Mortal Kombat: The Fall
Prologue: Raiden
The Earthrealm is considered one of the most powerful of all realms...making it a massive powerhouse if it was ever to be merged with another realm. For millennia of years, an Evil warlord named Shao Kahn has been conquering realms, transforming them into his ever expanding realm of vanquished realms known as Outworld. He then set his sights on Earthrealm realizing what great power the realm could bring for him and his evil dark realm. His plans were thwarted however by a group of wise men from the Far East, who thousands of years ago sensed Shao Kahn's approach.
Knowing that the eminent Outworld invasion would prove too much for Earth and any other realms, the wise men appealed to the Elder Gods. They believed that Outworld had an unfair advantage over of the single realms. These wise men felt that a tournament would be the noble solution. The Tournament would allow Realms to fend for itself, pitting the finest warriors from both realms against each other in honorable kombat, but it was not without rules…as well as rewards.
The rules of the tournament were simple - the first realm to win 10 consecutive tournaments will have successfully defended their world from invasion for the next 50 years. If an opposing realm such as Outworld wins, then the defending realm's furies would be weakened and Shao Kahn would be able to step through the dimensional gate which separates the two realms and claim the realm as his own. Which ever realm wins, its champion is granted agelessness for the chance to continue to compete as well as train successors for the next tournament.
It was with this solution that the Elder Gods created the Tournament and called it Mortal Kombat.
The first Mortal Kombat was held many centuries ago and it was won by Shao Kahn's demon sorcerer and number one enforcer,
Shang Tsung. But his reign as champion was short lived as he was defeated by a noble Shaolin warrior from the Temple of the Order of Light in China; The Original Kung Lao. Kung Lao proved to be a gifted warrior and because the champion of Mortal Kombat doesn't age until the next tournament, Kung Lao would return to defend his title as grand champion.
Unfortunately, Shang Tsung , while during his punishment for failing to win the 10th tournament, devised a scheme that would ultimately prove to be Kung Lao's undoing, and Outworld once again on the verge of claiming Earth. During the new tournament Shang, now a severely aged man produced a warrior from Outworld to kombat the champion Kung Lao. This warrior was a half human-half dragon, 4 armed creature from a Outworld subterranean race, named Goro. After fighting through the tournament, He and Kung Lao met in kombat. Although the battle was long and fierce, in the end, Kung Lao failed to win against Goro and Outworld claimed victory, thus beginning a new long 500 year stretch of Victories.
Now, the 10th Mortal Kombat is upon us once more and it is my duty as the God of thunder and Protector of Earthrealm to make sure Shang Tsung does not succeed in winning this last tournament and Earth realm does not Fall…
These are the words of Raiden...
October 1, 1992 , Wu Shi Academy in China- One week before the Tournament begins…
Both of them like Autum's wind, so fluid, so silent but yet as a hurricane, full of fury and vigor. The two fighters were neck and neck, one not able to best the other, many swift and powerful attacks thrown; only to be avoided. It was as if they could look into each other's thoughts and read what they would do next. I knew almost for certain one of those warriors would be victorious in the upcoming tournament. I have watched them both train their entire lives from childhood to adult hood for the opportunity to represent their order in the Mortal Kombat tournament. To them, it is an inconceivable honor to be chosen for such a burden, and while one could only wonder why anyone would want to bear it; the thought of never ageing and being in constant battle, their determination, strong will and selflessness despite the outcome effects outweighs all other concerns...so it seemed. The same could not be said about the previous champion…
The Original Kung Lao was a very gifted fighter and was one of the best warriors ive ever come across and had the honor of knowing. I watched him too from childhood training to compete just as his descendants. However, once the victory was won, although from the outside it seemed as though Kung Lao was ready for the tough challenges ahead, mentally and emotionally, he couldn't quite grasp the concept of never growing old and watching his friends and loved ones fade away while he lived on in constant battle. Such a condition would trouble any mere mortal, so it was quite understandable, But when Kung Lao became the champion of Mortal Kombat, he became more than a mere mortal. He had new responsibilities as earth's hero…ones that he unfortunately, could not uphold. Perhaps this time will be different…perhaps one of these two will succeed were their ancestor failed...
"Ughaa, darn it!" The young long haired Shaolin grunted as his beaten body met with the soft floor. His advantaged opponent emerged immediately in front of him ready to deliver a 'final blow'…but was halted by most satifying sounds in the airwaves,
"The tournament is now over and the decision has been officially made!" shouted one standing orange clothed grandmaster of the similarly fashioned Shaolin council that sat beside him.
"KUNG LAO, YOU WILL REPRESENT OUR SHAOLIN ORDER IN MORTAL KOMBAT!"
Kung Lao soon lowered his guard and an adoring smile curled his lips as he looked towards his shaolin masters, "Thank you grandmasters, I promise, I WONT FAIL YOU!" Kung Lao bowed and they in return.
"Very good then, you have the blessings of all your shaolin brothers, make us proud." The wise old master replied, "You are dismissed Kung Lao, do whatever you must to prepare yourself, you leave in one week." He concluded as he and the other masters and students went about from the large Wu Shi Academy training arena.
