Chapter Text
The energy that clung to the air as Kung Lao defeated both Quan Chi and Shang Tsung was exhilarating. Hope that had previously run thin was now completely reinvigorated, and she truly began to believe they had a real chance at defeating Shao Kahn. Just as spirits were at an all time high, the cheering and applause were abruptly halted as the ground began to shake. The fabrics of their very reality began to crumble all around them, and she found herself emerging from a great twister of sand, looking upon the vast Kolosseum once more, though something was certainly different.
All around her, others began to emerge. Raiden, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Jade. Those that allied themselves with Shao Kahn slowly began to form as well, much to her dismay. General Kotal – who now declared himself Kotal Kahn, stood before them.
“Is it possible the past and the future are colliding?”
Raiden proposed to Kotal, though they didn’t have much time to really figure things out before everyone was launched into a whirlwind of battle. At Raiden’s suggestion, Kitana would take up arms in helping Kotal. Tarkatans that attempted to sneak up on him as he tussled with Shao Kahn were easily cut down by her fan blades. Her support would only be thwarted by one Kano charging her, easily throwing her to the ground.
She’s standing upright once more, dusting herself off. No sooner, she was locking into her own battle with the man. Blows were exchanged, her speed giving her the edge as she weaved around his hits. Her efforts would go unpaid, though, as Kano would properly get ahold of her, throwing her down into one of the various pits littering the battlefield. She crashed through the thin wooden vent covering the pit, a shriek leaving her as gravity pulled her to the depths.
A yelp would leave her when she finally did touch down, and she was winded beyond belief. Attempts to stand back up are futile, costing her for more energy than staying down to recover would. Her struggles to stand would only be made worse as the sounds of familiar boots were slowly making their way into the pit with her.
“Never thought I’d be the one lucky enough to say I took out the little princess.”
Kano’s voice is laced with venom as he enters Kitana’s field of view. His knife is already being twirled between his fingers, and she can hardly imagine she would be dreading her own death quite as much as she was. His grand moment would be cut short, however, when a staff cracked into his skull. Face first, he would hit the ground.
Jade slid to Kitana’s side, grasping her hands gently as she looked her over for any other injuries.
“Princess… Are you alright? Where are you hurt?”
The worry etched all over Jade’s face really should pull at Kitana’s heart strings, though it was prompting the exact opposite reaction. Hand shoots up to face to stifle a giggle. It was cute, endearing even, how Jade stressed over her. She would probably have the same worried tone and expression if Kitana had merely tripped on a rock and scraped her knee.
“I’ll be alright.”
“Let’s get you up, then. You’ll be much safer elsewhere..—”
She was already looping one of Kitana’s arms over her shoulders, supporting her to her feet. It would be a bit of a trek getting back to the surface while practically carrying one other person, but the burden didn’t even cross her mind. She would get Kitana to safety, even at her own expense.
“Thank you for saving me..”
It’s muttered. Kitana often thanked Jade for everything, big or small. This time felt different, though, Jade could tell. There was a certain hint of relief to her voice that told her Kitana had truly been in fear of her life. She was right to rush away from everyone else as soon as she took notice of Kitana’s absence. Anxiety boiled in her chest at the very thought of what could have happened had she been even just a minute late. What would she have walked down to? Kitana dead? In the process of dying?
She forces the thoughts to leave her mind for the time being. She rests a hand over Kitana’s heart, squeezing her just a bit tighter.
“Who will make me laugh if you are not around?”
Reassuring smile is given, which does serve to lighten Kitana’s mood. Somehow, Jade always knew just what to say, which points to hit, to make her feel better. It was one of her many powers, Kitana had theorized once. She leans over, pressing their foreheads together for a few beats. Despite the pain, she found comfort in her closeness with Jade.
After some encouragement, the pair were making their way back to the surface. It didn’t take nearly as long as Jade had initially suspected, and she found herself having to urge Kitana to slow down at certain points. The princess was too eager to not burden her, already pushing herself with such fresh injuries. While the thought was sweet, she would not allow Kitana to worsen her injuries just for her sake.
The hot sun hitting their faces was an adjustment from the darker depths they had come from, though both were relieved to be back with the rest of the group. Raiden was already giving his rundown of a plan, which included him and other champions returning to Earthrealm. Prior to leaving, he would make it a point to suggest Kitana rest, with Jade promising to hold her to it.
Trying to rest while knowing her people were at such risk was, admittedly, driving her a little crazy. Kotal Kahn had been kind enough to allow her and Jade to stay at the palace, and while she typically found the expansive gardens relaxing, the only thoughts finding her where those of how much she could be doing, but wasn’t. There had to be something she could do while she was stuck to resting, right? She could find something to do.
Jade helped ease that need to be out and about. Her presence alone was calming, and she knew that. Every time Kitana’s thoughts ran wild, there was Jade to slow them. She found her seat next to Kitana, breathing in the fresh air, lightly sweetened by the various flowers throughout the garden.
“The flowers are most beautiful, aren’t they?”
“They are. Not as beautiful as you, though.”
It was Jade’s turn to giggle now, having to look away completely at that, and Kitana couldn’t help but cringe a bit.
“That was cheesy.”
A phrase Kung Lao had taught the two. She had only heard it in reference to Johnny Cage before, but a little joke at her own expense seemed to be the perfect time to use the phrase. She struck gold, evidently, as that brought more of a laugh from Jade now. She’s nodding in agreement.
“That was very cheesy, but sweet.”
She’s reaching over, taking Kitana’s hands once more. Her thumbs would glide over the princess’ knuckles. A small show of affection, but one of their favorite.
“How are you feeling, my love?”
“Much better. I’m ready to help outside of these walls. My duty is to my people, and instead I am lounging among luxurious gardens and being waited on hand and foot.”
Her words would be accompanied by dramatic gesturing around. A thoughtful hum would leave Jade, her eyes going to the ground. It was hard for her to deny Kitana, it always was. She did seem to be getting around like normal, no longer wincing from simply laying down or sitting up. A sigh leaves her. She didn’t want to take Kitana out too early, but Kitana had every right to get back to action if that was what she truly wanted to do.
“Alright. Tomorrow, we are to meet with Kotal Kahn to infiltrate a Tarkatan war camp. We’ll be on the hunt for Shao Kahn, or information that could lead us to him. I assume you’re up for it, then?”
Kitana seemed to perk up at Jade’s words. She had completely expected to be shut down, told it’s far too early to get back to kombat. Of course she would leap at the opportunity to get back to helping her people, and the Tarkatans by extension. She’s all grins, nodding.
“Yes. Thank you, Jade.”