❝𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧, 𝐊𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐧𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐭.❞ - Aiko Krackle's RP quote created by SultryEdenian
Aiko Krackle made her first appearance in Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, Part II, though she was born during the Year of the Rabbit, 1987. If done the math, she was born around the same time Kung Jin was born, since they happened to be 6 years of age during the second Mortal Kombat tournament. There, she'd heard of some of the Kombatants, however, she wasn't involved in defending Earthrealm till a few months later. Raiden had brought her to the safety of the heroes' own reclusive cavern, a settlement created by Nightwolf, who quickly grew to be her idol. She began to warm up more to the other fighters, even though she wasn't made to be one, but rather as a mediator, always willing to help in other subtle ways and maintaining peace throughout stressful times.
One trimester has passed, and by the time Outworld was involved in a lethal insurrection, Aiko had to leave the team; needless to say, it was proven to be difficult. She hasn't been involved with the Kombatants since and over 16 years later, On April 14th, 2008, Earthrealm was in deep peril from the countless invasions of Shinnok, Quan Chi, and their undead legion consisting of most of her friends! She had acted like a vagabond moving with other refugees, until...she was abruptly sent back in time to when she first left the former heroes!
She wound up lost on the desolated streets of New Jersey, then she was ambushed by a drunk and random bulky man! Kung Lao came to her aide and escorted her to a safe haven; she recognized him via his deadly hat! Lao theorized they were brought for a reason, and sure enough it was Raiden who'd found of the chosen grown up! The Thunder God restored her memories and urged her to use her dormant heart.
During one pep talk, Lao offered Aiko to live amongst the Shaolin, in case she'd be mangled again, however she was reluctant being lost in a different time and having some insecurities mingling with the Chinese of their strict, brutal, communistic ways. She was glad to reunite with the Kombatants again after the Saurian stragglers were destroyed.
Aiko's Ankylosaurus Animality
Both Lao and Nightwolf led her thru her first meditation session within the same base she left, dealing with her dystopian future! Through it, she was able to utilize her hidden Animality, an Ankylosaurus, fending off the zombified army! She preferred either her favorite dinosaur or a fox.
During the so-called weekly break which turned out to be a single day, Lao shown Aiko his culture and the monks' sacred home and ways. Aiko was at first reluctant since she felt the Chinese were militaristic and contrary to Democracy; however, the Shaolin weren't as burdensome and were more benevolent! She also developed an attachment to the young Kung Jin who had shown her the rounds and described her of the sacred Dragon Grotto before Earthrealm became invaded by Shao Kahn! She, Jin, and several monks remained in sanctuary, though Raiden and Kung Lao needed to take Aiko to Nightwolf's sacred land and await the other Kombatants.
She and Lao geared up and she was finally able to use her hidden cardiokinesis onto Oniro, in conjunction with the monk's Tornado! He and Nightwolf suspected she's capable on using abilities that manipulate the heart, and they became more prominent by utilizing her strong emotions! There were some downsides as using her elemental would leave her exhausted but often was the nurse of the team. She still had difficulty using it on robots, like Sektor, and it can't work on Shadows nor the undead.
In one private session, Lao volunteered to see what she went thru, and the shaman warned they won't be the same. But ever since then, she and Lao developed a deep bond, with him, Raiden, and Nightwolf as her anchors; however, Kung Lao became so much more... He stayed by Aiko's side during the breakthrough to Kahn's Fortress, and Asgaarth escorted her to Raiden's Sky Temple as she wasn't quite strong enough to deal with the generals. She stood by until Raiden was barely able to teleport Lao to the Jinsei chamber. Aiko was distraught upon his injuries and soon losing him... She confessed she had deep feelings of affection and respect for Kung Lao, though he never received it till he came to after Kahn was obliterated and Earthrealm and Outworld were restored! Aiko's heart came to a head, and she kissed him upon awakening. He finally accepted her offer and shared a passionate kiss before they rested.
Together, Aiko and Lao watched the sunset, before they were escorted back to the Wu Shi Academy and reunited with Jin and the Shaolin. She was then willing to train her abilities since it was such a rarity on having a woman, let alone a cardiokinetic! Lao quickly became her mentor, and his nephew was able to restore her heart little by little as she was a sort of adult companion to him. Her goal was to unify her heart and mind, while also reducing her angsts of her destroyed future, even her tragic past when she began to lose her innocence as she lost her mom by an armed burglar. She started to mingle with the White Lotus Society along with her friends Lao, Raiden, Liu, his grandpa, and even Nightwolf and Kiba! She even offered to make a new identity while staying in China, despite being a future US citizen. She became the Shaolins' mediator at times as well.
Aiko's MK3 ending
Aiko has never been, nor plan to be, a fighter, yet Raiden saw the potential in her when no one else has. She possesses a heart of gold yet overtime she became bitter and since then withdrew her kindness and abilities. He was there to restore both her prowess and her kindred spirit the Kombatants knew, and he entrusted Kung Lao and sometimes Nightwolf to help maintain her true self the latter encountered so long ago. This proves that having outstanding martial arts and paranormalities isn't always the key to success, but it should also come from within....
Unlike Kung Lao and Liu Kang, she has no desire to be Champion! All she wants, ever since she was young, is just to defend Earthrealm and be a heroine, even to protect those she cherishes. She was grateful she finally had that chance after Raiden bestowed her lost memories and awakened her hidden heart paranormalities.
A Date and a Destiny[]
When she and Kung Lao heard that Liu Kang was leaving China to America, in order to live a peaceful, democratic life, as well as seeking other potential Shaolin Monks, Aiko announced she decided to stay within the Academy grounds. It was all on account of the corruption within the basic freedom, as it was only scratching the surface! She declared that after discovering its hidden criminal history as well as dreading Clinton's infidelity, she remained within "the light" which she knew Lao was right that only the Order of Light wouldn't leave her astray.
As the couple headed back to the Academy, he appreciated her company as well as helping him shoulder his burdens. In order to relieve their angsts, he actually wanted to orchestrate a special dinner for them. The monks weren't stupid, they knew that Lao has planned a date for Aiko! A day later she was constantly shifted from one wife/sister of the Shaolin to the next applying her with cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, trimming and stylizing her hair, making her go shopping for a fancy getup other than hand-me-downs. Originally, since some of the monks were assassinated by the Tarkan before the second tournament, there was a space available for her, as well as some leftover belongings offered to her. The constant and excruciating procedures were starting to be too much for Aiko, and they took over two hours!
Finally, she was free to roam by the late afternoon, and she desperately needed to take some air! She stopped by the large koi pond and Raiden met up with her, impressed and proud on her date with Kung Lao. He even reminisced and summarized on Lao's angsts as his mind kept drifting to the past 500 years, when the Great Kung Lao fell in love with Jen Reyland and about their tragic fates. Raiden let Liu Kang leave for America to gather new recruits since he knew Lao was capable on looking after the Academy even in dark times as Liu's second. The Thunder God offered Aiko to make it a good date with her destiny, as everyone has a right for theirs.
By 8pm, Chinese Standard Time, Kung Lao approached her room, and they were both ready with their nifty outfits. Lao escorted her thru the Academy grounds and even outside them to a Hibachi restaurant that he and the other Shaolin occasionally hang out, though the services are often expensive, especially in large numbers. They both ordered a Beef Hibachi while she requested the Fish, they both had Miyabi soup, and soon fried ice cream and Aiko was ecstatic of the exotic decor and dazzling displays!
She really appreciated her date, as did Lao, since he hardly had the chance to go out of the Wu Shi walls as monks were often busy even during peacetime. Aiko sometimes felt sorry for the strict fighters as they hardly had any downtime, let alone being so brief. With her love and respect, Lao honored Aiko more than ever. They leaned in for a kiss...until there was distress coming from the Wu Shi Arena! She followed Lao to it, and there was a mysterious fighter defeating all the monks seamlessly! He was anxious on finding Earthrealm's Champion and Lao challenged him to Mortal Kombat since he's known as the second best in Liu's stead. The stranger was intrigued of another formidable opponent, even impressed with his own aerokinesis and skills. Aiko was startled Lao lost, even when he's a monk compared to an Elder God! He introduced himself as Fujin, Raiden's younger brother and she, Lao, and even Nightwolf were stunned as to whether or not the warrior shall meet him again...
Shinnok's Uprising[]
Throughout the past couple years, Aiko still lived amongst the Order of Light, till she decided to quit and mingle with the Lotus Society full-time after the former despised violence; thus, never defending Earthrealm and compared them to Jehovah's Witnesses. She still dreaded of Bill Clinton's presidency and America's moments of corruption. She has been a personal tutor to young Jin still, as well as a mediator to Lao and the monks. She'd been accompanying Lao whenever he decided to train with the Elder God, Fujin, at the Wind World. She still honed her skills in cardiokinesis and opening her heart and mind, thanks to the support from the Order of Light she was able to achieve enlightenment. Through her heart and mind, she became stronger and eventually was taught the basics of kombat by Lao, even wielding a club detached from an Ankylosaur statuette crafted by the best artisans!
One day in Fujin's turf, they discussed of the constant night terrors involving a mysterious, ominous sorcerer; she, Lao, Nightwolf and Fujin had been receiving those same visions, even a possible war involving the Elder Gods. Fujin warned his name was Shinnok, the fallen Elder God both he and Raiden fought thousands of years ago! He theorized he may have escaped from the Netherrealm and the omens were proven true! Fujin evacuated Lao and Aiko back to the Wu Shi Academy via funnel!
When they arrived, they questioned the whereabouts of him and Raiden, his brother in which Aiko thought he was tied to Kahn instead and Shinnok was their father, courtesy of a movie full of inaccuracies based on the tournaments which was to be released a few years from now. She and Lao met up with Nightwolf and Kiba whom spotted a fallen comet nearby. Thinking it was one of the fallen Gods, they hightailed a Dragon Jet and followed the trail! In a crater, Fujin was unconscious and ambushed by demons! The Dragon Jet intervened as it fired lasers onto them while Liu and Kai were fending them off! The trio assisted and Aiko used her cardiokinesis to heal Fujin. Raiden then broke the news that Shinnok escaped and attacked the heavens. They must gather their allies once more before it's too late if Shinnok should expand his vengeance onto Earth!
Aiko and company met up with Sonya, Sub-Zero and a resurrected Johnny Cage!! Everyone was thrilled to have the agent, cryomancer and celebrity back! Before a portal was created leading into Edenia. With her close to Kung Lao's side, she and his team accepted Quan Chi's challenge in his new Mortal Kombat tournament if they should fight thru the Army of Darkness and enter the corrupt Edenian Palace. To the former two, the face that intimidated them seemed oddly familiar...
