Nitroglis: Your friend is quite the nuisance, you know that?
Fatal: Really funny coming from you.
Nitroglis: You know what isn’t funny? Heroes like you ruining my good time! I haven’t had a rush like this since way before that fateful day you locked me up!
Fatal: It’s almost like you were causing havoc and trying to murder people. I’m so sorry for stopping that.
Nitroglis: You should be!
Nitroglis grabs hold of two more of his dynamite sticks.
Nitroglis: And I’m gonna get my revenge and make up for lost time.
Walker laughs.
Nitroglis: What are you laughing at?! I didn’t tell a joke!
Walker: Of all people for you to pick a fight with, you chose Fatal? You’re quite the fool.
Fatal: Huh?
Nitroglis: Nitroglis is no fool! She got me lock-
Walker: Yeah, yeah, yeah, you want revenge, we get it, but do you not realize how in over your head you are?
Nitroglis: What?
Walker: Fatal defeated you once, and she’s grown stronger in the year since then, and you’re fighting against me as well. Two highly skilled A-Rank Heroes versus a nobody explosives expert. If we didn’t have to worry about this room of explosives, your head would have been caved in 20 minutes ago.
Nitroglis: Maybe! But you do have to worry about this room, so-
Walker: You haven’t made one explosion since this fight started.
A bead of sweat rolls down Nitroglis’ face.
Nitroglis: Y- yeah, so?
Fatal: (What are you getting at, Damien?)
Walker: We’ve stopped every attempt you’ve made at blowing us up. Eventually, you will run out of dynamite, and when that happens…
Nitroglis tightens his grip around his dynamite sticks.
Nitroglis: That won’t happen! You’re going to die well before then!
Walker: *nasal grunt* Really?
Nitroglis: YEAH, REALLY!
Fatal: Damien… I wouldn’t egg him on…
Walker: I’d love to see you try.
Fatal: DAMIEN!
Nitroglis gets a big sinister smile on his face.
Nitroglis: Oh, you’re going to regret that!
Nitroglis tosses one of his sticks aside.
Nitroglis: It’s time for THE FINALE!
Fatal: This isn’t good!
Walker: *whispers* I have a plan.
Fatal: Huh?
Walker: *whispers* Just follow my lead.
Walker takes a step back.
Walker: What are you doing?!
Nitroglis: Showing you why Nitroglis is no laughing matter!
Nitroglis lights the fuse on his dynamite stick.
Nitroglis: You’re right. Maybe I was in over my head challenging two high-ranking pro heroes to a fight, but when this Vampire Lady knocked on my cell asking me if I wanted a chance at revenge, I knew that my ultimate trump card would ensure my victory!
Nitroglis swallows the dynamite.
Fatal: Huh!
Walker: Hm?
Nitroglis: When that dynamite’s fuse is up, I will burst into a fiery blast that could take down an entire building. Nothing in its range can survive, and with you trapped in this here Soulvania with me. You’ll go up in flames!
Nitroglis maniacally laughs.
Fatal: Wh- what do we do?
Walker: I see… so you’ll die in the blast too?
Nitroglis: Yes, but it will be more than worth it to know I took two good-doers down with me!
Walker: Ah… and this process is irreversible? There’s nothing we can do to stop it?
Nitroglis: Well, there’s nothing YOU can do, but if you try to pull a fast one on me, I can quickly defecate the dynamite and cancel the Explosive Finale.
Fatal: Ugh… that’s disgusting!
Nitroglis: Ha! So, I’ve got everything figured out.
Walker smiles.
Walker: Not everything.
Nitroglis: Huh?
A portal opens behind Nitroglis. The tank shell that Big Tank fired at the armed guards earlier comes flying out and lodges itself in Nitroglis’ anus.
Nitroglis: AHHHHH! OH NO! AH! AHHHH!
Fatal: Big Tank’s attack! You still had it stored!
Walker: Yes, and now it’s time to clear ourselves of the blast zone.
Walker opens a portal beside Fatal.
Fatal: We’ll be safe. We just have to-
Walker pushes Fatal inside. He stares at the portal briefly before looking at Nitroglis, frantically trying to dislodge the tank shell from his anal cavity.
Nitroglis: YOU BASTARD! YOU HAD THIS PLANNED!
Walker: You mentioned your “finale” earlier and how you could blow everyone in this room to kingdom come. So, I had a feeling if I goaded you enough, you’d foolishly start the process.
Nitroglis: And now you and the girly can escape to your portals and avoid all harm… dammit!
Walker: Yeah…
Walker stares at the portal.
