WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL - OVERFLOW

[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

[applechemist]

I think everyone is fine the way they are.

[ later, she will think: except anaido. anaido sucks the way he is. ]

[wisterin]

I think people can be encouraged to grow and improve.

[ Here, she's a little less breezy, a bit more obviously sincere. ]

Everyone has potential.

[applechemist]

Well... That's true, too. It's always important to work on improving yourself.

[ She was just uncomfortable with being the 'target' for that improvement. ]

[wisterin]

People do not always need to change, but if they can be better, why not? Achieving a dream is a wonderful thing.

[applechemist]

Yes. That's a really nice way to look at it. That's how I try to live, myself.

[ Always striving to improve and grow. ]

[wisterin]

I hope once we're able to leave here, you still can.

[ She doesn't know Escha is one of those on the sex demon boat yet or that she was one of the ones who had to be left behind. ]

What's your dream, if it's not too much of me to ask?

[applechemist]

[ Escha gives a very tentative nod, because despite her attempts to be optimistic... Yeah. She got left behind. Being able to leave isn't something she can assume will happen.

Even if they leave this game, who's to say it won't just send her back to the island from the last game? Still, she tries to put on a cheery front! ]

I want to become an amazing alchemist - one that anyone can rely on.

[wisterin]

An alchemist?

[ That gets Shinobu's interest, and she leans in closer. ]

What do you work with?

[applechemist]

Oh, I'm very old-fashioned. I use a cauldron - not like the fancy alchemists in Central.

[ That's what you meant, right!!! ]

[wisterin]

[ That is pretty old-fashioned, but Shinobu accepts that because they're all from different places. ]

I haven't worked with a cauldron before, but what are the things you try to make?

[applechemist]

Oh, all kinds of stuff! We have to make the materials for when we're out exploring, so we make a lot of medicines, armor, weapons, bombs, and rations. We also handle repairs around town, so we make things like windmill pieces and materials for the airship docks...

I think we make pretty much anything that anyone needs!

[ she. slipped into saying 'we' without noticing. oops. ]

[wisterin]

You do such a wide variety of things. I think it'd be hard not to find you reliable. I'm good at making medicine but not any of the other things you've listed.

[ If Escha's earnest and hardworking, that's a good start. ]

Do you work with a partner or a group?

[applechemist]

[ Escha like: how did she know I don't work alone... Is she a mind reader... ]

I have a partner.

[wisterin]

[ Please continue to think Shinobu is telepathic and just didn't hear the word "we." ]

Do you miss them?

[applechemist]

... Yes, very much.

[wisterin]

[ Her expression softens. ]

Will it help to talk about them?

[applechemist]

... I'm sorry. I don't think I want to, right now.

But I appreciate it. That you would be willing to listen.