Iota (Naratting): Everyone is the hero of their own story. Concepts such as good and evil don’t really exist. They’re nothing more than labels humans apply to one another to justify their own beliefs. They’re meaningless, but humans put so much stock in them. They don’t want to be “the bad guy,” they don’t want to be in the wrong, they strive to be right at all costs. But what they deem “right” and “wrong” is determined by a moral system of beliefs established well before they were even born. I was once among them. Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to blindly follow this system. I thought I knew what it meant to be “the good guy,” and I never wanted to be “the bad guy,” but then everything changed… I realized that heroes and villains are mislabeled as “good” and “evil,” respectively. They’re all the same, super-powered human beings with agendas and egos… but one side… one side is filled with nothing but a bunch of liars.
In excitement, a young Iota bounces on the couch in his family’s living room.
Iota (Naratting): I was seven years old when the greatest hero ever made his debut.
Iota is watching TV with a fight between Colossus and an extremely muscular villain airing.
Reporter: We are in downtown Nashville as the dangerous and infamous villain Spiker has appeared and wreaked havoc all across the city. There are many injured civilians, and heroes have been trying to stop him, but to no avail. However, this freshly graduated U.A. student wants to take on Spiker!
Spiker cracks his knuckles and neck.
Spiker: Listen here, kid! If you think you stand a chance against me, you’re dead wrong! I’m going to break you like a twig and spell my name with your intestines.
Colossus: You say that, but you don’t understand that I’m not just “some kid”! I’ll have you know I’m 19!
Spiker: Okay… and where is your hero, little sidekick? Aren’t you a little in over your head here?
Colossus: Who are you calling sidekick!
Spiker: Huh? You’re a pro hero? I didn’t know they were taking preschoolers!
Colossus: Insult my age as much as you wish, but remember that your words mean nothing to me because you are a villain.
Spiker: I’m not just a villain! I’m a damn S-Rank! Look around at your fellow heroes! They’re shaking in their boots.
Colossus scans his surrounding area and sees many heroes afraid of Spiker.
Colossus: That’s fine.
Colossus removes his cape.
Colossus: They don’t need to be scared because…
Iota gets a big smile on his face.
Colossus and Iota: I will save the day!
Spiker laughs.
Spiker: I hope your parents have a nice picture to bury because I’m not leaving a body!
Dozens of spikes begin to launch from every pore of Spiker’s body.
Spiker: Endless Assault: 1,000,000 Spikes!
Colossus smiles as the barrage of razor-sharp spikes zoom toward him. Colossus winds back his arm for a punch, and Iota mirrors his movement.
Colossus and Iota: Your quirk may be strong...
Colossus bends his knees, Iota mirrors.
Colossus and Iota: But my spirit is stronger!
Colossus bursts forward, smashing through all of the spikes unscathed and burying his fist straight into the stomach of Spiker. Iota mimics this but falls face-first on the floor.
Spiker: *groans* H- h- h-
Colossus: Villains never win. You should know that.
Spiker collapses.
Civilian: He beat an S-Rank villain in one punch! Who is this guy!
The crowd cheers in celebration of Colossus saving the day.
Colossus: Thank you, thank you, everyone!
Colossus looks straight at the camera.
Colossus: And most of all, thank you at home for your support! There’s no need to be afraid anymore now that I am-
The TV shuts off.
Iota: Hey!
Iota’s Mom looks pissed.
Iota’s Mom: Ivan! What did I say about jumping off the couch!
Iota: Don’t do it…
Iota’s Mom: That’s right! You’re going to get hurt! No more TV for the rest of the night! Go to your room and finish your homework!
Iota: it is done…
Iota’s Mom: Then go over it and make sure it’s correct!
Iota: *groans*
Iota’s Mom holds up the TV remote threateningly. Iota gets scared and runs to his room.
Iota: *under his breath* Stupid Mom…
Iota opens the door to his room which is decorated with posters of Colossus. His bed is covered in Colossus sheets and pillows. He has Colossus action figures scattered around.
Iota (Naratting): Colossus was so famous that they replayed his debut every day at 7 pm sharp. I would always get my homework done early so that I wouldn’t miss it. Colossus was everything I wanted to be as a hero. He was strong, confident, and inspiring. He looked around at those other heroes and didn’t let their demeanor phase him even a little, he knew he had a job to do and wouldn’t allow anyone to stop him because if he did, people would die, and that was never going to happen on his watch. He was a true hero in my eyes.
