Kalliste; 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 (...
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The room was so empty. Eternal solidarity, a dimming hellscape. The windows were large, yet it seemed their foggy glass blocked most of the natural sunlight. But that didn't matter entirely. She liked the warmth of the wispy cold air and the dreadful darkness that clung to the corners of the ceilings and walls. She gave in to the unilluminated ambiance. The dark wooden floor was all she sought for now.
Dizziness seeped through her skull.
Knock. Knock!
That sudden feeling of madness was chased off. Kalliste raised her head toward the source of the noise. She made her way to the door and opened it, revealing the same servant from earlier—this time accompanied by more. They hurried in, carrying heavy loads: a mattress, blankets, and other items to bring the room some semblance of comfort.
As they shuffled in and out, their eyes lingered on her—agitated, nervous. Kalliste stood in silence, watching them blankly. Her unmoving presence only made them move faster, though she didn't intend to intimidate them. Still, she brushed off the thought. There was no point in being sentimental or pitiful toward them. In her place, she could do little.
Once finished, the servants scurried out like startled rabbits.
A new presence filled the threshold—overwhelming and unmistakable. Shang Tsung emerged from the hallway, standing tall at Kalliste's doorway. His eyes trailed after the disappearing servants, then settled on her.
"I see you've been settled into the Emperor's home," he said in a low, unreadable tone. "How does it feel?"
Kalliste turned her gaze to the left, avoiding his eyes. She offered no answer.
He stepped closer and lifted her chin with one hand, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"It seems Queen Sindel was correct. So ill-mannered despite the courteous discipline I've given you. You will learn."
"There is a creature watching me. He has six arms..." Kalliste murmured.
Shang Tsung cocked his head. "Ah. Kollector, the Nakadan. He is Shao Kahn's tribute collector. More so, his devoted and loyal servant."
"He confronted me."
Shang Tsung nodded. "He's doing what his Emperor commands. He is rather... maddening."
A faint smile touched his lips. "I'm positive you gave him some brutality?"
Kalliste hesitated, her mouth slightly agape. "Yes."
Though in truth, hardly any brutality had passed between them.
"Excellent," Shang Tsung said, smirking as he returned to his usual composed stance.
