[ Mochi Master ] : With Critters! Literature

“ Another day, another day to learn ! “ Eren said to himself happily, fixing his hair all fancy in the mirror, his little imp Bulby happily helping him make sure it was just right. He needed to tie up his hair so there was no risk of contaminating the food they were going to make today! His hair was pulled to the side playfully and slicked back nicely. Eren checked himself in the mirror, as Bulby on his shoulder nodded in approval. Bulby held up his little dango he had been making by himself, proud as can be as Eren began gathering the imps for their adventure today.

“ I know Bulby wants to come with me, but who else wants to go learn the ways of the mochi? “ Eren asked, putting his finger on his chin as few of his critter crew walked or floated over. Tempta seemed interested, one of his newest critters, but this one was a virtue. Eren loved to cook, and it showed full force once Tempta showed themselves.

“ Aww, okay you can come! You can help move things around, who else, “ Eren went back to his previous train of thought. Shroomies was adamant on returning, even if he had been less than well behaved as usual. He couldn’t say no to him though. Shroomies ran up his leg, taking place on his other shoulder adjacent from Bulby. Peppers and Poofers, both adorable phloofs seemed interested as well, happily letting Tempta carry them on the way there.

“ You all be good, okay? I’ll make sure to bring some mochi home for you! “ Eren said happily, waving at the rest of his imps who preferred to stay home today. He wished he could take every single one with him, but poor Dan didn’t’ need his shop flooded with twelve critters, that’s for sure. It was the rainy season now, everyone in rain gear as the mushrooms grew everywhere in Eren’s yard. He would partake in those later, but today he needed a clear head! Grabbing two umbrellas, Eren began the trek over to Dan’s Dango. It was a good day to learn!

On their way there, all of the imps and virtue, seemed to enjoy the spring showers. Well, everyone but Shroomies. After his time getting splashed over and over again by Stumpy, he wasn’t the biggest fan, and why he chose to ride on Eren’s shoulder this time instead of walking. Bulby was dancing cutely as they approached the store, closing his eyes as he continued his little happy dance. Eren couldn’t help but record it, saving the video to adore later.

“ Good morning, I see you have a crew along with you, “ Dan said, sighing playfully as the critters ran up to great him.
“ Wow! You really have been cooking dango, your Temperantia is lovely. “ he said, holding his hand out as the virtue floated over to greet him. A lot of succubuns seemed to not care about virtues, but Eren was trying to be good, even if he very, VERY often gave in to the sin of lust that he was so weak to. Imps though, along with virtues, held a special place in his little succubun heart.

“ Thanks ! Yeah, they just kinda … showed up when I made one of each dango? They’re sweet, but they don’t seem to eat anything. I wish they could, I’m sure they’d love your food, “ Eren said, nodding as the virtue hovered back over to him. The phloofs went down on the floor, using their tail as a way to get around and while they both looked so different, they were both well behaved and cute.

“ Well, I think it’s about time we work on an even harder art form ; mochi. You are big and strong in your doll form, so I don’t think you’ll struggle on that end. You just need to hone your skills, finesse. First, what type of rice do we use ? “ Dan quizzed Eren, wanting to make sure he was truly dedicated. Not just any average bun was allowed to learn such a beautiful art after all.

“ Sticky rice! Also known as mochigome! Then you need that hammer you have, and the traditional name of making mochi is mochitsuki! “ Eren said with excitement, Bulby joining in as he lifted one foot up, as if saying ‘Correct!’

“ Of course Bulby would know, what a smart little imp. And you are correct, I see you have studied the book facts, but now we must put that hard work to use ! “ Dan said, pulling his hammer that was typically behind his back, beckoning Eren to follow him to another room he didn’t often have guests in. There was an air of pride as Dan showed Eren the large mortar like object, used to make the desirable goodies.

“ There is a word, know as ‘monozukuri’. I am not sure where it comes from, but it is like the ultimate pride in one’s work. That is what you will learn today, my pupil. “ Dan said, getting all of the ingredients needed to beat some rice as Bulby watched in excitement. Tempta followed Dan around, offering their ability to carry things for Dan so he wouldn’t need to make so many trips.
“ Your critters will need to not stand too close, we will be pounding this rice and they could get hurt by accident. I always have premade rice, since the traditional way requires a total of three days to do. I start the process every day, so there’s a constant supply waiting to be used. Here, first I will show you how to properly learn to knead it as I hit it. Make sure to watch my form, so you don’t hurt your back. “ Dan spoke as he put the rice in to the large mortar. The critters made sure to not get too close, but enough to watch still. Tempta held up Peppers and Poofers, while Bulby stayed in his favorite spot on Eren’s shoulder, Shroomies being nosy as always, popped his head over the mortar.

