SCORPION.

Indie & highly selective Scorpion of the new era based in the Mortal Kombat Universe.

[gamerwoman3d]

Uh hey wait waaaait wait wait ack wrong brother wrong brother

[Not my art, artist is at the link above and art is at https://twitter.com/Pancakes1019/status/1740986827451126265 ]

Image below is used only as an illustration to show what is at the link above. It is not mine

[shiraiflame]

@seidanguard liked this for a starter.

❝ Are you Hotaru ? ❞ Scorpion had been hesitant to approach the Commander of the Seidan guard, even more so with a request for help. To him, it was almost like admitting defeat. Up until this point, he had turned down every offer of help from friends and allies alike, adamant on bringing his brother to justice himself, but after weeks and months of running into dead ends trying to track Bi-Han down, Kuai Liang had come to the conclusion that it was time to settle for a different strategy. Finding his brother's allies had turned out to be a much easier task and one man had stood out to him in particular, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake. Havik. The Chaosrealmer was his first lead on Bi-Han's current whereabouts and following that trail had taken him to Outworld, but now it had gone cold and he knew there was only little time left until the trail would be lost completely. He needed the assistance of someone who knew Havik better than he did.

From what he had been able to gather by asking around, Hotaru was his best bet at finding Havik. Scorpion didn't know much about the other, he had only heard that the Seidan had come to Outworld seeking refuge after the destruction of his realm. Despite them being strangers to each other, Kuai Liang felt for the man, having lost his homeland and everything familiar to him. He also felt shame, knowing his own brother had allied himself with the very people responsible for all that suffering.

❝ I am Scorpion, grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu. You and I don't know each other, but we have a common enemy. ❞ He began, realizing that he hadn't introduced himself yet. He could see why most people were intimidated by Hotaru, he was an imposing figure, his very presence commanding respect. However, Scorpion was not easily intimidated. He had a feeling the Commander of the Seidan guard was either going to help him willingly or he wasn't going to help him at all. Hotaru didn't seem like someone whose trust could be won easily, but Kuai Liang had been told the Commander was an honorable man and that was reason enough for him to at least try and speak to the Seidan.

[icesheen]

"It is simply a fruit! I am as safe as can be!"

The pineapple was cut so harsh, that it was nearly crushed and juice squirted into Bi-Han face. The pineapple wasn't even that juicy, it was just the strength applied caused more action than needed.

"..."

A deep breath.

"...We are blending it."

[shiraiflame]

❝ This is what you call being safe ? ❞

Lucky for him, Kuai Liang was standing far enough away to not get any pineapple juice on him as the poor fruit was nearly squashed under Bi-Han's rage. He silently handed his brother a towel so Bi-Han could clean himself up. At least, he didn't cut himself...

❝ I think there might be some pineapple in your hair– ❞

[icesheen]

the last thing anyone needed was the grand master accidentally murdering someone while he was trying to cut a pineapple. the fruit was bought on a whim, the summer flavors clashing horribly with the all out winter that their temple home had. Its not exactly something favored in this region as well but the natural cold kept it fresh.

"No, I got- He slashes the head of the pineapple off with more effort than needed. -This!"

"I can hear you laughing!"

[shiraiflame]

In all honesty, Kuai Liang wasn't sure what Bi-Han even wanted with that pineapple, but he had long since given up on trying to understand his brother's decisions. He watched with a slightly concerned expression as the top of the pineapple was sliced off anything but carefully. Despite being the younger of the two, he often felt like he was the responsible one. Bi-Han's impulsiveness was going to give him early frown lines.

❝ Just... be careful. ❞ Not that he expected Bi-Han to take his advice.

If he wasn't so worried about his brother losing a finger, he wouldn't be able to contain his laughter. Admittedly, seeing Bi-Han struggle with such a mundane task was rather funny.

❝ I'm not laughing. ❞ Well, he wasn't laughing anymore, so it was almost the truth.

[icesheen]

@shiraiflame

He has a head ache, a big blooming head ache that continues to grow. The source of it? a large pineapple in front of him, the grand master holds a knife rather dangerously close to it.

It seems that he does not know how to cut a pineapple.

"Not a word."

[shiraiflame]

He had to fake a cough to conceal his quiet laughter at Bi-Han's unsuccessful attempt to cut the pineapple in front of him. Oh, he would have to tell Tomas about this later. Kuai Liang was tempted to offer advice, but of course he was shut down quickly.

