What Happened in The Dalles

[Voidus]

Impact trailed behind Backtrack and Autumn with her sister, who had at least stopped glaring death at every passing soldier.

Note to self: Next time Megan won't shut up, get an army to attack the city.

The volley of arrows had been immense, even with Epic abilities Impact had no idea how such an attack could be executed, if it was an army why would they use Arrows? If it was an Epic then either they had some bizzarely specific abilities or else they were working in theme.

Why do they always work in theme? We get it, you read too many comic books as a child, now can you please stop blasting buildings into the shape of the green lantern symbol?

MV seemed to be engrossed in trying to overhear the conversation between Backtrack, she barely noticed when a piece of ash from the distant blazes smeared itself across her cheek, Impact rubbed it off herself while her sister continued to Eavesdrop.
 

Lucy Lockser bolted upright as she heard the alarms, she'd been sleeping after taking a night shift with the city guard but since the day that Koschei the Deathless had invaded the Dalles she'd been a light sleeper, many was the night that a stray cat making a noise outside had caused Lucy to barricade her bedroom door while holding the knife she'd secreted underneath her bed.

This noise however she instantly recognized for what it was, the city alarms.

She tossed her covers aside and ran to her wardrobe, hastily throwing her uniform on before running to her radio and tuning through the static.

"Epics move to the front line at city borders. Repeat: This is not a drill. The Dalles is under attack." 

Lucy raced down the stairs and waved a quick goodbye to her parents as she grabbed her writing case and bolted through the front door.

The sting of smoke met her eyes immediately, nearby houses ablaze released a torrent of choking smoke throughout the neighborhood, a water chain had already formed to keep it from spreading until the fire department arrived.

Lucy took a look around, half the city was on fire. It seemed that the fire department would have their hands full tonight.

Edited December 10, 2014 by Voidus

[TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her]

Autumn had never really considered how little she knew of Epics. She knew how to work with them, sure. How to navigate their moods, how to tell when they were bluffing about a hidden secondary. Most often, they were; Reader made certain no power remained hidden for too long. 

 

But when it came to their personal lives, to who they were before Calamity, Autumn had to admit she was in the dark. Epics never talked about their former lives, and she had taken it as a given that she was not to ask. They had them—Hannah Game and Lucy Lockser disproved the aliens theory—but that subject was as taboo as weaknesses. Epics, even fragile ones like Reader, were above humanity, beyond their pasts, and they insisted upon being seen that way. 

 

So to hear Backtrack speak openly, if hesitantly, about his days working in a 7-11, fleeing town and working odd jobs, was like hearing a cat share his opinions on the difference in taste between sparrows and mice. It was unexpected. Not unwelcome, or uninteresting by any stretch, but certainly unexpected. She listened on two levels. The first picked out any relevant information, dissected it, and filed it away. Can see the past, working for a resurrection Epic named Lightwards, here to find someone's dirty laundry. 

 

The second, deeper level was where she heard the humanity behind his words. Not Backtrack, past-seeing Epic, but whoever he was before Backtrack surfaced. The small, fragile man who knew he wouldn't survive in San Francisco. Who stayed alive through odd jobs. Who was currently an errand boy for a resurrection Epic, one he seemed to fear as much as anyone in town had ever feared Koschei. Who had been dragged into town, shot, and subjected to scenes from a conquest Autumn was glad to have missed. 

 

He didn't sound like an arrogant Epic with the whole of human history at his fingertips. He sounded human.

 

She was about to comment on how he must have seen some terrifying things, if he'd watched Koschei's brief attempt to carve out a kingdom he called New Eden, but he changed the subject again. 

 

 "Uh... how far until we get to... 'til we get to your healer?"

 

Autumn felt her face settle into a mask of disapproval. I'm going to have to speak to Vondra about this "healer" business. It doesn't accomplish anything but scaring away all the visitors. Still, Reader would know if she didn't play along, and if he wanted to make Backtrack think they called their doctor a healer, so be it. "He's not far," she said, opening the double doors to a rush of cool air and muted sunlight. Tanks and UAVs ferried soldiers through the streets. Those not on active duty locked their homes and businesses, drawing thick curtains over the windows and beckoning others inside. Bill and Jordan clutched their weapons, and Autumn quickly checked to ensure her revolver was fully loaded. 

 

"We can walk there," she said, leading him and the twins down the concrete steps. "Just do everything he says. This invasion's bound to make him nervous." A quick glance revealed far more fear on Backtrack's face than a simple visit to the doctor should have warranted. ​A few bad experiences with human doctors, maybe? One with a vendetta against Epics?  "He's not that bad, though. Honestly. He likes kids." 

 

She felt a sharp pang when she remembered Hannah. Remembered the note. I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. I didn't want this. Ever. I know there's no way to fix it, so I'm leaving before I can hurt anyone. Please, please don't follow me. 

 

"Sorry," she said again, knowing a sorrowful cast had shadowed her face but unable to do anything about it. "He…he really likes kids. You'll see." 

Edited November 11, 2014 by TwiLyghtSansSparkles

[Lightsworn Panda he/him]

It had been an hour since the Siege began. The city was still responding, with firefighters putting out fires and Epics beginning to gather at the city's edges.  The fires that had been started by the flaming arrows were starting to die down.

 

The Panda stood by himself at the top of the hill. No-one had yet to approach him. A tar-black helicopter began to rise above the city, it's rotors cutting through the air at an increasing pace. The Panda frowned. It seemed like the second part of the Siege had to be ushered forward. That would also provide a perfect cover for the abduction for the Reader he planned. Under the layer of adorably-patterned fur and cuteness all pandas had to hide their emotions, The Panda was quite excited. One of the key things the founding of a safe haven of pandas required, according the Radiant Panda, was a man who could read one's past. Why a man of such powers was needed was a mystery, but the Radiant Panda worked in mysterious ways.

 

The Panda took a deep breath, filling his lungs, and released an immense roar. Pandas, while quiet most of the time, could be exceptionally loud if they wanted to.

 

Pandas began rushing to positions in their siege forts, throwing open doors cut into their forts. Each fort was an organic structure, grown (at enhanced speeds during the night) out of oak. As a result, The Panda was exhausted by the morning, which was why he wasn't partaking in the siege. The forts appeared to be unnaturally immense trees - so wide that a 50 pandas linking their paws could barely encircle the tree, so tall that they rivaled the tallest buildings in The Dalles - except they were hollow on the inside, allowing its defenders to hide inside. It also allowed the Panda to hide a few surprises inside.

 

The Panda still retained a sense of human humor. Maybe that was why, when he was choosing which animal to gift wings to (other than to some of his pandas), he chose a certain chubby little animal.

 

The hewn in doors slid open slowly, progress slightly slowed by the tree sap. There was a great disturbance of air, and the most unlikely animal to ever take flight took flight. From every tree-fort emerged hordes of winged pigs, tubby pink bodies graced with an angelic white set of dove wings.

 

It had taken quite a lot of trial and error for The Panda to create the flying pigs. He had to lower the density of the pig's bodies, change their skeletal structure, and find an appropriate length for the wings. At last, however, his joke could be revealed.

 

Hundreds of flying pigs covered the sky above The Dalles, oinking and squealing in delight as they stretched their wings. At a mental command, however, they snapped into a tight formation, and began to fly towards the east side of The Dalles in a (piggily) menacing bombing formation. Under each pig was strapped a basket. Inside each basket were a dozen angry flying squirrels, with razor sharp claws. As the Flying pigs reached the east side of the town, the pigs began tipping the contents of their baskets out with their trotters, spilling out thousands of chittering and snarling squirrels. The squirrels, realizing that their ride had gone, immediately started to glide. Infuriated by their rather uncomfortable ride in the baskets, the squirrels wanted to take their revenge out on anything that so much as breathed and lived.

 

As the pigs continued their bombing run along the city of The Dalles, a detachment of about 50 pigs quietly made their way towards a Bunker at the center of the city. Strung between the pigs was a basket, and inside the basket were an elite squad of spec ops Pandas. These were the much-feared Shadow Pandas. They were like the wind: Fast and out of nowhere. You never noticed them coming until they slit your throat. So devote were they to their task, they painted the white side of their fur black.

 

When the pigs were directly above the bunker, the Shadow Pandas jumped off, plummeting towards the Bunker. Despite falling hundreds of feet, the pandas survived the fall without a scratch, thanks to their specially enhanced bodies. The guards of the Bunker, too awed and stunned by the sight of the flying pigs, barely had time to reach for their weapons or an alarm before they were brutally executed. As the last guard gurgled out his final breath, the Shadow Pandas began to infiltrate the Bunker proper. Using key cards stolen off corpses - or brute force when needed - the Shadow Pandas reached the room of the Reader very quickly.

 

The Reader spat out his drink in surprise when the blood-stained Shadow Panda entered his room.

 

"Wha...Wha" stammered Reader

 

A panda stepped out of the Shadow Pandas. In gruff and low voice, the panda growled "You know why we are here, Reader. Our Informant has told us about you. I a Captain Alexpanda. You are either coming with us willingly, or in a sack".

[Seonid he/him]

Arvin looked up from setting up camp. For just a moment, he had thought that he had heard...something. Some sort of music, maybe. He tried to remember what it sounded like, but it slipped away from his mind. Pity, he thought. That was quite the melody. I don't think I'd ever heard anything like it. Or at least I remember not having heard anything like it. That line of reasoning was beginning to make his head hurt. As he was about to return to his work, he heard Ari call out.

