-----
For a moment, Vissi was left to ponder -- initially she began assessing her options, but her mind began to dwell on the irksome figures that surrounded her and any semblance of assurance quickly derailed into indecisiveness. She began articulating her introspection as a solidified image to recompose herself and used this vivid mental block as a ward against these strangers; their large numbers invoked a dreadful feeling of being overwhelmed by something beyond her control and it was this fear that impeded her judgment. Evidently, she realized she had no other choice but to paddle through the thick smog exuded from the lively Poison-types who frequently tended to this tumbledown buffet out on the outskirts of the city. Rancid fumes crept up her delicate nostrils and her eyes were slanted in a permanent squint, presenting her comportment with a rather disdainful expression; of course, her countenance wasn't exactly dissonant with her mood. Though she had no desire to meddle with any of these rowdy inebriates, she silently observed them and instinctively compared their crude dispositions to the lesser-life forms occasionally found creeping across the floor as black specks. The prattling gradually grew from being notably bothersome to empty ambiance as she and her friend finally reached the counter for their seats, setting themselves in place for a routinely banter for their last girls' night out.
-----
All the tittle-tattle spouted from Vissi's pudgy friend were utterly drowned out, as the majority of Vissi's attention were expended to scrutinize the handsome features of a lone scarab in the corner -- expressly male, judging by the shape of his burly horn -- and mentally remarked on his robust exoskeleton shaded in indigo under the dim lights of this bar. Yet most noteworthy to Vissi were the emotions of confusion and misery conveyed by this specimen's visage; she personified this random Heracross as an individual struggling with disappointment and it was a sentiment Vissi empathized with. After drawing a few more imaginary comparisons, her fascination grew into a manic obsession, and Vissi unremittingly wondered why she wasn't being approached by this kindred spirit she decided to envision in her own head. The longer she stared and awaited for an arbitrary exchange, the more distorted this Bug-type Pokémon grew in appearance -- his horn melted onto his face as this yellow liquid, appendages changed shapes and sizes, and long white hair surged out the back along with a monstrous tail. It would have led to a nightmarish experience had it not been for Vissi's friend reeling her back to reality by expressly alerting her.
-----
"
You interested in that stud over there or what? " the pink stout sprite snickered at her friend's outlandish behavior, all while she frivolously spun around on her stool. "
V, babe, you've been grilling at that guy for like a full thirty -- maybe, you outta tone down a notch before he gets the wrong idea, hun! "
-----
Vissi broke out of her trance and rested her large fins onto the counter, and leaned against its surface to relax herself. She scowled at her friend, though the pinniped didn't intend to direct her frustration at her friend who predictably flinched from the abrupt gesture. After realizing that she startled her friend, Vissi let out a heavy scoff as she plopped her head onto the counter, its corrugated surface momentarily stinging her skin with its cool touch. She began quietly humming a simple tune to combat against the droning noises of this squalid environment. The clear liquid contained within her glass which had been served to her while she was profusely fantasizing was gently suspended into the air and her mundane melody constructed its body into various shapes, all dancing accordingly to the rhythm. The Slurpuff recovered from her prior shock as she witnessed her associate's distress, all while trying to ignore her spontaneous musical fountain. She dropped her lackadaisical demeanor and sat proper, though she had her gaze set onto the counter rather than on her troubled peer. She adjusted her stool by cranking on a lever located underneath the pad, gaining extra height so she could reach her own beverage that was placed on the counter next to Vissi's own refreshment.
-----
"
Have you heard about this place called Precious Paradise? " she prevaricated, making a desperate attempt to illicit a conversation with gossip to ease the tension. "
It's a fancy spa run by one of those sexy Milotic. It's down by that little quirky town -- I'm sure ya know the place! And, uh, if you're willing to spend a little extra on the side, you could even bathe with the owner! Like, oh la la! " The Slurpuff took a glance at her companion after finishing delivering her saucy tidbit, taking notice that the blonde seal refused to react to even a single word. The chubby macaroon-shaped fairy slumped into her seat, unable to hold in a pout out of frustration.
-----
After exchanging a painfully elongated moment of awkward silence save for the humming and the chatter from the background, Vissi decided to interject with an inquiry; the moment she began to use her normal voice, the liquid carried out of her glass dropped back into its former spot and the sound of its splash conveniently caught the Slurpuff's attention. "
Fawn, how come you haven't expired yet? "
-----
"
Um, pardon? " she responded with a perplexed gaze, "
Please elaborate on that query, V. "
-----
"
The smell, " Vissi specified as she turned to face her friend, "
it's horrible, downright rank even. Isn't your nose highly sensitive to odors, or did I mishear the details on your species? Regardless, why on Earth are we spending our last night here? "
-----
"
Oh, well. I know this place is a bit, shall I say, cruder than the usual stands we normally attend to. But, uh, well, I thought you might want some place that's quieter -- you know, where we can be nobodies so we don't have to worry about getting harassed by fans? Or as you like to call them, sycophants. The atmosphere here is pretty jazzy, and -- even though everybody looks like they wanna mug you and your children -- the locals here are quite lax about your business, so they never go out of their way to bother you. " Fawn carefully held her glass but her stubby arms could only keep a grip long enough for the Slurpuff to indulge in a quick sip before placing it back onto the counter as to avoid dropping her drink. "
But the smell IS horrendous, though. I'm just a tough girl -- ya know me, V! I mean, I had to spend most of my energy pounding on my belly just to give our songs that beat! " She patted her belly proudly, though the act inadvertently caused her to expel out a tiny burp which was followed by a sheepish apology which was met with a giggle from Vissi. "
Anyway! What's really on in that head of yours? " she decided to confront Vissi directly, "
Don't you go worrying about me -- spill, girl! Lil' Fawn's got your back! "
-----
"
It's just, here we are, my last day in this city, " Vissi broke her gaze with Fawn and turned to examine her glass, observing the tiny bubbles floating on top, "
I contemplated on leaving this place for so long, and now I'm finally going to leave everything behind to start anew. And quite frankly, I couldn't be any more ecstatic for such a change.