“ As I pound, between each pound you will roll the dough and occasionally add hot water. Be careful, I remember you got yourself last time, “ Dan said as he began to pound. He typically started out a bit slow for beginners, but Eren picked up quickly. The two seemed to work in perfect unison. As Dan pounded, Eren flipped! Shroomies seemed to enjoy this a lot, finding the violence ‘funny’ and exciting. He was bouncing up and down, wishing he was big enough to try it.

“ Okay, we can take a moment. Here, I’m sure Bulby and Shroomies will love this. “ Dan said, pausing for a moment as he went to a back room, coming out with a tiny mortar and hammer.
“ I found these when buying ingredients. They’re more for a silly gag, but I thought of your critters when I saw it. You can pay me back by becoming a mochi master. “ Dan said, laying the tiny tools for Shroomies and Bulby. He even tossed in some of the rice they were pounding and giving them a little cup of hot water.

Shroomies and Bulby seemed ecstatic, both bouncing up and down happily as they went to copy what their succubun owner and now best friend were doing. Shroomies took the mallet, Bulby took on the kneading and they went in to their own little world together. It seems a true friendship and perfect duo had formed.

“ Okay, now we switch. You need to control your strength, be dedicated and consistent with every pound. Make sure to get a rhythm so you don’t smash my hands, “ Dan said, sitting down where Eren was just at as the two continued. Eren was a bit cautious at first, not wanting to crush his teachers hands by accident since he was a bit on the clumsier side.

“ Be brave! “ Dan commanded loudly, Eren picking up the speed quickly to try and make his teacher proud. The two began to shout, something common and used for enthusiasm as well as safety.

Shroomies and Bulby copied the two succubuns, and while they couldn’t make normal noises, dramatic movements would suffice. Poofers and Peppers seemed to like to travel together, excitedly cheering them on in their heads as Tempta was in awe at such a wonderful art form being shown off. While Eren was worn out, the two finally finished their batch for the day.

“ You did great Eren. Now, we put this in some flour and put ingredients in to it. What is your favorite mochi? I’m guessing your imps enjoy demon pepper by the looks of it? “ he teased, all of the imps agreeing as Dan gave them the tiniest bit of demon pepper to add for their little mochi.

“ I like the sea salt best ! “ Eren said, looking over to Dan who was bringing the sea salt out of its container. Eren couldn’t wait to taste their hard work, it would always be worth it in the end.

“ I will show you how to knead, but you will do most of the work. You will make the mochi balls like this, and then we will stuff them! “ Dan said, instructing Eren on the correct way to handle and roll them, since it was just slightly different than the dango he had learned to make a few weeks ago. Eren caught on quick, gently yet speedy as he rolled the mochi in to uniform little balls. The imps copied them, Bulby taking the lead to roll since he was better at more precise things. Grabbing the demon pepper, Shroomies added it to their little dish, and both teams began to garnish, making the mochi lovely. Dan stood proudly, nodding his head at Eren in pride, as well as his smart little imps. Eren and Dan both took a bite of the delicious and salty mochi they had man, Eren moaning playfully. It was incredible!

“ I knew you would be great for this art form, but you really caught on fast. I suppose if I can teach imps as well, I can teach anyone, “ Dan chuckled, the imps and virtue all gathering around him and hugging him, be it tail, legs or just sitting on him.

“ I appreciate you more than you know Dan. It means a lot you let my imps join in on the fun, and I feel I have learned a life skill! “ Eren replied, clearly happy as can be. Holding out his hand, Dan offered a book to Eren, the cover bearing a mound of mochi and the hammer Dan used. It was the Mochi Master Recipe book!

“ You best bring me some when you’re done. I have to make sure your mochi is of the best quality after all. Though, I would enjoy seeing all of your imps again sometime. Just, make sure to bring a lot of money if they decide to eat me out of shop again, “ Dan teased as Eren gently took the book. He was in awe, so much power bestowed in to his hands. He would make Dan proud of taking the time to teach him, he just knew it! Nobody could take this from him, or his critters.

Running back to their little mochi makers, Bulby and Shroomies held up the tiny mochi balls to their owner and Dan, making one for each. Popping it in their mouths, it was quite spicy ! It was made with love though, and even an imp can be so skilled for it to taste well. Dan and Eren fanned their mouths a bit as even the tiny amount of demon pepper could light a buns mouth ablaze, the imps and even the virtue seemed amused at the theatrics. While it continued to rain outside, it seemed like the perfect rainy day to learn. A wonderful day full of learning, nothing could be better. It was time to head home though, as the light outside dimmed and the rain turned in to a light drizzle, water splashed around as Eren and his babies trekked home.