[Reality Control Camp]
Several hours passed before the bus finally reached its destination. Despite the long journey, Number 5 didn't get bored. Every new detail of the landscape kept her attentive: the distant cities, the tall buildings, the thick forests pushing through the hills, even the animals that occasionally appeared near the road. Everything fascinated her, maybe because they all seemed tamer than she expected. Were creatures this calm throughout this world?
She knew they had arrived when, through the window, she spotted a huge sign hanging at the entrance.
"Reality Check Summer Camp"
She couldn't help but feel a little excited at the sight of the place: cabins, a lovely forest, and most of all, the people. Everyone seemed strangely calm, not chaotic at all. Though yes, it did strike her as odd that they were so close to the lake.
"Aren't they worried they'll fall into the acid and melt?" she wondered, frowning slightly as she looked at the large lake with its clear waters, making a very clear mental note to stay far away from it.
As soon as the bus came to a stop, people began getting off quickly. Number 5 was the last to stand up, trying not to draw too much attention. The moment she stepped outside, she took a deep breath. She had already thought the place where she first arrived in this world smelled nice… but this was different. The air here was fresher, cleaner, and had something else—something she couldn't quite place.
"Snf, snf…" She sniffed again, tilting her head upward. "What's that smell?"
It was strange. Familiar somehow, but she couldn't figure out from where. It was soft, very faint, barely noticeable… and before she could focus on it any more, someone interrupted her.
"What are you doing?" asked Masha.
"Uhh… was I sniffing?" she replied, not too sure herself.
"Oh! Did you find something good?" Masha asked, sounding genuinely interested.
Number 5 nodded, though she tilted her head slightly.
"But… I don't know what it is."
"Well, if you want, I'll help you look for it later." Masha pointed toward the group that had already walked quite a bit ahead. "But I think we should catch up. We're falling behind."
"Oh! Sorry." Number 5 quickened her pace, jogging a little so she wouldn't be left behind, while Masha followed at an easy pace until she caught up with the group.
"What's going to happen now?" she asked nervously, fidgeting with her fingers while glancing sideways at Masha.
"Nothing special…" Masha answered without much enthusiasm. "They're just going to give us the same boring speech they give every year."
"Oh…" Number 5 murmured, unsure whether to feel relieved or disappointed by that information.
Noticing her somewhat confused expression, Masha tried to sound more upbeat.
"But after that, they give us our cabins and assign us our roommates—people we'll be spending the next few months with."
She brought a hand to her chin, as if she were forgetting something important.
"Oh, and they also tell us who our cabin leader is. Depending on that, your stay here can be great… or completely awful."
"Great…" Number 5 muttered, swallowing hard. She really hoped she'd get a good leader.
After a few more minutes of walking, they reached an outdoor stage surrounded by several rows of chairs, where an older woman was already waiting, standing in front of a microphone with her arms crossed and a stern look on her face.
One by one, everyone took their seats without much enthusiasm. Number 5 chose to sit close to Masha, Jace, and Ivy, preferring to stay near people she was at least somewhat familiar with.
Masha leaned toward her slightly, discreetly pointing a finger at the woman on stage.
"See her? That's Karen. Or, as I like to call her, Dream-Killer."
Ivy also leaned in, lowering her voice. "Don't let her put you on her radar. She's very…" She hesitated, looking for the right word.
"She's a bitch," Masha finished, smiling.
Ivy gave her a disapproving look, to which Masha only shrugged.
"What? She is."
Ivy rolled her eyes and sighed. "What she said. Just try to avoid her if you can."
The conversation didn't go much further, because a sharp voice from the stage interrupted them.
"You in the back! Quiet down!"
The shrill tone made both Number 5 and Ivy straighten up immediately. Masha, on the other hand, didn't even flinch, keeping her relaxed posture.
"See what I mean? Dream-Killer," she murmured, right as Karen pointed two fingers at her in a clear "I'm watching you" gesture.
"I don't think she likes you," Number 5 commented quietly.
"We have a bit of history," Masha replied with a mischievous smile.
Number 5 wanted to ask what she meant by "history," but didn't get the chance. Karen began speaking, her voice booming through the speakers.
