I'll Dig Through Sorrow And Disgust, Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Dust

He observed the scene in front of him. Sub Zero standing tall over the body of Scorpion, red blood seeping into the floor around him. General Shao’s minions had obviously caught up quicker than Shang Tsung himself, holding back Smoke from attending to his brother’s corpse. He decided to get closer, and as he officially joined the scene he could see the look on Bi-Han’s face. With his mask on, only his eyes were visible, but they told the entire story.

Bi-Han hadn’t intended to kill his brother.

“You- You monster,” Tomas screeched, trying to fight against the grip of the guards. “You killed him! You killed him!”

“I didn’t want to,” Bi-Han muttered lowly, his eyes narrowing clearly deciding it was better to try and hide his emotions. “He gave me no choice.”

“I will never forgive you for this,” Tomas loudly hissed, his struggles getting stronger. “If it is the last thing I ever do, I will avenge him.”

“Take him away.” Bi-Han cast his gaze aside, refusing to look at the scene any longer. The guards looked to Shang Tsung, who nodded his approval at the command.

Tomas screamed the entire time he was dragged away. It was honestly a little bit pathetic, if Shang Tsung was being honest. His gaze landed on Kuai Liang’s body, eyes still wide open and blood dripping down his chin, a large wound in his chest. Shang Tsung could only imagine Bi-Han had stabbed directly through him with his spear.

“I will gather The Lin Kuei,” Bi-Han announced, as he began to walk away, refusing to look back at his brother. “We will be ready and at your command within the hour.”

“Excellent, Grandmaster.” Shang Tsung briefly looked at Bi-Han before his eyes were drawn back down to Kuai Liang. “We will await your return.”

Bi-Han’s footsteps slowly got further away until the fortress grounds returned to a state of relative silence, the only sound the howling wind as it swirled around him.

Shang Tsung knelt beside Kuai Liang, hand reaching forward to gently brush the hair from the dead man’s face. What a waste. It was a shame that Kuai Liang could not share his brother’s vision, he would have been a powerful ally in the fight ahead. Shang Tsung cradled his face, he was already starting to lose his warmth. Yes, a complete waste. He would have looked magnificent working to accomplish Shang Tsung’s goals.

Suddenly, words Quan Chi had recently spoken suddenly creeped into the forefront of his mind. A discussion on how he had just about perfected the art of bringing the dead back to life. His eyes looked Kuai Liang up and down. This would be two birds with one stone. A real test of Quan Chi’s abilities and an attempt to not let Kuai Liang’s life be in vain. Fingers trailed down Kuai’s jaw, staring into those eyes aimed lifelessly up at the sky.

Shang Tsung smiled.

First, he wanted to secure Kuai Liang’s soul. He could feel it was still within his body, and Shang Tsung wanted to ensure it didn’t get lost or accidentally become a part of Ermac. He held his hand in front of Kuai Liang’s chest, focusing on the soul within. Slowly he was able to coax it away from its tethers, and soon the green energy was pulling away from Kuai Liang’s body. He held his hand up, the soul swirling around it like it wanted to escape but was forced to orbit the limb instead. Reaching for his belt, Shang Tsung brought up an empty bottle, carefully guiding the soul inside it. He corked it up, and observed it for a second. It was amazing how resilient mortal souls could be.

Now it was time for stage two. He carefully replaced the bottle onto his belt, before bending forward towards Kuai’s body. He hooked one arm under his back and the other under his knees. His body was still quite malleable, meaning Shang Tsung could lift it up with relative ease. Excellent. He turned to make his way back towards the fortress.

Third task, locate Quan Chi and explain his plan. Thankfully this stage was easier than he had anticipated, as when he walked through the entrance, Quan Chi was striding towards him.

“I’ve been wondering where you had got to,” Quan Chi commented, eyeing up Kuai’s body with suspicion. “Where is the Grandmaster?”

“He has gone to gather his men.” Shang Tsung shifted Kuai’s body in his arms. “Until he returns, however, I have a request.”

“Is it related to the younger brother currently in your arms?” Quan Chi tilted his head, the previous distrust replaced with curiosity instead. He reached out to inspect the wound on the dead man's face. Shang Tsung wasn’t entirely sure why, but he felt a strange fire in his chest at the action. Almost as if he were a child angry that another child had touched his favourite toy without permission.

