Mephisto provided the dazed female with a devilishly charming grin, his hand still offered in her direction. "I believe you are holding something of mine, are you not?"

Snapping herself from her daze, she straightened her posture and approached the tall, well dressed male before handing back his parasol. Which she had to glance twice at considering the batlike form it had taken earlier had shifted back into its mundane appearance. Adjusting her glasses, her eyes drifted off to the side over to Shura. Her gut nearly dropped when she noticed that her friend seemed to be frozen in place.

"I took the liberty of stopping time for the moment." His head tilted to the side, "It will be our little secret, hm? I doubt Shura would appreciate seeing me drop in like this. Considering the two of you had this assignment well under control." There was a slight coy undertone to his last statement though Kaori absently brushed it off.

Kaori hugged her arm across her chest while clutching the midsection of her other arm due to nerves, "Sir Phe-"

The demon king hushed her, interrupting her briefly. "Mephisto, my dear. Or Samael, whichever you prefer. I feel that it is due time we drop the formalities."

This only flustered her more, she inhaled a staggered breath before continuing. "Fine. Mephisto. Satisfy my curiosity."

He simply gave her a smile, not one of his shit eating grins but a genuine one to show sincerity. "Of course, darling."

She huffed, abit put off by all the pet names but letting it slide due to him being her superior. "Exorcists die on missions every day, why spend the effort on aiding me just now."

His trademark grin returned as the rim of his hat cast a shadow over his eyes. "Simple, my dear. I find you intriguing."

Her chest seized, and her brow twitched as she drew out another sharp inhale. "Nonsense. That's probably just the Pheromones I emit." A shine obscured her glasses lenses, temporarily hiding her eyes. Kaori tried to step around him but both his voice and the gentle grasp of his gloved hand resting on one of her wrists, stopped her in her tracks.

He towered over her by nearly a foot, he only leered over her somewhat, so their eyes could meet while he spoke. The back of her head was nearly brushing over his chest, but only slightly. "Oh, I have eliminated that hypothesis a while ago." Mephisto's gloved hand raised her own just a breath from his lips as he continued. "You see, if that were the case. I wouldn't have any restraint while being this close to you, hm?"

At a loss for words she urged her limbs to listen, retracting her hand from his grasp, spinning to face him, and backing up a few steps. "I-it could still be effecting you!" She inwardly scowled at herself. Seriously? I stuttered? So, what if this situation is nearly on par with those Shoujo manga's? My heart and my voice shouldn't be betraying me this way!

Mephisto couldn't stop smiling while watching her response to his advances. Kaori was even more fun to tease than Shura. Her reactions were well worth it even if her impatience was showing due to her fading resolve. He bowed slightly to her, extending his hand with a flourish. "Are you trying to convince me? Or yourself, Ri?" Mephisto corrected his posture revealing another mischievous fanged grin. "Don't forget about that assignment we discussed. I'll be seeing you back in my office soon.~" With a wave of his parasol and a snap, he had vanished.

The time pocket he had put up dissipated and Shura lost her balance, catching herself on her hands in a pushup position before throwing herself back upwards. Her eyes wandered, glazing over her surroundings. Though when she noticed the ash fluttering to settle on the ground and Kaori's familiars being sent back, her adrenaline quelled as she approached her friend. "Sheesh, the hell happened?"

"The rot kin must have been weakened before we initiated anything with it." She quickly changed the subject, trying to move onto something else so hopefully her incessant blushing would cease. "Ah look Shura, could you just help me while I remedy things for the spirits here? They usually have trouble moving on regardless, but the Rot kin posed an issue that set the natural order here off kilter."

Shura was positive that Kaori was acting off, narrowing her eyes at her before huffing in defeat. "Yea. Just be prepared to be here for a while. You better eat a large dinner when we get back. You won't be getting that late breakfast or even a lunch at this rate."

