Work Text:
“Weapons, soldiers, you name it, and I-” Kitana starts, but her guest interrupts her speech before she can continue.
“I have everything I need to stop Bi-Han, princess.” Kuai Liang’s gruff voice reveals the tiredness he hides. But he manages a small smile at her. “I appreciate the concern, but you don’t need to worry about us.”
She feels herself deflate at his rejection as she turns towards the railing. Conflicted. She agrees that the two brothers are formidable and strategic, yet it doesn’t ease her nervousness.
The battle against titan Shang Tsung and his army, and all the events leading up to said battle, weighed heavily on Kitana’s mind.
Many of their allies stayed at the palace afterward, setting affairs in order before returning to their respective homes. Mileena was mainly preoccupied, considering she was unexpectedly thrust into the role of Empress.
In the privacy of their parents' room, Mileena and Kitana mourned her mother. There wasn’t much time to do so when she died, but now, with the battle over, the sisters cried and held each other in search of comfort.
Kitana cried for her mother, at the joy and confusion of seeing her father alive again, and for Mileena. Mileena would now be busier than ever and had to stand firm for their people, even if she felt unsure in her new position. So, it was time now to let out all these feelings before facing their realm together as strong leaders.
It was a rough week for the twin sisters. One that had Kitana slightly on edge.
It was the night before Kuai Liang and Tomas would head out. Back to Japan to meet with an old friend to help assist with building their new clan. One that would combat the Lin Kuei. Kitana couldn't help but worry for her new allies, so she offered her assistance.
Kitana summoned the new grandmaster to her chambers as a means to sort out any last-minute plans and resources. Kuai Liang stood at the entrance of her balcony where she was waiting as she felt her room to be too suffocating. She thought he'd take a moment to consider her offer but didn't expect it to be shot down so quickly.
“Is something wrong, princess?” His voice is soothing, a break amongst her thoughts.
She sighs. “I suppose I am feeling… overwhelmed.” She turns her back to him, leaning against the railing of her balcony. There is a lot on her mind, but she supposed it wouldn’t hurt to share just a bit of her woes. “My sister, she has appointed me as General to our army. It’s… quite the change of pace.”
It annoys her how, so far, none of the soldiers have listened to her or valued her command as General. It's her biggest cause of stress. But it's a burden she will have to bear and change if she wants to lead like her sister expects her to.
Kitana hears Kuai Liang's footsteps approach her, settles beside her, and leans on the railing. “General, huh? That means you’ll be in charge of capturing Shao, right?”
“Yes. A mission that I must fulfill post haste, she said. The Empress has quite the plans for him.” Despite her words, she ends her sentence with a slight chuckle. Kitana has to admit she feels no mercy for him as she did when Rain turned himself in. "It will be a tedious hunt."
She must be mindful to bring him back alive.
“If Shao tries to threaten Earthrealm again-”
“He won’t, Scorpion. I can promise you that.” She interrupts, her voice hard and determined as she pivots her head to him. She feels responsible as royalty to protect Earthrealm from their threats.
Kuai Liang nods, a pause in the air before he says, “Should you ever need our assistance…” He trails off.
Kitana can’t help but let out a huff of amusement at how similarly they think. Just as Kuai Liang reassured her of their capabilities, she will do the same. “I appreciate it, Scorpion, but I can handle one measly traitor and his dying army easily.” She hadn’t meant to sound arrogant, but she wanted to ensure he didn’t worry.
“I don’t deny your capabilities, princess.” Kuai Liang looks at her, amused. “I’m just merely throwing out my assistance. Besides, it will be less conspicuous than me bringing Outworld soldiers to an Earthrealm dispute, right?"
Kitana feels her face warm. "My sister wouldn't mind aiding your quest to take down your brother. She has a few words for him herself... And do not laugh!" She huffs at the chuckle that slips from him. "I was simply trying to be helpful." She can't be genuinely mad at him, but she doesn't appreciate the tease.
"I'd rather avoid Lord Liu Kang's speech about mixing our realms' affairs now that I think about it." Kuai Liang says with a tired sigh. "He's very particular about certain decisions we make in that regard."
That he does, Kitana thinks. Every conversation with Lord Liu Kang has a double meaning, a dizzying effect after trying to decipher his words and warnings. Sometimes, she wouldn't even be searching for answers, and he'd drop some tidbit of information that left her pausing in her tracks, trying to figure out what he meant by it. It's exhausting, and Kuai Liang is right. Kitana would, too, like to avoid Lord Liu Kang's speeches.
And with that in mind, the conversation lulls to a stop. The two of them stare out at the view of the gardens.
It’s quiet. She can hear the sounds of the night. Gentle waters from nearby ponds, crickets chirping, and slight rustling from nearby animals that roam the palace garden.
Looking at her balcony's view, the tranquil garden lit up by small lanterns assisted by the moonlight makes her feel vulnerable.
