#mk writes stuff

[zackprincebooks]

Hi Zack! Can you tell me about your favourite monster design?

@mk-writes-stuff

A good monster needs to have something on the head. Horns, antlers, a crown, a halo...

Wings are a bonus, especially if they're not bird or bat wings. Some sort of insect wings, thin and crystalline like dragonflies.

And TEETH! I love my monsters with teeth, especially multiple rows of them.

If we're talking about the more intimate details of monsters, I really love flared or tapered cocks--something that's built to stretch and fit snugly.

[sammy8d257]

On a routine trip to the castle in the End, MT contemplates murder.

-( | )-

[Tumblr Ver.] || [Ao3 Ver.]

[AvM Mad King AU Masterpost]

alsdkjljdsg, it's been over a year since this oneshot got posted to Tumblr

And it's just now getting posted to Ao3

Good Lord why am I so bad at posting fics alskjdglsgs

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this new cover art!

[ukit4m4]

★┆ “Bi-Han is definitely the type of guys that doesn't go only for 1 round.“

FEM READER / HUSBAND!BIHAN / NOT A REQUEST

- Warning(s) : full NSFW short fic, multiple rounds, a bit of struggling, br33ding for a couple times, SLOWBURN NSFW, fingering. THIS ISN'T R///PE. HIS WIFE IS JUST ULTRA SENSITIVE PLZ DON'T CANCEL ME GRAHHH🙏🏻🙏🏻

- Writer's note : I'm having so much husband!bihan brainrot bare with me also it's my first time writing a long fic so erm yea ignore typos. reblogs are very appreciated!!! Core means the thing between your legs. your welcome.

Bi-Han enters their shared room, noticing that his wife isn't in there, and the bathroom's water running. She's probably taking her usual random night shower. Bi-Han sighs, and goes to takes his gears off. He'd place them on the table, and his wife walks out of the bathroom, a bit startled of his presence.

"Oh, Bi-Han. You're home early," She says. Bi-Han didn't meet her gaze, already knowing she's only covered in her shower towel. "Hn," Bi-Han huffs, and took off his uniform, revealing his under dark blue shirt. His wife shrugs, already used to his dismissal. She then goes to her closet to pick a pajama.

Bi-Han looks into his mirror, which shows a reflection of himself and his wife, behind him, at her closet, searching for an outfit. His jaw clenched, seeing how the towel wraps around her small waist. Her hair is slightly damp, probably because she took some time drying it in the bathroom. Bi-Han could feel the painful stiffness against his pants' fabric.

Bi-Han then turns around, walking up to his wife. "Y/N." He called out. His wife turns around. "Huh?" Bi-Han then reach out, turning her around and straight up kissing her. His wife's eyes widened, not used to this.. kind of gesture. Bi-Han deepened the kiss, one of his hand on her waist, another on her hip.

Bi-Han then breaks the kiss, trailing his lips to her neck, a sensitive spot, that is. His wife whimpers lowly, hand rested on his back. "Wha-" She was about to ask a question when Bi-Han cuts it off. "No questions. I just want you for the night, wife." Bi-Han says sternly.

With a swift motion, Bi-Han would take off the towel off his wife's body, revealing her whole body for his eyes only. "Relax," Bi-Han says, noticing her squirms. She's probably nervous. "I am." She replied. Bi-Han kissed her again, pressing his body against her so that she could feel his hardness.

His hand from her waist leaves the spot, then trails down to her core. He then started to rub her clit surprisingly gently. She gasps, squirming even more. "B- Bi-Han-" She mumble, while one of his finger made it's way inside her slowly. "Sshhh,.." Bi-Han coo, his eyes focused on her core.

His finger that's inside his wife is cold, making her squirms even more against the wall. He then starts stroking her walls, making her whimper softly. His hand on her hip moves, pushing her head gently to his chest so that her whimper is slightly muffled. Her back arches, and he added another finger. His pace fastens, making her melt into him.

"Let it go. Cum for me," He commanded. After a few hard and fast thrust, the damp broke, and she reached her climax, shuddering slightly. Bi-Han's fingers slowed, but didn't stop. After he prolongs her climax as long as possible, he finally stops and slowly pulls out. He pulled his wife away, and kissed her deeply. "Good girl." He murmurs against her lip.

Suddenly, Bi-Han picked her up, and brought her to the bed. He placed her head against the pillow, and he looms above her. "You're mine, and I'll take you anytime and anywhere I want too," Bi-Han whispers against her ears as he continues kissing her jaw and his hands roams around her body. Bi-Han then unzips his pants, pulling it off. He then pulls his shirt off.

Oh shit, he's big. Her wife let out a half-whimper half gasp, squirming in place. "What?" Bi-Han raised an eyebrow, positioning himself between her legs. "W- Will it even fit..?" His wife asked nervously. Bi-Han groans lowly, kissing the crook of her neck. "Of course it will. I'll make it fit," He smirks against her skin. He leaned forward, kissing her once again as he eased himself inside her slowly.

