13-IIII

[Isola affiliated role play account. Please read the rules.] Violin Craftsman. Serial killer known as Killer B. If you have met someone named Yuna, please contact me ASAP.

[looking-for-four]

Closed to @quiet-or-die — “No Saving Preyer”

Koku was back at it again. Violin work has been much slower than usual, so it gave him more time to find new kills. Today wasn’t a murder for this person, though. Koku needed a strong understanding of what his life was like. So, in disguise, he began to quietly watch his soon-to-be victim.

Everything seemed normal, but he knew he could find something to justify his murder—people who haunt the same dark places as him aren’t usually trustworthy. So, patiently, he waited for a slip-up from the nameless stranger.

[quiet-or-die]

Koku nods, and smiles sheepishly. “Sorry about that,” he says, as sincerely as he can. “It must’ve been a crazy coincidence, you know? It happens sometimes. I really mean no harm here.”

Koku moves over towards the person, sitting next to them. He didn’t want to blow his cover, but whatever happens now, murder is out of the question. All he could do was get to know the victim. “So, what’s your name?”

No harm . . . yet. Sanzo shoots him a dry look at the “coincidence” comment. Like hell he’ll believe that. He’s experienced all sorts of crazy things but “coincidences” are normally staged and planned.

Letting a maybe-murderer or even a definitely-murderer follow him around is one thing, an interrogation is another. He did not agree to this. Still, he supposes that he should’ve expected the guy would want a conversation.

He holds up three fingers. “Three. That’s all I’ll answer today.” One finger bends down. “Sanzo Genjo, the 31st of China.”

[looking-for-four]

Koku frowns, almost in an uncharacteristic pout. “…Really?” He asks. “I don’t think that’s really a good decision, if I may say so myself.”

“And…I saw that look. If the word ‘coincidence’ doesn’t suit you, how about fate? I’m not a big fan of the word, but it suits me just fine if it suits you.”

[horrorsight-deactivated20220310]

@looking-for-four​

Edgar hadn’t touched the piano in what seemed like…forever. It’s been awhile. Too long. The last he had played was…

“The only instrument I know to play is the piano.” He eventually decides to answer with a soft huff. 

Ah…it really, really has been too long.

[looking-for-four]

“Piano, hm?” Koku asks. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I could play the piano, let alone make one,” Koku mentions. “I don’t think I’d know anyone who could make one, either.” He closes the case on the violin he’s working on, before putting it into his pocket.

“But,” the murderer starts, “If you enjoy playing…you should keep going. Pianos, like every instrument, are delicate pieces of art. The ivory keys, the thin strings and hammers, the body…It’s someone’s legacy.”

[horrorsight-deactivated20220310]

He’s right. He should get back on it, and he’s sure Mizi would like to hear something. Or at least that’s what he thinks. Would he be rusty if he got back into it? Is it like riding a bike? People say you don’t forget how to ride one once you’ve started. 

“It’s been awhile so I couldn’t say if I enjoy it or not…” He used to. Oh, how he used to love the sound of the keys , the different notes. “You’re right,” he decides to say admittingly with a nod, “I should pick up on it again. I don’t think I want to forget what it’s like to play.” 

[looking-for-four]

“You shouldn’t,” Koku mentioned. “Once you forget, you can’t get it back. Always hold on until you get what you want.” Koku looks up, with a smile.

“An instrument will always be patient. It will always wait for you.”

[horrorsight-deactivated20220310]

@looking-for-four​

Edgar hadn’t touched the piano in what seemed like…forever. It’s been awhile. Too long. The last he had played was…

“The only instrument I know to play is the piano.” He eventually decides to answer with a soft huff. 

Ah…it really, really has been too long.

[looking-for-four]

“Piano, hm?” Koku asks. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I could play the piano, let alone make one,” Koku mentions. “I don’t think I’d know anyone who could make one, either.” He closes the case on the violin he’s working on, before putting it into his pocket.

“But,” the murderer starts, “If you enjoy playing…you should keep going. Pianos, like every instrument, are delicate pieces of art. The ivory keys, the thin strings and hammers, the body…It’s someone’s legacy.”

[looking-for-four]

“Ungh,” Koku groans, with bruises all over his face, sitting up. He can’t remember what happened last night. The wounds he has—not closing up as fast as he’d liked. This damn city continues to kill him.

[looking-for-four]

Closed to @scarletjudgement — “Winged Hound”

Koku sat on the precipice of the hole in the center of Isola. His legs dangled freely in the air. Normally, he would jump straight in like normal, but today was…exhausted to say the least. And, sort of subconsciously, he started to think that maybe he was fond of this part of his cage. It’s where everything started. The closest he was to Yuna last.

