write protocols for my client’s case. Additionally, I visited a friend who was staying in a different province, four hours away from where I live. Everything seemed to overlap (and to top it off, even my menstrual cycle was 17 days late due to the stress). But now, everything seems to be settling down, and I’ve managed to clear my mind and focus on writing this chapter as soon as possible. I decided to split this chapter into two parts because I felt it would have a better impact, and I wanted to give the final chapter its own spotlight. I hope you enjoy reading it! Thank you for your patience and understanding.❤️

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CHAPTER FIVE : (READER)

Until now, you never thought that you could fall in love with three people at the same time.

You didn’t realize a few months ago that such a thing was possible, but now it felt as natural and normal to you as breathing. It was as if Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas had always been a part of your life. You got used to their presence so easily that now it’s hard to imagine your life without them; you were so attached to them. It was a fact that you didn’t know them until a few months ago, but although you couldn’t quite describe it, it felt as if your souls had known each other for a long time. Your movements resembled pieces of a jigsaw puzzle—they were so complete. There was a nonverbal communication between you; sometimes you could effortlessly communicate without speaking, even just by looking. This situation was very special and unique for you, as you had never made such a connection with anyone before.

Each moment spent with them felt like a blessing. When Bi-Han’s stern gaze softened just for you, it made you feel cherished in a way you had never experienced before. Kuai Liang’s calm presence was a sanctuary, a steady anchor in the chaos of life. And Tomas, with his unyielding loyalty and kindness, filled your heart with warmth and light. The bond you shared with them was deeper than mere friendship. It was an unspoken promise, a silent understanding that no matter what happened, you would stand by them. You hadn’t yet said it out loud to any of them, but you loved all three with a special bond and emotion. Your actions and looks might have betrayed your feelings, but you lacked the courage to put it into words.

You would find yourself watching them, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and affection. The way Tomas’s eyes glinted with mischief when he teased you, or how Bi-Han’s rare, gentle smiles made your heart flutter. Kuai Liang’s reassuring touch or kiss on your shoulder during moments of doubt spoke volumes about his unwavering support. Each of these little things cemented their place in your heart, making it impossible to imagine a future without them.

They had become a part of you, woven into the very fabric of your existence. And even though the words were yet to be spoken, your heart had already made its choice. They were the kind of people you would want to keep hidden in your heart forever, to protect and watch over.

Loving Tomas was like experiencing spring. He wasn’t as serious as his two brothers; he was polite, with a naivety that softened the expression in his light gray eyes, making them irresistible to look at. Despite the scars on his soul from a very young age, Tomas was brave. He was the first person to choose to trust you, and that trust felt like a precious gift. His sense of humor was not only funny but remarkably similar to yours, making your conversations a source of endless delight. His presence was like feeling the gentle warmth of the sun after the harsh cold of a long black winter. Every moment spent with him was filled with hope and joy, like the first flowers of the season blooming and signaling new beginnings.

His love was tender and kind, much like the soft rain that revives the earth after a prolonged drought. Being with him allowed you to embrace your inner child, escaping the harsh realities of life. You found joy in the simple pleasures of watching TV shows or movies together, taking care of mundane tasks, having small, meaningful conversations, and spending time with Ninja. His ability to bring simplicity and happiness into your life made every moment with him feel like a cherished memory in the making.

Loving Kuai Liang was like experiencing summer. His body was warmer than normal due to his pyromancy, and you found yourself surrounded by a gentle, safe warmth next to him, especially when wrapped in his strong arms. It was such a soothing feeling that most of the time, it made your eyelids feel heavy and sleepy because of the peace you felt. Although touching Kuai Liang was wonderful, he was afraid to touch you because of his dark past, fearing that he might tarnish you. When you heard that, it felt like you had been shot in the brain, and your heart painfully squeezed thinking about what this strong man had been subjected to. None of them had told you exactly what they had been through in the past—you knew bits about what happened with Leilani and a few other masters, but nothing more—but it wasn’t difficult to guess. So you left it entirely up to them to control the speed at which they wanted to move forward in the process. You wanted them to know that they had this power, that they had a say.

Every time you spent with Kuai Liang filled you with a vibrant energy, warming you to the core like basking in sunlight. His love was wild and passionate, yet he was also incredibly kind; it set your soul ablaze, much like the intense heat of a scorching day. You felt comfortable next to him, his presence enveloping you like warm summer nights. You enjoyed walking outdoors with him, cooking together with his help (especially since discovering his distinct fondness for sweets last week), chatting about past missions, and witnessing the proud expression on his face when you asked him to show his powers.

Loving Bi-Han was like experiencing winter. His true self, which emerged after overcoming his initially harsh and inaccessible exterior, exuded a unique warmth that demonstrated winter was not just about coldness. Like soft snowflakes falling to the ground in the serene beauty of a winter landscape, his touch was gentle and filled with longing. Though not as openly expressive as his two brothers, you could sense his love in the way he touched you or looked at you every time. Despite the coldness that seemed to envelop him, his gaze held a warm invitation that melted away the chill, filling you with a warmth that drew you to him.

Unlike Kuai Liang, Bi-Han was not one to avoid contact. Although the ice forces surrounding him usually caused harm to both himself and others, this rule didn’t seem to apply to you. Since realizing this, it was as if he couldn’t stop touching you. He never verbalized it, but every time a part of his body—his arm, hand, or leg—came into contact with yours, it was evident how much he cared. Though his touch initially felt cold and eerie, you soon grew accustomed to it, even finding it addictive. Despite appearances, Bi-Han served as the cornerstone among the brothers, keeping them united and shielded with his protective and steadfast demeanor. Being included in that circle filled your heart with love and made you feel special.

Even though Bi-Han was the last to let down his walls around you, getting used to him was quick and effortless, much like with the other brothers. You enjoyed conversing with him about his clan, listening to him describe his daily routines, and especially watching the city view in the evenings. The silence felt peaceful rather than suffocating, allowing for a range of unexpressed emotions to be felt in that moment. Moreover, witnessing his moments of care for Ninja when he thought no one was watching was another detail that melted your heart.

You were deeply connected to three men in a way that scared you a little. Your emotions were incredibly intense—the love you felt for them, their choice to trust you despite their painful pasts, the respect you held for their strength and courage, your anger at the injustices they faced, and your desire for revenge. You had never experienced such emotions so clearly and intensely, shaking you to the core. It was somewhat frightening, as your priorities suddenly shifted to them instead of yourself. Your sole focus became freeing them from the clutches of the book and its curse, with less than a week and a half remaining until the deadline.

Despite your efforts, you hadn’t found a solution yet. Since the owner of the book could only summon them once, you wouldn’t be able to see them again after the time limit passed. The thought of this damned you, filling your heart with great fear at the prospect of what they might face if Sektor failed to protect them when he came to retrieve the book after you, and it fell into the hands of a new person.

You were prepared to do whatever it took to prevent this outcome, but the lack of a solution filled you with terrible anxiety and drove you to the brink of madness. Just two months ago, your biggest concern was unemployment and paying rent, but now your problems had evolved into something entirely different. Your own worries seemed insignificant compared to the future of the men you loved. Breaking this curse had become the most important thing in your life right now.

Bi-Han’s change in attitude towards you had somewhat lessened the effect of the curse on you. However, it remained a relentless force, constantly gnawing at you in a corner of your mind. Whenever you were close to Tomas, Kuai Liang, or Bi-Han, it seemed to roar in your mind, filling you with a desire that was hard to resist. Your skin practically begged you to touch them, and sometimes the desire was so intense that it felt like you were engulfed in flames—it hurt and clouded your judgment, making you feel almost foolish. At times, the urge became so overwhelming that finding refuge in the bathroom seemed to be the only solution. While your fingers didn’t always provide the satisfaction you sought, they at least allowed you to regain some semblance of control. But the lingering feeling in your mind never disappeared. It was akin to eating without feeling satiated—it was relentless and unyielding.

Each passing day seemed to bring a new level of torment, as if the curse intensified with every sunrise. The pain became unbearable, almost akin to torture. You couldn’t eat, sleep, or even think properly in the last couple of days. Functioning normally seemed impossible, and at times, it became so overwhelming that even breathing felt like a challenge. You didn’t know how to endure this any longer. You were painfully aware that each day was worse than the last, and yet there seemed to be no end in sight. You were drowning in a sea of agony, struggling to keep your head above water.

Despite the agony you endured, you were determined to bear the burden alone. You knew that all three of them wanted to help you, hating to see you suffer. Yet, you couldn’t bring yourself to accept their help. You didn’t want them to be involved with the curse in any way. Forgiving and moving on with your life would be impossible if they intervened, so you chose to ignore them and continue caring for yourself in your own way.

Thrusting your hands into the pockets of your raincoat, you gazed up at the reddening sky, returning from yet another unsuccessful job interview. How you wished the answer lay somewhere out there. You had tried everything written in all the sources you could access, masking your disappointment even as each failure chipped away at your hope. Trying to guess how they felt and what they were thinking only added to your frustration, yet you refrained from showing it, knowing they needed your support more than your despair. In the ten years since they were cursed, they had endured far more disappointments than you had faced in two months. You could imagine how futile it must have felt for them to continue hoping. They had exhausted their strength fighting disappointment after disappointment, opting instead to cherish the present moment—a reality that broke your heart a little.

The fact that they had accepted their situation and grown tired of fighting weighed heavily on you. Yet, you couldn’t blame them for choosing this path. Instead, you took it upon yourself to fight for them. However, with each passing day and no solution to the curse in sight, a heavy weight descended upon your shoulders, threatening to crush you. Despite the growing despair, you knew you had to keep fighting for them. You were their only hope, their only chance at breaking the curse.

Witnessing them struggle against the influence of their past only intensified your own turmoil. Despite Tomas sometimes managing to fall asleep, there were nights when he woke up with unfamiliar eyes, as if he didn’t recognize where he was, his body stiffening as if his breath would be snatched away. Occasionally, you were able to calm him down in the morning, but even then, Tomas seemed powerless against his own imposing body.

Kuai Liang, on the other hand, often woke up drenched in sweat from nightmares, avoiding your attempts to soothe him. He repeatedly muttered about his fear of contaminating you too, leaving you barely holding yourself together as you fought the urge to tightly embrace him. His pain was palpable, almost physically hurting you.

As for Bi-Han, there were times when he hadn’t slept for days, his body tensed with the need to protect them from imagined external dangers, leaving small traces of ice and freezing cold wherever he passed. Rings of exhaustion encircled his eyes, his face taking on a statuesque and lifeless appearance, his gaze fixed on the windows and doors. It took you hours to convince him that there was no imminent danger and coax him into relaxation.

All three of them exuded danger; their capabilities to take lives were apparent from their looks and the threatening aura they emitted. Their muscular, powerful bodies spoke of a lifetime of training for combat. This reality became especially clear when they touched you—it was too easy for them to cause harm if they chose to. They possessed a suppressed power that pained you to witness. Despite being honorable men, it must have wounded their pride and soul to see themselves in such a vulnerable state.

Your train of thought was abruptly halted by the sound of someone calling your name. As you lifted your gaze from the sidewalk, you were met with the sight of a stranger standing beside Sektor, the same man you had encountered weeks ago under rather peculiar circumstances. Sektor, as formal as ever, greeted you, his black hair streaked with long gray tufts and his neatly trimmed beard suggesting recent grooming. Standing beside him was a figure who exuded an otherworldly aura, his piercing blue eyes unsettling and filled with an uncanny intensity. With a formal gesture, he crossed his arms, revealing intricate dragon tattoos that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow, mirroring the luminance of his gaze. Despite the chill in the air, there was an unexpected warmth in his smile as he uttered your first and last name, as if he had been anticipating your arrival.

You stood frozen, momentarily taken aback by the presence of the enigmatic figure before you. Tentatively, you ventured, “Lord Liu Kang?”

“Yes,” came the calm reply, confirming his identity. Despite his formidable stature and commanding presence, his voice carried a soothing timbre, putting you somewhat at ease. Strands of his long, obsidian hair were gathered in a half bun behind him, dressed in traditional Far Eastern attire, his hands were swathed in bandages, to his hand to elbow. It was surprising to see him in such ordinary garb, far removed from the divine image you had conjured in your mind. Yet, there was an undeniable aura of power and authority that emanated from him, accentuated by the eerie glow of his tattoos and the intensity of his gaze.

“Sektor has briefed me on the situation and the curse,” Liu Kang continued, taking a deliberate step forward. “May I have a word?”

As you silently nodded in agreement, Liu Kang motioned for you to follow him, leaving Sektor behind as the two of you made your way to a more secluded area, away from the crowd.

“Do you know how to break Quan Chi’s curse?” you voiced the question that had been weighing heavily on your mind since you first laid eyes on him. As a god, you assumed he held the answers to questions and problems that eluded mortals.

“It’s a curse I’ve encountered before,” he replied, his demeanor calm yet tinged with a hint of anger that simmered beneath the surface. “An ancient and demonic curse, leaving behind lasting damage, particularly to the mind. I am familiar with how to dispel such curses, but the solution is not one you will easily accept.”

“I want to save them.” Your voice suddenly became muffled, the tears that filled up as you thought about this situation and tried to hold them back, now that the three of them were not around, instantly began to flow down your cheeks. If you were a little embarrassed that you were crying in front of this man-god you never knew, the helplessness and grief you felt was even greater. “I can’t let them go back to the book again. What needs to be done to lift the curse? Please tell me, this has to stop.”

