Mortal Kombat: The Three Titans

Chapter Three: My World's Crashing Down

(Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey. Cover by Glass Animals.)
-Hanzo's POV- Both Bi-Han and I decided to leave Kuai alone with the Hourglass. To allow him to calm down. As much as Bi-Han wants to help out his younger brother, he did say that leaving him to collect his thoughts is the best option. So that is what we did.

We both check up on him whenever we can. Kuai is still in a fragile state of mind after crying his eyes out. I decide to check up on him alone, without Kuai knowing that I'm there.
Kuai still has it as to the Dawn of Time, the sight of the stars and galaxies probably keep him calm.

But I am surprised to hear him sing to himself softly.
"I've seen the world, done it all.
Had my cake now.
Diamonds, brilliant, and Bel Air now.
Hot summer nights, mid-July,
When you and I were forever wild.
The crazy days, city lights,
The way you'd play with me like a child."
I crouch low to see Kuai singing to himself dressed in a gold and black outfit with a flowing cape.

He paces, still singing in a somber way.
"Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will, I know that you will..
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?

I've seen the world, lit it up as my stage now.
Channeling angels in the new age now.
Hot summer days, rock and roll,
The way you'd play for me at your show.
And all the ways I got to know,
Your pretty face and electric soul."
He changes the setting back to the Lin Kuei temple and forms an image of Bi-Han before he left for the tournament.

The false image of Bi-Han smiles at Kuai, but walks forward and phases through him completely. Kuai frowns, looking back to see the image hug a younger version of himself. "Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will, I know that you will...
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?"

With a sigh, Kuai stops singing and flicks his wrist, melting the memory away and sitting down on the black reflective floor. I must have made a sound, because Kuai suddenly looks up and meets my gaze.
"Hanzo," His eyes widen as he blushes. "Forgive me, I did not see you there."

"I should be the one apologizing, my friend." I say, standing up and walking over. "Intruding while you were...venting your feelings out was my mistake. Bi-Han told me to check on you. Just to see how you are doing."
Kuai nods. "I understand."
"I like your suit, Kuai. The gold and black combination suits you well." I say.

Kuai smiles, putting his hood down. "Thank you, Hanzo. How is everyone back at the temple?"
"Both Bi-Han and Tundra are finishing up the final repairs to the entire building. Since we stopped the Cyber Lin Kuei for good, there has been a lot less stress, at least."
"And Kana? How is..." He cuts himself off, closing his eyes tightly. He quickly looks away, so I do not see him at his weakest point again.

"Oh, Kuai Liang...." I murmur.
"I'm fine..." He chokes. "I'll be okay. The wound is still fresh, but it will heal with time. I'm sure of it."
"Of course," I nod solemnly. I then try to change the subject. "I did not know you could sing."

"Hm," He smiles genuinely. "It is not a skill I admit to just anyone. Even Bi-Han didn't know until recently. I would always sing to myself when I was alone. Helped pass the time. I would never sing in front of anyone, in fear of judgement. But I was beyond flustered when Bi-Han walked in on me. I'll never forget the look on his face," He jokes, laughing a little.

This causes me to smile. At least Kuai looks a little better. "Any other parts to that song? You sounded like you cut yourself off halfway through a verse." I tease. "Well," He scratches the back of his head. "There is a last verse...You want me to sing it?"

"If you want. I will not force you."
He nods, looking embarrassed. With a sigh, he closes his eyes and sings the last verse.
"Dear lord, when I get to heaven,
Please let me bring my man.
When he comes tell me that you'll let him in.
Father tell me if you can.
All that grace, all that body,
All that face, it makes me wanna party.
He's my sun, he makes me shine like diamonds.

Will you still love me,
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me,
When I've got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will,
I know that you will....
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?"

"That is a rather...interesting song," I admit as he opens his eyes.
"Kuai," I begin, looking at him. "I know you've been depressed lately....Those lyrics almost seem like a cry for help...Both Bi-Han and I want to help you, we really do."

Kuai sighs. "I know you two mean well, truly. But being alone is the best answer for me."
"Kuai," I trail off, knowing that I can't really convince him currently.
"Go tell Bi-Han that I'm okay. I'll need some time to myself to think of a good timeline."

I back away, slightly hurt. "I understand," Is all I say. "I'm okay, really," He smiles, but I can tell it's forced. Not wanting to cause tension, I simply nod and smile back, feeling a wave of sadness come over me. "I'll leave you to it, then," I force the words past my mouth and teleport away.