Lao and Aiko was a fanfiction created by TheIkranRider; this was just another side story just like Koherence that isn't a oneshot as her Side Stories. It centers around the couple, Kung Lao and Aiko Krackle, and their developing relationship.
Prologue[]
New Year's Eve, 1996
Lao and Aiko were walking together arm and arm amongst the frosty weather outside of the White Lotus Society's base when the cardiokinetic voiced her concerns, that when something should happen to them, how would their souls pass on? They knew about the Great Kung Lao and Jen, how she ascended and how the Champion's soul was imprisoned by Shang for 500 years until Liu and Lao decimated him for good at the second tournament. She hoped they'd become true soulmates, and one should stay with the other living being's side until he or she would perish. Lao already knew about her concerns as ever since they had that heart meld, they shared that semi-telepathic link between them. Lao stated Aiko's the best friend he's ever had since Liu, anything he'd say she'd understand, and vice versa. Lao knelt before her and took out a diamond ring, asking her to marry him. Aiko was nearly in tears as she accepted his proposal.
Con't I[]
January 1998
The couple was at the Sky Temple discussing with Fujin and Ashrah. The Wind God affirmed that in order to become complete soulmates, their bond must be complete, thus being wed. He also praised them on the responsibility on keeping their souls along with Lord Liu Kang as assistance, and the process reminded him on Raiden saving the mortal Liu's soul from the Deadly Alliance just a few years ago; however, as he recalled Raiden and Liu's tragedy, he lost his train of thought... Ashrah chimed in when the wedding would be, in which the couple stated it'd be on February 14th, the western world's version of Valentine's Day. Fujin was glad it wasn't chosen on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar year, as the Chinese dreaded it was a curse and bad luck. The couple then discussed the time, who shall be invited, and Fujin offered to be their personal reverend as the defender of Earthrealm; he even suggested either the Temple of Light or if it shall rain, it'd be the interior. However...since the date had a small window of opportunity, some traditions had to be sacrificed, such as the fortune teller picking the wedding date based on complicated factors, and the pair couldn't know what times they were born in on account on Lao being separated from his vagabond family in the Mafia era, and Aiko travelling from the future.
They went to Yin Yang Island to resolve those overwhelming factors with Lord Liu Kang which he, Caro and Kitana understood. He suggested to visit one of the Shaolin at the Order to help them, even securing their compatibility and the date's been too soon from a trimester prior in receiving betrothing gifts. The Shaolin monk understood their predicaments especially since Lao was taken in by them during the feudal era as Raiden spotted the resemblance. Despite their lack of info under intense circumstances, there were still some similarities:
- Both Lao and Aiko were born within the Aquarius horoscope
- Lao was born in the Year of the Dragon while Aiko was born in the Year of the Rabbit which are both compatible signs; with the 1968 Earth Monkey withstanding
- The wedding shall take place 2 weeks after Aiko's birthday and the day after Lao's birthday
- It doesn't take place in the foreboding date id the Qixi Festival, or Double Seventh Festival, August 19th; Aiko despises the summer heat anyway
- Best of all, they're still celibate
- Even proof that Aiko's the American Juliet as Lao's the Chinese Romeo
Con't II[]
It was Aiko's 26th birthday. And the previous snowstorm, just 6 days prior, had postponed deliveries of gifts for her and Lao's upcoming wedding scheduled for February 14th, the western world's version of Valentine's Day. The Kottage's porch and steps had a thin layer of snow, compared to the white, thick sheets outside, as the Shaolin was prepared salinizing their properties including the Wu Shi Academy, with saltwater hoses drawing from the Yellow River on the day prior to the storm. A red banner was placed on the Kottage door. School's been cancelled for the people even Jin, and the family was just relaxing for the occasion.
