WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL (OVERFLOW)

[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

Dorothy

[canned]

[continued from here]

I see...there weren't any cars or anything either when I was going around the barrier, and I guess maybe it was silly to hope there'd be a train.

You're not from this town either, then? [he tilts his head with the question, causing the star boppers to bob about]

[misstrust]

... You're sure you don't want to take off the helmet?

[ With a skeptical tilt of her head in return. ]

But no, I'm not. Never seen it before in my young life.

[canned]

Huh? Oh! [he quickly swipes the boppers off his helmet, which stays firmly put]

I'm starting to think everyone here was brought from somewhere else...do you remember what happened before you wound up here? [he stoops back down and begins to gather the items back into the goodie bag]

[misstrust]

I was scolding someone for being a bit of an idiot. Nothing terribly exciting.

And you?

[canned]

[he laughs a little] well, the person I'm usually scolding wasn't there, so not that.

Actually, I was in the middle of a big fight when...something took me. [then some stuff that's definitely not important or super weighing on his mind happened but it's fine probably] I need to get back to help everyone, but I couldn't find any way out or here.

[goodies gathered, he stands back up] By the way, I'm Alphonse! It's nice to meet you.

[misstrust]

Dorothy-- the pleasure is mine, Alphonse. Or-- Sir Alphonse, I suppose.

[ That armor, man. ]

But what a time for a kidnapping to happen... you must be worried.

[canned]

Oh, no no! I'm not a knight or anything! I'm not even in the military. The armor, um, was my father's.

Anyway, just Alphonse is okay! It's nice to meet you.

[misstrust]

I suppose I can understand sentimental attachment... but that must be heavy.

[ He sounds so young?? ]

[canned]

It's okay. You could say I'm pretty used to it. But I'm really close to being able to [a beat] take it off.

Well, I was, before being taken here... [he sighs a bit, the sound small and lonely somewhere behind the armor]

[misstrust]

[ Is this some kind of... psychological thing??

Dorothy considers just saying she could help him with it, but maybe it's not that simple, so her smile is a tad sympathetic. ]

It's all right. I'm sure you'll be able to return before too long.

[canned]

[he nods, a bit solemnly, looking out towards the bridge]

Yeah, I hope so. I have to.

[then, back towards Dorothy]

I'm sure you have people you want to get back to, too, right Miss Dorothy?

[misstrust]

My friends, yes. I'm a little worried at how they're faring without me.

[ She's the big sister friend for a reason, after all. ]

[canned]

I bet they even miss being scolded by you! [he giggles lightly]

I know that when I scold my brother—for sleeping with his stomach out again or not drinking his milk or picking fights—it's because I care about him.

Isn't it the same for you, Miss Dorothy? I can tell that you're really a nice person. [another small giggle]

[misstrust]

[ To that, Dorothy winks and presses a finger to her lips. ]

I can't have them thinking that, so I'll need you to keep that to yourself. As someone who looks after his brother, I'll be relying on you.

[canned]

[he mimics the action, pressing his finger to where his lips would be]

Understood.

You must miss them, your friends.

[misstrust]

... Well, I'm glad that the majority aren't here, at least.