The rescue of Geras was a success. The heroes, with an unconscious Noob Saibot in tow, managed to find Geras as well as take Titan Havik's Kamidogu. Just in time too, as Havik forces caught up with them. Luckily, Geras was able to use what energy he could to send himself and the heroes back to Liu Kang in their own timeline.

...The Fire Temple...

Liu Kang was the first to greet the group. He was amid readying his forces, as well as gathering his champions when he noticed the familiar shifting of sands that preceded Geras' arrival. He quickly rushed out. "You're back." He stated, breathing a sigh of relief. He saw Geras make his way forward, followed by Scorpion, Cyrax and Sektor. His gaze then shifted towards the other familiar, yet similarly strange faces accompanying them.

He walked towards the man in the military uniform. "Cage?"

"Lieutenant Colonel Cage, sir." Cage replied, giving a military salute. "Johnny Cage. I take it you're the Liu Kang the others have been talking about."

Liu Kang smiled, bowing to the alternate Cage. He then turned to face the other new occupant, this one surprisingly familiar. "Tanya, I presume?"

"Empress Tanya, yes." The alternate Tanya bowed.

Liu Kang smiled before gazing at the shadowy figure being carried by Sektor and Tanya. His demeanor shifted. "Is that-?"

"Bi-Han." Sektor replied. "Havik corrupted him. Turned him into what you see before you. Kuai Liang says you could undo Havik's corruption. You do have the ability, don't you?"

Liu Kang paused, seeing Bi-Han's current state. He placed a hand on Bi-Han's shoulder, feeling the chaos energy coursing through him. "I'm sorry, Bi-Han." He replied, his voice a low whisper. He looked back towards Sektor, nodding. "It will not be easy."

"Will these be of any assistance?" Tanya asked, gesturing to the Kamidogu's in everyone's hands. Liu Kang was shocked to see the numerous Kamidogu together in one place as well as in his own possession.

Liu Kang smiled towards the group. "Yes. The Kamidogu will help greatly with the process. Please, bring Bi-Han inside and we may begin."

Sektor and Tanya made their way inside, gently lying Bi-Han onto the table. Sektor, her mind awash with emotions, gently clasped Bi-Han's hand. She pressed her forehead against him, holding her position. She stood back up, any emotion drained from her face, before turning away, Bi-Han's hand slipping out of her grasp.

"Liu Kang, with your…permission I request passage to the Lin Kuei headquarters. From there, I can repair my armor as well as gather the forces needed to stop Havik from his counterattack." Sektor walked away, expecting the right answer. Scorpion stopped Sektor in her tracks, placing his arm across her chest. "You have something to say, Kuai Liang?"

Kuai Liang kept his stance, glaring at Sektor. "Just because you provided assistance in Titan Havik's timeline does not mean you have been forgiven of your past crimes."

Sektor smirked. "I fail to remember committing any crimes against the Kin Kuei."

Kuai Liang was unamused. "Havik is most likely readying an invasion force to reclaim the Kamidogu as we speak." He stated. "We will need everyone at arms if we are to stop him. Leaving now may mean you won't have any allies when you return."

"Which is why it is advantageous to leave and ready the Lin Kuei." Sektor replied through gritted teeth. "We will finish what you and your Shirai Ryu cannot. Besides, Liu Kang and his allies know nothing of the complexities of my armor. How will I maintain my armor without proper Lin Kuei assistance?"

Kuai Liang smirked. "Well, it is good that you have someone who is experienced with your armor." He started, gesturing behind her. Sektor turned, only to be face-to-face with Cyrax. Cyrax, who was lucky that her mask hid the surprised look on it, nodded to Scorpion. Sektor hissed under her breath.

"Very well." Sektor said, turning to Cyrax and making a mocking gesture to the door. "After you." Sektor left the room, glaring daggers at Scorpion.

Liu Kang relaxed his stance. He turned to Tanya and Kuai Liang. "I hope the two of them will be able to work out their differences. They need to learn that they are stronger as allies rather than enemies."

"That is unlikely to happen, Liu Kang." Kuai Liang replied, looking down at Bi-Han. "Some rifts may never be healed." He could feel the fire inside of him burn. "Do you know what I am going through, Liu Kang? Do you know what it is like to look up to someone for so long, following their every decision without fault, only for their true selves to come forward and make you question everything?"

