WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

[retellers]

WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL (43 remain) Whatever each character was doing—chatting with friends, going to bed, saving the world—ceases. In fact, it's likely nothing more than a groggy memory now, as they open their eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. Apparently, they took a nap right in the middle of a small town, plopped outside on the paved road. Ow? Oh, but it looks like they've been given a goodie bag. Everyone likes gifts, right? Inside, it contains: - a single random one of the following headbands and sparklers - packets of tea - one unlabeled pill - a rock that resembles the galaxy - if they're of age, a mini bottle of alcohol; if they're underage, a can of Mountain D*w Baja Blast instead - a singular condom - a single random one of these pillows (how did this fit?) - a handheld device Should they boot up the device, the screen helpfully informs them that it's a Participant Help System (PHS). Not much on it, but it does have a few apps, including a memo one for taking notes. There's also a messaging system, though it's only capable of receiving messages, not sending any. As a matter of fact, there's an alert for a new message already. Maybe it'll explain what's going on. Good evening, everyone. Uh, how are we sure they’re arriving in the evening? Just say “hello”! Or “greetings”! Greetings is fancy, right? Oh that’s true. Greetings, everyone. That’s better? Yes! Except maybe we take out the that’s better part in the final version. Will do! We’re sorry that we’re not here jklk oh no how do i erase what i wrote. Where is the question mark. Help press backspace. What is a backspace it’s written on the keyboard. Do you even know how to read? right now. There are a lot of things happening that’s so vague? Could we maybe TRY to not be ominous, guys??, It’s going to be ominous no matter what we say, so who cares so we need time to best prepare for you all. We will greet you properly soon, so please make yourselves at home! There are a lot of places to explore, and the kitchen has a lot of delicious food. Please don’t be shy, but also, don’t damage anything. It’s a little inconvenient. They’re going to do it just because you sound so fucking whiny. I’m sorry oh this is how you write somewhere else. Please do not fight or do. We don’t control your life choices. No please do not fight how do i make an exclamation mark maybe we should’ve gotten someone else to write the draft of the message? No offense. I’m sorry Sorry stop apologizing. No one else volunteered. Maybe we’ll luck out and none of them know how to read Thank you for your time! We’ll see you soon. Also, we promise you haven’t been kidnapped or anything! Oh dear. I don’t know if this is going to be edited, so if it isn’t, then I do apologize to the participants for our lack of organization. We’re doing our best! Probably. Er, what? Unfortunately, it seems as though that's the only info they're given for now. In the meantime, why not explore the surrounding area? A number of buildings are locked, and the Planetarium appears to be closed, but there's enough to keep the characters occupied for a day or two. They might even want to get to know their fellow "participants" better, while they're at it.

NAVIGATION locations ₓ˚. statuses *+:｡ ic profiles :ₓo ic rules ･ﾟﾟ･｡ audience requests murder proposals ｡✧o private conversations ･ﾟo｡ curfew ･ﾟ✧ memories

Comments

[uhhhmagic]

Oh boy, okay—-

[Clapping his hands together like he really has something to explain here.]

I don’t think we’ve got time to really break down the intricacies of Capitalism, and who or what owns the credit on cheap bracelet commission, but the person who made the bracelet has definitely already been paid. It’s on display here at an insane markup to profit the company that’s selling you this junk.

[exercisms]

[Oh. She's talking to him. Shaking his head.]

Not really, but I'd just fallen asleep for a bit, so I don't think I'd remember if something happened.

[dawnblushed]

[yona's a chainsmoker,,,]

Those both sound good...

[time to go look for some of those ingredients, then! ...she finds eggs first.]

...I found an egg!

[recrowns]

[LMAO

OH NO

he's just outright laughing now, even wearing his big stupid shutter shades]

Ah, that is truly amazing! Thank you for your honesty!

[sacredchants]

[ ... ]

No.

[ i guess it's time for her to look at one the handheld they got, huh? she'll continue speaking even as she pulls up the info and scrolls through it. ]

Is there something interesting about it?

[reconnective]

Doesn't seem like there's too many windows around to break. [examining the rock again, he hums in thought.] But it's kind of cool, right?

[alex do you have a cool rock? share the deets.]