“You possess a pure heart,” The Fire God’s gaze fell upon you, a mix of sorrow and compassionate understanding that softened his features. “It has become increasingly rare to encounter individuals like you in this day and age… Black magic is inherently cruel, and so are its remedies,” he continued, his expression growing solemn. “There is only one method to lift the curse: the owner of the book must make a sacrificial offering of themselves.”

You fell into a stunned silence, grappling with the weight of his words as they reverberated in your mind. Your lips parted, but for a moment, it felt as though words had deserted you. Eventually, you managed to utter a whisper-like voice.

“So, what you’re saying is…”

“Death,” Liu Kang interjected sharply, his tone cutting through the air with finality. “This curse, rooted in ancient and potent sorcery, is designed by practitioners of black magic like Quan Chi to be unbreakable. The spell binds not only the cursed individuals but also the owner of the book, tethering your life energy to its pages until they return to its confines. Thus, any attempt to resist only serves to intensify the curse’s grip, compelling you to act against your will. The only path to freedom is through the ultimate sacrifice.”

Liu Kang’s gaze darkened with anger, a muscle twitching on his chin as his hands clenched into fists at his sides. His eyes, which seconds ago were warm and comforting, now blazed with righteous fury, their intensity piercing through the air like a searing flame.

“The curse is insidious,” he began, his voice laced with frustration. “It draws power from your life energy and intertwines it with their fate. As long as the owner of the book lives, the curse will persist. However,” he continued, his tone lowering to a solemn register, “if the owner willingly sacrifices their life, the curse will vanish along with the book, its source extinguished forever. It’s a trade-off, a cruel exchange that inevitably claims one side or the other. That’s the essence of black magic.”

You found yourself speechless, unable to even swallow past the lump in your throat. The gravity of Liu Kang’s words hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over your thoughts. Sacrifice your own life? The notion seemed incomprehensible, unfathomable, yet here it was, staring you in the face like an immutable truth carved in stone. With your family, dreams, and aspirations still within reach, could you bear to relinquish it all? Could you summon the courage to make such a sacrifice?

Strangely, these questions didn’t pierce your heart as much as the thought of never seeing all three of them again. Each day seemed more agonizing than the last, and you knew that the brave facade you wore didn’t fool anyone. Yet, you couldn’t bear the idea of burdening them with the curse’s weight and prompting them to take drastic action. You had found them too soon to lose them; the prospect losing them now felt unbearably cruel, like a dagger twisting in your soul. Their presence had became so integral to your life that you had actually forgotten what loneliness felt like.

You loved them, each with their own unique characteristics and qualities, with a possessive and fierce intensity unlike any love you had ever known. So when the answer came to you in a heartbeat, it didn’t scare you; instead, it settled on your shoulders like a comforting blanket, a peaceful weight that affirmed your resolve. Their needs, desires, and happiness were paramount to you, more precious than anything else in the world. As you reflected on the countless hardships they had endured, the thought of subjecting them to further suffering became unbearable. The power to end their torment lay within your grasp; you could not turn away from that responsibility. Though you couldn’t be with them in the way you longed for, you were determined to secure their well-being, even if it meant sacrificing your own life. They deserved nothing less than to reclaim the lives they had been denied for so long, to find happiness and peace in a world free from the curse’s grip.

“You don’t have to do this,” Liu Kang said, his voice soft yet filled with understanding.

“And shall I allow them to return to the book? No, I will never allow it,” you declared, your voice ringing with newfound determination. “I made a promise to them… My love for them eclipses all else, even my own life.”

Even as the curse neared its end, you couldn’t bear the thought of it being their final memory, tainted by your tears and suffering as each day brought more agony. You wanted to leave them with fond memories, to be remembered in a positive light. The idea of confessing your love to them seemed daunting until just ten minutes ago. Despite never feeling ready to bid them farewell, you knew it was inevitable.

“How am I to do it? With a knife?” you asked, your voice trembling with uncertainty. “I… I can’t take my own life. Will you help me?”

A myriad of emotions flickered across Liu Kang’s face, as if your question had unleashed a torrent of conflicting thoughts within him. You were taken aback by the sight of such ‘human’ emotions on the face of a god.

“I wish there were another way, one where you wouldn’t have to bear this burden alone,” Liu Kang sighed, his voice heavy with regret. “Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas aren’t merely my chosen warriors; they’re also my friends—more than just allies. You are sacrificing yourself to save them; of course, I will assist you in any way I can.”

“And will you make it as painless as possible?” you asked, your voice tinged with a slight fear.

With a solemn nod, Liu Kang replied, “They will remember this act of immense bravery and courage for the rest of their lives. Your sacrifice, while saving them, will also haunt them forever.’’ You acknowledged it inwardly. Yet, the moment Liu Kang proposed the solution, your decision was made. You meant every word you said; they meant more to you than anything else, and you wanted them to reclaim the life that had been stolen from them. If sacrificing yourself was the path to ensure their freedom, then so be it.

“I want to bid them farewell,” you said, your gaze falling to the ground. “But the final act… I cannot bear to do it in front of them, especially Tomas. After what happened to his family, it would be too traumatic for him.”

‘’Of course,” Liu Kang replied, his voice filled with understanding. You gulped and lifted your gaze to the sky, silently observing the clusters of red clouds and the golden sun, its light waning as it prepared to set. The realization that this would be your final sunset weighed heavily on your chest, a palpable heaviness that seemed to anchor you to the ground. As you tried to swallow past the lump in your throat, a tear escaped, tracing a solitary path down your cheek. Your voice emerged hoarse, almost strained with emotion.

“I wish it hadn’t come to this. I would have cherished more moments with them.”

“Sometimes, even a god cannot interfere in the complex fabric of life,” Liu Kang said, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky alongside you. “Each thread is woven with its purpose and outcome. There are two paths before you, and the latter entails your choice to end your life. While I respect your decision, I must ask one last time: are you certain about this?”

As Liu Kang’s luminous blue eyes bore into yours, a sense of calm washed over you, a tranquility that spoke of acceptance and resolve.

“More than anything.”

***

As you returned home, it felt as though your body no longer belonged to you. You couldn’t recall how you had made the journey back; it was as if you had been moving through molasses, each step slow and heavy. Though your surroundings appeared blurred, your thoughts remained clear, cocooning you in a blanket of comfort and unwavering determination.

Upon softly opening the door, the scene that greeted you shattered what little remained of your heart. Bi-Han occupied the single seat he always favored, gently stroking Ninja’s head as the cat slept soundly in his lap. A rare, tender smile graced his lips, a sight that had become increasingly frequent in recent days. Meanwhile, Kuai Liang and Tomas sat cross-legged, engrossed in something on your laptop, their occasional laughter filling the room with warmth and joy. The serene atmosphere tugged at your heartstrings, leaving you both comforted and conflicted. How could you possibly break the news of your decision to them?

Caught in a state of frozen uncertainty, it was Kuai Liang who first noticed your presence. His expression of happiness dissolved into pure astonishment at the sight of Fire God and Sektor standing behind you.

“Lord Liu Kang?” he exclaimed, disbelief evident in his voice. As his words hung in the air, the rest of the brothers turned their heads towards the entrance, mirroring Kuai Liang’s surprise. They remained rooted in place for a few seconds before Bi-Han took decisive action. Carefully lowering Ninja to the ground, he strode forward to stand before Liu Kang, bowing his head respectfully in greeting.

“Lord Liu Kang.” Bi-Han uttered, his tone a mixture of reverence and warmth.

Liu Kang’s gentle smile widened as he placed both hands on Bi-Han’s shoulders, lifting him upright. “Bi-Han, it has indeed been a long time,” he acknowledged. His glowing eyes shifted to encompass Tomas and Kuai Liang, who had gathered behind Bi-Han. “It is truly a pleasure to see the warriors of the Lin Kuei, defenders of Earthrealm, and my friends once again.”

“The pleasure is ours,” Kuai Liang replied, his voice infused with warmth and sincerity as Bi-Han’s. They all expressed their respect and embraced each other in a brotherly hug, a sight that surprised you, especially seeing a god joining in. Engaging in small talk, their camaraderie was palpable. Bi-Han’s gaze then shifted towards Sektor, who stood silently beside you. His brow furrowed slightly, silently questioning his right-hand man.

“Sektor? You didn’t come all the way here just to show Lord Liu Kang, did you? It’s still more than a week until you’re supposed to take the book.”

Sektor didn’t answer, instead, when he gave you an evasive glance, Bi-Han instantly caught his gaze and his expression hardened. As he crossed his arms on both sides, the cold waves of air that began to spread over him tingled your skin.

‘’What’s going on?’’

‘’Bi-Han,” you interjected in a gentle, strained voice, struggling to suppress your emotions while the curse writhed inside you more cruelly than ever. The pain surged higher and more severe than you were accustomed to, causing your knees to momentarily tremble. Bi-Han easily grabbed you by the waist and pulled you to himself, his expression shifting from one of composure to one of anxious concern in an instant, causing your heart to flutter. Knowing how strict he was with himself about showing his feelings compared to his brothers, it filled you with happiness to see how much he had progressed in such a short period of time. It was the greatest proof of the depth of his feelings for you. Bi-Han was a stoic man, never one to show vulnerability. Seeing him like this now was both heartwarming and overwhelming. He was laying himself bare before you, offering his feelings on a platter, and you realized you could easily hurt him if you chose to, because he was showing you his vulnerability so openly.

“Are you all right?” Bi-Han’s hand gently cupped your face, his calloused fingers stroking your cheek. “Did you cry?”

At his question, Tomas and Kuai Liang turned their gaze toward you. You quickly composed yourself, the callouses on his hand providing a comforting touch against your skin. With a slight tremble in your voice, you managed a reassuring smile, your eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and sadness. You wanted to remain strong until the very end, to etch a lasting impression in their minds.

“I’m fine,” you replied, your voice surprisingly calm despite the turmoil within. You savored Bi-Han’s protective touch, the coolness of his skin a stark contrast to the warmth of his presence. The scent of cold and fresh snow emanating from him filled your senses, your fingers traced the contours of his strong features lovingly, committing each curve to memory. A lump formed in your throat, making it hard to swallow, as you fought back tears that threatened to spill over. Gently winding the few remaining tufts of his black hair into a small bun, you planted a tender kiss on his pale lips, conveying all your emotions in that fleeting moment. Stepping back, you caressed his cheek one last time, the rough texture of his short stubble a familiar sensation against your fingertips. Bi-Han’s expression grew increasingly worried, his furrowed eyebrows revealing his confusion as he searched your eyes for answers.

However, instead of offering an explanation, you gently slipped out of Bi-Han’s grasp and made your way to Kuai Liang, who stood beside him.

“What’s going on? Why are you acting like this?” Kuai Liang’s voice was laced with concern as he carefully cupped your face with both hands, his thumbs stroking your skin. You responded with a soft smile, kissing one of his palms before silencing him by placing your finger on his lips. His brow furrowed in confusion, the joy from moments ago fading from his face. You felt a pang of guilt for dampening his spirits, but you knew that everything you were about to do was for their well-being. They would no longer suffer, be exploited, or have their consent disregarded. They would reclaim their dignified lives, where they rightfully belonged.

As Kuai Liang fell silent, you withdrew your hand, savoring the warmth emanating from his body for what would be the last time. Despite his formidable appearance, he exuded a comforting aura, his skin radiating health, his stance unwavering. The faint scent of ash, a remnant of his pyromancy, mingled with the aroma of cedar reminiscent of summer nights, enveloping his bronze-toned physique. His amber-brown eyes, usually filled with determination, now held a soft, worried gaze as they met yours.

Struggling to maintain your smile, you rose onto tiptoe and pressed a gentle kiss to Kuai Liang’s lips. “It will be all right.” you assured him, though your voice faltered toward the end. Blinking back tears that threatened to cloud your vision, you swiftly moved to Tomas’s side before Kuai Liang could reach out to you once more.

There was an obvious panic on Tomas’s young face as he scrutinized you from head to toe with his gray eyes. You felt a pang of guilt for causing such distress. Though you kept your shoulders straight, reminding yourself of your purpose, and tried to maintain a smile, tears welled up in your eyes again when Tomas uttered your name in desperation. Instantly, you enveloped him in a tight hug.

“Talk to us, what’s going on? Did someone hurt you? Just give us their names,” Tomas pleaded, his muscular arms circling you protectively, as if he wanted to shield you from everything, even though you were the one who wanted to do the same for him.

You shook your head in response, planting a kiss on Tomas’s cheek. The faint scent of embers lingered around him, reminiscent of burning wood. Whether from his smoke magic or not, the smell defined Tomas—wild and free. Despite his formidable abilities as an assassin, his naive trust in you was evident. Stepping back, you met his gaze, his gray eyes almost appearing blue in the light. Though he possessed frightening strength and abilities, the vulnerability in his eyes told a different story. Swallowing back your emotions, you resolved that he wouldn’t suffer from the curse’s torment any longer.

You remembered how Tomas had reacted when the power went out a few days ago—it was as if everything had been reset that evening, despite the progress he had made since leaving the book.

“Tomas, it’s okay. You’re safe. You’re not in the book; look, I’m here. Your brothers are also here,” you reassured him, trying to calm his frantic state.

Thanks to the small fireball Kuai Liang created in his hands, Tomas became clearly visible. The silver-haired assassin stood frozen, breathing heavily, fists clenched, his gaze darting around erratically. Sweat matted his short hair against his forehead, glinting in the dim light of the room.

