Con't I - The Shaolin Guest and Host
Moments later from the intrusion by the Deadly Alliance, several monks had mourned over their idol's fate as they saw his lifeless body sprawled out, although it was a lot harder for Aiko, Kung Lao, and Raiden to cushion the blow and prove Liu's soul was intact inside the dragon amulet, thus giving them a sort of cultural shock. Thankfully, it didn't take long for them to readjust when hope smiled upon them. They soon carried Liu Kang's corpse and Kai was indeed one of the pallbearers while the former Champion's humble grandfather only helped his fellow Monks to load his grandson's body onto a covered stretcher.
"A tomb shall be built in his honor. But...it must be somewhere hidden, someplace safe in case of another invasion!"
Just then, his mind flashed back to Kahn's extermination squads and evacuating to the Dragon Grotto. Then a few years back to 1992, to the moment when Liu returned from America, when the Monks had to relocate Chan's, his younger brother's, body after he was slaughtered by Shang in the courtyard near the Temple of Light. This was sort of like deja vu in this case...
"ls this the place?" Liu Kang spoke.
"Yes. This is where we found his body." His grandparent answered.
"What happened?"
"After you left for America...he followed in your footsteps. Preparing for the tournament."
This was back when Liu was just skeptical and denied on how the tournament created by the Elder Gods was supposed to save the world and other dimensions, even as far as the Great Kung Lao was involved. "Grandfather... it wasn't enough to fill my head with that...nonsense."
"To save the world is not nonsense."
"Men fighting in a simple contest don't decide these things. How can a wise man believe this?"
"We all believe in it...including your brother," he reasoned.
His mind returned to the present as Raiden broke his reverie. "We shall be taking Liu's body to the same place where his brother's body is held. Within the distant wood, where not even Shang Tsung would dare to tread. I had already assigned Nightwolf to use his shamanistic skills and protect this sacred site, like he did to his past home on the East Coast.
"However...being that Liu's the former Champion..." he laid a hand on the frail man's shoulder. "I suggest a tomb specially made for him."
"Just like with our ancestors..." Kung Lao muttered as his eyes lit up.
"Right. The responsibilities on stopping the Deadly Alliance and avenging Liu Kang is now onto you, Kung Lao."
"What? Why me!?"
"He's right, Kung Lao." The amulet spoke with its jade eyes flashing. He took it out from his chest pocket. "As my closest Shaolin brother, and former Champion, so too with our ancestor the Great Kung Lao, you shall be my own personal retainer."
The prestigious descendant was flabbergasted, as was Aiko. "What...?"
"From now on, my fate rests within your hands. Do not let Shang Tsung claim my soul. I know this may be a heavy burden, but you know I'll be with you. I shall not be heavy, I am your Shaolin brother, after all." No one saw Liu grin at the jest.
Although, this actually made Aiko smirk, knowing the punchline.
"Kung Lao, please! You have to stop them and make sure my master's fate is safe. If you can put our ancestors to rest, then you're certainly capable of putting Liu's soul at ease too. This is your chance to be his equal now!" Kai was just too emotional to make the mission. So he volunteered to establish Liu's services with the other Monks.
That last statement actually made Lao take a jolt. Remembering his angsts on desiring to be even in strength, stamina and skill, and finally freeing his ancestors after the trifecta of fatal battles within Kahn's Arena, this actually created a warm, burning feeling in his heart. "I will, Kai. I promise you all."
The other Monks wished him good luck and pleaded to succeed in saving Liu Kang's lost spirit, as well as Earthrealm in the long-term.
Nightwolf, however, was going over the security footage across the Arena, which shown Shang Tsung's disguise, and the assault adjoined by Quan Chi. However, by the time the lightning storm hit, every camera over it and near the premise went out like candles. The sensors were unable to record any further activity due to them being fried.
The Matokan sighed, "Seems the surveillance has been shot, Kiba." His wolf growled over the attack involving Quan Chi before Raiden's intervention. He petted him, "I know how you must be feeling, dealing with both of our nemeses again. I believe they escaped from the Netherrealm somehow, to have THEIR revenge over Liu Kang. Besting our hero in cold blood. I'm not going to let them dominate all the realms! ...This can't be the time to focus on repairs, nor our despairs. Liu Kang depends on us!"
His companion affirmed this by letting out a sharp bark.
