Purple Phoenix seemed annoyed for a moment before briefly describing additional Epics he would bring to the Empire. His eyes glancing around in a conspiratorial manner, the man leaned forward and spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"But more important even that those are what I can offer you now that I have found my wife again. After Calamity we were researchers studying Epics, replicating their abilities with technology, with your assistance we could ply that trade once more, outfit your Empire with the greatest technology in the world, create a truly eternal empire."
Lightwards paused, well aware of the look of surprise on his own face. He was vaguely aware of researchers like Phoenix described; normal humans who tried to replicate the miracles Epics were capable of with sophisticated technology. When Epics had first appeared--before Lightwards himself had gained his powers--there had been a surge of new inventions appearing on the market.
He'd often wondered whether the field of Epic science had truly advanced so far before the world turned itself over to Calamity. He still wasn't sure.
He fixed Phoenix with a stern glare before beginning to crack a smile. "If you can truly deliver on what you promise," Lightwards began softly. "Then you and your wife will be more privileged than any Epic in the world." He nodded towards Funtimes, who was introducing Aldo to her pet boyfriend some yards away. "If you require a laboratory facility or specific instruments, then I am afraid you'll have to discuss matters with her. She is our chief engineer, as it happens."
With that he nodded curtly, letting the bearded Epic know he was dismissed. Having a second thought, he gripped Phoenix by the shoulder and pulled him close.
"One other matter I feel I should bring up," he growled softly. "There was a time when I fully intended to have you drawn and quartered. The good Doctor saw fit to speak on your behalf. At the time I didn't feel it prudent to challenge her, but know this: if you plant more hidden explosives or in any way threaten my Empire, you will know more pain than any Epic in the world."
He gave what he hoped was a comforting chuckle. "Of course, a loyal Epic in my service need not fear me. Quite the opposite, in fact. If you require anything else to establish your new trade, don't hesitate to let me know."
"This is my boyfriend. He's awesome."
Aldo stared at the man on display, his jaw starting to drop. Slowly, almost reverently, he raised his hands into a slow clap.
Traveler was smiling awkwardly, making it inadvertantly clear how unexcited he was to meet with another Epic. His stance was like a frightened animal itching to turn and flee. His hand tended to twitch towards some kind of bruise in his side. Most incriminating, his trousers were dusted with the same woodchips the goth and the hippie had on them; he'd quite clearly been sitting with them.
Not standing over them, passing judgement or delivering orders. Sitting with them as equals. There was only one thing that could mean for Traveler. The teleporting consort of Doctor Funtimes wasn't a teleporting consort at all.
Aldo continued to clap enthusiastically before speaking in a low voice. "Oh, bravo. Bravo. I've seen my share of memorable characters, but never have I seen a showman of your courage..."
He gave a low bow and a tip of his hat. "My name is Aldo--Aldo the Enigmatic. I am honored to make your acquaintance, Traveler."
To his side he saw Saccharine drawing Funtimes' attention to herself, apparently bestowing her with a large flower. Aldo patted Traveler on the shoulder and smiled into his face.
"You really must tell me everything about your adventures," he said warmly. "I have to hear every word of it!"
He started steering Traveler down a jungle path, casting a smile toward Funtimes. "I hope you don't mind me stealing him away for a little bit! A wonder like this man needs private space to tell his story." He gave the Doctor a sly wink.
"And don't worry. I'll bring him back in one piece."
"I don't like her," Sam decided finally. "She's mean."
Revolution nodded her head sympathetically, and Sam continued. "Honestly, if I weren't so tired from almost dying, I'd follow her and give her a verbal match she wouldn't soon forget."
"I don't doubt it," Revolution said slowly, her eyes focused on something else. "But maybe you'll want to see this for now..."
Sam frowned and looked where Revolution pointed her gaze. When she saw the object of Revolution's surprise, she felt her jaw drop and her fist clench.
"Lucentia," she said simply. The woman was standing beside Nighthound's big dinosaur, her contemptuous stare sweeping over the jungle at large.
"It would indeed seem to be her," Revolution continued, her expression one of curiosity. "Honestly, I'm surprised she got to Portland so quickly. The cabin must be closer to here than I thought."
"I'm surprised she isn't trying to kill everyone in sight," Sam grumbled. "That seems to be her M.O." She raised her voice in the snootiest princess impression she could muster. 'Hello, I'm Lucentia the diamond queen. You're like scum in my divine sight, but I'm just so darn offended I'm going to murder every one of you. Boo hoo, nobody understands me.'"
Revolution stifled a laugh as two new Epics stepped up beside them.
Sam looked them up and down, interested. The two Epics were identical twin sisters, just a couple years older than Sam herself. They wore casual street clothes and didn't seem to be carrying weapons with them.
It was the faces that showed what they really were. Both twins wore a haughty expression, with eyes that seemed too eager to please. Too eager to show off.
"Hiya!" one of the girls began. "I'm MV, this is Impact, we have momentum abilities. What can you guys do?"
Sam almost found herself playing along with their assumption--until she thought of what that had done to Nathan. She thought of him brooding all alone in the forest, clutching a bruised chest.
So instead she just grinned at the two twins, speaking in an exaggeratedly pompous voice. "I am called Sam," she told them. "My primary ability is ticking off powerful Epics. My second power is somehow getting away with it."
Revolution laughed and followed suit. "I am called Revolution Sunburst Jones. I have no powers, because a woman with the name 'Revolution' needs nothing more out of life."