 

"Ooh! Look! It's so pretty!"

 

He turned to see her dashing off into the undergrowth, following what looked to be a floating ball of light. That was sparking dangerous. She should know better! Wishing again that he hadn't lost his gun, he dashed after her.

 

For a little girl, she was certainly speedy. It was all that Arvin could do to keep her barely in sight as they dashed through trees and around bushes, following the elusive light. As his muscles began to protest, he finally lost sight of her. He dashed on for a few more moments, then slowed, worried about missing a sign of her trail. Fortunately, it was still obvious, even if he had lost sight of her.

 

He walked quickly, trying to keep up speed while catching his breath from the headlong run. Sparking girl! He thought. She should at least have some consideration for those of us who are too old and fat to keep up with her!

 

Suddenly, out of the stand of trees in front of him, he heard a chilling scream. Rushing through the tangled brush, he cursed himself for not being faster. He broke free, to face a scene that could have been pulled out of a nightmare.

 

A gigantic lizard, well over 10 feet long and almost as tall as a German Shepherd, faced Ari, who was cowering on the ground. The floating light seemed to have disappeared, and the ground had grown marshy. He recognized the beast from a trip to the zoo, back when there had been such things. It was a Komodo dragon, one of the last in the world, from what he remembered.

 

Dashing forward, he placed himself in between it and the girl. "You want her?" His voice was iron. "You have to go through me first."

 

*  *  *  *  *  *

 

Ranger pulled the white plastic tarp off, revealing a sleek, beautiful machine. The motorcycle was built by Knighthawk Foundries, and was one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the open market. The gravitonics system was smoother than any he'd ever before ridder, and the electronic systems were near perfectly tuned.

 

He could almost describe his feeling as love. Just, not while Ariel was around. She wouldn't understand.

 

There were three of them, one for each member of the team. Ariel had already mounted, her light bags stuffed in the carrying compartment. Ranger quickly mounted his cycle, then turned to help Paladin on. They'd been forced to abandon a lot of their equipment, since Paladin would take up most of the space, and they were leaving behind a cycle, which almost broke Ranger's heart. Still, it had to be done.

 

They wheeled slowly out of the garage, Ranger looking mournfully at the lonely vehicle, sitting empty behind them. Paladin fidgeted impatiently behind him. "Now!" With a sigh, Ranger depressed a button on the remote he carried.

 

With a roar, the garage erupted into flames, which would destroy every trace that they had once been here. The apartment building would not last much longer.

 

In a moment more, the gravitonics engaged, and they were speeding off into the distance, heading north.

 

Toward The Dalles.

[Kobold King he/him]

  

 

 

They left the church, entering the open air of The Dalles. For the first time Backtrack was getting a good look at the city--this time he wasn't in the back of an armored car.

 

It didn't look like a half bad place to live, all things considered. There was a liveliness to the town that was missing in Portland, and it wasn't just because of the invasion. Though there were tanks on the street and civilians rushing into their homes, there were signs of habitation everywhere.

 

Several times they passed notices plastered on the walls of buildings, detailing instructions from the City Guard. Occasionally they passed recruitment posters, and once or twice he even saw advertisements for various sales from local businesses.

 

The powers that ruled The Dalles did so with some degree of benevolence, it seemed. He hadn't been in Portland long, but Backtrack had very definitely gotten the impression of a city crammed with terrified people there. The Dalles was strict and rigidly organized, to be certain... but at least the people got to live somewhat normal lives.

 

That was a thought way more comforting than Autumn's expression. The woman's face had contorted into a tight, unhappy kind of look when he'd asked how much further Koschei lived, though whether her face bespoke anger or fear was difficult to tell. She explained that he wasn't far, easily within walking distance.

 

"Just do everything he says," Autumn instructed as they walked. "This invasion's bound to make him nervous."

 

Backtrack gulped at the thought of a nervous Koschei the Deathless. He wondered--would Koschei be more or less inclined to slit random throats when he was nervous? If he followed the pattern of most Epics, he'd be a very definite more kind of person.

 

Sparks.

 

He felt his steps dragging slightly, though he knew he had no choice but to accompany Autumn and her soldiers. The ginger woman seemed to notice his discomfort, and spoke with the apparent intention of soothing him.

 

 "He's not that bad, though," she explained. "Honestly. He likes kids." 

 

Images of Koschei with a knife to a little girl's throat sprung to mind unbidden. Backtrack shuddered, only barely noticing the sad expression that flickered across Autumn's face.

 

 "Sorry," she repeated softly. "He…he really likes kids. You'll see." 

 

I bet I will, Backtrack thought glumly. His feet dragging like iron weights, he marched behind Autumn to the sound of blaring sirens.

 

And... something else, perhaps. There was another high-pitched squeal in the air, one that irritated his ears worse than the sirens. Like a thousand screams all at once, all intent on bursting his eardrums.

 

Backtrack paused in his steps for a moment, putting his fingers into his ears. "You've got the most annoying sirens ever," he complained, glaring at the nearest guards. The guards, oddly enough, were staring at the sky with looks of shock and dismay. Backtrack frowned--not only were the guards acting weird, but the sunlight had suddenly gotten a lot dimmer.

 

He looked into the sky just as it started raining squirrels.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Arsenal felt his eyebrows raising in disgust as Emma Runes told her story. Quicksilver's gotten bolder, he thought furiously. If Vondra let me organize those door-to-door searches, we'd have caught and executed him by now. We won't have an army left by the time we get him in front of the firing squad.

 

Though his blood pressure rose rapidly throughout Edgerunner's explanation, he remained quiet and collected until she finished. "Now, what's this about pandas?" she asked.

 

"It started just twenty minutes ago," Arsenal explained gruffly. With some difficulty he refrained from adding "And it would have ended twenty minutes ago, if I were in charge."

 

"We started getting calls from the soldiers around the city limits," he went on dryly. "They reported animals coming out of the countryside and approaching the city. All instances of the threat were described as giant pandas, standing on their hind legs and carrying wooden weapons. There wasn't any time to respond to the threat before they started launching flaming arrows."

 

He decided to allow himself a scowl and a small tirade. "The invaders have stationed themselves all around the town, like they expect to besiege us. They've established wooden structures to camp out in--which our patrols should have found, if they weren't caught up in the sloth and complacency that plagues this town."

 

Shaking his head with a grimace, Arsenal continued. "Sloth and complacency," he hissed scathingly. That's what plagues this town, and that's what'll finish it. Mark my words."

 

"What the sparks?"

 

Arsenal shot his head towards the sound. All around the three Epics, soldiers scurried around the HQ's courtyard, shouting orders and surprised exclamations.

 

He opened his mouth to shout a few reprimands of his own, but stopped when the sky darkened.

 

The sky darkened as if a cloud had drifted over the sun. The sound of sirens began to clash with another louder, more high-pitched sound. A sound which took Daniel Dewhickey back in time; back to his boyhood on the family farm.

 

It was the sound of squealing pigs. Hundreds of them, born by white feathered wings over The Dalles' sky.

 

Arsenal continued staring at the invading swarm, as the sounds of squealing swine mixed with the droning of anti-aircraft guns from around the HQ. Anti-aircraft guns which he himself had installed. Shaking himself from his momentary confusion, he turned to Edgedancer and Glamour with a glare.

 

"Do you hear that?" he demanded furiously. "That sound you hear, of the town going to hell in a handbasket? That's the sound of you two slacking off. Battle stations, both of you!"

 

He turned away from them brusquely, summoning an umbrella into his hand as the first flying squirrels dropped from the sky.

Edited July 12, 2015 by Kobold King

[mail-mi he/him]

Terry Richard Bloom was definitely pleased to be assigned to Reader today. 

 

A trip to the Bunker was always fun--he'd never experienced it himself, but had been told about it. His friends that had been assigned to Reader on those days told him of the awesome feeling it was to see Reader in full supplication mode, forced to obey anything they told him to do. More than once, he'd been tempted to order him to hop up and down on one leg, or do the chicken dance, but had restrained himself. That would most definitely earn him a list of secrets paraded about the entire HQ as soon as they left the Bunker.

 

After they'd gotten Reader put in his room, Terry received a transmission on his radio. "Terry, report to the front lines with one of Reader's other guards. We'll send a few more in to cover for you." 

 

Terry responded with an affirmative, and grabbed Eugine by the shoulder and told him to come along. They left the Bunker and headed towards the panda army.

 

 

At least the Bunker is comfortable, Reader thought, sipping from his goblet of wine. 

 

The Bunker was in the north side of town, almost right up against the river. It used to be the post office, but had since been converted into a fortified safe spot for all Epics who couldn't fight--which turned out to be pretty much just Reader. He reclined in what used to be the postmaster's office, his outward appearance giving off none of the worry he felt inside. 

 

If they come for me, he thought, then I’m as good as dead. 

 

He leaned back and put his glass up to his mouth, and suddenly the door burst open and a crowd of black pandas stormed into the room. Completely startled by the entrance, he spit out the wine in his mouth and stuttered “Wha....Wha...” a few times before he composed himself.

