Tate stood in front of the Pirate with his sword at the ready, smirking at his opponent.

"You know, if I hadn't sparred with you previously, it would be hard to see you as a threat." The Pirate grinned. "A beach guy in swimming trunks doesn't exactly intimidate, even with a sword in hand."

"But since you helped create me, you know not to underestimate me based on my appearance." Tate replied. "You also left my skill set up to Hugh's discretion, so you don't know all of my capabilities. And don't forget that I've wiped the sand with you each time we've fought."

"All true, but I'm not going to give up all the same. Continuing to challenge you will help me improve, and I need to help my allies defeat your girlfriend. Since you won't step aside to let me pass, then a fight it is!"

"As you wish, but you have no chance against Wasila or me. She's going to kill your friends, and I'll save her the trouble of killing you by taking you out myself. Let's get on with this, Pirate!"

"Ha, the two of you are normally so relaxed living the beach life I set up for you. You seem to be having fun playing villainous roles. Well I accept your challenge, don't hold back Tate!"

The Pirate drew his sword and rushed at Tate. He attempted multiple strikes, but each were blocked by Tate's blade. Tate went on the offensive as well, but the Pirate was able to elude the slashes directed at him. The Pirate then lept back a few feet, giving himself a chance to draw his second sword. The sword lit up into a laser sword, and the Pirate slashed the air multiple times. Several laser blasts generated from the sword and swiftly closed in on Tate. Tate dove out of the way just in time to avoid getting singed, instead feeling the heat of the sand he landed facedown in.

"Yikes, hot hot hot!" Tate laughed as he stood back up. "Remind me to take a dip after we finish you guys off! Kudos for the laser blasts though, that was new at least."

"Yeah, I did some upgrades on the sword. I've been overdue for some kind of long range attack."

"True, but you're not the only one with a trick like that." Tate boasted as he began slashing the air with his own sword. "Time to see your dodging prowess Pirate!"

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

Wasila blew the green poison cloud out of her mouth, and it floated rapidly towards its original source. Cerissa quickly shoved Essie out of the way before getting absorbed into the green.

"Don't give up Essie! You can wi-"

After what felt like hours of sickening silence, the cloud cleared up, and a skeleton was all that remained of Cerissa. The skeleton then disintegrated into dust, blending into the sand.

As tears rolled down Essie's face, she glared at her opponent, whom was still encased in ice up to her neck.

"You're gonna pay for this Wasila, I'm going to tear you to shreds for killing my friend!"

Before she could act, she felt arms wrap around her from behind. Even with his full body armor, Essie could feel Rick's genuine warmth and concern. She sobbed lightly while she accepted Rick's embrace. Janet also approached and put a gentle hand onto her shoulder.

"It's ok to be upset Essie, we all are." Rick said tenderly. "Even if this is just a simulated training battle, what happened to Cerissa is horrible. But we need to be ready to face this kind of brutality when we encounter Petunia and Glicko again."

"And remember what Tate told us earlier." Janet added reassuringly. "Cerissa is just fine. She's probably sunbathing on the beach in the hub right now, waiting for us to return with tales of our exploits of victory, which will all be thanks to the sacrifice she just made."

"Cerissa didn't save you just because she wanted to protect you." Rick continued. "She knows that we can defeat Wasila. But we can't charge at her in a rage. If we do, she'll slaughter us as well. But if we put our heads together, we can win. I believe in us. I believe in you, Essie."

"Thank you both, I'm alright now." Essie smiled sweetly, drying her tears and embracing Rick and Janet. "I am pretty sure Wasila can break out of her ice prison anytime she wants to, but she may be keeping it to get us to let our guards down. Still, we may be able to use her own tricks against her. Here's what I think we should do...."

"Are you guys going to make a move anytime soon?" Wasila taunted while shivering. "Like I said earlier, swimwear and ice don't mix!"

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

Although they had entered the portal, the Pirate, Janet, Rick, Essie and Cerissa found themselves back on the same beach again. The only difference was the absence of simulated beach guests. Tate and Wasila stood before the crew, still wearing their swimsuits.

"Did the portal not work?" Rick asked.

"No, this is the training scenario Mitch and Hugh have set up as a challenge for you all." Wasila replied. "Tate and I are partial to the beach location of the hub world, so our current location is the same for this battle exercise."