❝ Do you require help, brother? ❞ He asked against his better judgement. Bi-Han never accepted help easily and he didn't expect that to be any different this time. However, he didn't trust his brother to use a large kitchen knife while he was this aggravated and the last thing they needed was for Bi-Han to accidentally hurt himself while trying to cut fruit.

[lovetune]

"You're always smiling, but it's not just because you're happy, right? It's because you want everyone to smile. That's why you smile more than anyone else."

BANDO RYOTA & TSUNEMATSU YURI as Shoji Aoi & Tanioka Kanna BEHIND ORCHESTRA (2023)

[absolutixnofheart]

@shiraiflame

[shiraiflame]

No listen... you're right!

[absolutixnofheart]

If there were two things her father had taught her, it was combat and how to treat wounds, from the tiniest of papercuts to severe burns. She recalled as children how she would help the other boys, observing from her father. It was a little thing she was fascinated with, and maybe, in another life, she would have been a great healer. And healing Kuai Liang was never an issue to her, she thought it nice to help heal him when he does his best to aid others. Always so selfless, from the day they met as children. At his words, she mirrored his smile, not one of apologies but slightly humorous. "I'm not always right, but I appreciate the compliment."

"You would still be thriving. I know you, Kuai. You are an extremely resilient man." Her gaze went into his, her smile shifting into something soft and gentle. The second she saw Kuai and Tomas, she knew that it was no casual reunion. The scar that was now a permanent tattoo on his face proved something grave happened. Bi-Han's betrayal was chilling to say the least, and she grew furious at what he has done. "You know, I've been told by some I am a great listener. Would you rather speak your frustrations as a way to blow off steam?" Her hand went towards the bandaged hand again, rubbing her thumb along it in gentle patterns.

[shiraiflame]

Without a doubt, Harumi would have been an excellent healer had she chosen that path instead of becoming head of her own clan of warriors. He remembered her tending to the small scratches and bruises he had gathered during sparing matches on countless occasions when they were younger, her patience and determination to help him always unwavering. The memory brought a small smile to Kuai Liang's face as he observed the way she expertly treated the burn on his hand. Her grip was firm and steady, her touch as soft as he remembered it. ❝ So far, your advice has never steered me wrong. ❞ He responded with a slightly playful smile of his own. It was true and, aside from Tomas, she was the one person he trusted the most.

He looked up, his expression softening at her reassuring words. Whenever he doubted himself, Harumi was there to restore the faith he had lost in himself, to offer him comfort. ❝ Maybe... but things are different this time. ❞ He spoke, unable to conceal the sadness in his voice. It had been so long since they had last seen each other and a part of him wished their reunion had happened under different ⸺ under happier ⸺ circumstances. Regardless, he was so, so glad to see her again.

At her offer to listen, Kuai Liang lowered his gaze slightly, hesitating. He did not want to burden her with the thoughts that plagued his mind, did not want to drag her into this conflict even more than he had done already. But perhaps talking about it would really help when nothing else could calm his anger or ease the pain beneath it. He gently placed his uninjured hand on top of hers, sighing.

❝ I know what needs to be done next. ❞ He began quietly. ❝ I know Bi-Han needs to be stopped at all cost. I just don't know if I'm strong enough to do it. If I can ⸺ ❞ If he could kill his own brother in cold blood, should it come down to it. But he did not finish the sentence. Kuai Liang knew his brother would not yield. He knew Bi-Han might give him no other choice and he dreaded the day they would face each other again.

[icesheen]

No. No he's not.

But- but as the grand master. There are obligations now, duties that were above all else something that must be done. Something conceptual to him that can't be unmade from his soul. His damm father! Putting this on him...

"...I'm fine. Cage is simply... a easy target to get mad at.' his voice is softer now, but the expression on his face just spells frustration at the moment.

"There is nothing to discuss."

He doesn't shy away from the touch though.

[shiraiflame]

Of course, Bi-Han insisted that he was fine. However, Kuai Liang did not believe him.

Sometimes he couldn't help but feel guilty, knowing that he had always had it easier than his brother, being only the second son, not the heir to the grandmaster title. He could see the tall it was taking on Bi-Han and all he could do was helplessly watch as his brother's soul was consumed by anger.

❝ But he's not the true reason why you're upset. ❞ Kuai Liang guessed, a little surprised that Bi-Han sounded softer now. Perhaps he shouldn't push his luck too much. Every time he thought he was finally getting through to his brother, Bi-Han shut him out again and no progress was made. It was always one step forward and two steps back with Bi-Han, but the pyromancer refused to give up on him.

