#shikitoxisharp

[banishedblossomdancer]

“And helping others is what helps me get by in turn... A sweet fair deal if you ask me~”

That vision of ghoulish lights seem to flash if but for a second for the Rhapsodist, all while Keiko continued to smile and answer his question in her own playful way, all while dancing around details. Afterwards, the fox-esque crossbreed rested a paw on her hip as she kept that cheery yet shifty smile on the masked one. Keiko’s pose was confident with a touch of hopefulness, as she attempted to guide the chat towards a certain direction

“Gotta say though, you’re dressed awfully sharp for someone who’s taking a stroll through here... not to mention ya give off a li’l creepiness yourself there, Bashō ~“ she seemed to have picked up on his syllable rhythm as she gives him that cheeky nickname, recognizing his poetry all while remaining perky.

“What’s a well-dressed masked man like you doing through these silent greens? Ya know where ya are, right? Was it gossip, word of mouth that brought ya here? Or looking for some place for peace of mind, or to be inspired~?”

---

[ @the-awoken-crusader ]

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

A Brutal Image

[PoV: Dycae]

[Location: Hanara City, Far Beyond Unova]

The trail has grown cold, the tracks left by The Rhapsodist grow fainter with each passing day.

It infuriates me, just when I thought that I finally had a lead...I ended up losing it.

I let out a growl before pouring the strong drink down my throat, I close my eyes as the burning liquid trickles down and collects in my stomach. With a soft sigh I rest my elbow on the counter before me, with a small nod the bartender moves to get me another drink.

Heh, it’s been a while since I’ve come to one of these places. I don’t often drink unless it’s for a special occasion, that or if I’m just more down on my luck than usual.

I’m sure as hell not a drunkard, my pops made sure of that. I don’t always drink this stuff when things don’t go my way, but today...I thought that it wouldn’t hurt to just take a break from everything.

Resting my head on my arm I let my gaze wander to a newspaper laying beside me. Many people say that there’s no use for these things, since that now there’s television and smart phones and other stuff that give you the news. Unlike those folks I don’t use technology that often, so I tend to appreciate these things more than people realize.

And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more satisfying than feeling those pages when you’re flipping through them.

With a soft sigh I decide to pick it up and read it, since I don’t have anything better to do.

The bartender places another glass in front of me, I give a small nod in thanks and place a few more bucks on the table. With my freshly refilled drink in hand I begin to read, however I notice that the paper has been turned to a random page somewhere in the middle. Since the front pages always have some sort of eye-catcher, I might as well as flip it to the front and start from the beginning.

I raise the glass to my lips as I flip the paper over, however the amber liquid it never reaches my mouth.

My body stands frozen as I read the giant black words, the stirring of hope inside me starts burning more than the alcohol in my belly.

The Rhapsodist strikes again!

Innocent civilian found dead in Hanara City!

I look closely at the picture, showing a black and white photo of what I can assume is a bloody alleyway.

My damn luck...I couldn’t believe it, just when I thought the trail was gone...it actually followed me here.

Abandoning my paid drink I quickly jump off my chair and dash out of the place, the destination in mind is the police station. Because if any people who have any information on the crime scene...it would be those fellas.

Now here’s to hoping that they’ll actually share what they have with me...

...

[1 hour later]

“This is all you took?” I ask as the cop before me hands me a small stack of photos.

“Yup, everything.” He says. “The scene, the body, all of the nasty things.”

I expected some sort of resistance at first when I asked for information on the the killing, but apparently being a bounty hunter makes me a go-to person for looking at this sort of stuff. None of them had problems of letting me in and giving me everything they have, which makes things all the more easier to track this bastard down.

I look through the photos, making sure to note every detail from the blood to the marks on the body.

And speaking of which, the corpse...it didn’t look good at all. From what I can see their face got completely torn off, along with several massive gouges in numerous places with a missing leg to boot.

It is...incredibly messy, such a death must’ve been extremely painful. In fact...

The more I look at it, the more I can’t seem to put my finger on it.

The Rhapsodist...his kills are often very clean. They either have a bullet to the skull, a poisoned stab wound in the heart, or a removed head. Sure there would be other injuries due to struggles like on that Shala girl, but...this is just overkill.

