Mortal Kombat 1 (2023 Video Game)

Matthew Yang King: Liu Kang

Photos 

Quotes 

• [from trailer] 

  Liu Kang : You have chosen to defy peace, then you have chosen war with a god!

• Johnny Cage : So last time around, I hooked up with someone else?

  Liu Kang : Spoilers, Johnny Cage.

• Liu Kang : [Liu Kang 1]  What is your role in your timeline?

  Liu Kang : [Liu Kang 2]  I'm a global martial arts star! Aren't you?

• Liu Kang : [Liu Kang 1]  What happened to your Kitana?

  Liu Kang : [Liu Kang 2]  An evil clown tricked me into taking her life.

• Liu Kang : You have destroyed worlds. I have erased whole timelines.

  Omni-Man : Finally, a worthy challenge.

• [first lines] 

  Liu Kang : Having liberated the Hourglass and become Keeper of Time, my next task was to restart history. Not beholden to past events, I was free to craft a new era. It was with humility and restraint that I approached this blank canvas. After careful preparation, I began work. Painting over the darkness. After eons passed, I sketched out the realms. After eons more, I brushed them in with life. In my new era, all beings will have opportunity to find peace. Whether or not they do, will be their responsibility. For my power only permits me to begin this endeavor. It is the duty of mortals to finish it.

• Ashrah : I actually like Kung Lao's nickname for me.

  Liu Kang : "Shaolin Demon" is too irreverent.

• Liu Kang : Hanzo must master his anger.

  Smoke : We will teach him the way.

• Liu Kang : Keep Countess Jade close. She is critical to your failure.

  Kitana : Is it possible you could be more cryptic?

• Kenshi : Kuai Liang says I shouldn't trust the Black Dragon.

  Liu Kang : In this, as in all timelines, they are scoundrels.

• Liu Kang : The Black Dragon has infiltrated Sun Do,

  Li Mei : It will gain no traction here, Liu Kang.

• Raiden : Master Kai taught me Crouching Tiger style.

  Liu Kang : Try it against my Hidden Dragon style.

• Johnny Cage : You cool with me posting Outworld pics on social?

  Liu Kang : Social what, Johnny Cage?

• Sindel : My past iteration sounds like a screeching harpy.

  Liu Kang : Many are thankful for the changes I made.

• Scorpion : In prior timelines, I wasn't Scorpion?

  Liu Kang : In prior timelines, you were Sub-Zero?

• Liu Kang : [Liu Kang 1]  Does Onaga exist in your timeline?

  Liu Kang : [Liu Kang 2]  Exist in it? He rules it.

• Liu Kang : I had such high hopes for your brother.

  Scorpion : So did I, Lord Liu Kang.

• Liu Kang : The realms nearly died, and still you won't repent.

  Shang Tsung : I would do the same again in a heartbeat.

• Liu Kang : A half of million Seidans, dead!

  Rain : And if I could bring them back, I would.

• Liu Kang : Our realms must co-exist peacefully.

  Reiko : As long as yours dominates mine, they can't.

• Liu Kang : What is left of Seido's government will negotiate.

  Havik : Negotiate? I'm dictating terms.

• Liu Kang : I force no one! Mortals choose to follow me.

  Havik : Making you their master, which makes them slaves.

• Liu Kang : Your actions cost lives, Bi-Han.

  Sub-Zero : They were in the Lin Kuei's best interests.

• Liu Kang : Madam Bo thinks your sister is ready

  Raiden : I agree. She'll make an excellent Shaolin.

• Kenshi : Suchin wants me back?

  Liu Kang : You made as strong an impression as she did.

• Liu Kang : Where are your armies, General?

  General Shao : This isn't war, Liu Kang. It's personal.

• Liu Kang : I am Lord Liu Kang. God of Fire.

• Sindel : Was Shao right, after all? Were you pulling our strings?

  Liu Kang : Despite what he believes, I am not a puppet master.

• General Shao : How is it you are my creator?

  Liu Kang : It is a longer story than we have time for.

• Liu Kang : You have no army to command, General.

  General Shao : Those loyal to me still follow.

• Liu Kang : I will not let you unleash civil war.

