#straight ally bi han

[laismoura-art]

Godmother of Diversity himself! Solving homophobia one murder at time! <3

Lisa: I have something to confess... I like women!

Bi-Han, young, unexperienced, panicked and devoid of braincells: Me... too.

Some rando: *Is transphobic towards Cyrax*

Bi-Han, manifesting out of thin air: So this is Cyrax, she identifies as a woman! And I'm Bi-Han, I identify as your murderer :)

Kuai: So... I'm into boys...

Bi-Han: *Nearly has a heart attack with the mere possibility that he might’ve figured that out by developing a crush on one of their toxic ass clansmen*

Bi-Han, physically in pain: I... s-support... you...

(Any) Bi-Han: Ugh! I hate my in-laws!

Some rando: *is biphobic towards Harumi or Hanzo*

Bi-Han: You're gonna talk shit about my in-laws?? SQUARE THE HELL UP, BITCHBOY!

Full set cause Tumblr keeps ruining my animations! 😤

Anyways, Straight ally Bi-Han is the best Bi-Han!😌💅🏾

Bonus: a headcanon to ponder...

Bi-Han: *Thinks he's only an ally cause he's dating a (demon) woman*

Asexuality: Bitch, you thought!

[laismoura-art]

Mind if I use these for some headcanons, OP?

Lisa Liang:

Cyrax:

Kuai:

Bi-Han:

(Bi-Han is Demiromantic)

LGBTQ+ Mortal Kombat Icons

Like and/or reblog if you save/use

[galaxywrites]

Freed Revenants AU, Character Headcanons.

Includes some 18+ headcanons, mdni.

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Tomàš

🥀 There are burns scattered across his body which include on his face and his neck. As a result, he cannot smile properly-- nor can he laugh without it sounding low. The most Tomàš can manage is a crooked smile.

🥀 Tomàš is a horrible liar, so he has resorted to being mean with the truth.

🥀 Tomàš is a bottom.

🥀 Tomàš can't sit properly in a chair.

🥀 Tomàš is very good at using chopsticks, which is surprising to Kung Lao and Liu Kang.. until he reminds them that he grew up in a Chinese clan.

🥀 One of the ones in the group that has one of the highest alcohol tolerances, only surpassed by Jade and Kitana.

🥀 Tomàš is not allowed to drink energy drinks anymore. Nightwolf has forbade it.

🥀 Tomàš is a sleepwalker. When he was younger, he used to sleepwalk all over the temple, and he'd always somehow end up waking up in Bi-Han's bed. He never questioned it though.

🥀 Tomàš is the shortest of the group, standing at 5'4. He's also the youngest, having died when he was 24.

🥀 He has a very low singing voice.

🥀 Trans masculine.

🥀 Tomàš can drive (surprisingly)

🥀 Tomàš has achromatopsia, being only able to see in monochrome colors-- so grey, black and white.

Stryker

🪻 Sonya's older brother. Their mother took him when they were little, and moved to New York. She married a police officer, and changed both her and Kurt's last names to Stryker. His stepfather coerced him to join the police force.

🪻 Kurt regularly gives Kabal rocks that he finds interesting.

🪻 Chews his nails when he's nervous. He has to have Kabal or Tomàš pull his hand away from his mouth.

🪻 His favorite song is Dirty Thoughts, which he has sang to Kabal at one point.

🪻 Kurt has a very low alcohol tolerance, but an incredibly high spice tolerance.

🪻 Kurt wakes up November 1 and immediately starts decorating for Christmas. It drives Kabal up the walls.

Liu Kang

🔥 He gets chronic nightmares, always dreaming of the night he and Raiden came back to find most of their allies dying. Now he's mostly paranoid that something will hurt the revenants again.

🔥 Liu Kang sleeps in till noon. Being the champion, he was expected to wake up at dawn and train until dusk. So now, as the emperor of the Netherrealm, Liu Kang sleeps until noon-- or if someone else wakes him.

🔥 Steals other people's (Kung Lao's) clothes.

🔥 Liu Kang can play the kazoo.

🔥 Liu Kang cannot drive (don't let him anywhere near a vehicle please)

Kitana

💙 She sucks at saying tongue twisters. Tomàš had her say one once, and she lifted him in the air with her fans.

💙 She usually always has Jade and Tomàš by her side. Tomàš has become her and Jade's younger brother.

💙 No spice tolerance once so ever.

💙 Kitana needs a nightlight to sleep, so Liu Kang will light a candle before they go to bed.

💙 Tends to crack her knuckles very loudly. She'll do it just randomly, and it will startle at least three people.

Nightwolf

🐺 Nightwolf forgets to eat sometimes. When this happens, usually one of the others will make him a meal and have a glass of water when he wakes up.

🐺 The one responsible for getting the revenants a therapist, because god knows they all need one.

🐺 The oldest of the Earthrealmers, having been 42 when he had died.

🐺 Nightwolf was in a relationship with Fujin when he was still alive, before Shao Kahn's invasion.

🐺 Nightwolf is a top.

Kung Lao

👒 Kung Lao tackles and wrestles people to show affection!

👒 Afraid of doing anything without someone's permission. Too used to living in Liu Kang's shadow, and looking for Raiden's permission.

👒 Nearly drowned in a river once as a child. He has refused to go near any kind of water willingly since.

👒 Great short-term memory, but he has a terrible long-term memory.

👒 Kung Lao is a cat person.

👒 Kung Lao is aromantic.

Jade

💚 She likes to eat straight-up coffee beans. When she does this, she always gets a questioning glance from Kitana, and a look of "hurt" from Stryker, Tomàš and Kabal.

💚 She knocks people over when she hugs them. Poor Tomàš is usually the victim of her hugs, since he didn't get much affection in the Lin Kuei. Kitana knows how to dodge her hugs, and will only hug her if it is something she has initiated.

💚 Jade likes being alone to gather her thoughts, before eventually going to join the others in whatever they've gotten themselves into this time.

💚 Jade is the tallest of the group, standing at 6'4.

💚 Jade has picked up on the habit of telling dad jokes. Everyone else is sick of it.

Kabal

🪽 Kabal doesn't own a single pair of matching socks. It drives Kurt up the walls.

🪽 Being a speedster, Kabal cannot get drunk. And he has tried.

🪽 Kabal listens to 80s music. That is all he listens to.

🪽 Oblivious to any and all romantic interest that is shown to him. It took Stryker three years of flirting, before Kabal realized Kurt was hitting on him.

🪽 Back in the Black Dragon, Kabal almost drank the lethal dosage of caffeine once.

🪽 He was dropped out of a window as a child once.

🪽 He has an extensive comic book collection. Mostly consisting of Marvel and DC comics.

🪽 He ate cement once, when he was still in the Black Dragon. Erron had bet him twenty bucks he wouldn't do it.

[m3r1m4r5u333]

My thoughts of the episode!

I think Chris staying with his grandparents could ultimately be good for Eddie. Even though the circumstances obviously suck, Eddie really could use some time for himself, to become his own person.

Eddie's tendency to push aside his own dreams and feelings is really a flaw of his. Eddie self-sacrifices bad enough to create these ticking time bombs where he just keeps pushing himself aside and bottling everything up, until comes the day when he breaks apart and ends up hurting others, too.

Living with his grandparents could be good for Chris too actually, he has so much family he doesn't really know at all.

Also!

Bringing Gerrard back will be interesting. Eddie will really be tested as an "ally", I think. He may be used to that military mode of "shut up and follow commands" but these are his friends that are facing this shit storm.

