"The sound our hearts make together is a melody I shall never tire of hearing".
Kara woke up, stretching, letting out a happy sigh.
"You aren't blue anymore". She laughed. "Did I sleep with a different man?" She feigned shock. "Oh no!"
Kotal shook his head, playful smile playing on his lips.
"I washed it off in the shower".
Kara smirked, smoothing back flyaway hairs.
"I could have helped you".
The Emperor nodded, using the same inflection against her.
"You could, but you were asleep".
Kara winked.
"Wake me next time", she spoke softly, a little persuasiveness thrown it. "So, that's why we weren't in bed. Got ya".
Kotal sat next to her, smoothing down her bedhead, before kissing her forehead.
"And wake sleeping beauty? I think not. It is barely sun up, still early".
Kara sat up.
"I don't look like I'm dead? I usually do in the mornings".
Kotal felt his stomach lurch. Kara saw toil in his face for a second. She gasped.
"Shit. I'm sorry!" She ground a fist into the duvet. "I didn't think".
Hands scooted themselves over to Kotal. She wrapped her arms around his middle.
"Forgive me". That was muffled against the bar skin of the Emperor's stomach. She felt the man's chest heave.
"Kara". He moved her head up gently, tilting her chin. He squatted and pressed his forehead against hers. "I'm not okay with talking about that just yet".
The girl sniffled. "Fuck".
Despite himself, the Emperor laughed.
"Kara". His tone held warning, a little mischief too. "I don't know if I have grown fond of your profanity, or my fondness for you has blinded me to its clipped barbs".
Kara let out a shaky huff.
"Well, there's one way to stop me from being 'profane'".
She yawned, covering it with the back of her hand.
"Reckon you've worn me out, but I feel great. Doesn't make any sense, huh".
She flipped her legs over the side of the bed.
"Going to get a shower". Her body was at an angle so she had a rather interesting view of the man before her.
Curling a leg around one of his, and used his muscle for leverage, twisting her body around, standing next to him in one fluid movement. She had to walk away as her body caught up with her mind. The morning chill prompted a shiver from the woman. She scurried into the bathroom, leaving its door unlocked.
Kotal sighed, torn between base instincts and a rumbling stomach...
Fully dressed, save shoes, Kara padded down the stairs. She saw Erron drinking from a large mug.
She yawned. "Morning". She smiled, heading towards the table. Kotal walked past her, hand brushing the small of her back. Her smile grew. Leaning against him, Erron looked from his mug, smiling himself at the scene. He hid a smirk behind the mug when the two looked back at him.
"Mornin'. I see someone's feeling better".
The Emperor shook his head knowingly. The woman blushed, walking to a chair, sitting, before sheepishly held out a hand.
"Whatever 'she' said to you? It wasn't me. I don't want to fight with you". Kara's face was sincere, worry paling it.
Erron nodded. "It's alright. I know". He shook the hand. The two laughed when they heard a sigh come from the direction of the chair head.
She winked at Kotal, smiled at Erron and observed servants bring small pots of hot water and plates of food. Her smile grew, her stomach voicing its approval at buttered toast, with eggs, sausages and bacon.
Someone else cooking for her? She could get used to that...
Three months ago
"She called herself 'Viper'". Jacqui reminisced, shuddering at the memory.
Cassie continued what her friend couldn't say.
"She called you 'Big Blue'. She asked about you too. Shinnok threatened your life".
Jacqui put a finger to her mouth, remembering something.
"Oh yeah. She was drunk, that night we went to see Chicago. Remember, Cass?"
Cassie nodded at her friend.
"Yeah. That's creepy as. Emperor? Having to look at her like that?" She coughed."I mean, it".
Kotal waved the girls off.
"I saw the pictures".
The blond was baffled.
"Really? Huh".
He continued. "And, that thing was not Kara. We all knew that, even if it was her voice that came to the fore".
"Yeah". The blond sat down, closing her eyes, sighing quietly. Jacqui helped Takeda sit, with Jin squirrelling himself away in a corner.
Sonya walked into the chamber next, clutching soiled fabric against her abdomen. She sighed upon feeling the jinsei's cooling rays on the wound. Despite its grand scale, the chamber felt stuffy with all the people in it. The only reason any, (other than Kotal) were there was to heal their wounds and assist Raiden in looking after the bodies of slain warriors. Tiama had retrieved almost all the souls of the warriors slain during the ninth kontest. The thunderer sat beside the prone forms of Liu Kang and Kung Lao, aura surrounding them protectively. The two men were like sons to him after all.
Tiama stood beside her daughter, thunder God to her left, Emperor to her right. Terse words had been said between the pair, forming a tense tightness in the air. All but the three left, the decision being made for them by Johnny, reports of Black Dragons, led by Kano's son in town prompting swift action.
