powerful fate

South- But near a body of water so the more cold-accustomed one of the two did not perish in the heat. Jianyu took a moment to admire the scenery, the waves of heat in the air before moving to a patch of grass and sitting down.

"I can read three things: Your past, your present, and your future." Hands came together, palms touching before separating and an occult flame formed- Thinning and shaping itself into twenty-two rectangles or, cards.

It hovered between their hands before moving out and circling them, the 'backs' of these cards faced towards Fidi. A pattern began to form from the foul magics, making out twin snakes coiled together between a pair of snake's eyes.

"I will ask for a payment, too. It can be whatever you see fit."

"So sit! Let's enjoy this time."
(Jianyu Xi)

Is it any wonder that they were brought near the body of water?

But water gives life. Even the Serpent himself didn't particularly mind its presence- and besides, refreshing breeze was always nice to have while conversing or doing something in particular. He may be able to withstand heat much more, but..

It does not mean he's immune to it.

"Hm. I'll think of how to repay you."

While the request of a seat is not ignored, he practically makes an invisible 'throne' for himself; becoming weightless with a mere thought, supported by the gravity magic as well.

It'd seem like he seated himself on something invisible, idly floating up and down a little.

"I already know my past - and I wish to live in the present."

"So tell me about my future."
(Morok)


They look forward to this form of payment! Unlike Clio, they won't hold it against him and over his head. Especially labeling it as 'debt'.

But, it will be expected soon.

Such was valued at eleven-thousand coin and a bit of blood, others as five-hundred coin.

Instead of joining them on the ground, the Serpent seemed to float but still seated himself. Perhaps a manipulation of magic to construct a 'chair' of some sorts for himself.

Even being a little elevated from themself would work.

"Your future? It looks bright to me but, I wonder what the cards say?"

Spiraling ceased and the cards began to descend to the ground one by one, placed next to one another with the snake pattern up.

"I'm curious... How lucky are you, Fidi?"

Dainty hands rose and began to move in a circular motion above the laid cards. The Shengese fortune teller hummed quietly as a smog like at the ritual appeared. Dark as the night and spreading along all the occult flame cards.

Some assumed them to be a wandering illusionist or a crazed blood magi when 'blood' is asked for as payment as well.

But, it's not the case at all. Fidi knew.


"What's in store for a perfect being who wishes to open Hel's door? Will greatness be achieved and all sought for retrieved? Or will he succumb and cower, and by some other means be devoured?"


Words flow, though unlike the little water trapped within the oasis beside them. Like a river does it billow out, rhyming like their incantation from before.

The smog thickened into that of a cloud, sparks flew within its depths.

"Pick one."

Each orange flamed card burned bright even when covered by the cloud, all urging to be picked and drawn.

Upright or reverse?
(Jianyu Xi)

Ageless life.
Immense power.
And glory unbound.

Quite often, he envisioned his future to be exactly that. Step by step, he was coming closer to that dream- step by step, he was becoming a much bigger threat not only for Esshar as a whole, but for humanity. It's much like he once said to them all.

He is not their enemy.
He is 'the' enemy.

One that would shake the foundation of humanity so much that they would have no choice but to evolve. As someone to stand above them all on the peak of the world, he will be able to drag them through this evolution, kicking and screaming. Does humanity even stand a chance so far?

For now, they do.

"Luck always follows me."

"I believe fate has plans for me as well. Each time that I could suffer greatly, become injured to the point of being crippled, or even die.."

"The fate smiles to me. Time and time again it's on my side."

His powerful fate is on his side. And unlike to many out there, time only worked for him- as much as did fate and luck. A being of grandeur.. one that does not boast its power alone, but so much more too.

"I believe in my powerful fate."

"No matter what happens, I cannot die. Even if I falter - something else will align to save me anyway." As it happened before.

And yet..

He reaches out for a single card to be drawn.
(Morok)

Lips curl into a smile.

They've left a trail is misfortune for those they've read, revealing to them that their future is one to be weary of, or to take on head first.

What is life without challenges or blockages? A walk in the park, that's what. Life was no park, at every corner was another brandished with a weapon ready to afflict the worst.

"Is that so?"

Lips curl generally. When he reaches down, sights set upon a certain card, the others disperse. The card burned brighter until drawn. Hands cease their movements and one whisked up.

When picked and turned:


"The Empress drawn in reverse."


Even when speaking such, a smile remains on their features. The card burns losing its shape and thinning out to a long flame that circled the Serpent.


"Dependent... Your future is one of dependency for another, for a power, for something beyond yourself. It's as though you're empty and lacking and that piece missing needs finding. You'll allow yourself to be smothered- No... you wish for it. How will smother you? I'm not sure."


Dark flames ebb, flowing around the Serpent. But, he is a demon after all and the effects of occult magic don't plague him like that of a human.

It is a nice display...


"Empty."


Whether it's taken as misfortune, an unfortunate future gleamed then... It's the case. Luck was not on the Serpent's side but not in the means of loss or death or injury.

It's a different downfall.
(Jianyu Xi)

Careful, serpentine eyes scan the cards as they're read.

Anticipation. A terrible emotion for one that could essentially break down someone for while they're waiting for resolution of something greater- in this scenario, it's the fact that his future is read, and whether it would become true or not, that's an entirely different thing. Though..

They say luck tends to run out.

Perhaps, this is an ill omen that would tell Morok that his own luck is about to run out- the memories flood back on the times when he was saved by another - and this dependency could be caused by no less than..

Clio. Someone who saved him from dying.
Someone who tries to plant debt upon them.

"..."

The Archon visibly remains quiet for the time being. He isn't certain how he should react to this reading of cards, and he's not sure whether he should trust them. Perhaps, there's something else he has missed out within his life..

"..No."

"It likely means depending on my success for the gate. The power of Helheim is indeed beyond me." For now.

"And I would have to depend on it in order to secure much of my success."

He doesn't fret. He doesn't take it as some form of misfortune, something to be cautious of. No.. instead, he merely takes it as explanation of what's to come.

Once the gate is unleashed.
(Morok)

Silent.

The look upon his face is one quite new. Jianyu stared, gaze sharp upon him before the flame around him simmers into nothing.

Naturally, he disagrees.

"Mmhh..."

Could it? Who knows. Jianyu merely read to him what was destined and predicted.

"Are you sure? Regardless, dependency befalls you. There will always be something missing. Is that bad...? Not per se. But it can be hindering. You may find yourself seeking."

Regardless, his future had been read to him. Be it with the gate or other means. Without the gate, does he feel empty? Until it is whole will he feel as though he isn't?

"Interesting, is it not? How will you pay me for this gleam into what's to come for you?"
(Jianyu Xi)

Is it rejection of such fate?

To depend on another? No. He knew that there are powers that stand above his own, and no matter how much he may try to assert himself above those, at times, they would be simply impossible to overcome. Maybe with time, he would become a greater figure overall.

But right now.. no chance.

"Dependency can come in many forms, Jianyu."

"Perhaps, I depend on the magic of Helheim to ensure my success... which, truthfully, I would not mind." But that does mean that he would have to push forward with what he initially planned.

Lest he is to fall short on his work.

"That would not deter me from doing what I wish, however."

"So long as I exist, this would become a mere obstacle on my way at most - a setback, but not the end."

Until that end comes, he would not give up either.

"Choose. What do you wish for payment?"

"Is it coin? Food? Resources? Something else?"

While he allows Jianyu time to decide, there seems to be a gaze full of contemplation hidden in his eyes. How quaint..

What would this foreshadow speak of?
(Morok)