What Happened in Corvallis

[Mestiv he/him]

 

Drainer walked the streets of Corvallis in foul mood. His house got robbed! How did anyone dared to take something from him? Now all his servants laughed behind his back, they think that he's weak. He has to find the stolen jewelry set, but how? He cannot ask Corvallis police force for help, that would be pathetic. Nor will he ask any Epic for help. Corvallis was a big city, he knew that it was pointless, but he walked the streets anyway, carefully watching everyone he passed by.

 

He was about to give up, go home, get drunk and have some fun with one of the maids, but something glittered in the corner of his eye. There was a man with a spear walking on a nearby pavement, and to that spear there was something shiny attached. Could it be...?

 

"HEY YOU! STOP RIGHT THERE!" Drainer screamed as loud as he could and dashed to that man. When he was closer, he was certain. That was the person that took his diamond necklace.

 

"I think you have something that belongs to me!" Drainer stated, trying to look as intimidating as he could while catching his breath.

[The Swan Dragon he/him]

((Collab between Mestiv and Weirdpersonx.))

 

"I think you have something that belongs to me!" Drainer stated, trying to look as intimidating as he could while catching his breath.

 

ThunderSpear looked down. “Are you implying something with that statement? Perhaps...that it still belongs to you?”

 

“Sparks yes! I’m implying something! I’m an Epic, a citizen of this city and I demand you give me my property back!” Drainer grabbed this man’s arm and tried to drain his life away. However, nothing happened. He stepped back in fear, realizing that he got too sure of himself while living in a house full of Vanillas. He was facing an Epic, and that made his primary power useless.

 

ThunderSpear raised an eyebrow. “An Epic, you say? And what is it that is still supposedly yours, which you used to own?”

 

“This piece of jewelry!” Drainer pointed to the diamond necklace that was still hanging from his interlocutors spear. “You broke into my house and took it from there! I’ll forget about that sword you broke, as long as you’d give it back to me.” Drainer tried to sound as confident as he could. All he knew about the person standing before him, was that he broke his doors and a sword, a replica, sure, but still. Better try to resolve this peacefully.

 

“Oh, this bauble?” ThunderSpear raised his, well, Spear, and admired the diamonds. “I’m almost completely sure whoever sold them to you is a fake--they don’t exactly look real. But that is unimportant.” He set the butt of the spear down, and focused his full attention on the smaller man--though he seemed taller than ThunderSpear had initially realized. “What is important is that you claim to still have rights regarding the necklace. It is mine now. If you continue to pester me, I will blast you.” He regarded the Epic. “I doubt you could walk after a direct hit.”

 

Only if you manage to hit me with anything you hit people with. Drainer thought as he quickly took a knife from its sheath attached to his belt and stabbed the man in front of him, aiming for his left eye. The taller Epic didn’t have time to react as the blade hit him in the face. However, instead of slicing the flesh it just slid away, as if it hit a stone statue. Drainer lost his balance and dropped the knife, surprised that his attack didn’t work.

 

ThunderSpear didn’t even bother blocking the weak stab with a knife. Instead, he lashed out, grabbing the man’s shirt, picking him up and holding him in the air. “A knife? A knife?! I’m disappointed. I would have thought at least a gun. But I guess that’s out of your budget.” He tossed Drainer to the side. “Now get out of my sight, you pathetic excuse for an epic.”

 

Drainer rolled on the ground a dozen feet away from ThunderSpear. Still disoriented, he stood up, surprised that the stronger Epic didn’t hurt him in any way. Sparks, he’s too strong and I can’t hurt him, he thought, but maybe at least I’ll be able to take back what’s mine and retreat… Yes, that would allow me to show my servants that I’m not as weak as they think. Without thinking twice, he rushed toward his opponent and grabbed the necklace that was still hanging on the spear. The thin metal chain snapped easily and Drainer was about to start running away…

 

ThunderSpear turned in surprise when the weakling not only disobeyed his order, but actually charged him. He raised his spear, then pulled back in shock as the necklace was snapped. Idiot, he muttered to himself, not sure who he was talking about. With barely a thought, he pointed his spear and launched a bolt of lightning at the running epic.

 

The pain struck unexpectedly. In a fraction of a second Drainer felt like if his whole body was burning with agony. The lightning sent him flying toward, making him land on his face, but he didn’t feel that. The moment he was hit, his secondary power initiated, using the life energy of Vanillas he had taken into regenerating his body. He didn’t have much energy stored, one year of life from Summer, a couple of months from his previous victims. It was enough to let him survive the electrocution, but left him heavily burned and barely conscious on the ground.

 

Luckily, the brief fight had caught the attention of some Vanillas. Drainer landed next to a bystander, a roughly 30 year old man, who was now looking with shock at Drainer’s smoking body.

 

“Help me…” Drainer managed to croak, hoping that the man will come closer… close enough to grab him. Unfortunately, citizens of Corvallis knew, what’s the best course of action in case of Epics fighting. It’s to run for you life as fast as you can. The unsuspecting Vanilla made a grave mistake however and ran too close to Drainer. The Epic managed to reach out and touch the ankle of his victim just for a second, but it was enough. Draining someone for such a short time didn’t help with healing, but it caused the runner to collapse in shock.

 

The Vanilla tried to crawl away from Drainer, fighting the slowly receding numbness and weakness, however the Epic was faster. With the last bits of his strength Drainer managed to leap closer the man and fully grab his leg. He instantly felt the rejuvenating energy of someone else’s life rushing under his skin, healing all the damage caused by lightning.

 

After a few seconds Drainer was fully healed and still had some energy left in reserves. The unlucky Vanilla was laid on the ground, his body looking like a mummified version of himself. Drainer could see that his eyes were still moving, he was trying to say something, but as a result of such fast draining, the internal organs, skin and even bones were literally falling apart with every move he tried to make. Drainer looked away, not wanting to witness the horror his powers caused. It was time to run, before the other Epic noticed that he’s still alive.

