Chapter 4: Leaders, Guards and Gods
Earthrealm is not the only one who has changed a lot over the last two decades. Outworld and Edenia have also went through many changes. In Outworld, Kitana still leads the armies of Tarkatans, Shokans and many other fine warriors as the current Kahn. Not much has changed for her in terms of appearance. She appears to look like she's in her 40s, but still young. She has long since married Liu Kang. It was a little tough for the fire god to balance his life as Kitana's husband, and protector of the realms. But Liu Kang has managed to keep the balance intact. He took notes from how Alex and Cassie sustained their marriage while doing their job with Special Forces.
Together, they have two children. A daughter named Chang Bao. A demigod with wind and fire powers. She has Liu Kang's wisdom, kindness and honesty. Though she does carry some of the anger that Liu Kang has, it's not considered too dangerous. There were times where she tends to grow angry outbursts, which normally lead to her parents chastising her. Despite that, Chang Bao means well. Liu Kang and Kitana Kahn did not have a hard time raising her. They played together, and once she was older, they started training together. Chang Bao was told how her father met her mother and that Liu Kang was once human, chosen by the late Raiden. Chang Bao admires both her father and his predecessor. She hopes to help bring honor to Raiden and make her family proud. She has the same short hair Liu Kang did and wears Shaolin-like robes. As for the son, his name is Daisuki. He is Edenian just like his mother. Daisuki is 17 minutes younger than his sister Chang Bao and carries much of their mother's personality. He carries her compassion for others, cares a lot about the safety of the family, and has made friends with Jade and Kotal's children as well. Daisuki tends to be calmer than his sister and normally tries to act as the words of wisdom. Something that Kitana would normally do. He's also not as violent as everyone else, but is not a pacifist and prefers to fight if necessary. He has Liu Kang's short hair as well and has edenian clothing like his mother. Liu Kang and Kitana were not alone to have a family.
Kotal and Jade have also married as they wished they'd hoped to do so. They first fell in love during the early days of the tournaments when trying to stop Shao Kahn from completing his goals. They wanted to live and love each other and make plans, but they were halted due to Kotal being locked up in the flesh pits in the Old Era. And unfortunately, Jade's death at the hands of the brainwashed Sindel. Thanks to the New Era, nothing could stop them now. They too have children. Something that Jade wanted to follow Kitana, Cassie, Liu Kang and Alex in their footsteps.
They have an Osh-Tekk daughter named Shu-Shang and an Edenian son named Cyan. Shu-Shang looks very similar to her father and while she enjoys finding peace and wishes the best for everyone, Shu-Shang can be short-sighted and more hotheaded, more than Chang Bao. She, like her father, is opposed to conquering realms and ruling with an iron fist. But Shu-Shang can be a little too independent sometimes. She gets along well with her brother Cyan. Cyan has Jade's kindness and protectiveness and knows which is right and wrong. He has his mother's eyes, skin tone, cyan colored Edenia robes. He strongly believes in friendships just like Jade does. They would do anything to safe said friendships with the likes of Kitana, Liu Kang, and their children. The two children have also been told about the history they went through and the friends and allies they have made throughout the years. Cyan wears edenian robes similar to that of King Jerrod himself when the king was younger, sporting the color of Cyan. The four children hope to meet the other heroes one day.
Today, Kitana and Liu Kang would meet up with Jade and Kotal and their children. Kitana has something planned for them. While Jade and Kotal wait, the children interact with each other. They all wonder what the news can be.
"Ugh. I hate being patient. How long are we expected to wait around and do nothing?" Shu-Shang said in mild annoyance.
"Patience, Shu-Shang." Cyan tells her. "Planning events out takes time. But it does feel strange. Having to wait for such an announcement. Here in the colosseum where the second tournament was held. I cannot help but wonder what it may be."
"I am sure that mother and father have their reasons for summoning us like this. They normally do. Though I do agree with you on what they plan on saying. Hope it isn't anything bad, that is for sure." Daisuki replied. He appears to have plenty of faith in Liu Kang and Kitana for their wisdom.
