AN: Greetings everyone! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I have been a fan of Mortal Kombat since I was eight. I know… not a suitable game for that age I came across Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate a few days ago and watched the two story-modes and instantly fell in love with it :). My goodness, the graphic and the models in the game have leveled up compared to MK 9 and 10. Congratulations to MK for winning the best action game of the year, it was truly deserving.
So, feeling my inner writer burst, I decided to write a chapter, which takes place after MK 11 Aftermath, and mainly focuses on our beautiful wind god Fujin… could not help my crush on him ;). I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. I have been working on this chapter for long and please, forgive my dictation and grammatical errors. I will continue editing it as I reread in the future. Although the story will feature some more MK characters, be warned that it also has my Original Female Character, Roxana, and makes minor references to some other franchise, such as Devil May Cry, Vampire Hunter D, and Castlevania.
Disclamation: All characters belong to their rightful owners except for Roxana and her demoness who belong to me. As for the name Lucretia as Vergil's wife, it was said in history that she was an emperor's daughter or a mistress who Publius Vergilius Maro, commonly called Virgil, became enamored with her beauty.
"If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent." — Bette Davis
The full moon shining in the pitch-black sky cast a luminous light across the heavens; even the celestial Sky Temple glowed in an ethereal blue hue. Thanks to its magnanimous white marble architecture, the edifice reflected the pure light and created an enchanting beacon. The granite status overseeing visitors listened attentively to both the cacophonies of the night and the sound of warm laughter echoing from behind double doors.
A grand celebration was taking place within the sacrosanct building; a feast for commemorating the victory of Liu Kang and all Kombatants against Kronika and her elite. The fire master's triumph not only brought peace to the realms but also enabled many to join forces and forge firm alliances going forward.
Raiden, the legendary thunder god and Liu Kang's sage mentor, was most proud of his Chosen Champion. The ancient warrior had entrusted his powers to the youth during a critical time, surrendering to his humanity and accepting to live a normal, mortal life. However, through the Hourglass, Liu Kang restored Raiden's celestial powers as a token of appreciation for his mentor's benevolent sacrifice. It enabled Raiden to continue his sacrosanct obligations and advise a novice Liu Kang to become a better, greater, and wiser protector of the Earthrealm than he ever was. After all, Raiden did not wish to see Liu Kang befall the same tragic fate he himself experienced.
To make the years of hard work pay off, Kitana, Outworld's Khan and Liu Kang's beloved empress, proposed a grand celebration lasting seven days and nights within all the allied realms. As the first volunteers, Jade and her fiancé, Kotal, genuinely treated the heroes and heroines to a magnificent banquet. Upon our arrival, the noble couple blew the stringas of extoll across Z'Unkahrah and Outworld. Exhilarating music, exotic dancers, mouthwatering food, and very hospitable people were prepared. The citizens, partaking in their monarch's banquet, shared their own gratitude by bringing local goods and handmade gifts. In addition, the royal couple gifted Kombatants unique keepsakes traditionally made. During our time with Jade and Kotal, we learned much about the people of Z'Unkahrah and their sincere hospitality. They were as warm and serene as their calm deserts and as friendly as the beaming sun blazing above their lands.
Kitana and Liu Kang were second who invited everyone to their beautiful Edenian Palace. The feast was as memorable and luxurious as the first. On the third night, the master of thunder proposed a banquet at his Sky Temple—much to everyone's surprise. The announcement coming from the stoic Raiden was startling. Johnny, ever the jester, kept spurting whimsical jokes about how garish or boring the ceremony would be, expecting to see monks serving food while hearing bonshō bells ringing to pray.
Nevertheless, it was an honor everyone was humbled to receive. After all, no one wanted to lose the once in a blue moon opportunity to be treated by the thunder god himself. Moreover, whether the evening ended up ordinary or as a disciplined Chanoyu ceremony, everyone felt the need to be prepared well in respect for the noble thunder god and his esteemed brother Fujin, the god of wind.
Therefore, on the third day, the warriors stood at the gates of the Sky Temple in their finest attire.
When Raiden opened the grand ornate doors, shimmering rose petals rained down upon the entering guests. Beautiful men and women dressed in rich and colorful kimonos and hanfus welcomed us in a respectable fashion. Massive tables filled with the most exquisite food and drinks were provided in silver and gold plates.
And soon, everyone settled in quite cozily, and the temple began to gain life through the sound of lively conversation and heartfelt laughter. Servants began to serve colorful drinks, performers played harmonious music, and elegant dancers entertained their guests with their mesmerizing performance on the small stage. Soon, the platform began to fill with a poignant play, regaling the story of the realms and how the light of good prevailed against the darkness.
Everyone was in awe. No one had fathomed such decorum from the stoic thunder-god at all. The splendor of the temple and the hospitality of the hosts filled everyone's hearts with humility, joy, and gratitude. I even spotted Johnny paying some cash to Jackson and a few others, seemingly accepting his defeat for underestimating the divine brothers' abilities. Raiden and Fujin's preparation indeed exceeded everyone's expectations.
What added greater merry to the atmosphere was Raiden's attempt to crack a few jokes here and there and to initiate conversation with everyone. It was a subtle change to witness Raiden allowing people to walk through his stout walls and making himself more approachable. He beamed softly and even chuckled once or twice during a few conversations, almost catching me and his audience off guard. Nevertheless, his open demeanor was a heartfelt welcome.
And it was all thanks to a very considerate brother, who watched over him and communed along to lift the room's spirit.
As a host himself, Fujin was very attentive, constantly checking to ensure everyone was content and sated. His attention often drifted toward the young warriors: Jacquie, Cassie, Takeda, Kung Lao, and Kung Jin.
"Jacqueline and Takeda are getting serious." Sonya joined my side by the pillar whence we watched the young warriors conversing with the abashed wind god.
My attention shifted toward my female veteran friend. She looked so different in that beautiful, champaign-colored evening dress. The fabric shimmered under the dancing light, embracing her fair figure perfectly. To be frank, her non-hostile look–no guns and pistols whatsoever–sure looked refreshing.
Noticing my expectant, delirious look, Sonya smiled and took a sip of her wine. "They're gonna' get married."
My eyes widened. When did the two get engaged that they have now decided to marry?
It seems like I have skipped more events than I initially anticipated.
"And let me guess. Jackson is not happy about it?" Came my rhetorical question.
"Wow! Still punctual, aren't ya'?!" Her voice held a tint of wonder. "Opposedis the more accurate word, though."
We continued to watch the young Kombatans. It seemed like Kung Jin had spluttered another of his whimsical jokes since he was being beaten by a furious Cassandra. Takeda and Jacquie were laughing their hearts out, and Fujin was patting the scorned youth empathetically, chuckling as well.
The corners of my lips turned upwards involuntarily.
"It wasn't hard to guess given how overprotective Jackson is."
Sonya scoffed. "Well, he needs to get over it. The girl is all grown up and can take care of herself. She is not much different than Cassie."
My attention drifted toward the stoic commander. It was the first time I heard her speak with a look and tone that dripped with maternal care.
She often spoke quite detachedly about Cassandra. I had seen Sonya order the girl around like any other soldier or subordinate in her elite. Anyone watching them could hardly discern any mother-daughter affection between them. However, I knew better than to believe what lied behind that façade of hers.
Sonya adored the girl more than anyone. Her love and concern for Cassandra's wellbeing even surpassed Johnny's—who never held back from showing his fatherly love regardless of time or place. Sonya concealed her feelings behind an indifferent and autocratic mask. And she had a good reason for that. She was worried that Cassandra would get mistreated or bullied for being the commander's daughter. The competent General did not wish to see her daughter's skills, abilities, and potential questioned due to their relationship.
Sonya herself suffered lots of hardships and discrimination when she joined the Special Forces. There were times when her recruits consisted solely of men, who did not hold back from hammering her gender upon her head all the time. There were only a few who, like Jackson, respected her and treated her as their equal. So, the experienced soldier had to defy gender, social norms, and other factors to ascend the ladders of progress and achieve her goals. I can imagine the humiliations she suffered just to build that iron will that now breaks any wall. She broke herself so many times just to build up again, stronger and fiercer, to prove herself worthy of all she earned and achieved.
