- Nonsense Red

Is anyone there?

...

Believer?

Believer?

Rapi? Anis? Neon?

Is anyone here?

Uh... I came to see you guys.

Where'd everyone go?

Hmm...

It'd be a bit awkward to call everyone,

but I'd hate to leave without seeing them.

Hmm...

I guess I have no other choice.

It'd be a shame to just leave,

so I'll wait...

Why don't I try and get a better sense of Believer's... intimate preferences?

Now, the question is, where would he hide such sensitive materials?

Not under the sofa...

Under the bed? In the desk drawer?

Or maybe...

Could it be hidden behind something like this?

Oops, I accidentally pressed the play button...

!!

This song...

...

It's an old pop song.

One that Red Hood loved.

Hehe, never thought I'd hear this song again.

Come to think of it... this is the song we listened to back then.

That one time when we all came together and had a party...

A victory celebration?

Why are we doing that?

Why else?

To announce our victory to all who will hear it.

... I ask again: Why?

It's not like this is the first time we've won,

and the war is far from over.

We don't have time to be throwing superfluous celebrations.

I agree.

'Twould be wiser to spend this time cleaving more Raptures.

Only then shall our winning streak continue unabated.

It's the first time we've had so many successive victories in such a short span, so they feel it's a cause for celebration.

There's been a dearth of positive news since the Rapture invasion first began,

so this is a breath of fresh air.

It gives us an opportunity to talk about hope and victory, and a reason to smile again.

I presume that's their thinking behind organizing this event.

I may grasp thy viewpoint, but...

I get where you both are coming from.

However, since this event is a gesture of appreciation for our hard work and is meant with good intentions,

let's all try and have a good time, all right?

... Very well.

Yeah. Okay, if you insist.

All right then, that'll be all.

We'll gather at the main hall of headquarters at 7 PM tomorrow.

Dismissed.

*Yawn* I've got some free time, so what should I do?

Oh, and by the way,

I feel I shouldn't have to remind you all,

but this isn't any run-of-the-mill party. It's a soiree prepared in our honor, so remember to dress appropriately.

What?

What do you mean by "dress appropriately"?

We all know what it means... save for one person.

To have to dress with such formality... How dreadfully tiresome.

I understand. Don't worry.

Why do I feel like I'm the only one who didn't know about this?

... All right.

What is it, Snow White? Why are you so glum?

I don't think I'll ever get used to these kinds of events.

Hey, it's totally normal. Everyone feels a bit awkward at parties.

We're all in the same boat.

I think it's especially bad for me, though.

I find it extremely uncomfortable being around so many people...

My goodness, I can see you withering like a dying flower before my eyes.

That's it. I can't leave you to your own devices and sink into a vortex of self-doubt.

How about you and I go shopping?

You and me?

Of course! With all the party preparations,

there's bound to be plenty of new tasty treats.

Why don't we go treat ourselves to something? I'm buying.

!!

Treats, you say?

... I'm in.

Hehe, all right.

As for the rest of you, I'll see you tomorrow.

So what exactly do they mean by "appropriate attire"?

I shall pay this no mind. Instead of wasting time on such formalities, I shall further my training.

Why is no one answering my question?

I have quite a bit to prepare, so I'll get going as well.

See you later.

Seriously? Is no one going to tell me anything?

I'll also get a move o...

Rapunzel!

Yes?

Help me.

What would be appropriate to wear for the party?

Hmm...

Something... put together, maybe?

Put together?

What does that mean?

Uh...

You know... clean and tidy... something like that?

I am SO lost.

What are you two still standing here for?

Don't you have things to do?

Ah, Dorothy!

Perfect timing.

When they say "appropriate attire", what do they mean?

It's exactly what it sounds like: appropriate attire.

Okay, but can you be more specific?

An outfit that wouldn't look out of place at a party.

You mean like not standing out too much?

Exactly.

Like what you're wearing, Snooty Dorothy?

Please just call me by my regular name.

Anyway, yes, what I'm wearing now would be fine.

Is that so?

??

Red Hood?

I've got it!

Since they apparently have new supplies coming in for this party, I'm sure I can find something suitable to wear.

Wait, what?

What do you mean?

There's no time to waste!

I've gotta get going!

Where are you going?

Shopping!

Shopping?

I'm outta here!

...

...

I've got a bad feeling about this.

Me too.

Here.

Here.

Here.

... Is Red Hood not here yet?

What's she doing?

I told her not to be late.

All right.

Sorry, sorry!

I told you not to be la...

!!

Red Hood...?

Pray tell, what is the story behind these garments?

What?

You said to dress appropriately, didn't you?

I was worried that's how you'd interpret it...

What the...?

How come you're all dressed normally?

I thought you said to dress appropriately!

This is appropriate attire.

Huh?

But it should fit the party!

We're soldiers.

Isn't the uniform we wear during missions considered formal attire?

But I don't wear a uniform when I'm out on missions.

The clothes you usually wear are the ones you've been in ever since you came off the assembly line.

If you ask me, I'd say that's your uniform.

Why didn't you say anything earlier?!

I don't see why you're so upset. That dress looks good on you.

You're looking more and more like the object of your obsession... me.

Indeed.

She doth protest about why we revel when the war has not yet reached its end,

yet here she appears in full splendor, and eagerly so.

That's not...!

Why don't we go out and have some tea

to celebrate you becoming a debutante?

I'll brew some special tea just for you.

Hehe, considering how much you've dressed up for the occasion, you might as well be the star of the party.

Would you all stop talking?!

Why should we?