Several displays of double happinesses were placed within the bridal room. The family was amazed, although Aiko warned that shared mattresses can carry lice and bedbugs. Ling was a bit startled; however, Lao had warned Fujin the same, so he sprayed Jinsei to eliminate the pests; not only to terminate potential pests but actually blessing the new bridal chamber! The bed itself became komplete with red sheets, a slightly wider frame, and a plate of dried longans, lotus seeds, red dates, persimmons, sprig of pomegranate leaves together with two red packets placed on the bed. A pair of bedside lamps were lit to symbolize the addition of sons to the family. In fact... Ling chimed in that her bedpost was switched with Aiko and Lao's, as hers was a queen bed that she once shared with her divorced husband.
When the storm was starting to minimize, Fujin stopped by and he was relieved they've prepared well for the storm. He actually delivered the wedding gifts to them via portal, and Liu's in progress melting overwhelming snow and ice, including Yin Yang Island.
The kouple had the following:
- Eskimo-like clothing including boots from Nightwolf and the Matoka tribe, even a new massive drum
- The golden rings... which actually turned out to be skull rings! Aiko and Lao agreed to use them for battle
- The bride price envelopes in which they decided to share with their family
- There was also a twin dragon statuette consisting of a blue and gold one intertwined
He suggested to bring out invitations late tomorrow. He actually overheard Aiko's lament on her disabilities, but there was still a dark secret he felt she wasn't ready for, until his brother's sacrifice:
She was born 5 months prematurely, according to Raiden anyway. On the end of January, she had to leave the womb on account of severe complications, even close to a mini stroke... Her entire body was the size of a tiny kitten, nearly more than fitting into an adult hand. Since she was born so early her brain didn't develop much... It only formed as far as behind her earlobes, while the rear only had mixes of spinal and brain fluid, even electrical misfiring... She had seizures which caused her to nearly perish, but thanks to the docs' resuscitation up to 3 times, she was barely alive... Only...it was Raiden who was desperate after witnessing her arrival into Earthrealm...
It seemed as if Aiko was one of his chosen, destined to defend or at least assist Earthrealm, thus her enlistment when she was 6 visiting the mountain base... Raiden wasn't sure when she'd be recruited in adulthood, until her future was secure once Aiko came back 16 years from the future. To Aiko, it reminded her of the rapid electric sparks within V'ger... Her emotions took over her, but Kung Lao assured she should be grateful on living despite her deficiencies and her other negative experiences. That he'll always accept them no matter what; if it weren't for those setbacks, she won't be able to use her heart, and he'd have a mutual life partner and lover.
Con't III[]
Later on that same night, Lao took a shower and Aiko had their bedchamber to herself; looking at the new setup with the red blankets and sheets, the symbols of double happinesses, the intertwined dragons statuette, and the lit crimson lanterns, she can't help but feel a sense of pride. But also...a strange feeling. She became hyper focused on the new bedspread then spotted the new Matokan drum. Then she began to give it a simple rhythm which seemed to put her in a trance... Lao returned and noticed her ritual then joined in... He arrived with a rapid beat then hit the drum harder as he fell deep... Aiko held the sides as she swayed and shifted into it... The enticing ceremony continued as she took her turn beating it as Lao succumbed the same way... They became intense until they became lucid. They understood how it would attract each other especially as mates; they were aware since the heart meld indicated of Aiko's sensitivities in which they would no longer shy away from. They shall look forward to doing this again, though they still needed to arrange the invitations. They even slept like babies in it aside from being astounded by the new decor.
Invitations were made all around, starting at the Edenian Palace; Sindel, Jerrod and Jade were ecstatic to join in the ceremony even when the Palace itself shall be picked as the location for their honeymoon. Admittedly, under troubling circumstances such as preparing to expedite thru Outworld or restore Shaolin hearts, they never had a chance to explore more of the kingdom aside from the gates and throne room! Sindel even offered to design their invitations, even with their own satin ribbons! Their hearts stopped as they'd noticed Kintaro, as he once fought Lao back in the Outworld tournament. She prayed he won't try anything harsh onto them...