Nitroglis: Well? Are you going to go already?
Walker: I don’t know.
Nitroglis: What do you want to die?
Walker: Not really, but I’m unsure if I deserve to go on.
Nitroglis: Huh?
Walker: A long time ago... I got a colleague of mine killed.
Walker clenches his fist.
Walker: I was complacent, and I didn’t bring enough help. He could have lived if I had been more cautious. I jeopardized the lives of my students and forced them into fighting for their lives… all because I was foolish. It wouldn’t have hung on my heart for so long if it had been the first time. I had a friend who I believed was perfectly fine despite him seemingly dropping off the face of the Earth… until I found out that he did. 7 years later, I found out he’s become one of the world’s biggest supervillains. I could have been there for him, but I was careless. Danger has followed the people around me that I care about, my friends, my colleagues, and my students. The one constant has always been me, so I thought if I removed myself from the equation, perhaps everything would be alright for them. But nothing has changed. Maybe it’s all a sign that I must pay for my past sins.
Nitroglis laughs.
Walker: What are you laughing at?
Nitroglis: You really think the universe has it out for you? You think you’re that special?
Walker: Hm?
Nitroglis: I’m a guy who goes around blowing people up for fun, and even I don’t believe in my own hype that much! What a pathetic speech for me to hear in my dying moments.
Walker: Buying into my own hype? I’m trying to protect them, not glorify myself!
Nitroglis: Then why not do it yourself! Look, I don’t give a rip what happens to you, but if I’m gonna die, it’s not going to be listening to some bitch whine about how he fucked up a few times and can’t get over it! If you’re waiting for someone else to fix your problems or hoping divine intervention will come into play, then you’re just a coward.
Walker: What did you say?!
Nitroglis: What are you gonna do? Beat me up? You already shoved a damn rocket up my bum!
Walker grinds his teeth.
Nitroglis: So, you’re a teacher, huh? Well, you must be a pretty shit one.
Walker: Yeah… I was.
Nitroglis: I bet you taught your students about failure and learning from their mistakes, right?
Walker: Yeah...
Nitroglis: Maybe you should start practicing what you preach because from where I’m standing, you let the pressure of failure get the better of you.
“ Fatal: Since when did you become so hard to talk to?
Walker: Probably around the time we stopped talking.
Fatal rolls her eyes.
Walker: I’m going to release Big Tank now.
Fatal: Oh, come on, before you do that, please tell me what’s happening with you? You spent years angry at Adrian for doing exactly what you’re doing now!
Walker: And just like Adrian, I’m doing it for an important reason.
Fatal: No, you’re not! You’re just trying to give yourself an excuse because you’re traumatized over everything that happened to the students last year. You thought it was your fault, so you ran away because you believed you were protecting them, but you actually put them in more danger. “ - Chapter 155
“ Adrian: Face it, Damien. Your teachings and leadership are a big part of why these kids have been so successful since joining the academy. But you’re allowing one mistake to haunt you, and you’re so afraid of making that mistake again that you removed yourself from a decision-making role.
Walker: And what mistake was that?
Adrian: EMD.
Walker is taken aback.
Adrian: I know you’ve never gotten over it, but it wasn’t your fault. And even if it was, that doesn’t mean you’re any less of a hero. You’re depriving these kids of the education they deserve, the best one possible. All because you’re afraid. I know what it’s like to hurt someone because of fear, and trust me, it doesn’t feel good. “ - Chapter 141
Walker: You’re right…
Nitroglis: Wh- huh?
Walker: I know how to deal with failing myself. After all, I learned that myself from my time at U.A. but… I never understood what it was like to fail other people… I never felt what it was like to have people depend on me and then have them pay the price for my failures. I... I still have people counting on me, so allowing myself to die would be foolish. I see that now.
Nitroglis: Right… so how does that-
Walker leaps through his portal. It closes behind him.
Nitroglis: DAMMIT! I ALMOST HAD HIM-
Nitroglis detonates in a fiery inferno, destroying the entire armory and blasting fire through the halls. The Soulvania fades. A few seconds after the explosion ends, a portal opens, and Walker and Fatal step out.
Fatal: Wh- woah… he wasn’t kidding about that explosion.
Walker: No, he wasn’t.
Fatal: Well, thank god that’s over- Wait a second! Why did you push me?!
Walker: I just had to be sure you were safe.
Fatal: I could do that on my own, thank you.
Walker: I know, and I don’t care.
Fatal: *sighs* Whatever, let’s just get going.
Fatal starts walking to the door.