“I just feel it would be a shame to allow such a strong warrior go to waste.” He tried not to scowl as Quan Chi’s hand roamed lower, now inspecting the hole in Kuai’s chest. “I have his soul safely stored, if that will help.”

“It will certainly make it easier,” Quan Chi mused, finally removing his hands. Good. “I will warn you that it might not work.”

“I still think it would be worth an attempt.” His grip on Kuai Liang tightened. It was strange how a passing thought had turned into his most important mission. He needed this to work, he needed this strong warrior by his side. He couldn’t even begin to explain why.

“He did not exactly agree with his brother’s viewpoint. I highly doubt death will make him more likely to cooperate.” That was one of the only possible drawbacks to the plan. It also seemed unlikely that he’d be so grateful for his rebirth he’d follow their orders blindly. “I could try and exert some form of mind control over him.”

“No, I think I’d rather try and convince him to join us of his own freewill first.” He was often told that he was extremely charming, he’d been able to work his way into Sindel’s inner circle with his charisma after all. He was sure if he could find the right angle, he could sweet talk Kuai Liang to join them.

“If you insist,” Quan Chi sighed, sounding thoroughly unconvinced. Regardless, he flicked his hand, creating a portal presumably to the Netherrealm.

Quan Chi bowed slightly, gesturing for Shang Tsung to go through first. He rolled his eyes slightly but didn’t object. Adjusting Kuai’s body to make sure he had a good grip on him, he entered the portal.

So… time for part four of the plan.

Shang Tsung looked at Quan Chi as he carefully arranged Kuai Liang on the altar. His clothing had been removed, Quan Chi insisted it would make it easier, as he would be able to have a full overview of his injuries. It really was just the gaping hole in his chest and wound on his face however.

“Ready?” Shang Tsung asked, holding out the bottle containing Kuai Liang’s soul.

“Ready as I will ever be.” Quan Chi gingerly took the bottle from Shang Tsung. He carefully uncorked it, pouring the soul out into his hand. He stared at it, watching as it weaved between his fingers, before he stepped forward to Kuai’s body.

He held out his hand with the soul towards Kuai’s chest, raising his other in the air. Lips began to move, chanting ancient words once whispered by only the most powerful of the Netherrealm’s necromancers. As he chanted, magic began to visibly flow through his body, and Shang Tsung could only watch in fascination. Oh, if this works I have got to get him to teach me how to do this.

Kuai’s soul began to move erratically, before slithering away from Quan Chi’s hand, surrounding Kuai’s body instead. The power began to lift Kuai from the altar, making his limp body float aimlessly in the air. Magic soon flowed from Quan Chi to join the soul in orbiting around the corpse.

It was at this point that Kuai began to breathe. It was a single loud gasp initially, but turned into a slow and laboured wheeze. Magic began to enter his body, fire began to rise from his hands.

Suddenly his eyes opened, and he let out a blood curdling scream as the fire completely engulfed him. Through the flames, Shang Tsung could just about make out a skeleton. His eyes widened, his stomach dropping, earnest in his belief that Quan Chi had failed.

But, as suddenly as the flames came, they were extinguished, and Kuai Liang fell back down onto the altar, groaning as his head slammed against the strange stone structure.

Quan Chi returned to a neutral stance, and in unison with Shang Tsung stepped forward to observe. Kuai Liang began to cough, pushing himself up. Blood dripped from his mouth, as he trembled.

“Kuai Liang?” Shang Tsung chanced, and the man’s head jerked upwards. It was a little shocking to see his eyes completely white.

“W-What did you do to me?” He growled, voice slurred but still thick with barely concealed rage. “What did you do to me?”

“We brought you back to life.” Shang Tsung took another couple of steps forward, convinced that Kuai Liang would attack him in some way. When he didn’t, he attempted to press his hand to Kuai Liang’s cheek, only for him to jerk backwards with a snarl. “What do you remember?”

“I-“ Kuai Liang paused, his face screwing up ever so slightly. “I don’t… I don’t remember…” He looked up at Shang Tsung, a strange innocence on his face. “I died?”

Oh. He doesn’t remember dying. Shang Tsung had to fight the urge to begin smiling at this turn of events. This played perfectly into his hands.

“Do you remember anything?” He enquired, fishing for information on just how much Kuai Liang remembered, and how much Shang Tsung could get away with twisting the truth.

“W-we were asked to go to the fortress,” Kuai slowly recalled, shifting on the spot. “I- I don’t remember beyond that.”

