"What kind of damned loopy ass sadist tailor-designed these things?!"

"No, no, silly. You've got it on backward." There's a giggle and a touch of pomposity in Cinnamon's voice that makes me smirk. As if she's an old hand regarding the ins and outs of wearing sexy underwear. "That strap is supposed to go between the cheeks of your butt."

"Ahh..." There is a pause long enough for some shifting of delicates before Kryst replies with a glib grunt. "I suppose that's a bit better. Will take some getting used to." Another pause. "I do have to admit these... brahs are a lot better than chest wraps. Although, I think I prefer the sporting one to this lacey thing."

"Aww, but you look so good in it. Aaaand it does match nicely with the outfit you found for tonight."

"Carrot's. No one is gonna see what I have on underneath so that's hardly a sales point."

"Brian might."

"Pfft… Like I care."

I grin, picking up bits and pieces of the back-and-forth conversation going on in the other bedroom as the girls get dressed. The few clothing choices the I’d summoned up for Kryst in her wardrobe were mostly inspired by my real-world recollections of stylized fashion mixed with manga, comics, and video game costume designs.

The first was an outfit to wear to tonight's Gala, which had ended up costing a few points from her wardrobe's Accessory pool that gave a little boost to Presence and Allure.

Since she only owned one change of clothes I figured she would like to have something else for regular daily use, so the second were a few Avatar benders meets Dead or Alive fighting gi styled getups. There were some modern inspired sports bra tank-top and yoga pants in the mix but all looked like the could and would fit fairly well in either a fighting game or anime stylized fantasy genre.

Finally to round it out, a couple of sets of matching underwear. Nothing as ostentatious as the lingerie Cinnamon currently had, but it was enough to give the fairy a taste of what she was missing and hopefully curb some of the envious looks Kryst had been shooting towards the bunny girl. The last thing I wanted was any sort of animosity to start brewing between the two. Especially with us getting along so well.

That’s the excuse I gave myself anyway. Seeing Kryst in a hot pink slingshot bikini was still pretty high on my must do list.

As I pull on my own silk boxers I let out a sigh. Shaking my hips a little at the feel of the smooth material on my skin and thanking my lucky stars I no longer had to put on any of the somewhat rough cotton undergarments I had been wearing since my arrival.

The godsend underwear hadn't cost me any Accessory points, though they along with an extra pair I'd summoned up had used two of the special clothing allotment Use slots from my closet. For tonight though, I'd been lucky enough to find a nice looking pair of tailored black pants, a purple silk shirt and a pair of renaissance style calf-high leather riding boots in the wardrobe. All of which thankfully hadn't cost me any Accessory points or Use slots either.

Even if I'd never been the most fashion-conscious guy back in the real world the outfit that I've picked out for tonight I think will look good. I've Analysed each and although most have no bonuses, the coat does give a pretty impressive +3 to Presence and the boots a bit of defense, that's, in fact, a little better than my original pair.

That makes me pause and my gamer instincts flick-on and off like twinkle lights at christmas. The idea of going to the party without the protection of weapons and armor makes me feel uneasy. Fingers tap at my chin in thought. A cartoon lightbulb flashes in my head while I look over the coat and the boots.

I don't need to do it but I pick up my sketchbook and go to town again. Thinking back, pulling on designs from pop culture and time spent searching the net. Cool character concept designs and cosplay pictures mix with action heroes from movies and anime. Blade, Final Fantasy, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Witcher, Trigun, Van Helsing, a smattering of Matrix, Blade Runner, Star Wars. Comic-Con displays, gaming forums, Pinterest channels and countless others swirl and rattle around in my consciousness. I pick and choose elements until I get a few designs that I refine down, getting an even better picture in my mind of a Victorian meets futuristic steampunk styled leather knee-length coat and matching vest. I give a grin and turn to the wardrobe.

A few minutes later the mirror reflects a picture of badassery. Gone is the stained and somewhat frayed ratty leather armor with its missing studs and rusty buckles. Holding back a smile is an impossibility as I take in my new look and fire off an Analyse.

