BladeRunner

Apologies for the wait and my lack of activity on here, been busy with work and whatnot. If anyone is interested, while I do have Toshiro already in a topic, I have my monster character available as well as Takamo.

"You'd be surprised, the company takes in petite women too," Toshiro finally sips the small cup of warm tea, taking in the flavor and sweetness before finally gulping down the small mouthful, "A lot of people seem to think it's an, "Adult," Rated modeling business. Truth is it's no different than Maxim Magazine and the likes. Anyways..." It was just a job. Toshiro wasn't one to feel comfortable with talking to others about the Roses of Envy. It was Takamo's business, not Toshiro's, and while having money was good he wasn't some recruiter. So he needed to shift away from that subject feeling it inappropriate to converse about something to a girl just getting out of highschool. Just as he was about to open his mouth again, Toshiro felt his pocket vibrate, taking a relatively new phone out and immediately hitting the hang-up button. "Anyways... What do you think about those vermin from the alleyway? I'd usually think they would have gone for people with more meat on their bone, not a bunch of kids."

"Mm..." Toshiro gave it some thought as he gently dunked two cubes of sugar into the tea whilst the miniature bag was still diluting the water, "Could get into botany? Since you're good with plants, I'd imagine you becoming a local herbalist and managing your own greenhouse. Could go big too and sell your produce not only at the farmer's market but also to the private grocery stores... But I'm just speculating." And as for that very question that Kari asked, what did the intense young man do besides his knights duty? To answer that, "I work as a bodyguard for my eldest brother, Takamo Tatsuba." Reaching into a pocket, Toshiro pulled out a business card that was black with pink and orange rose thorn designs. In blue lettering, the business card read, "Roses of Envy," Which seemed to sound a bit more like an adult themed business than anything else. Toshiro handed the card to Kari and continued, "Can't even believe I carry these damn things... You may have heard of Takamo as a popular figure in both Japan and the States. He owns the Roses of Envy model business, which... If you haven't heard of it I'm not sure if I'd be surprised or not. Probably could care less, but during the Summers I act as a bodyguard for some of the models when we travel from one city or country to the next. Given my strength, skill, and strict attitude, I'm ideal for the job."

"Indeed I was. Got a full ride to college with multiple scholarships and thereof. And with getting out of school early it's allowed me some freedom to... Do just about anything." Toshiro shared as Kari set the dual cups onto the island. He nodded in thanks, not one for words much but the gesture was legitimate and there. With that said, the scent of the tea being dipped into the steaming water greeted Toshiro's nostrils. Being as he was, his senses were heightened as the rush of energy was still present in his system, no thanks to the earlier fight. So the scent of tea was extremely potent, but it was a welcoming smell that didn't bother him one bit. When the question came about sweetened options about the tea, Toshiro said, "Sugar, please." And when Kari followed up the options with a suggestion to talk about anything it was like she could see through Toshiro. He didn't hang out with other folks aside from Kyouka and his brothers, or the other two friends he made in his Freshman year. Toshiro stared back, and felt obliged to answer, "Tell me, what exactly have you planned after you graduate?"

"The tea is only necessary, thank you though." Toshiro lied with a slight smile. He wasn't willing to hassle the poor girl more than what he needed to. After all... He felt embarrassed for the particular request for some god awful reason. It wasn't like he was a little kid asking for that, he normally just did it himself. As to answer the question, Toshiro said, "To be honest? Boring. I finished all of my classes earlier in the school year so I did... Really nothing if I'm being honest. Just did whatever I guess."

((Hhhoooooohhh boy! I am really sorry about this wait, I didn't mean to make you wait nor did I not mean to not communicate my situation to you. I'm hoping you're still interested in this RP?))

Taking a seat at the island itself further from the kitchen equipment, Toshiro replied, "Green tea, please. And if it's not too much trouble... No, nevermind, just the tea, please." The kitchen seemed like it was well maintained, obviously from either chores on cleaning it or it wasn't often used. Regardless, Toshiro had set the large bags down toward the corner of the island, his eyes scanned the kitchen already finding exits and entryways in case things got... Interesting. The man really didn't know peace all too well, fighting and finding monsters on a weekly bases, still he would enjoy this little break the best he could. And after the previous fight mere minutes ago? He could feel the adrenaline start to wear off. "Being pushed up a grade sounds like an accomplishment, say's a lot about your intelligence," Toshiro responded to that comment, more or less impressed but not surprised given how strict her father seems, "Truth be told I've graduated early, started school later than others but it's whatever."

Just as Kari opened the door an older man was right at the front of it. He seemed... The stubborn type, the kind that asks too many questions and could annoy Toshiro. What a drag. Toshiro bowed slightly toward the father in an act of politeness, entering when Kari's father moved out of the way and removing his shoes at the front door. But by the end of it all the intense young man knew that this individual was only protective of it own daughter. Toshiro followed Kari through the interior, observing how clean and orderly his own home was. How nice. He didn't have much for questions except for one, "How long have you been in this city for?"

