Chapter 3: Hat Trick - Kung Lao
Gif by @dangerouspostphantom
Warnings: There may be mentions of blood and Tarkat, but that's all that comes to mind.
Characters: Andrius Nils, Megan Shang, Cyrus Shang, Floyd Verena, Margaritari Verena, Kage (@scentedcandleibex) Shang Tsung, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Kung Jin, Raiden, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Kenshi Takahashi, Sindel, Mileena, Kitana, Tanya, Jade, Li Mei, General Shao
Tag List: @scentedcandleibex @malewifefirestar @w0nd3rpl4y @middlechildwhoescapedthebasement @elderglocks @irish-brawler @loverofthewindgod @darialovesstuff @valyrra @staystillinthedeep
Word Count - 6743
Liu Kang (Narrator): “We begin this chapter at the Wu Shi Academy, where Sonya, Johnny, Kenshi, Raiden, Kung Jin and Kung Lao have been staying and training for the past few months since we last saw them. While training, our Earthrealm defenders learned some spells to help them better fight in the upcoming tournament and to better defend Earthrealm. Johnny learning white energy magic, Sonya learning pink energy magic, Kenshi learning telekinesis, Raiden learning electromancy, Kung Jin learning pyromancy, and Kung Lao learning teleportation.
This particular moment, we see the six training with the monks of the temple, where we get to see their powers in full swing. Once the four finish training their powers for that day, Kung Lao walks off to get his hat, walking back to now train with his blade hat.
Raiden: “That is not a good idea, Kung Lao.”
Kung Lao: “Not a good idea? It is genius!” He retorts.
Kung Jin: “Yeah, I think it’s pretty cool!”
Kung Lao: “Heh, speaking of cool, the next time we see Tundra, I will have to thank him for inspiring it.” As Lao is speaking to Raiden and the rest, he slides his hands over the blades of the hat, knicking a finger in the process, mumbling a faint “ow”.
Raiden: “See? It won’t be effective!” This causes Kung Lao to shake his head, throwing his hat at one of the training dummies that surrounded the temple. The hat slices the dummy in two before boomeranging back towards Kung Lao who catches it.
Kung Jin: “It looks effective to me”
Raiden: Maybe it’s… uhm…too effective…” Raiden mutters as Johnny and Kenshi walk up towards them.
Johnny: “Can we please just get on with it already? We’ve been here for months now! Look, I can’t base a cinematic universe on Outworld’s monsters and magic, if we don’t ever see any!”
Sonya: “That’s the reason you’re here?”
Johnny: “Liu Kang said that this gig would change the arc of our lives, and that’s how I intend on getting my arc started.”
Kenshi: “Ugh, so selfless.” The swordsman says while rolling his eyes.
Johnny: “Oh please, tattoo, you’re just here to get your precious sword back.”
Raiden: “Look, we all have our reasons for being here, some admittedly better than others, but the point is, we are not here to fight amongst ourselves. We are here, to fight for Earthrealm.” As Raiden is calming everyone down, one of the temple’s gongs rings, signalling that Liu Kang wanted everyone’s attention.
Kung Jin: “About time.”
Liu Kang: “And today, one of you will be chosen to fight for it at the tournament.”
Sonya: “Only one of us, Liu Kang?”
Kung Jin: "Didn’t you and the monks say that Outworld would have several champions?”
Liu Kang: “That is correct. The tournament’s rules give the host realm that advantage. This being Outworld’s turn as host.”
Johnny: “You know, I don’t know why I’ve never thought to ask this, but, um, what’s our record at this tournament?”
Liu Kang: “Earthrealm and Outworld have long been evenly matched. Though Outworld has been gaining strength, and should they win the tournament, it’s more militant factions will be emboldened.”
Raiden: “But I thought you admired Outworld.”
Liu Kang: "Outworld is a place of great knowledge, wealth, and beauty, though our realms unfortunately do not share goals or beliefs. Earthrealm and Outworld coexist peacefully because they admire our strength. Should we show weakness, our rival would become our enemy. Those of those who see Earthrealm as weaker proven correct.”
Kung Lao: “I will not lose, Lord Liu Kang!”
Liu Kang: “First, you must win the right to represent us in the tournament. Whichever one of you can outlast the others will be chosen as Earthrealm’s champion.” Liu Kang then sits down on a fancy chair, the monks kneeling behind him, the Earthrealm defenders standing in front of the fire god.
Liu Kang: “Kung Lao, step forward.” Kung Lao steps forward as requested, bowing to Liu Kang.
Kung Lao: “Thank you, Lord Liu Kang.”
Sonya: Good call, Liu Kang, cull the arrogant first. With that in mind, I would’ve preferred Johnny to have gone first, but beggars can’t be choosers I suppose.”
Liu Kang: “Actually, that is who will be facing him. Johnny Cage, step forward.” This causes Kenshi to chuckle.
Kenshi: “Ready for your close-up, Johnny?”