"Good morning, campers. We are pleased to welcome you once again to the esteemed Reality Control Summer Camp, where the values of logic, obedience, and imaginative restraint are honored and reinforced… blah blah blah."
The speech was painfully long—so much so that Number 5 already felt her eyelids growing heavy. And she wasn't the only one. Ivy squirmed uncomfortably in her seat, Jace was trying not to shut his eyes completely, and Masha… Masha was already asleep, her head tilted to one side.
"Over the next few months," Karen continued, "you will be guided through a carefully structured program designed to minimize unproductive creative thinking, encourage rule compliance, and…"
Number 5 blinked slowly. With every word, the woman seemed to drain what little energy remained in the air. By the time the speech reached its midpoint, the sun was already dipping closer to the horizon.
How long can this human talk?
"We hope you enjoy this transformative experience," Karen went on with fake enthusiasm, "in which, with proper effort, you will leave behind any spontaneous impulse or abstract thought that serves no purpose in the real world."
"And remember: imagination is disorder, and order is well-being… THANK YOU!"
The last word was shouted so loudly that everyone jolted awake. They clapped on reflex, not entirely sure what they were applauding—only relieved that it was finally over.
"What!?" Masha shot up, startled. "It's over? Finally!" She couldn't help stretching dramatically.
"God, it feels like that speech gets longer every year."
As Karen stepped down from the stage, a new girl came up, holding a list in her hands. Her expression was focused, her voice firm.
"When you hear your names, please come forward and form groups with the people you're assigned to. These will be your cabin mates for the entire duration of camp."
And without further ado, she began reading names in order.
Number 5 wasn't paying much attention. She was distracted. That scent that had been following her earlier was stronger now. Familiar. Almost comforting.
"Masha Karamazov... Ivy Tewksbury... Jace Hollister…"
She didn't notice. She didn't even realize that the three of them were no longer sitting beside her and were already on stage.
Snf... snf. She kept sniffing, almost instinctively.
"Noceda... Luz Noceda?" the girl on stage repeated.
Her voice rose several decibels. "LUZ NOCEDA!"
Number 5 didn't react until another girl elbowed her in the side.
"I think they're calling you…"
"Huh?" she murmured, confused. Then she suddenly snapped to attention. "OH! YES, THAT'S ME—LUZ!!"
She ran to the front, stumbling a little as she arrived, and joined the group just in time to earn a tired sigh from the organizer. Ivy gave her a side glance when she arrived, while Masha flashed her a playful smile.
"It's not much of a coincidence that we always end up together every year, huh?" Jace remarked, crossing his arms.
Masha shrugged with mock innocence. "Molto coincidenci!"
Ivy eyed her suspiciously.
"Did you do something, Masha?"
"Is that a question or an accusation?" she replied in a teasing tone. "Both."
"Ah!" Masha placed a hand over her chest, pretending to be offended.
"I'm hurt that you'd think I've been bribing the person in charge of group assignments for the past few years to make sure we all end up in the same cabin."
"I never said that…"
"And I never admitted it. Now hush, the camp leaders are coming."
"WOOO!!!" Masha yelled excitedly, raising an arm to wave.
Karen appeared right behind her without anyone noticing. She gave Masha a sharp little slap to the back of the head.
"Maintain composure," she said in her nasal voice, walking away slowly as if nothing had happened.
Masha stuck her tongue out at her retreating figure, still smiling.
Then she turned to Number 5, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close, shoulder to shoulder.
"Let me introduce them," she said, nodding toward the leaders now lining up in front of them.
"See that one over there? That's Cristina. She's not bad, but way too strict. She looks at you like she can see right through you."
Then she pointed at another. "That's Luis. He's cool. Totally clueless, but he pretends to teach and people buy it."
"How did he get the job?" Ivy asked, raising a brow.
"No one knows. It's one of the great mysteries of camp," Masha replied in a conspiratorial tone, before continuing to point out more leaders.
But Number 5 wasn't listening anymore.
Her attention had locked onto one in particular. White hair. Pale skin. There was something about him that drew her in. She couldn't look away.
