redactable | WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL (OVERFLOW)

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

a rock that resembles the galaxy

a single random one of these pillows

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And how do we collect this nova? I assume we won't be allowed to return home until we collect enough to the Realm's satisfaction.

[ Which is not... ideal. ]

[ they nod, frowning. ]

There are a few ways, but... we're not completely sure. Something like this has never happened before, so there was never a need to collect nova. However, we do know that there will be an opportunity next week.

Ah. So there's nothing we can do beyond waiting for that opportunity?

[ Delightful. ]

For now? But it'll pick up, I think, once we learn more.

Um, what else... oh! Another thing is that you were placed on a team with one of us.

-- Sorry?

[ ????? ]

Are we meant to be competing against each other now?

It wasn't really our idea, but... it seems like the Realm thought an extra incentive should be involved. Um, just in case.

I don't think the Realm understands just how powerful a motivator "returning home" is.

That's what I thought too, but... once something has been decided, we can't go against it. It'll be going against the Realm, which might cause... more disruptions.

I'm not feeling too charitable towards it, admittedly.

When will we know which team we're to be on?

Tomorrow. You'll be notified via PHS.

Will you return to answer questions about that?

[ they nod. ]

The three of us will be around for general questions. We're going to do this in shifts, mostly. If you wish to speak more privately, you can be in contact with your Leader as well.

After next week, you'll be able to approach all of us, but we're... still adjusting to a lot of things at the moment, so we wanted to keep it as simple as possible as we see how it goes.

Exactly how many of you are there?

[ Well, this is getting more complex by the minute. ]

Six.

[ how confusing the intro message was probably makes a little more sense. ]

Swan, Tiger, and Goat are the other three.

I suppose, Realm or not, I ought to be glad that the names you chose are at least familiar animals...

We didn't really chose them, we just sort of... were given them?

[ Ah. ]

Do you have an actual name? I'm aware that if you do, you likely can't tell me, but...

It's not that we can't, but...

[ they scratch their cheek. ]

We don't remember what our real names are, if these aren't it.

... Please tell me that's the only thing you can't remember.

[ Rather, isn't that still kind of bad, to not be able to remember your real name? ]

We had to trade our memories away in order to have the power to keep you all safe from whatever's taking the nova away.

[ it's mumbled. ]

[ Wait-- what? ]

That's not the kind of sacrifice you ought to make for a group of strangers!

[ It's said a little sharply, mostly because she's kind of stunned by that kind of admission. ]

You're not just a group of strangers though. The six of us... we can't collect nova. When we were chosen as the guides, it tied our hands in regards to a lot of things we can actually do.

So, we have to... do what we can. If everything goes right, then we should in theory be able to get our memories back.

And, in theory... if everything goes wrong--

Well, I suppose I don't actually want to know that result.

[ ... they frown. ]

I... um, will try to think that we'll manage this.

Right. I suppose for now, I ought to do the same.

... But when you get your memories back, maybe try to hold onto them if anything like this happens again.

[ Hopefully not, and she's not sure how to just state that she's honestly kind of concerned about them, because she's also still miffed about being hauled here in general.

Ah, well. ]

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retellers - 2020-09-28 03:05 (UTC) - Expand

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retellers - 2020-09-28 14:17 (UTC) - Expand