Sprout; Chapter 2: Growing Up
It had been an interesting night. After leaving the property of True Cross Academy, the demon prince had been going all over looking for fun, gathering a small group of hobgoblins to go into the city and play. For each place he went too he unleashed a different form of fun. Letting small hobgoblins let loose in a shopping district, grinning as the little demons causing the humans havoc as they went through shops and businesses and taking anything they could get their hands on. Plus since humans couldn't see them it was equally humorous seeing the little humans scramble bewildered and some what panicking as his minions did their job.
After the last pillage Amaimon decided to take a small break to enjoy the spoils. Sitting on a high roof top of a random building he snacked on some of the treats, candy, chips, and various sweets they had 'acquired' from their stops. All around the goblins rambled through all the items, stuffing their mouths with whatever they could get their hands on, sometimes fighting and taking from another.
It was understandable, things like sweets and candy weren't exactly common in Gehenna. Only after coming to Assiah was the demon prince introduced to the many wonders of the world. His favorite were the many food items and games that filled the world and how no place was the same.
Reaching over he had picked up a bag of cookies, tearing the seal off he released the deliciously colored cookies. After taking one out he popped the cookie in his mouth and breaking it under his sharp teeth.
As he was about to pop another in his mouth a voice stopped him mid way, "What is that, great demon prince?"
Peering down lazily blue eyes fell on the small creature that was still in his vest pocket, he had forgotten the creature was in there,
"It's a delicacy called a macaroon" he said calmly showing the vibrant colored cookie to the creature who looked at it with amazement.
"Ma...ca...ron?" it sounded out still looking at the strange item, "And you eat it?"
"Of course" he popped the cookie in his mouth giving a gulp, "Haven't you ever had a cookie before?" he asked as the little creature shook it's tiny head.
"I have never seen anything like it" they said noting the color and the soft looking substance in the middle of the solid pieces, "I've only eaten things of the forest"
"How boring" he mumbled still chewing a mouthful of treats. As the small creature watched it's master and the others, it became more and more curious of the items they seemed to be so fond off. With great curiosity the small creature wiggled and maneuvered from out of the demons pocket. After dangling for a moment they did a free fall and landed on a discarded bag, cushioning his fall.
Composing itself the creature climbed off the bag and looked around. Curious of the odd substances that the others fancied, he decided to try one of the treats as his master had called it. Out of respect for the King it decided not to bother his masters items, instead it had located a discarded item that the others overlooked.
It looked just like what his master had showed him, looking closer the creature examined the item closer. While the pieces around the outside was solid and held a pink color, the inside was cream like and had a pink shading to it. It smelled sweet and it looked as his master said delicious. As it prepared to try it, leaning in it almost find itself losing balance.
Looking around the treat was gone, but where. But soon the culprit had been found. A hobgoblin had snatched the creamy treat and was now holding it in possession.
"Hey that was mine! Give it!" it exclaimed not happy about having it taken, the round demon looked at the other, first in surprise then giving a series of laughs mostly at the others size. The plant demon gave a tremble, anger rising as it's green skin became a reddish green.
"Don't laugh at me!" it yelled before walking up and kicking the goblin in it's stubby leg. Only a second later the small creature felt an impact sending it impacting onto the ground, the hit leaving the creature dizzy and laying with some discarded wrappers and bags.
The creature laughed before popping the stolen cookie in it's mouth still grinning with mischievous glee.
'Hm' Amaimon had watched the whole scene play out, while he wasn't expecting the little creature to be strong or anything, it was merely a whim believing it might be fun to see what entertainment the creature might be bring him. And while he usually like watching scenes of chaos and havoc, he couldn't help feel...what humans described as pity.
The way the creature was treated by the hobgoblin reminded him of his younger days in Gehenna. As the youngest before the eighth demon prince was born. He had experience of being bullied by other demons, mostly his brothers, cousins, even his father because he was small and weak. Stealing his possessions, beating him up for no reason then because they could, even breaking his tail. He cringed remembering the times he had to pop the sensitive appendage back into place after it had been broken. Only after growing his power and fighting back did the bullying and abuse stop. Most of the time he tried to get help or support from the only brother he was actually close to, Mephisto. And even though he claimed not to care and would rarely protect the young demon, being around him kept the others away from the younger if only for those moments.
