Chapter 24
This story is part of a collaborative project with additional talented writers. The previous chapters can be found here: https://theprose.com/post/438830/tag-list-and-schedule
Your Dad may still be missing, but your mum coming around is a good sign Gareth. The more people in your world that we can keep as confidants, the better!
"Exactly Olban, especially considering that our enemy's weakness seems to be loneliness. We are building something that he'll never get through his pathetic minions. Oh, sorry Wren, that doesn't apply to you!"
"It's ok, I'm not one of them anymore." Wren smiled. "So this tea stuff you're making, is it like a soda, but hot?"
Oh Wren, he is so innocent for a former enemy. I would hug him if I could.
"Sorry Eloise, maybe I'll hug him later."
"Hugs? That sounds pleasant!"
The trio within one and Wren then heard the front door open, leading to Gareth and Wren racing to the living room to see who had arrived.
"Brian! Is it really you this time?"
"This time? Honey what do you mean?" The man Gareth knew as his father said. "The last thing I remember was being knocked out and waking up in a storage closet. It took me a while to figure out where I was, but I never stopped fighting to get back to make sure you were safe. Oh Gareth, you're here too! Thank heavens you are also ok!"
Well, saves us the trouble of tracking down the old man. Looks like we have to convince him all over again though.
"I'm glad you're safe dad. Please have a seat with mum. I think I can explain why you went through the ordeal you just did."
"Don't go near Gareth's mom you fake bastard!"
"Wren? What's gotten into you?"
"He's a fake, just like the one earlier. The Nameless One tried to catch us off guard by sending another one shortly after, probably assuming all of you would overlook it. But not me."
"Wren, how do you know he's not my Dad? You couldn't tell if humans were minions before, but all of a sudden you can?"
"Yes Gareth, I can tell this time." Wren protested. "I'm not quite sure why I couldn't before, but he is definitely a fake. Maybe overcoming the darkness on the way here through that hypnosis began awakening something in me, because I can also sense that I have access to that same darkness, and can even control it. So yeah, you don't need to pop a new memory in my head, this darkness is now my weapon."
"Wren, this is really sudden! I'm not sure if this is something you should be messing with!"
"Don't worry my friend, I've got this. You guys spared me with the intention of me protecting you all. So let me do my part now, Gareth."
This is a far cry from the clueless, adorable Wren that I'm used to. What if he is going evil again guys?
I doubt it Eloise. If he was really reverting back to his old self, he would probably just let the dad minion kill us. We may still be learning about his kind, but I think he's still on our side, I'm confident in that. Let's just observe what is manifesting in Wren.
"Go stand by your mum. I'll take out this son of a bitch." Wren snarled before facing Brian. "Because that's what your boss is man, a fucking bitch!"
"Awwwww, are you petty that the boss dumped you?" Brian teased as his eyes glowed red. "I'm the latest masterpiece, nothing like the other failures like you that came before!"
"We'll see dickhead." Wren countered as his eyes turned black. Gareth, Sarah, and the living room all disappeared into the darkness that now surrounded Wren and Brian. Brian's smirk switched to an expression of fear.
"Where have you taken me? What is this place?"
"We're still at the Wilks place physically, but mentally you are within my mind. This darkness was something your boss used to keep us in check, but I have control over this space now. In here we can fight without damaging the home of my friend's parents. So come at me asshole!"
Brian stared at Wren in silence, shivering in fear.
"I thought you were the newest masterpiece, but that's not how you look from here. Do you not like the darkness pal? You know this is your master's endgame, right? All darkness, all the time!"
"Please, get us out of here man! I can't take this!"
"Awwww, is the poor little minion scared? You came here to kill us, and now you got no bite? Did your boss forget to give you a pair when he made you?"
Brian screamed and cowered as his body began decaying. Once he was nothing but dust, the darkness faded, bringing Wren back to the living room with Gareth (along with Olban and Eloise) and Sarah. Mother and son stared wide eyed at the former minion who was clearly not as meek as he appeared in his human appearance.
"Wren!" Gareth said incredulously. "You made that minion disintegrate! Both of you were just standing there talking, then he was gone!"
Wren is going through quite an evolution. We've got to get back to Master Stell and work out a way to get Wren to my world as soon as possible, so we can get his take on all this!
He really was incredible.... what a glow up he just got! It is quite frightening, but I'm relieved he's on our side!
And to think Gareth, you initially had us pretend to fight Wren to prove that magic exists to your family. Wren just gave a true demonstration of magic.
"Right? I wonder if the Nameless One built that ability Wren displayed within his minions in case one of them ever went rogue? He is probably arrogant enough to think that none of his minions could actually unlock the power and use it themselves. Anyway, we will have lots more to sort out now. But this seems like a good problem to have."
"Oh crap, your mum heard everything I said to that jerk!" Wren exclaimed while showing signs of shame. "I'm sorry Ms. Wilks, I got a bit carried away with the bad words I said. I just hate my old master and his flunkies so much! And when I realized what that phoney was trying to do.... I just got fired up!"
