Lifer’s Game - Snow Easy Battle!
This story is based on the Reedsy.com prompt “Write about two characters who’ve gone through something so intense they now feel like family.”
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Hero Characters:
Hugh
Hugh is an alien in his 30s that looks very human. He cleansed his home planet from evil when he was a teenager, and he came to the Earth to do the same (the original adventure of Hugh can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/389825/the-pit ). 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. Hugh has even created an alternate world called the Reflection Dimension, a safe place to keep the most dangerous criminals, with their only means of escape being to pass a test to show that they have truly given up their evil ways. He runs a worldwide network of heroes that utilizes the same helmet technology that he uses.
Jirk
Jirk is one of the heroes in Hugh’s employ. He spent his childhood bullying others, but was put in his place when he was 17 by an associate of Hugh’s. Jirk was shown mercy and was invited to join Hugh, and feeling touched by the way he was treated, Jirk accepted the invitation. Now in his 30′s, Jirk is a firm believer in Hugh’s vision of redemption, offering this option to his opponents whenever possible.
First appearance: https://theprose.com/post/380974/never-too-late-for-popsicles
Nostrel
A muscular man who accidentally gained powers from a clinical drug trial for an ears, nose and throat medicine. Nostrel can fire lasers from his nostrils, use his ears as destructive projectiles, and grow T-Shirts out of the ground. He originally fought Jirk while in a destructive rage, but after spending time in the Reflection Dimension, he is now a reformed member of Hugh’s hero network (Nostrel’s encounter with Jirk and his time in the Reflection Dimension can be read about here: https://theprose.com/post/382631/redemption-in-another-dimension ).
Villain Characters:
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. Lenny’s features were stolen by a traitor, leaving his body in a dark silhouette form. Hugh’s associate Mirk banished the villain to the Reflection Dimension, leaving Lenny featureless. Now calling himself Leftover, he 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 origin story can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/403057/the-prince-s-year-end-goals-destiny-beyond-the-throne ).
Lifer
A figure whose entire body is obscured by a cloak. He has the power to bring non-living objects to life. Everything else about him is currently a mystery. Leftover is interested in recruiting him, and Lifer may or may not be on board with this.
First appearance: https://theprose.com/post/408579/the-battle-of-the-live-albums
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“Welcome to our team Chris, I’m thrilled to have you here!” Hugh said enthusiastically to a well dressed young man in his mid 20s. Also in Hugh’s office were two purple shoes that were very much alive.
“Thank you sir, I have been a fan of yours forever.” Chris responded politely. “It is an honor to be here!”
“Well, we definitely need your help.” Hugh responded. “We have had a couple of incidents where non-living things are coming to life and attacking others. So far we have been successful in reforming the majority of these new living things, including our new allies Fred and Shania over here.” The two shoes winked and smiled at Chris (Fred and Shania’s debut can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/406294/a-shoe-in-a-new-mystery ).
“I take it we don’t know who is causing these phenomenons yet?” Chris asked.
“Reportedly a man in a cloak is responsible, but we don’t know anything about him currently.” Hugh responded. “My agents haven’t even seen him for themselves.”
“Maybe I’ll be the first.” Chris said reassuringly. “I will give you my best Hugh!”
“That is great to hear!” Hugh replied, still maintaining an enthusiastic tone. “Fred and Shania will be joining agents in the field, and I have upgraded all of our weapons. Now if any foe is killed from one of our weapons, they will automatically be transported to the Reflection Dimension, fully healed. This should aid us as we work through this ever changing situation.”
“Sounds good!” Chris responded in an equally enthusiastic voice. “And Fred and Shania, I look forward to working with you too!”
*****
“Hey Nostrel, hang on a sec!”
Nostrel had just returned from a job, and was checking into his local headquarters to call it a day. It was early in the afternoon, and he was looking forward to spending the rest of his day on his couch back home.
“Oh, hi Jirk!” Nostrel responded warmly. Jirk had helped bring him back from a dark path, and Nostrel would forever be grateful for it. Otherwise, besides simple pleasantries, they hadn’t interacted much since his return from the Reflection Dimension and subsequent recruitment into Hugh’s network. “What can I do for you?”
“First of all, it sounds like you’re doing great out there!” Jirk said excitedly. “I heard about your mission in the North Pole, awesome stuff man (This adventure can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/401577/the-true-naughty-listers )!”
