Chapter Text
The first time Kung Lao had met Bi-han, in something other than a fight, was during the talk of a stealth mission into the remains of Ying fortress with Liu Kang.
He and Raiden had gone to collect the three Lin-Kuei members and from what little Lao heard from the tail end of their conversation, they didn't get along.
The three before had seemed untouchable, brothers in arms who could trust each other more than Lao had ever trusted anyone, but now that he had a peak behind the curtain, it hadn't seemed nearly as amazing as he thought.
The tensions between the three men were high, even more so with Bi-Hans distaste towards Tomas, and the look Raiden gave him as they approached the entrance was warning enough.
Sure Kung Lao may have scolded them during their test at Madam Bos, in both fighting and quips, but he knew if he took one wrong step the angry dog Bi-han may just take a bite out of him. He had already barked at him a couple times after what he had said at the teashop.
Only this time they were less likely to lead to empty threats and pulled back punches.
“Lord Liu Kang can see you now” They both bowed respectfully, just as the monks had taught them, but Lao kept his eye on the Cryomancer. A little scared that the other would suddenly freeze him into a twisted ice statue for throwing his hat at him during their test.
“It is about time.”
Or.. maybe Lao would throw his, now more deadly, hat at him first if everything he said was as disrespectful as this.
___
The walk to Liu Kangs chamber was awkward to say the least.
Subzero had taken the lead. Making it known to everyone that he knew where he was going, even though it was quite a petty show of authority. Raiden had been next to him, assuring they were going the right way but keeping himself back a little. Letting the grandmaster take the lead and avoiding conflict.
Kung Lao had been next to Kuai, behind them Tomas, and he had tried to make things a little less.. this.. as they walked.
“Do you think I could be Lin-Kuei?” The question was boyish, he knew, but it had been bubbling up ever since he first fought them.
Tomas could disappear into smoke in the blink of an eye, Kaui could burn through just about anything and Bi-han could throw ice balls for god's sake. Kung Lao needed himself one of those powers, and If the Lin-Kuei could teach him he wouldn't be opposed to joining.
His little hope was quickly quashed by the man in front.
“You could never be part of the Lin-Kuri, you wouldn't last a day in training.” the insult seemed to irk Tomas. Wouldn't last a day? It couldn't be that bad right?
Kuai Liang took quick notice of the others' thoughtful look, speaking on behalf of everyone.
“Lin-Kuei training is difficult, yes, but currently you lack the humility of a good warrior” Lao heard Raiden huff in amusement at this.
The two brothers had put the idea down, or at least tried to. Lao had to focus on saving the world first, perhaps shooting fireballs later. Still, the comments did lower his mood a little, pouting as he usually did when something didn't go his way. Although Tomas piped up, much to Laos surprise.
“You do show potential, I'm sure if you dedicated yourself you could.. Perhaps learn the practical magics, as I did.” He revealed with slight hesitancy.
Immediately Lao perked up at this
“You would teach me?” Sure that question took a few mental gymnastics from Lao but if he was anything it was flexible.
Tomas looked a little flustered at the request, clearly not onboard with the idea of having to teach magics to Lao, so he struggled to come up with an answer. Kuai Liang was about to decline for him, before Raiden spoke up.
“Please, do not encourage him” He said with light heartedness, and that signature smile that had the women of outworld and earthrealm swooning.
“But Raiden-” He gave his best puppy dog eyes, clasping his hands together to pray for permission. “Just imagine. me. shooting fireballs-” He pushed his hands out to his front, imitating what the Cryomancer had done but with the added flare of Kuai Liang's fighting style, pretending to throw these said fireballs.
“Woosh- pew pew pew!”
The man next to him tried to hide a smile at the imitation of his powers, Lao could still tell though despite the mask but he, feeding into the fantasy a little, formed a small ball of fire in his palm. The orange glow complimented his outfit well as he gently pulled Laos' hand open, passing the flame to his now open palms.