"Otherwise, why else would they summon us? Knowing them very well, they would never waste anyone's time for nothing. Both our respective parents have known each other for decades. Surely they have something planned for us." Chang Bao said to her brother. They both smile at each other. It was surprising for their parents that they get along well.
"Perhaps having us lead something. Just like my father and Kitana Kahn have always done beforehand. No one else have led better than them." Shu-Shang stated.
"How often must I tell you not to jump to assumptions, sister? We do not even know why we are here today. It may be something else for all we know." Cyan tells his sister. He seemed to be often annoyed by his sister's short-sightedness and hot temper. That does not stop them from acknowledging each other as siblings.
"And I suppose you do? Do you know anything?" Shu-Shang argued.
"It's called having patience." Cyan said with a deadpan look on his face. "Perhaps you should try it sometime rather than making guesses almost all the time."
Before the two could try to argue any further, Daisuki quickly steps in to break them up. "Relax yourselves. Arguing is not going to get us anywhere. You two must know that there may be situations where bickering will only bring more trouble." Daisuki advises.
"Apologies, Daisuki. I really do not like arguing with my sister, but I do not know what to do from time to time." Cyan said.
"I believe we all have things to work on, my friend. There is all the time in the world for more lessons and such. But my brother does have a point. There is a time and place where we must set aside any differences and work out something." Chang Bao said.
"It does make me wonder how the other heroes of Earthrealm get along with each other, just as mother has always told us." Cyan said. He was taught by Jade to be more fond of earthrealmers and that they're not their enemy like they used to be when Shao Kahn ruled.
"Father was once a normal human, so he and mother would know best." Chang Boa stated. As they continued talking, the four parents looked down upon them from one of the bigger buildings.
"Do you suppose they are ready for what we have planned for them, Kitana Kahn?" Kotal asked. Not that he doubts the four youngsters, he is more concerned about how his son and daughter get along with each other. Even he knows that Shu-Shang carries his hotheadedness and tending to jump to conclusions.
"I believe they are. They have grown strong and become fond of each other. There is much potential in them. I have no doubt that they will succeed in proving themselves." Jade replied to her husband. She puts a hand on his shoulder to reassure him.
"Jade is right. Although I cannot help but feel that they have much more to learn, we cannot shelter them forever from the outside of Outworld. Given the experience we went through and back." Kitana said, expressing a little worry. Fire God Liu Kang walks closer and grabs her hand to comfort her.
"Fear not. Remember the lessons we have taught them, as has Raiden and Sindel have taught to us. It will be their turn to rise up one day as the next protectors. But they will not be the only ones. They will have more allies. I have seen it." Liu Kang reassures everyone.
"Your visions have always proven to be quite sound before against the enemies we share. Though I do not personally believe in perfection. As Kitana has said before, new evil may rise up." Kotal said.
"And that is why we must always be prepared. Nothing is ever perfect, nor can I prevent everything from happening. But we mustn't be careless about what we do next." Liu Kang tells him, looking down at the amulet that was given to him by Raiden.
"Liu Kang. Are you alright?" Kitana asked.
"I am fine, Kitana. Let us not worry about each other. We have work to do." Liu Kang tells everyone and they nod. The four heroes walk down the stairs and out of the building as they meet up with their respective children.
As the youngsters continue talking, they immediately see their parents and quickly get in line. They all still can't help but wonder what they have planned for them. They are in for a surprise. "Father. Mother. What is the news?" Chang Bao bows her head before them.
"At ease, Chang Bao. It is nothing you have done wrong this time." Kitana assures her daughter. "We have summoned you all here for a purpose. To compete in a tournament."
This causes the four younger heroes to look at each other out of surprise. Kitana Kahn holding a tournament. But they have a feeling it is something different compared to the ones in Earthrealm and Outworld from before. "A tournament? What is special about this one compared to the ones you all have been to?" Cyan asked.
