Sprout; Chapter 4: Growing Up
It might a have taken some time, but the exorcist had finally gotten the hobgoblin horde under control. For the ones that weren't exorcised or killed, scurried off into the forest and into the thick brush. At the moment damage to the town was being assessed,
From the tree tops Mephisto watched in secret as the situation was handled. It was rather simple maintaining the lower hordes of goblins. However amongst the twenty or so demons, not one was that of his younger brother, King of Earth Amaimon.
Down below he watched the small group of exorcists taking reports on all the damages in the village. Among the things, the shop owners and employees had noticed some items missing from their inventory, snacks, magazines, novelty items, but mostly food in general. All things that screamed Amaimon with his taste for sweets and entertainment through havoc. Hobgoblins never went into other territories and avoided places with humans in general because of the bright lights. Without an order from their King or Queen, the little creatures were only good for mischief at best.
Mephisto gave a sigh. Although the problem had been sorted, there still was the fact his brother wasn't around. He had tried calling the other demon, but he wasn't picking up his cellphone. While he did go over the prospect he had either lost or broken it, again, the fact of having the demon king out with no means to track and having a childish nature to over react to new things was troubling. Because a bored Amaimon meant he would try to entertain himself, which would lead to more messes to clean up and more work for him.
"This is becoming rather peculiar behavior for my little brother. He knows better to cause places so much damage without permission" he said, letting his hand slowly pet over the head of the creature in his arms, "Especially causing damage in 'my' city"
"So then now comes the next part" peering down he eyed the blue and red hobgoblin with observance and annoyance. In the midst of the mission, he had managed to spot and capture the creature as it tried to escape with the rest of its cohorts. What made this one different, was the fact it had been the very one his brother had chosen to carry around to replace his former companion Behemoth. After the ruckus at the trail where his brother had foolishly decided to burst into a room of exorcist to settle his fight with their half-brother Rin. The little Behemoth had become a casualty leaving the King of Earth both angry and after words depressed for a long time. Only after getting a new hobgoblin as a companion did he seem to return to his 'normal' self.
"The fact you're here proves this is Amaimon's doing" he said with an amused smirk, "Alright you little demon, you're going to tell me exactly what I want to know" the goblin gave a series of whimpers and low mutters as if in understanding.
"Now then first question, where is my little brother now?"
Amaimon gave a sigh as he stared out the window. After the huge meal he had gotten, compliments of their host. The rest of the time was spent exploring for the most part as the one called Mori talked now and then in that shy and gentle voice. The demon king pondered his next move. It had been three days going on four since he had left and he had not heard or seen a sign of his older brother.
'He's not even looking for me' twitching his ears and nose, his gaze downcast with the fact his brother seemed to have no further use for him. He hadn't even tried to find him or sent exorcist to stop the fun he was having on the first night. Now he was a tiny hamster in the room of a blind human. A rich human, but a human none the less.
Humans perplexed him to no end. While they all seemed the same, they were quite different in their actions. Besides looks, gender, shapes, and sizes; Humans seemed to hold a mix of emotions and an even deeper kind of goals. They did things differently from what they said, contradiction and hypocrisy. No matter how often his brother spoke of them, Amaimon could never understand them, because to him most humans were not that interesting. Only a small handful hand managed to get his attention, only holding it for a moment though. For him humans were fragile creatures with morals and rules that changed at the drop of the hat.
But this wasn't really about humanity or his understanding of it. Maybe he just wanted something to take his mind of the weird feeling in his chest. Another thing he could never understand was what humans called 'emotions'. They were strange to him, a demon, and more so they were annoying to have. It left him with a sick feeling in his chest. An illness he had contracted after spending time in Assiah.
