Hayze and Saige are standing at the base of Jake’s statue.
Hayze: He’s really gone… I just… I can’t believe it.
Saige: I know. I wouldn’t have believed it at first if I hadn’t seen it happen before my eyes. Without any hesitation, he sacrificed himself to save all of our lives. I don’t know if this is disrespectful, but he never struck me as that kind of guy.
“ Hayze: (Eve is right… that is highly annoying…) Jake, can I ask you something?
Jake: What’s up?
Hayze: Why are you still here?
Jake: Because this exam is five days long.
Hayze: I don’t mean the exam, I mean the hero course, U.A. in general, why are you still here? You never show any enthusiasm or put any effort into anything. It seems to me like you don’t want to be here.
Jake: No, I do.
Hayze: Mind explaining then?
Jake: Do you know how much a C-Rank hero makes per year?
Hayze: No, not off the top of my head.
Jake: About $100,000, it’s a great living. All I have to do is get average grades, perform average on exercises and exams, and boom, I’ll be an average hero making a solid salary to live a comfortable life of minimal stress and a lively job. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Hayze: Yeah… it does.
Jake: I put a ton of effort into getting into the best hero school in the country. 98% of graduating hero course U.A. students, at a minimum, become well-established C-rank heroes. So all I need to do to reach my dream life is the bare minimum to graduate, which I’m doing. I want to be here; I just don’t want anything more than that.
Hayze is quiet for a few moments.
Hayze: When you put it that way… it all makes sense: why you didn’t try in the Sports Festival, why you didn’t leave the cabin during the forest attack, and why you were somehow ranked in the middle of everyone during the midterms.
Jake: Just because most people are shooting for the stars doesn’t mean everyone is. “ - Chapter 68
Hayze: Yeah… I agree.
Hayze walks over and looks at the wall listing the victims of Iota’s Assault.
Hayze: I knew that day was a catastrophe, but seeing this… it puts it all into perspective.
Saige walks up next to Hayze.
Saige: It was, and there could have been many more like it if not for you.
Hayze flashes back to the moment he sliced Iota’s hands off.
Hayze: Right…
Saige: What’s that for?
Hayze: What’s what for?
Saige: Hayze, if you didn’t do what you did, he would have been unstoppable.
Hayze: I know… I just… I have a lot of regrets about that day and seeing this.
Hayze looks at Jake’s statue.
Hayze: It gives me more to regret.
Saige: Don’t do th-
Hayze: Saige, I’m not up for this debate. I could have done more, I know it in my bones, and I’ve gotta live with it.
Saige stares at Hayze for a moment.
Saige: Fine.
Saige begins searching the wall of names.
Hayze: What are you doing?
Saige stops and points to a name on the wall.
Saige: Come look at this.
Hayze: Hm?
Hayze walks over and looks at the name. It’s Kelsey Moore.
Hayze: Wh- what?
Saige: As far as everyone outside of a few select people is aware, Dr. Moore died at the hands of Iota’s clone army while trying to escape the school after destroying all of the research and development of Project Q.
Hayze is silent for a few moments.
Hayze: Why did they do that?
Saige: What do you mean! Nobody wanted you to go to jail for a murder you didn’t commit!
Hayze: She died at his hands to protect us, and we’re just going to lie about it?
Saige: She died to protect you, too. If you go to prison for her death, that’s like spitting on her grave.
Hayze: And this isn’t?
Saige: This is what she wanted, Hayze.
Hayze stares at Saige for a few moments before backing off.
Hayze: So everyone knows about Project Q?
Saige: Yes, every detail outside of who knew about it. Fatal and I were asked many questions during a press conference shortly after the serum investigation concluded. We told them that only Dr. Moore, you, and we knew about it.
Hayze: You explained to them what Khaos was?
Saige: Yup, and there was some speculation that you’re more dangerous than U.A. can handle, but the support of most of the Top 10 was enough to quell any concerns.
Hayze: And what does our class know?
Saige: Everything from me. They’re just waiting to find out your side of the story.
Hayze: What was their reaction to finding you transferred just to help me?
Saige: It connected a lot of the dots for them.