Walker: Rachel.
Fatal: Huh?
Walker: I’m sorry for leaving. You were right.
Fatal: I- wh- really?
Walker: I’m coming back to U.A. after this.
Fatal: R- really! Wh- what made you change your mind?
Walker smiles and starts walking to the exit.
Walker: I’ve got a new lesson to teach the students.
Fatal: What does that mean?
Walker: Something.
Fatal: *frustrated grunt* I hate you men.
Walker: *nasal grunt* You’re welcome.
Major Minor smiles.
Major Minor: (She’s talking a big game, but she’s been soaking in this muscle-relaxing gel for almost 10 minutes, and with her lack of upper body strength, I’ll easily overpower her.)
Daniele: What are you smiling about?
Major Minor: My inevitable victory. Sure, you dragged me down here with you, but I know you’ve got no way of killing me. So I’ll hack and slash you to death and then serve your friend on a platter for my queen.
Daniele: What makes you so sure of that?
Major Minor: Are you joking? I’m aware of your versatile tactics involving pirouettes and pressure points. I’ve devised countermeasures for both, and I know you can’t take me in hand-to-hand combat, so you’re sunk, little girl.
Daniele: (If he’s just like me and likes to plan ahead and know all the potential variables beforehand, I can catch him off guard the same way he got me earlier. I have to do something I would literally never do in any other case…)
Daniele takes a deep breath.
Daniele: *seductive voice* My, your arms look so big with that goo slathered all over them.
Major Minor: Huh?
Daniele: You must go to the gym all the time.
Major Minor: (What’s this? Is she flirting with me? That’s not in the book!) Well… I, uh, I do work out quite a bit. I must be in tip-top shape to protect this facility from intruders like you!
Daniele folds her arms and pushes her breasts up.
Daniele: Does that mean you’re not happy to see me?
Major Minor blushes.
Major Minor: I- uh… well, no, I-
Daniele: That’s great because I’m really happy to see you.
Major Minor: Y- y- y- you are? (Dammit, Major! Get a hold of yourself! She’s clearly trying to trick you!)
Daniele: You look great in that dress. By the-
Major Minor: Stop that! I know what you’re up to! You’re attempting to distract me by using your feminine charm! I will not fall for that!
Daniele: You must not talk to many girls down here surrounded by men all the time.
Daniele bats her eyelashes.
Major Minor: W- w- w- w- well, it is a bit of a sausage fest working with the grunts, but… it’s nothing…
Major Minor starts staring at Daniele’s body.
Major Minor: I can’t handle…
Daniele starts walking towards Major Minor.
Major Minor: Woah, woah, woah! Stay back!
Daniele: But how else am I supposed to admire your muscular physique?
Major Minor: (This wasn’t part of the plan! This isn’t the opponent I trained for! I don’t know what to do! What actions should I take!)
Major Minor backs into a corner, and Daniele wraps his arms around him for a hug.
Daniele: What’s wrong, Major? I thought you’d be happy to feel a woman’s touch?
Major Minor: I- I-
Major Minor looks away.
Daniele: (Got him!)
Daniele stabs her fingers into two pressure points in Major Minor’s lower back.
Major Minor: AHHHHH!
Major Minor shits himself. Major Minor drops his machete out of shock.
Major Minor: WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO ME?!
Daniele: I thought you said you had countermeasures prepared for my pressure point attacks?
Major Minor: YOU TRICKED ME, YOU BITCH!
Daniele grabs the machete.
Daniele: Yeah, and you told Aster my bra size, so I’d say we’re about even.
Major Minor: ABOUT?!
Daniele stabs Major Minor through the heart.
Major Minor: *groans*
Daniele: Now we are.
Major Minor dies and his body sinks into the goo. The Soulvania fades.
Aster: Daniele!
Aster runs to the pit and looks down.
Aster: Oh, thank god you’re okay.
Daniele: You- you’re relieved?
Aster: Well… yeah? You’re my friend.
Daniele smiles.
Daniele: Can you help me up? I don’t want to stay in this goo any longer…
Aster hoists Daniele out of the pit. Her legs start shaking, and she trips, but Aster catches her. Daniele blushes.
Aster: Are you alright?
Daniele: I- I- I’m fine.
Aster: Here, you should sit for a second.
Aster sits Daniele down beside a wall.
Daniele: *sighs* Thanks.
Aster: I was starting to get a little worried. What happened down there?
Daniele: I uh… improvised.
Aster: I thought you hated doing that?
Daniele: I do, and I hated every minute of it.
Aster: What did you do?