Kung Lao felt a slight tug at his shoulder and turned about to find his defeated opponent was responsible, "Well, congratulations my friend, you've earned it, fitting I suppose. Perhaps the new generation Kung Lao will succeed where our ancestor failed." The fallen fellow monk congratulated.
"Thank's my friend, Kung Lao nodded, "I want nothing more than to honor Kung Lao and the order by defeating Goro and saving Earthrealm."
"I know, and I wish you well" his friend smiled.
"Congratulations Kung Lao, and you as well Liu Kang, you both did well in this tournament" A familiar, deep, and authorative voice came in. The two Shaolin Monks turned about to see it was their mentor and trusted advisor, Lord Raiden. Their faces turned to ones of more focus and seriousness as they showed their respect and gratitude in the traditional shaolin way,
"Thank You master Raiden" they bowed in sync. "This honor is in no small part thanks to you." Kung Lao followed.
"I merely helped you to find your true potential Kung Lao, It was always there but it was up to you to realize it. But now it is time to set your sights towards the tournament, Kung Lao. I will be there to help guide you and the other Earthrealm fighters as you come across the new challenges that await you on Shang Tsung's Island." Raiden addressed.
"I wish I could go with you, but it isn't my destiny to save Earthrealm and be its champion, it's yours my friend" Liu assured genuinely "…and that alone makes me feel better about losing our match now." Liu half joked. "Take great pride in this honor and do us proud" He smiled, earning a light but grateful smile and nod back from his best childhood friend.
"Thanks Liu, you've always been my very best friend, im honored just for that alone. We may have our disagreements at times and can let our rivalry get the best of us, but our strong friendship has always outweighed any of that. If I had lost, I wouldn't have minded either knowing it was you who was going to set things right for Earthrealm." Kung lao reassured putting a friendly and loving hand on Liu's shoulder.
"You both have done extremely well to get this far, that is a feat inning of itself" Raiden came in, "Ive watched you two grow, and develop far from where you were when you began. From young, troublesome, untried children seeking knowledge and adventure, to a noble, and fully realized Shaolin Monks, But the path of Champion is only meant for one of you" Raiden paused as he turned to Kung Lao, "Now is time for you to fulfill your destiny and be the champion the Earthrealm so desperately needs. Your ancestor failed to succeed; I pray that you will not suffer the same fate." He cautioned.
"I won't Master Raiden" Kung Lao bowed, assuring Raiden
"Very well then, I take my leave, go and prepare yourself." Raiden concluded as he headed towards on of the remaining grand masters on the training mat of the Academy
"Good luck my friend, oh hey, I wanted you to take this, since i cant be there with you physically, atleast a part of me can be there with you, if you catch my meaning" Liu said as he untied his white, long headband. He folded it and put it onto Kung Lao's hands. "Give Goro one good kick for me" Liu chuckled as the two then bowed before gaving a warm brotherly hug.
"Thanks" Kung lao nodded. "When you return, I want it back, clean." Liu joked. "I don't want your blood, sweat and tears on it" He followed with just as much amusment before he took his leave to let Kung lao relish in his victory and prepare for his destiny as Champion. "Yea..." he mumbled to himself, his face suddenly slumped and transformed from joyful to one of concern and perhaps…even doubt, but was quickly fixed and focused. This was the last time Kung Lao ever saw Liu Kang.
A few feet away, stood Lord Raiden and Master Lin Chao, one of the Academy's oldest and most experienced Shaolin Grandmasters. He played a major part in the upcoming of Kung Lao and Liu's training throughout their life so far. He had full confidence after seeing Kung Lao fight today that he had a good chance of winning, but he also knew, it was more than just physical preparation that was needed to win…
"Lord Raiden" Lin bowed seeing the thunder god approach him, "Master Lin Chao" Raiden bowed in return.
They both stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the Shaolin warrior who could possibly be the future Champion and could save Earthrealm in this very critical tournament…
"What do you think of our decision of Kung Lao; do you believe he is ready to bear such a heavy burden?" Lin asked the thunder god.
No immediate reply was given as Raiden continued to look on towards Kung Lao, even as he exited the arena floor. He was soon consumed in deep thought…
I had my own concerns of Kung lao and wither or not he was ready, but it was not Kung Lao's skills as a fighter that concern me however…
Kung lao has always been a very difficult person to read. From the surface, he is calm and collected, and very patient, more so than any of his fellow monks even Liu Kang; never showing fear in any situation even if it was there, and if it was, you couldn't tell at all. All the grandmasters knew this; these were also the traits of his late ancestor. But unlike some of the grandmasters, I could look past the flesh and truly see the real issues brewing within the soul, but even that was alittle difficult with Kung Lao. He was such an expert at controlling his emotions and feelings when he needed. When in friendly battle, or something as little as preparing for a kata, Kung Lao never showed signs of doubt, nervousness or fear especially towards his opponents but, yet when he does show emotions, Kung Lao is one of the most caring and loving people I know and both sides concerns me because Kung Lao has never really had to face such a challenge like the one he is to encounter. On one hand, if he does find fear overtake him during the tournament and the thought of being the last hope for earth and so many people depending on him; such a thought can be nerve-wracking and could possibly cause him to lose focus and slip; I can only hope he stays focused…and on the other hand, If he is successful, he would have to live out his life in constant battle for perhaps centuries if he is to continue to succeed in Mortal Kombat, and while doing so, feel the constant pain of never aging but watching his friends die away, something im not sure Kung Lao is ready mentally and emotionally to handle, but...its hard to tell with him. It is like his ancestor all over again…Or perhaps…
...Its just me?
