etcelsior | A for effort though

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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Already Kira is calculating. Is Josuke alone? Given the way he asked how long he's been here, it's obvious he may have a friend or two. If he attacked now, it'd make a scene. He hates making a public scene, even in an empty cafe.

He straightens his tie, leaning back into his seat. He needs to keep playing dumb, that's the key to getting out of this.]

I just got here...yesterday, actually.

Wh-why the hostility?

[For a brief moment, Josuke simply stares at Kira, his mouth working silently as he attempts to make heads or tails out of what he's hearing.

Why the hostility! As if Kira doesn't already know...but then, he actually might not know now that the teen thinks about it. After all, imPorts arrive in this world from all different points in time. Hell, Josuke's own father is here, but instead of being the old man he remembers visiting Morioh, Joseph's just about his own age. Who's really to say Kira hasn't been plucked out of the time line from a point in time before he met Josuke and the others, or even Shigechi?

Doesn't make him any less dangerous, of course...but he might be less likely to cause trouble for Josuke if he doesn't remember.]

Huh...yesterday? You sure?

[Yesterday's good. If that's to be believed. Means Kira can't have gotten up to too much trouble...though, again, that's only if the older man is actually telling the truth.

Josuke drops his hand finally and shoves it deep into his pocket before drawing a long, thoughtful sip from his milkshake.]

...never mind, it's not real important. Wasn't meaning to be hostile, either. You just got one of them faces. The sort that looks familiar, you know?

[Kira doesn't dare move even a muscle of his face while Josuke thinks. It's a gamble. And this time, the other player falls for the gamble. Luck makes another victory for Kira Yoshikage, even with a meddler like Josuke here.

He feverishly nods his head. That's totally what happened.]

Yes I'm sure.

[He slumps, a drawn out-sigh of relief to add to his little innocent act. He laughs, running his hands through his head.]

I know...for a second...I thought you were one of those prowling delinquents after my money.

[Building his lie and a little back-handed insult.]

[Smart-ass son-of-a-bitch...]

Oh man, seriously? Ahahahaha!

[Josuke laughs obnoxiously and without restraint—and then immediately drops himself down in the seat next to Kira. This sort of close proximity is dangerous, he knows that, but his guard's up. He tells himself he'll be just fine. Because, at the end of the day, Heropa might not be Morioh, but it's the closest thing to home he's got here and he's going to protect it.

And that means keeping a close eye on the unassuming businessman with deplorable taste in neckties.]

No wonder you looked like you were gonna piss your pants for a minute! But you don't gotta worry about that, newbie. I'm one of the good guys. Name's Josuke.

[But you know that already, don't you, Kira?]

[He winces at the drawn-out laugh as he inwardly retracts like a disgusted wilting flower. What makes teenagers so goddamn obnoxious?

He keeps himself from moving as Josuke sits right next to him even though every part of him wants to get out of there, leave and go back to his quiet and tranquility. But Josuke won't let him have that, will he? Not unless he does something about it.

Kira affirms his introduction with a glazed-over glance and polite extension of his hand.]

You don't look like a Josuke.

Kira Yoshikage. Salaryman.

Don't look much like a Yoshikage yourself, Mr. Kira.

[You look like a psycho killer!]

Guess it doesn't really matter, though. It's still nice to meet'cha.

[Of course, he's lying like a dirty rug and refusing to take Kira's extended hand while he's at it. Josuke might be a risk taker at heart, but he prefers banking on risks that are calculated versus those that are straight up stupid...and shaking hands with Kira, maybe coming into contact with his Stand? That's stupidly dangerous business.

Better that he doesn't get any closer than he already is, not unless he has to. And he doesn't have to right now, not with an ace excuse up his sleeve.]

Oh, no offense or nothin', but they were outta soap in the restrooms inside the cafe, so I probably shouldn't shake your hand!

Funny you mention that, my parents would often say I had very poor luck.

[Totally untrue. Luck was always on Kira's side.

There they are, like two dirty rugs lying against each other till the other one rolls up. And honestly, Kira felt it would be a small shot that Josuke would take his handshake. He didn't look too bright, but he wasn't a total moron, was he?

But luck reveals an opening for him with the soap comment. Kira puts his hand back in his pockets, giving an understanding smile.]

Lucky for you, I know just the right place to get a few hand soap dispensers. If you're willing to wait a minute, I can get one for you. One can't tolerate uncleanliness you know.

[Yes, he'll get one for you...anything to wedge some space between him and this nosy brat, really.]

[Josuke frowns at his drinking cup at the mention of Kira's parents. He'd only ever met the other man's father, but having come this close to being dismembered and decapitated by the ghost was more than enough to sour his opinion of the people who raised Kira.]

Some folks. Ain't they supposed to be more encouraging?

[He draws a long sip from his straw before glancing sidelong at the other man. That offer of his...it's gotta be too good to be true. Probably just trying to make a quick escape, Josuke thinks. It'd be just like Kira to do that. And just like Josuke not to let him.]

Look at you, man! Only a day here and you already know where to shop. I'm impressed. But maybe I'll just tag along and have you lead the way, yeah? Wouldn't be real nice of me to let a stranger buy me stuff.

A for effort though

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject