Chapter Text
Kronkia had seen many timelines, and tampered with each in an attempt to forge the perfect timeline. One with perfect balance. But the course of history was no longer Kronkia’s to change. That belonged to another, new Titan of sorts. That meant that the odds were no longer in Cetrion’s favour.
Her mother was not there to prevent Liu Kang from banishing Cetrion, stripping her of her title as Elder Goddess. She had fallen from her seat of influence, much like her brother had ages ago, and adjusting to life being in contact with so many mortals was overwhelming.
Cetrion was far removed from mortals and their lives. She values them as a whole; many are good people who uphold their virtues, and do everything that she encourages in her followers. But she does not see the individuality of them; how much each person matters regardless of morals.
But she’s made a promise to try.
Not one formed out of wanting a better understanding, mind you, but one made to restore her to her former self. If she could prove herself worthy of her title again to the newest Time Keeper, she’d never have to be closely watched as if she were not the Goddess of Light.
She’d get to go back to the way things were, without Earthrealm’s protectors’ constant breathing down her neck. It was humiliating, to be treated like someone who was comparable to Shang Tsung, the wretched sorcerer.
Which might’ve been why she’d become fond of you, now that Cetrion thinks of it.
It’s the earliest hours of the morning, the sun hasn’t even begun to touch the horizons, and the storm clouds block the light of the moon and stars as rain crashes into the wood of your backyard deck. Cetrion doesn’t mind the rain, it merely cools her as it beats down her back. However, it’s ruining the pages of the books she’s reading, so she’s forced to take shelter underneath the roof to preserve them.
They’re gifts from her host. It would be unkind to not care for them, she thinks as she holds them away from her sopping wet hair. At first glance, they’re nothing special. The books are all on the topic of gardening, with similar cover pages with vibrant flowers. Luckily, they don’t seem too damaged by the downpour, and she’s thankful, as thunder roars in the background.
Despite her powers, Cetrion is no gardener. She doesn’t have any experience in the hobby, besides encouraging good harvest for farmers of all realms and manipulating nature to flourish. It seemed a bit insulting to receive the tools and books from you at first.
“It’s a good hobby to get into, you can’t exactly meditate and hover around me all day while you wait for Liu Kang to visit.” You had explained, while the Goddess looked unsure, and maybe a bit offended.
“I understand, however I am able to care for plants without mortal practices.” She seemed a bit stubborn, now that she looks back on it.
You shook your head with a puff of air, as you picked up the book from the table to show to her. “That’s the point. I feel like it would be a good way to challenge yourself; grow some flowers or crops without using any heavenly powers.”
Cetrion shot you a guarded look, like she wanted to question you. Why would challenging a Goddess be a good thing? She does not need to prove herself to anyone.
You however, were not discouraged by her obvious distaste. You in fact, opened the book, skimming the pages and placing it on the table in front of your guest.
“Here, how about you pick a few plants that catch your eye? Just uh, write them down, and tomorrow morning I can go pick up some seeds, starters,– whatever it is.”
Cetrion gave a glance to the page, before looking up at you once again. The encouraging look you gave her, did seem to make her feel a little more inclined to agree. You’ve been the only one to give her the time of day.
“I will do so.”
That was at the beginning of two months ago, now that she looks back at it. Cetrion had kept her promise– she did not use any power to encourage growth in the plants she’d been caring for. The gardening tools and books had been put to good use, and the background was vibrant with beautiful flowers. Even at night the hydrangeas and colourful tulips bring life to the once barren backyard of your cottage.
Cetrion feels proud of her work. It’s something she spent time on, with your help. As she gazes into the scenery, she can’t help but think of you. This wouldn’t have been possible, without you offering up your time and home to give the Elder Goddess a new chance. She would’ve been entrusted with Raiden, which would not be ideal, given their relationship.
She doesn’t have time to dwell, as she hears the door slide open from behind her. Cetrion looks back at you, before slowly turning around to look at your pajama-clad form. Your hair is tussled, however you look awake considering the time.
“You should be asleep, you have important errands to be doing tomorrow.” Cetrion starts before you can say anything, however you seem to brush off her concerns.
“You should come inside, it’s pouring rain, Cetrion!” Your voice is raspy with sleep.
“The rain does not bother me like it does mortals. You should stay inside and rest.”
There’s a sigh on your part, as you push the door open even more. “Please, I don’t think reading in the dark while it’s raining is fun for anyone, regardless if they’re a Goddess or not. You’re welcome in your own home.”
Cetrion seems to freeze in place for a moment.
You’re welcome in your own home.
“…Yes, my apologies.” The words come out like she’s almost sputtering, but her voice is soft and soothing as ever. You don’t seem to notice her flustered expression as she steps into the house, careful to not graze her rocks on your face.
You turn on the living room’s light, which bathes everything in a warm yellow. The world seems so quiet from inside here, the rain beating on the windows as she’s careful to close the door behind her. Cetrion then sits down on the couch, with her books in hand.
She’s unsure of what to do, but no longer seems stunned as you exit the room. She assumes you’re going to bed, so she thinks back to your actions. Cetrion has never been fussed over before. Nobody had called out to her in the rain to welcome them into their home. Nobody has been so friendly with her.
Maybe that’s why she’s so fond of you. You uphold a lot of virtues she stands by, even though many mortals before you have done the same. You do not gain anything from offering the Goddess a place to stay, yet you do it anyways. You’re kind to her. Kinder than she deserves.
“You can use this to dry yourself off.” You call to her. She almost didn’t see you standing there, but she takes the towel you offer her nonetheless, with a thank you.
Cetrion expects you to go to bed, but you don’t. Instead, you take a seat next to her, as she wipes off the remaining water droplets from her body. You don’t make an attempt to move away after a few minutes, when she goes back to reading her book.
“Are you not going to rest?” She breaks the silence after a bit of time. Mortals need rest.
Shaking your head, you tell her. “I can’t sleep right now. I’m just gonna hang out here until I can.”
The Goddess doesn’t question you; your company does not bother her. Instead, she flips the page gently, and continues to read. For a while, it’s silent, save for Cetrion’s page flipping and the rain, which seems to die down gradually to a light shower. And it’s comforting in a way she’s never experienced.
“I am thinking of expanding the garden.” Is the first thing she says to you after almost an hour of silence.
“Oh? What’re you thinking of getting? I can swing by some stores tomorrow.” Your interest was piqued.
Hesitantly, Cetrion gazes at you.
“Are you familiar with the gladioli? It commonly goes by sword lily.”