Liu Kang placed a hang on Kuai Liang's shoulder. "All too well, Kuai Liang." He said, reassuring him. "Sometimes they believe they are doing what is right. They may be too steadfast, however, not seeing how their actions, righteous or not, may be causing a rift between those closest to him." His gaze shifted, almost looking lost in his own thoughts. "Sometimes it may not have been their decision to make. Perhaps they were powerless to make a decision at all."

Kuai Liang took note of the demi-god's shift of demeanor. "Who could a god look up to?"

Liu Kang blinked, regaining his composure. "Perhaps, someday, I may tell you. However, now is not the time." He said, shifting his gaze to Bi-Han. "Now, let us begin."

Tanya brought the Kamidogu's into the room, each of them contained in a box, placing them near Liu Kang. Concentrating, Liu Kang began to draw from them, casting their essences across Bi-Han's form. Tanya took note of Liu Kang's ease of use with what is considered the most powerful artifacts in any realm or timeline.

She leaned over to Scorpion. "Should Liu Kang be treating him?"

"As a god, it is his prerogative." Kuai Liang sighed. "I would not be so forgiving."

Liu Kang maintained a steady pace with the Kamidogu, ensuring no part of Bi-Han was untouched by their power. However, frustration began to creep along Liu Kang's face. His focus began to shift. Attempting to combine his own abilities alongside the Kamidogu, Liu Kang pushed small trails of blue and orange fire to intersect and trail the Kamidogu, hoping this would prove fruitful.

After a few moments, Liu Kang ceased the process. He sighed to himself, his usually calm and stoic demeanor flashed bits of frustration. He closed the box containing the Kamidogu. "Only his mind has been mended." He began. "Havik's magic is unlike anything I have encountered before. I will need more time to properly work towards expelling Havik's corruption. I fear it has spread beyond his body, perhaps corrupting his very soul."

"Havik didn't have to work much there." Kuai Liang muttered under his breath.

Liu Kang made his way back to Bi-Han. There was an uneasy stillness in the room as everyone prepared for the worst. Slowly, Bi-Han shifted, opening his eyes. His eyes quickly darted from left-to-right, gathering his surroundings.

"Bi-Han. Can you hear me?" Liu Kang asked.

There was a moment of stillness from Bi-Han. "Yes. I can." He said, beginning to sit up. Tanya and Liu Kang approached Bi-Han to provide support. Kuai Liang, however, kept his gaze locked on his brother.

Liu Kang broke the silence. "Whatever quarrels we may have had, they will be moot unless we stop Titan Havik."

Bi-Han slowly turned to face the Fire God. "On that, Liu Kang, we agree." He replied. He made notes of his surroundings, both in the objects and the people. He glared at Kuai Liang, who was unfazed by his brother's gaze. "Where am I?" Bi-Han asked.

"You are inside the Fire Temple." Liu Kang stated. "You were rescued by Scorpion and the others as they were on a mission to rescue Geras. You were under Titan Havik's control when they found you. Luckily, I have been able to remove his control over your mind, but much of his corruption persists."

Bi-Han turned to face his brother. "You…saved me?"

Kuai Liang slowly approached him. "You should be grateful your rescue never interfered with our mission. After what you've done I considered leaving you in Titan Havik's timeline, however Sektor saw to your rescue. She sees something in you, only she and the Elder Gods truly know why."

Bi-Han remained still, taking everything in. A part of him still felt bitter after everything that transpired between the two of them. Ever since the Ying Fortress every waking moment of Bi-Han's life was dedicated to enacting his vengeance on his little brother and, in Bi-Han's eyes, his inferior clan.

However, he knew if the roles were reversed he would be hesitant to save his brother. He felt a pang in his chest. He couldn't quite put the feeling. It almost felt like…shame?

"Perhaps Kuai Liang could find benefit from our chaos…"

Bi-Han blinked. Where did that come from? He shook his head, clearing any murkiness from his mind. "Kuai Liang." He said, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder, stopping him. Kuai Liang, slightly uneasy, turned and made eye contact with Bi-Han, expecting the worst.

Bi-Han stayed silent, seemingly at a loss for words. Kuai Liang could see in Bi-Han's eyes that he was attempting to find the right thing to say, whether he wanted to or not. Finally, Bi-Han regained his focus, his hand tightened on Kuai Liang's shoulder. "Thank you, brother."

Kuai Liang narrowed his eyes, glaring daggers at his brother before shrugging Bi-Han's hand off his shoulder. "We can assume Titan Havik is already on his way for the Kamidogu. I trust you have somewhere in mind to keep them from him." He began, looking towards Liu Kang.