"To see if you are ready. Ready to defend Outworld, Edenia and Earthrealm. Just as the four of us have always done so. We trained you to defend yourselves in case because of the stories we have told you. Your spirits and souls have strengthened as you grew older. Do not take these so lightly. Many things will be difficult, even in battles. It was never easy for us to begin with, I assure you, Cyan." Jade said, putting a hand on his shoulder with smiles on their faces.
"And so you wish for this to be a single elimination tournament? How will this one work out?" Shu-Shang asked.
"By putting all your training and lessons to good use. Remember what you have learned and use that against your opponent. Jade is right. Nothing is easy. The enemy will not hold back no matter what. They will do what it takes to be victorious. We have arranged your matches for you. Shu-Shang, you will be fighting your brother, Cyan." Kotal said. This does not even surprise the two, given that they normally train with each other almost every time.
"That leaves me and my sister, right?" Daisuki asked.
"You are correct, Daisuki." Liu Kang said to his son before turning to Cyan and Shu-Shang. "Cyan. Shu-Shang. It is time. Face each other." He instructed. The two nod and they turn to face each other while the rest walk away to a good distance.
Cyan gets out a three-sectioned staff. "Don't take the loss too hard when I win."
"I could say the same for that overconfidence of yours." Shu-Shang replied. She gets out two twin sickles.
"Never change, my sister." Cyan smirked. They begin to fight.
Shu-Shang and Cyan circle around each other, looking at each other in the eyes. After a minute of silence, they charge towards each other, swinging their sickles and staff at each other, blocking each attack. Cyan manages to knock one of his sister's wrists away and kicks her backwards. Shu-Shang briefly caresses her right waist before going into defense. Cyan continues to swing his staff in circles, hoping to break his sister's defense. She was quick to dodge a swing with the endpoint and back kick Cyan in the back followed by another kick, stumbling him. This allows Shu-Shang to knee him in the chin along with a kick, and with a kick, elbow strike to the chest and punch to the face, Cyan is sent backwards. He rolls backwards two times and recovers, ready to fight back.
Cyan runs towards Shu-Shang and front flips over her, swings her three-sectioned staff at her back, the back of her right leg, elbows the back of the head along with a palm strike to the upper spine. Cyan wraps one of the ends of the staff around his sister's wrist, pulling her back in. He then does a chop strike to the throat, palm strike to the head, slams the middle point of the staff in Shu-Shang's chest and swings at her head. Shu-Shang stumbles backwards and glares at her brother. Cyan was about to swing his staff upward towards the forehead, but Shu-Shang grabs the chain part with her sickle, and throws it out of his hands and back kicks his chest, stomps his left leg, and uppercuts his chin and slams both fists down on his head. Cyan goes down to the ground, defeated.
"You are right. Never change despite losing or winning." Shu-Shang said to Cyan. She smirks as she helps him up. "Are you alright, brother?"
"I am fine, Shu-Shang. You matched me step for step. I was not even holding back on you. Well done for a battle." Cyan praises his sister.
"Yes, indeed. Your reflexes have proven quite sound and managed to shrug off your injuries and continued on. That shows bravery. But you must remember that there is a difference between fine line and recklessness. That is something we will work on. You have done great, my daughter." Jade said with a hand on Shu-Shang's shoulder.
"Mother. I am flattered. All I was doing was thinking as fast as I should. I am not as fast as Cyan. I could only go on defense." Shu-Shang said.
"Your thoughts must also be clear. To think straight, to keep a rational mind. It is not always easy, I will say that much." Jade said.
Liu Kang and Kitana turn to their own children. "Chang Bao. Daisuki. Are you two ready?" Liu Kang asked them.
"Yes, father and mother. We are prepared." Chang Bao and Daisuki said simultaneously.
"Good. Same rules apply to both of you. Do not use any lethal methods. But this is for real. Remember that now and always." Kitana said to them. "Now, it is time to begin. Take your positions." She ordered them.