Aiko then recognized it belonged to the demon sorcerer, Quan Chi; his name mentioned by Nightwolf triggered her memory. She recalled the incident in which she, as her younger self, and the heroes were being infected by the gem of Tetsurri; only she and the shaman prevailed against him, even over his pet snake. The Army of Darkness broke thru the shadows, and she stuck by Lao's side as she fended off the Onis with her club and cardiokinesis; she did have a difficult time fighting the tricky Shadows, though. She primarily functioned as the healer draining the enemies' essences to restore her allies. But the battle became overwhelming, and Liu Kang declared to split formations! She and Lao escaped to the Living Forest!
Lao hollered for her to take cover in the nearby cave while he decimated the foes with his Tornado! Lao spotted a looming silhouette which turned out to be Kitana!! They were thrilled to see her again, and she decided to be their guide thru Edenia while also rallying up the Raptors and other tribes against Shinnok and his forces. As they set up camp, Aiko was astonished Lao's ancestor was involved with Quan Chi, as he wanted the Champion's soul for himself. They were soon ambushed by one of the Saurian generals and she tended Kitana's acid wounds while Lao fought him off; however, Syzoth was spared. She and the monk wondered if all Saurians were evil, but they were only territorial over their doomed race.
He escorted them to the abandoned ruins, and she was astonished their race was involved with Raiden's first lethal encounter with Shinnok! As it was the same cataclysmic event when Earthrealm was enveloped in darkness and caused the dinosaurs to be extinct! The Saurians fled to Zaterra though they lived in such harsh conditions. Hell, Aiko was also surprised that Tetsurri was once a vicious ruler to them, as his crystallized heart was a valuable treasure to Zaterra before it was manifested by Quan Chi! This was a lot for her and Lao to take in, and she can't help but feel sorry of the Saurians' plights. Eventually, they were convinced to join the rebellion.
Lao questioned how she was "resistant" to the said gem, in which she replied there were allies of other realms assisting the heroes' defenses. One of them was the Koopas led by Bowser, who were overpowered by Kahn and his squads. Before the anomalies were closed after the failed Outworld insurrection, they teamed up and came to be within the rips in Earthrealm's dimensional fabric. One day as they were chasing a portal to the Caribbean rainforest, the Koopalings got in trouble, and she had to pull one of them out from a thornbush! At the same time, the Kombatants met a boy, a refugee from Outworld, who offered them a gift, the infectious gem of Tetsurri. Nightwolf covered base, as he doesn't fight too often. Thus, their first encounter with Quan Chi!
She and Lao traversed thru the swamps only to notice Sonya falling from a distant cliff! She was startled but the monk came to her aid and teleported to save her, before Jarek had that same fatal fate by Jax. They caught up to her, Jax and Johnny, who questioned their getup. Though Sonya was impressed they used camouflage by the Saurians, while she and Cage recruited the Shokan and Centaurs. She grew more confident on finding the other heroes and winning the Netherrealm War.
She and the heroes reunited with Liu, Jade, Nightwolf and Sub-Zero, and she was alarmed Scorpion joined the cause. Aiko still stuck with Kung Lao while the Edenian women found a secret door to the subterrane prison tunnels. Only he and she found the POWs and helped them escape; she offered Lao to Teleport behind the booby-trapped cells. They evacuated everyone to the Wu Shi Academy before they returned and found a massive prison system with a rotating fan! They found Kai, wounded by Shinnok's esteemed general, Reiko! She was assigned for healing duties while Lao took care of business! He was successful, even using her club for weapon kombat! However, with everyone healed...
Kai took advantage of her cardiokinesis! From speeding up her heart, to failing the organ, and eventually cutting off Lao's heart! They were weak as kittens when they found out it was the demon from their nightmares, Shinnok himself!! He easily took the couple down into the Netherrealm to lure in the Champion, Raiden and Fujin!
Raiden and Fujin assisted Liu thru the horrid world till they reached Shinnok's temple, the Fire Well, but they arrived too late for Lao and Aiko had their hearts corrupted. Shinnok poisoned her heart saying that society would always reject people like her no matter what, and he fueled her desire for revenge since Shinnok was exiled by Raiden a long time ago. She and Lao would remain together, and assured Liu would soon join them if they're successful on decimating him and prevent themselves on becoming Revenants like in her dystopian future. While Shinnok stunned the brothers, Liu was barely a match for the cardiokinetic and his best friend. Shinnok drew the hero close and was about to waste away his heart until Nightwolf performed a ritual that allowed his and the compatriots' strength to cross into the Netherrealm from the Edenian Palace. With Shinnok weakened by his pure memories and thoughts, he lost the Amulet temporarily by Liu's strong Kick, though Lao retrieved it via Teleport, and Shinnok attached it to the Staff! By the time Hanzo and Kuai restored the REAL Amulet at the Temple of Elements, Shinnok's powers ran out and realized he only was using the duplicate and Aiko's rare abilities in his possession! Raiden stunned the usurped couple before taking them to the Jinsei.
While a conversation was going on between Kung Lao, Liu and Fujin, it awakened her. The first person she saw was Raiden, describing it was terrible when Shinnok manipulated their hearts. Raiden stated he only used their darkness within them, and he and Liu forgave them for what they'd done... He stayed with them for several hours until they finally returned to China. She also wished for Jade to work things out with Liu and Kitana; it was fortunate that the Edenians decided to extend their stay for more R&R.
A few days had passed since the end of the Netherrealm War. By the time Kung Lao and Aiko were finally out of recovery, they returned to the Wu Shi Academy with Liu, Sonya, Johnny, Kitana, Nightwolf and Kai. She discussed with Sonya and Johnny of their future concerning their possible daughter, Cassie, as she never wanted them to go thru the same fate as her ruined time, whether it'd be in a lethal divorce, Revenants, or even Jax having a daughter named Jacqui while also going in a downward spiral after his wife was killed. Cage offered to work for Bollywood, the same thing Bruce Lee did for a time, and soon volunteered to be a part of the Special Forces.
With Raiden as the new Elder God, he summoned most of his fellow warriors for a final farewell near Fujin's crater... Liu Kang, Kung Jin, and Aiko grieved for him the most. She even made a kowtow, with Liu following suit, though it was a way to help hide the tears... She once feared if Raiden's decision was based around what became of him in her dystopian future, to which Lao and Fujin assured her it wasn't true. While she no longer had to worry about her astraphobia, she knew that Earthrealm would never be the same without Raiden as its guardian.
Mortal Kombat: Vengeance[]
Aiko was first seen having a hearty, though hasty, breakfast with Kung Jin, Kung Lao, and his sister-in-law, Kung Ling. They'd witnessed a sporadic and violent lightning storm which startled the two women and tween, excepting Lao since he observed the bolts striking the same place thinking it was Raiden. Aiko was hesitant to head out there and follow Lao to the Wu Shi Arena. Though she was thankful the bolts were only striking the arena itself, much to her relief. Chasing after her man, she felt a little more comfortable, that was...until they surveyed the chaos.
It was indeed Raiden who was sending down the volatile electricity onto the Deadly Alliance. He and Nightwolf confirmed Liu Kang is dead... She mourned with her friends, and she was the most emotional. She was so deep in grief, she hardly heard the former Elder God's words on what transpired, that was until she heard Liu Kang's voice inside the golden dragon head!! She was flabbergasted on how Raiden managed to encase his soul just before Shang Tsung claimed it. With Liu's spirit still intact, Aiko shared Nightwolf and Lao's determination to put a stop to their sworn enemies.
She and Lao made some last-minute preparations for the journey as he was speaking in Mandarin to Jin's mom that she mustn't let the kid know of Liu's death, unless if they should fail and aren't back within a week. She even reminded Aiko to bring her beet/iron supplements with her and to make sure she took them twice a day. She, Lao and Nightwolf took a portal leading to Shang Tsung's Island, as a rendezvous point by Raiden as Fujin gathers the other Kombatants. Until then, Lao went thru some vigorous training as his body (the host) shall endure Liu's spirit (the guest) in order to outmaneuver the Deadly Alliance. She, Raiden and Nightwolf became like moral supporters to them.
Aiko still remained with the group a few days later, and she suggested they should use Kiba as a sort of soul-sniffing hound to make sure everyone was legit and not Shang in disguise. Raiden admired her strategy, and they reunited with Sonya and Johnny! Fujin was able to rendezvous them to the island while he shall gather the other distant Kombatants. She was taught with a few pointers by Sonya, even a spin kick once her leg got caught. She soon met up with Hanzo, Kuai, and his new apprentice, Frost, whom she quickly warmed up to. She was actually impressed on having a real, rare cardiokinetic around. After an hour introducing themselves and making last-minute preparations, Raiden and Fujin took the Kombatants to the Celestial Portal, before they shall set foot in Outworld where the God brothers are still powerless.
Aiko was shocked that when Lao volunteered to achieve the trial to crossover to Outworld, they saw his Revenant self! The abomination they both encountered during her heart melds on her dystopian future! She was scared when Lao fought him and wound up in a draw, until Liu offered to use his body! It gave him the homefield advantage incinerating the enemy, until Liu's soul returned into the dragon amulet causing Lao to collapse. She and Nightwolf came to his aid, although he was too hot and fatigued. Aiko gave him some of her energy after the cryomancers healed him. She went with the heroes and reunited with Jax, to whom she was ecstatic on settling down with Vera, and to make sure their future was secure with their oncoming kid. She then noticed a ruffle behind her, although she and Lao saw nothing.... She was excited when they reached Edenia and reunited with Kitana, Jade, Asgaarth, Sheeva and Sindel! She and Lao decided to break the troubling news of the Deadly Alliance and listened in on Sindel's plight involving Kahn's insurrection from Onaga and conquest of other realms; they must prevent the duo from resurrecting Onaga and his undead army, as did Kahn by poisoning the dragon and countering the legion with his generals. Kitana and Jade recruited each other to achieve the mission.
