A Feast for Kings

[Monokuma]

The Dining Hall has been spectacularly prepared for the arrival of the Hope's Horizon's passengers. Paradoxically, dozens of tables have been meticulously set and arranged in concentric circles-- a wasteful effort seeing as how there are a mere 16 passengers. Each table is capable of seating four individuals, with plates, bowls, and utensils already resting in each place. In the center of every table is a lit candelabra. At the center of the hall looms a stage gaudily draped with a red velvet sheet. Myriad scents waft from the concealed kitchen in the back of the hall-- it seems as though the stoves and ovens are all running, although it is unclear as to who or what is supervising them. On the cushion of each seat is a hand typed note "Request and you shall receive". At the bottom of said note is appended a post script "Only food and drink!"

[Mizushima Arashi]

Following the conclusion of introductions, during which he carefully cultivated an air of aloofness that masked a keen interest in the finest details of each personal presentation, Arashi struts his way over to the Dining Hall. He's stored away some intriguing details about each individual in the back of his mind for consideration.

Crossing through the passageways of the ship as if already familiar with its layout, he reassures himself that no one caught his little slip as he declared his SHSL title. It was close enough to the truth, anyway.

By the time he arrives in the Dining Hall the tint his glasses has faded to reflect the relative dimness inside. He selects a seat arbitrarily, pulling the chair far from the table, reclining onto it, and props his combat booted feet up on the surface of the table.

Casting a glance around the room he notices he is the first to arrive. Unsurprising. The others likely weren't as comfortable navigating the interior of a vessel. To be sure his little satellite, the one named Naoki, "SHSL Character Analyst" would not be far behind him. The boy's title alone revealed his interest in Arashi; he's just another character to Naoki. Likely the same for the manga-ka, Takeo. Arashi sighs, then begins to chew on a necklace of shark teeth, coral, and other trophies. At first the idea doesn't sit well with him; serving as the entertainment for a pair of abstruse young men. After adjusting the crimson cloth tied around his left arm he shrugs to himself. He'll play their game. It was his intent the moment he boarded this ship to paint himself in a different light. It wouldn't do to have anyone catch on to who he really is. Of course this whole business with the Bear complicated his plans.

Rather than continue reflecting on his newfound peers and unanticipated circumstance, Arashi mumbles out an order for sushi, urchin sashimi to be exact, while still working over the necklace with his lips and teeth. Unsure of how it will arrive, Arashi patiently awaits the serving of his meal and drinks in the atmosphere of the hall.

[Monokuma]

*Seemingly from thin air, with little more than his signature laugh, Monokuma appears before the Sailor, bedecked in a miniature waiter's uniform and bearing a silver platter on white rests a plate of urchin sashimi*

Here you go, Arashi-kun! I'm sure you'll find it to your liking. I mean, there is real urchin in each roll and everything! So... do you like it on the ship? Feeling comfortable? At home, maybe?

*Monokuma sets the platter down with a sweeping motion, though he must stand on his tip-toes and jump in the air to reach the surface of the table. He then pulls out a seat and leaps up onto it, sitting himself across from the Sailor, his nearly blank face thinly veiling his obvious boredom and desire for entertainment*

[Mizushima Arashi]

Arashi's eyes shift to Monokuma, though he remains facing another direction. A look of derision passing over his features for an instant. He licks his lips, releasing the trophy necklace from the snug grip of his sharp, ivory teeth.

"Mizushima." His eyes harden, he stares at Monokuma at length, to ensure the message has got across. "Its a fair vessel" Arashi's demeanor notably improves as soon as he changes topic, "A little extravagant for my tastes, but I can adapt. Passengers seem... interesting... enough, once you can get the recluses talking, that is."

Arashi picks up a pair of chopsticks from the table, and uses them to transport a piece of sushi from the plate to his mouth. He takes a bite. Two. Chewing for a moment or two his eyes flick upward in contemplation. He swallows. "Mmh. Good. Surprisingly so."

