1 MONTH LATER

After a month of shooting, the Mortal Kombat crew was finally given a two-week break. Due to their conflicting schedules on set, Kung Lao and Jade did not spend much time together. However, they attempted to spend as much time as possible by going on brunches and having dinner with one another.

"Finally, having this week off is exactly what I need." Lao reflected to himself. He thought that he and Jade had made advancement in getting to know each other, even though it was at a slow rate. He was motivated to improve their relationship and, ideally, land a kiss.

When Lao opened his suite door, he noticed Kitana and Jade conversing down the corridor. "Good morning ladies," Lao remarked cheerfully,

"Morning, Kung!" Kitana exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Do you guys have any special plans during the break?" Lao ask

"Not really, we're going to Edenia for a quick check-in. Making sure everything is still running smoothly."

"Oh, that's fascinating to hear. Is that for the whole two weeks? I was hoping to spend some time with Jade."

"Oh, you'll have enough time to spend with her Lao, we won't be long." Kitana said, giggling. "I'll give you guys some space."

Lao refocused his attention on his love interest once Kitana left. "Hey, Shaolin." Jade said with a smile. Jade had a habit of calling Kung Lao Shaolin even after they had been communicating for a month. The monk didn't mind; in fact, he thought it was cute.

"Hey, there." He responded in kind. "So, Edenia?"

"Yea, I have to go check on the weaponry and see how everyone is doing." Maybe when I get back, we can try to organize something in between shoots?"

"Of course, we can try." He stated. "I'll go back home and check on the monks."

"Ok, that sounds great. I'll make an effort to stay in touch with you. So keep your phone close by," she winked.

Kung Lao smiled and began to lean in closer to Jade in an attempt to kiss her goodbye, but was cut off by Kitana.

"I'm sorry, Kung, but I'm going to have to steal Jade. We have to pass through the portal, and I don't want it to be dark by the time we arrive."

"Don't worry, I'll see you guys soon." Following this discussion, the trio disbanded and went their own ways.

Before returning to the temple, Kung Lao stopped by Liu Kang suite to check in. Lao repeatedly pounded on Liu Kang's door, and the MK champion opened

"What are you up to, Liu? have any plans for the break?"

"I have no plans; I was just going to rest for the break."

Lao was aware that Liu Kang was still upset about Kitana's departure. He didn't want to leave his best friend contemplating what might have been.

"Would you like to accompany me to see the monks?"We can go to East China and see the Yuyuan Garden, which I know you enjoy."

Liu Kang smirked and said softly, "yeah, let me get ready." The Shaolin monks were on their way to Earth in a matter of minutes.

After spending the majority of their break on earth, both monks determined that today was their last day and that they would return to Angbotain tonight. During their journey, the monks visited the Shaolin Temple, Bo Rai Cho, and, finally, the Yuyuan Garden. They kept each other company as they walked through the garden, conversing about a range of topics.

"How are you and Jade doing?" Questioned Liu Kang.

"I believe things are going well." Lao replied

"Just well?"

"Yeah, because of filming, we haven't had a chance to explore each other yet." Lao said

"I see, did you at least kiss her?"

"I'm planning on it," Lao said.

"Planning?"

Kung Lao answered by shaking his head. "I've been waiting for her to call me all break, but I haven't received a call yet."

"Why don't you try calling her?"

"I am, I know she's busy, and I didn't want to bother, but a phone call wouldn't hurt."

During their conversation, Kung Lao and Liu Kang were interrupted by a voice from behind them. The monks noticed Li Mei when they turned around.

Li Mei and Kang had exhibited interest in one another after his former break up with Kitana. Due to them living in different realms the romance was short-lived, but Liu Kang never forgot about her

"What brings you here, Li Mei?" inquired Liu Kang

"I came to visit earth for a while; I saw Jade in Outworld and assumed you guys were on vacation as well."

"Outworld?" Lao questioned.

"Yea after Edenia became independent again, I sometimes visit Outworld. I haven't seen you guys in ages and thought I stop by to say hello." Li Mei inquired excitedly.

"You look lovely, I haven't seen you in years," Kang replied, pushing his entire body towards Li Mei. Her beauty had him mesmerized.

Li Mei blushed as she thanked the MK champion. After witnessing the entire scenario Kung Lao believed it was his cue to go.

