Shiro

'Sup, I'm Shiro. Pleased to meet you. If you want to take a look around that's cool, holler if you need me.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Explore (Shirohiko + Shouko)

[shoukosubarashi]

"Hm, so it does," she stepped up to examine the nameplate. "Quite unsurprising then, considering I believe it was this very room in which I awoke not hours ago!"

She thought that the little 80s style walksprite to the side of her name was a nice touch, though she felt that a lot of the flair was lost in low resolution monochrome. Oh well, she supposed it was the best they could do while keeping to style.

"As for the getting in, there should be some sort of lock to undo, shouldn’t there?" There wasnt any keyhole in the handle, but something looking rather like a scanner installed on the frame did catch her eye. Too low to be a retina scanner, too large for fingerprints, which meant…

"Aha!" she exclaimed, flashing her ElectroID in front of it and hearing the click of the bolt being withdrawn.

[shirohikoyukimura]

"You woke up in a room? Man I woke up on a bathroom floor..." Clearly there was some favoritism going on here. Shirohiko had a momentary panic, thinking that perhaps waking up in a bathroom combined with the lack of a room here for him meant his room was the bathroom? If it was he'd have to give that stupid fox what's what. When he looked again Shouko seemed to have managed to open her room.

"Sorry, I'm getting distracted. I hope this means we all have somewhere to lock ourselves in, we could hide from the fox entirely doing that!" It was a nice thought that perhaps they could all just hide in a room and wait for whatever was going on to inevitably end.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Explore (Shirohiko + Shouko)

[shoukosubarashi]

"Oh absolutely, I agree! Shouko Subarashi, the one and only Super Highschool-Level Gameshow Host, at your service!" she extended her arm for a handshake. Allies were important in a game like this one, and a solid introduction was the keystone of a good first impression.

"An absolute pleasure to meet your acquaintance and to be your co-contestant today."

[shirohikoyukimura]

"Likewise," Shirohiko replied, returning the handshake. Shouko seemed a little intense but radiated an infectious positivity. This could be quite fun. He turned back to the doors. Each had a little nameplate on; presumably these were the rooms for each person. He wandered along all eight rooms, but none had his name on.

"Hey! One of these has your name on!" Near the end of the row was a nameplate for his new acquaintance. "I guess this is your room. No idea how you get in."

[shirohikoyukimura]

Explore (Shirohiko + Shouko)

So he had company on this trip: it made sense of course. Everything this girl had said was very reasonable. There was something about the way she phrased things that felt like she was not taking the threat seriously, but at this point Shiro greatly appreciated it. After all, it's not like they knew whether this was serious or not.

He walked to the area to the right of the bathrooms to find a set of doors running along the courtyard wall. He turned back to his new companion.

"I guess we should do introductions? I'm Shiro, pleased to meet you."

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

"The game plan should be for everyone to not kill each other. I don’t care if we have to stay here forever, I’m not letting anybody die." Hiroto’s voice was stern, serious, and almost intimidating. "As for the more immediate plan, I think we should all work on covering the grounds, checking for escape routes."

[shirohikoyukimura]

"Yeah, it’d be stupid for anyone to try anything before we even know what’s going on." Shirohiko was of course wishing that the excitable girl was correct in assuming this was some sort of school prank, but the evidence was quickly suggesting otherwise.

"Like Hiroto said, we need to check whether we’re actually trapped. From there we can decide what to try next."

[shoukosubarashi]

"It sounds like we’re all on the same page here then, doesnt it? The best way to gain an edge in a game is to know the limits of its rules, exploration for exploits is a capital idea."

Shouko turned to face Akiko when she heard the luckster ask her a question.

"Of course! Just think, what is the most likely situation? An elaborate initiation ceremony, or a horrible trap? Taking into account we have someone of your talent present."

[shirohikoyukimura]

The limits of the rules. It seemed the others were thinking along the same lines, meaning they could hopefully get out of all this unharmed.

"Right, I intend to do a sweep to get my bearings, anyone is welcome to join me," he said, before turning back to where the door to the toilets was. Working around the edge from there seemed a reasonable strategy.