And maybe that is how Eddie finds his courage to talk about some stuff he has become used to hiding about himself, too. After all, I think Eddie has been written way to queer-coded to actually be straight.

And maybe this is an unpopular opinion but I don't care - I think storylines like these, ugly ones, focusing on racism, homophobia, bi phobia, misogyny.. are important. Censuring real life problems isn't educational. Censure is just erasure. Censure is silence.

...

What else?

Oh yes, that shoulder touch and Buck's thumb on Eddie, I am a wreck.

Oh and lol, I will definitely be blocking lots and lots and lots of people after this episode. As it happens, daddy kink is not my kink, and no, this isn't brand new information, this is me, knowing myself after years and years of different fandoms. I am btw, in general, super kinky, and into lots of bizarre stuff.

Daddy kink, however...? It's one of the few tags I actually actively filter when I search for fic. Has been for years. The ship is irrelevant, I just can't deal with daddy kink. No. I read it way too literally to have any fun with it.

Yeah. So since Tommy and Buck are now basically the daddy kink ship, practically sailing under that figurehead, and this fandom is bound to be filled with daddy kink content, I know I will be blocking people and filtering tags left and right, because yep. That's really not my thing. Not in this lifetime.

Oh and. Not much to say about Bobby (kinda expected miraculous recovery anyway. I actually hope there will be some issues not yet discovered because otherwise what's the point of this storyline? Please be hiding amnesia or something?)

And Henren, Mara, Denny, Chimney and Maddie HAN... (Yes thank you! Such a relief to know how to tag!) welp... Wholesomeness is one of my favorite flavors so 💕

[johnkahner]

So this is two different ones, just pick what you like better! :)

Option 1

So reader is hanzo and genji's sister and some how her and bi han (with kaui and Tomas) are on a mission and run into them and the who what are you doing here think. They end up meeting the others and the shimada bros are kinda emotional (Genji mor than honzo bc emo bother lol) . I think bi han and hanzo are honestly the same lol.

Option 2

Reader is hanzo just fem version and bi han and others are in trouble so they do the whole Ryuu-ga, Wa-ga-te-ki-wo, Ku-ra-u with their bow to save them and they see the dragon tattoo light up and dragons come out and they ask her what was all that and they learn that she was the eldest of her clan and had to kill her whole brother thing and lost every thing.

Haha sorry this is all over the place. Tried to explain it the best :)

AN: Sorry this took longer than expected. I wasn't sure how to write this, and I had to refresh myself on Hanzo's backstory. I decided to write for Option 2. Enjoy! Not proof read.

Notes: Female! Hanzo (Overwatch)! Reader

While on a mission with Bi-Han and the other Lin Kuei members, you were assisting them because Lord Liu Kang asked if you would, and it turned out that you were on a mission to stop the Shimida Clan. What your allies didn’t know was that you used to be a part of that clan.

Everyone was fighting with all their might. Bi-Han noticed that the attackers seem to mainly be focused on you. That made him suspicious of your connections with them, but he decides that interrogating you during the battle would be too dangerous for his clan and you. 

Things seem to still be heated in the battle. You decided that now would be the perfect time to perform your ultimate move.

“Ryuu Ga Waga Teki Wo Kurau!”

Bi-Han and the others turn to look at you. Noticing how your dragon tattoo is now glowing, seeing you attack with your bow, and at the same time as your arrows are attacking they see these two blue dragons appear attacking on your behalf. 

When the battle is over, things seem to have cooled off, Bi-Han decides that now would be the perfect time to begin his interrogation on you. 

“What exactly was that? And why did the Shimada Clan suddenly attack us? What have you done?”

Staring at him, you sigh. Seeing Kuai Liang and Tomas are inching closer, curious as to how you’re going to answer Bi-Han’s questions. 

You tell them you actually used to be a part of the Shimada clan, and was supposed to be the next person to be their leader. However, when your father passed away things changed. The Elders of the clan wanted you to straighten out how your younger brother behaved, so that you two may help with ruling the Shimada Clan. How he refused you. The Elders forced you to commit fratricide. Being consumed with grief and abandoning your life with the Shimada Clan, your father’s legacy. How you no longer wield your blade, and decided to just rely on your bow. Last, but not least the clan began to hunt you down for your “betrayal”. 

The three Lin Kuei brothers stand there shocked at how detached you looked after telling your story. They weren’t sure how to respond. You look up at them. 

“If that is all… I wish to have some time alone…”

Then looking straight ahead not really paying attention as to what. The brothers nod and walk away to discuss what to do.

“That is a lot to take in. I can’t imagine having to kill either one of you.”

“Same here, Kuai.”

Bi-Han is just silent. Pondering how he should treat the situation now. He wasn’t expecting to hear something like that from you at all. He sighs.

“I suppose if they ever need lodging, we can let her stay at our temple.”

Kuai Liang and Tomas looked at each other wide eyed then looked at Bi-Han. 

“What?”

They shake their heads 'no'. They never thought they would hear Bi-Han suggest such a thing, but they agree with what he suggested. 

After waiting some time, Bi-Han decides to let you know of his decision. You hear his footsteps approaching you from behind. Then he sits by you. After sitting in comfortable silence, he speaks up. 

“My brothers and I decided that if you ever need somewhere to stay, you may stay at the Lin Kuei temple.”

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to take you up on that offer.”

You smile at him. Who knows, maybe you may even try to join Lin Kuei if they were to let you.

[passions-and-pupils]

LMK Pride Headcannons

MK came out to Sun Wukong as gay and he was like “and?” Because he grew up in the Han dynasty where that stuff was completely normalized

In the future LMK takes place in Gay marriage is legal in China and not nearly as stigmatized

Redson is pansexual

DBK and PIF support Redson dating men but still want him to marry a woman so the family line can continue (basically they still work by ancient rules)

Mei is bi and jokes all the time about how she’d only date women if the allure of men wasn’t so strong

The first time Sun Wukong was asked his pronouns he was so confused so he googled it and proceeded to have a full on gender crisis

Ao Lie was a trans woman but she never got the opportunity to come out because of fear of ridicule from her family (who she already had a strained relationship with) so she delt with dysphoria by disguising as a human woman at every opportunity and making her voice higher in her regular human form

After learning more about trans people Sun Wukong realized Ao Lie was trans and felt a wave of grief and regret because she never felt safe enough to be herself

on a more light hearted note Pigsy and Tang used to go to pride events (film festivals, meetups, bike rides) all the time before adopting MK and people always thought Pigsy was a straight ally because he looks straight.

Now MK and Mei go to gay and lesbian bars together

Tang is Bisexual. He thought he was gay but then he found out about the wonders of strong, dominant women and everything changed

Pigsy is Queer. He doesn’t care to specify further label wise. I’m fact unless it comes up he doesn’t talk about it at all. MK didn’t even know until after he came out

Sandy is actually Aromantic and is perfectly content living alone with his cats in his boat (as long as he also has friends to visit)

Macaque found out what a gay was from one of his odd jobs and went “oh… dats me”

Speaking of, it took forever for Sun Wukong to find out but he’s actually gay, Demi-Romantic and asexual, gender is still a mystery to this day but he/him out of convenience.

[reapersgalaxy]

Something I've thought about recently that I thought I'd share.

(Yes, this blog is still active and I still take writing reqs/questions. <3)

MK1 LGBTQ+ Headcanons:

-Straight Allies: Liu Kang, Kitana, Syzoth, Kuai Liang, Rain(?), Sindel, General Shao, Baraka, Geras.

( I doubt Bi-Han is an ally, but I could be wrong.)

-Gay: Reiko? (Irdk :/)

-Les: Frost gives me lesbian vibes eheh.

