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

[moondumplings]

I'm alright. I was just looking for my room when...

[ she got smacked in the face and subsequently gained arm trauma. but also? her name is listed on this door? haha oh no. ]

[evocationary]

[ an over exaggerated gasp. ]

And now she mispronounces my totally real name on purpose! This outrage! [ a beat. ] You haven't even told me yours.

[stillnot]

[ .......... yeah she's just staring at him looking amused. she assumes he is fucking with her? ]

Those sound like some pretty good bedtime stories.

[soulus]

The consideration was there . . . but the way is blocked.

[reconnective]

I hope so, too. It doesn't seem like they're hiding on purpose, so I bet they're just busy and we'll be able to help them and leave soon. [and so, it's better to be kind about it until proven otherwise. can't wait until the npcs roll out to tell them about the murdering.]

[antaressnipe]

No, you are likely correct.

[Just. Offered without preamble. Archer doesn't look surprised, either]

If we assume there are multiple worlds, more oddities line up with the truth. And such theories exist on my world, as well.

[suddenlybees]

Um, hmm. There's a plan! There's totally a plan~ But it's sorta, like, well...

[ gestures vaguely ]

Do you trust me to come up with a good plan?

[reconnective]

[uh.]

You sure there isn't a better way to do that?

[suddenlybees]

Aw, well. I hope you find your room!

[ Hope she finds another room (': ]

[recrowns]

Do they? I'd like to hear more about those too, when we have the time.

[which isn't right now because it's more important to problem solve]

Then it brings us to the nature of our captors and this place. Is this their world? They seem fragmented, based on their message - but why? Do they not get along well enough to present a unified front?

Though they are at least marginally attempting to be welcoming.

[recrowns]

Oh? What do you think we're meant to help them with?

[errands? chores? marie kondo-ing the castle?]

[showyourself]

Thank you. And, that's very kind of you to offer, but I'd hate to impose on you like that.

[they're both just? picking up rocks at this point? elsa examine the ones in her hands.

it's just normal river rocks. one has a snail on it, though, so she places it back with a lot more care. poor lil snail.]

My name is Elsa, by the way. Can I ask yours?

[suddenlybees]

Huh... Really? Have you tried, like, crossing it someplace else? Just sort of, you know, wade across where it's a little more shallow.

[ The river can't be blocked all the way across, that's impossible. ]

I've only seen the bridge, but there's gotta be another way. You haven't given up, right? 'course not!

[reconnective]

Oh, sure. [thinking...the trouble is that he knows how to make these in theory but the names sure are french and he is not.] There's this mushroom terrain thing, a scallop pole, lobster mousse, a tomato and cheese salad with some stuff in it, and ratatouille. And a couple of soups.

[:)]

[evocationary]

[ oh wow, she giggles at that. ]

Oh, we're rated R now. [ she gives up on snapping. ] What are you missing?

b

[canned]

[Al, who's been looming watching Hajime's skilled dance-dancing from a respectful distance, breaks into applause along with the game's virtual audience when the song finishes.]

Wow! That was amazing!

i

[suddenlybees]

[ Yes, please. Kano holds his hands out for the souvenir. ]

[moondumplings]

[ gently..... points to the Tsukino on the door he's holding...... ]

[evocationary]

I think that's the first time I've ever heard a girl say that. Which is impressive.

[ she says thoughtfully. ]

So what's your specialty, then? Water? Earth? Definitely not fire.

[soulus]

Since you've made the suggestion, why don't you try it?

[Go, little man. Wade across.]

Of course, I will be watching closely.

[recrowns]

Won - a pleasure to meet you.

[even given the weird situation! but he's also going to be picking up the rocks

though he finds a smooth one, and it's definitely not what she's looking for]

Oh, doesn't this one look nice?

[FOCUS]

[stillnot]

I've traveled on horseback before, too. It is really nice. Kind of peaceful.

[ Even though she? grimaces? I hate that literally all of Clementine's memories are deeply traumatic. Anyway! ]

... But your wars are probably much bigger than the ones I'm used to seeing.

[reconnective]

I don't know yet. Usually when something like this happens it means the world's in trouble, but everything seems so calm now. And we're the only people here anyway.

[suddenlybees]

[ Kano looks at the door, looks back at her... ]

Maybe I can help find your room? Let's check further down the hall.

[stillnot]

If you don't find it, you can have mine.

[ It's just a rock? It's pretty but... It's just a rock. ]