[Shishiko Takenaka]

    Retaining an attentive posture and narrowing her focus onto the speaker on the deck, whoever that just so happened to be, Shishiko patiently listened to the introductions of the passengers. Keeping an internal memo that first impressions should not be heavily considered to avoid bias, she carefully noted the characteristics the people indulged about themselves as well as what they presented from their tone, gestures, and personal quirks. Particularly the gestures. Body language certainly reveals quite a lot about a person, she reminded herself. From the open way Arashi stood before the multitude of students to the secluded pose and shifty movements of Naoki, Shishiko thought she could sense their apprehension, both overtly and covertly. She was no character analyst like Naoki, but in immediate moments she could read the body. Really, that's what she would notice most often; how a person walked across the deck, how they stood once all eyes were on them, how they communicated through gesticulation. In context, such as an anxiety-arousing introduction, she could be entirely wrong. She wasn't ideal at predicting future behavior, just describing what was in the now. And, were there to be some expert liars in the group, she probably wouldn't even guess it.
  
    It appeared that their captain had yet another task for them; to attend a banquet of sorts. Another social event, Shishiko mused. Why, it would seem as though the captain were attempting to deepen their relations with one another. She had no room to complain, though; after all, she had attended many a dinner gathering involving several highly-regarded individuals. She did at least know appropriate behavior in this setting. Again, a confidence-inducing situation. On a cruise of all places! Certainly this was going to be a trip to remember.
Briskly entering the designated feasting location, Shishiko peered around. Everything was simply drowning in elegance; the rich and high quality drape across the stage, which much reminded her of her past performances under similar conditions, the fine cutlery neatly placed in front of each seat, even the fluffy cushions resting in the bowls of the seats. All this left a nostalgic feeling inside Shishiko, who had grown up with a high-end lifestyle. There was almost no need to feel homesick.
   
    One thing, or person, in particular did stand out against the fancy atmosphere. The Sailor Arashi was splayed across the chair and table with such unrefinement Shishiko would assume he had at least been scolded already! On the breezy deck of a boat, perhaps this behavior was acceptable, but in a classy establishment such as this surely he would be reprehended? But alas, glancing across from him she noted the current form of their captain, doing practically nothing at all. A little strange, but Shishiko figured that's just how the etiquette here was. So be it.

    To avoid the awkwardness of alienating herself from the others, she approached the table the only two in the room were seated at. "Do you mind if I sit here?" she brightly inquired. Just because she was bothered by his burly behavior did not mean she would be quick to point it out. As much as she disregarded first impressions, she knew as well that others did not feel the same. She should probably remain polite to all the others, at least for the time being.

    "Such lovely furniture. This is truly a luxury cruise, is it not?" she added on a whim. She did have to strike up some conversation if she were to gain the approval of the only other passenger present. It was then she noticed a card placed square in the middle of one of the seats. Delicately picking it up with a snap in her fingers, she scanned over the stiff card. Quite the statement it made there.

"Ah, for now, as much as I'd love to savor my favorite meats, I feel it's a little early to spoil myself. If it's possible, which this seems to imply, Mr. Captain, I'd like to order a standard Pad Thai. If other arrangements have to be made, I can work with that."

[Monokuma]

*Monokuma turns to face Shishiko, deciding that he likely won't get much more out of the Sailor.*

You've got it!

*Monokuma salutes, then leaps down off his chair. He scurries away into the kitchen in anything but a dignified manner, and returns not a handful of moments later holding another platter, this one topped with a plate of steaming pad thai, which he sets down in front of Shishiko at the table*

There's nothing we can't arrange for the passengers of the Hope's Horizon! We are, after all, a five star cruise.

*Monokuma breaks into a fit of his signature laughter then disappears behind another table without a trace*

[Mizushima Arashi]

Arashi stuffs another bite of sashimi into his mouth and turns towards Shishiko, removing his feet from the surface of the table. The corner of his mouth turns up in a mirthful smirk as he looks the girl up and down.

