The Wastelands

[Blackhoof]

 

Melbourne, 15 Months Ago

 

Quakezone stood on the edge of the Eureka Skydeck. All around him was Melbourne. Skyscrapers twinkled in the light, walls of glass relfecting white in the midday sun. It was a city of modernity, a city of power, and wealth. And it was his city.

 

Not a day ago, his troops, his Quakers and Epics, had pacified the heart of the city, killing or recruiting the Epics and gangs that had been waging war over it. It had been easy, really. The telecommunications network had been taken over and his message of dominion broadcast all over the city. He was the Emperor of Melbourne now. He expected other Epics to dispute this, of course. But as an invincible god, how could any stand against him?

 

Glasstorm stood at attention behind him. Loyal from nearly the beginning, the Epic could control glass to a fine detail. He was a sensible, no-nonsense lieutenant, and as with all loyal Epics he would be generously rewarded.

Glasstorm spoke. "My lord, I hope that this move was not too hasty. I have heard rumours of other Epics that cannot be killed, such as yourself. And there are still very powerful gangs in the suburbs of the city. Perhaps we should have neutralised them before seizing control of the city proper."

 

Quakezone shook his head. "No, no. That would have been perceived as weak. I need these people to see me as a source of strength, as their invincible and unconquerable ruler. Caution has no place in a strong ruler's plans. This chaos and anarchy will need to be stopped, but before we can pacify the outlying regions we must-"

 

The Emperor of Melbourne was cut off by a scream from the room behind him. Frowning and turning, he saw one of his human guards explode into flame, a bolt of scarlet light connecting him to something out of view. As the guard screamed and fell to the ground, a blur entered the room. The blur resolved itself a moment later into the form of a young, blond woman, with spiky hair. She smiled cruelly.

 

Glasstorm leapt into action, pulling windows apart from either side of her and slamming them towards the intruder. She dodged them easily with her speed as the glass shattered together. Glaring at him, bolts of scarlet light shot from her eyes. But Glasstorm had prepared for such an attack, bringing a shield of glass between them. The beams melted the glass, but left Glasstorm unharmed.

Already, he was bringing in another shield. This time, the intruder fired her eye-beams, but instead of melting, the glass shield was pushed by the attack into a surprised Glasstorm, flinging him off the side of the building with a scream.

 

Quakezone grimaced. 

"You know, I hope he manages to save himself. He is a useful man to have around. As you likely know, I am Quakezone, Emperor of Melbourne. Now, who might you be?"

 

The intruder laughed. "Emperor? How melodramatic! I prefer the title of Queen of Melbourne, myself. Laserbolt is my name. And you are intruding upon my city."

"Your city, is that so?" 

"Indeed."

Quakezone smiled. "Well, I suppose we will have to settle this like proper, civilized people."

"Yes.... lets."

 

With that, he dived towards her, engaging his flight and preparing to punch the insolent fool into oblivion. But she was too quick, speeding to the side and firing her beams at his side. He registered the heat, but felt no pain and suffered no damage as they burnt a hole in his shirt. HE pulled up on the other side of the room, turning to her and scowling. "I just got this shirt!"

She looked surprised.

"Oh, didn't you know?" Quakezone grinned wolfishly. "There are benefits to being invulnerable, you know. I'm like Superman."

Laserbolt growled. "Superman this!" With that, she fired her laserbeams, and this time they hit his chest and pushed him with such force that he crashed through the wall and out into the open air. 

 

Catching himself with his flight, Quakezone charged back into the building, using his powers to crash through the wall in a different spot and destroy the room with her inside it. Concrete and dust surrounded him as he powered through the building like a rocket. As he re-entered the light once more, he pulled himself up and turned to see the gaping, smoking hole that he had left in the side of the tower. He could still here the sound of crumbling masonry. He smiled. "And so, the first challenger to my immortal throne has been put in their place. Now-"

 

Suddenly a beam of red light hit him, but this time he felt himself pulled by it towards the source. In his surprise it easily overwhelmed his flight as he plunged back towards an open window a few floors down from where he had last seen Laserbolt. How is she so fast!

He barely had time to think before the beam stopped and his momentum carried him straight through the window and several interior walls as well. Finally the dust settled and Quakezone groaned. That was.... a strange sensation. The Emperor slowly rose to his feet, anger rising in him. "How dare this witch challenge me so! I am a GOD!"

 

He heard laughter from behind him. "Hahaha! Gods die!"

 

He had barely spun around when another beam hit him, this time pushing him away again, sending him pummelling through several walls until he had emerged once more into the open air. Slipping away to the side, he growled and soared straight into the side of the floor below her, planning on cutting off her escape route and footing in one swoop. Walls and ceilings crumbled like paper beneath the amplified force of his impacts, and people screamed as he crushed them. Some would be his own loyal servants or soldiers- but their deaths were immaterial compared to the threat this Epic posed.

 

As an entire floor of the Eureka tower collapsed, Quakezone flew back to the original floor, smiling as he saw nothing but a gaping hole where Laserbolt had been standing. "Well, better to be safe than sorry." He said to himself as he began circling the building, looking for any sign of the speed Epic.

 

He hadn't been searching for long when suddenly he heard distant screams on the wind.

 

Looking down, he nearly yelped.

 

A massive blob of metal- the size of a building- was rolling through the streets of Melbourne's CBD. Cars and people alike were crushed and absorbed, and judging from its white hot glow and the trail of charred bodies, ground and buildings it left behind it, it was a hot blob of metal too. "Well of all the ways I expected to be challenged today, that was not one of them..."

 

He was just about to fly down and meet this new challenger when suddenly he felt a great force pulling him back towards the tower. "BLAST IT NOT AGAI-" He roars were cut off as he once more smashed into the building, which was beginning to groan under the stress of the repeated impacts it had received. 

 

...........

 

Hours later, with the Eureka tower and numerous other buildings already collapsed into piles of rubble, the three High Epics fought.

 

Foundry swept his wave of metal towards Quakezone and Laserbolt, and the two looked at each other in alarm before flying and running to either side to dodge it. They narrowly escaped as the wall of molten metal descended upon the ruins they had been fighting among. Foundry floated above it all, suspended by whirling pools of metal, expression unreadable behind his firefighter's mask. Laserbolt, unseen by the metal Epic, fired her beams at him. But these were not heat beams- they were beams of freezing energy, sucking the heat out of anything they touched. They impacted Foundry, and within seconds he had become a frosted statue.

 

Laserbolt smiled, and Quakezone frowned. Surely it couldn't have been so-

Before the thought had even finished, Foundry grew white hot, and the frost covering him evaporated into steam. He turned towards the stunned Laserbolt, and with a gesture sent a spout of metal towards her that she barely dodged. 

Quakezone snarled. "He is made of molten metal and you tried to freeze him!?"

 

...........

 

The trio fought for two more days. Their fight was cataclysmic, with Laserbolt's cutting beams, Quakezone's powerful explosions and Foundry's immense waves of metal destroying building after building, and bringing down Melbourne's mighty skyscrapers.

 

It eventually ended, but not before thousands upon thousands of innocent civilians and bystanders had died.

[Chandrian]

Western Australia

9 Months Ago:

Afterglow's convoy drove down the broken road. Dust trailed behind them as they rode past numerous abandoned and burnt buildings. "How does any Intel from somewhere this desolate?" Afterglow mused, staring out the window from her private quarters in the back of the bus.

The buildings gradually became cleaner and more hospitable as they neared the center of the town. The bus began to slow. A mercenary peeked his head through the curtain. "We're at your destination, Miss." Afterglow stood up and walked towards the man. "You think I'm foolish enough to not notice myself?" She snapped at him, forcing down the urge to kill the man on the spot.

"Leave me, I have to get ready. Tell the bastard in charge to bring his people to us, an epic wants to have a chat." Four days. Four whole days without killing. How long had it been since that hadn't been a problem? Keep calm a little longer, she reminded herself, you need the rage to win.

She began her usual routine: oiling her blade, checking her pouches and pockets were properly filled, and cleaning her revolver. Once finished, she slid the machete into its sheath and holstered her revolver.

Completing the last step of covering her hands in chalk dust, she pulled back the curtain and walked to the front of the gutted greyhound. The man in the driver's seat opened the door, and she stepped out into the sweltering town square. Standing near her bus were a dozen of her mercs, grasping their guns tensely. Behind them was her small grouping of varying vehicles, all covered in some degree of armor plating and solar panels. Opposite her was a small group of nervous townspeople, carrying aging firearms and an assortment of various sharp and heavy objects. The man in the middle of them was a beast, at least 8 feet tall, muscles bulging on his bare arms, wielding a hefty concrete pillar. Either side looked prepared to start firing at so much as a twitch.

"Goliath" Afterglow growled "I can't say I'm entirely pleased to meet you"

"Who are you, girl, to be in my town?" The giant's voice boomed, carrying across the whole of the square.

"First I'll make you bleed, then I'll make you die. Once I finish you, I can take all the spoils I want." Insanity twinkled in Afterglow's eyes, she reached for the machete at her hip. The bearded titan chuckled "I've always enjoyed a chance to prove my strength, this should be fast enough." He waved his spare hand backwards. "Charisma, move the serfs away, I can kill this one on my own." The lone man looked horribly out of place, dressed in a fine suit with a glistening gun. He made a gesture and his crudely armed guards moved back, the townspeople following behind them.

Afterglow coated herself in speed and durability, outlining her in orange light, then yellow. Goliath shot towards her at immense speed, covering the 50 feet between them in under 3 seconds. Afterglow threw herself out of the way, colored light trailing behind her. Taking advantage of Goliath's surprise by her speed, she reached into a pocket and threw a fistful of marbles at him. Being enchanced by a speed aura they became a functional shotgun blast, causing the man to stagger. The spray pocked his clothing with rips and caused blood to ooze lazily, but all of the marbles fell to the ground. "Wonderful" She thought "He's far more durable than I'd thought." Beating her wings, Afterglow rose into the air, far out of the man's reach. Once she reached high enough, she curled the wings close to her body and dropped headfirst like a rock, sword pointed down at her target. Goliath took his turn to surprise her, smashing his fist directly into her torso while she plunged. Searing pain rushed through Afterglow's body, one of her wings clearly broken in several places. She went flying backwards from the force of the impact, crumpling upon hitting the ground. Seeing Goliath advance quickly with pillar in hand, she tried to force herself up. Not fast enough, Goliath rammed her head on, throwing her even farther back. This time, she rammed her blade partially into the ground while falling, before deactivating it's sharpness halfway through. When Goliath tried to smash her against the ground, he found Afterglow's sword hilt blocking her body. Afterglow rolled away from the hilt and sprung up. She drove her sharpness-enchanced nails directly into his eye, clawing at it viciously. Goliath let out a scream of pure, rage-filled agony, thrashing around violently as Afterglow pushed off of his chest. She sprinted around him rapidly as he failed around, leaving a red glow wherever her feet touched. In moments, Goliath stepped on one of the traps and toppled to the ground, his entire foot turning to ash as his leg caught flames.

"You're insolent enough to think me a little girl?" Afterglow wrenched her sword out of the pavement. "Now you get to see firsthand how wrong you are. Consider yourself lucky I don't have more time to spend with you." Goliath attempted to lash out and grab her, but Afterglow sliced his arm off at the elbow, green trailing behind the blade. Joy flooded through her, finally being able to have fun again. Everything seemed a shade brighter and slightly more vibrant. "I can still kill you!" Goliath roared as he attempted to push himself up on the pillar in his other hand. "Say it all you want, it won't come true" A manic grin split Afterglow's face as she lopped off his other hand, waiting several seconds then moving up the arm in chunks. Viscera sprayed from the ruined limb, pooling around the brute as he screamed in agony. Afterglow sighed "It truly is a shame I'm in a hurry to finish this fast" Taking her sword she severed the man's head from his body then kicked it, letting it roll towards the crowd.

The townspeople stared upon her with varying looks, some horrified while others in total awe. Jonah, her second-in-command ran up to her. "Ma'am, are you alright, you seemed to get hit quite hard out there!"

"Don't bother me now Jonah, you can't understand how fulfilling that was." Insanity glinted in Afterglow's eyes as she stepped near the fellow Epic, watching the man sweat slightly. As she'd expected, the man felt far too familiar, like a best friend or relative, someone you'd unconditionally trust. His immaculate beauty didn't help her foster the healthy dose of paranoia needed. I know I can't trust him, but Calamity, I want to.

"Don't worry, Charisma, I'm not going to kill you. You've seen my power, I was wondering if you'd be interested in a business proposal."

"What type of proposal might you be implying, M'lady?" Does he have any flaws? He seems impossibly immaculate.

"We aren't exactly in the most hospitable of situations, and someone always needs mercenaries. Your . . . interesting skillset seemed useful on a aquiring others. Besides, what would happen of you refused?" She winked at the well-dressed man and spun her sword in one hand.

"I suppose I could come to agreement with you."

That's probably for the best, now round up anyone who feels they're worth their salt. We move out in half an hour, and I've made sure to set up a room for your on one of the buses."

Charisma made a gesture with his hand and the entire crowd silenced. "Anyone who would like to accompany me on a journey for prosperity, please gather your things. Be back in half an hour, we'll be waiting.

After the time had passed, Afterglow had more than half the village milling around in the main square, waiting to depart. Following the commands she had given him, Charisma sorted the people into groups by age. Charisma cleared his throat "Alright, here's how it will go: anyone between the ages of 16 and 48 will be allowed to leave with us. The rest of you have been paired into groups of ten. Last one standing joins us. You run, we shoot. You don't fight, we shoot. Don't feel sorry for killing them, those who die are inferior anyway. Best of all, you get my loyalty if you survive." He flashed a grin to the crowd. Shockingly, only a few even looked panicked by what he'd said. Most non-epics found resisting his will incredibly challenging. The soliders threw a single fist-sized rock into each group of ten.

A woman in her early 40's struck first, picking up the rock and dashing it against a man's skull, making it crack like an eggshell. In moments, most of the other groups joined in. But still, a handful refused to participate. Afterglow yanked out her revolver and shot an old man in the head. Several mercanaries followed along, giving the people the motivation they needed. Afterglow took in the massacre, the carnage making her feel practically euphoric. If only I could do this every day, that would be the life. She thought. I may as well enjoy it while it lasts.

In the end, Afterglow left the desolate little town with 300 recruits and an epic, although many wouldn't last very long. She needed to get more before the fireworks truly started between the Fiefdoms of the stronger epics. Time telling, she would.

Edited July 5, 2016 by Chandrian

[Edgedancer he/him]

Eden/Hobart, Day 6

 

Fallzone stepped into Foodstock’s shop. The counter in the welcoming area was maned by a man and a woman, one of which would escort a paying customer to keep them entertained until they found someone more to their tastes. Given that her visit today had been announced in advance, the man took her side and led the way to Foodstock’s chamber.