"It's ok Wren, I know you're a nice young man." Sarah said sweetly. "Gareth, I almost feel like I'm getting used to all of this craziness since you proved that your magic stories were real. Are you, Wren, and the rest of your friends ready to talk over that cuppa now?"
Wren smiled before taking a seat on the couch, as Gareth began prepping their drinks.
"Hey guys, there is one more thing I was able to do while I was in the dark with the Mr. Wilks that wasn't Mr. Wilks that you should all know about."
"Go on Wren." Gareth replied while pouring the tea. "What else happened?"
"I got a look inside that minion's mind. And now I know where your dad is.... the real one."
Whispers from the Shiro
Far and few between
are the shadows on paper
that appear as what i mean
to myself
and more so beneath
our surfacing
of suspended
breath
lucky are we
to whom
an hour or two
is forgiven
in the sweeping
of the arms
and slipping sword
of the Exorcist Angel
that makes a way
for each new
beginning
at every
second
of the day
with such
precision
In dialog
we punch
the clock and
in our dreams
make it visceral
If you can still
feel my fingers
tracing your neck
you know what
I mean by digital.
Multiverse Allies: Willy’s Survival Tale
This story is based on the Reedsy.com prompt "Write about a human and a cat that come to some kind of mutual understanding."
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
*This story takes place in the Leftover Levels Up/Multiverse story arc. Prior installments from this plotline are linked at the end of this story*
Willy hid underground in his worm form while Kirk tore through the grassy terrain outside of the royal castle of Prosperity. Thanks to the modifications Hugh had given him, he had four arms to wield his metal word swords with, while two additional arms were available for creating new blades by writing words in his journal. His wife Serenity was untouchable as long as she was dancing, and she had eight legs to work with. Willy knew there was no way he could face these foes head on, especially since his fighting ability was limited. But if he could touch his opponents somehow, he could turn them into worms and clinch the win.
Kirk kept slashing through the ground in an effort to ideally slice Willy while he was even more vulnerable as a worm. The four sets of metal word swords together read the phrase "skewer this fishing bait." Several of Kirk's ground strikes had come very close to doing just that, but Willy managed to be lucky enough to avoid getting impaled by Kirk's words.
"You're great at hide and seek dude, but I will find you eventually!" Kirk jeered. "You can't avoid my word blades forever! And even if you did, my wife is invincible as long as she is dancing! And once she stops to strike a pose, you my friend will be blown off of this island, far away from your hopeless friends!"
"In the off chance that I have to take over, I will dance until he's in my sights!" Serenity chimed in maliciously. "I can easily rest a couple of these legs when needed, so fatigue is a thing of the past!"
Willy cursed at the true words of his enemies. He couldn’t hide from Kirk's blades forever, and Serenity's dance skills made her untouchable. He then had a gutsy idea: maybe he could utilize the blades instead of avoiding them. He would be in pieces if he made a wrong move, but making no move would lead to his death anyway.
Willy waited for the next slash attempt, then pulled himself onto one of the metal letters while the blades briefly paused. He did his best to blend in with the letter e from the "skewer" word blade, then waited until the blade was raised all the way in the air. Before Kirk could swing again, Willy dove off of the weapon and landed on Kirk's back. He then transformed back into his human form while Kirk transformed into a worm. Willy grabbed Kirk's worm body before he could disappear into the dirt.
"Nooooo! Change me back this instant!" Kirk hollered, only audible to Willy.
"Not before I make a deal with the Mrs." Willy smiled. "Hey Serenity, if you strike a pose now, your husband will be the one in the ocean. What will your next move be?"
"Please please please, don't kill my husband!" Serenity sobbed. "Please reunite me with him, and I swear we'll let you go!"
"Yeah man, we'll call this off, honest!" The worm version of Kirk cried out in terror.
"Alright, I will reunite the power couple if you let me go." Willy said gently. He then walked to Serenity with Kirk in tow.
"Open up one of your palms, and I will put Kirk in it." Willy requested. "Once you are holding him, the power of your love should take care of everything."
"Awwww, that's so sweet!" Serenity gushed, holding out the palm of her right hand to receive her husband back.
Willy held Kirk over Serenity's palm, then gently dropped him into her hand.
"So when will he be human again?" Serenity asked in a concerned tone.
"I don't recall ever saying I would change him back." Willy replied as he touched Serenity's shoulder. "I just said I would reunite you. And now you will have even more in common!"
Serenity screamed as everything around her grew bigger, and her arms and legs disappeared into her also shrinking body. Soon enough, she and Kirk were both worms in the palm of Willy's hand.
"Nooooo! I trusted you! How could you do this to me too?" Serenity cried out in anguish.
"Serenity please, your husband would have killed me the moment I changed him back, just like he's been trying to do this whole time. And don't act like you wouldn't have struck me down if you had the chance as well."
"Fair, but we surrender for real man!" Kirk pleaded. "Please make us human again and we we will stand down. You have our word!"
"We are for real Willy, we are done. Honest!" Serenity added.