Daniele: I caught him off guard by doing something he wasn’t prepared for. I could tell he clearly had never interacted with a girl before.
Aster: And that means?
Daniele: Nothing, nothing at all.
Aster: Okay…
A few seconds of awkward silence pass.
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Daniele: Say… Aster?
Aster: Huh? What is it?
Daniele: Do you remember that first day we met… you know, on our first day at U.A.?
Aster: Yeah, you were all timid and nervous. It’s funny to think about now. Why do you ask?
Daniele: Just… I don’t think I ever thanked you for going out of your way to talk to me… and be my friend.
Aster: Oh, it’s alright. I mean, it was Tyson’s idea to approach you in the first place.
Daniele: But you helped calm my nerves… and that meant a lot to me…
Aster: Well… you’re welcome, I guess. I never really thought of it as that big of a deal. You just looked like you could use a few friends.
Daniele: *under her breath* It was a big deal to me.
Aster: What was that?
Daniele: Nothing.
Daniele stands back up.
Daniele: Come on, let’s keep going.
Aster: O- okay, as long as you’re alright.
Daniele starts walking down the hall.
Daniele: I’m more than alright.
Aster: *nasal grunt* That’s good.
Silver and Aquafist stare at each other.
Silver: (With that mask, he can inflict severe pain upon anyone he gets close to. Sydney learned that firsthand… so he will probably try closing the gap between us so he can do the same to me. The unfortunate thing for him is that I’ve got all my silver dust ready to take him out.)
Aquafist: I bet you’re sitting there thinking you’ve got me all figured out, right?
Silver: Huh?
Aquafist: Your dad was like that too. He always had that cocky edge to him, and I hated that.
Silver: Yeah, well, you seem to hate a lot of things.
Aquafist: Hatred is what fuels a strong soul. It’s the only motivation I need.
Silver: I used to think along those lines at one point. Seeing everyone around me is either a speed bump or a challenge. It took me a long time to see that life isn’t just about achieving your goals.
Aquafist laughs.
Aquafist: Are you serious?! Goals are what make the man! If you don’t have conviction behind your actions, then you’re destined to be a pathetic sack of trash!
Silver: I have conviction, but I know my dream is not easily realized. I’ll give it my all to reach the highest plateau a hero can, but I know that if I don’t… I’ll be alright. That’s not something I could have said a year ago.
Aquafist: I must just spare your life now.
Silver: Huh?
Aquafist: You're a piece of your father who would die hearing those words come for you. He plowed your mother for one purpose: to create the successor to Colossus’ throne, and you’re saying you’re okay with never reaching the heights you were born to reach? Pathetic!
A wave of silver dust slams into Aquafist’s chest, sending him tumbling through the hallway.
Aquafist: *groans*
Silver: I may have been born to be the best.
Silver’s dust engulfs Aquafist and forms a sphere.
Silver: But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t born to do anything else.
Aquafist is being crushed beneath the pressure of the Silver Prison.
Aquafist: You really think this can hold me?!
Sydney slowly stands back up; her face is covered in dry ice burns.
Sydney: Release him.
Silver: Huh?
Sydney: This is my fight. Now, back down.
Silver: I understand that, but we must work together as a team.
Sydney: Yes, I’ve already explained to you how that works.
Silver: No, I mean you and I working together. He’s your father, I get that, but now that he’s using ice attacks, he has an advantage against you.
Sydney: It doesn’t matter. I know all of his moves and-
Silver: It doesn’t matter? If I didn’t step in, you’d be bleeding out right now!
Sydney: Yeah, well, I don’t c-
“ Verity: Say it.
Sydney: I promise to be nicer to everyone. “ - Episode 137
Sydney: *frustrated grunt* Thank you for that, but he won’t catch me off guard again!
Silver: It sounds like you’re the one underestimating him now.
Sydney slaps Silver.
Silver: Okay, I’m sorry for that, but what do you care more about: beating him or your pride? Because you can’t choose both.
Sydney: *grunts*
Suddenly, the Silver Prison starts to become encased in ice.
Silver: That’s not good.
The prison bursts, and shards of ice go everywhere, with one impaling Silver’s thigh.
Silver: AHHH!
Aquafist: Sydney! I’m glad you decided to rejoin us.
Aquafist cracks his neck.
Aquafist: What do you say to another beating? You know, for old times' sake?
Sydney: *frustrated grunt*
Sydney rips the icicle from Silver’s leg and chucks it at Aquafist. He bats it away.
Aquafist: That’s not very nice, but I like your attitude, sweety.
