A heavy fog filled the darkened streets of Centropolis, the
neon lights of shimmering advertisements and flashing signs hazily creating a watercolor glow of fluorescent color.

The puddles of the afternoon’s rainstorm lingered, flashing reflections of street lamps and frequently being disrupted by the feet of hurried city slickers.

Two blocks north and one block east, her destination stood out against the sea of stone buildings across the cityscape. The tall glass tower seemed to glisten as the city lights bounced off of its smooth surface; a diamond perched atop the city. As she made her way closer, she detoured through the landscaping to avoid the line of limousines delivering their passengers and headed towards the entrance.

Silently weaving between the legs of lined-up socialites and city-goers, Highlight deftly slid past the large boots belonging to the doorman and made her way into the neon-lit hallway beyond. The rhythmic thump of the house music blended with the pre-show chatter of fashionistas gathered in the event space. Padding along the smooth, cool concrete floor past the main hall, the high-pitched hustle of her destination grew louder and clearer as she reached the backstage entrance.

“SHE’S HERE! Oh god, she’s arrived!”

“Who’s arrived?”

“What do you mean ‘who’? Are you dense, girl? it’s Esmerelda!”

Highlight hurried through the large room, keeping her tail tight to her body to prevent any fateful encounters with the bustling shoes of the backstage staff, or worse, a model’s stray stiletto. Narrowly avoiding being buried under a hastily cast-off garment, she made her way to the row of beaming mirrors. A flurry of setting spray, face powder, and lingering gossip hung heavy in the air.

“Didn’t you hear what happened with Anechka? One minor faux pas before her spring show and Esmerelda never carried her line again. Poor thing, last I heard she was designing sarongs for some shack on Delphi Beach.”

“Pout!” the makeup artist demanded, effectively ceasing any potential jinxing of the evening’s presentation by chatty models. She caught a flash of colorful fur out of the corner of her eye, and let out sigh of relief when the small black jollin hopped up on her station.

“Oh good, you’re here! Finally! Grab that brush and help me out, will you?”

Highlight burst into action, deftly passing brushes, swabs, and spoolies between her partner and the vanity, watching intently as the artist effortlessly created razor-sharp liner, crafted sculpted cheekbones, and fluffed manicured brows.

With a final flourish of lipgloss, the artist stepped back to examine the finished look. Turning to her companion, a puzzled expression gave way to uncertainty.

“Hmm…something is missing,” the artist pondered aloud. She examined the combination of sharp, graphic white eyeliner and glossy deep violet-burgundy lip–both on target for the designs, but somehow feeling ho-hum for the evening’s runway.

Studying the model’s features, Highlight recalled navigating her way through the dressing racks filled with collection pieces—-pieces that all featured striking cool-toned iridescent accents. Idea racing in her mind, the little jollin hopped off the artist’s shoulder to paw through the palettes until she found what she was looking for. With a swish and flourish of her silky, brush-like tail, she swirled the end in the powder and applied a flash of statement iridescent highlighter to the model’s cheekbones.

“Oh, it’s perfect! You brilliant little fluff!” Her companion scooped Highlight up and snuggled her close, scratching behind her big ears and eliciting happy chirps from the jollin.

“SHOWTIME! Models, line up! Why are you in the wrong outfit?! Someone get her in the right outfit now!”

The shrill voice of the showrunner reverberated backstage as models, designers, and junior makeup artists hurriedly made final adjustments and alterations as the lights dimmed and the show’s music started.

Credits:
Pet Profile & Story by: exquisite

Special Thanks to Syfyri for helping me solve a coding issue!