"Alright Blue, you're up," Roman said before lighting his cigar.
Taking a few puffs Roman looked around the vacant city street. There had been a few stragglers on the road earlier, but they were smart enough to clear out once they saw him. Roman smirked. 'My reputation precedes me,' he thought, a small sense of pride at the recognition of his work.
His small entourage scanned the street around him.
Roman held his men to a high standard when it came to their attire. Each and every one of them had to have their suites tailor made and properly fitted if they wanted to be associated with him. Or, well, almost all of them. That little rule didn't extend to prospective members.
Saffre, wearing that strange helmet, was staring at him and gave a silent nod, her helmet's visor going from transparent to reflective before she turned towards the store and vanished. Roman raised an eyebrow as he took a drag on his cigar. 'Invisibility? Useful.' He didn't trust her; the number of people he actually trusted in this world could fit on one hand after all, but he was incredibly curious about why she was here, and what she could do.
Looking across the street at the target, 'Vale Dust Emporium', Roman rolled his eyes. 'Tacky as hell name.'
Tapping off some ashes Roman saw some movement near the store. It had rained yesterday, and puddles were still everywhere. Watching intently, he saw movement again; one of the puddles by the door had rippled.
She was waiting by the front door for something. 'Patience Roman, patience.'
While he waited Roman spotted something else that required his immediate and undivided attention.
"You," he said, pointing Melodic Cudgel at the disappointment, "come here."
One of the men watching the street jumped, looking around as if he wasn't pointing directly at him. "Me?"
Without saying a word Roman raised the sight on Melodic Cudgel, ready to fire. The man's face went pale before he rushed over. Roman could see that his eyes were wide even under his sunglasses.
Lowering his cane Roman walked up to the terrified man and adjusted his hat. "If you are going to be associated with me you are going to be presentable," he said, firmly straightening the hat before taking a step back to look him over again. "Also, do a better job at ironing your shirt. You look like a child."
The man gave a stiff nod, walking quickly back to his post. Roman puffed his cigar and smirked at how the man stood a little straighter.
"Boss?"
Without looking at whoever said that Roman glanced across the street. Someone had just walked out from the store, and he noticed that the puddle by the door rippled.
Watching through the store's window Roman saw the man behind the counter jerk suddenly to the side, as if something hit him on the chest, and crumple to the floor.
Saffre decloaked by the door to the shop, dimming the windows to make them opaque before turning the sign from 'open' to 'closed'. She then stepped outside and waved over to them.
Roman dropped his mostly spent cigar onto the concrete, snuffing it out with his cane. "Let's go."
Tonight had been a productive night.
Seven stores all handled the same way.
In fact, the night had been so successful that Roman had to keep calling in others to pick up the dust just so they could keep moving. And best of all? Completely quiet. Each owner had been knocked out, with Saffre assuring him that they'd be out for at least five hours. When he had asked how she had simply said 'neurostrikes' as if the word meant anything to him.
Twirling his cane as he walked Roman looked over at Saffre. The girl was walking beside him, helmet under her arm looking straight ahead. Roman still didn't know what to think of her. She had been the perfect follower during this little outing, doing everything he said to the letter. She never talked back, never asked stupid questions. Unless Roman needed something explained she seemed content in answering with nods or shakes of her head.
It was almost too good to be true.
Roman shrugged. He would just need to keep a close eye on her. It wouldn't be hard to do that either, what with her following him around like a lost puppy unless he ordered her to do something.
Slamming Melodic Cudgel down onto the sidewalk Roman stopped to look at Saffre. "Okay Blue, you passed," he said, leaning against his cane. Said girl stopped to look at him, her expression almost unreadable to him. Almost. Roman was adapt enough at reading people to pick up subtle signs. The way she stood, the slight twitch in her face… He got the sense that she was proud, even if she was adept at hiding it.
"One important thing however," he said, poking her chest plate with his cane, "If you are going to be associated with me you must be presentable, meaning this armor has got to go."
The armor was too unique, and in his opinion too noisy. The arcs and symbols laced the entire suit, and the armor itself had a worn quality that fell far below his expectations.
Saffre nodded.
"Perfect!" he said, smiling at the girl before continuing their walk back. "After I get some coffee we are going to meet a friend of mine to get you an outfit that will make you presentable."
Saffre tilted her head, but silently nodded again before falling in step beside him.