Liu Kang nodded. "The Temple of the Elements. Once inside, they will beyond his reach." He gestured outside. "There are those outside who will aid you and the others on your journey. They will depart on your command." Kuai Liang nodded, departing with Tanya and the Kamidogu.

Liu Kang turned back to Bi-Han. "Now, Bi-Han. What can you tell me of your captivity?"

Bi-Han sighed, shaking his head. "He knows what I know. When my mind was broken, it became an open book. All my knowledge was laid bare for Havik's inspection."

Liu Kang nodded. "So he is aware of our defenses."

Bi-Han continued. "And also of the portal gateways at Ying Valley. If he recovers the Kamidogu—"

"He will use them to hasten the capture of this timeline. By projecting his chaos into all realms in once."

"I should have been stronger…" Bi-Han began. "I never should have followed Havik back to his timeline. I thought I had the training, the power to end his threat." His voice was shaky, his grip on the side of the table tightening. "I wasn't strong enough."

Liu Kang remained still, allowing Bi-Han to vent his frustrations. "Of the failings which should shame you, this is not one. Few could withstand a Titan."

Bi-Han scoffed; a low smile formed underneath his mask. "I am aware of your victories, Liu Kang. Both against Shang Tsung and Kronika." Bi-Han glared at Liu Kang. "Not bad for the shaolin's finest."

Liu Kang tilted his head, confused by Bi-Han's claim. Confusion turned to shock as the statement finally clicked. "How are you aware of Kronika?"

Bi-Han chuckled, finding momentary amusement at Liu Kang's surprise. "Havik. When Havik opened my mind he could see everything. However, I could see into his mind as well." Bi-Han shrugged. "A consequence of Havik's chaos."

"So you are aware of the threat that was Kronika. What she had the ability to accomplish and why Titan Havik is such a threat to not just our timeline but endless others."

Bi-Han nodded. "He must be stopped by any means necessary."

Liu Kang nodded. "What else were you able to see?" His own curiosity was getting the better of him.

Bi-Han focused. "It was all such a blur. No path was clear. People and places shifted too fast to comprehend. There were moments, however, that mirrored our own timeline. People and moments in time across both timelines. A tournament in Outworld, the Shaolin, the Lin Kuei, Earthrealm under threat."

Liu Kang nodded. "Were you able to see yourself?"

Bi-Han nodded. "I was once Sub-Zero in that timeline as well. I was killed by Scorpion and corrupted by Quan Chi into…this." He looked down, examining his body. Liu Kang could see Bi-Han's frustration grow, his arms shaking. "I broke free from my control and made a deal with Havik. He opened a portal to the Netherrealm, and we invaded. We killed Shinnok and Quan Chi, but they were not alone. There were resurrected fallen fighters from other realms, their souls taken by Quan Chi." Bi-Han locked eyes with Liu Kang. "They were led by you, Liu Kang."

Liu Kang sighed. Bi-Han's recollection awakening memories he wished he could forget.

"After Shinnok was slain Kronika attempted to rewrite that timeline. She failed. Her arrogance in her own power led to her death at the hands of Havik." Bi-Han chuckled. "The thought of a timeline corrupted by chaos was too much for Havik to ignore. He took control of his hourglass, wiping out all who posed a threat. Including me."

Liu Kang remained still. His thoughts were awash of different ideas and theories. He began to fear just how broken the timeline was. How far did Kronika's defeat not only splintered the timeline from that once fixed point but also fractured both forward and backward in time itself. The possibilities were truly endless.

"What was I like, in your timeline?"

The question brought Liu Kang back to reality. He smiled. "You were dedicated to the Lin Kuei, as you have been here. You were strong, fierce, and still kind to others. One of whom being your brother: Kuai Liang."

Bi-Han scoffed under his breath. "Was he as insolent and narrow-minded as he is here?"

Liu Kang shook his head. "Hardly. His dedication to his Lin Kuei mirrored your own, albeit differing in some ways. His dedication was also what made him take your mantle as Sub-Zero."

Bi-Han looked shocked. "Was he not the Scorpion who ended my life?"

"No. In my timeline, alongside many others it seems, Kuai Liang followed in your footsteps and became a skilled cryomancer. He was devastated by your death. When it was time for the next tournament he entered as Sub-Zero, hoping to honor both his clan and your memory."