Lao looked at it amazed, not daring to speak more in fear he would put it out with his breath. He would never get over how hot Kuais fire was, the wave of heat at his skin as he watched them train from far the sidelines, but in his hands it felt.. Cold? It was so different from what he had expected yet just what he had imagined - down to the little tingle at his fingertips.
Although without Kuais help to fan the flame it quickly died out, leaving Lao with just a taste of potential, although the pyromancer looked back at him; surprised that it lasted that long in the other's hands and that he had been calm enough to not freak out and try to ”drop” the fire.
“So- how bad is the training?” Lao looked to the older man expecting a long winded explanation with way too many details but his face darkened.
He heard the slight intake of breath after a moment, a prepared answer with an unsatisfying end, at least for Lao, on his tongue. Unexpectedly, a deep voice over took his speech.
“You would not last, nor would Scorpion or Smoke have the heart to push you far enough.” Bi-han, ever the fountain of positivity, was clearly trying to squash the idea yet it only challenged Lao farther.
He could do it.
He had no idea what “it” exactly was but he could do whatever it was and learn magic. Like Bi-han. Like Kuai Liang. Like Tomas. Like Raiden..?
But the man next to him just glared at the back of the Cryomancers head, clearly disapproving at the way Bi-han had gone about discouraging Lao.
“I could.” He spoke with full confidence, challenging Bi-han despite Kuais want to defuse the topic. Subzero was about to speak, but to Laos' surprise words came from behind him.
“The Grandmaster has more important responsibilities, and I don't think anyone else in the Lin-Kuei could train you."
Tomas taking a sharp turn from the more encouraging tone he spoke with before. Just as Kung Lao opened his mouth to question his change of heart, they arrived at Liu Kang's chamber. The man greeted them and moved the conversation to more pressing matters, stopping Lao from learning more.
Lao was stubborn though, he would learn one way or another. Even if the brothers tried pushing him away he would simply push back harder.
If Kuai Liang and Tomas couldn't teach him.. would Bi-han? Sure he seemed the most aggressive towards the idea of Kung Lao as a whole, and he had "important responsibilities" to focus on, but perhaps it was part of the process? Just like with the test at Madam Bos.
Only those who are willing to push for it can learn magic.
Lao felt a warm hand on his shoulder, Raiden reminding him to stay focused on the task at hand and more importantly Liu Lang's plan for them.
___
"Kuai Liang's training is... difficult," The arguably attractive man stood shirtless in their shared room, wiping the sweat from his neck with a towel his training partner had provided.
Kung Lao on the other hand lay on his bed in black Lin-Kuei attire, a grumpy look on his face as he spoke, "Smokes training is easy." The comment a little spiteful towards Raiden, once again getting what Lao could only wish for.
"He might as well put me in the kids group with the way he coddles me." He mumbled, a little humiliated revealing how he was being treated but still open to telling his friend his thoughts.
"I'm sure Tomas has his reasons." Raiden argued lightly, while putting on a more casual shirt. Albeit a tight fitting one.
They had been training with the Lin-Kuei for only three days now but the intentions were clear. Train Raiden to succeed as champion and better his control of the amulet and.. keep Kung Lao busy.
Ugh, it was annoying to say the least.
Even more so when Raiden didn't see what he saw. To the Lin-Kuei He was some immature monk thrown into their classes with barely the gusto to stand his ground, and Smoke holding back on him every time they spared wasn't exactly helping. They would snicker every time he fell or missed a movement, groan like teenage girls when paired with him and avoided being seated next to him when they ate.
It was like high school all over again, moving to eat in the hallways and gardens with his legs aching against the rough stone floors. Better for them to wonder where he was then watch him eat alone. This time he didn't have Raiden by his side, special training with Kuai Liang and all.
"Could you speak to Scorpion? Please?"
