Where Every Scroll is a New Adventure
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.
(Not)Friendly reminder that [SPOILERS FOR MK11] Takeda never knew that Hanzo, his adoptive father figure died. Before the reset, he might had been wondering what was happening. Where was his mentor?
Did Takeda and Kung Jin even knew about the whole Kronika thing? I don’t think so.
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
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.
In a cottage, Takeda and Kenshi recuperate from yet another training session. Meanwhile the former comes across some familiar items. Perfect to aid with the freezing temperatures.
The swordsman sat up in bed. Listening to his son rummage through his bag.
“You ever use an electric blanket?” Takeda asked.
“No. I don't think so,” Kenshi stifled a yawn as he stretched his taut muscles.
Takeda hastily unfolded one of the blankets.“Cassie had extras and insisted. She wouldn't take no for an answer.” He walked to the outlet near Kenshi’s bed and plugged in the blanket’s cord. “Are you cold?” He thumbed through the controller’s settings.
“I’ll, be alright.” Kenshi’s lower body was suddenly enveloped in fluffy fabric. “You don’t need to-”
“It’s okay, really.” Once he covered Kenshi’s legs, Takeda sat at his bedside. “So,” he was tentative with his words. “I'll make us some tea. Would you like that?”
Candlelight illuminated the swordsman's clouded, milky white gaze. He held his tongue momentarily. “Yes, I would. And Takeda,” he reached out and felt for his son’s shoulder. Steadying himself when he found it. “Thank you.”
Takeda checked him a few minutes later, only to find he dozed off. His chest rose and fell, in slow, even breaths. The ninja padded over to the bed. He turned off and unplugged the blanket. The pillows under Kenshi’s head and neck were adjusted; the movement did nothing to disturb his slumber. As he tucked him in, Takeda gently squeezed his father’s hand.
“Good night Dad.” He extinguished the candles.
Kenshi awoke to rustling coming from outside the room. Easing himself out of bed, he called Sento to him. He sauntered to the kitchen. Greeted by the sound of Takeda, pouring tea for the both of them.
Because NRS sure as hell won’t fill in the blanks. The following is mostly hypotheses and... it’s just hypotheses.
Given her ability to hold her own against Red Dragon thugs, I wouldn’t consider her a slouch. She found out they were coming for her kid and hid him. Maybe she trained in secret when Takeda was at school or a friend’s house. Assuming she kept a low profile, she’d probably interact with others only out of necessity-most of the time. Takeda couldn’t have friends over at their place. He could go over to his friend’s homes (with her say so, and it took time for her to agree).
Aside from her mother and Takeda, how many people was she close with? Did she have other living relatives? Was she also from a family of warriors? Is Granny a secret badass?
What happened immediately after her corpse was discovered? Kenshi knew who the perpetrators were, and the motive behind the crime. Perhaps he thought there wouldn’t be a reason to call the police. And there was urgency to find Takeda. Did he even know the Thai EMS number? Either he placed a secret call to the emergency services and left. Or he told Suchin’s mom-when obtaining Takeda’s location- and she took care of everything.
What about the funeral? More than likely, due to the Red Dragon being hot on his trail, Kenshi didn’t attend. Picture him meeting Granny years later, Takeda in tow. He finds out she never scattered her daughter’s ashes. She kept them for Kenshi and her grandson bid farewell. That day is not easy for any one of them.
If we’re going for a AU version of events. Have Kenshi participate in preparing the body with Granny. Positioning Suchin’s hands in a prayer like gesture with flowers and incense. Before placing her in the coffin, he strokes her forehead and kisses her one last time. The funeral is a minuscule gathering. Kenshi tries to celebrate her life. The lingering guilt keeps him silent. He aids in transporting Suchin’s coffin to the crematorium. The chanting of the monks is nothing more than noise to him. He takes the time to cook a favorite meal hers, and uses it as an offering to be cremated. Finally, everyone places their items on the pyre. Once it’s Kenshi’s turn to pour water over Suchin (to wash away sins), his hands shake. Granny guides him. Together they pour the water over her face. Suchin’s favorite flowers are placed on top of the coffin. Kenshi sits by the funeral pyre until the cremation is complete. Imagine Takeda finding out his father attended the funeral, but he couldn’t. Oof.