heart of steel

kurogane of suwa. private and affiliated with aevum isles. Seaside Province #213

[indouimpurity-deactivated202604]

👁 — "Man... even here?"

He was crouched in front of the alleyway where the cat had gone tearing into after hissing and scratching him despite the treat he offered. Hikaru had been hoping that maybe these animals wouldn't be able to tell - after all... Mince had started to get comfortable with him...

Did he really have to start from square one again?

The boy whined softly and buried his head into his arms. "An' Mince was just startin' ta like me too..."

@suwasson // starter call

[suwasson]

"Hm?"

It had been another day of getting acquainted with the area, and after inevitabley tiring of the flood of bodies and unfamiliar people going to fish for lack of anything better to do. He had taken to lakes rather than the ocean this time and was still deciding whether to trade what he had or just go back home and make a simple dinner when he he hit a roadblock.

The roadblock being a kid and a cat. Or, well, he assumed the cat part based on the murmured words and the treat dangling from the boy's fingers.

Oh, and the scratches too. Those were certainly familiar.

"Hey, you should disinfect that," Kurogane tuts, leaning his pole and bucket of small fish against the side of the alley as he looks to see what he has in his bag. 100% alcohol should do the trick.

He brings out the small bottle and crouches down next to the other. He really seems put out, huh? Kurogane sighs.

"Animals don't like me much either. Don't take it personally. If it's a stray it probably has even more reason to want to be on its own, yeah?"

He can't really grab the other's arm without looking like a real asshole so he waits. Or would have if the sound of water didn't come to his ears at the same time his fishing pole crashes to the side.

A small cat perches on the rim of the bucket full of minnows Kurogane had procured, a glint in its eye as it happily bites down on one of the larger ones. Kurogane curses and throws the bottle back in his bag.

"Brat! Get down from there and give that back, you hear?!"

For an animal that had been skittish before it seemed completely unaffected by Kurogane's yelling. If anything that glint in its eye only seemed to grow larger.

[beastiesajaboy]

The man clearly doesn't want Mystery to get himself involved, but it doesn't seem to be up to him, since he's a bit busy bleeding and pinning one of the burly men to the ground. Really, the one who has the say is the other burly man who was squaring up with Mystery-

At least until the guy caught sight of the claws and fangs and the maybe slightly feral grin on the demon's face and completely lost his nerve. He rapidly backs up, which triggers the rest of them to also scramble back. No spines at all, just the kind that operated as a gang right up until the threat they faced was more than the sum of their weak parts.

Disappointing, really. He'd hoped for an actual fight.

Instead, all he has to do is lower his center of gravity like he's about to leap, flex his claws, and give a low, ominous warning growl.

Several of the lingering men in the alley simply bolt, which triggers more of them to retreat, and the one Mystery is staring down scrambles away with a shout. Apparently, none of them want to face a demon in a semi-dark alleyway, who knew.

Baby would have chased them through the city, mocking and cackling the whole way for being pathetic, drunk cowards. Mystery can't be bothered if they're not even going to be decent sport.

He does still spring after them, but it's all for show and far too slow to actually be a threat. It sets the rest running anyway, until it's just the one on the ground trapped under the stabbed fellow.

Amused, Mystery crouches next to them and hums low in his throat.

"Lucky. I'm not hungry."

[suwasson]

Kurogane lifts his weight from the man beneath him carefully, watching the “fight” in front of him progress; or fizzle out, really, the last one standing gets a good look at the kid and starts down to the other end of the alley.

The ninja is more interested in this newcomer and how he holds his own. He’s looked into a predator’s maw plenty, but on this level… well, he can understand why these simple thugs would start quaking.

“Scram,” Kuorgane says, hefting the man up from under him (and purposely doing it with the arm he stabbed because if he didn’t want Kurogane’s blood on him he really should have refined his technique), and with one look at the way his gang has fallen apart he looks ready to follow after.

Probably would have listened to him finally too, if Fangs here hadn’t decided to come closer. Instead, Kurogane just throws him behind him and stares the other down; slowly taking in what was just said.

“..heh, this isn’t really a place for eating. Especially not eating people. That something you go around doing a lot?”

Kurogane really thinks he should have known about that, if so.

