A few days later.

You all agreed that you're not interested in hooking up with Frank and Isabel, but even Ashley had to admit she was intrigued by the exotic girl. After some deliberation, you decided to call the number on the card Frank had given you and arrange a meeting.

Frank promptly invited you to come see them at a bar in the rich part of the city, hinting at some kind of event to take place there in several days. You were somewhat worried about what was in store for you, but decided to give him a chance. And so, at around 8PM of that week's Friday, you dress up and make your way to the provided address.

"I've never seen a bar this fancy," Ashley says as you enter.

It is a classy establishment, but it's also surprisingly down-to-earth. The decor is rich yet subdued, and while a lot of the patrons came in wearing suits most of them have taken their jackets and ties off and are conversing casually, if they're speaking at all. The majority sits in silence, their attention on the small stage at the far end of the dark room.

A spotlight is aimed at the center of the stage, where Isabel sits perched on a grand piano. Instead of the practical-ish outfit of tight fabric adorned with short feathers you remember from the park, Isabel is wearing a complex costume that catches the light with every movement.

The base of her costume is a tight black dress that comes down to mid-thigh, but it's almost impossible to see under all the feathers that have been stitched to it. Most of her body is covered in small feathers that lie flat to form a sleek surface. A mohawk of medium-length feathers runs down her back and culminates in a tail of very long feathers that stick out over the side of the piano. Some kind of flexible sheet has been affixed under her arms, which are also covered in long feathers that give them the appearance of wings you can almost believe capable of flight. Her face is covered in an elegant black mask from nose to forehead, giving her the appearance of a bird with a long and slender beak which hides her mouth without obstructing it.

In the shadow behind her Frank's fingers play over the keys of the piano, and she sings! Her voice is clear and strong enough to fill the room without amplification as she works her way up and down the octaves. She even drops into different accents to suit each song.

The three of you find a place to sit and order drinks, which you sip at without speaking. You listen in silence, enraptured by Isabel's voice until she indicates that she needs a break.

Soft, pre-recorded music starts playing from a set of hidden speakers as she leaves the stage and accepts a glass of iced water from a waiting waitress who had anticipated her need for a refreshment. After taking a long draught and thanking the waitress, Isabel spots your group and delicately picks her way to your table, the crowd near the stage politely parting to let her pass. Frank follows her after ordering a round of drinks, and soon both have joined you.

Tibby is the first to speak beyond a round of hellos. "That was incredible! Do you perform here all the time?"

With her mask off you can see Isabel blush as she takes another sip of water. Frank answers in her stead. "Isi's been singing all her life, in school plays and pageants and the like. It's been her dream since she was a kid. We didn't see why she should give up that dream when she became a pet, so we put up a couple advertisements and places like this started hiring us."

"You mean you make money doing this?" Ashley has a curious look on her face.

"Oh yes," Isabel answers. "A good gig like this can pay hundreds of dollars for a night of doing what I would have done for free anyway. We make enough that Frank could quit his job. Why he doesn't is beyond me."

"I did cut back to part-time," Frank takes the word again. "I just don't think it's wise to put all our eggs in one basket, so to speak."

[Athor's Note: Sorry this is only half a chapter, but I wanted to post it quickly so I could make this announcement: there's finally stuff under ALTERNATE START!]