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

[papasha]

i.

[There is an incredibly tall, broad man in a black trench coat standing at one of the displays in the emporium. He turns around when approached, and he has

these on. Which he takes off slowly.]

Hello. [He smiles pleasantly.] Souvenir?

ii.

[At one of the tables in the dining room, the same man is seated. He seems to be taking things out of their little goodie bag, placing them somewhat orderly on the table so they can be seen.

He picks up the rock to look it over a bit.] Quite the eclectic gifts, I'd say. You, too? [He puts the rock down.]

i

[evocationary]

[ lup has both these and the pink heart headband on. she pushes the sunglasses up and gives him a wink. ]

No thanks, got my own already. Nice choice though.

[papasha]

[fucking terrible]

I can see you don't need a hand. [He seems amused by the wink.] I have one, too. The headband.

[evocationary]

[ she seems delighted by the pun. high five. ]

Oh, shit, which one? Tell me it's the hearts, I am so down for matchies.

[ i hate this already. ]

ii

[recrowns]

Ah, indeed! It's rather beautiful, but it's no gem I've ever encountered.

[he'll move to draw up a chair to sit opposite him before realizing - ]

Oh, may I?

[instead of just inviting himself]

[papasha]

It's a very curious piece. [He smiles and nods politely.] Go ahead.

You had similar things in a bag, I assume?

[recrowns]

Indeed.

[and he'll open up the bag, moving to deposit all the items opposite blanca.]

Though I can't say that I'm certain what purpose some of them serve. Some of them I'd never seen before.

ii.

[lecarre]

Um, yes...

[She glances at her bag, and then shakes her head a little. It's kind of weird.]

I don't entirely know what all of it is, even. It doesn't feel as though it was truly meant for me.

[papasha]

[He laughs. Not at her, but in amusement at the situation.]

Yes, I believe that's true. What's your name?

[lecarre]

It's Ange. My name is Ange.

[Introductions are polite and easy and settling, she can do this...!!]

And yours, sir?

ii

[misstrust]

Oh, yes.

[ With a bit of amusement coloring in her tone as she pulls out-- the condom. ]

I do so enjoy a bit of subtle encouragement.

[papasha]

[i'm

I hate that he laughs, but he does.]

Oh? A pretty woman such as yourself should at least go to dinner first.

[misstrust]

I agree! [ Also said with a laugh. ]

I appreciate that they also offered alcohol, of course.

ii

[reconnective]

[FINALLY! SOMEONE ELSE INTERESTED IN THE ROCK!!!!]

Yeah! [he's reaching into his pocket to pull out his own rock.] I've been trying to think of what it could be used for, but nothing's come up so far.

[papasha]

[ROCK BUDDIES.]

I see. [Sora iS YOUNG, HE HATES THIS. He smiles.] It's peculiar, isn't it? And we all have one.

It looks like the night sky.

[reconnective]

It's beautiful. [he loves this rock. it's unfortunate. and also he's just going to plop right down to sit at the table like he was invited.] There has to be a reason everyone has one, right? I don't think it's just a cool souvenir.

ii

[arkitect]

Unfortunately.

[What is he going to do with... prophylactics, decorations, and this ridiculous pillow? The device and rock, at least, are interesting. The rest he doesn't really intend to touch.]

If we're expected to carry it all around, whoever left them is going to be sorely disappointed.

[papasha]

[EMET your CONDOMS]

You can leave most of it in your room, if you wish. [He does not say this condescendingly, more helpfully.] The ones with our names on them.

[A pause, and then he laughs a bit.]

I would offer you my jacket, but I'm surprised to say I'm not sure if it will fit you.

[arkitect]

Yes, yes, I am well aware.

[But if their gift-giver is going to be offended that things are abandoned, well, that can't be helped.]

And whether it would fit or not, it certainly wouldn't suit. I have no need of your garments.

i

[antaressnipe]

[By far what's most impressive is that this human is so tall, the centaur barely has to glance down to look him in the eye]

... I will decline, though thank you for the offer.

[killjoy]

[papasha]

[I'm so sorry, but he is very human realism, and so the sunglasses very slowly lower to let him blink in growing disbelief at

gestures at all of the centaur.]

I beg your pardon, but are you from this place?

i

[suddenlybees]

[ Yes, please. Kano holds his hands out for the souvenir. ]

[papasha]

[Kano...

Blanca hands the clown glasses over to without hesitation.]

i

[cuedoves]

Why? They look ridiculous.

[ hello the fun police is here ]

[papasha]

Not half as ridiculous as you look with them off.

[Hello fun police, this is familiar to him, sorry. He's smiling. And teasing.]