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

[recrowns]

[well he'll do a little bow back, delayed as it may be]

My name is Won - it's nice to meet you.

I accept your apology, but I'm afraid I can't do so on behalf of everyone else gathered. [they're probably mad, but at least soo-woo will try]

Did you suddenly get rushed into coming to see us then?

[retellers]

We've been trying to since you all arrived, but we kept getting delayed. So we were in a hurry once we were finally able to.

[recrowns]

Can I ask what caused the delays? You mentioned preparing to meet us all somewhere in the original message, no?

[retellers]

[ they rub their elbow again. ]

It was a lot of things happening at once. It genuinely isn't that important compared to other things I'm sure you might want to know.

[recrowns]

Mm, it sounds a bit hectic...

Then if I may - were the three of you the ones who composed the message? Or might there be more?

And could you explain the castle in the distance? Is there a ruler in this land?

[retellers]

There's six of us in total.

[ they glance behind them at the castle. ]

We stay there. It's our home base, I guess?

[recrowns]

Ah, but you wouldn't call yourselves the lords...?

[interesting - but he'll tilt his head]

May I ask what role it is you serve then? And what role we're meant to serve, as the ones who have been brought here? I'm sure you can imagine many of us would like to depart as soon as possible.

[retellers]

I... no? I don't think we're royalty...

[ they frown, and move on. ]

We need your help in restoring this Realm's nova. It's... something that makes up memories. But something is stealing the nova from here, and it's disrupting the Realm greatly. This Realm is connected to many worlds and universes, so it'll all start falling apart, like a big chain? Does that make sense?

[recrowns]

[hmmmmm, after a moment, he nods.]

As much sense as anything makes presently. [it's a lot to take in when you're not familiar with magic at all]

And so - we must assist in restoring the nova in order to ensure stabilization of not only this world, but also possibly our own? Are your worlds [gesturing to Rabbit, Fox, and Wolf] also in the balance?

And do you have any clarification on the process of restoring nova?

[retellers]

They might be? I think.

[ they move on again. ]

We know that there are many ways of restoring it, but we're still gathering the information on that. But we'll let you all know as soon as we get confirmation on it.

[recrowns]

[???? they think? ok,]

Will you be continuing to send communication via the devices we were given?

[he tilts his head]

Do we know what the next steps of the process of restoration will be, or what we can expect in the coming days? If we're meant to assist, it might be better if we can be prepared to help.

[retellers]

Oh, you'll be able to talk to us in person more often after this, but we'll send anything urgent for the group with those.

[ oh, wait. ]

Although this upcoming week, you'll mostly just be interacting with your Leader. It's to help with the adjustment.

[recrowns]

Eh? Our leader? [he doesn't know it's a capital L]

Could you elaborate?

[soo-woo has never followed anyone else's lead once in his life]

[retellers]

[ this is the (masked) face of someone who just realized they did not explain that part. ]

Oh! Well, the six of us have the ability to protect you all from the effect of whatever's taking the nova. It's not perfect, though, so I apologize if things slip through. But each person can only protect so many people, so you were all bonded with one of us.

[ they clap their hands together. ]

The Realm thought of a way to try to make this more fun. Um, since we're kind of like teams, whichever group collects the most nova gets a prize. You know, just in case the incentive of... saving the universe wasn't enough...

[recrowns]

Ah.... I suppose there are different ways to motivate people.

[though he was pretty much on board when it got to the 'saving the universe' bit. hm. his next questions come with a bit more trepidation, even if the curiosity remains]

If the nova is related to memories - do you mean to say... that we may be losing memories while we're here?

[a beat]

And if I may - why were we forty-some people chosen, and from the points in time we come from? Was there a purpose, or was it random?

[retellers]

... yes. We're using our powers to try to delay the process as much as possible, but it is possible that won't be entirely enough to stop it. If we weren't here, there's a good chance you all would have lost all of your memories as soon as you arrived.

[ they sigh. ]

As for the points in time and people... I don't know.

[recrowns]

[ . . . . he can't say he likes that news - but he only manages a moment of silence before nodding, accepting the information.]

I see. Was anyone here before you arrived? Or was the entire place deserted?

[retellers]

We were the only ones. Normally, people can't stay in the Realm, so it would be strange if there was anyone else here.

[recrowns]

Is that so... then - did these structures already exist? The shop, the inn, the - ah, 'railroad'?

[he's repeating it bc he's still a little unfamiliar with the term.

and then a tilt of his head]

Ah, and I know you said we'd primarily meet with our Leader this week... but we'll get a chance to meet with you all individually, yes? I'd like to get to know all of you better too, including those not present today.

[retellers]

Yes. But I don't know exactly how long this was all here beforehand.

[ there's another nod. ]

You will. We're sort of taking shifts, so the three of us will be around, and then we'll switch off for however long we're here.

[ they point over at the planetarium. ]

But if you wish to speak to us privately, you can use that building over there to call us. You'll be able to ask for a Leader who isn't assigned to you as well.

[recrowns]

Mm, I see.

[he'll look over to the planetarium and then back to Rabbit]

Did you assign the Leaders to each of us yourselves, or was it luck of the draw?

[retellers]

You were randomly assigned to us. We also only know who is on our own team.

[recrowns]

Sounds mysterious.

And the prize for winning your competition? Do you get anything if your team is the one to win?

[retellers]

You get a wish! It can be anything you want, and it'll be granted.

[recrowns]

[a beat]

Eh? Anything?

Without restriction? Like in the fairytales...?