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Mk1 2023 - Blog Posts
How Syzoth & Ashrah’s Relationship Grew
I believe that Syzoth and Ashrah built a quick connection with their experiences being Shang Tsung and Quan Chi’s slaves. To cope with it, they would discuss what they went through and comfort each other. Syzoth would talk about his immense guilt for being a part of Shang Tsung’s diabolical experiments and his belief of being a bad person, Ashrah would remind him of his good heart and desire to protect his family. Syzoth would cry and this would be the first time Ashrah hugs him. He would also disclose his admiration for her being so strong to defect from Quan-Chi. Ashrah doesn’t believe that and thinks she was a coward for not taking Sareena with her. She feels pressure to complete her absolution so leaving Sareena had some warrant. Syzoth makes helping her one of his goals.
Both of them would travel between Earthrealm and Outworld to see each other and talk about what has occurred. Syzoth would help Ashrah train when she was determined to prove herself while Ashrah aided him in finding clues on the slayings happening in Zaterra. They would end their time with a hug, which Ashrah usually initiates. During those hugs, she accidentally commented how his cooler skin soothed her burning temperature. She was embarrassed but he responded by hugging her tighter and telling Ashrah that her hot body heat made him feel warm.
After a year of being friends, Syzoth realizes that he’s falling in love with her and is terrified because he felt like he was moving on from his family too soon. In response, he would try to lessen his time with Ashrah to extinguish these feelings. Ashrah knew she was in love months before him, but tried hiding it because she believed her demon origins made her unworthy of love.
For a few months, there would be awkwardness between the two and each would blame themselves for it. Things come ahead when Johnny jokes multiple times about Syzoth and Ashrah being a couple, making them flustered and causing Syzoth to leave. When they meet again in Wu Shi Academy, all of their feelings come out. They are shocked by the revelation. Syzoth assures Ashrah that being a demon doesn’t mean she’s incapable of love and gives her examples like her love for Sareena and Earthrealm. Ashrah tells Syzoth that she doesn’t intend to replace his family and will wait for him when he’s ready to begin a relationship. They hug and resume their friendship with this new information in mind.
Syzoth decides he’s ready and makes Ashrah’s favorite Earthrealm snacks to surprise her with a picnic. He opens his heart to her, saying how much he appreciates her being there for him when grieving his family and supporting him through his journey being the Empress’s emissary. He also thanks her for waiting until he is ready. Syzoth vows to take care of her and make her happy. Ashrah cries from the overwhelming love and happiness she feels in her heart. She launches herself into Syzoth’s arms and they fall to the ground. She also promises to make him happy as much as he does her. They have a short, chaste kiss under the stars.
(MK1/12) Kitana and Mileena Headcanons
Kitana:
-Kitana likes Raiden but doesn’t want to pursue a relationship because of their different lifespans.
-She was unintentionally compared to her sister because she wasn’t as interested in combat and was weaker than Mileena.
-She had a small crush on Liu Kang for a couple of years (nothing came of it).
-Kitana is interested in traveling to Earthrealm and experiencing the culture, especially after watching some movies Johnny recommended.
-Kitana chose the fan as her weapon because it matched her more defensive fighting style, but added the blades on the ends for offensive purposes.
-She is very apprehensive of Tanya because she comforted and helped Mileena through her breakups. Kitana sees how much her sister loves Tanya and doesn’t want to see her get it hurt.
-After Jerrod’s death, Kitana became the mediator of Sindel and Mileena’s arguments. She often wonders how he did it so well.
-Her and Sindel had a closer relationship because there was no pressure to train Kitana to be the next Empress and their different personalities matched well. They would often have tea or plant flowers in the gardens.
-The idea of Kitana being Empress became more favorable after her frequent visits to the cities and helping citizens when needed. Her compassion became well renowned.
-As children, Mileena would call her “Kitty”.
Mileena:
-Along with Li Mei, Mileena was trained by General Shao since their brutal fighting styles matched. The two were close when Mileena was a child and young teen but it faded when Shao grew resentful towards Sindel and Jerrod’s rule.
-She’s had multiple secret affairs throughout her teens and early adulthood. They usually ended after Mileena learned she was being taken advantage of or a mutual break up because betrothment was not possible.
-Mileena was a troublemaker and would sneak out multiple times without anyone knowing until she contracted Tarkat from one of those outings.
-Her relationship with Tanya began after Jerrod’s death and Tanya comforted her during the grieving process.
-Mileena came out to Kitana first since she trusted her sister would be there for her and not tell their parents before she did. Kitana and Mileena hugged and the former told her that nothing would break their sisterly bond. She was nervous about coming out to her parents because she didn’t want them to view her differently and the idea of producing an heir weighed heavy on her. She was happy when they assured her that they still love her and nothing would change that. Mileena cried during both instances.
-Mileena chose the sai as her weapon since it matched her aggressive fighting style and made her focus on defensive fighting.
-Mileena chose Kitana to replace Shao because of her sister’s compassion and wish to unite Outworld, something Shao lacked.
-Her and Jerrod had a closer relationship because she could vent to her father about her worries and frustrations with being the future empress without judgment. They also spent time walking in the gardens and having picnics.
-After Sindel started training Mileena, their relationship soured since it became the basis of it and led to many disagreements.
-As children, Kitana would call her “Milly”.
