Gus, Angel, Zach, Justus, Kevin, Eve, Demetri, and Alexis are gathered at the TV. On the screen is a press conference feed with tons of reporters waiting.
Reporter: *through TV* We are expected to hear from Exciton shortly about the attempted Assassination of the Number 5 Hero, Lust, during last night’s Honor Ceremony. Exciton gave a rousing speech that quelled the audience’s concerns, but we have yet to hear whether the criminal was apprehended.
Kevin: Man, why is this guy the one answering the questions?
Alexis: Aster was in charge last night and answers directly to Exciton. So, it’s technically his responsibility.
Zach: I wonder what’s even gonna say?
Gus: Yeah, does he even know what happened?
Justus: I assume Aster reported everything to him.
Kevin: Great, so he’s gonna be telling everyone second-hand information.
Angel: Exciton isn’t stupid. I have to imagine he knows what he’s doing.
Justus: We’ll see…
Exciton enters the press conference room and walks behind the podium. Aster accompanies him and stands to the side.
Exciton: Hello, everyone. I hope you’re all having a great day. I’d like to start by saying that everyone in attendance at last night’s ceremony left safe and sound. That was the main priority after the attack, so we’re glad that was the case. The Exciton Hero Agency and the authorities have been investigating how the assailant bypassed the stadium’s security. I don’t have an answer for you at this point, but we believe she was assisted by someone in the audience.
All of the reporters begin raising their hands.
Reporter: “She?” So you’re saying the assassin was a woman?
Exciton: Yes.
Reporter: Do you know why Lust was the target of the attack?
Exciton: No, not at this time.
Reporter: Has the attacker been taken into custody at this time?
Exciton: Unfortunately, no, she had an elaborate escape plan in place and evaded the heroes we sent after her.
The reporters all begin jotting down their notes.
Exciton: However, it wasn’t all bad.
The reporters’ interests are piqued.
Exciton: The assailant works for the Vampire Queen.
The reporters all stand up frantically, trying to ask questions.
Exciton: We now also have concrete evidence of the identity of the Vampire Queen. Her days of terrorizing the streets are numbered.
Exciton walks away from the podium as the reporters continue asking questions. Aster steps up to the podium.
Aster: Exciton will not be fielding any further questions at this time.
Aster and Exciton leave.
Alexis: (He didn’t even mention Hayze, and he lied about not knowing why Lust was attacked.)
Isaiah: You guys shouldn’t watch TV; it rots your brain.
Alexis: Huh?
Isaiah snuck up behind Alexis and the others. Jace and Lilith are standing at the exit.
Gus: My brain’s already rotten!
Zach: You shouldn’t be bragging about that, Gus.
Alexis: You don’t like watching TV anymore, Isaiah?
Isaiah: Of course not. It’s bad for you. Reading a book is much more productive.
Demetri: *frustrated grunt*
Jace: Isaiah, come on, we have to go.
Isaiah: Right, sorry.
Isaiah walks over to Jace and Lilith.
Eve: Where are you guys going?
Lilith: If you must know, we’re going to recruit more people to the Vanguard.
Jace: We’re an official club now; you should consider joining.
Eve: Yeah, right.
Isaiah: Eve, you don’t have the best personality. Joining the Vanguard may finally make you likable.
Eve stares at Isaiah.
Eve: You have 5 seconds to leave this building for at minimum 7 hours.
Isaiah: Understood, have a nice day!
Jace, Lilith, and Isaiah leave.
Zach: Man… they’re all so different.
Angel: Jace is assertive, Lilith is narcissistic, and Isaiah isn’t a pervert.
Gus: I feel like I’m watching an episode of the Twilight Zone.
Eve: We’ve gotta find a way to fix them, and soon.
Justus: That’s much easier said than done; even defeating them in combat doesn’t seem to help.
Alexis: Yeah, Blair handed Lilith an ass whooping, and she’s still brainwashed.
Eve: I know… it just pisses me off to see them like this!
Zach: Tell me about it. I’m actually starting to miss the perverted old Isaiah.
Gus: I know, and seeing him this happy about being controlled annoys me.
Demetri stands up and walks away.
Angel: Where are you going, Demetri?
