This chapter is mainly a rewrite of Mortal Kombat 9 and the ending of Shaolin Monks, with dialogue between the General and the Princess. I'll admit writing their exchange was fun.
Again, I'm writing this solo-dolo, so please forgive any grammatical errors you may find while reading this.
Part II
"So, it appears you and the impulsive Shaolin have grown closer." Kitana sipped from her porcelain teacup, eyeing her best friend over the silver-edged rim with levity in her brown eyes.
"I could say the same for you and the Mortal Kombat champion." Jade also sipped from her teacup, mirth brightening her green eyes. "He's awfully quite fond of you."
Together the pair of best friends sat outside on a large, elevated Japanese-style deck located in the center Kitana's expansive private garden. After the meeting in The Great Hall, the kunoichi decided to share tea, slices of Edenian pie, and gossip. The two of them savored their temporary respite before their upcoming inevitable battle with the Brotherhood of Shadow.
Setting down her cup on the silver tray that rested atop a wooden table in between them, Kitana folded her hands in her lap, looked Jade in her eyes, and confided in her. "Liu Kang is… different from any man I've met. He spared my life after I attempted to assassinate him, taking clemency for my worry of Shao Kahn's displeasure of my failure."
Following suit, the General placed her teacup next to the Princess' and reached for a slice of Edenian pie. After taking a quick bite of the delectable dessert, Jade admitted, "When I sought out Raiden's aid to rescue you from imprisonment in Shao Kahn's tower, the Thunder God wanted to abandon you and send his kombatants to the Kolosseum to compete in the tournament. However, Liu Kang went against his wishes, insisting your liberation was more dire than Mortal Kombat."
Thinking about how Earthrealm's protector would callously abandon her best friend after the deity convinced her to turn against their former Emperor set Jade's temper alight. She didn't fully trust the Thunder God after he showcased his true colors, willing to allow the Heiress to become a martyr for Earthrealm's protection. Kitana would have been executed if it weren't for Kung Lao's persistence.
"Then Kung Lao convinced Raiden to allow the other kombatants to represent Earthrealm in the tournament while he and Liu Kang infiltrate the tower to save me." Kitana vocalized Jade's thoughts. "The Shaolin monks are quite an interesting pair."
After swallowing another bite of the pie the assassin openly agreed. "They are. We were opponents of their native realm; we were sent to kill them and yet, they both spared our lives, saved us from Shao Kahn's tyranny, and offered their camaraderie and aid for our upcoming fight with Shinnok and his forces."
Thoughts of their imminent battle with Shinnok, Quan Chi, and the Brotherhood of Shadow brought another frown upon her brown face. Their home realm Edenia wasn't freed after Kung Lao and Liu Kang defeated Shao Kahn and his forces in Mortal Kombat. Soon after the battle the Princess discovered the former Emperor's prisoner, the treacherous wench and fellow Edenian Tanya, betrayed their realm to the fallen Elder God Shinnok. Kitana quickly found out an agreement was made between the two that the corrupted deity would grant the pyromancer dominion over Edenia if he freed her from Shao Kahn's imprisonment and pledge her loyalty to him. This discovery was the reason Kitana arranged the meeting for the Forces of Light in the Great Hall to relay the information to her fellow kombatants.
Jade's grip on her saucer tightened as she mentally vowed all the ways she would torture her rival and make the harlot suffer for betraying their people so fruitlessly.
Sipping more of her tea which became lukewarm after allowing it to cool, Kitana asked her best friend a rhetorical question. "Earthrealmers; they're quite peculiar in their formalities, yes?"
Letting go of her anger at Tanya for now Jade decided to indulge her Highness. She spoke her thoughts about the baffling customs of Earthrealmers. "After he defeated me in kombat, Lao gifted me a rabbit as a token of friendship." The moment she mentioned the animal, the white rabbit hopped gaily through the colorful flowers until it reached its destination of leafy vegetables on the far side of the garden to feast.
