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

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[misstrust]

... Well.

[ Well. Not a sight Dorothy had expected to see upon entering, but she does suppress a smile behind one hand. ]

I have many questions, but would you like a blanket?

[antaressnipe]

[And he has the nerve to look vaguely surprised by this offer, head swiveling to look (down) at her for a moment]

A blanket?

[Hm]

The offer is appreciated, but I'll be alright. The weather is fairly temperate here.

[misstrust]

Then my next question--

... No, there's really no proper way to ask this...

[antaressnipe]

I assure you, any question you're about to ask, I've already heard.

[She can't surprise him.

... My god I hope she doesn't surprise him]

Ask what you'd like.

[misstrust]

How on earth do you mate?

[ Sorry.

I'm so sorry. ]

/closes eyes deeply

[antaressnipe]

[...










She just went for it.]

That question is not as simple as you'd believe... [A hum because, yes, he is going to answer this in front of god, glory, and this woman with entirely too much time on her hands.]

Of course mating would be easier with another centaur, but the ones from my native land -- we are not exactly compatible in terms of temperament or intellect. So I've no interest in having sex with them. But let I assume that isn't an issue. It'd be easiest to mate with them similar to a horse, from the back. Perhaps you've seen...?

[screams quietly while Chiron just puts a hand on his chin and continues the lecture, glancing at the ceiling]

As for humans -- mating would not produce children, and so I would not consider penetrative sex of any kind for fear of hurting them.

[... And then he glances at her to see if she

has more questions]

[misstrust]

So not only are there more... er, centaurs, but the majority aren't quite as eloquent or amicable as you?

[ To... begin with. ]

That's a shame. I'm already very intrigued.

[ AND QUITE HONESTLY A LITTLE STUNNED HE JUST ANSWERED SO CALMLY-- ]

[antaressnipe]

That is correct. I am in many ways one of a kind, and thus would not suggest any of you to approach a centaur who is not me.

[-- ALSO.

INTRIGUED IN WHAT WAY.

MA'AM.]

You're -- [Stopping and starting again, his expression switching into vexation.] Intrigued in me?

[Sounding so deeply confused, perhaps he is not understanding what she means...?]

[misstrust]

[ She's just smiling serenely. ]

That's right. We ought to get to know each other better.

[antaressnipe]

-- Ah.

[Never mind.

She stunned him, after all.

How does a gentleman respond to this? Neither Apollo or Artemis prepared him.]

I am flattered, certainly, though I...

[Whew, he is folding his arms behind his back and trying not to look out of sorts, though given how his legs twitch, like his hooves don't know whether to be still or run--]

I'm sure there are more suitable... partners -- unless you are merely curious as to how I life my life, of course, and have more questions. And there is the matter of our current capture...

[Trying to gently steer this ship in the right direction]

[misstrust]

[ One moment, Dorothy is just kind of-- pressing her hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter. All right. Good to know that despite meeting her first ever centaur, she can also fluster her first ever centaur. ]

Ahhh, I see. So if we weren't currently captured, you might be persuaded.

[antaressnipe]

[He's getting trolled by a human.

Will wonders never cease. The part of his brain not rolling over for excuses is deeply amused this can happen at all.]

I'm afraid not.

[Voice tinged with amusement now as he bows his head with a slight huff, having caught his second wind after seeing her own laughter]

As I said, I've no interest in hurting others, especially during such activities.

[misstrust]

Oh, but I believe there are other activities that shouldn't cause harm.

[ Still with a rather amused smile. ]

It's very sweet of you to be concerned for my well-being, good sir.

[antaressnipe]

Call me Archer, if you will.

[Also, lady. Please.]

But of course, I'd be more than willing to share conversation with you.

[She caught him slipping once and that's all she's getting]

[misstrust]

We can begin there. A slow and steady approach might be enjoyable, too.

[ That's fine, she's going to be laughing over this for a long time. ]

A pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, Archer. You may call me Dorothy.

[antaressnipe]

Miss Dorothy, then.

[So much flirting and dodging... he's had full-on battles that were easier than this]

Though, if you do not mind a few questions in return -- I don't suppose you remember anything related to us being taken here?

[misstrust]

Not at all. It felt as though I'd fallen asleep, but...

[ She shakes her head, frowning. ]

What I was doing had nothing to do with feeling tired.

[antaressnipe]

Yes... it's similar for me as well.

[Mmm]

It should be impossible for me to be here without some knowledge as to how it happened, but I can't think of anything.

[misstrust]

Impossible? You mean, you'd always know how it happened if you just randomly appeared?

[ Well. That's cool. ]

[antaressnipe]

Something like that.

Or at the very least, it's difficult to catch me unaware. Whoever brought us here has quite the skilled hand.

[misstrust]

Fancy that. I happen to have some skilled hands of my own.. or so I'm told.

[ DOROTHY. ]

[antaressnipe]

Miss Dorothy...

[He's flown past the moon from flustered to exhausted]

I will take you at your word on that, but in any case--

[Plz let's focus, he's ready to beg]

Have you yourself had a chance to explore the second floor?

[misstrust]

[ The curve of her smile implies that he can do more than merely trust her word-- but no, she'll behave herself for now. ]

Mm? Oh, yes. Was there something you wanted to know?

[antaressnipe]

Only the type of rooms available, and what you might have found in them.

[misstrust]

It mainly appears to be rooms-- I can't get into the majority, of course, but I assume they're all the same and meant for us. Two beds, a bathroom, chairs...