8 years later, Iota walks into his homeroom for his first day of classes at U.A. He anxiously looks around at his nineteen other classmates.
Iota: (Oh god… what do I do, they all look so much more powerful than me! No! I can’t be nervous! They’ll sense my fear!)
Houston walks up to Iota and offers him a handshake.
Houston: Welcome to class. The name is Houston!
Iota: Uh… I… uh…
Iota shakes Houston’s hand.
Iota: My name is Ivan. Nice to meet you.
Houston: Ivan? That’s a weird name.
Iota: Coming from the guy named after a city in Texas?
Houston falls to his elbows and knees.
Houston: *tearing up* Don’t remind me.
Iota: Uh… I didn’t mean it.
Another student walks up to Iota.
Duke: You can ignore Houston. He’s a little sensitive about his name.
Houston: Shut up, Duke! I’m having a moment!
Iota: Do you two know each other?
Duke: He’s a good friend of mine. We went to the same high school together.
Iota: Oh, that makes sense.
Iota feels a poke on his shoulder. Iota turns around and sees Ewing.
Ewing: Take your seats.
Everyone rushes to their assigned seat. Ewing walks up to the podium.
Ewing: Welcome to your first day at U.A., and unfortunately for you, that's all the pleasantries I'll be giving you today. I am Ross Ewing, but you'll call me Mr. Ewing. You're all here to become heroes, and this school is world-renowned for its ability to produce some of the finest heroes in the business, so don't expect this to be easy, and don't expect us to allow anyone to slack off here. There are plenty of people that would gladly take your spot, so don't give me a reason to throw you out of here and replace you, got it? I'm sure some of you expected this to be all fun and games, trying to become heroes together. Well, guess what, this is all serious, and I won't stand for anyone who makes a mockery of this establishment.
The class looks nervous. Ewing bursts out laughing.
Ewing: You guys all look like you’re about to crap your pants!
The students all look a little uneased.
Walker: (He’s not exactly what I expected… excellent speech, though.)
Iota: (Well… my teacher is weird… good start.)
Ewing looks around the room.
Ewing: Alright, well, as you know, there is an opening assembly that the school likes to put on, but I’ve made a call, and you’ll be having your own assembly.
The students are confused. Houston raises his hand.
Ewing: Yes, what is it?
Houston: What do you mean by “your own assembly”?
Ewing: You’ll see soon enough, but first, we need to go through introductions. You girl in the front, please stand up, say your name and tell us about your quirk.
Fatal frantically gets up.
Fatal: Uh… my name is R- Rachel Moore! My quirk is muscle control. I can control the output of each muscle in my body, allowing me to reach physical levels that would be considered inhuman!
Everyone is staring at Fatal.
Fatal: (Wh- why is everyone staring at me? Oh God! Did I do something wrong!)
Ewing: Uh… Rachel, right?
Fatal: Y- yes?
Ewing: You don’t need to keep standing.
Fatal: R- r- right!
Fatal quickly sits down to the sound of a few suppressed laughs.
Ewing: Alright, next.
Adrian stands up.
Adrian: My name is Adrian Rodgers. My quirk lets me copy anyone else’s quirk by touching them.
Ewing: Very interesting, quite the unique quirk.
A couple more students stand and say their quirks.
Houston: My name is Houston Whittaker, and my quirk is thrusters! I have rockets in my elbows and heels, allowing me to rocket propel myself forward!
Adrian looks intrigued.
Adrian: Wait… are you named after a basketball team, The Houston Rockets?
Houston freezes up. Duke starts laughing.
Duke: He sure is!
The boys in the class start laughing.
Houston: Shut up! A-ROD!
Adrian: Hey! Watch it, buddy. My name ain’t-
Ewing wraps them both up in chains.
Ewing: I’d sit down now if I were the both of you.
Houston and Adrian both gulp and sit down, and Ewing releases them.
Ewing: *sighs* Next.
Walker stands up.
Walker: My name is Damien Walker. I make portals.
Walker sits down.
Ewing: Care to… elaborate?
Walker: I’m good.
Ewing: Right…
A couple more people go before we get to the last two people in the class.
Duke: My name is Duke Lawson. My quirk lets me take any substance and create a perfect copy. However, I can’t make a copy of a copy.
Ewing: Very interesting, and finally?
Duke sits down, and Iota stands up.
