HE TOLD ME SEVERAL TIMES THAT HE DIDN'T LIKE MY KIND

[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. The city of Heropa is what one might expect from a small, bright and cheery place, where locals are friendly enough and local shop owners might offer a free drink to welcome you to their fair city. 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.

An upset, deeply masculine voice wonders aloud: "More of them, when we already know they can't protect us? That's just painting a bigger target on the city's back!"

"That's just what Ronald Chump says!" Exclaims a young woman. She raises her fist in anger at the imPort-hating individual. "We're not going to tolerate bigots here!"

02. 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. Science and technology are the lifeblood of this city, so you're likely to come across a good many locals taking your picture with the newest of devices. Be forewarned: since FanPort happened, imPort fandom is at a new height. Don't be surprised if people start following you just to see if you'll do anything TMZ-worthy.

The trick is to stay calm, and don't wig out if someone asks what you think about imPort shipping.

03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania, is having a rainy day. The streets seem to be running with water, the sky can't seem to stop crying. You might want to check out some consumerism-inclined shelter, be that a smoky and dart-eyed bar full of grumbling locals, or a grimy and industrial coffee shop (full of grumbling locals). Watch your step, newly minted imPort, because if you let on that you're fresh meat then you're likely to attract a posse of two or three sharp knuckled no-good-dooers. This is the criminally exciting part of town, so beware.

04. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities; loud, busy and there's some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. There's a baseball game going on in one of the parks amidst all those tall buildings, and you're welcome to watch! It's not an official game in the season, it's more like a friendly skirmish between local baseball teams. Midway through the game, the umpire might take note of you new imPorts -- assuming you're standing out in the crowd. He'll welcome you to throw a pitch if you'd like! Of course, the opposing team isn't too keen on the idea. Better look for more imPorts to play ball!

Comments

[takethestairs]

[Aaaand don't mind Edgeworth, he's just going to kick that knife far, far away from them. His new best friend tries to take advantage of the movement to escape, but as soon as he feels him squirm, Edgeworth squeezes harder to hold him tight.]

Hmph!

[And here's this guy. Why on earth is he so blasé?! Just a moment ago he was terrified, and now he's acting like this is a... a mild inconvenience!]

Seeing as how my hands are full, do you mind calling for help?

[Because he doesn't want to spend the rest of his day in a bear hug with someone who tried to stab him, if it's all the same to you.]

[murimurimuri]

[There's an obvious opportunity to take action while Edgeworth's hands are full. He could run for it, maybe snipe an attack... but the opportunity is a little too obvious, isn't it? Edgeworth is far too smart to just throw himself into danger without some kind of plan. This must just be his opening move.]

I think we've got this under control, Mr. Prosecutor. Don't you?

[He steps over the thug. Your play, Miles Edgeworth!!]

[takethestairs]

What do you-yeaargh!

[The title, Mister Prosecutor, takes Edgeworth by surprise, and the stranger's mystery deepens. Is this someone from Los Angeles, another man from a future he has yet to experience? Or is it someone who only knows him by reputation? This moment of weakness, however, is all the thug needs to make his move. The moment he feels Edgeworth's grip go slack, he stomps on his foot with all his might, aiming for his ankle. The tiny, delicate bones grind together as they set themselves back in place, while he jabs his elbow right in Edgeworth's gut. His grip finally loosens enough for him to pry himself free and to make a mad dash for freedom - assuming nobody stops him]

[murimurimuri]

[A fleeing mugger is one who is not a threat to Simon Keyes, therefore nobody does stop him from disappearing around the corner.]

See? Problem solved. Thanks for the help.

[takethestairs]

[And thanks for nothing! Edgeworth scowls at the escaped criminal as he dashes out of sight, before he glances at the damsel in distress.]

Hmph. I'd ask if you're alright, but somehow I think you're doing just fine.

[He doesn't stare for long, though, and soon the man on the ground gets his attention. While imPorts - or at least, those who choose to register - have certain liberties that both civilians and native law enforcement lack, he still has little interest in dealing with a potential manslaughter case. So Edgeworth kneels on the ground beside the remaining crook to make sure that he's still breathing.]

What were you even doing out here, anyway?

[What he wants to do is ask what he meant by "Mister Prosecutor". But if this man is really from his future, he doesn't want to show his hand too quickly. Oh, he's not going to lie. A lie would be found out too quickly. He'll just let this mystery man yammer on for a while longer before he reveals his ignorance. Who knows, he might actually learn a thing or two.]

