Mamoru

“Hope is sometimes as hard and impossible as explaining a rainbow to someone who can’t see at all...”

Name: Mamoru

Age: Unknown, appears to be 27

Gender: Male

Species: Talus* (“demon” yokai)

Height: 6' 3"

Occupation: Head Chef of Kachō 

Personality: To those outside of the kitchen, Mamoru is a very calm, level-headed person with a quiet disposition. He’s a bit stoic, "a man of few words". Many find this odd, as most “demon” yokai tend to be hot-headed and rather brash. When he’s not working, he likes to read or nap in the gardens or on the veranda outside his room. Stepping into the kitchen, Mamoru becomes a hell raising beast, igniting the fire within his staff. The quiet demeanor washes away, and he can be heard shouting and cursing throughout the dining hall. He tends to go softer on women, aware of the fragility they tend to have when it comes to their emotions, but he does not excuse poor workmanship. Mamoru also has a major soft spot for children and enjoys spending his free time with Moe in the garden.

Relationships:

• Takenari - He shares a mutual respect and brotherly bond with Takenari, and they enjoy sharing a bottle of sake from time to time. 
• Yujiro - Mamoru respects Yujiro as someone who does not let the opinions of others cloud his opinion of himself.
• Izumi - He doesn't particularly hate Izumi, but he does hate his laziness and flamboyant style.
• Momo - Mamoru sees Momo as a little sister, and he enjoys teaching her how to bake sweets.
• Moe - Having a soft spot for kids, Mamoru dotes on Moe like a daughter, spoiling her with sweets and gifts. 
• Ama-chan - A defenseless bunny-like creature, Mamoru takes care of her and protects her.
• Ayami - Similar to Momo, he sees Ayami as a little sister, and he often treats her to sweets after work.
• Koharu - He admires Koharu's strength, determination, and loyalty, especially where Ayami is involved.
• Yuki - These two have a very "fire & ice" relationship and do not get along; he thinks she’s a stuck up bitch. 

Likes: spicy food, reading, long naps in the garden, children, small creatures

Dislikes: flavorless food, slackers, bullies, Yuki

Background: Mamoru came to the yokai world from a distant, much darker world that he no longer has any memory of. His past has been a blank slate since his arrival; whether by trauma or outside forces, he does not know. Nonetheless, he was brought in by Takenari's father and began working in the kitchens as a dishwasher. Soon he was allowed to assist with the food preparation, and before he knew it, his potential was noticed, and he began cooking on the line alongside the head chef who became a mentor to him. The old geezer was a master chef and a hardass, never letting his crew slack off and often beating them with pans until they fixed their mistakes. Above all, he was adored by the rest of the kitchen staff who saw him as a father/grandfather figure. That was many decades ago, and after much tutelage, his mentor decided to retire and promoted Mamoru to head chef! Now Mamoru carries his torch, directing the staff in a similar manner as his mentor. However, Mamoru tends to be harsh, and despite is calm, quiet demeanor outside the kitchen, he turns into an entirely different person. He’s often referred to as the "devil chef of hell’s kitchen". Mamoru also has a soft spot for Ama-chan and takes care of her. 

* Talus species info