Iota: Uh… my name is Ivan Odorizzi. My quirk is called Quirk Comprehension. Whenever I look someone in the eyes, I understand all of the inner workings of their quirk perfectly, how it works, its strengths, its weaknesses, everything.
Fatal shudders.
Ewing: Well, that’s one of the more curious quirks I’ve ever heard of. I hope to see you put it to good use.
Iota: Yessir.
Iota sits down.
Ewing: Now then-
There is a knock on the door.
Ewing: Ah, it looks like our speaker is here.
The students look confused.
Iota: (What’s going on?)
Ewing opens the door and in pops Colossus.
Iota: (COLOSSUS!)
Colossus: Hello, everyone! I’m glad to see you on your first day!
All of the students look star-struck, except Walker.
Student: I can’t believe it’s you Colossus!
Houston: You’re the greatest hero ever!
Colossus: Settle down, settle down. I’ll sign autographs later.
Ewing steps aside so Colossus can step up to the podium.
Colossus: Your teacher and I are longtime acquaintances, and with this being my alma mater, I thought I’d give the next generation of heroes a word of advice.
Everyone watches with bright eyes.
Colossus: Today marks your first day in a long journey towards becoming heroes. Now, you all have worked hard to get here because… well, it’s U.A.! But don’t let the mystique of this school blind you. Graduating from this school is no easy task. I remember my time here… those were three of the best years of my life. I made amazing friendships that are still strong today and while I hope you focus heavily on your studies, I also yearn for you to feel the same way about your fellow classmates as I do mine. Being a hero isn’t all about fame and fortune. It’s about doing the right thing. It’s about setting an example for the youth of our country and protecting those who need protection. Being a hero is an honor, not a luxury. Every day you wear your costume, always remind yourself that people count on you, kids look up to you, and your mentors are proud of you. I know all of what I’m saying is very serious, but never lose sight of who you are and be yourself along the way. Nobody likes a hero that’s just a poser, after all.
Colossus laughs.
Iota: (He’s so cool… I’ve always wanted to be just like him!)
Iota clenches his fist.
Iota: (I won’t let you down, Colossus! I will never forget your words today!)
Iota looks Colossus straight in the eye, activating his quirk.
Iota: (Huh? That’s strange, his quirk… it doesn’t feel that powerful…)
Iota shakes it off.
Iota: (I’m sure it’s just because I’m nervous.)
Colossus: Now… where was I? Oh right, I-
Colossus’ phone rings.
Colossus: Oh… sorry… I have to take this.
Colossus takes out his phone.
Colossus: *whispering* I’m a little busy here!
Alexander: *phone* Colossus, we need you, now!
Colossus: *whispering* Right now?
Alexander: *phone* There’s been a prison break in Nashville. Villains are causing havoc all across the city! We need you there now!
Colossus gets a stern look on his face.
Colossus: I’ll be there right away.
Colossus hangs up and turns to Ewing.
Colossus: Sorry, Ewing, but there’s a massive emergency in Nashville. I need to go immediately.
Ewing: Well, don’t let us hold you up.
Colossus: Goodbye, everyone. Sorry for cutting this short, but I guess this is the best demonstration of heroics I can give you!
Colossus rushes out of the room.
Ewing: Well… I guess we’ll just get started on the quadratic equation then.
Everyone groans.
Iota: (Go get ‘em Colossus!)
At the end of the day, the class gathers at one of U.A.’s training facilities for their first hero exercise.
Ewing: You have all been assigned into groups of four.
Iota is in a group with Fatal, Adrian, and Walker.
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Ewing: Your goal is simple: a safe house is located in the city's center. The first team to have their designated leader step foot inside the safe house wins.
Ewing takes out five different color headbands.
Ewing: Head to your respective starting locations and decide upon a leader. The exercise will start when you hear a loud horn.
Iota and his team gather at their starting spot.
Adrian: So I guess I’ll be the leader then.
Fatal: What! Says who?
Adrian: Damien, right? Do you object?
Walker: I don’t care.
Adrian: What about you… uh… uh….
Iota: Ivan.
Adrian: Ivan, right! Do you think it’s a bad idea for me to be the leader?
Ivan: I… uh…
Fatal: Yeah, Ivan? What do you think?
Iota gets nervous.
Iota: Uh… I’m not sure-
Fatal gets in his face.
Fatal: You think he’d be a better leader than me!
Iota’s quirk activates by making eye contact with Fatal.