Johnny: “Alright, hat boy, let’s do this.” The rest then back away, giving Kung Lao and Johnny room to have their fight, Johnny walking to his side of the ring.
Johnny: “Just remember, I’m a global martial arts icon. I don’t know if you can handle this much boom.”
Kung Lao: “We will see if you still feel that way after our fight.” The two arrogant men then begin their match, Kung Lao winning.
Kung Lao: “Was that all of the boom you had, Johnny?” Kung Lao questions the Hollywood actor, offering him a hand.
Johnny: “I’m not used to fighting without cameras around.” He responds, taking Kung Lao’s hand to stand up.
Kenshi: “Is that why you lost at your mansion?”
Johnny: “To be fair, I was fighting against a vampire. If you think you can do better than me, then go right ahead.”
Kung Jin: "Wait, they fought vampires? Man, the Lin Kuei is weird." The young archer whispers to Raiden.
Raiden: “You’re telling me.” The farmer murmurs back.
Kenshi: “Gladly.” The swordsman then looks to the fire god.
Kenshi: “Lord Liu Kang, do you mind if I fight Kung Lao next?”
Liu Kang: “Not at all, Kenshi.” Kenshi then bows to Lord Liu Kang, before walking towards Kung Lao where Johnny had previously been.
Kenshi: “You have skills, Kung Lao, I will admit that, but you are inexperienced.”
Kung Lao: “Whatever I “lack” in experience, I make up for in spirit.”
Kenshi: “It’s nerve, not spirit that wins fights. I should know, I’ve been in plenty of them.” Kenshi mutters, before the two start their fight, Kung Lao again comes out victorious.
Kung Lao: “Do you still doubt me, Kenshi?”
Kenshi: “I do not. Your victory was well earned.”
Liu Kang: “Which has earned you the right to continue. Sonya, would you like to go next?”
Sonya: “Hell yeah I would!” Sonya then steps forward and walks towards Kung Lao.
Sonya: “Squad up, soldier! Don’t think I’ll go easy on you!”
Kung Lao: “Then allow me to not hold back either.” And hold back they didn’t, both fighters giving it their all, with Kung Lao managing to come out on top.
Kung Lao: “Told you I wouldn’t hold back.” He remarks with a smirk.
Sonya: “That you did, Kung Lao. Good job on keeping your word.” The soldier bows.
Liu Kang: “You may rest now, Kung Lao. This evening you shall face your final two opponents.” Liu Kang states.
Kung Lao: “Will do, Lord Liu Kang.” The razor-hatted Earthrealmer bows.
Liu Kang (Narrator): “We now time skip to the evening, where we resume with the Earthrealm tournament to decide who will represent Earthrealm at the tournament in Outworld. Kung Lao has prevailed thus far, but still has two fights remaining.”
Liu Kang: “Kung Lao, are you ready to resume the tournament?”
Kung Lao: “I am more than ready, Lord Liu Kang.”
Liu Kang: “That is excellent to hear.” The fire god then turns towards Kung Jin and Raiden.
Liu Kang: “Kung Jin. Raiden. Which one of you would like to go first?”
Sonya: “Fifty bucks says that Kung Lao wins both fights.” Sonya says to Kenshi.
Kenshi: “Make it interesting, have Johnny bet me Sento.”
Johnny: “Ha! Not on your life!” Johnny interjects.
Kung Jin: “I will go next, Lord Liu Kang!”
Liu Kang: “Very well. Kung Jin, you may step forward.” Kung Jin then steps forward and walks to his cousin.
Kung Jin: “You ready to see what the monks have taught me, Lao?”
Kung Lao: “What they taught you? I doubt you paid attention during a single lesson. Wait until you see what they taught me.” The two then begin their battle, Kung Lao winning this one as well.
Kung Lao: “Looks like you did pay attention to what the monks taught you. But it wasn’t enough I’m afraid.” Kung Lao comments as Kung Jin and Raiden swap places.
Liu Kang: “Raiden. Kung Lao. The winner of this match will represent Earthrealm against Outworld. It is a grave duty, one not to be undertaken lightly. You may step away now, and suffer no dishonor.”
Raiden: “I choose to fight, Lord Liu Kang.”
Kung Lao: “As do I!”
Liu Kang: “Then may the best person win.” The two then bow towards Liu Kang.
Kung Lao: “Think you can beat me again Raiden? Like you did at Madam Bo’s?”
Raiden: “You started that fight, not me. I was just defending myself as I didn’t want to pay for your appetite.”
Kung Lao: “Let’s see if you can defend yourself now with your new abilities.” Kung Lao questions as the two begin their fight. After a close fight, Kung Lao arises victorious, earning him the title as Earthrealm’s champion.
Kung Lao: “You can use your electricity pretty well, Raiden, but it looks like I finally get payback for Madam Bo’s.” He smiles, giving Raiden a hand to help him stand up.
