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

[antaressnipe]

It's alright. I'm not offended.

[Though hm, her answer...]

Am I to assume centaurs are considered myth where you're from?

[stillnot]

[ she nods. ]

They were in the books my dad used to read me. Children's fantasy books, you know?

[antaressnipe]

[Mmm, a nod in return]

Yes, that does sound like what I've heard.

[A pause, and then]

If you do not mind my asking, where are you from?

[stillnot]

[ a pause, because she feels like this answer is silly? to give to a centaur? somehow?? ]

... Georgia. What about you?

[antaressnipe]

[his eyes tick up for a moment...

And then he glances back at her]

America...?

And Greece.

[stillnot]

[ she nods. America... ]

Probably a different Greece than the one I know of.

[ considering. centaur. like, she doesn't know much about fucking GREECE, but she does know that centaurs aren't real in her world!! ]

[antaressnipe]

Mm, perhaps.

[While there are more puzzle pieces he could fill in, this is not the time nor place, especially when she is essentially echoing his thoughts anyway]

Do you recognize this place at all?

[stillnot]

Definitely not.

I've never seen a castle in person, before. And it's way cleaner than anywhere I've seen in years. Too quiet, too empty...

[antaressnipe]

... Cleaner?

[Mm]

Yes, it is too empty for a town of this size to be. I've yet to meet anyone who would be considered a local.

[stillnot]

Hard to believe that they would all just leave. But if they were dead there would be blood. Not to mention walkers.

There had to have been someone here at some point, right?

[ and it wouldn't be so CLEAN if everyone had died, this is what is confusing her the most! Even places that were abandoned are more over-grown than this. ]

[antaressnipe]

-- What is a walker?

[He is. not liking this explanation she is giving.]

[stillnot]

[ man she doesn't like having to explain this to people. ]

The - dead people. You know?

[antaressnipe]

No, I don't know.

[His expression has turned grave]

You're saying the dead are reanimated where you're from?

[stillnot]

Yeah.

[antaressnipe]

[... Then she's seen a lot of death.]

Your name?

Mine is Archer.

[Smoothly switching gears for the moment]

[stillnot]

Clementine.

[ she raises an eyebrow. is he an archer... is it rude to ask if he is an archer... ]

[antaressnipe]

[That Look of hers gets a smile, honestly. He can guess where her thoughts are going.]

I admit I have some skill with a bow, if that is what you're wondering.

[stillnot]

... I was just curious.

[ although, hm! ]

But I take it you don't have a bow with you, right?

[antaressnipe]

No, I don't.

[A sigh]

At worst, I'll have to make one later, along with arrows... but normally I would have mine with me.

[stillnot]

[ !! ]

You know how to make them?

[antaressnipe]

Yes, though it would take some time. It depends on the tools available to me.

[Tilting his head]

You use a bow and arrow?

[stillnot]

Might be worth the time, if we have nothing else to fight with.

[ like, even if he only makes one for himself, better that some of them are armed than none. right? ]

Only picked it up recently, but yeah.

[antaressnipe]

I see...

Well, if I make one, I can help you with your lessons if you'd like.

[stillnot]

Lessons, huh?

[ she laughs lightly because she hasn't had lessons on anything in a long time. but that's a very nice offer. ]

... Thanks.