Demetri: You guys are so convinced they can be “fixed.” What if this is how they are forever?!
Justus: We can’t think like that, Demetri.
Alexis: Yeah! We have to believe there’s a way.
Gus: Letting the worst-case scenario bog us down is not a good idea.
Zach: What Gus said!
Demetri: *frustrated grunt* That’s great for you guys, but eventually, we’re all going to be just like them. We can only follow our rules and avoid fighting and interacting with them for so long before everything falls apart.
Kevin: That’s not true.
Demetri: Oh, yeah? Well, there’s no light at the end of the tunnel to save them, so how long are you gonna be able to avoid fighting them? What if this lasts for the rest of our time at this school? You can’t stay away from them for two years. Eventually, we’re all gonna join them, and there’s nothing we can do about it.
Demetri leaves.
Gus: Man, what crawled up his ass and died?
Alexis: As much as I hate to admit it… he’s right. The school isn’t doing anything to help, so what’s gonna happen if we don’t figure something out?
Everyone gets quiet.
Kevin: If he wants to be negative, let him. The rest of us should keep our heads up.
Zach: Yeah, I agree.
Justus: We’ll find a way to help them.
Inside Recovery Girl’s office, Blair slowly awakens.
Recovery Girl: Blair?
Blair: Wh- huh?
Recovery Girl: Where is Hayze?
Blair looks around and realizes she’s in the bed.
Blair: WH- WHERE IS HE?!
Blair starts frantically looking around the room.
Blair: HE WAS THERE WHEN I FELL ASLEEP?!
Recovery Girl: He must have woken up in the middle of the night and started walking around. I wasn’t expecting him to be awake this quickly, but I can’t say I’m happy he didn’t stay in bed.
Blair: THAT IDIOT!
Recovery Girl: Although it is cute, he put you in the bed before leaving.
Blair: WHERE IS HE!
Aaron: Uh… Blair?
Blair: Huh?
Aaron, Wes, and Saige have arrived.
Aaron: What’s going on?
Wes: Where is Hayze?
Blair: We uh… don’t know…
Saige: Tsk, tsk, Blair, the patient ran away on your watch? What a shame.
Blair: If you had anything to do with this…
Saige: Me? Never.
Blair: That doesn’t convince me.
Hayze: What are you guys arguing about?
Everyone turns to see Hayze standing in the doorway, holding a soda from the cafeteria.
Hayze: Sorry, I got thirsty.
Blair runs up and hugs Hayze tight.
Blair: NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!
Hayze: What? Get thirsty?
Recovery Girl: Hayze, please lie back down.
Hayze: Okay.
Hayze sits on the bed.
Aaron: So, how are you doing, dude?
Hayze: Pretty good right now.
All of them look at each other.
Wes: You remember what happened, right?
Hayze: Oh, I died.
They all stare at him.
Wes: And that’s… not a big deal?
Hayze: I’m still here, aren’t I? I’ll just take it easy the next few hours. Say, Aaron, how about you and I have a sparring match later?
Aaron: Now you’re speaking my language!
Recovery Girl: Hell no!
Hayze: Huh?
Recovery Girl walks up to Hayze and pulls the collar of his shirt, revealing his vampire bite.
Recovery Girl: You had every drop of blood in your body sucked out of you and had a sword pierce your chest. You don’t just “take it easy” to recover from that. I don’t recommend you do any physical activity for the next week!
Hayze: Would a jog count as physical activity?
Recovery Girl: Yes!
Hayze: Okay, well, I already did two of those.
Recovery Girl, Wes, and Blair are dumbfounded.
Hayze: What? I couldn’t sleep.
Recovery Girl: *frustrated grunt*
Blair: Hayze… Recovery Girl is worried about you injuring yourself by trying to act like everything is okay so quickly.
Hayze: I understand, but none of you have to worry about me. I’ve already worked out everything involving my death and am ready to move past it.
Saige: How could you do that so quickly?
Hayze: While I was dead, I met with Jake. He was kind of my spirit guide and helped me resolve everything.
Wes: You saw Jake?
Saige: And he was helpful?
Blair, Saige, Aaron, Wes, and Recovery Girl huddle up.
