4 - Reaffirmation

Day 2 - 14th of January

The second day after the War passed for Kitana in much the same fashion as the first.

On the night of the first day after, she had more nightmares. The same horrific vision of herself and Liu Kang appearing in Shang Tsung's palace, the Deadly Alliance's abrupt ambush, the sickening feeling of Quan Chi's advances, and then Tsung murdering Liu and consuming his soul; it all played out in the same, chilling detail. She awoke in a panic, but the instant Liu's eyes met with hers she calmed. She wept again, but she did not completely fall apart like before. All the same, her consort held her against him, rubbing her back and crooning his reassurance until she settled back to sleep.

The second morning Liu awakened her, they ate a small breakfast, and she took her medicines. Then the Court Physician came again, poked her and prodded her and made her sore and aggravated while he adjusted her bandages. Then she slept again: Her sleep was fragmented due to the horrid visions in her dreams, but Liu's presence seemed to, at least temporarily, help. She would only wake for short two or three our intervals; usually spent eating, handling other bodily necessities, taking more medicine, and bonding with him as much as she could before the drugs claimed her. Even though it was slow, and very tenuous at best, Liu noted that there was at least some progress being made.

Sindel's POV

How in Argus' name can this only be the second day since the conflict ended? It feels as though we have been dragging through this ordeal for many weeks. I pray to the gods that this truly is the end of our conflicts… for others' sakes more than my own. Especially for my daughter's…

Kitana seems just the slightest bit better today. I came to visit her immediately after the Assembly meeting earlier this morning, and to my delight she was up and much more alert than yesterday. Liu Kang was still dutifully beside her. He is a good man; so selfless and attentive.

"Mother." Kitana said pleasantly as I entered her room. I smiled.

"Good Morning, my dear. And to you, Liu Kang." I said.

"Madam." Liu replied, inclining his head. "I suppose I should leave you two again."

"Oh no need. I am only coming for a brief visit, for I have much work to be done." I quickly affirmed. I turned my attention back to Kitana, leaning in to kiss her forehead. I wanted to embrace her so very badly and never let go, but I knew she had to still be in a great deal of pain. Elders, seeing her this way broke my heart in more ways than I could ever describe. Even though more conscious than the day before, she still of course looked so pale and weak. And the dark circles around her eyes clearly showed that she hasn't been sleeping well.

"How do you feel Darling?" I asked. Kitana sighed a bit, averting her eyes.

"I will be alright eventually." she said rather tiredly.

"You've been losing sleep." I knowingly say.

"Yes Mother, but I don't want to talk about that." Kitana quickly said, waving her hand dismissively. "I instead wanted to ask about the meeting you have just come from. What is happening?"

"Just a few matters regarding the reconstruction of the villages near the Crater. I had deployed the Freedom Fighters to give relief the day before."

"I know, Jade told me before she left with them. It must be rather serious damage for you to begin in earnest so soon." Kitana said.

"It is, but you do not need to worry about that. You merely need to worry about recovering right now. You'll return to duty soon enough." I insisted.

For a moment something in Kitana's eyes flashed, and she opened her mouth as if about to protest, but then decided against it. "Very well Mother."

That brief, determined and stubborn glint in those bright eyes inwardly made my heart leap for joy. There was my girl, strong and obstinate like she always was. Those fiery, blue eyes and that spirit of hers was something she inherited from her father, and although she resembled me much more, in that moment I saw him in her. Yes, my daughter would be just fine.

"Trust me Dear, you'll be involved in these trying affairs soon enough." I assured her. Kitana gave me a half-smile, and I kissed her forehead again. "Well, I should be going now. I will be in my study until lunchtime. Perhaps I will come and sit with you then."

"Alright then, that sounds good." Kitana said.

"Rest easy Love." I told her, and with a nod in Liu's direction, I took my leave.

"Elders, I knew she wouldn't tell me anything…" Kitana sighed when the door shut.

"Well I agree with her a bit Kitana." Liu said. "It has only been two days since the fight ended. And your very tired and in pain. Just give yourself some time, Ai Ren.*"

Kitana's eyebrows raised at the unfamiliar term. "Ai, Ren?"

