C R O W

OC, affiliated with Citta

[karasucursed-blog]

Give Thanks || CA Holiday Open

Under the shade of a tree in Sector 006, a spectacular spread had made its appearance, attracting the attention of many a passerby. Gorgeous carpets had been draped across the grass, forming a sitting area which could fit a great crowd of people, and at the head of this formation, a young man with white hair sit, a knowing smile on his face, and a ladle in his hand. Surrounding him were many pots, each kept hot with strange and useful electrical appliances -- each and every one of them filled with fantastic-smelling concoctions of rice, vegetables, and spices. The scents wafted together, forming a delightful aroma of food, kindness, and warmth.

As the people stepped up, Nito Ranma would offer them a smile, a kind word, and a plate. With elegant movements, he served them their food, and offered them a place to sit upon the numerous carpets. A crowd quickly grew around him, drawn by the smell and the joyous talking resounding across the green. With autumn leaves drifting down around them, reminding them of the approaching winter, the people ate, joyous in the surrounding company and, indeed, thankful.

   “Will you come? Come and partake in this feast of gratitude! To a good harvest, to a peaceful winter, and to many happy days ahead of us.”

As he served one person after the next, the monk called out to passersby, a warm smile on his face and an empty plate to offer. All were invited to this celebration of the gifts of life, a celebration the spirits themselves would have been happy to attend.

   “All are welcome. Together, let us forget our woes and find peace in food and company!”

[karasucursed-blog]

Monk in the Big City || CA Intro

[karasucursed-blog]

indumentumxris:

     What was all that commotion?

     Ah, humans were so simple.

     The way they gathered around like a flock of sheep, vulnerable but countless. Of course, how could Uta blame them? It was quite entertaining to see someone so… agile. Balanced. Calm. Strong. If Uta hadn’t known enough of those people already, he might’ve been more taken aback — though, he was not any less impressed. It took a great deal of control to be able to hold such a display, and keep it on top of that.

     A truly beautiful spectacle to see, yet Uta restrained himself to the next lamppost over, crossing his arms and leaning against the metal, watching the man with hidden interest. He even let out a quiet laugh at how he addressed his growing crowd; a vague, mysterious, attractive stranger would be quick to gain a following.

     But then Uta caught sight of the man’s eyes, and his small smile left his face.

     There was no doubt that there was something more to him. The glyphs on his face had meaning, no matter how hidden, and the solid black of his iris made room for even more mystery. Nowhere in the crowd did Uta catch scent of a Ghoul, or a half-Ghoul, or any variant of such. Deeply, he wanted to know who and what this man was, if only to sate his own curiosity. The shoulder that touched the cold metal lifted, Uta straightened himself, and he shifted the sunglasses over his eyes to rest atop his head. Though comfortable with silence and quiet, Uta wasn’t shy in the least, and wouldn’t become so now.

     “You’ve made an impressive gathering,” he noted to the silver-haired man once he closed the distance between them. “But that’s no surprise. You look like you’re made of magic.”

   “Made of...magic?”

Though the crowd was still watching the monk out of the corners of their eyes, they seemed to be willing at least to give him some space after his addressing them. This gave Nito and the young man before him ample room to carry out a fairly private conversation. Offering the man one of his serene smiles, the silver-haired holy man tilted his head. Made of magic. He’d not heard anything like that before. Certainly, he’d attracted spectators and followers of the Faith in his visits to towns and cities in his old world, but...

...There was just something ephemeral about this one, and that piqued his curiosity.

   “...Hm. People gather to that which seems unfamiliar, beyond them, perhaps. It is a natural part of having a soul. Devout followers such as I wander sparsely throughout the country from which I came...we are used to being greeted with wonder.” As he spoke, the man in white raised a hand to his chest, his fingers arranging themselves in a contemplative mudra. Closing his eyes, Nito shook his head.

