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

[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?

[recrowns]

[easily:]

I like people, so I like getting to know them when they'll let me.

I've never met someone who isn't interesting.

[showyourself]

[that gets an easy chuckle as she deposits her most recent rock back into the river, hair barely missing the water as she does.]

It sounds good—until you meet someone who doesn't want to be known.

[she certainly wouldn't have let this random guy help her out in the river a few years ago. how things change.]

[recrowns]

[hmmmmmm, he looks thoughtful at that]

... mm, I think there are more than a few people like that.

Though I suppose I'd like to know why that is, too. It must get lonely, to be known by none by yourself.

[so why wouldn't he want to ease that loneliness, if he could?]

Or maybe they're just far more at peace with themselves - in which case I'd want to learn from them too!

[showyourself]

[oh yeah. this guy would've driven the previous iteration of herself completely up the wall. she'd have been sprinting away several interesting rocks ago.]

And? If they didn't want you around at all?

[recrowns]

[the idea of someone not wanting him around at all seems to inspire a specific memory

and his smile is just a tinge more serious]

Earn their trust - or count my losses.

[depending,]

But I'd always leave the door open in case they change their mind.

[showyourself]

...Sounds like something you have a little experience with.

[her tone drops to something a little more gentle, a little more serious, to match his.

earn their trust, or count the losses... how many people counted their loss with her? hmm.]

[recrowns]

[ah - he hadn't meant for the mood to drop. and so he offers her a smile instead]

I like just about everyone I meet - but I know that's hardly the norm.

[if someone doesn't like him, sometimes his hands are tied.]

Even still, I don't think that's a reason to stop treating someone with dignity. It's a little more sad to feel like someone's given up on you, right?

[showyourself]

[hmmmmmmmm.]

Maybe. But sometimes, it can leave you wishing they would.

[...]

Or, leave the person wishing--this is all hypothetical, of course.

[recrowns]

[right hypothetical]

Ah - an unstoppable force and an immovable object, is it?

I suppose something would have to give eventually... or something would have to change.