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Scorpion and Sub-Zero are the most recognizable characters onMortal Kombat’slarge roster of fighters. Their fame partially comes from their long tenure within the series and their iconic masks. But their celebrated rivalry with one another has also helped them become incredibly well-known figures in gaming.
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This feud was already in progress by the start of the first game. And it lasted throughout most of the series in both the original and new timelines. Because it features in both timelines, the feud can be hard to follow. But here is a full explanation of the issues between the two legendary warriors.
Beginning Of Rivalry
Scorpion (aka Hanzo Hasashi) and the original Sub-Zero (aka Bi-Han) could never really avoid a rivalry because they werepart of rival clans. Scorpion was a member of the Shirai Ryu, while Sub-Zero was loyal to the Lin Kuei.
The clan feud began when a warrior named Takeda left the Lin Kuei— an act punishable by death — and ended up forming the Shirai Ryu.Merely being members of these factionsmeant the two characters were always destined to feud.
First Blood
The rivalry between the two characters really kicked into high gear whenQuan Chi hired both of them to find the Map Of Elementsfor him.
In the process, the two warriors fought. Theoriginal Zero got the better of Hanzo Hasashi and killed him.
This meant Zero was able to get the map for Quan Chi. As payment,the sorcerer wiped out the Shirai Ryu clan for the Lin Kuei.This act also spelledthe end for Hasashi’s family.
Of course, Hasashi wouldn’t stay dead asQuan Chi resurrected him as Scorpion.In this new form, he gained all his special fire powers butlost much of his humanity- he even began living in Netherrealm.
He wasn’t completely disconnected from his former life, though, asonce awoken, he desired vengeance for himself and his family.Unfortunately, hedidn’t know that Quan Chi was responsible for the death of the Shirai Ryu.The villain made him believe that Sub-Zero was to blame.
Scorpion Gets Revenge
The two warriors wouldnext meet during a Mortal Kombat Tournament.
This would serve as agood opportunity for Scorpion to get his revenge, which is exactly what he did ashe was able to kill his old foe.
But like before,death didn’t spell the end of this rivalry.
Introduction Of Kuai Liang
Bi-Han was resurrected by Quan Chi, just like Hanzo Hasashi before him. However,he wasn’t Sub-Zero anymore.Instead, he was a new being known as Noob Saibot.
Yet, Sub-Zero lived on asBi-Han’s younger brother Kuai Liang took on the mantle.
This iswhen the timelines head in slightly different directions.
In each version, though,Scorpion didn’t have the same hatred and desire to kill this Sub-Zeroas he did the original one. Plus,Kuai Liang didn’t have a serious vendetta against Scorpion,despite the fighter killing his brother.
Scorpion Discovers The Truth
Despite the feud not really existing by this point,Quan Chi still attempted to manipulate Scorpion into killing his supposed rival.
Eventually,Scorpion learned that it was Quan Chi who massacred his family,not Sub-Zero.
In the original timeline,he found this out from Quan Chi himself,while in the newer one,Kuai Liang provided the information.
Either way,Quan Chi became Scorpion’s main adversary.
The End Of The Feud
After the reveal of Quan Chi’s betrayal, theoriginal timeline went in a few different directions.Therefore, there was no true canon ending to the Scorpion and Sub-Zero feud in that timeline.
However,their rivalry did come to an end in the newer timeline.
By that point,both of the characters were humans again, going by their regular names and living in Earthrealm.
The pair had individuallyre-established their respective clansto help protect their new home. Because of the shared goal,Kuai Liang attempted to mend fences with Hanzo Hasashi.
Hasashi was initially hesitant untilhe learned what really happened with his clan.After that, there were apologies from both sides, andthe two actually started to work together.
