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]

Baron... Baron.

[????????

the real noble is genuinely confused, and more than a little upset. who would do that to their son? very cruel. a terrible joke at the child's expense.]

And... where is your barony located, Baron Baron?

[suddenlybees]

[ Kano's given name is pretty much a joke anyways, he wouldn't have been surprised if none of this was bullshit. ]

Um, hmm. Ever heard of Genovia?

[showyourself]

Genovia? It... sounds familiar. [in a disney extended cinematic universe sort of way.]

And this... breathplay, all of this... it's from your barony in Genovia?

[suddenlybees]

[ breathplay........ ]

Yeah! It's, like, the national pasttime?

[showyourself]

...Is it. [deadpanned. that, for some reason, is elsa's tip-off to shenanigans. origin stories, she can buy, but she draws the lines at country-wide breathplay.]

You wouldn't happen to be making all of this up on the spot, would you?

[suddenlybees]

[ Can't believe country-wide breathplay is what outs Kano in the end. ]

Sure am! Didja believe any of it?

[showyourself]

[she's FROWNING... but it's taking a lot of effort. so she just sighs, and shakes her head.]

Not any more, no.

Are you just bored?

[suddenlybees]

So you did believe some of it. Haha, wow.

[ Wow... This is pretty great. ]

And, I dunno. Maybe? You looked super frustrated doing your tai chi thing, so I thought I'd come by!

[ nnnnnnot to help, but. maybe less frustrated about tai chi and redirected towards other things. Move that frustration around! It's no good dwelling on just one thing for so long. ]

[showyourself]

[rude.........]

I suppose I'll have to make sure I don't make the same mistake twice. I'm more surprised your mind came up with those on the fly.

[kano now has zero elsa trust.]

[suddenlybees]

[ Good. Hearing that makes him smile, just a little, before breaking out to the usual easygoing grin. ]

Heh... Is it really so surprising? Making stuff up is as easy as breathing. Like, anybody with a brain can do it.

[showyourself]

That's true—but anyone with an interest in staying true to their words and their friends should be choosing honesty over deceit.

[in her opinion, anyway!!!]

Are you looking for a challenge, or a conversation?

[suddenlybees]

[ Haha, honesty, haha, friends.

Kano throws his hands up in surrender ]

No challenges for me, thanks! No good under pressure, you know? Like, even if it's just holding breaths, you already got me beat!

[showyourself]

You know, somehow, I don't think that's true, either.

[she tilts her head at kano, watching him.]

If you want someone to talk to about all of this, I'm happy to listen, you know.

[suddenlybees]

No, I'm actually very bad at holding my breath. Can't do it.

[ What is there to talk about... he was having a good time going fwooooosh! and explaining babies. ]

[showyourself]

[...]

Why don't you show me? I'll time you.

[suddenlybees]

Mm... Alright!

[ He takes an exaggerated draw of breath so that his cheeks puff out and starts holding it.

eight... nine... ten seconds. ]

-—Whew! How many minutes was that?

[showyourself]

About... one-sixth.

Think you can double it?

[suddenlybees]

Nope, that was my limit! I got, like, weak lungs.

[ ...He coughs weakly. Can't hold his breath, but he can chatter on and on a mile a minute ]

[showyourself]

Oh, no. [she feigns deep loss and sadness.] Will you be able to make it to the end of your next sentence?

[suddenlybees]

[ Very oh no, really too bad. ]

I'll try... my best... You have to... treasure... every word...

[showyourself]

Hold on, Baron Baron. You can make it. Use your country's famous breathplay.

[suddenlybees]

Just because it's the national pasttime doesn't mean I'm any good at it...! Look, you gotta not mention this to anybody, got it? I'd be the laughingstock of my own country!

[showyourself]

[gasp]

You're breathing again! It's a Genovia solstice miracle.

[suddenlybees]

[ gasps! ]

Would you look at that!? I'm breathing again! Wowee, it must've been your encouragement that brought me strength!

[showyourself]

[elsa scoffs, drily amused.]

Yes, it must have been. What can I say in response to your praise except, you're welcome?