etcelsior | DANCING WITH MY HAPPY FEET

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test drive

DANCING WITH MY HAPPY FEET

T E S T D R I V E M E M E

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 there's only one rule in Test Drive Meme Club: HAVE FUN ON THE TEST DRIVE MEME!

01.The city of Heropa, Florida 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, while others might not say anything -- but if you have something nasty to say, better not say anything at all, right?

They are, however, in the middle of some awfully hot weather, so some good samaritans have gained the approval of the government to close off a few of the streets for some good old-fashioned fun. They've equipped everyone who steps in with water guns of varying quality, and there's also access to water balloons, a slip n' slide, and more! Why don't you grab an ice cream cone, watch the festivities, and cool off? But you'd better be careful - there's always a munchkin or two here to spray any unsuspecting onlookers they may find.

02. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, with large numbers of citizens waiting to be awed by your very presence. Look at you! Organic wonder! 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. The imPort craze remains high here, and you may find yourself cornered by overzealous imPort fans, media wannabes and opportunists alike, shoving cameras in your face. Their questions are likely to be fairly mundane, however; get ready for an interview about your taste in romantic partners, personal underwear choices, favorite foods, and more!

On this lazy summer day, the biggest buzz comes from a group of teens and tweens who are all taking part in a massive scavenger hunt spread via social media! What are they gathering? You! ImPorts are likely to be targeted and asked to pose for pictures in which they demonstrate their powers, video clips in which they share fun facts and secrets about their home worlds, and much more! If you're not interested, you better hurry home -- they're persistent!

03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania has had its ups and downs since imPorts started disappearing. The city's political core now gutted with its mayor and supreme ambassador exported out, the streets have returned to the hands of the local people -- and incidental, the local criminal element. More so here than the streets of any other imPort city, the battle between good and evil looks more like a war of escalation than a heroic tale.

As your character walks down the street, they may find themselves thrust within what appears to be an organized protest and a smaller counter-protest. There's shouting, there are chants. You pick up rhythmic beats of THE END IS NEAR, GET THEM OUT OF HERE clashing against the clumsier counter-chants of IMPORTS ARE PART OF US. You probably don't know why, but there are sects of people who believe your kind is bringing about the end of the universe. You'll probably learn why, in due time. But given the scorching tension of the situation you have found yourself in, it's probably a good idea NOT to use your powers.

But even keeping your powers on the down low, you're of keen eye, or at least today you are, as fate would have it. You see a boring looking man, perhaps in his mid-20s, with a cluster of boring looking companions (three or four at most) wearing backpacks as they all uniformly step back and don black masks. The protests are crossing the street ahead of First National Bank. These men beeline towards the bank.

They are going to rob it, and people are going to get hurt, you're sure of that. They're probably armed, given their backpacks. What do you do?

04. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities; loud, busy and there's always some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. You may find yourself in the midst of a few closed-off streets for some occasion or another - whether it be a food cart festival, no-car day, or something else! - and surrounded by the hum of people, the waft of food being served on the street, and plenty of attention

Today there's a big lemonade stand on one busy sidewalk, staffed by a group of industrious kids. Aww, isn't it sweet? Wait...is that a cookie stand a little ways down, also run by elementary-to-middle schoolers? Heck, the entire block is full of kid-run mini-businesses — a gathering of pint-sized entrepreneurs! And they have their eyes on you, hero, because as a celebrity imPort, your pockets are full of $$$, right?

05. Jeopardy, Nevada by all rights shouldn't exist. A glowing neon city smack in the middle of the desert, the only reason it's still here is that the central nuclear power plant has tapped half a mile down into a subterranean lake for its water supply. So though the desert around it may be barren, the occupants of this small city are happily self sufficient. Those weird figures you see out of the corner of your eyes? Don't worry too much. Probably just weird radiation after effects. Jeopardy has a lot of those.

What's that sound? Why, the Church of the Ancient Web Mistress's choir is putting on a performance! A sizable contingent of the congregation's musically-minded members has gathered downtown, attempting to forge a spiritual connection through the power of song. Sure, these hymns sound a little spooky to your ears, but the sincerity is what matters, right? And the churchgoers, who are also handing out lyric sheets to interested participants, are sincerely interested in getting some imPorts to join in as temporary members of the choir. Never hurts to get a little more press and tithes, right?