"It's a term of affection in my language." Liu clarified.

"Oh, so you have a pet name for me?" Kitana said seductively. She briefly kissed his lips. "I like it."

"Good." Liu said.

"Yes, I know I should be focused on resting… but honestly I'd rather have something else to focus on." Kitana said somewhat solemnly. Liu gazed at her empathetically. He knew Kitana's quality of rest had been greatly taxed by the dark visions she saw in her sleep. Last night had been much like the first night, but to his relief she calmed down much more quickly and did not weep nearly as hard. Kitana settled back down and slept in relative calm after that, but Liu knew that the nightmares were taxing her nerves. He moved closer to her, setting his hands on her shoulders and rubbing them gently.

"It'll be alright, just remember…"

"I know Darling." Kitana said, leaning back into him. "You're here with me."

Day 3 - 15th of January

"So, how are things with Princess today? I kinda wanted to stop by and see her, but I didn't want to intrude." said Johnny.

He, Liu Kang and Kung Lao were all sitting in the chamber of the latter for a visit. The actor had not had a chance to really talk with "The One in the Hat," as he often affectionately called him, for he was filling in for Sonya in much the same fashion as Liu was for Kitana; though the soldier was far less receptive to the help.

Liu gave a small smile. "I think she's getting there. She hasn't gotten as upset in the past few days. She even let me leave her alone so I could come here."

"See? It's just like I told you. Kitana is tough, she just needed some support." Kung stated. "So how is Sonya doing Johnny? I saw Jax and asked him, but he had told me he'd only just returned from Outworld, so…"

"I don't know, I don't think she's doing that well guys…" Johnny said glumly, shaking his head. "She keeps putting on that damn front of hers acting like she's fine, but she won't talk really, and she isn't really sleeping. And you know how it is trying to get her to open up… it's like pulling teeth. I'm hoping that now Jax is here, he can talk her down."

"That's too bad." Liu said. "Do you think she'll let any of us see her?"

"Probably not. She gets really defensive if you prod her too much. And you know what a crabby Sonya is like…" Johnny warned emphatically.

"Oh yes." Kung agreed. "But it's like I told Liu the other day. Just be there for her and give things time."

"I hope that's all it'll take man." the actor said. "I really do."

"Things will look up soon." Liu reassured, giving Johnny's shoulder a squeeze.

Silence briefly fell, neither of the three men sure of what to say for a moment.

"So… what about you guys? Are you getting any better?" Johnny asked. Liu shook his head.

"I'm still not very sure." he said honestly. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to breathe easily yet. I mean… it's still too soon."

"I'll have to agree." Kung said quietly.

"Well good… I'm glad I'm not the only one who's still afraid to get his hopes up." Johnny breathed.

Tentatively, Johnny reached up and knocked quietly upon the door of Sonya's chamber. Instead of her usual, abrupt 'go away…' that he normally received, he was greeted by silence. He knocked again, got no response, so he pushed the ornately-carved wood slightly ajar.

"Sonya?" he whispered. When he opened the door, he found her lying in bed, curled tightly in an almost fetal position, sound asleep. He stood there and observed her for a moment. Even in her sleep, she was guarded; curling her body inward, drawing up her knees and wrapping them with her arms. She was like a coiled spring ready to burst. Even with how stand-offish she had been, all he wanted was to protect her: And looking at her in this fortified, yet vulnerable position only brought that yearning out even further. He then began to notice that she was shivering slightly, as her covers were pushed back.

Quietly, Johnny crossed the threshold and sat at the edge of Sonya's mattress. Carefully, he grasped the light sheet and pulled over her slightly tremulous form, tucking it around her neck. She shifted slightly in response, and he froze in slight terror: Thankfully she remained asleep. He noticed a strand of blonde hair that fell close to her eye, and with even more carefulness, Johnny pushed it back behind her ear. It was then that her eyes flickered open.

'Oh shit, here it comes…' the actor mentally swore.

Instead of the barrage of small, but powerful fists and a string of expletives he was expecting to receive, Sonya smiled at him. Immediately Johnny's face turned nearly beat-red, and his heart thumped against his chest.