Aiko was astonished on Nightwolf programming her battle armor to churn into 3 different colors (crimson, turquoise and lime), even glow in the dark! Since Sonya mentioned the blue Cobalt armor, she was so glad her turquoise armor had it! She also dreaded on heading thru the Wastelands. She pretty much functioned as a healer to the group against the Onis, that was until she sensed that someone or something was behind them... Lao noticed her uneasiness, and he wanted to investigate the woods, but he shook off the idea as he never wanted them to be separated. Aiko and Lao took on the rear watching their comrades' sixes, until he spotted an obese pass out! To his shock, he turned out to be his former mentor, Bo' Rai Cho! Aiko thought he was the same harasser who sexually abused her during the night when she went back to the past in NJ, though Lao disconfirmed that. She watched him confront the drunkard only to be crushed by the bum's intense bodywight! She immediately casted her cardiokinesis and attempted to expand and explode Bo's heart! When Lao recieved enough energy from him, he implored her to stop! She was ogled by the lardass for a moment in which Lao came to her defense! Her friends came and they were all disgusted by the disturbing blob! They soon left and Jade, Jax and Johnny would defend her from the former sensei! She stayed up with Lao after they set up camp, and it took a while for the couple to get some shut eye. She was still surprised no one mentioned Bo' Rai Cho to her after the last few years; Liu came to the conclusion it was out of old shame and trauma-induced amnesia.
Aiko followed the Kombatants inside the Lost Tomb, where Onaga and his undead followers shall rise again after being decimated by Kahn. She watched Lao, Hanzo, Kuai and Jax bash them asunder, only to be bothered by persistent flies! Her heart began to race as she traced an intruder; it had the same soul-piercing turquoise eyes and a metallic glimmer. She cried for Lao to watch out, and by reflex, he threw his hat which irritated the incoming beast! The demon ripped off the eyepatch, revealing a third golden eye! Hanzo identified Moloch and Drahmin and was assisted by Jax. Both men won over them easily, though Lao was in a terrible rage interrogating Drahmin, only to get discouragement and no answers, just wandering into the fugitive, Quan Chi's, trap. Nightwolf traced the Alliance's location and Jade dreaded they'd be heading thru the Sarna Ruins.
Aiko stuck with the team as they traversed thru the arid landscape; she even queried if they had drinks handy, in which Kuai confirmed he and Frost shall provide them if the need be. With assistance from Lao's hat, and Kitana's fans, they made the trip, until everyone noticed a cyclone! Due to inexperience, ferocity and colossal height, it intimidated her. Lao took on the offensive, determined to decimate the storm while recalling Fujin's training. She watched agog as his Spin Time Brutality overpowered the funnel; however, no one was there to catch his fall, until an invisible field did. It turned out to be the psychokinetic, Kenshi! Aiko was thrilled on his role in the konflict, to the point on her making a comparison to Mewtwo! She backpedaled and stated to wait a few more years...
As the conversation shifted, she managed to hear distant booms. She became entranced by the tribal drums, in which Nightwolf couldn't convey, yet Kitana and Jade warned they belonged to the Makeba tribe! Aiko then followed the enticing sounds, and the team chased to the Drum Arena! Aiko became more aroused by the assembly and their chieftain, Konga, anointing her... She denounced him as her Chieftain and she gone under the drums' prowess as she added to their ferocity; even her heart and dedendum acted up, while Kenshi challenged the giant brawler! As he stabbed him with his telekinetic sword, he broke Aiko's hold and was retrieved by Kung Lao! The Dragonfly emerged and the group escaped.
Aiko recovered yet she was still dazed. She wished for Kenshi to empower her defective mind, as he sensed it. Kung Lao confessed she was born with those setbacks, and Kenshi promised to help after the adventure is successful. Aiko then slept with Lao staying by her side.
Aiko was woken up hours later by Kiba licking her face as Nightwolf and Kung Lao announced that Jax'd be landing the Dragonfly. She headed out with the group, but she stayed next to the stationed ship while the Special Forces, Hanzo, Liu's spirit and the cryomancers chased after Cyrax into the volcano! Moments later, the team were ambushed by Outworlder hobos, until a Kombatant with long arm blades came to her aid. He turned out to be the Tarkatan leader, Baraka, and much like Aiko, he too went back in time! He even gifted her a red staff named the Kwan Do, a weapon that was given to her future self; Baraka and Sindel were her trainers and close allies! Kenshi confirmed he spoke the truth! Soon after, she reunited with the remainder of the group, with Cyrax absent since he managed to return to Earthrealm.
She was fascinated due to Baraka knowing and supporting her, aside from being from a different time, not ruled by Revenants much. Then, much to her disgust, Bo' Rai Cho was a stowaway on the Dragonfly! She was appalled, however, Bo' got involved in an altercation with Baraka due to him and his kind being bloodthirsty and treacherous, even being hybrids from Netherrealm demons! However, after hearing Baraka's claims, she believed him! There was no evil intent, she was enthralled he and Bo' were her trainers even when she bested them in a Wu Shi tournament, and Bo had a change of heart when Liu and Lao recapped the former's fate. He changed his mind set to kill Baraka later and taught Aiko to use her Kwon Do! Till the Dragonfly was shot down by ambushing Red Dragons!
Aiko came to after Kung Lao; he began to tender her as he recollected the fall of his allies. She woke up slowly and Kiba licked her face, assuring that he and Nightwolf were unscathed contrary to the other Kombatants. While the Matokan summoned his ancestors' strength, Liu theorized they'd been revived by another source... She still stuck with the group as they treaded thru Moloch's Lair, and she was shaken up of the torture chamber and the dying prisoner. Even when the Onis ambushed the team! Hanzo and Baraka were at a losing situation, until Liu suggested for the Tarkatan to impale the crazed demon! Baraka soon assisted the Shirai Ryu against Moloch, and she was able to use their essences to revitalize the duo!
Aiko also participated in the Tarkatan melee, though she soon became overwhelmed by the endless waves of enemies. She was often unable to use her cardiokinesis, but mostly her Bo and club. She even hollered there were too many assailants until they suddenly dwindled thanks to Raiden and Fujin who finally decided to aid the heroes in Outworld! She was thrilled to see the God brothers again since before they left the Celestial Portal! She was soon able to make Hsu Hao's artificial heart self-destruct after Jax ripped it out of the traitor's chest; she was nervous before since she feared it'd explode if she dared to attack it! With the waves finally cleared off, the heroes took a short respite before entering Shang's Palace.
At the Tarkatan War Kamp, Lao meditated next to the bonfire with Aiko and Nightwolf. She tended him as he woke up as Nightwolf was ready to pass on the new broth which was said to help focus their minds even in midst of rage. Aiko passed it around while Lao discussed with the Kombatants; they weren't certain who Lao's wingman'd be, though Liu was. Aiko announced to them everyone's ready a few moments later. The heroes soon witnessed the Soulnado, and Fujin ordered Lao to assist him on shutting down the source of endless souls! Liu stated his soul isn't safe, and so he offered for Aiko to take care of the dragon amulet. Aiko got her hands full with the remaining Tarkatans as she immersed with the other heroes, until Fujinand Kung Lao decimated the funnel!
Courtesy of Aiko's heart gem, it invigorated Lao's energy! She witnessed Raiden struggling against the Deadly Alliance, and Liu ordered her to face the amulet towards Lao! His soul went straight for his body, possessing it! They merged once more, making aerosol moves while Nightwolf volunteered with his soul-empowered weapons and draining their vitality! After what seemed like an eternity, Lao was weary from battle until Aiko's heart jewel revived him again; she theorized she can make the opposite of the cursed crystallized heart of Tetsurri, resulting in more positive effects. And thru his rage after remembering seeing Liu dead on the lei tai, Lao became irate and rained down severe blows till he conjured his Tornado Brutality!! Shang and the funnel eventually exploded! Leaving a wounded Lao in its wake.
Kenshi and Nightwolf carried him to the Nethership, where he rested in the cabin. Aiko remained by his side as he slept till the team finally reached Earthrealm.
Aiko and Liu awakened Lao after several hours when the Nethership landed near the Wu Shi Academy. She, along with Lao, Kai, Jin, his mom and Liu, headed to his newly built, sacred shrine erected by the Shaolin initiates. The monks cheered for their success, and also cried for the ascension of the Champion's peaceful soul... Aiko mourned for him as Lao lit another stick of incense as he bowed and prayed for a safe passage. That was until Nightwolf interrupted the ritual with a frantic and alarming message...
Onaga, the Dragon King has been reborn!!
Return of the Dragon King[]
Aiko became anxious as soon as she saw Kung Lao along with several Kombatants leave Liu Kang's Tomb via portal to Outworld. She began pacing in it until another rip opened and out stepped Kenshi! He, much like her, sensed something is amiss in Outworld; she was relieved she never lost Kung Lao, as she lent a heart gem to him before he faced the Deadly Alliance, and she would've felt chest pain, or the gem would've gotten dark. Kenshi encouraged her to take the portal to Shang Tsung's Palace, which by the time they arrived, it was in shambles! Kenshi assured he didn't sense any loss of life, before they were ambushed by Ermac! Aiko rushed in with her club, but she was just a glass cannon as the soul shifter attacked her, causing her to have a delirium; her mind drifted to when she observed Kung Jin playing the NES version of The Legend of Kage, being frustrated with the unforgiving difficulty! Then it faded as it held the last key, causing her to recall a lulling song. She began to whistle to it and the melody attracted Ermac whom hesitated. As soon as Kenshi used his telepathy, he was able to use his blade and sliced the chains which broke Kahn's thrall! He then restored Aiko's head from the impact, and she was shocked to know he was actually the lost ruler of Edenia, Jerrod!! He then offered to take Kenshi and Aiko to the Palace after receiving news of Onaga's resurrection!
By the time he, Kenshi and Aiko reached the Palace, the guardsmen blocked their entry. They complained on the Queen's disappearance and now dealing with more intruders... Jerrod, by speaking his normal voice despite the eerie getup, tried to assure them otherwise, and Kenshi proved he was correct by projecting Ermac's thoughts onto them. Eventually, they remembered the long-lost ruler, while Aiko was whistling the song she heard while zoning out. Recognizing the melody and reading Jerrod's thoughts they stated Sindel, Jade and half of the royal guard had left to find Onaga's remains. He remembered they'd be preserved in the Lost Tomb, and he grew suspicious. She stated before she met Kenshi, she and her allies went there and cleaned out the tomb of all the sarcophaguses, excepting one... He then decided to take the pair there, but before he did, the guards gave Ermac a special stitching for his uniform, which was said to represent the yaz letter to symbolize him as a free man!