Sipping her now cold tea the assassin pondered aloud, "I wonder if it's customary for Earthrealmers to gift animals as a sign of comradeship."
"Hmm." The Princess placed her sapphire-gloved finger on her chin and contemplated the statement as well. "If it is customary, it's indeed a perplexing one. I suppose it depends on the animal, its respective species, and whether the animal can be tamed. I imagine one wouldn't accept friendship if they were gifted a feral pet like a tiger or a boar. I surmise one would also be displeased if they received a reptile as a token as they're known to be venomous. Rabbits however are placid, domesticated creatures." Thinking over it some more she added, "But Liu Kang didn't gift me a pet so I can only guess it also depends on the situation and the person's intent as well."
"Well…" Jade teasingly poked the Heiress in her arm with the handle of her fork and grinned. "Perhaps Liu Kang is seeking more than comradeship from you, Kitana."
Swatting the fork away playfully as her face reddened with embarrassment, Kitana giggled and chastised her childhood friend. "Oh, you're just awful, Jade!"
Once their laughter ceased the General admitted, "Yes, we agree Earthrealmers are a peculiar group of people, especially in comparison to Outworld customs."
"Speaking of peculiar," the Princess glanced down at the mysterious glowing black object that lay next to her teapot. "This strange communication device still baffles me at how it works."
Jade also looked down at the gadget and nodded in agreement. "How is it that something so seemingly primitive can perform such intricate functions?" Soft, melodic jazz music sounded from the speaker, relaxing their mood and the atmosphere even more.
"I remember Sonya Blade referring to it as a 'smartphone'. She let me borrow it this afternoon." Kitana volunteered the information. "She stated that Earthrealmers use it as a means of communication for something called phone calls, text messages, and it performs many other usages."
"Including playing music," Jade said. "But," she picked up the device and examined it, narrowing her eyes, getting a closer look at it as she tried to decipher how it operates before setting it down again. "How can something so small play music without musicians around using live instruments?"
After indulging in a bite of pie Kitana replied, "I'm still miffed such a tiny device can allow others to communicate without writing on parchment or using messenger birds." She indulged in another bite of pie. "It seems Earthrealm technology is just as eccentric as their traditions."
More laughter filled the air as the pair of assassins reclined in their seats, forgoing their usual gracefulness since no one is allowed in the Princess' private garden without explicit permission, or in case of an emergency. The two of them could relax freely without worrying about prying eyes judging them.
After mulling over her thoughts some more, the heiress' voice turned serious when she asked her next question. "Jade, are you smitten with Kung Lao? Would you like to have more than a platonic relationship with him?"
The question took the Emerald Assassin by surprise; so much so she began choking on the pie she was eating. Her eyes widened and she slapped her chest to get her breathing under control, only managing to do so after gulping her tea.
"Are you alright, Jade?" Kitana worriedly asked her friend after patting her back to calm her down. "It wasn't my intention to startle you with my query."
Clearing her throat, the kunoichi spoke. "It's quite alright, Your Highness. I was simply taken aback; that's all." Once finished consuming her dessert and beverage, Jade placed her empty dishes on the silver tray. Mimicking her friend's earlier motions, she also folded her hands in her lap and looked down.
"I'll be honest with you Kitana," Jade began with a heavy sigh. "After witnessing Lao infiltrate the tournament and impulsively challenge Scorpion only to be defeated, I presumed he was nothing more than an arrogant fool. I was more than eager to cause his demise once I was given the order…" Her voice trailed off as memories of their encounter flashed throughout her mind.
Also placing her empty dishes on the tray, Kitana encouraged her best friend to continue. "Go on."
Looking into the Princess' brown eyes the General confessed, "My opinion of Lao changed after our battle." Again her green eyes focused on the rabbit nibbling a lettuce leaf. A small smile curved her lips as she looked at her pet before looking at Kitana again. "Then his determination to support Liu Kang's desire to rescue you melted all reservations I had of him. His selfless act proved he was more than a pretentious monk, but someone who's devoted to proving himself and aiding those he cares about." Giving the heiress a mischievous grin Jade admitted, "Lao. His enigmatic personality intrigues me."
