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]

[elsa tries again—and sees kano to the side.

and drops her arms.

and watches him.]

...What are you doing?

[HELLO?? WHO ARE YOU??]

[suddenlybees]

Uh. It's, like, tai chi, or something? Am I doing it right?

[ Like how you see old women and little kids exercising in the park to a radio? Is this a real thing that happens, I feel like you would know ]

[showyourself]

Tie... chee?

[elsa sounds the words out, but it doesn't make any extra sense. a lot of this doesn't. but that's not important. she shakes her head.]

No.

I'm trying to summon my powers, but it's not working.

[suddenlybees]

Yeah, yeah, that's tai chi!

[ Chi, energy, power, whatever ]

There's a trick to it, see? You gotta, like, breathe properly and everything. Here, focus on your breathing- it'll come.

[showyourself]

[wh

well

maybe it was. called something different? in other parts of the world??]

Breathing?

It's... never been important before, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try...?

[suddenlybees]

Aw, there you have it, that's why! When you're a natural at something, sometimes you aren't aware of the basics! But don't worry, I'll help you through it. Ready? Alright! Breathe in—- and hold it! keep holding it!

[ keep going... as long as you can... ]

[showyourself]

[she's about to object—that this isn't about the basics, this is just a matter of not being able to do something she's always known—the equivalent of suddenly not being able to smell, hear, or see—when he's already telling her to take in a breath.

so. she does?

and holds it.

and holds it...

and holds... it.....

...HELLO???]

[suddenlybees]

[ Hi.

Keep going. Kano nods encouragingly. ]

[showyourself]

[DON'T JUST NOD?]

[suddenlybees]

[ He gives her a thumb's up ]

[showyourself]

[???

elsa frowns, shrugging expectantly at him??? now? how about now???]

[suddenlybees]

[ Elsa's lung capacity is amazing. Also, you know what time it is?

Kano pats his chest twice with his left hand, and then brings that hand closed into a fist. With his right hand he taps his temple with his pointer finger. ]

[showyourself]

[elsa's really about to give out, here—her lungs are screaming. but. she'll try anything once, if it means she might get her powers back?

so. she mimics his movements, tapping her chest, making a fist, and tapping her temple? okay? please say this is it.]

[suddenlybees]

[ Huh. That didn't seem to work.

Kano goes through the motions for the Hadouken pose, ice powers, go!! ]

[showyourself]

[????????????????????????????

but it's too late to even try—elsa's at her limit, and gasps for breath as she opens her mouth, shaking her head as she sucks in air.]

When were you planning on telling me to breath out?!

[suddenlybees]

Huh? Oh. Hm.

[ He brings his wrist up to glance at, which would be more useful if he actually wore a watch, and then looks up at Elsa. ]

People can hold their breaths for, like, five minutes or whatever, right? Isn't that supposed to be normal?

[showyourself]

What? No, not at all!

Most people can only hold their breath for thirty seconds, much less five minutes!

[suddenlybees]

Oh. Really? Wow. Alright. Let's try again, thirty seconds this time? But, ah, before that- did you feel it? Right here?

[ He taps a hand on his chest ]

[showyourself]

[she places a small hand on the center of her chest... and shakes her head.]

No. Nothing.

[and sighs.]

I'm not sure this will work the way you hope it will, um...?

[who. is this person, anyway?]

[suddenlybees]

Hum, yeah. I was hoping for a bit more... fwoooosh!! You know?

[ No. Kano's never introducing himself to anybody. ]

Being knocked out take a lot out of a person, though, so keep trying! Don't give up! You'll be able to fwooooosh! again!

[showyourself]

...'Fwooosh', huh? [that gets a smile, at least.] Yeah. I can normally fwoosh.

You're right. I'll work on it. In the meantime... I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Elsa.

[suddenlybees]

Yeah? Real nice to meetcha, Elsa! Yeah! Great! How long have you been fwoooosh!ing for?

[ name? name?? no ]

[showyourself]

Oh. Um. My whole life, I suppose. Fwooshing from the day I was born.

Do you have a name?

[suddenlybees]

Sure do!

[ ... ]

So, you were, like fwooosh!ing right away? Babies are real good at breathing, so if it's any time to start, right away would be it!

[showyourself]

[...

okay now she's going to ignore that, because, it's ludicrous!]

And? What is it?