   “But you’re different. Your burdens are different, your understandings are different. Perhaps even closer to those of a Spirit than a Human. How fascinating.” Opening his eyes once more, Nito folded his arms behind his back and offered the one he was addressing a polite, modest bow, a sign of respect and interest.

   “My name is Nito Ranma, a humble monk. Tell me, if you would...what is this weight you carry?”

[karasucursed-blog]

   “A very special holiday is coming up...and for my first time celebrating it, I must prepare perfectly!”

Nito had not heard of “Thanksgiving” before coming to the Hive, but learning about it the past few weeks had been a true source of excitement for the monk. And now that it was right around the corner, here he stood, quite proud of...

...An actual mountain of bags containing rice, which he’d obtained from...somewhere.

   “Now, then! Who will help me carry all this so I can prepare it...?”

[karasucursed-blog]

Lilies || CA Closed

[karasucursed-blog]

exbourreau:

      SOLES PLANT THEMSELVES FIRM ONCE THE voice utters toward her, curiously so that it is no one person she has come to encounter within this vast city. for what reason he addresses her amongst another, albeit few and far betwixt, is beyond her genuine understanding. that there might be people who reach to interact rather than shy away from contact, something so seemingly deadly within the mix of citizens held hostage within the inescapable walls which they must endure.

      and yet they speak philosophical, words of deepened notion that makes another think. moments pass in silence as her chin tilts downward, features covered by the hood that obscures her face from the prying eyes of the peaceful monk.

      ❝ No, I would not. It is more envious that we are NOT them, non? For they feel no pain, or anger… or urges like people. Compared to US, they’re in a perpetual state of solitude; they do not cause war, or strife, like those who set off for it. ❞

Why did he call out to her in particular? Indeed, what a question. Even Nito would not have been able to answer it completely, for understanding that answer would take putting oneself into the monk’s shoes, seeing the world as he saw it -- and the world he saw was so different from the world you and I see. Every step had a history behind it, and that history could be read, translated, and responded to.

So he spoke.

With his eyes still closed, the monk shook his head. “To be alone and feel nothing....you do not find such an idea sad? You must have been through much suffering, to wish such a future upon yourself. But that is no reason for condemnation.” Despite the idle lilt of sadness in his tone, Nito spoke with no particular emotion, absolutely no pressure expressed in his form. He sought no arguments -- only peace.

   “It is never too late to be happy, I think. But separating oneself from the rest of the world...that is taking a step in the opposite direction.”

[karasucursed-blog]

Poison || CA Closed

[karasucursed-blog]

venomoushelianthus:

Maybe the reason Rika had been able to keep up a mask for so long was because psychics – real psychics, not like Zen – didn’t exist back home. Sure, some people were very good at reading others, but hardly (never) her. It took practice and a few fuck-ups, but Rika was certain that before she had gotten better, she had the perfect disguise of a well-adjusted individual. She had to keep it up again, of course – other people tended to agree with V. They didn’t see it her way, and so it was easier for now to pretend. Pretending did little to ease her thoughts, however.

There would be the average thoughts about what had to be done for the day, then what had to be done for Magenta, for Mint Eye, for Jihyun and the others blood stains in handmade dungeons perfectly decorated, peyote cactus and thick syrup, is Yoosung taking care of himself why did Yoosung believe V? They were a rush of thoughts that came in waves, though Rika always had a layer of pessimism, of venom. It was a stranger’s voice that shook her free of this one. But not pleasantly.

“… Excuse me?” Nervous laughter, and ‘how dare you?’ “You know, I’ve been catcalled before, but this is a first. May I ask, sir, why you would say that to a girl you don’t know?”

How dare you.

How dare you.

How. Dare. You.

Oh. Just when he’d thought the venom was a simple negativity, an idle disgust, it swelled. Swelled and washed over him like a wave of toxin. It was enough to make his knees shudder -- had he not been more steeled for the toxicity of city life, he may have collapsed there and then. Nito’s fortitude did not come free -- he could taste the bile rise up in his throat, bile he had to swallow back, the burning sensation spreading through his entire body.