If you listened to her story, it was filled with scars that had not only marred her flesh but were also carved deeply into her soul. However, despite all her stubbornness and pride, she deeply cares about her family, friends, and comrades.
That is why, she supported Cassandra in order for her to have a better military experience. Sonya ensured the girl lived those hardships and grew a thick skin prior to her joining the Special Forces. Sonya disciplined Cassie at a young age and turned her into an emancipated woman like herself. And it was all thanks to her mother's strict training and education that helped Cassandra claim the title of Sergeant, and then, Commander of the Special Forces.
I never condemned Sonya for her rigorous manners, especially towards her family. She had experienced traumatizing humiliations, defeats, and losses for too long. In her perspective, the way she trained and raised Cassie was the best method to prepare her for the world and its adversities. I was certain that, deep down, Sonya saw a better version of herself in her beautiful daughter, and of that, she was extremely proud.
"Jackson has every right to be worried over his only daughter. Every parent worries over their children, their safety, and their future."
Sonya crossed an arm under her chest, propping her right elbow on her forearm. "He can't keep her to himself forever."
"Jackson needs to put more trust in the boy." I smiled, shifting my gaze toward a beaming ninja. "I am certain Takeda would do anything to give her the life she truly deserves."
Speaking of the man, I spotted Jackson, assumingly conversing with Johnny and Hanzo, seemed more interested in observing her daughter and where Takeda hands kept touching her. Fujin, noticing the soldier's scrutinizing stares, kept casting reassuring smiles toward the man.
I giggled behind my fist, hearing Sonya scoffing, bemused. She pointed at the young couple with the tip of her glass. "I said that a million times, and I keep repeating myself to Jackson… If she can handle a group of my best men, then she can handle a mere boy for sure." She giggled.
I chortled at her jest. Sonya emptied her glass in one gulp and decided to depart with a smile to save a lost Hanzo and Kuai Lang from her husband's ludicrous adventures in Hollywood.
When the hour struck nine, the reverberating sound of Gongs summoned a new group of dancers to the stage. Their dresses, however, resembled those of our fellow Kombatants, such as Liu Kang, Raiden, Kitana, Shao Khan, and so on. As they danced, they regaled the story of our victory against Kronika and Cetrion. The play was soon accompanied by celestial familiars summoned through magic as they waltzed around their awe-struck guests. They incurred sounds of laughter, joyous exclamations, and surprised shrieks with every new enchanting scene. More magic blended into the performance, and characters made of water and fire clashed in a ferocious battle. In the climax, when Liu Kang delivered the final blow to Kronika, thousands of cherry blossom petals burst into the air.
The audience applauded as the actors and actresses bowed out. However, the stage did not remain vacant for long since a lovely maid, dressed in shimmering green and gold silks, sat down to play her silver Guzheng.
My eyes caught sight of a still beaming Raiden. Throughout the performance, his smile did not once wane, apparently very pleased with the outcome. A delightful sigh passed my lips.
For millennia, the realms fought each other for dominance and power. With every fight, so much chaos and destruction were caused and so many lives were taken. But thanks to Liu Kang, all was in the past and everything was back to way it should have been: silent and peaceful. I did not know if anew threats awaited us in the future, but for now, I was beyond relieved to witness and partake in this serenity.
As I leaned against the pillar, I continued to observe the hall. Kitana was busy chatting with Liu Kang and Raiden, smiling cheek to cheek. Cassandra and Jacqueline were giggling along with Takeda and Jin. Hanzo and Kuai Lang were sharing a drink and laughing like brothers. Everyone was occupied with their own little merit.
This feels so surreal!
However, my eyes failed to find the serene face of a renowned wind god in the crowd. Pushing myself off the pillar, I gave the place one last bemused look before making my unnoticed egress to search for the ancient youth.
Perhaps he has left to get some fresh air. It's getting... stuffy in here!
Stepping outside the temple, the gentle breeze greeted me kindly, making my dark brown curls dance. I held up my hand to prevent a few loose strands from getting into my eyes. However, the wind persisted in its teasing, making me smile. Following its direction, my eyes landed on the playful element's master. Fujin stood with his hands clasped behind his board back, looking up at the iridescent full moon. The illuminating sphere bathed its sole spectator in an enchanting light, making his silhouette glow ethereally. The breeze made his royal hanfu sway, causing the fabric to shimmer with a blend of navy and Prussian blue under the moon's luster.
He looked absolutely regal... so divine!
Beautiful, isn't he?! My cheeks flared at the demoness' words, tainted with mockery. The blush scaled down to my chest when I realized I was staring.
Keep your opinions to yourself! Came my loathsome embark.
Sheesh, and I thought they were YOURS as well. Her malicious laughers echoed inside my head. I suppressed a vehement growl.
Banishing the Centauride and her impertinent provocations, I sauntered toward the youth. The clicking sounds of my heels against the cement echoed in the air, molesting the tranquil silence. The man, old in age yet young in appearance, did not turn to acknowledge my presence as I expected he would. Curiously, I advanced more gingerly and peeked over his shoulder. A pair of glowing arctic blue eyes regarded the luminary clock. A serene expression painted his handsome face. Despite his steadfast gaze, I noticed a veil of contemplation, and perhaps solemnity, behind those moonlit orbs.
"Flower for your thoughts?"
The ancient youth turned to me. Those luscious lips parted into a radiant smile while clarity returned to those pools of opalescent gems.
"Ah, Lady Roxana!..." He gave his head a slight bow in respect. "...I was merely enjoying the silence and peace of the night." His somber gaze turned to the lush landscape beneath our feet. "These times are precious. We must enjoy them while we can." His reverberating voice echoed in the still air.
I hummed, "…True! I only hope our next challenge, whatever it may be, comes much later."
He gave me a court nod. "Likewise! The past events have put a troll on everyone. A long repose is indeed required."
He was right! Century after century, fighting with no vision of the outcomes awaiting us felt arduous. Every challenge felt like a herculean task that demanded rigorous effort to complete. And now, having no fights to win, no wars to survive and no gut-wrenching sounds to hear felt like a dream. Although it had been only a few days since the war, the haunting screams of agony and the chilling sounds of crushed bones and torn flesh seemed so distant.
There was silence...
Pure, serene silence.
Standing beside the wind warrior, we watched the scenery. A contented sigh escaped me.
"It has been many moons since I last stepped into my brother's temple."
My attention drifted toward the youth. Gentle, forlorn eyes perused the lush green land. His gaze grew distant again, contemplating, reminiscing. A woeful smirk briefly stretched his lips.
"Since our last fight, I never got the chance to," he balked, pursing his lips, silver brows knitting softly. "Well… …the past is in the past. What matters is now."
I was about to speak when I held my tongue, deliberately swallowing the thoughts before I spluttered something unnecessary that could unease him. Perhaps, he might speak of his past someday when he feels ready.
And even if so, what makes you think he would share them with YOU?!
I shut my eyes at the Centauride's baleful tone. A brief wave of anger washed over me, and I inadvertently braced my arms over my chest in mild annoyance.
Why don't I ever learn?
The first time I met Fujin, I was summoned by Kitana to the Outworld to provide her with my aid. Upon my arrival, Jade informed us of three intruders forcing themselves inside the Soul Chamber to revive Sindel's reverent. By the time we reached the chamber, the former Queen of Edenia was stumbling out of the ghastly green tunnel, alive and healthy, toward a spiteful Shang Tsung.
The sight of that lecherous Sindel alive was already irksome; having that treacherous sorcerer beside her was like oil on fire.
My anger turned into bewilderment when I spotted Nightwolf and a very peculiar silver-white haired man beside the loathsome shapeshifter. The youth, though young in appearance, emitted an ancient aura of nobility and power.
Kotal Kahn, who was still struggling with his injuries, alleged the two warriors of being bewitched, but both Kombatants proved themselves void of any influence. However, their words alone did not assert their innocence, leaving us with lingering doubts. Shang Tsung took the opportunity and explained why and how things escalated to where they did. Despite our concerns about him spouting lies again, it still proved profitable for me, who had been long absent from the Mortal Kombat world, to catch up with the main incidents. It also helped me learn about some new faces among us, including the unknown youth:
Fujin, the god of wind, and Raiden's younger brother.