Sydney: *whispering* Do you have a plan in mind?
Silver: *whispering* Yeah, and don’t worry… you’ll get the final blow.
Sydney: *whispering* What do you need me to do?
Silver: *whispering* I just need to get past him. You’ll know what to do next.
Sydney: Okay.
Sydney creates a vortex of water.
Aquafist: The same trick again? Don’t you ever get tired of that move?
Sydney: Don’t you ever get tired of being a waste of human life?
Aquafist: Aw… are you mad because I messed up your pretty little face? It’s okay, sweety. I’m sure the boys will still find your personality attractive.
Sydney: I’m gonna kill you.
Aquafist laughs.
Aquafist: I’d love to see you try.
Sydney: Tsunami Cannon!
Sydney fires a stream of continuous water at Aquafist.
Aquafist: I already told you!
Aquafist dodges the cannon.
Aquafist: That won’t work against me!
Sydney: Are you sure about that?
Aquafist: Huh?
Silver careens by Aquafist inside the water stream.
Aquafist: WHAT?!
The stream subsides, and Silver lands on the ground about 20 yards behind Aquafist.
Aquafist: Well, now you’re behind me, so what!
Silver: Remember how you said you wouldn’t use your Soulvania because being trapped in a room with Sydney would be the death of you?
Aquafist: Y- yeah?
Silver: Well, look behind Sydney.
Aquafist looks back and sees the blast door that rose at the start of the fight.
Silver: It sure would be a shame if another wall was at the other end of this hallway.
Aquafist: Don’t you dare!
Silver uses all of his silver dust to completely block the hallway.
Aquafist: NO!
Aquafist starts running towards Silver’s wall.
Sydney: My, how the tables turn.
Aquafist: Don’t you dare!
Sydney: Okay.
Sydney floods the entire area with water.
Aquafist: *drowning*
Sydney puts on her rebreather.
Sydney: (It’s rather cliche to blame your parents for all your problems, selfish even. So, I don’t do that. Instead, I look back at my wretched childhood, the one this man gave me, and only remember the good time: the end. I’m okay with who I am. I may not be the most popular, happiest, or approachable person, but at least I can say that despite my upbringing, I’ve accomplished a lot. I mastered my quirk in just 2 years. I was admitted to U.A. on recommendation, reached the Final 8 of the Sports Festival, aced my midterms, passed the Final Exams, rose to the top of my class, and passed the Provisional Licensing Exam on my first try. Sure, there were times I’d LOVE to forget, but even in my failures, humiliation, and defeats, I grew. I’m not perfect, but I’m happy with who I am. So, I wouldn’t change a thing about my upbringing because, who knows, maybe getting beaten as a child was a good thing?)
Sydney stares at Aquafist as he drowns.
Sydney: (I forgive you... however…)
Curved knives emerge from the arms of Sydney’s costume, lining her outer forearm and biceps.
Sydney: (I’m happy you’ll go to the grave, never knowing that.)
Sydney swiftly swims past Aquafist and slices his penis off.
Aquafist: *muffled due to the water* AHHHHHHHH!
Aquafist’s scream releases the last remaining oxygen in his body,
Aquafist: (You bitch…)
Aquafist drowns. Sydney drains the water and removes her rebreather.
Sydney: I’m not religious, but I hope there’s a hell for you.
Silver lowers his wall.
Silver: Did you get hi-
Silver notices the blood on Aquafist’s crotch and Sydney’s blade.
Silver: Yeah… you got him.
Sydney: Are you alright?
Silver: Wow? You’re showing concern?
Sydney: No.
Silver: *sighs* Yeah, I’m okay. I’ll just walk it off. What about you?
Sydney: I’m fine. They blocked the hallway in the direction we were heading.
Silver: So we have to backtrack.
Sydney: Yes, and that will take a while. So, let’s not waste any more time.
Sydney starts walking down the hallway. Silver limps behind her.
Silver: Out of curiosity… what would you have done had he used Soulvania on both of us?
Sydney: I would have flooded the arena without a second thought.
Silver: So you would have been fine killing me?
Sydney: If it’s what I must do to survive, then yes.
They walk for a few moments in awkward silence.
Silver: I uh… I’m sorry that you went through that as a kid.
Sydney: Why are you sorry? I didn’t know you.
Silver: Well, it… puts a lot of things into perspective, and I haven’t thought that highly of you in the past. So… I’m sorry for that.
Sydney is quiet for a few seconds.
Sydney: Thank you… since when did you become so… apologetic?
Silver: Around the same time that I realized that I had friends.