Them, an envelope suddenly appeared with Japanese symbols on the label, a translated letter was enclosed:
Dear Kung Lao and Aiko,
I'm sorry I cannot make it to your holy matrimony; however, the Takahashis are still willing to go despite the 3-hour difference here in Japan. The capybaras at Sodeguara are also doing fine despite Nagasaki and Aso still destroyed. Forgive me for not arriving to your blessed celebration, although someone must keep a watchful eye on the Shirai Ryu. Sonya, Johnny and Jax shall also accompany you while Cyrax volunteered to guard Vera, Cassie and Jacqui as they're too young. Kuai, Smoke and Frost are also interested as Bi-Han and Sareena will stay with the Lin Kuei.
Enclosed is a CD with the unknown couple song you adored, Kawa no nagre no yoni by Teresa Teng, it's been very popular and following the twisted path suits you two well of your trials and tribulations. Raiden shall be proud, and may the Gods bless you on your union.
Sincerely,
Her smile grew and she was nearly in tears, feeling she still owes the redeemed ninja so much...
Con't IV[]
With invitations given, and the usual groundhog seeing his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter, Lord Liu Kang admitted it was actually him indirectly, thru the lit lanterns' flames, on influencing Lao and Aiko to relax while using the Matokan drum, so that they can be more focused about the preparations for their upcoming union... It was also a test of strength, as they never needed to resist that said ritual, but rather how they've used it; they're still pure, they've proven their bond is still strong and mutual, they didn't even touch nor intertwine which could've broken the Shaolins' sacred vows. He was actually glad they're no longer nervous of the Matokans' customs, yet the Makeba are still questionable... Still, he, Kitana and Caro shall look forward to their union.
He and Kitana discussed with Lao and Aiko on how to pay for the honeymoon in Edenia; the future newlyweds were never sure how to convert yen with other realms, although Liu suggested to use Dragon Koins to pay for the rest of the week despite having it free for the first couple days. Sindel stated each day'd be about 50 Dragon Koins which thankfully was around 50 yen. Kitana volunteered to deliver the sum to Sindel as payment. Lao murmured he heard Shujinko helped Shinnok retrieve the amulet despite being a phony in the Netherrealm as part of the temporal flux he was in, but never had the chance to use them... Liu warned only the commonfolk outside the Shaolin aren't ready to understand... Apparently other kurrency including yen became more prominent.
Before the kouple left, Lord Liu Kang addressed he has a surprise for them, something from the past... It wasn't until Aiko found it in the fridge, whereas everywhere else never changed; there was a bottle and a few cans of Crystal Pepsi which was discontinued! Even a few containers of Bon Bon ice cream! A package of Dessert Dunkers was also shown, in which Aiko never heard of, but Jin didn't hesitate! Even a couple cans of Vanilla Coke and Cherry Vanilla. Eve an assortment of Milk and Cereal Bars. He warned to only use them in moderation; he spoke into Aiko's mind.
At one point, Lao hesitated as he reminisced on how his ancestor's and Jen's love fell apart, when Baron kept scolding them to never be together since Lao's Chinese and often rich, adding pressure onto Baron and Jen as they owed a lot of debt to the Black Dragon clan... Then when he was close to being executed... Aiko figured she's the only one spacing out, and she asked what's wrong. Lao had a hunch that something might become awry, just as they did...
