#once again writing a new ship in the most unexpected ways | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

melanieph321 · 5 months

Note

Since you’re open to writing for szoboszlai could you maybe right an angsty one where you’re fwb and find out you’re pregnant and when you tell him he freaks out at first and leaves for some alone time to think but eventually comes around

Lovely request! 😊

Dominik Szoboszlai x Reader - Positive

Enjoy!

"Pregnant?" Dominik frowned. "How can you be pregnant?"

You rolled your yes. "I don't know Dom, maybe we had somthing called sex?"

Dominik did not find your sarcasm amusing. He was neither amused that you showed up at his doorstep just as he was about to leave for training.

"How could this be possible?" He sighed, his body slumping down against the doorframe. It was a bit rude of him not to invite you in to his apartment.

"We didn't use protection the last time we...you know," You said awkwardly. "And I missed my period a few days ago. I went to get tested, and the results came back positive."

Dominik was silent for a moment, processing the information. You were having a baby together? It seemed like a distant possibility, but there was no denying the truth. But as reality set in, Dominik's expression turned from shock to panic. Perhaps he wasn't ready to be a father! Like you he was only twenty-three years old, a flourishing career ahead of him. Would he let a sloppy one night stand ruin that? Most people would argue that he had alot more to lose than you, a social media manager for the ever so addictive Red Bull energy drink.

"Y/N." Dominik shut the door behind him, adjusting the gym bag that hung over his shoulder. "I need some time to think. This is all too much for me right now."

You felt a lump form in your throat as you watched Dominik struggling to process the news. You knew this was a lot to take in, but you had hoped that he would be more supportive considering that you were both in the same boat. And It wasn't like you were complete strangers. You and Dominik had history, stretching back to when you were both based in Germany, Dominik playing for RB Leipzig and you doing jobs for their social media.

"I'll call you later okay?" He looked scared and overwhelmed, a desire to jump ship and flee.

"Okay," you said softly, trying to keep your emotions in check. "Take all the time you need." You nodded. But even as you spoke those words, you couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. Had you made a mistake by telling Dominik? Should you have given him more space? Were you truly ready to be a single mother? So many questions raced through your mind, leaving you feeling lost and uncertain about the future.

"I can't believe him." Your friend Sasha said.

It's where you were staying for the six months that Red Bull wanted you to do jobs for them in England. This whole situation was really her fault. If Sasha hadn't suggested that the two of you attend a sponsors event that her company was hosting, you would have never run into Dominik again and the two of you would never have hooked up. And it wasn't once that the two of you had spent night and day together. In fact, your relationship had gotten way past late night bootycalls. Perhaps that's why you were so suprised how off put he had been at the thought of knocking you up. Despite the life growing inside of you, life had to go on. You still had a job to do.

"Y/N, there is a call for you."

After spending and antire week in bed Sahsa woke you up one morning with your cellphone in her hand.

"Is it Dominik?"

"No. I think it's your boss."

"Oh."

How foolish of you to think that Dominik would ever call. The only word you had heard from him since you told him of your unexpected pregnancy was a text, saying:

"Need more time. Talk to you later."

"What did he want?" Sasha said, seeing you finally getting up and out of bed.

"There is a job in London that they want me to do."

You tied your hair in a gentle ponytail, marching towards the bathroom.

"What's in London?" Sasha asked.

"I dunno, some charity event at a youth center that Red Bull is funding."

"Oh...can I come?"

"Do you like kids?"

She snorted. "No."

You smiled. "Then perhaps you should sit this one out."

As you arrived at the youth center, you couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Red Bull frequently arranged a "Meet your Hero Day." Where the children of the youth center would be suprised by athletes artists and other inspirational personalities.

"Who is it, who's coming?" You asked one of the youth counselor, since you had no idea yourself.

"It will be the best Hero Day yet." The counselor said. He seemed equally as giddy and excited as the children. "Red Bull went all out this year. They got two Liverpool players coming."

"Which ones?" You asked, but in terror.

"Trent Alexander- Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai."

"No." You groaned.

"Yes." The counselor grinned. He was obviously a big fan.

The children were already gathered in the hall, eagerly waiting for the arrival of their special guests. You did you job, setting up your camera and snapping away photos, capturing the energy and enthusiasm of the young ones. Soon Dominik and his teammate arrived, dressed in their signature football jerseys and a big smile on their faces. The children went wild, screaming and cheering as they walked into the room. You couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as you watched Dominik interact with the kids - he was so natural and effortless around them, while you felt like a bit of an outsider. As the day progressed however, your presence became known.

"Y/N, w...what are you doing here?" Dominik asked as you had walked up to him with your camera.

"My job." You said.

"I didn't know..."

"It was last minute." You shrugged, snapping another picture of Dominik and a kid that refused to let go of his leg.

"I've been meaning to call." He said.

"Sure you have."

You moved on to snap more photos of Dominik's teammate, who was very photogenic.

"Can you maybe do something with the ball, a trick?" You directed.

"Like this?"

Trent gave the ball a tap, sending it up into the air and catching it with his knee then foot as it came back down. He did so with ease, the children gawking impressed.

"Thanks. I think I got it." You smiled.

Scrolling through your camera you noted how many good images there were. The children all looked so happy. You found yourself getting more and more comfortable with the children. You played games with them, listened to their stories, and even joined in on some of their dance moves. It was then that you realized something - you wanted a child of your own. You glanced over at Dominik, who was currently juggling a ball with one of the kids. He wasn't sure if he was ready for fatherhood, and maybe that was his right. But what you did with your body, that was your right. But as you continued to watch Dominik interact with the children, you saw the way he lit up their faces with his presence, and the way they looked up to him with such admiration. Deep down you knew that he would be an amazing father, which made the decision you wanted to make even more difficult.

"I'm giving the child up for adoption"

As the day came to a close, you took Dominik aside and told him what you wanted. His eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why would you do that?"

You tooka deep breath, calming yourself down. "I know I might be a bit old school but abortion isn't an option for me."

Dominik searched your face then nodded agreeingly. "Me neither."

"And I...what?" You frowned.

"I don't want you to have an abortion. " He said.

You were lost for words and for a split second you contemplated punching him in the face. "Dominik." You sighed. "You've given me the cold shoulders for days, making me question ever fucking choice I've ever made in this life. You made me feel so shitty about myself these past few days and now all of the sudden you want me to have your baby?"

"I know and I'm sorry." He said. "But Y/N you must understand, growing up my parents had nothing. They struggled to take care of me and at the same time did everything for me to succeed in life. I made a promise to them and myself that my children would never have to go through what me and my family did. That when I grew up I'd be able to give them everything that they need. I really want to be with you Y/N, but I promise you I'll struggle trying to be a dad now.

"Well I'll struggle even more being a single mother, don't you think?"

You could see it in his eyes, the genius angst. But you were in this together, why was it so difficult for him to understand that?

He shook his head. "I won't leave you. I'll be there for the both of you. Everything you need, money, a house..."

"Dominik." You sighed. "I don't want your money. I want you. I need you."

His expression withered, looking a bit defeated. "But I'm not good enough..."

"You're good enough to me." You placed a hand on your flat stomach. "You're good enough for us."

Somthing changed in his expression, a newfound light. "I am?"

You nodded, tears streaming down your face. "Yes, you're everything we need, just the way you are."

He stepped forward his arms collecting you in his embrace. You sighed in relief.

"I'm gonna be a dad." He pulled you back, now a smile on his face.

"Yes, yes you are and I'm gonna be a mom."

You gasped as Dominik bent down, kissing your lips. Forgetting your surroundings, a group of children spotted you and giggled unremosrfully. Dominik turned to look at them than back at you. He returned your smile, knowing that this is what you wanted. You were both positive.

#fanfiction #football imagine #footballer imagine #footballer x reader #football angst #dominik szoboszlai #dominik szoboszlai x reader #trent alexander arnold #liverpool fc

261 notes · View notes

go-river-flows · 1 year

Text

Sweet Visions of a flower

Summary: Syulang (OC), an orphaned girl after the destruction of Hometree. She is constanly reminded of this by her amputated left leg though she no longer dreams of her deep trauma. She is betrayed by the very people she trusted, leaving her with nothing once again.

A/N: I had trouble writing this final chapter. The writer's block was damn thick for this final chapter, so I procrastinated it for nearly two weeks (lol). Will not do it again. But as this series is coming to an end, the sequel to WBtAP has just started, and I have written the first And also...Unexpected Ja x reader moment. Because Ja is underrated.

Part 9 of 10

For the following days and weeks, everything became a melting pot. First Mo’at visited Syulang’s dreams, trying to heal her from within, the first few times proved to be a challenge so they moved their attempts to the Tree of Souls, where Mo’at can connect with the pink and purple tendrils, that somehow solved the issue of physically touching Syulang’s dream form and where Mo’at helped Syulang to heal.

Jake, Tarsem and the warriors worked with Quaritch and his band of recoms to devise a plan to cut off the RDA to their supplies, targeting mines, resource ships, trains, anything that the RDA needs to survive. It would take weeks, possibly months to take everything out, they would need help but Jake was adamant that they would not make another war just like the battle between the Na’vi and the humans fifteen years ago. He didn't want to make the same mistake he did back then, wanting it done a different way, surprisingly Quaritch agreed. The recoms struck a deal with Jake, they would take the RDA down from the inside. The RDA wouldn't suspect their betrayal, hopefully. Jake wanted the warriors to keep it to themselves, not wanting the rest of the clan to worry or panic in any way. Heck, he didn't even tell Neytiri and his kids, trying to shield them from a potential war. Hopefully they wouldn't start a second world war on Pandora.

The next month Quaritch had built a trust with Jake, much like how Jake built a trust with Quaritch when he was still human, working for the RDA before his betrayal. Jake was slow to show the group of recoms to High Camp, he knew it was a matter of time where he would have to address his clanspeople of his strange alliance. But it was funny to see Quaritch in Na’vi clothing, in fact all the recoms. They look just like actual Na’vi and before they leave to go back to the RDA they change back into their old uniforms. This time was the most difficult for the Omatikaya Clan, they weren't very happy when Jake told them the news and when the recoms finally visited High Camp everyone kept their weapons on them at all times. Tensions were high to say the least, especially with the remaining avatar drivers and scientists – Norm and Doctor Patel included – not particularly happy to see their past colleagues who ended the Avatar Program. Syulang guided a few of the recoms in training and also Na’vi healing and medicine. They were split up into smaller groups: Quaritch, Lyle, Lopez, and Warren joined Jake’s warriors. Ja, Zhang, Walker and Prager were taught na’vi healing. And finally Mansk, Brown and Fike were taught to hunt with other low effort activities – they desperately wanted a break from fighting.

It took another month before a plan had been set. And within that month things got a bit better. The recoms, under Jake’s guidance completed their Iknimaya training, gaining their ikrans. Syulang spent most of her time with the recoms in the healing tents, one of them getting close to her. Ja, was his name. Kiri and Norm kept her eye on him as per Jake’s request after she saw him staring at her sister for much longer than she liked. Opting to tell Dad, just in case. Some of the tension had alleviated and the clanspeople stopped carrying their weapons everywhere they went, the recoms showed that they could be trusted.

Jake was right, Ardmore did look for the recombiants, in fact she looked for weeks and luckily didn't find them, eventually searching elsewhere. So what would happen next, Ardmore wouldn't expect. The recoms gathered together, where their clothes were returned to them. They sat together during the communal meal, which was possibly their last meal together. But instead of mourning their last moments together, they celebrated. Syulang watched them happily, a pair of eyes finding hers. She gave a soft but sad smile in return averting her eyes.

“Tonight’s they’re last night here,” Jake announced to his family, “we won't know if they’ll survive.”

Syulang looked at her father with a neutral expression, masking a pained look, slightly unsure as to why he would say that.

“I hope they don't,” Neytiri responded, her anger for the dreamwalkers who tried hurting her children still remained, not fully ready to forgive them. Syulang stood up at that comment, not wanting to hear any more of it, ignoring the looks she got from her family. Leaving HIgh Camp, she went up to her usual spot on another floating island. Sitting down on the edge, she observed the luminescent plants below, listening to the wind. She was alone for a while before a pair of footsteps caught her ear.

Syulang’s POV

Turning around I saw Ja appear through the vegetation. He came closer, looking at the edge, inching forward bit by bit, carefully sitting next to me dangling both his legs over the floating rock. We sat in silence for a bit as I felt eyes on the side of my face, I turned to look at him. Humming in question. He smirked a little cupping his hand over mine, the warmth spread through my body from the simple touch.

“Be careful tomorrow,” I told him. He leaned forward, our foreheads touching as he inhaled a little taking in my scent.

“I will,” he said in Na’vi, leaning in a bit more, his lips gently grazing mine before fully connecting. I pulled away a bit.

“Promise me.”

“I promise,” he leaned forward again feverishly kissing me. Wrapping his hands behind my neck and jaw to stop me from moving. The sound of twigs snapping behind us broke our intimate moment, Ja pulled his knife out it's holster ready to throw it. A few familiar faces poked out of various plants as the guilty expressions of Lo’ak, Kiri, Lyle, Mansk and Prager faded to smug smiles. Those skxawngs.

“Ohhh~ Someone’s getting some action,” Lyle sang cheekily as the rest stifled giggles. Ja threw his knife at Lyle who thankfully ducked out of the way. Ja gave me one final kiss, pulling away and storming toward the group, picking up his knife as he passed them.

The next day, a large crowd formed around the recoms saying their goodbyes before the group left. Ja found me in the crowd. Giving a final embrace, he handed me a bracelet, it was small and looked slightly rushed but was still beautiful.

“If I don't make it. Nga yawne lu oer,” he cupped my cheeks planting a kiss on my forehead, his hands lingered on my face almost as if he was fighting internally to stay, but he couldn't. He had one final mission.

“I love you too. Don't die,” I returned his actions, placing both hands on his cheeks planting a kiss on his lips as I couldn't reach his forehead.

“Ja! Time to go!” Lyle yelled for his comrade. Giving me one final wave. I waved to them all.

“I see you. I see you all!” I shouted to all the recoms, plucking my fingers from my forehead. Their expression shifted to surprise before returning the gesture. Mounting their ikrans, they took off out of HIgh Camp shouting war cries, the clan returned their own war cries. I stayed standing at the entrance for the rest of the day, the rest of the clan went back to their chores but I anxiously awaited their return.

The recoms had learnt a lot from their long stay. Most, if not all, received their song chords. All their milestones are a unique bead ranging from completing their rites of passages, learning the Na’vi language, learning to hunt or weave or heal, other beads gifted to them by members of the clan, mostly to Mansk whenever he cooks for the clan. Turns out he’s a bit of a cook, as everyone runs to him with their blows and plates. For Ja and I we had identical beads signifying our relationship. I pray to Eywa for his safe return. I no longer had any terrible nightmares or visions after Mo’at dream walked into my nightmares, healing me from within. I anticipate my future and what it holds, accepting whatever is thrown my way. As I'm mulling over what's to come, someone sits beside me. The smell of stewed yerik makes my mouth drool.