No...The Rhapsodist wouldn’t brutalize their kill, it’s just not their style. This poor girl got pretty much torn apart like some sort of animal did this, and I’d hate to admit it...but the masked bastard has class. He’d never do something this messy, since I wouldn’t think this would make some ‘perfect poem’ or whatever the hell that sick fuck does.

So now that brings a new question to my mind.

Who killed her?

...

[PoV: Shiki]

[Location: Unknown Road, Far Off From Unova]

I glance at the paper in my grasp, its ink slightly worn from the unforgiving elements of nature.

A foul individual must’ve littered a day ago or so, defiling the beauty that is nature due to their sloth. They were unable to hold the patience to dispose of it properly, so they sluggishly released it from their grasp...to allow it to taint the world with its artificial ugliness.

I would’ve crumbled it up and stuck it in my jacket to throw it away later, but the text on the front causes my eyes to narrow in suspicion.

The Rhapsodist strikes again!

Innocent civilian found dead in Hanara City!

...What? I do not recall visiting such a place, nor killing anyone in the past few weeks.

The more I read of the article of reading a Pokemon dying through brutal means, the more infuriated I become.

No...I would not kill one through ‘brutal means’, there is no beauty in mauling one’s body. It is barbaric and animalistic, death must be beautiful in order for it to be perfect.

These damn fools, associating me with a classless murderer. Have they no shame? Have they no knowledge at all?

The paper crumples in my grasp as I stash it into my jacket, a low hiss escaping from my maw.

No...I cannot let this stand, I will NOT be mocked by their stupidity and be mistaken for a beast that kills with no cause.

But what also infuriates me...is this killer, who has taken a great art and sullied it with their savageness. I will find this other killer, and I will show them the beauty that is my work.

No...I will show all of this ‘Hanara City’ of my work, so that they will never mistake an animal’s kill with my work ever again.

[Shiki is no longer available for asks!]

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

The Shroud is Lifted

[PoV: Third Person - Shiki]

Location: Unknown Field, Near Civilization]

Step after silent step the Toxisharp slowly makes their way down the road, their eyes fixated on the orange horizon before them.

Their decision of entering civilization in the end was a rather ‘interesting’ experience, some individuals recognized them...while many more did not. In the end however there were no current consequences, since the few that did recognize them didn’t go to retrieve whatever law enforcement that drab town had.

Their eyes glance down to a small bag hanging at their side, filled with a great deal of various essentials such as food and water.

Heh, another boon for making such a decision. As ugly and noisy as the market was, it held many fruits and vegetables that would make things easier for the killer when traveling. Money wasn’t an issue for Shiki since they would ‘collect’ it from their victims, it just hadn’t been put into much use until recently. Thankfully this means that they won’t be scavenging for a while, since they would much rather not damage their suit again.

Still, that is the last time they will walk among eyes for a long while... It is a great risk to reveal one’s presence, especially when many of said eyes desire to hunt them down.

So they must walk back into the shroud of darkness, to hide where the eyes can’t see. But Shiki doesn’t mind, for they are used to it...

...And it’s also very...poetical...

...

Heh...

Their thoughts go back to the many individuals they’ve met, the interesting questions they’ve asked and many accusations they’ve confronted with. However most of these go down to one thing, ‘what is perfection to them and how will they find it?’

These are typical questions to Shiki that have answered a few times in the past for the curious and foolish individuals who dared approach them. However...a peculiar Gardevoir with a metal form worded their question in a different way, ‘what is your definition of perfect’. It’s still the same question, and yet...it also made Shiki think more.

Perfection, the one thing they seek. They do not know what it looks like, they do not know where to find it, and yet...they still search for it.

Shiki’s kills continue to grow and yet still yield no results of what they seek for, which makes them wonder...

Will they truly know what perfection is? Will they recognize it for what it is? Or will they treat it like all the others, to look at it with scorn and continue on with their search?

...

The Toxisharp stops, their eyes fixated on the horizon.

When Shiki answered those curious individuals, Shiki was so sure...so confident... That they will recognize for what it is, to be stood in awe of its beauty.

But...what if they were so focused on something they do not know...that they would actually end up overlooking it?

Would that mean...their quest will never succeed?