-Bisexual: Mileena, Tanya, Johnny Cage.

-Biromantic: Kenshi, Kung Lao, Raiden (?), Smoke (?),

-Pansexual: Ashrah, Nitara.

-Trans: Havik??

(In my personal opinion, ofc.) I think that Shang Tsung is genderfluid and pansexual, Ermac is a enby demiromantic ace, and maybe Quan Chi is demiromantic bisexual?

!! Remember that these are my personal opinions and you may perceive the kharacters in your own way!!

Please lmk if I missed anyone, (not including kameos, Peacemaker or Omni-Man.) or any tags.

If you like what you see (or read, lol.) then please drop a like and/or follow! It is greatly appreciated.

[solomonomenon]

i think skz know how they can use their star charm to woo people anyone they want but heres my personal thoughts on each membernot that it matters at all i just dont get if there is a real ship why their hard core fans force them to kinda become gay without considering the idol themselves? not saying they cant be gay at all but there is a difference between what the fans delusions want and what the members personally want

but heres my thoughts anyway

felix, bisexual. i think felix tends to lean towards a more genderless type image and i think he would not care who he loved as long as they are a decent person towards him he can sway anyone into loving him be it man or woman so i will say bisexual for him he just has that aura about him that make anyone love felix even if they arent a fan of the group as a whole

lee know again bisexual i think bro just doesnt gaf either way he will date whom he loves and if its han then great but i dont think he would willingly choose him right off the bat despite what some of their fans think but he does seem to lean more towards being comfortable around men than women? i could be wrong ofc but im saying both mainly due to his very dont give a fuck attitude, if he likes someone i think it wouod take him by surprise tbh bro doesnt seem as romantic as the other members

seungmin straighter than a ruler. need i say more?

changbin also straight. bro is a walking bank account too so i would not be surprised if he is very generous maybe too generous with his love for women and helping others out

bangchan no doubt about him dude is straight, he acts so awkward especially around some twice members i think he may have a crush on them very very easily / anyone whos foreign enough for chans liking will get chans approval immediately

IN i'd say hes straight maybe bisexual? but same with lee know i dont get romantic vibes from him right away i just dont think he would care to date right this minute but he definitely loves the attention he gets from female fans very much

han? either very gay or bisexual tbh, hes another oddball of the group tbh i dont really know much about him and i think hes very self fulfilling so not really romantic material at the moment thats why i said hes either very gay or bisexual at the very least or just not interested in dating, he plays into the parasocial relationship way too much from what i have seen of him so could be either. if i had to compare he is the harry or louis of the group someone whos just weird asf lol

hyunjin straight but also could be bisexual again i think hes a bit of a toxic mess especially in the readings ive read about him he seems all over the place hot and cold so could be straight or bi but i wouldnt pin him as good dating material

oh wow thank you for sharing your thoughts I appreciate it and yeah I could see what you're saying so let's discuss it a little

for felix, I agree that he's giving bi or even pan but I think what he wants to present himself might be different from what he wants romantically or sexually. he's definitely aiming for that unisex, androgynous look but for his interests I can see women but I'm not sure about men. one thing for sure is if he's not a part of community he's fully an ally

for leeknow, we know he does have female friends and he seems comfortable when he was working with minju sullyoon and nolto's casts. I think main reasons are the industry itself and all the crazy fans, he's a pro idol (his word lol) he wouldn't share with us much about female friends oh and also isn't it better to be close with women than only men? a group that consists only of men isn't really a nice thing to be around lol

seungmin? no notes 🤣 I think he's also a walking bank account like changbin and maybe chan as well

for jeongin, hard agree with the female fans part, he's evidently enjoying it

I think han was super straight back when they just debuted like the first few years. rn? not so much but still gives off straight vibe with a hint of something else. maybe he's gone through some self-discovery, he does seem like he's more comfortable in his own skin

I agree with you on hyunjin but I don't think I'd use the word toxic, he's just hopeless romantic which yeah, not really a good dating material

again all of this are only my opinions nothing absolute I could totally be wrong and if that's the case I'll change my opinions lol

[white-scream1800]

While it's funny to see all those crack videos where Bi-Han is bullying Tomas in a very petty manner, it really pains me to see when the fandom portrays it in a serious light. This one comic I saw where Bi-Han is just beating up Tomas and insulting him for no good reason other than to portray Tomas as this poor, abused child whose only light at the end of the tunnel was Kuai Liang is sickening. First of all, Tomas is a grown man and a trained killer; why the hell are they trying to woobify him?? They saw that one scene where the bros were arguing and took it as Bi-Han being an abuser. Being cold = disinterested, not abusive. Even if Bi-Han didn't like him, did they really think the Grandmaster's son and heir had the time to do all that abusive stuff they claimed he'd did? The guy was probably too swamped with training and duties to give a shit. This portrayal of Bi-Han seems so OOC and feels as if it was ripped straight out of a Wattpad fanfiction. As for the scene where he allied with Shang Tsung, I've seen a lot of comments saying Bi-Han was stupid for thinking he'd be able to convince Kuai Liang to join his side after saying he let their father die (which, yeah, kind of is considering Kuai Liang seemed to really love their father) but that scene where he confessed to it was clearly him snapping. "He was a doddering, old fool! He did us a favour having that accident; and I was right to let him die!" was dripping with pent-up frustration especially since Bi-Han's chapter in the game was filled with just Tomas and Kuai Liang saying 'Father this...' and 'Father that...' whenever Bi-Han would give his opinion. He complained about having to wait for a long time for Liu Kang *once* and it was enough for Tomas to suddenly bring up their father out of the blue. I don't know what happened to make Bi-Han hate their father so much but to hear your siblings keep referring to and defending someone you don't like constantly must be so exhausting.

A guide to writing Bi-Han

I've seen far too many fanfics/oneshots/headcanons and art pieces out there completely mischaraterizing Bi-Han to the point he becomes unrecognizable from who he is in canon. For fans who love Bi-Han as he is, it can be quite frustrating to see people misunderstand his character so much. This post is not meant to be criticism, but was rather made with the intention to sort out common misconceptions, educate and help creators of fanwork understand Bi-Han and his personality better.

RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BROTHERS:

Bi-Han doesn't hate Tomáš. There's so much fanart out there depicting him as a bully or bad brother when that's as far from canon as it could be. You can read the in-depth analysis on their dynamic in the post I've linked, but to sum it up, Bi-Han had the option to pick any other Lin Kuei member to accompany him and Kuai Liang to the teahouse or the Ying fortress, but each time he picked Smoke. He could have chosen Sektor or Cyrax, both of which are more experienced and completely loyal to him, and yet he still chose Tomáš instead. He also appears worried when Smoke nearly dies after Nitara's attack. Yes, he snapped at Tomáš once, but siblings fight and say things to each other that are often uncalled for. The relationship between them cannot be meassured by one line that was said out of anger or the intro dialogues that are set after their falling out. According to Smoke himself, Bi-Han was always cold towards him, but that only suggests they were never close, not that there was ever any hostility between them or that Bi-Han was ever harsh/cruel towards him in the past. Tomáš also tries to reunite the brothers and doesn't want Bi-Han to be his enemy, even if he's disappointed in Bi-Han's actions. He even admits he used to look up to him. Some artworks, however, aim to make it look like Bi-Han is oh so mean to poor, sad Tomas, when that's a blatant mischaraterization of both of them, simultanously babying Tomas, a grown man, and demonizing Bi-Han, a tragic and traumatized character.

