In the end we all must go Somewhere

[hisbutler_bound]

[After the crash, it didn't take long for things to get dull for Sebastian. The facility's crash landing had absorbed most of his energy by the time it had made impact with the surface. Crawling out of the wreckage and protecting the ones that were required, in whatever deals he had in place, practically erased the fresh soul he had received just a month or so before. Hungry again, he did what he could to compensate in order to keep Ciel's Last Order in effect.

The area around the now sizable crater had been completely decimated. It forced survivors away from their comfort zone into the wilderness and while predators weren't that numerous there was the occasional wild beast and prey to be found. For a demon like Sebastian, hunting came easy. It's just he had no reason to do so without a purpose. Occasionally he would leave food for those left that had a deal but over time even that repetition had become pointless.

The clone sickness, without a cure, had begun to take effect slowly. One by one, survivors began to die. He would watch souls fade from around him like soft fading lights that had withered a long time ago once hope became lost. Medics started to die and without the means to produce a proper cure, the inevitable began to set in. Death was coming and even Sebastian knew that. Even the minor deal he had with Shikamaru was not enough. Without a will, the man was utterly useless to him and while he had tried for conversation or encouragement on occasion, Shikamaru had stopped talking all together. Sebastian began to stray from him, choosing to seek out others to pass the time but like everyone else, many did not last long.

With very few people left, he hadn't been surprised that he was one of the few remaining. Still, he felt weak, lost, somewhat confused, and mostly angry. The realization that he may never return to Victorian England was a heavy weight to bare. Even if he did, he would never get to feast on Ciel's soul. He wouldn't have the strength or Ciel's will to take down his true self in order to replace him. The final straw was when Madame had died. She had been a clone of his true feline at home and when the clone sickness took her, Sebastian had stopped moving all together. Often as a cat or a bird he would linger in the dead trees near the crash site, watching... but mostly waiting.

Comments

[nihonjika]

[That gives Shikamaru pause. He's actually not terribly concerned with using these terms to force Sebastian to protect Konoha. No one can be safe all the time. When conflicts arise, lives will be lost. He'll always do whatever he can to prevent it, but that's just the way of things. Sebastian can be used as a tool of protection if necessary through on the spot orders, but Shikamaru's main focus is making sure that he can do the village and its people no harm while Shikamaru has his leash.

He could keep it simple and specify literal citizens, closing the loopholes for allies with specific commands later... or he could get a lot more broad, forbidding Sebastian to take actions against any person without his permission. That, of course, would create its own set of problems through potential inaction.

In the end he has to settle for something closer to the former. He can't possibly cover every base with only three rules to work with, but he knew going in that this was going to be a constant struggle between the two of them. They need to work together, yes, but Sebastian will never stop testing. He has enough common sense not to push too far and risk what trust they'll manage to build within the village (hopefully), but Shikamaru can't assume that he'll have perfect control over the demon at all times. The best he can do is mitigate potential damage.]

For our purposes, loyal citizens include those who reside or work within the village, both shinobi and civilians who aren't a part of the military force, even if they are not physically present within the geographical boundaries of the village at the time in question.

[Not perfect, but it'll have to do.]

[hisbutler_bound]

[The main thing he can garner is that Shikamaru wants to keep his village safe and be of use to it for the long term. He realizes with every passing term that he might be in this contract for the long term. Yet, it is not as if the demon had much of a choice. If he denied the last term and let them both die, that would be it anyways. A few decades or so is hardly a wait for a demon. Human lifetimes passed so quickly compared to a demon's.

He leans back fully in his chair as he considers the options. The silence is deafening with night crawling in as the sun makes its final dip down beyond the horizon. It'll start to get cold soon as it always does. One finger runs over his chin in consideration. He can not attack or maim anyone this way. His options will be limited but the moment anyone betrays Konoha, even for a good reason, they are no longer under that term. He lowers his gaze to the table, trying to remember names and faces that arrived within the facility his time here. It's rare to see Sebastian think this considerately with most of his actions on the spot, well calculated, and quick to act. Only after a minute longer does his eyes lift back towards Shikamaru and he nods silently.]

Agreed, I will not harm, betray, or otherwise act against a loyal citizen of Konohagakure, within or outside of the village, without your express permission.

[If he agrees, that seal will glow again and this time burn a little more to solidify his will into place. Even his own Faustian contract will glow vibrantly as if burning into place itself. Shikamaru will have successfully bound Sebastian to his will.

But it is then that he rises from his seat and clasps his hands together. His butler outfit is already melting off of his form. Arm warmers blend out of his shadows and down his arms to overlap up to the second knuckle. Nails have lengthen into almost claws and his entire body seems to drape down into casual attire but almost shadowy in nature.] Normally this is where I assign a role in which to assist you but seeing as I am not privy to any of your world thanks to your tight lip and previous unwillingness to share, you'll have to assist me.

[He might officially be under Shikamaru's will and command but it doesn't stop him from being just as snarky.]

[nihonjika]

[Shikamaru nods, eyes clenching shut for a few moments as he rides out the burn. It's nothing compared to the initial placement of the seal, though, and it means that their deal is done. He opens his eyes again in time to watch Sebastian's form change, not bothering to pretend he's not watching. He's only ever seen Sebastian in two forms, butler or eldritch shadows, so to see something in between is interesting.