So he let the dark tendrils of the abyss slowly swirl and wrap around his legs, once more. The haziness and pain didn’t really hurt like it used to. It was almost like warming his toes now. But, as he sat, he felt a presence behind him. A new person? Not many people who have been here for a while come here anymore. It could be possible …but, unlikely. He turned to see who it was.

[quiet-or-die]

Which one is worse, the monster in the cage or the monster doing the caging?

@looking-for-four

Sanzo had just been minding his own business, when he turned the corner and walked right onto a murder scene. Sure, he had sensed killing intent, but that was normal for him. Worst of all, some of the blood splattered on his robes and that was just annoying. 

“ ‘tch.” 

It wasn’t really any business of his. Besides, dead was dead anywhere except, supposedly, here (for only as long as the people in control wanted it to be).

“Oi.” Sanzo called, staring down the murderer. “What kind of hunger are you trying to feed killing people who are going to be resurrected anyway?”

[quiet-or-die]

Koku huffed heavily, as the knife hung loosely in his hand. His hand shook, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The repeated action of stabbing someone rather than cleanly decaptitating them is something else. It just wasn’t as good

But a dead body is a dead body, regardless of what the methods were. So, after a deep breath, he steadied the dull knife in his hand.

Slowly, he dipped the tip of the blade in the pool of blood. Tracing it on the floor, he left his signature calling card—a B. With that, he finally turns to the person behind him.

“Mind your own damn business,” he spits at the man he met earlier. “You wouldn’t get what I’m trying to do anyway. Keep quiet, or I’ll kill you.”

Heh. And people say his manners are bad.

“ ‘tch. His blood is on my robes. Keep your mess contained next time.” 

He continues forward, intending to continue on his way. Like he’s going to alter his route just because of this. Though, he does pause long enough to drape his white robe over the dead body.

“Even if they weren’t worth respect while they lived, the dead deserve some respect.”

With that he stands to continue on his way.

[looking-for-four]

“Not so fast,” Koku snaps back, stepping in front of the person. “I’m not letting you leave that easily.” He grips the blade tighter, preparing for any shortcomings soon to come—perhaps too soon.

“You saw my face,” Koku explains. “You probably already know what this means.”

[heclingmuzik]

@looking-for-four​

“So, like, you make violins and all that?”

“That’s pretty cool!”

[looking-for-four]

Koku set up shop in public today again. Something about doing it outside made it easier to get customers. It made for good business, and despite his hatred of the predicament of being trapped in an alternate universe without Yuna, it was nice to get fresh air.

As his fingers and tools peeled away at the wood, it caught the attention of another straggler. Stopping his work, Koku looked up. “Yes, I do,” Koku responded sheepishly. “Thank you for the compliment.”

[bloodblades-deactivated20241103]

looking-for-four​:

“I’ve walked every square inch of this city,” Koku chuckles. “I think I’d be okay here if I’d wanted to. Dangerous isn’t a big thing here, I’d say—Unless the Stars throw down an event on us, everything is okay. It doesn’t mean that it’s enjoyable, though…”

“Also, I don’t think you can own a spot that will inevitably be torn away or rebuilt as the Stars please, you know,” he points out. “Why can’t I just walk in peace? Please? It’d mean a lot to me. And if this place truly is dangerous, then I think I can try to take care of myself. I can’t find out if I’m over there, right?”

“Who the hell cares about those stars or some bastard running this place… i’ll make myself their problem when they take direct action.“ he let out a breath, patience running thin the longer their conversation goes.  As the adrenaline he had from the earlier squabble slowly subsides, he cant help feeling the already existing exhaustion double down in his system. It was getting troublesome.

       “You’ll have your peace when you finally leave me alone.” he lowly grumbled, using the wall as he slowly slid down the ground and ignore every thought he has as he continues to glare that the person before him.

[looking-for-four]

“If I recall correctly, you engaged with me,” Koku points out. “I simply wanted to enjoy myself, and then you came along. Don’t give me petty excuses on why I shouldn’t be in this alley.” Koku’s voice now has lost its sweet tone, now completely serious. He was determined to keep his spot—even if it meant becoming a vampire slayer.

“I suggest you leave me alone first,” Koku threatens. “At least we agree on the Stars, however. I don’t have time for their games.”

