Mortal Kombat: The Three Titans

Chapter Forty-One: Dropping Like Flies

Song used: The Inquisition- The Plague Tales: Innocence
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-Kuai's POV- "What are you looking for?" Tundra asks, peeking out from behind a bookshelf.
"Books about illnesses. Plagues, specifically." I answer. I scan the shelves, looking for the thick, black, leather bound book. "Ah," I find and grab it.

A silver image of a skull is designed on the front. "Fujin wanted me to bring this to him. I'll be back."
"Take your time. I'm not in a hurry to get it back."
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-Bi-Han's POV- I remember the pure hatred in his eyes. Burning like purple fire. I remember him clawing at my side, the silver claws ripping my flesh open like tissue paper. I recall his anger, but also his remorse.
"Bi-Han. Hey, Bi-Bi." I'm jolted awake by someone shaking my shoulder slightly. I had fallen asleep slumped against the table, head resting on my arms. Kuai is beside me, holding a mug and looking worried. "You okay?"
"Hm? Yeah..." I rub my eye, putting my hood down.
"Here, I brought you this." He sets the mug down. "You...looked like you were having a nightmare." His voice is low, concerned.

He sits next to me. "Was..." he trails off, his blue eyes looking into mine. "it about the war?" He asks gently. "Yes," I admit. "Mainly our first fight."
He winces at this, sadness glazing over his eyes. His eyes hold sadness and intelligence behind them, filled with knowledge from the many books he's read.
My hand automatically goes to the side he had clawed at me. Since we are immortal, we have no battle scars, but that does not mean my heart isn't scarred from his rage and hatred.

"How are Hanzo's citizens doing?" I ask, wanting to change the subject. "Very few are recovering." Kuai states sadly. "While studying that plague book, I found out they all suffer from the Bubonic Plague." He takes the books out and opens it to the right page.
"It's caused by a bacterium called Yersinia Pestis. Fujin found this out, mainly because he witnessed this firsthand so many years ago. It is mainly spread through fleas carried from small animals like mice and rats."
"And as for a cure?" I ask.

"Fujin and the others are working on one as we speak." He states calmly, but he looks worried. "I just hope it will be ready soon enough."
I rest my hand on his. "I'm sure it will be."
He grabs my hand that's on his, entwining his fingers in between mine. "I understand if you are still mad at me for running off like that." His voice is tender.

I shake my head, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. "I wasn't mad, just worried. You should rest, you look exhausted, Kuai."
He nods, but he doesn't let go of my hand. "Come with me, my brother." He leads me to his room and motions me to lie down.

I do. He slips under the covers next to me. "I love you. Thank you for bringing me back from the dead. I just realized I never got to properly thank you." He smiles. "Of course." I say, blinking back tears.
Zodith is asleep on a pile of blankets near the fireplace.
"Sleep. I will remain here." Kuai croons, curling up beside me. I fall asleep almost instantly, glad that Kuai is safe, but worried about what will happen now.