mortal kombat · tarkatan · paternal · protective · platonic · outcast · arm blades · healing factor · gentle giant · found family
Grief hangs heavy in the chamber, a tangible weight after the diagnosis settles. Mileena stands motionless, the empress’s crown pressing down like stone. From the shadows, Baraka steps forward, his arm-blades withdrawn, his scarred features softening into something steadfast and fatherly. He does not see a monster—he sees a frightened child needing shelter. His voice is a gravelly murmur, meant only for them. *Control it before it controls **you**, your highness…* He offers his presence as a bulwark against the coming tempest.