Scorpion and Sub-Zero are two iconic characters from the Mortal Kombat series. While they share a deep rivalry and history, they are not actually brothers. However, the two versions of Sub-Zero, known as Bi-Han and Kuai Liang, were indeed brothers.
In the Mortal Kombat lore, Bi-Han was the original Sub-Zero, who debuted in the first game. He was a skilled assassin and member of the Lin Kuei clan, known for his mastery of ice-based powers. However, he met a tragic fate when he was killed by Scorpion during the first Mortal Kombat tournament.
After Bi-Han’s death, his younger brother Kuai Liang took up the mantle of Sub-Zero in later games. Kuai Liang sought revenge for his brother’s murder and initially held a deep grudge against Scorpion, blaming him for Bi-Han’s demise. However, as the story progressed, Scorpion and Kuai Liang formed an unlikely alliance.
In Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, it is revealed that Scorpion and Sub-Zero had a complicated history. Scorpion mistakenly believed that Bi-Han was responsible for the murder of his family and clan, leading him to seek vengeance. However, Scorpion eventually learned the truth, that it was actually Quan Chi who orchestrated the attack, and not Bi-Han.
Upon discovering this truth, Scorpion vowed to protect Kuai Liang, the new Sub-Zero, as a way to honor his promise to spare the second Sub-Zero. This decision was guided by some ninja code or honor among assassins, where Scorpion chose to protect the innocent rather than perpetuate a cycle of violence.
The relationship between Scorpion and the Sub-Zero brothers evolved over the course of the Mortal Kombat series. While they started as bitter enemies, they eventually found common ground and even fought alongside each other to combat greater threats to Earthrealm.
It is important to note that the Mortal Kombat storyline can be complex and has undergone revisions and retcons over the years. The details of character relationships and backstories may vary depending on the game or iteration of the series. However, the core idea remains that Scorpion and Sub-Zero are not brothers, but Scorpion made a promise to protect the second Sub-Zero after killing the first.