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kittflame · 4 months

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Chapter 2:

As regretfully as it could be said, life went on. Sleep did not come easily, but the routine of daily life did. Training resumed, and his clan was none the wiser about the conflict. He preferred it that way. Secrecy being something valuable to him. Only Frost stuck by his side longer. She was quick to offer her time or assistance to her grandmaster. The sudden change did not go unnoticed by Kuai Liang.

The younger cryomancer had not said a word to give him any reason to suspect her. He was certain she was in the dark about the situation with Hanzo, but she was clever. Any time he had not shared things with her in private, she seemingly had the ability to sense his unease. It was rare for Frost to ever voice her concern. To his credit, he often got the hint quickly. It was for the better that she did not need to call him on his "stupidity." He could see that she was working herself up to ask about what he was so clearly avoiding. Denial had crept its way into Kuai Liang’s head too strongly. It was hard to lie to himself any further, the more her concern visibly worsened.

Not facing his feelings only allowed him to deny the inevitable. He struggled even to admit it to himself. There was a scheduled meeting with their fellow Earthrealm Defenders in a matter of days. Kuai Liang knew he would have to face Hanzo soon enough. The same unease rose like bile in his throat at the reminder. Guilt grew in his mind alongside the sickness. At some point within the years, the way they viewed each other changed. Any attempt to ignore the way he became flustered was moot. The two warriors hung around long after events ended just for the company of one another. Any other soul went unnoticed.

Frost had seen his form tense and turned to check in with him. Before she could get a word out, she was interrupted by loud footsteps rushing their way. The Grandmaster made his way over, his body being pushed into action. Familiar yellow wardrobe met his eyes, but he did not recognize the warrior. A panicked face stared up at him, and he knew good news would not follow.

—

Kuai Liang felt his stomach drop as he reached the medical bay of the Shirai Ryu grounds. Seeing the colour drained from Hanzo’s face was beyond startling. He steeled his resolve as one of the medics urged him inside. He was warned that Grandmaster Hasashi was not pleased to be forced to rest. The matter had been fought weakly. Peace only came as they resorted to indulging the man’s feverish requests.

The Lin Kuei sat by his side, fighting the nausea that began to eat away at him. He did not know what had caused the other man’s injuries beyond being surprised by an onslaught of enemies. Hanzo had gotten lucky and was able to teleport himself out before risking severe blood loss. It was the first time Hanzo had suffered such great afflictions since they became friends. It was not unknown that the ex-spectre was careless about his life, but he did not seek out death. His time under Quan Chi’s control and sitting in his rage made him default to reckless violence. Kuai Liang had only wished that their argument had not driven him to act rashly. He couldn’t understand what had upset the other so much beyond foolish behaviour. His last words left him confused. The cryomancer couldn’t help but dwell on it further as he sat by Hanzo’s bedside.

The pyromancer had given him ample opportunities to back out of their agreement to work together. Sub-Zero had insisted. Completing missions together strengthened their alliance and their bond. He couldn’t fathom why he wanted to risk losing all those months. Much to his disdain, he’d only realized the others had caught on after a particularly embarrassing joke from Johnny Cage. The cryomancer had not reacted well but had been grateful for Hanzo’s absence in the moment. His defensiveness had worked against him, and the teasing only stopped when the other Grandmaster was present.

It was an unfamiliar concept to him that there was outside interest in his relationships. It gave him a sick reminder of the old Lin Kuei’s ideals on relationships. He had no interest in continuing his bloodline, even as his age began to weigh on him. There was no time to fuss over such things. Frost had proven to be difficult enough. Beyond children, he had no time to build any sort of romantic connection. Johnny implying that Hanzo was just that was not an idea he’d considered before. They were allies, even friends. With the lingering guilt of his late family, the topic was even less realistic. It was simply out of the question. Regardless, Kuai Liang would not share the demeaning and outdated messages he’d been taught. He’d come to terms with the fact that many old teachings would die with him.

Hanzo had begun to stir in the medical cot. Kuai Liang straightened his posture as the other man opened his eyes to take in his surroundings. It was clear how disoriented the man was. Surprise crossed his face as his gaze fell on the Lin Kuei’s Grandmaster. He seemingly had trouble deciding if he was real or a trick of the mind.

“Kuai Liang?” Hanzo asked, his voice hoarse. There was hesitance in his tone, testing what he saw.

The man in question nodded and smiled in return. The smile did not reach his eyes, only remaining neutral. It went without acknowledgement, which he was grateful for.

“I was called in for help. You are a difficult patient to manage, from what I was told.”

