At night, All of 2-A (minus the Vanguard members) are gathered in their dorm’s main floor. Hayze, Wes, Alexis, Ash, and Silver are wearing their hero costumes.
Aaron: I still can’t believe Impact chose you to be a part of his escort, Wes.
Wes: Sound a little more jealous. Why don’t you?
Aaron: I’m not jealous!
Alexis: Says the lizard to the dragon.
Aaron stares at Alexis.
Aaron: How dare you compare Wes to something cool.
Alexis: It’s an analogy, dumbass.
Aaron: And a terrible one at that.
Wes: Impact was “impressed” with my performance during our first couple patrols. I can’t say I did a whole lot, but apparently, it was enough for him.
Kevin: At least be happy you get to go to your work-study, Aaron. Aster STILL hasn’t gotten back to us on Exciton’s answer!
Aaron: Ha! Loser!
Angel: Actually, I have a question, Alexis. Why does Black Hollow need both you AND Silver?
Alexis: Well…
Silver: He caught wind about the “uniforms” Tyson was making his team wear, so he’s bringing us both instead of him.
Gus: Cold…
Saige appears next to Silver.
Saige: And who do you think he would have chosen between you two if Tyson was coming?
Silver: Me, obviously.
Alexis: Rude… just kidding. Silver has seniority over me.
Saige: Awwwww!
Silver: Stop trying to cause trouble, Saige.
Saige: You know, Silvy, you should take the time to introduce yourself to Lust while you’re at it.
Silver: I was born at night, but not last night.
Saige: Awwwww!
Zach: Well, I hope you guys have fun! We’ll be watching the ceremony from here.
Kevin: Unfortunately…
Silver: You almost certainly won’t see us at any point, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.
Justus looks to be deep in thought.
Ash: How do you feel about all of this?
Justus: Hm?
Ash: Well… you know… it’s the first.
Justus: Don’t worry about me; this is a good thing. It’s time for our society to move on and start accepting the new number one.
Zach: Speaking of Vulcan… have you guys seen the rumors that he might skip the ceremony?
Karma: I haven’t; why would he be doing that?
Zach: Some people have speculated that he doesn’t recognize himself as the true number one.
Eve: There’s no way that much information gets leaked online. Besides, Vulcan would be an absolute dumbass to skip this ceremony. The whole point of the damn thing is to bring everyone together and make them feel safe. So if the number one hero isn’t there, they might as well just cancel the whole thing.
Everyone is quiet.
Wes: (She’s got a point… I’ve seen the streets first hand, people don’t trust us heroes to protect them now that we don’t have Colossus as a crutch. Vulcan’s got big shoes to fill…)
Blair walks up to Hayze.
Blair: Good luck spending a whole night with Lust.
Hayze: Eh, it’ll be fine; I’ve gone through entire patrols with her. She’s definitely a little trigger-happy, though.
Blair laughs.
Blair: Just…
Hayze: Huh?
Blair: Promise me you’ll be careful if something comes up… okay?
Hayze: Uh, of course, but why are you worried?
Blair: I don’t know… I just have a bad vibe about tonight.
Saige: From what I hear, you only have good vibes, if you know what I mean.
Blair punches Saige in the vagina.
Saige: Point taken!
Saige slowly walks away.
Blair: Anyway… just stay safe, okay?
Hayze: Don’t worry, I will, but it’s not like anything is going to happen tonight.
Scarlett approaches Iota’s warehouse hideout in a surrogate body.
Julio: Halt!
Julio and Jagger emerge from the shadows.
Julio: Who are you?
Jagger: And what are you doing here?
(Scarlett): I’m here for a follow-up conversation with your master.
Julio and Jagger look at each other.
Jagger: Follow me.
Jagger and Scarlett enter the hideout. Inside are Mara, Yusuf, Wyatt, Signal, and various others, including a boy with frost coming from his mouth after each breath.
Khold: What do we have here, Jagger? A new boyfriend?
Jagger: Cut it out, Khold. This is an important guest.
Khold: What? This ordinary bastard? I doubt it.
Iota: Silence.
Iota emerges from a door with Zaire.
Iota: Back for more? What do you want?
(Scarlett): Right to the chase, I like that. Remember how we agreed we could help each other? Well, I was hoping we could finalize that arrangement.
Iota: I see… you don’t waste much time. What did you have in mind?
(Scarlett): I’d like to borrow your sniper for a straightforward mission.
Jagger: Marsh? What do you want with him?
(Scarlett): I’m sorry, am I talking to you?
Jagger: *frustrated grunt*
Iota thinks for a moment.
