True MVP

- This story takes place directly after the events of "MVP" - https://blog.reedsy.com/short-story/w4ig4z/

   "It's over MVP, now release your hold on Kirk and Doug!"

   "Heh heh, you don't have to worry about that, girl." MVP said sheepishly as he looked up at Serenity and Dirk. "I can no longer make them fight each other, just like I can't control flying pucks anymore. However, those two are looking pretty ragged in their penalty boxes. I doubt either will be out anytime soon."

  "You bast-" Serenity started, when Dirk gently put his hand on her shoulder. She stopped herself and let out a sigh.

   "So you and Lone are working together." Serenity stated calmly. "What are the two of you really after? I doubt Lone cares only about terrorizing a hockey game."

   "Of course not, we want world domination. I think this attack was meant as a test to see if I could be counted on as his partner. I'm sure he'll be here any minute to help me get rid of you two."

   "Doesn't seem like you can be much help to him now idiot." Dirk replied, summoning a laser gun into his hand by thought. "Anyway, it's time for you to take a trip to the Reflection Dimension Marcus. Maybe you can come back here and start over, if you decide to not be such a punk."

   Before Dirk could do anything, a puck came out of nowhere and knocked the gun out of his hand. The puck then flew in front of Dirk, and he noticed that the puck had a face, along with small arms and legs. The puck smirked and finger flicked Dirk's dark helmet, causing it to shatter. Dirk's armor disappeared, leaving his street clothes as his only protection. The live puck winked at Dirk, then slammed itself into Marcus' head, killing him instantly.

   "What are you?" Dirk and Serenity both screamed in horror and shock.

   "Not one of that very dead loser's flunkies, that's for sure." The puck answered in a voice that sounded like a mix of gravel and twang. "I work for my creator and master Lifer, and you can call me Puck!"

   "Puck huh, how original." Dirk replied sarcastically. As soon as that rolled off his tongue, he regretted not being more cautious around their very deadly new enemy.

   "Dirk, I've heard of this Lifer character before!" Serenity spoke quickly. "He was a hooded figure that could bring random objects to life! Chris told me that he defeated Lifer and his minions on a train with the help of a pair of living shoes, Janet, Mirk and Tam (back in "Derailed: Lifer's True Identity" - https://blog.reedsy.com/short-story/7o5s6z/)! He also told me that Lifer was really a 12 year old boy named Landon, and he returned from the Reflection Dimension depowered and reformed, and is now living a quiet, peaceful life with a few of his creations. Could Landon actually have tricked Hugh's Reflection Dimension and returned to being Lifer?"

   "As far as I know, the Reflection Dimension has never failed before." Dirk replied calmly. "Maybe there was a second Lifer out there that decided to make their move now. In any case, we can report it later. Right now, we have to stop Puck."

   "Ha ha ha ha, how do you plan on doing that?" Puck jeered. "You no longer have your gear, and your friend here can't use her protective dance powers on the ice without falling on her ass! And boyfriend and bro in the penalty box are still in no shape to fight. You won't have time to use the same tactics you used on Marcus, Serenity won't be able to get off the ice fast enough. Anyhoo, I'm done chatting, time to take you two out of the game per Lifer's wishes!"

   Dirk quickly took Serenity's right hand with his left hand, and put his other arm behind her back under her left shoulder. He then led her through a basic box step around the ice.

   "Sorry Serenity, I know proper etiquette is asking if I could have this dance first, but I didn't think that psychotic puck would give me the chance to be polite about this!"

   "Dirk, I didn't realize you knew how to dance!" Serenity exclaimed with surprise and wonder.

   "Yeah, I took lessons a long time ago. I admit I only did it because I thought I could score with more girls that way, but it never really worked out in that respect." Dirk said with a hint of shame. "But I'm glad I took those classes now, as they might save our lives."

  Puck cursed and hollered as he flung himself at Dirk and Serenity. But not one of his shots was able to strike the pair.

   "I knew I could dodge incoming attacks by dancing, but I had no idea that dancing with someone else would also protect them!" Serenity said in amazement while she continued dancing with Dirk. "How did you know this would work?"

   "I didn't, but I figured it was worth a shot." Dirk grinned. "Besides, I had nothing to lose since Puck destroyed my helmet. If you keep protecting me with your power Serenity, I promise to help you keep your balance on the ice."