"Are you guys not going to change into outfits more suited for combat?" Janet asked. "Rick and I are fully armored, Mitch is in his Pirate form, and Cerissa and Essie's magic is boosted through their mage robes. Fighting you guys while you're wearing trunks and a bikini doesn't seem fair."

"We appreciate you thinking of us, but rest assured that we will be just fine." Tate smiled.

A sword appeared in Tate's right hand, and Wasila's left hand began glowing yellow.

"Tate was programed to be a great swordsman, and I have been designed to function as a powerful mage." Wasila explained enthusiastically. "We will allow your team to strike first. How you choose to approach this is your call."

"Essie and I will kick things off against Wasila." Cerissa told the Pirate. "We could try the Sorceress Queen spell, but we would like to see how our normal magic holds up against her first."

"You have my approval." The Pirate grinned. "Good luck you two."

"There's one thing we forgot to discuss." Tate shouted in a friendly tone. "We can fight you with the intention of knocking you out, or we can fight to kill. With this being a training world, you will return to the hub completely healed should you die. But the process will be painful. What are you all up for?"

The Pirate and his allies huddled together to discuss. Once they made a decision, the Pirate answered for his team.

"We are preparing to face enemies that will be trying to kill us without an option for revival. Don't hold back Tate and Wasila!"

"Very well." Wasila replied with a wink. "Alright Cerissa and Essie, I'm ready for you!"

Cerissa pointed at Wasila and sent an icy blast out of her finger. The strike connected, and Wasila was trapped in a giant block of ice from the neck down.

"Brrrrrrrr, maybe I shouldn't have agreed to fight you in my bathing suit." Wasila shivered.

"Sorry Wasila, but rest assured that we'll end this quickly." Essie responded sympathetically. She then pointed at her opponent, sending a poisonous green cloud her way. The cloud completely enveloped Wasila and her icy prison.

"One down, and one to go." Cerissa said proudly to Essie. "That was easier than I thought it would be."

"You shouldn't brag until you've confirmed that your enemy is truly defeated." A friendly voice said from the green cloud. The cloud began shrinking as it was breathed in by Wasila. Once it was gone, Wasila beamed at the mages, showing no signs of illness from Essie's poison spell.

"If I didn't have any counter magic skills, your teamwork here would have given you the win. But because I do, I now have access to a stronger version of your poison spell. Allow me to demonstrate!"

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

"Mitch, you're here!" Janet said enthusiastically. "And you brought some more buttons!"

"I sure did!" Mitch grinned as he gave Janet, Rick, Essie and Cerissa each a button. "I currently have tests running in the lab on a sample of my blood and the sample of Petunia's blood. The tests will take some time to complete, but I'm hoping to be one step closer to a cure for Glicko's curse once they're done."

"Awesome!" Rick smiled. "Did you pop in to do some training in the meantime?"

"Indeed. You all seem to have gotten to know Wasila and Tate throughout your visit in the Training World, but besides serving as coaches and guardians, did you know that I also designed them to be fighters too?"

"Really, you two can also fight?" Janet asked in awe.

"That's right Janet." Wasila replied kindly. "Mitch created us to also function as the ultimate challengers in this world. We are likely too powerful for you all to defeat right now, but we welcome a battle with you if you want to see where you currently stand."

Rick and Essie looked at each other and smiled. "Yes, we should have a Pirate and crew battle against them!"

"That was my intention as well." Mitch added. "Want to join us Janet? You're practically an honorary member of our crew at this point."

"It would be an honor to fight alongside you all." Janet said proudly. "I am ready whenever you all are."

"Sounds great to me." Cerissa chimed in. "Set us up whenever you're ready Mitch."

Tate handed Mitch a frisbee, which he held with his eyes closed while he pictured his desired training scenario. Mitch then tossed the frisbee, causing a portal to open by the floating disc.

"We'll see you all there!" Wasila waved as she and Tate lept into the portal.

Essie and Cerissa waved their hands over themselves, covering their causal clothes with their mage robes.

"See you soon!" Essie called out cheerfully as she and Cerissa lept into the portal.

Janet and Rick made their dark helmets designed by Hugh appear in their hands. They donned the helmets, which covered them with full body armor.

"We'll see you over there Mitch, looking forward to seeing the Pirate in action again!" Rick called out as he and Janet lept into the portal.

Now the last one on the beach, Mitch transformed into his Pirate form and smiled before leaping into the portal after his allies.

