Chapter 2: Destinies
Edenia, Timeline 2
Queen Kitana and her lover, Mortal Kombat champion Liu Kang were standing at an alter. She and Liu Kang had fallen in love at the Mortal Kombat tournament, they were now on their wedding day. Kitana had won Outworld back after Fire God Liu Kang destroyed Shao Kahn in a battle at Outworld's coliseum. The mortal and god Liu Kangs were well aware of each other, Fire God Liu Kang trained his human counterpart after his plans for The Great Kung Lao were cut short by the Shokan prince Goro. Like the timelines before The Great Kung Lao fell to Goro, despite the fire god's training. The god of fire and thunder absorbed The Great Kung Lao's soul, he had a plan for it when the time was right. Kitana resumed the role of queen and led Edenia and Outworld under a united fair empire.
Raiden was still alive in the timelines, he was now mortal and a minister of Edenia. He was the one uniting Kitana and Liu Kang, Kung Lao was standing at Liu Kang's left side, and Jade at Kitana's right. Hanzo Hasashi of the Shirai Ryu, and Lin Kuei Cryomancer siblings Bi-Han aka Sub-Zero and younger brother Kuai Liang aka Tundra stood in the crowd. Along with Sonya, Johnny, Nightwolf, and Smoke. These were Earthrealm's protectors and all united under the fire god's advice. Kitana and Liu Kang looked at each other, Kitana removed the veil off her mouth revealing the rest of her beautiful face. "Do you two take each other in union. To be separated only by death and to love each other for all eternity? Raiden asked them. "Yes." They both replied. "I pronounce to you King Liu Kang and Queen Kitana!" Raiden announced. The crowd cheered and clapped while the two lovers kissed.
Everything went good with the union, Liu Kang, now known as Liu Kahn and Queen Kitana ruled the combined Edenia and Outworld justly. The two lovers Jade and Kotal, along with Kung Lao and Raiden, sat at the table as advisors and guards. Kung Lao and Liu Kahn walked the gardens of Edenia, Liu Kang traded in the monk attire for a battle armor and a helmet that looked similar to Shao Kahn's. "Liu Kahn, I am happy for your new rule, I left the Shaolin to stand at your side. But I must warn you, do not let power corrupt you. Your heart is pure, but us mortal men can be tempted." Kung Lao told Liu Kahn. "Queen Kitana will keep me in check I'm sure. With me and her ruling as one we'll ensure this empire will not be tyrannical." Liu Kahn replied. "Okay, just know. I am with you as long as you're fair and just." Kung Lao told him.
Meanwhile, Jade and Queen Kitana sat in the throne room, Jade looked at her. "My queen, with Liu Kang's warrior heart he makes a fine Kahn for the Edenian and Outworld kingdoms." Jade told Queen Kitana. "Yes, it was his bravery and skill that attracted me to him." Kitana replied. Baraka and Queen Sheeva of the Tarkatens and Shokans respectively entered the room to pay homage. "Queen Kitana, know that me and Baraka will stand at your side. I hope that you find favor with us and allow us to stand at your side." Sheeva told Kitana. "Yes, you and Baraka are loyal. You two are welcome at our table." Kitana replied. "Thank you my queen." Baraka said before bowing to Kitana.
After a few years of rule, Kitana became with child. The pregnancy was quick and brief, an Edenian pregnancy is quicker than an Earthrealm pregnancy. Liu Kahn was ecstatic over the conception, he often dreamed of the Shaolin ways he would teach his offspring. After three Edenian months (nine in Earthrealm) Kitana went into labor, Jade helped with the delivery. A bouncing baby girl was born, she was the perfect mix of Liu Kahn and Kitana. Liu Kahn and Kitana were very joyous of this birth, until Liu Kahn's fire god counterpart visited them.
Fire God Liu Kang visited the two bearing a gift for their baby girl, he looked at the happy young newborn. He was proud as he was also her father, he smiled and looked at Liu Kahn and Kitana. "She's beautiful, congratulations." He told them. "Thank you Lord Liu Kang." Liu Kahn replied. Fire God Liu Kang held up his hand, a green ray shot out. The green smoke that left his right hand made its way to the newborn, she inhaled the smoke and her blue eyes turned green then blue again. "What did you do?" Liu Kahn asked his counterpart. "I gave her the soul of the Great Kung Lao, I merged their souls so she'll be a great warrior. Now I must take the child." Fire God Liu Kang replied. Liu Kahn and Kitana looked shocked, Kitana clutched her baby tightly. "We cannot do it. She is the next ruler of Edenia." Kitana said. "I understand Kitana, and it hurts me to know I am hurting you. But I have plans for the child. Greater than you can ever give her. Please, give me the child." Fire God Liu Kang explained.
They pondered on it, Fire God Liu Kang gave them a day to decide. The next day, the fire god returned. Liu Kahn and Kitana were sitting in the Edenian garden with their child. "Have you made your decision?" He asked the parents. "Lord Kang, me and Kitana trust you with the child more than anyone. You are also the father, as we are one in the same. We know you not only have plans for her, but also that you won't let her come to harm." Liu Kahn replied. He handed off the newborn to his god counterpart. "Thank you, Liu Kahn. I assure you, Li Jing is in good hands." Fire God Liu Kang assured him before dissapearing with the child.
Fire God Liu Kang returned to the dawn of time with the child, he constructed a new timeline. One where his human self was never born. He saw the eons go by, Shao Kahn's siege of Edenia, The Mortal Kombat tournaments, The Great Kung Lao's fall to Prince Goro. He stopped forty years before the tenth Mortal Kombat tournament, he took Li Jing and entered the timeline with her. He visited the Wu Shi Academy where he was worshipped by the Shaolin, he delivered Li Jing among them. The newborn was raised in their ways, with the spirit of The Great Kung Lao instilled into her she was a born warrior. As the years went by the young Li Jing trained, learned, and fought in the ways of the Shaolin and prepared by the fire god for his chosen destiny for her. To be the Earthrealm defender to win the Mortal Kombat tournament.