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When another timeline threatened their one, Liu Kang was quick to summon all possible warriors to his side at the Wu Shi Academy.
Tomas was to represent the Shirai Ryu as Kuai Liang was busy keeping the Lin Kuei at bay. He and the Earthrealm champions listened intently as Liu Kang explained the situation at hand; a rival timeline ruled by a titan Quan Chi syphoning magic from another and preparing to seize this one too. Liu Kang instructed everyone to cooperate with the other targeted timelines who are sending champions themselves as part of their alliance. Tomas, as well as Raiden and Kung Lao, were to greet these chosen few selected by that timeline’s timekeeper and be their hosts before battle.
Now, Tomas stands behind Liu Kang on his left, nervously waiting for the Fire God to open the portal. Raiden stood closest to Liu Kang while Kung Lao was positioned similarly to Tomas on the right. They stood underneath a row of great red arches with colourful decorations resembling Chinese dragons draped over and hung from the arches’ columns and bow. The stone brick floor was always warm, kept baked from Liu Kang’s fire magic. It was spacious and where he usually opened portals.
Tomas had yet to learn who could step through into their timeline - only Liu Kang knew the identities of the champions Titan Raiden would send through. Tomas would be one of the first to take a glance at whoever their ally was, and the thought left stones rolling in his stomach. Liu Kang had assured them that their timekeeper, a titan Raiden, had worked with them before, but it did little to quell Tomas’ rising anxiety. He was no stranger to betrayal.
“Once they have stepped through the portal, you are to treat them with the utmost respect and hospitality, “ Liu Kang orders, voice stern as he raises his hands. “We cannot afford to make another timeline our enemy, or else we May face many casualties.”
“And how do you know they’re not going to stab us in the back?” Kung Lao is quick to question, arms folded with a small frown on his lips.
“If they have any ill intent, I’ll see that they are neutralised, but I am not omnipotent, Kung Lao, “ Liu Kang replies.
“We will stay vigilant, Lord Liu Kang, “ Raiden says, turning his head back to glance at Kung Lao. The two seem to have this silent conversation that Tomas can’t decipher, communicating through their eyes before Kung Lao eventually sighs and drops his head. Satisfied with that, Raiden nods and returns his gaze forward.
Tomas has gradually noticed that Raiden and Kung Lao seem to have a deeper relationship than they let on, not that it was any of Tomas’ business. He could just be imagining things after all, because he’s sure that he would’ve heard Johnny tease the two by now if there were something.
Liu Kang smiles and nods at the Earthrealm champion. “Thank you, Raiden.”
The Fire God begins to sway his arms in a circular motion, red and blue flame dancing across his forearms, concentrating in his palms and licking his fingers. A small ball of twirling fire mixed with sand appears before them, spinning fast enough almost to be hypnotic with its pattern of red and blue swirls. Slowly, it begins to widen, a small hole appearing that reaches across the fabric of the universe. It expands until it touches the floor, and four of the chosen warriors of the allied timeline step through.
The first to enter was unsurprising. It was their version of Kung Lao, chakram hat sat atop his head as it always seemed to be across all timelines, though this one had a thick braid that reached his waist. The next two gave Tomas whiplash; it was Johnny Cage and Takahashi Kenshi, but the two had been… swapped. Kenshi donned sunglasses instead of a bandana with a glossy red shirt, the first few buttons left undone to reveal the tattoos on his chest. This Johnny wears the bandana over his eyes instead, a sword kept sheathed by his side. Tomas keeps his face neutral and instead focuses on the final silhouette that passes through the flames before closing.
The final warrior was Bi-Han.
It wasn’t Tomas’ Bi-Han. This one stood less rigid and wore robes of a lighter shade of blue, face relaxed and maybe even a little happy, genuinely happy, at seeing the faces of new allies. Seeing this reflection of his brother- Bi-Han who looks so gentle and soft stirred something deep within Tomas.
Bi-Han puts his hands together and bows, the others following his actions. “Good evening, Lord Liu Kang. I am Bi-Han, Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. I’ve heard from Lord Raiden about your many good deeds.” He even spoke softer too. It was still Bi-Han’s voice, but it was the one Tomas only heard when he would speak to their mother when she was alive and never to him.