  General Shao : Outworld's affairs aren't your business, Liu Kang.

• Omni-Man : Why would anyone give up power?

  Liu Kang : To ensure that the future is fair and free.

• Omni-Man : I don't buy your whole "Truth and Light" act.

  Liu Kang : We are not all as deceitful as you.

• Liu Kang : By the Elder Gods, what are you?

  Omni-Man : I'm something of a god myself.

• Liu Kang : Your brothers regret losing your fellowship.

  Sub-Zero : Then they shouldn't have disobeyed my commands.

• Liu Kang : For Earthrealm's sake, reconcile with Kuai Liang.

  Sub-Zero : Never again shall his name pass my lips.

• Liu Kang : You will not enter the Temple of the Elements!

  Sub-Zero : I will have the power you've locked away inside!

• Liu Kang : Come in from the cold, Bi-Han.

  Sub-Zero : And again kneel before you?

• Liu Kang : You have forsaken your family.

  Sub-Zero : To free the Lin Kuei from bondage.

• Sub-Zero : I wasn't aware of Shang Tsung's experiments.

  Liu Kang : Had you known, would your choice have been different?

• Sub-Zero : You want peace? Let us be.

  Liu Kang : The Lin Kuei's sins aren't easily forgiven.

• Sub-Zero : Earthrealm isn't yours to rule.

  Liu Kang : Nor has it ever been, Bi-Han!

• Sub-Zero : You've turned Kuai Liang against me.

  Liu Kang : Blame only yourself, Bi-Han.

• Sub-Zero : My father was a fool to follow you.

  Liu Kang : He wisely honored Earthrealm with his service.

• Sub-Zero : You hid the Hourglass from all of us.

  Liu Kang : Its power was best kept secret.

• Liu Kang : Your Titan self is not one to emulate.

  Shang Tsung : Why? Because he threatens your power?

• Liu Kang : You have fallen short of every hope I had for you.

  Shang Tsung : Music to my ears, Liu Kang.

• Liu Kang : Your thirst for power will never be quenched.

  Shang Tsung : You say that like it's a character flaw.

• [after Kung Lao beats Sub-Zero] 

  Kung Lao : Are you sure you're a grandmaster? Interesting.

  Raiden : Kung Lao, over here!

  Kung Lao : Madam Bo.

  Raiden : She's out cold.

  Kung Lao : Oh no. Is she...

  Madame Bo : Dead? Not yet.

  Kung Lao : Madam Bo, how are you...

  Raiden : Kung Lao!

  Liu Kang : So, Madam Bo, are they ready?

  Madame Bo : A bit thick in the head, perhaps... But they are ready.

  Raiden : His eyes are glowing.

  Liu Kang : I am Lord Liu Kang, God of Fire and Protector of Earthrealm.

  Kung Lao : God? Earthrealm?

  Liu Kang : Madam Bo has been preparing you for this moment since you were boys. Today you have proven worthy of joining my champions.

  Raiden : This fight was - a test?

  Liu Kang : Of your ability and character, yes. Bi-Han, Kuai Liang.

  Kung Lao : So these two aren't thugs?

  Liu Kang : The Lin Kuei is a centuries-old clan dedicated to Earthrealm's defense.

  Raiden : You keep saying Earthrealm. Don't you mean Earth?

  Madame Bo : You boys have so much to learn.

  Liu Kang : Earth is only part of Earthrealm. Earthrealm itself is one of many realms. Together they comprise the whole of the universe.

  Madame Bo : The realms can be fierce, bitter rivals. That's why we need champions to defend ours.

  Liu Kang : The time draws near for the grand martial arts tournament between Earthrealm and the realm of Outworld. Held once each century, it allows each realm to demonstrate its strength. While our realms are at peace, there are Outworlders who would prefer us to be at war. Our victory in the tournament will... temper their zeal.

  Madame Bo : I've taught you everything I can. You must finish your training with Lord Liu Kang.

  Kung Lao : More Training? These two couldn't defeat us.

  Sub-Zero : *scoffs*

  Madame Bo : *chuckles*

  Kung Lao : What?

  Madame Bo : They were pulling their punches.