The little creature gave a tiny groan as it regained consciousness slowly sitting up. Looking around he saw he was among the discarded trash and frown. Taken down so easily, what if his master had saw, surely he would punish or banish him for being so weak to be taken down with one hit. It wasn't even fair, a sneak attack. Looking downcast the creature began to give tiny sniffles of sadness,
Suddenly with a thump something had been placed in front of it, with a look of shock, following the hand it gave another high gasp seeing the owner.
"M-M-Master!?" it was Amaimon who had placed a cookie in front of it, his blue eyes staring down at the little creature as he squatted on his hunches.
"Hm? Something wrong?" he asked as the creature looked between him and the treat, "Are you not happy with the cookie. I don't particularly like this flavor" he said casually
"But...but..."
"What are you rejecting my gift?" his voice sounded rather serious and offended only further frightening the creature.
"Forgive me master!" it begged, "I did not mean to offend you, thank you for this treat of macaroon! You are truly a giving and merciful king!" it exclaimed bowing repeatedly
"Whatever, just don't get used to it" he exhaled, "You have to work for what you get, consider this a small scrap from your king" he added
"Yes great king!" it nodded not wanting to upset the other
"Well aren't you going to eat it?"
"Y-Yes great one!" without a second of hesitation the small creature took a bite of the cookie, though it was tiny. And after biting and swallowing the treat, there was a moment of silence before it's eyes or whatever it used to see lit up and a blush came on it's round face.
"This...this is the best thing I ever tasted!" it exclaimed with a joyous glee, "It's so soft and fluffy and melts in my mouth!"
"What is this glorious softness!" it said biting more and more into the white item
"A marshmallow" Amaimon said, "Humans often eat them or put them in other treats" he explained remembering all the desserts, candies, and drinks he had the tiny treat. Looking back the creature had devoured the gooey treat.
"Yummy~" it sighed rubbing what he suspected was the others stomach apparently enjoying it's new treat.
"They are rather good" he said calmly pulling out a bag of marshmallows, popping a few in his mouth, "There really good in cocoa and ice cream" he said between chews. The creature listened with great interest and fully engrossed of his talk of cocoa and ice cream, whatever they were. Especially if they had marshmallows inside.
"Alright then that's enough of this" Amaimon said standing back up, "It's time to move on and find more fun" though he felt rather disappointed no one seemed to notice what he was doing. He would atleast though his brother would send one of his precious exorcists to stop him or even come himself if not to scold him.
He's probably bored with him
"Let's get ready to go to the next spot" the goblins howled and gave a series of noises as they bounce up and down ready to go and cause more mischief.
"Yes Master!" the plant demon added ready to follow the other, with a pinch they were picked up and placed in his master pocket rather pleased and honored to be placed in such a position. Though as Amaimon saw it the other was so small and weak they would get trampled and killed off. This way was easier, so with that they left leaving the remainders of their presence on the rooftops.
As they left to prepare for their next sight, the young demon couldn't help but wonder what was happening back with his brother.
"Anuie, what are you thinking?"
Back at True Cross Academy, the head principal Mephisto sat at his office desk which was filled with paperwork and other documents he had to fill out. The order wanted reports and updates on missions and demon activity. Ever since the incident during Rin's first trial many wanted to keep close tabs on the spawn of Satan. Which left more paperwork for purple haired male then he liked. This also meant he had to be careful with his planning lest the order caught wind, he chuckled, if they hadn't caught him now they wouldn't ever.
Staring up from his paper he allowed his gaze to out into his empty office, "My it's rather quiet" he hummed almost in a sadness, which didn't last when a smile plastered his lips, "Oh such sweet bliss!" he grinned. With his office to himself he felt a calm wash over him. His precious collection of memorabilia and collectibles were intact and unbroken, his food uneaten and litter all over the floor, while sticky fingers touched and smudged his clean office!
"My manga without claw marks, my anime collection intake, my games unscratched" he sighed, "Such bliss should be criminal" even if it was only temporary he couldn't help be overjoyed at the prospects of having a calm and relaxing week. Even with the paperwork it still didn't compare to the bliss of quiet order.
"I wonder what I should do first?" after finishing the last document for the night the second demon prince gave a twirl in his chair before jolting up, "So many possibilities, hm"
"I know, a nice hot bath!" counting to three in German he gave a snap of his finger and soon was transported to a large pristine bathroom. After filling up the large tub with hot water with a layer of thick pink bubbles on top, the demon let himself submerge his body in the heated water that caressed his muscles and skin so beautifully.
"Ah! I can't remember the last time I could just soak without being pestered" he sighed contently before sinking deeper and deeper. Yes this truly would be a blissful time.
