Order 1: The Contract [Chapter XV]

[Stranger]

[Open for Sebastian]

An evening calm came around the Hellsing mansion. Seras was doing her best to cook a full meal for all of her soldiers and Integra. However, she was never much of a cook. Integra took a bow away from the table as the members of the Wild Geese were being brash and noisy. Instead, tonight she would enjoy a walk through town. Something she hadn't done yet, what she knew of the town was second hand information, she would see with her own eye for a change.

Integra made it out the front door and instantly two regenerators began following at her heel. She was wearing her normal suit with a travelers coat around her shoulders. She made sure to be smoking a cigar before she made it to the front gate. The Hellsing Mansion was an abandoned mansion left behind after the Vulture attack. The residents never returned to claim it and the damage to it beforehand was brutal enough for her to believe them dead.

Now, it stood large and tall, the yard around it took up a large space, it had many tents set up and a good number of homeless and refugees who were taking shelter while the town was still being rebuilt. With time they'll have left the grounds, but for now they were getting fed and a place to stay until they could all stand on their own two feet again.

One of the regenerators walked past her and opened the gate. She entered the street and began taking a walk down the ruined side of town. The area wasn't entirely abandoned. There were many people still here scavenging for what was considered daily bread. The people living on the streets had given up their past lives of being passive, it was a dog eat dog world here.

Everyone knew who she was on this side of town. She had been taking in refugee's for the last three weeks and feeding them giving them supplies. But those who weren't allowed in once the grounds became over capacity looked only to do her harm at this point. The sun was still in the sky just low enough to set shadows to the walls but give a golden orange glow to the surroundings.

They were suddenly cut off in front by a group of six. And then from the rear by five. Integra stopped walking and took a long drag from her cigar before she took it between her fingers, "Do yourselves all a favor and walk away before any of you are harmed or killed."

Of course they never listened. She saw plenty of knives get drawn and a couple pistols. Slowly but surely she raised her hand and snapped her fingers and the two regenerators pulled their weapons. The one who took to her flank was holding twin bayonets. The one in front of her had an automatic set of pistols.

"This is your last chance," Integra said and then placed the cigar between her lips again taking a hit from it. The price of food, money, even a chance to have their way for the first time in almost a month was getting the best of them. Integra didn't want to do this at all, "Very well. Not a single one of them walks away from here. Do you understand me?"

In a matter of seconds the regenerator in front of her unloaded both weapons into the legs of those standing in the way. Only one bullet per person, each one a grazing shot. The regenerator behind her moved away from her and each man suddenly fell to the ground unconscious. "Do yourselves a favor next time."

Integra walked forward and grabbed one of their hands and took her cigar and put it out in the mans palm, "Keep yourselves out of trouble." She walked over him and continued her walk.

[sebastian]

Fate was cruel, especially to demons it seemed... His somewhat normal life as a Butler had been taken from him, and all his efforts had gone to waste. Back in the past, he'd had the guarantee of a rather attractive soul which would become his next meal. But it seemed he hadn't been destined to devour the said soul at all... In the end, despite everything he had done and worked for; he'd gotten nothing. First, his master's soul was stolen by another demon; who was now dead. Then, the master himself had been taken; turned against his loyal demon butler through memories that weren't his own, and fabricated lies. Then finally, to add insult to injury; the soul he had so longed for had been placed far beyond his reach, the soul existed in a being that wouldn't die unless special circumstances came into effect. So he had been bound for eternity to serve a fellow fiend of hell... Without any rewards to look forward to in the end. Now, he'd merely been ordered to run a bit of an errand for his lord; to return to the human world and prepare a meal of somewhat decent souls. As he was still a butler, and would be forever; he'd been given no choice in the matter. It was still infuriating to know that he was nothing but a servant now.

