And maybe for that reason, there was only one person who could have been waiting there to greet her.
"Well how about that! The PlayStation family's finally complete!" The woman in the white coat was much taller than the one in the hoodie before you even started factoring in how hunched over she was, but quickly a slap on the shoulder make that hunching wallflower flinch into a straight back.
"Love the hoodie! We should rope that into your look, Vita. Saves a pretty penny too, why mess with what works?"
"Welcome to your new workplace! Bet you already guessed I'm PS5," she said, stepping back and spinning in place to hold her coat out like a cape. "Only the finest for the finest console on the market! I'm no leader, but I do call the shots because I've got the best judgment, so stick by me doll and always follow my lead. I bet you'll be swimming in raises and bonuses without even needing to lift a finger!"
"...H....Hi..." Vita stumbles, swept up in this woman's mile-a-minute chatter but even more swept up as PS5 grows impatient and goes for Vita's shoulder again, this time to herd her towards the doors.
"You got to speak up honey or they won't hear you in the cheap seats! Don't worry though, you're the Vita, you're more for completion's sake in this little band of babes they're putting together. Right now it's mostly figuring out our gizmos, I'm betting we're not meant to deploy until we've got the full team, but not any cash mind you. Only ever make a sure bet.... are you listening? I should charge for this advice, or write another book."
"I'm, uh, well, I can... do this job!" Vita asserts, before laughing nervously. "I know about PlayStation, and I play it a lot... the Vita, that is. The system I'm supposed to represent!"
"Pick it up, sweetie! Less words, more meaning!" PS5 says, clapping her hands as the pass through the sliding doors of the building, but seeing Vita shrink away from the bright fluorescent of what looked more like a research lab than a business, PS5 starts to get the kind of person she's dealing with. "Hey hey, pick that chin up! You're part of the team now, so I'll always be in your corner. Believe in me, dear, and this will go just fine. You can do that, right?"
Vita was still struggling to keep up, but she nodded to move things along. She hoped conversations weren't going to be a big part of this job, because PS5 would wind her around her finger every time if they were. All of a sudden though, a voice practically echoes around the entry hall, a girl about the same height as Vita running towards her with her arms outstretched. Rather than fearing another extrovert barreling her way, Vita pulls herself together and smiles, even laughing a little as the sight of a familiar face finally puts her at ease.
"SIS! YOU'RE FINALLY HERE!"
Vita braces herself for her sister's embrace, but she's caught off-guard as instead her sister shifts into a bull charge, Vita instead having to catch her by the head to prevent painful contact. She can barely keep on her feet before it actually turns into a bracing hug, both girls laughing even if one was doing so with far more energy.
"Saved me the trouble of searching you out PSP!" PS5 pats the little arrival on the head, deliberately messing up hat and hair both seemingly to the delight of the girl called PSP. She turns her attention to Vita, "We heard this ball of sunshine had a twin sister and we couldn't pass up the synergy! You're the moon to her sun though, ain'tcha sweetheart?"
"Is she flirting with me?" Vita whispers to PSP, only to hear her sister let out of a snort of a laugh.
"That's just how Five is! I'm so glad you're here! I have been DYING to show you this!" she says, stepping back a fair bit. "Stay back! For your own safety!" she calls out, but Five's casual pose confused Vita, making unsure who to trust. PSP raises her hands to her head, shaking her head wildly as she presses in on two hat flaps that doubled as headphones.
"She's big on the presentation side," Five said with a wink, Vita still nervous until two sketchy grey lines burst out of PSP's hat and make two small near identical creatures appear on her shoulders...
"Did you just make... squirrels?
"Who you calling squirrels, girl?" One of the grey squirrels snap back.
"Hey check it out! She looks greyer than us! Damn girl did you wake up in a ditch or you just live there?"
PSP shakes her head, her eyes flickering bluish purple for a bit before she quickly gives the squirrel who just spoke a little bonk on the head. "Hey! Be nice! She's my sister!"
"She your sister? Damn, that nut fell far from the tree!"
"Into that ditch, right dude?"
