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Post by Juni on Jul 28, 2020 11:19:54 GMT -8
Juniper woke up from a nap, she sat down on the window syl of her bedroom window, and looked outside to see a familiar greenette blending into the foliage of the zen estate gardens. It was a peaceful day, full of sunshine, and a gentle breeze. The tea princess had been occupied ever since solving the mysteries of West City and since then she had trained even further as a mystic since she first left Oolong’s castle.
Hachi had been gone for quite some time, just as the thought of the octopus’ whereabouts crossed her mind, he made his appearance with a summons. The tea clan seal on the envelope and the white glittery wax that was used made it obvious who it was from. Rather than open it, Juniper climbed out the window, with a pair of zori sandals in hand, once she positioned herself on the ledge she slipped the zori on, and jumped down from the second floor of the estate. There was hardly a mark on the grass when she landed gracefully, which made her wonder for a minute, and she walked over to look over Misaki’s shoulder.
“Good afternoon, Misaki-san. The garden grounds are a wonderful color this summer. I am looking forward to what will grow in the fall.” Juniper smiled, “I have not traveled to the eastern lands but Chrysanthemums grow there and I have had the pleasure of enjoying the imported Tea my sister Clove serves at her tea shop when it is in season.”
The tea princess made an effort to talk about her knowledge in plants but in the end started talking about Tea which was what her clan was known for. With the envelope in hand, she stared at the seal with cobalt blue eyes for a moment, and then back at Misaki with a bit of hesitation.
“Are you interested in going for a walk in my grandfather’s bonsai garden? I was just summoned by my mother. It is forbidden for anyone outside my family to go there but as heiress to the Tea Clan, I can make an exception. What do you say?”
[356]
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Post by Misaki Kazamiya on Jul 29, 2020 20:39:54 GMT -8
Misaki turned to see the Tea Princess with a pleasant smile, enjoying her gentle landing, and giving a pleased glance in return. "Good afternoon, Juniper-san. I am happy you're enjoying the garden grounds. I've done my very best to tend them to look their best." Misaki would offer with a sigh. "I had sought to see if Coral would be interested in learning the work today, but she quit very shortly after trying. She appears to have broken a nail. Apparently it is a significantly painful injury." Misaki would offer, shivering at the earth-splitting scream of "noooooo!" she had heard earlier.
Misaki noticed the envelope, and then Juniper's look towards it, and the slightest hint of concern came to her face. It invisibly intensified as she heard Juniper's hesitation. She had never heard that noise in Juniper's voice before. Not when they had hunted down the Gangs in Oolong city, and not when they had faced the demon under the streets of West City. Not even when they had Looked for the Tree of Might. It simply didn't occur.
The idea that there was something Juniper hesitated about had never really entered Misaki's psyche, so she gave the matter a couple seconds of thought before finally speaking. "I am honored to take the invitation, miss Juniper. I had..."
Misaki's eyes flashed very slightly, before fading back to normal. Juniper telling her of her real ancestry, and of her recent altercation - and slight loss of control against - Kite flashing through her head. She regretted not what she'd done, but it had certainly proven the truth of her non-human ancestry.
"I'd been hoping to speak to you about some things as well. Regarding my..." Misaki paused, feeling uncomfortable herself as she cleared her throat and continued. "...Lineage."
After all, with a threat like the Gardener potentially laying within the wings underneath her psyche, it would be best if she didn't leave herself in ignorance about who she was, and what she was capable of.
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Post by Juni on Jul 30, 2020 15:08:40 GMT -8
“Oh? Where is she now? I can easily heal an injury like that.” Juniper remarked about Coral and then smiled at Misaki’s acceptance of the invitation to go to the plateau of Oolong’s castle. The expression on her calm face changed to a curious one at the mention of the importance of her lineage. While it was not difficult to determine who Juniper was in regards to her heritage, historical volumes contained such information for the public, she always thought it was a subject people did not often discuss, and based on the hesitation in the gardener’s voice it only confirmed that it was not something people divulged unless it was someone they could trust with such information.
