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]

[Ah, well, he will at least wait for his oyaji-in-arms to come back down before answering that]

It's alright. I will likely attempt a night in the forest before I settle for anywhere else.

[lionson]

Fair enough. It's probably safe enough there. You can probably defend yourself from anything that's out there.

But don't hesitate to call for help if you need it, yeah? I might be without my guns, but my Aria skills are up to snuff.

[He. Might be assuming Chiron will understand that.]

[antaressnipe]

[Aaah... He sees that there is some confusion here.]

Your concern is appreciated... However:

I'm afraid whatever manner of creature you assume me to be, I am not it. Unless you are some form of mage, I do not know what an Aria skill is.

[Sorry sir]

[lionson]

'Mage' is technically a correct term for what I am, but it's not the term I would use. And I'm guessing it's the same for you and the term 'demon'?

[antaressnipe]

[Arching a brow]

I am no demon.

[lionson]

[He just.

Glances down at the horse half of Chiron.

Then glances back up to Chiron's face.

The glance is not subtle.]

[antaressnipe]

[Sir]

I'm what my native lands called a "centaur". If it makes it easier, I'm more a human that happens to have the lower body of a horse...

[HM]

Though even that isn't completely accurate...

[Myth technicalities]

[lionson]

See, I could guess that you were a centaur. But where I'm from, that still would have made you a demon. Or a half-demon at the very least.

...for clarification's sake, 'demon' doesn't mean 'evil' where I'm from. It's a species, like how 'human' is one.

[antaressnipe]

I see.

[Hm... well. He looks as if he might say something further, but at the last moment holds his tongue, shaking his head]

Regardless of the details, I think we can both agree I'm not human. Any further labels are just a technicality.

[So refer to him as a demon if Shiro wishes. Archer doesn't see any point in being bothered.]

Thank you for your assistance earlier, by the way.

[lionson]

[Shiro will take Chiron at his word there, and just let the conversation about demons go. Though he does make a mental note to look into this further, because apparently 'not human' doesn't immediately mean 'demon' here.]

It's no problem. You looked like you were struggling with it. Honestly, given the layout of this town, you'll probably struggle with it more eventually.

[antaressnipe]

Yes, these lands weren't built with my kind in mind.

[And that's fine, honestly. He isn't too fussed by the exclusion]

As I said before, I'll make a shelter in the forest if I can find the right materials. Even a sturdy tree will suffice for a few nights.