PSP rolls her eyes, "They're really fun when they're not mean!"
"Oh hell yeah we are! Watch this," the squirrels quickly do a sequence of Kung Fu moves, over the top yelling and all.
"So this is what it looks like when your hat glitches right?" Vita asks, only for the two squirrels to stumble as she said it.
PSP snorts again. "HA! She got you guys good! They're actually able to do all sorts of things when I load up the right UMDs, but they're fun to pal around with too! They just need time to get used to new people, like you!"
"I don't want to get to know them..."
"OH!" PSP raises her hands. "Go ahead and ask them their names! Please! Come On!"
"Fine... what's your names," Vita says, at least a little happy to play along with her sister's game.
"I'm Nuts!"
"And I'm... DEEZ!"
"OHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" the three spin in place at their dumb joke, PSP snorting again as Vita mumbles a little. "Come on! I can only do that once with each person! Sorry sis," PSP came over and gave her sister a soft hug, Vita happy to accept it but glaring at the squirrels as they prepared to try and join in.
"Ow! That stare is sharp! Get me a band-aid," one said to the other, but PSP taps her hat to make them disappear now.
"Please tell me we don't all get squirrels..." Vita's voice hinted this was less a true complaint and more a joke, and PSP took it that way.
"Oh don't worry, the squirrels are all mine! No sharing, even if you want them," she says in a singsong voice, "But I bet Five and One already have something in the works."
"Speaking of my wonderful self," Five steps in, "I'm looking to make this a quick and full tour before we see the suits, and we got four generations to cover. You'll get your playtime with her later, honey." PS5 takes Vita by the hand, but Vita hesitates.
"PSP... am I really cut out for this? I... appreciate it, it's been a long time since I've had a job. I'm surprised you even wanted one at all..."
PSP smiles, "That should tell you all you need! I hate work, but I love this! You'll do just fine once you calm down."
"Doubt it. I'll live in constant fear of those squirrels," Vita adds, the two sharing a small laugh, but when she felt a pair of hands wrapping around her, she suddenly tenses up, quite aware those weren't PS5's arms.
"When they told me my precious little PSP came in a pair, I thought I must be dreaming, but even as I hold you tight, you're still too good to be true~"
"Easy there Four," PS5 moves to try and pull PS4 off Vita, but the woman's arms had wound around the smaller PlayStation girl and she would not be so easily extricated. "You boil her water and she's bound to pop."
"You're never any fun. Besides, I'm just getting to know our gorgeous new friend. In time, we'll know every little bit about each other I'm sure."
"G-g-g-g...gorgeous?" Vita's pale cheeks were shock red now, PS4 laughing smugly to herself as she pulls back Vita's hoodie to stroke her hair. "N-no! I haven't washed..."
"Maybe you should chill a little bit, I'm right here..." PSP huffed, PS4 turning her half-lidded eyes over to the other twin.
"I have enough love for all the little ladies of my life! I just wanted to give this one a very warm welcome before we become tight friends."
"Ubwaaa...." Vita's legs drop out from under her, but that didn't matter much with how strong Four's embrace was. PSP was upset now though, grabbing Vita by the arm and pulling until Four relinquished her hold.
"You're luck you're so cute or I'd fight you tooth and nail for that lovely night flower," PS4 pouts.
"Well I'll fight you right now," Five butts in, "We need her on your feet! Save your little 'adoptions' for outside work hours."
PS4's eyes went from a sultry stare abruptly into a cold glare, "As you like to say, 'you're not the boss'. I'm here to protect my little sweeties from anyone who'd deny them a good time. They come first for me, over everything else," Four moves forward, butting into Five, only for Five to laugh and Four to immediately cool down.
"One day you'll see I'm sweeter than any of your darlings," Five claps Four on the shoulder, "But taking care of them makes sure they don't faint when you're feeling steamy, capiche?"
Four looks over at Vita, who PSP had ushered over to some chairs in a barely populated cafe area. With the fog of excitement gone, Four was immediately concerned. "Oh my sweet thing, don't worry, I'll come nurse you back to health~" As she moves over, arms outstretched, PSP intercepts, grabbing her and turning her around. "I won't complain about this swap..."