 

One of them--Reader instantly Read him as the leader of the band--stepped out of the crowd. “You know why we are here, Reader,” he said in a gruff voice. “Our Informant has told us about you. I am Captain Alexpanda. You are either coming with us willingly, or in a sack.”

 

Reader swallowed. He Read all of the pandas, and realized that Alexpanda was telling him the truth. And, he knew, they could do it. They’d managed to get past every single sparking one of his guards, and Reader was just Reader. 

 

He calmly set his goblet down in the desk and stood up. “I will come. But don’t even think--” He stopped as he read something about these sentient pandas. Or, he had once thought they were pandas.

 

These pandas used to be human. And, somewhere, still inside of them, the human part of them was still screaming for freedom, trapped in their panda bodies. 

 

Reader leaned down toward the lead panda and looked into his eyes. He already knew the answer, but he asked anyway. “What did the Epic do to you?” 

BusDriver had just pulled up to the outpost at the store when it started raining squirrels. 

 

The squeals from above attacked his eardrums as soon as he stepped out of the bus. The sky was clouded over with pink, and he realized that it was a sparking army of Calamity-cursed flying pigs that was dropping the squirrels. He ran for the entrance, shouting behind him. “Get inside! It’s raining squirrels!” 

 

Not checking to make sure Mistwraith was following, BusDriver ran into the HQ and waited for her there. She came in through the door with the ever-present, ever-annoying mist, and, before she could say anything, BusDriver spoke. “Follow me.” 

 

And with that, he started to guide her through the building.

 

 

Miner watched as the family of vanillas fell the short distance into the labyrinth he created. “Exit is that way,” he said, pointing to the left. He left them there, to tread around uselessly in the maze until they starved to death. There was no exit--that would've been no fun. 

 

Miner was finally in Goldendale, Washington, the city where Ironmonger had set up shop. Before dropping them into the maze, he’d asked the family where he could find Ironmonger’s residence. They’d described a building to him, then told him directions of how to get there.

 

Of course, he thanked them by dropping them into a maze with no exit, no food, and no way to survive. 

 

He trekked around town for a little bit, following the vague directions he’d been given, until he found what he thought was the building they’d described as the old City Hall. He smiled madly as he got up to the doors. Finally, he thought. My chance at revenge.

 

He pushed open the doors. 

Edited January 13, 2015 by mail-mi

[Fatebreaker he/him]

(Note: I'm changing Mirror's name to reflection, for writing purposes. He's not a new character.)

 

Reflection walked briskly down the street. He could have taken a tunnel to the rendezvous, but he had wanted to survey the city briefly. Guards were all heading towards the city limits, towards the new Epic that was attacking. It seemed all was going according to Vondra's protocol. They would have this Epic dealt with shortly. Say what you will about Vondra, but the man ran a tight ship. 

 

Then the pigs came.  Reflection stared at the sky as a porcine air force dropped flying rodents to wreak havoc on the world. This was obnoxious! It was one thing to have a theme, it was another to have flying pigs drop baskets of squirrels. The was a fine line between flair and absurdity, and this epic had crossed it miles ago.

 

He snapped back to the present when a group of squirrels dove towards him, chattering madly. From the look of their claws, petting them wasn't an option. Reflection studied them till they were nearly upon him, then created a Mirror. what appeared to be a large mirror as thin as paper materialized instantly between him and the rodents. They hit it and bounced off, shooting into walls and each other. several had broken their necks and the remaining ones were quickly shot in the head. Reflection looked for a moment at the strange creatures. they looked like normal flying squirrels, but with teeth and claws like razors. So, the Epic could alter animals then. That would explain alot. He made a mental note to tell Quicksilver. He proceeded on down the street, pausing now and then to deal with more squirrels and once to shoot a lone guard and take his side arm because He was running low on ammo. Finally he arrived at the outpost. It was in the back of an old store. The store owners payed a premium to make sure their property was mostly safe from raids. He nodded to the mna behind the counter and entered the back room.

 

Inside Busdriver sat with a teenage girl. Inwardly Reflection frowned. Teenage epics had all of the unstable and annoying qualities of human teenagers, but with abilities that could level parking structures. They lacked discipline and experience that older individuals brought to the table. That said, young people could be more inventive with their abilities. Provided they kept their hormones in check, they could actually be useful.

 

He addressed the waiting Epics.

 

"Driver, you are to return to HQ with the new recruit once this meeting is over. Find Cannon Fodder, he will  brief you on your new mission. And you are to give me your name, a short explanation of your abilities, and a small, controlled display. Keep in mind stealth and speed are necessary as there are an abundance of guards active throughout the city right now."

 

His harsh black eyes bore into hers.

 

"If you give me reason to suspect anything is amiss, I will put you down on the spot." 

 

He pulled out his pistol and cocked it.

 

"Now you may begin."

Edited November 12, 2014 by Fatebreaker

[Voidus]

Lucy Lockser had nearly reached her assigned battle station when a shadow fell over the Dalles, she looked up to see what was quite possibly the last thing she expected.

"Literally? They've literally made pigs fly?" She exclaimed to the empty street.

Dozens of the creatures flew over the Dalles, the shadow of their passing sweeping across the city. It was hard to make out at this distance but the flying pigs seemed to be carrying some kind of cargo with them, which even as Lucy watched was released.

Smaller specks dropped from the sky throughout the street, as they drew closer Lucy could make out their shapes more clearly and recognized them as squirrels of some kind.

Very angry squirrels of some kind.

The second the hit the streets the creatures were off, finding the nearest people and attacking them as they led their burning homes.

One jumped straight for her and latched onto her arm, it's teeth biting into her skin and drawing blood that slowly dripped down her arm. She manipulated one of her many tattoos, the black ink crawling from her back down her arm until it was pressed against the creature when she used her second gift, she actualized the writing, the word REPULSE shining briefly underneath the rabid squirrel and then vanishing as the beast was thrown from her arm.

It scampered off in search of easier prey as Lucy opened her writing kit, pulled out a scroll of parchment and one of her brushes. With quick strokes she wrote several repetitions of the word FIRE which she maneuvered onto several nearby squirrels attacking the soldiers stationed nearby, setting the furry creatures alight with a squeal. Having gained some breathing time she created some small terriers which set about chasing the squirrels down.

She walked up to the soldiers who gave a small nod of thanks and saluted their sergeant.

"Lucy Lockser, reporting in for the defense of the city." She said briskly. "What the hell are we up against?"

Some distance away MV and her twin sister were both looking up at the sky, similarly bemused by the oddities that continued to assault the Dalles.

"Seriously?" MV asked as the shapes became clear "Flying pigs? First a flying museum with dinosaurs now pandas and flying pigs? Is there anywhere normal anymore?"

Reflexively the twins grasped hands, their abilities achieved their maximum effectiveness when used together, and judging by the size of the force currently attacking the Dalles they were going to need maximum effectiveness.

A small spot in the sky gradually grew larger, resolving into a small mammal of some kind. The twins wasted no time, Impact gave a great shove to MVs hand which she instantly transferred to the falling creature, sending it plummeting into the ground at far greater speeds than gravity had intended, ending in a sickening crunch as it finally hit.

"So." Impact said to Autumn Glass "This sort of thing happen here often?"

[TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her]

Backtrack's increasing glumness did not escape Autumn's notice. She frowned, trying to think of a way to phrase All right, tell me what's wrong that would draw an honest answer rather than a glare and a snide remark about being escorted through a military garrison ruled by vanillas. Then again, Backtrack seemed surprisingly forthright; the right amount of compassion might lead him to honesty. Just as she was about to ask, a high-pitched squeal joined the sirens.

"You have the most annoying alarms ever," Backtrack complained.

Those aren't alarms, Autumn nearly said. She knew those alarms like she knew that squeal. Mount Hood had been isolated, a somewhat remote pit stop for Oregonians on their way to different regions of the state. Visiting a grocery store was out of the question. Whatever meat they wanted had to be raised and butchered there, at the station, or done without. Those squeals—Autumn would know them anywhere. But what kind of invader sent pigs to attack?

Her question was answered when a squadron of winged pigs shadowed the sky, raining projectiles that immediately skittered across the street, chittering and squeaking.

Arsenal. "He is not going to like this," Autumn said, seeking and finding the nearest door. A white sign emblazoned with a cow diagrammed to show various cuts announced a butcher's shop, but there was no time to savor the irony. Bill and Jordan hurried forward, guns drawn, as the twins linked hands and sent one of the pigs to the ground with a far greater crunch than its weight would warrant.

"This sort of thing happen often?"

"Flying pigs, no. Attacks, yes." Squirrels were beginning to congregate in the middle of the street, swirling like a furry, chattering vortex that made Autumn immediately think of tornadoes and hurricanes. "Get inside. Now."

Once the six of them were safely behind the door, with a storm of squirrels on one side of the curtains and a darkened butcher's counter on the other, Autumn pushed the call button on her radio. "Glass to—" She reconsidered her use of his given name. If flying pigs were raining what appeared to be murderous squirrels, he would be more likely to take being addressed by his actual name as an insult. She stifled a sigh and continued. "Glass to Arsenal. In Bentley Avenue butcher shop with three unregistered Epics. Two have momentum-based powers demonstrably capable of bringing down the pigs." She winced, imagining his face when he puzzled out how their capability was demonstrated—through non-sanctioned power use. "Sir, what do you advise? Remain in shop until danger has passed, or send momentum Epics to assist?" Edited November 12, 2014 by TwiLyghtSansSparkles

[Edgedancer he/him]

Baxter wanted to go out there and search for people that needed his help. That was sadly not the wisest desire; a doctor was no use if his patients couldn´t find him. Some people did in fact already arrive at his clinic, mostly scratches and bites by the squirrels, no major injuries but it wouldn´t be surprising, if these animals are even more likely to cause infections than normal.