Iota: (Her quirk… there’s something off about it.)
Iota looks like he’s in a trance.
Fatal: Are you going to answer me?
Adrian laughs.
Adrian: What happened to that shy demeanor back in the classroom? I thought it was kind of cute.
Fatal blushes.
Fatal: (No, wait! You’re mad!)
Fatal faces Adrian.
Fatal: I’ll show you shy!
Adrian: Oh, I’m so scared!
Adrian laughs, further annoying Fatal. Walker lies down and naps.
Iota: (That’s the second time today that I’ve looked at someone, and their quirk has felt different from usual… it must just be me.)
Flash forward three months to the Sports Festival.
Iota (Naratting): I was wrong about that. It wasn’t just me. Every time I looked Rachel in the eyes, I had that same weird feeling about her quirk. I couldn’t put my finger on it. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I didn’t have the nerve to ask Rachel about it because our friendship was still so young. I didn’t want to make things weird between us. Because of the prison break in Nashville, the Sports Festival was delayed for two months. It still had plenty of fireworks, though...
The crowd cheers as another match is about to begin. Adrian and Fatal square off in the center of the arena.
Adrian: Ready to lose, Rach?
Fatal: Shut up. By the time this is over, your head will be through a wall.
Adrian: Bold words.
Madame Mummy places her hand between them.
Madame Mummy: Begin.
The match commences as Duke, Walker, Houston, and Iota watch from the stands.
Duke: I can’t believe those two love birds got matched against each other in the first round! What a treat for us to watch.
Houston: You shouldn’t take amusement out of two friends squabbling!
Duke: Oh come on, lighten up! It’s just a friendly match. It’s not like anything significant is on the line.
Walker: Besides bragging rights…
Duke: Well, that is pretty important, right Ivan?
Iota: Yeah… I’m just worried about our match personally…
Duke: Oh, come on, you’ll do great, man, but I’m not going to hold back, alright?
Iota: Well, neither am I!
Walker lies down in the stands.
Duke: Hey, Dame, what are you doing?
Walker: The usual.
Walker has pulled out a full sleeping bag.
Houston: Where was he hiding that…
Duke: Don’t know…
Iota stands up.
Duke: Where are you going, buddy?
Iota: I’ve gotta go to the bathroom.
Duke: Aw man! You’re missing the best match, though.
Iota: I’ll be back quick, don’t worry.
Iota walks up the stands and into the halls of the arena.
Iota: (Man, Duke is such a good guy, I hate that I have to fight him in the first round… at least it’s the last match, so I get a while to-)
A little girl pumps into Iota and drops her doll.
Iota: Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you!
Iota goes to pick up the girl’s doll, but it’s a strange design. It’s pink and translucent.
Iota: Huh?
Saige: That’s my quirk.
Iota: Oh… really?
Saige: I can make things with my mind, but they always look like that.
Iota: Make things with your mind?
Iota looks Saige in the eye, his eyes widen.
Iota: (The same feeling… the one I got with Rachel… who is this little gir-)
Ewing: Saige!
Ewing comes running up to Saige and Iota.
Iota: Mr. Ewing?
Ewing: Oh, hey Ivan.
Iota: What are you doing here?
Ewing grabs Saige’s hand.
Ewing: I was looking for my granddaughter.
Iota: Granddaughter?
Ewing: Yes, this is Saige. Say hi, Saige.
Saige: Hello.
Iota: Uh… Hi.
Saige: Can I have my doll back?
Iota: Oh, right!
Iota hands Saige her doll.
Ewing: She likes to wander off, except this time she wandered far.
Iota: I can see that…
Ewing: Well, I’m not supposed to talk to students that are still in the Sports Festival, so we should be heading back to the teacher’s viewing area now.
Iota: Right.
Ewing: Good luck, Ivan. I know I shouldn’t say this, but… I’m rooting for you.
Iota is surprised.
Iota: R- really?
Ewing: Yes, you see, you’re-
There is an audible gasp from the crowd.
Ewing: What’s going on?
Iota and Ewing rush out of the nearest arena entrance and see Fatal with glowing eyes.
Adrian: Woah, Rachel, what’s wrong-
Fatal screams at the top of her lungs and charges at Adrian.
Adrian: Rachel!
Suddenly Fatal accelerates far faster than normal and appears right before Adrian.
Adrian: (Wh- what?)
Fatal punches Adrian so hard that he smashes through the arena wall and is severely injured.