Food was the last thing on Kaori's mind, she was simply too distracted by Mephisto's actions earlier. No, I need to focus. This is my role. Kaori strode past Shrua leading them where they needed to go.

After the interaction with Kaori, Mephisto had poofed back near his desk back in his office. Thumbing through some documents and skimming over them carefully. "Let's see, who to pair Shura with so I can set up this solitary mission for Ri." He had already picked a handful of missions he could send the fiery vixen on, but he had yet to handpick a partner for her. His fingers stopped on a singular file of a middle second class exorcist. His pupils sharpened as he skimmed over the context of the file. "A knight and tamer, hm? She could work." The corners of his lips curved up into a mischievous grin. "And if things go well I'll have Kaori to myself more often. ~" His mind wandering back to the brief interaction in the Aokigahara forest, "I look forward to our next interaction, Kaori." He was more speaking aloud to himself.

Several hours passed and the girls didn't return home until closer to eight in the evening. Shura had insisted right after leaving the forest to stop by a restaurant for food, much to Kaori's disproval. Once they had entered their flat, the bespectacled girl noticed a summon on the floor. As she bent to pick it up, Shura snatched it before she had the chance. "No. I'll read it. Go shower and change."

Kaori shot the redhead an intimidating glare but huffed in defeat, heading towards her room.

When Kaori had walked away, Shura studied the paper carefully. "Hm, it's for me anyway. Something about another mission. But why not add Kaori on the summon too? Whatever, I guess I'll head over there now." Shura pivoted in a one-eighty towards the door before leaving again. "Man, I just got home. Can't believe this couldn't just wait til tomorrow." Dragging herself out of the building and across campus, her shoulders slumped as she headed up to Mephisto's office.

The purple-loched libertine was humming to himself while retrieving ramen from his microwave when he heard a harsh knock at his office door. "Yes, come in.~"

The tone of his voice seemed to really irk her, chewing the inside of her cheek, she twisted the doorknob and stepped inside, allowing it to shut behind her. "What did ya need anyway? Ri, and I were practically gone all day."

Mephisto peeled back the paper top to his cup of noodles as he watched her approach his desk. "Yes well, I just felt I should inform you that you'll be reassigned to a different partner for the time being. A lower rank than yourself, she requires more training and I feel that you are the best pairing for this partnership."

Shura was visibly annoyed at this point. "Seriously? You can't pick anyone else? Why me? You always have me babysitting for you or running your little errands or whatever."

Mephisto folded his hands together near his face as he leaned partially over his desk while the steam from his noodles rose upward, nearly dampening his gloves. "But of course.~ I only really trust you to do these jobs correctly, Shura dear. Besides, I can now send Kaori on her own missions since I trust her to get the work done with or without a partner." His last statement held a coy undertone that could only be considered as insulting to Shura.

Her hand flew down, hitting the desk with the side of her right fist. "You've gotta be fucking kidding me!"

Mephisto spoke again, keeping his voice at an even but intimidating tone. "This is an order, Shura. Am I to understand that you are unwilling to follow it?"

Her shoulders stiffened and shortly after, she retracted her fist, allowing her hand to fall back to her side. "No…I'll do it." Everything in her head was screaming at her to fight this but she knew there was nothing more she could do. Mephisto was in charge, and she technically had to do whatever he asked her to even if she rather not.

Mephisto's cheery demeanor returned in nearly an instant. "Excellent! Here's her file, and here is the first mission the two of you will be sent on." He split his chopsticks, preparing to dig into his meal. "Oh and, you'll be leaving tomorrow morning. So, I advise that you get some much-needed rest, Shura."

The redhead grit her teeth as she spun on her heel with the documents in hand and walked out his office with a slam of his door.

A slight chuckle stemmed from deep in his throat before digging into his meal. I believe you'll come to thank me, Shura. Just not quite yet.

Kaori returned to the front room with an inquisitive gaze at the floor in front of the door. Another summon was there, and she lifted it, blinking once, before tearing open the envelope.