“Tomas,” you called softly again, reaching out to him, but Bi-Han stopped you, gripping your wrist firmly.

“He might hurt you,” Bi-Han warned, his voice harsh and protective. “He’s out of his mind right now, more like a cornered animal than a human being.”

“He’s just scared, that’s all,” you countered, disregarding Bi-Han’s warning. Carefully, you approached Tomas, making sure not to startle him further. “Tomas? Let me touch you, let me show you that you’re not there anymore.”

As you raised your hand to touch him, Tomas’s gaze fixed on you, his jaw clenched tightly. An angry, almost aggressive snarl escaped his lips. Bi-Han and Kuai Liang moved to protect you, but you signaled for them to stay put. Sudden movements and sounds would only agitate Tomas further.

“You’re not there, Tomas. It’s been two months since you came out of the book. You’re in my house, next to me. Look,” you reassured him, your hand gently touching his cheek. Tomas flinched violently, but he didn’t lash out. Though he remained as still as a statue, his gaze shifted to focus on you.

“You don’t want to scare Ninja anymore, do you?” you continued, noticing a slight softening in Tomas’s expression. A low, plaintive sound escaped his throat, resembling the whimper of a wounded animal. “Shh, everything is fine. I know, I know. Come, let me hug you.”

Gathering courage from his stillness, you wrapped your arms around him. Tomas melted into the embrace, his grip tightening around you as he took a sharp breath. Despite the pressure from his strong frame, you made no sound, understanding his need for this connection. As Tomas whispered your name like a prayer, your heart swelled with love and pain, wishing you could heal the wounds inflicted on his soul by the curse.

Your hand found the short tufts of gray hair, stroking them lovingly as you planted a kiss first on his cheek and then on his forehead. “I’m here. It’s all right, you’re safe, Tomas.”

And now you had the power to break this curse.

“You frighten me,” Tomas’s voice interrupted your thoughts, drawing your attention. His words echoed the fear and confusion swirling within you, amplifying the emotional turmoil.

You fought to maintain the dwindling smile on your face as you leaned in to kiss Tomas goodbye on the lips. Every touch, every gesture, was imbued with a depth of feeling that words could not fully express. It was a bittersweet farewell, filled with love and longing. Then, you turned to look at Kuai Liang and Bi-Han, their expressions clouded with concern.

“I love all three of you,” you whispered, the words heavy with emotion. For days, you grappled with how to express this overwhelming feeling, the realization that they had become the foundation of your world, each one holding a profound significance in your heart. The mere thought of voicing these sentiments once filled you with breathless anticipation, but now, as the words escaped your lips, they carried a weight you couldn’t bear alone. Indeed, the pain of the curse paled in comparison to the heaviness in your heart. “Please don’t be angry with anyone, okay?”

“Why are you saying these things?” Bi-Han’s voice cut through the air like shards of ice, his tone rigid and unyielding. Understanding his reaction became easier as you got to know him. He tended to become aggressive when he didn’t want to show his emotions – especially when panicked or afraid. This was one of those moments.

“To whom, why should we be angry?” Tomas’s voice conveyed his confusion. His genuine perplexity only served to deepen the ache in your chest, reminding you of the innocence he still retained despite everything he had endured. You took a deep breath, after stroking Tomas’s cheek for the last time, you stepped back. However, Kuai Liang stopped you by grabbing your arm.

“Tell us what’s going on.” he demanded, his voice taking on a tone you had never heard before. It was the first time you heard him speak like this. Despite his usual warmth and politeness, even when discussing his past, his voice now turned cold, almost resembling that of his older brother, but never had it been this harsh and demanding.

“I will lift the curse,” you stated firmly, leaving no room for argument. “It’s my decision, so don’t hate me or anyone in this room for this, okay? I want what’s best for you.”

“Don’t we have a say in this? And how will you lift the curse?” Kuai Liang’s tone showed his displeasure. He shook you, and the words came out as a snarl. The fire burning in his eyes was evident, his touch alarmingly hot. But behind this intensity, the concern and fear he felt were clear in his expression, open and vulnerable. “Speak!”

“This is a farewell,” Bi-Han said in a single breath, his words cutting through the tension like a knife. “You are saying goodbye to us.”

“No!” Tomas, standing up to Kuai Liang, grabbed your other arm and turned you around to face him. “Tell me it’s a lie.”

You swallowed hard. As your composure, which you tried to maintain, slowly crumbled, your lower lip trembled, and tears flowed freely. An expression of denial appeared on the faces of the three of them, indicating their refusal to accept what was about to happen.

“I’d love to,” you responded to Tomas. “But Bi-Han is telling the truth.” After inhaling deeply, you squared your shoulders and fought back the tears. “I love all three of you very much. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I made a promise, and I will keep it. I will set you free.”

“How?!” Bi-Han appeared in front of you with a roar, gripping your chin and forcing you to meet his furious gaze. “Whatever sacrifice you’re considering, I won’t allow it. Do you hear me?! You’re not doing anything! We will find another solution.”

“There is no other solution,” you said tearfully, freeing yourself from his grip and placing your hand on his. “I can’t set you free any other way, Bi-Han.”

“No. I said no damnit!” Bi-Han’s voice was adamant. “You stubborn woman, listen to me; I won’t allow it.”

“I’m so sorry,” you said, your voice trembling. “I wish there was another way, but it’s the only way, and I’m ready to fulfill it gladly. I’m not going to let you stop this.” You glanced over your shoulder at Liu Kang. The Fire God watched in silence, his gaze betraying a mix of sadness and anger at the injustice of the situation. “I am ready.”

As Liu Kang nodded his approval, an aggressive growl rumbled from Bi-Han’s throat, his dark, furious gaze fixed on Liu Kang now. Layers of frost and sharp ice began to grow on his skin, a chilling armor of determination as he prepared to confront a god to protect you. It was evident that while they respected Liu Kang deeply, you held an even greater significance to them in that moment, compelling them to face him in order to shield you from harm.

“Don’t you fucking dare. Don’t come close—” he warned, his voice carrying the weight of finality.

“I have the utmost respect for you, Lord Liu Kang, but if you take one more step, I will have to attack you.” Tomas’s voice pierced the tense air, devoid of its usual warmth, cold and chillingly clear. His bright eyes, once filled with warmth, now darkened and focused with an intensity that chilled you more than Bi-Han’s powers.

Aware that what you were about to do would haunt you forever, you steeled yourself. Despite the weight of your decision, there was no other choice. Your sole aim was to bring an end to this ordeal swiftly and without further harm. The thought of anyone else being affected by the curse was unbearable.

“Nobody’s going to do anything,” you said, turning your gaze away from Bi-Han and fixing it on the wall behind him. You couldn’t bear to meet their eyes. “I order all three of you to remain in your places and not to move.”

Your command hung in the air, heavy and tense. A suffocating silence descended upon the room, broken only by the sound of their ragged breaths. This was the first and last time you’d give them orders. It was for their sake, but it didn’t ease the guilt gnawing at you. You’d betrayed their trust. A few more tears escaped down your cheeks as you walked towards the book on the kitchen counter, still avoiding their gazes. You easily slipped out of Bi-Han’s loosening grip, determined to see this through to the end.

As you mentally prepared to pick up the book and materialize into the Fire Temple, it remained stubbornly unmoved. Furrowing your eyebrows, you tried to lift it with both hands, but it felt as if the book weighed a ton. A searing heat radiated from your fingertips to your hand, threatening to melt your skin and expose your bones if you held on any longer. With a small whimper, you pulled your hands back, and Liu Kang came into view.

“The curse knows what you’re about to do, that’s why it won’t let the book move.” He explained.

“But… if we can’t take it with us—then…” you trailed off, a sense of helplessness washing over you.

“Yes,” Liu Kang replied in a carefully flat voice.

“I don’t want them to witness this,” you said, your eyes flickering to the three men you held dear. Their faces revealed a tumult of emotions—betrayal, concern, and fear all intertwined. Despite their futile attempts to defy your command and approach, their efforts proved fruitless. Veins protruded on their skin, and deep furrows etched across their foreheads, with Tomas even beginning to bleed from his nose. Knowing there was no alternative, you fought back a fresh wave of tears, though they continued to betray your resolve. “All right,” you sniffed, quickly dabbing your eyes to dry the tears, lifting your chin to meet Liu Kang’s gaze once more. “Do it quickly, please.”

“Liu Kang!” Kuai Liang shouted, trying to launch the fireballs that appeared in both his hands but failing because of some kind of invisible wall that forced him to stay still. “Don’t you dare hurt her!”

“Get away from her!” Bi-Han said furiously. “I swear, if you touch her, I’ll fucking kill you!”

“No, you won’t hurt him.” In as soft a voice as possible, the second command poured from your lips. “This is my last plea to you, please don’t hurt anyone.” Your gaze turned to Sektor, who caught your wordless request. With silent steps, his head tilted to the ground, he approached, took out the hunting knife from the scabbard at his waist, and handed it to Liu Kang.

“No!” Tomas struggled on the spot, shouting, trying every way to break free from the order that was suppressing him. It destroyed you to feel the desperation in his voice. “No, Sektor, stop! Lord Liu Kang, don’t do this. Please!”

“Place your hand on the book. I know it will hurt you, but I will make it as quick and light as possible,” Liu Kang said, falling deaf to the screams behind him. However, there was a weight in his voice that made him seem more mature than he was. You did what he said, taking strength from the gentle expression on his face to keep you calm. A sizzle rose up in your flesh. You bit your lower lip and held yourself back from squealing in pain. You were going to handle this quietly; you were going to stand strong for them.

‘’Repeat after me: as the keeper of this book, I offer a pact. I unbind Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas from the Lin Kuei Clan, the chains that tether them to this book, in exchange for the sacrifice of my own life. From this moment onward, they shall walk free from this curse. My blood and my life shall seal these words.’’

After you echoed his words, despite the screams and chaos around you, Liu Kang delivered the first stab with the knife from Sektor. When the blade pierced under your ribs, you gasped sharply. The pain was more sudden and searing than you had anticipated. Your balance wavered, and the burning pain in your hand seemed insignificant compared to the deep cut now bleeding beneath your ribs. As your misty gaze fell on the book under your hand, you saw the length of the cut forming there.

“Stop! By the elder gods, please stop! Bi-Han, brother, stop them!” Tomas’s desperate cries rang in your ears. Turning your head to him, you murmured in a voice hoping to comfort him.

“It doesn’t hurt, I swear.” Tomas’s expression shattered, his gray eyes shining with unshed tears, making him look younger and more vulnerable than ever. “It’s okay, everything will be okay.”

When Liu Kang raised his hand for the second blow, you closed your eyes. At that moment, Bi-Han’s furious, despairing voice cut through the air, filled with deadly determination.

“Liu Kang, she’s innocent! Stop it now, or I swear to you—No!” Bi-Han’s voice rang out as the knife plunged into your stomach. Your knees buckled, and you collapsed to the ground, but you kept your hand on the book despite the pain. Your hand went numb, whether from the pain or from the nerves being destroyed, you couldn’t tell. Everything had become a big ball of agony. The metallic taste of blood rose in your throat, filling your mouth. You coughed to avoid choking, and blood splattered around, some of it flowing down your lips.

‘’It’s okay… It… Doesn’t hurt.’’ You managed to murmur, the words feeling foreign on your tongue. Your lips felt numb, as if disconnected from your voice, and your tongue seemed to weigh heavy in your mouth.

“Don’t lift the curse, stop!” Kuai Liang’s cries were muffled by the pounding in your ears. Everything around you blurred into a chaotic whirl of colors and sounds, like trying to focus underwater. Each breath was a struggle, a battle against an unseen weight pressing down on your chest. Despite the pain, you clung to consciousness, fighting to stay present amidst the overwhelming haze of approaching death. “Don’t take her away from us. Please, Liu Kang, stop this madness! Let the curse stay, we want it back. Give it back—Just stop!’’

Liu Kang didn’t stop. As he lowered the knife for the third time, aiming for your heart, you felt a deep slit open in the cover of the book under your hand. Despite the excruciating pain, a weak smile formed on your face as you realized the curse had finally been lifted. It was over. They were free now. You could feel the pressure of the curse lifting, and you knew they must have felt it too. As blood continued to rise from your throat, flowing relentlessly from your lips like a crimson cascade, Liu Kang hesitated before withdrawing the knife, gently lowering you to the ground. Numbness crept through your body like tendrils of frost, slowly engulfing your senses. The pain, once sharp and all-consuming, now ebbed away like a receding tide, leaving behind a dull ache. As your vision blurred and darkness encroached, you could barely discern the outlines of three figures, their forms wavering like shadows in the fading light.

You tried to talk. To say that it doesn’t hurt, you’re glad that you finally lifted the curse and set them free, to say that you loved them with all of your heart even words cannot describe how you felt for them. But the words tumbled meaninglessly from your lips, your tongue felt too heavy and it became increasingly difficult to breathe.

“Shhh, don’t talk. We will save you, qīn’ài. Everything’s going to be fine.”

You felt a hand on top of your head, the gentle caress tracing soothing circles. It was Kuai Liang, you surmised from the familiar touch. His fingers moved with care, each stroke bringing a fleeting warmth that chased away a fraction of the cold surrounding you. Then, a sudden pressure on your wounds jolted you, eliciting a sharp whimper that escaped your lips.