...

“Why ya standin’ there like that?” A drawl-like voice asks, snapping the Toxisharp out of their trance.

Their eyes narrow with anger as they recognize that stupid and barbaric voice anywhere, they quickly look over to see the same Blaziken from earlier. On their incoherent face is a look of curiosity.

Shiki wanted to lash out at the fool, to abandon their principles and wipe them off the world. But...

Their thoughts drift back to the subject in their mind, of whether if their quest is something that can’t be accomplished.

In the end...they didn’t lash out... Instead, they asked a question.

“What is perfection? How will you recognize it, to know what it is?”

The Blazken blinks in confusion since the stranger responded to their question with one of their own.

Shiki stood in silence as they watched the Blaziken simply stand their, the hybrid’s irritation growing with each passing second.

The fool...he can’t even respond to a question. He just stand there and scratch his chin in confusion, unable to formulate a simple thought.

But much to Shiki’s pleasant surprise, they respond soon after.

“Well...” He says slowly. “Perfection...is kinda somethin’ that no folks agree on. Perfection could mean somethin’ ta’ one, but not ta’ another. It’s weird like that.”

Shiki’s eyes narrow at the typical response, since it didn’t really answer his question

“But,” The Blaziken continues, surprising the Toxisharp again. “Perfection is somethin’ that stands out ta’ someone, ta’ make ‘em remember it for a long time.” He smiles slightly. “Like if ya have a perfect day, ya will remember it better than others." He pauses for a second. “But it could also makes ya happy, like a perfect harvest will make ya happy ‘cus you will get more food out of it.” The Blaziken shrugs. “It kinda depends in the end, since it’s not the same for everyone. It’s a weird word, since it’s somethin’ that doesn’t really exist. Just somethin’ folks consider better than others.”

...

That response again, ‘perfection doesn’t exist.’ Normally Shiki would throw the whole thing out the window and say that it’s blasphemy, but now...they’re not so sure.

From the way the Blaziken said it, it’s highly unlikely that someone else told him this. This is something that he thought of alone, his own thoughts on the subject.

And if this blundering oaf thinks this, then...perhaps it could be right?

...

No...

...

No...

...

Shiki could feel themself slipping, the world closing in around them. The thought of all of their work, all of their killings...were for nothing.

“There...is no such thing?” They whisper quietly, their voice growing fainter with each word. “Then...all my work is...nothing? My search was in...vain?”

So passionate they were, the mere thought of finding perfection...it fueled their spirit and gave their life purpose. But...if perfection doesn’t exist, then they were chasing but an empty promise.

Shiki didn’t know what emotion they were feeling now, but...it is overpowering. It’s not anger, for it did not burn. No, it was a vacuum...a pit that’s swallowing him whole.

Anguish, that’s what Shiki is feeling... The sorrow of realization, the state of a being who’s world is shattered.

The Blaziken looks at the hybrid with pity, even though they don’t know why the Toxisharp looks so beaten down...their words at least described a little bit of why they feel like this.

He may be a bit of a slow thinker, sometimes even forget things that were immediately said. But he’s good at reading people, and he can read what Shiki is thinking very well.

The Blaziken slowly walks over and places a claw on his shoulder, smiling softly. “Well, I wouldn’t say ya search wasn’t bad.” He says. “Perfection for all folks don’t exist really, since everyone thinks different.” The Pokemon taps their head with a claw. “But...in our head it’s real, kinda... Ya can’t find perfection for all folks, but ya can find it for ya’self.”

Normally Shiki would’ve hissed at the touch of the Pokemon, but instead they look at him with a confused yet hopeful gaze. “Find it for yourself? What do you mean by those words? Please, you must explain.”

Seeing that the Toxisharp isn’t feeling sad anymore, the Blaziken’s smile grows. “Yeah, the thing is...only ya can find somethin’ that’s perfect ta’ ya. If ya think it’s tha’ most prettiest, coolest, or...” He pauses for a moment as he tries to find the right word, which Shiki waits with rapt attention. Eventually the Blaziken snaps his fingers, his grin widening. “Flawless, if it’s better than everythin’ ya have ever seen...then I’d call it perfect. So ya search for this perfect thing ain’t over, ya just need ta’ find what’s perfect ta’ ya and ya alone.”