He, alongside Nightwolf and Shang Tsung, was sent back in time to find Kronika's crown and deliver it to Raiden to help Liu Kang fix time in the future. I had never seen Fujin before, nor heard Raiden ever speak of him. However, seeing how my fellow Kombatants treated the lad with the utmost respect and civility, and seeing him respond and smile amiably all the time, attracted my attention. Thereby, the throes of mistrust began to diminish the more I learnt about Fujin. He was a formidable warrior, quite affable, and adored by everyone. Given his credibility, righteousness, and high morale, there was hardly anyone who did not genuinely admire the man.
Furthermore, the courage, grace, and respect he showed reminded me so much of him. The Dark Slayer I knew possessed the same assiduous characteristics, if not less.
I kept berating myself for comparing them, seeing so much of Vergil in Fujin. It was so very wrong, a grave miscue!
It did not take long when my berates grew snittier after I cut the youth's long silver hair during a fight to free him from Goro's grasp. The giant Shokan had grabbed his braid, pulling hard, and making it difficult for Fujin to create sufficient distance to fight. Seeing him at a disadvantage, I threw a short blade and watched as the long tail of white braided hair tore off. It took the dragon hybrid off guard, providing enough distraction for Fujin to deliver the final blow and knock the giant unconscious.
The next time I saw Fujin, he had his hair—much to my appall—slicked back, akin to Vergil's signature style.
My heart fell into the pit of my stomach when I saw him. Eyes stinging with stubborn tears, I stammered an incoherent excuse before hastily making a cheap egress to cry my heart in isolation. It took me a while to muster the courage to look him in the eyes again. Alas, my heart heaved every time at the memory of his image.
"I assume the ceremony jaded your indulgence." His resonating voice brought me back from my reverie.
I inclined my head. It was difficult to ignore the enchantment and compassion those moonlit eyes emitted. I returned his warm beam with a shy one.
"On the contrary! You and Raiden have done a splendid job with the celebration." I timidly brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "I was wondering where the second host disappeared so suddenly. I thought I had to gather a search party to find you."
Warm, reverberating chuckles slipped from those luscious lips. "So, you worried," that charming smile made his dimples deepen just like—
STOP IT!
Heat prickled under my cheeks. I averted my eyes, pretending to be watching the scenery instead.
"What about you?" Fujin's eyes remained fixed on me. "Have the guests' tumultuous chatter bored you?"
The ancient youth hummed softly. "No, milady! Their liveliness fills me with bliss. I just needed some time to allow this new change to permeate. It still feels… surreal!"
My heart throbbed with exhilaration.
My sentiment exactly!
"Fortunately or unfortunately, nothing's permanent Fujin," I laced my fingers before my abdomen. "Yet, there are times when I wish some things remained a little while longer the way they are."
A melancholy sigh escaped him. The air grew slightly brisk.
"Sorrow tends to last for nights while joy appears as a fleeting dandelion, easy to get whisked away by the wind…"
A group of majestic cranes took flight in the distance, attracting our attention.
"However, it is said that wherever the seeds land, new dandelions grow." His serene smile turned into a heartfelt beam. "Which means that joy, though scattered, can bloom again wherever it goes."
My attention drifted toward the speaking man, my heart warming at his consoling words. How true! "That's why happiness is contagious."
"Indeed!"
A warmer breeze passed by, causing the tail of his hanfu brush gently against my right leg. Looking up, my smile waned when I saw his forlorn frown. The lines on his ethereal face had hardened, casting shadows on his handsome visage. Without thinking, I stepped closer, causing the man to tear his eyes away from the sky to regard me. His startled expression made me balk, but it did not stop me from conveying my concern.
"Fujin, is everything all right?" I tilted my head to the side, watching him with worried-filled eyes.
Bewildered, Fujin continued to study me. His moonlit eyes had lost some of their glow, as so did the temperature around us, making goosebumps needle my skin.
Seconds turned into minutes as we continued to regard each other. When he did not respond, I braved two shy steps until I reached him scantily up to his collarbone. This time, he did not inadvertently halt me with those iridescent eyes. On the contrary, he turned on the balls of his feet to face me directly. I parted my lips to speak, but stopped when his pale eyes dropped to the cement floor.
"Fall is nigh." He breathed in a raspy voice after what felt like a minute.
I frowned inquisitively. The wind god smirked at my perplexed face.
Gazing up at the heavens, thousands of shimmering stars danced across the murky silk-path. Fujin began to search amidst the sea of stardust until his face lit up at the sight of a certain constellation. Pleased with his discovery, Fujin closed the distance between us by leaning forward and raising a finger toward the sky.
"The White Tiger of the West, Báihǔ, is gradually approaching." His index finger began to draw across the dark canvas, connecting a few glowing dots. "The Tiger is often seen as a protector, and was long thought to guard over warriors and imperial armies. When the trees lose their lush green to the burning red, and the warm summer breeze turns into the brisk autumn wind, the Tiger comes to watch over the living and the spirits of the deceased."
A thrilled exclamation escaped me when the image took a vivid form. The wind god hummed in approval.
"He looks magnificent!" I breathed dreamily.
"I'm glad to hear." Warm breath caressed my right cheek.
When I swirled my head, my chocolate brown eyes locked with a pair of illuminating full moons. Startled, my breath hitched at Fujin's proximity to my complexion. Our noses were barely touching. The sight of those beaming cyan orbs left me in a trance like state, making me forget to breathe. Feeling my lungs tighten from lack of oxygen, I took a deep breath to steady my racing heart, feeling a sudden floral aroma assault my nostrils. A pleasant giddiness took over me. The scent was rich, sweet, and very overwhelming. It reminded me of a warm summer day under—
Wisterias!
Fujin's scent?!
His innate scent!
Ah… a pure one!
My eyes slightly widened, gazing at him in disbelief and awe. Instantly, moonlit eyes dropped to my parted lips, making my heart skip, but they promptly returned to my eyes as if nothing happened. I wondered if he could hear the thundering sound of my heartbeat in the still night. Suddenly, it felt a lot warmer in my kimono. His gaze was penetrative, fervent, to the point where I felt like suffocating. I dropped my gaze, or better yet, tore it away at will, attempting to focus my attention on anything but his eyes to recollect my thoughts. Unfortunately, they landed on a pair of luscious lips.
Wrong move!
I readjusted my gaze to find a less distracting lineament, but my continuous venturing backfired terribly. My eyes started to inadvertently study the lines of his strong jawline, following the trails of his long silver-grey bangs that framed his handsome face; a perfect nose that sat atop glossy lips, and his high-chiseled cheekbones upon which long silver lashes cast shadows. Mesmerized by those soft yet masculine features, I continued to trail higher until my eyes returned to his iridescent blue gems. Those icy Topazes had warmed into a pair of light Turquoises. Perhaps it was my imagination, but their glow cast a gentle hue upon the planes of his cheeks.
"Milady?" A husky whisper, deep and warm. The gentle reverberation of his voice made my heart tremble.
My chest heaved. When had I started panting?
He shifted gingerly. My right shoulder came to rest against his chest in a feather-light touch. Silver brows knitted in a benign frown. My laced fingers came to grasp my bosom where my heart was racing. He swallowed, making his Adam apple roll almost deliberately. My gaze wavered briefly to his stout body before returning to his eyes. His posture grew rigid.
The hanfu looked tighter given how firmly the regal fabric hugged his strong chest. I could practically make out the lines of his pectorals. I clutched my heart, feeling my knuckles whiten under pressure. Despite his hands clasped tightly behind his back, and me standing completely immobile in my spot with my hands against my bosom, the scorching heat and electrifying air he exuded surrounded me like a clandestine embrace.
Could he feel it too? Could he apprehend what he was doing? How was I supposed to reciprocate without perturbing him or breaking a mood, which I did not know how it started in the first place? Was it even anything for me to reciprocate at all?
Pale pink lips parted slightly. The scent of wisterias grew pungent. Our heats blended together, making it difficult to tell who was the moth and who was the flame. My eyes grew heavy as his became hooded. His face inched closer. The lingering aroma of mint tea wafted from his breath, making me inhale deeply. The warmth of those lips ghosted upon mine.
"Fujin, Roxana!" Liu Kang's abrupt call made us practically jump a feet away.