"We've gone over this, Lao. I need to get the most input possible and Kuai has his mission with Subzero and Smoke coming up so his time is limited."
"Ugh.."
Raiden frowned, "if Smoke has you training with the newer initiates I'm sure it is for your own good."
Owch, that was harsh even for Raiden. Not-so-subtly twisting at the open wound that was Laos incompetence by guessing he was with the new guys. Although with one quick glance at the other it's clear that's not what he meant with the assumption.
Still hurt though.
Lao just groaned into his pillow, tomorrow was going to be hell. That dread he only felt as a child filling his stomach. He was a joke, an egotistical joke who thought he could have done better - perhaps even train with Subzero, but it was a privilege only Smoke and Scorpion seemed to hold. One they barely took the time to indulge in for whatever reason.
If Kung Lao had the chance to spar with the grandmaster he would take it in an instant and put his all into that fight. To prove his worth, his drive, his skill.
However, with the memories of their last interaction and the seemingly endless torment from his classmates it seemed a lot more like a pipe dream.
Lao had even made the mistake of mentioning this to the group during the first class he had, declaring with pride that he would face off against the Lin-Kuei grandmaster one day and win. They all just grumbled or snickered at his egotistical idea of how that fight would go down.
In reality Bi-han would probably freeze his feet to the floor before returning to the palace, leaving Kung Lao with the pleasure of standing and waiting for the ice to eventually melt.
Not even Kuai would thaw him out after such a disappointing performance.
Plus the idea of Bi-han going easy on him was not even on the table. After leaving that deep wound on the others bicep he's sure he'd want revenge, even if it was something as simple as humiliation. Although for that he could simply watch Smokes students scold him during a spar if he wanted to.
Speaking of, a large bruise was beginning to form at Laos cheek bone. It ached whenever he yawned or rested his face to the side. An annoying side effect of not blocking punches apparently. It currently mushed into his pillow, the dull feeling keeping him awake.
The thought of Raiden or Smoke pointing out the purple patch with concern makes him groan, although his mind drifted and the thought of one of them giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek to make him feel better, the thought wasn't entirely unwelcome.
Although they would most likely scold him and try teaching him to improve his block.
If only things were as romantic as they were in Johnny's movies.
Suddenly, Raiden had pulled the other up into a seated position in his bed and had removed Laos Lin-Kuei issued arm guards, placing them respectfully onto the desk by the head of the mattress before sitting on the bed opposite him.
“Don't tell Kuai Liang.” was all Raiden said before pulling out a match and lighting it between his hands.
Lao was about to ask what exactly he was doing but he saw the flame begin to grow that the words died in his throat.
“Kuai taught me that there are natural magics, those found in wild beasts and descendents of great sorcerers, and learned magics, that are discovered through great trial and tribulations-.” he opened his eyes sparking the flame and oh so slowly lifting it onto his finger tips. “and practical magics..”
“There are limits with all of them, as well as benefits. Practical magic is the easiest to learn. You take your flow of energy and loop it into anothers, taking temporary control. Natural magic is like second nature to those who possess it and learned... Kuai said it is as if a part of you is being pushed out. To be honest the way he described it seemed quite painful.."
Once Raiden was done explaining, he hastily put the fire out in fear that he would burn the place down.
Jealousy burned inside Kung Lao. Watching the other learn about something he so desperately wanted to do was painful
But-
Raiden had passed what little knowledge he had onto his friend and for that, he was eternally grateful.
He barely muttered out as thank you before enveloping the boy in a crushing hug.
___
“Remember your stance.” Smoke's voice rang out, his tone tough and much more demanding than usual but still softer than with the other trainees.
“Block your punches Kung Lao.”
To be honest he was pissed right now, every member was sparring and moving onto the next partner, alternating as Smoke walked around and noted what they could improve, yet the one he was fighting now was toying with him, teetering on the edge of winning but not pushing far enough that another was swapped in. Jabbing when Smoke distracted him with pointers, then pulling parts of his uniform that weren't set in place correctly. Kicking him to the floor when he tried to set them back tighter. Then he had the audacity to gently grope Laos ass and play it off like some sort of hold technique.