Lao alerted Kung Jin's mom via phoneline in Mandarin as he and Aiko started packing within his chamber. Being it was around 8am, Jin was already attending school. She wished Aiko and Lao good luck and reminding the cardiokinetic to take her beet vitamins every twice a day. The vengeful Oriental also suggested to never brief Jin on Liu Kang's death, unless if the heroes should fail and won't return after a week being gone.
He ended the landline, and within 40 minutes, the couple made the necessary preparations. To the former monk, this did remind him of those same precautions before he and Liu headed to Outworld, albeit less hastily.
About an hour had passed when the three Kombatants rendezvoused back at the Wu Shi Arena, with Raiden expecting them. "Are you all prepared?" His soldiers confirmed.
"I have appointed my brother, Fujin, the current guardian of Earthrealm to rally our distant companions before they shall approach Outworld. Because I relinquished by status as Elder God, I'm still powerless there."
Everyone became irritable. "I was afraid you'd say that..." Lao made a facepalm, just like in his last expedition.
"That is if we should gather all our allies." Nightwolf clarified. "Where should we be until then?"
"In the meantime, we will gather at Shang Tsung's Island. It's less likely he would be there, as his powers manifest in Outworld."
"Shang Tsung's Island?" Lao was dumbfounded by this offer.
"Isn't it in Outworld, or Earthrealm..?"
"It's actually a little of both, Aiko. Do you remember infiltrating it, Kung Lao?"
For a few moments, his mind flashed back on him ambushing Shang and his cronies while being disguised as one of the spearmen. Then breaking his cover and enlisting himself in the tournament, before Shang self-destructed his turf and the monks were unable to escape till they reached a portal passed a gigantic waterfall.
"Yes...but where is it, exactly?"
"It's between Earthrealm and Outworld." Liu Kang's voice chimed in. Lao took out the dragon head. "It's not entirely a part of Earth, but rather in the Lost Sea. I'm sure you recall the ship heading thru a portal, right? With all that calamity, and Shang declaring-"
"It has begun!" Those haunting words were engraved both in their minds...
Raiden reached out a hand to Lao's arm. "Come. We must head to the isle's ruins posthaste. I will make a portal leading to it. Hurry, now!" He did just that with minimal effort.
Nightwolf perspired, "Well, there's no going back now!"
"I can't turn tail and run...as long as you guys are here," the cardiokinetic added.
"We must get going!" Lao declared, Nightwolf and Aiko nodded, and he was the first to leap into the portal.
The beach was balmy, and the sky was clear when the quintet emerged. Aiko stumbled because she wasn't as used to traversing thru portals, unlike Raiden who stood firmly. Despite the large heap of rubble in the distance, the Oriental flags remained. Raiden urged Nightwolf to make a bonfire while Lao and Aiko kept a sharp eye for any enemies. Thankfully, everything was still. The Thunder God watched their backs, but he seemed to be deep in thought...
The fresh bonfire's flames churned green, courtesy of Nightwolf to begin a ritual.
"Kung Lao." Raiden's attention was entirely focused on his most promising disciple. His face fell in dread. "This is a very dangerous procedure, highly unorthodox if done voluntarily, but due to you having close, trusting ties with your Shaolin brother, it may not be as diminishing.
"Liu Kang? What you're about to perform is unlike many mortals has ever done. Your spirit must...merge with Kung Lao's vessel."
Everyone gasped in disbelief. Nightwolf was more intrigued than frightful, "I've seen this happen before, though it's been hardly done because of the mounting consequences. Well, aside from me, of course. Possession is very risky to both the host and the curious spirit."
"Raiden...that means...I need to be unconscious, right? In order for Liu Kang to enter me?"
"Yes. The body must share only one consciousness. However, it must be done temporarily, as the foreign spirit would cause long-term damage if not handled properly."
This didn't reassure Lao in the slightest. His mentor tried to show some comfort.
"Do not fret, I will monitor Liu Kang's spirit, and your body. However, since you're the retainer, you must undergo this training. Besides, two separate heads aren't always better than one. Hm hm." Raiden let out a small grin. Lao just hung his head, trying to clear it as he processed this unusual undertaking.
He eventually rose it, "What...must I do?"
"Lie down."
As he did, Aiko took out a folded sleeping bag, allowing Lao to lay on his back and rest his head comfortably.