That smile… it was nothing like the way she had ever looked at him before. She seemed relieved, even happy, to see him there checking in on her. And was something more, something in her eyes that even bordered on being… affectionate?

The moment was only fleeting: An instant later, Sonya closed her eyes and settled back into sleep, leaving her self-appointed caretaker a bit befuddled. Maybe she was drowsy or something? Either way, Johnny decided he'd better get lost before he incurred her wrath.

'It's not real. It's over. They're dead…'

Kitana was trembling, damp with sweat and breathing raggedly. She had just awoken from another of her nightmares, and Liu was gone, off visiting with one of the others. By Argus, where the hell was he? She needed him. She was nearly entirely gripped in panic and could feel herself about to careen over the edge again. The part of her mind still partially gripped by insanity wanted to rave and scream for him, and keep screaming until he ran in and held her.

But then something inside her began to stir. Another part of her mind, the independent, persistent, driven part of her; the woman she was before countless battles and heartache and pain, was making a sudden resurgence. She was not going to cry out. She was not going to go completely insane like she did three days ago; not now, or ever again. She was strong. And so she fought inside herself, clenching her eyes shut and mentally chanting, 'It's not real. It's over. They're dead.' She just laid there, breathing deeply and repeating her mantra in her mind.

She did not know how long she had been lying there like that when she finally opened her eyes again, but when she did… it was as if a door had been thrust open, and a blinding light had suddenly streamed into the dark, sightless void that had been consuming her soul for the past few years. Everything suddenly came into perspective then, and she suddenly realized how thankful she should be. She survived… after everything she had gone through, all of her trials and tribulations, she had survived. And she wasn't alone: All of those she held most dear to her soul were here with her.

Slowly, Kitana eased herself upwards into a sitting position, cringing a bit as her still-tender middle throbbed. She dragged herself back into the mound of pillows behind her, leaning back and releasing a sigh. For the first time in months… years, she felt certain that she was going to be alright; regardless of what happened from here onward. She was still a bit frightened, still a bit insecure of some things, but she was not completely weighed down and absorbed in her troubles. She felt like she finally had her feet planted firmly beneath her for the first time since… since perhaps Shinnok's invasion. Had it really been that long since she felt self-assured and able to keep moving?

Kitana's thoughts were interrupted when Liu suddenly re-entered her chamber, bearing food as usual, and for a moment their eyes met. He was the one she was afraid of losing most; the one she had lost so many times already. Yet here he was, and he had been at her side nearly every moment.

It also struck Kitana then that perhaps she had grown to rely too much upon that support. In her moments of strife, Liu Kang had always been there, playing both the role of hero and supporter. Perhaps she had put too much reliance upon that, to the point that she forgot to push forward on her own merit. She would have to learn how to stand on her own again should she need to. Besides, if he ever had to leave her again, Argus forbid, it would be what he would want.

Kitana began to smile, and Liu inwardly reveled when the spirit suddenly returned to her eyes completely. Yes, there she was, nearly in all her full glory. All she needed now was time and continued support.

He returned her smile. "Hey there. How are you feeling?"

"Better. Much better." she replied.

Day 4 - 16th of January

For the first time in longer than she cared to think about, Kitana had slept peacefully though the night. She found herself coming awake and feeling even more renewed on the fourth morning. As the sun streamed in from her balcony, her eyes scrunched briefly before coming open. She was a bit surprised at how rested she felt, and was even more so at the fact that her pain level was bearable.

She turned her head to her right and found Liu still peacefully asleep, and could not help but briefly admire him. He looked so sweet as he lay there, and even more youthful than he usually did. A slight pang of guilt struck her as she watched him rest: He was so patient and steadfast in supporting her through her difficulties, and it had to have taken a bit of a toll on him. She reached out tentatively and stroked the back of her fingers over his cheek. She could never describe the relief and utter joy she felt in the fact that he was alive again, and that he, if only for the moment, was here with her.

