She continued to cover her face as she was led back to the throne room. The airy jade-green walls and dark ambiance lit the space in a cold, ceremonial silence. The throne sat empty. No one occupied the dreadful, looming seat.
Now, all Kalliste could think about was Shang Tsung's sudden appearance—and how familiar he seemed with the Emperor. Shang Tsung was just an observer. He watched the proceedings, and he watched her—his prized assassin. Kalliste was his thrall, an extension of his will. To many, she was a silent mystery cloaked in darkness. But to some, she was merely a petty puppet. Whatever they thought, Kalliste never cared. She did only what she was meant to do.
Suddenly, sharp footsteps echoed behind the throne, and from the shadows emerged a woman.
She moved with confidence, drenched in violets and purples, with long white hair parted by a single streak of black down the center. Beautiful—yes—but it was a beauty laced with venom. Kalliste could feel the malevolence roll off her.
The woman's glare was sharp. "Kneel before your Empress, girl," she said. Her voice curled like silk—and stung just the same.
Kalliste slowly lowered herself, kneeling.
The Empress's disgust grew. "You lack respect and decency. It makes me wonder why my husband wishes for your loyalty in our court."
She descended the stairs, her expression unchanging.
"He says he is interested in your power. Your capability in kombat. Why he's intrigued is beyond me."
Kalliste didn't look up. Her stillness was interpreted as defiance. The Empress raised her boot and pressed it under Kalliste's chin, forcing her gaze upward.
"Your lack of attention can be punished, girl."
She turned her attention to Shang Tsung. "Your pet may benefit Outworld, yet I can sense she is... deferential."
Shang Tsung met her gaze. "I assure you, Empress, she will prove useful. She is not accustomed to peace or company."
Sudden, heavier footsteps sounded through the hall. Shao Kahn entered with the six-armed creature trailing behind him.
His presence immediately shifted the tension.
"I see you've met—what was her name, sorcerer?" Shao Kahn asked as he sat on his throne.
Shang Tsung did not answer. He shot Kalliste a sharp look.
"Kalliste, my Emperor," she said. Her voice was dry, empty.
"You call this insolent girl your ally? She lacks respect for her superiors."
Kalliste stood up, watching them. Her gaze narrowed as the conversation continued around her.
"She will learn respect as she grows in our court. Besides, Shang Tsung and she are... familiar with one another."
"Amazing," Sindel spat. "Two snakes, familiar with each other, plotting against our rule. At times, I do not trust your decisions, husband."
"She shall be watched," Shao Kahn replied. "I will not relinquish such power lightly."
He turned toward the six-armed creature and pointed.
"Kollector!"
The brooding servant stepped forward.
"Yes, your Excellency...?" he answered, a grizzly grin on his face.
Shao Kahn stood and walked a few steps further, gesturing for privacy.
"I have a task for you."
"Will it... perhaps come with profit...?" Kollector asked, his grin spreading, his tone lined with greed.
YOU ARE READING
Precious Possession (OC x Kollector) - MK11
FanfictionKalliste; as a young orphan was taken by the hands of Shang Tsung to be experimented on and raised as his own living weapon. Soon enough, she surrounds herself with the allies of Shao Kahn where one particular creature grows dubious with her. 2022 (...