Chang Bao gets out her Odachi sword while Daisuki brings out his Guandao. They stand in the ring, ready to face each other.
"Ready for what will come next, Chang Bao?" Daisuki asked.
"It is always wise to always be prepared for anything. No matter how dire a situation can be in almost anywhere. Whatever you do, do not let your guard down, Daisuki." Chang Bao said as she lights up briefly.
"There will be no promises. Now let us start." Daisuki said before they fight.
Chang Bao held her Odachi sword in both of her hands as she readies herself. Daisuki spins his weapon slowly and carefully. Daisuki swings the staff part of his weapon at Chang Bao's feet, but she hops over it and blocks a swing from the blade. Daisuki dodges a kick to the chest, swings the staff point at the head, which his sister ducks and blocks another swing. Chang Bao steps back and holds her sword with one hand and puts the other behind her back. Daisuki comes in and swings, which Chang Bao blocks every one of them. She grabs the staff point of the Guando, knees his right rib cage, chop strikes the stomach and double kicks Daisuki in the forehead, stumbling him. Daisuki starts spinning his weapon in the air, and out of nowhere, wind starts coming in, and he brings it down as he keeps spinning the weapon and fires the wind at his demigod sister. Chang Bao defends herself and spin slices through the wind and punches Daisuki across the face and jump kicks him in the chest, stumbling him.
Daisuki recovers and figured that his sister isn't holding back. Something that he just remembered learning from Kitana and Liu Kang. Do not hold back against anyone in a fight. Daisuki gets ready as his sister begins to jump and attack. Daisuki rolls out of the way, kicks her in the right waist, slams the endpoint of his weapon in the chest and slams it up her chin, does a back kick to the right cheek, and throws the staff part onto her head and swings it at her left shoulder. Chang Bao smirks at her brother for doing the lessons they were taught. She shoots fire from her open hand to fire, but Daisuki uses his weapon and creates wind by spinning in circles. And the fireball goes into a different direction. Liu Kang and Kitana look on, impressed. Daisuki then uses the wind and pulls Chang Bao in and swings the staff part at her forehead and twice followed by an elbow and palm strike to the face, sending her backwards.
Chang Bao gets up again and is ready. Chang Bao swings her Odachi in circles and wind shows. Daisuki sees this and does the same thing. They both fire wind at each other from their weapons and they collide. Both whirlwinds were strong enough to push the four parents back, and almost all except Liu Kang almost lose their footing. Daisuki sees that his sister is nowhere to be seen. He tries to look around. But then, he senses something behind him. By the time he swiftly turns around, only to be met by a punch to the chest and a backflip kick to the chin, sending him up and landing on the ground. Daisuki groans in pain in defeat.
"Your reflexes are quite sound. You found ways to match me to try to gain an advantage. I hope you do not take things too harshly, brother." Chang Bao said out of slight worry. She offers her hand and he looks and helps him up.
Daisuki smiles and shakes his head. "No, sister. I only had some confidence that I might win, but I figured you'd win instead since you are a demigod and such. I am just glad I was able to keep up with you this time. Wish I did better."
"You are being a little modest with yourself, Daisuki. There is no such thing as perfection, but there is such a thing as improvement. You have been told this many times before." Kitana said to her son.
"I'm sorry, mother Kahn. I guess it is not always easy to remember. I just try to be the best I can be. Be like my sister." Daisuki expresses his concern over his ability. While he can be a tad jealous that Chang Bao is a demigod unlike him, he still admires and loves her as her brother.
"It's good that you have someone to look up to, but you must also look after yourself. Become more independent. Do what you do best. That way you will get more confident in your abilities." Liu Kang said, putting a hand on Daisuki's shoulder. "Regardless of victory or defeat, you have done fantastically. Could never ask for anyone better than this family."
"Thank you, father. For your humbleness." Daisuki gives a reassuring smile.
"Now it is time for the final round. Chang Bao. Shu-Shang. It is time. No weapons this time around. Are you two ready?" Jade asked them and the two nod to each other. She then turns to her daughter. "Shu-Shang. Remember, do not let your temper get ahold of you. It will cause inconsequential actions to take place and cloud your mind."