“Sister, you weren't at lunch,” Kiri hands me a yomyo lerìk (leaf plate) with the dish, “Don't worry sister. They will return. They’re warriors after all.”

“I pray to Eywa that they succeed in their mission.”

“Did you pray for him?” knowing exactly who she was referring to.

“Yes. I pray that Ja lives. Because of this…” I showed her the bracelet. She gently runs her four fingers around the beautifully woven bracelet, red beads woven into the design.

“It's beautiful. I hope he comes back too. He’s the only one I can hold a proper conversation and tolerate…” she huffed, glancing at my questioning eyes, “...And because I can see he truly loves you.” She looked at one of my choker necklaces, my hand ran over the middle one, the one that belonged to Rumut.

“He knows. I told him everything,” remembering the moment clearly, “He apologised too, even though it was a long time ago.” We sat in a comfortable silence as I slowly ate.

After finishing my food, Kiri stood first ready to head back to our kelku. I followed after her, deliberately taking slow steps to which she rolled her eyes, yanking my arm and speeding toward the family tent. Mum and Dad were talking whilst dad was cleaning his rifle decorated with weaving. Talking about leaving the clan. Stopping when the two of us came within earshot, though it was too late. I heard it all.

“What did you say?” my ear twitched, “Leave the clan? Dad! You can't be serious?” He averted his eyes looking at mum, “Dad, you're joking right?”

“Wait, just listen to what I have to say–” He took a step in our direction.

“Oh, so you're serious?” I scowled, holding back a scoff..

“Syulang, wait just– Quaritch is hard to trust, he could lead them here–”

“If he wanted to kill us, he would have done it already and gone back a hero. But he didn't,” I argued back.

“Please, just listen to me!” Jake raised his voice, “Yes, you're right. But what about the other Recoms? Huh? They could very easily tell Ardmore where we are and I have a clan to protect.”

“Ma Jake,” our mother stepped between us trying to mediate, but it was too late, “Ma Syulang.”

“Why are you saying this? After you let them into our home, trained them. And now you're saying you still don't trust Quaritch? They’re practically part of the clan! What did you think you were doing this whole time?!” I yelled over Neytiri.

“I was keeping an eye on them! Them being here made it easier to keep an eye on them,” Jake yelled at me, pausing for a moment, “I was going to kill them," he confessed, "I was ready to kill them the first time. But then you showed up. And I was ready to kill them the second time. And you showed up again!…How could I kill them in front of you?”

I felt my heart break. Unsure of what to think or say. My adoptive dad wasn't the person who I thought he was. In that instant I wept, unintelligible words spewing out of my lips. Unfiltered. I guess I could never read his mind. Neytiri and Kiri move toward to comfort me, but I snarled at the two of them. A furious rage tore through me.

“What about me? What about me?! Did you think of me as your daughter or someone you needed to keep an eye on?” I spat at Jake. His expression changed to guilt as the pitter-patter of feet slowed close by. Jake didn't say anything which angered me further, that was enough for me. I wailed from the pit of my stomach in disbelief. Neytiri moved closer again, and I hissed viciously at her, my ears pinned fully back to my skull.

“Sister?” Neteyam, Lo’ak and Tuk walked into my peripherals, though I couldn't see through the tears, impairing my vision.

“You lied to me,” I felt betrayed, “I trusted you, and you– LIED TO ME!” The lot of them flinched at my raised voice. I covered my mouth, I managed to scare myself having never raised my voice in a decade. “Did you ever love me?” my voice cracked.

“My daughter, I've always loved you,” Neytiri approached once again, her eyes wet but I backed away shaking my head.

“I wasn't asking you,” I hissed at Neytiri and felt bad right after, looking at Jake who again didn't say anything, only looking away avoiding eye contact. “I called you father, and I called you mother. How wrong I was,” turning my back on the people whom I called my family, storming away.

“Syulang! Sister!” I could hear the children yell, but I sprinted to my ikran. Mounting her as fast as I could, we flew out of High Camp.

My hot tears poured down my cheeks, fluttering away as the wind blew on them. My ikran tried to ease the sorrow as we flew. I couldn't help but feel bad for sharing the pain through tsaheylu. My heart ached in pain, the same kind of pain I felt when I lost everything I had. The pain of losing my parents, my friend, my leg and now my own heart. I thought of my home I once built with my own bare hands. Where everything felt like it was going to be alright, but it was also the place where Jake asked me to join his family. And by the time I knew it, my ikran landed on the branch above my old kelku. The place where I once called it my home. I cried once more. How could he do that? How could I let him manipulate me? Why was I too naive to not question everything? How could he do this? Azui chirped, turning her head a little, cocking her head in worry. Her gentle thoughts calmed me enough to dismount her. I flung myself into the tented canopy. Nothing in there. Not my baskets. Not my mat. Not my bow and arrows or water jug. Just nothing. An empty husk of what used to belong to a free child. I curled myself into a ball on the fabric floor. I had nothing again. No home and no family again. Only betting that Ja lives so I could at least have someone to love.

I didn't want to wait around for the people I once called family to find me. I stripped the fabric off the tree, using my small knife that I kept on me at all times to cut the bindings. Folding the tent together and strapping it onto the back of my ikran, I wiped my eyes, climbed down the tree to the river and washed my face. I called Azui down from the tree branch. Calling for my palulukan who I could smell nearby. She glided down the hill luckily still wearing her pouches, from the last time we went hunting. I checked them to find some bait and rope, the other had unbound arrowheads which was good enough. Deciding to mount my palulukan knowing my ikran would follow, I made tsaheylu with her and asked her to take me away from the Hallelujah mountains, the furthest point north.

She ran as fast as she possibly could. Feeling her heartbeat, her breath and her strong legs pushing down on the ground, we thundered through the forest. Passing over hills, mountains and rivers for nearly three hours. We came to a strange clearing of trees. Large constructions of the small metal rooms that resided in High Camp ablaze. The last time I had seen such destruction and chaos was when Hometree was destroyed. The red and orange flames engulfed the tall structures. I had to get closer. Urging Lo’a closer to the burning architecture, I could see a blue figure laying somewhat close to the flames. Oh no. Not wanting to burn my palulukan I slid off Lo’a and ran to the Na’vi. The familiar bald head of Lyle was unconscious. Taking a hold under his armpits, I dragged him away from the flames.

“Lyle!” I turned him around, finding a metal rod in his left leg. “Lyle! Please! Wake up!” I shook his shoulders. I couldn't heal him since I didn't have any healing tools.

“LYLE?!” my ears perked up at the familiar voice.

“Prager?!” I screamed back. His figure appeared not too far from where we were.

“Syulang?!” he ran to us, his expression a mix of concern and confusion, “Lyle!” he knelt down on the other side checking Lyle’s body noting the rod in his leg, he grabbed some strange tool from his vest and cut the material away. I did as told and he tied cloth just above the burning rod.

“Where is Ja?” I asked him.

“He’s okay. Help me with Lyle,” Prager pulled Lyle’s upper half up from the ground, moving between Lyle’s legs attempting to lift him onto his back.

“Wait,” I called Lo’a, “Let me take him, we can get away faster.” Prager was shocked to see my palulukan, however, he quickly agreed. Getting Lyle onto Lo’a, Prager got on behind him as I slid behind him hoping Lo’a could handle the weight of two extra Na’vi. Making Tsaheylu, I was quickly informed that she could not handle the weight but endured it anyways. “Tell us where to go,” I told Prager, who just pointed in a direction.

“That way,” was all he said. I urged Lo’a forward in the direction Prager had directed, the heat of the flames diminished slightly and Prager pointed again, a little bit left. We essentially went round the flaming mass. Borrowing Lo’a’s advanced vision I looked over Prager’s large frame and saw a familiar group of Na’vi.

“Colonel!” Prager yelled as we got closer, the faces of the group turned to see him riding a thanator with Lyle in front of him.

“Prager?!” Ja called over the roaring flames. We slowed and the group approached timidly. “It's okay! It's Syulang,” Prager slid off Lo’a still holding Lyle’s unconscious form. I can finally see the shocked faces of Ja, Quaritch, Lopez, Walker, Mansk and Z-Dog. Ja acted faster, coming to my side at an instant, wrapping his strong arms around my frame, pulling me off my palulukan and not daring to let go.

“My sweet girl,” Ja mumbled into my neck.

“What's going on? What are you doing here?” Quaritch asked, “Where’s Jake?” I winced at Jake’s name. I hated that name.

“Where is everyone else?” Jake isn't here, he wants to kill you, is what I want to tell them.

“T-they didn't make it. We should get outta here. Everyone with me,” Quaritch led the group away. I looked into the red flames distraught. Those who weren't here; Zhang, Fike, Warren and Brown had perished in the flames. My ears drooped low as I shed tears for them. Ja wrapped his arm around my shoulders guiding me away from the burning mass, Lo’a following behind. In front of us was Prager who carried Lyle on his back.

“What happened?” I asked Ja. He exhaled deeply from his nose before telling me of how they took down Bridgehead.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

<–Previous Chapter | Next Chapter –>

Taglist:

@sleepilysworld @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @wolfmoon8269 @howlerwolfmax @lovekeeho @ducks118 @dyingofcookies @secretflowerobservation @thehoneymushroomhealer

68 notes · View notes

420thewritersroom · 4 months

Text

Deadly Sakura (Part 1)

~Ok, I wanted this to be SOOO much more longer than this because there were some plot and story beats that I wanted to get out of the way and wanted this to be a GRAND reveal to finally get Kung Lao back into the story. However, my anxious self just couldn't contain the amount of writing I already made, so I decided to make a part one of this chapter because I'm very much proud of the bit I made thus far. Also too, the other half that I'm making that's starring Johnny & Kenshi is getting a bit difficult for me to write and I didn't want this to sit for any longer. Hopefully you guys enjoy this! Also! Shoutout to @stabby-biscotti0152 for their art piece on one of my previous chapters. Plz go check them out, they make amazing art work! Once final thing! Congratz to those reading this now, you get to read this first before the AO3 peeps. The AO3 version will be uploaded soon, so keep a look out if you want to read it there instead!~

~Also, new & improved series summary!~

~Try as Liu Kang might, some circumstances are inevitable. Kung Lao has perished under the hands of Earthrealms enemies, leaving everyone to mourn the loss of his untimely departure. And some took his death harder than most. Raiden nearly became the very thing Liu Kang feared he would become, and out of wounded grief, opted to remove his memories and leave Earthrealm partially unprotected as he disbanded his warriors. Yet, something darker is rearing its head, and soon, Earthrealm and the realms beyond will need the help of Liu Kang's champions and some unexpected heroes. Especially when an old friend (and foe) comes back to say hello~

Characters: Raiden, Raiden's Sister (Fuji), Fire God Liu Kang, Shujinko, Reiko, MK11 Raiden, MK11 Liu Kang - Mentions of The Great Kung Lao, Kung Lao, & Kronika

Word Count: 7,961

Ships: Raiden/Kung Lao - MK11 Raiden/Liu Kang (Unrequited Love)

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence, Child Neglect

Sweat dripping, blood pumping, bones aching, ears ringing. Raiden's breaths were labored as he kneeled on the ground, eyes trained on Reiko, General Shao's cock sleeve.

For several months, Earthrealms protectors rushed to stop General Shao from releasing the feared Onaga, the Dragon King. It was a grueling chase that was quickly depleting their morale...Especially because this campaign cost them their dear friend, Raiden's lover, Kung Lao. It was the first time any of them had to face the reality that their line of work, the service they signed up for, could result in any of them dying at a drop of a dime. The only thing keeping them motivated was the coming destruction Onaga could make if they didn't stop General Shao.

But for Raiden, his motivation ran more fervently than simply protecting his realm and Outworld; it was pure vengeance. Since Lao's death, Raiden swore to himself that he would not let anyone close to him fall under his watch. Kung Lao's death could've been avoided if he had been powerful, more vigilant, and didn't hold himself back. Then, maybe...No...Definitely...Kung Lao would've lived.

Sweat dripping, blood pumping, bones aching, ears ringing. Raiden's breaths were labored as he kneeled on the ground, eyes trained on Reiko as the warrior positioned himself with his spear in a defensive stance. Raiden didn't bother to see which of his allies were still up; Johnny was down, Kenshi was out, and even Smoke couldn't keep up.

"Better that way. They were holding you back."

There it was, the voice again. And (frighteningly enough) Raiden couldn't agree more. With them out of the way, Raiden could get more personal with Reiko. It was his horn-headed master who killed his boyfriend, and he would hate for the weak moralities of his companions to get in the way of what he was about to do with this tattooed warrior.

Raiden took a deep breath as he straightened himself out, going into the many martial stances he learned training under Liu Kang's wing (not that they helped in any way, as petty as that sounds). The two kombatants circle each other, locked in a silent game of feeling the other out. Blue lightning sparked off Raiden, coursing through his entire being. He can feel the amulet begging to release its full potential and power, the electricity spilling from his fingertips tempting him further.

Finally, one of them decides to react as Reiko charges Raiden. Arcs of lightning attempts to meet Reiko halfway, but the experienced lieutenant was able to bob & weave past every bolt that came his way. Raiden dodges out the way of Reiko's spear attack as the warrior attempted to ram his weapon into the thunder wielder. A fierce back & forth commences as Raiden tries to keep his distance from Reiko's spear attacks, the fellow kombatant leaving little room for Raiden to land any strike on him. Reiko would finally get one good hit on Raiden as he smacked him square in the face with his spear, leaving a nasty laceration on Raiden's face. Fortunately, Raiden was milliseconds too early to lose his lower jaw.

Raiden growls as he shoots a line of lightning at Reiko, using the warrior's stunned condition to gain further distance as he hissed at the pain that grew once the adrenaline softly subsided. Raiden lightly touches the wound, the red hue bringing a sense of…Excitement to the thunder wielder.

"He dares wound us? Horrible mistake. He should've killed us with such a strike."

The voice copies Raiden's glee and thrill.

Reiko grunts as he puts one foot before the other, forcing himself out of his stunned condition. "Shame my master couldn't watch this hopeless display of kombat. He would've loved to see what face you would make once I help you join your hat-throwing friend to the afterlife." Reiko taunts.

"Shame, indeed," Raiden agrees. "Shame that your master had to leave you, his second-rate lieutenant, to finish the job that he started. What? Was he too scared to face the man he ruined the life of? I would've thought he would want to rub in my face further of how he killed Kung Lao."

Whether or not Raiden's follow-up gibe reached Reiko was a mystery; the fellow kombatant only chuckles as he circles about Raiden like a predator. "Believe me when I say that it would've delighted him to do so. But he has better things to do than waste time with a petulant child such as yourself."

"Or maybe he's embarrassed that he lost a fight with Earthrealm's chosen warrior." Raiden continues to taunt as the power of the amulet strengthens him further.

"He was pulling his punches. Need I remind you that it was a tournament that held my master back. Any other circumstance and General Shao would've ripped you apart."

"Really? Then you must still be pulling your own punches. I have yet to fall to you."

"Then let me change that for you!" Reiko shouts as he charges Raiden again.