"Remain still and close your eyes as if you'd start to meditate. Liu Kang, enter Kung Lao's body. The dragon amulet shall be facing the host."
Before Lao remained idle, he took out the golden head and laid it on his chest facing him. Liu's spirit was able to see him thru the pair of clear orb windows.
"Now, envision Kung Lao, the mind must overcome matter."
The monk stepped closer, and he performed that stunt. Images of his rival flashed thru it. Before he knew it, his green essence emitted from the amulet and went into Lao, as if it was carried by a current.
"Good. You will feel some discomfort, Kung Lao. But do not be alarmed."
After Liu's green streak entered Lao's body, his arm began to ripple. He felt tense while his shell was being entered thru. He began to panic as he lost control over his being while also feeling an out of body experience; Raiden stated the body must share one consciousness only, that being Liu's. Lao grew nervous when he grew more powerless, until his body collapsed and remained motionless as if he passed out...
Aiko rushed over to his side, though Raiden urged her to stay put with Nightwolf who didn't seem fazed.
Moments later, Lao's body rose little by little, albeit groggy and sluggish as it was Liu testing his host. Slowly, he stood up by his firm hands and feet, with his eyes remaining shut.
By the time Lao's vessel went completely upright, he ascended his head and his eyes shot open then narrowed, showing fiery pupils while Lao's was mixed with Liu's creating a more neon amber hue. After some basic katas, Liu immediately got to work!
Whether it'd be kicks, rapid punches, and other complex combos, Lao's body moved normally. No traces of distortion, not even translucence nor slipping. At the same time, Liu remembered Lao's abilities while doing his usual training. He even attempted his signature Hat Throw, in which he used Lao's mind to draw it back! He repeated only for it to be a flaming hat, then conjuring it back and putting out the fire! This intrigued the spectators watching his every spectacular move!
Raiden was impressed on the former Champion mastering both aero and pyrokinesis simultaneously! "Excellent! Both fire and wind working together! As flames shall not be conjured without oxygen and working in sync by nature."
Liu also envisioned on Kung Lao's Tornado Kick, in which he performed once spinning rapidly. Even conjuring a basic funnel which nearly blew out the bonfire and Nightwolf and Aiko off their feet. Remembering the maneuver, he tipped and commanded his hat, causing the usual spiral! Raiden stated to use his mind utilizing both skills from observing Lao and using his knowledge and consciousness. He did, conjuring a funnel of air and fire! Raiden stated oxygen works together creating flames.
Lao's vessel seemed to have warmed up as Liu entered it, allowing to use his pyrokinesis and other moves.
Liu was astonished he can still use his own abilities, including the Flying and Bicycle Kicks, and his pyrokinesis which had that airy effect! The most difficult move, though, was indeed Lao's Teleport, in which Raiden encouraged to use his mind and his hat to warp behind the opponent. At first, he failed, using Liu's own teleport with his eyes shut, but using his hat and visualizing, he managed to teleport thru the sand and behind one of the old palm trees, albeit a few feet away. The Thunder God urged for him to warp and attack from the air with Lao's Teleport Kicks, even when he flipped and kicked multiple times onto another trunk till it fell. Remembering Liu's observation of Lao, it took a few tries to master that technique. Even when he made a punch to the ground from aloft!
Liu noticed, startled as he covered Lao's mouth, that their voices were intermixed during their war cries; Raiden stated since Lao's still the host, their voices became audible as one.
After a while when Liu reviewed Lao's maneuvers, Raiden urged him to return to his Amulet! He took it out and the God stated he must envision it in his mind as his spirit's returning point. He concentrated until that image appeared in his shut eyes vividly. Raiden told Liu to lie down and hold the relic while subconsciously commanding his astral form to return. Through green energy emitting from Lao's body, it did! The vessel became limp afterwards, as if he fainted again.
Nightwolf and Aiko scrambled to his sides, calling his name! There was no response, nor movement as he grew pale. Raiden stepped closer and kept encouraging Lao to wake up and break free from his unconsciousness. To follow his mentor's voice guiding him thru the darkness.
Lao's eyes fluttered as he let out some weak groans, his head moving from one side to the next, his hand wrinkling to a loose fist. By the time his sight cleared, he noticed his teacher and Aiko over him...
As if from a nightmare, Lao bolted up and breathed rapidly with his heart racing!
"How're you feeling? Are you alright?" Nightwolf said, Kiba went and licked Lao's face several times.
