Gardeners

[BladeRunner]

The day was cool and sunny... 

Gone was the wretched madness of winter and the cold it brought, and in with the warm cool Springtime of April. The town bustled with the usual afternoon business between people running errands or simply going about their day. It was just simply another ordinary day, well, at least for the townsfolk. It was especially an ordinary day for a seemingly average young man making his way down Main Street where said business was. 

Jet black was the man's hair, unkempt slightly but obviously taken care of, his eyes were as red as fire. He was wearing a white T-shirt that almost hugged his physically fit form and wore khaki shorts, along with this were a pair of black and orange Asics sneakers. To finish the attire, the man was wearing a black metal bracelet that looked like miniature chains interlocked with one another, and two necklaces; one that was a small bark scorpion in a round amber gem, and the other was a black oval gemstone with the form of an orange gecko imbedded into it. Along with appearance, the man also had tattoos along his arms and legs, odd black flame pattern markings that danced across his skin but not grotesque. 

This man was of course one Toshiro of the Tatsuba family. In the last year he had moved to this town for a quieter life with his younger brother Teru, whilst Takamo, the eldest, was busy with his businesses around the country and- Hell; even over seas. With Teru in school at the moment and the three boy's best friend Kyouka, who had been with the trio for years, in school at the moment too it left Toshiro on his lonesome. Perfect getting back into one of his few hobbies: Gardening. While not on a major scale he was pretty good with growing herbs like lavender and basil, and vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. He also had a favorite plant known as a coleus, a colorful decorative plant that he always looked forward to growing. 

And afterwards? Toshiro has planned on making dinner again instead of takeout. Homemade lasagna? Sounds like a good deal! He tried to change things up a little, a couple days ago it was frying up some chicken strips with steamed carrots and mashed potatoes, his it was lasagna and... What about salad? Salad sounded good too. 

Walking down the sidewalk did the young man see a nearby shop sign hanging above a door. The sign read, "Greta's Greenhouse," Which was where he was going... 

//Sorry if the starter is a tad short. I got sidetracked doing plumbing stuff and errands. Benadryl is finally setting in so brain function is minimal//

[ElieCapulet30]

Inside the greenhouse a young girl around 17 to 18 was finishing gathering her belongings as she smiled at the shop owner. "Thank you again for all the herbs and flowers. These will help alot with medicines and the tea baths. How much do I owe you." She asked.

The girl was thin but a health weight, so she must take care of herself and have good health. She wore a cute pink off the shoulder shirt with long sleeve. A cute mid-level skirt that was black and a pair of black flats. Along with her dress she wore a beautiful lotus necklace that she won at a sweepstakes for her favorite singer. She had one tiny earbud resting in her left hear, as it play music off her phone that was hidden in the pocket of her side bag that rested on her left hip and hung over her right shoulder. Her hair a beautiful mix of brown and light brown which was in beautiful braid that was then circled into a bun today. Her hazel eyes full of life and understanding.

((I love this starter and I do hope my replies are to your liking.))

Edited April 10 by ElieCapulet30

[BladeRunner]

"Hey, it's no problem, just glad to see the younger generation getting into gardening," The clerk said as he set up a large brown paper bag with the remaining herbs available, carefully placed so they wouldn't crush in on each other. He continues, "Don't worry about pay this time, some of these were gonna get donated to the elementary school for their local garden so it's on the house regardless!" 

Just as the shop owner was about to close off the conversation, Toshiro walked in. The man grunted and went to the back of the store just as the young man walked up to the counter. He was a bit curious, just enough to peek inside the paper bag but shrugged as he realized it wasn't his order. Toshiro looked upward to see the store clerk walking back to the counter would two brown paper bags, each one looking heavy from the strain on the man's arms. 

The older gentleman hefted the bags up onto the counter, saying, "Was hoping to see you again, Kid. Sorry I didn't get these ordered sooner, winter was a pain in the rear when it came to the blizzards. Hell I almost lost a shipment being exported to Mexico! I'm hopeful this is what you needed?" 

After a careful inspection of the contents inside the bags, Toshiro nodded, "Yeah, this'll get it. Thanks, Tom, I actually needed this to get my operation started." 

It was obvious that between the intense looking Toshiro and the laid back Tom that they knew each well. The energy between the pair was a friendly one albeit on the business end of things, personally however it seemed they were getting to know each other. That was one thing Toshiro had to learn with the whole, "Knight," Business was harnessing his powers starting off with reading, feeling, and seeing other's natural and supernatural energies. It was also how he could sniff out monsters and thereof. But today was more a day off, buying seed and celled baby plants but also making practice of his abilities without being noticed.

However one thing that caught his eye was the other individual in the room. Her energy seemed... Odd, and not in a bad way. He recognized when others had the gift just like himself and that there were, and usually he left them alone not out of spite or shyness, but rather because he was just minding his own business . 