'I don't like it' he sighed looking back his pink eyes fell on the large bed on the side of the room. There tucked into the emerald blankets was their current host Mori who was sound asleep against the pillows, soft breathes escaping his lips. Niwa, being a plant demon, had taken refuge in one of the house plants. Making a nest in the dirt, before burying himself so that nothing but the small leaf on his head stuck out. Looking back up his eyes fell on the moon in the sky, so round and full. He had heard once that the moon was made of cheese, ridiculous, but still it would be interesting to try. He wondered how long it would take eat all that.
'Aniue' he sighed, 'I wonder what you're thinking' with small wiggle of his stubby tail the hamster demon king made his way off the desk, scurrying across the floor before climbing up the bed post and onto the pillow.
With a yawn, Amaimon made a few circles on the pillow before curling into a ball. The pillow itself was nice and soft, better than the hamster cage or napkin box he sometimes slept in when he was in his brother's office. Slowly those pink eyes drifted down, before he dozed off himself.
But as others were off in their dreams, one person seemed to be slipping into a nightmare…
'Em…no…wha…?' with a stifle and groan a tiny being, little plant demon Niwa seemed to slowly pop up.
"What's…happening…?" he had been sleeping so peacefully in his dirt bed. The soil was so soft and the human had even watered it for him making it refreshing as well. But as he stood he noticed he was no longer in the dirt, nor was he in the large space of the humans, and even worse…Amaimon, his King and master, was nowhere in sight!
"What is this place?" he began to panic only seeing darkness at every corner, "Just where is this place?" after taking a few steps trying to locate an exit, but finding nothing.
"This is hopeless…" he sighed in frustration, suddenly there was a noise that caught his attention, "What was that?" again the noise invaded his senses and he began to look around frantically for the source of the noise. As he continued to look back and forth, he stopped spotting something in the distance.
As seconds passed the object became fuller and more distinct, but only in shape. At first it was a small circle, but then grew bigger and bigger. And again Niwa began to freak as the object seemed to pounce…
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The next morning Amaimon had woken up early for the most part. He hadn't felt like sleeping and decided to do more exploring. Luckily for him the human, Mori, was already up and about, and dressed for the day. It surprised him how efficient the boy was given his inability to see. After getting dressed Mori had left, escorted by the people in suits. It was kind of interesting when they came. The man from before, what was his name, Ei, Eba, Ebu...Ebi he believed. The older male with the bald head and sharp look in his eyes. He had come and the two had a short conversation before Mori left with them. Even with his hearing he was still rather drossy from the night before, plus he had other things on his mind. Though even with that he swore the distinction in one word was used.
'Parents'
Amaimon had parents. His father was Satan the strongest and most powerful demon. Though he wouldn't call him a dad. From observing humans a 'father' was a male in the family that gave the feeling of love and care to his family. Satan had never shown love or caring, at least not to him. The demon king remembered watching smaller human children playing in the parks with their parents, going to the amusement parks, having their parents by them toys and candy and other treats. Again he never received any of that. Though he never expected much from him since they were demons. As for a mother...
His thoughts seemed to drift off for a moment...
'The human's parents must be just like him…'
Down the many corridors that made up the manor like home. Mori was being escorted down the hallway. Mori was in the middle with Ebi at his right side as he was led down the hallway, the destination was the double doors at the end. As they neared the group stopped, but allowed Mori and Ebi to pass. Only to a point Ebi lead him, until he held the door open for the young master.
"This way sir, your parents are waiting" Ebi said keeping the door opened for the young male to enter.
"Thank you Ebi. I'll be back as soon as possible" Mori said and began forward into the dark room as the taps of his cane could be heard as Mori disappeared.
Once inside he came to stand in the middle of seemingly endless room. Carefully he took a sitting position on the floor. Placing his staff across his lap, the room was silent and calm.
Mori took a calm exhale before a voice broke through,
"I'm fine really" Mori spoke, "It was my mistake, I was being absent" again there was a short silence before Mori spoke again.
"My wounds have almost healed" lifting his arm, he slowly began removing the white bandages. Unraveling them to show his skin was without any cuts are bruises that had once been on his skin before.