I adjusted my kimono and fixed a hair behind my ear while Fujin exhaled loudly behind me and fixed the collar of his hanfu. Gosh, the dress was growing tighter by the minute!
"Liu Kang, has something happened?" The wind god asked with a collected voice.
The fire master waved a hand. "Not anything grave, Fujin... but Raiden is about to start his speech and cannot find his notes. He sent me to ask if either of you have them?" The fire master looked between us.
Fujin shook his head softly. "No! I'm afraid he—"
"Shoot!" I exclaimed, catching both males' attention.
Raiden had given me some folded papers upon our arrival and instructed me to review his ceremonial speech. After reading it a few times, I deduced that it was so eloquently written, it required no further editing. However, I got so occupied during the celebration that I forgot to return them.
I began to check every hole and pocket while muttering silent curses under my breath.
"Thank goodness they were with you. Raiden was about to faint from worry." Liu Kang's tone dripped with sarcasm, which made me grunt in embarrassment.
Fujin chuckled warmly. "Shame I missed seeing that."
"Be glad you missed it." I stated derisively. A silver brow arched at me, followed by a halfhearted beam.
With my arm swallowed up to my shoulder in my left sleeve, I almost cursed aloud for another failed attempt. "Dang it! Where did I,"
The young fire master was literary biting into his fist, casting mirthful glances at the wind god next to him. The boy's shoulders were shaking with silent chuckles. I stole glances at Fujin, who was pursing his lips. However, the slight quivers around the corners of his mouth were betraying his own chortles as well.
Thank God that the shadows concealed my flushed face. I still had not recovered from the minor dulcet incident with Fujin a few minutes ago. I felt like a lovestruck maiden. I could still feel the lingering heat on my heaving, flushed chest.
"LIU KANG!" Just as the thundering sound of the thunder god struck our ears, I managed to pull out the folded papers with a loud, "FOUND IT!"
Given the impeccable timing, the two elemental gods turned away as they burst out into merit laughers.
Raiden teleported right before me, making me choke on my own fits of giggles.
"By the elder gods! I thought you lost them!" Electric cyan eyes cast a brief glower at me before they softened at the sight of the papers.
"I should have given them to you sooner. I apologize for the delay!" I cast him a sheepish smile, "It was very well written." I nodded in emphasis.
Raiden gently took the notes, unfolded them, and began reading. "Thank you, child!" Came his gentle gratitude.
"Always a pleasure to help, Raiden." I placed a comforting hand on his arm, finding him smile paternally.
Whether Liu Kang or Fujin managed to see that or not was beyond me, because Raiden tactfully hid his face beneath the shadow of his conical straw hat before beaming. The sage warrior refolded the papers and put them in his breast pocket like a priced object.
"Well, I will begin the ceremonial speech soon. Join us when you both feel inclined."
To my bewilderment, I noted Raiden flinging a poignant look at Fujin before swirling on his heels and strolling past an equally perplexed Liu Kang. Catching the elder male's penetrative glance shot at his direction, the fire master gave us both a court nod before pursuing his mentor with a small smirk.
What the hell?
Seems like Raiden's arcane gestures are growing on the boy.
"Forgive my brother," my attention drifted toward my companion. His eyes followed his brother's silhouette with a sense of scrutiny as he disappeared behind the grand double doors. "He can be… nebulous."
"Well, at least he is not insufferable!" I shrugged halfheartedly.
"Sometimes his actions do not match his true intentions, causing unnecessary confusion. Even I fail to discern his motives at times."
I giggled behind a fist. "Fret not, I am already used to his confound antics after so many years."
Fujin blinked at me. "Then, I worried unnecessarily."
I tilted my head to the side in a playful manner. "Well, there was never the opportunity to experience events together, so you have every right to question my level of familiarity with your brother's... capacious unpredictability."
Warm chuckles erupted from the ancient youth, making butterflies flap wildly against the walls of my stomach. So melodious… no, harmonious! The tips of my ears reddened. Flustered, I shied my eyes away, watching my fingers fiddle with the turquoise-colored Obi on my sangria-colored Kimono.
"I believe I owe you an apology, Lady Roxana."
The tips of Fujin's dark boots entered my peripherals. The youth began to stroll toward the temple, motioning for me to follow with a soft look.
"What for?" I prodded when he fell silent.
Fujin beamed ruefully. "Well, I didn't mean to… tease you when… well—" I interjected politely, to save him the trouble of explaining himself. Quite frankly, I found his innocuous fluster endearing.
"No need to clear the air between us, Fujin. Even I sometimes overlook things which is silly of me."
"Well, I still need to apologize myself for my lack of manners toward a great fellow Kombatant such as yourself." I opened my mouth to rectify, but he prompted. "My brother told me much about you and your benevolent endeavors."
I regarded him agape. "Raiden… talked about me?!" My brows furrowed in disbelief.
Smiling at my incredulousness, the wind god stopped by the marble stairs, fixed the back of his Prussian blue hanfu, and sat down gracefully with a sigh.
"Raiden always talks about your bravery and selfless deeds… How you always go beyond all odds to protect everyone in all realms."
I startled. Raiden was a man of few words, and even more reserved if it involved praising. Knowing him speaking about me in such regards to his brother was… an honor!
Hah! Never knew Thor guy held such esteem for you!
"I-I'm… f-flattered by his complements." Came my timid murmur. "… although I am sure he is exaggerating." I scoffed sardonically.
I did not know whether it was my austere tone at the end or what I said, but Fujin gave me a stern look. Gently, he leaned forward, supporting his arms on his knees and lacing those beautiful long fingers together in contemplation. Not once did his eyes leave me.
"You say he exaggerated," he paused, processing, contemplating. "If I had not witnessed for myself, I would have agreed with your words… but,"
The sudden burst of muffled laughers from behind closed doors made me jump under my skin. My hands clutched before my abdomen. An involuntary reaction I often have in moments of fluster.
"…I have seen you in combat firsthand, witnessed how you singlehandedly fought battalions, and selflessly shielded your friends despite your fatal injuries."
Averting those illuminating orbs almost bashfully, I watched as his right thumb idly moved over the other, pondering.
"I would go as far as to say my brother's words did not do you justice." Like a wave slowly nighing the shores, those turquoise orbs began to seize me up with a piercing, fervent look.
My eyes started to widen in disbelief.
Those candescent eyes, penetrating deep into my soul, made my chest constrict. My feet spun involuntarily, turning my back to the wind master. I could feel anew heat ignite and prickle beneath my skin.
I was used to bringing up excuses to deny someone's compliments, trying to run around their sweet words to contradict their assertion. However, with Fujin, I was speechless. His statements were as lucent as those illuminating eyes of his. They left no room for any 'buts', rejections, or refutes, quelling me with their sincerity. I had no cards to play, no rebukes to give, nothing; left with no option but to accept his heartfelt words.
"Your compliment is appreciated, Fujin." I muttered bashfully.
"No compliments," a pleasant breeze caressed my face, as if nudging me gently with an invisible hand to turn toward its master.
Is he doing it on purpose? I mused beguiled.
The breeze diminished instantly once I fully faced the wind god.
Fujin slowly got up from his seat, took off his dark Prussian open cross-collar garment, neatly folded it like a square-shaped pillow, and placed it on the stairs next to where he reseated. His palm came to rest on the folded fabric, beckoning me with a curt nod of his head.
Aw, what a gentleman!
Hesitantly, I sauntered toward the waiting man. I fixed the back of my kimono before joining his side, squeezing my knees firmly together and placing my hands atop them in a formal fashion. Despite the heavy layers of my dress, as well as Fujin's generous Yi placed beneath me, I could still feel the brisk chill of marble on my rear. It baffled me how unaffected Fujin was.
Guess being the master of wind comes with certain privileges.
"I, like my brother, do not indulge in false proclamations. Hard, honest work needs to be commemorated."
From the corner of my eyes, I could feel moonlit eyes watching me expectantly, closer than before. Had he leaned in, or was it my mind playing tricks on me… again?
"Says the man who went high and low to get a crown, protected his friends and brother with his life, and saved the realms die trying."
Silence reigned. I did not dare to move, just fixed my absentminded stare on the landscape in the distance. The sound of crickets composing a cacophony of sounds broke the serenity of the night.
