MOON SHADOW

— @moonmagus​​​ | continued from x ❜

          𝙰 𝙿𝚁𝙴𝚃𝚃𝚈, 𝚅𝙰𝙿𝙸𝙳, 𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚃𝙻𝙴 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙶, Daegon thinks as he circles around her in measured steps, hands laced behind his back. Intimidation is not necessarily his motive, though he seeks to leave a strong impression ( or he would not have invited her into these hidden chambers, far beneath the charred rock ). Caro’s docility, chained and drugged, is a part of that venture — his to control and unleash when time requires it.

          ❛ Your words wound me, Magus. ❜ Calm timbers of a modulated voice feign offense, unaffected by words which ( if he was younger in centuries ) might sting. Patience is his mantra.  ❛ If you were not blind, then you will see what I have built. ❜ His steps take him in front of the chained beast; its golden eyes greet him in their half slumber. ❛ I control more of Earthrealm than you think. ❜ The Red Dragon sinks its claws in this realm’s affairs, always toying the balance of war and conflict — but underground, out of sight.

          ❛ I offer you insight into my wants only to ask of yours. ❜ As he turns, his good eye matches hers, questioning her apparent disinterest. She would not be here if she wanted nothing. ❛ What is it you desire? ❜

       ‘Such a pitiful existence.’ Shaarnarthi thought to herself. It was a fate she did not desire to share. To be made docile and chained - a puppet to serve. For just a moment, the Magus’s gaze lowered from the burning eye of the dragon. What did she want? To see what frightens men and women so? No, it was curiosity.  A simple but problematic natural instinct. Yet the dragon had stirred memories buried deep. Unpleasant and bitter. A time when her very own existence was just as pitiful. It was no time to think of such things. Not with the wolf circling.

       The Magus turned to look at the spawn of Argus. Feline eyes of mismatch azure and gold, unwavering in their piercing stare. It was as if she was gazing into his very soul, searching, seeking for a single hint of deception. “Yet you allow the Black Dragon to prosper. A traitor leading traitors - a festering wound that speaks of a lack of action.” 

       Of control that wavers until one Dragon consumes the other. “This one knows of what you desire. She does not speak of hers lightly.” It was a concept that he would be familiar with. But it was a desire that differ. Shaarnarthi was a hoarder of knowledge and secrets. Of horrible truths and dark whispers. But she had no desire to be a god. “This one knows you believe in the unattainable. That we share yet differs.” 

Openness: 58%,  Your high level of openness suggests that you are imaginative, creative, and comfortable with variety and change. But you can also tend towards individualistic behavior and impractical thinking.

Conscientiousness: 97%,  You are good at thinking through your actions before acting on an impulse. This helps you to avoid unnecessary stress or trouble, but it can also lead to workaholic and perfectionist extremes.

Extraversion: 7%,  Your low level of extraversion suggests you are likely to be more reserved than other people, enjoy time alone and value maintaining strong relationships with a few close friends.

Agreeableness: 4%,  You have a healthy sense of skepticism, and a strong resolve. You don't shy away from making those tough decisions which can't please everyone but still need to be made.

Neuroticism: 42%,  You are calm, emotionally stable and are less easily upset than people with high levels of neuroticism. But this doesn't necessarily mean you experience more positive feelings than them.

Tagged by: @redcrimes <3 

       The Magus was not impressed. All would be gods were the same. Dangle a little power before their eyes and they went mad. She knew this man by reputation only. If she had been a lesser woman, she would be afraid. Pleading, begging, bargaining for a few breaths more. But Shaarnarthi was not lesser nor a coward. “Is this one suppose to be impressed?” The woman asked dryly, a brow raised. Disinterest clear on her features as she confidently turned her back on the Son of Argus.

       Jeweled hands resting on the railing as she gazed upon the chained dragon. Its scales a beautiful crimson and its half lidded eye a fiery, molten gold. It had been many, many years since she had last seen a dragon. It was refreshing to see such a creature still alive, even chained. There was a measure of pity that the Magus felt towards the creature. It was the only thing she found interesting in this den of criminals. If Daegon thought he could bully her into submission, he would be sorely mistaken. Shaarnarthi had laughed in the face of Shao Khan, she would be no ones slave.

       “Shaarnarthi can conjure fire as well. Does that make this one a god too? Your father was a fool, your realm is no more, you have nothing and are nothing.” 

       The large feline gazed down upon the healer and her gifts from on high. The magus has been stalking the shadows near the Sky Temple. Many things she was owed, wanted and no brooding god would stop her. It was merely a matter of time. Yet, the healer was an...unexpected obstacle. Once she had saved  Shaarnarthi, thinking she was merely a unintelligent, wounded feline. The other it was Shaarnarthi who protected her from the harsh elements on a snowy mountain side. The Magus always repaid her debts. But not before correcting Akari on what she truly was. 

       Shaarnarthi was not welcomed at the Sky Temple or Earthrealm for that matter if Raiden knew she was here. Such a paranoid thing that man. Yet a growl rumbled within the dark leopards throat. Jumping down from her rocky perch. It was not a sign of her aggression, merely the desire for space as she sniffed the contents. Curious and weary. Perhaps it was she who was the paranoid one.

       “Hmm...adequate.” Her words may seem harsh. Just if Shaarnarthi truly disliked her little gift. It would have burst into flame or she would have simply walked away. Unworthy of her time. But the disguised magus merely sat, staring at the Outworlder born. Akari was too soft hearted for ever the thought of being her apprentice. Perhaps she tolerated the herbalist more for the fact she almost reminded her of her brother when they were both cubs. 

