The Fortress's labyrinth has tired them out greatly. They had grown frustrated, and Kuai Liang had distanced himself a bit. The thickness in the air, present because of the tension between the three men and also due to the Netherrealm's scorching temperatures, seemed to drag them down little by little.
Smoke kept his eyes on Kuai, trying to see where exactly he was taking them. They had traversed so many halls, taken so many trips up and down floors within the fortress, and all it resulted in was fatigue. He felt absolutely tired, both physically and mentally.
Cyrax dragged behind the two, his lips pursed as he tried his best to not focus on the argument that his friends had had. He didn't want to take a side. They were both like brothers to him.
He found Smoke's argument compelling, to say the least. Kuai Liang's merciful nature was bringing too much weight onto their backs, and their only reward was misery and death. Scorpion wasn't contributing much to their group. Him being saved was starting to seem rather pointless.
But he also couldn't help but agree with Kuai Liang too. Scorpion had gotten his clan killed wrongfully. The least Kuai could do was just let him go and restore whatever was left of his broken life.
Cyrax gave a small sigh, shaking his head with his eyes shut. He didn't want this. He just wanted everything to return the way it was.
He knew it was not possible anymore. He knew he had signed up for a newer, more dangerous life the instant he sided with Smoke and Kuai Liang in helping Scorpion. He didn't take his decision with such sourness, however. He had accepted his choice.
Cryax's thoughts were interrupted by Kuai Liang breaking the silence between them.
"This may be where we go." Said Kuai, digging through his pockets for something. "Using these crystals might help us with something."
"How are you even sure that these crystals are actually needed here?" Asked Smoke, his voice low.
"We've been using them to use these different platforms to take us to different floors in the fortress. It is not absurd to think that these crystals still serve a greater purpose here."
"Whatever you say, Tundra." Smoke rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say."
Kuai Liang's eyelids lowered in slight annoyance, but he brushed off the rude gesture. He held the three crystals up into the air, waiting for something to unlock or open. A couple seconds passed, and nothing seemed to happen, until one of the three crystals began to levitate up into the air. It stayed suspended, rotating slowly, as if waiting for something else to happen.
Kuai Liang looked at the design of the jagged stone around them. He also glanced at the platform they stood on and he suddenly began to piece together an idea.
"This isn't doing anything, Tundra." Smoke mumbled. "Why did I take your word seriously?"
"Quiet, Smoke!" Kuai exclaimed, his index finger raised as his eyes shut tightly. "A notion is forming! I feel like there is more to these things, I just know it!"
"Look, Kuai Liang,"Shouted Smoke. "these crystals don't do anything but help us use these platforms! That's it! That's all! It's not going to do anything else!"
Kuai Liang gave Smoke a look of anger.
"You are welcome to stay here, Smoke." Kuai Liang mumbled. "I am trying my best to find a way to that sorcerer, and your little comments are not helping."
"Oh, I suppose it'd be quite alright." Smoke glared back at Kuai. "I'm sure the monsters here won't mind another one of their kind joining their ranks."
YOU ARE READING
A New Start (AU)
Fanfikce(Alternate Timeline following Sub-Zero) Kuai Liang could not control himself once Hanzo died. The man he loved had taken his soul with himself to his grave. He could only feel pure rage and cold fury puppeteering him. Fueled entirely by his dark, c...
