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

[canned]

Yeah! [he nods vigorously and excitedly]

Well, I'm sure Sensei would say I'm just an amateur, but I've been training since I was 8!

In times like this, where I can't do anything but wait, it makes me want to practice or study or both. [he takes a fighting stance for a moment, then laughs lightly] That's what me and my brother would do, when we had time.

[dianxias]

Oh, your stance is quite fluid! We're all pupils, no matter how long we have been learning, don't you think?

[ xie lian sounds approving, and as he listens to this fascinating young ghost or spirit or something speak, he can't help but fall into a matching stance of his own, loose and easy. ] - Well, it doesn't seem like we have much to do but wait.

Would you like to spar? [ SPARKLES ]

[canned]

[from the stance that Xie Lian takes it's immediately clear to Alphonse he's trained for years more than Al's been alive, but rather than feel intimidated, a tense part of him that had been only full of worry loosens up with the familiar excitement

there was so much you could learn about someone in a friendly spar, and, well, if he was going to be here with everyone he might as well get to know them]

Oh, is it okay?? That'd be great! I mean, I'd be honored.

[once again, he gives the deep, respectful fist-in-palm bow, then takes his stance and waits

is it possible that his eyes are glowing just a bit brighter?]

[dianxias]

Let's have a good fight.

[ xie lian is equally bright at the mere suggestion!! he smiles, settling into his own movements. for alphonse, sparring against xie lian may feel a bit familiar - his martial style is not at all far off of someone from xing. he is mostly on the defensive, at first, letting al come at him with all the strikes he likes. his hands are folded behind his back for the moment, and he dips and dodges with grace. ]

-- Amazing! [ he praises, at a particularly good swing, ducking underneath his fist. ] You move so quickly to be wearing such a thing!

[ his praise is very very genuine! but also wow good luck getting a hit on him. ]

[canned]

[Not only quick, but surprisingly agile in all that steel, Alphonse's attacks are a series of fluid high kicks and overhead swipes, the motion carrying through from one movement to the other

but his large body and relative inexperience make for easy openings, and unlike a normal combatant it's almost like he isn't at all worried about being hit in his vitals, opting instead for big, powerful strikes]

Just like I thought! You're a master!

[Alphonse laughs as he launches into another high kick

One thing that almost certainly doesn't escape Xie Lian's notice is the complete absence of breathing sounds under the sounds of sparring, no exhortations of effort aside from the cries used by martial artists when fighting. Also strange is a sudden clap that he does mid-fight, the motion obviously practiced but he hesitates for a second right after it, as if confused.]