Bi-Han paused. His mind was awash with questions and ideas. The most being how different he and his brother's relationship was compared to their own timeline. "My brother cared for me so much he took my name to honor me?"

Liu Kang placed a hand on Bi-Han's shoulder. "He has always cared for you, Bi-Han." He began. "Come, we must be ready for our journey to the Temple of the Elements. Notify Cyrax and Sektor to meet us at the gate."

Bi-Han nodded, beginning to leave. He turned to face Liu Kang. "May I request something?" He asked, his voice uncertain, far from his typical cold demeanor. Liu Kang nodded. "When this is over, and if we both survive, I would like to know more of your former timeline. Not everything, just…regarding my brother and I."

Liu Kang smiled. "I will be happy to tell you what I can."

While Liu Kang couldn't see it, Bi-Han faintly smiled under his mask.

…Elsewhere in the Fire Temple…

Sektor sighed to herself, setting down some tools she had been using to repair her armor.

She was hoping working on her armor would help ease the frustration she was feeling now. Her focus shifted rapidly from Bi-Han to Kuai-Liang to Cyrax and Liu Kang. Each of them earned her focus in some manner. However, she began to realize that performing maintenance while in this state was not to her advantage.

She sat back, looking around the room and shaking her head. Her thoughts drifted to Kuai Liang and Liu Kang, and her frustration grew. How dare they stop her from obtaining aid from the Lin Kuei? Don't they know their numbers could turn the tide in the impending invasion? However, she knew they wouldn't trust her. If she was granted permission she most likely would have been given an escort. That person potentially seeing her work was not a risk she was willing to take.

A small hiss broke Sektor's thought process. She turned to the other occupant in the room: the now-former Lin Kuai Cyrax. She was also repairing her armor, although not to the same degree and Sektor due to the lack of training in that regard. She hissed as part of her armor pinched her skin, causing her to drop some tools by her feet.

Sektor rolled her eyes, standing up and making her way to Cyrax. "Would you like some assistance?" Cyrax looked up at her, hesitant. Sektor continued. "You won't be of any use to us if you break your armor now."

As much as Cyrax wanted to refuse, this was most likely the last opportunity she would have to learn from Sektor. She relaxed her stance. "Go ahead."

Sektor grabbed the fallen tools and went to work. She glanced over the armor, noting Cyrax's repairs. "Not bad." She praised. For Cyrax, any praise from Sektor, even after everything, was appreciated. "There are some critiques I have." Sektor continued. Cyrax's smile faded slightly. "You are overtightening your armor. Your movement will be hindered if you don't loosen the armor's grip. Tight enough to protect, loose enough for mobility."

Cyrax nodded. "Thank you, Sektor." Cyrax could see Sektor was lost in her own thoughts, giving the room a silence occasionally broken by the sounds of maintenance.

"What are you thinking?" Cyrax asked, breaking the silence.

Sektor looked at her, her face stoic. "Do you truly want to know?" Cyrax nodded. "Very well. I fear without the Lin Kuai's assistance we may be fighting a losing battle." She began, standing and allowing Cyrax to move her arms, noting the ease she was missing. Cyrax smiled before looking back at Sektor and gestured her to continue.

"We've seen what forces Havik has in his timeline. And those are only the things we have seen. We need everyone if we have any hope of stopping him."

"We have a Titan on our side as well." Cyrax replied. "I'm sure Liu Kang has been gathering his allies as we have been rescuing Geras."

"Do you think they will be enough? Havik has numerous allies from across his timeline. How can we stand against such a force on our own?"

"By fighting together." Cyrax replied.

"Together." Sektor mockingly replied. "If we were all together then the Lin Kuei would have been the dominant force protecting Earthrealm. If we were all together then Havik have been killed long ago. If we were all together then Bi-Han…" She paused.

Cyrax noticed. "What about Bi-Han?"

Sektor paused, trying to contain herself. "Bi-Han would still be alive."

Cyrax remained silent, allowing Sektor to vent. It wasn't much of a secret in the Lin Kuei how close Sektor and Bi-Han were. Seeing Sektor's emotions come forward like that told Cyrax it was both personal and professional. "I know you cared deeply about Bi-Han. I am sure Liu Kang will be doing everything in his power to bring him back."

"I'm sure he will." Sektor spat. "How can you be sure Liu Kang won't try to hinder Bi-Han after everything that has happened? He has every reason to."