"… Well, I assume your point is well made."
I nodded, feeling victorious for finally making him realize that obligations mandated to be fulfilled do not need extreme commemoration.
"But I hold true in my words." My inquisitive eyes shifted toward him. Fujin's face held a crestfallen beam. "Just because a diamond is blind to its illuminating beauty does not mean that others are also ignorant of the hardships it endured to become translucent and scintillating."
I startled. Fujin, who clearly noticed my rosy cheeks, smiled more radiantly. I concealed my face behind a veil of dark brown curls, looking at the magnanimous dragon statue to my left instead.
All right, I must add to the list: not only was Fujin affable, but he was also a payer of compliments. His candor words and the sincerity burning in those eyes whenever he spoke was brutal.
If this keeps up, my heart simply cannot take it anymore.
"Lord Fujin?" A change in topic was required.
There was a sudden change in the atmosphere. The lethal silence that welcomed me for a good minute left me with an awkward sense of self awareness. Regarding the man to my right, Fujin was watching me perplexed.
I blinked at his solicitous expression, bewildered.
"Wha-... why the sudden formality, milady?" His tone was tainted with a hint of... hurt?!
I did not know why, but my chest throbbed.
How did my innate sense of respecting him, given his noble status, feel foreign so suddenly? Never had I imagined my act of respect would cause unnecessary discom—no, distance, to be precise, between my companion and myself.
"Lady Roxana?" His soothing, reverberating voice broke my train of thoughts.
My attention drifted back to the ancient youth with a repentant look. My lips parted to explain myself when he averted his eyes, interjecting me.
"Is there something you wish to ask of me?" He cleared his throat, pretending to be apathetic.
Why did it bother you… Is it so wrong to acknowledge the gap between us?
After all, he descended from the celestial Heavens, whereas I ascended from the pits of Hell, temporarily reunited on this fleeting Purgatory called Earth. And by the end of the day, we would go back from whence we came from till God-knows-when.
"Yes," my voice barely above a whisper in the brisk breeze. "There is something I would like to ask."
Fujin's eyes fell on the fists in my lap. "I'm listening,"
Much to my surprise, one callous hand reached out to grasp my right one. Long, beautiful fingers laced through mine as the ancient youth drew our locked hands into his other open palm resting above his left thigh. Gold-tan enclosed around peach-colored skin. A thumb began brushing over my ring finger tenderly. A soft beam kissed those light pink lips. His hold was so soft and delicate as if I were made of glass. Moonlit eyes were laced with a range of overwhelming emotions I could not discern.
"Ask whatever troubles you. You will only hear me speak the truth."
Involuntarily, I lowered my gaze and pinched my lower lip. Heat sizzled ardently beneath my skin, and feeling Fujin's large, warm hands around my dainty digits did little to help calm my racing heart.
Shame on yourself! Clear your stupid head of all this nonsense. You are both friends and will remain so forever.
"Um… If I'm not prying," I cast him a timid look, seeing him tilt his head innocuously to get a better view. "I was curious to know what you would have done if you possessed the Hourglass instead of Liu Kang."
An eyebrow quirked in wonderment.
"hmm..."
His body shifted, making our knees brush against each other. I sucked in air through my teeth, my grasp on his hand threatening to tighten.
Warm aqua blue eyes ventured up toward the heavens. "If I became the Keeper of Time,"
Fujin regaled how he would use the Hourglass to live eons to understand humans through the diversity of their language, race, ethnicity, culture, ideas, and beliefs. He would attempt to apprehend what makes them who they are, how they live and survive, what they value, and how they overcome their fears, concerns, and obstacles. With the humbled wisdom earned through endless lives, he would bend the arc of history to the service of those who must live it, and help mankind live better, safer, and more peaceful lives
"Moreover," his hold tightened gently around my hand. "I wish to live every day in the loving embrace of a family of my own, because," iridescent gems gazed mournfully up at the moon. "It's a joy I may never know."
A brisk wind wheezed through.
Time stopped.
Sounds blurred into a sonorous ringing.
My vision darkened for a few seconds before colors gradually started to saturate.
The crackling sound of burning brimstone was the first lucid sound I heard.
A lonesome crane cried in the distant sky.
And then, lethal silence reigned.
"… ..."
I sat frigid in my spot, staring appalled at Fujin. Only then did I come to my senses when the wind god's forlorn face blurred before my eyes. A pungent petrichor smell filled my nostrils.
It's going to rain!
The familiar stinging sensation at the bridge of my nose made my face scrunch.
"Are you all right, milady?"
With tightly knitted brows, I attempted to block away his worry-dripping voice before it infiltrated the uncharted territories inside my heart. The affection and tenderness in his tone were like a warm blanket covering me during a cold, frosty winter night.
"Y-Yeah," I prayed he did not catch the tremble in my voice, hastily brushing away the tears from my cheeks. "Just got some dirt in my eye."
Long, callous fingers joined mine as they grasped my chin delicately, nudging my head. Fujin leaned closer when my eyes landed on him. He began to study my features with dangerous precision. A small frown creased those silver brows. And I prayed, hard, so he wouldn't mind the glassiness of my eyes, to ignore the slight change of color on my complexion, as well as the quivering of my lips. In the dead silent night, Fujin's faint breaths and my frantic heartbeats were the only sounds that echoed.
Seconds turned into minutes as we continued to regard each other. Finally, his frown softened, making my heart calm slightly.
However, his fingers remained on my chin. My heart fluttered when his thumb brushed over my skin in a butterfly caress. My other hand came to grasp his wrist involuntarily. The youth stilled.
My digits fell cold against his heated skin, and it burned, both physically and mentally.
Why was I so blind to see the same shared longing in your eyes?
The scorching yearning in his voice and in his celestial eyes as he uttered those words made my heart clench to the point of suffocation.
As I drowned in those pools of divine blue, images began to replay inside my head. Of the time when Fujin talked fondly about family and its values to Kotal Khan when he learned of the Osh-Tekk's feelings for Jade. Of the moment when his shimmering eyes filled with happiness when Kitana reunited with Sindel, as if his own daughter had returned to her mother. And of when his words brought clarity to Jackson in Shang Tsung's island, warning him not to endanger Jacquie because of Kronika's false promises.
"We do not fight to kill enemies. We fight to protect our loved ones. That is why it cuts so deeply… when we fail."
Those words still resonated in me, and I was sure they hit the veteran cyborg like a gust of fresh air as well, guiding him toward a better decision. I also remembered hearing the events in which Fujin blessed Takeda and his weapons with his celestial powers to aid the boy in battle against a possessed Raiden.
Realization dawned upon me as if being struck by the thunder master himself.
He feels gravely tormented by the thought he may never experience parenthood… unaware that all this time, his paternal love for Cassandra, Jacqueline, Takeda, and the others had followed them till today, blessing them like a silent prayer.
Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees?!
A new sensation bloomed in my chest. It ignited the blood inside my veins, flowing higher like a fountain ready to burst from elation. My heart began to throb in utmost adoration and empathy.
Closing my eyes, I placed my face in both of his hands, nuzzling lovingly. A heated sigh fanned my face. The scent of wisterias overwhelmed me, making me sigh. I placed a chaste kiss inside his warm palm. A shuddered breath was my response.
"L-Lady Roxana?!" A soft nudge from his hand. His attempt to withdraw. I pressed my palms against his knuckles, keeping them right where they were.
It was time he too saw the truth of his deeds. Opening my eyes, I gazed into those glowing aqua orbs with all the searing emotions that burnt within me.
And my heart uttered breathlessly: "You wonderful, wonderful man!"
Euphoria set my whole being aflame, burning me like a moth in its raging flames. But I did not turn into cinders. It felt like the chains that incarcerated me melted away and I could breathe again. A heavy weight was lifted.
I smiled at the incredulous-looking man. Fujin continued to regard me with stunned eyes. Cyan eyes had bleached into pale Topaz, glowing almost white. Frozen in time, his stout posture remained as rigid as a statue.
My brows furrowed in concern at his lack of response. "Fujin?" His shoulders flinched.
Lips were parted as quick breaths escaped.
He was panting!
