#bi han and kuai liang's mother

[cienie-isengardu]

[MK1] Bi-Han & Kuai Liang. Good brother? Evil brother? Nah, just different reactions to trauma, part 4

part 1, part 2, part 3

Sources provided a clear difference how brothers felt about their father. For Kuai Liang, the man was a cherished parent AND authority figure he built his life around. For Bi-Han, father (and mimicking him grieving Scorpion) was a source of frustration and limitation he did not agree with. Bi-Han and Tomas definitely had a more complex relationship with their father than Kuai Liang did.

So far, we got only little bits in regard to mother and her influences on brothers and Lin Kuei politics but enough to see how Sub-Zero and Scorpion’s relationship with her differ from how they felt about father.

Before I will dwell on those relationships I would like to point out a small detail noticed during my research: so far there is no direct mention that the mother was in fact a wife of Grandmaster. She is either referred to as a mother or parent - which makes sense, because her importance is related to the brothers, not to their father, so it would be weird if Bi-Han, Tomas or Kuai Liang talked about her as the “wife of Grandmaster”. At the same time, the lack of implication of marriage bond between mother and father[1] and how she is refered feels similar to the obscure reference from original timeline:

Born in America, Sub-Zero was the oldest of three children, which included a brother and sister. Their mother wanted a normal life for her sons, who had already been chosen by the Lin Kuei to become warriors for the clan. She tried in vein to hide them from their father whose own life in America was only a cover for his true identity and purpose. Eventually they were found and their father returned with them to his homeland. Their mother and sister were never seen or heard from again. (x)

Due to this, I decided to not describe her as the wife or supposed wife of Grandmaster and stick just to provided by sources terms of mother, parent and Lin Kuei fighter - so in advance sorry for repetition of those words. At the same time, this specific way of including the mother in Bi-Han, Tomas and Kuai Liang’s story creates a possibility of a more complicated family relationship, both between brothers and their parents or between the mother and father alone. And as a result the whole Lin Kuei inner politics, as we already have a hint of its complexity due to Cyrax and Sektor's loyalty to Sub-Zero threatening Kuai Liang’s birthright to the title of Grandmaster.  Keeping it in mind, here are some of my thoughts and conclusions about the mother and her sons. 

Let’s start with Kuai Liang. There is no doubt he respected and deeply cared for father’s teaching. As I hopefully proved in the previous part, there is a solid reason to think that the loss of a cherished parent affected Scorpion to the point that grief influenced his behavior (mimicking father) and in result, relationship with brothers (barely talking with them if it didn’t involve father or tradition up to Sub-Zero’s betrayal). He expressed a burning anger at Bi-Han for letting their father die.

Kuai Liang doesn’t seem to have the same emotional bond with mother. 

Sindel: Both your parents were excellent fighters. Scorpion: I can only hope to live up to their example.

Like yes, he will acknowledge Sindel’s opinion and hope to be good as his parents but that is like the only one time we hear him saying anything about mother - and even then, she is mentioned alongside the cherished father. 

Mind you, this is solely my impression, but this intro reminds me of film scenes in which a character is told by others about a parent they had never had the chance to meet or know too well. It may be a wrong impression, but there is something about Kuai Liang’s response that makes me wonder how old he was when mother died and if he lost a parent at a young age, did it fuel his deep dedication to father as there was no other authority figure to influence him as a person?

Granted, both Kuai Liang and Bi-Han never bring mother first in their intro dialogues - what A) says a lot about their upbringing and B) differs from some mentions of father. But in Scorpion’s intro there is hardly anything truly personal about his bond with mother, or her personal feelings on Lin Kuei duty, especially when compared to those focused on the previous Grandmaster.

In contrast, we have interaction between Tomas and Bi-Han:

Smoke: If Mother were alive -- Sub-Zero: She would applaud my actions.

Tomas and Bi-Han may have a different idea of how mother would react to their brotherly conflict, but both talk about her in a more personal way. Tomas invokes her the same way he brings father into discussion:

story mode: "Were he here, Father would advise us to wait without protest."

or

Sub-Zero: You were never truly one of us. Smoke: Were Father here, he would disagree.

So we can assume mother had an impact on Tomas as he respected her as an authority figure similar to father. Alternatively, he thinks Bi-Han is more likely to listen about mother than anything he will say about their father. 

The letter part would be an interesting parallel between Tomas and Bi-Han, because Smoke himself is implied to grow up without a father or not being close to his biological parent - when talking about his original family Smoke directly mentioned so far only mother and his twin sister.

Also, the same as happened with father in intro dialogues, Kuai Liang and Tomas do not talk about their Lin Kuei mother. Scorpion claimed that Tomas never mention his biological mother and sister:

Scorpion: You never speak of your mother and sister. Smoke: Their ghosts no longer haunt me, Kuai Liang.

but as the other intro dialogues proved, Tomas does talk about them directly and indirectly with some characters, 

like Kitana,

Smoke: My sister was my twin. Kitana: How it must have hurt to lose her.

Tanya (priestess warrior) 

Smoke: After losing my family, I lost my faith. Tanya: It's the only thing that can sustain you, Tomas.

and Liu Kang (Fire Lord who may be responsible for their death)

Liu Kang: I cannot bring back your family, Tomas. Smoke: You can't or you won't?

Like I said before, it is impossible to tell for sure about which mother, biological or adoptive, Smoke was speaking, but as he claimed Li Mei resemble him mother

Li Mei: I remind you of your mother? Smoke: No-nonsense and tough as nails, just like her.

I personally assume he meant the adoptive one, as according to Smoke’s ending he lived with the Lin Kuei family for around 15 years. Logically thinking he would have more clear memories of her than about the biological parent he lost in childhood. We of course have no idea when - and how - his Lin Kuei mother died, but if I’m right in my assumption, then Tomas is providing vital insight into what kind of person she was. As Tomas said, a tough and no-nonsense woman and that fits perfectly the image of an excellent Lin Kuei fighter, because frankly, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang easily fit that description too. As presumably, the majority of Lin Kuei warriors. 

Another thing to note, the adoptive mother is not identified by Tomas with kindness, comfort or warmth or anything most people usually associate mothers with. This of course does not mean his adoptive mother didn’t love him or was a bad parent but may give us an idea what it felt to grow up in a clan primarily focused on training warriors. A purpose that definitely affected how people interacted with each other and what was expected from children. 

However the most interesting thing about Tomas considering Li Mei to be similar to adoptive mother is the fact that from all possible female fighters, he identifies mother with a woman forced into and shaped by Umgadi system of servitude but who found her true purpose outside said system. 