Wes: That’s fucking impossible.
Saige: We all know Jake was too dumb to be a spirit guide.
Recovery Girl: He’s probably in shock and is trying to cope by pretending he’s okay. It’s relatively common.
Blair: What should we do?
Saige: I have an idea; let me speak to Hayze privately.
Everyone leaves the room except Saige.
Hayze: I’m sorry if I made you worry, but I’m okay, and I won’t let that happen again.
Saige: Hayze, you should stay here and rest for at least today.
Hayze: I don’t need it, Saige; I have to get to work. I have to get stronger.
Saige: That wasn’t a suggestion; it was an order.
Hayze: Huh?
Saige: Remember how I have a ton of pictures of everyone in our class naked in the shower?
Hayze: Y- yeah?
Saige: Have I ever told you I’m very experienced with photoshop?
Hayze stares at Saige.
Saige: Why don’t you stay here for today and don’t leave this bed under any circumstance.
Hayze: I uh… think I’ll do that.
Saige: Good idea.
Hayze lies down in bed. The rest of the group reenters the room.
Wes: What did you say?
Saige: That’s my secret.
Blair: Don’t worry, Hayze, I’ll help Recovery Girl take care of you.
Hayze: I really don’t think I need to be taken care of, but I appreciate it.
Aaron laughs.
Aaron: Well, I’m glad you’re doing alright, buddy. I just came here to remind you that I’d be pissed if you died before we had a rematch.
Wes: That’s why you came? You’re a fucking terrible friend.
Aaron: Says you.
Wes: Yeah, says me!
Hayze: Thanks, Aaron. I’m glad I have friends like you guys. Thanks for checking in on me.
Aaron: No problem, we’ll see you around.
Wes: Yeah, get well, dude.
Hayze: *nasal grunt*
Saige: Bye-bye!
Wes, Aaron, and Saige leave.
Recovery Girl: Well, I’m going to swing by your dorm to see if Alden needs first aid. I’ll be back in 15 minutes.
Recovery Girl leaves.
Blair: (Oh god… it’s just the two of us. We haven’t been alone since we agreed to become a thing, I wonder what we’re gonna talk about.)
Hayze: Hey, Blair?
Blair: Y- yeah?
Hayze: Are you wearing underwear?
Blair falls over.
Blair: OF COURSE! What pervert wouldn’t wear underwear?
Hayze: Blair, you can be honest with me.
Blair: I- I don’t want to.
Hayze: Well, while I think that’s hot.
Blair: You do!
Hayze: You have a reputation to uphold, and I won’t let you destroy it because of a kink.
Blair is white.
Blair: I’m a fucking pervert…
Hayze: No, you’re just making yourself happy.
Blair: Wow… you sound just like Lust.
Hayze: Well, you told me to protect your happiness, so I’m gonna do that. If wearing panties makes you sad-
Blair: Please don’t phrase it like that.
Hayze: I’ll help you figure out a way to be happy and modest, and I’ve already got an idea in mind.
Blair: Really!
Hayze: Yup!
Blair: That’s great!
Hayze: Mhm, although I’m not really sure how I can help you with your chronic masturbation.
Blair shatters into a million pieces.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Blair: AHHHHHHH!
At Iota’s hideout, Scarlett has arrived in another surrogate body.
Iota: Back so soon? The dust hasn’t even settled on your last endeavor.
(Scarlett): Yes, well, that operation yielded me possession of something you might desire.
Iota: Hm?
A bat flies into the warehouse holding the Sigma Ring fragment. Iota’s eyes widen.
Iota: That’s…
(Scarlett): Straight from the boy named Hayze’s neck.
Iota stares at Scarlett.
Zaire: With that, we could track down the ring it belongs to.
Iota: You must be looking to ask for something big.
(Scarlett): Yes, I am. Now that the heroes have evidence connecting me to the various murders my men and I have committed, my forces require a boost. I’d like to enlist the help of your teleporter.
Iota: Zaire?
(Scarlett): Yes, I just need him to help speed my recruiting process. He won’t be put in harm’s way at all.
Iota thinks for a moment.
Zaire: If I’m allowed to give my opinion Master, this is an extremely fair deal.