She gasp into the kiss, and his tip gave her cervix a little kiss. Her legs jolts. Bi-Han breaks the kiss. "You're alright." It's not a question, but a statement. He then starts moving. Her legs are pulled over by his hands, making it easier for him to thrust into her. "A- Ahn.. sl- slow down, Bi- Bi-Han-.." She pleaded between moans. He heard it, but instead, his pace quickens.

To add more flavors, his head leans down, catching one of her nipple into his mouth. His tounge would swirl around it, making her gasp and shudders even more. He left the nipple with a pop, quickening his pace once again. "You're mine, aren't you? I'll make you really really mine tonight," He'd murmur, she reached her climax once again, and her walls clinches around him.

He smirked when he felt and heard her gasp, his climax following behind too. Finally, he'd bury himself deep inside her, grinding against her as he let himself go deep into her. She could feel the warmness(?) inside her. She pants, thinking that Bi-Han is already satisfied. She already hit climax twice, so her core is really sensitive.

Bi-Han's breath also turns slightly ragged, and he also seems flustered. But, he made no move of pulling out. "You're mine now. There's a piece of me inside you, forever." Bi-Han says. He then kissed her, suddenly starts to move again. His wife gasps into the kiss, her legs jolting slightly. She squirms, back arching and all. "Relax." He commands.

"Ng- Ngh..~ Bi- Bi-Han- I can't-.." She mumble against his lips. Bi-Han pulled away, but didn't stop. "Yes, you can." He says, quickening his pace. His finger then goes to one of her nipple again, pinching and playing with it surprisingly gently. His wife moaned sweetly, music to his ears. She felt so good, too good. Oh, god. She never thought her possesive, cold and arrogant husband could make her feel like this.

"I- I'm— cumming..!" She moaned. "Go on." Bi-Han replied. His fingers left her nipple, then goes to her clit, rubbing it again. As if adding oil to the fire, she reached her climax once again. Her insides clinches around him, and his pace quickens that ever. He then leans forward, kissing her as he came inside her again, flooding her walls. It dripped around him and into the sheets.

He broke the kiss, smirking smugly. "There you go." He says. His wife pants, face flushed than ever. "Are you alright?" He asked. She nodded. "Mhm.." He pulled out, softening already. He then rolled over to her side, and pulled her close. "Rest, then." He commanded. Her breath calms down so did she, and she nuzzles into his chest.

THE END

[pittdpeaches]

Over on Twitter, some lmk artists are participating in #lmktwt4gaza, and I figured I’d let tumblr know I’m participating as well! DM me proof of your donation to an organization/relief fund for Gaza and I’ll write you a one-shot of whatever you’d like!

Keep in mind, I am a full time student, so it’ll take time to write the one shots of course.

If anyone on tumblr would like to join in, here’s a link to the template

[pyrodolls]

SUGAR DADDY! JOHNNY CAGE X READER HCS

WARNINGS: established relationship, gender neutral reader, slight angst if you squint

SUMMARY: sfw hcs of johnny cage being a sugar daddy in your relationship

A/N: howdy y’all. guess what. i wrote this outta nowhere cuz i saw someone thirsting for a sugar daddy johnny sooooo. here we are. i love writing this goofy goober hes so silly. sorry for all my late updates these days btw. ive had this in my drafts for weeks istg.

- dating a rich dude has its perks. like being spoiled 24/7!

- johnny doesn’t have a specific love language. but if he had to have one, it would be gift giving.

- it’s not *just* because he has the financial stability to do so, but he loves showing off his knowledge of your taste by giving you gifts catered towards your interests.

- if you ever happen to dislike something he got, even if you hid your disapproval, johnny would immediately notice and replace it. only the best for his beloved!

- he probably would notice right away if you didn’t like something. you don’t show it with your face, but he can just *tell* sometimes. it’s like a gut feeling to him. spidey senses, even. sugar daddy senses.

- “johnny, there’s no need to waste your time returning it. i like it, i swear!”

- “no you don’t. but no worries, honey. i’ll be back in a jiffy! i’ll come back with an even better gift. a gift so good, it’ll change your life! trust me.”

- if you ever mention that you like something, johnny would be searching for it in every store he enters and he would spend hours looking it up online. he wouldn’t just buy *all* the stuff he sees for you, he must find only the best of the best for you.

- let’s say you mentioned that you liked ducks one time. that night before going to sleep in your shared bed, johnny would turn away from you and he’d search all over the internet for anything with ducks on it. or a giant duck plush. you would try to look over his shoulder to see what he’s searching for, but he’d childishly wiggle his finger in front of your face and say “no peeking!”

- expect large packages to show up at your door every day. johnny loves online shopping, and you’d have to pry his phone away from his fingers to stop his addiction.

- 90% of the packages aren’t even for him. most of it is for you. clothes he thinks would look great on you and show off your body, accessories you showed the slightest bit of interest in, or cds/vinyl of your favorite artists (some are even signed, thanks to johnny’s connections.)

- he doesn’t want you to pay him back. johnny spoils you because he loves you. he is fully aware that he doesn’t have to. it’s just his way of showing that he loves you and he can provide for you for the rest of your life, if you’d let him.

