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

[soulus]

I dislike fruitless conversation.

The payment need not be monetary. If you are uninterested, I will take my leave.

[axecessory]

Wow, you're friendly. [ Most conversation is fruitless? Just listen to her talk, geez. ] Fine, fine, I'll bite. What sort of 'payment' do I have to make to pet your cat? [ If he won't answer her, it's a cat. ] Do you want a kiss or something?

[soulus]

What would I do with that?

[Don't put those pink lips anywhere near him unless it comes with a bouquet of money.]

This time, an observation of the town will suffice. Did you notice anything striking on the way here?

[axecessory]

[ does that mean he would kiss her for $$$ ]

If you have to ask what you 'do' with a kiss, you definitely don't deserve one...

[ men. ]

Striking? I guess the field north of town is pretty.

[soulus]

[He would kiss her a hundred times if he got $$$ per kiss.]

No. I mean something peculiar, such as the wall that prohibits us from leaving.

[axecessory]

[ takes notes ]

What, like the fact that this place is practically a ghost town but the store and kitchen are freshly stocked? [ Is that enough of an observation? What a pain. ] Sorry, but I don't really pay attention to stuff like that.

[soulus]

. . . That's enough.

Thank you for your patronage.

[Here comes the critter, rounding Rufus to approach Hilda with a friendly swish of fluffy tail.]

[axecessory]

[ Wow, that was surprisingly easy. Or is this guy just giving her a fair deal? She grins, picking the 'cat' up to place in her lap immediately. ]

I think I'm in love.

[ She'll spare Rufus a look too. ]

Do I need to pay up to get your name too? I think I've given you enough to earn that much.

[soulus]

[Excuse him. The deal was to pet the cat. But luckily for Hilda, said cat remains passive and docile in her lap.]

My name is public knowledge.

[It's right next to him on the plate, too.]

Rufus.

[axecessory]

[ She is petting the cat! She's just stretching the boundaries of their contract a little. Pet pet. ]

Nice to meet you, Rufus. I'm Hilda.

[ Not that he asked....... ]

Are you always this charming, or is it just me?

[ The sarcasm is light and lilting, friendly. ]

[soulus]

[Pet away.]

I treat everyone equally, so I must always be this way.

[axecessory]

[ he wasn't supposed to answer seriously... ]

Why? Isn't it natural to play favorites?

[soulus]

[Was he serious?]

Playing favorites alienates the clientele. It would be troublesome if a client refused my services for something so insignificant.

[axecessory]

And what kind of services do you offer? Besides petting your cat. [ She's living it up though, gently scritching behind its ears. ]

[soulus]

[His so-called cat silently enjoys the attention, though its expression never changes. At least it doesn't look cross the way Rufus often does.]

I'm a bounty hunter by trade. But if you pay me, I will do any work.

[axecessory]

[ She likes the cat better, so far. But that's an interesting proposition. ]

So if I paid you to wait on me hand and foot, you would?

[ can he be a butler as much as he is a bounty hunter? ]

[soulus]

[As long as she doesn't expect him to become a gourmet chef overnight, maybe.]

If you can afford it . . . It would be an extended contract.

[axecessory]

[ She laughs a little; she hadn't really meant it in earnest, but that's a fun answer. ]

Well, that shouldn't be an issue. My brother is the Duke of Goneril.

[ She says, expecting him to recognize his name. Hilda's barely a footnote in the Goneril family, but everyone knows Holst. ]

[soulus]

[His face is as blank as ever.]

. . . It seems we also come from different worlds.

I'm unfamiliar with the territory; however, I understand the title. It does sound as though payment won't be an issue.

[axecessory]

...Different worlds? [ She can believe countries, and sure, this place is really, really weird, but that still seems like a leap. But more importantly— ] Well, whatever. Gold talks in any nation, right? I could definitely pay you for your trouble once we're out of here.

[soulus]

Yes . . . As long as you have gold, I will do what you want to be done right.

[That seems to be her motto, based on the data.]

[axecessory]

Oooh. I'll have to keep that in mind.

[ She doesn't really have any servants at Garreg Mach, but House Goneril is plenty wealthy. This could work out. ]

We have plenty in our coffers, so if you look after me, I'd be happy to make it worth your while. Besides, I'll help you out too!

[ in one way or another ]

[soulus]

[Sweet deal. He'll definitely collect.]

We've reached an agreement, then. What is your request?

[Waiting on someone hand and foot is rather vague, and he can't just walk away until she says something.]

[axecessory]

What, right now?

[ so eager! ]

I'm good for right now, but don't worry. I won't be shy about making requests. I mean—so long as you're getting something out of it too!

[ she may be a con artist, but she's not a total freeloader. ]

[soulus]

[She's an awfully fair employer.]

I look forward to it.

Rupe.

[The cat perks up and hops out of Hilda's arms to join Rufus again. Surely she's gotten her fill by now.]