Iota: I know, but I don’t like the idea of not having you around even for a short while.
Mara: To be fair, Master, we aren’t as dependent on Zaire’s quirk as we used to be.
Jagger: Yeah, we can just take a few days off and plan around this artifact she’s giving us.
Zaire: Yes, and once I return, we can begin hunting for the guardian of that ring.
Iota is deep in thought.
(Scarlett): Well?
Iota: You have a deal.
Scarlett smiles.
(Scarlett): Great.
The bat flies to Iota and relinquishes the fragment to him.
Iota: Beautiful.
(Scarlett): I’ll be in touch.
Scarlett’s surrogate body keels over.
Iota: Jag-
Jagger shoots the body in the head.
Jagger: Got it.
Back at her home, Scarlett smiles.
Large Man: How did the meeting go, ma’am?
Scarlett: Perfect, we now have the means to acquire new soldiers wherever we like.
Large Man: That’s great. Who do you plan to recruit?
Scarlett: If the heroes decide to attack us, they’ll more than likely bring a large sum of U.A. students… so I think I’ll prepare special surprises for some of them. Large Man, hire a hacker and have them retrieve any footage U.A. has of its hero students. I need to study…
Large Man: Yes, my Queen.
Scarlett commands a swarm of bats to fly to U.A.
Scarlett: My bats will also aid me in my research.
Big Tank is standing in his massive control room, speaking to Lust through a video call. He slams his fist against a test.
Big Tank: Are you serious? She really has an ability like that?
Lust: Yes, I saw it with my own two eyes.
Big Tank: “Soulvania,” huh? I have no intel on anything like that.
Military Guy 1: It does explain the instances of strange black fog reported by multiple people.
Big Tank: It does… I thought Impact was just exaggerating when he said his men couldn’t enter it.
Lust: What do we do now?
Big Tank: I’m not sure… I already didn’t like the idea of heavily relying on students to assist us. But now… you’re telling me she can drag them into deathmatches, and we can’t even help them! Fuck…
Military Guy 2: At least we have the evidence necessary to secure a warrant for her arrest. That’s good, right?
Big Tank: No! It’s not!
Military Guy 2: Wh- why sir?
Big Tank: She did that on purpose… the public will call for her defeat and arrest like rabid dogs, and the longer we’re forced to wait…
Lust: The more unsettled they’ll become.
Big Tank: I can’t, in good conscience, bring a bunch of students to their deaths, but it could take weeks until I have enough free hands to plan a proper assault.
Lust: That goes for me, too; I’m already overworking my sidekick enough.
Big Tank: *under his breath* What should we do?
Military Guy 3: Mr. Big Tank, sir, Black Hollow, Impact, and Exciton are joining the call.
Big Tank: Good, right on time.
Impact, Black Hollow, and Exciton join the call.
Impact: What’s up, guys! Long time no see!
Black Hollow: Hello, everyone, Big Tank. I assume you’ve asked for all of us so we can discuss the Vampire Queen incident.
Big Tank: Yes, Lust just informed me of all the details. As you all know, I’m the one in charge of the operation for putting that damn Vampire down. I originally was going to ask all of you for assistance, but I’m not sure after last night.
Black Hollow: I assume you’re referring to the death of the U.A. student?
Big Tank: Yeah, and the method for how he was killed; I had no idea she possessed that kind of ability. It changes everything.
Impact: What do you mean? We’re the Top 10! We’re strong enough to take any villain on.
Big Tank: I know, but the heroes we bring with us aren’t. I noticed all of you brought your work-study students with you to last night’s ceremony. Does that mean you’d bring them along for this operation?
Impact: Yeah, I would. They’re all I can spare, but they’re very talented.
Black Hollow: Yes, the same goes for me. These U.A. students are among the most talented I’ve seen in a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them outclass C-Rank heroes.
Big Tank: I agree with you. I never would have considered bringing students along in the first place if I didn’t believe in their abilities, but they wouldn’t be supplementing our forces. In this takedown, they’d be central pieces, front-line soldiers. They’d be forced into one-on-one fights to the death against villains of ranging power and skill. We wouldn’t be able to help them at all. I can almost guarantee that some of them will die, just like the boy from last night.
