Johnny Cage x Reader

Forty-Four

Worried and almost a little anxious, Kung Lao sat at the edge of the bed and held Raiden's hand. It was odd to see it for the first time but he seemed so gentle with his childhood friend and not at all teasing.

A thin strand of sweat ran down the side of his face as he looked up to meet Liu Kang's glowing gaze.

"He'll be alright, won't he?", Kung Lao asked.

Groaning softly, Raiden frowned. His head pressed into the pillow he tried to turn. But Kung Lao gently forced him to stay still.

Things didn't look good for Earthrealm.

The fight with Reiko had taken a serious toll on Raiden's condition. His body was covered in black and blue bruises, cuts made him bleed and his joints seemed sore.

There was no way in all of the existing realms that he'd be back on his feet in time for the next fight. If you were completely honest and maybe even a little sinister, it seemed unlikely that he'd be up any time soon anyways.

Whenever Raiden opened his eyes they started to water violently. Light seemed to irritate them in particular which meant he had taken a good few hits to the head.

"So that's it.", you muttered with a glance at Liu Kang.

The god of fire frowned.

"Don't be so negative!", Kung Lao complained.

"I- I can fight...", with his teeth clenched, Raiden tried to sit up in bed.

His arms started to tremble almost immediately. The way he was breathing didn't take away any of the groups worries. It sounded as if he was close to choking.

"You should rest, Raiden.", Liu Kang said but failed to hide the concern that was written all over his face.

Curling your lips, you swallowed a low groan.

"Is this it?", you asked softly so that Raiden wouldn't be able to hear.

Kung Lao was busy tending to him. But even he threw up a quick glance to express how much he disapproved of that question.

The keeper of time frowned. He thought. Then he did a gesture that indicated you should follow him.

Without a word, you nodded and got moving. But before you managed to make it to the door someone grabbed your wrist.

"Hey!", Johnny's expression gave away how worried he was even though he forced a smile to his lips. "You don't think about... I mean..."

He sighed, at a loss for the right words.

With a soft smile yoh grabbed his face and breathed a kiss to his lips. His hands rose to hold your shoulders, pulled you close to his chest.

"I am still considering what would benefit us most.", you said and separated from him.

"Just don't do anything you don't want to. No pressure at all."

His sweetness managed to melt your heart. But at the same time there was this old feeling of being pulled down again.

A burden weighed down on your shoulders and once more you needed to make a decision.

For a brief second you falter.

How could you he so sure of something all of a sudden?

You knew you didn't wish to take upon the title of a champion. But letting Raiden down seemed like an even worse thing to do.

"I'll figure something out.", you smiled briefly before hurrying after Liu Kang.

"Walk with me.", the god of fire said as he glanced to the side and caught a glimpse of two Outworld soldiers who patrolled the garden around the medical wing.

With a nod, you averted your eyes to keep up the illusion that you were oblivious to the many eyes who watched from afar.

A few minutes passed in which the two of you walked along each other in silence. Your attention wandered off, weighing all the options there were while also fantasising about the worst possible outcome.

Liu Kang seemed to know the caste grounds quite well. Without stopping a single time he turned around corners and crossed the garden until a pavilion made of white marble appeared between branches and blossoms of colour.

"Sit.", he offered you the bench with a gesture.

You declined politely.

"I'd rather stay.", you crossed your arms in front of your chest.

With a hum, he nodded. His eyes fell shut for a moment before he raised his gaze again to look at you.

"The situation looks grim.", he began, his eyes wandering off into the distance.

A sigh rolled off your lips. Something inside your chest pulled together. Your heart cramped but at the same time your head was light.

"We don't have the leverage to talk long without getting anywhere, Lord Liu Kang.", you had to massage your forehead with two fingers to fight back a headache.

One of his eyebrows rose. For a brief second he seemed surprised.

"Are you open for suggestions?", he asked over his shoulder.

"Do I have a choice?"

A sour taste spread on your tongue. It was odd how quickly your mood could change within seconds only because of one small thing.

With a deep breath Liu Kang turned around to face you. For the very first time that unmoved expression of his made you feel calm and settled.

The beating of your heart calmed down.

"There is always a choice, (Y/N).", he said. "And there is no dishonour in stepping down."

Perhaps he was right. The way he put it made you feel like you could get up and leave and no one would blame you.

No one except you.

"I feel responsible for them.", you said.

"I am the keeper of this timeline. It is my duty to make sure they are safe. Don't feel obligated to take part in my doing."

"But I do.", you frowned. "And... I want to? I'm not sure. But I am sure that this is the right thing to do."

"And you want to do the right thing?"

"Yes.", it surprised you how easily the answer came over your lips.

But there was no doubt in you. This wasn't about you. It was about the ones you came to care for.