Precious Possession (OC x Kollector) - MK11

chapter 4 - static hum

As the night grew, the day withered. Yet for some reason, it felt more alive. Warmth brazed the air, and more visible souls wandered each corridor.

But Kalliste was bored.

She roamed the hallways, guided by the whispers of her inner demon. She could no longer access the Dead Pool—security had increased. Even as an ally, she hadn't earned that privilege. Shang Tsung's island may have been grand, but this place—it was different. More populated. More dangerous. And strangely, more intriguing.

She stopped before a large opening in the palace wall. A balcony, grand and open, where the midnight sky poured in freely.

Obscure eyes watched.

She sensed the clicking of heels against stone. Turning slightly, she saw a figure emerge from the shadows—a woman with medium red hair and crimson attire. Her lips curled into a sly, knowing smirk.

Kalliste recognized her immediately. The vampiric woman with a fondness for blood.

"Greetings, newcomer. Come, let me see you," the woman said.

Kalliste stood still. She already understood her intentions.

"There's no need to hesitate, girl," the woman cooed, her eyes heavy with yearning.

But as Kalliste disobeyed and remained still, that yearning faded. The woman sighed, curling her fingers toward Kalliste. Blood drew instantly from her skin with magic, the pain sharp but brief. A wave of overwhelming sensation washed over her as the woman drank.

"—Bitter, but most savory," the woman purred, licking her lips like a cat savoring prey. Her expression turned serious.

"So, Shao Kahn has summoned you into his court. I wonder how long you'll comprehend his rule. I do not trust you. Nor that parasite inside you." Her voice sharpened like a blade. "Silent ones always keep obscurity in them."

"Who are you?" Kalliste asked.

"I am Skarlet. Shao Kahn's favored assassin. Moreso, a blood mage."

"And what brings you here?" Kalliste leaned against a nearby pillar, studying her.

"Nothing but my yearning for your blood."

"You've already gotten a taste. Now leave me alone."

Kalliste turned and crossed her arms, beginning to walk away.

But suddenly—a sharp lash.

Something struck her leg and yanked her back across the floor.

Kalliste glared as she hit the ground. Her patience thinned.

Another assault. Another test. Another one of Shao Kahn's loyalists pulling rank.

Skarlet approached with her signature sultry stride.

"I also wish to test your skills," she said. "What of you interests Shao Kahn...?"

Kalliste stood, brushing herself off.

Their eyes locked.

No more words.

Only stances.

They faced each other in the moonlit chamber, ready to strike.

Skarlet jumped into the air and summoned a bloody scythe, swinging it down at Kalliste. Kalliste barrel-rolled backward, dodging just in time, and countered with a sudden charge. She struck Skarlet with a sharp kick to the stomach, knocking the blood mage slightly off balance. Skarlet grunted, vexed.

With a narrow glare, she dashed forward and cracked a crimson whip across Kalliste's torso. The pain surged through her body—blood magic stung more than she expected.