look on my works, ye mighty, and depair
The panther is a disappointment rather than a surprise, and the steel that shoots through eyes already like mercury makes that much very clear. Sunjata has chosen to debase himself further, though it has given him the upper hand he so sorely seeks. The sleek black shape launches through the air and even the Arbiter in his prime would not have been enough to get out of the way. They make contact. Shaju goes down. Sunjata shifts back into himself.
And with his arms so occupied, Shaju takes full advantage. Indeed, it's with almost devastating ease that he lifts the blade, presses it to Sunjata's left cheek.
Presses.
Slices.
Pulls.
Blood showers him, but Shaju is already moving, trying to kick Sunjata away in the frenzy. When he's on his feet again he takes a moment to catch his breath, again wiping the blood from the knife, before promptly throwing it in the dirt. He juts his chin at the boy, as if to tell him to get up, to keep going. Handicapped, he's giving Sunjata the shame benefit of an advantage.
And with his arms so occupied, Shaju takes full advantage. Indeed, it's with almost devastating ease that he lifts the blade, presses it to Sunjata's left cheek.
Presses.
Slices.
Pulls.
Blood showers him, but Shaju is already moving, trying to kick Sunjata away in the frenzy. When he's on his feet again he takes a moment to catch his breath, again wiping the blood from the knife, before promptly throwing it in the dirt. He juts his chin at the boy, as if to tell him to get up, to keep going. Handicapped, he's giving Sunjata the shame benefit of an advantage.
SHAJU