- you don’t even have to lift a single finger! let him buy you clothes and food and other necessities, he loves doing so.

- no matter how badly you wish to pay him back, johnny would not let you. he doesn’t want you to pay him back as if it’s debt. all he wants in return is your affection and validation.

- he would never admit it, but he craves validation from you all the time. he lost his ex-wife because he was so caught up in the money and fame in his life, and he doesn’t want to repeat history. if he ever accidentally overwhelmed you with his job or money, he would feel extremely guilty about it. it’s pretty much his greatest fear.

- overall, johnny loves spoiling you. you’re such a sweet and precious thing, so of course he must treat you well! you deserve the greatest luxuries he can provide, whether you asked for it or not. if you ever ask for anything, don’t feel like a brat, he wouldn’t mind! in fact, he would love to grant your wishes every time you ask for a certain gift. if not, no worries. he can learn your likes and dislikes the longer you’re together, no need to tell him what you want. he’ll figure it out.

[ishimaru-suprimacy]

Mk9 mileena and mk1 mileena :3

[aster-daydream404]

Unrelated to any of the usual things i talk or reblog about over here in my silly little corner, but as i got back into the LMK fandom bc of shadowpeach bio parent au and delve into the fanfictions because of PittedPeaches' AGAOC, i just want to say that... holy shit Red Son you and your actually dysfunctional family's dynamic DID NOT HAVE TO HIT THAT HARD IM SCREAMING IM CRYING IM SOBBING IM TEARING MY HAIR OUT IM BITING AT THE BARS OF MY ENCLOSURE!!!

[roselyn-writing]

A little vent here. So you know that NRS, mainly NRs writers ruined most of our favourite characters: Sindel, Kung Lao, and so on. But my issue here is Kung Lao, I cannot believe how they butchered his character; I like Kung Lao even though I don’t show it here. Like most of us thought that he’d be the champion in mk1 but nah. That was a major slap in the face for me.

To me, Kung Lao isn’t a punching bag nor a prideful jerk, he is more Like Yasuo from league of legends. Cool, calculated and less prideful. He is serious at times and so on, I always pictured Kung Lao like that, I mean it is the closest perfect take for Kung Lao, If you guys ask me, he shouldn’t be prideful — proud or whatever. He is like any Shaolin monk: humble.

As Yasuo is deadly with his sword and his wind techniques, Kung Lao too, with his hat and his wind manipulation. To me; Yasuo and Kung Lao are eerily similar, Yasuo was an arrogant man until he paid the price when one of the noxus soldiers killed his elders and that made him rethink his choices and his personality; Kung Lao should too, I mean his death should make the younger Kung Lao rethink his life choices and his personality. You know what I mean, Like NRS should picture his character similar to Yasuo. To me, It is the perfect character for Kung Lao.

Both are deadly warriors and their enemies feared them, What I hate the most is no one respecting Kung Lao and all belittle him due to his arrogance, pride and etc — also, he tends to get quite fiery; like what we saw in an intro with him and Sheeva, she replied: “See how easily your ego is bruised?” to me, all he needs: is letting go of his pride and arrogance Just like what Yasuo did and look at what that had got him: the fear of his enemies, no one dares to mess with him.

I know his downfall started long ago; in Shaolin monks game, but NRS has butchered him even more, they didn’t quite understand him. I know their writing is beyond terrible and I hope in future games they get his pictured the perfect personality for him and for all the characters too.

[mylo-space]

i wanna write more past!Shadowpeach stuff but i wanna write more Macaque and Bai He stuff but i wanna write more MK and his Many Crises stuff but i wanna write Xianglu stuff but i wanna write Dadsy and Mr. Tang stuff but i wanna write-

[lint-beetle4]

Ok so this is a three in one ask for Goldenweb (MK x Spindrax):

Headcanon for their relationship

An art request

And a short story for them: the two of them are spending another date at Pigsy’s Noodles, when MK gets startled by a spider and jumps into Spindrax’s arms and the entire Monkie crew are pointing out the irony of an arachnophobe dating a spider demon.

Yo, so doing 3 is a bit too much for me, so I stuck with art/headcanon combo!

Multi-Armed Embraces (Spindrax X MK) Headcanons

It was a strange combo to see, MK and a spider henchman

But Spindrax proved to be different, showing MK a kindness and gratitude that the other queen-less henchmen didn't bother with

Soon, she came back more and more, paying for meal diligently, actively being a part of MK's life in some way

MK, at first, wanted nothing to do with her, redemption be damned, a spider was in his house

The poor Monkie Kid was forced to serve her after Pigsy got tired of MK's constant avoidance of his fear

Tang helped with the "exposure therapy-get-to-work" combo, tricking MK various times into deliverying bowls straight into her expectant arms

Spindrax herself got quite curious of the arachnophobe's constant appearances and had plenty more courage than MK to actually start a conversation

Exposure therapy eventually turned into various visits to each other, which then turned into curiosity that led to a closeness both of them couldn't describe

It was a whirlwind of sharing information and listening to various tales that led to them falling hard for each other

If MK were to tell it, he fell in love the moment he ate shit when Spindrax was trying to pull a sick move with both of them on the bike

If Spindrax were to say, she would say the moment he saw MK's pale, pathetic face poking a stick to delivery noodles to her

[amischiefofmuses]

Been practicing playing my boy Frank, only third time playing against people rather than testing the AI (even though rn just doing quick play) and I'm pretty proud of how it's going.