Liu Kang returns the bow. “Thank you, Grandmaster.” He gestures to Raiden and the other two behind him. “This is our Earthrealm champion Raiden, as well as Kung Lao and Smoke - all well-skilled and trustworthy.”
Tomas is quick to steel his expression when the Fire God introduces him, standing tall and keeping his hands close by his sides so he can hide the way they shake from the others. He tries to not make his staring obvious and finds a decoration behind them to fix his gaze on.
“Come, there is much to discuss, “ Liu Kang continues with a beckoning hand, prompting the otherworldly champions to follow as he guides them down the steps of the summoning platform. “I welcome you all to the Wu Shi Academy. I hope you find refuge here amongst the Shaolin monks before the oncoming battle tomorrow.” Once they all reach the bottom of the stairs, he turns around again to face his guests. “I am required elsewhere for now, which is why I have summoned these three to be your hosts, “ he explains, gesturing to Raiden, Kung Lao and Tomas.
Bi-Han nods. “You have our gratitude.”
“May the Elder Gods protect you all, “ Liu Kang says before departing, opening another smaller portal and stepping through it, the flames vanishing behind him.
Tomas feels violently underprepared to handle their new guests. Even his father who trained him well couldn’t prepare him for something like this, staring into the eyes of a distant reflection in ice like the universe was mocking him. He couldn’t process how similar yet different this Bi-Han was. He had his hair done up the same in a bun with a stray lock of hair falling over his forehead, wore blue robes with the Lin Kuei’s crest proudly pinned to the fabric, a mask hiding the lower half of his face, and yet it was so painstakingly obvious that this was not Tomas’ Bi-Han.
When Tomas and Kung Lao say nothing, Raiden quickly takes charge. “Shall we discuss strategy once we’ve had supper? You are invited to dine with us, of course.”
“It’s not Madame Bo’s cooking, but hopefully it’s to your standards, “ Kung Lao adds, never failing to bring up Madame Bo’s cooking on any occasion.
"Guess you'll just have to invite us to Madame Bo's after we defeat Titan Quan Chi, " the other Kung Lao said, sporting the exact same smirk their Kung Lao has. "You'll be paying. You're our hosts after all, right? Lord Liu Kang would be disappointed if he heard his champions were not cordial to his guests." It seems as though every Kung Lao is also a major foodie.
The other Johnny steps forward. "Kung Lao, " he says in a stern voice, which is weird for Tomas because he has never heard his Johnny say something seriously ever. "We are not here on vacation."
"Oh, come on, Johnny, " their Kenshi says. Now that they were under the sun, Tomas could see that behind the glasses, Kenshi was still blind. Why did Johnny have a blindfold if Kenshi was still sightless? "Don't we deserve one good thing?"
"Enough, all of you." The other group all pause at the sound of Bi-Han's voice, bowing in apology. Bi-Han scoffs at their antics fondly , and if Tomas looks hard enough, he could see the tell-tale signs of him smiling under his mask. He turns back to Tomas' group with a softness in his eyes. "Apologies for their behaviour."
"No offence taken, Grandmaster, " Raiden replies warmly. "If anything, they are just like our group, if not a little swapped around."
Bi-Han raises an eyebrow. "Swapped? How so?"
"Come, " Raiden says with a beckoning hand. "There is much to be discussed."
Bi-Han smiles back at them. He smiles so much.
Tomas was not going to survive another thirty minutes around him and the smile he never got to see growing up.
❆❆❆
Supper had been prepared by some of the monks at the Academy, an array of foods freshly served on the table, everyone gathered around piling food into their bowls. The Kung Lao’s happily ate as expected, the two comparing their lives with Raiden listening and occasionally offering his piece. Tomas himself attempted small talk with the other Kenshi and Johnny, explaining how his pair were, much to their amusement by the role-swap. His ramblings, however, did not fully distract his mind.