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[That moment. Keith's heart slams against his chest. The moment before Shiro was lost. No, he forces himself to correct, the moment before Shiro died. Before his soul was caught within the consciousness of the Black Lion.

But still Shiro. Keith takes a breath and manages a smile.] Yeah. That was... a long time ago, for me. We should probably talk. Just... maybe not out here.

[Keith is also thinking that will be better done in private.]

Me too. [He agrees... to all of it. It should be impossible for there to be two versions of the Black Lion, but Keith has decided that he may need to move the bar on what is possible. Again.] This is my last stop. It's the strangest so far.

[There's no graceful way to respond to all of that. He'd thought they were separated by a gap in time and Keith confirmed it. Shiro closes his eyes for a moment and nods.] Me too.

I'm not sure I trust that church but until they make some kind of a move better to just observe them. [He takes a breath. He and Keith are on the same page. That's a relief.]

...let's take this talk off the streets. We could compare notes on what we've seen today.

[But there's something really important he has to say and it spills out.] I'm fine with not knowing the future as long as you and the rest of the team are okay.

Seems like they've been around for a while too, so maybe they're benign. But you're right. Observing for now is the best bet.

[He nods in agreement. Off the streets sounds good. He looks around. Maybe they could find some place to grab a drink, find an out of the way table. That sort of thing. Maybe.

Keith is about to suggest that when Shiro speaks again and he turns to face him fully once more. Violet eyes are wide for just a moment before his entire expression softens into a smile, certain as he answers.]

We're okay. [He reaches out to set his hand on Shiro's shoulder.] All of us.

[He inclines his head.] Come on. I think I saw a diner.

[He exhales a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding and slowly lets go of Keith. Some of the tension leaves his shoulders. They're all okay. He can face whatever is here as long as everyone is alright.]

Alright, lead the way. I'll follow you. [Shiro smiles back at him, relief in his eyes. He'd worried being pulled away would doom the team. But they made it out. Black climbs to his feet and stretches as Shiro takes a step to the side. He leaves the path wide open for Keith to lead them.] Was it the place advertising grilled sandwiches?

I think I might have seen it in that case.

Yeah, that's the one.

[Keith agrees, slipping past Shiro and black and heading for the entrance to the alleyway, the wolf trailing close behind him. He reaches out to set a hand against the fluff at his shoulders unconsciously.]

Think you might have to stay outside, boy. But I'll bring you a snack.

[He glances back at Shiro, looking at him like he can't quite get over what he's seeing.]

I can show you where I left my Lion first, if you want to leave yours there too. It's on the way.

[He still isn't mentioning that his lion is also the Black Lion. It'll be obvious soon.]

[He can't help but notice all of the changes in his best friend. Keith moves with a fluid kind of grace he lacked before. He's seen many swordsman in the Galra Gladiator arena move just like that. There's a sense of confidence he hadn't had before.

He keeps a little behind him to observe and compare it to how he'd been when he saw him last. The wolf is new. He puts his hands into the pockets of his coat and pauses when Keith looks back at him.

The gulf of time between them feels almost physical. He steps up to join him with a nod and raises an eyebrow. Why didn't he just say Red?]

That would be great. I don't want to cause any unnecessary panic or draw attention to us.

[He smiles when Shiro catches up beside him, looking over at the other man. So much has happened, but Shiro is still Shiro, and his presence has always had a steadying effect on Keith. That's still true now.]

Yeah, and they definitely draw attention.

[Even scaled down as they are. Keith walks on until the main street opens into another small side alley, this one leading to a fairly open courtyard, empty and unused -- well, it had been when Keith had found it. Now, sitting straight towards the back, as though it's watching over and guarding the space, is the Black Lion, a near mirror twin of the one that Shiro has with him.]

[He falls silent as he walks beside Keith. Things flit in and out of the corner of his vision but he keeps his gaze fixed straight ahead. If this is truly a harmless city that would be for the best.

He's torn from his thoughts as they slip down the side alley and into the open courtyard. For a moment he just stares. His Black walks towards its twin and settles by its side.