-----
"
And? " Fawn eagerly awaited for a continuation.
-----
"
And, well. I found that coming to this decision was somehow a little too easy and even anti-climatic, " Vissi broke her gaze with Fawn and turned to examine her glass, observing the tiny bubbles floating on top, "
I've never made any effort to hide my ire for this accursed career and how it ultimately inhibited me as a talented individual, yet I won't deny the fame had its special privileges and I would surely miss having that luxury. I mean, am I being a callous fool by tossing away all of this? She expressed an expression of doubt at her own question. "
Perhaps, I should stay a little longer. I've yet to truly immortalize myself as an icon, and this city is being absurdly generous by granting me such a grand opportunity. "
-----
"
V, babe! I already booked a ticket for you! " Fawn yowled in irritation, "
Plus, the guy I talked to will be expecting your arrival so you can work at his fancy bistro as one of them SEXY waitresses. Not to mention, pretty sure Grody's not gonna let you back into the band anyway. Ya know, considering-- "
-----
"
I know, you don't need to repeat it to me. " Vissi leaned back, inexplicably growing an urge to stare back at that Heracross she was eyeing earlier. "
You know, are you able to tell me more about this place and the folks who run it? "
-----
" The Slurpuff began to inexplicably vibrate in her seat, seemingly out excitement regarding the matter.
Oh, do I! " Fawn exclaimed avidly, "
Oh, my gosh! Carmine is like the sweetest dork you'll ever know! Sure, he can be a bit captious, but that's basically his job as the manager! I would cut him some slack, given he's a decrepit little bird who could probably shrivel up and die from even a Snorunt's Icy Wind! Like, I actually don't know how old he is? He's probably ancient, but uh, don't tell him I said that! In fact, you probably shouldn't mention his age at all, if we're being honest. Also, you should make sure when he tells you to clean out that Coat Check, you don't-- "
-----
"
Huh, okay. Interesting. " Vissi eventually succumbed to her temptation and she once again found herself staring blankly at that abashed Bug-type sitting in the corner, seemingly reveling in his solitude. And just like before, this Pocket Monster gradually deformed into some eldritch abomination the longer Vissi's eyes stayed on his figure, that tough exterior melting away into this soft yellow sludge that began dripping onto the floor, seeping across the wooden planks in a manner that made it seem like it was sentient. This substance, which erratically changed in color, began to saturate everyone and everything around Vissi and the entire bistro she and her friend were in began to change as well -- some of this substance even crawled onto her, constricting itself around her neck and fins as green binds. The daunting process coerced Vissi to momentarily shut her eyes to escape this travesty, and after re-opening them, she was met with an entirely different location as well as a new face in replacement of the Heracross she was so fascinated with.
-----
Vissi had not realized she had been staring at one of the guests at the foyer during her entire reminiscence, and given some of her co-workers had already taken up on their tasks, it was most likely for an uncomfortable amount of time. She immediately recognized the personage by their trademark glasses among other traits; Vissi happened to be a fan of Delmonico's work, going as far as to say that he may have even influenced her own productions. It wasn't clear to her if this woolly yellow pianist or even the others took notice to Vissi's elongated glare. Regardless, she refused to allow herself to look abashed in front of another maestro, and in attempt to avoid any chances for a bungling scene that would tarnish her integrity, Vissi decided to hastily make her way to the Coat Check room to avoid prompting interaction; cleaning out the Coat Check was the only job Vissi could remember among the various tasks received from Carmine.
-----
Yet, she quickly realized she had no reason to feel ashamed. After all, she herself was once a beloved celebrity too and she subsequently recalled the countless number of Pokémon who were willing to do anything in order to gain her attention, even if brief. Delmonico's state of Mega Evolution -- a phenomenon she was aware of, but personally unfamiliar with -- accentuated his dazzling features, and this intrigued Vissi just enough that she could muster up the courage to confront him directly; at the very least, she saw no valid reason to avoid a formal salutation. As she flopped towards the Coat Check room, Vissi delivered a playful smirk in her maladroit attempt to excuse her inexplicably long gaze earlier. She purposely stalled herself in hopes of invoking some sort of reaction from this stunning snack.
