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

[evocationary]

[ the urge to noogie this kid is so strong. ]

No idea. Wait it out, I guess. I've gotten patient in my old age.

[reconnective]

Not really, but I mean it's been a while since I've been home for longer than a day. That's all. [it's no big deal!!! (it's a big deal.)] But this world's different than other worlds I've been to, too.

[recrowns]

Oh, that's true. I can be pretty handy sometimes.

[you are a twink, woo woo

anyway he'll just move back then - ]

Would you mind moving aside then, miss? I'll try first.

[so he can sacrifice only his shoulder for this possible imagined rando inside]

[suddenlybees]

[ What's it matter? nothing to Kano ]

But I can't have it? If part of you still wants it, maybe you shouldn't get rid of it? I'm, like, not real smart or anything, so it's hard to understand, y'know?

[evocationary]

Whoa. [ she lifts her hands up. ] Yeesh. Take it down a notch.

I assume by your tone it's your kid and not some random one.

[recrowns]

[that is a big deal

though he seems a little thoughtful at that]

May I ask different how...? If there are things that we ought to keep an eye out for, it'd be helpful if more people could assist you on the search, no?

[moondumplings]

[ :relieved: ]

Mm. I think that will be the best choice. [ she's honestly glad they're in agreement ] I think all of us getting to know each other will help as well. Maybe that's why they're late?

[stillnot]

Not really. I usually save that stuff for AJ to play with.

You knock yourself out, though.

[ She doesn't want to draw or write. No art therapy for Clem! ]

i

[reconnective]

[it's hard to miss the sound of those footsteps running past, and as sora's exiting the emporium he spots a large metal figure dashing toward the northern end of town. he knows better than to be nosy, but...that doesn't seem great. as he follows alphonse he spots him bounding off of the barrier, and then beating up the barrier, and when nothing seems to come of it he lingers briefly before stepping to the side to try and get his attention.]

Hey. Are you okay?

[siblingless]

[Please do not injure yourself. She just looks even more concerned at the prospect of watching him topple over.]

... I guess it's fine as long as you prefer it. But is it really okay? I'm sure we could at least bring part of your bed to you if we tried.

["We" because this is a group effort between her and another poor chump with two legs, maybe.]

[moondumplings]

[ maybe like one whole point. but well! in that case ]

Isn't this meant to be my room as well?

[ might as well come out and say it, huh? even if she too would prefer Not To Be Here at this point ]

[sacredchants]

[ ... ]

None of me wants it but I don't want to see it around either.

[ it's complicated and if claude didn't get answers then kano is not allowed answers. ]

Maybe I should have burned it from the start.

[stillnot]

They should be worried about how mad I am.

[ Good think looking at shiny wet rocks is distracting her! Haha! ]

a

[suddenlybees]

Yes, sir! Right away, sir!

[ Heels snap together and a hand comes up in a salute. And then he proceeds to do the opposite of getting further out of the guy's space and wanders closer, trying to see what's on his screen. ]

[evocationary]

Tsk, tsk. That's a level six friendship backstory unlock. What a brazen question.

[ she sounds amused, though. ]

[reconnective]

[those are absolutely all four of the people he means, along with marshmallow. but he nods sympathetically.]

Donald and Goofy aren't here either. But I haven't figured out where "here" really is. [there's a glance back to the bridge.] What are you trying to do?

[moondumplings]

[ i'm glad they just descend into vidya game hell and we never hear from them again. ]

Ehe, watch this!

[ she saved a power item for this exact moment. SAILOR V-BEAM! ]

[stillnot]

[ Clementine draws back a bit, but crosses her arms and isn't scowling any less. You know that thing where people who are upset hate being told to calm down? >:( ]

Yeah. And he was with me until I wound up here.

[recrowns]

[there's a brief laugh at that]

Perhaps I will.

Is AJ a friend of yours?

[arkitect]

I would not, save for the fact that if I have found myself here, then it remains within the realm of possibility for it to happen to others.

[After all, if someone like him can wake up somewhere completely unfamiliar, seemingly dragged from where he just was-- then it must be as child's play to do the same to anyone else.]

Would you not agree that it must have been quite the feat?

[reconnective]

[no one hates this as much as me.]

...I'm not really good with tech stuff, so I'll just have to take your word for it. [haha.] But if there's a messaging app maybe we just haven't been granted access to two-way messaging yet. If the people who sent us the first message are still getting ready for us, we could see it soon.

[recrowns]

Mm, I was asking for permission...?

[with the 'May I' - but it's a weak defense and he knows it, and just offers a smile back even as he finishes up peeling all the potats]

Though I'm glad to have a goal to work toward now, if I may continue to be brazen.

[reconnective]

Some worlds were lost to the Darkness some time ago, but some of them have been restored since then.

[suddenlybees]

Is it?

[ What if Kano can't read-- ]

Huh. Hey. You wouldn't want to room with me, right? You got, like, friends you'd rather share a room right, right? I, like, snore or sleep walk or whatever, it'd be real inconvenient!

[arkitect]

There may not be.

[but he doesn't sound too preoccupied with it, swiping once more at the device.]

What one never seeks is rarely found, however.