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thetrueweaveroffate · 2 years

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Subscorp Week - Day 2 - Clothes Swap

He moved slowly along the underbrush until he ended up at the edge of the small woods, still shrouded in the shadow of the morning.

He could see the outskirts of the Shirai Ryu… and the Netherrealm army ready to take them. The sight was a bit unsettling. Although the Shirai Ryu is more than well-equipped and prepared for them, they know better than to underestimate their opponents. They keep themselves hidden for now. Good. A surprise attack can be effective when done right.

But there is something he is more worried about at present.

Quickly, but quietly, he inches toward the outskirts, avoiding the detection of the demons as well as the members of the Shirai Ryu focused on their opponent in the distance.

There was a growing commotion behind the entrance gate before it opened and…

Ah. There he was. The imposter.

Dressed in the garb of the Shirai Ryu Grandmaster, of Scorpion, of him, the charlatan walked forward with Sub-Zero by his side, light reflecting off of the Lin Kuei helmet he rarely wore save for serious occasions, dressed completely for battle. Curious.

He was too far away to hear what the fake Hanzo Hasashi was whispering into Sub-Zero's ears, but Kuai Liang leaned away and nodded. Was Sub-Zero taller? Or perhaps this faker had gone shorter.

This pretender will have to be dealt with. Although he trusted Kuai Liang to not lead their collective clans to disastrous defeat, who knows if this pretender was from the Netherrealm himself. This man appears, just when Moloch and Drahmin manage to capture him? It's too much of a coincidence, and he refuses to put Kuai Liang and the rest of his clan in danger again if this pretender is nothing more than a spy.

Hanzo's blood briefly felt like it was boiling. A demon who spends time with Kuai Liang, and managed to fool him and get away with whatever activities they did together.

No, he needed to focus. There are more important things at hand than revenge.

-------------

Kuai Liang wasn't sure if he was losing his touch as Grandmaster.

He could still remember the early days of being Grandmaster before he could say officially that he had that title. He was the only Lin Kuei left. He couldn't exactly be a Grandmaster of himself. That changed once Raiden had suddenly appeared without warning just to drop some members to populate this once-dead clan.

It was thrilling, though he would never admit that to anyone without prompting. He was in charge of his life and of others and could build something for once. But failure was still heavy in his mind.

Gods, was he cocky? And that was how to lose his damn clan again, and for his hubris, he was punished with starting all over once again, wiser this time around.

"Of course, that means we will need to maintain consistent communication with the Shirai Ryu - " A grunt, from Bi-Han, "Because they are our allies, and this alliance is better well-kept than not. We will need Grandmaster Hasashi's aid in counterattacks the recent attacks on the Lin Kuei. "

Collectively, the council nodded or hummed in agreement.

Hanzo never failed. That was not the truth, but somewhere in his mind, it was. When they came across the functional Cyber Lin Kuei, when Hanzo had witnessed him at the consequence of his greatest failure, he held him together with a simple touch on the shoulder.

Perhaps this alliance was the only thing that kept his sanity. It was the only thing that he created that stayed. It was the only thing he had that never left him alone and came back to him again, much, much later.

"Good. Now, onto the next subject," Kuai Liang continued, "Based on the recommendations by Wen Cheng, the formation of the - "

There was frantic knocking at the door that didn't stop. A few glances from his clan members, and an annoyed glare from his brother, but no one interjected.

"Ninety-Nine Nuxia and -" finally having enough, Kuai Liang turned to the door, "-who is it?!"

The servant girl cracked open the door just wide enough for them to see her face, "Apologies, but we have a visitor who wants to see you."

"Sun Yao, I explicitly said no interruptions."

She only looked overwhelmed, "Ah, well, it seems to be rather urgent Grandmas - "

A figure behind her grabbed the handle of the door instead and slammed it wide open.

"Takeda?"

Kuai Liang had never seen him look so disheveled and his face so red. The boy looked like he literally swam across the Sea of Japan and sprinted the rest of the entire trek to the mountain peak to be here.

"Our Grandmaster," he gasped, "Grandmaster Hasashi has gone missing."

Kuai Liang blinked. "Hanzo?"

Did he even return from his recent recon mission in the Netherrealm with his small squadron of Shirai Ryu? Or had he gone missing after his return? Either way, Hanzo is not one to just be captured. His mind refused to acknowledge even the possibility that something like this could happen. He felt his face go pale.

"Yes!" Takeda hissed between breaths, "By Netherrealm demons!"

Kuai Liang glanced at Sun Yao, who merely sheepishly shrugged. Distantly, Kuai Liang could hear some Lin Kuei members swearing down the hall.

Realization dawned upon him. "Did you fight all my guards to get here?"

Takeda only grew more frantic. "The Netherrealm is going to attack the Shirai Ryu in about a week! I need to find our grandmaster, and I am going to need your help."