“Thanks!” Nostrel said appreciatively. “Just trying to turn over a new leaf and use these powers I was given for a new purpose.”
“Cool!” Jirk responded happily. “Hey, I was just about to leave the office too, we should hang out! Did you have any plans?”
“Not really.” Nostrel lied, realizing his time to lounge around wasn’t going to happen yet. “What did you have in mind?”
“Let’s go on a hike!” Jirk exclaimed. “There is a really cool spot around here I would like to show you!”
“A hike?” Nostrel asked, not sharing in Jirk’s enthusiasm. “No offense, I have great respect for you and appreciate all you’ve done for me, but we’ve never hung out before. Why today?”
“Well, since you’ve joined us and proven your mettle for Hugh, I would like to get to know you better.” Jirk responded, unfazed by Nostrel’s apprehension. “If nothing else, it could be a good team building experience.”
“I suppose that makes sense.” Nostrel responded thoughtfully. “I’ve never been big on hiking, but I could give it a try. Since it is a snowy day, I don’t suppose this would be an indoor hike?”
“Ha ha ha ha ha, you’re funny man!” Jirk laughed. “Who hikes indoors anyway?”
*****
Jirk and Nostrel arrived at what appeared to be a small park nestled off a busy business street that mostly featured various retail stores, just about any fast food restaurant imaginable, and a handful of grocery stores. Once they walked into the park entrance, Nostrel was amazed at the sprawling trail before them. It didn’t feel like this place was located in the middle of a busy city street.
“I admit this is impressive, but why are we willingly outside in the winter?” Nostrel asked. “I saw a mall on the way here, can’t we hike in there?”
“You’ve got to appreciate the natural world sometimes Nostrel, it’s God’s masterpiece!” Jirk responded, laughing at Nostrel’s request. “Besides, wasn’t it much colder at the North Pole?”
“Yeah, but that was a mission!” Nostrel protested. “You’re choosing to be out here in the cold for fun!”
“Well, let’s start walking.” Jirk suggested. “That will warm you up. You could also make some of those T-shirts grow out of the ground and bundle up with those.”
“Ha ha.” Nostrel said sarcastically. As the duo headed down the trail, they didn’t notice two figures watching them from a distance.
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“So you recognize these two as Hugh’s people?” The cloak concealed figure named Lifer asked in a gravelly voice. “I didn’t realize you recognized them without the helmets.”
“Normally I wouldn’t, but one of them has powers and doesn’t use a helmet in the field.” The silhouette known as Leftover replied in a sinister, yet nobility inspired voice. “That is a decision he will regret, as we can now catch them off their guard.”
“The boys don’t seem to be enjoying their walk all that much, so I suppose I can make it more interesting for them.” Lifer laughed. “And of course, more entertaining for you too.”
“Splendid!” Leftover jeered. “I look forward to our latest interview, Lifer!”
*****
Nostrel and Jirk continued their hike, taking in the sights of the snow covered forest. They crossed wooden bridges, took turns picking which way to go when the trail branched off into multiple directions, and saw their share of deer, squirrels, and other brave animals facing the snowy weather. Jirk didn’t bust his chops about it, but he appreciated seeing the smile that had formed on Nostrel’s face since they started hiking. Jirk was enjoying the moment with his comrade, and then he heard a growl nearby.
“Jirk, did you hear that?” Nostrel asked. “There may be something behind us.”
“Yeah, something’s wrong.” Jirk said cautiously. “I’m going to arm myself just in case.”
Jirk made his helmet appear in his hand by thought, and quickly put it on. His body was instantly covered with armor. Jirk then made a sword appear in his hand with another thought.
“I’m always ready.” Nostrel smiled, positioning himself for whatever was coming their way. “Hugh recently gave me a medicine that updated my powers. Any time I take out a foe with them, they automatically get sent to the Reflection Dimension fully healed."
“That will help for sure.” Jirk said confidently. “My weapons will send foes to the Reflection Dimension too, so there’s no need for either of us to hold back if it comes down to it.”
A snowman approached the heroes, growling at them. The snowman held a sharp icicle in his hand, and he charged at the heroes, snarling as he lunged.
Nostril fired a laser blast out of his nose, blasting the snowman to bits. What was left of the snowman then faded from sight.
