"Are you sure that you're alright?" Sub Zero asked as he awaited his friend's response. His friend sighed before responding.
"Are you?" Aqua Asked the duo once again prepared to fight side by side.
"It's just a test. There is nothing to worry about." Said Sub Zero.
"You and I both know that isn't true." Said Aqua before two large doors opened before them.
The duo stepped through and into what seemed to be an ordinary warehouse. Large shelves storing various products filled the building as did several types of equipment. Pallet jacks and forklifts left scattered throughout the structure. The only thing out of place was the cyborg that stood in front of them. It was the first of its kind, and ready to be tested. The machine was called Unit One for obvious reasons, Sub Zero and Aqua were tasked with being the test. It stayed perfectly still as it's head looked straight down at the ground. Oniro, the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, watched through a window above. He likely stood with some of the Lin Kuei scientists, his son Sektor, as well as the black dragon mercenary, Kano. Kano had supplied much of the equipment for the cyber initiative at somewhat affordable prices. He'd also been a necessity when it came to actually constructing the abominations.
"Unit one. Activate!" Called out the grandmaster before the dormant cyborg shot up with laser focus on the two Lin Kuei opposite of him.
Aqua and Sub Zero took their stances before the cyborg rushed. The duo tried to strike, but with incredible agility the cyborg leaped into the air and dodged both attacks before countering mid air. Both Sub Zero and Aqua were sent sliding across the ground as Unit One landed perfectly. Aqua unleashed a powerful wave over the metallic man with no effect. Then Sub Zero fired a large beam that managed to successfully freeze Unit One completely. For a moment the two shared a look of remorse over their former brother. Underestimating the cyborg proved foolish when he broke from the ice and grabbed Sub Zero by the face. Bi Han was unable to escape the grasp of the cyborg, so Aqua was forced to step in. Unit One stopped Aqua's advance with a front kick that put the man on his back. Sub Zero was almost able to slip free thanks to Aqua's intervention, but just before he could Unit One nailed Bi Han with a hard punch to the head. The blow was so hard it sent Bi Han rolling away.
As Bi Han collected himself the Cyborg fired a pair of rockets from its wrist. Bi Han was lucky that they'd not hit him directly, but the explosion still sent him through the air. Sub Zero collided with a forklift before bouncing over it and tumbling through the air. He eventually landed on his back with the wind knocked out of him, but relatively unharmed.
The cyborg was far stronger than Sub Zero or Aqua. He'd also had a good layer of armor without any loss of speed or agility. If anything the cyborg had become more agile than he was when he was still human.
Aqua and Unit One began exchanging blows as the human hoped to wear the cyborg down, but its energy seemed limitless. While Aqua would feel fatigue from the fight, the cyborg could continue at the same pace presumably forever. Sub Zero came to the conclusion that the only way to defeat the cyborg would be with extreme attacks to kill the fighter in one blow.
While Unit One was distracted by Aqua, Sub Zero began charging up his most powerful ice beam. Unit One had little time to react before ice covered both his arms. Bi Han then smashed both appendages before jamming a sword of ice straight through the cyborg's body. The fight was clearly over, yet Aqua still took the liberty of smashing the cyborg's head with a powerful hammer kick. The bot shattered to pieces before Aqua let out an angry yell.
"Are you happy!?" Yelled Aqua as Oniro frowned.
"I would prefer you didn't destroy millions of dollars of equipment." Stated the grandmaster.
"People aren't equipment." Said Sub Zero referring to the man that the cyborg had once been..
Oniro was clearly unhappy with their aggressiveness. However, he'd been content with the results of Unit One. Sure the cyborg had been killed, but it'd put up a tough fight against two of the most seasoned Lin Kuei in the entire clan. With some minor modifications to their schematics, the first cyborg would be active in just a few weeks. Then Oniro could begin mass transformation of the clan.
"Impressive." Stated Shang Tsung from beside the grandmaster.