Shiki stands silently, absorbing this newfound information.

Something...that is perfect to me and me alone...?

Perfection in the world does not exist, but it does our minds...?

They’ve been doing it all wrong, their quest misguided and misinformed...

They wanted to find perfection to show the world of its majesty, but...if what Shiki finds thinks is perfection...the world would disagree?

No... They must search for their own perfection, their own masterpiece. If they think that the piece is satisfying, beautiful, and special...then it is perfect.

Their quest is not over...

Shiki smiles behind their mask, feeling awoken. To them, it’s as if a veil had been lifted from their eyes so that they can see their true purpose.

No longer did Shiki think the Blaziken is an uncouth brute, no...he is a prophet. He brought them out of the pit of despair and into the light of hope, of destiny, of purpose...

“Thank you, my good friend.” Shiki breathes out, bowing their head at the Blaziken. “Your words have saved me from my own pit of despair.”

The Pokemon shrugs and chuckles in response. “Shucks, just helpin’ someone out is all.”

With newfound respect in their eyes the Toxisharp stands tall, feeling even mightier than ever with their newfound view. “I must go, my friend.” Shiki grins. “For I must find my own piece, my own perfection.” With one more bow the Toxisharp turns and quickly makes their way out, leaving the Blaziken in the middle of the road.

He watches them disappear in the horizon, a smile still fresh on his face. But once he vanishes, they shake their head and begin walking in the opposite direction. “Gotta say, that’s one weird actor.”

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

Lightning@Shiki: "Oi oi oi, so this is what the world's villains are now? Pah! It just keeps getting better every time!" The hybrid laughed, wiping away a single tear. "So, Shiki, right? I gotta say, I'm pretty impressed with your reputation on the, let's just say, streets. But what's this I hear about you trying to find the 'perfect piece'? From my own experience, I've found that perfection is merely subjective to the mon. So that leaves the question: What's your definition of perfection?"

At this point Shiki is beginning to question their choice on walking among other eyes, for apparently there’s actually quite a good deal of individuals who possess knowledge of their identity.

However this girl…is someone of her own category, from her rather ghastly appearance to her uncaring attitude towards them.

And her question is something they’ve already heard today, specifically involving their search for perfection. However unlike a rather despicable white rabbit, she seems to be more curious on what their concept of perfection. No judgement, no scorn, mere curiosity.

For that, Shiki will answer her with no anger of their own.

Underneath their mask they carefully look over the hybrid’s unusual appearance. “You’re the first to ask.” They utter quietly. “Many inquire of my search, but never my view.” Their eyes glint with a certain appreciation. “For your own question, I will explain what it means. What is…perfection.”

They slowly reach into their coat and pull out a small black book. “Perfection, it is…something that stands above us. It is true beauty.” Shiki brings the book to their chest. “To me, it’s something that will strike a chord in my heart like no other.”

“I will be in awe.” They breath. “It would bless this world with its very own presence.”

Shiki closes their eyes, as if trying to imagine that moment they speak of. When the moments crawl by they eventually open them, with a soft sigh they slide the book back in its holder underneath their jacket. “But I do not know…when that moment will occur.” They clench one of their hands into a fist, a passionate flame dancing within their eyes. “But…I will not stop.”

No… In order to find this transcending beauty that is perfection, they will continue to kill. All will fall to their blade, to their venom, to their gun…in the name of their noble quest. Each body will drop until they find it.

Another comment from the odd Gardevoir comes to mind, causing them to tilt their head slightly as their passionate fire cools into twinkling amusement. “It’s rather funny, to hear that I’m a villain.” They chuckle. “I don’t think I’m one.” They shrug their shoulders, their gaze turning to the setting sun. “Then again the world…is filled with many stories. Each with their own roles.”

“I am no villain, or at least in my own tale.” Their lips part into a bittersweet smile. “Yet…no one quite is.”

“Each deed is noble in their very own two eyes, that they do no wrong.” The hybrid’s eyes narrow. “Yet the world sees true, that the acts they commit are…truly the most foul.” A soft grunt of amusement escapes them. “They see them as a…villain, nothing more or less...to be taken down.”