"Hm I wonder..." he sighed his last question slipping away from him as he indulged completely in the sweet silence.
Back in the forest, in a large mass of high growing tree's, the sound of various snores filled the air as hobgoblins of various sizes sleep among the roots. Tired from the nights activities the little demons now slept peacefully with bellies full of food and sugary treats. On the top levels of the tree branches the master of the creatures was lounging against the trunk. Blue eyes stared up at the moon, full and brightly shining, and couldn't help but let his mind wonder.
A rustling noise hit his ears causing the pointed appendages to twitch, lazily his eyes looked forward to see a brush of leaves shake and rustles. With one final movement the brush seemed to open and out emerged the little plant demon. He watched as the creature came out, it's tiny arms carrying a small red circle. Setting the small item a little ways away it went into the bushes again and again, each time bringing out more of the round items.
"Just what are you doing there?" Amaimon spoke suddenly surprising the creature as it had reemerged again.
"M-Master Amaimon" it said calming itself from the sudden shock, "I didn't mean to disturb you" it apologized.
"What's that you're carrying?" he repeated pointing to the thing in the demons small stubs
"I noticed some berries in the tree" they explained shyly, "When I saw they weren't harmful, I picked a few. They are very sweet! Our elder showed us which berries of the forest were safe to consume" picking up one of the berries, it slowly shuffled toward the demon prince with its small, stubby legs.
"Um, would you like one master?" it asked cautiously holding the berry upwards, Amaimon remained stoic as he watched and observed the small offering. Out of pure curiosity he took the berry, plucking it with his long claws to hold between his thumb and index finger. Looking closer he rolled the tiny berry between his finger, with a sniff it didn't smell funny, with lick it tasted...okay. With shrug he decided to pop it into his mouth, even if it was poisonous it couldn't hurt him.
As he chewed the berry as juices exploded in his mouth.
"Hm, not bad" he said in between chews, the news a great happiness for the small creature that his master had not only accepted his gift, but he liked it!
"Anymore berries?" Amaimon said wanting more of the juicy berries
"Y-Yes Master!" it nodded quickly, "I will pick only the finest ones Great Demon King of the Earth!" they exclaimed before rushing off to find more berries.
"That'll take too long" Amaimon said now standing up, "Just show me where the berries are"
"As you wish great one" it agreed with no hesitation, "Please follow me" it motioned respectfully before walking towards the bushes and the demon king in tow. True to the plant demons words they found a bounty of berries in the tree. By the end they had collected a handful of berries which was a great accomplishment to the small demon.
Now the two sat higher up in the tree, the small demon next to the other as Amaimon continued to eat the delicious berries. Blue eyes peered over to look over at the small demon was they sat on the branch. Even without a face he could sense a contentment from the small creature.
"Are you satisfied great King of Earth?"
"Hm, yeah" he said between chews, "By the way why aren't you eating anything?" he asked
"My apologies, my body already contains enough nutrients from the marshmallow" they explained
"And the berries. Weren't you going to eat it?"
"Not particularly, when my species comes across a plant we take a seed from the plant and plant as a show of respect" it explained how his species planted and took care of all plants so they remained plentiful.
"I was searching for a berry I could take with me and plant it in a nice place" they sighed, "Sometimes we keep seeds in case we need to repopulate a species of a plant or when a tree get's cut down"
"All that, your species do a lot of work. I only do things that are fun to me" Amaimon spoke
"To use keeping the tree's and flowers alive is rewarding" they said, "Not only does it balance the systems, but it's a way to pay respect to the earth and you of course great king of earth"
"Hm" he began to wonder again, this little creature was going out of it's way to please him. It felt strange, not that he hadn't had obedience in others before. Most of time it was from lower demons who obeyed him because of his rank and other demons and familiars because of who is father was. At times he wondered if others would obey him if he wasn't a demon king and the spawn of the mightiest demon in existence. Even now he couldn't escape the thoughts that others pretended to go along with him. Was it only out of fear that they obeyed him and if given the chance would they turn on him or would father replace him. Everyone was already obsessed with his half brother. Everyday he had to hear about Rin and his brother. Always about him, he already spent most of his life at the bottom of the pole in the family hierarchy and now he faced the possibility of being replaced or worse taken down further. It was embarrassing enough to be beaten by the half-demon twice, but knowing he had not only the attention of father and his other brothers, as well as his big brother was enough to make him level a city in a massive earthquake. He was over thousands of years old, he'd be damned if he was pushed aside for some newbie hatch-ling
"M-Master...?" came a trembling, looking down he noticed the tiny creature looking rather fearful beside him. Looking at his hand he noticed he had squeezed crushing the berries into a liquid goo. The small creature putting aside it's fear quickly scrambled up and rushed off, returning moments later with a series of leaves. Offering them to other,
"Huh?" taking the leaves he looked at them and then it, with a shrug he used them to clean off the berry residue. Looking it worked minimally, so he decided to just lick the rest off, no use wasting something good.
