epidemiology | [closed]

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CHARACTERS: Sebastian Michaelis (

cutlery) & Pearl (

beyourrock)

DATE: Dec. 30th? Certainly after a tea party

WARNINGS: None that I can think of!

SUMMARY: Talking tattoos, duh!! Or more accurately, contract seals.

[ Busy, busy.

Granted, there was nothing Sebastian wanted more but to be busy, so he quite enjoyed going out to run errands. At times, he would take Sieglinde with him, since it was important for her to get outside of her apothecary room (he assumed, at least), but today, he was running his errands on his own. It was really nothing that interesting, just picking up groceries and other necessities for the young lady, since Sebastian himself wanted for nothing.

Though as he's on his way through a market square, he does pause at a booth selling gloves. These are all practical, so there's not a single pair of the white dress gloves that wears all the time, but he picks up a pair of elegant black leather gloves. That probably would be better for more practical applications, he thinks, and it's as he's turning them over thoughtfully in his hands that a spot of pink walking nearby catches his eye.

Sebastian looks up from his gloves, and he gives a smile to see Pearl walking nearby. Well, this was a bit ironic, wasn't it? Or perhaps just fitting. Either way, he ends up calling out to her gently, and he gives her a wave if she looks his way. ]

Why, good afternoon, Miss Pearl. Are you out running errands as well?

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[Pearl had been getting her mind off things. Busying herself was something she knew best. Reading. Cooking. Baking. Gathering supplies for herself and Steven. Well, in this case, she was gathering feed for her bird mount, Quartz. Thankfully, the juvenile was elsewhere. At least this time he wouldn't cause a scene.

She holds a bag of seeds in her arms, which looked heavy for anyone of Pearl's stature to be holding. But she actually holds it in one arm, cradling it with ease. She lifts her head from surveying a blacksmith's work and catches sight of the butler. She blinks in surprise, seeing him out and about, but returns his wave with one of her own.]

Ah, hello Mr. Michaelis. [She jostles the bag of feed in her arm for emphasis and nods.] Yes, just gathering feed for a pet of mine.

[Would it be classified as a pet? Who knows. Pearl steps up to the other individual and takes note of gloves he's looking at.]

Those look to be a fine pair of gloves.

My, my. It must be quite the pet with a bag of feed like that!

[ Sebastian comments on the bag in her arms with a pleasant and warm laugh. It must be quite the pet if that's what feeds it, though at the very least, Sebastian doesn't find the creatures too odd at this point. Considering Sieglinde's own pet, he's sort of used to it... As much as one can be. When she points out the gloves, his expression lightens, and he looks back to the gloves in his hand. ]

Ah, yes— They look like a good pair of work gloves. These sort are fine, but, well... Finer fabrics are not quite suited to some of the work that I imagine ALASTAIR would ask of me.

[ Saying it aloud seems to make up his mind, so with a nod, he hands off the coins to pay for them. ]

Getting my gloves dirty would be quite inconvenient... So I suppose I may as well.

Heh, he's more than just a handful, I can assure you.

[Looking at the gloves, Pearl could feel her left hand fidget. The same hand which holds the Command Seals Sebastian had seen at the tea party. Maybe purchasing a pair of gloves would be a smart idea, she thinks. However, she doesn't linger on the thought too long.]

That's a smart idea. I've been considering gathering some... 'work appropriate' attire for whatever task ALASTAIR asks of us.

[She glances over her shoulder at the blacksmith once more, watching as hot metal is struck, armor stacked along the perimeter of the blacksmith's stall. Pearl pulls her attention back to the man.]

Who knows what ALASTAIR has in store for us next with this whole 'sun' business.

[ Sebastian follows her gaze to the blacksmith, then nods. ]

Is that work appropriate, then? I feel that I have not gotten a very good measure of work to be done, so if it is combat-oriented, then perhaps I should consider the same...

