Emma Swann
How it began..
"And... she's back online. Emma? Emma, are you registering?" Emma's blue hues slowly flicked open, but she could not see. The world was a mass of blurring shapes and colors, bright lights and frightening shadows. She would have staggered, but she found that she was laying down. "Good morning, beautiful. Are you registering?" "I..." Slowly the harsh overhead lights of the lab came into focus, along with the hazy outline of a female figure. Gooseflesh bubbled over her arms. Registering? "It's cold." A light feminine chuckle filled the air. "Let's get you dressed," the woman said, tenderly helping the naked Emma into a seated position. The Register Room floor was incredibly frosty against her dainty toes. She was led to a line of other naked dolls, each standing huddled next to each other, and each, like her, slimy from the stasis solution.
The group was ushered into a large chamber with rows of shower heads, and instructed to bathe. Emma held herself close as she walked in line to her station, glancing around at the other naked and scared looking bodies. This was her first repair. The first time she had been back in Heartland since she first came from here. It was much colder than she was programed to remember. The water that shot from the shower was steaming hot, and within minutes the room was filled with steam. Emma had to admit, it felt wonderful. After she was done bathing, she waddled along with the rest of them to be toweled and picked up by their case worker. They would be clothed, and, forgive the pun, 'dolled up' according to order. Her case worker was a skinny brunette who had a charming smile. Emma was incredibly relieved to see her again. A familiar face was always a welcome one for Emma. "This way, Emma."
The next thing she knew, she was standing awkwardly in front of a team of designers. The pedestal she stood on rose her six inches off the ground, and allowed the designers to walk circles around her. She tried not to blink too much, and decided it would be best to just stare blankly forward. They wouldn't ask what she wanted to wear, anyway. The brunette, Julia, held a pink clipboard in her hand with a large stack of papers. Emma turned her head just slightly, to watch Julia converse with the designers. "No, no, he won't like that... hmm.. Let me see the blue one?" It was brought over by a blonde intern with a dry erase name tag. "No." An assortment of other clothing swatches were brought over, each turned away. Finally, a blue dress was opted for. Just when she thought that she was going to be able to be clothed, she was whisked away to the makeup and hair station. Two hours later, she was dressed and done up to her designer's pleasure. She was led down a long hallway to an elevator. Julia escorted her out onto the level labeled "L".
By then, Emma had found her legs again and was walking around with graceful ease in her heels. "Wait here. A car will be brought around shortly." And then she was gone, and with her all sense of comfort that Emma had. Suddenly feeling as though she would vomit on her Prada shoes, Emma began to toy with her manicured fingers. "Don't be so nervous," a voice from beside her said. Turning to look to her left, Emma took in the blindingly beautiful woman. The fellow doll was possibly the most gorgeous woman Emma had ever seen. "Humans always love new dolls," the woman went on to say, "So no need to worry. Enjoy it while it lasts." Just then a cabbie came up to the woman. "Your ride is here, Mrs. Jenkins." The woman grinned, and flashed Emma a wink before heading off with her driver.
"Emma Swann?" "Yes?" "This way." Here goes nothing... Emma was loaded into a long silver limo, as was the custom for doll delivery. A large black Heartland logo boasted itself on both the hood and roof of the vehicle. Emma reached up to her emblem on her neck, feeling a silver chain that wrapped around the back of her neck and connected to each side of her heart. That's new. Turning the emblem into jewelry. Clever, too. Emma stepped into the limo and began to fuss over her hair. Shortly thereafter she was joined by a tall dark headed man in a business suit. EMMA SWANN read clearly across the top of the folders he carried. He must be The Seller, Emma mused to herself. The trip did not take long at all. They must have shipped me in stasis.. Emma stared out the window at the large buildings that blurred past. Her new owner had to be loaded... That would be nice.
The mansion that the limo pulled up to consumed the windows. Emma had to bend slightly down to try and see the top floors. "Stop that. You'll wrinkle the dress," the businessman snapped. Surprised at his harsh tone, Emma sat up again, and instantly felt nervous all over again. The man got out, and helped her out. "Let me do the talking," he muttered as he led her up the steps and into the main doors. Her new owner stood waiting for her, and she stood very still and quiet as the businessman began his spill about return policies, maintenance, rights (or lack there of), her sexual parts, and other details that she blocked out. "She's the only vampire we've ever made," she heard him say. "Show him your fangs, Emma." Pulled from wondering about just how many rooms the mansion had, Emma turned to look at her new owner and flashed him her fangs.
One week later..
Emma was slowly walking around the house, wearing one of her 'lounge-around-the-house' outfits. She was in a part of the mansion she had never been in before, exploring her new home. Suddenly, something... no, someone, crossed in front of her. The glimpse she got was of something terrifying and she gasped, jumping slightly. What the hell...? "Hel'," she felt her voice crack, and she cleared her throat. "Hello? Is someone there?" Just then, her owner's sister appeared in the doorway, looking slightly alarmed at first, and then flashing her a smile. Oh, so it was just her. Emma sighed in relief, convinced she was only seeing things. After all, here stood the girl she just saw, and she looked completely normal. Just as beautiful as she looked the first day they met. "Sorry," Emma mumbled, "I, um... Dinner's ready!" It had been the first time she really talked to her owner's sister since she arrived. That was Emma's first and last interaction with Meora when he was not around.
Current day...
Emma cussed as another egg hit the kitchen floor. Her ginger locks were pulled high on her head in a loose bun, and a few wild wisps had escaped. The tiny twists framed her slender, flower-covered, face. She has gotten up early that morning, convinced that she would master the art of cooking despite it not being programmed into her. Over the past two weeks Emma learned that Xander truly only loved one thing; his sister. Knowing this, she took it upon herself to make her breakfast. Perhaps if she could get close to his sister, she could learn how to truly make him happy... and, not that she would admit it, a friend would be nice too. Emma had on a white apron to cover up her black tank top and short shorts while she cooked. Her french tip toes were bare against the cool kitchen floor, so she began to take extra care not to slip on the eggs.
She was just finished with slightly burnt pancakes when the fire alarm blared through the air. Emma winced at the screaming alarm and grabbed the oven mitt to fan the smoke away. When the sound finally stopped, she let out a relieved sigh. Straightening up again, she added the cup of yogurt and slices of fruit to the plates on the serving tray. "I've got it, I've got it," she assured the cook, who sat looking extremely amused across the island. The large cook chuckled and waved her away. "I'll clean up," he chuckled. Right... that's probably for the best... she thought to herself with a small, thankful smile. With careful steps, Emma made her way to Xander's room. Taking a deep breath, she balanced the tray on her hip and held it with one hand as she knocked onto Xander's door. "Xander," she called, trying to keep her voice steady, "I... I've made you and Miss Meora breakfast... May I come in?"
Emma gently pushed open the door and took the tray over to his desk. "I thought, maybe, you and your sister would like to share breakfast this morning.... together." Her nerves turned her stomach upside down. Dolls weren't supposed to think. Would Xander be upset that she got up without permission? Would he be mad at her for walking around without him? New owners were so fickle. What if he decided overnight that he didn't want her, after all? The idea of being sent back to Heartland made her feel faint. Masking her emotions well, Emma placed a smile over her lips. "Would you like for me to go get her?"