“Well, let’s take a seat over there,” Juniper took Misaki by the arm and led her to a stone bench next to a trunk of a large tree, and if she knew any better it was the tree of might. “Before you begin, I must tell you that your history or lineage are of no consequence to me, and while society in the Pig Demon Duchies often choose suitable heirs and suitors it is not something I agree with. However, it is the way things are, and have been for years so people are free to lay judgement in their territories in how they see fit but not here. Zen Tea house is meant to be a place for us to refine our skills, a second home, away from home and for all of us to grow and make a difference in the world.”
Juniper reflected by staring up at the tree of might’s broad branches, the leaves rustled in the wind while blocking the sun from view, and then looked over to Misaki with a look of determination. “Good or Evil, I will use my mystic healing powers to those who need it. I cannot ignore someone who is suffering, it goes against everything I believe in, even if that person is a criminal, I already made up my mind to save this person’s life because I dedicated my life to the mystic arts of healing.”
The tea princess folded her hands on her lap, the white envelope neatly tucked under her palm, and took a deep breath. “So, tell me everything, Misaki-san. You can trust me.”
[375]
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Post by Misaki Kazamiya on Aug 5, 2020 20:03:58 GMT -8
the red glow of Misaki's eyes intensified again, as the florist's thoughts were put to rest by Juniper's statements. Well, as much as they could be.
The Gardener took a couple seconds to breathe, closing her eyes before continuing, thinking carefully about what she had to say next.
"I will tell you what I can. but I am afraid it is difficult to say too much. I..."
Misaki winced as she remembered the last phone conversation she'd had with her parents, and the youth took a deep breath.
"I am unlikely to obtain the full story from my parents. They prefer not to speak with me in general, and much less so about the specifics of my grandparents."
Misaki let out a sigh, putting together the pieces in her head carefully before she continued, opening her eyes and allowing the hue to fill the area.
"My grandmother was known as Kazamiya Yui. I know little of her beyond my father's distrust of her, and my mother's open horror. I believe she is human, but I cannot be sure. As for my grandfather..."
Misaki gave a shrug. "...I imagine from him, the demonic heritage flowed from, but I have long been forbidden from researching him, and while I'm certainly beholden to my parent's whims no longer, I cannot find a place to begin, either." Misaki admitted. "Truth be told, I would never have known of my demonic heritage if you had not told me. I simply... didn't think about it."
And with that, Misaki thought back to the fight with Kite, how unrestrained, how... wild she had felt during that time. "...But I feel as though mastering this piece of my heritage is something I need to learn, if I'd like to continue along my own path."
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Post by Juni on Aug 6, 2020 15:03:06 GMT -8
Misaki was occupied with her own thoughts, that she could not think about Coral’s whereabouts, and the more she explained her concerns it made sense to the tea princess; that not having a sense of identity was difficult for the gardener. If the secret behind her lineage had been kept for this long, it was a shame that her own family did not trust her with it, and Juniper had her own fair share of people outside her clan to distrust each other with critical information. The result everytime led to the same conclusion, family kept secrets in order to protect their own, and it was not out of distrust but the truth had to come out in one way or another or it would be too late; it was enough to change a person entirely.
“Demons are not seen under a good light, earthlings fear us typically, we are no different from Piccolo daimao who is enemy to earth itself, and are judged by our appearance rather than who we are as an individual. After having lived here for some time, whether it was exclusively at zen tea house, or anywhere in the western lands, you would know that clans rule over the lands. Collectively we work together to preserve our western land lifestyle.” Juniper paused, “Demon society is not like the clans in the Pig Demon Duchies, while all clans are rivals in theory we respect each others boundaries, and demons do not respect each others clans.”
Cobalt blue eyes stared into Misaki’s crimson ones before she continued, “You’re a demon from another clan apart from my mother’s and grandmother’s, both who are proud women who will mock you for being a gardener in zen estate. Of course, they do not understand that you are not a servant or a slave here as it is entirely voluntary that you are a resident in this house.”
Hachi brought over two serving trays with a hot cup of tea, setting it aside on the stone bench for both Juniper and Misaki, floating away back into the house.
“We have been given the opportunity to live differently from our origins,” Juniper raised her hand from her lap and placed it over her own face changing her right eye from cobalt blue to crimson red, “I used my mystic powers to appear human, surrendering my crimson eyes, red tipped horns, and ash grey skin.” Her hand waved back to change her eyes back to blue and took the time to drink a bit of the hot tea, “While I can maintain this form every day, if I use too much of my demon powers, I revert back to Hachiko. In fact, the change is so drastic, I take on a different personality as a result of having suppressed her for so long.”