[ Consider, but he won't. Sebastian has no real need for it since he's a powerhouse, so he won't go asking for anything like that. Though he does glance at her hands since the fidgeting had caught his eye, then turns back to the gloves laid out at th booth. He's managed to size up her hands quite well from when he had looked at them at the tea party, so he picks out a pair of small, slender women's gloves made of smooth, white calfskin gloves. He pays for those as well, then steps away from the booth in full to approach her and hold them out for her to take. ]

Here. Consider it a gift, from someone in a similar situation. The questions will grow a bit tiresome, so you may as well wear these when you do not wish to explain.

[ He inclines his head to her. ]

And on that note, I do believe I had offered to explain to you further, yes?

[The Gem is taken aback by the act of kindness and furrows her brow, glancing from the gloves and back at him. Gently, she takes the gloves into her hand, feeling the soft leather against her skin. By propping the bag against her hip, she manages to slip on the gloves easily. A perfect fit! She flexes her fingers within the gloves and smiles, satisfied.]

Thank you. [She laughs weakly. Someone in a similar situation, huh? If she was curious before, it's certainly piqued by now. Pearl nods meekly before she looks around at the vendors. Too many ears around.

But she catches sight of a bench nearby, secluded from the market area. She motions to it with her free hand.]

Yes, let's take a seat, hm?

Please.

[ Sebastian inclines his head to her lightly, though he also looks quite warmly pleased at the gloves. Not only do they fit well, but she seems to like them, and for a perfectionist like Sebastian? There's little greater pleasure.

He'll let her lead the way, since he's just naturally subservient and falls into step behind people. He takes a seat carefully, moving the tails of his coat properly out of the way as he does so. He's the very picture of prim and proper, which may make how he shifts the conversation almost startling in how direct it is. ]

Miss Pearl... If you do not mind my quite forward question, may I ask? That is a contract seal, is it not?

[Pearl sets her bag of feed down next to the bench. She almost mirrors Sebastian, moving her sash out of the way before taking a seat. She folds her hands in her lap, one hand resting atop the other.

At the mention of a contract, Pearl's left hand instinctively curls into a loose fist, leather creaking under the light pressure. Sebastian had hit the nail on the head for the most part. She nods her head, guilty as she stares down at the left hand in question.]

Yes, that is correct. It's a contract with Gilgamesh.

[ Sebastian raises his hand as if to stop her from doing something, but it's really just a gesture of peace. His smile is still casual and friendly, as if this were a friendly chat between friends. It's the tone he's choosing to take for this conversation, because part of this conversation will also mean revealing sensitive information about himself. He may not know Pearl well at all, but just with guesses and hearing Gilgamesh's intentions... He assumes that she was lured to a contract through an emotional tie, whatever it may be. It's all he needs to know that he can tilt this conversation in the same way so that his secret is kept close. ]

Oh, no, I am not criticizing you. Only curious. I spoke with Gilgamesh briefly myself on this matter, since he had worried me in what he asked of the young lady.

[ Clearly, by "young lady," Sebastian means Sieglinde. He reaches to the glove on his own left hand, then unbuttons it, though he doesn't slide it off just yet. ]

I am quite familiar with contracts. It is how I knew that your mark was one. The mark of a contract is a very powerful curse... But before I speak more, I must ask a favor of you, Miss Pearl. What I will tell you if you will allow it is a secret, even to the young lady. If I am to tell you something about myself in confidence, may I have your word that you will keep it a secret?

[She opens her mouth to try and explain, but the raised hand shushes her almost immediately. Thankfully, a weight is lifted off her shoulders as she sees that he wasn't there to judge. She had her reasons for it. The Gem tried to explain that to Kida, and even Rin as well, but it only seemed to make things more complicated.

Pearl would stick to her choice, despite knowing the complications. Gilgamesh was dangerous, there was no doubt about it. She saw first hand what his power was like.

Blue eyes lower down to his gloved hand before they flicker back up to the butler. Offering a small reassuring smile, she nods, holding her own left hand up for emphasis.]

Of course. I would hope you would do the same for me.

Of course. Thank you for the consideration, Miss Pearl, for it is appreciated.

[ After all, even if Gilgamesh had promised not to mention Sebastian's true existence to anyone, Sebastian didn't quite believe that the line the sand was so absolute. If Ciel were here, Sebastian would absolutely tell him every detail he learned without hesitation, regardless of whether people asked him for privacy or not. With that in mind, he assumes that Gilgamesh would tell Pearl if it came up, and so he wants to do it himself. That way he can frame this how he wants.