Kuai Liang and Bi-Han used to be close. Kuai Liang knew about Bi-Han's frustrations, Bi-Han knows all of Kuai Liang's weaknesses, they trust each other enough to rely on each other in combat and both feel equally betrayed by the other because of the close brotherly bond they once shared and because of the trust that existed between them. Kuai Liang was Bi-Han's second in command, Bi-Han respected him. He's never once seen belittling or insulting Kuai Liang, not even after they're no longer on good terms with each other. By the time the story of MK1 starts, Bi-Han has already reached the peak of his frustration, which explains why he snaps at his brothers so often, especially when their father is brought up, but at no time was Bi-Han ever abusive towards Kuai Liang or Tomas. He seems to have put a lot of trust in both his brothers and in return, they trusted him too. If Bi-Han had ever been a violent person with little love and care for his family, Kuai Liang and Tomas wouldn't have been so shocked at the revelation that he let their father die.

There was always a side of Bi-Han that cared about his brothers and his choices indicate that he still does. Apart from the most obvious evidence for this, the scene where he checks on both of them to make sure they're unharmed, there are also other subtle clues that he cares about Kuai Liang and Tomas. In his chapter, Bi-Han is the one who fights off all threats (Nitara, Ermac...) while also giving the easier and less dangerous task of staying outside to Smoke, the least experienced one of the brothers, as he goes to capture Quan Chi himself with the help of Kuai Liang. While he says he wants Kuai Liang dead in some intros, his actions contradict his words. He had the chance to kill Kuai Liang at the Ying Fortress, but chose to spare him. SPOILERS: The leaks for the dlc claim that Bi-Han will be trying to capture his brothers alive. He seems to have no interest in actually harming either of them, just in making sure they can't get in the way of his plans.

PERSONALITY:

Oftentimes, fanfics portray Bi-Han as this hot-headed guy with anger issues who is only capable of one emotion and it's rage. But Bi-Han's anger is not his most defining trait. There are so many more layers to his personality. Just because the story mode only showed us situations in which his anger is triggered doesn't mean that's all there is to him. He's not the kind of person to go around yelling at everyone he sees and getting angry out of nowhere. I also don't see Bi-Han cursing/cussing or insulting others. As grandmaster, Bi-Han represents the Lin Kuei and he's expected to act a certain way. @inflamedrosenkranz wrote a genius analysis on how out of character it would be for Bi-Han to curse and I strongly recommend reading it in addition to this post.

Bi-Han is not a mysogynist. This is something I see all too frequently in reader insert fanfics where Bi-Han is written as someone who doesn't take his s/o seriously or looks down at them because they're a woman. Meanwhile, Bi-Han shows nothing but respect and admiration for strong women. He seems to have looked up to his mother much more than to his father and just listen to his intros with Sindel or Kitana. He admires Sindel for her leadership and even encourages Kitana to take Outworld's throne. He also wouldn't have taken in Frost as his apprentice and wouldn't have allowed Cyrax into the Lin Kuei if he thought women weren't fit to be Lin Kuei warriors.

I know this will disappoint a lot of headcanon writers, but Bi-Han would never degrade/insult or otherwise humiliate his partner, be it through words or actions, especially not during intimate moments shared between them. His significant other directly represents him and his clan. He would not tolerate any sort of disrespect towards them, let alone disrespect them himself. If his partner were to ask him to degrade them, that would be an instant dealbreaker for Bi-Han. He would expect any potential partner to show the self-respect and dignity befitting of their role as the grandmaster's significant other.

I often see drunk!Bi-Han headcanons, but honestly, it would be out of character for Bi-Han to drink alcohol. First of all, he absolutely wouldn't be able to see the appeal of it and secondly, he would hate the way it makes him feel. I imagine he likes being in control of his own body, he likes knowing that he can rely on his reflexes should he need them and alcohol would practically render them useless. As grandmaster of his clan he needs to be an example for all the other Lin Kuei. He would also not want to take the risk of overinduldging and embarrassing himself in a drunken stupor.

People like to write Bi-Han as a grumpy and overly serious guy who can't crack a joke to save himself, but they forget he makes ice puns. Ice puns. Bi-Han definitely has a sense of humor. I just don't think he gets to show anyone that side of himself often.

Bi-Han is a lot smarter than people give him credit for. Yes, siding with Shang Tsung was a bad choice, but it was one he made out of dispair and his frustration played into it as well, clouding his judgement. The way Bi-Han tries to assess his opponents' weaknesses shows his strategic mind. He let himself be fooled once, but he's also young and still has a lot to learn as grandmaster. It's not a sign of him lacking intelligence, like some people claim.

GOALS:

While he's ambitious and wants to acquire power to some extent, Bi-Han is not the power-hungry and selfish character he's often wrongly depicted as. His intentions lie far beyond that and are much more noble. Bi-Han craves independence and freedom for the Lin Kuei. He wants his clan to get the respect and recognition they rightfully deserve after protecting Earthrealm for so many generations. He doesn't want to conquer all of Earthrealm and he has no interest in ruling other realms either. What he wants is a small portion of Earthrealm because he's convinced that the Lin Kuei deserve it. He wants a reward for all their years of loyalty and duty, not to become a tyrant.

To conclude this, I appreciate writers and artists who do their research before writing/drawing a character and I hope this analysis can be helpful to those unsure of how to correctly write Bi-Han.

If I can think of more examples to add to the list, I will make a part 2 of this post.

[cienie-isengardu]

The writers must've forgot Bi-Han existed because after Kuai beat him, he vanished from story mode. It's odd given Shang and Quan Chi were willing to fight for the sake of the world but Bi-Han won't? Seriously what the hell happened to him after Kuai beat his ass because the next we hear of him is in the endings after Titan Shang is killed. Was he sleeping or something lol?

To be honest, Quan Chi and Shang Tsung were present at the Big Revelation scene and since Titan!Shang Tsung openly showed his contempt for them both, they switched sides as a result of it. I wouldn’t say they fought for the sake of Earthrealm per se, more like for their own survival and also out of spite for Titan!Shang Tsung. Bi-Han however was most likely imprisoned at that point in story, as the last time we saw Kuai Liang couldn’t leave Su-Zero behind, because he would aid Shang Tsung

but couldn’t carry on to Lin Kuei either, as the clan or more precisely, Cyrax and Sektor would choose corruption (Bi-Han) over anything else.

So logically thinking, Scorpion most likely carried his brother straight up to Liu Kang, as this was the best option he had. Leaving Bi-Han behind or letting him end with Shang Tsung or Lin Kuei would only double the danger threatening Earthrealm and Outworld.

Liu Kang chose to reveal his true role as Keeper of Time to gain allies (Sindel and her subjects) because he understood they needed to attack as soon as possible to stop Shang Tsung and Quan Chi from using soul stealers. It makes sense he did not ask Bi-Han to join that mission, as Sub-Zero couldn’t be trusted to not turn against them during the fight. After the revelation scene, there were more pressing matters to keep Liu Kang focused on, so it makes sense he did not try to persuade Bi-Han, while the rest of fighters were presumably far away from wherever Sub-Zero was holded at that time to try it either.

My best guess is to assume it is less why Bi-Han didn’t choose to aid Liu Kang and more that he was out of loop, and he wasn’t given a choice.

(And during the battle between Titans/Champions, was there any "normal character" included anyway? I would need to watch all versions of the ending, but I got the feeling that the battle was solely about the Titans/Champions?)

There is also Smoke's comment about Lin Kuei refusing to aid them, which I suspect is the reason for confusion why Bi-Han didn't fight for his and his clan' survival, the way Shang Tsung and Quan Chi did.

