Friendly meeting

The four of you walk into the AWIO building, a place that’s become quite familiar to you over the last few weeks. Dakota, on the other hand, has never been here before, and is understandably quite excited. As you walk in, you’re immediately greeted by a familiar face.

“Well well, what brings you here once again? Getting a little bit greedy with the girls, Brian?”

You laugh as Rachel walks over. “No, we’re here for something different, actually. I wouldn’t have any room for more in my house anyway.”

Mazzy grins. “Not true! We’re small and his bed is big!”

You blush, and Rachel laughs. “Good to see you again Mazzy. And you, Ellie, how are you getting along?”

The little goblin squeezes your hand. “I-I’m very happy, miss Rachel. No one’s ever b-been as nice to me as daddy…I m-mean Brian!”

Rachel looks at you, amused, and you blush even more. “Daddy, hmm? Cute. Don’t worry, I’m not judging you!”

She turns to Dakota. “And you are?”

Dakota smiles and offers her hand, which Rachel shakes. “Dakota. I’m the token human girl, and this visit is my idea.”

Rachel nods. “Interesting. Why don’t we find a quiet office, and you can tell me all about it.”

She leads you down a hall, and into one of the interview rooms. Once everyone is seated, Dakota and Mazzy explain their idea. As they talk, you see that Rachel is nodding and smiling, clearly intrigued by the concept of a cafe staffed by monster girls. When the pitch is finished, she claps her hands.

“Wonderful! And you seem to have put a lot of thought into this.”

Mazzy nods excitedly. “So you like the idea? Will the AWIO help us?”

Rachel smiles. “I love it! It’s perfect, and a great idea. I’ve been waiting for a good idea to pitch to the council anyway.”

You look at her curiously. “The council?”

Rachel nods. “My bosses, essentially. They’re all from the old world, and I’ve been pushing to get a new world human involved, since we need that perspective. This is a perfect way to push forward the integration of monster girls, plus get them out of our building on occasion.”

Dakota leans forward, getting excited. “That’s what I thought. Do you think they’ll approve it?”

Rachel smiles. “I can’t see why they wouldn’t. And maybe I’ll get a seat on the council as well!”

You laugh. “So you’re using us just a little.”

Rachel shrugs. “You could look at it that way, I suppose. But really, I just want what’s best for everyone.”

Mazzy bounces in her chair. “So, now what?”

Rachel stands up. “Now I take your idea to the council. Unfortunately, I can’t bring you with me, but this shouldn’t take long. I’ll just have you wait in the lobby. I’ll be back with their decision.”

With that, you and the girls head back to the entrance, and find a place to sit. Mazzy can barely sit still, but Ellie is content to sit in your lap, a smile on her face. Dakota and Mazzy walk around, chatting excitedly about menu plans and possible locations. You listen, smiling as you rub Ellie’s back.

True to her word, Rachel comes back after about twenty minutes. The smile on her face speaks volumes, and Mazzy excitedly runs up to her. “Well? Can we do it?”

Rachel nods. “The council gave approval, but they want to speak with all of you first. They have some requirements, and they want to hear everything from you personally.”

Dakota looks nervous. “Is this some kind of test?”

Rachel laughs. “Not at all, and don’t be worried. They’re just people, and only one is non-human.”

You stand, and Mazzy rushes over to take your hand. “C’mon! Let’s go, this is exciting!”

Ellie quietly takes your other hand, looking up at you with a smile. Rachel looks at the three of you and laughs. “Adorable. Follow me, it’s this way.”