Everyone is quiet.
Exciton: I hate to be the one to say this, but that might be a risk we have to take.
Big Tank, Impact, Black Hollow, and Lust: Huh?!
Exciton: We know what the Vampire Queen is planning, and it’s big. We can’t afford to sit on our hands and wait for more experienced reinforcements. The longer we wait, the more dangerous she becomes. Not to mention the public will grow restless. She’s moved her murders up to one a night. People are scared, and we need to do something about her.
Big Tank: Might I remind you that the only reason they know we can go after the Vampire Queen is because YOU told them! What were you thinking?! You’re the one forcing our hand!
Exciton: I read the room, Big Tank. Those reporters were gonna eat us alive if I didn’t give them something positive. I gave that speech last night to quell the doubts of that crowd. It would have reflected poorly on us if the bad guy got away with no consequences.
Lust: He’s right, Big Tank; he had to tell them that.
Big Tank: *frustrated grunt*
Black Hollow: So, if I understand you correctly, Exciton, you’re advocating we place the lives of these young heroes in jeopardy?
Exciton: Yes, because we have no other choice. If you can give me a better option, I’ll happily stand down from my position, but as far as I see it… We have to go through with this attack even if it costs every single one of our work-study students’ lives.
They’re all quiet.
Exciton: This Vampire is planning to use the entire populace as her science experiment, and we can’t allow that. I’m sorry if what I’m saying is challenging for you to hear, but it’s the truth. Unfortunately, I must leave, but if you come up with another plan, let me know.
Lust: You’re leaving?
Big Tank: What’s more important than this meeting?
Exciton: Do you want Vulcan in or not?
Big Tank is silent.
Exciton: That’s what I thought, cya.
Exciton exits the call.
Impact: Guys… I know Excy was being blunt, but he had a point.
Black Hollow: He did… unfortunately.
Big Tank: To put these kids in a position of this importance… makes me sick.
Black Hollow: It makes all of us sick, but this is the consequence of Colossus’ death. We grew stagnant and overly reliant on his presence. As a result, we weren’t prepared for the extreme uptick in crime and villainy. That was our mistake, which has enabled the Vampire Queen to create and grow her criminal syndicate to this degree. Now, we can dwell on our failures, or we can work with what we have to try and create new successes.
Black Hollow thinks of Tyson, Silver, and Alexis.
Black Hollow: I have faith in the heroes that work for me. They will survive a mission like this.
Impact: The same goes for me, and I’ll work hard to train them into tip-top shape!
Lust: As will I!
Big Tank thinks for a moment.
Big Tank: As much as I hate to admit it, that pompous asshole is right. We don’t have a choice, but I’ll work hard to make sure all of my men make it back alive. Operation V-Day is on; meet here in three days.
Lust: Right!
Black Hollow: Mhm.
Impact: Gotcha!
The call ends. Big Tank turns to one of his soldiers.
Big Tank: Call Howitzer and Ghost Girl and tell them to train non-stop for the next three days. I expect them to skip their classes.
Military Guy 1: Yessir!
Big Tank takes a deep breath.
Big Tank: (We did rely on Colossus too much. I was a fool… I just hope these kids don’t pay the price for my ignorance.)
Exciton exits his agency with Aster.
Aster: I had the valet pull up your car, sir.
Exciton: Thanks, Aster. Say, why don’t you head out on patrol by yourself? I don’t need you to accompany me to my meeting.
Aster: Hm? Alright, if you say so. Can I ask who you’re meeting with?
Exciton: You’ll find out soon.
Aster: Huh?
Exciton gets in the driver’s seat of his sports car.
Exciton: See you later, alligator!
Exciton drives off.
Aster: (I can’t tell if he says that ironically or not.)
Exciton speeds down the streets.
Exciton: (Vulcan is a tough customer. I’ve been on the Top 10 for a couple of years now, and he never came off as friendly. Countless hours were wasted of him and Colossus arguing and poking jabs at each other. I don’t know if they hated each other or not, but Vulcan resented Colossus for firmly grasping the number one spot all those years. It’ll be interesting to see what he has to say.)