Raiden: “Congratulations, Kung Lao. You’ve earned it.” Raiden smiles back, hugging Kung Lao.
Liu Kang: “Although you have all trained well, Kung Lao has excelled. This outcome does not surprise me.”
Raiden: “So when do we depart to Outworld, Lord Liu Kang?”
Liu Kang: “We will leave for Outworld’s capital of Sun Do in a week's time. You have plenty of time to rest and train until that day arrives.”
Liu Kang: “We will leave for Outworld’s capital of Sun Do in a week's time. You have plenty of time to rest and train until that day arrives. The tournament will be held at the Palace of Empress Sindel."
Andrius (Narrator): “A week's time has passed, and it is now time for the Earthrealmers to depart for Earthrealm. To do so, Liu Kang creates a fiery portal for them to travel through, this being the quickest and easiest way for the group of Earthrealmers to get to Outworld.”
Liu Kang: “Outworld can be both alien and intoxicating to Earthrealmers. Do not become too drawn in, as you must focus on the task at hand.” Liu Kang states before they step into the portal, the fire god being the guiding light for the Earthrealmers. As they walk through the portal, Johnny records everything, Sonya and Kenshi pushing the phone away as he moves it in their direction, Raiden being indifferent about Johnny Cage’s filming, while Kung Lao and Kung Jin didn’t mind being filmed, the cousins rather enjoying having the phone on them. Once on the other side of the portal, the Earthrealmers are met with the elegance and beauty that is Sun Do, of their eyes and mouths being wide open as they look around the capital.
Johnny: “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” The actor mutters. The camera then pans around, where we see Mileena and Kitana standing with some of the Umgadi atop of some steps, opposite of the steps that the Earthrealmers walked down upon exiting the portal.
Kung Lao: “Oh my…”
Kung Jin: “Are those?
Liu Kang: “Empress Sindel’s daughters, yes. And it seems that Andrius is with them.”
Johnny: “They do not disappoint~”
Raiden: We are Earthrealm’s ambassadors, Johnny. We will show them respect, not unwanted respect.” Raiden warns, only causing Johnny to wink in response.
Mileena: “Lord Liu Kang, welcome.”
Liu Kang: “Thank you, princess Mileena.”
Mileena: “You remember my sister, yes?”
Liu Kang: “Of course. Princess Kitana. Though I must admit, I did not expect to see you here Andrius.”
Andrius: “I heard that the tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld was happening, and I couldn’t miss greeting you along with the princesses, now could I? I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
Liu Kang: “May I introduce Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Kenshi Takahashi, Raiden, Kung Jin, and Earthrealm’s champion, Kung Lao.” Kung Lao then bows with a soft smirk on his face.
Kitana: “I hope you’re prepared, Kung Lao. Our champions are determined to win.”
Mileena: “None more so than me. It’s been too long since we’ve known victory.” Tanya, head of the Umgadi, then approaches her.”
Tanya: “Princess Mileena, we should be on our way. Empress Sindel awaits.”
Mileena: “Thank you, Tanya.” The pink princess then turns towards the Earthrealmers. “Follow me, please.” Mileena then turns around and walks towards the heart of Sun Do, the princess being followed by Tanya and Kitana, who are followed by the Earthrealmers. The Earthrealmers are divided into two carriages, Kitana riding with one group, while Mileena rides with the other group, Tanya walking with her Umgadi sisters, making sure that the princesses and Earthrealmers made it safely to Sindel’s palace. Mileena, Kung Lao, Kung Jin, Raiden, and Liu Kang travel in the first carriage, while Kitana, Sonya, Johnny, Kenshi, and Andrius are in the second carriage.
Raiden: “Those are Centaurians!”
Kung Jin: “And Shokan!”
Mileena: “The six-armed beings are Naknadans.”
Kung Lao: “The monks described them, but seeing them in person…”
Liu Kang: “I see that Her Majesty once again spares no expense on the festival.”
Mileena: “Should she not? It commemorates our late father.”
Liu Kang: “I admire, Princess, I do not judge. As did all of Outworld, I valued Jerrod’s fellowship greatly.” The groups then hear some whistling ahead, causing Kitana and Mileena to knock on the carriages for them to stop, Kitana walking out of her carriage to see what the commotion was about.
Kitana: “First constable! Countess! Our route was to be clear! This couldn’t wait?”
Li Mei: “Should we have allowed Tarkatans to infect the city, Your Highness?”
Jade: “The people that were arrested were harboring some of them here, rather than reporting them for quarantine.”
Kitana: “I understand that, but the Earthrealmers cannot be privy to our secrets! As Sun Do’s Countess and First Constable, you must show better judgement! Though, I suppose that’s too much to expect…”
Kenshi: “Princess Blueberry doesn’t seem to like them two very much, now does she?”
