TRICK OR TREAT

[modormenace]

TEST DRIVE MEME
MENACE WITH YOUR MASKS

01. 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.

You'd think they'd have learned not to hold it by now - but there's once again there's a herd of zombies shambling towards the annual Mister and Miss Corncob beauty pageant. Right in the middle of the swimsuit competition, too! Have you ever wanted to fight zombies while wearing a bikini or speedo in the fall? No? Well this is your life now. Put on a good enough show and the judges might just award you some extra points!

And of course, the ImPorts in the audience are rushing up to help you. Better not get upstaged!

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. 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.

It's nearly Halloween, and the annual city parade and costume contest are underway! You've got one, right? The locals just love it! If you don't, well, that's okay — just for imPorts, there's a special costume rummage bin at the start of the parade route. You’ll find someone all too eager to help you - in fact, they're so eager they've already picked something out for you.

Hopefully none of that gear actually works. It’d be crazy if your rocket boots suddenly kicked off, or that prop flamethrower shot some real flames!

03. MAURTIA FALLS, PENNSYLVANIA has carried a reputation for ups and downs ever since imPorts began appearing. 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. Everything from the classic bank heist to brutal bloodbaths can happen around the corner. You have to keep your eyes open and your mind sharp when you live in Maurtia Falls, and hostility against imPorts can spike. The emergence of locals with superpowers is hardly helping...

Unfortunately Halloween in this city means a sharp jump in crime. Masked criminals are everywhere right now.

It feels like there’s a bank heist happening every other minute. Perhaps you’re rushing to heroically stop it and free the hostages, or maybe you’re the one wearing the mask looking to make out with a couple million more than you had before.

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.

In the middle of the city's biggest park is an autumn tradition — a corn maze! Of course, it's not real corn, since there hasn't been time to grow it. But craft supplies store Mikey's is sponsoring a maze built with genuine imitation corn, and hundreds of locals have already enjoyed getting lost inside! Curiously, few of them have come out the exit, and those who venture in will discover the maze is twistier and deeper than they ever could have anticipated. Somehow, it's bigger on the inside, thanks (no doubt) to some dastardly villain's powers. Will you try to navigate a way to the exit, forge your way through the stalks, or have a nap?

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.

Those weird radiation effects seem to kick it up a notch in the month of October. The world is awash in bright and unnatural colors that have nothing to do with the neon and your ears seem to be faintly ringing. You may find the air bizarrely charged today, the people are acting even stranger than usual. The weird figures in the corner of your eye are more prevalent, seeming to inch closer, and closer, and closer...

But that’s probably nothing, right?

As the clock strikes midnight the weirdness crescendos. Suddenly people are gaining traits from their costumes. Those fake vampire teeth are real, and no amount of shaving is gonna get that fur off your face Mr. Werewolf!

06. The HEROIC HALL has just opened! It’s a state of the art combat dome in De Chima. Engineered by the best and brightest on the planet, its futuristic holograms are as real as they come. There are safety features in place to keep things from getting out of hand, and they usually work. Usually. But any scenario you could possibly dream of is at your disposal to use. There are a number of pre-programmed options for you to choose from, ranging from the mundane like saving a cat from a tree, to the extreme such as stopping the apocalypse. There are even convenient scripts so you don't have to come up with your own zingers, and every session is recorded so you can watch your own greatness!

Uncertain? Well, the hot ticket this month is SCENARIO 21. Have you ever wanted to save the world without dealing with those pesky stakes? Here’s your chance! Scenario 21 features the greatest hits. An all powerful villain hell-bent on ending the world, a (poorly programmed) love interest held hostage, and a (equally poorly programmed) mentor who believes in you! Of course can’t do this on your own, this script was written for two! Find your new teammate and save the world together!

Once it’s over, don’t be surprised if you’re approached by the eagle-eyed talent scouts that refuse to take not interested as an answer.

Comments

[feixuehua]

It was a sensory overload, but after some adjustment and visiting one of the clinics to be sure his eyes and sight is all right, he is able to see what the world looks like after being blind for so many years. His eyes are sensitive to the light, so he wears a pair of sunglasses.

Later in the evening, when the sun isn't so bright, he is able to take the sunglasses off and adjust to the world. With the parade going on, it's full of color, sights, and sounds, and much celebrations of people laughing, partying, and having a good time. With some help of finding a costume, he dons a pair of cat eats and a tail, which over time they become real and a part of him.

Going with the crowd, he becomes part of the parade, walking down the road with the people, with a crowd of others who wears dogs, cats, and animals costumes and finds some fun pretending to be a cat. He doesn't recognize Xue Yang at first when he joins the parade. He doesn't remember what he look like after so many years, not at first. But he can see him and the memory clicks.

When they're not so far part in the parade line and their glance exchange, Xue Yang can see he has his eyes back. "Xue Yang...?" Though his voice was soft among the din of music and people shouting cheers in the parade line.