Instead of continuing their previous dance of cat & mouse, Raiden summons himself behind Reiko through a lightning bolt, catching the lieutenant slightly off guard. But Reiko couldn't recover fast enough as Raiden hits him in the back with several fist attacks powered by electrical currents. Reiko powers through the assault and attempts a wide arching swing with his spear, an attack Raiden counters as he grabs at its shaft and yanks the weapon away from the kombatant.

Unfortunately, Reiko without a weapon didn't make him powerless. Just as quickly as he lost the spear, he swiftly replaced it with the large knife he keeps on him at all times; slashing at Raiden from his right shoulder to where his heart resided. Raiden screamed in pain, backing away, but was not able to recover himself from Reiko's assault as the lieutenant started hitting him with various fist and knife attacks; some of them Raiden clumsily countered.

Raiden teleports again in a bolt of lightning as he tries to gain distance from Reiko again, hiding behind cover and slightly recovering. He's losing too much blood, and he can feel his vitality draining from him. Raiden quickly tears pieces of his attire to serve as makeshift bandages to help slow the bleeding.

"Why must you prolong this? You're not here to provoke and tease. You're here to kill the ones who murdered Lao. Finish this before he finishes you. And once he's on his knees, we can leave General Shao a loving gift; just for him."

Right, the voice is right. Raiden cannot afford to keep pussyfooting around the battlefield. He's starting to act like…Johnny…That's what Raiden would prefer to compare himself to than…Regardless, Raiden removes himself from his hiding place, surprising Reiko with multiple lightning bolts as he rushes toward him. Reiko evades the majority of the bolts but wasn't able to react fast enough to prevent Raiden from disarming him again, knocking his combat knife out of his hands and leaving Reiko weaponless again. But, once again, this did not mean Reiko was useless without a weapon.

Reiko is quick to trip Raiden after the loss of his knife, attempting to slam his foot down on Raiden's face if it wasn't for the thunder wielder rolling away. Raiden jumps back to his feet and bends his fingers, channeling the powers of lightning into the area around them and causing lightning to spark and crackle dangerously close to the pair. Reiko grunts in pain as various shocks hit him in multiple places, and in the split second that Raiden releases his control over the lightning strikes, the thunder wielder humiliates him.

Various punches, kicks, and an onslaught of lightning were rapidly being served to Reiko, with little room for him to counter or even dodge any attacks. Soon, Reiko was slammed on the dirt floor unconscious. Raiden breathed slowly as he regained his strength despite the heavy loss of blood. His white hair and eyes dim away, his dark brown eyes returning to normal. Looking at Reiko's slumbering body, this would be the part where he would cuff him and have Reiko turned in as a prisoner…

"Finish him."

The voice encourages the very sentiment that Raiden was thinking of.

Raiden conjures ropes of electricity, wrapping them around the defeated warrior, and sitting him up in a kneeling position on both knees. Raiden approaches Reiko and slaps him a couple times to forcefully wake him up.

Upon fluttering his eyes open, Reiko is met with Raiden looking down at the warrior, eyes and hair dimly glowing while electricity buzzes around him. Reiko tries to reach for Raiden, only to realize that he's bounded by lightning.

"I wonder if General Shao will shed tears if he sees how I break his favorite boytoy."

All that fills Raiden's ears and memories is pained screams, crimson, and Reiko being pulled apart limb by limb while also being fried by Raiden's lightning bounds. Raiden beat him further, gouged out his eyes, gutted him. It wasn't until he felt someone tear him away from the expired Reiko that he was thrown off his bloodthirsty onslaught.

Raiden wakes up covered in sweat, breathing shallow, and eyes blown wide. He stares at his bedroom wall ahead of him as his brain quickly registers that he is not only awake but in the safety of his home. It was a dream, one of many that he has gotten over the year and a half that he's been back in Fengjian. But this one was…Horrific. It was a dream; Raiden knows it was a dream. Just a figment of scenes that his mind conjured up. Yet, he felt sick to his stomach. As a matter of fact, yes, he will indeed hurl whatever contents were still in his belly before he fell asleep last night. Raiden rushed out of bed and made a beeline for the bathroom.

…

"Raiden? Are you ok?"

Raiden snaps his head up, looking at his younger sister, Fuji, with a look of confused startlement. "Hmm?"

"You haven't touched your food, dear. Is there something on your mind?" Raiden's Mother chimes in with equal amounts of concern.

"I-I'm fine." Raiden sputters as he takes a forkful of eggs from his plate.

"Raiden," his Father speaks up, "You've been…Troubled as of late. You've been…Restless as of late. Like, you're not getting enough sleep."

"And you've been going to work late or not going to work at all recently. We're starting to grow concerned, Raiden. Is it…" Raiden's Mother looks at the rest of the family nervously, "Is it because of that…Thing that's stuck to your stomach?"

Raiden subtly writhes in his seat as he tries to establish an air of normalcy. "I'm fine, guys. Promise."

There's an awkward stillness that fills the table, which pretty much forces Raiden to finish his plate early and excuse himself from the table. "I'm, um, going to take a walk, run some errands. I'll see you guys later."

Raiden does his best to not show it, but he practically threw himself out of the house. He rubs his eyes, trying to blink away the exhaustion. He will admit though, he hasn't been getting any rest as of late. His dreams have been getting…Intense lately. So much so that Raiden is having a harder time believing that these are just dreams.

Raiden was never the type to see omens in dreams, but these past months have made him a believer. They're too consistent and (somewhat) grounded in reality for it to just be slumbering hallucinations. His sister and parents have been urging him to seek therapy, saying that perhaps talking with a professional might assist with the memory loss. And while Raiden has taken their advice to heart…He isn't sure if he's ready to go that extra mile just yet. It's definitely a soon-ish prospect, but not a RIGHT NOW endeavor.

Raiden doesn't even remember why he left the house anymore. He wandered aimlessly through the streets of Fengjian. Taking in the familiar sights, having small talk with friendly locals, and making small purchases for himself and the house. It wasn't until early in the afternoon that Raiden finally registered that he wandered into the old neighborhood where…Kung Lao once lived…Kung Lao's house was on the outskirts of Fengjian and closer to the streams and farmlands of the village. Raiden stares blankly at the residence of his past friends' abode; it's been so long since he stepped foot in there. Raiden approaches the front door. Despite his better intuition that he shouldn't enter the house, he still unconsciously grabs the doorknob and opens the front entrance.

Inside was unsurprisingly empty, yet it still caught Raiden off guard when faced with the heavily vacant home. Raiden can only let out an air of relief that the house wasn't vandalized; he would've scrubbed the place from the front to the backyard if that were the case, foolish as that may be. Stepping inside, a wave of nostalgia hits Raiden like a gut punch as he immediately remembers all the times he and Kung Lao hung out together. Admittedly, they rarely went to Kung Lao's house. It was always "hangout at Raiden's because he had food, and a cool bedroom, and all the sweet toys."

Raiden smiles as his mind reminds him of the first time he and Kung Lao met. They were both in their first year of being 10 years of age, and the pair would first meet when Kung Lao stole Fuji's backpack (she was 6 at that time). Although Raiden was under the tutorage of Madam Bo, nothing would've prepared him for the street-smarts knowledge that Kung Lao possessed. He was agile, knew the shortcuts and ins-&-outs of Fengjian, and hopped from rooftop to rooftop with exceptional ease. And while Raiden's disciplined mind wasn't able to keep up with Lao, that didn't mean he didn't learn a thing or two from Lao, either. For a week, the young lad began taking note of Fengjian's many shortcuts, how best to parkour off buildings and structures, and soon, Raiden was nearly able to catch up to Kung Lao.

Their friendship wouldn't truly begin until Raiden found Kung Lao on the outskirts of Fengjian, an area where flooding problems due to excessive rain are a constant worry. Raiden was always told by his parents to never go out to the outskirts for his own safety. But against their wishes, Raiden pushed forward to chase after Kung Lao. When he finally found Kung Lao, the pair fought for the first time, with Raiden coming out on top. But instead of immediately returning the many contents, including Fuji's backpack, back to their original owners, Raiden shared a snack with Lao.

Within the week of their near-endless chasing, Raiden noticed that Kung Lao almost always stole food from others among other things. Being his typical kind self, Raiden wanted to understand why Kung Lao did what he did. It was almost unsurprising to Raiden, even at that young age, to learn that Kung Lao was homeless and seemingly had no parents to care for him. Sympathetic to Kung Lao's living conditions, Raiden offered to have him stay at his house until his parents came to pick him up. From there, the two became friends and would train under Madam Bo together.

As Raiden reminisced about the past, he slowly traversed the abandoned house of his best friend. He stops in front of a room that served as Kung Lao's bedroom, a frown creeping across his face.

Raiden remembers the first time Kung Lao met his mother and only his mother. Whoever his father was, no one had a clue or a chance to meet them. Before then, Kung Lao hung out at Raiden's house, his family welcoming the young boy when they discovered he was "orphaned." But Raiden's parents didn't intend to keep Kung Lao and asked around if anyone could house the boy. It eventually came down to Kung Lao living with Madam Bo for a short while until his birth mother came to take Kung Lao back.

Kung Lao's mother was…Troubled, to say the least. At face value, many would say she was ill-fit to raise a child. She abandoned her son and was gone from Fengjian for most of Kung Lao's life. It wasn't until later in life that Raiden also learned that she had a substance problem. But despite these red flags…She tried to be a mother in the end. It's funny how children perceive adults talking because it wasn't until he was an older teen to his adulthood that he heard good things about Kung Lao's mother. Lao's mother, with the community's help, was able to get a decent home (still in the outskirts of Fengjian, but it was a roof over their head), a paying job, and was going clean as she cared for herself and Kung Lao.

But when Kung Lao spoke about his mother, before her untimely death, he talked badly about her. Not that Raiden could blame him. She abandoned him for most of his life-left Lao to fend for himself in Fengjian with no parental figures to look after him. Only for her to return and make amends and be a proper mother. That was asking for Kung Lao's trust, something he didn't have for his mother. So Kung Lao was seemingly never satisfied with her efforts to be a loving guardian for him, even when they had personal mother/son moments together.

It wasn't until she died when they were both in their mid-teens that Kung Lao solemnly started to appreciate his mother. Raiden still remembers getting a haunting call from Kung Lao about how his mother wasn't getting up from her sleep. The way Kung Lao spoke over the phone was uncannily calm as Lao was in a stunned, emotional state. Raiden had never run so fast in his life when he and his sister rushed to Kung Lao's side while his parents were getting emergency services to Lao's house. Before and during the funeral, Kung Lao isolated himself from everyone. Raiden remembered how Kung Lao didn't want to attend his mother's funeral, perhaps the pain of seeing her one last time was much for Lao.

But Raiden would finally understand Kung Lao's shift when he followed Kung Lao to the one cherry blossom tree they would both hang out under. The pair sat in silence together, and Kung Lao was the first to admit that…That he regretted he never allowed his mother into his life emotionally. What broke Raiden's heart further was learning that the one time Kung Lao allowed his walls to come down was the day before his mother died. Lao & his mother both went out to eat at Madam Bo's Teahouse; they had a big feast to celebrate his birthday. They laughed and talked; it was the first time Kung Lao actually allowed himself to grow closer to his mom. Kung Lao expressed, during that night, that his mother promised that they would move away from Fengjian to live in the cities nearby; even gifting her son a postcard she picked up when she was away from Fengjian those many years ago.

Raiden pulls himself off the memory road as he stares at the wall where a pinned postcard still remains; old and withered. The postcard displayed the Shunde District, beautifully showing the city-like streetlife of the distant land. Raiden could already hear Kung Lao's constant rants about wanting to leave Fengjian, how they could both be destined for something greater outside of their small village.

Raiden scoffs sadly as he touches the postcard, speaking to himself in a hushed tone, "I know I don't remember much. But I hope we both found our higher calling, wherever we went…I miss you, Lao."

"…Raiden…"

Raiden freezes in place as he hears a whisper behind him. He quickly turned around, he didn't hear anyone enter the house after him. But when he tried to face the disembodied voice, no one was there. Raiden's eyes slowly scanned the room, a fruitless endeavor since there was scarcely anywhere for anyone to hide from his sight. But Raiden felt his skin crawl when he thought he saw someone move from his peripheral near the entrance of Kung Lao's room.

Raiden was never the type to see omens, but a sense of dread started to creep inside him. Raiden sped-walked out of the abandoned house, only now just noticing that it was getting late in the afternoon, and sauntered back home. The goosebump feelings never left him, even after he walked through the front door of his own house.

"Lord Liu Kang?"

Liu Kang flutters his eyes open upon hearing a knock and the sound of Shujinko's voice on the other side of the door. "Come in."

The young monk opens the door eagerly, bringing in a tray of food as he hurries to sit across from the Fire God. It's been several days since they began their routine meet-up. Whenever Shujinko was tasked to deliver food to Liu Kang, he would invite the novice to sit and eat with him. It was a silent company, the pair often sharing the tray as they quietly enjoyed each other's presence.

Liu Kang smiles as Shujinko ardently sits across from him, setting the tray down with its contents. Liu Kang is surprised to see more food on display than usual. "You must have been hungry," Liu chuckles.

"Oh? Oh!" Shujinko looks at the tray and rubs the back of his head, embarrassed. "I missed out on breakfast and spent the rest of the morning not eating. Thought I was going to pass out, so I grabbed whatever I could."

"I see Kung Lao's influence has rubbed on you, then," Liu Kang jests as he grabs the bread and a small cup of butter.

"Please, Master Kung Lao would've eaten the entire tray, and I would be left with whatever he couldn't finish," Shujinko heartedly responds as he takes the bowl of soup.

In their still tranquility, Shujinko eyes the private quarters of Liu Kang's space. It still amazes him how much the Fire God has collected throughout the years. Relics that belong in museums filled the room, many with otherworldly origins. Shujinko takes notice of the many shelves displaying countless books and artifacts, but his eyes focuses on one particular hand-drawn portrait.

"Is that Master Kung Lao?" Shujinko stands and approaches the picture. The individual in the painting bears a striking resemblance to the Kung Lao he knows. The facial structure is mildly different, and they have no hair compared to Lao's buzzed undercut.

Liu Kang watched Shujinko walk to the portrait before explaining its origin, "One of Kung Lao's many ancestors. He shared Kung Lao's name, though many called him "The Great Kung Lao."

"Was he just as prideful and ambitious to bear such a title?" Shujinko smirks as he turns to look at Liu Kang.

Liu laughs as he shakes his head, "Despite the title, he was as humble as one could be. Though, he never shied away from demonstrating his capabilities. It was everyone else who gave him his title. The Great Kung Lao was the finest of Earthrealms warriors. Every Mortal Kombat tournament, he had won."

"Every Kombat?"

"Every one from his era..."

Liu Kang's sudden silence catches Shujinko off guard as he can see Liu Kang staring into place, consumed by memories that resurfaced. Shujinko has seen this happen a few times and quickly asks another question to distract Liu Kang from his own headspace. "Um, did Kung Lao, our Kung Lao, know about him?"

"...Yes, yes, he did. How else do you think he obtained the hat?"

"What? He told me he made it himself!" Shujinko looks at Liu Kang shocked.

