This has been under con for a few months, and it may be bland in some parts especially the end, but I hope everyone enjoys a fic of my recent crackship hyperfixation. Also, ignore the genre because I didn't know what to put.
Serene atmosphere offered to the Fire Temple could only be interrupted by that of a conjuring portal; flaming hues swirled with swishing roars in its wake. This would only capture the attention of Liu Kang from time being spent in zen. He had been perched in midair, several feet from the ground; back of one hand in the palm of the other, only for once closed lids to reveal bright glowing hues. His curiosity was swift to show, no fear to the unknown. Kindness comes a long way, and whomever would step through the portal would be greeted well.
Liu Kang's feet would touch ground, turning enough to ascend up the few steps inside his temple. Footsteps sound quietly across the wooden floor to approach the portal on the other side of the pavilion.
Before his eyes would approach a figure; half a head taller than the Fire God, with a muscular frame, strong arms, sun kissed skin, and the hardened young man look. Upon the right side of his face was a dragon tattoo; his hair was dark and quite short, matching the color of the facial hair upon his chin and jaw. A sleeveless all black top hides well enough underneath a chestplate- black with golden accents, dragon head pauldrons, and a large ruby red jewel to compliment the dark majority. To match were arm guards of similar colors wrapped from halfway below the elbow to his wrist. Paired with such armor was a three piece necklace found around his neck and a short black and gold fabric draped over his torso and reached down past his back and waist. Below the waist, black pants and same colored greaves with more gold accents starting from the knee downward, a matching golden dragon plate upon each knee.
The sight of this man brings a shocked yet friendly smile to Liu Kang's face. "Ah, Taven!" He approaches him with a respectful bow. "It has been too long, my friend."
"Far too long, Liu Kang." Taven greets with a bow of his own, matching the Fire God's. It was brief, and Liu Kang was already ushering the other god further inside the temple. "Since the last tournament, yes? Before the most recent, of course." He followed and would soon seat himself on one of the wooden chairs.
"Yes, it has." Liu Kang confirmed. "You haven't changed a bit." Such words received a tiny chuckle from the larger man.
"Neither have you." He props an arm down on the table top as he replied, half-crossing one leg on top of the other. "You remain the kind host you have always been." It was Liu Kang's turn to laugh.
"Then perhaps this kind host could offer you some tea?" He would look over at him for an answer, receiving a polite 'Yes please' before he goes to grab a pot filled with lukewarm tea. With flaming heat in the palm of his hand to fingertips, the tea would begin boil gently to perfect temperature. He would pick up two cups and set them down on the table, one for himself and the other for Taven. Both cups become filled, courtesy of Liu Kang, before the God of Fire sits down across from his old friend.
"Thank you." Taven lifts the cup and blew gently before taking a small sip.
"Your visits are anything but frequent or common." No blowing was necessary; Liu Kang gives a light sip of tea, handling the heat with obvious ease. "Have you been well?"
His words would cause a light frown and pinned upon Taven's face, giving a soft grunt before answering. "It's a little hard to pinpoint how I have been feeling, I'm afraid." A tilt of the head and change of expression entails the Fire God's concern.
"Has something happened?" The inquiry causes Taven to places his cup down, lowers his leg, and steels his gaze on Liu Kang.
"I'm searching for my brother..."
Concern deepens, while leaning in ever so slightly. "Daegon has gone missing?"
"Yes..." Brown eyes cast themselves downward, closing them momentarily before reopening them to meet the other's gaze once more. "For quite some time, in fact. Perhaps...over a decade." The news causes Liu Kang's bright glowing eyes to widen.
"It had happened at one nightfall; I went to his quarters to share some news with him, only to find him gone..." He would take hold of his cup again, holding it with both hands as if to allow the heat to calm the light frustration and worry pinching at his nerves. "I scoured the mountains for him, finding no trace of him..." He gripped his cup almost tightly as he soon stares down into his tiny reflection in the liquid. "Afterwards, I asked Orin, and neither him nor Caro have been able to locate him." He gave a light shake of the head, raising his head. "I took it upon myself , but my efforts have been fruitless. It seems that no matter the leads I find, they somehow bring me back at square one..."
