Archive of Our Own ^beta

"This is stupid," Nihilister muttered as she walked beside Red Hood down a dirt road. 

"Yeah, yeah," Red Hood said nonchalantly. "I've heard that for the past hour and a half." 

"And yet you're still dragging me to it," Nihilister groaned. "What's the damn point in me going with you? Nobody's gonna want a Heretic crashing their shindig." 

Red Hood roughly patted her on the back. 

"Don't worry about it," she replied, keeping her signature grin. "They'll treat you like any other guest there. Just try not to threaten anyone, alright?" 

Nihilister let out a huff, but complied. 

"Fine. But only because you asked. You owe me for this later." 

"Sure, whatever," Red Hood said. "Let's go!" 

After minutes of walking, they reached their destination, the Crown Kingdom. They were greeted by Chime, who was waiting at the entrance. 

"Welcome, dear guests, to the Crown Kingdom," she said. "The party had recently begun, so feel free to make yourselves comfortable." 

"We'll do just that," Red Hood replied, taking Nihilister by the dragging her by the arm. The draconic Heretic just allowed it to happen, knowing there was nothing she could say or do to get out of it. 

Once they were inside the kingdom, grounds, she was amazed at not only how many Nikkes were there, they were having festive fun of all kinds. Some Nikkes like Moran and Mast were eating loads of food, while Yulha was engaged in a drinking contest with Scarlet. And losing miserably, it would seem. 

"Oh man, Scarlet is completely wiping the floor with her," Red Hood laughed. "I'm gonna go cheer her on. You go mingle a bit." 

"Mingle?!" Nihilister exclaimed in disbelief. "You really expect me to make small talk with these human imposters?" 

"Well, duh," Red Hood responded, as if it were obvious. "I didn't bring you here just to be a bump on a log. Also, you're as much as an imposter as everyone here, including yours truly." 

Nihilister blew a plume of smoke from her nostrils in annoyance. 

"If one of them happens to 'accidently' shoot me, I'm holding you responsible," she warned. 

Red Hood just chuckled and went over to where Scarlet was, who was drinking her 15th pint of beer. 

"Hey Scarlet! Give the rookie some time to catch up!" she joked. 

Nihilister shook her head. 

"This lot is seriously putting us on the back foot. I don't believe it." 

"Sounds like you underestimating them has screwed you over." 

Nihilister perked up at the familiar voice and turned around to see Snow White, holding two beef skewers in her hands. 

"Oh. It's you." 

"Is that how you greet someone?" Snow White asked sarcastically. 

"Last I checked, we're supposed to be killing each other," Nihilister pointed out. "And yet, your friend dragged me here." 

"I heard," Snow White replied. "Not surprised Red Hood managed to defeat you in a fist fight." 

"What the hell does that mean?" Nihilister asked in an offended tone. 

"It means you always let your ego get the best of you and promptly suffer for it," Snow White answered. "Though I'd say you're not as bad as Indivilia." 

Nihilister felt her eyebrow twitch, holding back the urge to throttle the Pilgrim. 

"Anyway, why are you here?" she asked. "And why speak to me in particular?" 

"I'm here for the food," Snow White said, gesturing to the skewers in her hands. "And to mingle." 

Nihilister scoffed. "Clearly, you're here for only one of those things." 

"I just came to enjoy the festivities," Snow White said as she walked off. "I hope you can do the same." 

"Don't hold your breath," Nihilister snarked. 

Not wanting to stand around for too long, she decided to walk around for a bit. 

As far as she could see, Nikkes were talking with each other, whether about current events or their personal lives. It was a mystery how they can be so damn cheerful. 

"Seriously, it's the end of the damn world," she muttered. "Nobody should be this happy." 

Her wandering soon took her to a impromptu casino, showing all the games that were shown at one. 

"Okay, what the hell is this?" she asked herself. 

"A casino," a voice replied. 

Nihilister jolted slightly and turned to her left to see Rouge standing next to her. 

"And you are?" 

"Rouge from 777," the dealer introduced herself. "And you must be Nihilister." 