But Kitana was inwardly afraid as well: The cynic that ten thousand-plus years of bloodshed and heartache and loss created within her was frightful that Liu may not be around for long. She wasn't necessarily afraid he would be killed again, but what would happen once she recovered? Would he stay, or would he return to Earthrealm? But as much as the doubtful pessimist inside her tickled away at the back of her mind, the larger part of her did not want to think of what may happen between them later. She had to keep moving just as Liu had said; leave tomorrow for then, and deal in the present.

Smiling, Kitana leaned over and lightly kissed his cheek before slowly pushing herself into a sitting position. Cautiously she slipped one leg over the edge of the mattress and did the same with the other, bracing her bare feet into the plush carpet. Reaching for the railing of the headboard, Kitana managed to pull herself up, and was able to maintain her balance despite her weak, trembling legs. Bracing her arms around her injured middle, she took small, somewhat trudging steps out to the balcony, and seated herself on an elegant bench. The warmth of the sun felt awfully good after being stuck inside for four days. Kitana closed her eyes and released a breath of content as the bright rays seeped into her weary bones. She felt so calm and relaxed.

"Sneaking out of bed without assistance I see…" Liu's sleep-rasped voice said behind her. Kitana turned and smiled at him as he came out onto the balcony with her. He was bare-chested, his hair was slightly bedraggled, and he was rubbing drowsily at one of his eyes. He looked completely adorable like that. He sat down beside her and wrapped one arm around her shoulders. "I take it you feel relatively good this morning?"

"You know what? I do." Kitana answered, sounding pleased. "I am feeling better. I'm not sure what it is, but… I just feel peaceful."

"Well good." Liu said, kissing her temple. "I knew you'd start pulling yourself out of all of this sooner or later."

Smiling, Kitana reached up and cupped his cheek in her hand. "You have played a large hand in it."

"And I'm glad I could." Liu murmured before leaning in to kiss her soundly on the lips. In the past few days it seemed that they were making up for the few kisses they shared before. When they withdrew, Kitana looked intently into his eyes.

"I want to see everyone." she said, getting straight to the point. "I want to see our friends, face-to-face."

"You sure you're feeling up to that?" Liu asked. Kitana nodded her affirmation.

"I've suddenly become a bit restless being trapped in my room all these days. I'm not sure if I could manage to get to them, but maybe they can come here for a bit?"

"I'll see what I can do about that." Liu agreed. "But for now, I think we should see to getting some breakfast, and the doctor is coming too."

Kitana agreed with a nod, and she quickly raised her hand up to halt him when he reached to assist her. Slowly, she braced the arm of the bench and pulled herself to her feet, and proceed to, albeit slowly, walk back into the room.

"Well, you must be feeling better…" Liu said, sounding impressed. "But don't start pushing it too much."

"I won't Darling." Kitana drawled, easing herself back into bed. "But let me move about some on my own. I mean… I more than appreciate your help, but I'm just not used to being assisted so much."

"I understand…" Liu acquiesced, kissing her cheek. "Now let me get something for us to eat. Doctor Hasato will be here within the hour." He pulled a tunic over his torso and slipped his feet into his shoes before leaning in and briefly kissing her lips. "I'll be back."

"Alright." Kitana answered.

Liu returned with another simple meal for them both within fifteen minutes, and like in the previous days they did all they could to eat, but overall it still was not much. Once they finished Doctor Hasato came in. Kitana endured another prodding exam, but was noticeably in less pain. Her pressure bandages were fully removed, and she saw her injury for the very first time. Before now, she had always been too sedated to or too stressed to care to look: Gnarled, pinkish-brown clumps of flesh were piecing together over exposed tissue, and again the Princess was forced to evaluate how fortunate she had been at the sight of the hideous mark. The old physician noticed how blanched Kitana's face looked at the sight of the raw injury.

"It will look better with time Madam. Do not worry." he said in a reassuring tone, and she gave an appreciative smirk. The doctor applied and ointment to the wound that would help it to heal, and then dressed it in clean patches of gauze. He then rewrapped her torso in pressure bandages for her still-mending ribs, tightening them a bit and earing a slight grunt of pain from Kitana in reply. But the offensive sensation was quickly remedied by Liu quickly providing her with her pain medicine and a glass of water to rinse the bitter concoction down.

