The workshop looked like a storm had passed through—paints, brushes, scraps of fabric, and polish bottles scattered across every surface. In the center of the chaos stood Roxanne's armor, assembled on a mannequin, gleaming under the fluorescent lights.
Mei circled it like a sculptor studying her masterpiece. Every curve of metal had been sanded smooth, every plate shaped and aligned. But the raw steel wasn't enough. Roxanne needed color, attitude—life.
"Alright, Roxy," Mei murmured, tying her hair back. "Time for your makeover."
---
The first strokes of paint were nerve-wracking. Her hands, so steady with the torch, trembled with the brush. The armor's silver sheen gave way to bold streaks of purple and green, just like in the game.
Hana leaned over her shoulder, munching on chips. "You're basically spray-painting a wolf."
Mei laughed. "I'm giving her a soul."
Hours turned into days as Mei layered colors, shaded edges, and sealed every plate with gloss. Each detail mattered: the shimmer of the claws, the glowing accents on the chest plate, even the faint scratches to mimic battle wear.
When she stepped back, paint still smudging her cheek, Roxanne looked ready to leap off the stage and howl under neon lights.
---
Next came the electronics. Mei had spent weeks tinkering with LED strips, threading them carefully into the armor's edges. When she flicked the switch, the armor glowed with pulsing purple light, casting shadows across the workshop walls.
Hana gasped. "Okay… that's insane. She looks alive."
Mei grinned, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Wait until the full suit's assembled."
---
The wig and tail were the final trial. Mei had struggled with wigs before, but this time she took her time, layering the vibrant green and silver strands until they flowed like Roxanne's wild mane. The tail, reinforced with lightweight steel and fabric, swished naturally when strapped to the belt.
At last, the mannequin stood complete: claws sharp, eyes glowing, hair flowing. Glamrock Roxanne stared back at Mei with metallic defiance, a wolf born from steel and fire.
Mei's knees wobbled as she whispered, "She's done."
Uncle Jian stepped forward, his face unreadable for a moment. Then he smiled—pride shining through his usual gruffness. "No, Mei. You're done. You forged this with your own hands. And it's… beautiful."
Hana grinned wide, throwing an arm around Mei's shoulders. "You're going to blow that convention away."
Mei couldn't stop smiling, even as tears welled in her eyes. All the sleepless nights, the burns, the failures—they had led to this moment.
Roxanne wasn't just a costume. She was proof. Proof that Mei could become anyone she dared to dream of.
And in just a few days, the world would see her too.