 

After firing the lightning, ThunderSpear watched the other man’s body fly, then turned away. Silly fool. They don’t understand that they should just give me what I want. It’s not like any of them can actually stop me… He sighed, then walked away.

 

[Paranoid King he/him]

1 year ago:

Cannon Fodder surveyed the city from the outside. So this was the location Falchion had chosen, eh? It was a bit . . . larger that he expected, not to mention better guarded. Trust Falchion to make his life more difficult. He sighed, turning back to his plotting. Falchion could portal in, bypassing the security entirely, but no other epics could use his portals, meaning that Cannon Fodder needed a more mundane way to enter. He could have some of his minions make a disturbance, but he doubted the security guard would care. Killing the man would draw far more attention to him than he cared for. And just going through the proper procedures - Well, he didn't want to do that. Because nobody would take him seriously. He needed some time to set up a working operation without having to deal with other epics. He sighed again, burying his head in his hands.

 

And then it hit him. A brilliant plan that would get him past the security guard, allowing him to set up without being known. He waved his hand to the side, and a minion appeared, dressed in a mottled green and yellow uniform, a gun strapped across his back. Cannon Fodder raised an eyebrow. He had never seen that costume before. Perhaps it was from a foreign country. His power selected random people to copy, closer people being more likely, and he expected that he'd need several tries to find a person with a costume like that. No matter. "Confidently follow beside me," He instructed the minion, and it sprung to life, moving to his side.

 

***

The security guard had a name. He knew it, but had been instructed to forget it. "Rustin' waste of my talents," he thought to himself wryly. Still, his queen had requested his current assignment, and he would obey his queen. Perhaps if he did well enough, and he'd be promoted. Or maybe they'd just see what a good security guard he was. Bother. He pulled himself out of his current situation, focusing as two people moved towards the gate. One was dressed in bright yellow and green, exuding confidence, while his companion was dressed in humble gray. Despite his modest appearance, the second person had an aura of determination. As they approached, the security guard stood up, addressing them:

 

"You two gentlemen are about to enter an epic-controlled city, governed by the high epic Rainmaker. Before you enter, you must answer a few questions."

 

The Gray-clad person spoke. "And if we don't? Never mind, I can guess. You won't let us through the giant bubble."

"Correct. Now, are you and your companion both epics?"

"No. He's an epic who is unable to speak. He has a mental bond with me that allows me to speak for him."

"Interesting. Very well, then my other questions will be directed at him. Name?"

 

Gray hesitated for a moment. It was slight, but it didn't escape the security guard's attention.

 

"Blink."

"That's...Rather unoriginal. Pre-epic name?"

"Steven Brown."

"Powers?"

"The aforementioned mental bond, and the ability to change his own appearance."

"Does he have a weakness?"

"No."

"...okay."

 

The security guard set down the pen he was using to take notes. "That will be all. You'll have to wait for a few hours before the bubble drops. While you're waiting, I'd appreciate you showing your power, so I can be sure you're what you say you are."

 

Grey reached for Blink's arm, and Blink dissolved into smoke. A moment later, he reformed, slightly shorter, wearing blue pants and a black shirt with a slogan. He carried a pair of pliers in his hand, and his face looked completely different. Gray whispered something into his ear, and he resumed his previous confident attitude.

 

The security guard drummed his fingers on his desk. several things were . . . off about this pair. Things were always strange around epics, but their attitudes were especially unusual. Gray had the usual blend of emotions, but Blink was nothing but confident. And right after renewing his disguise, Blink had no emotions whatsoever. Motioning for the pair to sit on a bench nearby, the security reached for the phone. He had a name. And soon, people would know it.

 

***

 

The scheme had gone off without a hitch, and the security guard suspected nothing. Ha! This town wouldn't know what had hit it. Cannon Fodder strode through the opening in the bubble, "Blink" at his side. Oh yes, he had plans for this town. He didn't know if Falchion had arrived yet, but he would set up a base, and if Falchion was around, he'd find his way to it. Cannon Fodder would gather influence with other epics, and when he found an earth epic willing to work with him, he would -

 

His thoughts were interrupted as a bullet flew through the minion beside him, dissolving “Blink” into smoke. He heard the sound of muttered surprise for a few seconds, then another bullet sped through his own shoulder. He screamed, falling to the ground, and everything went dark. It seemed that things had not gone according to plan.

Not according to plan at all.

[TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her]

 

"Oh, no, I’m not here to sign up. I, uh, just needed to talk to you. Somewhere in private. Like, uh, not on this big dance floor. Is there...is there somewhere we could go?” 

 

Just as well, Vaughn thought. Kid wouldn't last his first week of training. Vaughn himself had trained, like most ballet dancers, since childhood. Taking it up as a teenager was possible, but as far from pleasant as you could get. His actual request, though….it was a little odd. Maybe more than a little, with all the recent upheaval in the city. 

 

All the more reason to heed it. 

 

"Be right back, Char," he told his fellow dancer, tilting his head toward the dressing rooms. A lift of his eyebrow told her he had not expected this meeting; she gave a curt nod before shrugging. 

 

"Sure. Don't be too long, though." 

 

"Yeah, I know." She would be on the alert, ready to intervene if this kid caused any trouble Vaughn couldn't handle. Charlene rejoined the other dancers, and Vaughn led the kid down a short hallway into his small dressing room, neat and tidy, with some curtain rods and wire hangers Vaughn could use as weapons in a pinch. Once he'd closed the door most of the way, Vaughn leaned against his makeup counter and folded his arms. 

 

"Tell me what you're doing here. You can start with your name and go from there." 