Aiko arrived with Kenshi and Ermac aside the Lost Tomb, then the telepath sensed a lot of tension ahead. Moments later, they saw the possessed Kitana and Tanya face off Jade and Sindel! Jade was able to wipe out the rebel easily, though the Edenians hardly raised a hand at the revenant. Ermac stalled and tossed her to Onaga's tomb hitting her head, and Kenshi ordered Aiko to whistle that song again. She did while Kenshi magnified and transferred it inside Kitana's mind. It made her come to and gaze onto Ermac's revelation as the lost King Jerrod! Upon the Edenians' reunions, Aiko couldn't help but tear up as well. Kenshi cleared his throat to get the Kombatants' attention, and she wondered what happened to Kung Lao. Liu stated he's with Hanzo searching for the realms' Champions in order to strike back Onaga. His mission is to hunt for more victims, thus increasing his army, and find the last Kamidogu. Jade reiterated it's the most omnipotent object in the universe to Aiko, Shinnok's Amulet as it shone in the rear wall. The heart gem was still bright, even when Aiko headed thru the Earthrealm portal to Liu Kang's Tomb with the gang.
They arrived there and Liu suggested to contact either Kuai or Hanzo of the Temple's location; Hanzo picked up first to Kenshi and Aiko's amazement! By the time Kenshi and Hanzo's transmissions were down on account of the revenant Special Forces, the blindman recommended her heart gem to communicate as an alternative; it worked since Kung Lao had that same jewel! Hanzo wasn't sure who the Edenian Champion was until Jerrod decided to impersonate as him! Although he and Liu had to reunite with Lao and Hanzo, even when she was feeling some chest pains... They were about to head thru a mountain range, much to her dismay, until the team was spared by Fujin! She was ecstatic to see him, although he couldn't stay as he needed to teleport everyone to patrol the Temple of Elements. Hours passed, and she struck up a conversation with Li Mei, involving her love for Kung Lao; she had the same heart gem he had symbolizing their bond. She was fascinated how Aiko loves a hero of Earth as mentioned so much by Bo', despite Aiko knowing him as a drunkard. She and Li noticed Johnny acting up as the Edenian knights thru him into a ditch cell! Though Kenshi sensed something ominous emitting from the Academy. He offered Aiko to come along via portal, and Sindel assured her...
"Even if you feel the realm may be against you, know that I'll always remain by your side. Remember that."
With renewed confidence, she and Kenshi received some distress signals.
The Wu Shi Academy was under attack!!
She and Kenshi raced toward the omnipresence, then she hesitated when the blind swordsman sensed the monks in peril. He also picked up her astraphobia acting up as the red lightning struck within the monstrous storm cloud. He assured he can block her mind's nervous receptors temporarily, otherwise it cause further problems. Still her head was emanating a blue glow for a few seconds before she felt numb. They proceeded to the panicked crowd near the Temple of Light, and Kenshi ordered Aiko to escort them to safety. But it wasn't long before they witnessed their assailant, Liu Kang as his decaying, grey-green self, bound with chains and incoherent! They were alarmed by that terrible sight, and worse Raiden was his more corrupt self having Liu as his enforcer wreaking havoc to those who'd be a threat to Earthrealm!! Kenshi urged her to run to the Dragon Grotto before confronting them! She awaited with the monks, minus Kung Jīn since he was at school still, hoping for someone to aide Kenshi and put an end to Liu's and Raiden's unsuspecting wrath! She soon met up with Kenshi and Ermac as the latter escorted the wounded swordsman. Moments later, intense cracks of thunder shook the Grotto, and Aiko and Kenshi couldn't believe it was a natural storm. Nightwolf then teleported into the Grotto via portal and assured that Raiden's himself again. Minutes later, it has been confirmed when Raiden approached, putting Aiko in a stupe. Until she spotted the glimmer from a familiar hat. She rushed into Kung Lao and gave him a tight embrace! Raiden assured he's his benevolent self and received intel of his darker self of Shujinko's tragic fate; it was now up to the Champions to stop Onaga and use the Kamidogu, while Aiko and others shall defend the Temple of Elements from the Dragon's forces. While there, Kenshi assured Lao would survive the ordeal.
It wasn't long before Aiko noticed Johnny's erraticism! She was aware of him, Sonya and Jax still under Onaga's thrall, though she tried and failed to stop his heart and prevent him from reaching the last Kamidogu! His heart slipped away like a wet eel, until Ashrah descended and incapacitated him! She was awestruck such an elegant woman was a demon from the Netherrealm, and she was determined to seek out the Special Forces in Outworld.
Aiko was able to observe Onaga's battle in the Jinsei with her heart gem, courtesy of Kung Lao having the same; it was likely that his was shattered with the severe impacts of the dragon, much like Liu's amulet shattering. She was also cheering for her lover and her friends to win over the tyrant, even when Lao escaped Onaga's Powerbomb via Teleport and instead attack from above with the Shaolin Dive! She was ecstatic they won over Onaga, until she received word from Raiden of Lao's and Liu's fates. She was then escorted to the Sky Temple and waited on the summit. Still, she watched from afar, anxious on her Shaolin brothers' welfare. Kenshi comforted her astraphobia as the sky flashed with lightning as everyone prayed. She was the first to sense and see Lao emerge from the Jinsei and she ecstatically ran and embraced him! Lao returned the gesture, glad to see her, and even Li Mei was relieved. Aiko was just as thrilled when Liu recovered at long last since his death, as he and Lao were named as Champions and saviors of all the realms!
Final Kombat[]
She was first seen in her dystopian world invaded by Quan Chi and Shinnok leading their undead legion throughout Earthrealm! She and her refugee kamp managed to find an abandoned haven with as many resources as possible, until the Revenants followed her there! Knowing who she was, they massacred the leader for ransom and Aiko watched him die as she hid herself in a nearby closet! She scurried and found a defective automobile and she decided to take her own life while obliterating theirs! Until she was abruptly transported into the past! She narrowly escaped as the vehicle lost control and crashed into a nearby ally wall! She then noticed a male call her name, although it was Lao instead of the zombified Liu Kang!
She'd been suffering from a few nightmares highlighting her ruined life and Lao grew very concerned... They got ready for breakfast and Lao translated the newsbreak for her from Mandarin as it summarized a sudden meteor that hit a terroristic base in Charred Mountain, Amazonia filled with Black and Red Dragons. Lao then answered a call from Raiden who wanted to summon them to the Dragon Grotto. She dreaded she may have to disable the traps which she still had to study multiple times in order to avoid making a fell swoop. Fortunately, it was via portal as she and Lao reunited with Liu, Kitana, Nightwolf, Kenshi, Hanzo, Kuai, Smoke, Frost, and their new recruit the scout, Frederick. Raiden summarized that Armageddon and Blaze's menace was upon them and she shared with their angsts that their nemeses may take advantage of it. The Thunder God and Hanzo concluded they may hatch machinations in the Netherrealm. Since her soul may've been still tainted by her heart being corrupted by Shinnok along with Lao's, they took on the mission with Hanzo, Nightwolf, Raiden, and Frederick.
Aiko was warned by Raiden she must have her beet supplements handy, in which the container was half full. Everyone boarded Kharon's Ship, with Lao close to her side, even during the battle fighting off the undead legions drowning from the Sea of Blood; she mimicked Raiden's strategy using her Bo staff as a weapon, although it didn't take long as she contracted a headache, nausea, and lightheadedness from the revolting chemicals, the rough current and the constant invasions! She wandered away from the clusters, but it only made her sickness worse, until she fell overboard due to a sudden quake! Kung Lao was frantic to save her, as she'd fall forever, until a red dragon caught her in the nick of time! Aiko was ecstatic on riding on a real dragon whom he introduced himself as Caro, a former guardian of Daegon and mascot to the Red Dragons which he regretted. He carried her aloft to avoid any more sickness and breathed fire onto the ship before she'd the chance to warn her friends were onboard! Luckily, they escaped onto the isle via Frederick's blip spell, and since she was still vulnerable, Raiden entrusted her to healing duties as they ascended Shinnok's Spire and fought thru Imps and demons. She managed to heal her allies a few times, though her cures were limited due to the humidity. She and Lao soon were tempted by a sudden omnipresence till they made it out as Shinnok!!
Raiden was furious with him and Taven cleaning house, until Aiko was horrified that he mimicked her cardiokinesis and conjured a black heart gem! Lao and Nightwolf were furious, but it was only after their last encounter, when he was overwhelmed by the positive energy on Liu's heart and shielded by Nightwolf! This soon made his mind crack, diffuse into a weaker vessel with his double, and remembered Cetrion and Kronika! Aiko was a tad fascinated with Shinnok's plight, and Raiden found his mole spying on his stronger counterpart conspiring their enemies for Armageddon and claiming the prize from the defeat of Blaze. Caro then conjured a portal to Earthrealm until he collapsed.
Aiko and company went to Caro's side, although Raiden separated the group moments later to give him Jinsei energy. He then offered to escort Aiko and Caro to the Grotto for recovery and Lao and Taven offered to tag along, although the latter had a change of heart after Caro confessed that Daegon has become more evil than they recognize, even killing their parents as he was upset about the quest. Taven wanted to discuss matters with Orin and he went to his cave. Raiden and Aiko still appreciated Caro's rescue and it seemed like he knew her; only it was the Oriental that knew her, pretty much everyone. while the trio did some R&R. Caro warned the couple that the quest was pretty much a trap, a conspiracy for all Kombatants to kill each other over the prize on defeating Blaze. Soon, she had a few hallucinations while her heart gem acted up; one was her brief vision on Revenant Liu Kang and his cohorts greeting Shinnok, while the other was an ancient engraving that had its head missing. Kung Lao saw the latter vision and Caro summarized that not only Blaze was the embodiment of destruction and the end, but those who're exposed to its flames have a fate worse than death; to have their spirits never move on, but rather be erased, erased from existence.
She didn't remember dosing off, but she, Kung Lao and Caro did while recovering, until Raiden awakened them. She wondered how long they were out of it, which was only a few hours. She then warned Raiden that she believed her heart gems had been tainted by Shinnok to eavesdrop on their endeavors for Armageddon. Raiden advised everyone to discard them and only use them during the inevitable fight; he soon coaxed Liu, Kitana and Sindel to do the same in Edenia. Raiden then escorted the trio out to the Academy before her heart gems were put aside, and she was instructed to wait for the other Kombatants after the Thunder God told Caro to return to the Yin Yang Island and discover if his savior was Liu Kang from another time, as there were already two versions of Aiko and Baraka.
