She continued to cover her face. As she was led back to the throne room. The airy and jade green backgrounds and dark ambiance lit the room. The throne remained silent and empty. No one in that dementing seat was present.

Now all Kalliste could think about was Shang Tsung's sudden appearance. And it seemed that he was quite familiar with the Emperor. Shang Tsung was just an observer, he observed the proceedings and he observed his favorite assassin. Kalliste was in his thrall, she was an extension of his will. To all, she was like a silent mystery cloaked in darkness but to some, she was just a petty puppet of Shang Tsung. Whatever they may think Kalliste was never concerned by their judgment of her. She would always do what she was meant to do.

Suddenly she heard sharp footsteps approaching behind the throne room and what was revealed was a woman. With a certain demeanor of dominance and self-indulgence, she wore violets and purples. Her long white hair combined with a large black streak in the middle. She was indeed beautiful, but that certain beauty came with malevolence, Kalliste could sense her evil. The woman glared at her."Kneel before your Empress, girl." Her voice curled. It was truly sensual. Kalliste slowly kneeled.

The disgust on the woman's face grew."You lack respect and decency. It makes me wonder why my husband wishes for your loyalty in our court." She begins to make her way down towards Kalliste.

"He says his interest is in your power and capability in kombat. Why he's intrigued is beyond me. - "Kalliste did not look at her as much as the woman was sensing her lack of propriety. The Empress suddenly rose her boot underneath Kalliste's chin. Forcing her attention to the woman."Your lack of attention can be punished, girl." She glanced at Shang Tsung, letting go of Kalliste's chin. "Your pet may be beneficial for Outworld yet, I can sense she is...deferential."The Empress turned her attention back to Kalliste.

Shang Tsung glanced at her, "I assure you, Empress, she will prove useful. She is not used to being... at peace with others." Said Shang Tsung. Sudden footsteps occurred, it was much heavier. Shao Kahn finally made his appearance along with that six-armed creature. His sudden appearance somehow made this situation more at ease.

"I see you have met- What was her name, sorcerer?" Said Shao Kahn as he sat on his throne. Shang Tsung did not respond instead, he shot a sharp glare at Kalliste commanding that she speak.

"...Kalliste, my emperor." Her voice was dry and empty.

"You call this insolent girl your 'ally?' She does not have respect for her superiors." Kalliste stood up as she continued to watch them both then glared at the creature as both superiors conversed."She will learn her respect as she grows in our court. Besides, Shang Tsung and her are familiars with each other. —-"Amazing. Two snakes familiar with each other, plotting against our rule! At times I do not trust your decisions, husband." Sindel spouted with annoyance as her hands were on her hips.

"She shall be watched over, I will not relinquish such power on my throne." Shao Kahn turns over to the six-armed creature. Pointing directly at him.

"Kollector!" He calls out. The brooding lackey walks over.

"Yes, your excellency...?" He says with a grizzly grin on his face. Shao Kahn begins to lead each other much further away from the women. A little more discreet conversation between each other."I shall give you a new task." Shao Kahn says.

"...Will it perhaps come with profit...?" His voice held such dull greed. His grin continued to flourish. Still, he felt himself to be too needy and unassertive. But his hoard, his collection must be fueled and fed at all times. More, more!

"That comes with uncertainty, Kollector... - You are to watch over our newcomer." Shao Kahn turns around towards Kalliste who was almost wandering off. But Sindel kept watching. Perhaps they had a bit more unpleasant conversations. The creature shifts his facial expression with slight unpleasantness.

"She is a strange one. I do not understand her. But perhaps she has value in your eyes. I trust in your judgment." "I will do as you say, your Excellency..." He gives him an unrelenting smirk, nodding his head in obedience to his master then shifts his gaze upon the girl. He grew even more vexed as he continued to observe her visage. Her type of mysterious facade gave him disgust. He did not like those who he could not read or understand so easily.

Kalliste remained in place as she gazed off into the distance. Her thoughts were far away. Shao Kahn nods as he finally ends the discussion, turning around to his beloved. Gaining his attention on Queen Sindel. He brings her away from Kalliste, leaving her alone once more as Shang Tsung walked over to her side.

"Dear wife, Kollector shall observe the girl. If this bears more safety to your suspicion." She sighs in slight infuriation but is barely satisfied. "Fine, the Nakadan dog shall do the safekeeping. I trust your part in this, Husband. But, if she dares opposes our throne, I will rip her to shreds myself." She lets out a face of charming rage. The Emperor let out a small grin at her wife's menacing threat.

They both continued to smile at each other, soon, the Emperor put his focus on Kalliste who was being talked to by Shang Tsung.

"Calm yourself, Kalliste, you're in the hands of the emperor now. You are to obey him now, understand?" Said Shang Tsung. Kalliste slowly looked up at him, her eyes revealing slight annoyance. Her gaze then shifted to the Emperor, who smiled at her, his demeanor showing some menacing tyranny.

Kalliste was overwhelmed, unsure, "Him... obey?" Kalliste softly questioned.

Shang Tsung looked down at her with a blank stare, "Indeed, you are in his empire.- But be careful of those who are watching over you. The emperor has his eyes around. Yet, I'm certain you'll do well, Kalliste. I trust you'll do well." Shang Tsung says.