[suwasson]

yestereve starter for @lyingmage

Arcanus Academy, a school — an odd place to be for the ninja, and odder still in its current state, covered in orange and black decorations as it were for this apparent festival. The students had off and were making the most of it, running booths or finding their own way into the city to find their own amusement.

Kurogane still was trying to wrap his head around what this “Yestereve” even was, as it seemed an odd mix of practices from Nihon. There was honoring the dead, mixed with banishing the dark, mixed with all these damned sweets which, together, really made no damn sense to him but, hey, it seemed pretty established here.

And Fai had been excited to partake in it all; no surprise there, so of course he came along to make sure the man behaved. And maybe they both thought to those missing by their sides whenever the sky lit up from the festivities but it wasn’t as if they had to talk about it.

There were plenty of things to do, after all.

“Huh,” Kurogane says, staring down at the chocolate-covered apple a student had given him after poking his head into a “haunted house” (which was clearly not a house, just another oddity to add to the list); “don’t know why you would put something even sweeter on an already sweet fruit. Guess I’ll give this to you later.”

Not tonight, as he’s pretty sure Fai will be running all over getting his fill of the evening, so he puts the treat in the bag he has slung over his shoulder - grateful that the cold will keep it from melting (chocolate, ugh), and continues to look around.

Seemed the events here were more like carnival games, though many seemed flashier as to be expected from the Isles. An arc of movement makes Kurogane look to the right and he grins at a familiar game.

“Oi, mage,” he calls out, and points to the recently vacated ring toss booth, “you think you can hit that mark, or have you gotten rusty?” He tilts his head, mouth still turned up at the idea of a match. “Game’s on me so long as you won’t start complaining when you lose.”

[lyingmage]

"All we can do is hope that they are together, after all. They were last time, so we just have to wait again this time, as well.

LeCourt huh... well, that's actually good news for the both of them. Or well, it definitely was for the mage anyways. Knowing and having that confirmation that Kurogane and the other's haven't managed to go to another world without him brings a sense of relief that washes over him in that moment, a tension releasing within his shoulders he wasn't even aware of that he was bearing. Even if its only a momentary reprieve in the end, its still a moment of relief. One moment to give him a chance to breathe, to allow his worries to wash away for only a farce second. The silent reminder beneath that he hasn't messed up entirely. He hasn't failed his mission just yet. He couldn't. Because its only a second later when his thoughts go into overdrive once more - yes, this could very well be some sort of mix-up with the Witch of Dimensions. But...that doesn't seem likely at all. At least, he assumes its not anyways, after his month of being here so far, and what he's managed to observe in previous travels. "I'm not entirely sure if this is really Yuko-san's doing, actually. This isn't like the time we ended up in the world with that one island. Um, the one with the small creatures on it, and the trees with the wind issues. Idol country, right? I'm pretty sure that one was her doing.. but here? No, I don't think this is her work." Those who are connected and working with her... they hold a different aura about them. The readiness to be there to support the crew and housed them until they're ready to move onwards. And he's yet to cross paths with people like that. But that also begs the inquiry and makes him wonder if this is his doing - Reeds doing. Was this part of the mans plan, a chess move of his on the game board to throw his opponent off? Its... devious enough, but Fai doesn't think it could be him either. He may not know much of that man's plan and what everything is suppose to entail for their ending fates, but being here... he doesn't think that's also the case... Its... to safe of a place for this to be that man's doing. Not like Jade country. Not like who and how Kyle was. is.

( Those are the thoughts and comments though that he keeps to himself. He can't risk allowing the other to know the truth about everything.

Not yet, anyways. )

When the other tugs on their arms as an indication for them to move, those thoughts end up vanishing for now. His thoughts now focused again on the present, on the man beside him and their surroundings. Fai follows easily after him too, never one to ever fall behind, keeping his place right beside Kurogane as the two of them proceed forward finally and getting out of the way of the others around them. "It is peaceful actually. You might actually hate it here," he teases lightly, breaking the serious tension from prior between them and gives an easy smile. "There's no one here for Kuro-tan to fight. But that's okay too ~, I have seen there is a boxing ring? I believe that's what it was, on the map. You might enjoy that. And the food here is really yummy too! There's such a wide variety, you might even find things similar to what you use to eat back in your own dimension. Which, speaking of food - you said you wanted a drink, right? There are a lot places around here that sell good alcohol and beer. We can find a place to have lunch and a drink while we continue talking there. How about that? I'll even pay too~. I still have some funds left over currently since I've only had to fend for myself."