Ewing: Oh my god…
The entire crowd is shocked and afraid as Fatal lets off another scream.
Madame Mummy: The winner is Rachel M-
Fatal turns her attention to Madame Mummy and starts charging at her.
Madame Mummy: Huh?
Madame Mummy quickly restrains Fatal using her bandages. Fatal screams as she tries to break free.
Madame Mummy: Calm down, the match is over.
Fatal won’t stop trying to break free.
Madame Mummy: She’s going berserk. I’m going to need some help down here.
Two more teachers come rushing into the arena to restrain Fatal. Everyone in the crowd looks concerned.
Iota: (What’s going on!)
Iota turns to Ewing, who is gone.
Iota: Mr. Ewing?
Iota walks back into the hall and sees Ewing hugging Saige tight.
Iota: Mr. Ewing?
Ewing: I’m so sorry, Saige…
Saige: For what grandpa?
Iota: (Huh?)
Iota looks out at Fatal.
Iota: (Rachel and this little girl have the same weird vibe about their quirk and now Rachel has this weird freakout and Mr. Ewing is apologizing to Saige over it… something is off.)
A few days later, Iota visits Adrian in the hospital. He knocks on Adrian’s door.
Adrian: *muffled* Come in!
Iota opens the door.
Adrian: Oh hey, Ivan! How are you doing?
Iota: Shouldn’t I be asking you that?
Adrian is covered in bandages, but he’s able to move.
Adrian: Nah, I’m fine. Rachel just gave me a good old butt-kicking, that’s all.
Iota: Don’t kid around… what happened to her? I’ve never seen her act like that… it was like she wasn’t herself.
Adrian gets a little tense.
Adrian: Oh it was probably just her period.
Iota looks disgusted.
Adrian: (Why… why would you use that as an excuse?)
Iota: You’ve gotten pretty close with her over the last few months… has she ever told you anything… about her quirk?
Adrian: W- what do you mean?
Iota sits down next to Adrian’s bed.
Iota: Come on, you’ve copied her quirk before and I’ve analyzed it, you’ve never noticed that it feels different from any other quirk?
Adrian is surprised.
Adrian: (Ivan can sense that? This isn’t good…) No… I haven’t (And that’s the truth.)
Iota stares at Adrian for a moment.
Iota: Yeah… maybe I’m just imagining things.
Adrian: (Phew…)
Iota: Have you talked to Rachel since the fight?
Adrian: No… I haven’t. I think she’s embarrassed.
Iota: I think you’re right. Everyone’s worried about her. Nobody has heard from her for the last couple of days.
Adrian: Well, she’s probably sulking at her house, if I had to guess. I’d go but…
Iota: I’ll go.
Adrian is surprised.
Adrian: Y- you sure? Not to be rude, dude, but you don’t come off as a very comforting person…
Iota: Oh come on, somebody’s gotta help her! And if you can’t, I will!
Adrian thinks for a moment.
Adrian: Alright, let me get you her address.
Iota leaves for Fatal’s house.
Iota: (I feel bad for covering my ulterior motives by acting like a good friend. I mean, I do want Rachel to be okay but… I can’t stop thinking about her quirk…)
Iota arrives at Fatal’s house.
Iota: (Okay… here we go.)
Iota starts to sweat.
Iota: (You know… now that I think about it… this is the first time I’ve ever been to a girl’s house.)
Iota gets even more nervous.
Iota: (Oh God! What if I look creepy, what if I-)
“ Colossus: And most of all, thank you at home for your support! There’s no need to be afraid anymore now that I am here! “
Iota clenches his fist.
Iota: (There’s no need to be afraid!)
Iota goes to knock on the door when he suddenly hears yelling coming from inside.
Fatal: *muffled* YOU’RE THE ONE WHO DID THIS TO ME!
Dr. Moore: *muffled* Rachel! Calm down! It’s just one little side effect! I can fix it!
Iota: (Side effect? Of what?)
Fatal: *muffled* I’M NOT YOUR LAB RAT! YOU CAN’T JUST SAY “I CAN FIX IT.” I’M A PERSON, KELSEY! NOT A FUCKING ROBOT!
Dr. Moore: *muffled* Rachel, I’m sorry! Just please come to my lab so I can-
Fatal: *muffled* NO! FUCK YOU! AND FUCK YOUR STUPID SERUM!
Iota: (Serum?)
Iota can hear footsteps approaching the door.