"That he did, later versions of his ancestors' hat. The original I gave to him. He used it for a time but opted to utilize his own version of the Great Kung Lao's razerhat until he felt he was worthy to bear his ancestors' hat."

Shujinko nods in understanding, looking back at the portrait again, "I can imagine he would be proud of Kung Lao."

"That he would."

Shujinko was about to step away, but he now just noticed the second individual in the painting. He doesn't know how he missed them, they weren't in the background; they stood front and center, side-by-side with the Great Kung Lao in the portrait. The gentleman next to the Great Kung Lao had paler skin than the other, resembling a shade of someone who has lived closer up north. Yet, it still had a ghostly tinge to it than someone resembling a northerner. Their eyes were a milky white, but it was the type of hue as if they were losing their sight in both eyes. Their facial features were gaunt, and their musculature was sickly frail.

Shujinko points at this other person in the painting, "Who's this?"

Liu Kang had finished his bowl of rice before turning his attention back to the picture Shujinko stood before. Looking at the other individual, a sense of dread fills Liu Kang. He kinda hoped that Shujinko wouldn't ask about the other individual.

"...An old friend of (the Great) Kung Laos'." Liu Kang says bluntly.

Shujinko felt the finality in his tone and thought it better to leave it alone. He didn't want to resurface more bad memories for the Fire God. Shujinko returns to his place in front of Liu Kang, sitting across from the Fire God and finishing the rest of the tray. Silence falls upon them like a blanket, and soon, Shujinko felt that it was time he bid farewell to Liu Kang and perform his other duties. Shujinko cleaned up the area and stacked the emptied bowls together. Just as he was about to stand and leave, he noticed a particular shrine that caught his eye only now.

"What's that?"

Shrines are not uncommon around the Wu Shi Academy. There were plenty of those littered here and there dedicated to other Gods and Elder Gods, both of whom protect Earthrealm and the realms beyond. Shujinko has seen the ones that were publicly displayed around the Academy, but this one, he had never seen before. Based on the imagery, it depicted lightning and a hat, similar to what...Raiden would wear, hung around the altar.

"Is this shrine dedicated to Raiden?" Shujinko knows that Raiden isn't dead, so this wasn't related to that in the slightest. And Shujinko doesn't dare touch the idea of Liu Kang being...Obsessed...There was a long silence, and Shujinko was starting to grow uncomfortable with the quiet nature Liu Kang was giving him.

"Lord Liu Kang?" Shujinko dares to look at the Fire God, only to see Liu Kang staring at the shrine, deep and lost in his own thoughts.

Fuck, he did it again.

"L-lord Liu Kang?"

-In a long-dead timeline-

"I have conquered the darkness within me. You must do the same."

"You…Will have to kill me."

"I would rather save you."

In a desperate act to save not only their timeline but also Liu Kang, Raiden made the risky attempt to merge his being and Liu's into one form. Raiden approached the future, revenant Liu Kang, striking him with lightning that encompassed them both as a field of light further obscured them from the naked eye.

…

"Raiden…"

Liu Kang mutters as his eyes shot open. Liu Kang found himself no longer in Kronika's lair nor in the fire gardens where he last remembered being before being taken by Kronika. Instead, he found himself in the zen gardens of the Shaolin temple, no longer ruined by the intruders who came to take the energy capsules containing Earthrealm's life force. In the distance, Liu Kang can hear the muffled sounds of the monks training, the reverberating sound of the gong indicating a set-timed activity, and the cherry blossoms still in full bloom.

Liu Kang mildly panics; has he been sent back in time again? While his friends are fighting against Kronika?

"Liu Kang."

The familiar sound of Raiden's voice twists Liu Kang's head to face the Thunder God. Relief slightly settles him as Liu skips over to Raiden.

"Raiden! Where are we? Has Kronika been defeated? Are we back in our timeline?"

Raiden shakes his head, "No, the battle still continues. As we speak, Kharon is helping our allies to Kronika's fortress, and they are defending his ferries from the Time Keepers' forces who met us halfway."

Liu Kang nods in understanding but looks at the surrounding scenery in confusion, gesturing to their new location, "Then why are we here? Shouldn't we be helping our friends, Lord Raiden?"

"…Liu…We need to talk…"

In all his years fighting by Raiden's side, Raiden has never called him "Liu." Liu Kang stands at attention, ready to accept what news Raiden intends to tell him. "Yes, Lord Raiden?"

"Your future self, your Revenant self, boarded our ship and attacked us, along with Frost and her cyber Lin Kuei. Despite our brief scuffle, I had no intention of killing you, continuing this vicious cycle that Kronika forced us into."

Raiden takes a moment to let out a shaky breath before continuing, "Your Revenant self is far too blinded by his anger and corruption to be talked down willingly. So…So I'm merging our beings together, so that we may become One."

Liu Kang stares at Raiden in bewilderment. Become One? Such as merging into one individual? One conciousness? Liu Kang couldn't wrap his head around this. "Is that why we're…Here?"

The Thunder God nods, "As we speak, everything that makes us who we are is being united so that we could emerge as a powerful being, one who would share both our prowess, knowledge, and wisdom. I created this subconscious setting so that the information and transformation would be…Easier to process. Do not worry; I intend to transfer my soul to you so that you may benefit from my experiences and power. You will remain intact."

"…But what will happen to you?"

There's a deafening silence, and Liu Kang can already feel the knot of dread becoming tighter. He silently begged that Raiden would not say what he thinks he will say.

"…The process is painless, Liu Ka-"

"Please," Liu Kang raises his hand, stopping Raiden from trying to sugarcoat this situation any further. "Do not speak to me like I am a sheltered child. Give it to me straight, Raiden…"

Raiden could only slowly nod his head, "I don't know…I never had to perform this ever in my lifetimes as a God…Know this, it is not like the perverse necromancy that Shang Tsung often used on his victims, leaving a husk after stealing their souls." Raiden pauses as he ponders in his mind how best to continue his thought, "…But from what I could ascertain from previous studies and knowledge from trusted peers…I will…Cease to exist…When I give myself to you, Liu Kang, all that will remain is the changed you. The version of yourself that will be empowered by my being once we have merged."

Liu Kang looks at Raiden in horror. Raiden was…He was willing to essentially kill himself, all for the sake of not only saving him but this timeline. Liu Kang isn't foolish; he knew that trying to stop Kronika was going to cost lives, both his friends, their allies, and even his. But this…This felt…Different. This was Raiden giving his life FOR HIM. So that he, his chosen one, would save everyone. And Liu Kang KNOWS that he has to accept this. It was as Raiden taught him; to take every advantage to defeat his enemies and to protect Earthrealm. He was conditioned and trained to bear sacrifices, to make the tough decisions to ensure that Earthrealm would thrive.

Yet…He didn't want this.

Raiden slowly approaches Liu Kang, arms open wide as if he intends to hug Liu Kang. His face grows into a comforting smile, his way of trying to calm Liu Kang. "I assure you, this is for the best, Liu Kang. You'll be elevated to a God with enough power to take on Kronika."

Just as Raiden is about to fully embrace him, Liu Kang flinches away from him. Raiden looks at Liu Kang confused before it eventually changes to a look of understanding.

"N-no…No, I don't want this! There has to be another way, Raiden! I'm not going to just…Kill you!" Liu Kang says as his breathing hitches.

"You're not killing me, Liu Kang-"

"Then what do you call this!?! How is this not killing you!?! How do you know this isn't part of Kronika's plan as well?" Liu Kang continued to back away from Raiden every time the Thunder God attempted to get closer to him.

"Every timeline I experienced, we FOUGHT, and YOU died, Liu Kang. It was never the other way around. This will not further any agenda that Titan has planned for any of us!"

"HOW. DO. YOU. KNOW!?!" Liu Kang raises his voice, breaking the calm and serenity of the zen garden. "Was it not Kronika's plan to get rid of you? To erase you from her new era to prevent you from interfering with her grand design! How do you know that doing THIS won't give Kronika what she wanted!"

"I DON'T, LIU KANG!" Raiden matches his tone, but there is no crackle of thunder in the distance, no godly boom to his voice or glow to his eyes. "I never knew that letting Kung Lao fight in the tournament instead of you would've resulted in his death. I did not know that the events that would lead to YOUR death would lead to this outcome. I don't know if merging us will actually further Kronika's plans or deaden them! But I have to trust that whatever decision I make, whatever ripple effect this may cause, that the outcome will ensure that Earthrealm and its people will be safe; no matter the cost!"

Liu Kang can't stop his eyes from watering as he continues to step away from Raiden. "No…"

"Liu Kang-"

"No! Raiden, please!"

"Liu Kang, you're getting emotional! People are depending on us! ON YOU!" Raiden shouts, still no thunder or godly enhancements to his voice.

"I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU, RAIDEN! NOT LIKE THIS! YOU DON'T DESERVE THIS!" Liu Kang cries, his back hitting a wall from his constant evasions from Raiden. His legs grow weak, and he lets himself slide to the ground, trembling and filled with sorrow.

"I don't want to lose you…Not like this! You deserve so much more than that. You held this entire realm together, keeping us safe…Keeping me safe…You shouldn't have to sacrifice more than you already have! Let me merge with YOU! Let us face Kronika as we are together! But please…Please don't ask me to do this…To take your life in this way."

There's a stillness between the two; the ambiance that Raiden constructed for this subconscious conversation has long since disappeared, leaving Raiden to listen to Liu Kang's quiet whimpers.

"…Tell me, Liu…What is it that you think I deserve?" Raiden asks softly.

Liu Kang is silent for a moment before responding, "…You deserve to be happy. You deserve to look at the work you've so tirelessly done and rest knowing that Earthrealm will be ok…You deserve…" Liu Kang makes himself chuckle before continuing, "You deserve to enjoy your nuclear buffalo wings. You deserve to relax at the saunas you enjoyed so much. You deserve to see the fireworks every new year; I know how much you enjoy reaching the highest point you safely can with Lao and me and watching the colors pop in the sky…"

Raiden listened carefully to Liu Kang's list of things that he felt Raiden deserved, all of them evolving into things that he and Liu Kang had done together that meant a lot to both of them. Liu Kang didn't want to lose the future bond they could have. A future where they were at peace and happy together, even if Raiden's lifespan rivaled Liu Kang's…

But that life just wasn't possible, not under Kronika's rule…But…

Raiden leans down to the sitting Liu Kang, cupping his face in his hand, forcing the monk to look at him. No hint of malice or worry graced Raiden's face, happy as he can be. "Then provide me that future, Liu."

"What?" Liu Kang looks into Raiden's eyes…Only now that he noticed that they were brown…Huh…He never…

"Who knows what will happen once Kronika is defeated. Time might continue as it should, we might be shunted back to our original place in time, we might be stuck sharing this space with our future companions…Or it might all become dust in the wind…But no matter what happens. When Kronika falls, the hourglass will be unoccupied…And we will all have a chance of a better life."

"Raiden, how do you-"

Raiden places his thumb on Liu Kang's lips, quieting him before he could finish his sentence. "I don't know, Liu. I can only trust that whatever we do now, what we accomplish now, will open new doors and possibilities to us later. If we keep worrying about what the future will hold, we lose control of what we can do now."

Raiden steps away from Liu Kang, standing to his full height, and extends his hand for Liu to take. Liu Kang hesitates as he looks at Raiden's hand, but he gathers his courage and trust in Raiden and takes it. When their hands connected, a steady stream of memories, knowledge, wisdom, everything that made Raiden who he was; flowed into Liu Kang. Liu panics, clutching onto Raidens' hand tightly and keeping his eyes fixed on his friend.

"It's ok, everything will be ok." Raiden consoles Liu as he helps him back to his feet.

Liu Kang looks at their conjoined hands as his mind also processed the steady flow of information and essence drawing into him. Liu Kang saw the many stories Raiden would tell him when he was younger, all in greater detail than when Raiden described the events. Liu saw their past adventures together when Raiden mentored and cared for him and Lao when they were young. He saw the times they fooled around, enjoying the pleasantries that life offered them as he and Lao showed Raiden souvenirs, took him to events, ate out, and did things outside their monastic training. But most of all, Liu Kang felt what Raiden felt in each of these instances. Liu Kang felt Raiden's fear, confusion, anger, sadness, joy, serenity, hope, pride…and love…

Liu Kang didn't even realize he was shedding tears again until he felt something wet splash on his hand. Then Liu saw something that broke him; he couldn't contain himself further. He saw Raiden's hand fading. His watered eyes met Raiden's, and he could see that Raiden was phasing away, like a ghost.

"Raiden…" Liu Kang lightly gasps.

Raiden looks himself over, recognizing that an effect was being placed on him. But he does not panic, maintaining the same calm composure. "It's ok…I'll be fine, Liu."

"Raiden!" Liu Kang surges forward as he brings the Thunder God into a tight embrace, his form still solid enough for them to touch. "I-I'm going to miss you…" Liu Kang wept.

At this point, even Raiden couldn't compose himself any longer. The truth of the matter is that he doesn't know if this will work. Was there perhaps another way this could've been handled? Would merging together even work?

…Will this be his final moment not only as a God but as a living entity?

Raiden didn't know any of this. And that unknown scares him. This could very well be his last moment with Liu Kang, the man he watched grow from an infant to a powerful man. Raiden would never have imagined that this could be the last time he would hold Liu Kang this closely. Raiden could not help but quietly shed his own tears as he held Liu Kang just as tight, both of them locked together as he faded away slowly; giving all he was to Liu Kang.

Yet, despite this, Raiden couldn't be more proud of Liu Kang. His pride, love, and hope overpowered any second thoughts or doubts that surfaced and tried to demoralize him. They're going to defeat Kronika, Liu is going to defeat Kronika. Her reign of tyrannical balance will end, and they will become masters of their own fates; not the pawns to further the fight between good and evil. And Raiden is confident that Liu Kang will start their new era for them, even if he won't be there to see it.

Through shaky breaths and watered eyes, Raiden says his final goodbye, "I'm so proud of you, my son. You have no idea how proud you make me."

Liu Kang smiles through the tears, "I think I have a good idea of how proud you are."

"…Save us, Liu Kang. You were always destined to save Earthrealm, all the realms. And I know that you will stop Kronika."

"I will, Raiden. Kronika will not win." Liu Kang's voice starts to steady, confidence and power swelling within him.

Soon, Raiden's being was no longer tangible, their tight embrace dissolving as Raiden further faded away.

"I love you, Raiden," Liu Kang mutters, loud enough for only he and Raiden to hear.

"I love you too, Liu Kang."

…

The battle was won.

Kronika was defeated.

…But at what cost?

Liu Kang, Fire God Liu Kang, stared into the endless cosmos in awe-ful loneliness. Rock formations and asteroids pass him, and the rocky platform he and the hourglass resided on. Cosomic colors paint the starry expanse in beautiful whites, reds, and blues as space dust and burning stars littered the sky. It was all a sight to behold, a once-in-a-lifetime experience…But what's the point in experiencing any of this, if there's no one to share it with?

