Sub Zero ate his meal silently while the remaining champions conversed. They compared notes on their opponents and ideas on how best to defeat them going forward. At least the most dangerous ones. Sub Zero couldn't help but dwell on how few of them were left. The earthrealm delegation was easily outnumbered 5 to 1 now, perhaps more. That would be a lot of fighting for anyone, even Sub Zero. That was without even factoring in that Goro would be waiting for him at the end.
"There is no information about warriors like Skarlet in the shaolin text. Raiden said she was dangerous, but otherwise she is a mystery." Stated Liu Kang.
"What about Scorpion? You fought him once, right Sub Zero?" Lance asked, trying to gather as much information as possible.
"I didn't just fight him. I killed him." Stated Sub Zero coldly. The entire table of earthrealm heroes went silent as he continued to eat.
"Call me crazy with a K, but if you killed him then shouldn't he be, ya know, dead?" Johnny Cage asked.
"He is a specter born in the netherrealm, likely revived by Quan Chi." Answered Bi Han.
"A specter?" Questioned Sonya which annoyed Sub Zero.
"A vengeful spirit fueled by hatred. He lives only to kill me." Answered the cryomancer.
"How can we beat him?" Asked Lance again.
"You can't, but I will." Stated Bi Han. "However, even if killed, I suspect he will simply be revived by Quan Chi again, so he must be killed as well."
"What about your Lin Kuei buddies? Anything you can share about them?" Asked Lance.
"Sektor, Typhoon and Cyclone were already defeated by Cage and Art Lean. That leaves just Cyrax and Ryker. Ryker is what you might call a specialist. He is proficient in weapons of all kinds. You can never be sure what he's going to take into a fight or if he's hiding another weapon on him or nearby. Always assume he's armed." Bi Han explained.
"What about the other one? Cyrax was it?" Sonya questioned.
"Unfortunately, Cyrax is by far the most skilled of the bunch. He uses a few pieces of tech and some blades, but what you really need to watch out for are his bombs.."
"Did you say bombs? What kind of bombs are we talking about here?" Asked Stryker.
"He crafts them himself, so I couldn't give you the specifics, but they're more powerful than your fragmentation grenades." Stryker nodded in understanding.
"We need to get back to the courtyard for the next matches." Stated Kenshi. "Shang Tsung will no doubt be ready to continue."
"Go ahead." Stated Sub Zero. "I will finish my meal and catch up with you there." He finished as the others took off for the courtyard. Just as quickly as the others left the meal area, Sektor entered.
Sub Zero truthfully had just wanted the other heroes to leave so he could speak with Sektor alone. The other Lin Kuei warrior had been watching Bi Han for some time, waiting for Bi Han to be alone. Sub Zero just didn't know why.
"Have you come for a fight, Sektor?" Asked Bi Han once the other earthrealm heroes had been gone a few minutes.
"Not today, my friend." Stated Sektor approaching the cryomancer. "I've come to warn you. The grandmaster has officially labeled you a deserter for choosing to fight with Raiden."
"I figured as much, but if that's the case then how come we're speaking, not fighting?" Sub Zero asked.
"My father has ordered me to take you back to the temple, however I felt you deserved more than to be stabbed in the back by your own clan after all you've done for us." Answered Sektor.
"You refused an order from the grandmaster?" Sub Zero asked, genuinely surprised. "He must be livid."
"As far as he knows, I'll try, and fail. Besides, What he plans for us is…. Disturbing. I was on board at first, but after seeing the process, I'm less than convinced." Explained Sektor. "When we get back from the tournament I'm going to stop the cyber initiative from destroying our clan. However, you need to understand that my father will certainly send assassins after you regardless of what I say or do. That is assuming they're not already here." He hinted.
"Ryker." Stated Bi Han, understanding completely. "I should have known that would be the only reason he would be sent here with you."
"This will likely be the last time we talk, at least for a while. But there is something else I should warn you about. Scorpion is about to fight in the courtyard and he's no doubt going to be calling you out. Shang Tsung plans on having you taken out of the equation prior to that."
"Outworld and Lin Kuei assassins, as well as a match with Scorpion. I seem to be popular today. Thank you for the information, Sektor."
"This is not goodbye, my friend. I'm sure we'll have this mess sorted out in a few weeks and we will be celebrating your victory back at the temple. Until then…" Sektor spoke, putting his hand on his chest. "Be stealthful as the night."
"And as deadly as the dawn." Finished Sub Zero offering his respect to Sektor.
With that the two separated. Sub Zero couldn't help but think of his brother, and their friends within the Lin Kuei. There was a world where Bi Han could win the tournament and return to the temple to help Sektor overthrow the grandmaster, but even that was a dark reality. How many Lin Kuei would die defending the grandmaster? How many brothers would Bi Han be forced to kill? In a perfect world all Lin Kuei would see the grandmaster had all but lost his sanity. Even in that scenario Bi Han still had to deal with Ryker now. The Lin Kuei assassin had an alternative objective other than to fight in the tournament. Ryker was here to kill Bi Han for siding with Raiden, on the grandmasters orders. Bi Han knew Ryker well enough to know there would be no conversation, no bargaining, no changing his mind. Bi Han would have to kill Ryker. While he hadn't considered Ryker a friend necessarily, he hadn't wanted to kill any of his clan.
