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

[showyourself]

Thank you. And, that's very kind of you to offer, but I'd hate to impose on you like that.

[they're both just? picking up rocks at this point? elsa examine the ones in her hands.

it's just normal river rocks. one has a snail on it, though, so she places it back with a lot more care. poor lil snail.]

My name is Elsa, by the way. Can I ask yours?

[recrowns]

Won - a pleasure to meet you.

[even given the weird situation! but he's also going to be picking up the rocks

though he finds a smooth one, and it's definitely not what she's looking for]

Oh, doesn't this one look nice?

[FOCUS]

[showyourself]

[at the greeting, elsa gives won a small smile, and a nod. what a polite greeting, even here in wherever-the-heck.]

The pleasure is mine.

[she's about to comment on their odd situation, when he proffers a smooth rock at her. hm.]

...Very nice. The river's flow certainly does a good job of polishing them, doesn't it?

[recrowns]

[soo-won's brain smooth like rock

but regardless he's going to be a bit amused and hold it up to the sun, curiously - and then he'll move to place it on the side of the river so he can pick it up later.]

Mm! I can't remember the last time I got to wade around in a river a bit - a little keepsake, then.

[but he'll go back to helping her look for her special rock! to his credit, he does not ooh or ahh over any other random rocks for a little while longer]

[showyourself]

[she watches him carefully place the rock to the side, and smiles. it's these little gestures that endear her to people—the thoughtfulness of actions, no matter how small.]

I'm the same. When I was younger, my sister and I would play outside together, but it's been years since I've done anything like this.

[so. maybe she's looking for an interesting rock now, too. pulling a new one up, she turns it over in her hands, before placing it back. no need to drop it!!]

Have you been here before?

[recrowns]

Oh! Yes, exactly. Me and my dear friends - we'd get into all sorts of trouble and the guards would have to run after us because we'd be making a fuss.

[it's something he offers up with a smile - even though there is something ever so sightly murky right before it reaches his eyes. it's gone quickly, easy to miss.]

This place is new to me, though. I'm not familiar with the architecture or the layout of this town at all.

[showyourself]

[okay well that is very cute, and very reminiscent of her own childhood (pre-Terrible-Ice-Incident.) she lets out a small laugh at the mental image, covering her mouth with a hand as she does, missing the beat of darkness.]

We were the same. In and out, always causing our parents some kind of headache.

[it's something she hasn't thought about in some time—and now that she and Anna are closer than ever, it's a happy memory, not one of longing and sadness.]

If you don't recognize it either, then we're both in the same boat. This is the first time I've seen this place. I thought it might have been created by spirits, trying to tell us something.

[recrowns]

Hahaha, but that's the beauty of childhood, isn't it? To do whatever you please because you're invincible.

[he says this but he also seems like the type of person who does whatever he wants now

oh well]

By spirits...? What do you mean by that?

[showyourself]

For as long as it lasts, that's certainly how it feels.

[for as long as it lasts.

...]

There's the spirits of the elements—of nature—but there may be more to it than just that. This could be other spirits, trying to draw our attention to them.

[as elsa speaks, she sifts out another rock—not the galaxy rock—and rubs a thumb across it, before placing it back. overall, she seems pretty chill about the whole experience—or, at least, she's not freaking out.]

[recrowns]

[for as long as it lasts.

though he doesn't seem to be all that bothered by the nostalgia, again picking up another rock and holding it up to the sun - though he isn't enthralled by it, so he puts it back

if this were any other day, soo-won would meet her with about 1% of skepticism

but it's today, so she gets 0% skepticism and 100% curiosity]

So they brought us all here because they might've needed us for something?

[showyourself]

I'm not sure. It's the only explanation I have for things so far. But...

[she hesitates, a sudden breeze blowing her long hair around her shoulders.]

I'm only thinking of it with what I know—and I don't know of any spirits that can speak, or write. There's thousands of mysteries in the world—who's to say this isn't one of them?

Whatever the situation, frustrating as it may be, it seems we're here for a reason. Perhaps we can help.

[recrowns]

[ . . . well he can't help but offer a bit of a grin back - ]

You certainly know how to weave a theory that currently cannot be disproven.

But it's optimistic, so I can't say that I dislike it. Perhaps all I can say is that I hope that you're right?

Just be careful, in case you're wrong.

[showyourself]

That might be the first time I've ever been told I'm optimistic about anything.

[she easily smiles back at won, pushing he hair back.]

As for care—doesn't that go for you, too? Should you really be helping out any strange river woman you happen to meet?

[elsa has heard of being careful, and frankly, isn't interested.]

[recrowns]

Trying out something new is always good.

[especially if it's optimism!

but he just laughs a bit at that]

The other option was to ignore a problem and keep walking, and then I wouldn't have gotten a chance to meet you. A much darker path, if you ask me.

[showyourself]

Hmm. I bet you say that to every random river person you meet.

[recrowns]

Maybe I would if I frequented more rivers...?

[stupid.]

[showyourself]

Well, perhaps you could make a new habit of it.

[recrowns]

Ah, well if I believe in trying new things...

[he shrugs - his hands are tied! now he has to play in rivers]

Should I get into any trouble over the choice, I'll point them in your direction, Elsa?

[showyourself]

[she shakes her head in amused pretend disbelief.]

We meet, and in only five minutes you're already threatening to stir up problems in my name, Won? That might be a new record.

[recrowns]

Hmm, I like to think of it as giving credit to inspiration where it's due?

[obviously!]

Besides, you might be more convincing than I am, anyway.

[showyourself]

Oh--no. [she laughs suddenly, a little embarrassed.] No, you might be confusing me with my sister. Anna's the convincing one. I'm the boring one. I'm afraid you're on your own.

[recrowns]

[ . . . . ?

oh, that surprises him out of his groove of banter. the confusion is a little plain on his face.]

Mm... While I'm certain your sister is lovely and charming as well -

Even though my frame of reference is small, 'boring' is the last word I'd use to describe you. Do you really think you are...?

[showyourself]

Me? Well, I... I suppose that might be a bit...

[elsa trails off, not even sure herself it it's hyperbole or not. put on the spot, she exhales another embarrassed breath, turning a river rock over in her hands.]

--But I definitely wouldn't describe myself as... animated. I'm, ah, not exactly a natural at charades.

[recrowns]

[ . . . . ]

I'm probably not either.

[whatever charades are

but he'll offer a smile and a tilt of his head]

But I don't think someone has to be bursting at the seams with energy in order to not be boring.

[he looks over another rock thoughtfully, as if remembering something distant, before looking back to elsa]

I think people who are more subdued, but still sincere, are some of my favorites to behold.

[showyourself]

[what a kind sentiment. it might just be pretty words, considering this guy, but she gives him a smile back, anyway, parrying back to bants.]

And do you do a lot of that? Beholding people?