"Mmmhhh… I can't decide if it's better or worse than the last one…"
Vivi, the strange half-demon half angel vouivre girl, was currently trying outfits in a shop in Sabasa. Leaning back against the wall was Cecile. The scylla maid had decided to accompany her partner by solidarity when the latter wanted to "check fashion five hundred years in the future", and while she at first enjoyed the wondrous sights of the large number of outfits available displayed, she soon came to regret her decision as her partner was basically checking every one of them to find "the one." After all, the yoma had always worn the same rags that were made from a few large band of cloth which color switched between purple and white to cover herself, and wanted an actual outfit for a change.
The task was naturally hard for the yoma who had two different halves: her right one was looking like an angel, with a blue eye and blond hair at the top, and an angel wing on her back, while her left one was purplish and covered in tattoos, had hair a lighter shade of purple, a silver eye and a purple horn. The one confirmation that showed she was slightly more demonic than angelic was her spaded tail adorned with a pink ribbon. The visual dissonance made looking for a fitting outfit difficult, and the shopkeeper was stumped about what she could do for the yoma. She had accepted serving her to the best of her abilities. However, there simply wasn't a single outfit that looked good on the monster. Her current one was made of black thigh-high boots, elbow long gloves, a black skirt that was as short as decency allowed, and a bra with neck straps, and all had silver trims. The tailor remembered that the outfit could go on well with someone who had either skin color, but it wasn't fitting for someone who had both at the same time.
"And besides… I feel like a streetwalker in that outfit. Is it only me?" She turned toward Cecile to get a confirmation. The scylla barely looked before nodding positively.
"It carries a certain message. Whether you want people to come to you for… requests for solace is up to you."
Vivi considered the option for a second, before carefully handling the outfit back to the tailor who was having difficulties keeping her composure near the now naked and fully exposed yoma. The latter was pouting and whimpering in disappointment.
"I can't get a good set of cloth…"
"Maybe travelling around more around will give you ideas?"
Vivi shrugged. "Sure, why not." She then fortunately proceeded to put her wraps back on before someone besides the shopkeeper and the tailor could enjoy the sight. She waved at them as she left and was back in the streets of Sabasa, followed by an unenthusiastic scylla.
The latter had also been looking for a different set of cloth than her classical maid outfit, and had no difficulties finding another cute, classical dress with a top hat that made her look like a noble lady. As getting a good outfit for herself only took her a short time, she started getting aggravated by her partner's inability to decide herself.
"Sooo, do you want to go to Grandeur? Maybe the more exotic outfits from the dancers could give you an actual idea…"
Vivi whimpered again like a spoiled child, starting to actually grate the scylla's nerves.
"Finding a good outfit is so haaaaard…"
"Then why don't you take a break in your quest and indeede go to Grandeur? Spend an evening in the theater with me or someone else, like an interested and vigorous man…"
"You know what? You're right, let's go to Grandeur. Maybe something there will catch my eye…"
After debating, the duo eventually settled and spent the whole afternoon in the theater to assist to various shows. While Cecile was enjoying the shows as they were, Vivi was analyzing the outfits of the different performers and tried to imagine how they would look on herself. After several hours of entertainment, they left the theater, the scylla being quite happier and the yoma still quite frustrated.
"Still can't find myself a good set of cloth…"
Cecile yawned loudly, feigning fatigue. "Well, in any case, I'll go back to the Pocket Castle. I'm pretty sure Lemon and the others will need me back at the kitchen. Just be careful: I don't think master Luka will be happy if you pull some tricks around.
The scylla used a harpy feather and disappeared. Vivi blew a raspberry in the air, and decided to wander off a little in the desert to see if she could entertain herself or maybe get some other ideas.
Most monsters she saw from afar weren't bothing altogether with clothes. She saw a few cacti girls wearing the most basic frilled shirts as tops, a genie wearing oriental clothes, but otherwise most were strolling around in their birthday suit. They simply didn't care.
As she wandered, she saw a large desert worm girl wander around aimlessly, uncaring for her environment. Vivi took a moment to appreciate the fact that even if she had difficulties filling her wardrobe, she only had the smallest of efforts to do to get her fill of partners. Speaking of which…
The yoma noticed a small pack of scorpion girls on the hunt. She decided to follow them after putting a large hooded coat that hid her demonic half, only revealing her more angelic features. It was time for a good deed…
After a few minutes of shadowing the raiders, she slowed down as they themselves stopped and hid besides the road, waiting for their target: A caravan of supplies that was coming from Sabasa. There were only a few guards to defend a large group of civilians, accompanied by cattle. The scorpion girls positioned themselves to ambush the unwary travellers.
