Sprout; Chapter 3: Unseen

As the sun rays began to peak over the horizon signalling a new day. As the suns rays let down through the trees, they fell upon one such resident currently in sleeping on the branch.

"Em...close the drapes" he mumbled trying to block the annoying light filtering down, "Ten more minutes..." he mumbled fighting to stay asleep. With a flustered blink, his eyes slowly unfolded open. Only half lided the blue eyes peered around, he wasn't in his brothers office couch or on his large, plush bed. He was in the forest, a part of him wanted it to be a dream that he had been abruptly kicked out and left by himself. Though he knew he shouldn't care that much, he couldn't help feel somewhat abandoned and further neglected by his brother. The more he thought about it, the more he had to believe he was being purposely pushed aside to make room for his half-sibling. Even those special times they were together seemed to be overshadowed by his brothers planning and work. Everything seemed to be become a top priority over him and it only made him more upset. It was only a matter a time before he was either tossed off or obliterated.

Slowly opening his eyes he looked around, the forest was just waking up, looking below he noticed the goblins still passed out drooling. He then remembered last night, going around town and the different shops, all the goodies they acquired, the people they scared, before finally returning to the forest to rest.

It was rather quiet after that, but before he forgot he remembered he was eating berries he had gotten from the small plant demon and...

A sudden realization came to mind, looking up blue eyes fell on the bundle of leaves that the other had made for a bed.

"Niwa?" no answer, there was always an answer. Moving closer to the heap of leaves, he began looking under, but found nothing. Where was he? Where did he go? Did he leave, no he wouldn't do that. He was sure the demon was completely devoted to him. But then how...as he looked around trying to remain calm. But then he noticed something on the branch, looking closer he picked it up with his fingers

'A feather?' it was bristly and black, 'Wait feathers come from birds' what would a bird want with...suddenly his face dropped. Birds ate small animals, he remembered watching it on t.v, that showed birds that prey on small creatures like mice and insects.

"But Niwa not any of those" but he was one thing, he was small.

"Crap!" this was bad, a bird could easily have mistaken Niwa for prey and carried him off. But how did he not notice, his senses were always on during sleep. But this was Assiah, some bird wouldn't bother him.

With a quick jump he bolted from the branch, "Wake up!" he yelled added with the sudden landing on the ground the Hobgoblins were suddenly awoken from their slumber.

"Nap time is over!" he exclaimed, "The little plant demon has been taken by some stupid winged rat of the sky!" he said showing them the black feather

"Go and find him!" he commanded the creatures seemed to stare at each other possibly finding the order weird for the demon king, "DON'T MAKE ME FUCKING REPEAT MYSELF! FIND HIM OR I'LL PERSONALLY SKIN EVERYONE OF YOU ALIVE!" he growled his killing intent raising frightening the small hobgoblins.

"NOW GO!" he commanded and the demons scrambled to fulfill the order. Once they were all gone, Amaimon began to ponder gnawing on his thumbnail in order to remain calm. They were just birds so they couldn't gotten far, but then why was he bothered that the plant demon was missing.

Brushing it off he jumped up to float over the forest, it was so big. But with all the hobgoblins looking it shouldn't be hard to find him. But then again he was so tiny, what if it was too late, what if the birds had...he began seeing Niwa gobbled up whole by some winged rat of the sky.

"Damn it!" with that he took off, he would try to since the other out, maybe it wasn't to late to find him.

'Niwa'

Out in a remote part of the forest, nestled in a large tree was a hole. Rays beamed down into the whole touching almost everything in light. One such thing yawned feeling the warm rays on their face.

"Mm...morning?" they yawned stretching their small bodies, "Mm...mas...ter?" rubbing their face they suddenly stopped feeling something was amiss. After looking around the plant creature Niwa noticed he was not in his leafy bed next to his master. He was now in what looked to be some kind of hole or cave with sticks and leaves on the floor.

"Where is this?" judging from the wall he could see wooden features so he must have been in a tree, but how and when. The last thing he remembered was going to sleep next to the demon prince. Did he put him here? It didn't seem likely. Deciding to take a closer look around he walked around. Going over the twigs that stuck out and over woven into each other, he had seen something like this before, but at the moment found it hard to remember.

"Such a big place, but how...uh!" with a thud he took a step back, he had collided with something. Looking up he noticed he a stepped into something big and white. The object was big and felt smooth to the touch on its white surface.

"Wait this is a..." suddenly a high pitched noise surprised him, 'What was that?' taking to instinct he took shelter behind the object. Peering over he looked towards the entrance just in time to see a large creature landing. It was big, well everything was big compared to him, but the creature was really big. It had black features and large wings that folded to it's side. It's long claws fidgeted once as it green eyes stared into the cave.

