redactable | WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

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

a rock that resembles the galaxy

a single random one of these pillows

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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.

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?

[ 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!

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.

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. ]

[...]

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

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?

About... one-sixth.

Think you can double it?

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 ]

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

[ Very oh no, really too bad. ]

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

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

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!

[gasp]

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

[ gasps! ]

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

[elsa scoffs, drily amused.]

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

That's the only thing to say! Thank you thank you thank you~ How can I ever repay you?

Hmm... nothing comes to mind at the moment, [that he won't lie about, at least—and it would break up the current rhythm of patter they have going.] but I'll have to think of something, won't I?

For not, let's just say... you owe me one.

[ gooooooooooooooooddd, he hates IOUs. It's been like one day and he's already owing people things left and right. ]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, alright. But, like, if I die, my debt's gone, right? That's how that other guy did it.

"The other guy"...?

I'd rather you didn't die.

The other guy. What's his face. I, like, owe him my life too, or something.

[ Too bad for Elsa, he's been slated to die since he was seven, there's no comment here. ]

[she's shaking her head, concern writ large.]

That's not how it works—it's--owing someone your life is just an expression. Nobody wants you to die for them, and you don't have to die for anyone.

I just meant for... lunch, or something!

Wha- how much of me do you want for lunch?? I got, like, an extra limb if you want to taste test before hacking more off?

[ He can't even say he's tasty. He's too scrawny, he wouldn't be very tender at all. ]

[it takes a moment, and she blinks. blinks again.

but then. pffffttt. it's an honest-to-god laugh.]

You know, I haven't decided yet. I guess I'll just choose on the day...

...So until then, you'd better take care of yourself, or the deal's off.

[ a laugh... ]

Ohh, Sneaky~ That's no fair, forcing me to keep myself whole and pristine until feast day. I guess I got no choice, huh?

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showyourself - 2020-09-29 03:19 (UTC) - Expand