You're always telling us things we don't want to hear,

and now you're saying we can't do the same?

That's hardly fair.

Aaaaarggh!

Wow, you look like you're gonna explode!

Your face is so red!

Not just thy face, but thy entire body is deep crimson.

Is that why thou dost chose that red dress?

Hehe, you may be onto something, Scarlet.

Ugh, at this rate, I've got half a mind to just leave.

And go where? Come here.

Let's go in.

Do I have to?

We're the guests of honor. We can't have you MIA.

Now come on.

We're already late because of you.

But I don't want to!

If you're really that embarrassed, I could lend you my mask.

Covering your face might help make you less self-conscious.

Thanks.

Even if you do wear it, it's not like people won't know who you are.

How could they not? That color is so striking.

Oh jeez, I can't do this! I just can't!

Amazing.

So this is what decent wine is supposed to taste like.

Could you try and exercise some decorum befitting that dress you're wearing?

What do I care?

This is how I am!

I'm sure there are plenty of others like me out there.

It's fine, let her drink.

Today is a special occasion, after all.

You did really well with your speech, Lilith.

Yeah, it was amazing!

Thanks.

Yeah.

You should have given your speech dressed like this.

*Sigh*

Don't be ridiculous.

At any rate, I'm happy to see a new side of you for a chance.

Yes?

Excuse me, everyone, I'll be right back.

Lilith and the Commander sure seem busy.

Well, they're the heroes behind this recent string of victories, so everyone wants to talk to them.

Yeah... real heroes are always busy.

*Sigh*... I'm not even the real hero, so why am I in this ridiculous outfit?

Bah, forget it. I'll just drink.

Red Hood, are you okay?

No, I'm not.

I wish I could go back in time and convince my past self to never come to this stupid party.

Why? You look great, even if you're getting a lot of attention.

I don't care whether I look great or not.

The real problem is all the attention I'm getting.

Well... still.

Everyone keeps saying how pretty you look. Doesn't that feel nice?

Are you being serious?

Why don't you wear a dress next time and see how it feels?

I'll even pick one out for you.

Um... I'd rather not.

You see?! You wouldn't like it either!

True.

It's like you said, being pretty isn't the issue.

Exactly!

Ugh, this stupid dress is so uncomfortable!

This damn hem just keeps getting in my way, and I keep tripping over it!

These heels are killing my feet too!

Stop whining.

The more thou whine, the more thou draw the eyes of those around thee.

Let them look!

I'm painted red like a damned bullseye. They can't not look at me!

Screw this! I'm taking these shoes off.

If I'm going to stand out, I might as well be comfortable while I do it!

Please don't...

!!

!!

An emergency alert?

Emergency!

Raptures approaching the base!

All combat personnel, report to your positions!

Everyone,

Roger!

Time to get back to work.

You're not going to try and fight in that outfit, are you?

There's no time to change!

But...

I'm going!

Red Hood!

Hehe, she couldn't wait to ditch this party.

Seems like it.

Let's head out then.

Anything was better than staying at that party,

even fighting Raptures.

I've never been so glad to have a bunch of them show up.

Your dress is all dirty, though.

And the hem is all torn...

Who cares?

It's not like I'm going to be wearing this ever again.

Why not?

I thought you'd be keeping it for the future.

No thanks.

Not a chance.

That's too bad.

At least I finally got to see you all dressed up.

Can I at least take a picture for posterity?

Absolutely not. I don't want to leave any evidence of this humiliating sight.

I can't stand it!

It's such a shame though...

Beg all you want, but I'm not budging.

Can you at least wear it for a bit longer?

Like Snow White said, it really is a rare occasion for us to see you like this.

Why don't we go back and enjoy the party for a while longer?

Are you seriously suggesting that we go back there?

I've had more than enough attention for today. I'm done.

Why are you so worried about attention?

We're just going to have fun amongst ourselves.

Just us?

Everyone else has evacuated, so there's no one else left.

There's still some food left, though. Why don't we have our own party?

Is that okay?

Why not?

Can we eat all the food there?

Of course.

I'll let the organizers know we're staying there, so feel free to eat your fill.

'Twas far too crowded before. This is a most welcome change, indeed.

You said it. Now, we can finally relax.

This is great. It'd have been a real waste to have had to throw all this out.

Sweet, I saw a phonograph over there earlier.

Can I play a song I've been wanting to hear?

What song?

As if thou had to ask. It will be that tune of old yet once more.

You betcha it will!

Just as I thought, you really know me all too well!

'Tis not hard to predict.

How come you want to listen to that song again?

Because I like it?

*Sigh*... Fine.

If that's what the star of the evening wants, let's all listen.

I'm not the star!

Hehe, let's go.

We went back to the party and listened to this...

For the first time in a long while, we were free from worrying about others' judgments or the weight of impending missions...

It was just us listening to music...

Red Hood sat down on the floor in her dress,

much to Dorothy's dismay...

Snow White tried to help Red Hood up, only to get caught in a headlock...

Scarlet tried to act disinterested in the party and wanted to train alone,

but got dragged in by Lilith...

Meanwhile, the Commander looked on with a chuckle, amused by how this eclectic group was called the Goddess of Victory...

I laughed too as I watched...

All of us ate, drank, and were merry...

It was our own little party...

...

Such wonderful memories.

I never thought I'd hear this again.

I thought only Red Hood liked this kind of music.

But to hear it again in Believer's room...

...

The world is indeed full of surprises.

... Red Hood.

...

*Sigh*

I can't take it.

Until Believer comes back,

just for a little while longer...

I want to hear it again.