Wastelands, Outworld; during the midst of Kitana's capture…
"I did not wish to do that." Jade looked down at her wounded foe, mocking him for foolishly daring to challenge her in kombat. The Lin Kuei warrior Smoke lay on the shore of the Wastelands groaning in pain as he suffered a shameful defeat at the hands of the scantily-clothed vixen.
The Emerald Assassin was left with no choice but to defend herself when Smoke angrily charged at her with his finger pointing towards her. The gray-clad warrior accused her of attacking her best friend Kitana as his brown eyes focused on the unconscious body of Mileena laying on the shore.
"Kitana turns away from Shao Kahn, so you attack her rather than join her?" He demanded, his raspy voice laced with anger at the General's assumed betrayal.
Lifting one of her hands defensively, Jade used her free hand and pointed to the half-Tarkatan clone, trying to reason with the ninja. "This is not—"
Liu Kang also began to follow the Lin Kuei kombatant until Raiden held the Shaolin in place. "Smoke, stop!" The Thunder God called out to him and interrupting the kunoichi. "That is not Kitana!"
But the assassin didn't hear the deity and stood in a Judo fighting stance. His body emitted clouds of smoke as he prepared for battle. "You will come no closer!"
Jade defeated the Lin Kuei warrior easily enough, not sparing the over-zealous ninja another glance as she bowed respectfully at Raiden. "Lord Raiden, I come at the request of Kitana…she will be executed Kitana does not have much time."
The flame fist champion Liu Kang quickly hurried towards the talking group, with his friends Johnny Cage and Kung Lao following behind.
"Kitana?" He asked as he interrupted Jade and Raiden's conversation, his voice filled with worry. "Executed? Where is she?"
Listening to the concern in Liu Kang's voice settled some of the General's anxiety about her best friend's impending death. Jade looked into the face of the White Lotus warrior and immediately knew why Kitana was smitten with him. He exuded confidence, power, and determination, but there's a gentleness and kindness to his ambiance.
She turned to him, somehow trusting the Earthrealmer was more than willing to save her friend than the Thunder God. "Held captive in Shao Kahn's fortress."
There was a brief argument between the champion and the deity about what decision they should make concerning Kitana's execution. Jade's anger doubled when Raiden's ignored her plea for help and told his fighters to return to the Kolosseum to compete in the tournament.
Quickly diffusing the situation before it could escalate, Kung Lao stepped in between his best friend and mentor and offered a solution to their dilemma.
"Lord Raiden?" The razor-hat wielder began, his voice calm and placid, a stark contrast to the arrogant tone he used in his battle against her. "We can free her as others fight in our stead and join you thereafter."
Jade's eyes widened and her brows rose in surprise at this. Her heart pitter-pattered in her chest as new hope formed within her. As someone who cherishes friendship eminently, it astounded her that Kung Lao volunteered to aid Liu Kang to assist in saving the Princess.
Kung Lao? He's willing defy his master to help Liu Kang save Kitana? She asked herself while she looked at the younger monk optimistically. He's… I did not expect this from him. He seemed so envious of Liu Kang when we battled, but he's also very supporting of his friend. Thinking of this made the Emerald Assassin's mind flashback to what Kung Lao told her after he defeated her.
"Liu Kang will defeat Goro. He will win Mortal Kombat. He will save Earthrealm from merging under your Emperor's dominion and make the White Lotus Society proud. Let today be a lesson that the Shaolin are not to be underestimated."
Jade momentarily looked down in shame for making assumptions about the White Lotus kombatant. I was wrong about you. I'm sorry I underestimated you, Lao. Her eyes met his handsome face and she silently apologized to the warrior for allowing her hubris to cloud her judgment. You are a great kombatant and an ever greater friend. Thank you for abetting me.
