Ice And Redemptión - Chapter II : Wedding and Ascension ❄️
Notes: Bi han x reader / Kuai liang , Smoke
Context: Bi Han is forced to marry a non-warrior woman upon his ascension to Grandmaster status, because she saved his father. She is everything he despises about appearances: soft, gentle... and untrained. But that is about to change.
Last chapter here
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Credits image: khrome
-Tell me it's a rumor-Sektor demanded without greeting, without preamble. -Tell me you're not going to marry that girl.
Bi-Han looked up, impassive.
-It's true- Subzero replied with icy calm. -It was an order from my father.
Sektor gritted his teeth, crossing his arms.
-An order? Since when do you obey so docilely? You were going to reform this clan, Bi-Han! To leave behind the ancient traditions, the last of blood and broken promises. That girl contributes nothing!- The master armor said indignantly.
Bi-Han looked at her, without blinking.
-She saved my father's life, thanks to that I can take the title of Grandmaster without waiting for my father to die. To him, it's more than many have done for this clan - The cryomancer said as he got ready.
-And you accept? Without hesitation? - She asked indignantly.
There was a silence. Bi-Han looked away for a second.
-I considered it... and I accepted it. Power does not come without sacrifice. The Lin Kuei needs a leader, not an excuse to continue to decline- He replied decisively.
-And you think that's enough?- Sektor's voice cracked just shy of anger. -Are you going to sacrifice our vision... for a sweet smile and a trembling voice?
For a moment, Bi-Han didn't answer.
-I haven't sacrificed anything - He said finally, turning to grab his mask.
-Not yet - Sektor replied. -But you will, because no matter how cold your will, it will change you and when it does... we will lose everything we have fought for.
He fell silent. Bi-Han watched her closely.
-My commitment to that woman will not affect our vision. I will not allow her to interfere in my affairs. Besides, it is a diplomatic union- the cryomancer said without looking at her.
Sektor took a half step back, surprised by the coldness of the statement. But he did not back down.
-The vision we share does not change.- She continued. -But if you cannot adapt, then you are not part of this new Lin Kuei.
-You are treading on thin ice, Sektor- The cryomancer said, threatening his right hand for the first time.
-She will use you through your father-Sektor said, staring at him.
-That will not happen. She will not make decisions. I will not let her interfere in our affairs- the cryomancer replied firmly.
-Why her, Bi-Han? She is not strong, she is not the Lin Kuei, she do not understand what we built, you and I had the same goal. I have supported you in every decision. But don't ask her to support you in this - The master armor finally said.
His pride wounded, Sektor turned and left, leaving behind a heavy air, heavy with resentment.
Bi-Han was left alone, the mask still in his hands. For the first time in a long time, he felt torn. Sektor was right about one thing... deep down, he knew this gentle woman could change something in him. Something he didn't know if it was weakness... or a form of strength he had yet to understand.
On the other side, the Lin Kuei center was filled with the dull sound of bamboo against wood, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the steady rhythm of training. Tomas and Kuai Liang faced each other in a friendly duel, amid tense smiles and calculated movements.
Until a young apprentice burst in, breathless, interrupting the flow of combat with a trembling bow.
-My lords... the Grandmaster has made an announcement- Said the apprentice.
They both turned around in unison.
-What kind of announcement?- Scorpion asked, his brows furrowed.
-Your brother Bi-Han, he's... he's getting married. - The apprentice finally said.
A sharp silence fell like a veil. Tomas was the first to speak, with a mixture of disbelief and confusion.
-Bi-Han... getting married?- asked the smoky disbeliever.
-With who?- Kuai Liang asked immediately, his voice serious, yet restrained.
-With the stranger... the girl who saved your father- the apprentice said.
The echo of those words seemed to hit harder than any technique. Scorpion slowly lowered his arms, while Tomas looked at him in surprise.
-I don't understand.-Tomas whispered.- They barely know each other."
-This isn't about love - Said a firm voice from the shadows. It was Sektor. -It's politics, your father made a deal with her… or rather, with him, his promotion to Grandmaster, in exchange for marriage. A convenient transaction, nothing more.
Kuai Liang pressed his lips together. He knew Bi-Han had never been interested in forming personal ties, and yet…
-And how did he accept it?- the pyromancer asked, looking at the apprentice.
