Bi Han "Sub-Zero" x F!Reader

Four

"Kuai Liang.", perhaps it was just your imagination but a spark of annoyance passed the Grand Master's face as his younger brother approached.

Dressed in his black and yellow uniform, which marked him out as a special warrior, the younger brother greeted the elder with a polite gesture.

Just as he was close enough, Bi Han let go of your hand. Without thinking about it, you withdrew from him and took a step next to him so that there was some distance between you again.

Everything seemed so smooth that Kuai Liang didn't even notice how strangely close they had been. There were only a few people who were allowed to get this close to the Grand Master.

And only one person was allowed to touch him.

He even kept his distance from his own brother. Not to mention Tomas.

"Liu Kang calls for us.", the younger brother's brown eyes fell on you. "He also asks for the right hand."

One of your eyebrows raised questioningly. Tilting your head to the side, you looked up at Bi Han, who shook his head slightly.

"Liu Kang has no reason to ask for my right hand.", he said.

His body tensed again, returning to the state of a fighter on guard. How strangely disciplined he was. Equality principle kept him gone. There was a fine line between innovation and tradition.

"It is his wish, Bi Han.", Kuai Liang tried with raised eyebrows.

Like his brother, the younger son of the former Grand Master was a proud man, with skills beyond those of an ordinary man.

But in comparison, he was so much softer, more circumspect. He would kill if he had to, but he shied away from it if there was no reason. Quite different from Bi Han, who killed to avoid future threats.

You knew.

At the thought, your hand twitched and lay flat on the back of your neck. Something made your skin twitch, goose bumps grew and for a moment you had to hold your breath.

Your fingers trembled. Magic burned under your fingernails. But you refused to answer the call.

Sometimes this innate gift was more of a curse than a blessing. Liu Kang never asked for my right hand.

"He's not entitled to anyone who belongs to the Lin Kuei. He never asked for my right hand before.", a thunder echoed in the force of Bi Han's voice. "Why now?"

Kuai Liang glanced at you. A silent request. Exhaling deeply, you close your eyes, gathering your thoughts and composure.

"Grand Master.", seriousness was reflected on your face as you looked up at Bi Han. "I am willing to listen to what the God of Fire has to propose."

Scoffing, he lifted his chin. Thick eyebrows drew together and a twitch chased through his lips. But all he did was growl in agreement.

"Go ahead.", he ordered his brother.

Kuai Liang inclined his head in your direction and took the lead. Your footsteps echoed as one in the silence. Unnoticed, you let yourself fall back a little. Bi Han noticed your absence at his side and also slowed down.

The distance between you and the younger brother increased. Not noticeably so, but enough to prevent Kuai Liang from overhearing details.

"Your temper is flaring.", you remark, calm yet gentle enough to make your words clearly recognisable as caring.

A quivering breath squeezed out of his nose. He frowned.

"The demands are increasing.", he growled. "But we remain servants."

"The clan is meant to serve."

"Serve, yes. To be enslaved? No."

The bitterness of his words sent an icy shiver down your spine. You clenched your hands into fists, took a deep breath, tightened your shoulders and lifted your chin.

Monks in orange robes passed you, bowing respectfully in greeting. You bowed your head as well. He simply walked past them, chin raised proudly.

"We are far more than slaves.", you were convinced by your own words.

But all he said in reply was a derisive snort, short, sharp and dismissive.

At the end of the corridor, Kuai Liang led you into the annex of the temple. Mahogany and green furniture stood ready. The smell of burning herbs filled the rooms. Tiny wisps of smoke caressed your (S/C) cheek.

"Do you believe what you say?", the Grand Master finally asked as the three of you stopped in front of a large door made of green wood and golden fittings.

"Yes.", you did not hesitate to answer.

But the thoughts deepened.

It was deeply ingrained in you that the Lin Kuei were more than just the servants of Liu Kang. What surprised you, however, was the fact that you wondered if the God of Fire saw it the same way.

Because according to the current state of affairs, this was how he treated the clan. Many ninja became increasingly restless. They were trained for war and didn't even get a beating.

Only months-long missions to recover scrolls from times long past. Most of the time, nothing but dust remained between your fingers. With his almost heavenly patience, Kuai Liang knocked.

No one answered.

"He's keeping us waiting.", Bi Han realised, audibly dissatisfied with the fact that he wasn't given the respect he deserved as Grand Master.

"Patience.", you admonished him.

He drew in a sharp breath and closed his eyes. Kuai Liang knocked again. This time the door opened. But there was no one in the room behind it. Just a large brass bowl in which a fire was burning without wood.

Gentle wind made curtains dance.

"Greetings, Lin Kuei.", the bright voice of the god asked through the room.

As if the wood was under his control, the door swung shut. Scrutinising, you cast a glance over your shoulder. The Wu Shi Temple was open in many parts, but the private room was right on the edge of the mountain.

A fall would be so deep that one would die before seeing the ground. The door was the only way back to safety.

"What gives us the honour?", you asked to ease the tension and bowed.

Flames flickered.

And suddenly there stood Liu Kang. God of fire.