 

Nothing of those worries reached his current patient of course, his job was to treat and calm them not making them more nervous. He finished by disinfecting the boys cut and gave a reassuring smile as the young one flinched. “Alright, now that that is over Henri, do you drink your hot chocolate with or without cream?”

“With please.” The boy answered, while rubbing the scratch on his arm.

 

Giving the boy a nod Baxter stood up, poured him a drink out of his trusty thermos, added the cream and handed the mug over. “Be so nice and send me the next one in,” he dismissed the boy with an encouraging pat on the back, “and don´t play around with that scratch on your arm.”
 

As Henri exited the room, he was greeted by Neko pouring and snuggling against his legs. Somehow the cat managed to properly lead each patient to and from the treatment room, to the point that her picking out the next patient was a common joke in times without heavy injuries. Baxter hoped she could continue her nurse work for the rest of the day.

 

The people that gathered in his clinic were mostly from the neighborhood. Getting into shelter was currently more important than treatment for some squirrel caused wounds. Still, it was a sizable crowd.

 

A couple of the people stationed here were soldiers and the ones not heavily injured decided to take point at places someone could break in, yet again not something Baxter was fond of but the situation didn´t leave him with much of a choice. At least they got proper equipment to use, thanks to Arsenal. The man certainly was grumpy and no-nonsense but he also did his job and kept the city safe, maybe not a good man but not a bad one either. That´s something, right?

 

The attacking Epic was probably the opposite. Attacking with animals and flight wasn´t the strangest thing he heard about by far but the way he used them was definitely insane. Even then his MO was strange. Somehow, the pigs were trained enough to fly in formation, while the squirrels just acted feral, one even smashed itself into his window. Worst off all ultimately was his complete disregard for infrastructure and civilians. Most Epics that bothered with taking on a whole city at least wanted it and its inhabitants to be left to rule over.

 

Then there were also the “ursine attackers” that, if the reports were to be believed showed proper intelligence.  Three different kinds of animal servants and the only think they and how they were used had in common were the audacity behind it.

 

Thinking about the Epics behavior wasn´t a smart move either, one old habit raised the other one and going out there to search people was still a bad idea. It was one think to jump into danger, if people didn´t know where to find you anyway but now that he settled down that wasn´t the case anymore, never thought that would come with disadvantages. Naturally, his wife and daughter were still around, when they made the decision…

 

A loud meow at his door made him snap out of his thoughts, time to help the next patient.

[Mailliw73 he/him]

Arsenal's eyebrows always betrayed his emotions. Currently, they were sliding up in surprise and anger. Edgerunner had always found his thick eyebrows funny, but had never voiced that opinion near Arsenal himself. If she ever had, it would've led to a long lecture about "being an example" and "inappropriate remarks" all the while, his emotional eyebrows would be making it harder and harder for Emma to hold in her laughter.

Arsenal's voice brought her back to reality, lIt started just twenty minutes ago. We started getting calls from the soldiers around the city limits. They reported animals coming out of the countryside and approaching the city. All instances of the threat were described as giant pandas, standing on their hind legs and carrying wooden weapons. There wasn't any time to respond to the threat before they started launching flaming arrows." Edgerunner giggled inside. They really were being attacked by pandas. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal didn't seem to like the large, fluffy animals. He would probably rather pet a tree trunk.

Arsenal scowled and began one of his regular rants about laziness, "The invaders have stationed themselves all around the town, like they expect to besiege us. They've established wooden structures to camp out in--which our patrols should have found, if they weren't caught up in the sloth and complacency that plagues this town. Sloth and complacency." Arsenal hissed. Emma had predicted it. Standard rant.

He continued, "That's what plagues this town, and that's what'll finish it. Mark my words." Arsenal stopped and then immediately started talking again. "What the sparks?" Arsenal shot his head towards the sound. Emma looked too. The sky darkened and a high pitched squeal had begun. She couldn't quite place the sound. It was something familiar, but not something she had much experience with. As the darkness came closer, Edgerunner recognized it. Pigs. That's what they were. Flying pigs. She laughed at the sight. The anti-aircraft guns began shooting in the sky. Pigs dropped to the ground. Arsenal turned to Edgedancer and Glamour with a glare. "Do you hear that?" he demanded. "That sound you hear, of the town going to hell in a handbasket? That's the sound of you two slacking off. Battle stations, both of you!" He turned and left.

Squirrels began dropping out of the sky as well. The pigs had them in baskets. They'd dump out the squirrels and they glided down, furious and biting. Edgerunner left Glamour and hurried off, increasing her gravity in the direction she was running, to her battle station. Lucy should be there. That gave Emma a smile. Lucy was one of the better Epics in town. Glamour was useless, Arsenal was too strict, and Deathwish was scary. Lucy didn't like other Epics' company too much, but Emma enjoyed her most of all the Epics in town.

Edgerunner switched her gravity, throwing herself into the air, and whipped out her knives. She began slicing and stabbing the pigs as they came near. She became angry at them for bothering her town. Her annoyance with Glamour burned in her. Edgerunner increased the pigs' baskets' friction, causing the pigs near her to be held back as the baskets dragged through the air. She killed those and they flew snout-first towards the ground, eyes closed. After killing the pigs who impeded her on her way to her station, she finally arrived and dropped down to the ground lightly, landing right next to Scribbler.

[Mailliw73 he/him]

Readers: this post does not actually take place in The Dalles. These Epics are in Washington and will be making their way to Astoria. For now, their tales will be posted here.
 

Most gyms didn't have weights heavy enough for Jag's strength. Therefore, he usually modified the weights he found in gyms after he had conquered a town by combing weights from multiple machines. Working out was something he did everyday. Sometimes Smasher joined him too. Jag's strength was triple his regular abilities, so working out increased his overall strength. Turn the pain into power. That had been a motto of his during his life. His childhood had had much pain and he had turned it into power. Now, he had risen past that.

Black Jaguar knew that he had been born to rise. Calamity had blessed him with powers to aid him. All of his fellow high Epics were supposed to rise too. Jag had decided long ago that he would use Calamity's gifts to become greater. He would rise above his past. Black Jaguar dropped the modified dumbbell he was lifting at the thought of his past. He cursed and lifted it back up and put it back on his "shelf", which was just a bunch of barbell weights stacked up. He was done for the day.

It was time to move on. Fircrest had been good to the Destructors, after they had conquered it, of course, but it was time to move on. Jaguar had decided that Connell was going to be their next hit. It was smaller than Fircrest, but would get them closer to Oregon, Jag's next state he had planned.
 

------------------------

Jaguar was driving the Ford Lighting with his five Commandos. One next to him, two in the back seat, and two in the bed of the truck. Each of the Epics in Black Jaguar's crew had five humans in their employ. All were killers. In each set of five, there were two heavy weapons specialists, a close-combat expert, an assassin, and a sniper. They were all proficient in each area, but had one speciality. The Lightning had been outfitted with two machine guns in the back of the bed and a grenade launcher on each side of the truck. They were for the Commandos to use or for Metalmech's purposes.

Metalmech was able to control mechanisms close to him. Each of the Destructors' vehicles was customized with weapons to be controlled by Metalmech. Hawkwing drove a former Government Escalade, complete with armor plates and added guns. Smasher had a large Jeep Rubicon Unlimited and Metalmech's commandos drove him in the tank. He focused on the mechanisms of all the weaponry to be able to take command of them in case of attack. To allow him to remotely drive all of the vehicles if necessary, the four drove in a diamond formation; Jag at point, Hawkwing and War Smasher on the wings, and Metalmech in the back. They stayed within Mech's range so that he could take over.

Connell was in view when Black Jaguar told Hawkwing to scout above. Hawkwing tossed his white-and-gold suit coat onto the backseat, jumped out of the Escalade, and took to the skies, using his back wings to fly. His two MP7A1s were in his hands, ready to rain bullets on anyone who attacked. The personal machine guns were very effective, Jag had to admit. But he preferred his skills and machete to the bullet-spitting guns Hawk used.
 

"Guards in positions scattered along the border, no gates or wall. There appears to be concrete poured around the border, but it's no more than a couple inches tall. I can't see why they'd make such a small wall. Epic powers?" Hawkwing reported over the secure mobile connection to the other three Epics. He made sure that he was in front of the sun so that any of the guards that happened to look up would see only a bright light and if they saw anymore, would assume that it was an afterimage. He was used to scouting out locations and had become pretty skilled at it.

Jag responded, "Concrete powers? Possible. Don't discount it."

War Smasher responded as well, having learned strategy from his time playing and coaching football, "No one lays out two-inch high concrete around their territory unless they can use it. Count on there being a secret to it, either traps or powers."