-Calm… but annoyed. He doesn’t seem happy. Just… dutiful- the young man said.
-As always.-Tomas said, shaking his head. -Doing what’s convenient, even if it means burying what he feels. If he feels anything at all.
-And Y/N? Does she know what she’s up against?- Scorpion asked more gently.
-She seems… willing. Apparently she didn’t ask for power or rank. It was her father who asked for it. She only helped… out of gratitude - The apprentice said.
Sector snorted with visible contempt.
—One more weakness, Bi-Han would be better off with a woman strong, someone worthy of his vision. Not a sweet little girl who will be lost in the shadows of this clan -She said with obvious annoyance.
-Like you?- Kuai Liang replied coldly.
Sektor narrowed his eyes. Tomas took a step forward, sensing the clash.
-Enough- The pyromancer ordered firmly. -This is not the time, but we will speak with Bi-Han, if this union is final... then she is also a Lin Kuei and she is owed respect.
Sektor turned on his heel and left, stiffly, but not before giving one last sour look.
Kuai Liang crossed his arms, looking toward the empty dojo. He went to speak to his father. He was worried about this union... so strange.
*Later*
-If it's true, son.- his father admitted.
-Why marry Bi-han off to a girl he barely knows, if it doesn't bring any benefits to him, like an alliance or—Scorpion began to question.
-I know, my son, but I did it to create balance...- The Grandmaster interrupted. -He needs someone who understands him, but who doesn't fuel his ambition... someone who will accompany him and break his pride. She is totally different from him, that's why I have faith that she will thaw his heart."
With that, Kuai Liang understood everything. He knew that Sektor has a negative influence on his older brother.
-And y/n knows what she's up against?... Bi-han won't be kind to her. What if she changes her mind? Bi-han won't let her go. For him, abandoning the Lin Kuei is unforgivable - The pyromancer said.
- Don't worry about that, my son... Bi Han has been warned. If anything happens to her, you'll take over. - The old man said finally. - I only ask that you help her fit in... it will be the hardest part for her.
- Yes, Father, I'll do my best. - Kuai Liang said more confidently.
In the end, Scorpion will trust his father's judgment; after all, your actions meant a lot to him and Tomas.
*1 month later*
Weeks passed, and you returned home. When you told your family about your wedding, they were all surprised. You had to lie and say you'd known them longer, so as not to worry them, but they accepted your version, you agreed to see them at least 7 times a month, even if it cost you the trip. You would always be accompanied by some members of the clan to ensure your safety.
As for your fiancé, you hadn't seen him. You didn't know if he was avoiding you or simply had no interest in seeing you... But you would definitely see each other at the wedding.
*The Wedding Day and the Ascent*
Snow fell softly on the rooftops of the Lin Kuei temple.
The ceremony wasn't ostentatious, but it was solemn: the blue banners, the warriors in formal robes, the hall adorned with white flowers and ice floes carved like sculptures. Everything was impeccable... and cold, like him.
You looked beautiful in a ceremonial dress that combined Chinese simplicity and nobility, specially woven by the clan's weavers. Your steps were soft, but your chest ached with nerves.
Bi-Han stood by the altar, wearing the Grandmaster's ceremonial robes. He looked like a statue: impassive, expressionless, made of pure ice.
When you reached him, only his eyes sought you for a second. You said nothing. You just lowered your head slightly.
"There was no gentleness. There was no warmth. Only the fulfillment of duty."
The Lin Kuei ritual master spoke in a firm voice:
"By the will of Bi-Han, son of ice, accept this woman as your wife, Y/N.
Do you accept this bond, as a guide, protector, and husband?"
Bi-Han looked at you. Barely a second. And then he answered:
"I accept."
Your heart was beating fast. The ritual required you to answer, so with a voice that barely trembled, you said:
"I accept."
When the time came for the oath, Bi-Han took his new wife's hand. It was cold, like his own... but it trembled.
"I promise, by order of the clan,"- he said without emotion.- "to protect you as my wife. As long as you are under my name, no one will touch you."
You swallowed and answered in a soft, yet firm voice:
-I promise to respect you... as a man and as a Grandmaster.-you replied.
Then came the most difficult moment;The kiss.
Not out of desire "which didn't exist" but as a symbol. Because of what it represented to the clan.
Bi-Han took a step forward. So did you.
Both of you were tense. Close, yet distant.