"Well Madam, I must say that I am quite pleased by what I have seen thus far." Hasato stated. "You have been healing remarkably well. If you continue at this rate, you may be on your feet again in one week instead of two."

"Don't get my hopes up Doctor." Kitana half teased. After just four days, and having only recently regained her composure in the last twenty-four hours, she felt anxious to move about.

"I am fairly certain of it Miss. As long as you don't overdue things and get continue to rest… you'll do well."

"Well that's definitely good to hear." Kitana said. "Oh, before I forget; would you say that I am well enough to have other visitors?"

Doctor Hasato shrugged. "I don't see why not. As long as the visitation is fairly relaxed, you should have no problem."

"Excellent." Kitana said. She looked gratefully to the older man. "I know I have said this many times, but I appreciate all of your help Doctor."

Hasato gave a bow. "It is truly my pleasure Princess. Continue to recover, and I'll be checking in tomorrow."

The doctor dismissed himself then, and Kitana decided she needed to prepare before she asked anyone in. Liu assisted her in getting across her large chambers to the adjacent bathroom, waiting outside while she tended herself. She briefly freshened herself up, and once she was done her consort helped her back into bed. Liu decided to briefly slip to his chamber for some self maintenance as well, before going off to Kung Lao's chamber. When he got there he found Johnny and Jax with him as well, all of them occupying a group of chairs around the window in an apparently humorous conversation.

"And you pretty much lost it after I kept going." Johnny chuckled. "You were like, 'That's it! Time somebody shut you the hell up!'" The actor did his best Jax impersonation, and all three men threw their heads back and guffawed.

Liu smiled at the mirthful scene. "Well, looks like you all are having an interesting talk."

"There you are man! I haven't had a chance to see you since we all got back." Jax greeted happily, rising up and clapping a friendly hand on Liu's shoulder. "So how ya been?"

"Well, a bit better in the last day or so…" the Champion offered.

"How's Kitana doing today?" Kung spoke up.

"Much better. Actually that's why I'm here now…" Liu answered. "She wants to see everyone, but she really move."

"So she wants us to come to her? Not a problem, let's go." Johnny said.

"Well hold on, what about Sonya?" Liu inquired, and the way Jax' and Johnny's faces instantly fell gave him his answer.

"I don't think she'll be up to it. She's in another of her moods." the actor glumly said, though his voice reflected much more sadness than his words.

"Oh I see." the monk replied.

Everyone began making their way out, even Kung; who had to use a crutch for his injured ankle. They followed Liu the relatively short distance down the hall. Kitana saw her consort poke his head in, and smiled at him.

"Find anyone?" she asked.

"Oh, a few…" he teased, before stepping inside with their three friends.

"Hey there Princess!" Johnny greeted brightly, and the sight of him and the others made her smile widen.

"Johnny… everyone, it's good to finally see you all." Kitana said warmly. The actor, Major, and Shaolin all approached and took their turn giving cautious hugs and greetings, while Liu took chairs from all about and set them around the bed for them. They were all genuinely happy to see Kitana lucid and pleasant, especially given her state only a few days ago. Although she was still quite frail and looked a bit worse for wear, they all noticed the calm and vitality, which she had not shown over a year, coming off of her in rivulets.

"It's good to see you're okay. You scared the hell out of us when they were patching you up." Jax said.

"Yeah, no kidding. We were pretty scared for a minute there." Johnny added.

"Well, I appreciate all of you're concern for me." Kitana murmured, cheeks slightly flushed. It was moments like these that reminded her of just how many caring people surrounded her now. Her life, for so painfully long, had been devoid of any real sense of love and comradeship, and now she had quite a few people that truly cared for her. She honestly felt humbled by it all. She suddenly became aware of the absence of a certain fiery blonde.

"Where is Sonya? Is she still here?" Kitana inquired.

Johnny sighed. "Well, she's here physically… but her mind is a little…yeah. She isn't really dealing with any of this."

"Oh, I understand." Kitana said glumly. "Please pass on to her that I hope she recovers well." she added sincerely.

"Done." Jax said appreciatively.

"So how have you felt these past few days?" Kung inquired.

"Well, the pain gets to be very intense at times, but the Court Physician has given me a few remedies that help quite a bit." Kitana answered thoughtfully.

