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

[recrowns]

[uwoh!

he tilts his head at that, still entirely curious]

Ghost King... Keeper of the underworld? Or simply the ruler of departed souls?

[supremity]

[ He tilts his head to mirror him, contemplative. ]

A city, rather, although the latter isn't inaccurate.

[ Close enough, in his opinion, and enough information to be sharing. ]

[recrowns]

Ahh, then you must deal with a lot of questions from curious humans in the first place...

[like himself, is what he's implying]

I'd hate to make you repeat yourself and get nothing out of it...

[supremity]

[ A snort. ]

Questions, demands, deals. Though, ghosts, demons, and gods pass through Ghost City just as often. Even if the gods would pretend otherwise.

Sometimes I answer, sometimes I don't. [ Usually, he doesn't, is the implication on his end. ] What's got your curiosity, then?

[recrowns]

[he seems rather enthralled to listen and when the question in return comes, he answers as easy as breathing:]

You do.

[coupled with a smile and a tilt of his head]

Given that my time to pass has not yet arrived, it is not as though we would get a chance to meet before now - or for me to be aware of your existence.

I hope you don't mind my interest.

[supremity]

[ The answer isn't surprising, really. Hua Cheng regards him for a moment, smile still pleasantly intact, humming. ]

You aren't the first, or the last. I doubt even in this place, wherever in the three realms it is - if it even is.

[recrowns]

Ah, so even you don't know where we are? How interesting.

[things are getting curiouser and curiouser still!]

I suppose your popularity depends only on how much attention you'd like to draw yourself.

[supremity]

So far, no. I intend to find out.

[ LET HIM OUT ]

Mm, well, I do have my fair share of followers even outside of Ghost City. The gods aren't big fans of how popular I am when their own followers convert.

[recrowns]

Oh? Is it like a contest?

[supremity]

[ A beat. Then, wholeass amused: ]

Actually, yes. There's even a yearly competition for it.

[recrowns]

Hahaha! That's terrible!

[PLEASE HAVE A BETTER REACTION]

[supremity]

[ AWFUL, Hua Cheng's opinion increases a little. ]

They compete to see who gets the most lanterns sent up to the Heavens every autumn from their followers. And each lantern is very, very expensive.

[recrowns]

So only the rich truly get to demonstrate who they follow...? Ah, it doesn't sound representative of the truth at all... How silly, a contest on false merits.

[supremity]

[ beeps ]