Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters and creators in geeky media. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns.
Cyrax
Fast Facts
Cyrax is a playable character in the Khaos Reigns expansion for Mortal Kombat 1 from NetherRealm Studios. In all previous Mortal Kombat games, Cyrax was a male warrior turned into a cyborg. However, Khaos Reigns debuted a female human version in cybernetic armor. The gender swap caused quite a stir in the gaming community and angered many trolls.
But the truth is, she is a badass character and a lot of fun to play. She is a member of the Lin Kuei, a clan of warriors sworn to protect Earthrealm. With her impressive cybernetic suit and extensive martial arts training, Cyrax is a force to be reckoned with.
In Liu Kang’s timeline, Grandmaster Sub-Zero taints the Lin Kuei’s traditions of peace by seeking to conquer other realms in the name of the Lin Kuei. Cyrax is unaware of these transgressions and trains loyally under Sektor and Grandmaster Sub-Zero. That is until she learns of their betrayal. Cyrax reluctantly joins her clan members in an ambush on Scorpion’s wedding to Harumi. During this attack, Cyrax learns of Sub-Zero’s dark past and his less-than-honorable plans for the future.
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“We may win the battle, but find we lose the war. No one will respect us.” –Cyrax
The Real Deal
During the ambush, Cyrax saves Harumi from being executed by a group of Lin Kuei assassins. When questioned by Sektor, Cyrax explains that Scorpion may have broken his oath with the Lin Kuei but Harumi only attacks in self-defense. Scorpion confronts Cyrax by saying she corrupts the Lin Kuei with her grab for honor. When she in turn accuses Scorpion of treachery, he reveals that Sub-Zero is the truly treacherous one. He let their father die so he could become Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei and bend it to his will.
Cyrax proclaims she cannot stand for them breaking the Lin Kuei traditions and vows. She then fights her former mentors and denounces Sub-Zero as her Grandmaster. In a display of integrity, she owns up to her mistake (even though she was betrayed) and kneels for an honorable death at the hands of Scorpion. Fortunately, because Cyrax had previously shown Harumi mercy, the bride asks her husband to spare the humbled fighter as a wedding gift.
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Even as the evil Titan Havik invades through a portal and terrorizes the realm, Sektor threatens her former apprentice. Knowing they must work together to defeat Havik, Cyrax pleads, “Calm yourself, we cannot save our timeline if we fight amongst ourselves.” This once again shows her willingness to lose the battle to win the war.
I Am Human. And Humans Make Mistakes
Eventually, Cyrax tells Scorpion that she does not seek forgiveness but understanding. She explains, “I am saying I am not a machine. I am human. And humans make mistakes.” Later, Cyrax takes a nasty fall to save Scorpion’s life and says she is happy to return the favor. After Sub-Zero is corrupted by Havik’s evil and turned into Noob Saibot, it is Cyrax who says they must not kill him, demonstrating her endless capacity for mercy.
In the end, Scorpion forgives Cyrax for her transgressions and gives her an invitation to his clan, the Shirai Ryu. She joins the Shirai Ryu but some members reject her because of her part in the wedding ambush. After Cyrax is viciously attacked by the disgruntled warriors, Scorpion banishes her attackers. However, Cyrax is sickened by the thought of her presence disrupting the clan so she resigns to not disturb Scorpion’s rule. She also asks that her offenders return to the clan. This selfless gesture convinces the Shirai Ryu to give Cyrax a chance to prove her worth.
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Why She Matters
Cyrax stands up for her beliefs even if it goes against her mentors Sektor and Grandmaster Sub-Zero. She changes her stance after learning new information which can be difficult. This noble warrior acts with honor above all else and is loyal to those who are good to her. She risks her life numerous times for rivals and shows them mercy though they may not deserve it. Did I mention that she rocks super-advanced cybernetic armor, and kicks butt? Oh, and she can turn into a giant murderous wasp.
So, be like Cyrax, speak up if you don’t agree with something. Have the humility to admit when you are wrong and accept the consequences. Cyrax reminds us that we are human and make mistakes, but it is how we deal with them that makes us who we are. Lastly, do not be afraid to seek a new path for yourself even if it is difficult.
Cyrax is now available as part of Kombat Pack 2 for Khaos Reigns. Get more info on bundles and pricing at the Mortal Kombat website.
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