[bloodblades-deactivated20241103]

looking-for-four​:

“Oh…” Koku says. “Is that so?” He chuckles nervously. “I didn’t know that. I just tend to wander everywhere I can,” Koku says, with a chuckle. This would be true, if the serial killer hadn’t always come this way several times before.

“It must’ve been a coincidence. I just like walking,” he mentions. “Nothing wrong with that…right?”

     “Yeah shit, no one sane enough would casually walk in a place like this, dead into the night, that’s how corpses are found.“ they’re either a potential victim or someone planning something malicious. And Nagiri can’t find himself caring, he doesn’t even want to think about it, getting unwillingly involved with strangers is high and its something he’d at least want to avoid in this place. He’s already miserable as is.

     “Can’t you take a walk elsewhere? Maybe the other way you haven’t gone to….” he pointed the opposite way before leaning against the wall for support, “Be weird over there. I’m taking this spot tonight.” 

[looking-for-four]

“I’ve walked every square inch of this city,” Koku chuckles. “I think I’d be okay here if I’d wanted to. Dangerous isn’t a big thing here, I’d say—Unless the Stars throw down an event on us, everything is okay. It doesn’t mean that it’s enjoyable, though…”

“Also, I don’t think you can own a spot that will inevitably be torn away or rebuilt as the Stars please, you know,” he points out. “Why can’t I just walk in peace? Please? It’d mean a lot to me. And if this place truly is dangerous, then I think I can try to take care of myself. I can’t find out if I’m over there, right?”

[looking-for-four]

Closed to @quiet-or-die — “No Saving Preyer”

Koku was back at it again. Violin work has been much slower than usual, so it gave him more time to find new kills. Today wasn’t a murder for this person, though. Koku needed a strong understanding of what his life was like. So, in disguise, he began to quietly watch his soon-to-be victim.

Everything seemed normal, but he knew he could find something to justify his murder—people who haunt the same dark places as him aren’t usually trustworthy. So, patiently, he waited for a slip-up from the nameless stranger.

[quiet-or-die]

“I don’t want anything in particular,” Koku replies, calmly. He had a feeling things could go south like this, with a higher level kill. He’d kept low level for a while, in fear of the police—But then he realized the police didn’t pay attention to him. Which meant it was time to up the ante, and fast.

“I just would like to know more about you, is all,” Koku says. “Sorry if I’ve caused you trouble.”

Sanzo does not buy it. Not when the other’s nen is filled with bloodlust. But why wait? Stalling for backup, perhaps? No, Sanzo dismisses that idea. If there was backup they would probably have been lingering around the area, and Sanzo would have noticed that. Plus the other guy doesn’t seem the type.

Learn more about you . . . sounds like bullshit. But there is something he wants to find out, since he’s not outright attacking even with all that bloodlust.

“ ‘tch. Fine. If that’s what you want to do. But if you’re going to follow me, follow me like a normal person instead of like a criminal.”

It’s annoying, but whatever. The guy would probably attack if Sanzo pushed, but he’d be reacting to provocation then, instead of by his own free will. This way, when the guy makes his decision, there won’t be any doubt. And hopefully he’ll just follow like a normal person so Sanzo doesn’t get a crick in his neck from looking all over constantly. 

[looking-for-four]

Koku nods, and smiles sheepishly. “Sorry about that,” he says, as sincerely as he can. “It must’ve been a crazy coincidence, you know? It happens sometimes. I really mean no harm here.”

Koku moves over towards the person, sitting next to them. He didn’t want to blow his cover, but whatever happens now, murder is out of the question. All he could do was get to know the victim. “So, what’s your name?”

[otherworldly-healer]

looking-for-four​:

Koku decided to set up shop in public today. Since business has been slow, he figured that he’d at least give it a shot. He didn’t know what else would happen, or it would help too much, but he packed his tools, and set foot for the Golden Ward. He had nothing better to do, at least. Groceries for this week were taken care of, and he wasn’t going to murder in broad daylight. He wasn’t that desperate — yet.

So, with a violin case and tools in tow and his satchel left empty for tips, he opened up the instrument casing and took out the untuned violin.

As he began to sand down the sides by hand, he felt a shadow come over him. Looking up, he listens to the person’s words

“Thank you,” he replies, with a small smile. “I wouldn’t trade my job for the world. I do play by the way…But I don’t actually like to flaunt it. I find that mending violins is much better, in my opinion.”