“You know, with everything that has been going on, I have decided.” Kitana turns her head to him as he does to her. “There are no formalities between friends. You may call me Kitana. I would prefer it, actually.”
Kuai Liang looks shocked, then somewhat nervous. “I don’t think the Empress will appreciate that very much.”
She lets out a giggle. “Well, it’s just between friends. You do not have to call me by my name in front of others.” Kitana slightly blushes at her forwardness. “It can just be when it’s the two of us if you are that worried.”
“I see. It might take some time to get used to using your name, though, princess.” He pauses. “…Kitana.” He looks awkward and a little flustered. Beautiful.
She can’t help but shiver at the way he says her name with a gentle tone. It’s like Raiden’s electricity just went through her.
“Ah, are you cold?” He takes her shiver as her feeling the night's chill. Kuai Liang gives her a look. ‘ May I ?’ and she nods before feeling his arm wrap around her shoulders. He pulls her to his side, his skin radiating a comfortable heat level. “Better?”
‘You are hesitant to call me by name but can so effortlessly touch me?’ She thought as she felt slightly lightheaded, his firm hold grounding her. “Much.”
They take in the night sky, a blanket of stars shining above. Almost as if they were winking at them. She hears distant conversations, sounding like muffled noises with laughter prominent, more than likely their other guests enjoying their stay at the palace.
She enjoys what the night brings. Moments of peace and silence, a time to unwind from the busy mornings and afternoons that fill her day. Not to say she dislikes being busy, but getting the chance to take in her surroundings without worrying about being interrupted is a nice change of pace. She and her sister are a lot alike in that sense, in how they enjoy the night's company.
“You may call me Kuai Liang.” He whispers, breaking her free from her thoughts once again. “Though, in my situation, you may say it in front of others.” She could tell by his tone that he was smiling.
Kitana can feel her heartbeat quicken at the sudden volume change. “Kuai Liang.” She whispers back. A shot of adrenaline rushes through her, and suddenly, she feels too warm at how breathless she sounded. But she won’t say that in fear of him backing away.
“...Kitana.” Kuai Liang says as he's still testing her name out. "Thank you for letting us stay the night."
She turns her head towards him as he looks at her. Kitana is surprised that she holds his stare back. "Think nothing of it. It is natural to help out friends."
She feels goosebumps at his gaze, to which he responds by slowly rubbing his hand up and down her arm in an attempt to warm her.
This feels… so strangely intimate. She’d never felt like this with anyone before. Sure, she has had suitors try to court her, but her mother would grow frustrated at the lack of response from her and her sister when trying to play matchmaker. All of the suitors were either too immature, uninterested in actually getting to know them, or a brute. And so Kitana would never feel this sort of spark between her and the suitors, and she herself has never let them get too close like this either.
She knew Kuai Liang was handsome, but up close… he was breathtaking. She finds Johnny Cage somewhat good-looking and Raiden adorable, but Kuai Liang differs from them.
He's compassionate but firm. He values family and tradition, and his combat skills certainly aren't lacking either. Kitana feels he would make a fine king, but that would mean he would have to marry Mileena... so he would make a fine prince? A consort?
Wait, she's getting ahead of herself. She's only just met the guy, but he has his arm around her and pulling her close. And she's thinking such childish thoughts.
What would Mileena do? Did she feel the same warmth she feels, but with Tanya? She curses herself for not asking her sister for advice on what to do in situations like this.
But fortunately, or rather, unfortunately, Kuai Liang makes the decision to drop his hold on her. His hand slid from her arm to her mid back before falling and returning to his side. “It is rather late. I shouldn’t be keeping you for so long.”
The spell breaks, and she finds herself flustered in the aftermath of everything. “Ah, right. You are heading back to Earthrealm to meet with someone in the morning, are you not?” She fiddles with one of her intricate bracelets adorning her wrist and manages a small smile. “I am sorry to keep you for so long. But thank you, Kuai Liang. For spending time with me and listening to me prattle.”
“No, the pleasure was all mine.” Kuai Liang bows slightly before shifting his body towards the balcony exit. “We should chat more the next time we meet. Have a good night, Kitana.”
With her name softly leaving his lips, he heads out, leaving her to herself.
She feels confused and giddy, warm and cold, all simultaneously. She had merely brought him here to assure him of their alliance and trust in one another, but now… She’s left feeling just a whirlwind of emotions now.
Kitana groans, resting her head in her hands as she leans against the railing. Replaying their conversation and his touches in her head. And she can’t help but feel as though her sister would laugh at her for ‘blowing it.’ Maybe she'll keep this moment to herself; even Jade might tease her if she shares this with her.
Yet she can’t fight the smile that graces her lips.
Kitana hadn't realized how her interaction with Kuai Liang made her feel light—a pleasant break from the stress of her royal duties.
She supposes there will be other opportunities to explore these feelings in the future. But for now, she'll retire to her bed with the lingering warmth of a most exciting ally encapsulating her mind and body.