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

[commedia]

My Avatar...oh! The one who gave me this tattoo.

[And...well, then. Douman grins.]

Wouldn't you know? We have the same Avatar, don't we? What wonderful fortune this is!

[housewolf]

Look at that! We're roommates too. I hope we can get along.

[commedia]

We are?

[Oh, what an even better thing to find out! Douman's grin widens - please don't mind the sharp teeth.]

I'm so glad. [And the man bows.] Ashiya Douman. The pleasure is all mine.

[housewolf]

Omi Fushimi.

[He bows back before it hits him to be confused.]

From history?

[commedia]

[A nod!]

Yes. indeed. I am the very one. An onmyouji from the Heian era.

[housewolf]

That's amazing. I never thought I'd run into one in person.

Four of my dorm mates did a play about onmyouji a few months back.

[commedia]

Oh, did you? Yes, as far as I'm aware, those are popular, aren't they? Not that I've ever watched one, mm.

[housewolf]

It's a really popular setting when it comes to fiction these days.

Anyway, it would be a little weird to watch something like that, right? Watching people get pieces of your life wrong?

[commedia]

...

[There's a pause.....and then a low laugh.]

Ahahaha. No, I think I would just find it funny, in its own way.

[housewolf]

Glad that you'd enjoy it on some level. Would you want to watch one then?

[commedia]

It would depend on which one! Haha, maybe you should put on a play for me?

[Its a joke, Omi, please don't.]

[housewolf]

I'd need a few more actors to be able to do put on that production.

[Don't test him?]

[commedia]

Perhaps you could find some! But I wouldn't mind if it was just you and me.

[housewolf]

I wouldn't be opposed to that either.

[commedia]

[Douman is smiling, but there's a bit of amusement in it, now.]

Mmm. By the by, where is our room? I haven't found it yet.

[housewolf]

Oh, here, come with me.

[Come along, clown! He'll lead them to their room.]

[commedia]

[And the clown jingles along after their new roommate!]

Ah, here we go. How...do we get inside.

[housewolf]

[He has his phone on him, so the door will open for the both of them.

There are two boxes, one with Omi's name and the other with Ashiya Douman's.]

As long as you have your phone, it should be fine.

[commedia]

My...phone? Oh! You mean the device. Yes.

[Oh, things are so much for Ye Olde With Approximately Vague Modern Knowledge]

And no one else can get in? How quaint. What are these...boxes?

[Douman's box is. Notably very large.]

[housewolf]

I think they're keyed into our phones.

[At least Omi will give some modern time information.]

Hm... I think it's a gift box. But the only way to know is to open it.

[And immediately he's blasted by confetti and glitter.]

[commedia]

...

[WELL his roommate just got covered in glitter? It's fine. Douman blinks with some surprise - before bursting out in laughter.]

Ahahahahaha! You have to be careful with such things! But...haha! It's a good look for you, Omi!

[housewolf]

[There are worse things than glitter!

Since he's laughing, so is Omi.]

Gonna match me?

[commedia]

Do you think I should? I don't know...

[Just moving closer to his box...]

Maybe you should dare me to. Mmmhmm.

[housewolf]

You might find something useful in there.

[Omi, for example, has gotten his camera back.]

[commedia]

You could be right...but ah, mine is so large compared to yours...

[What could be inside...? Time to open it - but not before getting a faceful of glitter and confetti, too.]

Aaah... [And his nose wrinkles.] Aaaachoo!