At one point, Kenshi sensed her mind stalling as she picked up a transmission from someone, while also using her weakness. Aiko slipped into a trance and Raiden became curious of the reception; it concerned the outcome of Armageddon on how "He must win," their hearts, one and together. She snapped out of her fluke and Raiden kept that piece of advice to himself. She was soon chosen as one of the training subjects as Raiden explained to her, Frederick, Nightwolf and Kai of the Tests of Might, Sight and Balance before the original tournament. Liu and Lao passed, as they did in the current tests, while Aiko remained dead last; she was unsuccessful in the Balance trial, she was only able to make it up to the steel slab, and she only made it up to six cups in the difficult randomized cups trial. As a result, she was ineligible for the final battle, although Lao and Frederick decided to stay with her while Liu, Nightwolf and Kai went to the Edenian soiree.
She and Lao went to the bedroom they shared for one more time before Armageddon. Aiko assured Lao that Jin'd return from school any minute, and he theorized that he'd know of the battle from Raiden. He urged her to stay out of the battle whatever happens, and she was reluctant. Lao pleaded her to do so, and they passionately embraced and kissed each other in which the intimacy may had lasted for hours, but only minutes before he hugged her from behind and slowly left to meet up with Fujin. Aiko followed him out and watched the aerokinetics leave, and she was in tears...
Frederick tended to her, until she suddenly felt her own heart gem begin to take a jolt. She observed it took a blurry image and bolts were licking it. She found a blue zip as if a portal was just sealed, until she hesitantly touched it causing it to expand. It led to the Dragon Grotto, and she went into it! Her feet began to vibrate, and the white light dissipated showing Liu Kang in a distinctive form! He urged her to lay down her only heart gem next to his and the comatose Kitana. He told her that only Caro would know what to do while he declared he shall fulfill his destiny as the Chosen One and destroy Blaze. Much to Aiko's horror, this would be his final kombat... She watched him ascend then dissipate similar to Raiden.
While Armageddon was raging and when Liu finally confronted Blaze, Aiko felt her heart gem ignite while the Elder God amulet was beginning to destroy itself! Caro sent Aiko's combined gem to the Oriental via rip who witnessed the Edenian collapse suddenly, and Raiden's amulet was shattered. Without her gem, she recalled all the time shifts and finally unveiled it wasn't from the negligible Kronika nor Raiden...it was him! Fire God Liu Kang was responsible for erasing Kronika and Cetrion, sending Aiko and Baraka back from their distant future, encouraged Kung Lao to keep on living, and watching over everyone... She broke down never wanting him to sacrifice himself and never noticing Kitana's vessel dissolve while the gem revitalized the Edenian on the island... Eventually, the Edenian was revitalized from her gem and the Oriental spotted her on the island itself. Aiko's mind began to overreact, and she tried to fight back the hallucinations on the world being destroyed, until she noticed waves crashing calmly and found herself on a tropical island. She followed Caro to a clearing where a Hourglass stood as was Kitana without her vial! With ecstasy she reunited with her, and she recognized Aiko preserving her memories from her heart gem; all her deeds would live on, and the Elder Gods should bless her for it!
A day had passed as Aiko mentioned to the monks of Lao's, Fujin's, Nightwolf's and Kai's hopeful return while the rest mourned for their fallen mentors. She assisted some of the denizens as she weakened a tuna's heart for them to catch it, until they spotted a silhouette with a rimmed hat! They suspected he was Lao undead, but due to her cardiokinesis, his gem reacted and was affected by the sudden pang. Aiko rushed toward Lao who apologized for being gone... They made a tearful reunion and he shown her gem still lively and Liu's lost headband... They cried for a while before Lao was willing to pay his respects at his Tomb. He relinquished the spiked arm blades, the dragon armor and the red headband, though he was hesitant on the latter due to mounting grief. After it was secure, Lao sunk and buried his face as he sobbed, while all Aiko could do was tend him...
They didn't notice the eternal flame churn to blue and the whisper of Lao's name, until a man gradually descended and called again. They saw Liu Kang as his merged self!! He explained he was from another time. He confirmed he sent Aiko and Baraka to the past and watched over his friends for so long, ever since he and Kitana watched Earthrealm reform. He encouraged Aiko to take care of Lao since his destiny as Chosen One came full circle. He assures he would see everyone again soon... Lao and Aiko wondered if he would ever return someday.
Jin and Aiko met up with Lao and Kai at the we tei of the Wu Shi Arena, and she was excited to have Johnny produce her fics as...books for the moment before feature films as he had Cassie coming. Jin hoped for Lao and Aiko to settle, although they started to once she shown her diamond engagement ring! Lao planned on adopting Jin and training him in the ways of the Shaolin by 18, and he still pines for Liu to visit...
Several years later... Aiko still joined with Lao and her nephew, Jin, as the several Kombatants boarded in a Black Hawk amongst the new Special Forces; even having Kai, Cassie, Jacqui and others as fresh members! They embarked toward Kotal's turf with their allies from Outworld and Edenia and faced off with Kotal and his new recruits in what used to be Kahn's Arena! Just another day's work for her relationship with the young Shaolin and the new Chosen One!
Kontentment[]
Several weeks after Armageddon, she and Kung Lao were still mourning over Liu's and Raiden's sacrifices. He actually left to go thru personal mindful training as he reinstated to the Order of Light. She was in their shared bedchamber when a red rip appeared! Recognizing the crimson orb, she began to connect the dots, even after she saw the snout of a dragon peek out! She followed it thru and wound up on Yin Yang Island! She was astonished to return there, and she knew it was Caro whom she hadn't seen in so long! Unfortunately, a storm began to pick up and she was desperate to find shelter! She spotted the nearby cave and went straight to it, never caring what was occupying it! She was relieved by the warmth and the exotic draconlike decor, and sure enough, it was Caro! They reunited and made herself at home, and she heard all of his stories recapping Liu and Kitana's time-hopping missions as a way to calm her during the tropical storm!
She was amazed on how Liu and Kitana became the new Keepers of Time after he defeated Kronika, attained the Krown from Shang, went to the dawn of time to resculpt history, and how they settled in Edenia. She was also fascinated he won the first-ever tournament against Kahn and became part of the Pantheon, even when he tied the knot with the Edenian! She thought everything was euphoric, until Caro highlighted the death of the Great Kung Lao after he won against Shang and Goro! Liu fell from grace and hid themselves as they made their isle sanctuary. She was amazed he still saved her from her dystopian future along with Baraka and stayed till Armageddon. Then the couple trained Caro as the new guardian, and she soon met their demigod newborn, Cheung!! She gifted Liu his own heart gem and announced it to the Shaolin when the storm finally passed!
Koherence[]
This takes place after their victory over Onaga and before Armageddon.
Aiko had been anxious, uneasy over something... Over the talk she had last night with Nightwolf, as he stated that someone in his former Matoka tribe within the East Coast needed his help, on something big and personal. The thing was, his last born is yet to attain her Matokan name. On top of that, out of curiosity, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and soon Raiden decided to tag along with the Shaolin being curious to Matoka customs. She was just antsy they'd leave so suddenly and Nightwolf and Raiden stated this can take about 5 days, with her, Fujin, Kai, and Jin staying behind.
She soon brought the news to Jin and his mom, and Lao affirmed this. The former monk said he was interested in Nightwolf's odyssey, ever since they dealt with the Makeba as she was entranced by them. He assured her it'd be over before she'd know it. After breakfast it was time for Lao to leave with Raiden, and Aiko wondered why she's always being swayed; the God only stated the answer would come in due time, and he assured that Fujin would still stay and look out for the Shaolin. She soon had a pep talk with Jin before school as he was curious as to why she didn't leave; everyone, mortal or no, has a weakness; that no one is invincible, and hers was Indian customs, but mostly their tribal drums, ever since she was 4 first encountering them on a Sesame Street episode of all things, followed by other references to various media growing up. Only Nightwolf understood of her triggers. She even referred to his past talk about separation anxiety, the same that Ernie went thru when Bert was away, or if Kung Lao was involved in kombat.
Jin wished Lao luck as he was leaving for the rip. She then expressed her worries, as to how and why she's connected to them and why they affect her the way they do; she believed that maybe she's too tension sensitive, amongst several others such as touch, sound, light, not into spicy foods. Which is why she needs an anchor, more than anything! To her surprise, it was Kenshi!! It wasn't just cuz he picked up tension, via Aiko's heart gem once used for communication, but rather because Raiden passed on the news. He still was miffed she pronounced Takeda wrong as she thought he'd still be staying with Hanzo and the Shirai Ryu. It couldn't have been a better time since he was planning to train Aiko to enhance her heart thru coherence, the ability to use the heart and mind simultaneously! She thought it'd be easier said than done, although she remembered Liu's lesson with Kai, same with Lao's, that the body, soul and mind must be one to achieve anything! She asked what he suggested, and a quick run shall be a good warmup designed to enhance the heart. Jin's mom shall prepare meals specially for the heart as well. She jogged around the shoji, took a slight break, and then paced herself from the Wu Shi Academy, then back. Kenshi taught her some breathing exercises to soothe her. She discussed of her weakness as she went in depth over the history of those incidents, starting with the same experience the quartet are endeavoring to.
In day two, she had whatever leftovers she had and went with Kenshi to the White Lotus. They had several warmups before their meeting led by Fujin in which they sympathized with her plight over the Makeba during the wars with the Deadly Alliance followed by Onaga. She then felt disheartened as members left and abandoned enlightenment since meditation kindled their negativity. The Society since then became her topmost mission.
The third day, Kenshi encouraged her to climb the tall monastery outside of the Order. It was tumultuous, 30 feet in height! She was able to make only halfway with little to no problem, but it wasn't until she was struggling from fatigue the rest of the way; she even slipped on a stone step, and her mind began to wander and succumb to her curse. Until she registered a song with a similar tempo. She used it to climb up slowly and go with the beat, as the heart functioned as her own pace. They finally reached the top, and she was weary though grateful she won't have to descend the insecure slabs, even without any side rails. They visited Edenia and decided to create a riveting number as Aiko and Kenshi volunteered with Goro and Jerrod, to who she was ecstatic to see a real keytar contrary to seeing it in random animated series. She had her confidence restored knowing they, Fujin, and Ashrah can be ready within 3 days!
She and Kenshi visited the Edenian Palace and discussed their plan. Sindel was intrigued and she offered her talented musicians, Goro and Jerrod, to assist. Kitana asked where Liu Kang was, and she was disappointed he couldn't make it on account of personal matters with the Matoka. She and Kenshi returned to Fujin at the White Lotus grounds and gave him the scoop, then she yearned for Kung Lao as he yearned for her as they wished each other goodnight and good luck.