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

"Janet! It's so great to see you!" Rick called out, running to and embracing her. Essie and Cerissa also raced to Janet to offer hugs of their own.

"The last time we saw you was in that dream you were trapped in." Cerissa remarked. "Although it is always good to see you in any situation, it is nice to be reunited in real life. Well, as real as an alternate training dimension is anyway."

"Are you training too Janet? How are things going for you?" Essie asked with admiration and wonder.

"Yeah, I did a simulation based on that dream world you guys helped me in, and in it I stayed to fight Leftover alone." Janet answered with a grin. "I have a ways to go, but being challenged the way I was definitely helped."

"Same here." Rick added. "I just got back from a simulation where I was fighting against Petunia with her mutated diamond arms. I survived a little longer each time, but I can't destroy either of those arms currently."

"The simulation Cerissa and I were in had us trying to perform the fusion spell to become the Sorceress Queen, all while being attacked by Erin and Carli while they were still evil." Essie explained enthusiastically. "We're close, but it might be a bit too ambitious until we are more comfortable with the spell."

"Maybe next time I could join you guys." Rick offered. "I could distract Erin and Carli while you and Cerissa complete the fusion."

"That would be great!" Essie beamed at Rick. "And if you like, I could go to your simulation and back you up against Petunia."

"I would love that Essie, thank you." Rick smiled as his face turned slightly red.

"Well, we would offer some coaching, but all of you have a good handle on how things are going, and have already suggested some ways you could work together to make a difference." Tate said proudly.

"You should be pleased with your progress so far." Wasila added. "The button each of you are wearing won't give you another life in a simulation, but it will transport you back home before it disappears. Feel free to enjoy the amenities of this beach hub before you depart."

"Thank you Tate and Wasila!" Janet replied happily before speaking to Rick, Essie and Cerissa. "I missed out on playing volleyball with you guys last time. The four of us, along with Tate and Wasila, could go a round before we leave. What do you all say?"

"Actually, I have another idea!" A familiar voice said. The party turned around and found a smiling Mitch standing before them, holding four new buttons in his hand.

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

Janet woke up, finding herself laying on a beach towel in the sand. She sat up and observed the sunny sky and majestic waves of the beach hub of the Training World. After a brief moment of disorientation, she remembered what had happened in the recreated simulation duel with Leftover. As she reflected on what actions could have resulted in a different outcome, a familiar couple in swimsuits and warm smiles approached.

"Welcome back Janet!" Tate said warmly. "Returning from the first dive into a simulation can be taxing at first, but it should get easier the more you partake. Would you care for a cold beverage?"

"Yes, thank you." Janet said, already feeling boosted by the kindness of the AIs that oversaw this world. She accepted an ice cold water with lemon slices, and felt the rest of her strength return after her first sip.

"If you're feeling up for it, would you like to talk about how you feel your training went?" Wasila asked gently.

"Sure!" Janet smiled. "I was definitely out of my league choosing Leftover as my opponent, and I had no chance of winning. But, I did last a little longer with each of the lives the buttons provided me."

"Yes, your analysis is right on Janet." Wasila responded kindly. "I would recommend setting up other simulations with opponents that are on a more even playing field with your current skill level, but the Leftover one is definitely a good training to continue to challenge yourself with."

"Sounds good!" Janet replied enthusiastically. "As I work in the field in real life, that should give me more simulation ideas I can use to also improve my skills here. Thank you both, this place is great. You guys are great!"

"Well, we are just doing what we are programed to do, but Mitch implemented emotions into us when he created Wasila and me. So I can sincerely tell you this.... the pleasure is all ours."

Three familiar figures then appeared in front of Janet, Tate and Wasila.

"Cerissa! Rick! Essie!" Janet called out excitedly. "Hey guys!"

To be continued....

"Oh, you don't have to explain what you want for your training scenario." Waslia interrupted gently, before making a plastic frisbee appear in her hand by thought. "This may look like a standard frisbee, but if you think about what you want for your training, this device will read your thoughts and set up the simulation you desire, and will also open a portal to take you to that simulation."

Wasila handed the frisbee to Janet. Janet briefly closed her eyes and imagined the training scenario she wanted to take on. She opened her eyes and noticed the frisbee now glowing in her hand.

"Well done." Tate said with a smile. "Now toss the frisbee, and it will generate a portal to the simulation you have envisioned in your head."