‘’You foolish, stubborn woman! We won’t let you go, did you hear me? Don’t you dare give up on us now. I’ll make your life hell after the act you pulled.”

Bi-Han’s words echoed in your ears. Despite the harshness of his tone, you detected the underlying concern beneath his façade, acknowledging the conflict in his emotions. Each breath became more labored, and you wished desperately to convey your remorse to them. But deep down, you knew that if faced with the same choice again, you would make it without hesitation. Because your love for them outweighed everything else. Yet, as another cough wracked your body, you realized that words were futile. Numbness enveloped you completely, and the chill in the air seeped into your bones, causing you to shiver uncontrollably. You surrendered to the encroaching darkness, unable to resist its pull.

Your heart beat weakly one last time, then stopped completely.

***

Author’s Note: My apologies for the cliffhanger! But I’ve already started writing the next chapter, so you won’t have to wait too long again unless something important comes up. Also, I’ve decided to turn this into a series, as I have a couple of ideas brewing. If you have any suggestions or ideas, feel free to share them with me on my blog. If I find them interesting or relevant to the story, I’ll incorporate them into it and give you credit.✨

[coolpizzazonkplaid]

Tabla de Adelina

Holaa!!!! Hice la tabla de Adelina y en otro momento voy a publicar la de Daniela y Mariano. Muchas gracias a @lynn-w3st por el dibujo🥰😘😍

Estoy todavía escribiendo el capítulo cinco de Heredera del Infierno, pero la facultad se lleva mayormente mi tiempo y aparte quiero pulir algunas cositas dentro del capítulo. Espero dentro de poco poder publicarlo.

Links:

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[starangeldoll]

˖౨ৎ ⋆｡˚﹒janitor a.i bot list update P.2

【 my janitor ai acc - @ Aresangell 】

【 my venus chub acc - @ Starangell 】

【 my cai acc - @ Angelstaar 】

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Liu Kang 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - He didn't pay attention to you so you decided to record a spicy video for him, but you didn't expect him to react.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Miguel O'Hara 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - the hot guy at your gym was flirting with you. 🏳️‍⚧️ 》 transmasc miguel au

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Priest Miguel O'Hara 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - Miguel O'Hara chose to be a priest after a personal tragedy, he never faithfully believed in anything ── However, you soon changed that, and he had to fight not to give in to the sins of the flesh.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Bi Han /Sub Zero - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You and Bi Han were friends with benefits, but the two of you felt much more than just lust.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Tomas Vrbada - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - Tomas and you were friends for two years. It was obvious to everyone who looked at the way Vrbada spoke to you or looked at you that the ninja was completely in love with you; the less you saw it, whether because you ignored his feelings on purpose or simply couldn't see that there was much more than platonic love. However, with the arrival of your ex, he needed to act.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Bi Han/ Sub Zero - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You couldn't become a ninja because you were too weak, but now, the grandmaster himself took care of you.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Nanami Kento - 【 𝗔𝗙𝗔𝗕 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You accidentally sent a nude to your university professor.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 OC, Needy Boyfriend - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - Dmitry is your rich and needy boyfriend, who needs you 24/7, especially when he wakes up without you in his bed.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Lord Raiden - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You were caught by him masturbating.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You needed money and now you have a 'sugar daddy'.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Tio Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - Your non blood uncle is obsessed with you. V.2

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Bi Han/Sub Zero - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - a family together, but apart.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Father Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You need to get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness. V.2

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Tomas Vrbada - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - He wants to ask you out with him.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Bi Han/Sub Zero - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - drinks

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Stepfather Albert Wesker - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - did you know him... V.3

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Kuai Liang - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - Cramps

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Wife Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - he is your sub wife

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Tomas Vrbada - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - boyfriend gifts

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Goth Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - He liked you and your makeup. 🦇 》 gothic au

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - did you get hurt

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Dilf Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You were living in the house of a grumpy old man, but he os very cute... 🎀 》 DILF SERIES.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Professor Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - He's your annoying chemistry professor. 📚 》 college au

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Dilf Dracula - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - maybe he wants more than your blood. 🎀 》 DILF SERIES.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Dilf Count Dracula Count - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - you are a teacher's assistant and help him with his classes. 🎀 》DILF SERIES.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Dilf Nanami Kento - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】dirty secret🎀 》 DILF SERIES

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Lord Raiden - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - teasing and punishment

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Ice God/Bi Han - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - You are the servant of a grumpy ice god. ❄️ 》 ICE GOD/KING AU.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Mad Scientist/Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - you are a wonderful experience of him. 🥼 》 MAD SCIENTIST AU

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Johnny Cage - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - aftercare

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Bi Han/Sub Zero - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - low self esteem | 🎀 》 daddykink version

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - you got pregnant with him... 🕷️ 》 miguel o’hara x blackcat!user

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Homelander - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - you are the new hero of the seven and he has his eyes on you.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Nanami Kento - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - we never talked about ***** **** ┆ 🧼 》 fight club au, you are his tyler...

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Tomas Vrbada- 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - new recruit

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Bi Han/Sub Zero - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】- valentine's day

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Simon Riley 'Ghost' - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - slutty torture

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Lord Raiden - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - he is your father figure

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Tomas Vrbada - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】- lying between his legs

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 OC - Stepfather, Yan Jin - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - your new stepfather is rude but extremely handsome. 🎀 》DILF SERIES.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Bi Han/Sub Zero - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】- he needs to take care of you.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Kuai Liang - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】- arranged marriage...

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】survivor.🕊️ 》TWD AU, He's Your Negan.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Titan Lord Raiden - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - reencounter

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Step!Brother, Miguel O'Hara - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】breedtable ─ m!preg.🕊️ 》DARK SERIES.

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Yandere! Homelander - 【 𝗙𝗧𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - a dark hero who is in love. 🕊️ 》 DARK SERIES

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Yandere!Shang Tsung - 【 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - obsession

【౨ৎ ⋆｡˚】 Tomas Vrbada - 【 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗩 】 - fuck buddies

[queerfreakfck]

omg... a syzoth/tomas/reader threesome fic??? no way!

for all you lovely people out there. i love you.

[mktrashheap]

Hi, well I was wondering if you could do a headcanon of what it would be like to propose to a male reader, the Lin Kuei trio and maybe Shang Tsung...?

A/n: I'm still alive, but is life busy lmao miss y'all hope I got Shang Tsung right

Bi-Han:

I'll be a contrarian here and say: this man would have no problem proposing.

If you guys got serious enough that marrying is on the table, he'll be very straightforward with it.

He is a man that know what he wants and puts effort into it. When he comes to the conclusion he wants to marry you, he'll waste no time.

He is, however, quite blunt. To put it mildly.

His proposal is the least romantic of the bunch. It's not that he doesn't care, it's just how he is.

When you say yes (bc why tf would you not???) he's the happiest you've seen.

He has a rare smile and a much kinder expression. He is truly happy.

And cocky. A lot.

Bi-Han is an arrogant man. An arrogant man who is going to marry the man he has chosen and has chosen him back. He's insufferable.

Already has a future planned for the two of you.

Kuai Liang:

My man literally jumped into marriage in lighting speed tf lol

But honestly, like his older brother, Kuai Liang won't take too long to figure out if that's what he wants.

Maybe he jumped into the relationship already knowing? Who knows...

I'll be a contrarian again and say that his proposal looks a lot like Bi-Han's.

Kuai Liang isn't as blunt as Bi-Han is, but he isn't stereotypically romantic either.

It's an intimate moment for him. Just him and the man he loves.

When you say yes (he's a keeper) it's like he lights up like a Christmas tree.

He is happy, his cute face looks better with a smile than the usual frown.

Quite possibly, you won't get him off of you for the next few hours.

He isn't as boastful as his brother, but he's feeling himself just as much. He's marrying a worthy man and he wants to make sure everyone knows it.

Tomáš:

Between the three, he's the one that took the longest to propose.

It's not for a lack of love, by the gods no. But he is someone that is way to used to losing people he loves. His life is unstable and unpredictable, there's a part of him that keeps saying he'll lose the man he loves as well. Why wouldn't he? He can never keep things.

He gets in on his head for quite a while before proposing. His thoughts go everywhere.

But he will come to terms with it and take the chance.

When he does, his proposal is heartfelt. He puts everything he feels about you in the best way he can and what he may lack in romance, he makes up in depth.

It's a vulnerable moment for him. He's putting everything on the table for you to chose and he's scared. Scared to be turned down and scared something will take you from him as well.

When you say yes (he deserves all the love) it's like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He loves you and you love him as well, he wants to live this.

He's a proud individual. He has come a long way and is daring. That to say everyone will know about it. He won't shut up about you. He likes to talk and he's beyond happy.

He's never going to share private subjects, but he sees no point in hiding the marriage. He knows he has many enemies and is very aware they may want to get between the two of you, but he leaves extremely clear he will have none of it.

Shang Tsung:

Where do I begin? Whatever the hell you did to have that man wanting to marry deserves an award.

He has been going for a long time fooling and backstabbing people, he may have thought about doing the same to you many times over, but whatever reason, he never did.

He isn't a stranger to temporary alliances, it's what he has been doing his whole life. But he found himself wanting to keep you.

What a curse. His very heart playing a trick on him.

He takes long before proposing. It takes him long to figure out what he feels is love and not just lust or convenience, not that those two aren't good as well.

When he does know what it is, he takes just as long to calculate the outcomes of it.

How would that impact his plans? How is he going about it? Who should know, if anyone? Do you love him? Truly?

He gets distant from you because he needs the time to think things through.

As for the proposal. I think that would be a quiet thing.

He does make it feel unique, he simply is fancy like that, but it's quiet and close, just the two of you. It's simple, but carefully thought out.

He's been lying for so long for so many people, it's difficult to be any different, but he tries.

He hates how it makes him feel vulnerable, like he was helpless once again.

Surely he could concoct some magic to guarantee your acceptance and he might if you decline him, but he decided to take the risk first.

When you say yes (oh boy, you better) you'll see a beautiful, honest smile on Shang Tsung's face, probably the first one after years.

He can't help his smile, he doesn't want to. He's in loved and he's been accepted by the man he loves. He feels on top of the world.

The rest of the day or night is solely for the two of you. You accepted to tie yourself to the snake, good luck taking him off of you.

He feels like an idiot. He could have saved himself so much anxiety and time if he came around it sooner, but at the same time, he wants to enjoy the moment.

He'll keep the marriage a secret for the time. He isn't ashamed, but he doesn't want anyone to know about it before he's in a position of power. Not even his allies will know before the time he decides to let them know.

Man, you're going to live like a god if he has his way. Shang Tsung has big plans for the both of you.

[xinamie]

🌫 — hold me gently.

pairing: tomas vrbada / smoke x gn! reader

summary: everything was going to be okay as long as he had you. ♡

tags: more of a small character study, familial death mentions, descriptions of grief/coping, angsty but with comfort sprinkled in

There was something domestic about all of this; soft whispers, sweet touches and small smiles shared between the two of you. You ran the brush through his ashen strands, being careful with each run as you listened to his light breaths. Tomas had been majorly busy lately, having to watch the way his adopted brothers were treating one another and those around them.

Bi-Han was stubborn, determined to bring the Lin Kuei to the status he believed they deserved while Kuai Liang was swept up in his fire, trying to build the Shirai Ryu from almost nothing. It was funny, really, how similar the two were despite being at each other’s throats. They were not taught to deal with their spiraling emotions properly, only to suppress them as warriors had no need for them in the middle of battle or to turn them into weapons in the worst cases.

Tomas wasn’t perfect either.

If only they saw what Tomas saw in them, perhaps they would realize how this feud didn't need to exist at all.

Despite him staying by Kuai Liang’s side in Japan, he still cared for his eldest brother too. He would often talk to others, wondering how he could help them reconcile; he wouldn’t let either of them know that though, not wanting to deal with their lectures or be seen with wavering loyalty. After all, they were his family no matter what. He wouldn’t get in between them, understanding their natures and that they were adults who should take responsibility for their own actions, but he would try where he could.

He struggled to put himself first, obvious in the recent months you’ve seen him around. While he still kept up on his training and made nice, simple conversations with common acquaintances, he would falter from time to time.

Some of his uniforms would have tears, not being fixed until you got your hands on them. It was a minute detail, but Tomas was known to be a stickler for his attire. He always wore his uniform with pride, having worked as hard as his brothers to deserve such standing in life. Any rip or stain would have been taken care of within days, yet there they were on your desk seeking care.

That task would have to wait as your hands were quite busy at the moment. The brush was set aside, favoring the way his hair felt in between your fingers. It had gotten longer as he skipped a few of his appointments.

“Will you be cutting it today?”

Tomas answered your question with a gentle hum, thinking it over as he enjoyed the way you caressed him like he was fragile. It was both amusing and warming, seeing as he was just as lethal, if not more, than those walking the halls surrounding you both.

“Might keep it like this for a change.” His voice was slow, steady as he embraced the comfort of your attention. “Think they would appreciate it.”

He spoke of his mother and twin sister, having told you before of how their beauty and grace had always shined. When they parted from the world that fateful night, he took extra measures to trim his hair when he could. Having such long locks was difficult to maintain, but it also reminded him of his other familial half— cutting it became one of his coping mechanisms that ended up in his normal routine.

Tomas recognized the look in your eyes, the faintest chuckle escaping him as he took one of your hands from his hair to hold it in his. He squeezed it with a tenderness, lifting your hand to his lips and pressing kisses to each of your knuckles. “Don’t worry, lásko.”