Iota: (Oh crap! She’ll know I was listening in!)
Iota spots a bush and leaps into it. The door slams open as Fatal storms out of her house.
Dr. Moore: Rachel! Wait!
Fatal flips off Dr. Moore and leaves.
Dr. Moore: *sighs* God damn it…
Dr. Moore closes the door. Iota waits a few seconds and scurries out of the bush.
Iota: (Well… now I’m officially creepy.)
That night, Iota does homework at his house.
Iota: (Serum… side effect… I eavesdropped on something… I’m just not sure what…)
Iota’s phone starts ringing: it’s Duke.
Iota: Hello?
Duke: *phone* Hey man, Houston and I were talking… Do you think we should try and speak to Rachel tomorrow if she doesn’t show up for school? I’m starting to worry about her. Adrian is fine, but nobody has heard from her. Well, unless you have?
Iota starts sweating.
Iota: Nope! I didn’t hide in her bushes or anything!
Duke: Right… Well, what do you say? We could probably drag Damien along too.
Iota: I don’t know… I think she might just want to be alone right now.
Duke: Yeah, I know. That’s why she isn’t coming to school, she’s embarrassed about what happened at the Sports Festival, but we need to convince her why she shouldn’t be!
Iota: Yeah… maybe.
Duke: Look, man, we’re heroes in training.
Iota’s eyes widen.
Duke: And if we can’t help our friend when she’s in need, how are we going to be able to help people who are strangers to us? Remember what Colossus said on that first day?
“ Colossus: I made amazing friendships that are still strong today and while I hope you focus heavily on your studies, I also yearn for you to feel the same way about your fellow classmates as I do mine. “
Duke: We owe it to Rachel to be there for her.
Iota: Yeah… you’re right… Colossus would do that if he were us. So yeah! We should do it!
Duke: Great, man, see you tomorrow-
Iota: Wait, one second Duke.
Duke: Huh? What’s up?
Iota: Does Rachel have a sister? (She didn’t look old enough to be her mother.)
Duke: Uh… yeah… w- why?
Iota: Uh… Adrian alluded to it when I visited him in the hospital, I’ve just never heard Rachel mention anything about having a sister.
Duke: Well, I only know about her from Adrian, he’s a lot closer to her than anyone else in the class. He told me she doesn’t talk about her much because they have a significant age gap and she works at U.A.
Iota: Wh- what section?
Duke: Science, I think? I don’t know. Like I said, all I have is second-hand information.
Iota’s eyes are wide open.
Iota: (So she’s a scientist and she was talking about a serum and side effects huh?) Okay… thanks, Duke, I’ll see you tomorrow.
Duke: Right, cya, bro.
Duke hangs up the phone. Iota sits in silence for a few moments.
Iota: (This is like a puzzle that I’m given the pieces to one at a time… but the question is… do I really want to know the solution?)
The next day, Fatal is in school, as is Adrian.
Iota: (This is awkward…)
Duke: (I guess she decided to show up, huh?)
Houston: (I wonder if Adrian smoothed everything over with her?)
Fatal tries to avoid eye contact with everyone.
Ewing: Alright, it’s time for your lunch break. Go enjoy yourselves, when we get back, we’ll review Entropy if any of you forgot.
Walker: (Entropy? What idiot could forget what entropy is?)
Some students begin leaving the classroom to head to lunch, including Fatal. Duke sees Adrian packing up.
Duke: Hey, Ivan?
Iota: Huh?
Duke: Want to help me do some investigative work?
Iota: What on the whole Rachel and Adrian thing?
Duke: Yeah! What else?
Houston walks over.
Houston: You shouldn’t be digging into other people’s business, Duke.
Duke: Oh come on, man, Mr. Ewing has lectured us enough. We don’t need you to do it too.
Ewing: *from afar* What was that back there?
Ewing looks pissed.
Duke: N- nothing sir!
Houston: Honest!
Iota: Yeah! We didn’t say anything about your lectures.
Ewing: That’s good because I was about to come back there and teach you another lesson.
All three gulp. Adrian leaves the classroom.
Duke: Detective Duke on the case!
Duke heads after Adrian.
Houston: Duke! Wait for me!
Duke: I thought you said we shouldn’t dig!
Houston: Shut up!
Only Iota and Ewing are left in the room. Iota stands up from his desk and grabs his notebook and a stack of papers.
Iota: (Now is my time to investigate.)