"Yeah," Nihilister replied. "And in case nobody filled you in, I'm a Heretic. You know, a traitor to mankind or whatever label you see fit to hit me with." 

"Oh, I know," Rouge replied. "But this is a time for expressing goodwill rather than gunfire. And what better way to express goodwill than show the joys of gambling?" 

Nihilister gave her a deadpan stare before sighing. 

"You know what? To hell with it. I got shanghied into this event. Might as well see what it has to offer." 

Rouge smiled at the Heretic. "That's the spirit. Now, seeing how you're new to this, why won't we start with a game of Blackjack?" 

"Sure," Nihilister shrugged. "But I've never played it before." 

Rouge tittered. "No need to worry about that. I'll guide you through it." 

After hearing the basics of Blackjack, Nihilister was ready to play.

...And she lost every time. 

"Goddammit!" she cursed, throwing her cards on the table. "How is anyone supposed to win a game like this?" 

"It all boils down the luck, honestly," Rouge admitted. 

Nihilister sighed as she stood up. "Well, I've never been into luck, to be painfully honest. I'll take my business elsewhere. Have fun with... whatever." 

"Enjoy the party," Rouge called out.

Nihilister wandered around some more, and saw a group of Nikkes crowded together, watching two others play a fighting game. 

"Okay, this seems like something I can check out." 

She went over to the crowd, making her way to the front to see Maiden and Yan furiously mashing buttons as their characters fought. 

"This is for placing a king's ransom on a vintage game console!" Maiden roared. 

"That console was a damn relic!" Yan shouted back. "Haven't you heard of inflation?" 

"Go to hell!" 

With that, Maiden bashed the buttons, which made her character defeat Yan's in an explosive fashion. 

"And that's all she wrote!" Elegg announced from the side. "Yan tried putting her money where her mouth is, and Maiden knocked it right out!" 

Yan huffed as she put down the controller and stormed off. "Between the loss those puns, I'm not sure what I can tolerate less." 

Elegg ignored her grumblings and looked towards the crowd. "Now, is there anyone else who's brave enough to take Maiden on in Street Brawl?" 

All of the Nikkes look nervous, unsure if they could stand a lick of a chance against a gaming legend. Well, almost all of them. 

"Okay, now I'm interested," Nihilister said, walking up to the stage. "Sign me up." 

Elegg grinned. "Alright, we got our next victim!" 

"Don't you mean volunteer?" Nihilister asked. 

"I know what I said," Elegg replied, keeping her grin. She turned towards the crowd. "Okay, the next lamb has offered herself up to be slaughtered. And her name is...?" 

"Nihilister," the Heretic introduced herself. 

"Wow, what a badass name," Elegg joked. "Better get a tombstone that's equally badass when this is all over." 

"Whatever," Nihilister said, picking up the controller. She looked at Maiden, who was ready wipe the floor with her. 

"I'll make this quick," the masked Nikke said. 

Nihilister smirked. "We'll see." 

They selected their characters, with Nihilister picking one with a large build. 

"Alright, the stage is set!" Elegg said. "Let's rumble!" 

The first round was underway. Maiden got some hits in, but Nihilister managed to block most of them and perform some counterattacks." 

"Not bad for a beginner," Maiden commented. "But you haven't seen anything yet." 

The battle was fierce, but Maiden's character depleted Nihilister's health bar within seconds. 

"Oh, and just like that, Maiden takes the first round!" Elegg announces. "Can Nihilister make a comeback, or has this dragon lost her fire?" 

Nihilister rolls her eyes at Elegg's commentary, then prepares herself for the next round. 

It went on as normal, but Nihilister was more observant to Maiden's moves. She was able intercept them, counter when needed and eventually, she took the win. 

"Whoa, Nihilister's making a comeback!" Elegg cheered. "With the score all even, it can go either way! Now, let's see some action." 

Nihilister grinned, showing all of her teeth. "Bring it on." 

Maiden was laser-focused on winning. 

With the third round underway, both players gave it everything they have. With every strike, there was a counter. With every block, there was a throw. Both of the health bars were slowly being wittled down, and the intensity could be seen on both the players' faces. 

"I won't lose here!" Maiden declared. 

