Outskirts of Portland, Oregon, 02:30

Neon lights casted a pale glow on the gaunt face of James Williams as he mopped the floor of the 24/7 Gas 'N Go. His mind had wandered elsewhere while working, a common feature at a job like this. Times had been hard to him, his 'gift' making it hard for him to settle down much of anywhere. He gave a snort at the thought of it as a "gift." A curse was more like it, driving him from most places and keeping him in a nomadic state. He had been lucky to just grab this job, working a late shift keeping track of the gas station. It was an older, family owned one, as corporations tended to keep track of who worked with them.

As the mop pushed water around the floor, the necklace on his neck began to heat up and hum. James didn't seem to notice it at first, until he glanced at the mirror behind the counter. He soon whipped his head back towards it, his fears materializing there. Instead of the normal shape of James, a large orange and blue beast that seemed to live inside of him. It looked straight at him, and a voice pierced his mind.

It is time. Let me free James. Let go of this pointless resistance. There is no need to have them rule you, when we could make them fear you.

Holding his head from the pain, James spoke aloud to the empty room. "No. I won't listen to you. Everything's your fault, and there isn't anything you could do to fix it."

Very well then, it hissed, seeming to scrape on the insides of his skull.

If you will not free me, then I will free myself from your weakling body. You will regret your decision.

The image's eyes flashed blue for a brief bit, before it faded from the mirror. Seeing the episode end, James relaxed some. This one had been particularly bad, and these usually had resulted in him taking over his own body. Somehow, he had won this time, proving that he was the dominant one. As he celebrated, he ignored the sounds rapidly approaching the building.

He had never realized how much it hurt to be hit by a car. It crashed through the front little lobby area, hitting him and sending him flying into the wall of glass doors and drinks. As he struggled to retain consciousness, the driver stepped out, hood over his face and a gun pointed square at his face. He spoke, but the words blurred into babble to James. Just as he blacked out, he could hear the voice he dreaded speak.

There we are. Now, I can take control and destroy everything!

The potential robber was oblivious to the changes of the young man, pointing the gun and shouting loudly at him.

"Alright dumbass! One last time, and I don't blow your head to high heaven! Get up and give me all the money from the register."

The still form of James slowly began to stand, bones that had been snapped and bent out of shape returning to their normal ones. His eyes remained closed and his face calm, until he turned toward the robber. Giving a scowl, the lids flew open to reveal blue orbs instead of the normal pupils. Giving a loud shriek, it raised a hand towards the now frightened intruder.

It took merely a second before a stream of fire erupted out and towards the man. The intruder screamed in pain, running around the store in an attempt to put out the flesh cooking flames. He soon collapsed into one of the shelving units, knocking it over. The monster controlled James didn't even notice, and looked out towards Portland. There was plenty to burn in his wake, and little that this form could do. His shape began to change, quickly growing past the constraints of the small gas station. The explosion of the station was soon followed by the gigantic form of a kaiju. Clashing it's arms together, Vakishim roared out to the world, hearlding it's death by flames. Letting loose a set of flames, the terror beast began its rampage.

Mt. Hood National Forest, outside of Portland.

Beneath a cleft of rock, a shape suddenly leaped up. Leslie had been camping out in the park for some time, enjoying the connection with nature that she seemed to have. Something had disturbed it however, sending her into a protective mindset. Reaching over to the radio, the only luxury she allowed, she flicked it on. Immediately, it went into a newscast instead of the usual rap music that she had left it on.

"- are encouraged to take shelter and seek designated safety zones. Highways have been shut down for emergency vehicles and military forces to seek easier travel. It is encouraged to take shelter from the invading kaiju, and follow all orders given by law enforcement."

She flicked it off, and thought carefully. Few were likely to follow it, and a kaiju that wasn't known to her was attacking. Carefully thinking the decision over, she reached out to her ally that slept off the coast of Oregon. It wasn't a complex link, but one she could reach in dire situations.

"Hey big guy. Something's wrong, and more of your department then mine. Mind taking a look."

The reply was quick, coming in as an affirmative growl. The rapidity was starling, as it took a longer time to even make contact in the past. She gave a nod out of habit and spoke back.

"Good to know you're on in the know how. I'll meet ya there."

Cutting the link, she stood up and maneuvered her way out of the rocky cliff. She set out, and began to make her way to Portland. There she was certain, that the fight would happen. She could only hope that the people could make their way out safely. Lives were at stake along with the balance of the world. It was up to her and her big friend to take care of the problem.