So he pulls off his elegant glove, and it shows a mark on his hand that's vastly different from Pearl's own. It also has a strange quality to it where it looks almost like the ink is wet, but if she reaches out to touch it, it's of course dry. That's the magic at work, in a sense. ]

Gilgamesh and I are different sorts of creatures, but we have our similarities. It is why your mark caught my interest. The mark of a contract is something not taken lightly... But I did not wish to assume based on my own knowledge of what a contract entails.

[The Gem stares down at the intricate marking. Similar and yet very different. A creature of sorts? Did that make him similar to a Servant? His strength was apparent enough. But if a contract was involved, there was more to this man than she expected.]

You refer to yourself as a creature. [She bobs her head, curious, looking him up and down from head to toe, quirking a brow.]

Is this some kind of disguise you normally wear? If so, it certainly fooled me!

Well, something like that.

[ He laughs, and her initial acceptance is almost surprising. Even though he hasn't revealed what he is, Sebastian is still used to a harsh reception for anything inhuman. He hadn't expected it to be the case here (which is why he's being so cavalier), but still, it's odd. ]

My real appearance is quite frightening to humans, so when I come to their world, I take on a more suitable form. It would not do for me to work there peacefully if I could not blend in...

[ Though of course, he makes it sound far more innocent and gentle than it actually is. It fits perfectly with how he's building it up, since his confession is delivered just as gently. It's the exact opposite of what would be expected from a creature like him, and Sebastian is intentionally highlighting that to minimize his perceived threat. ]

I am a demon, Miss Pearl.

[Pearl blinks, before a small crack of a smile appears on her face. But she quickly covers it with a hand. It was humorous to hear such a thing said by a man of Sebastian's demeanor. Calm and collected, and very polite for the most part. The weight of the situation slowly sets in, however. The man had placed trust in her hands to keep this a secret after all.

She lowers her voice, barely above a whisper.]

What would a demon need with a contract? You're strong enough to hold your own. I've seen it first hand myself.

Well, that is where I believe there begin to be differences in what Gilgamesh is versus what I am... Correct me if I am wrong, but you forged a contract so that he would not prey on others, I assume?

[ Though he doesn't quite leave enough time for her to correct that right away. He continues smoothly and just as warmly as if he were admitting something much less dangerous. There is a note of seriousness to his tone, though, so it's clear that it's not something to be taken lightly. ]

It is different for me. I am called to the human realm from my own when a human has a great wish. The contract is what brings me to their world, and it is the mark that shackles me so that I will grant their desires. I do not mean it boastfully, so please excuse me, but there is little that I cannot make a reality.

[ Though of course, that's the very simplified and very softened version of the reality of the contract. Sebastian purposely crafts his explanation to soften things, because though he had spoken of Gilgamesh as if he were the predator here, it wasn't true at all. Sebastian was far more dangerous, not because he also preyed on lives, but because of conversations like this. He's not a liar, but he's clever and deceptive. ]

...Though I feel I should note, my master is not here. That is why it is important that I finish this as swiftly as possible, for it is my duty to remain at his side.

[Pearl listens to him closely. While Gilgamesh had held plenty of information from her about some of the finer details about their contract (like his true power and how dangerous he was), Sebastian's own contract sounded a little deeper. Personable almost, and Pearl didn't dare to pry any further than what the man had said. As to who would make this deep wish, and so on. Something else bothers her about this.

Fulfilling desires of another person. Pearl furrows her brow as she considers the information for a moment.]

If you're shackled to the human realm, what do you get out of it? Do you get something in return?

[Seems a little unfair, even if he was a demon.]

I do.

[ His expression and tone soften, and he looks almost apologetic. He pauses as he slips his glove back on, which is seemingly self-conscious. And no wonder, it would seem, once he explains further. ]

When their wish is granted, I will eat my master's soul.

[ The button of his glove is secured once more, and he looks back to Pearl once it's done. ]

Just as humans must eat cows or other living creatures, it is the same for me. It does not make me very popular, as you would imagine, which is why I explain this in confidence.