[ElieCapulet30]

About to reached for her bag she sees a man come in and walk up to corner going for her bag. She stayed quite for the time being before she noticed he dismissed the bag now seeing it wasn't his order. Kari grabbed the bag as held it close. She backed up a bit feeling a aura coming off him. One she knew all well. One that was like her own but male. "Ah Thank you Tom again and thank you for helping the children at the elementary school. You have such a sweet kind heart and soul. Let me know if you need anything." She said turning to leave.

Kari being a magical girl herself. She knew magical power when she felt it. That man must have been a Knight. She may have never seen battle yet or even seen a demon or monster. She counted herself lucky for that. She took a deep breathe opening the door to the store before disappearing behind it to walk home.

Tom chuckled as he waved goodbye to Kari before speaking up. "Maybe that cream that makes my pain disappear. You are truly a goddess." He smiled seeing Kari blush and nod her head before she left. "So what kind of operation are doing now Toshiro?" He said turning his attention back to male.

Edited April 12 by ElieCapulet30

[BladeRunner]

Toshiro watched as the girl left, now curious as to who she was. Her energy was a welcoming one albeit shy and... There was something else. No, another energy... Several of them. He waited to see what would happen until he heard someone clearing their throat. Oh yeah, Tom, how could he forget? The young man turned back to the store owner now that he was snapped from his focus. 

"Uh-huh, I see you eyeing that girl," Tom smirked, "Annnyway! Like I was asking, what kind of operation you building?" 

"Sorry, she just looked familiar. I'm growing peppers, tomatoes, and herbs with a few other vegetables." Toshiro lied at that first sentence. However his second response was true, as he wanted to get into a hobby that was healthy and not extremely stressful. Toshiro grabbed both bags having paid for them in advance, "Anyway I should get going. I still have another errand to run." 

After saying his goodbyes to the middle aged man, Toshiro made his way outside and looked about. The girl was gone or he didn't see her... Oh well, the other energies were what he was after. Otherworldly, bizarre, and having a malignant feel, he'd hoped these were monsters. Walking once more down the street, Toshiro felt the slightest smirk creep on his lips, he had some pent up aggression to work off after the day so why not bully some monsters seeking trouble?

 

[ElieCapulet30]

Kari was walking home as she felt something was off in the air. She couldn't put her figure on it but it smelt like mold She quickly turned the corner as her eyes widen. She saw two eerie looking monsters about to attack a few human children. Kari was frozen in fear but once she heard the screams of children she felt a warmth in her chest as she transformed.

Her hair transformed in a beautiful up style with green and white flowers and a Japanese hairpin/chopstick. Her cute fluffy green and white kimono appeared as she looked at herself. "So....this is how is feels to transform." She whispered under her breathe before she raced forward summoning thorns to create a wall to block the monsters from attacking the children. She stood in front of children as she was shivering and shaking a bit since this was her first encounter with monsters. "Run, get to safety I can handle this." Kari said looking back at the children seeing the monsters slowly breaking through her thorn wall. 

[BladeRunner]

If only that one chick shown me how to transform. 

Toshiro rushed forward avoiding people of not pushing some aside. There were definitely two dark energies and some smaller ones too, small Human ones... Fucking kids. With no time to waste Toshiro powered himself up, careful not to go too fast as he didn't want to turn someone into road kill but just fast enough to get there in time. Hopefully in time. He stopped around a corner, setting the brown paper bags behind a dumpster before taking off once more to see another individual down the path. 

Seeing someone transform was... Intense, the same kind of intensity one felt seeing a tsunami firsthand. Once the girl, Kari, had built a wall of thorns between the kids and the monsters, he walked up without hesitation. The kids immediately looked to the intense looking man who nonchalantly strolled up to the wall of thorns, and upon one of the creatures breaking its head through the wall Toshiro grasped it's jaw hard. The kids watched in amazement as to how someone could just grab one of those scary monsters just like that, what they weren't expecting was a plume of fire exploding from the man's hand sending it backwards screaming along with its compatriot. 

Toshiro looked back to the kids and said in a low tone, "Leave... Now." 

Without hesitation, the group of kids left as of knowing what was to come. As the monsters were quickly recovering, Toshiro looked to Kari, "Huh... So that's what a transformation looks like. Neat." 

[ElieCapulet30]

As Kari was about to summon another one of her plants she saw a man, no wait it was man from the shop. "What are you doing here? It....it isn't safe." Before she could finish her sentence she saw him grip the monster jaw and noticed wait was that fire coming from his palm. She watched him send the monsters back and tell the children to run. 

Once they were out of harms way Kari looked at the man confused. "This is my first time transforming and fighting against these kinds of things but if you tell anyone so help me god I know ways to make it look like accident." She said as she summoned her new plant, a more deadly version of the venus fly called the Ojigi. She looked up at monster of plant and smiled. "He's a friend don't harm him. Those are your pray." She said pointing to monsters. The Ojigi seemed to understand her as it went for monsters his mouth open going in for a strike 

((The Ojigi plant is from Yu Yu Hakusho. Youko Kurama summons it in his fight against Karaus in the Dark Tournament finals. Photo of the plant down below.))