//Hey! I am so sorry for disappearing for over a week, I had my brother's graduation stuff and family over, so I have had my hands full.// "I see. Then I hope you score high. Tatsuba Toshiro, or just Toshiro." The man said as he readjusts the grip on either of his large sacks. Passerbys looked on toward Toshiro at the sight of a purple, blue, and red stained T-shirt that had a large cut across the chest revealing an old scar beneath. Well, at least with his minor healing, the fresh scar looked old. But with the affirmation that Kari didn't know Kyouka, it didn't surprise the intense looking man one bit. Kyouka kept her friend groups very tight and close only opting for particular individuals... Then again, Kari seemed like one of those individuals. "Not surprising. Kyouka doesn't necessarily like very many people, she's a bit like a cat in that regard. And if you're offering tea... I could go for a cup, sure. Thanks." Toshiro's reply seemed... Softer? While remaining neutral in tone, he seemed to take the offer pleasantly. Of course, he was used to Southern sweet tea these days, loaded with sugar and made from black tea leaves. Warm green tea did sound nice...

"Last year of highschool? Well at least you'll be away from all the bullying," Toshiro added as a little positive note for the girl. Which reminded him, "Have to ask, never got your name." While the two walked one could tell Toshiro still had the intensity wore on his face, however he was also obviously relaxed. While his wits were still about him, Toshiro listened and the girl continued to speak, only chiming in when he felt he should. He never really conversed with anyone outside his two brothers, Teru and Takamo, and his childhood friend Kyouka. However given it was just turning spring this girl still had a few months to graduate... What to do? "That reminds me, I've got a real close friend that goes to the nearest highschool here. She's one of the popular chicks around there, Kyouka, she's also a witch... Magic girl...? Whatever, Sorcerer. She can help you out with bullies if need be."

Toshiro easily caught up, given his still-enhanced state he had to be careful of how fast he was going. Once the girl spoke, he nodded and recollected his mind, still staying sharp enough to multitask between her and any other threats. So far Toshiro couldn't sense anymore monsters in the area, but that didn't mean they weren't around. Damn vermin were most likely hiding or waiting to trespass into the mortal plain at some point. "Knight in training. I've had the powers my whole life, starting when I gained the ability to talk to the dead and see other's life force. I didn't really begin to develop my other powers like you saw until I was eleven. My eldest brother shown me how to handle it," Toshiro explained, carrying his heavy bags with him as the pair continued. Of course, he would ask back in response, "So how did you get your... Summoning powers? Never seen something like that, normally knights and witches can summon weapons but I've never seen a familiar like your's."

"Hey!" Toshiro found himself walking after the girl. He never shown concern for others, so why now? She was a fellow soldier in arms, that's why, and the girl being this spent? Even a Human could easily take her. Walking up to the girl, Toshiro continued, "Look, I get you're trying to get home in a hurry, but you took on two of those lowlifes and spent not only your magic, but also part of your energy. Let me walk you home. Last thing we need is for you to be on the news because you got jumped and were too weak to do anything about it." While that statement was a bit harsh, it was true. Given the population of the city monsters weren't the only things to worry about. There were thieves, thugs, and yes- Gangbangers who'd like to take advantage of spent women like this one. And of course it could have been the fact that he felt a need to protect those weaker than him- No doubt those creatures she summoned would tear Toshiro to bits, but he felt genuine concern for the girl's safety in this condition. That, and he was stubborn as hell.

"Tis' but a scratch." Toshiro said to himself, quoting and picturing the Black Knight scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It wasn't his first rodeo with receiving deep wounds, just this one was a little worse than most. Oh well. Toshiro found himself watching the girl quickly approach him and arched a brow as she offered to heal him. The gesture was nice, but even he could see she was not only out of breath but she also didn't have much for magic. Shrugging again, the man traced a fire covered finger across the wound. The blood itself seemed to dry and lift and disappear while the would would merely stop bleeding, a trick he learned when Takamo, his eldest brother l, was showing him tips and tricks. Although he wouldn't call this healing, he wasn't going to use the rest of this girl's power just because of his actions. Toshiro said as he popped a knuckled, "It wasn't your fault. I wanted to end the fight quickly and paid the price. Are you alright? You look as if you've ran a marathon." The young man's demeanor seemed to soften somewhat. His attention turning from the ended right now to the exhausted girl while she seemed to struggle to get herself together. Was she in training just like him? While she would talk, Toshiro walked over to the battle-axe and easily kicked up the heavy weapon as of it were lightweight. He caught it in his right hand, spinning it twice and inspecting the weapon and afterward allowed his flames to eat it into nothingness. It'll be useful later.

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.

//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.

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."

Aged Kyouka up to adulthood just to let y'all (the admin/mods) know. Originally she wasn't going to do the nasties given her age, however given the fact most of us are here for ERP it was probably best I did it.

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?

Working on reply soon, been resting as much I can before I start overtime. Apologies

"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 .

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//

You're all good! Then I'll get a reply in here in a bit

Gotcha. Also, for your character's convenience, is there a particular city or town they live in? Apologies for the question, I want to make entry posting for my partners easier.

Nah I know she's not a hippie. How should we start the topic out? Or did you have anything in mind? If not I could whip something up in a few minutes

If it's alright with, I could hang with a hippie like that lol. I promise not to disappear this time! I got Toshiro available if you're interested?