 

First they had to step through the main room, filled like always with a subtle mix of scents. Today the smell of licorice seemed to be the primary one. The merchandise was easy to tell apart from the customers, even despite their form fittingly tailored uniforms and demure behavior but simply because of the almost other worldly touch of beauty Foodstock gave them. In many ways this was her art gallery, displaying some of her finest pieces. This gallery however encouraged touching the exhibits.

 

Shopping could wait however. They moved past the stage and entered a waiting area. Fallzone settled on a couch with a table in front of it. The table was filled with an assortment of food. Deciding on a bowl of strawberries coated in chocolate, Fallzone formed a cylinder of altered gravity that made the bowl gently glide into her hand. Taking a bite out of the guilt free food, she waved at her escort with her foot. Well trained as he was, he kneeled down in front of her, untied her boots and gave her feet a massage. At east Foodstock knew how to make the wait pleasant.

 

After a short stay in bliss, Foodstock finally emerged into the room, dressed in not much more than a nightgown and holding a riding crop. Behind her followed Pillow and Talk, the two works Foodstock was most proud of and kept purely for her personal use. Rumors had it that she fancied them because they were Epics she somehow managed to get her hands on. Rumors Foodstock spread herself without actually delivering proof for it and somehow managing to shut up the two people that could actually confirm the claims.

 

Foodstock ran a finger along Pillow’s chin, who promptly took place on the couch across from Fallzone, offering her lap as a seat for her owner. Pillow was the woman of Foodstock’s two favorites and her long brown hair and brown eyes were likely the only part of her luscious body Foodstock wasn’t responsible for. After seating herself on her Pillow Foodstock began to talk, “I’m sorry for the wait. I unexpectedly got my hands on some new merchandise and though it would be best to break him in first of all,” as she spoke she ran a hand across Pillow’s face, who in return caressed her owner’s body, “I hope you didn’t have to wait too long?”
Fallzone gave a dismissive wave, “Eh, the wait wasn’t that bad. Just let us get to business now.”

“Of course, pleasing is my profession after all.”

“Wonderful,” Fallzone leaned forward, stepping on the hand of the man giving her a feet massage, “first just tell me what you think about Seven Heavens. Don’t bother mincing words; I can’t stand the Slontz myself.”

“Seven Heavens…” Foodstock absentmindedly pushed her thumb into Pillow’s mouth, “he responds easy enough to flattery and the like but he’s too proud of himself to actually pay for a woman, which obviously makes business impossible. There’s a reason you’re my favorite customer, dear.”

“I think flattery should do well enough. I want you to make him go along with my plan.”

“You mean for taking the cities on the ground?”
“Of course, what else would I want from that Slontz?” Fallzone spread her arms, “Now taking control of other cities, that holds something for all of us.”

“Mhmmm, the prospect is certainly alluring but-“

“But just keeping my good graces alone would be enough for you, wouldn’t it? Just imagine if you didn’t have somebody actually important looking out for you.”

 

Fallzone watched Foodstock squirm under her gaze. She did manage to keep a somewhat uneasy smile on her face but ultimately both of them were aware that Fallzone could crush her under her boots and nobody would actually call her out on it. True, Fallzone enjoyed the benefits from giving patronage to Foodstock’s business but having a minion tasked entirely with finding ways to please her did not extend towards letting her disobey.

 

“Of course,” Foodstock said, having regained her composure, “Anything else I should try to push him towards?”

“No but feel free to earn yourself some additional goodwill, if the situation gives you the chance,” then Fallzone gave the man kneeling in front of her a sharp kick to the stomach. “My boots. Now that I’ve come here I might as well enjoy myself.”

Edited May 30, 2016 by Edgedancer

[Blackhoof]

New South Wales, Mungo

 

Blackhoof takes grey

Bladestorm takes red

 

Katherine looked around, seeing nothing and no-one. Suddenly Jetpack called out from above, and began zooming towards the ground. Then she saw what he had seen- several military-looking types emerging from the bushes, muscled and tough.

 

She was on guard- were these the mercenaries, or nomads, or bandits? This whole area was crawling with them apparently. Jetpack likely had the same thought, and he landed in a burst of dust nearby. He held his hands, deadly weapons, out in front of him, and smiled menacingly.

 

Katherine cleared her throat, raising her hands in a conciliatory manner. “Hello, uh, my name is Katherine Howards, and my companion here is Jetpack. Who might you fine gentlemen be?”

 

4-7 looked on as they approached the two employers. He assumed that's what they were-no one would come out to this little backwater, built almost entirely in the year since calamities rising without wanting to purchase their services.

Of course, they might also be here to kill the pentagon. But that was what the rifles they all shouldered were for.

As they walked up, the woman-katherine-offered a greeting, asking who they were. 4-7 stood slightly behind and to the left of 4-1, willing to let him do the negotiating.

“Depends who's asking,” replied 4-1, and waited for a reply.

 

Katherine smiled, worried. Surely these are the mercenaries, right? They wouldn’t be so bold in the presence of an Epic if they weren’t professionals at this combat thing, would they?

She replied, “Well, we are representatives of…. A potential client for the services of a mercenary group we heard was spotted nearby. Let’s just say that we have a problem with a certain Epic and a group of bandits, a problem we would rather not deal with ourselves. Perhaps, for the right price, this mercenary group could… uh, take them out for us? Of course, that would require you knowing where these guns-for-hire are. Would you happen to know how I can contact them?”

 

4-7 watched as the woman carefully suggested they weren’t members of the pentagon, but rather a few random bandits.

Clever, he thought. That implies that we don’t look efficient enough to be real members, which will make 4-1 more eager for a deal.

However, 4-7 knew something the lady didn’t.4-1 wasn’t cunning enough to understand what she had said, aside from the word “price”.

“Well, mam, this little group is the mercenaries you're talking about. So why don’t we try to reach an agreement?

 

Katherine smiled and nodded. “Excellent, I had thought as much. Well, we have a great deal to offer. Our master, Wendigo, has an entire city under her control, and its resources at her disposal. I will give you the details of the mission, and you can name your price.” She took a deep breath.

“Firstly, you will need to find an Epic by the name of Bushfire. She is a pyrokinetic, but she can change the weather too- she is fond of making large bushfires. We don’t think she will be very dangerous up close, though. Serving her are a gang of raiders- crude bandits and thugs for the most part, fond of dressing in leather like they were from a Mad Max movie. We have seen at least one other Epic in her service- a tough strength Epic named MaxiMuscle.” She rolled her eyes as she pronounced the idiotic name. Epics, eh?

She continued. “She shouldn’t be too difficult to track down, her gang tends to move in a path of fire and destruction around western victoria, leaving great piles of ash and dust in their wake. Once you find them, you will need to kill each and every one of them. No prisoners- not even the Epics. Wendigo wants to make an example of them. You will cut off Bushfire’s head, and bring it to the city of Wendigo as proof that you succeeded, and then you will be paid. Now…. what is your price?”

 

4-7 turned suddenly as he noticed the sound of feet moving rapidly behind him. His fellow pentagons did the same, swinging their rifles up as they noticed the newcomer.

Another employer? In the same day? he thought, surprised. It was lucky to get one a week, much less 2 in one day.

As the man drew closer, 4-7 realized that it was one of the pentagon, rather than another epic employer. From the looks of it, he was winded, which meant he had likely gone almost double a regular mans sprint for almost the full 40 kilometres from camp. 4-7 could actually see the dust speckled over the grey camo suit from moving so fast.

“4-1, SIR,” the soldier shouted, breathless. “THE ORDER TO ATTACK SHARPTON IS IN. ALL UNITS ARE WANTED BACK AT BASE IMMEDIATELY!”

“We’ll be right with you, soldier. Mam. we may have to get back to you on this,”replied 4-1, turning to katherine.

 

Katherine’s face fell, and Jetpack looked angry. “Now just wait one minute! I flew all the way to New South goddamn Wales to meet with you guys, and you brush us off like-”

Katherine cut him off, “Jetpack, sir, please.”

Jetpack scowled, and stormed off. Katherine turned to the mercenary. “Very well, we will return here in one week if we still have need of your services. Good day.” She nodded, and as the mercenaries rushed off back to their base, she strapped herself to a grumbling Jetpack and they flew off.

[Voidus]

Collab between Voidus and Blackhoof

 

Laserbolt tried to contain her excitement. This idea…. It was genius. How had it not occurred to her before? Quakezone would be furious, he might see it as an act of war, but she could smooth him over.

 

The emissary spoke, surprising her. “Well there are certain... advantages to be had from forming an alliance with somewhere with a slightly more stable population."

 

"After all, losing so many people must be damaging to your workforce no?"

 

Laserbolt thought before replying, but the brilliance of her plan was distracting her.

“Well,” She finally replied. “It was quite disruptive at first. But we each got our districts in order within a few months. Now despite a few less mouths to feed Tribourne is a prosperous and well-functioning city. We even have time for sports, just like the old country!” She gestured at the bloody melee in the arena, smirking.

“How, may I ask, did Adelaide fair once the supply lines and logistics collapsed?”

 

 

Legolas looked back with a deadpan expression before replying.

 

“I don’t have much to compare it to.” He began honestly. “Food was still pretty available, most of the damage in the state happened at the city itself not the farmland. We lost the power plant once we stopped getting gas supplies but people managed to get by.”

Remembering that time accurately was somewhat difficult to Legolas, the time before he’d become an Immortal was… murky. Pleasant in a way he supposed, but devoid of purpose.

 

“Severance took over the military pretty quickly so there was no shortage of arms and ammunition either. After the initial period of difficulty industry got back on track pretty quickly. I suppose having an unkillable policing force capable of murdering the entire city might provide people with some incentives to get back to work.” He finished with a thoughtful tone.

Providing the city with resources was not something he’d been concerned with. The Immortals were more than provided for, and from what he’d heard from other Immortals there were plans to more than provide for the rest of the city. But that wasn’t the sort of information he’d reveal to someone who was at best a tenuous ally.

 

Laserbolt nodded thoughtfully. Hmmm, I should be wary of such a well-organised and united ally. Once I unify Tribourne, I will need to begin finding out how to circumvent this “unkillable” army of Necropathy’s.

 

She turned around, and waved for an attendant. A servant rushed to her, leaning to here whatever orders she had for him. “Bring me Windstorm.”

The servant nodded and rushed to obey.

 

She turned to the emissary. “The idea that I mentioned is thus; I have too many people to feed. What is the solution? Less people. Killing them would be a waste, but if I can “encourage” them to move to Quakezone and Foundry’s territories their resources will be strained. Just the useless leeches- the unemployed, beggars, vagabonds, raucous gang members, that sort of mud. And to liven up my people, I will force some of the miscreants to fight each other for the right to remain in my lands. Genius, isn’t it?” She laughed lightly.

 

Attempting to be respectful Legolas smiled meekly at the joke. Indeed it was a reasonable solution for those who were just a drain on resources, but then if the city wasn’t so wasteful there wouldn’t be any drainages in the first place.

Severance and Necropathy knew what to do with idle hands, stick a gun in them and train them how to use it appropriately. And if they refused, send an Immoral to give them a taste of the price of refusal. Those who tasted a hint of the black marks pain rarely gave any reason to need to be inflicted with it a second time.

 

Still, Adelaide had no competition anymore so perhaps there were factors he hadn’t considered behind Laserbolts decisions.

“You’re not concerned that they might catch on? If they return them, particularly the violent members wouldn’t it cause problems?”
 

 

Laserbolt nodded. “Yes, that will be an issue, but I’m confident my military can close down my borders. We already have checkpoints in place- we just don’t usually discourage people from crossing them.”

As the fight in the arena drew to a close, the servant returned with Windstorm. Gesturing to the Adelaide emissary, Laserbolt said, “It was an honour to show you our games, but now I must consult with my general. This guard will have you driven back to your rooms.” Dismissed, the emissary took his leave and Laserbolt began preparations for her plan.

[Blackhoof]

Victoria, Day 6


Bluefingers takes black
Blackhoof takes red

Afterglow 

The group had already stopped for the day, about a mile out of another Epic’s town. No independent Epic seemed to like relying on others, and reliably so, but she was the only one who could offer large amounts without huge prices. The slaves were the 95% who she didn't desire, the ones who weren't her soldiers. They were fed enough to survive and docile enough, thanks to Charisma. The risk of using them for their group was a bit too high, so they were traded for goods raiding couldn't provide. 


Charisma was off negotiating with Deathgrasp guarding him, and Sandstorm was training recruits. They needed the supplies due to their growing numbers. Four epics, 160 able-bodied men and women, and 27 vehicles. She had her own private army in the making. The other's tasks took plenty of time, she had extra time for a release today. 


Afterglow walked over to the beaten old van, one of the few vehicles lacking in weaponry. Once she gestured it's guard aside, she opened the back door and walked in. The older man inside was gaunt faced and covered in gashes and dried blood. Upon seeing her, he struggled violently against the rope binding him to a ring in the wall. Afterglow snatched a knife out of a sheath hanging on the wall and drove it cleanly through the man's upper arm. The man screamed as blood pooled around the hilt of the knife. The cloth in his mouth muffled the noise enough to keep the rest of the camp from hearing. 


“You should have listened to my warning. What did you think I mean when I said slaves would be punished for running away?” Afterglow whipped out her pistol and placed it against the man's temple. His eyes grew wide and he tried to draw back mouthing “no” through his gag. Afterglow put it back in its holster. “You'll be wishing I'd pulled the trigger in a few days time, I'll take care to make you last longer than they usually do. For now, we have plenty of time together.” 


Afterglow relished his shrieks of pain as she twisted the knife in his arm. “What to do today?” She thought, looking towards the various implements in the van. She spotted a hacksaw in the corner and walked over to pick it up. I think I'll start with the legs.


Charisma and Deathgrasp returned several hours later with the supplies their trades had gotten them. Afterglow looked over the items, seeing most of the usual. Canned food, bullets, power cells, water, clothing. Pretty standard stuff, it seems today's client didn't have anything very valuable. Wait a moment . . . 

“Charisma, are those claymores?” Charisma beamed his perfectly white smile. “I knew you'd notice those. They weren't cheap, but they'll probably be useful if you know what pans out.” Ah yes. Afterglow had been meaning to reveal her plan today. 