[suwasson]

"Oh, yeah,” Kurogane frowned; he’d nearly forgotten the place and definitely hadn’t had its name memorized - just knowing it was one of the odder worlds (and shorter visits), “that one. Guess you’re right about it being more her style.”

Whatever that might mean, since the only constant the ninja could find was her proclivity for annoying, furry creatures. Another mage thing? Nah, he was pretty sure Yuko was… unique. Also probably could read thoughts so he promptly shut that inner voice right up.

Would be a useful ability though, he thinks as feels more than sees Fai become momentarily lost in his own reminiscences or something. He thinks he’s gotten better at reading the mage but every so often there’s something new, even if it’s just a flicker of an expression, and Kurogane is thrown for a loop again.

Still, one thing remains consistent: when Kurogane starts to walk the other stays in pace with him and he finds himself nodding at the explanation as he takes in the surroundings; wondering idly what Fai had been looking for in this market and if it had anything useful.

“Tch,” he grunts, “you act like I pick all the fights when half the time it’s someone else rushing at us or the kids rushing into something. I’m just fine with a world that ain’t trying to kill us.”

Though he might get a bit bored, he’d admit that. Small price to pay for when the others showed up though.

Persistent frown or not (not everyone could have a resting face that looked like a cat’s, alright), he finds himself looking forward to promised good food and drink. That’s one thing he can trust the mage on though when he offers to treat Kurogane the taller man stiffens.

“Ngh,” he replies, which isn’t a word (but also not a no); he’s kinda shit with words anyway but something about that feel wrong, because since Hanshin they’ve always pooled the group’s funds. It wasn’t like he couldn’t rely on the mage, but still…

(it was weird, like situationally. also probably a word thing but he was tired dammit.)

“—you can pay, fine,” he manages, “but only until I actually make something of myself here." Nodding as he says it, he looks the mage's way and grins, "somethin' like my own tab, and you know better than anyone it'll be a large one."

But he would repay it. He always did.

"Did I scare ya off or you leading the way?"

[llybian]

~b~a~e~

[catiacchi]

Kurogane and his precious smile ♥♥

[suwasson]

using rpthreadtracker again... so nostalgic

[seirosu]

◦ 「 ☆ 」 —— head lulled against the wood-paneled walls , nail tapped thrice upon her glass . seiros reiterated : " you wish to fight . "

it was a pity . sometimes people would try to speak with her above or below the pub crawl chatter and occasional skurrt of chairs scraping against well well worn wooden floor boards and a layer of sticky , waxy beer and mead . not many seemed to grasp that she was better with action than her words .

an invitation to fight easier than a welcome :

" i do not have reason to draw blade against you . i do not yet know you . but if you would not be against bare-hands , i could indulge you . "

indulge you a humbling loss , that was .

@suwasson

[suwasson]

Kurogane takes one more sip of sake before putting the glass down and turning his full attention to the woman before him. He has noticed her, of course; it would be difficult not to, but for Kurogane, always soldier before man — she draws his eyes as none but Tomoyo-hime have.

She is a warrior, certainly; but he has the distinct feeling just as his princess, she could lead.

He nods. There is no question in the invitation and his answer is just as certain.

“Fists then, or anything goes?” He asks, mouth twisting up at one corner. “I've seen your swordwork. Once. But this better suits the atmosphere, yeah? If you don't mind letting loose neither do I.”

He stands up and their difference in height makes him consider all the ways she could get one over on him. Yeah. This would be fun.

“Just one request, if I win,” it's said with a self-deprecating chuckle, he knows when he's outmatched but what's a game without a wager, “can I watch you train again?”

He pauses. And scratches a cheek, realizing how that might have registered.

“Just so you know I don't mean anything weird by it. Can't say I could ever replicate your technique or that I even have the right but I have a student… he may not be here right now but I've found out my way of doing things doesn't suit him. So seeing any other swordsmanship styles goes a long way for that.”