The former monk calmed a little, especially when Aiko hugged him. "I...I lost control over my mind and body. I felt my soul leaving, and everything turned dark. And... I can almost envision myself performing Liu Kang's moves! ...I wish I can do the Bicycle Kicks and Flying Kicks by myself... They were difficult to pull off while I was..." he lost his train of thought.
Raiden warned Liu mustn't stay in him for long, otherwise there can be irreversible consequences wearing it... Moreover, Lao himself would possibly be in the void permanently. He grew terrified, but the electromancer assured it's the only way to confuse and destroy the Deadly Alliance. The second Chinese warrior could've sworn his muscles, and mostly his head, began to ache.
Thru drinking some herbal tea to relieve his pains, Lao hallucinated minutes later, as if his brain was beginning to swell! He held his head as he moaned and squeezed his eyes shut, as if his mind was trying to resist them. From Liu Kang dying at the Wu Shi Arena, that scene worsened in conjunction with the stress, to the point on Lao hollering. It seemed both martial artists had retained memories from their separate entities, a major side effect of the host sharing the guest, Raiden warned...
He, Aiko and Kiba kept tending Lao, while Nightwolf remained steadfast. "It's as if in order to become one entity, they must share traits with each other. They're transmitting their thoughts into one another. Like magnets but are repelling from each other."
The gentle breeze, dancing flames and the ocean waves gave Lao some comfort, external sources aside from his compatriots.
The Indian finally stepped in. "Kung Lao," the aerokinetic looked up. "I know it's going to take some time and skill, and luck, to work the two entities as one. But you two have a common cause. You can use that to start out with, instead of having your spirit reject Liu Kang's. Let your spirits share your experiences but wield them cohesively. It is temporary, so no pressure."
"I will give you some time to train yourself more with Liu Kang's spirit, and him to do the same. Until Fujin shall gather the other warriors. But remember, time is of the essence."
A/N: Yes, I know there's supposed to be four victories, thus four metals in Liu's upcoming Temple; however, he only won three straight victories from the first tournament, to the second, and Kahn's invasion. With the fourth competition won by the Gods, Raiden and Fujin, as you'd see in my previous epic and thus reversing Liu's eternal curse. I also threw in an Easter Egg, referring to Chan's death from the og film, which seemed like deja vu since Liu had also been killed by Shang... Another element will be introduced later to make another recollection...
Possession may be a scary thing, but not always. I thought it was an awesome idea to have Liu Kang's prowess intermix with Kung Lao's! It kind of reminds me of Gotenks or Gogeta, even though they're technically fusions, and I always liked seeing the Shaolin Monks working as one and as a bromance; like Raiden said, sometimes two heads aren't always better than one especially if they're separated! Hell, I did that before in my Missing Episodes for Sleepy Hollow as the Witnesses, Ichabod Crane and Lara Thomas, did a sort of battle bond to outmaneuver the Headless Horseman! Besides, I'd definitely see Kung Lao as Liu's retainer, as he's his upmost rival nearly matching his skills, very close to being his equal even in the games, and being his closest and most trustful Shaolin brother! It's just like what True Underdawg Gaming said, Lao is like the Vegeta to Liu as Goku during the Greatest Downfall! That's the most perfect analogy between them!
Also, just like in my last epic, I didn't really have much of a role to give Kai; especially since he was cut in this game and probably won't return till Armageddon, sadly. Maybe if I should start Deception, he might have a better shot.
I think Wu Shi Academy from Deadly Alliance should play when the heroes prepare to leap into the portal; too bad the place only debuted in MKV, but at least Shaolin Monks picked up the slack. How about a little surprise from Enter the Dragon as Han's Island plays when the heroes land on Shang Tsung's Island? I always wished both it and Mortal Kombat can share the same universe! Let alone be at the same location in the Lost Sea! Liu vs. Sub-Zero (MK 1995) shall play when he enters Kung Lao's body and tests it out, even when the intense moment starts as Lao opens his eyes. And Hand and Shadow also from the MK '95 OST will be played at the end, very fitting.
So, Raiden shall train Kung Lao (the host) with the spirit of Liu Kang (the guest) who'd give both Shaolin a power boost, much like Nightwolf does it with Kiba. They have until Fujin, staying in Earthrealm, gather the other Kombatants for the journey thru Outworld and the fateful battle against the Deadly Alliance.