"I'll leave you two alone to catch up. I'm going to go home and check in on a few things. I'll meet you at Angbotain Liu, glad to see you again, Li Mei."

"You as well Lao!"

Kung Lao started to wonder about Jade when he got home, so he chose to call her first. After a few rings, the phone went to voicemail. Lao decided to wait until she called him back. After a few minutes of waiting, he decided to go for a late-night walk to think about why Jade was in Outworld. When he opened his front door, he saw Tanya standing on his porch.

"Tanya?" Lao was perplexed.

The formal couple hasn't spoken or even seen each other in 9 months. Lao's heart skipped a beat when he saw her. The brown complexion Edenian was stunning, and for a little period, he forgot about Jade.

"I know this is surprising, but I've been thinking about you. Do you mind if we talk?" She stated.

"Of course, I was about to go for a walk; you're welcome to join me."

The exes stayed up all night discussing what happened nine months ago. Tanya then told the monk how she really felt about him and how much she wanted another chance. She was perplexed and felt foolish for ending the relationship. Even though Lao got a call from Jade when he was strolling with Tanya, he decided to ignore it.

"It's getting late, Kung, and this may seem like a lot to ask, but would you mind if I stayed the night?"

When Lao heard this, his heart fell. He wanted her to spend the night with him, but he knew it wasn't the appropriate thing to do.

"I I I," Lao faltered, "I was actually going to Angbotain tonight, but I can walk you home."

"It's okay, I get it." Tanya spoke gently. "It was good to see you again. I hope you still have my phone number saved; don't be afraid to call me every now and then." Tanya said as she gently kissed him on the cheek and walked away.

Watching her leave made him realize his feelings for her were still there. All Lao desired was for someone to be certain about him, he wished Tanya had shown this before their initial breakup. Sighing, he chose to return to Angbotain.

When Kung Lao returned to Angbotain, he discovered the temperature had dropped significantly. As a result, he approached a lit bonfire and sat on a log to keep warm as he pondered his thoughts, still stunned to see Tanya again. Her words repeated over and over in his mind.

During this time, he sensed a presence approaching from behind him and instantly turned around, ready for kombat. It was Jade, much to his amazement.

"Oh, Jade, you're already back." With a smile, he said. "I thought you were going to stay in Edenia for a bit longer."

"Yea, I decided to come back. I wanted to spend the last few days with you before we go back to filming. I missed you." Jade's face lit up as she stated this.

When Lao heard this, he noticed an increase in blood flow to his face, causing him to blush lightly. Even though he was a skilled fighter, there were some factors beyond his control. He tried to hide it by leading Jade to the bonfire and having her sit near him.

"Here," he murmured, taking off his jacket and placing it over her shoulders. "It's a little chilly tonight, and I doubt the fire will keep you warm."

"Thank you," Jade replied as she put on the jacket and covered herself securely.

"Of course, how was the visit?" Lao inquired

"It was fantastic; the soldiers are doing well, and everything appears to be in order. Tanya is doing an excellent job of training them. What about you?"

"Oh, was Tanya there?" Lao inquired, surprised because he had just seen her a few hours ago. "Did you two talk? And all I did was go to see Arthur and check in with the monks."

"Aww, yes, Arthur, you have to take me to see him one day."

"Without a doubt." Lao replied. He was still perplexed as to how Tanya was able to pay him a visit without Jade's awareness. Also what Jade was doing in Outworld. Jade cut him off in his tracks before he could finish his idea.

"Tanya and I did speak." But don't worry, it wasn't about you," she laughed. "I trust you are not leading me astray?"

"I would never." Lao stated. "Was Edenia the only place you happened to visit?"

"Actually, no, I went to Outworld for a while. I went to see a friend." Jade said this while grabbing and holding Kung Lao's hand.

Lao was overjoyed that she was making physical contact with him, but he was still curious. "Outworld? I had no idea you had friends there."

"He's an old friend of mine." Jade answered by leaning forward and focusing on his lips. Lao was unaware of Jade's gesture and continued to interrogate her.

"Really, what is his name?" He inquired with a worry tone

Giggling Jade lovingly stroked his check and said, "Don't worry about it Shaolin, I'm all yours," before slowly kissing him. Lost in her lips. The monk didn't say anything about the "other guy" for the remainder of the night. He was content to simply be with her.