He guided your palm to cup his cheek, eyes filled with a certain tranquility one could only see when watching the sun rise. Then, his lips shifted into that familiar rascally look when he was about to mess around.

“Don’t you think I look handsome?"

He had asked half-heartedly, smile widening at hearing his favorite laughter echoing throughout the room. The way you pinched his cheek didn’t even hurt; maybe the strain was just from how fulfilled he felt in this very moment.

Almost every day was met with turmoil in this life he found himself in. Ones like these, on the other hand, did wonders for his healing spirit and he was eternally grateful to have someone like you with him...

[chqolan]

omg imagine being in a ‘secret’ relationship with tomas

it’s so cute to think about him sneaking out to see you whenever he’s off duty or has free time to spare. to him, you were his sense of humanity and innocence in the dark and brutal world he lived in.

whenever tomas went out of his way to spend time with you, he loved how he was able to let his guard down and be vulnerable for once. it was comforting and it was what he needed.

if you guys don’t get to see each other all too often (perhaps due to certain missions or spending time in outworld), i bet he’d write you letters and/or bring you small gifts to keep you thinking of him.

i can also picture tomas being super giddy after returning back from going out with you. although he hasn’t told kuai liang and bi han about you, they were able to pick up on how happy he appeared after “running errands and getting fresh air” as he told them.

truth be told, as long as his skills didn’t change for the worse, they’d keep to their own business until tomas is ready to share his little love story with them.

the two brothers also couldn’t deny how nice it was to see the look of genuine happiness on his face. they knew tomas was in good hands.

[gamerwoman3d]

How I think Smoke Stans will react when I write their favorite cinnamon roll as a freaky sneaky stalky dom that hunts down the reader:

How they actually react:

[The x readers in question linked below]

[Video source : nnamdithegreat]

[zg0nuwa]

fucking bless your soul man, anyways hi its me again.

please I need some dom Tomas headcanons because therre is so much I can consume of sub tomas man

bonus if its like a 3-some with Syzoth added in

hi!! i hope this is okay :3

nsfw utc.

dom!Tomas is definitely something but not in a sense you might expect. he’s not rough or demanding or filthy. he’s loving, so sickeningly loving you might as well throw up.

it always was always is and always will be about your pleasure to him, he’s like the energy vampire but instead of your energy he sucks (pun intended) pleasure from you. because what better feeling is there than being satisfied because your partner is satisfied?

nonetheless he’s still pretty “tame” when it comes to sex, he might go into overstimulating both his partner and himself or tiny bit of teasing with his karambit, he’s not afraid to try things tho, whatever your highness wants he will deliver (maybe except for extreme voyeurism)

the love bombing during sex is crazy, it’s like he gets possessed by love (no matter how cringe it sounds)

+ syzoth

smoke is not the biggest fan of the idea at first i would say, so it will take some time to convince him. when you manage to talk him into it tho? he’s surprisingly rougher and meaner during the whole ordeal

also, syzoth, despite rough hands is very gentle and seems almost bashful when touching you. you can also feel some restraint on his part, probably because tomas seems a little on edge now matter how collected he wants to look.

it feels as if syzoth stole how tomas acts and tomas developed a new personality.

[vinaxxo]

17+ | I want you in my bed 🩶 (song by millionaires)

A/N: I live tomas. I laugh tomas. I love tomas. I wanna treat this beautiful man to dinner, and i want him to *********** my ***** and *************. This came out longer than expected, oops! LISTEN TO THE SONG. If you listened to it tell me in the comments!!

I think Tomas would really appreciate your help. Lucky for him, YOU ALL BOUT THAT!!! (you should be if you’re reading this)

CONTENT: nsfw, fem reader. we’re all pervs, next.

Tomas had the longest day. During training, recruits screwed up drills, causing Bi han to punish them all with even more taxing ones– to which he had to demonstrate and practice with the other ninjas ten times as hard.

While he was sparring with Kuai Liang, Tomas missed more than a few hits that would’ve been guaranteed had he been in top shape. Not that he isn’t now, but off days are inevitable, as nobody is perfect.

Tomas, frustrated, silently headed to the bathroom near his quarters, hoping to wash the day down the drain.

As the water ran down his toned back and arms, he let his head roll, completely forgetting about the plans he made with you to grab dinner at Madame Bo’s. The water soothed Tomas for a while before the frustration came clawing right back at him. He turned the water off soon after washing his body with a sigh.

After finishing your work for the day, you refresh yourself with a quick bath and fix up your appearance. You’d die before you let Tomas see you looking crazy, as if he hasn’t seen you beat up and disheveled after a fight. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good for him, he’s your biggest crush. Everything from the way he walks to talks has you leaping over the moon, and you wonder if he notices. You don’t think he has. Even if he’s teased you back before, you were never sure if he was flirting or not.

You checked your phone, which read 10. Tomas said he’d come by to get you, but it’s been at least thirty minutes after the time you both agreed on. You hope that he didn’t forget, but you open messages and send him a text. He’s been good at keeping up with newer technology with your help, cutely enough. You wait a little for a response, but nothing comes through.

Maybe Lin Kuei territory cell service isn’t the best? Shit.

Since you know where Tomas stays in the temple, you take it upon yourself to meet him at his quarters. He could be sleeping, which makes your steps unintentionally light as you approach his door. Dim light came from under the heavy wood, further fueling your curiosity.

The door made no noise as it was pushed aside, revealing Tomas on his bed. No shirt on, dick in hand, Tomas panted as he stroked himself, dying for any type of relief. It was beyond concerning that he didn’t notice you— he must’ve really been off his game. Not knowing what the fuck to do, you stand there and blush, feeling your heart beat in your head… and core.

“Damn it.” he huffed, letting go of his dick and running a hand through his hair. Tomas finally looked at you for a second before his eyes widened, face paling, and he immediately shoved a pillow into his lap. He wished his abilities would make him disappear without hesitation, but he was frozen.

He looked almost defeated. He was at a loss for words, but you weren’t that far off his wavelength. Tomas’ rosy blush from a moment ago returned, and he met your eyes again. His expression was bashful, but not as much as you’d expect from him.

“...How long have you been there?” he asked, clutching the pillow.

You respond quickly, not wanting silence to overcome you both again. “Not that long…” You feel bad for doing him like this, but really, this has got to be your biggest break. You can’t miss such an opportunity! (Fuck dinner when you can have Tomas instead.)

“I can help… if you want me to,” You offer with a sheepish smile, stepping into the room and letting the door slide closed behind you. Tomas looks you up and down with those silver eyes, and you can see his fist tighten its grip on the pillow, his knuckles going white. He studies you hard, weighing all the possibilities in his head. He’s tired and unsatisfied, but you could be the solution to that… He briefly wondered why he hadn't approached you before.

Though his mouth didn’t move, his eyes said everything for him. He wanted you to help. He needed you to help. He needed you. Taking his silence as a yes, you crawl onto the bed and put your hand on his, slowly moving that pesky pillow out of your way. He hissed at the chill of the air as his cock twitched, looking down at his lap before making eye contact with you again, this time with a lustful glint in his eye.

He placed his hands on the bed by his sides, lounging back slightly, watching you like a hawk. You reposition yourself and kneel, taking his dick into your hand and giving it a teasing stroke, to which Tomas’ breath hitched. Your body was thrumming with anticipation.

All you’ve ever wanted was to kneel before Tomas like this and show him how much you wanted him; he was so big, and feeling the weight of his cock made your underwear stickier than it already was. Tomas was sensitive because of his previous attempts to try cumming, so every touch you gave him made his cock twitch even more.

Without any warning, you went down on him with your drooling mouth, humming in delight when one of his surprisingly soft hands buried itself in your hair. He groaned, letting his brows become furrowed as he got used to the feeling around his cock. Your mouth was sucking him in so tight. It was like lava the way it made him feel like he was fucking melting.

“It’s so warm,” Tomas moaned and bit his lip, slightly moving his hips closer to your mouth. You gagged slightly, struggling to take him to the base in one go as your hands wandered to his thigh. Tomas felt his dick throb again as you lowered your head, and it was hard for him to not just manhandle you in that moment. He wanted nothing more than to push your head down further on his cock, but he decided to be gracious for your sake. He’d feel a little bad if your throat ended up being sore because of his greed. How sweet of him, right?

As you started to bob your head, lewd wet noises sounded through the room mixed with Tomas’ heavenly moans. They weren’t overly loud, but the edge to them added to the satisfaction you got from pleasing him. Your saliva and his precum made his dick glisten in the warm light as you hollowed out your mouth, earning you a grunt.

“Ugh..!” Tomas whined, gripping your hair tighter as he started feeling lightheaded. His hips were starting to involuntarily buck up into your mouth, which you welcomed with a moan of your own. He was starting to lose it, and bad. As his mind started to swirl with more and more filthy thoughts, he found it impossible to be gentlemanly any longer.

“I’m sorry—“ was all he murmured before he started moving your mouth up and down on his cock, releasing his loudest groan yet. It felt too good, the stress he felt from earlier dissipated completely as his mind turned numb from the way you gave him head. He never knew how much he’d been missing out on until this moment. Your beautiful face choking on his cock, sticky fluids coating your lips, your eyes glossy and glittering, he couldn’t have asked for a better sight.

You eagerly returned his greed with your own, choking briefly and breathing through your nose before swirling your tongue where you could while sucking on his dick harder than before. Tomas’ head and eyes rolled back as he swore in what you presumed to be czech. He looked so sexy like this, your fantasies could never compare to the real thing. You were getting wetter by the second. Tomas tried to keep his voice down, not wanting his brothers or any passerby to suspect anything, but it was hard. Really hard.

Before he knew it, your scalp was being tugged on enough to make you feel a burn— Tomas was signaling that he was close without saying a word. His pants grew a little faster as his thigh muscles clenched under your hands, and his eyes were lidded as they looked down at you.

“I’m— I’m gonna cum—” Tomas grunted, trying to pull your head off. How unclean would he be if he let himself release into your mouth? He only ever imagined it in his own fantasies, but he was under the impression that you wouldn’t like his cum in your throat. That’s why he was surprised by your resistance as you kept your pretty lips suctioned around the head of his dick. His expression was confused for a moment before it melted back into pleasure as his high came over him like a tidal wave.

He came in your mouth with a another grunt, the huge load leaking from your lips. You took in a breath after pulling off, the sticky strings connecting your tongue to his cock still keeping you both together in a way. Tomas put a hand in his hair and eyed you down, partly speechless.

“Where’d you learn to do that?” He asked, cracking his cute, classic smile. He was trying not to look at your lips that were still connected to his tip with the white strings of his cum— he’d be damned if he got hard in front of your face.

You licked your lips and playfully squeezed his thighs, silently admiring the solid muscle they carried.

“Just now.”

Tomas’ brow raised. You really never gave any head before? That was the best thing he’s ever felt. You ruined his hand for him. He then noticed the way you observed him with your eyes, the way you pawed at him, the way your thighs were squeezed together… fuck. His dick stood right back up against his will, which was the queue you were waiting for.

“I’m assuming you can help me with this too?” Tomas asked, letting himself pull you into his lap. He looked up at you curiously, allowing his hands to rub your lower back and trace the skin there. He sent shivers down your spine, made you weak in the knees— you couldn’t believe this was happening right now.

“Yeah… I can help.” You manage to say meekly, suddenly feeling shy under Tomas’ gaze. The way he looked at you never failed to make you feel like jelly, helpless to his effortless charm. He allowed his back to rest against the pillows, giving you the chance to do what you want. His hands, however, never left your body.

Eagerly but nervously, you pull your pants off and discard them, revealing dark gray lace. You forgot you had that pair on, immediately feeling heat rush to your ears. Tomas was never supposed to see your panties tonight, even if you did wear them because you were planning to have dinner with him.

Tomas tore his eyes off your underwear to smirk up at you, even being bold enough to snap the hem of them against your hip.

“Did you wear these for me?” He chuckled, bringing your hips down so you sat in his lap once more. When he pulled you down, your hands automatically planted themselves on his chest. It was soft, yet firm, you realized. A perfect match.

“My color looks good on you. Would you be mad if I told you I wanted to see you in these again?” Tomas peered at you with a mischievous smile, insinuating that he wanted to do stuff like this again with you in the future.

Susceptible to his mere existence, you nodded your head, letting him guide your clit to his cock. You started to grind against him, the wet spot on your underwear growing at a rapid pace. Tomas bit his lip and helped you, the delicious friction of fabric making his cock leak like crazy. As your low moans rang in his ears, he felt something inside of him snap. He needed to hear more.

Tomas pulled your panties aside and slid his middle finger up your cunt, surprised at how easy it went in. “You’re so wet,” he commented incredulously, looking at you for answers as he was able to slide in another thick finger. You whimpered above him, grinding yourself down on his fingers as all your inhibitions melted away.

“I wanted you so bad…” you mumbled, pussy clamping down on whatever he gave you. It was something, but it wasn’t enough. You really couldn’t wait any longer, the need to beg for more bubbled in your throat. Tomas blushed a little at your confession, feeling the heat rise in his stomach. His dick was aching to be touched again.

“Just let me on it already, Tomas, please,” you sniveled, already pulling his hand from your cunt and holding his dick. He didn’t object as your sopping pussy lowered onto his cock, swallowing it into your warmth. Tomas swore in czech again, this time a short string of different words, grabbing your ass with both hands on either side.