[shoukosubarashi]

"So, quite an exciting start to the school year, wouldn’t you agree?" Shouko asked aloud cheerfully to the remaining students in the courtyard. "I have to say I wasn’t expecting anything the likes of this, they’re really outdone themselves!"

She stopped to admire the smooth stone wall of the courtyard for just a moment, before spinning back around to face her classmates. “So, I’m curious. What are all your ideas for what the game plan should be?”

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

"The game plan should be for everyone to not kill each other. I don’t care if we have to stay here forever, I’m not letting anybody die." Hiroto’s voice was stern, serious, and almost intimidating. "As for the more immediate plan, I think we should all work on covering the grounds, checking for escape routes."

[shirohikoyukimura]

"Yeah, it'd be stupid for anyone to try anything before we even know what's going on." Shirohiko was of course wishing that the excitable girl was correct in assuming this was some sort of school prank, but the evidence was quickly suggesting otherwise.

"Like Hiroto said, we need to check whether we're actually trapped. From there we can decide what to try next."

[shirohikoyukimura]

Taking Stock

So, the field was set and the supposed mechanics were in place. Shirohiko had many questions, of course, but a few struck him as being particularly important. Amidst the resultant chatter he addressed a few questions to the fox puppet.

"Can we not just... leave anyway?" Having only seen the bathroom and courtyard so far it didn't really seem that they were actually locked in wherever they were.

"Not unless you can bust the metal plates over the doors with your bare hands!" came the puppet's reply.

"I can still see the sky, we're clearly not that trapped. This is a lame joke, dude." he retorted.

"You think you can scale the walls? Hell, I won’t stop you, although the heavy weaponry set up outside the walls might!" That set one of the conditions for this to make sense. Still...

"I take it those weapons would also take down any would-be rescuers?" he asked again.

"Upupupu! Correct! What a bright one you are!" Shirohiko couldn't help but feel a little pleased at feeling like he was ahead of the fox. So the rules were simple: no-one gets in and the only way out is murder. Now the first thing to do was to confirm the fox's claims.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Phosphor

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

"Hiroto." he responded, unsure as to whether or not he already introduced himself, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He smiled as he tucked one arm behind his back to bow, holding the other out for a handshake.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Shirohiko took his hand and shook it back. The conversation hadn't particularly solved what was going on but it was something at least. Now was perhaps the time to find out more.

"I'm gonna head, see if I can find anything else out elsewhere. See ya!" He turned and left, heading out along the wall of the courtyard.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Phosphor (Open)

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

“The only think I can think of is that everyone isn’t awake yet.  I’d like to go and check the rooms for more students, only I’m scared I’ll run into ol’ M.F. and he’ll blow my head off.”

He pretended his hand was a gun and pulled the trigger at his own head, throwing his head to the side as if it was shot and lolling his tongue out the side of his mouth. Then he laughed. He even surprised himself with his sense of humor under the pressure. He had previously felt anxious, but for some reason being surrounded by new people brought out the more playful Hiroto. He felt as if he were surrounded by a group of friends.

[shirohikoyukimura]

The morbid humour surprisingly seemed to lightening the mood a fair amount. Shirohiko couldn't help chuckling at the ridiculous gestures. If this person was right, the only thing to do would be to wait around in the courtyard until everyone arrived.

"While we wait, I'm Shiro. Pleased to meet you."

[shirohikoyukimura]

Phosphor (Open)

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

"Yeah, from M.F.? It said to come out to the courtyard. It wasn’t polite about it, either." he pouted slightly, "I’m thinking the notes were all carbon copies of one another. Everyone seems to have faithfully followed the instructions." he gestured toward the growing crowd.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Shirohiko hadn't really been paying attention to the other people around the courtyard, but the gestures implied this person had talked to them and their stories matched. Which meant he hadn't just passed out in a bathroom: they'd all been put here. That left a lot of questions unanswered and rather raised the stakes. Perhaps this was why they assumed they'd been kidnapped for ransom.

"Well, we're here, so where's M.F.?"