"I can't trust either of you as long as your boss is still here." Willy retorted while gently placing the worm forms of his enemies on the ground. "Besides, you both let Hugh alter your bodies so much that you were barely human anymore. My allies and I are going to overthrow your tyrant of a leader. Once we've done that, I'll come back for you. Maybe then I will consider changing you back. But until then, cherish the time you have with each other, no matter how the rest of your lives look."
Kirk silently embraced Serenity as Willy walked away. Before he could walk into the castle, he noticed a snow leopard blocking the entrance.
"Greetings Willy, I am pleased to make your acquaintance." The snow leopard said politely.
"A cat that talks?" Willy asked. "Didn't expect that. Are you one of Hugh's flunkies too?"
"Of course not. And what is so weird about a talking cat? Can't you turn yourself and others into worms, and didn't you just fight two people with multiple limbs that had powers from writing and dancing? Anyway, just like the man you and your allies are fighting to assist, I am also not of this world. My owner is Multan, one of the gatekeepers of the multiverse. I have the ability to prophesy, and I have come to warn you of what will come."
"A prophet cat? That's a new one." Willy grinned. "Ok, I will hear you out. What is your name, and can you tell me what will happen at the end of this conflict?"
"My name is Prophecat, and this is what Multan is allowing me to share. The kingdom of Prosperity will recover and return to not only what it was before, but even better. You and your allies will play an integral role in the healing of your country. However, one of you will lose their life in the process."
"Well that figures." Willy said dejectedly. "And I take it you are not allowed to reveal which one of us won't make it?"
"It is forbidden for me to do so, as all of you will no doubt attempt to prevent this, which will result in your country remaining in Hugh's corrupt hands. However, if you wish to run away now that you are aware of your potential fate, you are free to go. But the state of the kingdom will no doubt be impacted."
"Not a chance." Willy smiled. "I'd rather not die, but I won't let Hugh destroy Prosperity either. I will give this rebellion my all, even if it costs me my own life."
"You are a wise, good man." Prophecat said warmly. "I will step aside and allow you to catch up with your team. I will return when it is time for the silhouette man of the prophecy to return to his own world."
*****
"So that's how you bested Kirk and Serenity, and caught up in time to save us from that weird Hansel and Gretel simulation!" Hypnorc said enthusiastically.
"So one of us is going to die per that cat, huh?" Janet said in a dispirited tone.
"Yeah." Willy said solemnly. "I figured it would be only fair to warn each of you as well should you want to bow out and preserve your life. I won't think any less of any of you if you do."
"Out of the question." Anti-Hero said boldly. "Per Prophecat's prophesy, if any of us doesn't fulfill our role to the end, Prosperity dies. And I won't let that happen."
"Willy, Janet, and Hypnorc smiled and nodded in agreement as they raced to catch up with Leftover. No matter what was fated for any of them, they pushed forward with a full commitment to assist in the final battle that was about to unfold.
Coming soon: the conclusion to the "Leftover Levels Up/Multiverse" arc!
*****
Prior stories from this plotline:
- A Non-Hypnotic Suggestion - https://theprose.com/post/475973/a-non-hypnotic-suggestion
- Leftover Levels Up - Part I: Entering The Multiverse - https://theprose.com/post/478758/leftover-levels-up-part-i-entering-the-multiverse
- Leftover Levels Up - Part II: Old/New Friends & Foes - https://theprose.com/post/537607/leftover-levels-up-part-ii-old-new-friends-foes
- Leftover Levels Up - Part III: Multiverse Showdown! Anti-Hero vs Janet - https://theprose.com/post/540731/leftover-levels-up-part-iii-multiverse-showdown-anti-hero-vs-janet
- Leftover Levels Up - Part IV: A Scent of Danger - Nostrel Attacks! - https://theprose.com/post/543741/leftover-levels-up-part-iv-a-scent-of-danger-nostrel-attacks
- Multiverse Allies: A Fairy Tale Trap - https://theprose.com/post/545257/multiverse-allies-a-fairy-tale-trap
The Next Missions
"What assistance did you need from me, Hugh?" Janet asked with a kind smile.
"Chris will be heading to Mitch's mansion once the mission he is currently undertaking is finished." Hugh explained while offering his own smile. "As I explained to him, the puck villain defeated by Doug, Dirk, Kirk, and Serenity revealed that Lifer has returned (https://theprose.com/post/534324/true-mvp). Since you and Chris were involved in the train incident where Lifer was defeated and reformed back into the young man known as Landon, I would like the two of you to pay him a visit and see if he knows anything about Lifer's return (Lifer was defeated here: https://theprose.com/post/423335/derailed-lifer-s-true-identity)."
"Lifer's back?" Janet asked in shock. "You don't think Landon fooled the Reflection Dimension, do you?"
"No, I don't think so." Hugh replied. "But he might know how a new Lifer could have surfaced. There is always the possibility that this Lifer could threaten Landon as well. Shania, Fred, and the living armors are there too, but your assistance would be appreciated in case a situation arises where they wind up under attack."
"I understand Hugh, consider it done. Chris and I will chat with Landon, and protect him if necessary."
"Thank you Janet, I am fortunate to have you both on the case."
"As for cases, you have a job for us as well Hugh?"
