"Okay. Wow." Ray's jaw hung open. The inside of the accommodation was far larger than even the outside.
The interior design of the lobby was simple yet functional, featuring shimmering obsidian walls and rock-like floors.
'It is pretty obvious that they went after a form of modern-ancient aesthetic.' Ray nodded.
Onyx materialized beside him, "Oh, so you're now some kind of design specialist? I didn't realize."
The distaste in his voice was palpable but Ray had no intention of outwardly replying to him. He just got to a new place and another title wasn't something he was hungry for.
Ray looked to the stairway that led to the multiple floors above the lobby.
"A 160 rooms. Can you believe that?" Roan asked and Ray mindlessly nodded.
Elix leaned forward and placed his hand on Roan's shoulder. "So room 88? That's actually not far from ours. We're in room 91. Destiny? I guess so."
Roan smacked Elix's hands off his shoulder and the latter jabbed him back in the rib.
Ray nodded slightly, 'So they are roommates. That makes sense.'
"Ignoring him and the destiny talk, it is a nice coincidence. At least, we can keep an eye on one another. I know that Elix certainly needs an eye on him… maybe ten."
Elix slapped Roan's side but he hardly noticed.
Roan slapped his hands together. "Enough boring talk, let's get to your room."
Ray opened his mouth to protest but eventually closed it. He had somehow gotten three people latched onto himself in less than an hour.
The two led the way and Ray followed them up the stairs, his eyes darting between the obsidian walls and his three new... companions? Friends? He wasn't sure what to call them.
"We should probably hurry up, Amy will have our heads. Just cuz we left her outside doesn't mean she isn't waiting for us." Elix chuckled and stepped ahead of Roan.
Onyx drifted beside him, too quiet for anyone else to hear. "Three friends in one day. You're practically popular."
Ray ignored him.
"Room 88," Elix announced, stopping in front of a door. "Home sweet home."
Ray stared at the door, then back at them.
Onyx whispered in his ear, "They are pretty good-looking. I wonder what that Roan's face will look like twisted into a horrific scream."
He moved to the other ear, "Or maybe Elix or Amy. Hmm, I wonder if girls taste different."
Onyx opened his mouth and was about to contact when Elix jumped in front of him. "What's taking you so long? Open it."
Ray shook his head slightly, "Yeah, sorry."
His hand trembled on the handle, 'They're not food. They're not food. They're not—'
"Ray?" Amy's voice came from behind him. She'd caught up. "What's wrong?"
Ray turned and he saw Roan, and Elix staring at her like she had grown a second head.
"Ames? What are you doing here?" Roan asked and she shrugged. Her large eyes landed on Ray. "Well, this will be the only first time that he'll enter his room. I wanna be here." She replied as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Roan nodded, "Makes sense."
They turned their attention back to Ray and Amy frowned slightly, "What's wrong, Ray?"
Ray blinked slowly, 'Why am I letting a worthless apparition affect me? They're not food and I'm in charge.'
He smiled. "Nothing. Just... nervous, I guess." Amy beamed. "Don't be! This is exciting!"
Ray turned back to the door.
Behind him, Onyx appeared, his black eyes fixed on Amy's back. He scowled but didn't say a word.
Ray opened the door and the insides were a lot more mundane than he had expected. 'Huh? Far fewer rocks and chambers of secrets than I expected.'
The room was exactly what anyone would imagine a school dormitory to look like. It had a single bunk bed placed against one of the walls, two reading tables, and chairs provided for each one.
Another wall had a wardrobe placed against it. The wardrobe was beside the door that led to what Ray assumed was his bathroom.
His luggage was indeed waiting for him on the lower bunk. "Where is my roommate?" Ray turned to the trio who were devouring his room interiors with their eyes.
Amy dramatically shook her head, "Sorry… uhm, it seems you're one of the lucky few who have no roommate. Ugh, you're soooo lucky. I'd kill to get rid of my roommate but no—"
Elix slapped a hand over Amy's mouth to get her to stop and he quickly jerked his hand back, "Did you lick my hand?!"
Amy stuck out her tongue, "That'll teach you to put your hand over the mouth of a dame such as myself."
Elix scoffed and rolled his eyes, "Where is the dame? And jokes on you—" His paused dramatically and a wry smile spread on his face.
"—I used the bathroom and DIDN'T WASH MY HANDS!!" He pretty much screamed the last part and Amy almost lost consciousness.
She leaned against the doorway and dry heaved, "You. Boys. Are. Disgusting." She managed to say in between attempts at throwing up.
Roan walked to Ray and patted his shoulder, "We'll leave you alone for now. If you need us, just step outside and you'll find us loitering about."
Ray nodded and watched as Roan dragged Amy and Elix by their ears. "Ow! He/She started it!" They both yelled at the same time.
Once the door was closed, Ray crashed into his bed on the lower bunk.
He lay down, "I'm here. I've finally arrived."