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

b

[dawnblushed]

[Yona was going to say hi to Rufus but...

...she's immediately distracted by that cute, fluffy creature and is just staring with wide eyes. She wants to pet it... can she pet it...]

[soulus]

Can I help you?

[dawnblushed]

[Oops, busted.]

...that's really cute!

[She says in a raspy voice, gesturing at the creature with hands that have burns on them. Don't worry about it, because she's certainly not. She's even smiling!]

Is it friendly?

[soulus]

[Nice burns and voice. He's not worried.]

That depends. Are you a client?

[dawnblushed]

What? Um...

[That's a no.]

Do you work here?

[soulus]

My work is itinerant.

[He can work here if that's what she wants.]

If you have a request, I will fulfill it for a fee.

[dawnblushed]

Oh, I don't have any money.

[Yoon carries the money and Yoon is not here right now, alas.]

[soulus]

Payment need not be just money. Information and objects possess value as well.

[dawnblushed]

[Well, in that case...]

How much would it cost to pet your friend down there?

[soulus]

[Said friend peers up at Yona, cocking its head silently.]

How much do you have?

[dawnblushed]

...

[Yona thinks about it, then holds up a little keychain with her name on it that she stole from the emporium.]

[soulus]

What use is that to me?

[dawnblushed]

Um... you can tie things onto the circular part so you don't lose them?

[soulus]

. . . All right.

[He extends his hand, palm up, for her to drop the keychain. At the same time, the creature steps up toward Yona with its fluffy tail swishing side to side.]

I'll accept it as payment for this time.

[dawnblushed]

[JOYOUSLY CROUCHES DOWN AND PETS THE FLUFFY CREATURE.]

Aww! You're so cute... what's your name?

[...she is talking to the fluffball.]

[soulus]

[Well, if she's talking to the fluffball, Rufus just won't answer. The fluffball certainly isn't going to speak, though. In fact, it doesn't even so much as squeak.]

[dawnblushed]

...

[Sad. She looks up at Rufus.]

What is your friend's name? And what is yours? [A pause, and in case he wants to get paid for it -] My name is Yona.

[There, information!]

[soulus]

It's written on the plate.

[His name is right there in plain sight, next to Alyssa's. He pockets the keychain.]

This one's name is Rupe.

[dawnblushed]

[She looks up at the plate while petting Rupe.]

So, are you Alyssa or Rufus?

[soulus]

[That's a valid question, considering there's a boy named Lass back home.]

Rufus.

[dawnblushed]

It's nice to meet you, Rufus.

[She says, continuing to pet Rupe.]

...and it's nice to meet you, too, Rupe!

[soulus]

[Rupe, while not the most affectionate, lifts its head to watch Yona's face silently.]

No need for pleasantries. I would prefer to keep our relationship professional.

[dawnblushed]

...do you think professional relationships can't be pleasant?

[soulus]

I will do any work you give me. Anything else is unnecessary.

[dawnblushed]

...what if the work I gave you was to be my friend?