But this wasn't what he had expected... Sebastian walked through the streets of the strange city, something about the world itself was very unfamiliar. During his travel to the human world, there had been a bit of what one might call "turbulence"; and he'd been thrown off the path. There had been great agony as he writhed through the darkness, it felt as if something was being torn slowly from him. Now, here he was; in an unfamiliar world and city, with the sun setting on a rather discolored sky. These buildings were much like those in the world he'd recently resided in; and most of the streets had long since been cast into shadow as day faded into night. The black butler attire he wore blended nicely with the shadows. The crimson gaze seemed to be glowing with its own inner light; intense and searching as he studied the place. It was another dimension, that was definitely fact. But it wasn't the dimension he'd been aiming to arrive in though.

Sebastian suddenly had an idea, a hope; of what that pain had been during the transition. He raised his left hand, pulling off the white glove as he gazed with a new excitement at the back. The symbol which was embedded in the pale skin wasn't shining with its usual purple glow. In fact, it looked like an old scar from an intricately shaped wound. The lack of glow was a sign that there was no Fuastian Contract... Which meant that changing dimensions had done something to his contract with Ciel Phantomhive. It was void; a broken contract... And it meant he was free to chose another soul which would be his future meal. And as he hadn't the faintest idea of how to return to his dimension, he was trapped here for an undetermined amount of time. He couldn't help but wonder what sort of human being would become his next master. Well, more like hope that he found someone who was even a halfway decent future meal.

He pulled his glove back on and resumed his almost leisurely stroll through the unfamiliar streets. There were only a few people still around, and they payed him no heed. It seemed like this city, both resembled and was run in a way like the word of the Phantomhives. Butlers weren't a common sight, as only wealthy could afford one. But seeing a butler strolling down the road was of little interest to anyone. That was better for him, as he could hunt for a decent soul without interruption. Being a picky eater could be such a burden sometimes... But it was that which separated him from other demons.

Sebastian suddenly paused in his walk, realizing he had entered a place of the city which looked run-down; as if it had seen better days. The few buildings here were rickety and unstable, even the people who walked these streets were a sorry bunch. The suffering and hate saturated the air, giving the demon a sense similar to the demon realm itself; hell. Yes, this place was living hell for people... Yet they were trying so hard to stay alive. But all their souls smelled unhealthy and distasteful... Except for one... He turned rather quickly toward the scent; crimson eyes seeming to glitter. It was a woman, but she wasn't like these sorry excuses for life which lurked here. She was like a beacon in the midst of darkness, her soul was strong and determined to move forward. Yet, beneath that strength were hidden emotions; the kind which proud humans tended to hide. Already, he could feel himself being drawn toward her. It seemed like he had found someone similar to his former master... Perhaps she'd become the new contractor.

He watched as what appeared to be bodyguards took down some of the more vengeful souls who had confronted her; but why had they intended to attack in the first place? She certainly seemed like a woman of high stature; even her stance and walk hinted at power and status, enough to claim his own respect. She was moving again, this time in the direction that he himself was stationed. An amused smile creased his features as he moved to the side; to allow her to pass, and leaned up against an old telephone pole. He closed his eyes, and waited for the sounds of her footsteps start to pass him by. Then he spoke in a soft voice. "It looks as if you have some enemies, Miss..." He murmured. "May I ask why that is?"

[Stranger]

She walked forward over the men and continued along the path. Only one stood in her way but he stepped aside and made his query. To it she simply stopped and took a look at him. He was like her, a breed different than those walking the streets now. Well dressed, didn't look dirty, she thought of passing him by but instead Integra turned to him and gazed at him a bit more studying him.

"You must be new in town. I've been sheltering refugee's at the mansion. Those unlucky to make it within the walls were left on the streets due to spacing problems," her bodyguards both spread out giving her space finally, it was refreshing to be able to breath without big brother at each shoulder. Integra took a look at his outfit and then took to her walk, "You may want to be careful yourself, dressed in nice clothing you'll be robbed before sun down."