I reached for him, wounding an arm around his neck and pulling him close. My face buried into his silver-grey hair. Satin soft strands tickled my skin. The earthy scent of chrysanthemums wafted from them. The aroma soon combined with the alluring and pungent fragrance of wisterias. It felt like bathing in the very garden of Eden.
I sighed heavenly through sealed lips.
Fujin shuddered, taking me off guard, yet I refused to withdraw. Seconds turned into minutes as we sat motionless. When the silence stretched beyond my comfort zone, I slightly tightened my hold around his neck, brushing my left cheek against his warm skin. His pulse picked up a pace. Dread filled my head at the thought that, perhaps, my innocuous embrace was unwelcome, disturbing, or deduced as an act of disrespect. With a heavy heart, I prepared to pull away when a broad hand came to rest in between my shoulder blades, holding me in place and rubbing smooth circles. Another wounded around my waist, pulling me closer against a heaving chest.
Taken aback, I instantly eased into the embrace and closed my eyes. A warm wind passed gently and lifted the chill of the night. However, warmer than the wind, more blazing than the fires, was Fujin's loving embrace.
"Thank you!" His reverberating voice tickled my ear.
I smiled into his golden-coppery skin, running my fingers through those long, shimmering strands, caressing the back of his head. His hands continued to run up and down my spine. His soothing warmth, the calm rhythm of his heart, followed by his nostalgic scent, were lulling me to sleep.
It feels like sitting by a hearth during a raging blizzard.
Fujin always gave everyone so much hope, supported them in moments of need, and encouraged them to become the better version of their past selves. That is why he was loved for his innate kindness and empathy, and everyone felt safe and protected in his company, including myself.
Quite frankly, I missed feeling safe and protected.
Carefully withdrawing myself, I touched our foreheads briefly before pulling back just enough to gaze into those bright eyes. I cupped his cheek, watching as his broad hand came to rest on my arm. An involuntary smile passed across my lips as I noted our positions had switched. He had comforted me, and it was my turn to return the favor.
"Never doubt yourself, Fujin." I whispered tenderly. "As you said so yourself, if you are blind to the good deeds you have done, that doesn't mean others are ignorant of them as well."
I caressed his cheek lovingly, watching as his lids hooded.
"And if you forget, I will gladly remind you a million times of all you have done for each and every one of us."
The ancient youth chuckled handsomely, making me chortle in return.
"Besides, experiencing parenthood does not only happen when you sire children of your own."
A silver brow quirked in mirth. "Do you speak from experience?"
I nodded. "I never bore any children of my own, Fujin…" There was a pang of pain behind that fact. "...yet God blessed me with the experience of motherhood, nonetheless." I gazed at the moon above. The beautiful faces of my children filled my thoughts. "I met many wonderful sons and daughters throughout my life."
And so, I regaled some treasured stories about my past. Of the years I spent raising D at his father's castle; of the decade I spent protecting and loving Nero and attempting to mend his relationship with his father, Vergil; of my months of effort comforting and healing a traumatized Adrian from the tragic events he experienced; and so on.
And Fujin listened intently, patiently, and silently to every word, smiling and grieving alongside me.
"Just as I served as a maternal figure for those children, you have done similarly for Cassandra, Jacqueline, Takeda, Kung Jin, Kitana, Liu Kang... and all the others."
Our attention got distracted when cheers and laughers came from behind closed doors to our right.
"Do you hear them, Fujin?" The wind master lowered his eyes, nodding. "It's all thanks to your selfless efforts that they are now sitting beside their families and friends enjoying this night." Contemplating, Fujin closed his eyes and gave a final, determined nod. My smile broadened.
Suddenly, my hand, which cupped his cheek, was pulled toward his lips. A chaste kiss was planted on my knuckles. Although the act took me off guard, my beam returned at the sense of tenderness behind his gesture.
"I envy you, Lady Roxana." He breathed.
I scoffed bemused at his words. "I did not know that gods could envy!"
Those eyes glowed with mirth. Fujin scoffed bemused. "Well, some of us envy mortals when we see them indulge in trivial actions we alone cannot partake."
"Interesting," I hummed. "I heard the same sentiment, but in my version of the story, there were angels who envied the mortals."
Maybe it was my imagination or a trick of the shadows dancing across his complexion, but I thought Fujin's cheeks took a darker shade. The wind master, noticing my observatory eyes, brought my hand to his lips again and deliberately hid his face behind another lingering kiss.
That made me blush, and I felt his teasing smirk against my heated skin.
No fair!
Our locked hands joined to rest on his lap as before, and it was then when I noticed my tight hold around his callous fingers.
Wow! Your grip would have broken a bone or two by now. He didn't even bat an eye… guess the wind boy has some—
SILENT!
...I was about to say some strong hands to keep up with your vice grips.
Her suggestive tone made my blood boil. She deliberately averted her initial statement just to irk me.
"Jackson is still apprehensive toward Takeda."
A change in topic—and atmosphere—was very much needed.
"Oh! Well," the silver strings on his hanfu gleamed under the pale moonlight. "I do not blame him for over worrying!"
"The many times we fought over this matter."
I let out a dry scoff. "Well, Jackson needs to understand that three incredible warriors support Takeda... and their blessings will continue to follow him and Jacqueline till the rest of their lives."
After all, the blood of Kenshi, one of the most formidable warriors I ever knew, flowed through Takeda's veins. The boy was trained and practically raised by the Shirai Ryu's leader, Hanzo Hasashi himself. And not forgetting to mention how much Fujin favored him and lent him his strength generously whenever he needed it. All which made Takeda not an ordinary warrior. Three grand masters pivoted him to become the man he was today.
"Perhaps, if you make Jackson see, he may be willing to give the youth a chance to prove himself worthy as his future son-in-law."
"Regardless of my preaches, as Jackson always says, I feel a heavy responsibility weighing upon Takeda. The boy may still need to complete trials to earn his… father-in-law's blessings."
I giggled. "He will succeed, Fujin. I firmly believe no one is better suited for Jacqueline than Takeda."
"I am glad someone shares my thoughts." His smile broadened, making those charming dimples reappear.
I leaned into his alluring scent and rested my head against his shoulder. Hand in hand, we studied the night sky and the constellations high in the heavens. The magnificent body of the White Tiger was growing closer and brighter.
"I know how stubborn Jackson can be, but rest assured that together, we can coax him to change his mind." I squeezed his hand in reassurance. "However, Jacquie and Takeda also need to meet some of Jackson's wishes to preserve some balance and foster mutual respect."
Fujin hummed in affirmation. His warm cheek came to rest against the crown of my head.
You are walking in uncharted territory. Quite cozy you got yourself there, lass!
I grew self-conscious at the demoness' words. It was clear what Fujin and I shared was a bond made of mutual friendship, trust, and respect. I was content with it, yet my heart constantly ached, knowing that things would not transcend beyond those charts.
"I am blessed to have friends like you, Lady Roxana."
Yep! And he confirmed it in his own words.
My chest constricted painfully, making breathing difficult. I guess it's better this way…
After all, I learned my lessons from the past. Despite my best efforts, I always ended up second best, late to confess, and never enough compared to the women meant for the men I ardently fell in love with.
Vergil was my last opportunity to prove myself I could have someone, build a future with, call him mine while feeling I belonged to him in return. But he was no exception as well. Once Lucretia returned, no matter what I did to keep Vergil by my side, it ended in failure. That's when I realized: when two people are fated to be together, no one and nothing can come in between. Nevertheless, it was onerous for both Vergil and I to part ways, given the many memories we made, but it was the right thing to do. And I was glad Vergil had Lucretia in his life to help him recover.
Contrary to me who got left behind… again.
Thereafter, I convinced myself that there was no one fated for me. It made it easier to cope with the heartaches, disappointments, and endless questions I kept asking with no answers received. I did not attempt to heal my torn heart, letting it bleed freely to keep it from making another mistake: falling for someone else again without my conscious consent and ending up getting hurt.
Whenever I fell in love, the person was not my choice; and whenever I had to let him go, it was not my heartfelt choice either. Alas, it was the right thing to do because I was always the wrong woman standing in the picture. I kept telling myself I did what I had to back then, mostly for Nero, whom I loved beyond anyone and anything in this world. It was the only reason that gave my heart some relief.