Setting the tea cup down, she sighed, and made an attempt to help Misaki feel at ease, “I would never wish for anyone to change themselves as I have, as I have my reasons for being Juniper instead of Hachiko, you are the one to decide who you want to be as time goes on. Whether to be yourself, improve, or give in to the stereotypes earthlings give us. It makes no real difference to me what you choose, Koma and I believe things will be different from now on, and as long as we are loyal to one another is all that matters. The rest of the world will have to simply watch.”
Juniper looked over to the grand duke’s plateau in the horizon, “It is possible my mother will know what clan you hail from, she did come through a ripple connected to HFIL, and my sibling’s mother was from a ripple on earth--yet somehow they recognized demonic lineages. Fooling my father into giving them power in the Tea clan by providing him with children in exchange. Well, perhaps not Hinata, my father’s first wife, Clove remembers her differently compared to what false gossip my mother has said. I learned a lot from my mother, I chose not to be like her, after all thanks to my father. Enough of that, however. So what are you planning to do in regards to your heritage, Misaki-san?” [707]
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Post by Misaki Kazamiya on Sept 3, 2020 13:59:12 GMT -8
Misaki paid close attention as Juniper explained the ethics of demons. it all seemed so very different from the society she'd been brought up in, and with so very different manners. Still... the statement made comparing demons to Piccolo Daimou, even if Juniper happened to mean it much differently than she'd stated it, hit a particular chord in her. Still, manners dictated she did not interrupt, but the statement felt very apt. After all, had it not been for a chance encounter with interesting fauna, her childhood frustrations would have led to a bloody rampage.
Frankly, it didn't sound altogether unappealing nowadays... but it would have been beating on the weak. even if it was a bunch of the more obnoxious, arrogant, and buffoonish weaklings. Misaki Kazamiya was so much better than that, and she was glad she'd been shown that by the plants who had chosen to speak to her.
a soft smile came over her countenance, which changed to amusement as Juniper continued.
"Oh, is that so? I'm quite unused to being talked back to, but I understand that they are your family. It will not be a problem for me." Misaki replied with a large smile, though... it would be incorrect to say she would do so with absolutely innocent intentions, either. She'd make sure not to embarrass Lady Juniper, or cause problems for her, but Misaki Kazamiya was unlikely to take a beating lying down, either. She'd find her chances where she could.
Well, perhaps she'd simply do so by making sure Juniper's personal Bonsai Garden would eventually make theirs pale in comparison if the need came about. The thought had merit.
Misaki took a small drink of her own tea, noting the heat was perfect as she gave a small, polite nod to Hachi with a genuine smile. The tea was very good, and this fact was all Misaki had left to decide that Hachi was, in fact, one of her favorite people.
"...It's quite the opportunity. Though I suppose I'm not sure if I ever took it into account." Misaki added, her eyes glowing a little as they continued to meet Junipers. "...I have no idea if I do the same, or not." Misaki admitted. "For all my life, I have only ever been Misaki Kazamiya. I had never strove to be human, for I had never considered myself..." Misaki explained, though she stumbled at the end. that wasn't quite true, was it? She'd certainly pushed away family - family that had pushed her away, certainly, but it was done without much extra consideration. and she'd definitely had a distance from other humans. "...I had never spent much time considering it." She answered more honestly.
As Juniper explained, Misaki was initially left off-put, confused by her own answer... and yet, as Juniper continued, she found strength that came with the words given by heer.
"...Well, I suppose I will have to figure out what... all of this means, and make a choice eventually." Misaki would reply with a brighter smile. "But whether as a demon, or as a human, I will be the gardener here. That I am certain of." The Greenette said with a smile. "There is nothing in the world I enjoy doing more than working here on the Zen Estate."
As Juniper continued, Misaki looked thoughtful at the statement. "...To tell the truth, I'm unsure. But it's an element I wish to be able to control. I do not feel a heavy kinship with any of my family, for none of them have ever shown me kindness." Misaki admitted. "But it is an unknown that might shape things that..."
The Gardener thought back to how she'd felt, how her energy had shifted while fighting Kite. "...That takes away my own ability to shape my own destiny. This I will not abide."
