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

[pulsecannon]

[ Maybe they will find... something to throw a rock at ]

Guess we should take these along. Maybe we'll find the owners or something.

[ Picking up the goodie bag ]

[recrowns]

[there's just a soft laugh at that]

A banquet to hide the sting of the wound we've been dealt, is it?

That's true. It's kind of you regardless.

[lionson]

We might as well give them the benefit of the doubt. They haven't done anything malicious yet, as long as you don't count the housing arrangements as 'malicious'.

1 Eski how dare you make me think about Chrom Fireemblem in this year of 2020

[laid]

[Well maybe some of us don't WANT to be woken up???]

Hmm, sure there are, but unless you've got the lady of a beautiful woman to offer me, I'm thinkin' the floor'll do just fine.
[Let me sleep, you dang kid.]

[misstrust]

You're free to think on it, of course. We can consider it an ongoing arrangement.

[supremity]

[ Honestly, if he had his way, he would probably lop off their, ah, hosts' hands for a myriad of crimes! Calm down, Hua Cheng, it's day one.

His expression is soft as Xie Lian puts the chain back around his neck, and the ring settles where - well, it belongs. ]

They honestly didn't seem to know much of anything, with the message I read on the device once I got it operating, however it works. They're... disorganized.

[lecarre]

I will have to take this very seriously, then, if there is already someone who wishes to read my books...!

[But then she smiles, shaking her head a little.]

But it sounds as though you are already traveling a great deal, instead of just daydreaming about it. I would much rather hear about your travels.

[Since, you know, they're real. Instead of just imaginary.]

[pulsecannon]

[ Looks at door. Looks at him. Looks at door again. ]

What? No way! You have got to be kidding me!

[siblingless]

Oh! I hadn't thought about that.

[But now that he brought it up, she's staring at the door with renewed concern.]

Do you know how to pick a lock?

[antaressnipe]

I tend to favor creativity anyways.

[Well, in his students, but that's fine. Everyone's his student until proven otherwise. Them's the rules]

But come, ask your questions if you have them.

[lionson]

[There is so much to unpack here.]

Please, indulge me: what do you think 'people in towns' do?

[dianxias]

Yes! I maintain a shrine back at home, and perform the duties within it, in honor and devotion of a god as well.

[ how nice! priest solidarity. ] Is there a proper title one should call you, then?

[lecarre]

Of course! I'll be as careful as I can.

You be careful as well. The others will want to see you when we get back!

[dawnblushed]

[...huh. that doesn't really help answer the question of how they ended up here...]

I wonder what happened, then. This place doesn't look familiar at all.

iii

[axecessory]

[ Hilda startles a little at her running into thin air, but that's not the weirdest thing that's happened. She sighs. ]

Ugh, right? Talk about creepy.

[ Anyway, since Hilda just watched her walk into a wall... ]

You okay?

[moondumplings]

[ she just beams ]

There's no need! I'm just glad to be of help.

[ just pay her in food ]

Won-san..... I'm Usagi! It's very nice to meet you.

[reconnective]

Okaaay...so let's say it's possible. What would you have to do to make it work that way?

[yamantaka]

Ah, before Kaa-san and Tou-san decided to show each other how much they love each other?

[maidforservice]

Perhaps. [oh] But that doesn't mean there isn't some truth to those words. There was a point where I couldn't even boil water to save my life.

[flashes Ange a somewhat sheepish smile as she puts the finishing touches on the petit fours and begins to arrange them on a simple platter]

I'm delighted to hear you like it! I'd say "have as much as you want," but do make sure to share with the others, all right?

[she only made so much!]

[dawnblushed]

[Chiron no! They have more important things to worry about! Like how they're getting out of this weird town.]

I agree.

[She frowns, though.]

...you'd think in a town like this there would be people who live here, right? But everyone I've met so far just woke up here like we did.

[pulsecannon]

I don't know. Lately, they have been too busy with just rebuilding them.

[reconnective]

Sounds like you know exactly what you're doing. [he has absolutely no idea what any of that means. but ah, hm.] But what's happening to your world that it's ending?

[supremity]

[ Score. Not that he was trying, Hua Cheng is the master of just saying shit and not even batting a, well, eye. ]

Ah, what I've longed for for hundreds of years - two, matching eyes. [ Still, he accepts them.

And puts them on. ] A perfect disguise.

[recrowns]

You're very kind, miss.

Though if we're to participate in an exchange, perhaps we should trade names as well? I'm Won.

[dawnblushed]

I see...

[...she doesn't see, but it's fine.]

I think I like Jeanne a little better. It's pretty, and it feels more personal.