"It's healing much slower than usual, I've been trying to lessen my use on Kikuhīringu" he said, "The rest of the wounds should be gone by this afternoon" bring his sleeve back up, he placed his hands back in his lap.
"I'll try to be more careful" he gave a warm smile looking straight, "Thank you for your concern" reddish-green eyes looked through the darkness before slowly being embraced in the darkness.
Back in the room, the hamster of the Earth King was still on the desk, his small body searching out the window with a distant look of contemplation.
"Good morning Master Amaimon!" came the voice of the plant demon Niwa, "And may I say you look positively glowing!" the sound of the others voice brought the demon king from his thoughts.
"?" Amaimon was still getting used to the others presence and personality which was rather 'happy'. It was an emotion he was never really around a lot, at least in a 'positive' since.
"So what are we doing today Master Amaimon?" Niwa asked
"Hm, I want to do more exploring" he said, "There are places in Japan I haven't been yet"
"Japan?" he had never heard of the place, but if it was where his Master wanted to go, he was happy to comply, "If that is your choice, then we shall go without haste!" with that Niwa made a dash for the window seeing it as an exit to the outside, giving a good bounce he prepared to exit.
There was a loud thump as Niwa made a yelp before falling back onto the desk.
"W-What happened!?" Niwa questioned, face red from where he had made contact with some kind of force, "What kind of magic is this?" he said pressing his small hands feeling a pressure of being blocked. He could see the outside, but something kept him from it.
"That's the glass, you can't go through it" Amaimon said with a cock of his small head, the leaf giving a small bounce.
"Glass?" he gave a tap of the solid, clear item, "Such an amazing thing. Yet very painful" he noted. Amaimon blinked, just how simple was this demon that he didn't know what Japan or a window was. Then again he hadn't known what sweets were either.
"So how do we go and explore if we can't through the glass?" Niwa asked
Just then a familiar tapping sound caught the hamster's ears making them twitch, looking to the side he saw Mori who had just entered.
"I'm back" he said walking through the door, he closed it with a soft shut, "Sorry I left so suddenly" Amaimon wondered if he even knew they were there for all he knew they could have been long gone. There was something strange about the human, but the demon just couldn't tell at the moment.
"Are you guys still here?" he seemed to call out. Amaimon paused wondering if he should answer. He had been contemplating what he should do next. He really wanted to go out and explore, but it was also interesting being in the large house. Especially one filled with lots of food and other new things. He always liked to discover new things, his brother thought he was too high strong or overwhelmed when he saw new things.
"Yes, we're still here" he answered out, confirming the others question to whether the too demons had remained.
"I see. I guess you decided to stay a while longer" he said with a small smile, "So what do you have planned today?" Mori asked making his way to the desk, he was still bandaged from yesterday, though not as much. The gaze on his hands and arms had become minimal. The one on his face was also gone along with the claw marks that once marred it.
"Master Amaimon wants to go exploring today" Niwa announced, "But first there is the difficulty of this thing called glass!" Mori couldn't help give a chuckle.
"Sorry for laughing" he apologized, but still held a soft smile, feeling a chastising look from the small demon.
"How was the talk with your parents?" came the voice of the tiny demon king.
"Pardon?"
"I heard the large guy say your parents wanted to speak to you" he added with a wrinkle of his tiny noise and twitch of his ears, "Did you?" he seemed to repeat watching the blind human carefully with those small eyes.
"Yes I did" he said with a small nod, "My parents wanted to make sure I was alright after last night. I did give the house a bit of a scare with all the scratches and cuts" he admitted with a small smile, but Amaimon noticed something else.
"Now then, you two said something about exploring" he had almost forgotten, why was he so interested in a blind human or a human in general?
"I want to go exploring around Japan" the small hamster said, "I also want candies and treats!" he added standing on his hind legs.
