Archive of Our Own ^beta

That day had been extra quiet. Kuai Liang and Tomas had been training after supper— while Bi-Han meditated nearby. Something about not wanting to be near Tomas as Kuai Liang taught him how to fight like a Lin Kuei. Tomas was 14, and it had been two years since he was adopted after the tragedy of his mother and twin sister. Kuai Liang was 17, though he had more patience than Bi-Han did, so he was happy to help his brother.

Bi-Han had only shut his eyes for only a moment, just a moment. Because Father said meditating would better and strengthen his mind.

And then he heard a loud cry. "Kuai Liang!" He'd heard Tomas' loud scream, and his eyes cracked open. He was about to tell his adoptive brother to be quiet so he could meditate, before his eyes had widened. An orange flame danced on his brother's arm. And Bi-Han- even at age 19, isn't sure what's going on. He should be a cryomancer like him, and their parents. Why is there a flame on his younger brother's body? Sure, Father had said it was unusual that Kuai Liang hadn't yet developed powers, but this hadn't been seen.

Bi-Han rushed over, coating his hand in ice before he placed it on Kuai Liang's arm, and thankfully, the fire went out. Kuai Liang sunk down to the floor, and Bi-Han dropped with him. Hand still wrapped around his arm, Tomas at the other side of their brother. "Kuai? Kuai Liang!" His voice raised in panic, his eyes wide as he looks down at his brother. Blood had dripped from his skin. He was confused, and he didn't understand what was happening. Why was he bleeding? Was it due to the fire? Where did the fire even come from? 

"What is all the commotion out here?" 

He'd heard his father's voice, and he turned. Tomas had turned too, but Kuai Liang was panting hard. He wasn't sure what was happening.

Yuze was a firm but kind man. Honor was something he held dear to him. It was that honor that had demanded he take in Tomas and raise him as his own, after his men had shamelessly killed his mother and sister. But the days ahead looked to be peaceful. His wife Biming had suggested a walk, and so he left the papers to be finished later, walking hand in hand with his wife. It was a moment of peace that they heard their children yelling. More specifically, his eldest. The two had approached them, but Yuze was surprised when it turned out that Bi-Han was not bickering at Tomas, but that he and Tomas were both at Kuai Liang's side. Bi-Han's hand, bits of melting frost covering it, wrapped around Kuai Liang's arm. Blood dripping onto the solid cement. 

His second born was bleeding.

"What is all the commotion out here?" He'd asked, quickly walking nearby and kneeling down in front of his three boys. Bi-Han's eyes met his—- usually spiteful for the way he was raised, this life of duty and serving others, but this time, he could tell his eldest child was scared for his brother. "Bi-Han, what happened?" 

Bi-Han swallowed. "I.. was meditating while Kuai Liang and Tomas were training. I opened my eyes when I heard Tomas yell Kuai Liang's name-- and there was.. fire on his arm." He listened closely. Fire? That should be near impossible. They were cryomancers. But as Bi-Han finally let go of Kuai's arm, he saw a small scorch left behind. And Yuze knew his son was telling the truth. 

"... We'll take your brother to the infirmary. In the meantime, Bi-Han– please help your brother train," Biming spoke softly. Bi-Han took a glance over at Tomas, then looked at her with a quiet nod. "... Yes, Mother." 

They took Kuai Liang to the infirmary afterwards. Their head medic, a man named Haoran, looked over the teenager and ran some tests. Before he rubs his chin, looking down at Kuai Liang. "Kuai Liang, try putting your hand out and focusing." He'd advised. Yuze narrowed his eyes at the medic, one of the only times he ever did so. But Kuai Liang had listened to Haoran, and put his hand out. His son's warm amber eyes focusing, before a flame appeared, licking at his wrist. 

"By Lord Liu Kang's name.." Biming had muttered, her eyes wide. Yuze felt his mouth go dry as the flame eventually went out, watching as more burns joined Kuai Liang's previous one. The grandmaster's brows furrowed together. Then, Haoran looked at him. "Your son has somehow gained pyromancy, despite being in a family of cryomancers. His body is suited for the genetic ice powers, but unfortunately, that is not what had happened."

He had watched the medic apply some burn cream to Kuai Liang's wrist, before he had bandaged it carefully. Kuai Liang bit his tongue. "If I had to guess, it's probably just a simple altercation in his genes. Like heterochromia. Training will likely build up his immunity to the powers he's been blessed with." The medic had explained. Yuze had watched as Kuai Liang looked between him, Haoran and Biming. 

"So.. my powers are unique?" Yuze let out a soft sigh, rubbing a thumb over his second born's forehead. "I suppose that's one way of looking at that." 

Later that night, when he had gone to fetch Bi-Han and Tomas, he'd seen the two boys fast asleep. Bi-Han's head against the wall. Tomas' head against Bi-Han's chest, arms around his brother like a koala. Yuze's heart had warmed at the sight.

He couldn't bear himself to wake them to send them to their own rooms. So he went back, got a pillow for Bi-Han's head— and put a blanket over Tomas, before he finally went to bed for the night.