Setting The Stage For An Unknown Plan (For Now)

An audio version read by me can be heard here: https://audiomack.com/roses311sublime/song/15135514

- In tribute to media that tells an extended story by releasing smaller bits of it at a time (for example, newspaper comic strips including The Amazing Spider-Man, Mark Trail, and The Phantom, and publications like Shonen Jump that deliver manga chapters before full volumes are published), I would like to try my hand at telling a story by releasing small parts of it on a daily basis (I will try to be that frequent). Besides being an interesting story telling tactic, I am hoping to get more practice at writing fiction by doing this. I hope you enjoy!

This story takes place in the same world that these tales are unfolding in: https://theprose.com/book/3184/the-ultimate-hero-network-a-short-story-collection

Although these Characters will ultimately not be the main focus of this tale, they will kick the story off, so introductions are in order:

Hugh

Hugh is an alien that looks very human. He cleansed his home planet from evil, and he came to the Earth to do the same. He uses a dark helmet that covers his body with armor that increases his strength and gives him access to futuristic weapons that appear by thought. When Hugh was 16, he captured a dangerous criminal named Gull (this original adventure of Hugh can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/389825/the-pit ). Now 30 years old, Hugh has spent the past 14 years building a worldwide network of heroes powered by the same helmet technology as himself. Hugh has even created an alternate world called the Reflection Dimension, a safe place to keep the most dangerous criminals. The inhabitants of the Reflection Dimension all have food, shelter, and digital entertainment needs supplied, and their only means of escape is to pass a test to show that they have truly given up their evil ways. If they are able to do this, they are also cleared of all criminal charges (The first tale of the Reflection Dimension can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/382631/redemption-in-another-dimension ).

Leftover

Originally Prince Lenny Overature of the country of Prosperity, Lenny was next in line to become the king. However, his true desire was to join his idol Hugh’s hero network. King Overature allowed him to apply for Hugh’s team, while secretly contacting Hugh requesting that his application be declined. Hugh appeared to Lenny shortly after and began interviewing him for the opportunity to become a new recruit. This turned out to be a trick, as this Hugh was really the king’s trusted advisor Bill. Bill stole Lenny’s features, leaving Lenny’s body as a dark silhouette. Plotting to pose as Lenny and become king, Bill’s plans were foiled when Hugh’s associate Mirk came on the scene and sent Bill to the Reflection Dimension, assuming that Bill would return reformed. This did not go according to plan, and Lenny vowed revenge on Hugh and his organization, taking the name Leftover. Leftover plans to build his own team that will eliminate Hugh’s group, and do what he feels will be a better job in being heroes. Leftover’s latest machinations include tricking the world into thinking he is back to normal, being crowned king of Prosperity, and recently obtaining a modded helmet from Hugh’s organization, with Hugh having no memory of this gift. (Leftover’s origin story can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/403057/the-prince-s-year-end-goals-destiny-beyond-the-throne )

*****

Deep underground in the king’s castle in the country of Prosperity, the king that was nothing more than a silhouette stood. Taking the name Leftover, he was plotting to destroy the global hero organization his former idol Hugh was overseeing. The going was slow, but Leftover had already gained some powerful allies that were currently standing before him. He had CCC (Customer Character Creator), a man that chose a bizarre look for himself, but had the ability to customize anyone’s look for an hour at a time. He had a giant orc that possessed hypnosis power that went by the name Hypnorc. And his most recent recruit was Doctor Sic, an expert with toxins. With these characters on his side, Leftover’s plans of destroying Hugh’s team and taking over as the essential hero team were off to a good start.

“Gentleman, your efforts are commendable and appreciated.” Leftover told his allies in his signature voice of nobility and maliciousness. “Thanks to CCC, one of our supporters is currently posing as the old me on the throne, convincing this country that everything is normal. Hypnorc’s powers have my dear old dad, the former king who still wields a lot of influence, under our control. And Doctor Sic can whip up a mean poison for our enemies when needed. Yes, we are looking good, but we still need to grow our organization if we are to destroy Hugh’s worldwide one. Do any of you have some fresh suggestions on how we can do that?”

Doctor Sic walked forward and grinned. “Yes Leftover, I have an idea. And it is a doozy....”

To be continued....