Still, he would not damn his acute senses. They were part of his curse -- and curses were not something to damn. They were something to live with, to learn from -- and through enlightenment, to cure. Enlightenment was a slow path. One simple could not waver.

   “Please--” He had to stop, and take a deep breath, arms politely folded behind his back. His throat had been scorched from the earlier reaction. Swallowing quietly, he tried again to speak, this time clearly. “Please, do not be offended. I was not trying to....ah, ‘catcall’ you. I am a monk. Nito Ranma is my name.” A bow, still very polite. Even so, he could not bring himself to smile. Not at her.

   “It is my life’s purpose to spread inner peace and spiritual freedom. I...am acutely aware of spirits shackled to their own negativity. It could be sadness, or rage...or simple ill will. Part of my duty is asking why. After all, by recognizing our own feelings, we take one step closer to peace.” He raised one hand in an idle mudra -- his ring finger met his thumb. 

A warding gesture. One which symbolized protection...or perhaps, conflict.

[karasucursed-blog]

Gold || CA Closed

[karasucursed-blog]

goldenram:

Mu was ACUTELY aware that the delicate lines and fine contours of his face seemed ill fitting of a warrior bred for battle from a tender age, to most. It is not something he ever took offense to, neither. Those who would dare TEST his ability in the battle field were soon reformed in their views.

Craning his neck upwards to follow the sound of the voice, Mu posed his gaze on his spectator, lips curling in response to the flattering observation in spite of the weight of the subject.

❝ Alas, it is a thing I’ve seen FAR too much of.❞ As had all those deemed worthy of carrying one of Athena’s legendary golden Cloths.

❝ ‘Tis an unfortunate thing, that not ALL can be resolved without bloodshed.❞ Though he hoped for a time when it would.

   “A warrior -- who speaks out in pacifism. Hm.” Closing his eyes, Nito raised his hands in an idle prayer mudra -- a thoughtful and gentle gesture. The gentle smile on his face seemed ephemeral more than anything; the expression of a ghost given human form. With his black eyes, the monk saw more than an ordinary human. Every curse came with a gift, small as it was. That gift was usually a lesson -- but at times it was more. Fine-tuning his senses onto the chi of the other, he once again opened his eyes, his expression not changing once.

   “But you are no ordinary warrior. You resonate with a spiritual aura even I cannot pinpoint...hoh. This city is truly full of surprises, things to learn.”

It was both intimidating and euphoric. A whole swath of tales to learn, lessons to commit to memory. Nito nodded quietly to himself. “My name is Nito Ranma -- a simple monk. What is your name?”

[karasucursed-blog]

Stumble || CA Closed

[karasucursed-blog]

gentlelxllaby:

✫ If it wasn’t for the fact that his voice had caught her attention, she would’ve kept going. That feeling where you feel someone is talking to you when you’re not aware took over and she does stop and turns to look at the man who called her. Initial thought, no matter how kind a person looked, would be to keep walking or to run away. Mariko did neither. She walks over to him, curious to know what he needed. Perhaps he was lost? 

“Yes, sir?” She asks once she is at a good enough distance. He bends, to where eye meets eye. They’re at eye level, now. Seeing his smile was, to say the least, contagious. Upon seeing how his hand was offered, she’s a little hesitant, or maybe just timidly shy. Mariko giggles, “I–” She’s honestly speechless. “Thank you so much, but everyone has kindness in their souls.” She smiles brightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Ranma! I’m Mariko, but you may call me Mari, if you’d like.”

Realizing that his introduction must have been a little bit strange, Nito lightly shook his head, his braid swaying ever so slightly. Listening to her words, the monk couldn’t help but close his eyes, basking in her inner warmth. Ah, what a blessing children are to the world. Silently, he offered the spirits an internal prayer, for the various miracles they bestow upon reality.