[shirohikoyukimura]

Phosphor (Open)

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

"My theory is that we’re being held for ransom in some kind of abandoned building. I’m thinking it’s a factory, judging by the size." he looked up to the high ramparts, eyes wandering toward the clouds which hovered ominously overhead.

[shirohikoyukimura]

"Ransom? Buh... how..." Was this based on anything? Shirohiko didn't think this looked like a factory at all. Perhaps this person was just confused, he thought, until he remember the note in the bathroom.

"Did you have a note too then?" The note had said everyone got a note but he didn't know who that was referring to. Maybe this person had woken up like him, which was why he seemed so confused too.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Phosphor (Open)

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

“I guess it’s feasible that we could be in the school…” his voice trailed off as he thought about it for a moment. It was true that it had been their first day there, and none of them would know what the inside of the school looked like yet. However, Hiroto couldn’t imagine the school would have bedrooms, or a cauldron, or a campfire, or blocked off windows. “I don’t think we are, though. Don’t you think the most prestigious school in the world would be… I don’t know… nicer, I guess?”

[shirohikoyukimura]

"I... guess..." He was right, this place looked rather more run-down and oppressive than he assumed the school would. "Maybe this is just an old bit of the school?" It didn't seem likely, but it's not like he had any real idea what the rest of the school looked like. Besides, where else would they be?

"Any ideas where we are, then?"

[shirohikoyukimura]

Phosphor (Open)

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

Damn, another kidnapped student? There seemed to be an endless flow of them, and Hiroto had made it his job to greet every single one and catch them up on the situation. He shrugged inwardly and set off to greet the newcomer.

"Hey!" he called, "Do you know where we are right now?"

He had asked more for the other’s sake than his own. He knew damn well that he wouldn’t know where they were, but he thought he should bring it up so that he could get right to his explanation.

[shirohikoyukimura]

As he stood observing the courtyard, someone ran up to him. Their appearance was daring to say the least. His opening question was rather strange.

"Huh? Are we not in the school?" Sure the building around the courtyard seemed rather archaic in design, but he knew very little about the school itself. Still, the question implied that this person was unsure where they were too.

[shirohikoyukimura]

Phosphor (Open)

Shirohiko's cheek was touching something cold and hard. He was vaguely aware that his eyes stung before his consciousness snapped into action. He opened his eyes and regretted it instantly: the room was bright around him and uncomfortable. He raised a hand to shield his face a little, glancing at his surroundings.

It seemed he was in some sort of public toilet, the small room oppressive around him. He was sprawled out on the floor across from the stalls. He sprang up from the floor and looked around in more detail. He didn't recognise the room and he was unsure how he got there. Hope's Peak, that was his last memory. Perhaps this was a bathroom in the school then? Maybe he had gotten ill and collapsed here.

He started to leave when he noticed a small note on the wall next to the door. Its contents were puzzling: how had someone known he was asleep here? The note seemed to be from someone with an odd sense of humour. It might be best to avoid this courtyard if possible. Tearing the note from the wall and stuffing it into his pocket, he opened the door and found himself staring out onto a courtyard. It seems that plan wouldn't work after all.

[daichi-watanabe-deactivated2014]

(im really bored right now

shiro has some weird-ass hair, yo)

[shirohikoyukimura]

((Might edit this later as there's a fair amount I could improve but here have a title card))

[shirohikoyukimura]

In-Character Questionnaire

a) If you could have two whole weeks for vacation and go and do anything you wanted, what and where would it be?

I'd travel around, perhaps Europe? I could visit a different country every day, that'd be sweet. Yeah.

b) If you had a weakness for one of the seven deadly sins, which one would it be and why? (pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth)

I've had people tell me I have too much pride, but I've worked hard to get where I am. It's not my fault they don't care about what they've done or what they've had to go through to get where they are.

Maybe I'm greedy for making sure I get what I want? Hah! That'll do.

c) If you could bring one person back to life and spend a whole day with him or her, who would it be and why?

Gah! I'm not gonna answer that... damn...

d) If you won a three-million dollar lottery, what would you do with the money? What would you do with a five-hundred dollar win?

I'd set up an arts center somewhere cool, inspire people like I was. Would that be enough money? I'd find a way.