Ri, I hope this message finds you well. While this is written informally, I would like you to come to my office at your earliest convenience this evening but please do so soon.

Regards,
Mephisto Pheles

Kaori heaved a sigh as she pushed her glasses upward to their proper place. The door opened revealing an irritable Shura as she stalked into the room. "That no good clown is sending me on a mission tomorrow. He's splitting our partnership for me to babysit this other exorcist for him."

Kaori cocked her head to the side. "Really? Well I just received a summon, it's probably about that other assignment he wanted me to go on after the one we just finished." As she turned to leave she caught a glimpse of Shura's expression twisting into anger.

"He already planned to send you on another assignment? By yourself?!" She was next to her friend again as Kaori had hesitated in the doorway.

Kaori simply nodded, "He hasn't given me details yet. Only that, he wanted me to see him in person for more information."

Shura grumbled to herself as Kaori left. "Stupid clown. If she ends up hurt, I'll fucking impale you."

Kaori adjusted her sleeves as she stood outside of Mephisto's office door. With a stuttering exhale she turned the doorknob and walked in. The Demon king had his hat off and was leaning back in his chair.

"Kaori, don't be shy. Come right on in!~" His lips curved into a smile as his chin rested on the back of his right hand. He had finished his food and was simply waiting for her.

As Kaori stepped inside, the door closed and locked behind her. Shoulders tensing, she nervously cleared her throat before attempting to keep an even tone to her voice. "I received your summon. Is this about that mission you referred to?"

Mephisto stood and pranced over to her side, "Yes of course but before that I would like to focus on something else."

Kaori just stared at him before blinking and adjusting her glasses, "Sure, but what exactly?" Her curious gaze never left his own.

A plate poofed next to him and it floated in front of her. "Macaron?" He offered as he turned and walked towards the arm chair, expecting her to follow him.

Kaori's eyes nearly glistened and as soon as he had turned his back she snatched one off the plate. "Thank you…" She answered timidly before nibbling it. She fell in pace behind him and took a seat across from him on the velvet couch. The plate had floated over and settled itself on the coffee table in front of her.

Mephisto sat back and watched her captivatingly. "I wanted to offer you a chance to speak to me informally. I am quite fond of stimulating conversations with the proper company." Another poof of pink smoke revealed a tea set. The teapot itself poured for both of them before setting itself down again. "Oh, I apologize. I didn't happen to ask your preference. I do hope Matcha is fine with you."

Kaori timidly lifted her teacup, appreciating the warmth to her palm and the pleasant scent. "I do. Though I also enjoy earl grey, jasmine, chamomile, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, sage, violet and most other variations of green teas." Once realizing her rambling, a light blush dusted over her cheeks.

Mephisto cocked his head slightly, eyeing her. "Quite the list of herbal teas then. I'm familiar with those you've listed and then some. Except I do believe I have you beat in age so it's only to be expected." Softly closing his eyes, he lifted his cup up taking a sip.

"It's been mentioned that with age comes both wisdom and experience. I believe I'll be alright with tolerating such older company." She masked a smile behind the rim of her cup as she took a sip herself.

Mephisto just returned a grin of his own, "Splendid." He gingerly set his cup on the saucer, then allowing it to float next to him. "Now Ri, would you allow me to pick your brain for now?"

Kaori blinked before glancing down at the Macarons. "Alright."

Following her gaze, a macaron drifted over to her. Noticing her cheeks dust pink before taking the sweet pastry. "Do you happen to have interest in manga or anime?" He had folded his hands and was grinning behind them as he smugly asked the question.

Her shoulders tensed, and her eyes grew to the size of saucers. With an attempt to clear her throat she forced herself to respond. "You mean like Vampire Knight or The Ancient Magnus Bride…?"

He could no longer mask the grin on his face as he shifted to the edge of his seat and lifted his finger a matter of factly. "Yes, exactly right!"

