A/N: Hello, fellow readers, and happy Friday! This time, I have another chapter in honor of the expansion story for Mortal Kombat 1. With that said, grab some food, relax, and happy reading!
Disclaimer: All video games belong to their respective owners.
In Dr. Rainey's therapy office, Kuai Liang lay on the couch. His fingers stroked the kunai spear--a way to de-stress himself from the chaos that now invaded his life.
"I don't understand how my brother, Bi-Han, could do such a thing," he said, his frustration evident. "Here I was, getting ready to marry the love of my life at the Wu Shi Academy, and then, he and the Lin Kuei burst in like they own the place! Of all the days he could've picked, why my fucking wedding?"
Dr. Rainey adjusted her glasses and leaned forward, calm and attentive. "It sounds like you're feeling a profound sense of betrayal and anger. Have you confronted Bi-Han and expressed how his actions impacted you?"
"I did, and let me tell you: pissed is a huge exaggeration. Bi-Han brushed it off like it was nothing, saying this is what I get for betraying and leaving the Lin Kuei. I couldn't believe it—my brother treated my happiness like an irrelevant detail. Since learning what he did to father, I made a choice--Smoke did as well."
"It's clear that your brother's actions have affected you and disrupted a significant moment in your life. How have you and Smoke coped with the aftermath of these events?"
"For starters, another Titan called Havik disrupted the day further, talking about spreading anarchy. It's awful enough we had to deal with Titan Shang Tsung. Now, there's another one. Not only that, rumors spread about Bi-Han turning into Noob Saibot. Now, I take rumors with a grain of salt. However, once I saw him in his updated form, I wanted to kick him in his teeth."
"Ah, yes, I saw the trailer for it. Let me ask you this: when you left the Lin Kuei, did you give the others an explanation why you left?"
"Come to think of it, Cyrax confronted me about it after crashing the wedding," Kuai Liang said. "She said, and I quote, 'I left without any explanation.' A part of me wanted to tell her the truth, but how could I explain it to someone loyal to my brother? I can't say, 'Hey, guess what? While on a mission to subdue Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, I found out Bi-Han left my father to die. How's that for an explanation?'"
Dr. Rainey nodded. "That's a heavy burden to carry on your end. Sometimes, sharing the truth, no matter how difficult can provide the clarity and closure needed for everyone involved, including yourself."
"That's easier said than done, doctor. I mean, revealing that kind of betrayal could cause a rift that never heals. Plus, there's always the risk they won't believe me and side with Bi-Han regardless. Geez, what would Hanzo do if he were in my shoes?"
Without warning, a fiery portal appeared on the floor as the Netherealm specter popped his head. "Did someone call me? Ah, Kuai Liang. You adjusted well to the Scorpion mantle, but the old timeline scar remains the same. How are things working for you?"
"Not well, Hanzo. I was telling the good doctor here about Bi-Han crashing my wedding."
"I heard. Damn, that sucks. No one told me who the lucky lady was."
Kuai Liang sucked air through his teeth and glanced at Dr. Rainey, who turned away as if to say, 'Don't look at me.' "Hanzo, you wouldn't blow a gasket if I tell you who it is, right?"
The specter raised a brow. "Kuai, you and I have been friends since MK10 after you revealed the truth about Sektor's malicious actions when you took the Sub-Zero mantle. Plus, I've been spending a lot of time with Kratos and his son regarding my anger issues. So, whoever it is, I can handle it."
"Okay. It's Harumi."
"What?! First off, how is that possible because my wife's been dead for a long time?! Second, are you serious?!"
"Hanzo, will you chill out? The Harumi Kuai is marrying is in Liu Kang's timeline. It has nothing to do with the original timeline," Dr. Rainey said.
The specter paused to process the information. "Oh, um, ahem, my apologies, doctor. This multiverse stuff is confusing. One of the creators must've watched too many Marvel movies. Anyway, Kuai, is your Harumi okay?"
"She's shaken from the incident, but alright."
"That's good. Do you need my help kicking your brother's ass? I heard he became Noob Saibot, though under different circumstances."
"Let me finish my session with Dr. Rainey, and I'll return to you about it."
"Alright." Hanzo slipped back into the Netherealm, and the portal closed.
"Well, that was unexpected," Dr. Rainey said. "Anyway, Kuai, you mentioned how revealing the truth to your former Lin Kuei warriors might cause a disruption. Given what I saw from your arcade ending, most already see you and Smoke as traitors. Now, the Lin Kuei and the emerging Shirai Ryu have become rivals. Don't you feel it's only fair they should know the truth in case Titan Havik succeeds in spreading chaos and kills everyone in his way?"
Kuai Liang sighed, raking his hair with his fingers. "It's a delicate situation, doctor. Revealing the truth might bring clarity, but it could also ignite further conflict and make things difficult. However, with Havik threatening all realms, it might be a risk we have to take to unite our forces against a common enemy."
"Alright. Now, for the million-dollar question. Now that Bi-Han has become Noob Saibot, what are your plans for him? Do you plan on killing him or saving his soul?"
"I believe there might still be a chance to save him. My first strategy would be to reach out to Bi-Han to remind him of who he once was. From my understanding, Lord Liu Kang might be getting through to him. I cannot say if Sektor is doing the same. If that fails, I may have no choice but to confront him in battle, but I won't make that decision lightly. It also leaves the question of who would take the Sub-Zero mantle should the latter happen. I've already taken the Scorpion mantle, so it must be someone from the Lin Kuei or Shirai Ryu."
"Have the Shirai Ryu ever had anyone with ice powers?"
"Not to my knowledge, but it would be interesting. Regardless of what happens to Bi-Han when the expansion story releases, I'll still kick him in his teeth. You don't just crash a wedding and think you'll walk away without consequences."
Dr. Rainey chuckled. "Oh, I bet. Anyway, it looks like we're out of time, so we'll have to pick this up in our next session. Stay safe out there, Kuai, and remember that sometimes the hardest battles are those fought within ourselves."
"Thank you, Dr. Rainey. Until next time."