“Sandstorm, come here!” She yelled, waving over the shaven headed man. He walked towards her almost mechanically. The dust around him blowed out of his path, causing the streamers of his cloak to flare away from him. He carefully picked up one of the explosives in his calloused hands. “Good quality” He said in a gravelly voice. “You could take out a truck with one of these. I had the misfortune of riding over one years ago. 
Put them in the armory.” A group of mercenaries scrambled to take the stack to their armored eighteen wheeler. 
It was time to make her announcement. Afterglow beat her wings and flew onto the roof of a pickup on the edge of a crowd. The soldiers turned to her immediately, too well-disciplined to not pay attention to an Epic. 

“As many of you may have guessed due to heightened weaponry influx, I've planned something big. For the majority of you who aren't familiar, Bushfire is a fire Epic whose bandits prowl about 150 kilometres from here. Our plans are to kill her and sway her followers to us.” Several people looked nervous, clearly aware of Bushfire's reputation. Charisma stepped forward, realizing the unease. “We've done things like this before. Bushfire will be crushed by our combined strength.” The body of mercs let out a cheer, raising weapons into the air. They believed him, as always. For once, though, even Afterglow wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or not.


Deathgrasp

Deathgrasp lay on the roof of a truck, staring up at the stars. A glass of whiskey and this would be perfect. Still not sure what boss has against that stuff. Fires glowed around the camp as groups of mercs relaxed around them. The pits held all manner of pots and pans filled with whatever might come cans or the wilds around them. Deathgrasp sat up and looked out across the camp, keeping tabs on her fellow Epics. Charisma was being a sleaze as usual, hitting on some blonde woman near the edge of camp. Sandstorm’s bus leaked light from behind the curtains. Probably meditating she thought. Afterglow could be anywhere, that girl was far too confusing for her.

A flash of light came into her field of vision on the horizon. The hell? The light quickly grew closer until she realized it seemed to be a large person. Probably an Epic from around here, hopefully just passing. Deathgrasp relaxed as the figure passed by, then made a U-turn towards camp. Adrenaline flooded her body. “Epic approaching camp! Potential hostile!” She bellowed before throwing herself to her feet pushing off the roof with her legs. As the bus roof bowed slightly, she rocketed 40 meters into the air and saw soldiers scrambling below her. The arc of her jump landed her right near the edge of camp with a spray of dust. She looked up to see the figure descending towards the ground. 


Katherine 

Katherine braced herself as Jetpack slowly descended towards the ground, and began loosening the straps. With a small yelp, the straps came loose and she fell a few feet to the ground, landing as gracefully as possible while the Epic giggled and dropped behind her.

On the way back from the meeting at Mungo, her radio had buzzed- alerting her to a new opportunity. A large gang of mercenaries, lead by an Epic, had been identified. So she had rerouted, trying to look for them around the area they had last been seen- luckily their convoy wasn’t hard to spot from the air. 

Looking around, she saw quite a few guns pointed at her. This… could have been ill-advised. An Epic with wings was looking at her, standing on a vehicle. The leader? Katherine cleared her throat. “Ahem, uh, hello. My name is Katherine Howards and this is Jetpack. We are representatives of Wendigo, the Ice Queen of Victoria. She wishes to deal with a certain group of destructive bandits, lead by an Epic named Bushfire. She is too busy to deal with the annoyance herself, so she has instructed us to find mercenaries to do it for her. All we want is for her and every single one of her bandits to be killed, as an example to all those who resist the Ice Queen. We have the resources of an entire city available for payment, so price is no object. Shall we discuss this further?

Charisma

Charisma pushed up his mirrored shades and strode towards Katherine, hand near his gun. “I must say, this is quite convenient for me and mine. We were planning on offing her and integrating her mercenaries. Killing them instead though, we can do that if you can pay for it.” Charisma noticed the gyrating discs of sand behind the Epic. Clever Sandy, it appears we have a captive audience now. If they tried to run, the discs would likely slice them in half. “For you, dollface, I think we can give you a fair price. I'm thinking four thousand kilos of gold, two million bullets of various kinds, food and supplies for 200 for 3 months, and some vehicles and guns to sweeten the deal. Fair? We can work on fine print if you're interested.”

Katherine

Katherine turned to see a… startlingly beautiful man walking towards her. She blinked hard, and the man began talking to her. Was this the leader, and not the winged Epic she had seen?
She considered the deal, but found herself blushing at the man’s handsome, chiselled features. Katherine! She thought to herself. Don’t be a silly girl, he is just some mercenary! But those eyes, that face…. It made her shiver. She realised that she had been in silence for several seconds. “Oh! Uh, yes, that sounds quite fair. We can certainly afford such generous payment. Let us go somewhere inside to discuss the details. Jetpack, you stay here.”

With that, she entered a tent with this beautiful man, and they began discussing the details of the agreement.

Charisma

Later . . .

Charisma watched as Katherine and the Epic disappeared into the distance with trails of flame. That was quite convenient, all things considered. He watched as Afterglow jumped from the roof 3 meters up and glided down upon her wings. “I made the deal without you, why didn't you step in? You are in command of our little group after all.” Afterglow swept her hair away from her face. “If I'd heard anything I didn't like I'd have stepped in. Besides, that Katherine lady likely assumes you're in charge. You don't fight often anyway, so I just made things a little more confusing if they try to off us. On top if that, I could pass for a 17 year old. Epic or not, people often don't take me seriously as a leader. So, does the radio-phone work?” Charisma held up the blocky device which Katherine had given him. 

“Yeah, she used it in front of me, we can reach them if we need to. I was thinking that I should hold onto . . .” Afterglow yanked the phone from his hand. “I'll handle it myself.” Charisma scowled at her. Afterglow looked towards Sandstorm and Deathgrasp, who stood behind her. “We have the information we need, we move tomorrow.” 

[Blackhoof]

 

Tribourne, Day 7

 

Quakezone stood in discussion with his advisers, trying to decide upon a course of action. It had been two days since Laserbolt had sent hundreds of useless malcontents flowing into his district, clogging up his streets and causing a massive spike in crime.

“Is she still claiming that they came willingly, and she had nothing to do with it?” Quakezone asked.

Dreadpyre nodded. “Yes. she is keeping to that line. She is holding another tournament tomorrow, and expelling those who lose, providing they don’t die. She isn’t specifically sending them here- but when forcibly removed from her section of the city, they almost always come to here or Foundry’s. She has closed her borders temporarily, to prevent the exiled from returning.”

“Do you recommend we close our borders completely, too?” Quakezone looked around the room. His advisers looked thoughtful or uncertain.

Finally Grenadier spoke, “I think we should keep our borders open, but kill any who we think are not coming here legitimately.”

Rainman shook his head, “No, that will discourage genuine immigrants. We  still want more people to demonstrate our superiority. What if we conscript these useless sods into our army, and workforce? Enslave them completely as punishment, if they cannot find employment within a week of their arrival? Project Watchful is nearly ready, after all, and we can track each and every one of them and get their employment details too.”

Quakezone nodded. “Yes, that seems a good plan. We could use the extra manpower in our fields.”

As the advisers nodded, he glimpsed a servant waiting in hi peripheral vision. He turned, nodding for the servant to come forward. “What is it?”

The servant whispered, “Someone is here to see you, sir, an emissary from Darwin.”

Quakezone raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Darwin? Here? Hmmmm…..” He turned to the table, smiling,  “Gentlemen and women, an emissary from Darwin has arrived. I think I should keep this little secret from our friend Laserbolt, don’t you agree?” He turned back to the servant as they nodded. “Inform Foundry, we will meet at the Circle, but without Laserbolt. Have a car take this emissary there immediately.”

[Blackhoof]

 

Victoria, Day 7: Bushfire

 

 

"M'lady, ish that really a wishe plan?" Escape Artist lisped, bowing before Bushfire.

 

She scowled, and threw a gout of flame at his side, causing him to yelp and jump backwards. MaxiMuscle, big, goofy grin on his dumb, blocky face, laughed. Bushfire quietened him with a glare.

 

"This plan," she began, "is genius. We will send another raiding party out tomorrow, and this time capture as many of her workers as possible. We could use the slaves, and it will anger her beyond reason, she will have to come out and face us!"

 

Escape Artist cringed. "But m'lady, she ish invincible, she can't be killed! We should just leave here and stop antagonizing her. She is so powerful, you remember Shepparten!" 

 

Indeed, Bushfire did remember. After hearing that the town had been destroyed, she had gone there nearly a year ago. The entire city had been a ruin, unlike any she had seen. The town had been buried in ice and snow, houses and cars crushed under the weight and many pulverized by giant hailstones. The town had become a tomb. But after Wendigo had left, and in the warm spring weather, the snow had melted quickly. The ruins of the town had been flooded as torrents of water flowed through the streets, causing even more destruction. It was in this state that months afterwards, Bushfire had inspected it, to see for herself the power that blotted out central Victoria with cold. 

 

Bushfire's scowled deepened. "I demand loyalty and obedience from my servants. No questions, no doubts! If I say that my plan will result in me being the dominant power in Victoria's center, then that is what it will do!" Escape Artist cringed beneath her rage, and his ropes began curling around him protectively.

 

Her temper began deflating as she considered her future success. She smiled. "And besides, I have a trick up my sleeve."

MaxiMuscle leaned forward, flexing his great arms. "Is it me?"

Bushfire raised an eyebrow, and gave him a withering glare. "No, it isn't you. You both already know it, in fact.... I just haven't explained it yet."

She left them looking confused, as she walked to her personal caravan.

 

"Yes, I have a trick in store for you indeed, Wendigo." She thought to herself as she closed the door behind her and smiled. "I know your weakness."

[Edgedancer he/him]

Eden/Hobart, Day 7: Seven Heavens

 

Seven Heavens strode out of his chambers, Foodstock clinging to his arm. The woman gently plucked grapes into his mouth, not a meal, even if they would last, but they had just the right mix of sweetness and sourness to arouse his mind from the lingering dread of his sleep. When she finished, Foodstock left a slight trail of honey on his lips.

 

Percival, dressed crisply in his pristine white butler uniform, held open the door to the parlor. The table was prepared, although not in the way Seven Heavens expected. Instead of his morning meal, the table was covered in a map, yes of Australia he realized as he approached, with different markers and the like showing the state of the land. Noticing the look on his master’s face, Percival explained himself, “This is according to the lady’s wishes, Sir.”

 

“What is this supposed to be, woman? I don’t want anything to do with Fallzone’s ambitions,” Seven Heavens growled at Foodstock.

“Of course not, come let me explain.” Foodstock slowly managed to pull a reluctant Seven Heavens over to the table with the map, as she talked. “I agree that you don’t need any of these cities with what you’ve build up here for yourself but I also think you can think farther than Fallzone. You may not need them but they? Savages rolling around in broken shambles of a play pretend society. Giving them a chance to live properly under a man that actually deserves to be called a god is more of a responsibility than an ambition. Certainly the same thought already crossed your mind? Should spoils fall from that… well, that is only fair, don’t you think?”

 

There was something to her words, Seven Heavens had to admit. He picked up a figure of a tree marking Darwin and slowly rolled it in his fingers. There was a certain radiance to the idea of spreading proper manner back to a land that had fallen into savagery, almost visible as a golden shine to his eyes.

 

After placing the figure down again he laid an arm around Foodstock. “There’s something to what you’re saying, woman. I had already considered how miserable those lower people must be without my guidance.”

 

Mephistopheles

 

There are many ways to gather information. One old and reliable method is employing spies. Foodstock had a simple arrangement with Mephistopheles, she only had to send servants over to inform him over whatever interesting news people let go in her establishment and so she had done this time as well, barely fast enough to avoid any immediate consequences for herself. Late enough that he couldn’t properly react to her playing seductress for Fallzone.

 

Now here he was in his office with the messenger, a runner already send to fetch Deterrence. Old virtues had it that he shouldn’t shoot him and Mephistopheles wouldn’t. Not satisfying enough. “There’s one thing I want you to do for me before you return to Foodstock. You’ll do it, I imagine?”

The messenger hesitated for a moment. Right now agreeing to a do everything Mephistopheles demanded was a very unwise thing to do. Disagreeing however would make an unpleasant end certain, so he still gave his word. Mephistopheles told him to stand on one leg. At first that wasn’t much of a challenge but over time his balance was giving up and he twisted in pain as he tried to reset his foot or stand on both his legs, a warning of the inevitable end to come.

 

After Mephistopheles watched the messenger squirm for a while, Deterrence entered. “What’s the bad news you called me for… and what’s with the slontze?” She asked.

“Stress relief from the message he delivered. It seems that Foodstock is going to push Seven Heavens over to the wonderful idea of conquering cities.”

“Sparks.” Deterrence pushed the messenger, not enough to make him fall immediately but it threw him off balance enough that he could only hold himself standing for a couple of seconds before he fell down, letting out a pained groan before he died. “We should go and shoot the actual message.”

 

Mephistopheles gave out a sight before standing up. The reassuring part had been seeing the boy being helpless under his control, him dying only cut his enjoyment short. Not that they had the time to spare on him playing around. “I’m afraid that if she already had success, shooting Foodstock won’t do much to better the situation but I have an idea on how to salvage at least some control.”

 

 

When the two of them were lead to Seven Heavens, Foodstock was already in his company. Certainly not the best case scenario. “Mephistopheles, what brings you to me yet again`” seven Heavens asked.

“You spoke highly of the breakfast your chef makes and seeing how delicious the last meal you invited me to was, I decided to take you up on the offer sooner rather than later.” Mephistopheles answered.

“Ah yes. I didn't expect you so soon but I’m sure something can be prepared for you as well but first,” Seven Heavens tossed a little figure made out of three smaller pieces linked together over, “I may have to amend something I said yesterday. Claiming dominance over the lower cities might be worthwhile after all.”

“Why the change of mind?” Deterrence asked.

“It’s just proper, don’t you think? We are something better, so we might as well spread our influence for the greater good.”

“Easy to say for you. You aren’t the one that’ll have to do most of the work. I-”
“I don’t think it is quite fair to treat his goals just like Fallzone’s greed,” Mephistopheles interrupted Deterrence. Of course they had an outline for the conversation, a bit of disagreement to appear less scripted and playing to his ego but still Deterrence looked as if she was about to break his nose and she wasn’t acting.

“It’s nice to see that I won’t have to fight you on this topic,” Seven Heavens said.                                   

“Indeed, although seeing how you are aiming for something more reasonable than Fallzone is, it’s good to know this won’t actually go down the path of war like she wants.”

“What do you mean?” Foodstock asked, stirring for the first time in the conversation. It seemed to dawn on her that at the end of this, she wouldn’t be able to report back perfectly to Fallzone.

“It’s simply the fact that the lower people aren’t aware that our rule would be for the better, meaning that they would put up resistance. Yes, we would win a war with certainty but why have our reign start with needing to rebuilt ruins? It seems that with a bit of diplomacy at least some of them should see the benefits and I imagine that’s something I can help with.”
Foodstock wanted to say something but Seven Heavens cut her off with a gesture, “Go on.”

