WEEK ZERO: WELCOME INTRO

[cluedin]

WELCOME

Even from behind your eyelids, the soft glowing light can be seen as you find yourself awakening. The slow swell of strings begins, and as you struggle to open your eyes, the sound of footsteps pass you by. You soon hear three feminine voices speak in unison.

"Master Blue wishes to welcome you all. We hope you enjoy your stay!"

Light temporarily blinds you as you look around, but the source of the voices has vanished. Whomever has greeted you seems to have disappeared without warning, leaving you all alone.

The music starts up and though no orchestra is present, the song can be heard all throughout the room. Crystal chandeliers hang above your head, and the waxed wooden floor gleams brightly. Floor to ceiling windows cover the back wall and a night sky full of stars twinkle back at you. The wall next to it, however, is covered by a thick crimson curtain. Those who attempt to move it will find they have little luck in their endeavor, but there are more pressing matters at hand.

Looking down you'll come to notice that you're wearing clothes that certainly aren't what you were previously wearing. You, and the guests around you, have been dressed appropriately in formal attire properly fitted for each individual.

Oh. That's right. Didn't we mention the other guests? Seated to your left, right, and across from you at the long banquet table are other people just like you. Perhaps it's a friend you know, though don't be surprised if it's a complete stranger. Each individual holds a blue and silver invitation with their name scrawled upon it, and a message to follow.

"Please respond to Master Blue's invitation at least one week prior to the event to secure your seat and accommodations.

This dinner is guaranteed to be an event to die for."

Strange, isn't it?

But rest assured! Nothing is stopping you from leaving the ballroom and exploring the other rooms of Master Blue's home. After all, you're an honored guest! It's with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that you're welcomed here tonight. Really, what's your hurry? It's not as though the front door will open for you. Don't bother with the windows either. They've all been locked tight to ensure you're all nice and cozy for your stay.

If you look under your seat, you'll find a special gift bag with your name on it. Opening these bags will reveal the following:

-A small spiral notebook
-A crayon in a specific shade of blue
-Three different candles
-A brass key (Design May Vary.)
-This cute toy

A welcome gift from the Master, of course.

Take some time to admire the decor, if you will. The house has been decorated for this special holiday with chains of paper hearts, miniature golden cupid statues, and confetti that rains down from the ceiling on occasion. Perhaps you'll get lucky tonight with love in the air, especially since Cupid's arrow seems to aim for you no matter where you go. For those of you who don't wish to partake in the lavish feast spread out in the ballroom, you're in luck. Boxes of chocolate and bowls of candy hearts can be found for all your snacking needs.

As the unseen orchestra plays on, it seems as though you've no choice but to get to know your fellow guests and make yourselves comfortable. Perhaps if you wait long enough, someone will come to greet you.

---

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Comments

[kazokun]

Yeah. From the Kansai region. Why?

[ He lives... somewhere. But speaks Kansai-ben and the accent is clear when he speaks, so ig he's from Kansai originally. ]

[seasiren]

Curiosity, mostly... and trying to piece together any correlations between those of us who were brought here, and where we're originally from.

[Though given her soft sigh of dissent, it's clear she hasn't found an answer]

I'm from Japan as well, but have met people from completely different regions.

[kazokun]

[ It'd be an interesting lead, but Ayabe wouldn't place too much hope in it turning out. ]

You might want to ask again once people have calmed down. There's a guy claiming to be a demon.

[seasiren]

Oh?

[She looks -- well, whatever expression flirts across her face is quickly veiled with a smile.]

How curious. I came across a woman who told me she wasn't from Earth.

What a lively bunch we have.

[kazokun]

"Lively" is one way to put it. It's a bunch of eccentrics.

[ A bunch of weirdos. He hopes everybody feels better after they've eaten and napped and realize that demons and such are all fake. ]

Other than that, I don't recognize anybody here. It's nobody from school, anyways.

[seasiren]

[He's so normal. It's downright precious.]

I haven't seen anyone I recognize, either... so perhaps those of us who were taken, were taken at random.

[mumbled mostly to herself, still thinking quietly]

Regardless, that doesn't change the end goal. I assume none of us are keen on remaining here longer than necessary.

[kazokun]

Right. I have classes to go back to, I can't stay here.

[ So normal. It's one of those SOL school manga but he actually goes to class and that's his priority right now. The exit isn't going to be anywhere on the second floor, so he starts back down to the first. ]

I'll check the doors again. Maybe somebody's opened something by now.

[seasiren]

[holy shit, someone save this boy from the devils, aliens, and magical girls infecting this mansion. let him go to school.]

I'll be joining you, if you don't mind.

[Deep down, she doubts it's going to be as simple as someone opening the doors to freedom, but--]

I also can't afford to stay here.

[kazokun]

[ He sort of minds, but only on the principle of liking to go at things alone. Despite that, he shakes his head. ]

I won't stop you from coming along.

[ Maybe they can split up later to cover more ground, but stairs are sort of a limited space, so he can't really go "no, go away" and they'd be walking down the stairs together anyways and it's just an awkward situation. ]

My name's Reito Ayabe. What's yours?