[sebastian]

She was quite a character, he could see that already. It seemed as if she didn't spare much thought to the many people she passed on these streets. That only hinted at more status. It reminded him even more of his former Faustian master. He considered allowing some of his true self to show through the human disguise, to get some attention that way so that he could engage her in conversation. If he could do that, then perhaps he would have a new contract sealed. Of course, he could simply turn to force now; engage her in battle rather than conversation, and devour her soul amidst the chaos. But that was such a tactless and old-fashioned way to win over food... He much preferred to have victims who would willingly give their soul once their life dreams were achieved; content souls had a much more savory flavor than those taken by force. Those willing souls also had their own strength to them, and his hunger would be satiated that much longer from actually putting forth effort.

So he settled on creating conversation without showing what he truly was. Besides... It would be easy to follow her should he not create the contract within the next hour or so. He would trail her back to this mansion, get a good look at the confined space and make it much more comfortable; more liveable. He could do many small favors like that, gain some recognition through lending anonymous aid. However, it would be so much easier to just act now... But no matter what happened, he was determined to win over this woman's soul. She was quite a desirable meal, perhaps more than Ciel had been due to her own personal strength and power. At her answer to his question, the eyes opened and he looked up; the red gleaming eerily in the dim lighting of the town. "Ah yes... The 'jealousy' and 'anger' emotions create reason to show hostilities... You humans are fascinating creatures, though confusing as well." Yes, that was it... Hint ever so slightly that he wasn't like her, or anyone here.

"As for robbing me; I am grateful for your warning, but it is unnecessary. I'm of no interest to these poor excuses for living beings. They seem more like animals, driven by desperation alone. It is disheartening..." He held back a smile of amusement at the thought of these foolish humans launching an assault on him. He could leave them all on the ground, dead, within seconds; but he really didn't enjoy getting blood on his tailcoat. More likely, he'd grant them the relief of unconsciousness; as this woman had done for those others. "However, if I was attacked... I have my ways of defense." He tilted his head slightly, watching her as she started to walk away again. "If I may have another moment of your time, milady; I'd like to ask another question. As you correctly guess, I am unfamiliar to this town." He paused for a moment, choosing his next words carefully. "You said you've been sheltering refugees at a mansion... Why is it that you extend such kind and selfless aid? Do you have a goal in life, something you would be to willing die for to achieve, that drives you to do such a thing? Or is it merely your efforts of trying to gain popularity and a way out of this troubled city?"

[Stranger]

She didn't stop walking through all of what he spoke to her about. But when he asked his question she stopped at once and listened then looked over her shoulder to him, "Why? This city was attacked by a madman when it was defenseless without a army and not harming anyone but themselves. The people here were pacifists before then and now look at them. They scavenge and prowl through the trash for their nex meal.

"It's an unfortunate thing that it's come to this. But the Hellsing grounds can only hold so many, and we only have supplies for a limited number. If I can help these people out in any way it will be to aid them until they can get back on their feet. In return, I expect some of them to aid me when the time is right to defend this nation or to go to all out war against the tyrant who did this to them," Integra said in a strict tone, "That is all."

[sorry for yet another short post. I had a very limited time to write it since I have to head off to work soon.]

[sebastian]

ooc: No worries. Work is much more important.

bic:
It seemed like she really wasn't interested in what he had to say. She just kept walking, and didn't look back until he'd asked his next question. Then she spoke again, in a different tone of voice; and with a passion. He knew of the attack on the city, in was plainly obvious. But he hadn't expected this fiery woman to have her heart set on helping these pacifists, and protecting the place; all with hopes that they'd help her in the future. Her's was a soul which would be very satisfying to consume one day. And now... She'd given him a basis on which he could act.