He leads the way to an open venue. There aren't too many people right now but they might draw a crowd depending on how long the match goes on. Doesn't matter to him, it's all about the experience. He nods, indicating she can go first.

“I ain't got much to offer but if you want something for the win it's yours. Name’s Kurogane. Thanks for the invite.”

He takes a defensive stance, energy already thrumming with the excitement that only comes with the drawing of blood and the thrill of the game.

[mischiefmodig]

❝ You just couldn't stay away, could you? ❞

\ / @suwasson

[suwasson]

"Tch," Kurogane grunted, "keep talking all vague like that and i'm leaving."

Which was stupid. Kurogane had requested to see him, after all but if he had nothing else going from him the burly man had stamina and stubborn pride so if he had to walk all the way back with nothing, so be it.

“Why are all you mages like that anyway? Some weird requirement to keep the title?” He takes a seat without being asked, just to see the man’s reaction but hesitates for a moment on his words. “‘Least I assume that’s what you are. I heard you’re called Loki, that you know magic, and are powerful but that’s about it.”

He pushes the credits over to him. This was a transaction and Kurogane was fully aware he wasn’t the only one who could just walk out.

“I want to get home. And I’ve heard enough talk about how difficult dimensional travel is for a life time but if you have any information… on this place, on getting out - information a guy like me can understand, well I’m all ears. And the credits are yours.”

[purecompassion]

@suwasson

The Num Chi Sanctuary had been the place Pure Vanilla was spending most of his time our during his stay in the city of the Reptarrans. He was respectful and had learned a lot about the people and yet, he had learned nothing that he could see helping. Perhaps it was time for a break and some air outside of the sanctuary itself.

He had been curious about the Lu'umil farmlands after all. So just some air and to check around the farmlands for a bit as he cleared his mind. He keeps each step soft and he travels down the road and to the farmlands itself, only stopping to check out just how the farming was happening. Really the canals were a wonderful idea and reminded him of one of his friend's home. He gave a sigh, before standing back up and dusting his clothing off, only then noticing someone near by.

"Oh my, terribly sorry I didn't notice you there." He greeted the other softly, quickly taking in that they didn't look like another Reptarran. They must have come here like he did, perhaps on another ship? Still it wasn't someone he had met yet.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting anything?" He adds on, keeping his voice soft and kind.

[suwasson]

The sanctuary is nothing like his mother's shrine, and the people here nothing like what he remembers of Suwa; and yet, somehow Kurogane is drawn to Temple even in this nation of warriors. He looks out of place, but, hey, he's used to that. He copies what the others do in paying respects to the gods of this land before starting out again. It was one thing to come to the Islands, find Fai, and start to get of a lay of the land and another to find himself on some stupid airship in the middle of a clan dispute. But again, something familiar about it all. Not his business, for once, which was a relief but he misses the kid's curiosity and the princess's need to help because he sure as hell can't muster that all up.

'Least the air was nice out here.

He's deep enough in his thoughts, some remnant of the shrine no temple's atmosphere, that he nearly bumps into someone. And... they don't seem like a local either. Kurogane can't say what the newcomer is other than it can float and it clearly is talking to him.

"Not a problem," he manages, "haven't really been paying attention since I got here. Good wake up call." Huh. Floating. Even with all he's seen he can't really get over that; though, his interest might not come across in the frown of concentration on his face.

"Not really. Got dropped here from an airship and I can't say I'm happy about it, so I've just been wandering. Name's Kurogane. You can usually find me in the Seaside Province. ...and you, uh, you from around here?"

He doubts it, but may as well ask.

[misscrazyfangirl321]

Ship trope I'd love to see more of: "Are we in love? I mean, yeah, probably, but that's a problem for future us. Right now we're just trying to make it through the Plot."

[beastiesajaboy]

As evening brought fading light and more solid shadows, Mystery found it easier to walk along the streets in the edges of the darkness where his strange looks were less obvious. So far no one had run screaming from him, which was odd enough, but no other demons had shown themselves despite the distinct lack of the Honmoon's hum beneath all other sounds.

On one hand, this was kind of nice. On the other, something familiar would have set his nerves at ease.