In spite of the frankly ridiculous amount of shinobi that made their way through the facility over the course of Shikamaru's time there, he managed to keep a lot of secrets. From other subjects, and even from his fellow shinobi, but if this is going to happen? He can't keep secrets anymore.]

You won't pass for human. Not for long, anyway. [He might pass among civilians, but even disguised, any shinobi worth the kunai they carried would know something was up the moment Sebastian used any of his powers. They might not know what he was, but Sebastian's never felt normal.]

In my world, shinobi have the ability to summon allies to aid them in battle. A contract is written on a scroll and then signed in blood. After that, another offering of blood is all that's required to summon, and the strength of the summoned creature depends on the amount of chakra supplied by the summoner.

Summoned creatures usually take the form of animals, and shinobi who choose to form contracts usually choose based on clan histories or personal preferences. Naruto can summon giant toads because that's who his teacher contracted with. Kakashi had a pack of dogs for their intelligence and tracking abilities. Tsunade's slug summon can be used for wide-spread defense as well as remote healing.

[And Temari's weasel... Kamatari was the epitome of swift, deadly destruction. But that's enough examples for now. They'll have plenty of time later to go into more specifics if necessary.

So... themes. Themes and usefulness. Care to take a guess at what direction Shikamaru might be thinking?]

[hisbutler_bound]

[His attire isn't casual in a modern day world either. It's downed in dark tones that hug the body with still some room to breathe. It's hard to tell if it is actual clothing or shadows but it is still there.

Sebastian was always intrigued at the pieces that Shikamaru managed to put together about himself without ever telling him a thing. He had figured out most of him within a few short months and he had pegged him as not human rather early. At first, he had always wondered why but that quickly resolved itself the more he learned.]

Then I am to be your summoned ally? [The last word slipping off his tongue unnaturally if Shikamaru is observant enough to notice. He's been a servant for so long, a soldier, a companion, a knight, an assassin. But never an ally.

He's quiet again as Shikamaru continues, listing off those he's seen in facility and the familiars they summoned. His brow lifts high with an incredulous look on his face. He knows exactly where the shinobi is going with this. His form wavers as it tears into itself, his shadows ripping this form apart into thick patches. Antlers form first, forcing themselves out of his shadow mass with a thick sludge of something shredding, then a powerful leg glosses out to stamp upon the ground. Heavy fur laces his body as he pulls himself outwards and before Shikamaru stands one very large and power, yet terrifying, stag. It's no Hana but it is still what he asked for.

He stalks forward with his impressive height, heavy footfalls hitting the ground with every step, as if waiting for Shikamaru's approval or suggestions of improvement. He can be taller, larger, smaller, shorter. It mattered not.]

[nihonjika]

[It'll be an interesting change in dynamic for both of them, especially considering what Shikamaru has to bring up next.

He watches Sebastian's shape shift, looking up at the finished form with something like appreciation. One doesn't have to be terribly observant to pick out Shikamaru's basic affinities, and the form Sebastian's chosen is an excellent blend of the two. Not what he would settle on were they going for a normal summon, but...]

Animals aren't the only thing that can be summoned. Even some gods can be brought to aid, but the price is much, much higher.

[Many view summons as gods of a sort, but they're not immortal. Not infallible. They deal in blood and chakra, but gods? Like Sebastian, gods deal in souls. They're not a tool to be summoned on a whim. They are a final, decisive blow, the ultimate sacrifice made by the summoner in order to see their goal through.

Not unlike Sebastian, really. Not at all.]


Even among summons, you won't pass for normal. But you might pass for a god. [Something old and secret. Maybe something in enough need of a stabilizing host in the modern world that they'd be willing to accept a soul bargain with such a potentially long time frame.

Given the right circumstances and details, their story won't have to be that far off from the truth, which would be ideal. The truth, even altered, is much easier to remember than the conglomeration of lies they'd surely have to use in its place. There will be plenty of room for lies throughout the rest of their business.]

[hisbutler_bound]

There is nothing I can do to change my demonic make up. I will always retain some aspects of myself. I can change my outer form but not my inner. It's why some in facility were able to identify me as 'not human' by scent alone.

[He's walking forward, his stride near perfect from years of watching Hana in facility. There were often times he would stalk Shikamaru in the open areas near the river and would have all the time in the world to remain in silence. It's only when he's in front of the shinobi, tall and almost proudly straight, does he lower his head antlers and all for closer inspection.] I imagine then that they can talk. If you feel that is the best option...

[He has no qualms with portraying a god, an angel, or a priest even as a demon.] I assume Gods are Ancient if a price is that high. I myself have lived for centuries, messily sampling souls along the way. It was only after a while did I tire of an endless buffet with no quality.

[This close, Shikamaru can likely see that he's still retained his sharp teeth. There are parts of him that can never change the more wicked and self contained he gets. He can change them if necessary but edges will always be sharp and when he is especially feeling wicked they do appear naturally.] Now, I have a more refined pallet.