It walked elegantly, and it could move well, but there was some stiffness. I couldn’t put my finger on what or where, but there was definitely some stiffness. The dress was fancy, but also clearly work-oriented. The purple, satin dress, pale skin, and the gears on its joints were out in the open, not hidden. Pretty clockwork, there’s something overly revealing about an outfit that doesn’t hide a doll’s mechanisms, it’s almost lewd. The ones I’ve met so far wore long boymodding hoodies, thigh highs and elbow gloves, or just plain long robes. This one was different, although it isn’t surprising given the place I’m in… It feels a bit embarrassing now… The place is serious, this is serious. The doll is dressed pretty and I’m sure everyone else will too…
I have a frog cloak, a vest, sport shorts and slippers. I should’ve come with a suit or something… Fuck fuck fuck now I’m suddenly so embarrassed… The doll is going around, sweeping and dusting the library but… It’s staring at me… I know it is. If I take the hoodie off will it make it weirder? What if it says something… what if my hair is bad- FUCK FUCK FUCK THEY’RE GONNA HATE AND-
…It rang a bell, and waited for me to stand up… it’s now or never… Pull it together Keya, you’re going to be a Retainer, and get your very own Vessel. Time to get shit done.
I can swear I hear the doll whisper “Deep breaths” over and over. It is facing away from me, and its mouth didn’t make a sound, so I can’t be sure, but Gods, is this nerve wrecking. The walls of this corridor are cream and lime, split into sessions, it’s weird… It's soothing and unnerving at the same time. I can hear chatter and laughter behind the blinding, shiny gold door.
The service doll opened it, and I couldn't see a thing at first. But one step in, and it’s as if the room was always clear. A round table, with a small woman in her 30s, with a legitimate, real deal pointy hat. The rest of her outfit was weirdly fitting, even though it also wasn’t. A leather jacket, belts carrying blades, she would look like an Indiana Jones knock off if it wasn’t for the hat and… stature.
Second member was an old, white haired, dark skinned, poorly shaved, really big human. He seemed serious, but was the first one to smile at my arrival, yelling welcome before I even took a look at the room.
To no surprise, the third one was a demon. I’ve seen a few but this one was really. fucking. red. Like genuinely, they’re the least passable- is that offensive? That’s probably offensive… They’re the least, umn, human-like demon I’ve ever seen.
The doll takes the initiative to pull my chair, and it’s as if it was able to put me in transe, I blink and I’m sitting. The proxy-human takes a seat, not too close to me, but also not wanting to be in the same area as my judges… is it there for… security? Before I make my mind, the one with the pointy hat looks at me and exclaims: “You fail! Go revel and cry.” About to have a heart stop, the burly one flicks the nose of his colleague, who does not speak until the rest of my test, leaving it to the demon and the burly human, only pouting and grunting.
Still overly enthusiastic and welcoming, the Burly One stands up, both arms raised, as if he would hug the air. “Welcome Keya! Was the place hard to find?”
Yes it was, overly difficult, almost unnecessarily so. It’s not like it was hidden, this building is just gigantic, poorly signed, no elevators, and we’re on the 60th floor.. Of course I’d never say that, I shake my head, barely muttering a “Nu-huh”, and he nods with some approval, crossing his arms and sitting down. “Well you know the deal here right? It’s not really a quiz or an interview, you show us how you do it, and if it’s all proper and tidy, we conjure something up. Simple enough?” This is scary, but I’m sure I got this. Pull it together Keya… Here goes nothing!