His fingers barely touched your cheek, without tenderness, more like a mechanical gesture. His lips approached yours with a disturbing slowness.
And when he touched them, it was just that: a light, formal touch, cold like a loveless promise.
Your family, seeing this scene, wondered why there was so much tension if you were in love, and the place for them was quite... cold.
In the front row, Bi-Han's father, still weak, sat among blankets, his expression neutral. But his eyes never left yours.
Kuai Liang, for his part, clenched his jaw at seeing his older brother so distant and cold. "Couldn't he at least fake it?" The pyromancer wondered. Tomas lowered his gaze, uncomfortable.
-It's incredible that Bi Han doesn't fake at least a little emotion out of respect for her.-Tomas whispered to Scorpion, with a mixture of concern and disappointment.
-You're right- Kuai Liang murmured. -But if she proves too difficult for him, we'll help her fit in.
Tomas nodded silently.
From the opposite side, Sektor maintained a neutral expression, but his eyes betrayed it.
Inside her, a burning flame of jealousy was beginning to take shape. She had believed she was the only one who shared Bi-Han's vision for the Lin Kuei. And now, this sweet, powerless girl had a place at his side.
Not by merit. Not by force. Only by the old man's decision.
"Ridiculous," Sektor thought, without looking away.
Bi-Han's father, leaning on his cane, watched him wisely. He knew his son's hardness... and also his flaws. He knew Bi-Han didn't want this, but he accepted it.
When you stopped in front of him and looked down, the old man smiled faintly.
"Thank you," he whispered to himself, only he could hear. "Now, we just have to wait for her to melt the ice."
The murmurs among those present mingled with the icy breeze from the temple.
Kuai Liang looked away with a subtle exhalation,
Tomas lowered his eyes, with a mixture of pity and resignation,
Sektor clenched his fists under his sleeves,
And Bi-Han's father... he smiled. Because he saw something the others didn't;The slightest tremor in his son's hands as he pulled away from the kiss.
Their gazes remained lowered, no one spoke. The wedding ceremony had ended right there, because the ceremony Bi-Han had waited so long for had begun. Although he hadn't expected to take up the mantle of Grandmaster since his youth, right after his wedding, the cryomancer didn't give it much thought. He was finally going to gain the power to lead the Lin Kuei to glory
But amidst the silence... a powerful presence erupted solemnly.
Liu Kang, the God of Fire and Keeper of Time, walked calmly through the crowd. Bi-Han's father greeted him with a bow. Bi-Han frowned at the sight, but bowed nonetheless.
His presence meant one thing: the ceremonial beginning of Bi-Han's ascension had begun.
-My presence was requested by an old ally- Liu Kang said respectfully, looking at the elderly father. -And as protector of balance, I have come to bless this union.
Then, Bi-Han's father stepped forward to the altar, holding up a silver medallion bearing the symbol of the Lin Kuei.
-Today, in the presence of the clan and the Timekeeper, I proclaim my son Bi-Han as ‘Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.’ My time has passed. He will forge the future.- the old man said in a firm voice.
Bi-Han walked with a firm stride, his black cloak billowing behind him like a living shadow, with a faint icy glow. His steely eyes stared straight ahead without hesitation.
His father, still convalescing but standing, waited for him next to Liu Kang.
The cryomancer knelt with a single tap, under the watchful eyes of all. His father approached, placing the ancestral medallion on his chest: the emblem of the Grandmaster.
“You not only inherit our power…” the old man murmured so only he could hear. “You inherit our hope.”
Bi-Han looked up. For the first time in a long time, something in his gaze wavered "perhaps it was respect, perhaps guilt, perhaps... the feeling of not having lost him."
As he stood, Liu Kang took a step forward.
-Today we recognize Bi-Han as the new Grand Master of the Lin Kuei. May his vision be steadfast... and may his heart remain strong.- The old man said.
As everyone bowed before the new Grand Master, you felt like you were standing in the middle of an ice storm.
You were not part of the clan. You were not his chosen one out of love. But you were there... standing firm.
Bi-Han turned and stepped down from the platform. His stride was heavier now, not from weakness, but from the very burden of leadership.
As he passed you, now his wife, he paused for a moment.
Just a second. You bowed respectfully.
You looked up, trembling.
He didn't say a word, but he looked at you. He really looked at you. And then he nodded with a small gesture.
