WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath.
Mortal Kombat's new story content takes a unique approach, as most of it involves a fellowship with the villainous Shang Tsung leading the way. He's been tasked by the Fire God Liu Kang with going to the past, stealing Kronika's crown and handing it off to Raiden so they can stabilize the Hourglass for him to remake reality in the future.
However, it's all part of a bigger and somewhat sinister plan, as Liu Kang has no choice but to sacrifice his friends since the only person who could defeat Kronika is Shang Tsung. This is why the Fire God hung back and allowed Shang Tsung to run riot, waiting for the right time to portal in and remake history the way it should have been.
It's a bit harsh that Liu Kang allows Shang Tsung so much leeway, as the shapeshifter betrays Fujin, Raiden and Nightwolf en route to Kronika's Keep. The likes of young Kung Lao are also killed as Shang Tsung allies with Shao Kahn and Sindel so they can clear out the revenants protecting Kronika. This then allows the sorcerer to betray them and take down Kronika himself. He's absorbed the souls of Raiden and Fujin, so with the powers of Elder Gods and the crown in him, the Keeper of Time falls. Shang Tsung then sucks her soul dry and, with the Titan's essence imbued, he thinks he's free to create an evil empire.
The Fire God immediately puts an end to this and challenges him to Mortal Kombat. In this ending, when the older Liu Kang wins, the new reality jumps forward to the Shaolin Temple he grew up in. It's not clear what year it is, but he finds a young monk in solitude, carving a dragon statute in his chambers while the others practice outside. It turns out this is a young Kung Lao, and Liu Kang's arrived with a very important mission.
The God of Thunder and Fire reveals his identity, stunning Kung Lao, who apologizes for not greeting him with respect and reverence. Liu Kang brushes it off, noting this Kung Lao is much more humble than the one he fought alongside, bewildering the monk who questions what he's speaking of. Liu Kang brushes the question off and reveals a great destiny is ahead. He tells the young Kung Lao that he has been chosen to be his champion and must be trained. Kung Lao is confused, and when he asks what he's being trained for, the Fire God simply offers a wry smile as the credits roll.
It's a very open ending, leading some theorists to wonder if Liu Kang has merged timelines, meaning this Kung Lao is actually the Great Kung Lao and early champion of the Order of Light from 500 years before Liu Kang existed. Descendant to both warriors, that legendary monk stopped Shang Tsung from a tenth consecutive win, and, as Grand Champion, he saved Earthrealm. He eventually died at Goro's hands, but his soul would be freed from Shang Tsung's clutches in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. Notably, the last Kung Lao (who fought with Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat X and MK11) was able to summon his spirit, so we have no clue if Liu Kang merged both warriors too.
What's interesting is it seems that Liu Kang has kept the tournament going and now wants to be a mentor like Raiden was to him. If this is the Great Kung Lao, the Fire God could actually be training him for that victory over Shang Tsung. Then again, it could simply be a whole new era with Liu Kang wanting the descendant Kung Lao to realize his potential and live up to his namesake.
In Story Mode, Shao Kahn killed the younger Kung Lao by throwing him into the Sea of Blood, which meant he'd drown for eternity. This offers salvation and a second chance. More so, it creates a better Kung Lao for Earthrealm, as that one was arrogant and even jealous that Raiden gave Liu Kang his powers. This could also make the monks and the White Lotus even more powerful moving forward, as the Fire God seems to have a vested interest in the brotherhood that groomed him to become a benevolent god.
Developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Mortal Kombat 11 is available now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows and Google Stadia. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is now on sale digitally.