Before she could start walking away again, an eerie darkness began to enfold them. It was like black fog, appearing out of nowhere around him; then spreading out in all directions until everything within sight was swallowed. Nothing was visible, it was as if he and the women were floating in a state of non-existence; except for the fact that they were both on solid ground. Her bodyguards had vanished into the darkness, he saw no reason for them to be aware of what was going on. While this moment of meeting would seem to last for minutes,; in reality, it would last under a second. No one would notice the woman's absence, as it would be just a blink of the eyes to them. A strange coldness began to seep through the void, and the demon himself faded; becoming one with the swirling black mist, leaving her alone in the darkness. But he was still present, his physical being swirling in the shadows.

Then his voice came, apparently rising from the darkness itself; it had an echoing tone to it within this empty void. "I can help you..." He murmured. "I can make your dreams come true; the impossible becomes possible with me. Us demons tend to be attracted by the strong; that is why we are summoned to areas of much suffering, like Hollowton. We seek out people like you... I find you intriguing, a human unlike any other that I have met. Now, I wish to make you an offer..." There was a pause as he let those words register in her head. "Should you accept, I shall become your loyal servant. You see, I'm simply one hell of a butler... I will obey your every order, my ability to do most things is extensive. I will fight with you against this tyrant, against all of your enemies; under your command. I can guarantee your ultimate victory; or else I will die trying. Of course, it takes much more than feeble human weapons to end a demon's life..." He paused again. Undoubtedly, she would need a moment to adjust to the unlimited possibilities which were opening up to her; to understand exactly what she was dealing with here.

"However, such service comes with a price... There's always a catch in these sort of occurrences." His voice almost a purr now; silky smooth and unbroken. "The price that comes with a demon's service is your soul... Once your ultimate goal is achieved... It could take as little as a year, or stretch out into decades... Either way, I shall be the one to swallow your soul; whether you are on the verge of death or not. Your soul will go to neither Heaven nor Hell; it will simply fade out of existence as it becomes one with my own. This deal, service for soul, is known as a Faustian Contract..." He then appeared a short distance in front of her; the crimson eyes had changed to a pink hue which had slits for pupils as they feasted on this new target. He raised his left hand, taking the tip of a glove finger between his teeth as he pulled the fabric off. "A wish... A sacrifice... And this..."



The symbol showed a five-point star inscribed on a circle, surrounded by a ring of diamonds. The intricate design was releasing a purple glow which filtered through the darkness. "Those things would bind me to you. I would be unable to do anything against your wishes. This contract cannot be easily broken or betrayed." The pink eyes seemed to glitter with a mixture of resignation and excitement. It was time for her to make her choice, and there was no way for him to back out now; even if he had wanted to. "However, This is your choice... It is a proposition of my choosing, I do not force humans to make such a contract; neither do I take souls by force to satisfy my demon habits. That would go against my own personal morals. Now... What will your choice be...?"

[Stranger]

Integra remained perfectly calm, as she should given all she had faced in her lifetime of work facing demons, vampires, werewolves, and more. When the area around her was drawn into the darkness she pulled her cigar case from her jacket pocket and placed another between her lips, cut the tip off and lit it taking a drag from it. She waved the match out and simply stared at the demon before cutting him off, "Skip the theatrics Butler."

She repositioned her left arm to rest across her stomach while her hand faced up holding her elbow up as she held her cigar to the side, "If your words are true, then I accept your offer on the terms that you fill the empty place as my butler. I am not an easy woman to please, when you fail I expect every fiber in your body to deliver punishment upon yourself. If you will be acting as my personal aid and protecting me then you will learn to get along with those who walk alongside me."

There was a brief pause as she inhaled from her cigar, "If you're to claim my soul on the condition that my goals are met, then you will forfeit that right dare you fail me. If not, then I cannot promise you safety from the nightmares I control once I am gone. The last thing, I expect tea to be made by five, I prefer a lot of milk and two teaspoons of sugar. I do not light my cigars with a lighter, it ruins the taste, and I expect you to fill the position left behind by the last butler to the full extent."

"On those conditions, I accept," Integra said staring at him hard through her glasses. She remained silent after this to get his reply.