Five-hundred? Hah! Buy some supplies? Maybe a new instrument. I'd like a flute.

e) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Urgh, I can think of a couple of things...

Really though I like who I am, if I change stuff I stop being me. Yeah?

f) What do you do to relax after a bad day?

I find somewhere alone and I dance. Man, that sounds lame, but it's great to just... express yourself, y'know? Clears the mind.

g) Where would you go to hang out if you wanted to feel comfortable?

I always just go to the arts center in Tokyo. Anywhere I can be surrounded by people who like the stuff I do.

h) What do you do when you are angry?

Make stuff. If a person has made me angry, I find a way to show them they were wrong or dumb. Whatever that needs...

i) Do you have a secret passion? What? Why is it a passion? And why is it a secret?

I guess I don't talk about my other interests in public too much, but many people know I'm a fan of more general arts that just ballet. I'm a great lover of classical music and classic works of art, though modern pieces can hold up against the greats.

People probably don't know that I dabble in music and painting myself, though I wouldn't show anyone. Maybe when they're not so terrible, yeah?

j) How do you feel in a crowd? How do you feel alone?

Depends on the crowd. I like interesting people, but if they're boring it can be dull as fuck, yeah?

Better to be alone for getting stuff done. When I'm alone I can clear my head and think. No background noise, y'know?

k) If you were asked to describe yourself, what would you say about the kind of person you are? How about how you look?

I'd say I'm fun and easy to talk to. I'm ambitious but I make sure I get there.

I look like me, I have my own style and I stick to it, yeah?

l) Where do you want to be in your life ten years from now?

I'd like to be known for stuff other than ballet. Don't get me wrong, ballet's great, y'know, but I don't want to limit myself.

m) A tear-jerker is on. How do you react if alone? How do you react if with others?

I never really care. I know it's not real so it's hard to get too attached. I'm not gonna cry over made-up shit when there's bad stuff in the real world that no-one bats an eye at.

n) Deep down, what do you really think of yourself? Are you fair, moral, honest, etc…?

I live by my rules but I'm not gonna stomp anyone else down unless I have to. Does that count as moral? If I made it from where I was anyone else can too, they've just got to work as hard as I did, right?

I'm as honest as I need to be. End of.

o) What do you think would make a perfect first date?

If I'm interested, somewhere we're alone and I can properly get to know them.

Then a concert or something. Hah!

p) How important is money to you? Why?

I've never thought money was that great, as long as I can eat and have somewhere to live I'm fine. That said, learning to dance is fucking expensive so a bit of extra cash wouldn't hurt.

q) What do you consider romantic?

It's obvious, sure, but I like the idea of sitting, watching the sunset together, arms wrapped around one another's bodies. Really it's when two people do something they both want to in each other's company, right? As long as we're happy together that's romance for me.

r) How “green” are you? At the store, do you ask for paper, plastic, or bring a bag? Do you take hour-long showers, quick ones, have a rain barrel in the yard to catch water for the garden? And so on. While you are figuring out how “green” you are, figure out why you are dark green or not green at all.

I guess I'm green? I'd never throw litter or waste 'cause what's the point? I'm not gonna go out of my way to save the planet but I'm not so lazy I can't find a bin either.

s) How do you deal with anger, sadness, external/internal conflict, change, loss, jealousy, hurt, etc…? Why?

I find a way to ignore it. Emotion shouldn't be bad, so when something bad happens I use it to make great art. The best works are those that capture the raw emotion that the artist has poured in, so I always look to that.

t) How do you think others see you as a person? How do you think other see you when it comes to looks and clothes?

I've been called pretty a lot and told I'm a girl for my interests and appearance. Who cares though 'cause they're wrong so yeah. Fuck 'em. I do what I like and wear what I like.

I'm meant to come across as meek and mysterious I guess, at least at shows. Really people who know me get that I'm someone who sees what they want and gets it.

[shirohikoyukimura]

WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?

Hah! Well anywhere outside of Japan for a start. I’ve not had the opportunity to travel yet.

I’d love to do a tour around lots of different countries some day.