Shiki falls silent, closing their eyes again.

Silently they stand, nothing but the sounds of their surroundings accompany them. Just before the Gardevoir could feel any sort of possibility of being irritated by Shiki’s stillness, they speak.

“Do not get me wrong.” They utter. “I’m not blind to what I do, I know of my sins.”

However their voice contains no sign of remorse, no guilt... When Shiki opens their eyes, they contain the lust of a predator. “But I’ll continue.” They growl. “These sins are what make it the most beautiful.”

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

To Tread Among Eyes

[PoV: Shiki]

[Location: Unknown Field, Near Civilization]

The wind blows against me, its gentle breeze caressing my form before continuing outward to the rest of the world. My eyes admire the emerald blades of tall grass that surround me, the field looking like a never-ending sea of green.

Nature, such a beautiful thing to exist. I admire it greatly for its purity, how it can effortlessly please the eye by simply existing.

Alas, it is not the beauty I seek. As much as I enjoy nature, the beauty in death is what my quest revolves around.

But that does not mean I can’t enjoy the other beauties, only a lowly fool would think such a foul thing. All beauty is to be treasured and admired, is it not?

Before me the shining grass parts way to well-traveled dirt road, the brown cutting through the field of green like an ugly wound. It defiles the natural beauty, I glare at the offensive path with disdain.

Sadly that is another trait of beauty, how easily it can be ruined. A beautiful flower can be tread upon, forever fouling its wondrous visage to the world. Such is the curse of a wondrous thing...

The sound of steps stir me from my thoughts, I quickly swivel my head to look at the offender that disturbed the silence. Walking down the road is a Blaziken, a traveler seeing his rather dull attire.

I contemplate fleeing, for I do not wish the eyes of the public to witness my presence. Leaving any sort of trace is hazardous for my work, for it causes those coarse fools to chase after me and make things incredibly difficult.

However it appears it’s too late now  for the Blaziken spotted me. However curious despite him stopping, not a trace of recognition is in his eyes. It’s obvious to me that he doesn’t know who I am, seeing that he’s more curious than terrified.

“Ya’ lost?” He asks, me, tilting his head slightly in confusion.

The question catches me off guard, it’s not often that one would approach me and inquire if I have lost my way. However a question is a question, it would not hurt to quell his curiosity.

“Not lost, traveler.” I reply coolly. “Resting, admiring nature...and its own beauty.”

He blinks once as he looks even more perplexed by my answer. After looking at me in silence for several long moments he eventually speaks again. “Ya talk funny.” He drawls. “Ya an actor or somethin’?”

Actor?! My eyes narrow in irritation after he asked the offending question, however I force myself not to reveal any more of my annoyance to prevent myself from causing any suspicion.

However...even though I am a poet, an actor is a decent alibi to adopt. Keeping knowledge of my work a secret is at my upmost importance, so I shall be an ‘actor’ for now. Even if it leaves a foul taste on my tongue.

“You’re correct, stranger.” I chuckle before bowing. “Indeed, an actor I am. Poetry I spread.”

He blinks again at my response, the confusion on his face making him look like the uncultured naive he is. Just looking at his expression makes me wish to rid him of my sight. “And that thing?” He points at my blade, not aware of the thoughts that swim in my mind.

“It is a mere prop, a part of my wondrous act.” I say, flourishing the blade. “It is nothing more.”

"Some prop.” He whistles, a grin forming on his slow-witted complexion. “So ya’re an actor?"

My eyes twitch as my irritation intensifies greatly, for I have already answered this wretched question.

At this point I am greatly reconsidering my beliefs on not causing ‘wasteful death’.

...

Too much time did it take to answer his dull-witted questions to finally quench his curiosity, despite my elegant answers...his inability to realize I have answered them causes the unintelligent fool to ask them again and again.

Thankfully I at least benefited from the conversation, for otherwise I most likely would’ve extinguished his life where he stood and made pitiful poetry out of the experience.

I have learned that knowledge of myself is next to nonexistent in this land, meaning that I can walk in the eye of the public without worry of recognition. It makes my work greatly easier, for it is better to spot potential amongst the populace than in hiding.

So it would not hurt to interact with others if they were to approach me, I can merely use the persona of being actor to fool them.