Misaki took a deep breath, thinking on how Juniper had explained her demonic form, and how it affected her. "...I think it takes courage to split yourself as you did, Lady Juniper, but I don't think I would be able to do the same."
Misaki gave a smile. "I am Misaki. I refuse to look away from a part of myself. Demon or human, I will not be ashamed of who I am. I would prefer to embrace it. I will not allow that part of me to run rampant either, however." Misaki will note. "It will be brought to heel, and made aware that I am in control."
[748]
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Post by Juni on Sept 3, 2020 21:55:12 GMT -8
“It is good to hear that you resolved to be no one else apart from yourself. No matter what happens or what your family will do to influence who you are as a person.” Juniper smiled, “It makes me happy that you enjoy being in the care of the zen estate gardens. I may not be able to communicate with plants but if I did, I am sure they would tell me wonderful things about you, for being so kind to them. Especially this grand tree.”
Cobalt blue eyes peered up towards the Tree of Might’s branches, it was in better shape from when they first found it when it rooted itself on the ground of its new home.
“How does the tree of might feel about the western lands, Misaki-san?” Juniper lowered her gaze to look in Misaki’s crimson eyes, she picked up her tea cup, finishing what remained. Hachi was being as attentive by filling each of their cups with more tea from a pot he kept hidden under his tentacles despite the heat, he was resistant to several uncommon temperatures for a deep sea creature.
“Thank you, dear friend.” Juniper smiled at her octopus companion who she grew up with in Oolong’s Castle at the top of the ducal plateau.
Drinking more of her tea, she felt relaxed sitting on this stone bench next to the tree, that was full of life, and wonder. At some point she recalled the tree was bearing fruits in a short period of time, since it was planted, and she was curious about it when Misaki had consumed those fruits since then.
“How do the fruits taste? I am not particular about food but I feel it must be special in its own way. I will gladly listen to your explanation of it and live curiously by your experience.”
There was comfort in knowing, people like Misaki who was relatable, resided on the same grounds. It was a different experience from being around her family her whole life, even though she felt like herself around the gardener. “Being a princess of the tea clan, my family expects me to be a certain way, I would never defy their wishes. My mother raised me to be obedient from the start, which I have no problem with, but soon I will be married to Koma to form a new clan. In fact, we decided on our new clan name for our future children, Dandelion. It is not only a flower that is often seen as a weed, it has a bountiful of medicinal uses, and the word lion in the name is symbolic to the white cat clan. So it’s a flower that looks like a feline’s mane at several stages. It is also as fearsome as the majestic creature, in that it can grow just about anywhere, even the cracks on the sidewalk, and it is a clan name worthy of forging the future.” [491]
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Post by Misaki Kazamiya on Oct 21, 2020 4:19:49 GMT -8
Misaki would give an appreciative smile. "Thank you for the kind words, Juniper. I must at least be capable of hearing that if I am to work for an estate so grand or employers so distinguished, though." She'd add, giving a nod. After all, both Lord Koma and Lady Juniper had, to Misaki's eyes, been amongst the most capable and respectable people she'd met on this earth so far - to her eyes, they deserved the best garden on the planet, and Misaki was prepared to make it for them.
As Juniper looked to the tree and asked, Misaki put a finger to her chin. "It is faring well in the new soil, though I've needed to take care with it's roots - and it does take some extra effort to feed and properly hydrate." Misaki would explain. "Still, it is more an expense of time than actual money. We've had to have a few discussions to make sure it does not steal the nutrients of any of the surrounding vegetation. More pressing..."
and at that, Misaki would give a sigh. "We're still on a deadlock for names. Every name I've suggested has thus far been rejected. I was sure that if Hortense seemed unappealing then surely they would appreciate Forsythe, but it seems there is no such luck here." She added with a sigh. "...Perhaps I could suggest mugworth?" Misaki would add with a bright, completely oblivious smile.
Misaki gave a quick nod to Hachi as the octopus filled their tea, and regarded ihm even as Juniper asked about the quality of the Fruit of the tree of might, idly thinking about how the Octopus did not itself look so different from some of the spiky fruit made from it. Though, clearly, he was far more cute, and far less edible.