Vulcan is walking down the street. He takes note of the gazes he’s receiving from passersby.
Vulcan: (The mixture of apprehension and disdain makes me sick. I could be pulling kittens out of a burning building and still have their eyes burning into my back. They all want their little Colossus to return so badly they don’t even care about the pedigree of my career. I’ll always just be the “replacement.”)
Voice: Mr. Vulcan?
Vulcan: Huh?
Vulcan turns around to see a small child standing behind him.
Child: It really is you!
Vulcan: Y- yes?
Child: Oh man, you’re my favorite hero!
Vulcan: I- I am? Probably only because Colossus isn’t around anymore, right?
Child: No way! Colossus was cool, but you’re way cooler!
Vulcan: Hm?
Child: My friends at school all made fun of me for thinking you’re awesome. Can you believe that?
A vein grows on Vulcan’s forehead as he grinds his teeth.
Vulcan: No.
Child: If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could I have your autograph?
Vulcan: O- of course! Do you have paper and a pen?
Child: I- no… I don’t… dangit.
Vulcan stares at the child for a moment.
Vulcan: Here, I have another idea.
Vulcan holds out his hands and begins pooling and shaping magma into his signature. The magma hardens and cools down.
Vulcan: Here you go.
Child: R- really? That’s totally awesome!
Vulcan: Of course, now take it and run along. I have to be somewhere important.
The child takes the rock.
Child: Thank you, Mr. Vulcan.
The child runs off.
Vulcan: And be sure to tell your friends how wrong they are!
Child: Will do, sir!
Vulcan smiles.
Vulcan: (Well, I guess to some, I’m not.)
Exciton: That was cute.
Exciton is standing by his parked car.
Vulcan: *frustrated grunt* When did you get there?
Exciton: A minute ago. It’s good to see you’re nice to some people.
Vulcan: I’m not nice.
Exciton: Right, buddy.
Vulcan: Anyway, why did you ask to meet with me? I’d typically decline, but I have enough respect for you to expect it’s something important.
Exciton: Why talk out here? Let’s head inside.
Vulcan: Inside where?
Exciton points at a fancy restaurant across the street.
Vulcan: *groans*
The two enter the restaurant; it’s completely empty. They take their seats at a table.
Exciton: I reserved the whole place so we could talk in private.
Vulcan: About what?
Exciton: Isn’t it obvious? The terrible P.R. move you made yesterday.
Vulcan scoffs.
Vulcan: I don’t regret a thing.
Exciton: Yeah, well, you might when you lose your number one spot because of it. You spent your whole career trying to climb to this position, and now you’re going to throw it away like that?
Vulcan: I didn’t “climb” to this position; it fell to me. If things had progressed the way they were, I would have retired long before reaching the top spot.
Exciton: Yeah, well, they didn’t, and now here you are, the best of the best.
Vulcan: The best of the ones that are alive…
Exciton laughs.
Vulcan: What’s so funny?
Exciton: Man, I never took you for the self-deprecating type!
Vulcan: *frustrated grunt*
Exciton: Look, whether you would or would not have surpassed Colossus doesn’t matter. What does is that you’re alive, and he’s not.
Vulcan: What, is this the part where you tell me I need to fill in his shoes the best I can? Well, save it because I-
Exciton: I thought you said you respected me.
Vulcan: Huh?
Exciton: Like I’d say something that dumb, Colossus is dead, he’s old news, but the truth is that his existence established a status quo that has been completely abolished. His shoes are too big for anyone to fill, but that doesn’t matter. The role of the top hero was around before Colossus, and it was fine then. You can’t compare yourself to him; this is the era of Vulcan, and you need to make it your own.
Vulcan: You say that, but the public will never get over the loss of their hero.
Exciton: Not with that attitude.
Vulcan: Not with any attitude! That man was a living lie, and not a single person gave a damn!
Exciton smiles.
Exciton: Alright, so what’s your plan?
Vulcan: Hm?
Exciton: You spent your whole life wanting to be number one, and now that you finally have it, you’re just gonna give it up? Pretty pathetic if you ask me.
Vulcan slams his fist against the table.
Vulcan: Don’t you dare call me pathetic! Yes, I’ve always wanted to be the best, but not like this! Not by default!