Shang Tsung could not have asked for a more fortunate turn of events than this.

“You were betrayed, Kuai Liang,” Shang Tsung gently told him, once more reaching forward, this time to brush some hair from his face. “Tomas betrayed you and he killed you.”

“N-No.” Kuai Liang shook his head, tears immediately welling in his eyes. His hands desperately reached for Shang Tsung’s shoulders, fingers digging in so hard Shang Tsung wouldn’t be surprised if it bruised. “No, he wouldn’t- He wouldn’t do that to me!”

“I’m afraid it is true, Kuai Liang,” Quan Chi interrupted, holding his hand up to show a vision of an event that never occurred. A copy of Kuai Liang was attempting to hold back Tomas' attack, finally succumbing when the dagger was driven deep into his chest.

“No, no, no, no,” Kuai chanted, now openly weeping at the sigh of his beloved brother murdering him without remorse. His hand reached for his chest, rubbing at the large scar that now occupied where the gaping wound had been.

“Even worse, the one who orchestrated your demise?” Quan Chi continued, shifting the vision to now show Tomas and Liu Kang, clearly discussing something in secret. Shang Tsung felt himself smirk slightly, oh that one is genius. He would have to compliment Quan Chi on his work later. It was all extremely convincing. “None other than Lord Liu Kang.”

Kuai Liang’s face crumpled further, and he practically began to fall apart. Shang Tsung embraced him, holding the sobbing mess to his chest as he slowly stroked his hair and cooed in his ear.

“Shh, it’s not your fault,” he assured, fitting the comforting saviour role astonishingly well. “Liu Kang has been plotting against The Lin Kuei for a long time now. He and Tomas were in on this from the beginning.”

Kuai suddenly gasped, pulling away enough to look up at Shang Tsung with large pleading eyes.

“Bi-Han. What about Bi-Han?” Kuai’s grip on Shang Tsung tightened, practically hyperventilating at this point. “Did he kill my brother too?”

“No, darling, your brother is still alive, we managed to stop Tomas before he could take him too.” At this, Kuai Liang collapsed against Shang Tsung again. He couldn’t help it, he lent down and pressed a light kiss to Kuai Liang’s forehead. “He is safe with us, and seeking revenge as we speak.”

As loath as he was to break the embrace he currently found himself in, he gently pushed Kuai Liang back slightly. Those empty but somehow still beautiful eyes looked up at him. He looked so lost, so broken. Shang Tsung would be the one to guide and fix him.

“Come with us, and we will aid you in seeking the justice you deserve.”

Kuai Liang blinked, hands slowly sliding up to Shang Tsung’s face.

“What do I need to do, Shang Tsung?” Kuai Liang asked, voice airy like he was in a daze.

Shang Tsung laughed slightly, “just follow me. I will guide your way, Kuai Liang.”

When Kuai Liang gave him a teary smile in return, Shang Tsung knew that now he had the other man, he would never let go.

“Our apologies for making you wait gentlemen,” Shang Tsung announced as he, Quan Chi and Kuai Liang stepped through the portal and back to Ying Fortress. There was a small circle consisting of General Shao, Bi-Han, Rain, Nitara, Havik and Darrius. All of them turned to look at them. “May we introduce you to our newest initiate, the new and improved Scorpion.”

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi stepped aside, revealing Kuai Liang to the group. Clothed now, in a new outfit that in Shang Tsung’s mind fit his new hellish origin. It was a shame that the hood covered his beautiful hair, but the idea that was now for Shang Tsung’s eyes only excited him in ways he couldn’t imagine.

The majority of the group reacted with mild interest. Except, of course, Bi-Han. He looked like he’d just seen a ghost, his entire body going rigid. So still it didn’t even look like he was breathing.

“Bi-Han,” Kuai Liang called out, rushing towards his brother. Bi-Han flinched, expecting an attack of some kind. Instead, Kuai embraced his brother in a tight hug. The confusion on Bi-Han’s face almost made Shang Tsung burst out laughing. “I’m so relieved you’re okay and Tomas did not harm you too.”

“I-“ Bi-Han hesitated, eyes landing on Shang Tsung and narrowing slightly. He wrapped his hands around Kuai Liang’s back, holding him close. “I am relieved you have been returned to me, little brother.”

The glare Bi-Han shot at Shang Tsung demanded an explanation.