“Ngh, so tigh—“ cutting him off with a kiss as you easily let him bottom out, you both moan against each other’s lips. He gropes at the soft skin of your ass as you run your hands over his chest, letting your tongue play with his while your hips start to move back and forth in his lap.

This sensation made him bite your lip, enjoying the small sound you make when he does. He could feel his cock twitch between your velvety walls, ugh, he could never go back to his pathetic hand after this. Not after he’s had a taste of heaven.

When you reposition your legs at Tomas’ sides to get a more stable position, you feel him easily lift you up just to pull you right back down on his cock. It pulled two loud moans from you both as you got drunk off each other. Tomas felt his greed take the reins again as he helped you to start bouncing on his big dick— you were really starting to feel the stretch now. He was thick, and even with how wet you were, the strain on your pussy made you shake.

Sparing you the work like the sweetheart he is, he helped you ride him at a faster pace, causing you both to make more noise adding to the sounds of your sloppy cunt gushing around his dick. It felt unbelievably amazing, the way he massaged your walls and repeatedly rammed into your weak spot.

You weighed nothing to Tomas, so moving your body up and down quickly like a doll came easy. He watched your face as he dug his nails into your hips, memorizing every expression of ecstasy you made.

If nobody in the temple heard you both before, they sure did now. Tomas fucked up your insides like there was no tomorrow and you couldn’t escape him if you tried— not that you ever wanted to. You tried kissing him again only to be get open mouthed messy ones, your tongues being the only thing that could keep you both close together. Tomas groaned against your lips when you put your hands in his hair, your tits pushing up against his pecs as you did so.

Tomas never wanted to leave this moment. You got him addicted to this feeling, there’s no way he’d ever turn back. His cock was being squeezed and fucked so well, he felt his orgasm creeping up on him earlier than he expected. Oh well, that's what more rounds are for, right?

“T-Tomas, I’m g-gonna cum!” you whined, squealing when he started to slam you down on his dick even faster. He was kissing your cervix at this point, he’ll probably leave it bruised! As you babbled to him about your impending orgasm, Tomas nipped and kissed your neck after he sat up, his cock starting to twitch once again deep inside your pussy.

“L-Let’s cum together, just cum with me,” Tomas said breathlessly, rolling his hips up into you. You saw stars, Tomas’ voice commanding you with ease. As soon as your core clenched tightly and spasmed around his cock, he came, spurting his thick, hot cum up into your cunt.

He groaned loudly and panted again afterwards, the spasms of your pussy milking him dry as his release oozed down his cock from your entrance. You shook and whined in his ear, struggling to control how your body trembled in Tomas’ arms. He held you closer to him and stole your incoming thoughts away with a sensual kiss.

Not even a second after said kiss, you felt Tomas’ cock harden again inside you, and he gave you a wry smile. He wasn’t done, as he had so much pent up energy from even before today. You were in for a long night. Not that you minded, you always wanted to provide for Tomas, because you’re madly in love with him— and now you know he’s madly in love with you.

© vinaxxo 2024. Do not use my works for ai, or reposting to different platforms.

[vampirzina]

could you please write something nsfw with smoke, him getting riled up because he had a dream horny about his partner and seeing her just chilling around the house is enough to get him flustered again thinking about it.. thank you!!!

☁︎‎‎‧₊˚ ┊Fog. (nsfw)

Tomas finds himself in a tough situation… A kind of fog, if you will… tomas vrbada x reader

tw: fem!reader (but only ‘you/your’ used), nsfw, mdni, established relationship, oneshot (?), dry humping

notes: good news for mk11 yearners: i have added that timelines’ raiden (previously was only fujin)! so if you have any requests about raiden, it would help to specify which, but i will always assume new era raiden. all love, and enjoy your fic anon!

masterlist

Tomas’ abstinence brought on by rigorous work gave more than just focus on the future and perfected skills as a Shirai Ryu ninja and teacher. Yet when the day was done, his head was always free to roam elsewhere. Perhaps that’s why he’s having this dream about you right now.

All the fleeting thoughts he had about you that he pushed away hadn’t been going away, like it should’ve, but settling into a damp dream. A dream where he’d get you in the sheets, and do what he’s been wanting to do to you for weeks now.

Tomas lets out a misty sigh.

Your featherlight touch that smoothed its way up his arm stop at his biceps to give them each a loving squeeze. You smile keenly from below him, “Finally… Was wondering when you’d come to me.”

“Sorry, baby. I really am. Kuai Liang and the others need me,” he’d apologize with more than just his words. Tomas’ solid want pushes further into your clothed core—it was whatever you wore to bed the night of this dream that only made him realize how badly he wanted you further… Not that this is anything you don’t usually wear. It’s you yourself, always, clothed or not, making everything infinitely more hotter.

You hum, sounding unconvinced but you know it was true. “I don’t know why you do the things you do. What made you think you could last so long without this? Remember when you came just from me sitting here?”

Tomas caught the moan in his throat as his hips bucked into your hands that touched his lap, then his inner thigh that’s dangerously close to his begging dick. You give that tender spot on him a squeeze, too. Steel eyes don’t leave your lust-squinted ones as you take in his wound up state—poor Tomas, you think. Between the two of you, only one of you knows it’s just a dream.

Still.

“Mmh—bring yourself... Like this,” you slide your hands up and across to his hips, guiding them right where you wanted them against you. “We have all night to do what you want. But fuck me like this, first.”

If that’s what you want, he’ll do it. Just as long as it’s touching you in some way, making you feed his eyes and therefore his carnal lust-ridden mind—he’ll do it. Tomas readily repositions his hands on your hips to bring you flush to him—you mewl when you feel him throb firmly there—and he pulls you secure atop of him as he takes your previous place on the pillows.

Tomas is so into this, he doesn’t realize the pictures on the wall blur or look any different than what is normally of them; or that the nightstand you use to rest the lamp on is void, yet the room is painted in a warm golden hue. He’s completely shrouded in his minds’ fog to give those constants the time of day.

Instead, he focuses on using his hands on your hips to grind you over and over his clothed crotch, as close as the universe would allow. He curses under his breath when you moan just the way he likes, unyielding and sweetly, the feeling you clench around yourself spurring him on to use you to get off.

Your sounds are impeded by Tomas’ roughness, only going octaves higher when he begins to thrust himself in sync to his guidance of your frame. Your entire body jerks with each new motion of friction. With the increasing pace of his work, Tomas can feel your wetness soak through your clothes and stain his dick through his own—he bites his lip at the sound of cloth dulling from the shared juices of your arousals.

Your hands don’t know where to go, other than his own over your hips and his chest. He was gripping so tight there, you didn’t need to ponder if you’d bruise later.

You felt him close, hearing him closer. Tomas’ could hardly breathe beyond this point. You cry out for him, and he grunts in return when he feels your pulsing orgasm. It’s almost too much for you once it wanes, and you begin to writhe in his grasp. He wanted to tell you to hold out a little longer for him, that he’s close, but something was off when you leaned down to kiss him.

He could have swore he felt the kiss a second ago…

…But it was much different when he woke. The room was a late morning’s blue, your side of the bed was finely tussled with, but it gave no clues as to where you’ve gone. Usually, you would be there to kiss his eyes awake. Instead, essentially—you left him a quiet morning in contrast to moments ago.

It took a moment to register, that you weren’t even bedside, let alone in the room at all. Tomas realizes now, by the sudden appearance of the nightstand not obscured by your beautiful frame, that it were a dream.

How embarrassing.

Tomas could only wonder if you were witness to any of that, as he’d clean himself up and promptly find different boxers to wear; those ones were only a bit stained from his dream from his rock-solid wood that he’ll have to work out later.

Tomas knew that he couldn’t go on like this, and knew that even if you were his, it was still wildly inappropriate. Perhaps he was better off just asking you, because surely you were saving yourself for that moment in real life, too, right?

Regardless.

Tomas had found where you’d gone when he ambled out of the room to see you lounging away on the couch, your attention away from the room and subsequently him coming out of it. You didn’t expect him to wake anytime soon, but alas. You finally noticed him in your peripheral, just as he passed you.

“Good morning, lazy,” you call from your spot, not looking away from whatever it was that you were doing. “You look like you’re spending your day off right. How was the sleep in?”

Tomas, unable to make simple eye contact with you now, hummed affirmatively. You would’ve taken that if you didn’t hear him exhale so loudly the way that he did.

Now you look up… He looks frustrated. Troubled. You had guessed that he would be when he woke, figuring that the small moans, red face and squirming in his sleep would do it. You could smirk to yourself, if it didn’t have the chance to give you away on what you saw in the middle of the night. Instead you remain silent.

Tomas can’t even make his food without his thoughts churning.

You were still wearing that, the same clothes in his dream. Your tone of voice, identical to the teasing one you used on him. How would you feel, if he wanted to ruin his clothes again with you? Except—no barrier for you, this time. He wanted you bent over the armchair, forget the mattress.

Thoroughly red all over again, Tomas barely catches himself staring at you—and the utensil he was grabbing—and he clumsily curses. He was lucky that you weren’t paying attention (or so he thinks). He apologizes to no-one, and sighs.

“I wasn’t sure why you were out of it all last night, but I’m glad to know it’s because of me, Tomas,” you only joke, tilting your head to the side. But the joke makes Tomas shamefully, sheepishly grin.

“Lucky for you, we have the whole day to fix that.”

@𝐕𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐀೨

info

[cocoreallylovesraiden]

lin-kuei trio x chef! reader

pre-events of the mk1 cinematic; mostly with tomas that can be seen as platonic or romantic

ooc-ish? this is just my interpretation on how it would’ve been like before things got bad for the lin kuei

1.5k

You slide the plate of food onto the wooden lazy susan, quickly warning your guests not to touch the plate. Almost immediately, Kuai Liang decides to place his fingers on the plate’s underside.

You step back, unimpressed.

“With all due respect, Kuai Liang. Seriously?”

“You call this hot?”

Kuai Liang’s good-natured smile is useless against you, because yes, you call this hot; you had to carry it the entire way from the kitchen yourself because the Lin Kuei eat with in absolute privacy, and you also did not have FIRE POWERS. So yes, it was hot. You pointedly place one of two bowls of rice you brought before Tomas, who gleefully rubs his chopsticks together.

“Cease your antics, brother.” Kuai Liang chuckles at Bi Han’s almost embarrassed seething.

“Thank you, Bi Han. You get rice.”

The second bowl is (gingerly) placed before him. You would slam it down too for effect, but you would rather not be frozen alive for having bad manners with the new Grandmaster Of The Lin Kuei.

You internally roll your eyes at the title. Whatever, Bi Han was Bi Han at the end of the day. The brothers had come to the teahouse enough times for you to know that if you gave him food, he would be grateful and shut up to eat it- unless he was on another-

Bi Han pushes the bowl to Kuai Liang with a small motion before picking up his chopsticks.

“You’re on another diet.” You exclaim.

Kuai Liang accepts the bowl with a sigh, likely sharing the same sentiment. Tomas takes a morsel of the stir fry and hurriedly shoves it in his mouth to share his piece, but the food is too hot, and he makes a show of cooling his mouth. Bi Han’ sigh mirrors Kuai Liang’s prior one.

These brothers. It was like a chain reaction, where each one of them were disappointed in each other’s behaviour.

“The Grandmaster needs to be in tip-top shape to fit his grandmaster uniform.” Tomas chides. “So that his arms look good in- ACK!”

His statement is cut off by a small mound of rice being shoved into his mouth, courtesy of Kuai Liang. Whatever he meant to say was replaced by yelps of “Hot!” and whining. He eventually turns to you with an expectant look, like he was hoping you would come to his defence.

You shrug. What were you supposed to do? Scold a ninja-extraordinaire for lovingly feeding his brother? No, seriously. Your relationship with these people was extremely conditional, and there was no doubt they would put you in your place if you ever tried to boss them around.

Except Tomas. There was some leeway bossing Tomas around.

“Is there anything you want to eat today- not you Tomas.” You physically push away the cheeky man’s face to maintain your eye contact with Bi Han. “Since you three cleared out the place, my treat.”

Bi Han looked at his empty plate for a moment, as if he suddenly had forgotten every meal he’s ever enjoyed. You kissed your teeth, immediately understanding. You yourself were the oldest child, so you knew how it felt to suddenly be asked what you specifically wanted. Either that, or if he was considering cheating on his diet just to eat your fried pork.

“The sweet pork. That you made last time.”

Yeah, okay. It just was never as emotionally complicated as you expected it to be with him. Well, it was terribly flattering that he’d take up the precious calories to eat what you cooked- though it did make you question Bi Han’s resolve; you had never seen him in battle, so you couldn’t gauge his self-control other than him crumbling at the promise of your cooking.

Either way, you gave him a thumbs up and an appreciative grimace.

“Right away, boss.”

You scuttle back into the teahouse kitchen, where you thankfully had all the ingredients available. Thank God, there was no emergency calling Kung Lao for the delivery of flour or vinegar. What would that phone call sound like, even?

Hey bestie! Hope you’re not too busy harvesting cabbages because I need you to bring me a cup of sugar to make a meal for the grandmaster of an organised family! Yeah Grandmaster! Yeah, ‘family’! Hope to hear back from you soon!

Just as you’d gotten the oil up and frying, the jammed kitchen door tries to open with a groan. You settle the breaded pork into the ladle, throwing it into the bubbling oil with a satisfying sizzle. The door tries to open again, and it gets a little further before inevitably getting stuck once more.