The precise moment they jumped from their spots, the yoma finally acted. She summoned a few arrows of light to get rid of the monsters that were the most threatening to the civilians. The remaining ones turned toward her, surprised, but charged her none the less.
The yoma summoned her sword and parried the first one, using the scorpion's own momentum against her to crash her in the ground to take care of the other ones.
One of them tried to strike her down with her stinger, but she dodged it and cut the appendage apart. The scorpion girl screamed and fled in a panic, leaving a trail of ichor behind her. Only one of the raider hadn't attacked her yet, and joined the other fleeing monster in a hurry. As the dust cleared, she made her way to the grateful guards.
"Thank you! We wouldn't have been able to stand if they surprised us like that in the open!"
Vivi chuckled, carefully only showing her angelic side under her hood. "It's only natural for one of the companion of the hero Luka to help travelers. My name is Vivianne, by the way."
"Well, could we ask you to escort us to Grandeur?"
Vivi took the opportunity to check out the civilians. There was already one merchant looking at her lecherously.
"Sure! I was going there anyway!"
And so she accompanied them to the city of Grandeur, patiently playing a slightly longer game than usual. As they settled in the inn, the merchant she saw earlier decided to made his move and invite her to the theater. He spent the evening trying to get her as drunk as possible in the hope that she would remove her coat, which didn't escape the yoma who managed to keep a clear mind in spite of the impressive amount of alcohol the man coaxed her to incurgitate. If anything, it made her good side feel slightly better about the trick she was pulling on him. In the early hours of the night, he eventually asked her to accompany him to the inn.
The man was as much stumbling as walking forward, which amused her to no end, bringing a big goofy smile on her face. When they arrived in his room, he not so subtly locked it and started grinning.
"You know… I've always wanted to find out more about angels directly… Why don't you remove that huge, uncomfortable coat."
"I'm a bit sensitive to cold, and nights in the desert are chilly." While it wasn't true at all, it looked like the best excuse to bring her plan close to fruition.
"Oh, don't worry, I will warm you up…" The man removed Vivi's hood, and, within a second, turned pale as he realized his partner's nature.
"You're… You're…"
Vivi giggled. "That's right! I'm a yoma! But don't worry, I'll appreciate the warmth, so why don't we get started?"
The man emitted a few more drunken rumblings before passing out on the bed. Vivi poked him a few times, but he showed no signs of waking up. She shrugged it off. It was a shame, but not a big issue. There was more often than not a party at Succubus Village, and she could get her fun there. Maybe she could even get a few ideas for an outfit as well…
Thanks to harpy feathers, it only took her the blink of an eye to teleport herself to Succubus Village. The night afterward was a blur. She only awakened the next morning satisfied, with a completely exhausted young man by her side. Well, with one of her goal fulfilled, it was time to find if she could get some fashion ideas.
The first thing that greeted her when she was out of her room was the sound of squishing noise and an all too encompassing smell. It was so overpowering that it actually made her actually uncomfortable. Once outside, she took her time to gauge the different outfits worn by succubi, and they all reminded her too much of the last one she tried back in Sabasa. She could get something that would make her desirable, but she also wanted something that would go well with her unusual appearance. She spent the whole morning strolling through the village in hope of getting something for herself. She took a look at the local shop, but, once there, she didn't even bother trying the available outfits, as she knew all too well she would suffer the same issues she always did.
Disappointed, her wandering feet brought her in front of the mayor's house where she started sulking. She didn't turn back when the door opened to let Succubus and Alma Elma come out.
"…So we're not sure what we're going to do ourselves. We thank you for your support and- Bwuh?" Succubus almost tripped on the yoma as she stepped out. "Oh it's you Vivi… Are you alright? You look like you went through hell…"
"Mmh? Oh, I'm just trying to look for an outfit, and…" She showed her body. "That duality makes it more difficult than it needs to be."
"Then why don't you do something more pleasant to change your mind… I mean, clothes are only tools after all…"
Vivi shrugged the words of the succubus queen. "Meh, I'd just wish I have a few spare changes of clothes. If they're sexy, that's just a bonus."
"Oooh, fashion?" Alma Elma shivered, and proceeded to glomp the yoma. "Count me in! I'll help you!"