[sebastian]

"Theatrics?" He smiled in bemusement. "This 'act', as you call it, is more for the safety of your bodyguards." There was no guarantee they'd escape unharmed if they launched an attack on him in defense of their mistress. Most people didn't take kindly to a demon suddenly appearing in their midst. But surely she was intelligent enough to see the reasons. She was so quick to accept his proposition though... Just like most humans. In that way, she was similar to others. They didn't believe their souls were worth much, or they feared what could happen after death. So an easy ticket out of 'the end' was something they whole-heartedly embraced. It was both a disappointment and relief to him. But as she continued to speak, he allowed his face to become a bit more serious. So he already had his first orders... And the contract had yet to be sealed. She certainly knew exactly what she wanted, and her expectations came as no surprise to him. Her overall personality had foreshadowed those commands.

Self-inflicted punishment? No master had ever told him to do that before. That would be interesting to attempt; should a need ever arise. Yes, he knew demon weakness; being one himself. But to cause pain for a demon required quite some damage... Well then, perhaps it was a good thing he was weak from hunger in a way. The longer a demon went without devouring a soul, the more susceptible to pain they became; though dying from starvation was an impossibility. If it was pain she wanted him to experience in the case of rare failure, then he'd work out how. He hadn't eaten in almost three years now. But for the time being, there were more important things to consider. Not easy to please... Well, he would have no trouble after the first few days of serving her. And getting along with others who worked for her would be easy enough. His level of tolerance far exceeded those of other demons. Another thing which made him unique.

"If you're to claim my soul on the condition that my goals are met, then you will forfeit that right dare you fail me. If not, then I cannot promise you safety from the nightmares I control once I am gone."

That brought a smirk back to his face. Did she really think he would end up taking his prize without fulfilling his own promise? "You have no need to concern yourself with that. I assure you, I have no intention of taking what I want without first reaching your goal at your side. I am no back-stabber, I will preserve your life until your wish is granted. That is part of my duty on my side of the contract." He'd had multiple opportunities to take Ciel's soul in his past, and he'd exercised that immense self-control which he possessed to hold back; due to Ciel's goal having yet to be satisfied. He had his own code of honor; very different from what some might have thought. Breaking his own code meant being reduced to the level of beast in his eyes; something he'd struggled to rise above for centuries. As she laid out her next expectations, he took careful note of the 'last butler' bit. So, she'd had a butler before him? And with the suspicion she held for him that he might break the contract; he could only assume that last butler had betrayed her in some way. Well, he'd make it clear through actions that she had no reason to fret over betrayal by his hands.

Once she'd finished, he straightened up; the pink eyes glowing brighter. He rested his right hand on his chest and knelt down to the ground before her, bowing his head. "Your expectations will be met and exceeded; Sir Integra." Yes, he knew her name. From those final words of acceptance that she'd given, the contract was already taking affect. He learned her name from the weak bond, and he would learn much more once it was made strong. After a moment, he rose to his feet; allowing another smile to appear on his pale face. "There is one more thing to be done then... In order to seal the contract, you must physically bear this same Fuastian Symbol. Through the connection created by the two; I will be able to hear your summons, or other communication, no matter how great the distance may be. The strength of the contract will also affect the strength and skill I exhibit in your service. It is a true bond between master and servant. I guess you could also say it is a form of collar and leash on me; assuring your full control over the true monster that I am."

He raised his left hand again; the violet glow had grown brighter. "The more visible your symbol is, the stronger the contract becomes. Should you expose the symbol during an order, my abilities will grow and be used in the process of carrying out your wishes. But of course, that reveals the contract bond to anyone who may be nearby... It is an action you take at your own risk." He had left out one bit of crucial information. An order was just a request from a master in an authoritative way. Simply giving a command didn't guarantee obedience, there would be orders he could and would refuse. But the contract would grow more powerful the longer they were bonded, assuring obedience. But for now... He'd allow her to figure out that bit of information on her own. "Where do you wish for your symbol to be placed?"