'That's one big bird' he had run ins with creatures like that, the winged demons had captured many of his kind and carried them off. Though because they were plant demons it was mostly demon possessed birds.

'If they're here, this place...' he gulped, 'Is it's nest' the bird made another squawking noise as it entered it's domain. Eyes scanning around before falling on it's eggs. Slowly it neared letting it's long beak float over the oval shaped that no doubt held it's offspring.

'If this is the nest, that bird must of brought me to be lunch' it huffed not liking being treated or seen as food. Looking around he noticed the entrance before looking back at the bird who had yet to notice him.

'If I move quietly I can make it out of here' with one last check to make sure he was clear, Niwa slowly moved from behind the egg. Tiptoeing ever so slowly Niwa moved with careful and nimble feet trying to remain silent so not to alarm the bird.

'Almost there' his goal was in sight, just a few more feet and he would be free, after which he could find his master. Just a little more, as he neared his goal fate seemed to have other plans as a overlooked twig caught his foot sending him tumbling and stumbling over to the ground with a thud.

Though small the noise was enough to draw the birds attention causing it to let out a loud squawk that echoed in the hole making the demon cover his ears.

"Time to run!" jumping up he decided to make a run for it since he was discovered. As he ran for the exit he found it blocked by the sudden thump, the bird was now blocking him with it's long legs which were connected to long claws.

"So close...ahh!" he moved back as green eyes fell on the small plant demon making he inch back in caution. The bird moved it's head back and forth as it looked at Niwa and began walking forward slowly.

"S-Stay back" Niwa said as it continued to move forward one foot at a time. As he was pushed back towards the egg.

'I'm trapped'

Outside amongst the forest floor, a figure was moving amongst dirt and marsh like flooring. The individual was small in height, looking no older then a young teen. Short green hair with three flowery pins on the right bang. A daisy, A rose, and finally a chrysanthemum. There was a gentle smile on their face that beamed with a calm and soft aura. They were dressed in a simple green kimono tied with a dark green sash with sandals.

Walking along the forest floor, the individual moved with caution and ease, a long staff at their front as they tapped on the ground now and again. The forest was serene at this time and the gentle breeze combined with the beaming sun made the walk more peaceful.

"?" suddenly they stopped, "I thought I heard something" they said in a soft voice as the wind stirred past them.

The forest seemed to be going wild, hobgoblins were bouncing and jumping all over. The little demons searching every tree, rock, hole, any place the little plant demon might be, which given his size was very great. Per their masters command the demons also searched where any birds might be, checking nests and hollows of trees. Some getting pecked by angering birds whose nests they disturbed.

Amaimon was looking frantically in one clearing, searching under rocks, turning over fallen trunks before tossing them off, and even holes, but only finding rabbits or gophers who either ran off or hissed at him. Only to be scared off moments later with a glare from his blue eyes and killing aura.

"Damn it!" he growled crushing a rock under his foot, he had been searching for hours and hadn't found the plant demon yet. He didn't even know why he care so much for him. But whenever he closed his eyes all he could see and hear was the little plant demon and how he spoke such words of adoration to him. No one at ever spoken to him like that, not even his elder brother was that nice. Maybe when they were younger, but it was still a rarity.

"He has to be here" with his nose he began sniffing around, there was a small trace, but it was enough to know he hadn't become some birds lunch. Following the trail he jumped up into the tree's and began following the smell. He was close, the more he went in the direction the more it got stronger.

'He's close' but as he moved closer he noticed another smell, it wasn't like all the others. No not animal, this smell was different like,

'A demon? Maybe?'' it was a strange smell, gentle but with a coppery line to it.. Gritting his teeth the demon king hurried through the tree's

As Niwa was back into the egg, the bird closing in, he jumped to the side avoiding the beak of the bird. He wasn't going down that easily.

'I have to get out, I have to get back' he thought of his master, Amaimon, and the oath he took. He wouldn't die this way. Dodging more pecks from the large black bird, Niwa managed to maneuver past it. Making a dash for it he took a chance at the exist.

'I only have one shot!' with his oath in mind he picked up his speed and once close enough he made a jump for it.

'Yes!' the exit was so close, and had only made it and was now grasping onto the hole. Struggling he maneuvered his small body upwards and onto the ledge of the hole.

"Success!" he exclaimed with a victorious stance, "Take that you stupid bird!" he called back

"Looks like I showed them" he said jumping from the ledge on the branch, walking along the wooden tree branch.

"Guess I showed them" he said rather smugly, "Now to get...back...too...oh" his pace stopped, looking around he felt his heart stop for a moment. Eyes looked down on the small creatures, birds roasted all over.

"Oh..." he squeaked beginning to back away, suddenly a thump caught his attention. Turning back the bird from before, his kidnapper, seemed to have found it's wits.