"Yes Mitch, I have received a distress call that I would like you and your crew to address." Hugh answered warmly. "The call came from a young woman known as Tamma Aplonica, from the small town of Aplonica."
"Tamma Aplonica of Aplonica?" Rick asked curiously. "Is she in charge of the town?"
"No, that would be her father, Jahno Aplonica." Hugh smiled. "Tamma advised that her father is the mayor of the town, a place which tends to be a nice tourist stop for convention goers, since a big convention hall is next to it. Tamma advised that a cyclops monster with magical abilities has been terrorizing the residents, demanding 30% of each of their wages a week. Her father is too afraid to stand up to the beast and has been encouraging everyone to give in to the demands. Tamma asked if I had any heroes with magical abilities that could stand up to the monster, and I advised that I certainly do."
"So you are asking us to take on this cyclops due to Essie and my magical abilities?" Cerissa asked.
"Yes, but there is also another reason." Hugh replied. "This creature could potentially be someone that Glicko cursed, and that is why I agreed to send you and your crew in. I am hoping that if Glicko is involved, you might gain some insight in your quests to stop him and Petunia."
"I agree, and we accept!" Mitch grinned, shaking Hugh's hand. "Even if Glicko isn't involved, we will be happy to rescue the town from this cyclops foe."
"And there's even a comic convention scheduled near that town in a couple of weeks!" Rick said excitedly while Essie beamed from his enthusiasm. "Once we rescue the town, we should check it out. We already have the perfect costumes!"
"I'm not against that Rick, but we'll see how tough an opponent we are facing first." Mitch said. "Do you need us to head out right now, Hugh?"
"No, feel free to have your volleyball game, and take care of your arrangements at home too." Hugh winked, knowing that Mitch was surprising his team with a Christmas celebration back in the real world. "As for teams, how about me, Kirk, Serenity, Rick, Essie and Dirk verses you, Cerissa, Doug, Janet, Tate and Wasila?"
"Sounds great to me!" Mitch smiled, along with everyone else present. "Let's have some fun, then get back to business!"
- This concludes the "Training World Arc."
- Janet's next encounter with Lifer will be coming soon to "The Ultimate Hero Network? A Short Story Collection (https://theprose.com/book/3184/the-ultimate-hero-network-a-short-story-collection)."
- The Pirate and his crew's adventures will continue in the "Small Town Magic Arc," coming soon!
*****
Training World Arc
Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:
- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic
- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser
- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams
- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure
- A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world
- Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation
- The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub
- Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch
- Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up
- Catching Up (Chapter 117) - https://theprose.com/post/484441/catching-up
- Portal To The Next Fight (Chapter 118) - https://theprose.com/post/491899/portal-to-the-next-fight
- Clash of the Mages (Chapter 119) - https://theprose.com/post/499792/clash-of-the-mages
- Team Essie (Chapter 120) - https://theprose.com/post/502330/team-essie
- A New Trick (Chapter 121) - https://theprose.com/post/504534/a-new-trick
- Darn Mosquito (Chapter 122) - https://theprose.com/post/510059/darn-mosquito
- Playing Offense: Rick and Janet (Chapter 123) - https://theprose.com/post/533308/playing-offense-rick-and-janet
- Injured Musings (Chapter 124) - https://theprose.com/post/534943/injured-musings
- The Ultimate Strategy of Team Essie (Chapter 125) - https://theprose.com/post/537929/the-ultimate-strategy-of-team-essie
- Victory? (Chapter 126) - https://theprose.com/post/538229/victory
- Final Preparations (Chapter 127) - https://theprose.com/post/541330/final-preparations
- Power Play (Chapter 128) - https://theprose.com/post/553141/power-play
- Conclusion: The Battle Simulation Ends! (Chapter 129) - https://theprose.com/post/554469/conclusion-the-battle-simulation-ends
- Refreshment & Reflection (Chapter 130) - https://theprose.com/post/557283/refreshment-reflection
- Cheers! (Chapter 131) - https://theprose.com/post/563619/cheers
- Reunion, Introductions, And A Request (Chapter 132) - https://theprose.com/post/565041/reunion-introductions-and-a-request
Unfulfilled Customer
Dear Yellow Cab,
I feel the need to bring it to your attention that my recent experience with drive P. Rose was unsatisfactory.
Not only was the driver rude and discourteous, forgetting entirely that I was their paying customer, not listening to my request for information after seemingly driving me on a misguided route, but ultimately did not complete our agreed upon pre-paid trip.
I was instead taken to a destination of their choosing, sprayed with an unknown possibly life-threatening substance and then, to the best of my recollection, raped and pummelled me all the while mouthing some insane chant about loving me to death.
As you can well imagine, I have been left in a state of suspended reality ever since as I have yet to regain my footing. My doctors feel this trauma may have lasting life altering effects.
Please refund my money.
Thank you,
Unfulfilled Customer
Reunion, Introductions, And A Request
Hugh smiled at everyone gathered in the beach hub area of the Training World. He was dressed in swimming trunks, a straw hat, and an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt. On one side of him stood Dirk and Doug in their swimming trunks. On the other side of Hugh was a young couple, the gentleman wearing swimming trunks, and the young lady holding the gentleman's hand sporting a bikini.
