You would not think it to look at one but the Vris is a master of blending in. It has a magical ability to soak in the persona of all around it and deliver a masterful performance that leaves others awestruck.
Its large wings, enormous ears, and tendrils stuffed into its overflowing mouth do nothing to betray its disguise for it has several secret weapons. First, the pulsing flutter of its wings scatters glittery particles sowing confusion to those who inhale them. Second, its tendrils can mimic any sound and its lightning-quick mind is agile enough to grasp on to social cues and subtle shifts in the conversation. Its final trick is the ability to conjure a spectral mask to mimic its target just enough to fool even myself, a seasoned monster hunter.
Those who pass a Vris may find themselves able to adapt to different social stages and shift their personas with ease amongst work, university, friend groups, even family. They can cloak traits they deem unwelcome and shield themselves from judgment by blending in.
I certainly did when I was initially shy of my monster-hunting habits. The aid of this social chameleon became so vital to me that I rarely left the house without a Vris by my side. At night I would practice different social encounters with its aid. But, as time went on, it became harder and harder juggle my many masks and I felt I was losing part of myself each time I put one on.
Soon, I avoided going out altogether. It was just me and the Vris' expert imitation of me. Looking at its own version of myself it felt wrong as if I had lost something of my true self in my effort to hide. This was confirmed when I saw I had not even taken any notes of this creature in front of me.
I made a promise to the Vris, and myself to be true to myself. We started practicing being honest with each other and ourselves. Often, this was hard and required us to sit in silence, meditate or do mindfulness exercise similar to those that keep the grimly-negative Mehcupods away.
Bit by painful bit, we both lowered our defenses. I learned the Vris shied itself away from the world as it was wary how its odd appearance would effect others. I asked it to reveal itself without its masks and tricks. With a puff of glitter it happened. I was left staring in awe at its radiant wings glistening like stained glass, its wonderful mind and amazing, shimmer-filled eyes.
Staring into the inky depths of its enlarged pupils I saw a reflection of myself. My true self. All the masks had fallen away. I was amazing and strange and quirky and talented and imperfect - but real - in my own way and own unique style. I blinked and the Vris vanished leaving behind a burst of glitter but a lasting gift of self-belief for me to share.