EVENT IN A BALL ROOM

Kung Lao was 15 minutes late for the event because he was getting ready. He wanted to look great even though he wasn't attempting to impress anyone. Kung Lao entered the room and looked around, noting how lovely it was and how many people were there. The Ballroom was packed with the original Mortal Kombat 9 roster. (Not including additional characters) In total, 26 MK characters were chosen.

While examining the room, Lao noticed Liu Kang and Kitana. They stood apart from the crowd, having a private talk.

"Damn," Kung thought to himself. He felt awful because he knew that topic would make his bestfriend uncomfortable.

Kung Lao was watching the former couple and trying to interpret their facial expressions to determine the gist of the conversation when he sensed someone approaching him from behind.

"Hey Shaolin," the mysterious person said.

Kung Lao turned around and noticed Jade approaching towards him with a smile.

"Hi," Kung Lao said, smiling. When Kung Lao observed the Edenian, he was taken aback. She was breathtaking, and he wasn't hesitant to tell her so.

"You look lovely tonight Jade, and that dress suits you perfectly."

"I don't think I heard you, mind repeating that?" Jade remarked humorously.

Lao responded with a smile, "haha nice try."

"Thank you" she said happily. "You look dashing as well. I saw you spot Liu Kang and Kitana." Jade said this while joining Kung Lao and looked in the direction of the former pair.

"Yeah, I just know he's torn." Lao replied. He wanted to ask Jade who exactly Kitana married, but didn't want to be nosy.

"You're probably wondering who she's engaged to, aren't you?" Jade stated

"I'm intrigued."

"I'll give you a hint. He's here tonight, dressed in blue, and is a Grandmaster."

Kung Lao's eyes widened as he heard the words "Grandmaster." He recognized it right away.

"Sub Subzero?" In disbelief, he stuttered. He then began exploring the room for the ice maker ninja. His gaze was drawn to the Grandmaster, who was conversing with his buddy Smoke.

Kung Lao was reminded of Jade and Smoke's breakup when staring at both ninjas. Lao was hesitant to inquire but eventually mustered the courage.

"So you and Smoke are no longer?" He inquired.

The Caramel skinned Edenian shifted her gaze to the shaolin monk. Sighing she answered "yeah" before gazing to the ground.

Lao didn't want to push any farther and couldn't find the words to console her, so he took a step back.

Jade soon broke the stillness by speaking out. "A year ago, Tomas and I had a mutual breakup. I haven't talked to him since. He appears to be improving."

"Yes, appearances may be deceiving but who knows he may be thinking about you."

"Well, I'm not interested in rekindling any longer." What has been done is done. I'm ready for a change. So, how about you? "Do you still have feelings for her?"

Despite the fact that Lao hasn't spoken to Tanya in months. He still found himself wondering about her and how she was doing.

"Not nearly as much as I used to." Kung Lao replied. "I meant what I said about meeting new people, creating new relationships, and getting to know you better if you're interested." Lao remarked softly, gazing into Jade's eyes

The green-eyed Edenian was delighted to hear this. She smiled softly at Kung Lao, knowing that she, too, wanted to learn more about the monk.

Lao and Jade rarely communicated much over the years, despite the fact that their best friends were dating. They had tiny exchanges here and there, but nothing romantic. With her dating Smoke and him dating Tanya, the two rarely crossed paths. Lao always sparked Jade's interest. Jade was drawn to the shaolin by his dimples, figure, and sense of humor. Before she could speak she was interrupted by The Elder Gods.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your attention? We'd like to begin by thanking you all for accepting our invitations and participating in the Mortal Kombat 9 reboot film." When they heard this, everyone started cheering. "Just a quick rundown of how this works. We're making a film based on historical events. Yes, we will make a few adjustments to the film, a little spice if you will, to keep things fresh and the franchise running as long as feasible. If the film receives positive reviews we will continue the franchise. However, if it fails, it will be the end of Mortal Kombat reenactment in general. You're probably wondering why you got cast in this new Mortal Kombat revival movie. We, the elder gods, felt you played an important role in the history of Mortal Kombat and have a large fan base, thus you are the first original cast." Everyone was overjoyed to learn that they had been chosen out of 77 Mortal Kombat characters. "In terms of filming, we will provide you with a schedule outlining which days we will require you on set and so on. It is recommended that you stay here temporarily due to the lengthy filming duration. In Angbotain, we established permanent rooms for you all to use. You may, however, continue to explore the portals as you choose." Filming will begin next week. This week is for you to settle down and get used to the fact that once filming begins, it will be nonstop with a few days off in between. As previously indicated, your schedule will indicate which days you are required on set, so please be presentable, prepared, and have fun."

Following the news, everyone applauded, and a band began playing loudly, causing Jade and Lao to cover their ears.

Kung Lao cast a glance in the direction of Liu Kang and Kitana and discovered they were no longer present. He knew he had to track down his best friend.

"Well, then, I guess I'll see you later!" Lao yelled in an attempt to drown out the music. Jade couldn't understand what he was saying but realized he was saying goodbye. As a result, she smiled, nodded, and waved as the monk exited the ballroom.

Because Angbotain was so huge, Lao was absolutely disoriented when he stepped out. He began strolling around the structure, expecting to see Liu Kang, and eventually discovered his brother resting on a stone bench.

"Hey bro," Lao said as he took a seat next to his friend. Kang turned to face his friend with a sorrowful grin, attempting to conceal his true pain, before returning his eyes to the stars in the sky.

Without saying anything, Kung Lao gazed at the stars. He sensed that Liu Kang didn't want to talk, so instead of questioning him, he sat by his side, knowing that his best friend just needed to be with someone.