[theidiotwitch]

This is something that I have been working on for a prompt in a server I am in. It became long but oh well 16k words it is.

What he cared about right now was the familiar signal of the arch, he didn’t get a clear view earlier because of the subtle bright opening of the shield but now entering the other side. He noticed it.

A fox curling itself with a sort of ball or orb in the middle, he doesn’t know why it’s familiar. Sandy nudged him politely to keep walking as the group was a few feet ahead. People were still walking or driving around the city, minding their own business as if they didn’t see the impending doom looming over their heads. Were humans always this careless?

Pigsy crossed his arms, watching everyone walking before speaking, “Jizhu- this goddess of yours..are you sure there isn’t a hidden motive to all of this? Your city seems pretty… well”

“Unfazed-“, Tang finished

“Yeah…”

Jizhu looked over at them as she walked alongside MK, “Cause they know she would keep them safe. She went above and beyond for them and others. They have faith in her. You guys should too, she just wants her people safe is all”

Sounds similar to a certain someone, thought Macaque. He continued to follow them, that's when he noticed something odd. Every corner store had at least a fox statue at their entrance, incense burning with candles and offerings. All of this gradually started to remind him of her.

The woman he abandoned all those centuries ago, the woman that loved him no matter how many times he fucked up. The woman that gave him a son, who he never met.

It had been many, many centuries since he last saw her. After being killed and revived, he wasn’t sure if the village he knew would still be there. He wouldn’t be surprised if it was slowly abandoned, given she would leave for days or months at a time to help other people. Who's to say that Daiyu found a better location for her people to live in. So, he slowly held into his own misery. It was pathetic, curling into his shadow and reminiscing, how her long brown-to-orange fade hair would be flowing. A subtle bun and two braids connecting to it and her favorite pin. The golden pin with tiny pearls, how it moved every time she took a graceful step. If she tilted her head to face him, those very pearls moved too.

How she adored it; it was cute. Macaque hid it once as a way to be petty because Daiyu was busy. But she freaked out on losing it and was very close to getting upset, so he gave it back and comforted her with soft nudges and kisses.

Her flushed smile was something he just loved. He couldn’t help it! His mate was always expressive, her fox ears and tails failed to hide her emotions, and he was very adamant to find them. They continued to walk for a few more blocks and the foxes just kept appearing.

He looked around at the new surroundings, the city was way too grand for his liking, the group aka Tang, Sandy and Pigsy was impressed. Their faces were widening with amazement. MK just looked focused while Maomao seemed unfazed, bright colors or lights were never her thing. But he was just bewildered. Macaque took note that a park in the distance had a golden fox. Who has that around?! Why have it around?! The city definitely had immense funding from somewhere or someone. Then he looked ahead and saw it.

In the distance, an beautifully designed palace; red walls surrounding the massively large property. It looked like it would go on for miles, it was similar to the Forbidden City of sorts, granted the Forbidden City is much bigger but this palace looked just the same. As they got closer, a large metal red door was in the way, closed off; the designs were of foxes and clouds. A golden hoop door handle that was out of reach except for Sandy that could probably reach it.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Jizhu looked at the door, and looked up to the side, 20 platoon guards were standing by. Then a person having a different robe than the rest, stepped out of formation.

“Lady Jizhu, a pleasure to see that you are safe. I will inform your parents at once, they were worried when this attack happened.”

“Thank you, Fuheng. However, I wish to see her. It’s important and these people will accompany me.”

The captain looked at the group before he nodded and shouted a command, slowly the large gate opened up.

Jizhu walked through while giving thanks once more, the moment they walked in they noticed a large garden off to the sides, the trees trimmed to look like foxes. The bushes have roses in full bloom, the cream color giving it a soft atmosphere to counter the bright red of the walls. The group stared at all the grander, Sandy looking at all the flowers, Mo nearly jumped in before getting caught, he meowed in protest but they kept on walking.

Until finally, they reached a large opened door with a temple in the distance. The similar color of red and lanterns adorning the area. Many eunuchs and maids bowed to Jizhu, and went back to their tasks. Jizhu then turned to the group with a determined smile as a sort of way to boost their morale. MK went to her and whispered,

“Will this… will this work?”

“Positive, she is the most benevolent person I have ever known.”

Macaque ears perked slightly at that word.

Benevolent.

