THE MOMENT
"Well, that's certainly a unique power," Glory Rose smiled at the shop's owner. Glory was enjoying a rare day off and visiting the mall when she noticed the new storefront labeled, 'Betty's Boutique'. Upon entering and browsing the small, cafe-sized shop Ms. Threadwell greeted her and the two women fell into conversation easily. Glory's reputation was widespread among the Super community and once Betty admitted she recognized her, the discussion turned to Superpowers. Ms. Threadwell ushered Glory to a changing room and showed off her ability. "Are you registered with the Hero's League?" Glory asked. "Or, the Shadow Enclave?" Glory didn't think Ms. Threadwell came across as villainous; but, she tried her best to avoid judgment and assumptions.
"Oh, heavens to threads, no," she clutched imaginary pearls with an exaggerated gesture at the suggestion. "My talent lies not in the clash of battle but in the tapestry of textiles. It has woven for me a delightful tapestry of commerce right here. And let us not overlook the sheer elegance it has spun into my wardrobe choices!" She spun around for effect, showing off her reinvented Chanel suit, the fibers sparking with life as the tweed danced with light. Her silk blouse shifted hues, while her trousers shimmered softly. Their faint glow felt at home among the boutique's elegance.
'The League functions more or less as its own community," Glory said. "If nothing else, you could form a business arrangement with them; your powers would definitely come in handy. There are plenty of ways to contribute without battling on the front lines," she smiled. "For instance, one of their members has the power to change the color of anything. Another one comes back whenever he dies, but that's -,"
"Cease your yakking!" Ms. Threadwell interrupted Glory suddenly, almost violently as she grasped the woman's shoulders. "Pray, reveal this chromatic enigma of a hero! Who might this be? Present them! This very instance, if you please!"
"Eugene?" Glory was equal parts surprised and amused by the new conversation. She'd already picked up on Ms. Threadwell's dramatic nature and wasn't insulted. Though, it was funny that she asked about him. Eugene was still a bottom-ranked League member who refused to give up on being a hero no matter how few assignments he was suited for.
"Euuuugeeennee...," Ms. Thredwell tested the name with an almost dream-like voice. "Oh, the mere utterance sends shivers of intrigue down my spine," Glory held back her laughter as the lean woman actually trembled. "A League member? Can such a paragon, entangled in the ceaseless weave of heroics, spare a sliver of an hour for me? I am most eager, nay, I am aflutter with anticipation to witness the tapestry of his capabilities unfurled!"
"I don't think it'll be a problem," Glory grinned broadly. "He's an Omega-level Hero, so-,"
"Truly, he is power incarnate....," Ms. Threadwell interrupted with an awed sigh.
"Uh, no," Glory shook her head. "Omega-level is last; it's the bottom. I was going to say, he's probably not too busy right now. He always appreciates a referral. If I let him know to drop by, I'm sure he will." Ms. Threadwell's anticipation grew more apparent until the woman seemed to be vibrating.
"But, can I know why?" Glory asked. She continued her question as she reached into her purse on the dressing room hook. She dug her node out and began texting. "You can change any garment into any other; doesn't that include colors?" Ms. Threadwell smiled; but, she shook her head.
"Oh, gratitude be upon your clarity of mind," she said. "The masses hold a quaint notion, entrapped in the belief that my powers are shackled to the threads I myself adorn. They fail to grasp the breadth, the sheer scope of my illustrious abilities. Alas, the spectrum, the very kaleidoscope of chromatics, evades my dominion. I orchestrate my beginnings with the hue of preference, yet how wondrously convenient it would be if the finale too could dance under my command."
"Well, that's that. He'll be on the way," Glory smiled as she returned the node to her bag.
"How can I not bestow upon you a token of my boundless appreciation? It is imperative, a veritable must, that I drape you in finery befitting your generosity. Accept this humble offering, an ensemble crafted by my very hands!"
"Oh, no, I couldn't...," Glory tried to refuse politely. She wasn't against accepting the free clothing; but, she hadn't quite gotten used to Ms. Threadwell's power. She endured the try-on session when Betty showed it off the first time. But, this time she had a little more insight.
Now, she understood why Betty's power was activated by imagining a color. As she processed the new information, Glory wasn't ready for her own clothes to suddenly feel uncomfortable again. Ms. Threadwell activated her power simply by speaking the color. Everything Glory wore was replaced by various garments all the same shade. The comfortable shirt and jeans she'd walked in with were replaced with a green, short mini-dress with green heels.
"Perchance, dear Glory, your essence is ensnared in verdant strands a tad too fervently," she said. Ms. Threadwell gazed thoughtfully at Glory's green hair and sighed. "Let us dare to venture beyond, to a palette yet unexplored by your tresses." Glory braced herself for what was coming.
"Your clothes are red!"