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

[reconnective]

Sure. [he looks kind of pleased that she said yes.] What about an appetizer? That should do the trick, right? I only know a few recipes right now but they should taste okay.

[axecessory]

Oooh, that sounds great!

[ An appetizer! Who knew this kid could cook multiple courses. This should be good. She seats herself at the counter, beaming a bit. ]

Why don't you tell me what you know? I'll help you whittle down some options.

[ though she doesn't offer to help with anything else ]

[reconnective]

Oh, sure. [thinking...the trouble is that he knows how to make these in theory but the names sure are french and he is not.] There's this mushroom terrain thing, a scallop pole, lobster mousse, a tomato and cheese salad with some stuff in it, and ratatouille. And a couple of soups.

[:)]

[axecessory]

Wow, what a selection. [ She's impressed! Even if she doesn't know what some of those ingredients are, that just makes it more mysterious and interesting. ] How about... that mousse and a nice salad? We could eat it together.

[ :) ]

You really sound like you know what you're doing.

[reconnective]

Those should be easy enough...and sure! [he doesn't even mind that he's doing all the work? new friend...so while hilda's hanging out he'll go about starting his preparations.]

I'm still practicing and usually I have some help, but I learned a lot to help a friend with this bistro that just opened. It's really popular now because people like the food a lot.

[axecessory]

[ Oh, this one's a keeper. Hilda continues to do nothing, thanks Sora. ]

Ooh, that sounds fancy. Wish there was something like that here... I guess we're supposed to cook our own meals all the time.

[ But... effort. ]

[reconnective]

[it's fine he's used to his party members leaving him to do the work. /stares pointedly at donald. but lucky for them this is a recipe he knows fairly well and he can multitask.]

It'd be a little spookier if the food just appeared on its own, wouldn't it? And it's not so bad. It's sort of nice having something to do around here.

[axecessory]

[ At least she's cuter than Donald? Quack quack. ]

I guess... [ Actually, she's never understood the need to keep busy. She fiddles with one of her pigtails as she watches Sora work. ] But I don't know if I'd be any good in the kitchen. What if I mess up the supplies? I'd be so mad with myself, it's better to just let you all do the cooking.

[reconnective]

[i'm just establishing in brackets he's cooking while all of this is happening because i don't know how to make any of this stuff, whew.]

Even if you messed up, it's easy to get it right next time. I messed up a lot when I was first learning. Little Chef wasn't really happy about it, but I got better at it.

[axecessory]

[ no i expect a step by step meta recipe ]

Oh yeah? You sound like a really hard worker.

[ Try and try again... it's not her style. ]

Is Little Chef your friend? He should understand. Everyone makes mistakes in the beginning!

[reconnective]

[nu no bully :( he doesn't quite know if he should be agreeing with that assessment so he settles for a grin and a shrug before he decides it's easier to talk about little chef.]

Yeah, we're friends. He's pretty particular about how things are made and what ingredients are used, and he's always coming up with new ideas whenever we bring him supplies. The bistro he cooks at is a five-star place now! So I've been learning from the best even with some mistakes.

[he will absolutely never tell anyone that little chef is a rat.]

[axecessory]

[ closes eyes in rats. he should mention that part, it's important. hilda just imagines the fodlan equivalent of a fancy, handsome french chef instead. ]

Oh, wow! Now I'm really excited to try your food.

[ her expression is bright, though sitting this long means she looks a little more tired than she means to be. ]

After the kind of day we've had, there's nothing that beats a warm, yummy meal. And tea, and sweets.

[ her list of wishes grows, slowly but surely. ]

[reconnective]

[no never? never!!]

I hope you like it! It should be ready soon. [and he's right, it'll be ready by the next tag! wow! vegetable-prep only now.]

I can only do one thing at a time, you know. [but he sounds like he's trying not to laugh even while he's grabbing a plate to dish everything up.] But you're right. It's been a pretty confusing day. Have you looked around much yet?

[axecessory]

[ She's pressing her luck, but what can she say, she's greedy, and Sora seems to be taking it in stride.

She lets her smile falter a little, though. ]

A bit... though there's not a whole lot to see.

[ It's not like they can get very far. ]

[reconnective]

It's a small town, but the people I've met so far seem okay. Nobody's from around here though. I was hoping that maybe whoever owned that shop would come by soon but no such luck.

[and just like that, he serves up the mousse and the salad just as promised. they'll also taste pretty good, so enjoy, hilda!] Maybe if we keep waiting that'll change.