[18th Shard he/him]

Michael hadn't survived. They’d found a ghoul who vaguely resembled him, the same blond hair, the same height, genetic markers in the right places, though some of those had distorted. Jumpdrive remembered walking back to the library in a daze, still stunned by the violence and the gore of the fight. He’d changed, showered, checked the camera footage. One of the non-Epics sent to identify the dead and clean up called him that afternoon. Michael’s corpse had been located not far from the collapsed building, two bullets lodged in his skull, a beam rammed through his chest. Jumpdrive had killed him. Killed his friend, the only one who'd really understood him, the only one from college who hadn't evaded him following his Rending. And when another Epic had used him, Jumpdrive had shot him. Twice. What kind of a person shot his friend to death?

 

Later that evening at the funeral home

 

Jumpdrive stood. “Michael’s parents asked me to give a eulogy for their son. I don't think I'm qualified. I… I killed him, for goodness sake, a man who called me his friend. He trusted me to protect him, he stood up for me when times were hard, he acted like he enjoyed traipsing around town to check cameras. But when times were hard for him, the only thing I could give him was an end to his misery. An end to his joy. A cold bullet to the brain. Um… A eulogy is ‘a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, especially a set oration in honor of a deceased person.’ I'm not good at expressing emotions, and I feel anything I would say just wouldn't convey the same meaning and depth he deserves. So I’d like to share the following from Abraham Lincoln’s eulogy: ‘After life's fitful fever he sleeps well,

Treason has done his worst, nor steel nor poison,

Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing

Can touch him further!’

And from the Challenger astronauts eulogy: ‘What we say today is only an inadequate expression of what we carry in our hearts. Words pale in the shadow of grief; they seem insufficient even to measure the brave sacrifice of him whom you loved and we so admired….The sacrifice of your loved one has stirred the soul of our city and, through the pain, our hearts have been opened to a profound truth: the future is not free, the story of all human progress is one of a struggle against all odds. We learned again that this America, which Abraham Lincoln called the last best hope of man on Earth, was built on heroism and noble sacrifice. It was built by men and women like Michael, who answered a call beyond duty, who gave more than was expected or required, and who gave it with little thought of worldly reward.’

I… can’t express the feelings of my heart with more eloquence than these esteemed writers and orators. So I’ll  just leave it at that.”

He sat back down, surrounded by people, yet utterly alone in his grief.

Edited April 13, 2016 by 18th Shard

[mail-mi he/him]

 

WARNING: This post contains MAJOR Mistborn: The Final Empire spoilers. If you'd like a spoiler-free version, PM me.

 

Vaughn led Gregory into what looked like the dressing rooms. "Tell me what you're doing here. You can start with your name and go from there." 

 

This is just like the time when-- No, focus, Gregory told himself. "Well, my... my name is Gregory. And I'm here because, well, because you didn't smile." 

 

Vaughn raised an eyebrow. 

 

"When the entire town was drugged up on Euphoria..." Gregory continued, while fumbling in his pocket for his mobile. "Well, I was looking for a picture, and I saw one of you--and you weren't smiling. And so that made me think, hey, maybe he could be my Dox! I could be Kelsier, and he could be Dox, and we could start..." Gregory then noticed Vaughn's confused face. Oh. He's never read them, has he? "What I mean to say is, I..." His heart was racing, was he actually asking someone to do this with him? Did he actually think that he could bring down the ruling Epics of Corvallis?

 

If the skaa could bring down the Lord Ruler, then yes.

 

"I'm wondering if you'd like to, um, help me take down the nob--Epics." 

Edited April 16, 2016 by mail-mi

[Clockwork he/him]

     Chasmfiend hated crowds.

 

     Especially when they were compromised of demented half-humans beasts and the people running from them, who kept getting in the way.

 

     Suffice to say, there were a lot of dead behind him.

 

     There was only a small distance between him and the end of the crowd, and he fought like a madman. Except madmen can’t vaporize or blow people up. He touched a Demented’s head, and its skin seemed to bloat, and it exploded. Another he touched bubbled, then seemed to turn to steam. One fell to the ground like slime. He cut swaths of them with his sword, clearing the path. At the end of the crowd, he looked back. Hundreds must have been dead. Mostly by his hand, he guessed. Most were not Demented. But, in war, only those who served you or you served were required to live.

 

     A small band of normal humans came up to him. “Umm… Hello. We wish to serve you, great one.” He bowed down.

 

     Chasmfiend assumed they wanted protection. He would give it to them. “Who were your masters?”

 

     “They’re all dead, sir.”

 

     “Fine, Come along, and don’t get in my way, squires.” He touched each one on the forehead, and they looked confused. “You fight when I fight. You are strong and fast now, though not immortal.” Chasmfiend glimpsed someone out of the corner of his eye, in the shadows.

     The man turned to run, just to find Chasmfiend in front of him again in a second. “You saw nothing. My squires are for no one to know.” The vanilla nodded as fast as he could, but he knew he was doomed. Chasmfiend touched his forehead, and his skin slowly seemed to bulge, in contrast to the rapid bulging of the others he had killed. The vanilla screamed a high, agonizing wail, and finally exploded.

“Squires, come. We have a palace to get to.” The squires ran to catch up.

 

~||~

 

     The man looking through the binoculars a mile behind Chasmfiend sighed. His brother was certainly powerful. This would be a hard fight. But he could do it. His brother was not as much a genius as him. He would win.

[Blackhoof]

 

 

Iconoclast and Slaughterine walked briskly down the street, both dressed in plain vanilla clothes with their heads bowed. They looked for all the world exactly like timid humans, on a vacuous errand for their Epic master or mistress.

By now they were several blocks from Slaughterine's house, and hopefully beyond pursuit. 

 

Slaughterine scowled. "I'm still annoyed at you for making me wear this drab outfit. Who would inflict such a torture on anyone?"

Iconoclast smirked and raised an eyebrow. "These are the clothes you make your servants wear."

Her scowl deepened. "I meant on anyone important."

He chuckled, and grinned evilly. "Don't worry anyway, around me.... people tend to wear lots of red."