The band gathered near the Sky Temple. During the rehearsals of the numbers that she and Fujin chose, they were sometimes being distracted by the Matoka's calling via the heart gems, as they needed them to emit positive energy to their distant allies specifically the Shaolin. It was good she'd forgotten to bring her own, as there'd be no distractions, while the rest were about a foot away. By that night, she picked up her gem which began to emanate the Matoka's sonokinesis, making her cave into their thrall like how she was affected by the Makeba. She sat cross-legged on the mattress, and she followed their tantalizing beats, urging her to be a part of the tribe where her family is... Until her undead self saw her lively form! Thru that sudden revelation, it snapped her out of her flunk and startled she has a darker tone, wearing tribal attire AND is from the Netherrealm!! She explained she cohered with the drums too at the same time causing reality to be disrupted and converged two dimensions! They're from the same time, but circumstances were entirely different, as Revenant Liu Kang converted her and her death, making them chieftains of the Netherrealm, Shinnok became powerless, and the Matoka, Makeba, and all tribes are a part of them! She advised the living Aiko to accept and embrace the dark secret of herself as it's a part of who she is, and who the Revenant is; she shut off the transmission before the dimensions may swap, leaving the human bewildered.
Aiko holding the heart gem anticipating the dreaded Matokan heat dance before she and Fujin led the koncert
She told Fujin and even he was surprised, but he stated she was wrong of the time zones; that China is ahead of the East Coast by 13 hours instead of 8 like she figured, as they must begin at 8pm compared to the Matoka's 7am, around the time the...similar media aired. In the heavens they can start anytime, but it was still of the essence. Luckily, the band was adhering quickly, ready for their golden moment. Raiden visited briefly and was impressed of their goals. Rehearsals continued until the ceremony began making everyone anxious, even the spectators. Fujin signaled for him and Aiko to make their fanfare announcement before they performed their first number; she was just the coordinator then, even during their backup number as the ceremony dragged on longer than expected. No worries, as they succeeded, her hearts glistened and ignited lifting everyone's spirits and breaking her family's thralls!
Minutes later, she was in her room pining for Lao and wishing he and her comrades were there. Raiden made a surprise appearance their work is done, and he was proud on what she'd accomplished! After Armageddon, she was discussing with the Kungs she'd forgotten to ask Raiden if there was something more than just sheer sensitivity. Out of nowhere, Fire God Liu Kang greeted the trio! He wanted to invite Aiko personally to the Hourglass with Lao, as her anchor, to go along. He summarized that Aiko was a mixed breed, having European DNA before immigrating to the Americas, where...they settled with the Matoka thus having distant ancestry with them! He stated that Aiko possessed a sliver of them in her blood thus being drawn to them and other things ever since she was 4! He ensured that as long as she accepted and no longer fears that part of herself, she may be more powerful, just themselves in the altered Hell. He's willing to have her be trained and harness them for the greater good, even improving her coherence more, She and Lao accepted with the upmost gratitude!
Unaliving War & Tribal Ceremony[]
In a non-canon roleplaying event created by Unaliving Liu Kang, Aiko was converted into a Revenant. During the Darkseid War, she began to embrace her more sinister impulses after she was too horrified to fight Liu at first glance. With some painful bites, the lacerations began to spread, having the host's dark desires consume her. Aiko now embraces her new fate and wishes to put an end to the Elder Gods while also recruit their brethren for their cause. Instead of fighting, though, she utilizes her corrupted heart gem and performed the enticing ritual of the Makeba to draw and convert them for their war.
They did emerge victorious as they retreated! Liu adnired her for her drive to succeed as she functioned as the shield and dark power source, even giving them strength and motivation from her dark hearts and the Makeba war drums. During the respite, she wishes to carry out his desires, to be his significant other and soothe the wounds Kitana left him...
The Chieftains of the Netherrealm, AiKang
With their surrender and retreat, she made Kang as her konsort, and soon their followers bestowed her their own tribal demon headdress. Even though he appreciated all the work she'd done to seize victory by functioning as the shield and their dark drive during the war effort, despite their budding feelings for each other, there's still more battle plans that need to be done, especially against Darkseid whom she never met; she wished for Kang to not overexert himself, whom she believes would turn on him. She then performed the powwow.
As the new chieftess, he enlisted Aiko to lead the next powwow as she should handpick who'd govern the separate realms under their jurisdiction. He anointed himself as her eternal consort.
She wondered what her attraction to Liu was, and he stated it's mostly her physique like a goddess, her heart of gold, and her loyalty as they come. She then officially addressed Liu and Lao as both her lovers and made them as the Unholy Trinity; neither male was ridiculed nor backed down, they both seemed to embrace it giving her confidence to follow their chieftain to the darkest depths of the abyss where he was and increased their omnipresence. They vanquished whoever was left of the petty Elder Gods and upon Aiko's offer, Liu was deeply fascinated with her new way of communicating and converting the minds and hearts to those who listen to his new hand drum and emitting his own black heart. After that, with their victory absolute, he desired for Aiko to lead the new order of Elder Gods, and she grew worried on doing so since they usually don't watch over the realms nor the lower forms in them; after all, there was still Darkseid to deal with...
Chieftess Aiko close to Chieftain Liu Kang's side as he described their new adversary, Darkseid.
After a while, Liu told her upon her anxieties that they're actually Titans, capable on controlling time and space even speed. Every realm shall bend to their whims although Liu had still decided to stay as a God in Earthrealm while she patrols the realms. If they ever need each other, they're always a snap and a portal away. Nevertheless, she still felt isolated and missing Liu Kang got the best of her, so she beat her tribal drum hoping to draw him to her... Sure enough, he arrived, and she poured her heart out on how lonely she was since she never thought Elder Gods'd be directly involved with the realms. Liu assured with the new order, they now can be, and he made the offer he needed her by his side once more since his duties became overwhelming. He offered to give her a place to relax, either in a bustling setting or subtle place in which she picked the latter.
It wasn't long when Nightwolf informed the duo of the annual Tribal Ceremonies; everyone was drawn into it, even Liu's other associates. Deeply mesmerized by the customs and traditions, she and Liu decided to take that golden opportunity to recruit them for the Unaliving War against Darkseid. The chieftain sent his own associates to the top of the Eternal Palace, and she stuck with Liu and Lao closely, while the latter became trigger happy and the former describing his archnemesis.
After a night or two on finding their new faction, Liu offered Aiko to vacate for a while. He queried to Aiko if she'd want a bustling location or a relaxing one, in which she picked the latter since she felt so isolated and always hated noisy places with large crowds. So, with a portal built by the Shaolin, he took her to one of the desolated isles whereas they'd be out of sight from the Elder Gods' and the Titans' watchful eyes. It was a balmy, peaceful location in which Aiko figured it was amongst the Lost Sea, where it was actually close to Edenia's beaches.
After teaching her basic skills like swimming more properly from a dog paddle, or making a fire without elemental means, Liu discussed to Aiko that he had been restless and troubled for many moons. As he was unsuccessful to maintain peace throughout the realms. Aiko felt sympathetic and was willing to soothe his angsts, and the only way to do so is to "conquer the stars," while also bring an end to Darkseid and strip themselves of their powers! Aiko was reluctant, but Liu was willing to make that sacrifice, no longer fight, and live a peaceful life. She eventually accepted, and he vowed they'd stay together until the end.
Relationship with Kung Lao[]
Is the future truly set...?
While most of the Kombatants first met her when she was around 6, and was considered as a mediator and assistant, she was still entrusted as one of the protectors of Earthrealm. Raiden knew that she would be a valuable ally to the team, but despite her young age, everyone seemed to warm up to her quickly, unlike Kung Lao. When Aiko suddenly went back to the past, the monk only saved her out of honor. Little by little they began to bond emotionally and soon mutually, during her two meditation sessions and seeing her dystopian future. Since Earthrealm was invaded by Shao Kahn, he took the call to action and naturally needed to protect Aiko, aside from taking in Raiden's words as another chosen, albeit feeling skeptical. His curiousity soon peaked, and he was also willing to show her the Academy on account on being a lost soul. He seemed very kind to her and acted as a sort of mediator, as was Nightwolf.
Despite Aiko's anxieties involving the militaristic Chinese, he was self-aware and wanted to prove not everyone is as strict nor cold as them; he was aware of the brutal history and their relationship with Russia on account on Communism, and he'd shown her the Order of Light was a diamond in the rough not hellbent on labor, totalitarian government, etc. They also share the phrase, beware the kind ones, as they may seem docile but have a rough exterior, especially when showing no mercy to anyone who poses a threat to Earthrealm or those they cherish, contrary to Liu's compassionate side. They also seem to be logical amongst their circle of friends, and the most scrupulous.
Aiko couldn't understand why she was turned on by an Oriental of all people! Nightwolf believed Aiko was turned on by Lao because of some deep, traumatic incident; as when she was young, she used to have the hots for the Matokan as she was into his culture, Kiba, and being preoccupied after the Tetsurri incident, but it was Lao instead! She mentioned him saving her life from a sexual harasser and showing her the more peace-loving Order. It was indeed exactly that while gaining her fragile trust and setting her mind at ease.
He started to develop more deeper feelings to her than the rest of the group especially when he was anxious, then nervous, on what would become in her dystopian life. He was willing to defend Aiko from any threat and promises to prevent their uncertain travesties. They even shared a passionate kiss to accept their hearts with one another. Even their first date during a hearty meal at one of the legendary Hibachi establishments! Lao has always been a guide to Aiko in learning Chinese, including Mandarin, his native language.
Aside from entrusting Raiden as a chosen and seeing her potential, she was a sort of adult companion to Kung Jin, his nephew, who seemed to restore her heart she kept hidden after so many years. Two years later, she was successful on attaining enlightenment which increased her strength, opening her heart and mind more, and being a promising mediator to Lao as well as others. He also became her tutor involving basic kombat. But they both dropped out from the Order of Light and became White Lotus Society members full-time, as the former appalled violence and defending other realms.
Aiko stayed with Lao as her bodyguard thru Edenia and the war of Shinnok. He seemed to be humbler this time around sharing her heart. They actually did have Shinnok capture them and manipulated the darkness in them, including their fears on society failing them and turning corrupt. They both also shared the same regrets working for evil and justifying the fates they saw. They soon recovered, mostly physically rather than mental, and with Raiden gone, they still shared the same dreads if Earthrealm and Edenia shall be in peril again...