The "Bi-Han has corrupted them" does not necessarily mean Bi-Han refused to help and the clan obeyed. It could be, at least to my understanding, that the clan approved Bi-Han's new course of Lin Kuei's future. Now, does this comment mean Kuai Liang and Smoke returned with Bi-Han to the clan (a very weird choice), instead of actually keeping him imprisoned? Or rather they did try to reason with their folks and were in return turned down?

Frankly, I'm less surprised by the lack of Bi-Han at the end of story and more that no Lin Kuei were seen there beside Tomas and Kuai Liang. And well, Scorpion could lie that Bi-Han is injured but safe at Liu Kang's Temple and that he, per Sub-Zero's order or chain-of-command, will lead Lin Kuei in his stead. But then maybe it was safer to assume Lin Kuei is another potential threat to the mission than risking the safety of the whole Earthrealm because of foolish hope they won’t betray? In all fairness, the fact that Bi-Han in such a short time managed to undermine the old-centuries tradition is a pretty interesting implication about the political mood among Lin Kuei.

As for authors’ choices alone… I think it is less that they forget about Bi-Han and more that they simply didn’t have an idea how to utilize his character at this point in the story. Bi-Han’s betrayal was needed as an excuse to introduce Shirai Ryu into the story and refresh the Scorpion vs Sub-Zero rivalry but outside that? He is not given much importance so cutting him from the final battle was probably the safest course of action. 

[laismoura-art]

Bi-Han, about Zanho and Twuai: Would it cost my "ultimate ally" title if I wrecked their asses? Is this hate crime?

Lisa: Nah, if anything, that elevates your position!

The rest of the crew: *nods along*

Bi-Han, sharpening his scythes: Well, the community has spoken >:D

Whatever the community sais, whatever the community needs😌

Aww, Bi-Han being happy to be around his siblings again is everything to me!!!🥹💙🩵

Bi-Han might be straight but his gay-dar never fails!

Zanho: I'm straight😤

Bi-Han: Straight outta pride, that's what you are!

Invasions!scorpion: You should like men!

Lisa: eugh! EW, no! Women are hot!

Scorpion!Harumi: yeah!

Invasions!scorpion: no they're not!

Lisa: Yes they-

Lisa: 🤨🤨🤨🤨

Harumi: thats gay!

Invasions!scorpion: no, i-

Alt!Hanzo and Kuai, choosing violence: YOU'RE GAAAAY!

They're here for their besties

Zanho should've watched what he was saying

(wanted to make a video of this, but i couldnt find any templates 😭 if i do, I WILL)

Zanho: Hey, I'm not gay! Please, babe, take me home😔

Twuai: On it, babe!

Lisa: Well... I guess gays can be evil, too, right?

Harumi: Gays can be whatever they want... I guess?

Alt!Hanzo and Kuai are always ready to dive head first for their girls!😌💙💛

And Bi-Han, too! Ultimate ally!🖤

(Please doooo👀👀)

[thewriterowl]

Okay everybody, is time to talk about Star Wars character and their sexual orientation.

Luke in my opinion is gay as fuck of course.

Din is demi, for sure.

Anakin is my bi baby, maybe pan and nobody can tell me otherwise.

Obi Wan is demi for sure.

Leia is bi, of course she is.

Han is straight but he is THE ally.

Padme is straight and she fight as hell for the LGBT rights.

I'm ready for your opinion miss owl.

I think a lot of this sounds about right but maybe some changes

Luke: Demi, Gay, Gray--I think he is he'll romantic and for sure leans towards men and/or very dominant partners but may be more focused on the romantic-love aspect than the sexual.

Din: Very, very demi and bi

Anakin: Bi but like...only in love with one woman alone and has like 500+ crushes on men or other aliens. The man isn't much of a top. He wants a dominant partner for sure.

Obi-Wan: Mandalorian-sexual. Probably bi/demi/pan...but really if they're in the armor and have any sort of strength and tradition to Mandalore, he's all for it. Maybe a bit like the other in his disaster linage. With his attraction to Mandalorians (Satine, Cody, Jango) you know he likes being topped on, at least, a few occasions.

Leia: Bi/Pan and I can see her as being poly too. I think it works well for her (and she can have all the women and men she wants--she deserves it)

Han: Thought he was straight but then was all, "damn, Luke is cute." and then saw Paz and was all, "huh. Ok. Not bad." And Leia probably pegs him and it all comes together, "Yeah, I like this." But for sure THE Ally and hug supporter of his friends no matter what he discovers about himself.

Padme: Gray, demi, maybe bi but usually leans towards men when she actually feels for anyone. Loves Anakin but romance and sex are really not all that important to her once she is outside of a relationship. Enjoys it a lot when she is in one, but does not really care for it otherwise. Democracy is what she loves.

[zukoscomet]

Weird question, but are all the children of Katara and Zuko straight?

I don't think it's a weird question - representation in fan works is just as important in canon, imo, if not more so - and no, they're not! In fact, the majority of my ZK kids are LGBT, it's just not a topic I've found the opportunity to explore yet since all of my fics are set quite early on in their lives. Kai and Lili are both straight, but Izumi and Shira are bisexual, Kallik is pan and Ilah is an ace lesbian. More details under the cut!

Izumi is male-preference bi. There are a couple of casual girlfriends in her teens but, because she's second-in-line to the throne and then heir apparent from age 16 onwards, none of them work out because she's a) working a lot and b) afraid they only want her because of her position. Han, an Earth Kingdom nonbender that she meets at university in Ba Sing Se, is her first serious partner. They settle down young when Izumi accidentally gets pregnant at 20, having their son Kazuo "Kaz" at 21, but they stay together for life and have twins later on - Kira and Kyosuke "Kyo".

Shira is female-preference bi. Like her elder sister, there are some girlfriends in her youth, but she ends up marrying a man from the Southern Water Tribe, Toklo, and has three children - Kenzo, Kenji and Kanna - but they split up when Shira is in her early forties. A few years after her divorce, she starts dating Aang and Toph's daughter, Lin, who was her life-long best friend beforehand. They don't marry - Shira always says that once is enough and Lin's not particularly keen since marriage isn't really as much a thing in Air Nomad culture - but are together till the end.

Kallik is pansexual and polyamorous, a free-wheeling hedonist for much of his life. There are many partners and he develops a bit of a reputation for partying and playing the field through his teens, twenties and into his thirties. For a while, Kallik insists he's never tying himself down but on a military posting to the North, he ends up going head over heels for a waterbender tribesman, Ren. It takes a little while for Kallik to win him over - by that point, Kallik kind of expects people to be impressed by him because of who his parents are; Ren isn't at all and they get off on the wrong foot - but eventually they marry and adopt two daughters: Kirima "Kiri" and Alasie "Ally".

Ilah is an asexual lesbian and knows she is for pretty much her whole memorable life. Though she's socially outgoing, has a public platform because she's the inventor of combustion engines and a princess, and is known as being particularly beautiful, she's quite shy with love. Ilah doesn't really end up pursuing any romance until she happens upon Li-Mei - an Air Acolyte - in her early twenties and boom, it's love at first sight. Ilah and Li-Mei choose not to marry for the same cultural reasons as Lin, and don't have children either since they travel around so much, but spend their whole lives together.

