Have I got a game for you!

[shoukosubarashi]

"There should be more to it then, shouldn’t there?" she leaned in closer, the corners of her lips curling into a knowing grin. "Look beyond what we’ve been told and read between the lines. Assuming the game is not degenerate, what are the mechanics by which being voted off the island could be advantageous?"

[hideyoshitakeo-blog]

"I… Uh… Hm…" Takeo scratched his head. He wasn’t sure how to answer the question. Exactly how serious was this smooth-talking female being? Every word from his mouth just crushed his pride more and more in comparison to the charismatic phrasing of the SHSL Gameshow Host. Determined to look composed, Takeo took a deep breath.

"Could you rephrase that?" Okay, now he just looked silly. The dumb smile plastered on his face added to the acrobat’s humiliation. Takeo’s cheeks burned red as he gave a little sidestep to the right, hoping to escape.

[shoukosubarashi]

Shouko steped with him, maintaining their distance and relative positions. One didn't simply escape to the side from one of her conversations.

"Well, we're all here at this school of our own volition, arent we? It is quite the prestigious house of education, after all. Why would we want to leave, if we have just arrived and hardly learned a thing yet? Is it simply that killing to leave means you are no longer present to be killed, or is there something more, do you think?"

[shirohikoyukimura]

Explore (Shirohiko + Shouko)

[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.

[shoukosubarashi]

"The bathroom? Not the most suitable location for sleeping, dont you think? Why, even if theres a cloth for you to lay your head on instead of the floor just think of how often you'd be interrupted by people needing to go in the middle of the night!"

Shouko turned back to face him. "I'd like to hope so too, but think about it. Any card lock system like this will have to be tied to some authentication server, and I'd stake my show the fox could have access rights changed on a whim." She shrugged. "Of course, that would be horribly unfair play on his part, dont you think?"

[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."

[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]

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."

[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."

[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]

"I'll be coming along with you," Shouko announced, striding up next to Shirohiko. "After all, who is to say you'll actually report what you find and that you've actually found what you'll report? A second pair of eyes will keep things safe and honest."

She flashes a smile, intending to show that it is nothing personal.

[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."

[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."

[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?"

[despair-castle-deactivated20140]

W-Wait a sec! You don't know if we're going through with this! W-What makes you think we'll actually go through that whole murder process?!

Huh? Do you think you have a choice or something?

[shoukosubarashi]

"On the contrary, tiny things can provide the impetus for all sorts of questionable behavior! We’ve all got a little Crassus in us somewhere" Shouko  gave the boy a sharp pat on the back. "Though in this case I have to question the incentive. Kill and leave the school? A little backwards for a goal, if you ask me."

[hideyoshitakeo-blog]

The air in Takeo’s lungs escaped him at the pat. He choked and coughed a little, taking time to start speaking again.

"Th…. That’s—" he cleared his throat, "That’s exactly what I’m trying to say… T-There’s no reason to just… Up and kill someone. And I-I get that we’re trying to escape, but I don’t feel like that’s worth the trouble…" He sighed, frowning a little.

[shoukosubarashi]

"There should be more to it then, shouldn't there?" she leaned in closer, the corners of her lips curling into a knowing grin. "Look beyond what we've been told and read between the lines. Assuming the game is not degenerate, what are the mechanics by which being voted off the island could be advantageous?"

[despair-castle-deactivated20140]

W-Wait a sec! You don't know if we're going through with this! W-What makes you think we'll actually go through that whole murder process?!

Huh? Do you think you have a choice or something?

[hideyoshitakeo-blog]

He balled his hands up into little fists and shook them in his childish anger. “You can’t possibly force someone to kill! E-Especially because… You’re just a tiny… Thing…!”

[shoukosubarashi]

"On the contrary, tiny things can provide the impetus for all sorts of questionable behavior! We've all got a little Crassus in us somewhere" Shouko  gave the boy a sharp pat on the back. "Though in this case I have to question the incentive. Kill and leave the school? A little backwards for a goal, if you ask me."

[shoukosubarashi]

Welcome to the Shouko

[shoukosubarashi]

"You mean you don’t know?" Shouko asked incredulously. Honestly, didn’t these people watch any television?