Hayze: Did they understand… the lies?
Saige: For the most part, but then again, I didn’t run away for three months.
Hayze looks away.
Saige: Anyway, I have something Adrian wanted me to give you.
Hayze: Huh?
Saige reaches into her pocket and pulls out a replica of Hayze’s Sigma Ring pendant.
Saige: You’ll be questioned by the police soon, and they’re more than likely going to ask about the pendant, so you’ll need to use this to keep our cover.
Hayze: Do you know about the rings?
Saige: Well, the cat’s pretty far out of the bag on that one. Adrian told me the whole story so that I could help out.
Hayze: I’m sorry for not telling you.
Saige: Considering you weren’t supposed to know, I don’t hold anything against you.
Hayze takes the replica.
Hayze: Does everyone know about the rings now?
Saige: Well, the world is aware of their existence, but U.A. convinced everyone that they know nothing about them. Right now, “most” people have no idea what they are.
Hayze: Why do you say most?
Saige: Nobody knew anything about the rings because a tight information network concealed them. Now that that’s gone, if anyone REALLY wants to know what they are, they can put in a lot of effort to figure that out.
Hayze: You think so?
Saige: I know so, trust me, I have a feeling there are already some people out there searching for rings as we speak.
Vanguard is sitting at an airport in Nevada, waiting for his flight. He’s wearing a suit and tie. His luggage is a briefcase he’s holding tightly to his lap.
Vanguard: (Now that I have the Alpha Ring, it’s time to expand my forces.)
Announcement: We are now boarding Delta flight BD1362 nonstop to Nashville, Tennessee.
Vanguard stands up.
Vanguard: (They claimed they knew nothing about the rings’ existence, but I know that’s a lie. My research into Battlin’ Boxer and Iota showed me one similarity between their stories: they both were top of their class at U.A. Still, they forwent their hero careers to live in remote and barely inhabited areas. So it’s no coincidence that they both had rings in their possession. Furthermore, Colossus mentioned during his final battle that he was “selected” to wield the Omega Ring, but who selected him? Well, I don’t think it’s an accident that his power only spiked after graduating from U.A.)
Vanguard boards his flight.
Vanguard: (I will infiltrate U.A. and find out the locations of the remaining rings.)
Vanguard smiles.
Vanguard: (And soon everyone will join the Vanguard.)
Saige and Hayze continue walking down the street.
Hayze: How’s everyone been since… you know?
Saige: I haven’t seen a handful of them since Jake’s funeral, but I know they’re well. I know his death motivated everyone to be the strongest they can be. I heard a rumor that even Isaiah and Demetri were undergoing intense training.
Hayze: Wow, even them. I guess everyone will be different when I see them again.
Saige: Yeah… some more than others...
Hayze: Huh?
Saige: Oh, you’ll see.
Hayze: Wait, what are you talking-
Voice: *from afar* Hey, look over there!
Hayze: Wh- huh?
Hayze and Saige look to see a crowd of people rushing toward them.
Crowd Member: That’s the kid who defeated Iota!
Crowd Member: I gotta get his autograph so I can sell it!
The crowd surrounds Hayze and Saige.
Crowd Member: Thank you so much for what you did!
Crowd Member: You’re a real hero, you know that!
Hayze looks around, confused.
Hayze: (What the hell?)
Saige: *sighs* Come on.
Saige grabs Hayze’s hand and rushes through the crowd with him.
Hayze: What the hell was that?
Saige: You kind of “defeated” the guy who killed Colossus, the greatest hero ever, remember?
Hayze: I didn’t… I didn’t defeat him.
Saige: Yeah, well, you chopped his hands off. That’s close enough.
Hayze: But why are they thanking me?
Saige: You realize how fucked up the world would be if you didn’t do what you did? I know you don’t see it this way, but to the public, you’re a greater hero than most pros. So, you’re going to get the pro-hero treatment regardless.
They duck into an alleyway.
Saige: I think we lost them.
Hayze: Yeah…
Saige: Let me guess, you feel guilty?
Hayze: Yeah, I do. They wouldn’t look at me like that if they knew the truth. They’d see me as a murderer.