Iota: What kind of mission?
(Scarlett): I just need him to fire a single bullet, that’s all.
Iota: You’re omitting some details.
(Scarlett): Not as many as you’d think; I don’t even need him to hit his target. He’ll be safe, but I need his expert marksmanship skills.
Iota: Interesting… Hmm… Well, you’re not asking for much, but I still need to hear what you’d have in return for me.
(Scarlett): Information about a potential ring.
Iota: Go on…
Scarlett pulls out a file and hands it to Iota.
(Scarlett): U.A. has been keeping this quiet for a little while, but recently some students have been experiencing “changes.”
Iota opens the file.
Iota: I see…
(Scarlett): Total personality changes, and one of them even has a new quirk. It’s completely unexplained, and the school has been doing nothing about it. I don’t know much about these objects you’re collecting, but I have heard that their power can sometimes be limitless and “too good to be true.” I’d say this phenomenon could be caused by one.
Iota continues reading.
Iota: So, you’ve stationed your bats to recon U.A.
(Scarlett): Information is power, Iota. You know that all too well.
Iota: Well, while I’m not sure this has a direct link to a ring, some information is better than none, so I’ll keep my end of the bargain. Just be sure my man returns safely, and I won’t be connected to whatever operation you’re planning. If you fail to do either of those things, we will have a problem.
(Scarlett): Of course.
Scarlett’s surrogate body flops against the floor.
Iota: Jagger-
Jagger: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.
Jagger reaches for his gun.
Zaire: Are you sure about this, sir? You’re putting a lot of trust in that woman.
Iota: Perhaps I am, but a deal is a deal, and if this works out, she could be a valuable asset in the future. This intel isn’t much, but I’m already aware that two rings reside within the walls of U.A. if there’s a third, then it might be time for me to revisit my old stomping grounds.
A limousine arrives outside of U.A.
Angel: Well, good luck, you guys.
Eve: Have fun.
Wes: Cya.
Ash: Bye-bye!
Ash, Wes, Silver, Alexis, and Hayze all leave and enter the limo. Inside are Aster, Daniele, and Yul.
Aster: Welcome to the big leagues, guys.
Yul: It’s an honor to be asked by a Top 10 hero to be their bodyguard for this event. You should be proud.
Wes: Can I ask why they would need bodyguards, though? They're the goddamn Top 10.
Daniele: Yeah, and the entire ceremony is based around them. They will be distracted by the media, fans, and colleagues, so they won’t be as sharp as they usually are.
Aster: We act like an extra set of eyes. Looking where they can’t.
Yul: If something does come up, it’s our job to take care of it. It isn’t the best idea for the Top 10 to leave the event until it’s over.
Ash: Even if a villain attacks?
Aster: Especially if a villain attacks. Remember that these guys aren’t just solo acts, they run their own agencies, and we’re a part of them. So if we look good, they look good.
Yul: And it helps build morale for heroes in general, showcasing that even though we have the Top 10, they aren’t the only ones they can count on.
Daniele: Tonight, we celebrate the Top 10, not because they’re a crutch for our society, but because they are the best. So, be on your best behavior and try not to embarrass yourselves or your hero. Got that?
All five nod.
Aster: Okay, now that we have all the intense stuff out of the way. Try to remember to have fun.
Yul: Yeah, it’s been a long time since someone tried to attack the Honor Ceremony. Have your guard up, but don’t worry.
Daniele: It’s like a big party, so enjoy yourselves.
Wes: I don’t know if I can after you psyched us out like that…
Ash: I’ll try to.
Silver: Whatever.
Alexis: Sounds fun!
Hayze is deep in thought.
Hayze: (Even if there’s a low chance of anything happening, I’ve gotta keep my eyes open.)
The students’ limousine arrives at the stadium where the ceremony is held. Out front, there is a red carpet with a massive crowd on either side. Cameras and reporters are all waiting for the heroes to arrive.
Aster: Alright, stay to the side and wait for your hero to arrive. Once they’re here, walk alongside them and don’t let the bystanders get to them.
Ash: This is kind of overwhelming.
Daniele: Oh, don’t worry about it. Keep in mind they’re not here to see us.
The students exit the limo at the base of the red carpet and join the other bodyguards waiting for their heroes.
Reporter: And it looks like the bodyguards of Lust, Big Tank, Impact, Black Hollow, and Exciton have arrived, indicating that nine out of the Top 10 will be here tonight. However, one question still remains: will Vulcan be in attendance for his first official recognition as the new number one? Stay tuned to find out. The heroes should be arriving any minute.
