CHAPTER 9
Skarlet and Sub Zero continued on their journey to the Coliseum. The two warriors exchanged stories while they walked and talked for hours.
They started off by formally introducing themselves with Sub Zero stating that his original code name was Tundra, and his birth name, Kuai Liang. Skarlet chuckled a bit at that.
Sub-Zero was still unsure if he could trust the trust the sleek assassin, so Skarlet did most of the talking. She told Sub-Zero about her creation, her training with Ermac and how their friendship unfolded. She reported to Shao Kahn shortly after her falling out with him, but by then, Ermac had already approached and lied to the emperor about Skarlet, labelling her "uncontrollable" and "dangerous" prompting Shao Kahn to have her chained up.
Skarlet had no purpose other than to be the perfect killing machine and to serve Shao Kahn's will. He planned for Skarlet to join the Mortal Kombat tournament to spy on Quan Chi, a sorcerer who also operated under Shao Kahn but was not trusted.
Skarlet was ordered to eliminate Quan Chi if she sensed any evidence or plot of betrayal against the emperor. Her orders changed though when Shao Kahn learned that a pair of Lin Kuei intruders had arrived in Outworld. He had sent Kitana to intercept them and Skarlet as a backup.
"So yes, I was ordered to assassinate you, but clearly that did not happen." Skarlet said amiably. She glanced at Sub-Zero, and could almost see him smile underneath his mask as they continued walking.
Skarlet changed the topic and her tone went serious. "There something else I have to tell you." as she stopped walking.
Sub Zero turned and looked at her.
"I lied to you… I knew about your brother's fate all along. I just did not have the courage to tell you after our battle." Skarlet confessed.
"Why?" Sub Zero asked. His voice was hard and his eyes were steel.
"I don't know…" Skarlet replied as she looked down and away.
"Well, it no longer matters. I must now focusing on fighting Scorpion and killing him." Sub Zero said.
He was such a strong willed individual that it made Skarlet admire him even more, but she also knew much about Scorpion and that he was by no means an easy task
"Kuai...I have to talk to you about Scorpion..." Skarlet continued with her serious demeanour. "He is no easy opponent. He is volatile, fierce and deadly. I have seen him defeat many opponents and kill countless others. Scorpion cannot be taken lightly. I fear you will have the same fate as your brother."
"First you lie to me about my brothers demise and now you doubt my chances against his murderer?" Sub Zero asked sharply.
"It's not that...I- I just don't want to see any harm done to you, okay?" Skarlet shot back.
"Besides... you owe me my rematch. Destiny has reserved the pleasure of beating you, for me." she added with a smirk.
Sub-Zero relaxed his tone. "I understand your concern, but this is something I must do. Whether or not I share the same fate as Bi Han."
"No, you don't have to do this. We can leave and escape together. There will not be a better opportunity." Skarlet asked.
Sub-Zero looked puzzled.
"I fear the tournament is nothing a but cover up to something bigger. I sense Shao Kahn has plans for something much more devastating. No one in any of the realms will be safe." Skarlet explained.
"None of that matters to me. I have only one task in mind. I will not rest until I kill Scorpion. What happens after is not my concern." Sub Zero replied.
Skarlet looked down and disappointed. She subtly shook her head.
"As you wish." Skarlet stated as she continued on the path with Sub-Zero following.
From behind near by bushes, Reptile poked his head through and watched as the two warriors continued their way towards the Coliseum. He retreated into the shadows determined to make it to Shang Tsung first and update him on Skarlets' activities.
