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

[sacredchants]

D, don't you know of anyone who could be described like that?

[ did she just avoid answering her? yeah. ]

[chanteuser]

Mm. Not really?

[ ... it's complicated? ] You can always just say you don't want to tell them anything. Girls are allowed to have secrets, right?

[sacredchants]

Sometimes that's not enough for some people.

[ sometimes people are just Persistent or...waves vague spoilers here. ]

[chanteuser]

It should be.

[ ... ]

And if people don't take no for an answer, then... [ she just. straight up mimes a slapping motion. ]

[sacredchants]

What do you do if even that isn't enough?

[ tell her alex-senpai. ]

[chanteuser]

[ she just pumps her fist. ]

Try it again. Harder.

[ and then more gently: ] But if they don't stop then... maybe you need to step away from them for a bit.

[sacredchants]

[ alex didn't ask for this but. ]

....and if you can't escape them?

[chanteuser]

...

Then you stick it out long enough to see them fall before you do.

[sacredchants]

[ ....

...she'll just nod once and look down at her feet. ]

I'll keep that mind.

[chanteuser]

[ hmm. ]

That got a bit serious.

[sacredchants]

Oh.

[ because izumo can actually be nice—especially to onee-sans who seem like good reliable people—! (though there's some baggage there that needs to be unpacked then quickly forgotten) ]

D, do you like sweets?

[ nailed it izumo. ]

[chanteuser]

[ she’s doing her best ]

I enjoy them sometimes, yeah. Did you find some here?

[sacredchants]

[ SHE IS. kind of. mostly. ]

No, but there's a kitchen and I may know a few recipes.

[ is she inviting alex to make sweets? no. but...there's a kitchen and you know. that means that there is an oven. ]

[chanteuser]

I’ve made a couple of things in the kitchen, so I think I know my way around it now. Well enough, at least.

[ if she is that was probably an acceptance. ]

there are 6k comments on this post. i'm proud of all of us.

[sacredchants]

[ time to ask more directly. ]

Would... Maybe we can make something together. Some time...if you'd like.

[ ...or as directly as an izumo is capable of. ]

we're stubborn AF

[chanteuser]

I'd like that.

[ she does seem genuinely pleased with the idea. ] Some treats might cheer up people who were feeling down as well. Do you have anything you prefer making?