“He should be safely in the Reflection Dimension now.” Nostrel said, a little shaken from their visitor. “I wonder if he will change his mind about trying to kill us, and come back reformed. A snowman ally would be sweet!”
The snowman did not return. However, four more snowman with intent to kill began approaching Nostrel and Jirk from all sides.
Jirk and Nostrel nodded at each other, then began attacking the snowmen. Jirk sliced two of the snowmen in half with his sword, while Nostrel pulled off his ears and threw them each at the other two snowmen. Both snowmen broke into pieces once the ears each struck their targets. The ears flew back to Nostrel, and he put them back on his head. Nostrel shivered briefly, then decided to use his ear attack as a last resort for the rest of this battle.
More snowmen continued to appear. Jirk lit up his sword into a laser sword and continued slashing at the snowmen. Nostrel made T-Shirts rise from the ground and bound several snowmen, quickly following up with more nose lasers before they could break free. Nostrel and Jirk fought valiantly, but the snowmen kept coming.
“How are you holding up buddy?” Jirk asked Nostrel, panting heavily, but still sounding enthusiastic.
“Barely standing, but I won’t stop fighting.” Nostrel replied in an equally spent, but upbeat tone. “If we don’t survive this, please know that I am grateful that you helped me find redemption, and it was an honor fighting by your side, brother.”
“Agreed, those words mean the world to me.” Jirk responded. “Someone helped me reform once, and I am happy that I could honor that warrior by doing the same. Thank you as well brother.”
A group of forty snowmen were closing in quick, and then hope arrived for Jirk and Nostrel. Two armored shoes flew in and began rapidly kicking snowmen to pieces. Another figure with armor that matched Jirk also ran onto the scene, blasting snowmen left and right with a laser gun. The figure then began throwing smoke grenades in each direction, and once the smoke cleared all the remaining snowmen were gone.
“Looks like we got here right on time.” The figure said. “I’m Chris, the new guy. And I’m sure you remember Fred and Shania, right Jirk?”
“I sure do!” Jirk responded, feeling energized again. “Thank you all for the save!”
“It’s the least we can do.” Shania said kindly.
“You accepted us, so we are more than happy to help.” Fred added.
The group noticed more snowmen on their way in the distance.
“I noticed a cloaked figure on top of that hill over there.” Chris said, motioning to a steep hill behind him. “We wanted to help you guys before engaging him. Shania, Fred and I will handle these snowmen. You two go take care of their creator.
“Will do, thank you all!” Nostrel said gratefully, then turned to Jirk. “Up for this brother?”
“Yeah, let’s end this!” Jirk answered.
*****
Nostrel and Jirk raced up the hill while Fred, Shania and Chris battled the incoming snowmen. They reached the top of the hill and found themselves standing before the cloaked figure.
“It’s over!” Jirk shouted at the figure. “Whoever you are, we are ending this now!”
“You can call me Lifer, but learning my name is the only thing you will accomplish today.” Lifer answered. “Did you really think you were the only two climbing the hill?”
Nostrel and Jirk turned around and saw two snowmen coming at them. Jirk struck one down with his laser sword, and Nostrel blasted the other with a laser. They turned around to face Lifer again, but he was already gone.
Jirk and Nostrel raced down the hill to check on Chris, Fred and Shania. When they reached the spot where the battle began, they found the trio of Chris, Shania and Fred relaxing and laughing, no snowmen in sight.
“We were starting to get overwhelmed with enemies, but whatever you two did up there worked.” Chris said thankfully. “The snowmen stopped attacking us and ran off out of the blue!”
“That’s nice to hear!” Jirk exclaimed. “The big bad escaped right after introducing himself. He calls himself Lifer, so we have a name for the one bringing things to life at least.”
“That will help us for sure.” Chris replied. “It’s over for now, but I’m sure Lifer will return soon. And when he does, we’ll stop him again, no matter how many times it takes.”
“Let’s head back everyone. You all were great!” Nostrel said enthusiastically. “And Jirk, you’re on anytime you want to hike again!”
In the distance Leftover stood by himself, watching the three armored men and the two armored shoes leaving the scene.
“He’s improving each time.” Leftover mused out loud. “Soon enough he’ll pick the right thing to bring to life, and then that will be the end of those so called heroes! Until the next interview, catch you later Lifer....”