NOTE: Moody belongs to Mags, known as fshlvr on this site. I don't tae credit for her in any way.
An Experiment Called Emerald: Prologue
Experiment 012, a small, fluffy green creature, ran across the street, dodging cars and finally scampering into the bushes. She sighed happily. She was safe—safe and very, very thirsty.
Glancing upward, 012 saw a cart with two experiments in it. One was blue and appeared to be made out of ice. The other was orange and had what appeared to be an extra hand on his head. They were serving the humans snow in little cups.
"Namitu!" cried out 012 thirstily, the Kweltikwan word for "water." There was no word for "snow," but water was close enough to snow for her.
The blue experiment turned his head. "Naga namitu," he told her, "isa shaved ice."
She cocked her head and stared at him. "Shaved ice?"
He nodded and then said in Kweltikwan, "It's flavored frozen water. Wanna try some? You look like an experiment. My name's Slushy."
She nodded and said in her language, "Sure, I'd love to try some. My name is…" She tried to invent a name out of midair. Ruby? No, she wasn't a red experiment.… Diamond? No, too vain-sounding.… How about… Emerald! Yes, Emeralds were green and so was she!
"…Emerald," said 012. "My name is Emerald."
"Okay, Emerald." Slushy smiled, handing her a container of shaved ice.
Emerald. Emerald smiled as she slurped her shaved ice. She liked her name already.