Hasashi grumbled and wiped a hand over his face, not entertaining the attempted humour. Regaining some handle on reality, he sat up. He made a noise in annoyance as Kuai Liang held him in place, stopping the movement.

“Stay. It will only pull on your stitches and bruised ribs.” The cryomancer inched his seat closer.

He sighed and readjusted himself where he lay. It was rare that Hanzo was ever forced to rest, which led him to grow antsy quickly.

The two sat in uncomfortable silence; neither knew what to say. Where others would apologize, they held their tongues. Silence was better than meaningless words.

Hasashi cleared his throat to speak, gaining his friend’s attention quickly. “Why did you come?”

Kuai Liang frowned at the obvious question he was asked. “I was called. I would always come to your aid.”

“Forgive me; given our last conversation, I did not think you would honour that.” Hands clenched in his lap. Knuckles paled and regained colour as he tested what little strength he had left.

A response did not come easily. Kuai Liang couldn’t be offended, but he was hurt by the admission. While he had his own doubts and had not given much in the way of reassurance, it did not make the point true.

“Would you prefer it if I left?” He asked honestly, losing a bit of his pride in the process.

“No.” Hanzo replied quickly. He did not need time to think and was seemingly dissatisfied with the idea that he might have needed a moment. A surprising display from the man.

Kuai Liang only nodded at him in acknowledgement. Uncertainty ate away at him as he left things unsaid.

“It was unpleasant not having you by my side.”

“Is that why you decided to tempt fate?” He was dissatisfied with how casually Hanzo changed the topic. Annoyance was clear in his voice.

Hanzo opened his mouth to defend himself, but was cut off by the cryomancer.

“Was it your goal to be beaten half to death?” He questioned the man harshly.

Hasashi tensed as the argument began. Such a stark difference from their abandoned small talk. “It was not-”

Attempts to defuse the situation went ignored as Kuai Liang interrupted once more. “Then what was your plan?” Anger grew the more he spoke. He’d been left in his own thoughts for too long to find a reason not to let it out.

“How many times have you cheated death? How many more times will you be saved? Have you ever thought the next time might be your last?” Kuai Liang stood, glaring at Hanzo. He’d not seen such wrath from the other man since he’d threatened his life all those years ago. The only threat he’d imagined to Hanzo’s life was himself. An idea that had been abandoned long ago as forgiveness and acceptance over his brother’s death came. He would not stand around as another person he cared for died. No amount of petty anger would change that. He could not fathom losing Hanzo in such a way. His heart ached at the idea.

The silence had fallen once more, and it gave Kuai Liang an opportunity to breathe. He was not known for letting his temper drive him so fiercely. His attention was pulled back to Hanzo as a pained groan could be heard at his side.

Concern filled the man instantly as Hasashi stood from the medical cot. He rushed to scold him for putting strain on his wounds. A firm hand on his chest stopped him in his tracks.

“Need I prove to you that I am not dead? I apologize for the doubt I had, but I am not a child.” Hanzo huffed.

“I do not think you are a child, but you are a reckless old man.” Tension eased from him as the other spoke.

“I’m not the only one, at least.” The pyromancer joked, despite the dry tone.

Kuai Liang looked at him, shocked, slowly processing the banter. Hasashi let out a short, painful laugh as he watched. He stepped back to sit back down, his hand slipping away from the other’s chest as well. The cryomancer followed, instinctually chasing the heat as it faded. He’d always thought it was Hanzo following him, and while he did, Kuai Liang never let him get far either.

As he sat, he stared at the other’s hands. He craved the feeling once more. His admission of that fact left his head feeling light. He’d grown so used to the sickness he often felt that his body braced for it. None ever came. Uncomfortably shifting in his seat caught Hanzo’s attention. He followed the man’s gaze to his hands. Hesitantly, he reached out and held Kaui Liang’s hand with one of his own.

The cryomancer felt his heart rate pick up and his face flush lightly. He squeezed the hand in his hand gently. Hanzo smiled at him reassuringly, a content sigh falling past his lips.

“Do not die on me.” Kuai Liang looked up from where they had joined hands. It was an unreasonable request given their lives, but he held out hope.

Reaching out, Hanzo placed a kiss on the other man’s forehead. He lingered there for a moment, waiting for an objection. “I will not, as long as you are by my side.”