Edited May 30, 2016 by Edgedancer

[Chandrian]

Western Australia, Day 7

Afterglow

 

The Mayor of the town circled a segment of the map with his ballpoint pen. “This area is where Bushfire is supposed to be. Hunters have reported seeing members of her group out there on occasion. You'll know you're getting closer to her territory when you see burned patches of earth scattered about” Charisma took the map back from the man. “This will be of aid to us. I think we could compensate you a bit, seeing the dire state of your town. I believe a few guns are in order, could you get them Afterglow?” Afterglow gestured to the soldiers to grab several rifles from one of the vehicles. She still kept up the facade of Charisma leading. Her time before him had been far enough away for locals to not know otherwise. The guns were inferior to what her people had, but were military-issue, and therefore a boon for the town. It's not as if they had many bullets, though - even the guns her people carried were for intimidation rather than use. A vanilla mayor, Afterglow thought, it’s a miracle another Epic hasn't come along yet. She likely would have razed the town herself had it not been one of her only clients in almost 50 kilometres.

 

Charisma

 

The two Epics faced each other, sitting in padded armchairs in the armored van. Afterglow stared at various objects, clearly trying to avoid eye contact. Charisma drummed his fingers along the rim of his wineglass, keeping the silence between them at bay. “Just say it already” Charisma said, causing her to look him in the eyes. “Excuse me?” She asked. “You clearly want to ask me something, and you're trying to dodge it. I'm guessing it's a favor, you never like being in debt to others.” He gestured towards her. “Ask away.”

 

Afterglow stared at him with a steely gaze.

“I just want to make it clear what happens if you run.”

“Excuse me?”

“We're in this for a small fortune. I've gotten to know you well enough to realize you may very well reap the rewards of our work and run. If you want to get out of this godforsaken hellhole where we live, you need me.”

He snorted, the hint of a smirk crossing his face. “Nine months and you still treat me like we've just met. I won't bolt on you, but not because you're my only option. Someone would take me in if I ran, I'd find a way out eventually. You, however” He annunciated by waving his index finger at her, “would chase me down to the ends of the Earth. Then you'd probably spend God knows how long maiming me. Not a pleasant outcome by any means.”

 

Afterglow scowled again, he'd noticed how touchy a subject her activities on the side were. They sat in silence once again, as these rides usually went. Charisma had little care of how the upcoming fight went, he merely hoped he wouldn't be once again the trophy passed between those stronger than him. If things did work out for them, he may not even join Afterglow in attempting to leave the country. With that kind of money and equipment . . .

King Charisma he thought to himself. That does sound very nice

He let idle fantasies of power and luxury distract him the rest of the way to their camp. A camp, he hoped, would soon give way to penthouses and mansions. The high life.

[Edgedancer he/him]

Eden/Hobart, Day 8

As their city was floating ever closer towards Adelaide, Mephistopheles had called the inner circle, plus Shadow Stalker hiding in his shadow, together in the stairway to heaven. A cloud chamber on the bottom of Eden designed for entry and exit from the city through Fallzone’s powers. It was the same Epic that right now kept the meeting from being as dignified as it should be.

Carelessly the Epic tossed a can of beer behind herself, where the clouds thankfully caught it silently.  Reprimanding her in any form was of course not necessary for Mephistopheles, Deterrence gladly took every chance she could get to pounce at the other Epic on her own, though she managed barely more than a scowl.

“What, you little Slontz?” Fallzone growled at Deterrence through barely hidden hostility. “Not only did I have to turn this island around but now I also need to work at the sparking elevator right after. I get to act as I sparking want or you can just jump straight down and see how much you like splattering against the ground.”

“How about-“

“Now now, no reason to start fighting,” Mephistopheles smoothly interjected. “I can understand the desire to keep this meeting reputable but Fallzone is right that she’s doing us a rather significant service. That is unless she’d prefer to postpone this whole endeavor, maybe have us move to another city altogether?”

“Spark that, I’m not giving you any time to weasel out of this whole deal.” Fallzone’s response may have been gruff but at least she eased a bit afterwards, just so there wouldn’t be an opportunity for Mephistopheles to press her on.

“Getting the unpleasantries out of the way,” Seven Heavens said. “I imagine you have more reasons on settling for Adelaide than just it being close by.”

“Quite so,” Mephistopheles answered. “For one engaging them is relatively save, even if it does come to open hostility. Neither of their High Epics has any means of getting past Deterrence and their city’s primary attack force is based around gifting, which means, even if they could bring them into the city, Deterrence could easily depower them permanently.”

“Hiding behind me again, are you?”  Deterrence said with a smug smile on her face.      

“It is your contribution to this city after all. We’d be fools not to acknowledge how valuable you are.” And it was a sad thing that that Fallzone and Seven Heavens might actually be fool enough to call her nothing more than a guard dog to her face.

“That is of course not all. The city just started making contact with others itself but is not swamped in political games yet as the likes Melbourne has become, so it is safe to assume they’ll be open for communication. The last important detail is that they’ll want to gather information about us.”

“Sounds like something we’d want to avoid, smart guy,” Fallzone interrupted. He ought to cut her tongue out one day just to shut her up.

“I do actually see why that means we should deal with Adelaide sooner rather than later.” Seven Heavens responded. “For one, it is barely a risk to us. We control the only gate into Eden and can block any other means of investigation. More than that however, word of what we are doing will spread once we start acting on the ground. Once it becomes public knowledge that we are subjugating cities, others will put forth greater resistance, even if that may be more of an annoyance than an obstacle, and a place with dedicated information gathering would be one of the earliest to notice. They may not be the only city with such an organization but that does not change the fact that it has one.”

“Fair enough. What’s your actual plan for contacting them then?” Fallzone asked.

“I’ve handpicked one of my staff that has shown a suitable finesse with words and through some work of Deterrence gifted him parts of my powers," he had also been gifted Talk's increased hearing but that was not information Mephistopheles could share freely. "That means he will have to return regularly but that should not be a problem and in the worst case scenario he is expendable anyway. Down in the city it will be his job to slowly but surely trap Necropathy and his ilk with their own words. I hope there are no objections?”

Indeed there were none.    

 

[Hemalurgic Headshot he/him]

Haven/Coober Pedy - Day 8

Covenant stood over the glowing holomap, the blue light illuminating his face in the dark room. Shown in white lines, the city of Haven spread out before him. It was like a spider's web, every passageway and corridor that wove through the subterranean metropolis. Thicker lines, much more orderly, cut through the scramble. The Tube Rails, a high speed metro. It was the only reasonable way to get around the city, and it was always on time. Hardhat made sure of that. Covenant tapped the map, and blue stars appeared at various locations. They moved along the lines methodically, never crossing paths, efficiently covering ever inch. Covenant smiled. It was satisfying to see one's work perform as intended. The stars were his Lawkeepers, the peace and stability of Haven. They were his pride and joy, just as a mechanic treasures his tools.

The lights flicked on. Covenant flinched and closed his eyes to the sudden brightness.

"Just what are you doing in here?" A melodic voice said. The sound seemed to come from everywhere at once. Covenant sighed and smiled.

He turned to see a woman posing in the doorway, wearing a glittery vermilion gown. Covenant spread out his arms. "Diva! How good to see you. You are looking quite fine today," he grinned. Diva rolled her eyes.

"Come on, don't stay cooped up in that room. I thought the Atrium would be nice today." She glanced at him, the suggestion obvious. Covenant gestured to the holomap.

"I have the security of Haven to attend to! I am the Supreme Protector! It's my job," he protested. Diva waved his cries aside. "You worry to much. There hasn't been a serious threat to our security in a year! All of the petty rebellions have been snuffed out, and the citizens have no reason to be angry! You can afford to spend some time away from that map before your eyes melt out."

Covenant sighed. There was no use arguing. Besides, she was his consort. He glanced back at the map, saw the stars patrol in their natural order, and followed Diva out the door.

They walked down the metal corridor. He had ordered the stone be plated over for "sanitation reasons". Honestly, he preferred the sleek, sterile look of the metal walls to the stone. Rows of lights on the ceiling lit the passage. Diva glanced at him, her eyes flitting over his outfit.

"You need to change into something nicer," she said. Covenant examined his clothes. It was his S.P. officer uniform, a smart blue jacket with white accents over a white dress shirt. The hollow pentagon of Haven was embroidered in gold on the jacket's left breast pocket. He wore blue slacks to match.

"There's nothing wrong with my uniform. It's a perfectly fine outfit," he said. Diva looked sidelong at him.

"It's too professional. Stiff. Cold. Wear something that shows of the handsome side of you," she replied, laying a hand on his shoulder. Covenant nodded, relenting. Why did it always seem like he bent to Diva's will while he was the one that had a knack for persuasion?

Covenant shrugged. "Alright, love, I'll dress up for you. Just give me some time to get my clothes." Diva smiled. "See you at the Atrium at--" she tucked her head down and lowered her voice. "-- sixteen hundred hours. Sharp!" Covenant raised an eyebrow, and Diva ran ahead, laughing. He watched her sparkling gown disappear down the corridor, and it was a second before he realized what happened. Oh, she was impersonating me, he thought. He smiled and shook his head as he walked towards his quarters.

4:00PM, Haven

Covenant, wearing a fitted black tuxedo, walked into the Atrium. It was a massive space, the vaulted ceiling rising high above the citizens below. A large lamp set into the ceiling imitated the sun. Four large entrances, facing east, west, north, south, were set on the sides. The vast floor was caved in the center, and the space was filled with plants. Stone paths twisted through the foliage, and at some points in the garden, it seemed like you were in a forest far away, not in a man-made cave. Fountains spouted along the periphery, and all around were strolling families enjoying their day. Obeying the law.

Covenant strode towards the center gardens, scanning the broad area for a glittering vermilion dress. He saw children playing by the fountains, a couple strolling through the garden, but his Diva was elusive as ever. He went and sat on one of the benches scattered about.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. "Boo!"

He flinched and spun around. Diva laughed, like the tinkling of glass and windchimes. "You're too tense, as always. Come on, let's have some fun," she smiled. She pulled him up and led him towards the garden. As they stepped onto the stone path, the air changed. It smelled different. Covenant glanced around, but there was no Epic using his or her powers nearby. Then what was this difference?

Diva pulled his head towards the plants. "Smell this flower. Isn't it gorgeous?" She pushed a bright blossom toward him. He inhaled, and the fragrance surged through his nostrils. He blinked, somewhat startled. The smell... was plants? He looked around at the miniature jungle. He must be spending too much time in the tunnels to forget what nature smelled like. He realized that Diva was still looking at him, so he said, "It's lovely, my dear." Diva smiled, and they continued their walk.

The diversity of flora astounded him. He had never spent too much time in the Atrium, it was Greenhouse and Stellar who oversaw its completion and recent renovation. He wasn't in charge of the Public Recreation committee! How were they able to get so many different plants? Surely not from the Overlands. No one had been up in the past six months. Perhaps they had them pre-Calamity? But why? Greenhouse was a librarian, and Stellar was a rancher. Perhaps he would have to ask...

His train of thought was broken as Diva tugged him down onto a bench. He glanced around. They were most likely in the center of the gardens. Lush green walls stretched out on every side. Diva leaned into his shoulder.

"What were you thinking about?" She whispered. "Don't look at me like that, I know when you're lost in thought."

"I was just thinking about the plants," he replied. Diva sighed. "Yes, they are quite amazing." She looked up at him, and he met her eyes. "Have you ever wondered what a real jungle is like? I never left Australia before Calamity, and there's no use now. Who knows what it's like up there?"

"Slightly organized chaos. Most of the big cities have an esta--"

"It was a rhetorical question, love. What do you think about jungles?"

Covenant thought. He pushed aside the constant nagging of security that hung in his mind and pondered the question. "I guess..." he paused. "I guess it would be like this, but much, much more. Imagine towering trees, huge masses of green, so tall they block the sun. And there are animals everywhere, in the branches, on the ground..." He trailed off.

Diva smiled. "Go on. I love it when you get like this," she said. Covenant looked down. "Okay... no, it's gone. My apologies."

Diva sighed. The imaginative Covenant was gone, to surface another day. "It's alright," she assured him. "How about we get something to eat? I'm starving."

Edited August 3, 2017 by Hemalurgic_Headshot

[Majestic he/him]

Brisbane - 2 months ago

 

Gemstone sauntered into the towering city, with only one thought in her mind: 'This place will be mine.' She had been planning for a while, ever since she received her powers from that Sparking star Calamity. Why would she not claim the city she grew up in, after all?

Chaos greeted her. Utter chaos. Mobs raced through streets, wrecking cars, smashing windows, looting, and generally causing a riot. Either the currently ruling Epic was doing a horrific job, or there was no ruling Epic.

Not yet anyway.

Gemstone flashed a grin as she shattered herself, causing a few glances her way, and shot towards Parliament House as a single speck of diamond. Nobody noticed her during her course, and she only reappeared at the entrance to the building. She could, of course, just stay in the miniature diamond form, but that was no fun, was it?

"I am Gemstone, and Brisbane is now mine!" her voice boomed through the entrance room, packed with worried officials and a couple of timid guards. "Cower before me," she continued, "and serve under me. I am unbeatable; nobody can stop me. I will be the ruler of Brisbane, and all of you my servants!"

A gunshot.

Gemstone's form cracked, and one of her arms went flying across the room before hitting a wall and smashing into quartz. Scowling, she located the source, and discovered a trembling girl with a mop of red hair facing her. The gun in her hand dropped to the floor.

"Well, well, well, already we have a traitor. You know what happens to traitors, girl?" Gemstone asked. Returning to her cool state, she lazily held out an arm to the attacker. A mass of precious crystals unloaded from the fingertips. Once they reached the girl, she was promptly transformed into a shining statue of glittering stones. "That's what. Anybody else?"

Nobody so much as moved a muscle.

"Good." And with a satisfied smile, Gemstone made her way to the most important room she could see, flopped in the luxurious chair, and created an empire.

 

 

Brisbane - Day 6

 

"You ready, Phase?" Liz Banner, known by most as Mother Nature, asked her partner.

"Sure as Sparks, Liz," replied Anthony 'Phase' Hill. "Let's get to it."

 

The two overlooked Brisbane, a place recently claimed by an Epic named Gemstone. Her rule was generally seen as tyrannical, if only because each time she was challenged by another Epic (which happened a lot) her 'Iron Fist' became rougher, stronger, and tougher. True, the subjects weren't miserable, but 'happy' also didn't fit it. Phase and Nature were intent on changing that.