"Babe! I can't believe you guys are here!" Cerissa cried out in delight, running to Doug and greeting him with an embrace and a kiss. Dirk smiled and walked over to Mitch to shake his hand.
"Good to see you again bud!" Mitch said enthusiastically. "I take it things have been looking up for you in your new life?"
"They are!" Dirk said excitedly. "My brother and I recently were on a mission at a hockey game with that power couple over there, and our teamwork helped us overcome two powerful villains (those battles can be read in these two short stories: https://theprose.com/post/526302/mvp and https://theprose.com/post/534324/true-mvp). Hey you two, come on over and meet the Pirate and his crew!"
The couple accepted the invitation and walked over to the group, Hugh following closely behind.
"It is an honor to meet you all. I'm Kirk, and this is my girlfriend Serenity."
"Dirk and Doug have been amazing to work with." Serenity said sweetly. "Dirk especially helped us through a bind with the enemies we squared off against."
"Hey, all of us working together is what helped us overcome MVP and Puck." Dirk replied humbly.
"I'm so proud of you bro!" Doug chimed in.
"I definitely will never complain about seeing you guys, especially you Doug." Cerissa said before giving him another kiss. "But out of curiosity, what brings all of you here, along with Hugh?"
"I would like Dirk and Doug to train with Kirk and Serenity in order to continue to grow their teamwork." Hugh smiled. "After all Mitch, you and I did build a fine place here for doing so."
"Indeed we did." Mitch grinned. "Did you stop by to see the product of our collaborative efforts?"
"Partially." Hugh replied. "I also come with a request for Janet's assistance, along with a job for the Pirate and his crew."
To be continued....
*****
Training World Arc
Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:
- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic
- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser
- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams
- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure
- A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world
- Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation
- The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub
- Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch
- Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up
- Catching Up (Chapter 117) - https://theprose.com/post/484441/catching-up
- Portal To The Next Fight (Chapter 118) - https://theprose.com/post/491899/portal-to-the-next-fight
- Clash of the Mages (Chapter 119) - https://theprose.com/post/499792/clash-of-the-mages
- Team Essie (Chapter 120) - https://theprose.com/post/502330/team-essie
- A New Trick (Chapter 121) - https://theprose.com/post/504534/a-new-trick
- Darn Mosquito (Chapter 122) - https://theprose.com/post/510059/darn-mosquito
- Playing Offense: Rick and Janet (Chapter 123) - https://theprose.com/post/533308/playing-offense-rick-and-janet
- Injured Musings (Chapter 124) - https://theprose.com/post/534943/injured-musings
- The Ultimate Strategy of Team Essie (Chapter 125) - https://theprose.com/post/537929/the-ultimate-strategy-of-team-essie
- Victory? (Chapter 126) - https://theprose.com/post/538229/victory
- Final Preparations (Chapter 127) - https://theprose.com/post/541330/final-preparations
- Power Play (Chapter 128) - https://theprose.com/post/553141/power-play
- Conclusion: The Battle Simulation Ends! (Chapter 129) - https://theprose.com/post/554469/conclusion-the-battle-simulation-ends
- Refreshment & Reflection (Chapter 130) - https://theprose.com/post/557283/refreshment-reflection
- Cheers! (Chapter 131) - https://theprose.com/post/563619/cheers
Cheers!
"The next time we battle a powerful opponent in the real world, whether we win or lose, our team has to do all we can to avoid casualties amongst ourselves."
"You are absolutely right Mitch, cheers!" Tate beamed, as he and Mitch clinked their glasses of beer. Rick joined in the toast with a glass of root beer. The trio were lounging in their swimming trunks on beach chairs, enjoying their drinks and reflecting on their recently completed battle simulation.
"Also, I need to step it up as a leader to my crew." Mitch added. "I need to be more of a protector to these youngsters. If it wasn't for Essie's spell, which Cerissa, Rick and Janet paved the way for, you would have bested me Tate."
"I also want to be more of a protector Mitch." Rick added. "I sacrificed myself to give Essie the opening for that attack, but I wasn't there to watch her back as a result."
"Being a protector is great, but there is nothing wrong with relying on your allies for help." Tate commented. "There will be times when you are the stronger one that can lift your team up, and there will be times when you will need a lift from your teammates. Both are essential if your crew is to survive."
"I'll drink to that!" Rick grinned as he finished his root beer. "Thanks Tate, you're absolutely right. I'll be back later gentlemen, I am going to join the girls for a swim."
Rick happily darted into the water to Essie, Cerissa, Janet and Wasila, while Tate and Mitch continued to drink and chat.
"Merry Christmas by the way." Tate said. "You didn't forget with all the work you are all putting in, did you?"
"Definitely not." Mitch smiled. "I have a tree with gifts set up for my crew back home. There's a little something for you and Wasila in the clubhouse here too."
"You truly are remarkable." Tate grinned. "Everyone is fortunate to have you in their lives, including us AI's."