Bi-Han sat beside him, quietly eating and listening to everyone’s banter with a smile. Why did he have to sit next to Tomas out of everyone? When he was young, his Bi-Han always sat next to mother and father, and then Kuai Liang when they passed. One time, as a teenager, Tomas attempted to sit next to Bi-Han since Liang was late. If Tomas didn’t know any better, he’d say that the cryomancer looked almost uncomfortable next to him, stiff as solid ice as he ate. Tomas could feel the waves of cold air drifting off of his skin, the message clear; do not sit next to me again.
This Bi-Han actively chose to sit next to Tomas. There were still seats available, Tomas having already chosen his, and yet he chose the empty seat beside him. Tomas had examined him as closely as he could without being conspicuous, and to his befuddlement, he found no signs of disdain or discomfort. Tomas foolishly let himself think that maybe this Bi-Han liked him.
You’re projecting, Tomas reasons with himself. Even though he looks like him, he’s still a stranger.
“Are you alright, Smoke?” Bi-Han asks, startling the ninja out of his thoughts.
“Oh- Yes, thank you, “ Tomas replies. “Why do you ask?”
“You got quiet. Is there something on your mind?”
Tomas chews his inner cheek, a nervous habit he’s yet to break. “I was just thinking about tomorrow, is all.” It wasn’t a complete lie. He was worried about tomorrow’s events and hyper-aware of every way this could go wrong.
Bi-Han nods as he listens. “Understandable. Are you worried?”
Worried doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. Afraid. Even terrified, perhaps. But also so heartbroken by the image before him. “Somewhat. I have no doubts of your abilities, it’s just that in a battle on this scale, there will be casualties.”
“There will be, “ Bi-Han admits, though his face is soft. If it was Tomas’ Bi-Han, he would’ve said that without a shred of empathy, but this Bi-Han had a look of compassion for those who will fall. “That is why we will save people for those we can not.”
Tomas is taken aback by the words. He once said something similar to Empress Sindel. “You are right. Thank you, Grandmaster.”
Bi-Han smiles at him. “Of course. Now eat, you will need your strength for tomorrow.”
Tomas nods and resumes picking at the food in his bowl, only a small portion of his worries soothed by the words with new, complicated feelings taking their place. It felt nice to be comforted by Bi-Han at that moment, but now that he is with his thoughts again, it quickly begins to sour. That small, selfish part of him is screaming, chanting how unfair this all was. Why did we get stuck with our Bi-Han? It asked. Why couldn’t we have had a better Bi-Han, a Bi-Han that is actually a brother? A Bi-Han like him? It cried.
If it wasn’t me, then it would be another Tomas and Kuai Liang, Tomas replied.
Why us? It sobbed. Why were we chosen to bear this mantle?
Tomas pauses, chopsticks held centimetres away from his lips. I don’t know, he answers truthfully.
“Smoke?”
The mentioned man snaps his head back to Bi-Han, far too quickly for it to be casual. “Yes?”
“I sense that something is still the matter, “ Bi-Han states bluntly, a commonality between all Bi-Han’s it seems. “Whenever my Smoke was troubled, he would walk to clear his head. He is much like you, so perhaps it will help?”
Tomas nods, trying to mask how much those words hurt him. “Good idea, Grandmaster.”
Something must’ve slipped through his facade because Bi-Han only looks more concerned. “I could accompany you if you wish.”
Against Tomas’ better judgement, he nods again. “I would be most grateful.”
When Bi-Han stands, Tomas is quick to follow with both Kung Lao’s pulling almost the exact same face, raising a brow. “Where are you two going?” Tomas’ Kung Lao asked.
“Smoke and I need fresh air, “ Bi-Han says easily. “We will be back in a moment.”
The group is satisfied with their answer and lets them leave with no further questions. When they step outside, Tomas shivers, the cool night air seeping deep into his muscles. Bi-Han is unfazed which is unsurprising given his practice of cryomancy. The chatter of the unseemingly group conversing over supper fades into the distance as the pair welcome the night.
Tomas always thought that the Wu Shi Academy looked prettiest at night. The lanterns illuminated the gardens with light spilling out of open windows from the various buildings, creating an aura of serenity and magic. The moon reflected in the pond, ripples of light swaying in synchrony with the water. From this high up, though cold, provided the most breathtaking view of China’s landscape, green foliage stretching across acres of land. The sunrise was the most incredible image, even Raiden and Kung Lao would rise early to watch it together.