"I hope that I will remember your words, mother. Have I ever doubted you beforehand? You and father?" Shu-Shang teasingly asked her.
"I do recall such things. Only because you were only a small child back then." Jade places a hand on her cheek, making her daughter smile and giggle.
"I always felt bad about what I have done before with my past actions. But nothing I can do about it right?" Shu-Shang asked.
"Never drevel on the past, my daughter. It only brings nothing but pain and unwanted moments." Jade advices her. Shu-Shang nods in understanding before she heads into the ring. Shu-Shang raises her arms in the air, soaking in the sunlight. She always loved the sunshine and fresh air like her father and all other Osh-Tekk.
Kitana speaks to her daughter. "This is a true fight of wills. To fight your opponent by any means necessary. You may have beaten your brother, but do not expect things to be any easier. You never know how hard it will be, but it does not mean you should not try your best. Do you understand?"
"I understand, mother. I know that not even demigods are invincible. Not like father. But I cannot help but wonder if they can live up to the same expectations. Like their predecessors." Chang Bao wonders.
"Though I am not a demigod, I will say this. Many things are possible, but living up to expectations can be one of the most difficult. That is something that you and only you can do alone. Your father can explain later. But first, you must ready yourself. Can you do this?" Kitana asks.
"Yes, mother. I am ready now." Chang Bao smirks and steps into the ring.
As the two young ones get ready, Liu Kang and Kitana express their thoughts. "Do you think she will be ready?" Kitana asked.
"Regardless of whether she wins or loses, yes. She reminds me of someone we knew." Liu Kang looks at her.
Kitana looks into his god eyes and immediately realizes who he is referring to. "I see. I still miss him. He was always a wise friend."
"I know." Liu Kang stated. The two couple smile as they look back at Chang Bao and Shu-Shang ready to fight.
"Do not expect me to hold back because you're a demigod, Chang Bao." Shu-Shang tells her.
"Do not worry. I wasn't going to ask you to hold back on your strength and skill. Bring out your best fighting spirit." Chang Bao replied.
"All Osh-Tekk are born with spirit. You? You earn yours. Now it is time you unleash it all." Shu-Shang said as they start fighting.
Shu-Shang was the first to deliver a few arm swing and kick strikes, which Chang Bao was able to block. She sees an opening and kicks the Osh-Tekk back in the back. Shu-Shang comes back to punch, but the young demigod grabs both of her fists. "You're good. Show me more." Chang Bao said.
"Do not underestimate me, Shaolin. Can you match the might of Osh-Tekk?" Shu-Shang asked as they continue. Shu-Shang stands in a defensive state, ready for the Shaolin demigod. Chang Bao slowly walks around her friend, staring into her eyes. Shu-Shang shares the same look for some reason. The young demigod then charges at the Osh-Tekk, until she flips over her, ready to back hand strike her, but Shu-Shang actually saw this coming and parries the hand away and uppercuts her chest followed by a lunge kick, but not too lethal. She then does an elbow strike, grabs her by the forehead and headbutts her backwards.
Chang Bao kicks back up and her fists are covered in flames. She does the same thing again, and Shu-Shang was about to parry her fists away, but Chang Bao ducks the arm swing and does a fiery frontflip kick on the left shoulder followed by a reverse front flip kick to the top of the head. Luckily, Shu-Shang's helmet was durable enough to protect her, but she still felt plenty of pain. Shu-Shang starts to get more angry and closes her fist in anger. She raises it in the air as she yells. But as she does that. A totem appears from the ground behind her. This surprises Cyan, Chang Bao and her father. They look on in amazement while Daisuki, Liu Kang, Jade and Kitana were stunned by what just happened. Shu-Shang feels stronger, like she just suddenly gained more strength. She charges at the demigod to attack. Chang Bao dodges many attacks, that was until Shu-Shang slammed her fists down onto her shoulders and then the top of her head. She then does a strong knee strike to the chest, sending Chang Bao flying backwards.
