Bi Han "Sub-Zero" x F!Reader

Nine

Night fell. Purple and dark royal blue mingled in the sky as you, accompanied by Tomas, Kuai Liang and Bi Han, were summoned by Liu Kang. With a small group of Lin Kuei in tow, you sought out the God of Fire.

Everyone bowed to him. White glowing eyes fell on you. A gentle breeze brushed through his long, black hair as he stood at the edge of the temple, his back facing a ravine. The red ribbon wrapped around his forehead seemed to glow in the light of the torches.

"Are you ready, Lin Kuei?", his voice seemed to echo off the mountains.

With a nod, you closed your eyes and took a deep breath of air. It was cold, but maybe that was because of Bi Han standing next to you. He wore his mask, black and silver. Only the look in his eyes revealed that he was not enthusiastic about taking you on this mission.

It wasn't often that Liu Kang had a mission to assign. Accordingly, most days consisted of waiting and training. You were itching to leave this temple and see something other than mountains.

"We are ready to serve, Lord Liu Kang.", Kuai Liang assured with a bowed head.

Tomas did the same. Only Bi Han snorted. A muscle twitched in his hand.

"Patience, Grandmaster.", you whispered to him.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced down at you. You looked at each other silently. One of his eyebrows raised. Taking a deep breath, you reach for your mask and pull it over your mouth. You exchanged a last glance.

Suddenly, a ring of fire awoke in the darkness. Flames flickered and drew together until a burning disc hovered in the air in front of you. Heat struck your face, but when Tomas passed through first, he was not banished.

At the god's request, Kuai Liang followed, but not without giving you a quick glance. Bi Han scoffed. You snorted in amusement.

"Jealousy is poison for a Lin Kuei, Grandmaster.", you reminded him with a smirk hidden beneath your mask.

He did not respond to these words and stepped through the portal before you. You decided to go last. The other Lin Kuei ninja, dressed in plain black, should be the first to arrive safely. You would make sure no one shirked their responsibilities.

Even though this was just a simple mission that didn't involve death, there were some new ninja who had never left the temple before. They were nervous, understandable but also unwarranted. There was no danger to be afraid of. Not that night.

When the last one had disappeared through the portal, you wanted to leave too. But a shadow caught your attention. With his head bowed respectfully, Liu Kang approached. He would also come with you to make sure that everything went as he had planned.

Hesitantly, you stood in front of the portal. And indeed, he looked at you in a way that revealed that he had something to discuss again.

"Lord Liu Kang.", you bowed your head. Strands of your (H/C) hair scribbled your cheek.

Muscles twitched in your body. Despite your long sleep, you were not yet fully ready. You wouldn't be using your abilities anytime soon, but physical rest would be better to be helpful again quickly.

But you didn't want to miss this night. Especially because it was hard to tell how well the new champions would react to the existence of real ninjas.

The existence of a real god like Liu Kang was a well-kept secret. Then there was magic and the fact that this world was just one of many. All of this could be confusing.

You, like the Lin Kuei brothers and all the members of the clan, had grown up in this world. You could not be counted as normal humans. There was nothing for you to wonder about, but that didn't mean that others would react just as well to reality.

"I hope you've thought about my offer.", Liu Kang's voice snapped you out of your thoughts.

Frowning, you took a deep breath.

"If all our options fail, I am willing to do my part.", you said, referring to the conversation about Shang Tsung you had had the day before.

He nodded. But it didn't seem completely satisfied with the answer.

"We will have to be vigilant."

"Just as we always are. With all due respect, Lord Liu Kang, we have a whole clan on our side. Trained ninja. And the new champions of Earthrealm. What man would be able to overcome all these obstacles?"

A shadow flitted across his face for a moment.

Were those doubts?

Never before had you seen the God of Fire doubt anything. That didn't seem possible for a man with his abilities. He knew what would happen. And then he reacted to change things as they should be.

But at that very moment it seemed as if he was full of human emotions. And just as powerless as a human.

"Your words confirm that you underestimate Shang Tsung.", he finally said, pointing to the portal to let you go first.

"We shouldn't doubt ourselves.", you weren't sure if it was wounded pride speaking from you but you didn't like that attitude.

The Lin Kuei clan was like no other. The brothers alone were proof that it was a match for an army.

So why should Liu Kang fear that Shang Tsung alone could defeat you?

You hated the way he took it for granted. As if he didn't want to trust you anymore. Wrinkles formed thoughtfully on his forehead. The white of his eyes seemed to glow duller. Finally, he nodded.

"With your abilities, I hope to succeed.", he smiled thinly.

Without answering, you turned round and stepped through the portal. Flames flickered around your face, licking your (S/C) skin. It smelled like burnt wood, a dying forest. Holding your breath, you let yourself be swallowed by the sea of leads.

Your legs carried you three steps. Then the fire ripped open.

Solid ground pressed against the soles of your shoes. Voices danced through the night. And the smell of food filled your nostrils.

"Madam Bo's.", sighed Tomas. "Now I'm hungry..."