"You're going down!" Nihilister shouted. 

Maiden's character used a special move, but Nihilister's blocked it, following it up with an uppercut, defeating her. 

K.O! 

The crowd erupted into cheers, amazed at Nihilister beating someone who was once unbeatable. Even Elegg was shocked. 

"Wow... I can't believe it! Maiden has been dethroned! Nihilister is the winner!" 

The crowd cheers louder, and Nihilister was amazed at everyone cheering at her. 

"They... they like me?" 

She felt someone pat her on the shoulder, prompting her to turn around to see Maiden. 

"You're pretty good for a beginner," she commented. "We should play again sometime." 

Nihilister was taken aback by the genuine comment. It warmed her heart. 

"Thanks, I guess," she replied. 

"Look at that!" Elegg cheered. "The former champion congratulating the newcomer! What a spectacle to behold!" 

Nihilister turned away, unable to keep herself from blushing. 

After that, Nihilister began wandering around some more. She soon found herself at an open cafe where Nikkes in maid costumes went around, greeting customers. 

"I'm already invested," she said. "Might as well go through with it." 

She went to the cafe, where Ade quickly greeted her. 

"Good evening, master," she said while bowing. "May I show you to your table?" 

"Go right ahead," Nihilister replied. 

Ade smiled and guided her to a table in the center. 

"You will be given a series of appetizers before the main feast," Ade explained. 

Nihilister's interest was piqued. "There's a feast?" 

Ade tittered. "You'll enjoy it, without a doubt. Shall I get you some tea?" 

Nihilister was touched by her generosity, and smiled back at her. 

"I'd like that," she responded. 

"Wonderful," Ade said. "I won't be long." 

Offering a curtsy, she walked off. 

"I'm amazed there's a feast happening," Nihilister said with budding excitement. 

Red Hood showed up and sat across from her. 

"Guess you've been enjoying yourself when I was gone," she said with a grin. 

"Yeah, well, it took a while, but I guess I'm sold," Nihilister admitted. "Even stranger, nobody made death threats or attempts on my life." 

"What did I tell you?" Red Hood said while nudging the dragon. "People don't see you as threat to mankind. They see you as a guest like everyone as else attending." 

"They wouldn't let a threat to mankind play a fighting game in front of an audience," Nihilister said with a chuckle. 

"I heard about that," Red Hood replied. "I didn't anyone could knock Maiden off her throne." 

"Well, I'm not just anyone," Nihilister bragged. 

Ade soon returned, rollling a tray with a teapot and two cups. She placed the cups in front of Nihilister and Red Hood and poured hot tea in each of them. 

"Enjoy," she said, walking away with the tray in tow. 

Red Hood looked at the tea. 

"I've never been a tea drinker, to be honest," she admitted. "I heard great things about it, though." 

"This is my first time drinking tea," Nihilister said. "Hell, it's my first time tasting anything that isn't a Rapture carcass." 

Red Hood chuckled. "Guess it'll be a first for both of us." 

Once the tea started to cool down, the two took a sip from it. Their eyes widen at how good it tasted. 

"Wow, that's amazing," Red Hood breathed out. 

"I got hit with all kinds of flavor," Nihilister said in awe. 

Both of them stared at each other, their eyes wide as saucers. After a moment, they put the cups down. 

"Man, Snooty was right," Red Hood commented. "Tea really is the best thing on the planet." 

Nihilister raised an eyebrow. "Snooty." 

"Oh, right," Red Hood said. "I was talking about Dorothy." 

Nihilister scoffed. "That stuck-up bitch from Inherit?" 

"Pretty much," Red Hood answered. 

"...You aren't going to comment on how I called her a bitch?" Nihilister asked. 

"Look, I'm not blind to how bad she's gotten over the years, but she's getting better," Red Hood said. "Some enforced therapy sessions help with that." 

Nihilister gaped from hearing that. 

"I'll take your word for it." 

"No way... Red Hood?" 

Both women turn to see Rapi sitting at the table beside them. Sitting across from her was Eunhwa. 

"Hey Rapi," Red Hood greeted with a grin. "You're here too." She glanced at Eunhwa. "And with a lady friend, it seems." 