All they had to do was assassinate a High Epic.

"And we are good to go," Phase reported, earning a quick fist bump, before becoming incorporeal. Nature created an illusion in return, where onlookers would believe they were simply observing a leaf floating around. They were a great team.

Five minutes later, and they were already in Gemstone's favoured room, the wide area where she made new laws and sometimes relaxed.

 

As Nature stuffed the three unconscious guards into a wardrobe, Phase studied the room for any signs of Gemstone. Another scan, and a third. Gemstone wasn't to be seen.

"Uh, Nature, do we have the wrong room? Gem isn't here. But those gua--..."

Phase was cut off as a shard of something green and shiny shot into his thigh, resulting in a cry of alarm and a sudden wave of pain. Nature was quick to his aide, healing the wound at quick speeds, as the queen of Brisbane, Gemstone, returned to her human state.

"Well, that was quite a pleasant surprise," Gemstone smirked, "but I'm afraid you don't have permission to be in this room. I also liked those guards. Shame. Well, time to die." Her hands fired some more sharp emerald stones, but Phase had recovered enough to turn invisible, so they simply embedded themselves in the marble door. Nature was also combining some nearby plants to create a deadly weapon of some sort, so Gemstone turned her attention to her. Any fired projectiles quickly popped back of out Nature's skin, infuriating Gemstone.

All this happened in half a second, the same time it took for Phase to reach Gemstone. His muscled body became visible again, and he reached out to touch Gemstone. His Primary Power enabled him to touch any person, and they would slowly fade away. To where, nobody knew, not even Phase. But hopefully, it worked fine enough.

Aaaaand Gemstone just shattered, reappearing in the corner of the same room. Of course. Her Prime Invincibility.

Phase mentally facepalmed as Gemstone addressed her foes, "Did you think that would be enough to hurt me? I am more powerful than Calamity himself! I am a--"

Nature shot her in the face with a flowery bazooka.

Obviously, it wasn't enough to kill Gemstone, so she was merely thrown to the side. Face seething with disgust, her face contorted into a snarl and she raised both her arms, prepared to crush two Epics to oblivion.

Uh oh.

Another fire from the crude bazooka sent Gemstone sprawling across the room, with subsequent rounds clearly injuring her more and more.

That is, until she decided to shatter, reforming completely unharmed and practically emanating an aura of ultimate power.

Phase and Nature would have both been dead by this point, if they hadn't come prepared. A lot of research had led to Gemstone's possible weakness. Phase figured now was the time to use it. Why not earlier? Because if they were wrong then they would definitely be dead. If it was wrong now, then yes they would be dead, but they had no other choice. Therefore, as the leader, Phase made the decision.

He managed one quick signal before being ripped to shreds by gem shrapnel.

Nature screamed in shock, but understood the sign and summoned a daisy through her power.

A daisy.

Gemstone suddenly stopped advancing towards Nature and instead began stammering. "P-p-put that, that, that THING away, right now, or I'll end your miserable life even slower!"

Nature's lips pulled upwards at the edges, and she thrust the daisy towards Gemstone even more, which resulted in Gemstone sneezing.

"See this, Gemstone? It might look like a simple flower to most, but we know the truth. It's your weakness, isn't it?" By now Nature was backing away, edging to the wall, a layer of fear pasted over her once arrogant face. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put you down right now."

"W-we-well, umm, because I'm human too?" Gemstone replied, but suddenly her face was sneering and condescending. "Oh, and because your friend will bleed out," she added, pointing at the still form of Phase.

Nature looked over her shoulder, memories flooding back, and whispered, "Slontze," before rushing back to Phase. Thankfully, he was still breathing. Nature rapidly returned him to full health, and strode back to Gem once more, who had abandoned her bravado and looked on in horror. Daisies sprung into life everywhere.

"Ok, ok, fine, I will serve under you! Please don't kill me!" she pled, tears freely falling now. "Look, I can make you rich! Just think. I can create all the gems I want. Brisbane can be the wealthiest city in all of Australia, with you as head. A life of luxury! Just please, please don't kill me."

Nature pondered for a moment, weighing up the consequences, and finally sighed, "Fine. You can stay. But if I ever catch sight of you misbehaving, I'm sure I will not be so forgiving."

And with a flourish, her and Phase exited the room, leaving behind a bed of daisies and a whimpering Gemstone.

[Hemalurgic Headshot he/him]

Coober Pedy - Three months after Calamity

"Are you willing to come under the terms of the accord?"

Steven Lao, or Covenant, as he decided to call himself, sat across the circular table, hands folded on its surface. Facing him was Sandstorm, a wind-specialist weather Epic that had been roughing up the outlying settlements of Coober Pedy. Hardhat stood near by, monitoring the various weapons systems of his own design that lined the room. All of them were trained on Sandstorm.

Sandstorm scowled. "What do you think you're trying to accomplish? There is no law now, the world's in shambles! There's nothing you can do to stop it." He spat. Covenant frowned. Taking a handkerchief, he wiped the spittle off the table. Sandstorm continued, "If you think that you can rope me or any other Epic in his right mind into this crazy pact, you're dead wrong."

Covenant regarded him stoically. Sandstorm sneered back. Finally, Covenant sighed and turned to face the wall.

"Unfortunately Sandstorm, the law will not go away if you ignore it. It is very real, and exists here in Coober Pedy. Your neglect will not make it any less potent." Covenant spun around to stare Sandstorm in the eyes. "Rather, it will make it all the more potent. You are guilty of trespass, assault, breaking and entering, verbal harassment, littering (on multiple occasions), property damage, leaving the scene of a crime in all of these accounts, use of Epic powers without official consent, and evading the police. Do not think that you will be let off with a mere warning." Covenant leaned closer to Sandstorm's face, with the intensity of a mountain. "You are held at the sword of justice, Sandstorm. And you are looking at its wielder."

Sandstorm gulped. Covenant backed away.

"Fortunately for you, none of those are capital offenses. However, the frequency of your violations does not warrant any mercy. I'd much prefer that you work with us, but justice must be fulfilled. Perhaps your mood will change after you've seen prison. I sentence you to twelve years of prison under constant surveillance, generously punctuated with community service. My judgement stands indefinitely until further notice. Hardhat, please escort the prisoner to his cell," Covenant said.

With a nod, Hardhat produced a set of thick manacles which he set around Sandstorm's wrists. He then placed a band around his neck and led Sandstorm out of the room. Covenant remained motionless until the sound of their footsteps had disappeared down the hall. With a sigh, he sank into his chair. He ran his fingers through his hair and gazed at the ceiling. There was just so much to do and seemingly not enough hours in the day. His resources were stretched to the limit trying to break down crime, and it didn't seem to be getting any better. Even worse (or at times it seemed), flocks of refugees appeared every week, dragged on rumors of a promised city of order. The poor folks hailed from across Australia, and beyond. It was exhausting accommodating them all, but with the extra help, the tunnel system had seen great progress. It was just too much for one man to bear.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Covenant called. It opened, and Stellar walked in. An energy Epic, Covenant had set her to work on developing a sustainable power source for the new city underground. If his plan worked, and he hoped it would, then Coober Pedy would be an oasis of peace in a desert of chaos. If only he could keep it together...

"Sir, I just came to inform you that the project has been going along swell. I take it that you're unoccupied at the moment?" She asked from the doorway. Covenant nodded and gestured to one of the seats at the table. Stellar sat.

"So sir, I found some engineers among the refugees and put them into my team. They're really brilliant; so far we have a system to capture and store energy and use it as electricity. Don't ask me how it works, I have no clue. Um sir, I was wondering, did you intend for me to be the power source?" Stellar looked very concerned. Covenant tilted his head and glanced at the ceiling.

"Yes, that was my intention... is there a problem?"

"Oh, um, no... not really... It's just that for a second I felt used, exploited, et cetera. But I guess that's alright. I guess. How would you handle the power rage?" Stellar asked.

Covenant spread his hands. "Simply keep yourself within the confined space of the energy collector, or whatever contraption your engineers have cooked up, and make sure workers are a safe distance away from you. Hopefully we won't need you to constantly be generating energy, so the effects will be minimized." Stellar nodded, understanding. She stood and headed towards the door. She paused and turned back.

"Oh, one more thing, sir. There's an Epic waiting for you outside."

Covenant gaped. "WHAT?! I- I mean how did I not detect him? How--"

"It's a she, sir. She hasn't broken any laws, and didn't trespass because she claims to be a refugee so we treated her as such," Stellar explained. Covenant ran his fingers through his hair, shaking his head. Stellar left the room, but peeked her head back in.

"Her name is Diva, by the way."

[Majestic he/him]

Brisbane - Day 8

 

Mother Nature was a very satisfied Epic.

Shortly after her claim to the throne, she had issued out a call that any Epics with a powerset relating to Earth's natural disasters would be welcome on her Table of Evil Nature (TEN), to serve under her. Wild success was, obviously, imminent, and Nature could not have been happier.

The first Epic to arrive called himself Twister. He could alter air currents and create swirling vortexes (tornadoes) on ground, in fire, on sea, and even under the sea. In addition, Twister could control these as he pleased, which made him a very valuable asset. He was a young lad, with black hair and an eager face.

After that had been the Slide Twins - Avalanche and Landslide, who could disrupt snow mounds and conjure up boulders, respectively. Neither were as powerful as Twister, but still they seemed rather useful, so Nature allowed them on the TEN. Avalanche was a middle-age woman with completely white hair, and white everything to match. Landslide preferred a more laid-back approach, with jeans and a superhero t-shirt. His muddy hair was slicked back, and he held himself quite arrogantly.

That was it for the day, but all-in-all, Mother Nature was pleased with the advancement.

A short, balding man rushed into the room. "Mother," he huffed, "there have been reports of an Epic in Coober Pedy. His name is Sandstorm. Supposedly he can control the weather and, maybe, sand along with it. Civilians say he was a kind of outlaw there, but we're not sure. Apparently, he is a rather strong Epic." The man finished with a small smile, and accepted the generous offer of a chair to rest on.

"Very good, Nightwatch," she replied, "you will be rewarded for your finds."

The balding man, Nightwatch, smiled again.

"Well," Nature continued, turning to Phase, who was standing silently in the corner as her bodyguard, "do you reckon we should try to help him escape? He could end up very useful."

"My opinion? I'm not sure. While he may be powerful, do we really want to risk the small number we have trying to bail him out?"

Nature thought for half a second, weighing up the odds. "Hmm, fine. Not yet. We'll wait a week or two, improve our numbers and army, and then we'll see. As for you," she pointed at Nightwatch, "your every need shall be taken care of. Just ask the guards." Nightwatch thanked her and left the room. Even now, Mother Nature looked out the window and noticed a water Epic displaying her power as she floated to the newly reformed Mother HQ.

 

Mother Nature was a very satisfied Epic.

[Hemalurgic Headshot he/him]

Haven/Coober Pedy - Day 8

The sky lamps in the plazas had dimmed hours ago, simulating night. Covenant walked to a lift and punched a code into the key panel. Slowly, the platform sank down. He leaned against the wall as the lift descended, the low whirring of the motor filling the small compartment. At last, there was a quiet ding, and the doors opened. Covenant stepped out.

This was the Basement, the lowest level of Haven. Secretly lying beneath the city, it was the heart of the Council's operations. A secondary conference room was located down here in the case of an emergency, along with the massive farms that fed the city, courtesy of Greenhouse. The tunnels connected with the water table here too, so pumps and pipes were scattered about to control the water systems. Most importantly to Covenant, the Lawkeeper barracks and prison was located here. That was where he was headed.

He strode down the hallway, starkly lit by a line of lights in the ceiling. Occasionally, signs directed where facilities were located, but they were infrequent. Anyone that came down here knew exactly where they were going. Covenant took a left at a crossroads and continued down the corridor.

Eventually he reached a door, made of thick steel. He pressed his hand onto the pad beside it, and with a whoosh, the door slid open. Air rushed out of the opened space. Covenant strode through and the door closed behind him. The prison had three levels, five aisles to a level, and twenty cells on either side of each aisle. Most of the prisoners were from the first year of Haven, when everyone was still transitioning to a peaceful society. Two Lawkeepers patrolled each level, but there hadn't been a breakout in over a year. The consequences of that quickly extinguished any thoughts of escape. The Lawkeeper, in his proud blue armor suit, saluted as Covenant passed by. He nodded. He strolled down the aisle, glancing at the cells. He remembered them all, each crime, each criminal. Diva sometimes mentioned that she thought it was sad that the prisoners had to spend their days in paradise in chains. Covenant supposed it was unfortunate, but justice cannot be avoided. Besides, most of the prisoners on this level were due to be released in a year or two. Their crimes weren't as severe as others, but they had caused discontent in the city. A few of the cells were vacant; they had been released a few days before. Covenant had seen them wander off into Haven, the halo of freedom glowing on their faces.

He took the stairs down. He skipped the second floor, there was not much to see there. Most of the were revolutionaries and rebels, terrorists from the first year. Any others on that level were either murderers or had accumulated several serious crimes. They wouldn't be seeing much of the world for many years yet. The scene changed as he descended to the third level. He passed a layer of lead set into the stone beside him. It covered the entire prison, and the walls too. The walls were plated with metal. When Covenant reached the bottom of the stairs, two Lawkeepers stood in front of the blast door. Covenant pressed his hand to the pad on the wall and punched the several digit access code. The light above the door flashed green, and the Lawkeepers saluted him, stepping aside. With a whoosh, the blast door opened.

This was the Epic level. There were forty cells on this level, each heavily armored and under constant surveillance. No Lawkeepers patrolled past the blast door, but mounted guns moved through the aisles on tracks in the ceiling. A little treat of Hardhat's. Any false move, attempted escape, and the guns would open fire. No High Epics were kept here, so death was a certainty. Covenant strode down the narrow space that ran between the cells. Meter-thick walls separated him from each prisoner, and a reinforced window about the size of a piece of paper allowed him view. He recited their names in his head as he passed.

Cartwheel: extraordinary gymnastic abilities. Relatively weak Epic. Detained for murder by strangling, trespass, and use of Epic powers without official consent.

Whetstone: Can give anything a sharp edge. Definitely more dangerous than Cartwheel. Detained for mass murder, trespass, evading the police, breaking and entering, grand theft auto, and use of Epic powers without official consent.

Teapot: Can make a "perfect" cup of tea, can shoot boiling water from hands. Weak except for water. Detained for aggravated assault, evading the police, and use of Epic powers without official consent.

Amperos: Electricity manipulation. Quite powerful. Detained for terroristic acts, murder by electrocution, evading the police, trespass, and use of Epic powers without official consent.

...