"My you sound...determined" it seemed the best word to describe the demon at this moment who seemed compelled to go and explore. If he didn't know he was a demon king he would be rather worried. Though he wondered if he should be worried about having two demons in his room. He did feel guilty hiding them from his family and the staff. But even though he couldn't see them at the moment, they didn't seem that dangerous.
'But it's for a good reason'
"Well then, as a final thank you for helping me, I'll take you both outside if it will help" he said as the two looked at him.
"You'll take us outside" Amaimon repeated earning another short nod
"It's no problem" he said, "It's the least I can. Plus it will be easier if we go out the back. That way so no one will see you" it was still his house and there were still guards around who would no doubt shoot if they saw 'intruders'. The thought left him with a nervous feeling in his stomach.
"Do you think we can trust him?" Niwa whispered to the hamster who was his master, his cute furry master, but Amaimon all the same. While he had nothing against humans, well except the small anger of them destroying nature, he still felt wary against the other.
However before he could get his answer the door suddenly opened revealing none other than the bodyguard Ebi at the door.
"Sir are you alright?" came the voice of the older male as he looked to see the young male standing at the desk.
"Oh Ebi" he said with a soft smile, "Is something wrong?" he asked calmly
"I heard you talking? I thought someone else was in the room with you" looking around he saw no one besides the young master.
"Oh no, I was just talking to myself" he said rather embarrassed, "But I'm glad you're here, I wanted to ask you something"
"Of course sir"
"What's my schedule for today?" he asked
"Nothing until this afternoon" Ebi said
"I see" he began, "Then if it's possible I would like to go out for a bit"
"Outside?" though he didn't show it the head guard was rather weary after the last mishap and was still rather edge with no one being with the young master.
"It's such a beautiful day out. I was hoping to do some work in my garden" he explained
"I see" the older man hummed, "Are you sure sir, after last night I'm worried for your safety" Ebi said not wanting to upset the young male, but knew he had a job to do to protect the other.
"I understand you concern, I know I must have worried you and everyone. But I'm truly am fine" he said hoping to sway the other.
"While that might be, the fact still remains you still must have protection concurrent" he added with a stern and even tone.
"Yes, I know but, couldn't you come with me. I really wish to go outside" he hated sounding like a brat, but he had a promise to keep, "It is only the garden"
"Unfortunately I am unable to escort with you at the moment" he replied with a somber tone, "I must remain at the house at the moment" he added, "New recruits are coming and I must be here to make sure they are of the house standard" Mori had almost forgotten, but it didn't make him feel any better.
"I see…" he gave a disappointed frown, "I do love my garden, I wish I could truly see the true beauty of the flowers" he said somberly and seeing the others state he felt saddened seeing the young master disheartened.
"I see you're adamant about this" he sighed, "If that is your wish I will put together a group to guard you while you're out" he offered
Mori face lit up at this and his warm smile returned
"You mean it, thank you" he thanked the other with a grateful bow
"I will find a group to escort you through the city" he said pulling out his cellphone to make some calls.
"Um Ebi, while I am thankful for this opportunity to go explore the city. I think it might draw attention if I'm surrounded by a group of bodyguards" Ebi thought about that and seemed to understand.
'While it might seem strange to some, the fact remains you must have an escort at all times' he reminded, but then gave an exhale, "I'll see what I can do"
"Till then is there anything else you require?" he asked
"No I'm fine for right now" he said, "I'll need to change though if I'm going to the garden"
"I see, I'll return shortly young master" with that the taller male left again leaving Mori in his room. After a moment or so, Mori gave a sigh, but then held a gentle smile. At that moment Amaimon came appeared on his shoulder, having scampered up the humans arm,
"It seems you actually did it. Even if you are a cry baby human" although he knew he should be offended, Mori couldn't help but smile a little.
"Right, it might take a while though" Mori began, "But I believe this will allow you get out of the house without much suspicion"
"The garden of the house is in the back of the house. So you'll be able to go explore without being spotted" he explained
"Why didn't you just walk out yourself? I usually just sneak out the window when I want to go somewhere" Amaimon said rubbing his paw on his noise.