Wait-

And that is all I got for today ( I have more but honestly, its ugh again 16k words-)

Decided to have this whole thing into a story and @marcu-bug is my victim of their characters coming into the world of pain and utter suffering

[cienie-isengardu]

MK1 fanfiction

EDIT: now all chapters will be collected under the title of Cracked mirror of black, cold soul

No one asked for it, but as I did not get enough Bi-Han & Shang Tsung interaction, I was forced to write about them myself. The first part is at least done, we will see if I managed to finish the second. Mainly written as a character study of MK1!Shang Tsung, a bit about his relationship with Damashi, General Shao and potential partnership with Sub-Zero post story-mode.

There was a time when Shang Tsung was nothing more than just a pitiful loser clinging to an even more pathetic life. All he could do to survive was to pretend to be someone else, someone better, wiser; someone worthy of trust, someone people like and listen to. Lying to people was easy. Lying to himself anyone would care if he died came much harder and harder with each passing day. 

Then came Damashi and offered him not only power but also kindness, a praise for making progress, be it for fulfilling her plans or for his own growing skills. He would gladly burn the world just to earn her smile, a good word, anything really. She made him for the first time in a long long time feel valued, appreciated, even liked despite who he was under all the polite words and charming smiles.

But that was a lie too. A lie he foolishly fell for, like a stray, hungry dog falls for a kind pat on the head and a little treat before the new owner will kick it for fun.

Shang Tsung was many things but definitely not a dog to be kicked, be it by Liu Kang or his Titan self. If none of the gods cared for him, he wouldn't care for them either. And now, after he ran away from prison and a terrifying storm washed him ashore on a deserted island full of magic secrets to unlock, he had time and means to repay each of his pursuers, to make all the realms if not respect his skills then fear them.

Since Damashi’s - his own Titan self’s - betrayal many days and nights have passed and with each Shang Tsung’s mastery of magic grew stronger, his knowledge deepened, his confidence restored and strengthened. He claimed the island as his new home, the impregnable fortress secured by the most wicked, devilish and brilliant traps he could think about and for the first time in ages, he finally felt like belonging to the right place.

It was as good a life as it could be. Not perfect, as Shang Tsung still needed to figure out how to secure his food supplies before he would tame the wild land, unused for years and maybe the animals lurking in the shadows could be useful too. A domestic cattle would be a great addition for sure, as it was the only type of animal he had any skill to maintain but then again, there was no way he would engage in tedious farming. He had no time nor patience for that kind of work yet he did not want any stranger on his island either. All he could do for now was to eat the catched fishes and some plucked from tree fruits while bringing all the needed ingredients and supplies from a quick trip to the land. Using magic portals was a tricky solution - magic brought unwanted attention and once used, always left some traits to follow but after the last storm he did not feel safe on a boat sailing through the open sea. On the land, he did run into some of his former allies, exchanged important news and some secrets here and there, never truly betraying where he was hiding. The General and his men treated Shang Tsung with suspicion, always demanding more than he offered. On the other hand, he and Quan Chi worked well in the past, but after the last betrayal, Shang Tsung couldn’t trust anyone anymore. Everyone blamed him for his Titan self’s lies, like he was the one lying to them all. The Royal Family wanted his head, the Earthrealm Champions hunted him too. It was a mess, amusing and irritating at the same time. 

He was going to deal with that matter too, when the right time came. For now, Shang Tsung enjoyed the new found magic - the power awaiting for those who will dare to reach out for it. A power he didn’t need to share with anyone.  

Everything would feel much better though if Sub-Zero didn’t somehow find a way to break into his new home like all the deviously set up traps meant nothing.

Shang Tsung should know something was off the moment he felt coldness creeping into his bones, but in all fairness, it was always cold here. He did not have yet an idea how to heat the interior of an abandoned fortress and as much as he liked to not freeze in his own sleep, luxury like that was not on his priority list. He should be more cautious, more focused on the change in the air about him than walking straight into his own room and then be dumstocked at the sight of Sub-Zero looking through his books as if he had lived here forever and Shang Tsung was the unwanted guest.

“Your security is shitty” was all he got as a greeting. Cold, sharp, uncaring words judging him as an incompetent idiot. The bastard did not even bother to look at him, just kept rummaging through the books like it was the only thing worth this attention.

Shang Tsung wasn’t sure what offended him more - being ignored or watching as his precious belongings were touched without his permission. He liked books way more than he liked people. 

In the last few years he killed people for less than that yet he smiled his most charming smile, the gears in his head working fast and furious on how to turn the unpleasant situation for his own advantage. The fact that Sub-Zero allowed him to see himself in the open instead of lurking in the shadows to cut his throat gave Shang Tsung a reason for a bit of optimism. As far as he heard from his former, maybe-still-maybe-not allies, Lin Kuei rejected Liu Kang’s authority and were on their own. It of course did not mean that Sub-Zero was his friend or ally nor that he wouldn't murder Shang Tsung at the end of day, either to reconcile with Fire Lord or to bribe the god to let the Lin Kuei be in peace.

Shang Tsung couldn’t blame Bi-Han for that - in this cruel world, everyone was looking after their own best interest, but the vision of losing his life did not sit well with him at all. He wasn’t afraid of fighting and he did beat down great Champions in the last battle, but out of all opponents, it was Sub-Zero's ice axe that was the closest to beheading him for good.