Liu Kang's countenance also became hopeful at his best friend's suggestion and Raiden pondered over the idea before nodding his consent.
"Very well."
The monks exchanged a nod before heading towards the direction of the fortress. Jade reached out to Kung Lao and grasped his hand in hers, holding tightly to keep him from moving.
Before Kung Lao could register what was happening, he felt the assassin's warm, soft curves pressed against his as she circled her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Lao." She closed her eyes and huskily whispered in his ear through the veil that covered the bottom half of her face.
The razor-hat wielder returned her embrace and Jade released a sigh of contentment, She let go most of her uncertainties as she felt his strong arms wrap around her torso and his calloused hands smoothing over her exposed lower back. His hug was warm and reassuring; his confidence exuded through the strength of his embrace and she allowed herself to relax, even just a little given the circumstances.
She could've stayed just like this, cradled in his arms but she knew time was of the essence and the two kombatants needed to hurry to the tower to rescue Kitana.
They both let go of each other and Kung Lao grasped Jade's shoulders, assuaging any more woes she might have about his mission to rescue the Princess.
"Do not worry, Jade. Liu Kang and I will rescue Kitana." He affirmed. "Go with the others to the Kolosseum. We will meet you there as promised."
Giving a determined nod, Jade put all of her faith in the Shaolin monks. She grasped her hand in Kung Lao's one more time and squeezed to offer her quiet support and did as he asked.
She watched speechlessly as both warriors headed to Shao Kahn's fortress. The obnoxious, tattooed actor voiced his thoughts on the exchange between the two.
"Well whatever Raiden's got, Kung Lao's got it, too. Tch." Johnny Cage rolled his eyes behind his sunglasses, looking at the mild display of affection with jealousy.
Jade ignored the repugnant kombatant and followed behind Johnny Cage, Smoke, and Raiden as they headed to the Kolosseum for the second Mortal Kombat tournament.
Once entering the tower, both Kung Lao and Liu Kang looked around the expansive area trying to locate the fan-wielding Princess. Giving his rival a sly smirk, the razor-hat wielder eyed his best friend and teasingly said, "I hope your girlfriend is worth Lord Raiden's anger, Liu Kang."
Expecting a snarky remark from the younger Shaolin, Liu Kang replied with his own quick-witted rebuttal. "Tell Jade I said 'hello'."
"Heh." Kung Lao's smirk widened at Liu Kang's retort and he looked around the room some more, noting it was odd that the outside atmosphere would switch from day to night in only a matter of moments.
His perusal of the tower made him come to the realization that the royal kunoichi was no longer held captive in the fortress. "Hmm, they must've relocated Kitana."
Before Liu Kang could openly agree, the two kombatants were greeted by a black-skinned wraith who confirmed their suspicions. "We have indeed," his deep voice echoed throughout the room as he menacingly walked towards them. "We knew someone would come for her."
At the mention of "we", another door behind them opened and in walked the four-armed female Shokan, Sheeva. Kung Lao and Liu Kang nodded to one another before greeting their fellow kombatants with their fists raised.
"May you join her in death!" The mysterious, dark assassin proclaimed his victory over the monks.
Shortly after defeating their opponents, Liu Kang and Kung Lao met with the others in the arena where the second Mortal Kombat tournament was taking place. Kung Lao's pride swelled when he bested both the phantom ninja and the former Shokan champion Goro during his matches. Not only was he able to avenge his fallen ancestor the Great Kung Lao who died at the hands of the Shokan, but he also proved himself to be just as formidable as Liu Kang. However, their battles with Shao Kahn's warriors stalled their rescue mission, which is why when Kung Lao saw Kitana chained next to Outworld's Emperor, he voiced his discovery so she could be saved.
"There is Kitana."
