Bi Han "Sub-Zero" x F!Reader

Forty-Five

Holding your breath, you crossed the courtyard of Ying Fortress together with Bi Han. Snow covered the ancient stone floor, making every step a fatal mistake.

On the other side of the open plain, Tomas and Kuai Liang made their way to the large gate that closed the entrance to the vaults.

Pain throbbed in your body again and again. Narrowing your eyes, you shook off the feeling. You were not allowed to give in just yet.

As your attention returned to the surroundings, you realised that it was strangely quiet. Structures made of bronze and wood were everywhere, stones lay ready as if they had only recently been worked with.

But there were no people or other servants working. Something was strange.

Your gaze immediately jumped to Bi Han, who nodded with his eyebrows furrowed. He had noticed it too and when he looked over to his brother the yellow ninja had came to a halt out of scepticism as well.

A shadow fell over you. One of the many structures that Shang Tsung had ordered to build was close by. It was oddly artistic, yet just as gruesome with parts made of skulls and bones from creatures you couldn't identify.

Skin stretched between each section almost resembling wings made of leather. A little irritated at the sight, you pulled a face and backed away.

Magic tingled between your fingers. However this time it wasn't calling for you. It called for these things.

Again, you searched for Bi Han's eyes and once more did he nod.

"They're calling for us.", he confirmed in a slightly concerned voice. "For magic."

A shiver crawled down your spine as he stood up straight to dare and place a hand on the golden and brass surface. He didn't react, neither did anything else.

"So it doesn't take without an order.", you concluded. "But I'd still prefer to stay as far away from it as possible. What rotten creations."

Out of habit you reached out and grabbed him by the wrist, tried to pull him with you just how you used to do it as a kid. Even though he had always been taller and larger than you he had willingly followed your guidance.

Not this time, however. His legs remained standing firmly.

Frowning, you looked up at him only to be struck by surprise by a movement in the upper corner of your eyes. Immediately, you jumped back, just in time for Bi Han to realise and follow you into hiding as well.

"Be careful with what you're handling.", a voice suddenly sounded. "We have no time for mistakes."

Kuai Liang and Tomas pulled back behind the wall they were crouching. They too had noticed the person who was speaking.

With the expecting expression of a master, a man with grey skin and markings of blood on his face appeared. He was dressed in black. No hair adored his head.

Female creatures accompanied him, humanly shaped though you could sense that these weren't inhabitants of either Earthrealm nor Outworld.

Their faces were obscured by veils while every body resembled the other down to every detail. They even wore the same uniforms, no different it cut or colour.

Almost as if they were all the same, had been made with the same image in mind. Not a single individual but all just servants like the next one.

"Demons from the Neatherrealm.", you whispered to Bi Han. "Sareena mentioned a sisterhood of the shadows. Quan Chi is their master."

He frowned.

"Sareena?", he asked.

"Right... the demon I fought."

Understanding yet a little confused that you had managed to get to know your enemies name he nodded and turned his attention back to what was happening.

The demons of Quan Chi carried large plates of brass and gold to another structure that was identical to the one you hid behind.

"Continue working.", Quan Chi ordered. "I must oversee production of the remaining basins."

And with these words he crossed his arms behind his back and walked up the large stairs that led all the way into the mouth of the Ying fortress.

The demons were left behind, working on the structures as they had been ordered.

With a quick glance to Tomas and Kuai Liang you moved forward, past the workers and closer to the zone of interest.

An icy cold wind chased across the fortress grounds, picked up snow and wiped away any trail of your feet.

"That's Quan Chi.", Tomas whispered as the four of you joined again. "The other sorcerer Liu Kang described."

Bi Han's brown eyes were fixed onto the entrance stairs of the fortress. They were huge, mighty even, made for a man who had been born to conquer it all.

You could feel how the hairs in the back of your neck stood up straight. This place was ancient and so full of signs of power that you couldn't help but feel like it would devour you whole.

"Bi Han.", you threw a glance back over your shoulder to check on the progress of the construction. "They're building two soul stealers at the moment. The rest seems finished. We must hurry."

Agreeing, Kuai Liang lowered his head.

"We should delay their usage.", he said. "Quan Chi said they cannot afford setbacks."

Bi Han hummed.

"Kuai Liang and I will capture him. Stay here.", the grandmaster said to Tomas. "Do not let them activate the soul stealers."

You exchanged a glance with Tomas. There was no nervousness visible in his eyes, no fear of failure. But at the same time you could tell that he would have preferred someone by his side.

Just in case.

"I'll stay behind as well.", you decided. "To make sure our way back is secured."

"That would be best.", Kuai Liang agreed. "We will manage as two, brother."

But Bi Han just looked at you from across his shoulder. Something dark grew in the brown of his eyes.

"No.", he then said.

You frowned.

"You won't need me in there, Bi Han.", you tried to convince him.

"I am grandmaster. And I tell you to follow me."