Kalliste breathes deeply, standing up straight and nodding her head in a firm resolution. "I will obey."

"Good, now go, I am certain his servants have already prepared a... room for you." Kalliste nods in acknowledgment and then walks away, her gaze fixed upon the strange being with multiple arms.A few steps into the domain of Shao Kahn was grand yet you understood the feeling of uneasiness, knowing that this was no paradise, but rather a place of power and oppression. She reverted her thoughts to the uneasy situation of being confronted by the Emperor. She, unfortunately, did not know much about the higher ranks of Outworld. She never cared nor imagined she would be their new ally. But she knew that he would use her for his missions, desires, or her power. Nothing in her past years and months has been splendid or any different from this. It was an interesting change of faces to watch and learn about; The followers of this demented tyrant, and that witch.

But if she kept to herself and followed what was right, she would get used to she continued walking around the hallways and tall brooding corridors.

She stopped and felt heavy. Her eyes suddenly felt hollow and turned pitch black. A desire for need was in her notice. Kalliste briskly followed the aura of souls. Through the dark hallways, a deeper entryway downstairs of the palace. The light was dim but quickly lit up by this toxic green color. The souls all seemed to be so enthralled and fixated on the bright souls seemed to have a certain desire, a certain need as if they were longing for stepped into a ghastly environment, the strong stench of boiled blood and the foul toxic airwaves suffocating the place. Kalliste looked around. Hanging bodies upon chains. Too many discarded carcasses.

The whole aura of the room was repulsively strong, but Kalliste could feel this immersive aura of souls reaching out for green glow soon met with her eyes' scrutiny. She was only a couple of feet away from this powerful chamber of souls, this was something Shang Tsung would long forKalliste took a deep breath, trying to focus on the aura, the souls.

They were all so... so...

Her mind cracked open as she suddenly felt the feeling of someone watching her. She turned to see that there was indeed someone behind her, watching her with a certain intensity. She tilted her head slightly, trying to get a glimpse of the a safe distance; from a more clear view from Kalliste's perspective, she examined her attacker. It was that blue freak, the Nakadan dog which the Queen remarked about before. Kalliste hardens her face.

"Ah, I should have known you would go on your ways; sneaking into places you should not be in. - those unwelcomed never evince themselves to the Emperor. They spoil Shao Kahn's gifts." He continues to snarl in irritation. Pointing at her. Slowly making his way forward.

"-This is why Shao Kahn expects me to watch your every movement in his place. You have attested yourself to be distrustful." He gives a repulsive smile. Looking at her whole frame, gazing at her body for anything he may want but she covered her face and figure with bindings and a mask to avoid his sight.

"Shall I remove the mask for you so you may see the wretched face of the Nakadan?" He asks, "Or perhaps you would prefer the gift of eternal pain?" He ventures closer to her. She felt threatenedEverything on the exterior of Kalliste was silent. But her mind was running with confusion and annoyance. Kalliste shifts her body in slight danger. Continued to inch closer to the exit of the dead pool.

The little Nakadan continued approaching her, his eyes fixed on the bindings covering her face. His eyes were glowing a sickly orange color. He was grim."You will not escape from my grasp!" In an instant, he obtained chains from his satchel. Throwing his damned bola. It managed to twist around Kalliste's body. The type of fiery blue magic forced her weight down onto the ground, making her squirm and feel the pain of his he going to kill her?

The thread of the bola was pulled closer and closer to him as he grabbed her tightly by the waist, both hands raising her like trophy as he threw the chains around her eyes were fixated on him, the orange glow of his eyes was piercing her cold hard his normal set of arms holding her, his other set of arms from his upper body slowly traveled to her face were pulled off her mask, and threw it aside.

Her body was wrenched and twisted around as her face was exposed to the Nakadian's view. Kalliste's long messy hair flowed out like waves. It looked like a mess, but the young woman felt that her beauty was somehow enhanced by this. It was strange, but she felt lips were parted slightly, revealing her immediately noticed her two colored eyes, brown and blue. He grabbed her by the hair to angle her face to his."Why do you not struggle?" He asks with uncertainty, "Or should I say, why do you not fight back?" He looked her in the eyes as if expecting her to say something.

"Do you not speak?" He begins to grow annoyed by her ignorance, her lack of speech, it was confusing blinked as she released her left arm, digging her claws deep into his arm causing him to drop snarled in response, the blackened burn seared his arm in stinging swiftly walked to her mask that was previously thrown on the ground, picking it up for her to wear again.

"Kalliste."

She said suddenly then, the Nakadan creature glanced at her with a rising brow, "-What?" He was confused."My name." She continued. Yet somehow this calmed him in an unusual tone. Kalliste turned to him, "I'm sure I heard that you were called... Kollector, is this right?" Her voice was slightly deep, a flutter in her voice, A vocal fry.

He pressed his teeth together, "This is correct." He answered.

"...Is it a title?" She then asked once more. The creature's brow rose, and he let out a low hum. "I am my vocation, we are not singular." He seemed threatened and bitter in his answer.

"Look, I... I understand that you are tasked to observe me by the Emperor's will. But don't grab me... I could rip those arms of yours off." Said Kalliste in a serious tone, this made him chuckle in amusement.

"I would enjoy your attempt, pest!" He continued chuckling to didn't say anything else further and instead, she walked away from the creature, disappearing from the place.