Andrius: “Li Mei used to lead the Umgadi, the palace guard, and Jade used to be a head soldier in Outworld’s army, who protect the rest of Sun Do and Outworld. It was on their watch that the Princesses’ father and Sindel’s husband was murdered. As a result, Li Mei was demoted, and Jade was given a position that forced her to stay in Sun Do where people could keep an eye on her.” Kitana then steps back into her carriage, the carriages continuing on to the palace.
Andrius (Narrator): “We now timeskip to when me and the Earthrealmers are in Sindel’s palace, Kung Lao trying to calm his nerves, the combination of meeting an important figure like Sindel and participate in an important tournament not really doing much to quell the farm boy’s nerves.”
Liu Kang: “Worry expends energy for no purpose, Kung Lao.”
Kung Lao: “But what about the tournament, Lord Liu Kang? If I lose…”
Andrius: “Focus on your actions, Kung Lao, not the outcome. Your actions are all that you can control.” Before anyone else could speak, the group could hear heavy footsteps approaching them, the Outworlders around them backing away from the approaching horned-figure.
Johnny: “Woah! Upcoming stock villain!” The star states.
Liu Kang: “That is General Shao. Do not let him goad you.”
Shao: “Is it just me? Or is Earthrealm’s champion scrawnier than usual?” The beast of a man laughs.
Kung Jin: “Would you care to test his strength!? Lao will-”
Liu Kang: “Will prove himself soon enough!” The fire god interjects.
Shao: “Have you still not told most Earthrealmers that Outworld exists?”
Liu Kang: “It is safer that way, General.”
Shao: “I suppose it is. Like your people’s frail minds would even fathom the truth.”
Liu Kang: “You presume them frail, General? Should you? Given how often they win this tournament?”
Shao: “That doesn’t mean that we can’t destroy you this year, Liu Kang! You and your Earthrealmers will taste no victory!” The large man then walks away. As General Shao walks away, fanfare begins to play, as Empress Sindel makes her way to the throne room where Earthrealmers currently waited. Regal fanfare then begins to play as the Earthrealmers see Sindel walk into her throne room where they were, Mileena and Kitana walking alongside her. Sindel walks up the stairs to her throne and sits down, Kitana and Mileena sitting in the thrones that sat on the sides of Sindel's throne, Mileena and Kitana being the princesses of Sun Do.
Sindel: “Welcome, members of the Royal House! Welcome, our esteemed Earthrealm guests! We gather here today, to honor my late husband, Jerrod’s legacy. To continue the tournament that he and Lord Liu Kang founded in the hopes of bringing peace to the realms. May Jerrod’s soul watch over us with pride from this resting place within the living forest.” Sindel pauses, before continuing.
Sindel: “Liu Kang.”
Liu Kang: “Empress Sindel. It pleases me to once again be your guest.” The fire god bows.
Sindel: “Here, you are always welcome. Now, Liu Kang, let us meet your champion.”
Liu Kang: “Earthrealm’s champion is Kung Lao, Your Majesty. He has earned his place by embodying the very best qualities of Earthrealm’s people. Though I must warn you, he can be boastful.”
Sindel: “There is nothing wrong with a little confidence. Though at the moment he looks rather tense. Kung Lao was it? Are you alright?”
Kung Lao: “I’m fine. It’s just that, I’m a stranger in a strange realm, here to compete with its strongest warriors. While I have no doubt in my skill, I’ve never faced anyone of this caliber before… So yes, I am a bit nervous.”
Sindel: “As you should be. You have a difficult path ahead.” Sindel then stands from her throne and raises her arms in the air.
Sindel: “It has begun!” At this a familiar face in the crowd’s eyebrows raises. Little did the Earthrealmers know that Megan and Cyrus were in the audience for this event, though Sindel, Kitana, and Mileena were quite aware of this, as Sindel had personally invited them to come along with Megan’s mother, Margaritari.
Cyrus: “Hasn’t dad said that before?” Cyrus mutters, turning towards his mother.
Megan: “A time or two, yes. Namely once mine and his plans were beginning to go on the right path.”
Cyrus: “I see.” The teen nods, knowing full well of his parents’ plans.
Sindel: “As tradition requires, Outworld’s initial competitor will be Sun Do’s First Constable, Li Mei. May she defend our realm’s honor and glory as well as she preserves our capital’s order.” Megan makes a sneer at this. Not only did Li Mei not have powers, she was accused in killing King Jerrod, but yet they were still letting her roam the Capital? And in such a high position?
Floyd: “What is Li Mei doing in that high of a position? Isn’t she the one who killed Jerrod in the first place? Do they let just anyone into the Royal Kourt?” Floyd whispers, voicing Megan’s exact thoughts.
Megan: “That means it shouldn’t be difficult for us to infiltrate and take the throne for ourselves.”
Cyrus: “Another point in the Shang’s court.” Cyrus smirks.
Megan: “Precisely. Are you getting this, dear?” Megan asks, looking towards her staff.
Shang Tsung: “Don’t worry, darling, I can hear and see everything occurring in front of you.” The sorcerer’s voice reassures from the glowing green magic coming from the tip of Megan’s staff.