Liu Kang approached you. And with a soft, almost fatherly voice, he whispered:
"Don't be afraid. Even the hardest ice can break... when the heart is real."
-Thank you very much, Lord Liu Kang- you nodded.
And for the first time in the entire ceremony... you smiled, even if it was only to yourself.
*At Night*
The ceremony was over. The halls were dim, and the temple torches flickered in the icy wind.
You were walking together toward their new master bedroom. Bi Han didn't offer you his hand, and walked ahead of you, as if he didn't mind leaving you behind.
You knew it wouldn't be easy, but his rejection hurt you.
Now you would share the same bed, where the new Grandmaster resided. The carved doors in the hallway bore his ancestral Lin Kuei symbol.
Your heart pounded as you walked in silence.
Bi-Han opened the door for and motioned with his gaze for you to come in. It was the kindest thing he'd done all day.
He was standing, still in his ceremonial attire, moving toward the closet, searching for his nightclothes.
He didn't turn to look at you when you entered.
-Do you need anything?-your husband asked, his voice emotionless.
-No, I just... I thought we could talk for a moment.- you told him timidly; you'd been thinking all day about how to start a conversation with him.
Bi-Han turned around slightly. His eyes looked at you cautiously, as if gauging whether your words were a trap or a waste of time.
-Talk?- the cryomancer repeated with some disdain. -We're not married out of affection, but out of obligation. What's the point of pretending otherwise?.
That hurt, but you expected it, and yet you took a small step forward.
-I know. I don't expect you to love me, or even appreciate me. I just... I don't want to be a burden. I just want to help you, like I helped your father- you said, trying to meet his eyes.
A spark appeared in his gaze, subtle, distant. But it was there.
-You did it,- he admitted. And for the first time... his voice sounded less sharp. -You saved someone I had chosen to leave behind.
That confession, for some reason... didn't surprise you.
-Does that bother you?'you asked softly.
There was a long silence. Bi-Han looked down at his own gloves. He seemed to be struggling with himself.
-Yes,-the cryomancer finally said. -Because you did it without permission, because you changed the course of everything with a choice that wasn't yours.
You didn't know how to respond immediately; you knew there was something strange about saying that, but then, bravely, you took another step.
-Maybe... it wasn't my place, but if that small act can mean that someone like you doesn't have to carry everything alone... then I don't regret it. Whether or not I knew everything it would mean to save him, I would do it again. -You said determinedly.
Bi-Han looked at you, this time for more than a few seconds. He didn't touch you, he didn't say anything else. But his eyes weren't so cold anymore; there was something there... a hint of respect, minimal but real.
-Rest. This temple is not kind to the weak- Was all he said before turning back to the shelves and changing his clothes.
But it wasn't disdain, it was a warning... and you felt, somehow, he was watching over you.
You turned around without insisting, while covering yourself. You hadn't managed to melt the ice yet... but for the first time, you had left a mark on its surface.
Both of them remained silent.
You, your breath shaky from the cold and the nerves of everything new you were facing.
He, with his hands still on his legs, stiff… but not leaving.
For a moment, you wondered if tradition required consummating the marriage on the wedding day, but then you remembered that the man you saved had assured you that you wouldn't do anything you were forced to do.
Finally, Bi-Han lay down beside you, without touching you, and turned his back on you.
You tried to appreciate your new husband; even though he was cold, something in you sensed that everything would be okay.
*At dawn*
The faint light of dawn arrived, dyeing the room with a warm, muted glow. The silence was profound, broken only by the distant creaking of the snowdrifts surrounding the temple.
You woke slowly, feeling first the weight of the blankets, then the warmth at his side.
And then… the closeness.
You were lying on your side, your nose barely touching Bi-Han's chest.
He was still asleep, his hair loose.
You stayed appreciating him for a moment; the sight gave you a feeling of vulnerability.
Then you started to feel sleepy again, trying to make sure Bi-Han wouldn't wake up for a few more minutes, even if it was just a few more minutes. You were so comfortable.
Bravely, you moved a little closer to him, almost touching him but not crossing the line.
You could feel his breathing. You couldn't explain it, but his body gave you a feeling of protection and security. You lowered your head, placing it under his chin but not touching him.
But in a matter of seconds, you felt him... wake up.
END OF CHAPTER
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