“Well, if you find yourself in need of an audience, you’ve come to the right place. Who wouldn’t like some nice music while they go take a lunch break? As for the morning commuters, it would help wake them up and make their trip a lot more enjoyable. The university has got plenty of music appreciation clubs and classes as well.” Raine looked around her at the residents. One thing she didn’t love about Golden Ward was that sometimes it reeked of the “big city” mentality. It was easy to feel run down in a place that moved so fast. “Just food for thought, really. Having a nice quiet hobby is also a wonderful thing to have.”

“Say. I would hate to intrude long on your peace and quiet, but if you wouldn’t mind, could you try to play something for me? I’m afraid I don’t know much about playing instruments myself, and I’m not musically gifted, but there is a tune of a lullaby that I would love to hear, if I could hum it for you once you’ve finished tuning. It won’t hurt my feelings if it’s not exact.”

[looking-for-four]

Koku considers the request. He’d never had to to play a piece by ear before, but…

“You know, I might as well give it a shot,” he replies, taking the unshaped wood of the violin and placing it to his shoulder. “It’s not gonna sound nearly as good as you’d think it’d sound, since the violin is barely taken shape, but it might be an interesting attempt. Do you know what the piece sounds like? I don’t have perfect pitch, but I can try.”

[quiet-or-die]

Which one is worse, the monster in the cage or the monster doing the caging?

@looking-for-four

Sanzo had just been minding his own business, when he turned the corner and walked right onto a murder scene. Sure, he had sensed killing intent, but that was normal for him. Worst of all, some of the blood splattered on his robes and that was just annoying. 

“ ‘tch.” 

It wasn’t really any business of his. Besides, dead was dead anywhere except, supposedly, here (for only as long as the people in control wanted it to be).

“Oi.” Sanzo called, staring down the murderer. “What kind of hunger are you trying to feed killing people who are going to be resurrected anyway?”

[looking-for-four]

Koku huffed heavily, as the knife hung loosely in his hand. His hand shook, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The repeated action of stabbing someone rather than cleanly decaptitating them is something else. It just wasn’t as good.

But a dead body is a dead body, regardless of what the methods were. So, after a deep breath, he steadied the dull knife in his hand.

Slowly, he dipped the tip of the blade in the pool of blood. Tracing it on the floor, he left his signature calling card—a B. With that, he finally turns to the person behind him.

“Mind your own damn business,” he spits at the man he met earlier. “You wouldn’t get what I’m trying to do anyway. Keep quiet, or I’ll kill you.”

[boundlesshsentity]

@looking-for-four​

“I’m starting to think that this was a bad idea.” Mumei let himself be dragged to a music store after mentioning that he should probably keep practicing his instruments lest ‘Benten either talks his ear off or labels him as a cringelord’ in his own supposed words. He got away with it the last time but honestly he has no idea how to pick these sort of things. 

[looking-for-four]

“Don’t drag behind, now,” Koku calls behind him. “You might get lost!” Koku wasn’t one to to drag people to music stores, but he felt this was an exception. Even if he didn’t care about this world, he at least cared about the crafting of instruments.

“So, what instrument did you use to play?” Koku asked.

[bloodblades-deactivated20241103]

looking-for-four​:

Koku walked into the alley where he usually prepped his items for murder. His little vacation yesterday was over, so it was back to the regular routine of murdering scum. He had to find Yuna—no matter the cost. So, in he walked into the usual spot, knife hidden up his sleeve. What he didn’t expect was someone to be there. That put a huge wrench in things.

Koku chuckled at the person, awkwardly. “H-Hello there,” Koku starts, putting the hand with the knife in its sleeve behind his neck. “You seem lost…Do you need any help?”

Either he’s getting sloppy from the lack of crimes to commit or the other was more skilled than how they sound. He’d like to doubt the stranger but if he knew anything, it’s better to not underestimate anyone at this point.

     “Nah, I just thought of taking a rest here after some group of thugs thought they can team up against someone like me.” Nagiri admitted, walking out from his hiding spot. Something felt suspicious looking at them but he kept it at the back of his mind as caution.

     "So, what’s your deal? No perfectly decent person would go around these parts on their own.“  

[looking-for-four]

“Oh…” Koku says. “Is that so?” He chuckles nervously. “I didn’t know that. I just tend to wander everywhere I can,” Koku says, with a chuckle. This would be true, if the serial killer hadn’t always come this way several times before.

“It must’ve been a coincidence. I just like walking,” he mentions. “Nothing wrong with that…right?”

[taraexile]

looking-for-four​:

Koku chuckles nervously. It wasn’t every day that some rambunctious masked man demanded you to eat. It almost like he was being held hostage in a stick-up…but it was to his benefit. In any case, if someone was holding him hostage and he didn’t have power, he had no choice to obey.

