“So now this game is going to go on longer and we’re stuck with these bodies until tomorrow?” Caleb complained not happy with Opal’s decision.



Tara turned and gave him a look of disdain. “You’re in your own body, what are you complaining about?” She snapped, getting fed up with his attitude and unhappy with this situation.



“I meant you guys at the moment and for when I swap later,” Caleb sheepishly defended himself.



“Oh that reminds me,” Zachary butted in leaning onto the table with their elbows and their fists against their cheeks. “I rushed you to take your turn earlier but now with the daily reset you can take your turn anytime before midnight,” they informed the group before sitting up again. Rodney looked at their body, disliking the way it was currently acting.



“Wait, it's a daily reset and not a twenty-four hour wait?” Tara clarified.



“Correct,” Zachary nodded. Tara breathed a sigh of relief.



“Alright it’s 8pm now, so why don’t we all stick around here for now and at twelve I’ll draw the next card,” Tara offered. The suggestion was more to have everyone together when the next swaps took place as this was her and Opal’s home so she’d be here either way and so would her body.



“That sounds good,” Opal nodded as she rubbed her irritated forehead. It was like there was supposed to be something there but wasn’t, she felt the same sensation in her back. Her entire skin itched, it was almost unbearable.



“Okay we’ll take this time to set some ground rules and a basic rundown of each other’s lives and anything else we need to go over,” Tara suggested as she got up from the table and walked to her room to grab a notebook as well as a couple of pens.



As Tara entered the bedroom she caught herself in the mirror seeing Opal’s face look back at her. She looked down at her friend and roommate’s body and couldn’t help but feel disgusted in it. She had always liked Opal and never judged her friend on her appearance before but she had worked hard to keep herself fit and active. Now that had been taken away from her and her current one could use a workout. She quickly looked away from the mirror, grabbed the supplies and returned to the table.



“I forgot about Molly,” Tara admitted looking at the woman who was slouched down at the table. “I guess Rodney can fill out the info we need for her for now,” Tara suggested as she slid her original body two sheets of paper. “I want you to write down any information that’ll help someone out while we’re in each other’s body. This could be diets, exercise routines, important contact information, PINs and such.” Tara started writing down what she could think of. “Also don’t forget to update for the next person as the week goes on,” she suggested.



“I’m done,” Zachary commented as they turned their page into a paper plane and threw it in the air, where it kept circling the room above their heads.



“This isn’t just to help out the person in your body but for them not to damage your life too much,” Tara scolded, ignoring the fact the plane should’ve come down by now.



“I’m a blank slate, I have no home, money, job or any contacts to speak of,” Zachary shrugged. “I do like the effort you’re taking to get control over the situation though, keep it up.” They gave Tara a thumbs up, and she wasn’t sure if they were being condescending or not.

Tara rolled her eyes and handed her sheet to Rodney, who had barely filled out theirs. Opal was the next person done and once she was done she asked Zachary to follow her so they could talk privately.



“Why is your body so uncomfortable,” Opal asked, as they scratched their forehead. “Also, can I do magic now?”



“Because I’m wearing a human disguise,” Zachary informed her. “It never bothered me,” they teased. “Also my capabilities remain with the soul not the body so no.” Opal was genuinely disappointed with that answer.



“Oh…” Opal frowned. Zachary walked off before she could continue asking any more questions. When they got back, they walked into an argument between Tara and Rodney while Caleb just sat there.



“Would you rather I just wet myself?” Rodney yelled. “You know this isn’t pleasant for me either. Besides I’ve seen the outline of it before so what does it matter?”



“It matters because I don’t know what pervy task you were given,” Tara shot back angry at the other remark.



“Who says I got a pervy one?” Rodney was genuinely surprised. “Wait, did you get a pervy one?” He changed the subject.



Zachary cleared their throat as they returned to the room. “I’m going to give you your first and only warning.” They looked disappointed. “I’m letting it slide for now as nothing important was revealed but even talking about the nature of the tasks can say too much.”



“So can I go to the bathroom now?” Rodney returned to the topic at hand.



“Fine but I’m waiting outside,” Tara shot back, feeling red in the face as she followed her former body down the hallway.



Zachary took this opportunity to sit down next to Caleb and gave him a strong pat on the back. “So you’re liking my game,” Zachary said with a smile. “Someone always does,” they continued. “I suspect you’re more of a Tara and Molly kinda guy.” Caleb didn’t say anything as they looked over at Molly across the table. “Maybe we can make a deal, one where you end up as one of them at the end of the game.” Caleb still didn’t say anything but something in his expression had changed. “Alright good talk,” Zachary stood up once more and gave Caleb another slap on the back.



“What kind of deal?” Caleb whispered under his breath. Zachary paused and smiled.