Synthesis

A drink sounded good to you. Your heartrate was still high from worrying and you could use something to help calm down. So far Cerve had been right. Brian hadn't had a chance to say anything yet but the expression on his face as he looked at you wasn't the disgust you had feared but rather a peculiar kind of curiosity.

Cerve smiled at the opportunity and is holding a tray of drinks that came from seemingly nowhere as she ushered you all to the table. She hands you each a cup as you sit down. The drinks are of all different colors. Yours is a faint pink and tastes of watermelon juice and ginger. You walk around the table and sit on the side opposite of the door. Samantha sits next to you and the three boys take the opposite end. Cerve remains standing. You take a deep swig of your drink and swear you can feel yourself become calmer before addressing the group.

The boys are mostly quiet as you give a rundown on what has happened since you first met Cerve. You left out certain details, you had met Samantha at the gym, no need for them to know what she was up to when you first saw her. You leave out the SFC group's role in your decision to become Alexis, instead saying Cerve had convinced you that it was for the best. Sammy gives you a few smirks and sly looks as you dance around mentioning any of the sexual elements of the transformation.

Brian : "So you're a girl now? Like all the way?"

He glanced down and then back up, saw your face go red and realized he had maybe asked a delicate question indelicately. He tried to sputter out an apology. Really you found it kind of cute. You know he didn't mean anything rude by it.

Brian : "uh, I mean-"

Alexis : "That's ok, I know it's all confusing. It's confusing to me too. Not... Not entirely... Not yet at least..."

There's a bit of an awkward silence but thankfully Jeff bails you out.

Jeff : "So... Alexis..."

He says your new name slowly, as if tasting it on his tongue.

Jeff : "What's Cerve capable of? I mean how did she do this uniform trick and what else can she do?"

Cerve answers for you.

Cerve : "The illusion is the result of many tricks coming together. This house is lined with hologram projectors of my own design which covers the visuals. For the feel it's a combination of almost every surface being quite malleable and every surface carrying special currents that I can use to directly stimulate you nerves so that you can feel things differently than they actually are."

Jeff looks impressed. The conversation has lulled, you're sure everyone had many more questions but there was already quite a bit to digest.

Cerve : "Now, enough show and tell, you folks came here for a game night, how about we get started?"

You were grateful at the prospect of having an activity be the center of attention rather than yourself.

Cerve : "I have two options, and escape room type scenario where you'll work together and use your wits to solve puzzles and riddles to earn a prize."

She let that option hang in the air, there were a couple glances exchanged. You had done escape rooms in the past and enjoyed them but always found the puzzles a little basic.

Cerve : "Or we could do something a little more experimental..."

There's a glint in her eyes, she clearly has something strange up her sleeves.