[murimurimuri]

[The crook is concussed, but he'll live. Probably. It's not of any interest to Simon what happens to him now, frankly.]

I was trying to make some new friends, but then you showed up instead.

[He sighs. Edgeworth, while not technically the last person he wants to see right now, is at least somewhere in the top ten, and he's definitely not going to get anything worthwhile done as long as the prosecutor is around.]

Ah well. I've had about enough of the rain anyway. Wanna head inside and play a game of chess?

[takethestairs]

I don't think this is the time or the place for games.

[Literally or figuratively, because this man has to be playing games with him. He's familiar with him, clearly, but to say his priorities are out of order would be an understatement. But speaking of priorities, Edgeworth starts to look around the ground for his communication device, because somebody has to call emergency services. Or the authorities. Though, considering the MFPD's sterling reputation, would that be the best idea... Edgeworth frowns and stoops down to pick up his device, his scowl intensifying when the grime coats his fingers]

And don't complain to me about the rain, either - you're the one who should have been more prepared.

[More innuendo. More double meanings. Prepared for the rain, and prepared for danger. Edgeworth isn't looking at Simon for his reaction, though. Right now he's rummaging through his ~trusty satchel~ for a cloth to wipe his superhero phone clean.]

[murimurimuri]

[Edgeworth misses out on a sour reaction indeed. Of course Edgeworth would know just the thing to say to get under his skin. Because he's absolutely right; Simon should have been prepared.]

Give me a break. I only just got here.

[He watches Edgeworth idly, making no move to help.]

...And that was clear self-defense. You saw it.

[takethestairs]

Of course I saw it. Though, that begs the question...

[Edgeworth continues wiping his phone clean as he looks up at Simon, staring him in the eye]

...what were you doing back here, anyway?

[murimurimuri]

I noticed I was being followed, and I thought I could evade them by ducking off the main street.

[This is not remotely true. He wanted to bring things to a head, either luring in a hero to swoop in and save him or taking care of the problem himself, out of public view.]

[takethestairs]

[His explanation sounds reasonable enough, considering what he knows about this city, and Edgeworth doesn't know enough about Simon's methods to doubt his story. He doesn't break eye contact, though, and he continues to stare him down as he considers this.]

And where are you staying now?

[murimurimuri]

[Lets out a surprised, dark little chuckle. He's not going to break that eye contact, though.]

I~I'm not so sure I should tell you that?

[takethestairs]

[Now that's an interesting reaction, isn't it? Edgeworth's eyes widen for the briefest of moments before his gaze narrows again.]

I'm surprised. After all, we're friends, aren't we?

[His tone is dry and anything but friendly. Just what is his connection to this man?]

[murimurimuri]

[There is a stunned silence before he starts laughing, the sound escaping him in unrestrained, braying guffaws.]

But of course! So why don't you tell me where you're staying? Tell me where you live and your good friend Simon will come and pay you a visit!

[takethestairs]

[Edgeworth's eyes narrow as he watches Simon burst out in laughter, and he's suddenly reminded of Yew's demeanor. Hopefully he's not quite so dangerous, but he's not going to rely on hope.]

I'm sorry, but I don't think my roommates would appreciate a surprise guest. If you're still interested in that game of chess, though, I'll be at the Lucky Cat Cafe in Heropa tomorrow afternoon. But for now, I'm afraid I have more pressing matters to attend to.

[Like, you know, calling emergency services, dealing with red tape, et cetera, et cetera.]

[murimurimuri]

[What. Whaaat. Is this a trap? It's got to be a trap, right? But so help him, he's ready to take the bait.]

Now how could I turn down an invitation like that? Sure, I'll be there. Try not to beat me so bad this time, huh? ♥

[takethestairs]

I make no promises, Simon.

[First names are a little personal, but it's not like Simon gave him a last name to work with. Anyway, he finally uses his device to call for help for their poor... victim? Attacker? Attacker. It was self defense, after all.]

I don't suppose I can convince you to stick around for the next hour or two, by the way.

[It would make his life easier, but from what little he knows, he can guess that Simon doesn't care about what is and isn't convenient for him.]

[murimurimuri]

No way, this jerk isn't worth catching a cold for. I'm going for a hot drink.

[Simon takes a few rapid steps away, then turns on his heel and shoots Edgeworth a wry smile.]

I'd suggest you do the same. You don't really care about this guy, do you?

[But he doesn't wait for the answer. He ducks around the corner and is gone.]