He draws up a blank then looks at Keith anew. All of the little details he's noticed seem to make more sense now. Keith found his balance as a good leader needs to. He lightly sets a hand on his shoulder.] ...well, looks like neither of us can pull rank on each other.

[Something will happen to him and Keith will step up. He accepts that and grins.] I'm proud of you, Keith.

[Keith watches the two Black Lions, both of them like bookends side by side. He turns at the hand on his shoulder, turns to face Shiro fully. There's a flicker of a smile at what he says. There's a flash of a memory of that happening, but that wasn't Shiro. Not this Shiro. And Keith isn't the same person he was then either. He's found himself since then.]

Looks like.

[Then Shiro says he's proud and grins at him and the start of a smile on Keith's face brightens into a full answering smile. That's when he steps forward to pull the taller man into a hug.]

A lot of things have happened... [He begins. And he'll tell Shiro as much as he wants or needs to know but for now.] But what I said earlier is true. We're okay.

[He steps back and catches Shiro's gaze, holding it.] All of us. [Including Shiro.]

[He wraps his arms around Keith and some of the tension bleeds out of him. He had no idea what to expect being suddenly so far from where he was. The steadying force of his best friend helps more than he has words for.]

As I said earlier, as long as you're all okay, that's enough for me. [Even if he itches to ask, it's better he doesn't. The future is best left unknown. he takes a step back and glances towards the lions. If they're needed, the lions will come.]

So, let's go. [He pauses with a glance up at the sky. He recognizes the stars. He recognizes all of it.] ...I'm really looking forward to having food I can recognize again.

I never thought I'd even see Earth again.

I'm ready. It really will be good to eat normal food.

[He pats the wolf's shoulder and murmurs a quiet 'stay here. And follow the Lions if they move.' like perhaps the wolf understands English. Keith is pretty sure he understands enough.]

It felt like that sometimes for me too. But here we are. It may not be our Earth, but it feels pretty close.

[A little smile.] It's nice to look up and recognize the stars too.

Yeah. We could go back to star gazing at night again. [They used to do that before he left. It has been peaceful as he got to know someone who thought a lot like he does. He smiles.

It feels like a homecoming of sorts. Even if it isn’t their Earth.] You happy to be back?

[He has mixed feelings on it. But for now, the positive side wins. He takes one more assessment of their surroundings.]

We could. I'd like that.

[The sudden wash of nostalgia is surprising. Keith had left Earth on the Blue Lion that day, and he had never even considered looking back. Everything he had to care about on Earth anymore was gone. There was Shiro, but he'd left at the same time. Back home they're their way back to Earth too, because they need to go. It's still surprising how nice it feels to actually be here.]

I think so, yeah. For now. As long as what they say about time holding for us is true anyway.

[He looks around.] It's sort of weird, and there's still a lot to do back home. But it's kinda nice. [And then there's also the fact that,] I'm glad you're here.

[He smiles and it lights up his grey eyes.] I’m glad you’re here too.

[Shiro takes a step towards the alleyway and nods to his version of Black. The lion would stay he is sure of that.] It is weird.

It feels like Earth and it is but it’s new too. [Better to table a serious talk like that until later. He nods and gestures back the way they came.] Now, lets go inspect their sandwiches and see how different or similar they are.

[Keith falls into step with Shiro to continue on towards their diner destination. There is a lot to talk about, but trying to tackle it all at once is probably not the best idea. They'll figure it out though.

They always do. And that thought is a comforting one.]

Parallel realities are just strange. At least you're not Swedish.

[The last bit is muttered and he continues on, a smile at the mention of sandwiches and very important research, as he nods.]

Yessir. [He affirms, light and teasing.]

[He blinks and glances sideways at Keith. That had been a very specific example. He raises one eyebrow.] There's a story behind that example, isn't there?

[The tease he lets go with a light shove to Keith's shoulder. It catches him by surprise the amount of strength and how broad Keith's shoulders are now.]

Tell me about it once we're sitting down? [The diner isn't far. He reaches the door and pulls it open, smiling to himself at the faint jingling of the bells tied to the door handle. It's Earth alright. He spots a booth in the back and nudges Keith to catch his attention. That one?]

Definitely is.

[A strange story. Horrifying in its own way, but not the Sven part at least. That part had just been strange and surreal and... well yeah. He rocks a bit as he's shoved, more than he really needs to, but nods.]