Li Mei: “Your Majesty, I will honor both the Royal House, and all of Outworld with my kombat!” Sindel then walks down the steps leading to her throne, and places a hand on Li Mei’s shoulder.
Sindel: “If so, you will vastly exceed my and all of Outworld’s expectations. Remember, Li Mei, were it not for Jerrod’s tradition, you would not even be here.” She remarks before heading back to her throne, Li Mei walking away to stand in position to battle Kung Lao.
Liu Kang: “Remember, Kung Lao, all you need to do is your best. The rest will take care of itself.” The fire god reassures before the fight starts.
Kung Lao: “Yes, Lord Liu Kang.” Liu Kang then walks away.
Li Mei: “Shall we see what you can do?”
Kung Lao: “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that? Given your rumors.”
Li Mei: “Which is why I need to win! If I lose then they’ll only think worse of me!”
Kung Lao: “As much as I’d like to let you win, I’m afraid I can’t do that. My reputation is on the line, and I don’t feel like losing the first fight.”
Li Mei: “I will prevail, Earthrealmer.” The First Constable mutters as the fight starts. After a few minutes, Li Mei is defeated.
Kung Lao: “Maybe another time, Li Mei.” Kung Lao remarks, bowing, Li Mei bowing back. After bowing, Li Mei quietly walks away, trying to not let the loss get to her as the audience murmurs, Megan, Cyrus, and Margaritari surely being a part of the gossiping.
Sindel: “My compliments, Kung Lao on a match well fought. We’ll see how you fare in the next one. General Shao, whom have you selected as our next competitor?”
Shao: “Your Majesty, I have selected Kage, my second in command, and my finest soldier! An Oni straight from the Netherrealm! Once leaving the Netherrealm, she headed to Sun Do, in hopes of beginning a new life as a part of my army! A hope in which I kindly granted, in which I was not disappointed, as Kage quickly rose through the ranks! A measly Earthrealmer has no chance in defeating her!” The draconic man loudly boasts, as the pink Oni walks into the throne room.
Kage: “Good afternoon, Earthrealmer! Get all of your training done before you come here? I would hope so, or you have no hope in defeating a monster like me with just a hat and teleportation.”
Kung Lao: “Oh, believe me, Kage, Kung Jin and Raiden didn’t let me skimp out on any training or lessons, so I’m as ready as I’ll ever be!”
Kage: “They sound like good friends to have. It’d be a shame for them to see their friend loose after all that training, so try to give me all you’ve got. You wouldn’t want to disappoint them.” Kage comments, starting the fight, in which Kung Lao wins.
Kung Lao: “Don’t worry, Kage, I think they’ll be happy now. That was a good fight.” He smiles, bowing. Kage bows back before walking away with her head low, this being her first loss since she was a kid. Shao grunts from where he was standing near Sindel, storming off in the same direction that Kage had went.
Kung Lao: “I am ready for my next opponent, Your Majesty. Who will I face next?”
Sindel: “Patience, young man.” The Sun Do empress then stands up from her throne.
Sindel: “We are adjourned until first light! I hope to see you all at this evening’s banquet!” She announces.
Andrius (Narrator): “We now skip to the time of the event, where we see our Earthrealmers, along with members of the Royal Kourt, and those associated with it, like Megan, Cyrus and Margaritari.”
Megan: “Will you be here for the second half of the tournament, mother? Me and Tsung will be occupied tomorrow, as Mileena will be coming by the mansion to get her Tarkat serum. It won’t take long, the time she’s scheduled to come over is the same time as the second half of the contest.”
Margaritari: “Oh, I wouldn’t miss the rest of the tournament for the world! You know how big of a fan I am, and you know Sindel will pick the best kombatants for the Outworld side.” Megan nods.
Cyrus: “Mom, may I stay with Grandma? While I like Aunt Mileena, I want to see the rest of the tournament. Plus, Uncle Floyd said that he’d be busy, and I don’t want to leave Grandma by herself.”
Megan: “As long as Grandma is ok with it.” Cyrus then looks towards his Grandmother with puppy dog eyes.
Margaritari: “Of course you can stay with me! I would never say no to a day with my Grandson!” She exclaims, rubbing a hand through her Grandson’s hair.
Megan: “Would you like to take my staff? Since I won’t be here tomorrow?”
Margaritari: “I’ll take it. I wouldn’t want my Grandson to have to carry something all day or possibly hurt himself.”
Cyrus: “I’m fine Grandma, I can carry it.”
Margaritari: “Fine. But if your hands ever get cramped you can always hand it to Grandma.” This causes the teen to blush.
Cyrus: “I’ll keep that in mind.” The boy smiles. The camera then pans around the rest of the feast, specifically where Kung Lao was pigging out per usual, and Johnny was trying to flirt with Kitana.