"I see, well…it's kind of more complicated then just 'jumping out the window'" Mori replied, "Not just anyone can really move around the house" each level of the house was protected and guarded by a certain number of guards and watchmen who made sure no one suspicious individuals entered the grounds. "It might seem like much, but they all mean well to keep this place safe. So I'm grateful for them all working so hard"
Amaimon was about to say something when the sound of a door opening caught his attention, he wondered if it was Ebi coming back. Pink eyes looked at the door and saw the person who had entered. It was someone he hadn't scene, not the older taller man or the female who had brought them food. No this human was defiantly not like the other two.
With short golden yellow hair that was brushed rather organized band on top to separate their bangs. Their eyes were just as yellow with an energy to them. They were dressed in a yellow/white track suit and yellow shoes. But the most distinctive feature about the other was that they looked just like Mori.
"Um hello, is someone there?" Mori asked politely wondering who had entered his room.
"Hey Mori, guess who?" came a playfully cocky voice as they walked into the room.
"Oh, Miyu-chan it's you" Mori said with a warm smile
"Yep, so how's my little brother today!" she smiled standing before her twin
"I'm doing well" he replied politely to the female
"That's great!" Miyu replied, "Anyway I was just in the neighborhood and heard you got in a scuffle with some birds last night" she said matter-o-factually.
"Oh, you heard about that?" Mori seemed surprised, though blushed with embarrassment
"Mori you know you're not supposed to be out without Ebi or someone with you!" she seemed to scold her double, "And seriously you got scratched up by a bunch of birds" she pointed out all his wounds adding to the others blushing.
"I-It's nothing" he stammered, "They were just…protecting their nests"
"You still need to be careful. Just because you keep your eyes closed, doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention!" she stated
"I'm sorry…really" he continued to apologize.
"Idiot!" she exhaled before placing a hand on the others head, "Seriously don't worry everyone like that" Mori gave a surprised expression, and it was usually rare for Miyu, his sister, to be calm. She was cocky, arrogant sometimes, energetic, and hot tempered "If you do stupid crap like that you'll just cause more trouble. If something happened to you…I…" she paused.
"Just don't do it again!"
"I'm sorry" he apologized softly, "I'll be more careful" he added with a warm smile which seemed to calm the other down.
"Young master" came a familiar voice from the door, it was Ebi, "Oh good morning Lady Miyu" he greeted his masters sister.
"Hey Ebi!" she greeted
"Young Master are you ready?" he asked receiving a small nod
"Yes of course" he smiled, "Miyu would you like to come out to the garden. It's a nice day" he offered.
"Na" she seemed to decline, "Sorry little bro, but I got a prior engagement" she informed, "I have some new faces coming today and was hoping to get some rounds in. Have to keep these guys in shape. Anyway maybe we can do it another time"
"Right next time, We'll have tea in the garden" with his staff in hand, Mori had no problem moving about the room, before taking his sisters hand and being led out the room.
The sun peeked ever so through the clouds, as the cool breeze of summer mixed with the warm heat. Sakura blossoms moved and waved as the breeze cradled their branches allowing some petals to shake loose and fall to the ground. It was a very pleasant day. The summer days had been rather humid as the sun's rays beamed down. After two weeks of 80 degree weather, the heat wave seemed to break and had leveled to an even sixty-five degrees. The perfect day to go out and take a walk and just be outside.
"Are you sure you do not require assistance?" a voice asked, it belonged to an Ebi. After a walk to the main floor of the house, he and few others had escorted the young son of the house owner to the back deck that led into the garden. He was with a number of individuals, male and a few females, dressed in the same attire with black shades over their eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine, really" came the small and gentle voice of Mori who was dressed in a simple green kimono tied with a dark green sash with sandals.
"We must insist, your mother and father ordered you be accompanied at all times" one of the men spoke, "Right sir?" they received a nod from the guard leader.