Kitana: Resuming your old role is a waste of material. Li Mei: Being First Constable is my first, best destiny.

or

Liu Kang: I hear the Umgadi want you back. Li Mei: I prefer to remain First Constable.

And this finally led me to the eldest brother and Sub-Zero’s statement that mother “would applaud me”.

Bi-Han outright claims mother would be proud of him and logically thinking, supportive of his choices. Which is a drastic contrast to how he perceives father as he did call the man a fool that doomed Lin Kuei.

And here comes an important thing: though sources barely provide us an idea who Bi-Han’s mother was in original timeline - a Lin Kuei herself who knew what lay ahead of her sons already chosen by the clan or just a woman that was unlucky to meet and have three children with an assassin working undercover in America - she was literally the only person that tried to give Bi-Han and Kuai Liang a normal, safe life. This woman, whoever she was, challenged a powerful assassin clan to save her two sons and daughter and was presumably killed alongside the daughter by Bi-Han’s father. This definitely affected Bi-Han’s worldview and interestingly, the sources have never implied Sub-Zero had any strong emotional ties with his father. 

Mythologies Sub-Zero’s backstory mentions only Bi-Han and Kuai Liang being kidnapped against mother’s will, that cryomancy was passed down to Bi-Han from father, that he took his place and mantle when the man died and that is basically all we know about their relationship. 

Between brothers, it is always Kuai Liang to mention other male members of their family with respect, as can be seen with new timeline Scorpion and alternative timeline Kuai Liang:

Sub-Zero: I disown you in every way. Noob Saibot: Then disown my name, 'Sub-Zero'. Sub-Zero: The name was Grandfather's first.

and

Sub-Zero: Grandfather? Sub-Zero: Defeat me to earn my mantle. Sub-Zero: You honor me with your kombat.

despite the possibility that said Grandfather may be the one that kidnapped brothers to enroll them into the Lin Kuei clan, while Bi-Han as a Noob Saibot was the one bringing their mother, even if just to be sarcastic/ironic:

Noob Saibot: You disappoint me. Sub-Zero: The feeling is mutual, brother. Noob Saibot: Mother would be so proud.

and on two separate occasions talked to Jacqui about her mom that passed shortly before MK11’s events:

Noob Saibot: Vera's soul calls you. Jacqui: Keep mama's name out your mouth, Revenant! Noob Saibot: Revenant? I am Wraith!

and

Noob Saibot: Return to your mother's arms. Jacqui: She's dead, asshole. Noob Saibot: And her soul is mine.

and isn’t it a surprisingly similar thing to current timeline Bi-Han talking to Kitana and Mileena about their dead mother?

And yes, Liu Kang’s timeline is a fresh start and a lot of things have changed but some elements seem to repeat themselves, whether the Keeper of Time agrees with it or not. Which is why I think mother - and her fate - again deeply influenced Bi-Han, the same as he was influenced in the original timeline by her desperate attempt to save him and Kuai Liang from Lin Kuei bondage. 

Bi-Han claimed mother would applaud his action, so she may herself feel resentment for Grandmaster’s idea of tradition and duty to Earthrealm and that resentment was passed down to her eldest son. Alternatively, it was her death that made Sub-Zero question both the nature of the relationship between Lin Kuei and Fire Lord and his father’s wisdom.

This leads me to another detail that may not be intentional on NRS’s part but it is repeated through the sources. The same as mother is never said to be the wife of Grandmaster - what admittedly is the most logical assumption for a traditional (patriarchal) clan as a way to secure the line of legal heir from proper marriage  - the decision of adopting Tomas was made solely by Grandmaster. And so we have:

Smoke’s bio: As a boy, Smoke lived to hunt with his family. Their final hunt, however, ended in tragedy. Having accidentally trespassed onto Lin Kuei lands, they were attacked. Smoke was orphaned. Ashamed by his warriors' actions, the Lin Kuei's Grandmaster adopted Smoke. He raised him alongside his sons, Sub-Zero and Scorpion.

and

Kitana: You are Kuai Liang's adopted brother? Smoke: His father's honor demanded that he take me in.

and

Reptile: Lucky for you, Kuai Liang's father took you in. Smoke: It didn't feel that way at the time.

or

Bi-Han, story mode: Mind your place, Tomas. Father may have taken you in, made you one of us… but your blood will never be Lin Kuei.

As I talked before about Bi-Han and Tomas forced brotherhood on different occasion it struck me how the adoption resolved mainly around father’s selfish reasons like saving his honor and erasing the feeling of guilt rather the boy’s safety and emotional health. There is something truly disturbing about forcing a child to be part of clan that murdered his family over a trivial matter. But there is also something disturbing about how the mother had no say in the adoption of Tomas, as there isn’t any hint the man consulted that with her. Now, it is understandable that in a very traditional (patriarchy) clan the father, as the Grandmaster and head of his family, could make decisions without consultation with others, including his own wife or children. But usually people who love or at least mutually respect each other discuss the vital matters before making decisions whose consequences will have such a great impact on their and their children’s life. Adopting a child, so greatly traumatized and from totally foreign culture, is something that should be a joint decision of father and mother if both were supposed to raise said kid alongside their own. In that regard the father comes off badly, not only by how sources made his reasoning selfish (“his honor demanded”, “Ashamed by his warriors' actions”, “father wanted us to be brothers”) but also how uncaring he was toward the mother of his children, especially compared to Sindel and Jerrord. 

We have no idea if Bi-Han’s father and mother were in love or were forced into a relationship by demands of tradition, maybe even through arranged marriage. But we have Sindel that though married Jerrord as a means to ensure peace, 

Sindel's Bio: When Sindel ascended to Outworld's throne, she worried that she was ill-prepared. Adding to her stress: her impending arranged marriage to Jerrod, an Outworld noble. Forced into it to placate a rebellious region, Sindel could only pray that he was worthy. To Sindel’s delight, Jerrod proved an ideal partner. 

she was loved, respected and supported by her husband and the feeling was mutual.

So far there is little suggesting Bi-Han’s mother had any real influence over Lin Kuei’s politics or that Grandmaster sought out her advice. She is not called the wife of Grandmaster, a title suggesting some high social position and so far only Sindel's remark gives us any idea what her role in clan could be. Liu Kang and Scorpion do not bring her dedication to Earthrealm and duty as a counterargument to Bi-Han’s resentment the way they talk about previous Grandmaster’s teaching and wisdom. She is pretty much removed from the picture and only Sindel and Tomas bothered to mention her at all. Sindel by praising Kuai Liang’s both parents as excellent fighters and Tomas by recalling her authority - the only one that Bi-Han seems to agree with, as according to him reclaiming Lin Kuei independence is what would please his mother.