She looked confused for a second, until realisation set in, and she grimaced. "You know I've never understood the pleasure some Epics take in killing."

He winked. "I take my pleasure in bodies my way, you take yours in yours."

"At least my hobbies are fun for both parties. Must you be so creepy all the time?"

Iconoclast looked up, a gnawed finger in his bloody mouth. It was his own. "Mmpgh What was that sorry?"

Slaughterine looked like she couldn't decide whether to laugh or throw up.

 

She recovered in a few seconds, "Stop that! We are trying to be inconspicuous!"

"My dear, I live to be inconspicuous." He said as he ripped off one of his hands with a meaty riiip, and threw it into the garden of a house as they passed it. 

"You are lucky that no-one saw that!"

"No, they are lucky they didn't see that."

"Your flippancy is infuriating, I'm not a High Epic you know!"

He just smiled at that.

 

It wasn't long before they had reached a suitable house- Slaughterine knew it as abandoned. The evening progressed, both Epics mostly keeping to themselves, except when Iconoclast questioned her for more information about the city.

 

Night approached for the pair, and they separated into different rooms for what Iconoclast knew would be a night of troubles and fear. He dreaded it, but sometimes... sometimes it felt good to see her again. Even in a nightmare.

 

And so he was surprised when Slaughterine walked into his room, and slowly shut the door behind her, a small smile on her lips. Iconoclast raised an eyebrow. "May I.... help you?"

"Don't worry about what you, can do for me, Mr Clast. Ask me what I can do for you...."

With that, she slowly walked towards him. Her hips swayed seductively, and her void grew husky.

 

Iconoclast smiled, walking to meet her. She placed a hand tenderly on his chest, leaning in close. 

A smile still on his face, he gripped her wrist in an iron grasp, causing her to gasp in surprise. "Do you think," He began, still smiling. "That anything you could do tonight will make me less likely to kill you?"

"I-I-uh, I just thought that-"

"That you would seduce me? That you would get in my good graces, manipulate me, make yourself more valuable somehow?"

"I... I just wanted to-"

His smile vanished. "Wanted to what?"

Slaughterine shrank backwards, quivering with fear. "N-nothing.... I wanted nothing."

The fake smile returned. "Excellent. Now be a dear, and get out."

He shoved her backwards, causing her to stumble. Eyes wide with fear at the loathing and anger in his voice, Slaughterine didn't look back as she fled, closing the door behind her.

 

Iconoclast grimaced. Internal voices warred within. Why not sleep with her? He thought. Don't I deserve it? I've done such good work these past few days.

But another voice, another feeling, stopped him. A feeling he should have abandoned long ago, a feeling he rarely remembered or felt. A longing for a love lost, a woman he could never see again.

 

Except in nightmares.

[Comatose he/him]

 

Rainmaker laid back, allowing her servants to comb through her dark hair and work on her nails as she received reports from her staffers.  Her massage had gone late into the afternoon, and between that and her nap, it seemed she was behind with the governance of her city.  For the hundredth time, Rainmaker found herself missing Euphoria.  Her second in command would have known exactly what things actually needed Rainmaker's attention, and which things could be handled without troubling her.  Skinsaver, either through his own incompetence or as a pitiful attempt at rebellion, had seemingly decided to send a report of almost every action he took on to Rainmaker.  

 

"Enough Char," Rainmaker said.  She had thought that having a woman who reminded her of Euphoria give the reports would help comfort her, but it only served to make Euphoria's absence even more plain.  "I need someone who has been around longer to just tell me the things that Euphoria and the other Queens usually report to me, and tell Skinsaver that its his job to handle the rest.  I don't have time for pointless bureaucratic nonsense."  

 

Another civil servant whose name Rainmaker could not recall stepped forward.  "Gunsmoke remains contained above the city.  The guards you posted to watch the energy epic who attacked last night have reported an explosion shortly after the prison was sealed.  They suggest that, because she did not free herself sooner, it is unlikely she is able to teleport freely, and that she either was making one last ditch attempt to escape, she was trying to take a few of her captors out with her, or she has some sort of resurrection power.  Her description has been spread among our agents, and they have instructions to report directly to you or Queen Buttercup if there are any sightings.  We also have reports from City Security of several high epic newcomers that will require your attention, Bright One.  Queen Buttercup is already on route to deal with one potential threat, but received reports of two others who may be above her power scale.  City Security has sent over their surveillance folder, as well as power profiles from Immigration."

 

"Bring them over and hold them open for me."  Rainmaker began to scan through the pages, ordering the man who brought them to turn pages when she was done with them so as not to disrupt her manicure.  Once she felt she had a good understanding of the epics' respective powers, she sent the man away.  

 

"Good.  Now, just because Euphoria isn't working right now, does not give you license to be lazy or incompetent.  You all know your jobs, so do them.  Char, you stay with me.  Everyone else, go about your business."

 

"What do you require of me, Bright One?"  Char stepped forward, adopting an even more subservient posture, if such a thing was possible.  

 

"Send for my Wardrobe people to bring out a few options for this afternoon, then wait with me until we are finished here."  

 

*****

 

Two hours later, Rainmaker flew through the air, sparkling in the light of her own personal ray of sunlight peeking through the crowd.  As she flew, she listened to Char's voice in her ear, reading through her speech for that evening.  The words and ideas were familiar to her, but there were a few new elements worked in that Rainmaker wanted to get perfect.  

 

Her first target's immigration documents identified him as Thunderspear.  Using the intel from her security forces, Rainmaker located him without too much trouble.  As she descended to hover near eye-level, she encouraged her skin to shimmer brightly.  "I would say 'Welcome to my City, little epic,' but your recent actions make it difficult to welcome you.  Tell me, do you have anything to say for yourself, or should I just eliminate you now?"