MK1 Characters Ages Headcanon
Vaeternus: 1 year = 6k years
Edenian: 1 year = 400 years
Draconian: 1 year = 250 years
*For Vaeternus, I made these calculations based on a Nitara intro. I believe Kung Lao asks her how old she is and Nitara says that she was a little girl when humans discovered fire. There were many differing accounts on when that happened but I decided to pick the one that said fire was a widespread, controlled source 125,000 years ago. It was the second most recent account- first being 12,000 years ago. I chose 125k since I assume the intro I mentioned is meant to hint how much older Vaeternus is than most races.
*Since the story confirmed that Kitana and Mileena were 10,000 years old, I used the number to find an estimated number of Edenian years that equals a single human year. I considered Kitana and Mileena to be 25 in human years since it divides 10,000 evenly and the sisters look close to that age- dividing those numbers equaled to 400 years. So, 400 Edenian years is equal to 1 human year.
*In the story, Sindel confronted Shao and mentioned how she remembered the sickly boy he was. This is evidence that Sindel is older than Shao by a few years- ten years at minimum; however, in my opinion, Shao looks older than Sindel so I believe the Draconian species have a shorter life span than Edenians, but they are still much larger than human’s. Unlike with the Edenians, I decided to have 250 Draconian years be equivalent to one human year because of an idea of an estimated range.
*Liu Kang is slightly older than the Big Bang in the New Era. I couldn’t calculate Geras’ age since he’s experienced a ginormous amount of timelines. Calculations over a trillion is too difficult for any calculator to compute.
Ashrah: 29 (human years)
Baraka: 22k (Edenian years), 55 (human years)
General Shao: 12,500 (Draconian years), 50 (human years)
Geras: Can’t Calculate
Havik: 27 (human years)
Johnny Cage: 28
Kenshi Takahashi: 28
Kitana: 10k (Edenian years; canon), 25 (human years)
Kung Lao: 24
Jerrod: 20k (Edenian years), 50 (human years) [If he were alive]
Li Mei: 18,400 (Edenian years), 46 (human years)
Liu Kang: 13.8 billion
Mileena: 10k (Edenian years; canon), 25 (human years)
Nitara: 150k (Vaeternus years) or 12k (Vaeternus years), 25 (human years)
Raiden: 24
Rain: 10,400 (Edenian years), 26 (human years)
Reiko: 26 (human years)
Reptile: 29 (human years)
Kuai Liang/Scorpion: 26
Sindel: 19,200 (Edenian years), 48 (human years)
Shang Tsung: 27 (human years)
Tomas Vrbada/Smoke: 25
Bi-Han/Sub-Zero: 28
Tanya: 9,600 (Edenian years), 24 (human years)
MK1 Johnny Cage (Song) Headcanons
I was inspired by @mothercetrion headcanon on Johnny’s past. You should visit their page and read some of their posts. They are very well-written! I like to connect songs with characters so I thought doing a headcanon post with songs would be a good idea. I’m also working on a regular headcanon post for Johnny as well. I love his MK1 version and feel the need to write about it. Lmk if I should make a Spotify playlist so all the songs are in one place.
TW: Heavy angst (Mention of bullying, alcoholism, parental abuse, domestic violence, and broken marriage)
I Started a Joke by Bee Gees
- “I started a joke. Which started the whole world crying. But I didn’t see. That the joke was on me, oh no. I started to cry. Which started the whole world laughing. Oh, if I’d only seen. That the joke was on me.”
Unfortunately, I firmly believe that Johnny was bullied and abused in his childhood. Most people who have an egotistical facade usually create that personality to protect themselves from horrible treatment. Johnny mentioned having daddy issues and an asshole brother he barely(if any) has contact with. I think his dad and, later, his brother tormented him for a long time, which I will further explain in another song. I want to focus on school bullies. Johnny seems to have always wanted to be an actor, so I think he focused on the performing arts like theatre, singing, and dancing. Sadly, it's not considered masculine to do those activities- a prime target for bullying. This treatment causes Johnny to feel like a joke to everyone.
- “Til I finally died. Which started the whole world living. Oh, if I’d only seen. That the joke was on me.”
This meant figuratively that Johnny’s original personality “died” and was replaced by his well-known facade to protect him from the bullying and stop him from feeling the pain.
Blown Away by Carrie Underwood
-“Dry lightning cracks across the sky. Those storm clouds gather in her eyes. Her daddy was a mean old mister. Mama was an angel in the ground.”
Johnny notices his parents’ turbulent relationship. His dad is an awful man and his mom is a kind person being tormented by her husband.
-“She heard those sirens screaming out. Her daddy laid there passed out on the couch. She locked herself in the cellar. Listened to the screaming of the wind. Some people called it taking shelter.”
Johnny’s hiding from one of his parents’ violent arguments. His room is his hiding spot- a shelter and a prison- but it doesn’t protect him from hearing the arguments. The sirens are symbolic of Johnny’s mother since she used to be a police officer (an intro with Li Mei confirms it), so she is screaming at Johnny’s father who loves his life drinking and sleeping.
-“There’s not enough rain in Oklahoma. To wash the sins out of that house. There’s not enough wind in Oklahoma. To rip the nails out of the past (blown away)”
The awful memory leaves Johnny wishing that his childhood home could be destroyed with no trace, though he knows it will never erase what he’s gone through.
