"Pen to the Paper?" Hypnorc asked. "That's your latest plan?"

"Absolutely!" The silhouette figure known as Leftover said with a smirk. "Doctor Sic and Willy haven't returned with Hugh's nemesis Gull yet, and Tam is getting settled in right now, so it is the perfect time to enter a new writing challenge on Prose."

"Ok I guess." The orc replied. Hypnorc was usually impressed with Leftover's schemes to build his own hero network, while also seeking the destruction of Hugh and his hero organization. It seemed like his master was gaining ground on this goal lately. But when it came to winning writing challenges, his plans really kind of.... well, sucked.

"I know what you're thinking Hypnorc, the last time we entered a writing challenge we failed." Leftover reflected (their previous attempt can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/424919/villains-like-writing-challenges-too). "But all you have to do is write without a plan. And if I'm not giving you a plan, this should be fairly simple to do."

"But what about the other writers?" Hypnorc asked. "What if they come up with something better?"

"It isn't impossible, there are many great authors on Prose." Leftover replied thoughtfully. "But you have the power to hypnotize others. After you submit your piece, we will track down Caleb, or perhaps this Nick fellow, and find out who he plans to give the win to. If it is your writing, then there's no need to act further. If it isn't your piece.... then, use your other talents to force the win to be yours!"

"Very well sir, but why bother with this?" Hypnorc asked. "Shouldn't we focus on recruiting heroes for our group, now that Tam is mass producing the helmets? Or focus on taking out more of Hugh's team? How does a writing challenge help our cause?"

"Simple my friend. The Pen to the Paper Challenge is a prestigious event. Should we win, that will put us out there for others to see, which will help us recruit to our cause. This may be a challenge where you write without a plan, but winning this contest will very much tie into my long term plans of creating the ultimate hero network."

"If you say so boss." Hypnorc conceded, starting to write in the notebook provided to him. He didn't understand all of Leftover's choices, but with the recent blows to Hugh's organization, he still trusted his judgement. Worse case scenario, their allies would be returning with Gull soon, who would definitely have a score to settle with Hugh after all his years of imprisonment. Hypnorc smiled about the potential of the Pen to the Paper challenge, as well as Leftover's forthcoming plans....

An audio version of this story read by yours truly can be heard for free here: https://audiomack.com/roses311sublime/song/16220190

Who am I? It's hard to say, especially after gaining these powers. My legal name is Slick Mageeve, although I am anything but slick. I paid the rent for my crappy apartment by working in data entry at the office of a seasonal candy company. The phone customer service representatives make more money, but I wasn't confident enough to talk to people on the phones. I couldn't be John Harshal, the top service rep who not only reminded everyone how great he was daily, but constantly spilled his coffee on me in passing, or bumped my chair to send me falling. He always claimed it was an accident to keep himself out of trouble, and would then give me a fake apology before smirking at me. I wished I was confident and strong back then, so I could have stuck up for myself before things got out of hand like they did recently....

I was walking home one night after a miserable work day of being picked on by John, traveling down the quiet street I always use, when a group of five men began approaching me. The figures wore long sleeved shirts and jeans with wallet chains coming out of their pockets. These long haired dudes were probably popular at parties before, but at this point someone as unattractive and pathetic as me could even compete with them as far as looks. Their decaying bodies confirmed that they were a group of zombies, and they eyed me hungrily. As my life of being picked on flashed before my eyes, a voice in my head told me that the only way I would survive would be by changing my appearance by thought. I had no idea whose voice this was, and found the concept ridiculous, but decided to go along with it since I had nothing to lose. I thought about what I would want to transform into, and I chose to become a superhero like figure complete with a ludicrous costume and cape, because capes are awesome. Now sporting bulging muscles and giant fists and feet, I pounded each of the zombies until there was nothing left. I pictured John's face on each zombie as I pummeled them into dust. The danger over, I looked around and was surprised to see no witnesses. The voice in my head returned, congratulating me on a job well done. The voice told me it would seek me out later, but to feel free to use my powers however I wished until then....

Feeling restless, I went to the 24 hour gym looking nothing like my real self, but now resembling a muscular, attractive man thanks to my new shape shifting skills. I had always paid the $10 monthly fee with the intention of working out and trying to feel better about myself, but always decided against coming in frequently. I saw two young men named Dirk and Doug that I had seen the last time I was at the gym. Dirk had previously been dragged out by Doug for being rude to the women working out, but now he gave off a more respectable, kinder aura. I considered walking over and saying hi, when I spotted none other than John Harshal at the free weights. I thought about how tormenting him would be the perfect workout, and all common sense exited my mind as rage took over. I made my hands grow five sizes bigger, and I approached John and picked him up by his neck. I grabbed one of his arms with my other hand and broke it with a quick squeeze. I laughed with glee over his cries of pain, then threw him into the weight shelf, breaking the shelf and causing the weights to fall onto John. Before I could check to see if he had survived being crushed by weights, a grenade fell in front of him that surrounded him in blue smoke. He walked out of the smoke looking like nothing had been done to him, and then two figures wearing dark helmets and full body armor ran besides him. They introduced themselves as Doug and Dirk, and told the fully healed, but still wimpering John to leave, along with the rest of the gym's inhabitants. The gym cleared out quickly, leaving me alone with Dirk and Doug, who I now realized were members of Hugh's hero network. My vengeance against John being reversed, I decided to take out my frustrations on these two heroes that protected the wrong guy. I transformed my arm into a weight bar, then began swinging it at the duo. They fended off my strikes with their swords easily. I then transformed into a giant sneaker and lunged at Dirk and Doug, but they easily dodged my flying kicks. Desperation hit as I realized these two outclassed me in combat. I then remembered the last time I saw Dirk at this gym, and how he wouldn't take no for an answer from various girls he was hitting on before Doug made him leave. Sure, he seemed heroic now, but perhaps I could bring back his old self. I transformed into an attractive woman, and I only wore a skimpy bikini. I told Dirk in a sultry voice that this was the real me, and that he was a true man that deserved me. I planned to get him once he took the bait, but unfortunately I misjudged him. Without hesitation Dirk made a laser gun appear in his hand, and he blasted me before I could say another word. I fell to the ground in shock, and reverted back to my true form, the weakling known as Slick Mageeve. I felt like I was dying, but Dirk gently told me I wasn't. He told me I was being transported to a place called the Reflection Dimension, where I would be healed and cared for. Before everything went black, Dirk told me I could return without any kind of punishment should I decide to change my ways.