[The Swan Dragon he/him]

[insert Epic Lighting Spear Picture Here]

 

ThunderSpear's eyes narrowed as the blindingly bright epic floated down before him, raising an arm in an attempt to block some of the light. I guess that won't work, he thought to himself, lowering his arm. Squinting, he was barely able to make out a figure appeared of slightly off light within the ray. I suppose this would be...Rainbaker? Raintaker? Something like that.

 

She descended, hovering a few feet in front of him, saying something about a welcome and eliminating him. He really doubted she'd be able to. Light wasn't exactly deadly, and he wasn't afraid of some rain. He twitched slightly, remembering one rainy night which didn't end well...

 

"Sorry, what was that? I didn't quite catch it all," ThunderSpear replied, raising his sunglasses to his face--not that they really did anything to help his vision. He put on his most winning smile, not wanting to bother with angering this clearly annoyed epic.

[Comatose he/him]

 

Rainmaker sniffed as the impudent epic put on sunglasses.  Did he dare to mock her in her own city?  Despite herself, Rainmaker felt her skin begin to shine brighter in response to her growing frustration.  The stupidly satisfied smile on his smug face did little to temper her growing annoyance.  I'll teach you not to take me seriously.  With a careless gesture, Rainmaker conjured a wind powerful enough to scoop up the epic and send him flying into a nearby building and let it loose.  Perhaps a little punishment would teach him to behave.  

[The Swan Dragon he/him]

[insert Epic Lightning Spear Picture Here]

 

ThunderSpear squinted further as the epic, if it was even possible, became brighter. Suddenly, a blast of wind slammed into him, and he crashed into a nearby building. This is really beginning to be an inconvenience...why can't they just leave me be? ThunderSpear thought to himself. With a slightly annoyed sigh, he released a blast of lightning, clearing the rubble off.

 

He walked over to the shining epic and rested, leaning on his spear. "What do you want? Or is this just the normal welcome? I really don't care about causing any trouble, and I'm sure we'll both be happier with you leaving me alone." ThunderSpear paused, trying to make out the form of his welcoming committee. "How much longer is this going to take?" he asked suddenly, checking his watch. "I really wanted to be further along by now."

Edited May 16, 2016 by Weirdpersonx

[Comatose he/him]

 

Rainmaker smirked as Thunderspear collided with the wall, and then watched with interest as he rose and blasted his way out of the debris.  She had suspected that the epic must have some sort of defensive power because of his arrogance, and his shaking off a blow that could have broken bones without much trouble all but proved that.  Her smugness was spoiled as the epic glanced at his watch and asked how long they would be.  It would seem he still viewed her as a mere inconvenience.  It was time to disabuse him of that notion.  

 

"Your welcome is as 'normal' as your actions upon arriving were.  I don't take kindly to those who disturb the peace in my city. It's too bad you didn't decide that you were not interested in causing trouble earlier.  As for how long this will take, the answer is that it will take as long or as short as I desire."  Rainmaker tried her best to press down her anger and dim her skin to allow the epic to better see her facial features and figure, rather than just a blob of light.  "If you wish to remain in Corvallis, these are my conditions.  First, you must agree to abide by our laws and systems.  You will need to make reparations for the damages you caused at the checkpoint, and return any property you stole to its rightful owner.  Second, you must follow my commands, and do whatever I say.  Finally, you must provide the Immigration Offices with a full and complete description of your powers, including whatever ability allowed you to remain uninjured after my attack."  Rainmaker paused for effect, folding her hands in front of her and doing her best to appear brave.  "Do these things, and Corvallis will provide you with a life of wealth and luxury.  Fail, and I will either find a way to bypass whatever defensive abilities you possess, or will let you rot in a private prison.  If these terms are not acceptable, you may remain in secured custody, and then leave the city the next time the Bubble drops."

[The Swan Dragon he/him]

[insert Epic Lighting Spear Picture Here] ((Don't get mad at me Mestiv...))

 

ThunderSpear watched with interest as the epic--he still couldn't remember her name...Rain-something--apparently managed to return to a semblance of control, dimming her light enough to make out her body--and an attractive one at that--listening with only half an ear to her ultimatum.

 

"Alright, let's go over all that. First," he began, raising one finger. "I was never interested in causing trouble. I can't imagine why someone as incompetent as that Drainer not only had the guts to impede me, but actually tried to order me around. You really should work on discipline within the ranks of your lesser epics. Second," he continues, raising another finger.

 

"While I don't exactly have a set schedule, I really don't care to waste too much time. Third," he added, sticking out his thumb. "Your laws are pointless. What is the point of having this power if all we do is make more bureaucracy? Power is the only law. Forgot the reparations, if they can't handle a single bolt of lightning, why on earth would you want them in a city like this? Anything I have taken belongs to me now. If people want their objects back, feel free to have them try to fight me. Fourth," he said, closing his hand and opening into four fingers.

 

"Full description of powers: Lighting; creation of my namesake, the Thunderspear; and invulnerability. Fifth," he finished, grinning. "I couldn't care less about your life of luxury. I'm a nomad and intend to stay that way. Feel free to try to bypass my defenses; I've fought countless other epics, many with far cooler powers than yours, and only one has even scratched me--and that was a fluke. Anyway, I'll be on my way. I've barely covered a quarter of this city--that's one thing you've got going for you. This place is proper large," and with that, ThunderSpear turned, waving behind with his right hand, still gripping the spear.

[Comatose he/him]

 

Rainmaker's skin began to shine more brightly again in response to Thunderspear's idiotic arguments.  How dare he contradict her!  It was as if he wanted her to try to kill him then and there.  Letting her anger grow, Rainmaker almost did just that, and prepared to call winds that would hurtle him high into the air, to see if his defensive powers would allow him to survive a fall from extreme heights.  