Perhaps I am just being paranoid? Perhaps I am just too adamant about Earthrealm not losing this critical tournament, that these negative thoughts are plaguing my mind and my better judgement? ...Yes, that has to be it...
...I must have faith in Kung Lao…he CAN do this…he IS ready...
After a few moments of pressing concerns and reassurance of Kung Lao…and myself, I spoke, still gazing in Kung lao's direction…
"I really want to believe so…"
ONE WEEK LATER – October 8, 1992, Shang Tsung's Island; The Tournament begins…
The day has arrived and the battle for Earthrealm starts today. Kung Lao and I along with perhaps earthrealms finest, traveled to the sorcerer Shang Tsung's island on his Nethership. We were to await Shang Tsung in the Courtyard later that evening. I was surprised to see not very many warriors showed this tournament; that was not a good sign. But hopefully, the only warrior I needed stood beside me, dressed in his specially made Shaolin fighting gear, also equipped with his reliable razor rimmed hat which he had mastered to an art form.
Among the other warriors here, stood out a few in particular that could also prove to be most needed allies and possible victors in the unlikelihood that Kung Lao fell.
Some of them however had agendas of their own for attending, some selfish, some looking for some sort of retribution of crimes committed against them, and some seeking some kind of fame or perhaps more of it.
All in all, Earth had a wide range of fighters, some capable and some I knew wouldn't last long, despite being great fighters.
As I observed the surroundings, I was shocked to find that a few earthrealm warriors were siding with Outworld in this tournament, specifically a group of assassins known as the Lin Kuei, but why would they side with Shang? Surely they know that if Earthrealm falls, it affects them as well. What was worst was that since they are fighting on Shang's side, this could prove to be trouble. the Lin Kuei are notorious assassins and very capable fighters, especially the ice warrior, Sub Zero. I had hoped that he changed from his ways when we last encountered each other and considered what I last sopke to him; when he defended earth against Shinnok and the sorcerer Quan Chi. It saddens me to see that he still chose the life of ruthless killer, and now he betrays his own realm. He could have done some real good for Earthrealm.
As I continued observing to see what earth had to offer, Shang finally made his appearance on the balcony along with the grand Champion of Outworld, Goro. Immediately I declared in my mind, Goro can not win this time. I only pray Kung Lao is able to defeat that monster and in the act feel some sort of retribution for his ancestor's demise; I know he really wants it. As Shang continued to make his speech, he brought our attention to another group of mortals who, by their appearance were United States militia; Two men and a woman. They were apparently captured while trying to follow the Ship. It now seems that he wants the woman to fight for the lives of her comrades in the tournament or see them die on the spot. Shang Tsung has no shame…he disgusts me greatly.
"Taking prisoners and forcing them to fight under consequence of death, sounds like Shang Tsung; to attack the weak and helpless." I heard Kung Lao suddenly snarl. "Do not worry, I sense this woman is strong willed and determined, she may prove to be a great ally, as would a few others around." I assured him. "We will need all the help we can get."
The champion Goro stepped up from the courtyard balcony after Shang finished his speech. The large four armed warrior rose up his clenched right hand and he shouted the words…
"LET THE TOURNAMENT BEGIN!"
This is it; Now marks the start of the tenth tournament; The final tournament to save Earthrealm, Its last fight for freedom, if we as its defenders fail…Earthrealm, will FALL...
A/N - Well, this is the start of my 5 chapter prequel story that will lead into my MAIN Alternate Universe MK(MKU2) story that will be started after this prequel ends. ( Im taking a small break from my liuxkitana stories to begin this VERY LONG MK adventure project.
Each chapter in this prequel story will be in a key char's POV as they venture through the tournament. kinda like in the recent MKgame (chapter 1- johnny, chapter 2-sonya, etc) so this prologue is for the most part in Raiden's POV.
This whole Prequel is basically MK1 in an Alternate Universe which is called (MKU2/Mortal Kombat Universe 2) if you have read my other story "Mortal Kombat:Parallel".
Since this is an ALTERNATE UNIVERSE, some characters, scenarios, etc will differ and change, perhaps drastically from what you may know them as in MKU1( the mku we all know and love). there may even been OCs in the future. all in all, be ready for the changes.
This is rated M because as the story progresses, it will be very graphic and there will be strong language, no sexual content in the prequel though, we'll have that 'After the Fall'... ;)
i am not perfect, none of us are, so there will be mistakes in everything we do, but dont be an ass about it, just kindly correct us, please.
Please read and review, if you have questions or concerns, please ASK, i will respond to you( if not by PM then on this story's reviews page) and if your still interested after reading the prologue, stay tuned for Chpater 1 of 'The Fall' :)