Saige: What did we just go over back in Alaska? You’re not alone, Hayze, you have to be conscious of what other people want, and nobody wants them to know the truth except you.
Hayze stares at Saige.
Saige: Of course, you could always just run away again.
Hayze: Very funny.
Saige: I know, I am. Now, are you ready?
Hayze: Ready for what?
Saige: It’s move-in day at U.A!
Hayze: W- wait, what! I thought that wasn’t for a few more days.
Saige: I lied.
Hayze: WHAT!
Saige: Yeah, I thought it would be easier to convince you to come back if you thought you had more of a buffer before seeing anyone. So, are you ready!
Hayze: No!
Saige: Too bad!
The students of class 2-A are gathered at U.A. with their luggage and bags admiring their new dormitory built for them. Aaron, Saige, Justus, Ash, and Hayze are the only ones missing. The student dormitories are large buildings with six floors. Each building has its respective class name posted above the main entrance. Each is circled by low hedge bushes that leave a path open to the front door. The entry consists of two sets of double doors. Alongside the pathway are two park benches and two light posts. The first level of the building is white, while the upper levels are colored brown on the outside.
Jace: Look at this thing!
Zach: It’s like a freaking mini Marriot!
Gus has tears in his eyes.
Gus: This is way nicer than the deli!
Angel: Do you not live in an apartment above the deli?
Gus: I never want to leave this place!
Demetri and Isaiah are off to the side, examining the building with binoculars.
Demetri: *whispering* It looks like there are no balconies or ledges to stand on.
Isaiah: *whispering* Yeah, we’ll need to get the schematics for this building. I do not see any easy access routes outside of the main entrances.
Demetri: *whispering* Definitely.
Eve: What are you two doing?
Eve has snuck up behind them.
Demetri: We took up bird watching as a hobby over the summer!
Eve: There are no birds around.
Isaiah: Yes, that’s why we’re watching the clouds!
Isaiah points up at the sky.
Isaiah: We were admiring the cloud that looks like an octopus.
Demetri: It’s very rare to see a cloud like that. Aren’t you impressed, Eve?
Eve narrows her eyes.
Eve: I’m on to you two.
Eve walks away.
Wes: (They weren’t kidding about the stealth thing.)
Silver is standing by himself in the back.
Silver: (As long as there’s a proper training ground, I don’t care what this building looks like.)
Adrian: Alright, alright, I’m glad to see almost all of you are here.
The students look to see Adrian and Fatal walking up to them. Fatal has an eye patch over her damaged eye that everyone tries not to stare at.
Kevin: Hey, Mr. Adrian, and Ms. Fatal, it’s good to see you guys again!
Fatal: Thanks. It’s great to see all of you again too.
Alden: That must be hard.
Eve punches Alden to the ground.
Adrian: It’s good to be back for another year. I’m glad you all found the dorm alright. I guess it’s time we gave you the tour.
The students are confused.
Karma: Uh, sir?
Adrian: Hm?
Karma: Shouldn’t Mr. Walker be the one to do that?
Gus: He is our homeroom teacher, after all.
Adrian: Oh… right.
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Everyone: Hm?
Adrian clears his throat.
Adrian: I guess I’ll tell you guys now, and you can inform the people who aren’t here later. Mr. Walker has taken an indefinite leave of absence.
Everyone is shocked.
Zach: Leave of absence?
Jace: Indefinite?
Alexis: Why did he do that?
Fatal: That’s Mr. Walker’s privacy. We can’t tell you more than that.
Adrian: I will say this, though, we have no clue when or if Mr. Walker will return. If I were you, I’d run under the assumption he won’t be back this year.
The students are disheartened… except…
Alden: YAHOO! THAT JACKASS IS GONE!
Fatal slaps Alden with a door and sends him flying.
Alden: AHHHHH!
Fatal receives a round of applause.
Adrian: Anyway, let’s-
Grace: *off screen* COME ON, WHITE!
Everyone sees Ash walking toward them with Grace draped around her waist.
Lilith: Uh… who’s that?
Adrian: If I recall correctly, that’s the new 2-B student.
