On A Mission.... We Think?

"So, we're back in a short story again Nostrel?"

"Seems that way Jirk." A man in a muscle shirt and jeans said to his friend that was wearing a dark helmet and full body armor. "I know those new characters Dirk, Doug, Kirk and Serenity have been taking the spotlight lately, but thanks to a new Pen to the Paper challenge, it looks like we're getting featured again."

"I assumed we'd be back for the conclusion to the whole story, but it is nice to have something to do until then. So what does Hugh have in mind for us on this mission?"

"Well, that's the thing...." Nostrel said with a hint of embarrassment.

"Yeah, that's what I want to know. What is the mission Hugh tasked us with? Has Leftover made a move that we're acting on?"

"Nothing that isn't already being handled by other associates." Nostrel said awkwardly.

"OK....." Jirk said with a hint of confusion. "Are we assisting the Pirate and his crew with their quest to stop Glicko and Petunia?"

"No, pretty sure that plot is still dormant for a couple more stories, including this one." Nostrel replied.

"Tracking down others that the warlock Lone gave powers to?"

"Nope, not that either."

"Then what are we doing Nostrel? What is the mission?"

"That's the thing..... we were told to go out without a plan and find somewhere to help out."

"Go out without a plan? With everything going on, that's what he wants us to do?"

"Yup." Nostrel said sheepishly. "But hey, it seems like trouble tends to find the two of us former troublemakers often. I'm sure we'll find some way to fulfill this mission."

"I suppose you're right. So this pond near this daycare is where you think we'll find some trouble?"

"Maybe. If nothing else, it is good to make sure that a facility where kids are being cared for is secure, right?"

"If you say so. It seems pretty calm out here though."

The kids on the school's playground were pointing at Nostrel and Jirk and cheering. Perhaps their exploits from their hero work with Hugh's network was being spoken of in their classroom. Or the appearance of Jirk's armor could be generating talk amongst the children.

"You've been a part of Hugh's team for a while now Nostrel, why won't you accept one of his helmets to power yourself up?"

"My powers I already have work just fine." Nostrel responded. "If they ever aren't enough, then I'll get fitted for a helmet. But I don't see that ever happening."

The happy cheers of the students turned to screams as an unexpected guest appeared on the playground. A chicken about the size of a human was chasing the teachers, firing lasers from its feathers at them.

"You told the students to yell greetings at me constantly!" The chicken yelled. "Just because I live on a farm next to this school doesn't mean I want to be bothered!"

"Looks like Hugh's 'mission' for us worked out after all!" Jirk proclaimed. "Alright Nostrel, use your powers and save those teachers and kiddos!"

Nostrel made T-Shirts come out of the ground to ensnare the chicken. Before it could bust free, Nostrel pulled off one of his ears and threw it at the chicken for a direct hit to its head, knocking it to the ground. He then called for his ear to fly back to his own head.

"TKO!" Jirk cheered. "You didn't even have to use your nostril lasers for that one! Too bad I didn't get to do anything!"

"You can do some work too." Nostrel teased. "Use your tech and send that thing to the Reflection Dimension. Hopefully it was just a victim that got mutated, and the Reflection Dimension will cure it so it can return as a normal chicken. Then the students can call out to it from the playground once again, if they do so in moderation of course."

Jirk made a laser gun appear in his hand and blasted the chicken. The chicken disappeared, transported to the Reflection Dimension where it would be fully healed. Ten minutes passed, with no ordinary chicken returning.

"Its not coming back." Jirk remarked. "Could that have really been an evil chicken monster disguised as a normal bird, waiting for the right moment to strike?"

"Maybe, my friend." Nostrel replied. "Good thing we were here at the right moment to stop it. Hugh's plan without a plan was a good plan after all."