As it turned out, Wardrobe had an entire floor of Il Migliores tower dedicated to her.

Ryan and the Panda waited inside an elevator, as it slowly climbed towards their destination. The duo could see the sun illuminate New Rome through a glass window, Ryan glancing at Rust Town while his sidekick sang a Spider-man cartoon tune to himself.

It was May 10th, and Psyshock would soon attack the orphanage.

Ryans cell phone buzzed to the tune of I Got You, Babe, drawing him out of his reverie. Quicksave Deliveries, yes? he said while answering the unknown caller. We will deliver your mail, no matter how many corpses it takes!

There is a logic in this world, Fortunas furious voice said on the other end of the line. Everything that can go well for me in this universe, does. You violated the natural order!

Wait, how did you get this number? Ryan asked, curious but not surprised.

I typed it at random. Goddamnit, her ability was overpowered. She could probably stumble onto the Dynamis conspiracy by sheer luck if she wanted to. Nobody talks to me like that, Quicksave! I have men throwing themselves at my feet, millionaires, celebrities

Ryan hung up on her. Who was it, Sifu? his panda disciple asked him.

A loony fan, the courier replied dismissively, even as Lucky Girl kept trying to call him.

Oh, I had one of those too! She tried to kidnap the Panda because she loved his smooth fur. The Panda the Panda had to run.

Couldnt you... you know Ryan looked into his eyes. Eat her?

I-I can only eat bamboo in panda form, Sifu! Meat makes me want to vomit!

The Danish warlord Nidhogg had drunk a Green Elixir and became a kilometers-long, near-invulnerable serpent. While Timmy drank the same kind of potion, only to become that.

There was no fairness in this world.

Sifu, why are you looking at me like that? the Panda asked, a little anxious.

Ryan sighed and put a hand on the poor animals shoulder. I will always support you, young disciple. No matter what.

I Ryan thought the Panda might start crying. Thank you, Sifu.

The elevator finally reached Wardrobes floor and the duo stepped inside.

After the ascent, Ryan had expected something luxurious, but nothing like this. The rugs in the welcoming hall had probably cost a fortune, all the chairs were made of refined leather, and the walls had been covered with artistic designs like an art gallery. Fashion and girlie mags were piled up on fancy wooden tables.

Come in! Wardrobe called them from another room. The new hero team followed her voice and passed in front of shooting studios, including darkrooms, props, and various photography equipment.

Eventually, they made their way to a lobby whose walls were covered with thousands of model pictures and cloth designs. Wardrobe was facing a tough customer around a table, a paper sheet and pencil in hand.

No! Felix the Atom Cat said, sinking in his chair in front of the hero fashion designer. Im not wearing a cat latex suit!

Felix, dont be a child, Wardrobe protested, it would be form-fitting, and wont restrict your movements in a fight.

The young hero crossed his arms and pouted. My outfit is good enough.

What? How can you say something that stupid! You take that back!

Personally, I suggest a Valentino suit with a cat-themed tie, but I think the outfit is already taken, Ryan mused out loud, waving a hand at the heroes. Hi, Im Quicksave, and this is my trusty Panda sidekick.

Oh, hello, Im Atom Cat, Felix replied, a bit gruffer than usual. Ryan had missed him.

Hi, Im Wardrobe! But you can call me Yukiko, or Yuki for short! She was Japanese, huh? Ryan would have said Korean. She smiled brightly at the two, making her unbearably adorable. Nice to meet you! Please have a seat!

Shes so cute the Panda muttered under his breath, before trying to sound dignified. The Panda greets you too!

Youre the new guys, right? Felix asked as they joined the fashion debate. Shouldnt you be at the newbie seminar or something?

Shouldnt you, kitten? Ryan asked back.

Dont tell me, he sighed. Im supposed to waste time watching corporate videos instead of actually doing hero work.

We are doing hero work right now, Wardrobe said, looking at the Augusti rebels white gymnast clothes. Wearing this is a crime against humanity, Felix. Follow Quicksaves example! Look at that perfect color nuance and this fancy noir trench coat. His costume stands for something greater than him!

Thank you, Ryan said. I am so glad to finally meet someone civilized in this savage wilderness.

Atom Cat wasnt convinced though. I will take practical over fancy any day.

Thats what she said, Ryan replied, Wardrobe chuckling while Atom Cat rolled his eyes. Anyway, I am told you will be my goddess as far as fashion goes, but Im not yet ready to believe in you.

Dont worry about that, Quicksave, I got your costume covered, she said while drawing on a blank paper sheet with her pencil. I thought about a Valentino-style suit with artificial fibers, but the more I thought of it, the more I realized I should use a better material. One that fits you.

Cashmere? Ryan asked, hopeful.

Cashmere, my thought exactly, Wardrobe said with a nod, revealing herself as an island of sanity in a world gone mad. Dark purple, with a fancy black turtleneck underneath. And a bowler hat.