“A touching reunion,” Shao spat out sarcastically. “But we need to enact the next part of our plan.” He turned to the circle, “we shall return to Outworld. I have no doubt Liu Kang will be making moves to secure Sindel’s loyalty.”

“We will stay here with The Lin Kuei and continue our work,” Shang Tsung announced. “Good luck, general.”

Quan Chi created a portal, and all in question left through it. That left only them, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang. The two brothers finally broke their embrace, with Kuai Liang turning around to Shang Tsung, eagerly awaiting an order. Oh, it was so adorable, like a little puppy that just learnt how to give its master its paw.

“Kuai Liang, be a dear and assist Quan Chi with his work,” Shang Tsung instructed, delighted at how readily Kuai bowed to him in respect.

“Yes, Shang Tsung.”

And with that he was off, following Quan Chi to some other part of the fortress. Shang Tsung watched with a fond smile. He just couldn’t keep his eyes off him. So much so, he actually jumped when a furious Bi-Han stepped into his field of vision.

“What did you do to him?” Bi-Han demanded, his voice a menacing growl.

“We brought him back to life.” Shang Tsung shrugged as if it were no big deal. “Really Bi-Han, I thought you’d be grateful. After all, you didn’t mean to kill Kuai Liang, did you? I’m just fixing your mistake.”

“Does he know I-“

“No. No, as far as he is aware his death was planned by Liu Kang and committed by Tomas.” He chanced patting Bi-Han’s shoulder, only for the other man to pull back dramatically. “And it would probably serve you well to perpetuate that lie, Bi-Han. I mean, you wouldn’t want him to disobey and betray you all over again, would you?”

“And if he discovers the truth by other means?” Bi-Han shifted on his feet, crossing his arms over his chest and looking over his shoulder. Shang Tsung had to admit, he was surprised by how nervous Bi-Han seemed to be over the entire thing.

“Well, you are correct that he won’t be happy about it.” Kuai’s cries and sobs at the thought that two of the people he trusted the most betrayed him echoed through Shang Tsung’s head. He could imagine the anguished rage at discovering that was all a deception. “We’re just going to have to make sure he never finds out, now aren’t we?”

Bi-Han silently stared at him for a few seconds. His stare was cold, but his anger was just barely concealed. He knew Shang Tsung was right, and that fact seemed to make his blood boil.

“Look at it this way, Bi-han.” Shang Tsung actually placed a hand on Bi-Han’s shoulder, and although he didn’t pull back this time, he did look at it with disgust. “So long as he believes what we tell him, you get the obedient little brother you’ve always wanted.”

It was clear from the way Bi-Han’s face moved that his mouth was twitching under his mask.

“You’d better hope that he continues to be obedient,” Bi-Han growled, lifting his hand to point at Shang Tsung. “Because if he for a second begins to suspect what really happened, I will make you regret desecrating his corpse.”

And with that, Bi-Han turned around and began to stalk off. All Shang Tsung could do was sigh as he watched him go. As Bi-Han was about to exit, Kuai Liang was walking through. The two seemed to share a look for a few seconds, but neither stopped to talk.

Once Kuai Liang was close enough, he questioned “is something wrong with Bi-Han?”

“He is just struggling to comprehend Liu Kang’s deception,” Shang Tsung lied, pressing the back of his hand to Kuai Liang’s cheek. The way he lent into the touch made Shang Tsung’s heart sing. “He will come to terms with it, and together you will be able to seek your revenge.”

Kuai Liang nodded, glancing behind him to where Bi-Han was. There was an ever so slight air of doubt surrounding him. If that was simply an extension of his concern for his brother, or maybe a part of him that did not believe Shang Tsung’s story, he could not tell.

“Did you need something?” He decided to ask, attempting to distract Kuai Liang from whichever of those thoughts was clouding his mind.

“Quan Chi believes he’s ready for the next stage,” Kuai Liang informed him, that doubt dissolving away when he looked towards Shang Tsung. Maybe it had been just over Bi-Han after all.

“Excellent, then we should join him.”

He placed his hand on Kuai Liang’s back, gently pushing him to lead the way to where Quan Chi was. Kuai Liang got the message, and began to walk, all the while Shang Tsung maintained contact between them. Maybe eventually, Kuai Liang could come to crave his touch so much that the reality of the situation wouldn’t even register him.

The truth could send everything crashing around him, but Shang Tsung was cunning, he’d find a way to make sure Kuai Liang’s loyalty lay forever with him.

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