Bittersweet History

Bittersweet History (3562 words) by KittFlame Chapters: 2/2 Fandom: Mortal Kombat (Video Games), Mortal Kombat - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hanzo Hasashi | Scorpion/Kuai Liang | Sub-Zero, Hanzo Hasashi | Scorpion & Kuai Liang | Sub-Zero, Frost & Kuai Liang | Sub-Zero Characters: Hanzo Hasashi | Scorpion, Kuai Liang | Sub-Zero, Frost (Mortal Kombat) Additional Tags: Denial of Feelings, fear of rejection, Hopeful Ending, Miscommunication, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Past Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, Near Death Experiences Series: Part 3 of SubScorp Summary: With a long history of violence behind him, Kuai Liang believed romance had no place in his life. Being raised in a clan of assassins and away from a nurturing home did nothing to help. His attempts to steer clear from it fail as Hanzo continued to worm his way into his life. The surge of emotions caused Kuai Liang to pull away, straining their friendship. Only when Hanzo's life is in danger does Kuai Liang realize the mistake he made.

Chapter 1:

In the time that the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu had become allied, their respective Grandmasters had to learn how to coexist at times. They had been working together for a year, and their clans’ alliance had been in effect for longer. Kuai Liang, having been the one to call for the alliance, had been a fool and asked for more. He respected Hanzo’s work ethic and itched for the chance to fight alongside the warrior. Upon acceptance, the two were inseparable when it counted.

Any meeting they had, Hanzo settled into. He was no longer wary of being on Lin Kuei grounds. The pyromancer was a perfect guest, despite some of the other clans’ remaining hesitance about his presence. While Kuai Liang handled the unease of his clan, his friend kept his head held high. He did not bat an eye at the skepticism thrown his way.

In their meetings with their fellow Earthrealm Defenders, the cryomancer always felt warmth by his side in the form of the yellow calf warrior. His initial confused glances about the matter went unnoticed.

To Kuai Liang, his efforts had paid off greatly. It was no surprise to him that the ex-spectre was a powerful and deathly loyal ally. The only shock had been that he’d not refused to join forces after Frost’s attack. Even more so when he discovered Kuai Liang had not thrown her out of the Lin Kuei. The matter had caused a rift between them. It was something that was quickly forgotten, with Hanzo realizing it was hardly his place to judge. Since that day, the two had drifted closer over time.

Sub-Zero had not known what it was like to fight so closely with another. Compatibility in Kombat was trained in him from a young age. The only difference was that there was nothing forcing the connection. It was a breath of fresh air. The only other time he’d felt it was with a long-lost fellow assassin. He enjoyed the chance to improve his skills.

With change came unfamiliarity. It tested Kuai Liang at times, but he had not backed out, although it had crossed his mind. It became a persistent thought the more they were in one another’s company. Hanzo began inviting him on missions and personal clan endeavors. The cryomancer was quick to understand that the tasks were well below their combined skill level. No comments were ever made; he simply assumed his friend had succumbed to boredom. Neither had any interest in waiting months for an appropriate job to present itself.

“They are dealing with the black dragon?” Kuai Liang asked in an attempt to understand their latest errand.

Hanzo only nodded, concentrating on their location and finding a vantage point. He was not talkative in his work, though his focus did not suffer from the few remarks.

Holding in a sigh, Sub-Zero continued to speak. “That is all it takes to catch your attention, Grandmaster Hasashi?”

The other man turned, an eyebrow raised in question. He’d not known if it was teasing or a childish complaint that he’d heard. He opened his mouth to ask, but movement caught his attention in his peripheral vision. His mouth snapped shut, the action hidden behind his mask.

One man was patrolling the grounds nearby. The sight of the armed man made the two warriors pause. He was a few feet in front of them, ignoring the height they had on him. There was no indication he’d heard them at all. Sub-Zero moved forward mindlessly, slipping onto the ground without a sound, and took out the man just as stealthily. His body was laid on the ground. The assassin looked on, paying no attention to the sensation of blood drying on his hands. Hanzo joined him and pulled him along to the entrance, nodding his thanks.

—

Things went on without issue, which was not a surprising fact for either man. They received more information about the Black Dragon during their time at the rundown building. While they had cleared out the base, they needed to contact the SF. Kuai Liang had offered what information he could and promised the rest in writing. It was something that would take priority another day. With their distance from any available transportation, the former spectre teleported them to the Lin Kuei Temple.

Upon their arrival, Hanzo had begun to shed as many blood-stained garments as was reasonable. There was no thought needed behind the action. He’d grown accustomed to unwinding in each other’s presence before returning to the Fire Gardens. Kuai Liang only watched, his own armour staying in place. Hasashi was used to Kuai Liang’s need for silence. Neither man was very talkative, regardless. He paid little mind to it, despite the uncharacteristic stillness.