Janet tossed the frisbee, and within a couple of feet, a portal opened next to the now floating disc.

"Good luck Janet." Wasila said encouragingly. "The three buttons you are wearing will grant you three lives in your challenge. Once all three are up, or once you've overcome your challenge, then you will be transported back here."

"Got it. Thanks so much Tate and Wasila!" Janet called out cheerfully as she ran down the beach to the portal and dove in.

*****

Per her internal simulation requests, Janet found herself back in the nightmare that Dr. Sic had previously trapped her in (the story of this experience can be read here: https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic). Just like the original dream, the same events played out: she was in a dark version of New Leaf Park, she witnessed her comrades dying from the Tearful Death toxin, the dark tears from her friends formed into Hugh's enemy, the silhouette figure known as Leftover. And once again Janet was sporting body armor and her sword that generated from her dark helmet. Leftover once again destroyed her helmet, and she once again continued to face her foe without armor or enhanced skills, only to have her sword shattered. The Pirate and his crew once again came to the rescue, with Rick knocking Leftover's sword loose with a laser blast, Essie using a spell to grab Leftover's wrist with a skeletal hand, and Cerissa restoring Janet's helmet with her magic, bringing back her armor, sword, and enhanced strength.

"Essie, feel free to release your hold on him. Then go ahead and grab your sword Leftover. We'll settle this fair and square, you and me!" Janet said once again.

"Alright Janet, I'll let him go now!" Essie replied as she had the skeletal hand release Leftover. The skeletal arm then returned to the ground.

"Fair and square, you must be joking!" Leftover laughed. "If the Pirate and his crew hadn't hijacked your dream, you would be dead already! But since this is not the dream you previously escaped from, but a training scenario of your own making, then I accept. Will your friends be staying to bail you out yet again?"

"Nope, just you and me Leftover. Alright Pirate, Rick, Cerissa and Essie. I will see you all on the flipside!"

The simulated versions of the Pirate and his crew vanished, leaving Janet and the simulated version of Leftover. Janet dashed to her foe and slashed at him with her sword. Leftover blocked her strike, then following up with one of his own. Janet backflipped out of range of her enemy's blade. The pair then aggressively clashed their swords multiple times, neither gaining an advantage. Janet noticed a laser generating from Leftover's sword, and dove away before it could break her helmet like it had in her dream. Now sprawled on the ground, Janet rolled onto her back and made her laser gun appear in her hand. She fired several shots at Leftover, but each one was deflected by his sword. Before she could get back on her feet, another laser shot out of Leftover's sword, blasting through Janet's armor and stomach. She watched the silhouette figure laugh as he faded to black with the rest of her vision....

Janet then found herself standing in front of her foe, fully armored once again. She sensed one less button under her armor. She stood in a fighting pose, smirking under her helmet.

"Bwa ha ha ha! What's the point Janet? I understand choosing me for a training scenario, as I am likely the strongest opponent you have ever encountered, even if it was in a toxin induced nightmare. But you're in over your head my dear. Even if you somehow managed to best me, the real me is no doubt getting stronger in the real world, leaving you even further behind in skill!"

"You may be right." Janet replied with resolve. "But once I am strong enough to defeat you, then I will just have to get more data from the real Leftover, and train against that. Or who knows, maybe the real you has already peaked. In any case, I've got two lives left. Let's go!"

To be continued....

This story is based on the Reedsy.com prompt "Start your story with two people sitting in a movie theater, waiting for the lights to come back on."

Leftover was having a hard time taking it all in. Less than an hour ago, Hypnorc had flown him by jet to the highest peak in the North Pole. Per Hypnorc's tip, he had entered the mountain cave to find the mage that would offer him more power. A few minutes of wandering in the dark led him into a movie theater that looked no different than one that could be found at a mall. Now he was sitting next to a strange old man, watching the credits roll on the big screen in front of him, theoretically moments away from the lights flipping back on in the dark theater.

"Listen sir, I journeyed here because my colleague promised me that you could power me up, but it seems like all we are doing is watching the credits to a movie I missed. If your name is not Multan and I am in the wrong place, please tell me so I can stop wasting my time."

"Hypnorc guided you right, that is indeed my name. Now be patient Lenny.... or should I say Leftover?" The man confirmed to be Multan told the silhouette sitting next to him.