   “Mari, then...and you, feel free to call me Nito. There are no formalities among humble monks such as myself.” He raised his right hand, palm outward, in a gesture of disciplined contemplation. Standing upright once more, he folded his arms behind his back, nodding lightly. “You speak with a wisdom beyond your years, and your chi is so pure...heh. The world is truly gifted to have you living in it. And in a city such as this, too. Knowing that you still have such a positive idealism...that fortifies the hope of a simple man such as myself.”

   “Have you lived here long, Mari? You walk these streets with the confidence of a long-time resident.”

[karasucursed-blog]

spicymeowmix:

“Fire! …Fire! …F-FIRE! C’mon now, FIRE! Come forth and woooooosh! FIRE!!! …Ice?“

Anise had been trying for an hour now in this plaza and still no signs of a basic fire spell. Not even a piddly little ember. She’d been swinging this stick around like a child on a sugar-rush and if she couldn’t produce any fire, then ice and wind were just as unlikely to show up. The only reason she stopped (other than the feeling of sore arms) was because of the man she just noticed a few feet away, watching her.

“Oh… Did you want to use this spot after I was done?“

Nito had made quite a habit already of watching the various, smaller goings-on in the city. From people going about their daily shopping to others enjoying lunch in parks and small diners...it was very alive, as cities tended to be. And then there were newcomers like himself, trying to situate themselves in this mess...

   “Ah, do forgive me, I did not mean to disturb you...” Realizing he was standing quite conspicuously, the monk bowed politely, hands folded behind his back. Then, offering a small smile, he raised one hand, ring finger touching his thumb in a thoughtful mudra. “It seems those who are newly-arrived have their superhuman capabilities taken away from them...I have been limited in my use of magic as well. I believe it would be best to relax for a little bit. You may end up hurting yourself unnecessarily.”

[karasucursed-blog]

memeroundups:

Send ‘Look into my eyes’ and my muse will bold what they see

| Hope | Love | Passion | Hate | Resentment | Envy | Indifference | Confidence | Insecurity | Greed | Desire | Optimism | Spite | Hostility | Kindness | Warmth | Intelligence | Experience | Trauma | Aggression | Gentleness |  Arrogance | Pride | Lust | Cruelty | You’re soft | You’re trusting | You seem honest | You’re humble | You’re cold | You’re closed off | You’re reserved and guarded | You’re unfeeling | You’re remorseless | You’re heartless | You’re inhuman | You’re frightening | You’re frightened | You’re devious | You’re unpredictable | You’re struggling | You’re lost | You’re broken | You’re disheartened | You seem headstrong | You seem difficult | You’re stubborn | I see hope | I see purpose | I see absolute conviction | I see compassion | I see a shining light | I see shattered remains | I see something familiar | I see a friend | I see an enemy | I see a lover | I see thirst for blood | I see malicious intent | I see pity | You’re pitiful | I see darkness | You’re unwavering | You’re pure | You’re noble |

[karasucursed-blog]

A Prayer for the Fallen

[karasucursed-blog]

convecnation:

It was a wise point to ensure one could reliably hear of goings on in the area; having had to crawl through many prospective taverns and bars gave one a pointed appreciation for the importance of information gathering. Which was why it did not take long for word to spread of the new arrival that had taken up residence in this intriguing manner.

Having been a priest’s daughter, Aisen was no stranger to the trappings of the spiritual, although these were relatively distinct from what she was most familiar with. This was more akin to monastic traditions; the man in repose before her certainly seemed as such, the internal calm that seemed to radiate from him giving away a certain presence of self that always marked these types apart.

“I certainly never let an opportunity to lie with another escape me, hmhm~” The alluringly curvaceous sorceress chuckled as she sat down in front of him. “I have no need of alcohol, thank you. Just what burden do you suppose requires your assistance, friend? I can think of many.” And not necessarily just the notable ones close to her heart…so to speak…

   “Hah.”