His eyes lingered on the eye patch she wore, his memories flashing back to Ciel Phantomhive once more. He too had worn an eye patch, but for the purpose of concealing the unnatural symbol. But Integra wore her patch on the opposite eye. He couldn't help but wonder if she'd request the seal to be placed on her eye; as Ciel had. The eye was a tool of sight, and anything unnatural about a human eye immediately attracted attention. Thus is was the most effective place for a contract to be sealed. But would Integra work that out? The choice of word 'visible' had been his hint to her; he wouldn't give another. It was her loss if she didn't catch on. He had a strict master now... This would be quite fun for him...

ooc: Do you mean tea at 5am or 5pm? Or both?

[Stranger]

Both of course.

---

"In a visible spot, obviously somewhere I can conceal. Logically none would know if I placed it behind the very patch I wear over my eye. But some how I think you knew I would say that by the way you've stared at it," Integra said staring hard at him. She could of placed it anywhere, the palm of her right hand was actually a good spot, and it worked well with the cliche line, "With the power in my hands..."

Her gaze went to her palm and she looked back to him, "My family has never hidden its ties to black magic or to creatures like yourself. My attack dog wore the Hellsing Pentagram upon his gloves for me to control him as I wished." She removed both of her gloves holding her hands out to him, her palms facing down, on the backs of both of them was the Hellsing Pentagram which allowed her to control those through the alchemy and magics she had learned.

"Of course, adding your own mark to my body would cluster the canvas a tad. Where would you suggest, Demon?"

[sebastian]

The corners of his lips twitched into a bit of smile at her words about the eye patch. "It seems I'll have to be a bit less obvious when giving you hints then. Where is the fun when it's so easy to guess?" She seemed rather interested in her own palm though; was it there she would chose? He had to admit, he hadn't expected her to have another form of pentagram on her hands already; there was a air of power about those symbols as well. Perhaps another sort of weapon on her part... He would learn in time. She also spoke on an attack dog... That comment stirred rather unpleasant memories on his part. Ciel had been given the alias "The Queen's Guard Dog"... Any sort of reminder of his former master was enough enough make his blood boil.

No, it wasn't that he hated Ciel Phantomhive; but he hated the reward he had gotten from his service to the boy... An eternity of servitude... It was really a relief that his contract had broken upon entering this dimension, he had no interest in serving without hope of a promised meal. He wouldn't make the same mistakes he had with Integra here... No other demon would get anywhere near her soul... He wouldn't lose her as he had lost Ciel. The anger had shown in those pink hued eyes, a fire had sprung up within. He took a single deep breath to calm himself; holding a grudge against the demon perpetrator of his loss would do no good, as the said demon was long dead.

"This is not 'black magic', as you say; but I suppose that term is close enough." He rested his chin on the fingers or his right hand, the arm pressed against his chest; considering her again with those gleaming eyes. "It is not a matter of pride in displaying such ties for the world to see. Constant revelation of the Faustian Seal puts the Contract itself at risk. The less it is shown, the more power builds up. Then when it is revealed to give an order of great importance, my full ability will be used. The Faustian Contract becomes more potent if hidden at all times, and some of the stored power escapes when it is revealed. Therefore, if you wish for more efficiency..." A rather cold look entered his eyes then. "Then beneath that eye patch is the best location." He didn't approve the prospect of placing the mark there, it was far too similar Ciel's contract for his liking. But if that was where she wanted it, then he would proceed. "Also... When you give me an order, are are granting me clearance to use all means necessary to obey... Unless you first state the limits you wish to impose."

