Testing Tastes

{{#ifeq: | | {{#ifeq: | |

   {{#ifeq: Jonas | || 
     Author: Jonas  
   }} | 
   {{#ifeq: Jonas | |
     Author: ' |
     Author: [[User:Jonas|]]  
   }}
 }} |
 {{#ifeq:  | |
   {{#ifeq: Jonas | | Authors: ' | 
     Authors: Jonas 
   }} | 
   {{#ifeq: Jonas | |
     Authors:  |
     Author: [[User:Jonas|]] 
   }}
 }}

}} {{#if:| — see also [[:Category:{{{category}}}|other works by this author]]}}

---

It was half-past two and William’s Wonder Drinks had not seen a single customer. Oh sure, people had stopped by, but they had all just looked around and left—more often than not right after snickering at one of his soda names. What all of this added up to was a very bored owner lying back in his chair with his boots on the counter and paws on his chest trying to see if he could blow his hat’s feather all the way around his head. This riveting activity was only disrupted by the tinkling of the door chime.

“Hey’lo,” he said dully, expecting another browser as he raised his head. His ears perked instantly when he saw a familiar gray face come through the door.

“Sennel! Great! Good to see ya, wolfy!” he enthused, scrambling to get his feet off the counter. After almost falling out of his chair and readjusting his hat he added, “Having a good day?”

Sennel tilted an ear as he shrugged. “Eh, been better. Not much going on today for me. Guess the same goes for you, William? Not many customers today it seems.”

“Not one! And I just made a new batch of Hopsters, too!”

A frown crossed Sennel’s muzzle. “Hmm, don’t think that’s my taste today. In the mood for something new.” He rested his paws beneath his chin as he looked up at the large menu hanging from the wall. William waited patiently as he watched his friend’s eyes scan the extensive list. Finally...

“Eh.”

William blinked. “Eh?”

“There’s just...nothing that really catches my eye up there, y’know?”

“But there’s plenty you haven’t tried!”

Another shrug. “Yea...but nothing I really feel an interest in ordering. Been a real drab day, lookin’ for something with a bit of pep.”

William stroked his chin-fur thoughtfully. “Hmm, pep...well, I have been working on a new Volp! formula. Been trying to give it some more perk—that might do the trick.”

“How new?” Sennel asked suspiciously. The wolf’s eyes narrowed.

“I whipped it up over lunch. Have a test sip on the house?” William grinned slyly as he asked, working the old foxish charm.

“What the hay—got nothing better to do and the days been a long bore-fest. I’ll give it a whirl for you but, uhh—” Sennel leaned in closer “—it’s not gonna make me a pup again, is it? ‘Cause the last time I tested something for you...”

William placed a paw over his breast. “Sen, I give you my word as an alchemist of sodas that will not be the case this time.” He vanished into the back room and returned with a bottle of a deep red liquid that he slid across the counter. “Enjoy!”

“Volp!: Because reds have more fun.” Sennel read from the label. He popped the cap and took a swig, swishing the drink in his mouth a few times before swallowing.

“Well...?” William asked.

“Hmm, bit of a tangy cherry flavour.” Answered Sennel thoughtfully. “Very sweet aftertaste. Really bubbly though—what species is this anyway?”

“Red Fox. They seem to work better when I do extra carbonation, no idea why.”

Sennel took another drink as his fur darkened. “May have overdone it on this one—bit too airy. Starting to feel light in the chest. This isn’t diet, is it?”

William scoffed. “How the devil would I make a diet transformation drink? Calories don’t stick through the changes and neither does any vitamins.”

The once-gray wolf was now brown and lightening to red as he amused himself by watching his paws turn black and puffy. “All I know is I feel a lot more energized now. This thing’s definitely got some pep to it!” He chuckled and hopped up onto a stool before spinning around on it like an excited child.

“Well... you definitely seem perkier, I’ll give you that.” William nodded. “Odd though, you should have started to shrink by now.” He tilted his head curiously. Sennel’s size was unchanged...but he looked bigger all the same. Like his proportions had increased. He also seemed...rounder?

“Aww! Smaller’s no fun, Willy.” Sennel said playfully. His tail became poofier as it wagged. “Makes you more cuddly, but you can’t do nearly as much! Gotta be big if you wanna play big!” He grinned widely, but it wasn’t the sly grin of a fox. It was a silly grin, like from a cartoon character or a mas...cot....

It clicked into place just as Sennel’s eyes started to grow larger and acquire a plastic sheen. “Uhh, Sen...” began William awkwardly. “You still feel lighter in the chest? Maybe anywhere else?”

Sennel nodded exuberantly. “Oh yea, all over really, but it’s not bad. Feels neat, heehee! Plus everywhere is nice and comfy so I’m not going to let a little lightness bring me down!” His foam-and-fabric head didn’t move as he spoke, but William was still getting the impression of being winked at.

“Wellpers, I’m off for now!” Sennel exclaimed as he slid off the stool. “Thanks a bunch for the drink, Willy. Real good pick-me-up! I think I’m gonna go have some fun at the park, catch ya ‘round!”

He gave a spin on a footpaw before bouncing out of the store, leaving a very bewildered William behind. Closing early suddenly seemed a very good idea.