 

Before she let loose her onslaught, Rainmaker checked herself and held herself back.  While she was fairly confident she could best this new epic, what would be the cost?  He had already shown a tendency towards destruction, and who knew what kind of mayhem yet another battle between epics would cause.  Between the energy epic, the shape-shifting gifter, and Gunsmoke, the city had already had its share of battles in the last 24 hours.  Though it hurt Rainmaker's pride, she had to admit that solving things diplomatically would likely be best for the overall mood of the city.  If Thunderspear continued to disappoint her, she could always have him killed later, when it was more convenient for her to do so.  

 

"Do I look like an immigration official to you?" Rainmaker tried her best to contain her emotions and dampen her glow to allow Thunderspear to see her disapproving facial expression.  "I don't have time to monitor epic power profiles.  Why do you think I created this city in the first place?  You're right about one thing, I suppose.  Power is the only law.  Here in Corvallis, my supporters and I are the most powerful, and so we make the laws.  You think bureaucracy and laws are pointless, but the fact remains that Corvallis is my city, not yours, and it is my opinion that matters.  You will respect the government of Corvallis not because you see any value you in it, but because I have instructed you to do so.  Since you are new here and appear a tad dull, I will repeat myself once.  If you want to remain in Corvallis, you make reparations for the damage you have caused, you will follow my commands, and you will report to immigration services with a full profile of your abilities.  You will cease to cause senseless destruction, and await instructions from me."

 

Rainmaker took a breath, trying to calm herself after noticing that her glow had steadily increased as her speech progressed.  When she spoke again, her tone was low and dangerous.  "I am an enterprising woman, and I can see the value of having an epic of your caliber as an ally.  However, if the problems you cause outweigh the benefits of having you around, I will be forced to remove you, one way or another.  Do you understand?" 

[The Swan Dragon he/him]

[insert Epic Lightning Spear Picture Here] (Relaxingly is a word! This thing's spell-checker lies!)

 

ThunderSpear took a few steps back as the glare increased, then released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding when the light dimmed. Maybe I should play a bit more nice, he thought to himself. She seems really pissed. Though that dull remark stings a little bit. he thought with a small wince.

 

"No, you don't look like an immigration official. And I apologize for being rude," he said relaxingly, flashing her a smooth smile. "What will reparations entail? I can agree to taking care of that, within reason. As for commands...I can't promise to obey every order. But as long as it doesn't go against my aims, I'll stick with it. Full profiling, sure. I'm already pretty well known throughout the area." ThunderSpear looked up, meeting her eye to eye. "This seems like a nice town, with a lot of nice stuff. I'm a collector--but I can keep it within reason. I've literally got the power, but I can see that you've got enough for a stable empire--and stability is key for someone of my habits. What do you say we make a deal? I stay and follow the rules, assuming they continue to suit me, and you give me a bit of breathing space to explore, possibly relieve a few vanillas of under-appreciated baubles. Deal?" he proposes, holding out one hand.

[Comatose he/him]

 

Rainmaker relaxed a little, her skin dimming almost entirely, as the epic spoke.  It would seem he was willing to see reason, and she would not have to hurl him into the river to see if he drowned or not.  "Deal?" Rainmaker snorted.  Thunderspear had been doing so well.  Why did he have to try bargaining with her.  "And what do I get out of that deal?  You get the freedom to do most of the things you want, and I still have to put up with the inconveniences caused by your shenanigans.  For your information, humans in Corvallis do not technically possess property.  Everything they own is either the property of their epic Masters, or of the state."  Not wanting to put his back up again, Rainmaker thought on her feet, hoping to speed things along so she could be on her way.  "I can't have you stealing from any epic weaker than you are.  Just because an epics powers are ill suited to combat does not mean they do not have their uses.  I can provide you with a contingent of human slaves and a residence suitable for an epic of your power.  I'll admit that your powers could prove useful.  This is the deal.  I let you stay in my city, and do as you wish within the bounds of my laws, and," Rainmaker smiled mischievously, "My office will provide you with a list of acceptable epic residences to raid at your leisure, provided that, if you get caught, you deny my involvement.  In exchange for these freedoms and privileges, all I ask is for the occasional favour.  What do you say?"  

[The Swan Dragon he/him]

[insert Epic Lightning Spear Picture Here]

 

ThunderSpear relaxed as the epic appeared to calm further--unless she gets dimmer as she gets angrier...I really hope not, he thought to himself. Though that would be quite ironic.

 

As he listened, ThunderSpear toyed with the idea of just flat-out rejecting her. Slaves? Suitable residence? Bleh! He'd much rather just have a safe storage place. "I think that, for the most part, that is a wonderful deal," he replied, grinning. "You can cut the part about the slaves and the house though--a safe storage location with room for a bed should do just fine. However," he continued, turning a bit more serious. "There is nothing forcing me to stay here, correct? In addition, what would happen if I get caught? It's not as though I try to hide." He added, thoughtfully, "As I said, this could be very interesting. I can't guarantee that it is something that will last in the long run, however, as I in general prefer a more nomadic lifestyle. But I suppose it probably wouldn't--or more accurately, couldn't--hurt us try to it out," he finished with a wink, sticking his hand back out.

[Comatose he/him]

 

Rainmaker laughed out loud.  She couldn't help, it really.  How a nomadic kleptomaniac had ended up in Corvallis of all places was beyond her.  Surely he would have done better in chaotic Portland.  Even epics in Astoria were more free to come and go, provided they submitted to the Diamond Queen's rule.  Did Thunderspear not realize where he was?  

 

"My apologies," she said, once her laughter had subsided.  "I was just laughing at a private joke."  Giggling again to herself at how ridiculous this was, she returned her attention to the matter at hand, hoping to resolve things quickly.  "The giant force-field you passed through on the way in here keeps everyone in, of course, but provided you do not represent a danger to the city, you are welcome to leave the next time the bubble drops.  As for punishment if you get caught stealing, there is only so much I can do publicly to protect you, but in exchange for a favour or two, I'm certain I could figure out something."  Rainmaker lowered herself to better accept Thunderspear's handshake.  "I'm glad to see we have come to an agreement.  Head to the Oregon State University Campus at the centre of the city.  I'll leave a list of approved targets, and directions to a 'storage space with a bed' for you with my staff there.  Just say your name and they can assist you from there."  

