WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

[gatonina]

ARRIVAL

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PASSENGERS: 41 You know how the story goes by now. One minute you’re somewhere familiar, and the next you’re suddenly somewhere else. Unlike previous times before, the source of your rude awakening isn’t a mystery. A harsh jostle causes your body to lunge forward as a tire jumps over a pot hole in the road. Try as you might, it’s hard to ignore the steady thrumming of an engine and the gentle sway beneath you. The faint scent of gasoline seems to waft from the outside, but as you look around you’ll notice that the windows are locked, tinted, and impossible to see through. Likewise, the door ahead of you appears to be locked as well. Perhaps the scent is your imagination…? Regardless, though the lighting is a tad dim, it becomes apparent that you’re inside a large bus dotted with the occasional seat and amid a jumble of other bodies. The people you were last with may be among your fellow passengers. Perhaps they are not. But worry not; there’s plenty of time to look around and get to know one another on this long, strange trip. It may even be wise to examine the staircase at the other end of the bus. Who knows what awaits you on the other floors? Ah, but before you move too far it may be best to assess the situation. On the bright side, any injuries you incurred have been healed! Isn't it nice to have your limbs in place again? Miracles happen. But...what happened to your clothes? You’re fairly certain you weren't wearing this t-shirt before...and what's with the denim shorts? Maybe you were fortunate enough to get the knee-length version, but for those of you waking up in bootyshorts...well, we're sure you look great! And what better way to tie the whole look together than white socks and tan sandals? At least you'll be comfortable for the ride. Lucky for you, your new threads aren't the only gift you'll receive upon waking up. Attached to your waist is a high-quality bag filled with some fun goodies for every passenger! For those of you who unzip your bag to check its contents, you will find: -Dry shampoo -Wet wipes -Deodorant -Travel pack of toilet paper -Travel toothbrush + toothpaste -Poncho -A stylish travel guide No other items are on your person at this time, even if you were holding onto it as you began your previous departure. That's a bit troublesome, isn't it? Not really; it's still a bus. Be grateful for the extra elbow room, alright? Oh, and one last thing...on the wrist of every passenger is a small, equally fashionable white scrunchie. Not your style? Perhaps it's a good idea to give the travel guide another read. Searching the bus from top to bottom will net zero results in the way of an escape. All of the windows are similarly tinted and locked, and the only exit door appears to be the one on the first level that can't be opened at this time. But hey. You're all old pros at this, right? You know what to do next! Get to know the people around you, trade stories with your fellow passengers, and...well. Buckle up for the bumpy ride ahead.

Comments

[applechemist]

[ Well then sorry for everyone nearby who definitely. Got to see some bra. Escha's not worried about it.

She nods as a 'your welcome.' ]

You should probably wash your eyes with water.

[fishingforcompliments]

[That's probably a good idea. Next step: find some water.

Flayn bites her lip as she looks around the crowded bus.]

...yes, that seems like a good idea. [but where is the water, she just doesn't know]

[applechemist]

I think there's a little kitchen sink up there...

[ It should really be so much easier to find things in a small bus but it's. Crowded. ]

Here, this way. [ Escha offers her hand. She will lead the way and shove through a crowd if she must! ]

[fishingforcompliments]

[Flayn takes her hand! She also murmurs apologies to people as they force their way up the bus.

When they get up to the sink, she stares at it for a moment before turning the faucet with her free hand. Ah, water! There it is. Now she lets go of Escha's hand and leans down to wash out her eyes.

There. That's better.]

...thank you, again, for your assistance. My name is Flayn. Might I inquire as to what your name is?

[applechemist]

Oh, it's no problem. Getting stuff in your eyes can really sting. It used to happen to me all the time.

[ alchemy... dangerous. ]

My name is Escha. It's nice to meet you, Flayn.

[fishingforcompliments]

It is nice to meet you too.

[...it would be nicer to meet her if they were anywhere else but here, but.]

I do not suppose you know why we woke up here..?

[applechemist]

[ Escha shakes her head. ]

No. I... Was under the impression that I wouldn't be going anywhere for a long time.

[fishingforcompliments]

[That's... a bit different from what she's heard from the other so far.]

...where were you, before?

[applechemist]

On an island.

[ helpful. ]

[fishingforcompliments]

Oh...

[Well that. That doesn't bode well.]

I was, as well.

[applechemist]

Really?

[ But Escha doesn't recognize her... ]

Were you brought there by ship?

[fishingforcompliments]

No... well, perhaps. I do not quite remember.

[She still doesn't really understand how they ended up in the water in the first place.]

We washed up onshore among the wreckage of what looked like a ship.

[applechemist]

Strange... Our ship never crashed or anything like that...

[fishingforcompliments]

...in any case, it is quite peculiar. It does not sound as though either one of us ought to be here right now.

[applechemist]

It... Doesn't sound to me like we came from the same place, either. Which isn't unheard of...

[ After all, uh, different people from different worlds, last time? Probably this time, too?? Who knows. She's guessing. ]

[fishingforcompliments]

[Flayn nods her agreement.]

It would not be the first time I had met someone who wasn't from the same place as me. But... is there anyone here that you do recognize?

[applechemist]

A couple of people. But... What's strange is that some of them were supposed to end up somewhere different.

Not that the rest of us should have wound up here, either, but... It didn't seem like we'd come to the same place.

[fishingforcompliments]

How odd...

[Flayn doesn't like the sound of that. She really, really doesn't.]

...Escha? Did people get... hurt, where you were before?

[applechemist]

... Yes. There were...

[ Not knowing what the other person's scale for weirdness is makes it feel strange to say things that, by now, Escha is used to accepting? ... Oh well. ]

There were demons. That made us hurt each other. One by one...

[fishingforcompliments]

Demons... how frightening.

[She supposes that's not too strange, given... everything.]

I am sorry to hear that you had to go through that.

[applechemist]

Oh, no, it's... It's alright.

[ ... No it isn't? ]

Were people getting hurt where you came from, too?

[fishingforcompliments]

[She nods.]

Yes. There was a curse... but it was supposed to have been broken. We were all meant to be going home.

[applechemist]

I wonder if it was a lie, or if this is just something completely new...

[fishingforcompliments]

I do not know.

[she wishes she did...]

In either case, I do not believe we will enjoy whatever it is that comes next.

[applechemist]

... It'll be okay. As long as we all stick together, it won't be so bad.