A brief look into a demon's morning routine.

Hey guys, I'm still here! I wanted to get something done writing-wise no matter what it was, and what better time than on my birthday? This little story is meant as an introduction of sorts to my demon Beryl. I've been meaning to write stories involving him for a long time, as well as other characters that I have planned in the future. A character bio sheet will be uploaded at a later time, but for now, enjoy.

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A Moment’s Respite

What the demon saw first was something familiar.

And yet, not so familiar at the same time.

Beryl blinked the sleep from his eyes, taking stock of his surroundings as he got up out of bed. It had taken him a minute or so to register that he had woken up in his apartment. This didn’t happen often, given his profession as a servant. Most days he’d be staying over at whatever residence he’d been contracted to. The only time he’s home is during the brief period of “free time” he has between contracts.

However, what’s considered “free time” for someone like Beryl is more like time to find a new client. Even as he made his way into the shower, the demon had all thoughts focused towards his work. What to do to maximize comfort for his clients, how to better soothe the less cooperative masters, and of course, new recipes to consider cooking passed through his brain. It wasn’t like he was addicted to his work like that. This was just how he was raised. After all, the demon’s job gave him life, both figuratively and literally, and it was something he threw himself into wholeheartedly.

‘So, if you aren’t working, you’re not truly living?’

That question reared it’s ugly head again, sending a chill down Beryl’s spine in spite of the warm water. A former client had said these words to him offhandedly, most likely as joke, but it had stuck with him ever since. The demon wasn’t able to give an answer to this, and that failure gnawed at his heart like nothing he had ever felt before. Beryl shook the existential thought from his head like the water from his shower. He could worry about finding an answer later.

With his body cleaned and freshly clothed, Beryl stepped out into a small kitchen where he spotted a scrap of paper sitting on the dining table. It was a note from his roommate, Merrac. The bear-tanuki hybrid also left the apartment often, working long hours as a carpenter. It’s rather rare for them to both be home at the same time, so usually a note is left as to each other’s whereabouts.

‘I’ve left for work. Noticed you were home, so I tried making breakfast for you. -M’

Beryl smiled. He didn’t need to do that for him, but how kind to do so! That smile waned slightly when he checked the plastic-wrapped plate sitting on the table. He noted three microwaved pancakes, a couple of misshapen eggs that coalesced into a strange blob of yellow and white, two strips of bacon that seemed a might too crispy and a sad-looking slice of toast. It tasted a little better than it looked, but it definitely gave off the feel of an amateur who struggled with anything that wasn’t pre-packaged. It was the thought that counts, but still…

“Perhaps I should give Mr. Bronswin a lesson or two in cooking when I get the chance.” Beryl mused. “He’s skilled with a microwave at least.”

With his appetite sated and belongings all in order, the demon was finally ready to tackle the day ahead. He left a brief note for his roommate before silently bidding farewell to their humble abode, heading downtown to look for potential contracts.

“I wonder if newspaper ads are still a valid form of attracting clients.” He thought aloud.