Numb by Linkin Park
- “I’m tired of being what you want me to be. Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface. Don’t know what you’re expecting of me. Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes. Every step that I take is another mistake to you (Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow).”
Johnny was abused by his father. He was pressured to be like his dad but would make “mistakes” (be himself), leading to his father lashing out at him. His dad is obsessed with masculinity and being a “traditional” man, which he pushes into Johnny. This puts them at odds since the performing arts (Johnny’s aspirations) are not considered masculine.
- “I’ve become so numb. I can’t feel you there. Become so tired. So much more aware. I’m becoming this. All I want to do. Is be more like me. And be less like you.”
The constant pressure makes Johnny numb to the abuse and more aware of his father’s behavior. He wants the opportunity to be himself and the weight to lift off him.
- “Can’t you see that you’re smothering me. Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control? ‘Cause everything that you thought I would be. Has fallen apart right in front of you.”
He’s questioning his father’s behavior and needs to control him and the rest of the family (his mother and siblings).
- “And I know. I may end up failing too. But I know. You were just like me with someone disappointed in you.”
Johnny fights back and decides to break the generational trauma cycle he and his dad have unwittingly been trapped in. His dad was in Johnny’s position and hated it, but decided to continue the cycle rather than end it.
Applause by Lady Gaga
- “I stand here waiting for you to bang the gong. To crash the critic saying, “Is it right or is it wrong?” If only fame had an I.V, baby could I bear? Being away for you, I found the vein, put it in here.”
From some of his intros, Johnny sometimes gets defensive whenever anyone talks down about his career, and the first thing he brings up is how he makes his fans happy with his work. This makes me believe that Johnny loves his fans and they are the biggest reason he stays in Hollywood.
- “I live for the applause, applause, applause. I live for the applause-plause, live for the applause-plause, live for the way that you cheer and scream for me. The applause, applause, applause. Give me that thing that I love (I’ll turn the lights out). Put your hands up, make ‘em touch, touch (Make it real loud). Give me that thing that I love (I’ll turn the lightd out). Put your hands up, make ‘em touch, touch (Make it real loud).”
For the first time in his life, Johnny is appreciated for his aspirations and it feeds into his need to feel wanted and accepted. He wants the applause and love to grow.
- “I’ve overheard your theory, ‘Nostalgia’s for geeks.’ I guess sir, if you say so, some of us just like to read. One second I’m a Koons fan, suddenly the Koons is me. Pop culture was in art, now art’s in pop culture, in me.”
Since Johnny is inspired by 80s action stars, critics condemn him for not being authentic. Johnny doesn’t care and, because of the love he gets, he considers himself to be a part of pop culture.
Liability by Lorde
-“Baby really hurt me, crying in the taxi. He don’t know me. Says her made the big mistake in my storm. Says it was poison.”
This reminds me of Johnny’s chapter where Steven- the director- whom Johnny might’ve considered a friend, doesn’t seem to like him and purposefully distances me. This makes me believe that Johnny doesn’t have many friends because they don’t like his boastful, outgoing personality.
- “So I guess I’ll go home. Into the arms of the girl that I love. The only I haven’t screwed up. She’s so hard to please, but she’s a forest fire.”
With not having many friends and his marriage on the rocks, Johnny feels alone and feels he can only count on himself. Based on his intro with Kenshi about doing forty takes, it seems like Johnny is a perfectionist, so it wouldn’t be surprising if that sentiment extends to everything he does. That’s why he has this facade where he constantly inflates his ego and his capabilities because, on the inside, Johnny is hard on himself and has trouble finding his good qualities.
- “They say “You’re a little too much for me. You’re a liability. You’re a little much for me.” So they pull back, make other plans. I understand, I’m a liability. Get you wild, make you leave. I’m a little much for everyone.”
Johnny accepts that he’ll never have a true connection with someone, so he makes them leave sooner before they hurt him.
- “The truth is I am a toy that people enjoy. ‘Till all of the tricks don’t work anymore. And then they are bored of me. I know that it’s exciting running through the night, but every perfect summer’s eating me alive until you’re gone. Better on my own. They’re gonna watch me disappear into the sun. You're all gonna watch disappear into the sun”
This pertains to Johnny’s faltering career. He was a popular actor for a long time until it ran dry. It eats him up to see people- fans, his wife, and Hollywood- grow bored and annoyed with him. By the end of his chapter, he’s alone and feels hopeless.
Midnight Rain by Taylor Swift
- “My town was a wasteland. Full of cages, full of fences. Pageant queens and big pretenders. But for some, it was paradise.”
Johnny’s world is Hollywood and the American dream. He wants to be the biggest star and feel at home in the acting business.
- “My boy was a montage. A slow motion, love potion. Jumping off things in the ocean.”
I see Cris as someone who wanted a simple life full of love and family. She was supportive of Johnny’s dream but didn’t have his drive to live the Hollywood life. She expected Johnny to settle down once his career dwindled.
- “He was sunshine, I was midnight rain. He wanted it comfortable. I wanted that pain. He wanted a bride. I was making my own. Chasing that fame. He stayed the same. All of me changed like midnight.”
Johnny and Cris are different people with opposing goals. Cris wanted a comfortable life and Johnny to focus on their relationship, while Johnny was consumed in his dreams and staying relevant.