Silence soon fills the air, as if Liu Kang was absorbing the information given to him. He takes another sip of tea before eyes close ephemerally. "That is indeed troubling...and you have come to me for answers?"
"I had figured you would know of something; anything that will show me where he is, but considering your reaction, my assumption was wrong..."
Liu Kang would gaze at Taven once again with a gentle frown. He would put his tea cup down on the table, scooting his chair closer to the other man so he could place a light hand on his shoulder. "For a decade, you have been searching... Dragons do not die so easily; your brother was always a capable fighter."
"That is why I don't believe him to be dead." He firmly states. "This long search has taken me across Outworld, across other realms...and so I am here now in Earthrealm, seeking your assistance when I knew I needed it most." A pat to his shoulder was given, allowing Taven to straighten himself.
"I'm afraid I do not have the answers you seek, Taven," Liu Kang starts to explain, "but know that if you decide to journey across Earthrealm for the sake of your search, you will be welcome to stay here at the Fire Temple if you require rest." Though mildly saddened that even Liu Kang didn't have the information he was looking for, Taven was still pleased to hear his words.
"I appreciate the offer, but I would rather not be a bother to you or the Shaolin monks." The response received a quiet lighthearted chuckle.
"Nonsense. You are far from a bother, my friend." Liu Kang assured him. "The monks you remember may have long since passed, but in the eyes of those who occupy those same positions in this modern time, you will not be considered a burden." The expression of the Fire God was warm as he speaks wisely. He gave advice as if it was something that came ever so naturally, that any sort of apprehension, if any, stored within Taven disintegrates. Hints of hope would glimmer in the half dragon's eyes.
"Thank you. I could use all the help I can get."
Liu Kang's lips stretch into a soft smile, as he scoots away to begin standing. "Then help is what you shall receive." He awaits for Taven to stand, albeit he was a bit more slow getting to his feet. "For now, please rest." A gentle concern cloud drifts upon his face. "I can see it in your eyes; this prolonged search has made you weary. For a decades worth, have you not settled?"
His inquiry earns an ephemeral gaze in another direction, only to close his lids as he gave a gentle sigh. An answer wouldn't make it past his lips as Liu Kang holds a hand up to keep him from speaking.
"Wherever Daegon may be, it is best to keep an open mind to a possibility that is positive."
Taven's care for his younger brother was as plain as day, but it to keep going without hardly a break- that was concerning. The tea could wait, as he would soon begin gesturing for the half dragon to follow him outside the temple. Wooden ground lead down a tiny stone flight to a path of the same material. Outworld was beautiful in its own right, but there was something about Earthrealm- certain parts such as the Fire Temple, that was a whole new category. The tranquility such a location gave off was nothing short of pleasing. It was clean, thanks to the monks' hard work to keep the home of the Fire God in tip top shape. It was a peaceful place, and Liu Kang meant for it to be. For as long as Taven knew him, he had always been a wise and kind soul; he wasn't one to push others in need away. Whether religious or immoral, all were welcome to embrace the enlightenment of the Elder Gods if sought.
Just the sight alone helped to put Taven at ease over his brother's disappearance. Surely anyone would feel the same way.
"Perhaps you would like to visit the Wu Shi Academy?" The Fire God suggested. "Not much as changed since last you have seen it, but perhaps the nostalgia will be a pleasant sight." Taven would smile half like yet in a polite manner.
"I wouldn't mind visiting at all, but is this really okay?" His expression dims into light apprehension. "Despite your words, my search needs to continue before I lose any potential trace of Daegon..." Many who was even remotely aware of Taven, may they be stranger, friend, family, or foe, knew him to be quite the focused and impatient man. Every once in a while, he would show his lighter side with a tease or two, but as the oldest out of the two, he usually was the one to keep to the straight and narrow when it came to his duties; relaxation was never an option until his job was done. Ever since meeting Liu Kang so many years ago, he's loosened up and has learned to put his mind first so not to overly concern those around him. It seemed old habits will never truly die.