Masha noticed immediately. She followed her gaze, spotted the guy effortlessly… and a slow, knowing smile spread across her face.
"I see someone's caught your eye, hehe."
She let out a light chuckle, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"His name's Aiden. They say he's the best you can get. Supposedly awesome… or so I've heard. I've never been placed with him." She sounded a bit disappointed saying that.
"They say he's kind, gives tons of free time. Basically, every camper's dream."
"And you couldn't bribe someone to get us assigned to him?" Ivy asked, half-smiling.
That made Masha frown instantly. She clenched her fists in frustration.
"You think I didn't try!?" she huffed. "Of course I tried! But I didn't have enough money…"
She paused, sighed deeply, then raised a fist with determination.
"But I have faith that this year we'll get him. We've gotta stay positive, right Luz?"
No response.
"…Luz?"
Masha turned, looking for her new friend, but the spot where she'd been just seconds ago was now empty.
"Luz?" she repeated, glancing around with growing concern.
"Uh… she's over there," said Jace, pointing toward the group of camp leaders.
More precisely, right next to Aiden.
Snf, snf.
Number 5 was standing very close to him. Way too close. With her nose tilted upward. Sniffing him.
Snf. Snf.
"Luz, what are you doing?!" Ivy blurted out in a tense voice. Now that they were officially cabinmates, if she got in trouble… they'd all get dragged into it.
"Luz!!" Masha tried to call her back, but it was already too late.
Karen was already standing beside her. Without saying a word, she gave her a light whack on the head with a thick book.
"Ah!" Number 5 rubbed her head, blinking in confusion as she snapped back to her surroundings.
"Noceda… if I'm not mistaken, right?" Karen said, looking at her over the top of her glasses.
Number 5 nodded uncertainly. Truth be told, she wasn't entirely sure of the full name of the girl she was impersonating, but better not to risk it.
Karen opened the book she'd just smacked her with and showed her a specific page.
"I think you should start reading the rules."
Printed clearly on the page Rule No. 22: No smelling people …accompanied by a simple illustration of a figure sniffing another, crossed out with a big red X.
"…Sorry," Number 5 murmured softly. "It's just… he smelled good…"
Karen simply huffed with resignation and handed her the book, which Number 5 took without protest.
"It's fine," the woman said. "It's not the first time… and unfortunately, it won't be the last."
Annoyed, she waved her hand, signaling her to return to the group. Number 5 obeyed silently.
It wasn't long before they started calling out the cabin leaders. Group by group, campers were assigned and escorted away from the main area by their designated guide.
Finally, it was their turn.
"You'll be in Cabin Number 7," announced the same woman from before, checking her clipboard. "And your leader will be…"
She paused briefly to confirm the name.
"Aiden."
Masha screamed before she even finished the word.
"WOOOO!! SUCK IT, LOSERS!!"
She yelled it loud, glancing triumphantly at the other campers, only to quickly realize she was the only one celebrating.
Ahem.
"Excuse me… please, carry on," she muttered, awkwardly fixing her hair.
The woman's expression didn't change. Not even a blink.
"Go with him. He'll lead you to your cabin. He'll coordinate your activities. Tell him if you need anything."
She paused, watching them in silence for a few uncomfortable seconds before raising her voice. "What are you waiting for? Go!"
The whole group reacted at once, grabbing their things and hurrying to catch up with Aiden. As soon as they reached him, he greeted them with a cheerful smile.
"Masha, Ivy, and Jace… if I'm not mistaken," Aiden said, pointing to each of them with ease.
Masha raised her hand and gave him a friendly wave.
"Bingo. I guess our reputation precedes us."
Aiden nodded with a small smile.
"Yeah, it's rare to see someone come back more than once to this camp. In your case… three times. That's impressive."
Masha smiled proudly. "What can I say? They couldn't break my spirit."
He nodded in approval and then turned to Number 5.
"And you… I think we've already met."
"Hehe… yeah." Number 5 laughed nervously, lowering her gaze. "Sorry about that."
She still felt a little embarrassed about the whole sniffing thing, but relaxed when Aiden casually waved a hand.