Everyone: Huh?
Justus is carrying his and Ash’s bags beside Ash and Grace.
Ash: Please let go of me!
Grace: White! Please just switch classes with me!
Ash: For the last time! No!
Grace: Well, it was worth a shot.
Grace releases Ash.
Ash: Wa- wait, what? Did you seriously fake crying while I dragged you from my house to U.A!
Justus: *sighs* I’m going to go ahead...
Grace: Can’t blame a girl for trying!
Ash: I let you stay at my house for the week, and this is the thanks I get!
Grace: You also let me borrow your underwear, and I didn’t thank you for that either!
Ash: That to- wait, what!
Grace: White isn’t my color, but I don’t know how to do laundry, so they’ll have to make due.
Ash’s face is white.
Grace: Hey White, you’re looking pale!
Ash: *under her breath* I shouldn’t be so nice anymore…
Justus walks over and places his and Ash’s bags with the rest of the class. Kevin walks over to him.
Kevin: Long time no see, Justus.
Justus: Ah, hello, Kevin.
Kevin and Justus shake hands, but Justus can feel Kevin’s grip is firmer than before.
Justus: Hm…
Kevin: I’ve been training harder than I ever have, and a firmer grip isn’t the only thing I have to show for it. I hope you were doing the same?
Justus: Of course.
Kevin smiles.
Kevin: Good, I’m not settling for anything less than 1st this year, so you know I’m looking forward to the day we battle again.
Justus: As am I.
Silver scoffs. Ash and Grace walk over to the class.
Lilith: Ash, you made it just before the tour of our new dorm!
Ash: Yeah… I had some trouble getting out of my house…
Karma: It sure looks like it if you needed to call Justus in for help.
Eve: Yeah… speaking of which. *whispers* Are you two a thing now?
Ash’s face turns red.
Ash: No, no! We just trained a lot over the summer, that’s all!
Eve: Right…
Grace: Hey, White, now you’re red!
Lilith: White? What’s that?
Ash’s eyes widen.
Grace: It’s my nickname for White here, Half-Pint.
Lilith: That’s a cute nickname! Mind if I call you that, Ash?
Ash: *groans*
Grace: Something wrong, White?
Ash: No…
Lilith: Yay! White it is.
Ash: *groans*
Grace looks around.
Grace: Man, only three of the people I wanted to fight are here. That’s lame.
Ash: Grace, please don’t pick a fight right now. It’s not even the first day of school.
Grace: I won’t. I’m just disappointed to see so many weaklings here.
Jace and Zach’s interest is piqued.
Zach: Only three, huh?
Jace: What are you saying about us?
Grace: That you’re weak.
Zach: We’re not! We both made it to the tournament round of the Sports Festival!
Jace: Yeah!
Grace: And you both lost to the people I actually want to fight.
Zach: Who the hell even are you!
Jace: Yeah, if you’re in 2-B, you can’t be that tough!
Grace smiles.
Grace: Listen here, Spike and Slinkster. I’m the former top student of U.A. East freshly transferred to the main campus. If I recall correctly, the top student from the West joined your class last year, right?
Zach: Y- yeah…
Grace: Well, if you can’t hold a candle to her.
Grace punches her palm.
Grace: You’ll be destroyed by me.
Zach: You don’t scare me!
Grace takes a step toward Jace and Zach.
Grace: Look, I came to this school with a list of people I want to fight. The final four from your Sports Festival, the top student from West and Goldy over there.
Silver’s eyes narrow.
Grace: But I’m willing to make an exception and teach you two what it means to feel pain.
Zach: Oh yeah? Well-
Adrian clears his throat.
Adrian: Grace, right? How about you head over to your dorm.
Grace: *sighs* Fine…, but I’ll find my way into this class, that’s for sure.
Grace leaves.
Jace: (That chick is annoying.)
Zach: (I don’t like fighting girls, but she was asking for a brawl.)
Adrian: Okay, now let’s-
An explosion can be heard in the distance.
Adrian: *sighs* (I’m starting to see why Walker left…)
Everyone looks in the direction of the explosion. Aaron comes flying in and lands next to them.