"Oh, I almost forgot to introduce you," Rapi said. "This is Eunhwa, the leader of Absolute. And... my girlfriend." 

Eunhwa turned away while blushing. 

"Reveal it more casually, why don't you?" she said. 

Nihilister snorted. "Seriously? Of all the people your pupil could have gone out with, it had to be her?" 

Eunhwa shot an offended glare at Nihilister. 

"What the hell does that mean?" she asked. 

"Please," Nihilister replied while rolling her eyes. "From the way you present yourself, I can tell how rigid you are. Tell me, you ever get any of those sticks out of your ass?" 

"I could say the same for you and your need for carnage," Eunhwa shot back. "I'm amazed you haven't burned anyone alive yet." 

"I know how to behave myself," Nihilister huffed. 

"Debatable," Eunhwa replied. 

Both Rapi and Red Hood let out awkward chuckles. 

"They're... more civil towards each other than I thought," Rapi said. 

"Yeah," Red Hood replied. "Civil. Let's call it that." 

The time had come, and everyone was gathered in the main hall for the feast. At the head of the table stood Crown. 

"Today, we are gathered here to lay down our arms, and celebrate this most wonderous of times," she said proudly. "We momentarily set aside the strife we have endured this year, and appreciate what we have. With that said..." 

She extended her arm, smiling brightly. 

"Let the feast command!" 

An awkward silence filled the hall as Chime quickly went up to Crow. 

"It's 'command', Your Highness," she said. 

Crown cleared her throat. "Yes, that's what I meant." 

The feast began in full. All manner of great food was presented to the Nikkes in skillful fashion, in no small part due to the maids present. 

Nihilister's eyes were sparkling at the food before her. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, bread rolls and roast beef. It was a feast for the eyes. 

"Feeling hungry, are ya?" Red Hood commented as she sat beside her. 

"Like you wouldn't imagine," Nihilister replied. 

Both of them began eating, as did the other Nikkes in the hall. Nihilister was really enjoying the flavor of the food, and her joyful expression said it all. Red Hood noticed and smiled while eating hers. 

"If this is heaven, I want more of it," Nihilister said in an airy tone. 

Red Hood chuckled. "Glad you enjoyed it." 

After the feast, a concert was performed by Prima Donna, all of them singing their best songs. Red Hood and Nihilister sat next to each other, watching the show. 

"Hey, Red." 

"Hmm?" 

Nihilister blushed as she sat closer to the goddess. 

"This is going to be the only time I'm saying this, so listen up." 

She leaned on Red Hood's shoulder, smiling. 

"Thanks for dragging me out here tonight." 

Red Hood smiled as well and brought the dragon closer to her. 

"You're most welcome." 

A few feet away, Rapi and Eunhwa, who were sharing a blanket, watched the two. 

"I still think they're incompatible," Eunhwa said. 

Rapi leaned on her lover. "Maybe. But people tend to say the same about us." 

Eunhwa blushed as she grasped Rapi's hand under the covers. 

"I suppose so." 

And further back in the crowd, Dorothy watched as Red Hood and Nihilister cuddled up together. The sight of it almost made her sneer. 

"How disgraceful," she muttered. "I can't believe Red Hood would ever be in a relationship with a Heretic." 

She sighed, then smiled. 

"Though by that measure, I suppose I'm as disgraceful, if not more." 

She felt something cold press against the side of her face. She sighed, knowing who was responsible. 

"Do you have to do that, Indivilia?" 

The scoprion Heretic smiled dryly at her, replacing the bottle of iced tea with a kiss, which made Dorothy blush. 

"What are the two love birds doing down there?" she asked as she sat down next to Dorothy. 

"Oh, you know," Dorothy commented. "Not caring that their priorities are out of order." 

"Like us?" Indivilia asked with a knowing grin. 

Dorothy looked at her and smiled. 

"Like us." 

The two share a kiss as the concert went on. And further back was none other than Commander Nina, who watched the three pair of lovers with Marian resting on her lap. 

"Merry Christmas to all," she whispered. "And to all, a good night."