[ K I T A N AÂ Â |Â Â edxnianâ: ]
The discomfort between them was palpable⌠and also, the fault of neither of them. If only the bigger picture was visible, but there was no time for such things. Daydreaming of peacefully co-existing, of friendshipâof anything at all that wasnât serving the ends of Shao Kahn was all but impossible at this point. For all of their innumerable differences, that was a singular truth that they both shared. How would things have developed without those shackles of responsibility and half-truths?
Add another thing to the list of things that were forbidden to be considered.
âOnly a fool would steal from any sorcerer, much less Shang Tsung himself. No matter his prowess, if his intelligence is so lackingâŚmm, we should still proceed with care.â
It felt strange to hold a conversation as they walked where the Edenian could not turn her head to regard the person she was speaking with⌠though such was a matter of necessity, she supposed. It was easier to guard oneâs back if it was visibleâor was Skarlet simply awaiting the opportunity to bury a blade of blood between royal shoulder blades? A faint shake of her head dismissed nagging doubts that would only serve as a distraction.
âStrange, though, that Shang Tsung does not seek his own vengeance. Do you know why this task has fallen to us?â
     âPerhaps you are correct. A foolish man is less predictable than a wise one. A wise man would do what he could to preserve his life; a fool would throw it away just to spite those that have bested him.â
     Kitana was not a fool, nor was she by any means incapable; Skarlet had no trouble admitting those truths. No, Kitana was far too perfect for anyone to dare insult her with the assertion that she lacked intelligence or ability. As much as Skarlet would hope to find fault in her, if only to comfort the inferiority that often crept into her consciousness, she couldnât. Maybe she could say that she was overly-cautious or that she took too long preparing for her mission, but were those even negative traits?
     What made it even worse was that she couldnât muster up enough anger at Kitana. Skarlet should hate her. Sheâs standing in the way of earning Shao Kahnâs favor. Every mistake Skarlet makes, Shao Kahn compares to his princess. She can hear the memory of his voice even now. âPerhaps I should have sent Kitana. She would have done it better.â Thatâs when the anger comes. It swells and rots within her chest. But then she looks at Kitana, oblivious to what the blood mage is feeling, and realizes sheâs done nothing to incite such a vicious feeling within her. Not once had Kitana personally slighted her. The princess didnât deserve to face wrath she did not provoke through her own actions.
     âShang Tsung is tending to a project in the flesh pits. Your father has urged him to make it his priority. I doubt he finds his aspiring rival to be anything more than a slight annoyance, anyhow.â She quickens her pace, finally meeting Kitana at her side once she calms the nagging pull of unease that had settled within. Idle small talk was always awkward, so she instead gives her attention to the task ahead. âDo.....you need help with your preparations? I do not wish to simply follow you around like a lost puppy; if there is more we must do, I would prefer to make myself busy.â