"How's the long-term prognosis looking?" The question came from Jax.

Kitana shrugged. "Well, I'll be on my feet again hopefully within a week. I suppose the rest awaits to be seen." The princess felt a pang of insecurity after stating this. She had never given any thought to how well she would recover from this latest incident, and suddenly felt worried about her capability as a fighter. Kitana loved martial arts; she did not particularly like how she had been using her knowledge of it over her lifetime, but she loved the philosophical and physical aspect of it. What if she would never be able to practice her skills again?

Noting Kitana's sudden somberness, Kung brightened the subject. "Well, it will all work itself out in good time. I, for one, am just happy you're alright. That both of you are alright." He pointedly looked at Liu as he said that, and the latter smiled.

"So Liu, do you like, I don't know… how'd you come back to life? Do you remember it all?" Johnny asked. Both Jax and Kung glared at the action star for his lack of couth in asking such a question, but then their gazes, along with Kitana's, shot to Liu; all a bit curious to hear his answer. Liu looked very thoughtful for a moment.

"It is all very unclear in my memory…" the Champion said quietly. "All I can remember was my spirit watching all of the fighting occur from above. I had been looking for my body… and then, I saw it facing off against Shang Tsung. I remember that man, Taven, fighting that fire beast and then a bright light." Liu paused, meeting all four pairs of keenly interested eyes. "After that I woke up and realized I was gasping… it was the first time I had needed to breathe in so long that it frightened me because I felt like I was suffocating. Once I realized that I was alive again, I stood up and looked around. That's when I saw all of you in the distance."

Silence briefly fell over all of them, all five in disbelief.

"… Whoa." Johnny managed to articulate.

"Yeah, exactly how I felt." Liu scoffed, shaking his head.

"It's incredible really… how everything has turned out." Kung said thoughtfully. "We all survived in the end." Everyone responded with silent nods or nonverbal noises of agreement.

"Hey, we've gotten through before. We're a tough group, ya know." Johnny said matter-of-factly, attempting to lighten the brooding that befell everyone. "I mean, am I right?" Little smiles tugged at all their lips, admiring his ability to dig up a bit of light-heartedness.

The conversation shifted to lighter subjects after that. The group began to reminisce about a few fond memories they shared in their years of knowing each other, some being tales of heroism, others humorous accounts of time shared between their fights. Kitana mostly just listened to her friends speak, only injecting a few comments and the odd laugh or gasp when called for. Eventually even Sindel, who came to check on her daughter of course, joined the group in their merriment. Time gradually began to tick away; the minutes becoming hours. The Princess rang for a servant when dinner time approached, and they all ate their meal together right there in her chamber, still talking and laughing the entire time. Kitana, still very weak, was nearly exhausted after an hour; but she fought it off valiantly. She was enjoying herself for the first time in months and she was not going to let her petty tiredness stop it sooner than she was ready for. Once the sun began to set however, her eyelids began to droop, and she raised her hand to cover a wide yawn.

Johnny noticed the Princess exhaustion first, and in a rare display of tactfulness suggested they start winding down.

"I think that's our cue to get lost guys." the actor said.

"Yeah, we've been in here way too long considering…" Jax agreed.

"Oh no no. I enjoyed having all of you here. You don't know how wonderful and helpful this was." Kitana assured.

"Oh trust us, we do. I think we all needed this." Kung stated.

"Indeed. Maybe we can get together like this for a little while every day." Liu suggested.

"That would be nice. Plus it'll help the healing process go by more quickly." Kung responded.

"A valid point." Kitana said emphatically. Somewhat reluctantly, he, Jax and Johnny all rose from their seats and bit their farewells. Sindel hung back a bit, getting a few hushed words in with her daughter before she too departed; leaving the Princess and her consort alone. Liu changed into his sleeping pants and slipped into bed beside her.

"You're not too tired out are you?" he asked cautiously. Kitana gave a nonchalant shrug.

"I may very well be, but it was worth it." she muttered, releasing another yawn. She gazed at him with half-open eyes and a lethargic smile. "It was nice having all of them around. It really helped me… I just hope Sonya will be alright."