"Darn it" Niwa mumbled, "Now when I said dumb bird I didn't mean all of you" he laughed nervously backing upwards trying to put as much distance as he could from the creatures. Niwa gasped giving a startled flinch, looking back he saw he was right at the edge of the branch which led to a one way trip down and for Niwa death.

Now he truly was trapped, if he stayed he would be ripped apart by the birds and if he fell he would be squashed.

'No way out' looking back and forth he saw the birds closing in and had to make a decision then and now.

'Eaten and flattened. Flattened or Eaten' he didn't have much of a choice

"I guess I have no choice" he gulped, concluding his fate he turned quickly and with a spring he jumped from the high point and began his descent.

"I changed my mind!" he regretted, "This was a bad idea!" he yelled as he fell, tumbling to what would no doubt be his end. Covering his face he prepared for the worst and waited for the pain.

"Ow!" came a startled voice, "What was that?" the greened haired youth asked rubbing their head. Something had hit them suddenly, creating a slight pain on top.

"Ah" came a dizzy voice, "I-I'm alive? I'm alive!" Niwa said regaining his senses to see he wasn't smooched.

"Who said that?" the figure said having heard a voice just then.

"I did"

"Who?"

"Me"

"Who are you? Where are you?" they asked looking around rather nervously

"Who are you?" Niwa asked as he stood on the green strains of what he guessed broke his fall. Suddenly he gave a yelp as something had grabbed them.

"Hey what are you doing? Put me down!" they struggled as once again they were captured. But appeared temporary, as the 'cage' opened, Niwa looked up and saw what he had landed on.

"A-A human?" he stammered looking at the gentle face at the human who was now holding him.

"S-Sorry about that? Were you the one speaking to me?" they asked in a gentle voice. However before he could get an answer there was a noise, looking up Niwa gasped seeing the shades of black coming downwards.

"Birds!"

"Huh? Birds?" they asked with a confused look on their face. Suddenly they gave a yelp feeling something pass by them. It was quick and continued.

"W-What's happening?" they said startled, they let out a yell as they felt something being poking and clawing at them from every angle.

"Aahh!" they screamed as the birds continued to attack, the meek youth pled for the them to stop, but the birds were persistent in attacking.

"Get away! Get away!" the human said in a small tone, using their staff to like a swatter trying to keep the birds at bay, but only seeming to make them more agitated.

"What are you doing?" Niwa voice, the human was keeping their hand close, the one that was holding him close to their chest. Away from the birds

"I-I'm p-protecting you" they stammered as the attacks continued. Niwa gave a confused look or rather a sound of confusion as the others words.

'Why were they...a human, protecting him a demon'

"Why are you doing that? Why are you getting attack to protect me?" he questioned as the human just continued to take the abuse of the birds. With a cry the human was knocked to the ground, their staff rolled off to the side. Niwa braced himself now finding himself clutched more as the human continued to protect the smaller creature in their palms.

'I didn't want it end like this!' he cried

Blood floated around the two bodies, like dew or droplets of rain. Red splattered against the ground creating a mosaic partain against the grass. Niwa looked out just in time to see a figure looming over them.

"M-Master!" Niwa cried seeing no other than Amaimon standing over them with the same expression. Looking down he saw a few birds littered on the ground, dead.

"There you are, Niwa" the little plant demon could have cried with joy, his master was there, he had come and saved them from the birds.

Blue eyes looked at the small plant demon, but then turned his attention to the person on the ground.

"Hm, a human?" he stared at the the green haired individual on the ground. Their body littered with cuts and scraps no doubt from the birds he had killed or who were lucky enough to get away.

"W-Who there?" came the meek voice of the one on the ground as a new voice entered their ear. What intrigued the demon king was how even though he was standing right in front of them, they acted like they couldn't see him. It couldn't be because they couldn't see demons. They were holding Niwa and had heard his voice.

"Um...hello? Are you...is anyone still there?" they called out softly, a look of worry on their face. Feeling something pulling at their clothes the youth gave a startled cry at the sudden action as they were pulled up. In all they looked weak and fragile with those cuts.

Looking closer he could see their eyes were closed, which was strange as most humans he saw eyes were open. Only closing if they were sleeping or in pain and sometimes thinking when he observed them.

"Master Amaimon!" he exclaimed happy to see his master, he had come to rescue him, plus the trembling had stopped allowing him to move again. Moving from the palm, Niwa managed to hop onto his master, landing on his own hand.

"You came" he said almost tearfully

"I guess" he said, but inside he was relieved the other wasn't eaten, "You can show your full gratitude by telling me what happened" however as he found safety in his masters hand, the sound squawking filled his ears. Apparently the one bird wasn't happy seeing the hand now holding it's lunch. Ignoring the obvious instincts to flee from individual. It flapped it's wings and squawked with a look like it was about to attack.