“I’m honestly okay, sir,” Koku replies sheepishly. “I’ve always been a little bit skinny…I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been. But, you seem like the type to like physical intimidation, right? The idea that your prescence is important, I mean. Oh, sorry if that was rude. I was just asking.”

 “If you have it. FLAUNT it.” he’s utterly shameless in strongholding someone to eat for their own health, a little more meat on their bones would do the person some favors, especially in winter months. “Winter is upon us, a little more fat would go a long way to keeping warm! No matter how many layers you wear!” 

 “Save it for later!  in any case I am in need of information and all these information packets don’t do me anything!”

[looking-for-four]

“…I guess you’re right,” Koku mentions. “It is important to keep up with the elements. Thank you for your consideration.” The serial killer felt like he might turn around on this guy. The masked man didn’t really make a good first impression to Koku, but maybe he would turn out to be tolerable…maybe even a friend. It was too early to tell, at least, but he got this sense of trust and pride in his presence.

“You said you needed help, right?” Koku asks. “How can I assist you?”

[otherworldly-healer]

@looking-for-four​

These days the professor was spreading herself pretty thin with all of the travel around Spirale she was doing, but this was a rare morning where she only planned to stay close in her own ward, because it was one that she was teaching classes at the university. She carried three textbooks and a folder of paperwork that had her lessons written on them, and walked quickly down the sidewalk lost in thought. When she looked down at her mobile phone she realized that she was much too early for class, and while it was great to be ahead of the curve, she had some time to spare. So, she figured that she would look around the area and try to get to learn some of the students, because most people hanging around the area would be here for the university, right? Maybe along the way she might get someone interested in an archaeology class with her in the future.

There, sitting on top of a low cement wall next to the stairway leading up to the school grounds sat a young man with a box of tools sanding down an instrument. Intrigued, Raine smiled and walked over to get a closer look. She was nosey by nature, but she had good intentions and genuinely got excited to see people engaging with their hobbies and passions. Raine didn’t know much about making instruments, and thought it would be a good opportunity to learn something new herself.

“Good morning! Say, do you play the violin yourself? It’s a really beautiful piece so far. Nicely done.”

[looking-for-four]

Koku decided to set up shop in public today. Since business has been slow, he figured that he’d at least give it a shot. He didn’t know what else would happen, or it would help too much, but he packed his tools, and set foot for the Golden Ward. He had nothing better to do, at least. Groceries for this week were taken care of, and he wasn’t going to murder in broad daylight. He wasn’t that desperate — yet.

So, with a violin case and tools in tow and his satchel left empty for tips, he opened up the instrument casing and took out the untuned violin.

As he began to sand down the sides by hand, he felt a shadow come over him. Looking up, he listens to the person’s words

“Thank you,” he replies, with a small smile. “I wouldn’t trade my job for the world. I do play by the way…But I don’t actually like to flaunt it. I find that mending violins is much better, in my opinion.”

[taraexile]

looking-for-four​:

Koku has been taking it easy recently. No violin crafting, no murder, nothing. Just him and his groceries. He hadn’t even gone out for a long walk in a long time. He didn’t know what it was. He just kinda needed a break…or, at least, something like that. He knew that he’d be back on the grind tomorrow.

So, as he enjoyed his day off, holding his groceries, he heard someone approach him from behind. Slowly, he turned around to see who it was.

…This was strange. Some…masked man was offering him food? Haggis, by the looks of it. He had no idea why…but, slowly, he takes the bag, and, almost questioningly, replies with “Thanks.”

The lack of a structured police force bothered him, but thanks to his mask, he can’t show much emotions compared to his previous life. Perhaps in another life…in any case he’s offering a bit more food to the younger one. “Here here, eat some more. You look too thin to be healthy!” his voice is booming as hell. 

  “do you need anything else? I’m sure theres a lot of food you like to try!” poor guy, Shaxx attention can be one sided outside of battle. 

[looking-for-four]

Koku chuckles nervously. It wasn’t every day that some rambunctious masked man demanded you to eat. It almost like he was being held hostage in a stick-up…but it was to his benefit. In any case, if someone was holding him hostage and he didn’t have power, he had no choice to obey.

“I’m honestly okay, sir,” Koku replies sheepishly. “I’ve always been a little bit skinny…I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been. But, you seem like the type to like physical intimidation, right? The idea that your prescence is important, I mean. Oh, sorry if that was rude. I was just asking.”