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

[coastal]

My name is Lili An - Lili is fine. I also assume it's just the way you talk, but if you're using formal speech with me for any reason besides your default, I ask that you drop it.

[she hears it - the way royals speak. in truth, she probably should be speaking like that too, but the difference here is that dimitri is a good boy and lili sucks. this also seems like a request she's used to making - but what she fails to realize is that without her silk robes and bejeweled hair pieces, she looks as much of a plain fashion disaster as the rest of them.

the ouija board responds: it certainly feels like it sometimes.

she rolls her eyes and immediately responds without waiting for dimitri's input this time - 'Edgy. So? Any answers on a way out of here?']

[overruns]

I'm afraid I know no other way to speak.

[ Even in a place like this, where titles have no bearing whatsoever, it's not something he can drop. His usual introduction takes on the same, ridiculous formality. ]

It's nice to meet you, Lili. I am Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus.

[ Meanwhile... her words are irreverent. But he Gets It. He's made the same request so many times, to no avail—it's interesting to have it turned against him. And kind of nice, actually? ] But likewise, I'd be grateful if you continue to address me casually.

[coastal]

[ . . . . . hm. she looks like she's wrestling with whether or not she wants to say something - before eventually settling on:]

... Lili An, daughter of the General of the Water Tribe. [and since she's sure that means nothing on its own -] Of the Four Tribes of the Kingdom of Kouka.

[she'll re-introduce herself properly too... apparently she just hated the idea that someone was! being more honest than her! what the fuck. now they're both outed as nobility so it's fair]

If you really don't care... then that's fine. I wasn't going to change anyway.

[but it

is kind of nice to have someone tell her they won't think less of her for it]

[overruns]

[ Ah, so she is nobility. He doesn't recognize the country, but by this point he doesn't expect to. ]

I'm sure you know this from your own experiences, but it's very difficult to get anyone to speak to me without wrapping their words in needless formalities.

[ No matter how many times he asks, it's always Your Highness this, Prince Dimitri that. Her frankness is... jarring, but not in a bad way. ]

So I would not ask you to change a thing. Especially at a time like this... it's important that we speak freely and honestly to one another, isn't it?

[coastal]

[OVERFLOW]