"I am also worried; like you and your parents, your brother is one of Outworld's guardians. However, as I told you, you must keep an open mind and stay positive." Liu Kang assured him. "Your brother shall be found, but you need to understand that it is okay to walk, not run constantly, less you plan to exhaust yourself..." He stopped, taking Taven by the shoulder to stop him in his own tracks. Both gods meet eyes. "If the situation is dire," he continued, "then there is no way of telling unless we have the means to the right information that says such." With a slight squeeze to the half dragon's shoulder, Liu Kang would smile to further guarantee his advice before removing his hand before continuing to unhurriedly step along the stone pathway. With no response, Taven simply takes in the words as he would watch him leave his side. It's not something he wished to do, but it was all he could do...
For now, he takes in a silent inhale, then breathing out a similar sigh as if it was a sign he would accept the advice before following after Liu Kang.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Paths would turn from stone to dirt during this quiet yet peaceful stroll. The trek wasn't by any means long; distance between the Fire Temple and the Wu Shi Academy was meaningless considering the scenic route. Trees held leaves colored red and orange to indicate the season of fall, with pleasant sounds of zephyrs caressing said leaves tenderly with their gentle blow. The view up the pathway showed mountainsides between soft fog and drifting white clouds in the far distance.
Soon enough, the temple was in view. The atmosphere was ruminative and pleasant; a fitting ambiance for students and masters alike. Thoughtful minds and open hearts can better grow in an environment such as this, and the eager were given many opportunities to boost their skills for themselves and future generations. In the distance closing in, students were already in the midst of training, in sync with classes or partaking in their own styles as individuals.
Once across the wooden oak bridge, Taven's eyes couldn't hold back a gentle twinkle of nostalgia; centuries have been kind to these grounds. Luscious greenery, autumn cherry trees, and stone figures blessed as décor, while training grounds held training dummies and other equipment were spread in different areas away from the main pathway. From the archways to the buildings, to the stone platform and its five stone guardians; nothing's looked to have changed too much- or perhaps, not at all. There was a touch of serenity to walking among these grounds after so long, that as eyes began to wander, he could have sworn a few memories of time spent here were playing in his mind.
"Time flies..." Taven mused quietly.
"It certainly does." Liu Kang chimed, causing Taven's attention to be caught. "It is a blessing to see the academy continue to thrive no matter how much time has passed. Nothing has changed since your last visit, but as I said, the people you knew are long gone, I'm afraid." Obviously, it was to be expected. No mortal can live forever.
"Everyone's time comes, but sometimes one cannot help but mourn for old friends." There was a distant feel in Taven's tone, causing Liu Kang to look over at him with gentle frown. "Indeed." Glowing eyes would look up to the blue sky above as the pair continued to amble. Taven's expression became speckled with tiny doleful hints. Soon, there was a silence between the gods, as dark colored eyes would soon drift off in another direction. Taking in the sight of training monks, it seemed almost easy to get lost in thoughts of the past. As if able to sense the slight shift in the other's mood, Liu Kang would give a faint smile.
"Do you remember when I introduced you to Kung Lao?"
The question was striking, and yet it was enough to cause the corners of Taven's mouth to twitched ever so lightly upward. "Of course. How could I forget?" He finds key moments of that memory playing in his head.
"His example has inspired many descendants of monks. Even now into this current generation, many have taken note of his victories, his diligence, his kindness- and strive to present his example. It's but a cycle, and one that has been continuous even before his death." Taven's head would soon turn enough to look from the corner of his eye, seeing that Liu Kang's head had turned with a fond, nostalgic gaze. "The Great Kung Lao was my grandest champion. I can understand how much you miss him...but no one who di-"
Suddenly, his words are cut off by the sound of an unknown object flying past him. Both pairs of eyes were drawn to the sight: a razor rimmed hat. It rushed back to its owner, whom Liu Kang knew all too well, and said owner's voice could immediately be heard. "Ah! Sorry, Lord Liu Kang!" With the hat in his possession now, he jogged over to the two gods to give further apologies. Behind him were two other young men, who were equally concerned.