[xue_yang]

Xue Yang has been trying to find a way to exit the parade. Not wanting to be seen in this stupid outfit. But as he is looking around, he notices the man looking at him. His eyes widen slightly and he stumbles in his steps. It can't be..

But then he says his name and the fact that the man is actually here hits him hard. "Daozhang.."

He moves closer in the ground, not caring who he moves out of his way to be walking by the man's side. Forgetting for a moment that he is dressed like a dog. He doesn't really know what to say..having never expected the man to be here or believe that he has his sight.

[feixuehua]

He feels ridiculous pretending to be a cat and he sighs. He walks at a slower pace, the long sleeves billows with the wind as he tucks his hands behind his back. When he was blind, his steps are cautious.

"Xue Yang." He doesn't mind walking side by side as they parade down the road together. No words are exchanged at first. He is quiet and he can see him. He looks younger, but hearing his real voice and seeing him for the first.

"It's been a while. So this is the real-timeline of this world, isn't?"

[xue_yang]

He watches the man from the corner of his eye as he walks. He doesn't know that this is the same one from that other world until he mentions it. So he remembers that...

"This is the world I know more then that other one. That was like a strange dream."

Not a terrible dream. It let him see Xingchen again. But still not the world he had gotten used to being in.

"I didn't think you had come to this one."

[feixuehua]

In a cheerful upbeat, his cat tail swishes back and forth lazily. "Oh. That. That was a dream. It was chaotic, but I hopped on the train, evacuated with the others and made my escape. Then I woke up in Heropa and then I wandered around ever since. I took residence in one of the apartments. I get by with what I could manage. Sell candy on the streets. Don't need much money. The nanites did the rest and regrow my eyes back."

To prove that he can perfectly see, he offered him wrapped candy. "Candy? I have chocolates too for sale. You can have it. I remember it's your favorite. Looks like it's the season for lot of sweets, isn't?"

[xue_yang]

He listens to the story and then reaches out to take the candy. He carefully unwraps it and then puts it in his mouth to chew it slowly. The piece he had been given on the other world was gone. It never returned after the dream ended of course. And so he had thought the man had disappeared with it.

"I didn't know..I would have looked for you." If the man even wanted to be looked for. Since that time Xue Yang has learned what he did to Xingchen and knows he doesn't really deserve to be by his side.

[feixuehua]

Seeing he accepts it, he took it as a sign that he will listen within reason. "Even if you did look for me, I wasn't in any shape to see you." Considering their last meeting, it wasn't pleasant.

True, he doesn't deserve it. Yet, he chooses to walk by his side in the parade.

"What's with your costume?"

[xue_yang]

He had forgotten about the costume and it is easier to think about that then the fact that Xingchen didn't want him around. He looks down at it and gives a look of disdain at the thing that covers his body.

"It's some sort of dog. I didn't ask for it. I was just put into it. I don't really understand."

[feixuehua]

Considering what happened in their past, which is a dreadful lot. But if the both of them goes back home, they're already dead. Part of Xingchen wanted to stay away from him, and yet, part of him knew there is some good in Xue Yang. It wasn't much, but that good is calling out to him and perhaps, that good is what connects their friendship.

He wanted to smile a little at the sight of him. "It's silly. But it's not bad." He reaches out, wanting to pet his dog ears.

"May I...?"

[xue_yang]

He looks up at Xingchen as he reaches out to him. He would never deny the man anything he desires anymore. "Go ahead Daozhang." He ducks his head slightly to that the man can get to them. He doesn't know why they would be so interesting to anyone when they are pretty much just an annoyance to him.

"Apparently this has something to do with a holiday that they celebrate but they could have put me in something more interesting." Or not as strange looking. What about him made them think he would look good as a dog?

[feixuehua]

He reaches over and gently pets him, feeling real dog ears. "Try to be good in this world, Xue Yang and the world will be good to you. This is your second chance. If you're cruel, then it will come back to you."

He has his own regrets. Not that a little therapy and counseling available in this world helps. He left A-Qing behind, Song Lan, and Xue Yang too. If Xue Yang doesn't push him to the brink, it wouldn't have ended this way. He won't be able to go back. The scar on the left side of his neck is a reminder, but its amazing what nanites can revive.

"Think you can try doing a good deed?" He doesn't have to have to care, but maybe kill a lot less.

[xue_yang]

He pouts as he gets petted. "I have been good in this world, Daozhang. I've been here a long time and not killed anyone!" And for him that is quite a feat. And apparently he has been here even longer then he actually remembers. That part still confuses him, but it still means he has managed all these months without a single drop of blood on Jiangzai.

"I don't know what good deed you want me to do." Even if he hasn't killed, Xue Yang still doesn't exactly see himself as one of the 'good guys'. He can't just go around helping people and he doesn't want to.

[feixuehua]

He continues to pet his ears and then let his hand fall back to his side. He remembers him when he has his good days when he was well-behaved, he was almost likeable. Part of him is not sure if he forgive him or himself for their own sins, but the past is past, and whatever Xue Yang choose, he can't intervene or stop him from the inevitable.