"'Bout time someone came down here. Was starting to think you all got lost. At least that wasn't entirely true." He takes another bite, chews, and swallows. "You're the... dancer, right?" He casts a glance across the ornate Dining Hall. "Luxury is one word for our accommodations. I prefer the term ostentatious. It better evokes the ludicrous excess." A sharp smile flashes across his face. "A lot of money went into building this ship, for sure."

[Naoki Nakamura]

Naoki sighed softly to himself as he heard the announcement to head for the dining hall. He knew he was expected there, but chose to stay on the upper deck, if only for a moment. Soon he noted that the other people had left and looked around silently. His face remained ever emotionless. Where could one get a drink on this boat...? He quietly stepped away from the railing and made his way to the dining hall.

Naoki was always quiet. He didn't make much of a show when he walked into the dining hall. He simply walked in and sat down. Shishiko and Arashi seemed to have beaten him here, not that he minded. Shishiko was chatting with the sailor when he had entered, and it seemed Arashi was responding. The two of them might get along. Then again, Shishiko seemed like the high class sort, while Arashi fell into the lower class. Naoki glanced around the dining hall with a cold stare. Though it didn't show on his face, the fancy appearance of the hall was nothing but an annoyance. It was similar to the many business dinners he had been so forced to attend in the past. He turned to the two others and blinked in silence.

Shishiko... Dancer. Loud introduction, but kind enough. Higher class, possibly rich. Business family? Enjoys the limelight? Strong personality. Stubborn. Doesn't seem to have any ill-will toward anyone here... Annoyed by... something...

Arashi... Brash, crude, and lower class. Strong all around. Lower class family? Perhaps a father who shares his job... Grew up with Sailors? Grew up on a boat if nothing else. Familiar with the ways of the boat... Might know something. Doesn't enjoy the higher classed dining room. Good. Useful in the future?

Naoki laced his fingers together in his lap and glanced at the empty place in front of him. Eating might be a good decision, but... He blinked again, closing his eyes for just a moment. Would the food be poisoned here? Why? Then again, why was he on this boat in the first place...

His mind blanked as he opened his eyes.

"Pardon my intrusion," He voice came out without a hint of his new realization, "May I ask, why are we here?" He slowly held up a hand and directed to the dining hall. "Don't you find this odd? A boat this nice with only a few passengers? A bear that speaks and walks around as though it is the captain? Even with supreme levels of AI, to suggest the bear might be a robot is... bizarre." His voice grew only slightly deeper, the only hint as to his small concern for their situation.

"Oh... But..." He dropped all worried tone and replaced his hands in his lap. It was times like this he felt very short. "I..." He ducked into his scarf a little, hiding the slight frown he had. "I hope you have not heard... Any of the rumors about me or my family. I will swear... That the things you've heard are not true... I don't turn people to stone with my eyes..." He sighed just a little, looking to the two. He hadn't sat close to them, just a seat away from Arashi, but not right beside them. He glanced over them one last time.

He could feel a small hint of fear... How odd.

[Mizushima Arashi]

"The bear's offering a meal and an explanation; A hard offer to pass up." Arashi replies before acknowledging Naoki, though now he turns his head slightly and nods, adjusting his glasses as they slide a fraction of an inch down the bridge of his nose. "I certainly don't intend to stay long. I've an interesting in seeing the rest of this curious vessel." Subconsciously Arashi slips his necklace into his mouth yet again, his fingers and teeth playing over the surface of one of the trophies attached to it: a small golden coin marked with intricate designs on the surface. His eyes drift off to the ceiling, fixing on one of the many chandeliers overhead, though his stare lacks any focus.

Swimming in his thoughts, lost to his surroundings, his mind wanders over where it might be best to search the ship. He's got a very specific objective in mind with this investigation. His teeth dig into the golden disc between them and he snaps back to attention.

"Gonna keep that half-hearted distance, Nakamura? A good choice, I bite." Arashi cackles and bears his teeth in a crooked grin.