Kronika may have lost the battle, but she still achieved her goal…Somewhat…Time was reversed despite his best efforts to prevent it. He watched firsthand his closest friends backpedaling every second they lived as if a tape was being rewinded. Before he knew it, he was fighting Kronika at times beginning, long before the first man and woman graced the planet, long before the dinosaurs became extinct, long before the earth would be considered inhabitable.

All that remained was him and the hourglass.

Liu Kang finally comes down from the high of the combat, slowly processing all that has happened. His friends were dead, his family were dead, his timeline was gone…Raiden was gone…Liu Kang perches himself on a rock, slowly curling in on himself as the vacantness around him starts to overwhelm him. Is this his fate? As the chosen hero of Earthrealm? To live alone until his insanity kills him? To reminisce the mistakes he performed and what he could've done to prevent all of this?

"Our work is finished, Liu Kang."

Great…Now he was going insane by the second…He was already hearing voices…

…Raiden's voice…

Liu Kang dares to check his surroundings, only to be graced with an unusual sight.

"Lord…Raiden?" Liu Kang could not contain his surprise, eyes wide as he stared at Raiden.

"I am merely Raiden, now. You have proven worthy to take my place as the new Protector of Earthrealm, once it is restored," Raiden continues, nonchalantly, as if it was normal for him to still…Be here…

"But…But how?" Liu Kang stands from his place and steps closer to Raiden. "You…I thought…Aren't you supposed to be-"

"Dead?" They both say in unison.

Raiden smiles and nods, "I cannot say why I still remain. That much is a mystery, even to me. I can only guesstimate that perhaps your battle with Kronika, and you being so close to the hourglass during the encounter; you may have recreated me into a mortal shell."

Liu Kang leisurely looks at the hourglass, confusion still plastered on his face.

"Once again, it's only a guess. If anything, I could've been a freak accident, an outcome after your battle with Kronika." Raiden shrugs. This is perhaps the most…Casual, Liu Kang has ever seen Raiden act.

A moment of silence passes them before Liu Kang faces Raiden again. "So, there's a chance that you're not…MY Raiden?"

If this Raiden, this mortal Raiden, was the result of his kombat, then that still meant that the Raiden HE knew was still…Dead.

Raiden doesn't answer right away, mimicking the same ponderous expression that Liu Kang's Raiden would make when trying to find the right words to say. Before long, Raiden would look at Liu Kang, eye to eye, and smile.

"Do you want me to?"

Liu Kang doesn't answer him. Instead, he shares the same smile. Even if this Raiden wasn't HIS Raiden, even if this Raiden WAS his Raiden, his heart still fluttered knowing that he was here. A familiar face, someone to keep him company. Someone that Liu Kang saved, even if it was just one.

"You honor me, Raiden," Liu Kang respectfully bows to Raiden.

"The honor is mine, Lord Liu Kang," Raiden repeats the same bow, a smile still stapled on his face.

Since then, They both remade their timeline, their new era, together.

Oh, if only the story ended there.

Liu Kang learned quickly that he truly was a God. An immortal being incapable of aging. And Raiden was no longer a God himself, aging every year to a mortal grave. A selfish part of Liu Kang wanted to prevent this. He couldn't hold on to the idea that he might get to see his friends again. Kung Lao, Kitana, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage. So many of those whom he called his allies would not be born, leaving him alone once Raiden died. So, Liu Kang offered Raiden the chance to regain his immortality by attempting the merge again, thinking that they could perhaps, somehow, someway, recreate the events so that Raiden could become the God of Thunder again. Or maybe share their power so that they could be Gods together, protecting Earthrealm under their watchful eye.

Yet, Raiden refused, wanting to keep his mortality and leave the old timeline behind so that the new one may flourish. Liu Kang made sure that Raiden's final moments were comfortable and peaceful. Raiden died surrounded by the new family and friends he made living in Liu Kang's new era.

And although a new Raiden would emerge at some point in his new timeline…Liu Kang was alone again…

"Lord Liu Kang?"

Liu Kang jumps out of his skin when he feels Shujinko touch him lightly. The young monk backs away, frightened, even though they have little reason to be.

"I-I'm sorry, Lord Liu Kang! It's just…You were quiet, and I got…Worried."

Liu Kang felt embarrassed and tried to laugh it off, "No, no, Shujinko. I should be the one apologizing. I'm sorry if I startled you. I just…I was pondering on the past for a moment."

"…I'm sorry if I triggered-"

Liu Kang waves his hand and smiles, "No, Shujinko, you didn't do anything to make me uncomfortable or to trigger me. Promise." Liu Kang looks back at the shrine, "That shrine was dedicated to an old friend of mine. He too held the title, Raiden, before the one we know today."

"Wow…What are the chances that there would be two Raidens as well? Did they also possess lightning powers?" Shujinko looks at Liu Kang expectantly.

"No, they did not…But…They did pave the way for that to be a possibility for our Raiden."

~Sorry to the Reiko fans out there. I always intended for there to be more deaths in this series, but as my first fan work and not huge into killing characters in my writings, Reiko was a nonconsequential sacrificial lamb to get myself into the mindset of "ok, there's going to be character deaths coming in future chapters".

Also, song recommendation for the Liu Kang/Raiden moment, "What You Left" by Refeeld :D. Deadass was crying while writing that moment. Hopefully, soon after, I'll get part two in here and might even combine the chapters as originally intended. Until then, can't wait for the next chapter!~

#Wilted Cherry Blossoms Dark Thunderstorms Burning Hopes #Oops Kung Lao's Dead Again AU #Mortal Kombat #Mortal Kombat 1 #MK1 #MK1 Raiden #MK1 Reiko #MK1 Kung Lao #MK1 Shujinko #MK1 Liu Kang #MK11 Raiden #Raiden #Reiko #Liu Kang #Shujinko #Kung Lao

13 notes · View notes

generalluxun · 6 months

Text

Fanfic Author 20 Questions

Thanks to @erisluna35 for sending this along! 1. How many works do you have on AO3?

On AO3? Right now 63, soon to be 64(tomorrow probably) and a couple on FF.net

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

1,020,860 on AO3 plus another ~86K fic I never ported over to AO3, as my 'recent' stuff, starting back in 2021

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Mostly Miraculous Ladybug, I did others a long time ago before joining AO3, but that was a long time ago. I've considered a couple others recently too, but nothing yet.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

At The Gala- A Chlonette fic inspired by fanart, and actually the sequel to my #2 by Kudos. This is just a cute series of strange interactions with Chloe from Marinette's PoV, culminating in understanding and discovery on a fated evening.

Slippery slope- Little Chlonette ficlet inspired by a fanart. Very short, it's about how a single unexpected moment can change someone's entire world.

Ever After- A long chapter fic set more than a decade post-canon that looks into the idea that 'Ever After' can be a long time, and that expecting life to be solved at 14 is a recipe for eventual disaster. Yet at the same time life continues to offer new experiences, new possibilities, and new ways to grow. Ships include Adrienette, Chloadrien, and Felinette.

Showing Love- An alternate ending to Queen Wasp, where instead of reuniting Chloé with her horrible mother by highlighting everything horrible about her (seriously, what?) Marinette comes face to face with the reality that a mother really *can* not love a child. Being Marinette she can't let such a thing stand, even if it is Chloé. Marinette&Dupain-Cheng family goodness.

What Do you See?- Adrigami fic that kicks off right in the middle of Kuro Neko. While Adrien is struggling with the pain of giving up Cat Noir, one thing crosses his mind. He can finally give one important person the truth she deserves. After all, he *Was* Cat Noir, not *is*. The two both struggle to navigate the ramifications of this revelation, especially when Plagg shows up once more with the ring. (there's a little bit of eventual Lukanette)

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to respond to most, especially any questions or curiosities. I love engagement.

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Oh heck this is so not fair. I am in love with bittersweet ending, and have a couple of doozies.

I can't decide between three.

What Happened- The 'real reason' Chloé Bourgeois's redemption arc failed. What do you di when you do everything right, only to find out your happiness causes the end of the world, in every timeline?

A Modest Proposal- Marinette is happily impatient for Adrien to finally propose to her. Little does she know, a secret long kept is going to come back to haunt her. It's worse than you think.

The Risk Outweighs- A look into someone else's life during the episode 'Risk'. The courage to do anything finally gives Chloé the strength to break from the cycle. But the Ladybugs must set things right, and a few moments of clarity weigh nothing against a lifetime.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Again, lots with happy endings, though I prefer 'open' endings, so...hmmm

Cafe Noir- has an unambiguously happy ending, but I specifically set out to write a romcom so that feels like cheating.

Dog Daze- probably has the most comprehensively happy ending, Adrien's dad even managed to try to parent. They do go through a lot on the way to the happy ending though.

In Direct Opposition- My latest work, seems to end on a solidly happy note for all involved.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Ever After drew some upset people that expected their OTP to be the main ship. I never tried to deceive anyone, but a few people were just really upset.

I also had this weird thing where someone thought I was someone else, and stalked my comments for a while. That's why I use moderation now.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I've done M rated fics. I'm not sure 'smut' works for them, even if there's lots of sex narratively, it's usually mentioned rather than being detailed. I did one single 'this will be a smut fic' fic. And even that ended up with like, 5K words mostly plot, and about 2 paragraphs of (I think emotional and important) sex.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Nah, I've never had the crossover itch. I generally find each world intriguing enough on their own.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of...

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yep! I had someone ask if they could translate one of my fics to Russian.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope. Talked about it before, but never went through with it. Not against the idea. I do a lot of rubber ducking for my friends though, so some of my ideas can end up in their finished fics.

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

I'm going ot have to go with adribrina, my goobers. I like exploring all kinds of ships, and these two I threw together on a whim but Oh, they're so comfy! I wrote Puppy Love to see how they would work, and then that evolved into Dog Daze, my Largest work to date. I had *intended* for them to amicably break up and Sabrina to be a wing-woman to Adrien in the canon ship of Adrienette.... but they just did not want to break up. Even if they wouldn't admit they were dating, they were just too *comfy* together. These two make me happy. (Marinette ended up okay though, she's happy!)

15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

A third fic in my Senti-Sentai AU. 'Worlds Collide'. It was set in 'vague eastern Europe country in the middle of violent conflict' and then that suddenly got too real, too quickly.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Character voice. I write third person limited, and I've been told many times that I do a very good job of writing characters as their canonical selves, just in different situations that bring about different outcomes or changes in them. I consider that a high compliment, because the characters are what I am here for.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Brevity. Even simplistic plots 'enemies to friends road trip' become detailed 'Marinette manipulates Chloé into chasing Adien and Lila across the globe to prevent Lila from wheedling an arranged Marriage out of Gabriel' and then that blossoms into a 98K fic.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I feel like my last of understanding grammar and colloquialisms for another language would have me sounding like bad google translate. Singular words used? Viable.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

SWATKats. My first ever fanfic was a 30K fic about that show.

20. Favorite fic you've ever written?

They are all my babies! This is so not fair. I've spoken about some of my favorites earlier though, so I'll use this spot to mention some other ones :)

He's Perfect- Gothic Horror Adrienette! It even has a sequel and an entire AU in my head if I can circle back.

The Orphan and the Marionette- Written to feel like one of Grimm's fairy tales. Chlonette(kind of) with a heavy dose of magic and a surprise appearance from Marianne.

There are so many more but I'll plug Dog Daze again, because I to like how it flows and the alternate S5 we get from it. It also inspired a raft of 'post story' one shots, and I have another chapter fic waiting in the wings to continue the AU. There's plenty of stories to tell here.

@taketwoinink Tag, if you would like to play.

#ask #fan fiction #fanfiction #writing #miraculous ladybug #adrienette #adribrina #chlonette #so many ships

19 notes · View notes

penna-nomen · 8 months

Text

20 Questions Writer Ask Game

How many works do you have on AO3?

64 works

What’s your total AO3 word count?

888,343 words

How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

24 fandoms on AO3

The ones where I’ve written two or more stories are: Discworld, Doctor Who, Emma, Good Omens, The Good Place, Leverage, Murderbot Diaries, Pride and Prejudice, Psych, Stargate Atlantis, Supernatural, White Collar

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Caffrey Conversation

Choirboy Caffrey

By the Book

Bouquet

Caffrey Envoy

Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

Yes, I try to do this. If someone leaves multiple comments on the same story on the same day, I might reply to just a subset of them. I’m always grateful when readers take the time to leave a comment, and I definitely want to let them know that I appreciate them, even if I’m often tongue-tied.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

Probably Roads Not Taken, if you don’t count the fluffy “bonus features” posted after the final chapter of the actual story

Do you write crossovers? If so what is the wildest one you’ve written?

Yes, I’ve written many crossovers. The most unexpected would be Intrepid Galactic Explorer, which was a crossover between Anne of Green Gables and Murderbot Diaries.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

A handful of times

Do you write smut? If so what kind?

I don't.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I’m aware of.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Someone once asked permission to do so, but I never heard if they followed through on it.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Kind of. @silbrith and I collaborate on a series, and we run ideas by each other. Once I wrote an epilogue chapter for one of her fics.

What’s your all time favorite ship?

How do I choose? The ones I write most are in White Collar: Neal/Sara and Neal & Peter as friends-like-family.

What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

Once I started outlining one of my older stories from the POV of other characters. I think the working title was Operation Athena. It was a fun idea, but I was too enticed by new ideas to spend time rewriting an old one.

What are your writing strengths?

My immediate reaction is to say none. But based on comments, my strengths are: Pastiche, especially writing for book fandoms. Friendships. Weaving threads through multiple stories and tying them up in a satisfying way. Crossovers. And one particular OC that long-time readers seem to love and they forget that he’s an OC.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Smut. I’m fine with writing flirting and building up the temperature, and but actual tab-A-into-slot-B isn’t something I write well.

Fight scenes are also something I’m not able to do well.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

I did this a bit once, in a fic where a major plot point was that the main character can speak French. Glad I did it, but I doubt I’d do it again because of my constant fear of making an embarrassing mistake.

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

I wrote a fic inspired by the musical Annie for a friend in 9th grade, but it’s not online and as far as I know she’s the only person who ever read it.

What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

The story Caffrey Conversation is special to me because of the circumstances in which I wrote it. I started reading & downloading fic in the White Collar fandom to keep my mind occupied when I learned Mom had breast cancer. Six months later when her check-up went well, I was so happy I was inspired to write a fic that I’d been imagining, and it was almost finished when we learned the cancer had metastasized and she had weeks to live. Mom read a version of the story, and I’m glad she got that glimpse into what would become a big part of my life for the next few years. A couple of months after she died, I finished the story and posted it, and then I envisioned follow up stories where one of the elements was the characters experiencing grief. So it all became part of processing my emotions mixed with a hope of helping others be prepared for what grief is like.

Open tag to anyone else who wants to answer the questions! I'm definitely interested in learning more about my fellow fic writers!

#ask game #fanfic #caffrey conversation

8 notes · View notes

thelreads · 1 year

Text

And that`s the end of the chapter, and of Yor`s epic girl moment™. That was quite the spectacle to see, shame we`ve run out of assassins so quickly.

Now, this is the kinda of thing I was expecting, Yor kicking ass and showing what she`s here for. Those guy didn`t even stood a chance, and being honest, the director didn`t even needed to be there. Sure, it was good he helped take Olka out of harm`s way, but other than that Yor could really have handled everything. Which brings me to a particular thing he said...