[The Swan Dragon he/him]

[insert Epic Lighting Spear Picture Here]

 

ThunderSpear raised an eyebrow in confusion. I mean, I get not wanting a big house might be worth a chuckle, but this? What did I say? he thought to himself. Maybe I should remember that for future use.

 

He rolled his eyes as she barely took control of herself, still giggling. "That seems...reasonable. OSU? On my way," ThunderSpear replied, starting to turn away.

 

"Other direction," the epic leader behind him called out.

 

A short time later

 

So this is OSU, ThunderSpear thought to himself, gazing at the campus. Not shabby. A few minutes walking left him at the entrance, where a group of guards halted him.

 

"Halt!" called out the first guard, a sneer on his lips. "I don't believe I've seen you here before. New to town?" he asked.

 

"You could say that," ThunderSpear replied, meeting the uppity guard's eyes. "I was told to announce myself at the gates. My name," he said with a spin of his spear. "Is ThunderSpear."

 

The first guard paled, taking a couple steps back. A second walked up, swallowing nervously. "Welcome, ThunderThpear. Queen Rainmaker informed uth of your approach, and of your...requethtth regarding lodging. Would you like for me to thend for a guide to your room? Or just directhionth?" he said with a slight lisp.

 

ThunderSpear looked around. "A guide would do fine. Did Rai--...did Queen Rainmaker leave anything else for me?" I suppose I'll have to get used to that, at least around her minions, he realized.

 

"Aye, thir. Thhe did," the second guard replied after sending another for a guide. "Would you like it now?"

 

"Might as well. What is your name?" ThunderSpear replied, looking over the rest of the guards.

 

"Uh..." the second guard said. "M-my n-name? P-perthton. Perthton Hok." He looked around wildly, and grabbed the neatly folded sheet from the nearby guard holding it, thrusting it into ThunderSpear's hand. "Here."

 

ThunderSpear took the sheet, unfolding it and giving it a quick once-over. Huh. I don't think I recognize any of these...ah-hah! Perfect. He'll be first, then. ThunderSpear grinned, remembering one certain epic. I guess I shouldn't be surprised he wound up here.

 

A man in a form-fitting black outfit ran up. "I heard you sent for a guide?"

 

[insert Epic Ninja-Esque Picture Here]

 

A few minutes before

 

Music blasting...

 

Door creaks...

 

"Who is it?" Nijo called out, pausing his music.

 

"P-perston Hok sent for you. Apparently you're to guide an epic to his dorm," the guard replied nervously, glancing around the room warily.

 

With a sigh, Nijo took his earbuds out, and flipped himself out of bed. "Must be a pretty weak epic, if all he gets is a dorm. Which wing?"

 

"No idea. Didn't look weak though. I believe the requirement was, and I quote, 'a room with storage space and a bed.'"

 

"'Storage space and a bed,' huh? I know just the place. After you," Nijo said, gesturing out of the room.

 

Back at the entrance

 

Nijo ran up, looking over the new arrival. Spear...probably some form of invulnerability, based on his bearing.

 

"I heard you sent for a guide," Nijo called out. "Ready to go?"

 

After pausing for a moment, the epic replied "Might as well. Where're we going?"

 

"There's a place in the west wing I think should fit your criteria perfectly," Nijo said, grinning.

 

"Very well. Lead on."

 

As they walked, Nijo stole glances over at the epic. "So, what's your name?" he asked.

 

"ThunderSpear. You?"

 

Nijo almost stumbled. It was rare that an epic he greeted wanted to know his name. "Nijo. How long have you been here for?"

 

"Less than a day. Of course, I've already managed to almost kill another weak epic who thought he was better than me, in addition to a little heart-to-heart with Rainmaker," the epic he now knew as ThunderSpear replied, seeming quite talkative for an epic.

 

"Wow. Pretty busy for a first day. And I'm pretty impressed you came out of that meeting with Rainmaker unscathed."

 

"She's really quite clever, and a de--" ThunderSpear cut off, realizing that he didn't know how much was safe to talk about with Rainmaker's vanillas. He narrowed his gaze at Nijo. "Why do you want to know?"

 

Nijo flinched, leaning back slightly. "I guess I'm just curious about what's going on." They walked in silence for a few minutes.

"And here we are," Nijo finished, and with a grand flourish and bow, opened the door.

 

ThunderSpear looked around inside. After a moment, he replied, "This should do. Now scoot."

 

"Yessir!" Nijo said, starting to salute before he realized he didn't know this epic's ranking. And then he scooted.

[Mestiv he/him]

 

Argon and Rick sat down under the roof of a small, abandoned Texaco gas station in Lewisburg, still a couple of kilometers from Corvallis. Hidden from the rain they could take of their hoods and rest for a while. Argon didn't feel tired, he was used to walking and enjoyed it. Rick however, carrying a heavy backpack, ordered the stop.They found some old boxes to sit on and laid their baggage on the ground. 

 

"So, yeah, I think that Queen Blossom in the prettiest girl in this city. No other Epic or civilian can even compete... But don't tell that to any Epic girl, ok? That would be dangerous." Rick continued his analysis of female Epics of Corvallis while taking out a sandwich from his pack. "Even the Princess, despite her powers, isn't even close... Anyway, what are your powers?"

 

Argon choked on the water he was just drinking.

 

"What?! How do you know I'm an Epic?"  Argon asked, not even trying to hide how surprised he was.