"Not again!" the human seemed to flinch sensing the tension and the sound of the bird after the last attack.

"Back you winged demon!" Niwa said having been frightful of the bird minutes ago, but now his master was in danger and he had to protect him. and fingers he reached out

I said back!" he yelled trying to shoo the bird away, "Back I say! You will not harm the demon king of earth!" he stated fully

"I'll protect him even if it cost me my life!" he declared

Amaimon heard the whole thing and felt strange. Not only did Niwa seem to adore him, but he was devoted to him so much that he was will to let himself be killed for his hand. It was strange and created a constricting in his chest. No one, no one was ever that kind to him in all the years that he was alive. Not even Mephisto showed that kind of love and cherishment, only when it seemed convenient for him did he show kindness and caring. He would sooner protect those humans at his precious school, then his own brother. His own blood was less important than a bunch of humans who tried everyday to wipe them off the face of known existence.

'Little idiot' as he was in his thoughts by the continuous squawking, Amaimon looked more annoyed if anything, flexing his fingers he quickly reached out grabbing the bird by the neck with ease. The bird struggled and flailed in the man's hands trying desperately to get free.

"Stupid creature, you think you were a match for me" he scoffed boredly, "Creatures like you, are too easy prey for me" tightening his grip he prepared to snap the birds neck and toss it off like the rest.

"No, stop!" came a voice, looking down Amaimon saw the individual who was still standing next to him. He had almost forgot about them.

"Stop? Why?" he questioned still holding the bird

"P-Please...just left them go" they seemed to plead, though they could not see who they were pleading to.

"I don't like being told what to do?" he deadpanned, "Besides this thing annoyed me and challenged me"

"No, I mean, it's just a bird" they said

"It tried to eat me! And attack you" Niwa voiced

"I-I know, but..." they began to sniffle, water welling in their eyes, "Just spare the creature please just...let him go, please" they wept as tears pulled down their face. Amaimon looked at the individual, watching as they cried and plead for him to set the creature free from his grip. Only minutes before a horde of them were attacking them without mercy. What would he want to save it.

After a moment, Amaimon felt his grip loosen, once free the bird took off back into the tree tops.

"M-Master?" Niwa was stunned really, believing his master would kill the winged creature. But Amaimon's attention was focused on the still crying and it was getting on his nerves.

"You can stop crying" he said with a huff, "I let it go, so enough with the whining" looking up, blue eyes widened a bit seeing those lids, slightly ajar allowing him to see speaks of green, tears still leaking in lines on the side.

"Y-You did?" they blinked

"Can't you see my empty hand?" he motioned his hand showing it was empty

"Actually...I can't" they admitted rather softly, looking downcast, "The truth is, I can't see. I'm blind" Amaimon just stared at the other taking in what he just heard. The other was blind, that would explain a lot.

"Um...what's blind?" Niwa pipped in

"It means what it means, he can't see us or anything else" Amaimon said stoically, those lids were again close.

"Um, t-thank you again for sparing the birds life and saving mine!" they said thanking the other who he couldn't see. Amaimon just blinked a couple a times noting the others meek and soft stature. They were covered in cuts and scraps, yet was smiling so softly it was annoying to the demon.

"I don't need thanks for that, the birds and you're crying pissed me off because it was ignoring me!" he said, though the small human only smiled warmly as if unaffected by his words.

"If it's not to much trouble, I would like to know your name" they said with a polite tone.

Amaimon thought about just killing the meek human, but looking at them he saw no point. It's boring fighting weak things, he couldn't get stronger killing weak things like this.

"Hm?" he felt rather offended the other didn't know of him, but he didn't know of them either really, "Huh me? I'm Amaimon, the King of Earth" he stated introducing himself.

"A-maimon" they repeated the name

"Yes, he is Master Amaimon!" the demon prince felt a small pang or thump on his shoulder, Niwa had jumped from his hand and miraculously landed to stand on his side, literally.

"Huh? Niwa?"

"Master Amaimon is the great Demon King of Earth!" he wept happily on the others head, rubbing into his green locks with great happiness, "So show some respect!" he voice offended the human hadn't heard of his master.

The small human seemed to panic, "S-Sorry!" they apologized

"Hey I can speak for myself, don't cut in" Amaimon said in a chastising tone shocking the small plant demon who was now panicking.

"M-my deepest apologies master!" he apologized repeatedly

"My you seem to a have a good friend" the human noted with small smile hearing the little plant creature affections to the other.

"Friend? Niwa is my servant" Amaimon corrected stoically and even with that Niwa seemed to agree.