Chang Bao manages to get up. She was surprised by how strong Shu-Shang's strength has increased by the surprise totem. The question is how long will it last? But she could not think about that right now. She has to finish the fight. Chang Bao gets to a defensive stance of her own while her hands are covered in flames. They look at each other, both ready to end the fight. They run each other and exchange blows, switching between defense and offense. Chang Bao blocks an arm swing, but is met with a sweep leg kick to the left shin, the left rib cage, and a backhand strike across the head. Shu-Shang then follows up with a knee strike to the back and is thrown to the ground. Chang Bao then shoots wind at her, sending her back, stumbling her. This gives her a chance, as she pulls Shu-Shang in with the wind, does a fiery kick to the helmet, causing her pain, and then four rapid fiery punches and a strong back hand strike, sending the young Osh-Tekk backwards, defeating her.
"I think the question is could you outsmart a demigod?" Chang Bao said. She walks over and helps Shu-Shang up. "How did you do that, by the way?" She points to the totem behind her.
Shu-Shang turns and sees what her friend is referring to and was surprised. "I do not know. I have not noticed it was there. The only thing I felt was blood boiling in my veins and strength increasing. That was my first time with whatever this is." Shu-Shang expresses confusion.
"I have the answer for you, Shu-Shang." Kotal said, as he and Jade walk over to her. "You carry the same strength and powers as I did, and my father before me. And now it passes to you."
"The last thing I thought of was getting angry while trying to keep said anger under control. But then I had this urge to get stronger. I remembered your lessons about the sunlight, but why did you not say anything regarding the totems?" Shu-Shang asked her father.
"Because it was only a matter of time. I knew that your temper would unintentionally summon one during one of your fights on this day. We wanted you to figure it out yourself." Kotal corrected his daughter.
"But I do not know how to control it." Shu-Shang said. She is still surprised that she could do more than gain strength from the sun and use some form of blood magic. But this is a new experience for her.
"Fear not. I will teach you how to control your ability. There is much more to it than that, I can assure you. You have come a long way, my child. Though you have lost, you have gained a new power today." Kotal smiles at her.
"He is right, Shu-Shang. You had me surprised when you summoned one during our fight. Your strength was a little beyond my own. You never seize to amaze and surprise me. Just like you always do." Chang Bao smiled at her, placing a hand on her face/
Shu-Shang briefly smiled. "Thank you, Chang Bao. Congratulations on a job well done on winning. But the question is what do you gain from such victory today?"
"Leadership." Liu Kang said, stepping in. "You are the leader of this group."
"Group? You mean I get to lead Cyan, Daisuki, and Shu-Shang?" Chang Bao asked.
"Correct. But that is not all. You will be allies with another group of protectors. Just like we all are up to this day. I am confident that you will like them. Are you ready to take on the role of a leader?" Liu Kang asks his daughter.
Chang Bao was not sure at first on how she could handle it. She seems to have some doubts about taking on the role of leader. She turns to Daisuki and Cyan who both nod to her. Shu-Shang smiles and winks at her, believing she is the one. Chang Bao turns back to her father. "I'll do it. For you. For my mother. And for your former teacher, Raiden."
"Come. Let us walk together." Liu Kang says to his family. Kitana smiles as she grabs her husband's hand and they walk with Daisuki and Chang Bao walking behind them. Meanwhile, Kotal and Jade have a talk with their own children.
"I hope you two are not disappointed in us." Cyan said, looking down.
"Cyan. There is nothing in this world that will make us stop loving you. You may have lost, but that does not mean it will always happen. Someday, you could find a role best suited for as I have done so throughout my life so far." Jade said, putting a hand on her son's cheek.
"I remember what you have told me. You were Kitana Kahn's bodyguard. Before and after Shao Kahn. And you're a guardian of a demigod from Earthrealm. I see why you chose to do so. Because of your strong bonds with them. I want to do the same. For my sister. For when she becomes general of Outworld. For Daisuki and Chang Bao." Cyan expresses his choice.