"Takahashi Takeda - sit down. Everyone else…"Kuai Liang exhaled through his nose. He pointedly ignored the headache and light-headedness that was inevitable at this point. He still refused to acknowledge that this was happening now - that Hanzo… He wouldn't just… "My apologies, but this discussion will need to be moved to a later date. Everyone is dismissed."

Bi-Han didn't move. Kuai Liang did not need to let him go, and his brother knew it.

Takeda sat down in one of the councilmen's seats once the last Lin Kuei bid their farewell. Sun Yao closed the door quietly behind them and remained at her Grandmaster's side.

"You will explain everything." He stated plainly.

"Our most recent excursion in the Netherrealm was… not completely a success," Takeda explained. "We've gone deeper than we maybe should have gone. It wasn't as if he could teleport all of us at once so we had to fight our way back and… and…"

Takeda grimaced.

Kuai Liang only nodded. "Go on," he gently encouraged.

"We should have known it was a trap."

Trap?

"Quan Chi?" Kuai Liang asked without thinking. Unconsciously, he gripped the armrests of his chair.

Takeda shook his head. "No, some blue demon with three eyes, large and kinda hunched over, and some demon with a white and green mask. It's like they were waiting to ambush him."

"Moloch and Drahmin," BI-Han recognized. The fact that his expression darkened wasn't making Kuai Liang feel any better. Whoever they were, they must have been big if Bi-Han was able to name them from his days as Noob Saibot.

"We managed to get to the portal." Takeda swallowed, "Master Hasashi told us not to worry about him while he fended them off, but we still left him behind. Worst still, recent scouts surveying the army said they seem to be the ones leading them. I don't know if that means that Master Hasashi is… It just"

"No," Kuai Liang firmly stated. I refuse. At this rate, he was going to snap the wood off of the armrests. "This Moloch and Drahmin, they seem to have a history with him."

"Not that much of a history," Bi-Han muttered, "Though definitely not one to be underestimated. They were the most feared out of Quan Chi's underlings, and for good reason. Moloch was a demon known more for this strength than his intellect. And Drahmin, well, he was the more disciplined one out of the two.."

"Right." How come he never heard of them? Had they just assumed they were dead? Although the idea of Netherrealm demons being resurrected wasn't such a foreign idea to him. "Has Hanzo fought them off before - successfully?"

"I mean," Bi-Han gestured vaguely, "He was here, wasn't he? And that means that he has the capability to defeat them again, or at the very least, escape. I have faith in him Kuai Liang, and risking your neck in the Netherrealm would hardly be necessary."

"Well then, what about the attack?" Takeda retorted, "We still need his leadership to help deter them."

The sense of despair was nearly tangible in the air. His clan needed him and he was not here in a time of utmost need.

Just like he was with the Lin Kuei, Kuai Liang realized with a start. The failure of the last iteration of the Lin Kuei still burned in his mind, the budding clan that was sheared off before they could bloom.

This wasn't his clan, but wasn't it though? Hanzo belongs to him much as Kuai Liang belongs to Hanzo. He also has no desire to watch the Shirai Ryu fall again, and he could imagine what it is that Hanzo would want him to do.

So, he made a choice.

"Said who, Takeda?"

----------------------

Arrows rained upon the demons like rain, with the captain leading her archers. Shirai Ryu moved from treetop to treetop like gusts of air flowing through the forest. The rest of his army assembled into proper formation alongside the false Grandmaster and Sub-Zero, and they charged.

He had to admit, even from such a long distance, that he was a competent fighter. More than that, a good fighter, enough to rival him, for one. His sword danced in the air, in strange yet familiar movements that vaguely gave him déjà vu, and he mowed down demons in his path like a scythe through a field of wheat. If he had fire powers, he didn't show them.

That wasn't mentioning the fact that he and Sub-Zero moved in absolute synch. They moved in tandem, constantly aware and accommodating of one another, almost as if they could read each other's minds.

Like Hanzo Hasashi.

This feeling of confusion only grew with his feeling of rage, and that is a dangerous combination on the battlefield when it leaves him distracted enough for a demon to almost claw his head off.

Almost.

His own blade lashed out, like a scorpion's stinger, and sliced the head off just as cleanly.

So much for his cover.

------------------------------

"I'm surprised Grandmaster Hasashi didn't incorporate the Art of War in your training," Kuai Liang answered, "'All warfare is based on deception.' Even though your Grandmaster is missing, we may discourage the Netherrealm from attacking if they believe the Shirai Ryu is still at its best."

Takeda frowned, "What do you suggest?"

"Well," Kuai Liang started slowly, "If he really is that integral in its defense, we will need someone to play the part of Hanzo Hasashi in order to deter the Netherrealm from attacking and defend the Shirai Ryu. Even if news of Hanzo's lack of a reappearance spread, all we need to do is fool the Shirai Ryu into thinking that he is okay while we come up with a plan to retrieve Hanzo, unless he reappears himself, which is also a possibility."