A curt, quiet laugh, even as he did not open his eyes. He had no need to see who he was having this dialogue with, not yet. When it came to prayer, Nito would always dedicate himself first and foremost to holding his focus -- he hoped the other would understand that he was not yet ready to surrender his position, even if that meant only addressing her with words, not with eyes. Still, he offered a nod as he felt her sit in front of him.

Hmm...she spoke almost like a spirit. A nekomata, perhaps, always teasing, always looking to hook its claws in to that one tread which would unravel, corrupt, and consume. And yet, Nito had a nekomata for a close companion. After all, when resisting its salacious urging, one came to realize that such a spirit was loyal, friendly, and quite wise.

   “Is that my question to answer? Hoho, I am no mind-reader, dear child. I can listen to your steps, feel the pulse of your chi...but I cannot tell what it is that keeps you grounded. That is for only you to know, only you to divulge.” Even as the monk spoke, his hands moved, shifting into a conversational mudra, almost as if he were offering a sermon. “...Besides. We’re sitting. Not lying.”

[karasucursed-blog]

Poison || CA Closed

@venomoushelianthus

   “..................................”

Nito Ranma was a very disciplined man. Having meditated for hours under frigid waterfalls and atop beds of glowing coals, he had fine-tuned his senses and abilities of self-control, to the point where nothing could possibly hurt him without clear harmful intent...and yet, he was not prepared for this city. For the experience of true poison, rolling off of someone’s chi in waves. It was...sickening.

Looking at the approaching woman with solid black eyes, the monk couldn’t even bring himself to smile, his usually-kind expression replaced with a stony wall of emotionless silence. She was so...perfect. She carried herself so elegantly, almost a reflection of the focused monks from back home...but the negativity rolled off of her in disgusting, evil waves.

   “You have good focus.” He spoke in a soft, pleasant voice, calling out to her as she passed by him. “I can respect that. But the feeling of poison in your soul...ah, such a burden you carry. What is it you are after, child?”

[karasucursed-blog]

luthiensdaughter:

That bow, though styled a little differently than the ones she’d seen all the days of her life– was familiar, a custom that had been discarded among most of the residents here. Arwen nodded back, and gestured for him to sit on the other side of the bench.

“Nito? Not a name I’m familiar with, nor this title, ‘monk’. What does it mean?” she wondered aloud, then met his eyes at the question. Ah, yes. Sometimes it was all too easy to forget that immortality was a rarity here.

“I am not. Or, perhaps it would be truthful to say, that I shall live quite a long time for human standards. I am already quite a bit over two thousands years old.” A small, calming smile as she spoke those words, hoping that this Nito would not take offense or want her to grant the gift of undying to him.

Taking a seat beside the woman and looking ahead the the peaceful greenery, Nito couldn’t help but marvel at the vast differences of the various worlds from which the denizens of this city hailed. It was starting to sink in that this experience would be vastly different from any he could have expected in his homeland...there would be no simple path that he could walk to offer peace and salvation.

But perhaps that was fine, as well. Everything was a lesson to be learned, after all.

   “A ‘monk’...hmm, how best to put it? I suppose the easiest definition would be someone who has devoted themselves to their faith entirely -- someone who has made it their singular life goal to learn and spread their faith’s teachings, in order to obtain true enlightenment and understand their world all the better.” A light smile. “My, that was long-winded. Suffice to say, I am a very dedicated student and teacher of my beliefs. I hope that is enough.”

Nodding in her direction, the monk closed his black eyes, mulling her words over. “That would explain it. That sense of serenity around you...it must be the accumulation of many centuries. Monks such as I must seek enlightenment over the course of a normal human lifespan...however, I must admit I feel joy when hearing of your life. You have had great opportunities, no doubt, and have learned a great many lessons. You have my undying respect.”

