Athoriel

Epic City: Starburst

The morning sun shone lazily through the window blinds, splitting into dozens of rays that illuminated the room in a soft yellow light, washing away the stillness of the previous grey hue. Somewhere in the streets far below, a car alarm was going off, the shrill beeping echoing off the buildings, adding to the rich symphony of sound that always went on below. It was something James could never get used to, he still missed the stillness of the outback, the city always kept him up and had him rising hours earlier then intended.

With a massive grunt of a sigh, James woke up to the brand new day, groaning with pleasure at the brief moment of ecstasy that flooded his body as he stretched for the first time after sleep, his eyes peered out gently through tired looking eyelids to take in his bedroom like he did most every morning. Shuffling his body into a new comfy position so he could just sit there for a few moments more and enjoy the simple pleasure of it.

James rose at his leisure, leaving behind the naked bed he slept on, his air condition system being the only insulator he needed during sleeping hours; and sauntered toward his en suite, immediately hopping into the shower, having slept in the nude. The hot water was a great boon, immediately leeching away the aches and pains that had just begun to catch up with him from his fight with the Rat king, he hung his head beneath the flow and watched the water swirl down the drain, taking a few moments to reflect on the night.

He couldn't recall much after he had begun pulling on the beasts tails, as he had passed out shortly after from the pain of the nightmarish screaming, all he knew for certain was that he had succeeded moments later. Upon regaining his senses he found himself staring up at the lady from before, her hand held to the sky like she was seeking help from a higher power, moments later he felt that same heat open up like a flower in his chest, enveloping his body in its warmth. He tried to voice his thanks, but found it impossible to speak, instead he tried to show his gratitude through his eyes. God, I must of looked like an idiot staring up at her like that, not saying a damn thing. Thankfully he relapsed into unconsciousness as the healing did its work. The next thing he recalled he was being wheeled toward an ambulance by a pair of EMTs, the flashing cameras of the media forcing him to squint with pain as he passed by, his whole body feeling like lead as he did his best to give a thumbs up from the stretcher, even managing a weak smile for the faceless crowd behind the lights. y Someone had clothed him somewhere along the line, doing little to help him physically, but giving him a huge peace of mind as he was loaded into the back. James allowed them to take him to the hospital and run their diagnostics, although he was sore and worn out, he knew that the blonde lady had fixed him already She's like a guardian angel that one. Within a couple of hours he was given the all clear, and the doctors and nurses could move on to more important patients. A quick taxi home and an aggravatingly long elevator trip up was all that followed, with James swiftly shedding off his borrowed clothes to collapse in his bed, sleeping the remainder of the night away.

Wisps of steam hung heavy in the air as James stepped free from the shower, grabbing a towel off the rack to wipe clean the fogged up mirror, before drying himself off. The man that looked back at him looked worn and battle weary. "You need a coffee and a well deserved day off my friend." He said, leaning onto the mirror with his arm, before resting his head atop it, pointing at his reflection with a free hand. He sat there for a moment more, sternly gazing into his own eyes. Like two cool pools of water reflecting the color of the sky above. James chuckled and shook his head at his moment of Narcissism. There'll be plenty of time to gaze at your self in the silverware when you grab something to eat ya knob.

Throwing on some shorts and a shirt, James wandered on out of his bedroom, the sound of something sizzling in the pan carried from the kitchen to meet him. "Mum? Wh-what the hell are you doing here?" James inquired with a look of surprise.

His mother fixed him with a stare that had him feeling like a small child again, one hand held a pair of tongs whilst the other sat firmly on her hip, James knew he had messed up. "Not one phone call." She stated as matter of fact, her voice holding that slight tone of disappointment that could make a son well up with guilt. "So here I come over to make sure you're alright. I cook up your favorite meal and the first thing you say is 'What the heck are you doing here?'."

"Ma, I... uh..." He started, trying his best to explain himself, he struggled internally for a few moments before shambling toward her in a defeated manner, reaching down to embrace her in a hug, resting his head atop hers. "Thanks mum." He sighed, shaking slightly with relief from the hug. He hadn't realized how much he had needed one.

"Your welcome my boy." She replied as they pulled apart, raising a hand to hold his cheek, James stared down at the short thing that was his mother. She was a slender, attractive woman, for her age, with wavy, light brown hair that she wore loosely down to her shoulders, James had inherited the dark blue eyes that shone up at him brightly like sapphires in the light, full of love and care. As his mother, she was someone he owed a lot to, and although he languished at the thought of her company at times, he was always grateful for it in the end.

"Now come on freckle, come have something to eat." She beckoned, serving up a plate of her renowned carbonara, before stacking the dishes up at the sink. James gave a small chuckle that was more of a huff at the mention of his mothers pet name for him, something he had earned for the various freckles and spots he would get on his arms, neck and back as a kid. He smiled briefly with the reminiscence before sitting wordlessly at the table, carbonara was an odd breakfast choice by most standards, but James wasn't complaining. Looking up however, James gave a frown. "You not having some?" He asked as he watched his mother head toward the door.