Iota walks up to Ewing’s desk.
Iota: Mr. Ewing, I have a question abo-
Iota drips and drops the papers all over the ground.
Ewing: Watch where you step, Ivan…
Iota: Ow…
Ewing leans down to help Iota pick up the papers.
Ewing: Consider yourself fortunate I’m the only one here.
Iota picks himself up and dusts off his knees.
Iota: Yeah… I guess I’m a little clumsy today.
Iota starts picking papers up off the ground as well, inching towards the desk where Ewing’s ID Card is lying.
Ewing: Now what was it you wanted to ask me about?
Iota: Oh, um… how does entropy work?
Iota snags the card off Ewing’s desk and stuffs it in his pocket.
Ewing: I said we’ll be reviewing that during class after lunch.
Iota: Right… sorry I didn’t hear you.
Ewing stands up and hands Iota the papers.
Ewing: It’s alright, at least you're asking questions, that’s better than most of your class.
Iota: Heh… yeah… well, I’ll be heading to lunch now!
Iota scurries off.
Ewing: He’s a good kid…
Iota heads to the science wing of U.A.
Iota: (I can’t believe I just did that… holy crap! I don’t have much time, I have to be quick…)
Iota heads to Dr. Moore’s lab and checks to see if anyone is around.
Iota: (All clear.)
Iota uses Ewing’s ID Card to open the door. He steps inside as the doors close behind him.
Iota: (Now where would a serum b-)
Iota spots a locked freezer.
Iota: (Well, that isn’t obvious...)
Iota walks up to the freezer.
Iota: (I guess I should be fair, I do know what to look for.)
Iota uses Ewing’s ID Card to open the freezer.
Freezer: Access Denied.
Iota: Huh? What!
Iota tries again.
Freezer: Access Denied.
Iota: (Well, I know for sure now that something is in here.)
Iota can hear the door to the lab opening.
Iota: (Oh shit!)
Iota quickly hides underneath a nearby bed.
Iota: (Dammit, Ivan! You just had to let your curiosity get the better of you!)
Dr. Moore walks into the room and walks up to the freezer.
Dr. Moore: I can’t believe I made such a massive mistake.
Moore uses her ID Card to open the freezer. It opens revealing four syringes full of Project Q. She places her card in her lab coat, grabs one of the syringes, and inspects it.
Dr. Moore: Rachel and Saige… I’m sorry that I couldn’t make this perfect for you.
Moore breaks down in tears.
Dr. Moore: I can’t believe I’m such a failure! All I wanted to do was help my little sister… and instead, I broke her. Jesus fucking Christ!
Moore places the syringe back in the freezer.
Dr. Moore: I need to calm down… I have a class to teach soon.
Moore tosses her lab coat on the table and lays down on the bed Iota is under.
Iota: (Oh god!)
Moore continues crying.
Dr. Moore: I need to fix it… I need to fix them… I have to. It’s my fault!
Iota is panicking.
Iota: (HOW AM I GOING TO GET OUT OF THIS!)
Iota hears snoring.
Iota: (Huh…)
Iota crawls out from under the bed and sees that Moore has passed out.
Iota: (Well… this was easier than I thought.)
“ Dr. Moore: Rachel and Saige… I’m sorry that I couldn’t make this perfect for you. “
Iota: (So Ewing’s granddaughter and Rachel are connected huh…)
Iota sees Moore’s lab coat. He walks over and takes Dr. Moore’s ID Card.
Iota: (This might come in handy someday.)
Iota leaves Dr. Moore’s lab.
Iota: (Well, I’ve got almost all of the pieces… now it’s time to put them all together.)
Iota returns to the classroom, but Ewing isn’t there. As he walks by Ewing’s desk he goes to tie his shoes, he casually slides Ewing’s ID Card underneath the desk but poking out slightly.
Iota: (Mission almost accomplished…)
Later that night, Iota does some research on his computer.
Iota: (What is similar about Saige and Rachel?)
Iota has both of their profiles open on the Quirk Registry.
Iota: (Obviously they’re both female, but the similarities end there.)
Iota stares at Saige’s page for a while before noticing something peculiar.
Iota: “Quirk Manifestation: Age 8” What?
Iota checks Fatal’s page.
Iota: “Quirk Manifestation: Age 10”
Iota has a look of realization on his face.
Iota: (The serum…)
Iota leans back in his chair in disbelief.
Iota: (It makes quirks.)