- “It came like a postcard. Picture perfect, shiny family. Holiday, peppermint candy. But for him it’s everyday. So I peered through a window. A deep portal, time travel. All the love we unravel. And the life I gave away.”
If one of them conformed to what the other wanted instead of compromise, they would’ve given away their dream life and lost their love.
- “I guess sometimes we all get just what we wanted, just what we wanted. And he never thinks of me. Except when I’m on TV. I guess sometimes we all get some kind of haunted, some kind of haunted. And I never think of him. Except on midnights like this.”
By the end of their marriage, Johnny and Cris barely connect with each other. Cris lives her own life and only sees Johnny when his movies are on TV. Johnny is so busy with work and doesn’t focus on his personal life until he’s home late at night.
Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift
(This kind of continues my thoughts from “Liability” by Lorde.)
- “I have this thing where I get older but just never wise. Midnights become my afternoons. When my depression works the graveyard shift. All of the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room. I should not be left to my own devices. They come with prices and vices. I end up in crises (tale as old as time). I wake up screaming from dreaming. One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving. ‘Cause you got tired of my scheming (for the last time).”
Even though Johnny knows his career is dwindling, Johnny continues to work and revive it- something Hollywood people would consider unwise. His fears and depression leave him up at night and thinks about the people who left him and people he had to step over to make it in showbiz. His deepest fear is everyone he cares about- Cris and his fans- leaving him because they become bored of him. This is where he develops his alcoholism (this will be explained in another song).
- “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me. At tea time, everybody agrees. I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror. It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.”
Johnny knows his alcoholism is messing up his relationship with Cris but is scared of facing it, making him the anti-hero in the story.
- “Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby. And I’m a monster on the hill. Too big to hang out, slowly lurching toward your favorite city. Pierced through the the heart, but never killed.”
It goes with how Hollywood works- younger, prettier actors have a higher standing than older actors. Johnny feels like people see him as a monster who ruins things, but they aren’t willing to “kill” his ambition.
- “I have this dream my daughter in-law kills me for the money. She thinks I left them in the will. The family gathers ‘round and reads it and then someone screams out. “She’s laughing up at us from hell.”
Johnny fears his ambition will kill him and that the people who don’t care about him will take advantage of it.
Rehab by Amy Winehouse
- “They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said, ‘No, no, no.’ Yes, I’ve been black, but when I come back, you’ll know, know, know. I ain't got the time and if my daddy thinks I’m fine.”
Cris is trying to get Johnny to go to rehab for his alcoholism, but he refuses because he wants to focus on reigniting his career and he reasons that nobody else is concerned.
- “I’d rather be at home with Ray. I ain't got seventy days. ‘Cause there’s nothing, there’s nothing you can teach me. That I can’t learn from Mr. Hathaway.”
Johnny wants to continue working and being at home. He doesn’t think he has a problem and, if he did, Johnny doesn’t think anyone can help.
- “The man said ‘Why do you think you are here?’ I said, ‘I got no idea.’ I’m gonna, I’m gonna lose my baby. So I always keep a bottle near. He said, ‘I just think you’re depressed.’ This, me: ‘Yeah, baby, and the rest.’”
Johnny goes to a therapist (Cris gave him an ultimatum). The therapist tells Johnny that it’s just depression and to stop drinking. Johnny can’t seem to stop because drinking takes away the pain he’s feeling.
- “I don’t ever wanna drink again. I just, ooh, I just need a friend. I’m not gonna spend ten weeks. Have everyone think I’m on the mend. It’s not just my pride. It’s just till these tears have dried.”
Johnny hates drinking but feels like it’s the only way to escape his loneliness and stress. He’s scared that his career will be over and his fans will leave him if he goes to rehab.
Hollywood by MARINA
- “American queen is the American dream. American queen is the American dream.”
This is the mantra Johnny says to motivate himself to continue his career.
- “I asked her ‘Why would you wanna be a Hollywood wife?’ ‘Because I don’t wanna end up living in a dive on Vine.”
Johnny doesn’t want to live a life less than his dreams. He’ll do anything to live his dreams.
- “Trying to stimulate a mind. That is slowly starting to decay. I itch my skin, I jump up and say. Lady, I know why your thoughts turn gray.”
Exhaustion and alcohol are infecting Johnny’s brain and dulling his thoughts. He’s barely present in his personal life- marriage and home.
- “Hollywood infected your brain. You wanted kissing in the rain. Oh oh, (I’ve been) living in a movie scene. Pukin American dreams. Oh oh, I’m obsessed with the mess that’s America. I’m obsessed with the mess that’s America.”
The price of striving for fame is catching up to Johnny, yet he’s willing to ignore it due to being obsessed with his desires.
- “A fat security making plays for me. As soon as I touch down in, old L.A., he said… ‘Oh my god, you look just like Shakira. No no, you’re Catherine Zeta.” Actually, my name’s Marina.”
This is a reference to how Hollywood has a surplus of stars that can overshadow each other. Since Johnny is no longer a big star, people mistake him for a lookalike. His individualism in the industry is dying.
Oh No! by MARINA (& The Diamonds)
- “Don’t do love, don’t do friends. I’m only after success. Don’t need a relationship. I’ll never soften my grip. Don’t want cash, don’t want card. Want it fast, want it hard. Don’t need money don’t need fame. I just want to make a change. I just wanna change.”
Johnny’s obsession evolves into him ignoring everything- his relationships and income- to maintain and grow his success.