"Well...that's an accomplishment if you can practice self-restraint and don't give into violence. If you can stop, you can put your mind into it." His shoulder's sagged suddenly feeling tired, both inwardly and emotionally. "I don't know what good deed I need you to do. I think to don't give into anger is one thing and accept your flaws and faults. I think meditation will help and some self-reflection. And you have to follow your heart."

Then more quietly as he walks by his side down the road, "It's too late for me. I don't know what the future will hold. But it's possible to be happy, so I'm here with all the time we have."

[xue_yang]

"It's not too late, daozhang. You are here now. This is a new future." Xue Yang hasn't done some of the sins that Xingchen has experienced but he knows that is in his future at some point. He doesn't now how much time there is between what they know. Xue Yang is still young, still capable of change.

"I've done a lot of self reflection since coming back here." Most of it was Xingchen's fault since he had to find out what happens in his future and had to ask Jingyi about the truth that no one seemed to want to tell him.

[feixuehua]

"You may say that now, but from my time, it was too late." Was, as he speaks from past tense. He sighs. Even if Xue Yang comes from an earlier time, the scar on his neck is a reminder of Xue Yang's sins. It doesn't change anything and the pain of leaving that life too early will always be there.

He couldn't tell him. It was a sensitive subject and he didn't want Xue Yang to be angry, knowing he'll blame him, and in a way, telling him or not telling him intimidate him all the same.

Still, he's surprised he's capable of self-reflection. "You did? And what were you thinking Xue Yang?"

[xue_yang]

"Hmm..I wanted to know what I actually felt about things. Everyone keeps telling me all these things that I do in my future and I wanted to figure out if I would still do them." He is pretty sure that he would with a few changes. He still holds the same hate in his heart. It's just it is no longer directed at this particular man.

"I don't have much to do in this place except think." It's not like his job at the cemetery is hard and so he has a lot of spare time. Plus he doesn't really have many friends or know many activities.

[feixuehua]

"I think you would. But with you staying here, that may have changed."

Still, the daozhang still has pain and disappointment. It simply means Xue Yang learns nothing from his death. His scar felt like a hot sear across his neck. As much as he wants him to take responsibility for what happened...or for him, what's going to happen. He can't quite believed he turned over a new leaf.

"Then you have to think and self-reflect some more. Especially when you're thinking about hurting others out of anger." He may not hate him, but when he was alive, he did take him for granted. "If you meditate, cultivators focuses on control and discipline to strengthens one's path."

[xue_yang]

"I don't have any anger here, daozhang. There is no one I want to hurt." He sighs softly, knowing that he will never be able to actually convince the man of his innocence in this place or the way he has changed.

"It's okay if you don't believe me. I as told I should show you how I changed through presents or talking or getting people to tell you..but I don't really understand any of that."

Jingyi had tried to help him but he isn't sure how much his friend really knows about this kind of thing.

[feixuehua]

It's defeating. Because he knew of the many crimes he committed. He continues to walk side by side. He realizes his presence has an effect on him. What has changed? He wished he could believe him, that his death has an impact on him.

"It's hard. But for once, I believe you. Yes, it's hard." And complicated and he isn't sure how he feels, considering he hasn't fully recovered from the strong emotions from that past life.

Shifting the mood, focusing on making a happy memory. "Let's keep walking. This parade is fun."

[xue_yang]

"I don't find the parade fun, daozhang. I just enjoy walking with you." As he always had in Yi city when they would go shopping or when they would simply go out to search on night hunts. They did much walking just like this back on their world. Of course a lot has changed..Xue Yang no longer has to hide his voice and they certainly wouldn't have been in these costumes.

Which makes him look over from the corner of his eye, not being used to the fact that Xingchen can see him now as they walk along.

[feixuehua]

With a nod, "Mm. Just a walk." Like they used to walk side by side back in Yi city. Except he knows who is he now and knows his name.

By the time the parade meets at the end and all the people gathered in the crowd cheering and celebrating, he turns to Xue Yang.

"Looks like this is the end of the parade."

[xue_yang]

"Seems that way. I hope that means I can take the costume off now." Because the last thing he wants is to be walking home wearing a dog. He doesn't care if dressing up is part of this holiday. He feels rediculous.

[feixuehua]

"I suppose you could. I shall be going home now. Since it's getting late."

With their day ended, brief as it was. "What about you, are you going to be all right?"

[xue_yang]

"Of course Doazhang! I've been here longer then you have. I know my way around." And no one really dares to get on his bad side or cross him. He can handle anything this world or its people want to throw at him. Plus he got to see Xingchen again so it has put him in a better mood.

[feixuehua]

"You been here longer than I have after all of this time? This world is different you know." But then he may figured out it's definitely a very futuristic world, with his eyes healed and he could see and he sees Xue Yang the way he is now, but what he will become, the future is uncertain and undetermined.

"Mm. Take care, Xue Yang." It's a brief meeting, but who knows how long the world allows him to stay. For now, it's a meeting that can last a lifetime.

"Until we meet again." He said, almost like a promise.