Johnny Cage x Reader

Forty-Six

"Are you certain you want to do this?", Liu Kang asked as he caught you in a moment of silence.

Embraced in your own thoughts you adjusted the straps of your armour that the Empress had handpicked for this fight specifically.

It was a traditional robe of Outworld, colourful like a blue parrot and silver jewellery. Every single one of your moves caused a sound. It was heavy equipment, with enough weight to slow you down a little.

"Unfair...", you muttered, frowning.

But there was no use complaining. In the end you were relieved that empress Sindel had agreed to another match. One that was about all or nothing, but that didn't matter.

Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes to clear your mind.

"I want to have a moment to myself.", you said with a soft huff and walked out of the tent to catch some fresh air.

"(Y/N).", Liu Kang called you back.

You stopped in your tracks.

"I don't need a motivation speech, Liu Kang.", you gifted him a smug smirk. "I can handle myself."

"That I am very sure of. There is no doubt in me that you will be successful.", he lowered his head. "But will you be happy with this decision?"

For the first time since stepping up you took a moment to think about this choice.

"I'm happy to do the right thing.", you said. "For the right people. This match strengthens Earthrealm's authority towards Outworld. Otherwise they might turn on us, no?"

He hesitated to asked.

"That... might be a possibility."

"Which means this is the best shot we have. And I'll seize the opportunity. For myself. I need to feel better. Maybe that isn't as noble of a motive as Raiden's but it is a motivation nonetheless."

"You do not do yourself justice, champion.", it was odd to hear this tittle from his mouth after spending months being addressed as only the child of other champions. "I crated this timeline with balance in mind. Good and bad. Neutral even. Your motive is an honourable one. Though your reason is more selfish. That doesn't make you bad nor good. It simply makes you do the right thing. And I honour that decision."

With a bow, he pressed his fist into his palm and bid his last farewell before the fight. As he exited the tent it felt like the temperature dropped.

Goosebumps chased up your spine. A shivering breath escaped your lips and you had to close your eyes to silence the thoughts once more.

Why?

Why was there doubt eating away at your soul right now?

You had decided to sacrifice yourself for the greater good. And you were fine with that. This was this only thing you were sure about.

You were fine.

Not happy, not crushed. Just fine. And that was okay.

It wouldn't be a choice to regret. It would just be another thing that needed to be done. Like waking up early in the morning.

So for what reason did your heart keep on pounding?

Blood rushed through your veins, started to boil.

Outside the tent music filled the air. Voices whispered, cheered. Creatures in colourful clothes presented exotic dances.

The audience in front of the main stage was huge. So many eyes, so many expectations.

Unsure what to do you turned on your heel to hide in the shadows.

Loosing wasn't an option. Not just because Earthrealm's status depended on it but also because of your pride. You wouldn't be able to survive the shame.

You wouldn't be able to look in the mirror the same way no more. Not after putting in so much work and gaining nothing from it.

A sigh made your chest pull together.

"Is that self doubt I hear?", a soft voice asked with a chuckle.

Torn from your thoughts you looked up to see Johnny peak into the tent.

"What a surprise.", you greeted him with a smile and a kiss.

"Sorry, I would have knocked but there's no door here.", he wrapped his arms around your torso. "How are you feeling?"

With a shake of your head you pressed your cheek against his chest to feel the beating of his heart against your skin.

"I'm doing the right thing.", it seemed like you had to convince yourself more than him.

"You are.", Johnny breathed a kiss to the top of your head. "But are you okay with that?"

Again, you needed a moment to think.

"I am. Really. I want to do this because I think I'd do good."

"Remember, anyone of us would be quick to take your place if you decide to step down.", he grabbed your face so you were forced to look at him. "I want you to know that I'm proud of you, hun."

He kissed the tip of your nose.

Relief filled your chest and for the first time since the audience with the empress you felt like you were able to breath again.

Your nails dug into his shirt.

"Thank you, Johnny...", you pulled him into a kiss, his lips so soft that you felt like you could loose yourself in the sensation for the rest of your life. "I appreciate that you're here."

"That is out of the question. Also... I love you."

You chuckled.

"That sounds like a tragic goodbye."

He had to smile as well.

"Not at all. But I think you should know. I love you."

All of a sudden your entire body felt warm and fuzzy inside. As if a candle was lit that soothed the fear of darkness.

Could you even remember how it felt like to be lonely?

Perhaps you didn't even want to. This was good. Johnny was a good man. Your good man.

"I love you too.", you breathed against his lips.

"Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."

"Ugh, haunting me with motivational speeches till my dying breath then?"

"Of course!", he smirked with a shrug.What else am I good for, eh?"

You couldn't help but laugh. If the rest of your life would be this way, no self doubt would have mattered anyways.