[karasucursed-blog]

luthiensdaughter:

Though her arrival was new, the elven lady had at once found each and every park in this stone city, built like a Dwarven mountain with the only green found in cracks. These refuges were a little peace, compared to her own lands, but each was a little different– here a wading fountain, there a well-marked garden with each plant given its own sign name. 

Often Arwen came to sit on the wooden benches and relax, or to tip her head back and watch the clouds or stars. On this day she watched pensively as a gaggle of children were led from one of the park to the other. And then a politely soft voice caught her attention.

“You may,” she replied, turning to face the individual, with a somewhat unique face, not quite the set of features she’d come to expect from the few men she’d met, and not elven either. “I’m called Arwen. What might call you, then? I’ve not known many mortals who look like you.”

Mortal? How odd...the way she referred to him made it clear that she was not such. It was true, this woman gave off the same sensations as many spirits Nito had come to know, but it was not possible that she herself was such a spirit. The chi which came off of her in waves made it quite clear that she had a basic mortal composition, if cleaner than most humans he had come to know.

   “Arwen...” The monk tested the name on his tongue, smiling lightly. It had a polite ring to it, to match the feeling she gave off. Closing his eyes and folding his arms behind his back, the white-clothed figure bowed respectfully. “My name is Nito Ranma. Please, feel free to call me by my first name. I am but a humble wandering monk, brought into this city like any other...”

So much strangeness exists here. It is both beautiful and off-putting. But one must make the most of such a situation.

   “Forgive me, but the way you spoke...you are not mortal yourself?”

[karasucursed-blog]

karasucursed:

It’s about time that I dropped an RP ad on this lovely, wise, and very patient holy man.

Uncapped for now, for all are welcome to seek spiritual enlightenment!

[karasucursed-blog]

Spirit || CA Closed

@lxmento

   “A bakeneko....here?”

Admittedly, Nito wasn’t altogether shocked. What he’d seen of the city so far made it clear that beings of all sorts had been brought together here -- a veritable melting pot of creed, species, and cultures. Even so, this figure was rather familiar to him, almost refreshingly so. But now that he’d had a closer look at the furry-eared figure...hmm. While he did look like one of the Yokai Nito had encountered before...he didn’t really feel the same way.

   “Hmm...no, you are something else. Do forgive me. I suppose even someone like me must cling to the familiar when finding themselves in a place like this...”

[karasucursed-blog]

Stumble || CA Closed

@gentlelxllaby

   “Oh my--....my dear child, please stop a moment!”

Catching Nito off-guard was a rather spectacular feat. Hardened both by years of ascetic training and spiritual influence, the monk could truly be considered immovable -- and yet, surrounded by the spiritual din of this city, pockets of peace were enough to stumble even the most disciplined of holy men.

Seeing the young girl wandering in the opposite direction of himself, he waved her down, bending his knees slightly so they could talk face to face, on even grounds. Offering the child a smile fit for an angel, the monk reached out with his hand, offering it to her.

   “You....the kindness in your soul is clear to see...even for a child, you.....ah, forgive me. My name is Nito Ranma, I am a wandering monk and....may I have your name, at least?”

[karasucursed-blog]

Gold || CA Closed

@goldenram

   “Such beautiful armor. It is rare to see someone outfitted for war to have such a pure visage.”

Sitting upon a high wall, his legs crossed and form upheld in perfect balance, the monk looked upon the passers-by of the sector with a trained eye. This place was...a nightmare, really. Not that he was going to give up in his duty of spreading peace...it simply seemed that his work was cut out for him.

But then, there was a being unlike any other, in glistening golden armor -- a warrior, it seemed. Had Nito been in his homeland, he would have immediately pinned the fellow as a war spirit...but here, he could not make assumptions. Even so, he chose to call out, in his penetratingly silken voice.

   “Have you seen much conflict, warrior?”