After thinking about it for only a moment, Misaki finally offered a simple answer. "...The fruit is, well..." Misaki seemed to mull over her words, screwing her eyes up in concentration before finally answering. "It tastes divine, for lack of a better term. It is not the most delicious thing I have tasted, but the texture is fine, even though the fruit itself is tough, and the taste is somewhere in the realm of sweet and sour, but I can't quite call it either. It's as though a lemon and a grape were cross-bred, and yet, it is far more delicious than that odd combination sounds. It's very difficult to explain why. it lacks any intensity where I could call it my favorite, but it almost tastes as though it's impossible for it to offend the tastebuds of any consumer."
Misaki would just give a very long shrug at that, as though even she didn't understand the contents of the fruit. "it's certainly a unique experience, but not one I would say is life-changing. You can certainly feel your energy rise up afterwards, however."
As the dandelion clan's name was explained to her, though, Misaki's grin grew savage. "...Quite a splendid name. I do hope we make sure we grow those in proper places, though." Misaki will add. "I would have no problem caring for Dandelions, but it is true that should they be left unchecked they might take up quite a bit of real estate in the garden." Misaki would reply, with a large smile. "...I suppose that is also true of the clan, too. It does seem as though your own worth, and your spouses, has grown quite a bit in the past few years, Lady Juniper. I am glad I was included within that process."
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Post by Juni on Oct 28, 2020 5:40:08 GMT -8
Juniper nodded as Misaki spoke, enjoying more tea, as she listened to the demoness explain the Zen Estate gardens and the effects of the Tree of Might requiring more care among all the trees to prevent it from damaging the nearby plants. The revelation that the tree desired a name illuminated the Tea Princess’ face, she was grinning now, she found it amusing that it was entirely possible that a tree wanted an identity of its own.
“Those are all good names, I wonder what the issue is with them, I cannot fathom an appropriate name for a tree quite honestly. The tree of might would be the only one I would know by name in my entire lifetime. Perhaps a combination of the ones you came up with already, Lockne, Hortsythe...Hmm.” It was obvious that Juniper confused deadlock as an option in her analysis.
“Yes, the tree is pleased with you in that it produces such delicious fruit, like a treat.”
Misaki’s knowledge of dandelion was on point, they were considered a weed to most people, but it was one of the most highly prized medicinal plants when grown properly for its roots, leaves, and flowers. “I do enjoy dandelion tea.” Of course she did, she was a Tea clan member at heart, every plant that produced tea was her favorite, “Taking care of the bamboo overgrowth was already a problem, I would rather keep it potted inside the home, rather than in the wild, tho its seeds will fly in a strong wind and have different plans for the garden. Just as nature intended...Just like you, Misaki-san.”
While Juniper was often calm at all times, a light blush tinted her pale complexion at her last statement, “Yes, the Dandelion Clan will grow phenomenally, I am happy to spend my future with you and everyone who lives at Zen Estate. I imagine we will be successful in all our endeavors and potentially end the tyranny of Piccolo Daimao on Earth.” [334] Misaki Kazamiya
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Post by Misaki Kazamiya on Nov 30, 2020 1:58:25 GMT -8
If the tree of might could have shuddered, it would have shook so hard it's leaves fell amongst the bough. Misaki's eyes, meanwhile, turned up in thought as she placed a finger to her chin, looking skyward as she considered each and every name in detail. "Horsythe... I'll have to consider that one carefully." Misaki added with an honest smile, thinking the name through in her head. Hortense, hortense... surely the tree would love that?
Misaki paid close attention as Juniper explained her tea preferences. The Gardener nodded, paying close attention as Juniper explained herself. "Dandelion tea is your favorite? In that case, I'll make sure we have more than enough, regardless of time of year." the Greenette replied, her face turning serious as she felt herself shift into her servant role. Juniper was, after all, one of her household's heads. Regardless of difficulty, she knew she needed to do her best to accommodate her wishes.
The Gardener's cheeks turned a very soft pink as Juniper finished her statement - The girl was not used to, well, compliments, descriptions... at least, the positive kind. Not in a way that snuck around her defenses so easily, at least.
"Piccolo Daimao, hmm?" Misaki asked. "...I'd heard he's quite strong. so strong that none on Earth could possibly oppose him..."
The Gardener gave a grin, her eyes glowing that familiar red as she looked up and brought a hand slowly up, as though about to grasp the sun. "...I've always wanted to test if that's really true..."
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