With a smile I make my way down the dirt roads, my talons leaving deep marks in the ugly earth. The sun above me is beginning to set, but I have no need to worry...for I’ve been told by the barbarian that there is a ‘rather charmin’ town nearby’.

I let a growl at the thought, unhappy that the disgusting sentence made its way into my mind. I do not need such ugliness there, for it could possibly blind my quest to seek the perfection I desire for.

However one question surfaces itself that draws me away from the foulness that tainted my mind, a question far more important than choosing if killing the Blaziken is more important than upholding my standards or not.

What if one were to recognize me? Despite the lack of knowledge here?

In rural areas, word rarely travels fast. So if my presence were to be recognized and the town alerted, I do not need to worry about other towns catching word until much later.

Nevertheless, if a single individual were to recognize me...

My lips part into a small smile.

...A few select ‘words’ should keep them silent, for there is no easier way to install fear than the threat of death from a skilled killer.

[Shiki is temporarily available for asks/interactions!]

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

The Tracker / The Poet

[PoV: Dycae]

[Location: Unknown City]

I let out a quiet growl as once again my search gives me nothing of use, with each passing day the serial killer is just gonna get farther away...and more innocent folks will die.

A sharp growl escapes my throat as I slam my gloved fist against a brick wall, the sudden pain from the action not bothering me a bit.

At this rate I might as well as give up, this ‘Rhapsodist’ is just gonna escape at this point. I barely have anything to track him by, since apparently he likes to keep his appearances to the public to a minimum.

Slowly I feel my anger dies down as the fire makes way for rational thought. I take a deep breath through my nostrils, rubbing my eyes.

No...

I shouldn’t give up yet.

Shadowjack ain’t no quitter, this is a completely insane serial killer we’re talking about. Letting this guy go means that I’m giving him the go ahead to kill even more people, which I will NOT stand by for.

The law is having difficulty keeping track of him and don’t have the resources to track him down, so that’s why Shadowjack took up the job.

...And he killed a kid, without hesitating.

A new fire begins to burn in me as my teeth clench together, this flame is greater...hotter...

I was the one that had to tell the kid’s folks that I couldn’t save him in time, that the killer sliced off their child’s head for some sick poem. I had to tell them that he died scared...alone...

No... There is no way in HELL that I’m letting this guy go. He’s going to die, and I will be there to do it.

With newfound purpose I make my way down the city streets, my expression one of fierce determination. Folks around me step out of my path upon looking at my face, their wary looks showing that they know better than to stop me.

I will broaden my search, ask anyone if they know anything. If I don’t find anything, I’ll search somewhere else.

This monster can run, but he can’t hide from Shadowjack

I will find him.

And he will die.

[PoV: Shiki]

[Location: Random Forest]

I look at the mask in my hand, my fingers feeling the smoothness of its white surface. It contains only two features, two slits for the eyes...and a small smile-like slit for my mouth.

This is the face that others imagine when they think of ‘The Rhapsodist’, and yet...they do not know my true name.

Shiki... Never have I revealed my name to them, so they came up with a name to identify me.

So I let them call me that, ‘The Rhapsodist’. My true name, it is something that I do not throw around. I shall only reveal my name when I’ve succeeded, when I've found perfection.

I slowly slide the mask onto my face, faint clicks are heard to tell me that it is secured on my helmet...and I have worry of it moving.

My hand moves away from my face, reaching over for the little book in its case, concealed by my coat. I pull the black book out, carefully opening it to allow me to read the words.

Poems written in black ink cover each page, reminding me of my various pieces...

All of my failures...

My eyes narrow as I snap the book shut and quickly stow it away, a low grumble escaping from my maw.

I hear a snap of a twig near me, causing my head to dart to the direction where it came from.

This forest...it is where I’m resting in, away from civilization. It is good for me to not draw attention, but...things tend to wander where they don’t belong.

I watch carefully with narrowed eyes, slowly bringing my bladed arm up to bear. However as time passes...I soon realize that whoever created the sound is gone.

Wise... Very wise...

With another grumble I lower my bladed arm and sit down on the mossy ground, uncaring if a little bit of filth gets on my slacks. I know how to clean my clothes, so such things such as specks of dirt mean nothing to me.

