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

[stillnot]

That fruit looks really good.

[ Honestly she kind of sounds like she doesn't believe she gets to have some? ]

... Is this really meant for us? We're not stealing from anyone?

[recrowns]

Oh? Then let's take a little bit more.

[he will go get some more fruit!!]

I believe it's for us - a few people have taken to using the kitchen, after all. They're very kind and willing to share, too.

If the innkeeper comes back and desires payment, I'm sure a few of us would be willing to pitch in so we can repay them, even if it's through labor.

[stillnot]

[ Hm. She is conflicted because she really doesn't like putting herself in debt to someone she doesn't know. Or stealing from a stranger. There's still no real guarantee that this isn't what's happening, but...

Ultimately, food is too tempting to turn down. ]

... Alright.

[recrowns]

[ . . . there's just a soft little huff at that]

If we get it in trouble, just blame me. I'll endure the consequences since it was my suggestion.

[stillnot]

What? No, that's dumb. We don't know what sort of punishment there might be.

[ People kill over food??? She can't put all that on him alone! ]

[recrowns]

We don't, and I think that is why it is more fitting for me to bear it than you. Adults should be reliable from time to time, no?

[anyway! got fruitsies. so off to the dining table they go to share!!]

[stillnot]

From time to time.

[ she rolls her eyes. She's not going to argue this because she's not going to push responsibility on someone else!

And she sits down at the dining table. It's so clean... ]

[recrowns]

[he just offers a smile - it's nice of her to want to halve it, but he seems like his mind's made up too

he'll go to the kitchen and retrieve a plate and a knife idk maybe there's still knives

and then start cutting up fruit like an immigrant parent before setting them on a plate halfway between the two of them]

Let's dig in.

[stillnot]

Thanks.

[ She eats slowly, savoring the taste - and not starving like she'd been just a couple days ago. She's been eating well for a little while now. But fresh fruit is on a completely different level from years-old stockpiled dry-storage foods.

Too bad AJ isn't here to share with. She's used to making sure eats before she can worry about herself, and is very acutely aware that this is her first time eating without him in a long time.

It's probably weird to go from looking so excited about food to looking sad about it so quickly. And she does not really want to talk about it right now, so - quick, steer the conversation! ]

... Sooo... Do you get to travel, much? You said you wanted to, right?

[recrowns]

[there's a soft smile at that, and if he notices her sadness, he won't say anything about it

nope, he's going to cut some apples. after he sets a few down, he tries to get creative and see if he can cut some up like bunnies like he'd seen before? the first one's a little mangled and the ears are too short, but the second one's better!

anyway.]

Haha, I do. It's all on horseback, though, so likely not as fast as this train or car you're familiar with. Though that's nice too - you get to see all the farmlands as you go by, and sometimes the people are in the fields and you can wave hello to them.

[sometimes there are corpses in the streets and that's less nice but we're avoiding sad talk right now]

There aren't any 'walkers' in my kingdom - though we do have our trouble with wars... a bit of a different problem. Still, the lands are beautiful and the people are kind.

[stillnot]

I've traveled on horseback before, too. It is really nice. Kind of peaceful.

[ Even though she? grimaces? I hate that literally all of Clementine's memories are deeply traumatic. Anyway! ]

... But your wars are probably much bigger than the ones I'm used to seeing.

[recrowns]

[clementine please!!! he gives her another apple bunny

anyway,]

... there is no good war - only wars and battles over land that preferably end quickly. We've been having a few of those.

[he seems to think of something else]

Have you ever been to a library, Clementine?

[stillnot]

[ She nods. The wars she's seen tend to be quick. Small factions of people and then one kills the other. Or they both get wiped out by walkers.

She has to think about it. ]

Yeah. When I was a kid.

[recrowns]

I'm hoping that we'll be able to find one here soon - I liked libraries when I was a kid, and when I was your age.

Before I got to travel, that's where I would spend a lot of my time daydreaming.

[stillnot]

[ she laughs lightly. ]

Sounds like me when I was a kid. Think I spent more time drawing than reading, though.

If we're stuck waiting around, it wouldn't so bad to sit down with a book...

[recrowns]

Oh, you're an artist! I'd love to see your work.

[even tho he knows childhood doodles are a little different but STILL]

Maybe we could write our own.

[stillnot]

[ she shakes her head, but smiles. ]

I haven't drawn anything in years, let alone tried to write something. I'm no good with that kind of thing.

[recrowns]

Oh? Have you tried? I think I saw some paper and writing utensils... In truth, I don't think I'd be very good at it either.

But it might be fun.

[stillnot]

Not really. I usually save that stuff for AJ to play with.

You knock yourself out, though.

[ She doesn't want to draw or write. No art therapy for Clem! ]

[recrowns]

[there's a brief laugh at that]

Perhaps I will.

Is AJ a friend of yours?

[stillnot]

[ People usually meet them together and assume he's her kid. She never corrects them because it's basically true - but it still feels weird to have to come at it from the other angle? ]

... Yeah. Basically.

[recrowns]

Hm... Then we'll have to reunite the both of you soon.

[he says it so easily even tho they have learned literally nothing]

[stillnot]

Yeah. Otherwise I'll kill them - whoever brought us here.

[ also said very easily! haha! ]

[recrowns]

[oh!

well he's gonna help himself to some fruit then]

Mm. Let's not be too hasty - but no one can blame you for your anger either.

[stillnot]

[ she's still casually munching on this fruit, too. everything's fine(?) ]

I know. I'm not going to do anything stupid.