  Sub-Zero : Had we not held back, you would not have survived.

  Liu Kang : Come. The monks at the Wu Shi Academy await to continue your tutelage.

  Kung Lao : I am ready, Lord Liu Kang.

  Liu Kang : And you, Raiden?

  Raiden : Leave Fengjian? I'm needed here.

  Madame Bo : Earthrealm needs you, Raiden. You'll best serve the village by being one of its champions.

  Raiden : I understand.

  Liu Kang : Excellent. I will join you soon. First, there are other champions I must gather.

• [after Johhny Cage beats Sub-Zero] 

  Johnny Cage : And scene. I hope you're insured because you're paying for my Hichuli.

  Sub-Zero : Imbecile! You have no idea with whom you're dealing!

  Liu Kang : ENOUGH!

  [smoke alarm wailing] 

  Johnny Cage : Uh... That's no special effect.

  Liu Kang : Indeed, Johnny Cage. Kuai Liang?

  Johnny Cage : Okay, let's go back to one here. Who are you again?

  Johnny Cage : Lord Liu Kang. Protector of Earthrealm. God of Fire.

  Liu Kang : All will be explained, Johnny Cage. For now, what is important is that you both have been chosen to join its champions.

  Johnny Cage : Why him? Or me for that matter?

  Liu Kang : Because I have faith that you will rise to the challenge. A because your service will change the arcs of your lives.

• Liu Kang : Though they claimed to be superior beings, Nitara and her timeline's Vaeternians proved anything but. They foolishly underestimated the tenacity and skill of this timeline's warriors. And while we have lost many, they are sadly not this war's greatest victims. Those are the ones who were enslaved by a pestiferous Vaeternian bite; and who, unless aided, will be condemned to languish in an excruciating, eternal twilight. To help them, I travelled to a timeline where Vaeternians work for good, not ill. They graciously shared their unique expertise, undoing the dark magic that had befallen my champions. Now, their souls and their lives have been restored. Their safe return is indeed a blessing.

• Reiko : You created Outworld?

  Liu Kang : And I only want what's best for it.

• Liu Kang : Why was being High Mage not enough?

  Rain : You tell me. You gave me this ambition.

• Rain : You took godhood from me?

  Liu Kang : Because in no timeline had you used it wisely.

• [Sindel gasps in horror] 

  Sindel : How could I have so misjudged him? For Shang Tsung to indulge in such depravity. For General Shao to condone it... They are not the men I though them.

  Liu Kang : Despite my best efforts, neither man, nor Quan Chi, are who they were meant to be.

  Sindel : They're not your responsibility. They're Outworlders.

  Liu Kang : But it is I who crafted their destinies... along with those of all other beings, at the dawn of history.

  Kitana : You created the realms? Is... Is your mind addled, demi-god?

  Liu Kang : I am a mere demi-god now. But eons ago I was more powerful than all of the Elder Gods combined. I was a Titan, and the Keeper of Time.

  Liu Kang : This is Geras.

  Geras : Your Majesty. Your Highnesses.

  Liu Kang : Geras is the guardian of the Hourglass. A celestial object which lies beyond the realms, the Hourglass regulates time and destiny. When I wielded its power, it was upon me to craft all of existence. Which I did, when I restarted history.

  Sindel : Re-started?

  Geras : This timeline was preceded by billions more, though this is the first of Liu Kang's design. The others were designed by his predecessor. Kronika was obsessed with equalizing good and evil. When a timeline veered too far to one or the other, she would halt it and restart history. Tinkering with lives and events in the hope of achieving her golden balance.

  Liu Kang : In prior timelines, Kronika gave Shang Tsung and Quan Chi mastery of the most vile magics. Shao was not a general, but a tyrannical ruler, bent on conquest. You, Sindel, were his ruthless wife, who would do anything to preserve your privilege. When I took the Hourglass from Kronika, I vowed to do better. So in this timeline, the sorcerers would not gain their dark powers. Shao would be your loyal follower... and you would rule Outworld firmly, but fairly.

  Geras : But someone has interfered with Liu Kang's design. Shao, Shang Tsung, Quan Chi... all have been groomed by an unknown entity to be the villains they were in previous timelines.

