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

[stillnot]

Fucking baby thieves.

[ why does everyone keep stEALING HER SON. but with that said, she takes a deep breath and calms herself down... Angry as she is, she knows that there isn't anything she can do about it right now. ]

[robopriest]

Not just yet.

[He's just been here being a nuisance to people, apparently.]

Have you?

[soulus]

Let's keep our relationship strictly professional. I have no interest in getting personal with anyone.

[misstrust]

Then I'll look forward to it. For now...

[ She's going to delicately wave a hand and head off to keep exploring. ]

[moondumplings]

[ it looks good regardless. she's excited to eat it ]

Eh... But how could that be possible..?

[ this is already getting too complicated for her to puzzle out ]

Wouldn't we have to know if we would be here if it wasn't a kidnapping?

[ what ]

[recrowns]

[they are both disappointed]

Hm... Our captors said they'd prefer to not have property damage occur, but if someone might be inside...

[should they just

try to break it?

he's thinking about it]

[suddenlybees]

Hm? Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[ Everything's fine! Yeah. Cool. The door does not open, but something thumps against it. Possibly a Kano thinking he can keep the door closed by bodily blocking it. ]

[antaressnipe]

[Oh it's fine, he catches on to what she means, and fills in the blanks with a faint grin]

I cannot shift my weight in the way a human could if they were walking down stairs, and so I'd topple over.

[Which would be funny if not for the fact he has enough girth to potentially injury himself. Horse bodies are terrible]

And most likely the forest... of course, any building that I have access to is an option, but I prefer the outdoors.

b!

[axecessory]

[ Hmm, well... it's none of her business, but she doesn't like to see a girl standing around being sad, so she'll duck in casually beside her, hands daintily clasped behind her back. ]

Huh? What's wrong with "Kasumi?" Why'd they have to write it like that...

[reconnective]

[huh. well that's weird, but sora's always happy to talk about his friends so he obliges.]

He's a hero! And he's a friend of ours. I guess his dad's a god but he's not, so Phil trains him a lot, too. We've fought together a few times, too, when Hades was causing a lot of trouble.

[stillnot]

[ a pause, because she feels like this answer is silly? to give to a centaur? somehow?? ]

... Georgia. What about you?

[robopriest]

[wow so no rufus smooches :((((((((((((((]

If that's what you want.

[Does he plan on honoring that, though? Hm.]

What else do you like being paid in, if not information?

[heartablaze]

[god can't save you now hansa]

...My actions were the best I could do when everyone around me had opened themselves up to share what they truly wanted. I just made the choice I knew I could always live with.

That's why I want to find whoever brought us here. Maybe you're right. Maybe it really is a kidnapper that's tricking us and taking us away, and the only way to freedom is through fighting that. But I can't accept that. If we find out who they are, and what is important to them, and why they did this... that's what I want to know before I do anything else.

[siblingless]

Actually, yes! Those glasses are really unique. I don't think anyone would be able to forget them once they've seen you wearing them.

[She says this without a shred of irony. Hand shades? Hand shades.]

As long as I'm not getting in the way, I'd be happy to help. What are we making?

[riegan]

(And he just smiles back, equally innocent!)

I suppose we'll never know, then.

(It'll just... be between him and Hilda! And everyone else who answers this prompt tbh. Stretching his arms up so he can fold them behind his neck, he grins,)

It'll take more than a little kidnapping to get me down.

But right back at you. I still don't get what's going on here but it's good to have you here. Actually... I think it's just you and me.

(Not a single other deer! Or anyone else from home.)

[lecarre]

[this is the power of clementine...]

That does sound nicer than anything else.

But here I am, gabbing away rudely without even sharing introductions first. It's nice to meet you, miss. My name is Ange.

Talking to you has been settling. I do appreciate that.

[lionson]

[Welp. All priests in his world hunt demons on the side, so Shiro is assuming Hansa is the same.]

All the people here seem to be confused newcomers. There's no locals. No trains either, not that I've seen. All signs point to 'this town was cleared out to prepare for our arrival'. It practically screams 'demons did it', but I haven't sensed a single thing since I got here. So either they're so strong that they can conceal their presence from even two priests, or it's something non-demonic.

[dawnblushed]

[Yona nods. Her voice might be wrecked, but she's pretty good at standing, even like this... so she gets to her feet! ...she's a little unsteady on her feet (she's also. barefoot. as i just realized when i went to look back at something at her canonpoint), but she's standing.]

I have never heard of a smartphone before.

[She'll just straight-up admit that.]

SHHHH I'M GOING SOON I PROMISE

[maidforservice]

It certainly doesn't take long for those feelings to settle in, either.

[a tiny little sigh and she delivers to him a platter of completed petit fours!!]

[discernments]

[ Jeanne's smile is warm, and she whispers back. ]

I do. [ There's no doubt. ] He'll like you more, if you give him a name as his new friend.

[sacredchants]

[ ...

.... ]

Are you complimenting me?

[stillnot]

[ hm! bad! ]

Are you bit?

b

[suddenlybees]

Wow! Amazing! Bravo!

[ applause behind her!!! Kano is very supportive ]

Can you, like, do that thing where you spin on your head?

[axecessory]

[ She dusts her skirt off, brightening up a little. It doesn't look like either of them are bruised up too bad, at least. She doesn't even have to feign a twisted ankle for a little recompense, because Ange offers it up freely? What a sweet girl. ]

Oh, yeah. Absolutely! Hmm... [ She reaches over and dusts off some dirt off Ange too. ] How about some sweets? All this bodily harm really works up an appetite.

[antaressnipe]

[Listen.

He can do both.

But mmm, hearing this gives him pause. He noticed as well, but it still darkens his expression to hear that observation spoken out loud]

It is oddly... empty for a town of this size. I've seen no evidence of anyone having lived here, either.