"Master is right! I am the great King of Earths most loyal servant!" Niwa stated proudly as he stood next his master, "I would give my life for my master!" he declared

"Oh, my apologies!" they stammered with a nervous hum, "I only meant you two seemed rather close. He seems to adore you very much, so I assumed you two are close friends" they seemed to be addressing Amaimon who only stared at the human with a bored look.

"So who exactly are you? A blind human out in the forest, don't you know what kind of monster live out here" Amaimon questioned curious of the others intentions for walking about in the forest.

"Um, my name is Mori Shugosha" they introduced himself with a curt like bow

"Mori?" he played with the name

"Yes, I was taking a hike through the forest" he explained, "I enjoy walking around the large forest, it's a peaceful hobby of mine" he smiled

"I was walking the path, when, I believe, your friend fell on me" he said though still smiling, "Oh...my staff?" their head looked back in forth as if searching for something.

"Huh?"

"M-My staff. I use it to move around my surroundings" they said with a nervous look on his face, "I-I dropped it when the birds were attacking" bending down, cut hands began feeling around the ground, searching for their staff.

'Humans are weird creatures' he thought, looking around blue eyes fell on something laying on the grounds towards the trees. Walking over toward the object, he lazily picked the item up in his black colored nails. He looked at the 'staff' it had a good weight on it, wooden with small carvings etched into the light wood. Looking back he saw the human called Mori still searching on the ground, 'Humans do strange things' looking at them, his grip gave a temporarily before loosening it again.

Walking back over towards the small human who still searched around, stopping suddenly when his nimble fingers grazed against Amaimon's boots. Amaimon had squatted down to meet them at eye level. holding the staff upright he stared distantly at the human.

"Huh, Amai..." a clawed hand grabbed of of their hands, placing the staff in their palm. Mori was silent feeling the cold sensation against his skin. But as the new item was thrust into his hand, he felt it and moved his mouth in a look of surprised.

"M-My staff" he recognized the feeling of the wood, "You found it" it looked like he was either about to cry or thank him again, probably both.

"Don't take it the wrong way. You look pathetic crawling on the ground like that" he said before Mori could speak, "Humans are such weak and fragile creatures. I don't get the point of crying over such things. It's pointless" no one cries for you, no one helps you. In the end you either fight or you're killed. He had learned that and lived it everyday.

"I..."

"And stop apologizing" he snapped before the other could even begin, Mori fell silent. A saddened look on his face. He didn't mean to make the other upset.

"I..." he paused as if to rethink his answer, "If I'm not imposing, I would like to offer you a reward for rescuing me" Mori said, this caught the Earth Kings attention

"Reward?" rewards usually meant getting something, like food or money, "What kind?" using his staff, Mori carefully stood up, Amaimon followed.

"If you both like I could offer you a meal" he said, "It's the least I can do" he added with a small smile.

"Hm?" Amaimon seemed to ponder for a second, "Fine I will accept your offer" he agreed not wanting to pass up food.

Mori smiled and nodded

"Young Master!" a voice called out catching the three individuals attention.

"What was that?" Niwa asked still on Amaimon shoulder

"Young Master!" more voices seemed to add to the mix. Amaimon was curious as the voices grew closer. With his advanced demon sight he was able to see out into the forest. Figures dressed in black suits with green shirts, were moving across the ground each calling out the same thing.

'Young master' who could that be, he thought. While he was curious, a part of him still remembered what his brother had told him. His brother loved humans, he was remained everyday. One of the rules he had been told over and over, was not to kill or harm any humans. If he did his brother would no doubt find out and there would be consequences.

"I can't hurt them can I" he said out loud, Mori ears seemed to twitch, but remained silent. As the calling continued a certain yell caught his Amaimon's ears.

'Hm, that's interesting' he thought before turning his eyes to the young human still next to him.

"Hey" he called out catching Mori's attention

"Y-Yes?" he stammered

"There's something I need you to do, you still owe me my reward so don't complain" Amaimon said and if the other could see they would see the serious look on the others face, but tha didn't mean he couldn't feel it.

"O-Ok"

"Good"

Back at True Cross Academy, business seemed to go one as usual. Students were taking their classes and exams, demon activity was normal to say the least, small ones with the occasional beast or swarms.

In the headmasters office, Mephisto was finishing up on his daily paperwork. The room was quiet save for the ticking of the clock mixed with the scratching from the headmasters pen. It was the third day of the emptiness and for the most part Mephisto was...bored.

Staring at the papers, his head pillared by his hand, as he tapped the pen repeatedly.

"How tedious" he said with a tired expression, "I could have sworn it was more lively a couple of days ago" so then what happened. He had played video games alone, read his manga alone, watched anime alone, took a bath alone, did his paper work; definitely alone. The keyword being alone. But then why should that bother him, he had always done things alone.