No care or attention was paid to where, exactly, he was wandering, until a door nearby opened and he got a face full of the scent of human liquor. Ugh. Bars, prime hunting grounds but why did the smell have to be so strong? He sneezes and moves on, deeper into the dark.

Voices echo all around, though it's the raised ones that catch his attention. Curious, he doesn't bother to hide his amble in that direction. Angry humans are just as interesting as any other, after all.

An argument, clearly. Multiple voices, all tangled together. Intent registers more than content, and the possibility of a fight shivers down his spine.

Fighting he could do. Fighting was easy, thoughtless.

The group standing against a single man doesn't give him pause. Not even when a few notice him and turn, scoffing and snarling the best humans can manage.

"Oh look, we got some goth wannabe. Fuck off, this isn't your business, mop face."

Mystery tilts his head slightly at the attempted insult, carefully setting down his dog plush before hooking a long claw in his mask and tugging it off, sharp tusks all too obvious when he leans slightly around the burly idiot to grin at the man they'd been menacing.

"Too bad," he hums softly. "I want to play."

@suwasson

[suwasson]

It was in the world of Piffle that Kurogane had first discovered what a bouncer was; well, according to the one application he had ever needed to fill out the technical term was "security"— he had not listed his time at Shirasagi Castle in previous occupations, because quite honestly the comparison would have just been demeaning to everyone involved.

Anyway. It was a far cry from devoting himself from the shadows all to protect his liege but the job had piqued his interest, mostly because the past few times he just had to show up and say he was interested, and that would be that. A night’s work and payment.

He had been fine fending for himself but now knowing Fai was here (and so obviously, his mind supplied, the kids would be coming in their own time) it made sense to earn some actual pocket money.

That… didn’t mean he actually enjoyed telling drunks to get the hell out of the less than opulent district he now stood guard for, but at least it kept him busy. Shame sometimes it was too busy even for him.

“Look,” he said despite it being obvious the crowd could barely string together a sentence much less understand his, “I don’t care what kinda deal he gave you last time. Boss said you all have outstayed your welcome so scram.”

The only thing Kurogane hated more than talkative drunks were combative ones, especially when the one thing their brains could process was “gang up”, but sure enough that was his luck tonight. 

A few only had knives which were easy enough to deal with but one bruiser actually managed to elbow him in the the lower right eye; Kurogane grunted at that, and flipped the man on his back. It wasn’t like he had to see to know their numbers, but yeah, he wasn’t excited for that bruise tomorrow morning.

He’s kneeling on the guy’s back when his friend (one of the few who hasn’t backed off, but he can still sense them somewhere in the alley) starts talking to some fresh faced kid… thing.

The purple guy in front of him was something powerful, clearly, Kurogane just couldn’t tell you what. And that would have been just fine if he hadn’t also seemed eager to take part in all this. 

He could deal with angry gangs of humans looking for a fight, but as for this…

“Trust me, it’s really not playing. And I ain’t much fun.” Kurogane takes the moment to at least take one of the knives out of his arm, pocketing it with a grimace and a complaint from underneath him (“don’t get your blood on me, asshole!”).

“Just cleaning up here,” he says, “if you want something from inside go ahead but if you’re just here for a show, gonna have to ask you to leave.”

[suwasson]

[PUNCH]

shoulder meme | closed

"Heh. You always have that good of a right hook, or am I just lucky?"

And whether it's the slight inebriation or the promise of a good opponent, but in no time he's back on his feet throwing his own punch a second later; alcohol all but forgotten.

[lyingmage]

When Fai first arrived to this new world, waking up alone within the Terminus Tower, one of his newly acclaimed fears had come to life - he was here, alone. There was no Mokona around him. No kids, and especially no Kurogane (this time). Waking up here alone, stranded, set a whole new panic within the mage that he wasn't even aware existed until this very moment. Of course though, he knew it was bound to happen sometimes- becoming separated from the others. Its happened once before already, back in Yama. With him and Kurogane arriving a half year sooner than the children did. The difference between then and now though is that, he was with Kurogane, at least. He had someone from his group with him. Especially considering the language barrier issues they encountered without having Mokona around (at least, luckily for Fai, Kurogane was able to understand the dialect and communicate for the both of them while there), but even more so with the Fai's own appearance being something that stood out the most compared to the others. But, point being - he wasn't alone.

