I slid on the cat mask I'd bought from the system store—still bitter about the popularity points it had cost me—then tugged my hat low and walked past the statue toward the entrance.
I didn't get far.
"Hey, kid! Didn't you read the sign? NO ENTRY BEYOND THIS POINT," one of the guards barked, stepping into my path.
Another one joined him, squaring his shoulders. "Leave now, or we'll make you."
I didn't so much as flinch.
The first one scowled, snatching my cap right off my head. "What's with the mask? You think this is a cosplay convention? Get lost."
"Not only blind, but deaf too, huh?" the second sneered.
"…" I stayed quiet.
That only wound them tighter.
"Alright, that's it. We're dragging you outside." Both moved in, hands reaching for me.
I tilted my head, then slowly lifted my chin so the light caught my mask. "Say cheese, motherfuckers," the mask pulsed, flashing white-hot brilliance into their eyes.
"AAH!" One staggered back, clutching his face.