"Well, I have free time as well, so why don't you come inside so that we can discuss it more properly? Maybe we can even do a small fashion show!"
Vivi was a bit overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the Succubus Queen who was now hugging her. She heard some commotion behind her, and Alma Elma's expression turned into a frown.
"Start without me. I'll join you later."
Succubus grimaced, and invited Vivi inside the house. The mayor had the yoma try a large variety of outfits, from complex dress to something even more basic than the large colored bandage the yoma usually wore while even spending some time trying outfits as revealing as the one Succubus herself was wearing. As she tried outfits, Vivi was periodically surprised by the mess coming from outside. Each time the ground quaked, Succubus looked slightly more jaded and annoyed. Eventually, Vivi gave in to her curiosity.
"What's happening outside? It sounds scary."
Succubus sighed. "Well, a lot of people come here to look for an opportunity to enjoy themselves with the guarantee of not being harmed. I mean, we get our fill, they get pleasure without fear of dying, it's a win-win, but..."
"Oh, the young succubi have a tendency to get a bit carried away?"
Succubus sighed yet again. "Not the young ones…"
As if to punctuate her sentence, several windows were blown inside. Succubus and Vivi checked out, and saw Morrigan being held into a choke hold by Alma Elma while several succubi around were watching.
"Okay, okay! I'm sorry… It won't happen again! I won't drain people to death again! Sorry, that was accident!" She was tapping the ground with her hand.
Alma Elma was frowning and was not letting go of the bratty succubus. "We heard that one before… What do you think Luka's reaction going to be?"
"PLEASE! DON'T TELL HIM!" The blue-haired succubus was struggling harder to escape her opponent's grasp as she panicked. "I'LL DO ANYTHING!"
Alma was having difficulties keeping her down. "Then… Don't… Come… Back…" She released her prey as the latter broke free, and catapulted her with a gust of wind supported by the other succubi. "HERE!"
Morrigan tumbled uncontrollably away. After her treatment at the hand of Alma Elma and her partners, the legendary succubus was completely out of energy. The Succubus Queen cleaned her hands and joined back with Succubus and Vivi.
"Soo… Do you want to try my outfit?"
The trio went back inside to continue their fashion show, but Vivi still didn't manage to find an outfit to match her unusual appearance. Frustrated once again, she gave up.
"It's so hard and unfair..."
"Awwww, don't be like that..." Alma Elma smiled devilishly. "Or I'll send you with Morrigan."
Vivi's eyes widened in fear, and she defensively raised her arms. "We're joking of course. Just… Why are you that much obstinate in your quest for a new outfit?"
"Well… I wanted something classier than just that old wrap to cover myself… And something that'd make me feel whole rather than two halves cohabitating."
"And…" Succubus hesitated, not wanting to offend her guest. "Do you think clothes would be enough to change that?"
"I don't know what else I could do." Vivi just shrugged.
"Awww, you know, being one whole with another might just help you…"
"I… already tried that. Thank you." Vivi got up and left in a hurry, surprising her two hosts who awkwardly looked at each other.
"Was it something I said?" Alma Elma sounded surprised, and when Succubus just shrugged as an answer, she decided it was time to party as well.
Vivi was back at the Pocket Castle, and made her way to her usual spot in the small tea room next the library, as she met again with Cecile. The scylla maid was enjoying a cup of tea when the yoma came back and wallowed face down on the table.
"I take it that your quest for an outfit was unsuccessful?"
Vivi answered with a groan.
"I just want to have a good set of clothes for me… How hard it is?"
Cecile took a sip of her drink. "Well, your appearance does make it hard... But you can think of all the giants, slimes and other monsters that simply cannot wear clothes…"
Vivi groaned harder before answering sarcastically. "Thaaanks, I now just realize how privileged I am!"
"That was rude of me, sorry." Even the other monsters present fell awkwardly silent.
"It's okay, I'm… Kinda tired. It's just… I still feel sort of lost in this new world, and with all the others that want to bring the good old times back, I'm getting worked up a bit more easily than usual.
Cecile frowned. "I know what you mean. I was dumbfounded by their latest antics myself. I've come to appreciate the things brought on this world by time: the sheer number of products available for monsters in all the cities in the world, the development of entertainment, the increase in sanitation work, and so on…"
"On the matter of entertainment… How about we go to Grand Noah to see a few fights?"
"Sure, why not? Just please, forget the clothing question for the moment."
Vivi was all too happy to just be with her friend to contest her demands.