"This had better be good, Shang Tsung," the emperor growled. He had been called to the throneroom by the sorcerer in the middle of the night, after a long day of personal battles at the arena. None of his opponents had posed even the slightest threat, of course, but even one as mighty as he would tire after crushing so many.
"I assure you, Emperor, I would have waited until morning, were it anything less than fantastic news."
"Get on with it."
"Of course. Now, in light of recent discussions about the idea of a secret enforcer to perform particularly tricky and high-risk assassinations, I took to the Flesh Pits to forge one for you. One with a very unique and versatile skillset that can perform a wide variety of tasks, while negating the need to put young Kitana or Mileena at risk."
"Go on," the emperor urged, sitting up a little in his seat.
"She is complete and ready to begin her service."
"What are you waiting for then? Present her to me."
"Skarlet!" the sorcerer called.
At the calling of the name, a large puddle of blood pooled up through the cracks between the throneroom's floor tiles. The blood rose further into the air, amassing into the shape of a humanoid woman of average build. The blood's colour changed into that of a fair skin tone, similar to those of the two men, leaving not a drop of stray blood behind. Some parts of the woman's form remained red, however: her long hair, her irises, her lips and her nails. Aside from the differing hair and eyes, she looked somewhat similar to Kitana, though this was purely down to Shang Tsung's experience working on Mileena, and not an intentional design decision.
"Emperor, I present to you: Skarlet, my greatest creation yet," Shang Tsung presented enthusiastically.
"When I told you to present her to me, this was not what I had in mind." The emperor indicated towards the young woman, who stood completely naked beside her creator.
"I understand the... perceived impropriety of her state of dress, Emperor, and I do beg your pardon, for this is all an important part of the demonstration." He turned toward his creation upon receiving the emperor's approving nod. "Skarlet, this mighty tower of a man before you is Shao Kahn, Emperor of Outworld and the one for whom you were created. Your purpose is to serve him and follow his commands efficiently and unquestioningly. Do you understand?"
"I do, Creator," Skarlet replied in an accent Shao Kahn recognised as originating in a realm he had conquered long ago, but couldn't quite place.
"Then, present yourself properly to him."
"As you wish." Skarlet stepped forward and blood began pouring out of her nose, chest, stomach and thighs. The blood coalesced around her mouth, breasts, waist and legs, taking the form of the kind of showy assassin's attire typically seen worn by Mileena, but even she may hesitate at the sheer amount of skin on display here. The outfit was effectively a red bra, loincloth, knee-high high-heeled boots, and a mask covering her nose down to her collarbone. Skarlet lowered herself to one knee and bowed her head in reverence. "Mighty Emperor Shao Kahn. I am Skarlet, a tool created to be utilised at my master's discretion. I will gladly obey any and all commands you deem me worthy to fulfil."
Shao Kahn leaned forward before rising from his throne and stepping closer to her. He placed two fingers under her chin and gently tilted her head upwards until her eyes became locked onto his. She gave no indication of discomfort. Instead, a visible flush came over her cheeks. Given her nature as a blood golem, this flush could really have meant anything.
"Not to suggest it is a problem, Shang Tsung - you have certainly outdone yourself with the shape of her body - but I notice your creations tend toward very revealing attire. Is this for your own benefit, perhaps?"
"I cannot deny that that is partially the reason. And for your benefit as well, of course. But, in this case, it is essential. Skarlet is a golem formed of blood, using ancient texts from Vaeternus. Her power is directly tied into the blood she absorbs into herself. Clothing restricts the blood of her enemies splattering onto her skin for easy absorption. The only reason she has clothes at all is in the name of not besmirching your own good name with the immodesty of a nude enforcer. But, I assure you, with only this amount of coverage, little of her performance is inhibited. Once she begins proper education in the art of blood magic, she will be able to siphon blood at a range, making the need for such exposure almost non-existent."
"There is no rush, of course. Though, I will require her to master as many lethal skills as possible for the role I have in mind for her."
"Of course, Emperor. Though, I should make one thing clear: until she has a strong grasp of blood magic, she will require a steady supply of blood to nourish herself."
"Similar to yourself with souls."
"Exactly. Her usage will be limited, but with her abilities, I am sure she will be a powerful asset to your continued dominance. Now, with your leave, I will begin making preparations for her education and maintenance. Until then, I will leave her in your care." Shang Tsung bowed before being waved off by his master.
"What is your first desire, Master?" Skarlet questioned once she was alone with the emperor.
After pondering his answer for a moment, he gave his answer: "Go after Shang Tsung and kill him."
"As you wish," Skarlet said with a bow before beginning her transformation back into a puddle of blood.
"Hold," he said firmly, stopping her transformation. "No hesitation. Good. In that case, kill me."
Skarlet returned to her flesh form and once more responded, "As you wish." With surprising swiftness, she leapt to her feet and unleashed a quick kick into his side. The was little power behind it, but she had been quick to obey even such a suicidal command.
The Kahn grabbed her foot, threw it over her head to send her flipping onto her stomach and held out a hand. "That's enough. You really do have no hesitation to follow my orders."
"None, Master," she responded simply.
"Very good, Skarlet. You will be a very useful tool in my arsenal."
"I am honoured, Master." Again, her cheeks were flushed. Whether it was the exertion of her attack or the praise she received for her devotion, Shao Kahn neither knew nor cared.
I had the idea for some of the exchange between Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn and just wanted to get it down while it was fresh in my mind. I wrote more than I'd intended as more ideas came to mind. I wasn't sure if this should be a standalone chapter, or the opening to the larger Skarlet chapter coming down the road. Since this is written now and it's Christmas, I figured what the hell. All we need now is white blood to join normal and Saurian blood to really get festive. Mortal Khristmas, everyone.
