A/N: This started out as a Flash Fiction challenge where I gave myself a time limit to write each chapter. It turned out to be pretty popular on tumblr, so I decided to share.
Genesis eyed the book he was copying from. The symbol looked correct, but he wanted to be absolutely sure before continuing. There was very little difference between the avenger and the soothsayer and he didn't want an angry demon rampaging in his house again, thank you very much. That had been bad enough to deal with the last time.
Genesis nodded to himself firmly. It was correct. It was time to give the offerings and finish the ceremony.
He needed to offer five of his possessions: something guarded, something forgotten, something he had been given, and something he cherished along with some of his hair. The witch in the slums said these things worked best, although any old object would probably do. High-class demons liked a little effort apparently. Aerith had come highly recommended as a witch, and she didn't charge him for borrowing her book.
Genesis set down his four items: One of his earrings, a card from his parents, a medal from his old swordsman days, and a copy of his beloved "Loveless". He placed the lock of his hair at the top of the symbol and waited.
He didn't wait long. The chalk markings began to glow softly, then turn red. Genesis backed up, just in case the angry demon came back, and watched. At the center of the marking, a figure clad in a black cloak was starting to take shape. A leathery wing protruded from its back. Its head seemed to be adorned in white spikes. Then the light from the symbol faded further. White spikes turned into blonde hair and the dark cloak turned into a T-shirt with black jeans and combat boots.
Blue eyes flicked open as Genesis realized this demon was not at all what he had been expecting.
"What the fuck is all this shit?" the blonde said, staring down at Genesis's offerings. His head lifted back to Genesis.
"You really thought I would take this crap?" he said, "God, I hope you don't have a question."
"I…I beg your pardon?" Genesis asked, gaining his tongue back.
"I hope that wasn't it," the blonde said, "that's a shit question and I ain't answerin' until I receive better payment than that."
"I summoned you," Genesis argued, "shouldn't you be–"
"I don't have to do shit until I feel that you can make a proper bargain," the demon continued, "What the hell…is this a birthday card? You really thought this would be up to snuff?"
"I did forget I had it," Genesis said.
"Don't blame ya," the demon snorted, "They didn't even write in it. Assholes."
"What do you mean better payment?" Genesis asked.
"Alright I said I wasn't going to answer, but obviously you have no idea what you're doing," the blonde said, "I want something that is actuallymeaningful to you, something that would be painful to lose. You can replace this stuff."
"The book-" Genesis argued.
"You bought that at a bookstore fifteen minutes ago," the demon said, "and don't bother lying. I'm a demon. I live on lies." Genesis humphed, but didn't argue.
"If you handed over your annotated copy…we might have a deal," the demon said.
"No," Genesis said.
"Fine," the demon said, "then we'll have to do this the old fashioned way."
"What?" Genesis said.
"Your soul," the demon said, "duh!"
"…My soul?" Genesis said.
"Did you even read the book or did you just skip to the summoning section?" the blonde said, "The offering is a bribe so I don't take your soul."
"I…uh…might have skipped a few pages," Genesis admitted, "but I stand firm that my offering was more than adequate."
"You put in effort, I'll give you that," the demon said, "but not enough. Tell you what, I'm feeling generous. I'll accept a down payment until you think of something better to give me."
"Down payment?" Genesis said.
"Half of your soul," the demon said, "I'll give it back…or take the other half when we're done. I'll be stuck to you until you get your answer though." Genesis thought it over.
"Done," he said. The demon gave Genesis a rather sinister grin before finally stepping out of the symbol. He stalked towards Genesis, smile never faltering.
"Pucker up handsome," the demon said.
"Wha-" Genesis managed to get out before he was pull into the most searing kiss of his life. It was hot and tasted oddly sweet. It took Genesis a moment for him to realize his soul was being sucked right out of him. No too long after that, his vision went hazy, and finally dark.
Genesis came too what felt like hours later. His mouth felt dry, and his chest ached a little, but he felt fine other than that. He looked up to see a large shiver go through the demon he had summoned.
"Oooh," he said, "You feel kinda tingly. I like it."
"Thanks…I suppose," Genesis said.
"Mmm…I'm getting kind of hungry," the blonde said, "that's the problem with having a physical body. They get so demanding."
"Umm," Genesis, "shouldn't we focus more on my question?"
"I'll let that one fly," the demon said, "and let's wait a bit. You need some time to think of a better payment solution, and it had better be good because I am being damn generous here."
Genesis decided the demon had a good point.
"Besides," he continued, "I know what you're gonna ask anyway and it's boring. I want french fries. And to answer your next question: Cloud."
"What?" Genesis asked.
"My name is Cloud," the demon said, "And no, the french fries are not payment, but just a way to appease me so I don't make your life hell."
"How did you-"
"Lucky guess for the most part," Cloud said, "but your question…I own half your soul so I know what it wants the most. You can't hide that from me."
"It's not gonna rot while you have it?" Genesis said, "my soul, that is?"
"Hmm…I don't think so," Cloud said, "let's not worry about the small stuff. Let's worry about more important things. Like getting Cloud french fries."