"Wait, I never gave you my name! And I never told you who brought me here! How do you-"

"Shhhhhh, no talking during the movie." Multan scolded. "Think of it like a Marvel movie, the magic happens after the credits."

Leftover sighed and conceded. He was slightly curious what movie had actually played out in this hidden theater. The new Dr. Strange flick perhaps?

"My abilities allow me to read your thoughts. I know all about you. I know you the king of the country Prosperity, and you are stuck in that silhouette form. I know that you have to hide this form from your father and your subjects, and that you blame Hugh and his hero network for your hardships. I know that your goal is to eliminate Hugh and his worldwide team, and form your own hero network that you believe will truly protect others. And Hypnorc is right you know.... he gained his hypnotic abilities by passing my trials."

"Wait, you gave Hypnorc his powers?"

"Shhhhh, the movie isn't over yet!"

"But you're talking!"

"My theater, my rules!"

"Ugh.... fine."

After what felt like an eternity of credit watching, the screen went dark and the lights flipped back on.

"That's it? Where's the end credits scene?"

"Just wait a second."

The two doors marked EXIT on either side of the screen suddenly flew open, revealing portals pulsating every bright color imaginable.

"Well, I've never seen that happen at the end of a movie in the theater. What happened to the doors Multan?"

"The portals to the Multiverse have opened."

"The Multiverse? That's a real thing, not just a lame comic book cop-out?"

"Is it really that hard to accept?" Multan laughed. "You are a living silhouette, that was flown to this place in a massive jet by an orc that can control people's minds. Don't get me started on all of the other weird things you've observed in the other stories written in this series. Is the Multiverse really that far fetched a concept to be real?"

"I guess not." Leftover cackled. "So how does the Multiverse factor into me becoming stronger?"

"I have been tasked with being the gatekeeper to this entrance of the Multiverse." Multan explained. "I am to grant adventurers like yourself access, and should you pass the trial given to you within the Multiverse and return alive, I am to then grant you a special ability. Be warned though, many never return."

"Well Hypnorc did, and I know I can too." Leftover retorted. "I accept your challenge. Before I go, can you tell me why the gateway is a movie theater?"

"Well, this theater doesn't show Hollywood blockbusters. The credits were a smokescreen - what I was watching on the big screen was my last guest's trip into the Multiverse. Sadly, he died and turned his debut film into a tragedy. Should you choose to proceed Leftover, I will be watching your first feature film on this screen as well. How your story ends will be up to you. Of course, if it isn't worth the risk to you, you are welcome to return to the lobby for a full refund...."

"Very funny." Leftover sneered. "I accept your challenge, and I will make this movie one to remember. Get your popcorn and nachos ready Multan, you are about to witness the greatest superhero flick you have ever seen!"

*****

After passing through the portal within one of the exit doors of the theater, Leftover found himself in a forest. After a moment of taking in his surroundings, a welcoming realization hit him.

"I know these woods!" Leftover laughed out loud. "This forest is a couple miles from the royal castle. I'm back in Prosperity!"

Throwing caution to the wind, Leftover sprinted out of the forest he had explored throughout his childhood. He raced to the castle, curious and excited to see what could be different in this variant version of his home. He wondered if he would meet another version of himself, perhaps one not cursed with a silhouette form. Maybe he could convince himself to return with him, making it easier to hide his curse with another "self" to assist. The possibilities danced in his head as he neared the castle. However, he stopped abruptly once a horrifying sight appeared before him.

There was indeed a version of himself present. Just like he had hoped, this version was his normal human form. But that was it for the good news. The Lenny Overature within his sight was impaled by an orange tentacle coming from the body from another familiar figure. The man who was maiming his variant was none other than his same nemesis from his own world. Hugh himself was killing his Multiverse self before his very eyes.

Leftover quickly made a yellow helmet that sported a toothy smile appear in his hand by thought. He donned the helmet, which covered his body in armor. He then made a sword appear in his hand by thought, and he quickly leaped at the tentacle that was impaling Lenny, slicing it off of Hugh's body. Hugh briefly winced, then followed up by laughing at the new arrival.

"I don't know who you are, but it doesn't matter. Your kingdom is mine now Lenny. Soon my network will control the world, and Prosperity will serve as the perfect nucleus to my empire! It's unfortunate that you won't live long enough to see it. Even if I missed your vital organs, the poison within my tentacle will kill you soon enough!"

