Kung Lao's Chance

I am Kung Lao, devoted Shaolin Monk, and current representative of Earthrealm. This is a title that I take with a heavy heart, as it was given to me when I returned to Earthrealm with my comrades; because Shang Tsung killed Liu Kang, he obviously lost the title, and since I killed Shang Tsung, the title was passed on to me from my Shaolin leaders. I remember finding him like it was yesterday... The memory repeats in my mind every day, like a never-ending nightmare that I cannot escape. The rage I felt when I saw his broken body, and swearing off any and all my Shaolin beliefs to get my revenge... I sought out Bo' Rai Cho, and learned even more powerful techniques than Liu Kang had honed for decades, and I used them to finally destroy the sorcerer once and for all... I was the one who should have gone to the first tournament to help Liu Kang and the others, but I chose not to for the sake of my spirit and for my non-violent beliefs, and fear of what would come of those I held dear. If I had destroyed Shang Tsung's essence so many years ago, I would have been pursued in the place of Liu Kang, and I would be the dead one now, not my dear friend... In any case, my rage got the best of me once Raiden, Jax, Sonya, Kitana, Johnny Cage, and I all entered Shang Tsung's massive palace. The first thing we all saw was the immense Soulnado, which spun at the center of the room with a howling fury that deafened us even before we entered. Shang Tsung was busy removing spirits from the Soulnado and absorbing them when he realised that we were nearing him. Shang Tsung took no time at all to send the Mummies to attack us, and while the others fought them off, I used my quick teleportation and spinning techniques to avoid the Mummies and go straight for the sorcerer.

I challenged him to Mortal Kombat, to spare Earthrealm and to avenge Liu Kang's death. It had been several years since we had fought during Earth's invasion (it was only a brief skirmish, as I teleported away to aid Liu in raiding Shao Kahn's fortress). Shang Tsung probably did not even know that I survived my battle with Shao Kahn then, but the nonchalance in his eyes showed that he believed me to be the same man I was ten years ago. There was no question about how skilled Shang Tsung was as a warrior, but considering he needed Quan Chi to help kill both Liu Kang and Shao Kahn, I was confident that it would be very difficult for him to defeat me alone.

I proved to be a more capable adversary for Shang Tsung. Once I gained the upper hand in our bout, I used my memories of Liu Kang to fuel my chi, and attacked him without any mercy. I channelled my rage and anger into every blow I gave the sorcerer, and put him through enough pain to not focus his own chi to keep himself sustained with souls. When Liu Kang thought I died, he attacked Kahn relentlessly, with enough passion to surpass a God in power, and I was going to show Liu Kang the exact same respect he showed for me by defeating his old enemy

Shang Tsung was too weak to even steal any souls from the Soulnado when I was through with him. On his knees, he begged me to spare his life. This was the second time that Shang Tsung ever fought and lost to a Kung Lao, but unlike my distant relative, I was not going to show him pity. The anger grew in my heart, and in the fieriest tone, I told him that I would give him the same chance that he and Quan Chi gave to my fallen brother. I slowly removed my hat from atop my head, letting Shang Tsung sweat with fear about what was to come, and I showed him that my lineage has learned from its past mistakes when it comes to leaving their opponents alive.

As Shang Tsung's blood splattered all over the area, the Soulnado suddenly closed, and the Mummified soldiers quickly stopped their attack and froze in their positions. Master Bo' Rai Cho came into the palace with several Edenian soldiers and saluted us all on a job well done. Everyone cheered for what I had done, but as I wiped the blood off of my hat and clothes, I realised that the loss of Earth's champion was still causing my heart to ache.

After a fruitless search for Quan Chi, I talked Master Bo' Rai Cho into staying on Earthrealm to train the future Shaolin warriors in the same techniques that he taught Liu Kang and I. It took much coaxing, but he eventually caved once Johnny Cage treated him to a glass of rice wine. Master Bo' Rai Cho taught my brothers all his techniques, and the pupils quickly mastered it almost as well as I had! He was a fabulous mentor, one that earned the respect of every Shaolin in the complex, particularly after a rowdy night with the rice wine. He continued to teach me more and better ways to fight that made me an even greater warrior than when I faced Shang Tsung at his palace. I felt strong enough to face Shao Kahn himself... The chance to go back and to do it all again to spare my friend from Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's treachery would be wonderful...

As a secret and secluded society, the Shaolin were not in direct contact with many organisations across the globe, aside from the new Lin Kuei and the Outerworld Investigation Agency, but it did not take long for the Shaolin to sense that all life in Japan was obliterated... A cold wind blew from the country, and shortly after, Raiden paid us a visit concerning the events unfolding in Outworld, Edenia, and Earthrealm. Major threats have come and gone, and none of them seem important anymore, now that my closest brother has fallen... I am still not over the grief of losing him to those sorcerer cowards who had to take on Liu Kang together to kill him...

Everyone is suffering thanks to the various events that have taken place since his death, including the destruction of the OIA and the loss of several men in the process, being forced to work with the murderous Red Dragon clan, the take-over of the Lin Kuei's headquarters, and most disturbing of all, the sudden disappearance of Johnny Cage... I could take solace in seeing Scorpion finally joining our side and fighting for a noble cause instead of his empty revenge... At least I know not to turn out like him, constantly seeking someone to pin the blame on just to keep the process alive for so many years...

But I still feel sad and empty... My allies and brothers need me to lead the armies to Outworld to face the various Demons, Mummies, and Robots that are supporting a new order, and it is not the time for me to be focusing on my lost friend... It feels like Shang Tsung was just too easy to beat, and though I dedicated that battle to my fallen brother, I do not feel that it is enough to do him and his memory justice. I do not feel redeemed at all for not having been there when he needed me most. I do not feel that I can be a strong support or a true leader to my friends and family as long as I am like this. Though I am Liu Kang's successor, I still feel that I am his eternal understudy... I need to show that I am capable of filling in his role as Earth's champion, and show him the same strength and passion in battle that he showed me long ago. All I need to do is face a worthy opponent to reassure my friends, family, and myself, that Earthrealm is in good hands, and that Liu Kang's death will not be in vain - the biggest threats to the realms will fall before the Shaolin Monk, Kung Lao, in memory of Liu Kang.

Author : Jerrod Therace

Creation date: 2007-9-4-16-50

Modification date: 2007-9-4-16-50