[The Gem's frame tenses a little. For a wish, their soul were to be devoured. She wants to protest, but what good would it do? His master was back home, and there wasn't anything she could really do about the situation, nor was it her problem. Could the same situation be said about Gilgamesh? After the last two seals were used up... would he destroy her as well?

Her stomach sinks in on itself as she holds that hand of hers up to her own chest, swallowing thickly.]

I understand, yes. [It was the way Sebastian's world worked, and there was nothing she could do about it. But, as long as Sebastian is here, then maybe it would buy his master a bit of time.]

I'm sure you'll be a wonderful asset to ALASTAIR for the time being at least. It's certainly kept me busy.

[ Her anxiety is clear, and Sebastian can easily attribute it to one of two things. On the first, it's what she's actually feeling, that dread that perhaps she's made a contract with a similarly predatory creature. For the second, it's more outward, that she might fear for others with a predator like him on the "loose," so to speak. However, he can offer nothing for the first, since he doesn't know enough about who and what Gilgamesh is to offer comfort. So instead, he assumes the latter as he continues. ]

If it is anything to ease the discomfort, I will not harm anyone here, I assure you. I may be a predator towards humanity, but I am not reckless. I have no interest in being like a beast.

[ He motions elegantly towards her, though it's only an idle gesture. ]

There are many misconceptions about my kind, so it is not something I reveal casually... I hope that you will find that what I am does not have much bearing on my behavior.

[Pearl snaps out of her worry and pulls her attention back to the demon butler.]

No, you've proven that much to me thus far. [She offers him a weak smile.] You have been kind, and plus, you're keeping that little girl safe in the stead of her own manservant. That certainly doesn't read as 'blood thirsty demon' to me.

[Her hand then rests on her own chest.] One should never judge a book by it's cover, as we had discussed before. The same can be said for myself. On my home planet, I'm considered a servant, an accessory at most to Gems who could afford a Pearl. However, I have grown more than most Pearls on my home planet. Taught myself to fight, to research, to build... Then again, my own kind would know of that prejudice.

Others here... may simply see me as a rock.

[ Sebastian's eyes widen in surprise as she accepts, though it's quick to shift to an expression of grateful relief. Perhaps he's playing it cool and he's really quite relieved to have her warm acceptance. That's what it would seem to be, since there's plenty of warmth in his eyes. And yet, that's not it at all. This is the motion he knows he should take, but he feels nothing more than curious interest as she explains further.

Interesting. The name hadn't struck him as odd, but as she talks of gems as a people, then it certainly takes on a slightly different meaning. It's a story he's heard before in a different context, so it's easy to apply his own understanding to the (quite literally) alien story that she tells him. He bows his head respectfully to her once she's finished, since even if he's not quite as warm as he's portraying, he's polite. ]

I... Thank you for telling me that, Miss Pearl. You honor me with it.

[ It's trust, isn't it? Even if he's unlikely to ever use it for ill, since he's a deliberate creature, he still delights in having it at all. He looks back up to her, and he laughs gently. ]

Well, in truth, I do not know if it will mean much, for I would have never guessed that you were also a servant yourself. But for what it is worth, I do not at all. Ah, see you as simply a "rock," I mean. You have given me a great kindness by accepting this with such grace. You are more a person than many I have met, for there are many that would not accept my actions as proof that I am a monster. So... Thank you. Truly.

[Pearl smiles, lifting her hand to cover the blue hue rising to her cheeks. She shrugs her shoulders dismissively.]

You have done nothing so far to earn any distain from me, Mr. Michaelis. ALASTAIR chose you for a reason, and you've been helpful to others. I experienced that first hand. You saved me during that jailbreak, and I couldn't be more grateful for that.

[Her hand raises up to brush some hair away from her gem, absentmindedly brushing her fingertips against it. Unknown to anyone else, besides Steven and Peridot, her gem in plain sight was her weakness. As powerful as it may be, it's vulnerable to strong attacks. A crack? She could deal with, but if it were to shatter. She'd cease to exist.]

I do hope to work along side you as time progresses, with this Sun business.