Hawkwing replied, "Affirmative. Center of power is an old steel factory in the southeast part of town, couple hundred meters from the border. Not many soldiers on the streets. Concrete is used excessively." He figured there must be an Epic with some type of concrete powers. Traps wouldn't work as the concrete was spread across town, even in civilian and headquarter areas.

Jag said, "Begin assault. Beta formation attack at southeast corner. Wings, plow and sweep to Power Center. Mech and I will drive straight through." Hawkwing interpreted the orders instantly. After so many assaults, the jargon became natural. Jag had ordered Beta formation, which meant that he, Smasher, and Hawkwing's squads would line up and hit the border, Jag's squad slightly to the left of center so that Mech's tank could fire through the gap, but not be targeted exceedingly. Plow and sweep meant that the wings, Hawk and Smasher's groups, would circle around from their starting attack point and drive directly to the steel factory, hitting it from opposite sides. Metalmech and Jag would drive straight through town after distracting the border police to meet at the steel factory.

"Roger that," Hawkwing replied to the orders. War Smasher and Metalmech did likewise. Hawk would leave his Head Commando in charge of his squad down below and would cover them from up here. He watched as the vehicles below arranged themselves in beta formation and approached the border. Hawk flew lower and began shooting at the guards who had noticed the invaders. He took out the ones in the way of his squad's Escalade. They would be the first to sweep around to the factory.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Mailliw73

[Seonid he/him]

The motorcycle purred quietly beneath Ranger as the miles slid by behind them. The night air was cooling, as autumn wore on, and the leaves were just starting to turn. It was rather beautiful, and a little surreal. The group drove in silence, Guardian leading while Ranger and Paladin, blood still oozing from his severed arm, followed.

 

The incredible speed offered by gravitonics made the commute from Madras towards The Dalles much shorter than it would have been in the old days, before Calamity. Even so, Ranger felt himself slowly drifting towards sleep as the road blurred beneath their vehicles. He started, noticing that Guardian had slowed down, and he braked rapidly to come to a halt next to her. Up ahead, about a quarter of a mile, the road was broken, fragments jutting straight out of the ground while others lay askew at every angle conceivable. There looked like there was a straight path through, but Ranger couldn't be certain. Then, a familiar profile caught his eye. A car, fancy but not extravagant, sitting off of the road near the woods. Guardian seemed about to speak, but he cut her off.

 

"It looks like we have some old friends here." The others looked at him blankly.

 

"That's the same car I found in Madras. Looks like they were on their way to The Dalles after all. I think I'd like to find an explanation of what happened back there."

 

Paladin nodded his assent silently, and they pushed off again, picking up speed as they approached the scene.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *

 

Will O'the Wisp jerked from his blissful contemplation of the savage confrontation between man and beast to the sound of gravitonics. His wisps, left near the car, alerted him instantly that someone was approaching. There was only one reason he could think of for such an interruption. He was already certain that this was the vehicle he'd been ordered to intercept. That was Arvin Weeks facing down the giant lizard, one of Vondra's most trusted agents. And that meant that anyone following him had to know what he carried. They must be looking to take it back.

 

Well, Will wasn't about to let that happen. Besides, he hadn't had fun with folks on motorcycles in ages. He deserved a little bit of down time, right?

 

He watched through his wisps as the motorcycles approached. They were nearly to the car, now, and they were likely to be slowing down any moment. It was time to strike.

 

The little balls of light darted like lightning. One struck the lead motorcycle directly in the engine. It sputtered, shook, and then flipped end over end as the gravitonics failed unevenly. The rider was thrown headfirst into the trees, tumbling as much as the motorcycle. It didn't look like she was wearing a helmet.

 

Tsk. Tsk. He thought. What would your mother say? The second motorcycle had swerved to avoid the first, and so his wisp had only caught the edge of the engine. The rapidly slowing vehicle started smoking as the electronics caused a fire at the back. Right next to the fuel tank. Oh, this is going to be beautiful. The two riders dived clear just as the fuel tank exploded, sending shrapnel spinning across the clearing.

 

Will jumped gleefully and stepped out into the clearing to inspect the carnage. Out of the smoke, a figure charged towards him, bellowing in anger and waving a sword. Will did the only logical thing under the circumstances. He ran.

Edited November 19, 2014 by Seonid

[Voidus]

Lucy Lockser watched yet another shadow grow larger as it fell from the sky, she prepared to light this one on fire too only to stop when she realized it was too large to be a squirrel, the shadow slowed as it hit the ground, revealing Edgerunner.

"Emma" Lucy greeted with a terse nod.

Lucy had been amazed the first time she heard Vondra calling an Epic by name, experience had taught her that anyone foolish enough to do so did not live long enough to take pride in the rebellious action. But since that vile power had seeped into Lucy as well she'd began to emulate him, doing what she could to discover the names of all the Epics in the Dalles, well everything other than consult with Reader, useful the man might be but his company was definitely... undesirable.
 

She readied some of her tattoos, ready to protect the nearby soldiers from Edgerunner if need be. Emma was one of the better Epics, but you could never be sure, one moment they were all smiles and charm, the next someones throat had been torn open, the blood gushing to the floor.

Lucy's hand drifted briefly to her breast, touching the tattoo that lay there for comfort. Her ultimate fail safe should she ever feel that the tainted power had taken too strong a hold on her. But no, it was not time for that yet, she still kept to her goal, she still protected the innocent from the atrocities that her fellows had committed.

"Do you know what we're up against?" She asked Edgerunner. "It seems to be some kind of animal manipulating Epic but the noise has been too much for me to hear the radio. Has anyone discovered who it is?"

[Edgedancer he/him]

There was something in the sky above The Dalles. Hard to tell what exactly it was just by looking out of her window but the entire sky was swarmed. Shiny Sparkle took of her sunglasses and squinted but still couldn´t make out proper details, which is still enough to figure out that it´s an attack by an Epic.

 

Thinking about it, there haven´t really been any new from The Dalles since the refuges trying to flee from that Koschei guy and there were no attempts to expand so no one in Dallesport bothered enough to check on them, at least not to her knowledge.

 

Given the apparent turf war started by a more ambitious upstart right now seems as good a time to change that as any other, nothing against a little excursion to spice up one´s everyday life.

 

After putting her glasses back on she jumped from her couch and grabbed a pouch filled with small metal balls. Any reason not to leave immediately? No, not really, even her nail polish was perfect. She blinked away.

 

A colorful explosion erupted in the sky, even above the unidentified flying objects. She managed to orientate herself rather quickly but that did not stop her from raising an eyebrow at the sparking flying pigs and that´s what you get for assuming that a golem made out of chunky salsa juggling acid filled water melons makes you immune to weirdness. This still only takes spot number two, though. What it was however is a clear violation against sensibility… and kinda pathetic, time to put up a show.

 

Regaining her composure she relocated herself on top of one of the baskets the pigs were carrying. The burst of shiny startled a group of squirrels inside the basket, judging from their screams a very angry group of squirrels. With a bang the basket erupted into a sparks of red and green light, creating a shockwave that knocked out the squirrels, sending them plummeting towards the ground.

 

Grabbing the rope connected to the pig kept her from falling as well but apparently it couldn´t take her weight, sending them into a slow descent. Letting the pig act as a parachute she looked at the sky and caused basket after basked to explode, filling the sky with enough bright colors to make New Year´s eve jealous and littering the ground with dead squirrels or whatever remained of them.

 

Shortly before Shiny Sparkle landed on the ground she teleported herself down to it and a little distance away, making sure the pig didn´t fall on her. She spun out of the shower of colors created by her teleportation and came to a stop while putting a hand above her eyes to block out the sun, while watching the air glitter with the remains of her power, she herself emitting a faint glow of colors out of satisfaction. “That lightshow should suffice as an introduction.”

Edited November 20, 2014 by Edgedancer

[Lightsworn Panda he/him]

Captain Alexpanda face contorted in emotion for a second at Reader's words, before resuming its impassive appearance again. If Reader had blinked, he would have missed the change entirely.

"The bag it is, then,' stated Alexpanda calmly.

Reader had barely drawn the breath to protest before a Shadow Panda procured a canvas sack, grabbed him and stuffed him firmly into the bag with the assistance of his fellows. Once their objective was, literally, in the bag, the Shadow Pandas took off for the roof of the Bunker for extraction.

The extraction was almost perfect, with Lieutenant Porkchop and his squadron of flying porkers arriving on the second, and the Shadow Pandas were air-lifted away in a basket. Back at the Bunker, a man with a fedora slipped quietly out of the compound. It had been a long and tiring day for him, but it had yet to finish.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earlier in the morning

Guardsman Vincent scratched his head in confusion as he stood at the entrance to the Headquarters of Arsenal. He was sure he was here for a reason. Perhaps it had been a report. Yes, a report about some giant trees. But where were the giant trees? Vincent couldn't seem to remember where the trees were. He could feel the queer feeling one gets when they forget something. Now that he thought about it, his report did sound quite bizarre. Who would want to grow giant trees? Maybe it was an excessively tree-loving Epic. Who knew.

Struggling to remember what he was reporting for, Vincent shuffled off to a nearby bench to think it out. Little did he know that a man in a fedora was watching him through a telescope. The man in the fedora had many names, although few remembered even one of them. Right now, he was going by the name of Informant.