Steady streams of energy whirled around Kara's body, wrapping, twisting their way around, cradling her in a state of peace. She was kept asleep to preserve her mind. She was not allowed to do anything other than rest.
"Her mind has been cleansed of what happened with Shinnok".
Raiden glanced around her, and at Kotal.
He should not be here.
Tiama frowned.
Why? Has he done something wrong?
The thunderer shook his head.
Neither did Shao, nothing against Earthrealm until Quan and Shang intervened. Both D'Vorah and Kano betrayed Kotal, as the sorcerer's did Shao. We saw how that panned out.
His heart wasn't ever in the right place, Raiden. He carried malcontent, discord, never haromonius. Now, yes, at first, the Emperor's energy was a concern. However, after being attacked by Earthrealm warriors, can you blame him for thinking the realm against him? Especially after what Shao did to us? He almost killed you Raiden. He all but obliterated our forces, and if he had gotten into the Jinsei Chamber, none would be safe, no matter where they were. Kotal may not have a nature you ascribe too, but his heart is in the right place. Just look how he looks at Kara.
Raiden again glanced at the Emperor whilst considering the telepath's words.
Kotal looked upon Kara's form with a mixture of discomfort and harmony. He looked as if he wished to smile when he saw she was breathing steadily, chest expansions deep, restful. His actions? He did not move. It was as if she were made of glass, as thin as a strand of hair, a slight breeze would crack it. He did not wish to so much as twitch, lest he disrupt the flow of vitality fuelling the woman's recovery.
Raiden tilted his head, confusion replacing dissolute upset, the former fizzling in his veins. The thunderer was unable to read the God's mind, knowing the woman beside him could.
His actions do not cause worry. He has been nothing but truthful in his words. He looked to the Goddess, reassurance needed. Is he of no threat? Does he truly care for Kara?
Tiama looked delighted.
He holds no qualms, no ill intent, no reason to distrust us. He is wary of you, and, rightly so. You are our most powerful and respected deity, also a friend and ally to us all. He does not yet hold that position in Outworld, but is working on that. Her smile increased. With my daughter's help. She planned to liaise with Princess Kitana too, put her at ease. Ally Edenia with us again, and Outworld, should the Shokan chose to attempt a coup a second time. She isn't just helping us, Raiden, my little girl is helping so many, travelling realms, creating harmony where only discord lay its traps. I understand you are wary, you have every right to be. I ask only that you trust Kara. She is young, but no fool. I would know if anything was wrong. She pointed to Kara. Look.
Threads as slim as needles protruded from the beams of jinsei, bright pink in colour. They worked their way, seemingly by themselves towards Kotal. The God opened his hand, a pink quartz forming within it. The sphere lit up gently, waves of light brightening, then dulling. Kotal's sapphire fused with it, creating an amethyst.
The culmination of their energy created the very thing that saved Kara's life, before the God's eyes.
Very well. Raiden nodded, walking toward Kotal. Tiama resspectfully moved out of the way.
"Forgive my haste, Kotal Kahn. It was not one of temper, but one of intense worry. Anxiety plagued me for many decades as Earthrealm and its warriors fell under Outworld's brutal regime. This is not, and has not ever been your doing, however, your predecessors actions warranted caution. I was cautious for so long that I forgot what it was like to allow oneself to step away, take a deep breath. I, nor Earthrealm mean you or Outworld any harm. So decree it, in both realms, we shall hold gatherings, with Kitana, and Edenian dignitaries. A show of faith, support, unity".
Kotal bowed slowly, giving the God well deserved respect.
"I, too have had much time aggravating over what happened in my past. I should change it, I should have done this, and that, known what was coming. I cannot change my past, nor what Shao Kahn did. But, know this". Turquoise eyes shimmered with deternination. "I will do whatever I can to rebuild alliances, create new allies, forge decrees, battle alongside you. My word is my life, so my life be upon them if I break these promises".
The two shook hands.
"There is no need for such drastic words, however, I understand the sentiment behind them". White eyes looked at peace once again. "They mean everything". Kotal nodded. "Come, Lady Tiama. I think we should take our leave. Kara is well taken care of".
Raiden's nod towards the Emperor held more than just a 'I place my faith in you'.
It also meant he was entrusting the young woman's care to him.
Later that day
Kotal cradled Kara's head in his hands, praying softly. He chanted prayers to Ahau Chamahez (to keep Kara from internal threat) and Bahlam (to protect her body from outside threat). He knew these two men well, praying to them during times of conflict, times when indecision plagued him. The amethyst in his hand gave off small pulses, he could feel her heart beat through his palm. He wanted nothing more than to take her away from here, place her in an energy chamber he had within the palace. The move would go south quickly, given the agreement he had just made with Raiden.
Kara had to stay here, whether he liked it or not.