Daniele works her way next to Hayze.
Daniele: Hey, listen, I worked the last ceremony with Ms. Lust; the bystanders can be a little… grabby.
Hayze: Uh… okay…
Daniele: You’re gonna need to be extra forceful, got it?
Hayze: Alright…
A limousine arrives.
Reporter: And here is our first member of the Top 10.
Metro Mole exits the vehicle, and his bodyguards get on either side of him.
Metro Mole: Hello, everyone!
Reporter: And there’s Metro Mole, the presumptive new number 9 hero. He’s one of two new members of the Top 10!
The remaining members of 2-A (minus the Vanguard) are watching from their dorm together.
Aaron: Metro Mole is a Top 10 now?
Angel: Yeah, he took his hero game up a notch last summer. It really propelled him up to the ranks.
Aaron: Damn.
Kevin: Wait… two brand new Top 10? Who else besides Colossus dropped off the list?
Saige: Gundam, apparently.
Kevin: Huh?! What?!
Saige: From what I heard, he got swamped designing new gadgets and advancing the techno-criminology world that he didn’t have enough time to preserve his status as a Top 10. It’s sad because his work was beneficial in the wake of Colossus’ death, but you don’t win the hearts of the public sitting in a lab.
Kevin: Ah, man… that sucks; I really like Gundam.
A second car arrives. Gunslinger steps out.
Reporter: And there is the desperado himself, Gunslinger! He’s the other new entry to the list; he’s the presumptive number 7!
Alexis: (Gunslinger is a top 10 hero, now? Boy, the list sure has lost its pedigree…)
Members of the Top 10 arrive at the ceremony one at a time. First, Meltman and Evergreen, followed by Big Tank. Ash stands alongside him.
Big Tank: (I still can’t believe I’m only ranked 10th… bullshit list. How did a damn cowboy and mole leapfrog me like that?)
Meltman waves to Big Tank.
Big Tank: (AND DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED WITH HIM!)
Ash: (Mr. Big Tank looks angry… I hope I didn’t do anything to make him upset…)
Impact arrives.
Impact: WHO’S READY FOR A PARTY!
The crowd cheers.
Yul: Not you, sir.
Impact: Ah… you’re no fun, Yul.
Yul and Wes escort Impact as Exciton’s car arrives.
Exciton: Why, hello there, everyone. I hope you’re looking forward to the great show.
Girls in the crowd swoon.
Aster: Ready to go, sir?
Exciton: Almost.
Exciton is wearing a full suit.
Aster: I thought you hated ties.
Exciton: I do.
Exciton takes off his tie and throws it into the crowd. Various women begin brawling for it.
Aster: You brought it just for that, didn’t you?
Exciton: I brought three more, in case I get bored.
Silver spots Black Hollow’s helicopter landing on top of the stadium.
Silver: Alexis, it looks like Black Hollow is avoiding the red carpet.
Alexis: Not surprising. He didn’t strike me as that kind of guy.
Silver: We should go meet with him.
Alexis: Right.
Silver and Alexis walk off, leaving just Hayze and Daniele.
Hayze: Why is Lust late?
Daniele: It’s a big deal picking out her dress for any formal event.
Hayze: Really?
Daniele: Yeah… she hires a whole team for this.
Lust’s limo arrives.
Reporter: And now our penultimate, hopefully, hero: Lust!
Lust: Hello, everyone!
Hayze and Daniele escort Lust up the red carpet.
Bystander 1: Lust! Please hit me with a Smile Cannon!
Bystander 2: I’m depressed! Please help me!
Bystander 3: My wife just left me, and I need a boost!
Lust: Oh, that’s sad! Let me-
Daniele: Ms. Lust! They’re lying!
Lust: But why?
Daniele: *frustrated grunt*
Hayze: (Again… how does someone like this exist?)
Hayze, Daniele, and Lust enter the stadium to the main lobby. The other 8 Top 10 and their bodyguards are waiting while a woman stands at the room’s front.
Woman: Welcome members of the Top 10 to the Honor Ceremony. We’ll be allowing people inside the stadium soon, so we recommend you head backstage and await the start of the event. Staffers will help direct you to your assigned position when we begin calling your names.
Exciton yawns.
Big Tank: You could treat this ceremony with more respect, you know.
Exciton: I’ve been to more of these than you, old-timer; they should be happy I even show up.
Big Tank: Old-timer! Where do you get off?
Exciton: Haha!
Hayze: *whispering* I didn’t realize Exciton was this much of an asshole.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Daniele: *whispering* The public loves that laid-back attitude. He’s really popular with children and women.
Exciton walks over to Lust, Hayze, and Daniele.
Exciton: Beautiful as always, Lust.
Exciton kisses her hand.
Lust: Thank you, Exciton! You look handsome too!
Exciton: Ah, surely you jest. This is only my eighth favorite suit.
Lust: Oh, okay! Then you look very average!
Exciton: I- That’s not…
Big Tank snickers.
Exciton: *frustrated grunt* They should put a maximum age on heroes.
Impact slaps Exciton on the back.
Impact: Lighten up, Excy! Big Tank is still number 10, after all.
Exciton: Ha! You’re right!
Big Tank: *frustrated grunt*
Lust: Speaking of rankings, you’re number two now, Exciton. That’s so exciting!
Exciton: Not for a good reason, though.
Lust: Oh… right… sorry about that.
Exciton: It’s alright. That’s why we’re here, to help everyone move on.
Evergreen looks distraught hearing the indirect mention of Colossus.
Big Tank: Pfft, “we’re.” This ceremony is a complete wash if the strongest among us isn’t even in attendance.
Impact: With that attitude, it is. Let’s not pay attention to the two heroes that aren’t here and focus on the nine that are. Remember that while Colossus was fighting Iota, we protected Nashville from the swarm of roided-out jocks. If it weren’t for us, there would have been more damage and deaths. That’s something worth celebrating.
Black Hollow: Well put, Impact.
Meltman: Someone should still get in contact with Vulcan, though. It’s not productive for us to have a number one hero who doesn’t want to be number one at this time of turmoil.
Exciton: I’ll track him down after this ceremony. We’ll have a friendly chat.
Lust: That’s probably for the best.
Black Hollow: Yes, I’m sure there will be a lot of bad publicity from his absence tonight.
Big Tank: And we’ll have to deal with all of it.
Everyone gets quiet.
Exciton: Huh?
Exciton looks at Hayze.
Exciton: Wait… you’re that kid that took down Iota. Damn, I didn’t realize you were available for a work study.
Aster: You saw me fight him.
Impact: Did you not watch any of the footage from the licensing exam?
Exciton: That’s a no to both.
Aster: Mine wasn’t a question.
Exciton approaches Hayze and offers him a handshake. Hayze shakes his hand.
Exciton: Say… how about you join my agency. I could use someone like-
Lust: Ahem.
Exciton: Huh?
Lust: Hayze is mine, Exciton. Back off.
Exciton: R- right.
Hayze: Uh…
Daniele: *whispering to Hayze* Lust can get very possessive.
Hayze: (The fact that she’s the scariest person in this room is terrifying.)
Exciton pulls out a business card and hands it to Hayze.
Exciton: Well, if you ever feel like going on a patrol with me sometime, give me a call.
Hayze: Uh… alright, thank you.
Silver watches intently.
Silver: (Hayze has Exciton and Lust, two of the best heroes, fighting over him. I’m not saying I’m ungrateful to Black Hollow, but I can’t help but be envious. He truly is the strongest in our class. I have to work hard to surpass him.)
Black Hollow: We can continue our chit-chat after the ceremony. We should get backstage before we’re swamped by reporters and fans.
Impact: Yeah, good idea. Come on, Yul and Wes.
All of them begin walking through the stadium’s halls. Big Tank gets beside Lust.
Big Tank: Hey, Lust, I just thought I’d check in on your availability for Operation V-Day.
Hayze: (Hm? V-Day?)
Lust: I already said yes, Big Tank. I wouldn’t back out now.
Big Tank: Just making sure, I know everyone’s agencies are spread pretty thin right now, so I would understand if you’re too busy or don’t have the manpower.
Lust: Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of extra hands nowadays. Just let me know when you need me.
Big Tank: Right, I just need to recruit some of the others' help.
Lust: Who were you thinking?
Big Tank: Well, I don’t know what to make of the new guys. I haven’t spoken to Evergreen since Iota’s Assault, and I’d rather die than work with Meltman.
Lust: So that leaves Vulcan, Exciton, Black Hollow, and Impact.
Big Tank: Yeah, I’ll probably cross Vulcan off that list and try to get the other three to consider joining by tonight's end.
Lust: Good luck.
Big Tank: Thanks.
Big Tank walks ahead.
Hayze: Ms. Lust, do you mind if I ask what that was about?
Lust: You’ll find out soon, Hayze. You don’t need to know now.
Hayze: Right.
Marsh watches the stadium through his sniper from a far-off parking garage.
Marsh: You know that’s a closed-off building, right? There’s no way I’m getting a shot off from here.
Scarlett: You don’t have to. You’re going inside.
Marsh: What!
Scarlett and Wirths are also in the parking garage. Wirths pulls out a machine and begins strapping it to Marsh’s arm.
Marsh: What is this?
Wirths: It’s a frequency emitter. You’ll activate it just before taking the shot.
Marsh: A what?! You want me to play a freaking sound before trying to assassinate someone?! The point of this job is stealth!
Scarlett: Yes, you’ll be stealthy to most of them.
Marsh: Huh?
Wirths: This device will emit a sine audio wave at 17,400 Hertz, a.k.a. the mosquito tone. Adults cannot hear the sound, so only a select few people will be aware.
Marsh: Why would you want anyone to be aware? I’m trying to kill someone!
Scarlett: Quit asking questions and just do your job, got it?
Marsh: *grunts* Fine, but I still need to ask who I’m shooting.
Scarlett pulls out a picture and hands it to Marsh… It's Lust.
Marsh: Lust? Why her?
Scarlett: Questions again?
Marsh: Fine, whatever, but you haven’t told me how the hell I’m supposed to get a shot off. That building is secure and has more heroes than we could count on our six hands combined.
Scarlett: Don’t worry, my boy. I have a plan.
Spectators flood into the stadium and begin taking their seats. Among them is a man with a vampire bite on his neck. Scarlett is using his body as a surrogate.
(Scarlett): (This man possesses a quirk known as Psychic Teleport. If he knows a person’s precise location, he can teleport them to any place he sees.)
Scarlett looks up at the rafters.
(Scarlett): (Like so.)
Back at the parking garage, Scarlett smiles.
Scarlett: You’ll be transported to the top area of the stadium. Wait until all of the heroes have been introduced, and then activate the device and take aim. I’ll assist your escape from inside.
Marsh: You’ll be inside?
Scarlett: In a way, yes. Your sole goal will be to escape the arena at all costs, regardless of whether your shot hits its target.
Marsh: It will, as long as your stupid device doesn’t mess me up.
Scarlett: *nasal grunt* Once you exit the stadium, head to the marked alleyway on this map. Everything will be taken care of from there.
Scarlett hands Marsh a map.
Marsh: Alright, anything else?
Scarlett: Oh, yes. Wear this mask as well.
Marsh: Huh?
Scarlett hands Marsh a distinctive mask.
Marsh: Wait… I’ve seen a mask like this before…
Scarlett: Whatever you do, don’t take it off until after the mission is completed.
Marsh: Fine.
Marsh takes the mask and puts it on.
Scarlett: Then let the mission begin.
Inside the stadium, the seats are packed full of fans. A stage has been set up on the main floor. On either side of the stage, behind the curtains, are the top ten and their respective bodyguards. Big Tank, Gunslinger, Meltman, Metro Mole, and Evergreen are on one end, while Exciton, Black Hollow, Lust, and Exciton are on the other. Suddenly, a hole emerges in the center of the stage, and Boom comes flying out.
Boom: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Bi-Annual Top 10 Hero Honor Ceremony!
The crowd cheers.
Gus: I always forget these things happen twice a year. They feel more often than that.
Angel: Yeah, one in April and one in October. The hero rankings usually get posted a few weeks before, which is probably why you think that.
Karma: Yeah, and with Colossus dying in May, a lot has changed in the five months leading up to this list.
Zach: They really need it to count.
Boom points to the Stadium’s jumbotron.
Boom: Tonight, we celebrate the newest version of the Top 10 Heroes! These guys are the best of the best, and every villain is shaking in their boots when one of these heroes arrives! Before beginning, we must remember the heroes who gave their lives during the attack on Nashville back in May. Please join me in a moment of silence.
The stadium goes silent as the jumbotron plays an “In Memoriam” for the heroes who died during Iota’s Assault. Among them are Heatwave, Cementman, PFC. Sanders, PFC. Matthews, COL. Edwards, Jake, and Colossus.
Wes: (Jake…)
Unbeknownst to everyone, Marsh teleports to the stadium’s rafters.
Boom: Now, it’s time to introduce YOUR TOP 10 HEROES!
The crowd goes fucking nuts.
Boom: First, we have the man with a freaking cannon on his back. It’s your number 10 hero: BIG TANK!
The crowd cheers as Big Tank walks out on stage.
Boom: Next, our first newcomer to the Top 10 is the underground hero who still hasn’t paid his fines for sidewalk damage. Your number 9 hero: Metro Mole!
