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

[showyourself]

[oh yeah. this guy would've driven the previous iteration of herself completely up the wall. she'd have been sprinting away several interesting rocks ago.]

And? If they didn't want you around at all?

[recrowns]

[the idea of someone not wanting him around at all seems to inspire a specific memory

and his smile is just a tinge more serious]

Earn their trust - or count my losses.

[depending,]

But I'd always leave the door open in case they change their mind.

[showyourself]

...Sounds like something you have a little experience with.

[her tone drops to something a little more gentle, a little more serious, to match his.

earn their trust, or count the losses... how many people counted their loss with her? hmm.]

[recrowns]

[ah - he hadn't meant for the mood to drop. and so he offers her a smile instead]

I like just about everyone I meet - but I know that's hardly the norm.

[if someone doesn't like him, sometimes his hands are tied.]

Even still, I don't think that's a reason to stop treating someone with dignity. It's a little more sad to feel like someone's given up on you, right?

[showyourself]

[hmmmmmmmm.]

Maybe. But sometimes, it can leave you wishing they would.

[...]

Or, leave the person wishing--this is all hypothetical, of course.

[recrowns]

[right hypothetical]

Ah - an unstoppable force and an immovable object, is it?

I suppose something would have to give eventually... or something would have to change.

[showyourself]

...Something like that.

["break, or bend," as the saying went. but...]

You know, I think sometimes, both can happen.

[she's about to expand on the topic, when she places a foot on a rock—which wobbles precariously—and she can feel herself slipping. out of habit, she throws her hands out, to push herself upright with ice, propel herself back into a proper position--

--ah. right. no magic.

there's a splash, and a splutter, as she blows he hair out of her face with an exhale of aggravation.]

Hypothetically. Of course.

[WHERE IS THE DAMN ROCK]

[recrowns]

[elsa please—

admittedly he catches the wobble out of the corner of his eye just a second too late. he's automatically moving to help her, hand reached out - but for some reason her hands are going back and not forward?

so he gets splashed when she impacts, and

he laughs well-meaningly, even as he pushes his damp hair out of his face]

Yes, of course. Hypothetically.

[but he'll hold his hand out to her anyway]

[showyourself]

I'm sorry for... [she hesitates for a moment—then takes his hand, pulling herself upright, and shaking her hair out, the droplets still sparkling off her bodice.] --for splashing you. I'm starting to think I've been a little too reliant on my powers up until now...

[well. that's a fact. but to be fair, she's always had them? it's like losing the ability to eat or sleep...]

Maybe we should just... give up on the rock?

[recrowns]

[more talk about powers.... though he just offers her a smile and a tilt of his head]

Nothing to apologize for. It was refreshing. [he's too agreeable]

If you'd like to retrieve it, I don't mind continuing to look.

[it's up to her on whether or not they give up -

is what i want to say, but soo-won might come back later to look on his own time anyway, just so she doesn't feel guilty about it]

[showyourself]

Oh, no, really—there's no need to put yourself to any more trouble, after all you've already done. [and all the watery drama so far] It probably is really... just a rock.

[right? right!

well actually, she's planning to just come back later and look for it by herself, so won doesn't need to waste any time with it...]

If there's any trouble, I can always look for it later. I don't think there's much chance of it getting... swept off, or something.