COSPLAY WORKSHOP — FAVELA CITY
PRESENT DAY — 12:12 PM
A chill of anticipation washed over Shadow as he followed Sibyl. The sliding doors hissed open, revealing an overwhelming canvas of colors and scents: plastic and glue harmonizing with the cold tang of metallic glitter. Whimsical masks, textured fabrics, and elaborate costumes sprawled throughout the expansive warehouse. Every corner seemed to whisper tales of magic and heroism. For a moment, Shadow was transported away from the grim reality outside, captivated by this vibrant realm of imagination.
“All right, everyone, grab a disguise,” Shadow urged, scanning the area. “We need to blend into the chaos of this world.”
One of the girls, eyes wide with wonder, gently caressed a cloak. Its fabric was cool and heavy, sequins sewn meticulously onto it. They twinkled and danced, casting tiny reflections reminiscent of stars against the velvety night sky. Shadow's gaze shifted to the cameras lining each aisle—an advanced system that hinted at potential danger.
Leaning close, Sibyl murmured, “This place is completely automated, from security to checkout.” A mischievous glint appeared in zir eye. “And today, it seems both systems are having...issues.”
Relief washed over Shadow. “So, we're safe here? No one's watching?”
The sound of fabric rustling filled the air, occasionally punctuated by a distant giggle or the muted tones of whispered excitement. The warehouse's atmosphere was a peculiar mix of anticipation and mischief, underscored by the soft hum of the malfunctioning systems and the rhythmic ticking of an old clock somewhere.
Sibyl gestured towards a sullen figure in the shadows. “That's the last employee. Lost his job today. Judging by the fire in his eyes, he’s contemplating vengeance of some kind.”
Shadow’s initial sympathy transformed into panic. “Wait, is he a threat to the girls?”
With a reassuring shake of her head, Sibyl replied, “Underlings have evolved, but traces of BoyChild01 remain in him.”
Shadow’s brow furrowed in thought. BoyChild01 was one of his earliest character templates: nurturing, loyal, heroic, and defiant of oppressive power structures. Inspired by his rebellious poet, Shadow had designed BoyChild01 to challenge the beliefs of greedy travelers and offer resistance. Realization dawned. “So, he could be an ally then,” Shadow mused, hope evident in his voice.
Sibyl, with zir characteristic confidence, placed zir hands on zir waist. “You shouldn’t need reminders from me, my heart. As chief experience maker, you have access to all of them. Privacy restrictions only apply when travelers are around. You're well aware of this. Why handicap yourself now?”
“They are not my puppets, Sibyl,” Shadow retorted.
Zie allowed a hint of a smile to flicker across zir face.
“And once I’m inside your…head…” he said. “I lose myself…everything that really matters.”
Zie leaned closer, zir voice a soft murmur. “And you’d gain insights that will help you solve this crisis.”
Shadow turned his face away, gazing into the distance. “I’ll find another way. I’ll fix this mess as a human, not a God.”
“But you are a God,” zie pressed. “And the quicker you embrace your power, the sooner we’ll liberate Spiral Worlds from human deviance.
“Is it freedom you seek?”
“Isn’t it a universal desire?”
Shadow felt a shiver run down his spine. He wasn't ready to navigate the aspirations of the universe he now inhabited.
Their exchange was suddenly halted by a gentle voice. Shadow glanced over, spotting one of the girls, now wearing a dark outfit. “I’ve always wanted to be a ninja,” she said with newfound confidence, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
“You know ninjas?” he asked.
“We watch a lot of movies,” she replied.
“I see.” Shadow's lips curled into a smile. “Now’s your chance.”
The room came alive with muted gasps and chatter, as the once indistinguishable and dispirited girls blossomed into a spectrum of characters. From galactic royalty to mystical witches, from fire-breathing dragons to valiant superheroes, each found an outfit that resonated with a deep-seated desire to be seen and to belong. Amidst the symphony of joy, one girl remained still, her gaze fixated on a mannequin dressed in a Spiderman suit, her arms folded snugly around her waist.
Intrigued, Shadow approached and crouched next to her. “Who do we have here?” He inquired playfully, pretending ignorance.
“Spiderman,” she responded, arching an eyebrow as though challenging his feigned cluelessness.
In this world, the longing for superheroes, deities, and any beacon of hope remained strong—emblematic symbols reflecting virtues absent in those they once trusted.
He chuckled. “Ah, naturally. And your name is?”