If Tomas and Bi-Han have such a different idea of mother, the first question coming to mind is which brother speaks truth and which one is delusional. However I think that is not right question, because mother could not to speak about her desire to gain independence for Lin Kuei with Tomas - not because she didn’t love or accept the boy as her own, but because the orphan, as not born into clan, could not understand fully the Lin Kuei situation. Especially not when little Tomas was mourning the killed family and not when it became clear he and adoptive father became close. 

Another thing worth to examine is the possibility that Bi-Han, consciously or not, also associates Li Mei with his mother, as 

he clearly respect her, a former Umgadi turned into First Constable, more than Tanya, the current leader of priestess warriors:

Sub-Zero: No one in your order can defeat a Lin Kuei. Tanya: A nescient boast which is easily disproven.

or

Sub-Zero: Mileena sends a bodyguard, not a warrior? Tanya: Underestimate me at your peril, Sub-Zero.

vs

Sub-Zero: I hear your skills are formidable. Li Mei: As are those of all who have been Umgadi.

he encourages Li Mei to stop serve Royal Family and govern themselves

Sub-Zero: Your constables could also govern. Li Mei: We are sworn only to protect and serve.

something he usually does not do, as Sub-Zero has no interest in people outside Lin Kuei.

I’m painfully aware there is not enough source material to have clear conclusions and many of my thoughts are based on guesswork and comparative analysis. That said, I do think that as death of father deeply influenced Kuai Liang, the same happened with Bi-Han when their mother presumably was killed on duty. We have no idea what is the age gap between brothers, however I do think that Kuai Liang, as the younger brother, could not have a chance to know their mother well so all his devotion was focused on the living parent that raised him. If the mother personally wished for or actively supported Lin Kuei independence, she could do so as a way to ensure her children will have a better life than endless servitude, the same way the original timeline incarnation tried to save her sons from servitude to the assassin clan. In that case, Bi-Han was raised with an additional influence that shaped his mindset about his duty to clan above duty to Liu Kang and Earthrealm. If mother’s death was somehow the fault of Grandmaster and/or Fire Lord, as in, they sent her on ill-fated mission, it could be the origin of Bi-Han’s resentment against both men. 

There is much more to say about the conflict between tradition vs independence and I for sure will talk about that soon, but the next part will be focused on POWER.

SIDENOTES:

[1] Alternative timeline seems the closest to presenting Bi-Han and Kuai Liang’s parents as the “normal family” as both look devastated when their children were kidnapped by Lin Kuei.

At the same time, MK11’s intro dialogues of Sub-Zero and Noob suggests their grandfather was once a Sub-Zero himself, with raises a question how much their parents were aware of danger from the assassin clan and if any of them were a Lin Kuei themselves.

[suja-janee]

Can’t say I blame her

[edenianleena]

OMG , They Looks So Amazing.😭💜💙

✨✨✨

credit : Sketchy_Hedgey on X/Twitter

[ntaras]

it’s the fact that in the original timeline bi-han knew his mother longer than kuai liang and can probably still remember the way her food tasted and the way she instructed him to hold his young brother and sister in his arms without hurting them and just for a few short years he had a normal childhood before he was snatched away by his father

[belumiller]

╔─────┨ ۞ ┠─────╗

THEORY: MOTHER OF THE BROTHERS (KUAI LIANG AND BI-HAN):

It is important to remember that what I will write on this occasion is a theory that does not seek to de-canonize canonical events or to confirm anything. I simply do it to pass the time. However, I emphasize the fact that the theories I make seek to respect dialogues and/or events. Even so I do not seek to have the truth in this.

A theory seeks to explain plot holes, it must be explained with respect to such event or occurrence, which is why this can be long. 

⚠️ WARNING: LOTS OF TEXT.

~Belumiller.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THEIR MOTHER?

The theory would start with the whereabouts of his mother. For those who don't know about her, this character had a mention for the first time in MK Conquest and then in MK9 with a brief mention and in the series a story. Being that this character is always dead, so we never got to know her more in depth. She only has a brief image in the Sub-Zero trailer to promote the release of MK9 in 2011 where she tells her biography, since every trailer they released showed a brief biography to cover holes. In the trailer for this one, she is shown next to what it would be like to be their father. To my eye looking closely at the trailer, I have an observation....

The sources provided a clear difference between how the siblings felt about their father. For Kuai Liang, this man was a beloved father and an authority figure around whom he built his life. For Bi-Han the father (Imitating him in mourning his brother) was a source of frustration and limitation with which he disagreed. Bi-Han and Thomas definitely had a more complex relationship with their father than with Kuai Liang.

 Before I delve into this relationship thing, I would like to point out one small detail observed while researching this new universe:

~So far there is no direct mention that the mother was actually the wife of the Grandmaster. She is only referred to as the mother or a relative, which makes sense, because her importance is related to the brothers, not their father, so it would be strange if Bi-Han, Thomas or Kuai Liang spoke of her as "the Grandmaster's wife". At the same time, the lack of implication of the marriage bond between father and mother and how this is referenced in the obscure original timeline reference: 

Before I delve into this relationship thing, I would like to point out one small detail observed while researching this new universe:

~So far there is no direct mention that the mother was actually the wife of the Grandmaster. She is only referred to as the mother or a relative, which makes sense, because her importance is related to the brothers, not their father, so it would be strange if Bi-Han, Thomas or Kuai Liang spoke of her as "the Grandmaster's wife". At the same time, the lack of implication of the marriage bond between father and mother and how this is referenced in the obscure original timeline reference:

"Born in the USA, Sub-Zero was the eldest of three siblings, which included a brother and a sister. Their mother wanted a normal life for her children, who have already been chosen by the Lin Kuei to become clan warriors. She tried in vain to hide them from their father, whose own life in the U.S. was only a cover for his true identity and purpose. Eventually they were found and his father returned with them to his homeland. He never saw or heard from his mother and sister again." 

Because of this, I decided not to describe her as the wife or supposed wife of the Grandmaster and to limit myself to the terms provided by the sources of mother, father and fighter Lin Kuei, so in advance I regret the repetition of those words. At the same time, this specific way of including the mother in the story of Bi-Han, Thomas and Kuai Liang creates the possibility of a more complicated relationship, both between siblings and their parents and between mother and father alone. And as a result, the whole internal politics of the Lin Kuei, as we get a sense of its complexity due to Cyrax and Sektor's loyalty to Bi-Han that threatens Kuai Liang's birthright to the title of Grandmaster. With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts and conclusions about the mother and her children:

Let's start with Kuai Liang. There is no doubt that he respected and cared deeply about his father's teachings. As he hopefully demonstrated in the previous part, there is solid reason to believe that the loss of a beloved father affected Scorpion to the point that grief influenced his behavior (imitating his father) and, consequently, his relationship with his siblings (barely talking to them if he didn't involve the father or the tradition until Bi-Han's betrayal). Which this one expressed a burning anger towards Sub-Zero for letting his father die.