 

Edited April 17 by ElieCapulet30

[BladeRunner]

//That's one anime I'd need to watch, I need to get back into watching shows again. Sorry for the long wait btw//

Toshiro shrugged as the lady told him about her transformation. Not his problem. Just as he was about to step forward he heard an amassing of vines and leaves only to turn around and see large carnivorous plants of sorts. He arched a brow as one of the odd creatures zipped by his form, attacking the first monster it was likely gunning for. 

Now the young man has seen a variety of things ever since he's gotten into the magical world. But commanding large flesh eating plants? That one was new. He watched as the large plant attacked one of the monsters while it was still recovering, he flickered a flame into his left hand readying for an attack himself. 

[ElieCapulet30]

((It's alright Yu Yu Hakusho is my favorite anime and Hiei is my favorite. I just thought bringing in some of my knowledge of plants from the anime would help. Also it's alright sweetie.))

Kari could feel her control slipping. She had never used this much magic before and this plant was one that drained her magic quickly. This was her first battle against a monster. She could see the man didn't care much for small talk as she pushed more magical energy forward as the Ojigi plant ate the monster. It ripped it to pieces leaving nothing behind as the other Ojigi behind her saw her magic draining quickly. It wrapped around her supporting her. Kari smiled softly looking back at the massive plant as the leafs of plant nuzzled against her cheek."Thank you." She said softly trying to keep herself stable.

The other monster's eyes widen seeing its friend being ripped to pieces as it began to rage racing towards Kari and Toshiro summoning a huge two-sided axe roaring.

[BladeRunner]

Ignoring the monster who was being ripped apart, Toshiro's focus quickly turned to its rushing partner that summoned a battle-axe. Yeah... No. Despite not having a transformation quite yet and no personal armaments to fight with, Toshiro has grown accustomed utilizing his body. Of course, learning how to fight since you were little has its benefits, especially when you can channel your power for faster, stronger blows. And of course having a monster with a predictable attack plan made things all the more easier. 

Toshiro would utilize his enhanced speed, closing the gap between him and the enemy in just a mere second, he slammed an elbow into the monsters windpipe in his chest region. The monster felt itself lose all breath and spat out whatever was in its mouth, he was launched backwards into a brick. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't dealing with two meager sorcerers- Sure the monster has had his fair share of knights even female sorcerers. What he wasn't used to was the intensity that this man brought in his blows. 

Most knights and thereof would be cautious, the girl was a surprise with her little plant summon but he was more focused on the man. Most of the monster's kin could smell presence rather than just sending it much like that of a hound's somewhat. The girl seemed pure and obviously was being drained of magic, she was protected and if she was alone? The monster could easily take her. But the man? Something was foul about him, like a lingering beast circling its prey, warning signs were going off in the monster's head. 

The monster got back up and was quick to recover, immediately hefting his battle-axe, instead his hands shifted along the shaft as if changing tactics. Toshiro was merely walking toward the monster, and the flame that he flickered earlier was brighter than before. However the fire that engulfed the man's hand changed from its usual red and orange to a darker crimson, and before the monster could react, Toshiro had rushed in using his enhanced speed to once again close the gap. Perfect! 

The monster grinned viciously, despite the speed of the stranger, he was going for a fast and simple blow. The monster side stepped and pivoted forward, swinging the axe swiftly at his enemy's midsection... And score! The sharpened blade was initially missed the hacking portion of the attack but luckily had sliced across the Human's chest sending small dribbles of blood against the wall. What he didn't know until he felt it was the hand covered in fire was deep in his gut, the monster could feel the fire in his stomach and the world suddenly felt... Hot. 

The Human seemed less concerned about the wound he suffered, and in an instant, the monster felt his form catch on fire. And in seconds, the roaring scream that was the beast turned to blackened ash, the ash body of the once living beast quickly scurrying to the wind. Well... That was easy... How unfortunate, were Toshiro's thoughts as he patter himself down of any dirt. He then starts to inspect his wound, shrugging at it and just seeing how deep it was. 

[ElieCapulet30]

 

Kari watched as his man used inhuman speeds to close the distance between him and monster. She thought to herself . 'So this is how powerful a Knight truly is.' Her Ojigi plants curled around her as she rested a bit , as they protected her from any incoming threat as she tried to regain some magical power. She watched the man summon his fire as her eyes widen seeing him take a hit.  "NO" She gasped seeing the blood coming from his chest.

Her Ojigi's knew their master was worried about the man seeing the blood but just then Kari was shocked watching the monster burn in crimson flames and turn to black ash. Once the monster was destroyed her plants disappeared as Kari stumbled a bit before running over to man. "Pl....please let me tend to your wound. You ....you were hurt because of me." She was out breathe a bit looking up the man with her beautiful hazel green eyes staring at him. 

Edited 2 hours ago by ElieCapulet30