Kung Lao: Cursed Vengeance
Ancestral expectations
Growing up I studied and learned the ways of the Shaolin.
We Shaolin believe in peace, killing is never considered a solution for problems.
When I got older I joined the White Lotus Soceity, a group that are determined to protect Earthrealm
from invader's of different realms , first created by the Order of Light and Raiden, Thunder God and Protector
of Earthrealm.
I am currently now residing peacefully in the Shaolin temples of the Honan Province
of China. The tenth and expected final Mortal Kombat tournament was drawing near. Goro has won nine tournaments and this
will be the tenth. The Shaolin temples were in massive confusion and worry at the time. The higher-up's had to choose
carefully about who they would pick as their representitive for the Mortal Kombat tournament. This was their last chance.
Growing up I had much praise,compliments, and respect just for being the the last descendant of the "Great Kung Lao".
Because his blood ran in my vein's I was expected to accomplish great things. However unlike my ancestor I did not wish to carry
on his legacy. I did not want to take the responsibilities of champion. I did not want to fight. I wanted to live a life of peace. Since the
tournament was only in two weeks I knew it was only a matter of time untill I would have to face the pressure of being Kung Lao's
decendant once again.
I was in the gardens of the temple staring down at the small fish pond. It's fish were colorful and swam
peacefully, the water moved in a tranquil motion, and I thought the pond itself was a representitive of peace. I then caught
a reflection of myself in water. I looked at the razor sharp hat that lay on my head with a large strap around my chin keeping it
in place. The hat was my main method of attack and meant to be used to cut open those who disrupt the peace of the shaolin
temples. Not yet had a chance to use it in real battle, and nor did I look forward to it, but many had complimented my great skill
in using it and fighting, " Just like your ancestor, " many had said.
But like I had stated clearly to my many Shaolin brotheren, I did not want to be like my ancestor, I'd rather
experience tranquility like that of the fish pond.
"Kung Lao."
I glanced to the right to see Liu Kang, another Shaolin monk much like myself. He is also a more distant
decendant of the Great Kung Lao but does not share his blood as I do. Liu was dressed in only in red and black pants with a red
bandana tied around his head. He sound both exhausted and concerned , obviously had just been sparring with another Shaolin.
"Master Wu wishes to see you," Liu continued.
I sighed for I knew what was coming. I pushed open the large entrance doors and walked down the main
hall of the temple. I continued along the red carpet that decorated the carpet untill I got to the room containing the high
council of the Shaolin. Master Wu, the highest ranking Shaolin, sat in a very large chair.
" Master Wu," I paused to bow , " did you request my presence?"
" Kung Lao," Master Wu let out a sigh of concern," The Shaolin would prefer if you were to represent us in the Mortal Kombat
tournament."
" Master Wu, I have stated many time's that my presence at the Mortal Kombat tournament is not to my preference."
" Kung Lao, your ancestor was a great warrior and did great and noble things through battle. You are his last known decendant. You
are destined to follow in his footsteps. You are the one who will save Earthrealm. By refusing to participate you do not bring honor to
him and your ancestors."
" I honor my ancestor and everything he has done, but while I share his name and blood does that not entitle me to my own choice,
my own decisions, my own life? As much as I desire to strike down Shang Tsung and Goro in his name, I do not want to be able to
represent my life accomplishments by blood. I am also unprepared to accept the responsibilities of champion of Mortal
Kombat."
" Your ancestor was willing to accept the conciquenses because it was for the well-being of others."
" I am not my ancestor!" I shouted, realizing what I had done I felt ashamed, " I apologise, Master Wu."
" It is ok Kung Lao." Master Wu said disappointed, and with a sigh he continued , " I can not force you to participate in Mortal
Kombat or more specifically a life of violence. It is I, who should be apoligizing."
" Thank you Master Wu, " I said still feeling partially ashamed.
I then left the room to continue my daily duties.
Liu was further up the hall waiting for me.
"You are still no participating, are you?" Liu asked.
"No," my answer with to the point without emotion.
"Kung entering the tournament would be a great oppurtunity, you will be saving millions of people,"
"You don't understand Liu,"
"So you do not care for your ancestor?"
"Of course I care Liu!" I shouted," The responsibilities of champion are too great, yet it kills me that I cannot honor my ancestors.."
I had gone over this with Liu more than once. I had told him many times
what the responsibilities and consequences were. He didn't care however. Liu was a really good person. The consequences didn't
phase him one bit. He just wanted to help Earthrealm.
" So it's alright with you then? if I made a request to participate?" Liu asked.
" You are more than welcome Liu." I answered.
I then marched off.