❝ If you say so, brother. But know that you can talk to me, should you change your mind. ❞ He had expected Bi-Han to push his hand away, but since the cryomancer didn't seem bothered by it, Kuai Liang let the touch linger for another moment before he pulled his hand back.

[icesheen]

"He annoyed me." is all he can muster but there was genuine emotions of rage in his eyes at the remembrance of what Cage did to him. Almost like a jilted lover but not quiet.

Its clear Bi-Han does not want to say everything that happened between him and the has been actor [his roles were too cliche]

"Good, now I have given everyone but Cage their snow cones. Soon, he will come begging, and than I will, say no." it was a useless petty plan but at least everyone was getting snow cones right?

[shiraiflame]

Somehow, he had a feeling there was more to this story than his brother let on. Although Bi-Han claimed that the actor had annoyed him, his emotions seemed to go far deeper than that. In fact, he would go as far as to say Bi-Han looked genuinely hurt, though he decided those thoughts were better kept to himself. Kuai Liang was unsure of whether or not he should keep pressing for a more concrete answer. Knowing his brother, Bi-Han would only get more angry or even shut down completely.

❝ Are you alright, Bi-Han ? ❞ Kuai Liang's worried expression returned upon listening to his brother's plan. He did not know what to make of Bi-Han's strange behavior today. Regardless, he did carefully reach out to place his hand on his brother's shoulder in what he hoped would be a somewhat comforting gesture.

[icesheen]

"If there is anyone to blame, its that Cage since he desires to be so...so annoying!"

If anything it was impressive that he got on every nerve Bihan got in his body, every time they met it felt like Bi-Han was one step away from throwing hands and a table and a sickle on to the has been actor.

He brings out a extremely red syrup and douses the whole thing with it. Frustration evident on how hard he squeezed the poor thing.

Cherry flavor! But also blood.

[shiraiflame]

❝ Be nice, Bi-Han. He's our ally, not our enemy. ❞ The pyromancer responded calmly, a hint of concern in his voice. Bi-Han looked like he wanted to strangle Cage with his bare hands and Kuai Liang would prefer it to keep his brother from getting into any unnecessary fights, especially with one of their own allies.

It was a little bit unsettling how much the red syrup reminded him of blood, but he chose to shurg it off. It was just cherry flavor, he told himself, though his frown deepened a bit. ❝ What did Cage do to deserve your anger anyway ? ❞ Kuai Liang asked, not so much out of interest, but simply because he hoped that talking about it would help his brother calm down.

[icesheen]

"Johnny cage is a annoyance , the less I have to think of him the better everything will be."

Which is why he's aggressively making snow cones right now. Sure its a waste of resources and empty calories but he's making them as a point of spite. that everyone is getting except Johnny Cage.

"Now what flavor."

did he had to say it so menacingly.

@shiraiflame

[shiraiflame]

❝ Brother, you need to calm down. ❞ Kuai Liang spoke softly, merely sighing in response to Bi-Han's anger. The cryomancer had always been short-tempered, even more so in the actor's presence. Admittedly, Johnny Cage was tiring to be around at times, but he was not nearly as insufferable as Bi-Han was claiming.

❝ At this pace, you're going to exhaust your cryomancy. ❞ He warned, though he did not expect his brother to listen to him. Bi-Han never listened.

He raised an eyebrow at the question, shrugging since he hadn't really given it much thought. He did, however, appreciate that he was being offered a snow cone.

❝ Surprise me. ❞ He responded, not really bothered by Bi-Han's gruffness since it was something he was already used to.

@icesheen

[shiraiflame]

@kombatpacks liked this for a starter.

❝ I take it you wanted to be found. I know how good you are at covering your tracks. ❞ A small smile was offered to indicate that Kuai Liang meant no harm as he approached the other, hands held up in a calming gesture as to not trigger them into a fight or flight response. Although Tomas had offered to accompany him, Kuai Liang had insisted on coming here to meet Hydro alone. With both of them having still been Lin Kuei the last time they had seen each other, he would not be surprised if Hydro was wary of his intentions. After all, the Lin Kuei did not take kindly to those who dared to turn their back on the clan, hunting down anyone who broke their oath to its grandmaster.