[robopriest]

Oh? How long have you been training, then?

[Just. Looking him up and down.]

[supremity]

There are some gods more useful than others, I suppose, but only one I've known that deserved that belief. Better to put that faith somewhere else, otherwise.

[ At least he won't be surprised, although that's not his concern.

The question makes him bark out a laugh, though. And for so many reasons. ]

Absolutely not. I suppose I'd be the antithesis to a god - I'm the Ghost King.

[dawnblushed]

[Oops, busted.]

...that's really cute!

[She says in a raspy voice, gesturing at the creature with hands that have burns on them. Don't worry about it, because she's certainly not. She's even smiling!]

Is it friendly?

[stillnot]

Our host fucking kidnapped us, so I don't think you need to worry about repaying them.

[ At least, not in a positive sense. But yeah, she's pretty eager to eat, so despite confusion, she's standing up. ]

[reconnective]

Whoa! [he's reaching forward to grab not only yona, but also half of the stuffed animals. only half though, the rest are absolutely raining down around them.] Sorry, I--oh! It's you. The girl trying to break in earlier. Hi again.

[exercisms]

[A girl is talking to him? A girl is talking to him. She looks like she's his age but goes to a different school? Does she recognize him from somewhere?

. . . He totally fails to hear her question, because he's too busy trying to place her.]

Um.

1

[heartablaze]

I don't think that's it.

[thank god hajime taught her how to use that thing so she isn't begging him to ask what it says

She's been cleaned up a bit, but this little bundle of a girl who doesn't even reach Hansa's shoulder has slowed her pace as she walks back through the town square, looking a little lost.]

The words... they sound like they feel bad about whatever they had to do. Why would they do that if they wanted to take people away?

[frostythehitman]

[ Yeah man, he knows how to use touchscreens. But he'll take the phone (right-handed, of course, touchscreens hate his left) and scroll around until he eventually lands on his own profile.

There's a lot to be concerned about here. Not much of his personal info is really secret, but it's also not usually just out there for god and everyone to see.

But most importantly... ]

Self-sabotage?!

[lecarre]

[She's just kind of sinking a little.

Like she wishes the ground would swallow her whole...]

Um, I'm... I'm sorry...

[WHOOPS.........]

[chanteuser]

[ bodyguards...? ] You normally have bodyguards? [ ......... ] Would they wear these things?

[ oh. wow. that's a lot of blinding shades. ]

I don't know.

I'd be happy with whatever though.

[antaressnipe]

It is very kind of you to try and assist me, but I'll be alright. Truthfully, I don't get much sleep, and I somewhat doubt they would have beds to accommodate my size.

[Smiling more warmly at her, and deciding the stairs are a lost cause, he decides to walk away and turn his attention elsewhere -- though he will glance at her, and wait to see if she wishes to join him]

Ah, but I've forgotten my manners. Call me Archer, if you wish.

[yamantaka]

I'll take some if you're offering!

[ a smile ]

Do you want some bread to go with it? I can get it for you!

[dawnblushed]

...

[she reaches over and helps tug the gigantic pillow out of the bag.]

[sacredchants]

Kyoto?

[ okay now they can both be confused.

because??? ]

When did we go to Kyoto?

[recrowns]

Think nothing of it. Let us find you a place to rest first, and then I will return with water.

[though he's still wearing his stupid fucking shades as he glances about.]

Perhaps toward the front of the store... Are you able to walk?

[robopriest]

That's the one.

[A pause.]

Do you know how to use it?

[chanteuser]

[ points loudly at mob ]

Do you think we'll hear from them again? We can let them know we weren't fooled.

[dianxias]

Headdress - ah, it's just a hat! [ xie lian hasn't worn a headdress in... well, in a very long time! he reaches back to give the straw hat a pat. ] For keeping out the sun, that's all...

But, I'd be quite happy to look with you! There are so many wonderful things I've never seen in this place before - perhaps we can peruse them together! [ he gives soo-won a smile, anyway, kind as ever. ] What's your name, good sir?

[reconnective]

We won't know until we talk to them ourselves! That's all. [...but also, yes! sometimes you just accept things are like this. but alright, alright, he's putting some thought into that before there's a slow nod.]

What do you think they're preparing us for then?