Aaron: Sorry, am I late?
On Aaron’s upper right arm, he has a scar that looks like a chunk of his flesh was removed; on his left, he has a hypothermia scar.
Silver: (Show off…)
Adrian: No, you’re just on time. Join the crowd.
Aaron walks up to Wes.
Aaron: Hey, Wes.
Wes: Hey…
Alexis stares at Aaron through the corner of her eye.
Adrian: Alright, any other interruptions?
Everyone is silent.
Blair: *whispering* Only two people are missing…
Eve: *whispering* Figures he wouldn’t show.
Adrian clears his throat.
Adrian: Let’s begin. This is your dorm. As you can see, it’s pretty luxurious. That’s because there are a lot of rules and protocols that we’re placing on you guys about leaving this campus. So we want this dormitory to be as comfortable as possible for you all.
Karma: If you don’t mind me asking, what are those protocols?
Adrian: You’re not allowed to leave campus without informing Ms. Fatal or me, and if you do, you’ll be accompanied by a chaperone, that could be one of us or another hero course teacher.
Most of the students look unenthused.
Adrian: I understand if that seems a little extreme, but the last thing this school wants is for any of you to be attacked like you were multiple times last year. Your safety is our biggest priority, and we’re not just saying that anymore. So, if you’re willing to give up a little of your freedom, we promise to not let incidents like what happened in the forest or the mall happen again, okay?
The class nods.
Adrian: Good, now, on to the fun stuff. There are 20 rooms inside the Carolina dorms. The bottom floor contains a kitchen, living room, dining room, laundry room, showers, and a couple of indoor training facilities. Then there are five rooms on each of the next 4 floors.
Adrian pulls out a piece of paper.
[https://i.ibb.co/w7gDfH0/5d7e8fd6e35ed9a0cbf4c466da5f504e.png]Adrian: These are your room assignments. The girls have floors two and three, while the boys have four through six.
Everyone examines the sheet.
Isaiah: Sir, I’d like to make a request!
Adrian: You and Demetri are on the top floor for a reason.
Isaiah: I no longer have a request!
Adrian: By the way, there is no elevator.
Isaiah: Sir, I’d like to make a request!
Alden emerges from the bushes.
Alden: WAIT A SECOND! WHERE IS MY ROOM!
Adrian: You do not have one.
Alden: Well, there’s a vacant one right there!
Adrian: A decision was made that that room will remain empty to honor your fallen classmate.
Everyone gets quiet.
Adrian: Unless you’d like to disrespect his grave.
Alden: Of cour-
Fatal is holding up the door, ready to strike Alden.
Alden: That’s fine… but where will I sleep?
Adrian: The pool shed.
Eve: WE HAVE A POOL?
Adrian: Yes, as I said, the school wanted to accommodate you as much as possible.
The whole class celebrates.
Alden: But… I have to sleep in the shed?
Adrian: Well, not tonight. One of the maintenance guys knocked over a gallon of chlorine, so it’s utterly toxic in there.
Alden: So… where will I sleep tonight?
Adrian: There’s a tent set up on the roof.
Alden: Oh… is there a staircase to the roof?
Adrian: No.
Alden: Then how will I get up there?
Adrian begins walking up the stairs.
Adrian: Let’s head inside for a tour.
The Class: Yeah!
Alden: But… I…
Everyone heads inside, leaving Alden alone.
Alden: *sobs*
The students enter the first-floor common area and see an open space with a kitchen, multiple dining tables, couches, tables, a television, and a backyard courtyard with a pool.
Lilith: Wow!
Karma: This is amazing!
Zach: U.A. knows how to go all out!
Jace: It makes me wonder what we would have gotten if we got attacked more…
Adrian: This is your main living area. There’s no food here right now, so you’ll have to go shopping for groceries yourself. The laundry room and indoor gym are to the left and the bathroom…
Adrian points to the only bathroom.
Jace: Oh right…
Zach: I think I remember why this place is so lovely.
Angel: There’s one major drawback...
Isaiah and Demetri have big grins on their faces.
Isaiah: (Co-ed showers!)
Demetri: (Thank you, Saige!)