*****
Everyone gathered together for a barbecue picnic on the beach. Tate and Mitch grilled chicken, steak, cheeseburgers and hot dogs. After everyone had eaten their fill, Rick jumped to his feet and addressed the group.
"Everyone, here's the deal. We never got to finish our volleyball game the last time we were on a beach. So.... who's in?"
"I'm game, but let's chat first." A familar voice stated.
The crew turned to the direction of the voice, and observed a party of five approaching.
To be continued....
*****
Training World Arc
Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:
- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic
- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser
- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams
- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure
- A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world
- Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation
- The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub
- Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch
- Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up
- Catching Up (Chapter 117) - https://theprose.com/post/484441/catching-up
- Portal To The Next Fight (Chapter 118) - https://theprose.com/post/491899/portal-to-the-next-fight
- Clash of the Mages (Chapter 119) - https://theprose.com/post/499792/clash-of-the-mages
- Team Essie (Chapter 120) - https://theprose.com/post/502330/team-essie
- A New Trick (Chapter 121) - https://theprose.com/post/504534/a-new-trick
- Darn Mosquito (Chapter 122) - https://theprose.com/post/510059/darn-mosquito
- Playing Offense: Rick and Janet (Chapter 123) - https://theprose.com/post/533308/playing-offense-rick-and-janet
- Injured Musings (Chapter 124) - https://theprose.com/post/534943/injured-musings
- The Ultimate Strategy of Team Essie (Chapter 125) - https://theprose.com/post/537929/the-ultimate-strategy-of-team-essie
- Victory? (Chapter 126) - https://theprose.com/post/538229/victory
- Final Preparations (Chapter 127) - https://theprose.com/post/541330/final-preparations
- Power Play (Chapter 128) - https://theprose.com/post/553141/power-play
- Conclusion: The Battle Simulation Ends! (Chapter 129) - https://theprose.com/post/554469/conclusion-the-battle-simulation-ends
- Refreshment & Reflection (Chapter 130) - https://theprose.com/post/557283/refreshment-reflection
Keep your doors closed and run
Matthew wandered around the room, taking every step with skepticism, devouring him, leaving what he had left to the ravenous society. He tried to have a moment of flashbacks of what happened, but reminiscing about the tragedy was all he could do. Every happy moment that he faces vanishes away from him, never to be mentioned or remembered by Matthew or anyone again. But despite everything, the ambience of the room felt very familiar and amicable. It was as if Matthew was destined to run away from the amicable feeling the entire time. Something about the things he had faced so far didn’t seem real yet they felt so familiar. Something about him doesn’t feel right. Before his thoughts dragged him away, he noticed a letter addressed to him on a mediocre table. He felt his own shadow running away as he picked up the letter and opened it.
Dear Matthew,
Whatever you do, please do not do the following as every action of yours will lead you one step closer to the purgatory that you’ve spent your whole life running away from.
DO NOT open the door
DO NOT invite Jack into your home
DO NOT take the drink from him
DO NOT wake up
DO NOT meet the King and Queen
DO NOT enter a bedroom that has your name on it
DO NOT go back.
I do hope it's not too late.
Yours truly,
Matthew
He felt his heart going cold. He doesn’t remember writing a letter to himself. And he has done everything he told himself not todo. Is this a trap? Or is it a warning? If he didn’t write that letter, then who did? From what Matthew gained after diving into a crevasse of valued and sequestered memories, Jack gave him a drink and somehow he ended up here, in this palace and in this room. All alone. He then remembered what Jack had said before he left; “you are not to leave this room.”
Matthew also remembered the agony yet roguish in Jack’s eyes before he left. With curiosity taking behold of him, he took one risky step forward towards the door. Knowing that it wouldn’t make a difference even if his soul perished away from the world. Knowing that he would regret it.
He opened the door.
But it wasn’t the same expensive corridor he walked in with Jack before. It seemed to be a room full of light but the vacant darkness could still be seen by those who lived in it. Despite the scintillating walls being hopeless and colorless, the truth lies hidden in the shadows of the light. Matthew scrutinized his surroundings and felt the ambience of luxury vanish away. He turned around and realized the door he had just opened had disappeared. That’s when it hit Matthew that he was trapped in a void.
Agitation seemed to choke Matthew as he looked around the tortuous place for a way out. Nothing. His footsteps seemed to be more vociferous than his own thoughts. He continued walking, desperate for answers. Desperate to live a life where he doesn’t have to keep running. Desperate to breathe for the first time. Matthew noticed something from far. As he took a few steps closer, his eyes teemed with sympathy. It was a guy in a medical bed labeled patient no. 397. It seemed as if he couldn’t hear or see Matthew, so he took another step closer. Matthew noticed that the guy was dying right in front of him. Gasping for air, begging for another chance. Another life. The Holter monitor beside the guy started beeping frantically, indicating that his very own heart was betraying him. Matthew cried for help, but his voice just echoed, running away and further into the abyss he was currently in. To have a voice is to change another's future.
After analyzing every detail ever so carefully, for the first time Matthew felt lost and terrified. That person in the medical bed is him. That person who’s heart failed is him. That guy is him.