Metro Mole: *under his breath* I wish they didn’t mention that…
Boom: Up one spot from his previous rank. It’s time for the man, the myth, the legend. Your number 8 hero: MELTMAN!
Meltman runs out on stage. However, he accidentally activates his quirk and melts his penis.
Meltman: RED ALERT! RED ALERT!
All of the U.A. students are dumbfounded.
Boom: It’s time for our second newcomer. Here comes the Cowboy himself! The number 7 hero: Gunslinger!
Gunslinger: Howdy.
Boom: Down three spots but still a kick-butt piece of poison ivy. It’s the number 6 hero: Evergreen!
Evergreen casually walks on stage in silence.
Blair: Why did Evergreen drop so much?
Justus: I think she took my father’s death harder than most; they were close.
Kevin: How close…
Eve: Kevin!
Kevin: What! It’s a fair question.
Justus: If you’re asking if they were lovers, I didn’t talk to my father about things like that.
Kevin: So you’re saying there’s a chance…
Eve: Kevin!
Kevin: Okay, fine! I’ll stop!
Aaron: Holy…
Demetri: Crap…
Eve: What? What is it?
Lust is walking on stage.
Boom: Making a massive leap up from her former number 8 position, we have the new top-rated female hero. The number five hero: Lust!
Lust: Hi, everyone!
Aaron, Demetri, Gus, Kevin, and Alden (watching from the window) are all drooling.
Aaron: Hayze is so lucky…
Demetri: He gets to work with that all day?
Gus: Bastard…
Alden: *muffled* I’d have to put my dick in a wheelchair!
Lust stands beside Evergreen.
Evergreen: (New top female hero, huh?) *sighs*
Lust: You seem sad, Evergreen. Do you need-
Evergreen: I do not need a Smile Cannon, Lust, thank you.
Lust: Okay! Let me know if you do!
Boom: Next, we have a hero that moved up two spots to be the number 4 hero, the Teleportation Hero: Impact!
Wes: *from afar* HE DOESN’T TELEPORT!
Impact runs on stage to thunderous applause.
Impact: YEAHHHHHH!
Boom: Next, we have the ninja that moved up one spot; it’s the number 3 hero: Black Hollow.
Black Hollow: Hm.
Exciton looks around.
Exciton: (Looks like things are about to get awkward.)
Boom: Now, up three spots from number five, we have your new Number 2 hero: Exciton!
Exciton walks out on stage to the sounds of squealing women.
Exciton: Did I mention my other quirk was making panties drop?
Boom: AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST! YOUR NEW NUMBER-ONE HERO: VULCAN!
The crowd boos. Nobody comes out.
Boom: Uh…
Exciton nods “No” to Boom.
Boom: Oh boy…
The crowd boos even harder. Then, they start throwing trash on the arena floor.
Boom: This isn’t good…
Exciton grabs the mic from Boom.
Exciton: Hey! I don’t like that Vulcan isn’t here better than any of you, but let’s not mock the fine heroes standing on this stage. Colossus’ death was hard on all of us, and if this is Vulcan’s way of showing his respect for the longtime number one, then so be it. I don’t support it, but I respect his choice. We may not be Colossus, but we sure aren’t a bunch of amateurs; we will keep you safe, including Vulcan. So don’t fixate on the fact that he and Colossus aren’t here. Instead, focus on your new top 10 because we are the present and the future! Have no fear because we are here!
The crowd roars.
Boom: Damn…
Exciton gives the mic back to Boom and heads back to the lineup.
Wes: What a speech. He just turned that crowd from an angry mob to a bunch of fanatics.
Marsh activates the frequency emitter.
Marsh: (Stupid plan… I better not get fucked over by this.)
Suddenly, Hayze, Silver, Wes, Ash, and Hayze hear a strange noise.
Wes: What the hell is that?
Yul: Hm?
Wes: You don’t hear that?
Yul: Hear what?
Silver turns to Hayze.
Silver: You can hear that, right?
Hayze: Yeah… it sounds like it’s coming from above.
Marsh takes aim at Lust.
Marsh: (Kind of a shame to kill someone this hot, but whatever, I’ve got a job to do.)
Hayze looks at the rafters.
Hayze: (It sounds like it’s coming from… There!)
Hayze spots Marsh.
Hayze: (He’s got a sniper! And he’s aiming at… Lust!)
Boom: Now that the Top 10 are here, we can hear from each of them about-
Hayze’s eyes change to yellow, and he materializes one of his shock sabers.
Marsh: (Nighty night!)
Marsh fires the bullet at Lust’s head. Hayze speeds out from behind the curtain and intercepts the bullet mid-air, sending it flying into that wall behind the heroes. Everyone gasps in shock.
