Hey, she did it on purpose this time. [Video]

[remilia_scarlet]

[A petite woman with bat wings on her back is looking awfully annoyed. At least she isn't actually angry at anything this time.]

So, it seems it is that time of year again. The time of year where everyone dresses in outlandish outfits.

[And spirits do terrible things but she is either unaware of the problems some people are facing or just doesn't care. SHE isn't about to become a ghost, after all, she's already among the undead.]

I have never had the chance to ask this of so many people before, so I shall do so now. What purpose does this celebration serve? Why dress in odd outfits and demand confectionery treats from strangers? I understand the purpose of celebrations, of course, but this is just so impossible for me to understand. It seems to have no real connection with All Hallows Eve at all. But what really bothers me the most is why are the vampire costumes always so terrible? I do not believe I have even seen a single one that had wings. I understand wishing to look like a vampire, but without wings you merely look like a fraud.

[Clearly she doesn't know, or care, that her having wings actually makes HER the different one, not the other way around.]

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[heptagram]

[If there's one thing she doesn't half-ass, it's being a huge nerd.]

Causing problems in that regard is the fact that even those who seem to be from Earth seem to be from an extremely different Earth than we are, or from a fair distance in the past.

If you wish. Do you suppose I should find some manner of costume as well?

[remilia_scarlet]

[A huge nerd, but a huge nerd that was Remilia's friend, so she was allowed to be as huge as nerdy as she wanted. It was the fervor with which Patchouli sought the knowledge that was her namesake that had originally impressed the vampire, she didn't think of it as a negative thing at all.]

Yes, I have noticed much the same thing. I even had someone tell me that where they are from, vampires do not even have wings. I know that some fiction was like that, but actual vampires lacking wings? Impossible.

Now, as for your costume...of course you will need one. It is part of the festivities! Sakuya has already begun working on one for me, she would not tolerate me wearing something crafted by an inferior seamstress. Apparently, she wishes to make of me an angel. The Scarlet Angel does not quite have the same ring to it, but I suppose part of a costume is being something you are normally not.

[remilia_scarlet]

Oh? A shame. If you change your mind, I am always on the search for people who don't mind a little biting.

[Again, said ever so casually. It is clear she isn't trying to be a flirtatious. She means it quite literally and quite non-sexually.]

Hm. Well, I cannot say you are wrong. I know nearly nothing about this world we share. The fact they were even able to bring me here against my will is somewhat disturbing.

[sakuya_izayoi]

"Understood." She was already gathering materials. "I shall purchase some feathers too. It would be unfortunate if the wings were entirely a fabrication by magic. The illusion would be broken if you were to brush past someone and they were to feel the feathers were not authentic. A simple drape of feathers should cover what the glamour does not."

She was walking past rows of costumes and piles of spare fabric, looking around. "... Oh. I should probably dress up too." A pause. "I am not entirely sure what would suit me though."

[despairing_hope]

Is that so? I have woken up places I never would have wanted to be in before. So far this is a lot better than that time however! Though... it's still quite early to assume.

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[fastestmanonearth]

Just between us, I don't know if I understand it either. But as you said, you get sweets out of it. Sounds like a good time to me.

[ He ponders that question for a moment or two. ]

I think I would like to be a knight. Or perhaps a prince. What about you?

[remilia_scarlet]

In all my years, it is a new experience to me. It is not entirely unpleasant, as it takes a lot to actually surprise me, it is the fact that I had no control over it that bothers me. I do not much care for not being in control of my own fate.

[despairing_hope]

Is anyone in control of their own fate? I find things will happen whether you want them to or not no matter how hard you try to change that.

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[remilia_scarlet]

[A little frown touches her face.]

As someone who has met actual knights, I can say that the real thing is rather underwhelming compared to the romantic notion the world tends to bring to mind. Of course the fact that many tried to harm me may sour my opinion a bit.

[Her frown quickly fades into a fanged smile.]

It just so happens I can give a definitive answer to that question. As we speak, my outfit is being prepared. As people see me as a devil, I shall be wearing the outfit of an angel.

[remilia_scarlet]

"Not if the magic accounted for that, but far be it for me to stifle your creativity. I simply do not wish to have to pluck feathers from my wings for hours. A scattering should be fine."

The question brings silence to her. A costume for Sakuya as well? "Hmm. You could be the one taking the part of a devil this time. Or perhaps simply a subordinate angel. A Seraphim needs her celestial hosts, or whatever nonsense the humans believe, right? Or perhaps, you could simply be a puppy. I have heard people attempt to claim you my pet before."

[remilia_scarlet]

Most of the time, I am. It has always been my privilege that my life forever remeains interesting. I suppose, thought of that way, this is merely an extension of that. An entire new world to experience. Even if it has proven to be a bit more perverse than the one I left behind.

[despairing_hope]

Oh? In what way. I only just got here so I'm still learning about what happens here.

[heptagram]

You don't think so? Some of the angels were said to be quite terrifying. Perhaps Azrael, the angel of death, or Samael, the accuser and destroyer. He even has a pretty scary name, meaning "Venom of God."