Kuai Liang does not seem to have the same emotional bond with his mother.

Of course, both Kuai Liang and Bi-Han mention the mother first in their introductory dialogues:

A: Which says a lot about her upbringing.

B: It differs from some mentions of the father.

 But in Scorpion's introduction there is almost nothing truly personal about his bond with his mother, or his personal feelings about Lin Kuei duty, especially compared to those centered on the previous Grandmaster.

So these two points may be valid but I'm not confirming anything. They are just two theories....

Now, from the timeline of MK9 and MK11 no more is known about his mother, except for some dialogues of Bi-Han (Noob Saibot) which is as follows:

 NOOB SAIBOT: You disappoint me.

SUB-ZERO: The feeling is mutual, brother.

NOOB SAIBOT: Mother would be so proud. 

Clear example that his mother would be proud of Bi-Han in this case. Which means that apparently he had a deep affection and connection with her, but in a very overrated way, being a point that through his mother he learned to be good, that is to say that the qualities we know of the original Bi-Han (that is, the one from Mortal Kombat Mythologies) were forged by this woman. These qualities Bi-Han would lose them as the tragedies in his life progressed. However, these teachings were marked in Kuai Liang. For Kuai Liang confirms that he only defends the principles that Bi-Han had before. Being the principles of his mother. So I imply with this that this female character was good.

NEW TIMELINE (MORTAL KOMBAT 1):

DIALOGUE 1:

 Now, in this dialogue Thomas (Smoke) gives confirmation that his mother is dead and that she once existed. Which gives confirmation again that she would be proud of Bi-Han, thus giving a resemblance to the dialogue of MK11 (I will deepen this soon) according to other dialogues, The mother of these is said to have a resemblance to Li Mei. 

Here is the dialogue:

Li Mei: I remind you of your mother.

Smoke (Thomas): No-nonsense and tough as nails, Just like her. 

 This dialogue would "give" in quotation marks that her mother has a resemblance to Li Mei's personality. But I don't know if he mentions his biological mother or the mother of the siblings. But it would not be a discarded theory, since Thomas lost his parents when he was a child, and he mentions the Lin Kuei as his only family, being that maybe he has no memories about his childhood, so I can't give with certainty that this theory will be true, and it should only be grasped between tweezers. 

Personally I assume he meant the adoptive one, since according to the tower ending of this one he lived with the Lin Kuei family for about 15 years. Logically to think he would have clearer memories of her than of the biological father he lost in his childhood. Of course, we have no idea when and how his Lin Kuei mother passed away, but if I am correct, Thomas is providing vital insight into what kind of person she was. As Thomas said, "a tough, level-headed woman" and that fits perfectly with the image of an excellent fighter Lin Kuei. Because frankly, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang also easily fit that description. As you might expect, most Lin Kuei warriors do.

Another thing to note is that Thomas does not identify the adoptive mother with kindness, comfort or warmth or anything that most people usually associate mothers with. Of course, this doesn't mean that his adoptive mother didn't love him or was a bad mother, but it may give us an idea of what it felt like to grow up in a clan focused primarily on training warriors. A purpose that definitely affected how people interacted with each other and what was expected of the children. 

However, what is most interesting about Thomas considering Li Mei to be similar to an adoptive mother is the fact that, of all the possible fighters, he identifies the mother as a woman forced and molded by the Umgadi servitude system, but who found her true purpose outside of said system. 

Dialogue:

Kitana: Resuming your old role is a waste of material.

Li Mei: Being first Constable is my first, best destiny. 

Dialogue:

Liu Kang: I hear the Umgadi want you back.

Li Mei: I prefer to remain first constable.

CODE AND STRUCTURE OF THE UMGADI AND LIN KUEI:

I know that this topic of world building in the Lin Kuei clan, the knowledge of that clan along with the tradition that shaped them Kuai Liang and Bi-Han I should talk about in more depth. But it is something I will talk about in another thread, I promise. 

Here I will talk about the similarities of both the Umgadi system and Lin Kuei, as there is evidence in both the story mode and dialogues that they have certain parallels.

 Now, that Bi-Han and Kuai Liang are survivors of great psychological and physical abuse is most certainly true for previous timelines, however, just because the Lin Kuei now falls under the authority of Liu Kang, it does not automatically erase the possibility of both brothers experiencing things that no child should experience. To better illustrate my point, let's take a moment and look at the system of Empress Sindel and the Umgadi. 

 Sindel in general is presented as the ruler who does not seek open conflict with Earthrealm and whom Liu Kang openly admires. As the god of fire himself said, Sindel was destined to "rule Outworld firmly, but justly", and it is her rule that brings peace to Outworld, as otherwise it would be to enter into conflict. 

Liu Kang in story mode: His past has been difficult. Although the last thousand years of Empress Sindel's reign have been a truly golden age...memories of that struggle still linger. Along with Sindel's biography "Her first reign marked the beginning of a new golden age".

 That's what the character biography and the main story directly say or imply about Sindel.

 But then the introductory dialogues bring a different side of the beloved queen. People infected with the Tarkat disease are exiled and their property confiscated by Sindel's edict.

Dialogue:

Kitana: When you became ill,  your assets were taken? 

Baraka: As required by your mother's edict, princess.

And, consequently, forced to die slowly in poverty, far from healthy citizens. Those who sympathize with the suffering infected people and do not "denounce them to quarantine" are treated as criminals, as seen when Li Mei and his men interrupted the procession of the Royal Family as they led the people and tied them up. 

 The mistreatment of the infected, according to the endings of Mileena and Baraka, would be improved by the new empress, who not only lends a hand to the suffering but would go so far as to reveal her own illness to reduce the social stigma against the sick. Mileena is seen as impulsive, violent and not the best material for a queen compared to Sindel, the supposedly wise and kind ruler, or even her younger sister, Kitana. But it is the bold empress who would really make an effort to improve her empire.

 Similar things can be said about the Umgadi system, which forces Outworld families to give up their firstborn daughters for training that will turn their daughters into living weapons to defend the rule of the Royal Family. 