 

"Ha! That's quite obvious for someone like me, who spends a lot of time among Epics and Civilians alike. The way you walk, the way you speak... The way you didn't worry when I was describing how the life of a servant looks like in this city." he explained, revealing to be a lot smarter than Argon initially thought. "So, you're an Epic, and yet, you simply walk and have a nice chit-chat with a lowly servant. My guess is, your powers can't be anything big. Obviously they aren't anything deadly or even offensive. Epics with those almost never see beyond the tips of their noses... Nah, you're gifted, but not with something that allows you to take advantage of anyone. So you blend in, treat others nice, because you're more like me than like other Epics of this city. Am I right?"

 

Argon smiled, surprised by the deduction Rick made. Fortunately he wasn't as close to truth as he thought. 

 

"What's your favorite pie?" Epic responded with a question, surprising Rick in return.

 

"Umm... cherry pie I guess. Haven't had one in years though..."

 

Argon snapped his fingers and a piece of cherry pie on a paper plate appeared with a pop in front of Rick, who burst into laugh.

 

"Haha! Well Matthew, looks like you've just made yourself a new friend!" he said and took a bite.

[Comatose he/him]

 

Rainmaker frowned as Thunderspear began to walk off without waiting for instructions.  She considered letting him bumble around town on his own, but the thought of the chaos he might cause if left unprocessed for too long made her call out.  "Other direction!"  Trusting Thunderspear to find his way now that he was heading in the correct direction, Rainmaker took to the air, sending a few quick texts to her subordinates instructing them to make accommodation for Thunderspear.  The last thing she sent was her list of approved epics to steal from.  Hopefully her petty revenge scheme would keep Thunderspear sufficiently occupied until she needed him for actual work.  The epics might be inconvenienced by his thievery, but the goods he stole would be easily replaceable.  It certainly was ironic that an epic who loved taking things from others had ended up in a place where every imaginable luxury literally grew on trees.  

 

Once her preparations were complete, Rainmaker allowed her team to guide her to the other new high epic causing issues in her city.  Apparently his name was Chasmfiend, and he wished to speak and work directly with her. .  Her assistants informed her that most of violence thus far had been directed against the modified feral humans, but that he had harmed some regular slaves and epics as well.  Though he seemed cooperative initially, since coming to the city he had taken control of a crowd of other epic's servants killed at least one epic of middling importance.  She hoped for her sanity's sake that he would fall in line quickly, and that he wouldn't be as big of an idiot as Thunderspear was.  

 

His power portfolio, which included conjuring some sort of monster, ground manipulation, healing, and the ability to enhance the 'properties' of a material, whatever that meant, was impressive and very versatile, and she would have to be careful if she wanted to keep destruction to a minimum.  Once she located Chasmfiend, Rainmaker descended from the sky, lit from above by her own personal sun bean, and from within by her gently shimmering skin.  For effect, she added some water droplets to the air around her, creating rainbows that danced around her person.  

 

One way or another, she was going to put the fear of god into this epic, and the only god in Corvallis was Rainmaker herself.  

 

"Hello, Chasmfiend.  I thought it best we have a word."

[TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her]

The visitor introduced himself as Gregory, then fumbled and withdrew a mobile, rambling all the while.

"When the entire town was drugged up on Euphoria...Well, I was looking for a picture, and I saw one of you--and you weren't smiling. And so that made me think, hey, maybe he could be my Dox! I could be Kelsier, and he could be Dox, and we could start… What I mean to say is, I…" 

C'mon, spit it out. I'm missing out on practice time, and Epics get grouchy if their shows aren't perfect. 

"I'm wondering if you'd like to, um, help me take down the nob--Epics." 

There it is. Gregory wasn't in search of a kindred spirit. He didn't want to know Vaughn's secret to managing without a Euphoric high. He wasn't interested in survival or turning a miserable existence into a bearable one.

No. He was a revolutionary. 

The realization should have terrified him. Made him grab Gregory by the elbow and toss him out of the studio. He wasn't asking for a fellow freedom-fighter; he was seeking someone with a death wish, and he was lucky Epics seldom dropped by the studio when practice was in session. Vaughn knew he should make a show of refusal. Tell him, in no uncertain terms, what he was asking and what failure would mean. 

But between comforting his fellow dancers and dealing with the other Queens' paranoia, Vaughn was too tired to do anything but sigh. 

"You're an idiot." 

[Clockwork he/him]

Chasmfiend looked up, blinking at the sudden bright light. It was quite beautiful, with several rainbows encircling the sunbeam. Realizing quickly who it was, he tilted his head forward as a sign of respect. His newly made squires behind him knelt down, likely fearing for their lives. He couldn’t blame them; lightning was scary as heII.

“Yes, my Queen, what do you wish?” He spoke upwards towards her. He would not show his petty and illogical fear hear, in front of her. Or his squires, for that matter. He was Chasmfiend, he should have no fear.

He then stood, stiff as a board, at attention for what Rainmaker would say.

 

[Comatose he/him]

Rainmaker mentally congratulated herself as Chasmfiend stood to attention.  Perhaps this would be easier than she thought.  After the irreverence of Thunderspear, it felt good to be treated with some measure of deference and respect.  

"What I wish is for these servants to return to their masters, or, if their employers are dead, to return to the Human Resources department to be processed and reassigned," Rainmaker resisted the urge to say 'slaves' out of habit.  As long as Euphoria was missing, it would pay to at least give lip service to treating the Vanillas well.  Figuring a more subtle approach might be more suitable to someone of Chasmfiend's temperament, Rainmaker dimmed her light and hovered close to the ground so she wasn't looking down on him . . . as much.  "I thank you for bringing these men and women back to order in the chaos, but we have rules in Corvallis, as well as an established hierarchy.  Though you seem loyal enough, you are a newcomer, and I can't have you just taking new servants as you please.  Don't worry though," Rainmaker flashed a smile and let herself shimmer a little more brightly for effect.  "Serve me well and you can have all the luxuries you've ever dreamed of."