In all of Vale there was only one person Roman trusted when it came to outfitting his crew with the level of style and sophistication required to be seen with him, and that person was Scarlet Nocturne.
Currently sipping on a coffee she had prepared for him Roman patiently sat in the waiting room of Scarlet's boutique. He had been here for over three hours at this point, but he knew better than trying to rush her. It hadn't helped that Saffre, when asked what she would like, looked genuinely shocked at the question. He had occasionally been asked for his input on what the outfit should look like because Saffre seemed to have no sense of style, but beyond that this was Scarlet's show.
"Oh Roman~," a melodic voice called from behind the curtain before Scarlet made her appearance. She was the epitome of elegance and style, her presence commanding attention. Her attire, a luxurious deep black dress, gracefully hugged her figure, its fabric enriched with an intricate red floral motif that seemed to dance with each movement. Her flowing burgundy hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing her striking emerald green eyes that sparkled with a mix of intelligence and mischief. Scarlet was someone Roman would almost consider his equal when it came to matters of fashion. Almost.
"Scarlet, my dear, are you finished," he asked, twirling his cane in anticipation.
"I do believe so! Roman Torchwick, you brought me a blank canvas to work with. Someone so divorced from style that the mere idea of elegance was but a faded memory," she said, raising her hand to her head in faux despair. "But I, Madame Nocturne, rose to the challenge presented to me, and I give you the newest member of your entourage, Saffre!", she finished, giving a dramatic bow to the red curtain as Saffre walked out.
Roman leaned against his cane as he appraised her work. Saffre was adorned in a pristine white, tailored dress shirt that fit her form flawlessly, tucked seamlessly into a striking silver waistcoat. The waistcoat itself was a masterpiece, featuring intricately detailed, polished silver buttons that shimmered under the ambient light, each button fastidiously aligned with precision. Around her neck was a royal blue silk cravat that matched the color of her eyes with an intricate silver broach fastened with flawless red ruby.
Complementing the upper attire, Saffre donned high-waisted trousers, tailored to accentuate her figure. The trousers, a deep charcoal grey that bordered on black, were impeccably pressed, displaying sharp creases that spoke of meticulous care. These were secured around her waist with an elegant belt, its black leather offset by a silver buckle that mirrored the luster of her vest's buttons.
Draping over this ensemble was an azure long coat, its length gracefully ending at mid-calf. The coat's fabric had a subtle sheen, suggesting a high-quality weave, and was adorned with delicate silver trimmings that highlighted its contours. The coat's design allowed for both movement and style, striking a balance between practicality and elegance.
Finally, her attire was completed with a pair of high-quality, black leather boots. These boots were not just functional; they were a statement. Laced with silver cords that added a touch of flair, they had been polished to a high gleam, reflecting the showroom's lights with every subtle movement. The boots' craftsmanship was evident in the seamless stitching and the comfortable yet secure fit around her ankles, indicative of custom tailoring.
The sound of Roman clapping filled the secluded section of Scarlet's boutique. "I've said it once, and I'll say it again, outstanding work Scarlet!"
Scarlet gave a curtsy back to him. "Of course, Roman, of course! When you come to the best you deserve the best after all," she said smiling back at him.
Saffre was looking at herself in the mirror, holding out her arm as if to get a better look at it.
Smiling, Roman walked over to the girl before standing next to her. "You do good work, you get rewarded. Simplicity itself," he said before looking at her. "So, do you like your new outfit?"
Saffre gave him the faintest hint at a smile he had seen from the girl so far, which might as well have been a brilliant grin, before she nodded firmly at him.
"Excellent! Again, Scarlet, you are a miracle worker. Please send the extra outfits to the usual location," he said, making sure to give Scarlet his most charming smile.
"Of course Roman, of course. Oh, and don't worry. I walked her through all the steps she needs for that outfit, as well as how to properly take care of it," she said smiling. "Dear is a quick learner."
"Perfect. Come along Saffre, there are still things that need to be done today," he said. Glancing over as he walked away Roman noticed that she was still looking in the mirror for a few more seconds before moving to follow.
Author's Note:
I've decided that Roman takes appearances and fashion very seriously. I've also learned what a 'cravat' is while doing research for this chapter. As always, thanks for reading, and if you have any thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to write a comment. I love to read what other people have to say.