Exciton: Beggars can’t be choosers if you ask me.
Vulcan: You don’t get it.
Exciton: What don’t I get?
Vulcan: Colossus was three years older than me. Do you know what that means? While he was taking the world by storm, I was a first-year at U.A., and my dreams of becoming the greatest hero in history were dashed before my career had even begun. I didn’t give up hope, though… I trained every day, building up my strength and my quirk. I didn’t make a single friend during my entire three years at that school. My only priority was getting my hero license and challenging Colossus. That was what my whole life was about.
A flashback begins. It’s the day of Vulcan’s graduation from U.A. Ewing is standing at the podium looking at a group of 40 graduating hero course students. He’s midway through his speech.
Ewing: It was truly an honor to teach my class and watch them grow not just as heroes but as people. I have no doubt that all of you will be successful in the hero world. But speaking of success… it’s now time to hear from your valedictorian, Reginald Lutz, who will be known as the hero: Vulcan!
Vulcan stands up and begins walking on stage as his classmates give a mellow round of applause.
Classmate 1: *whispering* You know we spent three years in the same class with this guy, and he didn’t speak one word to me.
Classmate 2: *whispering* Same here. To be honest, I don’t know anything about him.
Vulcan steps behind the podium and is silent for a few seconds.
Classmate 1: *whispering* Is he mute?
Classmate 2: *whispering* Holy shit, is he?
Vulcan: I won’t lie to all of you… I don’t know any of your names.
Everyone, including the teachers, is dumbfounded.
Vulcan: I didn’t bother to learn them, and I definitely don’t remember them. So, I don’t feel qualified to make a proper speech. Thus, I will use this moment to speak to all of you as a chance to say one thing.
Everyone is curious.
Vulcan: You’re looking at the man who will defeat Colossus and claim his title of the greatest hero ever!
A few seconds of silence pass.
Classmate 1: YEAH, RIGHT!
The whole class starts laughing. Vulcan casually begins leaving the stage.
Vulcan: (Fools.)
Later, Vulcan leaves U.A. for the final time.
Vulcan: (Good riddance, U.A. I’m on to greener pastures.)
Ewing: Reginald, wait!
Vulcan: Huh?
Vulcan turns around to see Ewing standing behind him.
Vulcan: Yes, Mr. Ewing?
Ewing: You can stop with the “Mr.” now. You’re a graduate.
Vulcan: Oh, right, sorry, Ewing.
Ewing: That was quite the claim you made.
Vulcan scoffs.
Vulcan: It’s the truth; I’ve devoted my life to becoming number 1! I won’t let Colossus stop me from achieving my dream!
Ewing: That’s good. I’ve always appreciated your determination.
Vulcan: Is there a reason you needed to stop me?
Ewing: Yes, I just wanted to tell you that while you may reach the mountain’s summit someday. You will almost certainly hit setbacks along the way. Don’t let them bog you down. You’re one of the most talented students I’ve ever seen at this school, and you’re only the second one to have qualified to skip being a sidekick and become a pro hero right out of school. You can be number one someday, I know it, but please don’t let this confidence you have ever fade.
Vulcan: *nasal grunt* I won’t.
One year later, Colossus and Vulcan met on the battlefield in front of a packed stadium full of fans.
Reporter: Today, we have an exciting challenge match between the upcoming hero, Vulcan, and the number one hero himself! Colossus!
Colossus smiles.
Colossus: I usually wouldn’t accept a match like this against someone who isn’t even in the Top 10, but I got quite the recommendation from my alma mater, so I had to see what you’re capable of.
Vulcan points at Colossus.
Vulcan: I hope you enjoyed your time at the top because it’s time for a new era. It’s time for me to become number one!
Colossus smiles.
Colossus: We’ll see about that!
Vulcan: Bring it on!
9 seconds later, Vulcan is lying on the ground, beaten to a bloody pulp. The crowd is going nuts.
Vulcan: I- I-
Colossus: You have a lot of talent, Vulcan. I can see that clearly, keep working hard, and maybe someday you can beat me.
Vulcan: I- I- I-
The flashback ends.