"I am SHOUKO SUBARASHI, the finest host that’s fit to air in all the four hemispheres!"

She took a step back to avoid smacking him a second time with the dramatic gestures that were an essential part of the introduction for one as charismatic as she.

"But now it’s your turn for the spotlight, my friend. Why don’t you tell the audience why you’re here?"

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

"I’m here because I was kidnapped, just like everyone else here." he explained, his eyes dull. He wondered if she thought she was on television. She was certainly behaving that way.

[shoukosubarashi]

"Kidnapped? Now thats certainly an interesting way to describe the first day of school. Not much of one for classes, are you?" Such sullenness would certainly not do, Shouko thought. This should be a day of excitement, and she would have to take up the responsibility of making it so if the others would not.

[shoukosubarashi]

Welcome to the Shouko

[shoukosubarashi]

"Apologies, friend, I didn’t see you there! Are you alright?"

She stepped out into the courtyard so the door could be closed behind her, then turned to face the wounded student.  There wasn’t much in the way of concern evident in her face, which bore the same amused half-smirk she usually wore when greeting the audience. 

"You should always be careful where you stand, you never know when or where something unexpected will pop out at you!"

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

“Useful life advice from the Super High School Level… whatever you are. Who are you?”

He straightened up from the hunched position he had been in, cradling his wound. He didn’t appreciate the look on her face, but he smiled back anyway. He didn’t want to get into any more fights today. At least not until they were rescued. Perhaps once they went back to their comfortable school setting he would bring it to her attention.

[shoukosubarashi]

"You mean you don't know?" Shouko asked incredulously. Honestly, didn't these people watch any television?

"I am SHOUKO SUBARASHI, the finest host that's fit to air in all the four hemispheres!"

She took a step back to avoid smacking him a second time with the dramatic gestures that were an essential part of the introduction for one as charismatic as she.

"But now it's your turn for the spotlight, my friend. Why don't you tell the audience why you're here?"

[shoukosubarashi]

Welcome to the Shouko

[shslhorseman-deactivated2014041]

"Ah!" Hiroto exclaimed as the wooden door slammed into his side.

The Gameshow Host had made her entrance directly behind the wall where Hiroto had moved, slapping the door against him painfully. Hiroto had a low pain-tolerance, and went grabbing for the arm which had been most injured by the smack.

"This is going to bruise…" he whined childishly.

[shoukosubarashi]

"Apologies, friend, I didn't see you there! Are you alright?"

She stepped out into the courtyard so the door could be closed behind her, then turned to face the wounded student.  There wasn't much in the way of concern evident in her face, which bore the same amused half-smirk she usually wore when greeting the audience. 

"You should always be careful where you stand, you never know when or where something unexpected will pop out at you!"

[shoukosubarashi]

Welcome to the Shouko

Shouko awoke with a start, bolting upright immediately and using her momentum to propel herself out of bed and to her feet in one smooth motion. There was no time like the present, never time to lose, and nothing better for shaking off the morning grog than a nice rush of adreneline to start the day.

"GOOD MORNING WORLD, and CONGRATULATIONS! For I, SHOUKO SUBARASHI, have once again seen fit to grace you with my WAKING PRESENCE!"

She spun around on the ball of her foot and let herself fall back onto the matress, suitably pumped for her first exciting day at the prestigious Hope's Peak Academy. For once, she was the one who had won the grand prize, and what a well won prize it was. She could not have agreed more that there was no other student in Japan more worthy of the title Super Highschool-Level Gameshow Host.

But she detected something a bit odd, now that she thought about it and was staring up at the metal plates screwed into the cieling. Had there been a set change while she was asleep? Come to think of it, this wasn't her bed either. And she distinctly remembered having woken once already that morning, and she certainly wasn't one to sleep through an entire episode. Strange and stranger still, was this the school after all... and was that a note on the door?

She strolled over and read it with interest and bemusement. She didn't recognize M.F. as the initials of any student or faculty she knew of. Whoever they were, they definitely had something of a style but it was a little on the crude side for her liking. She doubted it was a teacher, based on that. A resident advior perhaps? Well, the only way to find out would be to do as they asked. Shouko quickly dressed and threw open the door, eager to make her entrance and meet her new compatriots.