Looking in direction of Shao Kahn's throne, Liu Kang also spotted the distressed Princess chained next to her step-father with her head hanging low as if defeated. Feeling his ire rising as he watched Kitana helplessly struggle against the heavy confines that bound her wrists, the flame fist monk announced, "I must free her!" He rushed to save the royal assassin, but the Thunder God stepped in Liu Kang's path to stop him.
Jade's anger returned as she watched the deity prevent his protégé from taking another step to release her best friend. Her brows furrowed in a deep frown, wishing the Thunder God was chained next to the Emperor instead of Kitana.
"Not now!" Raiden just as angrily replied to Liu Kang as he wiggled his finger in the champion's face as though scolding a young, disobedient child. "Smoke and Johnny Cage have been defeated."
How stupefying, the Emerald Assassin thought with a roll of her green eyes. She knew the smoke-emitting Lin Kuei and the actor were far outclassed to successfully best Shao Kahn's most exceptional opponents. Nevertheless, she focused her concern on her best friend, not Earthrealm's underperforming fighters.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao strolled past Raiden with the deity and Jade quickly pacing next to them.
"And I no longer sense Jackson Briggs' or Sonya Blade's presence in Outworld" the Thunder God continued to reprimand Liu Kang while she and Kung Lao exchanged worried glances. "Despite my doubts as to whether you are Earthrealm's savior, you must fight!"
I do not understand. Jade looked at the exchange between mentor and mentee with confusion in her eyes. Liu Kang defeated Goro and Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, saving Earthrealm. How is it possible he's not Earthrealm's champion? She stole a peek at Kung Lao whose countenance revealed he knew what the White Lotus members were talking about, although he kept quiet during their argument.
Facing his master with fire in his eyes, the flame fist kombatant's voice was laced with disgust at Raiden's careless attitude towards Kitana's safety. Liu Kang spat back, "But I am not 'he who must win'." With that, the champion marched in front of Shao Kahn to free Kitana without another word or glance at the Thunder God.
Raiden angrily looked on as his protégé defied him, but decided to let the matter go. For now.
Listening to their argument caused Jade to become more perplexed at what was said. She wanted to know more about their exchange and the nature of "he who must win", but held off her inquiry to focus on her best friend's safety and the tournament now that she and Kitana defected from Outworld. She wanted to compete but knew she was unable to fight on behalf of Earthrealm due to her former allegiance.
The Emperor gave Liu Kang a glance of nonchalance, mentally scoffing at someone who appeared so inadequate could defeat both Goro and Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat. He wasn't worried about the Shaolin however, not even caring that Liu Kang was rescuing his step-daughter from her execution. Shao Kahn was more concerned about the tournament, knowing that five of Raiden's best warriors were eliminated from the competition, leaving only the infatuated and impulsive monks to compete. The victory was already his.
"Raiden!" Shao Kahn yelled to the Thunder God, whose attention was now focused on the Emperor. "Put forth a worthy champion," he derided Liu Kang, knowing the White Lotus kombatant was listening to his every word. Narrowing his eyes at Kung Lao, Shao Kahn continued to ridicule the Shaolin monks. "If you can."
Instantly catching the tyrant's meaning, the razor-hat wielder caught the Emperor's bait and began to furiously step towards the battle area, but Raiden's hand on his arm stopped him. Kung Lao immediately thought back to when he foolishly infiltrated the initial Mortal Kombat tournament and lost to Scorpion. He wasn't thinking then, only concerned with proving himself equal to Liu Kang. Now he had to be sagacious and patient in order to ensure Earthrealm's victory in this competition since he and his best friend are the only two warriors left to battle.
Kung Lao looked at Raiden and stepped back, waiting for the opportunity for his mentor to give his consent to fight.
Raiden returned Kung Lao's glance and nodded his support. "Perhaps you are meant to be the victor." He encouraged the younger Shaolin.
Needing no further motivation, Kung Lao headed towards the battle area, but not before he received another grasp on his shoulder for support.
He looked over his shoulder and smiled at Jade, who returned his smile and offered her own words of encouragement. "You will win this."