Eve grabs Isaiah and Demetri’s wrists and breaks them.
Isaiah and Demetri: AHHHHH!
Eve: That’s just a taste of what will happen if you two try anything!
Isaiah and Demetri roll on the ground in pain.
Adrian: *sighs* Normally, I’d be upset, but I think establishing the punishment early will be better for everyone in the long term. Rachel, do you mind?
Fatal: Yeah, I got it.
Fatal picks up Isaiah and Demetri and carries them to Recovery Girl’s office.
Adrian: Well, I guess there really isn’t much to tour. I’ll leave you guys the sheet of your room assignments and let you move in.
Class: Yessir!
Adrian starts to leave.
Adrian: Oh, actually, I guess I should say some rules.
Everyone turns to look at Adrian.
Adrian: You’re adults, so I trust all of you. I only ask that you obey the protocols and attend class. I will also be living on campus but in the faculty area, so if you need me, just call. Although, I expect you’ll settle any disagreements yourself. Stay safe and have fun.
Adrian leaves.
Karma: I guess we should start moving in now, huh?
Lilith: Yeah, but I think I’m going to find my room and open the window so I can fly my stuff up.
Alexis: Smart idea. It makes me wish I could fly.
A few students grab their bags, and others go to find their room. Silver walks over to the indoor gym and enters it.
Silver: (I can move my things in later, now is an excellent time to get ahead.)
Zach approaches Aaron.
Zach: Hey, Aaron! Long time no see!
Aaron: Hey, Zach.
Wes looks at Zach and Aaron through the corner of his eye.
Zach: How have you been, man? Last I heard, you were off doing some intense training in the other part of the country.
Jace walks over.
Jace: Yeah, and it looks like you’ve got the scars to prove it.
Aaron: It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did it. It taught me a lot about what it means to be alive.
Zach: Huh?
Jace: What?
Aaron places his hand on Zach’s shoulder.
Aaron: Now that I have the chance, I want to thank you for our fight back at the Sports Festival, Zach.
Zach: Oh, uh… Okay?
Aaron: I never should have taken so long to defeat you.
Zach: Wh- WHAT!
Aaron: You’re not weak like Jace, but you’re not strong like Alec or Kevin. You’re a nice in-between that made it clear that I had a flawed philosophy regarding combat. Our fight was vital for me to reflect upon, you should have never lasted that long, and I see that now. So, thank you for helping me.
Zach: Wh- wh- wh-
Jace: Who are you calling weak!
Aaron: You.
Jace: Wh- wh- wh-
Aaron walks away.
Aaron: Good talk, guys!
Wes stares at Aaron for a few moments before walking off himself.
Wes: (Yeah… that’s the new Aaron for you.)
Alexis looks at Aaron with concern.
Alexis: (I don’t know what happened in Colorado, but it’s clear from how Aaron carries himself that he’s changed.)
Eve and Blair start walking towards the entrance.
Blair: It’s a good thing you took care of Isaiah and Demetri. Now we don’t have to worry about them rooting through our bags.
Eve: What can I say? I’m a planner.
Lilith turns to Ash.
Lilith: Hey, White! If you go and open both of our windows, I’ll fly your stuff up too!
Ash: Sure…
Angel looks back at Jace and Zach, who are both still in shock.
Angel: I guess I’ll be nice and carry their stuff up too since they’re a little preoccupied.
Gus: Can you carry mine up too, please! I have to use the bathroom!
Angel: Uh… sure thing Gus!
Gus: Sweet, thanks!
Gus starts running for the bathroom.
Angel: Just be sure to wash your hands!
Suddenly Blair and Eve stop dead in place.
Eve: G- G- G- Gus…
Blair: Using the bathroom…
Eve and Blair bolt towards Gus.
Eve: DON’T YOU DARE SHIT IN THE SINK!
Kevin laughs.
Kevin: Glad to see some things will never change.
Justus: Yes, it’s nice to have everyone back together again.
Kevin slaps Justus on the back.
Kevin: Yeah, and maybe now that we’re living together, we’ll see you around more often.
Justus smiles.