Tomas though seemed oblivious to the mistreatment, too focused on the closer fights to pay attention to them.
A particularly hard jab to the stomach brought him out of his thoughts.
“You're soft.. in more ways than one.”
Lao just gritted his teeth at the comment. He was here to train, not throw shitty highschool insults at each other but his opponent just kept talking. Was this what it was like sparing against him?
“You should consider a different line of work.” he smirked, and acted as though he was thinking and this whole insult wasn't something he had planned a while ago, “Perhaps being an escort would fit you well? Laying on your back letting others do all the work?”
Fuck this guy.
Despite trying to remain focused through the taunts, Lao’s block faltered, again, and he took a sharp punch to the chest. The force winding him and pushing him back a few paces. Although instead of taking him down he let Lao regain his step, smiling at him the whole time of course.
“Ichiro. We do not taunt our opponents while training.”
The two paused, looking to Smoke who was standing between them but out of their fight. Smoke looked at Ichiro expecting an explanation but the boy groaned and rolled his eyes, walking back to his friends who were giggling at him getting caught.
Smoke walked up to Lao, about to apologise but before a word could leave his mouth he was forcefully pushed away.
Lao stormed off without a word.
___
Fuck Smoke, fuck “Ichiro” or whoever the fuck he was, and fuck Raiden for getting him stuck in this stupid class.
Although once the thought processed in his mind Lao instantly felt guilty, It wasn't exactly Raidens fault he was struggling, more so his own lack of skill. If only he would be just.. better.
God, now he was going to cry.
Lao kept going, looking to the floor and practically running. The faster he got to his room - the faster he could just sleep and forget about all this.
He hastily turned a corner and for a split second he saw blue, at least until he fell back, feeling as though he had walked into a wall.
Looking up, he saw Subzero. Tall, rude and demanding, everything his teachers were not. Unlike them, he wouldn't coddle him like a hyperactive child.
To Laos surprise he was in more casual attire, an untied blue robe and hakama pants. It seemed as though he had just left his room.
“What are you doing out of training?”
Oh- he was still in his uniform wasn't he. Lao doubted the other could recognise him with the black mask on, so he quickly stood pulling it down to speak.
“I- '' but the words caught in his throat. Looking at the others' judgmental stare was too much, so be bowed, keeping his head low as possible. “I was being messed with... so I stormed off” Lao cringed at how scratchy his voice sounded.
Bi-han huffed, with a freezing hand he grabbed his chin and pulled him back up so he could look at the boy's slightly red and puffy eyes.
“You were crying?” His voice was still harsh, but the questioning tone pulled the littlest hint of softness to it.
“Yes.” It was embarrassing to admit, but it would be more so to lie to the grandmaster's face when the evidence was stained on his cheeks. Though he didn't divulge into the details, Lao would die on the spot from humiliation if he did.
Subzeros' expression was unreadable but it stayed in that area of resting anger that always seemed to plague him. Though in a moment he had turned and began walking expectedly with his hands firmly placed behind his back.
“Follow.”
The order was clear and like a whistled dog, Lao did as he was told.
___
Lao’s body stood shaking, arms up in front of him ready to block a punch that wasn't coming. His whole body was tense and felt scrutinised under Bi-hans stare, although Lao did his best to stand still despite the nervousness.
He had brought him to an empty training room and told him to hold stance without further instruction. And it had been about 20 minutes since he had said anything.
It was terrifying to say the least.
Every time he shuffled his feet resulted in a subsequent sigh of disappointment from the man circling around him. Every time he breathed he felt his arms push in front of him, the ache at his knees only getting worse. Smoke had only gone over the basics of the Lin-Kueis fighting style for one night before focusing on plans for their upcoming mission to Ying fortress.