"I hope so too, but I have a good feeling that she will be." Liu said optimistically. "She's pretty tough… like you."

"Perhaps… you and everyone else made me remember that today… maybe Sonya just needs a reminder too."

"Maybe…" Liu said. He assisted Kitana in lying down flat on her back before stretching out beside her. She was asleep almost at the moment her head was lowered: Liu smiled and kissed her forehead before he eventually drifted into the world of sleep himself.

When Johnny went to check on Sonya one last time before he turned in, he was a bit surprised when she let him in without much protest (though she was still grudging about it). He found her sitting up in her bed, staring down at her wringing hands; the same thing she always did whenever she wasn't sleeping.

"You look awfully happy." the lieutenant noted emotionlessly. Johnny shrugged.

"Yeah I guess. Just got back from a visit with everyone, even Kitana." he said.

"Oh yeah?" Sonya asked, her head turning to look at him, and a tiny slither of interest in her voice. "How's she doing?"

"She seems like she's pulling it together. Physically she's still kinda in bad shape, but I mean time'll fix that." the actor said. Sonya gave a slight nod in reply, turning her gaze back to her hands. Johnny went silent for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I think you should go talk to her."

"Huh? For what?" Sonya asked.

"Well I mean, I don't know. She's going through it, you're going through it. Maybe you could talk to her and it'll… maybe help you or something. You know, like female bonding?" Johnny suggested.

Sonya scoffed. "Kitana and I have barely uttered a sentence between us over the years. She's a good fighter and we've watched each other's backs when the time called for it, but I barely know her."

"You know her well enough." Johnny insisted. Hell, we've all fought for our necks side-by-side; that's enough to make us all pretty damn close. She's had more conversations with you than with Jax, I'm sure; but today we all sat around and talked like old buddies. Because we are old buddies."

"I don't know…" Sonya said apprehensively.

"Damn it Sonya you've gotta talk to somebody…" the man exasperated, dragging a hand down over his face. "Keeping all of this turmoil inside you won't do you a lick of good. Kitana's gone through her share of problems, so I'm sure she can help you out. And she's actually worried about you." The blonde soldier gazed at the actor in slight surprise hearing that. "Just go… tomorrow. Please?"

And with that, Johnny departed for his own room; leaving Sonya to contemplate his request.

Day 5 - 17th of January

Kitana's strength was definitely returning. She awoke even before Liu had and tended her own needs bright and early; walking herself to the bathroom to wash up and accessing her own medicine. She then rang for a servant and had breakfast brought up. Liu was awakened by the feeling of a trey being laid over him, and he smiled broadly when he realized Kitana was the one presenting it to him.

"What a difference two days has made…" he marveled, sitting upright. Kitana climbed back into bed slowly beside him, taking her portion from the trey.

"It's like all of my old vigor has come back from nowhere." Kitana said. She smiled wryly. "I suppose I can't wallow in depression forever, after all I have so much to be happy about."

"And now you're being playful…" Liu mock gasped. "There's hope for you yet."

The pair ate their meal, Doctor Hasato visited promptly after as always. He poked and prodded and made notes and comments; and then he took his leave. Liu decided to visit with the others on his own for a bit, leaving Kitana to rest. She slept for only a few hours, awakened not by a nightmare for once but a genuine feeling of revitalization. She decided to bide her time alone with a nearby book, sitting on an ottoman on the balcony for a bit of sunlight. She was well engrossed in her reading when a knock sounded.

"Come in." Kitana called somewhat distractedly. She continued to read as, who she assumed to ba a servant checking in, crossed her chamber slowly and approached her.

"Wow, Johnny wasn't kidding. You do look a lot better." a familiarly tough, but feminine voice said. Kitana looked away from her book and saw the worn-looking Special Forces agent giving her a half-smile.

"Sonya." she said in slight disbelief, though a smile accompanied her slightly widened eyes. "Elders, please come sit. I know you had to struggle to get here like that."

"Eh, I manage." Sonya shrugged, limping over and taking the offered seat on the space of plush cushion Kitana gestured to. The Princess immediately noticed the intense inner turmoil coming from the soldier as she sat there silently, her eyes fixed on her lap.