"But I got lots to whine about!" PSP said grumpily, ready to lay into Four for flustering her sister but starting to melt immediately as Four starts cooing and lightly patting her head. The three were left to do some odd mix of bicker and bond as Vita sat oddly in her chair, head leaning all the way back as if she was in a daze.
"Was she... flirting, with... me?" Vita sounded almost drunk as she mused out loud.
"Four really likes girls she can scoop up and baby, so yes! She definitely was!" Vita didn't recognize the voice speaking to her, but when she opened her eyes, she was greeted by a smiling face.
"Hello! I'm PlayStation Two! Nice to meet you! Do you want a drink to cool down with? I have bottled water." PS2 held the bottle towards Vita, the more reclusive girl sitting up and looking at it for a second.
"Do you have anything with more... caffeine?"
"Like... caffeinated bottled water?" PS2 got to her feet, nearly sprinted to the cafe counter, and came back with just that, handing it to Vita with a beaming smile.
The immediate friendliness would normally turn Vita off. It usually felt so fake or forced... but PS2 had a friendly aura around her she couldn't resist. "Thank you I think," taking a big swig, Vita did feel better, only to see the expectant look on PS2's face.
"Oh right. I'm Vita. I think I'm on your... team? Now."
"You are, that's right! It's so nice to finally meet you! I know you'd be interesting. Do you like it here?"
"I don't know yet, it's a lot to take in. Everyone's so... forceful." Vita lowers her head, but Two lowers her head to keep her eyes on Vita's.
"Don't worry! It takes some time to get to know them but they're all great. They're just excited to meet someone new, like I am! Tell you what, we can do a simple friendly introduction to ease you in better. Does that sound good?"
Vita nods, gasping a little after another big drink, "Yeah, I think I'd like something calmer. I'm... Vita. Did I say that already? I did. What else is there to say..."
"It's fine! You don't need to say anything, just talk with me! They call me Two here. I like movies, music, and food!"
"Doesn't.... everybody?"
"Yes!" Two said with a big grin, but Vita couldn't find it in her to laugh or be put off by the chipper naivety. Two was just too earnest that Vita felt she couldn't bring herself to dampen her light.
"Well, I guess I do too. I uh... think Five wanted to show me everybody though, so I don't know how long we can talk..."
PS2 quickly stood up, "I bet Five would be really happy if she had to work less, so I'll help you meet the others! Who haven't you met yet? ...Wait, that's a funny question! You don't know who you haven't met!"
"Well, there's a PS1 and a PS3 as well, right?"
PS2 gasped, and again, Vita was both caught off guard by the girl's authenticity but at once comforted by its genuineness. "Wow, that's some smart reasoning! Yes, I know where we can find PS3 for sure. She spends a lot of time in her room. I bet you will like her, she's not as forward as our more energetic friends."
"That does sound like a nice change of pace..." Vita found herself standing up and going along with PS2 without needing to be told to our guided. It would be a while before PS5 would realize Vita had gone on without her, but Vita was enjoying walking along, Two allowing there to be some silence for a bit so the girl could retreat in the comfort of her own head like usual. It was actually nice to drink in the facility, although Vita's attempts to understand the facility were thwarted by unusual architecture. Floors seemed to cleanly transition into walls and then ceilings, Vita not able to spot a single seam or any indication this place had been assembled through traditional means. No tiles, the ceilings seemed to emit light without any bulbs, and everything felt so sleek. She noticed her shoes weren't even leaving dirt on the ground, Vita nearly thinking to ask about it only for Two to come to a stop outside a door.
"Three is in here! Be careful, she likes to do recording lately. They're so good to listen to though, but that's why you don't want to interrupt!" Two lightly knocks a few times, but the door slides open, leaving Vita standing in the doorway looking in on a dark room lit by a set of monitors.