Liu Kang gave a sigh, looking composed despite how swiftly the chakram hat darted by. "Please, do not apologize; no one was hurt." And yet, he would give the sharp hat owning man what sounded like a reminder about the wielding of such a deadly weapon. It was brief, and despite it so, Taven had tuned out the tiny lecture as he gazed silently at the man in question.
"-So, please be mindful." Liu Kang finished, with the man holding his hat down in front of him.
"I understand. I apologize." With that, he dons the hat upon his head, giving a gentle swipe across cool steel with his index and thumb. "Even though, this was actually Shujinko's fault."
"What?!" One of the men-the youngest of the three, who donned a more traditional monk uniform spoke up with a look of surprised offence.
"This wasn't Shujinko's fault, Kung Lao," another man, also wearing a hat, but a straw one, was quick to chime in.
Kung Lao...
Taven's eyes widen, hints of surprise obvious in his pair of brown.
The resemblance... How could he not have caught it sooner? As if a change to his aura was caught, Liu Kang's attention was removed momentarily from the three young Shaolin. Despite the circumstance, this was perfect timing. Looking back to the group, he clears his throat and takes a step forth to place hands on the shoulders of the older two.
"That's enough bickering," he said in a firm but civil tone, "I do not blame who was at fault. As long as no one was hurt and my warning is heeded in the future." With that out of the way, he directs their attention to Taven. "Now, allow me to introduce you to a good friend of mine." The half dragon was fast to break from what felt like a trance and bow his head to the three.
"This is Taven. He is an Edenian dragon who serves as one of Outworld's protectors."
"A dragon?" Raiden would begin to inquire. "I've heard tale of them; are they not extinct?" Common words Taven was use to hearing.
"What you heard is merely an exaggeration." He replied politely. There was curiosity in the eyes of the three Shaolin, and though each seemed to have questions to speak about this, Taven was almost swift to continue. "My kind is very few but we exist. Many of us hide ourselves in the mountains."
With their experiences of venturing through Outworld and enough knowledge on the realm's basic history, Raiden and Kung Lao were more than surprised by the fact that they were face to face with someone considered so rare. As for Shujinko, he was in silent awe to being in the presence of one such as Taven.
"Only I, Sindel, Jerrod before his passing, and their daughters know who Taven is and his true role for Outworld." Liu Kang would chime in. "In the public eye, he is but a keeper who tends to the temple of Argus." A fitting position for one such as his half dragon friend.
"Then it is truly an honor to meet you, Taven." Raiden would soon smile politely as he shows respect with zuoyi. Kung Lao catches just the slightest hint of a twinkle in his friend's eye; perhaps a certain someone crossed his mind. It caused a very brief but amused upward twitch on the corner of his mouth. "As a friend to Lord Liu Kang and the royal family, I hope your visit to this establishment will be worthwhile." The kind mannerisms got a gentle smile out of Liu Kang and Taven, as the latter would greet respectfully with his own zuoyi.
"A-Ah-" Shujinko soon stammered slightly, catching Taven's attention, while repeating the same hand gesture and giving a bow. "M-My name is Shujinko. " It was clear that he was a little nervous, possibly intimidated, but thanks to a little coaxing from Kung Lao, he couldn't be rude and not introduce himself. "I-uh- st-study martial arts under M-Master Raiden and Master Kung Lao's tutelage."
"No need to be nervous, young one." Taven spoke lightly with kindness, sensing the mood. His response was enough to settle most of Shujinko's timidity. It would soon be the slight clear of Kung Lao's throat that caught the half dragon's attention.
"And I'm-"
"Kung Lao." Taven interrupts, unable to help himself.
"Yeah!" The hat wielding Shaolin would lightly grin with confidence. "So, a friend to Empress Sindel's family? Bet you've had your share of overseeing tournaments, haven't you?"
"I have, and the more I look at you, the more I am reminded of an old friend who once competed." It was those words that would trigger the question Taven had been waiting to hear:
"Old friend? -Are you talking about the Great Kung Lao?" It was a guess, and the right one.