That is up until a few months ago...

'That would be the time...!' he snapped his fingers in remembrance, "I almost forget, Amaimon came to live in my office!" he had nearly overlooked the fixture of the king of earth into his daily routine. At this point he would be yelling at the younger for destroying something in his collection or for irritating him for something.

"Now that I think about it I haven't seen the little goblin in a couple of days" he pondered, with the Order keeping 'close' eyes on him it was becoming rather dangerous having the other running about and causing trouble. Everyday was something with his brother;

complaining about one thing or another

"Anuie, what's so special about that boy?"

Eating all his candy and junk food,

"Anuie, I found some chocolate , I brought some back" the king of earth said, hands full of chocolate bars, one of which was in his mouth as he offered one to his older brother

Playing his video games and touching his manga

"Amaimon I told you not to touch my games without permission!" Mephisto fumed catching the other messing with gaming system. As the green haired male turned to meet his brother scolding glare, the older seemed to pause seeing what was in the others hands.

"And what did I tell you about touching my controllers?" he said snatching it from the other, "You'll eat it just like last time!" but as he looked at the controller he noticed something, it was brand new.

"This is a brand new controller" he said examining the pink controller from different angles, "What's the meaning of this?" he asked looking at the other with the same stoic expression

"Anuie was mad at me when I ate the controller" he said biting on his thumbnail, "I don't like it, so I got Anuie a new one so he wouldn't be angry" Mephisto just stood there, his anger quickly disappearing and as much as he didn't want to admit it he felt...touched

Now in the present, the memories of his little brothers, even with his impulsive and somewhat annoying, mind-numbing, antics. They had grown on him, he had grown on him. And the more he thought about it the more he began to feel a strange sense of...what was it? The feeling when you've done something you probably shouldn't haven't,

'Oh right, guilt' if it's one thing demons never felt it was guilt or remorse, maybe regret, but never guilt. And this was an ancient feeling for the King of Time. He had never felt such a heavy pain in what he guessed was his heart or even what humans referred to as a soul

"What do I have to be guilty for?" he questioned himself, Amaimon did idiotic things without thinking and had to know their were consequences. Plus he only kicked him out for a few days until the Order calmed down and leaved him be. For all he knew his brother could have returned to Gehenna.

"I'm probably getting worked up over nothing" suddenly the door opened revealing one of the exorcists.

"Sir Pheles we have a situation!" they said urgently, "A group of Hobgoblins are causing trouble in a small shopping district in the city!" at the mention of the words, hobgoblins, town, and trouble only one thought came to mind.

'Amaimon' he groaned feeling a headache coming on, he knew it was only a matter of time before the other caused trouble, it was the King of Earth and his younger brother.

"Alright then, send a small group of exorcist to the town immediately and get the situation under control!"

"Yes sir!" the exorcist nodded and went to enact the headmasters order. Once the door was closed Mephisto gave a sigh and leaned back against his chair. Turning around he stared out the window that gave him veiw of not only the True Cross grounds, but the paths that lead into the city and the forest around it.

'Brother, what are you up too?'

The noise continued through the forest, shouts and calls echoed and overlapped as a group of figures pressed on. Stopping now and then to look in bushes and over small ridges.

"Young Master!" a voice called out, belonging to a tall male. Dressed in a pressed black suit with a green shirt and black tie. He had a shaven head with black shades over his eyes and a masculine chin.

It was getting rather late and there was still no sign of the young master.

'This is serious. The young master shouldn't have been out on his own' the male thought guilt in his words, 'It's my duty to make sure he's escorted at all time'

"Keep looking, find the young master at all cost!" he called out

"Yes sir!" the others replied and continued their search

'Young Master where are you?' he thought, but knew he couldn't worry and had to find them. No sooner a rustling sound came from the bushes. All eyes turned to the rustling brush, on instinct they reached into their jackets ready for anything that might pop out.

"Who goes there?" the large male called out walking closer to the brush. From the bushes a foot stepped out, followed by it's owner who was covered in small cuts and scratches.

"Y-Young Master!?" al the figures instantly came to the aid of the one they called young master seeing there current state.

"Ebi?" he said with a slight stammer

"Young master Mori what happened to you?" the older male known as Ebi questioned seeing the others state.

"I-I'm fine really" he said gently, trying to reinsure the others, "I was walking and...got attacked by birds" the bodyguards were stunned by the revelation of being attacked by birds.

"Birds?" it sounded strange, but that wasn't the issue, "We must get you medical attention at once" Ebi said sternly, "Everyone let's go back" the bodyguards nodded.

"Were headed back to the compound young master"

"Of course" Mori nodded, the guard's surround him in a sort of barrier around Mori, before they took their leave of the forest.