“Your timeline is beautiful, “ Bi-Han comments offhandedly, taking in the scenery with awestruck eyes.
“It is, “ Tomas replies. “I would do anything to protect it.”
“If you’re anything like my Tomas, I know you will, “ Bi-Han says, not caring for his slip of Tomas’ real name. He says it so gently with a hint of adoration. It makes Tomas sick to his stomach.
“...What’s he like?” Tomas asks slowly. He knows he shouldn’t delve into this, knows this to be a bad idea that will only plague him and cloud his judgement, but he needs to know.
“He’s a lot like you, “ Bi-Han smiles. “Kind, but a fierce warrior and skilled hunter. He honours Lin Kuei tradition with pride. I couldn’t have asked for a better younger brother.” Bi-Han seems to pause at that, curiosity knitting itself into his features. “Are we brothers in this timeline?”
Tomas clenches his fists in a futile attempt to ground himself, trying not to let emotion overcome him. “It’s… Complicated.”
“I see.” Bi-Han goes quiet for a moment, probably dwelling on what those words could mean. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Tomas shakes his head. “It’s fine. I’ve come to accept it.”
The lie rolls easily off his tongue. In truth, there is not a single night where Tomas can rest easy without a burning hatred scorching his heart and a deep sadness weighing his bones down. Bi-Han’s betrayal haunts both his dreams and nightmares. And now, even awake, he couldn’t run from it. Some higher being is mocking him, he’s sure of it, and Tomas is tired of its cruel jokes.
“You’re even more like my Tomas than I thought, “ Bi-Han muses.
Caught off guard, Tomas raises an eyebrow, confused by the statement's randomness. “What do you mean?”
Bi-Han looks him in the eyes. “You’re both terrible liars.”
Bi-Han’s bluntness had never failed to stun him into silence, and it seems like now is no different.
“I won’t pretend to know your struggles, “ Bi-Han continues when Tomas says nothing. “I also won’t pretend to act like I have ground-breaking advice for your situation. But if you need someone to listen, or perhaps, a shoulder to lean on, I will welcome you.”
Tomas’s brain scrambles to process those words in silence and fails. Because his Bi-Han would never offer a helping hand to him, especially outside of battle. Tomas had to fend for himself and Kuai Liang without his aid, fought for his survival like an abandoned cub in the wilderness. He scratched and clawed for life, his hunter’s instincts guiding him through a haze of pointless bloodshed and grief. He was stronger for it, hardened, and yet Bi-Han could never see him as his equal. No matter how relentlessly he trained, how bravely he fought, and how hard he tried to prove himself to his father and mother, he would never be Lin Kuei.
No matter what, Bi-Han would always see him as nobody’s son. At this point, though it hurt, it was nothing new.
“He was an awful brother, “ Tomas blurts out. He doesn’t know what’s compelling him to speak, but it all tumbles out of him like an unstoppable avalanche of emotions that threatens to bury him. “He was cruel to me - always beat me in training even when I’ve had enough, ignoring my existence, verbally abusing me. And…”
This was the hard part. “And I still tried, so hard, to be good enough for him. To be good enough to be his brother. I was a kid who had just lost his family, and I wanted so badly to have that again, and yet just as it was right in front of me, I lost it again.”
He looks up towards the sky, wanting to see the stars shimmering in the endless ink, but also because he doesn’t want to worry about crying (how embarrassing ). “I think the part that haunts me the most is that I don’t even know why he hates me. I never dared to ask, so I just assumed it was me. That I had done something to him to make him despise me, but even then, I could never pinpoint what. It was like my mere existence repulsed him.”
Tomas spares a glance at Bi-Han and finds that his eyes are full of heartbreak, so he hardens his expression. "I don't want pity."
"I do not pity you, " Bi-Han says matter-of-factly. "I am sorry for what has happened, and I feel compassion, but I don't believe that to be pity. You are more than your suffering. You are Tomas, Shirai Ryu's second in command, Kuai Liang's brother."