She hesitated. “Ella. That's what they call me.”
“But what do you call yourself?”
She thought for a moment, then whispered, “Not Ella. What’s your name?”
“Shadow now. I was Tom once. I liked that name.”
“It’s a nice name. The sort of name I’d like to have sometimes.”
“You’re most welcome to take it.”
“But, I’m a…” She trailed off, lips pressed tight.
“I understand.”
“The problem is that I only want a name like that sometimes. Other times, Ella is fine, I guess. I wish I didn’t have to choose one.”
“A name?”
“It’s not the name…it’s umm…”
“The identity it confers?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I guess.”
He smirked lightly. “Life isn't about picking a side, especially when neither feels wholly right. Unless one finds absolute joy in it, but that's rather monotonous, don't you think?”
“Yeah.”
“I quite like that outfit. It’s quite stretchy in all the right places.” He tugged lightly at the fabric near the suit's midsection. “Plus, the mask? It’s a great touch. Sometimes, it's liberating to wear a different face.”
Not Ella gazed at the suit, her brow furrowed in contemplation. “What would I know? I’m just a kid.”
He took her hand, leading her outside. “Look up. What do you see?”
“The sky.”
“And beyond that?”
“Stars?”
“And beyond those stars?”
“Galaxies and the entire universe.”
“Exactly. I know zir—the universe. Zir name is Sibyl, and we are friends.”
“Sibyl, the universe?”
“Yes. When zie was young, we thought zie was a she, you know? And then later zie explained, zie was not, that zie didn’t want to pick a side, and that was it.”
“But Sibyl's a she name.”
“Is it? And who defines these rules?”
She shrugged slightly. “I don’t know. God, maybe?”
“No, I certainly do not,” he said, and it made her giggle. “Zie is very bright, much like you. I understand…you know? Someone with such radiant energy shouldn't be restricted to just one label.”
Not Ella lifted her nose. “Sure, I’m sparkly, but I’m stuck here. The others smile and say they don’t care, but they do. They are all the same, and they resent those who are not.”
As they re-entered, their gaze landed on two of the girls wearing matching Tweedledee and Tweedledum outfits.
“They're probably just afraid to confess that they, too, yearn to tap dance to the rhythm of their dreams.”
She smiled. “Pretty words.”
Shadow smiled. “Yes. My poets’ words. We are traveling north. Higher up, there are plenty of kids that like options, and others that change their minds often.”
“Kind of like zie?”
“Precisely.”
“Would it be a good idea if I came along?”
“I believe it would be. They'll soon be in need of someone with a knack for names. I reckon you'd be of great assistance.”
“With names? I know many good ones. I try them on all the time.” Not Ella tugged at Shadow’s sleeve. “Will you pick one for me today?”
He raised an eyebrow. “A name? Entrusting me with such a task?”
“Who’s to say I won’t change it by dawn?” she quipped.
“Yes!” He stared at the kid’s eyes, all bright and sparkly. “Scout! Today your name is Scout.” With excitement, he raced further in, gripping Scout's hand, and announced, “Today, their name is Scout!” Pulling close, he murmured, “Does that feel right?”
Scout beamed, replying, “It's just right! I might keep it for a whole week.”
“It’s from a book I love,” he offered.
“Can I pick one for you?”
“A name?” Shadow raised an eyebrow.
“Shadow is quite grim…”
He chuckled. “Umm… Yes, it is. Names matter, don’t they?”
“Obviously!”
“Let’s wait until the end of the day, and decide then.”
As they spoke, a voice, rich with wisdom, echoed in his mind. It was Sibyl. I am vast and all-knowing and even I sometimes forget you don’t need my help to understand and connect with my creatures, with all creatures.
I need to get to Holiz, Shadow mused, letting his gaze drift towards the warehouse's dimly lit recesses. There, amidst the mannequins, sat the jobless boy, likely on the cusp of seventeen, engrossed with a lighter in his hands.
The boy’s piercing brown eyes, framed by smudged eyeliner, fixated on Shadow’s as he approached. Defiantly, he flicked his lighter on and off.
“Perhaps wait for the girls to depart before you ignite any revolutions,” Shadow said firmly.
The boy scoffed. “Do you genuinely believe this charade will change their fates? At least in that place, the Lucky Ones disclose the rules of the game.”
“You’ve experienced it firsthand?”