He did not plan to forget that anytime soon.

“What an unexpected surprise,” he said, all the soft, so sweet smile, velvet voice and sharp eyes analyzing the danger standing before him. “What can I do for you, my friend? Or did you just miss my humble company?”

He teased with feigned innocence because men hated when he said ridiculous stuff like that. Shang Tsung hated it himself, because he knew no one would miss him at all.  

“For one, drop the false politeness” came Sub-Zero’s cold reply, a mix of disapproval and command that Shang Tsung was so used to, because this was how people treated him, the real him, all his life. “We are not friends.”

There was a flare of anger in Shang Tsung now, the desire to prove himself the superior, not a pitiful dog anyone could kick and command - but he knew better than to allow this fire to burn inside him. Emotions were a weakness he couldn’t afford. Did the man even know how much he provoked the sorcerer with his cold disdain? Shang Tsung had no idea. He heard a lot of stories about Lin Kuei; even in the backwater hole from which he crawled out everyone heard the terrifying tales of Fire Lord’s secret army. Of the ice demons stealthier than shadows and more deadly than night itself and for a long time Shang Tsung did not think of them as living beings from this world.

Still… Sub-Zero was mortal, wasn’t he? A special one no doubt, with control over ice yet he could bleed too. Shang Tsung wondered for a moment what he could find under the fine, cold skin if he ever had a chance to look for the answer. An ice demon, human or hybrid of both?

“But we are still allies, aren’t we?” he asked, still polite and careful, yet walking up to the other man with his typical swagger. Not close enough to be in arm reach, but close enough to show he wasn’t that easily intimidated. 

The great military hero of Edenia always looked down on his movements; how he fought, how he gesticulated, how he walked. No self-respecting soldier would walk like some pleased prostitute after a well-paid job, the General said not once nor twice and all Shang Tsung could do then was to smile the brightest smile and thank him, like his disdain was the best praise he heard that day. The only thing they really have in common, beside the desire to take down Sindel’s regime, was being self-made men for both worked hard to be who they were. Yet General came from an old, aristocratic family with even older military tradition and everything that did not fit his narrow-minded idea of the world was treated with hostility and contempt. 

Shang Tsung’s skinny body, swagger, shrewdness, curiosity and wordiness unsurprisingly annoyed the great warrior and to say he took no pleasure in that fact would be a blatant lie. Even if it was childish and unproductive pleasure, it amused him to know how little effort he needed to test the patience of such a stern and manly man. 

Sub-Zero reminded him a lot of Shao and he suspected it was the soldier thing; the body built for fight and hardship, no-nonse attitude and the way both men moved - with deadly precision and confidence only a person that in fact killed an enemy in battle could muster. Even the way they spoke sounded similar, a barked command that everyone around instinctively wanted to obey, either out of respect or fear.

For that similarity alone, Shang Tsung expected the Lin Kuei Grandmaster to snarl at him some nasty remark about how his Titan self betrayed them all and thus how little he himself was worth of anyone’s trust. Anything to put the sorcerer down even a bit, to remind him what a failure he was.

“That is yet to be seen” was all the Grandmaster said, finally glancing from the book to Shang Tsung. 

It was hard to read anything from the man’s face, as half of it was hidden behind that damned Lin Kuei mask. All he could do was to rely on the move of a brew and the incantation of voice, each syllable, a moment of pause. It was a hard task, as the man showed no emotions and spoke so little so far. But the sorcerer knew there was anger, always lurking in each word spoken by Sub-Zero, but also… an excitement at finally being free of Liu Kang’s control. As Damashi foretold.

Shang Tsung couldn’t help but to think there was something much deeper about Damashi's interest in breaking Lin Kuei from Fire Lord than he ever suspected before. Back then the choice sounded logical - every action that would deprive Liu Kang of the advantage was worth taking so he did not question his benefactor. How could he, really? Now though? The truth burned him to the core and he learned the hard way that each of Damashi’s words had a hidden meaning, each action served a different goal than was promised; the victory he was in fact never part of. Yet… even the deepest shade of lie had a grain of truth. He knew that one well, for he lied all his life.

His Titan self for some reason wanted not so much the Lin Kuei itself as the Sub-Zero specifically on his side. Maybe more than Titan Shang Tsung even wanted his own younger self, corrupted by Liu Kang. 

The mere thought made him want to curse all gods alike. There was no difference for him between Liu Kang and his Titan-self, as both played him like some pawn, not even an important figure. Just pawn, to hold away from power, to sacrifice it when times would come. 

But there was more to it than just jealous anger and the never ending feeling of never being good enough. If Sub-Zero meant so much, if not in the grand scheme of things itself then just for personal satisfaction of Titan, then maybe he could be important to Shang Tsung’s own plans. Allies were hard to come by and these days he could use some, well, not protection really, he was done with living under someone else's wing but he wouldn’t say no to some partnership or at least casual support. The little favor here and there where things were still thick and troublesome to deal on your own. After all, freedom always came at some cost. 