[solar-bear]

RP BIO

So I was heavily inspired by my dear friend @dontunderestimatemypoison to make an RP side blog/side ship for MK 2021 Bi-Han/Sub-Zero, mostly so I can get up to shenanigans with Skeeter's side blog @thetigerandthedoe which is her and movie Shang Tsung. So, gist is I'm an immortal, shape-shifting Netherrealm T-Rex Berserker essentially. Please feel free to interact/start things, whatever, I don't bite :) well hard... XD OC Bio format by the lovely @starneko123

First Name: 知華 (Zhīhuá)

Last Name: 張 (Zhāng)

Name Analysis:

Zhīhuá – knowledgeable flower/petal

Zhāng – Archer (as in a bowman)

Date of birth: April 12th

Age: unknown

Alias: N/A

Nicknames: qīn (bae/babe), xiǎo kǒnglóng (little dinosaur)

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Straight

Species: Nether-T-Rex

Hair color: pink

Eye color: Brown

Height: 4’10”/147cm

Appearance: MK11 T-Rex since it's a big upgrade from the T-Rex in MKM: SZ, and human is pretty much me-ish, but with some horns and teeth in human form so I figured Zero Two is pretty much me in anime form already so I used her.

T-Rex:

Human:

Happy

Enraged

Origin(s): Netherrealm

Current location: Outworld

Alignment: chaotic evil

Status: Alive

Affiliation: None, loyal only to Sub-Zero

Speed: 6/10

Agility: 8/10

Intelligence: 7/10

Strength: 8/10

Stamina: 7/10

Fighting skills: 6/10

Instincts: 9/10

Family: None

Friends/Allies:

Bi-Han/Sub-Zero

Shang Tsung

Allison

Reiko

Nitara

Syzoth

Enemies:

Scorpion

Cole Young

Liu Kang

Jax

Sonya Blade

Raiden

Kung Lao

Frenemies:

Mileena

Kano

Kabal

Love interest:

Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (壁寒)

Love Status: lovers/mates

Weapons + Accessories:

clows, razor sharp teeth, powerful tail

Powers:

Ability to shape-shift into t-rex form at will.

Personality:

Cold, Quiet, ridiculously aggressive and ruthless to hostile threats and frenemies, less so around allies, tends to be sarcastic and mischievous with allies, very submissive and subservient to Bi-Han in public, but very playful and bratty to him in private. Likes to piss him off and get a rise out of him in private but behaves for the most part around others, but not all the time.

History:

Basic overview is that Zhīhuá is an immortal/ageless Nether T-Rex turned human, who befriends Shang Tsung and his allies due to her love of Bi-Han/Sub-Zero.

“I was once an inhuman monster, a dinosaur at the mercy of my captors, I depended of them for everything as I had no freedom whatsoever. A fateful visit from a great and powerful sorcerer, your sorcerer and his apparent bodyguard changed my life forever, but this was long ago, many ages ago before you were alive. I spent my youth chained to the wall of my cell, the thick jagged metal cutting into my soft hide with every movement, everyday I wished it all to end, but at the same time I knew I deserved this life for what I was. I was beaten and abused day in, day out, terrorized by my handler, forced to fight and kill my brethren for my own survival, there are no horrors or atrocities you can show me that I have not already committed myself. I survived time and time again, the thought of himwas the only thing that kept me going. I was desperate to escape my prison, to be able to search for him, just to make sure you were ok, I knew there was no way hewould acceptme in this grotesque form, no way hewould hold me close in the darkest hours of the night as I longed for, but I still needed to see him, it was some primal instinct I just couldn't silence, I knew the cryomancer was my mate.So, I played their games, I toppled everything they threw at me, I ate the disgusting slop they fed me, I obeyed their commands without question and when I was grown I became a beast of war, a combat mount for Quan Chi’s elite patrol forces, roaming the Netherrealm endlessly for intruders. It wasn’t much better than my years in captivity, but at least I got to see and smell things other than my cell and constant death, and I finally was able to stretch my legs and walk around.”

“My handler was not as cruel as the demons who raised and trained me, but he was still not a kind man, demons rarely have any goodness to be found, but he at least didn’t seem to delight in beating me. He only did it when I misbehaved so, it was some type of improvement, I enjoyed our time together and when I think about it I may have even grown to care for him, in a purely Stockholm sort of way. I was even beginning to forget myyears of suffering,who I was, my identity and even about your sorcerer and him, but fate had other plans.”

“Quan Chi had alerted his troops that one of Shang Tsung’s most elite warriors was in the Netherealm, searching for an ancient enemy of his. All of us were expected to keep an eye on the intruder and make sure they caused no problems, so, of course followed orders and tailedthe target, never in my wildest dreams did I expect himto the target, but the moment I laid eyes on himI knew you in an instant. My memories of my first encounter with the cryomancer, that I thought I had buried so long ago all came flooding back to me in an instant, and I was ashamed to let himsee me like this, so I lashed out at himas I had been trained so many years to do. Helet me live though, heyou wouldn’t hurt me, henever has, well not seriously. Hekilled my handler with ease, but paused when delivering the final blow to me, I laid there beaten, bloodied, begging for death but the cryomancerjust turned and walked away, returning to hisquest. I knew then and there I could no longer be parted from you and would do anything to make it so.”

“With my handler dead there was nothing stopping me for pursuing what I wanted, so I sought out your sorcerer, he taught me the mystic arts of shape-shifting. Finally I was able to obtain a human body, one I could use to be with Sub-Zero, finally knowing his name made me as giddy as a school child. It took decades, but I eventually won him over, even he couldn’t resist baser instincts forever. I not exactly important in the sorcerer’s grand plans, but he seems to tolerate me as long as I stay out of his way, it of course helps that we’ve formed a friendship over the years Allison,” the dinosaur turned human smiles at the sorcerer’s bride, it’s a genuine smile though, not the one she reserves for the likes of the Black Dragon, or the clone.

[fyeahwildfire]

Spirit Bound

Chapter 8

Summary: After your victorious battle against Goro, you face off against Shang Tsung. With you taking the victory and saving Earthrealm, Shang Tsung is forced to face his emperor in Outworld. However, for you and Raiden you do not understand why the amulet is not healed. Did you save Earthrealm fate or did you become the cause of its destruction?

Pairing: Mortal Kombat x reader; Bucky x reader; second soulmate x reader

In the middle of the night at the Wu Shi Academy, Jax and Raiden speak amongst each other as they look at Earthrealm warriors and Shaolin monks celebrating your victory.

“I do not understand why my amulet is further damaged.” Lord Raiden sighs. “He must win…Originally, I thought Liu Kang would be the victor.”

Jax casts him a side glance, “But Y/n won.”

Raiden nods as he looks down at his amulet. “Yes, she did. I do not know if her victory has saved Earthrealms fate.”

“What do you mean? Nobody coulda done what she did. She made Shang Tsung look like a chump.”

“When we first met, she told me a message from the Elder Gods. She said “The Grand Champion of Mortal Kombat shall be Earthrealms salvation or the cause of its destruction.”

“You don’t think that she could…” Jax shakes his head. He would not doubt you. You had proved to everyone that you were willing to stand up and fight.  

“Here to congratulate us on our victory, sorcerer?” Raiden keeps his head straight, while he looks among Earthrealm warriors and Shaolin.

“What? Shang Tsung?!” Jax straights up.

Raiden takes a step towards Shang Tsung, “You have been revitalized, I see. I didn’t realize your master was in the habit of rewarding failure.”

“The emperor has an offer, Raiden. A new tournament.”

“I see no reason to participate in any plan of yours.” Raiden crosses his arms.

“The emperor proposes a single tournament, to replace the current system of ten. It will be held in Outworld. If Earthrealm does not win. Outworld will absorb it. But if Earthrealm wins, Shao Kahn will abandon his claim to it forever.”

Not wanting to hear any more, Raiden turns his body to look back over the sacred grounds. “Give your emperor my regards.”

