Is the future 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 an 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.
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. Aiko wondered where Lao was after Liu converted her, and she was surprised he was soon with him duscussing as their undead selves. 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.
Unofficial theme song: Home - Phillip Phillips
Unofficial couple song with Kung Lao - I'll Stand by You (The Pretenders)
Couple songs[]
- Kawano Nagaromououni (Seiko Clock) starts at 3:17
- Kawa no nagre no yoni (Teresa Teng)
- Even the Nights are Better (Air Supply)
- Freak on a Leash (Korn and Amy Lee) - duet expressing their angsts and Lao encouraging her, either living or dead for both
Unaliving War[]
When Aiko saw Chieftain Liu Kang discuss with Kung Lao, also as his converted Revenant self, she was amazed. She'll hereby give her heart to both her lovers, and never leave out the mate she had when they were alive. She's willing to support them both, even in their goals, and continue to reunite their brethren as undead before they'd take the conquest to the Elder Gods! 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.
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. By the time they won against the Elder Gods, Liu promoted Aiko to handpick who shall rule each realm; she and Lao were the few who advanced. She was fortunate she still has Lao with her, but she still pined for the chieftain... As she wanted to drum for him, he appeared, and they reunited. With all the loneliness and tension involving the latter, he offered Aiko to come with him. Lao didn't seem to mind since only he and Liu knew the Titans can instantly appear and disappear between the realms.
Gallery[]
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