Liu Kang in story mode: The Umgadi, like Tanya, are warrior priestesses...selected from the firstborn daughters of Outworld. From childhood, they are trained to defend the Royal Family.

The daughters in question will never know their biological family or where they were born to ensure their absolute loyalty to the Royal Family, although not all candidates will complete their training. Once they obtain the title of Umgadi, they cannot marry or have a relationship, nor do we even have any idea if they are paid anything for their service. So far, Li Mei is the only known woman to leave the Umgadi, and she did so because of the death of Sindel's husband, for which she was unfairly blamed. And again, the related material implies that the change to the Umgadi system will come about thanks to Mileena, who is willing to reform an organization that is deeply rooted with Edenian tradition, not the "kind and good" Queen Sindel. 

 So, just because a character is on the side of the good guys, doesn't mean that said character is crystallinely good and without any flaws or that breaking with tradition is inherently evil, because tradition alone is just a system of beliefs and practices. Or behaviors established in the past and passed down from one generation to the next within a group of people or society and not a determinant of being good or bad.

 Now, the important thing: The Umgadi and the Lin Kuei are very similar organizations. The similarities are especially true for the ancient Lin Kuei timelines, as we have more or less an idea of what the training adepts looked like through the ages. However, what we learned through the sources about Liu Kang's version of the clan still brings many parallels to the Umgadi, and I think we can all agree that, objectively speaking, the Umgadi system is very unfair to the firstborn daughters and only benefits the Royal Family. 

Through the story mode and the introductory dialogues, Liu Kang does not question the nature of the Umgadi system. Quite the contrary, the introduction between Geras and Tanya suggests that the Umgadi was Liu Kang's innovation.

Here is the dialogue:

Geras: The Umgadi was one of Liu Kang's best innovations. 

Tanya: My order sprung  from his mind?. 

A man who sees nothing wrong with enrolling little girls in endless servitude to the Royal Family, thinking logically, will not question the process of turning the Lin Kuei into warriors nor the nature of their duty. 

 In earlier timelines, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang as children were kidnapped and forced to live a life of assassination by their own father (original timeline) or an unspecified member of the Lin Kuei, presumably their grandfather (alternate timeline). Their choice was to adapt to these hardships or die, so they survived and both became great warriors in their own right. 

 Which the fandom has been divided over their brotherhood for years. Even down to Bi-Han's "evil" personality. Which I believe is not about one brother being inherently good and the other inherently evil. For their development is the result of the abusive environment in which they grew up. Surviving great abuse and pathology more than anything else.

Now, in Liu Kang's timeline, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang were born into a place of power, as they are both sons of the Grandmaster. Sub-Zero as the eldest, was to inherit leadership once his father passed away, or possibly, abdicated. So, in theory, the fire god improved the lives of both brothers. However, like the previous one, both men were given no choice, as the Lin Kuei clan is bound to serve Earthrealm while their existence was kept secret. 

Liu Kang's words: "The Lin Kuei is a centuries-old clan dedicated to the defense of Earthrealm," while Bi-Han's biography adds: "As Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, Sub-Zero leads his ancient warrior clan in defending Earthrealm from external threats. For centuries, it has been his solemn task" and this is the tradition that will define Bi-Han and Kuai Liang's entire lives. For they, as children of the Grandmaster, were expected to maintain and continue that service. 

There are no complete pictures of what the daily life or training of the Lin Kuei looks like in the Liu Kang timeline, but the sources give an idea. And then we have examples of the story mode:

Scorpion to Kung Lao: "We’re trained differently. It Takes years to master oír ways”.

 Along with an introductory dialogue:

Bi-Han: "Lin Kuei are trained from childhood." 

Confirming that both brothers were prepared for their role as Earth Defenders (Liu Kang's Special Forces) since they were children. Scorpion's words alone provide another vital insight, as "We train differently" is what distinguishes both brothers from Liu Kang's chosen champions. We got a glimpse of that during the Lin Kuei's mission in Ying Fortress, as both Sub-Zero and Scorpion didn't hesitate to kill their foe and Kuai Liang's "rage attack" illustrates well how brutal the Lin Kuei can be in a fight. 

NEXT PART TWO ⏩

[weaverworks]

Toddler Bi-Han with his beloved mother. Fanart by me! In the original, Bi-Han, Kaui Liang, and their baby sister were Chinese-Americans. In the new game, it seems she's a warrior too. Why not make her part of a Viking clan? :D! (Reason? The Lin Kuei Symbol looks a little similar to the Nordic/Celtic symbols.) (In MK1, they finally incorporated the mother and father BUT left the sister out. WHY?)

[mk-oc-imagines]

Wooo! Another chapter finished after, what, two months of writing it, while getting distracted? This is a relatively chill chapter stay tuned for the next one!

[yanderestarangel]

HEADKANONS MK1 - "HOW WOULD THEY REACT TO THE PREGNANT READER?"

A/N: an anon asked me for Bi Han's reaction to a pregnant Reader, but then I decided to play several MK men soon, I'll answer all requests too, thanks for the asks and support <3

TW: pregnancy, afab anatomy, paternity mentioned, used "father/mother" to refer to the reader, mention of smut, fluff.

✧ BI HAN ✧

It really depends on what kind of relationship you two have. You can have a "friendship with benefits" with Bi Han, where you look for each other just to have sex, then you end up accidentally getting pregnant and go look for him - obviously afraid, after all, he is Bi Han. So he asks you to meet him in the forest, the same meeting place where you made love in passionate encounters, with Bi Han fucking you hard, whispering how good you were for him, how good your beautiful pussy was on his dick, it was the only moment that the grand master was vulnerable. You saw him in the distance, with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face as he waited for you to say something so important that made him miss an entire day of liu kuei training. After telling him, he would be surprised for a few minutes, and say: "-Are you sure it's my son?" -Bi Han said with a little too much seriousness in his voice, even aggression while you felt a little offended, but you would say yes, making Bi Han look at the sky, a smile could be seen slightly on his lips as he went at your direction by kneeling in front of your belly and nodding your head. "-I think we will be good parents, our child will have all the honor and power Lin Kuei." -The ice ninja stood up as he held your hand, he would be a good father, even if he was rude at times, he will take care of your pregnancy - and maybe he will want more children in the future with you - he would officially ask you to be his boyfriend/girlfriend or marriage, after all, he needs a partner by his side, especially you who are carrying his offspring.