"You bastard!" Leftover yelled, lunging at the variant of Hugh smirking at him. Hugh was also an alien in his own world, but he only knew of him showing human characteristics. Once his idol, he considered the Hugh from his world a useless hero incapable of protecting the innocent, and wanted to dispose of him based on that. But in this world, this Hugh appeared to be sinister and cruel. Leftover smiled under his helmet, relishing the opportunity to save two worlds from two different Hugh's, both horrible for different reasons. Before he could strike down this Hugh, his sword was countered by a sword that had quickly appeared in his foe's hand.

"You look like more fun than this pathetic piece of garbage, but am a busy man." Hugh mocked. "My associates will be here to dispose of you soon enough, so I will bid you farewell stranger."

Hugh disappeared in a green cloud of smoke. Leftover quickly raced to his other self laying on the ground.

"Your majesty, stay with me please!" Leftover pleaded. "I am you from another dimension, and Hugh is my enemy too! I'm going to save you, and we will take back Prosperity together!"

"Well hi me, it's nice to meet you.... or is it me?" Lenny cackled weakly. "I'm afraid I don't have much time left, the poison is already kicking in. I'm afraid I have to leave this to you. But don't fret, you won't have to do this alone. I have associates of my own that I will leave in your service...."

To be continued....

"You are currently in the hub area of the Training World." Tate explained, still grinning. "Mitch considers beaches calming, as do countless others who choose to vacation at them in the real world. That is why he chose this kind of setting for an in between during training scenarios."

"All of these people here, are they here to train as well?" Janet asked.

"No, they are also AIs." Wasila replied in a friendly tone. "They are here to add to this hub's ambience, and they are happily enjoying this purpose, as you can see by how much fun they are having. Should a trainee visiting want a quieter atmosphere, by request the AIs would simply head to the hotel resort nearby, resulting in a different vibe. Of course, the same amenities the AIs enjoy are available to trainees too!"

"So a training and vacation destination combined.... this is truly incredible!" Janet gushed. "Speaking of trainees, are there any others here besides me?"

"Indeed, there are three others here." Tate answered. "Rick, Essie and Cerissa are currently in battle simulations as we speak. Rick is sparring against the mutated version of Petunia, while Cerissa and Essie are squaring off with Carli and Erin before they found redemption. They are trying to perform the Sorceress Queen fusion spell in the heat of battle."

"I am so amazed by all of this." Janet said sincerely. "So, how is the data generated for the training simulations?"

"Like this." Wasila replied, briefly placing her hand on Janet's forehead. "I now have access to all of your memories from your adventures, and can create a simulation of your choice based on this info. Tate and I have access to everything that happens during your training, and we can provide coaching and feedback upon your return to this hub. With this in mind, do you have a training scenario you would like set up?"

"Yes, please. Here is my request...."

To be continued....

"Yes Mitch, I would be honored and thankful to visit the Training World you created with Hugh."

"Excellent!" Mitch said to Janet enthusiastically. "Pin the three buttons on your shirt, then close your eyes and think about how you want to visit the Training World. Before you know it, you'll find yourself safely there."

Janet did as Mitch instructed, and when she opened her eyes she found herself at a beach resort overlooking the ocean. She turned around and spotted an arcade, a souvenir shop, and vendors for any kind of food imaginable. People were swimming, surfing, and boating in the water, while others were riding through the sky on hang gliders. A game of beach volleyball was taking place nearby. Janet smelled pleasant aromas of saltwater along with the dining options. A pleasant breeze was a welcome addition to everything else surrounding her.

"Mitch, is this really a training world?" Janet asked out loud with a grin. "I feel like you may have sent me to paradise by mistake!"

"No, this is definitely the right place. Welcome Janet, we've been expecting you!"

Janet turned to the direction where the femine voice came from, and she observed a young woman and man approaching her. Both wore swimsuits and smiles.

"Hi Janet, my name is Tate, and this is my girlfriend Wasila. We are Artificial Intelligences that Mitch created to manage things here."

"It is nice to meet you, I would never guess that you two were AIs. You seem so...."

"Human?" Wasila asked, still smiling. "Mitch designed us to be that way. He also gave us each other, along with this resort to reside in. Thanks to his kindness, I get to spend my time enjoying Tate's company when we aren't working."

"Leave it to Mitch to create AIs while keeping their own happiness in mind." Janet beamed. "Can you both tell me more about this place?"

To be continued....