His task had turned out far simpler than he had thought. Earlier today, an acquaintance of his had jammed the devices of the Guards of The Dalles. When the guards spotted the giant trees the Panda had grown, they would attempt to report back to their commander, and when they noticed that their devices weren't working, most of them would run back to their headquarters to report. Just before the guards would reach the headquarters, however, Informant would make them forget about the giant trees and what they were meant to be doing. Because of that, most of the guards in The Dalles abandoned their posts in a forgetful stupor.

Informant replaced the telescope back onto the holster attached to the guard tower he was standing on. Turning to leave the tower, Informant stepped around a guard slumped in a spreading pool of crimson. Of course, the partners of the guards that were sent to report had to be dealt with. Poor man. He had forgotten that Informant was right behind him.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Present day

The Panda watched the pigs finish dropping their loads on The Dalles. The soldiers in The Dalles had responded quite promptly, and already some of the pigs were hurtling out of the sky from anti-artillery fire and various Epic abilities.

As the last basket was emptied of chittering and rabid squirrels, the pigs wheeled around en masse, flying back towards the monolithic tree forts. A single albino pig remained, however, and began flying towards the helicopter that was hovering above the city. If his Informant was correct, the leader of the city, Stephen Vondra, should be in the helicopter. The albino pig bore a message demanding the surrender of the city. Hopefully, Vondra would do the reasonable thing and surrender the city. Most likely, however, Vondra would ignore the message. Nevertheless, it was worth a try.

The Panda leaned back on the chair he had brought to him, and drifted off into a panda snooze. The dream that greeted him was a familiar one.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sebastian Ling slapped himself. He had to be lucid dreaming. Currently, he was standing in the middle of an immense bamboo forest. Scattered around him were pagodas and other types of Oriental buildings. While the dream was remarkably realistic and detailed, he couldn't afford to dream right now. He was supposed to be working. If his boss checked on him...

A panda, walking on two hind legs, walked pass him. The panda nodded at Sebastian in greeting and said, in perfect and fluent English, "Hello."

Sebastian slapped himself again. He wasn't just dreaming. He had to be tripping hard. The panda continued on his path, plucking a bamboo and chewing it nonchalantly.

As Sebastian began pinching himself to wake up, and glowing, ethereal light lit up the forest from behind him. Turning around, Sebastian beheld the most glorious sight he had ever beheld. Before him hovered a Panda, glowing - no, Radiating golden light.

Edited November 22, 2014 by Lightsworn Panda

[Fatebreaker he/him]

Antonio had been planning to sleep in. It had been a good day and he had decided to crash in one of his cozier bolt-holes. He actually had a pillow in this one. He was gonna lay low for a while, since the city guard would be on extra alert for him. Sleep in, eat a few snacks, take a day or two off.

 

That had been the plan anyways.

 

It all changed when Jaime(thats pronounced Hi-Mey, for all you non hispanics out there) woke him.

Jaime was a siamang, and as such, ignoring him was not easy. He had come from the circus and had escaped and followed Antonio when he left. He was still wearing his pants with suspenders that had been part of his circus garb, and a newsboy cap he'd taken a shining to. He kept bonking Antonio on the head and hooting softly. Antonio tried to ignore him, but Jaime became more agitated, tugging on his arm and hooting louder.  Antonio tried to roll over, but Jaime jumped on top of him and started jumping up and down.

 

"Cállate Jamie!  You'll bring the guards down on us with your noise. Let me sleep."

 

Jaime  jumped down and ran to the window. he looked out, and then started hooting wildly. 

The call of the siamang can be heard at over two kilometers away. In this small room, it was deafening. Antonio threw his hands over his ears and rolled out of bed, staggering towards the agitated primate.Jaime knew better than this! He was going to get them arrested!

 

"Jaime! What is sparking wrong with you!?!"

 

Then suddenly Jaime was silent. He was looking at Antonio and pointing at the sky. Then Antonio heard the noise.

Oinking.

Antonio looked out and saw what appeared to be flying pigs releasing razor squirrels over the city. He stared in silence at the scene playing in the skies above the Dalles. His head was pounding like he was hung over, and he couldn't even hear his stomach growling.

 

"This must be what going mad feels like."

 

He then noticed a tight group of pigs flying towards the reading outpost. What made this group of flying swine unique is that unlike the rest of the flying sausages, these ones were carrying pandas.

 

Sparking Pandas.

 

He watched as they dropped from the pigs and were obscured from view by the buildings.

Jaime hooted softly and grabbed his hand, giving it a comforting pat. His eyes seemed to say, "It's going to be one of those days. We should probably eat first."

Antonio held the bridge of his nose.

 

No, this is what going mad must feel like.

Edited December 27, 2014 by Fatebreaker

[Mailliw73 he/him]

As Edgerunner landed next to Lucy, in the small pork-free area, she began breathing deeply and counted to five. She found that it helped quell the anger that arose in her chest when she used her powers. Lucy nodded towards her and greeted her simply.

"Emma," she said.

"Lucy," Emma responded, relieved to be with an Epic who wasn't some extreme annoyance in one way or another. She smiled at Scribbler.

Emma noticed as Lucy's hand briefly grazed her own breast. She seemed to calm a bit as she did so. Emma had noticed the strange gesture that Lucy performed often when greeting Epics. She had never mentioned it, for fear of losing any sort of friendship that existed between the two as well as wanting to avoid Scribbler's rage. Whyever she did it, it helped her, so Emma moved on.

"Do you know what we're up against? It seems to be some kind of animal manipulating Epic but the noise has been too much for me to hear the radio. Has anyone discovered who it is?" Lucy questioned Emma.

"Arse told me about some panda invaders," Emma answered, using her nickname for Arsenal. She found it hilarious that his name could be shortened to an obscenity. She never used it in front of him of course; she'd only get another eyebrow show and a lecture. "Apparently they set up wooden forts outside the town and then began shooting flaming arrows. Then the pigs showed up. This new Epic has some weird humor." Edgerunner stabbed another rabid squirrel as it lunged for her thigh.

[Seonid he/him]

Will ran through the forest, breath heaving. That sparking epic, the one with the shining sword and the silver armor, just wouldn't let up. And Will was beginning to get tired. Very tired. Something had to give. He squeezed through two fallen trees, then left one of his wisps in the opening. Hopefully the shock he'd get from running into it would be sufficient to delay him. As he ran, the sound of curses following gave him a quick sense of relief. He'd gained a few precious seconds.

 

It happened too quickly to react. The ground gave way beneath Will's feet, and he found himself falling down through a muddled mix of sand and water. Quicksand. The same patch he had led those two girls to the day before. How could I have missed that? His thoughts were furious, but they changed quickly to panic. Frantically, he started clawing his way back to the surface, then he remembered himself and relaxed, floating. That was the only safe way to deal with quicksand. The more you struggled, the more you sank. His face broke the surface, and he gulped in huge mouthfuls of air. Where is that Epic? Where did he go? That was the important question now. If he didn't locate the man, it wouldn't matter whether he made it through the sand or not. That sword would skewer him much too quickly. He pulled himself out of the pool, his last wisp floating around him. The forest was still.

 

He noticed a flash of silver and turned his head quickly. The Epic was charging towards him, straight across the pool of sand. At the last second, he leaped powerfully, trailing drops of blood from his severed arm. He looked like he might clear it. Will's eyes lit up. That arm was a weakness, and he had a way to exploit it. With a flash like lightning, he sent his last wisp to the leaping Epic, bringing it directly into contact with the severed stump of the arm. He saw the spark even through closed lids. He heard the splash as the Epic fell. Will opened his eyes to see the armored man thrashing frantically near the edge of the pool. The last sound he made was a scream of primal rage as his head sank below the water.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *

 

Ari huddled up against the tree trunk, shivering in terror. She was almost frantic with her fear. Her mind was threatening to shut down. Somewhere, on an instinctive level, she knew that she needed to calm down. So she did what she always did when fear threatened to take over. She told herself a story.

 

The giant lizard roared at her new daddy. He was brave, but all he had was a big stick. She didn't know any stories where people beat lizards with big sticks! Maybe she could tell herself a story about the brave knight in shining armor that saved the day. And they could all go live in a castle together! But wait. The prince from Frozen turned out to be a bad guy. She wasn't sure if she wanted a prince to come if she couldn't trust that they'd live happily ever after.

 

Well maybe there was a story about a unicorn that came in and made her feel better. Maybe one with wings that could fly her and her daddy away where they would be safe. But a unicorn couldn't get its horn through that lizard's thick skin. There was only one story she could think of. Reaching well back into her memory, she pulled out a story about a great dragon. She remembered that she hadn't liked that it went around eating people, so she had changed it so that it went around eating monsters and saving people from them. That was a much better job for dragons. Besides, they were so pretty and colorful...

 

She began the story in her mind. Once upon a time, there was a brave girl and her daddy, who were being attacked by a giant lizard. Suddenly... As she went on, her mind slowly calmed, and her fear slipped away.

 

The lizard roared again at her daddy, moving closer. But this time, it was answered with another saurian voice. This one was much louder, and it answered with fire.

