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

[shixiong]

[ this is not letting him run away, anaido!!!!!!!!

yin yu flinches, though whether it's from the fact that he can't escape or from anaido being loud is hard to tell, and slowly releases his bow. ] I'm... that's a bit of a strange question, don't you think...? It seems we've been taken off to a strange place, again...

[wowcool]

[YOU'RE STUCK WITH HIM. SUFFER FROM SOCIAL OBLIGATION]

Well, not that much of a strange question, is it? I mean, everyone reacts differently to these sorts of things. I have a feeling that I'm used to it, myself.

[He shrugs, moving to reach for a bottle opener.]

Do you want a drink?

[shixiong]

[ gods kill him in revenge and let it end

he takes the response properly, though, listening to the thoughtful answer anaido gave him. he has to wonder, how many times has anaido been kidnapped somewhere strange....

...it means he doesn't respond, though, and he comes out of his thoughts to the second question. ] ...ah... that would be kind of you, thank you.

[ maybe just one. he makes his way over a little closer, though, like a skittish cat. ]

[wowcool]

[The wine bottle opens with a nice, pleasant pop, and Anaido puts aside the cork. Something seems to occur to him, and there's a glimmer in his eyes.]

Stay still. [And he moves the bottle close to Yin Yu, suddenly reaching behind the other's ear - and, ta-da! There's suddenly a wine glass in his hand when he pulls it back.] You have to clean behind your ears more, haha!

[Okay, no, its just a dumb magic trick using misdirection. Don't mind if he fills the "magic" glass for you, Yin Yu.]

[shixiong]

[ to his credit, he doesn't flinch, barely even moving as anaido... pulls a childish magic trick on him. he will never claim to understand this person.

yin yu gives him a half smile, more distressed than anything really actually happy, though he could just be distressed at the antics. he's been feeling anxious without his mask since he 'woke' here, and this is just amplifying it... even still, he takes the glass without hesitation, though doesn't drink from it right away. ]

...I see. Master Anaido, is that not causing you a headache? [ gesturing at the.. scrunchie... ]

[wowcool]

It is.

[He says, calmly, lifting his glass to take a sip. He seems...absolutely unconcerned about this, somehow.]

Ah, Yin Yu...I notice you're missing your... [He gestures to his face.] I'm guessing it was taken from you?

[shixiong]

[ why are you like this.

the question distracts him enough; his expression shifts into a bit of a frown, and he reaches up to touch his face, self conscious, before he nods. ] Along with the rest of our things. It... will turn up. I hope.

[ please he's so uncomfortable ]

[wowcool]

I believe it will.

[And he stares off at the liquor cabinet.]

Do you not want me to look at you?

[shixiong]

[ ah... he winces. ]

No, it's alright. [ after a long moment of looking into his glass, yin yu speaks up again, quietly admitting: ] ...I am not used to others being able to see me so easily, is all.

[ his hand goes to his wrist, covering the black mark burnt into it subconsciously. ] Besides, you were in the same place as I. I did sometimes go without it. [ just. hardly ever. ]

[wowcool]

Some of us want to be seen. Some of don't want it at all. And there's some, even like me, who only want to be seen sometimes. I understand.

[That sure is an enigmatic thing to say, but he glances over at the other man, his eyes flitting down to the movement near his wrist.]

If I may ask...what was the mask for?

[shixiong]

[ enigmatic, maybe, but it speaks to him. yin yu certainly falls into the second category, now.

his hand stills, because he can tell he's being looked at, but it doesn't move. the mark itself can just be seen--it almost looks like a tattoo, a dark lattice pattern as seen here.

there's a pause, as yin yu collects his answer properly. this person... it's the bare minimum that he can do, so he offers up a bit of lore. ] ... In the Ghost City, it is quite common for humans, ghosts, and heavenly officials alike to wear masks. More often than not, they do so to protect their identities, particularly heavenly officials who wouldn't dare be caught in such a place.

I am the XianXianYue Officer of the Ghost City, a nameless and humble servant under the service of the Ghost King. It is my duty to carry out the wishes of Hua Chengzhu and look after the affairs of the city. As such, it is best for me to stay anonymous.

[ there are more meanings to that than what it seems. it's the truth, but it's an enigmatic answer of his own. his hand twitches briefly over his wrist. ]

[wowcool]

OVERFLOWWW