"So.. find an actor?" Takeda questioned, "Don't know who in the Shirai Ryu can really pull of Scorpion, Grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu, y'know?"

"Who said anything about him be a Shirai Ryu member?" Kuai Liang retorted, "We just need someone who would kill and act as murderous as Scorpion can be. Like Bi-Han, for instance."

Bi-Han's knee-jerk reaction was practically immediate, and the look of fury on his face almost reminded him of Scorpion himself.

"Absolutely not," Bi-Han immediately responded, "I refuse to wear Shirai Ryu colors."

"Why not? They are our allies."

"And our ancestors would throttle me if they see me in yellow."

Kuai Liang wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Fine," he relented, "I will pose as Hanzo."

"Uh, with all due respect Grandmaster," Takeda cut in, "I think most people would recognize you as Sub-Zero from just a first glance. Not to mention you have ice powers instead of fire. And, you know, that scar?"

"And a different gait," Bi-Han muttered under his breath.

"Maybe…" Takeda hesitantly started, "I should pose as the Grandmaster?"

"You are four inches too short, and thirty pounds too light," Kuai Liang pointed out, "You have the wrong profile. You aren’t going to fool anyone within twenty meters of you."

Takeda seems to wilt in front of him. He knows Sub-Zero is right. He knows it isn’t going to work.

Kuai Liang turned to the door. "Sun Yao?"

The servant girl perked up, "Yes, Grandmaster?"

"You would be the expert here on cosmetics, yes?"

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He was starting to be noticed, by both the Shirai Ryu and the demons, and yet they continued fighting. The Shirai Ryu who did manage to spot him only share a surprised glance at them before returning to the battle with renewed fervor. Good. They have risen to his standards and done well defending their home.

They know they have time to ask questions later.

The important thing was that the two "Grandmasters" did not notice him. Sub-Zero cannot afford to be distracted and confused in the heat of battle, and he cannot risk the false Scorpion suddenly turning on Sub-Zero in perhaps an effort to get away.

Especially now.

They were so far ahead, spearing the forefront of the army now. And distantly, he could see the two damnable demons. But… they were fighting Moloch and Drahmin, and Hanzo hesitated. Of the three, the demon overlords needed to be eliminated first. And the pretender certainly wanted that to be the case as well, given how he was striking him with his sort, with a sort of cold maliciousness.

The fight was undeniably mesmerizing.

Hanzo shook his head - why the fuck was he thinking about this now? Of all places and times? There was no doubt that there was entertainment to be found watching an expert flaunt their craft - he has done it before, and he was doing it now. It was like he was watching a dance.

A dance that they were losing.

He was disadvantaged. Hanzo couldn't put his finger on it, and yet it felt as though the pretender was purposely not fighting well.

What the hell was going on?

The false Scorpion lost his sword, the one with the strangely curved handle, and before he can recover it, a pair of large blue hands wrapped around his neck. They began to squeeze. And that was when he saw it.

The very slight frost coating the very tips of his fingers. Moloch did not seem to notice.

"GET OVER HERE!"

Before Moloch could snap the imposter's neck like a twig, his grip loosened, blood immediately leaking out of his forearm. The man felt out of his grasp, thrashing, and Hanzo teleported him to safety.

"You know you can use your cryomancy now, Kuai Liang."

--------------------------------

Despite the direness of the situation, doing all of this provides Kuai Liang with some twisted sense of thrill. It felt like a game of xiangqi, or even of shogi, that he would often play against Hanzo that only grew more intense the longer it lasted.

There were so many pieces he needed to manage and check were in place, and central to all of it was him, and it was the only thing that slapped him back to reality.

This was a clan, it may not be his, but for now, he was in charge of it.

Now was not the time to be cocky, not like the way he was before, with the previous Lin Kuei -

"I have filled them on what has happened so far. News of Master Hasashi's disappearance has not spread outwards yet, save for them."

Takeda's words snap him out of his thoughts. Kuai Liang nods, before opening the doors to the council room.

A lot of them were familiar faces, as they should be, given how close they work with Hanzo himself. But the one thing that was pervasive throughout all of them was the somber heaviness that clung to the air.

Kuai Liang settled in the chair beside Hanzo's usual seat, and it made his absence even more obvious, but it was wrong for him to imply he was anything more than a valued ally from the Lin Kuei.

Kuai Liang sharply inhaled, "I suppose there is no avoiding this topic. Although I am not your Grandmaster and have no right to be, we will defend this clan together."

The members all looked at one another, and Kuai Liang did his best to ignore the unsure expressions on their faces.

"Look," Takeda spoke on his behalf, "The Lin Kuei are our allies - we are supposed to accept their help, especially from the Grandmaster. I know he doesn't know us, but maybe we can start from there to figure out what we are going to do."