"I'm just going out into garden" they said with a small voice, "It's such a lovely day, it would be nice to work under my garden" the others looked at each other, giving short nods now and again.
"We understand sir, but..."
"Please do not worry, I will be fine" they said reassuringly, "I know I made you all worry after yesterday's incident. But I promise I'm fine"
"As you wish" they gave understanding, if not reluctant nods and bows to the smaller individual whose smile never faltered.
"Thank you, I won't be long" turning the smaller figure took hold of his staff and with tools in hand they prepared to head out. Taking a few steps toward the screens, the men moved aside as two opened the sliding doors revealing the bright sunlight.
The young teen stepped down, carefully moving out the door and off the long porch to step onto the lush green grass.
"We will be here if you require assistance, please be careful Master Mori" the older male said with caution.
"Don't worry Ebi, I'll be fine. But thank you for your concern" he called, "And please give my regards to the new applicants" and with a one last smile he began walking off into the garden. He could understand the others worry, it was their job to keep him safe and accompany him whenever he left the house. His was one of the youngest children of the owners of the house and their employers.
Mori was a gentle child, with a soft heart, a pacifist by choice who believed there was good in everything and fighting wasn't the only option. But one thing that made Mori needing of more security than the rest of the younger children, he was blind.
Yes, everything was blocked to him, sight wise. He could not see the sky, the landscape, people or animals. Relying on only his senses and the help of others to do many things or just to keep him from having an accident. It wasn't like he wasn't grateful, he enjoyed and cared for everyone. But, sometimes he felt like a burden because his disability and people always worrying about him.
Walking across the grass, he pictured the lush green grass, having memories of his childhood playing in the garden. He had always felt a closeness to nature and the earth. From the grass to the trees, its beauty captivated his heart and created a balance inside him. He stopped after a few moments of walking sure he was at a good distance from the house. A familiar sense filled him as he amongst the many trees and flowers that filled the area. It was beautiful, full of lush vibrant colors that scattered petals to the ground and floated with the cool breeze.
With a deep inhale he took in the various scents of the different foliage and plants that filled the garden. Using the wooden cane to feel his way up an incline, carefully not to trip over any rocks.
"I made it" he smiled with a relieved look, "This will be a good spot" with a slow motion he moved to sit under the sakura tree, resting right at the roots, "It's been a long time hasn't it" he spoke rubbing his hand on one of the many roots that had grown out of the ground.
"Sorry I haven't been here in so long, it's been rather busy with mother and father away" he explained, "You've grown quite well, I hope to one day see you again at your full beauty" he smiled warmly.
"Alright then you can come out now" placing his arm down, his clothes gave a ruffling before the two demons emerged from his clothing.
"It all smells so nice" Niwa noted, looking out into the vast expanse of flowers, plants, and other foliage. Even Amaimon seemed intrigued by the vast garden. Through his travels he never really paid attention to things like flowers and nature, given his title, no he was mostly focused on the wonders of Assiah. Like candy, video games, snacks, and other things his brother had pointed out.
But for Niwa, the plant demon and lover of all nature, what he saw before him was paradise! There were vast amounts of flowers, rich soil, healthy tree's, and crisp air.
"I hope you're both enjoying yourselves" Mori smiled hearing Niwa continue to awe and fawn over the gardens vibrancy. He like it when others talked about his garden, from his memory he enjoyed it fully and one day hoped to view its beauty again.
As the three sat out in the garden, small ears began to twitch and flicker, 'Over there?' off to the side groups of bushes lined the rows of trees that led further into the bushes. Pink eyes watched the rustling of foliage continued as the boy remained in his spot, ever vigilant.
"Hello?" he called out gently, though he didn't know what it was, he wanted to be as calm as possible, "Is someone there?" The rustling continued, leaves shaking and trembling. With a blink the bushes seemed to open into a small hole that allowed the inhabitants to reveal themselves.