Would Kuai Liang be in danger? Bi Han couldn't help but wonder if his brother's life would be used to catch Bi Han after the tournament. It wasn't below the grandmaster to take hostages. Surely Sektor wouldn't allow this, or Cyrax, but neither had that much pull. And if Sektor planned to fight against his father, Oniro, then there was always the possibility he'd lose. In that scenario Sektor and Cyrax would be the first to be cyberized. Tundra, Smoke, Aqua and Hydro would all be forced into the process shortly after. No, Bi Han could not allow that. He would kill Ryker, Scorpion, Goro and anyone else it took to get back home. His brother, and friends would not be turned against him. Not in that way. He could still save the Lin Kuei.
First, Bi Han knew he needed to draw out his enemies. His upcoming match with Scorpion would need to go uninterrupted. Not only that, but he needed to speak with Raiden. Should he fail to survive he needed to make sure his brother would still be protected. Sektor offered some reassurance, but many have spoken out against the cyber initiative. It is likely the grandmaster is prepared for a coup. Whether or not was expecting his own son to be the leader of that coup was up for debate. Regardless, Bi Han couldn't necessarily count on Sektors mission to be a successful one. Raiden would need to guarantee Kuai Liang's safety.
The first step in Bi Han's plan would have to be taking Ryker off the board. He knew at least one Outworld assassin was after him as well, but hadn't yet had a way to draw them out. Ryker on the other hand he could find easily. Sub Zero needed to defeat Ryker without drawing out the outworld assassin. It would be risky to fight against both at once.
After defeating Ryker he planned on luring whichever assassin Shang Tsung sent out into the open. Then he'd deliver their head to Shang Tsung before challenging Scorpion. Finally, he'd still need to defeat Goro and Shang Tsung before he could return home.
Bi Han stepped out of the mess hall ready to hunt Ryker down. His first thought was to go to the Courtyard, but if Scorpion was there then Sub Zero knew Ryker wouldn't be. Knowing him, The specter is probably eager to kill any and all Lin Kuei. Ryker wouldn't want to be near that.
"The docks." Said Sub Zero in realization. If Ryker were to take Sub back to the temple for cyberization he would need a vessel. Ryker no doubt would be preparing one for the trip back. Sub Zero could actually gain the element of surprise over his former ally at the docks.
Sub Zero quickly bolted towards the docks of Shang Tsung's Island while the tournament continued in the courtyard. Sub Zero could hear the sounds of battle coming from the courtyard as he passed by. In a glance the cryomancer could see that Scorpion was indeed fighting. Of course Sub Zero didn't have time to watch that as he continued towards the docks. As he approached he considered killing Ryker from the shadows. Avoiding the fight all together could save time and energy for his upcoming fights. However, Sub Zero wanted the fight. He wanted to spit in the eyes of the grandmaster through Ryker, and he would kill him if necessary.
"Ryker!" Called Sub Zero as he stepped onto the docks. The docks had several small ships as well as the main one that transported the warriors to the island. Ryker stepped out from one of the small boats at the end of the dock not at all surprised by Sub Zero's arrival.
"I knew Cyrax wouldn't have the stomach to do what needs to be done, but Sektor? That one surprises me." Stated Ryker as he loaded a firearm.
"I will offer you one chance to get on that ship and leave here. I suggest you take it." Spoke Sub Zero.
"I'm not afraid of you, Bi Han." Stated Ryker. "Everyone else is terrified by the man who beat Shinnok, but that really isn't true, is it? You simply stole his amulet and ran. Without it Shinnok couldn't escape his prison in the netherrealm."
"Who told you this?" Sub Zero asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Shang Tsung knows all your secrets, Bi Han. He was kind enough to share that one with me. The whole clan will hear the truth when I return with you as my prisoner."
"Whether or not I bested Shinnok doesn't change the fact that you will die here. Alone you stand no chance."
"Good thing I'm not alone then." Said Ryker before whistling out. In an instant a gust of wind came by and the duo of Typhoon and Cyclone revealed themselves.
In a second the duo rushed Bi Han attacking with a combo of attacks. Bi Han blocked most before forming an ice hammer to simultaneously smash both to the ground with. Ryker opened fire with his assault rifle, but Bi Han formed a shield of ice and blocked the incoming gunfire. Ryker quickly fired a grenade from the rifles under barrel attachment that destroyed the wall and knocked Bi Han to the ground. He shot to his feet and threw an ice ball that froze the weapon before Ryker could reload it. Instead he pulled out an automatic pistol before shooting at Bi Han once again. Bi Han ducked underneath the gunfire as he dashed toward Ryker. The Cryomancer knocked the weapon from his hands before a hard front kick sent him back.
