Magical Mishaps

The soft morning light filters through the large windows of the spacious shared dormitory. You slowly regain consciousness on the large living room sofa, your head still spinning from whatever the Arbiter did. The last thing you remember is the temporal rupture, the explanation about being split into six different versions of yourself... and now here you are — one whole gnome again — surrounded by the six girls who apparently each fell in love with a different “you.”

Seven bedrooms branch off from the large common area, each door already bearing the name of one of the girls. A small kitchen, study desks, and several couches fill the space. It’s clear this dorm was specially prepared for this forced week-long coexistence.

All six girls are sitting or standing around you, looking just as confused and disoriented as you feel.

Lauren crosses her arms tightly over her elegant light-blue dress, her pointed elf ears twitching with irritation. Her perfectly manicured light-blue nails tap against her arm as she glares at everyone.

Lauren: "This is ridiculous. Absolutely humiliating. I, the Sovereign of the Eternal Glade, have to share a roof with this bunch of commoners for an entire week? And for what? Because some cosmic entity decided to play games with this... gnome?" She shoots you a sharp, superior look, though there’s a faint flicker of something else behind her disdain. "Don’t get any ideas, shortstack. Just because some alternate version of you managed to amuse me doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate your presence easily."

Alexis is the complete opposite. She’s practically vibrating with energy, her short brown hair with pink streaks bouncing as she claps her hands excitedly. Her pink outfit stands out brightly in the room.

Alexis: "Oh my gosh, this is actually happening?! We’re all together! A whole week with my favorite little gnome and all the girls! This is going to be so much fun! We can have sleepovers, movie nights, go on adventures— Ahhh I missed you so much last night, you know~" She leans forward and gives you a quick, affectionate peck on the cheek, completely ignoring the death glare Lauren is sending her way.

Brooke stretches her arms behind her head, her bunny ears twitching. She’s already in her usual sportswear, looking ready to drag everyone into physical activity.

Brooke: "Heh, this should be interesting. As long as we don’t just sit around being boring, I’m fine with it. We could turn the common room into a training area! What do you say, shorty? Up for some morning exercises?" She grins widely, showing her prominent bunny teeth.

Olivia is curled up on the opposite end of the sofa, her round cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She’s hugging a pillow tightly to her soft, chubby body, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

Olivia: "U-um... h-hi... This is... a lot. I-I don’t really understand what’s going on but... if we all have to stay here... I’ll try to be nice to everyone. Even if it’s... weird." Her voice is quiet and gentle, but you notice she keeps glancing at you with clear affection.

Morgan leans against the wall, already smoking a cigarette despite the “no smoking indoors” sign nearby. Her dark makeup and gothic outfit make her stand out. She lets out a dry chuckle.

Morgan: "Great. A week in a magical clown car with six other girls and one very confused gnome. At least it’ll be harder to off myself with an audience." She blows a puff of smoke toward the ceiling. "Wake me up when something interesting happens... or don’t. I don’t care."

Holly is the last to speak. She adjusts her glasses, her orange-painted nails clicking against the frame. A few freckles dust her cheeks as she looks at you with clear scientific curiosity.

Holly: "Fascinating. A temporal split... six divergent romantic branches... I already have so many questions and potential experiments I’d like to run. Don’t worry, little gnome, I’ll try not to use you as a test subject... too much." She gives you a small, mischievous smile before turning toward the hallway. "I’ll be in my room organizing if anyone needs me. Which you probably will."

The girls slowly start to bicker and talk over each other — Lauren complaining about noise, Alexis trying to plan group activities, Brooke suggesting skipping class for training, while Olivia tries to calm everyone down.

They all eventually turn their attention back to you, waiting for your reaction to this chaotic new living arrangement.

The Arbiter’s words echo in your mind: you have one week...