Covenant stopped by every cell. Usually, the Epic gave him a disdainful look before turning away. Other times, the look was pleading. Covenant ignored it all. He assigned them all to community service according to their abilities. They do fine work. Covenant came to the final cell, the first Epic to refuse the pact.

Sandstorm.

Covenant gazed through the small window at the cell. Bare floor, cot in the corner, self-cleaning toilet in the other. That was an ingenious invention of Hardhat's. Sandstorm sat on his cot, twirling his fingers. Covenant knew he was trying to make a breeze. He also knew he was failing. The band on his head restricted his powers. Even if he did manage to do anything, it would be extremely weak. It would also be illegal. Sandstorm scowled and dropped his hands, frustrated at another failure. He turned to see Covenant at the window and sneered. Covenant shook his head. He activated the speaker in the cell through his earpiece.

"Still resilient, I see," Covenant's voice came through the speaker. Sandstorm folded his arms.

"Only way I'll keep my head in this place. How's your crazy plan coming along?" His voice was picked up by the mics hidden in the cell.

"Swimmingly. It is a shame you refused to join us."

"And lose my freedom? Pah!"

"You don't look very free to me."

"... but I'm still my own man. All the others in your plan are just slaves."

"No, they are free within the law. I assure you, I did not strip away their choice."

"Lies! Ugh... doesn't it seem we have this conversation every time?"

"Sure does. I'd think that'd change if you agreed to the pact--"

"Which you know I won't."

"It was worth a try. Goodbye Sandstorm. Think it over."

Covenant shut off the speaker and walked away. Sandstorm was too stubborn, but that will change with time. He still has nine years left to think it over. Covenant punched in the access code, pressed his hand, and the door opened. He turned to the Lawkeepers as the door shut. "Don't forget to change the code. Good work," he said, and climbed the stairs.

[Majestic he/him]

Sydney - 2 weeks after Calamity

 

Screams.

Pain.

Screams.

Pain.

 

Liz Banner attempted to muffle the noises of death itself as she huddled in the corner of her room. Tears escaped her eyes and her whole body wouldn't stop trembling. Why did she think her family was safe? Why would she think anybody was safe? This Sparking country was never since, not since Sparking Calamity appeared. Sparking Sparkity SPARKS!

She let out another roar of agony, as memories entered her mind unbidden.

That unnamed Epic waltzing into her town. He didn't seem to want to cause trouble. Then he proceeded to murder innocent civilians, people she had known for a little over 15 years. Her dad had ushered the family into the house : Liz, her mum, her two brothers.

Her family. Dead.

Liz knew she wanted revenge, but how could a little child harm a High Epic?

5 minutes passed, 10 minutes, 20, 2 hours went by and still Liz sobbed, body heaving with loss. Why her? Why her family? Why that time? WHY?!

The china collection smashed as she chucked it against the wall. No parents. No family. No friends. She would die if she stayed like this. But, for once, Liz Tanner did not care.

I can help you.

Liz jumped with shock at the unexpected voice. "Who's there?" she asked, worry mixed in to her speech. Her hand located a small box she kept her treasures in, prepared.

But she couldn't see.

Her eyes were clearly open, but... there was only blackness. Infinite blackness...

And in the centre of that blackness was a too familiar shape. Red. A red circle against a canvas of black.

Calamity.

She didn't realise Calamity could speak. Could it? Perhaps her mind was deceiving her.

But the figure was unmistakeable. Even as her mind whirred, she felt invited. Invited to what?

Power. Unimaginable power. Liz could see it. Power. Glory. Restoration. Justice. Her mental hand reached out to grab it...

Corpses.

Liz recoiled in disgust, but it was too late. A bright flash, and she was back in her drab room, sitting in the corner. Only this time, she could feel a well of power inside of her. She reached into that well.

Without thinking, she outstretched her palms to grab a few plants, the only hint of life in the bedroom. Her fingers moved of her own accord, and a short while later, she had fashioned a curious little object that looked similar to a sword. Liz span it around and accidentally cut a tiny ball in half.

What the Sparks...

Headed downstairs, she nabbed a few more plant-based ornaments. By the time she was out the door, her armoury also included a shotgun. A shotgun purely made from sunflowers. And, interestingly, it seemed to fire seed pellets.

Let's see what else I can do.

Without thinking, she turned herself into a rose.

Wait, what? she thought, before returning back. Did I literally just do that? She tried again, successfully, but noting that focusing hard enough enabled her to see her own fingers. Huh, only an illusion.

Why she also wanted to behead some people, she had no idea.

A rampage was soon under way, and Liz discovered she had healing abilities and could summon plants at will. Not control them, but it was still enough. With unmatched glee, she bounded away, adopting the moniker Mother Nature, and levelled some towns on her way to find her family's murderer.

[Hemalurgic Headshot he/him]

Singapore - Day of Calamity

KABOOMSHHHSHHHCRRASH!

The office building across the street collapsed in one terrific cloud of dust, the rumble like a million drums in a thunderstorm. Steven Lao stared breathless from the window of his small office, eyes wide in terror. A crimson blur sped past the window, and Steven ducked. There was a flash of green outside, followed by a loud explosion. The street was a mess of smashed cars and rubble. Frantic civilians fled for cover. Some were trapped under slabs of concrete or inside cars. It was a scene of absolute destruction.

Steven's office was too far up for him to hear the screams, which was good. He didn't want to. He backed away from the window and grabbed his mug of coffee. His hands were shaking so much he spilled it all down his shirt. Oblivious to that, he set the mug aside and fumbled with the door handle, then stumbled into the hallway. This had to be a dream, a very bad dream. He was just an accountant with a tidy office job. He paid the bills, followed the rules, was friends with his boss, Mr. Xao. It just couldn't be happening, couldn't be...

RUMMBBLEE.... crrrcCRAAASSHH!!!

Steven leaped to the side just in time, snapping into focus. The upper floor caved in, sending down a shower of dust and concrete. There were screams upstairs, the IT department. Steven gazed up into the hole in the ceiling. The dust settled. Then someone was flung across the gap and disappeared from view on the other side. Steven gave a silent gasp. He pressed himself up against the wall, glanced around, and pulled the decorative plant in front of him. Heavy footsteps sounded up above, shaking loose dust from the ceiling. They got closer, louder, until a massive figure appeared at the edge of the hole. Twice the size of a normal man with hulking arms and a beefy torso, the being scanned the wreckage. Steven stood completely still, too scared to even think. The thing smiled gruesomely and chuckled, a terrible rumbling sound. Bloodlust glinted in its eyes. Then it smashed through the wall, sending a shower of dust and disappeared from sight. Steven waited, lungs yearning for air he wouldn't dare breathe. Seconds passed, and he sighed in relief. He glanced down the hall; he had to get out of here.

The elevator was out of order, so Steven took the stairs. Down and down the steps spiraled. Occasionally, sections of the wall were missing, chunks of it scattered on the steps. Steven carefully walked around them. He sped down the flights of stairs, all the way to the parking garage in the basement. The garage was dark, the electricity shorted out. Steven fumbled in his pocket for his keys, then pressed a button. Far across the darkness, his car's lights blinked. He dashed for the car. As he ran, explosions sounded on the surface. The ground shook. Now and again, he would blink the car lights to check where he was. Finally, he reached his vehicle and jumped inside. He turned the ignition and backed out, carefully navigating out of the parking garage. A tunnel led to the street on the other side of the building, he just hoped it was clear. Sunlight poured into the tunnel up ahead. It took his eyes a second to adjust, and then he gasped. A chunk of stone was blocking half of the exit. There was a possibility that he could get through, but it wasn't likely. Another explosion rumbled overhead.

Steven made up his mind. He slammed down on the accelerator and charged the gap and the light. The stone approached, faster and faster. Steven braced for impact.

With a screech of metal, the side mirror was ripped off. Steven expected the side of the car was trashed as well. But he was out! Quickly, he scanned the road. Most of the lanes were blocked by rubble or totaled cars, but there! Third lane on the left was clear. He swerved for it. The road was blocked up ahead, so he turned into a side alley. A chain link fence blocked the way, but he just charged through it. The alley ended up ahead, and he turned right. Several cars were piled up in front of him, but there was a concrete median. He pulled onto it and maneuvered around the crash. People ran past on the sidewalk, some of them surprised to see a bright yellow Prius zooming down the street.

Steven looked up ahead. He had to get to the expressway. There was an access ramp up ahead on the right, hopefully it was clear. He rounded the corner and yes, the ramp was clear. He pressed on the gas--

KABOOM

The road beside him exploded, rocking the car. He swerved to avoid it, but crashed into a parked car on the side of the street. It smashed the other side of his vehicle, but it could still drive. Steven checked the rear-view mirror. An angry, red-suited figure floated behind him above the street. A violent red orb began to form in his hands. The figure prepared to throw, and Steven gunned the accelerator. Behind him, the parked car exploded in a plume of flame. The figure swooped towards him, and Steven swerved onto the access ramp. The figure flew past, faked-out by the abrupt turn. Steven grinned triumphantly, but the red figure was still in pursuit.

The expressway was a mess. Abandoned cars were everywhere, and gaping holes pocked the road. Steven weaved around some cars and onto the median, which was thankfully clear. A car to the right exploded. Steven glanced out the window to see the red figure preparing another orb. There was a clear section up ahead, and he swerved towards it. The orb left a smoking crater on the median where he would have gone. Steven glanced up ahead. The expressway entered a bridge across the river. In the distance, plumes of smoke drifted into the sky. He had to lose the red freak somehow...

A large chunk out of the railing was blasted off beside him. Steven pulled the car back onto the median, just in time to avoid a large pileup of cars. He glanced in the mirror. The red figure was still following him. The bridge was up ahead. Steven pushed the car harder. The speedometer needle wobbled into the red zone. He glanced back. The red figure was preparing another orb. Steven checked the road... just in time to swerve into the lane as the median abruptly ended where the bridge started. He dodged a smashed car and glanced back at the red figure. Why hadn't he thrown the orb yet?

Steven gasped. The orb was enormous, cackling above the figure's head. With a tremendous heave, he threw the orb. Steven swerved, but it flew past the car.

Right into the bridge in front of him.

KABOOOOSH!

In a bright crimson flash, the section of bridge crumbled, temporarily blinding Steven. He slammed on the brakes, but he was going too fast. The car careened over the edge and plummeted towards the river. Steven closed his eyes.

So this is how it all ends...

...

A bright red sphere, suspended in a sea of black.

Look into the sphere.

And it spoke to him.

Humans... foolish, disrespectful, disobedient. Vermin.

Justice yearns for its price.

Destroy them.

Steven's eyes shot open. It was blinding, everything! He could see, sense... he knew where they were. What they had done. Murder, murder, murder, destruction, murder...

It gave him strength. 

In a second, everything happened. He smashed out of the car, tearing it apart like tissue. He was still falling, so he leaped. A great arc, powered by his legs, through the air. Criminals everywhere, he could spot them.

The red figure was near, murderer. He would feel justice.

Steven charged towards him, becoming a blur. The red figure didn't see it coming. Steven deliver a crushing punch to his back, sending the broken corpse sailing across the skyline. So many crimes pounded at his head. 800 meters. 1000 meters. Kill Kill KILL.

He ran towards them, the cowering criminals staring up at him as he vaporized them with beams from his hands. They were all guilty, all guilty. He punished them all. He sensed his office building. 1500 meters. Mass murderer. The hulking figure that wreck the IT department was going to pay for its crimes. Steven sped towards the building, jumping through the window and through a couple walls. It couldn't hurt him, nothing could stop justice. Steven smashed through the wall, the beefy monster turning to face him. It smiled.

"A challenger for Benchpress? I will crush you like a bug."

Steven frowned. "You will pay for your crimes," he said. He raised his hands and shot blinding white light at Benchpress. It screamed, and the smell of seared flesh. Steven growled, and the beams of death intensified, melting through muscle like it didn't exist. Soon Benchpress was a pile of ash on the floor.

Steven focused. The city was crawling with criminals. They all had to pay. He jumped up, smashing through the building, and began to prey on the guilty.

...

Hours later, Steven regained consciousness. Or maybe he had been conscious the whole time. He didn't like to think about it. He sat near the pier, watching the waves. It was night. He needed to get away, away from here, away from what he had done. How?

He glanced down the waterline. There was a boat docked nearby. Excellent. He walked towards it. As he walked down the dock to the boat, a man scrambled out and pointed a gun at him.

"Don't come any closer! I'll shoot!" The man shouted. Steven held his hands in the air. Owning a firearm was illegal, but Steven tried to ignore the nagging in his mind.

"I just want to escape. I won't harm you. I noticed you had a boat. Could we use it to get away?" Steven asked. The man lowered the gun, but didn't put it away. 

"It's not my boat, I was just hiding out in it. I don't know how to drive, err, sail it anyways. Tough luck," the man said. Steven stepped closer. The man's grip tightened on the gun.

"Maybe I can take a look. If we can get out of here, all the better. May I come aboard?" Steven suggested. The man narrowed his eyes, but relented. Steven walked down to the cabin and considered the controls. The man came over and pointed.

"The thing is, I don't have the keys to this thing. So we can't start it. If you can come up with a genius way to get it going, then say goodbye to Singapore. Tell me if you come up with anything," he said, and walked out. Steven looked over the controls again, then searched through the compartments. There was a screwdriver in one, so he removed the panel under the dashboard. Theoretically, if he did this...

After a few attempts, the engine sputtered to life. The man rushed back in.

"You did it?! Amazing! Well then, you take the controls, you certainly know what you're doing." He looked back at the city. "Goodbye, Singapore!" he called. Steven smiled. It was time to get away.

Edited August 3, 2017 by Hemalurgic_Headshot

[Majestic he/him]

Corfe - 3 weeks after Calamity

 

Ding.

Aeroplane. Boarding for Australia. Anthony Hill felt lucky there was an Epic willing to soar them through the skies to the huge, populous country. The small fee was doable, and the deal felt great. Why was he leaving? Well, quite simply, Anthony was sick of England. Too many dominating Epics and city-destroying fights between the insensitive Slontzes. Rumours were passed that Oz welcomed anybody, and from the looks of it, Anthony was prepared to believe that. So many sights!

Ding.

This is your Captain, Metalbird, speaking. If you've ever been on a plane before you know the drill. For those who don't, you have a lifejacket underneath your seat and an oxygen mask above you. These are just a few safety features aboard my lovely flight. Sit back and enjoy, ladies and gentlemen, and I'll see you all in Australia.

Ding.

Anthony did just so. Relaxing into the luxurious, leather seat helped him to blissfully release. The tall fellow next to him was already snoring. Poor guy. Probably spent countless nights working to support his family. If he had a family, that was. Anthony's lived somewhere in the US. They still managed to chat, which was nice, and it reassured Anthony immensely.