Sydney: I see…
The Clone starts charging at Kevin again.
Clone: DIE!
Kevin tries to raise his arms, but they’re in too much pain.
Kevin: (I’m exhausted… but that thing is still running on a full tank!)
Scarlett: You’d better think of something, or else you’ll die.
Kevin: *frustrated grunt*
Kevin charges at the clone.
Clone: DIE!
Kevin slides between the Clone’s legs.
Clone: Huh?
The Clone slams into the Soulvania wall headfirst, disorienting it.
Clone: *groans*
Kevin: *nasal grunt* You’ll have to do better than that!
Scarlett’s wounds slowly heal.
Scarlett: (My regenerative abilities are finally kicking in, a good sign, but also one I should be wary of. I need sustenance to maintain my power; the more I regenerate, the more life force I need. So once the clone kills this boy, I’ll absorb its soul and be back to full power.)
Kevin’s legs start trembling.
Kevin: *grunts* (This isn’t good… I’m putting too much strain on my body. I need to take this thing out fast.)
Clone: DIE!
The Clone charges at Kevin.
Kevin: (Here we go again!)
Kevin charges at the Clone.
Kevin: AH!
Kevin tries to slide beneath the clone’s legs, but it predicts this and grabs him. Its grip is bone-crushingly tight.
Kevin: AHHHH!
Scarlett: What? Didn’t you hear me when I said we “modified” it? It’s smart enough to learn from its mistakes.
Kevin: *pained grunt*
Scarlett: Unlike you, of course.
Kevin feels his ribs cracking.
Kevin: AHHH!
Scarlett: Isn’t it ironic? You saw the clones and thought you needed to change your fighting style. You thought they were barbaric and unintelligent. Well, now you’ll die at their hands, all because you were too afraid of your own power.
Kevin’s humerus breaks.
Kevin: AHHHHH!
Scarlett: You wouldn’t be in this mess right now if you used your real power.
Kevin: You sound like you want me to unleash the beast!
Scarlett: Oh, I don’t, but I know you’re too afraid because once you power down, I’ll kill you.
Kevin: *groans*
Scarlett: Don’t see, Kevin? If you power up, I kill you. If you don’t, he kills you. You’re basically dead already.
Kevin’s other humerus breaks.
Kevin: AHHHHH!
Scarlett: Although the pain you’re feeling is a nice treat.
Kevin: (What do I do? The only way to beat him is 100%, but if I use that… then…)
A flashback begins. Kevin enters Gundam’s workshop and finds him sleeping in his chair next to his Mech Suit.
Kevin: Uh… sir?
Gundam: *groans* Wh- huh, wha?
Kevin: You uh… fell asleep working again, sir.
Gundam: Oh… so I did.
Gundam stands up and stretches for a second.
Gundam: Ah, yes, I was doing modifications to my suit. It’s a boring task, so I’m not surprised I dozed off.
Kevin: What? How can working on a mech suit get boring? I’m excited just looking at this thing.
Gundam: I can only do so much to modify a machine before it’s reached its maximum capabilities. I mean, I could strap more rockets onto it, but then I’m messing with the weight distribution, affecting balance and speed.
Kevin: So… what are you saying?
Gundam: Machines are great to tinker with, but when you’ve been inventing as long as I have, you find that they can be… limited.
Kevin: Limited how? You’re the greatest inventor there is… you could probably think of anything to modify a machine like this. Technology has endless possibilities.
Gundam: No, you’re talking about the limit to my imagination. Creativity is endless. Technology has limitations in what you’re capable of doing with machines. All technology, processors, engines, even fans have a fundamental rule they can never break.
Kevin: And that is?
Gundam: They can only go up to 100%. All machines have a limit and as an inventor… I know that all too well. I can’t push the envelope once a device has reached 100%. My mech suit is at that point, I can mix and match parts, but it will never be more powerful than it is now.
Kevin: 100%, huh? That’s my limit too.
Gundam: Why? Are you a machine?
Kevin: W- well, no, but-
Gundam: But nothing. Humans have no limit.
Kevin: What? That can’t be true.
Gundam: Of course it is.
Gundam tabs his temples.
Gundam: Because we have this.
Kevin: A head?
Gundam: No… A brain, or more specifically, a mind. Have you ever heard the phrase mind over matter?
Kevin: Of course.
Gundam: Good, then you’d know it’s the idea that a human being’s willpower can enable them to overcome physical problems. So, for example, you can walk on two broken legs if you have the strength of will to do so.
