Player Name: Marion
Player LJ:
feuille_verteContact: eararanel (AIM) /
PM (LJ)
Character Number: 1
Character: Sebastian Michaelis
Fandom: Kuroshitsuji
Personality: Sebastian Michaelis is a demon, feeding on human souls. Bound to the young Earl Ciel Phantomhive by a Faustian pact, he acts as the faithful and apparently devoted butler of the boy. Because of their Contract, Sebastian has to obey each one of Ciel's orders, from cooking his favourite cake to killing his enemies.
Apparently unable to have feelings and emotions, Sebastian doesn't seem to appreciate humans though he can find their behaviour interesting. Unlike them, he is unable to lie. However, it is not clear if it's something he really can't do or if he just refuses to talk falsely.
Though Sebastian mostly has disdain towards humans, he has to live amongst them to feed on their souls and his relationships with the Phantomhive household and the persons met during his adventures are quite complex.
Cruel, heartless and sadistic, Sebastian doesn't hesitate to put Ciel's life in danger, just for the fun of it. When Ciel is kidnapped by the Italian mafia, the demon waits until the last minute to give his help. Later, as the young boy and his fiancée Elizabeth Middleford are threatened by a wild bear, Sebastian doesn't step in and lets his Master deal with the situation. It is later revealed that he wants to show Ciel how to act in difficult times and what are the right things to do.
Extremely severe with Ciel in his education, Sebastian also strangely seems to greatly care for him. Very protective, he wants to keep the boy in good health and devotedly nurses him during one of Ciel's asthma attacks. We can assume Sebastian only wants to assure the survival of his Master until the moment he'll be able to eat his soul.
Except for rare moments of understanding and complicity, Sebastian and Ciel's relationship is full of dislike for each other and cutting remarks. As he says in the anime, Sebastian's behaviour towards his Master is only his way to 'cook' his soul for it to be the tastier possible.
Though Sebastian's dislike for humans is evident, he still trusts some of them. One of them is the Indian butler Agni. The two men have a relationship full of respect, Agni even considering Sebastian as his friend, much to the latter's surprise. The demon knows he can also count on the Phantomhive's household (cook Bardroy, maid Maylene, gardener Finny, Mr. Tanaka and recently arrived Snake) to keep the Young Master and the Manor safe.
Extremely hard-working and perfectionist, Sebastian doesn't abandon his task until it is totally accomplished, whatever the task is. As a butler, he makes sure that the Phantomhive's Manor is always perfectly well-kept and that the food he prepares is of good quality and tasteful. Besides his work, he must often deal with the other domestics' incapacity to do anything and correct their errors. Considering them as idiots, he only rely on them when Ciel and the Manor's security are involved.
As a bodyguard, he is very efficient. Often relying on his demonic powers to help or save his Master, Sebastian shows his more sadistic nature when he has to deal with enemies. He is able to coldly kill people, even children, if Ciel desires so. Sebastian enjoys the violence he is capable of and never shows remorse for what he did. Spilling blood seems to be one of his favourite activities. If he is annoyed or disappointed when he commits such acts, it's only because his clothes end up torn and/or dirty.
As a teacher for Ciel, Sebastian uses his intelligence and huge knowledge of History, folklore and customs to educate his Master. He also is a fine musician, playing piano and violin, a vey skilled swordman and speaks French fluently. Sebastian has a great interest for the arts and is seen admiring the works of Shakespeare and of the Pre-Raphaelites.
Always calm, elegant and refined, Sebastian tries to keep his distances with other people. But his 'devotion' for his Young Master is admired by others and they can't help but like him. Though not caring about what the others can feel for him, he is always surprised when they show their affection. Even if often frigthened by him, the Phantomhive's domestics greatly care for Sebastian as he saved them, educated them and gave them a work. Elizabeth genuinely likes him and she's probably the only one, with Snake, to which Sebastian is truly kind.
Sebastian's worst enemies are the
Grim Reapers, the souls collectors. Whatever started the feud is unknown but it can be assumed it has to do with the way demons treat human souls. Perfectly aware that the Reapers' scythes could kill him, Sebastian usually doesn't go into fights against them, unless he is provoked or can't avoid it. He particulary enjoys hurting or mocking Grell Sutcliff, who doesn't hesitate to declare his love for the demon. However, the anime has shown Sebastian and Grell working along quite efficiently to protect Ciel.