"Targeting systems need tuning." Said Kano. "Those rockets should've torn those boys to shreds, but we can fix that in a lick."
"Minor adjustments. My Cyborgs will be a dominant force for years to come." Stated Oniro.
"Will they be ready for the tournament?" Shang Tsung asked.
"They are not yet ready for such an important task, but I can assure you that only the best Lin Kuei will be joining you for the tournament. My son, Sektor, will lead this team into the tournament." Said Oniro before several Lin Kuei warriors entered the room.
At first glance Shang Tsung seemed impressed by the specimens the grandmaster had hand picked to fight for him. Five total assassins; each of them battle tested. The first, Sektor, was known by many to be the grandmaster's son. He'd made a name for himself among the other Lin Kuei, as one of the most elite. Secondly was Cyrax, a warrior who relied heavily on the combination of technology and potions he brewed himself. The potions allowed Cyrax to teleport, as well as other strange abilities. The third fighter, Ryker, wasn't a meta human whatsoever, but instead utilized different weapons to face much more powerful foes. finally were a pair of elite metahumans codenamed Cyclone and whirlwind. Each possessed the ability to manipulate wind much like Fujin, but on a smaller scale.
"We are at your service." Stated Sektor as he and the men behind him each placed their fists over their hearts.
"An impressive lot." Admitted Shang Tsung. "However, I had specifically requested Aqua and Sub Zero to be among them."
"Sub Zero and Aqua have both refused to participate." Answered Oniro.
"Disobeying a direct order?" Asked Sektor in shock. "The cyber initiative…." Began Sektor before Oniro cut him off.
"Those two have done so much for the clan already, so I decided to grant their requests." Stated Oniro as Shang Tsung admired the warriors.
"No matter. Your warriors seem more than capable, and are a mere precaution. The Outworld fighters have never failed before." Stated Shang Tsung.
"Then we have a deal? My fighters will participate in your tournament. In exchange you will allow the Lin Kuei to live in Outworld?" Asked Oniro, extending his hand.
"You will live a more luxurious life than you have ever imagined." Replied Shang Tsung as he took the grandmaster's hand. "This is the beginning of a wonderful relationship."
Sub Zero watched Aqua storm out of the doors and into the cold night. There was no purpose in shouting out after his friend as he walked past the statue in the center of the open area. Aqua wasn't so easily angered, but this was not something they could ignore. Soon the entire clan would be cyberized. Yes, they'd spoken about escape. So had Cyrax, Tundra, and many of the others, but In the end they were just conversations, not actual plans. With only a few weeks left until they were each stripped of their free will you'd think they'd have planned more out, but truthfully they knew that there was nowhere to go. Escaping the Lin Kuei was already near impossible and surely wouldn't be easier when the assassin's all became heartless machines.
Not to mention the tournament was only a short time away. If Outworld won they'd probably all be dead anyway. Of course Sub Zero had heard about Oniro's plans to move the clan to Outworld, but Bi Han didn't believe that Shang Tsung had any intention of honoring that agreement. He'd never met Shang Tsung before, but heard stories of the sorcerer. Legends that said he once won a tournament for earthrealm and defended the realm alongside Raiden before succumbing to the thought of eternal life. Sub Zero had dealt with a sorcerer before in Quan Chi. He learned they were not to be trusted.
Small flakes of snow had begun to fall as Sub Zero contemplated his options. The Lin Kuei had moved to the arctic sometime after the ordeal with Quan Chi. Oniro believed it would help them stay clear of the netherrealms future dealings, but Sub Zero knew Oniro just wanted a more secluded place to test his cyborgs. He took a seat beneath the statue before he began to meditate. It was short lived as he sensed Raiden standing some distance behind him.
"I know you are there, Raiden. Come out already!" Demanded Bi Han.
"How did your fight go?" Asked Raiden genuinely curious.
"The cyborgs are far more advanced than I predicted. The Lin Kuei will be gone soon, and heartless machines will be all that's left." Answered Bi Han. "Aqua is not taking it well."