The half dragon's brown hues brighten like sunlight. "Yes... He was an astounding fighter and pleasing company. I would give plenty to see him at least one last time..." Such words got Kung Lao wide eyed and mouth gaped slightly. From the corner of Taven's eye was Liu Kang shining a soft yet somewhat sad smile. He raised a hand to place upon his friend's shoulder. "Forgive me." He apologized, a hand raising to his chest ephemerally while bowing his head. "I'm just stunned that you look so much like him-"
There was a slight puff of the chest and a breath like chuckle from the hat wielder.
Raiden and Shujinko were standing silently with eyes switching back and forth, from Taven and Kung Lao. The latter's reaction was starting to look a little flustered, as if he was given that right compliment to give him that boost of pride he always carried with him.
"Forgive you?" He chortled more, hazel brown eyes glimmering with gratification. "You just gave me one of the best compliments I've ever heard from a stranger! Nothing to be sorry about there."
Relieved to hear it, Taven's expression shifts into a light-hearted yet sincere one. "I'm glad." To the response, Liu Kang lowered his hand.
"Maybe if you don't have to leave for Outworld too soon, you can share some stories about my great ancestor with me." Kung Lao pondered in a pretty obvious hopeful tone. "Not that Lord Liu Kang hasn't shared any with me. It'd just be nice to hear from someone else who's met him."
Those words were pleasing to hear. Since the death of his old friend so very long ago, there were but a few whom Taven had shared memory to cope with the loss. Never in his lifetime since meeting Earthrealm's grandest champion had he ever expected to meet a descendent, like stepping into the past. It was as if this encounter was foreseen...
Regardless-
"I would be happy to share some of my memories of him with you," Taven replied kindly, "especially knowing that my time here may be quite long." He hadn't forgotten why he was here in the first place. Even more pleasing to Kung Lao's ears; to Raiden and Liu Kang, it was easy to see the excitement on the hat wielder's face.
"For why, that will be discussed later," Liu Kang soon spoke. "For now, you rest."
"Yes, of course." Though slightly reluctant, Taven knew better than to deny the Fire God. Liu Kang's full attention was given to the three.
"Is Taven's reasoning for being here part of an urgent matter?" Raiden questioned.
"It is a matter that he and I must research together, and depending on what we discover, it shall be explained." Liu Kang replied. Curiosity was a little high in the three Shaolin, though neither would question it for now. "Until then, he shall be staying at the Fire Temple." Visible delight revealed itself upon Kung Lao's face; as if it wasn't already showing in the eyes of Liu Kang and Raiden. As for Shujinko, he was oblivious. "How about we continue the tour and allow them to get back to training?"
"Sounds good, ." Taven nodded, "please, lead the way." After a zuoyi to the three young men, Liu Kang would start to take a few steps away. "It was a pleasure to meet you all." With that, he mirrors the Fire God's previous gesture and would start to walk away-
"Taven, wait!" Kung Lao's voice stopped the two in their tracks, with Taven turning his head to look over at the hat wielder, only to find him soon by his side. "Whatever your reason for being in Earthrealm is, I'm glad we met." He removes his hat, "Maybe after dinner, you can share what you know about the Great Kung Lao? -I mean, if you really are up for it; I'm just dying to know."
Raiden rose a hand to his chin, looking on in growing amusement at how his friend was being. He spoke in a way that was trying to be lowkey, and yet enthusiastic hope was spilling from his tone. The way he was looking up at the half dragon was that of admiration and curiosity: head slightly tilted with a smile that almost reached his bright eyes.
A light chuckle rumbled in Taven's throat. "Nothing would make me happier than to talk about such a dear friend. However-"
Kung Lao's eyebrows raise and his expression drops ephemerally into one of inquisitively.
"As much as you remind me of him, I hope you will do me the honor of sharing tale of yourself." There was a twitch of the lips into a gentle smile, a small gleam of gloss in his pair of brown. It was at this moment when Raiden caught what he didn't expect: a slight tint to his childhood friend's cheeks.
Ohhh..!
"Sure, of course! You'll get the full on experience of greatness when it comes to me! " That was somewhat of a lie. Raiden knew that, Liu Kang knew that, and even Shujinko knew that.