My precious son! Apart from my own flesh and blood, yet dearer to me like one of my own. The boy searched all his life for his family, for his identity, and now he had finally found them and was whole again.
Fujin sighed, making his chest heave against my back, breaking my train of thoughts. "You know so much about parenting. I look forward to learning from you, Lady Roxana."
Little you know how gravely I failed my children for not being by their side when they needed me most.
"Fujin?" Withdrawing to regard him, the man frowned. Worry danced in those cyan eyes.
"Yes, milady?"
I cleared my throat before speaking. "I am certain that one day you will have a family of your own. In the meantime," I forced a smile in hope to keep my lips from quivering. "Accept us as your family that needs you... needs your love and care. Continue to help bring out the good in us and remind us to be kind, strong, humble, and grateful."
He continued to watch me, searching in my eyes for something I could not discern. His strong arm came to wound around my shoulders.
"And I shall cherish my family... with all my heart." He consoled, pressing me gently into his chest, his heart a steady rhythm against my chest.
I nodded gingerly. The fresh lump clogging my throat made it difficult to speak.
"Fujin, t-take what I say now as a-an advice from one parent… t-to another."
With a forlorn frown, he patiently waited for me to continue. I forced out a shaky exhale.
"I hope you never f-find yourself in such position, but," the tears began to sting my eyes.
How I wish someone had warned me of the hardships of parenting, and the heart-wrenching decisions I ought to make during critical times. But now, I will tell you to ease your conscience in the future, my friend.
"If you ever feel yourself standing at a crossroad... where you must choose between your children's safety and their happiness," his handsome face started to blur, "… choose their safety. Even if it means they would resent you, c-call you selfish, or give you their distant, cold stares for months—"
"Milady?!" A single drop rolled down my left cheek. His grip tightened.
"...A-At least," my voice trembled, "you w-won't live the rest of your l-life with guilt knowing they got h-hurt because y-you chose to give them the h-happiness they desired, though it was nothing but a beautiful lie."
You will never forgive yourself, and you will never recover from that.
The incident with Alucard was still fresh in my head. Although it had been a year, but the details were still vivid and equally appalling. It felt like yesterday when I found him crying on the floor, clutching his heart with a pair of bloody hands.
Closing my eyes to push those haunting images away, the brimming tears began to fall. Suddenly, I was hurled into a strong chest, feeling sturdy arms wrap tightly around me, protecting me, shielding me from the fiendish, grim demons in the dark. Fujin's chest heaved against mine as I sobbed into his shoulder, clutching onto his hanfu as if my life depended on. His cheek pressed firmly against my temple. Broad hands rubbed up and down my back, drawing circles around my shoulders, caressing my head, they ventured everywhere. He tried hard to fit my small body into his arms as much as he could, as much as I fit, warming me and hoping to banish the violent shivers.
"Fret not! I shall do everything in my power to protect them. You have my vow!" He breathed into my hair, promising, planting soothing kisses against my temple all the while.
"F-Fujin!" I sobbed.
When was the last time anyone comforted me when I was lamenting? I do not recall.
"I was advised being a parent is the most onerous task. Seeing the burdens on your shoulders and the grief in your eyes asserts that. I pray your soul finds repose for all you bear for your children."
"T-Thank y-you... F-Fujin."
Callous fingers entangled into my dark strands, brushing my hair. Eventually, his hand cupped the back of my head, resting his palm against where my head throbbed. Seconds turned into minutes as I sat in his comforting embrace, letting my years of pain and grievance be washed away by Fujin's loving hands, like a wind blowing across the fields and cleansing all pollution. I had let myself fall and Fujin caught me before I hit and broke like porcelain.
Eventually, my heart began to ease, allowing me to reconcile my feelings, thoughts, and senses. The sound of his gentle breaths beside my ear, the tantalizing warmth of his body soaking into me, his even heartbeats against my chest, and the feeling of his strong arms wrapped securely around my frail body were the first things I noticed. With a head void of loud voices, which kept bickering and fighting for dominance all the time, a new sense of drowsiness began to veil over me. Nuzzling into the wind god's divine scent, I closed my eyes in bliss.
Fujin shifted, gently withdrawing to regard me when my hold on him loosened. A rueful smile appeared on his crestfallen face.
Don't look at me like that! Discomfited, I lowered my gaze to the embroidery on his hanfu.
The hand cradling my head changed position to rest on my shoulders, and the other came up to brush away the wet trails left on my cheeks. The drowsiness was fading, and a feeling of shame began to sink. I grew quite self-conscious of my action, feeling guilt wash over me for showing weakness.
And just when the berating sounds were about to resurface, warm lips touched my forehead, startling me.
Raindrops hit the ground. The air brimmed with an earthy musk. It soon began to drizzle.
All the while, Fujin's soft lips remained upon my skin. I closed my eyes.
The dull throbbing dissipated from the back of my head. When I opened my eyes, his glowing Jinsei pendant stared up at me. With deep inhale, Fujin slowly withdrew. True to his namesake, he calmed the raging storm inside me. My ship finally reached the shores and was ready for its next voyage.
"Thank you, Fujin!" I breathed through an appreciating smile.
"My pleasure, milady." He beamed.
A serene glint of affection danced in those pools of moonlit orbs. Placing a hand on Fujin's heart, I felt him pulling me in little by little. Dark brown locked with glowing cyan blue. I drank in the scent of rain, burnt coil, and sweet wisteria, feeling my heart hammer in my heaving chest. Closer than ever, our breaths mingled.
The sound of Jackson shouting behind the doors and an appalled Kung Jin rebutting interjected us boorishly. Soon, muffled laughers followed. The spell shattered like a glass. All the fog diminished and was replaced by brute clarity.
Politely as possible, we untangled. I exhaled shakily and began to fix the wrinkles on my kimono. Fujin sucked in a deep breath and placed each balled fist on either of his laps. Back straight, chest popped, his posture looked a little too tense than usual.
I stifled my giggles behind a hand. "Um… I-uh... I guess…" we exchanged timid glances. "... I-we... we better return before Raiden sends Liu Kang for us again." I prompted.
Fujin nodded meekly. A teasing smirk was planted on the corner of his lips "I have to wonder what his excuse would be this time."
Perplexed at his proclamation, I regarded him baffled. Fujin cleared his throat and fixed the collar of his hanfu for the umpteenth time during the night. That fabric did feel quite tight. A warm blush darkened his chiseled cheekbones. I brushed away a strand of dark curl and stood up. Cyan eyes followed as I reached for the Yi, dusted it off, folded it neatly again, and presented it with an appreciating bow.
The man practically jumped onto his feet, almost flying due to his wind powers. He took the fabric with both hands, returning the bow.
"Thank you so much for lending me your time, Lord Fujin. I sincerely enjoyed your company." I stated warmly with an innocent smile, hoping he caught the tease in my tone.
His lips stretched into a warm beam. "Likewise, Lady Roxana. Thank you in return for sharing! I would love to meet again whenever your time allows. Next time, perhaps, would you honor me for a stroll at the Temple of Elements?"
I clasped my hands behind my back, giving him a taut glance. The blood in my veins began to sing in excitement.
"I would love to." My heart warmed at his handsome smile.
Fujin took another step, closing the distance just enough to make his radiating heat engulf me again. With the events that happened tonight, it was getting more difficult to stay far from him and his intoxicating warmth and aroma. For a moment, I wondered if he felt the same way, but quickly discarded those wishful thoughts. But if not, then why was he looking with such a fervent gaze?
Overwhelmed, I shifted my attention toward the silver cloud embroideries on his regal hanfu. The scent of Wisterias almost made my head spin. Involuntarily, I pinched my lower lip between my teeth, sucking idly. A battle worn hand came to tenderly grasp my chin between a callous thumb and an index finger. The familiar feeling returned, and this time, when heat rushed to my face, I did not hide my blush. One look into those penetrative gems and I became spellbound again. His head dropped to my level, causing our noses to touch. My breath hitched. He stilled, looking intensively at my parted lips, contemplating long and hard. A frown plastered across his features. Was that frustration?
"I shall join you in a minute." I blinked. His voice, though a hoarse whisper, felt deeper and more reverberating.