He says the next part very carefully. "My brother."
Those words hurt more than any pain Tomas had felt in his life. It was like watching his family dying again, an indescribable mental anguish that no human should have to endure, yet Tomas had to live through it twice.
Tomas closes his eyes tight as if physically wounded. “Don’t.”
He could feel the confusion radiate off Bi-Han. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t say we’re family, “ Tomas replies, opening his eyes, moonlight reflecting in the tears that finally fall after so many years. And yet, his voice was kept neutral like he wasn’t crying at all. “Don’t say that and then leave. I don’t think I can go through that again.”
There was only so much grief, so much suffering that his human body could bear. Anything more, and he feels like he’ll just crumble away like ash.
“I will not die tomorrow, “ Bi-Han states, believing every word he says. Tomas looks at him, confused about how he could say that with such confidence, and Bi-Han continues. “We have what our enemies lack - family to fight for. There is strength in our companionship, one that they view as weakness. We will prove them wrong.”
It sounds so naive and unlike his Bi-Han, Tomas almost wants to laugh. “How can you be so sure of that?”
“Because there is no trial, no battle or burden that I have fared, that I didn’t share with my brothers. We all stand because we stand together.” Then, Bi-Han puts a gentle hand on Tomas’ shoulder, slowly so that he has a chance to pull away. He didn’t, even though he knew the touch would hurt, and it does - another reminder of what Tomas could’ve had yet lacks. “If my Tomas had taught me anything, it is that there is wisdom in hope.”
Hope. It was such a fragile thing, and yet it was what fuelled Tomas to keep living. He thought that burning to keep him alive was dwindling, that even the smallest wind could extinguish that flame, but standing in front of him was…
… was his brother. His hope. God’s, he had forgotten what it felt like to hope.
And in the end, it causes Tomas to finally break, stumbling into Bi-Han’s chest and wrapping his arms around his torso. Bi-Han flinches back but does not protest. Eventually, though tense, he brings his arms around Tomas to keep him close. The embrace was awkward and stiff, and yet it was the first time Tomas had felt Bi-Han’s warmth. He never dared embrace his brother as a child, learning quickly that his Bi-Han was touch adverse, only ever being near his brother in Kombat since he flinched away at all attempts of affection. The Bi-Han in front of him was no more welcome to physical touch, and yet he allowed Tomas to indulge in this moment of firsts, sensing how important this was to him. He doesn’t even say a word when Tomas soaks his robes with quiet tears. Then again, his Bi-Han never said anything either, even if it was he who made him cry. He would leave bowls of fruit for Tomas after that.
That’s… going to be a lot to unpack later, but for now, Tomas lets warmth flood him and clear his head. “Sorry, “ he says. “I let myself get emotional.”
Bi-Han doesn’t let go. “That is alright, brother. Emotions are a part of us. There is no shame in being human.”
Tomas needed to hear anyone say that really, but it being said with Bi-Han’s voice was so much different. It was an unexplainable grief, one that made little sense. Tomas hates Bi-Han for what he did to the Lin Kuei, to him and Kuai Liang.
And yet…
“Thank you… Brother.”
Bi-Han smiles at him. “Anything for my brothers.”
Tomas doesn’t know how he’s going to continue the war against the Lin Kuei after this. Hearing those words from Bi-Han’s lips froze his heart, an ice-cold longing making it shiver. Against his trained logic, he wanted to close his eyes and let himself believe that this Bi-Han was his. So desperately he wanted to believe that his second family was still whole, even after the loss of his first. He wanted a brother, someone who loved him simply because he existed, something that his Bi-Han despised. But not this Bi-Han, who looked at him like he was worth something.
It was selfish, and he wanted it more than anything.
“Come, let us return to our allies to dine, “ Bi-Han says, planting a firm and grounding palm against Tomas’ back.
Tomas allows the coolness of Bi-Han’s skin to keep him in the present and nods. Even though this Bi-Han would have to leave, Tomas could still remember that he was out there; a family across the universe. His brother amongst the stars.
That, he could be content with.