Tears flooded his vulnerable eyes. He screamed, he yelled, but his voice was silenced. Is this Matthews’ past or his future? Is this real? Is Matthew real?
‘DO NOT enter a room that has your name on it’, said the letter.
Now, Matthew knows why.
Refreshment & Reflection
Janet, Essie, and Cerissa stood side by side, looking at the ocean water with wonder. It really felt like they were at the beach, rather than the training hub they were residing in. Even the simulated beachgoers seemed like real people. The warm rays of the sun felt amazing on the skin that wasn't covered by their bikinis, and the scent of salt water and barbecue took them to a soothing place that was a far cry from the intense battle simulation that occurred not so long ago.
"Things may not have gone the way we hoped for in our fights, but this comforting place is quite the silver lining." Janet marveled. "Before we reflect on what we need to work on, let's enjoy a quick swim girls!"
The trio ran into the ocean with gleeful laughter. The water felt as refreshing and perfect as the beach air. Before long, a familar figure waded in beside them.
"Hello you three!" Wasila said in a friendly tone with a big smile. "I apologize for being so rough on all of you during our skirmish. No hard feelings I hope?"
"Not at all!" Cerissa replied with a smile of her own. "You and Tate provided exactly what we needed. A fight against incredible opponents that pulled no punches. I only wished I could have survived longer."
"Yes, but you saved me as a result." Essie said gratefully. "And thanks to Janet and Rick's sacrifices, I was able to power up my fire spell and save the Pirate from Tate. But.... if I had paid better attention to your abilities Wasila, I may have fared better against you."
"You were all very brave and selfless in the simulation." Wasila praised. "You all may have died, but Tate and I were also bested. Since it was not a true life or death face off, we are all thankfully here to still talk about it. I think there is some feedback I can give that we can all agree on though, isn't there?"
"Indeed there is." Janet chimed in, offering a grin of her own. "The next time we battle a powerful opponent in the real world, whether we win or lose, our team has to do all we can to avoid casualties amongst ourselves."
To be continued....
*****
Training World Arc
Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:
- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic
- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser
- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams
- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure
- A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world
- Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation
- The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub
- Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch
- Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up
- Catching Up (Chapter 117) - https://theprose.com/post/484441/catching-up
- Portal To The Next Fight (Chapter 118) - https://theprose.com/post/491899/portal-to-the-next-fight
- Clash of the Mages (Chapter 119) - https://theprose.com/post/499792/clash-of-the-mages
- Team Essie (Chapter 120) - https://theprose.com/post/502330/team-essie
- A New Trick (Chapter 121) - https://theprose.com/post/504534/a-new-trick
- Darn Mosquito (Chapter 122) - https://theprose.com/post/510059/darn-mosquito
- Playing Offense: Rick and Janet (Chapter 123) - https://theprose.com/post/533308/playing-offense-rick-and-janet
- Injured Musings (Chapter 124) - https://theprose.com/post/534943/injured-musings
The Ultimate Strategy of Team Essie (Chapter 125) - https://theprose.com/post/537929/the-ultimate-strategy-of-team-essie
- Victory? (Chapter 126) - https://theprose.com/post/538229/victory
- Final Preparations (Chapter 127) - https://theprose.com/post/541330/final-preparations
- Power Play (Chapter 128) - https://theprose.com/post/553141/power-play
Conclusion: The Battle Simulation Ends! (Chapter 129) - https://theprose.com/post/554469/conclusion-the-battle-simulation-ends
Leftover Levels Up - Part III: Multiverse Showdown! Anti-Hero vs Janet
This story is based on the Reedsy.com prompt "Write a story about a character who acts like they ‘don’t have feelings’ — except they’re just putting up a facade."
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
As Leftover ran through the castle corridors alongside Anti-Hero and Hypnorc, he was taken by how far the dark gray hallways seemed to stretch. He had explored the castle in his own dimension numerous times since he was a child, and the hallways were never this long. Maybe something to do with the multiverse, or maybe a different trick the enemy was pulling altogether? Before he could think any more about it, his party found themselves in a large room entirely made up of bright red. The hallway they had just passed through was suddenly blocked off by another red wall that closed in like an elevator door behind them. The east and west sides of the room stretched for what seemed like miles, red walls being the only thing ahead on each side. Miles also stretched in front of them, but there was at least a silver wooden door ahead. The door swung open, and a familar looking young woman in a black dress and expressionless face entered the room with a sword drawn.
"Janet...." Leftover uttered.
"You know of her, boss?" Hypnorc asked. "Is there a version of her in your world too?"
"Indeed. Where I come from, she is one of Hugh's top pawns. She isn't very powerful though. I nearly defeated her in a dream world. She was only rescued because of interference from her friends (in the story "Team Janet vs Team Sic" - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic). Is your Janet also a pushover by any chance?"
"No, she is one of Hugh's top assassins." Anti-Hero said while trembling. "A far cry from the version you described Leftover."
"Is that so?" Leftover grinned. "In my world she relies on a helmet that provides armor, weapons and enhanced strength. Although to be fair, I also utilize such a tool, despite having some fighting skill without it. I take it this Janet doesn't need a helmet like that?"