After a short walk through the forest, out in front of the entrance there was a small group of black cars lined on the street, individuals dressed in the same attire waiting. As they saw the others exciting with the young master below. There was a sense of relief of the young masters return, even with the cuts.

Once at the cars, Ebi helped Mori into the car. And after safely inside, Ebi gave a signal as all the others went to there cars and the group headed off. In the car, Mori was seated in the back with the tall Ebi right next to him, towering him with his height. While in the front three others were seated, including the driver.

"Young Master?" came the voice of Ebi who looked at the young male or more importantly the cuts on the boys skin.

"Yes Ebi, did you have a question?" Mori said with a small smile

"You said you were attacked by birds"

"Oh...yes" he nodded, "It was so sudden...I was just walking when they swarmed me" he said with a small voice.

"Forgive sir if I'm upsetting you" he apologized, "What were you doing out by yourself? You know you must have an escort at all time" he reminded

"I know" he said with a small frown, "B-but I just wanted to walk in the forest, I didn't think anything would happen" they was proved wrong by his current state.

"Still you should have called for help" Ebi said with a stern look and Mori felt it shrinking back a bit.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to cause so much trouble" he apologized

"The most important thing is that you're safe" Ebi exhaled calming down, "When we get back we'll take care of your wounds"

"Right...thank you" Mori smiled and sat back on the seat as the drive continued

After a long drive, it was now night time, the sun having set a while ago. After returning to his home, Mori was escorted inside where he was quickly taken to get medical attention for his cuts. Everyone looked so worried and in shock at the boys state swarming in if not to fully examine the boy. Luckily Ebi was there to keep them from smothering the boy.

After he was examined, his wounds were cleaned, nothing to serious. Some gaze here and a few bandages there.

Now Mori stood in his bedroom, he wanted to change before dinner. Once he was alone inside, he carefully moved through the room. Tapping his staff across the floor, the wood connected with a desk that sat on the other side of the large, japanese style room.

"You can come out now" he whispered downwards, after a second, his clothing began to move. Two small bulges quickly descended down from the shoulder, across the arm, before falling and landing on wooden desk. One was the plant demon Niwa who now stood on the desk.

"That was rather uncomfortable" he groaned having been stuck in such a tight space, "Are you okay master?" looking the side the second creature was uncurling, shaking it's small body.

"Fine" Amaimon had taken the form of a small green hamster with small pink eyes and a signature spike of hair on his head. After the last fight in the courtroom, his former body had been destroyed and was now nothing back ashes. After being brought back from Gehenna, his 'gracious' brother Mephisto had put his heart in the body of a tiny hamster. A humiliating replacement and punishment for Amaimon who had been months in the small body before he was fully healed and able to posses a new one.

"Sorry about that, I forgot how far we were from the house" Mori apologized, "But please make yourselves comfortable" he said, the two took some time to look around and were, in a since, shocked.

"T-This place is huge!" Niwa said looking around, everything was so big and there were plants all around as well, "You live here?"

Mori's face blushed and nodded, "Well yes...though it's mostly mine" he stammered with an embarrassed blush on his face. Even Amaimon was surprised looking at the room, it reminded him of his brothers home and office, except without all the figurines.

"It is quite luxurious right master" Niwa said to the green ball of fur that was his master. Even in the new, smaller form the plant demons admiration for the demon prince didn't seem to waver as he spoke with the same respect he always did. Which was indifferent to the demon prince, but it did feel good about having a loyal servant.

"It's nothing really" Mori tried to play it down, he never thought he lived in luxury, though the last time he saw his room sight wise was years back when his eyesight started failing before ultimately being taken.

"You must have a lot of money" Amaimon said scratching his face with his small paws, Mori and Niwa couldn't help awe at the cuteness of the demons actions.

"I guess so, mother and father usually pay for everything though" he admitted with a light chuckle, "You know Amaimon you make a cute hamster" he giggled with the tone of a girl, which didn't seem that bad because he looked feminine. Though something didn't seem 'right', but he couldn't put his 'paw' on it.

"Would you guys like something to eat?" he asked, "I did promise you a meal" he reminded

Amaimon seemed happy with this and bounced on his hind legs squeaking, "Food! Food!"

"Yes food!" Niwa copied

Mori gave a nervous chuckle and smile, "Okay, okay" he said, "What would you guys like to eat?" he asked and was bombarded with a list of food items, mostly from Amaimon. The demands mostly included sweets and junk food. Niwa seemed to be more interested not only in Amaimon's orders, but calling out for marshmallows.

"Oh...ah...that's a lot of food" it might be a hassle to get so much food, but he did promise them a meal, though he didn't expect to lose most of the pantry.