✧ KUAI LIANG ✧

The two of you also had a friendship with benefits, always together in the lonely early mornings that Kuai would look for you for pleasure and affection, but unlike his brother, Kuai would treat you as if the two of you were already dating, giving you gifts or even forgetting and saying that You were his boyfriend/girlfriend. Over time he started to stay even more at your house, always having sex in every possible place - and often without a condom - so soon your period was late, you felt sick and took a pregnancy test, confirming your suspicions. That night Liang and you had sex again, while you sat next to him on the mattress on the floor with the pregnancy test under the pillow, obviously you were scared, as you saw Kuai look at you worried. "-Is there a problem sweetheart?" -He said, caressing your naked and sweaty waist, after sex, while you sighed and took out the small pregnancy test, with the positive sign, showing it to him without saying anything. Kuai would remain silent for a few minutes, looking at the test in hand while he finally smiled slightly, looking at you fondly. "-Was that it (Y/N)? Why were you afraid to tell me? I'm literally in love with you, it's not just sex for me, I really love you. And we're together for everything, especially this." -Kuai Liang said smiling, hugging you right away, while stroking your hair. "-You will look beautiful as a father/mother, with a huge belly, carrying our child, our family will start now, you and me."

✧ SYZOTH ✧

He's going to faint, no joke, but it's from happiness. Regardless of your relationship, he will be over the moon. Syzoth always wanted a family again, he lost one so he knows the pain and loneliness it is, being alone in the world and without hope, he found you and you started small meetings, sometimes sex, sometimes just watching a movie together or just talking - or sometimes all together, it depends on the mood of the two of you on the day - And this will last for many days, months or even years, he always wanted a title, but you never wanted to put labels on what you two had, what you left He was upset to be honest, but he continued with your conformist carnal encounters while trying to settle for sexual chemistry. But that didn't last long with a fight between the two of you for exactly that reason, you didn't want a relationship but he did, leading to the two of you not seeing each other for two weeks and in the meantime, you discovered you were pregnant, becoming desperate and looking for Syzoth immediately. He was shocked, paralyzed, he was breathing heavily and then passed out seconds later, but he woke up quickly. "-Am I going to be a father??? Am I really going to be a father again?" -Syzoth spoke with a happy smile, taking your shoulders, as he pulled you into a hug, jumping with joy, shedding a few tears in the process, he quickly knelt down, looking at your belly, and placing a kiss over the fabric of your blouse. "-I already love you my child, me and (Y/N) will love you very much." -He stood up, wiping away his tears while looking at you with affection. "-Do you agree to make things official between the two of us (Y/N)? And raise our child? I promise to do everything to protect you, as the father/mother of my son."

✧ REIKO ✧

The two of you were the classic: enemies to lovers, always fighting with each other to stand out more for General Shao Khan or even falling to the punch - without losing the friendship, just a friendly spar, where Reiko and you left bleeding - But there was always sexual tension between the two of you, it was obvious to anyone who saw you, and one day, it became real, with you and Reiko taking a shower after a mission together in the same bathroom and with him teasing you and you teasing back, when you saw it, you had been sitting on Reiko's dick for two hours while he moaned loudly echoing through the box, the sex was incredible and you liked this concept of hating each other and competing in front of everyone, but meeting every night - even though the competitions also applied in the bedroom, with the two of you challenging each other with who was going to cum faster... Reiko always lost - but soon the two of you became more intimate, more passionate, starting to do it without a condom, because Reiko loves make a good creampie in your pussy - after a few weeks, you realized that you were sick and more unwell for training, making him also worry, so you went to an exo terra healer, proving that you were expecting Reiko's child . You didn't know how to tell him, but you didn't have to, he followed you and heard everything, waiting for you outside with your arms crossed and a slight smile on your face. "-Well, I think we're going to be parents now, right? And this child is going to be very dear to me (Y/N), you can trust me." -Reiko spoke sincerely, while placing a hand on your shoulder, kissing you on the forehead. "-And we both know that this child will be like me, he will be born strong like me and-" -He spoke but you soon disagreed, leading the two of you to walk hand in hand while talking/arguing amicably with whoever your son was going to look like.

✧ SHANG TSUNG ✧

He was never a sentimental man, but you were the only person who got to see a softer side of Shang, he was still arrogant but less selfish when it came to you. The two of you met in his castle, where he studied various spells every night and liked to show off to you, at first it was just a friendship, but Shang fell in love with you which led you to have sex on his table, with first time showing you a soft side, as he thrust his hips into you, moaning loudly as he bit your neck. This became a routine, mainly sitting on Shang's lap with his entire dick in your pussy, while he studied some spells, letting you enjoy the pleasure. He's different from everyone else on the list, he knows you're pregnant before you can even open your mouth to tell him. You ran into his castle with tears in your eyes, ready to tell him, but he smiled at you with his back turned, it wasn't a forced or sarcastic smile, it was something soft, something real. "-Oh really? I already knew my cute little voodoo doll, have you already chosen a name? How about something big? After all, this child is mine." -He spoke with his chin raised and genuinely happy, as he called you closer, putting you on his lap and quickly kissing you, caressing your cheek. "-I will take care of you two, you as the father/mother of my child, and this child... I really want you by my side (Y/N)."

©YANDERESTARANGEL 2023

[zg0nuwa]

I can imagine Bi-Han and his wife having a son and one day he sees her holding the child outside and singing softly. Seeing it reminds it of his mom and the times he had had with her and he can’t help but smile softly

i am actually melting rn bye

you were anxious about bringing your son out in the blistering cold of the arctik. even with bi hans constant reassurance that nothing will happen.

this time of the year though the weather finally turned a little nicer around the temple. it was finally time to introduce him to the gardens, training grounds and the flora surrounding your home.

wrapped in a thick onesie your little one was on your hip cooing and babbling softly. at the time bi han was out training with his brother who couldn’t hold in his teasing at seeing the grandmaster get so easily distracted by your presence.

„ i thought we were supposed to be training and not staring bi han. ”

with a frustrated groan he straightened his posture and turned to leave kuai liang behind.

„ we’re finished here. ”

not waiting for the others response he was already heading straight in the direction of the gardens where he saw you going just a few seconds ago.

the closer he got the louder soft cries of his son had become. as he was about to turn the corner he heard your soft humming of a weirdly familiar melody.

it took him a moment but then again he saw his mother in you. calming his son with the same song he found comfort in during his childhood years. a soft smile forming on his features as he starts to walk in your direction.

completely unaware of his presence you stood in the middle of the gardens and tried to calm your child down after a strong gust of wind irritated his soft cheeks.

you felt strong arms gripping your waist and pulling you back into your husbands chest. nothing was said as the two of you softly swayed from side to side until your son started to fall asleep on your chest.

somebody better restrain me istg

[tiredfox64]

Can you write about the reader tagging along with Lin Kuei brothers on a mission and where they are us cold, which the reader hates and gets cold very easily and each opportunity the brothers would find a way to warm the reader themselves?