Stylish Dark Sunglasses: Sleek and sexy, these stylish sunglasses not only add an air of mystique but also protect the wearer by reducing the duration or even negate imposed conditions due to bright light or visual-based special effects or attacks. [+5 pts Flash Defense: Sight] [+3 Presence] [+1 Charm]

(Mundane) Badass Longcoat (Black): Not only does it cut an impressive profile that sets its wearer apart from the crowd but with its additional silver stud and buckle accents this supple leather longcoat actually grants its wearer some defense should they find themselves engaged in combat. [+5 Presence: Not vs Faceoff or Presence Attacks] Armor: [2 Physical / 2 Energy] Protects: Torso / Arms / Upper Legs - Cost 3 pts

(Mundane) Stylish Leather Vest (Black): Form fitted for a dashing physique, this bold design, molded front buckled vest has been made with some of the same methods used for crafting Cuir-Bouilli armor and so grants some protection to its wearer. [+2 Presence: Not vs Faceoff or Presence Attacks] Armor: [3 Physical / 3 Energy] Protects: Torso - Cost 3 pts (+1 Physical / +1 Energy to Torso Due to Armor Layering) (-1 Defense Value due to Armor Layering)

(Mundane) Fancy Leather Riding Boots (Black): Lower Legs / Feet: Armor: [2 Physical / 1 Energy]

I chuckle at the name of the coat, but it is indeed fitting. Strangely enough, unlike my clothes, my shades still grant me a bonus to faceoffs. Is it because actually do feel 'cooler' while wearing them? More confident.

Deduction: Success!

That adds up. I have heard that not seeing a person's eyes can be psychological disconcerting.

As for the wardrobe, somehow, I simply… know that we're I to try and form anything heavier, like a full suit of plate mail, for example, the 'special function' simply wouldn't work. Designed for fashionable type accessories I'd managed to trick it into providing better than normal protective clothing simply because my inspired design could, and was, considered clothing and not technically armor.

The bonus to my torso is an interesting mechanic. As is the Defensive Value decrease. That would account for that slight limiting of movement I feel as I twist in place. That means if one were so inclined they could shrug on multiple layers of armor. They'd be tough to hurt, but being puffed up like a Pillsbury doughboy with such protective layering it'd make them much easier to hit. A speedy dodge tank versus damage reduction tank.

What I have now is a good balance. The leather vest and longcoat have used up six points leaving me with a grand total of a four-point Accessory Item Pool remaining and I still have six more Uses left of the wardrobe for regular, non-game mechanic bonus granting clothing. Perhaps some more underwear?

My decisions so far have been more than worth it. Not only does my outfit look awesome, but it offers better protection than the scruffy pile of discarded armor now sitting in a pile in the corner. And it fits in with regular clothing. Sort of anyway. Granted it's more than a little upscale compared with the average commoner on the street, however, as all three of us stood out enough already I doubt that would make much difference when it came to any social interactions.

As far as weapons were concerned, with it's scimitar-like tapered Elvin designed blade; the tang molded into an expertly crafted and etched bird wing motif, my sword is about the only one that looks fancy enough to pass the dapper high fashion test.

The scabbard I had purchased this morning is fairly nondescript. Plain unadorned leather. Being brand new with its barely handled condition, it does actually focus more attention on the decorative hilt of the sword.

Fancy, elegant and magically enchanted, I'm fairly certain it will be given a pass at the Gala. That said, I'm pretty sure striding in with a gun strapped to my hip won't go over nearly as well.

I look at the recently reassembled ugly hunk of iron on the bed.

It wasn’t pretty. It was darn right awful. But, it was my class specialty and I certainly didn't want to leave it back here. Player intuition was screaming at me what a terrible idea that was.

If only... A flash of inspiration hits and I once again turn to my wardrobe. I hesitate for a moment, unsure if I want to use up any more of the precious points or slots. Deciding it's worth the expenditure I let the picture in my mind's eye solidify and focus once more.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Kryst buzzes into the room as I'm removing my jacket. Dipping about she alights into the top of the locked trunk behind me.

"Dang girl. Looking good." I compliment looking through the reflection of the mirror before turning to get a better view of the fairy.

I'm not lying. She's stunning. Wrapped in a Chinese style red dress. Gold accents on the shoulders, sleeves and small buttons at the collared neck match the masterfully embroidered nonsymmetrical Dragon design clawing up over her lift hip amidst a shower of flower petal filigree. I smile, glad I remembered to include the artful slits in the back to allow her wings to unfurl and buzz behind her.

"Yeah." Kryst says it nonchalantly, looking overly pleased with herself as she struts across the top of the trunk. "I've never seen this particular style of dress, but it does have a sort of Roukan influence to it."

"Well, it suits you."

Kryst doesn't say anything in reply but she does twist in place striking a pose while attempting to not look like she is doing so.

Reaching into the wardrobe I pull out my newest summoned acquisition, shrugging it over my shoulders.

"Too Tall?" Kryst raises an eyebrow, "We're going to a party. What's with the climbing harness?"

"This, my dear,” I say, giving it a quick look over, “is a shoulder holster."

(Mundane) Shoulder Holster (Black): Worn across the back and shoulders this harness allows a handgun to be worn under a jacket without drawing attention to its presence. [+5 Concealment - Handgun only] - Cost 1 pt

"A what?"