The cryomancer found it hard to get out of his own head. Something deep in his mind unnerved him while he sat. His expression was blank as he stared at his friend, only his eyes following the movement. Brown eyes met his gaze, and Hanzo leaned in to wipe his red-stained face. Kuai Liang froze at the gesture. His friend was visibly comfortable with the touch, but it only worsened the dread he felt. Kuai Liang let him finish, hiding a grimace. He turned his eyes to the remaining blood splatter on the other’s armour as he moved away.

Hanzo caught on to the strange behaviour, as it had been long enough for neither to have spoken a word yet. “Kuai Liang?” He asked, worry evident in his voice.

The act only pushed the other man further into his spiral. His mind demanded an out. “I think it’s best you left.” He blurted it out as he moved to sit at his desk, needing the distance.

A frown crossed Hasashi’s features as he hovered over where Kuai Liang sat. “Surely you do not take me for a fool? What is the issue?”

The cryomancer’s agitation grew. He knew his silence had become petty, yet he could not force himself to speak. The longer Hanzo spoke and stood in his presence, the more sick he felt. The sweetness of his actions bittered in his mind in an instant. He remained stone-faced, acting as if he could not hear the other’s pleas. It crushed his heart to do so. The large wooden desk separating them was no longer enough. The pyromancer’s looming presence was only amplified by the furniture.

Hanzo scoffed in disbelief and withdrew from the desk. “Perhaps I misread our relationship. I’ll take my leave.” He had no energy to argue and was willing to accept the blame without a second thought. Back turned to the other, flames engulfed his form as he left.

Kuai Liang’s shoulders dropped, and he let out the breath he’d been holding. His behaviour was childish and pathetic for a man of his skill and importance. Poor emotional regulation was no excuse. He'd been raised better. Though he held some doubt about that fact given his childhood, or lack thereof. Despite the decades of freedom, the damage from the Lin Kuei had held on strong. That fact had become terribly uncomfortable to face with Frost entering his life. He’d never questioned it previously. Something had been dug up deep within his memories. Some faint image of Bi-Han as a young boy, begging him to stop fighting, haunted him. Why Frost’s fearful eyes had brought up such disturbed feelings was not immediately apparent to him.

He had a roof over his head and food in his stomach. He didn’t think he needed any more than that at the time. Frost had grown up with far less. She deserved more, and he intended to give her better than he’d gotten, even without much thought. Many days she’d lash out at him, expecting his generosity would end as it always had with others. Those moments had pulled sickening relatability out of the older cryomancer.

Sub-Zero had defended the Lin Kuei endlessly, even after he’d hunted all those who remained but himself. He preached that the Cyber Initiative was a fluke of the Lin Kuei’s principles. Sektor conspiring with Quan Chi over the Shirai Ryu’s extinction furthered that opinion. He fought hard for his clan's innocence despite it all, but Frost’s betrayal had been sobering. His explanation to Hanzo on the matter had not been well received initially.

The Shirai Ryu’s Grandmaster had taken the act as disrespect towards his lost family and clan. He was indifferent to the fact that an attempt was made on his life. Even more concerned that the Lin Kuei would continue to be dishonourable even when the man had little else to lose. Kuai Liang had argued still. There was nothing to gain from being deceitful. He knew for himself what it was like to be young and have your only home threatened. To live in a world where there was only praise as a response to violence. He’d seen himself in Frost and would not let her go disparaged. Years of building her trust were not to be cast aside so easily.

Plenty of nights were spent worrying she’d run off over disagreements, and many more were scared she’d left for good. Kuai Liang had given her more patience than he had, but he persisted nonetheless. He’d lost those who’d done the same for him, and Frost had already lost more than enough.

Despite all of Hasashi’s hotheadedness, he still apologized. It had taken some harsh words that Kaui Liang was not terribly proud of, but it had gotten through to the other man. Beyond what could be considered selfishness, he was kind-hearted. The rare displays of that fact hung in the cryomancer’s head. Not always for the better. Dread pooling into his stomach grew worse each time. Yet a sick sense of yearning was felt. He was still not clear from it, even with Hanzo being gone from his space.

Needing to clear his head, he wrote his findings for General Blade. Drowning himself in his work being his best chance at easing the pent-up stress. He’d let the report linger on his desk to not be questioned for the prompt work. A distraction was all he needed.

#mortal kombat #kuai liang #hanzo hasashi #subscorp #hanzo hasashi scorpion #kuai liang subzero #hanzo hasashi x kuai liang #mk11 #mkx #mk frost #my writing

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