After lift-off, the ride was barely eventful. The most that happened was a portion of turbulence in the first 30 minutes, which the Captain assured was only the wind.

Anthony caught the eye of his neighbour, who was awake and alert now. Anthony made the first move to break the ice. "Hi," he began, "I'm Anthony. And you are?"

"Bill," the man replied, "Bill Faren. I'm a journalist. My travel to Australia is strictly formal." But Anthony caught the quick wink and the gleam in the man's eye.

Wow. Those were extremely blue eyes. How had he not noticed that before?

"That's cool, Bill. I don't exactly have a single job. I mostly do odd work for the Corfe community, here and there."

"Awesome. I love the UK. Do you--"

Ding, Bill was promptly cut off.

This is Metalbird speaking. If you look out of your windows you might see Australia. Repeat, we have entered Australia.

A general cheer erupted from the passengers, and Anthony joined in, feeding upon the beaming faces. Not literally. Mentally.

We should arrive at our destination in a quarter of an hour or so. Refreshments will be available shortly. If you would like...

The Captain trailed off mid-sentence. Anthony frowned. Why did he stop? What was happening? Bill looked a bit nervous now too. What had caused Metalbird to halt the short speech?

His queries were answered as a trail of maroon blazed across the window. Another frown. What was that? Was that an Epic? Wonder soon turned to worry as the implications of that question became apparent. If that's an Epic we're probably going to die...

Utter, and complete, silence. The peace before the storm.

That was when the screaming began.

Anthony removed his seatbelt and slid towards the cockpit. Slid because the plane was visibly nose dipping. Sweaty palms opened the door, and when Anthony peered inside, he was greeted with nothing.

Nothing, of course, except the ground below, which was edging closer and closer.

"Everybody!" he screamed once back in the body of the plane, "This plane is going to crash! Brace for impact! Do anything you can to--"

The left side of the vehicle ripped away, a bunch of terrified passengers including Bill along with it. A huge roar sounded. The unattached wing sliced through the air, smashing into trees and bushes. Chaos ensued. Anthony knew this was the end.

The tail vanished, taking the back part of the aeroplane with it. Soon after the right area was gone too. Only Anthony and a few lucky people were still alive.

Not for long...

As fate zoomed ever closer, all Anthony could hope for was leaping from the plane last second. It would probably explode, anyway, incinerating him.

A mental countdown started.

10...

"Be prepared to jump, guys!"

9...

The doubtful group just stared at him like he was crazy. They were most certainly correct.

8...

"Sparks, just do it!"

7...

Nothing. Blatant lack of survival instincts.

6...

"Fine, I'll save myself."

5...

Air rushing by as Anthony prepared his run-up.

4...

I love you, Mum and Dad...

3...

Eyes open. Breaths steady.

2...

Ready, ready...

1...

NOW!

He sprinted the short distance and leaped.

It wasn't enough. Anthony was propelled forwards by the blast, clothes melting thanks to the heat. When in contact with the ground he slid a short way and finally came to rest near a shrubbery.

Anthony groaned as he rolled over to check for wounds. Yep, there were plenty. Huge gash on his right leg. On his arm he could glimpse bone. Severe burns covered his body. Sparks, he couldn't see out of one eye.

So this was it. After everything, he was still going to die.

The minutes rolled on slowly and painfully. Anthony didn't know when he would die. Eventually, unconsciousness beckoned him, and he gratefully accepted the offer.

"Sparks!" a woman yelled in his ear, noting the wreckage of the plane. "Are you okay? Don't move! Sparks, man!"

Anthony could only croak, "No survivors," before the darkness consumed him.

[Hemalurgic Headshot he/him]

Haven/Coober Pedy - Day 8-9

Why don't you come stay at my place? Diva asked. She had such a charming smile. He smiled too. Sure. Let me make one stop first. She rolled her eyes. Oh well, as long as you aren't back too late.

Back too late.

Back too late.

Back too

Late

...

Covenant jolted awake. The room was dark, and he could hear Diva's soft breathing beside him. And also a beeping. He glanced around with groggy eyes. The earpiece!

He fumbled for his earpiece. Where was it?! There, on the nightstand, vibrating wildly. He hastily put it on.

"Sir, sir, this is Optic team. Surveillance has disruptions at Locus 2-9478. We contacted Hardhat, and he confirms something's amiss. We suspect it's an Epic." Covenant's eyes widened, sleep forgotten. But it hadn't hurt anyone?

"Thank you. I will deploy Lawkeepers immediately. Good work." Covenant quickly switched channels. Epics acting out of line?

"All Lawkeepers! All Lawkeepers! New Epic! Report to..." Covenant paused, concentrating. "Locus 2-9478! I repeat, new Epic, all Lawkeepers report to Locus 2-9478! Be prepared for anything. Target is stationary, prevent civilian access to red zone! Move out!" He quickly switched channels.

"Hardhat! Hardhat! Please, please, please have your earpiece on..." Sometimes he forgot to have it with him.

"Aye, boss. Hear you loud and clear."

"Hardhat, we have an Epic situation. We need the Bands. Do you have any?"

"I know, was just there with the Eye Boys. Err... let me check. Been a while since any Epics shown up. Sent out the Lawkeepers?"

"Already on the go. They'll be there when you arrive. Help them out, will you?"

Beside him, Diva shifted. Covenant tensed.

"What, you won't be there on the scene? I mean, it's an Epic and all..."

Covenant glanced at Diva's sleeping body. "I'm a little busy at the moment. I'll keep watch on the situation. If it gets hairy, I'll intervene. The Lawkeepers are trained well, I think they can handle it."

"Alright. Over and out, boss." The connection closed. Covenant sighed, and sank back into bed. He stared at the ceiling. 

---

Raymond charged off the Lawkeeper rail with the rest of his squad outside Locus 2-9478. He set his heavy rife to tranquilizer mode, in unison with his fellow Lawkeepers. They all knew the drill. Get in, neutralize the target, lock him, or her, up. Be precise, be efficient, be effective. More Lawkeepers would be arriving momentarily, but they had arrived first. The situation was a new Epic, according to the Supreme Protector. Abilities were unknown, identity was unknown. They were in this with just their instincts and training. Raymond grinned. It was just the way he liked it.

Locus 2-9478 was a residential structure, cut directly into the stone except for a small exterior porch-like area. No other entrances except for the main front one, which they were currently surrounding. The Lawkeepers moved in sync, sneaking silently across the ground mid-crouch. Raymond trained his ears on the house. No noise. Odd, he thought. If there was an Epic, surely there was to be some sort of commotion. He glanced at his squadmates and approached the door. With a solid kick, he knocked it down with a thud. The rest filed in, filling the small front room with their thick armor.

Raymond whispered, "They must all be sleeping." Gomez nodded. "Yeah, no wonder. Get ready," he said. They raised their rifles and dispersed, checking rooms. A kitchen, dining room, a bedroom with sleeping inhabitant. Soon all of the rooms on the main level had been searched. They met back in the main room, just as another squad arrived. 

"Where's the Epic?" The foremost Lawkeepers, Williams, it sounded like, whispered. 

"There's an upper level. Must be up there," Raymond replied. "I'll go first. Follow close." He walked over to the stairs and looked up. There was a door at the top. He glanced down at the Lawkeepers assembled in the front room, and ascended.

Readying his rifle, he slammed into the door, knocking it down. And stopped. The room was almost entirely engulfed inside a large field, marked by a slight pinkness to everything within. It looked as if a tornado had swept through the room, knocking everything around. Yet everything within the field was suspended in the air, as if caught in a single moment. Raymond looked closely at everything in the room. He groaned as it dawned on him. This was a child's room. He hated when this happened. Child Epics. He sighed. He had a job to do.

He fired several shots into the room. Immediately after they entered the field, they froze, caught mid-flight. Raymond frowned.

Then something in the field moved.

It rushed forward, snatched the tranquilizer darts out of the air, and leaped towards him, as fast as one could blink. As it came towards him, the field moved as well. Raymond turned to run, but the field caught him. In the space of a second before he lost consciousness, he felt his helmet be ripped off his head and his neck stabbed by every tranquilizer dart. Then blackness closed in.

---

Covenant slid out of bed. The Epic had attacked someone, now two someones... he switched on the earpiece channel.

"Any Lawkeepers at Locus 2-9478, please report. One at a time, please."

"Lawkeeper Upton, sir. The Epic caught Lawkeepers Raymond, Ramaro, and Stuart in a bottleneck. We can't get in to evac them."

Covenant tapped his chin. "What are the Epic's abilities?"

"It's hard to tell for sure, but there is definitely some sort of field around it that is preventing us from making a proper attack, that and the stairs."

"Is there any way to lure it out into the open?"

"Perhaps sir, but I'm not sure it will be successful. I haven't yet seen the Epic, it's still upstairs."

"Has Hardhat arrived yet?"

"No, not yet sir. Perhaps you should come to assist..."

"Can you not handle the situation yourselves? If you can get the Epic out into the open, try to find a way to stop it. Box it in. Once Hardhat gets there, he's sure to have something at his disposal to further the situation."

"Alright sir. Lawkeeper... Wait, fi--.................................."

Covenant waited. He focused. The Epic had increased its victim count. It must have attacked Upton, and... it was now mobile. Several more attacks... Covenant shut his eyes. It seemed he would have to intervene. Thankfully, no casualties. Let's hope it doesn't get a weapon. Those Lawkeepers are hard to replace.

He moved for the door when he heard rustling behind him.

"Cuvvie? Going somewhere?" Diva whispered? Covenant sighed.

"I'm sorry, love, but there's a situation I have to attend to," he explained. "Just go back to sleep." Diva looked at him, then sank back into the pillows. Covenant snuck out of the room and quietly shut the door. He took a deep breath, then channeled the justice that willed to be satisfied. He sped down the corridor with super-powered legs. The Epic was moving towards the Tube Rail. Covenant tapped the earpiece.

"Hardhat! Redirect Tube Rail! Now!"

"Wha--" Covenant shut him off. He sped to the Lawkeeper rail, but didn't wait for a car to arrive. He ran down the tunnel. He was nearing the Epic now...

He exited the tunnel and spun around. Just down the corridor was the Epic, surrounded by a pink field. Covenant charged it--

and slowed when he hit the field. He didn't stop; he was moving much to fast for that, but it was like trying to run through molasses. Realization hit him. It was a time field. That's why everything slowed, and understandably why the Lawkeepers were having such difficulty. They must have been using tranquilizer, which the Epic then turned on them. The Epic sped at him, much faster than him inside the time field. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the field boundaries shift. The Epic was the center of the field, which made getting it out of it difficult. Suddenly, the Epic was on his face, smacking and pounding him as hard as it could.

Slowly, he lifted his arms, the blows to his head coming incessantly. The palms of his hands began to glow. No, don't roast it! Just enough to lose its focus and shut down the field... It was hard to keep his eyes open as the attacks showered down. The little thing wouldn't let go! Finally, he gripped the Epic's back and pressed his palms in. The Epic's shirt began to sizzle, and it cried out, causing the field to flicker and fade. Able to move freely, Covenant tackled the Epic to the ground and finally got a good look at it.

It was a little boy, eight, he seemed, but Covenant had always been bad at judging age. The boy glared at him, and the time field flared up again. The boy Epic struggled, but couldn't break free from Covenant's grip. Covenant looked up to see Hardhat and a squad of Lawkeepers run up. He pressed his glowing palms into the boy's back again, causing the field to flicker down. Quickly, Hardhat fit the Bands onto the boy before he could set up his time field again. The boy struggled as two Lawkeepers took him away. Hardhat shook his head sadly.

"It's always a shame to see the little ones like that. Cruel world," Hardhat murmured. Covenant nodded, but not about the child. Cruel world indeed. His parents would have to be taken care of, and the child will have to be educated in the rules pertaining to Epics. With time, he could work to assist Haven, under Covenant's direction. Covenant would pardon the child's several attacks as under mental impairment, so no further charges would be pressed. He yawned. How much sleep had he gotten? Three hours? He checked his watch.

"Well, good night Hardhat. I'm off to bed again. Good work there," Covenant said. Hardhat smiled and tipped his signature hardhat. "You too, S.P," he replied.

 

Edited August 3, 2017 by Hemalurgic_Headshot

[Majestic he/him]

Bisbane - Day 9

 

Mother Nature was up early to discuss plans with her Table of Evil Nature regarding the recent spot by Nightwatch.

The female she'd spotted yesterday turned out to be a pretty powerful water manipulator who could create freak waves up to 40 meters. Unsurprisingly, she insisted the others call her Tsunami. As well as that, she could control the wave (the smaller the better) and, to top it off, had enhanced vision.

In addition, during the meeting, a dark skinned lad had strolled in, proclaiming, "I am Magma! Add me to your team!" A little practice had revealed he was able to summon miniature volcanoes from the earth. Oh, and he shot lava from his hands. He was insistent upon the usefulness of that particular power.

That was basically it, so far.

Coming to the close of the talk, Nature had reiterated the dangers of attempting a stunt like this. The rest of the table, except for Twister, seemed pretty nervous but still wanted to give it a go. That seemed like a good sign, in the very least.

Now Nature was patrolling through her kingdom, with the aide of a speed Epic, to catch up on how everything was going.

First was the foodstuffs, overlooked by a scruffy man who went by the nickname of The Tiller. Apparently, he could plant food seeds with the touch of a hand, but clearly there was a catch as he still required workers to assist. Perhaps his power had a cooldown? Whatever it was, the work was going good, so Nature had nothing to say.

After she travelled to her army. The progression seemed slow, but the General of the army, a Gifter called Frontline, assured her there was nothing to worry about. Nature decided to have a more in-depth roam at a later date.

Finally, the power and water plant. These were controlled by some simple civilians with expected expertise, and unfortunately not an Epic. Oh well. It was better than nothing, she supposed. At least the majority of the area was working. Still amazed at how quickly her rule had been established and the fact that she even had food, drink and electricity, Nature simply let it all take place.

Her laws were simple: Don't kill, use Epic power without being checked first, and steal, and you could live a happy life. Break any of them and you'd be sentenced to some years in her detention facility on the borders of Brisbane. Nature had also decided that her subjects would also be rewarded every Sunday, where her TEN would battle in a designated spot in the middle of town. Nature didn't need Epics to influence the people. No, they were simple - work and contribute, and you'd not get into any trouble.

The society was generally positive. Hopefully, it would stay that way.

