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

[heartablaze]

[Remarkably, she looks rather calm for all the hubbub? This must not be her first rodeo.

She simply waits her turn, waits for the louder voices, before approaching the one that reminds her most of someone she knows. She remembers all the questions they tried to ask, and which ones really helped...]

...I'm sorry if this is a bother. But this is really important.

What can we do to go home?

[retellers]

Help collect nova.

[ helpful! extensive! use your words, wolf. ]

[heartablaze]

Nova...

[Quietly mirrored back.]

What is nova? And... why is it important?

[retellers]

Nova's what memories are made of. Without memories, everything falls apart. People and worlds alike.

[heartablaze]

... Fall apart...

[She looks very sad very quick, achingly so. But her voice doesn't waver.]

...Is that what's happening? To somewhere, or someone?

[retellers]

If we don't stop it, it's what will happen to everything, everywhere, eventually.

[heartablaze]

Everywhere...?

So my friends, my family, Tokyo, Cefiro... it's all going to vanish?? For everybody??

[Her fists clench at her sides.]

What happened? And why...

Why did it choose us?

[retellers]

Not immediately. We've got some time before that happens. And... we're trying to figure out what's behind all this.

[ they shake their head ]

Don't know about why. Maybe you were the first the Realm could grab. Maybe you were the best people for the job. But either way, you're here now.

[heartablaze]

The Realm.

[kill bill sirens intensify

She takes a moment to listen to Fox and Rabbit's conversations, her brow tight.]

Is that who has the ability to change things here, then? Do they just not have the nova they need to help...?

[retellers]

The Realm is where we are. [ they gesture around themselves with one hand ] It connects to all worlds using nova. Something's been happening to the nova, so it brought people here to try and fix things.

[heartablaze]

Connecting... so if nova is really is in trouble of vanishing, then... it's like a rope that's fraying...

[Clef's words echo in the back of her head. This world's time, too...]

You guys aren't from here either, right? Did the Realm tell you why you were brought here? Was it for the same thing?

You have to know all of this for a reason, you know? Is it something you can talk about?

[retellers]

Think of us like guides. We're connected directly to the Realm. That means it can give us certain knowledge and powers to make sure you can collect nova.

[heartablaze]

[A glance to Izumo, then back to Wolf.]

That's at a price, though, isn't it?

Um, it's Wolf-san, right? Did... you choose to be like this? To be a guide?

[retellers]

If I did, I don't remember. We woke up a few days before you guys showed up.

[heartablaze]

[Her fists clench tighter, knuckles white.]

You can remember that, but not... not where you were before? Not what your name is???

Aren't you scared??

[retellers]

I might not remember much, but I know it takes a lot more than that to scare me. Once this thing's done, we'll get them back.

[ probably. ]

[heartablaze]

...Are we going to be able to come talk to you?!

[It's blurted out at a surprising volume. She stutters, stops, and starts again.]

Even if it isn't in the castle, that's okay! Even if it has to be a letter or something like this, I... um...

Even if you're not scared... even the bravest people can feel lonely. I know I'm not you, but... when I feel lonely, that's when I feel the most lost. Like a hole will open up and swallow me. Because I know I can't do everything on my own, no matter how much I might want to.

To forget everything... I can't think of anything more lonely than that. And I... I think everyone will be in a lot of trouble if we were to lose any of you.

[retellers]

[ they just look ... increasingly awkward the more hikaru speaks. at the end of it, they've got both hands raised in front of them like they're trying to calm her down but aren't sure where to start? ]

Uh... We'll be fine. We can handle ourselves. [ their tone is not actually the most believable because of how unsure they sound, though it seems to be more at hikaru's speech than anything else. ] The three of us will hang around town this week, and switch off with the other three after that. But otherwise, you'll be able to contact any of us if you need anything using the Planetarium. So... it's fine.

[ if they repeat it perhaps it will sound more believable ]

i just ugly laughed.... rip Wolf

[heartablaze]

[let the toddler speak!!!!!!!

She's leaking emotions out her ears and has to bite her lip as Wolf calmly explains themselves. But she isn't aggravated. If anything, she wants to run up to that castle and confront the Realm itself for taking from these poor people.

Her fists clench just a little tighter.]

...Okay. I'm gonna hold you to that, Wolf-san.

And you'll let us know if anything changes? Please?

[retellers]

[ please stop having emotions near wolf, they do not like this. ]

Uh. Sure. [ wait. ] You should worry about yourself, first.

[heartablaze]

[rng chose you wolfy-kun blame it on god]

I will. I can promise that for sure. But worrying about myself involves a lot more than just my own safety.

[retellers]

... Right. Just... make it your priority.

[ they really do look like they were caught completely wrong footed there. ]

[heartablaze]

[She just nods firmly.]

Right. If I don't have a reason to do it for myself, then saving every other world will be impossible.

But... from what you're saying, if everyone really is in danger... I hope we can find a way for all of us. You guys included.

[retellers]

[ wherever they're standing, fox stifles a laugh. ]

[retellers]

[ you cannot tell from underneath the mask but wolf is glaring, fox. ]