He went silent for a moment as he came up with something that vastly improved his mood. Integra was very different from Ciel in many ways... She wasn't 13, therefore; she wasn't completely helpless. He wouldn't have to babysit her. Of course, acting like Ciel's nanny or something did have its amusing points. But this woman could handle herself, she had many skills which Ciel had not. Another difference was that she headed an organization with a goal, not a company which did nothing useful. He took a step toward her, his hands clasped behind his back. "Now then... Once you chose the location, it will be time for you to complete the bond... I am Sebastian, order me by name to permanently seal this contract." He seemed rather amused about something. It would be painful for her, but she was a strong woman... There was no need to warn her about it. It would be an agony that lasted about a minute, but that was it. But he was curious about whether or not she'd voice her pain.

[Stranger]

"We'll go with as you suggested. I am blind in my left eye thanks to a stray bullet. None would think anything different of me if it was placed there," Integra had said noting the slight change in his eyes. He wasn't the first person she had crossed with unbelievable amounts of power with a certain end goal. Alucard was the same, he wished to turn his master into a vampire, that would of broke the binds to her and made her a mistress to him. The only thing that stopped him was her constant bindings with the pentagrams that had been etched into the backs of her hands.

However, she had been doing the same routine for the better part of 15 years, a change from this routine would be welcoming. Here was a chance for her to live in luxury yet again, even if she didn't mind the life she lived now. It had been so long since she had her own tea poured for her. She had been very reluctant to hire a maid or butler after the last traitorous act. With the binding to Sebastian, she knew she could trust him no matter what. Her soul was a small cost for the end goals.

Integra took another drag from her cigar before she lowered her hands, "I, Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing order you, Sebastian, to seal the contract. Become a tool for me to utilize."

[sebastian]

Blind in her left eye... One might have thought that would decrease the "visibility" factor which played into the seal. But it was quite the opposite. Sight wasn't all about physically seeing with eyes. True, he had never placed a seal on a blind eye before; but he was certain the bond would be made more powerful. Had he been able to, he would have restored sight to her eye before the seal; out of caution for his own future problems of being a servant. But the contract had is disadvantages, along with advantages. Integra was making a sacrifice, it was only fair that he make one in return; giving himself over to another's complete control. He awaited her order, and then knelt before her again. "Yes, Sir Integra..." He murmured, only just stopping himself from saying "my lord". She wasn't Ciel, and that would take getting used to.

He rose back to his feet, and seemed to float over to stand in front of her. He could feel the demon impulse to just devour her now fighting with the pull of the contract. It was an easy urge to resist; he had much practice. He looked directly into her exposed eye, taking note of how blue it was... Another Ciel similarity. He mentally rebuked himself for constantly allowing his mind to wander to that lost cause. He had a new master to serve now, and resemblance to his former master was irrelevant. He raised the right hand, still wearing its glove, and rested in on the left side of her face. Almost tenderly, he hooked part of the eye patch string on a finger and removed it. The blindness was obvious in that eye, and he felt a twinge of regret on her part for her loss.

The left hand rose, its purple glow was as bright a lamp now; and he touched the eye with his forefinger. Immediately, he felt that jolt of energy running from his symbol into her eye; like some sort of electric shock. His face was expressionless as he watched the circumscribed star etch itself into the very core of the eye, followed by the ring of diamonds. Every Faustian Demon had its own personal symbol; that was how contracts were separated... This was his mark; one he had designed once he made up his mind to feast only through the contract. So he felt an odd surge of satisfaction as the image completed itself, now with its own violet glow. He could feel the connection now; a presence that would never fade from his consciousness.

The moment the seal was completed, he took the eye patch and replaced in on her head; once again concealing the blind eye and its new secret beneath the black leather. "It is done..." He said, taking a few steps back from her so that she could have her personal space again. As he spoke; the pink eyes darkened into their usual crimson, and the shadowy void around them began to fade. The ravaged city and the inhabitants around them seemed to be hidden by a thin fog, but it was clearing up. Soon, they would return to the very same place where they had just left. He was already making plans on what to do now with the beginning of the new bond. She had mentioned a mansion... If it was anywhere near here as he suspected; then it was no doubt in a horrible state. That would be the first thing he tasked himself with. He would politely ask that anyone indoors step out and go for a short walk; so that he could restore the place to a home worth living in within 2 hours at the most.

