Johnny Cage x Reader

Forty-Five

"Remember what I told you.", Liu Kang whispered over his shoulder as you walked down the long hallway that led up to the throne room. "And if you wish to step down, remember, there is no dishonour in it."

With a nod you pressed your lips into a thin line and followed in silence. Determination burned in your eyes while fear had your heart caught in a chokehold.

The beating was so fast that you could feel it all the way up in your throat.

There was a strange atmosphere in the air when Liu Kang entered the throne room to bow to Empress Sindel.

"Your Majesty.", he quickly let his eyes jump to Kitana.

"Lord Liu Kang.", the smile on the queen's face could not have been more pleased.

She was more than pleased with the fact that Outworld finally seemed to be victorious again after all these years. Even if it wasn't an honourable victory.

"I hope I find you in a condition to hold a conversation, Your Majesty.", the God of Fire pointed in your direction. "And I am in company."

As was proper, you bowed.

It would be unwise in a moment of need to insult those who had the power to change things. This was not your kingdom, nor your empress. Sindel would decide if kindness would prevail on this day.

"You...", interest sparked in her eyes as she scrutinised you. "You look familiar to me."

"I am one of Earthrealm's representatives, Your Majesty.", you replied.

"Hm... Yes. Perhaps that is all. What can I do for you, Lord Liu Kang? It's a shame that your champion retired so early."

His lips curled and a low sound got stuck in his throat. It was surprising just how many emotions he showed in this moment. Quite unusual for him to do so.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about.", he lowered his head to hide the many thoughts that crossed his glowing eyes.

"Then speak."

He bowed respectfully and then gestured towards you.

"This is (Y/N). Earthrealm's replacement for our injured champion Raiden.", he said.

Princess Mileena frowned sceptically.

"What are you talking about?", she asked. "Earthrealm has lost. Outworld is the winner of this tournament."

He shook his head slightly.

"I don't want to insinuate anything, but your champion Reiko broke the rules."

"What do you mean by that?", a shadow of anger flitted across the empress's face.

"I'm not passing judgement. But Reiko broke the rules. He used violence, which has no place in a festival of friendship.", Liu Kang paused for a moment. "He was already down, clearly beaten. Raiden has won the fight. Just like the rules say. But Reiko got up again and surprised our champion."

The expression on Sindel's face changed. Anger turned to resentment.

"What are you accusing us of?" she asked, baring her teeth.

"Nothing at all, Your Majesty.", you jumped in before her mood could sink any lower. "But we believe that Earthrealm has been unjustly defeated. Even if Reiko fought with honour, this was no victory for Outworld."

Long fingernails clawed into the back of the throne. Dissatisfaction was written all over the empress's face. But she knew as well as anyone that Liu Kang's proposal was not outrageous.

It was simply his right. And as the host, Outworld was required to decide honourably and fairly. There was no way out of this situation.

"Mother.", surprisingly it was Princess Kitana who spoke first to her mother. "Earthrealm is a long time ally of ours in this timeline. We shouldn't risk our relationships for something so trivial."

Sindel pulled a face in displeasure.

"Your Majesty.", again you allowed yourself to speak without permission. "Earthrealm is not asking you to give us victory. All we ask is justice."

"Justice?", Sindel raised his chin, his eyebrows drawn together. "What do you know of justice?"

"I know that the late king was a man of great honour. His name still fills the streets."

"My Jerrod was an emperor like no other. Do not take his name in your mouth."

"We do not mock, your majesty.", Liu Kang ensured. "We admire. Jarrod was a trusted friend of mine and I still cherish his memory. That is why I would like to ask you to reconsider."

"And give up the win we rightfully owned?"

Pressing your lips into a thin line you had to suck in a sharp breath. It was hard to keep your mind clear while this woman was being obnoxious.

You believed to be in the right. It was only honourable to give Earthrealm a second shot after Reiko has clearly violated the rules of this respective competition.

The rules demanded for Earthrealm to be compensated.

"We don't want the win handed to us on a silver plate.", you instead. "Just a rematch."

"Your champion isn't in the condition to fight.", Mileena noted, one eyebrow raised.

Though it seemed like she was more open to the idea than her own mother. Maybe it was just the spirit in her that longed for a match in which she could proof herself worthy of becoming the next empress.

But she'd make a good ally regardless.

"Empress Sindel.", you stepped forward, arms spread to show that you opposed no threat. "If you so wish we will take on any condition. You are right that Raiden isn't in the constitution to fight. But I am. Lay out the rules and I'll follow them all."

Respectfully, you bowed at the edge of the stairs.

With her eyebrows drawn together the empress glared down on you. It felt weird to feel both the eyes of Liu Kang and the empress dig into your flesh.

Almost as if you were judged by beings that were so much better than you'd ever be able to be.

Silence made your heart race and your skin crawl.

"Mother.", Kitana leaned toward Sindel.

But the empress silenced her with a raised hand. With a grim expression she let her eyes wander over to Liu Kang who bowed his head in a silent plead.

"One fight.", the empress said. "Only one. Whoever wins will be winner of this years tournament. And you will face Outworld's strongest."

"Which would be me.", Mileena smiled.