Our Malevolence

The One Behind The Mask

October 31st (Halloween)

We see the moon, bight, red and full. It's crimson red color providing an eerie feel to the night. We pan down slowly and see that the night is windy as trees rustle gently. Leaves fly off and drift with the wind, making their way onto the ground. Homes can are seen with lit up and active Halloween themed lights and decorations. Parents are seen with their kids going door to door trick-or-treating. Most all in Halloween costumes. Sounds of children's laughter and playful screams can be heard along with the sounds of faint music and active animatronics. Fallen leaves flutter around passing people on the streets. Crunching noises are heard as people step on them. Away from the residential neighborhoods and over into town, the local movie theater is playing the original Halloween movie from 1978. There is a notable line of people lined up outside the theater eager to see the classic movie. The marquee of the theater advertising not only the movie but celebrating New Sol's 175th birthday. The letters on the left side of the marquee read "Happy 175th Birthday New Sol!".

Coming from down the busy street is Arsenio Alonso. He is still walking with a quick pace. His face serious and determined as all hell. Arsenio walks past many now closed shops. A few remain open, such as the local smoke shop. Arsenio reaches the crowd of people waiting in line for the movie. He unfortunately has to slow his pace in order to walk past them without causing issues. While doing that, Arsenio overhears a daunting conversation.

Towns Person #1: It was crazy! A whole fucking cop killed right outside the police station.

Towns Person #2: Wasn't it a detective?

Towns Person #1: I can't really remember. I think so. I heard there was even a woman who was attacked at the store. She had her baby and everything. What the hell is going with this town?

Towns Person #2: I don't know, man.

Arsenio eventually breezes past the turbulent crowd and continues his journey towards the "rich" neighborhoods of New Sol. Arsenio notices a back alley he can cut through to reach the neighborhoods more quickly. He hesitates in doing so because of its dark and intimidating aura. After a bit of self debating, Arsenio decides to just toughen up and cut through the alley. He begins his anxious stroll into the alley, all while checking his surroundings. After a couple of seconds of walking, Arsenio decides to take his phone out and use its flashlight to light up his path. He does this and feels considerably safer in the alley. However, the entire time Arsenio is walking; he can't help but think about the conversation he heard those two at the theater having. What woman? Did the ripper simply attack or kill her? His her child okay? All these questions barrel through Arsenio's mind. He feels guilty thinking that this is somehow all his fault. Eventually, Arsenio reaches the end of the ally with no trouble to speak of.

Looking straight ahead, Arsenio sees that he's made it to a residential area. Disappointingly, it's not the "rich" neighborhoods just yet. As those are still quite the walk away. Arsenio turns his phone's flashlight off. While doing so, he also checks the time. 8:25pm. Remember the Ripper's words, Arsenio soon resumes his walk over to the other side of the street.

Arsenio passes by many trick-or- treaters. Most of them younger kids with their parents but some are teenagers like him.

Trick-or-treater: BOO!!

One of the older trick-or-treaters scares Arsenio has he passes them. Arsenio flinches in response and the asshole trick-or-treater has a laugh at his expense. Arsenio continues on his journey, muttering under his breath.

Arsenio: Fucker.

Checking his phone, Arsenio sees that he's not far from the Mendoza residence. He rushes across the many streets of New Sol, afraid to miss the Ripper's deadline of 10:00pm.