Maybe Sub-Zero came to the same conclusion and his unexpected visit was just a reconnaissance. They were more alike than one would think, as similar desires drove them into this madness of Titans. To prove their own might and skills to all those that looked down on them their whole life. But above everything else, to be free and powerful enough to keep that freedom.

To his own surprise, Shang Tsung took comfort in that thought.

If they were meant to stay allies - or as close two stubborn outcasts with grudge against gods could rely on each other, some sacrifices were to be made. Shang Tsung did something he rarely did - he dropped the false politeness under which he hid himself for years.

“How did you find me?” he asked Sub-Zero directly, raising his chin challengingly. He was not afraid of Lin Kuei, just curious.

“You are not as careful as you think you are” Bi-Han answered with no less challenging stare, yet the flick of an amusement in his eyes was unmistakable. Shang Tsung knew the man was smirking under that damned mask and that thought alone made him puff in anger. 

The brown eyes shone even more.

Sub-Zero moved from his place, slowly walking from one bookshelf to another. His fingers traced books, never stopping at any particular volume, but always touching the book spines, like there was something interesting in their textures. The man did not pay attention to Shang Tsung and not really to books either. He was studying the room itself. The sorcerer couldn’t place why it bothered him so much but he knew better than to allow Sub-Zero to learn even the most trivial things about himself or his fortress. 

Damashi warned him against that the first day when she spoke about Lin Kuei. They are thieves, the mysterious being said, all grace and patience and praise for the unwanted Shang Tsung who drank in her words like the wisdom of gods, who will steal your fortune, life and secrets. Always be on your guard around them, especially around the one named Sub-Zero. If only he was smarter back then, less in need to please his generous benefactor, maybe he could hear in her sweet voice the longing for something, someone, that was not anymore. For the old partnership that was broken and defiled by Liu Kang’s peaceful vision of the world. But he was a fool who thought her yearning was for him alone. 

Shang Tsung was done with being played like a fool.

“Who told you about my island?” he demanded, voice still quiet yet no less burning with an old anger. He would get his answers, whatever kindly or by force.

A long sigh escaped Sub-Zero’s lips and frankly it took him out by surprise. Shang Tsung - or rather his Titan self -  knew the man was running on frustration for years, but that sounded as a whole new level of annoyance.

“I heard about it from Havik, who heard that from Rain, who heard that from Reiko, who heard that from Shao, who heard about it from Quan Chi. But the whole Sun Do is full of similar gossip.”

For a moment none of them spoke. Shang Tsung stared at Sub-Zero’s impassive, half-hidden face that still somehow emanated his disgust at their maybe-allies-maybe-not-but-definitely-idiots who apparently couldn’t keep a secret to save their own life. The feeling was mutual, because this was the reason why the sorcerer hated working with others. No one apparently could keep their mouth shut down if you didn’t help make that permanently. 

He closed eyes and rubbed his forehead, like that could ward off all the bad thoughts assaulting his mind right now.  His fingers were cold, too cold for his liking, unpleasantly stiff and numb. He did not like how the mere presence of a cryomancer affected his body, how it made him shiver and weak. He was an Edenian for fuck’s sake, and Edenia did not even know what winter cold was. He did not know that himself, until Damashi led him to a snow-covered fortress and he almost freezed there the first night. 

It took him a moment to realize something bad was happening. He couldn’t focus, all his senses dulled, body so clumsy and weak. As if his energy suddenly dropped to zero and fatigue was taking over. A flash of panic crossed his mind, but he was too tired, too cold to even be afraid for his life.

He had no idea how long he remained in the grip of this piercing soul frost. A few seconds? Days? He couldn’t even say. What mattered was that once the control of his senses came back, he was still alive and Sub-Zero gone.

And the fact the bastard stole a few of his precious scrolls and books.

***

The books showed up on his desk a few days later. There was no thank you or sorry about that note, not even the fuck you, loser. Shang Tsung both admired the man's boldness and hated him for it. Still he appreciated the books were returned in a good condition, as there was not a single scratch on any of them, not even a new page crease. He had no idea if that was some sort of weird Lin Kuei’s way to test him, disrespect or Sub-Zero took the books simply because he wanted to read them but he was a bastard with no sense of social politeness to just ask as any normal human being would. Damashi mentioned cryomancers were naturally difficult like that.

Shang Tsung had better things to do than to wonder what the check was wrong with Sub-Zero yet he was too curious for his own sake. Sadly, the titles alone did not say anything useful on the matter and even though he read each book just in case, there was hardly anything worth the time it took to finish them. No grand secrets revealed, no magic or military knowledge, not even historical value. Just some technical nonsense that bore him to death and if Sub-Zero was into stuff like that then no wonder the man lacked any social grace. 

The Grandmaster of Lin Kuei so far did not try to kill him and returned the books so Shang Tsung decided to give him the benefit of doubt and so he did not cross out the man from the list of potential allies. It did not stop him however from improving the traps just in case the man decided to return solely to steal again.