"Then I hope to see you again when the time comes." Taven's reply was the last thing said as he would walk away to join Liu Kang once more.
Kung Lao doesn't even look away just, his curiosity wide like a gape. With a positive expression in shape of a forming grin, he would soon turn to Raiden and Shujinko, only for the grin to drop once catching a smug look upon his friend's face.
"...What?"
Shujinko looked over at Raiden and cocked his head slightly with a raised brow. Taking notice, Raiden dipped his own head to whisper in the younger's ear, who gave off a snicker shortly after.
"What are you laughing at?" Kung Lao gives a hardened look.
"Have you not heard yourself?" Raiden inquired.
"Heard myself? I heard myself talking to Taven and being excited to hear some stories about my ancestor. What of it?"
His cheeks continued to look a bit flushed and, though very small to notice, the champion of Earthrealm caught the slightest hint of his mouth's corners twitch the moment he spoke the half dragon's name. Shujinko began to titter more, only to earn a light scowl from his hat wielding shifu.
"I think you're more than excited, Kung Lao."
Kung Lao scoffs. "That's all I am. You're acting like that's weird."
"It's not weird," Raiden told him, "but I know you. It's rare to see you look flustered like that; you only get like that when-"
"You're in love!" Shujinko suddenly blurted out, cutting Raiden off.
"WHAT?!"
"Oh no, not in love, Shujinko." Raiden adds, raising hands to pat the younger's shoulders. "I've known him since I was a child, and when he looks at someone like that, it's usually a crush."
"Ohhh!"
Words were scoff worthy. "You can't be serious! A crush? I just met him!"
"That doesn't mean anything. You can meet just about anyone and develop a crush."
"Just like you with Princess Kitana?" Shujinko questioned innocently as he looked up at the thunder wielder, getting a stifled chortle out of Kung Lao.
"Uhhh-" Raiden's cheeks tint as mouth agape momentarily, "I...don't know what you mean." He attempts to save himself; guess both Shaolin masters had big mouths... With a swift yet slight shake of the head, he continues. "Besides, this isn't about me."
"I don't have a crush, Raiden!" Kung Lao huffed. "You think I got the time to be lookin' for love in wrong places?"
"What is wrong about finding it here at the Wu Shi? I don't think the monks will judge you." Raiden spoke positively. "They didn't when Ashrah became a student or when she and Syzoth started a relationship. I doubt you will receive the opposite."
Shujinko would look back at Kung Lao until eyes shift past him. "What do you think, Lord Liu Kang and Taven?"
Kung Lao whips around to face behind him, only to find no one. The reaction got laughs out of the two while a grumble arose out of the tricked Shaolin.
"Okay, you know what?" He turned back around and points to Shujinko. "Back to training. Slackers don't get anything done if all they do is stand around giggling like little girls."
The younger of the three would give off a tiny pout, despite the look of amusement on his face, before going back to the appropriate training ground. As for Raiden-
"And you," Kung Lao continues before flapping his fingers and thumb to ephemerally imitate a mouth, "stop with this." He lowered his hand. "Teaching that kid to lie isn't going to be good for him in the future."
"Oh? Would you like to look in a mirror and say that again?" Raiden chuckled, receiving a light jab on the arm.
"Shut up." With that, he moves past his friend to go join Shujinko. As for Raiden, he follows shortly after giving a light shake of the head and a well mannered smile.
Little did the two know, Kung Lao had caught very few yet small glances on the other side of the academy grounds. He could see Liu Kang was introducing Taven to Master Kai and Ashrah. Despite all the teasing, he couldn't deny his curiosity over the half dragon. The excitement he showed did seem a little higher than he thought it would be, and there was a pinch of heat under his skin. The deep, feathery tone he displayed while speaking must of been quite nice for his ancestor to hear when he was alive. Polite and pretty patient, baring a mind of all sorts of memories that expand through many millennia; maybe a wide range of skill too. He seemed to have been training a lot to get the build of brilliantly toned muscles-
...
...
...
Oh god, they were probably right.