A monotone voice spoke. "Adults are so quick to look upon rebellious teenagers as expressing as sort of impotent range because of their own inadequacies on acting on their own revolutionary spirit during their adolescence. Rather than believing that the youth of today can enact meaningful sweeping change through acts of protest, older citizens find comfort in their own failures by dismissing any potential of the next generation, and they will do so right up until extremes like a total regime change, after which they then pine for the old status quo as a continued rejection of this embodiment of their misplaced judgment."
"Ubwa..." Vita was looking a little dazed again, this time because of the strange subject matter entering her ears. Before confusion could set in though, the speaker quickly hits some keys on their keyboard and turns in their chair.
"My apologies, those thoughts were not meant to be directed at you, at least not in the format of a conversation. I am currently recording an audiobook of my own philosophy you can listen to later if you would like. I had received offers for others to read it aloud, but I believe the strength of the philosophy should be my arguments so I am reading it in a neutral tone to avoid emotionally influencing my audience." The woman moves to stand up, proving to be even taller than PS5 as she looks down on Vita with a friendly smile despite her neutral tone.
"I am known as PlayStation 3 in the workplace, I believe you are here to take on the PlayStation Vita role? I do look forward to the chance to pick your brain- oh... Yes. And to become your friend and discuss your interests. I hope you enjoy music, movies, and food." PS3 looks to PS2, the other girl giving her a big thumbs up.
"Why are you..." Vita looks at PS3's skin tight suit, PS3 only realizing it after Vita stares straight at her breasts. PS3 blushes, but she adjusts her glasses and tries to sound professional.
"This outfit is tied to my abilities as the representative of the PlayStation 3 console and will change alongside the powers I manifest with it. I am aware it is fairly tight, but I had also hoped this might be a way to draw more interest from potential romantic partners."
PS2 leans in, "PS3 was really big into academics, but she finished doing everything she wanted to do there! Now she wants to see if she can conquer social subjects too, like philosophy!"
PlayStation 3 nods with a bit of vigor, "Yes, I would like to better understand the emotional and cultural side of our world as well and I do believe the only way to do so is through immersion in them. I do still believe if I were to have a long term romantic partner I would hope they would be interested in my mind, but I cannot deny that physical attraction is a key part in forming a relationship. If you are interested in dating me I can provide you my business card and we can discuss a courtship schedule we both find adequate."
"You're... flirting, with me?" Vita sputters again.
Two swoops in, "I don't think she is! She just doesn't really understand dating yet, but she's doing better with each and every try!" She gives PS3 a thumbs up.
PS3 gives her a thumbs up back before looking at Vita. "I do not seem to be attracted to anyone myself yet, so I do not know how else to pick someone to initiate a relationship with. Perhaps as coworkers she would remain on more fraternal terms, so I hope I did not broach a subject you are uncomfortable with."
Vita recovered quickly this time, partly because PS3's composed behavior meant she really didn't seem equipped to keep up a fluster assault. "It's fine... I just, you know, didn't expect so much attention! I am new though, but, people talk like they like me already..."
"That is called politeness," PS3 says proudly, getting another thumbs up from Two.
"You know what isn't polite, honey? Ditching me!" Five steps into the room, a big grin on her face. "Nice try hiding somewhere this dark though. But I got senses like a tiger and a hawk's lovechild. Looks like you knocked Two and Three off the list though. Gotta love the efficiency! We got to get a move on though, One really should just see you alone Vita."
"Of course," PS3 half bows to Five, PS2 waving farewell to Vita and PS5 as the girls head off and head down an elevator this time. Vita was looking more at the walls again...
"Fancy, isn't it? Made from the same stuff that your gear will be. No reason to add imperfections just for comfort, keep it sleek and effective! You will be real surprised to see all that this place's power can do, if I had found it on my own I'd be a billionaire! Really shocks me how they could keep it all secret... You paying attention honey?"
"Yes, yeah..." It was starting to weigh in how big this situation she had got herself into was though. Besides Four coming on really strong though, she was starting to think this place might not be so bad. Her sister was here, PS2 put her at ease, PS3 was well-meaning, and PS5... well, maybe she could get her to keep Four off her back.