- “I know exactly what I want and who I want to be. I know exactly why I walk and talk like a machine. I’m now becoming my own self-fulfilled prophecy. Oh! Oh no! Oh no! Oh, no, oh!”
His singular goal can be compared to a program, making Johnny out to be a machine. He’s also realizing that his alcoholism is leading him into a similar path to his father’s. This could be seen as a self-fulfilled prophecy because children usually copy their parents’ behavior, even the bad ones, and the phrase “like father, like son.” It terrifies him.
- “One track mind, one track heart. If I fail, I’ll fall apart. Maybe it is all a test. ‘Cause, I feel like I’m the worst. So I always act like I’m the best.”
Johnny wonders if his downfall is karma since he had to step over people to build his career or a test of his character. The last two lines reference his feelings of inadequacy due to his childhood and the birth of his movie star persona.
- “If you are not very careful. Your possessions will possess you. TV taught me how to feel. Now real life has no appeal. It has no appeal.”
In his chapter, Johnny tells Cris that they can’t cut back on cash because acting like a success makes people perceive you that way. This shows how Johnny's spending habits are consuming him.
During his childhood, Johnny coped with his father’s abuse and his mother working all the time by watching TV. TV raised Johnny, and it made his reality- good or bad- unappealing.
- “I’m gonna live, I’m gonna fly. I’m gonna fail, I’m gonna die. “I’m gonna live, I’m gonna fly. I’m gonna fail, I’m gonna die, die, die, die, die.”
Johnny identifies failing as dying and succeeding as living. He thinks retiring his career will kill his confident persona and revert him to the sad child he was.
Are You Satisfied? By MARINA
-“I was pulling out my hair. The day I got the deal, chemically calm. Was I meant to feel happy that my life was about to change?”
Because of his health issues- alcoholism and depression, Johnny is starting to feel numb towards his work, to the point where getting a role doesn’t excite him.
-“One life pretending to be the cat who got the cream. Oh, everybody said, ‘Marina is a dreamer.’ People like to tell you what you’re gonna be. It’s not my problem if you don’t see what I see. And do not give a damn if you don’t believe.”
Johnny is reminded of the people in his childhood who called him a dreamer and tried to tell him what he should do with his life. He never saw why his life was anyone’s problem.
-“My problem, it’s my problem. That I never am happy. It’s my problem, it’s my problem. On how fast I will succeed. Are you satisfied with an average life? Do I need to lie to make my way in life?”
With no big payoff, Johnny starts to ponder if an average life will satisfy him and make him happy. If not, does he have to start lying to himself and others to continue his Hollywood life.
-“High achiever, don’t you see? Baby, nothing comes for free. They say I’m a control freak. Driven by a greed to succeed. Nobody can stop me.”
One of his intro with Kenshi has the latter complaining about doing forty takes with Johnny arguing that the shot has to be perfect. It lead me to believe that Johnny is a perfectionist since he is driven by his need to succeed.
-“Cause it’s my problem if I want to pack up and run away. It’s my business if I feel the need to smoke and drink and sway. It’s my problem, it’s my problem if I feel the need to hide. And it’s my problem if I have no friends and feel I want to die.”
Johnny realizes his problems yet doesn’t push himself to get the help he needs. He thinks no one except him could handle his issues. Johnny feels that it’s his fault that he let alcohol control his life, has depression, and has no friends.
-“Are you satisfied with an easy ride? Once you cross the line, will you be satisfied? Sad inside in this life, unsatisfied, prayin’. Sad inside in this life, unsatisfied, waitin’.”
He wonders again whether regular life with more simplistic issues will satisfy him and if he should cross the line and consider letting go of his career. The difficult decision makes it more despondent and he prays for an answer. He finds his answer by the end of the game- to step back from the industry for a while and focus on his personal life.
The Reason by Hoobastank
-“I’m not a perfect person. There’s many things I wish I didn’t do. But I continue learning. I never meant to do those things to you. And so, I have to say before I go. That I just want you to know.”
After going through therapy, training at Wu Shi Academy, and the Outworld adventure, Johnny realizes his mistakes and wants to apologize to Cris before they go their separate ways.
-“I’m sorry that I hurt you. It’s something I must live with everyday. And all the pain I put you through. I wish that I could take it all away. And be the one catches all your tears. That’s why I need you to hear.”
He realizes the full extent of pain Johnny put her through. He’s remorseful and wishes he could go back to listen and comfort her.
-“I’ve found a reason for me. To change who I used to be. A reason to start over new. And the reason is you. I’ve found a reason to show. A side of me you didn’t know. A reason for all that I do. And the reason is you.”
Johnny wants Cris to know how much he’s grown and will be a better person. Although sad it had to come to it, Johnny thanks Cris for letting him go since it led him to get the help he needed and continue to heal old wounds he kept hidden.
..................
BONUS (These songs are from Cris’ point of view to Johhny.):
All I Wanted by Paramore
- “Think of me when you’re out, when you’re out there. I’ll beg you nice from my knees. And when the world treats you way too fairly. Well, it’s a shame I’m a dream. All I wanted was you.”
Every time Johnny leaves for his hours-long shoots, Cris hopes he thinks of her, but knows that she’ll always be second to his career. Although their marriage was always on her mind.
- “I think I’ll pace my apartment a few times. And fall asleep on the couch. And wake up early to black-and-white reruns. That escaped from my mouth.”