Here, he is alone. And that was the problem; He was alone. Which only made the panic flare for him. Would the others ever find him? Would they ever end up in a place like this? Would he be able to continue the journey - his mission? Complete his promise? Dimension jumping was already a tricky business to begin with, and then when separation comes into play, what might be only days here could in reality be shorter by mere hours, or it could longer by days, weeks, months, even years. And that was the true issue he was dealing with - how long has he really been apart from the others? How much time has truly escaped him?

And as the days ticked by, with no sign of them of them arriving as of yet, those thoughts and feelings only consumed him more & more. On the outer surface, he smiled like always. Talk to the locals, even befriended his new roommate as well. But inwardly, the worries, the doubts, the fears, they started to bubble up within him.

Until today. Until this very moment - while out in the markets, the alleyways and shopping districts, trying to familiarize himself with the place he would call home for now on, he finally heard him. He heard the sound of that gruff voice he's grown so accustomed too over time finally breaking through the crowd, the sound of his name being said. His own name being said makes him freeze in place. Its his name, not the nickname that the ninja always calls him - but his name. The last time he heard the attempted version of his name being said was back in Yama. But there was absolutely no mistaking it. He's been here for weeks now and could confidently say that there were no other versions of the others here in this place. So this meant that finally, finally, one of them had arrived.

With his brows raised high in shock, the mage finds himself slowly turning around until he's able to finally see the man who matches the sound of that voice. And when he sees him standing there, looking at him with that same confused look he gets whenever they appear into a new world, a new dimensional, a smile breaks across the mage's face. A real smile. Not the same kind that he wore in every other situation. No, this was real as part of his worries and doubts had finally begun to subsided. "Kuro-pon!" he practically chirps, happily, excitedly even, while abandoning the item that was being held between his hands so he can cross the streets and close the distance between them, reaching out once close enough to latch onto the slightly taller mans arm. "You're here! I wasn't sure if and when you would arrive." He exclaims briefly, his words rushed with excitement. But as he takes a peek behind the ninja, his smile disappears some, "....where -- where's Sakura-chan and Syaoran-kun? Mokona?" confusion now settling in when he doesn't see the kids, his smiling dropping even more. It becomes clear then that the ninja has arrived alone. No mokona, no kids in tow. Just him. His smile drops entirely then. Even though he is grateful that Kurogane has finally arrived, there's just a pit in his stomach that has started to form now that holds a bit of mix emotions of not seeing the others in tow with him. Its like being in Yama all over again. " I ... I was hoping they were going to be with you - When I woke up, I was alone. I've been here already for about a month, give or take, and there's been no sign of them."

[suwasson]

As soon as the other man grabs onto him Kurogane is certain that this is indeed the idiot mage in the flesh; and it brings with it a reassurance he hasn’t felt before but that he lets settle into his bones. Sure, they’d known since Hanshin there had been a chance they would find look-alikes of their travel companions, but not before this world had Kurogane actually thought to brood on it; still, as he grumbles and effortlessly makes space for the other’s weight against him he can feel this is Fai, with his own secrets, certainly — but the kind Kurogane has become used to keeping the man company even if they never acknowledge them with speech.

It is a great relief, he would never admit to, and as if mocking him for that it does not last.

 “Separated again then,” he grits out, and as Fai has not attempted to hide his annoyance (worry, but only one of them need do that Kurogane’s brain insists) neither does he. “...’least if it’s like last time it means the manju is with them.”

The boy and his princess were resourceful enough for their ages and Mokona was, well, useful or she could be when she cooperated. If anyone was going to get the thing to actually do its damn job and find them all in a new world together it would be those two.

“A month, huh? That’s more than we had to work with last time. And my last memory was of LeCourt, so… could be some messup on the time side of that time-space witch’s damn nonsense.”

Kurogane might be able to feel powerful magic the same as any other energy but it did not mean he understood it - not Tomoyo-hime's, not the witch's, and certainly not whatever power the man in front of him hid.

...Or not so much, as he thinks back to their last moments in Lecourt; still, they could discuss that later. The kids were more important, as was getting the lay of the land.