Probably due to his inability to feel strong emotions and his dislike for humanity, Sebastian is usually cynic. He finds the struggles of humans to be vain and useless. He has a strong sense of irony and of black comedy. Sebastian usually doesn't care about the pain (physical and psychological) that humans can feel and is even amused by it. Also, he is not interested by money and any other possession.
Sebastian's only love is cats. He likes their quietness and their beauty. Cats don't run everywhere and do things for nothing, like humans, and he appreciate this. He could spend hours playing with them, stroking their furs and paws. He is even seen hiding cats and kittens in his closet to protect them from the rain, something he would never do for someone else.
His love for cats is as strong as his hate for dogs. For him, they are noisy and he is revolted by their attitude towards humans, crawling at their feet for affection or reward. Ironically, Sebastian wears the name of Ciel's childhood dog and acts like one. A demon, ready to do anything, to obey any order to get his reward in the end : a soul.
At last, Sebastian's usual way to describe himself is the leitmotif I am one hell of a butler. Using this sentence allows him to both refer to his perfect work as the Phantomhive's butler but also to reveal his true demonic nature without anyone noticing.
History:
Wiki.
Timeline: Right after the "Phantomhive Manor Murder Case Arc".
After faking his death to go undercover and resolve the murders taking place at the Manor, Sebastian prepares to 'resurrect' and take back his place as Ciel's butler. However, as he is ready to get up from his coffin, he is mysteriously taken away to Demeleier.
Abilities: As said earlier, Sebastian is a demon. The limits of his powers are actually unknown. However, it is not clear if all what Sebastian can do (cooking, dancing, speaking foreign languages...) is innate or not. At the beginning of the manga, he is seen learning needed informations through books.
When Sebastian's demonic powers manifest, his appearance changes slightly. His pupils become slit and his eyes glow, turning hot pink when he accepts an order from Ciel. His wider and wilder smile reveal very sharp fangs.
- Magic. Sebastian seems to master a kind of magic that he uses parsimoniously. Until now, it has allowed him to grow beautiful flowers in just a few hours, undo very tight knots and create a destructive and deadly fire with just the little flame of a candle. The extent of this magic is still unknown.
In the anime only, Sebastian has been seen controlling elements and able to create a storm.
- Manipulation. Sebastian perfectly knows how to take advantage of his intelligence and beauty to manipulate people. He uses the other domestics's fear of him to have them do what he wants and his good looks gained him the help of Grell and of a nun (in the anime).
So far, Sebastian's manipulative side has been extremly well shown in the "Noah's Ark Circus Arc", when he seduces
Beast. Using sweet words and promises of comfort, he brings her to give him what he wants before they spend the night together though what truly happens between them is not clearly said or shown.
- Shapeshifting. Only suggested in the manga but shown in the anime, Sebastian has the ability to take the form of a crow or a cat. Both animals keep his 'characteristics' : black feathers or fur and red eyes.
- Superhuman abilities. Behind his thin and refined built, Sebastian hides a superhuman strenght. He can open the bars of an iron cage or stop a train at full speed with his bare hands. Extremely agile and fast, he uses those abilities when fighting, jumping and moving around so quickly that his moves are hard to follow for his enemies. Until now, only the Reapers seem to be able to keep up with him.
During the "Noah's Ark Circus Arc", Sebastian shows skills that would allow him to perform in any of a circus' specialities.
His durability and stamina also are impressive. He works hard without getting tired though he can be wounded. He seems to feel physical pain but he usually heals very quickly. Able to spend long periods of time in icy water or walk through fire, it is not clear if Sebastian feels heat or cold.
During the "Phantomhive Manor Murder Case Arc", Sebastian fakes his death so skillfully that even a doctor doesn't realize the deception. It could mean that he doesn't need to breathe or use a heart to live.
Last but not least, Sebastian doesn't sleep. Rest is not necessary to demons though it is stated they can sleep. They usually see it only as a luxury. Though he is apparently able to see in the dark, it is not known what Sebastian does of his nights.
- Weapons. Excellent swordman and martial artist, Sebastian has a preference for unconventional weapons. He has been seen using a hanger, plates but what he likes best are knives and forks. He takes them directly in the Phantomhive's silverware.
Link to an image of the character:
Usual appearance. //
With glasses. //
Black nails and contract Seal. //
What is known of his true demon form. Sample writing: (Those samples are part of a former game I took part in. I was used to post with 1st person so here are samples of both POVs. The version of Sebastian played in this game won't be used at Demeleier.)