[Stranger]

She watched him draw near and place the symbol upon the deadened eye. Why had she done this? Because she always had use for more and able beings. She controlled many pawns, he was a good addition. A pawn that couldn't betray her... She wasn't afraid of Joann or Seras betraying her, Heinkel and his sector was another question completely.

"Make yourself useful. I will require your services on the coming day. Today is coming to an end, the need for a butler is limited. If you are to follow me around I require you to speak only when spoken to or when given permission. Under no circumstances are you to appear before any in your true form as a demon unless I allow it. Am I clear?"

Integra was perfectly sure he would surprise her as much as she would surprise him in the end. He would get to meet the true power of the ones that have slain his kind and the kind of all impure beings that have been set before it. A ravaging wind of power could be felt radiating from this woman as she put the cigar back between her lips and put her gloves back on.

The regenerators were utterly confused, but she didn't care about leaving them out of the loop, they were only tools for her anyways.

[sebastian]

He bowed his head again as she laid out her next expectations. But that amused smile was back when she mentioned that he wasn't to show his true form. "Yes Master, inescapably clear. A dark look entered his gaze before he spoke again. My true form... You have yet to see it; and I hope you never have to witness it. It is vile thing... Very unpleasant to see or come face to face with." He looked up as the last traces of mist began to clear, leaving them in the same place they had just been. Only about a second had passed in this realm during their visit to the demon's Faustian realm. The guards' confusion was comical. They may have seen both their mistress and the red-eyed man vanish, then blinked; only to find that both were still present. Sebastian paid them no mind. He had his orders to not speak with others unless spoken to, and he would obey. Now, if he had something to say when he was alone with Integra, then he wouldn't hesitate to speak. Communication between them was essential; it was not something she could forbid without messing up the contract. But he understood why she might want him to keep his mouth shut while others were near.

Once the Faustian Realm had receded entirely, he took a moment to brush some dirt off his tailcoat. In this ravaged place, it was difficult to keep the grit off oneself. He walked over to stand at Integra's shoulder, the face an unreadable mask as he looked at the guards for a moment. They seemed human enough, but the scent of their souls wasn't attractive at all. He had his promised soul now; that powerful bond between himself and Integra at the start of their contract. It would only increase as time progressed. He would now follow her wherever she went, unless ordered otherwise. He would provide for her needs at all times, as a butler should. If demons could be happy, he was pretty close right then. He had his next meal set up; now all he had to do was wait and obey until the day came. And this would be a new adventure for him as well. Integra was unlike any other human he had met before. He was looking forward to the challenges and changes that were in store.

ooc: Oh, a short post for once! -feels accomplished-

Anyway, I'm guessing this thread is just about done now...? I can start the next thread for you and anyone else who plans to join if you want. If it takes place in the mansion, You'll have a proper location to call home at least.

[Stranger]

"You will soon learn of the things I've seen and controlled," Integra said in reply to his true form. It was true after all. Her time with Alucard she had seen the very fabric of his being torn apart only to be brought back together several times. She'd walked hallways of corpses, watched her own men killed and maimed by walking corpses, and even witnessed the truly vile creatures that Anubis presented to London.

To say that she was battle hardened would be an understatement. She was prepared for anything and ready for the most unexpected turn of events. When he joined her side the regenerators began moving in until she raised her hand to wave them off, "I understand your orders are to protect me at all cost, but I am a woman of my own free will. So back off." By her command they ceased drawing their weapons and she began walking back toward the mansion.

"There's a new day arriving soon. This little walk has given me time to figure out my next move. I will indeed expect by morning our deal to come into full agreement."


[That is completely up to you. I am fine with you starting the next post unless in the time it takes between this one and yours someone else starts a post. In which case I'll be joining that one.]