Johnny: “I’m sorry, you’re ten thousand years old!?” The actor proclaims, Kitana only softly shrugging.
Johnny: “Talk about aging gracefully…” Johnny mutters.
Cyrus: “He should meet you and dad then.” Cyrus jokingly mutters, causing Megan to laugh a little, Shang Tsung’s chuckle being heard from Megan’s staff.
Sonya: “What do you see in him?” Sonya asks Liu Kang, referring to Johnny.
Liu Kang: “He is a hero, Raiden, though he may not know it yet.” Liu Kang reassures.
Liu Kang: “Do you recognize everyone here?” The fire god questions.
Sonya: “Most yes. From yours and the monks’ descriptions. Except for them.” Sonya thinks out loud, pointing to where Megan, Cyrus and Margaritari were.
Liu Kang: “The older woman is Margaritari Verena, a good friend of Empress Sindel’s, and mother to Megan Shang, or Megan Verena before Megan got married to Shang Tsung. Megan is half Edenian from her mother’s side, and half Earthrealmer from her father’s side. Due to an unfortunate event regarding her father, Megan, her mother, and her brother, Floyd, teleported here, where the Empress gave them her protection. Though because of that event, Megan doesn’t regard those without powers highly, seeing them as beneath her for what Earthrealmers did to her father and tried to do to them because of their powers and long lives. Megan is the younger woman sitting next to Margaritari, and the boy sitting next to them is Cyrus Shang, Megan and Shang Tsung’s son. Despite Megan’s view, they’re good people and mean us no harm.” While they’re talking, they notice Mileena not looking particularly well, holding her stomach and wincing.
Tanya: “Are you unwell, Princess?” Tanya whispers, making sure that Mileena was ok.
Mileena: “I-I am fine, Tanya. Just a little queasy, but I can manage…” Mileena mutters out hoarsely.
Tanya: “Are you sure? Megan is here should you feel like you need your serum-”
Mileena: “Thank you Tanya, but I think I’ll be ok until tomorrow.” She interrupts.
Raiden: “I know Kung Lao is to fight Mileena tomorrow, but will he also face Tanya?”
Liu Kang: “By tradition, he should not. If you did, he would be tested.” This causes Raiden to turn to face Liu Kang.
Raiden: “Why?”
Liu Kang: “Umgadi, like Tanya, are warrior priestesses. Selected from the first born daughters of Outworld. From infancy, they are trained to defend the royal family. Minus Megan of course, due to her being born in Earthrealm, so she was exempt from that rule. For the better I would say, given the life she has now.”
Raiden: “Outworld must see much conflict for the Empress to need such protection.”
Liu Kang: “It’s past has been a difficult one. Though luckily, the past thousand years of Empress Sindel’s Reign has been a golden age. But the memories of that strife still linger, given the resentment by some from other realms.” Empress Sindel then stands from her seat, causing everyone to go silent.
Sindel: “My husband, Jerrod, believed that the future of our realms laid together. Let us move forward in open dialogue, letting no secrets tear our bonds asunder.” Everyone then stands.
Kung Lao: “Your Majesty. It is an honor to be here, and to finally get the chance to prove myself, for myself and for Earthrealm. Growing up as a farmer in a small village, I’ve always wanted to be great like my ancestors, but didn’t see the opportunity given all the time that working the fields took. But thanks to Kung Jin, Raiden, and Madam Bo for training me, and Liu Kang and the Monks for getting me to this point in my journey. And thank you to Empress Sindel and Emperor Jerrod for allowing this tournament between Outworld and Earthrealm to exist. I am truly forever grateful.” Kung Lao bows. From a table over, General Shao can be seen sitting and shaking his head, Kage and Reiko standing beside him.
Shao: “How naive.” The General spits out, this clearly being the start of the large man’s thought process.
Kung Lao: “Excuse me?”
Shao: “You heard me, Earthrealmer!” Shao then stood up, his full height now in view. “Earthrealmers, despite most being weak, can be so naive, and so arrogant. You said it yourself, you grew up a farm boy in a village, but yet here you are, acting like you’re just as strong or stronger than Outworlders. I’ve been to enough of these tournaments to know your type.”
Kung Lao: “That is not what I’m saying at all General-” But before Kung Lao could finish his sentence, Sindel interrupts.
Sindel: “Do not try arguing with him, boy, Shao has said enough for tonight I believe.” The empress states, while glaring daggers at the large horned man, who lets out a scoff.
Shao: “Apologies, Your Majesty. It seems I’ve enjoyed too much of tonight’s excellent wine. With your permission-” The General apologizes, asking the Empress if he could be dismissed, but as he’d done this before, Sindel already knew what he was going to ask.
Sindel: “You may leave.” Sindel spits, Shao then storming off, ordering Kage and Reiko to follow him.
Sindel: “It may be bad enough that we are currently losing to the Earthrealmers, but then you go and drunkenly insult them right in front of them!? I needlessly slain my honor and your family’s proud military heritage because you had a little too much to drink?”