"'Fraid not dear, I've got to go shopping for tonight." His mother replied apologetically, giving a quick look through her handbag before she made for the door. "Oh, you will be joining us yes?" She asked over her shoulder as an afterthought.

"By us, you mean you and Jonathon yeah?" James replied, squinting his eyes together to showcase his unease at the thought of the scenario.
His mother tilted her head to the side and gave him a teasing look. "You could just call him dad." She suggested with wry grin before heading through the door.

"Not fucking likely." James muttered to himself, winding some of the carbonara quickly around the fork to grab a mouthful. "What?" Was the muffled challenge from behind the door, James hastily swallowed his first bite. "Nothing mum! Love yaaa!" He shouted in reply. His mother rolled her eyes and gave a chuckle as she walked away from the apartment to do her business, leaving her baby boy to enjoy his meal.

Epic City: Starburst

@Regitnui Yeah I got ya, just don't mind me, I'm off in my own flu induced delirium.

Epic City: Starburst

I thought the Rat king attacked at night, the dinner party having started in the evening.

Epic City: Starburst

I hope my defeat of the Rat king is acceptable, and apologies for not being as present, having the flu is a bitch.

Epic City: Starburst

The chaos of battle washed over James, fellow epics falling in and out of sight as the fight raged on, the display of powers a truly spectacular sight, or horrifying based on which side you were on. A woman approached him part way through, ducking and weaving through the remnants of the swarm, he mistook her for a civilian at first with the way she was dressed.

"You have to get out of here, it's not sa..." He half got out before she cut him off with her introduction, laying hands on him before he could object, they gave off a strange heat that seemed to sink into his flesh, quite unnerving really. The warmth flourished within his core sending tendrils of this heat to flow throughout his body culminating in his fingertips, this was quickly followed by a sense of refreshment, and he noticed the tiny nicks and cuts on his body slowly started to fade as the flesh knitted itself back together. I feel strangely violated. He thought to himself, looking up to give the lady his thanks, only to find she had already buggered off elsewhere.

"Seems about right." He muttered to himself, flexing his finger in front of his face, adjusting to the strange floating sensation that now took a hold of him. Rolling his shoulders, James stepped back into the fray, but he had only taken a couple of steps forward when his fellow Epic Traveler, whom he didn't know by name, but instead recognized from the party, briefly materialized into view, giving a little wave before disappearing once more. She looked a little worse for wear, hope she's alright. Was the brief thought of concern, he gave a quick look around for her, biting the inside of his cheek with worry til he realized there was little he could do. Just gotta hope she can look out for herself. His eyes flickered forward coming to rest on the Rat king itself, the grotesque mutant screeched orders at what remained of the swarm, some seemed to heed it and return to the fight, but even more fled from the carnage the Epics had sowed here tonight.

From the corner of his eye he noticed a figure launch free from the dying inferno to his left, a swirl of flame that had left many a charred body in its wake. The wind turned and James was met with the smell of cooked flesh and burned hair, a rather unpleasant mix that strangely left his mouth watering. I am definitely grabbing a kebab after this. The figures arm burst into an intense claw of fire, swelling in size as he descended upon the swarm, he made quick work of them before he charged at the Rat king, leaping heroically to spear the beast with his power. Ka-Rack! Was the burst of sound that followed, he wasn't sure if his eyes were deceiving him, but it had looked liked the Rat king had been hit from two sides with the way it's body snapped about like that. Either that, or that kid packs one hell of a punch. The one body that had been struck, flailed about limply, still attached to its fellows. The other three let out blood curdling screams that sent a shiver down his spine, swinging their clubs wildly as they charged at whatever was in sight.

"Use the portal! Hit the tails from the blind spot, it's got to be the weak spot!" Someone shouted from the back lines, he had barely picked up on it but connected the disjointed words when he saw the portal at the edge of the battlefield, it opened up above the rampaging creature that was caught in a blinding fury, the perfect flank. Wordlessly he charged toward the portal, steeling himself for the job ahead as he dived head first into the gateway. There was a shift in his equilibrium as he dove through, the ground rising up fast to meet him as he fell atop the Rat king, gripping onto the first thing he could to stop him from crashing into the ground. Unluckily for him, he had missed the mess of tails connecting the creatures and now hung instead from the neck of one of them. Shit shit shit shit.... Raced through his mind at the realization of were he had landed, gritting his teeth as he begun to tighten his grip around the surprised beasts neck. The creature tore about more violently as he choked it for air, for a moment he believed he could make a good go of this until another of the heads snapped around and swung his massive club toward him. The club splintered into a thousand pieces over his body, James grunted from the force of it, his world spinning in front of him as he lost his grip and went cartwheeling to the dirt.

The coppery taste of blood filled his mouth as he found his feet, glaring at the Rat king that now charged toward him. He gingerly ran his fingers over his chest where he had been struck, wincing from the pain. That's definitely a cracked rib. He reflected bitterly as the Rat king closed in, the one that faced him held a club over its head, a malicious look in its beady little eyes as it prepared to strike.