       Shaarnarthi’ gazed upon the offerings with cold indifference. Feline, azure and gold eyes took in the polish and shine. Freshly done. “Humph, left over baubles from Shao Khan’s treasures vaults. This one can buy such at the markets.” A spoiled, would-be empress could not find more interesting things to offer. Hiding in the darkest and far reaches of Outworld. Could not find - discover -  relics that could please Sekhmet?

       Shaarnarthi was not so easily swayed. If she did not bow to Shao Khan, what makes Mileena think Shaarnarthi would bend the knee this time? Smoke rolled from dark, painted lips. Unwavering gaze focused solely on the Edenian. The smell of incense and herbal smoke filled the luxuries furnished chamber.

       “Why should this one listen to what you have to say? Does she not have an arrogant half godling bastard of Argus? Has all his boasting fallen short?  Shaarnarthi cares not who sits on the throne. She would need a better reason to respond then what's currently on offer.” 

     “Know that this visit is of my own time, not of the Kahn’s so fret not” Shang Tsung began, the sharp edges of his gauntlets tapping against flesh, taking note of Shaarnarthi’s tone, movements- he was calculating, waiting for the opportune moment to reveal his true intentions.   

     Trust, only something fools would believe in, set there lives towards, but Shang Tsung knew better than to trust- more so these days whilst the realms fell into utter chaos, with his guided hand of course. Though his efforts were merely out of boredom, his own desirers. 

     “We’ve both have something against the Kahn, wish to see him dismantled perhaps?” the sorcerer began, a wicked grin to tug at his features, brow cocking up, seeing if he had caught the woman’s attention.  

       Shaarnarthi cocked a brow at that. What an interesting notion. “This one care not who sits on the throne. Shaarnarthi has no desire, yet she knows all to well that men such as yourself cannot keep your claws off positions of authority.” But it was power that they both sought. In different ways such as her desire to hoard and collect knowledge, artifacts and discover forgotten secrets. ”You presume much. A coup does not interest this one.” But there was something in the Khan’s treasure hoards that she wanted. What was rightfully his.

       Shao Khan had stolen what she desired. Believing that she would bend the knee at last for her precious relic. Such a fool he was, she was not so easily swayed. Regardless, Shaarnarthi appeared to be uninterested. Yet the thought of stealing back what was hers was amusing. As long as Shao Khan’s eye focused solely on Earthrealm, the magus had little interest. Perhaps a rift as formed between the Deadly Alliance. One earning favor while the other is left with scraps? 

       Perhaps he thought himself clever. Whispering in the Khan’s ear about her moon blessed realm. Shaarnarthi herself would kill him before he had that chance. By Jone and Jode’s light, her race would not be slaves. Never again. So many possibilities, the venom would have to seep in more. “The Khan may have something of mine but this one does not need your aid. You might as well continue this useless manipulation. Speak more.”  

   XIA truly hadn’t meant to cause any harm to the other person or their belongings. Seeing the book fall to the ground made her heart sink. Books were precious, no matter what kind they were. She worried for a moment if it was damaged. She’d obviously offer to replace it if it were — if even possible. Some books, she understood, were irreplaceable. 

   THE second the words fell past the stranger’s lips, Xia froze. No one had ever spoken to her like that. They didn’t dare to do so. She wasn’t the paranoid person her father was, taking those sorts of insults as a threat to be dealt with. Still, she was hurt by the words. She was a sensitive soul, after all. ❝I-I’m sor—❞ her words cut off, though, as she realized that this woman did not want her apologies. She was about to apologize for apologizing, but that would have just been a whole other mess. 

   AS soon as the woman — Shaarnarthi, it seemed she was called — used the word princess, Xia flushed. She pulled her hood further down her face. ❝W-what? No… what would give you that idea…❞ She hadn’t even thought of her clothes or her even her cloak. It was the first time she had successfully escaped the confines of the castle, after all. At the mention of kidnapped or killed, her breath caught in her throat. Those were some of the things her father was worried of. Perhaps leaving the castle wasn’t a good idea? Or perhaps she just needed to get a better disguise. 

   ALTHOUGH Xia had no desire to return to the castle just yet, she hadn’t wanted to get attacked. She turned and followed after Shaarnarthi. ❝N-No, I don’t want that,❞ she admitted to her as she fell in step with her, ❝May I ask where you are going?❞ Perhaps Shaarnarthi was running a complicated errand and it would take a while. Perhaps it would be interesting. Xia felt that excitement once again bubble up inside of her. 

       “Come along, little princess.” Shaarnarthi not caring which was which. Her pace was brisk yet graceful. Not once stumbling over the uneven stones as they walked down narrow streets. There was two contents on the odd pairs little journey. The tap, tap, tap of the Magus’ staff on the road and the Breton girls questions. “A place of banned goods by the decree of the paranoid Breton king. Dark, horrible things. Books and artifacts. Does this frighten the cub?” 

        The Magus would not lie or sugar coat. Nor did she care what the child would do with the information. What mattered was what that miserable husk had acquired. At least Shaarnarthi did not have to deal with the demands of a noble brat. Or the spoiled attitude of a princess. Perhaps she could shed some light of the true workings of the world. What horrors one could conjure when you anger the wrong being. What dark gods others will pray to just for the simple reason they don’t like you. Petty things can lead to a fate worse then death.

       Alleyway after alleyway they walked. Any they had encountered, Shaarnarthi shooed them away with her unnerving stare. When it appeared they finally arrived, The structure was less then idea, it was more a ruin then a shop, yet smoke still rolled from its chimney. But before they entered, the Magus turned towards the Breton cub.

        “This is not a game. This one has traveled far. Shaarnarthi does not care what you do with this knowledge. But do not touch anything.”  Shaarnarthi said sternly. Raising one jeweled talon. “Hood must stay up, do not look at the man inside, do not answer any of his questions. Ignore the fool. Accept nothing he gives you. Does the cub understand?”