  Sindel : Where to begin? Am I to kneel to my creator? Do you expect worship?

  Liu Kang : No, Your Majesty. My prior role was thrust upon me by circumstance. I am in no way divine.

  Sindel : You had power over all of creation, yet you gave it up.

  Liu Kang : Because I saw how it drove Kronika mad. I knew I would fare no better, had I kept it.

  [door slams open] 

  Sindel : You. How dare you conspire against Outworld?

  General Shao : Not against Outworld, but against your misguided rule. Your deference to him leaves us all vassals.

  Sindel : So you sanction these unspeakable horrors? Lie to me about the threats we face? Thank to you, Earthrealm blood is already on my hands. Blood shed without cause or provocation!

  General Shao : Don't! Move.

  Liu Kang : Empress. Everyone. Stay back!

  Sindel : What is it?

  Liu Kang : The Amulet of Shinnok. A weapon of terrifying power.

  Geras : It should not exist. Its maker is powerless as Liu Kang designed.

  Liu Kang : Yet more proof of foreign interference.

  General Shao : Enough prattle. You'll both bend a knee to Outworld's new emperor.

  Liu Kang : Put down the amulet. Its evil is beyond your control!

  General Shao : Ha ha ha ha ha! Do you think I'd do battle not trained with my weapons? I am more than prepared!

  [Geras, Mileena, kitana and Tanya scream as they are sucked into the amulet] 

  General Shao : [Li Mei and her constables charge the conspirators] 

  Sindel : AHH! So General Shao casts his lot with Outworld's enemies against me.

  Nitara : HISSSS

  Sindel : He's a fool to ally with you bloodsucking fiends!

• Liu Kang : The knowledge you've gained I must now take away.

  Quan Chi : You won't punish me as you did Shujinko.

• Liu Kang : I am the Chosen One.

• Liu Kang : Have you no more?

• Liu Kang : You and Shang Tsung must not conspire again.

  Quan Chi : Why in the realms would I promise that?

• Liu Kang : I should have done more to keep you from evil.

  Quan Chi : I, for one, am glad you didn't.

• Liu Kang : How did you acquire Shinnok's Amulet?

  Quan Chi : [*laughter*]  Wouldn't you like to know?

• Quan Chi : Ashrah has formed the Order of Light?

  Liu Kang : It better suits her than your Sisterhood of Shadow.

• [Liu Kang enters Outworld again, Li Mei and Sun Do Constables are standing in front of him. Li Mei stands forward] 

  Li Mei : Return home, Lord Liu Kang. I am to let no one pass.

  Liu Kang : I must see her Majesty. She must call off her attack on Earthrealm.

  Li Mei : Her decision was unwise, but she no longer seeks my counsel. And i doubt she's intrested in yours.

• Liu Kang : There is more to life than fortune and glory.

  Johnny Cage : [*laughter*]  Oh wait, you're serious.

• Liu Kang : I will now demonstrate why you sanded those floors.

  Johnny Cage : Holy shit, I've been Miyagi'ed!

• [Custom AI Intros] 

  Liu Kang : Your disguise cannot fool a god. Reveal your true nature?

  Omni-Man : Even you can't fathom the extent of my power.

• Li Mei : If you know those who become criminals, tell me.

  Liu Kang : Even I cannot foretell the future flawlessly, Li Mei.

• Li Mei : Do Earthrealmers also deal with crime?

  Liu Kang : They are not immune to its scourge, Li Mei.

• Li Mei : Thank you for helping foil Shao's rebellion.

  Liu Kang : Duty required that I stop him.

• Li Mei : The Umgadi's Matrons have been arrested.

  Liu Kang : May they be punished for their crimes against you.

• [Custom AI Intros] 

  Liu Kang : The realms have been at war for millennia in other timelines.

  Johnny Cage : At least we didn't start that fire.

• [Custom AI Intros] 

  Havik : I'll kill you, and take your titan powers, Liu Kang.

  Liu Kang : You do not possess the might the defeat me.

• [after Johhny Cage beats Kenshi] 

  Johnny Cage : My house, my rules. So. You have a name or what?

