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

[baori]

[ life is a curse and existence is a prison??? something like that?? maybe. still, giyuu shakes his head. ]

I'm not possessed as far as I can tell.

[ which he is sincerely hoping is the case. having something messing in his head once was enough. ]

My thoughts are my own. [ the guilt he feels is his own. ] ...how are you?

[wowcool]

Me?

[He chuckles, suddenly, like the sudden question about his wellbeing is something that takes him by surprise, and he doesn't quite know how to react.]

Ah, I don't know, actually. My head feels like a mess. [And a beat.] Don't think I'm possessed, though, so don't worry about me!

[baori]

[ giyuu can grow as a person.

not everything he was doing on the island was a sham?? also, he...wants to make amends. which is why he takes baby steps. ]

A mess?

[wowcool]

Ah, I suppose I'm just...

[He stares away for a moment, before wiping his face free of the tears on his cheek.]

Sad. Haha.

[baori]

[ ah.

now this is a feeling that giyuu knows well and, hm. he doesn't comfort anaido with any of his actions but he does look a way for a while as he considers what he can say. he...didn't know much about what happened between him and his zombie boyfriend but— ]

You'll see him again. [ hopefully he didn't miss the mark with this? ] He's still with you as well.

[wowcool]

[His face falls.]

[Giyuu, offering him words of solace. It almost seems like a dream of its own. An impossibility. This is a man who wouldn't give him the time of day on the island.]

[But then again, this is the real Giyuu, isn't it?]

...Thank you. [He finally says, quietly.] But with someone like me...ah, that's easier said than done. I appreciate your words, though.

[baori]

[ sometimes...giyuu can be nice?????? rarely. but nice!!! ]

You made it out before.

[ kind of? okay, so he died but everything ended up to be okay, right??? giyuu isn't a positive person but he does know that anaido has some kind of thoughts about certain things and... wow he'll be the most hypocritical person if he says anything about this so he doesn't.

so instead he'll say something else. ]

There's nothing holding you back to becoming a different you, is there?

[wowcool]

I don't have the best track record, senpai.

[He smirks at that, like he's telling himself a joke only he will understand.]

A different me? [He looks over at him, before moving to lean his cheek onto his hand.] Ahaha, shouldn't you tell yourself that, too?

[baori]

[ giyuu is not someone, in the slightest bit, to encourage anaido like someone else would so he just shakes his head. he'll offer a shocking(?) counter to the question. ]

I am.

[ sincerely and seriously. ]

There are things I remember now that hopefully will make me less immature in my behavior.

[wowcool]

Hm.

[That is pretty mature of him. To stand up, after being manipulated, used as a tool, and then stride forward.]

[He stares at Giyuu for a long moment.]

I wouldn't say you were immature. [Even back then, under someone else's control.] You were just lost.

[baori]

[ lost? now there's a way to look at things.

hm.

that isn't too far off from how he was likely feeling but what's really important is that whatever is happening here doesn't come back and happen again. it's grime but— ]

Hopefully I don't get lost again.

[wowcool]

Easier said than done. Especially if you don't know the path you're walking on.

[He clicks his tongue. Ah, senpai, senpai, what will you do with yourself?]

The most important thing is following your instincts. The heart and brain are quite skillful liars.

[baori]

[ senpai got a speed run on some characterization even if some of it was for bad reasons. and hm; he'll take his time before he responds to the advice. it is advice, right? because it's funny how he was told to feel things when he hasn't been and...

well. ]

I do follow my instincts.

[ AND LOOK WHERE IT GETS HIM. ]

[wowcool]

Are they truly your instincts? Or is it your brain and heart telling you that they're instincts? You have to be careful, senpai.

[Is it really fine for him to be saying this? Him, the man who follows his urges, sometimes with terrible consequences? It's fine.]

...Anyways, you're a free man. You should embrace it.

[baori]

[ hm. giyuu's never had to think about that so he doesn't respond to it. he'll take that and consider it carefully.

but there is something he's sure of: ]

I am not free of the things that I have done.

[ whatever happened while he was at home slaying demons? that's business stuff. however, manipulating an island to murder one another...? that's not something he can shrug off so easily. ]