His heart flew into his throat, slight movement from the woman captured him, apt fascination running through veins, warming his body. Runes lit up, golden hue, warming the clammy, cool skin of the girl. She moved again, eyes opening, purple swirling within.
No red, only purple, calm, holding nothing to cause the energy to ripple.
Kara blinked, waterlogged eyes misty, sleep in the corners. Kotal felt his actions were inappropriate, letting Kara's head slowly make its way to the ground. A hand shot out, placing itself atop his. Kara shook her head, covering her eyes with her free hand.
Don't, she opened her eyes, wiping them of sleep, pleading softly, stay here. You wouldn't be here if you didn't want to be. Don't let them, she gestured outside, worry you. They know.
Know?
Kara smiled.
That there's more than mere acquaintances here. There's a deep-seated care there. No matter how vulnerable we get, one always evens out the other, protecting, watching, always aware.
She tried sitting up. The Emperor shook his head. The stubborn girl before him prompted a chuckle.
You would fold your arms if you could, and, ah. there it is...
She was pouting.
Fine. I was trying to be affectionate.
She moved up a tad, nuzzling under the God's chin.
That counts as affectionate, right?
Kotal smiled, nodding slowly.
As does this.
He lowered his head, nuzzling her nose. Kara let out a quiet sigh, her stomach jumping.
When did you know?
She looked into the endless, peaceful blue orbs before her.
After you warned me of Kano's betrayal. Then, it was confirmed after D'Vorah's. I should have listened to my heart, not just your words. You didn't just tell me because I am Emperor, did you?
Kara shook her head.
No. After the first time I met you, I found I couldn't focus. My head was in the moment, my heart wasn't. I got mixed signals. Nervous, due to me being mortal, and, as you know, some mortals are utter bastards. She looked away. Especially those who harmed your people.
Kotal nuzzled her again, this time, her cheek, a gesture to continue.
Also, unnerved. The energy surrounding you, its golden brilliance, your strength was obvious, as was your intelligence when you spoke. You respected me when you could have treated me like nothing.
I would never have done that.
Kara smirked.
Why? Earthrealm relations, or because I am a woman?
Kotal returned the smirk.
Both. I didn't want to muddy already murky waters further, and, I was taught how to treat a lady. I would never speak to my Mother, An'ze or my female companions in such a way, so, why would I speak that way to you? You earned my respect when you volunteered to travel to a realm marred with suffering that I should have known about. You healing, feeding the people, giving them your clothing? It confirmed you were nought like past mortal encounters I had.
The woman nodded, grateful.
I really did appreciate how you spoke to me. I don't think anyone had ever been that polite to me, well, ever in my life.
She frowned, confusing the ruler.
The company you kept didn't do anything for my unease. D'Vorah had a murderous glint in her eyes, Reptile looked hungry, and Ermac's legion of voices hurt my head. Didn't want a pincer up the...
Kotal growled. Kara's heart thudded, her stomach moving again.
Didn't want a pincer anywhere near me, specifically not certain areas.
She rephrased, earning Kotal's approval, his eyebrows less severe now.
I was right. Hurt like the Netherrealm. At least it didn't pierce my heart...
Kotal closed his eyes.
Indeed. If it had, I don't know what I would have done.
She perked up again.
You would have put your 'Big Boy' boots on, and move on. Loss is horrible, but it will always be a companion. One, that trudges behind you, some's paces faster than others.
No. I would have grieved for, I do not know how long. You cannot put a time on grief's hold. You don't understand Kara.
He propped up her back against his arm.
"I cannot lose another whom I care for". Kara gasped, tears filling her eyes. "I do not know the gravity of my heart's intentions, but I wanted you to know".
Kara wiped tears, sniffling.
"I feel the same. We'll work on it, talk it over. There's implications neither of us want here, but, if we do choose to be together, there will be looks, hushed words. I don't care".
She looked into his eyes, cheeks reddening.
"You ought to go. I want you to stay, however, the part that does is being selfish. You have duties, a role to fulfil. I'll be here for some time, not going anywhere fast".
Kotal kissed her forehead.
"You're right. I ask that you take care of yourself before others. There is nothing wrong with being selfish once in a while".
Kara raised a suggestive brow.
"Oh, I take care of myself". Kotal looked away, not properly hiding his immature grin. "And, I heard your prayers. Thank you". A bright light emanated from her form. "I need all the help I can get".
The Emperor raised a hand, acknowledging pleasantries before leaving the chamber.
He did not mention it but his heart thudded, playfully beating against his rib cage, eliciting little puffs of breath from the man.
The crystal in his hand, he held it close to his heart, his own rhythm interacting with Kara's, creating a musical interlude. It rapidly became his favourite piece, calming frayed nerves.
Even if she wasn't there in body, she was there in heart and mind always.