  Kenshi : Kenshi Takahashi.

  Johnny Cage : Ha! I knew you weren't Taira clan.

  Kenshi : You know nothing, Cage.

  Johnny Cage : Four hundred years ago, the Taira clan were one of Japan's first families. They lost Sento after getting slaughtered at the Siege of Aomori.

  Kenshi : There were survivors. They hid themselves by shedding the name Taira for Takahashi. They joined the Bakuto for its protection.

  Johnny Cage : The Yakuza's predecessors... From first family to crime family.

  Kenshi : I will break us free of the Yakuza's corruption. Reclaim our name and our position. But my clan won't follow me unless I prove that I can lead. That's why I need Sento.

  [doorbell rings] 

  Johnny Cage : And that's Malibu's Finest. It's a great story. Bullshit... but great. You should seriously consider becoming a screenwriter.

  [Johnny opens the door, revealing Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion behind the door] 

  Johnny Cage : What in the actual fu...

  Liu Kang : Good evening, Johnny Cage. I am Liu Kang, Protector of Earthrealm. May we enter?

  Johnny Cage : Uh.. Nothing's being shot here tonight, You sure you're in the right place?

  Liu Kang : Yes. We come on a matter of grave importance. We must speak to you and your guest.

  Johnny Cage : What? How do you know about him?

  Liu Kang : Because I am the God of Fire.

  Johnny Cage : Cris, you vixen. Nicely done. Sure. Come right in. Glowing eyes are a nice touch.

  Liu Kang : Kenshi Takahashi. A tragic figure with a noble cause. Your actions this evening do you no credit.

  Kenshi : Who are these people?

  Johnny Cage : You tell me. They're your scene partners.

  Liu Kang : I also know of your struggles, Johnny Cage. I am here to offer you both a path forward.

  Johnny Cage : Dun, dun, duuuun.

  [laughs] 

  Johnny Cage : C'mon guys. Let's call this. Cris was a doll to set this up, but... As pranks go this one's... eh... a bit obvious.

  Liu Kang : This is no prank. Bi-Han, Kuai Liang. If you please?

  Johnny Cage : All right, all right.

  [laughing] 

  Johnny Cage : I'll play my part in this martial arts LARP. The missus ought to get what she paid for. *Aahh.*

  [clearing throat] 

  Johnny Cage : Ok. *Ahem* *Ahh... * Hey you- Wait, wait... Hey, you! Get your damn hands off him. I said... Get your hands off...

  Scorpion : Was that necessary, brother?

  Sub-Zero : To put him in his place.

  Johnny Cage : [in disbelief]  That was a Hichuli! One of the kind! All right, I don't care if this a damned prank. You crossed the line!

• [Custom AI intros] 

  Johnny Cage : I faced a lot of challenges in my time, but being a dad in multiple dimensions is a new one!

  Liu Kang : You have the support of your friends and allies, Johnny.

• [Custom AI intros] 

  Geras : My Lord, Cage somehow knows about his role in prior timelines.

  Liu Kang : Yet more proof of foreign interference.

• [Custom AI intros] 

  Johnny Cage : [*sighs*]  Will my daughter Cassie ever join us in this timeline?

  Liu Kang : Unfortunately, the answer is no.

• Shang Tsung : Your plan to punish me has failed.

  Liu Kang : I wished to reform you, not punish you.

• Shang Tsung : You shouldn't have let me return.

  Liu Kang : I will never regret showing mercy.

• [Custom AI Intro Dialogues from Chai Tea] 

  Kitana : Who do you never visit me? Do you even love me anymore?

  Liu Kang : KITANA, PLEASE! I CAN'T EXPLAIN!

  [CLASH] 

  Kung Lao : Don't listen to him, it's all bullshit.

  Liu Kang : SHUT UP, RICHARD NECK-SON!

  Kung Lao : ASSHOLE!

  Jax Briggs : Better say sorry, Liu Kang.

  Kitana : I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!

• [Custom AI Intro Dialogues collab from Chai Tea and Oddgiant AF] 

  Geras : I fear that the tyrannical invasion will bring strange visitors to our timeline.