"It'll allow me to wear my gun to the party tonight without anyone knowing." Tugging the straps across my back I attach the hanging straps to the belt at my waist, adjust the holster under my left arm and the pouch and strip of bullet loops to hold extra ammo under my right.

"You expecting a shoot out with the finger foods?"

"I'd rather be prepared. Remember the bath?"

"Alright, I'll give you that one. But…" Kryst gives a scoff, "that rigged up whatever it is? It's just dumb. I mean, you do realise that thing will never work, right?"

"Sure." I nod with smug indignation. "I'll pass the memo onto James Bond."

"Who?" Kryst's brow crinkles, "He another one of those drow relatives of yours with the silly names?"

With a shake of my head, I pull my badass longcoat back on. After smoothing out my sleeves I pick up and slip my gun into the holster under my arm.

Unlocked: General Skill: Concealment

I stand there for a few moments then cross draw to Kryst's wide-eyed astonishment. I don't know if it's my skills or just the way the world works but I’m again stunned by how natural it feels. It’s perfect. the profile under my jacket and arm completely innocuous, the cross draw smooth. As if it was custom-tailored for an undercover cop, overeager gun nut or super secret agent. Which, I suppose it was as those were the lines I was thinking along.

"You know, you do have a point." Kryst chews the corner of her red painted lips for a moment clearly impressed with my spy-like attire even if she wasn't willing to give me much praise for it. She seems to think then flies over to the table where she retrieves her tiny gauntlets and her silver ring from her pile of belongings. She pauses then stuffs the clothes I'd summoned for her into her satchel bag along with the gauntlets and holds it out for me. "You mind holding onto this for me?"

"No prob." I say, shooting an Analyse at the Gauntlets before tucking her small satchel into the pouch strapped under my right arm.

(Magical) Stormbreaker Gauntlets: Imbued with the power of a hurricane, these iron gauntlets both protect the wearer from elemental damage and allow them, if they chose, to deal electrical damage to their foes. Magical: [Reduce Elemental Damage (Lightning/Thunder) by 50%.] Magical: Equipped Damage: [+4-32 Non-Lethal vs Energy Resilience] Armor: [6 Physical / 6 Energy] Protects: Hands/ Forearms.

A pretty nice magic item. For a moment I wonder if the ring she has is magical too. I am tempted to ask when Kryst suddenly pulls back the slit in her dress, exposing her shapely leg and a bit of thong exposed ass cheek.

I'd seen the fairy naked multiple times already nevermind the recent sexy-time situation, but the teasing hint of what was under the dress coupled with the bonuses from what she is wearing amps everything up another few notches on the "Gawd-damn!" scale.

"How is Cinnamon making out?" I ask grabbing my extra bullets and securing them into the ammo belt loops. "Is she almost ready?"

"I guess." With her foot on the edge of the bed Kryst slides the ring up her leg until it's around her thigh like a bridal garter then indicates the other bedroom with a thumb.

"She's in there shining her lips and such. A whole lot of foolishness if you ask me. Putting on all this crap." She says dismissively, though I see Kryst has allowed Cinnamon to apply just a touch of makeup on her, bringing out her sharp cheekbones, full lips, and luminous magenta eyes. As much as she protests from the corner of my eye I catch her turning, twisting to admire her reflection.

"I don't understand why these poofty types bother with all these accessories and frivolousness. It’s such a complete waste of time."

"You do have a bit of an edge, little miss fae. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born beautiful."

"Like you're one to talk. It may be a long diluted lineage but Elves have a sliver of the Faewylde flowing through them too, you know."

"Hey, I'm not throwing shade. Just an observation." I grin holding up my hands, more than aware of my own handsomeness.

"Speaking of accessorizing, I have something for you." I step over to the table and pick up the two earrings from the small compartment where I'd stored them in my Magictech kit. Another idea pops into my head and with my body blocking her view reach over and focus my will into Kryst’s wardrobe.

"More presents, huh?" Kryst gives a little snort, "What? Trying to slather me with honey butter so I'll agree to another sticky session for you and Carrot's?"

"Why do you think I have some sort of ulterior motive?" I ask, tucking the tiny slingshot bikini into my pocket while taking out the other item I’d created with the wardrobe with the hand holding the earrings.

"Doesn't everyone? And lest we not forget, you are a male too."

"Whoa! What is that?"

"Not throwing shade. Just an observation." She parrots back at me.

"You are such a pessimist." I grin.

"Your common is a little rusty. It's pronounced realist. Anyway, lemme see what you have for me now in your further attempts to try and buy my favor. " Kryst cranes her neck, obviously eager.

