WEEK ZERO: MINGLE

[guestservices]

W̴͍̎E̴̝̊E̸͚͝K̸͕̿ ZERO: MINGLE

(35 ḡ̴̻u̷͌͜ê̴̯s̶̢͑t̵̻͝s̴̡̐ ̴c̴h̴e̶c̴k̷e̶d̸ ̶i̴n̴)

Needless to say, marble isn't exactly the most comfortable surface to sleep on. Do you even remember falling asleep? Maybe not, but the moment your eyes flutter open and the lingering stardust fades, you come into consciousness with the distinct feeling that your dreams were very important.

You vaguely remember a shadowed hand, the pen and the scroll in its grip as the terms and conditions glow softly before you. You can't quite remember the details, the words blurring and fading fasting the longer you try, but you come to a conclusion rather quickly:

-Someone you care about is in trouble and their life is now your responsibility.
-You have signed a contract to provide entertainment to the Host in exchange for their safe return.

Your other memories begin to settle now that you're more awake. You remember that this isn't the first time you've been swept away for a game by someone else's design. You remember what those games entailed, too, but as the pieces click together you get the sense that murdering everyone around you isn't a solution. It won't get your hostage back sooner. It will only end tragically for everyone involved.

So instead, perhaps it's time to take in your surroundings. Where the hell even are you now? The marble floor of the lobby is still cool to the touch, and the front desk is before you with several keys on hooks against the wall. Each of them includes a keychain with two small, clear star-shaped crystals embedded at the bottom. Too bad you can't seem to remove the keys just yet! Guest accommodations aren't quite ready.

Ah, right. About that. You aren't alone! After all, what's the fun in playing a game by yourself? Should one try to actually count the keys hanging on the wall, you'll find there are 35 in total. You can also learn more about them should you look at the leather-bound book bolted to the front desk. Though some of them may look a bit different, seeing how everyone gathered in the lobby is dressed to the nines. What happened to your other clothing? Worry not. You do want to be presentable at the front desk, don't you?

Speaking of the front desk, while you aren't able to retrieve your keys or even leave the ground floor right now, you will find small gift boxes scattered around the desk as a complementary gift for each guest. Inside these boxes, you will find:

-A flask. Those of legal drinking age will find it filled with a sweet wine, and those underage will find juice of some kind.
-A shaving kit
- A single aspirin
-A keychain
-A condolence card
-A sheet of temporary tattoos
-A small bag of jerky
-A compact mirror with a cute pattern on the outer casing

No other items are on your person even if you were holding onto them prior to your arrival. Perhaps the bellhop has already taken your luggage for you?

But despite the front desk hosting a small cluster of bells, ringing them doesn't seem to draw the attention of anyone. The bells cannot be removed from the desk, but the hotel staff appears to be occupied with other tasks.

It looks as though you're on your own for now until maintenance is finished. But it's just like the first time, isn't it? Get to know the other guests, start asking questions, and settle in for your stay.

You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave...

N̸A̵V̴I̶G̶A̶T̴I̴O̸N̷.̷

█ LOCATIONS █ STATUSES █ PROFILES █ AUDIENCES
█ REPORTING █ PRIVATE CONVOS █ MURDER

Comments

[fishingforcompliments]

I have seen a few familiar faces, yes. But that is not terribly surprising... the last place I was, was similar to this. With some people I had been through an experience like this with already, and others that I had not, but who had been through their own experiences.

So, I would imagine that is the case here as well...

[aono]

[He's listening and nodding along, but then suddenly he realizes what she's saying.]

Wait, you've been through this kinda thing twice?!

[fishingforcompliments]

Ah... yes, that is the case.

[aono]

You need like, a huuuuge break.

[No murdering for Flayn.]

[fishingforcompliments]

We all do. None of us should have to do this more than once.

...even once is one time too many.

[aono]

[...]

Where I was, people were forced into doing it. Even when they didn't want to. And as bad as it was for everyone who had to worry about being killed, I feel really bad for everyone who was forced to kill too. Because none of them wanted to do it, you know? And then they couldn't even talk about it after, they had to carry that all on their own for weeks and weeks.

[fishingforcompliments]

[she nods]

It was like that at the camp as well. I hope... no one has to go through that sort of thing here, either.

[murder is definitely going to happen. you do not end up in your third murdergame without believing that will be the case. and in a way it might be worse if people choose to kill of their own accord, but -

she knows full well how much it hurts not to be able to confess to what you've done, even if you want to. it's not an experience she would wish on anyone.]

[aono]

[Rin knows it's probably going to happen, but he wants to be the optimistic one. He wants to think everything will be alright and that this will be a normal hotel stay. Which is why he's smiling and saying the things he's saying now: maybe if he wills it into existence, it will work out.]

Exactly! We don't know what the days after this will bring, but it doesn't have to be murder. It could be a party or something.

[fishingforcompliments]

[oh, he's going to have such a bad time here.]

...I suppose we are dressed for a party, are we not?