When the Grandmaster spoke out it almost made him jump.
“Your stance is weak. Ungrounded. Wrong.” Lao wanted to roll his eyes and suggest it’s because he had been holding it for nearly half an hour but he held his tongue. If he were to snap at the other he would no doubt stop helping him. It would hurt even more since this was exactly what he had wanted since he got here.
Bi-hans hand pushed gently in between his shoulder blades. “Shift your weight onto your other foot” So he did, and Lao instantly felt a difference in his stability and the aching weight of holding his previous stance beginning to dissipate.
Bi-han noted the other's more relaxed body.
“Tomas is an unfit teacher.” he said plainly, disdain for the other clear in the way he spoke his name like a curse. As much as Lao tried to stay out of their feud, as he had been told, he would definitely be telling Raiden all the juicy details about this later.
Instantly Kung Lao felt his leg bend down and body fall to his knee with a painful thump. Subzero had kicked it in rather harshly.
“Focus. This is your weak spot. Don't let anyone get behind you.”
Lao nodded, engraving the others' words and actions into his mind. He would improve, crying about petty insults wouldn't help. Subzeros' help would. Before he knew it, the man was standing in front of him. Arms up and ready for a fight.
It was a lot more than Lao bargained for but he swallowed his nerves, now was no time to look weak, especially in front of what was basically his idol at this point. He stood ready, but still tense, while Bi-han looked unbothered about fighting the other.
Once they locked eyes, it started. Lao made his way over quickly but sufficiently, making sure to watch for the others movement while also keeping track of his footwork. Though as soon as he was within arms reach the other sent a swift punch to his face. Luckily Lao blocked it, only sliding back a minute amount from the pure force. He could already feel a bruise forming along his arm.
Now that Lao had learnt his lesson, he approached again, although he stepped around. Circling like a tiger trying to find a good spot to kick out his legs. To his surprise Bi-han didn't turn with him, instead only keeping his eyes on the other as he moved.
The moment he went for the kick the Cryomancer quickly twisted himself around, grabbing his ankle and pulling it towards him.
Trying to keep his balance Lao grabbed onto the others shoulders forcefully but Bi-han quickly pushed against his weight. Pushing him to the floor, leg twisting painfully behind him.
A cold finger ran across his throat, imitating that of a knife.
“Dead”
Luckily he quickly lifted himself and stopped crushing Lao under his weight right after but in true elder brother fashion he did not lift his hand out to help the other up, only got back into position to fight and let Lao handle himself. At least he wasn't toying with him, “killing” him with efficiency instead. A split second decision to cut his opponents throat and move onto the next target coming to him easily.
Scary, having a man like that offering to spar with you but it was exactly the training Lao needed if he were to run into real danger. Into Shang Tsung.
Lao vowed to never be trapped in a cage again, he would stand by that.
“Fight.”
Kung Lao fought.
“Get up.”
Kung Lao got up.
“Block”
Kung Lao blocked.
“Again.”
Kung Lao did it all again.
And at the end of every turn he would hear the utterance of that word.
“Dead”
It almost seemed to bring pain to the others face, if only hidden by thick layers of seriousness and anger, but he wouldn't say anything else. Only state what to improve, never what he did well. It wasn't a long shot to assume Bi-han himself was trained this way.
Harsh, cold and demanding. Lao could barely keep himself standing but still the other demanded kombat. It's only when Lao fell to his knees in a coughing fit that the man stopped for a moment.
The adrenaline had long left his limbs and all the aches and bruises started to settle in, he looked down at himself, feeling the purple and grey marks scattered along his arms and the angry red at his knuckles. He had bled through the gloves.
He had never trained harder in his life.. and never had he been left wanting more. The pain brought a sickening pleasure to his chest that he couldn't ignore. When Lao looked back up, with that fire in his eyes desiring more, Bi-han almost smiled.
“You and I both want for more.”