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

[misstrust]

I do indeed.

Though not so often as you might think, being commonly among other girls.

[ Tragic, really. ]

But I think getting to know one another does sound like a pleasant idea.

[papasha]

Oh? Do girls not tell each other they are beautiful?

[THAT IS? A SHAME?]

Well, what would you like to know?

[misstrust]

Well, hearing it come from a place of envy is something entirely different, you see.

[ And she chuckles. ]

Have you found any familiar faces so far?

[papasha]

That is true, I suppose.

[He shakes his head.]

I haven't. [Who tf would be here, he wonders.] Have you seen a boy with bright blonde hair and green eyes, by any chance? He goes by Ash. Or a Japanese boy named Eiji?

[misstrust]

No one like that, unfortunately.

... Though I suppose I should be glad that I'm at least familiar with the term Japanese. [ It's not like he's calling himself a demon, for example. ]

[papasha]

Mm. That may be for the best, depending on what we learn about this place.

[He tilts his head.]

You know of Earth then? And Japan? What about America?

[misstrust]

All of it, yes. I live in London, currently, but we had a foreign exchange student from Japan at the school where I work.

[papasha]

I see. I guess I should be relieved it sounds a little similar to mine.

[This is like the tiniest Small Things.]

[misstrust]

It's the slightest of silver linings, isn't it?

[ She gets it. ]

[papasha]

Yes.

[His smile is light.]

Are you a teacher then, Miss Dorothy, or a student yourself?

[misstrust]

Neither-- a student, once, but now I help look after the other students as something like an older sister.

[ Wryly-- ]

They can be very tiring.

[papasha]

[He smiles knowingly.]

Yes, they can be.

[He absolutely says this as if he can relate.]

[misstrust]

Those two boys you mentioned?

[papasha]

Just one. Eiji is a good young man, so I suppose you can guess which one had been more trouble.

[misstrust]

Are you related? Or simply a caretaker?

[ With a sympathetic smile. ]

[papasha]

I mentored him very briefly is all. [He returns a smile in understanding, but it's a bit tight.] He was only one boy, though.

It sounds as if you have your hands full.

[misstrust]

Ah, well... [ She won't press, shaking her head with a sigh. ]

Corralling young ladies can be a challenge when their enthusiasm is contagious to each other.

[papasha]

[overflow!]