You watched with curiosity what was happening in the illuminated restaurant while Bi Han stared silently into the darkness beside you.

At the other end of the roof stood Liu Kang, dressed in a simple leather coat. His steps led him along the edge until he had a perfect view of his two champions.

Raising an eyebrow, you leaned forward to see who was entering the restaurant. Two young men were walking up the stairs. Both of you still seemed quite inexperienced, simple.

Just like two people from the countryside who had never seen the big city. One of them wore a straw hat. The other was dressed in white and blue.

"A bit young.", you remarked.

Bi Han growled in agreement, watching as the two sat down at a table and ordered food. A little lady hurried up to them, a broad smile on her wrinkled face. She was old. But appearances were clouding.

Madam Bo had long been a valued member of the Lin Kuei clan. Her husband had been a born ninja, she had only been given a place through marriage. But if the late Grand Master's stories were to be believed, she had quickly become better than her own husband.

When you and Bi Han were young, she had taken over your basic training. Later, Kuai Liang's too. Tomas had not been so lucky. He had been accepted into the clan too late. After her husband's death, she opened this restaurant.

Now she was a simple old woman. Only sometimes, as in this case, did she agree to lend a helping hand to the god of fire. She briefly disappeared under the roof, presumably to place the order in the kitchen.

At that moment, an opportunity opened up for you to see the faces of the two men. Dark eyes in faces tanned by the sun. The man in blue and white looked young. Perhaps even a little too young. While the other seemed so confident, as if it was impossible for him to ever lose.

Both wore their brown hair tied back in plaits at the back of their heads. It was hard to hear what they were saying from a distance, but the way they teased each other, rolled their eyes and laughed showed that they were familiar with each other.

A smirk appeared on your lips. They reminded you a little of Kuai Liang and Bi Han when they were young. Kuai Liang had always tried his best to challenge his big brother. And Bi Han had accidentally broken his hair a few times.

Even if their playful rivalry no longer existed, there was still enough there to show how similar the brothers actually were. Especially Bi Han's annoyed eye roll when Kuai Kang tried to make him laugh.

Sometimes, when he thought no one could see him, Bi Han would still smile. In the end, he was not completely chiselled out of ice. The thought made you chuckle slightly.

Bi Han's jaw twitched next to you. His shoulders tensed.

"They're children.", he said, stepping up beside you to slide two fingers into the collar of your uniform.

You almost tripped over your own feet as he pulled you back. Your back pressed into his chest. He was like a mountain in winter. Cold yet steady.

Taking a deep breath, you held your breath, lifted your head and looked up at Bi Han. Your eyes met. The brown of his eyes shimmered like liquid resin in the light of the candles.

Although you were so close to him, it was hard to feel the beat of his heart. Your fingers twitched. Slowly, you reached out towards his face, but paused in front of his face so that he could decide for himself. His eyes travelled along your fingers.

At first it seemed as if he was withdrawing. But then he leant down and let your fingertips caress his cheek. Exhaling deeply, he closed his eyes. But the grim expression on his face remained. His dark eyebrows drew together.

"Bibi.", you whispered into the silence between you.

He grumbled.

"Mûdān.", the word shook in his throat like a landslide over a mountainside.

"We are Lin Kuei. Born to serve.", your fingers lightly caressed his skin, tangled in black strands. "Why isn't that enough for you?"

He took a deep breath. Then out again. You could feel the suction on your neck. Goosebumps chased down your spine.

"If we could be so much more...", he began calmly. "Why should we settle for less?"

"We are not gods."

"I'm not asking for divinity. Only justice."

Your eyes dropped thoughtfully to the two men at the table. Their food had arrived, bowls and plates so full that ten could have been filled. The aroma of steamed dough filled your nose. Duck roasted on vegetables. Pig's skin shone with a thin layer of crystallised sugar.

Your stomach suddenly growled at the sight. Embarrassed, you had to laugh quietly. Bi Han stared at the food. Then he stood up straight again, turned away and stopped at the other end of the roof.

Your eyes met. You sighed and dropped your head onto your shoulder.

"Bibi...", his name was so full of love when you said it. "If it's possible to see the sunrise at the top of this mountain, then I'll go with you. But I won't spill blood for this."

His gaze lowered. He seemed to be thinking. Then he turned round completely and jumped off the roof.

A gentle breeze caught your body. The night was clear and full of stars. There was nothing around the restaurant but fields and streets of dirt.

The air seemed fresh and untouched, full of natural flavours. Clouds were gathering in the distance. It would rain soon.

Your gaze returned to the two men. Most of the food had already been eaten. Your stomach growled again. Sighing, you squint your eyes. It would have been better to eat again before you set off. After such a long sleep, it was no wonder your body needed something to keep you awake.

Behind you, someone climbed onto the roof. Heavy footsteps approached. Bi Han had returned. Curious, you cast a glance over your shoulder.

He held out a bowl of dumplings to you.