1. Sebastian didn't like that. He didn't like to see the situation escape his grip, escape his control. And it had happened quite a lot lately.
Grell. He had first slept with him to play and to get informations. The 'play' part had worked beautifully but not the rest. Sebastian often wondered how everything had turned the way it had, why he now eagerly waited for the night to fall, when he could slide into his red lover's bed.
The Brat/Young Master/whatever. Not being ordered around like a dog was nice. Really. But Sebastian didn't think that game should last much longer. Not with Reapers and another demon lurking around.
His thought were shifting towards Claude's threat when he felt Finny's presence coming to him. Sunny, happy Finny. What had happened between them was more than disturbing and brought turmoil in his already troubled black soul.
The knock on the door was soft and Sebastian put down the book he was looking at since a few minutes already, not able to remember if he had dusted it or not.
"Come in..."
2. The cigarette I stole from Bard is coming to its end. I observe it as the red tip dies and then throws it away. I exhale the last bits of smoke I still have in my throat and watch them disappear into the thick darkness of the night.
I wonder... I wonder if the Brat's soul will look as delicate as this when I'll take it...
I have always liked the night. Its peace, its air full of noises and scents that most humans would never hear or smell. I have known many, too. I still can remember the ones of Middle-Ages when my kind walked on Earth more freely. It had been so easy to find desperate preys then, ready to damn themselves for more beauty or glory. Countries and eras change but not humans. Always wanting, asking, ordering. Begging.
England nights are beautiful. Fresh and clear. I sometimes miss the bittersweet fragrance of cherry blossoms in Japan or the heady jasmine of Orient but I am quite satisfied with my current situation. Well... 'Satisfied' is maybe not the accurate word. I had better masters than the selfish Earl Ciel Phantomhive I am serving now. But he's young, my youngest master so far to be true. And he's amusing. So full of dark memories.
So demanding.
I leans more comfortably against the chimney supporting me and checks my pocket watch. Almost five AM. The darkest hour of the night, my favourite, is finishing and soon dawn will arrive. The beginning of a new day that the sleeping humans of the Manor will probably want to be sunny and peaceful.
In a few moments, I will climb down the Manor's roof to get ready before all the others. This is my duty as a butler, after all. A bath, new clothes and it will be time to prepare the Young Master's morning tea. I guess he will like that fine Darjeeling I have especially ordered for him.
Alright. Time to restart the game where we left it...
Tie, vest, tailcoat, gloves. A last glance into my mirror and I'm ready to go. I'm pretty proud of this human appearance. Black hair has always suited me best but the red eyes are an obligation. I can't change them, the most visible reminder of my true nature. They usually make humans uncomfortable but the Young Master is curious enough to sometimes look into them. I know he tries to read what's going on in my mind when he does. Aah, what an interesting little boy !
Of course, the Young Master is still asleep when I enter his bedroom. I leave the tray on his desk and opens the curtains. I can see Finny already working in the garden and I have the thin hope that he won't destruct anything today. I shrug and move to the bed. I lean close to my Master's face and my lips brush against his delicate cheek before reaching his ear.
"It's time to wake up, Young Master..." I whisper and he shivers and sighs before opening his eyes.
Sample journal entry:
Day 1 // Around 1AM
[HANDWRITTEN]
I don't know where I am, I don't even know how I arrived there. A minute ago, I was in London, waiting for my fakely dead body to be buried and now I am here, wherever 'here' is. Maybe some kind of higher power found amusing to transport me in this place for a reason or another ? Very well then. I never mind to play new games.
The night around me is pitch-black, without the lights of London to warm it up. The stars in the sky shine softly but not enough to give any luminosity. Given their positions, it seems that I am far from the Phantomive Manor. Not even sure that I am still in England.
I do not care anyway. I still see enough to write those words in the notepad I always keep in my waistcoat's pocket. The Young Master ? Well, I'm sure I'll find him again. I won't let such a delicous soul get away from me so easily.
For the moment, I am in a clearing, standing in the middle of a dark and deep forest, exhaling sweet and spicy unknown fragrances. As silent as a tomb. But I am not alone. Oh no, I am not. All around me, I can feel presences, dark and mysterious. They are not human, not demonic. Powerful, yes but kind, no.
Over the limits of the forest, I sense the presence of numerous souls. Some powerful but all different from the things hiding in the forest. I now will walk away, find my way through the trees and see if I can learn more about this most strange place.