WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

[gatonina]

ARRIVAL

▽ FULL NAVIGATION ▽ LOCATIONS ▽ STATUSES ▽ IC PROFILES ▽ IC RULEBOOK ▽ MURDER PROPOSALS ▽ PCS ▽ CURFEW ▽ ??? ▽ ??? ▽ ???

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

i

[axilium]

[immediately—]

The strongest thing you can make. I'm not picky on taste. [a beat.] I'll even promise not to complain that much if it's poisoned, if we're going to get a head start on murdering each other.

[givethemhell]

[oh no he's fond already]

Haha! Don't you worry - if I were to kill anyone, it wouldn't be in such an underhanded way.

[HE'D KILL THEM TO THEIR FACE!! Anyway, he'll grab a few more bottles, tossing this and that in and giving it a good shake. Then, because he's gotta ask:] How do you feel about spice with your liquor?

[axilium]

So you're a "stab 'em in the front" kind of guy, huh?

[he pauses.]

Sounds interesting. Go for it? Famous last words, I guess.

[givethemhell]

Of course! If you're going to kill someone, you should at the very least have the decency to claim it.

[Like how he announced his peppery intentions before dumping it into this poor fool's drink - with "it" being a dash of hot sauce he'd nabbed from the magic pantry. DELICIOUS. The drink he pours out is fuckin blood red.]

Give it a try!

[He'll find it's a surprisingly good bloody mary! Albeit heavy on the kick.]

[axilium]

I'm pretty sure that's the opposite of how trials worked.

[the very unfortunate part is that belph loves spicy food, so honestly? this works for him as he takes a sip.]

[givethemhell]

Hah, well, can't hold it against people for not being straightforward if they're possessed.

[He'll just settle across from Belph with his arms crossed over the bar, grinning.]

How is it?

[axilium]

Oh, you're from the possession version.

[he takes another sip.]

Hm... I'll be counting on you to make this again, assuming we're both still alive by then.

[givethemhell]

To be honest, I'm surprised there aren't more of us.

[Y'all just out here killing without being possessed... Not that he can judge and not that he is BUT DAMN.

Either way, that gets another laugh, and he raises a hand. THUMBS UP.]

Count on it! It was something of a habit for me to make drinks at the end of trials, last time. Helped just about everyone out, I think - at least a little.

[axilium]

Wow. Where were you in my killing game?

[grimm only had the one drinking contest?? no one offered to get everyone drunk at the end of trials??]

[givethemhell]

Haha! Depending on timelines, making drinks in mine or hunting down body parts at home.

[YEAH HONESTLY WHY THE HELL WAS GRIMM SO LACKING IN DRANKS. Time to make up for that in spades.]

[axilium]

You were what now?

[givethemhell]

Trying to solve a murder, that is. Seems to be a tie that binds me in any world I end up in!

[THANKS HE HATES-- well actually it was fun back home BUT NOW IT'S JUST TRAUMATIZING.]

[axilium]

Great. We'll be counting on you in trials, then!

[givethemhell]

Hah, well, we did have a good track record. I can't say I ever caught a killer single-handedly, though!

[DON'T PUT YOUR FAITH IN HIM.]

[axilium]

Now's the time to start?

[givethemhell]

Suppose it'd be far too optimistic to hope that things won't come down to that, hm?

[HE LAUGHS because he knows it is, but damn, in his heart of hearts he wishes it were possible.]

[axilium]

I'm a pessimist.

[givethemhell]

That can't be any easier on your lifespan than the murder, friend!

[axilium]

[he downs his glass.]

Eh.

[givethemhell]

[BELPH YOUR ORGANS.]

—That much, hm? Hah. Care for a second, or is one good enough for now?

[axilium]

I'll take a second. Gotta milk your presence for all it's worth.

[givethemhell]

Might as well, while we're both still here!

[TERRIBLE. But he'll work on making that second one, and:] My name's Wei Wuxian, by the way. From the boat. Yours?

[axilium]

Belph, from the castle.

[givethemhell]

The castle! That's a new one, haven't met anyone from there yet. What was it like?

[axilium]

Spacious, for one. I never thought I would miss it, but here we are.