Shao: “May I speak freely, Your Majesty?” This causes the purple-cladded empress to sigh.
Sindel: “Again with this? It seems like everytime I speak with each other you wish to do so, but if you must, I will not stop you.”
Shao: “I believe we must act on the sorcerers’ prophecy. They warned that Liu Kang would try to conquer Outworld.”
Sindel: “And their predictions are usually impeccable. But we have no actual proof of Liu Kang’s ill intent. His interventions have kept Outworld at peace for centuries.”
Shao: “By herding us into compromises, and shackling our independence. If we could meet our enemies in battle, we’d-”
Sindel: “You would consign us into endless and pointless war!”
Shao: “Better that than to be Liu Kang’s little lapdog.” At this, Sindel gives Shao a sneer.
Sindel: “If we see evidence of the prophecy accuracy, then we will act. But only then, and on my command! Didn’t your family teach you that war is to be the last resort, and not the first?”
Shao: “They did, Your Majesty.”
Sindel: “I advise you to not forget that, General!” A knock can then be heard coming from Sindel’s office door.
Sindel: “Enter!” Kitana and Mileena then walk in, Shao walking out.
Kitana: “You called for us, mother?”
Sindel: “I saw what happened this evening, Mileena.”
Mileena: “Mother, it was nothing! Just something I ate.” Mileena scoffs.
Sindel: “Was it? We can’t chance that, now can we? It is fortunate that you have an appointment with Shang Tsung tomorrow. If you fight tomorrow, your symptoms could manifest in front of our guests. I had planned to have you fight before your appointment, but given your illness flaring up, Kitana will fight in your stead.”
Mileena: “What!? There are already whispers that she should replace me as your heir, this will only fuel their flames!”
Sindel: “Your illness is not your fault. I’m the one that commanded you to go outside of Sun Do’s borders. If it were not for our military’s might, more of you may have been infected. A thought I dare not think about.”
Mileena: “Yes, but if I had been paying more attention to more surroundings, I wouldn’t have gotten inflicted in the first place.”
Kitana: “You did not know how many of those beasts there were. With as many as we were surrounded by, any of us could have gotten infected. What matters is that we managed to defeat and drive those monsters away.”
Mileena: “I suppose you are right, Kitana. I still feel as though my infliction is my fault. As though I could’ve done better and differently in that scenario.”
Sindel: “Yes, but as Kitana explained, it could’ve been worse, in so many ways. Be fortunate that you and Kitana still breathe.”
Mileena: “I suppose that you are correct, mother. If my disease becomes known, who knows what the people will want to do to me. They’d want to kill me, banish me to the Wastes, or Delia knows where else!”
Kitana: “Which is why it must remain a secret for as long as necessary, so that you can hold your place on the throne.” At Kitana’s words, Mileena nods. Having sorted everything out for the night, Mileena and Kitana leave the office and head to their quarters to get ready for the next day.
Andrius (Narrator): “We now time-skip to the next day, where Kung Lao has already defeated more opponents offscreen, but only a few who weren’t yet important to the story.”
Sindel: “You continue to surprise, Kung Lao. Among others, you have managed to defeat Kotal, Reiko, and Sheeva. Now, only two fights remain. Are you ready to continue, Earthrealmer?”
Kung Lao: “I am, Your Majesty.” He bows.
Sindel: “Then next you will face my daughter, Kitana.” At this, Kitana walks out to where everyone was in the garden, and stands beside Kung Lao. Before they could start their fight, Liu Kang walks between them.
Liu Kang: “Your Majesty, this is unprecedented. Kung Lao’s next opponent should be your heir, Mileena.”
Sindel: “Mileena is currently unavailable. She is currently away on Imperial business with Megan, Rain, and Tanya.”
Liu Kang: “But I have not prepared him to battle Kitana.”
Sindel: “But he has already demonstrated great skill, could he not improvise?”
Kung Lao: “Do not worry, Lord Liu Kang, Empress Sindel is correct. I can do this.”
Liu Kang: “Very well. If you truly wish to continue, I will not stop you.” Liu Kang then walks away.
Kitana: “You know I will be no easier to defeat than my sister, Earthrealmer.”
Kung Lao: “I am sure of that, but suffer no delusions princess, that will not stop me from winning this tournament and bringing glory to me and all of Earthrealm.”
Kitana: “You are the one that is delusional, Kung Lao. I will be the one to win this fight. For Mileena, my mother, my father, and all of Outworld.” The two then begin the fight, each fighting for their respective realm. After a close match, Kung Lao is victorious.
Kung Lao: “That was a great battle, Your Highness, but I think Earthrealm wins this one.” Kung Lao bows.
Kitana: “I agree, though you have one more battle before you can truly celebrate, Earthrealmer.”
Sindel: “Kitana is correct, Kung Lao. It is now time for the final match.” Kitana walks away, and sits in one of the fancy chairs that sat beside her mother.