'?' the two demon's blinked seeing the creatures that had come out of the bushes and were at most shocked and surprise.
"There…" standing before them was a group of plant demons. Each one small and had a type of point or leaf on their head.
"Niwa, isn't that your species?" Amaimon voiced seeing all the little Niwa's coming about. They all looked exactly like the plant demon that had clung themselves to the Earth King. Niwa himself was in shock seeing the other plant demons. He guessed with all the flowers and healthy soil, it was an ideal place for plant demons to reside. The group were the first to approach the two demon's, though most their attention was on Niwa. Staring at one another, Niwa and group seemed to hit it off as no sooner did they begin a series of loud noises and calls. Possibly their native tongue.
Pink eyes watched the display with curiosity. They had only met, yet they seemed to click and become friendly all at once. Becoming a group, huddling around Niwa and giving those weird cheers and yells. Turning back Amaimon scampered off toward the human, he didn't know why, but it seemed better than being in all that noise of the little demons. He stopped and sat upright a little ways before the other.
"It seems like Niwa is having fun" Mori noted having heard the continues cheers of the little creatures, "A lot of residence live in the garden, I'm happy to allow those to rest and leisure inside" he added explaining how animals and demons alike seemed to like Niwa's garden as many had taken residents in the lush foliage. Most were earth kin of Amaimon's, the demon prince sensing their presence which seemed surprisingly peaceful.
"He found some of his own kind. Most Kin of the earth prefer quite, forested areas. There's a lot of space away from humans so they feel safe and comfortable." earth kin were always in groups, so they never liked being around lots of people.
"Don't you want to go and meet your friend's 'family'" small ears twitched in response.
"Not really" he replied blandly, "I don't really understand it" he added watching the group of plant demons.
"Having so many individuals around you, depending on others. Having to rely on someone makes you weak" he said stoically, but he guessed it was a lesson that was dug and grinded into him since he was small and vulnerable. Since he came to watch humans he always noticed most needed to be in pairs or groups. Friends, family, teams. They all crowd together and lean on them" relaying on others is a weakness, a crutch that makes you want to lean on another's power. A fear that makes you incapable of being alone, forcing you to seek others and binds you down to become stronger.
"It's a mystery I guess" Mori began, "Why do humans seek out others? Why is it so bad to be alone? I think it mostly has to do with the want for love"
"Love?" he never understood that word, as demons they were taught emotions like love were irrelevant because of their selfish nature.
Mori nodded, "Everything needs love, just like everything depends on something else to survive" he explained.
"Without the sun, the soil, and water, plants couldn't survive" he stated, "Just like animals cannot survive without eating other plants and animals. Nothing can thrive without the effort of other forces. It's the nature of things"
"That might work for common animals, but I'm a demon" Amaimon stated with a since of bitterness in his calm voice, "No, a demon king, I can't depend on anyone. I can't be weak and fragile and depend on others"
"I have to be strong, I have to be the best, the strongest" he had to be, he needed to be, "Without power, without strength, others will crush you, beat you down, and leave you in the dirt for the maggots" like worthless trash
"When you rely on someone…when you trust someone you're only leaving yourself to get burned" even if he couldn't see an expression, he sensed a sadness in his voice.
"Is that what happened to you?" he was careful to ask the question, who knew what the demon was capable of. Especially if they were upset or angered.
"I…trusted someone" he began, "And in the end, I was only left alone" always forgotten, pushed to the side. Maybe he wanted to love or affection or maybe even to be with someone. But solemn loneliness seemed to always take hold of him. When it seemed like he had something, it was always taken away and he was left on his own.