Oh, no, the courier suddenly hit the brakes, before she went too far. Thats too extreme and violent.

I thought the same, but I found a solution.

She raised the sheet before the group, Ryan, the Panda, and even Atom Cat observing her sketch. Instead of a corporate tie, were going to add a wool scarf, Wardrobe pointed her pencil at the neck. Light violet, almost pinkish, with tiny clock symbols everywhere.

The costume it was wonderful. The perfect blend of modern fashion and Victorian-style dandiness.

A pinkish bright scarf instead of a tie? That was a stroke of genius! Why didnt Ryan ever think of that?!

Its wonderful, the courier whispered as if facing a divine revelation.

I know! The scarf will restrain the bowler hats energy, symbolizing the conflict between your violent spirit and societys rules! Can you truly live up to your duty to the law, or will you stay true to your wild, single-minded pursuit of justice? Thats your message. Thats your conflict. Wardrobe pointed at the drawing. Thats your costume.

How about my bipolarity? Ryan asked, now giddy. What do you do about my bipolarity?

We paint your metal mask silver and black, light and darkness coexisting without ever mixing!

I have been converted! Yours is the one true faith!

Oh God, theres two of them now, Felix complained. Were doomed.

What about me? The Panda asked, hopeful. Can you make a costume worthy of the Pandas pure awesomeness?

Yes, I can! Wardrobe replied with enthusiasm. I thought about leaving you shirtless, with two bullet bandoliers around the chest.

Bullet bandoliers? Timmys face deflated. But I dont know how to shoot!

Its not about whether you can use it or not, Ryan enlightened him. It's about looking cool!

Exactly! Wardrobe agreed while writing down a new sketch. So I say, two bandoliers around your chest, a green beret, black shorts that will adjust to your transformation, and maybe a pair of sunglasses. Youre no longer just a panda. Youre Rambo Panda, the last of your kind, fighting an eternal war for the future!

She showed them the sketch, and even Ryan had to admit, it looked like one manly Chinese bear. When he glanced at Wardrobe and remembered how Mortimer had dared kill this gift to mankind from the heavens, the courier couldnt help but feel sorrow.

You are a national treasure that must be protected, Ryan told Wardrobe. And you will be! I swear you will be!

Oh, thanks! she said with a bright smile. Its okay, I get that all of the time!

I I will finally impress the girls in this. The Panda looked at the costume, utterly mesmerized. What about the car? Can we get a pandamobile?

The Kids Marketing department is already on the case, Wardrobe promised, grinning at the two. So, youre okay with the costumes? Of course you are. Once you validate them, I can make the designs a reality within the hour.

Yes, yes, yes! Ryan said enthusiastically. And afterward we go patrol in Rust Town!

Patrol? The Panda and Atom Cat asked at once.

Well yes, we have to test these costumes in the field, Ryan argued. Its like baptizing a ship, except you use the blood of your enemies instead of alcohol.

You want to do what exactly? Atom Cat asked, a little skeptical. Go to Rust Town and pick a fight with the Meta-Gang?

Uh, yes?

But Sifu, what about the seminar? The Panda asked, worried. He must have thought not attending would hurt his chances at becoming an Il Migliore member. We havent finished training!

You fail to see the truth, arrogant young disciple! Ryan told his sidekick. One must confront evil, instead of waiting for it to come to you! To think for yourself is the real training!

Yes, Sifu! I understand, Sifu! The Panda put his hand on his chest. The Panda shall support you, as you supported him!

Thats the spirit, Ryan patted the Green Genome on the back, before glancing at a confused Felix. Do you want to come too? I dont have cat litter in the car though.

Me? Felix the Cat asked, a bit unsure.

You, Atom Cat, for your own good, Ryan pleaded, rising from his chair and putting his hands on the boys shoulders. There is a moment in the life of a man, where he must take charge of his own future! Where he must break the chains of corporate hierarchy and stand for whats right!

Can you stop invading my personal space, please? Felix asked, leaning back in his chair.

Theyll milk you, Felix! Ryan continued, completely ignoring the heros resistance. Theyll milk you like a cow! Theyll harvest your happiness and turn it into cash, until you stand for nothing but a brand! They will destroy you with one hour and a half long corporate videos, addict you to coffee and catering, and brainwash you with accounting buzz

You had me at the video part, Felix interrupted Ryan and pushed him back. You know what, even if youre clearly off your meds, youve got a point. About time someone confronted this citys Psycho cancer. Stand for whats right? Youre talking my language.

Oh, can I join too? Wardrobe asked with her usual enthusiasm. Team trips are so fun!

Youre sure you can leave your atelier without authorization? Atom Cat asked.

I will officially join the Pro League next week, after we finish filming the new Wyvern movie, Wardrobe said happily. I already have a field license. It will be my last junior league adventure!