My thoughts quickly turn to the beautifully dressed Gardevoir I spoke with weeks ago, specifically one thing that she said to me.

‘I’ve already convinced a powerful former bounty-hunter Gardevoir and an aquatic rogue-like Scrafty into siding with me.’

‘An aquatic rogue-like Scrafty.’

I didn’t react when she mentioned it, but I recognized the description.

It could only be that fool who tried to stop me, only to fail miserably. He’s lucky that I dislike unneeded death, for otherwise I would’ve ended him while he was weak.

But I digress, he could possibly have a use in the future for my work. Everything does, so I do not kill them when I don’t need to...

Still, it is...interesting that she managed to convince him to side with her. I do not like it, for her poem is to be fulfilled alone...

...Or at least that’s what I believe, but poetry is a fickle thing. Maybe he will play a part in hers, just as maybe he might play a part in mine.

He seems like the type to never drop something, seeing the sheer anger in his face when he acknowledged the child’s corpse.

Oh no, he will most certainly try to hunt me down.

Heh.

He can try, but I am not someone to be hunted. That Mienshao learned that...the hard way.

...

It’s a shame that her poetry was weak.

I let out a quiet chuckle, my eyes looking at my reflection from my metal blade.

He will come, and he will fail.

And he will fail over, and over, and over, and over...again.

I am Shiki, The Rhapsodist.

I will not be stopped until I find perfection.

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

Emma@Shiki: The Greninja cautiously approaches this poetic "actor," hiding her suspicions verbally, yet somewhat exposing them with her facial expression. "That's quite a blade you have there." She complimented for starts. "I couldn't help but overhear you. You speak in lines of poetry? That indeed sounds like an abstract quality to have. However, I must ask, why would one need such a quality, assuming they had a choice in speaking the way they do?" She asked, curious about the benefits of it.

Their eyes flick to the Greninja, the head of the hybrid slowly turning to look at her with piercing eyes. They seem to study her, judging her for what she could be. The look didn’t last more than a few seconds however and the hybrid lets out a quiet chuckle, bowing low towards her.

“A good question, girl.” They nod, slowly straightening themselves. “Why speak in the way I do? Why choose poetry?” The corners of Shiki’s turn upwards, however the mask hides this. “To speak in this way is to revel in beauty. And spread it to all.” They raise their blade, letting the sunlight bounce off its reflective surface in many brilliant beams. They hold this pose for a few moments before letting out another chuckle. “And it’s good practice, after all I’m an actor. Good to prepare, yes?”

Of course that’s not the truth, or at least…not the whole one. Shiki has many reasons on why they speak in only Haiku, but why would they tell a random girl this?

“Now let us part ways.” They say, waving her off. “I have things to do, stranger. So think over my words.” With that the hybrid turns and walks away, not waiting for a response.

[banishedblossomdancer]

“My safety is my priority... to ensure I’m in good condition to fight at the shortest notices, as well as mind my surroundings and remain nourished...

... but beyond that... my best, albeit most difficult, course of action now would be to dissuade as many people from collecting my bounty, by telling them the truth... perhaps even forge alliances. I’ve already convinced a powerful former-bounty-hunter Gardevoir and an aquatic rogue-like Scrafty into siding with me, so... hope yet lies, so long as there are those who favor truth over gold...

... eventually, I will want to return to Hakumei, but with a force at my side... I realize that will be a staggering near-impossibility, but I cannot just leave my home, not the way it is now... and by myself, I... I can only do so much.” The Gardevoir looks down with tightened, balled-up fists, an indignant fire in her ruby red eyes as she grits her teeth.

“ ... I won’t let Yuuto... nor any other parts of Hakumei succumb to those hellions... I will at least see to it that my home will be rid of them, if nothing else... I won’t abandon Yuuto in my wake, not after how close I was to changing matters after such a gamble of a move...” Momoko then slowly raises her head towards Shiki.

Her softened glare was not one of intimidation or anger towards the classy-looking hybrid, but one out of self-conjured righteousness. Bravery. And rashness... but still supported by the strength of her words and in her eyes.

And above all... Passion.

“I will not let the home -- nor the people -- I love, fall.”