Justus: Yeah… maybe.
Kevin: Oh, by the way, have you heard if Hayze is showing up or not? I thought that might be the reason why Saige isn’t here.
Justus: No, I haven’t heard from him in a long time.
Kevin: Yeah, me neither. I wonder what happened to him…
Justus: I don’t know, but I hope he’s alright.
Kevin: Mhm… for all we know… he could be dead.
Saige and Hayze arrive at the entrance to U.A. Hayze stares at the gate intensely.
Saige: Well, here we are. Ready to go?
Hayze doesn’t respond.
Saige: Did you hear me?
Hayze’s mind begins flashing through Khaos, slicing open Fatal’s eye, shooting Walker’s arm, shooting Saige’s chest, and decapitating Moore on repeat.
Saige: Hayze? Are you okay?
Hayze takes a step back.
Hayze: I- I- I… I shouldn’t be here.
Saige: What are you talking about? Yes, you should.
Hayze trembles.
Hayze: No, this isn’t right. I never should have come back here! I-
Saige places her hands on Hayze’s temples.
Hayze: Huh?
Saige: Calm down.
Saige’s fingertips glow pink as pulsating rays are cast through Hayze’s head, bringing clarity to his mind. Hayze takes a deep breath.
Hayze: Thank you…
Saige: I guess I should have expected this. It is the first time you’ve been here since that day. I’m sorry.
Hayze: It’s okay… if I had faced my fears sooner, I wouldn’t be like this. You’re not to blame. I’m just fucked in the head.
Saige: We both are… that’s what the serum does to people.
Hayze stares at Saige for a moment.
Hayze: Right…
Saige grabs Hayze’s hand.
Saige: Now, let’s go!
Hayze: Wait, wh-
Saige starts running with Hayze in the direction of their dorm.
Hayze: Slow down!
Saige: Nope!
Back at 2-A’s dorm, Everyone except Alden and Silver has gathered in the living area by the couches. Girls on one side and guys on the other.
Eve: This is a critical negotiation.
Jace: Yes, yes it is.
Eve: We would like exclusive use of the showers.
Jace: Denied.
Eve: Damn.
Alexis: It’s okay to set the bar high, Eve. Now just come down a little.
Eve: We would like access to the showers from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Zach: Those are the prime times!
Jace: Zach, calm down. I’ve got this.
Jace lights a cigarette.
Jace: Those are some good times you’re asking for. What are you willing to give up?
Eve: Nothing.
Jace: No deal.
Eve: I knew you’d say that. How about this: What do you demand?
Jace smokes the cigarette and then starts choking.
Gus: Jace, you forgot you don’t smoke again.
Jace: I KNOW THAT, GUS! THANK YOU!
Jace puts out the cigarette in an ashtray.
Jace: You girls have to do all of the dishes.
Eve: No way in hell!
Jace: Then we’re not going to have a deal here! You’re asking for the best times to use the showers, but you’re not willing to give anything up! That isn’t how negotiations work!
Eve slams the table in frustration.
Alexis: Eve, sidebar.
Eve: What is it, Alexis?
Alexis whispers in Eve’s ear. Eve then turns back to Jace.
Eve: *clears throat* We have something we’re willing to give up.
Jace: It better be good.
Eve sighs loudly.
Eve: Alden is our responsibility.
The boys all start celebrating.
Jace: YOU’VE GOT YOURSELF A DEAL!
Jace gives Eve his hand, and she shakes it.
Eve: Glad we could come to terms.
Jace: Now that that’s settled, we should probably actually let Alden inside.
Alden is clawing at the front door like a dog.
Eve: Do we have to…
Jace: Hey, if he freezes to death, it’s your responsibility.
Alexis: He makes a good point, Eve.
Eve: *sighs* Fine, Blair, can you get him?
Blair: Sure…
Blair starts walking towards the front entrance.
Blair: Come on, Alden. It’s time to-
Suddenly the door swings open.
Blair: Huh?
Alden scurries in on all fours and starts scooting his ass against the floor.
Eve: *offscreen* No! Bad Alden!
Blair looks like she’s in shock.
Blair: H- Hayze?