Tales of Liutana II
The Price of Longevity: Part 1
Liu Kang was mostly thankful for his extended lifespan. It gave him the time to live happily with his wife Kitana, for one thing. She, being born of Edenian heritage, had already lived ten-thousand years when they had met, and remarkably she was still only a young woman. Due to his victory in the Mortal Kombat tournament, he gained a longer life, the purpose for which was to let him remain youthful and fit enough to defend his homeland generation after generation. Because of his death outside of a legitimate tournament, his sloth of aging continued on when he was revived. A decade passed, then another, and another, and Liu still remained biologically in his twenties, as did Kitana. But in the back of the Former Monk's mind, he knew there was one aspect of living so very long that he dreaded, and he began to experience that bitter aspect so many times at once.
It started thirty-five years after the Final War. A letter all the way from Earthrealm had come, addressed to Liu and Kitana. Right when they read Sonya's name they had inclination as to what happened, and when they read the message their fears were confirmed: John Carlton, known in his prime acting days as Johnny Cage, had passed away. He was seventy-four years old. Sonya had reported that John had suffered from heart trouble over the past decade, and finally it had all caught up to him. Thankfully in spite of his illness, his death was a peaceful one. Unfortunately that was not the end of it. Just a few months after, Sonya sent another letter; this one announcing Jax's death. A year later, Johnny and Sonya's son came to personally tell them that his mother went as well.
Liu Kang had been disheartened by the deaths of his beloved friends, but he took it all in stride. He inwardly knew he would have to face it sooner or later, but it all still hurt. He had watched somewhat incredulously as they had their families, like he had, and aged; then their children had children and were starting to age as well. It all seemed to happen so very quickly, but he coped very well. But one last departure would prove nearly too much.
Fourty-seven years had now passed since the last conflict ended. Liu and Kitana had prospered in that time, and were raising their three, very slowly growing children. One day, the Champion-turned-Prince had been sitting in his study, busily reading over proposal after proposal when Kitana came in; her arms bearing a load of scrolls that were likely more paperwork. She smiled sympathetically at his scowl, placing a kiss upon his temple.
"More paperwork?" Liu asked somewhat grudgingly.
"Afraid so Darling, but I think there's one message here from the Temple." Kitana answered.
"Oh?" At this news, Liu's interest was roused. His wife briefly shuffled through the many parchments until she found the suspected message, handing it to him immediately. He removed the seal and opened it up. "It's from Kung's apprentice." he announced. Kitana placed the other scrolls aside and read over Liu's shoulder.
Greetings Sifu Liu and Lady Kitana.
I have written to inform you of sad news. As you both know, Sifu Lao has begun to feel his age in the past few years, unfortunately it seems that his time in this world is drawing to a close.
"Oh no…" Liu breathed, leaning back abruptly into the hard back of his chair and his hands, which still clung to the scroll, fell into his lap.
"Oh Darling…" Kitana sighed, placing a hand over her mouth.
Kung Lao, like Liu Kang, was now eighty two years old, but unlike the Former Champion he had no longevity to maintain him. For a long while, he had aged rather gracefully; continuing to train young monks at the academy, and even becoming one of the Temple Elders. But in the past five years or so, he drastically began to slow down. Liu saw the changes each time he came to visit: He would walk a little slower, slouch a bit more, and he could not spar for nearly as long. The Prince knew this time would come, just as it had for their other friends, but it did not lessen the pain of death. Nothing could. And the fact that it was his age-mate and friend since youth made that pain all the worse. Releasing a heavy sigh, Llu found the will to continue reading.
… He wishes to visit with you both at the end of this month and stay for a few weeks if permissible, and of course I will come as well to assist him. Please respond as soon as possible.
With respect,
Bingwen
"He must want to spend his last days here." Liu murmured quietly, turning nearly pleading eyes to his wife. "He has to come Kitana. He has to stay with us."
"Of course Sweetheart. You start writing that reply, and I'll have everything made ready. He can stay as long as he wishes to." Kitana said. She rubbed his shoulders comfortingly, leaning down onto him and kissing his cheek.
"Gods Kitana… it's all happening too quickly…" Liu whispered tremulously.
"I know it Darling, I know…" Kitana murmured.
She too was close to Kung Lao. He had been like a brother to her husband, and through the years had become like one to her as well. She remembered how, ironically, they first bonded when mourning Liu's death all those years ago. They comforted and watched out for each other, and they met their own deaths together when battling Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. They were resurrected and enslaved together, both freed by Liu's spirit, and they both swore to help in bringing him back during the time of the Final War. Once that conflict ended, and Kitana and Liu were married, and Kung remained close to them. He visited them twice annually, watching as they had their children and becoming a figure in their lives as well. Now, they were finally faced with the inevitable end of that relationship, and the thought alone pierced both their hearts like knives.
One week later...
Liu and Kitana stood side by side in the Portal Chamber as Kung arrived. Bingwen, his finest apprentice and like his own son, braced the elderly man as he struggled through the vortex. Immediately, the Prince and Princess could see just how frail Kung appeared. His careworn face was terribly pale and carried exhaustion in his countenance, his posture was slouching even more than usual, and his feet took small, struggling steps even with the assistance of his cane. Everything about him just radiated fatigue… and finality.
