He came padding back in, still eerie uncanny silent for his size, and said "Those are just the ones I've kept for the anatomy studies in them.  Animals, it's easier to study, but human, or once-human, anatomy is harder to get studied.  I mean, some things are easy.  Hands, feet, arms, but some parts are not.  I've done a lot of work studying anatomy to try and make myself a better artist."  Which was a fact, he HAD done a lot of work.  For a hobby, he'd spent a lot of time on it.

Victoria considered something for a moment.

"Well...you're good with clothing, right? I think that my Black Jaguar outfit could use some improvement. I mean, I was just looking for something practical to hide my identity while I did my thing. You think that..um...you might be able to design a costume? I can basically conjure it into being with a spell...and you're a good artist.."

  He nodded, and said "I think I can.  Mind you, I'll have to have you handy if you want the dimensions to look right, but that's okay.  Just please tell me you have some form fitting clothing, so that I can make sure the lines look right.  Game for it?"

Victoria nodded and replied, "Um sure..I could probably get something form fitted to make things easier."

  He smiled, and said "The next question is, do you want me to actually sketch it, or paint the picture in my mind and drop a copy of it into your head?  I can do that now, and it would spare you waiting the couple hours I'd spend working on a pencil sketch."

"That sounds like a good plan," Victoria replied.

  He grinned, and said "Need anything to get yourself ready to model so I can design an outfit?  I'm fortunate, in some ways, I never have to shop for clothing again."

Victoria shrugged. "I dunno...I guess all I would have to do is pose..."

  He shrugged, and said "Remember, form fitting so I can properly tailor things.  Unlike a masculine form, I'm not as intimately familiar with all the lines and curves.  You'll want something that will bend, flex, and fit you well while still offering protection."

Victoria gestured to the outfit she was wearing.

"So this leather set won't work?" she said with a slight smirk.

  Andy tipped his head in a 'point' gesture, then took his glasses off.  He said "Sorry to stare, but I have to fix the image here."  Indeed, he was staring, very intently.  It probably felt a little like being mentally undressed too, although he didn't say anything.  When he'd given her a good front-study, he stepped around her, getting the proper view from behind her too. Then  He moved to lean on the doorframe, eyes closed.    Clearly 'thinking' hard.

Victoria looked at Andy out of the corner of her eye. Andy didn't seem to be overly dirty-minded, but she couldn't help but feel like her ass was getting extra attention!

  When he finally opened his eyes, he gently 'knocked' on her mental door as he said "This should work."  He'd designed an outfit that was made of some sort of dark charcoal leathers, very form fitting, but supple and protective, clinging to her curves and not hanging out to catch on things.  A facemask with visored-eyes so that materials could not spatter into her eyes and obscure her vision, with a definite feline theme, elbow-length gauntlets, mid-thigh length boots.  A belt with pouches and pockets, a whip coiled on the side, as well as daggers.

"I like it," Victoria said. "Very....Catwoman. I wonder why I didn't think of that..."

  He shrugged, and said "You're not used to designing clothing?  I have a couple ideas for it, but they're not immediately feasible.  Some of the materials could be difficult to obtain."

"Not really.." Victoria replied. "I just conjured what I needed for the sake of practicality, just a mask and some rainment. I'd never actually tried to design the actual look for when I became the Black Jaguar."

She then gestured with her hands, and her clothing changed to what Andy had imprinted in her mind.

"Well...what do you think?"

  He looked her up and down, moved out of arm's reach, then said "Damn does that look good on you.  The real question is, do you like it?"

Victoria looked at a mirror and nodded.

"It's a good, striking visual. I used to think that all these Paras were silly for running around in costumes. Now I see that it is absolutely essential."

  He rumbled with amusement, and said softly "Technically, I run around 'in costume' when I'm not in wings, fangs and talons.  My 'True Form' is my Demonshape.  Which is what I do my heroing in."

"And I bet you can use the tales of strange, winged creatures to add to the mystique, right?" She said in a good natured teasing tone.

  Andy shrugged, and said "I use the code name Gargoyle.  Not that there's REALLY a lot of point in it.  My face itself doesn't change.  Just add horns.  But so far, most people just don't connect the two."

"From what Adri has told me, the tradition of the Black Jaguar goes back several centuries. They have been protectors of this dimension from threats....um...from the outside.."

"From what Adri has told me, the tradition of the Black Jaguar goes back several centuries. They have been protectors of this dimension from threats....um...from the outside.."

  "Probably from internal idiots trying to summon external trouble too."  He tilted his head, and lightly touched the material of her sleeve.  "Mmmm.  I wonder."  He sounded very thoughtful.  Then shook his head.  He'd pursue that thought later.

Victoria nodded. "Yes...unfortunately these otherworldly beings have human collaborators....idiots.....um, what were you thinking of, Andy?"