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

[infreefall]

[ yaaaay dance partner! delighted, ochako claps her hands together! ]

So - you can pick the song, and then when it starts, just follow the directions on the screen. Whoever gets the most points wins!

[misstrust]

You'll have to forgive me.

[ As she peers at the dance machine once she's moved closer. ]

I can't say I've ever danced to music like this.

[infreefall]

It's okay! I'm not going to judge you. I'm pretty new at this, too!

[ and as they wait for round to start... ]

Do you dance to other kinds of music?

[misstrust]

Waltzes, mostly. A few folk dances.

[ And as the music starts, Dorothy peers at the arrows on the screen, then on the floor. ]

Wait, when am I supposed to--

[infreefall]

Ah - once it gets to that mark at the top, you have to hit the arrow!

[ the arrow on her side hits, a right arrow, and she stomps on the right square of her console. ]

See? It's not that hard!

[misstrust]

And this is-- [ she steps down, almost missing it. ]

... Supposed to be dancing?

[infreefall]

[ ochako laughs as she misses the next arrow. ]

Not fancy dancing like a waltz, that's for sure! Maybe more like street dancing?

[misstrust]

Something a little improvised, you mean?

[ She grimaces as she also misses a step and the game commentator offers up a scathing "Ooh, bad day?" ]

[infreefall]

Yeah, exactly! You get it!

[ as if to prove her point, she does a little spin before hitting the next arrow. ohhhh, ashido would be so proud! ]

[misstrust]

I see you're adventurous.

[ Listen, she's new to this. She cannot trust her fate to improvisation when the commentator is a little bitch. ]

[infreefall]

It's fun to try new things once in a while!

[ no judgment!! ochako misses another step following the spin, but that's fine, she's not here for the high score. she'll mostly stick to the choreography, though. ]

[misstrust]

I won't argue with you there!

[ AWKWARD DANCE BATTLE GOOO. ]

[infreefall]

[ LET'S DO THIS

ochako unfortunately gets very into it so she's panting a little by the time the song ends. ]

So who do you think won...?

[ c'mooooon scores! ]

[misstrust]

Well, my moves certainly weren't as inspired as yours.

[ As she leans back against the rail. And as the scores flash on the screen...

Ochako wins!! ]

My case.

[infreefall]

Ahaha, that's just because my friend taught me some moves for the school festival! I'm not that great on my own. I definitely couldn't do a waltz or anything like you.

So... do you want to go another round, or should we try something else?

[misstrust]

I think I've gotten the hang of it. One more round, before we call it good?

[ She's not the competitive sort, but she at least wants to make an actual effort this time. ]

[infreefall]

Sounds good to me! We should pick a different song this time, though, for variety. What do you think of this one?

[ she points to this one ]

[misstrust]

... It's different!

[ Look, she's from steampunk London, she's never heard anything like this before??? ]

[infreefall]

But a good different, right?

[ apparently she's taking it as such, because she's already hit play. ]

Hope you're ready for round two!