***

The scrolls showed up on his desk three days later. Their appearance actually worried Shang Tsung, not just because the trap again turned out to be useless. He was not worried even by the possibility Sub-Zero found some secret entrance he did not know about yet. No, what worried him was the fact he spent the whole morning in his chamber and walked out for like twenty minutes at best and when he returned, the scrolls WERE. THERE. 

That actually unnerved him much more than he wanted to admit. 

The scrolls turned out to be written in a language Shang Tsung did not even know and the implication that Lin Kuei could read it only added to the feeling of cold unease. There was however a note left on the scrolls; a small paper with only Royal Army searching the coast written in Shang Tsung’s own language. 

He was not afraid of empress Mileena’s army but he did appreciate the warning. Of course, the warning could be a fraud, a means to build trust only to betray him. The common sense advised caution yet there was a weird sense of peace within Shang Tsung. A hope or hunch, he did not know, but deep in his heart he felt everything was alright.

All he could do for now was wait to see if Sub-Zero will lead the enemy to his fortress or not. So he waited.

(The fact that another book disappeared with Sub-Zero did not surprise him much. Irritated, yes, but not worried. For some reason he felt everything was like it should be, like some almost forgotten memory of past life came back to him and the sense of deja vu was weirdly comforting.)

[raifuujin]

It's been more than 20 years and for some reason I feel that Gosho hasn't given Kaiao any development, how can more than 20 years pass and Aoko dynamics, relationship and feelings remain the same? At this point I feel like Gosho is just going to make them date because "they already liked each other" they remain in the same status quo

Hey, if we go by DC romance progress, they've been going too fast. We've already had suspicion of identity chapters, and that didn't happen until more than 400 chapters in DC. /j

Since heists have taken over any character development recently, I don't even know if Kaito and Aoko will even get any romantic progress. Maybe the actual identity confrontation will happen down the line, since that's thief drama, but atm, it really wouldn't surprise me if they only ask each other on a real date at the very end of the manga.

Like. I'm sure Gosho would love to make MK a love drama as well, but he writes MK so rarely, and usually as hype for something Kid related in other media. So the MK stories tend to be heavy on drama that can only take place at Kid heists. (To the point that the new chapters just. Use Kid as the plot device to show off a new character. Even Hakuba's never gotten so much 'look at this character being a detective' treatment in MK.)

-sighs- I just feel bad for MK as a series at this point. I like the characters, I like the general story idea, but. It's been going down a very steep hill with Gosho wanting things exciting, but not wanting any real progress in. Anything. But unlike old MK, the new stories aren't even nice standalone setpieces of story, they're... mundane. They could be high stakes, if you purely look at the scenarios on paper, but. We all know nothing's gonna happen to Kid. Nothing even happens to him when the actual bad guys show up, much less one-time antagonists.

We need actual character focus and development, not heist drama. Badly. Not even romance, though that'd be a nice change. Just any character expansion of our limited cast of characters. Gosho wants big, all the time, meaningless big stuff, when small would be so nice.

[mids-dumbbrain]

WIP WEDNESDAY

Tagged by @theelderhazelnut last week but until last week I didn't write anything in several weeks, possibly a month even. Anyway...

Also special thanks to @ash-shark and @crowsnhoes for the help and privilege of writing their oc's

Sabbia would look away, shugging. Muchacha walks out and heads off all the way back to her home, slightly wobbling around as she walks through the streets. As she roams the streets, she overhears a conversation between two people, one in a purple cape and one with a raspy voice. She hides behind a wall, listening closely as she shakes her head. 

HAVIK: Now then, do you remember what I told you?

JAY: Be gay, do crime?

Havik’s eyebrows drop, as he facepalms.

HAVIK: The OTHER thing I told you?

JAY: Oh. Yeah, I do.

They said, taking a strange amulet out of their pocket. Then they put it back and looked back at Havik, who handed Jay a strange looking device.

HAVIK: When the time comes, tomorrow at high noon, you will toss this in the palace throne room and get out as fast as possible. Understood?

Jay nods, putting it in her adventure satchel. Havik puts his hand on their shoulder. Muchacha squinted, and turned away as soon as her eyes met Havik’s. Jay looks at Havik in the eyes as he looks away.

JAY: Something wrong, pookie?

Havik snaps back, tuning over to Jay.

HAVIK: Oh, i-its nothing. Just stick to the plan.

Jay nods, and turns away from the kleric of chaos.

HAVIK: Wait, Jay, before you go…

Jay turns, and Havik gives them a big hug as he whispers into his ear.

HAVIK: Stay safe, and may chaos be with you.

Havik and Jay then walk off in different directions as Muchacha walked off while looking back at them.

Tagglist: @meatgrinderminefield @bluehairedspidey @bi-force-1 @kaoticdreamer @jaydraw209 @biiguru @shiresome @bloody-arty-myths

[paintedonmyteeth]

I’m considering in doing some Venom x reader stuff as another thing for masterlists tbh, like I watched all 3 movies now so??? Fbsfbsjfjs I have the urge to have the beefy alien as part of my masterlist stuff for reading, I need him okay 💀💀💀

Eventually I’m gonna get around to reading Venom comics as well if I ever get my hands on a volume or two