"Thanks" he said absently seeing the residue now gone, "Hey little creature, let me ask you" he began, "Don't you hate being small?"
"Em?"
"I mean to be so little, anyone or thing can just step on you?" he added remembering the fight with the hobgoblin back in the city.
"Well, sometimes" it said, "Being born so tiny I'm used to being this size. Normally my species are peaceful and only want to help others grow" they sighed.
"Though because of our size there have been problems with other demons" they remembered being bullied by other demons' nearly being stepped on and losing food because others would take it. Though they didn't eat much, one berry could sustain them for an entire week. It was still frustrating being small, "Then when humans started cutting down tree's and uprooting the soil it became hard for many of use to live and thrive"
"I've watched so many of my friends, comrades, family lost. And even though I want to do something I keep getting beaten and as you put it, nearly stepped on" they groaned remembering all their failed attempts to either get vengeance or even just stand up to others.
"But even with that, just knowing there's still vast nature still blooming and thriving brings an inner peace on the inside" they said contently
"So basically you don't care that humans are still uprooting nature and forests?" he commented
"Not really, I usually pray that one day all the cities and every human in it will be swallowed by a gaping hole and thrust into the fires of Gehenna!" Amaimon found that mildly surprising, not the nature of the words, but hearing them from the shy speaking plant demon sounded rather abnormal. Which was weird coming from him.
'Still I wonder'
"Are you a boy or a girl?" he said suddenly, "Seriously I can't tell and it's frustrating calling you tiny and small demon" he added
"Boy? Girl?" it said with a confused tone, "Forgive me I do not understand"
"Huh? How? It's either you're a boy or a girl" he said, "Like I'm a male" he pointed to himself, he could be a girl if he possessed a females body, but he preferred this better.
"My species doesn't really have what you call boy or girl" the plant demon said
"Then how do reproduce?"
"Well from what I was told one of the species gives another a seed, they plant the seed, water it, and then a few days later it grows into a new plant demon!" it explained
"That sounds weird, but I guess all species don't have the same mating rituals" he shrugged, "Well do you atleast have a name?"
"My apologies" it said, "I was so taken in by meeting you I forgot to tell my name. I am called Niwa!" they introduced themselves fully.
"Niwa" Amaimon repeated the name, "Alright Niwa from this day forward you are servant. You will obey and serve me, and follow my every order without hesitation"
"If that is your wish I will follow you to the furthest pits of Gehenna!" they exclaimed fully offering themselves to the demon prince. And in a way Amaimon felt a strange sense of pride hearing the words from the creature. Others just blindly and mindlessly followed him, but this small creature that he had met only hours ago had pledged themselves to the demon king with no hesitation. Essentially they had sold their soul to him,
'This should be interesting'
With a yawn Amaimon gave a few lazy stretches before moving to lay back against the tree trunk. He felt exhausted from such a long night and morning that would be full of new activities to do. After the night's events he was sure no one was trying to stop him, not even his brother.
"Time to sleep" as he began to drift off he took one last look at Niwa, the plant demon had gathered some leaves and made a makeshift bed, it was rather cute, as his brother might put it. The only time he had heard his brother call him anything close to cute were those rare moments when they shared the warmth of each other. At first he found it embarrassing to be called cute or adorable in any sense. As a demon king he was to be feared and powerful, but because it was his big brother he felt a special bond that only they shared.
'But now...', shaking his head he refused to let those thoughts come through. Looking down he saw the creature was now asleep. Tiny snores escaping the small body like tiny whispers,
'What a strange little creature' with a groan he made himself comfortable on the tree branch, it felt so different from the couch or the bed in Mephisto's office. Very different, but nothing he couldn't handle. Others might think he had been spoiled by luxuries of the human world, but he had luxury even back in Gehenna. Being the King of Earth he had slept in a variety of places be it tree tops or even in the dirt. Though he still missed the comfy pillows and blush mattress's.
'Guess I'll see tomorrow' what would he do when the sun came up
...To Be Continued...