Ryker rolled further back as he hit the ground, putting more distance between them. Sub Zero stood confidently as Ryker threw a batch of grenades down the pier. Sub Zero caught the grenade nearest to him, tossing it harmlessly away. The other explosives landed in surrounding boats or in the water. Each detonated without damaging Bi Han whatsoever. It was clear Ryker was nervous as he reached for a few throwing knives. Bi Han had no trouble dodging the first two before catching the third one mid air. The time for games was over. Bi Han needed to end this. However, Ryker was not yet out of weapons as he went for another pistol. Sub Zero quickly froze the weapon in its holster before Ryker could draw it. Without any choices left, Ryker reached for the two swords he had on his back before lunging at Bi Han. Sub Zero hastily formed an ice sword to block the strike. In an instant he countered the attack with a spin slice that Ryker couldn't avoid.
Ryker fell to his knees coughing blood as the ice sword was lodged completely through his chest. Bi Han with one hand grabbed Ryker by the neck, tightening his grasp. Ryker tried to cough something out, but Bi Han didn't care to hear it. With all his might he tore the head clean off. Blood spewed from Ryker's body into the air as Sub Zero held the head into the air for the other two Lin Kuei to see. The full head still had a chunk of spine hanging from it as he held it.
"Do you two wish to continue?" Asked Sub Zero to which Cyclone and Typhoon shook their heads. "Good. Then leave the island. I don't care where you go or what you do, but you are no longer part of this tournament. I would recommend taking one of the intact boats somewhere far from the Lin Kuei if you wish to escape the cybernetic process. You'll have the best head start of any of us, and if you leave now they may never find you." Finished Sub Zero. The two Lin Kuei looked at each other once before rushing to the boat. Sub Zero knew those two wouldn't last long on their own, but he decided they weren't worth killing, and nobody deserved to be turned into the monsters Oniro intended.
Regardless, he'd taken care of that issue. Now he had another problem. There was still an Outworld assassin that planned to stop him from reaching his next match which in all likelihood would be against Scorpion. The sun was starting to set over the water and Sub Zero knew he wouldn't want to fight against any Outworld assassins at night when they knew the terrain better than him. Instead he would want to draw them out, and he'd need to do it fast.
As the cryomancer stepped off the docks and took off into the forest a hand reached down grabbing the corpse of Ryker. The dead Lin Kuei warriors' blood rushed into the hand of the warrior as they let out a feminine laugh. Skarlet had her eyes set on her prey. Meanwhile Sub Zero headed towards a new destination past the courtyard.
"Bi Han!" Shouted Raiden as he spotted Sub Zero rushing through the forest. The champion came to a sliding stop and redirected to the thunder god and his companions.
"Raiden, shouldn't you be in the courtyard?" Sub Zero asked.
"We were, but as the sun began to set, Shang Tsung informed us we'd be continuing in his throne room. It will storm tonight, and Shang Tsung wants to keep the tournament going."
"Where have you been, Bi Han?" Liu Kang Asked. "Scorpion fought earlier and defeated multiple earthrealm warriors."
"The grandmaster put a bounty on my head that Ryker intended to claim. I dealt with it." Sub Zero answered. "Who is this? Where are the others?" Bi Han asked as he noticed Raiden's second companion.
"I am Kung Lao. Descendant of the great Kung Lao and future champion of earthrealm." Kung Lao said with a cocky grin.
"You're the one with the hat right? A pathetic gimmick." Lao frowned.
"The others are going to meet us in the throne room." Raiden interrupted. "Shang Tsung wanted to take another small break before we continued, so the others wanted to get in some personal time." Answered Raiden.
"Then I will join you there." Stated Sub Zero. "First I must deal with an Outworld assassin, who Shang Tsung seems to think can kill me."
"You could always just come with us now. No assassin would attack you while you're standing besides lord Raiden." Lao suggested.
"If you were really the future champion of earthrealm you would not suggest hiding behind Raiden, you would instead, eagerly accept the challenge." Sub Zero said, insulting Lao again. "Besides that, the assassin would still find another time to attack. Best to deal with the issue now."
"Or have you just gone too long without killing someone, Bi Han?" Liu spat.
"I have fresh blood on my hands, Liu Kang. Lin Kuei blood, so if I were you I would watch your tone." Spoke Bi Han threatening the monk.
"Your heart is black, Bi Han. You don't deserve the honor of representing earthrealm!" Said Liu as tensions rose.
"That's enough." Stated Raiden calming the two. "You both need to remember who the true enemy is."
"You are a skilled combatant, Liu Kang." Spoke Bi Han with a rare compliment. "I don't doubt you have the skill to defeat many opponents here and in your future. What I doubt is that you will always be the best fighter, and when you're outmatched with lives on the line I want to see how far you'll go to protect them. I assure you that once you've been forced to make some tough decisions, death will start to seem like a mercy in itself."
"We should be going. May the elder gods protect you." finished Raiden.
Bi Han knew he needed to find a way to draw the assassin out on his terms. He had no knowledge of this opponent, but any Outworld assassin tasked with killing him would be skilled. What those skills consisted of… he could only guess. However, with the warriors all gathering in the throne room, Bi Han could take this fight wherever he wanted.
Knowing time was not on his side, Sub Zero headed for the nearest location of interest opting to draw his enemy out in the gardens.