"We did have helmets like that before, but Hugh's fellow aliens found a way to put those very abilities from the helmets into the bodies of their test subjects. Janet was one such test subject, and even in just a dress, just about nothing can pierce her skin."
"Just about nothing you say? So there is something that can take her down?"
"Yes, another human who has gone through the same experiments." Anti-Hero said as she made a sword appear in her hand by thought. "Someone like me!"
"Anti-Hero!" Leftover cried out in shock. "You used to work for Hugh?"
"I did, but no more. Unlike the mindless killing machine standing in front of us, I left his organization after Hugh became greedy for world domination. He purposely designed us with the weakness of each other's weapons in case we were ever to turn against him. So while Janet would be able to cut through me, I can also do the same to her."
"Anti-Hero, are you implying what I think you are?" Hypnorc asked in awe.
"Yes, you two proceed through the door. I will fight Janet. You two handle Nostrel and final boss Hugh. Janet and I are overdue for a little girl talk."
"Thank you Anti-Hero. Strike true, and meet us up ahead once you're done here. We'll be counting on you, just like we are counting on Willy." Leftover said with a reverent nod, as he and Hypnorc rushed through the silver door.
"It's been a long time Janet. You remember me, don't you?"
Janet gave no reaction as she slowly walked towards Anti-Hero with her sword at the ready.
"Janet come on, it's me, Kari! We used to fight for the peace of this world, together! We were inseparable, and you were my maid of honor at my wedding! Have you truly abandoned all of your memories of us we've shared in our lives?"
Janet continued to approach Anti-Hero stoically.
"Eddie Jacques. Your fiancé. Hugh threatened to kill him if you didn't partake in the experiments. He gave me the same threat, using my husband's life as leverage. We agreed to let Hugh's fellow aliens alter our bodies to have the same power as the helmets, all for the sake of our loves. Once it was all over, Hugh murdered your fiancé and my husband anyway. That was when I turned against him and became Anti-Hero, because I am opposed to his brand of heroes. But you, you became an emotionless shell and performed multiple kills for him. It's like you shut down your emotions permanently and became his pawn."
Janet was almost up to Anti-Hero, still not showing a sliver of feeling.
"Janet, I don't want to fight you!" Anti-Hero shouted as tears filled her eyes. "I don't blame you for what you've done! I get why you became what you are, it was how you processed your heartbreak! But you don't have to hide your feelings anymore! Let it all out with me, then we can make Hugh pay, together!"
Anti-Hero's words fell on deaf ears as Janet charged at her swinging. Anti-Hero made her sword appear just in time to fend off Janet's strikes. The pair clashed swords, with Janet attacking much more than Anti-Hero. Anti-Hero leapt back and made her laser gun appear, firing several shots at Janet. Janet deflected each blast, then pulled her own laser gun and shot at Anti-Hero. Anti-Hero deflected the blasts aimed at her, leaving them both at a standstill.
"Janet, we can stop this anytime! We don't have to be enemies!"
Janet remained expressionless, and marched towards Anti-Hero with her sword drawn.
Anti-Hero then remembered something else her powers allowed her to summon by thought, something that would give her the best chance to turn the tides of their showdown, and it wasn't even a weapon. She used her thoughts and made a 5×10 photo appear in her hand.
"Look Janet, this is from my wedding! It's me and my husband, with you and Eddie by our sides! I know you miss Eddie, just like I miss my love. Please Janet, you need to stop shelving your feelings and face them! I'll be here for you, every step of the way!"
Janet gasped when she was close enough to see the photo. Tears began flowing down her cheeks, and then uncontrollable sobs escaped her as she dropped her sword. Anti-Hero approached Janet and embraced her. As Janet cried uncontrollably on Anti-Hero's shoulder, she allowed her own sobbing to join her hurting rival.
"I missed you so much Janet." Anti-Hero said sweetly once she regained her own composure. "Join our cause honey, and we will stop Hugh from ever doing this to anyone else ever again."
"Okay." Janet finally spoke, taking a moment longer to calm down before releasing herself from Anti-Hero's embrace. She then rapidly summoned a knife and stabbed Anti-Hero in the chest. Anti-Hero fell to the floor and quickly rolled onto her back, staring at her old friend in horror.
"I'm sorry Kari, I loved you like a sister, and I always will!" Janet cried out. "But I've done so many horrible things, and Hugh would never let me walk away without taking someone else I care about. You have to kill me, it's the only way!"
Janet picked up her sword from the ground and began lunging at Anti-Hero. Anti-Hero made her laser gun appear in her hand, then fired a point blank shot into Janet's chest. Janet gasped in pain before falling to the floor as well.
Working through intense agony, Anti-Hero crawled beside Janet and laid next to her. She then summoned a blue healing grenade into her hand and smiled.
"You said death was the only way, but you didn't aim for my vitals when you stabbed me. Well I didn't aim for your vitals with my shot either. I am going to heal our injuries, and then we're going to have a chat. Any objections?"
"No objections sis." Janet replied with a sheepish smile.
To be continued....