Lust: Well, that’s not very good.
The TV feeds cut before the delay catches up.
Zach: Huh?
Kevin: What the hell happened?
Aaron: Piece of junk!
Aaron starts punching the TV.
Aaron: Work, damn you!
Eve: Aaron! WHAT THE FUCK!
Everyone looks up at Marsh.
Marsh: (Shit!)
Hayze notices Marsh’s mask.
Hayze: (Is… is that who I think it is?)
The crowd starts to panic.
Exciton: Everyone! Calm down! There’s nothing to be afraid of; my apprentice will quickly dispatch this villain!
Exciton turns to Aster and nods.
Aster: I’ve got this.
Aster takes Wes’ gun.
Wes: Hey! What are you-
Aster shoots himself in the head.
Wes: AH! WHAT THE FUCK!
Aster’s entire body becomes engulfed in blood-red flames. He shoots up and flies at Marsh.
Aster: Phoenix Mode!
Marsh: (Shit!)
Scarlett uses her surrogate body to transport Marsh down to the main exit.
Aster and Marsh: Huh?
(Scarlett): (Run, you fool.)
Aster begins flying at Marsh again. Marsh starts running and exits the arena.
Aster: Get back here!
Hayze looks back at Lust.
Hayze: Should I go?
Lust: Yes, give him some backup, but be careful.
Hayze starts chasing after Marsh and Aster at lightning speed. Black Hollow looks at Silver and nods. Silver follows after them as well.
Wes: Uh… should we have done something?
Daniele: No, Aster will handle that guy. Hayze and Silver will be good enough support. Besides, none of us can keep up with them.
Alexis: You seem pretty calm after an attempted assassination attempt on your hero.
Yul: Because we need to be. If a hero isn’t calm in a bad situation, how can we expect the citizens we’re trying to protect to stay calm? Now watch what the Top 10 will do.
Lust takes the mic from Boom.
Lust: Everyone, it is alright, nobody was hurt, and we are having security and multiple heroes canvas the stadium for any more assailants. Please remain calm; you are all safe. Exciton, Black Hollow, and my best men are on the job of stopping that villain. Like Exciton said: “Have no fear because we are here!”
The crowd cheers.
Alexis: I guess that’s why they call them the Top 10. Lust just nearly died, and she’s smiling.
Wes: Man, that speech was as good as Excitons.
Marsh bolts out of the stadium and starts running down the street. Police sirens can be heard in the distance. Aster, Hayze, and Silver follow behind him.
Aster: What are you two doing here? I’ve got this handled.
Silver: We were sent by Black Hollow and Lust.
Hayze: Yeah, we’ll help you take her down.
Aster: Wait, “Her?” How do you know they’re female?
Hayze: I- Uh… I don’t know. I thought they looked like a girl. Maybe I’m wrong.
Aster: Whatever, just try not to get in my way.
Silver: Can I ask why you haven’t caught up to him yet? You’re much faster than he is.
Aster: If I take him down now, I won’t get a chance to see if he has any accomplices. This guy broke into a building full of heroes and security with a freaking sniper rifle. He had to have had friends.
In her surrogate body, Scarlett enters a men’s bathroom within the stadium.
(Scarlett): (Now… I’ll wait.)
Scarlett turns to Wirths.
Scarlett: It’s time for us to go. The surrogate is constantly attempting to teleport the sniper from the alleyway to his location. The second he reaches the designated point, he’ll be safe.
Wirths: That’s good, but I have to ask, my Queen. How did you find such a convenient man on such short notice?
A bat flies and lands on Scarlett’s hand.
Scarlett: You’d be amazed how much information I can gather when I have eyes everywhere. How do you think I knew Hayze would be at this ceremony tonight?
Wirths smiles.
Wirths: You are a genius, my Queen.
Scarlett: I know.
Marsh turns down an alleyway.
Aster: We’ve got him now!
Aster, Hayze, and Silver turn down the same alleyway. There is no sign of Marsh.
Aster: Wh- WHAT!
Silver: Where the hell could he have gone!
Hayze: He has to be here somewhere.
Aster incinerates every trash can and box in the alleyway, finding nothing.
Aster: *frustrated grunt* Exciton’s gonna kill me for this.
Silver: We can still search for him.
Hayze: We can split up and cover more ground.
Aster: No, we don’t have any way of communicating with one another. If you two find him, you won’t be able to reach me.
Hayze: Actually, we do.
Aster and Silver: Huh?
Hayze’s sigma ring fragment glows. Impulse appears beside him.