(And it would be good to get that expression off the mage's face if he could; real as it was, Kurogane never enjoyed seeing a companion in pain).

"So?" Kurogane says, tugging him along by the arm still in his; "tell me about this place. Those weirdos up at the Tower weren't super helpful but they weren't like those guard dogs either. ...Seems mostly peaceful."

[soulprompts]

THE SHOULDER TOUCH. ( A PROMPT LIST! )

i said i'd make them! i hope you enjoy these, and as always: DO NOT ADD, EDIT OR CLAIM THIS LIST AS YOUR OWN!

[ WAKEN ]: the sender touches the receiver's shoulder to waken them from a nap or sleep.

[ STILL ]: the sender places their hands on the visibly angry/upset receiver to try and restrain them.

[ STAY ]: the sender, noticing the receiver attempting to escape a meeting or a conversation, quietly rests a hand on their shoulder and pulls them back into their seat.

[ REST ]: the sender places a gentle but firm hand on a weakened/sick/injured receiver's shoulder to push them back into their bed to rest more.

[ PUNCH ]: the sender places a hand on the receiver to draw their attention away from another focus, and once they've turned around, the sender swings a punch at them in the moment of confusion.

[ PRIDE ]: the sender, having heard or seen the receiver successfully achieve a remarkable feat, places a hand on their shoulder to express their wordless pride in them.

[ HUG ]: the sender places their hands on the receiver's shoulders to yank them into a hug.

[ COMFORT ]: the sender, noticing a visibly upset receiver, solemnly moves to their side, and places a hand on their shoulder in an effort to comfort them.

[ SURPRISE ]: the sender, noticing an otherwise occupied receiver, moves forward silently and suddenly grabs their shoulder to startle them.

[ STUN ]: the sender, having been apart from the receiver for some time, makes an unexpected return and greets the unaware receiver with a hand on their shoulder.

[ TIDY ]: the sender reaches forward and lightly sweeps something from the receiver's shoulder.

[ WORRY ]: the sender grabs the receiver by the shoulders to take a good look at them for any sign of harm or injury.

[ ARM ]: the sender rests a hand on the receiver's shoulder, their arm draped around them in order to do so.

[ FOCUS ]: the sender, noticing the receiver has become distracted during a conversation, places a hand on their shoulder to redirect and focus their attention.

[ GOTCHA ]: the sender, noticing the receiver has unknowingly walked into the path of a source of danger, grabs them by the shoulder and hoists them back to safety.

[ PRAISE ]: the sender, having heard that the receiver has achieved great success in a task or accomplishment, gives them a proud pat and squeeze of the shoulder to convey their congratulations.

[ STEADY ]: the sender rests a hand on the shaken and panicked receiver's shoulder to steady and ground them.

[ CAUGHT ]: the sender plants a hand on the receiver's shoulder to stop them from fleeing a potential arrest or accusation.

[ DELIVER ]: the sender, about to deliver some bad news to the receiver, gently places a hand on the receiver's shoulder to stop them from running away from the bad news.

[ SHIELD ]: the sender catches hold of the receiver's shoulder and draws them back and away from a threat, pulling them behind them for their safety.

[ SOOTHE ]: the sender places their hands on the receiver's shoulders and begins to give them a massage.

[ LEVER ]: the sender, wanting to sit next to the receiver, places a hand on their shoulder to ease themselves to the space beside them.

[ HERE ]: the sender taps the receiver's shoulder to alert them to their presence.

[crows-primadonna]

[ Starter for @suwasson ]

It was another night, time to find a new victim. While she can't kill them, she could maybe kidnap them. But, that requires a way out of here. But, what's wrong with having a little fun? There's no point in death, after all.

So, she transforms to her true self and leaps off. She eyes a random passerby. Perfect. He seems new, thus has little to no abilities. She grabs her feathers, ready to use Thorn Cage on him the moment he was out of the eyes of others.

A raven shot at him, exploding into many thorns to bind him. She leaps down to the ground, eyeing if she had successfully caught her prey.

"Well well, you shouldn't be out and about this late at night. Who knows what could happen." She grins.