Any attempt to leave the Lin Kuei was considered an act of treason and while Kuai Liang didn't know the reason for Hydro's decision to abandon that life, he was hoping to maybe find an ally in his former clanmate. Hydro's skills would be invaluable to the Shirai Ryu, though that was not the only reason why the pyromancer had spent weeks trying to track them down. Concern for the other's safety had brought him here above all else. Up until this point, Outworld might have been a safe haven for Hydro but now that Bi-Han had Outworlders amongst his allies, the other's life was in danger more so than ever. Knowing his brother's ruthlessness and how Bi-Han had always hated loose ends, there was no doubt in Kuai Liang's mind that the cryomancer would not shy away from killing Hydro if given the opportunity.

❝ A lot has changed since you left the Lin Kuei. ❞ Scorpion said in a more serious tone. ❝ I believe you and I should talk. ❞

[shiraiflame]

@absolutixnofheart continued from here.

He let out a soft sigh as he watched her tend to his injured hand, her gentle touch soothing away some of the pain. Kuai Liang couldn't help feeling a little foolish that he had managed to get himself burned by the very element he was supposed to control. Foolish and guilty since he was now once again in need of her help. The last thing he wanted was to inconvenience her even further. Harumi had done more than enough already, offering Tomas and him refuge, a safe place to stay at after they had been forced to flee from Bi-Han's wrath. In hindsight, he regretted not having been more careful while following her advice. He really should have known better than to get too close to the steaming hot geysers. However, consumed with rage over his brother's betrayal, he truly hadn't been thinking straight lately.

❝ I know... Perhaps you're right, but it did make me feel better. ❞ He admitted, a small apologetic smile forming on his face. Of course, Harumi was right, she always was. Once she was done bandaging him up, he tentatively opened and closed his fist a few times to test the functionality of his fingers, wincing a little and stopping as he was given a pat on his hand. ❝ I understand, I'll be careful. ❞ The pyromancer promised, knowing that it would be wise to listen to her. ❝ Thank you, Harumi. For everything. I don't know where I would find myself without you. ❞ It was true. She had saved both Tomas and him and he couldn't possibly thank her enough for that.

[shiraiflame]

@edxnian liked this for a starter.

❝ Princess Kitana... I heard about what happened and came here as quickly as I could. Is it true? Shao managed to escape ? ❞ Concern was evident in the pyromancer's voice as he spoke. His question didn't need answering. Alarm bells sounded off somewhere in the distance, drowning out the peaceful noises of Sun Do at night. A few royal guards rushed past him, more of them were patrolling the streets, keeping a watchful eye on the confused citizens that were lured outside by the commotion. Everyone in Sun Do seemed to be on high alert.

Rumours that some members of Outworld's royal court had started plotting against the Empress had reached him not too long ago, but with General Shao and his complicits in captivity, Kuai Liang had expected those activities to die down again quickly. Now that the General had escaped, the peace between Outworld and Earthrealm was threatened once again. ❝ Members of the court conspiring against the throne. I had not believed it to be true... Your sister's reign is in danger. The Shirai Ryu will aid Empress Mileena in any way they can. ❞ He assured her. ❝ Though first I must know... how was the General able to escape ? ❞

[nomadlostway]

[shiraiflame]

@cagcd liked this for a starter.

❝ Harumi and I would like you to have this. Careful, it's quite heavy. ❞ A very ornate and ancient looking vase was cautiously placed in the Hollywood star's hands, half of it still concealed by the remains of wrapping paper, though glimpses of a hand painted design depicting a beautiful nature scene could be seen underneath.

❝ It belonged to Harumi's family. She decided it's time to part ways with some of our old belongings to make space for the many wedding gifts we received. ❞ Kuai Liang explained with a small smile. ❝ We thought it would fit nicely into your collection... and perhaps serve as a replacement for the piece that broke when you and I were first introduced. ❞ Knowing his brother, no compensation would be provided from the Lin Kuei's side and even though he was no longer Lin Kuei, the pyromancer couldn't help but feel responsible for what happened. If only all the damage Bi-Han had done could be so easily fixed. While the exact value of the vase was unknown to Scorpion, anyone with some knowledge of antiques would estimate it surpassed that of the broken Hichuli. The gift was part apology, part a sign that the Shirai Ryu – and Kuai Liang himself – valued Johnny Cage as an ally and a friend.

[shiraiflame-archived]

// I need to get used to writing this guy so here's a little starter call. Like this for a small starter from yours truly.