—𝐕𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃

“Most individuals, mortals in particular, tend to leap to conclusions at the sight of one harvesting blood. Considering the prevalence of my kind throughout history... it is not an unfair assumption.”

“But an assumption nonetheless.”

“Then, by definition, that is not vampirism. It may be a dark harvest of sorts, but if you aren't partaking in the spoils, then you aren't a vampire.”

“...just because one has white hair and an affinity for magic doesn't make them a vampire.”

“The white hair just happens to be a common trait.”

jamcat
I probably would, too- 😭

jamcat
I'll lightly drub your elderly knees with a stick, so help me- /j

a cartoon opossum says " you 're welcome " while giving a peace sign ALT: a cartoon opossum says " you 're welcome " while giving a peace sign

#Queekisms

jamcat
I never thought two years' difference would make me feel old, thanks Queek. /silly

“I'm more a fan of the discount blood the days and nights before and after. Mortals can get so violent when they perceive 'competition'... it's quite amusing.”

jamcat
Does 'as long as I've been playing RPGs' count as an answer, because I've been playing RPGs since I was a kid. Some of them with friends. So like- long time, I guess.

“...I take it you aren't a fan of 'Saint Valentine's Day'?”

“Very well. Do let me know if you want to chat again, however. About anything, really... it helps while away the eternity that awaits us.”

“Such is the burden of not only responsibility, but expectation. Be it of your own making, or forced upon you.”

“Though your opinions, at the end of it all, are what make you... well, yourself. And so long as there is a self to be seen, then... well, at least, that's the hope I hold onto.”

“A type of sport. Well- two, actually. But that's only due to differing mortal dialects and terminology...”

“The disconnect from all, with a picture based on only outside perspectives.”

“Yes. As a creature of the night, I'm quite familiar with the feeling. Or perhaps the lack thereof... the distance.”

“Mm... deity, spirit- no matter what it is one may revere, I think that, in fact, is what it all boils down to. Though the respect some carry is warranted, others use it selfishly.”

“Such flaws... are quite mortal, if you think about it.”

While his expression remains rather unreadable, he does applaud quietly in response.

“Wonderfully said, especially for a deity. I haven't much else to add, if I were to be completely honest. You're the kind of 'higher-up' I could learn to get along with.”

“Then it pleases me to be the first. I think, at least.”

“And I would agree on that front. You don't have the pompous air, absolute hands-off mentality, what have you. You're simply an individual thrust into this position.”

“That, much, I believe understand.”

His fingers moved at his side, almost like they remembered the notes. Almost...

“Though, the way I came to be was far from normal. So, many of my memories from my time 'before' are regrettably hazy.”

Toxic is definitely how he'd describe it. Even if it didn't kill him, it left him feeling rather ill...

“I- oh.”

He will wait for her to return. He wasn't exactly expecting a parasol or umbrella, but he gets the idea pretty swiftly.

“Hah, thank you... I think I used to play the flute.”

》

“I do appreciate views such as that. You are paradoxically openminded yet tunnel-visioned, Alpha.”

“It's quite interesting to see in a higher entity.”

Relaxing. Wasn't that what he was doing..?

“I typically walk. And think. Though I do hunt every now and again, to satiate my bloodlust and keep the sun from baking me to death...”

Vampire activities.

“...I think... I used to play music, before turning. Nothing professional, mind you...”

“Whatever could you possibly have planned?”

Well... to be fair, he didn't say 'no' to hanging out now.

“Well... I suppose I wasn't 'up to' anything, really. Just... wandering with my thoughts.”

Your existence always sounded so sad whenever you described it to others. Maybe that's why you spend so much time thinking about... well, anything.

The warmth of another was nice, though.

》

Was this some sort of trap? Belated punishment for wandering into another spirit's territory?

“...and, yet, in those eyes I see nothing but genuinity.”

After a moment's hesitation, he extends a hand, nails perhaps a bit too claw-like for his liking... but not dangerous.

“...friends, then.”

“Gensokyo..?”

Something about that sounded... vaguely familiar. What wasn't, was the idea of humans and non-humans getting along. More so non-humans like himself.

After blinking a few times, his lips purse.

“'Friends'? With me? Your proposition confounds me, Miss Kochiya...”

》

“like one such as myself frequenting their territory. Most would consider me a monster, demon, whatever the mortals of the time decide suits me.”

He lifts his hood, eyes catching the light like rubies before squinting shut.

“What do you call us here again... 'Kyuuketsuki'? 'Blood sucking demon'?”

Were all shrine maidens this... bubbly? It had been quite awhile since he had seen, let alone conversed with one, after all.

“Likewise.”

He takes a moment, thinking on how exactly to phrase this... she seemed of an open mind, though.

“To put it simply... most gods, even many spirits don't”

》

“Loathe as I am to admit, I agree. I'd rather not deal with any blessed heroes or those who keep the 'balance' in check. I know my role in this world... it's simply a matter of how I choose to fill it, no?”

“Are you, now..?”

His eyes sharpen imperceptibly, squinting beneath his hood to better assess the woman.

“Hah. I'm far too relaxed, now, if I can happen upon a goddess and not realize it...”

A bow, placing a hand to his dormant heart.

“Call me Reynard, miss. May I have your name?”

“I once thought of blotting out the sun, you know. But unlike others who tried, I realized far earlier than most it would only make things worse while allowing me to walk whenever I desire.”

“...even the moon needs sunlight to glow...”