"Oh…" Kitana sighed gravely, moving closer into her husband's side. Liu drew his lips inward, trying his hardest to fight the storm of emotion brewing within him. His best friend… his brother, was really about to die…
As Kung and Bingwen drew closer, the former's eyes lit up considerably; deep brown pools that reflected much wisdom, kindness, and still some of their old humor and mischief. At the sight of them, Kitana and Liu both smiled, instantly feeling a bit lighter.
"Ah, my old friends. It is so good to see you again." Kung greeted warmly.
"Indeed it is Brother." Liu replied, wrapping his friend in a warm embrace. "Welcome, to both of you."
"Thank you Sifu Liu, Lady Kitana." Bingwen replied, bowing.
"Kitana, you are looking lovely as usual…" Kung said upon embracing her, wiggling his eyebrows. Kitana chuckled.
"Well thank you… even though you say that every time you come." she said. "You must be tired. Can we show you to your room?"
"Well actually, I don't feel so tired. Perhaps we can sit out in the garden for a bit… I mean, unless there's something else you must attend to."
"Oh no, no. Our schedule's open until the kids come home." Liu said, leading the group off towards Kung's suggested location.
"Well, while you're going, I'll take your things to your room Sifu." Bingwen stated. "it's the usual, right Sifu Liu?"
Liu nodded. "That's the one."
"Very well, I will rejoin you all shortly." Bingwen stated, bowing to them and promptly setting off down the hall; and Kitana took over in assisting Kung as they walked.
"So, how are those children of yours doing anyway?" Kung asked.
"Oh the usual… smart and active and all over the place." Liu said.
"Indeed." Kitana agreed. "They are beginning to immerse themselves into their own social lives and things in school. Little Kyonei has sudden aspirations of being an actress. She got a role in one of the school's productions and is taking it very seriously."
Kung laughed good-naturedly. "I'd bet. She's so passionate about everything."
"She's really good too. Far better than most her age." Liu chimed in, his voice dripping with fatherly pride.
"So what about the other two?" Kung further inquired.
"Well, it seems like Mytaliah has found a little boyfriend." Kitana teased, both her and Kung giggling when Liu's jaw clenched ever so slightly. "His name is Kuroku, he's the son of the new Minister of Education. He comes to train and play with her almost every day."
"An awful lot, if you ask me…" Liu grumbled, sounding a bit displeased.
"Oh for Argus' sake Liu, they are barely the equivalent of a decade in your realm. Even if they are smitten, it's totally innocent." Kitana chided. Liu only gave a grunt in reply, still looking unconvinced.
"Uh oh, overprotective father…" Kung joked. Kitana rolled her eyes hopelessly.
"Anyway… Zian has improved in his studies in history, even though he still grumbles about doing his homework for it." she continued. With a loving smile coming over her face, she affectionately continued, "He's just as jocular as ever, will keep you laughing for days..."
Kung grinned. "I can't wait to see them all."
"And they can't wait to see you." Kitana replied. "They've been practically bursting with excitement since we told them you were coming."
The group continued to catch up until they came to the palace's main garden. Sitting down in the pagoda built over the large koi pond. A servant came and brought them tea, and Bingwen rejoined them. After making small talk for a few minutes, he decided to meditate under the Momiji tree, leaving his master and his friends to enjoy themselves.
As they talked, Liu somberly observed Kung. In spite of his obvious deterioration, he was still as teasing and upbeat as always. It was comforting and troubling to see him in such good spirits; comforting, because it showed that although dying, Kung wasn't suffering, but Liu's heart ached because he would miss that happy-go-lucky, joking humor so terribly.
After about an hour, another servant came, a young girl, and bowed.
"Forgive me Sire, Madam, but the children have returned now." she said meekly.
"Thank you Kara. You may go now." Kitana dismissed. She looked between Liu and Kung. "Well, I'll go get them. It'll give you both a moment to talk amongst yourselves. I'll be back." Th e two watched her depart a moment, then Kung settled his eyes on his worried friend.
"I see you looking at me like that." Kung said, choosing to speak in their native tongue. "Don't worry yourself over it. I'm old Liu, it's my time."
"I know." Liu answered. "It's still difficult though… especially given the circumstances."
Kung nodded understandingly. "I can only imagine what it must be like for you. Other than Kitana, I'm the only one of our circle of friends left. It must be a bit distressing for you."
Liu sighed, "It is… but I know it is simply how it must be."
"Yes. And besides, I am thankful to have gotten this far, especially since I've already been beyond once. You should understand that." Kung pointedly said.
Liu smiled. "You do have a point there."
"You'll be alright without me… you'll just have to find someone else to pester you." Kung joked, making them both chuckle.
Liu then gazed at his friend, his eyes both affectionate and so terribly mournful all at once. He half joked, "No one else will be able to annoy me the way you do."
I was going to use this idea in the first Tales of Liutana,(hence the quick update) but I had trouble writing it out then. The second part of this two-shot will come next. Please review, and enjoy!