[Newan he/him]

 

Planeshift was dripping wet.  Where was he?  How did he get here?  It looked like he was on the outskirts of a town.  He looked to his left.  A portly woman with a buzz cut stood there with a confused look on her face.  Memori.  Friend.  Sheep noises.  Planeshift looked to his right.  A bald Asian man was sitting on a rock.  Current Event.  Friend.  Blood oxygen.  Current Event's face was pale and there was blood on his leg, but whatever wound had caused his condition had been wrapped, apparently by the same ratty fabric that the three of them were all wearing.  Planeshift looked down.  The bottom half of his shirt had been cut off.  

 

Memori spoke up first.  "What's going on?"

 

"Well now," said Current Event with a hint of an accent, "Because of what you did, none of us really know, do we?"

 

"What's that supposed to mean?" Planeshift said.  

 

"She let her fears get the better of her, man.  Apparently, we are supposed to be doing something very important, but she was too afraid that some Reader guy would find out."

 

"Hold up," said Memori, "My memories only go back to a moment ago, right before I said 'what's going on'.  Could you please start from the beginning?"

 

Current Event pointed north to a wide river.  "I can only remember the last twenty minutes.  I was controlling the currents to push us up that river when a stray arrow fell out of the sky and hit me in the arm.  Planeshift, you said we needed to stop and wrap my arm, and that we could drive 'the rest of the way', whatever that means.  Memori went to investigate.  She said the town was under attack from pandas, that it's called Dalles, and that she remembers hearing about a telepath named Reader who lives here.  I guess she knows a lot about telepaths.  Then she wiped most of our memories so Reader wouldn't be able to figure out our plan.  She said that our memories would come back once we get on the road."  

 

"Which road?" Planeshift asked.

 

"No clue." said Current Event.  

 

"That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard!" said Memori. "I can wipe people's memories?  There are pandas attacking a town?"

 

"Well since you probably only remember hearing a few dozen things, it doesn't really have much competition." said Current Event.  He was trying to act confident, probably because he was the only one who could remember much of anything, but from pale face it was clear that he too was shaken.  Or maybe that was just the blood loss.  

 

Planeshift walked over to Current Event and offered him a hand.  The man accepted it, and groaned as he stood up.  

 

"Memori, help support Current Event," said Planeshift. "Your powers are mental, so you don't need your hands to be free.  I can't remember if I have any combat training, but since we can still walk, I know she didn't wipe our muscle memory.  I have a feeling that if I start punching stuff, it will come back to me.  Since the town is under siege, the pandas will have destroyed any means of transportation they could get their paws on.  That means the only working cars will be in the town.  We need to go in and find something fast, with gravitonics.  It's going to take more than grandma's jalopy to get past a blockade of intelligent bears.  Since we came up the river, we need to drive that way."  He pointed east.  

 

"Hold up." said Memori, "How do we know you're supposed to be in charge?"

 

"Because you chose to leave me one memory," said Planeshift, "and it was our weaknesses."

[Seonid he/him]

 

Ranger picked himself up from where he had jumped from his bike as it exploded. Nothing seemed broken, so that was probably a good sign. Paladin had already gone roaring off after the Epic who had ambushed them. Ranger had more important concerns.

 

Ariel lay, neck twisted at an odd angle, nestled up between a pair of tree roots where she had come to rest. He ran over to her uncertainly. She could regenerate, true, but he'd never seen a set of injuries as bad as this one. As he approached, he could see that the back of her head was caved in from where she had hit the road, and her clothes were torn and ripped from her violent trip across the asphalt and into the tree. Come on Ariel, he thought as he knelt by her side, examining her injuries. You can do this. Don't let a simple motorcycle ambush be the end of you.

 

There! One of the abrasions was closing as he watched. He carefully moved her broken body out of the hollow in the tree to give her room to regenerate. The back of her head started filling out as soon as he pulled her out, and he heard cracking sounds from her neck as it twisted back to a normal orientation.

 

He was almost ready to breathe a sigh of relief when she started jerking and twitching uncontrollably.

 

The fit lasted for nearly two minutes, before she fell still. Ranger had seen this happen once before, and there was only one explanation. Paladin was dead.

 

Shivering slightly, he picked Ariel's limp body up in his arms and moved off into the forest to find a safe place to wait.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *

 

Will O'the Wisp slipped quietly back through the forest, almost skipping with excitement. It had been a good day. He'd sent a couple of vanillas to be eaten by a giant lizard, he'd drowned an Epic in quicksand, and the secret he had been sent to secure was about to be his. He would just have to face it. Today was going to be hard to top.

 

The idling gravitonic car hummed quietly on the road in front of him. He settled to his search, whistling contentedly as he rummaged through various papers and knick-knacks in the glove compartment, trunk, and scattered over the back seat. Arvin was obviously not a neat car owner.

 

An hour later, he still hadn't found what he was looking for. He was just about to pull out a knife and start cutting open the seats when a thought hit him. If I had an extremely valuable and extremely secret to take back to The Dalles, would I leave it in my car? Not a chance. I'd keep it on my person.

 

With building frustration, he rushed back towards the clearing where he had left the vanillas.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *

 

The clearing was empty. The vegetation smoldered, as if Arvin had turned to fire in a desperate attempt to save himself. The torn dirt and tracks told the story of a titanic struggle, but there was no sign of either vanillas or lizard. They had vanished without a trace.

 

Will let out a scream of rage. It was gone.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *

 

Arvin lay awake in the back of the cave, one arm curled protectively around Ari as she slept. The dragon lay at the mouth of the cave in the growing twilight, every now and then taking a bite out of the roasted monitor lizard. The events of the last few hours were still confusing to him. The lizard advancing. Another roar, out of nowhere. A burst of flame, white hot like a smelter's furnace. And then he had been grasped firmly but not dangerously in a vast claw, flown to this cave in the side of a mountain.

 

A dragon. A real, honest-to-goodness dragon.

 

Arvin wasn't sure about a lot of things, but he knew one thing for certain. This little girl - this little Epic - was like nothing he'd ever encountered before.

 

He lay back to try to rest, but it was a long while before his whirling thoughts slowed down enough for him to drift off.

[mail-mi he/him]

Thanks to Twi for helping me with Koschei!

 

Darkness.

 

Reader tightened up as soon as the bag went over his head. He tried to move, tried to attack, tried to get out, but his body wouldn’t obey his commands. Though a bit of light still seeped through the canvas, he couldn’t make anything out.

 

He couldn’t. See. Anything.

 

Reader barely moved as he felt the pandas pick up the bag and start to hoof it--or maybe paw it--down the hall. He wanted to claw, he wanted to punch, but his body refused to move. Darkness. He was blind. His powers relied on sight, and if he was sightless, he couldn’t Read anything. Though darkness wasn’t technically his weakness, it still hindered him greatly. The constant wealth of information he had grown so accustomed to was gone.

 

This had only happened once before.

 

* * *

Two years ago.

 

Koschei left him. After supposedly “trying” to heal him, he just up-and-left.

 

Reader tried to shout out in rage, but he could hardly form a single coherent word. That blasted Epic! That sparking slontze! Reader clutched his wound again, which was still open. He wanted to do something to him, something that would hurt him forever.

 

A voice whispered in the back of his mind. You know him better than anyone else, Reader. You can figure out his weakness...

 

Reader pushed the thought away. If he killed Koschei, what would be left for him? Koschei was the immortal “god” of healing. Reader was just omniscient, not immortal.

 

No, Koschei must’ve disapproved of something he’d done before. There was no other reason that he would refuse to heal him, right? Determining to prove his loyalty, to show Koschei how much he needed Reader, he walked after Koschei to the garage.

 

“N-north,” the driver, Clarence Lloyd Martin, sputtered. “He went north.”

 

Springfield, Reader thought. He’s talking about Springfield.

 

“Was he armed?” Koschei asked, his knife still bloodied. He must have killed and revived Clarence a few times already.

 

Reader stepped up to Koschei. “Yes, Springfield was armed,” he said proudly. “Also, the driver didn’t talk to him at all, he just saw him going north. He doesn’t know exactly where Springfield is headed.”

 

Koschei eyed Reader, then turned back to Clarence. “Thank you.” Koschei drew a bloodied finger along Clarence’s cheek until he opened his eyes and looked into his smile. His eyes closed again. “Continue to do as I say, and you will remain whole.”

 

He released Clarence, who sank slowly to the floor, and smiled at his prisoners. Shots rang out, and Reader ducked down, until he realized they were coming from somewhere distant from the garage. Not all of them were stopped by Frequency’s whistles. Koschei’s cruel smile faded, and Reader winced. Others were following the plan Koschei had put into place, and were attempting to secure some of the surrounding homes. It didn’t seem entirely successful.

 

Koschei’s gaze turned back on Reader, and it became a scowl. Briefly--he covered it quickly--but the displeasure was unmistakable. Wiping the blood from his hands, he took a roll of gauze from a battered first-aid kit hanging on the wall, strode toward Reader, and wrapped it tightly around the wound.

 

“You’re coming with me,” he said. It wasn’t a request, nor a command, but a fact. “When we encounter the Springfields, you will tell me where they plan to go.”

 

Reader glanced down at the gauze. Still, he doesn’t heal me. “I...of course. Let’s go.”

 

* * *

 

Reader’s body finally moved, shaking in an intense shiver. He’d buried those memories down, deep down, and yet everyone and everything seemed intent on forcing them back up again.

 

He felt the bag being lifted up, then set down on something. Then...well, then it felt as if the thing the bag was resting on was being lifted higher, and higher, and higher still.