...look, if I told you how many books from Europe are about Christianity, you probably would think I was exaggerating, and you probably would still know as much.

Did you have something in mind, though?

[remilia_scarlet]

Perhaps, but those are not the images the word brings to mind. When one hears of an angel they think of beauty, grace, shining radiance. Though actually, maybe that means it fits me better than I had originally realized.

[Or perhaps she is merely overexercising her own greatness. It would hardly be the first time. It wouldn't be the 100th time, either.]

Now, what sort of costume would be appropriate for you? Perhaps you could be devil to my angel? It should go without saying I do not think of you as 'evil' but the unwashed masses once considered magic the work of devils. Though I suppose 'evil magic user' is merely your normal self with a bit of evil added. Still, the details could make it work.

[She shrugs.]

Or perhaps a little magic kitten. I fear I am no expert on costume design.

[remilia_scarlet]

In what way? The people here, at least some of them, seem scandalously morally loose at times. You see people openly speaking of affairs that should best be kept to themselves. And furthermore, the currency in this world can be obtained through those very same means!

Do not misunderstand. The streets are not overflowing with hordes of people engaging in lewd behaviors. It is the openness about it that is different from what I am used to.

[despairing_hope]

Ah, so casual discussions about sex? As long as they are not crass or unseemly that might be a healthier way to think about it.

Though, everything in moderation.

[fastestmanonearth]

Oh, I see. Well, I have never been a knight, but if I did happen to be a knight, I promise not to hurt you.

[ He knows it's just words, and it doesn't mean a thing, so if that doesn't reassure her, he won't mind. But he does accompany those words with his most charming smile. ]

But an angel, that sounds like it could be something interesting. Although what's more interesting is why people would see you that way. You seem nice enough to me.

[ But again, he barely knows her, so it's probably too soon for him to have formed an opinion. ]

[heptagram]

I like to think of myself as reasonably good, so I guess it fits. But I guess "evil witch" is too easy. What would be my opposite in that regard, then?

Although, I suppose the cat option is quite easy. Though that almost leans toward "generic Cordis design." Maybe if I can do something interesting with it.

[remilia_scarlet]

Something that would be truly the opposite of you would be something not involved with magic at all. However, I do not think a 'non-magic user' costume would really work, though. It would be like me wearing a 'human' costume. No one else would understand. Still, an outfit that might be mundane for some may pass for a costume for you. That is, of course, unless you have made vast additions to your wardrobe since coming here. I have not dug around in your belongings, of course. It would be rude, and we wear different sizes anyway.

[That and she needs room for her wings. Mostly the rude thing, though. Patchouli is someone Remilia actually respects, after all.]

[remilia_scarlet]

Indeed. I suppose some may consider me 'old fashioned' but I prefer to carry myself more properly. I do not indulge in such things. And while I know others do, that does not mean I am required to like it.

[heptagram]

I have a reasonably-sized and somewhat varied wardrobe. But also, I have access to this phone application that can alter my clothes through the use of chroma.

That was... something I started using on a bit of a whim during a full moon. [Remi knows Patchouli is a Cordis, right? That might explain the impulsive act.]

So, I suppose it's a good thing we have a little bit of time to work this out. Er, depending on whenever any sort of festivities actually occur, I guess.

[despairing_hope]

I wouldn't call myself old fashioned, but I don't disagree. Though privately... if there's an attraction, there's nothing wrong.

[remilia_scarlet]

[It was said in such an innocent way, Remilia couldn't help but be a little amused. This was clearly no attempt to merely suck up to her.]

Not everyone is as level headed as you, good sir. In the past, people would not see me, but merely the 'monster' that I am. And to most people, that word was very fitting. I am a vampire, and this means I must take the blood of humans in order to survive. This is why I have so frequently found myself at odds with those tasked to defend the weak.

[She sighs.]

Not they were able to really harm me. Fortunately, for their sake, it was not as if I was hurting people too badly anyway. I require blood, not lives. Not allowing myself to perish got me accused of 'evil' more times than I care to recall.

[remilia_scarlet]

Sakuya has tended to most of my tailoring needs. Finding pre-made clothing that truly suits me has been an impossible task, and I rather think it would offend her if she ever saw me wearing any.

[The bit about the app was interesting, but Remilia only partially understood it. She was the one that managed to address the entire city trying to contact Sakuya last month, after all.]

Ah, those accursed moons. I do not much enjoy them. Something able to exert that much influence over my mind is something I cannot tolerate. I have not yet done anything unfortunate...

[Remilia, of course, was Sanguis. Fitting for a vampire.]

But I have felt temptations. Temptations to act like the stereotypes say a vampire should, and simply feast upon the living.

[A tiny frown.]

Tell me, Pache, how have you managed to handle these damned things? I cannot imagine you of all people losing control.

[remilia_scarlet]

I suppose. I am not the Queen of this land, I cannot dictate what people do among themselves. I merely wish they would have the decency to keep it among themselves.