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

[fishingforcompliments]

[uh.

hm. well. that reaction is a little unexpected, given how he was behaving a second ago, but she'll roll with it.]

Yes, I would like to help you. [and yes, she is beautiful, thank you for noticing] ...is Nami a friend of yours?

[concasse]

No no, more like my daughter.

[A pause]

... My adopted daughter.

[Another pause]

... My baby tiger.

[fishingforcompliments]

Well. In that case, she should be easy to find!

[It's not like a baby tiger is just going to blend in with their surroundings!!]

[concasse]

Right you are~! What an excellent observation, Miss~!

[It was. The most obvious observation on the planet but he still looks like he's going to burst out into applause]

This shitty vehicle can't be too big... maybe she just wandered off a little.

[fishingforcompliments]

[Sanji is good for her ego. Flayn smiles.]

If she is as surprised to be here as the rest of us are, perhaps she is hiding. Especially if there are so many strangers about.

[concasse]

Yeah, she's not gonna recognize most of you...

[Actually that... begs an obvious question, doesn't it? His eyes draw over to her with a moment's pause]

I'm gonna take a wild shitty guess and say you're not familiar with Dragon-sama, are you?

1/2

[fishingforcompliments]

...dragon?

[hm.]

2/2

[fishingforcompliments]

...no, I have never met anyone by that name.

[concasse]

I figured.

[not looking surprised by the news, just... mm. Well anyway, his smile returns to his face soon enough]

Might I ask where you hail from, Miss?

[fishingforcompliments]

I am from Fódlan.

[Which she's sure he's never heard of before, given the fact that there is only one other person she's had recent contact with who has.]

...where is it that you come from?

[concasse]

East Blue.

[That is a truth and a lie on so many levels that Sanji has to grin to himself]

Though I was taking up residence at a castle not too long ago.

[fishingforcompliments]

A castle?

[Wow. Flayn feels kind of sad.]

...I was stuck on a deserted island until very recently.

[concasse]

[... Hm]

And what did you have to do on this deserted island?

[fishingforcompliments]

[She doesn't look like she wants to say, but.]

...we were told that a little more than half of our number was to be killed if we wanted to return home.

[concasse]

[... Not looking surprised in the slightest]

Sorry you had to go through shit like that, Miss.

[fishingforcompliments]

We were all brought back, in the end - and we were supposed to be going home... but it seems that is not the case.

[Which she really hates the implications of.]

What did you have to do at the castle...?

[concasse]

Kill each other until the factions were even.

[Delivered bluntly. He doesn't have to worry if she can take the news or not -- she's lived through her own hell]

[fishingforcompliments]

...I am sorry. That must have been difficult.

[killing sucks!! text it.]

[concasse]

Oi now, we managed, same as you, Miss~!

[What is discussing your trauma? Sanji doesn't know it]

... Though looks like we'll be playing another game, if my shitty hunch is right.

[fishingforcompliments]

I hope that we will not be, but...

[THE CHANCES OF THEM GETTING OUT WITHOUT BLOODSHED LOOK BAD.]

[concasse]

It's not all bad.

[Tone light despite how shitty this conversation topic is]

If it's anything like what we've been through, we know the stakes and what the rules are gonna entail. That's something, right?

[fishingforcompliments]

Yes. We have a rough idea of what will be expected of us.

[...]

I wonder if that will be enough to help us defy their expectations.

[concasse]

I sure wouldn't mind a chance to fight back properly this time.

[Even if deep in his soul, he doubts it will be that simple. It never is]

-- Then again, the people running my shitshow weren't all that bad. Made a couple of bad choices, but the ladies just needed help fixing shit in the end.

[fishingforcompliments]

Really..?

[That sounds pretty different from what she's heard so far.]

Could you tell me about them?