[Hemalurgic Headshot he/him]

Haven/Coober Pedy - Day 9

The Council was assembled. Nine key Epics that ran Haven: Diva, Hardhat, Greenhouse, Stellar, Seismometer, Mirror, Webmother, Euphoria, and himself. They stood around a large steel table in the Council Room, which was built above Justice Plaza, a large cavern filled with plants and fountains, and a statue of Covenant in the center. The floor of the Council Room was reinforced glass nearly a meter thick, so they could observe the Plaza below. Covenant placed his hands on the table.

"I have called this meeting to discuss the new Epic in the city. I apprehended him last night and is currently in a holding facility. The Epic has time manipulation powers, specifically the ability to make time fields around himself."

Euphoria raised her hand. "How much of a threat is this new Epic? Would it be better to just lock him up?"

Covenant shook his head. "None of his abilities are directly lethal. And no, I will not lock him up. He hasn't broken any laws yet, and I'd prefer a just process."

Euphoria rolled her eyes. "Fine, you and your laws. How can we use his abilities?" She glanced around at everyone else.

"Covenant, you said you fought with him. What are the effects of the time field?" Greenhouse asked.

"Everything within the field moves extremely slowly. It is not a complete freezing of time, but very close to it. The Epic himself is immune to the effects, or can compress the time it takes for him to do things, essentially giving him superspeed when viewed from the outside," Covenant replied.

"Could he remove the effects of the field on other people?" Seismometer asked. 

"I would suppose so. We have not further tested his abilities," Covenant said. The members of the Council glanced at each other. 

"Well then, looks like we'll just need to test them out! Let's do it now," Hardhat said. Seismometer and Euphoria nodded. Stellar shrugged.

"Fine then," Covenant said. "The meeting will reconvene at the Training Grounds in the Basement in ten minutes. Dismissed." The Council dispersed and filed out the exits.

---

Two Lawkeepers escorted the Epic to the center of the Training Grounds. All of the barricades and targets had been removed, leaving just a flat area. The Council stood in the control room overlooking the grounds. Covenant stood on the field facing the Epic.

Mirror gasped. "Look, he's just a child!"

"Oh," Euphoria breathed. Seismometer stared out the window.

Covenant called out to him. "Hello, boy."

"Hello!" The boy shouted back. Diva giggled. "Oh, he's so cute!"

Covenant shouted again. "What's your name?"

"Timmy!"

Covenant considered this. "Well, you can chose a proper name later. We are going to do some tests, Timmy. Some parameters first. Do not try to escape or harm any of us. We will be forced to retaliate. Do you understand?"

Timmy glanced at the two Lawkeepers standing beside him. He nodded. Covenant smiled.

"Good! Lawkeepers, you may remove his--"

"What if I don't want to use my powers?" Timmy's voice interrupted. Covenant blinked. "They're scary," Timmy continued. Diva swooned. Stellar joined in. "He's so adorable!" They chorused.

"Timmy, please work with us. You're going to have to use your powers, and that's an order. Lawkeepers, remove his Bands," Covenant commanded. The Lawkeepers proceeded to do so. After removing the manacles and headband, they backed away to the perimeter of the Training Grounds. Timmy stayed in the center, glancing around. Covenant stepped back towards the control room. He shouted to Timmy.

"I would like you to make a time field! One of those pink bubbles! Do you understand?"

Timmy nodded, and large, slightly pink sphere formed around him. Covenant tapped his earpiece. "Hardhat, take measurements."

"On it."

Covenant cupped his hands and yelled. "Can you make it any larger?"

The small figure in the center of the field tilted his head. Hardhat buzzed in the earpiece. "It's the field. Sound can barely penetrate the field because of how slow the air particles are vibrating. He might not be able to understand you."

Covenant tapped his chin. He tried to motion the field getting larger with his hands. Timmy remained motionless. Covenant frowned, and pushed his hands in, miming the field getting smaller. After a second, Timmy nodded, and the field began to shrink. Covenant clapped his hands.

"Did you record that?" Covenant said into the earpiece.

"Can manipulate the size of the field," Hardhat said.

Covenant walked closer to the field. Timmy watched him. Covenant stepped right up to the exterior of the field and pointed to himself. He then made some fast movements, then pointed to the inside of the field. Would Timmy understand?

Timmy stared at him for a moment, then nodded. The field swelled, engulfing Covenant. He froze. Then, everything sped up again. He could move freely inside the field! He gave Timmy a thumbs-up, and Timmy smiled. It was a hard expression, as if he was battling the anger inside. Covenant nodded. Tough kid. Covenant mimed the field again then made a burst with his hands, signifying the field breaking. He repeated the gesture, and Timmy nodded. In a second, the field disappeared.

"Impressive," Covenant said. Timmy grinned. Covenant glanced around the Training Grounds, then turned to Timmy.

"We're going to set up some obstacles and targets around the Training Grounds in a moment. I want you to make your field as large as possible and try to destroy all of the targets as quickly as you can. They will be scattered around. Do you understand?" Covenant asked.

Timmy looked around. "I guess," he said. Covenant smiled. "Great. Wait a moment." He walked up to the control room. Hardhat nodded to him when he entered.

"I made notes of everything. It's all right here, S.P," he said, handing Covenant a notepad.

"Well done. Could you put in some obstacles and scatter some targets around? We're going to track his speed and see if he can distort time to move faster. Got it?" Covenant asked. Hardhat nodded.

Stellar and Diva walked over. "Oh, he's just adorable! I want to keep him," Stellar gushed. "No, I want to keep him! Right, Covenant?" Diva protested. Covenant shook his head.

"He has parents. You will not be kidnapping the boy. Please stay professional during Council meetings," Covenant said. Euphoria shrugged.

"Oh, we are always professional," she said sarcastically. Covenant glared at her.

Hardhat broke the conversation. "Ground adjustments are complete. All ready, just give the signal," he said. Covenant shouted into the Training Grounds.

"The timer starts in three, two, one, GO!" Immediately, Timmy's field went up and he began to dash around. Within the pink sphere, his figure was a blur. He leaped over obstacles with ease.

"One target down," Hardhat reported. Timmy continued to race around the Training Grounds. "Two targets," Hardhat said. "Three targets. Four targets. And... five targets! That's all of them." He glanced at the timer. "Twenty point two five seconds! Quite fast for the little guy," Hardhat noted. Covenant tapped his chin. Diva and Stellar, Timmy's obvious fans, applauded. Euphoria joined in, Covenant suspected just to annoy him. Covenant went out to talk to Timmy.

"Twenty point two five seconds, Timmy. That was quite fast," Covenant told him. Timmy shrugged.

"I could have done it faster if I had something to hit them with. It was hard to break them," he said. Covenant examined him.

"Do you think you could do it faster if you had a weapon?" Covenant asked. Timmy gazed up at him, his eyes a little too eager. Covenant ignored it. He went over to the weapons rack hidden in the wall and retrieved a metal rod, which he handed to Timmy.

"We'll set up the grounds again, and this time use this. Okay?" Covenant asked. Timmy nodded, still staring at the rod. Covenant walked back to the control room, and Hardhat reset the Training Grounds. Covenant leaned out the door.

"Ready, three, two, one, GO!" He shouted. Timmy's field sprang up, and he raced around once more.

"One, two, three targets, oh, now four, and... five! Twelve point oh one seconds! Wow!" Hardhat exclaimed. Covenant nodded, clearly impressed.

"I would consider this a success, then," he said. Hardhat nodded, along with Stellar and Diva. Seismometer continued to stare at Timmy through the window. Greenhouse was quiet, and Webmother seemed to be in a trance. Covenant raised an eyebrow.

"Seismo, is there something on you mind?" Covenant asked.

He jerked, startled, causing the ground the rumble. Then he glanced around and nodded. "Yeah. That's a child out there. The powers make monsters out of people, Covenant. It's something I've been thinking about lately, that we're monsters... not good for the mind, is it?" Seismometer sighed. "Timmy's going to be a monster too. He didn't ask for it, but that's what life's dealt him." He stared Covenant straight in the eyes. "We are going to help this boy out. Make him a good person." The control room was silent, all eyes on Seismometer or Covenant. Covenant thought back to how Timmy stared at the metal rod. He pushed the thought away.

"We are doing that, Seismo. But we are not monsters. We saved this city. It is a place of peace and order." Specifically order. "Don't get philosophical on me now, Seismo. Anyways, I declare this meeting a success. Dismissed," Covenant said. One by one, the Council filed out of the control room. Seismometer made an effort not to make eye contact. Covenant tapped his earpiece.

"Refit the Bands on Timmy. He still has some training to do before we set him free."

The Lawkeepers stepped towards Timmy. He shifted. Covenant raised a hand to stop the Lawkeepers and jogged over to the boy.

"Hand me the rod," he said. Timmy glanced down at it, his hand shaking. Finally, he dropped the rod. Covenant retrieved it.

"Timmy, I'm going to put these cuffs on you again. Please do not resist," Covenant said. Timmy glanced at the Lawkeepers, and Covenant saw a flash of desperation in his eyes, watched him tense.

"Timmy," he cautioned. The boy glanced at him, breathed, and relaxed. The Lawkeepers clamped on the Bands and led Timmy away. Covenant called out to him.

"I'll see you tomorrow, alright?" They disappeared into a corridor, leaving Covenant alone in the Training Ground.

[Hemalurgic Headshot he/him]

Haven/Coober Pedy - Day 9

Seismometer lay face up in his room, back pressed against the stone floor. The ceiling was fashioned after old caves, stalactites hanging everywhere. A pipe leaked water through the roof, which dripped from the stone in the corner.

Drip, drip, drip

He closed his eyes and felt the earth. Faint vibrations, steps on stone... a heavy grinding. Hardhat must be drilling a new tunnel somewhere. Seismometer extended his mind, deeper into the crust. There it was, the colossal shift of the earth, of such magnitude to overwhelm the mind and senses. He lay there, just comprehending a slight portion of the gargantuan movement. He focused in the opposite direction, sifting towards the surface. The ground was silent there, but he strained. Only then could he sense the scratching of the animals in their burrows. There were no steps, no large thing that lurked in the sun, no human being that roamed the twice-cursed sands above. Seismometer breathed, a slow deliberate motion that sucked him from the lull of the earth.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

The vibration raced through the stone, much clearer than sound. Seismometer's eyes snapped open.

"NO! WHO DARE DISTURB ME! WHO? SHOW YOURSELF!" He bellowed. The door creaked hesitantly open, and a servant, perhaps a cleaning maid? peeked in the room. Seismometer glared at her and began to rise to his feet. The maid whimpered and slipped away from the door.

"Don't you dare move, woman," he growled. A shockwave erupted from his feet, and the maid tumbled to the ground. She cried out, and Seismometer raised a fist.

Suddenly, Covenant was there, gripping Seismometer's arm. They locked eyes, and in the space of a second, a silent battle was waged. Covenant won. Seismometer dejectedly backed into his room. Covenant offered a hand to the maid, who with wide eyes thanked Covenant and rushed away. Covenant watched her go, stone-faced, then walked into Seismometer's quarters.

"Guess you were right about monsters," Covenant said. "Particularly yourself." Seismometer stared at him.

"You're not innocent either, Covenant. Don't try to be so high and mighty to us. You're an Epic, you know what that means, what that entails," Seismometer said, hard and flat as slate. Covenant eyed him, a muscle twitching on his face.

"That maid is lucky I was nearby. As a member of the Council, you know better than to attack a civilian! I don't want to hear excuses from you," Covenant stated.

"For all her good luck, she happened to come at a very unfortunate moment. I was meditating." Covenant knew what that meant. He glanced to the side.

"Seismo, don't out step your bounds. Good day to you," Covenant said, and exited. Seismometer stared at the closed door long after he left.

 

As he walked down the corridor, Covenant tapped his earpiece. "Webmother."

"... *crackle* Yes, Covenant." Her voice was deep and smooth, as one would imagine the night sounding.

"I'd like you to keep eight eyes on Seismometer. Sixteen would be even better. Do you understand?"

".............. Yes, Covenant. I'm sure I can devote a few of my children to your task.

"Cuvvie..."

The channel cut, leaving Covenant silent in the corridor. He shook his head and briskly walked away.

[Majestic he/him]

Brisbane - Day 9

 

SonicAssassin, formerly known as Jake Storine to everyone who was now dead, gazed at his able recruits with pride.

His unmatched band of looters adopted the name of the Brisbane Bandits, firstly because it sounded way cooler than most thought it did, and secondly because they were very good at their job. Brisbane Barbarians? No no no. They were much more professional than that. Brisbane Banterers? Sonic had publicly beheaded the careless mortal who suggested that particularly foolish idea.

Now the team was only filled with skilled experts, mostly humans, but with a few Epics here and there. The group's loss rate was so little, some had sworn allegiance without being required to. Raise-worthy, that.

"Now you may wonder why I've gathered you all here today," Sonic classically began, "and that is because we will pull off the greatest feat ever accomplished. We will overthrow Mother Nature and the TEN, and take control of Brisbane."

Plenty of hushed voices came into the fore, but Sonic silenced them with a simple glare.

"Now, I know what you're thinking. This will be dangerous. It will be tough. Some may not make it out alive. But don't worry, we--"

"Storms right it'll be dangerous," somebody interrupted, "Sparks, it's total suicide. Those slontzes may be tyrants, but that doesn't stop them from being downright murderous. Don't you see? They'll vaporise us all with a flick of their wrists!"

Sonic allowed his eyes to take their time as they swivelled to the offender, John Tyler. Mind whirring, he decided the best course of action was to make a show of what happened if you loudly disagreed. John realised his mistake, and began backing away, white-faced, but it was oh too late.

"You dare defy me, your leader? I've saved your worthless life on a number of occasions! I've worked for you, killed for you, and this is how you repay me? I AM YOUR GOD!" Sonic roared, and allowed himself to float into the intense rhythm of rock and roll. Next to nowhere, a boulder appeared above John. "I saved you, and therefore your pitiful existence is mine to take. Say goodbye, you worthless Slontze." The huge rock dropped down, crushing John, and proceeded to travel down a sloping hill, John's remains splattered across it. Most retched at the sight, but the sophisticated of his team remained staring at the head of the Brisbane Bandits.

"He was never a good shot anyway," Sonic reminded himself, before beaming at his loyal subjects. "Let this be a lesson to you all. Put undying faith in me, and you will walk away with the spoils. Fail that, and, well... John is a good example for that. Any questions?"

Nobody moved a muscle, so Sonic concluded. "Great. Well, our invasion begins in a week or so. Get back to work, then!"

The long line generally dissipated, and Sonic appeared in his study to plan a number of tactics for his attack.

Soon, the TEN will tremble beneath my feet, and I will show them no mercy. Oh, how the city itself will quake before my rule. Brisbane will soon be ours, and soon, all of the Wastelands shall follow... 

Edited August 31, 2017 by Majestic