Kung Lao patted her hand and assured her, "I will." Then he confidently walked to the battle area and stood in front of Shao Kahn.
"You will face Shang Tsung…" The Emperor announced, and the sorcerer balled his fist and chuckled, silently alerting the razor-hat wielder that he already lost their battle.
"…and Quan Chi."
Kung Lao noticed Shang Tsung's less-than-enthused expression when he found out he would have to fight alongside his nemesis. Behind him, Raiden's facial features writhed as he worried about the safety of his protégé during this handicap match. Jade's countenance remained confident knowing that Kung Lao could take on both necromancers in kombat.
"No Earthrealm boy can stop this Deadly Alliance," Quan Chi declared as he readied his body in an Escrima fighting stance, hoping his insult would kindle Kung Lao's ire and mentally distract him so they could get the upper hand during the battle.
Rolling his eyes at the native Netherrealmer, Shang Tsung faced the teleporter and readied his body in a Snake fighting stance. "On that, we agree."
Winning against the sorcerers proved more difficult than Kung Lao cared to admit, nevertheless, they were defeated. This accomplishment was won in Earthrealm's favor, guaranteeing his home realm another victory closer to freedom from Shao Kahn's dominion forever.
"It is done!" Kung Lao shouted over the noise of the Kolosseum spectators as he looked down at his beaten foes. His chest rose and fell as he inhaled oxygen into his burning lungs. His muscles ached after his fight with the necromancers, and all he yearned for was rest to replenish his energy. Rest, however, is a luxury he cannot afford while Earthrealm's safety was on the line.
Cradling his fractured rib cage, Shang Tsung rose from the ground to sullen the kombatant's optimism. "No, Kung Lao. Not nearly so."
The teleporter didn't have time to mull over what the necromancer said before a pair of steel cage bars opened and a tiger-striped behemoth loudly growled, his battle cry sounded throughout the arena.
Raucous cheers and loquacious cries of support were heard from the Kolosseum's patrons as they shouted victory for Shao Kahn's next warrior over Kung Lao.
The razor-hat wielder couldn't mask his anxiety as his brown eyes focused on the four-armed monster, clearly a native Shokan who appeared more beastly and deadly than Prince Goro.
Kung Lao felt the ground beneath his boots vibrate with each step the tiger-striped brute took as the monstrosity stalked his way towards his prey.
Standing a few feet away from his next victim, the Shokan proclaimed in a voice filled with malignant promise, "I will eat your heart."
A part of him regretted breaking into the tournament just to mitigate his pride. Kung Lao knew what the Mortal Kombat tournament was about defending Earthrealm from tyrants from other realms who may want to claim sovereignty over it. But there was a downside, an unspoken curse masqueraded as a gift: Mortal Kombat's champion would not age for several hundred years until the next tournament. That meant Earthrealm's champion would spend generations training and preparing to fight in the next competition, never truly experiencing genuine peace. The winner would outlive their families, their friends.
At this thought, Kung Lao stole a quick glance over his shoulder at Jade and tried to imagine living his life without the fiery General. She gave him a nod of encouragement and he focused his eyes on his opponent again. If he were to win this, the Emerald Assassin would make a great partner to share his life with. Her Edenian heritage granted her an extensive lifespan and somehow he knew being with her would ease any burdens he may have if he would win this competition.
"Round one. Fight!" Shao Kahn bellowed, interrupting the White Lotus warrior's thoughts.
The four-armed monster charged at Kung Lao, who immediately stood in a defensive pose.
"Ha, ha, ha…" Kung Lao eyed the defeated monster with levity. Another victory was won in his favor, freeing Earthrealm forever from Shao Kahn's jurisdiction. He heard the boos of disappointment from the spectators and lifted his arms in celebration, turning around mocking the patrons. Removing his hat from his head, Kung Lao bowed to the angry protestors, continuously taunting them.