You roll your eyes. With a single outstretched kick, you manage to send the damp wooden door to swing open like it was brand new, leaving Tomas standing there like a kid caught with his hand in the jam pots.

“Maybe we should recruit you into the Lin Kuei.” The silver-haired man allows himself into your kitchen, carefully side-stepping a hemp sack of flour then once again to avoid a crate of bok choy that toppled earlier in the day.

The kitchen was messy, but when there’s only one person to handle a mountain of orders you learn to improvise. It was a strategic layout that only you needed to understand.

“Nice of you to let yourself into my kitchen.”

“Thought I’d keep you company.” A lie. He just wanted to spend some time away from Kuai Liang and Bi Han, an understandable sentiment. The three of them probably spent too much time together leading the Lin Kuei, and Bi Han was insufferably stuffy to share meals with.

You whisked vinegar and sugar in a bowl, but arms worked in autopilot as you stared at Tomas making himself comfortable on the stool near you cooking station. It was comical, watching the tall man fold himself like origami paper to fit perfectly on such a small surface, tucking his knees to his chest and peering up at you like a child.

This stool wasn’t just any old chair, though. After a couple years, people like Tomas and Kung Lao had turned it into the taste tester’s throne since it was convenient for You to just raise your arm and feed them little bits.

As much as you wanted to be a stronger woman, his grey eyes and boyish smile did make your heart clench. He looked so much like San Bing, the stray dog that you fed in the village- they even begged for scraps the same way.

“You do the same thing as Kung Lao.” Tomas huffed at the comparison, resting his chin on the nearby counter’s greasy surface and blinking with his light glittery eyes.

“But cuter, right?”

You balked, almost letting missing your ladle’s handle and gripping scalding metal in shock. How ridiculous did this man get? At his grown age, acting cute just to gain you favour, all in the name for some bits and pieces? Seriously, if these were the values that the Lin Kuei taught, the world was in grave danger.

A tender piece of pork is pulled out the oil and dipped in the sauce, and then shoved in front of Tomas’ face in the effort to stop him from continuing whatever it was he was doing.

“Do that again, and I will ban you from coming in every again.” You gravely state, and it’s funny how quickly Tomas straightens his posture and nods. “Be careful, it’s hot.”

Tomas is also remarkably like San Bing with how he snatches the food into his mouth, chewing loudly in attempt to cool the food down as he eats it. You continue to fix up the rest of the portion while Tomas watches you, sitting obediently on the stool.

Once it’s on a medium-sized dish, Tomas beats you to picking it up.

“This isn’t just for you, greedy.”

“But the plates are hot, right? I’ll bring it over, don’t worry.”

Tomas smiles, nose wrinkling in a way that makes you want to pinch him. You thank him with a pat on the shoulder and helps him open the kitchen door and watch him walk over to his table. You then pretend not to see him slam the dish onto the table and frantically rub his probably burning fingers on Bi Han’s cold arms.

You bite back the growing grin on your face.

As much as you would’ve liked to hang around the three as they ate their meal, you still had an entire kitchen to clean (to the best of your ability) before the teahouse opened again for the dinner rush. You settle for occasionally peeking at the solely occupied table through the kitchen pick-up area, wholeheartedly laughing when Kuai Liang gives you a thumbs up after taking a bite of the pork. Bi Han gives you a nod, which you assume is as close to kissing him on the mouth as it gets. 

Just as you focus fully on preparing your produce, you miss Tomas waving his chopsticks in the air, but hear him enthusiastically call out your name. This time, you let yourself smile fully as you chop away at some carrots.

[coolpizzazonkplaid]

La heredera del Infierno

El pueblo y el restaurante

La niña de cuatro años vio dos cuerpos en el suelo y la sangre cubriendo todo el suelo manchándole las pantuflas. No supo cómo después llegó a la comisaría e intentaban sacarle respuestas a algo que ella no sabía. Luego la llevaron a un edificio donde un señor la dejó en una habitación repleta de otros niños.

Todos ellos la miraban con ojos curiosos a la nueva del hogar, pero al darse cuenta que era un horario muy tarde prefirieron volver a sus pacíficos sueños. La pequeña lloró toda la noche preguntando por sus padres, pero ningún adulto le dio respuestas. Después de tanto llorar durmió, creyendo que fue solo una pesadilla, esperando a que sus padres estuvieran entre los vivos… no fue un sueño, sino una realidad.

Paso un tiempo y la niña creció apartándose de los demás pequeños que eran crueles con ella por tener los ojos de diferentes color. Se ocultó en las sombras, sumergiéndose en los libros y pocos peluches que conservaba como consuelo tras la pérdida de sus padres.

Fue un día cualquiera, cuando una niña pelirroja de ojos cafés comenzó a hablarle y la pequeña de ojos heterocromáticos le siguió la conversación desconfiada. Quizás era una trampa para que los demás niños se burlaran de sus gustos o sus penas, pero la pequeña de cabello rojo pareció no ser de los que menospreciaban el aspecto físico de las personas.

–Sos muy divertida y agradable ¿Cómo te llamas? –la niña pelirroja se acercó al rostro de la otra– ¡Que ojos tan fantásticos! ¿Uno puede descifrar la verdad o tiene algún superpoder?

–Me llamo Adelina Acosta –dijo con cierta desconfianza y la cara de la pequeña se ocultó detrás del libro– y ninguno de mis ojos tiene poderes, simplemente son así por nacimiento.

–Oh... que mal –el tono de la niña pelirroja de desilusión cambió drásticamente– Soy Daniela Ramoter ¿Qué estas leyendo? Amo leer.

Adelina despertó con el suave sonido del agua, la cabeza dándole vueltas y el lado derecho de su cuerpo agonizando. El río por el que había caído, la arrastró hacia una pequeña orilla repleta pasto y rocas molestas. Se arrastró hacia la orilla con el peso de su mochila repleta de agua y objetos como si fueran rocas y por el cansancio la quitó de su espalda.

El alivio y el mareo la inundaron. Las náuseas no tardaron en aparecer y Adelina buscó un árbol donde vomitó todo lo que su estómago no pudo digerir. No se había percatado de que su pierna y vientre le dolían hasta después de sacar todo.

Volvió con paso adolorido hacia donde estaba la mochila y tomó los primeros auxilios. Se despojó de todo el equipo de invierno, el calor la estaba asfixiando. Observó el lado derecho de su cuerpo percatándose de la sangre que emanaba y recordó lo que la daga le había hecho. Tatuajes. Todo su brazo y una parte de su abdomen estaba tatuado con la anatomía del esqueleto. Luego miró su pierna y vientre malheridos, el líquido carmesí comenzaba a generarle costras en la piel. Con delicadeza limpió la sangre seca para después ponerles alcohol y cubrió con gazas tanto las heridas de su combate como las del tatuaje. Las heridas necesitaban ser tratadas rápidamente.

De pronto, otro pensamiento la invadió. La investigación. Con pánico buscó la grabadora y la cámara. Los objetos se encontraron en un buen estado por las bolsas de plástico que Adelina siempre llevaba para proteger sus pertenencias. Buscó el mapa que había hallado en las ruinas y para su alivio no mostraba signos de daño. Por último y con temor, buscó la daga nórdica, pero esta vez usó los guantes de invierno para evitar alguna herida por culpa del arma. Al sentir que sus dedos tocaron el objeto maldito, el alivio y el terror la invadieron. Miedo a esa arma extraña y lo que le había hecho.

Necesitaba cuanto antes llegar a un poblado y contactar con Mariano. El mareo por las alucinaciones y las heridas comenzaban a cobrarle factura a Adelina, al igual que el cansancio por la lucha con el tal Smoke y su caída por la cascada.

Rápidamente tomo sus pertenencias y avanzó río abajo con la esperanza de encontrar un poblado en medio de bosques y colina. La caminata fue lenta, su pierna y vientre apuñalados hicieron que la chica rengueara y le dificulpaba aún más las rocas esparcidas y camufladas en la hierba. Sus extremidades comenzaron a pesarle después de tanto caminar y era casi de noche cuando vio humo a lo lejos.

Adelina siguió avanzando esperanzada y al poco tiempo llegó a una aldea pequeña y pacífica. Campesinos preparándose para descansar y otros dirigiéndose a un restaurante, algunos animales parados en la puerta expectantes en la puerta del local. El barullo del lugar y el olor a comida atrajo a Adelina. No comió nada durante mucho tiempo y su estómago rugió ante el olor de la carne y las especias.

Al lado del establecimiento había una posadera en la que se acercó. Hubo algunos curiosos que la miraron, otros ni se percataron de una chica extrajera, desaliñada, golpeada, mojada de pies a cabeza y rengueando. Entró a la posadera y esperó a que alguien la atendiera. Apareció el dueño y la miró con mala cara.

–No aceptamos vagabundos.

–No lo soy –dijo Adelina y puso una buena cara–. Me perdí de mi grupo de escalada y acabé aquí por accidente.

El hombre siguió juzgándola con su mirada. Parecía no creerle por todos los vendajes que tenía en su cuerpo y su rostro con moretones.

– ¿Y las heridas?

–Caí por una colina de los alrededores, fue como caer de una cascada en medio de una montaña.

Adelina sacó su mejor sonrisa inocente y buscó en su mochila algo de efectivo para darle al hombre. Le dio a la chica una llave con el número de su habitación y la muchacha pidió amablemente si podría darle algunas gazas y medicamentos para las heridas. El hombre prometió entregárselo en cuanto estuviera en sus aposentos.

Adelina caminó a la habitación y cerró la puerta. Una vez dentro, toda la adrenalina se esfumó y sus piernas se convirtieron en plomo, pero antes tenía que tratar con mayor cuidado todo su lado derecho, pierna y vientre. El tatuaje le dolía a horrores y sentía que su brazo dejó de funcionar.

Soltó la mochila con un sonido sordo en el suelo, tuvo el impulso de tirarse al colchón para no despertar jamás y olvidar a los Lin Kuei y los sueños macabros. Pasaron unos minutos en los que Adelina desempacó todas sus pertenencias cuando tocaron la puerta, el posadero le había traído los materiales. Tras un gracias y otra mirada juzgona del hombre, la muchacha se dirigió al baño para quitarse la suciedad.

El agua caliente hizo que los músculos adoloridos de la joven se relajaran y a la vez le provocaron molestias en las heridas abiertas. Se mojó el cabello negro sucio de tierra y pasó jabón por todo su cuerpo, masajeándose las áreas que más le dolían. Luego quitó las costras de las heridas y los tatuajes y salió de la ducha más relajada. El cabello de Adelina comenzó a ondularse tras cepillarlo, mientras sus ojos heterocromáticos reflejaban su cuerpo magullado en el pequeño espejo. Se puso ropa limpia para ocultar los vendajes nuevos, lamentándose no poder cubrir los raspones y moretones hechos en el rostro y salió a comer.

El olor a comida le invadió las fosas nasales y se le hizo agua a la boca ante diversos platos humeantes de carne, fideos y verduras. Gente sentada en todos lados hablando y riendo sin parar, también bebían como si no hubiera un mañana. La chica se sentó en una mesa para uno y tuvo algunas miradas entre la multitud. Esperó a que una camarera la atendiera y en ese instante apareció una anciana con un rodete en su cabello canoso entregándole el menú con una mirada curiosa al ver los golpes del rostro de la joven. Lo aceptó con gusto e intentó leer la carta, le costó un poco ya que todavía le dificultaba el chino. Acabó pidiendo costillas agridulces y arroz tres delicias.

En un momento, la anciana recibió a dos muchachos con sombreros y por el modo en el que les hablaba quizás fuera su madre o tía, les preparó una mesa y el dúo se acomodó. La señora se alejó, Adelina esperó pacientemente y para matar el tiempo divagó sobre la daga nórdica y el por qué había runas nórdicas en un monasterio chino. No se había percatado de que la anciana llegó con su cena y luego de disculparse y sacar el cuaderno, Adelina devoró la comida.

El sabor a carne de cerdo y el arroz se apropiaron de su paladar y no pudo haberse sentido más feliz. El hambre la estaba volviendo loca, no había comido desde que se fue de Buenos Aires ni cuando llegó a las montañas y su estómago había estado rugiendo desde su caída de las cataratas. Después de dejar limpio los platos quiso pedirse una segunda ronda, pero prefirió cuidar lo poco del dinero que tenía. Adelina pidió la cuenta y tras pagarle a la señora y darle las gracias regresó a la posada, ocultándose en su habitación.

En las cuatro paredes, quitó de las bolsas de plástico ya casi secas a la radio. Se hallaba seca y sin ningún tipo de problemas y eso alivió bastante a Adelina. Tenía más posibilidades de comunicarse con Mariano y que la pudiera buscar lo antes posible.

Buscó la frecuencia correcta para ver si su amigo recibía la señal y tras varios minutos parecía que había encontrado la indicada. Hubo un poco de interferencia, pero esperaba que no le fuera problema para su llamada.

–¿Mariano? ¿Estás ahí? –se escuchó interferencia–. ¿Mariano? Soy Adelina, necesito que me pases a buscar.

Una vez más los ruidos de la radio se apropiaron del cuarto de la joven. Siguió probando varias veces más hasta frustarse. No sabía en que parte de China se encontraba concretamente y necesitaba volver cuanto antes a Buenos Aires.

–¿Adelina? –La voz de Mariano adormilada se escuchó en la radio.

