Greg trained with Zephyr for two more days, their swords clashing in the training area behind the Demon orphanage. With each passing hour, Greg's skills improved, his movements becoming more fluid and precise under Zephyr's guidance1. Zephyr taught Greg new techniques, showing him how to feint and parry, and how to use his opponent's momentum against them. They sparred for hours on end, sweat pouring down their faces as they pushed each other to their limits.
As they trained, they talked and laughed, sharing stories of their lives and their dreams for the future. Greg told Zephyr of his desire to become a great swordsman, to protect those he cared about. Zephyr listened intently, nodding in understanding.
On the third day, the Demons visited the city of Henoes, eager to explore its corners and learn more about the human world. They wandered through the streets, marveling at the architecture and the bustling crowds.
Greg and Zephyr walked side by side, pointing out their favorite spots and sharing stories of their adventures. They visited the marketplace, sampling exotic fruits and admiring the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans. As the day wore on, they found themselves in a quiet corner of the city, away from the crowds. They sat together, watching the sunset over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
"I'm glad we met," Greg said, turning to Zephyr with a smile. "I feel like I've learned so much from you.”
Zephyr grinned, clapping Greg on the shoulder. "I feel the same way," he said. "You've shown me that there's more to the human world than I ever imagined. But there is still so much I want to see while I still can. I’m not sure I can get used to the food though."
“I’m not sure I could get used to your food either.”
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Ash stepped through the portal, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights and sounds of the Demon world. The city was a marvel of organic architecture, with buildings that seemed to grow out of the ground itself, their curves and angles flowing seamlessly into one another. It called to her nature sensibilities. But it was the plants that caught Ash's attention, strange and exotic specimens that she had never seen before.
As the group made their way through the city, Ash found herself drawn to the plant shops and herbology merchants that lined the streets. She marveled at the vibrant colors and unusual shapes of the plants on display, each one more fascinating than the last.
"Ah, I see you have an eye for the unusual," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "This is a rare specimen, found only in the deepest parts of the Demon world. It has many natural powerful healing properties. From clotting to scab removal."
Ash listened intently as the merchant explained the various uses of the plant, from treating wounds to curing illnesses. She was fascinated by the depth of knowledge that the Demons seemed to possess when it came to the natural world. As she browsed the shop, Ash found herself drawn to a small, unassuming plant tucked away in a corner. Its leaves were a dull green, and it seemed to be wilting slightly. But something about it called to her, and she reached out to touch one of its leaves.
To her surprise, the plant seemed to respond to her touch, its leaves perking up and taking on a healthier hue. The merchant noticed her interest and came over to take a closer look.
"Interesting," he said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "This plant is known to be very difficult to cultivate, even for the most skilled of herbologists. But it seems to have taken a liking to you. Maybe it likes something different. Something human."
Ash wasn’t sure if what the merchant was saying was true or not. The display on the plant held no words and even if they did then they would be in the demon language.
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“What does it do?” she asked the shopkeeper. “Why grow something so difficult?”
“People like to eat it. The roots at least. You can’t use the leaves for anything. They might make your little human stomach sick.”
“If it is so hard to grow here, will it even grow at my home?”
The shopkeeper saw her concern and hurried to assuage it. “No. No. No. It should do fine in the human world. I know that some can’t survive after the trip between worlds, but this one should not be the case. Try planting it tonight and if you aren’t satisfied then you can return it for a full refund. Before the portal between worlds closes of course.”
“You know what. I think I will take the plant and a second one if you have it.”
“Wonderful, and I do have a second one just for a lovely girl like yourself. I’ll also throw in a small leaflet on how to cook it and what kinds of dishes it would be great with.”
Ash thanked the shopkeeper and carefully tucked the two plants and the leaflet into her bag. She couldn't wait to get back to the orphanage and start growing these unusual specimens. As she stepped out of the shop, she found herself once again marveling at the organic architecture of the Demon world.
The buildings seemed to grow out of the ground itself, their curves and angles flowing seamlessly into one another. It was as if the city was a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving, and adapting to the needs of its inhabitants. Ash wandered through the streets, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights and sounds around her.
She passed by a group of Demon children playing a game that seemed to involve throwing a glowing orb back and forth. They laughed and shouted, their voices echoing off the walls of the buildings. Ash smiled, reminded of the games she and her friends played back at the orphanage.
As she walked, she found herself drawn to a large, sprawling park in the center of the city. The park was filled with strange and exotic plants, their colors, and shapes unlike anything she had ever seen before. She wandered through the winding paths, stopping to examine each new specimen she encountered. There were trees with leaves that seemed to shimmer and change color in the light and flowers that emitted a soft, pulsing glow. Ash marveled at the way the plants seemed to move and sway as if they were dancing to a silent melody.
As she explored deeper into the park, she came across a small, secluded garden tucked away in a corner. The garden was filled with delicate, translucent flowers that seemed to be made of pure light. Ash reached out to touch one of the petals, and to her surprise, it felt warm and tingly against her skin.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, Ash realized that it was time to head back to the portal. She said goodbye to the plants while no one else was around, promising to visit again soon and research more about them.
Back at the orphanage, Ash carefully planted the two unusual specimens she had purchased from the Demon shopkeeper. She followed the instructions on the leaflet to the letter, making sure to give the plants just the right amount of water and sunlight. She needed them very healthy for the next steps in her plan.
Danny joined her in the garden once the plants were sprouting from the dirt. “I was able to find the notes that you were asking for in the demon city’s library. They didn’t let me take anything out for obvious reasons, but I was able to memorize a few things.”
“Will my plan work?”
“I think so.” Danny paused. “I think the shopkeeper was underselling the sick feeling of those plants you got. Humans aren’t really meant to eat food from other dimensions. We adapt and get through most things, but they are like super spices.”
“Then these will make sure that Priest Damon has the worst experience of spicy food imaginable. I’ve just got to find the best meal to mask this with and a way to distill the leaves down.”
“I don’t think you will have to do much before they become toxic to the stomach. Just standing near them is making my eyes itch.”
“I don’t get that feeling, but I can’t smell them, or it irritates me as well. For now, though they are healthy. We can wait a bit while we plan and prepare what we need to turn the leaves into something else.”
“I know someone that might be interested in helping us out. Alfred’s got a knack for fixing problems and with his help, he will find a creative solution to what we need.”
Ash continued tending to the unusual plants she had acquired from the Demon world, carefully nurturing them as they grew stronger and healthier each day. She spent hours in the garden, studying their unique properties and experimenting with different methods of cultivation. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the orphanage grounds, and the air was filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and growing things. She felt a deep sense of satisfaction watching the plants thrive under her care, their leaves unfurling towards the last light of day.
Her plan was coming together. Now she just needed a few more pieces and the right moment to strike.