When Cris is alone, she wanders through their house and watches movies. She mostly watches Johnny’s movies to fill the hole of him not being with her most of the time.
- “I could follow you to the beginning. Just to relive the start. And maybe then we’d remember to slow down. At all of our favorite parts.”
Cris would do anything to have a semblance of their old relationship- before Johnny got famous- back. She hopes that if it happens then Johnny will be more attentive, and they can live a happy life.
Call Me When You’re Sober by Evanescence
- “Don’t cry to me, if you loved me. You would be here with me. You want me, come find me. Make up your mind.”
Cris is frustrated with Johnny and tells him that if he loved her then he would pay attention to her and her needs instead of his career.
- “Should I let you fall, lose it all. So maybe you can remember yourself? Can’t keep believing. We’re only deceiving ourselves. And I’m sick of the lie. And you’re too late.”
Cris contemplates letting Johnny’s alcoholism overtake him since he never listens to her advice on going to therapy or rehab. She also thinks that letting him fall could bring back John Carlton, the man she fell in love with.
- “Couldn’t take the blame, sick with shame. Must be exhausting to lose your own game, selfishly hated. No wonder you’re jaded. You can’t play the victim this time. And you’re too late.”
Cris is tired of being responsible for Johnny's health and reducing his problems to inconveniences. She wants him to stop playing the victim and take responsibility because she can’t take care of him anymore.
- “You never call me when you’re sober. You only want it ‘cause it’s over, it’s over.”
Their relationship only revolves around Johnny’s career and alcoholism instead of their love.
Losing Grip by Avril Lavigne
-“Are you aware of what you make me feel? Baby. Right now I feel invisible to you, like I’m not real. Didn’t you feel me lock my arms around you? Why’d you turn away? Here’s what I have to say. I was left to cry there. Waiting outside there. Grinning with a lost stare. That’s when I decided.”
Cris is frustrated at Johnny being distant and inattentive. It makes her feel invisible and unimportant in his life. She questions why he acts this way when he should be treating her like his wife. It leaves her feeling desperate and lonely, but she hides it with a smile.
-“Why should I care? ‘Cause you weren’t there. When I was scared. I was so alone. You, you need to listen. I’m starting to trip. I’m losing my grip and I’m in this thing alone.”
Cris wonders why she’s even staying in the marriage. She’s scared of losing Johnny to his alcoholism and his obsession with work; as well as the financial troubles that were accumulating. Instead of listening and being there for her, Johnny decides to ignore the problems, making her feel alone in their marriage.
-“Am I just some chick you place beside you to take somebody’s place? When you turn around can you recognize my face? You used to love me, you used to hug me. But that wasn’t the case. Everything wasn’t okay.”
Cris starts to think Johnny only wants her around to fill a role anyone can take such as a caregiver (not his intention). She sees Johnny’s eyes go through her like she’s a stranger and he rarely gives her affection. Unfortunately, Johnny’s exhaustion from working and alcoholism affects his ability to focus on what’s going on around him.
-“Why should I care? ‘Cause you weren’t there. When I was scared. I was so alone. Why should I care? If you don’t care then I don’t care. We’re not going anywhere.”
Cris continues pondering about their marriage, though it ends with her deciding that she’s exhausted her commitment to the marriage and has to leave before it further destroys her.
MK1 Character Writing Review
I'm curious about other fans' opinions on MK1's character writing. Personally, I think it's improved most characters but there are some issues.
Ashrah: I'm happy she's back because Ashrah was the 3D-era character I wanted to return. I really like that they kept her story from the 3D era but improved it. I'm curious to see if she'll get corrupted by the Kriss in the next game.
Baraka: His story improved immensely. I never cared for Baraka in the previous games since he wasn't developed enough and was just one of Shao Kahn's henchmen. Baraka being a victim of Tarkat makes him more sympathetic and interesting. I hope he gets a happy ending but I think he'll die in the later games.
General Shao: I'm a bit disappointed in how he was written. I was hoping we'd learn about his past and how it affected his personality. Shao was born with a weak body, so I expected his father to be abusive by forcing Shao to go beyond his limits. This would cause Shao to believe being strong is the only thing that matters. Hopefully, the next story portrays Shao as more than a stock villain.
Geras: I really liked this version of Geras compared to MK11's since he's more than Kronika's minion. He's loyal to Liu Kang but they are friends/partners, and Geras wants to protect Liu Kang's timeline because he believes in its potential.
Havik: I was really interested in learning about Havik, his powers, and the Chaos realm. I was disappointed that Havik was a minor character and his powers weren't explained. I heard that there will be a story taking place in Seido/Order Realm so I'm crossing my fingers that we'll have a great story for Havik and other Order/Chaos realm characters.
Johnny Cage: His backstory and personality didn't change that much which I'm glad for because MK9-11 Johnny had one of the best character arcs in that era. I really enjoyed his bromance with Kenshi and his comedic moments were really fun (my favorite was the Alien reference).
Kenshi: Kenshi's story was already good but it was improved upon and explored further. Kenshi wanting Sento to protect his family from the Yakuza and bring back the Taira clan made me sympathize with him, and actually seeing how he loses his sight was horrifying and broke my heart. His bromance was Johnny was one of my favorite parts and I hope they are in future games together.