Kevin: Well yeah, but are you saying I can push my quirk past 100% if I just put my mind to it?
Gundam: Of course. What’s stopping you?
Kevin: The fact that I can’t, and even if I could, I mean, you’re talking about me being up for only 5 seconds? Maybe less?!
Gundam: Who said you could only last 10 seconds at 100%?
Kevin: Wh- well… my body.
Gundam points at Kevin.
Gundam: Do you see my point?
Kevin: I know you’re brilliant, Gundam, but… I just can’t imagine that… our bodies have limits!
Gundam: Yes, but our minds do not. You keep contradicting yourself, Kevin. You only have a limit because you’re allowing your body to convince your mind that you do. When you tear everything down, humans are just brains piloting massive sacks of meat and bones.
Gundam knocks on his mech suit.
Gundam: You’re not a machine, Kevin.
Kevin: Okay… say you’re actually correct. How the hell could I ever… go beyond 100%?
Gundam walks over to Kevin and places his hand on Kevin’s shoulder.
Gundam: The first step is to stop asking that question.
Gundam powers on his mech suit.
Gundam: Come, we’re going to start morning patrol.
Gundam starts to load himself into the suit as Kevin stands there in deep thought.
Kevin: (Is it really possible?)
The flashback ends.
Kevin: (It has to be possible!)
Scarlett claps her hands, and the Clone looks at her, confused.
Scarlett: Alright, let’s finish this. I must prepare for my next battle.
The Clone smiles.
Clone: DIE!
The Clone tightens its grip on Kevin.
Kevin: AHHHH!
“ Gundam: Who said you could only last 10 seconds at 100%? “
“ Gundam: You’re not a machine, Kevin. “
“ Gundam: The first step is to stop asking that question. “
Kevin’s right femur and left fibula break.
Kevin: (Maybe the Vampire Queen is right? Maybe I was wrong to abandon the way I used to fight… perhaps I need to mix the old with the new! I need to break the seal!)
Kevin’s skin turns dark red, and his eyes turn blood red.
Kevin: AHHHHHHHH!
Clone: Huh?
Kevin starts pushing the Clone’s hands apart, freeing himself of its grasp.
Scarlett: What’s this!
Kevin: ONE HUNDRED AND TEN PERCENT!
Kevin pushes the Clone’s hands off of himself with such force both of the Clone’s wrists break.
Clone: AHHHH!
Kevin: DIE!
Kevin lunges at the clone’s head. His punch caves the Clone’s skull in, killing it instantly.
Scarlett: WHAT?!
The Clone’s body flops against the ground, and a puddle of blood pools by its eviscerated head. The Soulvania fades.
Scarlett: Well, now… I wasn’t expecting that… no matter thought, you’ll pass out any second now.
Kevin walks toward Scarlett as if he has no injuries.
Scarlett: Any second…
Kevin continues walking forward.
Scarlett: Wh- why aren’t you dropping?!
Kevin: Because I refuse to let that happen.
Scarlett’s eyes widen.
Scarlett: Y- you can talk! That’s not possible. You should be in a near vegetative state!
Kevin: Anything is possible if you just put your mind to it… and thanks to my quirk… I’ve adrenaline boosted my brain to the point that impossible is merely a synonym for probable.
Scarlett: Wh- what?!
Scarlett starts taking steps back in fear.
Kevin: You can only teleport when there’s a Soulvania around, right? Which means that you’re trapped here with me!
Scarlett: *nasal grunt* I am the Vampire Queen! You are no match for me!
Kevin: Maybe not at 110%, but I’m gonna keep scaling up until I find the power I need to rip your head clean off your body!
Scarlett: *frustrated grunt* Like I’d die to a neanderthal like you!
Kevin smiles.
Kevin: Then let’s throw down!
Scarlett: You should have just let the clone kill you because I’ll bring you more pain than you can ever even imagine!
Kevin: Pain? Never heard of her.
Hayze, Alexis, Blair, Ash, and Saige reach the set of staircases.
Alexis: Well, here’s the choice… up or down?
Ash: Up will lead us closer to the surface. We have to take that way.
Blair: Ash is right. Saige needs to get out of here, and Alexis and Ash are weak without their costumes. So we need to leave this facility, right, Hayze?
Hayze is hesitant.
Blair: Hayze?
Hayze: You four go up. I’m going to go downstairs.
Blair: Wh- no!
Alexis: Hayze, it’s not wise for you to continue alone.
Ash: Yeah, this place is dangerous.
Hayze: I know… but there’s something I need to do, and I can’t leave here until it’s done.