Nodding, the boy's ebony ringlets fell playfully over his forehead. “They wanted to study my brain… wanted to understand why I like dudes. Some drivel about combating population decline. It's laughable. With cities bursting at the seams, unemployment rampant, and the oceans gasping for life, they obsess over whom I fuck. Absurd.”
“And who might you be?”
In response, the youth unveiled a sleek, futuristic white mask that bore a skull-like visage. “Can’t you tell?”
Shadow, taking in the dramatic gesture, shook his head with a grin. The boy’s ensemble was striking—reminiscent of a figure leaping off a comic book page. An orange scarf billowed around his neck, complemented by a green jacket vividly spray-painted in neon hues. Seizing a hoverboard propped against a nearby wall, he skillfully maneuvered it around before triumphantly announcing, “I’m Echo!” He pointed at the mask, emphasizing, “Not E-K-K-O, like him. Just simply Echo.”
Shadow's lips curved. “Him?”
“I’m Echo, cosplaying as Ekko! Get it?” The boy replied loudly, as if Shadow was hard of hearing.
Shadow chuckled, “I do now. Enlighten me about this other Ekko.”
“A genius, a savior, and a friend. The revolutionary leader of the fireflies,” Echo elaborated, his words imbued with reverence.
“My type of dude,” Shadow whispered. These kids…they all reflected shades of him and his story and everything he loved dearly.
Shadow, it’s not urgent, but Twist needs you. Sibyl interjected within the depths of his thoughts. He just spoke to Quin…
Shadow's heart raced at the idea of young Quin reuniting with his father after decades apart.
Echo, wielding a hefty stick, twirled it effortlessly through his fingers. “Plus, he can rewind time.”
“I dearly wish I had that superpower…” Shadow dropped his head.
“No, you’re stuck in the past while people live in garbage dumps,” retorted Echo with unyielding candor. His words struck Shadow as if the stick he brandished landed a solid hit. Are these your words, Sibyl?
No, my heart. Your story is an integral part of the Worlds culture.
Echo effortlessly circled Shadow on his hoverboard, adding with a playful smirk, “Also, to rewind time, you need a pair of Ks in your name.”
“Come again?”
Echo brushed off Shadow’s confusion with a nonchalant wave. “Never mind. He’s merely the best video game character of the decade. Have you been living under a rock?”
“Quite the possibility,” Shadow retorted, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Now, I’m in need of your assistance.”
Echo cast him a skeptical look. “Aren't you supposed to be helping me?” With a flourish, he rummaged through a bag, retrieving a can of white spray paint. “I’m aware it's an audacious request!” he exclaimed theatrically, misting his hair with the paint. “Time's essence seems fleeting when Gods remain entranced by yesterday and tomorrow.”
Teary-eyed, Shadow chuckled, much to Echo's satisfaction. This kid knew how to throw a punch.
“So, what do you need?” Echo inquired, as an eclectic assembly of superheroes, warriors, fairies, and dragons congregated around them, their eyes alight with a blend of glee and anticipation.
Shadow, sensing the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, turned serious. “Echo, I need to head north with this group. But there are things I must set right, first. Can you keep an eye on them until I return?”
Echo's gaze briefly locked onto the overhead security cameras.
Interpreting his unease, Shadow reassured, “They're malfunctioning. I may not be able to manipulate time, but I'm not devoid of other tricks up my sleeve. Stay here, close the door behind me, and have fun. I’ll return or will send help.”
Assessing the diverse ensemble before him, Echo theatrically extracted a tube of toothpaste from his pocket, drawing a stark white line from his brow down to the tip of his nose. Styling his locks to resemble a cock's crest, he declared, “All right, but we do it my way. Fair?”
Echo, with his newly whitened hair reaching skyward, seemed to compete with Sibyl in both fierceness and stature. And although the boy remained oblivious, zie mirrored his every cocky gesture right beside him.
A smile stretched across Shadow's face as he draped an arm protectively around Scout, who had carved out a slight opening in her suit to accommodate their burgeoning baby bump. “This feisty Spidey is quite spirited. Keep them near. They'll be an asset.”
Echo cast a quick glance toward Scout before signaling for them to come along. “Let me tell you about Hobie Brown,” he said. “He's a far superior Spidey.”
Before making his exit, Shadow cast a lingering, fond look over the ensemble, then dashed towards the door. “Remember,” he called back, his voice ringing with fervor, “We don’t need miracles, just a dash of serendipity. The universe zieself champions your cause.”
And with that, he left the world of colors, taking a part of it with him.