"Fuck you too buddy" Was his reply to the charge, biting his lip til he drew blood, the only thing that kept him from screaming out in agony as he bent down to slide of his boxers. The Rat king swiped wide with its club in an attempt to detach his head from his shoulder, James ducked down in just the nick of time, feeling the wind off the club as it swung past him. Bugger me. He thought wide eyed as he watched it swing past, it seemed to travel over him forever, like time had slowed down. His eyes flickered to the mess of tails that sailed ever nearer as the Rat kings momentum carried it over the top of James, with both hands he reached up to grab hold, the adrenaline flooding his body to wash away all pain, if but for a moment. They felt scaly beneath his hands, with the occasional bristly hair tickling the inside of his palms, with a roar of determination James set about tearing the tails apart. His muscles felt like they were on fire and he grunted from the strain as he pulled, a cacophony of squeals rose up from the remaining heads, piercing his mind like sharp knives. The harder he pulled the more intense the pain from the squealing was, his brain was on fire. James let out a final yell of anguish as he gave it his all, a ripping sound, like the tearing of paper accompanied his efforts. The Rat king lay dead on the ground.

James had little chance to savor his victory, his vision blurred and blood ran from his nose as he collapsed along side his foe, his consciousness fading.

Epic City: Starburst

@Regitnui Soooo James could just punch it dead? One head at a time? No other form of telekinesis to stop him?

Epic City: Starburst

I'll get a post up to get James grappling with the Rat king, a list of abilities the Rat king possesses would be appreciated. Allows me to write it out with a bit more confidence.
@Regitnui @Old Amsterdam

Epic City: Starburst

Bleeding from dozens of small cuts and scrapes, James stood panting, the sweat on his brow and blood from his foes plastering his hair to his forehead as he enjoyed the brief reprieve he had fought for among the swarm. Their broken bodies twitched in odd spasms, a few were missing limbs, all were dead. James gulped down the cool air, continuing to breathe raggedly as he studied the new wave of foes that approached him, they were more cautious, as opposed to the mad rush of the group before, moving around his sides to flank him, their little stone knives moving about in their hands. Although the blades had had a hard time of it, they were still been capable of scraping into the outer layer of his skin before breaking and James didn't look forward to adding anymore scratches to his already impressive repertoire.

"Come on then you nasty little fuckers!" He dared them, moving his hands to undo his belt, pulling it free as he eyed them with a look of vehemence. The creatures briefly looked about their own ranks, seemingly waiting for who among themselves would lead the attack, chattering all the while. James had undone the button on his pants and let them fall to his feet, kicking them off in the direction of a particularly grotesque looking swarm rat, the thing jumped back from the item of clothing and hissed in James direction. This seemed to rile up the rest of them as the some joined in on the hissing, the chattering became more intense until a few broke into a squeal, charging toward James who now stood in only his boxers.

Their knives were useless now, harmlessly scraping along his skin, making a sound like stone on stone. One attempted to bite down on his neck instead, clambering up his back to clamp down on him from behind, there was only a minor discomfort for James as he reached over his shoulder and wrenched it from its mantle, sending it hurtling into a nearby wall with a sickening crunch. He took no pleasure in this slaughter, his teeth clenched in a grimace as he made his way through their number, inflicting massive hurt if not outright killing them with his fists. It's them or us.

Epic City: Starburst

James stirred in the corner, having only just gotten the shoes off his feet, unsteadily swaying as he rose. One too many drinks. He reflected sourly, regretting the rum and coke mixers he had ordered at the bar, a queasy feeling had settled over his stomach by the time he got the shirt over his head to be dumped unceremoniously on the floor. How many times had your uncles told you? "Never mix drinks." Bare chested he stood, choosing to keep his trousers on for now as he looked around, a telepathic message, or so he assumed, alerted everyone of a situation taking place away from the party, most, if not all the epics leaped at the opportunity to help, racing off to lend a hand.

James had done it almost instinctively himself, but taking the moment to stop and assess allowed him to clear his head a little, there had been a lot of epics in attendance here and surely not all would be needed, hell, he could probably get away with just playing a supportive roll in this scenario, no need to go full throttle and rush head first into the fray, he'd probably just tag along with one of the emergency crew and catch a lift out there. Nah, bugger that, I'll run. Now, one more drink before I go, for luck!. He thought, downing the contents of the nearest glass before calmly walking to the stairwell, letting those who rushed forward pass him by til he reached the foyer, slowly picking up into a light jog toward his destination.

His cheeks burned red from the drink and the night air, the hairs pricked on his arms at the cool caress she had to offer him, making a mental effort to drown out the sounds of sirens that blared past him on the road. Instead James focused in on the rhythm of his bare feet slapping against the pavement, the beat drumming in his ears as he steadily picked up speed, outpacing the non epics who had also gone on foot, and any epics too that weren't gifted with advanced athleticism. Breaking into a full blown sprint, the strength in his legs allowing him to move faster than your average fellow, James raced off toward trouble.

Epic City: Starburst

My character was only a passerby in most posts, so he's freed up at the window ledge, flustered and confused by the rapidity of interactions he's had and been suddenly pulled from. Although, I'm not gonna post for awhile, so it might be better if I fade into the background a little.