Impulse: Sup, dudes!
Hayze: Silver and I will head back this way and see if he duped us somewhere. Impulse and Aster can keep running in this direction. If one pair finds him, Impulse and I can use our telepathic link to inform the other team.
Aster: Hm… alright, that works, but don’t try to hog the glory, guys. You’re rookies, and you need to be careful.
Hayze: Don’t worry, we will.
Hayze and Silver run in one direction while Impulse and Aster head down the other.
Aster: Tell me immediately if Hayze sends a signal.
Impulse: Hey, don’t worry. I want to get in a fight more than anyone. So you won’t see me trying to keep you away.
Aster: Right.
Hayze and Silver run through some alleyways.
Silver: Where do you think they could have gone?
Hayze: I’m not sure, but we have to keep searching. That person tried to kill Lust, and I won’t stop until I find out why.
Silver: Don’t worry, I’m with you on that.
Hayze and Silver turn a corner.
Feminine Voice: Why hello there, young heroes.
Hayze and Silver: Huh?
Silver: I know that voice…
Hayze: I do too…
Ivy emerges from the shadows of the alleyway. Wearing a mask and the same clothes Marsh had on.
Silver: You!
Ivy: It’s been a long time… Hayze.
Hayze: *grunts* Ivy…
Silver: Huh?
Ivy: So you remember my name, huh? And here I thought you completely forgot about me.
Hayze: Why did you try to kill Lust?
Ivy: Who said I was trying to kill her?
Hayze: Huh?
Ivy: I didn’t care about her. I cared about the dumbass who I knew would save her.
Hayze gets a look of realization.
Silver: Wait a second… that sound… It was on purpose!
Ivy: Yes, I wanted Hayze to block my bullet so he’d chase me. I didn’t expect him to bring a friend, though.
Silver: *grunts*
Hayze: Ivy, what’s going on? Why are you still working for Iota? He tried to kill you.
Ivy: I’m not.
Hayze: Th- then who?
Ivy: I’ll answer that question soon enough, Hayze.
Silver: Yeah, you will. Right after we put you behind bars!
Silver reaches for his dust canisters, and Hayze grabs his arm to stop him.
Silver: Huh?
Hayze: Let me talk to her for a second.
Silver: Wh- what the hell is wrong with you! This chick is insane! She killed Mr. EMD, kidnapped Blair, savagely beat Ash, Lilith, Aaron, Wes, and you, and now she just tried to kill Lust! She’s a fucking lunatic! There is nothing to talk about!
Ivy: Well put, but I’m not going down easy.
Ivy points her hand at the ground.
Ivy: Push.
Ivy uses a gravitational blast to fly up on top of the tallest apartment building adjacent to the alleyway.
Hayze: Come on! We have to follow her!
Silver: Yeah, just alert Impulse and Aster first.
Hayze: I already did. They’re on their way.
Silver uses his silver dust to fly Hayze and him on the same roof as Ivy.
Hayze: Why did you come up here?
Ivy: Simple. I wanted a nice open space.
Silver: For what?
Ivy: For this.
Ivy raises her hand in the air, and black fog begins to emit from it.
Hayze: Huh?
Silver: What is that?
Ivy: Your nightmare.
The fog surrounds Ivy, Hayze, and Silver, creating a large circle.
Ivy: First, let’s remove our uninvited guest.
Suddenly, Silver gets sent flying back outside of the circle. He smacks against the ledge of the building.
Silver: *groans*
Hayze: Silver!
The circle of fog rises into walls, making it a cylinder that envelops Hayze and Ivy. The fog is thin enough that they can see through it. Hayze tries to run to Silver, but the fog wall bounces him back.
Hayze: What the hell?
Ivy: Welcome to Soulvania, Hayze.
Hayze: Soulvania?
Ivy: This circle is a portal to the underworld, a plain between life and death. Neither one of us can exit this area under any circumstance, and nobody can enter it either.
Hayze: What!
Ivy: Yes… we are trapped in here, but not forever.
Hayze: What do you mean by that?
Ivy: Soulvania will only disappear when there is precisely one living soul within its confines. Right now, there are two.
Hayze: Wait… that means…
Ivy smiles beneath her mask.
Ivy: Exactly.
Hayze’s eyes widen.
Hayze: Y- you’re kidding…
Ivy: You and I will now fight. The winner will be allowed to leave Soulvania, and the loser… well...
Hayze: There’s no way!
Ivy: Yes, there is, Hayze.
Ivy reaches for her back and pulls out a katana.
Ivy: One of us is about to die.