Kitana: I found Kitana kind of bland. Unfortunately, with her old goal of wanting to be an Empress going to Mileena, she lost what made her interesting. She felt more like Mileena's sidekick rather than her own character. Maybe that'll change in future games since she's a part of Mileena's council.
Kung Lao: Kung Lao was likable and enjoyable. I don't have much to say other than that. I want the next story to explore his ego/arrogance and why he has that attitude. Although I really like Raiden as Earthrealm's champion, I sort of wish Kung Lao was the champion since he's wished for that opportunity for so long.
Li Mei: Li Mei is an okay character. She's kind of boring since she's a "follow the rules" character. Her and Sindel's friendship was the most interesting aspect of her. Li Mei's powers are really cool though, and I'm a big fan of Kelly Hu (her va).
Liu Kang: Having Liu Kang as Earth's protector and Time Keeper made his character more interesting compared to him being the "Chosen One." I am slightly disappointed in the way he was written. I expected/wanted Liu Kang to be a neutral good character where he's willing to do bad things to keep the peace. They kind of did that with Liu Kang creating meaningless lives for Shang Tsung and Quan-Chi, but he was never called out for those decisions. I also wanted the other characters to start questioning Liu Kang about why there are still tragedies occurring and why doesn't he intervene. Though we get it in the battle intros, I wanted it explored in the story. The writing for how Liu Kang's time powers was also pretty unclear. The power's restrictions were never specified so it's not obvious which events in the timeline are Liu Kang's mistakes or not.
Mileena: Adored her in this game! I love seeing Mileena happy for once with a loving family and a good life. I expected her to be overtaken by Tarkat the whole but was happy to see her with a regular mouth for most of the game. Having her as Empress is really interesting and can't wait to see more of that.
Nitara: I really wanted to like Nitara, yet she's so bland. I thought we would learn about Vaternius, and see Nitara being a truly neutral character. Compared to the other 3D characters in the game, she was the most disappointing.
Raiden: This version of Raiden is way more likable than previous iterations. He's nice, humble, handsome, and strong. He's literally the perfect man! I'd like his anger issues from the previous iterations to be developed in the next story. His anger would get out of control after a tragedy and he feels like being more ruthless is more beneficial to protecting everyone.
Rain: I don't have much to say about Rain. He's kind of boring and was sidelined in the game. Maybe he'll have some kind of connection to Delia and Argus, which will introduce them to the new timeline.
Reiko: Reiko's okay. The only thing I'm really interested in is his relationship with General Shao and it's mostly me wondering whether Shao is capable of caring/loving someone.
Reptile: Love this rendition of Reptile! Like Baraka, Syzoth is more complex and isn't only Shao Kahn's minion. He has one of my favorite designs in the game and his backstory shows the issue of internal racism. The only thing I'm iffy about is his family that was murdered was his wife and son since that is very similar to Baraka's backstory to losing his wife and children to Tarkat. Plus, it's kind of weird that he moved on with Ashrah relatively quickly. I would've preferred if his family were his parents or siblings.
Scorpion: At first, I was a bit iffy about Kuai Liang being Scorpion but think it was a good choice since it makes the rivalry between the Lin Kuei and the Shirai-Ryu more personal. I'm excited to see how his and Sub-Zero's story moves forward.
Sindel: Good queen and mom Sindel is best Sindel! She was very likable! I had a feeling she would die in the story though her soul being absorbed into Ermac was unexpected. I'm interested in where this story will go.
Shang Tsung: I really enjoyed how sassy Shang Tsung was, and was glad he was the main villain after so long. The only thing I'm disappointed in is we didn't see more of his backstory. Also, the idea of Shang Tsung being evil all along NRS was going with was pretty lame. I wanted to see whether Shang Tsung was truly born evil or if was he made that way because of his hardships. It being the latter would've been intriguing because it means Liu Kang technically created Shang Tsung.
Smoke: Smoke is a sweetie, but didn't have much going for him. I was really interested in Smoke when he was in MK9 so I expected him to have his own chapter and develop. Maybe the Lin Kuei/Shirai Ryu war will give me that.
Sub-Zero: I hoped Bi-Han would be an interesting antihero instead of a generic villain. His betrayal is fine, but I wish he was more indecisive or slightly regretful of his choice since he lost his brothers. For example, when he slashed Kuai Liang's eye, I wanted to see him be regretful and sorry for hurting his brother. We didn't get that, which is one of the biggest disappointments of the story.
Tanya: I'm neutral with Tanya. Personally, her role and personality are too similar to Jade's. She felt like a totally different character who happened to have the same name as the original Tanya. Changing a character's story is okay, yet there should be some part of the original iteration that stays. I do find her and Mileena super sweet and I hope they live a happy life.
Do you ever think about how Kenshi was already sensitive to loud noises because of fighting? Or about how he probably became even more sensitive after losing his sight. so much that he can't relax or focus on anything besides hearing sometimes. Because he is paranoid that every sound could be a sign of danger and he may not realize it until it is too late.
So umm got bored in class today 😍
Fell asleep in math…did not end up good 😨
Don’t y’all LOVE terrible lighting! 😍
Mk1 Incorrect Quotes pt. 9:
God Liu Kang: “You’re not ascending to godhood, you’re just dehydrated!”
Shang Tsung: “Outta my way, gayboy! I’m about to liberate my divine self from this mortal shell!”