They still took the noble cause after they spotted Liu Kang's fallen body. Willing to avenge their Shaolin brother, they decided to rally up the Kombatants, with Aiko still being a moral supporter to Lao as he went thru intense training encasing Liu's spirit. They too have shared bitter and humiliating experiences with Bo' Rai Cho; with Lao disconfirming that he was her harasser when she arrived in the past. Lao and Kenshi were able to save Aiko after her thrall amongst the Makeba tribe, symbolizing their relationship more as he's the strong anchor to Aiko's fragile buoy, as implied by Raiden during Kahn's invasion. Kenshi then saw and sensed the deep relationship between the two. And it was unveiled later that Aiko gifted a gem encasing her life energy, which soon revived her, Lao and Nightwolf after the ship crash and fighting the Deadly Alliance. Both of her anchors were revived twice, but mostly to Kung Lao as a second heart solidifying their relationship in battle; as Lao as the defensive one with Aiko as the healer.
After Lao was taken in by Li Mei, he resisted her temptation as his heart belongs to Aiko only; indicating their heart gems for one another. Aiko even came to the conclusion that she'd feel something if anything should happen to Lao, or another significant other like Sindel, as the gem'd turn dark losing its vitality, or she'd feel sharp chest pain. She too felt her gem light up and give her positive energy while Lao was recuperating at the Sky Temple, and he walked out as his normal self just minutes later; their bond became deep, especially during the events of Final Kombat.
Before the fatal battle, Lao assured Aiko he'll return from the Matroka's sacred land before she knows it; he became curious on their culture ever since Aiko's trance with the Makeba. He began to adhere with the Matokan even their last born who was soon to receive his tribal name and be adopted. He was inclined and interested in attending the ceremony. even being entranced and into the drums and their wardrobe just as Aiko was. He still yearned to see her again, even wished she'd be mingled with the tribe with him.
Aside from Liu, they were the first to receive troubling news from Raiden regarding Blaze and the deadly war. They were simultaneously summoned to a meeting at the Dragon Grotto and soon into the Netherrealm as they boarded Kharon's Ship as it sailed across the Sea of Blood. Raiden and Kung Lao were well aware of Aiko's insensitivities to nauseating chemicals and they both noticed her hindering; they too were so grateful that Caro saved her life and became fast friends as she did. She, Lao and Caro each recovered at the Grotto, even unknowingly took a nap as Lao never wanted to have them recuperate alone. It was heart-wrenching for each of them as they participated in the Might trials and Aiko wasn't eligible, even when they had to separate, and Lao may not return; they embraced and kissed each other passionately as she kept her promise to Lao to stay out of Armageddon. Aiko gave her heart gems to everyone from the monks and kept one monitoring the sensitivities, until Caro used it to revive the elder Kitana. And it was thanks to her gem that kept Lao active during the conflict, even after the firestorm...
Without the gem, it was hard for Aiko to sense anyone, until she spotted the silhouette near the Yellow River; she was alarmed it'd be him undead, but due to the reaction on his gem, she knew he was alive!! They made a tearful, though hesitant, reunion, and soon grieved together of Liu's and Raiden's sacrifices... They even visited Liu's Tomb to pay their respects and she tended Lao as he was mourning, although the elder Liu Kang greeted them and ordered Aiko to look after Lao as the new Chosen One and protector of Earth; he knew in his heart they were right for each other, just like him and Kitana!
He was with Aiko and Jin as she discussed as she'd forgotten to tell Raiden on how/why she's always drawn to tribal customs since he warned Lao during their first visit to Nightwolf's sacred land. Fire God Liu Kang offered to give them the answer and the trio visited the Hourglass. They discovered that Aiko was enthralled by them since he was 4. By receiving her heart melds, Lao had the same tick as she does, and it became noticeable as the Matokan ceremony surrounded him. He, Liu and Aiko accepted it's a part of herself ever since her European ancestors immigrated to the Americas and mingled with Indians, thus being parts of her DNA! Together, they agreed they shall be trained by Liu and Nightwolf to harness that energy and use it to their advantage if need be.
Even Kai and Jin were encouraged for them, and Aiko even shown off her ruby diamond engagement ring as a testimonial they're now fiancés! Even several years later, they along with their nephew assisted the Special Forces against Kotal!
Aiko and Kung Lao also seem to love eating; their appetites are various and have quick metabolisms. They love Asian cuisine especially rice being Lao's favorite delicacy, especially when it comes to rice wine. It was proven as Lao took Aiko out for her date!
Personality-wise, they're remarkably similar. With traits of a Dragon, Lao tends to be stubborn, passionate, snarky, serious, witty, emotional, can't stand setbacks, subjective, achieve for greatness/success, vigorous, ambitious, perfectionist, honest, just and resourceful. While Aiko was born with traits of a Rabbit (thoughtfulness, considerate, kind, delicate, helpful, imaginative, timid, weak-willed, indecisive, jealous, trapped in love), she seems to share most of Lao's Dragon personality.
Ikran often considers Aiko to be the American Juliet as Kung Lao is the Chinese Romeo. By the events after The Return of the Dragon King, Kung Lao and Aiko decided to move in with each other using the remaining guest room of the Kung Kottage that used to belong to Jin's former dad before he left.
Even as undead converted by Dark Emperor Liu Kang, they still maintained their relationship. Since they made their own Dark Lotus Society, their rules were their own, and Lao didn't mind Aiko's doable relationship with him and the chieftain. He's still proud to share her heart and being, even not minding himself as Liu Kang's equal thus sharing a lower rank but the same type of prowess as them and Nightwolf. He also became deeply enthralled with the Makeba customs as did the trio, and they shortly became the unholy trinity! After the successful war onto the Elder Gods, he and Aiko were promoted as a couple of the new Elder Gods while Liu remained in Earth. Several weeks later, Liu then welcomed them back down to the realm, even to help him lead his recruitment, preparations and the war against Darkseid.
Relationship with Titan Liu Kang[]
It was possible that Aiko was created in Liu Kang's New Era. For months since last November, he'd been suffering from anxiety and depression when his love, Titan Kitana, and their daughter, Liuxei, abruptly left him and never returned.... He'd been heartbroken, and Aiko was the closest confidant to him always trying to soothe his angsts and be the significant other Kitana was... One day, she confessed her true feelings for him and had a meltdown giving her entire heart to him; he was reluctant, but upon her overexertion, he took her inside to rest at the Fire Temple's bedchamber. It was comforting and little by little, they began to bond. Slowly but surely, they became closer than ever. and when he suddenly noticed Titan Kitana while Aiko was away at work, he decided to clone himself and their Fire Temple, so their relationship remained constant. They even went on several dates including at a museum with one room filled with beautiful, illuminated environments, an arcade (which triggered her painful overstimulation), to a Chinese restaurant that specialized in sushi and bobas in which she never had before! Even to their own single tree on a hill in which they'd carved their initials in located above a campground they made once... There were also times of intimacy as well as her discussing the experiences of her other counterpart.
On mid-June, Liu Kang took her on a surprise date and gave her a gorgeous red dress while he wore a tux (he actually owns a long, black car!) and drove each other to the same sushi restaurant on their first date, then went to their tree with the engravings. He then stated how much he loved her and appreciated her thru tough times with his original, then he popped the question; thru tears of joy, she accepted almost instantly, and they plan to be married by the end of July! Unfortunately, since wedding plans were time-consuming and overwhelming, they have decided to be married on August 19th, 2024!
The trip to the wedding started at 11:50 and the ceremony began around 12:30, just enough time for the couple being set up by the ushers and bridesmaids who're clones of the original Liu Kang's allies. It was a bit difficult since Aiko wasn't sure how they'd arrive without seeing their wedding apparel as it's bad luck to see them before the ceremony. Nevertheless, they got dressed and everything went as scheduled, although there were no parental escorts down the aisle. Aiko went down alone to her lover at the altar and the reverend asked for their wed, exchanged the rings, and kissed. They had a great reception with a large chocolate cake, even feeding each other, and Liu flirted by giving her frosting on her nose and licked it off, and soon danced slowly to a few numbers before getting in a limo taking them to their honeymoon.
It had a lot of restaurants, a spa, a little beach, a pool, a movie area, shower rooms, a park, etc! Liu decided to go to the sushi restaurant which had a circular conveyor belt with every type in Earthrealm; they avoided the spicy ones, although Aiko was reluctant on the avocado ones till she remembered she liked the avocado with rice he made, so she went to get a few; she also stated she disliked guacamole since her freshman Spanish class during a lil banquet for the Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Nevertheless, they were full and eventually got intimate. They couldn't wait on what they'd do for tomorrow on their honeymoon.
Unfortunately...Day 2 wasn't as promising. They had a nice breakfast of 3 pancakes each with chocolate smothered on them, Liu wanted to try the mud spa which was awkward but interesting, although it made Aiko's skin oily and a bit filthy. Luckily, they rinsed off and emerged into a very relaxing jacuzzi! It was very nice, especially since they cuddled as he massaged her with the warm water, then snuggled for a while. After that, Liu decided to head to the cafe, but...the lack of communication occurred, as the RPer was gone for an extensive period of time (about 4 hrs). After that, he offered to go to the pool either inside or outside in which Aiko chose the latter, which was nice, but...he didn't stay as long as she did. She soon got out and had a refreshing glass of orange punch with a cherry with him, then he pointed out a very high swing! Aiko became nervous and reluctant, and she became uncomfortable as it rose several feet! He enjoyed swinging on it, while she became stagnant until the ride ended. She was nervous with heights, but he urged her to go, then she changed back and just sulked, and denied it was as romantic as he thought mostly from the lack of communication and the RPer being gone for so long... He tried to assure her that tomorrow'd be better with a cup of hot chocolate, some snuggling, kissing and getting intimate; she hopes that their relationship won't take a turn for the worst.
Thankfully it wasn't. They started by going to the cafe, the one Aiko vaguely remembered (and wasn't described) and she had 2 scrumptious chocolate muffins while Liu had bacon pancakes with the usual tea. They soon got dressed into their swimsuits and tried out the indoor pool, which was pleasant and they're the only ones there! Liu always complimented her on swimming like a mermaid! Several minutes later she was hesitant, but soon decided to go skinny dipping to which they both admired! After that, Liu escorted her to a yacht which moved fast thru the smooth waters; she soon felt as if she was flying and wondered if angels and gods go that fast! It was exhilarating, although she was reluctant to leave that amazing ride! They then watched a movie, Aiko preferred the original MK film, then they went to the small beach! She collected a few conch shells and some sea glass, then rinsed off at the ocean and it was too salty to swim in. Eventually they'd returned and got intimate. Later on, he stated tomorrow'd be the last full day as they'd leave on Friday morning before she'd go to work; they'd miss that beautiful place so much....