[ He's laying it on thick, he knows, but it's useful to him. He's also glad to see and hear that it works well enough, so his guess gives him a distinct sense of satisfaction. Sebastian may not be able to lie, but he's a deceiver by nature, so every little bit of information he can glean from someone is something that can be turned against them to his advantage. She's trusting and looking for acceptance. That's something Sebastian can give easily, so long as it suits him.

But he won't linger on that long, since overdoing his flattery is enough. He nods agreeably to her thanks, though as she moves onto "business," as it were, his expression grows a touch more serious. He nods again, though it's thoughtful, and he ends up asking her almost carefully: ]

...What do you think of it, by the way? This whole matter with the sun, I mean.

[The Gem sighs and leans her back against the bench, her hands resting in her lap as her head tilts upward towards the sky. She looks up at the deep night (or day?) sky, almost exasperated.]

It's all a mess, if you ask me. We've gotten no farther than we have when we first arrived here. Sure, there's this mess with the Order of the Chimera, but we're no step closer as to finding out how to get it back.

[She looks across the marketplace, her brows knitting together.] I'm surprised these merchants have lasted this long without the sun.

No farther?

[ He parrots that part of what she says curiously, since that's a surprise, and not a good one. He knows he's likely just being impatient because of his desire to return to Ciel, but that's still not what he likes to hear. It gets him to sigh with a shake of his head, and his gaze ends up turning up towards the sky as well. ]

Well... I am surprised as well, though technically speaking, I find it incredible that they can even survive without it... I suppose that is magic at work, but still.

It certainly feels that way. There's still tension between the humans and goblins, and we're no closer to finding out where the sun went.

[Pearly slumps her shoulders with a defeated sigh.] Magic might be sustaining this place and its inhabitants, I wouldn't doubt that. Back on earth, if the power went out within the city we resided in, there was usually a riot. I'm glad they're not so dependent on power.

[Granted, it was her fault she knocked out the power in Beach City. But. Eh. Details.]

[ He sighs and shakes his head with a sort of lightly harried expression. At least now that she knows, Sebastian can also be more honest in expressing his opinions. How strange, really. He's not used to this sort of freedom... ]

I am surprised we have not had quite a straightforward massacre, to be completely honest. Though I understand the intention of the jailbreak, it was a politically poor move on our part. Ah, well.

[ Another sigh, and he shakes his head. ]

Perhaps you are right. It is better that the people here accept this so casually...

We're living on edge, that's for sure.

[It wasn't ideal, to make such a political move, but. Their friends were in danger. What else were they supposed to do when they were going to be put on death row? They had to move fast, even if it meant having a messy outcome.]

But with all of here, I'm sure we can find some kind of outcome. A positive one, hopefully.

[ well, the demon would have let them die, but that's why sebastian isn't in charge ]

[ Sebastian nods, though he adds lightly: ]

I would hope. Though I suppose so long as the sun returns, it matters little to me either way. I would simply hope for that end and be neatly returned home.

[That's dark, Sebastian. Damn.

Pearl furrows her brow as she looks up at the demon. As much as she wished to go home as well, she wouldn't want to wish for the quick and easy way out of this. She'd prefer to find a solution. And a good one too.]

I do hope we get returned home soon.

[The Gem nods as she stands once more, offering the butler a small and polite bow.]

Thank you, Mr. Michaelis, for talking with me about these seals. I really do appreciate it. And you can be rest assured that your secret is safe with me.

[ Sebastian bows his head to her deeply, since this is something where he does want to give a more genuine sign of his appreciation. His reasons for it may be deceitful, but he does appreciate her honor with this matter. ]

Oh, of course. I must thank you for being willing to listen and for your discretion.

[ He motions to her gloves, though the smile and laugh that comes with the gesture is warmer. ]

And please, enjoy the gloves. I think they will suit you well.

[Pearl offers him a small warm smile as she looks down at her gloves once more, flexing her fingers as if to test the leather once more.]

I cannot thank you enough for them. They will be most useful for the time being.

[She gathers up the bag of feed once more, propping it against her hip before she turns to wave goodbye to Sebastian.]

'Til we meet again, Mr. Michaelis. I wish you well.

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