This. This is what raised a flag in my head and made the cogs start spinning again.

You know, I was expecting this place to be full of actually experienced people, the type of assassins that Yor and the Director would recognize from afar, but so far, none of the people here made them go “oh, that must be the famous X, famous for Y” or anything like. Like he said, it`s just a bunch of new faces. Talented people, sure, but none that are actually remarkable. That makes sense, right? If there were actual famous assassins here then they would quickly spot them and wouldn`t be at risk.

it`s almost like the person that leaked the info for those assassins knew exactly who Yor would recognize as a professional, right? Otherwise why wouldn`t the best and most famous assassins be here, at this ship, for such an important job?

It`s almost like this was a trial for Yor. Like the director said, those are a bunch of unfamiliar fighting styles, everyone there seems to have a hat of their own, a quirky way of standing out from the others. From a story-writing perspective this is because we`d be bored if everyone was using normal knifes and guns.

But from in-universe, it might be to see how yor would adapt against unexpected and unorthodox ways of fighting. Why pick those unpractical ways of fighting if not to make it a test?

Now, I don`t want to point names, but y`all know what I`m thinking... The director is probably unaware of it, and that`s why he was sent. He`s here just to give orders and clean up the mess, the killing is Yor`s business.

Hell, we don`t even know if in that morse code he didn`t got instructions to let Yor handle it all on her own, he did really little in the way of killing to be fair, and even the ones that he did get could be chalked to him being too soft to let her fight alone.

The pieces connect once again. We`re getting closer to the truth.

#SXFC52

22 notes · View notes

duxhess-kryzewan · 2 years

Note

Oh my gosh I love your writing so much! Could you do Satine telling obi wan she's pregnant in an au where he stayed and they got married?

- Unexpectedly-

Most things in Satine's life had come without warning.

The outbreak of the Mandalorian Civil war had uprooted her life so suddenly some day she still feels like she hasn't quite found her footing yet. One day she was simply another member of Mandalorian nobility, and it seemed like the next she was given an entire planet to lead.

Obi-Wan came without warning too.

They had fought from the moment they were introduced. Every day it felt as though there was something new to argue about. Part of her couldn't stand him, with his proclivity for combat and sarcastic remarks. It drove her crazy most days. And yet, she found that the other part of her had fallen hopelessly in love with him.

The realization vexed her completely, because it was not the time for her to fall in love. Her planet was at war, her people dying, and she knew the ways of the Jedi. Attachments were forbidden. There is no emotion, there is peace. A vow that her Jedi protector was dedicated too.

She likes to think it was the same for him. That one day he realized beneath all the jabs was something more complex than either of them would have ever predicted, and perhaps learning he had loved her too was the most unexpected thing of it all.

The night before they were set to part had been spent curled into his side, holding onto him as if her life depended on it. The universe was far too large and Satine knew they were far too small in comparison to it all. Crossing paths again once they parted held all but an impossible possibility.

"You could stay," She whispered that night, "I would never fault you for leaving. But if remaining here is something you would want...just know that maybe I want that too."

She would never outright tell him to walk away. It was the only life he had ever known, and she had a planet to begin rebuilding. She wanted it to be his choice in the end, no matter how badly she didn't want to let him go.

Watching him board his ship and head towards Coruscant felt like a piece of her died.

A week later he showed up her doorstep and had been by her side since.

"I would like to stay," He told her, "Should her grace still allow it."

They had married later that year, and she was saved by him all over again.

It had been seven years since then. Rebuilding her planet had been - and continues to be - a daunting task. Despite how much the New Mandalorian movement has flourished there was still so much to be done. Having taken a Jetii for a husband certainly hadn't helped matter much in the beginning.

But Obi-Wan was nothing if not charming, and the publics opinion of him had swayed greatly in their favor over the years. He was just as dedicate to serving the people as she was, and they had agreed their duties now lay with protecting their people.

He had been on Concordia for the past two days, having traveled for the funeral of a prominent clan leader. The death was too sudden for a rearrangement of her schedule, and so Obi-Wan had taken it upon himself to go in her place, despite her reassurances that he didn't have too.

"It'll be three days," He told her the morning of his departure, "You'll hardly even notice my absence."

"Of course I will," She told him softly, "In case you've foolishly forgotten, I am never not thinking of you."

Because even when she was knee deep in duty, he was always somewhere in the back of her mind.

It was fitting that when she learned of her pregnancy he was a world away. Another moment added to the long list of things hitting her when she least expects it.

She paces nervously around the balcony connected to their room. He had commed that morning to let her know he would be back by sundown, and the hours of waiting felt like an eternity. They had never discussed children. The galaxy was teetering on the brink of another war and Mandalore still needed so much of them.

There were times however when she looked upon her husband and wondered what a child of theirs would look like. If they would have his hair or her eyes. Would they be witty like him? Idealistic like her? Stubborn like the both of them?

For his part, Obi-Wan had never brought up the idea of children. For all Satine knew he could be completely opposed to the idea entirely. Surely being raised in the order meant there was no room for daydreaming of such things. She fears that all the years of being taught to avoid attachment pushed the thought of children out of his mind completely.

Her hand coils around the balconies railing in an attempt to steady herself. It all felt like too much.

“Satine?”

The dread of the unknown had overtaken her thoughts entirely, so much so that she hadn’t even heard him approach.

“Obi-Wan.” She breathes out, nearly falling over entirely.

He stood at the balcony’s entryway, arms crossed over his chest and a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Should I come back at a better time?” He teases, “You seem rather distracted. Perhaps I-“

She doesn’t think; all sense of propriety had fled her the moment she heard his voice and she practically flings herself into his arms. For a moment the fear and anxiety that had held her mind hostage melted away. Even after all this time there is no one she feels safer with that him. He would always be her Jedi Protector first, husband second.

“Hush.” She commands gently.

Obi-Wan does as he’s told.

This pregnancy, too, was just another thing that came without warning.

She burrows her head in the crook of his neck and inhales deeply. Two days felt like a lifetime when they hadn’t spent a night apart in years and, force, did she miss him.

“Dearest?” Obi-Wan questions lightly.

There are too many things she needs to tell him, yet she feels as though the words are stuck in her throat.

“Satine, you’re trembling.”

She hadn’t even noticed. Had she been doing that all evening?

“I-“ She pauses long enough to uncoiled herself from him, “I’m alright.”

He kisses her then, soundly and softly and she worries her knees will give out all together.

“You’re not.” He says when they part, clearly unconvinced by her words, “Let’s go inside.”

Their fingers stayed interlocked as they make their way through the door and Satine feels another wave of anxiety wash over her.

“Satine,” He prompts, taking her other hand in his, “I know when something is troubling you.”

Her gaze drops to their conjoined hands and briefly her eyes gloss over her abdomen. There was no indication to her pregnancy yet, but she could already feel

When she looks back up to her husband she finds his own gaze trained on her. There was such concern in his eyes; such love.

“I’m pregnant.”

She had intended to deliver the news with a bit more eloquence, but the moment she saw the look in his eyes the words came tumbling out before she could stop herself.

She sees the moment it finally dawns on him what she said; how his eyes shift from concerned to something more akin to shock, how his lips part in the most minuscule of gasps.

His prolonged silence scares her.

“Obi-Wan…” Her bottom lip trembles as she talks, the urge to cry overwhelming her senses, “Say something.”

He blinks, almost startled, before finally his eyes land on their conjoined hands. She knows what he’s really looking at though; the flat valley of her abdomen that would soon grow into something more.

“Ben,” she prompts, almost begging at this point, “Please.”

His hands let go of her own and find their way to her waist.

“Pregnant…”

He smiles.

“Obi-Wan?”

In an instant she’s being pulled into his arms as he practically lifts her off the ground, pressing a series of kisses to wherever his lips could reach.

“You’re pregnant.” The laugh that follows is filled with pure joy and that’s all it takes for Satine to finally let the tears come.

“I’m pregnant.” She affirms, cupping his face in her hands.

He kisses her again before setting her down.

“Are you okay?” He runs his hands gently up and down her sides, “You had me worried, the way you were trembling earlier. I thought something was wrong.”

She pauses, having been so caught up in the moment that she completely forgot about her fears from before.

“I’m fine,” She assures, “The doctor assured me everything is good.”

He breathes a sigh of relief, “Thank force.”

“You’re okay with this, then? Truly?”

He shakes his head, clearly a bit baffled by the question.

“I am elated, Satine.” He assures, "Euphoric. Deliriously happy. Surely you hadn't thought I wouldn't be?"

“Children was never something we discussed,” Satine says, “And with a galactic war looming on the horizon, our duties here, I had worried perhaps you would have found the news ill-timed.”

She had been foolish to think he would have been anything other than happy.

"Having this - having you - at times feels much like a dream, one so far from the order I once served and what I thought I could have." He moves one of his hands hesitantly over her abdomen, "Satine, I could be be nothing but overjoyed at the prospect of having a child with you."

Somedays she wishes life had been a bit kinder to her. No planet torn to pieces by war, no throne to inherit while her world was in shambles, no spending days on end running from bounty hunters with an infuriating Jedi padawan and his master.

But then, had life not hit her without warning any of those times, she never would have found Obi-Wan.

"I'm terrified," She admits quietly, before smiling, "But I am overjoyed all the same.”

Both of them are grinning widely, and just before he pulls her in for another kiss she thinks to herself that there would never be a child more loved in the Galaxy.

#obitine #obi wan x satine #obitine fanfiction #obitine fanfic #obitine prompt #obitine au #obitine fluff #a answers asks

79 notes · View notes

themculibrary · 2 months

Text

AO3 Masterlist 6

Links Last Checked: April 13th, 2024

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five

Changing Fate (ao3) - Wix bucky/tony, loki/tony T, 27k

Summary: Tony dies in Siberia under the hands of Captain America, but fate doesn't leave it there. He opens his eyes several years earlier amidst the threat of Loki's invasion and the first assembling of the 'Avengers'. Tony may not understand why he got this second chance, but he's going to do better with it - and he's decided that he's going to share it. With a Winter Soldier who could really use a different hand than he was dealt.

Never let it be said that fate doesn't have a sense of humor.

Debts (ao3) - d_aia tony/t’challa M, 59k

Summary: In which Tony saves T'Chaka, T'Challa is grateful, and they both are all the better for it.

Detonation Imminent (ao3) - KairosImprimatur pepper/tony, clint/natasha T, 61k

Summary: Peter and Rocket decide it's a good idea to snoop around Stark Tower before introducing themselves. Clearly there's no way this could go awry.

Endgame (ao3) - YunaYamiMouto tony/stephen T, 196k

Summary: The rouge Avengers are pardoned under the influence of King T'Challa and it is up to Tony to 'welcome' them back. But as he and his new team are at the private airport, an unexpected fight breaks loose and the fate of the whole universe is changed when a wizard places himself as Tony Stark's protector.

It's a Secret to Everybody (ao3) - Snapdragon_in_the_Snow pepper/tony T, 97k

Summary: “I have kids," Clint said. "I know dad behavior when I see it.” Tony blinked multiple consecutive times, processing the statement. “Excuse me?” “Tony,” Steve said now, “how long have you had a son? And how come we’ve never known about him?” “Yeah,” Clint spoke again, “I thought I was the only one with a secret family. Turns out you’ve had one longer than me!” ------- Peter gets to spend all summer living in Avengers Tower with Tony. When the Rogue Avengers get pardoned and come back to live at the Tower too, they're confused as to who Peter is. However, once they see how Tony acts around Peter, that confusion goes away, as they know for certain who Peter must be - Tony's secret son. Tony and Peter decide to make the most of the situation, and play along. They hope they can keep up the act all summer. But they soon learn that they barely have to act at all.

Keeper (ao3) - HepG2 steve/tony E, 81k

Summary: “Uh, I’m… very new to the whole thing,” Tony swallows visibly. He uncrosses his legs and grabs his cup again. “I looked at pictures. Research. They look graphic.”

Tony Stark is a journalist hanging onto the last of his life lines. He needs new writing materials. Something that sells. Then the whole town is talking about a BDSM play gone wrong, and there it is. His story. Steve chuckles again. Tony notices he hasn’t touched his drink. “No worries. It’s very unlikely for us to take it up to that level.

It takes two to tango.

Kissin’ Dynamite (ao3) - crime_fighting_spiderling G, 27k

Summary: “Maybe I shouldn’t go.” Peter spoke. MJ shoved a permission slip into his hand at his comment.

“You’re going.” She simply stated.

Where Peter and his class go on a field trip to Stark Tower.

Language (ao3) - SailorChibi steve/tony, clint/phil T, 30k

Summary: This is how Tony fixed the team and the damage he’d done, and in the process learned how to start fixing himself. Well, maybe the latter might take a little help from Steve.

Oh, Hey There, Mister Blue (ao3) - iguessyouregonnamissthepantyraid T, 75k

Summary: There are certain things one learns to expect when dealing with the Mad Titan. Ending up on an unfamiliar ship surrounded by a bunch of aliens is one thing. Loki can handle that.

Ending up on an unfamiliar ship surrounded by a bunch of aliens who are actually on his side is quite another.

Oh, My King for a Kingdom (ao3) - STARSdidathing loki/tony T, 14k

Summary: The blood and betrayal of an Afghanistan cave formed Iron Man. The blood and betrayal of a Siberian bunker formed something else.

Re-Engineered (ao3) - Opy3332 bucky/tony M, 73k

Summary: “Tony blinks. He blinks and his entire world changes.”

Tony is sent back in time from mid-Infinity War to just after returning from Afghanistan.

How different is Tony Stark, and the MCU, with all that knowledge of the future?

Haunted by the guilt of Rhodey’s injury, the betrayal and pain of Steve, the fear of Wanda, the loss of Jarvis, and the foreknowledge of Thanos, this Tony is one the universe hasn’t contended with before. And he is more than ready to re-claim his title of genius, billionaire, and philanthropist in ways unexpected.

Relativistic Heat Conduction (ao3) - BlossomsintheMist steve/tony E, 69k

Summary: Age of Ultron-based, but not entirely canon compliant. Written for the 2013 Cap-Iron Man Reverse Big Bang. Ultron has attacked, obliterating most of the world's superheroes and resistance in a matter of hours. The remaining heroes band together and share what strength they have to get through it, to survive, and defeat Ultron once and for all. Steve Rogers grieves in the wake of the disaster and the heroes' defeat, and no one knows if he will be able to provide the leadership they need--but Tony Stark isn't about to let him slip away that easily.

Reverse Games (ao3) - MsMoonstar G, 75k

Summary: Thor and Loki have been arguing since they arrived back on Earth and the Avengers are tired of it. Tony Stark comes up with a brilliant plan to make the two Agardian gods get along.

Sharpen Your Teeth (ao3) - STARSdidathing loki/tony M, 369k

Summary: A betrayed Tony Stark leaves the Avengers. He's angry and bitter but he's not about to stop being a hero. The problem is that not everyone is happy with his decision.

Silvertongue (ao3) - Epiphanyx7 jane/thor M, 34k

Summary: [[Post-Avengers. Loki's plan had gone perfectly, now he needs only to see it to it's natural conclusion.]]