"No big deal. Just don't do it to anyone else."
She nodded quickly, relieved he wasn't upset.
"Well, let's get going. It's getting late."
Everyone nodded and followed him as Aiden began guiding them around the camp.
"This is the dining hall. Be on time, or you'll miss dessert."
They kept walking as he pointed out other areas.
"That's the bathroom. Boys to the left, girls to the right."
"Over there's the classroom. You'll have your 'reality appreciation' activities there."
Masha let out a low laugh. "Fancy name for saying we're gonna be forced into boring stuff."
Aiden nodded without offense. "Exactly."
Then he pointed toward a wide open field.
"That's the sports zone. You'll do physical activities there… like the normal kids we hope you are."
As he kept talking, they finally reached a wooden cabin with a big number 7 painted on the door.
"And this is your cabin."
Aiden stepped forward, opened the door, and let them in. The inside was simple but clean: two bunk beds lined up, a table in the center, and some lockers along the wall.
"You'll be in charge of keeping this place clean from now on." Then he looked at them directly, his tone a bit more serious.
"Basic rules: no fire, no hidden candy, no wild animals as pets, no gambling… and no voodoo."
"Pfff…" Masha huffed, crossing her arms. "It was one time. And they still put it in my permanent record…" She muttered, looking off to the side.
"Dinner's in 30 minutes. Don't be late."
Aiden placed a small pamphlet on the table.
"This is your schedule. It includes your free time. I'll be involved in most of your activities. If you do things right, you might earn more free hours."
When she finished speaking, she turned to look at them and paused.
"Any questions?"
Masha raised a hand immediately.
"What skincare do you use? I've been coming to this camp for three years and you haven't aged a day."
Ahem. Aiden coughed awkwardly.
"I think… there are no questions. I'll see you at dinner."
Without adding anything else, he turned and left the cabin. As soon as the door closed, Masha grinned mischievously.
"Did you see how he dodged the question? I'm telling you, that's suspicious."
"Or maybe he just doesn't like answering weird questions," Ivy replied.
"Or maybe he just ages well. I wouldn't mind having that skin," Jace muttered.
"What do you think, Luz?"
Masha asked, but Number 5 was at the window, watching Aiden as he walked away. Her eyes followed him carefully, focused.
"I think… he has a peculiar smell."
"See?! Luz is on my side!" Masha exclaimed triumphantly. "We've got ourselves a camp mystery already!!!"
Time passed as everyone unpacked their belongings. Number 5 didn't really feel attached to any of her stuff. It still felt strange to be called 'Luz'. She had never had a real name before, and now she had to carry someone else's. Still, deep down, she had already made up her mind. She'd been through a lot… and if she wanted to adapt to this new world, she had to accept that now she was Luz. Or at least, for now.
"Luz." Ivy's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Yeah?" she replied quickly, turning around.
"It's time to eat. Let's go to the dining hall." Ivy nodded toward the door. "You coming?"
Luz nodded quickly, finished packing the little she had, and followed them. She liked this group of humans. They were kind, and they treated her well. That was already more than she'd ever had before.
It didn't take long to reach the dining hall. Inside, it was already packed, making her hesitate for a moment. She wasn't sure what to do. Back where she'd come from, the guards gave her one portion of sludge a day. No choices, no trays.
Now… she wasn't sure how any of this worked.
She decided it was best to imitate the others. She watched Masha, who grabbed a tray and joined a line. Luz did the same, copying every move closely. The line moved slowly. She saw how each person was given similar portions.
When it was her turn, the man serving food placed several items on her tray, including a portion of something that looked very much like the sludge she used to get in her cell.
She stared at it, curious. Without thinking, she sniffed it… and couldn't help herself. She dipped a finger into the mix and tasted it. Just a little…
"Hey!"
The man's voice—surely the chef's—sounded annoyed. He frowned as he looked at her.
"Is there something wrong with the food I make?" he asked.
Luz blinked, surprised by the tone… but instead of being intimidated, her face lit up.
"No! It's great!" she said with a sincere smile as she brought a little more to her mouth, unable to resist.