She couldn't prevent her voice from shrinking so she answered quietly, "Perhaps…"

He jumped up half leaning over the coffee table between them and closing some distance between the two of them. Mephisto was nearly in her face as he began bombarding her excitedly with more questions. "I Knew it! Do you like the two you listed? How about Violet Evergarden? Moonphase? Rozen Maiden?!" He continued to list off many more anime and manga series with blissful delight.

Only the closer he was and the more interest he showed in the subject, the harsher Kaori's blush became. She could barely keep up with his list. "Y-yea. I enjoy those ones, yes." She tried to glance away, scratching the side of her cheek, and eating the macaron she was holding.

His two gloved hands encapsulated the one that was touching her own cheek. "Would you watch something with me in the future sometime? You can see my manga library too! You would have to visit my estate for that."

Her hand was jittery, "S-sure, just perhaps some other time." She inhaled a shaky breath. "Mephisto, could we discuss that mission now?" Kaori was nearly prepared to bolt for the door, she was only ever open about this particular interest with her friends.

He leaned back some, "Oh, I suppose so." Reluctantly releasing the girls hand, he took his seat back across from her. The teapot poured him a fresh cup and he sipped slowly. "I'm sure your deity keeps you well informed about the many forests in distress around the globe, spiritually or otherwise. I've compiled a list of them, though for this singular mission I would like you to do something quite simple."

Kaori simply raised a brow as she leaned back against the couch, allowing it to fill the curvature of her back. She laid her arms across the top rim as she eyed him carefully over her glasses. "Simple as in groceries or something different?"

A chuckle rumbled from Mephisto, "No not quite. I would like you to cross the Tokara islands and visit the forest of Yakushima. Specifically, to take a look at the Jōmon Sugi."

Kaori furrowed her brow, "You're referring to the oldest Cryptomeria tree in Japan? That one?"

Mephisto smiled over the rim of his tea cup. "The one and only.~ Is that simple enough, Ri darling?" He took another long sip of tea.

She pondered for a moment before giving him a firm nod, "Understood. I can manage that. Is there anything in particular that I'm looking for?"

Mephisto just shrugged, "Oh I don't know. I believe you will see all you need to know when you get there.~" The coy and playful undertone to his voice caused her brow to twitch.

Kaori snatched another macaron off the plate. "Fine. I'll see for myself then." She popped it in her mouth before standing up and heading towards the office door.

Mephisto watched her go and tilted his head to the side, "Leaving already? I suppose we can converse another time then. Have a good evening, Ri."

Her face was burning and she quietly muttered, "Yes, Goodnight." She left the office, the door quietly shutting behind her as she made her way back to her flat. Her heart hammered harshly against her ribcage the further she walked.

Mephisto simply grinned to himself. "You can come out now, Amaimon."

The small green hamster that had been hiding between the couch cushions crawled out into view. With a smoke puff the small critter was replaced with the demon king of earth. His blue eyes were focused on the closed door, they shifted to a lovely gold the longer he stared. "That is the one you want me to play with tomorrow brother?"

Mephisto hummed but a shadow fell over his eyes as he glared hard at Amaimon. "Yes, just don't break her. Or I may have to punish you." He flicked a wrapped piece of candy at his younger brother, who simply caught it between two fingers.

"She's kin with my element and her second element compliments earth. Should I consider this a game of endurance then, brother?" His eyes never left the door as he popped the round candy into his mouth.

"You'll be testing her limits." He studied his brother intensively.

"Yes, brother." He was squatting on the couch instead of properly sitting.

Mephisto tapped his umbrella on the rim of his hat as he moved to hold it out in front of himself, "Do I need to re-instruct you on how to treat the furniture?"

Amaimon's gaze finally moved back to look at Mephisto as he corrected his posture.

Mephisto placed his hat back on his head, setting his parasol off to the side, "Wise choice."