Ice Can Help

Prior notes: I would complain about the cold but I need to complain about the heat now. Tell me why it’s gonna be 80 tomorrow and almost 90 on Monday 💀

Pairings: Lin Kuei Bros x Gn reader

Warnings ‼️: You shall walk with no fear

And you thought home was cold. Forget it, you rather take that than this.

The finest fake fur can’t save you right now. Nor any thermal wear that covers your arms and legs.

Yet the brothers walk in this harsh blizzard with ease. Not a single goosebump rises on their arms from the snow that comes pelting at their skin. That same snow feels like it’s aiming constantly at eyes. You’re lucky it’s not sticking to the couple of inches of snow that is already on the ground. If it raises any higher you’ll be doing a weird march just to move forward.

Your teeth clattered together as you hug your body to keep yourself even the tiniest bit warm. You’re constantly trying to keep your snot in but your nose is so numb you can’t tell if it’s still leaking. Why the hell would Liu Kang send you out to help the boys? You already hate the cold. This just feels like torture or some sort of mental training. See how long you can last before you snap.

“What is taking you so long?” Bi-Han yelled at you from a distance.

You didn’t even realize how far behind you were until you looked up.

“It’s hard walking in this weather. It’s freezing.” You answered back.

“It is not. Why did you come if you cannot handle this mere weather.”

“Because I was freaking told to, Bi-Han! I ain’t have no choice!” If Bi-Han is gonna give you attitude you gonna send it back.

Tomas was kind enough to walk over to you to keep you company as you guys kept moving. His arm wrapped around to to bring you close. It’s incredible that he still can maintain his body temperature at a healthy level. You forget that these guys train to handle intense circumstances and weather counts as an intense circumstance. Now you’re grateful that his body was still very warm cause you started leaning into his more than you meant to. He noticed you actions and he decided to check on your temperature by placing the back of his hand against your cheek.

“Are you okay? You’re freezing. You can’t go on while you’re nearly freezing to death.”Did your mother possess Tomas, what the heck is going on?

He brings you into a hug, your face now shoved in his chest area. It actually helps to warm your face since it prevents the snow from pelting you. It gives you the change to warm your nose up so you could breathe properly. You can’t lie you could get used to this. His hugs are healing.

“What now?!” You heard Bi-Han yell once more.

Tomas started explaining that you were horribly cold. Bi-Han didn’t want to hear that complaint again today. Kuai Liang was the one who took it seriously and before Bi-Han could stop his brother from paying any mind to you he was already in front of you.

“You should have told me they were like this. I could have warmed them easily.”

Of course, Kuai Liang would be the best option here. He used his pyromancy to cause flames to ignite, forming a circle around you three. The heat that emitted from the flames was much more pleasing than the harsh cold the wind produced. For extra measures Kuai Liang decided to hug you as well. Him and Tomas basically sandwiched you to help warm you up. Oh and it was working. A moment ago it felt like your cheeks were about to lose feeling and now they are burn up like you had hot coals shoved inside your mouth. This works in your favor. Thank goodness the fur of your jacket helped hide that satisfied smile that naturally produced from this hug session.

The only one who is not satisfied is Bi-Han. Times being wasted and he wants to get a move on. You three seem to be happy just where you are. Even the snow can’t hide the smiles on Tomas’ and Kuai Liang’s face as they look down at you. You did look pretty adorable snuggling up to them. If only Bi-Han could get in on that action. But now’s not the time! Y’all have a mission to get it.

“Fine, if they need to be warmed up let me in so we can be done with this.” Bi-Han started to make his way towards you before Kuai Liang gestured for him to stop.

“No, brother, you are too cold. You will only reverse all the efforts we have made.” Plus, there’s not enough room for another man to cuddle you.

Oh so Bi-Han is the problem now. He’s just about done with this. So they think he will make things worse? He begs to differ.

You started to hear the cracking and squeaking of ice as it starts to formed around all of you. It formed into a dome and soon you were unable to hear the wind blowing. There is no more snow striking you as if it were blades.

Of course, an igloo. Why didn’t you think of that.

“I didn’t know you could do that.” Tomas stared in awe at the icey walls.

“Of course I can, Tomas. Never doubt me again.” He said it like he actually knew he could do this. He just did it out of pure anger.

You were feeling way better than before. You don’t have to worry about hypothermia taking one of your toes. Kuai Liang produced more fire to help warm you up while Tomas used his body heat to deal with the rest of your body. And Bi-Han…ah he’s a little grumpy. Leave him be but thank him for his amazing abilities.

By now you were able to feel every part of your body again. Nothing felt stiff or numb. You were even sweating a little from all the heat that was being trapped in the igloo. Kuai Liang and Tomas were happy to see some color in your face again that didn’t signify you were freezing.

“Thank you guys. I’m feeling much better. Maybe I should have you guys visit in the winter more often to save me some money on the heating bill,” you joked while looking at Kuai Liang and Tomas, “Okay, Bi-Han, I’m ready to move on.”

“Good, great, wonderful, come on!” He yelled the last part at you before kicking open a hole in the igloo.

He was already on the move, ready to get this mission over with. He’s gonna have a nice talk with Liu Kang about sending you out here with them.

You’ll do the same. You’ll let that fire god know that you won’t ever do another mission in the cold weather. You rather stay home with a bunch of blankets wrapped around you than deal with this hell. But you did get a nice cuddle session out of this. This won’t be the last time, you’ll make sure of it.

After notes: The state that I live in has summers that are like hell and winters where you are at the lowest part of hell and the devil is constantly flapping his wings. Maybe cause a sort of devil does live in this state. Whoops. Welp I hope you don’t mind that this was simple and short. Sorry if this isn’t what you want. Now I have to get goin, Adiós!

