WEEK ZERO: INTRO MINGLE

[probe]

POPULATION: 37

There's the soft, chiming ding of an elevator as you slowly grow conscious. You remember the sound of a voice whispering in your ear, and then a very gentle, easy darkness as you fell asleep.

Then the elevator jolts, and you promptly ram into some of the thirty or so other people also waking up from their nap. Time to trample people on your way out! Be careful not to rip your flattering outfit with light up furry ears of an animal of your choice. On this elevator there are a total of 10 buttons and they're all lit up! But they don't work. A shame. The elevator doesn't go anywhere else.

In any case, once you exit the elevator, you'll find that you have a decently wide area to explore. There doesn't seem to be any sort of exit to the outside world, but that's okay. You didn't want to leave without what you came for, right? Besides, it's wonderful here: the temperature is perfect, every surface is as soft as clouds, and the atmosphere is so, so inviting. The base itself is low-lit in fluorescent neon colors which shift and pulse over time, and there's a soft, reassuring humming sound under your feet. It would be comforting if you didn't feel like you were being watched every time you walk along the hallways.

But hey, don't worry about that! Maybe you should be more concerned with the phone in your pocket! The phones have a few functions, as well as a low pixel camera. Pictures are in black and white, so no brightly colored selfies for you. Oh, and while you're taking those selfies, you might notice the symbol of your Avatar tattooed and glowing faintly on the back of your hand. Hope you're fine with impromptu body mods.

Eventually during your wandering, you'll find your room with roommates included! On the floor of your room, there is a big gift box with your name on it. Upon opening it, you will be absolutely obliterated with glittery confetti. But once you manage to get past that, the gift box contains the following:

✦ your item from home
✦ a pair of boxer-briefs labeled "ball hammock"
✦ a stress ball that looks suspiciously like a boob
✦ a rainbow bath bomb
✦ a Polaroid camera with 10 instant film
✦ a frozen steak in a vacuum-sealed pouch
✦ a blue and pink dual flashlight; one end has a normal white bulb, and one end has a blacklight bulb
✦ a tiny crown

Welcome to your new home. Take some time to look around, talk to your fellow indulgers. All of you can see each other's symbols on the back of your hands - maybe it'll strike up a conversation. After all, there's no better way to get to know each other than talking about your sins on the first date!

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Comments

[fluffier]

A different Ninth Family? That's a coincidence...

[ She stares at Harrow, looking her up and down. ]

What's so scary 'bout ya?

[bonetiddies]

Well.

[It's hard to tell when she's dressed like a sexy Ariana bunny instead of a ton of human bones.]

. . . Our traditions are startling to some. We hold to ways the other Houses find dogmatic, if not heretical.

[fluffier]

[ . . . ]

Well, those big words don't scare me! [ Because she doesn't know what they mean! ] I bet yer really neat.

[bonetiddies]

[She doesn't really know what to do with being called neat? Or someone being this unreservedly nice to her to begin with. But Yuel gets a tiny amused smile, at least.]

It's good to be unafraid of things that are unfamiliar. I don't know about neat, but I'm no threat to those who are no threat to me.

[fluffier]

[ (: ]

Hehe, does that mean yer but gonna try and take my blood n flesh anymore?

[bonetiddies]

[Oh, right. She did react really strongly, didn't she?]

. . . I prefer not to be touched without warning, you see. But no, I won't.

[fluffier]

Don't worry! I wasn't 'bout ta attack. Ya just seemed cold.

[ Oh yeah, they were looking for a blanket! ]

We can probably find a sweater or somethin' for you 'round here.

[bonetiddies]

Oh.

[That. . . makes sense. She's still a sexy Ariana. Hmm.]

I'm not cold. I'm just unaccustomed to this type of clothing. But it's all right.

[fluffier]

Oh, yeah. It's pretty weird, ain't it?

[ Not that Yuel minds it, twisting her hips to make the dress shake. She'd had to ditch the heels to keep from toppling over though. ]

But I wonder how we ended up in these... [ She flushes a little. ] Did someone change our clothes while we were sleepin'?

[bonetiddies]

[Watching her automatically when she starts doing that, and then immediately looking away like she wasn't doing that.]

- Er. Yes. It must be so. Though to what end, I couldn't say.

[fluffier]

[ She groans at that answer, covering her face in embarrassment. ]

I oughta give 'em a good smack for that! Looking at our naked bodies... They're the ones who should pay in flesh 'n' blood.

[bonetiddies]

[It is pretty awkward, but there's bigger, more awkward things.]

When you see them, please do give them a big smack. It will be justly deserved.

[fluffier]

I will. [ She sighs, looking around with a frown. ] I doubt they'll be easy ta find. They must be pretty smart ta set all this up.

[bonetiddies]

Smart and powerful. And toying with us.

[. . .]

I know I said to smack them, but if you actually do see them. . . you ought to be careful.

[She's naturally suspicious of anyone so open and friendly, but even she can't believe this girl has ulterior motives. She just seems genuine and uncautious.]

[fluffier]

Hehe. [ She gives Harrow a sly look. ] Are ya worried about little ol' Yuel? Don't worry, my moves aren't easy to beat even without my foxflame.

[ She reaches forward again—completely forgetting what Harrow said about not liking being touched—to lock arms, and lead them forward. ]

Let's get some grub! All this confusion has made me really hungry.

[bonetiddies]

If you say you're perfectly capable, I believe you.

[She flinches again when Yuel touches her arm, but she minds a little less now that she understands what Yuel is all about.]

All right, but let me change clothes first.