Liu Kang/Current Timeline

"Only one fight remains... Face me... In Mortal Kombat!"

- Liu Kang to Shang Tsung

Biography

 * Mortal Kombat 2011: "Orphaned at a very young age, Liu Kang was raised by Shaolin monks, who taught him the way of the spiritual warrior. They soon recognized his potential as a contender for the Mortal Kombat tournament and rigorously trained him for this task. Raiden, too, understood that Liu Kang was Earthrealm's best hope for freedom and introduced him to Master Bo' Rai Cho to further his development. Once fully trained, Liu Kang bested all challengers and earned the high honor of representing the Shaolin in the Mortal Kombat tournament. He and Raiden then embarked on their fateful journey to Shang Tsung's island to compete in this pivotal kontest."

Storyline
Liu Kang is first seen interacting with Raiden, as he is preparing for the first Mortal Kombat tournament. He is alongside Raiden when they approach Johnny Cage. Liu Kang is notably upset when Johnny Cage shows disrespect to Raiden. Liu Kang appears once again when Raiden explains the situation regarding the Mortal Kombat tournament to Sonya and Jax. He also appears following Kung Lao's defeat to Scorpion, Liu Kang can be seen helping Kung Lao to his side.

Liu Kang's first appearance fighting is when Ermac is revealed as "the latest creation of Shao Kahn". Even though Liu Kang was never shown to have fought in the tournament, Shang Tsung states that Liu Kang is the final Earthrealm warrior remaining. Liu Kang defeats Ermac, and is later shown training with Raiden. Raiden receives another message from his future self, and states that the "He must win" must be Liu Kang. After Raiden leaves, Liu Kang is approached by Kitana, who spars with him. Kitana then challenges him to a fight, but is defeated by Liu Kang. While Kitana tells Liu Kang to kill her, he refuses, stating that their encounter never happened.

Liu Kang then faces Scorpion and Quan Chi in a two-on-one battle, and defeats them both. He is then led to face Goro in Goro's Lair. After defeating Goro, Liu Kang returns to Shang Tsung's Throne Room, where he faces Shang Tsung. After defeating Shang Tsung, Liu Kang is regarded as Earthrealm's savior, although Raiden notices his amulet has cracked even more.

A ceremony at the Wu Shi Academy is held in honor of Liu Kang's Mortal Kombat tournament victory. As night falls, an army of Tarkatans assault the academy. Jax is shown knocked unconscious, and when he awakens, Liu Kang is among the Earthrealm warriors who explain the latest situation to him along with Sonya's capture. As Johnny Cage, Jax, and Raiden appear to continue the new Mortal Kombat tournament, it is revealed that Liu Kang has been sent to free his Shaolin masters.

Liu Kang appears as Raiden talks with Jade. It is during the conversation that Liu Kang learns of Kitana's capture and imprisonment. As Liu Kang and Kung Lao try to find Kitana, they are met by Sheeva and Noob Saibot. Liu Kang faces Sheeva, while Kung Lao faces Noob Saibot, and eventually Goro, who informs the two of them that Kitana has likely been executed in the coliseum. Liu Kang attempts to release Kitana from her imprisonment, while Kung Lao takes on the role of "He must win". After Kung Lao defeats Shang Tsung and Quan Chi in a two-on-one battle, and Kintaro shortly after, Shao Kahn kills Kung Lao, enraging Liu Kang. As a result, Liu Kang faces, defeats, and seemingly Shao Kahn.

Liu Kang accompanies Raiden to see the Elder Gods. Shortly after they return, they find almost all of the Earthrealm warriors dead, and Nightwolf sacrificing himself to kill Sindel. Liu Kang rushes to a mortally wounded Kitana's side, as she eventually dies from her wounds. Liu Kang is visibly upset with Raiden following the deaths of the Earthrealm warriors and, Raiden's latest suggestion to ask Quan Chi for help. Liu Kang believes Raiden to have become mad.

When Raiden reveals to Liu Kang that "He must win" actually refers to Shao Kahn, Liu Kang refuses to allow Shao Kahn win. In an attempt to prevent Liu Kang from interfering, Raiden accidentally electrocutes Liu Kang. It is unknown whether Liu Kang was killed or severely wounded by Raiden. The final words spoken by Liu Kang are to Raiden, "You....have killed.... us....all." In the end, Liu Kang's body is taken away by Raiden, Sonya, and Johnny Cage.

Powers and abilities
Liu Kang possesses incredible agility, acrobatics, and more commonly, martial arts. These, along with his Flying Kick, were taught to him by Bo' Rai Cho. It is suggested that Liu Kang meditates regularly in order to keep increasing strength as well as maintain it. Liu Kang is commonly associated with the element of fire, which comes in the form of shooting firebound projectiles. He appears to have some degree of control over it, as the fireballs sometimes come in dragon-like shapes, and has also used the element for finishers as well. In addition, Liu Kang also appears to possess a degree of shapeshifting, able to transform himself into a Chinese Dragon, which includes a serpentine body with small arms.

Signature moves

 * Flying Dragon Kick: Liu Kang flies across the screen and connects with a kick to the opponent's torso.
 * The enhanced version is called Flame Dragon Kick. Liu Kang's leg becomes covered in fire, making him quicker.


 * Fireball: Liu Kang sends a fiery flame in the shape of a dragon across the screen out of his hands at his opponent. He is also able to shoot it in the air, and kneel down to send it at his opponent's feet.
 * The enhanced versions are called High Dragon Fire and Low Dragon Fire. The fireball takes the form of a flaming black dragon.


 * Mk9_bicycle_kick_liu_kang.jpgBicycle Kick: Liu Kang flies across the screen with a series of multiple kicks to the opponent's torso.
 * The enhanced version is called Bicycle Steps. Liu Kang's feet becomes enshrouded by fire, speeding up his kicks.


 * Parry: Liu Kang gets in a parry stance with flames emitting from his hands. If his opponent attacks him while he's like this, he'll disappear in a burst of flames, reappear behind his opponent and deliver a swift surprise punch in the back.
 * The enhanced version is called Burning Parry. If Liu Kang is struck, he will connect with an uppercut.


 * X-Ray Move - Chin Up: Liu Kang performs a cartwheel kick and uppercut, which damages his opponent's jaw and skull and causes them to fly in the air. As they come back down, he kicks them in the face, causing another damaging blow to the jaw and skull.

Fatalities

 * The Beast Within: Liu Kang morphs into a large chrome-like dragon, and consumes the upper body of his opponent.


 * Fist of Flame: Liu Kang bows and charges his hand with fire, then punches his fist through his opponent´s chest and pulls it back out, leaving his arm bloodied and the opponent with a gaping wound in their chest.

Other Finishers

 * Babality: Liu Kang will try to perform a cartwheel, only to fall on the ground and cry.

Endings

 * thumb|200pxMortal Kombat (2011): "Having defeated Shao Kahn, Liu Kang believed he was the only one capable of defending Earthrealm against outside threats. During the invasion Raiden had been more burden than ally. Brazenly he demanded the Elder Gods grant him the thunder god's status. In a one-match Mortal Kombat tournament, Liu Kang defeated his former friend and mentor. Liu Kang's request was granted. He was made a god, the new Protector of Earthrealm."