On the last day, they'd breakfast consisting of chocolate Pop Tarts, coffee and tea; he actually managed to get the former from home. Liu said they'd done every activity except for the animal park. They saw several birds there including a dove and lovebirds which the latter reminds them of themselves. They relaxed and walked there for almost an hour, and then they took a shower together. After that, he suggested to visit the sushi conveyor belt one last time which had lesser sushi than before; they still ate a hearty meal, and Aiko drank a Coke while he'd tea. She'd surely miss the variety the place has, and Liu asked to see if they deliver; to her ecstasy, they do! She even paid half the fare and gave a $20 tip! They then relaxed for a movie for a few hours until they'd decided to dance at that tranquil park; it was splendid with the calming music and the sparkling stars above. It was just the perfect ending to their amazing honeymoon.
A couple days later, Liu planned on adopting an orphaned dragon that's yet to be hatched in a distant cave and keep it as their pet; Aiko hopes it'd be a red one similar to Caro.
A couple days later, Liu planned on adopting an orphaned dragon that's yet to be hatched in a distant cave and keep it as their pet; Aiko hopes it'd be a red one similar to Caro. Liu eventually went to the mountains up high to hopefully find one. He came across an old looking man in a hood and cape. He said that Liu can take an egg and keep it, the man somehow knew when the babies would be born or if it's a male or female. So, Liu took it then he didn't see the elder again. A couple days later, the egg gradually moved, Liu knew it'd be a male, and soon hatched, it cried greeting them, Liu fed him after Aiko filled a bottle of milk, he licked her, though he loved Liu's warmth and comfort. They promised to take care of the pet.
More is cited here.
Theme songs[]
Unofficial theme song: Home - Phillip Phillips
Unofficial couple song with Kung Lao - I'll Stand by You (The Pretenders)
Couple Song(s): Even the Nights are Better (Air Supply)
Kawano Nagaromououni (Seiko Clock) - starts at 3:17
Kawa no nagre no yoni (Teresa Teng)
Freak on a Leash (Korn and Amy Lee) - duet of their angsts, living or undead
Aiko's Infatuation with Kung Lao - Beautiful Stranger (Madonna)
Dystopian Future: Megaframe (ReBoot)
Other roleplay[]
Bruce and Linda (Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story) - a different AiKang roleplay
Rocketeer (Far East Movement) - Liu Kang RPer's choice
Wedding themes[]
Groot's Cocoon (Guardians of the Galaxy) - Aiko's walk down the aisle to kiss
Waltz of the Flowers (The Nutcracker) - Aiko's fantasy as she and Liu danced
The Lady in My Life (Michael Jackson) - one of the Liu RPer's personal choices
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)
I Wanna Grow Old with You (Westlife)
Final Fantasy: Main Theme (London Philharmonic)
Mendelssohn's Wedding March (Organ Solo)
Aiko's Fatal Blows[]
Just a random jot down on all of Aiko's finishing moves, disregarding button kombinations:
- Friendship: Aiko hesitates before she decides to unveil one of her heart gems. She konjures her energy to recuperate her opponent to full health as the gem glows before she kurtsies in honor.
- Fatality: Her signature Fatality is when she konjures her heart energy as she tightens into klenched fists, before she takes out her right hand, konjures her kardiokinesis, and makes the enemy's heart explode from within and splatter like a tomato!
- Brutality: She tends to have hypertension as it's not necessarily a finisher, but rather a sort of Hyper Mode similar to the Pokémon in Coliseum and XD. Her body glows red as she lets out a warcry and hits the opponent in a faster, aggressive manner until he/she falls! He/she must be defeated in an allotted time before her body reverts to normal.
- Animality: Aiko transforms into an Ankylosaur! She rams the enemy down with her head, she krushes him/her with her forelegs and whacks it fatally with her club tail!
- X-Ray move: She impales the enemy with either her Bo staff or club in either direction before she performs the Shaolin Fist on his/her neck, and it breaks!
Trivia[]
- Krackle was just a name Ikran came up with since she was around 9-ish, just as a self-insert on being a mediator to the protectors of Earthrealm. It's most likely she got that random name from one of those crispy mini bars, lame. Aiko was a recent name she came up with; since she was supportive and encouraging, her powers and namesake shall come from the heart!
- One user on Tumblr stated that Aiko should be Japanese American, since her name is also in Japanese both in pronunciation and meaning, that of Little Loved One, and is popular there. Out of all the names, based on Ma-Ti's powers, it stood out to her the most.
- At first, Ikran wanted Aiko to have a Japanese heritage, however, she wanted to make it relatable to hers. Much like Ikran, Aiko's a mutt, a mixed breed of Hungarian, Polish, Italian and German descent. Ikran didn't know this till later in life as not only her heritage possessed excellent immunity with their DNA, but a tad of Native American as well, hence her fascination, and Aiko's weakness!
- The Kombatants knew her since she was 6, which was the same age Ikran encountered MKII. They happened to be born in the Year of the Rabbit. Ikran wanted her to be 9 years old, as she was that age when she encountered Defenders of the Realm, which the events she included to her MK fic. But things just got too complicated as events from Shaolin Monks, based on MKII, could've taken place in 1992-93. It was thanks to A Line through Time - Mortal Kombat's Inconsistent Timeline by The4thSnake that set it all in stone.
- The Ankylosaurus was Ikran's favorite dinosaur, thus making it her own Animality! She had a hard decision on either choosing that or a fox, but the dino was more aggressive.
- Of course, her dystopian future was based on events from MKX, one of the games Ikran hates. She always believed it was a lousy rehash of MK4 and Deception, and other titles with the Revenants, corrupt Raiden, Quan Chi's and Shinnok's uprising, etc. Also, her heart meld with Kung Lao was out of spite since Ikran despised all of his multiple demises! She wanted to make a more intense Animality sequence than in Annihilation.
- Just like another fellow OC Ikran made, Gavin Lucas, they adore the color red!
- Aiko also happens to be multi-handicapped, mainly autistic along with depression/OCD, intellectual disability, a tad of schizophrenia, and has some nervous tics from cerebral palsy, due to birth defects, much like Ikran herself and most of her related characters such as Gavin, his ancestor Leon Lucas, Terri Thatcher, Ayame, Akari, Zelda II, Trudy, Chita Comett, and Tinsel Steelus Wheeler. They were literally born with half a brain from front to back.
- In late September 2022, Ikran was reluctant on joining a roleplay on Twitter, which soon turned to be a picfic known as Mortal Kombat: Legends on DeviantArt; it was run by a Sindel roleplayer, and she eventually took the hobby. It was a fun experience, and she has been involved in vigorous training, with Sindel as her new mentor. Their objective is to put a stop to Onaga, and the Deadly Alliance attempting to resurrect the Dragon King along with the Kombatants' evil copies. No updates had been made official yet, but Sindel took on the Dragon King while Aiko trained with Fire God Liu Kang; she nearly won the Wu Shi tournament besting Bo Rai Cho, Baraka and Kai, but forfeited as Kung Lao never knew her... After Kronika korrupted many Kombatants, Aiko unleashed her fury forging her heart gem, Sindel was presumed dead, Baraka turned on her working for the resurrected Shao Kahn stating that her mentor can't be trusted after the Tarkatan killed Bo, then she escaped thru the Hourglass and became stranded in a new timeline... It's most likely those roleplayers were just writing her out!
- There were also some story elements introduced to MK: Vengeance that were inspired by Sindel's picfic, Mortal Kombat: Legends, in which the Kwon Do was the red staff Sindel gave to Aiko; she trained her how to use it, including what to do if the weapon should be knocked out of her hands, thus open hand kombat came into play! Both Sindel and Bo' trained her that, including the Shaolin Fist. It was also mentioned like in the roleplay that Baraka stated Aiko bested Bo' and Baraka in the Wu Shi tournament!
- The betrayal and bickering Bo had with Baraka was also based on the RP, as Aiko figured Baraka betrayed her as he turned after Kahn rose into power replacing Kitana Kahn and Sindel who're deceased.
- Aiko now has 3 distinctive fighting styles, like the other Kombatants in Deadly Alliance, counting her cardiokinesis, her open hand kombat, and Bo' staff as a melee weapon aside from her club!
- Aiko seems to be 5'3, and 120 lbs. This seems normal for someone like her, and she's classified as a lightweight fighter; this may be similar to those like Kitana or Li Mei.
- It's been implied since Mortal Kombat: The Return of the Dragon Kiing by Johnny that Aiko's a fanfiction writer, much as Ikran! Johnny stated he'd develop her fics in English and Chinese and into feature films! That was until he hit a snag with Cassie being developed, and he'd find a publisher to be put into novels first.
- There's another RP in which Aiko became the love interest to Liu Kang who was the Keeper of Time (MK1); after he lost both Kitana and Liuxei (their daughter), he became depressed and lonely, so Aiko on one day had a mental breakdown as she confessed her true feelings for him. He eventually accepted, he even moved her in his place, and since then they'd been hanging out with each other a lot. They also happen to be chocolate, fish and boba lovers.
- On August 19th, 2024, she eventually got married to him, and this is the 2nd OC that Ikran made who tied the knot, the first being her F-Zero OC, Tinsel Steelus!
- Aiko seems to be the only OC who has green eyes, as does one of Ikran's friends, 80sFan! And they were implied to baby Caro!
- Just like what Ikran went thru, Aiko also had a right fractured pinkie by a volleyball of all things during gym class of junior year. She had to take study hall in senior year, 2006, due to that severe injury which disintegrated tiny bones to make it curl. It was also known she was born within 5 months, stayed in a NJ hospital for 6 more, and was literally born with half a brain from front to back.
- In some ways, Aiko can relate to Sailor Chibi Moon: they have a great deal of longevity, the former was born to have the rabbit as a zodiac sign which Chibi associates with, they're nicknamed to being the young one, they were lost time travelers sent into the distant past even to train as warriors, and at one point they wield umbrakinesis and were brainwashed by dark overlords. They, along with Gavin Lucas, love red.
Gallery[]
Unaliving War[]
Mortal Kombat Legends[]