"What humans fail to realize is that depending on others is just a fearful tactic because their afraid to do it alone. Even when their constantly taken, forgotten and forsaken they still want to be around others" he spoke with a bitterness that resonated deep inside, "Hide your heart and conceal your tail, because as soon as it shown your nothing but an open target" there was silent breeze that went pass, adding to the solemn feeling that sat in the air. He didn't know why he let himself talk with the human, maybe he just needed someone to vent too. When he wanted to let out his 'feelings' he talked to Behemoth who was always listening and comforted him. Licking away the tears he had long since forgotten. When he died or rather when he was killed he was left with no one to talk too. To show emotion was viewed as a weakness, but it still lessen the pain. Amaimon gave a blink as he felt something move under him, looking down he found himself being lifted up. Now standing on what he knew was the human's palms, he turned and was met with a surprising sight. Large pink met hues of hazy reddish-green eyes that were lidded.
It was the first time seeing them, though the color confused the green hamster. He had seen blind individuals before and usually their irises were colorless and gray.
"I'm sorry…" he began, "No one should ever believe their alone. That their weak and theirs no one to trust" there was a short pause as Mori and Amaimon continued to stare at each other.
"I can't fully explain it. The reason why we feel the need to rely on each other" he gave a small smile, "But when others come together it, it creates a strength that no one person can obtain"
'Strength' did having others around give someone strength?
"Just as a plant relies on the sun for nutrients to grow, people rely on each other to grow as well" Mori said, "They teach us lessons and help us grow and gain something they could never have obtained on their own" he paused taking a short breathe.
"So never let the darkness encase you from the happiness around you" he explained adding, "But never let the light blind you from what's true"
'Light? Darkness?'
"When you cherish the good and the bad, happiness and sadness, pain and joy. Everything shapes you, but only you can decided what defines you" pink eyes continued to stare up as the human spoke his words. Their voice was calm, but held an emotion he had long forgotten existed. An almost accepting feeling came over him, another illness of the human world that afflicted him.
"Also" bringing one of his hands up he placed it gently on Amaimon's head, creating a feel of warmth that radiated from his palm, "I would like to think, we're friends now. Is that okay?"
'Friends…' the warm final moved and itched inside his small body. He had never felt such a feeling. It annoyed and confused him. Why did a human make him feel so weird?
'This isn't fun, but…I might want to try it' looking up he saw the human's eyes had closed again to conceal his eyes. But the warm smile remained and for Amaimon, that seemed just fine. Maybe it was the illness of Assiah affecting him but…
"Young master?" came a sudden voice. At the sound the little plant demon, as well as other demons concealed and hid inside the cover of the forest. Even Niwa had disappeared to the cover of the bushes. Not by choice but more of being sweep away by the other plant demons.
"There you are young master" standing behind the young teen was an older male wearing a black suit, "Forgive me if I'm disturbing you…" he apologized
"But there are some gentleman here who wish to have an audience" he said
"Oh, have mother and father been informed?" Mori asked
"Unfortunately your parents are preoccupied at the moment" the butler replied, "Your father is meeting with your grandfather and your mother had left the house for the rest of the evening" so that was it, with both his parents unavailable that left only one person to meet with the guest.
"That leaves this task to you young master" the butler said carefully, "If you like I can send them away" he offered.
"That would be rude. Where are they now?" he asked
"There in the main house in the guest area. I informed them I must seek permission before they were able to speak with you. The guards are keeping a close eye on them" he replied, it was standard procedure all guests wishing to seek a meeting with any member of the house be kept in the main guest room. And watched by members of the house guards.
"I see" grabbing his staff Mori stood up, giving his clothes a quick dusting in case of dirt or grass, "Well then we shouldn't keep them waiting should we"
"Right" with the permission of the young teen, the older butler escorted him back to the main house.
"I almost forgot to ask…" started Mori as they walked down the hallway of the house that led to their destination, "Just who are the ones who asked to speak with me?" he asked.
"My apologize sir…" he apologized, "Ah here we are" giving a stop they now stood in front of a sliding door, "Now then for the guest I believe they referred to themselves as…" the doors slide open revealing the guest room and the ones sitting at the Japanese style table.
'Exorcist'
To Be Continued…..