Blair’s eyes widen.
“ Hayze: I don’t expect you to understand, but that girl isn’t a bad person. “ - Episode 149
Blair: Do not tell me you want to find that masked maniac!
Hayze: I do.
Blair: Hayze! She’s tried to kill you THREE TIMES!
Alexis: And she did once…
Blair: I understand that your whole thing is saving everyone, but for the love of God, don’t risk everything AGAIN for that!
Hayze stares at Blair.
Saige: Hayze… I know you’re convinced she isn’t a bad person, but let me tell you from personal experience she is. All that girl wants is to kill you or die. There is no happy ending for her.
Alexis: She’s too far gone, Hayze. You can’t risk your second chance at life trying to save her.
Hayze: Nobody is too far gone as long as someone believes they aren’t. It’s when everyone gives up on you that you truly become lost.
They all stare at Hayze, dead silent.
Blair: Hayze… you’re obsessed!
Hayze: Maybe, but only because I know I’m right.
Blair: HAYZE! YOU CAN’T SAVE HER!
Hayze: Don’t ever tell me what I can’t do.
Blair is taken aback.
Blair: I- I can’t believe you…
Hayze: I’m sorry-
Blair: NO, YOU’RE NOT!
Hayze stares at Blair with an unwavering expression.
Blair: After everything we’ve been through?! After you said to me, you’d protect my happiness! You’re just going to abandon me again!
Hayze: Blair, I-
Blair: Don’t even say another word… you’ve already made up your mind. Come on, girls… let’s get out of here.
Blair starts walking towards the upper stairs.
Alexis: Uh… Blair… I-
Blair: He’s made his choice… now, let’s go.
Ash and Alexis look at each other, then Hayze for a moment before following behind Blair. Leaving Hayze by himself. Saige looks back at Hayze.
Saige: (Hayze… I disagree with your methods, but… I know that you believe with all your heart you can help her… and if that’s the case… I believe in you too.)
Gale, Impulse, Calm, and Wrath appear around Hayze.
Wrath: (What the hell is wrong with you?! Go after her and apologize right now!)
Calm: (I must admit, Hayze, this course of actions is… well, illogical.)
Impulse: (That girl is never going to forgive you.)
Gale: (I personally liked it, he can find better, and I’m sure he’ll save this Ida chick. He is a part of me, after all.)
Impulse: (Her name is Ivy, dumbass.)
Wrath: (And who cares if he can do better?! That girl was head over heels for him, and he just threw her away like trash!)
Calm: (You said you wouldn’t hurt her, so… why?)
Hayze: (Maybe it’s the Gale part of me talking, but I know I can save Ivy and still make Blair happy.)
Gale: (YEAH! Wait a minute…)
Calm: (That- that-)
Wrath: (THE FREAKING LOGIC BOT IS OVERLOADED BECAUSE OF HOW STUPID YOU SOUND RIGHT NOW! IF I WASN’T AN INTANGIBLE GHOST, I’D BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF YOU!)
Impulse: (Honestly… and I don’t agree with Wrath much… seconded.)
Hayze: (I don’t expect any of you to understand, but I know what we must do.)
Wrath: (WE? I AIN’T HELPING YOU! I’M BACK TO WANTING CONTROL OF THIS BODY!)
Hayze: (I wasn’t talking about you, Wrath… or any of you.)
All four of them look confused.
Calm: (Then who…)
Ivy: You…
They all turn to see Ivy standing down the hall.
Ivy: HOW?!
Hayze: I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve.
Ivy raises her hand in the air, and black fog emerges from it.
Ivy: DON’T JOKE WITH ME!
Ivy starts forming a Soulvania around herself and Hayze, but Hayze raises his hand and forms one too.
Ivy: WHAT?!
The Soulvanias collide and cancel each other out.
Ivy: H- H- H-
Hayze: Since I survived your Queen’s bite, I can now use Soulvania too. I learned earlier that they can’t overlap, so this match isn’t a death game.
Ivy clenches her fists.
Ivy: I thought I was rid of you!
Hayze: Me too, but thanks to my counterpart, my soul lived on. So we can have this one final match.
Ivy: Yes… this time I’m going to kill you FOR GOOD!
Ivy pulls out her sword.
Hayze: No, this time, I’m finally doing what I set out to do a long time ago.
A circle of shadows appears around Hayze.
Ivy: Huh?
Hayze: And we are bringing out every stop to do it.
Ivy: “We?” You’re alone!
The whites of Hayze’s eyes change to black, and his irises turn white.
Hayze: I’m never alone.