Shang Tsung, later, laying on the ground on Yamcha position: “hopital”
Mk1 Incorrect Quotes pt. 8:
Liu Kang as a (human) child: “I can’t wait to grow up and have cool adventures!”
Liu Kang now: “I can’t wait to go to sleep.”
Mk1 Incorrect Quotes pt. 7:
Liu Kang, freshly after defeating Kronika: “God is no longer with us, I’ll take over.”
I’ve been thinking about that one “The last Unicorn” audio, the one that says “You hear me? You lost her! You trapped her in a human body, she’ll go mad!” “What have you done to me? I’m a unicorn. I’m a unicorn! I wish you had let the Red Vault take me. I wish you had left me to the harpies! I can feel this body dying all around me!”
Now imagine that but with Liu Kang. We know from his ending that [SPOILERS] taking back his power and title of Keeper of Time took a toll on his body. Nearly killing him and taking his immortality. And we know that Liu Kang had been a god for a good billions of centuries now. Even if was once a human, it’s not weird to think that after so long of being a Titan, he would’ve forgotten how aging felt. What it felt like to being able to die. Do you guys think he experienced something similar to body dysmorphia when he became mortal again? And that the same happened when he became a god the first time?
I feel so sorry (not really) for Sektor (she can go suck on a lemon for all I care). She’s trapped between the situationship of her boyfriend and their literal creator.
I swear Bi-Han has said Liu’s name more times than he’s ever mentioned Sektor and I’m here for it.
I can totally see Shang Tsung (the MK1 one, not Evil!Titan Tsung) doing this to Liu Kang the moment he finds out about him and Titan Kitana. Not because he’s gay, not because he definitely did not want to kiss the God of Fire, but simply to annoy him.
To leave him questioning every single time that he’s with Titan Kitana if she’s just Shang Tsung in disguise. And slowly seeing Liu Kang loose his mind whenever he starts overthinking every single of Kitana’s actions.
I really like this one actually
MK1 Incorrect quotes pt.3:
Kenshi, in the dark during a big storm that cut the Wu Shi Academy’s power, searching for candles: Kung Lao I’m starting to think that this is a really bad idea.
Raiden: Oh I’m not Lao, I’m Raiden. I though you were Lao.
Kenshi: No, I’m Kenshi.
Kung Lao: You’re Kenshi? Where’s Johnny?
Kenshi: Who are you?
Kung Lao: I’m Kung Lao!
Liu Kang, eyes flashing like a pair of white flashlight: Guess who I am, you guys!
Mk1 AU where everything is the same but Liu Kangs eyes work like two mini flashlights
Incorrect MK1 quotes, p2:
Johnny: says something completely arrogant and out of pocket.
God Liu Kang: I can’t be mad at you.
Imma start doing incorrect quotes with MK11 and MK1 characters
Everyone: “How are you our creator?”
Liu Kang: Hands over a disc of MK11 and a PS4 “Johnny, you play. Everyone else, observe.”
I firmly believe that, originally, Liu Kang had expected that the champion would be Kenshi. Now, don’t get him wrong. Any champion would be fine by him, he trusts them all and loves them all. And it would’ve made sense that Kenshi would be the one to win, as he was the one with the most experience out of the four champions.
But when Kenshi was defeated, it took him by surprise that this man, Kenshi, who escaped the yakuza. Who was more skilled in fighting terms, that had more experience, had lost.
That put Liu Kang slightly on edge. Because it meant that his champion would be either Johnny, Raiden or Kung Lao. When Johnny lost, his nerves weren’t appealed. But when Kung Lao lost, it felt like he could breath again.
His brain making him remember when his friend had died on his timeline. He trusts Kung Lao, he trusts him as a person and he trusts his strength. But he’s still grateful that it wouldn’t be Kung Lao the one to face Shao Ka—General Shao.
Even if this new tournament, that he himself organized, didn’t required for anyone to die, like in his timeline, Liu Kang—despite all the eons that had passed— still had it fresh in his skull when his friend died. The celebrations that the public had made when Kung Lao’s inert, cold, dead body hit the arena. The way his eyes were wide open, staring at nothing, and how the bone of the neck was slightly peeking out through the skin.
Liu Kang doesn’t think he will ever forget any of it.
This is the first time I’ve ever posted an actual drawing of mine (if I post drawings again, it’ll probably be in paper tho).
Anyways, my man Liu Kang deserves more love. He’s also been rotting my brain, so the parasites in me decided that I should sketch him a bit. (The line art didn’t convinced me, so it’ll just stay as sketch for now)
Do you think that Liu Kang made everyone 100 times hotter than in his original timeline, that he banned all ugliness in his creation because he had been through so much that he deserved beauty in his timeline?
Мы беспризорники, нас бросят небожители
На каждой веточке ризомы мутятся бомжи теперь
I made fake screenshot with my oc. Icon from mortal kombat 9
Mortember 2023!
Day 4 - Sorry Jax, but I'm skipping your day 😔 Day 5 - Jade/Джейд
I I listened to this (fizica - Соня) song in the process. Impressed, I drew Jade
Mortember 2023!
Day 3 - Geras/Герас
Mortember 2023!
Day 2 - Baraka/Барака
Mortember 2023!
Day 1 - Ashrah/Ашра
Johnny Cage! That’s right. B)
It's not a smoking brothers trend, but...