"I noticed him leaving. Has he made a decision?" Asked Raiden.
"He will not participate for the Lin Kuei, but he's not willing to fight for you either." Stated Sub Zero.
"I was hoping he'd accept my offer, but at least he's not fighting for Shang Tsung. What about you Bi Han?" Asked Raiden.
"I have yet to make a decision. No one has ever defected from the clan and survived. Why risk my life for you? What difference can I make?" Asked Bi Han.
"For the past nine generations I have selected a shaolin as my champion every time. We have also failed to win the tournament nine times straight." Stated Raiden.
"So you don't believe Liu Kang can defeat Goro and Shang Tsung?" Asked Sub Zero.
"I do believe he has the potential to defeat any adversary. However, It would be foolish of me not to have a failsafe in place. This is the final tournament after all." Answered Raiden.
"So that's all I am then? A failsafe should your chosen one fail?" Spat Sub Zero.
"You're more than that Bi Han. You defeated Quan Chi's minions, the sorcerer himself, and not to mention you survived an encounter with Shinnok. I have plenty of reasons to believe you can win the tournament yourself. It's why I will be choosing you as my champion." Stated Raiden.
"I'm no fool, Raiden." Spat Sub Zero. "Your reasons for selecting me as your champion are purely selfish. You want the assassins chasing after me instead of Liu Kang. I may have been willing to fight for you, but taking the responsibilities of your champion is a death sentence." Finished Sub Zero before turning to leave.
"You may die in the tournament, Bi Han, but you will certainly die if you stay in the Lin Kuei." Stated Raiden. Bi Han stopped as he recalled that the grandmaster's cyber initiative would be going into effect very soon. Also that earthrealm could be lost in mere weeks as well. He would have nowhere to run.
"What do you offer, Raiden?" Bi Han asked while approaching Raiden once again.
"If you fight as my champion in the tournament then I will not only offer you protection from your clan, but I extend that offer to all Lin Kuei that wish to retain their free will. Like your brother for example." Said Raiden truthfully.
"What if I do not win?" Asked Sub Zero, naturally expecting a catch to the deal.
"If you fight with all your heart then I will honor my half of the deal regardless of the outcome. Of course you also know that should you also win the tournament you will be granted immortality by the elder gods. At least until the next tournament that is." Stated Raiden.
"I know there is something you're not telling me, so tell me now."
"Quan Chi and Scorpion will be attending as part of the netherrealm delegation representing Outworld." Answered Raiden. Bi Han chuckled.
"So on top of my sanctioned matches, Outworld assassins, and the other Lin Kuei who will undoubtedly want to defeat me… I'll also have to worry about Hanzo once again." Said Sub Zero with a laugh. "I seem to have no choice regardless.."
"I won't lie to you Sub… Bi Han." Raiden corrected himself.. "You are in a bad position whether you accept my offer or not. A mix of horrible circumstances and bad decisions has led you to a crossroads where each decision almost certainly guarantees your eventual death. However, your choices now can still make things better for those you leave behind."
"Like my brother, Aqua, Smoke, and everyone else." Said Sub Zero in understanding. "But I have to ask… my death? My fate, I should say. Is it set in stone?"
"Mortals choose their own destinies Bi Han. I tried to explain that to you before and after your encounter with Shinnok. So no, I cannot say with absolute certainty whether you will live or die, but I can say your decisions have consequences, and eventually they will catch up to you." Answered Raiden.
"Never a simple answer with you Raiden." Bi Han sighed. "When do we begin?"
Aqua is an existing mk character in the community or something (it's hard to tell where he comes from exactly…) but he's basically just Bi Han's partner/friend kinda like smoke is to Kuai Liang. I had a whole Sub Zero Origins written, but decided to save it for if I ever get to Shinnok. Aqua was going to be introduced there, but when I scrapped that I decided to keep him. And yes… Bi Han is actually going into the tournament as the champion. I'm tryna give the first Sub Zero a little love here guys.