   "It's a deal." Serenity said sweetly, giving Dirk a quick embrace as they continued dancing. "The only problem is, how are we going to stop Puck? This is a good defense, but with his speed, I won't have time to attack him by striking a pose."

   "You won't need to, because they've got us covered."

   Dirk paused and motioned towards Puck, who was now trapped between two sets of metal words that said "True MVP's" when read together. The words were held by a smiling Kirk, who stood next to Doug, who was once again wearing his dark helmet and armor.

   "Great dancing guys, I may have to take lessons from you Dirk!" Kirk said enthusiastically.

   "Looks like those dance lessons paid off, great job bro!" Doug added proudly.

   "Let me go!" Puck screamed in panic and frustration.

   "Not a chance." Doug said with conviction. "You're going to the Reflection Dimension, where you can change your ways and live a new redeemed life if you choose to. It's your choice Puck."

   Doug blasted Puck with his laser gun, transporting him to the Reflection Dimension. The team waited a few minutes in silence to see if a reformed Puck would appear. He did not.

   "Kirk, I'm so glad you're back babe!" Serenity cried out joyfully, giving him a hug and kiss.

   "I'm glad you're ok too honey, thanks for stalling Puck and saving the day!"

   "Dirk is the true MVP today." Serenity smiled, winking at him.

  "Looks like we reversed roles this time, you really bailed me out today brother!" Doug laughed, slapping Dirk's back before embracing him.

   "Hey, it was Serenity's amazing power that pulled this off." Dirk gushed. "And Puck would still be flying at us if you and Kirk hadn't pulled off your amazing combo capture. As far as I'm concerned, we're all MVP's today!"

  "I agree Dirk, Hugh has himself another great team thanks to us." Kirk said proudly. "Before we continue to celebrate, we have to wrap some things up with this mission. It was beyond our control, but we couldn't protect Marcus from Puck. We'll have to call the authorities here to handle his body, and report what happened."

   "We also need to tell Hugh that Puck told us his master's name was Lifer." Serenity added. "He will definitely want to know that their old nemesis has returned somehow, and is a threat to peace once again."

   "Agreed." Doug replied. "Hugh will come up with a plan, and if we're part of that plan, we'll do our part to stop Lifer from hurting anyone else out there, regardless of whether they are civilian, hero, or villain."

*****

   "Hi Chris, it's Hugh calling. Are you busy at the moment?"

   "I can talk Hugh, I am just finishing up with some clien.... I mean, a mission! What's going on?"

   "The SliceClaws mission was completed, but apparently a living puck killed the target and attacked our team. Our team managed to send the puck to the Reflection Dimension, and no further casualties occurred. However, it would seem Lifer has somehow returned."

   "Lifer? But that's impossible! Landon came back from the Reflection Dimension, and he no longer has those life creating powers anymore! Have you heard from him recently?"

   "Yes, Fred and Shania still do routine missions for me, and they have been updating me on how Landon has been. I know there is always the possibility that someone could trick the Reflection Dimension, but that has not happened before, and I don't think it has happened today either. In any case, I would like you and Janet to visit Landon and check up on him. We unfortunately no longer have Mirk with us, and Tam is still missing. You and Janet were there at the train incident, so I am confident that Landon will be comfortable talking to the two of you. Again, I don't think he is behind this recent incident, but he may have some helpful information on what may have brought about the return of Lifer."

   "I'm on it Hugh, Janet is training with the Pirate and his crew, right? I will finish up with what I'm doing here, then I'll go fetch Janet. Then we'll go visit Landon together."

*****

   Tam sat on the throne in the royal castle of Prosperity, facing a familiar figure that just walked in. The figure's appearance stood out with his mohawk, purple eyes behind party glasses, mismatched clothes, and toothy smile.

   "CCC, I thought you were out and about customizing the looks of your clients."

   "Well, of course, that's why I'm known as the Custom Character Creator!" CCC laughed. "You know, I could have given you the appearance of the king, free of charge!"

   "Not necessary, Leftover left me in charge while he's out with Hypnorc. So what do you want CCC?"

   "Just thought I'd tell you some information I got from a client recently. It pertains to you, since you were there the last time this name held any significance."

   "Okay...." Tam said impatiently. "Can you get to the point already?"

   "Lifer.... apparently he's back."