Righting his posture, he faced his mentor and shouted, "See Raiden? Earthrealm is fr—"
Kung Lao's words were promptly cut off when he felt air whip past his face and his eyes widened when he realized Jade threw her boomerang in his direction.
"Arrgghh!" a voice behind him cried out in pain and the teleporter quickly turned around and noticed Shao Kahn clutching his throat to stop the flow of blood that poured from his neck.
Jumping backward in surprise to distance himself from his would-be assassin, Kung Lao lifted his fists and yelled to the Emperor, "Your treachery knows no bounds, Shao Kahn! You tried to slaughter me while my back was turned! You coward! May the Elder Gods damn your soul to the bowels of the Netherrealm!"
"No!" Liu Kang undid Kitana's chains and raced to join his best friend to fight the Outworld dictator.
Once the blood flow was under control, Shao Kahn screamed at his former subordinate, "You traitorous wench! You'll pay for this!"
Jade ignored the Emperor and raised her arm to catch her weapon in mid-air. She ran and embraced the Princess, grateful she was alive. "Kitana, you are safe and well."
Hugging the ninja will all her strength, Kitana expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Jade. Quickly, let's remove ourselves from danger and give Liu Kang and Kung Lao the room they need to fight." The heiress grabbed the General's hand and jogged away from the battle area as the Shaolin monks prepared for the final battle of Mortal Kombat.
Present day…
Sensing there was more the ninja wanted to admit, Kitana prodded the assassin for more information with a knowing grin. "I've known you for over 10,000 years, Jade. You cannot hide anything from me. There's something you're not telling me."
"Yes." Jade's playful smile curved her lips then she began to chuckle. "It's improper to admit this but you're like a sister to me Kitana, so I know I can trust you with what I'm about to say."
"Of course." Both women righted themselves in their seats, straightening their spines as they prepared for new gossip to be shared. "I'll never betray your trust."
Jade's lids lowered, her curved lashes hovered slightly above her green irises. She leaned closer to Kitana and professed her newfound infatuation with the Shaolin monk. "Lao and I… since Shao Kahn's defeat a week ago, he and I have enjoyed sharing each other's company…"
"By the Elder Gods!" The Princess gasped when the realization hit her and she understood the meaning behind her best friend's words. Her face reddened as she imagined both of her comrades engaging in lascivious activities. "You totally slept with him, didn't you?" She asked the staff-wielder with a hearty laugh.
"Kitana, no!" Jade laughed along with the Heiress, their loud guffaws filling the air, drowning out the sounds of the music playing on the smartphone. After calming down the General reassured the royal assassin, "Lao and I haven't done anything salacious. Your mind is deep in the trenches, Your Highness." She wagged an accusing finger at Kitana, giving her a smug look, to which Kitana giggled helplessly.
"Lao and I simply have amorous fun. It's innocuous, really." Refilling her empty teacup, Jade continued to explain her and the razor-hat wielder's flirtatious play after taking a sip of the brew. "I know he's smitten with me; he watched me for hours doing my pole stretches in my training quarters. And let's just say his eyes were focused on all of me." She winked at Kitana who also winked back.
"He's fully devoted to his monastery teachings, and I wouldn't want to be the reason he goes against his faith. Although, I can admit I rather enjoy treading on that sinful tightrope. And it seems he does, too." Taking one more sip of tea, the assassin's voice lowered when she told her next statement. "However, if the situation between Lao and I become more than coquettish and he initiates the seduction, I won't deny him. But he would have to make the first move."
Kitana offered no words to what her best friend admitted. Her brown eyes unblinkingly looked at the green-glad kombatant over the rim of her teacup as she took another sip of the herbal beverage, lost in her own thoughts about the Champion of Mortal Kombat.
It was past evening in Outworld as Kung Lao roamed the halls of the royal palace. As he walked along the corridor he eyed the golden pillars and walls decorated with thick scarlet and azure curtains with matching scarlet and azure rugs laying on the floor. Marble torches illuminated his path, making it easier for him to see as he headed towards his destination. Despite his malice towards the former Emperor, the Shaolin warrior mentally admitted the savage tyrant's taste in décor was admirable.