 

Reader hated not knowing exactly where he was going, but it looked like that wasn’t going to change any time soon. At least this ride won’t be as bumpy as when the pandas were carrying me, he thought. Suddenly, the whatever-he-was-in lurched, and Reader fell off of whatever-he’d-been-on-top-of and onto the floor of whatever-it-was.

 

Reader scowled. Never mind.

Edited December 21, 2014 by mail-mi

[Kobold King he/him]

  

 

 

I was wrong, Backtrack thought dimly. Koschei isn't the ruler of The Dalles.

 

He was cowering in a corner, right beside a large chart showing different cuts of a pig's body.

 

Irony is.

 

Squirrels continued banging on the windows, raging against the glass in a way that made Backtrack think of old zombie movies. The difference being that no one felt ridiculous when fleeing from zombies, because zombies were actually scary.

 

Autumn Glass, fortunately, had taken control of the situation. Backtrack didn't feel inclined to argue--even if she wasn't flanked by armed soldiers, he'd still be following meekly at her heels. Zombie squirrels weren't something a man could just handle on his own.

 

"Glass to Arsenal," the woman spoke through the crackling radio. "In Bentley Avenue butcher shop with three unregistered Epics. Two have momentum-based powers demonstrably capable of bringing down the pigs." She winced for a moment, though it was unclear why. "Sir, what do you advise? Remain in shop until danger has passed, or send momentum Epics to assist?"

 

Backtrack reflexively shot a glance at the twins, who were standing bemusedly out a window. They were still holding hands, which he would have found cute at any other time. Right now though, he could barely keep the terror out of his voice.

 

"Um, Glass?" he yelped anxiously. "You're not... you're not sending them away, are you?" A bead of sweat formed on his forehead, joining a congregation of its bretheren holding some kind of sermon on his brow. "I mean... it could be dangerous for them, who knows what else is out there..."

 

OK, so he wasn't really concerned with the twins. He'd seen the way they'd de-airborned the flying pig earlier; there was no doubt they could handle themselves.

 

What he was really concerned about was how well-defended the butcher shop would be without the momentum-controlling goddesses on hand.

 

Before Autumn could respond, a curse blasted through the radio.

 

"Damnation Glass, you're supposed to restrict them from using abilities! We're lucky your negligence--" The radio crackled, though whether it was from typical static or the high-pitched squeal of something dying was impossible to tell. "Calamity, Glass. We'll be talking about this later. Send them out!" the voice commanded.

 

Backtrack's heart sank. Well, sparks.

Edited July 12, 2015 by Kobold King

[TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her]

 

"Damnation Glass, you're supposed to restrict them from using abilities! We're lucky your negligence—" A squeal made the radio crackle, causing Autumn to wince. "Calamity, Glass. We'll be talking about this later. Send them out!" 

 

You get rid of your powers for a day, she wanted to shout back. Just one day. You try to keep two stubborn teenagers in line when they see you as three steps above pond scum. You try to keep them from using their powers in the middle of a crisis while I insult you over a public radio channel for doing your job. You want to try that, Arsenal? Do you? 

 

Making a conscious effort to unclench her jaw, Autumn pasted on a smile. Arsenal couldn't see it, but the twins and Backtrack could. Were Vondra there, he would say something about "presenting a unified front to outsiders." 

 

He would also say something about "putting Epics in their place." 

 

Autumn drew a few breaths until she no longer felt like shouting, raised her radio, and replied as sweetly as she could. "Apologies, Arsenal. I wasn't aware that power use must also be suspended in life-or-death situations. In future crises I will ensure all options and ammunition have been exhausted before seeking alternative methods of defense." Worth the lecture, she thought with a smile. 

 

Lowering her radio, she checked the pouch at her belt. Fifty spare rounds of ammunition, plus the six she had chambered. "How much ammo do you have?" 

 

Bill and Jordan confirmed what she knew: they each carried the standard one hundred spare rounds. A glance at the pig-darkened sky and swirling, chittering ground told her their supply wouldn't be enough to make a difference, but combined with the twins' powers, it would get them to safer ground. "Here's the plan," she said mostly to the twins, who appeared eager to rush out the door and bring down as many pigs as they could. "We need to get out of this shop before those pigs realize they can break the windows. We'll head for Arsenal's outpost by way of the healer." Reader, Vondra is going to hear about this. I'll start counting every time I have to say that. "Backtrack and I will stay there, while Waters and McKenzie escort you to Arsenal. You two and McKenzie take the lead. Bring down any pigs or squirrels that pose an immediate threat. Waters will cover the rear. I'll take out any remaining threats. Stick to the plan. If we deviate, our chances of being overwhelmed increase, and being overwhelmed by flying pigs and zombie squirrels is not my idea of a good time. Does everyone understand the plan?" 

 

Either they did or they lied. The squealing and scratching outside the door left them no choice but to follow it. 

 

"Good. Twins, stay close. Backtrack, stick by me. Don't even think about wandering off." The thought of this scrawny, cringing man rolling up his sleeves to face the pigs on his own terms was laughable, but she could see his frightened eyes through those useless pink glasses of his. Wander off, no. Run screaming for the hills, flapping his arms like a penguin, yes. Still, when dealing with Epics, it was best to treat them all the same, and if she had to be a little harsh with the twins, she had to be a little harsh with Backtrack, too. 

 

"Ready? Let's go." 

 

Holding her rifle, Jordan pushed the door open, beckoning the twins after. Autumn stood to follow, saw Backtrack still huddled beneath a diagrammed pig, and sighed. "Come on, we'll get overrun if we stay." 

 

Bill finally had to nudge him with his steel-toed boot to get him up off his feet. Once he was up, they left the shop, a bell above the door signaling their departure. 

 

"Stick to the plan, everyone. Twins, ready an attack and we'll—" 

 

What could only be described as the detonation of an atom bomb in a glitter factory cut off her words. Showers of red and gold, green and purple spun in the air like someone had turned the sun into a massive disco ball. Autumn squinted, shielding her eyes, unsure whether the swirling dots and colors she saw were her eyes trying to adjust or the result of the explosion itself. Dead squirrels fell to the ground like furry hailstones, hitting the asphalt with sickening crunches and splats. 

 

And there, scarcely a few feet away, was the shiniest, sparkliest Epic Autumn had ever seen. Aside from the turquoise jacket, her white blouse and jeans could have been mistaken for normal—had her shirt not sparkled. She turned toward them, and Autumn knew that if this colorful Epic was one of the invulnerable ones, she had best send her last words over the radio while she had the chance. 

 

There was a brief moment of silence before Autumn lifted her radio. "Glass to Arsenal. You are not pinning that one on me." 

Edited December 20, 2014 by TwiLyghtSansSparkles

[Voidus]

MV led Impact out the door, hands tightly grasped in case they needed to attack quickly, the squirrels seemed to have largely vanished for now, the few remaining were quickly sent flying into the air.

"Stick to the plan, everyone. Twins, ready an attack and we'll—" 

A nearby detonation cut Autumn Glass off mid sentence with a shower of colour.

What is wrong with this place?
 

A form emerged from the colour-splosion, for a moment a panicked MV thought it was that crazy glitter-lady from the museum come to retrieve them but they were dressed differently.

A small crackle of a radio broke the silence.
"Glass to Arsenal. You are not pinning that one on me." 

"So... not a friend of yours I take it?" Impact asked, picking up a shard of glass and aiming it at the newcomer.

MV readied her powers, prepared to immobilize the newest in a line of bizarre Epics she'd met today.

 

Lucy Lockser let a small smile escape at Emma's words, the idea of how Arsenal would react to the nickname was just too funny to contain.

"Weird sense of humour indeed, but whoever it is they're certainly strong to make and control an army of this size, no matter how ridiculous that army may be." She replied.

The combination of Emma's arrival and the terriers still chasing squirrels had cleared the area for now. With a thought Lucy dismissed the dogs, their bodies instantly collapsing back into an inky mess.

Lucy got to work on a larger project while she had the time, scrawling out the word 'griffin' in large letters while she talked to Emma.

"They've got flying capabilities and these kinds of numbers, this is going to be a difficult fight." She said. "We only have a few flyers and knowing him Arse is probably going to spend 10 hours lecturing people before actually making anything useful."
Lucy cracked another smile when she used Emma's nickname for Arsenal. For a brief moment she felt a connection with her, but then her smile faded. No matter how she acted, Emma was an Epic. She couldn't be trusted, not long term.

Finishing her work, Lucy actualized the ink. The beast rose slowly from the ground, golden hair melding slowly into large eagle feathers. Stretching briefly the griffin opened it's eyes, an emerald green orb fixed upon Lucy immediately, watching her as it's beak opened to let out a screech.

Lucy nodded respectfully to the griffin before reaching out a hand cautiously. Living things were tricky for her, mythological ones even more so, she created them with the compulsion to follow her verbal orders but she'd found it was easier to get them to obey if it was something that seemed natural to the creature.

Colourful explosions littered the sky for a brief moment, accompanied by squeals and a rain of squirrels falling to the ground. Lucy frowned at the sight, who could possibly be doing that? Glamour? He could create the lights certainly but what was causing the actual damage?

Shaking her head Lucy turned back to Emma.

"Want to go find some bacon?" She asked, a grim smile on her face.