How to temporarily hide image with specific tag?

[Ocelot]

In one place I have a generic code to handle meeting with characters:

Code: Select all

# calculate image path depending on character met, mood, etc.
# $ image_path = ...
show expression image_path as character_met at right with easeinleft

# bunch of code handling greeting, menus, etc. Everyting uses character_met tag to display sprites

# one potential path:
# $ label_string = ...
call expression label_string

# more code

hide character_met with moveoutleft

The problem is that calling label_string will bring us to character-specific event which uses character sprites directly, so they would not replace sprites already on screen. I will need to display exactly same sprite when event returns, so I cannot just do hide character_met

I could add as character_met to each show statement in events, but you can enter some events from other places, so this will lead to other problems.

I am interested: is there a way to hide image with specific tag and later restore it?