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.

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Comments

[recrowns]

Oh? What do you think we're meant to help them with?

[errands? chores? marie kondo-ing the castle?]

[reconnective]

I don't know yet. Usually when something like this happens it means the world's in trouble, but everything seems so calm now. And we're the only people here anyway.

[recrowns]

Oh? You have experience in traveling between different worlds then?

[well doesn't that sound convenient]

[reconnective]

[he looks like he's debating how to answer because he's been yelled at a lot about keeping the world order, but donald's not here so whatever.]

You could say that, yeah. It's been a while.

[recrowns]

[sorry your lead-in wasn't great for secrecy

but he's nice and won't lecture about it because who wants LECTURES]

A while...? Did you take a break from it?

[reconnective]

Not really, but I mean it's been a while since I've been home for longer than a day. That's all. [it's no big deal!!! (it's a big deal.)] But this world's different than other worlds I've been to, too.

[recrowns]

[that is a big deal

though he seems a little thoughtful at that]

May I ask different how...? If there are things that we ought to keep an eye out for, it'd be helpful if more people could assist you on the search, no?

[reconnective]

[there's a nod of agreement. he seems pretty at ease to share information.]

It's a lot quieter than any of the other worlds I've been to. Even the ones that seemed abandoned had a few other people there. And none of them have ever had barriers like this place does. We could leave and come back once we got there the first time.

[recrowns]

Ah, so normally you had more to work off of...

Well, it seems like the barriers are staying put for now - and no one that isn't visible on the device we received is currently in town either.

Did you receive trinkets in the other worlds you visited too?

[reconnective]

Exactly. Normally when we arrive in a new world the problem shows itself right away. [sometimes you step one foot into a new place and get swarmed by monsters.] I'm not used to waiting.

We find all kinds of stuff in other worlds that we keep but it's never in a giftbag like the ones we got here. We always had to find them ourselves, or they were given to us as thank yous for helping restore things.

[recrowns]

Hmm, so there are a few oddities... What are some of the problems that you had to face before?

Maybe it can at least give us a hint about what type of conflict we might be facing.

[reconnective]

I don't think it'll be the same. The Heartless would've shown up by now if they were behind all of this somehow.

[recrowns]

Hm?

Heartless?

[reconnective]

Monsters. [let's simplify it.]

[recrowns]

There's so many monsters roaming around other worlds... It seems dangerous.

[reconnective]

Yeah. It shouldn't be this way. [and yet.] But does that mean you come from a place they don't exist?

[recrowns]

Mm, that's right. Monsters are closer to a thing of myth in my country.

[more or less true, yea]

But I've heard of not only your Heartless, but a few other types of monsters today... It's quite vast and varied out there.

[reconnective]

Oh. [life was nice when monsters were myths.] What have your heard about? What else is out there?

[recrowns]

Hmm... well it seems like a lot of the monsters originate from humans, one way or another. Whether it's because those people are deceased, or they're corrupted.

Are your Heartless the same?

[reconnective]

Yes. [and that alone is alarming.] That's exactly it. But if they aren't Heartless then...even more of those kind of monsters exist?

[haha. no thanks!] Guess it really is a good thing they aren't here.