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

FOX

[retellers]

[ the figure wearing a fox mask tries to shake out glitter and confetti from their cloak, though after very limited success, they sigh, barely audible. then, they give a polite bow to the participants. when they speak, their voice is cheerful and professional, if almost obnoxiously so. ]

Welcome to the Realm--well, I say that as if it's any more our home than it is yours. [ they straighten up, revealing a smile, the rest of their expression unreadable underneath the mask. ] I'm sure you must be full of questions and possibly violent urges, so if you could disregard the latter, we'll do our best to assist.

[dawnblushed]

[but what if yona doesn't want to disregard her violent urges]

You said before that we weren't kidnapped, but... how did we get here?

[retellers]

Oh, that wasn't my addition. I take no responsibility for any claims about kidnapping or lack thereof.

[dawnblushed]

Fine, someone who wasn't you said we weren't kidnapped. My question is the same, though. How did we get here?

[robopriest]

[Raising his hand obnoxiously like a student in a classroom. He's just going to speak even if he isn't called on.]

Hey, do you guys realize you need an editor for your messages? I mean, if you wanted to be ominous, you kind of killed the vibe.

[retellers]

[ fox lifts a hand, partially covering their smile. it sounds as though they're stifling a laugh. ]

I thought about it, but it was funnier like this.

[robopriest]

[Oh?]

It was kind of hilarious, yeah. [He's grinning as he puts his hand down.] Anyways, what are we here for, exactly?

[soulus]

What a waste. Fireworks should be reserved for when it's dark.

[retellers]

... I can't speak for the others, but that definitely wasn't my decision.

[soulus]

. . . Well? In what exactly are we participating?

[horologia]

[ cheerful and too professional? clearly is the one she should talk to first, for now. her posture's prim, hands clasped in front of her skirt, though she does bow back first, braids jostling with the motion. ]

Hello. Were... you the three who wrote the message?

[retellers]

Hm... yes? [ they wave a hand. ] We all contributed, you could say. You can thank Rabbit for the original--and, believe it or not, once coherent--message.

[reconnective]

[well. he approaches the fox and there's a familiar starry giftbag hanging from his hand. as he gets close enough, he offers the bag to them, a "nice to meet you!" note scribbled on the front on a piece of paper.]

Hi. This is for you guys...since you left gifts for us. [but with that, he tilts his head to study the mask.] So this is your home? Have you always been here?

[retellers]

[ fox takes it, though with a hint of wariness as though they expect sora to punch them once they get close enough. ]

Thank you, though you hardly need to do anything for us. [ they pause. ] Well, we woke up here a couple of days before you. I certainly hope this isn't our home.

[uhhhmagic]

Wow. Really is— really is the friggin’ circus around here, huh?

Hey, listen, I’m gonna need my Stone of Far Speech, my magic powers and an Uber, post-haste, thanks.

[retellers]

In order--don't know what that is, that's beyond my ability, and I don't have a connection to call one with, I'm afraid!

[lecarre]

Um, excuse me...!

[She's a bit later than most of the others because she's too timid to approach.]

Are we here to help you...?

[retellers]

It's more like we're here to help you, really.

[suddenlybees]

Hello! Yes! Hi!

[ Hello!! Fox looks approachable, Kano approaches ]

Do you have, like, any more condoms?

[retellers]

[ they're quiet for a moment. ]

You'll have to ask Tiger if you want any more, when you meet them.

[supremity]

[ Hua Cheng - observes, mostly, before picking one of them. Because Snow doesn't want to be redundant. Good thing he doesn't have spiritual energy because it'd be killing intent for days up in this bitch. ]

So if you're just as trapped here as the rest of us, where does your information come from?

[retellers]

The Realm itself, mainly. You could say this world has a will of its own.

[bisouled]

Not your home... Do you mean to say that you got taken here, too?

[retellers]

[ they nod. ]

So we assume. We've only been here for about a week longer than you have.

[canned]

[Having tensely watched the fanfare of the mysterious figures' entrance, and their interactions with the people gathered here, Al waits until things are more cleared out before walking heavily and deliberately over to the three.

He looms over them for a moment, before settling on Fox as the one who's been most talkative. The voice that comes out doesn't quite match the intimidating approach, but his tone and posture are deadly serious. Violent urges are...on hold.]

You clearly know more about this town and what happened to it than you're telling us; how are we supposed to believe anything you say?