---

[ @the-awoken-crusader ]

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

Joachim @ Shiki: The Mr. Mime gave the odd Bisharp a quizzical look. "Huh. You're an interesting looking Bisharp. Your mannerisms are a little weird though, I gotta admit. Like, the way you speak and act. Why's that? Are you just amusing yourself here, or did someone teach you to act this way? What's your inspiration here?"

Again this question.

The Bisharp looks at the rather odd clown with narrowed eyes, training the thought of simply walking past them and ignoring their question.

How easy it would be…but at the same time, this is but a harmless question. They’ve answered the Greninja girl, so what harm is there in this hybrid? They are not necessarily low on time, so if they desire to learn…then Shiki will humor them.

“You are not the first.” They reply with a chuckle. “To ask of my very speech, to speak in this way.” They extend their right arm outwards, allowing their cloak to wave in the breeze. “I shall answer you, inquirer of my knowledge. Learn from what I say.”

They take a few steps back, raising their bladed arm high into the air. “This speech is Haiku, a form of great poetry. But it does not rhyme.” They shake their head. “The syllables are: Five…seven…five, that’s its rule. This makes it special.”

They lower their blade slowly. “Haiku is my joy, I loved it when I was young. No other matched.” Shiki’s smile widens, although their mask blocks their lips…the Mime can see the smile in Shiki’s eyes. “Its beauty to me, I speak it for I want to become this beauty.” Another chuckle radiates from them, however this time…it sounds off.

“That is not enough, for perfection I must find. There is more in it.” An almost predatory look glints in their eyes, the metallic finger on their right hand twitches. “Haiku’s beautiful, but I seek for a greater…form in its beauty.” They raise their blade again, however this time…its edge looks more menacing. “I will never stop, I must find this perfection. I will kill for it.”

Shiki pauses, now fully realizing what exactly they’re saying. Their almost psychotic look vanishes as they rub the back of their head in a sheepish. “I apologize, I’ve gotten carried away. It happens sometimes.” Unsure of what the Mime is feeling they open their hands to them in a reassuring manner. “That is my answer, nothing more…and nothing less. That’s all I will say.”

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

Sino@Shiki: Disguised to avoid the notice of the public crowd as well, he seemed to slink in from behind the toxisharp, finding interest in their peculiar appearance. He could sense something sinister about them, but knew not to speak of such things aloud. Instead, he decided to be discreet. "You look like you're involved in some interesting business. I must ask, what brought you to pursue such a career? Were you perhaps inspired somewhere?" His last sentence was a whisper, sounding intrigued.

With the speed of a striking viper the hybrid’s head turns to face the ghost, their eyes radiating hostility. However due to being in a public place the hybrid quickly wipes the look away, instead folding their arms behind their back while mindfully watching the weapon they wield.

They study the Dusknoir carefully, weighing their options. They can’t attempt to fool the ghost that they’re nothing but an actor due to their…reaction, so it leaves them with the options to either ignore them or answer.

However the more they look, the more they sense something…unusual about the Dusknoir. In the end the hybrid makes a decision.

“My work is much more than business, it is greater…Far greater than that.” They whisper in kind, their eyes narrowing. “It’s my destiny, to find the perfect beauty. It is more than work.” They bring their bladed arm from behind their back and raise it, allowing the ghost’s form to reflect off it. “Death…is beautiful, it’s unlike any other form of poetry.” They slowly lower their blade. “The most perfect death, that is what my quest is. That...is what I seek.”

In one swift movement the hybrid turns their back to the ghost. “My inspiration? For another time, spirit. I have said enough.” Not speaking another word they walk away, their desire to leave this town increasing.

[the-awoken-crusader-blog]

[Shiki - The Rhapsodist's page is unlocked!

However they’re currently unavailable for interactions]

(Hey everyone, CrusaderMod here! I’d like to say that Shiki’s now an official member of the blog (and more specifically, the first villain)! As of currently they’re unavailable for asks/interactions, but that will come in all due time~

If you wish to learn more about Shiki, go check out the Character Navigation page! You’ll fine his banner at the very bottom that’ll lead you to his page ^^

And lest I forget, I’d like to thank @shadowscarknight for the brilliant reference (and also the banner)!)