VV4, 18 - Worthy Habiliments

VV4, 18 - Worthy Habiliments

Looking into it, Oro said. I think we have to go with the tailor. The mafia contact primarily deals with villains.

Looks like the decision is made then, Jack said. Where might we find out new outfitter?

Londinium, Oro said. Steampunk capital of World of Supers.

Great, Mirror Mirror will fit right in, Sweet Dream said.

Thats the steampunk city right dudes? Riptide asked.

I think so, Dylan said.

Sweet, Riptide said.

Awesome. See you all in Londinium then, Jack said.

Yep, see yall soon, Oro said.

Dylan exited the voice channel and jumped onto World of Supers. The world zoomed into existence as he chose Approximo, the streets of Lutetia appearing in his vision. After a quick jog to the guild teleporter and a short wait Dylan found himself in the grand steampunk city of Londinium.

A message box appeared before him.

Welcome to the city of Londinium, hero! The city before you holds a rich history of aristocracy and technology, all governed by the great Steam Queen herself! Heroes in the city will find they arent the only ones looking out for the wellbeing of citizens here. The citys robotic protectors, the Bobbys, patrol the streets.

That isnt to say Londinium is completely safe. Roving gangs of hooligans, equipped with various steam powered gear, scour the streets for anyone who might be an easy target. Not to mention all the underground crime taking place in the less savory parts of the city.

Dylan read the blurb while waiting for his friends. Practically everyone appeared a minute later, the only straggler being Riptide.

Sorry, dudes, he said as he found them. Totally forgot where I put the helmet last.

Gasp, how dare you be an entire minute late! Sweet Dream said sarcastically. Why, if I didnt know better I would say you no longer care about us!

Dude, how could you say that! Riptide said, leaning into the sarcasm. I totally care about all of you.

The surfer grabbed his girlfriend in a bear hug. Especially you the most!

Ack! Stop! Sweet Dream laughed.

Oro just rolled his eyes. Come on you guys. I already asked where to find this crafter.

The pinstriped suited hero waved a hand and started moving. Jack and Dylan followed, leaving Riptide and Sweet Dream alone to flirt.

The group stepped out into the streets, a haze of steam rising from underneath the streets mixed with the afternoon day to create shimmering rainbows. Men and women, dressed in the telltale fashion of the Victorian era, walked across the streets in twos and threes. Every so often a bronze robot dressed in a dark blue waistcoat would stroll by, idly whistling a tune while twirling what looked to be a police baton.

Ah, my people, Sweet Dream said, getting into character. Its so nice to enter a city that respects fashion.

Yeah dude, I can get behind this, Firestarter said. All their accessories are super punk.

Dylan looked at the civilians once more, this time noticing the various additions to the Victorian era clothing. Metallic bronze accents on the sleeves shone with a polish, adding an industrial feeling to the clothes. This, combined with geared contraptions that seemed only for aethestic purposes, truly made Dylan feel like he was in a steampunk city.

Typical that you would only pay attention to the accessories, Mirror Mirror said. Fashion is so much more than that.

Eh, I dont see nothing wrong with a good suit, Of a Kind said. Simple is best.

But dude, Firestarter argued. Just look at how cool some of those goggles are! We should totally put on a show here, I bet everyone would love it!

Lets find our tailor contact first, Gameset said. We need some upgrades.

How long will that take you? Gameset asked.

Should just be a quick phone call, the hero answered.

Well then, Mirror Mirror said. Inform me when youre finished. I shall be browsing at the store.

The heroine waved a prim hand and strode through the columns.

Firestarter followed. Me too, dude.

Want to head in? Gameset asked Approximo.

Should we not wait with Of a Kind? For moral support? Approximo asked. I was told phone calls are very stressing.

Eh, he doesnt strike me as the sort to get stressed, Gameset said. Come on.

Alright then, Approximo replied.

The two walked into the store. Instantly, the smell of cut cloth and dye assaulted them, along with a single attendant.

Welcome to Sir Worths Habiliments, where we stock all your clothing needs. Is there anything I can help you find today?

We are looking to find a letter of recommendation for Sir Worth, Approximo said instantly. But I believe our friend is already on that task.

I see the NPC said. Well, in that case, I can direct you to our sitting room if you would like to wait?

Oh yes please, Approximo said. I am very interested in this room that is only for sitting.

Right the storekeeper said. Then please, this way.

The NPC moved toward the back of the store, winding through posed mannequins and racks of stylistic clothes. Approximo and Gameset moved to follow, the latter pulling her companions sleeve to whisper in his ear.

Did you just get us on the waiting list by accident? she asked.

Approximo looked confused. Did I? All I did was tell the truth.

I guess asking nicely does work sometimes, the heroine said in disbelief.

Eventually, the NPC stopped in front of a door draped in fine silks. This way, please.

Approximo and Gameset walked through the door into a sitting room filled with pictures of models in various heroic dress and poses. Rows of plush couches sat underneath the pictures, their cloth almost as fine as the people sitting on them.

The others already in the room looked to be aristocrats, or at least filthy rich. Their dresses and suits were cream white, spotless in appearance. Over the clothing were geared accessories of gold and silver, bejewled with deep red rubies and night blue sapphires.

One of the sitters spoke up, a woman with curly hair perfectly cut to resemble ocean waves and the color to match. Well, well. New faces. Such a rare treat. Isnt that right, Mycroft?

Quite, Antonia. Mycroft stood and offered a hand to Approximo. A pleasure to meet you, sir. Mycrofts the name, though Im sure you already picked that up from my companion.

I am Approximo, the hero answered, taking the mans hand. This is the face I always have, so I dont think it is new but thank you for saying so.

Mycroft and Antonia exchanged glances, then burst into polite chuckles.

A wit on this one, Mycroft said to Gameset. And you are, Madam?

Serene Morgan, Gameset said. Approximo here is a hero and needs a rather special set of clothing.

Yes, it must stretch, Approximo said.