Cyrax shook her head. "Liu Kang would not do that."

"You don't know that. Bi-Han wanted to break the Lin Kuei away from Liu Kang's constant tampering. He believed our freedom from his shackles would allow the Lin Kuei to break our mortal bonds and allow us to choose our own destinies. Now…" Her voice cracked slightly, but her ferocity remained. "Now Bi-Han is gone. Corrupted by Havik. The Lin Kuei has no Grandmaster now. No future to call our own. That needs to change."

Cyrax raised a brow. "You? Are you sure Bi-Han will allow that?"

"As if he has the ability." Sektor chastised. "If Bi-Han hadn't been so arrogant to rush into Havik's timeline without any assistance then perhaps he would still be alive and not this…thing we are trying to save."

"Is that what you think, Sektor?" Bi-Han's voice called out.

An uneasy stillness filled the room as Cyrax and Sektor both froze. They looked towards the doorway to see Bi-Han, unmasked, standing like a living shadow. His empty white eyes altered between the two, not that they were able to notice.

"Bi-Han." Sektor spoke, breaking the silence. The surprise in her voice was apparent. "You're back."

Bi-Han slowly made his way forward. "Liu Kang is gathering his forces. We will depart for the Temple of the Elements soon." He turned to Cyrax. "Leave us." Cyrax complied, quickly leaving the room to the two Lin Kuei.

Silence once again filled the room. The two top members stared at each other. Bi-Han didn't let Sektor out of his sight, seemingly glaring daggers at her.

"Havik's forces will be here at any moment." Sektor began, making her way to the doorway. "Whatever answers you may seek will have to wait until—"

Bi-Han held his arm across Sektor's chest. Before she could respond Bi-Han shoved her back to her previous spot. Sektor didn't falter her stance, however, standing tall against Bi-Han.

"If you have anything you wish to say to your Grandmaster…" He said, his voice dripping with rage. "Now is the time to say it."

"Okay." Sektor replied, nonchalantly wiping herself off. "Considering all that has occurred, I do not believe you are in the right state of mind to lead the Lin Kuei. I am offering that I take your place as Grandmaster."

Bi-Han glared at her. "I refuse." He began. "Liu Kang was able to return my mind to me. Regardless of my current state, I am still capable of being your Grandmaster."

"So it would seem." Sektor stated. "How can I or the Lin Kuei know Havik's control over you is completely broken? I will not stand and watch from the side as you corrupt the Lin Kuei."

"That is not what I will do!" Bi-Han shouted, causing Sektor to tense. Seeing this, he regained his composure. "My powers are unique to the Lin Kuei. They will be a benefit to our plans."

"I refuse to believe that Bi-Han." Sektor glared, not backing down.

"My new abilities have given me more than what cryomancy alone offered." He examined his hands, seeing the dark energy swirling around them and back into him. He locked eyes with Sektor. "Perhaps you will benefit from them as well."

SLAP*

Sektor slapped Bi-Han, knocking him back. "I was right. Havik still has control over you. You are unfit to lead." Her mask closed and her armor's defenses activated. "Stand aside, Bi-Han. Don't make me kill you."

Bi-Han winced. Not just from the slap but from the impact against the fresh scar given to him from his brother. He straightened himself, sighing deeply. He turned to Sektor. He was about to respond when he paused suddenly. He could hear whispers in his mind. Suggestions and commands. All in voices not his own.

Sektor noticed his hesitation. "Bi-Han?"

"You…you're right." Bi-Han replied, his voice shaking with a mixture of regret and fear. "Havik's power whispers to me still. I did not want to believe it." She could see the uncertainty in his eyes. "I am sorry."

Sektor relaxed. She embraced Bi-Han, hugging him and gently pressing her head against his own. The two remained like this for a few moments before Bi-Han backed away. "I…am still your Grandmaster." He stated, much to Sektor's disappointment. "However, when this conflict is over we will discuss the future of the Lin Kuei. That I promise you."

Sektor, for the moment, was pleased. Feeling a weight seemingly lifted from her shoulders for the moment. "Thank you, Bi-Han."

Suddenly, Sektor's communicator pinged to life. "Sektor, are you still with Bi-Han?" Cyrax called out.

Sektor noticed the haste in her voice. "I am, Cyrax. What is—"

"Come to the entrance! We—" An explosion from outside the temple shook the room, momentarily disorienting the two.

Bi-Han glared in the direction of the destruction. "Havik." He growled.