No Asgardian cell can hold him. Loki's magic is bound, but his mind is not -- and the Aesir were always fools, to think that Loki's mind was anything other than his most dangerous asset.

The Guardians (ao3) - GremlinSR peter/tony M, 35k

Summary: Tony is pulled out of his funk after the Civil War by actual space aliens when they come to warn him of an impending attack. Now he's building a new team, going on adventures with his new space friends, and generally just moving on.

When Team Cap comes back, they'll find things are different than how they left them.

A salty 'Tony doesn't need the team back' post Civil War fic.

Unwanted Celebrity (ao3) - Kryptaria, zooeyscigar steve/bucky T, 72k

Summary: Fifteen years ago, a skinny kid from Brooklyn went to an arts summer camp, where he met child movie star Jimmy Barnes. Their unlikely friendship faded as the years passed. But now, a threat to Barnes' career brings Steve back into his life, in the most unexpected of ways. Or, the one where Bucky is a smooth celebrity, right up until Steve the snarky photographer shows up, and Bucky's whole world gets blown to pieces.

Walls Come Tumbling Down (ao3) - lambchop33 steve/bucky E, 74k

Summary: Bucky Barnes is a successful contractor with an unsuccessful dating history. His boyfriend of many years cheated on him, and he's determined not to repeat that mistake. Enter Steve Rogers, the gorgeous neighbor he discovers in his new apartment building. Companion piece to The Match Game, told from Bucky's point of view, from the beginning. And in the beginning, the thoughts inside Bucky's head are radically different from those inside Steve's head, save for one thing. Bucky thinks Steve is hot, so he's got that going for him. But at this stage, that's all he's got.

Your Highness (ao3) - the_irish_mayhem jane/thor, clint/natasha E, 6k

Summary: Jane wants something in bed and Thor is more than happy to oblige.

Z to A (ao3) - memoriaeterna wanda/vision, pepper/tony T, 88k

Summary: The moment of disorientation was nothing compared to the next thing he saw. He was standing in the midst of an airport, looking directly at a girl with the familiar red leather coat. The mutual recognition was instant. Leipzig. Or, Peter and Wanda sent back in time to stop the inevitable. Good news: they are not alone. Bad news: who and from when.

#themculibrary #marvel #mcu #masterlists #ao3 #ao3 masterlist

2 notes · View notes

weird-dere-writes · 7 months

Note

hi twy!!! I wanted to ask a question about you and ichigo if you don’t mind!! what’s the most unexpected sweet thing he has ever done for you?

Kendy, my dearest, hello!! :3

Kissing your cheeks, kissing your nose, kissing your forehead, kissing your hands rn 🥰💋💋💋.

I hope you are doing well this Friday and that you are fulfilled and recharged during the weekend uwu 🫶🏾🩷🩷🩷🩷.

I will never mind being asked questions about my blorbos! Especially Orange Husband, my beloved 🧡.

AUGH the most unexpected sweet thing he’s ever done for me 🥺. I am getting tearful just thinking about it 😪💜💜💜.

Ichigo knows two things about me:

That I can get really in my head about how much I matter to people (especially if I’ve been lonely for a time).

That I am a very sentimental person. (Like I still have birthday cards from when I was a child stored away dawg)

So knowing these things, he conspired to get me these babies ⤵️

Not only are they super cute (how i love sanrio and pastel colors <3), but their purpose is so so special. They are for holding those sentimental papers and moments that remind me I am loved and that I have so much love to give others.

He took me out on a date night. We went somewhere pretty, then somewhere we could get pampered together, and then we went to have dinner :3. When we came back was when I was surprised with them all sitting together on my bookshelf.

He knew I would like the designs on them, and he knew in general I was trying to get more organized so he thought they would be a good gift (he was right uwu). And he had realized only after they'd been shipped that maybe I could use them instead of that chest and that photo storage box I had been using and meaning to put together.

The blue one I decided I would use to store all the old birthday cards, letters, and other things I already have from people I'm related to or I've known in person.

The pink one I decided to use for sweet messages from friends online. Either i print them or write them out and include where to access them digitally uwu. Not only do I use it for messages from others to me, but also for messages I've sent to others and how happy it made me to see it made them happy if/when they responded :)))).

The yellow one is exceedingly precious to me 🥹. This one had him blushing as he asked if I could save that one, just for him. This one he fills alone, with thoughts, love letters, poems, affirmations, pictures he gets developed, or just other little things or small gifts he thinks I would like 🧡🧡🧡. The bottom drawer is where I put the shorter, more casual things. Stuff he loves about me, how good i looked in an outfit on a particular day, letting me know how happy i made him by doing something simple, etc. The pictures also go there. The middle drawer is where the more in depth things like love letters, poems, and the like go. The top drawer is like a little inbox! He puts all the new stuff for me there :3. So when something is there I know I'm in for something lovely from my one and only 🧎🏾‍♀️💓💓💓. And once I go through it i put it in the appropriate drawer or elsewhere if its a small gift.

On that night, after he'd asked to save the yellow one, he let me know there were already a few things waiting for me in it. I melted on the spot. He kissed my forehead before telling me he was going in the other room to give me some time to read them.

The way this man's written word had me absolutely SOBBING to myself 😭😭😭💖. I had to go hug him immediately after reading, still crying.

We cuddled tenderly for the next hour or two. And after, he would make the sweetest love to me. I could feel him pouring his heart into every touch. I was trembling at orgasm, and I once again cried after we were done lol. He was so gentle with me, my word 😪 <33333.

And why it all means even more to me? It wasn't even like our anniversary or anything!! No special holiday, no nothing! It was just a regular night that he decided to shower me with so much intimacy, affection, and care :((((((. He is the love of my life forevermore 💜💜💜💜💜.

Kendy this ask of yours birthed this scenario and it is so close to my heart omg I am actually perishing, thank you for this :c <333333. I am kissing you eternally. If you feel so inclined, because I would like to reciprocate this gift, what’s the most unexpected sweet thing Isshin (or really whatever fave you are feling most) has ever done for you?

💋💋💋

#WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA :'(((( <33333333 #ichidere #twy’s inbox 💌#strawberrystepmom 🌸

5 notes · View notes

nebulouscoffee · 4 months

Note

10, 15, 35, 43 for the Trek ask game?

Thank youuuu and sorry for the late answer! Love these questions <3

10. Which alien pet would you most want for your own?

Honestly I have always been very charmed by Worf's childhood pet domesticated targ (portrayed by Russian wild boar Emmy-Lou😂) - but I would happily adopt a Bajoran hara cat, Cardassian vole, or that cute lizard who climbs over Jadzia on the jungle planet

Anyway look at this lil guy!!!

15. Top 3 favorite alien crewmembers?

Oooh, this is tough. Am I choosing my favs overall, or based on how much I like their alien-ness specifically? If it's the former, then Kira, B'Elanna, and Dax - if it's the latter, then Odo, Worf, and Saru (Discovery). (Deanna and Kes leaving you out Hurt Me but they didn't write you alien enough for the latter list!! Still top 5 favs though <3)

35. A minor character you wish had become a main character?

Okay let's talk about the long-form arc potential both Seska and Suder had. Literally my favourite thing about the Suder episodes is the questions about restorative justice they raise- is there any point in locking a man up after he's sincerely reformed and no longer dangerous? Is it possible to be? Is it fair to the victim's loved ones to give him the right to roam around like nothing happened? What sort of thing could count as "reparations" in Voyager's situation? What if they really had been stranded with him for 75 years? Would he ever have been able to move on from what he did? What sort of hobbies might he take up in his new life? What would it take to win Janeway's trust? Would the victim's friends ever forgive him? Would he rather disembark the ship and start anew somewhere, or remain with his own people? Would he have been able to make new friends? Are you reading this string of questions in Jonathan Frakes's voice too? Would our main characters all have been able to get past his actions? Would it cause disagreements? How would his relationship with Tuvok have progressed? What issues would their getting back to Earth early raise for him? ... Aaaaand then the show decided to give us none of that😂 (well. except for Jonathan Frakes in a brief cameo that is :D) As for Seska I really don't know what they were thinking with her lol. She starts off as such a promising villain- literally the "reveal" in 'State of Flux' gives me chills! And you can actually understand her actions, her unexpected attachments to Chakotay and the crew. Instead of the whole pregnancy subplot (which made no sense) I would've loved to have seen her grow increasingly afraid she'd made a mistake in teaming up with the Kazon, and try to defect back to Voyager - the questions that would raise would be similar to Suder's, though in this case a bit more personal for characters like Chakotay and B'Elanna. Is she for real? Is she just doing this to trick them again? How do the Bajoran crew members feel about this? What would it take for her to win back people's trust? Say she does something messed up again, does she get a third chance? Would she make friends with Seven of Nine; someone she never personally betrayed who is also seeking redemption for past actions? Society if we'd gotten her as a regular character all the way till S7 - like an actually great redemption arc, where she ends up on good terms with a lot of them by the end (sort of like what they did with Garak on DS9) - ahhh the possibilities!!!

43. Order of shows from most to least favorite?

This is hard😅 okay I'm going to tier rank them that's easier!

Fav tier: DS9 (It's the best <3) Second tier: TNG (I can't not put it here this show literally changed my life) & VOY (has wonderful characters and has also become very important to me) Third tier: TOS movies (love them), Discovery (I have developed a nostalgia for it by now. Plus Michael is blorbo!) Fourth tier: TOS, SNW, Enterprise, Lower Decks (shows I've enjoyed but only really seen once so far) and I guess the AOS movies lol (imo 'Beyond' is the best one) Fifth tier: Picard (if it was just the first season it would've been higher! I actually liked that one) & the TNG movies (ugh) (I am yet to see TAS and Prodigy)

#thanks again for the ask friend <3 #nothing like tier ranking the Starred Trek shows to distract you from feeling sick :)#(nothing serious everyone's just been a bit ill due to water contaminations lol)#also yes. I am aware that we never actually got to see a hara cat on screen #but it is a cat! so #it stands to reason I would like one :)#ask game

3 notes · View notes

kimageddon · 2 years

Text

A Prince of Dathomir - Chapter 103

Maul x Nightsister OC (Zaiya Valessa) - Slight Canon Divergence - Prince of Dathomir Masterlist

Word count: Approx 3700 Contains/Warnings: blood, reliving trauma, wounds, panic attacks, threatening behaviour and an unhinged droid. Chapter Summary: Maul, Zaiya and Venn make it to the station… and meet someone unexpected. Notes: I'M BACK BABEYYYYYYYY!!!! You may have noticed I took an extra week. My apologies but I was in a bit of a state after the trip back and while mostly good, a lot of it was very stressful! >.< I am back now however. Second thing you may notice is I am posting this chapter on Sunday and not Monday. There is a reason for that which brings me to an:

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

During my time off I had a lot to think about ant to assess when it came to my life and the way things are going and how things are going to get significantly busier in the foreseeable future for me. Not to worry, I am not abandoning APOD, but I am however having to drop my update schedule to once a fortnight instead of once a week. This is for two reasons: One - to avoid burnout, I was really starting to struggle for a while there. Two - to give me time for other projects and activities. I will probably have more of a social obligation soon with the new appointments and recommendations. I also, am planning of writing a book. Or rather I am writing it. Sins of the Father I eventually want to turn into my own novel and I have decided I need to work on it more diligently and really get cracking on the story. So going forward, I will be posting on Sunday nights (Sydney time) one week will be APOD and the other will be Sins. It should ease my workload as I have also been doing commissions in regard to my artwork and I am always hoping to improve in that regard. (More at the end!)

Junked - Part 1

The rest of the journey was far more than awkward and Zaiya spent the majority curled in the cockpit and trying to rest, though not fully allowing herself to sleep. It seemed every time she had a moment to sleep lately, she was interrupted --whether by nightmares or Maul. The last two days she hadn’t minded, having been as insatiable as he was.

She hadn’t even known that side of herself until he had unlocked it. It was also becoming increasingly difficult to be able to lock that part of herself up again. Every time she looked at him she was reminded of those soft expressions and affectionate words he’d been so free with, and the moments she’d felt the galaxy around them fall away into bliss.

How was she supposed to come back from that?

The cold manner he now regarded her with was jarring in comparison. It hurt to look at him. Better then, to sit in the cockpit with her knees drawn up to her chest with her eyes closed. That way, if he decided to grace them with his presence she would not have to see him at all. Currently he was in one of the side rooms, probably meditating. Part of her hoped he stayed there.

“We’re coming up on our location,” Venn said and Zaiya opened her good eye. With a quiet sigh she unfolded herself in the seat and tapped a few buttons in which to assist her friend as they left hyperspace. The blackness of regular space surrounded them and the orb of yellow and green hung before them in the distance. The planet was tiny in comparison to others, more of an asteroid with atmospheric domes than anything. It was a traders port, where sentients would sell exotic plants, species and in their case, droids and ships. It wasn’t the most affordable place, but Venn said they had someone that owed them… and Zaiya didn’t want the details. Despite Venn being more than willing to give them.

She watched as the planet grew larger in the viewport and she heard the door slide open, the oppressive presence that was her Lord -- full of rage and bitterness -- stood at her back. She felt herself getting annoyed and even angry, Venn had told her she didn’t deserve to be treated like this; and while she perhaps was not in full agreement, she did however agree that something needed to change.

He either needed to have it out and fight her as they had done in the past or… or perhaps banish her completely. At least then there would be an end to it.

Even if a deep pit opened in her chest as she thought about it. After everything… could she really accept that? Would she be able to walk away? Or would she rather he take his lightsaber and drive it through her chest instead.

It might hurt less if she chose that option.

Either way, something had to give. The tightening of her throat from her own anxiety was enough to drive her mad. With a frown she did her best to push it down and away as they came in on the docking bay.

The hangar was wide, cobbled together from various parts, as was the entire station, all built from recycled ships, scrap and reused pieces. It was rather ingenious, though it did look much like a trash heap at first glance. It was a great place to trade items inconspicuously.

Zaiya had visited only once before, and it appeared to have accumulated even more junk since the last time she’d been there.

“Alright, follow me!” Venn said, their tone was light, but there was a significant shift in mood from before. Likely due to Maul’s attempted murder of the Iridonian. Zaiya knew she had to separate the two sooner rather than later. The word ‘behave’ was not in Venn’s vocabulary.

He moved like a menacing shadow that seemed to loom over her shoulder. Maul’s mood was equally foul and she was rapidly running out of patience. The sooner they got this ship, the better. She could feel something swirling in the Force within him as well, and while it nagged at her, she was still far too on edge to pay it much mind.

They passed a few smaller places, the plan was to fetch the droid after they had procured a ship, and Zaiya was distracted by a vendor off to one side as Venn grabbed some supplies of their own. In her effort to focus anywhere that was not her Lord, she failed to notice the figure approaching rapidly from her left.

[Mistress!]

Zaiya vaguely heard the call but did not think it was for her as she traded her credits for the item she wanted. An eyepatch. Relatively plain and in black, she slid it over her head and her braid, then began to replace her hood.