[Naoki Nakamura]

Naoki's eyes wandered over to Arashi as he spoke. He seemed to be biting on his necklace.

Odd. People who chew on things like that typically do it as a nervous tick. Was Arashi nervous? Perhaps he had realized there was something odd going on in this little luxury cruise after all. Naoki pulled on his scarf and adjusted his glasses before looking Arashi in the eye. He was no going to show any kind of fear, not to these two.

However, we he heard Arashi call him by his last name, Naoki's eyes widened only slightly. He gave a half-hearted smile and scooted just a little closer.

"I choose to keep my distance purely out of respect, Mizushima," He quietly laced his fingers, "However, it would be better for us all if we got along. I hold no ill-will toward either of you..." Naoki's eyes went over Arashi once again.

It was true, Naoki held no ill-will at all. If anything, Arashi seemed interesting. Arashi didn't enjoy other people very much, could be rough around the edges, and seemed to have passion for what he did. All of these things made Naoki much more likely to become friends with the sailor. After all, nothing's better than someone who is blunt and tough.

"I will repeat as I said earlier though... Do not call me Nakamura... That is the name that people call my father... And his... business. As well as the names of my siblings." This time he returned to the emotionless stare. He placed his hands back in his lap and let out a breath.

"Shishiko, Arashi, if I may, I would like to know more about you," Naoki removed the thoughts of the odd bear for now, "So please, if you're willing to talk, I will share anything about myself you are willing to share with me about yourselves." This time Naoki turned in his chair to face Arashi. He wouldn't let the sailors attitude faze him. After all, it was that attitude that made him trustworthy.

[Mizushima Arashi]

With a snort Arashi leans into the young man. "Okay Naoki-kun," he says the name with a mocking lilt in his voice, "what do you wanna know? A man of the seven seas is a man of a thousand stories-- I could keep you entertained indefinitely! Good thing, too, cuz apparently that's how long we'll be waiting for the others."

[Shishiko Takenaka]

    Shishiko, who had been uncharacteristically slouched in the mere seconds before the arrival of her meal, immediately perked up once the steaming plate was set in front of her. Truly, in all her years she had never experienced such little wait! The only question now was if the food was up to standards. Something taking so little time couldn't be that quality, could it?
    
    No harm in finding out, Shishiko reasoned. Twirling the available utensils around in her hands, she scooped up a mouthful and precariously chewed at it. Amazing, it really had exceeded her expectations! She would have to give her compliments to the chef, were they available for conversation. Speaking of conversations, she absent-mindedly took in the interactions of the two males present; it appeared that the one named....Nakamura, was it? had entered the scene. Why, she had been so preoccupied with the instantly appearing dish that she barely registered his entrance. How rude of her!

    It sounded as though Nakamura preferred not to be addressed by his family name. Duly noted. Arashi seemed to be quite amused by the other's display of behavior, taking notice probably as much as Shishiko did how often he readjusted his scarf. The glasses thing too- maybe this Naoki guy wasn't all he was cut out to be, and was just holding back his insecurity. Good on your part, Shishiko commented internally. As far as behaviors went, Arashi had a habit of chewing on the string of items around his neck. An oral fixation? The girl remembered hearing about that somewhere, perhaps in some psychology textbook; it had to do with Freudian themes. Now that would be interesting, coming from Arashi. But alas, Shishiko was a dancer, not a psychoanalyst. Arashi's habits probably had a much simpler meaning. For now, she would just shrug it off.

    From the sounds of it, the one wanting to be referred to as Naoki had spoken to not just Arashi but her as well. Oh well, it seems she could no longer just sit and watch.
    "Hmm? Me? Well, I can have quite a bit to share, given the subject matter. But I wouldn't want to bore you with endless fluff about my day-to-day life, so if there's anything in particular you're wondering about, ask away! I ask only that you be distinct in your requests, as I can be quite the talker when it comes to the minute details of my life, as I'm sure you've already noticed," she threw in at rapid speed. For the meantime, she had to make up for the time she spent focusing on her food rather than the company at her table.