Heat pooled in the pit of my stomach. I nodded my head meekly before literally tearing my face away and sprinting toward the double doors. Fujin's penetrative eyes followed as I felt them glued to my back, scrutinizing my every move.
A blissful smile kissed my lips. I opened the double doors and walked into the premises, and finally, letting out a squeal that got easily blurred amidst the creaking sounds of hinges closing.
When the storm grew loud and brute, Fujin joined us. The moment he entered, everyone cheered the divine wind god with their cups. Fujin was left startled at the sudden lively welcome he received. His shimmering eyes wandered across each beaming face, laughing in delight at their heartfelt expression.
A jovial Cassandra jumped in and grabbed his hand, pulling him enthusiastically.
"Come on, uncle Fujin! You missed Uncle Raiden's speech,"
A look of surprise and disbelief plastered on the ancient youth's complexion. My smile broadened.
"Yeah, uncle Fujin," a giggling Jacqueline began dragging him by his other hand toward the stage. "Ya missed a hec! But ain't mean we let ya miss this beautiful display."
Leaving no room for protests, a stunned Fujin was guided to sit before two beautiful females, dressed in fine long silks, while performing an elegant Ribbon Dance. Each of his sides git occupied by Takeda and Kung Jin respectively as they greeted the older male.
"Great to see you join us, Oji-sama! Please, have a drink." The young ninja offered a cup of sake with a polite bow.
Kung Jin, chuckling happily, held up his own cup for a toast. Fujin cast a bewildered look between the youths, until Cassie wrapped her arms around the man's broad shoulders from behind, taking him off guard again.
"Cassandra wha—"
"Come on, uncle Fujin! It's not poisoned!"
"All right, all right," the wind god chuckled as he took the cup with one hand and placed another on Cassie's locked arms around his chest, patting her paternally.
Giving the cup another glance, the youth let out a final bemused scoff before gulping the liquor down. Loud cheers erupted and the young Kombatants began to surround him with food and more drinks. At the third cup, Fujin's smile began to wane, replaced by a look of bewilderment, when Kung Jin hurriedly filled his cup with fresh sake, leaving no room for rest.
Oh, boy! They're gonna get him drunk in no time.
I bet he can hold his liquor.
You speak so surely. Unless he is also incompatible in drinking like Vergil.
I growled into my cup of warm ginger tea.
But it was very sweet of you to plant the idea of 'Uncle Fujin' inside their heads. Look at him, he is smiling like a little schoolboy!
I nearly choked on my drink when Cassandra hit Jin in the back of the head for filling Fujin's cup for the fourth time without pause. Fresh laughers erupted from their circle.
I thought it might be a good start for him.
"Thank you for your kindness, child." I nearly choked on my tea, hearing Raiden's voice so close to my right ear.
"For what?" I regarded him innocently, feigning ignorance.
The corner of Raiden's lips turned slightly upwards. His ethereal eyes remained fixed on Fujin.
"It has been so long since I last saw my brother so happy," he clasped his hands behind his back in a regal fashion. "And now, thanks to you, he is laughing so carefree."
"I did nothing for you to thank me. Fujin earned it all himself."
"Well… but it is undeniable that he enjoys your company."
I gave him a look. The tall man remained as placid as ever, but the ghost of a smile betrayed his poker face.
What scheme are you plotting, Raiden?
"The feeling's mutual, uncle Raiden." I emphasized on the word with a teasing tone, giggling when he glowered in response. I quickly hid my mirthful face into my cup, pretending to be drinking.
"I would be grateful if you refrain from adding me into your playful antics. Having Fujin will sufficiently sate your inner… vixen." My eyes widened at his word.
Ow! Touché!
The noble wind god suddenly turned his serene face to us. His eyes, glowing brighter than ever, locked onto mine as he smiled, making my ears heat up. His lips soon turned the words of gratitude. Warmth pooled in my chest.
You are very welcome, my friend!
Moonlit eyes momentarily turned to regard his older brother, and whatever inexplicit communication occurred between them, I failed to discern. One moment, I looked at Raiden bewildered, and the next moment, I spotted Fujin rising from his seat and making his way toward us.
Startled, I watched as he came to stand before me. One hand was bent behind his back and the other stretched out as if in invitation.
"May I ask the lady to honor me for a drink?" A handsome smile graced those luscious lips.
Talking about holding his liquor! It seems like I underestimated his… capacity.
I glanced up at the thunder god with incredulous eyes. He only gave me a small nod, motioning his approval. I would be exaggerating, but I felt Raiden had a pleased look on his face. Perhaps he was enjoying things a little too much. Feeling my hesitation, Raiden almost tore the cup from my hands when he grabbed it by the rims. I frowned more in disbelief than annoyance.
"I am sure she would love to join you, brother." My head gingerly turned toward the older male, questioning him with scrutinizing, almost glowering eyes.
There is never a dull moment with these two… kinda reminds me fondly of two similar brothers.
I pursed my lips before they stretched into a beam and betrayed my irked expression. I gave the handsome wind god an impish look, catching him off guard. However, his smile did not wane at the teasing glint in my eyes.
"Under one condition," I held up a finger. Fujin tilted his head in wonderment. "That you teach me how to drink 'casue I'm terrible at it." I burst into fits of giggles, letting my façade break. For the first time, Fujin laughed loud and heartfully.
"Milady, I am the ruler of the wind," he took a graceful step forward, leaning down just barely enough to give me an adequate and comfortable angle to seize his form. "Allow me to demonstrate a few tricks only I can deliver." He almost whispered in a husky tone.
"Then," I licked my lips in anticipation. "I look eagerly forward to seeing those tricks, uncle Fujin." I placed a hand in his welcoming palm, giggling along with his timber chuckles.
We watched as the juvenile group began to prepare tables and drinks.
"So," at my tone, Fujin bent low enough to lend me his ear, "Does this mean I will be dealing with a playful wind then?" I whispered coyly.
A delicate eyebrow raised at me. "It depends on who treats this wind. I am sure everyone enjoys a fresh breath," an equally playful glint danced in those sky-blue eyes. "And this wind would love to play with this formidable lady."
Startled, I turned my flushed face away, placing a hand on my mouth, hiding my flustered complexion. How dare he speak like that with that silky voice of his? To my right, I heard the ancient youth clear his throat behind a fist before guiding my hand to wind around his firm arm. I forced down a gasp at the feeling of his form bicep flexing so healthily beneath my palm. From the corner of my eye, I could see him grinning.
So UNFAIR?!
My train of thoughts was interrupted when a happy Jacquie hugged me tightly. She briskly took me away from the wind master and placed me down on the soft mat. A beautifully adorned table, small in size and height and occupying two cups, rested between me and Fujin.
"Let's see who finishes first." The dark-haired warrior giggled.
Takeda sat beside Fujin with one jar in hand while Cassie occupied my right, holding anothe jarr.
"Ready," Jacqueline raised a hand above her head. The duo filled our cups, smiling from ear to ear.
Giving each other a court bow, Fujin and I initiated a silent staring contest. Upon the youth's index finger, I saw a miniature hurricane dancing, eyes gleaming with a hint of challenge. Smiling confidently, I also stretched an index finger, flickering a small flame. We displayed our elements so fast, no one noticed what transpired.
A warm breeze caressed my ear. The flames dancing behind Fujin's head swayed invitingly.
"I sense a storm approaching!" His voice resonated in my head.
"Don't fan my flames, my dear, you might get yourself burned!" Came my derisive taunt.
Moonlit eyes glowed with equal fervor.
Let's see whose element evaporates the drinks faster.
"GO!" Her hand sliced down, initiating our competition.
As we brought the cups to our lips, the same line of thought crossed our minds in unison: This was surely meant to conclude in an even contest.
AN: Phew, that man will be the death of me. Fujin is just one bag of cinnamon rolls. I hope they continue to bring him back in future games since he is practically the embodiment of good, prowess, and elegance. Well, that's it from me. I hope it was enjoyable and thank you for spending time reading and leaving me reviews. Wishing everyone a wonderful new year fill with happiness, laughter, health, and success.
P.S. Sorry my complaint but I hope FanFcition banns these ads in between stories. They are so not user-friendly and create unnecessary noise for the reader. Not efficient at all. What was the problem with them being at the corner of pages?!