[Mistress!] the electronic voice buzzed louder now. Which sentient wasn’t paying attention to their droid? [Mistress!] That was loud, and right by her ear! Her head snapped up to glare, only to realise the droid was speaking to her.

“What?” she asked with a start. The ocular implants of the droid seemed to shine happily. She didn’t understand why it was here. For a moment she just stared back at it until she realised she recognised the tall humanoid-shaped machine. It stood tall, and was badly scuffed now, the black paint job was significantly damaged.

“Sixy?” she asked with a tilt of her head.

[Yes Mistress!] it said brightly, there was far more intonation in its modulator than she remembered. [It is a relief to see you again, I feared you had perished like the Master.]

“Lieutenant, what--” Maul began in a rough tone as he approached but stopped as he laid eyes on the droid. Zaiya looked over to him, his eyes were locked onto the droid and… he didn’t seem pleased.

In fact he stood there with wide eyes like he’d seen some sort of nightmare. Maybe he had.

[Master!] Sixy wobbled toward the crimson Zabrak on its damaged leg, one of them was certainly not its original model. [I had thought you were dead!]

Maul stared at his former training droid with apprehension. He did not take his eyes off it but he did reach out in the Force. Looking for something.

“How is it you have come to be here?” he asked slowly.

[It is a long and strange tale, Master, but after your mission I was left in the training facility for some time. Eventually I must have been deactivated as I reactiated in a strange place. My memory banks had been wiped but eventually I began to recall our training, and the Mistress!] Zaiya stood on the other side of the droid, inspecting its grease-covered face.

“How is this possible?” Maul sounded disbelieving, it was not heard of for a droid to be able to regain their memories unprompted. How was it possible?

Then Zaiya realised.

“The spell,” she whispered.

“What?” Maul snapped, his eyes darting to her. If she didn’t know any better she might have thought he was afraid.

“Before our last mission, I was rewiring Sixy's chassis, I… may have used magick to aid me. it seems to have had more of an effect than I anticipated, I had meant to make him better able to protect you from Sidious,” she explained and felt his anxiety spike in the Force.

“Did he send you?” Maul hissed to the droid. “Did Lord Sidious send you to find us?” Zaiya slowly looked at him. To anyone else he would have seemed angry, impatient. But to her there was something beyond it.

[No, I was not sent by anyone. I have been on this station for several galactic standard cycles, but I knew that I would find the Mistress again!] His expressionless head turned to her, [Mistress, I am most grateful to have regained my memories, but please do not be so invasive with me again. I am distressed to hear I was interfered with.] Zaiya frowned slightly, since when was he so emotive?

“Sure…” she said, sounding slightly confused, had her spell done all this? Or was it the result of a faulty memory wipe? Sidious would not have been so careless as to not fully wipe the droid’s databanks, it had to be the spell.

“I thought we were looking at droids after we found the ship?” Venn’s voice interrupted as they trotted over, they gave Sixy a once over and frowned. “Really? You want this one? It looks like a walking scrap pile.”

[I will not tolerate your insult!] Sixy said, suddenly and aggressively, outstretching an arm as if to grab at Venn’s face. They jumped back and Zaiya instinctively stepped forward.

“Sixy stop!” she demanded. The droid calmed at once and in a far softer voice said;

[Of course, Mistress. Do you know this creature?]

“Yes,” Zaiya nodded, “they are a friend of mine.”

[Hm.] Zaiya looked at Venn with a sigh.

“Venn, this is Sixy, it was once Maul’s droid,” she explained.

“Yyyyeaaahhh…” Venn said very slowly, lowering their arms from their defensive position. “I see the resemblance.” They looked between Zaiya, Maul and the droid, likely regretting answering her call at all. “Anyway, Dran will have the ship you need, he’s just down here--” they pointed down the way toward a large opening, Zaiya could only assume it was a hangar and their destination.

[I know that vendor, I can assist!] Sixy chimed in and powered off in that direction. Zaiya just watched him go, wondering where the droid’s current owner was.

“And I thought this day was already weird,” Venn scoffed, “c’mon, let’s go get your kid.” They followed the droid, leaving Zaiya to stare at them like they'd grown a second head. Venn wasn’t the only one having a weird day. She headed toward the hangar and Maul too was an ever-present oppressive feeling in the Force. Relatively passive, but on the inside was something frantic like a bag of angry snakes. Something was going on with him.

She reached the area, only to find the Twi’lek that was apparently Dran, backing away with hands raised from the training droid. He had a broad frame and bulky arms, his face seemed conventionally handsome, and there was quite a bit of scarring on his arms. Zai could see why Venn might like him, from what they’d said, the Twi’lek ticked a lot of boxes regarding their taste. The alien did nothing for Zaiya however. She watched him back into a large durasteel hoist frame and smirked, he seemed terrified of Sixy.

“Keep back!” Dran cried, waving an arm at the three sentients. “The droid is crazy, it’s malfunctioning! Keep away from it!”

[That does not answer my question,] Sixy said in a firm tone, it had its hands outstretched toward the vendor rather threateningly. Zaiya tilted her head and stepped closer, confused by the Twi’lek’s reaction.

“To whom does the droid belong?” she asked with a frown.

“It- it doesn’t belong to anyone, when it arrived here they said it just went mad, killing people… it only stopped because they got a restraining bolt on it!” Dran warned. Zaiya raised a brow, they just let the droid walk around with no one in control of it? Even when it was apparently so violent?

“Sixy will you step back from the Twi’lek please?” Zaiya said with a calm voice.

[Yes, Mistress,] Sixy immediately lowered its arms and took two small steps backward. Dran’s eyes widened and darted between her and it.

“You’re its mistress?’ he gasped, “That means you’re gonna take it away, right?” A glimmer of hope in his gaze. Zaiya looked him over before answering.

“That depends,” she replied, folding her arms.

“On what?” Dran muttered hesitantly. Zaiya’s monochrome lips became a feline-like smile.

“On whether we get the ship we need.”

----

The Twi’lek seemed more than pleased to assist them, no inane questions or displays of cowardice. Maul was indeed on edge. The scrap everywhere, the loud sounds of industry in the hangar, and the wide space beyond, located within a shielded bubble. It was full of the grinding of metal, the smell of grease and tibanna, the heat from the welders. It was too much. Too familiar, too painful. He had spent just short of two years trying to be free of the memories and the madness of Lotho Minor.

Now he felt like he was back there.

Zaiya was distracted with the droid and the Iridonian and procuring a ship. She did not see his anger and feelings. These thoughts and feelings he did not dare name. He was not afraid. He would not panic. He was trained to be the one to make others afraid, not be the one to feel fear. He had conquered it! He would not succumb to it now.

He did however need to get out of here as quickly as possible.

Movement had his yellow eyes flick over, seeing Venn’s arm slide around Zaiya’s shoulder, watching her just accept it. Like the clone on Kamino. Too close, too personal. She slid from the smuggler’s grip but it had already sparked a thought in him

He remembered the depths of that labyrinth, so dark and miserable. The madness clawing the inside of him, trying to rip its way out and tear him to pieces as it did so. For a time he thought he’d been there forever, that he would be there forever.

Then he remembered the song. The light in the darkness that called to him when he didn’t even know his own name. She’d come for him. She too was wounded and scarred and yet she had come for him. Maul watched her as she inspected one of the ships and his teeth grit. She had been different when he’d woken from the tank on Kamino… and she had stood between him and the smuggler when they had dared to insult him and threatened her.

After the last two days he had thought she might understand. But the way the Iridonian was with her. The threats… were they going to take Zaiya away? Was this what he was witnessing?

He’d had the thought that he didn’t need her. That she should leave. He’d been trying to convince himself of that for the last several hours. But it made his chest tighten and a lump form in his throat. He couldn’t.

Was she going to leave him behind? Abandon him like his master had? It was only a matter of time, really. Yet…

[Master, your breathing has increased and your heart rate indicates a high level of stress,] TD-66 spoke, breaking away from the other two. Maul scowled, but he found he could not bring himself to speak. He dared not let them see him like this and turned away, his face hidden by his hood, though he just looked angry as usual.

He felt a familiar calm reach out to him in the Force and a tendril of her presence touched him. That did it. His hand grasped the side of the table beside him and a crate full of tools crashed to the floor. The other hand reached for his lightsaber, the anger in him boiling up.

A second later he felt a firm grip on his wrist. Zaiya positioned herself to block him from looking out to the rest of the junkyard, or from anyone seeing him. She held his wrist from grasping his weapon and squeezed gently.

“Sire,” she whispered, urgency in her voice, her lips brushing his cheek. He let out a strained sound and tried to push her off, but he found he couldn’t move. His breathing was laboured and his other hand gripped the front of her vest tightly. Her second hand came to rest at the base of his throat, a gentle, grounding touch.

“Breathe with me,” she whispered, and began taking slow, measured breaths, in and out. He did his best to match them, listening to the sound of her own.

A vision formed in his mind and he could see a younger and unscarred Zaiya running along a much smaller Venn. Why was he seeing this? They looked frightened, searching desperately for something.

“Are you alright?” Venn asked, their voice strained.

“‘M fine, you were the one they went for…” Zaiya replied with a rasping tone. She didn’t sound well, and Maul moved closer, seeing that she had a hand over her shoulder -- she was bleeding! Despite it being a memory, and clearly Zaiya had recovered, Maul could not help but feel his chest tighten.

He didn’t like seeing her wounded.

The two made their way to a small alcove and hunkered down, the sounds of blaster fire and shouts getting closer.

“You should go,” Zaiya whispered, “Adaji’s on his way, you should hide until you get the all clear.” She sank against the wall of their little corner, her expressive face contorted in pain as she rested against the wall. The young Nightsister held her hand over the wound and the other reached for a blaster at her hip, though her movements suggested the blaster was too heavy for her to even lift.

Maul waited for the Iridonian to abandon Zaiya, leave her there like the coward he knew them to be. Venn however surprised him, and sat beside Zaiya.

“I’m not leaving,” they insisted and took up a small pouch at their belt with what looked like a very basic first aid kit. “You took a shot for me. No one’s ever done that before. No one… thinks much of me. But you do. So I’m not leaving.”

“I didn’t do it so you would help me, I did it so you wouldn’t die,” Zaiya chuckled with a slanted grin. She had a waxy look to her face and Maul wanted to reach through the dream to do… something.

“Well, I’m not gonna die and neither will you,” Venn insisted. They opened a bacta patch and tugged Zaiya’s collar aside to press it onto her skin. She hissed as the cold gel touched the tender wound but remained still.

“You might if you stay here,” she said and gripped her blaster tighter, though her expression seemed less strained.

“No way, we’re gonna patch you up and you’re gonna be fine!” Venn’s voice sounded wobbly, like they were emotional, and as Maul looked closer, he realised they were misty-eyed, the child must have been terrified.

“It’ll be alright, if they come this way, I’m a good shot--”

“No! I’m not leaving!” Ven cried. “You’re my only friend and I am sticking with you! No matter what!”

Zaiya’s mouth opened to reply but the sound of blaster fire sounded down the hall. Venn launched themselves against Zaiya and did their best to shield her with their body. The Dathomiri woman in turn raised her own blaster and aimed into the opening. Grim determination marring her youthful features.

A second later an armoured warrior -- a Mandalorian in black and orange armour -- appeared.

“Kid! You’re alright!” Maul recognised him as the one Zaiya called Adaji Treshan, and it was he that swooped in and brought the two teenagers with him, telling them they were safe now and they could be tended on the ship.

With that, the memory faded.

After several minutes, Maul returned to the moment and concentrated on her touch; the movement of her chest rising and falling where his hand gripped her shirt, his grasp slackened and he felt the levels of the strange feeling subside. He’d never felt anything quite like it, not since he was very small. He refused to name it.

“I didn’t put it together, sire, I’m sorry.” She spoke gently in his ear, her tone so warm and soft. “I didn’t realise how a place like this might affect you.”

“I am not affected,” he sneered, and moved to pull away.

“Should I leave you?” she asked suddenly. He stopped and looked back at her. “Should I leave your side?”

“I should say yes…” he muttered. He admitted it, she weakened him. She made him feel things he had never imagined and he craved her far more than he had cared for or wanted anything. “But I cannot.” There was a long pause. “Do you wish to go?”

“I would rather carve my still-beating hearts out, sire.” He looked up and met her eyes with a hard look. She meant that?

Suddenly he pulled her in by the waist, speaking low in her ear, shame burning him to speak the words.

“Do not leave me,” he breathed. “As your Lord, I command it.”

“I will never leave your side, sire. Even if you are ashamed of me, will still stand by--”

“What?” he asked, confused. “Ashamed? Of you?”

“You put distance between us,” she said plainly. “I understand it, you would not wish to be seen with someone like me--” he cut her off again, this time with his mouth slanted on hers, dragging her in and holding her tightly. He kissed her like he needed her to breathe.

How could she think he was ashamed of her?! She truly did not know how agonising it was to not touch her like this? How having her close was so soothing and comforting? Was it not obvious what she did to him?! It took all his inner strength to not pin her to the table right there. He pulled back slightly, a hand to her cheek, and pushed the eyepatch aside to look into both of her eyes.

“I put distance between us because--”

“HOLY MOTHER OF KRIFF!”

Oh kark it to the Void… He’d forgotten Venn was there. He shot a glare in their direction and then the expression softened as he looked back at Zaiya.

“We shall discuss it later,” he said quietly.

“Yes sire,” she replied in a breathless voice that nearly made him shiver. He had to pull away before he lost the last shred of control he had. The dregs of that awful feeling lingered, but he felt infinitely better. She wasn’t leaving. She wasn’t abandoning him.

“Kriff that was hot,” Venn said with a low whistle, approaching Zaiya. “That zabrak is the luckiest bastard in the galaxy.” He heard Zaiya scoff, but for the first time, he might actually agree with the smuggler.

Notes: Well well well! Look who it is! I hope you all liked today's chapter, it was a bit of a cliffhanger last time, but things are looking up for these two lovelorn fools! …Let's see how long it stays that way, hm? And what was he going to say???

Thank you for everyone who has stuck with me over the last year or so, and I know there are new readers all the time so welcome welcome! As always I appreciate you all very very much! I think you're all great and if you can, please consider a like, a comment or sharing this story with another SW fan! I think you guys are the best! I hope you are all doing well!

See you next week for Sins! <3

----

The List of Tags: (If your name is crossed out then check your settings! Tumblr is not letting me tag you!) @two-black-leviathans @fallenrepublick @eyecandyeoz @ashotofspotchka @littlepossss @octupus-on-the-moon @justalittletomato @mach-opress @mustluvecho @nahoney22 @leotatombs @eloquentmoon @the-chains-are-the-easy-part @maulslittlemeowmeow @misogirl828 @alwayssnivellus @stardustbee @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @bacarasbabe @nobody-expects-the-inquisitorius @rain-on-kamino @herbalina-of-yesteryear

Wanna be notified when I post my next work? Join my tag list

#a prince of dathomir #darth maul #star wars #nightsister oc #maul #maul x oc #maul fic #darth maul fic #darth maul x oc #lord maul #zabrak oc #zaiya valessa

9 notes · View notes