[suwasson]

Training in the day was one thing, but a ninja could hardly be worth his worth if he also didn’t take to training at night. It had nothing at all to do with pent up emotions and worry for his missing companions… or so he’d say if you asked him, but Kurogane knows what this restlessness means. It’s the fact he can do absolutely nothing about it that spurs him forward each night in taking out his frustration with a blunt but tolerable wooden blade he had fashioned himself.

He does not go around knocking down foliage and bursting through trees… usually. He mostly just practices forms, thinks of what would be best for Syaoran to focus on next and loses himself for seconds at a time in the familiar movement.

It feels almost right, but off. Just like everything here.

He keeps seeing a flash of eyes from a tree nearby (bird, his mind supplies) and he could say it has thrown him off but really he’s not entirely thrown off until said bird has materialized into human form and caught him in some magic trap. Always with the magic.

“Goddamit, they have yōkai here too?!” He howls, struggling against the vines that just cling to him tighter. Well. His blunt not-sword couldn’t have helped him here anyway, and he’s half a mind to just start punching until he’s black and blue but… she seems to want to talk.

“Yeah, yeah, and you sure taught me,” he huffs, not exactly polite but not mocking either. It was a good trick - be it magic or demoncraft. “Look. If you try and eat me I will make it the worst possible experience you can imagine. And my soul’s already sworn to my liege, so if you want something besides that shitty stick over there speak up.”

He’s stopped struggling for the moment, wanting to beat his fist against the thorns but hoping he won’t have to if this goes well.

What the hell well looked like here. Search him. Not bleeding to death sounds like a good deal.

[firefcxian]

If Jiaoqiu had spent the last few days curled in a ball on the floor-- and eventually on his bed-- with his tail wrapped around his body, fighting off wave after wave of nausea, that was his own business. Truth be told, it was his own fault too-- that's what he gets for trying to poke around in other people's business.

Eventually, though, he finally managed to get up, the ache of hunger finally winning out over the lingering terror...

Maybe a hot pot would fix things up, even if just a little.

There was still no sign of Vash, and for all Jiaoqiu was worried, he was also a little bit thankful. From what he'd seen, heard, felt... it was a lot, and dangerous too.

A handful of chili peppers, still fresh but just slightly past their prime, were cast atop a cutting board, and Jiaoqiu made sure to keep his fingers well away from the knife's edge as he chopped them, the cooking pot sizzling away on the countertop nearby. The villa felt oppressive inside, too quiet-- too loud-- so he'd tossed open the door and windows to let in some fresh air and the sounds from outside.

He'd just set out a little tray of meats and vegetables when a voice from the doorway caught his attention, pointed ears swivelling around as he lifted his head.

In an instant, the anxious frown was chased from his expression, replaced by the usual friendly smile.

"Oh?" he waved his hand. "Well, I can always use the credits-- ah, the keys-- here. Come on in, there's plenty."

He reached for another set of skewers, fitting them with thin-sliced meats and vegetables and setting them down into the boiling pot. Immediately, the fragrant scent wafted up anew, filling the kitchen.

[suwasson]

“Uh? Oh, yeah. I can do that.”

He hadn’t expected to be invited in and pauses for a moment; surprising as it might be Kurogane did in fact have manners, sometimes — when people had earned them, and this was one such time. Damn shame he was out of practice but the words come back to him in any case, shoddier than what his mother or father would have said as lords of their realm but genuine all the same.

“Thanks, and sorry for just barging in. It’s appreciated.”

He carefully takes his shoes off at the door before walking in, and digging in his pockets for the money he’d gotten haggling in the fish market (yeah, even he could get tired of the stuff; ‘specially when he only had himself as cook) he drops them awkwardly on the counter, far enough from the food but obvious enough so that the host can take them any time.

Kurogane fills a plate with the skewers and some vegetables and takes his time inhaling the scent before eating with a small gesture of gratitude, hands clapped; immediately his eyebrows raise and a slow smile spreads across his face. His nose hadn’t lied this stuff is good.

Great, really; but he’s already established he’s a man of few words. No point in trying to dress that up. If he expressed gratitude in any other way than the real him, it wouldn’t be authentic than would it?

“‘s good,” he says, swallowing. “This isn’t your job? Could definitely make one of it. As for me… just got here so not much I can offer in return but if you ever need heavy lifting or physical labor feel free to call on me. I’m over in number 213.”