As he neared his destination, Kung Lao's thick brows lifted in surprise when he encountered another person roaming the halls of the palace. His dark brown eyes glowed with levity as he decided to tease the warrior.
"Visiting your girlfriend at this decadent hour, Liu Kang?" The razor-hat wielder asked with a mirthful smirk curving his lips. "I wonder what Master Bo' Rai Cho would say."
"Tch." The champion rolled his eyes at his younger comrade and stared at the teleporter nightly attire with interest as he joined his friend on his walk. "You're certainly dressed for slumber, but your room's next to mine. What's your reason for strolling the palace halls at this ungodly hour?"
Kung Lao wore a satin two-piece dark navy pajama set with the Kung family dragon emblem in silver printed on the top. His jet-black hair was free from its usual ponytail braid, hanging loosely down his back. On his feet were black slippers also with the dragon emblem printed on them.
As they walked down the hall together, Kung Lao answered the flame fist kombatant honestly. "Jade invited me to her quarters tonight." Ignoring Liu Kang's knowing smirk, the Shaolin warrior continued. "I'm assuming you're heading to Kitana's bedchambers as well? Jade's room is adjacent to the Princess', which is understandable since she's Kitana's personal bodyguard after all." Looking at his best friend's state of undress, the sharp-tongued monk felt it necessary to make one more dig at Liu Kang before they departed to their destinations.
"I would think you'd at least honor Kitana by wearing a shirt before you consummate your relationship tonight." Kung Lao's dark eyes examined the champion's red satin drawstring pajama pants and bare feet. "That way your Royal Highness can fully enjoy the experience when she undresses you." Noting Liu Kang's look of ire prompted the teleporter to continue as he held in his chuckles. "After all, everyone has already seen you bare-chested. You should make her feel special, Liu."
"Why you…" Liu Kang growled, to which the razor-hat wielder outright laughed, no longer able to contain his guffaws. It was simply too easy to get underneath his best friend's skin. The seemingly invincible Champion of Earthrealm? His Achilles' heel?—the Outworld Princess.
Reaching a set of large, floor-to-ceiling double doors with two armed, male bodyguards standing in front of them, Kung Lao announced with an enthusiastic grin, "We are here."
Deciding to ignore the younger kombatant, Liu Kang announced his arrival to the guards. "I am Liu Kang and I am here to see Kitana."
"I am Kung Lao and I am here to see Jade."
Both bodyguards looked at each other and nodded before facing the Shaolin monks again. "Yes, the Princess and the General have been expecting you," one of them said. "You may enter."
Opening the heavy set of doors to the private wing, Kung Lao entered the royal chambers followed by Liu Kang. This night has gotten a lot more interesting, the razor-hat wielder told himself with a sly smile curving his lips.
I never realized it until I watched The4thSnake's MK9 Critique on Youtube that he mentioned the Forces of Light shouldn't have died the way they did by Sindel's hands. He stated if it was necessary for the Forces of Light to die, their deaths should've been spaced out or handled better in canon. I think any MK fan should watch it. It's pretty well thought-out and informative.
With an open mind and a listening ear, I had to agree with him. So in my MK universe, the Forces of Light die at the hands of the Brotherhood of Shadow. The revenants still exist in my story canon, but don't worry, I'm not going to write it. This story will still focus on Jade and Kung Lao. I just wanted to let anyone know who's reading this that the Forces of Light still die, but they die differently.
Also, I do apologize for the length of this chapter. It wasn't my intention for it to be this long, but I needed to write the development between Kung Lao and Jade to make it (somewhat?) believable. And I really wanted to write the final fight scene, but I'm 12 pages in, my eyes hurt, my stomach's growling, and I'm tired. Hopefully y'all enjoyed it nonetheless.