A New Start (AU)

2: Strife and Struggles

Excuse any typos or mistakes. Also excuse any inaccuracies I may have made. I am not too educated in MK lore or in clans either. :/

Warning: Graphic violence and hints of domestic/child abuse ahead.

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"New members?" Bi-Han questioned, his right brow raised. "We do not usually get new Lin Kuei members."

The elder in front of him just gave him a blank look, before leaving the teen's presence. Bi-Han had no idea who these newly recruited Lin Kuei members were. Nobody had joined the clan in quite some time, so this news had been quite a surprise. Nonetheless, he was ready to see just what these new members were made of.

Bi-Han quickly began to head towards his sleeping quarter, where he knew that Kuai Liang was residing currently. He felt the need to tell his brother of the news he had received. Perhaps this could even open up the chance of him and his brother gaining friends. The two, despite being kind and rather humble with other Lin Kuei members, had not become good friends with anyone. Arguably, their clan strictly prohibited friendships or relationships, only allowing trust to be held. Friends and lovers were only distractions and burdens, at least from what the elders and the Grandmaster would say. Still, Bi-Han couldn't help but feel just a hint of yearning for another companion.

Bi-Han entered the sleeping quarter, finding Kuai Liang watching the night sky from his window. The boy looked so focused, almost as if he were contemplating or pondering on something serious.

The teen decided that the news was more important than his brother spacing out. He went up to Kuai Liang, snapping his fingers near his face. The boy quickly jerked into a stern position, his face stone-like and serious. However, once his eyes recognized Bi-Han, his face smoothed out, becoming gentle and relaxed. He gave a small smile to his older brother.

"I'm sorry, Bi-Han." Kuai Liang mumbled. "I was looking at the night sky and lost track of time."

"Be more alert next time." Bi-Han warned, his tone a bit stern. "You don't know when an elder may come by. Both you and I know they do not like when a member is not focused on their surroundings."

The younger boy only nodded in response. Bi-Han could only give a sigh and a tiny grin. As he was about to talk with his brother again, he quickly remembered the news he was given.

"That reminds me, Kuai Liang." The teen started. "There are some new people joining the Lin Kuei."

"New?" Kuai Liang gave a fake tone of confusion. He knew exactly who they were.

"Yes. They'll be coming here tomorrow. Expect to see them in the morning."

Bi-Han began to turn away, ready to leave the room, when he turned around again.

"Kuai Liang... Do not try and befriend the new members. It is in the best of both of our intentions..."

Kuai Liang only watched as his brother left the room. He already knew he was due to befriend the newcomers, despite the rule prohibiting this. He knew that Cyrax and Tomas would be his friends, though their friendship would stay under the radar for a long time.

Sektor was the one he also knew he would never really connect well with. Even now, as a child, he seemed a bit too... out there. Being the son of the Grandmaster, it seemed at times as if he earned just a bit more pampering than the typical Lin Kuei member. Despite that, though, he still suffered the same vigorous training the others went through.

Even thinking back now, Kuai Liang could tell things were not due to change between him, Cyrax, and Tomas. The three stayed friends, at least until both him and Cyrax were cyberized by Sektor. He knew Tomas had saved him, and he had saved Cyrax, even if it meant the man/cyborg had sacrificed his life to save him. The three had fought for each other.