Vulcan: Now here we are, 15 years later, and I finally achieved my dream… but I didn’t earn it. I didn’t reach the summit. I simply took the ski lift.
Exciton: That’s a great story, but you’re forgetting a few things.
Vulcan: Huh?
Exciton: One, Colossus was using an artifact to enhance his power. You could have been stronger than him that entire time; he could have pushed you off the summit. Two, that all ties into what you wanted your JOURNEY to look like. Your dream wasn’t to have the best story of becoming number one. It was TO BE number one! You’re the strongest hero there is! That’s all you ever wanted, right? So now you have it, and you’re going to throw it away? That’s why I called you pathetic.
Vulcan: *grunts*
Exciton: If you want to make yourself feel like the real number one, you need to figure out this crisis we’re in! We’ve got villains galore attacking every day! Crime is spiking, and now we’ve got a serial killer vampire on the loose. The public is scared, and we need to quell that fear; YOU need to quell that fear. That’s how you show you’re better than Colossus. You fix the mess he left behind.
Vulcan stares at Exciton. He thinks back to the child from earlier.
Vulcan: Perhaps you’re right…
Exciton: I always am.
Vulcan: The Vampire Queen is a rather significant issue.
Exciton: The biggest right now. Last I heard, Big Tank is planning an operation to take her down, and he’d love for you to be a part of it. And, you know who else would?
Vulcan: Who?
Exciton: Your fans and doubters.
Vulcan smiles.
Vulcan: I’m in.
Exciton: Good, and I’ve got one last thing to suggest.
Vulcan: Huh?
Exciton snaps his fingers, and a waiter places three files in front of Vulcan.
Vulcan: What are these?
Exciton: Working with this new generation of heroes would do you some good. They’re pretty talented.
Vulcan: What? Why?
Exciton: You just got done telling me a story about how you dreamed of taking Colossus’ spot, right?
Vulcan: Yeah…
Exciton: What do you think these kids’ dreams are?
Vulcan hesitates and opens the first file. It’s Aster’s.
Exciton: I don’t want to leave you high and dry with two rookies, so I’ll lend you one of my best heroes.
Vulcan: Aster Maddox… I’ve heard he’s quite talented.
Exciton: The current top student at U.A., just like you were. He’s extraordinary, and he’s essentially my sidekick right now. He’s just missing the title. You’ll love working with him.
Vulcan opens the second file. It’s Kevin’s.
Vulcan: Kevin Bohm? I’ve never heard of him.
Exciton: He’s one of the best and most powerful students in his class, but that’s the reason I think you should take him on.
Vulcan: Why then?
Exciton: From what Aster told me, he’s very popular in his class. He balances his training and social life well. Something you’ll need to learn if you want to stay number 1.
Vulcan: *grunts*
Exciton: And I think you’ll really like the last kid.
Vulcan opens the last file, and his eyes widen.
Vulcan: This is…
Exciton: Colossus’ kid.
Vulcan is silent for a few moments.
Vulcan: Fine, I’ll humor you.
Exciton: Good, then what do you say we enjoy our meal?
Vulcan: Of course, but I have one question.
Exciton: Yes?
Vulcan: Why are you helping me? You’re powerful and popular. You’d be a fitting number one.
Exciton bursts out laughing.
Vulcan: Huh?
Exciton: You kidding me? I’d never want that crappy job! So much more public scrutiny and pressure, and all for what? Slightly higher popularity and the affirmation that you’re the best? That’s a terrible trade! I love being number two! I get to be powerful and famous, and I don’t have to deal with the crap of being number one! It’d be hell for me if you dropped in rank! I need you to stay number one!
Vulcan is dumbfounded.
Vulcan: You are a strange man, Exciton.
Exciton: Right back at you, buddy.
Back at U.A., Hayze stares at the ceiling in boredom.
Hayze: (This sucks… I wish Saige didn’t force me to stay in bed all day. I feel perfectly fine.)
A bat lands on the window sill and stares in at Hayze. Scarlett is startled in her bathtub.
Scarlett: He’s alive! How!
Scarlett is dead silent for a few seconds before smiling. Her bat stares directly at Hayze’s vampire bite.
Scarlett: Actually… This could be fun.