safety first

[maskormods]

TEST DRIVE MEME

Considering apping into MASK OR MENACE? Want to dip your toes into the setting and get a feel of whether your character will fit into it? Or maybe you're just cruising and want to play around? Then you've come to the right place!

Pick any of the following scenarios below or feel free to make up your own, but don't be afraid to throw yourself at someone else's thread, either!

And remember to have fun!

01. Your memory might be a haze still and you might even feel frustrated or anxious by the sudden news that you are no longer in your own world and that the Porter scientists and military cannot send you back. You don't get a chance to linger long in the underground Porter lab, but something is clearly amiss; light patches on the floor indicate something else used to sit in that spot in the room. Parts of the wall, floor and the tables look as if they have been refurbished in the past few months -- something happened in here some time ago. Something big.

You're ushered out quickly and then suddenly, you're enveloped in a faint blue blue light before you find yourself under the bright Floridian sun. Another soldier steps toward you with a smile, directing your attention to a car near a large gate. She mentions she'll be debriefing you soon, handing out a brown folder and a pamphlet. You don't see the digital tattoo on your wrist, but it's quickly explained on your way over to the car as you realize there are other confused faces nearby, all holding files of their own.

02. The city of Heropa is what one might expect from a small, bright and cheery place. The locals are friendly enough and local shop owners might offer a free drink to help cool you down in this awfully nauseating heat. Some of the locals might thank you for always lending your service to the nation and others might not say anything. In fact, some people might back away from any imPort who quite obviously looks like they aren't from around the neighborhood. Once in a while there's a look of disdain on someone's face and hushed voices. Something about "the outbreak" and "the government's gotta crack down on their medical files". "Some of them can't be right in the head" says another.

03. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, and though it's quieter, there are just as many citizens awed at your presence. Heavy winds have people grasping at their newspapers and constantly brushing hair out of their faces, but that doesn't distract them from crowding you in excitement if you're obviously from a different time or world, or just let it slip that you're a newcomer. Children and young teenagers are especially likely to ask for an autograph and a photo.

Some locals seem less enthused to see you. They never make an approach, but they can be overheard scoffing and muttering something about cameras. "Who do they think they are?" or "I don't like it... it reminds me of the government corruption back in the eighties." What could they be talking about?

04. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania, is normally known for being a little more on the apathetic side, but there's been tension in the atmosphere lately. Nobody will outright state what it is that's rustled their jimmies, though you might find a newsstand with articles on recent and aggressive vigilante behavior within the city. "ImPorts: loyal to the cause of their own?" reads one newspaper article.

People are not as friendly in this city and go out of their way to avoid walking down the same sidewalk as the more obvious looking imPorts pass through. Local cops say nothing, but they scowl at those imPorts and utter something about "no badges" and "acting like authority figures".

05. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities. It's loud, busy and there's some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. Anyone who they come to determine an imPort is bombarded with all sorts of offers; job offers, advertising gigs, spokesperson for advocating children stay in school, etc. Anything and everything! You name it. Shops offer discounts for food and clothing, whatever they need. People flock in droves with questions, but they all say the same thing. Thank you for your service to this country, Hero. You saved a lot of lives. Wow, feels great to be a hero, doesn't it?

Comments

[localareanetto]

[He does as she demands, trying not to die from lack of air as he chokes on the food, and then suddenly there's pounding on his back and water in his hands. The pounding dislodges the food, and he takes a huge gulp of water. Safe! He takes a big gulp of air, and then--]

Hey, I'm plenty smart! The food was... just really good, okay??

[Also, his Netnavi's not here to prevent some of his acts of stupidity.]

[elleacious]

Really good enough to die? It was a dumb hot dog. [Elle slides down to sit against the wall beside him, arms around her knees.] Are you okay now?

[localareanetto]

Well I wasn't trying to die!

[Who expects to choke on their food every time they eat? Lan sure doesn't. But he calms down after his little outburst.]

Yeah, I'm good now. Thanks, uh.... what's your name?

[elleacious]

Elle Mel Marta. [She rocks a little and pushes at her files with a toe.] What's yours?

[localareanetto]

Lan Hikari! Thanks for helping me Elle!

[And.... there was a reason why he was choking right? Because he was trying to answer Elle's question...]

Oh yeah! You said you were looking for someone? Who are you looking for?

[elleacious]

I'm looking for my partner. [Elle looks away, down at her toes.] I dunno if he's here... He's pretty tall, white and black hair. His name's Ludger. Did you see him anywhere?

[localareanetto]

Hmm.... [To be honest, he hadn't really looked at the people around him. Sure, some caught his eye, but it was usually the more flashy looking imPorts. Elle's description was pretty vague.]

I don't think I have. He wasn't wearing anything... weird right? Like a superhero costume or bright clothes or something like that.

[elleacious]

[forget you her description was PERFECT and she didn't even mention his tubby cat or his awesome cooking skills] Uhhh no. Blue shirt, black pants...a yellow tie he doesn't ever do right because he's lazy...

You haven't seen a guy like that, huh?

[localareanetto]

[You totally should've mentioned the cooking. He would've been motivated to find him for the good food.]

...nope. Sorry. This city's really big, you know? It's gonna be hard finding him.

[elleacious]

I've been in big cities before. I'm not just some little kid, I know how to get around. [barely] What about you? You're a kid too. Shouldn't you be with someone?

[localareanetto]

I've been in big cities too! [Although that experience hadn't been the most stellar...] I can get around!

No, am I supposed to be? [Guess who was a free-roaming child.]

[elleacious]

Um yeah, you're also a kid? You're definitely supposed to have someone with you. Or at least be looking for them! Geez.

[localareanetto]

No you're not! I never have anyone with me back home! [A pause. Not quite true, actually.] Except Megaman, but he was my Navi so it doesn't count!

[elleacious]

He does so count! I don't know what a Navi is, but if he's a friend or a partner or a dad or something then he counts! Are you looking for him or what?

[localareanetto]

[His expression changes into a somewhat pained look and he glances away.]

...I can't. He's... gone.

[elleacious]

[Elle sobers at that, drawing her knees up again to hug to her chest.] ...what...what kinda gone? Like, he's lost?

[localareanetto]

...gone. He's just... gone.

[He can't bring himself to say the word. It might've been four month since the event, and he'd been doing his best to adjust, but...

He mimics Elle, drawing his knees to his chest.]

I won't be able to see him again.

[elleacious]

[Elle rests her chin against her knees. ...then she scoots a little closer, just so that their shoulders are touching, so she can lower her voice and mumble.]

...my partner's gone too. The one I'm looking for. I thought he might...be here somehow.