"It might be tough to get all that" he thought for a moment, "But I'll see what I can do" he only hoped he was able to get even half those items. Just then there was a knock on the door,

"Yes?" he called out, taking an initiative the two demons moved to hide on the desk as the door slowly opened, "Sorry to disturb you young master" came a soft voice of a woman who had entered his room.

"Oh Marisca it's you" he recognized the voice as one of the house staff that worked in the house, "It's no problem. Is there something I can help you with?" he asked

"I was checking to see if you were okay" she said with a tentative voice, "You gave some of the staff quite a scare" she mentioned when he came back with cuts and scratches evident by the bandages and band-aids.

"I apologize, there was an...accident during my walk" he said gently not wanting to worry the woman more. Just then an idea popped into his head, "It seems I angered a few birds" he said as the woman's eyes knitted in confusion.

"Birds? Why would birds want to attack you?" the boy was gentle and sweet as could be

"Well" he paused, "I don't really know, they were probably protecting their territory" he offered with a gentle sigh of his lips.

"I see" she seemed to take it, though still rather skeptical, "Please be more careful sir" she said with a warm smile, that Mori seemed to feel as he nodded.

"Is there anything else you require this evening?" she asked

"Oh now that you mention it" he began, "If it's not a problem, would it be alright if I have my dinner in my room?" he asked giving the gentlest smile.

"Of sir, what would you like the chefs to prepare?" she asked

"Well..." it was all or nothing, time to see if his plan would work

By some miracle or act of divine presence Mori was able to get most of the things the two demons had asked for. At first the maid seemed shocked at such a big order form the young master. Mori replied that it was for health reasons at most, explaining that he needed more in his diet because he felt like he was losing weight. After some extra coxing and assurance the maid agreed and left to put in his order, a relief to the impaired boy.

And after a few moments of waiting, Marisca and a few other staff had arrived with his order which now sat either on the desk or trays that were wheeled in. Usually the serving staff would stay to help him eat, but he assured them he was fine wanting to try to do things like eat on his own. Reluctantly the staff seemed to agree with the young masters wishes and left the room. Leaving Mori and the food in the large space.

After hearing the door close and making sure the coast was clear by the silence in the room. Mori gave a tap on the desk and whispered, "You can come out now"

After a minute the two demons reappeared from their hiding places. Niwa was hiding in one of the plants, while Amaimon had taken refuge amongst the many supplies on the desk such as the paper holder.

"I hope you both are hungry" Mori said as the two demons looked out at all of the food laid out on before them. Everything looked so fancy, neat, and above all delicious "please help yourselves!" he said and no sooner did Amaimon literally dig into the wide spread, stuffing his cheeks full of food. His little hamster body moving from one plate to another trying everything.

"Thank you for your hospitality" Niwa said before copying his master and digging into one of the plants, though his eating speed was less carnivorous as his master.

"No thanks, I'm just happy to have visitors" Mori said still seated at the desk, "I did promise you both a meal, so please eat all you like"

"So all the people from before were your servants who do anything you say?" Niwa asked between chews of food.

"Well true, they work in the house" Mori gave a light chuckle, "But they're more like my friends then servants. They help keep the house in order and keep me company from time to time" when they weren't working and doing their jobs.

"Most of the time I'm either in my room or in the garden. I seldom get to go out with other people, because of my...impairment" he explained a little sadly

"Seems kind of boring, but you still get to live in this big place and have people waiting on you" Amaimon said swallowing a mouthful of food.

"It seems so, but truthfully I wish to be able to go out and experience new things" he said with a sigh "My dream is to one day see a world full of vibrant flowers and peace between everyone. And experience the wonders of the world" he said visioning being able to see and be with other people.

"I share the same dream, my people devote their lives to spreading the beauty of nature anywhere we go" Niwa said happily before finishing up a bowl of rice.

"That's nice Niwa" he said gently with a nod, "But I shouldn't be boring you with my problems. Please as guests make yourselves comfortable" Mori said with a polite look on his face, "You must have been starving" he noted hearing the continuous sound of two eating. Nearly all the dishes were empty or just about finished off.

"More food" Amaimon said between chews showing the empty bowls as his cheeks with puffed up from chewing and small bits of food were on his face. Jumping from the desk he made a move to a plate of spaghetti and meatballs on one of the trays.

"Hm, that's strange" Amaimon said between chews

"What's strange Master?" Niwa asked curiously joining his master on the tray, a short distance from their host.

"This food is really good, the flavors are interesting" he said with a straight-faced, "I usually don't get to eat this much" while at first Niwa couldn't understand his masters words, though as he thought about the food was delicious,very delicious!

And as Amaimon who continued to stuff his face. Though still curious of deer, Amaimon decided to focus on a more important issue,

"What's for dessert?"

...To Be Continued...