Well then, Ryan raised a finger at the ceiling, to the Quicksave Mobile!

A few hours later, Ryan drove through the streets of Rust Town in a brand new costume. Wardrobe sat at his side, while Atom Cat, that fashion disaster, had taken over the backseat with the new and improved Panda.

What a dump, Atom Cat said, looking through the window. No matter the loop, nobody ever got used to Rust Town. Even the Pandathe Pandaseemed intimidated by the overwhelming atmosphere of ruin and decay. Its even worse than I thought.

Yeah, its its a bad place, Wardrobe admitted, her fingers twitching. I see why they dont let juniors patrol here.

Wardrobe, Ryan said, a lighthearted idea crossing his mind.

Yes, Quicksave? she said, moving closer to his seat.

You can change into any persona that isnt copyrighted right? Fictional or not? Does that mean you can change into

He whispered the terrible name into her ear.

Yes I can, its my Apocalypse Suit, Wardrobe nodded. But its too dangerous to use unless all is lost. I think I could destroy the world if I wear it for too long.

Ryan needed to see her in that costume. That would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Can you dress like God? Felix asked at the back. That would be pretty overpowered.

Uh, somewhat? Wardrobe admitted, a little embarrassed. But I cant do much in most gods costumes actually. The more defined a persona, the better I master it. Nobody agrees about what God can or cant do, or what He even looks like, so the persona isnt all that stable. I have an easier time cosplaying as Jesus or Moses. I cant wear a persona too long though, or else I start to become it.

So if you dress like Augustus, you start to think like him? Ryan asked.

Yeah, dont, youll probably become a colossal asshole, Felix said with hateful venom.

Its strange, to be Augustus? Wardrobe admitted. Im not sure if its his power or just the idea people have of him, but I become so cold that I dont feel anything. I become more like a statue than a living being. I cant relate to other humans anymore.

I figured as much. Felix shrugged. Any idea how his invulnerability works? I thought Dynamis would test out its limits.

Well, I dont actually copy people or their powers, Wardrobe explained. I copy the idea that people have of them. I mean, Dracula could walk under the sun in the original novel just fine, but I cant stand daylight because everyone thinks vampires are weak to it. So Dynamis isnt sure if my insight is very reliable.

Ryan wasnt so sure. Both the original Augustus and his cosplayer had been able to move in the stopped time. Come to think of it, this run might be a rare opportunity to figure out the limits of Lightning Dads power.

Could you cosplay as me? The Panda asked with enthusiasm.

Hes the last panda on earth, Yukiko, Ryan told the fashion goddess, who had earned that nickname with flying colors. You could save the whole species!

I dont think I can, Wardrobe admitted sheepishly. You arent famous enough.

What about me? Ryan asked, his heart filled with hope, while the Panda deflated. Or Cancel? Can you copy Cancel?

Atom Cat looked at the courier strangely when he mentioned the power canceller, but Wardrobe had clearly no idea who she was. Who? No, I can only copy personas ingrained in mankinds collective consciousness. Im sorry.

Uh, well, that sent Ryans plan to deal with Psyshock down the drain, and Wardrobe wouldnt be able to mimic his power if nobody knew its true nature. A shame.

Atom Cat grabbed his cell phone, read the screen, and then put it back in his pocket. His mood clearly worsened afterward. What is it, Felix? Wardrobe asked, clearly worried for his well-being.

My sister, and my ex, Felix replied.

Oh, Livia? Ryan asked out loud.

How do you know that? Did Blackthorn tell you? Felix crossed his arms. Yeah, its Livia.

Oh, you had a girlfriend? The Panda asked, immediately interested. Do you still love her?

No, were over, Felix replied bluntly, looking sorrowfully through the windows. At the end of the day, its family over whats right, or even whats good for her. I cant compromise anymore. Not after what Ive seen.

Yeah, I see exactly what you mean, Ryan said with a sigh, remembering the old bad days with Bloodstream. He heard his phone buzzing, checking it with one hand and keeping another on the driving wheel. It wasnt responsible, but he had mastered the art of text-driving early in his loops.

You have forty-one messages from: Lucky Girl.

You have one message from: Unknown.

Fortuna was quite persistent.

Wait. She was all over Matty boy because he didnt give in to her attention. Just like Ryan himself this run

He had a bad feeling about this.

Anyway, he didnt check these messages, and instead read the text from his unknown caller. The message consisted of a single sentence.

Unknown : The orange is in the hen house.

Ryan hit the brakes so fast it startled everyone.

Sifu, you shouldnt text while driving! The Panda complained from the back.

Sorry, sorry, Ryan replied, frantically typing the answer before driving back towards the orphanage, his mind bustling with questions. Though he only sent one to the unknown caller.

PlushieTamer: Where and when?