A Non-Hypnotic Suggestion

"Hypnorc! So glad you could make it to my home away from home! Join us for a game!"

The orc approached the sihouette that was getting ready to spike a volleyball. The volleyball looked very CGI like, and the other people in the gym resembled video game avatars. A cityscape was visible from the window, but that also had a fake CGI look to it.

"Leftover, what kind of simulation have you created with Tam's chip this time?"

"Oh, something reminiscent of the new Nintendo Switch Sports game. You know, that new version of the old Wii Sports games."

"Yes, I am aware." Hypnorc said with slight annoyance. "So this is how you're spending your time nowadays? You would rather pretend to be in a weird video game instead of continue our goals of eliminating Hugh and his network?"

"Of course not Hypnorc, what you aren't understanding is the importance of downtime between schemes. In fact, I was going to run a new one by you. Remember the Pen To The Paper Challenges on Prose?"

"Absolutely not happening!" Hypnorc yelled. "I've already tried to cheat you into victory twice, and I refuse to do it a third time!"

"Hey, I wasn't going to suggest anything of the sort!" Leftover replied defensively. "I was just saying you need to lighten up, and might want to consider entering the contest for real!"

"I don't even have a legit Prose account. Besides, I came here to run something by you that has nothing to do with writing."

"Ok then, tell me what's on your mind."

"You seem to be in a rut lately boss. The scheme to get Gull on our side failed, and we've also lost John Harshal and Doctor Sic. Since Mirk's death and Tam's recruitment, you have been a shell of your old self."

"I'm already a shell of my old self!" Leftover yelled bitterly. "In case you didn't notice, I lost the features that made me me, and I consist of a silhouette! I can't even be myself in the kingdom that I rule without tricking everyone into thinking I am normal! I'm better off wallowing in these fake simulations that Tam's device is allowing me to create!"

"I get it boss, but hiding from your woes won't make anything better. You need to do something to become stronger and up your real game, not this fake simulation of an already fake volleyball game. Luckily for you, I know of someone in the North Pole that can make you more powerful. I heard of him from my days of trying to conquer that territory."

"Let me guess, Santa?" Leftover asked sarcastically.

"Of course not!" Hypnorc growled. "You can hear me out, or you can continue to waste away in this fake world, which Tam probably set up to make disposing of you easier to do. He did vow to destroy us once Hugh and his network are finished."

"Very well, I'll hear you out Hypnorc." Leftover replied apologetically, a slight smile forming on his face. "Please tell me where I can find this benefactor that can increase my skills. I will give the simulations a break, and return to what is truly important. Getting one step closer to defeating Hugh, and leading what will become the ultimate hero network...."