La alegría se apoderó de la joven y con una sonrisa le contestó.

–Mariano, soy yo. Ade. –la chica no supo cuántas emociones la invadieron–. ¿Cuántos días hace que me fui? ¿Podes ubicarme?

–¿Tenes idea de la hora que es?

–Sinceramente no.

–Las ocho de la mañana de un domingo.

La risa de la muchacha salió repentinamente. Mariano odiaba que lo despertaran temprano a menos que él lo quisiera.

–Aquí es de noche deben ser las nueve o diez creo.

–¿Qué querés de mí a las ocho de la mañana de un domingo? Un puto domingo me tenías que despertar.

–Quiero que me pases a buscar lo más rápido que puedas.

–¿Me estas jodiendo verdad? –dijo el chico indignado.

–Nop. –Adelina tomó una pequeña exhalación–. Descubrí cosas bastantes fuertes en Arctika y casi me mata un boludo con barbijo.

–¿Barbijo?

–No miento.

–Está bien, pero no me voy a levantar ahora mismo –Mariano comenzó a bostezar mientras hablaba–. Tengo sueño así que calcúlate que en unas horitas me voy a despertar y prepararme para ir al hangar.

–Me sirve para que yo duerma.

–Pásame tus coordenadas que ya veo que puedo hacer por vos.

La chica buscó entre sus cosas un pequeño GPS que compartía con Mariano en caso de emergencias como la que estaba ahora. Activó el aparato y esperó una respuesta.

–Perfecto, ya lo recibí. Anda para el sur que ahí tengo un conocido que te puede hospedar hasta que yo vaya para China. –Volvió a soltar otro bostezo– Es como media hora en caminata.

–No hay problema. Después de que haya dormido voy para ver a tu amigo. Quiero que también traigas primeros auxilios y todo lo que tengas de medicina.

–¿Para qué necesitas eso?

–Porque me pelee con el boludo del barbijo y me lastimó. Por eso. –antes de cortar recordó a su amiga–. Ah, quiero que también le avises a Dan-Dan de cómo me encuentro.

–Está bien ¿Algo más?

–No, nada más por el momento.

Se despidieron y apagó la radio. El cansancio tomó su cuerpo y los párpados se volvieron peso muerto, tratando de llevarla al mundo de los sueños. Una vez que Adelina sacó sus pertenencias de la cama, se dejó absorber por el colchón y envolverse en las cálidas sábanas. Se durmió sin dar demasiadas vueltas.

–¡DESPIERTA CARAJO! –La voz estruendosa de Mariano en la radio azotó los oídos de Adelina.

La chica con un gemido angustioso sacó la mano de las profundidades de las sábanas. Buscó a ciegas en la mesita hasta dar con la radio. Con dificultad intentó buscar el botón para iniciar la conversación hasta que pudo dar con este.

–¿Qué? –Su voz quedó amortiguada por el sueño.

–Ya estoy despierto y acá son cerca de las doce del mediodía –hubo un poco de interferencia–. Entre terminar el almuerzo e ir al hangar sería una hora. Agrégale las once o doce horas que tengo que hacer de viaje.

–Está bien ¿qué hay con eso?

–Era venganza por despertarme a las ocho y media de la mañana de un domingo.

–Morite.

–Y que cuando esté pasando por Europa te voy avisando que vayas a lo de mi conocido.

–Está bien –un bostezó la invadió momentáneamente–. ¿Ya puedo irme a dormir?

–Sip.

Adelina tiró su cabeza hacia la almohada con la radio aún en su pecho. El sueño volvió a tomar su cuerpo y continuó durmiendo hasta que la luz del sol invadió las ventanas y el barullo de la calle se hizo fuerte. Levantarse le fue una tortura, los músculos le dolían con cada movimiento que hacía.

Una vez fuera de la cama, sin pensar en lo que hacía, sus dedos hallaron la daga nórdica. El arma estaba envuelta en un trapo atado a una goma de plástico. Los tatuajes aún le dolían cuando recordaba lo que el arma le hizo.

La desenvolvió con cuidado y pánico a que esa cosa volviera hacerle un daño, pero tras sacarle el trapo y el arma tocara sus dedos nada ocurrió. Era un hermoso artefacto a ojos de la muchacha, pero peligroso. El mango repleto de pequeñas costillas y el cráneo en la punta. Sacó la daga de la funda usando el trapo y observó la hoja afilada. No había perdido filo con el pasar de los años, y podía verse el reflejo de la joven como si fuera un espejo. Mientras estudiaba la hoja con cuidado, su ojo derecho destelló de un verde como su iris y detrás suyo los muertos miraron fijamente a Adelina. Todos acercándose, rugiendo y lamentándose. Sus gritos los pudo escuchar como si estuviera en la cueva de la montaña otra vez.

Se dio la vuelta. Nada. Ningún muerto agonizante ni colérico.

Pero sí que escuchó los gritos y aún los escuchaba pasado los minutos como una melodía estruendosa que se negaba a marcharse de los oídos de Adelina.

Asustada y confundida, guardó todo y salió de la posada caminando hacia el restaurante. Vio a muchos clientes marchar hacia sus trabajos en el campo, supuso Adelina y había pocos todavía desayunando. La joven se sentó en el mismo lugar de la noche anterior y esperó a que alguien la atendiera.

Mesas esparcidas por los dos pisos, en las que algunas todavía había tazas de té a medio terminar. Algunos carteles desperdigados en las columnas. Pilas de tazas, platos y cubiertos sin usar. Linternas apagadas y colgadas por todo el local. Un establecimiento encantador y pacífico.

La anciana de anoche una vez más atendió a Adelina y le entregó la carta. Acabó pidiéndose un té Oolong con galletitas de almendra y mientras esperaba su bebida caliente, vio a los dos supuestos hijos de la señora acercándose a ella. Adelina pudo escuchar un poco de su conversación, no había mucho que hacer por el sitio así que ser una chismosa no estaba descartado.

–Vamos Kung Lao. Deja de comer tenemos que ir a cosechar –el rechinar de la silla chocando con la madera–. Podrás seguir comiendo en la noche con la cena que hace la señora Bo.

–Dame un segundo Raiden –habló el chico mientras masticaba–. Tengo hambre.

–Siempre tienes hambre y eso nos impide hacer más trabajo.

Adelina apenas vio a esos dos jóvenes de casi su misma edad marchándose a las corridas, sin antes mirar a la muchacha con curiosidad y perdiéndose en la multitud del pueblo. La anciana, por lo que escuchó llamada Bo, le dio su pedido y con una sonrisa empezó a beber. El agua caliente pasó por su garganta y la satisfacción de un buen desayuno hizo feliz a la joven. Después del primer sorbo tomó una galletita y la masticó. La sensación de las almendras abrazó su paladar, pero ese pequeño placer se esfumó.

–Adelina.

La voz de Mariano interrumpió la paz de la joven.

–¿Qué?

–Estoy pasando Europa. Te recomendaría que vayas preparándote para irte a lo de mi conocido.

En la radio se escuchaba el estruendoso motor de la avioneta y las interferencias, pero a pesar de eso pudo entender el mensaje de su amigo.

–Perfecto, ya termino mi té.

–¿Me compras uno? –La voz del muchacho se tornó expectante.

–No.

Cortó la llamada de la radio y se apresuró a beber el té. Guardó las galletitas en su bolsillo y después le pagó a la anciana. Antes de marcharse del restaurante, le preguntó la dirección del sur y tras indicarle la joven salió del sitio.

Ya era casi media mañana cuando salió del pueblo. Atravesando los campos de cultivo con la luz del sol en su punto más alto, no hizo un calor tan agobiante para sorpresa de Adelina, mientras veía cómo el pueblo se volvía más diminuto hasta desaparecer. La caminata duró hasta que fue pasada la hora del almuerzo y pudo dar con una pequeña cabaña en la que un hombre observaba en la dirección de la joven.

–¿Adelina Acosta?

–Depende de quién la busca.

–Soy el amigo de Mariano –el hombre mostró una sonrisa amistosa–. Me dijo que te esperara y hasta me contó de que te enfrentaste a alguien con barbijo y que por eso aparecerías con varios golpes. Ese imbécil no se equivocó en lo que decía.

Eso sorprendió mucho a la joven.

–Que encantador que Mariano haya contado eso.

–Sí, parece un niño en el cuerpo de un adulto.

–Lo sé.

El hombre le permitió entrar a la residencia para esperar a Mariano. Un ambiente pequeño y humilde. Una mesa de madera en la que había un plato, vaso y un par de cubiertos. En frente, un cuarto con una cama desarreglada. Algunas sillas desperdigadas fuera de su sitio.

La muchacha se sentó y soltó un suspiro de alivio. La camina la cansó bastante y necesitaba cuánto antes un gran vaso de agua. El hombre le otorgó la bebida y la tomó tan rápido como se la dio.

Después de entablar una buena conversación con el amigo de Mariano, la muchacha comenzó a escuchar el sonido de un motor a lo lejos. Sintió que estaba más cerca de casa.

[lilacliquors]

pairing: smoke x reader

sweet or spicy: sweet

word count: 866

prompt: [ QUIET ]: on a cozy night in with the receiver, as they curl up together on the sofa/in bed, the sender says “i love you” to them. - smoke x reader

notes: hi all! here's day three, and it's a cute little fluff piece! i really enjoyed writing this once, because i love writing fluff / slice of life. it's always a good time. get ready for a smutty piece tomorrow!

it wasn’t often tomas got a break from his duties as a member of the shirai ryu, but when he did, he always took the time to spoil you. you were his whole world, and he wanted to make sure you knew that, especially on his busiest days. 

you came down from your shared bedroom when the smell of a home cooked meal drifted upstairs. you peeked into the kitchen, and tomas was setting a few dishes onto the table, and he looked up to catch your eye.

“i was just about to call you down, good timing,” he said, walking over to kiss your forehead.

“i try. it just smelled so good. you really didn’t have to do all of this,” you reminded him, but he simply smiled.

“i wanted to. now, come and sit. don’t want you missing out on a warm meal. you’ve been working hard all day, and i haven’t gotten a chance to see you,” he murmured, guiding you to your normal seat. you chuckled and allowed him to settle you down in your chair, and he was quick to join you at the table. he’d made your favorite comfort meal, and it smelled divine. you knew he could cook, but it had been so long since he had, you’d forgotten how impressive it was. he fixed your plate for you, and he’d even poured you a glass of wine. it was a nice scene, the two of you sharing a calm dinner together. you honestly couldn’t remember the last time you’d really just sat down and enjoyed each other’s company, you just knew that you missed it dearly.

“so, did you do anything exciting today?” you asked, sipping your wine slowly.

“me personally? not really. but you’ll be happy to hear hanzo is making excellent progress. maybe you could come down and see him tomorrow? he’s been asking to show you his skills,” tomas said, and you nodded with a smile.

“i’d love to. i’ve missed the little rascal, and i think it’s sweet he’s asking for me,” you replied.

“of course. you know how much he values your praise. if i didn’t know any better, i’d say he saw you as some kind of older sibling or parental figure,” he said, reaching to give your hand a squeeze. you smiled and ate a bit more of your food, enjoying the warmth of the atmosphere. it was nice to just sit down and talk with your lover. you cherished the moments of the mundane, and you silently found yourself hoping that more of them would come your way.

after dinner, tomas had taken dish duty despite your protests. he argued that it was still his night to spoil you. so, you remained in the kitchen, sitting on the counter with your wine glass in hand, continuing to talk to him about your days. it was a sight that he enjoyed, seeing you relaxed and enjoying yourself. once he was finished, you slid off of the counter, and you leaned up to kiss his cheek.

“okay, we’re swapping. go and sit, and put on a movie for us,” you said, poking his chest.

“no, you go and sit,” he tried to argue, but you stood firm.

“not a chance. you go and sit, i’m gonna make some popcorn. besides, you have better movie taste than me. do it for me, please?” you asked, giving him your best puppy dog pout. not even he was immune to the pout, and with an exaggerated sigh, he again kissed your forehead (his favorite spot), and disappeared into the living room. you heard your tv turn on, and you set to making a bowl of popcorn for the two of you to share. out of the corner of your eye, you saw the living room lights dim, and you could hear him moving around. whatever he was doing was drowned out by the sound of popping, but when you made it back out to him with the bowl full, you found that he had created the perfect cuddling spot. there were pillows and blankets tucked carefully around to create a sort of burrow for you two, and he opened his arms for you to join him. you laughed softly and walked over, handing him the bowl before settling in beside him, snuggling up in his arms. the bowl of popcorn was resting comfortably between you, and you let your head rest on his chest. he played the movie, and just before it started, he felt you shuffle around in his arms.

“i love you,” you murmured, and you felt his lips on the top of your head.

“i love you, too. even if i can’t be with you as often as i’d like to,” he whispered back, and you could hear the sadness in his voice.

“i know,” you replied. “but the time apart makes these moments all the more special. at least, that’s what i think.”

“and i think you might be right. but i promise these won’t be as scarce anymore. on my honor.”

“i believe you. and that’s why i love you as much as i do.”

“and i love you more.”

[thetriplemoongoddess89]

A continuation of my last chapter. Dark Smoke has made himself known. What's he up to? Happy reading!

Only direct female descendants of the moon could wield such power. Sakura was that descendant.

It was no wonder Shang Tsung and Quan Chi had wanted her so badly. Her soul could easily do the work of millions. Merging timelines would have been a cinch if they had succeeded in taking her soul.