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.

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[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.