Shang Tsung smiles wickedly as he generates a large portal across the courtyard. Hundreds of Tarkatan warriors emerge out of the portal, they charge and attack both Shaolin and Earthrealm warriors.

Raiden whips around furiously and attacks Shang Tsung meanwhile Jax jumps down. He clotheslines one of the charging Tarkatans. Head butts another. Punches and knees another Tarkatan then proceeds to thrown him down to the ground and stomping on the creature. Another Tarkatan creature sneaks up and sucker punches Jax. Having the advantage the Tarkatan sends Jax sprawling and knocks him unconscious.

“He gained a momentary advantage during our kombat and escaped. I now realize what we must do.” Jax starts hearing Raiden’s voice as he comes to. Johnny Cage and Y/n kneeling over him with concern.

The academy itself is in ruins, lying on the once sacred ground are the many corpses of Shaolin and Tarkatans. Jax looks amongst his friends to see they are uninjured, however one of his friends is missing. Sonya Blade.

“Where’s Sonya?” Jax question as you try to help him up.

“Shang Tsung has taken her.” Raiden answers.

“We’ve gotta find her!” Jax exclaims.

“We must follow them!” Kung Lao closes his fist with determination.

“Shang Tsung has made it clear that Earthrealm will be under constant threat unless I agree to a new tournament.” Raiden gasps as he has another vision.

“Another vision.” Jax looks to both Raiden and you.

“Yes. I saw Liu Kang win the proposed tournament. I believe we must attend.”

Something about this didn’t sit well with you. It made no sense. “Your earlier vision, of Liu Kang’s victory over Shang Tsung did not happen.”

“What are you trying to say, kid?” Jax looks over to you.

“What if Raiden’s vision is some sort of warning from his future self. Perhaps these visions are event’s we need to change. What if we decide not to agree?”

“Hundreds will die.” Johnny stated bluntly.

You instantly remember your conversation with the Elder Gods. They had warned you about Shao Kahn planning to move his forces to take over Earth. You had asked why they hadn’t intervened, but they replied that Shao Kahn had not violated the rules of Mortal Kombat. “Invasion is not itself a transgression. It is the merger of realms that is proscribed.”

“Invasion is not itself a transgression. It is the merger of realms that is proscribed.” You whisper. “The Elder Gods told me Mortal Kombat tournaments are not intended to prevent certain outcomes, but they are intended only to maintain balance among the realms. If we accept these new terms of Shao Kahn and we win, then he will abandon his idea of claiming Earth.”

“And if we lose.” Johnny questioned.

Everyone gave him a glare that he would say such a thing, all except you. Yes, you had thought about it. If Earthrealm warriors lose than Earth would be doomed. Now the words “the Grand Champion of Mortal Kombat shall be Earthrealms salvation or the cause of its destruction” looms heavily over you.

“Earthrealm will be destroyed. But we must not let that happen!” You reply.

“Very well, hear me, Elder Gods! I accept the terms proposed by Shao Kahn!”

A light from the heavens shines down on all of you.

“We go to Outworld.”

With Raiden, Jax, and Johnny looking for Sonya and Liu Kang and Kung Lao freeing their Shaolin masters, you took the time to get information for yourself. You found yourself walking through the dark creepy forest, when you heard explosions and then the sound of a fight transpiring.

Stealthily you walked over to see, Shang Tsung with Kano who was in a middle of a fight with another opponent. Was this new opponent an ally?

“Stay down!” He told Kano. “I would have words with your associate. Tell me what you know of Sub-zero’s death.”

Emerging out of thin air is Reptile, preparing to fight the new incoming threat. Shang Tsung changes his form into Bi-han. “Despite his failure at my tournament, I’ll wager he was more powerful than you, Lin Kuei.”

“Assuming his form will not give you his skill, shapeshifter.”

“Let us see if smoke can freeze.”

The two face each other in battle, but it is clear Shang Tsung did not…could not ever replace or be Sub-Zero. With Smoke taking the victory, you watch him hover over Shang Tsung. “Now answer me! What do you know of Sub-Zero!”

Suddenly the Lin Kuei is attacked by an unseeable force.

“You have disobeyed the directive to remain at the Lin Kuei Temple.” Cyborg Sektor states harshly as he emerges.

“Sektor?”

“You will return with us to begin your transformation.”

You decide to step out of the shadows and use your telekinesis on Cyborg Sektor. “I don’t think so!”

More Cyborg Lin Kuei appeared, immediately you use your abilities to take them all down. Sektor regains himself to see you dismembering and destroying the cyber Lin Kuei, with not even a sweat on your forehead. He decides then in that moment to retreat.

Hovering over one of the cyber Lin Kuei, you begin to examine all his parts. “You alright?” You asked the man dressed in black as you take a closer inspection of the helmet.

Smoke looks amongst the bodies of cyber Lin Kuei, how could this have happened? He knew of the cyber initiative but he along with Kuai Liang could never willing submit.

Your voice had snapped him back to reality, your voice was sweet and smooth. As you hover over one of the bodies, he quickly roamed his eyes over you. Your skin looked so smooth that he wanted to reach out and touch. Your raven hair floated gently in the wind. But what took his breath away was when you looked into his eyes with concern and the way you tilted your head with confusion. From that moment on he knew he was done for. You were truly the most beautiful women he had ever seen.

Clearing your throat, you decide to ask him again. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, thank you. I am called Smoke.” He bowed to you respectfully.

Immediately you pick up on Raiden and Johnny teleporting close to the both of you.

“Well Smoke it’s nice to meet you. My name is Y/n.” You stand up and extend your hand to shake.

Immediately, he notices your soulmate tattoo on your forearm. Of course, a beautiful woman like yourself was already promised to another.

Noticing his silence, you quickly pull your arm away, when Raiden and Johnny walked up beside you.

Johnny looks at the dismembered cyber Lin Kuei. “Damn…”

Smoke immediately drops to his knees out of respect for Lord Raiden. “Lord Raiden, I am called Smoke.” He rises on his feet again and looks between the three of you. “Why are you here in Outworld?”

“To participate in a tournament to save Earthrealm.” Raiden responds. “Join us, Smoke.”

Smoke looks to you with sadness in his eyes, before looking over to Raiden. “Forgive me, but if Sektor was searching for me, he is hunting Sub-Zero as well.”

Fear spreads throughout your whole body, your other half brother was here and now he was also in danger. Immediately, you use your telepathy to get his location.

“Sub-Zero? Call me crazy with a K…but didn’t he die?” Johnny asks Raiden with confusion.

“Not Bi-Han. He speaks of Kuai Liang. The Lin Kuei Grand Master intends to turn every single member into a cyborg. My brother is in danger!” You answer and immediately take off to search for him.

[caribouwritings]

Sub-Zero

           I was only three when my older brother Eddie died. He had a brain tumor; he died a couple weeks after my birthday and a couple weeks before his.

          He did just as he told our mom when he said, “I stay four.”

          On June 27th, my big brother was gone at age four.

***

           My parents tried to give me a happy life. They gave me privileges that some kids are not as lucky enough to have (such as a vacation almost every year). Despite what the therapist had said when the event happened, I was damaged and it was only a matter of time before it would all show in forms that got glossed over repeatedly.

I didn’t just lose my brother, I lost my best friend, my protector, my guide… I lost my Eddie.

           Although I can now say it and not think much of it, I still cry at the thought I was cheated out of a big brother to teach me the ropes and take my hand when I was scared.

           Senior year of high school was the hardest. I was graduating (on that day fifteen years later) and my brother did not even make it to kindergarten, which he was so excited for because he’d get to ride a bus; His favorite thing in life besides me, our family, Scooby-Doo, and Donald Duck was anything with an engine.