"Johnny told me of how you've been since this all ended." Kitana quietly said. "I understand your trouble."

"How do you cope with it all?" came Sonya's sudden question, her voice curt and almost desperate. "You've lived for so long, and with your past, I know you've been through hell more times than any of our experiences combined. How can you keep bouncing back from it?" Kitana drew in her lower lip, her eyes averting as she thought about her answer.

"… I can't really say." she replied quietly. "There is just this… urge inside of me. There is this reserve of strength that always manages to make its resurgence when I've hit rock bottom." Kitana paused, setting a reassuring hand on the arm of her confused companion. "And too, I have plenty of support."

Sonya shuddered: Her eyes clenched shut, but it did not stop the stream of tears that trickled down the bridge of her nose. She sat there and wept soundlessly, and Kitana took it with equally silent, supportive calm.

Two Weeks Later…

"Your progress is simply remarkable Madam." Hasato said, his voice dripping with slight disbelief. "Merely twenty days and you've regained so much strength."

Kitana smiled as she adjusted her clothing back into place. The physician had just finished up one of his usual examinations, which only came twice a week now. Kitana had made substantial progress in a short amount of time. Her broken ribs were still mending, and her very deathly wound was still making its own slow recovery, but all in all she was much stronger and in less pain. She had even regained a bit of the weight she had lost, her skin was no longer pale, and the lines around her eyes had disappeared. It would still be awhile before she could get out of her chamber, but at least now she could tend to herself much more independently.

"I'm glad, because I plan on getting back to business next week if possible." Kitana said. "I've been meeting with mother and the advisers, and there is an important Assembly meeting coming up that I'd rather not miss."

"Indeed, but all in good time." the doctor assured. "Well, I'll be here again in three days. Continue to rest and recover."

Hasato departed, and Liu returned to the room right after. Since Kitana was no longer as frail and in need of help, he gave Kitana her privacy when she underwent the revealing and invasive exams. The two of them still shared her bed at night, drawing comfort from each other while they slept.

"So, everything's still going well I assume?" he asked.

"Very well. Hopefully I can get back to my life in another ten days." Kitana said eagerly.

"Always pushing yourself a bit too fast. But that's what I love about you." Liu doted, pulling her close and briefly kissing her lips.

"Are the others coming in soon?" Kitana asked.

"Here we are!" Johnny called gleefully, followed by all of their friends, a recently returned Jade and Sonya included.

Everyone was still sticking around in Edenia for the time being, Sonya and Kung Lao still recovering from injuries much like Kitana. She enjoyed having them around and they were invited to stay for as long as they wished. Ever since the fourth day after the War, they all met up in her room for part of the day, and agreed to continue to until she was well enough for them to meet somewhere else. The group was well adjusted and much happier now that more time had passed. The conversations were always upbeat and full of laughter, leaving each person fulfilled when they all parted ways. Sonya had diffused her anxiety bit by bit every day, confiding more in all of them. She was especially working on being more open with Johnny, which all the others took subtle notice of. There had always been, in everyone else's eyes at least, a twinge of romantic tension between them both, and maybe now perhaps it could begin to flourish. Liu and Kitana's relationship certainly had.

When they weren't with their friends, the Champion and Warrior Princess spent much time together. They relaxed together in Kitana's bed or on her sofa, curled up comfortably like a couple married for years. They would read together, share little anecdotes about time they spent apart, which was not much, and sometimes they would just end up making out. They had been enjoying time being a real couple for the first time in their relationship, and both loved it.

Time was moving along, and everyone was prospering together for once. There were still a few loose ends that needed tying up, a few issues left unresolved and a few more still left to encounter, but for now everyone left them for later.

After all, even heroes need a break.

*Ai Ren - Chinese term of affection between lovers.

HUGE apologies for the gap between updates guys. As I've said before, school doesn't leave much time, or energy, for frequent updates. But to make it up to you I am uploading another chapter as soon as I finish typing these authors notes. It'll be mostly light-hearted, and have a little citrus (*hint, hint. wink,wink...*)

Please shoot me a review, and sit back and enjoy cause more is coming now!