  Liu Kang : We have the 34th timeline, the Korrupted, and now the Yukonna. Nothing can faze me at this point.

  [CLASH] 

  Tremor : I feel they're all just diamond's in the rough.

  Liu Kang : I'm not in the mood right now, Tremor.

  Sub-Zero (Kuai Lang) : The Kitana's are to blame.

  Geras : Don't say that out loud.

  Kitana : WE CAN HEAR YOU!

• Liu Kang : This is no time to smile.

  Peacemaker : Hell yeah, it is! "Fight a Fire God" is coming off my bucket list.

• Peacemaker : Other dudes from my universe have been here?

  Liu Kang : The worst was the Joker.

• Peacemaker : I thought home was messed up. But this place?

  Liu Kang : Do not judge, lest ye be judged.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from Chhai Tea] 

  Kitana : Your timeline's Kitana and Raiden did the deed, didn't they?

  Liu Kang : Are you suggesting we do the same, Kitana?

  [CLASH] 

  Cyrax : A romance between titans is highly unusual.

  Liu Kang : What would you know?

  Kung Lao : Is there something I'm missing?

  Kitana : None of your business, Kung Lao!

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  Liu Kang : You look like a flurry.

  General Shao : You like like Jackie Chan.

  Liu Kang : FUCKING RACIST.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  Sindel : Mm. Liu, you look so good today, you should come over tonight.

  Liu Kang : Sindel, TAKE THE FUCKING HINT. I don't want you!

  Sindel : I'll change your mind sweetie.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  Liu Kang : Bro, she texted me again!

  Geras : Why won't you respond to her.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  Ashrah : Stay away from my man.

  Scorpion : Are you homosexual?

  Sindel : Don't even think about talking to my sexy Liu.

  Liu Kang : I'm not hers but do stay way from me.

  Shang Tsung : Why does everyone think I'm gay?

  Sub-Zero : Try looking in the fucking mirror!

• [Custom AI Dialogues from Chhai Tea] 

  Kitana : I need to tell you something. I'm, pregnant, Liu Kang.

  Liu Kang : Are you being serious, Kitana?

  [CLASH] 

  Frost : Titan babies, how quaint.

  Liu Kang : Is it a boy or a girl, sweetheart?

  Sonya Blade : Wow! Congrats you two!

  Kitana : We'll have to see in 9 months.

• [Custom AI Intro Dialogues collab with Chhai Tea and OddgaintAF] 

  Liu Kang : I'll never understand how you could host a wholesome Christmas party.

  Kitana : It's easy! Just don't invite any frat boys!

  [CLASH] 

  Stryker : Wha the fuck did you call me?

  Kitana : You know what I said, bitch!

  Tremor : Bet they all got coal in their stockings.

  Liu Kang : I think someone also got Ashrah's head.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from Panda Man] 

  Geras : I discovered two new timelines so far. They are named the Oddverse and the ChhaiTeaverse.

  Liu Kang : Do you know anything about them, Geras?

  [CLASH] 

  Cyrax : According to my databases: The Hourglass is controlled by their Liu Kang's

  Liu Kang : So there's more titan versions of me, then..

  Sektor : The tyrannicals also have invaded the Oddverse since the 6th of December, 2023.

  Geras : I will monitor the war.

• [Custom AI Intro Dialogues from Chhai Tea] 

  Liu Kang : May the Elder Gods help you find a cure for you and your people.

  Baraka : How about you do it? You are the Elder God!

  [CLASH] 

  Sektor : Data indicates that Titans are more powerful than Elders God.

  Baraka : Cure me, titan bitch!

  Kung Lao : Did I hear that correctly?

  Liu Kang : I'm a titan, not a miracle worker.

• Liu Kang : You waver!

• Ermac : You do not decide which souls will lead us.

  Liu Kang : I simply urge the Collection to consider my advice.

• Ermac : Few are more formidable adversaries.

  Liu Kang : Which is why tangling with a Fire God is unwise.

• Ermac : There are many within us who know you.

  Liu Kang : Are they friends? Or foes?

• Ermac : You did not plan our creation.

  Liu Kang : No. But I find myself glad it happened.