           I outlived my brother who knew what he wanted (it could’ve changed in time, but it would still involve cars and trucks), and I had panicked. I believed people when they told me I would be a great English teacher. I wanted to be a writer, but everyone kept saying I am a teacher at heart. There was just a couple teeny tiny (major) problems:  I hate school (and still do), I am very selective with what I choose to read, and I don’t talk unless I want to or need to.

            Kudos to those who teach, but I’d rather not go back. School for me was where I had my individuality constantly beaten out of me, I was bullied by other students for who I was, have been accused and associated with things I am not, and my mental health got worse.

           However, being non-confrontational, I just nodded my head and let myself be pushed to a major I did not want and watched as I slowly went downhill, and crossed paths with someone a little bit before graduation who is just like me… sort of.

           I was looking for some new games to play that are like Street Fighter II. While watching a Top Ten Best Fighting Games of All Time video on YouTube, the channel (Watchmojo) ranked a video game called Mortal Kombat (2011) at number two, right next to Street Fighter II which placed number one. When I saw the game on clearance at Walmart, I put it in the cart with the plan to take over the unused Xbox 360 in the living room bought by my parents’ for the Kinect feature. My mom did not care anymore, she was just grateful that the expensive gaming system collecting dust under the TV stand was finally being used.

           I played through several kombatants (yes, with a ‘K’, most ‘C’ starting words are replaced with a ‘K’) in the Ladder Fights and Test Your Luck challenges for hours enjoying the blood and gruesome moves.

            I oddly kept finding myself drawn to Sub-Zero, the blue ice assassin (don’t call them ninjas, they find it highly insulting). I didn’t know why though; I couldn’t figure out why I thought the man with ice powers was intriguing. Curious by nature, I did what I do with everything else I found fascinating, I dug for all the information I could find. It didn’t matter how useless and random, I wanted to know everything about the world of Mortal Kombat, and I now know a huge chunk of it.

           Sub-Zero’s real name is Kuai Liang, and he was originally called Tundra. He is the younger brother of Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero in the series, and Kuai Liang took the name Sub-Zero after his brother’s death to honor him. That was the only similarity I thought we had, but I was so wrong… I was so wrong.

           Mortal Kombat is super violent. The two ice powered brothers are best known for a fatality where they rip the head and spine out of their enemy opponent, both parts still attached together like a twisted party trick (and this is also the main origin to the ERSP rating system in video games). I am not even strong enough to lift a twenty pound puppy without nearly dropping the stubborn Shepard Labrador mix back on the ground with a thump. Plus there’s the other stuff on the surface:  blonde Caucasian female with an olive shade of green eyes, a bubbly persona and pink girly appearance, versus a dark haired Chinese American male with icy blue eyes, a cold persona and super violent history.

           “He is just a video game character, he is not real. You don’t need to care this much for this fictional character.”

           I know that. Kuai Liang is not real, but his story is real to me.

           Kuai Liang went through hell. Everything bad that could have happened, did happen to him. He lost his brother when Scorpion—the wraith of the NetherRealm (and the franchise’s fan favorite character)—killed him in retaliation for killing the whole Shirai Ryu clan, his kind-hearted wife, and innocent baby boy (spoiler alert, it wasn’t Bi-Han at all! Scorpion was tricked into killing an innocent man!). Wanting to avenge his brother’s death, and avoid the Lin Kuei’s new cyber-initiative their Grandmaster was keen on, Kuai Liang and his best friend, Smoke, ran away to find the answers to what happened to Bi-Han. Right when our new Sub-Zero nearly has his revenge and is to kill Scorpion, he is stopped and surrounded by members of his former clan who have been converted from human to cyborg; despite the robotic outsides and still human insides, they are brainwashed to obey like full-fledged robots. He is taken back to the clan and suffers the same fate of being turned into a cyborg and is renamed LK-520, then sent after Smoke who managed to get away. Lucky for both of them, cyber-Sub-Zero is knocked unconscious and Smoke gets help from his new allies to reset Kuai Liang, but although he gets his control back, he is now stuck as a mashup of man and machine. Until (in a rushed scene of the game) he is killed and his soul is sent to the Netherrealm where he is rebuilt from what is left of his remaining bits of human organs and bone inside his robotic shell. Although human again, he is now under the mind control of the sorcerer, Quan Chi (spoiler alert! He’s the real person behind Scorpion’s suffering!), and is now working alongside both the man who framed his brother and the man who murdered his brother, along with several of his new allies that died as well. In the tenth game, he is freed from Quan Chi’s control by being in the right place at the right time (and by also being a fan favorite character too).

           That should be the end of it, but it’s not. This is right before I realized how perfectly Kuai Liang’s life parallels mine. This is before I read the comics.  

           Like I said, I get invested in stories to the point I want to find out everything I can. When I found all three volumes of the comic series on Amazon, I couldn’t resist and I bought all three.

           When UPS came to deliver the package, I brought it straight to my room plopping the brown cardboard box on my bed, and cut the tape open with a pink mechanical pencil. I didn’t care for the other two books I bought (except enough to hide the one I bought for my little sister’s birthday in the closet) because there they were. Volumes one, two, and three were at the bottom of the box under giant green bags of air that are satisfying to stomp on and give unsuspecting siblings heart attacks, but that was unimportant in this moment. I took the three volume books out and spread them on my bed, and dived right into the unknown; into the rebuild of the Shirai Ryu, the second generation of klassic characters, and what happened to those who lived or were brought back like Sub-Zero.

           Sub-Zero, at this point, was my favorite character. In volume two, however, there was a shift in my view of him. In that shift, he became my number one favorite character ever and sealed his place into that spot permanently.

           Kuai Liang had become possessed by a cursed dagger in the previous volume, and it continued into volume two. Scorpion (he is a good guy now… sort of) and his apprentice, Takeda, go after him and get the dangerous dagger back, but the curse makes it hard for Scorpion to reason with Kuai Liang. Scorpion becomes frustrated and the two fight to what they believe to be the death, until Takeda manages to get the dagger away. Kuai Liang exhausts out all the remaining evil within him, and then is left standing there perplexed by why he is there and what is going on. It doesn’t matter to Scorpion though, he still beats the bewildered young Sub-Zero to a bloody pulp and leaves him to die.

           Kuai Liang rethinks his life as he lays their bleeding out, so when Bo’ Rai Cho (ew, trust me on this one, just ew) comes to him to help him get back on his feet, he asks him, “you haven’t figured out what all these events mean? Why I’m here?”

           Kuai Liang’s answer is, “I must commit hara kiri…”

           There. There it is. Right there. That is the line that made me see I am more like Sub-Zero than I thought I was.

           We lost our older brothers, we lost our individuality, we were beaten, we were bullied, we were brainwashed, we took orders, we went down wrong paths, we battled the world, we battled ourselves, and we took so much of a beaten that we laid in our own blood, sweat, and tears thinking “I must commit hara kiri…”

           What is hara kiri? To simplify, it is suicide.

           I remember putting the comic down on my stuff animal infested bed and staring at the lavender colored walls, looking at the big picture. Sub-Zero is a strong warrior with ice powers, and he hit rock bottom. He may be physically stronger than me, but he is just as broken and weak as me on the inside. He put up a shield, hiding behind his anger just like I hid behind my smile.

           I picked up the comic again, and skipped frantically through the pages of volume three just to get to Kuai Liang and find the answers. What did he do and how did he survive to be in the next game?

           It is complicated and complex, but the answer is different based on how you interpret his story. I obviously interpreted it well, because I am here. I am okay.