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

[recrowns]

[ i. how may i help you? ]

[ sometimes you have bad timing and an all too healthy sense of curiosity! sometimes this leads you behind the front desk of the plaza inn since there's no one there, and no matter who you call in the first few moments, no one arrives.

so it's time to start looking around! he's still mussing around behind the desk, poking at a computer that he doesn't understand - which is presumably when you walk in. he looks up and smiles ]

Oh - good afternoon. How may I help you?

[ he doesn't work here he's just too polite ]

[ ii. what is a railroad ]

[ - is the opening line to a very tragic story, including this one. perhaps if you catch him a few moments before danger, you'll notice soo-won being confused by the turnstiles. he gives them an experimental push, moving them one notch, before seeming to think better of it, planting one hand firmly atop it, and vaulting over them

after that everything gets examined and the ticket machines are given experimental taps and pokes as he muses aloud to himself:] Hmm, what is this...

[ eventually he takes a seat on a bench and should you approach, he'll turn to face you with a smile ]

Excuse me, perhaps you know. What is this location for? Are we meant to be waiting for something?

[ iii. souvenirs time ]

[ for some reason you are inside the emporium, and soo-won is here too. he's got a pair of magnificent shades in his hands, as if not sure what to do with them, and tilts his head as he observes you with whatever accessory you have in hand no matter how lovely or gaudy

and with a very straight face: ]

I think it would look very good on you. [ a beat ] It is an ornament to be worn, no?

[ wildcard! ]

[AS ALWAYS THROW ANYTHING AT ME AND I'LL RUN WITH IT, also feel free to disco dm me or hit me up for plotting a decals

ii

[stillnot]

It's like a train station.

But, uh, there's no train tracks.

[recrowns]

Ohh, I see! And the tracks would guide us to our next destination? Does the 'train' follow the track?

[he will make an open-handed gesture to beside him on the bench! there's room to join!!]

1

[heartablaze]

[The door BURSTS open and in slams a red-haired child that doesn't even reach Soo-won's shoulder, panting for breath and covered in slashed wounds, the goodie bag around her elbow. None of this seems to be stopping her, because her eyes light up at the greeting and she beelines for the desk.]

Hey!!! Hey, please, do you work here?? This is important, I'm looking for someone!!

[recrowns]

[it's the combination of the shortness and the red hair that manages to get him to pause for a moment -

and then it is gone, easy to miss as he looks a bit concerned]

Mm? Is someone missing? A description might help.

iii

[moondumplings]

[ usagi's holding this of all things and while she looks startled at being addressed she does laugh quite freely ]

For my cat!

[ a beat. ]

Though she probably wouldn't appreciate it.

[ luna would scratch her to death if she even tried ]

[recrowns]

No? It looks very festive. I imagine she would wear it well.

What would she prefer instead? Something like this?

[he holds another perfect accessory]

i.

[uhhhmagic]

[Oh, finally, the manager.]

Hey! Yeah, hey, what’s up— I want to go home? That would be the thing that I want to do. I wasn’t scheduled for any post-credits appearances until next month or so, this is definitely not in my contract.

[recrowns]

Oh, that is a problem.

Could you possibly illuminate me on the details of your contract? I'd love to become familiar with your body of work.

iii.

[lecarre]

... Sir, I feel as though you're teasing me.

[She just shuffles in place a little awkwardly; her own gift bag is still in her hands, but entirely unopened.]

Can those even be seen through?

[recrowns]

I have yet to make an attempt.

[except! he will now! on go the shutters





]

No, not very well.

wildcard but in the emporium

[dawnblushed]

[so yona has found some really big, really dark sunglasses, and like a dummy, she's put them on indoors. it's hard to see with them on, but she can kind of make out shapes as she makes her way through the emporium.

but she can't quite make them out well enough, because she bumps right into soo-won.]

—sorry!

[...her voice is very quiet and raspy! i just realized this is probably going to help them draw out the "who are you?" thing even longer. unfortunately, she smells faintly of smoke, too? so that's not super great.]

[recrowns]

[ I KNOW YOUR CANONPOINT AND IT'S SO FUNNY I COULD CRY

anyway soo-won has also put on some stupid, stupid sunglasses. shutters with very narrow slits so he can't actually see anything? instead he'll react automatically, moving to steady the person who just bumped into him

who he cannot say]

Oh - you needn't apologize. [a beat] Shall we see if we can fetch you a glass of water?

iii

[dianxias]

[ xie lian is holding an accessory, but it is actually his own - his straw hat in his hands. it does fit right in with everything else in this room, though. he was looking curiously at soo-won's shades when he's addressed, and he glances up to him, then down at his hands.

and then laughs! ] It is, yes! Ah, this is mine, though. [ does it really look like it should be for sale in this shop.....? ]

Yours are quite interesting as well! Do those go on your face...?

[recrowns]

I would presume so - else I'm not sure what the arms are for.

[he'll unfold the shutters curiously before letting them... rest atop his head like a headband??]

Or like this?

[fool.]

iii.

[chanteuser]

I think so?

[ she's going to be big stylin' if she puts these on, woowoo is not wrong. ]

Different shape to what I've seen sold before, though.

[recrowns]

Oh? How do they normally look?

I'm afraid we don't wear accessories such as these in my country - I hope I'm not committing a faux pas by perusing through them.

iii

[reconnective]

[given he's wearing the heart-headband, he still looks stupid but he nods in agreement.]

Well, the colors match so maybe. [he tilts his head.] Have you tried them on yourself? I bet they'd look good on you, too.

[recrowns]

Do you think? Well now, I must so we can match.

[ON THE SHUTTERS GO






]

My, it's hard to see.

ii

[misstrust]

Well, in most opportune occasions, this is where the train would arrive and transport you to wherever you wished to go!

Provided you had money, of course.

[recrowns]

Ah, so even now, nothing good is free.

[he sighs wistfully]

A train must be a very powerful vehicle then. Are you very familiar with them?

iii

[axecessory]

[ Oh Soo-Won, proving you can be beautiful and still have terrible taste. Because she's checking out some sweet jewelry, and his shades are ugly. She narrows her eyes, just a little, not enough to be unfriendly but definitely discerning. ]

Wow. I can't tell if you're making fun of me or trying to be nice.

[ Tread carefully, bud. ]

[recrowns]

[there's just a soft laugh there as he backtracks very quickly]

I'd never dream of making fun of you, miss -

Consider it perhaps a jest in poor taste then. I hope you'll forgive me.

i

[suddenlybees]

Oh, um. Hm. Y'know, I could really go for a smoothie right about now. Strawberry, with whipped cream, but not, like, the gross wet kind.

[ Please assist, it is very important. ]

i

[canned]

Oh, good afternoon. Um...[the polite voice coming out of the hulking figure is that of a young boy, his posture jarringly sheepish as he rubs the back of his head]

I'm sorry if this is a strange question, but, could you tell me what town this is? I need to get to Central City right away.