So now I reside in the Reflection Dimension, which is essentially an endless field under a dark, starry sky. An A.I. figure named Guide brings me anything I need, including food, drink, digital entertainment, and of course, this journal I am writing in. This alternate dimension was created by Hugh, the leader of the network that Dirk and Doug belong to. It is designed as an alternative to prisons, a safe place to hold criminals like me. I am free to return to the real world without legal consequences should I vow to do the right thing, just like Dirk promised before blasting me here. I may take the offer someday, but right now I need to process what I have done, and what I would do with my shapeshifting powers should I return. I lamented my life of being bullied, but used the abilities I was given to become a bully myself. I will consider returning and using my powers to help others as atonement, but until then I will enjoy this peaceful place, and spend my days writing and processing my thoughts on all I have been through, and what to do with that information from here on out....

"So let me get this straight, you both have magical abilities and were previously shunned because of them, and the poor treatment Slyvan went through caused him to cast a worldwide curse?"

"That's right Ikari." Kalen answered. "Slyvan's curse is causing people who make bad choices to become monsters. However. Slyvan has had a change of heart, and he wants to save those impacted by his curse."

"Yes, this is true." Slyvan said humbly. "I still have much to think about, but Kalen's faith in God moved me, and I want to right my wrongs. I am considering Kalen's beliefs while I seek out those my curse is impacting. And with it even affecting those that are simply being tempted to do something wrong, we have our work cut out for us."

"Right, my king's attempted attack that you both stopped." Ikari reflected. "I'm a believer too Kalen, and I will gladly work with you. And Slyvan, I will gladly help you in your redemptive cause as well."

"Thank you Ikari, I appreciate it." Slyvan said sincerely with a smile. "It would seem that we don't have to look very far for our next victim to assist."

The trio had arrived in the small town Chriscendal, and the town's inhabitants were running and screaming in terror. Christmas candy, cards, and decorations were flying around the town, terrorizing the townsfolk.

"I'll protect the folks here, and you guys find the source!" Ikari yelled, drawing her sword and attacking the holiday traditions that had become weapons.

An attractive couple in the distance laughed gleefully as they held their interlocking hands in the air. Their hands glowed purple as various Christmas items flew past them.

"We may look like we belong in a Hallmark movie, but we hate Christmas!" The couple jeered. "This small town may have snow, but it won't have any holiday cheer in this story! Besides, it's too early anyway, Thanksgiving hasn't even arrived yet!"

Ikari continued striking down decorations, cards and candy with her blade. A few Hallmark Christmas romance dvds were also felled by her sword.

"I can't believe they're making me destroy some of my favorite films!" Ikari lamented. "Stop those Scrooges guys!"

Slyvan and Kalen ran towards the power couple, dodging candy canes and giant lawn Santas that were being flung at them from the couple's abilities that had been granted to them by Slyvan's curse.

"Cover me Kalen, and I'll stop them." Slyvan said with resolve.

Kalen smiled and nodded. Kalen blasted attacks away with laser blasts from his hands as Sylvan ran beside him. Once they were close enough, Slyvan dove towards the couple and hugged them, touching their backs with his now glowing blue hands.

All of the holiday projectiles fell into the freshly fallen snow, and the couple stared at Slyvan and Kalen, speechless. Ikari approached and stood by her allies.

"I'm not a Christmas fan either, and the whole good will towards others approach is new for me." Slyvan said kindly. "But Christmas brings a lot of joy to many, especially folks from your town here. You don't have to join in, but don't take it away from those that could use the positive energy in their lives."

"And if you like, we can talk about the one whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas." Kalen added, smiling. "He's helped me through a lot, and He can change your lives too."

"If you need some time before talking with us, here's my contact info." Ikari said, offering a smile and a slip of paper. "If nothing else, I will be happy to listen if you ever need to vent."

The couple apologized and promised to repair the damages they caused, as well as replace everything that they had turned into an attack. They treated Slyvan, Kalen and Ikari to a meal at Chriscendal's famous diner, where they all talked for hours.

After parting ways with the couple, the heroic trio set off, and Slyvan hummed Christmas Carols as they traveled on.

"I love those songs too bud, but let's save it for after Thanksgiving." Kalen teased.

"Don't worry Slyvan, I sing them all year. Don't let Scrooge here stop you." Ikari playfully said back.

The team laughed as they pondered who they would minister to next in their adventures.