"If that is your choice, then that is up to you. It is always good for someone to idolize their parents footsteps. Regardless, I am proud of you, my son." Jade kisses his forehead. She admires his choice with wanting to be like her in a way. Cyan wants to protect those he cares about most, just like Jade does with Kitana, Alex and Cassie.
Liu Kang and Kitana continue to lead Chang Bao and Daisuki somewhere. The parents seem all too familiar with what is outside the Colosseum and behind the Kahn Temple. Why the children are being led to what is hidden behind the temple is momentarily beyond them. "Father. Mother. Why are we going around the Great Kahn Temple? There is nothing special beyond there." Daisuki asked.
"Chang Bao. Daisuki. Behold." Liu Kang and Kitana step aside and both kids' eyes widen at what their eyes are witnessing. It looks like a giant statue made of gold. Looks like a man in a straw-like hat and god-like robes, similar to what Liu Kang is wearing. It is none other than Raiden himself.
"Is that who I think it is?" Chang Bao expresses her shock.
"L-Lord Raiden. The former thunder god. The one who gave father his powers. Helped out in many battles. For so many decades." Daisuki said.
"Yes. So many years, even before I was born. The same one who has taken me in and trained me in the Shaolin and I met Kung Lao. He was the best teacher I had. In fact, he saw us like sons he never had." Liu Kang said.
"What was he like? Was he nice?" Chang Bao greatly wonders. She was told about Raiden's role as the protector and friend up to his death. They were also told of the enemies they have had throughout the Old Era and New Era thus far.
"Raiden was always kind and wise. He was always willing to risk his life to defend Earthrealm and then later, Outworld and Edenia. He saved us from a terrible fate. When Kronika emerged, Raiden was able to change our fates for the better. He knew that I would succeed him. With our powers combined, me and a friend of ours killed Kronika. Raiden was part of the reason why we are all here today." Liu Kang explained to them and they listen with smiles on their faces.
"I'm sad that we will never meet him. But I bet that he would be happy for you. For all you have done. It would have been honorable to meet him in person." Chang Bao said.
"Me too. I would have done the same if I were him too." Daisuki replied. "He sounds like a wonderful person to have as a teacher and friend. Raiden would be pleased by this if he were here."
"Yes. He would be. He has always been the wisest person we have ever known. He showed me the better path. Had he not been there, I would have suffered a worse fate. Same with your grandmother." Kitana tells them. She will never forget the day Raiden came to her when he was trying to save the future and told her about Shao Kahn's lies, including the creation of Mileena. Because of him, Kitana has changed sides for good.
"All of us would. I always knew he would make the right decisions throughout his time as a god. He may not have been perfect, but he always knew the risks." Liu Kang said. He looks up at Raiden's statue and smiles and bows his head before him. "Thank you for your guidance, Raiden."
Kitana places a hand on his shoulder out of worry. He turns to his wife and smiles and winks at her, giving her a sigh of relief. Liu Kang looks down at the amulet that was given to him and gives off a brief glow. He wonders what it is. For now, they must assemble the team together. Chang Bao and Daisuki admired Raiden throughout their lives since they were told about him. They, especially Chang Bao, wish to be heroes like him someday. Fire God Liu Kang misses him greatly. He wished he could go back and do something to bring him back. But he did not want to risk altering the past again out of fear of dangerous consequences. Liu Kang and Kitana also look on, remembering a dear friend.
Note: Surprise! Even Liu Kang and Kitana have kids of their own. Even they deserve their own happiness together. Jade and Kotal have kids too since I wanted to bring in more Osh-Tekk like Shu-Shang. I hope you guys like their personalities so far, and you will see them again. And they all have different weapons to help out with their abilities, such as Chang Bao having control over her father's fire and her mother's wind despite the latter not being a demigod or Elder God. Next time, we will be diving back into Edenia!