Soundtrack (unofficial)[]
- Movement in Green (Final Fantasy X) - possible Fengjian Village theme
- Kaebora Gaebora (LoZ: Ocarina of Time)
- Over the Hill (Final Fantasy IX)
- You're Not Alone (Final Fantasy IX)
- A Beautiful Moment - Sheik's Theme - Orchestral (MajorLink, Brock Hewitt)
- BOLERO OF FIRE - A Powerful Bond (MajorLink, Brock Hewitt)
- Jehn is Gone - Mortal Kombat: Conquest (Paul UnFaces)
- The Dino People (EVO: Search for Eden) - when Aiko traverses thru the Netherrealm
- I Made My Son a Promise (The Day After Tomorrow) - making peace with the Unholy Trinity
- Awakening (FFVI) re-remastered by sschafi1
- Boundless Ocean - DS version (Final Fantasy III)
- Long Distance/Dangerous Nonsense: (Star Trek TNG - Where No One Has Gone Before)
- Monsoon Jungle (Wario Land 4)
- The Tower Climb (Yoshi Story)
- Cave Dweller Concert (Donkey Kong Country)
- Time Attack (Super Mario Galaxy 2)
- New Continent - sschaefi1 Re-Remaster (Final Fantasy VI)
- The New Era Begins (Mortal Kombat 11)
- The Goddess' Light [Dissidia 012] Duodecim Final Fantasy Scene 032
- All of Me (John Legend) - Kung Lao and Kung Aiko's song
Bonus Tracks[]
- Two-Lane Blacktop (Rob Zombie)
- Where Are U Now (Justin Bieber feat Skrillex and Diplo) - possible Chinese New Year song
Trivia[]
- Ikran couldn't wait on leaving Lao and Aiko's relationship hanging, as they've been together for 6 years since she stayed with him in China back in 92; they dated for 4 years and are engaged for 2 years.
- Another relationship already flourished, with Liu and Aiko in an alternate roleplay, as well as settling down thus Caro's Baby Journal.
- The idea on saving the couple's souls wasn't just the tragedies based on MK Conquest but also concerns from The Truth: MK9 Raiden was Never a Hero by Heavenly Gamer, when Raiden offered Quan Chi his own soul if he dies as well as those who perished as an alliance between Earthrealm and the Netherrealm; even though Quan already possessed the Revenants, leading up to MKX.
- According to Fujin, Aiko was born within 5 months, hence her anemia and taking beet supplements, as well as her mental illnesses... This was no different than the author herself, only she doesn't take supplements...
- The groundhog indeed saw his shadow back in 1999, thus 6 more weeks of winter, which was curiosity during Groundhog Day in 2026 when he saw his shadow too.
- There were also some nostalgic snacks thrown into the mix as pre-wedding gifts, particularly Crystal Pepsi; although Ikran doesn't recall any of them, she only remembered seeing the clear soda then had it discontinued soon after. She guessed that it may be a mix with Sprite and Pepsi.
- The Dragon Koins wasn't mentioned in her Khronology since her fourth book, Return of the Dragon King; it was complicated on using them with real-world currency such as yen and dollars with Koins being transferred thru the realms.
- This was also roughly based on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 concerning Rocket's POV; he is Ikran's favorite Guardian after all.
- Aiko's odyssey in the Netherrealm was also inspired from elements in the Unaliving War, a collab with Ikran and Unaliving Liu Kang. While also being a tad inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy in all 3 planes of existence.
Voice Cast[]
- Kung Lao - Will Yun Lee
- Aiko Krackle - TheIkranRider
- Fujin, Lord Liu Kang - Matthew Yang King
- Titaness Kitana - Kari Wahlgren
- Ashrah - Johanna Añonuevo
- Caro - Don Brown
- Kung Ling - Wenwen Hon
- Sonya Blade - Sandra Hess
- Johnny Blade - Lyndon Ashby
- Raiden - Richard Epcar
- Sindel - Kathleen Delaney
- Jerrod - Kevin Michael Richardson
- Jade - Becky Gable
- Asgaarth - John Rhys-Davies
- Kintaro - Rhassan Orange
- Hanzo Hasashi - Russell Crowe
- Nightwolf - Ted Thawley
- Ruby/Skarlet -Beata Pozniak
- Revenants Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Aiko Krackle - Matthew Yang King, Will Yun Lee, TheIkranRider
- Shinnok-Jason Isaacs