Unlike the sludge she was used to, this had flavor. A lot of flavor. It was delicious. The chef watched her for a few seconds… then his expression changed completely. Suddenly, he burst out laughing.
"Looks like you've got good taste! Hahaha!" he said cheerfully, then quickly snatched the tray from Luz's hands.
"Eh?" Luz blinked, confused as he took it away.
"Nooo! My food!" she whined sadly.
Did I do something wrong? Was I not supposed to talk? Did I eat too early?
She stood there silently, unsure of what to do. But the chef just waved her over. A second later, he handed her another tray. This one had better food. Clearly the kind usually reserved for supervisors or group leaders.
"A girl with good taste deserves something better," he said, winking at her.
Luz stared at the tray, stunned. Then she smiled, confused, but happy.
A happiness that didn't last long.
"Hey!"
A voice behind her startled her. Luz turned around and saw a girl glaring at her, arms crossed.
"Why does she get real food?" she complained. "That's not fair!"
The chef, still serving meals, looked up and gave her a sharp glare.
"LIFE ISN'T FAIR!" he shouted.
"That's what you came to this camp to learn!"
Then, without further explanation, he plopped some sludge onto her tray and waved her forward gruffly.
The girl huffed in frustration and walked off, shooting a glare at Luz, who quickly turned away and hurried back to her group.
"Thanks, chef!" she called out, almost running, clutching her tray carefully so she wouldn't spill anything.
She sat down next to her companions, holding the tray like a treasure. Masha raised an eyebrow at her food. Jace leaned in, curious.
"How'd you get that?" he asked, eyeing the tray with clear envy.
"Yeah, that's definitely not what they usually serve…" added Ivy, eyeing her own portion.
Luz just shrugged, unsure how to explain it. The chef had just… done it.
She reached out to eat with her hands, but stopped when she saw the others using utensils. A bit clumsily, she picked up the fork and spoon, trying to mimic them. At first, it was hard—she wasn't used to this—but she managed to adapt.
Even so, the taste of the food made her forget any worries she might've had.
It was delicious.
As she chewed slowly, she couldn't help thinking… she wanted more of the sludge.
Way tastier than what they used to give her in captivity. Was it a secret recipe?
Then a new scent distracted her.
She looked up, sniffing instinctively, and saw Aiden entering the dining hall.
He walked straight to the table where the cabin leaders sat and took his seat.
Masha noticed too and leaned slightly toward the others.
"Hey… have you guys noticed our leader eats really little?" she whispered, subtly pointing at Aiden's plate.
"He barely has a quarter of what we're eating."
Ivy shrugged. "Maybe he's on a diet."
"Mhmm… weird," murmured Masha, thoughtful.
Luz, for her part, lost interest immediately. Yes, Aiden had a weird and pleasant smell… But right now, food was more important. She took another spoonful, savoring the taste.
Once they finished eating, they all returned to the cabin. The atmosphere was calm, and the sky was already dark.
There, Luz faced something completely new: learning how to use a toothbrush. Imitating Ivy, and although it felt strange at first, she eventually found it kind of nice.
Back in their beds, exhaustion took over everyone. Nobody spoke much. They just got into bed one by one and melted into their blankets in silence.
Luz moved carefully, a little shy at first. She lay down on her bed, which turned out to be soft, warm, and comfortable. She curled up under the covers, closing her eyes with a small smile.
"This place is great," she thought as sleep began to take over. Kind people. Plenty of food.
And a warm place to sleep.
She couldn't understand why anyone wouldn't want to be here.
-//-
Author's Note:
What? The chapter's too vanilla!? WHAT, I CAN'T LIKE VANILLA AND NTR!? It's a free world, people!!
Didn't have much time to write, but this is what came out. I want your thoughts, everyone! I don't think this arc will be very long, but I'd love to hear suggestions on what comes next. Of course, I don't want to drop spoilers either—this is a tricky situation, right?
So I'm leaving an image as a spoiler. You can open it if you want to give me advice (or not, if you'd rather avoid spoilers). If you recognize what it's from… you're one of mine.
[Spoiler]
Anyway, see you midweek or next Sunday, depending on how much time I've got.
Hugs and kisses!