Sindel: “It is a testament to your abilities that you have made it this far, but now you must face your final opponent. General Shao. Victor of the Tervian War. Conqueror of the Kuatan Plains. Defender of the Navala Coast. As has his family for generations, General Shao defends Outworld with zeal and tenacity.” As Sindel lists these things off, Shao makes his way towards Kung Lao, finally stopping once he’s right in front of him, Shao proudly carrying his large warhammer in his hands.
Kung Lao: “That sure is a list of accomplishments you have there, General.”
Shao: “You think that’s impressive, those names are only a fraction of my accolades, Earthrealmer. A full recitation of my victories would take days.” The two then get into their fight. Through a long and rigorous battle, Kung Lao manages to come out victorious.
Kung Lao: “I did it! It’s finally over! I have won!” Kung Lao exclaims as Kung Jin runs up to him and hugs him, the rest of the Earthrealmers clapping and cheering from the sidelines. Some of the Outworlders walk away, Shao being one of them, while the others are good sports about the loss and cheer on Kung Lao as well, though feeling a bit bad that their realm lost.
Sindel: “Congratulations, Kung Lao! Earthrealm wins!” Sindel exclaims, walking towards Kung Lao and giving him a pat on the shoulder before she walks off, Kitana following her. Liu Kang then walks up to Kung Lao, giving him his own words of praise.
Liu Kang: “You have exceeded my greatest expectations, Kung Lao. Congratulations.”
Kung Lao: “Thank you, Lord Liu Kang.”
Liu Kang: “Because of you, the Outworlders who would disturb the peace will once again be held at bay.”
Cyrus: “Heh, that’s not true. Because while mom and dad may not be present in Sun Do, they did see the tournament, and I’m sure they’re not very pleased by the results…” Cyrus mumbles, having overheard Liu Kang’s words.
Liu Kang: “Come, Kung Lao. Let us bid our hosts farewell and return to Earthrealm.” The two then walk towards the rest of the Earthrealmers and walk towards Sun Do’s palace, the group congratulating Kung Lao all of the way there.
Liu Kang (Narrator): “We now arrive back at the Fire Temple, where we see me meditating, just relaxing from the excitement from the day. That is until I hear a sudden noise, where I see Geras teleporting into the room.”
Liu Kang: “Geras, my old friend, it has been eons! It is good to see you!”
Geras: “Likewise, Lord Liu Kang. I have watched you with the hourglass. You are relishing your role as Earthrealmer’s Protector.”
Liu Kang: “It suits me more than being Keeper of Time ever did. I never wanted to replace Kronika, being history’s architect drove her mad. I had no wish to share her fate. Which is why I am forever grateful that you volunteered to safeguard the Hourglass. Despite my having relinquished its power, the new era has unfolded as it should.”
Geras: “You created me in our own image. Duty is my highest calling.”
Liu Kang: “While I am glad that you are here, you are not one for social calls, Geras. Is there trouble within the hourglass?”
Geras: “With something it has shown me.”
Liu Kang: “What is it, Geras?”
Geras: “When you restarted history, you altered the destinies of certain malefactors to neutralize them. At least two of them are defying that destiny. Shang Tsung, and Megan Verena.”
Liu Kang: “Go on.”
Geras: “The issue here is that both of them have decided to escape the destinies that you had given them, and are going after their destinies from their previous timeline. Shang Tsung aims to become a powerful sorcerer, while Megan aims to rule Outworld by Shang Tsung’s side. They have already infiltrated Sindel’s court.” This causes Liu Kang to turn towards Geras with a brow raised.
Liu Kang: “I saw Megan, Cyrus, and Margaritari at the feast, and Margaritari and Cyrus were at the second half of the tournament that happened today, but I didn’t think anything of it as the Verenas are good friends with the Royal Family. Neither time did I see nor sense Shang Tsung. But if they’re already in Sindel’s ear-”
Geras: “Then your vision for peace may already be compromised.”
Liu Kang: “I appreciate you warning me Geras. I will have the Defenders investigate. For now, please return to the Hourglass to see what else you can learn.” The fire god remarks, placing a gentle hand on Geras’ shoulder.
Divider belongs to @saradika-graphics
Note: The green magic at the tip of Megan’s staff is one of her portals that she’s shrunk, which is how Shang can see and hear the things going on in Sun Do, despite him being at the Shang Mansion. The way that this specific portal works is that Shang Tsung can see out of the portal due to the portal being bigger on his side, but no one on Megan’s side of the portal can see inside of the portal, due to it being too small. Think of the type of glass where you can look out from one end, but no one else can see in from the other side. I can just see Megan calm and collected, just hanging out with her family in Sun Do, looking beautiful with the staff in her hands, while you just have Shag Tsung looking all smug, taking in everything that Megan sees and hears with his fingers clasped in the villain pose while sitting in a fancy looking chair at the Shang Mansion. Oh how I wish I could draw my vision.