This One was a mystery though, and as the elevator reaches its destination, it opens to an enormous room with a giant purple energy swirling in its center. Surging out in spikes, cubes, and other shapes, the strange power looked volatile but it was easy to see a boundary to its fluctuation that lined up with sets of metal bars that rose from devices on the floor and ceiling to contain it.
Standing on a platform that allowed her to look right into the power source was a woman in a labcoat with hair that was clean and white. She taps her chin as she looks over the screens before her and at the fluctuating energy, twisting a nob and watching it move in a slower and more consistent manner.
"HEY PLAYSTATION ONE!" Five calls out with her hands beside her mouth. "COMPANY!"
"Oh goodie!" Switching immediately from scientist mode to a bit of pep, the girl moves to shut down the system, the energy flowing off into the device in small little chunks. One struggles to remove her lab coat as she starts taking the stairs, shaking her head when she gets there and looking at Vita with a big smile.
"Hi! Do I know her?" she says, looking to Five.
"Not yet! This is your first meeting sweetheart."
"Oh good, I should have swapped my discs already! So sorry, give me a second," PS1 reaches to her head, pulling at the two discs clamped onto it. Vita noticed quickly they weren't hair clips, the discs apparently plugged into readers that were part of her head. The cybernetic attachments were hidden well, but Vita still stared at the spot while One fiddled with a pack on her belt. Pulling out two new discs with a blue coloration, she pops them in, before pumping her hands.
"All loaded! Hi! I'm O-"
"Company names, darling." Five tells her.
"Of course! That's what we do here. I need to write that to this disc then. I am PlayStation One, but you can call me One! By now you must be curious about these," she says, bouncing the discs on her head with her hands. Vita flinches a little, still not sure how they worked.
"Before I signed up with PlayStation for this ambitious project, I had terrible memory problems. Thankfully, I've been able to create external memory storage I can access for perfect retention of information I'd be unable to remember naturally! It's been so great being able to do my work again, I'm a tech developer! I'll be working on whatever gadget we have in store for you no doubt, so I hope you'll enjoy my creation!"
"Huh... you can really fix a brain like that?" Vita continues to gawk. "Oh, um... not fix... I'm not saying..."
"Yes, something was wrong with my head! But not anymore! It's not a perfect fix, but it's better than any alternatives! I hope one day to improve it so I don't need to swap discs for different subjects. This is my 'social' disc right now, so if I don't recognize you while at work, that might be why!"
"You'll get used to it," Five assures Vita, "We came in like a whirlwind today, but that's what excitement does to a girl! I'd let you cool off a bit, but there's still someone you should meet. I bet you two will get along, he's a guy of few words so that will give your head some time to stop spinning." Five puts a hand on Vita's back, ushering her to a different room that glows with a blue light as they enter...
----------------------
"Ubwa... Was... One.... flirting with me?" Vita says as she shakes herself out of a funk. It was dark in the homeless shelter here in Whalestrand, and she hadn't meant to doze off. She had been playing her Vita with her back against the wall in her corner bunk, her mind mixing memory with dream.
"Oh right... here again. Alone." Vita grouses, only for her jacket pocket to start to shake.
"Sorry, I know you're here. I was just... remembering better times. They were... a lot at first. But they were fun, right?" she says to her hidden friend, it shaking a little in response as Vita laughs at the bittersweet thoughts. What she wouldn't give now to see something like One reexplaining herself after swapping discs, or Five trying to sell Vita on some crazy get-rich scheme. She'd had become somewhat close to Two and Three since they were easy to get along with, and Vita really enjoyed laughing at Three's failed attempts at being sociable. She'd even be fine with Four fawning over her again, although admittedly she had already gotten used to it since it the kind of attention she rarely got otherwise.
PSP though... thinking about how wrong things had gone really hurt when she remembers all the time the two had spent together before it all turned sour. Vita wipes her eyes, mentally admonishing herself for letting tears slip. "Can't be so open again. Those Nintendo Girls won't hurt me. They just... they just need to protect us. Even if they don't know who we are." she says to her little friend, before turning her system off, closing her eyes and hoping she could tap into another mix of memory and dream to return to those nicer times...
