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

iii

[infreefall]

Um... excuse me. Are you okay? Are you stuck?

[ why else would you just be standing here ]

Re: iii

[canned]

[the metal body tenses with surprise and he turns, looking down into the doorway]

Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be in the way!

[he shuffles away from the doorframe, making room for Ochako to pass if she wants]

I just...have never seen any place like this before, even in Central City. There's so much happening.

[infreefall]

Oh! Yeah, it looks like a lot, huh?

[ she'll come in around al, smiling. ]

It's an arcade! So, like, just a bunch of games. Did you want to try one?

[canned]

[well, scrutinizing/attacking the barrier and waiting for a non-existent train didn't do anything, so there's no harm in playing some games while he thinks and tries to learn about this place...]

Okay! But...I wouldn't know how to play any of them. Especially those ones with the moving electric pictures.

Do you have a favorite?

[infreefall]

Mm... not really. I've never really gotten to play in arcades before now, so it's still pretty new to me. And all of the ones I've tried so far are pretty fun, in different ways.

Hey, why don't you try this one first?

[ t*tris? the censoring here is so funny, why do they do that. ]

It's not that hard a game, and it's not as flashy as some of the others! You'll pick it up in no time!

[canned]

[he casts another quick look out the door then nods, decided]

Okay! I can try!

[he has to crouch wayyy down to level his gaze with the screen, and he gently places his hands on the buttons]

Um...so what do I do?

[infreefall]

[ better this than DDE! delighted, ochako follows, chattering as al gets a feel for the buttons. ]

Okay, so the goal is to get the highest score you can! To do that, you need to make a full line with the blocks they give you, and when you do it'll erase that line and everything above it will come down. So this [ she points at one button ] is to rotate the blocks so you can fit them in however you want. And you use the arrow keys to move them back and forth on the screen, so they're in the right position. Get it?

[canned]

I think so! [he nods, pushes the button labeled START and the game springs to life as a colorful block begins to slowly meander down the screen

tentatively, with a single finger of the steel gauntlet, he presses an arrow key—the piece moves in kind, albeit not very far...and it's still falling towards the bottom]

This is amazing!!

[he just keeps moving the piece left and right, each time by a tiny increment and with a single finger; his face is now drawn so close to the screen the lights reflect off his armor as he stares into it in awe; he has forgotten about the rotate button; the piece lands in a sub-optimal position]

Hmm, that's a pretty good line!

[another piece appears from the top

!!!!!]

What do I do now???

[infreefall]

[ she is trying so hard not to laugh and break al's concentration, but man is it a struggle! ]

Ah! Rotate, rotate!