"You're lucky I like you."

"I am lovable." Kryst sighs, "It's always been my curse."

"Well," I chuckle, "while some lazy bugger was catching forty winks, I was out here slaving away over a hot Magitech kit." I extend my hand holding out the earring and a tiny set of dark shades nearly identical to my own, save with a touch toward a more feminine look.

"Here, I made these for you."

My theory had indeed worked. Since my shades had a stylized fashionable design I was able to duplicate them with Krysts wardrobe. Which meant I could make myself a backup pair as well. If I wanted to spend nearly all of the remaining points I had left that was.

"You made me a set of your spectacles?"

"Sunglasses or shades."

"Whatever." Kryst takes them from my palm and after a quick look over slides them on. "Huh. So, they just make everything dark?"

"More or less. Figured you might like to wear them to the party. Really works with your outfit too."

"Too Tall. You know it's going to be nighttime soon, right?"

"Kryst baby, when you’re cool the sun shines on you twenty… five hours a day."

"Heh." I catch the sly grin that creeps on Kryst’s face. She twists, checking herself in the mirror then lowers the shades with a finger in the same way she has seen me do, peering over the top of them at her reflection.

"I suppose that you do have a point." She concedes before she turns back to my still open palm. "And what is this? Jewelry?" She picks up the tiny earring, turning it over to inspect the design.

"The earrings are special." I lift mine to my earlobe and hold it in place for a moment. I barely hear the sound of tiny gears turning and then there is a sharp needle stab of pain as the miniature spring-loaded spike pierces my lobe. A fraction of a second later I feel the tiny catch gear twist, locking the Magictech infused jewelry securely in place.

Kryst watches me curiously but does the same, without any sign of a wince at the pinprick. There is a near-silent humm as the Magitech starts to activate, the tiny carved pieces I'd incorporated from the Scriber feeding vibrations through Resonance Crystals to connect each of the devices.

(Can you hear me, Kryst? Just touch the earring and quietly whisper what you want to say.) I smirk as the Gleam's eyes go wide. The fanboy in me throws in a (You can reply to this message.) for fun.

(Nuhjint! You made these?) Kryst grins tugging at the tiny device. (Not bad, Too Tall.)

(Pretty useful don’t you think? The range should be about a quarter-mile or so. I didn't have time to make one for Cinnamon yet.) I walk around the room putting a little distance between us to show off how they work. (But with those sensitive ears of hers we may not need them. For now anyway.)

Clearing my throat I glance out the door. I can hear Cinnamon humming to herself as she gets ready in the other room. (Which reminds me. I wanted to ask you about something earlier but it wasn't really the time)

(What's that?)

(Blyghts. You said that they needed some kind of specific circumstance to form right? Like battlefields or necromancy.) Once more I lean out the doorway listening to the harmonious melody of Cinnamon's catchy tune before continuing. (Places with a lot of death or corruption attributed to them.)

(That is usually the case, but with the Redtree and the abundance of forest around here the chance of those sorts of circumstances having occurred seems pretty doubtful.)

(So the more likely scenario is a person or creature is responsible. Maybe someone or something with strong necromantic ties. An arcanist who practices chaos magic. A powerful shaman or…) I trail off as I rub my chin.

(Or an Arch level Geomaister.) Kryst blows out a breath. (Don't think I haven't considered it.)

I nod. (Let's keep this between us. I don't know if Cinni has thought about that. At the same time, I mean, she knows her 'Pop-pop' better than we do. And as far as I have seen the very notion of him being capable doing something like that is inconceivable to her.) Looking at the fairy I give a little shake of my head. (I don't want to alarm Cinni or accuse her family of being up to nefariousness. Especially if that isn't the case.)

(And if he is?)

(I don't know. Perhaps if we get some evidence we can take it to the council? I do have the vial of Blyght blood.) I shrug. (I don't know if that really proves anything though.)

(Well, I for one intend to get some answers tonight.)

(Let's not do anything rash. I understand your concern, Kryst but we should be careful. We can't just go in and demand--)

"Nine hells I can't!" Kryst snatches her hand away from her earring, wings vibrating with an angry bee like buzz. Her face so red it almost matches her dress. "You ain't got a clue about understanding anything. If I'm going to give--"

"Is everything alright?" Cinnamon steps into the room, she has a smile on her face but her ears twitch in Kryst's direction even as she runs a final one, two, three, brush stroke through her hair to get it perfect.

"No. It's..." Kryst bites back her words at the sudden appearance of Cinnamon at the door. Her jaw tenses as her eyes flick between us.

Finally the Gleam snorts out a "Nothing."