Mortal Kombat: Sub-Zero's Student

Chapter Twenty-Five: Warmth

-Kuai's POV- I sigh, looking down at my mug of tea. Bi-Han sits across from me at the dark wooden table in the dining hall.
I watch steam rise up from the mug and dissipate in the air while Bi-Han pours himself a cup.
The scent of peach tea somewhat calms me after my breakdown earlier.

Bi-Han clears his throat, causing my tired eyes to look at him. "How is you hand feeling?" He asks, bringing his mug up to his thin lips and drinking.
His beard looks disheveled, like he needs to trim it down and the rings around his eyes make him look much older.
"Better," I force myself to answer, cringing as the bloody gauze absorbs more blood with every movement.
"You lie, Kuai." Bi-Han states softly.
"I just pray it's not infected!" I snap, feeling icicles cut through the gauze on the back of my hand in sudden anger.

My eyes widen and I slump down in my chair, feeling my cheeks burn as I look away from my sibling. "Forgive me for snapping at you." My voice trembles. Bi-Han remains calm, grabbing my left hand on the table and rubbing my calloused knuckles. His hand is surprisingly warm from holding the mug.
"It is alright. I understand that you are under a lot of stress right now."
I force out a laugh, still looking away.
"I don't think it's even stress at this point, dear brother. More like constant paranoia."
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Bi-Han frown,  tilting his head.

"Kuai," he squeezes my hand still in his grip.
"Look at me," I reluctantly follow his order, my breathing hard.
I'm shocked to see tears rolling down his cheeks.
"I'm just so scared for you, Kuai." More tears.
"I want my little brother to be happy. I do not want you frightened all the time, afraid of your own shadow."

"I know," I choke out, squeezing back. "I know....As my big brother, protecting me is your responsibility. I understand if you regret not stepping up to the task earlier."

"I've regretted not doing so ever since you were born." He sighs, using his free hand to wipe away his tears. "What do you mean?" I ask.
He takes another drink of tea while mine sits forgotten. "Since we did not have mother with us," he sets the empty mug down. "And Father was too busy helping train the Lin Kuei, I had to watch you. I hate to admit this now, but I was always jealous of you. Normal sibling rivalry, you know."

"Bi-Han," I let go of his hand and rub my injured one. "I knew all along."
His eyes widen. "You did?"
I nod. "But...." I look down at my hands. "I feel like I should relinquish my title as Grandmaster."
Now he looks shocked. "What? Oh, Kuai," he shakes his head. "Why? I'm assuming that you worked so hard to get here."

I smile sadly. "That's because I'm passing the title to you, Bi-Han." My sibling stands up in shock, knocking over his chair.
"No..."
"I cannot keep up the responsibility right now, not while I'm at my lowest point." I state firmly, "And you are the only other Lin Kuei I deem worthy to carry such a title. Kana is still too young."

"No, Kuai. I can't," he holds his hands out. "I lost my Cryomancy powers long ago. Only Cryomancers can be called Grandmaster. That is how it's always been."
"Well," I stand up, "Perhaps that changes today."
"Tundra, are you really going to go through with this? Ahahah! You are just full of surprises. Come on, Kuai, freeze Bi-Han solid."

I jump and look around. "D-did you hear that?"
"Hear...what?"
"He's back again." I stumble away from the table.
"He's in my head!"
I stare at Bi-Han.
"You really don't hear him, do you?"
He looks defeated. "I....do not know anymore. When I met you in the snowy woods, I saw something different in your eyes. They were crazed, unstable. I saw a hint of whatever you saw in that mirror."

I pace, ruffling up my already tangled hair.
"But how...do I control it? Or make it stop?"
"Hanzo," he simply states.
"What about Grandmaster Hasashi?"
"He had his own demons to face in the form of Scorpion. Perhaps he can help you."

Realization suddenly slams into me.
"What about Kana? How is he?"
Bi-Han sighs. "He isn't showing any signs of improvement, sadly. But he keeps crying for you, Kuai. He needs his father."
I shut my eyes tightly, hearing Kana's cries echoing in my head. "Take me to him."