[cienie-isengardu]

"She [Mother] would applaud my actions" << & >>" Mother would be so proud"

MK1 Smoke vs Sub Zero (Bi-Han) << & >> MK11 Sub Zero (Kuai Liang) vs Noob Saibot

[edenianleena]

they looks so amazing!! 😩💗💙✨

✨✨✨

credit : Haviksluz on twitter/x

[ntaras]

i need face reveals of bi-han and kuai liang’s parents so i know who looks more like their mother

[moronkombat]

Can I request bi-han,tomas and kuai Liang with a pregnant s/o? PLEASEEE 🙏

yes yes yes yes YES YES YES YOU CAN I LOVE WRITING THIS STUFF YES YOU CAN ALWAYS REQUEST THIS

Kuai Liang:

He is so soft and gentle with you. While he has always been affectionate he is more forward with it

This often looks like him embracing you in a manner that seems just so delicate and careful. Normally when he wraps his arms around you it is with strength and conviction but this time it much more gentle

When you are ailing, he stays right by your side. His duties as head of the Shirai Ryu go second. He has Tomas take charge then while he dedicates his time to you

Often times, Kuai Liang wishes to lay in bed with you, his head near the life that grows within you and then he sings and hums soft lullabies

When his partner begins to show, his hands are constantly laid atop your abdomen. The first kick he feels has his eyes welling with tears and he thanks you. For what you aren't exactly sure but you're not about to ask him when there is such a look of tranquility about him

Overall he is calm and very collected throughout it all. Your emotions rule you while his are there to help you. He loves you and he loves your baby. It's almost as if he's waited his entire life to have a moment like this

If you baby is a boy, he names the child after his father. You do not protest this as you know how important that is for him

Tomas:

Tomas is excited, over the moon with joy and elation. He picks up you, twirls you around. He's wanted this for so long. A family, his family, he's going to have a family

He is very catering to your needs and will do whatever he cans to help his partner through his experience.

He still very aware of his duties to the Shirai Ryu and takes them very seriously but there's this understanding between him and Kuai Liang so his responsibilities conveniently seem to lessen when his partner is pregnant

Tomas' favorite thing to do is lay his head so very gently against your stomach and just close his eyes and imagine the future of his little family

When he sleeps next to you, his hand is always draped across your abdomen, never once does it waver

Before the two of you fall asleep, he talks to you about all he wants to do with you and the baby once they are born. He's so starry eyed about it and he talks about it until he ends up falling asleep

He would name the baby after his either his sister, mother or father

Bi-Han

Nervous. Scared, shaken and petrified. He has not the first idea of what it means to be a father. His own relationship with his father was so strained, will it be that way for him to?

He doesn't want it to be but his thoughts are consumed with all the what ifs even when your baby is not yet born

Not only is he nervous of becoming a father, he is nervous that something may happen to you. What if something goes wrong? what if you get sick?

Bi-Han is very firm with having you stay well rested and practically not lifting a finger during your pregnancy

Even when stepping up and down the stairs, he needs someone walking with you. What if you trip?

He is involved as much as he can be but Bi-Han does not pull himself away from his duties of being the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. If you are pregnant after the split between him and his brothers, he has even less time with you

You keep him up to date with everything though and he appreciates it. He wants to know how all the doctor appointments went and is often seeking second opinions just to ensure you are truly healthy and that your baby is too

During those moments when you and him have that time together, he is usually quiet and reserved. He prefers to sit next to you and hear your voice while he occasionally touches your growing stomach. He thinks then what it would be like to hold your baby. How small would they be? Would they cry? Would they smile? He doesn't know but he wants to

He would name the baby something proud and regal. A strong sounding name that carries weight and merit

[weaverworks]

The Grandmaster and his family Fanart by me

Parents: Brunhilde Hilda Young nee-Berg & Grandmaster Young Han Zhi

R-to-L kids: Bi-Han, Tomas Vrbada, Kaui Liang, and Sissy

[dragon-watcher03]

MK1 x Concubine! Reader

2/3

Intro Dialogue

Ft. Scorpion (Kuai Liang), Sub-Zero (Bi-han), Smoke (Tomas Vrbada)

Note: This is based on my previous blog, so go read it before reading this. The reader still has their copying powers.

Y/n: Then what am I to you both, Kuai Liang?

Scorpion: You are not just a concubine to me nor Harumi, Y/n...

Scorpion: As a member of the Lin Kuei, you must-

Y/n: Being your concubine does not mean I am loyal to the Lin Kuei...

Scorpion: You and Bi-han have been getting very close lately...

Y/n: Aw, are you jealous that he will take me from you?

Y/n: You and Harumi don't treat me like others treat their concubines...

Scorpion: Because we see you as much more than that, Y/n.

Y/n: Your father really had the balls to make me a concubine?

Scorpion: I was just as shocked that he made such a strong woman a concubine of all things...

Y/n: Your mother said you and Harumi have crushes on me...

Scorpion: That woman can't keep a secret, can she?

Sub-Zero: Father should have made you my wife instead of Kuai Liang's concubine...

Y/n: I don't know what he was thinking either.

Sub-Zero: You could still be mine, Y/n.

Y/n: Is that an offer, or a promise?

Sub-Zero: What I would give to have you as mine...

Y/n: You're willing to listen to Shang Tsung to do so?

Y/n: I saw you staring at me earlier. Checking me out?

Sub-Zero: Who wouldn't when you look the way you do.

Y/n: The only way that we can even remotly be together is if your father dies.

Sub-Zero: That won't be for long, lovely...

Y/n: Hello there, grandmaster

Sub-Zero: Now that I am the leader of the Lin Kuei, I can finally make you mine.

Smoke: I find it baffeling that you come from a wealthy clan, yet were made a mere concubine.

Y/n: All we can do is endure it, Tomas.

Smoke: It's unfair that Kuai Liang gets two beautiful woman by his side...

Y/n: You think I'm beautiful?

Smoke: I've seen many men try and convince you to be their bride.

Y/n: If they are no match for me in kombat, they are no match for me in romance either.

Y/n: I heard from Johnny that you wanted me to be your bride instead of Kuai Liang's concubine.

Smoke: Wha-I-Uh-Ugh! I knew I shouldn't have told him!

Y/n: You were always the nicest of all the Lin Kuei, Tomas.

Smoke: That... means a lot coming from you, Y/n.

Y/n: This is nothing more than a friendly spar, Tomas.

Smoke: Awe c'mon, haven't you thought of being mine at least once?

BONUS!!!

Reptile: Hah! Those humans are idiots for making you a concubine of all things.

Y/n: You aren't the first person to say that, Syzoth.

Reptile: My kind only have one mate for the rest of their lives.

Y/n: I'm honestly not surprised... That's a good thing, by the way.

Reptile: Just imagine what it would be like if you were my mate instead of just breeding cattle.

Y/n: Yeah, I suppose that is what concubines are, huh?

Y/n: Sooo, you can shape-shift?

Reptile: Indeed I can, M'lady. Want me to show you?

Y/n: I may be a concubine, but that doesn't mean I'm weak.

Reptile: I couldn't agree with you more, M'lady.

Y/n: It's a shame my parents didn't betroth me to you.

Reptile: Don't tempt me, Y/n...