Absolutely.

[They can play story time as much as Shiro wants. And eat. Because something smells delicious the minute they open the door, and his stomach chimes in to voice its approval. Keith nods once and heads towards the booth that Shiro's caught sight of. Yup. Out of the way and a good line of sight on the entire room. Good pick. He makes his way over and slides into one side of the booth.]

[He takes the other and leans back in his seat. His back protests it. He hides a wince as he straightens up.]

...I can't believe you went to space and found a wolf. That's awesome, by the way.

[A waiter drifts over and he orders a grilled chicken sandwich. Once both orders are taken he looks at Keith again with a spark in his eyes.]

And I know I said I'm proud, but I'm also impressed. I'm looking forward to working beside you. I want to see what you can do now.

[Keith manages to make an adult decision and order a burger instead of just a plate of french fries. Very adult. He grins across the table though.]

He's a good boy. But yeah, apparently wolves are a thing in space. This one teleports though. And that's not all I found...

[He knows Shiro said he doesn't need to know how things turn out, but this, this Keith wants to share with Shiro because it's important to him, and Shiro is important to him.] I found my mother.

[There's no stopping the smile at what Shiro says though, and he nods.] Yeah me too.

[Shiro's smile morphs into a full-on grin. Right before this last battle, he recalled Keith admitting he could go look for his family.]

I'm happy for you, Keith. What's she like?

[He leans his arm left arm on the table leaving the right resting in the booth. He glances briefly around the dinner then focuses all of his attention on Keith.]

And your wolf friend teleports...what's his range?

[Keith's expression brightens in response to the grin on Shiro's face. He can't help it, it's clearly contagious.]

She's really great. She's an operative with the Blade of Marmora. I didn't know what to make of her at first. I mean, she left, you know? I thought it must've been for the sake of the mission but... she didn't want to leave. They found the Blue Lion, my mom and dad. But more scouts from the Empire showed up. She left to keep us safe, me and dad both. She left because she loved us.

[And that has clearly had an impact on him, the kid who spent so much of his younger life feeling like he wasn't wanted.]

Not long distance. Maybe half a kilometer? Handy in a fight though.

That does sound handy. [Being able to teleport completely changes movement in a battlefield. He can think of many possibilities. But it pales in comparison to the news about Keith's mother.

His smile softens into something gentler and warm.]

Now she doesn't have to stay away. You're a Paladin and capable of defending yourself and watching her back. Right? [Keith can be by his mother's side. He's glad for him. It's clearly done a lot to settle the restlessness in his friend.

But the thought brings him back to newest feature on Keith's face.] ...Keith, how did you get that scar?

Yeah. We got to spend a couple years together.

[That's the first explanation he's even hinted at for the fact that he's definitely older than when Shiro last saw him.] ...well, years for us. Time passed faster where we were. I don't think much more than a month went by for everyone else. But yeah, she's traveling with us now.

[Space is messed up, Shiro. That's what he's getting at here.

But Keith sobers at that last question, lifting a hand to trace along the mark at his cheek. He's not a good liar, and lying to Shiro doesn't feel right. It never has. So instead he goes with something vague but true.] I got it fighting to save someone I love.

[Shiro almost says something but the waiter returns with their orders. They smell almost divine. He hasn't smelled something so familiar in a long while. Once the waiter walks away he takes a swig of his water.

He looks thoughtfully at his own reflection in the plastic cup. Keith had gotten his scar to save someone. He looks up at him and nods once.]

...that's very like you. I'm glad you survived it. ...tell me more about how time passed so far for you. Where were you two?

[Keith is already diving into the french fries, before looking up at that, surprised. very like him? Shiro... Shiro always has thought the best of him, hasn't he? He smiles a bit.]

Yeah, me too. Came close for a bit, but...

[Well, it ended better than he could have imagined, given what followed after. He turns to the question.] A place called the Quantum Abyss. Black holes and neutron stars all clustered in one place. They distort time and space. Our ship got destroyed, but there were these incredible creatures. Like whales, but just... huge. Big enough that they had an entire environment and ecosystem on their backs. We managed to get aboard one, and that's how we made it through the Abyss.

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DANCING WITH MY HAPPY FEET

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