A young woman was the first the stand, and all eyes were drawn to her.

"Aikawa Sayuri," she bowed, "Captain of the Kyujutsu Division within the Shirai Ryu."

"She's in charge of the archers," Takeda added helpfully. Kuai Liang nodded.

"Fujikiyo Saburo," another man bowed, "Head of sabotage and warfare."

The rest went along with it.

"Hagina Seijuro, counterintelligence and espionage."

"Takei Takemi, toxicology and medicine."

"Gushiken Hifumi," a girl timidly greeted, "But I am mostly in charge of maintenance and clan welfare?"

"That's alright," Kuai Liang commented, "You are still a member of this counsel, and your role in this is still integral."

"And I am essentially in charge of everything else, alongside Master Hasashi," Takeda concluded.

"Very well," Kuai Liang said, "Our first and foremost concern would be to

“That’s one thing down,” Kuai Liang notes. “Do we have ideas about Hanzo?”

The silence speaks volumes.

“Alright,” Kuai Liang states. “We’re getting nowhere sitting around. We’ve all got things to do. Anyone comes up with something, report in. Otherwise if he fails to return, you will be going on another excursion into the Netherrealm and I can accompany you this time.”

He keeps waiting for someone to argue. For someone to say who died and made you king? No one does though. Instead, they all collectively nod and mutter amongst themselves before heading off in their own directions. Leaving Kuai Liang to accomplish his own tasks.

Mostly, to makes sure he dresses to fool everyone, including the Shirai Ryu. He needs to bring assurance.

He fetches Hifumi as soon as she is available, who immediately takes measurements and sends a request to the seamstresses for a new garb with the changed modification. She doesn't specify why the changes are necessary, but the seamstresses begin work without asking any questions.

With that down, he makes a call to his brother back at the Lin Kuei.

He had no katana, and frankly, he found them too light and unbalanced compared to what he was used to. The closest he has had some experience with, he supposed, would be the ox-tailed sword. That will have to do. Despite it having a similar curve to a katana sword, It has a noticeably curved handle, and someone is bound to notice it but at least it won't be the demons from hundreds of meters away. Sun Yao arrived no later with the requested sword in hand.

After practicing a few katas with the sword, he went over a few stances with the rope dart with Takeda, and once he was left all sore and satisfied, requested Sun Yao in Hanzo's (his? their?) chambers so she may practice applying the necessary cosmetics when the day comes.

"I am afraid I have no experience in changing your facial structure," Sun Yao admitted, as she lifted a mirror, "But the scar should be hidden enough."

"Then you have done enough." Gods he looked so tan, but it feels comforting strangely to see so much of Hanzo's sun-kissed skin on his. "I will be wearing his mask that covers everything anyway."

Almost as if reading his mind, Sun Yao reached and grabbed the mask of the vengeful specter, and handed it to him with both hands.

Pulling the hood over his head, Kuai Liang took the mask from her hands and placed it on.

He was Scorpion. It felt so wrong, and yet so comforting. He was the man that provided much stability in the worst hours of his life. And now he felt like he was finally able to truly return the favor. People depended on him now. They trusted him.

It would be best not to fail them now.

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The slice that beheaded them and ended their lives was surprisingly more satisfying than killing Quan Chi himself.

Only this time, he finally fulfills his mission of protecting his clan instead of endangering the world.

Well, he wiped away the disgusting blood from his eyes, in truth he has someone to thank for that.

Kuai Liang looked like he was about ready to collapse, and Sub-Zero, his brother all along, patted his shoulder with one hand. But, gods, did Hanzo miss him.

He reached out, arms outstretched for an embrace, and felt a cold palm push against his face.

"Don't kiss me," Kuai Liang said, "My face is caked in makeup."

Hanzo merely threw his head back and laughed. His olive skin made him look like he spent a decent amount of hours soaking in the sun. No doubt he will return to his pale self once they treat themselves to a nice shower later today.

"You look good," Hanzo complimented, "In the color of the Shirai Ryu. As their grandmaster."

Even underneath the layers of makeup on his face, he could still see a blush forming there.

"I… am afraid I cannot be compared to you Hanzo," he slowly replied, "Even now, you…"

Hanzo leaned in and kissed his forehead anyway. It was thick with makeup, but it was worth it.

Even underneath his mask, he could see Kuai Liang's eyes curl with happiness, and the two stared at each other with the most affection they'd felt in weeks.

"No, no," Hanzo gently chided, "You protected my clan. You truly are wonderful, and I would kill these demons a second time to prove that to you. You are worthy, in the opinion of the Grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu."

Kuai Liang earnestly believed in his words.

"Gods," Bi-Han cried out, "Can you two flirt later? I want my brother out of your damn uniform."

#Subscorpweek #subscorp

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